Thiruvananthapuram/New Delhi, Oct 12 : The BJP called for a protest shutdown in Kerala on Thursday and demanded a CBI probe after one of its activists was murdered on Wednesday allegedly by CPI-M members in Pinarayi village in Kannur district.

The BJP also accused the state's Left Democratic Front government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of unleashing "political terrorism" in Kerala.

Condemning the murder of Remith, a 26-year-old driver, Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah alleged "political vendetta" was the reason for the attacks on party workers in the southern state.

"Murder of Remith in Pinarayi is disturbing. Attacks on BJP karyakartas (workers) in Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's home constituency is a matter of grave concern and smacks of political vendetta," Shah said on Twitter.

The BJP President said Remith's father Chavassery Uttaman was similarly killed in 2002.

"I strongly condemn this gruesome murder and call upon all leaders across the political spectrum and national and regional media to join in this condemnation as violence has no place in a democratic country," Shah later said in a statement in Delhi.

"The repeated occurrence of political violence in Kannur district and in the native village of the Chief Minister clearly shows these are sponsored killings by the Marxist cadres with the Chief Minister's active patronage," he added.

Shah demanded that the investigation into the murder of Remith be expeditiously handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation by the Kerala government.

Remith was attacked in front of a petrol pump in Pinarayi, a police official said. The crime spot is near Chief Minister Vijayan's house.

Remith's murder followed the killing of 52-year-old CPI-M grassroots leader K. Mohanan, who was hacked to death by suspected Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh activists on Monday.

Both murders took place in Vijayan's Dharmadom constituency.

BJP spokesperson G.V.L. Narsimha Rao accused the Chief Minister of patronising criminals.

"One can clearly make out that this is political terrorism unleashed by the LDF goons with the blessings and support of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. When the Chief Minister's patronage is available to criminals, you can see the mayhem they can unleash," he said in Delhi.

Rao said the ruling UDF led by the Communist Party of India-Marxist was unleashing terror on its political rivals as it was unnerved by the Bharatiya Janata Party's rise in the state.

"Unnerved by the BJP's rise as well as to divert attention from the corruption in Kerala, these attacks are being orchestrated," Rao said.

"The state government has not only failed to preserve law and order but actively participated to wreck it. We demand the LDF government and the Chief Minister to immediately hand over the murder probe to the CBI," the BJP spokesperson said.

The bandh announcement was made by state Bharatiya Janata Party President Kummanem Rajashekeran.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala called upon the CPI-M and the BJP to end the politics of murder.

"The situation in Kannur has turned worse and people are living in fear over the way the two parties are taking on each other," Chennithala said. "The police appear to have lost control of the situation."

Ever since the Left government assumed office in Kerala in May, four BJP and three CPI-M workers have been killed in Kannur district.
Srinagar, Oct 12 : A three-day-long gun battle between terrorists and security forces ended on Wednesday with the army killing two militants holed up in a multi-storey government building on the outskirts of Srinagar, authorities said.

The gunfight, one of the longest in the recent history of Kashmir's separatist war, left three security personnel injured on Monday when militants sneaked into the empty hostel building of Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) in saffron town of Pampore, some 12 km from here.

The resulting 60-hour standoff, which saw a heavy exchange of fire between militants and security forces, left the seven-floor hostel complex completely destroyed. The building with a capacity for 200 inmates was opened with state of the art facilities less than two years ago, JKEDI officials said.

Briefing the media, army and police officers said two suicide attackers, who had entered the complex on the banks of Jhelum River, were killed. One of them was killed on Tuesday evening and the second on Wednesday.

General Officer Commanding Ashok Narula said the operation was conducted to avoid collateral damage.

"We had to proceed very cautiously since the building where the militants were holed up had 60 rooms. Two terrorists have been eliminated without any casualty to the security forces and two weapons recovered," Narula said.

For three days, the security forces kept on aiming rockets, grenades and automatic gunfire at the building that had an exterior glass facade.

While parts of the building caught fire, the militants kept on changing positions inside the building and using their ammunition sparingly.

The entire JKEDI complex was illuminated with floodlights during the two nights of operation to ensure the guerrillas did not escape.

The seven-storey Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) hostel that was constructed with the help of central government funds for entrepreneurship development in the job-starved state is located on the banks of the river Jhelum.

The hostel building was vacant when the two militants sneaked into it on Monday from the river side. The institute had shifted much of its operations to Jammu in the wake of the current unrest in the Kashmir Valley.

JKEDI officials told IANS that a couple of cooks were sleeping inside the building but they came out as soon as it became evident that the militants had occupied its top floor.

A caretaker, who stays in the complex 24 hours, said he saw smoke coming out of the top floor and called the fire brigade and police on Monday morning.

"We don't know exactly what happened and how the militants sneaked in and occupied the building. But fortunately there were no employees and no inmates," he said.

The main building of the institute was attacked in February when three Lashkar-e-Taiba militants killed six persons - a civilian, three soldiers, and two paramilitary troopers. The militants were gunned down in the February battle that also raged for nearly three days.

The institute, situated on the strategic arterial road connecting Jammu and Srinagar, had three buildings - a guest house, a hostel complex and the main office building - on 3.5 acres of land. The main office building was gutted in the February shootout.

The road on which the institute is located is the lifeline not only for local supplies but is the only all-weather link used by the army to reach the Srinagar-based 15 Corps headquarters that is the nerve centre of the fight against militancy in the state.

The area around the building houses a government-owned joinery factory and a highly secured complex of medium and shortwave radio transmitters of Radio Kashmir, Srinagar.

Ironically, the government-funded autonomously-run institute had refused an earlier request for a police or paramilitary security cover fearing that it may deter young Kashmiri men and women from visiting the institute. The complex was guarded by unarmed private security guards.
New Delhi, Oct 12 : As India continues to witness 2.5-3 lakh new cases of head and neck cancer every year, the country's leading oncologists on Wednesday urged the government to remove tobacco and cigarette vendors from near school and college premises.

According to them, even the implementation of 85 per cent pictorial warnings on packets of tobacco and cigarette would not have any effect on children in later stages after they have picked up the habit of consuming tobacco.

"Unlike earlier, now the cases of head and neck cancer, which often used to occur among adults in their 60s, have now started occurring among youngsters in their early 30s. This is all because of their addiction to consuming tobacco during school," Anil D' Cruz, Director of Mumbai-based Tata Memorial Centre, said on Wednesday.

Every year India records a total of 11-12 lakh new cases of cancer, of which 2.5-3 lakh cases are of head and neck cancer. Eighty per cent of head and neck cancer are caused by tobacco alone.

"Once the Government takes initiative to remove tobacco vendors from near schools and college premises, tobacco consumption among youngsters will automatically decline. The government has laws but they are not implemented," said D'Cruz.

Professor of Otolaryngology & Head Neck Surgery at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Alok Thakar said: "The situation is such that for alcohol there are restrictions but why not for tobacco and others. Ninety per cent of the youngsters pick up the habit of consuming tobacco before the age of 20."

The doctors were speaking at the Global Conference of the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies in collaboration with the Foundation for Head and Neck Oncology (FHNO).

A total of 700 delegates from 12 countries are participating in the conference to discuss the new technologies and medical advancements for dealing with India-specific Head and Neck Cancers.

Thakar said the government should move for higher taxation instead of the pictorial warnings to curb tobacco consumption.

"There is no taxation on beedis and chewable tobacco which is killing people of the country every minute, every second. In countries like Australia and the US, taxation is the only way they use in bringing down consumption of such products," Thakar said.

"Countries like France and South Africa have decreased tobacco consumption in one decade which the US took four decades just by increasing the taxation," added Thakar.

Suresh Sharma, Head of Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) department at AIIMS said : "Even the size of the population and the types of tobacco products available in the market have increased... more needs to be done. Primarily the biggest problem is the presence of beedi and cigarette sellers in every nook and corner."
New Delhi, Oct 12 : Pakistan on Wednesday reiterated that there was no surgical strike by the Indian Army across the LoC on September 29 as claimed by India, with its High Commissioner here Abdul Basit maintaining that there was only cross-border firing.

"There was no surgical strike. Had there been any surgical strike, Pakistan would have retaliated," said Basit in an interview to TV Today, adding that the Indian security forces only fired across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir.

On being asked what message Pakistan has got from the strikes, he said since there was no strike, there is no question of Pakistan getting any message.
New Delhi, Oct 12 : A delegation of doctors from Pakistan, expected to participate in a global conference on Head and Neck cancer in the city, could not attend the event as they did not get visas, said a doctor of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Wednesday.

Speaking to media at the conference, Alok Thakar, Professor at the AIIMS and organising Secretary of the conference said: "We have participants from some 12-15 countries this time. Many other countries were also likely to participate."

Asked if the delegation from Pakistan was participating in the event, he said: "They were scheduled to participate but could not make it as they could not get the visas."

The conference is being organised by International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologist Societies (IFHNOS) and Foundation for Head-Neck Oncology (FHNO).

Thakar, a Professor of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery at the AIIMS, said that During the conference participants from India and other parts of the world will present papers on innovations in medicine related to Head and Neck cancers.
Mumbai, Oct 12 : Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said here on Wednesday that dealing with old scams has been the biggest challenge for him after he assumed charge of the post two years ago.

He was responding to a question on the issue on completion of two years in office.

"Some old scam comes into the picture; some company gets blacklisted... It is very easy to blacklist a company but there are very few arms companies to buy material from," the minister said.

"I can't buy a gun required for a naval ship because the main company, subsidiary, or smaller company is involved in some sort of blacklisting procedure with the government of India. In Europe, there are virtually three or four groups... worldwide, arms suppliers to India are restricted to about 10 to 12, even though the number may appear to be about 30-40... many of them are linked with each other. It becomes almost impossible to navigate through all this," Parrikar said.

He said a "mess was created", giving the example of the Rafale fighter jet deal with the French government.

"Rafale deal... it started in 2000. (For) 16 years, the IAF (Indian Air Force) was trying to buy a fifth-generation fighter plane," he said.

The minister said" "One gentleman had written on the file that the L1 (lowest bidder) procedure may be negotiated with Rafale; however, because some queries had been raised, the process of zeroing in on L1 should be redetermined.

"L1 is the lowest bidder; it was finalised by a committee of three finance experts. They had given different opinions... They say complete the negotiation and come back and tell me whether the process for L1 was correct," the minister said.

The IAF had opted for the twin-engined Rafale fighters in January 2012 after overlooking the claims of F-16 of American Lockheed Martin, F/A-18 of Boeing, MiG-35 of Russian United Aircraft Corp's and Swedish SAAB's Gripen in a global competitive bid floated in August 2007.

France's Dassault Aviation had, in 2012, received the IAF nod for 126 Rafale jets in a $12 billion deal in the face of stiff competition from five other manufacturers.

As the deal could not work out, another deal for purchasing 36 Rafale jets in fly-away condition was inked during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to France in April 2015.

The deal was finalised in September 2016.
Kolkata, Oct 12 : Hundreds of Muslims across West Bengal took out large processions, beat drums and thumped their chests on Wednesday to mourn the martyrdom of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussain in 680 AD at Iraq's Karbala on the 10th day of the first Islamic month of Muharram.

Hundreds of Muslims took out processions at many places hereto observe the day, also known as Yaum-e-Ashura, an important date in the Islamic calendar.

On Muharram, considered a day of bereavement, Muslims observe voluntary fasts, give to charity and pray in remembrance of Hussain.

The day of Muharram this year, falls right after the Bijoya Dashami or Dussehra that is vastly celebrated throughout the city by the Hindus.

There was intense police patrolling, particularly in the sensitive areas, with traffic restricted in parts of the city to enable the processions to pass unhindered.

"Several roads including New road, KP road, Park Circus connector and part of Central Avenue was blocked during the procession," said an official from Kolkata traffic control room.

"The situation was peaceful and no untoward incident was reported. The traffic was pretty less in the city as people are still in the holiday mode," he added.
Bengaluru, Oct 13 : Karnataka signed an agreement to foster economic ties with Wielkopolska region in Poland, Industries Minister R.V. Deshpande has said.

"The agreement will catalyse in forging business opportunities and establishing flourishing business relations between our regions," said Deshpande on Wednesday on the occasion at Poznan in Poland.

Recalling his meeting with Wielkopolska delegation in Mumbai last November, Deshpande said leading Polish firm Ekolog chose Bengaluru to set up a clean energy technology plant with $50-million investment under the 'Make in India' programme.

"I am informed that Poland is interested in 'Make in India' and has initiated 'Go India' which helps Polish firms to look towards us for investments," noted Deshpande.

Lauding the progress Poland made in the post-war period, especially over the last two decades, the minister said Indo-Polish trade had been thriving, with India exporting commodities, textiles, drugs, machinery and auto parts and importing artificial resins, non-ferrous metals and machine tools from the Eastern European nation.

"Indian software majors like Wipro and TCS have their presence in Poland. India has signed high value arms deals with your country for supply of air defence missiles, armoured recovery vehicles and tank upgrades," Deshpande told Poznan international trade fair deputy Chief Executive Tomasz Kobierski and Wielkopolska board member Leszek Wojtasiak on the occasion.

Noting that Poland was the second highest FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) contributor from the Central European nations to India, as evident from $620 million over 15 years from 2000-2015, the minister said India had, however, invested $3 billion in Poland during the same period.

"Several Indian firms, including Reliance, Ranbaxy, Videocon, Zensar Technologies and KPIT Cummins have invested in Poland, while Polish firms like Can-Pack Poland, Inglot, Geo Fysika have presence in our country," asserted Deshpande.

Reiterating that huge opportunity was present in IT, solid waste management, clean technologies and renewable energy, the minister told Polish stakeholders to explore potential areas for collaborations and investments in the state.

"As Bengaluru is the world's second largest IT cluster and leading start-up hub,Aour state has a good industrial and technology based ecosystem, which attracted global firms to set up their R&D and innovation centres in this tech hub.

Indian Ambassador to Poland Ajay Bisaria was also present on the occasion.
South Dakotas highest court has been asked to reject hospitals attempts to keep secret why a doctor, who also is a convicted burglar with a checkered medical past that could have easily been uncovered, passed a peer review that permitted him to perform brutal, excruciating, and unnecessary spinal surgeries on dozens of patients.

A lower court rejected the sweeping claims by the hospitals that the reviews can never be disclosed. The judge said that indications of crimes or fraud, as raised by evidence-based malpractice lawsuits, are sufficient reason to breach confidentiality protections shielding vital insights into how hospitals judge physician performance and permit doctors to practice in their institutions.

More than 30 patients have sued surgeon Allen Sossan. He is a convicted felon, who had changed his name, and who apparently has fled to Iran. Patients assert he caused them great pain and maimed them with unnecessary, complex back procedures. Further, patients have sued more than a dozen doctors who reviewed his credentials and granted him privileges at Avera Sacred Heart and Lewis & Clark Specialty Hospital, both in Yankton, S.D.

Sossan is an osteopath, who, in generous terms, underwent a different type of training with emphasis on the musculoskeletal system. He was licensed in California, Nebraska, and South Dakota, though it has become clear that complaints were filed against him and he had achieved notoriety among orthopedic surgeons, anesthesiologists and other doctors in the region between Omaha and Sioux Falls. In Norfolk, Neb., near Yankton, pain management expert Dr. Daniel Wik told a newspaper that Sossan, has a lot of blood on his hands. Im talking dead people that had things done that never should have been done.

One of his Yankton patients was subjected to a dozen, complex, extensive surgeries, opening her body from the front and back, and leading to spinal infections. She died in agony in a nursing home a year later, a successful lawsuit and news reports show.

At the same time, records have surfaced and a lawsuit claims, that the Yankton hospitals had made it a priority to add a spine surgeonand that granting privileges for such a burgeoning practice could be highly lucrative to the hospitals. Patients mangled by Sossan say the hospitals and doctors who reviewed his credentials and permitted him to practice may have perpetrated crimes and frauds. As counsel from Public Justice, a public interest advocacy firm that joined in the oral arguments to the South Dakota Supreme Court, has noted:

The hospitals  held Sossan out to the public as one of the finest surgeons in the country, even though internally they had discussions about his unnecessary surgeries, his extensive complication rate, and other problems that would typically require suspension or termination.

The South Dakota Supreme Court expressed reluctance to create a crime-fraud exception to hospitals peer-reviews, saying that, as the institutions lawyers suggested, would be an action state lawmakers should take up. Patients advocates pointed out that the court has created such exemptions before, and the whole hospital review process, if it is to fulfill its legal mandate, must protect the public and especially patients. This cannot occur if crimes and frauds can be hidden. Further, judges can review documents in private to determine their legal pertinence and prevent disclosure of information that must stay confidential.

I hope the high court in South Dakota casts some disinfecting sunlight on what appears to be odious goings-on. Ive written before about the travails patients confront in trying to find good doctors, especially in determining whether they may be just plain bad practitioners. In my representation of patients who have been harmed by physicians and by bad conduct by hospitals, I continue to be aghast that physicians themselves, and especially state licensing boards, keep failing to identify and oust downright dangerous doctors. Although a national data bank exists to record adverse issues affecting physicians, it may need toughening and we may need a national credentials registry so bad doctors cant hopscotch around the country after their licenses are suspended in one state. Another South Dakota surgeon just admitted publicly that he lied in court to protect a colleague, and he said fibbing in legal proceedings is common. The Yankton suits are still proceeding but already they provide a sad, scandalous rejoinder to those who complain about medical malpractice lawsuits. Such cases provide patients not only the financial compensation and support they need, they also can offer deserved justice.
Cureus Journal of Medical Science Most agree that theres more to health than just the absence of disease

As a physician, how do you define health? Most agree that theres more to health than just the absence of disease.

To find out, The Cureus Journal of Medical Science, in collaboration with the University of Central Florida College of Medicine, today announced a publishing competition focused on developing a universal definition of health. Through this program, clinicians are encouraged to submit relevant articles for peer review and subsequent publication.

In an era of emerging value-based care, modern medicine is actively transitioning from fighting disease to promoting health or wellness. However, amidst considerable discussion, the medical community has yet to arrive at a universally accepted definition for health.

With the continued development of integrated, complementary medicine and less expensive, value-based systems, we are seeking articles that define health in a way that develops a healthier society and provides actionable guidelines for practicing physicians and public health workers, said Deborah German M.D., Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean, University of Central Florida College of Medicine.

Utilizing an independent team of domain experts, article peer review will be led by Dr. John Ioannidis, Professor of Medicine and Health Research and Policy with Stanford Medicine, Dr. Josephine Briggs, Director, NIH National Center for Complimentary and Integrative Health, Dr. Victoria Maizes, Executive Director with the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, Dr. Stephen Klasko President and CEO with Thomas Jefferson University and Jefferson Health, Dr. George Lundberg, former 17 year editor with JAMA and current editor-at-large with Medscape, and others.

Enabled by the financial support of Drs. Gopal and Saroj Basisht, $18,000 USD in cash prizes will be awarded to the authors that produce the most novel and impactful articles, as determined by the peer view panel and clinical community.

What does it mean to be well? If we want to promote wellness for everyone, we have to first be able to say exactly what health is and understand what are the components which can be monitored by the primary care provider, says Gopal Basisht, M.D. Without an understood definition of health, the path to its preservation, protection and rejuvenation remains unclear.

Subsequent to peer review and actual publication, all articles will be made available for Cureus SIQ (Scholarly Impact Quotient) scoring. SIQ is Cureus unique crowdsourced post-publication review that allows the clinical community-at-large to assess and score published medical literature. Reviewers can assign scores on article criteria including study design and methods, clarity and rationale, novelty of conclusions, etc. All published articles will also be made accessible for search and free full-article download via PubMed Central - the National Institute of Health (NIH) hosted digital search engine for full-text biomedical literature.

Article submission and processing is entirely free. Eligible articles must be submitted for editorial and peer review by Wednesday, January 25, 2017.

More information regarding this publishing competition and related submission details can be found at http://www.cureus.com/competitions/UCF-defininghealth.
http://bit.ly/2dnkPUe Because, after all, it shouldn't hurt to be a nurse.

Nurses provide care designed to promote health, prevent illness and help achieve optimal recovery for individuals, families and their communities. They enter the profession because they are passionate about helping others; however, they are often put at risk for injury simply by performing routine tasks of their job. Nursing is one of the highest reported professions for back, shoulder and neck injuries and the impact goes beyond the bedside and carries into every aspect of their lives. In many cases, experienced nurses are leaving the career they love due to the physical demands and risk of the job.

One of the primary reasons for workplace injuries among caregivers is repositioning patients in bed to make them more comfortable or for clinical assessments/procedures. This includes turning patients from side to side and pulling them up in bed; both of which occur numerous times during every shift. While progress has been made in the industry to reduce this strain, nurses continue to sustain injuries from performing the basic functions of their jobs.

The stakes are high and the statistics are scary. But a movement has started to raise awareness and advocate for change: Save Our Nurses is a movement to recognize the sacrifices nurses make every day to care for their patients. Now is the time to join together to support our nurses and implement changes to protect those who provide care for all of us when we need them the most.

Backed by industry leaders LINET and The Morel Company, the Save Our Nurses movement aims to revolutionize and change healthcare for caregivers forever. This movement officially launched on Oct. 4 at the 2016 American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) National Magnet Conference in Orlando, Fla.

During the launch, information was available on the movement as well as solutions on how to help eliminate the risk of injury for caregivers. Those interested in joining the movement can do so by visiting SaveOurNurses.com, and following along on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

About Save Our Nurses

LINET and The Morel Company care about nurses. So much so, in fact, we are trying to save them from the physical demands they face every day at work. We know that nursing is one of the highest reporting professions for back, neck and shoulder injuries.

Save Our Nurses is a movement that will revolutionize healthcare for caregivers. Forever. We are uniting for nurses and caregivers around the world because it shouldnt hurt to be a nurse.

About LINET

Founded in 1990, LINET is an international leader in healthcare technology with patient beds installed in over 100 countries. LINET offers a new and unique approach to the hospital bed market. LINET manufacturers innovative beds for the ICU and Medical-Surgical environments that promote patient and nurse safety, facilitate early mobilization, assist in better adherence to turning schedules, improve pain management and help reduce infection rates. LINET products also come with an unprecedented 5-year warranty. The companys U.S. headquarters is based in Charlotte, N.C. Please visit http://www.linetamericas.com for more information.

About The Morel Company

The Morel Company, privately owned and headquartered in Batesville, Ind. was founded in 2011 to help solve the longstanding and difficult challenges associated with patient repositioning. Founder, President and CEO, Bill Hillenbrand, is the inventor of The Hercules Patient Repositioning System, a repositioning device that allows one caregiver to reposition a patient up in bed with the simple push of a button in less than 10 seconds. Hercules was also recognized internationally as a Medical Design Excellence Award winner in 2014. For more information about The Morel Company and its products visit, http://www.morelcompany.com.

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Editorial Contacts:

Malorie Pastor, MPastor(at)thebrandonagency(dot)com, (843) 916-2000

Erin Adkins, EAdkins(at)thebrandonagency(dot)com, (843) 916-2000
Eight OClock Coffee, Americas original gourmet coffee brand, introduces three innovative coffees that deliver a new coffee-drinking experience for consumers. Debuting this summer, Eight OClocks Infusions line features two new varieties of coffee; Alert and Relax. In addition, a new 100% Brazilian Breakfast blend joins Eight OClocks traditional line.

Eight OClocks Infusions line blends unique ingredients to its treasured coffee to deliver an enhanced coffee experience whether youre looking for a hi-caffeine boost or a relaxing, decaffeinated blend.

Infusions Alert is a premium full-bodied 100% Arabica coffee that is medium roasted for a full-bodied bold, robust flavor. Gently blended with caffeine and guarana, ALERT offers consumers a way to brighten their day with a hi-caffeine blend. Guarana is rich in caffeine and is a popular ingredient in energy drinks and teas.

Infusions Relax is a premium, medium-bodied, decaffeinated 100% Arabica coffee blended with chamomile and lavender cuts. The lavender and chamomile in Relax subtly complement the taste of the coffee. Lavender and chamomile are familiar aromas and flavors associated with tranquility making Relax the perfect coffee to enjoy when taking time out to relax.

For those who drink coffee throughout the day, 100% Brazilian Breakfast serves up an unparalleled smooth experience. 100% Brazilian Breakfast was created for coffee drinkers whose stomachs prefer a less acidic, blend. The variety contains 100% Brazilian Arabica Coffee beans that are sourced from the Cerrado Minas Gerais region in Brazil. With a soft-bodied, less acidic cup profile, this variety is perfectly suited for multiple-cup coffee drinkers.

Consumers today are drawn to products that provide an enhanced experience  these extensions to the Eight OClock family are truly unique and disruptive in the coffee aisle, said David Allen, Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Tata Global Beverages USA.

Eight OClocks Infusions line and 100% Brazilian Breakfast will roll out nationally this summer. The product launch will be supported by a multi-market experiential sampling and publicity tour during the fall.

About Eight OClock

Part of the Tata Global Beverages family of brands, Eight OClock Coffee is Americas original gourmet coffee, brewed with passion for over 150 years. Made with 100% Arabica beans, Eight OClock Coffee features a full line of great tasting gourmet coffees in whole bean and ground form, with fourteen varieties and blends ranging from light to dark roasts. Eight OClock Coffee sources its high-quality coffee beans from the worlds best origins, then expertly blends, roasts and packages them at its facility in Landover, MD. Headquartered in Montvale, NJ, Eight OClock Coffee products are available at most U.S. retailers where groceries are sold. For more information, visit http://www.eightoclock.com.
SharePoint Fest Chicago announces Concurrency as a silver sponsor of this annual technology conference. At SharePoint Fest Chicago, conference delegates will hear from keynote speakers and attend breakout sessions. Over 70 sessions will be offered across multiple tracks, as well as two optional days of workshops preceding the conference. There will also be a networking reception held at the end of the first day of the conference.

About Concurrency

Founded in 1989, Concurrency, Inc. is a professional services firm helping organizations throughout the Midwest realize Digital Transformation to achieve business results.

Concurrency is a multiple-time Microsoft Partner of the Year winner and has been named to both Redmond Channel Partner's list of "Microsoft's Top 200 U.S. Partners" and CRN's "2016 CRN Solution Provider 500" list.

Clients choose Concurrency for its team approach, top talent, project-scoped work plans and business value. Across all technologies and business needs, Concurrency focuses on helping clients realize more value from their IT investments through creative solutions that consider people, process, and technology needs.

Concurrency has offices in Chicago and Minneapolis in addition to its Brookfield, Wisconsin headquarters.

Web Site: http://www.concurrency.com

About SharePoint Fest

SharePoint Fest is in its sixth year. It offers a two-day conference (with an optional two days of workshops) that brings together SharePoint enthusiasts and practitioners, with many of the leading SharePoint experts and solution providers in the country.

Attend SharePoint Fest Chicago where attendees will be able to attend workshops and seminars  taught by Microsoft Certified Trainers, Microsoft engineers, and Microsoft MCM's and MVPs  covering Enterprise Content Management, Implementation/Administration, Business Value, Search, Business Intelligence, Office 365 and SharePoint Development. Attendees will be able to choose one complete learning track or mix and match based on what content best meets their current needs.

At SharePoint Fest Chicago, there will be sessions created for SharePoint administrators, software developers, business analysts, information architects, and knowledge workers, which will ensure that attendees walk away with as much knowledge as they desire to truly leverage SharePoint in their current environment.

Web Site: http://www.sharepointfest.com/Chicago
The one thing we can do as citizens is to be able to help our veterans get help, to be able to get our veterans so theyre functioning again and not invisible"  Glenn Beck

Hosted by Cerebrum Founder Ken Beam, Chairman Lou Paletta, and President Jimmy Mathews, the inaugural event, which took place September 18, proved to be a rousing success. The best part? EVERY dollar raised goes directly to the cause!

The event had around 250 guests, most of whom live in Westlake and the surrounding areas. There were also dozens of active and veteran military service members alongside Glenn Beck, Marcus Luttrell, Miles Austin and General Leroy Sisco.

Before we went into Iraq, I said whatever we decide to do lets decide to be a people that are not going to treat our veterans like we did in the 1960s. Unfortunately, I think weve missed the point. Instead of spitting on our veterans, many times they just become invisible.

The one thing we can do as citizens is to be able to help our veterans get help, to be able to get our veterans so theyre functioning again and not invisible...so they know that theyre going to make it and make the world a better place and they have a place in it.  Glenn Beck

The event was full of veterans, who had nothing but glowing things to say about Cerebrum and the cause Cerebrum believes in so deeply.

I had severe hearing loss, vision, seizures, I couldnt talk, I couldnt walk, I could barely balance, I would fall over. When I first came to Cerebrum, I walked down the hallway and Id bounce off the walls. By the third day, I took my glasses off, I was walking erect, I was coming out of my shell. I think [it saved my life], realizing that life was there, the vision was there. It opened up everything, opened up senses, everything else and I know that it gave me a reason to live again.  Matthew Bessler

Former Governor Rick Perry was unable to attend due to performing on Dancing with the Stars, but made sure to send a video representing his support of our troops, as well as the Gala to Give Back.

Cerebrum Health Centers has been doing some incredible things with our vets for some years now, Perry said. This facility, I have never seen anything like it in my life. Its very nontraditional and Im one of these big believers in results. I know there are a lot of folks that say well you need studies that take ten years, and our kids dont have ten years. Were seeing 25-30 of them commit suicide a day. We owe them this type of nontraditional outreach, this nontraditional work that has results. I cant tell you how many mothers, or wives, or children have either written me letters or talked to me in person and said thank you for giving my loved one back because of the work that Cerebrum Health Centers is doing. - Rick Perry

Corporate supporters included Joe DePinto of 7-11, Dave Seaton and Ray Barnard of Fluor Corporation, Tim Brittan of Infinity Oil & Gas, Matt Rose of BNSF, Mike Cole of Cicis and Terry Horton of D.R. Horton. Local politicians Laura Wheat, Mayor of Westlake, and Laura Hill, Mayor of Southlake, also graciously attended and supported the cause. With everyones help Cerebrum and partners proudly reached their $500,000 goal, and are honored to give it all back to veterans for their health, wellness and future.

About Cerebrum

Cerebrum Health Centers is a leading functional integrative neurological facility for brain health treatment and rehabilitation of the biomechanical and musculoskeletal systems operating in Dallas and Atlanta. By combining comprehensive and research-based patient examinations, Cerebrum Health Centers provides innovative and individualized patient treatment programs. The goal of Cerebrums diverse specialized and multidisciplinary staff is to achieve positive outcomes by increasing biomechanical and musculoskeletal function and integrity, to improve the quality of life for patients suffering from degeneration and injury of the brain and central nervous system. For more information, please visit http://www.Cerebrum.com.
Gimmal, a leading provider of information management software that improves Microsoft SharePoint and Office 365s information governance capabilities with advanced enterprise content and records management announced that they have been named Best Information Governance Service Provider in the Information Governance Conference 2016 community poll. Accompanying this win, Gimmal also placed as a finalist in the Best Information Governance Company category.

Votes were collected from information governance vendors, governance professionals, and subject matter experts in the weeks leading up to the conference, taking place now through October 12. In the Best Information Governance Service Provider poll, respondents were asked to pick which company had demonstrated excellence in providing services in 2016. The Best Information Governance Company category, in which Gimmal also placed, asked users to assess the company that had demonstrated excellence through their products.

Its an honor to be recognized by the information governance community for the services and products we provide, said David Quackenbush, Gimmal CEO. Our customers and partners work with us because we bring a market-leading set of products that dramatically improve their ability to use SharePoint to solve many of the complex information management challenges facing modern enterprises.

About Gimmal

provides the solutions organizations need to find information, govern content, improve business processes, and ensure records are in compliance on SharePoint and Office 365. Gimmal software automate processes, helps achieve interoperability between SharePoint and SAP, and improves productivity across your organization at the lowest possible cost. Learn more at http://gimmal.com.

About the Information Governance Conference

The Information Governance Conference is an Optismo event and community. Created in 2013 by Nick Inglis and Jim Merrifield, The Information Governance Conference is the premier event for Information Governance. Previously held in Hartford, CT, The Information Governance Conference moved to Providence, RI for the 2016 event. Featuring some of the world's top thought leaders and practitioners, The Information Governance Conference is a new industry mainstay.
There is nothing more important than educating our children!

All Year Cooling has announced their continued dedication towards improving education standards throughout Broward County by partnering with DonorsChoose.org, which allows anyone to donate to specific classrooms around the nation. All Year Cooling has been able to improve libraries and provide new equipment for sporting events to multiple public schools.

At All Year Cooling, they believe in giving back to the local community. They hope this contribution helps to create a fun and engaging learning environment for the students. President Thomas Smith loves getting to help in anyway because there is nothing more important than educating our children! Selecting projects that improve recreational activities such as recess and libraries are important to Smith because he knows how much his own kids love getting to learn skills in a variety of ways.

DonorsChoose.org is a great way to reach out to various public schools around the country. Donors Choose makes it easy for anyone to help a classroom in need, moving the nation closer to where students in every community have the tools and experiences they need for a great education. All the donor has to do is select a project that is meaningful to them and then DonorsChoose.org will provide the supplies once the project is fully funded.

Established in 1973, All Year Cooling has completed over 150,000 air conditioner installations in South Florida. Their goal is to provide the consumer with the best overall value on new air conditioner installations, maintenance, and repairs. As a family-owned business, its their mission to provide quality service and remain a trusted part of the South Florida community.

For more information, you can even contact Smith directly at 954-773-8619.
On-Target! was recognized for Print Ad of the Year by Houston's Best

On-Target! Marketing & Advertising, a full-service advertising and marketing firm, has been recognized for Houstons best marketing for building materials suppliers with 4 prestigious awards from the 2016 Houstons Best PRISM Awards presented by the Greater Houston Builders Association.

The agencys unique marketing approach to national building materials supplier, Allura, not only surpassed sales objectives, but also set a standard for innovation in the industry. Houstons Best awarded the On-Target! team with Print Ad of the Year, Internet Marketing Campaign of the Year, Marketing Campaign of the Year and Direct Mail Piece of the Year.

The integrated campaign that earned On-Target! Marketing Campaign of the Year, focused on top executives at regional homebuilding companies across the Nation. Tactics included Print, Trade Shows, Direct Marketing, Digital Marketing, Video, Event Marketing, and Lead Nurturing built around Confidence that Lasts. This theme was supported by the sub-text assertion that Allura is the Builders Choice. The campaign reached an audience of over 21,725,000 with 212 qualified leads.

On-Target! designed a separate internet campaign, recognized as Internet Campaign of the Year, to establish awareness and build a premium brand perception of the new Allura brand throughout the building supply and construction industries. With the goal to build traffic through various means, including display, search, video and re-marketing ads, the campaign delivered over 12,00 unique visitors per month.

The Print Ad of the Year was created to foster the perception that Alluras products are a premier choice in fiber cement products. Designed to stand out amongst the usual feature-laden content permeating the trade publications, this ad incorporated bold color wheel with a fashionable twist.

The situation was difficult because the industry leader, James Hardie dominates the fiber cement category, said Scott Steiner, CEO at On-Target! Agency. So we built a premium brand perception designed to stand out in the market with an alluring adaptation of the product.

The On-Target! team launched a tasteful direct mail campaign that focused on reaching top executives at regional homebuilding companies, earning Direct Mail Piece of the Year. Each piece was supported by unique appeals and distinct landing pages with videos and resource material links. Results exceeded expectations with over 744 registrants and 212 qualified meetings with builders.

For over a decade, On-Target! has helped countless building materials suppliers surpass marketing objectives. On-Target!s expertise has been featured at the International Builders Show, The Sunbelt Builders Show and in publications such as Builder & Developer Magazine.

On-Target!s focus is always the same: your story, well told. For information on generating powerful results for your investment, visit OnTargetAgency.com or call 281-444-4777.
This summer, JAMCO Properties, Inc. set out to put a dent in hunger by organizing a Food-A-Thon campaign to collect non-perishable food donations for the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Property staff members at each respective apartment community kicked off the campaign by hosting a resident event. The campaign ran from July 1st through August 31st to collect donations and to bring awareness about those in need all over Metro Atlanta. JAMCO Properties would like to send a big "thank you" to everyone who participated in this event  together we can make a difference!

Prizes were generously provided by our vendor partnerships and were awarded to residents who donated the most food items.



Two $100 gift cards were awarded to Teresa P. of Willow Lake Apartment Homes

One set of 4 tickets to see the Atlanta Braves vs. the Pittsburgh Pirates was awarded to Marguerte S. of Cascade Glen Apartment Homes

One set of 4 tickets to see the Atlanta Braves vs. the Philadelphia Phillies was awarded to Peggy R. of Lakeside Apartment Townhomes

About JAMCO Properties, Inc.

Founded in 1992, JAMCO Properties, Inc. is a multifamily apartment investment firm proudly offering affordable, clean and spacious rental homes in Fulton, Dekalb, and Clayton counties in Georgia. Locally owned and operated, JAMCO Properties remains a long time member of the Atlanta Apartment Association and the Atlanta Business Chronicle recognizes JAMCO Properties in its annual list of "Top 20 Atlanta Apartment Property Management Companies."

JAMCO Properties employs a "hands-on" approach to apartment community management through a dedicated network of professional employees. Apartment home residents' satisfaction and our company's success rely on the contributions of our entire management team. Our mission statement reflects this attitude: "We are committed to having caring and professional on-site apartment management and maintenance personnel that take pride in delivering superior value and service to our apartment residents while operating by the highest standards of integrity and business ethics."

About Atlanta Community Food Bank

Founded in 1979, ACFB procures more than 60 million pounds of food and groceries each year and distributes it to more than 600 nonprofit partner agencies serving families and individuals in 29 metro Atlanta and north Georgia counties.
Advent Media Group, an established print advertising company is adding digital marketing services to their capabilities in order to better serve small businesses. Serving as Director Of Product Development, Gina Young will spearhead a variety of new service offerings. New capabilities include the following:



Responsive & Mobile Friendly Website Design and Development

Content Marketing

Customer Review Management Platform

Digital Advertising

Website Visitor Ads & Retargeting

Call Tracking & Reporting Dashboards

We aim to become a full-service digital marketing agency offering high quality and affordable services that Americas small business owners can trust, says Rob Lutz, CEO. We have always provided our clients with unique marketing options in the world of print. Now we can offer more value by helping companies tell their story and reach audiences online.

A self-described small business enthusiast, Gina Young is a certified HubSpot Partner (2016) Code Academy Graduate (2015) Agile Marketing Specialist (2014) Adobe Web Specialist (2013) Inbound Marketer (2011). Prior to joining Advent Media Group, she served as the Chief Marketing Officer for Cleriti where she grew agency revenue by 200 percent in just two years. In her role as Marketing Director for Survey Analytics she contributed to a growth in ROI of 500 percent and at Ally PLM Solutions she was awarded the 2012 marketing program of the year by Siemens PLM Software. She has expertise in B2B, home services, professional services, and the dental and healthcare industries.

I have a passion for helping small businesses and Im excited to contribute my experience and expertise to our clients, says Gina Young. This is a big opportunity to educate others on how to best spend marketing dollars, grow sustainably, make connections with their audience and measure results.

To learn more about Advent Media Group and the new capabilities, call 513-421-2267

or visit us online at http://www.adventmediagroup.com.

About Advent Media Group

Advent Media Group aims to become a full-service digital marketing agency offering high quality and affordable services that Americas small business owners can trust. Since 2003, Advent Media Group has worked with over 5,000 companies. Through a close relationship with Hearst and Time, Inc., we provide a traditional magazine and digital content media mix to share company stories of impact to reach the right audiences. We believe in small business, family values, forming local partnerships, dedicating resources to charity and being involved in the community. Industries we currently support delivering exemplary results include companies in home services, legal, finance, business to business, healthcare and dentistry. Were located in the heart of the Midwest in Cincinnati, Ohio. Some of our customers include Methodist Hospital, Arlinghaus Heating and Air Conditioning, The YMCA of Birmingham, Linscomb & Williams Financial Advisors, St. Johns University and PANDORA Jewelry.
Managing Directors Dorothy Sexton, Juliet Clapp, Ryan Fitzpatrick, TOWN Upper East Side Representative Mei Wu-Stanton and TOWN Flatiron Representative Samantha Dong will be joining international industry leaders November 17-19 at The Real Deal Shanghai, Chinas largest US real estate showcase and investment forum.

With the mission of bridging the information gap and creating genuine connections between the two important global markets, the forum will offer eight intensive panels and workshops that will dive deep into everything high level Chinese individuals and investors need to know about the US real estate market. Featured speakers will include former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani; Bruce Mosler, Cushman & Wakefield; Sharif El-Gamal, Soho Properties; Don Peebles, Peebles Corp.; Jay Neveloff, Kramer Levin; Jonathan Miller, Miller Samuel; and U.S. Ambassador Charles Gargano among others.

TOWN Residential will kick off the momentous event by hosting a VIP cocktail party at the celebrated five-star Jing An Shangri-La Hotel. Attendees will include not only the broad Chinese real estate community, but also private wealth managers, high-net-worth individuals, executives and clients from major financial institutions.

Throughout the forum, TOWN Ambassadors will showcase more than 125 exclusive listings and prime developments including 212 Fifth Avenue, 204 Forsyth, Circa Central Park and 52 Wooster.

"The demand from Chinese buyers and investors is very real, shared Andrew Heiberger, founder and CEO, TOWN Residential. Through this first class event produced by The Real Deal, TOWN Ambassadors will have the opportunity to meet with Chinese buyers and their representatives who are eagerly looking to invest in the United States, and in New York City specifically."

Through TOWN Experience, a dynamic first of its kind initiative, TOWN Residential extends the firms marketing platform beyond print and digital and brings the brand into real time through exclusive, visible and cutting edge events that provide TOWN Representatives with genuine opportunities to network, entertain and engage.
These services enable Peanut Butter to deliver fully-featured, flexible, and objective student loan assistance programs that help companies attract, retain, and engage college-educated workers.

Today, Peanut Butter announces two new partnerships that add highly complementary services to its core student loan repayment administration offering. The company is now working with Money Management International (MMI) and Holberg Financial (HF) to provide student loan counseling and financial planning to its client employees. When combined with the refinancing marketplace, available through Peanut Butters partnership with Credible, these services enable Peanut Butter to deliver fully-featured, flexible, and objective student loan assistance programs that help companies attract, retain, and engage college-educated workers.

MMI is the largest nonprofit, full-service credit counseling organization in the nation. It has been providing financial counseling since 1958 and served 122,000 individuals and families in 2015 alone. The organizations certified counselors are among the best trained in the financial education industry, providing one-on-one financial counseling in local offices across the country, and by phone 24/7.

Student loans are a major issue for many working Americans and Peanut Butter is making it easy for employers to help their workers overcome that challenge. said Ivan Hand, President and CEO of MMI. We are thrilled by the opportunity to assist employees nationwide by complementing Peanut Butters existing core services with our comprehensive student loan education and counseling program.

Peanut Butters partnership with Holberg Financial goes one step further. Holberg is a FINRA-registered financial advisor that provides ongoing assistance with investment decisions and financial planning. Joseph Holberg, CEO of Holberg Financial, said, by partnering with Peanut Butter, we become part of an employees support system for building financial health achieving her/his financial goals.

As companies strive to be workplaces of choice, they are increasingly realizing that loyalty is created and maintained by addressing the evolving interests of their workforce, said David Aronson, CEO of Peanut Butter. Tens of millions of workers are interested in getting out from under their student debt. Were thrilled to partner to with MMI and Holberg to bolster our student loan assistance offering so that companies can play an even bigger role in helping their employees become debt-free and financially well.

About Peanut Butter, Inc.:

Peanut Butter  helps employers attract, retain, and engage Millennial talent with student loan assistance. Whether employers seek to offer the resources that help employees reduce their own student debt, or to increase the ROI of their benefit spend by contributing toward employee student loans, Peanut Butter makes administration easy, so that employers can focus on growth. To learn more about how Peanut Butter can help your company become an employer of choice, visit http://www.getpeanutbutter.com or call 800.913.6651.

About Money Management International:

Money Management International (MMI) is a nonprofit, full-service credit counseling agency, providing confidential financial guidance, financial education, counseling and debt management assistance to consumers since 1958. MMI helps individuals and families deal with unmanageable debts and improve overall financial health through personalized one-on-one counseling programs, including debt and budget, foreclosure prevention, student loans, credit report review, and bankruptcy. Most counseling is available by appointment in branch offices and 24/7 by telephone and internet. Services are available in English or Spanish. To learn more, call 866.756.0183 or visit MoneyManagement.org.

About Holberg Financial:

Holberg Financial is disrupting the financial status quo by providing affordable, accessible, and unbiased financial advice for Millennials. Holberg Financial is like the Netflix of financial planning, offering a simple, affordable, and transparent subscription with no confusing language or hidden fees. Employees are craving financial support and increasingly expecting their employers to provide assistance. Holberg Financial helps companies provide just that.
At Murphy Company, we continually strive to not just meet, but to exceed our customers very stringent quality requirements and production needs."

Murphy Company, a mechanical/industrial construction and engineering company is pleased to announce the addition of the following American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Code Stamps for their Colorado office:

R STAMP  Repairs and/or Alterations of Boilers and Pressure Vessels

U STAMP  Manufacture of Pressure Vessels

PP STAMP  Fabrication and Assembly of Pressure Piping

These ASME certifications apply to the set of high standards Murphy adheres to in the design, fabrication, assembly, repair, alteration and inspection of boiler and pressure vessel components. Murphy is authorized to manufacture and stamp a broad range of pressure vessels and products in accordance with the latest ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel codes.

Senior Vice President Bob Mathisen commented, At Murphy Company, we continually strive to not just meet, but to exceed our customers very stringent quality requirements and production needs. The addition of these ASME certifications for our Colorado office provides a great benefit for industrial manufacturing facilities, pharmaceutical plants, powerhouses and breweries in Colorado as illustrated in our recent work building the new Breckenridge Brewery in Littleton and current renovations to the MedImmune biologics manufacturing plant in Boulder."

Murphy Company employs over 200 unique welding procedures to fabricate pressure vessels from carbon steel, stainless steel, titanium and other exotic alloys.

Murphy also performs inspection services for boilers and pressure vessels in addition to repairing and altering existing boilers and pressure vessels, complying with The National Board.

About Murphy Company: Murphy Company delivers mechanical solutions to the industrial, commercial, institutional and heavy industrial markets. With corporate offices in St. Louis, a regional office in Denver, and satellite offices in Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Ft. Collins, CO, the firm offers process piping, HVAC, refrigeration, plumbing, design-build, design assist, ASME code work, piping fabrication, energy solutions and 24-hour service. Murphy is currently ranked 22nd on Engineering News-Records list of top mechanical contractors, and was named Specialty Contractor of the year for 2015 in the ENR Mountain States region. Founded in 1907, the firm employs just under 1,000 people nationwide with over 350 in Colorado. For additional information visit: http://www.murphynet.com.

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Chesapeake Vein Center and MedSpa is proud to announce that medical director Dr. Surya Challa has received a vascular testing accreditation from the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC). This allows Dr. Challa to monitor any unhealthy changes to the blood vessels that may lead to future diseases or conditions.

For more than 25 years, the IAC has set the standards for quality medical care, and is the premier accreditation agency for venous testing. Their accreditation represents a seal of approval, so patients can know that their doctor has the necessary expertise and experience for proper treatment. For approval, a practice must submit to a rigorous review of their daily operations and exhibit dedication to top quality patient care.

Vascular testing at Chesapeake Vein Center and MedSpa can help to identify and evaluate developing circulatory problems such as plaque build-up in the arteries, varicose veins, and the formation of blood clots. These factors can lead to life-threatening conditions like strokes and heart disease, making early detection of the utmost importance.

You cant treat conditions you dont know about, says Dr. Challa. And in some cases early detection really can make all the difference for a healthy recovery.

More than 500,000 lives are lost to heart diseases in the United States each year. With his IAC accreditation Dr. Challa is striving to reduce this number, and help his Chesapeake area patients lead healthy and happy lives. Anyone who is at high risk for heart disease due to genetic or other factors should ask their doctor about receiving vascular testing at Chesapeake.

About Dr. Surya Challa

Dr. Surya Challa is a well-established Chesapeake and Virginia Beach general surgeon, vein specialist, and cosmetic medical expert.

Board-certified in general surgery, a Diplomate of the American Board of Venous and Lymphatic Medicine (ABVLM), Diplomate in Clinical Informatics (ABPM), and a Registered Phlebology Sonographer (RPhS), Dr. Surya Challa graduated from JIPMER Medical College in Pondicherry, India. He relocated to the United States to undergo further surgical training at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Dr. Challa also completed a research fellowship in liver cancer surgery at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York. After completing his medical training, Dr. Challa worked as a surgeon at Rappahannock General Hospital in Kilmarnock, Virginia, and at Catskill Regional Medical Center in Harris, New York prior to moving to Hampton Roads.

Dr. Challas work with patients led to his developing a keen interest and specialty in phlebology, the study of veins. He has had extensive exposure to and interest in venous disease. He has been performing varicose vein procedures since 2008 and has performed over two thousand procedures without major complications. His results have been exemplary.

In addition, Dr. Challa has been listed in the Guide to Americas Top Surgeons 2004-2005 edition and Strathmores Whos Who Worldwide Honors 2008. He is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and member of the American College of Phlebology, American Society for Breast Surgeons, Medical Society of Virginia, and the JIPMER Alumni Association of North America.

Dr. Challa lives in the Tidewater area with his wife and sons. His interests include fitness, travel, and music.
Using OnBase, our amazing team was able map out and build the digital application in about two and a half weeks, and completed 2,000 employees credentials within 45 days.

The Houston Airports received Hylands OnBase Government Innovation Award at the 2016 CommunityLIVE conference in Orlando, Florida where over 1,700 OnBase end users, developers, customers and partners were in attendance.

The Houston Airports nominated and presented its CBP credentialing solution, which uses OnBase Workflow to streamline the application process to grant agents/employees access to the international terminal. The airport implemented the electronic application solution to convert its paper process and grant approximately 2,000 employees CBP access within 60 days.

We were faced with a nearly impossible task  convert a process that once took three-four weeks to complete, into a digital process within 60 days, said Lisa Kent, CIO of the City of Houston. Our amazing team was able map out and build the digital application in about two and a half weeks, and completed 2,000 employees credentials within 45 days.

Houston Airports digital CBP credentialing process now takes 48 hours, taking the information from the online application and linking it with existing data to send a finalized application packet to CBP for approval. The airport continues to think of new ways to improve its service and will implement a new e-signature section of the application process, using the OnBase integration with DocuSign, to achieve even greater efficiency.

All of our 2016 OnBase Government Innovation Award nominations showcased unique solutions that can be implemented across different levels of government to more efficiently manage content, processes and cases, said Terri Jones, government principal at Hyland. The Houston Airports solution stood out because of the impact OnBase had to decrease the amount of time it took to grant CBP access by 92 percent. We congratulate them on earning the 2016 OnBase Government Innovation Award and look forward to seeing the new ways they will leverage OnBase in the future.

To learn more about the innovative ways governments leverage enterprise information management and cloud-based sharing, visit OnBase.com/Government.

About OnBase by Hyland

OnBase is a single enterprise information platform for managing content, processes and cases. Providing enterprise content management (ECM), case management, business process management (BPM), records management and capture all on a single platform, OnBase transforms organizations around the globe by empowering them to become more agile, efficient and effective. Enterprise file sync and share (EFSS) for the OnBase platform is available with our complementary offering, ShareBase by Hyland.

More than 1,600 government customers use OnBase for public works, finance and administration, health and human services, and courts and public safety. OnBase empowers organizations to grow their solutions as their needs evolve, supporting transparency, self-service options along with mobile and field work. To learn more about how more than 15,000 organizations are digitizing their workplaces to transform their business operations, visit OnBase.com.
With the launch of Inpatient Auditing as well as Career Steps recent acquisition of Medic-CE, a leading provider of healthcare continuing education, the message is clear that we are committed to healthcare education.

Career Step, an online provider of career-focused education and professional training, is pleased to announce that it will be launching its new Inpatient Auditing program, developed to help organizations fill the gap for skilled auditors, at the 2016 Convention and Exhibit of the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) in Baltimore, Maryland. The convention is October 15 through 19, and Career Step will be exhibiting the new auditing program in booth 1006.

Over the past six months, our clients have asked us for inpatient auditing education, said Laurie McBrierty, Career Step Vice President of Product Management. We are thrilled we can now meet the demand for this critical need within the industry, especially as the demand continues to increase from our clients and across the industry.

Career Steps Inpatient Auditing program starts with foundational knowledge, which includes training on necessary soft skills. A differentiating component is the practicum that ensures the inpatient auditor is ready to apply their new skills as soon as the course is completed. These auditors will help healthcare organizations reduce the cost of educating auditors and ensure correct reimbursement.

With the launch of Inpatient Auditing as well as Career Steps recent acquisition of Medic-CE, a leading provider of healthcare continuing education, the message is clear that we are committed to healthcare education, said Mike Hodgson, Career Step Executive Vice President of Healthcare Products and Partnerships. These initiatives exemplify the Career Step education cycle as we work to identify a need, determine how to meet it through education, develop the education resources necessary and, ultimately, drive better business results.

To see a demonstration of the new Inpatient Auditing program, visit Career Step in booth 1006 at the AHIMA Convention and Exhibit. More information can also be found at corporatetraining.careerstep.com/auditing.

About Career Step

Career Step is an online provider of career-focused education and professional training. The company has trained over 100,000 students for new careers, has more than 150 partnerships with colleges and universities nationwide, offers a variety of continuing education courses for healthcare professionals and has educated more than 8,000 health information professionals through its Professional Training Division. Career Step provides training for several of the largest and most respected healthcare employers in the nation and is committed to helping students and practicing healthcare professionals alike gain the skills they need to be successful in the workplaceimproving lives, advancing careers and bettering business results through education. More information can be found at http://www.careerstep.com or 1-800-246-7836.
Neuromonics, Inc., maker and distributor of patented and clinically proven medical devices designed for tinnitus relief, is introducing its downloadable product for Android mobile devices.

Designed to help those suffering from tinnitus or ringing in the ears, the Neuromonics Tinnitus Alleviator will work on Android devices. The Tinnitus Alleviator uses a proven, effective treatment protocol Neuromonics has implemented in its other devices. Thousands of users have listened to Neuromonics spectrally modified music designed to retrain the brain to ignore the ringing sounds and tinnitus sufferers stop reacting negatively to them. The company released its downloadable version of the Tinnitus Alleviator for iOS-enabled devices in March.

Consumers can obtain the Android version of the Neuromonics Tinnitus Alleviator at the Google Play Store. Upon downloading, the consumer will receive a 14-day free trial. After that period, subscriptions are available for purchase. Users will be able to conduct hearing tests, customize the music to their hearing, and raise and lower the imbedded neural stimulus.

The Android version of the Neuromonics Tinnitus Alleviator opens up the opportunity for relief for the millions of consumers using an Android device  offering the benefit of Neuromonics proven treatment at a reasonable cost, says Eula Adams, CEO of Neuromonics. Consumers who used the iOS version agreed that it is a safe, simple, effective way to ease the symptoms of ringing in the ears. We anticipate similar results with the Android version. The Tinnitus Alleviators iOS version is listed as one of the top tinnitus apps in Everyday Hearing.

More than 50 million people in the United States suffer from the sound of ringing in the ears, when no external sounds are present. Usually brought on by exposure to loud noise, the problem is especially significant in the military, with more than 34 percent of returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from the condition. For many sufferers, the ringing noise causes fatigue, depression, anxiety, and problems with memory and concentration.

Neuromonics, Inc. (http://www.neuromonics.com)

Based in Westminster, Colo., Neuromonics, Inc., manufactures and distributes clinically proven medical devices to treat tinnitus. The patented and clinically proven Neuromonics Oasis provides long-term treatment and significant relief for those with severe tinnitus. The Haven, with the ability to program and individualize hearing profiles, is a management tool offering situational relief for tinnitus symptoms. The Sanctuary, also a management tool, works with pre-programmed profiles for on-demand relief.

With research and development beginning in the early 1990s, Neuromonics has helped thousands of tinnitus sufferers improve their quality of life and overcome the daily life challenges associated with tinnitus. Today, Neuromonics provides its devices to nearly 2,000 hearing professionals on four continents, through direct relationships and reseller partners. Neuromonics news includes segments on national media including The Doctors and CNN.

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PHOTO BY GILLIAN BOSTOCK EWING

Clothing can tell many stories, from a persons sense of style to the larger context of the world surrounding its wearer  but how often are these stories saved? Starting November 5 through April 2, 2017, guests to Henry Ford Museum can take a closer look at one familys unique story preserved through their collection of clothing spanning generations inside the new temporary exhibition American Style and Spirit: 130 Years of Fashions and Lives of an Entrepreneurial family. These lovely garments provide not only a glimpse into the lives of the Roddis family, a successful upper-middle-class family from Marshfield, Wisconsin, but also reveal intriguing stories of American life as well. Guests to the exhibit are invited to consider their own personal connections to clothing and ponder their own self-expression through what they wear.

Inside the exhibit, guests will discover the elegant evening dresses, suits, hats, shoes, childrens clothing, letters and more found carefully packed away in the Roddis family attic. The over 50 visually striking period garments on display range from everyday wear to special occasion clothing dated from mid-19th century to the late 20th century. Guests will learn more about the family itself, through photos, letters and other documents from the Roddis family archive detailing the familys lumber business, travels abroad, weddings, cultural influences and more.

American Style & Spirit also gives guests a chance to share what influences the clothing they wear and why they save the items they save inside the self-reflection zone where their thoughts will be shared with other exhibit-goers. Guests can also try on items from the Roddis family collection thanks to the help of the exhibits magic mirrors. Young fashion designers inspired by the Roddis family have the chance to create their own clothing designs inside the exhibit.

Guests interested in seeing the exhibition first can purchase tickets to the American Style & Spirit Exhibit Preview Reception taking place November 4 from 7 pm  10 pm. Tickets are $75 and include wine bar and passed hors doeuvres. Tickets are limited. To purchase tickets or for more information visit: https://www.thehenryford.org/current-events/calendar/american-style-and-spirit-exhibit-preview/.

Guests looking to learn more about the Roddis family and the clothing inside the exhibit, can do so with the purchase of American Style and Spirit: Fashions and Lives of the Roddis Family, 1850-1995 available for purchase inside Henry Ford Museum gift store. The book, by authors Jane Bradbury, niece of Augusta Denton Roddis and Edward Maeder, renowned dress historian, details the research behind the garments and the discovery of the collection. Admission to American Style & Spirit is free for members. Non-member ticket prices include admission to the museum and are $21 for adults (12-61), $15.75 for youth (3-11), $19 for seniors (62+) and children 2 and under are free. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.thehenryford.org/current-events/calendar/american-style-and-spirit-exhibit#pricing

About The Henry Ford

The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan is an internationally-recognized cultural destination that brings the past forward by immersing visitors in the stories of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation that helped shape America. A national historic landmark with an unparalleled collection of artifacts from 300 years of American history, The Henry Ford is a force for sparking curiosity and inspiring tomorrows innovators. More than 1.7 million visitors annually experience its five attractions: Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village, The Ford Rouge Factory Tour, The Benson Ford Research Center and The Henry Ford Giant Screen Experience. A continually expanding array of content available online provides anytime, anywhere access. The Henry Ford is also home to Henry Ford Academy, a public charter high school which educates over 500 students a year on the institutions campus. In 2014, The Henry Ford premiered its first-ever national television series, The Henry Fords Innovation Nation, showcasing present-day change-makers and The Henry Fords artifacts and unique visitor experiences. Hosted by news correspondent and humorist, Mo Rocca, this Emmy-winning weekly half-hour show airs Saturday mornings on CBS. For more information please visit our website thehenryford.org.
Great Clips, the worlds largest hair salon brand, solidified its position as the global leader and international icon in the haircare industry with the opening of its 4,000th franchise. The 4,000th Great Clips hair salon, located inside the Meijer store in Flat Rock, Michigan, just south of Detroit, is the latest addition to a franchise network that stretches throughout the U.S. and Canada.

Great Clips is a successful franchise system with every one of its 4,000 salons independently owned and operated. The newest salon is owned by Brian and Christie Czopek who are among the 1,200 dedicated franchisees in 180 markets across North America.

We are thrilled to celebrate this major milestone of our 4,000th salon opening and attribute our success to our dedicated corporate staff, enthusiastic franchise (salon) owners and their talented stylists who work day in and day out to make us the greatest haircare brand in the world, says Great Clips CEO Rhoda Olsen. We are proud to have built a company that continues to grow with happy franchisees who open multiple salons; and loyal customers who keep coming back for quality and affordable haircuts.

Were honored to open the 4,000th salon and continue to grow this business because Great Clips provides the support and guidance to expand with confidence, says Christie Czopek. This is our fourth Great Clips salon and we plan to open another by the end of the year. My husband, Brian, and I keep investing in this brand because Great Clips invests in us and all its franchisees to make sure we grow and prosper while taking care of our stylists and our customers.

What makes Great Clips great

Great Clips salons operate in 180 markets across the U.S. and Canada with some 200 locations opening each year. Great Clips is 100 percent franchised, with 1,200 franchisees who employ

40,000 stylists in 4,000 salons across the U.S. and Canada.

In 2016 alone, 40,000 licensed Great Clips stylists deliver more than 100 million haircuts; nearly two million services each week!

The brands success is proven by nearly 12 consecutive years of growth in both same-salon sales and customer counts.

Great Clips demonstrated its leadership of the haircare space by being the first to offer two industry changing technology solutions that make it convenient for customers to get a quick, quality and consistent haircut.



In 2011, the company was the first in the industry to launch Online Check-In, which allows customers to check in from their smartphone or computer, saving them wait time at the salon. Today, 30 percent of haircuts at Great Clips begin with the customer using Online Check-In and the Great Clips app has been downloaded 5 million times.

In 2013, Great Clips was the first in the haircare industry to introduce Clip Notes, digital tracking of each customers haircut preferences, which are referenced at each visit to ensure customers get the haircut they want. Today, Clip Notes are kept in the companys secure data cloud so stylists at any Great Clips salon across North America can retrieve the information and give customers the quality haircut they expect.

Our success is the result of a simple strategy, notes Great Clips Chairman of the Board Ray Barton. From the day we opened our first salon to the opening of our 4,000th location we always put the customer first. We treat the salon owners, their stylists and our corporate employees like family. We want them to be successful and they, in turn, have helped us build the great brand we are today.

About Great Clips, Inc.

Great Clips, Inc. was established in 1982 in Minneapolis. Today, Great Clips has 4,000 salons throughout the United States and Canada, making it the worlds largest salon brand. Great Clips is 100 percent franchised and salons are owned locally by more than 1,200 franchisees across North America. Great Clips franchisees employ nearly 40,000 stylists who receive ongoing training to learn the Great Clips customer care system and advanced technical skills. As a walk-in salon, Great Clips provides value-priced, high quality haircare for men, women and children. No appointments are needed and salons are open nights and weekends. Getting a great haircut is more convenient than ever with Great Clips Online Check-In and Clip Notes. To check in online, visit GreatClips.com or download the app for Android and iPhone. For more information about Great Clips, Inc. or to find a location near you, visit GreatClips.com.
Genetec SharpV ALPR Camera The new Genetec SharpV ALPR camera brings a whole new level of image precision, combined with ease of installation at a lower price point

Genetec Inc. (Genetec), a leading provider of open-architecture, unified IP security solutions today announced AutoVu SharpV a new fixed ALPR (automated license plate recognition) camera with onboard processing, highly precise settings, easy and flexible installation and new affordable pricing. Genetec will unveil and demonstrate the AutoVu SharpV at the IACP (International Association of Chiefs of Police) conference in San Diego, CA, October 15th -18th 2016, Booth #3517. The AutoVu SharpV camera is expected to be available in early December 2016 from Genetec channel partners and resellers.

AutoVu SharpV is designed for fixed ALPR installations. It can be tied into citywide video surveillance systems to improve forensic investigations, reporting, monitoring, and is ideally suited for controlling access to corporate facilities, as well as managing off-street parking facilities. The SharpV-ITS model will offer a solution specifically targeted at the intelligent transportation sector.

Featuring a completely new design that makes it easy for integrators to install, the AutoVu SharpV can be easily mounted on walls or poles. With power and communication transferring through a Power-over- Ethernet plus (PoE+) connection, and a varifocal lens design that allows installers to easily adjust the focal distance of the camera on site for optimal image capture, the new SharpV simplifies system specification and provides flexibility during deployment.

With high-definition ALPR and context cameras and onboard processing in a single device, the SharpV can detect and read any type of license plate on the edge, and includes various analytics such as vehicle make and direction of travel.

"The new AutoVu SharpV is the result of over 15 years of specialized ALPR design experience, so its much more than an upgrade. It features premium performance without any of the challenges that often accompany ALPR projects. Not only does it include all the features of our previous generation Sharp ALPR cameras, but it also brings a whole new level of image precision, combined with ease of installation at a lower price point. With our new SharpV, ALPR has never been easier," said Chris Yigit, Program Manager for AutoVu.

The SharpV can also be integrated with Omnicast, the IP video surveillance system of Security Center, the Genetec unified security platform. The SharpV can simultaneously stream live video to Omnicast, doubling as video surveillance unit and recorded video can be associated with ALPR hits to enhance awareness and investigations. SharpV also supports the AutoVu Free Flow parking enforcement module to increase parking enforcement efficiency by providing a real-time inventory of vehicles parked illegally in monitored parking lots.

For more information about Genetec AutoVu SharpV, visit: http://www.genetec.com/solutions/all-products/autovu/autovu-sharpv

About Genetec

Genetec develops open-architecture software, hardware and cloud-based services for the physical security and public safety industry. Its flagship product, Security Center, unifies IP-based access control, video surveillance and automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) into one platform. A global innovator since 1997, Genetec is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, and serves enterprise and government organizations via an integrated network of resellers, certified channel partners, integrators and consultants in over 80 countries. Genetec was founded on the principle of innovation and remains at the forefront of emerging technologies that unify IP physical security systems. For more information about Genetec, visit: http://www.genetec.com
Agilent Technologies Inc., a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics and applied chemical markets, is the premier laboratory partner for a better world.

The site will comprise of several structures initially, including a Manufacturing Building, a Bulk Tank Farm and a Lab/Office building. The current production facility design will include the installation of a single production train with the space and utilities available to expand to a second train. The first phase of this project will allow for Agilent to more than double its current production capacity, with significant long-term opportunities for expansion.

CRB will lead the design and engineering, while GE Johnson Construction Company will assume Construction Management and General Contracting duties for the project. Both firms have long been leaders in advanced technology, bioengineering, pharmaceutical and related projects. As planned, the construction phase of the project is expected to reach completion in late 2017, with considerations being made for future phases.

CRB is very excited to be a part of the Agilent Project Apothecary team and continue our involvement in the growing oligonucleotide production industry, said Josh Kunert, CRB Project Manager. CRB has been involved in design projects within this industry since the early 90s, so it is exciting to see a company like Agilent investing in this technology and all of its potential life-saving treatment applications.

Jim Johnson, CEO of GE Johnson added, We are extremely excited to continue building upon a relationship with Agilent which began a number of years ago. They are already a leader in their field, and this project is going to continue growing their ability to serve their clients. GE Johnson has long been active in this market sector, and we look forward to further developing our expertise with top-notch project partners like Agilent and CRB.

For any questions related to Agilent Technologies, please contact Rekha Parthasarathy at (408) 345-8396.

About CRB

CRB is a full-service network of engineers, architects, constructors and consultants assisting advanced technology organizations in the planning, design, construction and operational support of facilities across the globe. With world-class technical expertise and an empowered team of 950-plus, we relentlessly pursue and deliver the right solutions to our clients technical challenges, no matter how big or small.

Founded in 1984, CRB has 15 production offices located in: Boulder, Colo., Kansas City, Mo.; St. Louis, Mo.; Raleigh, N.C.; Philadelphia, Pa.; San Diego, Calif.; San Jose, Calif.; Los Angeles, Calif.; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Kalamazoo, Mich.; Boston, Mass., Rockville, Md.; Atlanta, Ga.; Dallas, Texas, and Basel, Switzerland.

About GE Johnson

GE Johnson Construction Company was founded in 1967 in Colorado Springs, Colorado and is one of the premier construction firms in the Rocky Mountain and Central Regions. A leader in providing the full spectrum of integrated project delivery services, the firm specializes in complex and schedule driven projects across a variety of niches. The company has completed projects across 14 states and maintains offices in: Colorado Springs, Denver, and Vail, Colorado; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; and Jackson and Casper, Wyoming.
Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) biopsies have never been faster or easier.

Remote Medical Technologies (RMT), the leader in stateof-the-art, high definition dynamic telemedicine solutions, is pleased to announce its participation in the American Society of Cytopathology (ASC) 2016 Annual Scientific Meeting. This year marks the 64th anniversary of the scientific assembly and annual meeting, which will be held at the Hyatt Regency in New Orleans, Louisiana from November 4th to 7th.

In New Orleans, ASC and industry partners will showcase various innovative technologies. Attendees will learn about new trends and scientific updates in cytopathology. RMT will be unveiling the iMedHD2 Mobile Cart-Based Telepathology Solution, which provides medical facilities real-time, high definition image sharing directly from the operating or procedure room to remote pathologists. This highly secure and compact mobile workstation contains all components of RMTs Scope-Based technology (consisting of an RMT Multi-Protocol Appliance and iServ encoding system, and real-time (live) 1080p monitor with optional Universal Power Supply) mounted directly onto an easy-to-roll mobile cart. Live-dynamic HD video is streamed securely to remote pathologists from any room the cart is located for instant decision making.

RMT users state that consultations on Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) biopsies have never been faster or easier. Proud to be a first-time exhibitor, RMT Founder and CEO, Don Marchon explains, We look forward to sharing how industry renowned medical facilities are using RMT solutions today to significantly improve workflow and generate incremental new revenue streams while reducing costs. In fact, one of RMTs major clients will be presenting their poster at the show, validating how RMT mobile-cart based telecytology assists in providing incredibly impressive results. RMT encourages all attendees to view the poster presentations and visit booth #101 for a more hands-on demonstration.

Visit Remote Medical Technologies at the Hyatt regency in New Orleans booth #101. To learn more about the iMedHD2 Mobile Cart-Based Telepathology Solution or receive an online demonstration, visit http://www.rmtcentral.com or email info(at)rmtcentral.com.

About ASC:

The American Society of Cytopathology (ASC), founded in 1951, is a distinguished national professional society of physicians, cytotechnologists and scientist who are dedicated to the cytologic method of diagnostic pathology. The ASCs diverse membership includes representatives from other countries who share a vision of education, research and continuous improvement in the standards and quality of patient care. The ASC is a unique society that provides a forum where physicians and cytotechnologists can interact and network with each other on both a personal and professional level.

Recognizing that the future of medicine is in building teams of healthcare providers, the ASC collaborates with other professional organizations and government agencies to address issues relating to cytopathology. Education will remain a primary focus of these collaborations, with the outcome of improved patient care.

About Remote Medical Technologies:

Remote Medical Technologies (RMT) is the creator of an innovative patented technology for delivery of secure Internet based premium telemedicine services. RMT provides a best-in-class web-based video, voice, collaboration and administration platform. With simply the use of a browser the solution is easy to deploy, operate and manage. This customizable and extendable multimedia services platform is a modular, non-fragmented approach to extending a healthcare organizations communications infrastructure. Be it across the street or around the globe, RMT drives telemedicine concepts and provides solutions that save lives.
CIEE is proud to work with Tennessee State University to make it possible for more TSU students to gain the knowledge, intercultural skills, and global perspectives needed for success in todays world.

CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange today announced it has awarded its CIEE Generation Study Abroad Access Grant to Tennessee State University (TSU), an urban, land grant, historically black university based in Nashville. TSU will use the $20,000 grant to support an innovative faculty-led study abroad program led by professors Rebecca Dixon, Ph.D., and Jennifer L. Hayes, Ph.D., in Paris, France, in June 2017. The grant will open doors for TSU students who have never traveled abroad or who dont have the resources to study abroad.

TSU and CIEEs Faculty-Led & Custom Programs team will work together to create and execute a program titled, Intersecting Lives: Reading African-American Literature through a Black Feminist Lens. Students in this program will learn and apply a black feminist critical framework to examine the historical contexts that have led African-American men and women to travel abroad to resist various levels of oppression in the United States. The program is designed to enhance students appreciation for global exchange and to begin to change their perspectives in ways that allow them to see themselves as a part of a global community.

Many of our students are first-generation students and are from underserved minority groups who have not traveled outside of the United States. They are highly motivated and seek to improve their life chances through education, said Dr. Hayes, an assistant professor of English and womens studies at TSU. We believe this experience will provide our students with a unique opportunity to see the connections between their experiences at TSU and the global community.

Applications increased significantly for CIEEs second annual grant, with more than 200 proposals submitted by colleges and universities across the United States, including 17 community colleges and 90 minority-serving institutions. CIEE created the Generation Study Abroad Access Grant to recognize innovative programs that increase access to international educational opportunities for students in groups that are traditionally underrepresented in study abroad. The grant program is part of CIEEs Generation Study Abroad pledge to break through the barriers of cost, curriculum, and culture to double the number of students from all backgrounds, socioeconomic statuses, and majors who study abroad by 2020.

CIEE is excited to award the second annual Generation Study Abroad Access Grant to Tennessee State University. TSU has an illustrious history of enriching the lives of underserved minority groups who are traditionally underrepresented in study abroad. Were proud to work with Drs. Hayes and Dixon and the university to continue in this tradition by making it possible for more TSU students to gain the knowledge, intercultural skills, and global perspectives needed for success in todays world, said Maritheresa Frain, executive vice president of study abroad at CIEE.

CIEE awarded the first Generation Study Abroad Access Grant to Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC). NTCC, based in Louisiana, used the grant to develop a faculty-led program in Sharjah and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, for freshmen and sophomores pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math. The program, which ran in January 2016, focused on providing workforce training and industry credentials relevant to NTCC students future employment, while also offering intercultural skills training to help prepare them to enter the global economy following graduation.

For more information about CIEEs Faculty-Led & Custom Programs, visit: https://www.ciee.org/faculty-led-study-abroad/.

CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange

Founded in 1947, CIEE is the countrys oldest and largest nonprofit study abroad and intercultural exchange organization, serving more than 340 U.S. colleges and universities, 1,000 U.S. high schools, and 35,000 international exchange students each year. CIEE serves as a leading sponsor for the U.S. Department of States Exchange Visitor Program (the J-1 Visa program), supporting exchanges with more than 90 countries. In addition, CIEE operates 65 study centers in 44 countries, and sponsors international faculty training programs, teach abroad programs, and various specialty and custom programs for secondary, post-secondary, and international students. Visit ciee.org.

Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashvilles only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 25 graduate, and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research, and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit tnstate.edu.
Dr. Amarik Singh Hosts Complimentary Dental Implant Seminar in Oak Brook, IL

Patients with missing teeth are invited to attend a dental implant seminar hosted by Dr. Amarik Singh on Wednesday, October 12, 2016. Dr. Singh is a leading dental implant specialist and periodontist and has placed more than 15,000 dental implants in Oak Brook, IL. He looks forward to educating patients on the benefits of implants.

Dental implants offer patients an alternative to bridges, partials and dentures, and are a preferred tooth replacement option for those who want to retain a natural and healthy appearance. One highly desirable benefit of dental implants is their ability to minimize jawbone degradation that occurs once a tooth is lost. The titanium post of each implant mimics a natural tooth root by stimulating the jaw with each chewing motion, maintaining jawbone growth.

Another benefit Dr. Singh will discuss is the durability of dental implants. This is due in large part to the materials they are designed from. Each post is made from decay-resistant titanium, while each crown is made with high-quality porcelain that is uniquely customized to match surrounding teeth and complete an appealing smile. After placement, the jawbone forms a secure bond with the implant post during a process called osseointegration. This process contributes to implants unrivaled stability.

All attendees will receive a $250 gift card that can be used towards a dental implant treatment. There will also be one grand prize winner who will receive a complimentary dental implant from this skilled implant specialist.

Patients with missing teeth are invited to attend Dr. Singhs upcoming seminar and learn more about the benefits of dental implants in Oak Brook, IL. Those who would like to reserve a seat or schedule an appointment are invited to call 630-424-9404.

About the Doctor

Periodontal Implant Associates is a periodontal practice offering personalized dental care for patients in Oak Brook, IL, and the Chicago area. After graduating from Northwestern University Dental School, Dr. Amarik Singh went on to obtain his Specialty Certificate in Periodontics and earn his Masters from Northwestern University. Dr. Singh is deeply committed to continuing education and prides himself on remaining on the cutting-edge of the newest techniques and technology in dentistry. Dr. Singh has placed over 15,000 dental implants using a minimally-invasive technique and is part of an elite group of dental professionals at the forefront of the Chao Pinhole Surgical Technique (PST), a revolutionary new approach to repairing gum recession. To learn more about the periodontal services available at Periodontal Implant Associates, please visit http://www.pidentists.com or call (630) 424-9404.
Intellitec Solutions, based in Wilmington, DE, has announced a series of webinars around Microsoft Dynamics GP. The theme of the series will be You own it, why not use it? and will focus displaying functionality that end users often overlook are may be unaware exists. This will be the 5th year in a row Intellitec has presented a Fall Webinar series.

This years agenda is in response to the demand from clients and end users to learn more about the features and functionality in Dynamics GP, and about recent changes to what is included as part of their software assurances. Clients often ask us  I am paying an annual maintenance plan to Microsoft, what do I get in return? says Sandy Kylliainen, a Project Manager at Intellitec Solutions. This webinar series is a chance to give our clients a good overview of things they own, and may not be aware of. Businesses using or interested in learning more about Dynamics GP can sign up for these webinars by contacting Intellitec Solutions at 866-504-4357, or visiting the registration page.

About Intellitec Solutions

Intellitec Solutions is a leading ERP and CRM provider strategically located along the influential business corridor between Washington and Philadelphia. Specializing in Dynamics GP, Dynamics SL, Microsoft CRM and Intacct, they have conducted thousands of engagements helping companies in diverse industries choose and implement software solutions to improve financial or customer relationship management. Using a proven system designed to maximize efficiency and business insight, Intellitec Solutions team of seasoned professionals provides value-added expertise to their clients. For more information or to schedule a demo of our solutions, please visit http://www.intellitecsolutions.com or call 866-504-4357

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All products mentioned in this release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
From a graphene patch that gathers data from sweat, to a tool for personalized cancer radiotherapy, to a new approach to clinical trials that saves human and animal lives, the second class of companies in the University City Science Centers Digital Health Accelerator (DHA) are inventing the future of healthcare. The milestones achieved by these six high-growth, revenue-positive startups will be celebrated at the second DHA Showcase, Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at Quorum at the University City Science Center.

The DHA companies  Grand Round Table, Graphwear Technologies, Invisalert Solutions, Oncora Medical, The One Health Company, and Tissue Analytics  were selected from a pool of 69 applicants via a multi-stage process which emphasized inclusion of women and minority entrepreneurs. DHA awardees received up to $50,000, professional mentorship, and introductions to a variety of key healthcare stakeholders including insurers, pharmaceutical companies, hospitals and research institutions located in the Greater Philadelphia region. During the 12-month program, these early-stage healthcare companies also received membership to the Innovation Center @3401 (ic@3401)  a partnership between the Science Center and Drexel University, in collaboration with Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania and Safeguard Scientifics.

The DHA is supported in part by a grant from the U.S. Small Business Administration.

WHAT: Digital Health Accelerator Showcase

WHEN: Tuesday, October 18, 4-6 p.m.

PROGRAM:

4  4:30 p.m. Registration & Networking

4:30  5 p.m. Formal Program Featuring Flash Presentations by DHA Participants, as well as remarks by Science Center President & CEO Stephen S. Tang, Ph.D., MBA and DHA Manager Aron Starosta

5  6 p.m. Networking and refreshments, with DHA company exhibit tables

WHERE: Quorum, University City Science Center, 3711 Market Street, Suite 800, Philadelphia, PA 19104

About the Science Center

Located in the heart of uCity Square, the University City Science Center is a dynamic hub for innovation, and entrepreneurship and technology development in the Greater Philadelphia region. Founded in 1963 as the nations first urban research park, it provides business incubation, programming, lab and office facilities, and support services for entrepreneurs, start-ups, and growing and established companies. Graduate firms and current residents of the Science Centers business incubator support one out of every 100 jobs in Greater Philadelphia and drive $12.9 billion in economic activity in the region annually. For more information about the Science Center, go to http://www.sciencecenter.org.
Art Force MSP seeks to strengthen the creative economy of the Twin Cities Each element of Art Force MSP has been designed to balance the unique needs of specific members of the Twin Cities creative community.

Art Force announced today a new program that puts art education, artist empowerment and charitable contributions front and center in the Greater Minneapolis/St. Paul area. Art Force, located in the #1 nationally ranked Northeast Minneapolis Arts District, is calling the program Art Force MSP for its focus on strengthening the creative economy in the Twin Cities and the State of Minnesota. By providing free education, resources and opportunities to critical groups within arts and charity communities, the program is designed to benefit Art Forces community of artists, clients and charitable organizations around the state.

Art Force MSP, consisting of Art Forces comprehensive art services, Art Force Academy and Art Force Community Fund has, in just over three years, accounted for over $100,000 in cash and other contributions to charitable organizations in the Twin Cities and out state Minnesota. Health challenged artists and associated organizations have been the largest recipients.

Each element of Art Force MSP has been designed to balance the unique needs of specific members of the Twin Cities creative community. says Bill Kieger, Art Force President. The goal is to better utilize untapped resources while creating win-win scenarios for local business and healthcare organizations, artist entrepreneurs and charities through a cycle of educating, generating economic opportunities and giving within the creative community.

Art Force MSP  How it Works

Art Force prides itself on pursuing its mission as the Premier Provider of Artwork Services and since inception in 2009, has processed and distributed over 30,000 pieces of artwork for organizations of all types and sizes from its home base in Northeast Minneapolis.

Art Force Academy online, (ArtForce.Academy), was formed earlier this year with free enrollment for the general creative community, offering specific curriculum programs for artist entrepreneurs and professional art consultants. Enrollment has grown steadily and is currently just under 5,000.

As client-partners utilize the services provided by Art Force and the artwork provided by artists, contributions are made to the Art Force Community Fund that in turn are awarded to charities selected by an advisory board. Another group of volunteers from Art Force have donated time, food and creative expertise to various causes. Health challenged artists have been able to distribute artwork through the Wings Suite: Empowering Health Challenged Artists. Nearly 1,000 pieces of art created by more than 100 artists have been purchased mainly by major healthcare facilities throughout the state and country. Proceeds have gone directly to eight separate organizations and the participating artists.

Over 150 client-partners have given back to the community through the artwork purchases theyve been making. Art Purchase with a Purpose is one of the slogans being developed. Other strategic partners such as architect and design firms and office furniture distributors have also engaged.

Providing strategic direction for Art Force MSP, Art Force has also worked closely with the City of Minneapolis to help execute goals laid out in the Minneapolis Creative City Roadmap. Since 2012, Art Force President, Bill Kieger, and Director of Art Services, Leslie Palmer-Ross, contributed to the Creative Vitality Index and served on the Work Group Teams for the Creative City Road Map. Fully embracing the goals and objectives of the city, Art Force has strategically aligned their initiatives to help achieve the goals outlined in the Creative City Roadmap.

Another critical element to Art Force MSP is creating strategic partnerships with local high schools. Art Force believes that by educating our youth with entrepreneurial-focused, vocational training, those students will have a leg up as they enter the job market. The burgeoning program is working closely on creating guest lecturing opportunities and becoming part of a network of business professionals who can speak to students about real world experience.

By providing financial assistance to those who need it most, donating a portion of all sales to charity, empowering health challenged artists and providing free educational resources and tools for artist entrepreneurs, Art Force is taking a holistic approach to addressing the Twin Cities and the State of Minnesotas most pressing creative needs. The creative economy of any city can greatly bolster commerce, creativity, culture and much more. Through Art Force MSP, Art Force hopes to do more for their community, create robust opportunities for artist entrepreneurs and stimulate the local creative economy.
In order to create the most compelling and useful experience for readers, we are dedicated to using innovative solutions to remove barriers to research, and help our readers discover more, faster.

Taylor & Francis, one of the worlds leading publishers of scholarly content, today announced its partnership with publishing technology company ReadCube. Through ReadCubes Discover service, over four million Taylor & Francis journal articles and book chapters are now indexed and discoverable across ReadCubes platform. By incorporating popular features from Taylor & Francis Online with those of ReadCubes reference management tools, scholars will enjoy a more immersive and productive research experience.

As a publisher, our priority is to enhance the online experience for academic customers, to enable them to discover research easily and effectively, says Max Gabriel, Chief Technology Officer, Taylor & Francis. In order to create the most compelling and useful experience for readers, we are dedicated to using innovative solutions to remove barriers to research, and help our readers discover more, faster. Our partnership with ReadCube reflects this commitment, and is an example of how scientific technology companies and publishers can work together to facilitate discovery.

When viewed within any of free ReadCubes web, desktop or mobile apps, the best of the Taylor & Francis HTML reader experience is integrated into ReadCubes signature Enhanced PDF format. Articles will feature clickable author names, hyperlinked in-line citations, direct access to supplemental content and figures, social sharing, annotation tools, and altmetrics, among other helpful features.

Were delighted to partner with Taylor & Francis, said Robert McGrath, CEO of ReadCube. Taylor & Francis is not only a leading publisher in the industry but more importantly, an organization that shares our vision, supporting researchers in their pursuits of discovering the bigger picture surrounding a paper - in one simple click of the mouse. The addition of their collection to our discovery tools and availability as enhanced PDFs, brings incredible value to our community.

About Taylor & Francis Group

Taylor & Francis Group partners with researchers, scholarly societies, universities and libraries worldwide to bring knowledge to life. As one of the worlds leading publishers of scholarly journals, books, ebooks and reference works our content spans all areas of Humanities, Social Sciences, Behavioural Sciences, Science, and Technology and Medicine. From our network of offices in Oxford, New York, Philadelphia, Boca Raton, Boston, Melbourne, Singapore, Beijing, Tokyo, Stockholm, New Delhi and Johannesburg, Taylor & Francis staff provide local expertise and support to our editors, societies and authors and tailored, efficient customer service to our library colleagues.

About ReadCube

ReadCube develops software to make the world of research more accessible and connected - serving researchers, publishers, academic and commercial organizations. ReadCube's web, desktop, and mobile reference management apps, including ReadCube and Papers brands, dramatically improve the way research find, organize, read, share, and cite research literature.

ReadCubes publisher solutions, adopted by over 70 partners to date, include indexing via Readcube Discover, enhanced PDF viewing and sharing via ReadCube Connect, and article-level ecommerce via ReadCube Checkout. ReadCube is supported by Digital Science, a technology business unit wholly owned by global media company, the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group. To find out more about ReadCube, visit http://www.readcube.com | or follow us on twitter: @readcube
Vistex, Inc., is returning to Brand Licensing Europe in London to meet the increasing demand for rights and royalties management software in the brand licensing space. License Maestro, Vistexs flagship software for IP rights and royalty management, boasts an impressive client list in the brand licensing space, hailed by licensees, licensors and agencies alike.

Amos Biegun, Global Head of Rights and Royalties at Vistex, said, Weve returned to BLE this year because weve seen the tremendous success of our clients in the brand licensing space. Theres a real need for a solution that puts collaboration first and has the ability to deal with the complexity of todays licensing agreements.

While providing solutions for a wide range of enterprise business processes, rights and royalties touches all different industries today from music, TV and film to brand licensing, pharmaceuticals, technology companies and more.

For more than two decades, Vistex has enabled brand licensing companies to accurately track complex royalty agreements and better exploit their rights to benefit the bottom line. With their online portal, licensees and licensors can collaborate in real-time on new contracts and iterations of existing contracts to come up with new ideas to benefit rights holders and users.

Were proud to have a strong presence in London, Biegun continued. Its so important for our clients to have access to support, whether theyre in Europe, North America, Asia or anywhere in between. Being a truly global company enables us to provide this best-in-class service, and to continue to be on the leading edge with our software. Theyre a great complement to each other and were looking forward to our meetings over the coming days to show more companies how we can provide insights into their business and streamline management of their licensing.

Brand Licensing Europe kicks off today in London where brands, retailers and service providers come together for three days of deal-making, networking and trend-spotting.

About Vistex

Vistex provides enterprises with solutions that manage pricing, incentive, rebate, royalty and channel programs to enhance business performance while reducing labor and infrastructure costs. The software and services provided by Vistex are optimized by industry to deliver an end-to-end solution for the design, management and administration of the entire spectrum of Go-to-Market programs. Enterprises are empowered with unprecedented visibility into program performance, and gain deeper insights to better enable fact-based decisions that drive revenue, control cost, minimize leakage, and streamline processes. For more information, visit http://www.vistex.com.
Erica Okerberg, an associate in the Las Vegas office of international law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP, has been chosen by Global Gaming Business (GGB) Magazines advisory board as one of their 40 Under 40. The entire list of 40 Under 40 honorees will be published in the November issue of GGB Magazine. Honorees were recognized during the Global Gaming Expo at the Emerging Leaders Networking Reception on Sept. 28 in Las Vegas.

We, here in the Global Gaming Practice of Greenberg Traurig, are very proud of Erica and are happy to see that her hard work has been recognized by Global Gaming Business Magazine, said Martha A. Sabol, co-chair of the Global Gaming Practice.

Okerberg focuses her practice on gaming law, including licensing and regulatory work; promotional law, including sweepstakes and social gaming; and general corporate matters. Okerberg 's experience includes: preparing and coordinating gaming applications and gaming renewals for individuals and entities in the U.S. and international jurisdictions; representing clients during the preparation and adoption of Nevada gaming regulations; preparing materials for sweepstakes, contests, and other promotional offers; as well as counseling clients regarding social gaming and skill games.

I am thrilled to be selected by the Global Gaming Business Magazine as one of the 40 Under 40. This award is not only significant, but a milestone in my career, Okerberg stated.

GGB magazine, a division of Casino Connection International, is the leading monthly gaming trade publication focusing on the international casino gaming industry. It is the casino industrys complete source for business information.

About Greenberg Traurigs Global Gaming Group

Greenberg Traurigs Global Gaming Group focuses not only on casino operations, but also addresses lotteries, pari-mutuel wagering, charitable gaming, tribal gaming, and internet gaming, where permitted by law. Members of the group have varied backgrounds and are located throughout the firms offices, allowing them to assist gaming clients in this highly regulated industry across multiple U.S. jurisdictions and internationally. The groups focus includes the representation of casino owners, operators and executives, gaming manufacturers and suppliers, private equity firms, and investment banks on gaming related matters.

About Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Greenberg Traurig, LLP is an international, multi-practice law firm with approximately 2,000 attorneys serving clients from 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The firm is No. 1 on the 2015 Law360 Most Charitable Firms list, second largest in the U.S. on the 2016 Law360 400, Top 20 on the 2015 Am Law Global 100, and among the 2015 BTI Brand Elite. More information at: http://www.gtlaw.com.
Designer Michael M available at the new Robbins Brothers Bellevue

Robbins Brothers, The Engagement Ring Store, will unveil a brand new location in Bellevue on Thursday, October 13, 2016. The 4,000 square-foot-store located in the Venn building at 33 Bellevue Way, will be home to an array of well-known bridal jewelry brands including Tacori, Simon G., Verragio, Henri Daussi, Michael M, Lashbrook and more. The bigger location will offer more inspiration and convenient shopping for the consumer with new collections such as Little Bird which features colored gemstones; Equalli, a selection of unique and symbolic wedding bands; and Expressions, a collection for shoppers who desire a creative custom piece that will be available within two to three weeks.

Robbins Brothers in Bellevue will also stock an assortment of eco-friendly E3 diamonds that are lab grown and conflict-free, as well as Northern Lights, the retailers exclusive Canadian diamond collection. Every Northern Lights diamond comes with a Certificate of Origin proving it is mined, cut and polished in Canadawhich has the strictest environmental regulations and a commitment to social responsibility.

A grand opening celebration and first-look for media will take place on Thursday, October 20 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the new Bellevue location. The evening will be hosted by Seattle lifestyle bloggers Cassandra LaValle of Coco Kelley and Sydney Mintle of Sydney Loves Fashion. Guests are encouraged to follow the grand opening celebration on Instagram @RBbellevue using the official hashtag #FirstLookBellevue.

The grand opening festivities continue over the weekend October 21-23 for the Love is Sweet event featuring special 30-month financing, sweet treats from Trophy Cupcakes, swag bags, raffle prizes, and more.

GRAND OPENING FACT SHEET



Robbins Brothers will relocate from its current location in Bellevue at 10429 NE 2nd St. to 33 Bellevue Way.

The new store is located in the Venn Building as is 4,357 total square feet

Specializing in the engagement diamond

o Echo diamond- mined, exclusive to Robbins Brothers, 98 hand-cut facets

o Northern Lights diamond  from highest quality mines in the frozen Canadian tundra

o E3 diamond- lab-grown, eco-friendly



Designer Destination (Tacori, Simon G., Verragio, Coast Diamond, Henri Daussi, Michael M., Lashbrook & more)

New Collections for the Robbins Brothers Bellevue store include:

o Little Bird - Todays woman is creative and expressive. Little Bird features beautiful colored gemstones such as peach morganite, blue topaz and yellow beryl, set in 14 Karat gold. From asymmetrical designs in mixed metals, to vintage settings, each ring features a unique look for todays unique bride.

o Equalli - Celebrating love and beauty in all its forms, these wedding rings/bands are crafted one-of-a-kind pieces with impeccable attention to detail. Set to last a lifetime and bring joy to all the milestones of your life.

o New mens rings from Lashbrook

Bellevue Store Opening Events



Oct 20 VIP store opening celebration #FirstLookBellevue

RSVP link to Bellevue VIP celebration: http://bit.ly/RobbinsBrothersBellevue

Oct 21-23 Love Is Sweet event: http://bit.ly/LoveIsSweetRB

Robbins Brothers Bellevue Social Media



Facebook https://www.facebook.com/RobbinsBrothersBellevue/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/RBbellevue/

Hashtags: #FirstLookBellevue and #LoveIsSweet

Robbins Brothers Bellevue (new location!)

33 Bellevue Way NE

Bellevue 98004

425.635.7464

About Robbins Brothers

Robbins Brothers, an engagement and wedding ring store, has freestanding destination locations in California, Texas, Washington and Arizona. Specializing in engagement ring settings and loose diamonds, Robbins Brothers carries an extensive selection of wedding bands, promise rings, anniversary bands, three-stone rings, earrings, pendants and bracelets. On-site jewelers are available to help clients set diamonds, create custom-settings, and perform service and maintenance checks. Learn more at http://www.RobbinsBrothers.com.
Dating is never easy, but for a woman looking to date younger men, the task becomes even more challenging. Women looking for these type of relationships are often labeled as cougars, and the tag is usually met with cultural disapproval. Suzanna Mathews, also known as The Date Maven, uses her experience in dating services to tackle ageism, sexism and cross-generational relationships in her new book, Revising Mrs. Robinson: Navigating Cougar-Cub Dating and Relationships.

In Revising Mrs. Robinson, Mathews provides a guide for steering through the challenges of intergenerational relationships, examining the generational gap that shows up in the financial, sexual and social aspects of dating. She also explores the social stigmas surrounding age-gap partnerships, focusing on how these relationships bloom despite their divergence from dating norms. Mathews supports her findings with social science research and testimonials from women of all age groups and explains the perks and pitfalls of dating a younger man.

Too often Ive seen self-doubt and cultural pressures ruin the relationship a woman has with a younger man, Mathews said. My goal with Revising Mrs. Robinson is to empower women to seek the relationship they want, regardless of their age or the age of their partner. I want to arm women with the knowledge they need to make the most of their relationship with a younger man while also making them aware of the difficulties, both internally or externally, they might face.

Mathews works to dispel the negative stereotypes that are often associated with older women and their relationships with younger men in Revising Mrs. Robinson. She supports the notion that women deserve to have the fulfilling relationship they have always dreamed of at any age.

Revising Mrs. Robinson: Navigating Cougar-Club Dating and Relationships

By Suzanna Mathews: The Date Maven

ISBN: 9781480826656 (softcover) 9781480826663 (e-book)

Available at Amazon, Barnes and Noble and Archway Publishing

About the author

Suzanna Mathews is an expert in first impression management and gender communication, while specializing in soulful-spiritual relationships, intergenerational dating and high net worth relationships. Today, she continues her work out of Wichita, Kansas where she also works as a keynote speaker, wedding officiant and image consultant.

Mathews received her Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Bethel College. She then went on to receive a masters degree in theatre/drama from Wichita State University.

###

Review Copies & Interview Requests:

LAVIDGE  Phoenix

Satara Williams

480-998-2600 x 586

swilliams(at)lavidge(dot)com

General Inquiries:

LAVIDGE  Phoenix

Jacquelyn Brazzale

480-998-2600 x 569

jbrazzale(at)lavidge(dot)com
Ana Marte, Denise Dorado, Shenky Britton and Vivi Tomasi, the hosts of Get It, Girl! Get It Girl! is a show that instigates positive proactivity and pushes the ball forward for all women chasing their dreams.

Los Angeles, CA, October 11, 2016 - LATV Networks, the original national bi-cultural television network, is excited to announce Get It, Girl!, a new, all-girl daily talk show premiering Monday October 17th. The show encompasses female empowerment and progressive ideas through candid discussions on trending topics, personal experiences and relationships. Get It, Girl! is a mixture of profound conversations and funny light-hearted chats from the most controversial issues to the most trivial girly dilemmas.

Get It, Girl! brings together four multifaceted and opinionated women from different corners of the world, each bringing their own flavor and perspectives to the show. Vivi Tomasi, a spunky Brazilian journalist; Ana Marte, a confident Dominican NYC girl; Denise Dorado, a cynical Mexican-American intellectual and Shenky Britton a sassy African-American lady rapper.

Luca Bentivoglio, LATVs COO and Head of Programming explains: Get It Girl! is a show that instigates positive proactivity and pushes the ball forward for all women chasing their dreams. At LATV we are committed to create unique U.S. produced content that reflects the changing face of America and talks directly to millennials, as they seek a voice that they can relate and trust.

About LATV:

LATV is the only remaining Latino-owned TV network in the Hispanic television space. Its programming primarily targets U.S.-born Latinos and the coveted bi-cultural 18-49 Latino demographic, with content that features originally produced shows in Los Angeles, as well as licensed content that has never before been seen in the U.S. For more go to http://www.LATV.com
There are over 1.2 million students enrolling in New York college and university programs annually. Weve analyzed more than a dozen data points to find which offer the best combination of quality and value when it comes to online education.

A new list from leading higher education resource provider AffordableCollegesOnline.org has ranked the Best Online Colleges in New York state. Schools at the top of the list include Mercy College, CUNY Graduate School and University Center, SUNY College at Oswego, Metropolitan College of New York and SUNY College of Technology at Canton among four-year institutions; Genesee Community College, Niagara County College and Jefferson Community College among two-year institutions. In all, more than 30 colleges are being recognized for offering affordable, flexible online education options in the state.

"There are over 1.2 million students enrolling in New York college and university programs annually, said Dan Schuessler, CEO and Founder of AffordableCollegesOnline.org. "As more students apply to these schools, more also seek information on non-traditional and remote learning. Weve analyzed more than a dozen data points to find which of New Yorks colleges offer the best combination of quality and value when it comes to online education.

To make the Best Online Colleges in New York list, a school must meet specific qualification requirements. Only colleges and universities that are accredited are considered, and each must hold public or private not-for-profit standing. Cost and affordability minimums are also set; in-state tuition must fall under $5,000 annually for two-year institutions and under $25,000 annually for four-year institutions to qualify. Other ranking factors include financial aid and breadth of online program options.

Find where each of New Yorks Best Online Colleges ranks and learn more about the methodology used to compile each list at the link below:

http://www.affordablecollegesonline.org/online-colleges/new-york/

The following schools are recognized as the 2016-2017 Best Two-Year Online Colleges in New York:

Cayuga County Community College

Corning Community College

CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College

Finger Lakes Community College

Fulton-Montgomery Community College

Genesee Community College

Herkimer County Community College

Hostos Community College

Hudson Valley Community College

Jefferson Community College

Mohawk Valley Community College

Monroe Community College

Niagara County Community College

North Country Community College

SUNY Broome Community College

SUNY Ulster

SUNY Westchester Community College

The following schools are recognized as the 2016-2017 Best Four-Year Online Colleges in New York:

CUNY Graduate School and University Center

D'Youville College

Mercy College

Metropolitan College of New York

Nyack College

Saint Joseph's College-New York

Stony Brook University

SUNY College at Oswego

SUNY College at Plattsburgh

SUNY College of Technology at Canton

SUNY College of Technology at Delhi

SUNY Empire State College

SUNY Institute of Technology at Utica-Rome

Trocaire College

University at Buffalo

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology

###

AffordableCollegesOnline.org began in 2011 to provide quality data and information about pursuing an affordable higher education. Our free community resource materials and tools span topics such as financial aid and college savings, opportunities for veterans and people with disabilities, and online learning resources. We feature higher education institutions that have developed online learning environments that include highly trained faculty, new technology and resources, and online support services to help students achieve educational and career success. We have been featured by nearly 1,100 postsecondary institutions and nearly 120 government organizations.
DoubleDutch, a global leading provider of event apps and the Live Engagement Platform, today announced that Messe Frankfurt, the third largest trade show organizer in the world, has utilized DoubleDutch for its key North American trade shows in 2016 and plans to continue using DoubleDutch in 2017. As a result of implementing DoubleDutchs Live Engagement Marketing Platform at Texworld USA Summer 2016, DoubleDutch helped Messe Frankfurt enhance its number one business goal of providing a platform for marketers and show attendees to come and do business.

As a top tier trade show provider in need of a comprehensive solution to fully engage attendees at events outside of traditional social networks, Messe Frankfurt North America partnered with DoubleDutch to create communities that marketers can tap into at events. Before implementing DoubleDutch, marketers at Messe Frankfurt trade shows were pushing out messages for events via social media networks but missing the opportunity to engage with a captivated onsite audience. With DoubleDutch, Messe Frankfurt has enhanced its targeted marketing program and lead generation at all events, and marketers can build enhanced relationships with attendees that extend far beyond the event.

Features in the DoubleDutch app, like push notifications and targeted campaigns, have allowed us to pinpoint our audience and incentivize them to visit key exhibitors and sponsors, said Chris Pendley, e-media Manager of Messe Frankfurt North America. With DoubleDutchs lead retrieval system, exhibitors can easily measure booth performance and marketers have a comprehensive view of data and analytics at events to ultimately help drive ROI. Marketers at our events see DoubleDutch as a prime content distributor, a reliable revenue stream, and a means to digitize previously analog show floors.

Events are so much more complex than just face-to-face interactions, said Lawrence Coburn, CEO DoubleDutch. At each event, there is a chance to develop a private network for attendees to interact and establish personal relationships, and for marketers to engage in these attendee conversations. We are thrilled to see Messe Frankfurt taking advantage of DoubleDutch offerings, specifically those targeted at marketers, to digitize its impressive portfolio of trade shows.

Messe Frankfurt has plans to continue using DoubleDutch at all North American trade shows, including the upcoming January editions of Texworld USA and Apparel Sourcing USA.

About DoubleDutch

DoubleDutch believes in the power of digitizing live engagement to supercharge business outcomes. The DoubleDutch Live Engagement Platform powers events, conferences, and trade shows for more than 1,700 customers including Forbes, Humana, LinkedIn, Novartis, Nationwide, UBM and Urban Land Institute. The company has been named one of Deloittes 500 fastest growing companies in North America, one of AlwaysOn OnMedias 100 Top Private Companies, and one of Forbes 10 Hot Companies to Work for in San Francisco. DoubleDutch is based in San Francisco with additional U.S. offices in Phoenix and Portland and a global presence in Amsterdam and London.

About Messe Frankfurt

Messe Frankfurt is one of the worlds leading trade show organizers, generating around 648 million in sales and employing 2,244 people. The Messe Frankfurt Group has a global network of 30 subsidiaries and 55 international Sales Partners, allowing it to serve its customers on location in 175 countries. Messe Frankfurt events take place at approx. 50 locations around the globe. In 2015, Messe Frankfurt organized a total of 133 trade shows, of which more than half took place outside Germany. Comprising an area of 592,127 square meters, Messe Frankfurts exhibition grounds are home to ten exhibition halls. The company also operates two congress centers. The historic Festhalle, one of the most popular venues in Germany, plays host to events of all kinds. Messe Frankfurt is publicly owned, with the City of Frankfurt holding 60 percent and the State of Hesse 40 percent.

Press Contact:

Jennifer Pierce, Blanc & Otus

doubledutchpr(at)blancandotus(dot)com

Direct: +1.415.856.5152
Jennifer Marietta-Westberg, Cornerstone Research

Cornerstone Research, a leading provider of economic and financial consulting and expert testimony, announced today that Jennifer Marietta-Westberg has joined the firm as a senior economist. Marietta-Westberg previously served as the deputy chief economist and deputy director of the Division of Economic and Risk Analysis at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

Jennifer brings extensive experience in securities regulation related to reporting companies, broker-dealers, hedge funds and investment advisors, said Cornerstone Research President and CEO Michael E. Burton. Her knowledge of the regulation of financial markets and trading practices is a major asset to our clients and our firm.

Marietta-Westberg worked for 10 years at the SEC in several capacities. She managed the provision of economic analysis in support of Commission policy and rulemaking in the areas of asset management, broker-dealers, credit rating agencies and market microstructure. She oversaw many of DERAs economic analyses in support of international initiatives.

Prior to joining the SEC, Marietta-Westberg was an assistant professor at Michigan State University. Her research has been published in the Journal of Accounting and Economics, the Journal of Corporate Finance and European Financial Management.

About Cornerstone Research

Cornerstone Research provides economic and financial consulting and expert testimony in all phases of complex litigation and regulatory proceedings. The firm works with an extensive network of prominent faculty and industry practitioners to identify the best-qualified expert for each assignment. Cornerstone Research has earned a reputation for consistent high quality and effectiveness by delivering rigorous, state-of-the-art analysis for over 25 years. The firm has 600 staff and offices in Boston, Chicago, London, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, Silicon Valley, and Washington.

http://www.cornerstone.com

Twitter: @Cornerstone_Res
Filled with emotion, French independent video game developer Cubical Drift, announced today the early access release of Stellar Overlord with the same joy and excitement one would experience when walking off to their first day at school. Finally, the time has come for explorers from all over the world to jump into the Stellar Overlord universe.

While 20,000 players from the community were waiting with impatience for this milestone, the eleven strong gaming fanatics team has been burning the midnight oil for more than a year to deliver the best experience possible. Available as an alpha version during the past twelve months to kickstarter backers and at the same time financially supported by the French National Center of Cinematography and the Moving Image (CNC), Stellar Overlord is effectively available as an early access version on Steam.

A satisfying mix of adventure and building gameplay mechanics wrapped around a solid sci-fi storyline, sprinkled with RPG and combat sequence elements, Stellar Overlord shines a new light in a fast-paced trailer scored by composer Charles Bardin, aka Wonder B, aka Charles dAfter Bit, aka the man with a thousand nicknames. Players will discover a voxel world breathing with a progressively changing atmosphere, where the looming threat of the Imperium Machina will force them to make good use of their jetpack and block-thrower. In addition to the story mode and its missions, based on exploration and FPS segments, playable in single player or in multiplayer co-op, players will have to put all of their building abilities into practice, using to their advantage the blocks making up the environment.

To view the trailer, click on the link below

http://bit.ly/2duR2X7

CHARACTERISTICS

Genre : Adventure, Building, FPS

Platform : PC Windows

Developer/Publisher : Cubical Drift (France)

RECOMMENDED SPECIFICATIONS

Operating System : Windows 10 64-bit

Processor/CPU : Intel Core i7-3770K or AMD FX 8350 Wraith

RAM : 16GB

Graphics/GPU : AMD Radeon RX 480 - 1920x1080 or NVIDIA GTX 970  1920x1080

About Cubical Drift

Cubical Drift, in operation since 2014, is an independent French developer and publisher of video games which feature next-generation voxel technology. Created by Michel Thomazeau, keystone of this cubic creative emulation, the company is comprised of brilliant personalities including: voxel technology expert Fabien Perrot, musician Charles Bardin, and 3D pixel artist Alexandre Rey. The company is the creator of Stellar Overload (formerly Planets), a futuristic adventure game set on cubical planets with a community of more than 20,000 players worldwide.

For more information visit the Stellar Overload website.

Download Stellar Overlord artwork here

Download the trailer

To request a review code, please email damien(at)homerunpr.com.
Google Summer of Code logo obtained from https://opensource.googleblog.com/ Moodles involvement in the program really aligns with our values of being open source, enhancing access to education and encouraging innovation.

Since 2006, staff at Moodle - the worlds open source learning platform - have mentored aspiring open source contributors through the Google Summer of Code (GSoC) program.

This year, the tradition continued with four developers from Moodle HQ volunteering to guide students from Sri Lanka, Canada, India and Romania on innovative projects that resulted in new features and plugins for potential implementation in future Moodle releases.

David Mudrak, Developer and Community Development Liaison at Moodle HQ, coordinated this years participation in GSoC and commented on the mutual benefits for staff and students for being involved in the program.

Moodle HQ has been involved in Google Summer of Code since 2006 and every year developers volunteer for the opportunity to mentor students, said Mr Mudrak.

Moodles involvement in the program really aligns with our values of being open source, enhancing access to education and encouraging innovation.

This year, our students, with their mentors, worked hard on some very interesting projects that could enhance Moodles open source software.

Together with other Moodle staff Mark Nelson, Juan Leyva and David Monllao, Mr Mudrak mentored (respectively) students Joey Andres (University of Alberta, Canada), Devang Gaur (Maharaja Surajmal Institute of Technology, India), Supun Wanniarachchi (Informatics Institute of Technology, Sri Lanka) and Alexandru Elisei (University Politehnica of Bucharest, Romania).

Moodle developer Mark, based in Australia, worked with Joey on a project to give Moodle users the ability to crop, resize and rotate images in Moodles default text editor, explained Mr Mudrak.

David, who is also based in Australia, mentored Devang on creating codes that extend the scope of global search to more Moodle components.

Juan, our Moodle Mobile team leader in Barcelona, harnessed Supuns enthusiasm in the mobile environment to add support to end-to-end testing in the Moodle Mobile app.

Mr Mudrak himself had the opportunity to work with Alexandru to develop plugin skeleton, providing templates for all existing plugin types in Moodle and help developers with repetitive work at the beginning of plugin development.

The projects will now undergo more testing and small improvements to be considered for implementation in future Moodle releases.

As you can see, all four open source projects have the potential to enhance learning for Moodle users and assist developers in their work, commented Mr Mudrak.

Involvement in this program does advance education, opportunities and the open source movement and we at Moodle look forward to new intake for the 2017 Google Summer of Code program.

To end the 2016 Google Summer of Code program, two of Moodle HQ staff and mentors - Mark Nelson and David Monllao - have been invited to join the Google Mentor Summit. The Summit is a three day unconference at Google HQ in Northern California.

About Moodle

First released in 2001 by Martin Dougiamas, Moodle has provided educators, workplaces and businesses with powerful tools to manage and promote learning online. Today, Moodle is the most widely used learning management system in the world, with over 80 million registered users in more than 230 countries. Supported by a global network of 85 certified Moodle Partnerships, the Moodle learning management system continues to offer collaborative and innovative online learning technology to a global audience. For more information, visit http://moodle.com

About Google Summer of Code

Googles Summer of Code (GSoC) is a global program focused on bringing more student developers into open source software development. Students apply to work with an open source company on a three month programming project during their break from school. Since its inception in 2005, over 10, 000 students in over 103 countries have developed 50, 000, 000+ lines of codes.
SynbiCITE and the Centre for Synthetic Biology & Innovation at Imperial College London have chosen analytics leader SAS to produce a Data Knowledge Centre for the storage, processing, analysis and predictive modeling of the data generated at the new London DNA Foundry.

The Foundry manufactures genetic components to tackle everything from global warming to vaccines. The program will help to transform leading-edge academic research into commercial outputs for the emerging synthetic biology industry.

Expected to develop into a multibillion-dollar industry, synthetic biology uses engineering principles to design and construct new biological parts, devices and systems. These can help tackle major global sustainability concerns, including environmental health, energy shortages, pollution, hunger and disease. In 2013 the UK government named synthetic biology one of the eight great technologies in which the UK is set to be a global leader.

Imperial College London is a leading science-based institution and host to SynbiCITE, the Innovation and Knowledge Centre for Synthetic Biology. SynbiCITE was funded by the UK government to drive commercialization of synthetic biology and effectively create an industry from scratch. It uses biology to create substitutes for a wide range of items, such as malaria medicines, rubber substitutes for tires and crop feeds.

"This is an exciting and hugely important new field which has attracted support from the UK government as well as a number of international bodies, said Dr. Steve Chambers, CEO of SynbiCITE. The global synthetic biology market is estimated to exceed 38.7 billion pounds [more than US$50 billion] by 2020 and can have a significant impact on the economy, growth and jobs over the coming years.

"SAS was chosen on the basis of its leading reputation in health and life sciences, and to drive robustness and repeatability in translating academic research into industry-class outputs. These outputs will help development of new technology opportunities that can be exploited by new and existing businesses across many fields."

The solution from SAS extends from data management to use of data visualization technology, such as SAS Visual Analytics and SAS Visual Statistics.

"SAS has always supported mature companies with mature business problems," said Mark Wilkinson, Regional Vice President for Northern Europe at SAS. "This deal is significant, as we are supporting an early-stage organization that is looking to grow an entirely new and ground-breaking industry. We are fortunate to be the start of something that is intended to be a multibillion-dollar industry that can address major concerns about global sustainability when it comes to use of increasingly scarce natural resources."

About SynbiCITE

SynbiCITE is a pioneering Innovation and Knowledge Centre (IKC) dedicated to promoting the adoption and use of synthetic biology by industry. The IKC is an internationally recognized lead centre in industrializing synthetic biology research, giving the UK a globally renowned national resource of interacting partners from across the UKs leading academic institutions, industry and business.

SynbiCITE is focused at Imperial College London and is, with our partners, accelerating the commercialization of world-class science and the emerging technologies encompassed by synthetic biology into new products, tools, processes and services. Our overall aim is to grow UK industry in the sector and improve synthetic biology, using industry to achieve significant economic impact, generate wealth for the companies, generate skilled workers and create jobs.

About SAS

SAS is the leader in analytics. Through innovative analytics, business intelligence and data management software and services, SAS helps customers at more than 80,000 sites make better decisions faster. Since 1976, SAS has been giving customers around the world THE POWER TO KNOW.

SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries.  indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright  2016 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.
Said Mark Rankovic, Certicas president and CEO, YES Preps vision was consistent with our companys Next Generation K-12 Data Architecture approach and our Certica Connect platform-as-a-service strategy."

Certica Solutions (Certica), provider of the Certica Connect K-12 data and application integration platform, today announced that YES Prep Public Schools has chosen Certica to deliver a comprehensive platform of data architecture, based on the Ed-Fi data standard and technology. YES Prep Public Schools is a Houston-based public charter school system serving 11,600 students in grades 6-12.

Certicas Ed-Fi team was created through the acquisition of Educuity, Ed-Fi pioneers based in Austin, Texas, in August 2016 (see release). The Ed-Fi data standard and technology components, developed and licensed by the non-profit Ed-Fi Alliance, enable educators and education technology companies to achieve data integration and application interoperability between education data systems, and enable processes to improve student outcomes.

YES Prep, which was founded in 1998 and operates 16 schools, upholds a mission to serve students from low-income communities and prepare them for college. The organization has been on the vanguard of using data to inform instruction and drive decisions, and strives to provide educators with access to high-quality information and innovative learning applications. YES Prep recently identified a need for a comprehensive data platform that integrates data from multiple information systems and applications; ensures high-quality data; enables operability between applications; and supports data visualizations and analytics to support instruction and student success. YES Prep also wished to lower support costs, improve application ease-of-use, and provide end-user access to critical data.

YES Prep turned to Certica, whose Ed-Fi team has delivered Next Generation K-12 Data Architecture design and implementation services to numerous school districts and state education agencies. Certica will implement its platform-as-a-service, based in part on Ed-Fi, including:



The application program interface (API) which integrates data in real-time from education applications;

The operational data store (ODS) which unifies data across the organization;

A data warehouse to provide historical, longitudinal data;

Expert services to install, configure, customize and maintain the data platform to meet YES Preps evolving needs.

YES Prep also currently uses Certicas data validation application, Certify, which enables K-12 organizations to validate, monitor and improve data related to funding, accountability and state reporting. Certify, employed by more than 200 districts nationwide, helps ensure the integrity of data in YES Preps student information system, and enables YEP Prep to report high-quality data to the Texas Education Agency in a timely and streamlined manner.

Said Richard Charlesworth, vice president of technology and analytics at YES Prep, the data-driven aspect of our learning model is key to our students success. Ed-Fi allows us to adopt best-of-breed education solutions and integrate data between them. Doing so will create a more seamless experience for our teachers and leadership, and ensure that users have access to complete, timely and accurate longitudinal data. Certica has deep experience in education data architecture and data management solutions, and their Next Generation K-12 Data Architecture approach aligns with our organizational and learning vision.

Said Mark Rankovic, Certicas president and CEO, YES Prep has recognized that true, personalized learning must be driven by accurate, integrated, real-time data. YES Preps vision was consistent with our companys Next Generation K-12 Data Architecture approach and our Certica Connect platform-as-a-service strategy, which allows for centralized integration, access and enrichment of education data, metadata and content  for K-12 agencies and EdTech providers, alike. Were excited to deepen our existing partnership with YES Prep and help this organization achieve its goals.

Certicas Ed-Fi team, while at Educuity and previously, has experience providing Ed-Fi solutions to a number of state education agencies, including Texas, Delaware, Arkansas, Tennessee, Nebraska, Colorado, Pennsylvania, Michigan, New Mexico, Arizona and Wyoming. Their work with school districts includes six Texas districts, Little Rock, Pasco County, the Denver School of Science and Technology, San Francisco, and Minneapolis.

Certica and YES Prep are attending the Ed-Fi Summit 2016 in Austin, October 11-14. Certica is a platinum sponsor of this event and Certica CEO, Mark Rankovic, will be delivering a presentation on Thursday morning, October 13, during the Kick-off Session.

About Certica Solutions

Certica Solutions is the innovator of the Certica Connect platform which provides application interoperability and centralized integration, access and enrichment of education data, metadata and content. The company partners with a diverse network of K-12 application and system vendors, as well as learning content and assessment providers. Certica also delivers solutions directly to more than 500 school districts and numerous charter school organizations, state education agencies and educational service agencies. Certica is based in Wakefield, Massachusetts and has offices in Harvard, Massachusetts; Cincinnati, Ohio; and Austin, Texas.

The Ed-Fi marks are trademarks of the Ed-Fi Alliance and are used under license. Certify and Certica Connect are trademarks of Certica Solutions, Inc.
Aptech Computer Systems announced that The William Vale, in Brooklyn NY, installed Profitvue to manage financial processes and property accounting. The visually-striking 183-room William Vale is a new-build property that opened in summer 2016. Aptech is the leading provider of hospitality software for business intelligence, budgeting, and enterprise financial accounting. Click here for more on Aptechs products and services.

We installed Profitvue to manage pre-opening accounting in December 2015 and use it now for all property financial processes, said Angielyn Cruz, director of finance. The system is specifically designed for hospitality companies and Aptech customized our chart of accounts for The William Vales unique operations. The property interfaced its purchasing and property management systems with Profitvue for streamlined accounting processes.

The William Vale rises 21 stories and offers breathtaking views, an elevated public green space, a roof lap pool, and adds a vibrant mix of retail and restaurants to Brooklyns thriving North Williamsburg neighborhood. We implemented a hospitality standard chart of accounts that Aptech customized for The William Vales operation. Aptechs support team is particularly helpful because they are all hotel professionals.

Profitvue is a widely used Internet-enabled enterprise back office solution that easily handles single or multi-property accounting, and incorporates accounts payable, general ledger, statistics, and financials. Profitvue is available as an ASP service or on a licensed basis.

Sam Costa, Director of Customer Support with Aptech Computer Systems, said, The hotel industry is in a period of rapid change. Many companies added properties by acquisition and new-build in 2015 and 2016. This kind of rapid growth lifts operators to a level of operations where their manual accounting needs to be replaced with an enterprise back office solution. Many operators are implementing Aptechs enterprise financial systems and safeguarding their data at Aptechs hosting facility. Aptech hosting takes the burden of data security and system updates off hotel companys hands and frees its team to focus on its operation.

About Aptech Computer Systems, Inc.

Aptech Computer Systems, Inc., based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is the only provider of a fully integrated enterprise accounting, business intelligence and planning ecosystem to the hospitality industry. All of its clients are companies like yours, which own or manage hotels. Its solutions help customers at both the corporate and property levels understand their financial and operational data for faster goal achievement.

The company is renowned for introducing business intelligence into the hotel industry, and offers a solid resource of hospitality professionals. Aptech is an IBM Software Value Plus partner and Premier Solution Provider.

Incorporated in 1970, Aptechs state-of-the-art back office, true business intelligence and enterprise planning solutions are 100% hotel specific. Solutions include Profitvue, Execuvue, Webvue and Targetvue. Clients comprise over 3,500 properties - including large chains, multiple-property management companies and single-site hotels. Execuvue and Profitvue are registered to Aptech Computer Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are owned by their respective holders. For more information please visit http://www.aptech-inc.com.
PrideStaff is honored to be partnering with some of this area's best employers and hardest working people.

PrideStaff, a national staffing organization, is pleased to announce that their Fresno office was recently selected for the 2016 Best Businesses of Fresno Award in the Employment Agencies category by the Best Businesses of Fresno Award Program. This is the second time since 2014 that PrideStaff has been selected for this award.

Each year, the Best Businesses of Fresno Award Program identifies companies that have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are exceptional, local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and community.

Sean Akin, Strategic-Partner of PrideStaff Fresno, is honored to have his staffing firm identified as one of these outstanding organizations. "It is a great honor to receive this award, and it reflects the contributions of our entire team," states Akin. "Day in and day out, our staff lives by our mission statement to 'consistently provide client experiences focused on what they value most.'

"The Central Valley is growing and evolving at a rapid rate," continues Akin. "PrideStaff is honored to be partnering with some of this area's best employers and hardest working people. Our goal has always been to do what is best for our clients and candidates, and I am glad to see that the Fresno community has voted us the best employment agency for the second year in a row. Thank you, Fresno!"

Various sources of information were gathered and analyzed to choose the winners in each category. The 2016 Best Businesses of Fresno Award Program focuses on quality, not quantity. Winners were determined based on information gathered internally by the Best Businesses of Fresno Award Program, as well as data provided by third parties.

About the Best Businesses of Fresno Award Program

The Best Businesses of Fresno Award Program is an annual awards program honoring the achievements and accomplishments of local businesses throughout the Fresno area. Recognition is given to those companies that have shown the ability to use their best practices and implemented programs to generate competitive advantages and long-term value.

The Best Businesses of Fresno Award Program was established to recognize the best of local businesses in their community. The organization works exclusively with local business owners, trade groups, professional associations and other business advertising and marketing groups. Their mission is to recognize the small business communitys contributions to the U.S. economy.

About PrideStaff

PrideStaff was founded in the 1970s as 100 percent company-owned units and began staffing franchising in 1995. They operate over 74 offices in North America to serve over 5,000 clients. With over 40 years in the staffing business, headquartered in Fresno, CA, PrideStaff offers the resources and expertise of a national firm with the spirit, dedication and personal service of smaller, entrepreneurial firms. PrideStaff is the only commercial staffing firm in the U.S. with over $100 million in annual revenue to earn Inaveros prestigious Best of Staffing Diamond Award for three years in a row, highlighting exceptional client and talent service quality.

For more information on our services or for staffing franchise information, visit http://www.pridestaff.com.
Attorney Derek A. Pica This philosophy is the same I use to run my ranch. When it comes to family law, and ranching, theres no room for beating around the bush. Theres just too much at stake. Past News Releases RSS

Attorney Derek A. Pica, founder of the Law Firm of Derek A. Pica, PLLC, is celebrating his thirtieth anniversary as a family law practitioner. For the past thirty years, I have been telling it how I see it. Prospective clients need to understand this, and my current and previous clients appreciate this, said Pica, who received his Juris Doctor in 1986 from the University of Utah College of Law. This philosophy is the same I use to run my ranch. When it comes to family law, and ranching, theres no room for beating around the bush. Theres just too much at stake.

The Law Firm of Derek A. Pica is renowned as a no-nonsense law practice that helps its friends and neighbors in Boise make informed decisions when they become involved in legal matters. We understand it can feel invasive when you have to involve the Idaho legal system in private family matters of any kind, be that a broken marital relationship, custody of your children, property ownership, or how to distribute an inheritance among heirs after your passing, added Pica.

To date, the Law Firm of Derek A. Pica has helped countless clients successfully negotiate settlements and counseled parents who were in mediation, simplifying the process for them and ultimately arriving at a beneficial agreement. While we always strive toward productive and amicable negotiations and mediations, we are unafraid to see cases through to trial thanks to our years of experience in litigation, concluded Pica. Our honesty and stellar reputation have allowed us to build this family law practice on a healthy amount of referrals, even acquiring clients from other attorneys.

About Derek A. Pica, the Law Firm of Derek A. Pica, PLLC

Derek A. Pica is a member of the Idaho State Bar and U.S. Federal Court. Practice areas of the Law Firm of Derek A. Pica include helping through divorce, prenuptial agreements, child custody and visitation, walking through child support, child support modifications, guardianships and conservators, wills and trusts and probate. For more information, please call (208) 336-4144, or visit http://www.picalawfirm.com. The law office is located at 199 N. Capitol Blvd., Suite 302, Boise, ID 83702.

About the NALA

The NALA offers small and medium-sized businesses effective ways to reach customers through new media. As a single-agency source, the NALA helps businesses flourish in their local community. The NALAs mission is to promote a business relevant and newsworthy events and achievements, both online and through traditional media. For media inquiries, please call 805.650.6121, ext. 361.
We believe that childhood experiences like this can change a childs whole perspective of the world  perhaps even inspiring them toward greater life goals. We hope our entire community rallies to help us...show them that we care about their lives...

ProVest Insurance Group unveils the latest charity campaign in their innovative community involvement program serving the families of south Florida. In collaboration with the Make A Miracle Foundation, the agency has initiated a fundraiser aimed at providing at-risk local students with an opportunity to experience the magic of Christmas for the first time. Compassionate members of the community may contribute here.

Life is not easy in the neighborhood served by Martin Luther King School. Children grow up alongside drugs and violence, making it difficult to prevent the continuation of a cycle which seems normal to them. Many have never experienced a truly carefree Christmas. But the Make A Miracle Foundation is on a mission to change all that and show these kids that beauty, kindness and joy exist in the world. The Fort Lauderdale Christmas Pageant is a highly-anticipated event which the organization is determined to have these 2nd - 5th graders attend on December 1st.

Jay Adkins, the owner of ProVest Insurance Group, said, We believe that childhood experiences like this can change a childs whole perspective of the world  perhaps even inspiring them toward greater life goals. We hope our entire community rallies to help us provide the transportation needed to take these deserving kids to this fun event and show them that we care about their lives and their futures.

ProVest has made it easy for everyone to support the cause by pledging to donate $10 for every person referred to the agency for a no-obligation quotation. Readers who wish to stand up for a joyful Christmas and brighter future for the students at Martin Luther King School may have donations made in their name by submitting recommendations of family and friends here.

Meanwhile, the agencys dedicated team has created an online social media and email awareness campaign to promote the initiative, as well as featuring it in this months issue of their community magazine. Our Hometown is a vibrant print and digital publication which is delivered monthly to thousands of households in south Florida. The electronic version of current and archived issues may be enjoyed at http://www.provestinsurance.com/magazine.

ProVest has made an ongoing commitment to positively impact the communities they serve by vigorously seeking out and supporting local worthy causes. Concerned community members are welcome to submit ideas for future campaigns by visiting http://www.provestinsurance.com/Submit-A-Community-Cause_25. Readers may learn about past campaigns at http://www.provestinsurance.com/community-cause and are invited to bookmark the page for future reference.

About ProVest Insurance Group

ProVest Insurance Group is an award-winning full-service insurance provider serving families with integrity from offices in Florida, Texas and North Carolina. Their mission is simple: to provide the finest insurance and financial services in the industry, while delivering consistently superior service. Jay Adkins and his team of caring professionals believe in protecting all the things which are most important to clients (their families, homes, cars and more), as well as preparing strategies enabling long-term financial success. Their dedicated experts may be reached by calling 855-298-7427. To learn more about the agency, please visit http://www.provestinsurance.com/.
Rows of Scarecrows can be found at the Community Orchard located in Fort Dodge, Iowa. This has become a favorite community activity each year for businesses, non-profits and families to join in.

As part of the Apple Fest Celebration, the Scarecrows are on display for visitors to enjoy as they wander the 50 acres of apple trees, pumpkins, corn maze, Back 40 Playground as well as enjoy delicious lunches, pies and other goodies in the Apple Market and Apple Orchard Cafe.

C&S Products, a local company world known for their production of wild bird feeding products was awarded the First Place in the Business Division for their company Scarecrow.

"Our C&S Products Event Planning Team put together a scarecrow for the Community Orchards, Inc. Scarecrow contest," states Katie Conell, spokesperson for the Event Planning Team. "This was a fun, creative way to show our face within the community! Saturday the Orchard announced that our scarecrow won 1st place! The 1st place prize was lunch for 25 people, obviously that is not enough to feed the entire C & S Family, so the event planning team decided to donate the lunch to the Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center here in Fort Dodge. I encourage you all to take a trip out to the Orchard & see him in real life!"

DSAOC (Domestic/Sexual Assault Outreach Center) mission is to offer safety, support and hope to adult and child victims of sexual assault and domestic violence,violent crime and loved ones of homicide victims, because all people deserve a violence-free life and a compassionate community. The DSAOC covers 20 counties in providing these services.

The Community Orchard is located on 50 acres along the Des Moines River at 2237 160th Street, Fort Dodge, IA. Additional information is available by calling at 888-573-8212, emailing to orchard(at)frontiernet(dot)net and online at http://www.communityorchard.com. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Linkedin. #ThisIsFortDodge
MACH37 This round of funding will allow Virgil to further accelerate the market adoption of our technology, expand our developer evangelism and sales team, and allow us to extend our technology into additional vertical markets.

The MACH37 Cyber Accelerator is pleased to announce that Virgil Security, Inc., an application security company that provides easy-to-use cryptographic software for developers, has closed a $4 million Series A investment round. The funding round is led by KEC Ventures, a venture firm founded by Jeff Citron, founder of Island ECN, Datek Online and Vonage. Additional investors include Bloomberg Beta, Blu Venture Investors, Charge Ventures, NextGen Venture Partners, Sparkland Capital, and Working Lab Capital. Individual investors include Ray Rothrock, noted cybersecurity investor, Matt Grimm, recently with Mithril Capital Management, and members of Baltimore Angels, Dingman Center Angels, and Panther Angels.

Virgil Security turns every developer into a cryptographic expert. Our cloud-based key management services in conjunction with our open source libraries provide every developer with password-free authentication, encryption, and cryptographic verification that can be seamlessly integrated into any organizations products, said Michael W. Wellman, CEO and co-founder of Virgil Security. This round of funding will allow Virgil to further accelerate the market adoption of our technology, expand our developer evangelism and sales team, and allow us to extend our technology into additional vertical markets. We welcome our new investors and look forward to benefiting from their insights and expertise as we continue developing next generation application security products.

Founded in May 2014 and headquartered in Manassas, Virginia, Virgil Security joined the MACH37 Cyber Accelerator and is a graduate of the Fall cohort session in 2014. Since graduating from the accelerator program, Virgil has received national recognition for their end-to-end encryption and key management capabilities for their customers. Earlier this year, Virgil and Twilio, a cloud-based communications platform, announced a partnership that enables developers to seamlessly integrate Virgils end-to-end encryption capabilities into Twilios messaging services.

MACH37 is extremely proud of Michael and the team at Virgil as they have continued to expand upon their mission that they set forth during the first week of our program in 2014, said Rick Gordon, MACH37 Managing Partner. Virgils team is composed of world class cybersecurity experts who have displayed the creativity and vision that are absolutely critical when developing tools to thwart the next wave of information security threats.

About Virgil Security

Virgil Security makes every software developer a cryptographic expert. With Virgil Securitys platform, every developer can build cryptographic features, including end-to-end encryption, passwordless authentication, and cryptographic verification of data, devices, and identities, into their products, with no cryptographic training, often in just minutes. Founded in 2014, Virgil Security is headquartered in Manassas, Virginia, with offices in Kiev, Ukraine.

To learn more about Virgil Security, please visit VirgilSecurity.com and follow the company on GitHub, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

About MACH37

MACH37 is the premier accelerator for information security entrepreneurs and startups. We go beyond the traditional model of typical business accelerators by bringing our innovators focused mentorship and support from our extensive network of visionaries, practitioners, buyers, and successful entrepreneurs in security. Our Spring and Fall sessions are designed to propel graduating companies into the marketplace, equipped with the skills to grow and compete for funding and market share. MACH37 was launched in 2013 by the Center for Innovative Technology, in Herndon, Virginia. To learn more, please visit http://www.mach37.com and follow @MACH37cyber on Twitter.

About the Center for Innovative Technology

Since 1985, CIT, a nonprofit corporation, has been Virginias primary driver of innovation and entrepreneurship. CIT accelerates the next generation of technology and technology companies through commercialization, capital formation, market development and revenue generation services. To facilitate national innovation leadership and accelerate the rate of technology adoption, CIT creates partnerships between innovative technology start-up companies and advanced technology consumers. To learn more, please visit http://www.cit.org and follow CIT on Twitter @CITorg.

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Andrews McMeel Publishing and Simon & Schuster Canada will publish two new books by Rupi Kaur, whose poetry collection Milk and Honey has sold more than half a million copies. The two publishers share world English rights.

We could not be more thrilled to continue our relationship with Rupi and to bring her transformative poetry and prose to the world via two new publications, Kirsty Melville, publisher and president of Andrews McMeel, said in a statement. It is particularly exciting to look forward to the future today, as we recently celebrated the first anniversary of the publication of Milk and Honey."

The first book of poetry, currently untitled, in the two-book deal is set to publish in the fall of 2017. The deal was brokered by Suzanne Brandreth of The Cooke Agency.

Milk and Honey, also published by Andrews McMeel, has remained on the New York Times bestseller list for twenty-five consecutive weeks, and has sold well in the U.K., India, Australia, and New Zealand. Foreign rights have been sold to China, Korea, Italy, Spain, and Germany. Melville said there are over one million copies of the book in print.
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What this years Heartland Fall Forum, held Oct. 5-7 in downtown Minneapolis, lacked in bookseller attendance, it made up for in their enthusiasm.

This years joint trade show of the Midwest Independent Booksellers Association and the Great Lakes Independent Booksellers Association drew 280 booksellers from 69 MIBA stores and 29 GLIBA stores, 238 exhibitors staffing 72 booths and tables, and 160 authors to The Depot, a 19th-century train station that has been converted into a conference hotel complex.

While HFF 2016 was not that much smaller than the 2015 show, which was held in Chicago, hosted by GLIBA, and drew 297 booksellers, there was a 31% decline from 2014s show, which was also held at The Depot, hosted by MIBA, and drew 408 booksellers. There was much speculation on the reasons for this years lower attendance, with many suggesting that BEA being held in Chicago this year, coupled with Winter Institute 12 coming to Minneapolis in January, might have siphoned booksellers from HFF. Some booksellers, however, reported that business has been so good this fall, they just cant take much time away from their stores. Left Bank Books co-owner Kris Kleindienst told PW that, although she came to the show, the St. Louis store is hosting so many major author appearances this month, that she feels bad about being here. They need me at the store. But, she added, it is as essential for her to attend the show as it is to schedule store events. It sustains us; it keeps the conversations between authors and their publishers and us alive. It amplifies what we do, she said.

Other booksellers PW spoke to also emphasized that meeting authors at the regional show is to them just as important as checking out publishers newest offerings -- and that the authors at Heartland fully delivered.

You read a book and say, unh hunh, Mary Gehring of The Bookshelf in Batesville, Ind. said, But you come to this and you hear the authors speak, you hear their passion. You want to read the book and you really want to sell it, [because] you think, I have this person and that I can [handsell] this book to. Gehring was especially enthusiastic about Douglas Preston, one of the four author dinner speakers, who related his adventures in the Honduras jungle in the writing of The Lost City of the Monkey God: A True Story (Grand Central, Jan.).

Booksellers also raved about the four childrens author breakfast speakers, who included Eric Litwin with his guitar, who led booksellers in a raucous, fist-pumping sing-along of his latest picture book, Groovy Joe: Ice Cream and Dinosaurs (Scholastic, Sept.).

That was the funnest breakfast Ive been to, Kate Scott of Dragonfly Books in Decorah, Iowa said afterwards, I loved seeing the authors do what they actually do [at author events]. If you can entertain adults like this, kids must go nuts.

HFF organizers tweaked the schedule this year: education sessions took place on Thursday morning, followed by an afternoon/early evening trade show, with concurrent rep pick sessions throughout the day. On Friday, the floor was open only in the morning, followed by a moveable feast with 40 authors and an afternoon of more education. HFF concluded with an evening reception featuring 18 authors signing copies of their books. This schedule seemed to have had some impact on the floor's energy: it was quiet on Thursday, but bustled on Friday. Many booksellers reported that they liked having time to reflect before making orders, but some felt that splitting it into two half-days made for a drawn-out show.

There didnt seem to be one single book this year that appealed to such a diverse crowd of booksellers, including a dozen new and prospective booksellers, ranging from Debra Cotterman, who is opening WORDS at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport in December to Bob Dubrow, who moved to Duluth, Minn. last year from southern Minnesota to open Zenith Books in a gentrifying area of the city; after building renovations are completed, the store will open in July 2017.

"If BEA is like a big family reunion, Heartland is like a big family Thanksgiving dinner," noted Zsame Morgan, who intends to open Babycakes' Book Stack, a childrens bookstore in downtown St. Paul, in the spring. "It was more intimate, more personal. I enjoyed spending time talking with my fellow booksellers and meeting my publisher reps. The trade show floor was easier to negotiate, yet there was still a sense of this large, supportive community that I also experienced at BEA. There were so many wonderful books. I loved meeting the authors and hearing about their writing process; it really brings the books alive."

Next years Heartland Fall Forum returns to Chicagoland. It will be held once again at the Westin Lombard in Lombard, Ill. Oct. 11-13, 2017 and GLIBA will host.
If everything is better with bacon, and if wine makes everything better, than what happens when you have wine with bacon? The mind boggles. Since your boggled brain will now be unable to pick wines with this dish of bacon-wrapped pork chops, we have choices for you.

MAKE THIS

BACON-WRAPPED PORK CUTLETS

Prepare a grill for indirect, medium heat. Rub 4 boneless pork chops (each about 1 1/2 inches thick) with your favorite Southwest-style seasoning blend. (You will need about 2 tablespoons.) Wrap each cutlet in bacon to cover. (You will need 12 slices bacon, about 1/2 pound.) Let rest 10 minutes. Grill chops until cooked through (155 degrees) and bacon is crisp, about 6 minutes per side. Makes: 4 servings

Recipe by Bill Daley

DRINK THIS

Pairings by sommelier Rachael Lowe of Spiaggia, as told to Michael Austin:

2013 Supernatural Spook Light Skin-Fermented Pinot Gris, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand: Pinot gris is a pink grape varietal, so when it is skin-fermented, it extends a beautiful pink hue to the wine, as well as additional texture. With aromas of red cherry, red currant, macerated strawberries and a slight minerality, this wine's ripe texture and slight tannin will stand up well to the richness of the bacon, while still being light enough to accommodate the pork.

2010 Giorgio Odero Frecciarossa Pinot Nero, Oltrepo Pavese, Lombardy, Italy: From a tiny-production winery in a region known for sparkling wines, this is a lovely representation of Italian pinot noir. Aged in (smaller) oak barriques for 12 months before release, this wine shows notes of brambly raspberry, smoke, violets and spice. The slight tannin will cut through the bacon fat, while the smoke will complement the meats and spice in the Southwest seasoning.

2012 Hedges Family Cuvee Marcel Dupont Syrah, Red Mountain, Washington: This wine is an homage to the family of one of the owners, who grew up in Champagne, France. A wonderful cross between New World and Old World styles, the wine's aromas of blackberry, plum, black currant, leather and black pepper come together well. The wine's texture is rich enough to stand up to the spices and meatiness of the bacon while not overwhelming the pork.
Reports of battery fires first prompted a round of recalls and then exchanges for what the company said were safer devices. Then Samsung was forced to junk the huge phone-bordering-on-tablet altogether after reports that the replacement phones were causing fires too. All of the major U.S. mobile carriers halted sales and trade ins.

So what's a Note 7 owner to do? Here are some answers to common questions:

___

I HAVE ONE OF THE REPLACEMENT PHONES. DO I REALLY NEED TO STOP USING IT?

Absolutely. The multiple investigations into replacement units catching fire and the fact Samsung has pulled the plug on the model should tell you something.

In addition, South Korean safety authorities said Tuesday that they may have found a new defect that may not be related to the batteries.

If you insist on using a Note 7 until obtaining a replacement, don't plug it in at night at your bedside, and don't give it to your kids. Use it at your own risk.

___

HOW BAD HAVE THE FIRES BEEN?

Social media is filled with pictures of smoldering phones. While dramatic, these occurrences are far from common. But you don't want to become the next headline.

Michael Klering of Nicholasville, Kentucky, says his replacement Note 7 caught fire while he was sleeping last week. The fire scorched a nightstand and filled his house with smoke that he says has caused his family to suffer breathing problems.

And when U.S. regulators announced their recall of the original Note 7s last month, they cited 92 reports of the batteries overheating in the U.S., including 26 reports of burns and 55 of property damage. The property damage included fires in cars and a garage.

___

DID I JUST WASTE NEARLY A THOUSAND DOLLARS ON THE NOTE 7?

Samsung has been slow to release specific information on the replacement phones. Its initial recall offered owners a refund, a replacement Note 7 or another Samsung phone such as the Galaxy S7 with a refund of any difference in price.

While the replacement phone isn't an option anymore, the offer of a refund or another model of Samsung phone still stands. All major U.S. carriers are also letting customers switch to another manufacturer's phone.

Customers who exchange a Note 7 for another Samsung product also get a $25 in the form of a gift card, in-store credit or bill credit from select carriers or retailers.

___

WHAT ABOUT ACCESSORIES?

It depends on the carrier. T-Mobile and AT&T, for instance, are giving full refunds on accessories.

Some Samsung gadgets, such as its Gear Fit2 fitness tracker, will work with other Android phones. The Gear VR virtual reality headset requires a recent Samsung phone, though.

___

I'D LIKE TO STICK WITH SAMSUNG. WHAT'S AVAILABLE?

The Galaxy S7, which came out in March, doesn't offer the same huge screen as the Note 7, but it has many of the same features. Notable exceptions are the Note 7's iris scanner and pen.

Samsung's Galaxy S8 is expected in February or March, making the S7 feel old already. Even older is last year's Note 5 (there was no Note 6).

It's unlikely that Samsung will try to push out the S8 earlier to fill the gap, as the company is dependent on parts that might not be ready until next year.

___

COULD OTHER PHONES CATCH FIRE?

Given consumer demand for batteries that are more powerful, last longer and charge faster, it's a little surprising that Note 7 is the only phone catching fire these days.

Not that long ago, some laptop batteries were going up in flames too.

The Note 7 is still being dissected by tech experts for Samsung and the government. They may find that the problem isn't with the battery at all.
Today is Wednesday, Oct. 12, the 286th day of 2016. There are 80 days left in the year.

1866 -- 150 years ago: Rock Island Commercial college will go into operation in the Island City Hall on Monday.

1891 -- 125 years ago: Messrs. C.F. Lynde, Thomas Laflin and Frank Tindall left on a hunting trip to South Dakota.

1916 -- 100 years ago: The automobile of J.M. Carney was recovered in Davenport after it had been stolen from in front of the Illinois theater.

1941 -- 75 years ago: The Alpha Club held a Halloween party at its meeting after school today.

1966 -- 50 years ago: The Argus, which this week is observing National Newspaper Week along with other newspapers throughout the United States, today announced completion of an extensive remodeling project involving 4,260 square feet of floor space and a cost of approximately $100,000

1991 -- 25 years ago: To publicly burn or not to publicly burn. That is the burning question facing the Rock Island City council. The council on Monday gave preliminary approval to a proposed leaf-burning ban on public property when Mayor Mark Schwiebert cast the tie-breaking vote on the staff recommendation.
Matthew's death toll in the U.S. climbed to 30, half of them in North Carolina, in addition to the more than 500 feared dead in Haiti.

In Greenville, a city of 90,000, officials warned that the Tar River would overwhelm every bridge in the county by sundown, splitting it in half before the river crests late Wednesday. Evacuations were ordered there and in such communities as Goldsboro and Kinston, as rivers swelled to some of the highest levels ever recorded.

Tens of thousands of people, some of them as much as 125 miles inland, have been warned to move to higher ground since the hurricane drenched the state with more than a foot of rain over the weekend during a run up the East Coast from Florida.

An angry Gov. Pat McCrory asked people to stop ignoring evacuation orders and driving around barricades on flooded roads: "That is unacceptable. You are not only putting your life danger, you are putting emergency responders' lives in jeopardy."

In the hard-hit town of Lumberton, along the bloated Lumber River, sporadic looting was reported, and a North Carolina trooper searching for people trapped by the floodwaters killed a man who confronted officers with a gun Monday night, police said.

Authorities gave few details, but McCrory said the shooting happened in "very difficult circumstances," adding: "Tension can be high when people are going through very, very emotional circumstances."

In Lumberton, patience was wearing thin.

Ada Page, 74, spent two nights sleeping in a hard plastic folding chair at a shelter put together so hastily there were no cots and people had to walk outside in the back to use portable toilets. She complained she didn't even have her children's telephone numbers with her.

"I left at home all my clothes, everything. The only thing I have is this child and what I was driving," said Page, who was with the 8-year-old granddaughter she takes care of.

The full extent of the disaster in North Carolina was still unclear, but it appeared that thousands of homes were damaged. Many likened Matthew to Hurricane Floyd, which did $3 billion in damage and destroyed 7,000 homes in North Carolina as it skirted the state's coast in 1999.

McCrory said thousands of animals drowned, mostly chickens on poultry farms, and he was deciding how to dispose of the carcasses safely.

The flooding extended to South Carolina, where 150 people had to be rescued Monday from the tiny town of Nichols, downstream from Lumberton. On Tuesday, some residents returned in boats to survey the damage.

Also flooding were the Neuse River, which reached a record crest in Goldsboro on Tuesday, and the Tar River, which threatened Princeville, a town founded in 1865 by freed slaves and destroyed by Floyd's flooding 17 years ago.

After that, the river flows into Greenville, where Danita Lynch wasn't taking any chances. She helped her 59-year-old mother load nearly all her belongings into a box truck and get to higher ground.

"We decided to pack her up yesterday. The water is right across the street," Lynch said.

East Carolina University in Greenville canceled classes for the rest of the week for its more than 28,000 students.

Mary Schulken, the school's executive director of communications, said that as the Tar began flooding over the weekend, she had to move her 98-year-old mother and her belongings out of her retirement community next to the river.

"She was fearful, upset, anxious, and when she's that way, I'm that way," Schulken said. "I know that is a personal experience that is being repeated and has the potential to be repeated many times over in this community."

Not everyone was obeying the evacuation order.

Angie Hamill was still serving drinks Tuesday afternoon at the Players Retreat Bar next to the river in Greenville. Brown muck from Floyd could still be seen above the chair rail, though the water wasn't forecast to rise quite that high this time.

The gambling machines and an ATM were removed from the bar to keep them safe.

"We don't have any games, but we have beer and we have soda," Hamill said, "and as long as I can keep it cold, we'll be OK."
Vice president during Clinton's husband's eight years in the White House and a longtime environmental activist, Gore served as a closer for Clinton on climate change as the Democratic candidate seeks to appeal to activists and to young people, who consider this a key issue.

"The choice in this election is extremely clear. Hillary Clinton will make solving the climate crisis a top national priority," Gore said, before issuing a strong warning about Republican Donald Trump. "Her opponent, based on the ideas that he has presented, would take us toward a climate catastrophe."

Gore's history with Florida, the ultimate swing state, lent extra weight to his appeal to get out and vote. Gore won the popular vote in the 2000 presidential election, but lost the presidency to George W. Bush after a lengthy Florida recount and a shocking Supreme Court decision.

"Your vote really, really, really counts," he told the crowd, which responded by chanting, "You won!"

Clinton, meanwhile, vigorously emphasized her plans to develop more clean energy, reduce fossil fuel production and build more weather-resistant infrastructure. She also continued her attacks on Trump, who has called climate change a "hoax" and said he would renegotiate the Paris Climate Agreement, an international treaty designed to curb the rise in global temperatures.

"We cannot risk putting a climate denier in the White House," Clinton said.

During the primary contest against progressive Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, Clinton offered clean energy plans and came out against the Keystone XL Pipeline, which is opposed by environmentalists.

"Climate change is one of the issues where the difference between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump is night and day," said Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon. "For many of the core supporters we are seeking to galvanize in the remaining weeks of the campaign, including young voters, communicating the boldness of her plan is important."

At the rally was Miami Dade College student Adam Demayo, 24.

"Every beach I go to is polluted," said Demayo, a former Sanders supporter who said he is reluctantly voting for Clinton. "My children are going to, like, die. I want to dedicate my life to saving the planet."

The world is on pace for the hottest year on record, breaking marks set in 2015, 2014 and 2010. It is about 1.8 degrees warmer than a century ago. Scientists have also connected man-made climate change to deadly heat waves, droughts and flood-inducing downpours.

Gore explored global warming in his 2006 documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth."

Despite Clinton's promotion of energy policies aimed at lessening climate change, there has not always been unanimity among her campaign aides about how strong that support should be. A series of hacked emails released Tuesday by WikiLeaks sheds more light on the campaign's discussions. The Clinton campaign has neither confirmed nor denied the authenticity of the released emails.

A message released Tuesday by WikiLeaks from Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta's hacked email account shows some aides were not totally on board with Clinton's promise in June 2015 to raise fees on companies involved in oil exploration and fossil fuel production on federal land.

Clinton had broached the idea at her campaign launch in June 2015, but raising energy royalties could be politically explosive in western states where oil and gas firms have spent billions of dollars on extracting fuels.

In July 2015, campaign speechwriting director Dan Schwerin told Podesta in an email that "I think we're going to have to make peace with our fossil fuels royalties, since she's already promised that."

On July 15, 2015, Clinton said she wanted to raise fees and phase out fuel extraction operating on public lands, but warned it could not be done quickly.

The hacked emails also show a discussion on how Clinton could show her opposition to the Keystone XL pipeline. Clinton originally said she shouldn't take a position on the issue, because she didn't want to interfere with the Obama administration as it considered whether to approve the project.

By August 2015, Clinton had decided to oppose it and the campaign discussed how to proceed. Wrote Schwerin on August 7, 2015: "We are trying to find a good way to leak her opposition to the pipeline without her having to actually say it and give up her principled stand about not second-guessing the president in public."

Other emails in September 2015 show a discussion about making her position known in an op-ed column. But Fallon weighed in with concerns that such a move would look like "cynical political maneuvering," and suggested letting the information leak out after a meeting with labor leaders.

Clinton announced her opposition during a town hall in Iowa later that month, in response to a question from the audience.
LES CAYES, Haiti (AP)  People throughout Haiti's devastated southwest peninsula formed makeshift brigades Tuesday to clear debris and try to regain some semblance of their pre-hurricane lives as anger grew over the delay in aid for remote communities more than a week after the Category 4 storm hit.

A community group that formed in the southern seaside community of Les Anglais began clearing tree limbs from streets and placing them into piles while others gathered scraps of wood to start rebuilding homes destroyed by Hurricane Matthew.

Carpenter James Nassau donned a white construction helmet as he rebuilt a neighbor's wall with recycled wood, hoping to earn a little money to take care of 10 children, including those left behind by his brother, who died in the storm.

"My brother left five kids, and now I've got to take care of them," he said. "Nobody has come to help."

The scene repeated itself across small seaside and mountain villages dotting the peninsula, where people pointed out helicopters buzzing overhead and questioned why they haven't received any help.

Israel Banissa, a carpenter who lives near the small mountain town of Moron, said a Red Cross assessment team stopped outside his village to ask people questions but didn't leave any supplies.

"There's no aid that's come here," he said as he sawed wood to help rebuild his home and dozens of others. "I don't think they care about the people up here."

The U.N. humanitarian agency in Geneva has 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. Some 175,500 people remain in shelters.

The National Civil Protection headquarters in Port-au-Prince raised the official nationwide death toll to 473, which included at least 244 deaths in Grand-Anse. But local officials have said the toll in Grand-Anse alone tops 500.

Those who survived the storm still faced great challenges, including going days without food.

Elancie Moise, an agronomist and director for the Department of Agriculture in southern Haiti, said between 80 to 100 percent of crops have been lost across the southern peninsula.

"Crisis is not the word to describe it," he said. "You need a stronger word. It is much worse. There is no food for people to eat."

Food was slowly reaching remote communities, but there was also a growing need for medical supplies.

In the western seaside village of Dame Marie, patients with festering wounds lay silently on beds at the main hospital waiting for medicine a week after the storm hit.

Among them was Beauvoir Luckner, a cobbler and farmer who walked 12 kilometers (seven miles) in three days after a tree fell on his house, crushing his leg and killing his mother. The leg might have to be amputated, but all doctors can do is clean his wounds because the hospital has run out of everything, including painkillers.

"There's no water, no antibiotics," Dr. Herby Jean told The Associated Press. "Everything is depleted. ... We hear helicopters flying overhead, but we're not getting anything."

Meanwhile, Luckner lay on a mattress with no sheets, a bandage wrapped around his left leg.

"It took a lot of misery to get here and now that I'm here, there's still misery," he said.

Concern also was growing about an increase in cases of cholera, which has already killed roughly 10,000 people and sickened more than 800,000 since 2010.

Dr. Dominique Legros, a top cholera official at the World Health Organization, said Tuesday that the agency was sending 1 million doses of cholera vaccine to Haiti and that safe drinking water and treatment of those affected by the disease were top priorities.

Speaking to the U.N. Security Council, the U.N. envoy for Haiti, Sandra Honore, said the health impact of Hurricane Matthew "cannot be overestimated."

Already fragile water and sanitation infrastructure has been severely damaged, resulting in the absence of drinking water and "a very high level of infections from diarrheal disease, including, but not exclusively, cholera," Honore said.

She said hundreds of suspected cholera cases have been reported, and "we are already seeing the first deaths."

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told reporters in New York on Monday that a "massive response" was needed to help Haiti emerge from the storm's aftermath. He noted that crops and food reserves were destroyed and that at least 300 schools have been damaged.

"At least 1.4 million people need assistance at this time," he said. "These numbers and needs are growing as more affected areas are reached. Tensions are already mounting as people await help."
Another 26 people were wounded in the attack on Sakhi Shrine in the city's western suburbs, the largest such shrine in Kabul, Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said.

The dead included 13 civilians and one policeman, while three police officers were wounded, according to Sediqqi.

Contrary to earlier reports of three gunmen, Sediqqi said only one gunman was involved in the attack. He was shot dead by police.

The attack took place as Shiites gathered ahead of Wednesday's Ashoura, a holy day of mourning that commemorates the death in 680 AD of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Imam Hussein.

Kabul police had warned Shiites against large gatherings as attacks were expected. Lt. Gen. Gul Nabi Ahmadzia, the commander of the Kabul garrison, told The Associated Press on Monday that he had received credible reports that Ashoura activities would be targeted and called for Shiites to hold the ceremonies "within limits."

Shiites make up an estimated 15 percent of Afghanistan's population of around 30 million people. Most Afghan Shiites are ethnic Hazaras. Militant Sunni fundamentalists such as the Taliban and the Islamic State group view Shiites as apostates and frequently attack Shiite mosques and public gatherings.

A July suicide bomb attack in central Kabul that targeted a public demonstration by Hazaras against discrimination killed at least 80 people and wounded more than 200.

In 2011, at least 54 people were killed when a suicide bomber detonated his device at another Kabul shrine where hundreds of people had gathered. A Shiite mosque in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif was hit at the same time, leaving four dead.
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.
CALDCs Halloween Celebration A Real Treat! The Central Astoria LDCs 7th annual Batty Over Halloween Celebration held on Sunday, October 23rd was a real treat for everyone who came out. Despite...

Meng Brings NASA Astronaut To Queens On October 17, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) brought NASA astronaut Dr. Jonny Kim to Queens where he met and spoke with students at Francis...

Celebrating Columbus The Federation of Italian-American Organizations of Queens (FIAO) held their annual Columbus Day parade in Astoria, on Saturday, October 8, during Italian Heritage Month. The...
24-piece Shiny Bungee Bobbles by Valerie is rated 4.4 out of 5 by 50 .

Rated 5 out of 5 by brandywine49 from Best decorating accessory! These bungies are terrific !! They make decorating railings with garland a snap. I have several sets and recommend them to friends. Sturdy and easy to use!

Rated 2 out of 5 by pebbles997 from Too short for banister to hold garland I purchased specifically to hold my garland on my stairway railings. Would not even begin to wrap around the wood, much too short. Very disappointed. Sending back. Probably would make nice napkin rings

Rated 5 out of 5 by yolo from more than I expected These little things were such a help at Christmas time. Used them to hold garland on my railing and to hang stockings. They looked so cute nestled in the garland. i'm sure I will find many more uses for the next year. And you get so many! would like to recommend different size "bobbles" for different uses.

Rated 5 out of 5 by cher326 from Awesome! I bought several boxes of these and shared with my sisters. They sent me photos and text about how much they loved hanging garland and various xmas decor with the Bungee Bobbles. I used them to hold garland around my frt yard light pole and my garland on my deck.Cannot wait to stock up again next year. LOVE THESE!

Rated 5 out of 5 by hollywoodbeachgoer from Total time saver I waited until I actually decorated my bannister before posting review. These were a total time saver! I have heavy garland to hang and was a bit hesitant that the bungee would not hold-but to my surprise and delight they did! Used a few to attach oversized decor to the garland as well and with my "candy" theme the red bobble tied in perfectly. Great invention, simple to use but mostly saved me time and energy this year! Thanks Valerie! Try to make some "oversized" ones for larger things too!

Rated 1 out of 5 by vml from Will Not Extend Around Bannisters I see that I'm in the minority, but I wish I hadn't purchased these. I wanted them to use on the bannister inside to hold my garland in place, and also on the outside railings to hold light cords in place. These do NOT extend far enough to go around either of these things and I think it was wrong to make that claim. Mine are going back.

Rated 4 out of 5 by MrsLucky from Very Helpful These are a great idea! The "bobbles" are a little cheap but they serve a purpose and they are sturdy - holding my garland (safely) on bannister. I would re-order if I would need more. The bobbles are really not showing much on my garland anyway.
"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
Wiener Linien awarded Bombardier a 431m contract in June 2015 to supply 119 vehicles and maintain the fleet for 24 years. The contract includes an option to supply and maintain a further 37 vehicles.

The 34m-long five-section vehicles will accommodate up to 211 passengers. The interior layout has been developed in consultation with disability groups and accessibility will be improved with an entry floor height of 215mm and two wheelchair spaces with adjacent seats for accompanying passengers. The trams will also accommodate up to eight pushchairs and there will be parent-and-child seating areas.

Testing of the first vehicles is due to begin in early 2018 and following acceptance by Wiener Linien the fleet will enter revenue service from late-2018 onwards.

The fleet will be maintained at Wiener Linien depots and Bombardier will employ its FlexCare maintenance management system which is designed for integration into existing maintenance processes.
DENMARK's landmark signalling renewal programme will achieve a major milestone in January 2016: the start of supervised live trials on the first section of Copenhagen's S-Bane network using communications-based train control (CBTC).

In total 61 trains have been fitted with onboard systems for the trials on the 25km early deployment line between Hillerd and Jgersborg which will provide the testing ground for Siemens' Trainguard TM train control, and Sicas electronic interlocking and switch machines.

Siemens secured a 252m contract for the complete 170km network rollout including 25 years maintenance in September 2011. Despite delays with security safety approvals pushing back the start of the trials from the end of October, the sight of trains utilising semi-automated train operation based on CBTC will provide further physical evidence that Banedanmark's bold programme is finally bearing fruit.

Discussions over the most effective strategy to replace Denmark's ageing and piecemeal signalling network date back to 2005-06, when the decision was made to tear up the rule book and start again by replacing the network's entire signalling infrastructure.

Mr Morten Sndergaard, the signalling programme director at Danish infrastructure manager Banedanmark, says this radical decision was extremely uncommon in the signalling industry and has resulted in much of Europe keeping a close eye on what Banedanmark is doing.

Inevitably the Danish government, and taxpayers, have been paying similarly close attention, particularly during the early stages as the tendering procedure progressed. In addition to the S-Bane renewal, the project includes the complete upgrade of Denmark's 2132km main line network to ERTMS Level 2 Baseline 3 with the total project budgeted at DKr 24.9bn ($US 3.75bn) at 2009 prices.

The scale of these projects is not lost on Sndergaard, who describes the signalling contracts as the single biggest that Europe, and probably, the world has ever seen. As a result, he says there was significant emphasis on developing a tender that was informed and transparent and would provide Banedanmark with the best opportunity to deliver value.

"There were a lot of talks with the industry about what we would like to do," Sndergaard says. "We were clear from the beginning that we need to specify within what is available because the problem lies that if you specify something that does not exist you get into development and we wanted to avoid that."

The project offers an obvious opportunity to deliver economy of scale yet Banedanmark was keen to avoid a situation where only one or two companies were capable of bidding. While the prestige of winning such a large ETCS rollout would keep suppliers interested, Sndergaard says it soon became apparent that only two were capable of realistically delivering a nationwide rollout. Competition was critical to keeping the tender viable and costs down. As a result the ETCS element was divided into two separate contracts covering east (800km) and west (1200km) sections of the network, with only one contractor able to win a single contract.

The approach was a success with five bidders coming forward for the CBTC and onboard deals and six submitting firm offers for the ETCS contracts, including four suppliers with no previous references in the Danish signalling market. Two of these ended up securing the ETCS contracts including 25 years' maintenance in January 2012; Alstom netting the east section in a 300m deal, and a joint venture of Thales and Balfour Beatty Rail securing the 400m west contract. Alstom is also supplying its Atlas system for 789 rail vehicles used by 41 operators in the onboard systems contract worth 200m which was awarded in March 2012, while two operations control centres are under development for the east and west networks.

Sndergaard says this approach to stimulating intense competition helped Banedanmark to secure contracts that came in DKr 5bn under budget, with particular savings on the mainline deals, and reinvigorate a market which had traditionally been dominated by Bombardier and Siemens.

"The novelty is not really anything to do with signalling," Sndergaard says. "We are not doing anything out of the ordinary, we are buying the latest version of ETCS, but other than that it is pretty standard. The novelty lies in the way we packaged it and the way we bought it. The signalling industry is an uncompetitive industry which is tied up by rules and regulations so suppliers who are active in a specific market have a tie-in with the buyers. We managed to unleash that tie and get a real market situation."

Sndergaard reports that progress on the projects is steady. He says that with the plans for the projects now two to three years old some things are inevitably happening in a different order than previously thought. In addition, some suppliers shortened the timeframe to complete certain elements of the project and are now struggling to meet their revised timelines due to the new EU directive on Common Safety Methods and Risk Assessment (CSM RA) that came into effect in 2013. However, he says that the S-Bane deployment remains on schedule for completion by 2018, two years earlier than planned at the start of the project, and the main line contracts by 2021.

Early deployment

The current emphasis of the project is on equpping the early deployment lines. While Siemens is in the final stages of preparing for S-Bane trials, Alstom and Thales-Balfour Beatty are in the process of installing equipment on their respective early deployment projects.

For the east contract this consists of the Roskilde - Kge - Nstved line on Zealand, with supervised trial operations currently on schedule to begin in May 2016, and full operation to start in the second half of 2017. In the west, the Langa - Frederikshavn project in northern Jutland will be delivered in two phases: the single-track Lindholm - Frederiskhavn section by the start of 2018, and the Langa - Lindholm section by April 2018. Supervised trial operation will commence in October 2016.

Sndergaard says that the early deployment lines are the testing ground for the suppliers' systems with subsequent rollouts much more straightforward. They are also critical to Banedanmark's approach to rolling out ETCS. Unlike projects in Sweden and Britain where ETCS has been installed on an initial pilot project before tendering for further lines, the pilot is in effect part of the contract.

"When they finish they say let's do some more, and then go out to tender again and face the risk of someone else winning the contract, he says. "If that happens where did all the experience go? Of course the infrastructure manager has the experience, but that's only half of it. So we said that if you win the contract you have to do the early deployment line first and you have to prove that it works before you do the rest."

He adds that in the case of the east and west contract awards, Banedanmark has avoided a situation where the project will stall if the contractor comes up short. Alstom and Thales-Balfour Beatty both have an option on the corresponding contract, and Sndergaard says that both are now watching each other closely to make sure this does not happen.

"It was probable that if one of the bidders was cheaper on one contract, they would be cheaper on the other," Sndergaard says. "We decided that the cheapest offer would secure the east contract and the next cheapest would secure the west. So in Alstom's case, they won the east contract but would have to provide a price for the west as an option. If Thales does not succeed here, we now have the option to immediately call in Alstom. And it is the same for Thales. It is a good idea because if one contractor fails, you always have the problem of what to do."

With multiple contractors assigned to deliver what is in effect a single signalling system it is essential they guarantee that their respective systems interface with one another. Inevitably all decisions have a knock on effect and Sndergaard says this is the major challenge of delivering this project.

"It is not as easy to say, you do this, I'll do this, and then we can do this," Sndergaard says. "A decision taken in the west can suddenly change the time plan for educating and re-educating all the train drivers in Denmark. If you look at what is difficult, it is not the technical solution. The safety approval is difficult. The approval process is new to us and new to the supplier, and we will get there, it just takes a lot of time."

Another challenge is delivering the onboard systems. The first version of Baseline 3 is currently at Banedanmark's test lab and several infrastructure items are going through safety approvals. However, installation on some of the trains is proving more difficult because the variations between each train are greater than initially envisaged. There is also the problem of the limitations of the system to deliver what Banedanmark is demanding. While Alstom has been assigned to deliver Baseline 3, what Banedanmark requires is more akin to the outline of Baseline 3.5 such as online team management and GPRS.

Denmark was a late adopter of GSM-R for onboard communications with the wayside infrastructure recently completed following the award of a contract to Nokia Siemens Networks and Ramboll in 2010, and onboard system deployment currently underway. However, unlike early deployments on high-speed lines with few stations where a single channel was adequate, using this solution in urban areas at large stations is unsustainable because of capacity constraints. GPRS is considered the solution although Sndergaard admits this is not ideal as it is now old technology. "The problem is that the ERTMS specification uses that," he says.

Benefits

While ETCS will offer greater reliability and punctuality by eliminating the failures and breakdowns associated with the old infrastructure by an estimated 80%, Sndegaard admits that the operational benefits are negligible. The existing national ATP system is largely based on Siemens' ZUB 100 platform from the 1990s and offers high capacity on many of the network's key lines.

Instead the true benefits are found in the new system's capability to support an advanced scheduling system.

This is effectively an overlay of both suppliers' ETCS systems with each contractor invited to submit a bid to use their system across the entire network. Banedanmark chose Alstom's solution which was developed in cooperation with the University of Bologna and is based on similar intelligent diagnostics systems used in Switzerland.

However, unlike these small-scale applications, every train and every component is included so the signalling system knows exactly what is happening across the entire network. The system will benefit Banedanmark by allowing it to prioritise traffic and offer greater driving efficiency, which will reduce energy costs and improve service punctuality. The system is able to immediately recalculate the timetable in the event of a failure or problem, providing drivers with a very precise driving curve which is constantly updated as new information becomes available.

Sndergaard says this is one of the upsides of changing the entire system and will establish Banedanmark as the first railway in the world to have an intelligent link to all of its components.

"When our traffic planners understood what was possible from this system, all their dreams came true," Sndergaard says. "The point is that a human being can maybe handle four or five factors at a time, and that is considered a lot. This system can handle thousands of factors and can even come up with different suggestions of what you may want to do."

Sndergaard says that deploying a mature version of the scheduler on the early deployment projects makes little sense and the plan is to ramp up its capabilities as the project progresses.

While it is designed to sit on top of Thales' system and take an imprint, the scheduler will not be used for the S-Bane. As it is utilising moving-block CBTC the network will effectively become a semi-automatic system with drivers only responsible for opening and closing doors, Sndergaard says a similar concept was not considered a priority for this project. He also ruled out complete automation at this stage.

"Driverless operation on the S-Bane would require a lot more investment in the infrastructure and would probably require new trains," Sndergaard says. "The Siemens system has something like this, automated catch up, but it is not as sophisticated as the scheduler because operation on the S-Bane is much simpler."

While the signalling project is certainly proving challenging, and even daunting, for Sndergaard the alternative to a complete renewal is not even worth considering. The finishing line may still be six years away but Banedanmark's continual work to patch up its existing signalling network offers a stark daily reminder of how difficult any alternative policy may have been.

With the emphasis now on mending and not replacing the existing network, Banedanmark, armed with its meticulous approach to planning this huge project, believes it is on the right path to delivering a more reliable and better performing network. And with testing now just around the corner, the first real signs of this will be evident next year.

"There is not a single moment when we say we should have done it differently," Sndergaard says. "Everywhere we go we talk with people and they are trying to build a new system on top of an old interlocking system. They are running into the same issues as us but are not getting the same benefits."
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For Release Wednesday

October 12, 2016

A United States military strategy based primarily on an ability to deploy troops anywhere it feels necessary will face heightened costs and risks in critical regions by 2025, owing to other nations' improved abilities to deny the U.S. access, according to a new study by the RAND Corporation.

Anti-access and area denial are the two biggest threats to the United States' ability to project its military forces. Anti-access is the ability of a nation to keep the armed forces of another from entering its territory. Area denial tends to prevent an entity from operating in an area of tactical distance.

Because of the increased availability and declining costs of militarily important technologies such as computers, networking and global positioning, potential adversaries are developing and fielding long-range sensing, targeting and precision strike capabilities, according to the report.

Since the end of the Cold War, the United States has been able to use military force wherever and whenever it chose to do so, but as anti-access and area denial systems become more sophisticated, they are going to affect the ability of U.S. military forces to place troops into a specific country or region, said Terrence K. Kelly, lead author of the study and a senior operations researcher at RAND, a nonprofit research organization.

The RAND study examines the motivations, technology and economics behind the adoption of anti-access and area denial capabilities. It considers why anti-access and area denial is so hard and costly to counter and whether the erosion of U.S. force projection capabilities is unavoidable. It also looks at how such countries as China, Russia and Iran might deploy these capabilities.

The report recommends the U.S. military adopt a strategy based on improving its anti-access and area denial capabilities to increase the costs and risks for would-be regional aggressors, in cooperation with willing allies and partners. This strategy would require allies and partners to be more involved in their own defense against capable nations. Force projection would remain important, but would no longer enjoy the central place it currently holds in U.S. military policy.

In conjunction with a revised approach to using force, the U.S. military also should use power to coerce capabilities to deter regional intimidation and low-grade aggression by imposing economic and political costs on those who threaten the U.S. and allied interests.

The study, Smarter Power, Stronger Partners, Volume I: Exploiting U.S. Advantages to Prevent Aggression, can be found at www.rand.org. Other authors include David C. Gompert and Duncan Long.

Research for the study was sponsored by the U.S. Army Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff, G-8, Army Quadrennial Defense Review Office and conducted within the RAND Arroyo Center's Strategy and Resources Program. RAND Arroyo Center, part of the RAND Corporation, is a federally funded research and development center sponsored by the U.S. Army.
Immediately after leaving the CEO and GM position at Spains Tres60, Giovanni Rier has been recruited by Mexicos Televisa.





The Spanish production and distribution house announced last week that Rier was stepping down , but no reason was given. Now Televisa has appointed him as new sales VP, reporting directly to Ricardo Perez Teuffer, corporate VP for commercialisation.Rier had been Grupo Tres60s CEO and general manager for the last three years, focusing on business diversification and the international expansion of the company. Before that, he worked at Publitalia 80, Frances La Cinq, Publipolska and Publiespana.Riers proven experience and future view will strengthen Televisas commercial strategy, contributing to consolidate the multi-platform marketing focus, said Jose Baston, president, TV and content, Grupo Televisa.The appointment is effective immediately, and his former role in Grupo Tres60 has already been filled by Juanjo Garcia (new CEO) and Arturo Rodriguez (general manager).
In a move that could enhance considerably its online video subsidiarys capability to monetise its platforms video transactions, Google has acquired the FameBit marketing platform.





FameBit began life nearly three years ago with the mission to simplify influencer marketing and make it easy for brands of any size and budget to find and work with what the company identified as influential content creators. The company now believes that the roster of creators and brands that it has built up makes it the leading self-service marketplace in the branded video space.The companys founders David Kierzkowski and Agnes Kozera say that they couldnt be happier to announce that their company had been acquired by Google. Explaining what the acquisition will mean, they said: Every day we see more brands grow, transform and build closer connections with customers, while helping creators turn passion and influence into successful careers ... FameBit will continue to work just like it has and will remain a standalone operation for now. Were excited to continue helping brands and creators succeed in an even bigger way. With Googles relationship with brands large and small, and YouTubes partnership with creators around the globe, we hope to connect even more brands to creators, engage more audiences, and make brand marketing more creative and authentic than ever.For its part, Google sees the move as furthering YouTubes plans to help creators connect with brands. The online video juggernaut says that every year more and more brands are making YouTube essential to their marketing strategy and that in the last year alone, the top 100 advertisers have increased them spend on YouTube video ads by 50%.Google also believes that its relationship with brands and YouTubes partnerships with creators, combined with FameBits technology and expertise, will help increase the number of branded content opportunities available, bringing even more revenue into the online video community.As brands continue to embrace the value of YouTube, theyre also taking their investments one step further, partnering with creators on branded content opportunities such as product placements, promotions and sponsorships, said Ariel Bardin, VP of product management.As we look to the future, we want even more creators and brands to come together and realise the benefits of these creative collaborations. Creators will always have the choice in how they work with brands, and there are many great companies who provide this service today. This acquisition doesnt change that. Our hope is that FameBits democratised marketplace will allow creators of all sizes to directly connect with brands, as well as provide a great technology solution for companies like MCNs and agencies to find matches for their creators and brand partners.
New York court sets $1 million bail for Russian woman charged with extortion

MOSCOW, October 12 (RAPSI)  A court in New York has set a $1,000,000 bail for Svetlana Travis (Zakharova), a Russian citizen who is charged with attempted extortion from New Yorks ex-governor Eliot Spitzer, RIA Novosti reported on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, the criminal case against Travis was heard in a Manhattan court. Bail was set after prosecutor told the court that defendant may leave the United States. Lawyer of Travis, on the other hand, claimed that his client has no reason to leave.

Consulate General of the Russian Federation in New York reportedly closely follows the situation.

In February, Travis claimed that Spitzer attacked her in a luxurious hotel and left for Russia afterward, New York Daily News reported. Spitzer denied all accusations and later filed a lawsuit against Travis on the grounds of claims of common law fraud, fraudulent inducement and unjust enrichment. The lawsuit was dropped two months later.

Travis was arrested on Monday shortly after her return to the country. She is also a defendant in another criminal case. According to New York Daily News, in addition to extortion charges, Travis has been charged with forgery as well.

Allegedly she used personal data of a 67-year-old man from New Jersey to rent an expensive apartment. Reportedly the victim learned about the situation only when collecting agency started calling him back.
Russian court bans Jehovahs Witnesses branch in Jewish Autonomous Region

MOSCOW, October 12 (RAPSI)  A court in the Jewish Autonomous Region has ruled to ban a branch of The Jehovahs Witnesses in Birobidzhan because of distributing extremist literature by the organization, according to the courts website.

A lawsuit seeking prohibition of the local religious organization The Jehovahs Witnesses has been filed by the Main Department of the Ministry of Justice of the Khabarovsk Krai and Jewish Autonomous Region.

According to the Ministry, facts of keeping and distribution of extremist materials were revealed in 2015 and 2016. Leaders of The Jehovahs Witnesses were held administratively liable; the organization was formally noticed about inadmissibility of carrying out extremist activity.

The defendants representative, committee chairman of The Jehovahs Witnesses in Birobidzhan, has not admitted plaintiff's claim.

The ruling may be appealed in the Supreme Court of Russia.

Jehovahs Witnesses have had many legal problems in Russia.

On June 16, Russias Supreme Court declared The Jehovahs Witnesses of Stary Oskol in Belgorod Region an extremist organization and ruled to liquidate it.

On June 9, the Jehovahs Witnesses of Belgorod was banned as extremist organization.

In March 2015, a court in Tyumen fined the organization 50,000 rubles ($800) and seized prohibited literature.

In January 2014, a court in Kurgan ruled to ban the organizations booklets as extremist. The books talk about how to have a happy life, what you can hope for, how to develop good relations with God and what you should know about God and its meaning.

In late December 2013, the leader of the sects group in Tobolsk, Siberia was charged with extremism and the prevention of a blood transfusion that nearly led to the death of a female member of the group.

In 2004, a court in Moscow dissolved and banned a Jehovahs Witnesses group on charges of recruiting children, encouraging believers to break from their families, inciting suicide and preventing believers from accepting medical assistance.

Jehovah's Witnesses is an international religious organization based in Brooklyn, New York. Since 2004 sever branches and chapters of the organization were banned and shut down in various regions of Russia.
Detention of defendants in Culture Ministry embezzlement case extended

MOSCOW, October 12 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko)  The Lefortovsky District Court has extended detention of three defendants in the criminal case over embezzlement of budgetary funds allocated for restoration of cultural heritage objects, RAPSI learned from the courts press-service on Wednesday.

The court has extended detention of head of the Center of restoration Oleg Ivanov and head of BaltStroy Dmitry Sergeyev until December 15. Businessman Nikita Kolesnikov will remain in jail until February 16.

On August 25, Director of the Culture Ministrys department of property management and investment policy Boris Mazo has pleaded guilty to embezzling 100 million rubles ($1.5 million) allocated for restoration of cultural heritage objects.

According to his attorney Alexey Kupriyanov, Mazo made a plea deal with investigation. Such agreement involves giving evidence against accomplices, in accordance with the law.

Earlier, Deputy Minister of Culture Grigory Pirumov, director of the Ministrys department of property management and investment policy Boris Mazo, head of the Center of restoration Oleg Ivanov, head of BaltStroy Dmitry Sergeyev and the companys manager Alexander Kochenov, businessman Nikita Kolesnikov, head of a state-owned Directorate for construction, reconstruction and restoration Boris Tsagarayev and project manager of companies Stroykomplekt and Baltstroy Vladimir Svanbek have been arrested and put in detention in the so-called case of restorers. Kochenov was released from jail and put under house arrest in June.

Moreover, the court ordered seizure of assets belonging to Mazo and Pirumov.

The defendants stand charged with embezzlement of more than 100 million rubles (about $1.5 million). The investigation has presumably started basing on a report by the Auditing Chamber on restoration of the Izborsk Fortress in the Pskov region presented yet in 2013; however, it may also involve such cultural heritage sites as the State Hermitage in St. Petersburg and the Novodevichy Convent in Moscow, as well as works carried out at the Ivanovsky Convent in Moscow, and a theater in Pskov.
Seizure of Ukrainian billionaire Grigorishins paintings upheld

MOSCOW, October 12 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko)  The Moscow City Court has upheld seizure of paintings belonging to Ukrainian businessman Konstantin Grigorishin, who allegedly evaded hundreds of millions of rubles in taxes, the courts press office told RAPSI on Wednesday.

As reported earlier, Grigorishin has already paid out about 100 million rubles as part of the case against him.

Russian investigators claim that from 2009 to 2010, Grigorishin failed to pay taxes worth 674 million rubles ($10.9 million) on "PIK Sozidanie", the company he owns. However, the total debt is equal to 916 million rubles ($14.7 million) including fines and penalty, according to investigation.

The businessman has been put on the international wanted list and arrested in absentia.

In 2015, Forbes ranked Grigorishin as leading river ship owner in Ukraine with a $1.1 billion fortune. According to the magazine, despite the fact that the billionaire was born in Zaporozhye and most of his assets are in Ukraine, he is a Cyprus national and does not have a Ukrainian passport.

Meanwhile, Grigorishin faces a criminal indictment not only in Russia, but in Ukraine as well. Earlier, Ukraines Interior Minister Arsen Avakov announced that several criminal cases had been opened against the businessman.
Russian student charged with pushing for jihad and terrorism goes on trial

MOSCOW, October 12 (RAPSI)  A student from Russias Ivanovo region will stand trial on charges of making online calls for jihad and terrorism, the regional prosecutors office announced on Wednesday.

Investigators claim that in August 2014, the woman student posted freely available online videos containing justification of terrorism and calls for participation in terrorist activity and jihad. She has pleaded guilty in full.

According to the regional Investigative Committees Directorate, video clips published by the accused were declared extremist and included on the federal list of extremist materials in 2014.

The case has been forwarded to the Moscow District Military Court for hearing. If convicted, she could face up to 5 years in prison.




Moscow court revokes seizure of Russian ex-governor Belykhs property

MOSCOW, October 12 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko)  The Moscow City Court has overturned seizure of assets owned by the Kirov region ex-governor Nikita Belykh, who stands accused of taking a large scale bribe, RAPSI learnt in the courts press service.

The court ruled to remand the case for a new trial.

Earlier, attorney Vadim Prokhorov told RAPSI that a lower court had ordered seizure of a land plot, one third of Belykh familys apartment and other property acquired long before the defendants assignment to position of governor. Therefore, items of property could not be considered as assets gained through crime.

Belykh has been officially charged with taking EUR 400,000 in bribes. Investigators in cooperation with the Federal Security Services (FSB) officers arrested him on June 24 in a Moscow restaurant while he was allegedly accepting EUR 150,000, the third part of the bribe, according to Investigative Committee spokesman Vladimir Markin. Moscows Basmanny District Court ordered detention of Belykh.

The defendant has pleaded not guilty.

On July 28, President Vladimir Putin removed Belykh from his post of governor because of loss of trust.




Theres far more at stake in the pending merger between Elon Musks two high-profile, heavily taxpayer-subsidized solar-based companies, Tesla Motors Inc. and SolarCity Corp., than a simple business deal. And, despite the fact that those involved cite a pending lawsuit by Tesla shareholders challenging the merger as the primary reason for the delay in the shareholder vote to approve the merger that was announced months ago, it is likely that Musk himself may be orchestrating the delay while he, and we, await the results of the elections in November.

It is common knowledge that both Tesla and SolarCity benefit from  indeed, owe their existence to  government support and funding at all levels of government. Providing tax credits, property and sales tax moratoriums, tax rebates, and outright grants to companies like Tesla and SolarCity offers politicians, from the President of the United States down to local school board members, the platform from which to trumpet their support for green energy and to burnish their environmental credentials.

Few businessmen have been as successful at milking this system as Musk, who serves as chairman for both Tesla and SolarCity and CEO for Tesla. Although he has been careful to avoid direct, decision-making involvement in pushing Tesla to approve the merger with SolarCity (whose CEO is a cousin of his), his support for the deal is well known; and he is hardly alone in this endeavor.

George Soros, a fellow Big Government advocate, has helped out as well. A Soros-controlled hedge fund last month pumped $305 million into SolarCity to help keep the company -- which possesses an ability to burn through cash that would make Uncle Sam envious  afloat in the interim.

The proposed merger with SolarCity comes at a difficult time for Tesla, which is having problems preparing for the much-anticipated and costly launch of its next-generation electric car  the Model 3. And, while investor confidence in Musk personally remains high at least for now, serious questions have been raised about the true economic benefit to Tesla of a merger with SolarCity. Just last week, for example, Goldman Sachs announced it was downgrading Tesla shares from buy to neutral. SolarCity remains a poster boy of a debt-heavy company.

But red flags by financial pundits are unlikely to deter Musk from continuing to press for the merger. A merger between electric car-producer Tesla and SolarCity, which leases solar panels to residential and commercial customers, would create for the next President and the 115th Congress that convenes in January, a perfect opportunity to launch a new, taxpayer-funded experiment in funding green energy infrastructure.

This has long been a bipartisan playing field. It was, after all, the Republican-controlled Congress that last December extended the 30% tax credit program that has served as SolarCitys lifeline since the company was formed a decade ago. Clearly, however, if Hillary Clinton rather than Donald Trump is sworn in as the countrys 45th President next January 20th, the financial benefits to pro-government businessmen like Musk and Soros will almost certainly be larger by orders of magnitude. The icing on that cake will be if the Democrats capture a majority in the next Senate, a result that at this point appears to be an even-money bet.

In this environment, Musk needs to do two things; both of which he appears already to be doing. He needs to buy time for the Tesla-SolarCity merger; ensuring that adverse publicity does not derail it, and hope that the pending lawsuit by Tesla investors -- which Musk already has publicly scoffed at as a diversion  is dismissed. At the same time, he needs to do what he can to make sure Trump  a fellow businessman but no apparent friend of green subsidies (other subsidies, yes)  is not elected. Its no surprise that, while Musks political donations over the last several years during which he has enjoyed phenomenal financial success have been fairly evenly split between Republican and Democratic candidates, this year he is strongly backing Clinton.

Uncle Sams involvement in subsidizing energy programs is hardly new; dating back nearly 75 years to the Manhattan Project during WW II that launched the Nuclear Age. What is new is the size and depth of such incentives, and the manner in which they are skewing the energy market place in favor of solar energy products used not by the masses but by the few, and which balloon the bank accounts of their already-wealthy benefactors.

The Tesla-SolarCity merger thus becomes in a very real sense, a bellwether for the future of this unholy alliance between government and green energy companies for which profit is always the light at the end of a very long tunnel.
Russia is looking to expand its military presence and has its eye on Cuba and other Latin American countries. Russia has made several inroads in Cuba on several fronts, including nuclear energy, repairing trains and air traffic control technology. But experts question whether Cuba would allow the Russian government to open a military base on the island as it could be seen as a threat to the United States at a time when the island nation is seeking better relations with its larger northern neighbor.
Moscow doubles down because its hand is often weaker, and, thus, they must demonstrate resolve. If you tell them to stop bombing hospitals, they will bomb two the next day. If you threaten a war crimes investigation, they will hit civilians with abandon to show international law has no coercive power. Point being, you are going to get far more people killed than you are liable to save with best intentions. This is an element of Russia's leadership that our policy community fails to appreciate, its spiteful resolve and capricious escalation. They are playing by a different set of rules.
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According to a French newspaper, what is being described as the first successful ISIS drone attack has killed or wounded at least four. The attack occurred earlier this month and used a UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) to engage Kurdish and allied French soldiers. The attack took place near the town of Dohuk, north of Mosul near Highway 2, killing two Peshmerga fighters and badly wounding an additional two para commandos of France's CPA 10. Air Parachute Commando n 10 is one of the units attached to their Special Operations Command, COS (Commandement des Operations Speciales), with personnel deployed to Iraq as part of Task Force Hydra.

The attack occurred on October 2nd, although word of it did not immediately reach media sources until yesterday. According to Le Monde, the UAV, reportedly about the size of remote control airplane, exploded when it hit the ground. The two injured commandos and an undisclosed number of other French SOF personnel from the 1 RPIMa (1er Regiment de Parachutistes d'Infanterie de Marine) were evacuated from the area after the attack. It has not been reported if this was due to additional casualties, pending follow-up attack, operational risk assessment, or concern for the weapon's payload (remember, it has only been a couple of weeks since ISIS used a blister-mustard agent against US troops). The two Air Commandos were transported back to the Percy-Clamart military hospital in France, where at least one of them is reportedly in critical condition.

It is not known if Kurdish forces suffered any WIA (Wounded In Action) during this attack. Secretary General Jabbar al-Yawar of the autonomous Kurdish region confirmed the attack, but gave few details, telling Reuters, It seems it was booby-trapped.

ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham, also known as ad-Dawlah al-Islamiyya filAraq wa-Sham) has utilized UAVs before, but this is the first known to have been used in a casualty-causing attack.

Task Force Hydra is comprised of an unknown number of French troops who are operating alongside and mentoring Peshmerga forces as part of Operation Chammal, the French portion of CJTF-OIR (Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve). 1RPIMa is a Naval special operations formation with an airborne reconnaissance and special action mission. They are also tasked with counter-terrorism missions. Like most French SOF formations, 1 RPIMa has conducted numerous combat operations against ISIS in various locations over the last few years, including Mali (cover image, photo credit AFP) and Niger (below, unknown photo credit, courtesy OPEX360).

The Peshmerga have been aggressive in their operations against ISIS, according to some much more so than conventional forces of their nominal Iraqi allies. The Kurds and Iraqis, who are uneasy partners at best, have had an increasingly contentious relationship as the former enjoys increasing success in liberating ISIS-held territory. As recently as six weeks ago Iraqi and Kurdish politicians were arguing publicly about the Kurdish advance. Fearing the Kurds would sieze and hold formerly sovereign Iraqi territory, Iraq Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi called for the Kurds to halt their attacks in the region, even if they help the Iraqi Army.

Le Monde and the Grey Cell Information Network both noted that the UAV had been intercepted by the French and Kurdish forces, and that it exploded when it hit the ground (the size and nature of the UAV was not revealed). According to reports, as well as the two wounded CPA 10 para-commandos up to a dozen French special forces soldiers from the (1 RPIMa) were evacuated' following the incident, though it is unclear if this was because of injuries sustained or as a precaution against further such attacks.
The Safer Sex Ambassadors program is on a mission to let University of Georgia students know about the important sexual health topics they may have missed out on in high school.
A hearing for the case between Georgia Attorney General Sam Olens and University of Georgia professor Dezso Benedek, originally scheduled for Tuesday morning in the Fulton Superior Court, was postponed after the death of Olens father.
This image released by IMAX shows a scene from "Voyage of Time," by filmmaker Terrence Malick, opening in IMAX theaters on Friday. (IMAX via AP)

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By JAKE COYLE, AP Film Writer

NEW YORK (AP)  About 20 years ago, Andrew Knoll, a professor of natural history and NASA consultant, was sitting in his office at Harvard when he got a strange phone call.

"The person on the other end of the line said, 'My name is Terry Malick. I'm interested in making a film about the history of life. I'm going to be in Cambridge next month. Could we have lunch?" Knoll recalls. "I must admit, it was probably halfway through lunch when it just dawned on me: 'Hey, this guy made "Badlands.'''"

Malick, who never does interviews or public appearances, is perhaps the movies' most secretive filmmaker and for years, the project was the subject of whispers and rumor. Meanwhile, as he was churning out films like "The Tree of Life" and "The Thin Red Line," Malick was quietly and persistently pursuing a long-held dream of seemingly impossible ambition: to make a movie about life as we know it.

But on Friday, Terrence Malick's "Voyage of Time" will finally land in IMAX theaters, which will open their doors to perhaps the strangest combination of children on science field trips, cinephiles and stoned college students ever assembled. They will find a film of vast majesty that welcomes all comers with open arms.

"Dear child," the opening scroll begins. "Today you're going to watch a movie that shows the story of the universe. From the birth of stars, to modern cities glowing in the night. You will always be moving forward in time. The movie goes so far as to include yourself, whenever you examine a little rock, or a leaf. You and they, as you will see, belong to the same story."

For a filmmaker who has always been animated by a profound and inexhaustible sense of wonder, "Voyage of Time" is perhaps Malick distilled down to his essence. There's no story except for the elemental marveling and metaphysical quest that make the backbone of the director's other films. ("The Tree of Life" memorably widened its scope of a Texas family to include the universe and dinosaurs.)

The film's basis is in science (Knoll served as chief science adviser) but it's told with a poetic rapture at the miracles and mysteries of life. The 45-minute film, narrated by Brad Pitt, travels from the Big Bang to today, merging the personal with the universal, filled with awe for "every atom, every particle blazing."

"It was one of the first things Terry and I ever spoke about when we met 14 or so years ago. He started talking about this idea he had and he had a little bit of footage he'd happened to shoot when some celestial event happened," says Sarah Green, a regular producer of Malick's. "Terry's mind is enormous. When he said that I thought, 'Yeah, of course. It's Terry. He can encompass so much.'"

The film was made with a mix of shooting around the globe with IMAX cameras, footage gleaned from the Hubble telescope, re-creations and a sizable amount of digital effects of prehistoric times that were overseen by Dan Glass ("The Matrix," ''Batman Begins"). Malick occasionally met with Knoll and other scientists to go over the chronology and evolutions.

"It's this history and theoretical future seen through the eyes of one of our greatest artists," says Green. "I think it can play day and night, absolutely. We have a G rating. There's nobody who can be kept out of it. But there's obviously some very mature thinking."

A 90-minute version narrated by Cate Blanchett where the journey is a little less guided will also be released sometime next year. But "Voyage of Time: The IMAX Experience" will play like a science documentary in IMAX's museum network, in aquariums and science centers.

Malick's film had been a known project for years at IMAX but it wasn't until a few years ago that it began coming together. Greg Foster, chief executive of IMAX, had been interested in finding new life in the exhibitor's legacy business of nature documentaries through less traditional films. After a call from Malick, he flew out to meet him in Austin, Texas, and see the movie.

"I won't pretend, there aren't some bucket-list realities to this. There aren't a lot of opportunities to work with Terrence Malick. He doesn't make a lot of movies," says Foster. "And when he does, and he makes one that's designed for our format, you have to ask yourself if it's too good to be true."

The film will remain in IMAX theaters for months if not years.

"It's not going to change much over the next 30 years in terms of the world," says Foster. "It's the kind of thing that's going to stick around. We won't know how this movie is doing for six months."

Like most of Malick's movies, "Voyage of Time" is as lofty as it is basic, immense as it is intimate, spiritual as it is scientific. When preparing the film, Malick shared with producers an Albert Einstein quotation that guided the entire enterprise:

"The most beautiful thing we can experience is the mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. He to whom the emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand wrapped in awe, is as good as dead - his eyes are closed."
FILE - In this April 24, 2001 file photo, a Bureau of Printing and Engraving employee checks one dollar bills at the plant in Washington. When the bills are due, more young blacks and Latinos feel like they cant turn to Mommy, Daddy or even Grandma to help them out of financial trouble than whites or Asians, according to a new Associated Press poll. (AP Photo/Hillery Smith Garrison, File)

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By JESSE J. HOLLAND and EMILY SWANSON, Associated Press

WASHINGTON (AP)  More young blacks and Latinos feel that they can't depend on family to help them with financial needs, from big-ticket items like college tuition to smaller expenses, than do whites or Asians, according to a new GenForward poll.

And more than half of millennials overall say an unexpected bill of $1,000 would cause them financial difficulty, a sign that young Americans are still struggling years after the end of the recession, according to the poll released this week.

This information comes from a new GenForward survey of young adults conducted by the Black Youth Project at the University of Chicago with The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. The first-of-its-kind poll pays special attention to the voices of young adults of color, highlighting how race and ethnicity shape the opinions of the country's most diverse generation.

An assist from parents or family gives some young Americans a secure financial foundation, allowing them to leave college with little or no debt, to purchase a home, to begin investing or planning for retirement and to establish good credit. The ability to take advantage of generational wealth may be a reason why minorities think whites have a better chance of getting ahead financially. Most young adults think whites have at least some advantage in getting ahead economically, including 77 percent of blacks, 76 percent of Asians, 70 percent of Latinos and 58 percent of whites.

Michael Summers, 30, of Indianapolis, Indiana, who is black, said it would be out of the question for his parents to give him a small loan, much less a larger one.

"My mom is retired and on a fixed income, and while she would try, there's probably no way for her to come up any extra money," said Summers, who has been unemployed for a while but is about to start work in janitorial services. "I wouldn't even try to ask for something like a down payment for a house or something like that."

If they had to pay an unexpected bill of $1,000 or more, half of young whites, or 50 percent say they would have a lot of difficulty coming up with the cash, while majorities of young African-Americans, 59 percent, and Latinos, 64 percent, also said they would have problems coming up with the money. Asian-Americans were the least likely to say they would have a lot of trouble, at 39 percent.

But nearly two-thirds of whites and Asian-Americans said it was at least somewhat likely that their families could help them pay. Almost half of Hispanics  46 percent  thought they might be able to get that much money from their families, while only 42 percent of African-Americans said they would be able to ask their families for $1,000.

At Howard University, a historically black university in the District of Columbia, several students said they think they would be able to get money from their parents if they were truly desperate, but would feel bad for even asking.

"I don't want to ask," said Aliyah Hale, 19, of Los Angeles, who is attending Howard on scholarship. "I have kind of reservations about asking my parents for too much money, but if I desperately needed it, it would be available."

Darien Pierce, 19, of New York City, also said his parents could come up with the money but only for emergencies. Not everyone is as lucky, he said.

"There are a lot of people who can afford to do things like that," Pierce said as he hurried to class "There are also a lot of students' parents who can't afford to do things like that. Most of my friends' parents, it would hurt their pockets, but I also know some people whose pockets it wouldn't hurt. It's different for everyone."

The numbers get worse when the expenses get higher, according to the poll.

Close to half of young Asian-Americans and whites, but less than a third of Latinos or African-Americans, said their families might be able to help them pay tuition or pay off a student loan.

If they needed help with the down-payment on a house, only about a third of young Asian-Americans and whites say it's at least somewhat likely their families could help. The numbers are worse for blacks and Latinos, with only about a quarter saying their parents would be able to help them with a down payment for a house.

Despite all of this, larger numbers of minorities say they will have a better life than their parents. Sixty-eight percent of Latinos and 63 percent of young blacks and Asian-Americans think it's at least somewhat likely that their generation will have a better life than their parents' generation. Almost half of whites, 49 percent, think they will have a better life than their parents.

___

The poll of 1,851 adults age 18-30 was conducted Sept. 1-14 using a sample drawn from the probability-based GenForward panel, which is designed to be representative of the U.S. young adult population. The margin of sampling error for all respondents is plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.

The survey was paid for by the Black Youth Project at the University of Chicago, using grants from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation and the Ford Foundation.

Respondents were first selected randomly using address-based sampling methods and later interviewed online or by phone.

___

Online:

GenForward polls: http://www.genforwardsurvey.com/

Black Youth Project: http://blackyouthproject.com/

AP-NORC: http://www.apnorc.org/
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By The Associated Press

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP)  A religious 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 Islamic State 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 organization during his conversation and reported him to the crew.

The organization says it is calling federal authorities to hold Southwest Airlines accountable for its actions against Makhzoomi.
Record Searchlight file photo

Joshua McCormick makes an appearance in Shasta County Superior Court in 2014. McCormick was found dead in his prison cell Tuesday morning and his cellmate is under suspicion for murder.

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Anderson inmate dies in prison

A Shasta County man serving a 150-year sentence for murder was found dead in his cell at Mule Creek State Prison in Ione on Tuesday morning.

Joshua McCormick, 36, of Anderson, was found unresponsive in his cell about 6:30 a.m. The prison staff was unable to revive him, and McCormick was pronounced dead at 7:33 a.m.

McCormick was in prison since May 2014, serving a sentence of 150 years to life with the possibility of parole for three counts of first-degree murder and one count of attempted first-degree murder.

Officials with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation said they are investigating McCormick's death as a possible homicide. Prison officials named McCormick's cellmate, Brandon Dean, 35, as a suspect.

In May 2014, McCormick pleaded guilty to the Oct. 25, 2013, murders of Tommy Burton, 65, and Michael Forsyth, 57, both of Ingot, and the Nov. 3, 2013, murder of Eric Ratledge, 31, of Redding.

McCormick also pleaded guilty to the attempted murder of Kenneth Leeman Edwards, 23, who was McCormick's cellmate at Shasta County Jail.

Union, county reach impasse

The union representing about 1,000 Shasta County workers announced Tuesday it has reached an impasse in contract negotiations with the county.

The United Public Employees of California, Local 792, said it has held numerous bargaining sessions since negotiations began earlier this year, but it has been unable to reach an agreement with county representatives on many issues, including pay.

"We have an unusually large number of unresolved issues," said Steve Allen, UPEC's lead negotiator, in a news release issued by the union. "All of our issues are about unfair treatment of the employees by the county."

Allen said the California Public Employee Relations Board has assigned a mediator to meet with both negotiating teams to try to break the deadlock.

The first mediation session is set for Oct. 19.

Montague man found dead

The Siskiyou County Sheriff's Office said they found the body of a missing hunter who was last seen Friday morning.

Search teams found Donald Nylund, 66, about 11:20 a.m. Monday on a hill in the area Desavado and Cod roads, about seven miles due east of Interstate 5 in the Hornbrook area near the Oregon border.

He'd gone missing Friday after leaving his home in Montague. deputies said.

Medics pronounced Nylund dead where he was found. Evidence in the area suggested Nylund was involved in some kind of accident with the all-terrain vehicle he'd brought with him for the hunt, deputies said.

An autopsy is scheduled for this week, according to the sheriff's office.

"This was a very tragic end to the search effort conducted by our search-and-rescue team, California Highway Patrol and other agencies," Sheriff Jon Lopey said.

Deputies ask anyone with information on Nylund's activities between Friday and Monday to call 841-2900.

Police: Parolee hits man with car

A Redding parolee hit a man in the leg with his car while drunk and impaired on opiates after unsuccessfully trying to buy drugs from the man, Redding police said Tuesday.

Officers at 8:10 p.m. Monday responded to a report of a reckless driver in a trailer park near the 1100 block of Lake Boulevard, just south of Oasis Road. Before they arrived, however, the attacker left in a dark green car, police Cpl. Brian Cole said.

At the park they found Dustin Clemens, 36, of Redding with a leg injury. Clemens told police that James Nolen, 47, of Redding tried to buy drugs from him.

Clemens told police he was upset by the request, saying he doesn't sell drugs. The two argued, Cole said.

Nolen became "irate" and tried to run over Clemens with his car, Cole said. He hit Clemens on the leg with the car, rammed a parked car and tried to back over another person trying to get a photo of his license plate, police said.

As police were investigating, Nolen returned to the park, where he lived, and admitted he tried to run over Clemens while drunk and impaired on prescription opiates, Cole said.

Police took Nolen to Shasta Regional Medical Center to sober up. They then booked him into Shasta County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, hit and run and drunken driving.

Nolen was already on parole for evading police, Cole said.

Free flu shots at Red Bluff drive-thru

The Tehama County Public Health Department will offer a free drive-thru flu clinic for seasonal flu shots from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday.

The drive-thru will be at the main parking lot at the Tehama District Fair grounds on 650 Antelope Blvd., Red Bluff. For any additional questions about the event, call the Tehama County Health Services Agency Public Health Division at 800-655-6854.
Stroud

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By Jim Schultz of the Redding Record Searchlight

A 32-year-old Redding man may learn next month whether he'll be ordered by a Shasta County Superior Court judge to stand trial on charges he provided alcohol to a 13-year-old girl and raped her.

Matthew Lee Stroud, arrested Sept. 18, is charged with 10 felonies, including rape of an intoxicated victim, lewd and lascivious acts with a child and using a minor as a model for the creation of child pornography.

The crimes occurred on or around Sept. 15, according to the criminal complaint.

Stroud has denied the charges and is awaiting his Nov. 2 preliminary hearing while in Shasta County Jail in lieu of $885,000 bail.

According to a Redding Police report, Stroud went to the Redding police station on Sept. 18 after a family member encouraged him to turn himself in after learning of his alleged crimes.

The case against Stroud began to unfold the day before after the girl's father called police to report a sexual assault, police said in its report.

In that call, police said, the father reported that he overheard his daughter saying Stroud has been teaching her how to drink alcohol and got her drunk.

The father said she reportedly said she fell asleep and when she woke up Stroud was taking off her clothes and taking photographs of her with his cellphone, according to the police report.

She also said Stroud then had sex with her, the report added.

According to the police report, Stroud initially denied the allegations to a family member who questioned him about them.

But she told police he later confessed to getting the girl drunk and taking photographs of her.

"He did not admit to having any type of sexual behavior with her," the police report says, but adding that he told that family member he did "touch her" without any elaboration about where he touched her.

According to the police report, Stroud also reportedly made a statement to the family member about killing himself, saying he might go to Sacramento to see his home "one last time."

But, the report said, that family member told him he "needed to be a man" and to turn himself in to authorities.
Control burn to put up smoke east of Redding near Oak Run

The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection plans to conduct a control burn east of Redding, south of Oak Run beginning Monday morning.
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The union representing about 1,000 Shasta County workers announced today it has reached an impasse in contract negotiations with the county.

The United Public Employees of California, Local 792, said it has held numerous bargaining sessions since negotiations began earlier this year, but it has been unable to reach an agreement with county representatives on many issues, including pay.

"We have an unusually large number of unresolved issues," said Steve Allen, UPEC's lead negotiator, in a news release issued by the union. "All of our issues are about unfair treatment of the employees by the county."

Allen said the California Public Employee Relations Board has assigned a mediator to meet with both negotiating teams to try to break the deadlock.

The first mediation session is set for Oct. 19.
Greg Barnette/Record Searchlight Redding City Council candidate Adam McElvain talks with eighth-graders from his sister-in-law's Turtle Bay School history class Tuesday during a rally for his campaign at the Market Street Promenade.

SHARE Greg Barnette/Record Searchlight Redding City Council candidate Adam McElvain speaks Tuesday during a rally for his campaign at the Market Street Promenade.

By Sean Longoria of the Redding Record Searchlight

Adam McElvain outlined his platform and made another pitch for supporting his Redding City Council campaign on Tuesday at the Market Street Promenade.

The crowd of about 60 people at the north end of the Market Street Promenade heard McElvain's stance on a number of issues, including the creation of municipal ultra-high-speed internet, embracing solar power and reducing police response times.

"I haven't seen a vision for our city taking advantage of what's in front of us," McElvain said of his decision to run for office.

He touted the ultra-high-speed internet program, which would piggyback off Redding Electric Utility's footprint, as a way to revitalize downtown. He pointed to Chattanooga, Tennessee, as a prime example after that city added more than 2,000 jobs after creating a high-speed internet utility.

"We can create a city that draws young people," said McElvain, who served in the U.S. Air Force and California Air National Guard. He's the owner of a local marketing firm, sits on the governing board of the Redding School of Arts and came to Redding in 2005 with his wife, Courtney. They have two children, Rook, 7 and Pepper, 4.

Aside from economic development, McElvain said public safety is another focus of his campaign He said he wants average police response times to drop to 10 minutes. Currently police average about 15 minutes to some of the highest priority calls.

McElvain, however, does not support Measures D and E to add a half-cent sales tax to fund public safety.

During his brief address. McElvain also stressed his experience as a member of Redding's Community Services Advisory Commission and the city's Electric Utility Commission. He's been to "hundreds" of city meetings, he said.

"I'm exceptionally prepared to serve you on City Council and I want he job,"

The crowd was mostly supporters but also included a class of 21 eighth-graders at Turtle Bay School. That class is taught by Kristin McElvain, Adam McElvain's sister-in-law.

"We came up just to see we do have the power to affect government, especially on the local level," Kristin McElvain said.

Adam McElvain is competing for one of two seats on the dais. Incumbent Gary Cadd and campaign newcomers Lea Tate and Julie Winter area also running.
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By Nathan Solis of the Redding Record Searchlight

Funding a public safety plan makes sense to the candidates in the race for Shasta County supervisor, but they still have questions how Measures D and E will benefit both the county and city of Redding through a sales tax.

The measures  which would raise sales taxes in Redding by half a percent for 10 years and advise Redding City Council members to put the money toward public safety  would mark a breakthrough in city-county relations. It would be the first time in years of effort of the two governments reaching a tax-sharing agreement.

Under the measures, the $11 million a year expected to be raised would go to hire more Redding police officers and firefighters. Some of the money would also go to build more jail cells, mental health services and provide one-time funds to open a sobering center. The jail cells may be delayed, however, as the county waits for a new courthouse to be built, a project on hold as the state tries to find the money to build the new facility. The plan is to use part of the former courthouse for more cells. In the meantime, proponents of Measures D and E say the sheriff can use the money to pay to send inmates to other facilities out of the county

Despite the historic movement forward of crafting a tax-sharing agreement, the four candidates for the two open seats on the Board of Supervisors agree that Redding will hold all the cards if voters approve the measures.

Pam Giacomini, District 3 supervisor

"I support (the measures) because I think they'll work in concert together, just like the city and county should. No one wants to have taxes raised and I don't either. However, we hear from people who are upset about crime, homeless issues, mental health problems and we need to be able to increase some of that funding.

"About 70 percent of the people in the county jail are from Redding.

"The other conversation we should be having is one of revenue sharing between the county and city of Redding. We already went to the cities of Anderson and Shasta Lake and did not hear back, so we have to move forward. The city of Redding should pay some of the burden that is coming into the rest of the county.

"We've seen a public outcry. Folks are fed up with the crime happening all across the county.

"If we can see raise some funding to collaborate and work together, hopefully we'll be able to solve these issues (through the measures).

"The measures are a step in the right direction."

Mary Rickert, District 3 candidate

"One of my biggest questions is why wasn't the vote presented to the entire county and not just the city (for a sales tax increase)? Many of us who live in the county, we will be paying for that tax when we go to (shop in Redding).

"Now the court option is put out. It happens in farming and ranching all the time. If it doesn't rain, you have to go to plan B. I think there could be some alternative solutions to (jail space), but also mental health services. Having funding for a mental health facility is important for our county. That's an important step to this process.

"Crime and a lack of mental health services go hand in hand. If you have someone who is mentally ill, they commit a crime and break into a house and steal something and go to jail. I don't see how you can separate the two. We need to think of it in that way. Crime is not a separate problem. It's a complex problem.

"Most of the funding for mental health comes from the county, but most of the people are roaming the streets of Redding.

"I've worked in the private sector all my life. People have to step back and look at what's right for the common good. We're not here for our own personal agendas."

Bill Schappell, District 4 supervisor

"Nothing is 100 percent. We talk about solutions, that we're going to help a certain amount of the population, but those figures might change later. I think it could be a great benefit to this community if it happens. My worry is (the county) has no hammer to make (the city) of Redding pay us for what we need. Measures might say one thing, they might do something else.

"I don't know where Redding is coming from. They are behind on their own pensions, so those might be unfunded liabilities. There needs to be that oversight to make sure that everything is put out on a balance sheet.

"The state continues to give us less money on accepting people through (AB 109). That's consistent with all the counties (in the state) and trouble is when you have a smaller county and working with that limited funding, well you're going to have to start finding those other options."

Steve Morgan, District 4 candidate

"The one big concern is that the money is not going to be distributed. The leaders who were part of the Measure E committee said they would make sure the city of Redding would find the best solutions for the money. Now the City Council could have new people in November. What if they change their mind? That's my main concern going into those measures.

"Having a mental health facility where the county will put in money to match the tax money, it just make sense.

"Adding jail beds is important and if the county would have aimed for that with the Adult Rehabilitation Center, which will have 64 beds, we would be having a different conversation.

"My thoughts are if you do the crime you should do the time. Having those jail beds is important to show we have the space to hold people.

But it's hard to say what impact that sales tax money will have on the county. The expansion of jail beds in the courthouse slows things down, because that's on hold. What other factors will have to change?"
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To call the past four days of the presidential race dramatic is an understatement. Shocking, painful and, at times, repulsive provide a better spectrum of adjectives.

Whatever it has been, it has been historic. At no time in modern American politics has a presidential candidate been thrown into such turmoil so close to the election, with internal party chaos, condemnation and, at times, abandonment. Donald Trump has experienced all that and more following the disclosure Friday of an audio recording of him making sexually degrading remarks about women.

By Sunday, Trump had lost the support of at least two dozen Republican members of Congress, including former presidential candidate Sen. John McCain of Arizona who said there were no excuses for Trump's "offensive and demeaning comments."

"No woman should ever be victimized by this kind of inappropriate behavior," he said.

By Monday, Trump was further isolated by House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, who said he would no longer campaign for Trump and that he would devote himself to trying to hold onto GOP majorities in the House and Senate.

Probably the best that can be said of Trump's weekend is that he managed not to lose his running mate, Mike Pence, although the Indiana governor said he, too, was disturbed by Trump's comments and did not attend a GOP rally that he was scheduled to attend with Ryan on Saturday.

Making matters worse was Trump's qualified apologies for his behavior, which began with a statement calling his dialogue with "Access Hollywood" host Billy Bush "locker-room banter," a reference he would repeat several times during the debate Sunday. "I apologize if anyone was offended," he said.

By Sunday, he offered a more direct apology, but then he did what Trump does best, he went on the offensive. First, he convened a panel of four women who have accused Bill Clinton of sexual misconduct over the years. The message to voters, particularly base supporters, was clear: "You may dislike me, but I want to remind you how much you hate Bill Clinton."

What followed was an even deeper level of malevolence at the debate itself. Wearing a scowl most of the evening, Trump again went on the attack with over-the-top comments that Clinton was a "devil" and a "liar" who had "hate in her heart." He also pledged that he would ensure a special prosecutor would be tasked with prosecuting her for her mishandling of emails and that she "would be in jail." Sometimes, he even appeared to be physically intimidating her by lurking over Clinton's shoulder as she answered questions from the public during the town hall-style debate. In the end, he achieved what he set out to do: be offensive.

All in all it was a disappointing and more than a little creepy response to a recording that was disturbing its own right  of a GOP presidential nominee bragging about making unwanted sexual advances toward women, married or not, and grabbing women by the genitals.

"And when you're a star, they let you do it," Trump says. "You can do anything."

Many of Trump's supporters  or simply those who can't stand the idea of a Clinton presidency  have been waiting and hoping for him to fulfill his promise of being more presidential.

He could not go back and erase the stain of bragging about sexual assault. But he could have addressed it in a way that indicated true contrition and a determination to win back lost trust.

He could have, but didn't.

This editorial was previously published in The (Santa Rosa) Press Democrat. It has been edited.
ST. LOUIS  While supporters of GOP nominee Donald Trump and Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton bicker following the second presidential debate, one participant is being greeted with almost universal approval: Kenneth Bone.

The mustachioed undecided voter from Downstate Illinois clad in a red sweater and khakis became an internet sensation almost instantly Sunday night when he took part in the town hall-style forum by asking the candidates about energy policy.

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In a Monday morning interview with St. Louis radio station KFNS, the power plant worker explained that he was initially unaware of his newfound celebrity because participants in the forum weren't allowed to have smartphones with them.

"When I got back to my car and turned it on I had 423 Facebook friend requests," Bone said. "I just went ahead and accepted them all and it made me feel good about myself for a minute."

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Bone also gained thousands of Twitter followers in the hours after the debate. Some Twitter users have saluted him with edited photos. One takes after the iconic "HOPE" poster from President Barack Obama's 2008 run. GQ magazine has gotten in on the fun by posting a "Ken Bone Halloween costume kit ," which includes a red sweater, glasses, a fake mustache and a microphone.

"I'm going as myself for Halloween. It will be the best costume ever," he said.

Bone has been inundated with media request since his appearance, telling KFNS that he was booked for an appearance on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live" Monday.

Kenneth Bone sits in the audience before the start of the second presidential debate at Washington University, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016, in St. Louis. (Andrew Harnik / AP)

Bone may have found internet fame during the debate, but he still hasn't figured out who he'll vote for. He plans to wait until after the final debate next week to decide. He hopes the newfound attention on him as an undecided voter encourages people to focus on the issues.

"I'm just trying to get the message out there to keep everybody involved in the political process," he said. "It's the most important election of our time."

Associated Press
A wing deal at Honey Butter Fried Chicken, National Gumbo Day at Pearl Tavern and more things to do in Chicago on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

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Chicago Chef Battle

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Kendall College

900 N. North Branch St.

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Try 10 dishes prepared by five Chicago chefs using Goose Island sour beers and vote for your favorites to win WBEZ's ninth annual competition. 6-10 p.m. $35. Tickets: wbez.org/events

National Gumbo Day

Pearl Tavern

180 N. Upper Wacker Drive 312-629-1030

The Loop restaurant celebrates by serving all-you-can-eat gumbo from chef Frank Valdez. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. $18.

Wing Wednesday

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

3361 N. Elston Ave. 773-478-4000

The new weekly special offers 10 of the Avondale restaurant's honey buffalo or red chili chicken glazed wings for $10. During October you can also get 10 Reuben wings served with Thousand Island dressing, rye crumbs and sauerkraut. 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

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Three-Year Anniversary

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

Chop Shop

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2033 W. North Ave. 773-537-4440

The Wicker Park spot celebrates all month long by offering $3 house whiskey shots, Old Style cans, beer brat sandwiches and take-and-bake pepperoni pizzas. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. for food specials and until midnight for drinks.

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'Troll the Sequel: Troll Again'

Under the Gun Theater

956 W. Newport Ave. 773-270-3440

A tribute to the 1990 cult horror film "Troll 2" follows a vacationing family that's attacked by a hungry pack of goblins disguised as humans. 7:30-8:30 p.m. $12. Tickets: underthegun.theater

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Join us tomorrow for RedEye's Big Idea Awards at Ravenswood Event Center from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Use code "REDEYE" for $10 off. Tickets: redeyechicago.com/bigidea
The supermodel is a multi-tasker at many levels. Her life is full of inspiration for people of all kinds.

Someone rightly said that being a mother is a full-time job. And for some, this can be quite a taxing affair, one that drains you, emotionally and physically.

But supermodel and single mother Padma Lakshmi is secretly calling out to mothers and showing them how to make the most of this responsibility.

Between playing a mother and balancing her modelling career, she finds time to capture the beautiful journey of her growing relationship with her daughter.

Presenting pictures from her Instagram account that reveal her multi-tasking skills.

IMAGE: Who wouldn't love to be introduced by their mother so fashionably. Introducing the daughter with a unique name -- Krishna Thea Lakshmi-Dell.

Rocking the all black look with leather jackets and colourful shoes, the mother-daughter duo are all about swag in this picture.



All photographs: Kind courtesy Padma Lakshmi/Instagram

IMAGE: Being a mother doesn't necessarily mean you have to give up on your career. From hosting shows and doing photoshoots to writing books, Padma Lakshmi, mother of a six-year-old is still giving the new girls a good run for their money.

IMAGE: Throwback to the time your mommy dressed you up in pigtails.

Isn't it adorable the way Padma Lakshmi accompanies her daughter to her first day of school in matching outfits as she enters first grade.

IMAGE: No matter how busy and far away from home you are, there is always time for tradition.

On Ganesh Chaturthi this year, the duo took time off to visit the Hindu Temple Society of North America. She hasn't forgotten her Indian roots and ensures her daughter is acquainted to Indian traditions too.

IMAGE: For once, ditch the malls and water parks. Instead, pack your lunch in a picnic box and leisure it out with your tiny one at the local park.

Padma Lakshmi seems to be having a fun summer time with her daughter, away from the din and mundaneness of the city.

IMAGE: Only a mother knows the value of sharing and caring. And Padma Lakshmi is teaching just that to her kiddo here by joining her in making pickled peppers with the women and kids of Mercado Global, a New York-based social support organisation.

IMAGE: 'Yeah I'm wearing mouse ears, so what?', she captioned this picture.

Well, a mother who lets her hair down occasionally and secretly embarrasses you by playing your age can also be a 'cool thing'.

IMAGE: Here's another photograph that reveals her fun side.

IMAGE: Imagine making travel plans with your best buddy, who's none other than your mommy.

The duo is posing near Place Vendome in Paris, France where they holidayed together.

IMAGE: One of the many things a cool mum does is take you to the beach. And if you get to wear a bikini like this, your day is made.

IMAGE: Here's another throwback to the time when the model had just delivered her bundle of joy but had her hands full.

This picture -- showing her breastfeeding and applying make-up -- she says is a 'shout out to all the working moms'. Inspiring much?

IMAGE: Morning gossip with your mother over breakfast is like therapy. And Padma Lakshmi never lets go of the opportunity to chat with her dear daughter.

The best part, she gets to enjoy tea in a mini cup and saucer and has pretty dolls for company at their mini table.

IMAGE: You may not want to cook, but there is no harm in learning, she seems to be teaching her daughter quite early.

Krishna (in a green frock) whose mother has a Chennai connection, is seen spreading the dosa batter on the pan like a pro while her granny looks on, ever ready to help.

IMAGE: 'She is the gift I was told by so many doctors that I shouldnt hope for or ever dream about. I am so thankful for having her against all the odds.' Padma Lakshmi had shared in one of her posts.

The beautiful relationship the two share reflects in their eyes. #CutenessOverload
The state's administrative machinery has been in limbo since September 22 -- the day Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa was admitted to hospital. R Rajagopalan reports on the situation.

Who is running Tamil Nadu?

Its been almost three weeks that Tamil Nadu chief minister and the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam supremo J Jayalalithaa has been admitted to Appollo Hospital in Chennai.

And while special pujas have been conducted all over the state for her speedy recovery and with party cadres insisting that she is recovering, the question on the minds of political pundits is: Who is running Tamil Nadu?

The state administration, according to insiders, has been in limbo ever since Amma was hospitalised. In fact, it was only on Tuesday night that portfolios held by Jayalalithaa were handed over to her trusted aide and second in command, Finance Minister O Panneerselvam.

The move came after Governor of Tamil Nadu Ch Vidyasagar Rao issued a release that Panneerselvam, who holds the administrative reforms portfolio, in addition to finance, will also preside over cabinet meetings.

The action was carried out to ensure that while the chief minister recovered from her ailment, the administrative machinery was not paralysed, and rumours are put an end to.

Flurry of visits

Following Jayalalithaas hospitalisation on September 22, several high-ranking politicians have visited her at Apollo Hospital.

In fact, Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi set the ball rolling last Friday when he flew out to Chennai right after the completion of his Uttar Pradesh kisan yatra.

The move came as a surprise to many, especially Congress ally Dravida Munnetra Kazagham, which has short-changed the Congress in seat-sharing for the local body elections that now stands cancelled following a court order.

Following Rahul, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu visited the Tamil Nadu CM on Monday, saying later, I am confident that she will fight back and become normal and continue to serve the people of Tamil Nadu.

Political observers consider this as a masterstroke on the part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. One has to remember that with 50 MPs in Parliament, the AIADMK is the third major opposition party and naturally, the Modi-led government would not want to provoke them. Modi it was, who deputed Maharashtra Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao, to Chennai, instructing him to stay put in the Tamil Nadu capital till things returned to normal.

R Rajagopalan, veteran journalist, is a Tamil Nadu watcher.
Four things Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said that would make every Indian proud of its armed forces.

Reportage: Prasanna D Zore/Rediff.com Videos: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com

IMAGE: An Indian Army officer salutes the coffin containing the body of Tushar Mahajan, an army officer who was killed in a gunbattle, in Udhampur, north of Jammu. Photograph: Mukesh Gupta/Reuters

Raksha Mantri Manohar Parrikar, speaking at a seminar Strengthening India's Defence Capabilities, organised by the Forum for Integrated National Security, and anchored by Rediff.com columnist Nitin Gokhale, said:

'Indian Army has a tradition of valour, bravery and moral values'

I remember an incident which was narrated by a navy personnel to me. A navy ship on a routine visit had gone to one of the small ports in Italy, where it parked along the dockside and the officers and the navy personnel came down to visit the port and meet the officials there.

They were surprised to see a crowd of more than 1,000 people waiting for their welcome. Now, this is a foreign country where the Indian navy had never gone earlier.

They were shocked to see the local MP, MLA, the mayor, everyone waiting for their welcome and then inviting them for their felicitation in the evening for their honour.

The Indian Navy people were quite taken aback. They did not understand the logic of this celebration. So, the commanding officer asked the mayor about the reception given to the Indian Navy personnel. Then the real reason came out...

During World War II, when the Allied forces were occupying defeated Italy most of the (Allied) forces had gone berserk. They were looting (the town); the people, the ladies were not safe.

It was an Indian Army battalion which ensured that not a single house was looted in this particular town by guarding the houses of the people.

The Indian soldiers said Italy was defeated, Mussolini is defeated, but the people (of Italy) have nothing to do with it (should not suffer because of the defeat). People's safety was given paramount importance...

In the ethos of the Indian Army we do not loot, we do not rape, we do not go berserk against the enemy population.

This act (of the Indian Army) was remembered by this town and so they wanted to celebrate the occasion of the Indian Navy's visit to their port town after almost 70 years. These are the ethos of the Indian armed forces.

'127 crore people and the Indian armed forces deserve the credit for surgical strikes'

127 crore people of this country and the Indian armed forces deserve the credit of the surgical strikes.

Mine and your contribution is 1/127 crore in this surgical strike. So, I think with this (statement) the media at least should be clear where the credit lies.

I don't take it. Entirely given the credit to the Indian armed forces and 127 crore people of this country and as a citizen, one by one-twenty-seventh of a crore is my contribution.

'A country which does not make itself capable of waging a war, suffers a war'

Unluckily, over the last 70 years, leave some bright sparks like the 65', 71' and 99', the country has never thought that strength itself can be a defining force for peace.

I always cite a Sanskrit saying which in short means that when there is a yagna (religious ritual) no one sacrifices a lion; it is the goat who is sacrificed. So, weakness is a basic concept of war and the difference between war and peace.

India needs to basically think in terms of strength so that we can avoid war. Otherwise, we have to continuously hear the rhetoric of the use of tactical nuclear weapons.

So, a country which does not make itself capable of waging a war basically suffers the very thing it does not want, that is awar forced on it through various means.

Terrorism is one issue, which I consider as a proxy war carried out by non-State actors, almost like a covert operation.

Therefore, we should strengthen ourselves to a level where no one dares challenge us for conventional or non-conventional war.

'Don't risk your lives; instead eliminate the enemies'

The Indian Army has a very high standard in sacrifice, but I tell them -- agar koi shahid ho gaya toh (if anybody falls a martyr) I definitely bow to them; I would respect him for his shahadat (sacrifice).

But I would request you to not risk your life unnecessarily.

Instead, if you liquidate the enemy, then that is the bigger service to the nation. That is one message I have given to them.
A 25-year-old Bharatiya Janata Party worker was on Wednesday hacked to death allegedly by Communist Party of India-Marxist activists in the home town of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the politically sensitive Kannur district, less than 48 hours after the murder of a Marxist member.

The murder of the worker, Remith at Pinarayi has sparked a slugfest between the CPI-M, which is heading the ruling Left Democratic Front, and the BJP.

Protesting against the murder, the BJP has called for a state-wide 12-hour hartal from 6 am on Thursday.

Remith, who suffered severe injuries on his head and neck in the attack that happened at 10.30 am, died on the way to hospital, police said. He was standing near a petrol pump when he was attacked, sending shock waves in the state.

"It looks like a political murder. The situation is now under control. Patrolling is on and efforts are on to keep things calm," said IGP-Northern Range Dinendra Kashyap.

Condemning the killing, BJP National President Amit Shah tweeted, "Attacks on BJP karyakartas in CM Pinarayi Vijayan's home constituency is a matter of grave concern and smacks of political vendetta".

"Chavassery Uttaman, Remith's father was similarly killed in 2002, his mother suffered serious injures when his house was attacked recently," Shah tweeted.

Vijayan, for his part, lashed out at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh for the growing violence in the state which he alleged was with the support of BJP government at the Centre.

Speaking at a function in Alapuzha, Vijayan hit out at the RSS and the BJP over the attack on a Marxist worker in Kannur two days ago and accused the RSS of spreading violence in the state.

"The attacks by RSS activists are increasing in the state. They are now showing more tendency of violence with the support of the BJP government at the Centre. They are committing murders and spreading lies and misunderstanding among people."

CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury said the violence in Kerala has been started by the RSS-BJP combine itself and blaming the state's ruling party for the same is "total fabrication" of facts.

Blaming "political goondas" of the CPI-M for the murder, BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation probe, saying it has no faith in the state police and the Left government.

The incident comes within two days of murder of a CPI-M activist and shop worker, Mohanan by a six-member gang at Pathiriyad in Kannur district, with CPI-M pointing fingers at the RSS for the attack.
With the political climate between India and Pakistan going through a tempestuous time over repeat aggression from the Pak side and with recent developments in the Kashmir valley there needs to be a long-term solution to the extant Kashmir problem, says Subir Roy.

At a time of heightened India-Pakistan tension over Kashmir, the least that needs doing is avoiding obvious errors and strategies that blow up in your face. This does not seem to be the case, going by the two most recent developments.

The first is over water. In light of the Uri attack, the prime minister said at a meeting on the Indus water treaty between India and Pakistan that blood and water cannot flow together.

With alacrity, official sources in China reported that a tributary of the Brahmaputra in Tibet had been blocked for a massive hydroelectric power project. This could affect the flow of water into the Brahmaputra.

Several Indian rivers originate from the Tibetan plateau and China has an enormous advantage over India is being able to use the flow of water into these river systems to serve its diplomatic objectives vis-a-vis India.

And considering the way China has backed Pakistan over disputes with India, the last thing India should do is prompt China to use water as a diplomatic tool.

But this is precisely what has happened. It is likely that India will not mention relooking at sharing of Indus waters as one way of getting back at Pakistan in view of this fracas but the question remains: Was raising the issue of Indus waters a thoughtless act that has had a negative fallout?

Now, let us look at the surgical response to the Uri attack. One of the reactions available to India, which will not escalate India-Pakistan tensions into out of control hostilities, is to come up with a swift, controlled response that cannot be considered a major military venture but makes a point, gets at a target, source of terrorism, with precision and the forces or commandos return as quickly as they went in.

By its very nature, such an act will not allow Pakistan to use it as an excuse to engage in wider conflict. The obvious historical parallel is the Entebbe raid by Israeli commandos to free hostages.

Such an action will generate as much publicity, domestic and international, as the provocation, the Uri attack, and enable India to be seen as powerful, militarily competent, restrained and responsible.

What happened? India announced with great fanfare that it had conducted such a surgical raid on several locations that housed terrorists and inflicted significant casualties. But the script went haywire thereafter.

Embarrassingly, UN observers for the India-Pakistan border in Kashmir said they had not directly observed any firing. The Pakistani reaction was quite different from what would have been the case had there been blood on the ground - outrage and affront at the violation of its territorial integrity and promise to teach India a lesson.

Instead, the Pakistanis were asking: What surgical action? The Pakistani military even took a group of journalists, domestic and foreign, to one of the locations of surgical action identified by India and life there was going on normally, no sign of attack, no evacuation, no mourning.

There appears to be a fair bit of skepticism in the international media over the Indian claim and there is no publicity advantage for India. Quite the reverse.

In fact, ineptitude has been the hallmark of Indian action in Kashmir going back over the decades during which it is mostly the Congress which had been in charge. Unfortunately, little appears to have changed.

The forces brass clamour loudly for freedom to take retaliatory action in periods such as these but security lapses on our part continue. The brigadier under whose command the Uri camp was has been transferred and an enquiry instituted into the lapses that resulted in such high Indian casualties.

The militant attack at Uri comes in the wake of the widespread disturbances that have gripped the Kashmir valley after anti-terrorist action killed Burhan Wani. The point being made is that the public reaction could have been foreseen and countering it made part of a total action plan. That was not the case.

What is worse is that the security forces are ill equipped to handle civilian uprisings and the police are not using modern non-lethal weapons of crowd control. If shot guns spewing pellets have put in danger the eyesights of as many as a hundred then they can hardly be called non-lethal. More effective and less harmful methods and equipment to counter street protests remain as far away as ever.

Popular attitudes in Kashmir have to be understood before they can be addressed. An opinion survey indicated that unemployment, corruption and the Kashmir dispute were important issues. It is surely entirely in Indian hands to address the first two.

Popular disaffection over lack of opportunity lies at the root of public action ranging from Kashmir to Gujarat (Patels) to Maharashtra (Marathas), not to speak of Dalits. Surely, agricultural distress is more fundamental than militancy. The last good thing that happened to rural India was the employment guarantee scheme.

Once the back of militancy was broken in Kashmir things were allowed to drift instead of using the gain to forge a political solution. The responsibility for this slideback rests foremost with the Congress but also with the Bharatiya Janata Party.

Now that a new dispensation led by the BJP is in power at the centre and Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti survives on the say so of the BJP, it is critical to be told what long-term perspective has been brought to bear on Kashmir in the last two years.

It will be a sad day if Bahujan Samaj Party Chief Mayawati turns out to have given the best explanation for all that has happened recently.

She told a recent pre-election rally on Samajwadi Party Chief Mulayam Singhs home turf, To divert attention from the failure of the BJP and the Centre, the government can go to war on the issue of Pakistan and terrorism.
A leading Pakistani newspaper on Wednesday rejected allegations of "vested interest and false reporting", a day after the government imposed a travel ban on its journalist for reporting on a rift between civil and military leaderships over covert support to militants.

Dawn came out with a scathing editorial, saying Cyril Almeida's story on the verbal clash between government and military -- which has generated a lot of heat in the country -- was "duly verified and correct piece of reporting."

Almeida, a columnist for Dawn, on Tuesday said he has been put on Exit Control List -- a border control system maintained by Pakistan government which allows it to bar people whose names appear on the list from leaving the country.

He had reported that leading civilian officials had warned the powerful army to renounce its covert support to militants like the Haqqani network, Taliban and Lashkar-e-Taiba -- or face international isolation.

"This paper recently reported an extraordinary closed-door meeting between top government and intelligence officials where the foreign secretary briefed them on what he saw as Pakistan's growing international isolation; following this, there was a discussion on the impediments in the way of dealing with the problem of militancy in the country," the daily said in the editorial titled 'Reaction to Dawn story'.

"As gatekeeper of information that was 'verified, cross-checked and fact-checked', the editor of this paper bears sole responsibility for the story in question," it said.

It said in accordance with the principles of fair and balanced journalism, Dawn twice carried the denials issued by the Prime Minister's Office about the clash during a meeting when the ISI was told by civilian leadership that its covert support to militants led to Pakistan's isolation globally.

"Journalism has a long and glorious tradition of keeping its promise to its audience even in the face of enormous pressure brought to bear upon it from the corridors of power," it said apparently referring to the pressure tactics such as Almeida's name being put on ECL and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's assertion two days ago that "stern action" will be taken against those responsible for the story, which his office called "fabricated".

The daily acknowledged that "while any media organisation can commit an error of judgement and Dawn is no exception, the paper believes it handled the story in a professional manner and carried it only after verification from multiple sources."

It demanded that Almeida's name should "at once" be removed from the list of people banned to leave the country so that some of the government's dignity could be salvaged.

Almeida has received widespread support from journalists.

"However, this news organisation will continue to defend itself robustly against any allegation of vested interest, false reporting or violation of national security," it wrote.

The editorial began with: "There are times in a news organisation's history that determine its adherence to the highest principles of journalism -- its duty to inform the public objectively, accurately and fearlessly."

"Even more so in Pakistan, where decades of a militarised security environment have undermined the importance of holding the state to account -- something that certain sections of the media have become complicit in despite their long, hard-won struggle for freedom -- such a furore as generated by the Dawn report was not unexpected," it said.

IMAGE: Cyril Almeida. Photograph: @cyalm /Twitter
An encounter with a group of terrorists who are hiding inside a government institute in Pampore, 15 kilometre from Srinagar, has stretched for well over the 50 hour mark.

Explosions and gunshots are being heard regularly from within and around the building, used to offer vocational training to young Kashmiris.

Rediff.coms Umar Ganie and PTIs S Irfan bring us glimpses from the fierce gunfight.

On Monday, two-three terrorists stormed the Entrepreneurship Development Institute in Pampore and have been holed in ever since. Army and other security forces are using mortar shells, light machine guns and other weaponry to flush out the terrorists. Photograph: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com

A joint operation by the army, the Special Operations Group of the state police and the Central Reserve Police Force have been pounding the building continuously to ensure that the terorists can't escape the building. Photograph: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com

The building has been reduced to its skeletal form after the firing. The seven-storey building is a symbol of development in the Valley, offering the youth vocational training. Photograph: Umar Ganie/Rediff.com

This is not the first time that the EDI building has been targetted. The main building of the institute was attacked in February when militants captured it and launched a major attack on forces. Six persons - a civilian, three soldiers and two paramilitary troopers -- were killed then before the three militants were shot dead. Photograph: S Irfan/PTI

The attack on the EDI building comes after India launched surgical strikes on terror launchpads across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 28. Photograph: S Irfan/PTI
At least one gunman attacked worshipers at a popular Shiite shrine in Kabul on Tuesday, Afghan officials said, killing at least 14 people and wounding 26 others on one of the sects holiest days of the year.

IMAGE: Afghan policemen stand guard near the site of an attack in Kabul, Afghanistan. Photograph: Mohammad Ismail/Reuters

The attack took place as Shiites gathered at the Karte Sakhi shrine for Ashura, a commemoration of the martyrdom of Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Tuesdays attack.

Hussain Ali, a nearby resident, was quoted by The Wall Street Journal saying hearing he heard two explosions early in the evening, followed by the sound of gunfire. The streets surrounding the mosque were swiftly cordoned off by security forces.

Officials initially said several attackers had broken into the shrine, but later changed that number to just one person.

Several police officers were among the dead and wounded, including the district police chief, the officials said.

IMAGE: A blood-stained stretcher is placed outside a hospital after an attack in Kabul. Photograph: Mohammad Ismail/Reuters

Militant Sunni fundamentalists such as the Taliban and the Islamic State group frequently attack Shiite mosques and public gatherings.

A July suicide bomb attack in central Kabul that targeted a public demonstration by Hazaras against discrimination killed at least 80 people and wounded more than 200.

In 2011, at least 54 people were killed when a suicide bomber detonated his device at another Kabul shrine where hundreds of people had gathered. A Shiite mosque in the northern city of Mazar-i-Sharif was hit at the same time, leaving four dead.
Haiti faces a humanitarian crisis that requires a massive response from the international community, the UN chief said, with at least 1.4 million people needing emergency aid following last weeks battering by Hurricane Matthew.

IMAGE: A man sits on a table in an area destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in Les Anglais, Haiti. Photograph:Andres Martinez Casares/Reuters

The storm that struck on October 3 has already claimed 473 lives, injured more than 300 people and 75 others are missing, according to the nations civil protection agency. More than 1,75,500 people remain in shelters across the country, many of them in schools -- which is keeping nearly 100,000 children from resuming classes.

Hurricane Matthew levelled homes, fouled water sources and killed livestock, with victims pleading for help to arrive quickly.

IMAGE: A man carries wooden planks salvaged from the rubble of a destroyed houses after Hurricane Matthew passes in Jeremie, Haiti. Photograph: Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters

UN aid chief Stephen OBrien said the hurricane had triggered the worst humanitarian crisis in the country since the 2010 earthquake. The storm has also spurred a new outbreak of cholera along the coast, with at least 200 cases reported, according to the United Nations.

Many residents of the community are struggling to find food and clean water as they scrambled to repair their battered homes.

IMAGE: Sailors move supplies aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Iwo Jima during an onload of more than 500 Marines from the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit and nearly 300 pallets of supplies. Photograph: Jess E. Toner/US Navy via Getty Images

An official at the Haitian airport who declined to be identified said nearly 20 tonnes of supplies -- tarpaulins, rice, cooking oil and hygiene kits -- were being brought in.

That added to 47 tons already flown in on US helicopters from the capital Port-au-Prince.

IMAGE: People are being treated at the cholera treatment center at the hospital after Hurricane Matthew passes in Jeremie, Haiti. Photograph: Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters

We hope that God gives us the possibility to rebuild the church and help the victims here, said Stephane De Rengerves, senior executive liaison officer with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
Here's a recap of events that occurred in India in the past 48 hours.

An idol of Goddess Durga being immersed in Guwahati following the culmination of nine-day Durga Puja festival.



Women perform Dandiya during Navratri celebrations in Gurgaon. Photograph: PTI Photo

Security personnel stand guard in front of an effigy of demon King Ravana on the occasion of Dussehra in Jammu. Photograph: PTI Photo

Mumbai's iconic Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus Station lit up for Dussehra. Photograph: Sahil Salvi.

Buddhist devotees from all over India assemble at the campus of Deekshabhoomi on the occasion of Dhammachakra Pravartan Diwas in Nagpur.

Police personnel investigate after Naxals blasted the railway track near Gomoh railway stations under Dhanbad division in Jharkhand. Photograph: PTI Photo

Indian Army soldiers take position near the Line of Control in Nowshera sector, about 145 km from Jammu. Photograph: PTI Photo

Maharaja of Mysore, Yaduveera Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar performs rituals during the Ayudh Puja at the Mysuru Palace. Photograph: PTI Photo

Police arrests Shia mourners after they defied curfew and took out a Muharram procession in Srinagar. Photograph: PTI Photo

Gold hidden in papaya was recovered at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi on Monday. Two men have been arrested for allegedly trying to smuggle gold worth about Rs 78 lakh into the country. Photograph: PTI Photo

A masked policeman stands gurad during the 94th day of curfew imposed to foil Muharram processions in Srinagar. Photograph: PTI Photo

Smoke billowing out of the multi-storied government building, where some militants were holed up during a gunbattle with the army at Pampore, 16 kms from Srinagar on Monday. A group of ultras took shelter inside the Entrepreneurship Development Institute building. Photograph: S Irfan/PTI Photo

Rescue work is carried out after a car fell down into a drain from the road following an accident near Navabganj village in Allahabad on Monday. Photograph: PTI Photo
National Geographics contest for Nature Photographer of the Year, has officially kicked off and the submissions so far are beyond incredible.

The annual competition, whose deadline ends on November 4, celebrates the best in wildlife photography. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a 10-day trip for two to the Galapagos Islands.

And the people at National Geographic were kind enough to let us display some of the stunning entries that have come in so far.

So get ready to be blown away!

(Please click on the photos for hi-resolution images)

OCEAN GUEST

Sleeping walrus on the shore. Photograph: Mike Korostelev/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

THE EYE OF A GATOR

As I was sitting on the bank of the wetlands, watching a pair of anhingas prepare their nest, when one flew right down in front of me to fish. I quickly focused on her and out of the water came a wonderful fish brunch. Photograph: Nancy Elwood/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

DAWN ADMIRING IN THE FROZEN CONTINENT

It was very early in the Antarctic morning and I was walking along the beach admiring the sunrise, then suddenly I had a wonderful surprise: meet this Gentoo penguin (Pygoscelis papua) already looking at the sun that was just on the horizon. At that moment I had the sensation that, like me, he had woken up very early to contemplate such a beautiful dawn. KingGeorgeIsland, Antarctica. Photograph: Edson Vandeira/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

NOW YOU SEE ME

A baby owlet uses its camouflage to hide from its predators as it spots me from quite a ways away. Photograph: S Dere/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

NEVER BOTHER DAD WHEN HES SLEEPING

During our trip to Botswana, we came across two lionesses and their six cubs, resting under a bush during mid-day. This male lion came along to visit the den. The females were very wary at first. We were told that a male lion will kill cubs that aren't his offspring. Fortunately, he laid down with the cubs and closed his eyes to sleep. The cubs were very excited to see their dad! This little guy was trying so hard to get him to play! Dad was definitely not happy to be woken up. Photograph: P Kuhn/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

WATER DROPS

The water drops of melted snow. Photograph: Takeshi Marumoto/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

CAPE BUFFALO WITH YELLOW-BILLED OXPECKER

I had been wanting to get this image for at least two years and just recently, on my last safari in November, was able to successfully capture it. Many aspects came into play for my reward. Light was key. Side-light, lighting the Oxpecker and keeping the Buffalo in the shade was crucial. I wanted a darker pallet for this image, and think I got it. I captured both subjects in focus, very difficult to do as both were moving and in different focal planes. Photograph: Barbara Fleming/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

FROM THE SHADOWS

Hiking with the local guides, we stumbled upon this Mountain Gorilla peering curiously from the depths of the impenetrable forest. Photograph: Harry Lyndon-Skeggs/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

MEDITERRANEAN JELLY

Cotylorhiza Tuberculata, aka Mediterranean Jelly or (more friendly...) Fried Egg Jelly, is pretty common throughout Mediterranean Sea. Its stings are totally harmless to humans yet its beauty is absolutely contagious. Photograph: Stefano Spezi/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

MOVING AT A SNAILS PACE...

While enjoying the sights of Chicagos Garfield Conservatory found this unlikely traveler taking a closer look at this Bromeliad. Sometimes you have to slow down to appreciate the tiny wonders right in front of you! Photograph: Samira Qadir/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

THE PATH LESS TRODDEN

A polar bear ekes out a lonely existence in a barren world of ice. Photograph: Harry Lyndon-Skeggs/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year

DEEP UNDERWATER

I recently discovered this Tripodfish, Bathypterois grallator, a larval fish during a black water scuba diving expedition to document vertical migration marine creatures. This is done in the South Atlantic Ocean, Gulfstream current. The tripodfish or tripod spiderfish, Bathypterois grallator, is a deep-sea benthic fish, known mostly from photographs from submersibles. This fish comes up from the depths of 2,400 feet to 15,000 feet during a vertical migration occurring in the ocean. Photograph: Suzan Meldonian/2016 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year
'Everyone should realise it is the government which takes decisions and that government needs to be cheered for the decision which we took boldly.'

Rediff.com's Prasanna D Zore reports.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at a seminar Strengthening India's Defence Capabilities, organised by the Forum for Integrated National Security; Photograph and video: Hitesh Harisinghani/Rediff.com

For the very first time, Raksha Mantri Manohar Parrikar, a senior member of Narendra Modi's Cabinet, openly said on Wednesday, October 12, that the people who took the political decisions for conducting the September 29 surgical strikes should reap the profits of that decision.

Agar koi galti hoti toh uska pura jo kuch aana tha wah isi sarkar ke sir pe aata tha (had there been any mistakes/casualties this government would have had to face the negative political fallout)," Parrikar said, justifying why the political credit for taking the decision should go to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government.

"We don't take credit for the surgical strikes (as in the military operation of crossing the Line of Control and eliminating terrorists). That credit entirely belongs to the Indian armed forces," Parrikar said.

"But I think everyone should realise that it is the government which takes decisions and that government needs to be cheered for the decision which we took boldly," the defence minister added, clearly demarcating the difference between the military operations undertaken by the Indian Army and the political decision that gave the army a free hand.

Revealing the mood among the decision makers that night who, according to some newspaper reports, watched the entire operation live, Parrikar said, "I could hardly sleep on the 28th night and 29th morning (the surgical strikes were conducted on the intervening night of September 28-29) until the news was received that everyone is safe and back. Possibly that was the most tiring and tense days for all of us."

"I think those who have taken decisions need to be definitely credited with it," he said. "People in this country are smart. They don't have to be told about political voting and other election things."

"The national mood is clear and therefore the political... So, those who would have suffered losses I think they are the ones who should also reap profit out of the (political) decisions, not of the (surgical) strike, but guts to take the decision. The government takes decision (to give a free hand to the armed forces) and the government needs to be cheered for taking decisions boldly."

Taking a jibe at the Bharatiya Janata Party's political opponents, Parrikar said when the Indian armed forces had crossed India's eastern border and entered Myanmar to conduct a surgical strike against insurgents who were hiding in that country after killing 18 soldiers of India's 6 Dogra regiment, Parrikar said, "some people had dared us asking if this government has the political will to conduct such similar strikes across India's western border."

The raksha mantri was speaking at a seminar Strengthening India's Defence Capabilities, organised by the Forum for Integrated National Security, and anchored by Rediff.com columnist Nitin Gokhale, founder, BharatShakti.in

Earlier in his 30-minute address, taking on the media, Parrikar said, "With this the media should be clear, and I quote, '127 crore Indians and India's armed forces deserve the credit for surgical strikes. Your contribution is 1/127 crore. My contribution is also 1/127 crore.'"

During the question and answer session with the audience, Parrikar was categorical -- again a first from a top minister in the Modi Cabinet -- that not a single 'surgical strike' was carried out by the Indian armed forces before the one sanctioned by his government on September 29, 2016.

"There was a burden of helplessness and frustration among 127 crore Indians and 13.5 lakh Indian soldiers. There was frustration that the enemy is continuously bleeding us through 1,000 cuts. The same people expressed joy when surgical strikes were conducted," he said.

Praising Modi's leadership, Parrikar said the prime minister tried his best to have good relations with Pakistan, but that was construed as India's weakness.

"The surgical strikes have changed the mindsets of India's people and a message has gone to our adversaries that such attacks will not be tolerated," he said.

Elaborating on his government's strategic shift in dealing with Pakistan and the non-State actors that it supports, Parrikar added, "earlier they predicted India's predictability. But the surgical strikes have made them realise that India's response can be unpredictable."

"Next response (in the event of an attack like the ones in Pathankot and Uri) may not be a surgical strike. India's unpredictability is a very big weapon now."
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Joint publication with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This Framework Document was made possible through the funding and support of the U.S. Department of States Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration (PRM). This document has been updated in June 2020, see link.
UN experts call on Ethiopia to allow international panel to help probe violence against protesters

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 10 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN experts call on Ethiopia to allow international panel to help probe violence against protesters, 10 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fdeac240d.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.

10 October 2016 - Urging Ethiopian authorities to end their violent crackdown on peaceful protests, which has reportedly led to the death of over 600 people since November 2015, two United Nations human rights experts today further called on the Government to allow an international commission of inquiry to investigate the protests and the violence used against peaceful demonstrators.

In a joint news release, the UN Special Rapporteurs on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Maina Kiai, the Working Group on enforced or involuntary disappearances and on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Agnes Callamardsaid: "We are outraged at the alarming allegations of mass killings, thousands of injuries, tens of thousands of arrests and hundreds of enforced disappearances."

The experts added that they are concerned about the alleged torture and ill-treatment of arrestees in military detention centres. "In light of the lack of progress in investigating the systematic violence against protesters, we urge the Ethiopian Government to allow an international independent commission to assist in shedding light on these allegations," they stated.

Particular concerns were voiced regarding the usage of national security provisions and counterterrorism legislation - the Anti-Terrorism Proclamation 652/2009 - to target the right of individuals for peaceful assembly.

"Whenever the principles of necessity and proportionality are not respected in the context of crowd control, any death caused by law enforcement officials is considered an extrajudicial execution," stated Ms. Callamard. She also urged the authorities to disclose the location of those disappeared, adding that it is important to hold perpetrators accountable.

According to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCR), which issued the news release, the wave of protests began a year ago in Oromia, Ethiopia, as a response to the Government's plan to expand Addis Ababa's boundaries, resulting in a displacement of Oromo farmers. The annexation of Konso Wereda into the Segen Arae Peoples Zone marked another wave of protests in the country in mid-December 2015, right before the revolts spread to other parts of the country.

"Suffocating dissent only makes things worse, and is likely to lead to further social and political unrest," Ms. Kiai said. "Curtailing assembly and association rights is never the answer when there are disagreements in a society; rather, it is a sign of the State's inability to deal with such disagreements."

In January 2016, a group of UN experts have called for an investigation to hold those responsible for the violence accountable, but the request went unnoticed. This time, they are hoping for a better outcome.
Ban welcomes start of Guinea-Bissau talks as 'first step' in region-led effort to end political crisis

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 11 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Ban welcomes start of Guinea-Bissau talks as 'first step' in region-led effort to end political crisis, 11 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fdeb0340e.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.

11 October 2016 - Welcoming the start of an inclusive dialogue among political leaders, civil society and religious communities of Guinea-Bissau today, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon encouraged all the parties to engage in constructive discussions and "seize this opportunity for a favourable outcome" in the interest of the country's people."

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban welcomed the dialogue, under way in neighbouring Guinea, as "the crucial first step" in implementing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) roadmap to end the political crisis, which political leaders agreed to in Bissau on 10 September 2016.

The Secretary-General in the statement thanked the ECOWAS Mediator for Guinea-Bissau, Alpha Conde, President of Guinea, for hosting the parties and leading the regional effort to swiftly implement the roadmap. He further encouraged all parties to engage in constructive discussions and seize this opportunity for a favourable outcome in the interest of the people of Guinea-Bissau.

"He calls on all parties to jointly achieve decisive progress within the coming days, in order to break the political impasse that has prevailed in the country since August 2015," the statement said.

Mr. Ban has requested his Special Representative and Head of the UN Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS), Modibo I. Toure, to continue to work closely with all stakeholders in Guinea-Bissau.

This, he will do in close collaboration with ECOWAS, the African Union and other key partners, including the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries and the European Union as they work towards political stability in Guinea-Bissau, according to the statement.
UN rights expert warns about growing restrictions on civil society in Egypt

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 11 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, UN rights expert warns about growing restrictions on civil society in Egypt, 11 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fdeb3740d.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.

11 October 2016 - The United Nations Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Maina Kiai, warned today about growing restrictions on civil society in Egypt, with human rights defenders and organizations in particular being targeted.

This warning comes two weeks after the Cairo Criminal Court froze the assets of five prominent human rights defenders and three non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as part of a case on foreign funding. The assets will henceforth be under Government custodianship, taking away independent decision-making power from the organizations and human rights defenders.

In a news release issued by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), Mr. Kiai said that such developments represent further Government intervention into a continued crackdown on Egyptian human rights defenders and civil society organizations since the 2011 "173 Foreign Funding Case" was reopened.

As a result, the Egyptian Government has begun what Mr. Kai warns is a systematic attack on civil society "in an effort to silence its voice." Several organizations and human rights defenders are under investigation.

The crackdown is also finding its way into legislation. On 8 September, the Egyptian Cabinet approved a draft of a new law that would retain the restrictive provisions in the current law governing NGOs (No. 84/2002).

The Special Rapporteur explained that "the draft law also limits NGO work to 'development and social objectives,' and imposes a high level of minimum capital required to set up an NGO. Other new elements introduced by the draft law include the establishment of a specific tax for foreign funding, the banning of activists who have received a prison sentence for forming their own NGOs, and requiring the NGOs to conduct work that meets social needs."

Mr. Kiai is concerned that the new law would exacerbate an already restrictive legislative framework and raise questions about Egypt's adherence to international human rights obligations. In 2014, under the second UPR cycle, the Government accepted recommendations that would strengthen and encourage the right to freedom of association and put forward new legislation for NGOs that meets international human rights standards.

"I call on the Government of Egypt to halt the ongoing harassment of human rights defenders and organizations and urge the government to ensure the compliance of the NGO draft law with international law standards, following a transparent consultation process with the civil society organizations," urged the Special Rapporteur today.

Independent Experts and Special Rapporteurs, are appointed by the Human Rights Council to examine and report back on a country situation or a specific human rights theme. The positions are honorary and the experts are not UN staff, nor are they paid for their work.
Myanmar: UN adviser expresses deep concern at recent violence in Rakhine, calls for calm

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 11 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Myanmar: UN adviser expresses deep concern at recent violence in Rakhine, calls for calm, 11 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fdeb7140e.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.

11 October 2016 - The United Nations envoy for Myanmar today expressed his deep concern at the violent attacks by unidentified individuals and groups against border guards and security forces on 9 October and the resultant fighting that claimed the lives of security personnel and civilians in the three affected areas of Northern Rakhine.

"At this delicate juncture, the local communities at all levels must refuse to be provoked by these incidents and their leaders must work actively to prevent incitement of animosity or mutual hatred between Buddhist and Muslim communities," the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Myanmar, Vijay Nambiar, said in a statement.

He said he has been informed by the concerned authorities in the capital, Naypyitaw, that firm instructions have been issued from the highest levels to take action strictly in accordance with the law to maintain peace and avoid escalation.

The Special Adviser called on the civilian population of the area to exercise maximum restraint and not be provoked into any kind of response by targeting other communities or religious groups.

Over the last year, the authorities have shown good organization and discipline in averting any major outbreak of violence between the communities in Rakhine, he noted.

While recognizing the prompt action and sober response of the security forces, Mr. Nambiar urged them to exercise caution in the future to avoid any injuries or loss of innocent civilian lives, collateral damage to properties or any perception of harassment of the local population.

In his Myanmar role which he has held since 2010, the veteran diplomat is tasked with employing the Secretary-General's 'good offices' towards helping the southeast Asian nation on its path of transition towards peace, democratization and development.

In addition to other methods, the Secretary-General uses his 'good offices' - diplomatic measures taken publicly and in private, drawing upon his independence, impartiality and integrity - to prevent international disputes from arising, escalating or spreading.
Political polarization in DR Congo may spark 'large-scale violence,' UN envoy warns Security Council

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 11 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Political polarization in DR Congo may spark 'large-scale violence,' UN envoy warns Security Council, 11 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fdeb9d40e.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.

11 October 2016 - Warning of an extremely fragile political situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where "actors on all sides appear more and more willing to resort to violence to achieve their ends," the top United Nations official in the country called today on the Security Council to urge the parties to return to dialogue, guarantee the right to peaceful opposition and to end impunity for violence.

"The tipping point towards grave violence could arrive very rapidly," said Maman Sidikou, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). "I believe the Council must remain actively seized of the situation," also encouraging regional organizations to engage more closely with the situation.

Briefing the Council on the Secretary-General's latest report on the situation, Mr. Sidikou expressed deep concerns about the impasse in the electoral process, rising political tensions and related violence in the country, and underlined the primary responsibility of the Government and all stakeholders "to preserve the hard-won gains made in recent years."

Recalling that in September, after a group of opposition parties called the Rassemblement boycotted the national dialogue despite the efforts of a facilitator named by the African Union, he said the Independent National Electoral Commission had announced that presidential elections would not be feasible until 18 November 2018, with completion of the voter registry by 31 July 2017.

That announcement, he said, triggered wide-spread condemnation by the opposition, who claimed that the Electoral Commission was being used to extend President Joseph Kabila's incumbency beyond constitutional limits. The Rassemblement subsequently called for the President to step down by 19 December 2016.
In phone call, UN chief encourages Colombian leaders to stay the course of the peace process

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 10 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, In phone call, UN chief encourages Colombian leaders to stay the course of the peace process, 10 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fdebcf412.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.

10 October 2016 - Speaking by phone with the leaders of the Colombian peace process, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today urged both Juan Manuel Santos, the President of Colombia, and Timoleon Jimenez, Commander of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia-People's Army (FARC-EP), to stay the course for peace in spite of the outcome of the recent referendum.

According to a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban congratulated President Santos for being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, noting that it sends an encouraging message to the victims of the conflict who were put at the heart of the historic peace talks, hosted in Havana, Cuba, since 2012.

In a joint statement from the Cuban capital last week, the Government and FARC-EP announced that they were willing to press ahead on the goals of the historic peace accord, while the two sides also requested that the UN Mission in the country to continue coordinating the tripartite Verification and Monitoring Mechanism, particularly relating to the ceasefire.

In his statement today, the Secretary-General commended the leaders on their dedication to maintain the ceasefire, the adoption of a protocol to prevent any incidents, and the role given to the tripartite Mechanism in ensuring its implementation.

"The Secretary-General recognized that these measures will certainly help create a favourable environment for the political discussions that we hope will lead to a successful conclusion of the peace process," the statement concluded.

After voters last week rejected the accord, which aimed to end Colombia's 50-year conflict, Mr. Ban called on all concerned to nevertheless build on that foundation. "He believes strongly that peace can still be achieved, and that the many Colombians who have committed themselves to this goal should not be discouraged," according to a statement issued by his spokesperson.
Central African Republic needs support to tackle 'spoilers,' other challenges  UN peacekeeping chief

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 10 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Central African Republic needs support to tackle 'spoilers,' other challenges  UN peacekeeping chief, 10 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fdebe440e.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.

10 October 2016 - Recent unrest in the Central African Republic (CAR) demonstrates that the situation there remains fragile, and "spoilers are still active, on both sides," the United Nations peacekeeping chief said today, telling the Security Council that the international community must stand firm and support the Government's efforts to ensure lasting peace.

"While the needs are many, I am convinced that with our concerted and continued support, Central Africans can lay the foundations for peace," Herve Ladsous Under-Secretary-General for UN Peacekeeping Operations, said in his briefing on the work of the Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission (MINUSCA), alongside the Chair of the Central African Republic configuration of the UN Peacebuilding Commission.

More than three years of war and sectarian violence have displaced thousands of people in the CAR amid continuing clashes between the mainly Muslim Seleka rebel coalition and anti-Balaka militia, which are mostly Christian.

Mr. Ladsous introduced the Secretary-General's report on developments in the CAR, which welcomed the inauguration of a democratically elected president, Faustin-Archange Touadera, and pledged the Mission's full support to the Government in such critical efforts as reintegration of armed groups, reform of the security sector, improvement of still grave humanitarian conditions, inclusive economic development, reconciliation and other necessary components of peace consolidation. Such efforts, the Secretary-General noted, would take "dedication and time."

Updating the Council on key developments since the issuance of the report, Mr. Ladsous said that the end of the rainy season - a traditionally volatile period - has been used by armed groups and other "spoilers" to advance their interests. Last week, dozens of people were killed in unrest following the shooting of a member of the Central African Armed Forces in a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood.

MINUSCA, he said, acted decisively to prevent intercommunal violence from spreading, securing the perimeter of the neighbourhood, coordinating its response with the national authorities, responding to the needs of civilians, encouraging community dialogue and continuing to support efforts to address impunity.

Abdelrazak Laassel, Chair of the Central African Republic Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, addresses the Security Council meeting on the situation in that country. UN Photo/Cia Pak

Clashes also took place in the north-west and the Kaga Bandoro region between anti-Balaka and ex-Seleka factions, resulting in attacks on civilians and aid groups, causing operations to be suspended in September, he said. Activity of those factions had also been reported in the north-east of the country. MINUSCA continues to maintain a robust posture against such violence and was enforcing weapons-free zones.

In contrast to the worrying flare-ups of armed activity, he said that national authorities continue implementing President Touadera's agenda, including engaging 11 out of 14 armed groups in a dialogue on reintegration. MINUSCA is meeting with armed groups to encourage their participation, he added.

For the international support needed, Mr. Ladsous said, the importance of the Brussels donor conference on 17 November, for which the country's five-year needs had been assessed and a framework for accountability created, "could not be over-emphasized." Sustained international engagement had often been lacking in previous crises in the country, leading to relapse into violence. "While the primary responsibility rests with the Central Africans, we must ensure that this mistake is not repeated," he stressed.

Meanwhile, Abderrazzak Laassel of Morocco, the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission's Central African Republic configuration, also briefed the Council on the ninth meeting of the International Contact Group for the country, chaired by the African Union (AU) and the Republic of the Congo. At that meeting, interlocutors expressed the need for strong political and financial support for disarmament, demobilization, repatriation and reintegration, he said.

Noting that MINUSCA has the challenging task of supporting reform of the security sector, he said that the European Union has initiated a military mission to train two battalions of the Central African Armed Forces, known as the FACA, in the effort to build a professional army. Based on the draft National Security Policy, the reform programme would need reinforcement of the police and gendarmerie, as well as a clarification of their respective mandates, with the aim of extending State authority in the entire territory.

"National reconciliation remains a matter of concern," he said, as a relevant strategy has not yet been adopted. Some local initiatives are encouraging, especially the activities of the religious platform. National reconciliation, however, could not be successful without addressing the issue of impunity, he said, noting that some key steps had been taken towards the establishment of the Special Criminal Court.

He said support of the international community would be crucial in the coming months. Highlighting the need for success of the upcoming donor's conference in Brussels, he said the national strategy for recovery and peace consolidation, as well as a framework for mutual accountability with the international community, would need to be shared in advance.
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Latest horrific incident in Yemen demands 'a full inquiry,' Ban says, urging probe into funeral bombing

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 10 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, Latest horrific incident in Yemen demands 'a full inquiry,' Ban says, urging probe into funeral bombing, 10 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fdec1640d.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.

10 October 2016 - Outraged by Saturday's bombing of a funeral in Yemen, top United Nations officials are strengthening their calls for the establishment of an independent body to probe alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights laws in the war-ravaged country.

Describing the attack in Sana'a as outrageous, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein today reiterated his urgent call for creating an international investigative body; a call that was supported by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

"Since the beginning of this conflict in Yemen, weddings, marketplaces, hospitals, schools - and now mourners at a funeral - have been hit, resulting in massive civilian casualties and zero accountability for those responsible," the High Commissioner said in a news release issued by his Office (OHCHR) in Geneva.

"This deadly attack comes just weeks after the UN Human Rights Council, for the second year in a row, dismissed my call to take decisive action to create an international, independent investigative body to look into extremely serious alleged violations of international law, including possible war crimes, in Yemen," the UN human rights chief added.

He stressed that the Human Rights Council's inability to take decisive action by setting up an international investigation is contributing to a climate of impunity and the occurrence of violations "on a regular basis."

At UN Headquarters in New York, Mr. Ban told reporters that "aerial attacks by the Saudi-led coalition have already caused immense carnage, and destroyed much of the country's medical facilities and other vital civilian infrastructure."

Also according to the release, it is unclear how many people were present but the hall has a capacity of up to 1,000 people, and witnesses described a hall packed with families, including children. A large number of political and military leaders affiliated with the Houthis and former president Saleh were among those present, and many were killed.

"The international community has a legal and moral duty to react robustly to the increasingly horrific levels of civilian casualties in Yemen, just as it has in many other situations," Mr. Zeid said. "We take note of the recent letter sent by Saudi Arabia to the Security Council indicating its readiness to take corrective and appropriate measures to ensure accountability, including the release of the results of the ongoing investigations into this incident, in the near future."

The High Commissioner also called on all States - which are contributing to the conduct of hostilities in Yemen in any way - to seriously reconsider their support to the parties to the conflict, urging all sides to resume dialogue and to work towards a sustainable ceasefire.

According to the release, since March 2015, at least 4,125 civilians have been killed and 7,207 injured in Yemen. The number of casualties has risen dramatically since the collapse of the cessation of hostilities agreement in August. During September 2016, 379 civilians were killed and injured. Already, in just the first ten days of October, the rate has tripled - with 369 civilian casualties.
South Sudan: Alarmed by violence in Yei, UN mission calls for immediate end to hostilities

Publisher UN News Service Publication Date 10 October 2016 Cite as UN News Service, South Sudan: Alarmed by violence in Yei, UN mission calls for immediate end to hostilities, 10 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fdeceb40e.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.

10 October 2016 - Extremely concerned by the continuing deterioration of the security situation in the South Sudanese town of Yei, where an estimated 100,000 people are trapped, the United Nations mission in the African country today called on warring factions to immediately end all hostilities.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has received deeply disturbing reports of horrific violence perpetrated against innocent and vulnerable civilians, including women and infants, said the statement issued by the Mission's principle public information officer.

UNMISS is also concerned at the humanitarian crisis unfolding, with a population unable to move freely, tend to their farms, or feed themselves, due to various restrictions on their movement, and the inability of humanitarian partners to freely access the area and provide much needed assistance, the statement noted.

According to UN agencies, it has been estimated that some 100,000 South Sudanese are trapped in Yei, which is situated in Central Equatoria state, about 150 kilometres south-west of Juba, the capital, and close to the country's borders with Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Until recently, Yei had been largely spared from the violence and attacks that have plagued the country since December 2013.

The Mission is alarmed that deadly attacks on civilians and looting of private property on 11 and 13 September, and the displacement of several thousand others from nearby Lainya County since mid-July, has affected over 100,000 South Sudanese in Yei, despite their civilian non-combatant status, the statement said.

UNMISS calls on all parties to refrain from further violence, ensure that commanders control their forces and protect civilians and their property and to cease all hostilities, the statement said, adding that we also call on the authorities to grant immediate and unfettered access to UNMISS and humanitarian actors [] and further reiterate that there can be no military solution to the situation in South Sudan.

UNMISS, was set up in 2011 after South Sudan gained independence from Sudan. It played a major role in trying to protect civilians when war broke out in 2013 between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and those of then Vice-President Riek Machar.

Deteriorating security in South Sudan has forced more than 200,000 people to flee the country since a fresh fighting broke out around Juba, the capital, on 8 July 2016, bringing the number of South Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries to over 1 million. Within the national border, more than 1.61 million people are internally displaced and another 261,000 are refugees from Sudan, DRC, Ethiopia, and Central African Republic.
Ecuador: Universal Periodic Review, October 2016

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 11 October 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Ecuador: Universal Periodic Review, October 2016, 11 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fded9f4.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 administration of President Rafael Correa has expanded state control over media and civil society and abused its power to harass, intimidate, and punish critics. Other concerns include limited judicial independence, poor prison conditions, and women's and girls' limited access to reproductive health care due to fear of prosecution. The government has failed to implement recommendations it had accepted during the 2012 UPR of Ecuador on all these issues.

II. Human Rights Issues

Excessive use of force against protesters

During the 2012 UPR of Ecuador, the government accepted recommendations to "guarantee the respect of all human rights by members of the National Police" and "ensure prompt, impartial and timely investigation of all police abuses." Nonetheless, Ecuadorian security forces have committed abuses against protesters and bystanders, which have typically gone unpunished.

In September 2014, security forces committed serious physical abusesincluding severe beatings, kicks, and electric shocks, during arrest and detentionagainst dozens of protesters and bystanders in response to largely peaceful demonstrations in Quito. A minority of protesters engaged in violence, clashing with police and leaving more than 30 officers injured. Within 24 hours of being detained, more than 100 detainees were brought before judges and charged with offenses such as attacking or resisting authority and damaging public or private property. Detainees were not informed of the charges against them before the hearings and had no contact with family members or lawyers until immediately before the hearings.

The government responded to reports and allegations of abuse by publicly congratulating the National Police on their role during the protests, threatening to prosecute lawyers who reported human rights violations, and challenging media outlets that published information on the abuses.

Disproportionate Criminal Charges against Protesters

During the 2012 UPR of Ecuador, the government accepted a recommendation to ensure that Ecuadorians could "exercise their right to peaceful assembly and protest and that anti-terrorist legislation is not misused to inappropriately censure such activities."

Nonetheless, sweeping provisions of the "sabotage and terrorism" chapter in the criminal code have been repeatedly applied by prosecutors against protesters. The provisions have been used to convict more than 100 people for participating in allegedly violent protest activity during a police mutiny, which the government called an attempted coup, in September 2010.

Prosecutors have filed other serious charges against participants in public protests that are disproportionate to alleged acts. In February 2013, for example, 12 students were charged for rebellion, a crime that carries a prison sentence of up to six years, for their alleged participation in violent incidents during a protest in Quito against the decision to change the name of their university. A judge later dismissed the charges after the prosecutor was unable to substantiate them. After President Correa criticized the judge's decision in his weekly TV broadcast, another prosecutor reopened the case. In a second trial in July, the 12 were convicted and sentenced to 21 days in prison.

Hundreds of Ecuadorians took to the streets in December 2015 to protest the National Assembly's approval of constitutional amendments granting the Armed Forces powers to assist police in security operations, allowing the president and other elected officials to run for office indefinitely after 2017, and declaring communications a public servicethus granting the government broad powers to restrict the media. The day after the protests, a court convicted 21 people and sentenced them to 15 days in prison for "issuing expressions of discredit and dishonor against policemen."

Freedom of Expression

During the 2012 UPR of Ecuador, the government accepted recommendations to "repeal all legal provisions that contravene" free speech, "guarantee in all circumstances the independence of the media," "eliminate criminal defamation provisions," and "protect the right to freedom of expression of journalists."

In 2013, President Correa signed a communications law that gives the government broad powers to limit free speech. The law requires all information disseminated by media to be "verified" and "precise," opening the door to censorship by allowing the government to decide what information meets these vague criteria. It also prohibits "media lynching," defined as "repeatedly disseminating information with the purpose of discrediting or harming the reputation of a person or entity." In addition, it prohibits what it terms "censorship," which, under the law's definition, includes the failure of private media outlets to cover issues that the government considers to be of "public interest."

The Superintendency of Information and Communication (SUPERCOM), a government regulatory body created by the 2013 Communications Law, has in dozens of cases ordered media outlets and journalists to "correct" or retract reports, including opinion pieces and cartoons, or publicly apologize for their content. SUPERCOM has also accused outlets of engaging in "censorship" by not publishing information officials deemed important.

The Correa administration repeatedly used the Communications Law to order media outlets to publish information favorable to the government and to transmit official broadcasts responding to unfavorable news coverage. In July 2016, for example, the Communications Ministry ordered the TV channel Ecuavisa to transmit a thirty-minute official broadcast at the time when an investigative program was scheduled to air a report criticizing the government's use of public funds to create audiovisual materials in support of government policies. Ecuavisa was able to air part of the investigative program in the time that was left; it published the rest only online.

Criminal defamation remains a concern, despite a 2014 legal reform narrowing the crime's definition. In June 2016, President Correa brought a defamation complaint against the vice mayor of Quito, for saying, in a radio interview, that President Correa manipulated the justice system to send money abroad without paying taxes. In September, the vice mayor was sentenced to 15 days in prison.

Efforts to exploit U.S. copyright law to secure the immediate removal of content critical of the government from Youtube and other major content providers are recurrentand most often successful. The president, his political party and its members, state media outlets, and state agencies all have filed requests to remove images and documents from the Internet. Users sometimes manage to restore content, but only after a legal process that can take weeks.

Freedom of Association, Civil Society Organizations, and Human Rights Defenders

During the 2012 UPR of Ecuador, the government accepted recommendations to "create an enabling legal environment for civil society organizations to contribute to democratic governance," and to "protect human rights defenders against harassment and attacks and fully ensure their freedom of assembly."

In 2015, President Correa issued a decree confirming broad government powers, existing since 2013, to intervene in the operations of NGOs, including the power to dissolve groups on the grounds that they have "compromise[d] public peace" or have engaged in activities that are different from those they identified when registering with the government.

In December 2013, the government dissolved the Pachamama Foundation, an NGO that had engaged in environmental and human rights advocacy for more than 16 years, on the grounds that several of its members had allegedly participated in a violent demonstration against oil drilling in the Amazon region. Pachamama was not given advanced notice of the dissolution, and its legal challenges to the order were all rejected.

In August 2015, the education minister dissolved the largest and oldest teachers' union for allegedly violating a legal obligation to register board members. The dissolution came after the union's president met with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Human Rights Committee to report on violations of educators' rights, including labor stability and free association.

Judicial Independence

Corruption, inefficiency, and political interference have plagued Ecuador's judiciary for years. President Correa received a popular mandate, in a 2011 referendum, to fix the problems. During the 2012 UPR of Ecuador, the government accepted several recommendations to ensure that the justice reform it was undertaking respected judicial independence. Nonetheless, as part of his sweeping judicial reforms, the Council of the Judiciary appointed and removed hundreds of judges, including all magistrates of the National Court of Justice, through highly questionable mechanisms that have undermined judicial independence.

Prison Conditions

Prison overcrowding and poor prison conditions are long-standing problems in Ecuador. During the 2012 UPR of Ecuador, the government accepted several recommendations to reform its penitentiary system. Since then, the government has spent millions of dollars to construct new detention centers, but their remote locations and strict and limited visitation rules impede prisoners' contact with family members.

In August 2016, after the Public Defender's Office filed a habeas corpus request on behalf of detainees at the Turi detention center in Azuay Province, a series of videos were leaked to the public, showing prison guards beating inmates, some of them naked, and subjecting them to electric shocks. On September 30, a judge accepted the habeas corpus and ordered a series of measures to protect detainees' rights.

Migrants and Refugees

According to official statistics from 2013, Ecuador had nearly 55,000 registered refugees, the largest number of any Latin American country. Most are Colombians fleeing armed conflict.

In September 2014, the Constitutional Court ruled that several provisions of a 2012 presidential decree regulating asylum procedures were unconstitutional. The court ruled that the decree's definition of "refugee" was too narrow and was inconsistent with the definition set forth in the 1984 Cartagena Declaration on Refugees. It also extended the deadline to file an asylum request to three months after the petitioner's entry, and provided additional protections for appeal of asylum decisions, stating that refugees cannot be returned until a judge has made a final decision on the case.

The ruling, however, upheld other problematic provisions of the decree, including unfair procedures for determining which asylum claims should be deemed "manifestly unfounded," and overly broad powers to revoke refugee status. A comprehensive law to regulate the rights of migrants and asylum seekers is currently pending before the National Assembly.

In July 2016, approximately 150 Cubans were detained during a raid in a park where they were sleeping in tents to protest their inability to obtain a special humanitarian visa from Mexico that would allow them to travel to the US border, and from there, seek asylum in the United States. Judges conducted deportation hearings that did not comply with basic due process guarantees, and ordered the deportation of most of the detainees, including some who had sought asylum in Ecuador. The Cubans were deported before they had an opportunity to appeal the orders and, in some cases, despite judicial orders in their favor.

Accountability for Past Abuses

A truth commission set up by the Correa administration to investigate abuses that occurred during all presidencies from the beginning of the repressive one of Leon Febres Cordero in 1984 until Correa took office in 2008 documented 136 cases of abuse involving 456 victims, including 68 victims of extrajudicial execution and 17 of enforced disappearance. Progress by a special prosecutorial unit created in 2010 to investigate these cases has been slow. As of December 2015, judicial procedures had only been initiated in 8 cases.

Reproductive Rights

During the 2012 UPR of Ecuador, the government accepted a recommendation to "strengthen measures to address teenage pregnancy, promoting access to reproductive health services."

The right to seek an abortion is limited to instances in which a woman's health or life is at risk, or when a pregnancy results from the rape of a "woman with a mental disability." Fear of prosecution drives some women and girls to have illegal and unsafe abortions and impedes health care and services for victims of sexual violence. Fear of prosecution also hinders detection and prevention of sexual and gender-based violence. Government statistics released in 2010, the latest available, indicate that one in four women over 15 years old in Ecuador has been a victim of sexual violence.

III. Recommendations

To address the human rights problems described in this submission:

The government of Ecuador should:

Ensure that all security forces to abide by the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials when dispersing public demonstrations, and that prison guards respect the rights of detainees;

Stop using the Communications Law to order media outlets to publish and transmit political propaganda, including material intended to combat negative news coverage of the government and its policies;

End its practice of censoring critics online through U.S. copyright law procedures;

Repeal the presidential decree that grants the government broad powers to intervene in the operations of civil society organizations, and ensure that those organizations that have been dissolved by its application are able to reestablish themselves and operate freely; and

Ensure that its justice reform efforts protect judicial independence, and take steps to reverse actions that have hurt the independence and integrity of the judiciary.

The National Assembly should:

Amend provisions in the criminal code that undermine free speech, including the revised versions of terrorism, sabotage, and defamation provisions;

Repeal the 2013 Communications Law;

Adopt a comprehensive law on rights of migrants and asylum seekers that upholds their rights under international law; and

Decriminalize abortion at least in cases of rape, incest, and severe foetal impairment, as recommended by the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women in February 2015.

The Attorney General's Office should:

Conduct prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations of all police abuses, abuses by prison guards, and human rights violations documented by the Truth Commission; and

Stop bringing disproportionate criminal charges against protesters, including but not limited to "terrorism" and "sabotage" charges.

Annexes:
Mozambique: Prominent Opposition Leader Killed

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 11 October 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Mozambique: Prominent Opposition Leader Killed, 11 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fdf7004.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 killing of a prominent opposition leader on October 8, 2016, in Maputo puts ongoing peace talks in Mozambique at risk, Human Rights Watch said today.

Jeremias Pondeca, 55, was a former member of parliament representing the opposition party RENAMO. He was also a member of a team preparing a meeting between President Filipe Nyusi and the opposition leader Afonso Dhlakama to end the current military and political hostilities between RENAMO and the government.

At least nine other people have died across Mozambique since March 2015 in what seem to be politically motivated killings, which the authorities have failed to properly investigate or prosecute.

"The killing of Jeremias Pondeca is not only a horrendous taking of a life, but is a blow to efforts to resolve Mozambique's dangerous political situation," said Daniel Bekele, Africa director at Human Rights Watch. "The government's failure to genuinely investigate past killings provides space for the latest terrible crime."

Pondeca was shot dead during his morning jog at Maputo's main beach, Costa do Sol, police reported. His family only learned of his killing a day later, after contacting the authorities to report his disappearance and being told that an unidentified body with bullet wounds had been taken to the morgue. RENAMO officials later informed the media that Pondeca had been killed.

Preliminary police investigations suggest that four men who had been following Pondeca by car, approached the victim and fired two shots at his head and one at his abdomen before fleeing. His car was found parked nearby.

The peace talks, which were due to resume on October 10, were put on hold following Pondeca's killing.

Human Rights Watch has documented nine previous cases of apparent political killings since March 2015, in which the targets were officials from RENAMO, the ruling party FRELIMO, an outspoken academic who defended a controversial RENAMO petition, and a state official. Both parties have claimed that several other members of their parties have been killed across the country in the past two years.

Human Rights Watch spoke with witnesses to three of the killings as well as relatives and friends of the nine victims. All allege that the police had not conducted a comprehensive investigation into the cases. In some cases, the police failed to inspect and secure the crime scene before the evidence was compromised.

Human Rights Watch wrote to Attorney General, Beatriz Buchili, on September 12, enquiring about the steps her office had taken to prosecute some of the killings. As of October 10, Buchilli had not replied.

The Mozambican Criminal Investigation Police (PIC), which is the state body responsible for conducting criminal investigations, has publicly promised to investigate all nine cases. However, according to what the police told Human Rights Watch they have not concluded any of the investigations, nor have they been able to identify any suspects, not even for those cases that authorities blamed on RENAMO fighters.

"Mozambican law enforcement appears incapable or unwilling to seriously investigate apparent political killings," Bekele said. "In either case, its repeated failures have created an environment of impunity and fear."

Political Killings Since March 2015

On March 3, 2015, constitutional lawyer Gilles Cistac was shot dead outside a cafe in the center of Maputo. Witnesses said he was entering his car outside the building when four unidentified men from another car opened fired, killing Cistac and his driver. Cistac's family and friends say he had been receiving threats after he publicly defended the disputed constitutionality of RENAMO's petition to create autonomous provincial authorities.

On August 8, 2015, former agent of the State Intelligence and Security Services, Inlamo Ali Mussa, was shot dead, apparently on the outskirts of Maputo. His family said he was planning to give interviews denouncing alleged abusive practices of Mozambique's secret services. His body was found a day after he disappeared from his home, with his hands bound and two bullet wounds to his head.

On January 16, 2016, the secretary general of RENAMO, Manuel Bissopo, was shot and severely wounded as he travelled in his car in the center of Beira city, in Sofala province. His bodyguard also died. The incident took place hours after a news conference in which Bissopo had accused state security forces of abducting and killing members of his party.

On February 4, 2016, senior RENAMO official Filipe Jonasse Machatine was found dead with eight gunshot wounds in Gondola, Manica province, two days after he had been kidnapped by unidentified men.

On March 7, 2016, a senior RENAMO official in Inhambane province, Aly Jane, was found dead after he had disappeared four days earlier. His body, found near the Nhanombe River between Maxixe and Homoine districts, bore signs of violence.

On April 9, 2016, RENAMO member of the National Council for Defence and Security, Jose Manuel, was shot dead outside Beira international airport after he had arrived from Maputo. It reportedly took the police about 10 hours to arrive at the scene.

On June 22, 2016, the body of a FRELIMO senior official in Manica province, Jose Fernando Nguiraze, was found by neighbors with gunshot wounds inside his house. He lived alone because his family had been evacuated for security reasons. Police said the perpetuators of the crime were four RENAMO members who have not been identified.

On September 2, 2016, the administrator of Tica, in Nhamatanda district, Sofala province, Jorge Abilio, was killed by armed men whom the police identified as RENAMO fighters. Abilio was ambushed after attending a community meeting in which he tried to convince local residents not to abandon the region despite frequent clashes between the Mozambican army and RENAMO fighters.

On September 22, 2016, senior RENAMO official in Moatize district and member of the local Tete provincial assembly, Armindo Nkutche, died after being shot six times, on the streets, just hours after speaking at the assembly's closing session.

Background

After the 1992 peace agreement that ended Mozambique's 16-year civil war, RENAMO leader Afonso Dhlakama was allowed to keep a 300-man private armed guard. Successive failures to integrate other RENAMO fighters into the national army and civilian life have encouraged former fighters to join the private guards and to camp in old RENAMO training grounds. RENAMO, a political party that currently holds 89 seats in parliament, is now believed to have an armed force double the size of what it was permitted under the peace agreement.

Over the past four years, tension has increased between RENAMO and the governing party, FRELIMO, including an increase in armed attacks by RENAMO and by government forces. The parties signed a new peace agreement in September 2014, but RENAMO says the government has failed to integrate RENAMO fighters into the national army and police in accordance with the agreement. The government says RENAMO has refused to hand over a list of its militia to be integrated into the security forces because it wants to use them as leverage for political negotiations. FRELIMO won elections in October 2014, but RENAMO says it wants to govern the six provinces in which it claims it received more votes.

Preparations for a meeting between President Filipe Nyusi and Renamo leader Afonso Dhlakama, to reach a ceasefire and end the hostilities, started in July. The talks are coordinated by a team of international mediators led by a former Italian diplomat, Mario Raffaelli, a representative of the European Union.

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Kazakhstan: Land Rights Activists on Trial

Publisher Human Rights Watch Publication Date 10 October 2016 Cite as Human Rights Watch, Kazakhstan: Land Rights Activists on Trial, 10 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fdf7cb4.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.

Two land rights activists will go on trial in Kazakhstan on October 12, 2016, on unfounded criminal charges stemming from a peaceful protest, Human Rights Watch said today.

A court in Atyrau, western Kazakhstan, will hear the case against Maks Bokaev and Talgat Ayan on charges of "inciting social and national discord," "disseminating false information," and "organizing an illegal protest."

The criminal prosecution of activists for exercising their right to peaceful protest has no place in a society that respects human rights and rule of law, Human Rights Watch said. The authorities should halt the trial immediately and free the two men.

"Maks Bokaev and Talgat Ayan should not be facing prison time for peacefully exercising their right to protest or for encouraging others to do the same," said Mihra Rittmann, Europe and Central Asia researcher at Human Rights Watch. "Expressing a negative opinion about government policy is not a crime."

Bokaev, 43, is a well-known activist, outspoken on a range of issues, including human rights and the environment. He is a member of the Atyrau regional National Preventive Mechanism, a torture prevention monitoring group under Kazakhstan's Office of the Ombudsman. Ayan, 32, is another Atyrau-based activist who has actively opposed proposed amendments to the land code.

Hundreds of people in Kazakhstan rallied in April and May against proposed land reforms that would extend from 10 years to 25 years the time for which foreigners could lease land in Kazakhstan. Protesters were concerned that long-term leases could result in the effective loss of Kazakh land to foreign investors. Bokaev and Ayan had leading roles in one of the largest protests in Atyrau on April 24. Bokaev had formally requested permission to hold the protest in accordance with Kazakhstan's restrictive law on public assemblies, but permission was denied.

Human Rights Watch reviewed the indictment against the men, which does not cite any material evidence that the men were planning violence. They each face up to 10 years in prison.

The indictment, dated September 26, says that Bokaev and Ayan are accused of "criminal acts against the peace and security of mankind, public safety, public order and order management," and of "willfully acting against the national interests of the Republic of Kazakhstan and creating threats to the Republic of Kazakhstan's national security" by organizing a public protest against land reform proposals.

In particular, the indictment states that Bokaev, acting with Ayan, by requesting permission to hold a protest on April 24, "allow[ed] for the possibility of inciting social discord, destabilizing the social and political situation, disturbing public order, and causing significant damage to the rights and legitimate interests of citizens, organizations, and legally protected interests of society and the state."

The indictment also states that in advance of the April 24 protest, both Bokaev and Ayan used social networks, including WhatsApp and Facebook, to disseminate false information about land reforms and to encourage Atyrau residents to attend the April 24 rally, with the aim of "forming negative opinions, which contained a negative emotional assessment and formed negative attitudes toward a social group (parliamentary deputies, regional heads), [and a] professional group (law enforcement officers and special bodies)."

Ayan is also accused of receiving money from a businessman from southern Kazakhstan, who is separately on trial in closed proceedings for acts "aimed at the forcible overthrow of power."

The indictment says that based on complex psychological and linguistic assessments commissioned by the authorities and carried out in May and July, both Bokaev's and Ayan's Facebook posts contain elements of inciting social discord. The July assessment concluded that Ayan's posts "formeda negative attitude to representatives of government, law enforcement and special operations, and therefore contain an appeal aimed at inciting social discord."

Bokaev and Ayan were initially detained on May 17, along with over two dozen others across Kazakhstan around that time, and sentenced to 15 days in detention for allegedly violating the law on public assemblies.

Before they were released, authorities brought charges of "propaganda or public calls to seize or retain power, as well as seizure or retention of power or forcible change of the constitutional order of the Republic of Kazakhstan" and "preparing for a crime," and transferred them to pretrial detention. In June, the charges were amended.

Prosecuting Bokaev and Ayan for holding and expressing negative views about the government's initiative to amend the land code is a clear violation of Kazakhstan's international human rights obligations, Human Rights Watch said. Kazakhstan is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which guarantees the rights to freedom of expression, association, and assembly and the authorities' actions around the protests and the prosecutions demonstrate scant respect for any of those rights or their obligations.

The vague criminal charge of "inciting social discord" has come under concerted criticism in recent years, including by local and international human rights organizations, the United Nations Human Rights Committee, the European Parliament, and the OSCE media freedom representative.

"Kazakh authorities should stop misusing vague criminal legislation to target government critics," Rittmann said. "Bokaev and Ayan should be freed."

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Iran: 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman faces imminent execution after grossly unfair trial

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 11 October 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Iran: 22-year-old Iranian Kurdish woman faces imminent execution after grossly unfair trial, 11 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fdf8a54.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 Iranian authorities must urgently halt their plans to execute Zeinab Sekaanvand, a 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman who was arrested when she was just 17-years-old and convicted of the murder of her husband after a grossly unfair trial, Amnesty International said today.

She is due to be executed by hanging as soon as 13 October.

"This is an extremely disturbing case. Not only was Zeinab Sekaanvand under 18 years of age at the time of the crime, she was also denied access to a lawyer and says she was tortured after her arrest by male police officers through beatings all over her body," said Philip Luther, Research and Advocacy Director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.

"Iran's continued use of the death penalty against juvenile offenders displays the authorities' contempt even for commitments they themselves have signed up to. The Iranian authorities must immediately quash Zeinab Sekaanvand's conviction and grant her a fair retrial without recourse to the death penalty, and in accordance with principles of juvenile justice."

Zeinab Sekaanvand was 17-years-old when she was arrested in February 2012 for the murder of her husband, whom she had married at the age of 15. She was held in the police station for the next 20 days where she has said she was beaten by male police officers. She "confessed" to them that she stabbed her husband after he had subjected her to months of physical and verbal abuse and had repeatedly refused her requests for divorce.

Her trial was grossly unfair. She was denied access to a lawyer during her entire pre-trial detention period and only met her state-appointed lawyer for the first time at her final trial session on 18 October 2014. It was at this session that she retracted "confessions" that she had made earlier when she had no access to legal representation.

She told the court that her husband's brother, who she said had raped her several times, was responsible for the murder and had coerced her into "confessing", promising that he would pardon her (under Islamic law, murder victims' relatives have the power to pardon the offender and accept financial compensation instead).

This statement was ignored by the court, which instead relied heavily on "confessions" she had made without a lawyer present, to reach its verdict.

Subsequently, on 22 October 2014, Branch 2 of the Criminal Court of West Azerbaijan Province sentenced Zeinab Sekaanvand to death under qesas ("retribution in kind"), a conviction and sentence which were later upheld by Branch 7 of the Supreme Court of Iran.

The courts failed to apply juvenile sentencing guidelines from Iran's 2013 Islamic Penal Code and order a forensic report to assess her "mental growth and maturity" at the time of the crime. Additionally, they failed to inform her that she could submit an "application for retrial" (e'adeyeh-e dadresi) based on Article 91 of the Penal Code.

Iran's Penal Code falls woefully short of safeguards required for juvenile offenders under international human rights law, and even those limited safeguards that do exist, such as informing juvenile offenders of their right to apply for a retrial, are often not implemented by the authorities.

Background

As a state party to the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Iran is legally obliged to treat everyone under the age of 18 as a child and ensure that they are never subject to the death penalty nor to life imprisonment without possibility of release.

International law, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child, absolutely prohibits the use of the death penalty for crimes committed by persons when the defendant was below 18 years of age.

Under Iranian law, those convicted of murder and sentenced to qesas have no right to seek pardon or commutation of their death sentence from the State, as is required by Article 6(4) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Amnesty International opposes the death penalty in all cases without exception, and calls on the Iranian authorities to establish an official moratorium on executions with a view to abolishing the death penalty.

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Pakistan: Drop travel ban on Dawn journalist

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 11 October 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Pakistan: Drop travel ban on Dawn journalist, 11 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fdf8ec4.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.

Pakistan's authorities must immediately revoke a travel ban on a leading journalist and allow the media to operate freely and without fear, Amnesty International said today.

Cyril Almeida, assistant editor of Dawn newspaper, was placed on Pakistan's Exit Control List by the Pakistani authorities after the Prime Minister's Office took exception to a front page report he wrote, dated 6 October, on tensions between the civilian government and the military.

"The travel ban on Cyril Almeida is a crude intimidation tactic designed to silence journalists and stop them from doing their jobs," said Audrey Gaughran, Amnesty International's Director of Global Issues.

"Journalism is not a crime. They should be able to work freely and without fear. The Pakistani authorities must break with a longstanding practice of subjecting media workers to intimidation, threats, restrictions on movements, enforced disappearances and violence."

Earlier this year Reporters without Borders ranked Pakistan 147th out of 180 countries for press freedom, the lowest position in South Asia.

The travel ban on Cyril Almeida comes after Pakistan's Prime Minister's Office issued three statements in four days attacking the journalist, and the highly respected Dawn newspaper, for a news article covering tensions between the civilian government and the military.

In its latest statement on 10 October, the Prime Minister's office threatened "stern action" for the publication of the report, alleging that it "risked vital state interests".

"The language used by the Prime Minister's Office is chilling. It is one thing for the authorities to dispute and contradict a media report. But it is quite another to threaten a journalist under the guise of national security," said Audrey Gaughran.

"Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif should remember his promises to improve the situation for journalists. It is essential he take concrete measures to make that a reality."

Background

Amnesty International has documented a series of assaults on journalists' freedom of expression and safety in Pakistan.

On 30 August, on the International Day of the Disappeared, the organization called for a prompt, thorough and effective investigation into the whereabouts of Zeenat Shahzadi, a 24-year-old journalist who has not been seen or heard from for more than a year.

The independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan believes she was subject to an enforced disappearance by security forces.

In 2014, Amnesty International published a major report, 'A bullet has been chosen for you': Attacks on journalists in Pakistan, revealing how the country's reporters live under the constant threat of killings, harassment and other violence from all sides, including intelligence services, political parties and armed groups such as the Taliban.

The report described how the Pakistani authorities have almost completely failed to stem human rights abuses against media workers or to bring those responsible to account.

Also in 2014, after a meeting with the Committee to Protect Journalists, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif vowed to establish a special commission to investigate the situation for journalists and to recommend how they can be protected. More than two years later, there has been no progress on this front.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
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.
Sudan: International chemical weapons investigation urgently needed into horrific Jebel Marra attacks

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 11 October 2016 Related Document(s) Scorched Earth, Poisoned Air: Sudanese Government Forces Ravage Jebel Marra, Darfur Cite as Amnesty International, Sudan: International chemical weapons investigation urgently needed into horrific Jebel Marra attacks, 11 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fdfa9a4.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.

Member states of the international body responsible for monitoring the use of chemical weapons must trigger an investigation into the alleged chemical weapons attacks in the Jebel Marra area of Darfur, revealed by Amnesty International last month.

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons' (OPCW) Executive Council will start a three-day meeting at the organisation's headquarters in The Hague today. Many of the members who will be present at the meeting, including France and other EU member states, have expressed their alarm over the chemical weapons allegations.

"Expressing concern and consternation will not suffice, we need to see concrete steps towards an independent investigation. We have credible evidence of horrific injuries, and estimates of up to 250 deaths, caused by dozens of suspected chemical weapons attacks against civilian populations over the past nine months," said Tirana Hassan, Director of Crisis Response at Amnesty International.

"These brutal attacks have caused unimaginable human suffering, particularly among young children, and must be investigated. Darfur dropped off the international agenda a decade ago but the relentless attacks on villages and slaughter of civilians, as well as apparent use of chemical weapons, show that it must be put back on as a matter of urgency."

"The international community cannot ignore this wake up call, and independent investigations into the use of chemical weapons must be instigated at this meeting."

Amnesty International is calling for member states at the OPCW meeting, which takes place between 11 and 14 October, to formally request that the Executive Council of the OPCW obtain clarification from the government of Sudan about the alleged use of chemical weapons in the Jebel Marra area in accordance with article IX of the Chemical Weapons Convention. If the Executive Council is unable to obtain adequate clarification from the government of Sudan, then member states must formally request a comprehensive on-site challenge inspection.

Copyright notice:  Copyright Amnesty International
Jordan: Aid deliveries to refugees trapped in desert 'no-man's land' must be followed by long-term solution

Publisher Amnesty International Publication Date 10 October 2016 Cite as Amnesty International, Jordan: Aid deliveries to refugees trapped in desert 'no-man's land' must be followed by long-term solution, 10 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fdfaed4.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.

Reports about the resumption of humanitarian aid to 75,000 refugees stranded in a remote, arid area along the Jordanian-Syrian border called "the berm" are a long-awaited glimmer of hope that should be followed by a sustainable, long-term solution, Amnesty International said today.

The news comes as the UN and the Jordanian authorities continue negotiations to open a humanitarian lifeline to the Syrians who have been stranded there since the Jordanian authorities sealed the border following an armed attack in June. Since then the refugees have endured hellish conditions with no aid except one delivery, made by crane in August.

"News that humanitarian assistance will be resumed to tens of thousands of refugees stranded at the berm comes as a welcome relief. However, we are worried by reports that aid will be lobbed across the border by crane or that refugees will be coerced, either directly or indirectly, to move to areas where they may be at risk of attack in order to receive it. Unfettered humanitarian access and a managed multi-sector humanitarian response in line with international standards is what is urgently required," said Audrey Gaughran, Director of Global Issues and Research at Amnesty International.

"Tens of thousands of refugees have fled bloodshed in Syria only to suffer for months on end in utterly inhumane conditions at the berm. Aid organizations must have unfettered access to provide food aid, lifesaving medical treatment and other support. Anything less is just a band aid that will do little in the long run.

"A more sustainable long-term fix to the crisis at the berm is needed. A real and meaningful solution would be for Jordan, with the support of the international community, to provide the stranded refugees with safety and sanctuary from the brutal conflict in Syria. This includes allowing refugees into the country, while carrying out the necessary security checks in line with international law and standards.

"The international community must also share responsibility with Jordan by providing significantly more resettlement places to alleviate the pressure on Jordan as one of the largest refugee-hosting countries in the world."

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Kazakhstan: Ten more Sunni Muslims sentenced

Publisher Forum 18 Author Felix Corley Publication Date 10 October 2016 Cite as Forum 18, Kazakhstan: Ten more Sunni Muslims sentenced, 10 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fe2e764.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.

Sunni Muslim Baurzhan Beisembai was sentenced in Oskemen to two and a half years' imprisonment for alleged membership of Tabligh Jamaat missionary movement. Six others were imprisoned and two given restricted freedom. A further imprisonment in Aktobe means 41 such convictions since December 2014.
Sudan and chemical weapons  a serial offender?

Publisher IRIN Author Tom Rhodes Publication Date 10 October 2016 Cite as IRIN, Sudan and chemical weapons  a serial offender?, 10 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fe34524.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.

An Amnesty International investigation that has put the spotlight on the Sudan government's possible use of chemical weapons against civilians in the western region of Darfur, may not be the only instance of the security forces allegedly launching chemical attacks.

Witnesses in South Kordofan, another region resisting government control, also report seeing civilians with symptoms suggesting chemical weapons' exposure, from as recently as April.

The Amnesty report, released in late September, claimed government aircraft conducted at least 30 chemical attacks in the remote Jebel Marra region of Darfur this year. Based on testimony from caregivers and survivors, it said that as many as 250 people may have been killed.

Two separate, independent chemical weapons experts concluded that the injuries and reported symptoms suggested a chemical attack from blister agents such as sulfur mustard, lewisite or nitrogen mustard gases.

Symptoms reported by 56 witnesses included bloody vomiting and diarrhoea; skin blisters and rashes which hardened; as well as eye and respiratory problems.

The government has denied the allegations.

Not just Darfur

Further south, in the Nuba Mountains region of South Kordofan, aid workers and local officials have also reported suspected chemical weapons use by the government. If accurate, the reports suggest a more deliberate and wide-ranging campaign by Khartoum against its restive regions.

Without soil samples, it's impossible to verify the allegations, but medical officials told IRIN they have seen symptoms consistent with chemical weapons exposure stretching back over at least four years of conflict.

Tom Catena, the only surgeon at the Mother of Mercy Hospital in Gidel, said the first incident he observed of a possible chemical attack was in April 2012, during fighting in Talodi town.

Eighteen victims of a government air raid were taken to the hospital, where they reported seeing grey smoke from the bombing turning white.

"The people who were exposed to the smoke said they became paralyzed, had blurred vision, vomiting and some with diarrhoea," the renowned surgeon said. "Several said they couldn't move their bodies for several hours, but eventually regained full function."

The symptoms could be the result of exposure to organophosphates such as insecticides and herbicides, or nerve agents, he said.

The second incident took place around late March to early April this year in the embattled town of Al Azraq, where Catena said similar symptoms were identified.

Ali Abdelrahman, director of the Nuba Mountains Relief, Rehabilitation and Development Organization (NRRDO)  a community-based support group  said his NGO has also come across cases of suspected chemical attacks on civilians in the Nuba Mountains. "But the problem is, we do not have the technical devices required to confirm these cases," he said.

The medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres reported the suspected use of chemical weapons as far back as 1999 in air attacks on Equatoria province, in what is now South Sudan.

Evidence problem

Repeated calls by IRIN to the Sudan Armed Forces for comment went unanswered. But a foreign ministry official, Abdel-Ghani Al-Na'im, had earlier dismissed the Amnesty report as "mere tendentious claims".

Reaching a firm conclusion on the government's alleged use of chemical weapons remains difficult. Sudan has effectively blocked access by international organisations and the media to the conflict areas in both Darfur and the Nuba Mountains.

Amnesty International said it was unable to collect soil and blood samples, and instead had to rely on interviews, satellite imagery and analysis of photographs of injuries.

The hybrid UN and African Union peacekeeping mission (UNAMID) has also been unable to corroborate Amnesty's findings because its movements are limited by the authorities.

"Over the past year, UNAMID has consistently requested and been denied full and unhindered access to conflict areas in Jebel Marra by the government of Sudan," a UN peacekeeping official told IRIN.

Access

"The government is obliged to provide UNAMID with full and unhindered freedom of movement throughout Darfur under the terms of its Status-of-Forces Agreement with the United Nations  We continue to urge it to do so," the official added.

"The government of Sudan makes it nearly impossible for journalists to report from Darfur," said award-winning photojournalist Adriane Ohanesian, one of the few foreign journalists to gain access to Jebel Marra last year. "Obtaining any information from these regions in Darfur is an endless struggle."

The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, an international anti-chemical weapons body, said more evidence was needed before it could "draw any conclusions" based on the Amnesty investigation.

In the meantime, the human rights group is presenting its Darfur report to the UN Security Council. According to Amnesty's Sudan researcher, Ahmed El-Zubeir, the report refutes the government's claim the situation in Darfur is stable.

The area of the Jebel Marra where the chemical weapons were allegedly used is controlled by rebels of the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdel Wahid al-Nur, who is not part of a shaky peace process.

The related conflicts in Darfur, South Kordofan and Blue Nile are being fought by rebels against an authoritarian government in Khartoum they regard as bent on exploiting and marginalising the country's ethnic minorities.

"Granting foreigners access would reveal what [the government] routinely denies," said Abdelrahman, with NRRDO. "It will incur more investigations into [government] violence, [and] atrocities committed."
Pope Makes Contentious Georgia Visit

Publisher Institute for War and Peace Reporting Author Tamar Svanidze Publication Date 6 October 2016 Citation / Document Symbol CRS 827 Cite as Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Pope Makes Contentious Georgia Visit, 6 October 2016, CRS 827, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fe39d44.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.

Protests by radical members of the Christian Orthodox church disrupted last week's visit by Pope Francis to Georgia.

Pope Francis, the spiritual leader of over 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide, came on the invitation of Georgian president Giorgi Margvelashvili and the leader of Georgias Orthodox Church, Patriarch Ilia II.

Georgia is overwhelmingly Orthodox Christian, with only about 20,000 people or around 0.8 per cent of the population belonging to the Catholic faith.

The Georgian Orthodox Church has an extreme right wing that is strictly against any dialogue with the Catholic Church, from which they split in the 11th century.

Since coming to office in 2013, Pope Francis has made a point of reaching out to the Orthodox church to bridge the schism. One week ahead of parliamentary elections in the country of 3.7 million, the pope said he wanted to bring a message of peaceful coexistence to a post-Soviet state.

Nonetheless, a small radical Orthodox group, among them several priests, rallied outside Tbilisi's Vatican embassy ahead of the pope's September 30 visit. They said that Pope Francis was a threat to Orthodox Christians and aimed to spread Catholicism in the region.

The same group protested outside Tbilisi airport when the Pope arrived, and in front of in front of the Mikheil Meskhi stadium in Tbilisi where he celebrated Mass on the second day of his visit.

The stadium has a capacity of over 27,000, but only some 3,000 people, including government officials and the diplomatic corps, turned out for the Mass. This made for an unusual sight, as papal visits tend to attract throngs of crowds.

The protestors also gathered in Mtskheta, when Francis met the Georgian Patriarch Ilia II in the Svetitskhoveli cathedral, the seat of the Georgian Orthodox church.

In his speech at the president's palace in the capital Tbilisi, the Pontiff underlined the importance of respecting minorities and accepting those who are different.

"Far from being exploited as grounds for turning discord into conflict and conflict into interminable tragedy, distinctions along ethnic, linguistic, political or religious lines can and must be for everyone a source of mutual enrichment in favour of the common good," he said.

Despite the protests, the Pope said the trip had been a success.

"I had two surprises in Georgia," Pope Francis told reporters following his visit. "One, Georgia. I have never imagined so much culture, so much faith, so much ChristianityIt is a believing people and an ancient Christian culture! A people of so many martyrs.

"I discovered something that I didn't know: the breadth of the Georgian faith. The second surprise was the patriarch: he is a man of God. This man has moved me. I many times have found that I left with the heart moved and full of the sensitivity of having found a man of God, truly a man of God."

Early on October 2, Pope Francis left Georgia and headed to neighbouring Azerbaijan for a one-day visit.

Copyright notice:  Institute for War & Peace Reporting
Children Forced into Heavy Labour in Afghan Province

Publisher Institute for War and Peace Reporting Publication Date 6 October 2016 Cite as Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Children Forced into Heavy Labour in Afghan Province, 6 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fe3a244.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.

More than 8,000 children are missing out on school and being forced into hard physical labour in Farah province, according to speakers at a recent IWPR debate.

Some 110 people took part in the September 29 event, which brought together a panel of local officials and civil society activists.

Mohammad Akbar Anwari, head of children's affairs at the department of labour and social affairs, said that thousands of youngsters were employed in farming, hired to work in mechanic's workshops or tasked with collecting waste paper and plastics.

"These 8,000 children not only do heavy and difficult work but are also deprived of their education," he added.

Mohammad Hasham Wafadar, head of the human rights department at Farah police headquarters, agreed that the problem was severe. He added that drug traffickers also often exploited youngsters. Farah's location near Iran made it a prime route for taking heroin westward.

"The police know that many children are treated badly in Farah province, forced to work hard and used in smuggling, but have been unable to do anything about it," Wafadar said.

Civil activist Parween Tofan said that the authorities were simply failing to live up to their duties.

"Many children are engaged in hard physical labour in Farah," she said. "I think the human rights organisations and the department of labour and social affairs have not shown propoer commitment to their responsibilities. They ought to find solutions to improve children's lives."

Debate participant Mohammad Yaqub Maftoon asked the panel about possible solutions to the child labour problem could be.

Jan Mohammad Grardiwal, in charge of Farah's orphanages, said that his offices were doing their best to provide some young people with an alternative to working in such awful conditions.

"We provide free education and meals three times a day for children who have lost their parents and are aged between five and 12 years old," he said.

Anwari said that the government in Kabul needed to provide more support.

"Four years ago we asked the ministry of labour and social affairs to pay more attention to the condition of children's lives in Farah province," he continued. "Unfortunately, we are yet to get a positive response from them."

This report is based on an ongoing series of debates conducted as part of the IWPR programme Afghan Reconciliation: Promoting Peace and Building Trust by Engaging Civil Society.

Copyright notice:  Institute for War & Peace Reporting
Syria: Saving My Memories

Publisher Institute for War and Peace Reporting Author Alaa al-Zuhouri Publication Date 7 October 2016 Cite as Institute for War and Peace Reporting, Syria: Saving My Memories, 7 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fe3a5e4.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 day my mother, my sister, and I fled our city of Al-Qusair will remain forever ingrained in my memory.

It happened towards the end of May 2013. Government forces had captured most the villages in rural Homs that surrounded Al-Qusair. The city was besieged and subject to intense government bombardment. Staying was no longer an option.

We left our house with nothing but the clothes we were wearing. I knew I shouldn't take anything with me to remind me of my city and the home where I was born and grew up in.

But I refused to give in. I decided to upload some of my photographs and videos on to a memory stick and take it with me.

It was a dangerous thing to do; we would be crossing many government checkpoints, and if the soldiers found it my life would be in danger, regardless of the photographs on it.

I did not care. My fate was in God's hands.

We all wept as we drove out of our neighbourhood. Little did we know it would be the last time we saw our city.

Our driver dropped us off at the outskirts of the city and told us we would have to continue our journey to the nearest town on foot. We walked for more than three hours under the scorching sun.

A large crowd of women, children and elderly people had already gathered in the town, some had been waiting for days. We came from different cities, towns and villages, but we all had one thing in common: we could no longer live with the constant bombing and siege.

We joined them and waited. We were thirsty but didn't dare go into any of the shops to buy water. The town's residents were loyal to the government and gave us hostile looks, as if we were terrorists.

A convoy of large lorries finally arrived to drive us away. Government soldiers pushed us into them like cattle.

The lorries left the area around two hours later, taking us on the next leg of our journey. We were already exhausted.

A short while later, we stopped at the first checkpoint on our route. Everything went smoothly and we moved on.

The second checkpoint we stopped at was more intimidating. The government soldiers who manned it shouted insults at us, but we all kept quiet as if nothing was happening.

The third checkpoint we stopped at was even worse. An officer came and asked for our ID cards, collected them and walked away. Another soldier then ordered us out of the trucks to conduct a search. A number of our fellow travellers were disabled, so I asked him if they could remain seated, but he wouldn't allow it. My sister and I helped them out of the truck and accompanied them to the pavement where they sat down.

Around ten minutes later, the officer who had taken our IDs turned up.

"Who's Alaa?" he called out.

"I'm Alaa," I replied, trembling.

He gave me a dark look, as if I were a criminal, then turned and walked away.

I thrust my mobile phone into my sister's hand. I was sure I would be detained and wouldn't be able to continue my journey with my family.

I was consumed with fear, but tried not to show it.

A very tense hour passed. One woman and her three young children were all crying. I was told that an arrest warrant had been issued for her 13-year-old daughter, but the mother would not hand her over.

The officer finally came back, his face like thunder. He stood there silently, trying to intimidate us. He then walked up to the driver and read out our names. But then gave us our IDs back and ordered us to drive on.

When we finally departed, I felt as if a miracle had occurred.

The trucks dropped us off at the town of Hisya where a local family took us in. We left them a few days later in the dead of night, along with a group of opposition fighters. Our next stop was the city of Qara in the Damascus countryside, and from there we headed across the Syrian-Lebanese border, towards the town of Arsal.

The journey to Arsal took a week. We travelled both day and night, and were exhausted when we arrived at the camps for Syrian refugees. We stayed with some relatives for a few days and then moved on to a small town in Lebanon.

By the time we arrived at our new home, I was homesick for my city, my country, my memories and my life.

I even missed the terrible sounds I had become accustomed to hearing every hour of every day; the bullets, mortars, missiles, aircrafts, demonstrations and even the sound of mass funerals.

The first thing I went out to buy was a laptop. I rushed back home and picked up my winter boots, the ones I been wearing during the long journey from Syria to Arsal.

I reached inside one of them and pulled out my precious memory stick. The memories I had carried on it had survived.

Alaa al-Zuhouri is the pseudonym of a Damascus Bureau contributor. The 20-year-old was forced to abandon her secondary school education when the revolution started. She is now working on developing her skills in film-making, stage acting and writing.

Copyright notice:  Institute for War & Peace Reporting
Press freedom violations recounted in real time January 2016

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 10 October 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Press freedom violations recounted in real time January 2016, 10 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fe3b6b4.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.

10.10.2016 - Two journalists released provisionally

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is relieved to learn that two journalists, Sadra Mohghgh and Ehssan Mazndarani, have been released provisionally in the past eight days. Mohghgh, who is responsible for coverage of social issues at the daily newspaper Shargh, was freed on bail on 2 October pending trial. He had been arrested on 19 September.





Mazndarani, the editor of the newspaper Farhikhteghan, was released provisionally yesterday so that he could be hospitalized, because his health has worsened as result of being on hunger strike for 18 days. One of several journalists arrested on 2 November 2015, he was given a seven-year jail sentence that was reduced on appeal to two years. His lawyer said he should be granted a proper conditional release.





Two other victims of the November 2015 wave of arrests who are still detained, Issa Saharkhiz, the former editor of several reformist newspapers, and Afarin Chitsaz, a journalist with the newspaper Iran, are both ill and are being denied the treatment they need. A week ago, Saharkhiz began his second hunger strike in less than six month in protest against his arrest and continuing detention. He has been in a Tehran hospital since 10 March.

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28.09.2016 - Journalist sentenced to seven months in prison

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is outraged to learn that Souroush Farhadian, a contributor to several pro-reform newspapers and editor of the bimonthly Ro Beh Ro (Opposite), was sentenced on 23 September to seven months in prison. He has appealed against his conviction.

Farhadian was summoned and arrested by prosecutors in the central city of Arak on 15 May as a result of a complaint by "a military entity" and was then released on bail after being charged with anti-government publicity and "activities threatening national security."

His lawyer said he was secretly tried in connection with articles denouncing the illegality of the detention of Mir Hossein Mousavi, a former prime minister and owner of the now closed newspaper Kalameh Sabaz, Zahra Rahnavard, who is a writer and Mousavi's wife, and Mehdi Karoubi, owner of the now closed newspaper Etemad Melli. Mousavi and Karoubi, who are both also former presidential candidates, have been under house arrest and deprived of all their rights since February 2011. Their state of health is a source of great concern.

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02.09.2016  Website closed after revelations about Tehran city hall corruption

The Committee for Determining Content that Constitutes Internet Crime, which is headed by prosecutor-general, ordered the closure of the Memarinews website yesterday, after it published documents about the Tehran city hall's sale of city-owned land and apartments to senior officials and municipal council members. Published on 29 August, the documents included letters from the Government Accounting Office criticizing disparities between the sale price and real value of the properties.





Several leading figures, including Tehran mayor (and former Revolutionary Guard commander) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and municipal council president Mehdi Chameran, filed a complaint against Memarinews on the same day that the documents were published. It accused the site of defamation and publishing false information.





Memarinews editor Yashar Soltani was summoned before the culture and media court just hours after the revelations. Then, in an open letter to the prosecutor-general yesterday, the mayor requested "a more thorough investigation into the published revelations, used by enemy media within Iran and abroad." He also requested a severe punishment for those responsible the corruption, if any corruption is proved, or otherwise for those responsible for publishing the lies. The decision ordering the website closed until further notice was issued later yesterday.

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29.08.2016  Legislator punches newspaper reporter

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is appalled to learn that Ehssan Bodaghi, a reporter for the newspaper Iran, was assaulted in a corridor of the Iranian parliament yesterday by Nader Ghazipour, a hardline parliamentarian from Orumiyeh, the capital of West Azerbaijan province.





When Bodaghi started to ask Ghazipour about the creation of a group of Azeri-speaking parliamentarians, Ghazipour reacted by punching him several times in the face and then dragged him to the office of the parliament's security service. Security officers released Bodaghi an hour later after deleting his audio recordings and making him sign an undertaking "not to start fights." Witnesses of the incident nonetheless said Bodaghi had just put questions to Ghazipour, who responded by accusing him of being "one of the reformers who are against Islam."





Ghazipour has a history of violence. During the last parliamentary elections in February, he told a meeting: "Parliament is not a place for women. It is a place for men (...) We did not easily win [this revolution] and get control of the country in order to now send foxes, children or little donkeys to parliament. Parliament is not a place for donkeys."

When a video of him making these comments was posted on social networks, it prompted an outcry and calls for him to be declared ineligible. Although he subsequently apologized to the women of Orumiyeh on his Instagram account, he threatened those who had "spied, recorded and posted the video." A few days later, Aina News director Hamed Atai and the journalist who had distributed the video were attacked on a street in Orumiyeh by Ghazipour supporters.

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22.08.2016 - Court upholds decision to flog blogger

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is appalled to learn that an appeal court in the city of Saveh, in central Iran, has upheld a lower court's decision that the Saveh-based journalist and blogger Mohammad Reza Fathi should be flogged because of his posts about city officials.





Under the original ruling handed down on 13 April, Fathi was sentenced to 444 lashes (to be administered in six sessions of 74 lashes) on charges of defamation and publishing false information. In its 12 July ruling, the appeal court confirmed the decision to flog Fathi but modified the sentence. It sentenced him to three sessions of 77 lashes for defamation and three sessions of 76 lashes for publishing false information  for an increased total of 459 lashes.





But the appeal court added that only the second sentence (three sessions of 76 lashes) will be administered in accordance with article 134 of the new Islamic penal code (as amended in 2013), which says that when a defendant is given more than one sentence on criminal charges, only the sentence corresponding to the gravest charge is implemented.





RSF again calls on the judicial authorities to overturn this sentence, which is inhumane and medieval, and contrary to international law.

Read the entry of 30.06.2016 - Iranian blogger sentenced to 444 lashes





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16.08.2016 - Journalist gets three years, another trial pending

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is outraged to learn that Issa Saharkhiz, a well-known independent journalist who edited several reformist newspapers, wassentenced to a total of three years in prison by a Tehran revolutionary court on 9 August.

His lawyer, Mahmoud Alizadeh-Tabatabaie, said Saharkhiz was given two years on a charge of anti-government propaganda and one year for "insulting Ali Khamenei, the Islamic Revolution's Supreme Leader." Two other pending charges against Saharkhiz  publishing false news and insulting the head of the judicial system  are to be tried separately as political crimes before a court of assizes, the lawyer added.

Saharkhiz was one of several journalists who were arrested on 2 November 2015. He has been in a Tehran hospital since 10 March after suffering a heart attack and going on hunger strike.

Often proposed since the 1979 revolution, the controversial law on political crimes was finally adopted by the Iranian parliament in May. This law violates the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (which Iran has signed) and other international norms.

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18.07.2016  Narges Mohammadi ends hunger strike

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is relieved that imprisoned journalist and human rights defender Narges Mohammadi abandoned her hunger strike on 16 July after being able to talk by phone with her two children, who now live with their father in Paris. RSF is pleased that the judicial authorities allowed this but points out that she should not be in prison, especially as she is in very poor health.





RSF was also pleased to learn that Afarin Chitsaz, a journalist held since a wave of arrests on 2 November 2015 , was released on bail of 1 billion toman (720,000 euros) on 5 July pending a decision on his appeal. Two other journalists who were arrested the same day, Ehssan Mazndarani and Saman Safarzai, were each granted three days' furlough on 5 July. Mazndarani had been hospitalized with pulmonary problems after being on hunger strike for more than three weeks.

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08.07.2016  Narges Mohammadi on 12th day of hunger strike

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is concerned about the conditions in which journalist and human rights activist Narges Mohammadi is being detained. She has been on hunger strike since 27 June in protest against her treatment and, in particular, a ban on contacting her husband and children, who live in exile in France. Her state of health is very worrying. "She is continuing her hunger strike although she has to take several medicines every day and has been the victim of convulsions in her cell twice," her husband, Taghi Rahmani, said.





A spokesperson of the Centre for Human Rights Defenders (which has been arbitrarily banned in Iran since 2006) and a close aide of Nobel Peace Laureate Shirin Ebadi, Mohammadi has had many spells in prison in connection with her human rights activism. Her current period in detention began when she was arrested on 5 May 2015. She was given a 10-year jail sentence on 18 May 2016.



At an event that RSF organized at the Theatre du Rond Point in Paris on 2 May 2016, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo awarded the City of Paris medal to four journalists proposed by RSF. One of them was Mohammadi, who sent a poignant message to the event from her Tehran cell. Her health is in danger but she is being denied the medical treatment she needs. In October 2015, she was taken from prison to a Tehran hospital, where she spent ten days handcuffed to a bed before being returned to prison against medical advice.

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30.06.2016 - Iranian blogger sentenced to 444 lashes

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is outraged by the sentence of 444 lashes that a court in the city of Saveh, in central Iran, imposed on Mohammad Reza Fathi, a journalist and blogger, on 9 June. The sentence is to be implemented in six sessions of 74 lashes. Fathi has filed an appeal. RSF urges the judicial authorities to overturn the sentence, which is inhumane and medieval, and contrary to international law.







The sentence is the outcome of three complaints filed by local officials, including a legislator, a deputy mayor and 11 members of the Saveh municipal council, about articles critical of the municipal government and local officials that Fathi posted anonymously on his blog, called Radio Saveh (http://www.pooria6.blogfa.com/). Arrested by members of the FTA (Iran's cyber-police) on 5 August 2012, he was released on bail 13 days later pending trial on a charge of "publishing false information with the aim of upsetting public opinion." The trial finally began on 13 April 2015 and concluded with the announcement of the sentence three weeks ago.







A number of media outlets and prominent figures have protested against the sentence, some of them in a letter to President Hassan Rouhani. Defending the sentence at a news conference, judicial authority provincial director Ghasem Abdolalhi said flogging was sometimes preferable to imprisonment "because only the culprit feels the consequences, while a jail term also affects the family" and because this form of punishment also satisfied the culprit's victims more. He also pointed out that the sentence could be reduced to a fine on appeal.







Fathi was previously arrested in 2005 in connection with his posts in an earlier blog, Savehjam (http://www.savehjam.blogspot.com), criticizing the provincial governor and Saveh's mayor, and a letter he wrote to then President Mohammad Khatami lamenting "the limited ability of officials to accept criticism." After the release of the letter, he was questioned by members of the Edareh Amaken, Iran's vice squad, on 26 March 2005. Nine days later, members of the local police arrested him on the street and held him for three days. Under pressure from the authorities, he finally closed his blog, which had been very popular in his region.

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22.06.2016 - Jail terms for former Iran CEO and three journalists

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the 91-day jail sentences passed on 18 June on Ali Akbar Javanfekr, former CEO of the Iran media group and onetime adviser to controversial former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, and three former journalists with the group's pro-government daily Iran, Abdolreza Soltani, Said Yousefipour and Hassan Ghassemi.

The pro-Ahmadinejad website Dolat Bahar said a special court for government employees convicted them on 19 May of an "act of rebellion against government agents." Their lawyers have appealed.





They were convicted in connection with the events that took place on 21 November 2011, as Javanfekr was holding a news conference at Iran's headquarters to protest against the one-year jail sentence and three-year ban on working as a journalist that a court had given him the day before. Tehran prosecutor's office representatives and police carried a particularly violent raid on the newspaper during the press conference, arresting Javanfekr and using teargas on the Iran journalists who were there to support him.

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21.06.2016  Reformist daily Ghanoon suspended

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns Tehran prosecutor Abbas Jafari Dolatabadi's decision yesterday to suspend the reformist daily Ghanoon with immediate effect in response to a complaint by the Revolutionary Guards accusing it of defamation and "publishing false information with the aim of upsetting public opinion." The newspaper's name means "The Law" in Persian.





Dolatabadi said the decision was taken under article 114 of the code of criminal procedure, which provides for immediate measures for the "prevention of crime." He did not say what prompted the complaint but Ghanoon often publishes articles critical of the conservative factions that support the Supreme Leader and have the judicial system's support.

A Ghanoon article dated 25 May and headlined "The latest change: ministry of intelligence 2" criticized a bill that was approved on the last day of the latest session of parliament, on 25 May. It granted full powers to the Revolutionary Guard intelligence agency, which operates independently of the ministry of intelligence.

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16 June 2016 - Conservative website closed, reformist editor prosecuted

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) reiterates its condemnation of government harassment of print and online media outlets following the closure of a conservative news website and the start of judicial proceedings against the editor of a reformist newspaper.





The Committee for Press Authorization and Surveillance, the censorship wing of the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, closed the conservative Jahannews website on 15 June under paragraph 11 of article 6 of the press code, which bans "spreading rumours and false information and misusing content written by others." The committee did not say which content had caused offence.





The site often posts stories critical of the government. In recent months, it posted information about the visits to Iran by Afghan Taliban chief Mullah Akhtar Mansour, who was killed in a US drone strike in May, and revealed the content of a letter from European Union foreign affairs representative Federica Mogherini to the Iranian foreign minister about problems implementing the international agreement on Iran's nuclear programme. It also revealed information about the dismissal of a member of the Rouhani administration. According to Iranian media reports, both the foreign ministry and the president's office have filed complaints against Jahannews.





The reformist daily Ghanon was the victim of a complaint by the prison administration accusing it of publishing false information. On 14 June, the Tehran public prosecutor confirmed that Ghanon editor Mahnaz Mazaheri would be prosecuted over an 11 June article headlined "24 cursed hours" about the mistreatment and injuries that a detainee received in the course of a 24-hour period in a prison in the southern part of the capital.





Hossein Shariatmadari, the editor of the ultra-conservative daily Kayhan, was meanwhile questioned by the prosecutor's office for culture and media on 15 June about complaints filed by various government bodies accusing it of publishing false and libellous information. A former interrogator at Tehran's Evin prison, Shariatmadari was appointed as Kayhan's editor by Supreme Guide Ali Khamenei in the early 1990s.

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15.06.2016  Five Internet activists freed conditionally

Reporters Without Borders is pleased to learn that five Internet activists who had been held for the past three years  Amir Gholestani, Fariborz Kardarfar, Masoud Ghasemkhani, Seyyed Masoud Seyyed Talebi and Amin (Faride) Akramipour  were granted conditional releases on 13 June.

Gholestani had been due to serve another 12 years in prison, Kardarfar another 10, Ghasemkhani another eight, and Talebi and Akramipour another four. All of them also have suspended sentence of five years prison. This means they will be under judicial control for the next five years and will have to report to a police station every month.





Revolutionary Guards arrested them and three others in September 2013 because of their activities on social networks, above all their Facebook posts about human rights abuses. After being placed in solitary confinement in Section 2A of Tehran's Evin prison and subjected to a great deal of pressure, the eight defendants were sentenced to a combined total of 123 years in prison on 27 May 2014 on charges of anti-government propaganda, "insulting what is sacred" and "insulting the Supreme Leader of the Revolution."





An appeal court reduced the sentences significantly in April 2015. Two of the other three activists, Naghmeh Shahi Savandi Shirazi and Mehdi Reyshahri, were released in 2014 and 2015 respectively. The third, Roya Saberi Negad Nobakht, is still held.

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14 June 2016  Kabodvand paroled but Mazndarani back in his cell

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is relieved to learn that imprisoned journalist Mohammad Sedegh Kabodvand ended his hunger strike on 9 June after being acquitted of the new charges brought against him and welcomes the decision by the judicial authorities to grant him four days of medical parole, which began on 12 June.





RSF nonetheless points out that Kabodvand should have already been released under article 134 of the new Islamic penal code (as amended in 2013), which recommends that a defendant convicted on more than one criminal charge should serve only the longest sentence.





RSF continues to be concerned about the health of Ehssan Mazndarani, an imprisoned journalist who has been on hunger strike since 17 May. According to his family, he was taken back to Tehran's Evin prison on 11 June although he is still refusing to eat and is suffering from pulmonary problems and anxiety attacks.





In a joint statement published on 11 June, 76 Iranian journalists called for the immediate release of these two journalists. "We are concerned about the crucial consequences that the hunger strike could have on the lives of these detained journalists and we condemn the violation of their legal and fundamental rights," the statement said.

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07.06.2016 - Concern about two journalists on hunger strike in prison

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) continues to be concerned about the way the authorities in Tehran's Evin prison are treating Mohammad Sedegh Kabodvand and Ehssan Mazndarani, two journalists who are on hunger strike in protest against the conditions in which they are being held and the injustices to which they have been subjected.









Mazndarani has refused to eat since 17 May, according to his family, who were unable to locate him in the prison for several days after he had a heart attack on 21 May. It later turned out that, without telling the family, the prison authorities transferred him to a hospital, where doctors voiced concern about his condition. His family says he was also the victim of violence by a prison guard on the day he was hospitalized.





Kabodvand was hospitalized after he, too, had a heart attack on 25 May but was sent back to Evin prison a week later. Doctors say that his condition is critical and that the hunger strike could cost him his life.





As there no longer seems to be any limit to the persecution of media personnel in Iran, RSF calls on the authorities to give an immediate undertaking to guarantee the health of these two journalists. RSF also reminds Ahmed Shaheed, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, that he has a duty to intercede without delay and to demand official explanations from the authorities.





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23.05.2016  Alarm over fate of two journalists in Evin prison

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is outraged by the lack of transparency and denial of justice surrounding the hospitalization of Mohammad Sedegh Kabodvand, a journalist on hunger strike since 8 May in protest against his continuing detention and the judicial harassment to which he has been subjected in recent months

Kabodvand was taken to hospital on 21 May after collapsing in his cell in Tehran's Evin prison but, after 24 hours of observation, he was returned to his cell. His family was able to visit him today but he was very weak and was unable to remain standing. He is continuing his hunger strike and his condition is very worrying.





Ehssan Mazndarani, another journalist held in Evin prison, has meanwhile disappeared within the prison, according to his wife, Malieh Hossieni.

She was told on 17 May that, on the orders of Revolutionary Court Judge Mohammad Moghiseh, he had been transferred back to Section 2A of Evin, a section controlled by the Revolutionary Guards.

But Evin prison officials denied this on 20 May without saying where he was. Arrested on 2 November 2015 along with three other journalists, Mazndarani was sentenced to seven years in prison on 26 April .





RSF urges Ahmed Shaheed, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in Iran, to intercede quickly and demand official explanations from the Iranian authorities.

Under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Iran is party, denying medical care constitutes a violation of the ban on torture and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment.

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12.05.2016 - Shargh's former political editor released



Reporters Without Borders has learned that Keyvan Mehregan, a journalist who writes for reformist newspapers and used to be the daily Shargh's political editor, was released yesterday after serving nine months of a one-year jail term. His wife said a judge granted his conditional release at a Tehran prosecutor's request.



Mehregan was arrested when he went to the Tehran passport office to renew his passport on 26 August 2015. From there he was taken to Evin prison's sentence enforcement office, where he was told that he had been sentenced to a year in prison and that he had to begin serving the sentence at once. He had been detained on several previous occasions since 2009.



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09.05.2016 - Two citizen-journalists freed conditionally

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) welcomes the decision taken on 4 May to grant a medical parole to citizen-journalist Hossien Ronaghi Malki in return for bail of 300 million toman (220,000 euros). Malki, who was arrested in December 2010 and is serving a 15-year jail sentence, has undergone several kidney operations and is in very poor health. He began a hunger strike more than a month ago.

According to his family, a forensic doctor said his medical problems were incompatible with further detention. The Tehran prosecutor's office therefore obtained for him a suspension of sentence for one month on medical grounds.

RSF reminds the judicial authorities that Hossien should already have been released for good under article 134 of the new Islamic criminal code (as amended in 2013), according to which someone convicted of more than one crime serves only the main sentence.





RSF has also learned that citizen-journalist Atena Ferghdani was freed conditionally on 3 May following last month's announcement by her lawyer, Mohammad Moghimi, that a Tehran appeal court had reduced her jail sentence from 12 years and nine months to 18 months. She continues to be sentenced to three years in prison on a separate charge of insulting the Supreme Leader but this sentence is now suspended and will expire in four years' time .

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29.04.2016 - Well-known cartoonist freed conditionally



Reporters Without Borders (RSF) welcomes the release of Hadi Heidari, a well-known cartoonist who worked for the daily Shahrvand and ran the Persian Cartoon website. He was freed conditionally in Tehran on 27 April after completing half of a one-year jail sentence.



Plainclothesmen from the Tehran prosecutor's office arrested him at Shahrvand on 16 November 2015 and took him to Evin prison, where he managed to inform his family that evening that he had been arrested to serve a prison sentence.





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26.04.2016  Long jail terms for journalists arrested in November



Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the heavy jail sentences that have been passed on three journalists who were the victims of a wave of arrests in November.



Afarine Chitsaz of the daily Iran, Ehssan Mazndarani, the editor of the daily Farhikhteghan, and Saman Safarzai of the monthly Andisher Poya were sentenced to ten, seven and five years in prison respectively, according to their lawyers, Mahmoud Alizadeh-Tabatabaie and Iman Mirzazadeh.





A revolutionary court tried them on 7 March on charges of anti-government propaganda, conspiring against government officials and insulting government officials.





They and Issa Saharkhiz, a well-known independent journalist who edited several reformist newspapers in the past, were arrested at their homes by Revolutionary Guard intelligence officers on 2 November. No sentence has been announced for Saharkhiz, who has been in a Tehran hospital since 10 March after going on hunger strike and suffering a heart attack.

Iran is still one of the world's five biggest prisons for media personnel and is ranked 169rd out of 180 countriesin the 2016 Reporters Without Borders press freedom index.



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25.04.2016  Court reduces citizen-journalist's 12-year sentence



Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is relieved to learn that an appeal court has reduced the sentence imposed on citizen-journalist and human rights defender Atena Ferghdani, and that she is now due to be freed next month. RSF nonetheless calls for her immediate release because she is the innocent victim of judicial persecution.



Her lawyer, Mohammad Moghimi, told journalists today that a Tehran appeal court had reduced her jail sentence from 12 years and nine months to 18 months, and that she should therefore be able to leave prison on 11 May.



"The appeal court acquitted her on the charge of plotting against the regime and ordered a four-year suspension of her sentence for insulting the Supreme Leader, while her sentence for insulting Iran's President and the guards of Section A2 of Evin prison was commuted to a fine," he said. The only sentence upheld by the court was the 18-month jail term for anti-government propaganda, he added.



Ferghdani was arrested on 11 January 2015 when she responded to a summons from a Tehran revolutionary court for posting a video on Facebook and YouTube the previous month. In the video she had described her experiences in Section 2A of Evin prison  a section controlled by Revolutionary Guards  after a previous arrest in August 2014.





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07.04.2016 - Two journalists freed

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) is relieved by this week's release of two

journalists  citizen-journalist Vahid Asghari

on 4 April and professional journalist Said Razavi Faghih on 6 April.

A young information technology student arrested on 11 May 2008 at Tehran's main international airport,Asghari was sentenced to death twice by a

revolutionary court on charges of "publishing false information with the aim of stirring up public

opinion," "activities threatening national security" and "hosting anti-Islamic

and counter-revolutionary websites and collaborating with foreign media." After

an international outcry,



the death sentence was quashed and, on 6 December 2012, another revolutionary court gave him an 18-year jail sentence, which a Tehran appeal court reduced to 15 years two months later.



Asghari has various ailments including Carpal tunnel syndrome (compression of the median nerve in the hand and forearm). He spent seven months in solitary confinement and was mistreated and tortured. In

a letter to the presiding judge of one of the revolutionary courts on 17

October 2009, he gave a detailed description of the horrific interrogation

sessions to which he was subjected.





Faghih used to work for various newspapers including Yass-e

No, which the authorities closed in 2009. Arrested on 24 February 2014, he should have been released on completing a one-year sentence in March 2015 but he was given a new sentence of three and a half years in prison on charges of

anti-government publicity and insulting Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and the Assembly of Experts.

He suffers from various renal and cardio-vascular ailments and underwent a heart operation in January 2015, following which he was returned to Rajaishah prison. He began a hunger strike on 27 March in protest against the way he was being treated and was released ten days later.

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29.03.2016  Two journalists freed

pending trial

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has learned that the journalist Hassan Shikhaghai was released on bail on 15 December, pending trial. The editor of Ruwange, a news website based in Mahabad, in the northwestern province of

Kurdistan, he was arrested on 7 October 2015 by plainclothesmen at

the Mahabad revolutionary court's behest.

RSF has also been told that Farzad

Pourmoradi, a journalist based in the western province of

Kermanshah who works for the Kermanshah Post, has also been

released pending trial. He had to pay 90 million toman (70,000 euros)

in bail. Revolutionary Guard plainclothesmen raided his home and

arrested him on 2 November after he created a Kalaghnews page

on the Telegram social networking service. He is charged with

"activities against national security," "anti-government

publicity" and insulting government officials. He suffered acute

cardiac and pancreatic problems while in prison.





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17.03.2016 - Sent into exile after four years in prison





Reporters Without Borders (RSF)

condemns the ruthless manner in which the judicial authorities are enforcing

the sentence imposed in 2013 on journalist and researcher Said Madani. Released on 15

March, after four years in prison,Madani has been ordered to travel at once to

the southern city of Bandar Abbas to begin a period of two years in exile

there.

A sociologist and writer (who haswritten

many articles for independent media outlets), Madani was freed under article

134 of the new Islamic criminal code (as amended in 2013), under which someone

convicted of more than one crime serves



only the main sentence.

After being arrested by

plainclothesmen at his Tehran home on 7 January 2012, Madani spent a year in isolation

in Section 209 of Tehran's Evin prison. The decision to sentence him to a jail

term followed by exile was taken by a Tehran revolutionary court on 18 June

2013.

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18.02.2016  Four Narenji website employees returned to prison

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns yesterday's rearrest of four senior members of the Narenji (Orange) tech news website to begin serving long jail sentences that were confirmed on appeal. The four  Ali Asghar Honarmand, Hossien Nozari, Ehsan Paknejad and Abass Vahedi  are sentenced to eleven, seven, five and two and a half years in prison respectively.

Originally arrested along with seven colleagues in the southeastern city of Kerman on 3 December 2013, they were convicted by a Kerman court on 24 May 2014 on charges of "anti-government publicity," "actions threatening national security" and "collaborating with TV stations based abroad." Their seven colleagues received suspended sentences. All were freed in return for payment of large bail amounts. A court upheld the sentences on 30 November 2015 but the authorities did not notify them prior to the time of their rearrest.

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12.02.2016 - Former BBC journalist detained in Tehran

Reporters Without Borders condemns the detention of Bahman Darolshafai, a 34-year-old former BBC journalist with British and Iranian dual nationality. Arrested at his Tehran home by plainclothesmen on 3 February, he managed to make a short phone call to his mother five days later, telling her he was "in a cell in Evin prison and under interrogation."

After several years in London, Darolshafa left the BBC's Persian Service n 2014 and returned to Iran. Thereafter he was repeatedly interrogated by intelligence ministry officials and was forbidden to do any kind of journalistic activity. He had been translating literary and philosophical works.

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2.02.2016 - Four journalists held provisionally for past two months

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns the continuing provisional detention of four journalists who were the victims of a wave of arrests exactly two months ago, on 2 November 2015 .

Mahmoud Alizadeh-Tabatabaie, a lawyer representing two of the four, said: "There are differences between the investigation judge and the prosecutor as regards the charges against my clients." He is defending Ehssan Mazndarani, the editor of the daily Farhikhteghan, and Issa Saharkhiz, a well-known independent journalist.

As well as being accused of "propaganda activities against the government," they are also charged with "acting against national security by means of meetings" and "conspiring against and insulting government officials."

The case has been sent to the Tehran revolutionary court, whose president, Aboughasem Salevati, has been persecuting journalists and online information providers for years. He staged the "Stalin-style" mass trials in August 2009 and alone is responsible for convicting more than 100 journalists.

The other two journalists arrested on 2 November are Afarine Chitsaz of the daily Iran and Saman Safarzai of the monthly Andisher Poya. All four continue to be denied all their rights.

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14.01.2016  Woman journalist detained for fourth time since 2009

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns journalist Rihaneh Tabtabai's detention for the fourth time since 2009. Tabtabai, who has worked for Shargh,Etemad, Bahar and other reformist newspapers, was jailed on 12 January to serve a one-year sentence on charges of endangering national security and anti-government publicity.

Originally imposed by a revolutionary court in November 2014, the sentence was upheld by a Tehran appeal court two months ago. She is also sentenced to a two-year ban on political and journalistic activity in the media and online after she completes the jail term.

After being arrested on 12 December 2010, she was released on bail of 10 million toman (7,500 euros) on 16 January 2011. On 2 April 2012, she received a two-year jail sentence from a Tehran revolutionary court that was reduced to six months on appeal. She served the sentence from 21 June to 11 November 2014. She was also detained from 31 January to 26 February 2013, when she was freed on bail.

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12.01.2016  Journalist sent back to prison

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) condemns Meisam Mohammadi's

reimprisonment on 8 January. A onetime political editor of Kalameh Sabaz (a daily closed by the authorities in June 2009) and contributor to the Beheshti Foundation website, Mohammadi was arrested at his home by intelligence ministry officials on 10 February 2010 and was freed on bail two months later, pending trial. He was sentenced in May 2012 to four years in prison and a five-year ban on journalistic and political activities on charges of anti-government publicity and "meeting to conspire against national security."

Kalameh Sabaz's owner, former Prime Minister Mir Hossein Mousavi, the writer Zahra Rahnavard (who is Mousavi wife) and Mehdi Karoubi, a former parliamentary speaker and owner of the closed newspaper Etemad Melli, are still illegally held under house arrest and have been detained since 24 February 2011. Mousavi and Karoubi, who were both presidential candidates in 2009, have also been stripped of all of their rights. Their state of health is very worrying.





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Press freedom violations recounted in real time (January -December 2015)

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Press freedom violations recounted in real time ( January-December 2014)

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Press freedom violations recounted in real time ( January-December 2013)

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Press freedom violations recounted in real time (January-December 2012)

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Press freedom violations recounted in real time (January-December 2011)

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Press freedom violations recounted in real time (July-December 2010)

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Press freedom violations recounted in real time (January-July 2010)

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Press freedom violations recounted in real time (June-December 2009)
Omani newspaper journalists freed pending outcome of appeal

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 10 October 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Omani newspaper journalists freed pending outcome of appeal, 10 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fe3e244.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.

Ibrahim Al-Maamari, the editor-in-chief of the Omani independent newspaper Azamn, and managing editor Youssef Al-Haj were released provisionally today by an court that will rule on their appeal on 7 November.

Ibrahim Al-Maamari, the editor-in-chief of the Omani independent newspaper Azamn, and managing editor Youssef Al-Haj were released provisionally today by an court that will rule on their appeal on 7 November.

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) nonetheless insists that the journalists should be released unconditionally and their newspaper, whose permanent closure was ordered in September, should be allowed to resume publishing.

Al-Maamari and Al-Haj were freed after the appeal court, at their lawyers' request, reduced the amount of bail to 2,000 rials (4,000 euros) from the 50,000 rials (110,000 euros) set by the court that convicted them. The third defendant in this case, Azamn local news editor Zaher Al-Abri, was already released conditionally on 22 August.

"These three journalists have been released provisionally but they are guilty of no crime so the authorities should overturn their conviction and allow the newspaper to resume publishing," said Alexandra El Khazen, the head of RSF's Middle East desk. "We also condemn the censorship of this case that has been imposed by the authorities. The media should be allowed to cover this appeal normally."

During today's hearing, the court again prohibited the Omani media from publishing or broadcasting any report about the appeal hearings.

Arrested in July and August in connection with their coverage of a case of alleged judicial corruption, the three journalists were convicted on 26 September. Al-Maamari and Al-Haj were sentenced to three years in prison, a heavy fine, and a ban on working as journalists for a year after their release.

Al-Abri was sentenced to a year in prison and a fine, while the newspaper was banned for good.

The Sultanate of Oman is ranked 125th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
Media Ownership Monitor: Ukrainian media prone to power plays more than ever

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 11 October 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Media Ownership Monitor: Ukrainian media prone to power plays more than ever, 11 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fe3e7e4.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 research also showed that TV and radio markets are particularly concentrated, mostly due to missing or dysfunctional safeguards for effectively controlling media oligopolies. Corporate structures of major media companies are disguised in offshore havens, which allow the owners to bypass existing legal requirements.

"The Media Ownership Monitor has allowed us to reveal the intricate links between politics and business and how both sustain each other. Weak regulation means anyone with just about enough money and connections can use the powerful tool that a mass media outlet presents as their personal PR machines, allowing owners to manipulate the public into buying their goods, voting for them or pushing for laws that will make them even more powerful," said Nafisa Hasanova, RSF's MOM Ukraine project manager.

The IMI's coordinator for the project, Maksym Ratushnyi, added: "By scrutinizing the media sector, our research confirms a prevailing perception: Ukrainians live in a typical country of crony capitalism, a system where business can succeed only through close association with the political elites and vice versa."

The results of the study demonstrate that oligarchs occupy a special place in Ukraine's media landscape. It is not a secret to ordinary Ukrainians who owns the most popular national TV channels in the country. For the first time, however, this comprehensive study reveals the economic and political interests behind these ownership structures. In addition, the website makes an easily accessible, searchable and user-friendly catalogue of media ownership available to every citizen.

POLITICAL INFLUENCE OVER THE MEDIA IS EXTREMELY HIGH

Some individuals control vast sectors of the country's economy, and the media industry is not an exception. Political influence over the media remains extremely high. Ten out of the twelve most important TV channels selected for the study are linked directly or indirectly to political personalities. The radio market is equally marked by ownership structures too close to the ruling classes.

The study reveals that the audio-visual markets are highly concentrated, as the major four TV owners - StarLightMedia, 1+1 Media, Inter Media and Media Group Ukraine - represent an audience share of more than three quarters. These media groups belong to some of the richest individuals in Ukraine, namely Viktor Pinchuk, Ihor Kolomoyskyi, Dmytro Firtash and Rinat Akhmetov, respectively.

The top four radio groups, for their part, even combine a reach of 92% of the audience in Ukraine: Tavr Radio Group, Ukrainian Media Holding, Business Radio Group and TRK Lux. Three out of these four major groups belong to some of Ukraine's richest, the exception being TRK Lux which is owned by the wife of the mayor of Lviv.

The print media and online sectors are less concentrated. Online media in particular offer much more pluralism and choice to Internet savvy Ukrainians even though they remain unregulated by any laws in the country.

The MOM's findings also show that the country's major media groups have very complex structures hidden offshore. Cyprus, British Virgin Islands, Hong Kong, Seychelles, Samoa, New Jersey, Belize are among the locations where some of the owners hide their assets from the Ukrainian public - regardless of a Ukrainian law explicitly prohibiting residents of offshore jurisdictions to own media companies. Shadow economy, however, remains quite significant. All this contributes to an unhealthy state of the media market in which, as a result, financial information is considered far too sensitive for the industry to disclose and thus remains intransparent.

Concerning Ukraine's legal framework, the MOM results show that some promising attempts have been made to shed light on media ownership, in particular through the adoption of a law aiming at greater media ownership transparency in 2015. Nevertheless, not all media companies have revealed their owners yet.

Regulatory safeguards for controlling media concentration are still missing and the implementation of existing legal provisions stalls. For example, no objective criteria for measuring the market and media concentration have been defined yet. Regulatory authorities such as the National Council and the Anti-Monopoly Committee refer to the lack of legislation to assess concentration, as well as to the marginal level of possible sanctions. A lack of political will to reform and to regulate the media market, just as any other market, derives from the fact that politics and business are too cosy with one another.

Last June, RSF already published a mission report about Ukrainian media's situation, titled "Facing reality after the Euromaidan". It describes the fragile situation of a country in which journalists are generally able to work freely and engage in investigative reporting, but yet face immense problems. The report also looked at concentration of the main TV networks in the hands of a few oligarchs, and at the difficulties of independent media outlets trying to develop functional business models.

The Media Ownership Monitor Ukraine was carried out by Reporters Without Borders in partnership with the Institute of Mass Information in Kyiv between July and October 2016. The project studied the legal environment, media concentration and ownership structures of the country's 43 most popular national media outlets.

MOM is an international project launched by the international press freedom watchdog Reporters Without Borders. It is has been or is being carried out in eight countries worldwide, including as Turkey, Tunisia, Columbia and Cambodia. The Project is funded by the German Ministry for Economic Development and Cooperation (BMZ).
Hungary : RSF appalled by leading Hungarian daily's closure

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 11 October 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Hungary : RSF appalled by leading Hungarian daily's closure, 11 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fe3f3c4.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 very concerned for pluralism in Hungary after the leading opposition daily Nepszabadsag was closed by its owners, who cited financial reasons. It is said that it could be sold to one of the country's richest oligarchs, an ally of the prime minister.

Founded 60 years ago when the Soviet yoke was lifted, Nepszabadsag was on sale on newsstands as usual on the morning of 8 October. But when staff arrived at the newspaper the same morning to start preparing the Monday issue, they were denied entry to their offices, their phones were disconnected and access to the website was paralyzed.

The owners, the Austrian group Mediaworks, said it had to close the newspaper because sales have been falling steadily since it bought the daily in 2014 although it is still has the biggest print run of any Hungarian newspaper.

But its journalists insist that the financial situation is just a pretext and that its closure is above all politically motivated.

Some point out that the closure came just days after the newspaper covered corruption scandals allegedly implicating politicians close to the prime minister. And it had been planning to run a story yesterday on lavish spending by the communication minister.

Opposition parties and members of the newspaper's staff accuse the ruling Fidesz party of trying to gag media outlets that do not support the government.

"We condemn the Hungarian government's grip on many of the country's media, which Prime Minister Viktor Orban wants to use to his benefit," said Pauline Ades-Mevel, the head of RSF's European Union-Balkans desk.

"This newspaper's acquisition by an oligarch who supports Orban, if it happens, would just confirm the prime minister's growing domination of the Hungarian media. After seizing control of the state broadcaster and turning it into a propaganda tool since his return to power in 2010, Orban now has his sights on the privately-owned media, some of which have already been bought by pro-government oligarchs."

Democracy has been in steady retreat since Fidesz won the 2010 election and Hungary is ranked 67th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index, after falling 48 places in just five years.
Security agency uses seizures to throttle newspapers economically

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 11 October 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Security agency uses seizures to throttle newspapers economically, 11 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fe403f4.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 complete impunity with which Sudan's National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) keeps censoring the media. The latest "red line" imposed by the NISS is coverage of a major strike by hospital personnel.

Today, the NISS seized 10,000 copies of the newspaper El Watan without giving any explanation. According to Journalists for Human Rights, a Sudanese group, it was a reprisal for an article on the strike, which is being staged in protest against NISS violence. Yesterday, the journalist Shaza Elshiek was arrested after writing a story about the strike.

The news website Radio Dabanga reported on 2 October that the NISS had telephoned newspaper editors and told them the medical workers' strike was a "red line story" they should not cover.

A total of 46 hospitals throughout Sudan, including 21 in Khartoum state, are now participating in the strike, which began on 9 September after NISS officers beat up two doctors in a hospital.

"We firmly condemn this censorship of newspapers and intimidation of journalists," RSF said. "The 'red lines' being imposed have nothing to do with security or defence and are just be used to prevent any criticism of the government and security forces by gagging the media. The seizures also put a great deal of financial pressure on the newspapers, and could be fatal for them."

The strike is not the only subject that is off-limits. The NISS seized the latest issue of the newspaper El-Sayha on 3 October, a day after it published the last in a series of articles on good governance by the head of the Reform Now Movement, a dissident faction of the ruling National Congress Party.

The next day, the NISS seized 10,000 copies of the daily El Jareeda, whose editor, Ashraf Abdelaziz, was quoted by Radio Dabanga as saying the seizures were designed to exhaust the newspapers financially. "It is in fact a direct and methodical liquidation, meant to kill the independent press," he said.

The opposition daily opposition Al-Taghyeer suspended publishing on 27 July and laid off many of its employees as a result of repeated seizures of its issues, which had a devastating impact on its finances.

Sudan is ranked near the bottom (174 out of 180 countries) in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
Brazilian court flouts confidentiality of sources in SwissLeaks case

Publisher Reporters Without Borders Publication Date 11 October 2016 Cite as Reporters Without Borders, Brazilian court flouts confidentiality of sources in SwissLeaks case, 11 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fe40fc4.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) regards a federal court decision granting the police investigators access to the phone records of Epoca news magazine reporter Murilo Ramos as a grave attack on freedom of information in Brazil.

The police had been trying for months to identify who within the Financial Activities Control Council (COAF) gave Ramos the list of Brazilian citizens with secret accounts with British bank HSBC's Swiss operations that Ramos published in February 2015.

The federal court issued its decision on 17 August but it was only on 8 October that its existence was revealed by the National Association of Magazine Publishers (ANER).

HSBC's tax avoidance schemes were exposed thanks to the "SwissLeaks" investigation by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. But it was the COAF, a Brazilian economy ministry offshoot responsible for combatting money laundering and the financing of terrorism, that compiled the list of Brazilian citizens

with HSBC accounts.

Ramos was questioned by the federal police in July 2016 but naturally

refused to identify his source, invoking his rights under the Brazilian law that protects the confidentiality of journalists' sources. According to Joao Quirino Florio, the person in charge of the police investigation, getting access to his phone records was the only way to identify the source of the leak.

"We firmly condemn this violation of the confidentiality of sources and call on the judicial authorities to suspend the decision at once," said Emmanuel Colombie, the head of RSF's Latin America desk.

"The confidentiality of sources is a fundamental right for journalists and one of the pillars of media freedom. The Brazilian authorities must be aware that this right is guaranteed by Brazil's constitution and by the declaration of principles of freedom of expression of the Organization of American States. We therefore join the ANER in denouncing what it describes as 'an extremely grave attack on the freedom to practice journalism' in Brazil."

This is not the first time that the confidentiality of journalists' sources has been flouted in Brazil. Allan de Abreu, a reporter for the Diario da Regiao newspaper, was investigated for nearly four years after revealing details of a federal police

investigation in 2011 into alleged corruption involving civil servants in Rio Preto (in Sao Paulo state).

The Supreme Federal Tribunal, Brazil's highest court, had to intervene twice to protect De Abreu's rights. The investigation was finally closed in 2015.

Brazil is ranked 104th out of 180 countries in RSF's 2016 World Press Freedom Index.
Myanmar Border Attacks Fuel Tensions with Rohingya Muslim Minority

Publisher International Crisis Group (ICG) Author Richard Horsey Publication Date 12 October 2016 Cite as International Crisis Group (ICG), Myanmar Border Attacks Fuel Tensions with Rohingya Muslim Minority, 12 October 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57fe5dfb4.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.

Large coordinated attacks hit three Myanmar border police posts in the troubled Rakhine State on 9 October. In this Q&A, Crisis Group Myanmar Adviser Richard Horsey warns that it could tip simmering tensions between the beleaguered Rohingya Muslim minority and the government into wider, open conflict.

What's new in the Rakhine State attacks?

At least 250 assailants, and perhaps as many as 500-800, launched simultaneous early morning attacks on 9 October on three border police posts in Maungdaw and Rathedaung townships near Myanmar's north-western border with Bangladesh, according to information released by the government. They were armed mostly with knives and slingshots, as well as about 30 firearms. Nine police officers were killed and the attackers fled with at least 50 guns and 10,000 rounds of ammunition. In subsequent days there have been further deadly clashes between this group and the security forces.

The attacks were carried out by Muslims, according to both government statements and local sources. An unverified video of the attackers, filmed in the wake of the attacks, has been circulating on social networks and seems legitimate. In it, one of the group calls on "all Rohingya around the world to prepare for jihad and join them". This, the need for local knowledge to carry out the assaults, and the difficulty of moving large numbers of people around this area are all suggestive of local Muslim involvement - possibly organised with some outside support. However, many details of who exactly organised this and how remain unclear.

The attacks mark a major escalation of violence in Rakhine. The number of attackers and their sophisticated tactics - they used a diversionary attack to draw the defenders out of one of the posts before the main assault began - display an unprecedented level of planning in a conflict that has to date seen little sign of organised violent resistance from the oppressed Muslim population.

Who do you think was behind the attacks? Are Rohingya forces to blame?

There is clear evidence that many of the attackers were from the Rohingya community, who make up over 90 per cent of the population in this area of Rakhine State. But it is not clear how they were organised.

Rakhine's 1.3 million Muslims, most of whom identify as Rohingya, are effectively stateless in Buddhist-majority Myanmar. Years of intercommunal tensions exploded into violence in 2012, leaving some 200 people dead and driving 150,000 into squalid camps where most still languish. There has been a sense of creeping despair among the Rohingya that nothing is going to change, although Aung San Suu Kyi, the de facto leader of Myanmar, recently announced that an advisory commission led by former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan would look at possible solutions for the stand-off in Rakhine.

The Rohingya have not had any organised armed force for many years. Some local government officials are suggesting that an armed group called the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation (RSO) is responsible, but this group is not known to have been active since the 1990s. Rakhine nationalists and state officials, and sometimes Bangladesh, have blamed this group in the past for such security incidents, usually without detailed evidence being provided.

There was a series of deadly attacks on Myanmar Border Guard Police patrols in northern Maungdaw in February and May 2014, including one on 17 May that left four officers dead. In the tense period that followed, there were firefights between Myanmar and Bangladesh border forces, including one in which a Bangladeshi soldier was killed. In mid-July 2014, a senior humanitarian official told Crisis Group that the authorities restricted humanitarian access to parts of northern Rakhine State on the grounds of unspecified "RSO activity" in that area.

In May 2016, some 35 armed attackers stormed a security post at a camp for Rohingya refugees in southern Bangladesh just across the border from Maungdaw, killing one camp commander and capturing eleven weapons. The attackers were allegedly led by a Pakistani national, along with others from Myanmar and Bangladesh, with the RSO being implicated, according to the Bangladeshi police.

Given the lack of clear evidence in all these cases, new claims as to the identity of any organisation behind the recent attacks should be treated with caution until further information becomes available.

Does the Rohingya Solidarity Organisation really exist?

The RSO is considered by most regional security analysts to have been long defunct as an armed organisation. The question is whether it has been reconstituted, or whether a new grouping with similar aims has now emerged. The RSO was established in 1982, along the lines of Myanmar's many other ethnic insurgent organisations engaging in conventional attacks on military and strategic targets. The RSO never gained much traction and did not pose a serious military threat. In the 1980s and 1990s it had some small bases in remote parts of Bangladesh near the border with Myanmar; at least in recent decades it had none on Myanmar soil.

There may have been efforts, in the wake of the 2012 violence, to rehabilitate the RSO as an armed organisation, driven by a new generation of local-level leaders. According to a local Rohingya leader who claimed to be one of the leaders of this effort, whom Crisis Group met with in 2014, their aim was not separatist, anti-Buddhist or jihadi in nature; rather, it was for their community to live as citizens of Myanmar with their rights respected by the state. The objective was to reconstitute the RSO as an insurgent force focused on attacking the state security apparatus (police, border police and military). Crisis Group interviews at the time suggested there was a modicum of support for this among some members of the population, who saw it as the only path left open to them. But most of the population was and still is opposed to violent resistance.

At the same time, security forces and political actors in both Myanmar and Bangladesh may have their own reasons for invoking the RSO, including to raise the spectre of an organised radical Islamic group to justify crackdowns or restrictions on the Rohingya population.

It is not yet clear whether the RSO has been reactivated, or a new mujahidin group has emerged with similar aims, or the recent attacks are a local uprising without a permanent institutional structure. However, what is extremely worrying is that a new threshold of violence has been passed.

Is Myanmar about to see new levels of violence related to the Rohingya issue?

The fact that influential individuals have considered violence as a strategy for regaining Rohingya rights and citizenship does not mean that such a strategy can successfully take root. There remain serious obstacles to establishing and sustaining a militant Rohingya organisation capable of targeting the security forces, including the extremely restrictive environment in northern Rakhine State and a longstanding sense among much of the Rohingya population and many religious leaders that violence would be counterproductive.

The environment in Bangladesh is also not very conducive to cross-border operations of the kind the RSO used to mount in decades past, sometimes with the support of Bangladeshi militant groups. Bangladesh is cracking down on its own extremist organisations as part of a broader perceived terrorist threat against the country.

As for transnational terrorist networks, these have often expressed concern for and solidarity with the Rohingya, and made some general threats - including Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Islamic State, and al-Qaeda in the Indian subcontinent. However, there have so far been no indications that Myanmar has been an operational priority for these networks.

How will these attacks change the situation in Rakhine State?

Regardless of who was behind the recent attacks, they are likely to have a serious impact on the political, human rights and humanitarian situation in Rakhine State. These impacts will be both short-term and longer-term.

A major security operation was launched following the attacks, to lock down the area in an effort to capture the attackers and recover the looted weapons and ammunition. There are already reports of multiple casualties over the past 48 hours as a result of that operation.

For the foreseeable future, increased security operations in northern Rakhine will attempt to prevent any further incident of this kind. Given the security forces' history of bad treatment of the local Muslim population, this risks creating further tension, abuses and negative impact on livelihoods.

Violent incidents - or the possibility of them - have been used to temporarily restrict humanitarian access to parts of Rakhine State in the past, and temporary movement restrictions on international agencies have been imposed by the authorities in response to the 9 October incident; it remains to be seen how long these will remain in effect.

Security fears are part of the reason for the continued imposition of a curfew in Maungdaw and Buthidaung townships under section 144 of the Myanmar Code of Criminal Procedure. The 11pm to 4am curfew order was most recently renewed on 8 August 2016 for two months and includes restrictions on gatherings of five or more people in public areas or at mosques. As a result of the latest incident, the curfew has been extended, and now runs from 7pm to 6am. This impacts people's livelihoods and means that in practice attending Friday prayers is prohibited - a much-resented religious and social restriction.

Government worries about security are among justifications for tightened checkpoints and severe restrictions on the movement of Muslims in northern Rakhine State. These are a major source of vulnerability, limiting access to health and education services, jobs and livelihoods. Any possibility that these restrictions might be eased has now receded.

Overall, efforts to find solutions to the situation in Rakhine state, including the work of the Annan Commission, will now be very much more difficult.

Will there be any broader impacts on Myanmar?

The 9 October incident will have major ramifications across Myanmar.

It will amplify the general sense of insecurity about Islam and about an Islamic extremist threat in Myanmar; the radical nationalist monk U Wirathu has already taken to social media calling for the security forces to take all necessary steps to "protect the sovereignty of the nation and its citizens". These events risk strengthening radical Buddhist nationalist groups that had been on the back foot since the elections. They can exacerbate intercommunal tensions across the country, and make it harder for moderate voices to be heard - with a potential spillover effect to other parts of Myanmar with a large Muslim presence.

This all represents a significant new challenge for Aung San Suu Kyi's attempts to steer Myanmar in a more tolerant direction.
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.
In the first half of the second presidential debate in St. Louis, Donald Trump said that if he won the election, he was 'going to instruct the attorney general to get a special prosecutor to look into (Hillary Clinton's) situation,' thereby providing millions of viewers with an almost dictionary definition of an un-American moment.

When Thomas Jefferson was elected to the presidency in 1801, it was the first time a political party had transferred power to an opposing party through the political process. He characterized that moment in a letter to a friend as one in which 'the order and good sense displayed in this recovery from delusion, and in the momentous crisis which lately arose, really bespeak a strength of character in our nation which augurs well for the duration of our Republic' and took the time to say in his inaugural address that 'We are all Republicans, we are all Federalists.'

We could use a dose of good sense and order now: For perhaps the first time, the United States is considering a candidate for president who not only makes public threats against his political opponents, but also has all but promised to use the power of the presidency to persecute his political enemies. Not only does Trump's disregard for the findings of the justice system transmit a conspiratorial paranoia that could easily spark unrest, it foretells a future in which all Americans should fear dissent.

The FBI looked into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server and found nothing worth prosecuting; in response, Trump implied the FBI is either lax or corrupt and claimed that the agency must have given Clinton 'immunity' in its investigation. In other words, the FBI's finding must be invalid.

And there's more. Angry that The Washington Post has printed negative stories about him and his campaign, Trump threatened Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos in a May segment with Sean Hannity: '(The Post) is owned as a toy by Jeff Bezos who controls Amazon,' Trump said, adding that 'Amazon is getting away with murder tax-wise. (Bezos is) using The Washington Post for power so that the politicians in Washington don't tax Amazon like they should be taxed.' Bezos, Trump claimed, 'thinks I would go after him for antitrust because he's got a huge antitrust problem. Amazon is controlling so much of what they're doing. . . . What he's got is a monopoly, and he wants to make sure I don't get in.' However veiled, the threat was clear: Trump has his sights set on the papers that slight him.

He made as much clear in a February rally in Texas, where he announced he will 'open up the libel laws' so that 'when The New York Times writes a hit piece which is a total disgrace or when The Washington Post, which is there for other reasons, writes a hit piece, we can sue them and win money instead of having no chance of winning because they're totally protected.'

More recently, Trump doubled down on his conviction that the Central Park Five  a group of five young men of color accused of the rape of a jogger in New York in 1989 and exonerated by DNA evidence in 2002  are nonetheless guilty. At the time, Trump took out a full-page ad in the New York Daily News calling for the return of the death penalty. Still, Trump insisted last week on CNN that the accused are still guilty, calling their exoneration 'outrageous.'

This kind of thing isn't done. The United States may be a country of prison policies that - in some instance - need reform; it may be a country that's passed laws that have needed challenging in the past and some that need to be challenged today; but it is a country of the rule of law, not a country of might-makes-right. Under normal circumstances it probably wouldn't bear spelling out that we don't threaten the press here, that we consider innocent those who haven't been proven guilty, that we don't use the office of the presidency to punish political adversaries competing for the same role.

Emphasizing that there is a normal way of doing things in the face of something so transparently malevolent lacks the emotional luster of justice done  but worth doing, because in this election it has to be done. Just as basic concepts have to be carefully explained to Donald Trump, just as questions have to be teed up for him, so, too, does the American way of life and what it means to run for president have to be explained to him as well. That the presidential nominee of one of the major political parties in the United States of America has to continually have the fundamentals of American life pointed out to him over the course of his execrable 15-month campaign speaks volumes, and the fact that he's come so close to the highest office in the nation with little grasp of or respect for our country's most basic principles should be disturbing to us all. That he may have done permanent or lasting damage to the self-evidence of these principles should be equally discomfiting.

Donald Trump may like to compliment himself for being a supposedly law-and-order candidate who traffics in the arena of dominance, but America traffics in votes, due process and the rule of law  yesterday, today and tomorrow, regardless of what Trump says.

Evan Fleischer lives in Boston. He is a writer-at-large.
The first 30 minutes of the second debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump failed to respect the dignity of the American people. That Trump would go all 'Real Housewives' by bringing four women who have accused former president Bill Clinton of sexual assault (or worse) was beneath the dignity of the office of president of the United States.

We are so much better than the 90 minutes that were delivered. But there were three revealing moments that I want to highlight now - before the horror of what we just endured sinks in and renders me mute.

Trump suggested that he used the $916 million loss on his federal income taxes to avoid paying federal income taxes.

'Did you use that multimillion dollar loss to avoid paying federal income taxes?' CNN's Anderson Cooper asked Trump. 'Of course I do, and so do all of her donors.' Considering he won't release his tax returns, this will have to serve as confirmation of such a stunning fact.

Trump threatened to put Clinton in jail over her use of a private email server while secretary of state.

'If I win, I am going to instruct my attorney general to get a special prosecutor to look into your situation,' Trump said. 'There's never been anything like it. And we're going to get a special prosecutor.' Clinton responded by saying, 'It's just awfully good that someone with the temperament of Donald Trump is not in charge of the law in our country.' Trump's retort was breathtaking: 'Because you'd be in jail,' he said.

So breathtaking that Ari Fleischer, former press secretary to President George W. Bush, tweeted, 'Winning candidates don't threaten to put opponents in jail. Presidents don't threaten prosecution of individuals. Trump is wrong on this.' Win or lose, what Trump threatened was wrong.

Trump publicly rebuked Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, his running mate.

Asked whether he agreed with his running mate's stance that '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,' Trump said, 'He and I haven't spoken. And I disagree.'

Looks like the curtain fell off the once-mutually beneficial political marriage of convenience. At the vice-presidential debate, Pence basically acted like the sensible uncle who ignored the crazy in-law who also happens to be his boss. That Trump says the two haven't spoken is even more telling because the Republican Party appeared to resemble the final moments of the Hindenburg in the 48 hours leading up to Sunday night's town hall.

The damage is done. What Trump has done in the 13 days since the first debate, especially since the release of his lecherous and offensive 'Tic Tac' banter from 2005 that suggested a penchant for sexual assault, should be all the proof anyone needs that he should not be president of the United States. He has destroyed the GOP. God forbid he be given the chance to destroy the USA.

Jonathan Capehart is a member of The Washington Post editorial board and writes about politics and social issues for the PostPartisan blog.
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The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Cambodia Rhona Smith (L) meeting with Cambodia National Rescue Party leader Kem Sokha at the party headquarters, Oct. 12, 2016.

The U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Cambodia on Wednesday urged the countrys leaders to apply the law equally, following a meeting with opposition leader Kem Sokha, whose supporters say he is a frequent target of politicized legal action.

There are many issues that need to be discussed to make sure that Cambodias constitution and law are implemented fairly and equally by the government, Rhona Smith told reporters after the meeting at Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) headquarter in Phnom Penh.

On a fact-finding mission in the country, Smith met with the acting CNRP president Kem Sokha, who has been holed up in the party headquarters since police attempted to arrest him in May for ignoring court orders to appear as a witness in a pair of defamation cases related to his alleged affair with a hairdresser.

Application of the law has become a big issue in Cambodia as Prime Minister Hun Sen and the ruling Cambodian Peoples Party have been accused of using the courts to go after opposition politicians and government critics.

CPP spokesperson Sok Eysan told RFA that he did not yet know if Smith would meet Hun Sen on behalf of the government or the party.

He dismissed the complaints of the opposition lawmakers and government critics saying the oppositions problems are legal matters, not political ones.

While Smith was concerned about possible abuses in the legal system, she also expressed concern about the CNRPs stance regarding ethnic minorities like the Vietnamese living in Cambodia.

We did not focus just on the Vietnamese, but on immigrants in general, said senior CNRP official Eng Chhai Eang.

When we lead the country we will have a clear stance on principles, he added. We will implement in accordance with the Cambodian laws on nationality and immigration to ensure that all nationals who live in Cambodia are legal.

The two countries have had a difficult relationship for centuries, and Hun Sens relationship with the Vietnamese has been a source of tension.

Hun Sen emerged as a major force in Cambodia during the period when the Vietnamese ousted the Khmer Rouge.

When the Khmer Rouge regime was defeated, Hun Sen was appointed as Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of the Vietnamese-installed People's Republic of Kampuchea/State of Cambodia (PRK/SOC) in 1979.

As Cambodian foreign minister and then prime minister, Hun Sen played an important role in the 1991 Paris Peace Talks that brokered peace among Cambodias warring factions.

In recent times, the CNRP has used that relationship as a political foil with opposition leaders often accusing Hun Sen of ceding territory to the Vietnamese.

Smith also met with Minister of Social Affairs Vong Soth and the representative of the U.N. High Commissioner on Refugees Wan-Hea Lee.

That two-hour meeting covered various issues including children, the disabled, homelessness and the Prey Speu detention center that has long been denounced by rights groups for abuses.

In 2015 two people died at the center that serves as a holding facility for homeless drug addicts and others detained in the capital.

She told the press that she wants to see changes in this center, but did not release the details.

We must make sure that they have a safe living environment and all their rights are protected, especially the rights to receive safety, food, water and hygiene, she told reporters.

Reported by Zakariya Tin and Heng Sun for RFA's Khmer Service. Translated by Yanny Hin. Written in English by Brooks Boliek.
Myanmar State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday said the government will handle the turbulent situation in the country's western Rakhine state fairly and according to the rule of law following violent raids on border guard posts earlier this week and ensuing clashes between security forces and armed men.

We are not going to accuse anybody until we know clearly [who is behind the attack] and have solid evidence, she said during a joint press conference with visiting Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Bert Koenders.

Nine border officers and eight assailants died in the raids by unknown assailants early Sunday in Maungdaw and Rathedaung townships, where many of the countrys stateless Rohingya Muslim minority group live.

Myanmar army troops and local border guards have been deployed in the area to search homes in Muslim villages for the assailants and weapons that were stolen from the border posts during the attacks.

This has led to clashes between armed men and security forces that have forced schools to close and prompted residents fearing worse violence to flee to safety.

In all, nearly 40 people, including military soldiers, attackers and the border guards killed in Sundays raids, died as of Wednesday, according to state media reports and other official sources.

Aung San Suu Kyi, Myanmars de facto leader, sent a mission of Union government officials to Rakhines capital Sittwe on Tuesday to inform people about the situation and instill calm after the border post attacks.

At the joint press conference, she said that the members of the mission set out by boat on Tuesday morning to reach the areas where the attacks occurred because they could not go there by helicopter.

She also said the officials would return by Saturday and report their findings to government leaders, but until then she would decline to comment on the current situation.

We cant decide what the effects are going to be until we know what has been happening, she said.

As to whether the situation will affect Muslims in Rakhine, also known as Arakan state, Aung San Suu Kyi said it will have an impact on them to a certain extent because some of them are now engaged in clashes between armed groups of Muslims and national army troops.

Despite this, she said that the government hopes "that out of all this will emerge something better and stronger, and a greater dedication to peace and stability.

Myanmar border police patrol Wei Thar Li village in Maungdaw township, western Myanmar's Rakhine state, Oct. 12, 2016. AFP People are worried

Ethnic tension runs high in Rakhine state where 1.1 stateless Muslim Rohingya suffer persecution because they are considered illegal immigrants from neighboring Bangladesh and referred to as Bengalis.

Communal violence between the Rohingya and Rakhine Buddhists in 2012 left 200 people dead and forced tens of thousands of Rohingya into squalid refugee camps where they are denied basic rights, including that of citizenship.

In late August, Aung San Suu Kyi appointed former United Nations chief Kofi Annan to lead a Rakhine advisory commssion tasked with reviewing conflict resolution between Buddhists and Rohingya, humanitarian assistance, and development issues in the impoverished and divided state.

Koenders, who is on a three-day trip to Myanmar to open the new Dutch embassy in Yangon and meet with representatives of Dutch businesses and Myanmar government leaders, visited refugee camps in Sittwe on Tuesday.

In the meantime, the team of government officials, including Information Minister Pe Myint and Labor, Immigrations and Population Minister Thein Swe, has met with residents of Maungdaw township to try to allay their fears.

Of course, people are worried, especially this time, said Rakhine chief minister Nyi Pu, who is accompanying the ministers. But, I want to urge you not to worry too much. It would be dangerous if people did or said something that they shouldnt out of fear and worry.

Army and local police forces are continuing their manhunt for those involved in the attacks by searching homes in Muslim villages in Maungdaw.

We hear womens shouting from Bengali villages, but our village is OK because we have a border guard group in the village, Maungdaw resident Kyaw Soe Moe told RFAs Myanmar Service on Tuesday.

Almost all the women and children have moved to safer places in Maungdaw or Sittwe, but the men have stayed in their villages, he said. Security forces said that they are providing security for the villages although the residents haven't seen them.

Kyaw Soe Moe also said that residents cannot go anywhere or do anything, so they are eating what food they have on hand.

Its OK for a little while, but we will be in trouble if it takes too long, he said. We cant say how long this situation will last.

Protection for ethnic Rakhine people

The Arakan National Party (ANP)a political party that represents the interests of the ethnic Rakhine peopleasked government ministers to protect ethnic Rakhine villages in Maungdaw and provide residents with food.

We asked the Union ministers to protect ethnic Rakhine villages in Maungdaw because local residents are afraid for their safety, said Tha Htun Hla, secretary of the ANPs central executive committee.

The ANP said additional security guards should be deployed in the area because the attack on the border posts constituted a threat to the states sovereignty, he said.

The ANP and Rakhine Buddhists have denounced the governments Rakhine advisory commission and called for its disbandment because they believe that the three foreign members on the nine-member panel will side with the Rohingya and turn the issue into an international one.

Muslim civil society organizations in Myanmar issued a statement on Wednesday denouncing the attacks in Maungdaw and expressed their condolences for the border guards who were killed.

They also said in the statement that they stand behind the Myanmar government and people.

We are not talking about religion; a terrorist is a terrorist, said Dali Myint, a member of the aid group Social Alliance. Their actions make people in Myanmar worried and have ruined peace in the country. Thats why we have denounced what they did in the statement.

Reported by Win Naung Toe, Kyaw Soe Lin, Min Thein Aung and Waiyan Moe Myint for RFAs Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin.
Two separate attacks targeting members of Afghanistan's Shi'ite minority during Ashura commemorations have left several dozen people dead and scores wounded.

In the latest attack, at least 14 people were killed on October 12 in a bomb attack outside a mosque in the northern province of Balkh.

The attack came less than 24 hours after the Islamic State (IS) extremist group claimed responsibility for an attack on a shrine in the capital, Kabul, that killed 19 people and left dozens wounded.

The attacks came during Ashura, a religious day of mourning and one of the holiest on the Shi'ite calendar, raising fears of sectarian violence after a string of attacks on the country's Shi'ite minority.

Afghan officials said the bomb blast in Balkh, which wounded at least 30 people, targeted Shi'ite mourners who were leaving a mosque.

The bomb was planted outside the mosque in the Khoja Gholak area of Balkh Province and detonated remotely, a provincial spokesman told RFE/RL.

Local health officials said most of the wounded were children. Some of the injured were in critical condition, doctors said.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack on October 12.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan condemned both attacks.

"These attacks on worshippers are truly abhorrent" said Tadamichi Yamamoto, the secretary-general's special representative for Afghanistan. "The extremists behind this emerging pattern of sectarian violence will not succeed in reversing Afghan traditions of religious and ethnic tolerance."

Kabul Attack

A day earlier, a gunman opened fire on a crowd of Shi'ite mourners who had gathered at the Karte Sakhi Shrine, one of the largest in Kabul.

Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said 62 people, including 12 police, were wounded in the attack on the shrine.

The IS group, via its Aamaq media outlet, said an IS "commando" had opened fire on mourners in Kabul before blowing himself up using an explosive jacket.

Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah said the Kabul attack on civilians amounted to "a war crime and human rights violation."

"People were gathered inside the shrine for worshipping when the attackers arrived," an eyewitness, who did not reveal his or her name, told Reuters. "First they shot the policemen at the gate of the shrine and then they entered the compound."

Another eyewitness described what he said was a "horrific situation."

"Everyone was trying to escape," the eyewitness said. "Many people were shot in their legs and many others in their hands and bodies."

The mourning for Ashura reached its peak on October 12.

Afghan police had warned Shi'a -- mostly ethnic Hazara -- against large gatherings as attacks were expected.

Ashura commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in 680 and whose death laid the foundation for the Shi'ite faith.

For Shi'ite Muslims around the world, Ashura is a symbol of the struggle against oppression.

In July, an attack claimed by IS extremists killed 84 people, many of them Shi'a from the ethnic Hazara minority.

In 2011, 54 people were killed when a suicide bomber attacked another Kabul shrine where hundreds of people had gathered. A Shi'ite mosque in the northern city of Mazar-e Sharif was also hit the same day, leaving four dead.

With reporting by AP and AFP
3 A rescue worker hunts for victims in a bombed-out building in Aleppo's Bustan al-Qasr district on October 11. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 290 people, mostly civilians, have been killed by government or Russian air strikes since the operation to retake Aleppo began on September 22.
Russia says Britain has a duty to protect Russian diplomats in London, a response to British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson's call for activists to protest Moscow's bombing campaign in Syria.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on October 12 that Johnson is probably "aware of the Vienna Convention and that Great Britain is duty-bound to take responsibility" for Russian diplomatic missions in Britain.

Johnson told Parliament the previous day that "if Russia continues on its current path, then I think that great country is in danger of becoming a pariah nation."

"I'd certainly like to see demonstrations outside the Russian Embassy," he said. The "wells of outrage are growing exhausted" and antiwar groups have not been expressing sufficient outrage at the conflict in Aleppo, he said.

Since taking office this summer, Johnson quickly became one of the leading advocates in Europe for putting pressure on Moscow over Syria, proposing to expand the sanctions already in place over Russian aggression in Ukraine.

Johnson's comments came on a day that saw an uptick in the Syrian and Russian bombing campaign of the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo -- Syria's largest city -- after several days of relative calm.

PHOTO GALLERY: Aleppo Neighborhood Pounded By Air Strikes

In Aleppo, activists and rescue workers said on October 12 that at least 25 people -- including five children -- were killed in the aerial attacks the previous day, the AP news agency reported.

Ibrahim al-Haj, of the Syrian Civil Defense group, said the search continues for survivors and bodies under a collapsed building in the Al-Fardus neighborhood.

At least 250,000 people have been killed in the Syrian civil war since 2011 with millions of others being displaced.

Based on reporting by Reuters, AFP, and TASS
U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign said the FBI is investigating whether Russia is behind the hacking and leak of a top adviser's e-mail last week.

Campaign chairman John Podesta said on October 11 that he learned of the investigation over the weekend when he was contacted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation about the breach of his e-mails, some of which were published by WikiLeaks on October 7.

Podesta said he was told the investigation has been incorporated in the FBI's ongoing investigation into the hacking of Democratic organizations by Russian intelligence.

Podesta's disclosure came as the White House said President Barack Obama is considering options for a "proportional response" to verified incidents of Russian hacking.

Podesta says Russia's "interference" in the election and apparent attempt to influence it on behalf of Clinton's Republican opponent Donald Trump should be of "utmost importance" to all Americans.

Podesta would not confirm the authenticity of his leaked e-mails, noting that the Russians have doctored documents in past hacking incidents.

Russia's ambassador to the United States on October 11 denied his country tried to influence the election, including by hacking the e-mails of Clinton staff.

Based on reporting by AP and Reuters
Two participants in a mass protest against land reform in Kazakhstan have gone on trial in the western city of Atyrau.

An Atyrau court began hearings on October 12 against Maks Boqaev and Talghat Ayan, who were charged with inciting social discord, intentionally distributing false information, and illegally organizing public gatherings.

Boqaev and Ayan were detained on April 24 at a central square in Atyrau, where hundreds gathered to protest a government-approved bill on land privatization and land leasing to foreigners.

The protests in Atyrau were followed by mass protests across Kazakhstan for almost two weeks. The protesters expressed concern that the bill would allow foreigners to own farmland in Kazakhstan.

In May, President Nursultan Nazarbaev had to suspend the bill's implementation until 2017. He also created a public commission to revise the bill.

In August, Nazarbaev prolonged the moratorium on land privatization until December 2021.

Rights watchdogs have called on Kazakh authorities to release Boqaev and Ayan, saying they have a right to express their views publicly.
Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbaev has added Armenia to his list of canceled visits this week due to treatment for what officials say is a "cold."

Nazarbaev spokesman Aidos Ukimbai told journalists on October 12 that Nazarbaev's overall health state is "not of concern."

Ukimbai added that Prime Minister Baqytzhan Saghyntaev will represent Nazarbaev at the summit of the Russia-led Common Security Treaty Organization in the Armenian capital, Yerevan, in Nazarbaev's stead on October 14.

Ukimbai also said that Nazarbaev's further activities will proceed in accordance with his "usual working schedule."

Nazarbaev's press service first reported on October 11 that Nazarbaev was being treated for a cold and would not be able to travel to Azerbaijan for a scheduled visit or to the western Kazakh region of Manghystau.

The announcement was unusual as Nazarbaev's state of health is rarely made public in Central Asia's largest country.

He has been treated in the past in China for undisclosed health reasons.

Nazarbaev, 76, has led oil-rich Kazakhstan with an iron fist since 1989.
Look at a map showing population density in Central Asia and it is immediately apparent that the majority of the region's approximately 68 million people live in the east.The reason is equally obvious; the western part of Central Asia is home to two large deserts, Kyzyl Kum and Kara Kum -- the red and black sand deserts, respectively.



At the same time, the bulk of the region's substantial hydrocarbon wealth is located in the western half of Central Asia. Efforts to open up the region and bring people in to work these vast oil and natural gas fields have been limited to a significant extent by the inability to provide adequate water to populations in western Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.



A solution to this equation is there -- the Caspian Sea -- and now officials in Kazakhstan's southwestern Mangistau Province are preparing to harness this resource by building a water purification plant.



The head of the provincial department for industrial-innovation development, Nurbek Karasaev, announced plans for construction of the plant at the end of September. According to Kazakhstan's Kursiv.kz news website, Karasaev said the plant would be located in the Karakiya district of Mangistau Province. Karakiya is the southernmost district of the province. To the west of Karakiya is the Caspian Sea, to the south Turkmenistan, and to the east Uzbekistan. The name Karakiya means "Black Cliff(s)" and provides an excellent idea of what the area looks like.



Mangistau is one of Kazakhstan's major oil-producing regions. Therefore, it is not surprising that a co-sponsor of the water purification plant is KazMunaiGaz [KMG], the state oil and gas company. Technically the co-sponsor is KMG subsidiary OzenMunaiGaz. Karasaev noted the plant was being built "in the first place for the needs of OzenMunaiGaz and for the population, to relieve the shortage of fresh water."



Mangistau Province is not only oil country, it's where two of Kazakhstan's most important Caspian ports are located -- Aktau and Kuryk, the administrative center of the Karakiya district.

Trans-Caspian Pipeline



Kuryk port facilities are currently under construction but the town is to have a new oil terminal for loading tankers. It is also set to be the end point for the Erskene-Kuryk pipeline, which is to bring oil from Kazakhstan's offshore field Kashagan.



There are plans to construct a trans-Caspian oil pipeline that would link the pipeline from Kuryk to Baku, Azerbaijan's capital, on the western shore. Azerbaijan's energy minister just authored an article about it.



The population of Mangistau Province, currently well under 500,000, is nearly certain to see a noticeable increase in coming years as the oil and shipping industries expand, with the accompanying greater demand for water.



I would be remiss not to mention the social situation in Mangistau Province, which is home to Zhanaozen, an oil town that shot to infamy in December 2011 when police opened fire on striking oil workers. At least 16 people were killed.



The drastic fall in oil prices on world markets has caused Kazakhstan to keep production levels in check. With diminished revenues, Kazakhstan's oil companies have been implementing the inevitable reductions in the work force, although with Zhanaozen in mind authorities are moving very slowly. That said, there have been many reports in Kazakhstan that more layoffs are coming soon -- and that oil workers in Mangistau will be affected.



A new source of potable water can't prevent dismissals in Mangistau's oil sector but better social conditions generally have been a frequent demand from people in the region.

New Possibilities



If successful, the water-purification plant could open up new possibilities along the eastern coast of Caspian Sea, in agriculture for example.



Turkmen leaders have spoken about constructing desalinization plants on the Caspian coast for more than a decade but the focus there has remained on internal water-treatment plants and reclamation programs. The country, nearly 90 percent covered by desert, could use a lot more water.

Turkmenistan's Balkan Province borders the Caspian Sea and is a major oil-producing region. But water is available in the provincial capital Balkanabat for only four hours a day.



Playing with water in Central Asia is a very dangerous proposition. It always has been -- even in the much better supplied regions in the east, where the mountains are.



The horribly desiccated Aral Sea is the best-known example of what can happen. The over-planting of cotton and a population almost 10 times larger than it was 100 years ago has left the "Island Sea" little more than alkaline depression in the Kara Kum Desert with water left in only a very small area.



The Karakiya plant would seem to be an answer to these sorts of problems.

PHOTO GALLERY: The Slow Death Of The Aral Sea

Photo Gallery: The Slow Death Of The Aral Sea NASA announced recently that the eastern basin of the once great Aral Sea dried up completely in the month of August for the first time in modern history. Previously the fourth-largest inland sea in the world, Soviet irrigation projects set up in the 1960s to support the Uzbek cotton industry have had a devastating effect on this body of water. Dmitry Volchek from RFE/RL's Russian Service traveled to the Aral Sea in May and brought back these poignant pictures. Share on Facebook

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In fact, the water level in the Caspian Sea is rising, more than two meters since the late 1970s. The Caspian Sea is fed by some 130 rivers but has no outlet, so water accumulates with only evaporation causing loss.



So an argument could be made that this is, for now, "extra" water that could do much good for coastal areas in Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan if purified.



That process will not be so easy. Water from the Caspian Sea needs to be desalinated.



Back more than 65 million years, the Caspian Sea was the Paratethys Sea and connected the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Only fresh water flows into the Caspian now but there is still a large amount of residual salt left in the Caspian region.



On the average, water salinity is one-third that in the oceans, but the concentration changes, becoming denser further south in the Caspian. There is one exception, the area around the Kara-Bogaz-Gol; the great shallow gulf off northwestern Turkmenistan where water salinity is ten times that of the ocean.



It also happens to be just south of Kuryk.



Still, the planned purification-desalinization plant in Karakiya district presents few apparent downsides while promising what could be ample reward. In a region that has been short on solutions for a multitude of problems, this is one project that could be key to one of the most basic of needs.

RFE/RL's Kazakh and Turkmen services contributed to this report. The views expressed in this blog post do not necessarily reflect he views of RFE/RL.
Security forces in Russia's North Caucasus region of Daghestan say they have killed at least three militants in a special operation.

Media reports in Russia quote Daghestani security officials as saying the special operation launched on October 12 in the western region of Karabudakhkent is ongoing.

They add that the special operation was launched after the alleged militants opened fire at police from a private house in the village of Gubden.

Daghestan has been at the epicenter of a wave of violence by armed criminal groups and by militants seeking to establish an Islamic caliphate in the North Caucasus.

Organized crime, business turf wars, political disputes, and clan rivalry also contribute to the bloodshed in the region.

Based on reporting by Interfax and RIA Novosti
Russian President Vladimir Putin has brushed off assertions that the Kremlin is meddling in the U.S. presidential election and said that criticism of Moscow during the campaign is "poisoning" bilateral ties.

With less than four weeks before Election Day, Russia's alleged interference has become a recurring theme, emerging most recently in the clash between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump during their October 9 televised debate.

Last week, U.S. intelligence officials publicly accused Moscow directly of hacking into the computers of the Democratic National Committee, and of attempts at hacking some state election commissions.

Speaking in Moscow on October 12, Putin repeated comments made by several other top Russian officials that accused U.S. officials of "poisoning our bilateral relations."

"Hysteria has been whipped up to distract the attention of the American people from the essence of what the hackers released," Putin told a business forum. "For some reason nobody talks about this. They talk about who did it. Is it really that important?"

That comment, similar to remarks Putin has made before, appeared aimed at diverting attention from the alleged Russian connection toward the actual content of the e-mails. Among other things, the e-mails leaked from the Democratic National Committee revealed that party leaders heavily favored Clinton over her Democratic rival, Senator Bernie Sanders.

"All they do is keep talking about us," Putin said. "Of course it's pleasant for us, but only partly, because all participants are misusing anti-Russian rhetoric and poisoning our bilateral relations."

President Barack Obama's administration signaled on October 11 that it was planning some sort of response that would target Russia or its interests.

Washington and Moscow are at odds over several issues including Syria, where a cease-fire that broke down last month was followed by a withering air assault on rebel-held parts of the city of Aleppo by Syrian and Russian forces.

UN humanitarian aid convoys have been suspended into the city since late September when a convoy was destroyed. U.S. officials, and Syrian activists, have publicly blamed Russia for the attack, and U.S. and UN officials suggested it may constitute a war crime.

In his comments, however, Putin repeated Russian denials of involvement in the attack on the convoy, claiming it was carried out by a "terrorist organization."

"We see what's going on. This is complete and wholesale blame placed on Russia for all of the world's sins, for all of its crimes," he said.

Based on reporting by Reuters and AP
Russian warplanes resumed heavy bombardment of rebel-held eastern Aleppo after several days of relative calm.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least eight civilians were killed in the Bustan al-Qasr and Fardos districts in the besieged city of Aleppo, where around 250,000 remained trapped.

"This is the heaviest Russian bombardment since the Syrian regime announced it would reduce the bombardment" on October 5, said Rami Abdel Rahman, the head of the London-based monitoring group.

On October 5, the Syrian Army said it would reduce its bombardment of eastern Aleppo and urged civilians to distance themselves from rebel fighters.

Backed by Russian air strikes, Syrian government forces have advanced into rebel-held areas in a bid to recapture the whole of Aleppo, the countrys second-largest city.

The observatory said at least 290 people, mostly civilians, have been killed by government or Russian air strikes since the operation to retake Aleppo began on September 22.

Based on reporting by AFP and Reuters


Serbia has named Gennady Timchenko, a billionaire ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin hit with U.S. sanctions over the Ukraine conflict, its honorary consul in St. Petersburg.

Timchenko appeared alongside Serbia's pro-Russian president, Tomislav Nikolic, at the opening of the new honorary consulate in Russia's imperial-era capital on October 12 and called his new status a "great honor."

"It will be a pleasure to help Russia and Serbia find new areas for growth," Timchenko said at the opening ceremony.

Serbia is seeking to join the European Union but has refused to impose sanctions targeting Russia, with which Belgrade has close historical and cultural links, over its annexation of Ukraine's Crimean Peninsula and backing of armed separatists in eastern Ukraine.

Timchenko, a founder of the oil-trading firm Gunvor, was among numerous Russian officials and wealthy Putin associates sanctioned by Washington in response to the Ukraine conflict.

The U.S. Treasury Department alleges that Putin "has investments" in Gunvor, which has a head office in Geneva and a registered office in Cyprus. The company and the Kremlin have repeatedly dismissed this allegation as false.

The status of honorary consuls is largely ceremonial, and they are not accorded diplomatic immunity.

With reporting by RFE/RL's Balkan Service, AP, and Topspb.tv
WASHINGTON -- Russias top diplomat in the United States has blamed Washington for the worsening ties between the two countries, even as he emphasized common threats the two faced and the potential for cooperation.

Coming amid increasing rhetorical salvos between Moscow and Washington, Ambassador Sergei Kislyaks comments on October 11 to an audience of university students and faculty were by turns conciliatory and defensive.

Russia has taken a prominent place in the U.S. presidential election campaign, with U.S. intelligence officials last week blaming Moscow for several hacking incidents of U.S. political parties and state electoral commissions.

President Barack Obamas administration said on October 11 that it is planning some sort of response that would target Russia or its interests.

Speaking at Johns Hopkins Universitys School for Advanced International Studies, Kislyak repeated Russian statements that Moscow is not interfering in the U.S. election, and he lamented the sharp downturn in bilateral relations, laying the blame on the Americans.

We are very much disappointed that instead of trying to build and capitalize on what both Russia and the United States can help together to solve the issues that do exist togetherthat we are locked into that kind of unfriendly discussions, and I think we are missing a lot of opportunities, he said.

I would like to underline that we feel that its not us who started it, its not us whos fueling it, but the result is that is where we are, Kislyak said.

The diplomat called for a renewal of cooperation between U.S. and Russian military forces in Syria, saying that the two sides shared a common goal of defeating terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. But he argued that Russias military presence in Syria is legitimate, having been invited into the country by the Syrian regime, a close ally.

A cease-fire negotiated by Moscow and Washington collapsed last month and gave way to a blistering assault by Russian and Syrian forces against the city of Aleppo, where parts are still controlled by opposition forces, as well as groups labeled as terrorists.

That led Washington to announce it was suspending all talks with Moscow over resolving the Syrian conflict.

In Syria, Kislyak said, We are there on a fully legal basis, unlike some others who fly and send troops on the ground without asking permission of a legitimate government.

In accusing Washington of stoking the bad blood between the two countries, Kislyak cited the Magnitsky Act, the 2012 law that sanctioned nearly 20 Russian officials for alleged human rights abuses and financial fraud. And he cited Washingtons actions during and after the street protests in Ukraine that forced its pro-Russian president to flee the country and be replaced by a markedly more pro-Western administration.

He also repeated Russians longstanding grievances against NATO, both its expansion into former Soviet bloc countries in the 1990s and its current deployment of troops and equipment to places like Poland and the Baltic countries.

NATO and U.S. officials have said the bolstered forces are aimed at reassuring alliance members nervous about more aggressive Russian actions in Ukraine, and also along some European borders.

NATO is an alliance for [its members], not for others, and that creates new dividing lines that is pushed to our borders and that is something that is a very, very serious problem in our relations and most probably one that will have very, very long consequences, he said.

He said he agreed with the assessment being heard with frequency in Washington policy circles that bilateral relations havent been this problematic since the end of the Cold War.

The risks of miscalculations have increased. I agree with that. Especially with your forces being deployed, NATO forces, being deployed next to our borders, sometimes in a very -- how shall put it in a polite way -- in a strange way, to show up the strength of the United States, he said.
The United States and Russia have announced two days of talks on the Syrian conflict over the weekend.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will meet U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry in Switzerland on October 16.

A second international meeting will take place on October 17 in London that will not include Russia.

The October 16 meeting will be the first between the two sides since Washington broke off bilateral diplomatic contact with Moscow this month following the collapse of a cease-fire in Syria.

Kerry will attend both meetings to discuss "a multilateral approach to resolving the crisis in Syria, including a sustained cessation of violence and the resumption of humanitarian-aid deliveries," White House spokesman John Kirby said.

The October 17 talks will likely to see Kerry briefing his European counterparts.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Lavrov and Kerry will hold talks in the Swiss city of Lausanne aimed at "creating the conditions for the resolution of the Syrian crisis" alongside top diplomats from "key countries in the region."

In an interview on October 12, Lavrov said that talks should include Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and possibly Qatar.

The meeting comes amid tensions between Moscow and Washington over the Syrian conflict after Russia launched air strikes in the rebel-held eastern Aleppo, prompting the collapse of the cease-fire.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP
Thousands of Macedonians took to the streets to participate in a peaceful antigovernment protest, two months ahead of scheduled national elections.

The demonstration in the capital, Skopje, on October 11 was organized by the main opposition party, the Social Democrats.

"We are writing history, toppling a regime, getting back our freedom," opposition leader Zoran Zaev told the rally in front of the parliament building, where the march ended.

"Our weapon is our vote," Zaev said as protesters waved Macedonian national flags and chanted "Freedom, freedom!" and "The fight continues!"

Macedonia has been in political turmoil since February 2015 following a massive wiretapping scandal in which the conversations of more than 20,000 people were monitored.

The governing conservative party VMRO-DPMNE, led by former Prime Minister Nikola Gruevski, was largely blamed for the wiretaps.

Party leaders agreed last month to hold early national elections on December 11 as part of a Western-brokered deal to end the political crisis. But the election date has already been postponed twice this year.

Based on reporting by AP and AFP


Prominent dissident Turkmen poet Shirali Nurmuradov has died in Sweden at the age of 71.

Nurmuradov, a fierce critic of the authoritarian regime in his native Turkmenistan, was arrested and jailed to short terms for his poems by Turkmen authorities several times in the 1990s.

He went to Sweden in 1995 shortly after he was arrested in Moscow at Ashgabat's request.

Russia did not extradite him to Turkmenistan after his arrest and he was able to move to Poland and later to Sweden, where he got political asylum.

He became a member of Sweden's PEN-club and continued writing poetry.

Authorities in Turkmenistan have banned his verses.

Nurmuradov died on October 11 in a Stockholm health clinic after a long illness.

With reporting by chrono-tm.org


Several Crimean Tatars have been detained in Ukraine's occupied Crimea region after Russian-installed security forces searched their houses in several villages.

Crimean Tatar activists wrote on Facebook that at least five Crimean Tatar men, all of them practicing Muslims, were detained on October 12.

Video footage posted by the activists showed security officials searching the homes of several Crimean Tatar families in the unidentified villages.

Several videos showed crowds of Tatar villagers protested the searches -- confronting the security officials and chanting prayers in Arabic.

The authorities did not issue any official statement about the searches.

The RIA Novosti news agency reported that "several leaders of the banned Hizb ut-Tahrir Islamic group were detained in the result of searches conducted in several settlements on the peninsula."

In September, a court in southern Russia sentenced four Crimean Tatars to lengthy prison terms after finding them guilty of being members of Hizb ut-Tahrir.

Hizb ut-Tahrir is a London-based Sunni political organization. It seeks to unite all Muslim countries into an Islamic caliphate but says its methods for reaching that goal are peaceful.

Russia banned Hizb ut-Tahrir in 2003, designating it a "terrorist organization."

Russia has been heavily criticized by international rights groups and Western governments for its treatment of Crimea's indigenous Turkic-speaking people since Russia seized and illegally annexed the peninsula from Ukraine in March 2014.

Arrests, disappearances, and killings of Crimean Tatars have been reported.
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Ukrainian troops engaged in heavy exchanges of gunfire overnight with Russia-backed separatists in the eastern city of Maryinka. Machine-gun and mortar rounds pierced the night sky on October 11, where both sides have been holding their positions for months. (RFE/RL's Current Time TV)
The United States has blacklisted several Pakistani men for their ties to a blacklisted organization that laundered money for the Taliban, drug traffickers, and other criminal organizations.

Among them was Obaid Khanani, whose father, Altaf Khanani, was arrested by U.S. authorities in September 2015 and accused by the U.S. Treasury Department of laundering billions of dollars for the Taliban and other groups through his Al Zarooni Exchange and other operations.

The department said on October 11 that Obaid Khanani, 29, continued to lead his father's money-laundering operations after the arrest. Altaf Khanani is set to be tried on money-laundering charges in Miami this month.

Another man blacklisted, Hozaifa Khanani, 29, is Altaf Khanani's nephew and was involved in real estate investments on behalf of his uncle's organization, the Treasury Department said. Muhammad Javed Khanani, Altaf Khanani's brother, was "heavily involved in laundering criminal proceeds via money service businesses," the Treasury Department said.

The sanctions block any assets the men or companies might have in the United States and bars Americans from dealing with them.

The department also blacklisted several businesses based in Pakistan and Dubai for either being owned by the men or being linked to money laundering.

With reporting by Reuters
The United States urged Turkey and Iraq to overcome a dispute over about 2,000 Turkish troops stationed in northern Iraq and said the troops should only be there with Baghdad's approval.

The attempt to mediate between two important U.S. allies came after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asserted on October 11 that "we don't need permission" to keep Turkish troops in the Bashiqa camp in Kurdish-controlled Iraq and that the troops will participate in an upcoming campaign to liberate Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.

But the U.S. State Department said that foreign military forces should only be in Iraq at Baghdad's invitation and they should join the anti-IS coalition that already is operating there and is preparing an assault on Mosul.

"The Turkish forces that are deployed in Iraq are not there as part of the international coalition...It is imperative for all parties to coordinate closely over the coming days and weeks to ensure unity of effort in defeating Daesh," State Department spokesman John Kirby said, using another term for IS.

He added that "the situation in Bashiqa is a matter for the governments of Iraq and Turkey to resolve."

Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP
The Uzbek Senate has approved acting President Shavkat Mirziyaev's proposal for a mass amnesty of prisoners.

The pardon and its implementation were approved by the upper house of parliament on September 12. The amnesty was adopted in honor of Constitution Day, which is marked on December 8.

The Uzbek Senate is the only body whose approval is necessary for the amnesty to come into force.

The amnesty means that female inmates, people who were convicted of crimes when they were underage, male inmates over 60 years of age, foreigners, and handicapped prisoners, among others, will be released from prison.

It is not known exactly how many prisoners are affected by the pardon.

The amnesty is the first clemency adopted after long-term Uzbek leader Islam Karimov's death was officially announced on September 2.

Previous amnesties linked to Constitution Day were adopted only several days before the December 8 holiday.

Many in Uzbekistan consider Mirziyaev's early announcement of a prisoner pardon as a way to win more supporters ahead of the December 4 presidential election.

Based on reporting by Interfax and Trend
Police are asking for the publics help with finding an Ashland teenager who has been missing for two weeks.

Tahjaia Corum Hill, 17, last was seen on Wednesday, Sept. 28, at about 9:30 a.m., when she left her residence in Ashland, police said.

Although there is no foul play indicated and Ms. Hill has a history of being a runaway, her family and the Ashland Police Department are concerned for her well-being given the amount of time that has transpired, officer Chip Watts said.

Hill is described as 4 feet 11 inches tall and weighing 250 pounds, with a nose piercing, black hair and brown eyes. She last was seen wearing a black halter top and black shorts.
Henrico County police are investigating a residential shooting that wounded a man during an altercation involving several people.

Police responded about 9:50 p.m. Tuesday to the 300 block of Damascus Drive for a reported firearm violation. Responding officers determined there had been a fight, and during the altercation, a shot was fired, prompting most of the participants to flee, authorities said.

Police did not locate a shooting victim at the scene. Authorities were notified later that a man had arrived at a local hospital for treatment of a gunshot wound that was not life-threatening. His identity has not been released.
Richmond City Council President Michelle Mosby took a hard shot at former Del. Joseph D. Morrissey and his reputation as a champion for black voters in the first attack ad of the mayoral campaign, which began airing on local radio stations Tuesday.

Joes the 57-year-old boss who claimed innocence but took an Alford plea for having sex with his employee  a 17-year-old black girl  and then lied about it to keep himself out of jail, Mosby says in the ad.

Joes been taking advantage of us for far too long. I wouldnt trust Joe Morrissey with my daughter, and Im asking you not to trust him with our city.

Political scientist Bob Holsworth said the advertisement couldnt be more pointed.

What shes basically saying is that Morrissey is a false prophet in the African-American community, he said, adding that Mosby seems to be targeting the ad toward neighborhoods where Morrissey has performed best.

The ad came the day after Morrisseys campaign faced criticism from opponents over an aides comment that Morrissey would be the citys real first black mayor.

Morrissey responded to Mosbys radio spot by accusing her of serving as an attack dog for her better-funded opponents, but wouldnt say why he believes that or which opponents he thinks are behind the ad.

Figure it out, he said. Follow the money and see where it goes. Shes going to be the attack person.

As for the content of the ad, Morrissey declined to comment.

She can exercise her own free speech, he said.

Mosby bristled at Morrisseys suggestion that she produced the ad at the behest of anyone other than herself, noting that she doesnt think any of the other candidates in the seven-way race is qualified for the office.

I am running for mayor because I think I would be the best mayor, she said.

Mosby said she is spending five figures on the ad buy, which will run on multiple radio stations.

She said she decided to make her first and so far only ad an attack on Morrissey because she is disturbed by the prospect of him winning.

When you read the Alford plea and the information in that about this child, this young girl who was his employee, it bothers me inside, she said.

Her ad also took aim at Morrisseys legislative record, claiming: Joe has been a delegate in the General Assembly for eight years with no laws passed to help our black community with education or workforce.

Holsworth said Mosbys strategy of taking on Morrissey makes sense: Mosby ranked highly as the second choice of many voters in a poll conducted by Christopher Newport University.
Richmond police are seeking a woman who is accused of robbing a South Richmond gas station by apparently pretending to have a weapon under her scarf, according to police.

Once the gas station clerk realized the robber only had her hand under the scarf, the clerk pushed the robber's hand away, although the thief was still able to steal some cigarettes, police said.

It happened shortly before 1 a.m. today at the Fas Mart at 2107 Semmes Ave., near W. 22nd St.

The woman who robbed the store of several packs of cigarettes ran eastbound toward Cowardin Avenue, police said.

The suspect is described as a black female with short dark hair, approximately 40 to 50 years old, 5 feet 6 inches tall, and weighing about 145 pounds. At the time of the incident, she wore a black scarf, black jacket, blue jeans, and tan-colored boots.
A former Stafford School Board member was ordered Tuesday to serve a year in prison for stealing money from a county elementary schools Parent Teacher Organization.

Emily Morgan Fallon, 41, was sentenced in Stafford Circuit Court to a total of 30 years, with all but a year suspended. Judge Michael Levys sentence exceeded the recommended state sentencing guidelines, which called for a maximum sentence of six months to serve.

Before learning that she was going to jail, Fallon handed over an official check for $13,263. Combined with the $10,200 she had already repaid, that represented full payment of the $23,463 that investigators determined she had pilfered as head of the Anne E. Moncure Elementary School PTO.

Fallon resigned from the School Board on April 29, three days before she was indicted by a county grand jury and just four months after taking over as the Griffis-Widewater representative on the board. She was convicted in July of three counts of embezzlement and three counts of obtaining money by false pretenses.

According to court records, the money was taken from PTO accounts between 2013 and 2015 when Fallon headed the organization. Records indicate that purchases were made at such places as Target, Wal-Mart and hotels.com.

The Stafford Sheriffs Office began an investigation after others associated with the PTO noticed discrepancies in the organizations accounts. The investigation revealed that Fallon was diverting PTO funds to her own American Express account.

Fallon initially blamed health issues for her resignation from her elected School Board post. She later denied stealing any money and blamed the situation on poor bookkeeping and honest mistakes.

On Tuesday, Fallon said depression and her bipolar disorder were reasons for her actions. She said she was sorry for what happened and asked Levy for mercy, saying she wouldnt be able to continue getting the medical help she needs if she were put behind bars.

Prosecutor Ryan Fitzgerald argued that Fallon deserved a lengthy prison stay, saying that she was, in effect, stealing from children.

These parents were donating money thinking that they were bettering their childrens educational experience, Fitzgerald said. Emily Fallon took advantage of that for her own benefit.
Outside groups are pouring in big money to influence a marquee election in Virginia on Nov. 8  and its not the presidential race.

Through Tuesday, groups unaffiliated with the campaigns have spent more than $1.5 million on independent expenditures to influence the congressional race in Northern Virginias 10th District that pits Rep. Barbara J. Comstock, the Republican, against Democrat LuAnn Bennett.

In contrast, outside groups have spent just $35,000 in the presidential contest in what was expected to be a key swing state, according to the Virginia Public Access Project, a nonpartisan tracker of money in state politics.

Outside groups seek the biggest bang for the buck, and in Virginia that means putting their money into the most competitive House race  the 10th District, said Mark J. Rozell, dean of the Schar School of Policy and Government at George Mason University.

The widespread perception is that Virginia is blue at the presidential level this year, and the polls back that up. So why waste money on what appears to be a one-sided contest in the state?

Comstock, a former member of the House of Delegates, is seeking a second term representing a diverse congressional district that stretches from Fairfax and Loudoun counties west to Winchester.

Bennett, a real estate executive and former wife of ex-Rep. Jim Moran, D-8th, is making her first bid for elective office.

The election is closely watched and is drawing big money because GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump is highly unpopular in Northern Virginia. A key question in the Nov. 8 election is whether Comstock can hold on if there is an anti-Trump tsunami in Fairfax County.

Late Friday, Comstock urged Trump to drop out as the Republican presidential nominee following reports about a 2005 tape in which Trump spoke lewdly about women.

This is disgusting, vile and disqualifying, Comstock said.

Although other GOP congressional candidates in Virginia have criticized Trumps comments on the tape, Comstock is the only one in Virginia calling on him to step aside.

VPAP, citing recent filings from the Federal Election Commission, found that the vast majority of the outside spending in the 10th District  $1.19 million  is from groups opposed to Bennett. The National Republican Congressional Committee has spent more than $1 million in recent weeks on media buys against Bennett.

Groups opposed to Comstock have spent $332,377.

The pro-Comstock spending totals $23,136 and the pro-Bennett spending totals $12,109.
The presidential election of 2016 is certainly fraught. The electorate is divided; the invective is flying. A political novice, who some have branded a megalomaniacal racist with no knowledge of foreign affairs or the constitutional abilities of the executive office, is pitted against ... a woman  whom some have labeled a megalomaniacal, pathological liar who buys friends and influence, and lacks stamina. While the major party candidates are, in historical perspective, depressingly mediocre, the election is not unique; its not even especially contentious. In our history, four men who did not win the popular vote gained the presidency.

Leaving out the election of 1876, in which an unelected committee ultimately gave the election to Republican Rutherford B. Hayes over the popular-vote winner Samuel J. Tilden, perhaps the most contentious election in U.S. history was also, arguably, its most important: the election of 1860.

At the time, the United States comprised 33 states; Colorado was in the process of achieving statehood. Six  count em, six  political parties vied for the nations highest office. The Republicans nominated Abraham Lincoln; the Democrats, Stephen A. Douglas, each from Illinois. The Southern Democratic party chose John C. Breckenridge of Kentucky, while the Constitutional Union party nominated John Bell. The outliers, the Liberty Union and the Peoples Party, nominated Gerrit Smith of New York and Gov. Sam Houston of Texas, respectively. Fully 81 percent of the eligible (male) voters cast ballots, the most ever at the time and extraordinary when compared to the obscenely low turnouts in recent elections.

Southerners believed, correctly, that the election centered on the future of slavery. Even though the Dred Scott decision of 1857 appeared to have settled the matter, Lincolns candidacy seemed to call that decisions permanence into question. The executive branch was and is, after all, responsible for enforcement of decisions by the Supreme Court. And Lincoln seemed bent on stopping the spread of slavery, not out of any great love of African-Americans, but to ensure that white Americans might realize the Jeffersonian dream of being a nation of small freeholders without having to compete economically with those who owned slaves.

The invective that flew in 1860 (and in earlier elections, particular in 1828 when J.Q. Adams squared off against Andrew Jackson) was considerably more biting and pointed  and clever  than todays. In one editorial cartoon, Southerners accused Lincoln of supporting rights for blacks and women, for desiring to abolish religion while supporting Mormonism, for government support of the idle and immigrant Chinese. The cartoon shows Lincoln, carried on a rail, leading these constituents to the Lunatic Asylum. A grotesque caricature of a black man in the parade paraphrases Chief Justice Taneys decision in the Dred Scott case: De white man hab no rights dat colored persons am bound to spect.

Abraham Lincoln won, of course. Fates be praised. Yet, he won a mere 39.8 percent of the vote. His erstwhile 1858 debate foe, Stephen A. Douglas, garnered 29.5 percent; Breckenridge, a bit over 18 percent; while Bell captured 12.6 percent. Smith and Houston earned negligible portions of the popular vote. The numbers alone indicate how divided the country had become. (Ironically, there was no popular vote in South Carolina where the subsequent war would begin.) Breckenridge, Bell, and Douglas all fought for the Southern vote. Lincoln was a nonfactor in that region. Still, Lincoln did what presidential candidates must do today to win: He carried New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois and California, and the rest of the Northern states, garnering 180 electoral votes. Breckenridge finished a distant second with 72. Poor Stephen Douglas, though he finished second in the popular vote, finished a distant fourth in the Electoral College with only 12 votes. But even those 12 votes proved controversial, as three electors from New Jersey abandoned tradition and cast their vote for Douglas rather than Lincoln.

While this election is, in many ways, frightening, the United States has been more divided. The United States has had bad presidents. The United States still stands, working out and on the promises made in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. It will survive any result, and will carry on.
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Pennsylvania Democrat John Fetterman struggled at times to explain his positions and spoke haltingly throughout a highly anticipated debate against Republican Dr. Mehmet Oz as they vie for a critical Senate seat. In the opening minutes of Tuesday's debate, Fetterman addressed the stroke he suffered five months ago. Fetterman said it knocked him down but he's "going to keep coming back up. Oz ignored Fettermans health challenges, focusing on Fettermans policies on immigration and crime and his support for President Joe Biden. The race represents the best chance for Democrats to flip a Republican-held Senate seat this year. A big question is whether the debate will have a lasting impact so close to the November election.
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.
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi will talk about how to increase trade in diamonds when Putin visits India at the end of this week, according to IDEX Online.

Modi will explain the measures that New Delhi is formulating to simplify tax and customs procedures to enable Russian traders to more easily export rough diamonds to India directly and avoiding the need for intermediaries.

Modi and Putin will hold their annual meeting in Goa on October 15 before joining their counterparts from Brazil, China and South Africa for the eighth BRICS summit.

India imported around 38% of global rough supply in 2015, the report said. However, 80% of Indias rough imports from Russia arrive via third countries.

There are currently 12 Indian companies with long-term rough diamond supply contracts with ALROSA, compared with nine in 2014.

A special customs zone was established in the Bharat Diamond Bourse in Mumbai last year to enable direct diamond supplies from abroad.




French luxury brand LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton recorded revenue of $29.3 billion (26.3 billion) over the first nine months of 2016, GEMKonnect reports. This is a 4 percent growth when compared with the same period last year (5 percent when measured at constant exchange rates).

LVMHs performance was buoyed by its perfumes and cosmetics business group that rose 6 percent and its watches and jewellery brands including Tag Heuer, Bulgari and Chaumet, which grew 3 percent. Tag Heuers growth came in a tough market, boosted by its Connected smartwatch.

Performance in the third quarter improved over the first half, with Asia, Europe and the United States performing well overall.

Both Japan and France on the other hand, did not add to the growth performance, with both markets seeing a decline in tourist traffic.




TanzaniteOne said several illegal tanzanite miners continue risking their lives by going underground at its dangerous disused mines in Mirerani in anticipation of finding the rare gemstones.

The company had three quarries that were closed for endangering miners' lives.

Tanzania Daily News reports that 10 people recently cheated death by a whisker after trespassing through one of these abandoned quarries.

"Many people wrongly believe that the closed mines still yield gemstones and usually steal their way in to salvage what they can find, but in reality these quarries are dangerous and could cave in anytime," TanzaniteOne managing director Robert Grafen Greaney was quoted as saying.

"The mines can either cave in or the invaders can suffocate as it was the case today."

One of the company directors Faisal Juma Shahbhat said that in most cases, the trespassers use underground routes to enter closed mines.

"They enter from other quarries and slither into these mines, thus cannot be detected easily," he said.

Meanwhile, police in Tanzania arrested two of the 10 suspects, who were on the verge of being buried alive in the 'Investors Shaft Level 21' belonging to the TanzaniteOne.

The trespassers had gone underground in the mine equipped with a power generator to pump fresh air into the quarry.

However, something went wrong with their generator, which started exuding thick carbon monoxide fumes leading to the chocking of the invaders who were almost killed by suffocation, Tanzania Daily News reports.

Police reports further revealed that eight of the suspects managed to drag themselves out one by one in critical condition, with others receiving assistance from other miners.

But after receiving first aid and getting some fresh air, they all took to their heels, leaving their two colleagues who had fainted underground.



Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished




ALROSAs net profit will be 2 or 3 times higher than in 2015 - CEO

12 october 2016 News

(Finmarket.ru) - ALROSA will drive its sales to 37 million carats (which is equal to its output) in 2016, Andrey Zharkov, the companys president said in an interview with television channel "Russia 24".

A year earlier, ALROSA sold 30 million carats of diamonds. The increase is due to the shortage of rough occurred in the midstream (diamond and jewelry manufacturing) this year, which was caused by lower sales on the part of diamond producers in 2015 due to a sharp drop in demand, Andrey Zharkov said.

The company expects to increase its revenue by 15%, while its net income will grow 2 or 3 times - "by a multiple factor"  to the level of 2015, he said. ALROSA's consolidated revenue last year amounted to RUB 224.5 billion, while its net profit under IFRS reached RUB 32.2 billion.

That said, rough diamond prices in 2016 will generally fall by 2-3% compared to last year, the president of ALROSA added.

"Initially, while drawing up the budget, we projected a decline of 5-6%. I do not think there will be a rise in prices based on the results of this year, instead I think prices will fall by an average of 2-3%," he said.

By the end of the 1st half of the year, ALROSA held a diamond stock of 16 million carats. The companys target for this year was not to increase its stock over the level of 2015, at the end of which it reached 22 million carats.

According to Andrey Zharkov, ALROSAs stock decreased due to higher sales.

This year, ALROSA has lowered its production target to 37 million carats from 39 million carats in response to falling demand. However, ALROSA is still pursuing the goal to ramp up its diamond output to about 41 million carats in the nearest years.

The miners net cash flow permits to allocate 50% of its net profit to dividends, as it was last year, Andrey Zharkov said.

Asked about the prospects of floating an 8-percent state-owned interest in ALROSA, the head of the company said that "at present the shareholders composition is balanced." "I do not think that the state is going to further reduce its stake. This is a decision, which depends entirely on the wishes of the shareholder, but I think that the state is interested to maintain a balanced ownership composition," the president of ALROSA said.

ALROSA's net debt will drop to $ 2.45 billion at year-end ($ 2.78 billion at the beginning of 2016), if the early repayment of $ 350-370 million announced by the company in September will take place, Andrey Zharkov said. ALROSA deferred the repayment of its major debt of $ 720 million maturing in 2017 to 2019.

This year, the companys share in sales on the domestic market (just over 10% in 2015) will slightly decrease due to the cancelled export duty on rough diamonds as of September 1, 2016, which was a tool to support the Russian diamond manufacturing industry. "Therefore, demand (on the domestic market) may fall," Andrey Zharkov said.






Double track construction is getting a boost on portions of the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield (NHHS) passenger line thanks to a new Track Construction Machine (TCM).

Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy and Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Commissioner James P. Redeker unveiled the mammoth TCM that is being used to double-track portions of the NHHS Line, which is being branded as the CTrail Hartford Line.

The CTrail Hartford Line is scheduled to begin operations in January 2018 and building a second track parallel to the existing single track, which is currently used by Amtrak trains, will allow more frequent train service and more efficient train movements.

The 250-ton TCM will lay nearly nine miles of track between North Haven and Meriden during the next three weeks. This marks the first time a TCM will be used to lay this significant length of track in Connecticut. Officials say the TCM has increased production capabilities over other methods of track construction and note the machines ability to construct without interfering with the operation of train traffic on the adjacent existing mainline track.

We are excited to finally launch commuter rail service between New Haven, Hartford and our friends in Springfield, and state-of-the-art, 21st century machinery like this is helping keep us on schedule so we can begin service as soon as possible, Gov. Malloy said. A modernized transportation system brings so many benefits to an area. High among them are the economic advantages that attract businesses and grows jobs, however for too many decades our state lacked the forward-thinking vision to make these improvements. We are committed to building a best-in-class transportation system for Connecticuts residents, and the Hartford Line is one piece of this vision that will move us forward.

The launch of the Hartford Line will provide an opportunity for Connecticut to join in a regional vision to a make rail a more convenient and faster option for travelers, Commissioner Redeker stated. Expanded rail service will strengthen transportation infrastructure in Connecticut and the region.

The TCM is the main component of a moving assembly line designed to install rails and ties in one efficient operation. Prior to start of the operation, train cars carrying fifty, 1,600-foot long rails were off-loaded and the rail was deposited on either side of the rail bed. Fifteen tie cars, each carrying 176 concrete railroad ties weighing more than 800 pounds each, are towed behind the TCM and feed it with concrete ties via a conveyor system. While pulled along the rail bed by a bulldozer, the TCM uniformly lays the ties onto the ballast at predetermined spacing and simultaneously threads the rails onto the ties. A clipping machine attaches the rail clips to hold the completed track assembly together.

The machine can assemble up to 1,000 feet of track per hour (500 ties) in ideal conditions, at over one mile of track per day. Officials note that prior to the use of the TCM, it would have taken months to complete this work using either track panels, which require offsite assembly and transportation to the site, or manual installation through the use of other, more traditional track construction equipment.

The TCM is expected to return to Connecticut in 2017 to add another ten miles of track between Meriden and Newington. By the time the expanded service begins in 2018, about 32 miles of the 62-mile corridor between New Haven and Springfield will be double-tracked.

In partnership with the state of Connecticut, Amtrak is pleased to celebrate this important milestone in the CTrail Hartford Line project, Amtrak President and CEO Wick Moorman said. Through strong collaboration between Amtrak, CTDOT, the Federal Railroad Administration and our various contractors, we are continuing to progress this transformational project and look forward to delivering a state-of-the-art railroad that will allow for improved and expanded service.
British brewer and pub operator Marston's Plc (MARS.L) Wednesday, in its year-end trading update, said it expects underlying profit before tax in line with its view, citing good progress it made this year.

The Group also reported underlying growth across all of its pub divisions, and continued better performance from its beer . In addition, new pub-restaurants, lodges and Revere premium pubs also continued to perform well.

On a like-for-like basis, sales were 2.3 percent ahead in Destination and Premium, and up 2.7 percent in Taverns.

In Brewing, beer brands performed strongly, with own-brand volumes up 13 percent for the year, and profits in line with management expectations.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday to restructure the government's consumer watchdog agency, calling that the current structure is unconstitutional, but rejected the idea of closing it down.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ordered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB, which is led by a single director with unusual independence, to be restructured so that the director could be removed by the President at will.

According to the court, the setup of CFPB is different from other independent agencies, which are generally run by a group of commissioners.

The court ruling was while reversing $109 million in fines the CFPB ordered against mortgage lender PHH Corp. Challenging the enforcement action, the lender had called for the CFPB, which was created as part of the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law, to be eliminated.

In Tuesday's ruling by the three-judge panel, Judge Brett Kavanaugh wrote that Congress gave the CFPB director more unilateral authority than any other officer in any of the three branches of the U.S. government, other than the president.

Certain reports said Republican lawmakers and financial groups are trying hard to weaken or dismantle the agency, and they have criticized CFPB Director Richard Cordray for his various rules and enforcement actions issued recently.

Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Tex.), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, had recently introduced a bill calling to restructure the CFPB by replacing the director with a five-person commission.

However, it is unlikely that the latest court ruling will have any serious impact since President Obama and his fellow Democrats see the CFPB as a core part of their legacy. And the ruling is likely to be appealed.

In response to the court ruling, the CFPB said Tuesday that it is reviewing its options for challenging the decision.

The agency said in a statement, "The Bureau respectfully disagrees with the Court's decision. In the meantime, as the court expressly recognized, the Bureau will continue its important work.  Today's decision will not dampen our efforts or affect our focus on the mission of the agency."

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
French drug maker Sanofi (SNYNF,SNY) Wednesday said it expects to record $100 million charge in the third quarter as it settled a litigation related to Cipro generic.

In pre-market activity on the NYSE, Sanofi shares are at $37.99, down 0.60 percent.

In the previous year, the company's earnings per share were 1.61 euros and aggregate sales were 9.46 billion euros, excluding 136 million euros of VaxServe sales of products from other vaccine manufacturers.

In 2015, Sanofi recorded 137 million euros as a foreign exchange loss with respect to its subsidiaries based in Venezuela.

The company also noted that multiple generic versions of Plavix entered the market in Japan since the end of June 2015 and significantly impacted Plavix sales. In last year's third quarter, sales of Plavix in Japan were 145 million euros, while in the second quarter of this year, sales of Plavix in Japan were down 59.1% at CER to 93 million euros.

In last year, sales in Venezuela were 24 million euros, while in the preceding second quarter, sales were 6 million euros.

As previously communicated in July, Sanofi Pasteur has been experiencing Pentacel manufacturing delays and has not been able to meet all demand. Progressive supply improvements are expected in the second half of 2016.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Editors Pick

Houston, Texas -based JYC Enterprise, Inc. is recalling around 33,280 pounds of frozen chicken and pork potsticker products, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service or FSIS announced. The agency noted that these products were repackaged, relabeled, and distributed without the benefit of federal inspection.

Payments technology company Global Payments Inc. reported Monday weak profit in its third quarter, despite higher revenues. Earnings per share, however, grew on lower share count, and adjusted earnings met market estimates. Looking ahead for fiscal 2022, the company continues to expect adjusted earnings above the Wall Street view, and lifted margin forecast.

Twitter is revising its user verification process, Chief Twit Elon Musk, who acquired the social media platform in a $44-billion deal, said in a tweet. Musk, who is now in charge of the microblogging and social networking service, on Sunday tweeted, "The whole verification process is being revamped right now." Since reaching acquisition agreement in April, Musk had conveyed many times that he wan
United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) has emerged successful after it tested the use of drones for time-critical deliveries.

According to the package delivery giant, drones offer a great solution to deliver packages to hard-to-reach locations in urgent situations where other modes of transportation are not readily available.

In mid-September, Atlanta-based UPS and drone-maker CyPhy Works staged a mock delivery of urgently needed medicine by a commercial drone from Beverly, Massachusetts to Children's Island, which is about three miles off the Atlantic coast. UPS Strategic Enterprise Fund owns a stake in CyPhy.

UPS and CyPhy flew the Persistent Aerial Reconnaissance and Communications or PARC system drone from Beverly to Children's Island to test the viability of using the drone to make a time-critical delivery.

In the mock scenario, the battery-powered drone successfully carried an asthma inhaler to a child at a summer camp on the island, which is not reachable by automobiles. The drone has night vision and also features secure communications that cannot be intercepted or disrupted.

Helen Greiner, CyPhy's founder and chief officer said, "We're thrilled to partner with UPS in this endeavor. Drone technology used in this way can save lives and deliver products and services to places that are difficult to reach by traditional transit infrastructures."

UPS has been testing drones in warehouses to check high storage racks to confirm stock or available space. The company is also exploring the use of drones to deliver humanitarian aid in hard-to-reach parts of the world.

In May, UPS Foundation, the charitable division of UPS, said it partnered with Zipline, a California-based robotics company, and Gavi, a distributor of vaccines, to deliver life-saving medicines and blood in Rwanda using drones.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
A senior Republican Senator from Nebraska, who called for Donald Trump to withdraw from the presidential race, has reversed her stand.

Debra Fischer, who said Saturday that it would be wise for Trump to step aside and allow Mike Pence to serve as the GOP nominee, told Nebraska's KLIN radio station Tuesday that it's not a tough choice to back the New York billionaire.

"I plan to vote for Mr. Trump and Mr. Pence on November 8," she added.

Trump responded immediately to Fischer's original statement saying he would never quit the race.

"The media and establishment want me out of the race so badly - I will never drop out of the race, will never let my supporters down," Trump said on Twitter.

Fischer said she respects his decision not to step aside. "I support the Republican ticket and it's a Trump-Pence ticket."

Recently, several Republicans have distanced themselves from Trump's election campaign.

House Speaker Paul Ryan vowed he will no longer defend the Republican presidential nominee.

The highest-ranking elected Republican in the US told his party colleagues Monday that he canceled all future events he planned with Trump.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
Responding to a tweet from a customer, Ikea has decided to remove a picture with a "negative connotation" from its store in Cardiff. It was a black and white photo of a young boy with his finger just under his nose. It was one of the series of photos of that boy in various poses.

When Stevie Davies Evans visited the store, he found it inappropriate and related it to "Hitler pose." He then tweeted at ikeauksupport: "Saw this in "Bedroom" in your Cardiff store... Inappropriate much? He added #Hitler, # Salute hashtags too.

Later, in an interview with Wales Online, Evans said, "I thought it was a bit weird because that pose has such negative connotations... I've got an 11-year-old daughter and I wouldn't want her mimicking that. It probably wasn't the best picture to put up."

Ikea Manager apologized to the customer and removed the picture immediately. He added that the store uses photography to illustrate life at home in room sets.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Utah has not voted for a Democratic presidential candidate since Lyndon Johnson in 1964, but the results of a new poll conducted by Y2 Analytics suggest the state could be up for grabs this year.

The poll showed Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and Democratic rival Hillary Clinton tied at 26 percent among likely Utah voters.

Independent candidate and Utah native Evan McMullin also had a surprisingly strong showing in the poll and pulled into a statistical tie with the two major party candidates at 22 percent.

Another 14 percent of likely Utah voters support Libertarian Gary Johnson, while just 1 percent back Green Party candidate Jill Stein. Seven percent of likely voters remain undecided.

The results of the poll suggest support for Trump has been hurt by the release of a video in which he makes lewd comments about women that critics claim condone sexual assault.

Ninety-four percent of likely Utah voters said they have either seen or heard about the video, and 37 percent of those said they now think worse of Trump because of the tape.

Following the release of the video, a number of Utah Republican officials have withdrawn their support for Trump, with some calling on him to drop out of the race.

Y2 Analytics noted Utah voters have also begun abandoning Trump, as 51 percent say he should drop out, including 46 percent of Republicans.

Meanwhile, McMullin benefits from strong support among Mormon voters, who make up about 60 percent of Utah's voting population.

McMullin, who describes himself as a conservative alternative to the major party candidates, leads Trump by 33 percent to 28 percent among Mormons.

The Y2 Analytics survey of 500 likely Utah voters was conducted October 10th and 11th and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points.

(Photo: Gage Skidmore)

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Missouri Senator Roy Blunt, R-Mo., could have some difficulty hanging on to his seat, according to the results of a new Monmouth Mouth University poll released on Wednesday.

The survey found that 46 percent of likely Missouri voters support Blunt, while 44 percent favor Democratic Secretary of State Jason Kander.

The two-point lead for Blunt is well within the poll's margin of error and compares to a five-point lead for the first-term Senator in August.

Blunt has a positive 42 percent to 37 percent job approval rating, but voters are more divided on their personal opinion of him, as 32 percent have a favorable view and 33 percent hold an unfavorable opinion.

Meanwhile, Kander is viewed favorably by 33 percent of voters and unfavorably by just 14 percent, although 53 percent said they have no opinion of him.

The poll also showed Donald Trump with a 46 percent to 41 percent lead over Hillary Clinton in Missouri, which has voted for the Republican presidential candidate in each of the past four elections.

The Monmouth survey of 406 likely Missouri voters was conducted October 9th through 11th and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Political News
Brooklyn Brewery, a New York state-based craft brewer, said it has sold a minority stake to Japan conglomerate Kirin Holdings.

Kirin has agreed to acquire a 24.5% stake in Brooklyn Brewery. Financial terms weren't disclosed.

Kirin Holdings and Brooklyn Brewery plans to "utilize the assets of both companies and work to make beer more appealing and further energize the craft beer market in Japan and Brazil."

Kirin Holding said it will establish a joint venture in Japan by around January 2017 and proceed to roll out Brooklyn brand. The joint venture will be 60% owned by Kirin and 40% by Brooklyn Brewery.

Kirin's purchase of 24.5% stake in Brooklyn Brewery will allow the New York-based brewer to retain its "craft" status here in the U.S., as the Brewers Association allows independent brewers sell 25% or less stake in the company.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Millennial Moms Review: 2022 Acura MDX is pretty close to the perfect family car

I dont know if perfect is attainable, especially considering weve got the world of options when it comes to modern vehicles. Were spoiled and, as such, we have very specific needs and wants. Driving-wise, the 2022 Acura MDX is one of my favourite ...
By SA Commercial Prop News

Construction group, Murray & Roberts paid CEO Henry Laas R14.7m in the financial year to June, including R6.4m in bonuses, even as the construction groups operating profit declined for the third year in a row



South Africans remain alert for overly generous bonus and pension packages paid to senior executives. Salaries in business and government have recently sparked vigorous debate in the country.

Murray & Roberts paid CEO Henry Laas R14.7m in the financial year to June, including R6.4m in bonuses, even as the construction groups operating profit declined for the third year in a row, and executives failed fully to meet a number of targets to unlock short-term bonuses.

The groups annual report, released on Thursday, shows Laas received R5.9m in guaranteed pay, R6.4m in short-term incentives and R2.4m in long-term incentives.



His pay was exceeded only by that of Peter Bennett, the groups head of oil and gas who joined in February 2016.



Bennett was paid R17.6m, of which the largest chunk  R7.3m  comprised compensation for incentives he gave up at his previous employer. He received a short-term bonus of R6.3m.



Nine current and former executives were paid a cumulative R14.3m in bonuses.



The report showed the remuneration committee took five financial performance criteria  comprising 70% of the overall score  into consideration when weighing up whether to award short-term bonuses, and only two of those were exceeded. The rest were met only in part.



"Annual short-term incentives of 52.92% of the possible maximum have been awarded in respect of performance in 2016," Royden Vice, chairman of the groups remuneration committee, said in the annual report.



"This recognises the groups financial performance in the current market and the good performance against individual nonfinancial objectives that were set at the start of the year."



Shareholder activist Theo Botha said the targets appeared low and were easily achievable.



"In my opinion, the bonuses are excessive in the light of the poor share price performance," he said. "Operating profits have decreased every year for the last three years. Net profit attributable to shareholders has decreased for the last three years."



Botha said the share price had plunged 60% during this period. On Monday, it was trading at about R10.94.



Of the groups three major divisions, only two managed to increase profit during the year to 2016. Botha said the net effect was that operating profit for the year was down by R93m.



"Despite this [the executive committee has] been awarding short-term incentives for the last three years."



The order book shrank 12.8% to R33.4bn in the year to June, and only R10.6bn of this amount is near financial close.



But the remuneration committee said in its report that financial measures such as earnings before interest and tax, and the groups actual profit, were used to calculate bonuses.



Laas, group financial director Cobus Bester and the CEOs of each of its business units have a 70% weighting in favour of financial targets.



"Individual performance is also assessed against suitable objectives related to leadership, relationship, operational and risk [including safety] targets," the committee said.
By SA Commercial Prop News

Investec Australia Property Fund CEO Graeme Katz said this is the Funds third acquisition where it has adopted a strategy to take on existing vacancy.



Investec Australia Property Fund (JSE:IAPF) on Monday said it had acquired a 50% interest in an institutional grade office tower in the central business district of Brisbane with Abacus Property Group (ASX: ABP) for A$132 million (R1.4 billion).

The property is situated at 324 Queen Street and occupies a prized corner at the junction of Queen and Creek Streets in the heart of Brisbanes CBD known as the Golden Triangle.

The property has a commanding street presence with a strong retail component and enjoys good accessibility to Brisbanes public transport network with bus, train, ferry and City Cycle services all located within close proximity of the property.



The property will be acquired on a 12 month forward yield of 7.2% with annual contractual rental escalations of 3.9%. The property has been acquired with 20% vacancy, equating to approximately 4,000m. There is an opportunity to substantially increase the yield of the property to 8.9% on a fully leased basis through strategic capital works and an active leasing campaign, which both Abacus and the Fund have had recent success with at other properties in Brisbane. Other possible initiatives include upgrading the end of trip facilities, active outgoings management and using the availability of dominant signage rights to attract tenants or secure additional income.



Commenting on the acquisition, which takes the Funds total portfolio value to AUD 583 million, IAPF CEO Graeme Katz said This is the Funds third acquisition where it has adopted a strategy to take on existing vacancy. This strategy has proven successful, with the Funds acquisitions at Solent Circuit and King Street now being virtually fully let resulting in significantly increased yields from acquisition.



Katz further commented We believe that the price per m of AUD 6,642 represents attractive value given that recent transactions within close proximity to the property have been concluded at between AUD 7,700 and AUD 9,700 per m.



The property comprises a two story basement carpark with 98 secure parking spaces, ground level retail, three level podium and main tower of 22 levels with average floor plates of 739m2 which offers a strong USP in the office tower market relative to other CBD product. The property is leased to good quality tenants including Allianz, ANZ, Brookfield Multiplex, North Queensland Bulk Ports, Asciano, American Express and Link Market Services.



The Brisbane CBD office market is showing signs of turning, with recent data showing positive net absorption and an increase in effective rents. The Brisbane office occupier market is diversified, and often misunderstood in terms of exposure to the mining sector, which represents only a small portion of total net lettable area. Mr Katz said.



The acquisition will be funded through the Funds existing debt facility at approximately 3.35%. The positive yield spread of circa 3.85% will result in an enhancement to the Funds earnings base.



The acquisition aligns well to the Funds strategy of investing in well-located, high quality assets. Whilst the Brisbane market can be complex, we believe that this creates opportunities, particularly given the sound underlying fundamentals of the property. We are also very pleased create a new investment partnership with Abacus, who share a similar investment philosophy to the Funds. Mr Katz said.
In the last 24 hours, India reported 1,326 new Covid-19 cases and eight cases, the Union Health Ministry said on Monday. ...


Several local companies successful in Best of the Best awards

business
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. (AP)  A top adviser to Hillary Clinton on Tuesday accused a longtime Donald Trump aide of receiving "advance warning" about WikiLeaks' plans to publish thousands of hacked emails and suggested the Republican candidate is aiding the unprecedented Russian interference in American politics.

Clinton adviser John Podesta pointed the finger at Trump adviser Roger Stone, who he said has been in touch with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Podesta also raised as evidence an August tweet in which Stone said Podesta's "time in the barrel" was coming. The tweet was sent shortly after WikiLeaks published scores of hacked emails from other Democratic officials.

"I think it's a reasonable assumption, or at least a reasonable conclusion, that Mr. Stone and the Trump campaign had advance warning about what Assange was going to do," Podesta told reporters aboard the Clinton campaign plane. Podesta acknowledged the evidence was "circumstantial."

Podesta confirmed that the FBI is investigating the hack of his private email account as part of the ongoing probe in other Democratic Party hackings by groups with Russian ties. Last week, intelligence officials said they believe the individuals responsible are working for Russian intelligence and coordinating with Assange on the political hacking.

Podesta said Russia's actions may be driven by Trump's policy positions, which he said are more in line with Russian foreign policy than U.S. foreign policy. But he also suggested the driving force could be "Mr. Trump's deep engagement and ties with Russian interests in his business affairs."

Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak dismissed the accusations as untrue.

"We are watching very carefully the election campaign in this country," Kislyak said Tuesday at a discussion of bilateral affairs at Johns Hopkins University's campus in Washington. "We don't interfere (in) the internal affairs of the United States, neither by my statements nor by electronic or other means."

Clinton has repeatedly accused her opponent as being soft on Russia, pointing to his praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a strong leader, his suggestion that he would rethink sanctions against Russian officials, his sharp criticism of NATO and other policy positions.

While Podesta didn't directly accuse Trump of assisting with Russia's meddling with American campaigns, he suggested Trump was either "willfully ignoring" intelligence officials' warnings about Russian government involvement or "an unwitting agent of the Russian Federation."

The Clinton campaign would not confirm the authenticity of Podesta's leaked emails, noting that Russian hackers often fabricate documents.

"The pattern is they hack, they leak truthful things, and then they build up to leaking documents that are either doctored or wholly fabricated," said Jennifer Palmieri, Clinton's communications director.

Trump seized on the hacked emails at a rally Tuesday night in Florida, alleging the documents show that "Clinton is the vessel (of) a corrupt global establishment that's raiding our country and surrounding the sovereignty of our nation."

Also citing WikiLeaks, Trump said: "The Department of Justice fed information to the Clinton campaign about the email investigation so that the campaign could be prepared to cover up for her crimes. What is going on?"

In May 2015, Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon alerted staffers that the Justice Department was proposing to publish Clinton's work-related emails by January in response to requests by news organizations. Fallon, a former Justice Department spokesman, wrote that unspecified "DOJ folks" told him there was a court hearing planned soon in the case.

The dates of court hearings would have been publicly posted in advance on the court's docket. Fallon did not respond to a request for comment from AP. The Justice Department declined to discuss Fallon's email.

Still, Trump said, "This is collusion and corruption of the highest order and is one more reason why l will ask my attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor," following up on his debate threat to put Clinton in jail.

WikiLeaks dropped the first batch of Podesta's emails shortly after news organizations released a video in which Trump is heard making sexually predatory comments about women. That video has deeply damaged Trump's campaign, leading several Republicans to revoke their support for the businessman.

Podesta said Tuesday the timing of his emails' release was an "awfully curious coincidence."

"Mr. Assange wanted to change the subject," Podesta said. "He didn't succeed in doing that."
Dear Editor,

I think Joe Hollywood sits next to the P.M to become his mouth to promote his agenda on site like this.

Samoa may or may not have a poverty issue. However, there is a Child Vendor abuse that is going on. Its real. Walk around a corner of any store in town and you will get approached by numerous kids are selling goods.

I once bought all the inventory off of several kids around 10am with a thought of these kids can go home and perhaps get some rest. To my surprise, they were sent back by their parents few hours later with more to sell.

One of the saddest parts of our new culture now is once a child grown to certain age (14 and up), they are no longer considered a child but a full-grown responsible adult. At age 18, these children are now relying on their younger siblings to provide for them while they wonder the streets or villages without feeling of being responsible to help out with the family anymore.

Children are being use as main provider by sending them to the streets to sell items that a parent or a grown person should. Parents are counting on the vulnerability of tourist or other people to feel sorry for the child that forces them to purchase an item.

Weve lost our values, self-respect and honor along the way. We replaced them with greed and desires.

Nobody knows the answer but above all else, parents should be protecting their child first and foremost. Especially at an early age until they become responsible adults.

Children are blessings from God. They should be cared for and nurtured until they reached pre-adulthood age. Allow them to grow and enjoy their Pre-Teen at least. Stop enslaving their young minds. They are the future of our country.

Parents. Stop the abuse. It is the worst form of abuse. Manuia.

T. Samatua
The two Chinese men, Yang Quigreen and Zhong Shuiming, accused of stealing more than $10,000 from the Bank of the South Pacifics A.T.M machines were back in the Supreme Court yesterday.

This time, their lawyer, Alex Sua, filed an application for Police to return their cell phones.

The application was made before Chief Justice Patu Tiavaasue Falefatu Sapolu.

Lawyer Ofisa Tagaloa who represented the Office of the Attorney General, did not object to the application.

He said the cell phones are with the Police and they are willing to return them.

Chief Justice Patu granted the application.

Mr. Tagaloa then asked the Court for the matter to be transferred to the District Court for mention next week. He said the charges against the two accused fall under the jurisdiction of the District Court.

The Chief Justice did not object.

He granted the application for the matter to be transferred to the District Court for mention on 18 October 2016.

The two men have been granted bail after their lawyer had argued that they suffered insomnia at the prison.
The proposed Police Academy will be one of the projects funded by the $40million (100,000,000) agreement of Economic and Technical Cooperation signed by Samoa and the Peoples Republic of China yesterday.

Prime Minister, Tuilaepa Sailele Malielegaoi and Ambassador of China to Samoa, Wang Xuefeng inked the deal in the Prime Ministers office.

The Police Academy is part of the governments push to raise the standard of policing in the country.

It was not clear what other projects will be funded under the signed agreement aimed to further develop the friendly relations, economic and technical cooperation between the two countries.

Tuilaepa thanked the government of China for their continuous support in various areas such as political relations, tourism, education, trade and investment as well as technical assistance.

He recalled that Samoa was one of the first Pacific Island countries to establish diplomatic relations with China in 1975.

The signing of agreement this morning is yet another positive step to strengthening economic partnership between Samoa and China, he added.

Mr. Xuefeng said the agreement signals a strong mutual support between the two countries.

Chinese government will continue to support and help the Samoa government in developing economy improving livelihood of the people of Samoa and bringing more tangible benefits to people of two countries, said the Ambassador.

After the signing of the agreement what we should do is to implement as soon as possible the projects agreed upon by both sides such as the Academy of Police.

Recently during the meeting with Prime Minister I had exchanged the views on the progress of implementation of the projects.

Now the Chinese Embassy is working with concerned department of government regarding feasibility study and some other preparation work.
Fourteen years after they first met in the Luann comic strip, lovebirds Brad and Toni are finally getting married and the strips San Marcos creator has offered fans an invitation.

Greg Evans, who has drawn the strip for nearly 32 years, is running an online contest where fans can submit their own design for Tonis wedding dress. The one that gets the most votes will be drawn on the blonde firefighter for the cartoon couples nuptials in December. Since launching the contest a month ago, Evans said more than 600 designs have been submitted to the website luannfan.com and more than 30,000 votes have been cast.

Voting will end on Monday and the winning design will be unveiled on Dec. 4, with the designers name. Evans said hes thrilled that so many people have become invested in this story line.

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Its great, he said. Its so gratifying that people care so much about the characters to take the time to draw a dress for a fictitious character and then take the time to submit it, especially since theres no prize except their name in the paper.

The dress design competition is just the latest contest Evans has launched to keep fans engaged.

Its a different thing, he said. Comic strips dont generally reach out to the readers very often but I like to do that.

Back in 1995, Evans had a fashion show story line and invited fans to create exotic dresses for the event. About 3,000 people mailed in 15,000 drawings from the U.S., Canada, the Caribbean, Europe and even Saudi Arabia. Evans narrowed that down to 52 finalists, which appeared over several days. Two years later, he did an online contest where fans could help Luann  the strips bubbly, indecisive title character  choose between two romantic interests, the nerdy but devoted Gunther or the handsome, aloof Aaron. More than 43,000 votes were tallied and Aaron won by a 4,000-vote margin.

Brad, Luanns big brother, first met Toni when they attended an EMT course together on Feb. 25, 2002. Evans said he was inspired make Brad a fireman because of the heroism shown by the 343 firefighters killed on 9/11. Their long and troubled courtship included Tonis bad boyfriend (Dirk the jerk), their graduation from fire academy, Brads temporary job loss and a mix of misunderstandings and bad timing. In 2012, Brad proposed but they decided to postpone their plans, then she proposed to Brad on April 2, 2013, and he tearfully accepted.

The idea of another contest was conceived about two years ago by Evans and his daughter, Karen, 37, who has been co-writing the strips stories since 2012. Karen Evans, a San Diego school administrator, was the original inspiration for Luann. Her dad said one day he saw 5-year-old Karen  the youngest of his three children with wife, Betty  walking around their Twin Oaks Valley home dressed in her moms clothing and he thought he could do a lot with a strip about an imaginative girl. Luann debuted on March 17, 1985, and is now syndicated in more than 400 newspapers and websites.

Greg Evans draws his Luann comic strip on a computer in 2013. (Charlie Neuman/U-T )

The wedding subplot has taken center stage over the past couple of months and Evans said Karen thought about a new contest as a way to make it special for fans.

Its so hard to make a good wedding story, so we thought this would be a really fun way to get involved, he said.

Evans said the submissions run the gamut. There are childlike scrawls with pencils and crayons, comic strip-style dresses on a Toni-like bride, photographs of real dresses uploaded by professional designers and hand-pasted collages that include the exact fabric, lace and trim designs. One fire-inspired dress is white on top and flame red from the knees down. Another has Toni in a mini-dress with fire hose nozzles over the breasts and holding an ax.

Evans said his favorite dresses  and apparently those of voters  are elegant but simple. He wants a dress thats easy to draw day after day and he thinks the cleaner designs suit Tonis no-nonsense personality.

Toni is not frilly, he said. She wouldnt wear a big, long pouffy thing.

Evans wont give any hints about the wedding, which takes place in the Dec. 11 strip, but he promises it will be entertaining. And if fans feel compelled to send a gift to the happy couple, theres a link on the the luannfan.com site where they can make a donation in Brad and Tonis name to the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation.

pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com
Officials are scheduled to hold a forum on gang violence next week to gather input from the community after series of slayings in recent months, including the shooting death of a 15-year-old girl in Oceanside.

The North County Gang Commission will host the town hall meeting at the countys North Coast Regional Center, 1701 Mission Ave. in Oceanside from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Oct. 20.

Commissioner Laurie Hauf said the panel wants to hear from the community about how to curb and prevent the violence.

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Were open to all ideas, whether they may be policies that need to be changed or how to supplement or improve programs that are there, Hauf said.

The County Board of Supervisors created the seven-member commission in 2007 to work with local law enforcement and nonprofit organizations and to advise the supervisors on ways to combat gangs.

The panel includes representatives from the law enforcement, business and education communities.

Hauf said the commission was alarmed by the recent incidents in Oceanside, including the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Annebell Flores in Joe Balderrama Park on Sept. 3.

No arrests have been made in the case, which is being investigated as a gang-related incident, Oceanside police spokeswoman Kathleen Vincent said Tuesday.

At the time of the shooting, it was the third homicide in the area in three months.

On June 22, a 22-year-old man was stabbed on Lemon Street near the park. He was flown by helicopter to a trauma center, where he was pronounced dead.

On Aug. 20, a man in his 20s was fatally shot. He died on the porch of a nearby apartment building on Lemon Street.

The town hall is aimed at residents, community organizers and those who work with at-risk youth, Hauf said.

I would encourage anybody in the community to come and hear what other peoples ideas are, she said. Were bringing everyone to the table to start a discussion of what we can do about it.

Information gathered in the town hall will be forwarded to the Board of Supervisors for their consideration.

The meeting will be conducted in both English and Spanish.

Seating at the regional center is limited and people planning to attend are asked to RSVP by email at lauriehauf@gmail.com.

edward.sifuentes@sduniontribune.com

@EdwardSifuentes
The state Fair Political Practices Commission has said it wont investigate a complaint filed against the City of Oceanside by a city treasurer candidate who accused city officials of illegally campaigning on behalf of incumbent City Treasurer Gary Ernst in an email announcing his death.

Oceanside issued a Sept. 23 news release stating that Ernst had died of natural causes. The city included a similar announcement in its Oceanside Tide email newsletter, mourning Ernsts death, noting his public service and explaining why his name will still appear on the November ballot and what would happen should he be re-elected.

Nadine Scott, an attorney and community activist who is the only other candidate in the treasurers race, complained to the FPPC on Oct. 4 that through the email the city was promoting the deceased candidate over her.

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The agency responded in a letter dated Oct. 6 that it found nothing in the complaint to warrant an investigation.

The newsletter provides information on the passing of Oceanside City Treasurer Gary Ernst and includes information on the Oceanside Election Code, according to the letter. However, the newsletter does not contain express advocacy and does not unambiguously urge a particular result in an election.

Scott said she was very disappointed in the agencys decision.

The citys newsletter announced his passing again (after the news release) and only mentioned the outcome if the deceased candidate won, Scott said. That could easily mislead the public, by totally omitting the fact that I am running for the office and am the only qualified candidate eligible to serve.

Oceanside City Attorney John Mullen declined to comment on the agencys decision.

The announcement in the city newsletter said Ernst was a long-time resident of Oceanside, an active member of the Oceanside Rotary and a member of the California Treasurers Association. It did not mention Scott by name, but noted that there is a two-person race for treasurer.

The announcement also briefly explains what may happen after the election, if Ernst should win: the office would be declared vacant and the City Council could fill the vacancy by appointment or by a special election.

Scott, who serves as treasurer for the Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County, has been endorsed by Councilwoman Esther Sanchez.

Councilman Jerry Kern was quoted in a San Diego Union-Tribune column recently saying that Scott is not qualified for the position and that Oceanside residents should vote for Ernst.

edward.sifuentes@sduniontribune.com

@EdwardSifuentes
Some holidays remind us of the values that unite humanity, and the annual Diwali event in Balboa Park is one of them.

When Madhu Madhavan reminisces about the ancient festival he experienced growing up in India, he remembers the sound of firecrackers, the comfort of family gatherings, the glow of lamps, and five days of feasting.

We would we get up early, and before sunrise we would oil the body, take a bath and wear new clothes, remembers Madhavan, the founding chairman of the Center for Asian and Pacific Studies at San Diego State University and an organizer of Saturdays annual Diwali festival in Balboa Park.

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After that, we prepared and ate food and exchanged sweets. We visited friends and relatives. Its an important social occasion for us.

Saturdays festival in Balboa Park is co-sponsored by the Mingei International Museum, the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Indian American Society and the Committee for the Arts of the Indian Subcontinent.

Ornate brass lamps of varying heights will be exhibited in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion and lit at sunset. Indian food specialties can be purchased in the food court behind the pavilion.

Visitors can experience music by vocalist and YouTube sensation Aditya Rao from 4 to 5:30 p.m., followed by folk dancing representing 15 states in India.

One of the festivals highlights happens at 6 p.m., when a procession of women dressed in colorful, embroidered saris carry more than 1,000 flickering lights.

At the San Diego Museum of Art, visitors can attend a 2 p.m. lecture by Dr. Marika Sardar on Indian paintings in Copley Hall, while the sale of Indian handicrafts and henna hand painting will be offered in Recital Hall.

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Diwali is one of the biggest celebrations in India, with universal themes that appeal to the countrys multiple religious groups, including Hindus, Jains, Buddhists and Sikhs.

Though the holiday has many interpretations, the core message is the victory of good over evil.

In northern India, for example, Hindus light rows of clay lamps to celebrate the story of King Ramas return to Ayodhya after he defeated Ravana.

Southern India honors Lord Krishna, who slayed the demon Narakasura.

As seen in the Indian example, many faiths come together to celebrate Diwali for many reasons, but the common theme unites them all, says Madhavan.

In todays complex world, the need to accommodate diversity and find common ground is as relevant as ever.

The Festival of Lights also includes the Festival of Dolls (Navarathri) at the Mingei International Museum, an exhibit of traditional Indian dolls and figurines on loan from San Diego families, situated on nine steps.

The figures depict creation in different evolutionary forms, arranged in increasing order from insects and animals to humans, leaders, saints and divine beings.

The figures on the top stair reflect three divine creative energies: inner courage, spiritual evolution, and knowledge that will lead to ultimate wisdom.

Festival organizer Latha Sundar says that the display has been designed to reflect a highly inclusive, all-welcoming celebration of peace and harmony, and that Navarathri reminds us to keep improving spiritually in this lifetime  through unity in thought, word and deed.

Festival of Lights (Diwali)

When: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Saturday

Where: Several locations in Balboa Park

Tickets: $5 wristband available at multiple locations includes free admission to the San Diego Museum of Art and Mingei International Museum from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday.

Festival of Dolls (Navarathri)

When: Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Where: Mingei International Museum, Balboa Park

Tickets: Included in price of admission Saturday; $5 per family of any size on Sunday

Online: sdmart.org/calendar/diwali-2016

A free tram provides access to Balboa Parks museums and attractions and runs daily from 9 a.m. to 8 a.m. Park in the Inspiration Point lot (Park Boulevard and Presidents Way) and wait at Tram Central, a shady arbor with benches. The tram will deliver you to into the heart of Balboa Park.

Manna is a freelance writer.
The San Diego History Center today will adopt a new donations-only admissions policy aimed at making the museum more accessible to all.

The program  dubbed Give Forward  will encourage visitors to make a contribution based on their experience rather than paying a set admission fee.

The new approach, which takes effect today, is an important move for the museum, said Bill Lawrence, executive director of the San Diego History Center.

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We, like many museums across the country, are seeing a decrease in visitation and engagement, he said in a statement. Admissions, although a small part but important part of our organizations financial base, remain a barrier to entry for many likely visitors. We want to remove these barriers while at the same time provide an opportunity for our visitors to place their own value and support on their experiences.

Our visitors will now have the opportunity to give forward to enhance the experience of another visitor. Our regions history is shared by us all, and moving to an admissions model based on generosity offers opportunities to engage our visitors, members, and donors in new and exciting ways. We believe that this new policy will help increase our engagement with the community and in turn provide additional support that will allow the History Center to greater fulfill our mission of preserving and promoting our regions history.

According to the History Center, todays move was inspired by a UC San Diego Rady School of Management study called Shared Social Responsibility: A Field Experiment in Pay-What-You-Want Pricing and Charitable Giving. The studys authors  Uri and Ayelet Gneezy  will work with the History Center as it shifts to this Give Forward model.

In April 2015, the Museum of Photographic Arts next door launched a Pay What You Wish program  then the first of its kind in Southern California.

The change in the History Centers admissions policy  made possible by the support of the museums board and an anonymous donor  will affect the History Centers flagship museum in Balboa Park as well as the Junipero Serra Museum in Presidio Park. The History Centers admission structure before todays change was $10 adults, $8 for students, seniors, military and retired military, and $6 for children under 13.

The History Center currently has many exhibitions, including The Lore Behind the Roar: 100 Years of the San Diego Zoo, the largest exhibition ever held in its Balboa Park museum.

The San Diego History Center, founded in 1928, is one of Californias oldest historical organizations.

For more information, go to sandiegohistory.org.

Twitter: @outdoorlivingsd

michael.rocha@sduniontribune.com
Despite strict protections off the West Coast, leatherback turtles are in danger in other parts of the Pacific, scientists and fishermen said at a conference called to celebrate Californias official marine reptile.

The meeting, held recently in La Jolla, offered a status update on the ancient marine species in advance of Californias Pacific Leatherback Conservation Day on Saturday. With populations down by more than 90% since the 1980s, the animals are ranked as one of eight marine species at greatest risk of extinction, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations National Marine Fisheries Service.

Fishermen and researchers say that U.S. fishing limits designed to keep leatherbacks from getting caught in nets may unintentionally lead to more ensnarement in countries where rules are looser. For the globally roaming species, it will take more than one countrys efforts to stave off extinction.

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Leatherbacks are oceangoing leviathans that can weigh up to a ton and swim nearly 7,000 miles across the Pacific, devouring jellyfish.

Movements by the leatherback are the longest migration of any air-breathing aquatic vertebrate, Scott Benson, a marine ecologist with NOAA Fisheries, said at the conference.

Born in nesting beaches of Indonesia, the animals travel to the California Current. Its the richest foraging ground for jellies, Benson said, and also the safest haven for the turtles because of stretches off Northern California, Oregon and Washington where fishing is restricted.

Federal rules limit fishing methods and gear, require observers on fishing boats to report any leatherbacks snared in fishing nets, and set seasonal closures on drift gill net fishing  which is used to catch swordfish but can also trap turtles, whales, dolphins and other animals.

As the U.S. has tightened protections for the turtles, however, access to locally caught swordfish has dropped. In its place on menus and at fish markets is imported frozen swordfish, caught in parts of the world without such fishing restrictions.

Thats leading to a call among fishermen and conservationists alike to revive the U.S. swordfish industry.

We want to see a healthy domestic fishery, said Geoff Shester, California program manager for the conservation group Oceana. Part of saving the leatherback is bringing back clean, sustainable fishing that we can control.

Some fishermen call for relaxing U.S. fishing restrictions, arguing that they could produce locally caught swordfish with less risk to turtles than imported fish. Real time monitoring of turtle movements could help fishermen steer clear of the reptiles while maximizing the swordfish catch, they say.

Others are testing new gear that could help catch swordfish at times and depths that pose little risk to leatherbacks. And regulators are demanding that fish importers prove theyre safeguarding turtles.

Countries that export fish into our country will have five years to meet our standards for protecting leatherbacks, said Tina Fahy, a fishery biologist for NOAA. Its a huge game changer.

In the meantime, theyre encouraging consumers to pay more attention to whats on their plates.

Theres a growing percentage of the population that cares where their food comes from, said Dave Rudie, owner of the San Diego fish distributing company Catalina Offshore Products.

Buy fish caught by American fishermen, he said. Ask your fishmonger; ask the server at the restaurant. The collaboration between scientists and fishermen is very, very powerful, and we should always be encouraging it.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com

Brennan writes for the San Diego Union-Tribune
Mexican authorities arrested a reputed gang member Sunday in connection with the shooting death of a U.S. Marine outside a strip club earlier this year in San Bernardino, police said.

Arturo Perez Medina, 22, a U.S. Citizen, was found hiding in a home in Tijuana and taken into custody by Mexican Federal Police, according to the San Bernardino Police Department. He was booked on suspicion of murder in the death of Douglas Rivas-Rauda, police said.

In a statement, the Police Department said it hoped Perez Medinas arrest would in some way bring some peace and closure to Pfc. Raudas friends and family as well as to his Marine Corp family.

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The shooting occurred at 2:12 a.m. April 17 in the parking lot of Flesh Club Showgirls, in the 100 block of West Hospitality Lane.

Rivas-Rauda and other Marines were patrons at the strip club that night. Rivas-Rauda, 20, of Twentynine Palms, was the groups designated driver.

He was standing outside his vehicle waiting for his friends to leave the club when Perez Medina approached him, pulled out a handgun and shot him, officials say.

Perez Medina and three other men fled the area before police arrived.

Police were able to identify all four men as known San Bernardino gang members. Three men were arrested and charged with conspiracy to commit murder.

But police initially were unable to locate Perez Medina. They later learned he had fled to Mexico. Following his arrest, Perez Medina was returned to San Bernardino.

Authorities said Rivas-Rauda did not know Perez Medina.

According to Rivas-Raudas Facebook account, he was an infantry machine gunner at the Marine Corps base in Twentynine Palms.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.

ALSO

Family members pin down convicted sex offender who sneaked into girls bedroom window

Judge is considering request for mistrial in civil case accusing NBA star Derrick Rose of rape

Former Port of L.A. police chief sentenced to 2 years in federal prison for tax evasion
The former chief of police at the Port of Los Angeles was sentenced to two years in federal prison Tuesday for concealing over $1.1 million in income and making false statements to the FBI.

Ronald Boyd, 58, of Torrance, was also ordered to serve three years supervised release and pay $305,054 in restitution, according Thom Mrozek, a spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office.

Boyd pleaded guilty in February as part of a plea deal with prosecutors, who agreed to drop federal corruption charges, according to U.S. District Court records. He also admitted to a misdemeanor count of failure to file a complete income tax return in 2011.

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Boyd, who was police chief at the time, was accused of lying to federal investigators about accepting a bribe in exchange for securing and steering a port contract for a smartphone app, according to the U.S. attorneys office. The app, PortWatch, was created to allow port workers, city officials and the public to report on criminal activity, emergencies and operations at the port.

Boyd, who retired from the Port of L.A. on Nov. 29, was indicted in April.

According to the U.S. District Court federal indictment, Boyd and two business partners formed BDB Digital Communications, which entered into a revenue-sharing agreement with the company developing the app. They agreed to receive a share of the companys revenue by marketing and selling a similar app, MetroWatch, to other government agencies. Boyd was expected to receive about 13.33% of the revenue, according to the U.S. attorneys office.

Boyd admitted to lying to federal investigators after telling them that he had no financial stake in MetroWatch, according to the indictment.

Federal prosecutors said he failed to disclose more than $1.1 million in income on his 2007 to 2011 tax returns from At Close Range Inc., a Torrance-based security company that he operated.

In February, Boyds attorney, Vicki Podberesky told The Times the resolution was fair.

It clearly represents that Chief Boyd did not act with any corrupt intent, Podberesky said.

Times staff writer Matt Hamilton contributed to this report.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.

ALSO

Hiker might have triggered bear attack by interrupting mating session, official says

Suspect in Palm Springs police shooting killed victims with high-powered rifle, authorities say

L.A. Police Commission approves proposals to increase transparency, training for how LAPD officers use force
The screams of two girls led family members to a convicted sex offender, who had sneaked into the teenagers bedroom and tried to sexually assault them, police said Tuesday.

Derek Lamont Fowler, 30, of Los Angeles was charged Tuesday in connection with burglary and lewd and lascivious acts with a child, according to San Bernardino County Superior Court records.

Fowlers charges stem from a break-in and attack that occurred Thursday.

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San Bernardino police said he had entered the backyard of the home in the 1500 block of West Evans Street at about 1:11 a.m. and climbed through the girls bedroom window.

Once he was inside the girls room, he tried to sexually assault them, police said.

Hearing the girls screams, several of their relatives burst into their bedroom and found Fowler inside, officials said.

They were able to overpower Fowler, who is 6 feet 2 inches tall and 180 pounds, and held him until officers arrived and arrested him.

Fowler is a registered sex offender who had been living on the streets of San Bernardino for a few days, the Police Department said.

Fowler has multiple convictions and jail sentences, according to Los Angeles County Superior Court records.

He was convicted in August 2010 of sexual battery and sentenced to 40 days in jail. Fowler was ordered to serve three years probation. He was convicted twice of failing to register as a sex offender.

In June, Fowler pleaded no contest to an indecent exposure charge and was sentenced to 90 days in jail. He was ordered to serve three years probation.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
If there was any doubt that Hillary Clinton would scramble to the end to turn out the vote, consider these words of warning from her special guest in Miami-Dade on Tuesday.

Former Vice President Al Gore evoked the ghosts of the 2000 election while campaigning for the Democratic nominee. Your vote really, really, really counts, he said. You can consider me as Exhibit A.

Im Christina Bellantoni, and this is Essential Politics.

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Clintons focus might be turnout among the Democratic base, but Donald Trump is all over the map when it comes to the Republican Party. Tuesday found Trump lashing out against the GOP in an unprecedented embrace of intraparty warfare  especially with just weeks to go until the election.

Throughout the day, Trump signaled that pursuing his personal feud with top establishment Republicans such as House Speaker Paul Ryan or Arizona Sen. John McCain would take priority for him over preserving what unity is left in the Republican Party.

Noah Bierman and Evan Halper report that worried chatter about what this could do to the vote on Nov. 8 only seemed to irritate Trump further. On the campaign trail, on television, at a private fundraiser and on Twitter, Trump promised he would embrace an even more caustic and outrageous campaign style now, at one point saying he was glad he can shed the shackles.

As if to make good on his promise, Trump released a jarring campaign advertisement feeding into conspiracy theories on the right about Clintons health.

But by the end of the day campaigning in the in the Florida Panhandle, Trump stuck to slamming Clinton and revelations from the WikiLeaks email dump, Melanie Mason reports from the Sunshine State.

What does any of this mean for Mike Pence? Bierman notices that the vice presidential nominee is now the most prominent establishment conservative speaking on Trumps behalf, with all the risk and reward that entails.

A TOUGH SPOT

The gerrymandering of districts that helped build the GOP congressional majority is now working to make the Trump-Republican Party fracture worse, Lisa Mascaro reports.

Heres the dilemma: Republicans have to run from Trump to hold onto swing votes, even if that angers some core supporters. But in secure, heavily conservative GOP districts, Republicans face the opposite pressure: to cleave fast to Trump, who remains popular despite statements that have alienated many voters.

And while some other Republican lawmakers here have backed away from Trump over the last few days, at least three California House Republicans say they arent going anywhere, Sarah Wire reports.

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.

AND EVEN MORE EMAILS

WikiLeaks has disclosed another large batch of what it says are hacked emails from the account of Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta.

Clinton campaign spokesman Brian Fallon appears to have been communicating last year with Justice Department officials about an open records lawsuit seeking access to the former secretary of States emails, according to one of the leaked messages.

Podesta is accusing Trump allies of being behind the leaks.

LITTLE EVIDENCE SANCHEZ WAS INFLUENTIAL IN IMMIGRATION PUSH

Rep. Loretta Sanchez may have helped craft a plan for Obama to defer deportation for people brought into the country illegally as children and undocumented parents of American citizens, but the record doesnt show that she brought the issue to the presidents attention.

Sanchez, co-chairwoman of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Immigration and Border Security Task Force, hasnt played a public role in reforming U.S. immigration policy, and her comment during last weeks debate putting herself in the middle of the talks was a bit unexpected, Wire reports.

BILINGUAL EDUCATION AND ITS TROUBLED PAST

Come November, voters will weigh a proposition that seeks to restore bilingual education in California. The ballot measure seeks to repeal a law approved by voters in 1998 that requires all children to learn and speak only in English in public schools, unless parents request otherwise.

Supporters say the current policy places barriers on the development of bilingual and multilingual programs and harms students competing for jobs in a global economy, where knowing multiple languages is an asset. Opponents, most notably billionaire Ron Unz, author of the 1998 law and failed Senate candidate, contend the system is working.

ONE HANDY GUIDE

Our team put together a ballot box guide to Californias 17 propositions. Learn our editorial boards positions on each measure, and get in-depth coverage on everything from school bonds to condoms.

For in-the-moment coverage, keep an eye on our Essential Politics news feed.

WERE SEEKING YOUR MAILERS

Less than a month is left before the November election, and California voters are seeing 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

 Its back, and its going to be spectacular! Join me, John Myers and Seema Mehta at another Los Angeles Times Debate Watch Party, Oct. 19 at the Ace Hotel. RSVP here.

 President Obama, campaigning for Clinton in North Carolina, said Trumps Access Hollywood comments would offend any decent human being.

 Los Angeles lawyer Gloria Allred, who has felled many a politician, is taking on Trump and his treatment of women.

 Pence had a fascinating exchange with a voter in Iowa Tuesday. Our lives depend on this election, a woman told him at his event. If Hillary Clinton gets in, I myself, Im ready for a revolution because we cant have her in. Pences response: Dont say that.

 Democrats have a wide edge among Latino voters.

 A Spanish-language ad for Democratic candidate Emilio Huerta that focuses on his mothers legacy in the Central Valley is hitting Spanish-language channels. Hes running against Rep. David Valadao and is counting on Latino voters to try to unseat the Republican.

 U.S. Senate candidate Kamala Harris released a pair of television ads that tout her efforts as state attorney general to protect children. Sanchez is expected to release her first general election campaign ad soon.

 Gov. Jerry Browns famous pet Pembroke Welsh corgi, Sutter, has fallen critically ill and his prognosis from an animal hospital is likely to be very poor.

 On Tuesday, former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords gun control PAC endorsed U.S. Rep. Ami Bera (D-Elk Grove). The same day, onetime presidential candidate and former Hewlett-Packard CEO Carly Fiorina campaigned for Beras Republican challenger, Sacramento Sheriff Scott Jones, at a fundraiser.

 We took a look at the presidential nominees competing tax plans.

 Ill be moderating a congressional debate between Rep. Steve Knight and Democratic challenger Bryan Caforio on Thursday evening in Palmdale. What would you ask? Tweet me your questions.

 Also Thursday, The Times Robin Abcarian will moderate a debate about Proposition 64 to legalize recreational marijuana at the Los Angeles Press Club in Hollywood. Its free and open to the public.

 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.
Family photo of Tariq Khamisa, who was 20 when he was shot and killed in 1995 by Tony Hicks, who was 14 at the time. (Family photo )

Tough crowd.

Azim Khamisa and Ples Felix faced their audience Tuesday, nearly 200 eighth-graders at San Diegos Knox Middle School. The students bounced in their seats, distracted by friends, minds crammed with equations and historical dates, nervous systems jittery with hormones.

Enough energy in that room to power the Army, said Felix.

Minutes later, that energy found a laser-tight focus: two men united by senseless violence and unbelievable forgiveness.

On Jan. 21, 1995, Felixs grandson murdered Khamisas son.

Tariq was my only son, said Khamisa, now 67. At first, the former investment banker spiraled into suicidal nights and despairing days. I was broken into millions and millions of small pieces.

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It was a devastation to me, said Felix, also 67, a retired city employee and Vietnam War veteran who had helped raise Tony Hicks, the killer. Having been in war, I know there aint nothing worse we can do than murder each other. Nothing worse than that.

Months after the crime, the two men met. Felix begged for forgiveness. To his astonishment, Tariqs father granted his request  and made his own plea.

I want to see if you can help me, Khamisa said.

Since that day, the Tariq Khamisa Foundation has worked to eliminate youth violence, carrying a message of peace and respect to nearly a million students around the world.

Whether the presentations are made in Fallbrook or Finland, inside the White House or Pope John Paul IIs summer residence, most audience members are young people, as Hicks was when he pulled the trigger.

And most of the presentations are made by the foundations two most eloquent spokesmen.

Their story, its just hard to believe, said Irving Carter, 13, an eighth-grader at Knox. To put yourself in their shoes and think about how they could become friends?

Bum rap

Tough neighborhood.

Knox Middle School is in Lincoln Park, one of the poorer areas in San Diego. Of the roughly 600 sixth-, seventh- and eighth-graders here, almost 90 percent receive free or reduced-price lunches. About half are learning English.

It has a bad reputation, said Abdasai Suarez, 14, because we are in the ghetto.

Actually, this eighth-grader said, Knox gets a bum rap. Most students are friendly and respectful, she said, in part because the Tariq Khamisa Foundation has held Peacemaker Assemblies here in recent years.

We are trying to have a good reputation, said Abdasai, who hopes to become a teacher.

Its pretty nice, agreed classmate Irving, who would like to become a doctor. We have great teachers, and you can talk to them about anything.

When Tony Hicks was in the eighth grade, he was an angry kid, abandoned by his father. Although close to his mother and grandfather, Hicks ran away from home and took up with boys who introduced him to drugs, alcohol and older, rougher, gang members.

Family photo of Tony Hicks, who at 14 murdered Tariq Khamisa, 20, who had been lured to a North Park apartment complex to deliver a pizza and was shot. (Family photo) (Family photo )

He is not  Felix pointed to his head  thinking. And if you are not thinking, your life is off track.

One night, Hicks, two other 14-year-olds and an 18-year-old ordered a pizza to be delivered to a non-existent address on Louisiana Street in North Park. The plan was to rob a confused delivery man, but the delivery man  Tariq Khamisa, a 20-year-old San Diego State student, working his way through college  resisted.

The older gang member handed a pistol to Hicks.

One night, Felix told his audience at Knox. One night changed everything. Because he was not  he pointed to his head.

Thinking! the students yelled.

Both ends of a gun

Tough to believe.

Azim Khamisa was born in Kenya, the child of Indian immigrants. Hes Muslim.

Ples Felix was born in East Los Angeles, an African-American. He was raised Baptist.

As if those barriers werent enough, its tough to believe that a victims father and a perpetrators grandfather would not become enemies. Yet they soon agreed that they were allies, both on the same side.

The big gift I got in this tragedy, Khamisa said, was I was able to see that there were victims on both ends of the gun.

One life was lost, another ruined. The enemy, Khamisa decided, was not the 14-year-old. The true enemy were the societal pressures that force so many of our youth, especially youth of color, to fall through the cracks.

At every Peacemakers assembly, Khamisa and Felix stress five lessons:

1. Violence is real. Asked how many belonged to families who had experienced serious acts of violence, at least two dozen Knox students raised their hands.

2. Good choices lead to good outcomes, bad decisions to bad ends.

3. Respond to others in good, non-violent fashion. The bully needs help, too, Khamisa said.

4. Offer forgiveness, not revenge.

5. Everyone deserves to be treated with respect.

6. From conflict, Khamisa said, it is possible to create loving unity.

The assembly ended with Felix leading the Knox students in a Peacemakers Pledge.

I am, he said.

I AM, the students repeated.

A peacemaker.

A PEACEMAKER.

Weakness

Forgiveness is universally preached by religions, yet it is not universally practiced. While Tariq Khamisas family embraced Felix  and even Hicks, whom they still visit in prison  Tariqs fiancee refused. Crushed by the sudden death of her lover, she turned to drugs, dying of an overdose in 2002.

Yet even Azim Khamisa wavered in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

I went into very deep introspection, he said, because the perpetrators of this atrocity were from my faith, the same faith that had helped me to get to forgiveness.

After months of reflection, he concluded that 9/11 grew out of geopolitics, money, oil and power, rather than a true understanding of Islam.

Still, you dont have to search far  presidential debates, anyone?  to find influential people who see forgiveness as weakness, a refuge for cowards.

I like to quote Gandhi, Khamisa said. The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.

Its also, Felix said, a path out of the cycle of violence and revenge.

Mr. Khamisas forgiveness and the forgiveness of Mr. Khamisas family helped my grandson realize he is not a throwaway person, Felix said.

In a video recorded inside Pelican Bay State Prison, the convicted killer urged the students not to cave in to peer pressure, anger, revenge. His years in prison have given him time to repent, to beg forgiveness from Tariqs family and to think that he might one day make some amends.

His parole hearing is scheduled for October 2018. The Khamisa family has promised to attend and speak on his behalf  and then to offer Hicks a job with the foundation named for the man he killed.

Wouldnt that be powerful? Khamisa asked his audience at Knox Middle School. Wouldnt you listen to him?

Tough to imagine otherwise.
Often considered The Forgotten War, Korea will be remembered the next two Saturdays in Lemon Grove.

Three veterans of the war and a UC San Diego history professor are among the speakers scheduled for this Saturdays 2 p.m. event at the Lemon Grove Library. Sponsored by the Lemon Grove Historical Society, the gathering is part of an ongoing Remembrance Project, which looks back at important world events and their impact on the local community.

The Korean War started in June 1950 when North Korea invaded South Korea. The United States intervened under the auspices of the United Nations and spent about three years in a see-saw conflict that ended basically where it had started, with the two Koreas divided at the 38th Parallel, which today has troops on either side eyeing each other from towers separated by a buffer zone and barbed wire. About 37,000 American service members died in the war.

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RELATED STORY: Chosin survivors havent forgotten

Saturdays Korea Remembered event will feature veterans Robert Weishan, Jean White and James Newberry, all members of the so-called Chosin Few, survivors of the wars most-storied battle. Outmaneuvered and outnumbered by the Chinese, trapped in snowy mountain passes, the U.S. forces fought their way almost 80 miles down a narrow road to the Sea of Japan, where waiting ships took them to safety.

Also scheduled to speak is Todd Henry, a UC San Diego history professor who specializes in modern Korea. He will provide an overview of the origins and aftermath of the war, event organizers said.

On Oct. 22, for the second part of Korea Remembered, organizers will show The Manchurian Candidate, a 1962 film set during the Korean War and filled with Cold War anxieties. It starred Frank Sinatra and Angela Lansbury. The airing is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the library, 3001 School Lane.

The Historical Societys Remembrance Project has also looked at the Vietnam War and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Marine veteran Chad Robichaux survived combat in Afghanistan and came home to build a mixed martial-arts career, gathering flashy titles and fame-loving fans.

What he failed at was the rest of his life. A few years after returning from war, Robichaux became separated from his wife and contemplated suicide.

What he credits with saving him is faith. Now, his Temecula-based nonprofit group is part of a nationwide circle of Christianity-based programs focused on post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, as a generation of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer the aftermath of combat.

Their emergence raises provocative questions about the interplay of science and faith when addressing medical conditions such as PTSD and depression.

The issue was catapulted onto the national stage this month when Robichaux raised the subject of spiritual fitness at a town hall meeting with Donald Trump.

While the military and [U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs] are working on the problem, their efforts continue to fall short, Robichaux, 41, told the Republican presidential nominee at a Oct. 3 campaign event in Virginia.

Spiritual fitness works on these types of problems. The government is not taking advantage of these programs and services. Will you support and fund a more holistic approach? said Robichaux, who founded Mighty Oaks Warrior Programs in 2011.

The idea of religion to cure ailments is even more ancient than the Old Testament.

Robichaux and others who run like-minded programs said they arent trying to replace licensed psychologists and therapy regimens that have been proven over time to treat post-traumatic stress. But they do say some veterans come to them after not finding relief in traditional treatments.

Its not either-or, Robichaux said last week during a telephone interview from Montana, where he was attending a graduation ceremony for some Mighty Oaks participants. But sometimes they arent getting any other care because they havent been successful, so they kind of threw their hands up.

Are psychology professionals wary? Somewhat.

Be a smart consumer, said Sonya Norman, director of the PTSD consultation program at the VAs National Center for PTSD.

If that really pulls you, certainly check it out and learn about it and how well it works relative to other treatments, Norman said.

Robichauxs organization largely provides peer-to-peer mentoring. The instructors are veterans who themselves started out as Mighty Oaks Warrior students.

What we do really well is, we bring guys to the point of wanting to accept responsibility for their situation, which is really important, and making a decision to move forward, he said. We provide a set of things to align their life by, and thats where the faith piece comes in.

Chad Robichaux

This blueprint is rooted in Christian scripture.

Another faith-based program is the nonprofit Reboot Combat Recovery, founded at Fort Campbell in Kentucky by an occupational therapist who worked with returning soldiers suffering from traumatic brain injury, or TBI.

That therapist, Jenny Owens, saw her patients asking questions outside of the realm of medicine.

While were seeing huge ground gained when it comes to TBI, when it came to the healing of the self, the healing of identity, the healing of the heart, it seemed like there was still something lacking, said her husband, Evan Owens, now chief executive of Reboot, formed in 2012.

The Owens began inviting former patients over for dinner in the military community surrounding Fort Campbell.

A curriculum emerged. Fort Campbell took note of it and said, We want you guys to come on base and lead this, Evan Owens said, adding that most people come to them after traditional therapy.

With its 12-week course, Reboot Combat Recovery has spread out nationally to more than 20 locations. Course topics include a wounded soul and the cost of unforgiveness.

In January, the group expects to launch sessions at Camp Pendleton for active-duty troops, their families and veterans.

Mighty Oaks offers a six-day program focused on resiliency and reintegration. In addition to veterans, the group ministers to active-duty troops who get permission from their commands to attend. Many participants are repeat attendees.

Next year, they will be in four states: California, at a retreat built for the group in Paso Robles,Texas, Virginia and Ohio.

Both Reboot and Mighty Oaks tout their track records. Each has graduated at least 1,000 program participants and said no student or alum has committed suicide. Mighty Oaks said some vets on its more than 100-person waiting list have taken their own lives.

Reboot also measures its results on a patient-reported outcomes scale recognized by the National Institutes of Health. Graduates reported statistically significant improvements in anxiety, depression and fatigue, the group says.

But, in the world of science  particularly the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs -- the two gold-standard treatments for PTSD are prolonged exposure therapy and cognitive processing therapy. These two methods have been blessed with the key words of psychology: evidence-based treatment.

In other words, since PTSD was recognized as a condition in the 1980s, these two versions of talk therapy have been studied enough to prove that they work, usually in conjunction with anti-depressant drugs that can be unpopular with veterans.

However, Norman of the VAs National PTSD Center said there can be a moral or spiritual portion to a veterans experience of combat trauma.

If (faith) is something that previously gave them meaning or joy  and in the experience of PTSD, theyve lost that  I check with them if thats something they want to reconnect with, she said. Im not going to counsel someone on their spirituality, that would outside of my expertise, but I will certainly help someone connect with their spiritual leader.

Norman said that faith can be helpful. But is it enough to recover from PTSD on its own?

We just don't have evidence of that. And theres no standard. Its likely coming from different traditions of Christianity, Norman said.

A faith-based PTSD program in Iowa came under fire from licensed therapists last month after The Des Moines Register investigated its unusual technique.

The program, called Operation Zhero and launched this year, offers a free treatment to veterans that involves tapping oneself on the shoulder when bad memories surface. Counselors tell participants to remember that bad memories are not their fault and theres nothing they can do about them.

Chad Robichaux, the Mighty Oaks founder in Temecula, takes a different-strokes-for-different-folks approach.

We are not in competition with anyone. Some individuals need psychologists, some need medicines, some need all sorts of things. And others just need to accept responsibility and make better choices moving forward, he said last week.

Heres where the Marine Corps veteran becomes critical of the status quo  echoing his question to Trump at the town hall.

Were not a program of the VA because they wont allow us because we are faith-based, Robichaux said.

Theres a single path to getting help (at the VA,) and its a clinical path, he said. What Id like to see is a list of programs that get vetted, based on a statistic of success, and make those programs available, so when a veteran has an issue, they can look at a multitude of options.

The VA has experimented with some alternative methods for PTSD, including acupuncture and groundbreaking research at the San Diego VA on meditation.

At present, groups like Robichauxs depend on fundraising to make their programs free to veterans.

According to Mighty Oaks 2014 tax form, the group raised $125,000 in donations. Robichaux said the current figure is nearly $2 million annually.

Reboot raised $305,000 in 2015, according to its form.

Robichaux is a powerful spokesman for his approach, making savvy use of the internet to share video testimonials of his personal redemption story.

I discovered that what created the circumstances in my life were the choices I was making every day. I still had the ability to choose differently, he said.

Ive always been a fighter. But now I get to fight for the most important thing in my life.

jen.steele@sduniontribune.com

Facebook: U-T Military

Twitter: @jensteeley
Baja Californias shelters need support and coordination to help meet the needs of an unprecedented number of Haitian migrants trying to enter the United States, an official with the International Organization for Migration said Tuesday.

Some shelters are overflowing, said Christopher Gascon, the groups top official in Mexico, speaking to reporters from an office of Mexicos National Migration Institute in Tjiuana. Though many have been working to support the migrants, the resources are limited and not always properly taken advantage of, he said.

Gascons visit has come as migrant assistance groups in the city have been overwhelmed with the arrival of Haitians and other migrants without documents intending to present themselves to U.S. authorities. Gascon said he had met both with members of nonprofit groups and government officials to find ways to improve the states ability to respond.

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The International Organization for Migration is an intergovernmental organization with 165 member countries whose aim is to promote humane and orderly migration.

Gascon urged greater coordination among representatives of various government agencies in Baja California and the non-profit migrant assistance groups.

Gascon also suggested that U.S. authorities speed up their processing of Haitians petitioning to enter the country through the Baja California border. At present, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers are processing 110 people a day at the San Ysidro and Calexico ports of entry, he said.

If they can accelerate the numbers that cross, that would decrease the pressure here, he said.

Rodulfo Figueroa, head of Mexicos National Migration Institute in Baja California, estimated that there are currently between 4,000 and 4,500 Haitians in Baja California. Most have been staying in Tijuana, with a smaller number in Mexicali.

The agencys central office in Mexico City said in a communique that from January 1 through October 4, it had granted 14,471 temporary permits to Haitians and Africans presenting themselves at the Guatemalan border in Tapachula. Many Haitians have been claiming they are from the Congo and other African countries with whom Mexico has no diplomatic relations out of fear they could be sent back to Haiti.

The Mexican permits, known as oficios de salida, give the migrants 20 days to petition to stay in Mexico or leave the country, the statement said, but none have asked to remain.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection reported last month that officers had processed more 5,000 Haitians this fiscal year, the majority since May, when large numbers began arriving in Tijuana to cross at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

Until last Sept. 22, the Haitians were typically granted humanitarian parole, a temporary status that allowed them to enter the country while their petition is before an immigration judge. But under a new policy announced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, they now face a process called expedited removal that entails detention and eventual deportation, though the removals now have been put on hold in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

Gascon said that despite last months change in U.S. policy, none of the Haitians he met with had given up on their plans to present themselves to U.S. officials at the border.

This is not an issue thats going to end tomorrow, Gascon said. While the number is finite, and the current situation will eventually end, Gascon said that we do not know how long this will last, nor how many will arrive.
A man walked into a University Heights Catholic Church on Tuesday and said he wanted to kill a priest, San Diego police said.

He was taken into custody less than an hour later, and the priest who locked himself into a separate room was not harmed, police Sgt. Tom Sullivan said.

The 41-year-old man picked St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church on Polk Avenue, near Park Boulevard, for his threats, Sullivan said.

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He said the man went into the rectory and said he wanted to kill a priest, and would shoot one. It was not clear if he meant a particular priest.

A person in the rectory texted someone else about the threats being made. Police were called about 11:45 a.m. and surrounded the church.

The priest locked himself into a room upstairs in the rectory, Sullivan said.

Officers called out to the man, urging him to surrender. He finally did, and was arrested about 12:30 p.m., Sullivan said.

The man was to be jailed on suspicion of making threats and false imprisonment, Sullivan said.
A man who died after being stabbed about 10 times in City Heights Tuesday evening may have been slain by one of his sons, San Diego police said Wednesday.

Obviously this was a very violent attack, said homicide Lt. Manny Del Toro.

Residents at an apartment building on 42nd Street between Landis and Dwight streets heard a commotion in one of the units and called police about 5:20 p.m., Del Toro said.

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The noise sounded like loud banging and things slamming around inside the apartment, the lieutenant said.

Neighbors heard sounds of distress, went inside the apartment and found the bloodied victim. He was identified as 42-year-old Francisco Beltran, Del Toro said.

The victim was taken to a hospital in grave condition and died a few hours later.

Witnesses told officers they saw a man run from the complex and jump over a fence. He appeared to be carrying a change of clothes, one person said, and had been seen at the apartment earlier in the week.

He was described as Latino, 19 to 25 years old, about 5 feet 4 inches to 5 feet 9 inches tall, and 120 to 140 pounds. He was wearing black shorts.

We believe it could be a family member, Del Toro said.

Investigators found items in the apartment that belonged to Beltrans sons, leading them to suspect the two men had been staying there. They have not been found, Del Toro said. Another man also may have lived at the apartment, according to a lease agreement. He hasnt been found either.

The weapon used in the stabbing has not been recovered.

UPDATES:

10:20 p.m.: This article was updated with additional details.

This article was originally published at 6:20 p.m.
Mondays grand opening of Hollywood Casino in Jamul created major traffic headaches on state Route 94. A day later, it was a much different ride.

Alpine resident Jennifer Doucet, who makes a 25-minute trip to Steele Canyon High, off state Route 94 near the casino, said the difference between Monday and Tuesday was like night and day.

Doucet said it took her more than 45 minutes on Monday to pick up her daughter. It was back to normal on Tuesday.

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Traffic seems heavier than normal, but not at all like yesterdays debacle, she said.

The CHP began getting calls about the traffic congestion on the rural road about 10:30 a.m. Monday, according to its website. Some people reported drivers crossing double-yellow lines to pass vehicles, making illegal U-turns, running red lights and parking in undesignated spaces such as driveways. Multiple callers said parked vehicles were blocking the entrance to the Cal Fire station near the casino.

Four CHP officers and one sergeant were sent to control and direct traffic near the casino, said CHP Officer Robert Catano. Caltrans set up signs on different sections of Route 94 to advise drivers about the traffic jam.

County Supervisor Dianne Jacob said that what happened on Monday was predictable, with heavy traffic and major delays for travelers on the winding, narrow two-lane road that starts in Rancho San Diego and ends near the Tecate border.

Cars were backed up for miles to the east, and Jacob said that of four reported incidents, thankfully no lives were lost.

Jacob said an ambulance that took someone on the 12 1/2-mile ride from the Jamul area to Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa in the afternoon needed 2  hours to return to the fire station.

She said state officials need to be held accountable, and called on Caltrans to close access to the casino until $20 million in promised road improvements planned for the highway are made.

In a statement from Caltrans, it says the Jamul Indian Village has acted in good faith to get the improvements implemented expeditiously but has encountered delays in the form of legal challenges.

Richard St. Jean, the general manager of Hollywood Casino, said in a statement that high traffic volumes are common with grand openings and typically subside.

We understand the frustrations of local residents and appreciate their patience during opening week. We are in frequent communication with California Highway Patrol, California Department of Transportation and our traffic control partners, St. Jean said. We will continue to fund and support traffic control measures, as deemed by CHP, until the congestion is mitigated.

Furthermore, Jamul Indian Village has agreed to contribute more than $23 million to roadway improvements along state Route 94. This work has already begun, including a dedicated turn lane directly in front of the property for the safety of the community and our guests.

Caltrans said more highway improvements are under construction and in planning for a phased rollout.

The responsibility of Caltrans related to these improvements, the statement said, is to review, approve, operate and maintain them for the safe and efficient movement of traffic on state Route 94.

Staff writer David Hernandez contributed to this story.
A La Jolla couple were held at gunpoint and robbed in their home Wednesday, San Diego police said.

Two armed men broke into a house on Avenida Alamar, off Paseo Dorado, and held a gun to the husbands head, police said.

The pair came in through a back window and confronted the couple in the kitchen, police Lt. Todd Griffin said. The couple were told to not look at the robbers.

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The husband is in his 70s, but Griffin was not sure of the wifes age.

The intruders took small, personal items and wallets and left quickly, Griffin said.

They drove away and the victims called police about 8 a.m.

A neighbor heard the car roaring off and looked outside. Security video from a nearby tennis club confirmed the neighbors impression that the robbers left in a four-door, early 2000s model Honda sedan, Griffin said.

He said he doesnt know why that couple were targeted.

Griffin said the case does not appear connected to a trio of robberies in La Jolla and Ocean Beach on Tuesday night.
San Diego police are investigating three similar robberies that occurred Tuesday night within an hour of each other in the Sunset Cliffs area, Ocean Beach and La Jolla.

Were not saying that they are a series, but that the suspect descriptions are similar, police Sgt. Michael Tansey said.

In the first instance, police said, a woman was getting out of her parked vehicle outside of her home on Monaco Street near Sunset View Elementary School when a man walked up about 8:35 p.m.

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The stranger asked if the woman had seen his lost dog. As the two talked, a man wearing a ski mask walked up and pointed a handgun at the woman, police said. The gunman asked the woman to hand over property, then pulled off her necklace and took off her ring.

Both men ran away west on Monaco Street, in the Sunset Cliffs area, police said.

The first suspect was described as black, in his 30s, about 5-feet-9 inches tall, with a medium build and wearing dark clothes. The gunman was described as black, about 5-feet-11 inches tall, stocky, and wearing a black jacket, black ski mask and dark clothes.

A few minutes later, about 8:40 p.m., a similar theft occurred less than two miles away in Ocean Beach, police said. A 35-year-old man was walking from his parked vehicle to the front door of his house on Ebers Street near Pescadero when a man asked the resident if he had seen his lost pitbull.

At that point another suspect wearing a ski mask walked up, pointing a semi-automatic handgun at the victim, police said.

The armed man demanded property from the resident, who handed over his cellphone and wallet. The man who claimed to be looking for the lost dog then asked for the victims backpack and pulled it off of the resident.

The suspects ran away into an alley north of the victims home.

The first robber was described as black, wearing a black sweater with yellow printed letters. The second suspect was described as black, wearing dark clothes and a black ski mask.

Later, about 9:20 p.m., 60-year-old La Jolla man pulled into the garage of his home on Virginia Way. He was about to walk into his home when he was approached by three men wearing ski masks.

Two of the suspects were armed with black handguns, police said.

The three thieves asked for the mans belongings, and the victim handed over his watch, cellphone and briefcase, police said. The thieves ran away.

The robbers were described as black men wearing the black ski masks and dark colored clothes. One of the men armed with a handgun was described as 6 feet tall.

Police are investigating the three thefts.

Twitter: @D4VIDHernandez
A federal prosecutor who has had a hand in some of San Diegos most newsworthy cases for the past few years is now a federal judge.

Andrew Schopler was sworn into office as a U.S. magistrate judge on Sept. 30.

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Schopler was appointed to the court in July, but it was agreed that the new position wouldnt take effect until after the campaign finance trial of Jose Susumo Azano Matsura this summer.

Schopler, with the U.S. Attorneys Office in San Diego for the past 12 years, tried the case along with two colleagues, getting a guilty verdict for Azano, his son and a campaign services specialist in September.

He joined the Azano case late, as several other attorneys assigned to the prosecution had left the office for other career opportunities.

Schopler prosecuted several public corruption-type cases recently, including those involving military contractors and one against a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent. He also was part of a case against a global betting ring.

He was awarded the 2016 national Directors Award for Superior Performance by an Assistant U.S. Attorney.

Schopler is also a captain and judge advocate in the U.S. Army National Guard.

He graduated from Dartmouth College in 1994 and Harvard Law School with honors in 1997. He started his career in North Carolina, first as a public defender and later in private practice in criminal defense and complex civil litigation.

Schopler replaces Magistrate Judge Ruben Brooks, who took retired recall status, meaning he can be called to serve on cases if needed.

Brooks was appointed to the bench in 1993.

Magistrate judges handle criminal and civil caseloads, handling many moving parts of the cases such as arraignments, guilty pleas, timelines and attorney assignments. District judges oversee trials and sentencings.

Magistrate judges are appointed for eight-year terms.

kristina.davis@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @kristinadavis
National City sent a demand for payment letter to the Bernie Sanders campaign Tuesday after repeated attempts to collect money owed for a May rally the Vermont senator held at Kimball Park.

The original invoice requested payment no later than June 2. Since then city officials have sent a courtesy notice (June 7) and three subsequent delinquent notices to recoup more than $28,000 in out of pocket expenses for police, fire and public works overtime associated with the May 21 event.

The Oct. 11 demand for payment letter requested the $28,337.28 amount be paid by Oct. 17.

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As of today, payment of the (temporary use permit) cost is 120 days past due.If payment is not received by this date, the city will pursue all available legal remedies to collect this amount without further notice, the letter stated in part.

Armando Vergara, the citys director of neighborhood services, said his office has contacted the Sanders campaign by email and phone in addition to the letters.

We got one email response basically stating they are not responsible for law enforcement fees  thats the responsibility of the Secret Service, he said. The campaign staff is actually responsible.

The cost of a temporary use permit, which is what Sanders campaign needed in order to hold its event at the park, is generally paid in full before the event is held, according to city officials.

We deal with collections all the time...nothing to do with anyones campaign, Mayor Ron Morrison said. To us, this is business as usual. But we cant do a special favor for this campaign.

The event required city officials to pull things together in just three days. In fact, campaign staff and Secret Service officials asked the City Council on May 17 to add an emergency item to its agenda that night and approve it.

We obviously wanted as a city to help accommodate Senator Sanders coming to the city, so we worked with their campaign with the hopes that payment would be forthcoming, said City Manager Leslie Deese. Were hopeful this is simply an oversight by his campaign.

The money came out of the citys general fund.

Other California cities also felt the Bern of unpaid bills following rallies held by Sanders campaign.

Cloverdale was declined a $23,000 invoice for police and fire services associated with a June rally, which drew an estimated 6,000 people, according to a July 25 article from The Press Democrat.

The city was paid back in full in August, said Cloverdale City Manager Paul Cayler.

The Sanders campaign also still owes Vallejo about $31,000 of about $67,000 for expenses related to his May 18 visit that drew roughly 11,000 people from around the Bay Area, said Joanna Altman, assistant to the Vallejo City Manager.

In addition, the administration from the Solano County Sheriffs Office confirmed Tuesday that the Sanders campaign owes its agency about $22,000 for the Vallejo rally and a June rally in Fairfield at the Solano Community College campus.

A $6,000 invoice incurred by the Sanders campaign for a May 22 rally in Vista was promptly paid to the Vista Unified School District, according to district officials.

No bills were submitted by the Vista Sheriffs Office, according to the agency.
Despite strict protections off the West Coast, leatherback turtles are in danger in other parts of the Pacific, scientists and fishermen said at a conference called to celebrate Californias official marine reptile.

The meeting, held in La Jolla last week, offered a status update on the ancient marine species, in advance of Californias Pacific Leatherback Conservation Day on Oct. 15. With populations down by more than 90 percent since the 1980s, the animals are ranked as one of eight marine species at greatest risk of extinction, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations National Marine Fisheries Service.

Fishermen and researchers say that U.S. fishing limits designed to keep leatherbacks from getting caught in nets may unintentionally lead to more ensnarement in countries where rules are looser. For the globally roaming species, it will take more than one countrys efforts to stave off extinction.

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Leatherbacks are ocean-going leviathans that can weigh up to a ton, and swim nearly 7,000 miles across the Pacific, devouring jellyfish.

Movements by the leatherback are the longest migration of any air-breathing aquatic vertebrate, Scott Benson, a marine ecologist with NOAA Fisheries, said at the conference.

Born in nesting beaches of Indonesia, the animals travel to the California Current. Its the richest foraging ground for jellies, Benson said, and also the safest haven for the turtles, thanks to stretches off Northern California, Oregon and Washington, where fishing is restricted.

Federal rules limit fishing methods and gear, require observers on fishing boats to report any leatherbacks snared in fishing nets, and set seasonal closures on drift gillnet fishing, which is used to catch swordfish, but can also trap turtles, whales, dolphins and other animals.

As the U.S. has tightened protection for the turtles, however, access to locally caught swordfish has dropped. In its place on menus and fish markets is imported frozen swordfish, caught in parts of the world without such fishing restrictions.

Thats leading to a call among fishermen and conservationists alike to revive the U.S. swordfish industry.

We want to see a healthy domestic fishery, said Geoff Shester, California program manager for the conservation group Oceana. Part of saving the leatherback is bringing back clean, sustainable fishing that we can control.

Some fishermen call for relaxing U.S. fishing restrictions, arguing that they could produce locally caught swordfish with less risk to turtles than imported fish. Real time monitoring of turtle movements could help fishermen steer clear of the reptiles while maximizing swordfish catch, they say.

Others are testing new gear that could help catch swordfish at times and depths that pose little risk to leatherbacks. And regulators are demanding that fish importers prove theyre safeguarding turtles.

Countries that export fish into our country will have five years to meet our standards for protecting leatherbacks, said Tina Fahy, a fishery biologist for NOAA. Its a huge game changer.

In the meantime, theyre encouraging consumers to pay more attention to whats on their plates.

Theres a growing percentage of the population that cares where their food comes from, said Dave Rudie, owner of the San Diego fish distributing company, Catalina Offshore Products.

Buy fish caught by American fishermen, he said. Ask your fishmonger; ask the server at the restaurant. The collaboration between scientists and fishermen is very, very powerful, and we should always be encouraging it.

deborah.brennan@sduniontribune.com Twitter@deborahsbrennan
More than 50 members of Congress signed a letter to President Obama last week asking him to stop deportations to Haiti because of damage from Hurricane Matthew.

The issue has been of particular interest in San Diego, where many Haitians have landed as their first U.S. stop upon fleeing unrest in Brazil  their home since the 2010 earthquake in their homeland.

The letter concludes that it would be inhumane to deport non-criminals to Haiti, given the hurricane  and unresolved issues from the earthquake.

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The decision to resume non-criminal deportations to Haiti will further exacerbate the nations chaotic situation, the letter says.

Because of the earthquake, until recently the United States only deported serious criminals to Haiti. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson last month announced that deportations to Haiti would resume, and then Hurricane Matthew hit the island nation, causing hundreds of deaths.

I share the Presidents commitment to enforcing our nations immigration laws, but disagree with his interpretation that conditions have improved enough in Haiti to resume non-criminal deportations, especially in light of the damage from Hurricane Matthew, said Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, who signed the letter. The federal government also needs to do its part in helping communities like San Diego that are housing Haitian migrants temporarily while they await their asylum trials.

Rep. Susan Davis did not join her San Diego Democratic colleagues Peters and Rep. Juan Vargas in signing the letter. Aaron Hunter, a spokesman for her office, said that Davis supports the sentiment of the letter and would like to see the deportations halted.

Joe Kasper, a spokesman for Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, said that Hunter is against halting deportations and is concerned about the number of Haitians who entered the U.S. prior to the policy change.

Its different from entering illegally, but they know theres an easy path for entry, and they are exploiting the system, Kasper said.

Both of Californias current senators say they share concerns about Haitis conditions.

Haitian migrants have a right to be heard and to make their case about why it would be unsafe to return home at this time, Sen. Barbara Boxer, a Democrat, said in an emailed statement. If they pass the vetting, they should be given the opportunity to stay until conditions in their country improve.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, a Democrat, said in an emailed statement, Haiti is a deeply impoverished country and there is no question as to the devastation caused by Hurricane Matthew. Haitians living in the United States should be granted short-term relief from deportation until the situation in their home country stabilizes.

Kelsey Cork, spokeswoman for Rep. Loretta Sanchez, D-Santa Ana, said that Sanchez, who is running for Boxers seat, supports the letter, although she did not sign it.

Kamala Harris, Californias attorney general, who is running against Sanchez, would also support a hold on deportations, according to Nathan Click, a spokesman for her campaign.

An influx of Haitian migrants began arriving at San Diegos border in May from Brazil, where many Haitians obtained work visas following the earthquake. The migrants were previously allowed into the U.S. with temporary passes, but now when they arrive at the border, they are placed in detention facilities before their removal proceedings.

The office of Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

RELATED

Immigration appointments renewed for Haitians at San Ysidro border.

kate.morrissey@sduniontribune.com, @bgirledukate
In 2009, with state revenue plunging as the recession took hold, the California Legislature executed something akin to an accounting trick to get more money out of the federal government for the Medi-Cal program, the primary provider of health care to poor residents. For every dollar the state spends on the program, it gets about a dollar from Uncle Sam. So state lawmakers imposed a tax on private hospitals to fund Medi-Cal for which it received matching federal funds. The twist: This new hospital tax revenue was used to increase state hospital reimbursement rates for Medi-Cal. This tax is temporary and has to be periodically renewed.

Proposition 52, which is sponsored by the California Hospital Association and reached the ballot via a signature-gathering coalition, would make the tax permanent. It would cap at the present 24 percent the amount of the hospital tax that can be diverted to other uses by state lawmakers  a dubious practice that has continued and gotten worse in recent budgets even though state revenue has strongly rebounded. The measure would shore up a Medi-Cal system that now takes care of one-third of state residents and encourage more providers to accept Medi-Cal patients for outpatient and specialized treatments. It could be scrapped by a two-thirds vote of the Assembly and Senate  an important safety valve in case of fiscal emergency.

RELATED OP-ED

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Yes on Prop. 52: Prop. 52 ensures access to quality health care for future generations

No on Prop 52: Declined our request to submit an op-ed

Critics who say there are weak safeguards for how the funds are used dont have much of a case. And the hospital group makes a persuasive case that Californias health care safety net should not be at risk because of legislators increasing willingness to poach health dollars. We are not fans of ballot-box budgeting, but this is a very defensible exception. Vote yes on Proposition 52.
Your front-page headline Who will get on board? (Oct. 9) asks an excellent question. The answer is: almost no one.

When freeways are jammed every rush hour and trolleys are nearly empty, why build more trolleys?

Letters and commentary policy

The U-T welcomes and encourages community dialogue on important public matters. Please visit this page for more details on our letters and commentaries policy.

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E-mail letters@sduniontribune.com

Mail: Andrew Kleske, Reader Outreach Editor San Diego Union-Tribune P.O. Box 120191 San Diego, CA 92112-0191.

You can also leave a comment below

Its not fair to drivers to waste money like this when it is obvious that we need freeway improvements far more than underused mass transit. Its not too late to cancel the streetcar and use the money to relieve traffic congestion.

Dwight Filley

La Jolla

Marijuana legalization has its darker side

Regarding San Diego steering pot users toward legal dispensaries (Oct. 6): With so many propositions on the ballot this election, voters need to be attentive to what is being proposed and the true impacts on daily lives.

Proposition 64 to legalize recreational marijuana use is a proposal that will negatively impact lives. Government has a responsibility to protect citizens and especially children.

Legalized marijuana will lead to more people driving under the influence as evidenced in Washington state where fatal crashes involving use of marijuana doubled since legalization. Exposure to secondhand smoke can impact the health of others through no choice of their own.

Children are more likely to be exposed to marijuana despite supposed safeguards in advertising and restricted areas of use. Lives of innocent individuals, public safety and public health all outweigh considerations of new revenue through taxes and arguments for individual indulgence.

Proposition 64 will take more from communities and families than it can ever give back.

Karen Akagi

Poway

Both candidates make use of the tax codes

Reader Ben Thurston (Clintons taxes show she is playing fair, Oct. 10) need not shed any tears for the Clintons over their long-term capital loss carryover. They can use it to reduce future capital gains.

Until then, $3,000 is what they can deduct each year just like all other taxpayers.

Reader Ron Newells letter (Trump doesnt owe it to us to pay taxes, Oct. 10) is the best explanation I have seen. It should be required reading for all TV commentators and candidates.

Denis Crane

La Jolla

Thanks for reminder that manners matter

After watching the second presidential debate and feeling like I needed a shower, I was so delighted to read Karla Petersons article Tuesday morning (Mr. Benjamins Junior Cotillion gently teaches students how to mind their manners, Oct. 11) about Mr. Benjamin teaching manners and ballroom dance at our local middle schools.

Shes such a good writer: A ripple of nervous energy surged through the room in an electrified wave strong enough to jolt you back to your own adolescence.

And that it did. Square dance class, Landis Junior High School, Baldwin Park, 1966. We didnt have a Mr. Benjamin  I have dance phobia to this day.

Steve Blumenschein

Clairemont

The region needs this kind of development

In response to No on Measure B: Flawed, misleading plan (Oct. 9): This project has gone above and beyond what any development project has done in the history of San Diego County. The project will provide $16 million in road improvements and a new K-8 school.

The taxpayers and county are not on the hook for any road, fire, sewer, water or school improvements in the area. To suggest otherwise is to mislead the public.

I live next door to this proposed community. It is desperately needed here. We dont build housing anymore and with the new county rules in place, no proposed community is going to be built for years.

The only precedent this project creates is the provision of well-planned, high-quality, affordable housing to address the countys housing crisis.

As a resident of Fallbrook and worker in the community of Bonsall, I support Measure B and I ask my community and colleagues to support Measure B also.

Jon C. Frandell

Past President, Fallbrook

Chamber of Commerce

The community already made its choices

Regarding Readers are split on Lilac Hills Measure B (Oct. 9): I will be voting no on Measure B not because what it proposes could happen in my community but because it is the right thing to do. Every community in the county was tasked, more than 13 years ago, to come up with plans for future growth. Developing these plans was hard work involving countless hours but with insight, intelligence and community input as to what was best in the long-run.

So now we have the short-run solution: Develop Lilac Hills in defiance of the community plan. Motivated solely by financial gain on the part of the developers, this plan does not respect the community plan for the area.

Pat Taylor

North Park

Nosy cartoon draws some mixed reactions

For cartoonist Steve Breen to draw Hillary Clinton ahead of Donald Trump (Ahead by a nose, Oct. 9) by a longer Pinocchio nose is to fly in the face of reality.

Trump stacks lies upon lies every day of his campaign. Whether it was your intent or not, you augmented Trumps argument that she lies more than he does. As usual, for Trump, that is yet another distortion at best, a lie at worst, supported by FactCheck.org.

R. Larry Schmitt

San Diego

* * *

Kudos to Steve Breen, the U-T cartoonist, for not bowing down to this papers far-left opinions.

His latest, featuring the Donald and Hillary with Pinocchio noses tells it all.

Steve Aldridge

San Diego

Want to see more letters that appear only online? Follow @UTLetters on Twitter and UTOpinion on Facebook.
President Obama had the last laugh after a radio host made comments about him and Hillary Clinton that may arguably have a place in the spooky month of October but inarguably have no place in a serious presidential election. The host said Obama and Clinton were demonic. As in from Hell.

Alex Jones, founder of the website InfoWars, hosts The Alex Jones Show, and earlier this week described Clinton as a demon from Hell. He also said Obama and Hillary both smell like sulfur.

Obama was on the campaign trail for Clinton Tuesday in North Carolina and he took a moment to address the situation.

He segued into the comments perfectly by bringing up how people shouldnt demonize each other.

OBAMA: And I mean that literally, by the way. I was reading the other day...theres a guy on the radio, who, apparently  Trumps on his show frequently  he said me and Hillary are demons...said we smell like surfer. Aint that something.

Obama then smelled himself, just to check.

OBAMA: Now, I mean, cmon, people.

He went on to explain what he sees as the problem with comments like that.

OBAMA: Democracy does not work if you just say stuff like that or, and apparently, there are people who believe that stuff and theyre listening to it constantly. You cant have leaders who are promoting that because what happen this is we get so divided and people are so angry at each other that then nothing gets done.

The president chuckled through that whole section of his speech until the democracy line, and it made a lot of people across America chuckle too.

Luckily Halloween is on its way. Unluckily, the election is shortly after.

Email: abby.hamblin@sduniontribune.com

Twitter: @abbyhamblin
Del Norte High teacher Megan Gross is now a 2016-17 California Teacher of the Year, state officials announced on Wednesday.

Gross was among five local educators to win this years county award last month and advance to the California Teacher of the Year competition.

A teacher from Vista is also among the five state-level honorees. The others are educators in Riverside, Placer and Los Angeles counties.

I am pleased to honor five dedicated and hardworking teachers who use their creativity and talents every day to make a huge difference in their classrooms, said Tom Torlakson, the states superintendent of public instruction.

These inspiring and innovative teachers enrich the lives of our students while helping them to succeed in 21st century careers and college, Torlakson said. These teachers represent the best of their profession and serve as great examples.

After counties selected their teachers of the year, a state selection committee reviewed their applications and conducted site visits to evaluate their rapport with students, classroom environment, presentation skills and teaching methods. The teachers were also interviewed by officials with the state Department of Education before Torlakson selected the five awardees.

The state Teachers of the Year, finalists and semifinalists will be honored at a gala in February in Sacramento.

When Gross won the county award she said, Its an incredible honor to represent the amazing teachers of Poway Unified. Its very exciting.

Gross has been a special education teacher at Del Norte High for the past four years, working with students in the campus Autism Spectrum Disorders program. Her work has focused on helping her students  currently 10  integrate into the campus community and learn the communication and life skills they need to enter college or work force after graduation.

She was among three educators Poway Unified School District named a 2016 Teacher of the Year that after being selected among the Teacher of the Year winners named by each Poway Unified campus.

Del Norte Principal Greg Mizel said his campus honoree is based on peer nomination and a staff-wide vote and that Gross was the first Del Norte teacher to win the district or county honor. He said last month that he was confident Gross would do well at the state competition.

Megan does not see her kids as students with disabilities, he said. She sees them as teenagers, who like every teen, has unique needs and vulnerabilities. She advocates for them ... and helps build (Del Norte) into a more empathetic, mature, respectful learning community.

While earning her bachelors degree in genetics at UC Davis, Gross said she got a part-time job helping children with disabilities and later worked at a group home for adults with developmental disabilities.

The experiences led Gross to abandon her plan of becoming a genetics counselor and instead earn a teaching credential at Sacramento State University. A decade ago she started teaching in Northern California. When her husband, Stephen, got a new job in San Diego, she was hired to teach in Poway Unified.

I love people with disabilities, Gross said, explaining she believes so strongly in the need to have her students included as much as possible within the Del Norte campus and student population.

Email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com
Rancho Bernardo resident Ida Tagliaferri is back from a whirlwind free trip to Washington, D.C., during which she was recognized for her efforts as a World War II Rosie the Riveter.

I was really honored and loved how (trip organizers and others) treated the veterans and me, she said of the Sept. 29-Oct. 2 trip. It was fun.

Rosie the Riveter is a term applied to American women who took traditional male jobs in factories and shipyards during World War II to help in the war effort since the young men who would have been employed in those industries were in the military. Upon the wars conclusion, most Rosies returned to traditional female employment or stayed home to raise their children.

Tagliaferri said she started working in 1941 at age 16 at Gradinetti Cutlery. The Syracuse, New York, knife factory had been converted into a machine gun parts factory. Following her marriage and Navy husband, Floyd Tagg Tagliaferri, being stationed in San Diego, she worked at Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation (later Convair), where in its machine shop she fashioned and tooled custom parts from blueprints.

I was the only woman in the shop, she said. All the men were very nice; a lot older than me because all the younger men were all gone (to the war).

Once the war ended Tagliaferri said she gave up factory work because I thought those jobs were supposed to go back to the men. It was not right to take their jobs.

The couple returned to the East Coast, but by 1953 moved back to San Diego. Ida said she was a waitress at Anthonys Fish Grotto in La Jolla, worked her way up to manager of its downtown restaurant and eventually supervisor of the chains then-seven restaurants. She retired in 1990. Her husband was a wine salesman, later manager of a wine company and eventually opened a deli in Sorrento Valley. They moved to Poway in 1990 and to Rancho Bernardo in 1996, where she still lives.

Her recent trip was through Honor Flight San Diego, a non-profit branch of the national Honor Flight Network, which provides free trips to veterans to the nations capital so they can see their World War II Memorial and other landmarks. During the excursion they are welcomed at various points by those of all ages who thank them for their service.

The organization primarily gives trips to World War II veterans, due to their advanced age, though younger veterans  especially those with terminal illnesses  may apply for an Honor Flight so they can visit their war memorial for free.

Each veteran is accompanied by a guardian, who is a non-spouse relative or a stranger who volunteers to help them during the trip. All the honorees physical needs are taken care of, including help with wheelchairs and other assistance devices, according to the organizations website at HonorFlightSanDiego.org.

While not a veteran, Tagliaferri was invited to go on the trip because the organization is starting to expand its eligibility criteria, said her daughter, Poway resident Elaine Tagliaferri, who served as her mothers guardian. All guardians pay for their portion of the trip.

Years ago we applied for my dad, but there was such a (long) wait list, that by the time he was picked he was not able to go, she said. Her father died in 2013.

He was on the USS St. Louis in Pearl Harbor when it was attacked by the Japanese on Dec. 7, 1941. He was later sent to the Marshall and Gilbert islands before returning stateside, eventually stationed at a navy base in San Diegos Birdrock community (La Jolla area) to train officers on anti-aircraft guns, his widow said.

Their daughter said she recently read about a group of 80 Rosies in another city that went on an Honor Flight so she inquired with the San Diego group to see if it too would take a Rosie. Her mother, now 91, is a member of the American Rosie the Riveter Association. With space available, Ida received an invitation to be the only Rosie on the trip. Several female veterans were also selected.

What I liked most was the compassion for the veterans, Ida said. All the people, without exception, treated them like kings. It was very rewarding to see that. ... The volunteers were really wonderful.

While mother and daughter had visited Washington, D.C. before, it was prior to the World War II Memorials opening in 2004. It was absolutely gorgeous and very moving, Ida said of the memorial.

The itinerary also included going to Arlington National Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, Iwo Jima Memorial, U.S. Navy Yard Museum and Korean War Veterans Memorial.

At the Navy museum a (female) admiral sought her out ... as did some volunteers who were relatively young women, Elaine said. At the airport a couple women with Girl Scout troops wanted a picture with her. They were seeking (mom) out as a woman role model.

Elaine said that as a guardian she found it fascinating to hear the stories (of the veterans). There were a couple of POWs and they definitely have an interesting perspective.

She said her parents, like many reportedly of their generation, did not talk a lot about their wartime experiences while she was growing up. It was not until she was working on a graduate school history project that her father spoke about Pearl Harbor with her.

Elaine said the trip volunteers were very inquisitive about their elders experiences, which helped them as a group share their memories with the younger generations.

I glad (Honor Flight volunteers) were able to make (the trip) happen, she said. Honor Flight relies completely on donations and it is a worthwhile cause.

Email: rbnews@pomeradonews.com
A Vietnam War veterans search for a movie-making soldier from Chula Vista lasted decades, then ended in just hours this week when family members helped solved the years-long mystery.

Barry Moore, who lives in Muscle Shoals, Ala., had been looking for Joseph M. Perez for 45 years. The two has served together in 1968 as part of A Battery, 2/4 Artillery, 9th Infantry Division when they were stationed at a base in Rach Kien, South Vietnam.

On Tuesday afternoon the long quest came to an end after a San Diego Union-Tribune story posted on Facebook was spotted by a relative who contacted Perezs younger brother Phillip. When the sibling saw the accompanying photo, he immediately knew it was his brother Joe who now lives in Washington.

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A few phone calls later, the two Vietnam vets - who havent spoken to each other for nearly 50 years - were on the phone reminiscing about old times and all their fellow soldiers. We had a long, long chat last night, said an incredulous Moore. Its amazing, absolutely amazing.

Moore has spent years tracking down fellow soldiers, and he has had some success finding veterans from the unit who now live in Georgia, North Carolina and New Jersey. But he had no luck when it came to locating Perez. And he had a particular reason why he wanted to find him.

The 70-year-old veteran sold Perez his first camera  a 35mm model that he had purchased in Germany  and the young soldier liked it so much he then bought an 8mm movie camera which he used to film the men as they fired howitzer cannons in support of the infantry division at battle. He was always taking movies of us, Moore said.

He wanted to find him not only to reconnect, but with the hope that the footage he shot all those years ago was still around. The films are lasting images and a historical legacy of the men called to fight in the war in which more than 58,000 Americans were killed.

My children know me as a gruff guy who never did want to talk about Vietnam too much, he said. So I thought if I could get those videos and put them on a disc, then my children and my grandchildren can see what kind of guy I was.

But thats just one of the reasons Moore has been searching for Perez and the films he took almost 50 years ago. He was also doing it on behalf of another soldier who died in Northern California just eight years after the war. Randy Bargas, who had become a police officer in the Santa Cruz area after leaving Vietnam, was killed in a car crash while on his way home from work, leaving behind a wife and two young daughters.

If I can find Joe and he still has the movies, what better testament to our deceased friend than to give the movies to his daughters and let them see their dad as he was, said Moore who visited his friends grave during a trip to the Golden State earlier this year.

Now that dream may come true. Perez said that all of the movies are in a box at his sisters house. He said he will have his brother Phillip go through them and put as much as he can on a DVD. The younger Perez also has a trip planned to Alabama later this year so Moore said he will meet him when he gets there.

Moore said he and Joe did not talk about seeing each other, but that could be in the cards as well. He said he may travel to Washington for a get-together and that there was also a reunion planned for his unit next year in Baltimore that they could possibly attend.

Moore said he was happy and excited to find that Perez, who reupped with the Army after his Vietnam tour, was still alive and that he had a big, happy family. Its like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders, he said.

He also said the news had him jumping up and down, and that the last 24 hours had been like a whirlwind.

After 45 years I finally found him, he said.

619-293-1710

debbi.baker@sduniontribune.com

twitter.com/Debbi_Baker
Central America, mistakenly I think, is often looked at as a place to enjoy nature and wildlife ONLY. But as you look closer, its a place of colonial cities, art, indigenous cultures, delicious foods, coffee and chocolate, Maya sites, beaches, diving and, yes, tons of gorgeous and often totally foreign, flora and fauna.

In November of 2011, just a few months after starting the SanPedroScoop, I wrote a Bucket List  Places to Visit In Central America (and Nearby Mexico) Before I turn(ed) 40. I was the tender age of 38and had almost two full years for completion. Easy, right? I meanCentral America is, comparatively, pretty tiny. Small countries that I should be able to cover indays. Okprobably weeks. But still! I listed the following spots: Laguna Bacalar, Yucatan, Mexico

San Cristobal de las Casa, Chiapas, Mexico

Antigua, Guatemala

Lake Atitlan, Guatemala

Little Corn Island, Nicaragua

Lake Nicaragua, Granada, Isla de Ometepe and all the islands (before the Chinese plow a canal through it)

Learning to surf in Nicaragua or Costa Rica (I now think backdid I really want to do thisor did I just want to sound cool?)

The Panama Canal

You can see by whats highlighted that almost 5 years later, I still have quite a bit to do. Though I did travel to one spot, Guanaja, Bay Islands, Honduras that SHOULD HAVE BEEN at the top of that list. It really is one of the prettiest places Ive ever been.

Its funny how quickly time flies and how time consuming travel in Central America can be.

But I can pick just one country. One that is our closest neighbor (at least geographically) and focus there.

Lets pare it downhere is my NEW LIST. And I need to stop fooling around. Guatemala is 100 miles from where I sit right now typing? And there are flights going to Guatemala City and Flores, Guat that would make the start of my journey SOOO easy. Or, for the slow, cheap route, there are tons of buses.

As they sayArriba, arriba!

Semuc Champey, Guatemala

In the middle of the Guatemalan jungle is a series of pools and a limestone bridge. My friends Heather and Kevin JUST visited and say that it is a SERIOUS hike. But mandoes it look gorgeous. And its also on the way to my next MUST SEE location.

It is almost an embarassment that I havent visited this spot right just outside of Guatemala City

Antigua, Guatemala

The original capital of Guatemala as early as the 1500s, this colonial city has been completely destroyed and then moved over the centuries in an earthquake prone zone. But today it is a town of cobblestones, churches, beautiful architecture and exciting new restaurants and bars. Easter week is the most popular (and expensive) time to visit  the entire town is carpeted with colorful sawdust for Christs procession.

Photo from this blog about where to celebrate Easter

Any other time of year, you can visit the city for very reasonable prices.

Rio Dulce, Guatemala

Just south of Belize is a popular sailboat destination  one where many of our catamarans go for maintenance, repairs or to use the harbor as protection from a storm. The river runs through a gorge for miles and the area, including hot water falls into cold pools and an old fortress, is supposed to be absolutely amazingly spectacular.



Stay at a Coffee Finca near in the mountains near Lake Atitlan

This is my wish-list and so I will include what looks like a GORGEOUS gorgeous resort/working coffee plantation with some ridiculous scenery. Filadelphia Coffee Resort. Photo from their website. Looks like a great place to enjoy the area 

Or I know I could make this one work as a base! Casa Palopo on Lake Atitlan. Holy moly. Review and photo from Paste Magazine.

I do like a nice place to relax after hiking an active volcano or visiting a plantation and drinking cup after cup of some of the worlds best coffee.

Hike An Active Volcano

Watch lava ooze down a mountain BELOW you and maybe roast a marshmallow or two? Sounds totally awesome. I need a easy to moderate hikeand I dont want one with a million people on it. A day trip from Antigua is Pacaya.

The crazy cool thing is that once you reach Guatemalas highlands, there seem to be active volcanoes just about everywhere.

Mythis seems like a nice place to erect my home. Eeek!

Im giving myself one year, perhaps not the uber-posh hotels (call me!) but ONE YEAR. Oror

Sigh.

For more, check out this great post by Passion and a Passport. Sailfishing! Black Sand Beaches!

And some more of my travels in the last 5 years below.
Country

United States of America US Virgin Islands United States Minor Outlying Islands Canada Mexico, United Mexican States Bahamas, Commonwealth of the Cuba, Republic of Dominican Republic Haiti, Republic of Jamaica Afghanistan Albania, People's Socialist Republic of Algeria, People's Democratic Republic of American Samoa Andorra, Principality of Angola, Republic of Anguilla Antarctica (the territory South of 60 deg S) Antigua and Barbuda Argentina, Argentine Republic Armenia Aruba Australia, Commonwealth of Austria, Republic of Azerbaijan, Republic of Bahrain, Kingdom of Bangladesh, People's Republic of Barbados Belarus Belgium, Kingdom of Belize Benin, People's Republic of Bermuda Bhutan, Kingdom of Bolivia, Republic of Bosnia and Herzegovina Botswana, Republic of Bouvet Island (Bouvetoya) Brazil, Federative Republic of British Indian Ocean Territory (Chagos Archipelago) British Virgin Islands Brunei Darussalam Bulgaria, People's Republic of Burkina Faso Burundi, Republic of Cambodia, Kingdom of Cameroon, United Republic of Cape Verde, Republic of Cayman Islands Central African Republic Chad, Republic of Chile, Republic of China, People's Republic of Christmas Island Cocos (Keeling) Islands Colombia, Republic of Comoros, Union of the Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, People's Republic of Cook Islands Costa Rica, Republic of Cote D'Ivoire, Ivory Coast, Republic of the Cyprus, Republic of Czech Republic Denmark, Kingdom of Djibouti, Republic of Dominica, Commonwealth of Ecuador, Republic of Egypt, Arab Republic of El Salvador, Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Eritrea Estonia Ethiopia Faeroe Islands Falkland Islands (Malvinas) Fiji, Republic of the Fiji Islands Finland, Republic of France, French Republic French Guiana French Polynesia French Southern Territories Gabon, Gabonese Republic Gambia, Republic of the Georgia Germany Ghana, Republic of Gibraltar Greece, Hellenic Republic Greenland Grenada Guadaloupe Guam Guatemala, Republic of Guinea, Revolutionary People's Rep'c of Guinea-Bissau, Republic of Guyana, Republic of 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
King of Prussia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/12/2016 -- When pet owners are searching for a place that offers dog training in Wayne, PA and neighboring towns, they turn to the professionals at Perfect Pooch in King of Prussia. The dedicated and qualified trainers at Perfect Pooch believe that every dog deserves the chance to learn and the opportunity to be the best they can be. Each member of the training team constantly learns and evolves based on the most innovative training techniques and scientific methods. With these training sessions, owners can successfully bridge the communication gap between themselves and their best friends.



From enrichment lessons, private lessons and obedience modules to the daycare & training program, group classes and continuing education classes, Perfect Pooch offers a slew of dog training options to accommodate the needs and requirements of all owners. The experienced team of trainers know how to customize each training regimen to suit the lifestyles of both the dog and the owner. They can be counted on to help any canine behave like a "perfect pooch." The facility works with any and every breed of dog, and even allow intact dogs who aren't neutered into their training program.



Owners can have peace of mind knowing that their dog will be comfortable and happy when staying at Perfect Pooch's facility. When they aren't busy training or playing with staff or other pooches during their stay, the dogs will be kept in a climate-controlled kennel. Anyone interested in dog and puppy training in Wayne, PA and the surrounding areas should speak with one of the trainers at Perfect Pooch, who will suggest the best training program for their dog.



Learn more about the dog training services available at Perfect Pooch by visiting their website or by calling 610-337-6798 today.



About Perfect Pooch

Perfect Pooch is based out of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania offering a wide variety of services to dog owners throughout the region including training, grooming, daycare and full kennel services. After a temperament evaluation Perfect Pooch will allow most dogs into their kennel, training and grooming facility. They provide adoption services as well as comprehensive obedience and socialization training. Reach them today for more information on their available dog services at 610-337-7698.



For more information, please visit http://perfect-pooch.com/.
Deerfield Beach, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/12/2016 -- Zion Research has published a new report titled "Cement Market for Residential, Commercial, Infrastructure and Other Applications: Saudi Arabia Industry Perspective, Comprehensive Analysis and Forecast, 2014  2020" According to the report, Saudi arabia region demand for cement was valued at USD 3.90 billion in 2014 and is expected to reach USD 5.27 billion in 2020, growing at a CAGR of slightly above 5.1% between 2014 and 2020. In terms of volume, the cement market in the Saudi Arabia stood at 61,000 kilo tons in 2014.



Get a copy of free Sample Report @ http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/cement-market-for-residential-commercial-infrastructure-and-other-35998#RequestSample



Cement is a one of the key binding material used in construction industry. Cements acts as a binding agent for mortar, concrete, non-specialty grouts and stucco, etc. Cement is manufactured from raw materials such as limestone, sand and clay. These kinds of raw materials are widely available in Saudi Arabia. Additionally, cheap and widely available petroleum fuel has been resulted into cost effective manufacturing of cement in the region. Various physical and chemical properties of cement such as high durability, high dependability, cost-effectiveness and versatility are favorable for construction applications.



Key factors driving the demand for cement market in Saudi Arabia is increasing the construction activity in different segments such as commercial, residential, industrial and infrastructure. Rapidly growing population has been resulted into growing demand for residential & commercial buildings as well as infrastructure. Residential application market for cement in Saudi Arabia is expected to witness strong growth during the forecast period. Infrastructure is one of the largest segment, which accounted for around 50% share of the total market in 2014. Infrastructure refers to the construction that includes roads, bridges, canals and dams. The increasing number of airports and road construction projects are anticipated to boost the cement market in Saudi Arabia. Commercial application is the second largest application segment of the market in 2014, which include construction of walls, floors, exterior walkways and pavements of commercial buildings.



Read report TOC @ http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/cement-market-for-residential-commercial-infrastructure-and-other-35998#tableOfContent



The cement market was dominated by Central region of Saudi Arabia, which accounted for slightly above 32% share of the Saudi Arabia market in 2014. Saudi Arabia was followed by the Western, Eastern, Southern and northern regions respectively. Cement market in central region is also expected to witness rapid growth as compared to other regions. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in construction activities in the Saudi Arabia, especially in the eastern and central provinces. Various cities in the Kingdom have initiated infrastructure projects, thereby fuelling demand for cement. Strong economic growth in the Saudi Arabia is expected to fuel growth of the cement market in various cities of the Saudi Arabia.



Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @ http://www.marketresearchstore.com/report/cement-market-for-residential-commercial-infrastructure-and-other-35998#ReportDetails



The manufacturing companies of cement have a significant impact on the value chain through a higher degree of vertical integration. These companies manufacture raw materials as well as the final product. Some of the key players operating in the Saudi Arabia cement market include Saudi Cement Company, Riyadh Cement Company, Yamama Cement Company, and Najran Cement Company. This report segments the global market as follows:



Saudi Arabia Cement Market: Application Segment Analysis



Residential

Commercial

Infrastructure

Others (including cement bricks and farm construction)



Saudi Arabia Cement Market: Regional Segment Analysis



Central

Eastern

Northern

Southern

Western



About Zion Research

Zion Research is a market intelligence company providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. Zion Research experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants uses proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.



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Odessa, Ukraine -- (SBWIRE) -- 10/12/2016 -- Sofira Interior Textiles Parlor has reported their intention to design, sew and sell high quality drapes in Odessa. This decision is beneficial for the residents of the city and customers, who come from other locations. The assortment of textiles and accessories is very rich at the parlor, which makes it possible to order different kinds of curtains to meet any taste and needs.



Sofira Interior Textiles Parlor is a popular and reputable atelier, which was opened on October 1, 2006. Since that time, the parlor has gained popularity among the customers due to the high quality services they offer, extensive choice of textiles and drapes, qualified specialists and other benefits they offer to each and every customer. Professionals working for Sofira are experienced and dedicated to their job. They offer individual approach to each client with regard to the requirements, preferences and taste. This is what the managers of the parlor tell about it: "The aim of our atelier is to help the clients make their homes and offices comfortable, cozy and stylish by adding a touch of individuality to the interior design. We realize that surrounding plays a crucial role in the wellbeing of people and we try to make your lives bright, memorable and filled with warmth and happiness."



As of today, Sofira can boast over 1500 clients, who have already become loyal customers of the parlor and recommend their services to their friends and relatives. The team working for the atelier consists of professionals, who are dedicated to what they do. They consider their job a calling, but not just mere everyday routine. These people are inspired to design and sew unique and extraordinary drapes, spending much of their time and effort.



The assortment of textiles and accessories offered by the parlor is very extensive and can impress everyone. New samples are regularly added to the collection to make it possible for the clients to choose and design contemporary and stylish curtains for their homes and offices. The parlor frequently takes part in exhibitions and seminars to enhance their efficacy and quality of work. There is one more thing that differs Sofira from other suchlike parlors. Apart from designing curtains, they also have professional equipment and tools to sew the curtains and offer the post-sales services. Due to this fact, it is possible to design drapes according to the individual designs offered by the clients.



For more information, please, feel free to visit http://www.sofira.com.ua/



About Sofira

Sofira is a trendy and popular interior textiles parlor, which offers top-notch services on the professional design and manufacture of drapes. The parlor was opened on October 1, 2006, and has gained popularity with the clients, the amount of which exceeds 1500 people by now. The atelier has a rich choice of textiles and accessories. They use professional equipment and tools to design and sew high quality drapes according to the needs and wishes of customers. The parlor offers individual approach to each client, taking into account any design ideas. This is what makes them stand out from the crowd.



Contact Info:

Address: 5 Chernjakhovskogo Street, 65009 Odessa, Ukraine

Tel.: +38 (048) 785-07-65 / +38 (048) 787-32-78 / +38 (050) 336-47-68

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sofiraodessa/

Website: http://www.sofira.com.ua/
The Suns nearest stellar neighbor, Proxima Centauri, has a regular cycle of starspots, according to a team of astronomers from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA) and the Astronomical Observatory at the University of Warsaw.

Our Sun experiences an 11-year activity cycle. At the solar minimum, the star is nearly spot-free. At solar maximum, typically more than 100 sunspots cover less than one percent of the Suns surface.

A new study finds that Proxima Centauri undergoes a similar cycle lasting seven years from peak to peak.

However, its cycle is much more dramatic. At least a full 1/5th of the stars surface is covered in spots at once. Also, some of those spots are much bigger relative to the stars size than the spots on our Sun.

If intelligent aliens were living on the recently-discovered Earth-like exoplanet Proxima b, they would have a very dramatic view, said CfA astronomer Dr. Brad Wargelin, who is the lead author on the study.

Proxima Centauri is a small, cool, red dwarf located in the constellation of Centaurus, only 4.23 light-years from the Sun. It was discovered in 1915 by the Scottish astronomer Robert Innes.

The star is not visible to the naked eye and is only 1/10th as massive and 1/1000th as luminous as the Sun.

Proxima Centauri is also a flare star, meaning that convection processes within the stars body make it prone to random and dramatic changes in brightness.

The convection processes not only trigger brilliant bursts of starlight but, combined with other factors, mean that the star is in for a very long life. Astronomers say it will remain middle-aged for another 4 trillion years, some 300 times the age of the current Universe.

Dr. Wargelin and his colleagues were surprised to detect a stellar activity cycle in Proxima Centauri because its interior is expected to be very different from the Suns.

We report on several years of optical, UV, and X-ray observations of Proxima Centauri: 15 years of All Sky Automated Survey photometry in the V-band and 3 years in the I-band, 4 years of observations from NASAs Swift spacecraft, and 9 sets of X-ray observations from other X-ray missions (the NASA/ISAS Advanced Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics, NASAs Chandra and ESAs XMM-Newton space observatories) spanning 22 years, the astronomers said.

We confirm previous reports of an 83-day rotational period and find strong evidence for a 7-year stellar cycle, along with indications of differential rotation at about the solar level.

The existence of a cycle in Proxima Centauri shows that we dont understand how stars magnetic fields are generated as well as we thought we did, added Dr. Jeremy Drake, a co-author on the study and an astronomer at the CfA.

The study does not address whether Proxima Centauris activity cycle would affect the potential habitability of the exoplanet Proxima b.

Theory suggests that flares or a stellar wind could scour the planet and strip away any atmosphere. In that case, Proxima b might be like Earths Moon  located in the habitable zone, but not at all friendly to life.

Direct observations of Proxima b wont happen for a long time. Until then, our best bet is to study the star and then plug that information into theories about star-planet interactions, said co-author Dr. Steve Saar, also from the CfA.

The teams findings were published online October 8 in the Monthly Notices of Royal Astronomical Society.

_____

B.J. Wargelin et al. Optical, UV, and X-Ray Evidence for a 7-Year Stellar Cycle in Proxima Centauri. MNRAS, published online October 8, 2016; doi: 10.1093/mnras/stw2570

This article is based on a press-release issued by the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics.
Research infrastructure isn't just about buildings and equipment. It's also about policy frameworks, legislation and generally creating a conducive environment for research  what Carel IJsselmuiden calls the soft side of how to get science going.

IJsselmuiden is director of COHRED, a Geneva-based international NGO that focuses on supporting low- and middle-income countries to improve their research capacity. As part of that, COHRED has set up the Research Fairness Initiative (RFI): a mechanism designed to strongly encourage institutions to report the policies and practices they follow to ensure fairness in the collaborative research they undertake.

SciDev.Net spoke with IJsselmuiden about the mechanism and its aims after a discussion among RFI supporters in Brussels last month.



There we also spoke with Glaudina Loots, Director of Health Innovation at the South African Department of Science and Technology, in an audio interview that discusses some of the practical dimensions of implementing this tool.



Dr. IJsselmuiden, what is the research fairness initiative?



The research fairness initiative is an attempt to create a first reporting format that would allow institutions that take part in global collaborative research  whether health or otherwise  to specify how they deal in key issues with those partnerships. These might be overhead costs, or sharing of intellectual property rights or decision making on how to modify studies.



We've been having a global consultation over a year and a half and we came up with this RFI that defines three areas of fairness. One is fairness of opportunity  more or less what happens before research starts. The second is fairness of process  relationship issues during research. And the third is fairness of benefit-cost and outcome sharing  the results at the end of research. For each we've defined five practical topics that have come up in all workshops, and then three indicators in each of those.

So an RFI report would be an annual or biannual report that institutions produce that outlines how they deal with partnerships. The purpose is to create transparency, to enable institutions to actually say what they are doing and where they want to improve  that is the reporting part. Secondly, it is to start picking up what others are doing in terms of capacity building, system infrastructure, benefits that they leave behind  so it is also a learning platform.



The RFI has also been referred to as an index. Can you clarify the difference between initiative and index?



It is subtle but very important. The initiative started off as a COHRED fairness index. The underlying part of an index is that you have criteria that you can measure, and by which you say the measure is right or wrong. That presumes you actually know what is right.



Now let me give you an example. Overhead costs are one of the most important areas of building sustainable research infrastructure, and also the most contentious. But the cost to build an institution, or to build telecommunications, varies tremendously. Some donors allow zero per cent. Others do [fund overheads], like the European Union now allows 25%, and the NIH (US National Institutes of Health) will allow 60-67% or more on top of the grant. So the question is what is right  is 0% right, is 30% right? We don't know. Part of moving from an index to an initiative is to say, let's at least start reporting what is common practice, and then maybe in a few years' time some of those criteria may become more like an index.



I noticed the initiative has a large number of indicators, I think about 45? This could be a deterrent for reporting, especially at a time when countries are implementing the SDGs. Is that something you're concerned about?

The three areas of fairness Fairness of opportunity or what happens before research starts Fairness of process or relationship issues during research Fairness of benefit-cost and outcome sharing or the results

The answer is yes. In the various global consultations people bring that message across regularly. Particularly the pharmaceutical industry mentions an example like the Access to Medicines index, which puts a tremendous reporting load and administrative load. We've also heard this from non-profit organisations and donors. So the cost-benefit ratio needs to be important.



Having said that, many of those indicators are actually indicators of good management practice. And that gives a different perspective. If, for example, one of the indicators asks does your institution have a research management office, you can say yes  surely any self-respecting research institution that wants to receive external funding needs to have a research management office. So for you to document what you have and then to specify where you want to go in the next two years should be a normal management practice. So yes, we are concerned to reduce the load as much as possible. The message is that RFI is not a new externally imported reporting standard on top of SDGs and on top of whatever else is required  actually it is a report that you should be writing as an internal report for your own management and performance improvement.



Is that kind of reporting not being done currently as part of the donor funding process?



If you look at the literature that describes how research happens in collaboration  particularly between high- and low-income countries  there is a tremendous amount of literature of imbalance in financial means, in power of decision making, in access to the products and the intellectual property (IP) rights. There are endless amounts of articles on how people were robbed off their IP, how data and specimens are forced to leave a country. We all say 'that is bad', and there are people who take it very seriously, but there is no framework within which you can grow to understand what would be an appropriate or fair standard. So that's one thing the RFI wants to do. The second thing is that based on those experiences there are very committed people and institutions that have developed internal standards. But that is often not communicated. The RFI helps to increase compliance with those guidelines and those tools that do exist. I think that is one of the big virtues.



There was some scepticism at yesterdays conference as to the mandatory nature of the tool. Have you had any reflections on that?



We need to get our message right. RFI is a voluntary, self-reporting system  there's nothing mandatory about it. If I tell you, however, that if you could choose between two institutions  one that produces conscientiously an RFI report and reflects on how it wants to do business in partnership, and another that doesn't  the choice is inevitably going to be for those who actually produce a report. So if your report says our ethics system isn't quite working, that is not a sign of weakness, it is a sign of where extra support could increase the capability. So no it's not mandatory. The remark that is important is that it has to be applied by a sufficient number of people to work. I also want to put the word scepticism in place: I think the big message from yesterday's meeting was, 'we all want it'. The question is no longer whether or not [to take it forward], but how.

Do you have a vision for those 50 years? Yesterday you mentioned the evidence-based system of medicine and you seemed to make a parallel between the two.

I think the logical next step is to pilot this in a series of institutions, and to write reports. So that we can see how it practically functions within government departments or within research institutions and the private sector. And to keep having workshops like this. I expect that what we now call a Beta version will be tweaked, not substantially changed, and that this version can run for 2-4 years perhaps. Then we will learn as people write it and use it. And so I would imagine that in 50 years' time, with thousands of users, it would be a different tool than what we have today.



I'm really impressed, across the globe and across meetings, that there seems to be a wish for researchers to be part of a movement that creates more fairness and fairness of access to the benefits of research to the world. I think there is a sense  but there is no tool, there is no framework, there is no common standard. And for me the parallel that I drew was very much about when I started medical training: evidence-based medicine was very much in its infancy and most was expert driven  so one professor would say something totally opposite from the other, and sentences would always start with "in my experience". And that sentence, "in my experience", is what we see now in capacity building and research systems. In clinical medicine that sentence has been totally replaced by evidence-based medicine. And it is based on getting the data on the table. RFI is going to do that. In 20 years' time, the evidence base on how to build research infrastructure support into project granting will be way different from what it is now.



Q&As are edited for length and clarity.

This article is part of a series on the future of research funding in low and middle income countries supported by the International Development Research Centre.
As the human population increases the global warming effects also shoot up. Even the most important organism living underwater is being ignored by humans and this causes them to die. The "lungs of the sea" or seagrass need protection as researchers found out that human activity is responsible for its loss.

Seagrass is responsible for providing food and shelter for a huge range of animals that includes fish, birds, and marine mammals. It is called the lungs of the sea for it has an ability to generate oxygen through photosynthesis. Thus, experts say the loss of seagrass is not an option.

Over 100 scientists from 28 countries joined hands in protecting seagrass meadows. This research team all see the importance of seagrass, hence they decided to conduct a study about it. They have seen that vast amount of seagrass meadows was destroyed.

Seagrass is a marine powerhouse, so why isn't it on the world's conservation agenda? https://t.co/vIKuZxUBCs pic.twitter.com/vDHNKPyVwX  Oceana (@Oceana) October 11, 2016

In the study, the team of researchers surveys 11 sites in England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The result is disturbing, because of all the areas only two are having a healthy seagrass meadow. The rest of the meadows show high nitrogen level in the water, which is the result of dying seagrass.

In line with this, the team also surveyed all the shallow waters of coastal regions in every continent excluding Antarctica. The shocking discovery awakens them as seagrass meadow is decreasing at a rate of two percent every year globally. The coast of the British Isles alone, the researchers found evidence of damage caused by human disturbance and pollution.

The team of researchers called for action and it was led by Dr. Richard Unsworth of Swansea University. They stated that "There is no international legislation for seagrass, therefore protection typically happens at a local or regional level."

The team warned that the death of seagrass meadows will treat the population of green turtles, seahorse, and dugong. Not only the seagrass is important to marine life, humans also benefit from them. The livelihoods of millions of people will be at risk and levels of poverty will rise, especially for those who lives near the coastal area, according to BBC News.
Port-a-Piment hospital in southwest Haiti saw a huge number of patients coming in every 10 or 15 minutes, arriving on motorcycles with their family members and being admitted due to cholera.

It has been less than a week since Haiti was hit by Hurricane Matthew that killed a minimum of 1,000 people according to the records from local officials. The destruction caused by the hurricane seemed to be a major obstruction in the daily lives of people but now an issue even more grave has come up. The country is facing a public health crisis as cholera is spreading like an epidemic through rural communities that lack food, clean water and shelter.

According to Reuters, there were 39 cases of cholera early on Sunday but raised to 60 by the afternoon. Four people had already died due to this waterborne disease. The hospital's medical director, Missole Antoine believes that the numbers are going to rise.

There had been 13 cases of cholera that were reported before hurricane Matthew hit. However, the numbers have risen substantially since the extremely poor region has been cut off completely post the destructive hurricane. This hospital does not have an ambulance or even a car for that matter. Patients are coming in from miles away, carried by their relatives on camp beds, according to FOX News.

The damage caused to property and public amenities is no less. The scene on the streets was also very shocking. Houses that once stood upright were now reduced to mere rubble and twisted metal. Humans and animals suffered grave injuries and a large number of people have been killed in this havoc.

The banana crops in the region have been destroyed entirely as the vast field areas have now turned into leafy mush. No government aid arrived for the poor people on an early basis. Hence they had to rely on fallen coconuts for water and food.

Environment program employees are claiming that the destruction and loss caused in 2016 by Hurricane Matthew is much worse than that of 2010. The local wells in the village of Chevalier are contaminated with the dead bodies of livestock but the people have no other option than to drink that unhygienic water.

People in these places are just hoping for sufficient government help that might help them to rebuild their homes and bring their lives back on track.
The increasing number of child brides has alarmed some parts of the world. On the occasion of the International Day of the Girl, UNICEF has estimated that the number of girls entering early marriage may rise from 700 million today to nearly 900 million by 2030.

According to BBC, Save the Children reported that one girl under 15 years of age become a child bride every seven seconds. Furthermore, numerous girls as young as 10 years old enter forced marriage with older men. This happens in countries including India, Yemen, Somalia, and Afghanistan.

Save the Children stressed that early marriage can cause a cycle of disadvantage in the lives of child brides. While humanitarian crises, poverty, and conflict are among the reasons why many girls become exposed to child marriage, more unfavorable happenings await these girls. Early marriage denies child brides the right to enjoy childhood and learn. Also, they are more likely to experience rape and domestic violence and become exposed to sexually transmitted infections like HIV.

Different personalities around the world have expressed support for the fight against child marriage. For instance, British actress Emma Watson has recently condemned the practice, as reported by Sky News.

As a goodwill ambassador for UN Women, Watson visited Malawi and called on authorities in Africa to end the early marriage practice. According to her, this can put the lives of child brides at risk.

Malawi passed a law in 2015 that raised the minimum age of marriage to 18. Watson said it is very inspiring to see how communities working together can stop a harmful practice. According to Girls Not Brides, a UK-based campaign group, 15 million girls marry as children each year.

In the midst of promoting young girls' human rights, UN declared October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child. The fight against early marriage is not yet over. Advocates from different parts of the world continue to work to prevent the increasing number of child brides in various countries.
Tesla motors have taken up the habit of making major changes without any official announcement. Earlier the EV manufacturer got rid of its car buyback program and raised prices for its Autopilot without any prior information. This time, Tesla has gone even further with the dumping of the cheapest Model X 60D from its lineup.

Earlier in July, Tesla introduced its low cost Model S 60 and Model X 60D, both of which had 75 kWh batteries. Teslarati now reports that while the Model S 60 will still be available, the Model X 60D won't be there anymore.

Marking the Extinction:

The Model X 60D had a starting price of $74,500 that isn't that much costly as the other Tesla models. The EV offered 200 miles range with the additional option to unlock 15 kWh of its battery capacity through an over-the-air software update for $9,500.

With the extinction of the 60D, the lowest-price Model X is now the 75D starting at $86,700. Other Model X prices range from $96,700 for the 90D to the $136,700 price for the P100D. According to Electrek, the Model X is a best seller in Norway, Netherlands and is also very much popular in mainland China.

#Tesla Model X 60d scrapped after sales figures were not good enough, after the electric car maker has best financial quarter ever. pic.twitter.com/ncDinbn9w7  TurboToday (@turbo_today) October 11, 2016

Making Room For a New Model?

There are speculations regarding why Tesla drop its Model X 60D. According to a report on DigitalTrends, the signature falcon-wing doors, which did not work well, may be a reason for the discontinuation. However, other reports like that on Carbuzz suggest that Tesla might be making space for a new model.

Earlier, Musk had also claimed that Tesla would reveal a new model -called Model Y- following the launch of the Model 3. As the new vehicle could easily gain some profits, which Tesla desperately needs, this explains why the EV manufacturer kicked the Model X 60D.

What Else Did Tesla Remove?

Tesla also removed two colors options from its Online Design Studio yesterday, previously made available for Model S as well as Model X. The company also secretly took off the 1.25 hitch accessory and Tesla's standard suspension. Tesla also replaced the coil spring suspension with the Smart Air Suspension.

It'd be interesting to see which new model Tesla has in its store for us. Well, as there's no official announcement made by the company yet, all we can do is wait.
Hurricane Matthew hit the southeastern United States last weekend and it uncovered 16 civil war cannon balls on the South Carolina beach beside leaving behind fatalities and damages. A beachgoer who first saw the cannon balls knew that the metal objects lying on the sand are capable of exploding.

According to the Guardian, the cannonballs were found at Folly Beach on Sunday in South Carolina. A bomb squad was called to a South Carolina beach to examine the cannonballs. On the other hand, they could not reach the area right away because of the rising tide. Once the sea level lowered, they would keep the area safe yet the residents might hear a small explosion.

Matthew found some Civil War cannonballs in Charleston https://t.co/kyLDC7xtvZ  Rob Williams (@orangejack) October 10, 2016

Former Folly Beach mayor Richard Beck, who first examined the cannonballs said that he knew they were cannonballs. He further said that one of the cannonballs has a very distinct hole in it that went directly into. He added that during the Civil war, they placed fuses in cannonballs for them to explode when they desired them to.

The beach where the cannonballs were found is near Charleston. This area has a touched of history dating back during the Civil War. It was on this beach that the Union troops prepared to attack the nearby Fort Morris. Also, the first shots were fired at Fort Sumter, according to Smithsonian.

Meanwhile, Hurricane Matthew made many people trapped in their homes and cars during the heavy rains. The rescuers picked them from their rooftops and reached to people who were stuck on floodwaters. Hurricane Matthew killed almost 900 people in Haiti, 18 in U.S. and half of them from North Carolina. Most of the fatalities were swept by raging floodwaters.
Recently, scientists tried a new treatment for heart attacks. They used monkeys for their experiment in which they successfully repaired their hearts through stem cell therapy.

According to The Guardian, scientists used heart cells created from the donor's skin. They chose the donor to be the recipients' good genetic match. They induced heart attack in five monkeys and injected freshly made heart cells into the damaged areas of their hearts. Doing so helped the organs pump more vigorously. The recipients needed drugs to stop their bodies from rejecting the cells.

Dr. Yushi Shiba and the whole team of researchers from Shinshu University injected 400m lab-made cells and were able to replace around 16 percent of the damaged tissue. They wired up new cells with healthy ones in the heart.

However, it is important to take note that the stem cell therapy done caused unusual heart rhythms. For this reason, researchers believe that considering the treatment safe for humans would need further research and work. As of writing, experts are trying to understand the exact cause of the unusual heart rhythms. According to Sam Boateng from the Reading University, the work was a step towards a great chance of repairing a damaged heart after a heart attack. Boateng is currently studying the mechanisms of heart failure.

Live Science reported that the irregular heartbeats lasted for four weeks after the stem cell therapy. The side effect was not deadly and the monkeys lived for the entire study period, which lasted for three months.

Heart attack is among the leading causes of death particularly in the developed world. For instance, hospitals in UK attend to around 200,000 cases every year. Undeniably, this recent experiment is very promising. Once the experts become successful in their further studies, numerous people around the world will benefit from a new radical treatment for heart attacks.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles last Tuesday, reached a last-minute settlement with Unifor avoiding a labor disruption at the company's three Canadian assembly plants. Following the footsteps of the United Auto Workers in the United States, Unifor also wanted the same contract terms from the Detroit-based carmakers so that the latter do not have an advantage on labor cost.

NYTimes reports the agreement would apply to 10,000 Canadian Fiat Chrysler workers. The deal also includes a few concessions for new investments, which is similar to what was offered by the General Motors earlier in September.

Last-minute tentative deal averts strike at Fiat-Chrysler https://t.co/f5UIZXiYwt  Local Xpress (@xpress_local) October 11, 2016

Marchionne Comes To The Rescue:

Jerry Dias, Unifor's President, said earlier that the deal couldn't have been possible without the intervention of Sergio Marchionne, chief executive of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. Dias also added that Sergio Marchionne is not any charm school graduate and that they had to debate for quite a while to agree for the deal. The union also made it clear in the conference that Fiat Chrysler would be investing in an old assembly plant located in the suburban part of Toronto.

The Ontario based company denied to comment further until the unionized workers ratified the deal. Mr. Dias however, said that the Union vote would take place later this weekend. According to YahooFinance, Fiat Chrysler had agreed to invest $246 million for rebuilding the paint shop in its Brampton assembly plant. The union is also reported to seek support from the government as well, in order to help in the rejuvenation of the rest of the factory.

What would happen if the deal failed?

A walkout from either side would definitely affect Fiat's only minivan plant in Windsor. Other factories including the assembly plant in Brampton as well as the aluminum casting factory in Toronto would also be affected. As the majority of vehicles, Fiat Chrysler manufactures in Canada, are sold in the United States, the strike would have left a major impact on the American market.

Mr. Dias said earlier that just as the Union did with General Motors, the negotiations are still focused on preserving jobs in Canada. The main concern of Unifor is regarding the jobs involved in the Brampton factory. The plant is known for its production of a line of cars, including the Chrysler 300. However recently, Fiat's greatest sales have come from sport utility vehicles, particularly its Jeep brand, and Ram pickup trucks, which are not manufactured in Canada.
The United States is one of the countries that showed interest in exploring the "Red Planet". However, scientists have warned that astronauts who will join the Mars exploration could develop dementia and uncontrollable sense of fear, dubbed as "space brain", as they make their way to Mars.

According to Mirror, NASA is actively studying how to send humans to the "Red Planet", which is estimated to be 34 million miles away. Netherlands-based Mars One group plans to send people there in 2027, but US entrepreneur Elon Musk has also announced that he plans to send people to Mars by 2022; 5 years earlier than Mars One group.

However, Professor Charles Limoli, an expert in radiation oncology at University of California, Irvine, and colleagues found the effects of cosmic rays that would attack astronauts could cause a long-term brain damage when tested in rodents and their results pose a significant health threat such as cognitive impairment and dementia. The condition could also interfere with the "fear extinction" process, which helps people get over scary or stressful incidents so they can, for example, go swimming again after nearly drowning, he reported in the journal Scientific Reports.

"This is not positive news for astronauts deployed on a two-to-three-year round trip to Mars," Professor Limoli said in a statement. "The space environment poses unique hazards to astronauts. Exposure to these particles can lead to a range of potential central nervous system complications that can occur during and persist long after actual space travel - such as various performance decrements, memory deficits, anxiety, depression and impaired decision-making," Fox News reported.

"The Mars mission will result in an inevitable exposure to cosmic radiation that has been shown to cause cognitive impairments in rodent models, and possibly in astronauts engaged in deep space travel," the study states. According to a report by Independent, the study used rodents and just because something happens to the mice during the study doesn't necessarily mean that it will have the same results in humans. That's one of the reasons why the study uses the word "possibly" when presenting their findings.

Meanwhile, people ask why astronauts living on the International Space Station for years have not faced the same level of cosmic rays. it is due to the fact that the ISS orbits the Earth inside the planet's protective magnetosphere, which mostly protects people on the planet from cosmic radiation. But any trailblazer on a journey to Mars would have to compete with the harmful radiation of space.
When cosmonaut Gherman Titov became the second person to ever orbit the Earth in 1961, he was only 25 years old. Yet, he was able to orbit the planet 17 times aboard the Soviet Union's Vostok 2 spacecraft before he touched back down.

Since his orbit, about 550 other people have done the same thing, but none of them had been younger than he'd been during their flight. In fact, as Space.com noted, NASA has never launched a younger cosmonaut - their youngest was Sally Ride, who was 32 when she lifted off the space shuttle mission over two decades later.

This did not fare well for Mike Mongo, who wanted the record to be rewritten soon. The author of a children's book titled "The Astronaut Instruction Manual," is pushing to launch a kid to space in the near future. Media attention aside, Mongo thinks that the effect will be positive on children, saying that "By letting a kid go to space, we will inspire an entire generation of space explorers. If we solve space for kids, they will solve the future for us."

Mongo, who spends a lot of time giving presentations for children in underserved neighborhoods in the United States and abroad, said that kids can pursue careers in astronautics. Jobs in space also open as a possibility for them.

However, there are some concerns to his cause: first, there is a certain degree of danger involved for those who want to embark in space missions. For instance, the hazards of space radiation can be more dangerous for children than for grown-ups. But then again, the first child to board a plane eventually became a minister of information in Greece's cabinet and played a significant role against the Nazis in the World War II, so as Mongo put it, "We let a kid fly in an airplane, and he defeated the Nazis. What's going to happen when we put a kid in a rocket ship?"
Before Hurricane Matthew made landfall in Florida, evacuation warnings were all over the media, ensuring that its citizens are kept safe during one of the worst typhoons that they have seen in years.

Unfortunately, not everyone had the same fate: as many as 1,000 people may have died in Haiti, the third-largest country in the Caribbean, and over one million people are in need of food, clean water, clothing, and shelter.

The worst part is that trucks that are supposed to be filled with aid are passing through the hurricane-ravaged towns, but didn't stop to offer help. Desperate people who have lost their homes are already knee-deep in anger, and convoys are failing to take notice.

Reuters reported that tensions have been high, with some survivors pelting aid trucks with rocks as they have been ignored on the streets due to lack of coordination in the distribution of food and water. Dmitri Pierre, a survivor, spoke: "They humiliated us, they take us for beasts, we don't know where we are going or what there will be in the future, everything is destroyed."

This coming from an impoverished nation that, until now, was still struggling to get back on its feet after a devastating 2010 earthquake killed 200,000 people and reduced many parts of the country to rubble. Elizabeth McCostlin, the managing director of the US Fund for UNICEF Midwest Region told the Chicago Tribune that for now, the highest priority is to prevent water-borne diseases, as this could be a huge risk for children and others living in the ravaged areas.

The United Nations itself has called for nearly $120 million in aid for Haiti, with UNICEF collecting money for supplies. For those who want to help, tax-deductable donations can be made at www.unicefusa.org/Matthew. You can also text RELIEF to 864233 (UNICEF) to donate $10.
Not everything that looks pretty should be part of a fashion catwalk - especially if those pretty things include pills.

Italian fashion brand Moschino recently unveiled its pill-themed fashion line for its spring collection. While fashionistas deem it as another episode in pricey accessories, the brand may have to reconsider their $75 iPhone 6 cover of blister pack drug tablets, thousand-dollar T-shirt dress with a giant pill bottle, and a $950 bag that looks like pharmaceutical container.

The Telegraph UK noted that this may be a nod to the excess in this decade, but when models in the Moschino Spring 2017 line carried the drug-themed clothing and accessories down the catwalk, more than a few were offended.

Randy Anderson, a Minneapolis-based drug and alcohol counselor, did not find these fashionable buys witty or funny, as these clothes and bags actually shows the reality of 2016: the continuing opoid epidemic. He noted that tens and thousands of people die of accidental drug overdoses per year, often from over-prescription of painkillers like Vicodin and OxyCotin.

Anderson set up a Change.org petition where he stated that these items marketed to the public could promote drug use, pointing out the countless media reports on drug overdose from prescription pain meds, including music icon, Prince.

Moschino defended their designs, however, with a representative saying, "The Moschino capsule collection was inspired by a play on the word 'capsule' translated literally as a collection of 'capsule-themed' products. There was never any intent to promote prescription drug abuse."

In line of the flak that the clothes brought online, Nordstrom retails have ceased selling the items online. A representative told The Los Angeles Times that they appreciate all the constructive feedback that they received from concerned customers and "ultimately decided to remove the collection from our site and the three stores where we offered it."

The controversial line is still available at Saks, Net-A-Porter, Farfetch, Harrods, Selfridges, and Browns.
At the 67th International Astronautical Congress, and Elon Musk had revealed the SpaceX's indentations of colonization of mars and build a city on mars. Elon Musk and SpaceX are not the only ones planning such an expedition, Boeing, and NASA are in the race too.

But what is the cost of a trip to mars? Not financially but healthwise. There are millions of volunteers who are ready for a one way trip to mars. There are people who don't mind dying on or on the way to mars. But it is still worth knowing what will a trip to mars cost.

Scientists at the University of California-Irvine have conducted a study to research a condition they call as "space brain." Astronauts will be exposed to high energy cosmic rays with charged particles that represent a GCR. Since the particles are high energy they would easily penetrate the spacecraft and enter the tissues of the human body.

The real cost of a trip to mars could be a long term cognitive dysfunction if the results of recent experiments on the rodents are to be believed. Rodents exposed to cosmic radiation exhibit performance decrements pertaining to persistent hippocampal and cortical functions.

"Exposure to these particles can lead to a range of potential central nervous system complications that can occur during and persist long after actual space travel," said UCI professor of radiation oncology, Charles Limoli, as reported in Cnet.

The irradiation also caused significant reductions in spine density, dendritic complexity, and altered spine morphology. Cosmic radiation also disrupted synaptic integrity and increased neuroinflammation that persisted more than 6 months after exposure.

The real cost of a trip to mars would also be a decreased "fear extinction." The Astronauts who return from mars would not be able to overcome simple fears arising out of an untoward incident. Although amid all these rising fears about irradiations, Elon Musk,said, The radiation thing is often brought up, but I think it's not too big of a deal."

With a long way to go before a trip to mars becomes a reality it would be in best interests of mankind to figure out the real cost of a trip to mars.
FLORENCE, S.C.  With thousands still without power across the state, school districts are weighing decisions on when to reopen.

Florence School District Two canceled school for today but had not made any decision for the rest of the week as of 1:30 Tuesday afternoon.

We are taking it day by day, Florence Two Superintendent Neal Vincent said. We will have a meeting again (Wednesday) to decide about Thursday.

Vincent said that it was not even a possibility for schools to be open Monday and Tuesday, regardless of the fact that many students would not have a way to get there anyway.

We dont have power at the schools, Vincent said. There are linemen working on it but there are also students without power. The road conditions are not good either. In some of the rural areas, there are trees over the roads that havent been removed; they have been cut so that maybe one car can get through but not a large bus.

When the district is reopened, the decision will not have been made lightly.

The district administration will meet and well decide as far as opening school, Vincent said. We also consult with the Department of Transportation, Highway Patrol, Florence County Sheriffs Office, multiple agencies.

Staff assessed both the high school and the middle/elementary school, Vincent said. Though there are things that will have to be repaired before students get back to school, most of the damage is minor.

Both principals, along with district administration, walked through the buildings, Vincent said. Weve had some roofs to leak; we had a large window that shattered. It is minor, nothing major, but we are going to have to get that cleaned up before school can resume. We had a softball dugout that a roof blew off. There was also an awning missing from the side of the career technology building.

Audrey Childers, public information officer for the Darlington County School District, said they were fortunate not to have serious damage to any of their schools.

We had limbs down here and there, leaking here and there, Childers said. We have not sustained any structural damage, though; we are extremely lucky.

School was canceled in Darlington County today. Childers said that they also would be looking day by day to determine when to reopen.

Our power companies have put out a herculean effort to get our schools up and operational, Childers said. They have been busting their butts and we are incredibly grateful. We are hopeful that we will be up and running before the end of the week.

According to Ryan Brown, chief communications officer for the South Carolina Department of Educations Office of Communications and Governmental Affairs, districts will follow the policies that they did last year when dealing with the flooding.

This is still being discussed but the current requirements are the same as after the flood in October of last year, Brown said in an email. If any changes are made, we will send it out as soon as possible.

A memorandum sent from the office of S.C. Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman to district superintendents said that by law All districts must set aside three days in the annual academic calendar to be used as make-up days. The first three days missed due to snow, extreme weather or other disruptions, must be made up. If more than three days are missed, the local school board of trustees, by a majority vote, may waive no more than three days.

Vincent said that one of District Twos built-in make-up days has already passed so they will have to revisit where a make-up day will fit into the calendar for the rest of the year.

All three of Darlingtons scheduled make-up days are on the calendar for the spring, Childers said. Anything beyond that has yet to be determined.

Some districts will have the option of petitioning the State Board of Education for a waiver of three additional make-up days beyond what their own school board has the power to grant.

The law pertaining to school operation lists lengthening the instructional day and adding on a Saturday instructional day as other possibilities for making up some of the required 180 days of instruction.

Any plans to extend the day must first be approved by the South Carolina Department of Education.
CHARLOTTE, N.C.  More than 10,000 people are working to restore power Wednesday to Duke Energy customers in the Carolinas in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew.

About 115,000 customers remain without power  65,000 in North Carolina and 50,000 in South Carolina. Extreme flooding in certain counties has hindered restoration.

Until flood waters recede, we are unable to restore power to some areas, said Bobby Simpson, who is overseeing Duke Energys restoration efforts. Our focus is to continue to restore power in areas where we can access and work safely  and in communities where customers are in a position to receive electricity.

Simpson added extreme flooding will continue to hamper restoration in:

North Carolina  Areas surrounding Clinton, Goldsboro, Kinston and Lumberton

South Carolina  Areas surrounding Florence, Hartsville and Marion

More than one million customers in the Carolinas lost power as a result of Hurricane Matthew. At its peak, 680,000 Duke Energy customers were without power on Sunday morning Oct. 9.

The number of customers affected could continue to grow as specific rivers crest, potentially damaging more electrical equipment and causing additional outages.

In terms of outages, Hurricane Matthew is the fifth worst storm to hit the combined Duke Energy / Duke Energy Progress service area with damage similar in scale to past storms like Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and Hurricane Hugo in 1989.

Duke Energy has posted estimated times of restoration on its website. Customers should understand those restoration times reflect the latest time a customers power could be restored. However, as crews assess specific areas, these times may be improved. Customers can view the latest updates about specific outages by zooming in on their locations on the map.

Once crews restore power to a trouble spot, the companys systems indicate all power provided by that device is on. We are using calls and text messages to gather information to determine remaining outages down the line. If you receive a call or text, it means we are actively working in your area. Please respond if you are still without power. This will assist us in restoring your power as quickly as possible.

Sometimes, repair work will require us to de-energize portions of the energy grid to allow crews to work safely. This could result in repeat, but brief, power outages to customers.

Duke Energys customer service centers have supplemented their ranks to assist customers who call to report outages and emergencies.

Customers can report outages and electrical emergencies, such as downed lines and poles, by calling Duke Energy's automated outage-reporting system for their specific service area:

Duke Energy Carolinas  800.769.3766

Duke Energy Progress  800.419.6356

Customers can text OUT to 57801 to report an outage from their mobile phone. Be sure to use the mobile phone associated with the customers account.

Meter-box damage

Customers who have damaged meter boxes will need to get them repaired and inspected to avoid delays in restoration. Heres a video explaining meter-box damage.

If a customers meter box is pulled away from the house and the house is without power, the homeowner is responsible for contacting an electrician for a permanent fix. An electrical inspection may be required before the company can reconnect service.

If the meter box is pulled away from the house and the house still has power, the customer should call an electrician to re-attach the meter box.

If your residence or business is flooded, a local building inspector may need to inspect the structure before power can be reconnected.

Safety

Duke Energy urges everyone to be safe during this challenging time. Please follow these important tips:

Do not attempt to reconnect your own power. That work is hazardous and should be completed by trained and qualified professionals.

Our employees are trained to be vigilant and constantly aware of their surroundings.

If, at any time, our crews believe they are in an unsafe situation, they will postpone the work until the area is safe and secure.

Anyone encountering electrical equipment after a storm, whether it is a downed power line, a substation or a solar site, should take extreme caution and assume that the equipment is energized -- especially do not go near electrical equipment when it is immersed in standing water.

Power lines can be hidden by debris and standing water so please be extremely careful moving around in damaged areas.

Move Over and Slow Down Law: The move over law requires drivers to move over one lane when two or more lanes are available in each direction to make way for emergency responders, tow trucks, DOT incident management assistance patrols and roadside work crews, such as utility crews. On roads with only one traffic lane in each direction, drivers must slow down and be prepared to stop. Violators could face fines.

Stay Connected -- Duke Energy offers a number of ways for customers to get information about outages and restoration efforts.

Online -- www.duke-energy.com/matthew. Customers can access outage maps and other information online from a computer or mobile device. Once on the map, customers can zoom in to their specific location and hover over the outage indicator nearest their home. A message box will appear showing total customers affected, status and an estimated time of restoration, if available

Facebook -- www.facebook.com/dukeenergy

Twitter  https://twitter.com/DukeEnergy
What these phrases are / or where they come from / or, what is the last phase / not included here?

Hardly a driver / Is now alive / Who passed / On hills / at 75

Dont take / a curve / at 60 per / We hate to lose / a customer

Free offer! Free offer! / Rip a fender off your car / mail it in / for a half-pound jar

Cheer up face / Youll soon see em / On the shelf / In some / Museum

Does your husband / Misbehave / Grunt and grumble / Rant and rave? / Shoot the brute some

If you dislike / a curve / at 60 per / Slow down / Till you / Can read these signs

Your shaving brush / Has had its day / So why not / Shave the modern way / With

Well, of course you are CORRECT and probably also VERY OLD! The answer is  Burma Shave.

Burma Shave came along in about 1925 as a product of the Burma-Vita Company, which originally made liniment products containing some chemicals or herbs from Burma. Burma Shave was a brushless shaving cream product that became very popular so that by the 1940s it was a leading seller in its market space. But then sales declined, of course, as electric razors took over the shaving market.

In 1963 the company was sold to Philip Morris and then to the American Safety Razor Company.

Its great marketing coup was a series of ever-expanding roadside sign sets, first placed in Minnesota in 1926 to grow to almost 7,000 locations. They were usually red and white, unless red was prohibited by local authorities. Then they were blue and white.

The signs popped up everywhere until 1963, when the rise of the Interstate Highway System with prohibition of immediate roadside signs and higher speeds made the sign advertisements impossible.

Huge outdoor advertisement billboards took over, and pricing prohibited a series of the new Burma Shave highway signs.

After the corporate sale to Philip Morris, the old highway signs were removed on advice of counsel over approximately seven years.

Even from the start not every state saw Burma Shave signs, because New Mexico, Arizona and Massachusetts were excluded. The signs usually were placed at intervals in four to six sign sets; motorists began to look out for them and try to guess ahead, the punch line.

In the early 1940s, sign sets near large cities were reduced to just three; the beginning of the end. Our family took a road trip in 1965 across the United States, before the much of the Interstate Highway System was in place, and one of our delights was reading the Burma Shave sign sequences.

The most clever sign sequences have been preserved in museums, including the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., this essay, in television shows, movies, popular songs and some recently placed just for fun along old Route 66 in Arizona, although they were never there originally.

For South Carolina, most of the Burma Shave sign sets were along U.S. 17.

Some sign sets became so popular that folks would even use them in ordinary conversation or when trying to make a joke or a point in an argument or speech. Songs and movies with the Burma Shave sign sets include MASH, Bonnie and Clyde, A River Runs Through It, The Worlds Fastest Indian, Stand by Me, Tom and Jerry,  Quantum Leap, Hee Haw, Burma Shave by Roger Miller and Tom Waits and Burma Shave Boogie by Chuck Suchy (this list taken from Wikipedia).

So, go ahead and reminisce about the Good Old Days, but remember Our Fortune / Is your / Shaven face / Its our best / Advertising space / Burman Shave and, of course, If you / Dont know / Whose signs these are / You cant have / Driven very far.

Dr. Stephen Imbeau and his wife, Shirley, have been in Florence for more than 30 years and raised their three children here. He and Dr. Joseph Moyer started the Allergy Center about 17 years ago, and it is now one of the largest in South Carolina. Contact him at citizencolumnist@florencenews.com.
The contribution of Cyprus shipping to achieving this target was invaluable, which confirms it is a priceless capital for Cyprus and one of the most important pillars of economic growth accounting for 7% of gross domestic product, he told the union which represents ships under the Cyprus flag. Cyprus economy will grow 2.9% this year after expanding 1.6% in 2015, compared to a previous forecast of 2.7%, he said.

Anastasiades was making a flying visit to Athens to attend an event along with Greek president Prokopis Pavlopoulos for the Greek missing persons from the Turkish invasion in 1974. He was accompanied by the Transport Minister, Marios Demetriades and government spokesman, Nicos Christodoulides and later in the day flew to Cairo for the fourth tripartite meeting of leaders of Cyprus, Egypt and Greece in Cairo, which is expected to further deepen trade cooperation between the three countries.

Speaking at a luncheon hosted by the shipowners, Anastasiades said that in order for Cyprus to become more attractive for investment in shipping, it gave non-Cypriot companies, which are effectively controlled from Cyprus, the opportunity to opt for tonnage tax without having to register at the company registrar.

In addition, Cyprus is currently considering whether to go ahead with a legislative amendment to exempt companies benefiting from the tonnage tax system from the obligation to submit financial statements, he said. It is a measure pushed forward and will have immediate results.

Anastasiades said that only recently, the tax department issued a circular clarifying that interest revenue of shipping companies benefiting from the tonnage tax system is exempted from the special defence contribution levy.

In addition, Cyprus introduced the non-domicile special status in order to attract foreign high-income earners, the president said. The main incentive these persons get is their exemption from the defence levy on interest, dividend and rent (income), he continued.

He told the owners, the government has prepared a draft bill to create a shipping portfolio assigned to a deputy minister, who will be responsible as an independent authority to handle all issues related to shipping, Anastasiades said. The aim is flexibility in decision making, improving services provided by the government, promoting Cypruss flag and strengthening cooperation with other private sector stakeholders in an attempt to strengthen Cypriot shipping and establishing (Cyprus) as a modern global shipping services centre.

As part of the authorities effort to improve services to the shipping sector, Cyprus inaugurated in March a shipping bureau in Piraeus, to strengthen the capacity of the London bureau, and will set up another representation in the Far East, he said.

A solution of the Cyprus problem will help normalise bilateral relations between Greece and Turkey, the European Union and Turkey and Nato, he said.
A sick, venomous yellow-bellied sea snake spotted on California's Silver Strand State Beach has caused a stir in recent days. Yellow-bellied sea snakes (Pelamis platurus) are not something one would expect to see as far north as waters off Southern California, experts say. It's the northernmost spotting of the species on the Pacific Coast of North America, a Los Angeles County Natural History Museum scientist told ABC News. Indeed, the species is accustomed to warmer, tropical waters. But this year is an El Nino year, when Pacific Ocean waters heat up, which likely explains the northerly sighting of the sea snake. First Snake Crawled On Four Feet: Photos The lifelong sea-dwellers do not venture on land, unless they're sick or hurt, and the snake died before wildlife officials were able to offer assistance. Yellow-bellied snakes are highly venomous, but ABC News reports they are not usually a threat to humans unless someone attempts to handle them. And even then it's "incredibly rare" for a person to receive a fatal bite. via ABC News, Ventura Fish and Wildlife Office

A rare sight in California, a yellow-bellied sea snake was spotted on a beach in Ventura County, Calif.

The world's first known snake has just been discovered in Brazil, according to new research that solves many mysteries about the slithering reptiles. The snake ( Tetrapodophis amplectus ), described in the latest issue of the journal Science, is also the first known snake to have four limbs. This strongly suggests that snakes evolved from terrestrial lizards, and not from water-dwelling species, as had been thought before. "The marine hypothesis is dead," senior author Nicholas Longrich of the University of Bath told Discovery News. "It's actually been pretty dead for a while now, but this is really pounding the nails in the coffin. Aquatic snakes evolved from terrestrial snakes -- many, many times." As this image shows, Tetrapodophis aka "Four Feet" was a meat-eating predator. It lived in what is now the Crato Formation of Ceara, Brazil, between 146 and 100 million years ago. What the First Snake Looked Like

If Four Feet could be brought back to life today, "You would be confused, because you would be thinking that this looks like a snake...but it's odd; it shouldn't have feet," lead author David Martill of the University of Portsmouth told Discovery News. He, Longrich, and co-author Helmut Tischlinger believe that the unusual reptile and its kin evolved ever-smaller limbs after their predecessors went through a subterranean phase. During this period of the Early Cretaceous, the animals burrowed underground. "Limbs get in the way if you are burrowing through soft sand," Martill explained. "Much better to 'swim' through leaf litter or sand. As legs got smaller, 'swimming' became more efficient." The scientists further suspect that these undulating movements were pre-adaptations to actual swimming in water. Video: How Snakes Got Their Venom

Four Feet's front limbs were so small that Martill described them as being "pathetic" and "little." While miniscule, the feet seemed to be specialized, as they were broader than those of lizards. As a result, the researchers think the feet helped the snake to seize prey and clasp onto a partner when mating. How Snakes Lost Their Legs

Four Feet's head was slightly pointed and slender, suggests its skull. As for its overall appearance, "It looked, well, snaky," Longrich said. "It had the long, slender, serpentine body; it would have had a forked tongue," he continued. "It had the broad belly scales of a snake. This is unique to snakes, and amazingly the fossil actually preserves them." The individual died while young and was only about 8 inches long. The scientists are not sure how big members of the species would have become as adults, but they suspect that adults grew to be over 3 feet long. Top 12 Most Amazing Snakes

The remains of an unknown animal -- possible a lizard -- are remarkably preserved in the gut of the fossilized snake. Based on Four Feet's build, it probably bit its victims and then squeezed them, cutting off their circulation. Organ failure probably followed and then death. The gut contents also indicate that the snake had a feeding strategy similar to today's boa constrictors "in which proportionately large prey are ingested whole," the authors wrote. Boa Constrictors Don't Suffocate Prey, They Use Better Method

The serpentine fossil for Four Feet is extremely well preserved in limestone. It is in such good condition that "soft tissues are also preserved," according to the authors. The snake would have lived in an ecosystem with dinosaurs, they indicated. While this juvenile snake might have eaten small dinosaur eggs, it is possible that adults of the species "could take a hatchling dinosaur," Martill said. Longrich added that 40-50 million years after this snake's lifetime, there were large boa and python-sized snakes that definitely were regular consumers of dinosaur eggs. Remains of snakes are even found in dinosaur nests as a result. Poisonous snakes were not around then, though. They did not become widespread until about 34 million years ago, which was long after non-bird dinosaurs went extinct. The burrowing habits of early snakes might have helped to save them from going the way of the dinos during the major extinction event 65 million years ago. Earliest Known Snakes Slithered Around Dinosaurs
On Thursday, October 13, Pakistani Christian Asia Bibi will face her final appeal in what has been a six-year-long ordeal on the charge of blasphemy. Following an altercation with a Muslim women over water, Bibi insulted the prophet Muhammad, an infraction for which Bibi was convicted in 2010 and sentenced to death by hanging.

If Bibi's sentence is not overturned, she will be the first woman to be executed since blasphemy laws were enacted in Pakistan in the 1980s.

When first created in 1980, the law originally called for a maximum sentence of three years in jail. In 1982, a separate clause was passed calling for life imprisonment for willful desecration of the Quran. In 1986, yet another clause was added recommending the death penalty or life imprisonment for blasphemy against Muhammad, according to the BBC.

RELATED: Language and Religion Developed Simultaneously

Since the 1980s, more than 1,300 have been accused of blasphemy. Scores have been killed as a result, some even before their trials began as a result of vigilante violence. And Pakistan isn't alone in putting people to death for blasphemy.

According to the latest International Humanist and Ethical Union's Freedom of Thought report, 13 countries currently have laws on the books carrying a penalty of death for blasphemy or apostasy. Including Pakistan, the other 13 countries are Afghanistan, Iran, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritania, Nigeria, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, United Arab Emirates and Yemen. Each of these countries have adopted Islamic law as the ideological foundation of the government.

Because blasphemy law is so subjective, the cases brought up in the various countries that try and execute for insulting religious belief have ranged from egregious to ridiculous.

In 2007, in Sudan, British schoolteacher Gillian Gibbons was arrested and interrogated for allegedly insulting Islam after allowing her class of six-year-olds to name a teddy bear "Muhammad." Thousands of protestors took to the streets, calling for Gibbons' execution. It took the intervention of the British government and a presidential pardon from the government of Sudan to get Gibbons out of jail.

RELATED: Is Religion Good for Your Brain?

In Saudi Arabia, which also puts people to death for "sorcery," usually by beheading, religious authorities issued a fatwa against Pokemon Go, decrying it as blasphemous. "It is shocking that the word 'evolution' has been much on the tongues of children," the fatwa read, according to a Reuters report.

In Iran, an Islamic theocracy, political advocacy can come off as blasphemy, as was the case for Hashem Aghajari, a history professor and disabled war veteran, in 2002 calling for religious reform. His speech garnered massive protests, and Aghajari was tried, convicted and sentenced to death, though following appeals his punishment was reduced to jail time.

Blasphemy laws restrict religious freedom and promote intolerance of minority religions, and for that reason, a United Nations special investigator on religious freedom called for their universal repeal. Although they may not carry a death sentence everywhere, blasphemy laws on the books in about a quarter (26 percent) of the world's countries and territories, according to Pew Research Center.

WATCH VIDEO: From Religion to War: How Propaganda Changed the World
Press Release

October 12, 2016 Cayetano: Duterte admin focused on creating real change

Says demolition jobs vs Du30 creating wrong perception of PH "The atmosphere in the Palace is less about the first hundred days of the Duterte administration, but more about a hundred ways of solving our country's problems." Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said this as he reiterated his confidence in President Rodrigo Duterte's commitment to bring about real changes amid criticisms against the government's ongoing campaign to combat crime and illegal drugs. The senator on Wednesday (October 12) said that as it is, the country's fundamentals are in good shape inasmuch as building a stronger economy is concerned. However, Cayetano lamented that the continuous demolition campaigns being thrown against President Duterte are giving the wrong perception before the international community that the administration's war on drugs has adversely affected peace and order and, subsequently, the country's economy. "In politics, as well as in the economy, perception is so important. And that is my one question to the good Secretary. We are in very good shape. Is that correct? We have everything to continue to grow, to expand," Cayetano said during the Commission on Appointment's (CA) confirmation of the appointment of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. "There is one thing affecting us, which is the perception... Whether it is a PR job, whether it is the reality, or both, the news in the US and in the EU (European Union), especially regarding human rights issues, affected the perception of our country," he added. Cayetano stressed that in reality, there is less political risk now, owing to the administration's sound policies against red tape and corruption in government. "If you look at the elements of political risk, the only one left is law and order. And that is the big irony of what is happening today. Because the President is fighting for law and order, but the spin or the angle of some... is that there might be a problem on law and order given the alleged cases of extrajudicial killings," the senator stressed. Cayetano noted that, contrary to what the President's critics are trying to portray, the number of extrajudicial killings recorded today is almost the same as the number of cases recorded during the previous administration. "The only difference is the way the [two leaders] talk," he said, referring to President Duterte and former President Benigno Aquino III. "President Aquino talks in a way that businessmen approved of, and he created the impression that he was going after corruption... Therefore, the perception also spun into reality, giving us not only business confidence but also upgrades." Dominguez, for his part, assured the senators that the country's economic fundamentals are "rock solid" and that the President is doing all he can to make good on his promise of creating genuine reforms. "The President is addressing the three major issues that he has set during the campaign and up to now," Dominguez said. "Number one, he would like to reduce poverty [rate] from the current 26 percent, where it has been for many years, down to 17 percent at the end of his term. Number two, his goal of creating a more law-abiding society is well on its way. Third, his goal of achieving peace within our own society... as well as with our neighbors, is going very well. Certainly, this will translate to a lower political risk," the secretary added.
Press Release

October 12, 2016 Cayetano: Emergency powers, Du30's political leadership to solve PH traffic mess Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said granting the President emergency powers, coupled with the new administration's strong political leadership, will allow government to address the enduring traffic and congestion problem in the country. During last Wednesday's (October 12) Senate committee hearing, Cayetano stressed that if the previous administration had succeeded in making existing procurement laws work in synergy, the country's traffic crisis would have been resolved early on, hence, there would have been no need for emergency powers. "We have the Procurement Act, we have the NEDA JV (National Economic and Development Authority Joint-Venture) Guidelines, and we have the Build-operate-transfer (BOT) Law. Obviously, if all of them were working in synergy, we would not have this crisis," the senator said. "There is also one element that is not in the law - leadership," Cayetano added, as he expressed confidence in the new administration's commitment and dedication to resolve the problem. Cayetano said giving emergency powers to the President and the executive branch would speed up the procurement of transport and infrastructure projects in the country, as it would relax strict rules for unsolicited proposals and time tables for such projects. This in turn will pave the way for the construction of faster and more reliable transport services throughout the Philippines, he noted. Furthermore, the senator said once the emergency powers are granted by Congress, the administration should guarantee that the concerns of the public will be prioritized over those of big business owners. He also called for stronger cooperation between the government and the private sector in making sure that infrastructure projects will not be held hostage by court cases, which usually cause delays in execution. "Projects being tied up in court cases for long periods of time would spell a lose-lose case instead of a win-win case for us," Cayetano said. The senator was among those who filed a measure at the Senate seeking to fix the country's worsening traffic situation. He filed Senate Bill No. 999 or the "Freedom from Traffic and Congestion Act of 2016," which seeks to authorize the President and heads of transport-related executive agencies to utilize necessary resources and employ executive actions to address the crisis. SBN 999 will empower the executive branch to override various transport agencies' regulations, licenses, and procedures, exercise right of eminent domain by expropriating private property, and be exempted from procurement laws and Temporary Restraining Orders (TROs), which usually delay infrastructure projects.
SENATOR LOREN LEGARDA

Co-Sponsorship Speech

Confirmation of Appointment of

Presidential Communications Operations Office

Secretary Martin Andanar

Mr. President,

I have the honor to co-sponsor the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of the Honorable Jose Ruperto Martin Marfori Andanar as Secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office.

Effective communication is an important life skill that enables us to better understand and connect with the people around us. I believe that President Rodrigo Duterte appointed Secretary Andanar to his post with full trust and confidence that he will be able to relay the right messages that our government wants to convey.

I am certain that Secretary Andanar is the best man for the job, being in the field of broadcast journalism and communications for more than a decade. I have worked with him in the past and I must say, that he has the passion, discipline and drive.

Mr. President, it is for these reasons that I move that the ad interim appointment of the Honorable Jose Ruperto Martin Marfori Andanar as Secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office be confirmed.

Thank you.
Press Release

October 12, 2016 Privilege Speech of Senator Loren Legarda

International Day for Disaster Reduction 2016

12 October 2016 | Senate Session Hall Mr. President, Tomorrow, October 13, we will commemorate the International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR). I rise today on a matter of personal and collective privilege to highlight once again the need to build our communities' resilience to disaster and climate risks. When Nenita Consolacion saw her two children in the rubble, they were lifeless, but what struck her most was the sight of her beloved children still holding hands--until the end. [1] In between sobs, she narrated how she lost her children when on that fateful day, 8 November 2013, the wind suddenly grew strong; water entered their house, at first ankle-deep, then quickly rising, and the next thing she knew, her two children were drowned by the rising floodwaters. [2] Nenita lived to painfully tell her story. But more than 6,000 others are now just part of the statistics; they were not fortunate enough to survive Supertyphoon Yolanda, said to be the world's strongest typhoon to make landfall. Mr. President, This year's IDDR celebration carries the slogan, "Live to Tell" and focuses on reducing global disaster mortality, the first of the seven targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction. If only communities on the path of Yolanda were prepared; if only they were evacuated in safe areas ahead of time; if only the people knew what a storm surge is and how they could have escaped its wrath, more people could have survived and testified how disaster risk reduction and preparedness can save lives. There are many more "if onlys" and "what ifs", but finger-wagging will not give justice to the dead. We need to turn the lessons of Yolanda and other disasters into urgent action to build resilience. All over the world, there are many other Nenitas from tragedies of even greater magnitude such as the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami that claimed almost 230,000 lives, the 2008 Cyclone Nargis that struck Myanmar and caused 138,000 deaths, and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti that killed 223,000 individuals. The Emergency Events Database (EM-DAT) of the Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED) recorded 7,056 disasters worldwide during the period 1996 to 2015. Natural hazards in the past 20 years killed 1.35 million people, more than half died in earthquakes and the remaining due to weather- and climate-related hazards. [3] In the Philippines, deaths caused by storms alone reached 15,880 during the period 2006-2015, significantly higher than the 3,970 storm deaths in the previous decade. [4] The community of nations realized that they must come together and craft a global framework that will serve as guide towards addressing risks and building resilience to disasters. In 2005, governments around the world adopted the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) aimed at "substantially reducing disaster losses, in lives and in the social, economic and environmental assets of communities and countries" by the year 2015. Among the five priority actions of the HFA, making disaster risk reduction a policy priority and strengthening institutions has progressed the most. Here in our country, the passage of landmark legislation on disaster and climate risk management -- the Climate Change Act of 2009, as amended by the People's Survival Fund of 2012, and the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 -- has institutionalized and mainstreamed disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in development policies, plans and programs, as well as in public funding. However, translating policies into action is a different issue altogether. Even with the HFA, the past decade saw disasters continue to exact a heavy toll--a staggering 1.5 billion people in the world were affected in various ways, including more than 700,000 killed by disasters. The total economic loss was more than $1.3 trillion. [5] Thus, in 2015, at the Third UN World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (WCDRR) in Sendai, Japan, the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR) led nations in crafting a new framework that focuses on a more targeted approach to effectively guide nations and communities in managing risks and preventing the creation of new risks. The Sendai Framework for DRR outlines seven global targets to be achieved until 2030: Substantially reduce global disaster mortality

Substantially reduce the number of affected people globally

Reduce direct economic loss in relation to global GDP

Substantially reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services

Substantially increase the number of countries with national and local disaster risk reduction strategies

Substantially enhance international cooperation to developing countries

Substantially increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and disaster risk reduction information assessments In the first year of the Sendai Framework, we are asked: What are we doing to implement the first target to reduce mortality? The UNISDR cited as an example the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority's (MMDA) Metro Manila Shake Drill, an annual earthquake drill launched in 2015 that aims to prepare citizens and communities in the event the "Big One" occurs. According to the 2004 Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS) of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), a 7.2 magnitude earthquake in Metro Manila may destroy 40% of residential buildings, cause 34,000 deaths, injure 114,000 individuals, and the ensuing fires may also result in 18,000 additional fatalities. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) already warned that the West Valley Fault is ripe for movement. We just cannot predict when it will happen. Meanwhile, we have been experiencing harsher storms and monsoon rains and stronger episodes of El Nino in the past years due to climate change. In the face of imminent threats and the new normal, we cannot do business as usual. We must invest in disaster risk reduction. It has been estimated that the economic impact of disaster will be reduced by $7 for every $1 spent for DRR. Mr. President, In my capacity as the Chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, we were able to transform the 2016 national budget into one that is climate-adaptive and disaster-resilient. Under the 2016 General Appropriations Act (GAA), the implementation of programs, projects and activities should contribute towards preventing the creation of new disaster risks, reducing existing disaster risks, building the resilience of local communities and the nation as a whole; towards achieving the goals under the Sendai Framework for DRR, the Sustainable Development Goals, and the country's Intended Nationally-Determined Contributions. We have mainstreamed provisions that ensure that the implementation of government programs would contribute towards building resilience, including on the maintenance and operation of dams, repair and retrofitting of public infrastructure, resilience of agricultural communities, and building of evacuation centers in every region in the country. We likewise reiterated the enforcement of our environmental laws to strengthen disaster resilience. We will continue to do this in the 2017 national budget. But how do we translate these policies into programs that will reduce disaster risks? It is critical that we strengthen our adaptation actions at national and local levels. Examples of these are preparing risk assessment, protecting ecosystems, improving agricultural methods, managing water resources, building settlements in safe zones, developing early warning systems, instituting better building designs, improving insurance coverage, and developing social safety nets. Engaging rural people in decision-making, especially to understand autonomous adaptation and the interplay of informal and formal institutions, plays an important role in strengthening public decision-making. Reducing disaster risk is key to poverty eradication and sustainable development. We need to strengthen local risk governance, enhance the resilience of rural livelihood, preserve the integrity of ecosystems, and promote the resilience of culture and indigenous peoples. The Sendai Framework for DRR urges us not to manage disasters but to manage the risks so that natural hazards would not turn into disasters. There are many more Nenitas in the world who were given a second chance to live and tell a painful story that could hopefully touch hearts and enlighten minds about the urgent need to make disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation a priority of government. I hope we could all heed the call for action. Let us all take a proactive role in making the Sendai Framework work for us. Let us prove that our nation remains steadfast in its commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable planet. Thank you, Mr. President.*** ________________________________________ [1] Senator Loren Legarda. "LOREN LEGARDA: Tacloban Venice Biennale Video". Filmed [2014]. YouTube video, 12:50. Posted [October 2014]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLEOofY9ru0 [2] Ibid. [3] UNISDR, CRED, Poverty & Death: Disaster Mortality 1996-2015, 5-6. [4] Ibid., 17. [5] Alexandra Galperin and Emily Wilkinson, Strengthening Disaster Risk Governance: UNDP Support during the HFA Implementation Period 2005-2015, ed. Sohaila Abdulali and Corey Sobel (New York, 2015), 1.
Press Release

October 12, 2016 Legarda on DRR Day: Manage Risks to Reduce Disaster Mortality In celebration of the International Day for Disaster Reduction (IDDR) on October 13, Senator Loren Legarda said that the country should strengthen disaster risk management plans and programs to effectively reduce disaster mortality and eradicate poverty. Legarda, Global Champion for Resilience of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), said the first of the seven targets of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction is the reduction of global disaster mortality, which is the focus of this year's IDDR celebration. "In the first year of the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, we are asked: What are we doing to implement the first target to reduce mortality? In the face of imminent threats and the new normal, we cannot do business as usual," said Legarda. According to the Center for Research on the Epidemiology of Disasters (CRED), there were 7,056 disasters recorded worldwide during the period 1996 to 2015. Natural hazards in the past 20 years killed 1.35 million people, more than half died in earthquakes and the remaining due to weather- and climate-related hazards. In the Philippines, deaths caused by storms alone reached 15,880 during the period 2006-2015, significantly higher than the 3,970 storm deaths in the previous decade. In line with this, Legarda renewed her call for the government to integrate the Sendai Framework in its national and local plans and programs for DRR to contribute to the achievement of the following seven global targets: (1) reduce disaster mortality, (2) reduce the number of affected people, (3) reduce direct economic loss in relation to global GDP, (4) reduce disaster damage to critical infrastructure and disruption of basic services, (5) increase the number of countries with national and local DRR strategies, (6) enhance international cooperation to developing countries, and (7) increase the availability of and access to multi-hazard early warning systems and DRR information assessments. "The Sendai Framework for DRR urges us not to manage disasters but to manage the risks so that natural hazards would not turn into disasters. Reducing disaster risk is key to poverty eradication and sustainable development," said Legarda. "It is critical that we strengthen our adaptation actions at national and local levels. Examples of these are preparing risk assessment, protecting ecosystems, improving agricultural methods, managing water resources, building settlements in safe zones, developing early warning systems, instituting better building designs, improving insurance coverage, and developing social safety nets," she added. Legarda also explained that engaging rural people in decision-making, especially to understand autonomous adaptation and the interplay of informal and formal institutions, plays an important role in strengthening public decision-making. "I hope we could all heed the call for action. Let us all take a proactive role in making the Sendai Framework work for us. Let us prove that our nation remains steadfast in its commitment to building a more resilient and sustainable planet," Legarda concluded.
Press Release

October 12, 2016 SPONSORSHIP SPEECH ON THE CONFIRMATION OF SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ

By SEN. FRANCIS N. PANGILINAN

Chairman, Committee on Finance

Senate Session Hall

12 October 2016 Mr. Chairman, distinguished colleagues, the Committee on Finance conducted its first public hearing this morning to hear and deliberate on the ad interim appointment of Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez issued by and submitted to this Commission by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte. As chairman of the Committee on Finance, it is my distinct privilege and honor to recommend to the plenary the confirmation of the ad interim appointment of the subject appointee, Secretary Dominguez of the Department of Finance. Sharing the same birthday as Singapore's founding father Lee Kwan Yew, Secretary Carlos Garcia Dominguez was born after the end of World War II on September 16, 1945 in Zamboanga. Secretary Dominguez is a fruit of Jesuit education. He went to Ateneo de Davao for grade school and high school, and later to Ateneo de Manila University, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree, major in Economics, in 1965 and then his Master in Business Administration degree in 1969. His widely known and respected diligence and work ethic had its seeds in his primary and secondary education which he finished with honors and as salutatorian, respectively. Starting 1965, while he worked on his MBA, he was also management trainee of Citibank, moving up the corporate ladder to become finance manager of Rubicon Inc., to executive vice president of AMS Farming Corp., and then again as EVP of JVA Management Corp. From 1983 to 1986, he concurrently held the position of vice president of Bank of Philippine Islands and president of the BPI Agricultural Development Bank. He continued to conquer the business world in areas as far-ranging as agriculture, real estate, and retail. Immediately prior to this appointment, he was president of seven companies, including PTFC Redevelopment Corp., C.G. Dominguez and Associates Inc., Halifax Davao Hotel Inc., Linden Suites Inc., and Retail Specialist Inc. On top of all that, he was also director of seven other companies. In 1986, he heeded the call of public service to rebuild the nation, and served briefly first as Undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture, then one year as Secretary of Environment and Natural Resources, and then two years as Secretary of Agriculture, before returning to the private sector. The career of Secretary Dominguez reads like a handbook for corporate success. He was chairman and president of Philippine Airlines Inc., president and chairman of Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Company, and country chairman, president, and chief executive officer of Lafayette Philippines Inc. He was chairman of RCBC Capital Corp. and later its independent director. He was director of IPVG Corp., Manila Electric Corp., Roxas Holdings Inc., and Northern Mindanao Power Corp. Even after leaving the Cabinet, Secretary Dominguez continued to lend his financial acumen to government, serving as director of Land Bank of the Philippines from March 1986 to January 1990, and chairman of Republic Planters Bank from March 1988 to January 1992. The Secretary is a member of various civic and social organizations, primarily the Philippine Eagle Foundation, where he served as treasurer and then as its chairman up to the present. In the brief period he headed the Department of Agriculture, Secretary Dominguez introduced various reforms, first in the rural credit system with the establishment of the Comprehensive Agricultural Loan Fund (CALF) in 1987. His administration started the Livelihood Enhancement for Agricultural Development (LEAD) program in 1988 to speed up farmers' organizations access to financing, management expertise, and marketing. Agriculture and Fishery Councils (AFCs) were also set up at the sectoral, regional, provincial, and municipal levels to provide inputs on major programs and policy decisions and help plan and monitor DA projects. As one of the most trusted members of the Duterte Cabinet, Secretary Dominguez seeks to build on the success of the previous administration and make the country's economic growth more inclusive. In media interviews, he has affirmed his commitment to develop the rural areas and to generate more job opportunities in the countryside by modernizing agriculture, articulating what I also believe, that "Farming should no longer be the poverty trap it has been for generations." In all the numerous positions Secretary Dominguez has held, I would like to repeat what the Ateneo de Davao University said in 1997, when it conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Humanities, honoris causa: Secretary Dominguez has put his managerial talents toward the development of the country, particularly of Mindanao, through the professional management of its resources. Mr. Chairman, it is always a happy occasion to welcome honest, over-achieving people to government service. I have the honor to move for the confirmation of the Commission on plenary the ad interim appointment of the Secretary of the Department of Finance of the Philippines, SECRETARY CARLOS G. DOMINGUEZ. I so move, Mr. Chairman.
Press Release

October 12, 2016 'The Best Taxman Is the One Who Is Not Intaxicated'

On the confirmation of the Appointment

of Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III

Senate Minority Leader Ralph G. Recto

12 October 2016 Mr. President: While the nominee is not the youngest conscript in the Cabinet, he certainly is among the wisest. If the present crew of secretaries has been referred to as the professors who had replaced the student council, he can be considered their dean. His mere presence alone in the Cabinet is enough to calm the market and assure investors whenever The Punisher throws a tantrum. He is The Pacifier who brings a tranquilizing effect when business gets the jitters - and he does it without even uttering a single word. If he is seen as someone or the only one who can exercise adult supervision in the highest office in the land, it is because his impressive resume demonstrates that capability. This is the third Cabinet portfolio he has held, and it seems that he has reserved the hardest for last. His former jobs dealt with basic needs: putting food on the table as Agriculture secretary, and, as Environment secretary, making sure that the air we breathe was clean. But in the priority of things, none is as basic as his present calling, which is to raise funds, from which all its activities spring. This is the guy responsible for raising the trillions of pesos in the national budget we are about to debate. This is the guy who will put money in pay envelopes of government employees and in bank accounts of LGUs. This is the guy responsible for translating every politician's - including ours' and the President's - campaign rhetoric into reality. Because in the division of labor in spending money, while it is the President who gets the credit, it is he who must raise the cash. And how much? Ten billion pesos a day lang naman next year to finance the national budget. I repeat: ten billion pesos a day. And such is not an easy job to do in a culture which sees spending taxes as a virtue, but collecting them a sin; which treats their evasion as a duty, but their imposition a crime. Because of this, he may soon find out, if he still hasn't, that gun range targets, no matter how small, are easier to hit than bigger revenue goals. I have mentioned that, Mr. President, because the nominee shoots trap well, which, according to the CA Secretariat report, he does to relieve stress, which means, he does often these days - hopefully still with clay targets and not with underperforming underlings. Some say that the nominee's entry into the DOF signals the start of a very taxing season. I beg to disagree. He has spent most of his years in the private sector and he knows that nothing dampens both labor and capital more than a government that is in-tax-icated. His stints in the private sector span diverse undertakings - from bananas to banks, planes to plantations, mines to hotels, retail shops to realty companies. In short, in search for the honest buck, he has gone to the bowels of the earth, worked the soil, and even flew the skies. Which also explains why he can be as tough as a consiglieri one moment and as charming as a hotel concierge the next. I have told the nominee, Mr President, that I won't be able to support all his tax proposals. I have told him that no Senate was ever a bulwark of taxation. And this one is no exception. To every overture of a new tax, the Senate's reply has never been of ratification but of restraint. The Senate's role has always been to temper, not top, executive proposals. We have never treated taxation as an auction where we must outbid the executive. We have maintained that stance because we recognize that while paying taxes may be the first duty of citizenship, ordering more of it should be Congress's last. But there is one thing on which we agree absolutely 100 percent. And that concerns a brilliant, kind, and handsome young man who is getting a Physics degree in the US. This young fellow, Armand, is his apo - the child of his son - and also my nephew, because the mother is my sister. We have long compromised that the young fellow is the combination of the best Recto-Dominguez genes. And I know that Armand's future will be better than what we have today because of the labors of his lolo, whose loyalty to the country is beyond question and whose devotion to work is without doubt. Mr. President: While the nominee accepted this job with so much reluctance, I, however, have none whatsoever in fully endorsing Mr. Carlos "Sonny" Dominguez as Secretary of Finance of the Republic.
Press Release

October 12, 2016 "Of 'ADD' and a DOLE on Auto-Pilot"

On the Confirmation of the Appointment of Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III

Senate Minority Leader Ralph G. Recto

12 October 2016 Mr. President: The nominee is our real peace czar. He is waging peace in two fronts: labor and rural insurgency. This has forced him to be our first Labor secretary in history to moonlight in another job, or work two shifts. And it is a testament to his multitasking skills that he is able to perform both functions with distinction. As Labor secretary, he has walked the extra mile to bring workers and employers to an accord of respecting each other's interests. And as head of the GPH panel talking to the NDF, he has flown 20,000 miles in two months, to Norway, to negotiate an end to Asia's longest armed rebellion. In short, his dual job requires lots of shuttle diplomacy and if only for that - on how punishing this is for a seventy-something but who can pass for a thirty-something - I have no qualms in voting to confirm his appointment. Thankfully, he is no stranger to wearing multiple or a succession of hats. He's been a Justice secretary, in fact, twice under two presidents; was a Sol-Gen once; and was Cabinet secretary of President Arroyo. He has also broken the myth of an unelectable bureaucrat. He was town councilor during that ancient period when the Beatles have yet to disband, and I was still singing nursery rhymes. Last Congress, he was deputy minority leader in the House, standing bravely against the Yellow Horde. But what is almost unknown is that he was leader of the parliament of the streets, during Martial Law, when such a calling was hazardous to one's health. It is precisely because of his expertise and experience that he has been chosen to lead DOLE. His being there underscores the importance President Duterte has given to that agency. DOLE's mandate now extends beyond maintaining peace in the workplace, but in bringing more employees to workplaces. It does not merely tell workers of their rights, but trains them with new skills. Its jurisdiction goes beyond national boundaries, to places where there is a Filipino. It now maintains the most number of foreign outposts, next to the DFA. DOLE does not merely provide succor to Filipino workers in distress. It provides them training to make them in demand. DOLE does not only teach our workers vocational skills, but also to be vigilant about their rights. In terms of size, Bebot Bello's constituency is hard to ignore, as there are 42 million of them in the labor force. Their demands are also hard to disregard because they are just: decent pay, good working conditions and regular employment. Add to this is the pressure brought about by one million entrants to the labor force annually, who either have to queue for local job interviews or for passports that will allow them to look for jobs abroad. It is for their sake that I am glad that we have Bebot Bello in DOLE, because with a President suffering from ADD - Attention Devoted to Drugs - the DOLE can go ao autopilot mode, with Bebot at the helm, as it confronts a problem more pernicious than drugs, because worse than the proliferation of drugs is the non-proliferation of employment opportunities. Another great challenge is ending contractualization without ending the viability of businesses, especially small ones. He is, indeed, in for a tightrope act. Kung paano wawakasan ang endo, na ang pagawaan ay hindi ma-de-dedo. Mr. President: With these thoughts giving me comfort, I would like, therefore, to endorse the confirmation of the appointment of Silvestre Bello III, son of Ilocos, Cagayan Valley and the holy land that is Davao, as Secretary of Labor and Employment.
Press Release

October 12, 2016 Villar partners with government agencies to give livelihood projects for Baseco residents In a bid to uplift the living conditions of hundreds of Manila residents, Sen. Cynthia A. Villar today spearheaded the distribution of fishing utensils and led environment protection activities at the Baseco compound. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development, joined the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in giving away fishing nets, boats and other utensils to Baseco residents who rely on fishing for their living. She likewise accepted the project of DOH for the establishment of 500 comfort rooms for use of Baseco residents. The DSWD will provide cash for work to build the toilet. "We will always find ways to make the lives of our fellow Filipinos better. I will always support any and all undertakings that will uplift the living conditions of our countrymen who find it difficult to make ends meet," Villar said. Aside from the fishing needs, Villar and the BFAR likewise held the ceremonial stocking of fingerlings for fish cages and awarded an aquasilviculture project to boost government efforts to not only improve living conditions of fishermen but to also protect and preserve the environment. In the same event, the Bureau of Soil and Water Management and the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission likewise turned over the Rotary Composter to help in the conversion of waste materials into composts to be used in fertilizing soils. "We need to work double time to preserve the environment, which is deteriorating at a shockingly fast pace. We all need to work hand in hand in looking for creative methods to make sure that our environmental resources are protected," stressed Villar, who is also the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and Social Justice, Welfare and Rural Development. Villar, along with partners Villar SIPAG, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region, Bureau of Soil and Water Management, Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission, Manila Bay Coordinating Office, MMDA, Cavitex and the Kabalikat sa Kaunlaran people's organization, also joined residents of Barangay 649 in Baseco in the regular mangrove tree planting and coastal clean-up activities in the area. The clean-up activity at Gasangan, Barangay 649 in Baseco, Manila aims to rid the area of garbage, which clog waterways and contribute floodings in the community. On the other hand, the mangrove tree planting is intended to reinforce the community's defense against flooding and storm surges, which is a consistent occurrence during the rainy season. The Baseco compound is vulnerable to floodings and storm surges during typhoons because of its location near the sea wall of Manila Bay. Villar, who is an environment warrior, noted studies conducted by the University of Cambridge indicating that mangroves slow down the flow of water during storm surges and reduce the damage in coastal areas. In recognition of the importance of mangroves, Villar authored Senate Bill 142, or the National Mangrove Forest Protection and Preservation Act and Senate Bill 143 or the act establishing the coastal environment program. The Coastal Environment Program seeks to establish reservation areas in all coastal municipalities in the country solely for the preservation, protection, reforestation, afforestation and sustainable development of mangrove forests.
The next San Francisco school board must hire a superintendent, balance a $600 million budget, build a $300 million arts center and decide where to put a couple of elementary schools to accommodate a growing population of students across the city.

But as nine candidates vie for open seats on the board in the Nov. 8 election, the most pressing issue may be a huge teacher shortage exacerbated by the citys high housing costs  and what should be done about it.

This year, the district needed to hire 500 teachers to fill vacancies and were more than 30 short when school started in August. District and teachers union officials say housing costs are driving teachers to other cities and that major efforts are needed to lure and retain the best and brightest educators.

Four of the school boards seven seats are up for grabs on election day, with three incumbents and six challengers hoping to claim them. And all of the candidates say theyre focused on teacher recruitment and retention.

Current board members are floating ideas such as using surplus district property for teacher housing  an option made easier by a new law sponsored by state Sen. Mark Leno, D-San Francisco  in addition to providing rent subsidies or mortgage assistance.

Whether the district will go into the housing business, however, is still a big question.

Liz Hafalia/The Chronicle

Another source of contention is the boards vote in May to dissolve its relationship with Teach for America, which places recent college graduates in disadvantaged communities for a two-year teaching stint. Critics, including teachers unions, have called using the young teachers a crutch that fills needy classrooms with inexperienced and cheap labor.

Several candidates in San Francisco say they would overturn that move.

Teacher pay is also an issue, with all of the candidates supporting a raise but reticent to commit to a percent increase given uncertainties in the state budget.

The three incumbents up for re-election  Jill Wynns, Rachel Norton and board President Matt Haney  are interested in pursuing partnerships with developers to build housing for teachers on district land. Haney is seeking a second four-year term, Norton a third and Wynns a seventh.

The fourth contested seat now belongs to Sandra Lee Fewer, who is leaving the board and running to become a city supervisor in District One.

The six challengers include former school board member Mark Sanchez, who vacated his seat in an unsuccessful bid to become a supervisor in 2008, as well as Stevon Cook and Trevor McNeil, who ran for school board in 2014 and finished just behind the three winners, who were each incumbents.

Board members are elected at-large, meaning the top four vote getters across the city will win. They will join the three midterm board members in selecting a superintendent to replace Richard Carranza, who left in September for the top schools job in Houston.

The new board will also have to oversee $744 million in facilities upgrades and new construction if city voters pass Proposition A, a bond that would also provide seed money for an arts center near City Hall. The project would require the board to help raise an additional $200 million in philanthropic donations.

Jill Tucker is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jtucker@sfchronicle.com

In their words: S.F. school board candidates on teacher housing

The nine candidates for San Francisco school board in the Nov. 8 election were asked for their thoughts on the districts role in ensuring teacher housing. They were also asked whether they support using Teach for America teachers to fill classroom vacancies.

Mark Sanchez, 53,

public school principal,

www.marksanchezsf.org

The centerpiece of why Im running for school board is to help the district come to terms with the housing crisis for educators. We need to be aggressively looking at both brick and mortar housing on district property and working with the city on rental vouchers, housing subsidies for teachers or mortgage assistance.

Use Teach for America? Yes.

Matt Haney, 34,

incumbent,

www.matthaney.com

Building housing for educators will be a top priority for me if re - elected. Building housing for teachers can help us recruit and retain educators, particularly in our high-needs schools that are experiencing tremendous teacher turnover. I believe it is a creative and necessary solution to address the impact of the affordability crisis on our schools.

Use Teach for America? No.

Jill Wynns, 69,

incumbent,

www.jillwynns.com

Today, finding housing in San Francisco is an existential crisis for teachers, and will be for the school district if we do not do something. ... We are not sitting on lots of empty land, but we have some school sites with extra land and we have a few pieces of land that we can possibly use for housing. (Quoted from campaign website.)

Use Teach for America? No.

Rachel Norton, 50,

incumbent,

www.rachelnorton.com

We have parcels that are not practical for schools and yet could be developed for housing for our teachers. In an unprecedented teacher shortage and a high-cost city, offering housing for teachers while they work for us could help us be more competitive in attracting and retaining the best teachers.

Use Teach for America? No.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

Trevor McNeil, 34,

public school teacher,

www.trevormcneil.com

The districts role in teacher housing should be providing teachers with a living wage  and the district needs to publicly say what they think that wage should be to at least get it out there. I support building teacher housing, but were not in the brick-and-mortar business and its going to be a tough haul.

Use Teach for America? Yes.

Stevon Cook, 31, nonprofit education director, www.stevoncook.org

I think our district should be unapologetic about recruiting the best talent to come to San Francisco and housing, I think, makes us more competitive and its necessary given the cost of living in San Francisco. We should work with the city to find ways to make this available to teachers.

Use Teach for America? No.

Ian Kalin, 36,

chief data officer, Department of Commerce, www.iankalin.com

I believe the districts role in teacher housing is to empower the teachers first with a competitive salary. Helping teachers through loan assistance and by building dedicated housing on school property is great. ... Rather than the district deciding where teachers should live, the school board needs to secure significant sources of new revenue so that teachers can make their own housing decisions.

Use Teach for America? Yes.

Phillip Kim,

public school educator, www.philkim.org

We are facing immense challenges in ensuring students have access to the highest quality education, so we must search for radical solutions. If building teacher housing is one of those radical solutions to decrease attrition, then Im all for it and want to do it well  but we must be intentional about how we prioritize our budget and this is a huge investment of our limited resources.

Use Teach for America? Yes.

Rob Geller, 56,

public health finance, www.rob4sfschoolboard2016 .wordpress.com

My heart sinks every time I hear of another teacher being evicted. The district should be building teacher housing on unused parcels  Sen. Lenos SB1413 established the Teacher Housing Act of 2016, which will facilitate such construction. This should have happened years ago! As a commissioner on the board I will make teacher/para housing a priority; school employees should be able to live in, and participate in, the communities in which they teach.

Use Teach for America? Yes.
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Piece by tiny piece, Adeo Alday arranges shards of broken glass on a large wood panel in his San Francisco living room  an undertaking that will pay off in eight months when his latest mixed-media art piece is realized.

But for the 53-year-old artist, fashion industry retiree and overall bon vivant, using shattered car windows as an artistic medium was not something he planned. The idea came to him as he looked at the glittering fragments scattered on many mornings in the gutters and sidewalks outside his home in the citys South of Market neighborhood.

I dont like seeing broken glass, Alday said in a recent interview at his home. Its evidence of crime in the neighborhood, so I sweep it up.

Alday, an immigrant from the Philippines, has been shocked by the overwhelming number of auto burglaries hes seen since recently moving from New York into his home on Howard Street.

So he channels his irritation into graphic portraits done in pastels and paint and covered by a jigsaw puzzle of pea-sized glass. The latest is a 4-by-7-foot work-in-progress propped on sawhorses in his living room.

Once a year, he entertains close friends at his airy and modern home thats decorated with his art along with well-placed vintage decor. His dinner parties give him a chance to show off his latest pieces, socialize and raise money for various charities.

But last year, Alday was especially bothered when some of his guests had their cars broken into.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

This is not acceptable, Alday said. This should concern people. I dont want criminals to think this is OK. Somebody needs to do something.

He responded by installing two security cameras in front of the home that have recorded scores of daytime break-ins. The footage offers a glimpse at a citywide epidemic that continues to disturb and anger residents in nearly every San Francisco neighborhood.

San Francisco has the undesirable distinction as the city with the 10th-highest property crime rate in the country  and highest in California for cities with populations of more than 100,000, according to the FBIs most recent statistics.

For auto burglaries specifically, the statistics become only bleaker. This year, the Police Department reported 15,595 auto break-ins in San Francisco from January through August  an average of 65 a day.

That number is down from an average of 71 per day the year before, but its still staggering.

In 2015, there were 25,899 car break-ins  up 31 percent from 2014 and nearly triple the number of auto burglaries in 2010. Some folks have thrown up their hands and quit reporting the crimes altogether.

Carlos Avila Gonzalez/The Chronicle

When you walk out of your house in your neighborhood and there are five cars with broken windows, it creates an atmosphere that anything goes, said San Francisco Supervisor Scott Wiener, one of many officials alarmed by the citys high property crime rates.

Hes sponsoring Proposition R, a November measure that would force the San Francisco Police Department to create a Neighborhood Crime Unit to focus on nuisances like break-ins, bike thefts, vandalism and aggressive panhandling. Criminologists have dubbed the strategy the broken windows theory, with some arguing that attacking street-level property crimes can lead to an overall decrease in crime.

Critics, though, say forcing the department to permanently staff such a unit would hobble its ability to shift resources when necessary to fight other, more violent, crimes.

Even though property crimes are not on the level of violent crimes, these crimes matter, Wiener said, while acknowledging violent crime should remain the departments first focus. If you feel like you cant park your car on your street, that is going to affect your life.

Legislation introduced this week by San Francisco Supervisors London Breed and Norman Yee would require rental car companies to warn visitors  who generally have luggage and are prime targets for thieves  about auto burglaries. The effort comes as city officials say theyve seen positive results from new signs posted in popular tourist spots warning drivers to remove valuables from their cars.

The rampant auto break-ins have not gone unnoticed by police, department officials said. District station captains along with the Patrol Bureau Task Force have adopted a data-driven approach to the reported crimes and are looking at where and when the largest number break-ins happen.

Police this year have netted several prolific burglars by devoting plainclothes officers and uniform patrols to the hardest hit areas, said Sgt. Michael Andraychak, a San Francisco police spokesman.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

The San Francisco district attorneys office, meanwhile, has delegated a prosecutor to auto break-ins and auto-theft cases with a focus on repeat offenders.

We hope it is the beginning of a trend, Wiener said. But its still at epidemic levels even with the decline.

Looking out onto Howard Street, Alday wasnt convinced the citys efforts will succeed.

He said hes offered to give police a disc with video showing nearly a dozen daytime car break-ins recorded in high-definition. In the videos, burglars are seen leaning or standing nonchalantly near cars. The crooks will wait until the coast is clear, and whip a metal object into the glass.

The man or woman will generally walk away before returning to push out the splintered shards and reach inside for whatever is within arms reach. Many times, the thief comes up with only a handful of useless papers or other junk.

The officers Alday said he contacted about his videos, though, never came by to pick up the potentially compelling evidence.

How do you solve this issue when it feels like the police are not even interested? Alday asked.

He hopes to have the art piece in his living room completed, shellacked and on display before his next dinner party. But most of all, he wants it to be the last one using glass fragments  something he likely wont run out of anytime soon.

Im ready to move on to a different material, he said. This has to stop.

Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky
What a day for women everywhere.

The Chronicles front page from Oct. 12, 1984, covers the first vice presidential debate featuring a female candidate and the first spacewalk by a woman.

George Bush and Geraldine Ferraro clashed in a closely matched debate last night that reflected their historic competition as a man and a woman running for vice president, the story read.

Farther down the page, theres a story about a special NASA mission.

With an enthusiastic I love it, astronaut Kathryn Sullivan yesterday became the first American woman to step out of a spacecraft into the weightless void of space, the story read.

In the debate, The Chronicle held an immediate call-in poll  no, not very scientific  and Bush was declared the winner by a small margin.

Still, Ferraro held her own against the future president.

Calling his opponent Mrs. Ferraro, Bush emphasized that he was shot down in combat, the story read. Ferraro chastised Bush at one point for being patronizing when he appeared to lecture her on foreign affairs.

Man-splaining, it would seem, wouldnt fly on this day.

Goodbye to a legend: The front page features a refer box to an obituary for Trader Vics founder Victor J. Bergeron, the man who brought the tiki bar phenomenon to the Bay Area and then the world. Cheers with a flaming drink in a ceramic skull, sir.

Top O the Top of the News : Eight proposals for S.F.s Embarcadero Freeway, from tearing it down to extending it, are among the options in a new study. Page 2. Not among the options: destruction by earthquake.

More from the Archive The Vault Home of the San Francisco Chronicle's archive and more than 150 years of journalism covering the Bay Area and beyond.

Top O the Top of the News No. 2 : Mayor Dianne Feinstein took an exhilarating ride in a Blue Angels jet in preparation for Fleet Week. Page 3. Were blue with envy.

See more front pages: Go to SFChronicle.com/covers to search a database of hundreds of Chronicle Covers articles that showcase the newspapers history.

Chronicle Covers highlights one classic Chronicle newspaper page from our archive every day for 366 days. Library director Bill Van Niekerken and producers Kimberly Chua, Michelle Devera and Jillian Sullivan contributed to the project. Tim ORourke is the executive producer and editor of SFChronicle.com. Email: torourke@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @TimothyORourke
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed California to give a break to companies based in the state over companies based elsewhere when it taxes multistate business income.

The justices, without comment, denied review of an appeal by six out-of-state companies that sought refunds of $34 million they paid in taxes between 1993 and 2005. The companies argued that an interstate tax agreement required uniform standards that treated all businesses equally.

A ruling against the state would have required hundreds of millions of dollars in refunds to other companies. The National Association of Manufacturers and the chambers of commerce in several states joined individual firms in arguing for Supreme Court review.

The interstate agreement, called the Multistate Tax Compact, addresses the share of a multistate companys income that a single state can tax. The compact gives equal weight to three factors: the value of the companys property in the state, the wages it pays to employees in the state, and its sales in the state.

California legislators wrote those standards into state law in 1966 and joined the compact eight years later. But after complaints by some California companies that the formula favored their out-of-state competitors, legislators rewrote the state law in 1993 to give added weight to in-state sales, a factor that affects all businesses equally no matter where they are based  and thus shifts some of the tax burden to companies based outside California.

When looking at a multistate companys books now, assessors give 50 percent weight to its sales in California, and 25 percent each to property and payroll, before deciding what portion of its income is taxable in the state.

California did not immediately withdraw from the compact, however, and the six companies  Gillette, Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark, Sigma-Aldrich, RB Holdings and Jones Apparel Group  argued that they should be allowed to use the original equal-weight formula for their taxes.

Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Updated to include drought zones while tracking water shortage status of your area, plus reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts.

A state appeals court in San Francisco agreed with the companies in 2012, saying states had no authority to change the compacts tax formula. Lawmakers responded to the ruling by ending Californias participation in the compact, while state tax officials appealed and won a reversal from the state Supreme Court.

The Multistate Tax Compact has no binding regulatory authority upon member states, which are free to set their own tax policies, Justice Carol Corrigan said in a 7-0 ruling Dec. 31 that upheld the 1993 state tax law.

Of the 16 states that still belong to the compact, Corrigan said, only seven follow its tax-apportionment formula. She noted that the Multistate Tax Commission, which oversees the compact, described its standards as advisory in a court filing in the current case.

Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @egelko
Jane Kim is getting a nice push from Big Soda in the tightly contested race to succeed San Francisco Democrat Mark Leno in the state Senate.

The presence of outside money in the citys center-stage campaign between a dedicated progressive and the more centrist Scott Wiener is not surprising. Independent expenditures from special interests are flowing for and against both Democrats.

Wiener certainly has his share of monied benefactors, including Airbnb.

Voters are being bombarded with mailers from sources such as the Affordable Housing Alliance (a group heavily funded by the American Beverage Association) with a slate card prominently featuring Kim. Wiener is for a tax on sugar-laden sodas; Kim is against it, a rather curious position for a self-proclaimed progressive.

Wieners advocacy of the soda tax  Proposition V on the Nov. 8 ballot  offers a case study of why he earned our endorsement in a race between two capable members of the Board of Supervisors. He did his homework, came down squarely on the side of public health, took on a monied special interest  and stayed with the issue when the going got tough.

Wiener has established himself as a serious, pragmatic legislator at City Hall. As we have noted in our endorsement in the June primary, Wiener took a leadership role in streamlining the cumbersome construction approval process (critical to bringing housing on line), shoring up Muni service and finances, and establishing the nations most ambitious parental leave plan.

He is well prepared to make the transition to Sacramento.

The policy differences between the two are relatively few, but they are noteworthy. Kim voted to reinstate Sheriff Ross Mirkarimi after his 2012 conviction in a domestic violence case; she voted against arming police with stun guns as a nonlethal option; she opposed the sweeps of homeless encampments; and her support of onerous development restrictions, such as the moratorium on Mission housing that voters rejected, undercuts her pitch as a champion of affordable housing.

Scott Wiener remains our choice in state Senate District 11.
Enough of this seeking every opportunity to demean law enforcement broadly by making the accusation of implicit bias every time tragedy occurs.

With that line, Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence connected a fairly arcane scientific subject with the police shooting of unarmed black men and women. He was answering Hillary Clintons claim in the first presidential debate that she would set aside money to help us deal with implicit bias by retraining a lot of our police officers.

But neither candidate asked the most difficult question: Can implicit bias be corrected in an individual (and most important, in our entire police force)?

Theyre not asking sophisticated questions because they, along with most of the general public, are getting it wrong when they invoke implicit bias. When social scientists refer to implicit bias, they dont mean bias thats secret or purposely disguised from others. Implicit does not mean, as Merriam-Webster tells us, understood though not clearly or directly stated. In fact, we understand very little about our own biases, especially racial biases, because they are embedded in our brains too deeply for us to see them and report on them honestly.

Implicit bias is a measurement of a humans unconscious tendency to like or dislike something. The unconscious part is key  it means that this bias might inform an action, judgment or response without us even being aware of it. For example, it could be a judgment about what we find threatening in our daily work lives.

Some studies have shown that when someones own implicit bias is exposed by disclosing it to her, that person will correct her own explicit judgments in follow-up trials. But is this correction actually changing anything deep within the brain that forms the foundation of this implicit bias? Probably not, but the jurys still out. That kind of bias is created through a complex entanglement of culture, social experience, education, upbringing and even evolutionary mechanisms.

Our conversation on race is more like a shouting match because we loosely throw around terms like implicit bias without really understanding what it means from a policy perspective.

More racial sensitivity training for police officers cant hurt, but we shouldnt think that its a cure-all for implicit racial bias. Training not focused on race, but rather on the scores of other reasons someone pulls a trigger for the wrong reasons, will probably have a greater effect on reducing African American gun deaths by police. That includes techniques to control anxiety and emotions in the field, better use of nonlethal containment strategies, and weeding out officers beforehand who do not meet psychological standards (the implicit bias tests are not yet reliable enough to use as an employment tool, though). And yes, it could mean training officers to explicitly control an implicit response to race.

If we really want to do something about the biases in our justice and law enforcement systems that have become so painfully obvious in the last decade, we will have to think more creatively and less confrontationally about the issue. That means police will have to agree to some real changes in the way they do their jobs and in how theyre trained. Those who have denounced the police as the racist enforcers of a racist society should think about tossing away the broad brush of implicit bias in 2016 so they can start negotiating with police unions about saving lives in 2017.

Josh Green teaches political science at Ohlone College and wrote a dissertation at UC Berkeley about explicit racial cues in American campaigns.
Michael Macor/The Chronicle

Like any legitimate candidate for supervisor in San Francisco, Ahsha Safai has a website explaining his background and why he should be elected to represent District 11. Interestingly, he includes his stint with the San Francisco Housing Authority. But anybody whos followed city politics in recent years knows that isnt exactly a good thing.

True, Safai worked as a project manager and administrative analyst for the public housing agency from 2000 to 2003. But in 2010 he was appointed to the commission that oversees the agency by then-Mayor Gavin Newsom  the commission that was so ineffective Mayor Ed Lee removed almost the entire bunch, Safai included, three years later.
Rich Pedroncelli/Associated Press

Dont think that Donald Trump is focusing his latest round of invective and hate-tweeting only on conservatives like House Speaker Paul Ryan (weak, ineffective,) and Sen. John McCain (foul-mouthed). Now hes warring against liberal San Francisco environmentalist Tom Steyer. And Steyer is swinging back, calling Trump low energy.

At a rally Tuesday in Panama City, Fla., Trump called out Steyer, a wealthy former hedge fund manager. That might have seemed to be a bit of a UFO attack to those at the rally, but remember Trump now says that the the shackles have been taken off me. Thats breaking news only to those who thought Trump has been holding anything back for the past 17 months.
When the Dallas Hilton Inn opened in 1967, it quickly became synonymous with the high life. Home to a swanky private club and a happening Trader Vics, the high-rise hotel attracted a glittery clientele, but by the late 80s had fallen into disfavor and disrepair. The Maharishi Mahesh Yogi bought it in 1993, with hopes of turning it into a center for a different kind of high life  transcendental meditation  but that too stayed earthbound. After a few more twists of fate, the renamed Highland Dallas has returned to the Hilton fold as the inaugural member of its Curio Collection, with a new celebrity chef and a renewed, cheerfully eccentric sense of style.

Setting: Across the Central Expressway from ever-expanding Southern Methodist University, and across the street from Mockingbird Station, a light-rail transit hub with arthouse cinema, restaurants and shops, the hotel is just outside the residential upscale enclave of Highland Park and close to the young-and-trendy Lower Greenville neighborhood.
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A six-month investigation of the San Francisco Police Department by the U.S. Justice Department, prompted by the killing of Mario Woods and other fatal police shootings, concludes that the department does a poor job of tracking and investigating officers use of force, has ineffective antibias training and shields its disciplinary process from public view.

We found a department with concerning deficiencies in every operational area assessed: use of force; bias; community policing practices; accountability measures; and recruitment, hiring and promotion practices, Ronald Davis, director of the Justice Departments Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, wrote in the reports executive summary.

The department released its report Wednesday, along with 272 recommended changes for a police force racked over the past year by racist and homophobic text message scandals and fatal shootings that have frayed relationships between the department and minority communities.

The report found no proof of racial bias by officers of the SFPD or by the agency as a whole, and said race and ethnicity were not significantly associated with the severity of force that officers use. But it did conclude that police stop African American drivers in disproportionate numbers and that black and Hispanic drivers are more likely to be searched than whites.

Mayor Ed Lee, who asked for the Justice Departments investigation, said he was directing the leadership of the San Francisco Police Department and the Police Commission to implement these reforms as soon as possible with one specific goal in mind: fair and just policing that treats everyone the same and places the sanctity of life above all else.

The report comes as the Police Commission is considering candidates to replace former Chief Greg Suhr, who resigned in May after an officer shot an unarmed African American woman driving a stolen car. Among the candidates is acting Chief Toney Chaplin, who formerly headed the agencys community policing bureau.

The commission is expected soon to suggest three finalists to Lee, who will pick the next chief.

At a news conference Wednesday, Davis called for the report to be a guiding document in the search for a chief.

Davis said the report validates that which many people knew, that which many people have experienced. ... The next great challenge is, can we implement 272 recommendations? That is going to require leadership.

Among the reports findings and recommendations:

The department needs to improve its tracking of officers use of force. Its current system is outdated  some records are kept on paper, making it difficult to identify troubling trends.

The city should strongly consider giving officers electronic stun guns as an alternative to using lethal force, which the Police Department has suggested several times, without success.

Although the Police Department disciplined officers who swapped racist and homophobic text messages, it failed to take action to ensure this was not an institutionalized problem. Among other recommendations, the report urged that the department regularly check officers electronic communication devices to determine whether they are being used to communicate bias.

The department should report data regarding complaints against department members, their outcome, and trends in complaints and misconduct. The reason: Justice Department-led interviews of residents found a consistently stated belief, especially in the African American and Hispanic communities, that officers are not held accountable for misconduct.

Overall, the report found the Police Department to be an organization of good intentions ... that sometimes failed in execution with respect to accountability and ensuring appropriate cultural standards.

The report spanned more than 400 pages, going into detail on the assessment teams 94 findings. In general, it said the Police Department doesnt formalize policing standards meant to improve community relations or communicate well to its officers what is expected of them.

Some of the departments policies are outdated, the report found, and there is no simple or streamlined system in place to update them. Data collection and analysis, a longtime issue for the department, continues to be lacking, especially when it comes to use-of-force incidents.

The Justice Department team also found the quality of use-of-force investigations to be deficient. Many were not truly investigations, the report said. Witnesses were not often interviewed in depth. There was not a sense of using factual support or the absence of facts to make an investigative summary. Inconsistencies in statements were often not pressed.

Following the fatal shooting of Woods on Dec. 2, the Police Commission reopened the departments use-of-force general orders, approving a policy in June that put more of an emphasis on using minimal force.

The Justice Department backed most of the proposed revisions, which are now in negotiations between the Police Officers Association and the city. The main points that the union objected to  a ban on carotid restraints and a more restrictive policy for firing into moving vehicles  had the support of the Justice Department.

Davis called the union a valid stakeholder, but said it was drawing out negotiations unnecessarily.

Its too long, he said. Were now starting to debate about things that are just bad practices. The Department of Justice will not waver on its position about carotid restraints; it should be prohibited. We will not waver about shooting at moving vehicles; it should not occur.

Union President Martin Halloran said in a statement that although the union doesnt back all of the Justice Departments recommendations, it is committed to improving the relationship between the police and the community we serve.

The report was critical of several other Police Department practices, particularly its handling of two cases in which police officers were implicated in exchanging bigoted text messages.

Given the nature of the officers open and flagrant behavior, the SFPD should have considered that this may be an institutionalized problem and taken steps to address the behavior from an organizational perspective, the report said.

Looking into the possibility of institutionalized bias was the basis behind District Attorney George Gascons formation of a blue ribbon panel of retired judges following the emergence of the first set of racist text messages in 2015.

The Justice Department cited and upheld many of the panels recommendations. While police officials have demonstrated a willingness to advance practices aimed at reducing biased behavior, those efforts remain in developmental stages and have had little measurable impact, the report said.

Officers demonstrated implicit bias through their word choice and language use, which had implications when it came to traffic stops and arrests, the report said. It found that African American drivers were stopped in disproportionate numbers and that they and Latino drivers were searched more often than other motorists, suggesting that race may play a role in the initial stop decisions of SFPD officers.

The findings largely confirm a Chronicle investigation published in April, which found that police searched black and Latino drivers at much higher rates than whites or Asian Americans after traffic stops. Those searches were much less likely to result in officers uncovering evidence of crimes than less frequent searches of white or Asian American drivers.

The Justice Department launched the collaborative review after officers fatal shooting of Woods in the Bayview neighborhood, which drew public outcry after videos were posted on social media showing five officers firing at the 26-year-old stabbing suspect from all sides.

Police said Woods was still armed with a knife used in the stabbing and was a threat to officers and bystanders. An investigation into the incident is still under way. In response to a federal civil rights lawsuit filed by Woods family, the city attorneys office called the shooting lawful and justified.

Woods family, the mayor and police watchdogs called for a more binding Justice Department investigation into the department following the Woods shooting, similar to the type that the Obama administration opened in cities including Chicago, Cleveland and Ferguson, Mo.

Any findings from those investigations are considered binding, while a collaborative review like the one conducted in San Francisco can be implemented at the citys discretion.

Some critics of police expressed doubts Wednesday about the Justice Departments ability to ensure that the Police Department takes the report seriously.

How can they come here and claim that SFPD is willing to implement change when they have noted themselves that the use-of-force policy, which was unanimously passed on June 22, has still not yet been rolled out because the SFPOA is impeding the process? asked Karen Fleshman, a member of the Justice for Mario Woods Coalition.

The collaborative review had the support of acting Chief Chaplin, who headed the bureau in charge of coordinating with the Justice Department and enacting reforms before stepping in as chief when Suhr resigned following the fatal May 19 shooting of Jessica Williams.

This past year has not been easy for any of us, not for this department or this country, Chaplin said. The climate has overshadowed many of our accomplishments and achievements. ... But this climate has also made it clear that its not enough to do the normal.

Police Commission President Suzy Loftus said she planned to have the Police Department present the commission with updates each month about how the reports recommendations are being implemented.

This is what we asked for, Loftus said. We asked for an unflinching, honest assessment of where the department is at, where are their weaknesses, where the gaps are, and we got it. There is a lot of work to do.

Vivian Ho is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: vho@sfchronicle.com

Twitter: @VivianHo

Reports main findings

Some of the 94 findings and 272 recommendations in the U.S. Justice Departments report on the San Francisco Police Department:

Use of force: The Police Department does not adequately investigate officer use of force. The SFPD needs to develop a policy for investigation standards and a protocol for handling officer statements.

Race and force: Community members race and ethnicity are not significantly associated with the severity of force used by officers, although the majority of deadly use of force incidents by the SFPD involved persons of color.

Stun guns: The city should strongly consider equipping officers with electronic stun guns as an alternative to lethal force.

Racist texts: In light of two racist texting scandals, the Police Department should regularly audit officers electronic communication devices to determine whether they are being used to send biased messages.

Community policing: Some of the Police Departments policies when it comes to community policing and prohibiting bias and discrimination are outdated.

Implicit bias: While the report found no proof of racial bias by officers of the SFPD or by the agency as a whole, some officers demonstrated implicit bias through their word choice and language use.

Traffic stops: Police stop African American drivers in disproportionate numbers.

Hiring practices: Despite a relatively good record in hiring diverse candidates, women and nonwhites are terminated from recruit training at higher rates than white men. Minorities and women are underrepresented among Police Department leaders and supervisors.

Disciplinary process: The Police Department shields its disciplinary process and outcomes from public view, contributing to a perception  especially among blacks and Hispanics  that officers avoid punishment for misconduct.
WASHINGTON  The federal consumer watchdog agency, enmeshed in partisan politics since its creation after the financial crisis, now has had its structure ruled unconstitutional because it gives too much power to a single agency director.

A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday that the way the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is organized violates the Constitutions separation of powers by limiting the presidents ability to remove the director who heads the agency.

The law creating the independent agency after the 2008-09 financial crisis says its director can only be removed for cause, such as neglect of duty, and not over political differences. The court said that conflicts with the Constitution, which allows the president to remove executives for any reason.

The ruling came from a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. It will not affect operations, but the presidents power over the director would be expanded.

The ruling handed a victory to the banking industry, which has viewed the agency as a thorn in its side and accused it of overreaching in its regulation of consumer financial activities. The agency has taken legal action against banks, mortgage companies, credit card issuers, payday lenders, debt collectors and others. It says that over five years it has recovered $11.7 billion that it returned to more than 27 million harmed consumers.

The agency has been a political lightning rod since it was created by Congress in a major financial overhaul law in 2010 to protect consumers from harmful banking and lending practices. Wall Street interests, the banking and consumer finance industries and Republicans in Congress have fiercely opposed and criticized the agency.

The idea for the agency was conceived by Elizabeth Warren, now a Democratic senator from Massachusetts and a fiery critic of Wall Street. Richard Cordray, a Democrat and former Ohio attorney general, has run the agency since it began operating in 2011.

As director, Cordray exercises more power than would be the case with a five-member commission, which is often the structure atop independent federal agencies. The members of such commissions normally are split between the political parties.

The agencys director possesses enormous power over American business, American consumers and the overall U.S. economy, the appeals court ruling said.

The government argued that the agencys structure and powers are constitutional.

The case involves allegations that New Jersey mortgage lender PHH Corp. was involved in a scheme to refer customers to certain mortgage insurance companies in exchange for illegal kickbacks.

In making its ruling, the appeals court said the constitutional problem can be solved by taking out the for cause removal provision of the 2010 law. That gives the president the power to remove the director at will, and to supervise him or her.

The Obama administration can seek a rehearing of the decision before the full appeals court.
Meal-delivery startup Munchery is looking to replace CEO Tri Tran, and is struggling to raise new funding to help its search for a profitable business model.

Former Shutterfly CEO Jeff Housenbold, who recently joined Muncherys board, is in the running for the top spot. The board did ask me if Id consider it and I told them that I would, Housenbold said.

Housenbold is not the only candidate, he said. We have an active, ongoing process with an executive recruiting firm.

Munchery last raised money in 2015, valuing the startup at $250 million to $275 million, according to Housenbold. The company has raised $120 million in total.

The company, which operates in a handful of cities and loses millions of dollars a month, has approached investors about a new round of financing but is having trouble expanding its roster of backers beyond existing top shareholders, according to people familiar with the matter.

Munchery isnt the only food delivery startup laboring to find its way. Square tried and failed to sell its unprofitable Caviar business, and competitor Postmates has yet to announce a long-anticipated round of financing. Meanwhile, Ubers food delivery ambitions have gone global.

Munchery, which is more than 5 years old, delivers food that just needs to be heated up, and operates out of four big kitchens. The San Francisco startup has changed its business model several times and is pursuing different services. It has experimented with meal kits that require more assembly and cooking at home  similar to the ones that startup Blue Apron delivers. This month, Munchery said it will start delivering meals to companies, not just individuals.

This year, the company had been burning through about $5 million a month, Housenbold and investor Shervin Pishevar acknowledged, but that figure has been reduced to below $3 million now.

Several top executives have left Munchery in the past year, including senior vice president for operations and strategy Kris Fredrickson and La Boulangerie founder Pascal Rigo, who had been the companys chief customer experience officer. In March, Rigo sent the food blog Eater an email that said, I just did not share anymore their strategy for growth and their vision for the future.

In May 2015, Munchery raised about $85 million in a round led by Menlo Ventures, garnering that $250 million to $275 million valuation.

The valuation had been reported by outlets as $300 million, before Housenhold joined the board. He said this week that Munchery executives didnt try hard to correct the number because the higher it is, the entrepreneur looks better. He said hes setting the record straight now because he believes in accuracy.

Munchery has sought new funding from outside investors at a price below $200 million, according to a person familiar with the matter. Housenbold said that since the company hasnt raised a new round yet, any future valuation is speculative.

The last round of financing was considered an inside round because Menlo Ventures had led a previous round. Menlo and Muncherys other main investor, Sherpa Ventures, led by Pishevar, have reportedly struggled to attract new investors.

That hasnt stopped Pishevar and others from making bold pronouncements about the companys prospects. On Sept. 9, Pishevar told CNBC the addition of grocery industry investor Ron Burkle and Housenbold to Muncherys board would boost its expansion plans.

The business is doing incredibly well, Pishevar said. We feel very lucky to be able to have them here helping us steer the company.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Pishevar said building the companys brand will take time. You dont build a global brand overnight. What these guys have done is similar to Uber. They have focused on getting this model right in the cities that theyre in. Once they get that right, then you get that flywheel effect of expanding city to city.

Pishevar and Housenbold said Munchery makes more money selling food than it costs to make and deliver that food. But that doesnt count other costs, including marketing.

Current CEO Tran, a Vietnamese refugee who co-founded Munchery, is hopeful.

We are excited to bring on a world class operator to support our rapid expansion and drive the business forward, Tran said in an email. I am incredibly excited about our future.

Eric Newcomer is a Bloomberg writer. Email: enewcomer@bloomberg.net
WASHINGTON  The Supreme Court raised serious doubts Tuesday about a $399 million judgment against smartphone maker Samsung for illegally copying parts of the patented design of Apples iPhone.

Justices hearing arguments in the long-running dispute seemed troubled that Samsung was ordered to pay all the profits it earned from 11 phone models, even though the features at issue are just a tiny part of the devices.

But some justices struggled over how exactly a jury should be told to compute damages if the case is sent back to a lower court.

DON EMMERT/AFP/Getty Images

If I were a juror, I wouldnt know what to do, said Justice Anthony Kennedy.

Justice Stephen Breyer appeared to embrace a test proposed by a group of Internet companies including Facebook and Google that would outline new limits on such damage awards. Other justices seemed to favor a different test proposed by the Obama administration.

The outcome could have ripple effects across the high-tech industry as the court balances the need to encourage innovation against a desire to protect lucrative design patents.

The case is part of a series of high-stakes lawsuits between the technology rivals that began in 2011. None of the early generation Samsung phones involved in the lawsuit remains on the market.

Cupertinos Apple sued over Samsungs duplication of a handful of distinctive iPhone features for which Apple holds patents: the flat screen, the rounded rectangle shape of the phone, and the layout of icons on the screen.

The companies are wrangling over how much Samsung is required to compensate Apple under an 1887 law that requires patent infringers to pay total profit. At issue is whether that means all the profits from phone sales, or just the profit related to the specific components that were copied.

Samsung says the hefty award ignores the fact that its phones contain more than 200,000 other patents that Apple does not own. Apple argues that the verdict is fair because the iPhones success was directly tied to its distinctive look.

The federal appeals court in Washington that hears patent cases has ruled that Apple was entitled to all the profits.

Samsungs lawyer Kathleen Sullivan told the court that total profits should be limited only to the sliver of the product that was copied. She said the parties could use consumer surveys and other expert testimony to show how much the design affected sales.

The justices seemed open to the idea, but several kept wondering how it would play out using the example of the Volkswagen Beetle, a car with a quirky design that surged to popularity in the 1960s.

It may be that the body accounts for only 10 percent of the cost of the car, but 90 percent of the profits are attributable to the shape of the car, Justice Sonia Sotomayor said.

But Justice Samuel Alito said the Beetle example was not that helpful.

I cant get over the thought that nobody buys a car, even a Beetle, just because they like the way it looks, he said.

Arguing for the Obama administration, Justice Department lawyer Brian Fletcher said the justices should adopt a multifactor test that includes how prominent are the design features in the product, and to what extent consumers buy an iPhone or other device based on how it looks instead of what it can do.

Technology giants, including Facebook of Menlo Park and Google of Mountain View, are backing Samsung. They say upholding the lower court ruling would value a single design patent at the expense of all other things a smartphone can do, leading to excessive windfalls not intended by the law.

On the other side, companies including sportswear manufacturer Adidas and jewelry maker Tiffany & Co. say allowing recovery of total profits will discourage design pirates and protect companies that invest in creative designs.

A ruling in the case is expected by June.
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The man allegedly killed by his 73-year-old cellmate Tuesday at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin was identified as a 56-year-old Union City resident, authorities said Wednesday.

Dat Thanh Luong died in his cell, and authorities believe his cellmate, whose name was not released, used his bare hands to kill him.

Homicide investigators were waiting for a Farsi translator to be able to interview the suspected killer, who was arrested Oct. 6 by Hayward police on suspicion of battery and making threats, said Sgt. Ray Kelly, a spokesman for the Alameda County Sheriffs Office.

The men were being held in a maximum-security housing unit for inmates with mental illness or behavioral problems.

The suspect, covered in blood, fled from the cell as soon as jail deputies opened its door to check on the inmates about 8:50 a.m. Tuesday. He got down the hallway before the two deputies tackled him, Kelly said.

Inside the cell, they found Luong seriously injured. They tried life-saving measures, but he was pronounced dead in the 6-by-10-foot cell.

Luong had been at the jail since Jan. 26 and was being held on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. He was going to be sent to Napa State Hospital soon for mental-health treatment, Kelly said.

The alleged assailant was moved into an isolation unit after the slaying.

Investigators do not believe any weapons were used in Luongs death. He was killed between cell checks, which the deputies do every 15 to 30 minutes, Kelly said.

Tuesdays homicide was the fifth inmate-on-inmate death at the jail since it opened in 1989. The facility is the sixth-largest county jail in the country.

Kimberly Veklerov is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: kveklerov@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kveklerov
Kuchar brothers short films: Bay Area avant-garde filmmaking treasures Mike and George Kuchar began making 8mm movies in the 1950s, campy films inspired by the B movies they regularly saw in their Bronx neighborhood. By the 1960s, they were prominent figures in the New York underground movie scene; Andy Warhol and John Waters are among those who counted them as influences.

You make a picture how you feel, and also whos around and what the chemistry is, Mike Kuchar told me at his Mission District apartment in 2011. Sometimes the acting isnt that good, but it doesnt matter. Film is an illusion. Everybodys playing a role. ... Pictures are artificial  people getting paid high prices to play beggars.

Artists Television Access will screen a program of short films the next two Fridays, focusing on Mikes films at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, followed with a program of Georges films on Oct. 21.

The Kuchars, who taught at the San Francisco Art Institute for 30 years, were twins, but they had very different filmmaking styles.

Mike, who recently turned 74 and is still active, often made loopy valentines to B movies such as those made by Ed Wood and early Roger Corman. In one film, characters talk through comic book balloons. Mike was the first to do vulgarity in an almost operatic style, Waters once said.

George, who died in 2011, went from low-budget tributes to directors such as Douglas Sirk to, in his later career, becoming obsessed with storm chasing and making weather documentaries.

If these screenings stoke your interest, check out San Francisco filmmaker Jennifer M. Kroots wonderful 2009 documentary on the Kuchars, It Came From Kuchar, which is available for streaming on KQED Arts YouTube channel.

8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14 and Oct. 21, at Artists Television Access, 992 Valencia St., S.F. (415) 824-3890. www.atasite.org

Andy Warhols Silver Screen  Rarities & Restorations: About Warhol, Mike Kuchar said, We would go to each others programs. ... My brother did a picture once (at Warhols Factory), using it as a background. (Warhol) was an interesting man. He was very shrewd. He knew how to use people, bring them out of the woodwork. I thought he had an interesting approach to making pictures.

Yerba Buena Center for the Arts is screening seven of his avant-garde films from the 1960s, beginning with San Diego Surf (7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 16), a movie made in 1968 but unseen for 40 years until Warhol collaborator Paul Morrissey, a fine filmmaker in his own right, completed the editing. (A month after filming completed, Warhol was shot and seriously wounded by Valerie Solanas, an incident that cut short his filmmaking career and, eventually, his life).

Also screening this weekend are two shorts about Warhol Factory regular Edie Sedgewick, Outer and Inner Space and Tiger Morse (7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14). Through Oct. 30 at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, 701 Mission St., S.F. (415) 978-2787. www.ybca.org

Easy Rider live in Petaluma: Dennis Hoppers 1969 counterculture classic screens with live musical accompaniment by a seven-piece band led by musical director Robert Powell on guitar, pedal steel and vocals. The band will play at an after-party as well. $25. 8:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at the Mystic Theatre, 23 Petaluma Blvd. N., Petaluma. (707) 765-2121. www.mystictheatre.com

2001: A Space Odyssey with S.F. Symphony: Stanley Kubricks sci-fi classic kicks off the San Francisco Symphonys 2016-17 film series season, in which the symphony plays along with the films live. There will be three performances, at 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, through Saturday, Oct. 15, with a preconcert talk one hour before each performance titled The Musical Imagination of Stanley Kubrick by musicologist Kate McQuiston. Also, 2001 star Keir Dullea will introduce the Thursday evening show. $30-$165. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F. (415) 864-6000. www.sfsymphony.org

G. Allen Johnson is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: ajohnson@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BRfilmsAllen
Brian Bowen Smith

Brian Wilson is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Beach Boys crowning achievement, Pet Sounds, by playing the album in full  possibly for the last time.

Joined by the groups co-founder Al Jardine and former member Blondie Chaplin, and a 10-piece backing band, hes likely to throw in fan favorites like Wild Honey and Little Deuce Coupe during the show at The Masonic. Fans can see the result of the hard work and trauma that went into the making of the 1966 record, which was played out in the 2014 biopic Love and Mercy.
PROVIDENCE, R.I.  An ideological tug-of-war over the firing of a Rhode Island church music director for marrying his same-sex partner illustrates the confusion that permeates some U.S. Roman Catholic parishes over Pope Francis words on homosexuality.

Francis famous declaration Who am I to judge? in 2013 energized Catholics who had pushed the church to accept gays and lesbians. Now, some gay Catholics and supporters who hoped for rapid acceptance find themselves stymied by many bishops and pastors.

Francis is being cited by both the music director, Michael Templeton, and by Providence Bishop Thomas Tobin, known for taking a hard line on church teaching about marriage and abortion. Tobin has criticized Francis, writing after the popes summit on the family two years ago that Francis is fond of creating a mess. Mission accomplished.

The pope has upheld Catholic teaching on homosexuality, reiterating the churchs opposition to same-sex relationships. But his shift in tone and broad statements about mercy have left a trail of comments that amount to a Rorschach test open to interpretation, say those who have closely followed Francis.

Pope Francis has not said, Heres what you should do in a parish where you have a music director who has married his partner of the same sex, said the Rev. James T. Bretzke, a professor of moral theology at Boston College. Pope Francis is articulating general principles: forgiveness and mercy and not harsh judgment. But how you handle a particular case like this, he has been very reluctant to weigh in on it.

Templeton, 38, says he was called in last month and fired from the job he held for five years at the Church of St. Mary. The pastor, appointed in July, told him someone had sent him a 2015 article that included details about Templetons wedding.

At the end of the meeting, a disappointed Templeton cited Francis.

This seems truly inconsistent with the teachings of Pope Francis, Templeton said he told them.

The firing caused an outcry in the parish. A fellow employee resigned minutes after Templetons firing. Several lay leaders also resigned, and dozens of parishioners have left, including most of the churchs 20 to 30 gay members.

Tobin issued a statement to the Providence Journal saying church employees and volunteers are expected to live in a way that is fully consistent with church teachings.
EAST HARTFORD, Conn.  A flight instructor and a student pilot had an altercation inside the cockpit of a small plane, and the instructor was unable to regain control from the trainee before it crashed near the Connecticut headquarters of a military jet engine manufacturer, killing the student, a U.S. official familiar with the investigation said Wednesday.

The crash appeared to have been a suicide by the student, and terrorism was ruled out, the official said. The official, who wasnt authorized to speak publicly, spoke on condition of anonymity.

The Piper PA-34 Seneca crashed with the two men aboard during a training flight Tuesday in East Hartford near the headquarters of Pratt & Whitney, while returning to Brainard Airport in Hartford, authorities said. The flight instructor was badly burned but survived.

The instructor described the student pilot as disgruntled about learning to be a pilot, the U.S. official said.

The flight instructor is Arian Prevalla, 43, and the student was Feras Freitekh, said a law enforcement official, who wasnt authorized to disclose the information and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Prevallas social media pages indicate he is president of the American Flight Academy and a managing member of the Hartford Jet Center, both based in Hartford. The pages say he originally is from Albania and now lives in Hartford. On LinkedIn, Prevalla said he received a bachelors degree in Aviation Science from Mountain State University, a now-defunct university in Beckley, W.Va.

Freitekh had lived in the Chicago suburb of Orland Hills since 2013 and received a private pilot certificate last year from the Federal Aviation Administration, according to public records.

Safety officials said Wednesday that the FBI was taking over as lead investigator of the crash because of indications that it was an intentional act.

The survivor told police detectives it was not an accident, according to East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc.

Authorities said the student and instructor were about to land at Brainard Airport in Hartford when the plane struck a utility pole and crashed onto the road at around 4 p.m. Tuesday, bursting into flames. The crash site is a short distance from the airport, across the Connecticut River and in line with the runway.

The path that the plane took could have been much worse. So were very fortunate in that sense, East Hartford Police Chief Scott Sansom said.

Police say Prevalla is hospitalized with serious burns and is expected to live.
LANSING, Mich.  A Flint resident is asking for a grand jury investigation of Michigan Gov. Rick Snyders decision to use at least $2 million in state funds for his legal representation related to criminal probes of the citys water crisis.

The complaint, filed Tuesday, alleges that the governor broke the law by violating conflict-of-interest prohibitions and unilaterally spending taxpayer money for personal benefit without the authority to do so. It requests that the Ingham County Circuit Court, based in Michigans capital city, convene a one-judge grand jury to investigate.

Keri Webber, who brought the complaint with assistance from Democratic attorney Mark Brewer, said the lead-contaminated water sickened her family. Her 16-year-old daughter suffered liver damage, her 21-year-old daughter contracted Legionnaires disease and her husband lost vision in one eye due to a stroke she attributes to high blood pressure associated with lead.

Its one more salt in the wound. ... Hes taking our money to pay for his legal defense, Webber, 46, said in a phone interview. That money should be going back into the city of Flint. It should be going back into medical care, psychological care, all of these things.

Snyder has apologized for his administrations mistakes that caused and prolonged the man-made disaster, which began while Flint was under state financial management. Eight state employees and one Flint worker have been charged in Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuettes ongoing probe.

Snyder spokeswoman Anna Heaton said the spending is legally sound because the fees are related to actions taken in his official capacity as governor.

The Republican governor has approved two contracts for outside Flint-related legal services worth $3.4 million, including $2 million for records management issues and investigations and $1.4 million to defend against civil lawsuits.

The complaint questions the $2 million contract, with Warner, Norcross & Judd of Grand Rapids.

Brewer, a former chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, said no one in state government responsible for procurement approved the contract. Snyder has cited a 2011 resolution from the State Administrative Board stating that the governor can approve his own contracts without board approval.
ZTO Express makes move to list in New York Updated: 2016-10-12 08:24 By ZHU WENQIAN(China Daily)

An employee of ZTO Express Co delivers packages for customers in Dalian, Liaoning province. [Photo by Zhang Chunlei/For China Daily]

Chinese express delivery services provider ZTO Express Co, one of Alibaba Group Holding Ltd's logistics partners, has submitted a filing for an initial public offering on the New York Stock Exchange, in a move to raise $1.5 billion.

The IPO could be the second-largest by a Chinese firm in the United States, following the IPO of Alibaba that raised $25 billion in 2014. ZTO Express plans to use the raised capital to expand its scale, eye potential strategic acquisitions, and to establish and purchase new operations centers, trucks and facilities, according to its prospectus.

Founded in 2002, the Shanghai-based ZTO Express generated sales revenues of $639 million last year, and achieved net profits of $115 million. The profit margin hit 18 percent, the prospectus said.

With more than 23,000 branches and 74 operation centers nationwide, ZTO Express' total assets reached $1.77 billion with total liabilities of $412 million.

It took a market share of 14.3 percent in China last year. From 2011 to 2015, the company netted a compound growth rate of 80.3 percent.

Other leading Chinese logistics companies, including Shentong Express and Yuantong Express, whose profit margins are between 3 percent and 6 percent, have made public debuts earlier on the A-share market in China through backdoor listings.

Analysts said the reason that ZTO Express chose to list in the US could be related to the long queue waiting to list in China. With a faster IPO in the US, shareholders may lock in investment profits easier.

Yang Daqing, contributing researcher at the China Society of Logistics, said: "If ZTO Express can successfully list in the US, it will drive the growth of the Chinese logistics market by leveraging global capital. But, ZTO Express should make full preparations to adjust to modern enterprise management necessary to list in the highly free US capital market."
Gezhouba bets big on green industries Updated: 2016-10-12 09:14 By LIU WEI/ZHOU LIHUA(China Daily)

China Gezhouba Group Co, a company that worked on the construction of the Three Gorges dam, is aiming at the waste management sector to continue its growth, as overcapacity caps most of its current businesses.

Executives of the State-owned firm said technologies that use household waste to make cement and cinders for highways could become a cash cow for the Wuhan-based company.

The company spent 3 billion yuan ($447 million) to acquire environment-related businesses this year and its investment in emerging industries is set to surpass that in traditional industries, according to Nie Kai, chairman and president of China Gezhouba.

"The environment sector is set to be a critical arm for us in the coming years," said Nie.

He said the company is negotiating an acquisition with the biggest garbage disposal plant in Europe for waste management technologies.

In Xiangyang, Hubei province, a cement factory operated by China Gezhouba's subsidiary Zhongjiecaixin is preparing a large amount of garbage for reuse, using machines in a sealed space that rip it apart and categorize it.

Guo Chengzhou, general manager of the cement plant under China Gezhouba, said the technology is the only current method that can process garbage with no ash residue and additional pollution.

The company is approaching governments in other cities, aiming to apply the technique by acquiring cement plants, said Guo.

As a growing number of rural residents enters cities, local governments are eagerly seeking new techniques to deal with growing garbage, besides putting it in a landfill.

Zhongjiecaixin also uses a cement kiln to process urban household waste into alternative fuels or into a substitute raw material for making high-quality cement.

Facing the challenge of overcapacity in the cement industry, the company upgraded its equipment and technology to save energy and cut emissions. Now, it produces cement with better quality and lower cost than its competitors.

Guo said the company produces 26 million metric tons of cement a year without inventory, standing out from the dimming cement industry.

The company is planning to launch industrial parks to gather similar environmental technologies and to search for further research and development for its emerging businesses.

The world's first production line that recycles used tires to make rubber will be launched in Guangdong this year, according to Nie.

"China Gezhouba's environmental business is about combining new technologies with their existing equipment, which is an efficient and cost-reducing approach. The industry still needs government support to grow bigger," said Guo Yun, a researcher at the center for listed companies at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

China Gezhouba now has eight businesses in the environment sector, including construction, investment, real estate, cement manufacturing, civil explosives, finance, equipment manufacturing and the environmental industry.

China Gezhouba has hydropower station projects in Angola, Pakistan, Laos, Indonesia and Argentina. Meanwhile, it is considering selling its domestic hydropower business.

Nie said about 20 percent of its investment is overseas. "China Gezhouba has a great reputation overseas."

Contact the writers at liuwei2013@chinadaily.com.cn and zhoulihua@chinadaily.com.cn
CCB announces to set up debt-to-equity swap program Updated: 2016-10-12 09:18 By JIANG XUEQING(China Daily)

Employees are seen at the stand of China Construction Bank (CCB) during an exhibition in Shanghai, November 23, 2013. [Photo/IC]

China Construction Bank Corp announced on Tuesday that it has established a 24-billion-yuan ($3.57 billion) transformation and development fund jointly with Wuhan Iron and Steel (Group) Corp to reduce the company's leverage, mainly through debt-to-equity swaps. So far, the company has received half of the fund's amount.

The debt-to-assets ratio of Wuhan Iron and Steel reached 76 percent at the end of 2015, higher than the industry average of 67 percent. CCB is aiming to help lower the ratio to about 65 percent, said Zhang Minghe, head of CCB's debt-for-equity swap program.

Earlier this year, the State Council approved the merger and restructuring of two of China's largest steel producers, Baosteel Group Corporation and Wuhan Iron and Steel.

"The products of Wuhan Iron and Steel have great market prospects although the company is facing temporary difficulties and is reducing part of its capacity according to government requirements. We have confidence in the restructuring of Baosteel and Wuhan Iron and Steel, which will bring synergistic effects in terms of strategies, markets and clients," Zhang said.

CCB has been in touch with a number of State-owned enterprises and private companies that expressed their interest in debt-to-equity swaps. The bank is concentrating the program on leading companies in traditional sectors with excess capacity, such as iron and steel, coal and chemical industries, as well as strategic emerging industries. The corporate debts to be swapped will include loans categorized as "pass", "special-mention" and "non-performing".

Currently, the bank is carrying out debt-to-equity swaps by setting up funds. Like many other commercial banks, it is seeking to set up its own investment management company.

"We'll actively apply for regulatory approval of our establishment of an investment management company," said Zhang.
Zhanjiang chambers of commerce hold annual meeting in Beijing Updated: 2016-10-12 15:03 By Zhao Tingting(chinadaily.com.cn)

Chairmen of local Zhanjiang chambers of commerce and entrepreneurs from Zhanjiang, in South China's Guangdong province, gathered in Beijing on Monday for their 7th annual meeting.

The meeting, with themes of cooperation, win-win solutions, inclusion and development, is being held outside Zhanjiang for the first time.

Through business inspections, forums and experience sharing, the meeting promoted visits and communication between local chambers of commerce, realizing opportunities and helping to share resources.

At the meeting, entrepreneurs discussed how to strengthen and consolidate the Zhanjiang Chamber of Commerce and made recommendations on how to improve the Zhanjiang investment environment.

The book "For Dreams", which is a collection of stories about successful entrepreneurs from Zhanjiang, was also released during the meeting.

Deng Biquan, CPPCC chairman of Zhanjiang city, attended the meeting and praised the rotating meeting method as a great innovation.

Deng expressed his hopes that entrepreneurs from Zhanjiang can return to the city to invest and contribute to the development of their hometown.
Simplified measures for investment Updated: 2016-10-12 06:56 By Zhang Yue(China Daily)

The Chinese government will further streamline approval procedures for foreign investment across the country to attract more overseas investment and improve China's business environment.

A new legislative guideline was approved during the State Council's executive meeting on Oct 8, chaired by Premier Li Keqiang. "Our country also needs advanced technology and new ideas to press ahead with development," Li said. "This is part of the government's crucial efforts to streamline administration and delegate power, as well as improve our business environment."

The new guideline is a revision of the existing administrative measures for foreign investment in China's four free trade zones in Shanghai, Guangdong, Tianjin and Fujian, turning the three-year pilot measures into a legislative guideline.

According to the new guideline, those interested in investing in China no longer have to go through approval procedures if they invest in non-restricted sectors, in accordance with the Catalogue of Industries for Foreign Investment, and do not contradict the special requirements regarding equity rights and level of management in the catalog, which was issued last year.

The new guideline is aimed at helping foreign investors reduce concerns about discriminatory industrial policies in China, and calls for more effective government services for foreign investment.

The importance of encouraging foreign investment has been frequently stressed by Li, and was most recently brought up when he addressed an audience in New York last month.

"We are paying equal attention to 'bringing in' and 'going global', and for a developing country like China, it is still important to attract massive foreign investment, which can help boost the Chinese economy," Li said.

"We hope that China will remain an attractive destination for foreign investment. We need foreign investment for economic growth, and more importantly, we need new managerial expertise and advanced technologies that foreign investment brings," he said.

The "foreign investment negative list" was first applied in the Shanghai FTZ in 2013, the country's first FTZ. It explored paths to better attract overseas investors by acting as a guideline for temporary administrative measures for FTZ foreign investment regulations. Foreign investors whose projects are not on the negative list only need to register their investment with the government system via the internet.

This was later applied to the other three FTZs, and was expected to be revised and applied across the country after a three-year trial.

Official data show that such measures greatly boosted foreign investment in these areas. From January to August, actual use of foreign capital in the four FTZs totaled $8.59 billion, accounting for almost 10 percent of the national total. A third-party evaluation also shows the simplified measures have brought vigor to foreign investment. Online registration takes just three working days, while the previous approval procedure usually took no less than 20 working days.

Once the new guideline is put in place, administrative procedures required for registration will be reduced by 95 percent. The decision to revise the regulations was approved by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress in early September.

According to Wu Qing, a finance researcher with the Development Research Center of the State Council, the change in investment procedure management should send a positive signal to foreign investors about China's improving investment environment.

zhangyue@chinadaily.com.cn

(China Daily 10/12/2016 page7)
Chinese calligrapher receives Dubai Islamic Economy Award Updated: 2016-10-12 14:21 (Xinhua)

A Chinese Islamic calligrapher received Dubai Islamic Economy Award on Tuesday "in recognition of his valuable contribution toward the development of the global Islamic economy."

Haji Noor Deen Mi Guangjiang, an expert in Chinese style Islamic calligraphy and a native of China's Shandong province, teaches at an Islamic college in Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan province in China.

The award was conferred by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al-Maktoum on the opening day of the 3rd Global Islamic Economy Summit.

The Islamic Economy Award, launched in 2013, recognizes innovative world-class business initiatives and ideas that are Shariah-compliant and contribute to social and economic welfare of the Muslim population while also fostering "prosperity, harmony, and well-being for all".
Tsai willing to talk about anything but reality Updated: 2016-10-12 08:02 By Zhu Songling(China Daily)

Tsai Ing-wen attends to the talent competition of children with mental disabilities in Taiwan. [Photo/IC]

Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen, chairwoman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, once again refrained from elaborating on her cross-Straits relations policy while delivering a speech on Monday. Instead, she said that "our pledges and goodwill remain unchanged, but we will neither succumb to pressure nor revert to the old path of conflict and confrontation".

The same comments were made in a letter Tsai wrote to DPP members on Sept 29, in which she called the mainland a country for the first time and urged resistance against "pressure" from the other side of the Taiwan Straits.

In her speech on Monday, she told the mainland to "face up to the existence of the 'Republic of China'" and "respect Taiwan people's faith in democracy". She went on to suggest that both sides could talk about "anything in the interest of the peaceful development of cross-Straits ties and the livelihoods of people on both sides".

The truth is, Tsai is willing to talk about anything but the 1992 Consensus, and her "goodwill" is nothing more than a pie in the sky. In other words, the DPP leader does not want to face up to the reality there is only one China, and is intending to keep beating around bush in the vain hope of realizing her "pro-independence" ambitions.

Tsai's speech, which basically reiterated her previous political pledges, was not only an ill-designed attempt to test the limits of the mainland in regards to cross-Straits affairs, it was also intended to make the mainland a scapegoat of her missteps at home.

Tsai's recent moves stem from her misreading of the pendulum of cross-Straits relations, which she believes had swung in her favor. Backed by some senior Kuomintang members who served in the Lee Teng-hui administration and her DPP supporters, she has sought to create more political divisions in the island's officialdom.

Making more Taiwan politicians, be they DPP or Kuomintang members, acknowledge the existence of the "Republic of China", serves Tsai's pursuit of a bipartisan political consensus, and eventually the island's "independence". So do her efforts to tout Taiwan's "democracy", which she uses as an ideological weapon to attack the fact that both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China.

According to China National Tourism Administration, only 7,915 mainland tourists visited the island during the weeklong National Day holiday starting on Oct 1, whereas the figure could easily exceed 10,000 a day in the past. That, of course, has something to do with Tsai's equivocation of the "status quo" of cross-Straits ties that existed under her predecessor.

But in the face of rising public rage on the island at the drop in mainland visitors, which has dealt a heavy blow to the island's economy, Tsai does not seem to be bothered at all. On the one hand, she has promised to attract more tourists from Southeast Asia to fill the void left by mainland tourists, by coining the so-called New Southward Policy. On the other hand, she is seeking to divert public anger toward the mainland, blaming it for "pressuring Taiwan".

It is fair to say much of her focus remains on affairs at home and making the island "a normal state" by cozying up to the United States and Japan rather than trying to fix relations with the other side of the Straits. But Tsai should drop her favorite trick of provoking the mainland before the island feels even more pain.

Zhu Songling is a professor at the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Beijing Union University. The article is an excerpt of his interview with China Daily's Cui Shoufeng.
ROK mulls standalone sanctions against DPRK ahead of UN resolution Updated: 2016-10-12 13:36 (Xinhua)

SEOUL - The Republic of Korea is mulling standalone sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) over its fifth nuclear test if discussion is prolonged on a new UN Security Council resolution, Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday citing a government source.

A government source of the ROK was quoted as saying that Seoul has a principle to announce its unilateral sanctions toward Pyongyang at a time when the new sanctions can maximize the effect of pressure on the DPRK.

If discussion on the anti-DPRK resolution is lengthened at the UN Security Council, the source said, the ROK can impose its independent sanctions on the DPRK ahead of the UN resolution adoption.

Negotiations for new sanctions on the DPRK are underway among UN Security Council members over Pyongyang's nuclear test on Sept 9 when the DPRK said it successfully tested nuclear warhead that can be mounted on ballistic missiles.

DPRK'S fifth atomic device test produced an explosive yield equal to 10 kilotons of TNT, becoming the most powerful ever conducted by the country. The detonation came just eight months after the fourth test in January.

The ROK's Foreign Ministry spokesman Cho June-hyuck told a Tuesday press briefing that a government-wide review is underway for new sanctions toward Pyongyang based on close cooperation with the United States, the European Union and Japan.

Potential independent sanctions by the ROK may involve financial sanctions, shipping route control, trade goods control and restraint on moves of personnel, according to the Yonhap report.

Seoul and Washington are expected to coordinate and discuss their respective sanctions on Pyongyang when the ROK's Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and Defense Minister Han Min-koo visit Washington next week.
As a psychotherapist who specializes in the treatment of men, I am appalled that no one has challenged Donald Trumps attempt to normalize his boorish behavior as locker room talk.

I have been in many a locker room over the years and this level of crass objectification of women is rarely done in public. Men who refer to women in this manner have a high level of insecurity about their sexuality, boasting in a way that the majority of guys within earshot see as pathetic, crude and an earnest effort to overcompensate. To suggest this kind of behavior is normal for heterosexual males is an insult not only to women, but to the men who love them.

Gary Gross, San Anselmo

Debate behavior

One thing that has hardly been touched in the media is Donald Trumps physical actions during Sunday nights so-called debate. Because of the loose format, the contestants had the freedom to prowl the stage.

Trump took advantage of this every time Hillary Clinton spoke. He would always manage to circle around her and at one point was about a foot from her back. She didnt flinch, but I bet it was upsetting. Luckily, she wasnt able to see the grim look on his face as he played the part of would-be executioner.

I was sure the moderators at some point would chastise Trump, but they did not. I would hope the Commission on Presidential Debates would issue a warning to Trump to behave at the third and final debate.

Birton Chardak, Oakland

Symbol of choice

Regarding UK police seek help on racially motivated attack on Muslim (Oct. 9): As the political rhetoric against Muslims in America continues to degrade and defile individuals, hate crimes and harassment cases against Muslims all over the world continue to rise. In the article, the case of a Muslim woman having her hijab pulled off is discussed.

For an American Muslim who also wears the hijab, it is a dangerous time and world that we live in. Many Muslim women have had similar racist incidents, yet many do not report them to the police for fear of people who are related to the harasser wanting to seek revenge in a much more violent way.

This is the circumstance that faces many hijabi women in the Western world. It is time that individuals begin to understand that the hijab is not a symbol of terror or a symbol of oppression. Rather, the hijab is a symbol of choice, modesty and religious representation.

The world speaks about freeing women from the restrictions posed upon them by society, yet they target the very women who wish to live their lives according to their beliefs. This must stop.

Jannat Irshad, San Jose

Not a gentleman

At one point in the second debate, Donald Trump described himself as a gentleman. That statement demands a fact check.

Gene Nielsen, Crescent Mills

Leave it to Beaver

House Speaker Paul Ryan is the Eddie Haskell of the current campaign. I never agreed with his politics but now I am dismayed at his weak character. He is trying way too hard to have everyone like him and in the process just looks unethical and smarmy.

Kathleen Larsen, Petaluma

Defeat Big Soda

Regarding Big Sodas tax claim falls flat with grocers (Oct. 9): I appreciated the article, noting that grocers disagree with Big Soda  this is not a grocery tax. I would add that in addition to Berkeley, Mexico also passed a sugary beverage tax in 2014 and soda sales have decreased.

Obesity is a major problem, and measures to curb obesity have the potential to save you, the taxpayer, money. As a pediatrician, I also care strongly about this issue. Sweetened drinks are now the main way that children get added sugars. I once had a very obese young teenager tell me she drank three or four 20-ounce soda bottles a day. When I urged her to consider switching to water, she said that buying water is a waste of money because you can get a soda for just as much.

The problem was, for a short-sighted teenager, the soda was a better choice. If you live in Albany, San Francisco or Oakland, help me change that. Help her to choose less soda, so you arent paying thousands more for her health care down the road.

Stephanie Holm, Oakland

Moral environment

Donald Trumps racist remarks are infecting our children. I have read that this presidential campaign is having a negative effect on children and classroom by inflaming racial and ethnic tensions. Living in an area with diverse residents in Silicon Valley, I thought we could sit on the sidelines.

Well, we were too naive. The poison reached our family recently when our daughter came home and told us a student in her high school made a slanted eye remark and gesture to her. She goes to a reputable private school known to prepare children for global citizenship in a multicultural democracy. We were wrong by thinking that sending our kids to a school with a diverse student body isnt susceptible to this negative effect.

What some of our children are learning from Trumps remarks are toxic. This atmosphere encourages those who are already insecure and frustrated to misuse their right of freedom of speech by bullying and saying hurtful things. Instead of keeping track with candidates faults, lets focus on creating an environment that is moral and inclusive.

Cindy Tieu, San Jose
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PUEBLO, Colo.  Hillary Clinton turned up the heat Wednesday on Republican candidates who are facing both tight election races and tough decisions on what to do about Donald Trump. Shes now seeking to spread her new momentum to fellow Democrats on November ballots.

The move came on a day that ended with new allegations  piling onto already damaging revelations of Trumps aggressive sexual comments about women.

Two newspapers and a magazine reported late Wednesday that Trumps actions went beyond words. The New York Times published interviews with two women who say they were touched inappropriately by the billionaire without their permission. The Times said Jessica Leeds, 74, of New York told the newspaper she encountered Trump on an airline flight three decades ago. Leeds said Trump grabbed her breasts and tried to put his hand up her skirt.

He was like an octopus, she told the newspaper. His hands were everywhere.

Rachel Crooks of Ohio said she met Trump at Trump Tower in 2005. Age 22 at the time, Crooks says Trump kissed her directly on the mouth against her will.

Trump denied the accusations, telling the Times, None of this ever took place. His campaign spokesman, Jason Miller, called the story a completely false, coordinated character assassination.

Separately, the Palm Beach Post in Florida, reported Wednesday night that Mindy McGillivray, 36, told the newspaper that Trump groped her at his Mar-a-Lago estate 13 years ago. Trumps campaign said her allegation lacks any merit or veracity.

And late Wednesday, People magazine reporter Natasha Stoynoff posted a story about a 2005 incident at Mar-a-Lago where, she wrote, Trump was pushing me against the wall, and forcing his tongue down my throat. The Trump campaign also said there was no merit or veracity to Stoynoffs story.

The reports came as two GOP senators and two House members who called for Trump to step aside over the weekend climbed back aboard. Their basic case: Theyre voting for a Republican next month, and if Trump isnt leaving, then hes got to be the one.

John Thune of South Dakota, the third-ranking Republican in the Senate, told the Rapid City Journal he had reservations about the way (Trump) has conducted his campaign and himself. However, he said, Im certainly not going to vote for Hillary Clinton.

Also back on board after calling on Trump to resign: Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska and Reps. Scott Garrett of New Jersey and Bradley Byrne of Alabama. There still are about three dozen GOP lawmakers who have withdrawn their support or are calling for Trump to step aside.

At a rally in Colorado, Clinton declared that Trump is desperate and running a scorched-earth strategy.
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A Tuesday court battle over Rep. Mike Hondas electronic campaign documents, allegedly filched by the campaign of Ro Khanna, his opponent in November, ended with both sides declaring victory.

Federal Court Judge Edward Davila in San Jose didnt grant Hondas preliminary injunction, which is a win for Khanna. Attorneys for both sides now will work on a court order to be approved by the judge that will give Hondas people a look at the documents that are the subject of a lawsuit the San Jose congressman filed last month. They argue thats good news.
WASHINGTON  French and Kurdish forces in northern Iraq were attacked by an exploding drone, the Pentagon said Wednesday, adding a new worry to the wars in Iraq and Syria as militant groups learn to weaponize their store-bought drones.

Air Force Col. John Dorrian, the spokesman for the U.S.-led military coalition in Iraq, said an improvised device on a drone exploded after it was taken back to a camp near the Iraqi city of Irbil. He called it a Trojan Horse-style attack.

Two Kurds were killed in that incident on Oct. 2, according to a U.S. official, who said the drone looked like a Styrofoam model plane that was taped together in a rudimentary style. The official said it appeared to be carrying a C-4 charge and batteries, and may have had a timer on it.

Frances presidential spokesman, Stephane Le Foll, said Wednesday that two French special forces were seriously injured in the explosion.

The U.S. has seen militants use a variety of improvised drones and modified drones, Dorrian said, adding, theres nothing very high tech about them.

They can just buy them as anybody else would, he told reporters Wednesday. Some of those are available on Amazon.

A recently released video belonging to an al-Qaida offshoot, Jund al-Aqsa, purportedly shows a drone landing on Syrian military barracks. In another video, small explosives purportedly dropped by the Iran-backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah target the Sunni militant group Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, formerly known as the Nusra Front, near Aleppo.

Chris Woods, the head of the Airwars project, which tracks the international air war in Iraq, Syria and Libya, said, there are a million ways you can weaponize drones  fire rockets, strap things in and crash them.

This is the stuff everyone has been terrified about for years, and now its a reality, he added.
Thank you guys for coming, says Justin Crowe. There are over 200 people mixed into a glaze and then covering functional pottery, which is the functional pottery that you guys are going to eat off of today.

The six mortals at this supper are gathered around the dining room table of a modern adobe mansion off Artist Road. It's the home of Garth Clark and Mark Del Vecchio, owners of the online ceramics magazine CFile, and Crowe is their house sitter-cum-artist-in-residence. "This is part of a project to infuse a sense of mortality into these average moments of life," Crowe continues. "Drinking your morning coffee all of a sudden is this totally different experience when you're confronting this abstracted symbol of death."

All is quiet as we examine the tableware before us: a cutting board with a loaf of bread atop it, small bread plates, bowls filled with salad and cups brimming with red wine. The works are glazed in subtly shifting shades of seafoam green, a family of hues that evokes wispy atmosphere, and they are delightful to view and hold. It's hard to imagine that these smooth objects, which are cheerfully titled Nourish, are plastered with human remains.

Crowe bought fragments of bones online, mostly from old anatomy skeletons, and reduced them to ashes in the kiln of his studio partner, Rachel Donner. He replaced a common ingredient in ceramics glaze with the powdery material, et voilapottery straight out of Soylent Green.

"That's the project, and have fun," Crowe says, drifting off into the kitchen. There's nothing to do but seize our utensils and dive in. I gently spear a tomato that tops my salad, trying not to scrape the bottom of the bowl. I'd already learned of Crowe's project on a visit to his studio on Lena Street. There were yellowed bones and a little bowl of ash sitting on a tabletop and a few unglazed ceramics on a nearby shelf. Crowe dipped his fingers in the ash and gave it a stir, explaining how he pulverized the bones. He fired them in Donner's kiln overnight, and in the morning they were brittle enough to crush into a powder. The process made the whole floor of the building smell like a rotting corpse for days, and Crowe worried about complaints from other tenants. Donner sat nearby as Crowe told the story, casually interjecting as she painted ceramics.

"Maybe it's because I've been talking to artist-y kinds of people," says Donner, who sits to my left at the dinner. "But they're like, 'Oh, cool. That's really cool.'" Sandra Wang and Crockett Bodelson, who make art under the moniker SCUBA, also seem unfazed by the project's premise as they munch on bread to my right. "I feel like people already have a lot of spiritual feelings about arts and crafts," says Wang. "Processing death through this craft form seems pretty reverent to me."

Filmmakers Morgan Capps and Ash Haywood circle the table with cameras, capturing snippets of conversation and close-ups of the dishes. The commercial success of the project hinges not on the opinions of the dinner guests, but on a much larger audience that will witness this ceremony through an online video. Crowe just launched a business, Chronicle Cremation Designs, that will sell ceramics imbued with the ashes of customers' loved ones.

"It seems like it's philosophically tied to Buddhism," says Bodelson, examining his cup. "It's reincarnation; Buddha goes into everything; people go into everything. Now that's an actual reality."

Writer Marie Claire Bryant, who sits across from me next to photographer Christian Michael Filardo, furrows her brow. "I wonder if some people might feel it's inappropriate because you're trapping a dead person in this stuff," she says. With that, the conversation takes a darker turn. We discuss Jamestown, Jonestown and the Salem witch trials. Donner, who descends from the Donner family of the infamous pioneer expedition, admits to tasting a pinch of the ashes with Crowe. The meal starts to feel like an eerie pagan ritual as Crowe delivers the main course of pork tenderloin.

This is the risk of using any type of human residue in your work: The medium often eclipses the message. With 2007's "For the Love of God," Damien Hirst bedazzled a human skull with 8,601 diamonds, and was skewered by critics for using his art as a brazen marketing tool. In 1987, Andres Serrano photographed a plastic crucifix in a vat of his own urine and produced "Piss Christ," an icon of the enduring political debate about funding for the National Endowment for the Arts. These works are inextricable from their sensational stories, and it clouds our ability to interpret them in more than one way. Is Crowe guilty of crude gimmickry?

After dinner, he and I sit across from each other at the table while the rest of the guests smoke on the patio. Capps and Haywood chase after a fly with their cameras, hoping it will land on a corpse-infused cup. "It's funny; I didn't really think of the dinner as a performance, but it totally was," Crowe says. "I liked the conversation, because that's the point of the project: to talk about this thing so much that it no longer becomes scary or swept under the rug." That's certainly been the effect of the project on him, though he recently witnessed a friend suffer a stroke and considered abandoning the piece altogether. "I haven't had any tragic deaths in my life. I've had deaths, but it was an old person who got old," says Crowe. "That moment was as close as I've gotten to feeling like I was looking at death. I thought, 'I'm putting this out there, and people who've had that experience, this is how they're going to feel.'"

And yet, when I fit one of his impeccably crafted cups into my palm, Crowe's project feels peaceful and innocuous, and the tenderness at the heart of the artist's endeavor really does undercut one of our society's biggest taboos.

In any case, Crowe doesn't want to be universally admired. "I'm of the opinion that if everyone likes your art, it hasn't really succeeded as art," he says. "It hasn't progressed anything or started a conversation. There has to be some kind of dialogue. That dialogue is usually, 'Is it good or bad? Is it effective or not effective? Did I like it or not like it?'"



Santa Fe Reporter
Though Cameroonian ex-pat Kamajou Tadfor has called Santa Fe home since 1999, it wasnt until 2010 that his nonprofit organization Afreeka Santa Fe kicked off their annual Fiesta Fela event. According to Tadfor, the festival, inspired by legendary African musician and activist Fela Kuti, is meant to preserve and exchange traditional and contemporary African arts and culture with a larger global market. Santa Fe, he says, is perfect for this.

"It's a very spiritual place; it's natural and spiritual and it reminds me of my home village, but Fiesta Fela is not about any one specific country in Africa," Tadfor tells SFR. "When the lines [of countries] were drawn on the map, nobody cared about who was where, and you'll have the same clan in two or three different countries, so we don't want to give emphasis to artificial borderswe can agree it's a very diverse place. Fela, for example, always just said that he was African."

In its six years, Fiesta Fela has grown from relatively meager beginnings into one of the larger annual events in town with live bands, dancing, arts and crafts demos plus food trucks, vendors and more. "More than anything, I'm happy to start something from seed and see it grow," Tadfor says. "It might sound a bit pompous, but when I came to Santa Fe there were no black people. And if you think there are no black people today, let me tell you, there were just none [in 1999]. I felt isolated when I came here." Tadfor says the black population grew after Hurricane Katrina and that the time leading up to his inaugural version of the festival was about recognizing the African community. "We wanted Fiesta Fela to be the face of the African world in Santa Fe, and in a big art community that African presence is important," he says. "The more permanent something like this can be, the more it signals our existence in town."

For the upcoming iteration of the Fiesta Fela (which just so happens to fall on what would have been Fela Kuti's 76th birthday), music from across the continent takes center stage. Santa Fe University of Art & Design's African Drum Ensemble performs alongside Jordan Solis and the Trybe, the Swank Brothers, Agalu, Bells and Shakers and many more. Tadfor says they'll also host poetry as well as everyday people who grace the stage with dance and music so as to provide the most well-rounded overview of African cultures possible. The Jambo Cafe food truck will be there, too, with all of the authentic African cuisine that entails.

"It's not condemning anybody, but the knowledge of Africa here is very limited. So if we can educate people, if we can do a show here that's multi-ethnic and multi-cultural  this is what I wanted," Tadfor continues. "I consider Fiesta Fela successful because we're bringing people together and we're exchanging cultures. I'm talking about the human successwe're not financially successful by any meaning of the wordbut with the mission we started with, I think it's successful."

Afreeka Santa Fe currently operates under the fiscal umbrella of teen arts center Warehouse 21, but Tadfor to achieve 501(c)(3) status this year and says he'll continue to plan and execute Fiesta Fela for as long as he can. "We started so small, but we've reached a place with support from the community where we can begin applying for grants," he says. "I'm looking forward to even bigger things."



Fiesta Fela 2016

10 am-6 pm Saturday Oct. 15. Free.

Railyard Park, Cerrillos Road and Guadalupe Street

919-9194

Santa Fe Reporter
The Singaporean firm slated to purchase Santa Fe University of Art and Design failed to comply with regulations in at least three countries, disrupting the educations of hundreds of students and leaving some with degrees unrecognized in their own nations, according to foreign court documents and news clippings reviewed by SFR.

Raffles, a for-profit corporation listed on the Singapore Exchange, in May announced that it agreed to acquire SFUAD from Laureate International Universities under a US subsidiary. The City of Santa Fe supports the transaction.

Founded in 1990 by CEO Chew Hua Seng, Raffles expanded rapidly over the last couple decades, establishing 30 institutions across 13 countries. For most of its history, the company focused solely on the Asia Pacific region.

Raffles in 2014 expanded its portfolio to Europe, purchasing a campus in Switzerland. And its pending acquisition of SFUAD represents its first foray into the US higher education market.

"We will continue SFUAD's current strong curriculum by adding new, expansive program offerings, strengthening student services, and investing in the physical infrastructure of the university," Chew said in a May press release. "In addition, this institution provides new opportunities to better prepare both US and Asian students to design their future and success for the global community."

But a closer look at Raffles' practices in Australia, Thailand and Vietnam shows the company's growth did not come without setbacks, including lawsuits and regulatory violations. "The thought that they are making an incursion into the US higher education system is horrifying," Brian Lewis, the former academic director of Raffles International School in Hanoi, tells SFR.

Raffles in 2012 suspended operations in Vietnam amid a national crackdown on international degree programs. The Ministry of Education, an arm of the country's ruling Communist Party, found that Raffles awarded degrees to Vietnamese students from its college in Australia despite only having authorization to issue vocational diplomas. Hundreds of students suddenly learned their home country would no longer recognize their degrees. Uproar ensued.

Keith Mishne, the former director of business programs at Hanoi International Training Center, says he translated during meetings between Raffles' officials and parents of affected students. (Mishne, an American who trained as an interpreter, speaks both Vietnamese and English, the lingua franca of Singapore.) "The parents were livid," Mishne tells SFR. "At one point they barricaded the director."

Raffles' withdrawal from Vietnam also affected employees who say the company abruptly terminated them without honoring the terms of their contracts. Five teachers from Raffles' college in Ho Chi Minh City sued the school for unpaid wages and severance. Employees of the Hanoi school also attempted to address their grievances in court.Lewis, the Hanoi school's former academic director, claims the company failed to pay him $70,000 in wages, according to a translated court petition.

Mishne says the school focused heavily on recruitment, routinely sending him to high schools to promote degree programs to prospective students. "The management was definitely financially oriented. They had a very good marketing department with a room where they did cold-calls," Mishne says. "I was the Western guy representing Raffles. I'd hand out prizes and make jokes."

The company ran into similar troubles in Thailand in 2009. According to a report in the Straits Times, a Singaporean newspaper, Thai education regulators found that Raffles Design Institute, based in Bangkok, enrolled students in an unauthorized degree program after it had already been warned to stop. As in Vietnam, the degrees came from the Raffles College of Design and Commerce in Sydney. Raffles' Australia degree hub also recently came under fire in the island nation down under. Australia's education standards agency in 2015 blocked Raffles from admitting international students to the Sydney-based school after finding multiple violations. According to court documents, the move could have affected more than 500 students. Among other violations related to record keeping, the agency found that Raffles failed to assess the English proficiency of overseas students to determine whether they could keep up in class. Raffles challenged the ruling in Australia's federal court, but a judge sided with the regulator. Through a spokesperson, Chew declined to answer a list of questions regarding the company's legal history in Vietnam, Thailand and Australia. He also did not comment on the status of Raffles' purchase agreement or whether the company would change SFUAD's name.



Asked whether the city has any concerns about the company's legal battles abroad, city spokesman Matt Ross said there's nothing to worry about. He noted that a transfer of ownership would be "subject to strict and extensive review process" from the Higher Learning Commission, a regional accrediting agency. "City leaders have met with Raffles several times over the course of the year and found them to be serious partners who share our excitement about this opportunity," Ross says.

If the deal between Raffles and Laureate goes through by the end of the calendar year, as planned, the Singaporean firm will have on its hands an institution with a recently turbulent history. Formerly the College of Santa Fe, the school shut down in 2009 because of budget troubles. City officials purchased the property for $19.5 million and leased it to Laureate. It then opened as Santa Fe University of Art and Design and refocused on a narrower curriculum.

Laureate's decision to unload SFUAD came about seven months after the Baltimore-based company, the largest for-profit higher education corporation in the world, announced its intention to go public. That hasn't happened yet.

Laureate now finds itself in the middle of the presidential election after tax filings showed the company paid Bill Clinton about $17 million over six years to serve as an honorary chancellor, the Baltimore Sun reports. Although such arrangements are common, Republican candidate Donald Trump has made discredited assertions that the Clintons laundered millions of dollars through the company. Laureate also has a legal snag on its record. Two students sued the company's school in Minnesota for "unnecessarily" stretching out the process for obtaining degrees. The case settled out of court.



Santa Fe Reporter
Buzzkill: We probably already do have Canada lynx in New Mexico. But a recent Montana District Court decision could mean land managers will need to make more concessions to see them thrive here.

The Canada lynx weighs in at just 14 to 31 pounds, with grizzled gray hair, ears tipped in black fur. Their large paws are ideal for traveling in the deep, powdery snow they and their favorite prey, snowshoe hares, rely on. They make their homes in forests in mosaic stages of growthdense clusters of young trees and mature multistory stands.

When Colorado Parks and Wildlife began releasing lynx into the San Juan Mountains to re-establish the species in 1999one year before the lynx was officially listed for protections under the Endangered Species Acttheir radio tracking collars showed them immediately dispersing beyond state boundaries. They went where habitat and prey led, and at least 28 wore telemetry collars that said those conditions led them to New Mexico.

"You wouldn't use an artificial state boundary to cut off habitat," says Matt Bishop, with the Western Environmental Law Center. "The San Juans are a good examplethe state line goes right through them, and snowshoe hares are on either side of the state line."

Colorado wildlife managers estimate 81 lynx have passed through Northern New Mexico, though none are known to have reproduced here. Fourteen have been killed here. Monitoring of lynx telemetry collars ended in 2010, leaving their current locations unknown, but likely more than 100 lynx now live in the southern Rockies.

So it came as something of a surprise when the US Fish and Wildlife Service mapped out critical habitat for Canada lynx and excluded the southern Rockies, arguing that they lacked sufficient prey to sustain a long-term population. That the agency failed to acknowledge the successful lynx reproduction program in Colorado "runs counter to the evidence before the agency," conservation groups argued when they took the decision to court.

A Montana District Court judge recently sided with those groups, calling on the US Fish and Wildlife Service to reassess their designated habitat for the lynx. Given the agency's tacit acknowledgment that all other elements for lynx exist in the area, and a "close call" on whether the snowshoe hare population was sufficient, Chief District Judge Dana Christensen wrote, "the [Endangered Species Act] demands that the tie go to the species."

The 17-year-old program in Colorado demonstrates lynx are likely to find suitable conditions there, he added. To exclude the area from designated habitat, he wrote, ignores the "best available science," which the Endangered Species Act mandates be used to manage these species. All the judge can say is to go back and take another look at the critical habitat; whether the southern Rockies see designation will still be up to the federal agency. The Fish and Wildlife Service has asked the court to "clarify" the recent ruling.

"The thing about the Endangered Species Act is it doesn't just say you designate currently occupied habitat, it actually has an entire provision to designate habitat that is not currently occupied but is important to the survival and recovery of the species," says Bethany Cotton, wildlife program director for WildEarth Guardians. "It's really the institutionalization of the precautionary principle. So if you realize there are islands of this species and they need this particular habitat type, and that habitat exists in some of these places, we should make sure it continues to exist."

Canada lynx are protected in New Mexico, making shooting or trapping one a crime. But without critical habitat designation, land managers and developers don't have to make as many concessions to preserve their habitat.

Conservationists are also going at the issue by lobbying another federal agency: the US Forest Service.

With the Santa Fe National Forest's revisions to its forest plan, the document guiding management for decades, underway, some of these same groups are saying now is the time to add managing for Canada lynx to that agency's to-do list.

"Lynx will be stressed by climate change, and ensuring that other anthropogenic threats do not unnecessarily stress lynx even further is essential if lynx recovery is to occur," Amigos Bravos and the Western Environmental Law Center wrote in their comments on the Santa Fe National Forest's forest plan revision. "For this reason, we request the Santa Fe [National Forest] use the revised forest planning effort as a springboard for lynx conservation in the southern Rockies."

That could affect logging, development, hunting, trapping and managing for wildfires, as well as other activities that could impair the species' preferred habitat of mature, multi-storied forests and food sources.

The Forest Service maintains that there is no designated critical habitat for lynx in New Mexicotrue, according to the Fish and Wildlife Service's last plan for the species, but that's exactly what the court asked the agency to reconsider. These things move slowly, of course, and finalizing new critical habitat could take two years.

The top-tier threat faced by the lynx, according to the Interagency Lynx Biology Team, is climate change. For a species that relies on persistent and dense snow, predictions that coming decades will see a 40 percent decline in persistent snow make the future look grim.



The Center for Biological Diversity's comments about the proposed lynx critical habitat point out that the southern Rockies average higher elevations than other proposed areas.

"It's not to say that New Mexico's environment will always be ideal," says Michael Robinson, with the Center for Biological Diversity, "but anywhere a threatened animal can find habitat even for just a few decades can make a real difference in the long run."

What affect lynx will have on the rest of the ecosystem here remains to be seen.

"The first rule of intelligent tinkering is to keep all the parts," Cotton says. "Let's make sure we keep all the pieces, because we fundamentally don't understand how they all fit together."

Santa Fe Reporter
Early Voting Popular in Santa Fe

You might have seen a lot of people sporting those I Voted stickers on Tuesday. It looks like a lot of eligible voters showed up at the Santa Fe County Clerks office to register to vote. The New Mexican reports that

of early in-person voting.

Toulouse Oliver Outraises Espinoza

The latest campaign finance reports show that Democrat Secretary of State candidate Maggie Toulouse Oliver outraised Rep. Nora Espinoza, her Republican opponent,

between September 5 and October 3. New Mexico In Depth, which has published a great

that makes it easy for the public to track campaign finance data, is tracking the secretary of states race along with 16 key legislative races and several big super PACS.

Democratic Party Chair Under Pressure to Resign

Republican Party officials in New Mexico have joined Bernie Sanders supporters to

on Debra Haaland, the head of the Democratic Party of New Mexico chair, to resign. They claim she showed favoritism toward Hillary Clinton during the primary campaign.

Open Records Lawsuit Set for Trial SFR s First Amendment and open records lawsuit against Gov. Susana Martinez is getting closer to trial. Independent journalist Jeff Proctor takes a long look at the

between the newspaper and the administration.

Martinez Appoints Economic Development Secretary

Matt Geisel will replace Jon Barela as the

at the state Economic Development Department. Barela resigned in September to become the chief executive of the Borderplex Alliance, a Texas nonprofit that promotes commerce on the US-Mexico border.

A Checkered Past SFR reporter Steven Hsieh reports the Singaporean firm that plans to purchase the Santa Fe University of Art and Design has

complying with regulations in at least three other countries and left students with unrecognized degrees.

Mistrial Declared in Police Officers' Murder Trial

An Albuquerque jury voted 9 to 3 to acquit two Albuquerque police officers of second degree murder. Without a unanimous verdict,

Tuesday afternoon. Prosecutors will regroup and decide whether they want to retry the case.

Santa Fe Reporter
Mainfreight, the transport and logistics group, has warned investors first-half revenue will be less than expected due to falling ocean freight rates hitting billing levels.

In slides published to the NZX as part of an investor day held at its Epping base in the Australian state of Victoria, Mainfreight estimates revenue will be between $1.15 billion and $1.17 billion in the six months to the end of September, compared to $1.11 billion in the same period a year earlier.

Earnings before interest, taxation, amortisation and depreciation are expected to be between $85-and-$87 million compared to $71.6 million in 2015, with a net profit of $41-to-$43 million compared to $33.1 million.

Mainfreight said results from New Zealand had been stronger than expected, while results in Europe, Australia, and Asia had improved. The United States operations had improved, but "not markedly".

The comparable period in the previous year was poor for Mainfreight, with its full-year results rescued by a focus on cost control and improved margins in the second half of the year.

In today's trading update, Mainfreight says momentum continued into October, but the comparable period was "strong" and results from Asia would reduce due to a marked decline in non-repeat air freight volumes.

It's half-year results will be published on Nov 9.

Shares of Mainfreight rose 0.2 percent, or 3 cents, to $18.03. They're up 15 percent since the start of the year, outperforming the broader NZX50 which has increased 13 percent.

BusinessDesk.co.nz

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October 31st Morning Report


From a Dream to Broadway - Alumnus Aaron Harrington '15 is Now at Center Stage



Three months after her sons May 2015 graduation from Shaw University, Renee Harrington told him, point-blank, Im packing your bags and sending you to New York. Sure, like any mother, she wanted him with her, back home in Durham. More than that, though, she wanted him to do with his passion and talent for song and stage as shes told all of her children: take a chance. If they fail the first time, or even the next try, she said she would urge them, Keep going.

I told him, bigger opportunities and more chances are for you are in New York. Renee Harrington recalls, I know youre happy here, but its time for you to go. And she added, Aaron, you have to step out there and take a leap of faith. Believe things are going to happen for you and things will happen for you.

Aaron Harringtons mother knew best. Seven months after he moved to New Jersey to live with his uncle, the closest relative to New York, Harrington landed his first audition in New York. That was February.

Last month, Harrington hit the stage as Tom Collins in the yearlong National 20th Anniversary Tour of RENT, a Broadway show by Jonathan Larson that originally debuted in 1996. The show makes a stop in Harringtons hometown with shows at the Durham Performing Arts Center October 11-16. The tour continues nationwide through June 2017 with performances in Florida, Tennessee, South Carolina, West Virginia, Vermont, New York, Maine, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ohio, Michigan and New Hampshire.

Im not sure I have the words yet to describe the feeling, said Harrington, 23, a few hours before shows in Dallas, Texas. Im just blessed beyond measure. This is something I never thought I would be doing, and when it became a dream, I was fully prepared to leave it as just a dream. Now, Im actually doing it and its a feeling Ive never had before. Its still new; just definitely a blessing beyond all measure.

Harrington is a Shaw family legacy. He follows the footsteps of his older brother; his sisters Godmother, renowned gospel legend Shirley Caesar; and his grandmother, a graduate of Shaws Divinity School. Harringtons sister, Angelica, currently is a student in Shaws C.A.P.E. program. We have strong family ties to Shaw University, Harrington said, proudly, adding he especially wanted Shaws HBCU experience to balance roots grown at the all-boys Durham Nativity School and the private Cary Academy.

As a Shaw junior, Harrington switched his major from music to Mass Communications; awed, he said, by the career possibilities. But he kept that fire burning for music, thanks to the University Choir, band and other avenues to music at the university. In fact, Harrington rattles off names of Shaw music department faculty he credits with teaching him to understand and nurture the music in him first born as an 11-year-old drummer at church, and blossomed into singing as a high school junior. I was able to continue to define my love for music, and get more involved with my newfound passions, as well, Harrington said.

Dr. Lonieta Cornwall isnt surprised by Harringtons accomplishment. Not only is he armed with the personality, intellect and a true bass voice thats rare to find, she said, Harrington has the drive and work ethic it takes to accept the challenges inherent in success. Talent, she said, must be buttressed by knowledge; everything from how to read music and research the composer, to understanding musics intent to how it transformed the art.

Aaron had the willingness to get out there and stick with it, said Cornwall, noting Harrington sang many solos during his time at Shaw. He did what he was supposed to do. He would rise to the occasion. He worked hard. He puts everything in it. Cornwall is proud of Harrington and pleased his example is there for those following in his footsteps. I want them to see what Shaw can do, she said.

Although acting has been on his bucket-list for years, Harringtons first foray into theater came less than two years ago when he landed roles as a Ghostie and Ensemble Cast of Theater in the Parks annual production of A Christmas Carole. The show was performed at Raleighs Duke Progress Energy and at DPAC. Last year, Harrington played Tom Collins in the North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theaters production of RENT. A preview of that show was performed at Shaw.

Harringtons move north was challenging. But every time he questioned his decision, his passion stepped in. So did the memory of his father, who died at the age of 56 the year before Harrington finished his studies at Shaw. Hed tell himself, Just go for it. Life is short.

I encourage people not to wait until its too late, Harrington said. With men, some things are possible; with God, all things are possible. Never be afraid to reach for the stars, as cliche as it is. I was afraid with the big move up north to one of the biggest, busiest cities in the country, but it worked out. Im living a dream. Keep God first.

Harrington said he was prepared both for the audition process and various stages of preparation. Like at Shaw, he said, the tour team of choreographers and creative teams only expected the best and they pulled it out of us. Shaw professor of music Dr. Bradley Hunnicutt understands.

At Shaw University, we have a serious curriculum that emphasizes practical musicianship, and were delighted when our students go on to achieve big things, said Hunnicutt, who taught Harrington music theory. Its a big risk to pack up and move to New York and make it, but some people do.
Acclaimed TV News Journalist Roland Martin to keynote Shaw Founder's Convocation

President Tashni-Ann Dubroy announced acclaimed journalist and television news anchor Roland Martin will be the keynote speaker for the Universitys annual Founders Day convocation, to be held on October 28, 2016 at the Duke Energy Center for Performing Arts beginning at 10:45 a.m.

Martin, host and managing editor of TV Ones daily news program NewsOne Now, is a highly sought-after pundit on political, social and cultural issues important to African Americans. He is expected to address hundreds of students, faculty, staff, and alumni to mark the 151st anniversary of the Universitys founding.

We are privileged to welcome Roland Martin to our campus, and to hear his unique and powerful perspective on issues that matter to our communities and to our nation, said Dr. Dubroy. His voice is often the first and most distinguishable on matters involving equity and empowerment for minority communities, and his message is certain to resonate with those who work to realize these same goals within our academic enterprises, every day, Dubroy said.

Martin is also a nationally syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate, and is senior analyst for the Tom Joyner Morning Show, where his daily segment is heard on more than 100 stations and 8 million people daily.

He is the author of three books, including Speak, Brother! A Black Mans View of America; and The First: President Barack Obamas Road to the White House as originally reported by Roland S. Martin.

The convocation is the formal academic procession honoring the universitys founding and held in conjunction with Shaws annual homecoming activities.
NEW DELHI: Following reports of Samsung temporarily suspending the production of the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone, the South Korean giant on Monday issued a statement saying the company is "adjusting the device's production schedule to ensure quality and safety".

"We are temporarily adjusting the Galaxy Note 7 production schedule in order to take further steps to ensure quality and safety matters," US-based technology website Android Central quoted a company statement as saying.

Amid reports that some Note 7 replacements have caught fire, Yonhap news agency on Monday reported that Samsung has temporarily suspended the production of the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone.

"This measure includes a Samsung plant in Vietnam that is responsible for global shipments (of the Galaxy Note 7)," a company official said.

Samsung started selling the Note 7 in South Korea on August 19 but announced a global recall of 2.5 million units in September following reports of some of the devices catching fire while being charged.

The company has encouraged owners of the Note 7 to swap their devices with new ones, but recently 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 during the boarding process after a smoked Galaxy Note 7 was spotted.

The owner of the device said that the phone was letting off a "thick grey-green angry smoke" and had burnt through the carpet and "scorched the subfloor of the plane".

Recently, India's civil aviation regulator 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.

Despite the global recall of this flagship device, Samsung Electronics on Friday released a positive forecast for the third quarter of this year, expecting operating profits of 7.8 trillion Korean won (approx $7 billion) and revenues of 49 trillion Korean won.

The operating profits are a 5.6 per cent increase on the same period a year ago when the company registered 7.4 trillion won in operating profits, Samsung Electronics said in its earnings guidance for the third quarter.

Read Also:

Samsung Temporarily Halts Galaxy Note 7 Production: Report

This Is Where You Can Grab the New iPhone 7 Cheaper
BENGALURU: Not so surprisingly, though, the Reliance Jio has touched the whopping 16Mn customer base in just 26 days of its launch, by offering one of its kind services in telecom sectors. The company is a subsidiary of Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries (RIL), and is involved in introducing a faster system to provide SIM cards to customers. The method of Aadhaar-based (paperless) issuance of SIM cards has already been introduced to 3100 cities and towns. The operations of Jio had commenced from Sep 5th this year.

In a statement, Jio said, it has achieved this growth faster than any other telecom operator or startup in the world, including the likes of Facebook, Whatsapp, and Skype. So, its pace of enrolment is definitely a record in itself.

Mukesh Ambani-owned Jio rolled out some great offers offered its voice and data service for free, up to 3 months. The abrupt demand of the SIM card did give customers a hard time initially but, now the process has become smoother and efforts are being made to make SIM cards available in various cities, semi-urban and rural areas.

However, on the other side, rivals such as Idea Cellular, Bharti Airtel, and Vodafone have slashed their effective data rates and offered attractive voice plans. The Telecoms have also beefed up their own 4G spectrum holding to keep the existing user stick with their services.

At RIL's 42nd annual general meeting, Mukesh Ambani expressed his satisfaction over the overwhelmed response and spread of Reliance Jio. He said, the company is engaged in meeting users everyday expectations and go beyond.

No doubt that the entry of the new player has sparked off a tariff war in the telecom industry by onboarding 1.5 million users on its 4G network during the test phase itself.

Ambani said in the meeting that the new telecom venture Reliance Jio aims to create a world record by attracting 100 Mn customers in the shortest possible time.

Currently, Airtel has 257 Mn users, immediately followed by Vodafone which has over 200 Mn subscribers and Idea nearly 177 Mn.

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KOLKATA: Total corporate funding into the solar sector globally during the July-September quarter rose to about $3 billion in 45 deals, compared to $1.7 billion in 32 deals in April-June period in 2016, a report released on Wednesday said.

According to the report released by consulting firm Mercom Capital Group, the global venture capital funding almost doubled in the quarter under review with $342 million in 16 deals compared to $174 million raised in the same number of deals in the preceding (April-June) quarter.

"Funding levels bounced back across the board compared to a weak Q2 (April-June), but they are still well below last year's totals," said company CEO and Co-Founder Raj Prabhu.

"The combination of slower than expected US demand, the overcapacity situation coming out of China, and global hyper-competitive auctions leading to lower margins has affected the entire supply chain and most of the solar equities are in the red year-to-date," he added.

Solar downstream companies raised $273 million in eight deals while public market financing in the sector in three months which ended September 2016, stood at $880 million in five deals.

"Debt financing came to almost $1.8 billion in 24 deals in Q3 (July-September) 2016 compared to 12 deals in Q2 (April-June) 2016 for $1.3 billion. Year-over-year, $4.1 billion was raised in 22 deals in Q3, 2015," the report said.

Among Indian transactions in the period under review, Mahindra Renewables and its subsidiary Mahindra Susten, a provider of EPC services for solar projects, secured a $31.6 million syndicated loan from Yes Bank and Aditya Birla Finance for its 30 MW Tandur project located in Telangana.

Focal Energy Solar Three, a developer of renewable energy projects, also secured $18.5 million syndicated loan for a 20 MW solar power project in Madhya Pradesh.

Haryana Power Generation Corporation bagged a $8.6 million loan from National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard) under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund for the construction of a 10 MW solar project at Panipat thermal power station.

Read Also: Tata Motors Global Sales Up 5 Pct To Over 1 Lakh Units In Sept

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SINGAPORE: India's Tata Communications is looking to set up two new centres in Malaysia and the Middle East for cloud data centres infrastructure, responding to strong demand for internetworking.



"We continue to expand the data centre footprint. We are looking at Malaysia and the Middle East, adding to our cloud footprint in the next six to 12 months," said Srinivasan CR, Senior Vice President, Global Product Management & Data Centre Services, Singapore-headquartered Tata Communications.



"There may be new sites (for data centres) as well," he added.



Touching on Internet of Things (IoTs) services demand, he said "everything is going to get connected if not already connected - home to cars, industrial environment and energy distribution among others."



Tata Communications today formed a partnership with Skylab, a Singapore-based technology solutions provider, to help more enterprises adopt the IoT.



Skylab has chosen Tata Communications as its cloud partner to ensure high levels of flexibility and reliability for customers through Tata Communications'IZO Cloud Enablement Platform and leading global network and partnerships, said the two companies in a joint statement.



"The digital disruption of enterprises continues as the user journey remains firmly at the forefront of business success," Srinivasan said.



Skylab provides advanced data harvesting, processing and delivery solutions to its customers over a scalable platform called Data Logistics Cloud (DLC).



The partnership comes on the heels of deployments of Skylab's solutions in the region, notably for solar farm projects across Southeast Asia.



"Skylab provides critical IoT data transmission solutions to enterprises helping them gain insights and drive proactive actions on asset optimisation and resource management," Gary Kwang, CEO, Skylab Group said.



"We are pleased to partner with Tata Communications to address our growing need for higher levels of system and network availability, and costeffective storage," he said.

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WASHINGTON: The epic legal battle pitting Apple against its bitter rival Samsung over the design of the iPhone reaches a new level today when it heads to the US Supreme Court.



The high court is set to hear arguments over financial damages the South Korean smartphone giant owes Apple for allegedly violating design patents by producing copycats of its groundbreaking smartphone.



Observers are watching the case closely to see how the court -- which has not taken up a design patent case in more than a century -- tips the balance between technological innovation and protecting intellectual property. A ruling is expected in several months.



The US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit upheld a USD 400 million verdict -- part of a nearly billion-dollar award in Apple's favor later reduced to USD 548 million -- that found Samsung had copied the iPhone's distinctive front screen and graphical touchscreen user interface.



California-based Apple had protected those features with US design patents that concern the way items look. They are distinct from utility patents, which protect how articles are used and work, and do not concern copyrights or trademarks.



Samsung is challenging the verdict, disputing how damages are calculated in design patent cases. Such awards are currently determined by devices' "total profit," in accordance with a statute first adopted in 1887 and re-adopted in 1952.



Samsung argues it should be held liable only for some portion of the profit tied to patented design aspects, given the many innovative components that go into the making of smartphones.



Apple interprets the statute more narrowly, saying it is entitled to all profits from Samsung's phones.



The legal battle, which began more than five years ago, could have major repercussions in a tech industry where design and innovation play key roles in distinguishing one device from another.



But a major debate is underway on just how much protection should be granted for visual design.



In preparation for its arguments before the Supreme Court, Samsung obtained the support of major Silicon Valley and other IT sector giants, including Google, Facebook, Dell and Hewlett-Packard, as well as a group of law professors.



Apple, for its part, got backing from big names in fashion and manufacturing, such as Calvin Klein and Adidas, and the American Intellectual Property Law Association, whose members -- largely lawyers -- represent owners and users of intellectual property.

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India-Pakistan Frontier to Be Completely Sealed by the End of 2018
BENGALURU: BSP supremo, Mayawati, organized a rally on 9th October at Alambagh, Lucknow. She was speaking at the death anniversary of the founder of BSP party, Kanshi Ram. In the rally, she attacked both central government and UP government in her rally by calling both of them communal and dividing people for vote bank politics. She takes on PM Modi by calling a cross-LOC surgical strike a drama of BJP. The Times of India reported that BJP in their reply called Mayawati a big zero.

BJP reacted strongly over Mayawatis comment over PM Dussehra visit to Lucknow. Shrikant Sharma, spokesperson, BJP said that BSP supremo is giving state politics a communal turn. Elections are due in UP in 2017 and there is a cut throat competition to win the election. Shrikant said she is dividing Muslims, which she did in the past too. He further elaborated that, her comment on PM is reflecting her mental bankruptcy.

The ruling party reacted strongly on Mayawatis comment on surgical strikes by saying that whole country is rejoicing the bravery and valor of Indian army so dont politicize it. Shrikant said that BSP is well known for practicing politics for money and doing politics in the name of Dalits and Muslims. Because of her egoistic nature and wrong policies, the people of UP rejected her in 2012, 2014 general elections and will do so in 2017 also.

In a reply to Mayawatis comment on the achievements of the NDA government, Shrikant said, Modi government will provide details of his work in 2019 general elections. He asked Mayawati to take account from the CM of UP, Akhilesh Yadav, who launched more than 80 plans for the welfare of poor people but failed to execute any. On Mayawatis claims of atrocity against minorities in Modi government and asking support from Muslims to stop BJP, Mr. Sharma said that she is disturbing the democratic stance of the country by giving it a communal turn. We have to come over with the vote bank politics and work for the welfare of the countryman.

Read Also:

Apple, Samsung Take Battle To U.S. Supreme Court

India's Youngest State Telangana Gets 21 New Districts
HYDERABAD: More than two years after Telangana came into existence as India's 29th state, the TRS government in the state today carried out the biggest administrative reform, creating 21 new districts.



With this, the total number of districts in the state went up to 31 from 10, following the reorganisation process.

Telangana, carved out of Andhra Pradesh, came into existence on June 2, 2014 as the 29th state of India.



Revenue divisions and other administrative units have also been reconstituted along with the districts and 25 new revenue divisions, 125 new mandals, four new police commissionerates, 23 new police sub-divisions, 28 new circles and 91 police stations have come into existence from today.



The inauguration of the new districts across the state, coinciding with the Vijaya Dasami festival, was a grand affair with the Legislative Assembly Speaker, ministers and other dignitaries attending events organised on the occasion.



Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao cut a ribbon at the Collectorate of the new district of Siddipet, carved out of his native Medak district, at 11.13 AM.



Rao, who had represented Siddipet in the undivided Andhra Pradesh Legislative Assembly, was blessed by religious gurus who conducted an all-religion prayer. The chief minister also took out a rally in the town.



Recalling his association with Siddipet, Rao vowed to provide Rs 100 crore for its development.



"I wish that the people benefit more with all the administrative divisions achieving success with the blessings of god," he said.



The reorganisation of districts would help in effective monitoring and implementation of welfare schemes, so that they reach the needy, Rao had said earlier.



The new districts are -- Siddipet, Jangaon, Jayashankar, Jagtial, Warangal (Rural), Yadadri, Peddapally, Kamareddy, Sangareddy, Mancheriyal, Vikarabad, Rajanna, Asifabad, Suryapet, Kothagudem, Nirmal, Wanaparthy, Nagarkurnool, Mahabubabad, Jogulamba and Medchal/Malkajgiri.



The other 10 districts are -- Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Mahabubnagar, Medak, Karimnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda.

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BENGALURU: With the aim of improving the sanitation in communities, open-defecation free (ODF) project is implemented in villages and places where people still use open area instead of lavatory. This project will encourage many different villages to hit their threshold in order to bag the ODF certification.

The Karnataka government identifies few places within state as ODF after thorough survey. Places that have stopped the practice of open defecation include Bengaluru Rural, Bengaluru Urban, Mangaluru (Dakshina Kannada), Udupi and Kodagu districts, with 20 taluks as well as 1,000 gram panchayats.

Quality Council of India (QCI) declares Mysuru as an ODF after carrying out thorough research across 73 cities that was commissioned by the Union urban development ministry. But Mysuru couldnt make into the list, since QCI is not part of the state government.

Those five districts and taluks that were declared as ODF were honored by the government and were asked to keep up the development goals, on Sunday. As per the survey, eight other districts have accomplished over 70 pct sanitation and stated 64 Pct of places in the state have toilets now.

According to reports, Karnataka has a better average in sanitation coverage than national coverage with a lead of 9.23 Pct. Moreover, number of ODF gram panchayats in the state has increased from 4.7 pct to 16.6 pct, again better than national average of 14.9 pct.

Unicef has embraced Karnataka state government for playing a crucial role in achieving sanitation coverage by delivering technical assistance.

Officials acknowledged that Unicef has played a "pivotal role in supporting the district and state-level administration by providing technical assistance, among other things", and helped the state achieve sanitation coverage.

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BENGALURU: Pakistan again tried to intervene on Indias internal matters after the unfortunate death of Junaid Akhnoon. Junaid was a 13-year-old boy from Kashmir, who died because of the pellet injuries. After his death Pakistan said that India is responsible for all unrest going on in Kashmir and the death of a 13-year-old boy is an example of the state terrorism. The Times of India website reported that Pakistan again urged UN to immediately intervene in the Kashmir issue.

The series of events started after a 13-year-old boy was found dead after Friday prayers. The body of the young boy sustained injuries in the head and chest from pellet guns. Security forces said that he was involved in stone pelting, therefore, might be during the clash, this incident happened. However, locals denying the fact that he was involved in any kind of protest. Kashmir valley has faced unrest since July after Hizbul Commander Burhan Wani was killed by security forces in an encounter. Since then the clashes with locals and security forces increased the death toll to 91.

The Foreign Office of Pakistan conducted a press conference on this issue and said that the death of Junaid is part of Indian atrocities in Kashmir in a form of state terrorism. They further said that people and government of Pakistan pass condolences for Junaids family. The official of the Pakistan Foreign Office quoted the resolution of United Nations Security Council and said that Kashmiri people are fighting for their rights of self-determination.

Pakistan is continuously putting the Kashmiri issue on the desk of the international community and has been asking for immediate intervention. The PM of Pakistan, Nawaz Sharif mentioned Kashmir in his UN address last September, of which Indian Foreign Minister, Sushma Swaraj gave a befitting reply. In her statement, she pointed out that Pakistan is asking the UN to implement proposed resolution, while they deny fulfilling mandatory first clause. They are continuously blaming Indian security forces for the three-month long unrest in Kashmir.

The death of Junaid again sparked clashes in the valley and curfew has been imposed again in various places of the valley.

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BENGALURU: Recent reports from Reuters suggest that Hibatullah Akhundzada, leader of Afghan Taliban lived in Pakistan for fifteen years until he suddenly disappeared in May. Reports also reveal that Akhundzada openly taught and preached at the Al Haaj mosque in Kuchlaka small town situated in the southwestern part of Pakistan. Further details of the leader were not previously revealed to reduce the pressure of tracking down terrorists living in the terror-sponsoring countryPakistan. As a proved evidence, no written records or known photographs of Akhundzada's stay in Kuchlak were found.

Hafiz Abdul Majeed, caretaker of the Al Haaj mosque and also a former student of Akhundzada stated that, "Once he became Emir, he left with his whole family. You can't teach religion and run (the Taliban) government at the same time."

When asked about Akhundzada's stay in Kuchlak, the Interior Ministry of Pakistan failed to respond. Furthermore, the army refused to make any comment on the matter.

After staying unnoticed in Kulchak, it is believed that Akhundzada crossed the Afghan-Pak border is currently hiding somewhere. Soon after the predecessorMullah Akhtar Mansour got killed in a US drone, Hibatullah Akhundzada was titled as an emir.

Balochistan Home Minister claimed that Pakistan made strenuous efforts to restrict militants from crossing the international border. This effort also includes stopping Taliban fighters travelling with fake Pakistani documents. The minister said that keeping a track of almost 4 million Afghan refugees is a difficult task.

Considering the state of terrorism in Pakistan, the Western diplomats claim that some Islamic seminaries have been the breeding grounds for Islamist militancy. However, Pakistan, as always, completely denies Talibans open operations.

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BENGALURU: The automobile giant, Volkswagen AG has confirmed that the company is willing to make a payment of $1.21 billion to 652 US brand agents for its $16.5 billion diesel emission settlement. The settlement between Volkswagen and dealers also announced that the dealers will receive monthly payment of $1.85 million each on average for 18 months.

According to The Times of India, the US Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission and lawyers filed legal papers for the owners of the 475,000 pollution diesel cars. The case was registered asking federal judge to grant final approval to buy back offers and diesel remediation efforts on the hearing of October 18.

Since late 2015, the company has also been barred from selling its diesel vehicles in the United States. The legal papers filed by lawyers also proclaim that it is unlikely to sell any of its diesel vehicles in 2016, and 2017.Volkswagen stated that further selling of the diesel vehicles are uncertain in the future. According to the settlement, the company will schedule payments to dealers and also redeem their diesel vehicles that are unable to push for a sale and even set aside the capital improvements for two years.

Looking into the technical solution, Volkswagen will buy-back around 85,000 vehicles equipped with 3.0 litre diesel engine if the regulators are not convinced. Thomson Reuters also reported that there was a recent talk held with the Justice Department about settling of the investigation. In return the Justice Department filing stated that The United States will continue to vigorously pursue its claims for civil penalties to fully hold (Volkswagen) accountable.

In contrast, VW also acknowledged that improper software was used to activate pollution controls and the total number of vehicles affected exceeded 11 million diesel vehicles that were sold worldwide.

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WASHINGTON: Warren Buffett, the third-richest man in the world, on Tuesday slammed Donald Trump for his remarks on him taking a "massive" deduction to avoid federal income tax, releasing his own tax information and challenging the controversial real estate tycoon to do likewise.

Mr Buffett, 86, an investor and a philanthropist, in a statement, said that he has paid income tax since 1944 when he was just 13. At that time, he owed only USD 7 in tax that year.

He said he has no problem in releasing his tax information while under audit.

Mr Buffett also released details of his own taxes and reiterated his call for Mr Trump to release his tax returns.

The unusual statement from Mr Buffett came a day after the Republican presidential nominee during the second presidential debate in St Louis, alleged that he also could have had taken "massive deductions" in his income tax returns.

"Answering a question last night about his USD 916 million income tax loss carryforward in 1995, Donald Trump stated that 'Warren Buffett took a massive deduction', Trump says he knows more about taxes than any other human. He has not seen my income tax returns. But I am happy to give him the facts," Mr Buffett said in a statement.

Warren Buffett, who has endorsed Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, said his 2015 return shows adjusted gross income of USD 11,563,931.

"My deductions totaled USD 5,477,694, of which allowable charitable contributions were USD 3,469,179. All but USD 36,037 of the remainder was for state income taxes," he said.

"The total charitable contributions I made during the year were USD 2,858,057,970, of which more than USD 2.85 billion were not taken as deductions and never will be. Tax law properly limits charitable deductions. My federal income tax for the year was USD 1,845,557. Returns for previous years are of a similar nature in respect to contributions, deductions and tax rates," he added.

"I have copies of all 72 of my returns and none uses a carry forward," he claimed.

"Finally, I have been audited by the IRS multiple times and am currently being audited. I have no problem in releasing my tax information while under audit. Neither would Trump - at least he would have no legal problem," Mr Buffett said.

Mr Trump has not released his income tax returns so far, even as is the tradition for presidential candidates to do so.

He said that he will release his returns only after the ongoing audit of his tax returns are complete.

Recently The New York Times in a report said that Mr Trump might not have had paid federal income tax for about 18 years.

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Explainer: Paris Agreement on climate change to enter into force

Posted on 12 October 2016 by Guest Author

This is a re-post from Carbon Brief by Sophie Yeo

The Paris Agreement will formally come into force next month, legally binding countries that have ratified the deal to act on the pledges made last year.

This includes a commitment by every country to prepare increasingly ambitious pledges to tackle greenhouse gas emissions every five years, known as Nationally Determined Contributions.

There were two thresholds that had to be crossed before the deal could come into force: at least 55 countries covering at least 55% of global emissions had to ratify the deal.

The first of these thresholds was passed on 21 September. As of today, 74 countries have ratified the deal. The EUs fast-tracked ratification, which concluded on 4 October with the European Parliaments vote in favour, has now pushed the deal over the second threshold.

The deal wont come into force instantly. The Paris Agreement stipulates that this will happen 30 days after both the thresholds have been crossed. The UN says this will be on 4 November.

But it does mean that it will be in force before countries meet again for their first major UN climate meeting since Paris  and before the US elections on the 8 November.

Unexpected haste

By all accounts, countries have acted with remarkable haste in ratifying the Paris Agreement.

A raft of countries ratified the deal on 22 April, which was the first possible opportunity to do so. These mainly included small island states, whose emissions are negligible in the context of global emissions.

While these early-ratifying small countries helped to inch the agreement towards the first threshold, it was important to bring the big emitters on board to reach the second threshold.

On 3 September, the US and China jointly ratified the agreement. Together they were responsible for 38% of global emissions. This provided a big boost, but not quite enough to tip the total beyond 55%.

For a short time, there was a question mark over how the remainder would be made up, with doubts clouding the will or ability of the remaining big emitters to ratify.

India, responsible for 4% of emissions, had opposed the inclusion of a ratification deadline in the G20 communique in September. The EU, whose member states make up 12% of emissions, was widely considered to have too many bureaucratic mountains to scale to make speedy ratification a reality. Russia, responsible for 8% of emissions, has said it will not fast-track ratification to simply to catch up with other nations that have already ratified.

Russia kept to its word and has not yet ratified the agreement. But India ratified on 2 October and the EU managed to fast-track its ratification, allowing the emissions of the member states which had already ratified domestically  France, Hungary, Austria, Germany, Slovakia, Portugal and Malta  to be counted towards the 55% total.

One quirk of the Paris Agreement is that the percentages of global emissions assigned to each country are not based on the most up-to-date statistics available, but rather the most recent data that each country has provided to the UN.

In some cases, there is a significant disparity between what the country has reported and what percentage of emissions it is responsible for today.

According to the Global Carbon Project, China was responsible for 27% of global emissions in 2014, compared to the 20% that it submitted to the UN in 2005 and was counted for the purpose of its ratification. Similarly, the US was responsible for 15% of global emissions, rather than the 18% counted towards ratification.

Based on the latest data, these two countries combined are responsible for 42% of global emissions, which would have eased the burden of crossing the 55% threshold by 4% compared to the earlier shares that were actually counted.

What does this mean?

The entry into force of the Paris Agreement has a number of important implications.

It means that many of the provisions set out in December will now become legally binding on nations that have ratified. This includes drawing up plans to tackle climate change and providing financial and technical support to developing countries. They will also have to undertake appropriate adaptation actions. Carbon Brief has an interactive graphic setting out the full details of the final deal.

Countries cannot withdraw from the agreement for three years following its entry into force. If a country decides to exit after this time has expired, they need to wait another year before they can formally leave.

In light of the US elections, this is an important provision. Republican candidate Donald Trump has pledged to withdraw the US from the Paris Agreement if he becomes president.

Entry into force means that, even if he withdrew from the Agreement on his first day in office, the US wouldnt actually leave for another four years. Unless Trump won a second term, there would be another president in office when this took effect.

Logistics

The rapid entry into force also causes something of a logistical headache.

No one expected the Paris Agreement to come into force as early as it did. Until the penultimate draft of the Paris text, there were no options to allow the deal to come into force before 2020.

While the Paris Agreement set the direction for future climate action, its guiding rulebook still needs to be developed. In particular, a huge workload has been assigned to the Ad Hoc Working Group on the Paris Agreement (APA), which was set up to prepare the deal for entry into force.

The deadline for these tasks is the first meeting at which the Paris Agreement is in force, by which time the group is meant to have completed the rulebook. The APA started discussing these issues in May but, thanks to the deals unexpectedly speedy ratification, this work is still unfinished.

Once the Paris Agreement goes into force, discussions technically start taking place under the Conference of the Parties serving as the meeting of the Parties to the Paris Agreement (CMA). Thanks to the early entry into force, this will now take place for the first time in Marrakech in November, which is known as COP22.

The problem is that only countries that have ratified the agreement can take part in these discussions. This has left many countries concerned that theyll be left out of important future discussions on the technical side of the Paris Agreement.

The French and Moroccan presidencies have released a document aiming to ease these worries.

One option, they say, is to immediately suspend the CMA and continue working on the rulebook in Marrakech as though the agreement hasnt come into force  that is to say, with the inclusion of all countries, whether they have ratified or not. The World Resources Institute, a think-tank based in Washington DC, has detailed information about the options available and how they could work.
Skidmore's Tang Museum has earned two publications awards from the American Alliance of Museums. Everything is Connected, documenting the history of the Tang, won for innovation in print design, and A Teaching Museum is... won for press and marketing materials.



Everything is Connected cover Everything is Connected cover

The Everything is Connected award marks the Tang's eighth AAM win in the books category. Other museums receiving 2016 innovation awards include the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Bard Graduate Center Gallery, and the Burchfield Penney Art Center at SUNY Buffalo State.

A Teaching Museum is..., a 36-page viewbook, took first prize in the Press Kits, Marketing, and Public Relations Materials category. Second place went to the Smithsonians National Museums of Asian Art.



A spread in the innovative Tang viewbook A spread in the innovative Tang viewbook

"These awards are such a tremendous honor, especially considering the great institutions we were competing against," said the Tang's Dayton Director Ian Berry. He cited the contributions of all Tang staff along with the designers, photographers, and writers, as well as "faculty, students, and alumni who contributed to these great publications." Trustee and Tang advisor Barbara Kahn Moller '78, for example, wrote Everything is Connected, while A Teaching Museum is... has testimonials from faculty, artists, students, and alumni about the Tang's impact on their lives.

Since its opening in 2000, the Tang has now won 10 AAM publication awards.
Navy Federal Credit Union made threats and restricted account access to delinquent members as part of a pattern of illegal debt collection practices, federal regulators said Tuesday. The credit union, which is the nation's largest, grants membership only to current and former U.S. military service members, civilians working on military projects and their families.

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau said Tuesday that the credit union "froze accounts and disabled services for 700,000 accounts after consumers became delinquent on a Navy Federal credit product. That could shut down consumers' debit cards, online banking and ATM cash access."

The financial institution also allegedly called and wrote service members saying it planned to contact commanding officers if a payment on a debt wasn't made promptly.

Consumer credit problems can result in military discipline or loss of a security clearance, and Navy Federal did not actually intend to contact the service members' chain of command, the CFPB said.

"Navy Federal Credit Union misled its members about its debt collection practices and froze consumers out from their own accounts," said CFPB Director Richard Cordray in a written statement. "Financial institutions have a right to collect money that is due to them, but they must comply with federal laws as they do so."

Navy Federal's Settlement

As part of the settlement, Navy Federal will pay $23 million to accountholders who were harmed and a $5.5 million penalty.

In a statement, the credit union said it has "made all the necessary changes" and cooperated with the CFPB "throughout the process."

The CFPB said hundreds of thousands of consumers were affected between January 2013 and July 2015. Other allegations, per the CFPB's press release, include that Navy Federal:

 Falsely threatened legal action and wage garnishment: The credit union sent letters to members threatening to take legal action unless they made a payment. But in reality, it seldom took any such actions. The CFPB found that the credit union's message to consumers of 'pay or be sued' was inaccurate about 97% of the time, even among consumers who did not make a payment in response to the letters. The credit union's representatives also called members with similar verbal threats of legal action. And the credit union threatened to garnish wages when it had no intention or authority to do so.

Story continues

 Misrepresented credit consequences of falling behind on a loan: The credit union sent about 68,000 letters to members misrepresenting the credit consequences of falling behind on a Navy Federal Credit Union loan. Many of the letters said that consumers would find it "difficult, if not impossible" to obtain additional credit because they were behind on their loan. But the credit union had no basis for that claim, as it did not review consumer credit files before sending the letters. The credit union also misrepresented its influence on a consumer's credit rating, implying that it could raise or lower the rating or affect a consumer's access to credit. As a furnisher, the credit union could supply information to the credit reporting companies but it could not determine a consumer's credit score.

As part of the settlement, Navy Federal will be required to address its strategies for communicating with delinquent members. Misleading, false or unsubstantiated threats to contact a consumer's commanding officer, threats to initiate legal action, or misrepresentations about the credit consequences of falling behind on a Navy Federal Credit Union loan all fall under that purview. Navy Federal Credit Union will also not be allowed to block members from accessing accounts if they are delinquent on one or more. Proper procedures will need to be implemented, the CFPB said.

Remember, if you are ever dealing with a debt collector, it can help to know your rights. Under FDCPA, for instance, collectors can't call too early or too late, use abusive language or make dire threats, including saying they are going to sue if they don't actually plan to. And if you do have a delinquent account or an account in collections, it's important to learn how it may be affecting your credit, You pull your credit reports for free each year at AnnualCreditReport.com and view two of your scores for free, updated every 14 days, on Credit.com.



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Russia's relationship with the U.S. and its allies has sunk back into the deep freeze it was in at the peak of the crisis over Ukraine in 2014, dashing Kremlin hopes of an easing of international sanctions. Russia last week vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution proposed by France that demanded an immediate halt to Russian and Syrian bombing in Aleppo where about 250,000 civilians are trapped. Russia and the West have blamed each other for the breakdown of a cease-fire agreement in Syria.
The case turned on whether Mesa could be sued in U.S. courts when the family and the victim are Mexican, and the injury occurred in Mexico. A district judge first ruled that Mesa could not be sued in federal court. A three-judge panel of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals held that Mesa could be sued. But the full New Orleans-based appeals court ruled unanimously in favor of the U.S. agent.
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Saturday's election will decide whether Canberra has light rail once and for all, Chief Minister Andrew Barr suggested at last night's leaders' debate, a lively event where he and Liberal Leader Jeremy Hanson clashed frequently.

"There's no doubt that this election, the second election a row that has had a focus on light rail, will certainly determine whether or not our city has this transport infrastructure," Mr Barr said.

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and opposition leader Jeremy Hanson in the ACT leadership debate at the National Press Club. Credit:Rohan Thomson

Mr Hanson told Mr Barr he was trying to "con" people by suggesting light rail would cost $25 million  the amount Mr Barr has promised to spend in the next term on design work for the second stage from the city to Woden.

"You don't go into an election saying you're going to spend $25 million and come out the other end spending billions," he said, referring to Labor's promise at the last election to do design work on the first stage.
Canberra Liberals leader Jeremy Hanson has confirmed $1 million in annual taxpayer funding for the greyhound racing industry would continue if his party is elected on Saturday.

The opposition leader said his party would commit to a review of the industry and consult with the Canberra Greyhound Racing Club and the RSPCA after the election

The future of greyhound racing remains unclear after ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr said he would reconsider a pledge to ban industry in step with NSW.

The announcement came after NSW Premier Mike Baird backed away from a "locked in" commitment to ban racing in the state after facing political pressure from within his cabinet.
A group of Bullet Train members recently became concerned about the state of the party's books, and formed an audit committee, chaired by a former Melbourne candidate Josh Davidson.

Members of the Bullet Train for Canberra Party before the ACT election in 2012. From left, Tim Bohm, Chris Bucknell, and Mark Erwood Credit:Rohan Thomson

The Bullet Train for Australia party - related unofficially to Like Canberra, which has candidates running in the ACT election - has a membership of roughly 500, and is heavily reliant on volunteers and small donations to survive, including from its own members, candidates, or the executive.

Damaging in-fighting has broken out within a minor party days before the ACT's election, after a small group of breakaway members raised concerns about the organisation's finances.

The committee alleges between $12,000 and $13,000 in party money is unaccounted for.

The party executive, headed by Tim Bohm, who is also the head of the Like Canberra party, has dismissed the allegations as those of disgruntled members, who he says are deliberately trying to hurt Like Canberra's chances in the ACT election.

Mr Bohm sent the audit committee a list of expenditures to explain how the money had been used for proper campaign purposes.

He said full and proper disclosure of the party's finances would be made to the Australian Electoral Commission later this month, as required by law.

"As the saying goes 'you can't please everyone' and this is definitely one of those cases," he said.
A specialist homelessness outreach service has warned a lack of funding is threatening a range of its programs, including one that has encouraged those sleeping rough to vote in the upcoming ACT election.

Homelessness is a major barrier to voting for many complex reasons, not least of which are the difficulty in including the difficulties in proving identity, the frequent changes of address, and misguided fears of being fined.

Anusha Goonetilleke, Street Law supervising solicitor, runs an outreach legal service for the homeless. Street Law has experienced federal funding cuts and is worried about ACT funding. Credit:Elesa Kurtz

It's an issue that Elections ACT has tried to address directly for the first time in the 2016 campaign.

They've developed relationships with agencies working in the sector, met with representatives from the Red Cross and ACT Shelter, and created fact sheets on voting for support workers and for Canberrans experiencing homelessness.
Canberra's small to medium business operators have given the incumbent ACT government the thumbs up, despite being hamstrung by "excessive bureaucracy".

A new survey by Sensis has revealed falling sales and red tape eroded business confidence in the ACT in the past three months.

A new survey by Sensis has revealed falling sales and red tape eroded business confidence in the ACT in the past three months. Credit:Tamara Voninski

But Sensis chief executive John Allan said the Barr Government was one of the only state or territory governments to be rated positively by business owners heading into the ACT election on Saturday, a result in which they should "take heart".

Approval for the Barr government rose three points from the last quarter to sit at +1.
One life insurance company is declining more than one in three total and permanent disability claims made by its customers  but Australians are not allowed to know which one it is.

Two other life insurers dismissed 25 per cent of total and permanent disability claims, while another declined 24 per cent of the same type of claims. The No.1 denier of claims rejected 37 per cent of claims.

The revelation of mass dismissals of claims at some insurance companies was contained in a report by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission published on Wednesday.

Despite the chilling statistics, ASIC has declined to name the insurers which are denying claims en masse. Instead, it has warned the sector to clean up its act or it will start naming names.
Our land is girt by sea full of fresh seafood, and yet canned and frozen fish remain the most frequently purchased seafood products by more than half of all Australians.

In the largest global analysis of attitudes to seafood consumption, 75 per cent of Australians were revealed to consider sustainably sourced seafood a top priority, while more than 50 per cent were willing to pay more for seafood that was certified sustainable.



The consumer data, commissioned by the non-profit Marine Stewardship Council, was released on Thursday in conjunction with the council's latest annual report into ocean and seafood sustainability.

The international MSC is best known for its blue eco-label, displayed on products that are fully traceable and originate from independently certified wild-catch fisheries.
Australia's largest poultry producer Inghams Group will list on the ASX next month with an equity value of up to $1.5 billion, putting it on course to be the country's largest initial public offering this year.

US private equity giant TPG Capital Management will sell between 50 per cent and 70 per cent of the firm in the IPO, at an indicative price range of $3.57 to $4.14 a share.

Chicken producer Inghams Group is preparing for its initial public offering. Credit:Jay Cronan

The range values Ingham's at 13.5 to 15.5 times its pro forma 2017 net profit, while the offer includes the sale of up to 45.2 million new shares to raise up to $172 million.

At the high end of guidance, the partial sale of existing shares would fetch about $950 million, after TPG bought the firm in 2013 for about $880 million. The private equiteers would still retain a 27 per cent stake in the company.
Close to the city, the site of the popular Bondi Wholefoods, at 517- 527 Elizabeth Street, Surry Hills, is being put on the market.

Bondi Wholefoods recently signed a new 10-year lease, with a 10-year option, which generates an annual income of about $260,000 for the landlord.

Bondi Wholefoods' site at 517- 527 Elizabeth Street is for sale. The tenant has just signed a new 10-year lease.

Colliers International's senior executives, Sydney investment metro sales, Miron Solomons and Matt Pontey are advising on the sale for the private owners of the property and said the price guide for the 400 sqm site is more than $5 million.

Mr Pontey said the shop is located within the East Central boutique mixed development and is benefiting from a hive of activity in the immediate area, with light rail under construction and a number of residential developments nearby.
A five-star serviced office provider is set to roll out space for up to 130 people at 171 Collins Street as mining services companies downsize space.

Figari Management has sublet 1108 square metres of space in the $140 million building for its serviced office arm, called @WORKSPACES.

Bates Smart's redesign of 171 Collins Street in Melbourne. Credit:Simon Johanson

The move comes as flexible co-working spaces start to compete with serviced offices for flexible bums on seats.

But the downturn in the mining industry has led to contractions in staff numbers and the space required by mining services companies.
Masters Home Improvement has employed security guards to protect its staff from obnoxious customers who have lashed out and trashed stores as the fire sale heats up.

In scenes reminiscent of the ugly drama of the Dick Smith closing down sale, Masters sales staff are reporting a slew of bad behaviour from verbal abuse to taunts about losing their jobs, tampering with price tags and even theft.

One worker said her team met every morning to discuss how to cope with the daily barrage of abuse from customers.

She said the people criticising the Masters sale on social media forums were probably the same customers who "came in expecting everything for nothing".
Donald Trump says he wants to run America like a business. But if America were a public company, Trump probably would be ousted as its chief executive officer after his recent vulgar remarks about women caught on tape.

While Trump's supporters may be willing to write off his talk about making unwanted sexual advances as locker-room banter, corporate boards have been much less forgiving to top officials who engaged in arguably less crude behaviour that could paint the company in a bad light or put it at legal risk.

"Any CEO who got caught making the kind of comments Trump did would be out the door in 24 hours," said Pat Cook, CEO of Cook & Co., a boutique executive-search firm in Bronxville, New York.

It isn't that the mostly male, mostly white realm of executive America is puritanical: A litany of corporate scandals proves otherwise. It's that modern corporations operate in a world with hard rules about behaviour, particularly in the office. As human resources tells everyone: Sexist and sexually aggressive speech, let alone sexist and sexually aggressive behaviour, can be grounds for dismissal. The threats - to reputation, worker retention, recruitment and even the bottom line - are too high to tolerate.
A cargo ship that hauls alumina for Rio Tinto along Australia's coast is under investigation for failing to pay its crew and keeping squalid living conditions on board.

Australian authorities detained and boarded the Maratha Paramount  an Indian-owned bulk carrier that flies the flag of the Marshall Islands  and conducted inquiries while it was docked in Gladstone earlier this week.

The Maratha Paramount.

The Australian Maritime Safety Authority confirmed it had issued the vessel with two deficiency notices  for failing to pay the wages of its 22 crew members for two months, and for failing to provide them with clean facilities. A spokeswoman said the ship was released from detention after the violations were rectified.

A follow-up audit will be conducted by government inspectors and the international seafarers' union on Thursday when the ship reaches its next destination, Newcastle.
A seven-day blockade that shut down work at one of Australia's most important oil refineries is over, averting the danger of disruptions to fuel supplies.

Up to 400 contractors and employees had been stopping trucks from accessing Viva Energy's Geelong oil refinery since Wednesday last week, demanding better pay and safety conditions for maintenance crews.

Viva Energy's refinery produces 50 per cent of Victorian fuel supplies. Credit:Craig Sillitoe

The picket line forced a large-scale maintenance program at the refinery to be put on hold and caused losses of millions of dollars a day.

Striking workers defied injunction orders from the Supreme Court and refused to break the blockade until their unions and management reached an agreement on Tuesday afternoon.
A backflip is a gymnastic move where the person doesn't actually change direction at the end, writes Ken Hudson, of Wollongbar. "Why don't political commentators realise this isn't the word they need when things like the greyhound ban change are announced. Such changes should be called 'an about face', 'a reversal' or even 'a change of mind', maybe."

Townsville Greyhounds, Tuesday night, after Baird's backflip, served up a winner called Gunnadoo Twist ... paying $6.70 win and $3.70 place, reports trackside 'Paul', no address.

Viv Munter, of North Epping laments. "Cowboys and Indians (C8) is one of those childish pastimes that is now lumped into the same category as playing 'cubbies' under the dining table spread with an old sheet; wandering unsupervised through the bush catching tadpoles; collecting cans to cash in and buy one cent cobbers and redskins at the local milk bar. Long forgotten, 'old school' pursuits."

Also. "Please, Robert Sharpe where are your cultural sensitivities? These days the children would be playing "Transient Agrarian Workers and Oppressed Native Americans". Chris Hartcher, of Gosford.

Meredith Williams, of Dee Why writes: "Diwali (C8) celebrating compassion and the victory of light over darkness, good over evil and knowledge over ignorance. Might we respectfully adopt this festival in place of the meaningless US mutation of Halloween?"
For a social reform issue that apparently commands growing levels of public support, same-sex marriage has an extraordinary capacity to tie politicians and political parties in knots. In the latest series of contortions, the Turnbull government's bid to deliver on its election promise to stage a plebiscite next year has been torpedoed by an Opposition Leader who three years ago was advocating just such a strategy (in preference to a parliamentary vote) to achieve marriage equality. Bill Shorten now argues a plebiscite would be a waste of money, that it would subject members of the gay and lesbian community to ridicule and hatred, and that Coalition MPs would not be bound by an affirmative vote.

Labor went to the election promising to introduce a marriage equality bill if elected, so Mr Shorten is not strictly guilty of a policy about-face. But he does stand accused of political grand-standing, and of ensuring that reform will not occur until after the next federal election. The Coalition cannot claim to be virtuous in its commitment to a plebiscite, either, however.

Its leadership has long maintained the position that marriage be defined exclusively as a heterosexual union. But in acknowledgment of changing attitudes, Liberal MPs were at least allowed a conscience vote when private member's bills come before the house. The Nationals have always opposed same-sex marriage as a bloc. In August 2015, the Coalition party room overturned its long-standing policy, adopting instead a proposal to put the matter to a popular vote after the 2016 election.

Not surprisingly, perhaps, reform advocates saw it as a delaying tactic engineered by the Coalition's dominant conservative wing. That theory allegedly gained credence when Malcolm Turnbull, an advocate of same-sex marriage and of a parliamentary vote rather than a plebiscite, announced he'd abide by the commitment after succeeding Tony Abbott as Liberal Party Leader.
Through prudent management it operates with a small surplus so it can plan for the future and meet unexpected contingencies. If it wants to build permanent classrooms, the school  not the government  has to pay. It sounds like a needy school.

It's an independent school, charging low fees that in some cases are discounted when parents prove they can't pay.

"The question of who is 'over- funded' and who is 'under-funded' only applies to independent schools."

Some 65 per cent of the parents with children at the school are on low incomes that entitle them to Health Care Cards. Most of the students come from non-English speaking backgrounds; some have other diverse educational needs.

There's a Melbourne school where 60 per cent of the students are in portable classrooms, where there's no canteen, proper administration building, gymnasium or covered areas where students can gather at lunch or recess.

Yet it's a measure of the complexity of the Australian school funding system that this school  Al Siraat College in Epping  can be nominally described as being "over funded". And it's an example of the loose language and misunderstandings that sometimes cloud public discussion about the system, that this school has recently been portrayed in a context that could imply it's wealthy and awash with funds that should go to more deserving schools.

The school funding system is overly complex with variations, loadings and technical terms that can lead to simplistic and even sneering commentary.

Take the term "over funded". The words have a specific, technical meaning. They do not tell you how much government funding a school receives. They do not tell you how much funding a school receives relative to other schools. They only tell you about how much the Australian Government thinks a school should receive from both levels of government under current funding arrangements, relative to how much it received under previous arrangements.

The current arrangements stem from the 2014 Gonski reforms, when the federal government introduced the new Schooling Resource Standard (SRS) funding model. The SRS model is a mathematical estimate of how much money is required for students at a given school to receive an appropriate level of education, given their backgrounds and educational needs.

The model identifies a base amount of funding that is provided to all students, with loadings for students with higher levels of educational need. Government schools are entitled to the full base amount. In non-government schools, this is adjusted according to a school's capacity to contribute to the cost of education. The more the school's community can contribute, the less government money it receives.
Time and again, our research has shown how the poor and the marginalised are most severely affected when governments fail to do their job. A lack of legal protection disproportionately affects people who are unable to get adequate information on environmental threats and who have limited opportunity to participate meaningfully in decision-making, let alone to demand accountability and redress.

While the technical challenges to address water scarcity can be daunting, they are often easier to tackle than underlying issues of poor governance and inequality in access. In many parts of the world, negligence, corruption, or a lack of accountability undermine the right to water. Governments are often slow to act, unaccountable, and deny or minimise manifest harm.

Much of how water is regulated is technical  whether aquifer recharge zones are protected; how to avoid leaking water pipes; whether megacities and farming communities alike can secure and manage water resources for their populations.

This week, Brisbane hosts the world's first conference on water scarcity and drought. Of course, access to drinking water varies considerably around the world due to natural differences in geography and climate. But there is another distinction between the water "haves" and "have nots": the role of their governments.

We have seen that in remote Turkana county in Kenya, where climate change and regional development projects threaten the health and livelihood of indigenous pastoralists. People living in Turkana told Human Rights Watch that they faced increased difficulty in getting water, and that many water sources had dried out, making every day a struggle for survival.

We have seen that in western Thailand, where the water in Klity Creek was contaminated by lead from a badly regulated and now defunct lead processing factory upstream. Thailand's public health and environment authorities did nothing for 17 years to prevent further lead exposure for village residents. Despite a Supreme Court order to clean up the site in 2013, Thailand's authorities have yet to begin.

We have seen that in Bangladesh, where the government is failing to adequately respond to naturally occurring arsenic in drinking water across large areas of rural Bangladesh, directly threatening the health of at least 20 million people. Government-funded deep wells can usually provide arsenic-free water even where the shallow aquifer is heavy in arsenic, but current government policy allows members of parliament to decide who gets 50 per cent of all new potentially life-saving wells. They are not going to those who need them most, but often to supporters and allies of politicians.

We have seen that in Canada, where indigenous people living on reserves do not have the same access to safe water as most other Canadians, and where dozens of communities have received government warnings of a high risk that their drinking water is contaminated in a country that has one of the largest shares of fresh water in the world.

Often, women and girls bear the brunt of scarcity. The unpaid work of providing water to households with scarce water resources disproportionately falls to women and girls. In many countries, women and girls spend 30 minutes per trip to fetch water, globally this accounts for 40 billion hours yearly of unpaid work. This is time women and girls cannot invest in school, work, or other activities.
A move by Attorney-General George Brandis to restrict access to the government's chief legal adviser is unlawful and akin to keeping a "dog on a lead", a former top adviser to the Howard government has said.

Senator Brandis is at the centre of a political storm over a legally binding direction he issued before the July 2 election requiring all ministers, including the Prime Minister, to obtain his written approval before seeking advice from Solicitor-General Justin Gleeson, SC.

Mr Gleeson has flatly denied claims by Senator Brandis in Parliament that he was consulted about the change and said he would have protested it "in the strongest terms".

In a blistering submission to a Senate inquiry examining the controversy, former solicitor-general Gavan Griffith, QC, said the change brought to mind "the image of a dog on a lead".
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and his most senior cabinet ministers are using a third-party messaging application to conduct confidential discussions, prompting cyber security experts to warn the innovation could actually pose a security risk.

The use of WhatsApp is not limited to senior ministers; private chat 'groups' exist for government chiefs of staff, ministerial media advisers, the frontline economic team, and a defence-focused "broadcast group" used by Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne to communicate with MPs and staff.

Fairfax Media has spoken with four cyber security experts who have each flagged potential security issues with the widespread use of WhatsApp by the Turnbull government  particularly at a cabinet level  in place of secure, government email servers from platforms approved by the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), Australia's cyber intelligence agency.

Craig Searle, the founder of security consultancy firm Hivint, pointed out WhatsApp was not an approved platform on the ASD list of Evaluated Products or Certified Cloud Services, whereas Apple's iOS operating system and Blackberry's operating system were.
Turnbull government ministers have played down a "procedural mistake" in the Parliament that saw the government accidentally condemn itself, heaping praise on the "fixer" Christopher Pyne for undoing the bungle that left Coalition MPs embarrassed.

In its second procedural mishap in the House of Representatives, the Coalition on Wednesday voted for a Labor amendment calling on the government to "explain why it has failed" to close tax avoidance loopholes and increase transparency.

Financial Services Minister Kelly O'Dwyer, who had carriage of the bill, and Justice Minister Michael Keenan, who was also present in the chamber, were blamed for dropping the ball and creating a headache that dogged the government on Thursday.

Labor made hay of the stuff-up, again portraying the government as chaotic and devoid of a strong working majority. Coalition MPs were unimpressed, with one telling Fairfax Media it was "embarrassing" and would hurt the government's image.
Former treasurer Wayne Swan has doubled down on his allegations that BHP Billiton has been evading taxes for more than a decade and misleading the government about it.

Following up on comments first made using parliamentary privilege on Wednesday night, Mr Swan has gone after the mining giant in the public sphere, accusing it of profit shifting to avoid paying taxes to the Australian government.

The Labor MP's comments come as Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull warned that the tax system must encourage investment and not detract from the attractiveness of Australia as a place to do business, which has been interpreted as a criticism of the Western Australian Nationals' push for a levy of $5 on every tonne of iron ore mined in the state.

Mr Swan said in Parliament on Wednesday that BHP had been "gaming the system" by using aggressive transfer pricing  shifting profits out of Australia to a Singaporean marketing hub  denying the Australian government $5.7 billion in tax revenue. On Thursday morning he repeated the claim outside of Parliament.
Cabinet Minister Kelly O'Dwyer has a lot of internal critics. Watch them circle after Labor accused her of causing the embarrassing scenes on the floor of parliament where her vote appears to have caused the spectacle of the government voting with the opposition on a motion criticising itself. [Tom McIlory/Fairfax] O'Dwyer's bungle is also covered by the ABC [Francis Keany] Michaela Whitbourn has another cracking story on the ongoing saga between Australia's first and second law officers, the Attorney-General George Brandis and the Solicitor-General Justin Gleeson. She quotes a former advisor to the Howard government slamming Brandis' move to restrict the wider government's access to Gleeson. [Fairfax] Niki Savva is a great read on how gay marriage could kill Malcolm Turnbull's leadership, just as climate change did in 2009. [The Australian] It's worth noting that if gay marriage killed off Turnbull for Abbott it would quite literally be history repeating itself on a progressive issue eating up the moderate leader, paving the way for the right-wing Abbott. I'm becoming more a convert to history repeating itself every day I grow older!

Savva also raises Abbott's challenge to Turnbull about democratising the NSW Liberal party. Aaron Patrick has a great follow-up on this piece that I linked to in yesterday's Double Shot including Peta Credlin, Abbott' former Chief of Staff, with real-time insights into the number of journalists phoning Abbott over the party-room leaks. [Financial Review] Turnbull has criticised the WA Liberal government's plans for a mining tax, in a speech to the minerals council. [Philip Coorey/Financial Review] 3. Corbyn's second good PMQs Labour's Jeremy Corbyn: There's a perception he's ''telling it how it is'', which resonates with this many supporters, if not those within his party. Credit:Chris Ratcliffe The following is completely genuine:

Jeremy Corbyn has performed strongly for a second time in Prime Minister's Questions up against Theresa May. Corbyn junked his old tactics of asking questions about a myriad of random issues to press May over her "shambolic Tory Brexit." [Peter Walker/The Guardian] And then his spokesman appeared to defend Russia's actions in Syria. [Joe Watts/The Independent] 4. New Trump furore Trump posing with women from several of the pageants he owned in 2006. Credit:AP

A Miss Teen USA claims Donald Trump walked into the dressing rooms of teenage contestants in the Miss Teen USA pageant in 1997. It follows recently-aired tapes showing Trump bragging about how as owner of the Miss Universe pageant he could go backstage and see the women in their undressed states and get away with it. It follows the emergence of an historical tape featuring Trump saying he could "grab" "p***y" and get away with it because he is a star. And keeping on that classy theme, Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says he sees "so many pussies" on both sides of the Presidential campaign that he'd rather not comment. [CNN] Russian President Vladmir Putin denies Russia is meddling in the US election [Reuters] but in a less than subtle tactic his ultra-nationalist ally warned of the risk of nuclear war if Trump is not elected President. [Reuters] Wikileaks, accused of acting as a mouthpiece for Russia, dumped another cache of hacked emails belonging to Hillary Clinton's campaign manager John Podesta. [Politico]

And the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights say the world will be in danger if Trump becomes President. [Stephanie Nebehay, Reuters] Interesting theory going around positing that Trump's new "shackles-off" strategy is aimed squarely at the United States' voluntary voting? "The thought goes like this: Trump scorches Republicans, gets nastier with Clinton to the point that she has to respond, voters get turned off and decide that they've had enough with this election -- so they don't vote." [Dan Merica/CNN] 5. Lawyers refuse to represent Paris attacker French police warn Salah Abdeslam may be dangerous.

He is refusing to talk and his lawyers are subsequently refusing to represent him. [BBC] 6. Amazon to rival Spotify A Spotify Ltd. logo sits on display inside the music streaming company's offices in Berlin, Germany, on Friday, June 17, 2016. According to reports, Spotify has hired Paul Vogel, the former equity research analyst at Barclays Plc, indicating that the music streaming company may be planning making an initial public offering. Photographer: Krisztian Bocsi/Bloomberg Credit:Bloomberg To quote Emma Bunton - "What took you so long?!" Amazon is entering the crowded online streaming music market. [Reuters]
His eyes told the story.

Exhausted, bemused, imploring, Warren Entsch stood and explained to a mostly empty parliamentary chamber that after decades of pushing for gay and transgendered rights, often walking out of step with his party colleagues, he was falling into line.

He was, as he said in a statement earlier in the day, done.

"I can't do any more."
He looked as relieved as a schoolkid who's been excluded from the cool bunch for months...and out of the blue, someone offers to share sandwiches at lunch, or maybe a smoke behind the shelter shed.

"C'mon down," Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull motioned to ex-prime minister Tony Abbott. Abbott's grin could very nearly have split the air. He rolled into an "aw shucks" shuffle as he made his way down from the loneliness of the backbench.

The prime minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, was visiting the Parliament. Lee and Abbott shook hands and Abbott patted Lee on the shoulder, Turnbull overseeing it all, before the little official party moved on.

Abbott was left standing there, possibly swept by one of those desolate "what if" moments that afflicts those consigned to the outer.
Fitness guru Michelle Bridges has described her encounters with a young Sydney paparazzo as the most harrowing she has ever experienced in nearly a decade in the limelight.

Police have sought to take an apprehended violence order out on behalf of The Biggest Loser star against the photographer who allegedly chased her down the street and filmed her while she was grocery shopping.

Giving evidence in a court hearing into the order, Bridges said she felt she was "being intruded upon, harassed, threatened" and feared for the safety of herself and her family during encounters with 21-year-old Liam Mendes.

Mendes has hired high-profile lawyer Ian Temby QC to fight the charges, and he had an early victory with magistrate Joanne Keogh determining not to continue a interim AVO against him pending a final decision on the matter next week.
"He treats women like dogs, and you go against everything I  and other female conservatives  said you were & back down like cowards."

Glenn went on to say she was "done" with the party.

"Various men in the movement are writing it off as normal, confirming every stereotype the left has thrown at them. So I'm done," she wrote.

"I'm sooo [sic] done. If you can't stand up for women & unendorse this piece of human garbage, you deserve every charge of sexism thrown at you."
There is no single moment that Fiona Gwyther can isolate in explaining why some days the load seems heavier than others.

The six-year-old girl who had a heart attack on the trampoline was a low point, but equally so are the days she might sit for hours with an elderly patient with a broken limb.

The extended care paramedic had not given much thought to how working for NSW Ambulance might affect her mental health before she joined the service but now she certainly knows.

"Sometimes your bucket can start to get quite full and it's that last patient who was really lovely and reminds you of your grandmother that really hits home," she said.
Security has been increased at kaftan designer Camilla Franks' flagship Bondi store after masked thieves broke in and stole a "considerable amount" of the latest season's flowing fashions.

A spokeswoman for the designer said there had been considerable damage to the store, and a side door had been smashed in by the thieves.

Camilla Franks' Bondi Beach store was robbed on Wednesday morning. Credit:Daniel Munoz

Additional security guards are now protecting the store on Bondi's Warner Avenue, which was broken into several times in 2012. Security footage from the store had been given to the police, and a forensic team was combing the store, which was closed today.

"We are beefing up security - and we don't want to repeat the patterns of the past," she said.
Former NSW premier Morris Iemma has urged the RSPCA to "be at the table" to help a new panel chaired by him advise the state government on reform of the greyhound industry.

Premier Mike Baird announced the panel on Tuesday as part of his sensational back down on his plan to close the greyhound industry from next July.

Instead, Mr Baird he has asked Mr Iemma to chair a reform panel to report back to the government, with legislation anticipated early next year.

The government has suggested the new regime will include mandatory life bans and increased jail terms for live baiting and registering greyhounds for their entire lives.
Once a criminal, always a criminal.

It is a common assumption  that the majority of those who commit a crime will soon enter the revolving door of offending.

Higher rates of violent offending were found for males, young offenders, Indigenous offenders and those who committed the offence when they were under 17. Credit:Andrew Meares

But a mammoth study of NSW offenders has debunked popular belief and found that most violent offenders stop offending after their first conviction.

In a finding that surprised researchers from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research, three-quarters of violent offenders in NSW have not been convicted of another violent offence 20 years after their first.
A friend of murdered French student Sophie Collombet says it's a relief her killer has pleaded guilty to the crime, but doesn't want the man to be given any credit for his remorse.

Benjamin James Milward, 26, on Wednesday pleaded guilty to the 2014 murder and will be sentenced on October 26.

Ms Collombet's friend Simon Trott says the French national's family were relieved they would not have to sit through a trial.

"More than anything it's a relief, particularly for the family that they won't have to sit through a long, drawn-out court case and have to endure the details of the actual crime presented to them," he told ABC Radio on Thursday.
A plan to make Easter Sunday a public holiday in Queensland would "effectively undercut the engine room of our economy", according to the Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland.

Director Nick Behrens said the chamber was strongly opposed to a proposal to create the extra public holiday, arguing the additional penalty rates would make it difficult for retail, hospitality and accommodation businesses to operate in a financially viable manner over the Easter period.

Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland's Nick Behrens is unhappy with a proposal to make Easter Sunday a public holiday. Credit:Harrison Saragossi

Mr Behrens said the cost to business would be $58 million, with employers forced to reduce staff levels and opening times to minimise losses.

"Thousands of small businesses will foot the bill for this extra public holiday," he said.
Coastal spiders are tough little guys.

Not only do they live in the spray zone of rock faces off the coastlines of southern continents, they arrived there about 8 million years ago by "rafting" from South America eastward, stopping off at Africa and Australasia.

Images of one of the coastal spider species found by Dr Robert Raven off Flinders Island. Credit:Robert Whyte

An Argentinian-based study used DNA from 45 Amaurobioides (coastal spider) specimens and sequences from previous studies to construct an evolutionary tree and explore the movement of the genus through the South Pacific and Indian Oceans.

The study found the ancestral population, that existed on the ancient supercontinent Gondwana, did not disperse when Gondwana broke up into modern day continents but evolved on one continent (South America) and then crossed large bodies of ocean, aided by the establishment of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, to reach Africa and Australasia.
Queensland's 77 councils have almost $1 billion less to invest as a result of state and federal government cutbacks and have had to lay off 5000 council workers, LGAQ chief executive Greg Hallam has told Fairfax Media.

The Local Government Association of Queensland was responding to a report into the long-term financial viability of Queensland councils by the Auditor-General's department.

The report found that "most councils plan poorly for the long term", and that 24 of Queensland's councils predicted budget deficits for the next 10 years. Credit:Paul Jeffers

In broad terms, the report, released on Tuesday, found that "most councils plan poorly for the long term", and that 24 of Queensland's councils predicted budget deficits for the next 10 years.

"The clear risk is that some councils are approaching a tipping point where their infrastructure assets deteriorate or fail faster than they can afford to replace them, with the potential to jeopardise the growth of their local economies and the health and well-being of their communities," the report said.
Jobs in health will be lost in Cairns and Townsville over the next year, the Together union has told a parliamentary committee hearing into an industrial relations bill.

Union secretary Alex Scott said "there has definitely been job losses in Cairns hospital, Cairns health district service, and based on the budget figures there's also likely to be job losses in the Townsville health service as well".

Job losses predicted have been predicted in Cairns, Together Union's Alex Scott says. Credit:Nic Walker

"What we're seeing is while there's been commitments from the government for permanent staff to be protected, there isn't commitments to guarantee temporary staff that they will have jobs," he said.

"What we know is from the 1st of July last year compared to the 1st of July next year there'll be less people employed in those health services than there are currently."
Queensland business confidence has hit an almost six-year high, according to the latest Sensis Business Index.

The index, released on Thursday, shows Queensland was third in terms of business confidence in Australia, up three points to +39 - the highest level since the November 2010 data.

Queensland business confidence is at an almost six-year high, according to new Sensis data. Credit:Jessica Shapiro

The net balance score is calculated by comparing the difference between the number of small and medium businesses who are confident (57 per cent) versus worried (18 per cent).

The Queensland government also improved its rating this quarter, gaining eight points to a net balance of -18. But this remained the third-lowest ranking in the nation, with the Queensland government only ahead of Victoria on -24 and South Australia on -28.
A Victorian private school is the latest victim of the creepy clown craze spreading across the state.

Trinity College in Colac went into lockdown about 11am on Tuesday after it received threatening phone calls, saying clowns were going to invade the school grounds.

Students were ordered to stay in classrooms for about 45 minutes, as a precaution.

Principal Tim O'Farrell said he responded to "the clown situation" with the student's safety in mind.
Victoria Police's bikie taskforce has arrested four people, including men believed to be senior Comancheros, during raids in Melbourne's south-east.

Echo Taskforce executed five search warrants in Donvale, Pakenham, Officer Hallam and Dandenong South on Wednesday morning following the shooting of a man in Carrum Downs on October 1.

Four people have been arrested in bikie raids in Melbourne's south-east. Credit:Seven News

A 39-year-old Cranbourne man was taken to hospital after he was shot in the leg near an abattoir on Robinson Road.

He was taken to Dandenong Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.
Victorian speaker Telmo Languiller spent more than $50,000 on overseas travel last financial year - including two separate taxpayer-funded trips to his country of birth, Uruguay.

The 2015-16 annual report for State Parliament's Legislative Assembly reveals Mr Languiller travelled overseas at taxpayers' expense six times during the year.

Tarneit MP and former Victorian speaker Telmo Languiller is expected to quit politics. Credit:Jason South

That included an eight-day trip to Cuba in May and June this year, during which he said he met with officials from the Cuban parliament and the minister for mining, costing taxpayers $15,172.

That came a week after Mr Languiller returned from a 15-day trip to Japan and Korea. His report to parliament states the purpose was to lead a parliamentary delegation with his upper house counterpart, Legislative Council president Bruce Atkinson to Victoria's sister states of Aichi and Busan, costing $9469.
A man with buck teeth allegedly stalked a teenager, before grabbing her on her way to school in Melbourne's south-east and kissing the top of her head while she struggled to get away.

The frightening incident was part of a string of creepy encounters that occurred throughout August and September while the 18-year-old was walking to school in Springvale.

The computer-generated image of the man police wish to speak to. Credit:Victoria Police

The first time the teenager saw the man, he was wearing a fluoro yellow polo top with socks pulled up around his calves.

He was walking a golden-brown dog, believed to be a Staffordshire Bull Terrier called 'Honey'.
As Tom Keel gazed down at Flinders Street Station from the tenth floor of a building across the road he could see two things.

The first, the mattresses and bags of people who were homeless and rough sleeping on the footpath alongside the station. The other, empty train carriages sitting idle in a siding at the end of the platforms.

Tom Keel and Rachna Prasad want unused train carriages at Flinders Street Station to be turned into shelter for homeless people. Credit:Eddie Jim

And so the "Sleep Station" concept was born: where surplus train carriages would be renovated and parked at the western end of Flinders Street Station to provide a warm, safe and secure place to tackle the soaring number of homeless in the city centre.

The full Sleep Station proposal is that four unused carriages be renovated. A sleeper carriage would be fitted with 20 bunk beds, shower and laundry facilities installed in another, an eating carriage and a community carriage where homeless services could meet with clients.
Danny, was just 16 when he was brutally axed to death outside his home in Greenough. He raped and sodomised Karen before turning his attention to Amara and Katrina who were asleep in their bedrooms. A judge ordered the gruesome details of their deaths be kept from the public. Evalyn Clow, Karen's sister, grappled with the horror that confronted WA Police that day, but cannot speak highly enough of what they did to solve the case. Karen Mackenzie before her death in 1993 at the hands of Mitchell. "There is no doubt in my mind that the scene they came across disturbed them greatly. I have great respect for all involved," she said.

In a nearby river, divers recovered a blood-stained axe with hair still attached. Tyre tracks, shoe prints, pubic hair and fingerprints became crucial pieces of evidence. Karen with sister Evalyn Clow when they were children. Mitchell initially denied culpability. He acknowledged responsibility for the deaths after he attempted suicide and pleaded guilty to four counts of wilful murder and four counts of sexual assault. He was sentenced to four consecutive terms of life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 20 years. After being denied parole in 2013, he will be eligible for another review from Thursday.

Mitchell received this sentence due to considered mitigating factors; the influence of drugs and the remorse he showed in court, which was accepted as genuine by the judge. But for Evalyn the sentence was far too light. She was 27 when the murders occurred and recalls receiving a call from her younger brother saying that a woman and her three kids had been murdered in Greenough. She tried calling Karen numerous times, only to receive the busy signal or have her calls ring out. Worried, she rang the police, before her husband, Graeme, eventually was given the devastating news. Evalyn watched with dread as his eyes filled with tears.

"I just lost it! I kept saying no, no, no, it's not!" She had sold some horses the very week before and was going to use the money to fund a family visit to see Karen and the kids. "I feel I have let Karen down by not visiting her before she died and being there when she needed me most," Evalyn added. Karen and Evalyn grew up in a family with two brothers and Evalyn said "It was just us girls against the world.

"We had an unstable upbringing. Mum was an alcoholic and Karen and I were sexually abused growing up." Karen left home at the age of 14, pregnant with Danny, whom she raised for the first few years before leaving him in her mother's care and moving to WA. Karen formed a relationship and had two girls, Amara and Katrina, settling in the rural town of Greenough, 400 km north of Perth. "Mitchell destroyed the dignity of a single mum doing the best with what she had. My sister had very little confidence. She was not perfect but she adored her kids and was doing the best she could with what she had, trying to establish a good life for her family," Evalyn said. "Danny was living in an unstable environment with my mother. He adored his sisters. He was working and used his savings to move to WA so he could be with Karen and the girls.

"He was a kind-hearted rat bag, but had gone back to school and was doing quite well. He was a bright kid." She pauses, emotion cracking her voice, "but they only enjoyed one Christmas together as a family." Evalyn, her husband Graeme, her mother and younger brother sorted through Karen's house. "The girl's adoration for their Mum was evident in writings and pictures they had given her.

"As we were cleaning the house it was obvious what had occurred." They found Karen's diaries and poetry, which gave insights into her depression and the repercussions of child sexual abuse in her adult years. Evalyn's youngest daughter had a special connection to Karen and would often read the diaries. She committed suicide four days before her 18th birthday, a week before the anniversary of the murders, and Evalyn had the diaries cremated with her. "I doubt I would have survived my daughter's death if I hadn't already experienced grief."

Evalyn believes the word closure has been defined by those who live in ignorant bliss. Since the murders, it has been a continuous battle just to survive life. Evalyn has not slept properly since the event. At the time of being interviewed she had been awake since 1.30am and had just returned home from work. She longs for a normality that most take for granted. "We often ask ourselves when Mitchell's crimes will stop impacting our life. When will it end?" Her family has been forced to endure pain beyond comprehension, left with a daily existence that entails emotional exhaustion, various moods, stresses, and a lingering possibility of Mitchell one day being granted parole. She is unable to see or touch people she loves dearly, her kids have been deprived of growing up with their cousins, and she can only wonder what Karen's kids would have done with their lives.

"There are good days and bad days. Anniversaries and birthday's are especially hard. Katrina would be coming up to 29, on October 26." She and Graeme have been through some very testing times that would have destroyed most marriages. A particularly testing time came in 2013 when Mitchell was first eligible for parole. Evalyn was trying to keep Mitchell in jail, maintain family life and fulfil a high-pressured job. "Graeme is my rock. I love him so much."

Through victim-offender mediation, Evalyn requested a meeting with Mitchell. In 2010 he agreed to a visit. Asked what thoughts and feelings she had prior to meeting Mitchell she says, "There was a storm the night before. I stood on the beach with the wind in my face and asked Karen for the strength to say what I had to without showing weakness. "His everyday appearance amazed me. You wouldn't imagine an average looking person to have done what he did. "Mitchell was looking down and breathing nervously. He instantly looked up when I thanked him.

"I looked him in the eye and said I wasn't there to ask him why but to tell him who Karen was as we were growing up and how important she was to me." Mitchell apologised and said that he was a changed person who had done everything right in prison. Evalyn adds, "He has no reason not to appear as a changed person. People want to kill him for what he's done. He's protected. He has psychological assistance, food, clothing, and opportunities to be educated. "My family and I are left with nothing. We struggle to make ends meet." Evalyn believes she is a much stronger person as a result of Mitchell's crimes.

"I accepted mistreatment from people when I was a child," she said. "I have recognised my own strength through what has happened. I love to encourage people and help them to be proactive and positive in situations that are beyond their control. The past is irrelevant when it comes to making something of our lives and ourselves." A turning point in Evalyn's life was in 1996 and she came to the realisation that Mitchell had not only destroyed Karen's life but was destroying her own. At this point she vowed to dedicate her life to preventing Mitchell from being granted parole. He was rejected when he became eligible for parole in 2013 and is currently being reconsidered .

"He will be reconsidered every three years and can start applying up to a year before." He is detained in Bunbury Prison, a minimum security facility 180 km south of Perth. Last month Evalyn wrote to the parole board, urging them not to let him out. - in her letter, published by The Sunday Times, she wrote: "Every three years I have to go through this trauma to keep him in jail. My husband says that this is never going to end and it is true. "It will only end when either Mitchell dies or I do, as I will not give up trying to keep him in jail. I don't care whether he has been rehabilitated or not. I have a life sentence, so he should have one too." Speaking prior to her letter, Evalyn echoed what she was then to write to the parole board.
"I don't know any of them," she said. Justice Hall then dismissed the woman from the jury and advised her not to post anything further about the case online. Jurors, as part of their duties, must only consider the evidence presented during the trial, and not seek out additional information from other sources that could prejudice their decision. Perth lawyer and president of the Australian Lawyers Alliance, Tom Percy QC, said the "alarming" number of jurors accessing the internet to comment on or research a trial was becoming "all too regular" and was potentially denying defendants a fair trial. Nobody, I can assure you at the moment, is more angry in the entire state than me. Justice Michael Corboy

He has called for new laws to be introduced that would allow accused people to be able to choose between a trial by judge-alone, or a trial by jury. Current laws allow an accused person to apply to be trialled by a judge-alone, but this application can be knocked back by a judge. "The day of the jury may very well be nearly over," Mr Percy said. "It's too seductive for a [juror] to go home at night and go, 'geez what about this bloke, Bill Smith, I'll just go and Google him'. "They find out about him and what he does, they go on Facebook and look him up there and if they don't disclose that... they are armed with knowledge that's not in evidence at the trial that may well be considerable prejudice to the accused."

In 2014, the Perth trial of Ronald Pennington, 85, who was accused of killing a woman in 1992 and burying her in his backyard, was aborted after a jury member's girlfriend looked up details of the defendant's past trials and disclosed these to her partner. At the time, Justice Michael Corboy said "Nobody, I can assure you at the moment, is more angry in the entire state than me". In another example, WAtoday understands a jury member deciding on a drug-related trial in WA was recently questioned after revealing to other jury members he had researched methamphetamine production online. Despite the breaches, WA Attorney General Michael Mischin said the state government had no plans to change its justice laws. "Although the availability of sources of information is greater than in the past, and there is always the risk of aberrations, there is no reason to suppose that jurors take their responsibilities less seriously now than they have done in the past," he said.

But Mr Percy claimed the ability to secretly research a trial should give rise for a defendant to be able to forego their right to a trial by jury. "Lloyd Rayney got [a judge-only] trial because there was excess publicity [around his case]," he said. "It just made it unfair for him to be trialled by a jury, sometimes that sort of thing will incline a judge to do it, but there is no right to trial by judge alone, you have to convince a judge that is would be appropriate. "We want it to be an unrestricted right  the option of the person charged." Loading
Paris: Two French soldiers were badly wounded in Iraq and two Peshmerga fighters were killed by a booby trapped drone sent by a group related to the Islamic State, Le Monde reported on Tuesday.

In what could be the first report of an attack by Islamic State militants on French special forces using a drone, the device was intercepted while flying and exploded after landing on the ground, the paper said.

A Rafale jet fighter leaves France's flagship Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier to join the US-led coalition against IS. Credit:AP

Le Monde said the attack happened on October 2.

It was not clear whether the device was remotely detonated or if it carried a timed bomb.
Paris: Lawyers for the only known survivor of a group of Islamist militants who killed 130 people in Paris last November said on Wednesday they would no longer defend him.

Salah Abdeslam, who has been held in solitary confinement near Paris since he was captured earlier this year, does not want to talk and no longer wants legal representation, his lawyers Frank Berton and Sven Mary said on BFM Television.

Paris attack suspect Salah Abdeslam's lawyer says he "is the perfect example of the generation who thinks he lives in a video game". Credit:AP

"We are convinced, and he told us so, that he will not talk and will use his right to remain silent. What can we do. I have said it from the beginning, if my client remains silent, I drop his defence," Mr Berton said.

Mr Berton said that Abdeslam was being "driven crazy" by the 24-hours-a-day camera monitoring in his high-security jail.
Washington: The US military launched cruise missile strikes on Thursday to knock out three coastal radar sites in areas of Yemen controlled by Iran-backed Houthi forces, retaliating after failed missile attacks this week on a US Navy destroyer, officials said.

The strikes, authorised by US President Barack Obama, represent Washington's first direct military action against suspected Houthi-controlled targets in Yemen's conflict.

Still, the Pentagon appeared to stress the limited nature of the strikes, which were aimed at radar that enabled the launch of at least three missiles against the destroyer USS Mason since Sunday.

"These limited self-defence strikes were conducted to protect our personnel, our ships, and our freedom of navigation," Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said.
Bangkok: The health of Thailand's 88-year-old king Bhumibol Adulyadej has "not yet stabilised", the royal palace said on Wednesday night, amid unprecedented concern over the world's longest-serving monarch.

Earlier Thailand's military government urged people not to listen to rumours on social media about "situations", saying they should await official announcements.

The palace said the king's blood pressure had lowered again, his pulse rate had increased, there were high levels of acid in his blood and his liver function was abnormal.

The king was also on a ventilator.
Ardent supporters: Fans cheer for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump at a rally in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Credit:AP These two have never liked or respected each other  one is the polished, quintessential establishment politician, who talks about a need to spend time with his family; the other is a grubby insurgent, who brags about how unsuspecting women find him irresistible - even as he grabs them by the genitals. But Ryan painted a target on his own back on Monday, when his announcement, that he would no longer support or defend Trump, was read as an invitation to all congressional Republicans to stay with, or cut and run from Trump as they saw fit  the objective being to contain what it now appears will be a Republican bloodbath on November 8. Red, white and blue: Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pray during a campaign rally in Panama City, Florida. Credit:AP "Our very weak and ineffective leader, Paul Ryan, had a bad conference call where his members went wild at his disloyalty," Trump shrieked in a tweet. And two hours later: "Disloyal R's are far more difficult than Crooked Hillary. They come at you from all sides. They don't know how to win  I will teach them!"

Interviewed by Bill O'Reilly, one of his Fox News pets, on Tuesday evening, Trump amplified: "I wouldn't want to be in a foxhole with a lot of these people, that I can tell you. ... Especially Ryan"  who he then threatened with the loss of his job if Trump becomes president: "[He] might be in a different position." Supporters of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. Credit:AP "They're not giving support - they don't give the kind of support," Trump said, when O'Reilly asked why he was so angry with Republican leadership. "They don't give the support that we really need. Maybe we'll do better without their support. "I don't think I'm that outspoken to be honest with you - I think I've been very nice; I don't think so - look, I went to Ivy League schools. I'm just tired of non-support - and I don't really want support." Darkness descending? Donald Trump, 2016 Republican presidential nominee. Credit:Bloomberg

Why would McCain, a genial GOP grandee who was the party's presidential candidate in 2008; and Ryan, who was the vice-presidential candidate in 2012; stick with a presidential candidate that so many in the Republican establishment consider to be a vile intruder. In a word  fear. Supporters of Donald Trump: Resentment born of inequality can lead to erratic policy. Credit:AP Note that in Ryan's Monday comments, he expressly said that even though he appeared to be going out the backdoor at 100km/hr, it didn't mean that he would not be voting for Trump  again, all that is about minimising the punishment that Trump might inflict on down-ticket candidates. Ditto McCain  his calculus as he faced one of the tightest reelection contests of his career, was that he could not go against Trump if he wanted to hold his Arizona senate seat, in the primary or at the general election.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump visits an Eat'n Park restaurant in Moon Township, Pennsylvania. Credit:AP Here are some figures that quantify their fear  Trump's twin tweets of scorn aimed at Ryan on Tuesday each garnered more than 30,000 'likes'. On Monday, one of his sledges at Ryan got more than 75,000; another got more than 44,000. With those figures in mind, Trump surrogate and a predecessor of Ryan's as speaker, Newt Gingrich, urged Trump to double down: "It's time for him to send targeted messages to each district and state and have Republican voters ask their candidates: 'Are you going to help us defeat Hillary Clinton?' And Trump should make it clear that the side effect of not helping Trump is electing Hillary Clinton." That's enough to convey the unprecedented reality that less than four weeks out from the election, the Republican Party is in the grips of a debilitating civil war. For now, desertions by key figures who previously had endorsed Trump have slowed to a trickle  but, truly-ruly, Trump knows what the party establishment thinks of him. And he's a sensitive, thin-skinned soul.

It's difficult to nail what motivates Trump. There's a bully's need for revenge; and also, there's a need to blame others, if as now seems likely; he goes down in a screaming heap on Election Day. But given that even on a good day, Trump can only muster half an idea, it's instructive to look for the source of the other half of the ideas. Early in the Trump campaign, insiders revealed that aides would squabble to be the last to speak to Trump before he stepped out, because all knew that when he spoke he would parrot whatever he was last told. These days that last voice often is his recently appointed campaign CEO, Steve Bannon, previously the chairman of the far-right news website Breitbart  which is funded in part by one of Trump's most generous donors, the money-bags, father and daughter team of Robert and Rebekah Mercer, who reportedly were instrumental in installing Bannon at the top of the Trump machine.

Steeped in rightwing conspiracy theories, Bannon has long considered Ryan to be Public Enemy No. 1. At Breitbart, his mission was to destroy Ryan, who he sees as the ring leader in an elite globalist clique bent on doing down the US through global trade deals and increased immigration. Bannon dubbed Breitbart as "Trump Central," and he was so shameless in skewing its reporting to root for Trump that as early as August 2015, he declared in an email to a colleague  "I'm Trump's campaign manager."

We're indebted to The Daily Beast and The Hill for acquiring a bundle of internal Breitbart emails that shed light on Bannon's thinking and motivation  and therefore Trump's. On Ryan's appointment as speaker in December 2015, Bannon began referring to him as "the enemy," declaring that the "long game" for his news site was to ensure that Ryan was "gone" within months. "But it's not just Ryan," a Breitbart source told The Hill as he explained Bannon's worldview. "Every institution in American politics has been exposed as fraudulent and working against the American people. "Trump is running against the evil empire," the source said of Bannon's thinking. "The entire machine stands against him, and Paul Ryan is the face of the evil empire. But so is Hillary Clinton and so are her allies throughout the mainstream media." Under Bannon's command, a Breitbart report accused Ryan of hypocrisy because he had a "border wall" around his Wisconsin home but he rejected Trump's proposal for a wall on the Mexico border; and another levelled the same charge, based on Ryan sending his children to a Catholic school that had a religious admission test while at the same time opposing Trump's call for a religious test for Muslims entering the US.

"He's an instrument of destruction," Ben Shapiro, a former Breitbart staffer, told The Hill. "Bannon's always wanted to burn everything downand any chance he has to wriggle this into a way to destroy Paul Ryan, he'll absolutely do it." As he beat his chest on Tuesday, Trump acknowledged that with his new campaign team headed by Bannon, he felt emboldened, because no longer was he required to restrain himself to please the Republican establishment. So now we have Trump's Twitter sprays at Republicans; and at his otherworldly rallies, at which he is introduced as "the next president," Trump criticises them along with Clinton, as he pitched to the fervent believers who are his base. But mesmerised as Trump is by the adoring crowds, his support is sliding in wider America. Evangelical Christian leaders who previously endorsed him are walking away  Andy Crouch, the executive editor of the evangelical publication Christianity Today, wrote in an editorial published Monday: "Enthusiasm for a candidate like Trump gives our neighbours ample reason to doubt that we believe Jesus is Lord.

"They see that some of us are so self-interested, and so self-protective, that we will ally ourselves with someone who violates all that is sacred to us  in hope, almost certainly a vain hope given his mendacity and record of betrayal, that his rule will save us." And women, probably the single most important demographic in the campaign, are leaving Trump in droves. A poll published Tuesday by The Atlantic had Clinton ahead among all voters by 11 percentage points  in the same poll two weeks ago, Clinton and Trump were tied. And among independent voters, Trump and Clinton's positions were reversed  last week, he led by eight points; this week, Clinton has raced ahead, and now is in front by a margin of 11 percentage points. But the data on women, collected in the days before and after the "grab them by the pussy" bombshell, is even scarier for Trump  with women generally, Clinton is ahead by 33 percentage points; and in just a week, support for Trump from likely women voters has dropped five points  to 28. It get's worse. Married women who had not attended college previously were bedrock for Trump. But in The Atlantic poll they now break evenly between Trump and Clinton. In 2004, George W Bush won their support by 19 points; in 2008, McCain by 17 points; in 2012, Romney by 20.

One of the best insights into the emotional and political contortions of GOP congressional members as they attempt to balance their disgust at Trump with their calculations on the political cost of disowning him, is an open letter published on Monday by Mark Amodei, who also is Trump's campaign chief in Nevada. Sticking with Trump, he seeks political cover in claiming that he'll do what a good Democrat would do: "I choose not to tear my party of choice apart because Donald Trump said and did some frankly awful things in his past. It is worth noting that during some dark days in Secretary Clinton's past, her party has closed ranks and defended their nominee  I will follow my Democrat colleagues' example, and not cannibalise my nominee because he has said and done some regrettable things." But Amodei also worries about what his family  particularly his sister and two daughters, who he says are "understandably sceptical"  make of his position and of Trump: "They are all intelligent, independent and critical thinking women.  Mr Trump, you have your work cut out for you with them in the next 30 days, to convince them that you are the leader they can be proud of. Call me and I'll give you their phone numbers." Most Republicans know Bill Kristol, editor of conservative The Weekly Standard, as one of that helpful talent scouting team that brought them Sarah Palin as a vice-presidential candidate in 2008; and before that, as a talking head for the discredited but influential neoconservative movement during the George W Bush years.
WHITE PLAINS, New York: Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign chairman, John Podesta, said on Tuesday that the FBI is investigating a "criminal hack" of his private email account and suggested that the campaign of Republican Donald Trump could have had "advanced warning" that the documents were going to be made public.

"I've been involved in politics for nearly five decades, and this definitely is the first campaign that I've been involved with in which I've had to tangle with Russian intelligence agencies, who seem to be doing everything they can on behalf of our opponent," Podesta told reporters aboard the Democratic nominee's plane as it returned here from campaign stops in Florida.

Podesta, a longtime Clinton family confidant and aide, said he spoke with the FBI on Sunday and that he had been told Tuesday that the intrusion into his email is now part of a wider inquiry into potential Russian cyberattacks. He would not confirm the authenticity of emails released in recent days by the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks that appear to be from his gmail account.

"Russian interference in this election and apparently on behalf of [Donald] Trump is, I think, of the utmost concern to all Americans, whether you're a Democrat or independent or Republican," Podesta said.
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The new UK Overseas Territories Minister, Baroness Joyce Anelay visited the Cayman Islands last week as her first official visit to a British territory since assuming her role in July. During her three-day stay, Baroness Anelay was hosted at a dinner by the jurisdictions financial services industry representative body, Cayman Finance, where she recognised the countrys leading role in international services and demonstrated track record on regulatory, anti-money laundering and tax matters.

My visit has been a great opportunity to further strengthen the ties between our two countries and to discuss in person the leadership role Caymans financial services industry is playing on international regulatory issues, Baroness Anelay said.

The dinner was attended by Cayman Finance Chair, Mr Ian Wight, Cayman Finance CEO Mr Jude Scott, Cayman Finance board members and representatives from the Cayman Islands Ministry of Financial Services.

Mr Jude Scott said Cayman Finance was delighted the Baroness had chosen the Cayman Islands as her first port of call and that the dinner provided the financial services industry with an occasion to highlight Caymans beneficial role in the global economy along with our commitment to transparency in regards to information exchanges and cross-border cooperation.

We have in place a regulatory regime which rivals or surpasses many of the worlds other top financial centres in the area of anti-money laundering and verified beneficial ownership, he said. Cayman Finance continues to work together with our financial services industry, the Cayman Islands Government and our regulator, the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority, to maintain our status as the premier global financial hub.

During her visit, Baroness Anelay said that although the regulation of the financial services sector was often under much international scrutiny, Cayman had proven its dedication to collaborative efforts and accountability.

The sector as a whole is often in the spotlight and a subject of discussion amongst world leaders, but the Cayman Islands record of cooperation and transparency speaks for itself. The need to make changes to counter serious and organised crime has been embraced by Caymans financial services sector, with the support of the Cayman Islands Government, she said. We welcome this willingness to adapt in response to and new evolving changes.

Baroness Anelay said the relationship between the two countries was a modern relationship which was evolving with the times.

As a leading international hub for pension fund investment and raising capital, the Cayman Islands bring real benefits to the global economy and onshore economies, she said.

The UK and Cayman Islands economies also enjoy mutual benefits from our respective financial services sectors. The expertise of the City of London and the financial services providers in Cayman are second to none.

Mr Scott said he was pleased to see recognition of Caymans role in benefitting on-shore jurisdictions to allow them to be more competitive in international trade and facilitating effective inward investment to help grow their economies.

The Cayman Islands financial services industry plays an important role in the global financial market by facilitating the essential allocation of capital and financing around the world, benefitting businesses and people throughout developed and developing countries, he said.

Cayman Finance affirms its strong working relationship with the UK and looks forward to working with Baroness Anelay and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in further building a positive and mutually beneficial relationship in the years ahead.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The September 26 votes were counted, recounted and validated by the Main Voting Bureau on Tuesday, October 11th, 2016. The Sint Maarten Christian Party thanks to the 848 voters who cast their votes based on the principles, norms, and values that the party stands for. These votes were definitely not bought but came from persons who genuinely believed in the stand that the party has taken to seek to govern Sint Maarten based on the Christian principles of honesty, integrity, transparency, accountability, and compassion. Even though SMCP got 99 votes short of the required votes to obtain a seat in parliament the party will continue to inform the people and to let its voice be heard on matters pertaining to the parliament and government of Sint Maarten.

SMCP is pleased that the National Alliance and the United Peoples Party, the two largest vote-getters in the September 26th election, have shown great political maturity by putting aside their differences for the benefit of the people and the country. The people, especially the business community, are hoping and praying that this coalition will bring about the much-needed stability in government. As we enter the next four years of governing our elected politicians must take off their political caps and put on their governing caps. American politician Tom Daschle once said: The campaign is over. It's time for the work of governing to begin. The floor of parliament should not be used for grandstanding and politicking but it should be the place where the business of the people is debated seriously, intelligently and objectively. These debates should then culminate in legislation that would benefit the people and move the country forward.

For the sake of transparency and open government SMCP calls on the UPP/NA coalition to officially present their governing program to the new parliament as the first order of business. According to article 63 of the Constitution, the newly appointed ministers should also be invited to parliament to take part in the deliberations. As the coalition partners have a majority of 10 seats they need not be afraid that the governing program will be rejected by parliament. But the discussion of the governing program in parliament will give parliamentarians as well as the general public a better insight as to what the government plans to do in the next four years. In addition, parliamentarians will be better able to monitor the implementation of the various plans and projects and as such will also be able to hold the government accountable with regard to the execution of the governing program. Just as political parties circulated and promoted their manifestos during election time so SMCP also expects the coalition to ensure that the governing program is widely distributed. Go back to the people, hold town hall meetings and public meetings so that the people who elected the coalition parties, will also get to know, first hand, how these parties intend to govern the country for the next four years.
PHILIPSBURG:--- In November of 2015, several agencies were invited to participate in a bidding process to represent St. Maarten in the Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg) Market. After a vigorous selection process, the firm Aviareps was unanimously chosen. Aviareps is a full-service agency located in the Netherlands that specializes in marketing, sales, advertising, and promotion in the tourism, hospitality, aviation, and trade sectors.

Aviareps will now be responsible for the destination marketing, trade advertising, social media/website content development, branding and public relations activities for St. Maarten in the Benelux Market. By these means Aviareps will aid in increasing the awareness of St. Maarten by highlighting what the Island has to offer, further enticing potential visitors from those European Countries to select St. Maarten as their preferred vacation destination choice.

We are proud to be able to add St. Maarten to our client portfolio. It is a beautiful island that offers more diversity than many people realize. We look forward to promoting the destination in the coming years, together with the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau and their partners, as a preferred vacation destination for many in the Benelux. Stated Martijn Strijker, General Manager of Aviareps Benelux.

The appointment of Aviareps is expected to have an immediate positive effect on the total number of visitors to the Island, which can be attributed to their experience, their expertise, and their extensive network of affiliates, together with the already existing demand and interest to visit the island from the Benelux Market. The Benelux Union is a viable market for the St Maarten Tourist Bureau to focus on, since their passion for travel is undeniable. Most of the population is multi-lingual and they are by nature frequent, and thus experienced world travelers. Added to that is the fact that employed staff in those countries are entitled to over 25 paid vacation days annually, and receive a vacation allowance in the month of May and June. This would make it even more financially feasible for those employees to visit St Maarten during those months, which represents part of our off-season, a time when we most need to increase our visitor arrivals.

In addition, airlines such as KLM, TUI and Air France are already collectively servicing the Island with frequent, direct flights from Amsterdam and Paris, making the Island easily accessible. St Maarten Tourist Bureau will be forging a closer marketing partnership with KLM and TUI in order to increase airlift from the Netherlands. With the cooperation between St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, Aviareps, and the above-mentioned airlines, the total number of visitors to St. Maarten from the Benelux market is expected to increase substantially, which will have a great economic impact for the Island.

The Benelux market remains one of our key source markets. Having Aviareps on board as our tourism marketing representative will have many value-added benefits that will further develop our involvement and presence in the European market, ultimately helping us to achieve our goal of increasing the brand awareness within that market, and bringing more visitors to our Island. stated Minister of Tourism, Hon. Ingrid Arrindell.
Nexusguard and Clearmanage Join Forces to Protect Enterprise Organizations in Singapore

HONG KONG, CHINA  (Marketwired)  10/11/16  , a global leader in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) mitigation, today announced it has teamed up with , a regional cloud computing services provider, to defend Singapore enterprises against DDoS attacks. Through the partnership, Clearmanage will now offer Nexusguards award-winning, anti-DDoS solutions to organizations requiring robust reliability, availability, and scalability across their IT infrastructure. The companys customers will be able to leverage the three key components of Nexusguards comprehensive cybersecurity platform  Application Protection, Origin Protection, and DNS Protection  to prevent downtime, protect critical applications, and ensure availability for domain resolution.

We are delighted to join forces with one of the regions most progressive cloud service providers to deliver unparalleled security capabilities to its customers, said Zena Cheng, Nexusguards VP of Sales, Asia Pacific. Our partnership with Clearmanage will give organizations access to high-performance solutions designed to deliver maximum security and peace of mind.

Because of its role as a major commercial hub, Singapore has become a prime target for cybercriminals. Through our collaboration with Nexusguard, were taking a holistic and preventive approach to reinforce the reputation of Singapore as a safe and vibrant place to do business, said Andy Ng, General Manager of Clearmanage. More than ever, we are committed to strengthening our security capabilities to protect organizations against sophisticated and evolving cyber threats, he concluded.

As noted in , DDoS attacks continue to grow in both size and sophistication in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, making DDoS a major cybersecurity risk for businesses of all sizes, across all verticals. The partnership between Nexusguard and Clearmanage will minimize the risks significantly.

Nexusguard and Clearmanage will exhibit their anti-DDoS solutions at booth O27 at Cloud Expo Asia, which will be held on 12-13 October 2016 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre of Singapore.

Company Logo

* Nexusguard Q2 APAC Threat Report 

Nexusguard Application Protection 

Nexusguard Origin Protection 

Nexusguard DNS Protection 

Founded in 2008, Nexusguard is a global leader in fighting malicious Internet attacks. Nexusguard protects clients against a multitude of threats, including Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, to ensure uninterrupted Internet service. Nexusguard provides comprehensive, highly customized solutions for customers of all sizes, across a range of industries, and also enables turnkey anti-DDoS solutions for service providers. Nexusguard delivers on its promise to maximize peace of mind by minimizing threats and maximizing uptime. Headquartered in San Francisco, Nexusguards network of security experts extends globally. Visit for more information.

Clearmanage is a cloud computing services provider with headquarters in Singapore and offices in Asia and the Middle East. The company has more than eight years of specialized experience in providing cloud services, cloud infrastructure and hosting, and advanced security solutions and services. Clearmanage works with its strategic reseller partners to provide secure IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS to governments, large enterprises, and SMBs. As one of the first service providers to be certified for SS 584 MTCS Level 3  the highest level  Clearmanage is ideally suited to handle highly sensitive information and confidential business data.

For more information, please contact:

Benjamin Yip

Nexusguard

+852 3526 0626

Crystal Ngan

Nexusguard

+852 3910 0565
Dataguise Powers DgSecure Monitor With Apache Eagle for Immediate Sensitive Data Breach Alerting

FREMONT, CA  (Marketwired)  10/12/16  , a technology leader in secure business execution, today announced the integration of Apache Eagle as part of its DgSecure Monitor solution. Chosen for its extensibility and advantages in machine learning, the integration of Apache Eagle in DgSecure Monitor is critical for both current and future data-centric security and compliance monitoring applications.

DgSecure Monitor delivers powerful and detailed analysis across data stores, allowing users to quickly understand what, where, and how sensitive data is being accessed across the enterprise. The advanced features provide all-in-one sensitive data governance, privacy compliance, and risk mitigation for total ownership of sensitive data in all its forms. The early warning capabilities of DgSecure Monitor are focused solely on safeguarding the sensitive data that an organization is most focused on, cutting through petabytes of data quickly to detect potential data breaches in just minutes, regardless of whether the data is stored on premises or in the cloud.

Apache Eagle is an open source monitoring platform for instantly identifying security and performance issues on big data platforms such as Apache Hadoop. Advantages of the platform include the ability to analyze activities across data streams, using a state-of-the-art alert engine that identifies security breaches and performance issues, and provides insights into both. Apache Eagle was chosen to serve as the analytics engine for DgSecure Monitor, which provides highly accurate sensitive data security and compliance monitoring for all information under management.

The integration of Apache Eagle and DgSecure Monitor is a first of its kind implementation in the data security and compliance monitoring space. The platform is unique in that it allows a high degree of customization and scalability to meet the most demanding and data intensive environments, said Arun Manoharan, Senior Product Manager and PPMC of Apache Eagle. The integration with DgSecure is a win for Dataguise and Apache Eagle that supports next-generation data architecture and provides validation for innovators engaging the platform.

A study by the Ponemon Institute(1) found that malicious attacks can take an average of 256 days to identify while data breaches caused by human error take an average of 158 days to identify. It also confirmed that the longer it takes to identify a breach, the greater the cost.

Identifying a breach can go unnoticed for weeks or months, most commonly because of the number of security technologies deployed. Because of the security infrastructure in place, enterprises must sift through mounds of data about their data before understanding where real threats exist. DgSecure Monitor, powered by Apache Eagle, makes quick work of this analysis, cutting the alert time down to sub-seconds.

The Apache Eagle community is actively improving product coverage to support various emerging big data platforms, said Edward Zhang, Apache Eagle Architect and PPMC.

We are happy that the DgSecure product team is actively contributing new features back to open source which helps to solve difficult problems related to enterprise security monitoring.

The responsiveness and overall functionality of DgSecure Monitor is significantly enhanced by the use of Apache Eagle as the engine, said Subra Ramesh, Vice President, Products and Engineering for Dataguise. The platform was instrumental in the build-out of our sensitive data monitoring solution primarily because of its reliable performance, unmatched scalability, and advanced machine learning capability.

DgSecure Monitor tracks who is doing what with an organizations sensitive data and delivers real-time, policy-based alerts whenever unauthorized access or unusual access behavior occurs. The latest generation software is part of the DgSecure 6.0 security and compliance suite and is available immediately. Pricing starts at $2,000 per node and scales based on configuration. Learn more by downloading the DgSecure Monitor data sheet at: .

: @Dataguise First to Standardize on Apache Eagle for Sensitive Data Monitoring

:

Dataguise is the leader in secure business execution, delivering data-centric security solutions that detect and protect an enterprises sensitive data, no matter where it lives or who needs to leverage it. Dataguise solutions free the enterprise from traditional security constraints to support the data-driven organization and maximize the business value of information. DgSecure by Dataguise makes data security painless, delivering a powerful solution that provides the highest level of protection without the need for programming. The company is proud to secure the data of many Fortune 500 companies committed to responsible data stewardship. To learn more about how Dataguise is spearheading the secure data revolution, visit:

(1) Ponemon Institute, Cost of Data Breach Study: Global Analysis,

Joe Austin

The Ventana Group

(818) 332-6166
afghanistan opium

Opium production in Afghanistan has spiked to one of the highest levels registered since the UN began keeping track in 1994, the international body said earlier this month.

As much as 90% of the world's heroin has come from Afghan opium, and the UN Office on Drug and Crime reported that the country "accounted for almost two-thirds of the total area under illicit opium cultivation" in 2015.

The UNODC will issue its latest annual report on opium-poppy cultivation in Afghanistan later this month, but "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 prepared text of a speech on Afghanistan.

The greatest area under cultivation, 224,000 hectares, was recorded in 2014, and the level cited by Fedotov would put 2015 cultivation among the top three years since 1994, when the agency began collecting data.

Eradication of opium rose 40%, to 9,291 acres, last year, according to UNODC data cited by Reuters. Efforts to wipe out the crop had stalled, however, Fedotov said. "The production of opiates is expected to follow the same upward trend," he said. "Eradication has been close to zero."

SIGAR Afghanistan Poppy Opium Map

A report earlier this year from the UN's International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) found that heroin consumed in the US comes mainly from Mexico and Afghanistan, and that Afghan producers were angling to increase their share of the growing US market for the drug.

"In different parts of the United States there has been a resurgence in the consumption of heroin, and Afghan heroin has an enormous production," Alejandro Mohar, a member of the INCB, told a news conference in March.

"The northern area of North America, Canada, is turning into one of the areas of greatest reception. Likewise, we know a great production of heroin is coming from Mexico, and now Afghanistan is looking for the market of the United States for the distribution and consumption of heroin," Mohar added.

Story continues

Global heroin map

Afghanistan, which has experienced war for much of the last 40 years, recently saw the 15th anniversary of the US presence in the country. Conditions on the ground there suggest that efforts by the US and its allies to oust the Taliban and eliminate opium production have been ineffective.

Currently, the Taliban is believed to control more territory in the country than at any time since 2001, when the US invaded at the September 11 terrorist attacks. Attacks and fighting between militants and Afghan and foreign forces have spread to 31 of the country's 34 provinces, and in the first half of this year there were 5,100 civilian casualties, including 1,600 deaths.

Fedotov did not offer a reason for the resurgence of opium production in Afghanistan, but the UNODC did report in 2015 that there was a "high correlation" between the country's security situation and opium production.

NOW WATCH: Trump: 'Places like Afghanistan are safer than some of our inner cities'





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Justin Omens said a number of untrue rumors have popped on social media speculating that his mother knew the truck driver.
Photo caption: A "pow-wow" celebrating the Indigenous Peoples' Day Festival in Randalls Island, New York. (Reuters/Eduardo Munoz)

By Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

and Dina Gilio-Whitaker,

Special to The Post

James Arthur Ray was at the top of his game in 2009. Hed fashioned himself into a celebrity self-help guru, becoming a darling of the television talk show circuit with appearances on Oprah, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Larry King Live, and frequently Today. He had rocketed to fame after being a featured subject of a 2006 book and companion movie, both called The Secret, which provided a road map to personal empowerment and wealth.

By 2008 he was a New York Times best-selling author with Harmonic Wealth: The Secret of Attracting the Life You Want, his third book. Not surprisingly, Rays expertise didnt come cheaphis individual mentorship could cost upwards of $90,000, and the price tag for a weeklong Spiritual Warrior retreat in Sedona, Arizona, was almost $10,000. In October of that year, however, Rays New Age self-help empire came crashing down when three people were killed in a sweat lodge ceremony he conducted and eighteen others were hospitalized with injuries ranging from burns to kidney failure.

A sweat lodge ceremony is an ancient spiritual tradition among many Indigenous peoples that is still widely practiced today. It is a purification ritual performed inside a small lodge, where water poured on fire-heated rocks creates a cleansing steam. Ray was convicted of negligent homicide, served two years in prison for the crime, and was ordered to pay $57,000 in restitution to the victims families. After his release the conditions of his parole, curiously, did not bar him from conducting self-help seminars or sweat lodges.

Indian country responded with fury, and Native media pundits pointed out all the ways Ray had gone wrong. He had violated all the protocols that Native spiritual leaders carefully adhere to, including grossly incorrect construction of the lodge, the use of improper herbs and other substances, and not allowing breaks to cool the lodge (known as rounds). Navajo journalist Valerie Taliman called it a bastardized version of a sacred ceremony. According to American Indian traditions, only spiritual leaders with many years of training are allowed to conduct sweat lodge ceremonies, and it is often a right that is inherited through family or other kinship lineages. James Ray had no such lineage or training. Many in Indian country voiced outrage that Ray received only a two-year sentence for the deaths caused by his charlatanism. And if all of that were not bad enough, Rays sweat lodge victims had paid obscene amounts of money to participate in a sacred ceremony that Indian people say should never involve money.

James Rays cultural appropriation was hardly an isolated incident. By 1993 the appropriation of Native spirituality had become so widespread that a gathering of Lakota, Dakota, and Nakota people drew an international audience of some five hundred people to pass aDeclaration of War Against Exploiters of Lakota Spirituality.

Ten years laterwith apparently no perceivable improvement of the situationa proclamation was issued by Arvol Looking Horse, the Nineteenth Generation Keeper of the Sacred Calf Pipe, prohibiting non-Native participation in Lakota ceremonies. As Suzanne Owen writes, The reasons why the Lakota Declaration and the Looking Horse Proclamation are significant documents in the debates about appropriation are due to the prominence of Lakota models in representations of Native American spirituality.

Not that the Lakota are the only ones whose ceremonies and culture are being appropriated. As Owen notes, the proposed prohibitions, according to Lakota and other Native American activists, are as much to protect the well-being of practitioners as the integrity of Native ceremonies. Ceremonial protocol not followed correctly can be dangerous, they warn.

In their endeavors to understand how and why playing Indian manifests as spiritual appropriation, scholars have offered various analyses, all of which share several common traits. One is the recognition of non-Natives sense of entitlement to practice Native American cultures and religions. This entitlement is expressed implicitly as claims to Native heritagethe mythical idea that Native American heritage equals US heritagethat what belongs to Native people should be shared by all. Explicitly, it comes out as a stated right.

***

Rayna Green first articulated the concept of playing Indian in a 1988 essay where she argued that the phenomenon likely originates from the captivity experiences of Europeans. Transforming eventually into cultural performances that relied upon the removal and death of real Indians, playing Indian at its core reflected an inherent hatred of Indians, not love or affinity. From the Boston Tea Party forward, US Americans obsessed on vanishing Indians in a multitude of ways that translated into trying to become them, or at least using them to project new images of themselves as they settled into North America and left Europe behind.

The historical practice of white people becoming Indian is visible in the social and civic clubs where versions of Indianness were (and in some cases still are) enacted, including Tammany Hall (aka the Society of St. Tammany, the Sons of St. Tammany, and the Colombian Order), the Elks, the Lions, the Kiwanis, the Improved Order of Red Men, the YMCAs Indian Guides and Princesses program, and the Boy Scouts of America Koshare Dancers. Even Indians were conscripted into playing Indian, with performances like the Wild West Shows of the late nineteenth century, and the projections of Indianness became ubiquitous (and literal) with the development of photographic and cinematographic technology.

By the 1960s, young white Americans were transforming themselves into pseudo-Indians and showing up in droves on Indian reservations, looking for a way of life different from the consumer-oriented Christian conformity of their parents. Indian imageshowever imaginary and distortedhave so infiltrated US American consciousness that they appear in consumer products in everything from butter packaging to recreational vehicles. Business names like Navajo Express (trucking), Mohawk Industries (floor coverings), and Apache Software can be seen. From Rayna Greens perspective, each era of US history exhibited some form of Indian play. The spiritual appropriation of the New Age movement is thus only one recent manifestation of it.

By the 1980s, the hippie counterculture had evolved into the New Age movement. Lisa Aldred wrote in 2000 that this was a consumerist movement, and that while not all New Agers flock to Native American spiritual practices, a small percentage constructs their essential identity around Native American religion. Aldred contended that the biggest business for Indigenous appropriation was in book publishing, where plastic medicine authors were big sellers. Among the more familiar of them are Carlos Castaneda, with his many best-selling books on the sorcerer Don Juan Matus; Lynn Andrews, who became known as the Beverly Hills Shaman; Mary Summer Rain, who purported to record the teachings and prophecies of a blind Indian medicine woman she calls No Eyes; and Brooke Medicine Eagle, with her generic version of Native American wisdom drawn from various specific traditions.

Echoing Green, Aldred asserted that New Agers were far more interested in exotic images and romanticized rituals built on distorted stereotypes of Native peoples than they were in the sociopolitical realities of Native peoples living under conditions of colonialism. This put them in adversarial positions when Native people objected to what they perceived as cultural theft.

Among New Agers defenses against charges of appropriating American Indian spirituality, Aldred also found claims that spirituality and truth cannot be owned, and that spiritual knowledge belongs to all humans equally. Aside from the contradiction that the consumerist aspect of the New Age movement inevitably entails claims to ownership via products and copyrights, it also implies the universality of truth. In this case, it is a claim that all spiritual knowledge held by Indigenous peoples is universally true across the great divide of cultural difference.

Viewing the issue as based in a First Amendment right bespeaks the very different paradigms that frame dominant white society and that of American Indians. For US Americans the discourse about rights is undergirded by the rugged individualism enshrined in the Constitution and Bill of Rights and a fundamental belief in universalism. Religion is thought to be a matter of personal choice and is ultimately disconnected from culture. The freedom of religion, then, is a matter of the rights of individuals and part of the right to pursue happiness.

For American Indians, however, spirituality is part of a broader cultural context where religion is not separate from culture. As part of the continuum of culture, an Indigenous nations spirituality is a reflection of the circumstances of life connected to specific places over vast expanses of time and in the context of particular worldviews and language. The origin stories, language, and worldviews of a peopleand thus their spiritualityare what Native people call their original instructions. Those original instructions are oriented toward the survival of the people and the perpetuation of their cultures more than they are toward any promises of personal happiness or individual enlightenment (although it could be said that these are natural effects of strong, healthy cultures), and they are certainly not thought to be meant for everybody universally. In short, the frame of reference non-Native people bring to their practice of American Indian spirituality is wholly differentand arguably inconsistent withthose of Indian people.

***

Finally, one of the most controversial forms of playing Indian occurs at the level of personal identity claims, especially where prestigious professional positions and other material benefits are at stake. Often referred to as ethnic fraud, dubious claims to Indian identity are muddled in abstract rhetoric about the complexity wrought by colonialism or the personal right to claim an identity by choice. History is plagued with examples of non-Indigenous people passing themselves off as Indian for personal gain. In one of the more famous twentieth-century cases, the Englishman Archie Belaney pursued a successful literary career under the alias Grey Owl. Traveling the lecture circuit during the 1920s and 1930s in North America and Europe sporting full buckskins and headdress, Belaney kept his fraudulent identity a secret until after his death.

By the second half of the twentieth century, impostors were abundant, most often masquerading among the literary ranks of the New Agers. But in the 1990s a more ambiguous identity claim emerged among the Indigenous intelligentsia in academia with Ward Churchill, perhaps best known for publishing a controversial article on the heels of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. Churchills claim to Cherokee and Creek heritageupon which hed based much of his reputation as a Native American scholarappeared to have been unsubstantiated, while an investigation finding academic misconduct resulted in his fi ring from the University of Colorado Boulder. A few years later, in 2008, noted scholar Andrea Smith came under fire when genealogical searches turned up nothing to substantiate her claims to Cherokee lineage. A petition for tenure was subsequently denied at the University of Michigan.

The Smith issue would reemerge in 2015 with a social media campaign created anonymously to discredit her after it was discovered that Rachel Dolezal had falsely claimed African American heritage, prompting her resignation as president of the local NAACP. In 2012 senatorial candidate Elizabeth Warren was publicly lambasted for claiming Cherokee and/or Delaware heritage on her application to Harvard Law School. And in 2015 another controversy erupted when Dartmouths Native American Program announced the hiring of Susan Taffe Reed as its new director. Reed is a member of a group called the Eastern Delaware Nation, which is viewed as an illegitimate Indian tribe since it has no official state or federal recognition. Genealogical searches on Reeds heritage also turned up no documented Native ancestry. All of these cases are examples of what Native scholars call box-checking Indians, people who claim Native heritage in the context of college and universities (which strive to increase their diversity), knowing that they will not be asked to produce documentation to back up their claims.

Some forms of Native American cultural appropriation are clearly more egregious than others. In terms of personal identity claims, the need for documentation is troubled by the fact that American Indians are the only US citizens who are required to document their ethnicity in order to meet legal definitions, a reality scholars often connect to the eliminative impulse of the settler state.

There is undoubtedly a sizable population of people who legitimately descend from Indigenous peoples who will never be able to prove it for a multitude of reasons resulting from federal policies designed to assimilate Indigenous peoples or otherwise eliminate them. But in the case of broader sociological phenomenon like mascots and New Age posers, non- Native people playing Indian says as much about non-Native US Americans unsure collective sense of themselves as it doesabout their ambivalence toward American Indians. As Philip Deloria suggests, it offers the opportunity to experience a contrived sense of aboriginal Americanness in the face of its de facto absence, simultaneously building a foundation for and reflecting the mythological belief that Native American culture is by default everyones culture.

Playing Indian overall can also be thought of as a move to settler innocence, based on the hard-hitting essay on decolonization by Eve Tuck and K. Wayne Yang. In this framework settler innocence is the investment in maintaining the settler structure to avoid actual, material decolonization, where the restoral of Indigenous lands and sovereignty is the objective: strategies or positionings that attempt to relieve the settler of feelings of guilt or responsibility without giving up land or power or privilege, without having to change much at all. In fact, settler scholars may gain professional kudos or a boost in their reputations for being so sensitive or self-aware. Yet settler moves to innocence are hollow, they only serve the settler.

Tuck and Yang hold that ultimately decolonization must ensure the future existence of Indigenous peoples and not concern itself with guaranteeing a settler future; they argue for an ethic of incommensurability, meaning that although not all questions are immediately answerable, they will be revealed in time. They also acknowledge what may be perceived as an unfriendly delinking of coalition politics in order to achieve a decolonized future for Indigenous peoples.

Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz grew up in rural Oklahoma, the daughter of a tenant farmer and part-Indian mother. She has been active in the international Indigenous movement for more than four decades. After receiving her PhD in history at the University of California at Los Angeles, she taught in the newly established Native American Studies Program at California State University, Hayward, and helped found the Departments of Ethnic Studies and Womens Studies. Her 1977 book "The Great Sioux Nation" was the fundamental document at the first international conference on Indigenous peoples of the Americas, held at the United Nations headquarters in Geneva. Dunbar-Ortiz's most recent book, "An Indigenous Peoples History of the United States" (Beacon Press, 2014) was the 2015 Recipient of the American Book Award and the winner of the 2015 PEN Oakland-Josephine Miles Award for Excellence in Literature.

Dina Gilio-Whitaker (Colville Confederated Tribes) is an award-winning journalist and columnist at Indian Country Today Media Network. A writer and researcher in Indigenous studies, she is currently a research associate and associate scholar at the Center for World Indigenous Studies. She lives in San Clemente, CA.

This piece was originally appeared in Quartz (qz.com).

See http://qz.com/805704/columbus-day-cultural-appropriation-white-americans-need-to-stop-assuming-native-american-culture-belongs-to-them-too/
In one of the largest transactions in the Indian commercial real estate segment this year, Canada-based Brookfield Asset Management has agreed to buy nearly 4 million sq ft of office and retail assets in the Mumbai suburb of Powai for a deal that will be close to $1 billion.

The deal is said to be the largest purchase of commercial assets in Mumbai to date, as international investors, including Blackstone and GIC, as well as Chinas Fosun and Dalian Wanda, increasingly turn to the subcontinent for high growth opportunities.

The portfolio of retail and office space was developed in the Mumbai suburb of Powai by the Hiranandani Group, a real estate developer controlled by billionaire Niranjan Hiranandani and his brother Surendra.

People are talking about big projects. Hiranandani deal may be the largest in Mumbai in commercial space, Shobhit Agarwal, managing director for Capital Markets at JLL India was quoted as saying in The Hindu.

Japans Nomura Group, Deloitte Consulting and Tata Consultancy are among the big name tenants leasing space in the Powai portfolio, with reports indicating that the set of commercial buildings are fully leased. The preliminary agreement is expected to be concluded within four to five months after the assets are transferred into a separate corporate entity.

The deal with Hiranandani is Brookfields second major property investment in India, and the latest of several moves by the asset manager in the subcontinent.

In 2014 Brookfield agreed with Unitech Corporate Parks to pay $525 million for a subsidiary of that Indian developer which held 100 percent of four special economic zones and 60 percent of another two of the office park developments. Brookfield later went on to buy out the remaining 40 percent equity in the two remaining projects.

The Canadian firm also got involved in Indian infrastructure just over a year ago, buying six road and three power projects from Indias Gammon Infrastructure Projects in a joint venture with a fund controlled by Indias Kotak Mahindra Capital. In July of this year Brookfield Asset Management also signed a preliminary agreement to buy about $1 billion in Indian distressed assets through a joint venture with the largest lender in the South Asian nation.

Chinese real estate investors and developers have also begun turning their attention to India, with Dalian Wanda chairman Wang Jianlin meeting Indian prime minister Narenda Modi in June to talk property deals. The Chinese tycoon said following that meeting that Wanda may invest in projects worth an eventual $10 billion in India. And just last month reports in the Indian press indicated that Guo Guangchangs Fosun Group was preparing its own $1 billion real estate investment platform in the country.

The deal comes in the wake of Indias Finance Minister Arun Jaitley visited Canada.

Jaitley met his Canadian counterpart Bill Morneau and the countrys minister of international trade Chrystia Freeland last week, and also held a series of meetings with major investors, including the Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) Investment Board.

New Delhi needs immediate investments of at least $1 trillion to build roads, ports, airports and power stations as it seeks to expand its economy and raise living standards. The government hopes private companies will contribute half the amount.

But so far it has struggled to raise enough private money, with at least $10 billion worth of road projects stuck because of difficulty in obtaining land. Many power projects remain unfinished owing to regulatory delays.

Canada is only the latest stop on Jaitleys campaign to raise investments from global cash cows.

After the meetings in Toronto, Jaitley was upbeat about the prospects of Canadian investors upping their stake in India: They all look at policy, they look at prospects, they look at the risks involved, and then collectively they weigh that and then they see comparable economies, as to what are the other options they have. And from all counts, India rates fairly high on their priorities.

The CPP Fund, for instance, controls nearly US $225 billion and it hosted a meeting for the finance minister. He pointed out that in the past 24 months or so, Canadian investors, including pension funds, have invested nearly $12 billion in India.

These funds have a lot of investible surplus and therefore, they have to look at a wider canvas of targets where they want to invest, particularly because of the returns they get in our part of the world, are much higher than what they will get here, Jaitley said.

Sovereign funds, pension funds and large public institutions have been entering the Indian real estate market through acquisitions anticipating relatively better economic growth and therefore returns.

Institutional investors including Blackstone Group, Singapore's GIC, Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB), Goldman Sachs and Qatar Investment Authority have been investing in Indian realty assets for the last few years.

As per an estimate by Knight Frank about $2.3 billion, or about Rs.15,000 crore was invested in the sector by foreign private equity firms in 2015 alone.
Canada has officially declared that it will celebrate the culture of its Tamil population each January.

Passing Motion M-24, the Canadian Parliament voted to designate January as Tamil Heritage Month, to recognise the contributions that Tamil-Canadians have made to Canadian society, the richness of Tamil language and culture, and the importance of educating and reflecting upon Tamil heritage for future generations by declaring January, every year, Tamil Heritage Month.

The motion, introduced by Gary Anandasangaree, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Rouge Park, earlier in the year, was debated on May 20 and on September 29, before being passed on October 5.

This is a historical milestone that recognizes the incredible contributions of Tamil-Canadians to our society and the richness of the language, heritage and culture from coast to coast to coast stated Anandasangaree, according to a news statement on his website.

This decision by the Canadian Parliament comes after various municipalities including Mississauga, Durham, Ottawa, Toronto, Markham, Ajax and Pickering, as well as the Toronto District School Board and Province of Ontario, had previously declared January as Tamil Heritage Month.

Receiving 283 Yea votes, the motion was supported across party lines. Passing this motion crossed partisan lines and is a result of the collective advocacy and contributions of many organizations, community leaders and politicians of all stripes and all levels of government throughout the years. It is a testament to our collective and united effort in achieving this important goal.

January was reportedly chosen as the ideal month to celebrate Tamil heritage as the harvest festival, Pongal, is celebrated in this month.

According to Tamil Culture, an online publication catering to the global Tamil community, while the 2006 Canadian census pegs the population of Tamils at 138,130, estimates from within the community are higher at between 200,000 to 300,000 people.
Who did it best? Vote for the Tribune's high school football player of the week
Facebook drone test flight

The skies above Facebook's Silicon Valley headquarters may soon be buzzing with the sound of quadcopter drones.

That's because the company plans to fly at least one small, wireless-beaming drone at an altitude of 400 feet around its headquarters in the coming months.

Recently filed documents with the FCC show that Facebook has requested the right to operate an experimental radio in the 2.4 GHz band.

"The purpose of this operation is to test potential new communications applications and equipment in a controlled, low-altitude airborne environment," one filing says.

A separate filing notes that the testing will take place in the city of Menlo Park, California, and will involve a maximum flight level of 400 feet.

The filings, which Facebook made under its FCL Tech drone subsidiary, says it wants to conduct the tests between October and April. Mike Johnson, Facebook's Deputy General Counsel, is listed as the point of contact on the filing.

Facebook is building solar-powered "Aquila" drones to deliver internet access to various parts of the world. The drones are very large, with the wingspan of a Boeing 737, and are designed to fly at an altitude of 60,000 feet for up to three months at a time. Facebook is testing those drones in Arizona.

The fact that Facebook will be flying smaller, gadget-sized drones in Menlo Park does not mean the company is developing a new crop of smaller, quadcopter or octocopter drones, a source familiar with the matter tells Business Insider. The smaller drone is simply being used to test the wireless technology, which Facebook thinks could be used with its larger, Aquila drones.

Facebook is in a race with Google to build and deploy various airborne technologies that can deliver ubiquitous internet access to consumers and increase the use of each company's respective online services. Facebook suffered a big setback last month when its first satellite was destroyed in the SpaceX rocket explosion.

Story continues

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French President Francois Hollande may have been at the center of the Sterling free-fall last week, but his government sees no reason to pare back its rhetoric over the U.K's Brexit from the European Union in order to calm markets.



Speaking from the EcoFin meeting of Europe's finance ministers in Luxembourg, French Finance and Economy Minister Michel Sapin rejected suggestions that cooler heads might prevail at the negotiating table.

"I understand why it concerns Brits, but at some point you can't bend the rules. The rules will have to be respected," Sapin told CNBC.

Chief among investors' concerns surrounding a so-called Hard Brexit is that UK-based financial firms will lose so-called passporting rights if the country was pushed out of the Single Market. The EU financial passport allows banks and asset managers to conduct business across the 28 member states without seeking country-by-country regulatory approval.

UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has been among those holding out hope that financial passports will be protected even if Britain leaves the Single Market.

When asked if the French government would support such an outcome, Sapin laughed off the suggestion, "impossible."

That may not come as a surprise since Paris is among the European capitals making a grab for London's banking prowess.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls declared in the days following the EU referendum vote "We want to build the financial capital of the future."

The government also has a vested interest in towing the party line and talking tough on Brexit with just six months to go before a national election. Hollande is widely expected to suffer a defeat in the spring contest with his popularity rating currently in the mid-teens.

Nevertheless, it may be too early to predict an end to London's title as the financial center of Europe if the regulatory mood in Luxembourg is anything to go by. EU Commissioner for Economic Affairs Pierre Moscovici told CNBC that the 10 member states supporting the delayed Financial Transaction Tax are making 'good progress' and he hopes they will have an agreement by year end. The Eurozone's four largest countries  Germany, France, Spain and Italy  are all taking part. That should lend comfort to the UK's Conservative government, as they try to offset an exodus from the City.

Story continues

The French finance minister, however, shrugged off suggestions that the tax will send an anti-competitive message in the aftermath of Brexit.

"It's not here to punish, this tax on financial transactions, it's here to make sure that financial movements become as useful as possible, " Sapin told CNBC.





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More From CNBC


Housing Humans in Deep Space

NASA

To bring astronauts to Mars by the 2030s, NASA has selected six private companies to design and develop deep space habitats under the second Next Space Technologies for Exploration Partnerships (NextSTEP) Broad Agency Announcement.



NextSTEP-2 focuses on developing deep space habitation concepts through partnerships between the public and private sectors. Here are the new prototypes they created.



Up First: Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is working to revamp the design of a logistics module from the space shuttle resupply missions and create a full-scale habitat prototype. The company has also dreamed up a wilde plan for an orbital outpost around Mars, known as Mars Base Camp.



The design includes an environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) and an avionics system for navigation, communication and management of all flight functionality. Last year, Lockheed Martin unveiled their design for a new spaceflight system called "Jupiter" that could fly astronauts to the space station, the moon and beyond.



Up Next: Orbital ATK

Orbital ATK

Orbital ATK

A Virginia-based private spaceflight company, Orbital ATK, is working on a design based on the Cygnus spacecraft, which currently flies automated and unmanned cargo supply missions to the International Space Station.



Orbital ATK's cislunar habitat concept will test interfaces between the new Cygnus-based spacecraft, the Orion crew module and other space modules. Its goal is to demonstrate the feasibility of long-term operations in deep space.



Up Next: Sierra Nevada Corporation

Sierra Nevada Corporation

Sierra Nevada Corportation

Sierra Nevada Corporation's idea for a deep space habitat involves 3 to 4 rocket launches for a long-duration habitat that will be constructed in space. Their prototype is based on the company's Dream Chaser cargo module.



The design includes a large inflatable fabric environment module, an environmental control and life support system (ECLSS), and a propulsion system.



Up Next: NanoRacks

Nanoracks

NanoRacks

A Texas-based company named NanoRacks is teaming up with Space Systems Loral and the United Launch Alliance to find out whether an existing launch vehicle's upper stage can be converted into a pressurized, habitable environment for space exploration. This low-cost approach to sending humans into deep space could be achieved with any type of rocket.



Up Next: Bigelow Aerospace

Bigelow Aerospace

Bigelow Airspace

Bigelow Airspace, a company based in North Las Vegas, Nevada, is developing a prototype of an expandable habitat called XBASE (Expandable Bigelow Advanced Station Enhancement). The 330-cubic meter (432 cubic yards) habitat will attach to the International Space Station and serve as a testing platform for the technology necessary to safely send humans into deep space.



Bigelow tested a similar expandable space habitat on the ISS in April. Read our full story here: 'BEAM' Aboard: Experimental Inflatable Room Attached to Space Station.



Up Next: Boeing

Boeing

Boeing

Boeing, a U.S. aerospace giant based in Houston, Texas, is also developing a modular habitat system. The company plans to be able to operate the International Space Station for at least 15 years after the giant space laboratory's mission is scheduled to end in 2024.



The modular habitat system aims to demonstrate that humans can safely live and work in space for extended periods of time.


President Obama on Tuesday reaffirmed his vision to send humans to Mars. In an editorial posted on CNN.com, the President wrote of his desire of "sending humans to Mars by the 2030s and returning them safely to Earth, with the ultimate ambition to one day remain there for an extended time."

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden echoed the President's enthusiasm, describing in a companion blog post co-written with John Holdren, a senior advisor to the President, how NASA plans to to "utilize public-private partnerships to enable humans to live and work in space in a sustainable way."

Key to the ambitious endeavor, however, is ensuring the astronauts' safety, which may be difficult, according to a NASA-funded study coincidentally published Monday (opens in new tab) (Oct. 10) in the journal Scientific Reports.

The new study, in rodents, shows that astronauts could suffer from a phenomenon called "space brain" during the long trip to Mars, as cosmic radiation bombards their bodies and damages their brain cells.

Researchers exposed the laboratory-bound rodents to a level of radiation similar to that expected on a six-month one-way trip to Mars. They found that the radiation caused significant long-term brain damage, including cognitive impairments and dementia, a result of brain inflammation and damage to the rodents' neurons. [10 Things You Didn't Know About the Brain]

The researchers said the new study revealed a far greater extent of brain damage than what was hinted at in their shorter, six-week study, conducted last year.

"This is not positive news for astronauts deployed on a two- to three-year round-trip to Mars," said Charles Limoli, a professor of radiation oncology at the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine, who led the study.

NASA told Live Science that the agency is funding such studies to better understand the risks posed to its astronauts, although the agency was not aware that Limoli's study was published and could not comment on the details.

Humans traveling beyond the protection of Earth's atmosphere and magnetic field risk radiation-caused cancers and other diseases. See how space radiation threatens astronauts in this full infographic (Image credit: Karl Tate, SPACE.com Infographics Artist)

Radiation hazards

Astronauts in space face two kinds of radiation hazards. One is the solar radiation from the sun, including ultraviolet rays, X-rays, protons and electrons. The other is cosmic radiation, which emanates from all directions in deep space and comprises atomic particles far more energetic (and thus more damaging) than solar radiation.

Limoli's research was aimed at assessing the possible human health problems that could be caused by cosmic radiation on a prolonged space journey. There are almost no studies so far that have looked at this, Limoli said. Humans have lived on the International Space Station (ISS) for months at a time. Russian cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov (born Valeri Ivanovich Korshunov but later changed his name) holds the record for the longest, continuous time in orbit  almost 438 days aboard the Mir space station.

However, because Mir (which is no longer in use) and the ISS are relatively close to Earth, Earth's magnetosphere  a natural magnetic field that deflects charged atomic particles from the sun and deeper space  mostly protects astronauts on board the orbiting labs from dangerous radiation exposure. Tests have shown that Polyakov and other astronauts have no serious brain damage as a result of their time in orbit. [5 Mars Myths and Misconceptions]

Astronauts who visited the moon ventured beyond this protective magnetosphere, but their entire round-trip lasted only about two weeks, so their radiation exposure was kept to a minimum. One previous study, done in 2013 in mice, suggested that radiation may hasten the development of Alzheimer's.

To simulate the cosmic radiation exposure humans would face during a long Mars trip, Limoli's group exposed rodents to charged particles at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory at the Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New York.

The researchers found that although the bombardment of the radiation was painless, it caused significant brain damage in the rodents. Imaging revealed that the animals' brain cells had a sharp reduction in features of the cells called the dendrites and spines, which would disrupt the transmission of signals among neurons, they said.

Limoli told Live Science that loss of dendrites and spines were "like a tree losing its leaves and branches," compromising the health of the tree. These physical losses explained the deficiencies the rodents showed in behavioral tasks designed to test learning and memory, Limoli said. In humans, this loss could lead astronauts to make poor decisions that could affect the safety of the crew, he added.

The researchers also discovered that the radiation affected the part of the brain that normally suppresses prior unpleasant and stressful associations, as part of a process called "fear extinction." This loss of fear extinction could make the astronauts prone to anxiety, Limoli said. [Infographic: How Radiation Affects the Human Body]

Yet Limoli remains optimistic that NASA can still send astronauts safely to Mars. "This is not a deal breaker," he told Live Science. "This [cosmic radiation] is simply something we have to deal with."

A 30-month trip

NASA estimates that a 30-month trip to Mars  six months of travel each way, plus 18 months living on the Red Planet  would expose astronauts to a total of 1 sievert (Sv) of radiation. For comparison, Limoli said people who undergo certain kinds of radiation treatment for brain cancer may need to endure a dose at least 10 times higher than that through the course of that treatment. He said that these cancer patients, although they may be cured of cancer, have notable declines in their cognitive function.

Astronauts could be protected from cosmic radiation in two ways, a NASA press officer told Live Science. One would be to a passive method of installing thick metal shields or layers with water, either around the entire spacecraft or around sleeping chambers to block the radiation. Cosmic radiation is very penetrating, however, and shields that would be thick enough to block the rays would add considerable weight (and thus, expense) to the Mars mission.

Another way is an active method of installing an electromagnetic field to deflect the radiation, analogous to the magnetosphere itself. Limoli said his group and others are working on another strategy, medicines that could repair the damage caused by radiation, or protect or even restore neurons.

It will certainly be a memorable trip to Mars, and NASA hopes the astronauts will stay healthy enough to remember it.

Follow Christopher Wanjek @wanjek for daily tweets on health and science with a humorous edge. Wanjek is the author of "Food at Work" and "Bad Medicine." His column, Bad Medicine, appears regularly on Live Science.
SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said it's unlikely a design issue with the Falcon 9 is at the root of a Sept. 1 pad explosion.

WASHINGTON  SpaceX is getting closer to finding the cause of a September pad explosion that destroyed a Falcon 9, and the companys president remains confident the vehicle will return to flight later this year.

In an Oct. 9 speech at the annual meeting of the National Academy of Engineering here, SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell suggested that the Sept. 1 accident prior to a planned static-fire test on the company's Cape Canaveral, Florida, launch pad was not a flaw in the vehicle's design.

"We're homing in on what happened," she said. "I think it's going to point not to a vehicle issue or an engineering design issue but more of a business process issue."

She didnt elaborate on what the potential issue or issues the company is examining as a potential cause for the failure, which the company has previously stated is linked to a "large breach" in the helium system in the rockets second stage liquid oxygen tank. Speaking Oct. 5 at the Asia-Pacific Satellite Communications Council 2016 conference in Malaysia, Shotwell said it was unlikely there was a design flaw in the bottles used to store helium in the tank, but rather an "operations" issue.

Because it is not a design issue, Shotwell remained confident that the Falcon 9 can resume launches later this year. "Hopefully we'll recover from this and be back flying a couple times this year," she said.

Shotwells speech at the meeting was billed as a talk about the company's Mars exploration plans as an example of a "mega-engineering" initiative. It was, rather, more of an overview of SpaceXs overall activities, including efforts to make its Falcon 9 reusable, with only a brief mention at the end of the Mars transportation architecture SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk unveiled Sept. 27 at the International Astronautical Congress in Mexico.

On reusability, Shotwell discussed a series of static-fire tests of the first stage recovered from the May launch of the JCSAT-14 satellite. "It was the hottest incoming that we had with one of these stages," she said, referring to the high-velocity return and landing of the stage. "It was kind of a wreck."

After doing "the minimum work" to make it operational, the company has been firing the stage on a test stand at the company's McGregor, Texas, test site. "We've fired that stage eight full mission durations, half of which have been at about 10 percent additional thrust," she said.

Two more full-duration static-fire tests are planned for the stage to gain confidence for limited reuse of the first stage. "We'll feel pretty good about reflying each stage once or twice" once those tests are complete, she said. An updated version of the Falcon 9, to be rolled out next year, should be able to reuse its first stage up to 10 times.

Shotwell also briefly discussed a potential broadband satellite constellation the company has been studying. "Our constellation is about 4,000 satellites that we would deploy late in this decade or early in the next," she said.

She explained that SpaceX is driven to develop the constellation in part because the company believes potential customers are dissatisfied with their current options for broadband Internet access. "Elon tends to find an industry where customers are very angry and frustrated," she said. "Let's build little communications satellites and provide global broadband capability for reasonable prices."

A version of that system would also eventually be used at Mars, she added. "If you send a million people to Mars, you better provide some way for them to communicate," she said. "I don't think the people who go to Mars are going to be satisfied with some terrible, old-fashioned radios. They'll want their iPhones or Androids on Mars."

Revenue from a broadband constellation could also support the company's Mars mission plans, she said, noting that telecommunications is a trillion-dollar industry worldwide. "For us to take just a tiny percentage of that provides huge revenue opportunity for us, which would really be a defining factor for Mars and beyond," she said.

This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry.
President Barack Obama announced Tuesday (Oct. 11) that NASA will send astronauts to Mars before the end of the 2030s, reaffirming a directive he gave the space agency back in 2010. But there's no guarantee that NASA will get there first; several other organizations also have the Red Planet in their sights, and on more aggressive timelines.

Here's a brief rundown of these ambitious Mars projects  what they hope to accomplish, and when. [Buzz Aldrin: How To Get Your Ass To Mars (Video)]

NASA: Stepping stones to Mars

The journey begins in low Earth orbit aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which has hosted rotating crews continuously since November 2000. During this time, NASA and its ISS partners have been learning more and more about how to support astronauts on space missions.

This effort took a big step forward this past March, when NASA astronaut Scott Kelly and cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko wrapped up an unprecedented 11-month mission aboard the orbiting lab that gave researchers new data about the physiological and psychological effects of long-duration spaceflight. (A Mars mission will be long-duration; it takes six to nine months to get to the Red Planet using currently available propulsion technology.)

In the next 10 years, NASA plans to extend the reach of human spaceflight out near the moon, to test spaceflight gear  such as the Space Launch System (SLS) megarocket and Orion crew capsule, both of which are in development  in a "proving ground" in deep space. For example, in the mid-2020s, the agency plans to send astronauts out to lunar orbit, to visit an asteroid boulder dragged there by a robotic spacecraft. (The boulder-snagging first part of this Asteroid Redirect Mission is scheduled to launch in the early 2020s.)

After the proving ground comes the journey to Mars itself. Current plans call for sending astronauts to Mars orbit in the early 2030s, with trips to the surface coming sometime after that. NASA officials have said they hope to eventually set up a small outpost on the Red Planet, where astronauts would search for signs of Mars life and perform other research. [6 Private Deep Space Habitats to Pave Way to Mars]

Mars Base Camp

NASA officials have stressed that the agency's journey to Mars will be a group effort.

In this spirit of cooperation, earlier this year, aerospace company Lockheed Martin unveiled its proposal for "Mars Base Camp," a 132-ton (120 metric tons) Red Planet space station composed primarily of two Orion capsules and two habitat modules/science laboratories.

Mars Base Camp  a collaboration involving NASA, its international partners and private industry  would support up to six astronauts, who would stay aboard for a year or so. During this time, they would operate robots on the Martian surface, look for signs of life in samples of Red Planet dirt and rock, and take trips to the Martian moons Phobos and Deimos, among other tasks, Lockheed representatives have said.

Mars Base Camp could conceivably be established as early as 2028, Lockheed representatives have said. The space station would also be a way station of sorts: Shortly after the first orbital mission, other crews would head down to the Red Planet, company representatives have said, though they have not yet discussed those surface plans in detail.

Artist's illustration of SpaceX's planned Interplanetary Transport System spaceship arriving at Mars. (Image credit: SpaceX )

SpaceX: A huge Mars colony

SpaceX's dreams are bigger than an orbiting Martian space station or small research outpost on the surface. Last month, the company's billionaire founder and CEO, Elon Musk, announced that SpaceX aims to help establish a million-person Mars colony in the next 50 to 100 years.

To make this happen, SpaceX plans to build the Interplanetary Transport System (ITS), which will combine the most powerful rocket in history with a 100-person spaceship that will ferry settlers to and from the Red Planet. [SpaceX's Interplanetary Transport for Mars in Images]

If everything goes perfectly, Musk said, the fully reusable ITS could launch its first crews in 2024. But SpaceX also aims to launch uncrewed missions using its Dragon capsule and Falcon Heavy rocket beginning in 2018, to test out landing systems and other technologies critical to the colonization effort.

This is no lark on SpaceX's part. Musk has stressed repeatedly that he founded SpaceX back in 2002 primarily to help humanity become a multiplanet species, and he said during the ITS unveiling last month that the main reason he has been "accumulating assets" over the years is to fund Mars colonization.

Mars One: One-way trip

SpaceX isn't the only group angling for a Mars colony. The Netherlands-based nonprofit Mars One has the same goal, though on a much smaller scale.

Mars One plans to launch robotic precursor missions to the Red Planet in 2020, 2022 and 2024, to lay the groundwork for the first settlers, who will launch in 2026 and land on Mars in 2027. (Earth and Mars align favorably for interplanetary missions just once every 26 months.)

If everything works out, Mars One will continue sending four-person crews to the Red Planet at every launch opportunity, gradually building up a permanent, self-sustaining settlement. At the moment, there are no plans to bring any of these colonists home. (That's in contrast to SpaceX's system, in which spaceships will be flying back and forth between Earth and Mars repeatedly, giving Mars pioneers the option to come back.)

Mars One has estimated that it will cost about $6 billion to get the first four pioneers to Mars. The organization aims to raise most of this money by staging a global media event around the entire project, from astronaut selection, to launch, to the colonists' time on the Red Planet.

Other projects possible

It's possible other crewed Mars efforts will take shape in the near future.

For example, billionaire Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos, who leads the private spaceflight company Blue Origin, has said he aims to help get millions of people living and working in space eventually. Blue Origin has already launched multiple test flights of its suborbital New Shepard vehicle and recently announced that it's developing a big orbital rocket known as New Glenn.

Bezos also mentioned that the company plans to develop something called New Armstrong but revealed no details about the project. Will New Armstrong, or another Blue Origin effort down the road, help get astronauts to Mars? We'll just have to wait and see.

In the past, both the European Space Agency and Russia have expressed interest in putting boots on Mars, as has China (though China is working on getting people to the moon first). These players could end up making a push toward the Red Planet, either alone or as part of a coalition  perhaps NASA's coalition (though current U.S. laws prohibit extensive cooperation with China in spaceflight endeavors). To make a long story short: There's a lot happening, so stay tuned!

Follow Mike Wall on Twitter @michaeldwall and Google+. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook or Google+. Originally published on Space.com.
"The Last Steps," a new documentary short, chronicles the Apollo 17 mission that landed the last men on the moon in 1972.

A new documentary short looks back at the last time humanity ventured beyond low-Earth orbit.

"The Last Steps," which premiered on Saturday (Oct. 8) at the Hamptons International Film Festival in East Hampton, New York, chronicles the journey of Apollo 17, the United States' sixth and last moon landing in December 1972.

"The theme of our mission is that this isn't the end," says Apollo 17 commander Gene Cernan in a rarely-seen pre-flight interview that is playing as "The Last Steps" begins. "We've just begin [sic] to crawl with the Apollo program as mankind. We're just now hoping that we can learn to walk and then press onto the future." [NASA's 17 Apollo Missions in Pictures]

Produced by CNN Films and Great Big Story, CNN's video network, "The Last Steps" relies solely on original NASA footage  most of it having been shot by Cernan and his Apollo 17 crew mates, Harrison Schmitt and Ron Evans.

"Unlike other films that have blended archival footage with interviews or narration from today, our film is unique in that we use only archival material, in other words transmission audio, original still photography and original film captured by the astronauts," said Todd Miller, "Last Steps" director, in an interview with collectSPACE.com, "thus giving the viewer a truly direct cinema experience of our last trip to the lunar surface."

Launched from Earth on Dec. 7, 1972, Cernan and Schmitt spent three days on the moon, exploring the Taurus-Littrow valley over the course of three moonwalks. They were the last to drive a lunar rover and collected 741 rock and soil samples. Evans made the last deep space extra-vehicular activity (EVA or spacewalk) on the way home.

"The Last Steps" follows the Apollo 17 mission from just before liftoff through to its safe splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on Dec. 14, 1972. The footage includes scenes that will be familiar to space enthusiasts, but also material that has not been widely-viewed beyond the NASA archives.

"We came across some rare archival footage of the Apollo 17 mission while working on our next feature-length film," said Miller, who produced and directed "Dinosaur 13," the 2014 Emmy Award-winning documentary about the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex fossil. "While the footage really didn't fit in the context of the feature-length movie, I thought it would be perfect for a short that utilized only archival materials."

These rarely-viewed segments include film from inside the geology support room at Mission Control in Houston.

"Here's the shadow  you see that shadow coming right down here," says Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell, as he works with scientists in the room as they watch the Apollo 17 astronauts work on the moon.

All of the footage underwent a digital intermediate process that color-corrected and graded the footage for theatrical presentation.

"Select shots that were deemed too low quality, such as the 'suiting-up' shots and launch shots, were scanned from 16mm negative source from the film vaults at the National Archives in Washington," Miller described. "We also did a complete sound design and 5.1 mix that cleaned up all of the digitized transmission audio, flight control room audio, and any other original audio source."

Following its world premiere at the Hamptons International Film Festival, "The Last Steps" is set to debut on Great Big Story later this fall, in time for the 44th anniversary of the mission.

"My hope [for 'Last Steps'] is that the accomplishments of Apollo 17 and the Apollo program are appreciated by a new, younger audience who maybe aren't aware of how amazing a feat it was," said Miller. "And at the same time, I hope that the film reminds all of us that when we come together for what seems to be an impossible goal we can achieve great things."

collectSPACE.com editor Robert Pearlman served as historical consultant on "The Last Steps."

Follow collectSPACE.com on Facebook and on Twitter at @collectSPACE. Copyright 2016 collectSPACE.com. All rights reserved.
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By Andreas Rinke and Aaron Maasho ADDIS ABABA (Reuters) - German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Ethiopia on Tuesday to open up its politics and ensure police do not use heavy-handed tactics against protesters, after more than a year of unrest that rights groups say has led to about 500 deaths. Merkel, who spoke at a news conference with Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, arrived in Ethiopia after a fresh flare-up near the capital of the clashes that have cast a shadow over a nation with one of Africa's fastest-growing economies. The violence prompted the government to declare a nationwide state of emergency on Sunday. It says the death toll cited by rights groups is exaggerated and blames the wave of violence on "armed gangs" backed by foreigners. [nL8N1CG20G] Western states, which are among the biggest donors to what is still a poor nation, want their companies to win deals in Ethiopia but have become increasingly concerned by the government's authoritarian approach to development. "I made the case that you should have open talks with people who have problems," Merkel told Hailemariam, adding that police should respond proportionately to protests. Last week, protesters ransacked or burned about a dozen mostly foreign-owned factories, flower farms and other sites, accusing the government of building on seized land and stifling opposition. [nL8N1CG1J2] Opponents blamed police for provoking a stampede at a festival in Oromiya that killed at least 55 people on Oct. 2. "In a democracy there always needs to be an opposition that has a voice - in the best case in parliament," Merkel said, during the visit which a German diplomat said included a meeting with members of civil society groups and opposition politicians. "ALTERNATIVE VOICES" Opposition parties failed to win a single seat in parliament in the 2015 election, accusing the government of rigging the vote - charges which it denies. There was just one opposition lawmaker in the previous assembly. "The government is not using extreme violence. If it happened, we will investigate the units involved," the prime minister responded. Addressing parliament the day before Merkel arrived, Ethiopia's president called for an amendment to the election law to allow "alternative voices" to be heard - an offer that senior opposition figure Merera Gudina said was "too little, too late". Merera, chairman of the Oromo Federalist Congress, from a region where protests have raged, said Merkel should push for the release of political prisoners and a national dialogue. The government denies it detains people for their politics. In another show of German discontent, a diplomat said Addis Ababa had proposed that Merkel address parliament, but Berlin refused because it lacked any opposition members. The diplomat, who asked not to be named, said the message being sent was that there was "no business as usual". The German-based human rights group Gesellschaft fuer bedrohte Voelker said Merkel should have been even tougher. "With more than 500 suspected dead, Merkel should have insisted on an independent United Nations investigation to make clear that the brutal oppression of government critics is turning the country into a powder keg and will force more people to flee," said Ulrich Delius, the group's African expert. The international community has praised Ethiopia for its economic achievements and development strategy. Under this, healthcare and other types of social support have spread across a country where most people rely on subsistence farming that has been hit by severe drought in the past two years or more. PACE OF GROWTH AND REFORM A nation still renowned in the West for a devastating 1984 famine exacerbated by the policies of the then Marxist government, Ethiopia has been one of Africa's fastest-expanding economies for the past 15 years of so. In 2015, growth was 10 percent. But the lack of public space for criticism has risen up the agenda for Western powers. U.S. President Barack Obama told his Ethiopian hosts in Addis Ababa last year that greater political openness would "strengthen rather than inhibit" development. The government said at the time it ensured political freedoms but differed over the pace of reforms that Washington wanted. Till now, Chinese firms and financing have been a major driver of growth, building high-rise towers and a metro system in Addis Abba, and constructing a new railway that links the capital of the land-locked nation to Djibouti port. Western investors have also secured deals. Britain's Diageo and Heineken of the Netherlands have bought breweries, Dutch and Belgian firms run flower farms and companies such as Hennes and Mauritz (H&M) are starting to source clothes from Ethiopian plants. Merkel also visited the headquarters of the African Union, which are in Addis Ababa. She called for the body to try to solve the conflict in Libya and also urged African states to increase efforts to fight Islamist militants. [nB4N18L00V] (Writing by Edmund Blair and Madeline Chambers; editing by David Stamp, Pravin Char and Peter Millership)
One of these warlords, Abdul Rashid Dostum, is currently the vice president of Afghanistan. His Uzbek fighters occasionally get into skirmishes with the Tajik militias belonging to other warlords. In June, Dostum's fighters murdered civilians in the province of Faryab, but the gunmen had no reason to fear punishment: Their commander is much too powerful.

This anarchy is driving the population into the arms of the Islamists. Because if the Taliban return to power, figures like Dostum would have to quickly disappear underground.

Meanwhile, the population suffers. Indeed, many are no longer sure who they should fear more: the Islamists or the government, with its criminals like Dostum.

On Tuesday, Nasim, a cable dealer in Kunduz who, like many Afghans, only has one name, wanted to bury his wife in Charamgari Cemetery last Tuesday. Bullets from a machine gun had passed through the mud wall of their house and fatally wounded the 50 year old. Nasim doesn't know who fired the weapon, and what difference does it make? He only knows that the access road to the cemetery wasn't passable because of the fighting. He was forced to head north instead, to the village of Kobai. Only there was Nasim able to bury his wife.

Thirty-year-old women's rights activist Arzu, from Kunduz' fourth district, was sleeping when the Taliban knocked on her door on Monday morning and demanded access to her roof. From there, they fired on government troops for hours. The terrorists didn't come down until the afternoon, at which point they patrolled the streets. "We are trapped here between the fronts," says Arzu.

As a result, the bazaar in the center of Kunduz is empty and the shops are closed. If there is electricity at all, it is only available for a few hours each day while drinking water and food are likewise scarce because supply routes have been disrupted, particularly in the east and south. It was only on Wednesday that Afghan security forces announced that the city had been cleared of Taliban.

Pakistan's Involvement

How could the situation have deteriorated to this degre? After last year's raid, security experts working for President Ghani compiled a report concluding that it was crucial that the coordination between security force commanders be improved. That apparently hasn't been successful, particularly given that the Kunduz, with up to 10,000 soldiers and police officers stationed there, is more heavily defended than almost any other region in the country.

Regardless, the Taliban is rapidly expanding its influence in the north, especially along a ring road between the cities of Baghlan, Balkh and Kunduz. On Sunday, August 21, for example, they murdered 20 village police officers in a settlement there and the provincial council all fled to Kabul. Council head Mohammad Yusuf Ayubi publicly berated the government, saying that the area was no longer safe. He said the Taliban already controlled 80 percent of the area north of Kunduz, and that nothing had been done about it. He also warned that the city was about to fall. Even the head of the Kunduz intelligence service only barely escaped an ambush at the airport at the end of August.

Once again, it wasn't the Afghan army on its own that saved the city: It was primarily the air supremacy of the international protection force. Currently, 7,000 American soldiers are in the county, with the US providing aircraft and reconnaissance equipment. Their bombers and armed drones torment the Taliban. Of the 5,000 Germans who were once in Kunduz, only about 1,000 are left to train Afghan soldiers.

To understand what went wrong despite the billions of dollars in aid, one needs to go back 15 years to when the battle for Afghanistan began, in October 2001. Back then, there was no electricity in areas under Taliban control, no undamaged roads, no clinics, no schools and barely an intact house. But despite their efforts over the following years, the West was unable to come up with lasting solutions to the country's problems.

The long-time rivalry between the nuclear powers Pakistan and India continues. And Pakistan is pressuring Afghanistan -- which is a friend of India's -- by protecting and supporting the Taliban. Keeping the Islamists permanently at by is thus impossible, because they can always pull back to Pakistan.

West Is There to Stay

All participants in last week's conference in Brussels are fully aware that a political solution to the Afghanistan conundrum is vital on the long term. They generously pledged $15.2 billion in additional support for the next four years.

Western governments have realized that withdrawal from Afghanistan would solve nothing. They also apparently want to avoid repeating past mistakes. When the Soviets left the country in 1989 after nine years of bloody fighting, they continued to advise the government they installed -- led by former intelligence chief Mohammad Najibullah -- for a number of years. Then, though, Moscow cut off the flow of monetary and military aid. In 1996, Najibullah was brutally murdered by the Taliban and hanged from a traffic-police pedestal.

When a German paratrooper reconnaissance unit landed on the airfield in Kunduz in September 2003, officers had intense discussions with representatives of different ethnic groups and elders. They wanted to find out whether they, unlike the Soviets back then, were welcome -- a question which was answered in the affirmative.

What the Afghans didn't tell them, however, was that, although the Germans were welcome, their mission would be neither short nor easy. Such a mission, after all, has never been seen in Afghan history.
An Islamic State propaganda chief has been confirmed dead by the Pentagon and the militant group. In a brief statement, the Islamic State announced that Abu Mohammed al-Furqan, who was also known as Wail Adil Hasan Salman al-Fayad, had been killed.

Al-Furqan oversaw the creation of videos and web messages that would convince young and disenchanted Muslims in eastern and western countries to become fighters. They would be trained and brainwashed into committing horrific acts similar to the ones that took place in Europe and America.

The statement was posted Monday on social media. The terrorist organization did not elaborate on the time nor the place where their propaganda chief was bombed. For those who had any doubt, the Islamic State militant group did refer to al-Furqan as head of its media arm in their tribute. Experts said:

ISILs use of social media has been described by one expert as probably more sophisticated than [that of] most US companies. It regularly takes advantage of social media, particularly Twitter, to distribute its message by organising hashtag campaigns, encouraging Tweets on popular hashtags, and utilising software applications that enable ISIL propaganda to be distributed automatically via its supporters accounts.

They went on to reveal:

In August 2014, Twitter administrators shut down a number of accounts associated with ISIL. ISIL recreated and publicised new accounts the next day, which were also shut down by Twitter administrators. The group has attempted to branch out into alternative social media sites, such as Quitter, Friendica and Diaspora; Quitter and Friendica, however, almost immediately worked to remove ISILs presence from their sites.The group later began using the encrypted instant messaging service Telegram to disseminate images, videos and updates.

It is believed that al-Furqan played the role of minister of information in the organization. Al-Furqan was not only ISIS propaganda chief, but he was also the Senior Shura Council, the leadership of the group. While ISIS is silent on the matter, the Pentagon has communicated several pieces of information on the death of the terrorist.

The Pentagon said that on September 7, a U.S.-led coalition airstrike killed al-Furqan. The head of ISIS media arm was hit by a bomb as he was traveling near Raqqa, ISs de facto capital in northern Syria.

According to the Pentagon, al-Furqan was on a motorcycle near his home when the strike took place. ISIS has a grip on most of Iraq and Syria and has broadcast where fighters take great pride in filming themselves as they destroy historical monuments and precious artifacts dating from the 13th century.

The mass murderers have also beheaded Western reporters, soldiers, Christians, aide workers and massacred thousands of civilians.
This is the first official sale in the Borders for the Luing Cattle Society, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. Going under the hammer will be 60 head of breeding cattle, 13 in-calf and 47 bulling heifers, at the Scottish Borders based mart. This is the first occasion that Harrison & Hetherington have carried out a specific sale for the Luing breed and look forward to welcoming breeders and buyers from all corners of the UK.

Ted Fox (Chairman) of the Luing Cattle Society gives some background to the sale:

As a Society we felt that there was a need to introduce an additional sale to our calendar, and that St Boswells was well placed geographically to capitalise on the growing interest in the Luing Breed. This is an important milestone for the Society and we are delighted to have received a tremendous line up of consignments from renowned breeders across North Northumberland and the Scottish Borders.

As well as purebred Luings, a number of registered Sim-Luing crosses will also be offered for sale. Identifiable by a C before the herd book number, these are sired by a registered Simmental bull and out of a pedigree or A-grade Luing cow. The Sim-Luing has been adapted to suit low ground suckler herds and a breeding programme is actively promoted by both the Luing and Simmental Cattle Societies.

Judged by Gary Herdman of Edlingham Demesne, Alnwick, both Harrison & Hetherington and the Luing Cattle Society will offer cash prizes for the best pairs presented during the sale. These include; the best pair of In-Calf Heifers in both the Luing and Sim-Luing sections; and the best pair of Bulling Heifers in both the Luing and Sim-Luing sections.
Serving a two-year term of office, and becoming the Societys thirteenth Hon President in all, he takes over the reins from John Temple of Chase Farm, Roughley, Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands who stepped down at the Societys AGM in September.

In a long association with the Limousin breed, David Thomlinson has been senior auctioneer at Borderway, Carlisle market where the BLCS hold Premier Society Sales along with numerous other production, reduction and dispersal sales. Starting as an office clerk, he quickly progressed through the ranks and has been with the company Harrison & Hetherington for some 54 years.

At a young age and with limited funds, David quickly saw that there was huge potential for the Limousin breed after seeing some of the cattle from the first importations in the 1970s. Managing to get the money together he bought his first old cow and registered his first pedigree calf in 1979 under the Beeches prefix, naming her Beeches Philomena. Working and breeding away with his wife Sheila, the herd is still very much active with 50 breeding females run on the 200 acre farm at Scaleby, Carlisle.

David Thomlinson has previously been an elected member of the BLCS Council of Management, a position he held for some nine years. He has also been heavily involved at various industry levels and is presently the Chairman of the National Beef Association. Previously David has also served as Chairman of the Livestock Auctioneers Association and in 2011 he was awarded the prestigious Blamire medal of honour in recognition of his services to agriculture in the Cumbria region. With his pedigree auctioneers hat on David Thomlinson has presided over many high flying Limousin sales, both pedigree and commercial, and in 2006 he became the first UK auctioneer to sell a bull at six figures when Haltcliffe Vermount sold for the then world record of 105,000.
If life with tacos wasn't scrumptiously spectacular enough, a Tex-Mex joint in Corpus Christi challenges customers to eat a nearly 4-pound bundle of homemade tortilla, beans, cheese, carne guisada, egg, potatoes and bacon.

Chachos Tacos, at 3700Ayers St., propositions its bravest foodies to tackle the All-Mighty Chacho's Taco Challenge in 10 minutes. The chomp champ wins a T-shirt, spot on the hall-of-fame, bragging rights and probably some feelings of self-loathing and lethargy. Of course, they also don't have to pay for the $9.99 taco.
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Roland Foods, is recalling specific lots of Roland Preserved Lemons due to undeclared sulfites in the product. People who have a severe sensitivity to sulfites run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product.

The affected lots of Roland Preserved Lemons were distributed nationwide and to Canada to food distributors, food service customers, and super market chains for further distribution or use.
John Barricelli owner of the SoNo Baking Company & Cafe and host of PBSs Everyday Cooking will be the keynote speaker at The New Covenant Center in Stamfords Sixth Annual Harvest Table from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Italian Center of Stamford, 1620 Newfield Avenue.

Admission is $75 plus one non-perishable food item to help stock New Covenant Houses pantry.
From ancient times, the major cities of the world were established along well-traveled trade routes. Even in the short history of Connecticut, cities such as Hartford, New Haven, Bridgeport and Norwalk were established on major waterways. As these cities grew they were connected by post roads, then railroads and finally highways. Each means of travel advanced communication and commerce, allowing Connecticut cities and their suburbs to flourish.

Today, transportation, and in particular, an integrated transportation system, is more important than ever before. Its a critical factor businesses use in determining where to set up shop. In fact, the CEOs I speak with across this state tell me that access to transportation is their number two concern, right after skilled labor.

They want assurances employees will arrive at work on time, unfazed by their daily commute. They want assurances executives can get into New York City and the major airports without a hitch. And they want assurances product will get delivered on time. Thats a lot to ask of a transportation infrastructure thats been neglected for decades, even though we've invested more in the last six years than the previous 30.

Standing up for you

Ive been in the thick of the battle for an integrated transportation system for Fairfield County since becoming a state senator. And weve had a Department of Transportation thats done their job of planning for our future transportation needs. What weve lacked is that get it done attitude at the top.

Only in recent years have we had an administration that sees a need to get it done now - one that understands the big picture, in that transportation is an economic issue, an environmental issue and a quality of life issue. Address all three and you attract and keep good jobs in Connecticut.

A good start

We finally have new railcars, 405 of them. Thats a good start. Now were working on improvements to the rail bed and signaling and replacing bridges that are well past their prime. With each step commuters will get trains that go faster and run more frequently, all while we continue to ramp up safety and comfort levels.

We have new entrance and exit lanes for I-95 at the Exit 14 and Exit 15 interchanges. Thats a good start. Now were working on widening I-95 from New Haven down to the state line, plus additional improvements to the Merritt Parkway and many local state roads.

Speaking of the Merritt, I recently announced that funding will be approved to design the much needed Merritt Parkway/Route 7 Interchange. Another good start. Ive been a long-time advocate for an enhanced Route 7 going all the way up to Danbury. Its just another battle I will continue to fight.

If theres one truth about politics and government its that just about everything happens slowly. Its the nature of the beast. And while Ive made great strides in things like fiscal accountability in government, getting people to move more quickly will always be a challenge. Ive come to accept that, as long as in the end, my constituents come out on top.

Thats exactly the case with this bold vision. Its estimated that for every dollar spent on road, highway and bridge improvements, you get back $5.20 in the form of reduced vehicle maintenance costs, reduced delays, reduced fuel consumption, reduced emissions and improved safety. Thats the kind of deal Ill always vote for.

Finally, as Ive clearly stated many times, I oppose a mileage tax and I oppose a commuter fare hike. Its time the state gives its citizens value for the money theyve already invested through current taxation.

Norwalk Democrat Bob Duff is the Senate Majority Leader.
Understanding and using the difference between external and internal links strategically as part of your overall digital marketing plan is an important part of SEO. Each type of link has its place in a strategic SEO plan aimed at boosting your position on the search engine results page.

Related: 5 Creative Link-Building Techniques For Your Website

External or internal links: What's the difference?

External links point from one domain to an entirely separate domain. They may be links from your website to another website to provide additional information for readers, or they may be links from your website to an affiliate program. Links from other sites into yours can also be called external links, although the preferred term is inbound links, to distinguish them from links youve added to your own site that connect to other sites.

Internal links only point within your own specific website or domain. The menu bar at the top of your site includes internal links. Links from pages on your site to your contact page are another simple example of internal links.

In summary:

External = links that point to a separate domain

Internal = links that point to content within the same domain

Using external and internal links for SEO

Both external and internal links have a place in an SEO plan. Heres how you can use them strategically.

Related: 5 Reasons You Aren't Earning Enough Links

External links can build visibility. External links from other websites into your content are a great source of free traffic as well as an important component of Googles search engine algorithm. The quality and the quantity of links count. For example, links from poor-quality sites can actually have negative consequences.

To encourage links into your own website, add rich, relevant content to your site. Develop an outreach program offering to guest post on other sites in your niche in exchange for a link into your own site. Other ways to encourage inbound links or external links into your site include adding link-embedded infographics with HTML code that can be copied and used on other sites, direct requests to webmasters to add links and more.

External links may help readers more than you. Links that point to someone elses site are a great benefit for your readers, but add little in terms of strategic SEO value. These links may connect readers to resources such as products or information you deem valuable. But keep in mind that, in that case, the SEO benefits accrue for the website you link to, not your own.

Internal links can build your SEO. Internal links confer several SEO benefits. When search engine spiders find your site, they follow links to discover additional pages on your site. They follow these link webs so that they can discover and archive as many relevant pages as they can on one visit.

Sure, you can leave pages unlinked to others on your site and hope that the search engines will find each page. But that may take weeks, even months, for them to get to your page. With millions of new web pages added daily, those spiders are quite busy.

Internal links also form the structure of your website. A logical linking structure is both visually appealing and effective. It helps organize the content on your site and helps visitors find information quickly. Common page elements, a concise menu bar, and natural page links sprinkled throughout your site help both readers and search engines find your content.

Find and fix broken links

One thing that will detract from your SEO score are broken links. These are links that no longer work. They may no longer work because the target website for an external link is offline, or a page has moved. One or two broken links probably wont impact your rankings, but multiple broken links may harm them.

Regardless of their impact on search traffic, broken links lead to a poor reading experience and decreased traffic. Its a good idea to identify and fix them to improve your website.

To find and fix broken links, use tools such as Broken Link Checker. Its a free tool that simply scans your site to find broken links. You then go into each page, find the link and remove or fix it.

Related Book: Ultimate Guide to Link Building by Eric Ward and Garrett French | Amazon | eBooks.com | Barnes & Noble

Links are only the start

SEO experts estimate that there are between 100 and 200 elements that Google and other search engines consider as part of their algorithm to calculate your site's position on search engine results pages. Internal and external links are a small, but important, part of this exercise, in the big scheme of things.

It may take time to build your links and fix any that are broken, but all of your efforts will pay off in the long run by a boost in traffic and position on the SERPS. And that makes the effort worth it.

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S ales at luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent have surged 12%, helped by Brits taking long-haul trips to South Africa and the Far East.

Other popular destinations for British holidaymakers in 2015 included Ecuador and the Indian Ocean.

There was weaker demand for East African destinations owing to concerns over the Ebola epidemic, but turnover still managed to climb to 51.3 million from 45.9 million in 2014.

Pre-tax profits decreased to 517,000 from 830,000 the prior year, which the firm blamed on investments in marketing and staff.

Charlie Bateson, director of product & commercial at Abercrombie & Kent said there has been double-digit growth in sales so far this year and this has not been affected by the referendum.

But he added: I believe that Brexit, when it happens, will create a difficult trading environment for any travel business. We have already seen the fluctuation in exchange rates that has been attributed to the vote and this will result in higher costs for most destinations.


T he worlds biggest taxi company, Uber, does not own any taxis. The worlds biggest retailer, Alibaba, does not own any shops. The worlds biggest media company, Facebook, does not create any content. The worlds biggest hotel company, Airbnb, does not own any hotels. Furthermore, none of these businesses existed 20 years ago.

Digital businesses think differently about how the world works, and traditionally-structured businesses that want to continue to live in the same world as them are being forced to change their thinking too. Business models that have served them well for 50 years are being jettisoned as no longer fit for purpose.

The old comfortable divisions between manufacturing and services, producers and consumers, competitors and collaborators no longer describes what is going on. Friends and enemies blur into one as one minute they try to eat the others lunch while the next they share a picnic.

Very little of this is recognised in Westminster. There, a Brexit-fixated Government talks of rebalancing from services to manufacturing, oblivious to the fact the world is going the other way. It is fixated by manufactured exports sold to suitably grateful former colonies, and trade deals to open up those parts a kowtowing minister cannot reach.

Unfortunately, it is a policy designed for a world that no longer exists. It is Britains tragedy to be governed by ideologically-driven politicians locked in the analogue age just as the world embraces digital. It is unlikely to end well.

What is airbnb and why is it controversial?

Official statistics do not measure what is happening. Their coverage of services has long been lamented upon, but less appreciated is that the manufacturing picture is wrong too because it does not capture the way the digital revolution is forcing manufacturing companies to develop into service providers in order to survive. The distinction between the two, and the statistics, are increasingly meaningless.

Forces other than digital are at work, too. Manufacturers cannot maintain high prices because competition is ferocious and intellectual property does not stay secret for long. Even todays most startling innovations become tomorrows commodity. In seven years, the price of a unit of 3D printing have dropped from 40,000 to 100; drones have fallen from 100,000 to 7000, industrial robots from 550,000 to 20,000 and sensors from 30,000 to 80.

Most goods are oversupplied and difficult to sell in a low-growth world with depressed demand. Increasingly, therefore, the real value in a business lies not in what it makes but in how it uses its product as an entry point to own, develop and derive continuing value from its customer relationships.

Increasingly, the traditional supply chain is dead to be replaced by something more akin to a network  a platform where brains and data from all sides come together to solve problems, enhance products and create efficiencies based on the information flows provided by digital technology.

Applied in the right way  and companies are still grappling to learn what that is  digital information flows can drive unprecedented enhancements to business processes.

Interestingly, the academic world has caught on to this faster than many labouring at the coalface. The Cambridge Service Alliance is a collaboration between Cambridge Universitys Institute for Manufacturing and the likes of Rolls-Royce, BAE Systems and Caterpillar. Yesterday, it held a conference led by Andrew Neely, the Alliances director, specifically to explore how digital technology is being harnessed by businesses such as Siemens to reinvent themselves as providers of services.

Behind this is the fact that cash-strapped customers no longer want to buy a bit of kit just because it looks good in the brochure; they will only buy something if it will provide a solution. They also understand that the way to get kit to perform is to give the manufacturer continuing responsibility for it under some form of outcomes-based service agreement.

For their part, manufacturers want to lock in their customers in ways that add continuing value. Increasingly, they see the sale as the beginning of the relationship, not the end. The real value to both parties comes from collaboration in a service company which makes it work, solves problems, improves efficiency and paves the way for further enhancements.

"Politicians want everyone still to paint by numbers when even David Hockney uses an iPad."

Such arrangements are, of course, easy to visualise but painfully difficult to put into practice. If it was just about technology, it would be difficult enough. But to work, these networked services companies also require the successful blending of different processes, multiple cultures and sometimes incompatible expectations. It matters so much that customer experience management is now cited as being the next big business battleground.

Talking to politicians, you get the impression they think business today is still like the Monopoly board, where standalone factories have chimneys and zigzag roofs, and companies rise or fall by the roll of the dice and intelligent cash management. They want everyone still to paint by numbers when even David Hockney uses an iPad.

We are moving into a world where businesses collaborate in one place and compete in another. Relationships are increasingly blurred, nationalities rarely matter, geographies are more and more irrelevant and borders simply get in the way.

The UK, with its advanced digital culture, strong grounding in consulting and knowledge-based manufacturing, international outlook and its powerful academic heritage, is well-placed to take advantage of this. Little England will find it rather harder.
U nder-pressure budget airline Monarch has staved off disaster after its owner pumped in 165 million to keep its planes in the air.

The lifeline from private-equity turnaround firm Greybull Capital is the biggest in Monarchs 48-year history and comes after a month of uncertainty over the future of the company, which flies six million passengers a year.

Monarch, forced to deny negative speculation that it was in financial trouble last month, secured the funding hours before a extended deadline from the Civil Aviation Authority, which had threatened to cancel its air travel organisers licensing.

Under UK law, all British companies which sell air holidays and flights need ATOL, which ensures customers are not left stranded if a travel firm ceases trading.

Chief executive Andrew Swaffield said the firm had been up against a toxic combination of tougher competition, a weaker pound sending its costs skyrocketing and terror attacks in Egypt and Turkey hitting key markets.

Larger rivals such as easyJet have also suffered in the dire trading conditions across Europe.

Swaffield admitted the recent speculation over Monarchs health had seen a dampening of holiday bookings over the last two weeks but added that the signs this morning are that things are returning to normal.

Greybull acquired a controlling stake in Monarch in 2014, buying 90% of the business in a 100 million rescue deal. The business moved it into the black last year, but underlying profits will be down to 40 million for the year to October in the tough climate.

Swaffield said: This injection is designed to make sure Monarch is in great shape to meet these market conditions with confidence.

Monarch, which has 33 aircraft and 2800 staff, now plans to renew its ageing Airbus fleet by beginning the delivery of more-modern, fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX 8s from 2018.

The new planes should cut its 120 million-a-year fuel bill more than 20% as well as slashing maintenance costs. Luton-based Monarch has the option to buy 15 more Boeings to meet growth plans over the next five years.

A CAA spokesman confirmed Monarch has a licence to fly until the end of September next year, after which they will need to seek a new ATOL permit.

Monarch began life in 1968 with just two aircraft, with the backing of Switzerlands Mantegazza dynasty.

The Mantegazzas pumped tens of millions into the airline in later years but lost patience and sold out in the 2014 rescue.
A s he cradles a beachball-sized glass of Malbec and feigns interest in his dining companion, the board directors eyes scan the room like an angler looking for a bite. He spies a whopper and casts: Michael! So good to see you. Business good? Icaps Michael Spencer bends his tall frame, smiles and shakes hands: Of course! When are we doing that lunch?

Just another day at George, the Mount Street members club that is one of the places business folks simply must be seen if theyre anyone in Mayfair. This moneyed hangout is part of the growing clubland empire of Richard Caring, the perma-tanned rag trade tycoon in the news these days for his looming record-breaking divorce and a longstanding friendship with Sir Philip Green.

A short stroll west, to Berkeley Square, and youll find another of Carings clubs where more of a party atmosphere is in the air. It is Annabels  Carings, and possibly Londons, most famous members club. The Establishments nightclub for decades, Annabels is about to undergo the biggest change in its history.

Caring is shifting it two doors down to a vast new luxurious site that will dwarf any of his other venues when it opens next year. A nightclub, restaurants, bars, gyms, a spa  as he tells his members with a flash of his perfect teeth, theres nothing the new Annabels wont be able to offer its well-heeled clientele.

Except for just one thing, according to some of clublands sniffier aristocracy  class. While Annabels was the only nightspot of choice for Britains toffs and jet set in days gone by, those who consider themselves in the top drawer of London society now also party somewhere else  5 Hertford Street.

If you dont know what it is, youll probably never be invited, and will certainly never become a member. In its mere five years of existence, 5 Hertford Street has become the most exclusive membership ticket in town. The question on every Mayfair barflys lips now is: who will win the battle of the clubs  Annabels or 5 Hertford Street?

The reason its such a hot topic is simple. This isnt just a scrap between two businesses but a battle between two old clubland enemies. At one end of the bar sits Caring, a humbly-born, self-made man. At the other is 5 Hertford Streets Robin Birley, an aristocrat whose Mayfair pedigree is unsurpassed.

The Birleys are the most famous family in the world of London members clubs. Robins blue-blooded father Mark set up Annabels in 1963 as a place for his pals  the likes of Lord Lucan, Jimmy Goldsmith and John Aspinall  to party when they werent gambling at the Clermont Club. Mark Birley named the place after his wife Lady Annabel  before she ran off with Goldsmith.

Rival: 5 Hertford Streets Robin Birley / Glenn Copus

Fast-forward to 2007, and Birley sold his five Mayfair clubs to Caring for 90 million. Haughtier members were scandalised and complained that Caring went on to let in too many celebrity riff-raff. Caring declines to comment on such sniping.

Robin Birley, who had argued with his father over Annabels need to extend its membership beyond the old set, had a plan. Why not take the best of his fathers clubs and recreate them all in one big, classy building nearby? With the backing of the billionaire Reuben brothers and Ben Goldsmith, son of Jimmy, 5 Hertford Street was born.

As one member of both Annabels and 5 Hertford Street puts it: At the bottom, you have the dance floor, Loulous  thats basically Annabels. On the ground floor, youve got the restaurants which feel like George or maybe Harrys Bar. Then youve got the smoking bar at the top, which again is like the one at Annabels.

A huge amount of bad blood erupted between the two men when Birley was planning 5 Hertford Street. Primarily, the dispute revolved around whether Birley could use his family name (he couldnt). Tempers worsened when Caring mocked Birley for a childhood injury he suffered when he was mauled by a tiger at Aspinalls private zoo. His face still bears the scars today but Caring told the Sunday Times: Robin Birleys a twit. What do we know about him? He put his head in a tigers mouth.

Annabel's over the years 1 /12 Annabel's over the years Kate Moss DJ's at the launch of Annabel's Docu-Film "A String of Naked Lightbulbs" Dave Benett Diana, Princess of Wales leaving Annabel's nightclub. Alan Davidson Grace Jones performs at the launch of Annabel's Docu-Film "A String of Naked Lightbulbs" Dave Benett David Walliams and Naomi Campbell at the club Richard Young/Rex The Duke and Duchess of York leaving the club after celebrating Prince Andrew's 30th birthday Dave Benett Prince and Princess Michael of Kent celebrating her 48th birthday at Annabels Dave Benett Jerry Hall, pictured inside Annabel's Richard Young/Rex Rita Ora in Annabel's, 2015, at the Mert & Marcus House of Love party for Madonna Dave Benett Mark Birley named the club after his wife Lady Annabel Goldsmith Richard Young/Rex

Eventually, the club opened, sans Birley branding. Five years on, the financial figures suggest there is room in Mayfair for both 5 Hertford Street and Carings stable of clubs.

Companies House filings show Carings Harrys Bar, Annabels, Marks, George and the Bath & Racquets Club made 4.8 million profit last year on 21 million of turnover. 5 Hertford Street cleared 519,000 on just under 12 million of takings. But will the giant new Annabels change that mutually profitable picture? Is there room for two big clubs in Mayfair? Will Caring poach back the members Annabels has lost to Birley over the past five years?

To that last question, a hedge funder at 5 Hertford Street sniffs not. I am definitely not an Annabels man. Robin has got something you cant buy, and thats style. He doesnt really like people very much, but thats rather appealing. Hes like Rick in Ricks Cafe  he has integrity. Better than being liked is to be admired. I wont be frequenting Annabels.

A media executive who is a member of both says: We do still love Annabels  the dance floor is better. But Im definitely a Birley man. Its a much better crowd.

"Money is what makes Caring tick, but he must be careful about keeping the place special."

But Caring, who by most peoples standards has a stellar membership list, will not be worried by such naysayers. His clubs have survived the worst the financial crisis can throw at them. The appeal of London to the worlds richest people has helped see to that.

Says one financier: Both Birleys and Carings businesses seem to be bulletproof no matter what goes on in the economy. We wait to see if the new Annabels feels as special as the old one, but be in no doubt  Caring will make it profitable. But he must be careful about extending the membership while also keeping it special.

Caring fans declare theres much snobbery at play among his critics. He just wants to open up cliquey clubland to reflect modern London, they say.

As Harold Tillman, the fashion entrepreneur, puts it: Ive been a member of Annabels for 35 years. I love it now, and the new one will be great too. Just as London has changed over the years, so must Annabels. Theres no point harking back to what it was like in the old days. For a start, many of the members back then arent alive any more.
S hares in Premier Foods plunged more than 12% after the manufacturer behind the Oxo and Bisto brands warned Britains Indian summer had dented sales of gravy and puddings.

The firm, which this year rejected a 1.5 billion takeover bid from Schwartz spices giant McCormick, saw turnover in the 13 weeks to October 1 drop 5.4% to 172.5 million.

It blamed warm weather in September for sales of gravy and stocks plummeting 13%, despite TV ads featuring Countdowns Rachel Riley. Desserts sales fell 9%.

Chief executive Gavin Darby said: We are disappointed that our grocery business reported materially lower sales in the quarter.

The company said its profit expectations for the year were unchanged but that sales would now rise by only 1 to 2%, versus a prior forecast for a 2 to 4% increase which remains its medium term target.

Shares decreased 6.65p to 45.6p.

The update will put further pressure on Darby to deliver more growth for investors after talks failed with McCormick for a 65p a share proposal in April.


U nder-pressure budget airline Monarch has staved off disaster after its owner pumped in 165 million to keep its planes in the air.

The under-fire pound staged a rally as Theresa May pledged to allow MPs a debate over the Governments Brexit plans, although some currency watchers dismissed the fightback as a dead-cat bounce.

Amazon is ramping up its assault on the grocery business with a plan to introduce convenience stores and pickup locations in the US, according to reports.

Samsungs smartphone fire scandal has already cost it almost 2 billion, the Korean smartphone giant revealed as its shares continued to slide.

Shares in Premier Foods plunged more than 12% after the manufacturer behind the Oxo and Bisto brands warned Britains Indian summer had dented sales of gravy and puddings.

Buyers are racing to snap up homes in Londons commuter-belt sweet spot according to housebuilder Countryside Properties. The company remains unaffected by the Brexit vote, its boss Ian Sutcliffe said.

Dominos Pizza brushed off the threat from upstart rivals such as UberEATS, insisting it can outclass competitors in service.

Advertising budgets are at their highest for two years in spite of Brexit blues and the pounds roller coaster ride new figures show.

Ping Pong Restaurants warned a perfect storm of fears over terrorism, Brexit uncertainty and the rise of Deliveroo could hit trading as it revealed a slump into the red.

Business focus: Who will win the battle of the clubs?

Rag trade tycoon Richard Caring is about to transform Annabels, his, and possibly Londons, most famous members club. But can the new and improved Annabels, complete with nightclub, restaurants, bars, gyms and a spa, win back members from rival Robin Birleys 5 Hertford Street?

Caring with Rory McIlroy / AFP/Getty Images

Comment highlights:

Simon English on the real reason behind Premier Foods latest share price slide.

The waffle about strategic progress, momentum and product innovation would be okay if any of the numbers backed it up.

Britain is suffering because politicians dont get tech, writes Anthony Hilton.

Politicians want everyone still to paint by numbers when even David Hockney uses an iPad.

Market Update:

After briefly hitting new highs yesterday, the FTSE 100 fell 31.69 points to 7039.19 as it succumbed to some profit taking with investors wary of the post-Brexit rally.

Going up: Telford Homes, Countryside

Going down: Old Mutual, Synairgen, IGas, Fresnillo, ITV
A t last the Government is set to make a decision on airport expansion in the South East. Theresa May has made it clear that she wants to take important decisions on the basis of the evidence; well, in the case of airport expansion there is a superabundance of evidence, notably the report written by Sir Howard Davies which unambiguously recommended expansion at Heathrow. That conclusion has been vigorously contested, not least on the basis that he did not sufficiently take into account the effect on pollution of construction of a new runway and traffic to a bigger hub.

The issue could hardly be more contentious, with several members of the Cabinet, including the Prime Minister herself, with a stake in the outcome, and Zac Goldsmith promising to resign as a Tory MP if Heathrow is chosen.

The decision is between Heathrow and Gatwick. For several years the weight of opinion was squarely behind Heathrow  and indeed employers organisations are still supportive of expansion there. But in the last couple of years, Gatwick has staged a mighty fightback, asserting its capacity to accommodate the biggest aircraft travelling to long-haul destinations. Its success can be seen in the fact that the Mayor, Sadiq Khan, now backs Gatwick.

There are advantages and disadvantages on both sides. Heathrow is the obvious option, whether the choice is to expand the existing runway or build a new one. Yet it will take longer to build another runway there: at the earliest, by 2025. Completion is possible earlier for Gatwick. As for cost, at 7.6 billion, Gatwick would be half the estimated 15.6 billion of Heathrow, and financed entirely by the private sector. Further, Transport for London has suggested that the Heathrow figure should be much larger, to take account of the cost of access.

There is an alternative solution that has already been mooted, and dismissed, in this debate, and it is to expand both airports. This is not one of the three options the Prime Minister is considering but it should be. A high- speed link over the 35 miles that divides them would allow passengers to make the most of the services available at both airports  that has advantages, whatever decision the Prime Minister takes. Backing both airports would be acknowledging reality: Gatwick bosses have already intimated that they intend to build a new runway, whichever way the Heathrow decision goes.

A bid to expand Heathrow and Gatwick would spread the political risk involved in this decision. And it would serve the economy. This week China agreed to expand the number of China-UK flights from 40 to 100, to all Chinese airports. More airport capacity will help in this.

This issue has been kicked into the long grass far too often, for no better reason than political expediency. That wont wash any more. Post-Brexit it is more important than ever that London is connected effectively to global trade centres with which we hope to do more business. We have dithered too long; its time to decide. And the best option is neither Heathrow, nor Gatwick, but both.

A complex conflict

Yesterday's Commons debate on Syria allowed MPs to express their indignation at the humanitarian situation in Aleppo. Their conclusion was to blame Russia for what is happening there; MPs, and the Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, said people should demonstrate at Russian embassies to protest against its actions in Syria. Certainly no one can be unmoved by the suffering of civilians in this conflict, or fail to condemn the bombing of aid convoys. But this response fails to take into account the complexity of this war  including the campaign against Islamic State and the fact that some rebels use civilians as human shields.
R ussian and Syrian aircraft are pounding the rebel enclave of East Aleppo, which is besieged and isolated from the outside world. Some 250,000 to 275,000 civilians and 8,000 fighters are trapped there, with every likelihood that President Bashar al-Assads forces will go on attacking until they win or the rebels leave. Hospitals and care centres are being systematically destroyed. UN aid convoys are being denied access by government forces.

It is a moment to consider what can be done to stop the suffering and save those who have not already been killed or maimed by the rain of shells and bombs. The emergency debate on Aleppo in the House of Commons yesterday did not provide many feasible ideas on how to do this but then such solutions are hard to find and may not exist. Other than as an expression of rage, talk of imposing a no-fly zone in which Russian and Syrian planes would be shot down is a silly diversion, since the US, Britain and their allies are not going to go to war against Russia or its Syrian ally.

The absence of a British policy was underlined by Boris Johnsons call for demonstrations outside the Russian embassy as a protest against the bombing of civilian targets in Aleppo by Russian aircraft. But overall his approach was cautious and he distanced himself from calls for a no-fly zone over parts of Syria, saying: We cannot commit to a no-fly zone unless we are prepared to confront and perhaps shoot down planes or helicopters that violate that zone. We need to think very carefully about the consequences.

The truth is that there is no panacea for ending the war in Syria. The intensity of the violence is too great. There are too many players with divergent interests inside and outside the country to agree to a general ceasefire. This was demonstrated by the failure of the week-long ceasefire negotiated by Russia and the US in September, in what was the most serious attempt to agree a truce in five years of fighting. In the event, it turned out that the Syrian government believes it is winning the war and does not want to stop it. The armed opposition is dominated by Islamic State and Fatah al-Sham, formerly the al-Qaeda affiliate in Syria known as the al-Nusra Front, neither of which were included in the ceasefire and had no reason to abide by it.

It may be that, as super-powers, the US and Russia are not as super as they used to be, in the sense that neither side was able to force its allies to give full support for the ceasefire. It is not clear how far either Moscow or Washington really tried hard to do so. There was always mystery over the real attitude to the ceasefire of Iran, which leads a powerful axis of Shia states and movements in the shape of Iraq and Hezbollah of Lebanon. The Shia in all these countries see the war in Syria as a struggle in which their very existence is at stake and which they have every intention of winning.

If there is going to be another ceasefire in Syria, then Russia and Iran will have to be part of it because they are such important participants in the conflict. Denouncing Russia as a pariah or calling for more sanctions against it may give rhetorical satisfaction to some, but it does nothing to help bring the conflict under control or mitigate the suffering of civilians.

The most immediate priority should be how to save the people of East Aleppo. The UN says half of them want to leave. The UN Special Envoy to Syria, Staffan de Mistura, has bravely offered to accompany them out of the city and suggested they relocate to the rebel-held Idlib province. But there are serious difficulties in arranging this because people in East Aleppo either do not want to go to Idlib or to deliver themselves to the mercies of the Syrian secret police. The extreme Islamists such as Fatah al-Sham do not want to give up East Aleppo tamely. To do so would be to admit that the great Syrian rebellion has failed. Assad is increasing his control of Damascus, where he is eliminating rebel enclaves. If he captures all of Aleppo he will be unassailable, something which may be true already.

'Denouncing Russia as a pariah or calling for more sanctions does nothing to help bring the conflict under control'

The rebels will not want to see themselves driven from their last urban strongholds and confined to the countryside. They have always had an incentive to keep civilians with them as human shields. In some IS-held areas a five-storey apartment block may have three floors where families live, and two of which are occupied by fighters. Inability to distinguish civilians from fighters leads to massive destruction. The Russian and Syrian air forces may be destroying East Aleppo but in Iraq the US-led air coalition largely demolished the city of Ramadi, which had been held by IS. The care taken to avoid civilian casualties may differ from air force to air force, but in general their tactics are similar. The next few months will tell if this is going to happen in Mosul, the one large city that is still held by IS.

It may be that the evacuation of East Aleppo under the auspices of the UN would be seen as handing a victory to Assad. But he is probably going to win there anyway. This is the current trend in the war, with Assad tightening his grip on Damascus, Homs and Aleppo, and becoming more confident by the day. These advances could be reversed by one or more outside powers upping their support for the opposition by supplying them with arms, ammunition and money, but this does not seem to be happening. For now the outcome of the war is being decided on the battlefield and not by diplomacy.

Patrick Cockburns latest book, The Age of Jihad: Islamic State and the Great War for the Middle East (Verso, 20), has just been published.
A symbol of freedom of expression created by artist Ai Weiwei was projected on to five iconic buildings this week as a part of Belarus Free Theatres campaign to liberate political prisoners.

On the same day, Belarus Free Theatre hosted an event at the House of Commons to draw attention to oppression in Ukraine. They are campaigning for the release of film director Oleg Sentsov, who has been sentenced to twenty years in a Russian prison under fabricated charges.

The group asked the British government to put pressure on the Kremlin to release Sentsov and other political prisoners. Pussy Riots Maria Alyokhina and other members of the Belarus Free Theatre company read extracts from their recent show, Burning Doors, as well as extracts from letters from Sentsov. The event was supported by Nobel Laureate for Literature Svetlana Alexievich and British filmmaker Lord Puttnam, and hosted by one of the companys trustees, the MP Mara Miller.

Later that evening, Ai Weiweis symbol was projected on to the National Gallerys Sainsbury Wing, The Fourth Plinth in Trafalgar Square, the Royal Opera House, Sohos Gerrard Street and the Tate Modern.

Natalia Kaliada, Belarus Free Theatres co-founding Artistic Director, alongside Nikolai Khalezin, said that as contemporary artists and human beings we have only one tool: creativity. By making London their canvas for one night, the walls of the city will speak on behalf of those who are silenced, and one of the greatest capitals of the world will stand with us in solidarity with Oleg Sentsov, a Ukrainian film-maker.

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Review at a glance









A l Murray's Pub Landlord suddenly resembles an ale-swilling prophet. His rallying cry of back off Brussels seems to have come true. So where does that leave Murrays career? Does his Europhobic creation still have comedy legs?

Fortunately a keen sense of history stands the Landlords alter ego in good stead for Let's Go Backwards Together. There is less about Brexit than one might have expected but plenty about national identity and our relationship with the past.

But first there is his trademark audience badinage, which last night scaled virtuoso heights. On encountering a graphic designer he produced a typically withering response: what have you drawn today? Later a French polisher was told he was now redundant post-Referendum.

His topics, from Trump to transgender politics to the Middle East (even Jesus couldn't fix it) frequently felt scattershot, but a loose theme of taking this country back to the glory days of 1955 except with power steering held proceedings together.

Arts picks: 10th-16th October 1 /8 Arts picks: 10th-16th October Shopping and F***ing Its not been staged for twenty years and its got a swear word in the title, but will Mark Ravenhills in-yer-face play still have the power to shock? The Lyric Hammersmiths artistic director Sean Holmes is bringing it back to the stage with an exciting young cast, so well see if Ravenhills vision of a 21st century of empty consumerism rings true. If were not too distracted by internet shopping.



October 7 - November 5, Lyric Hammersmith; lyric.co.uk Beyond Caravaggio It doesnt get much better for art lovers this autumn, with the National Gallerys blockbuster new exhibition exploring the influence of Caravaggio on other painters. These gloriously rich paintings are brimful of stories and are a feast for the eyes. Read our review here .



October 12 - January 15, National Gallery; nationalgallery.org.uk Oil Ella Hicksons play about one womans journey through the history of oil promises to be epic, and its the latest in a line of chunky hits of theatre from the Almeida. Anne-Marie Duff stars and Carrie Cracknell directs, so for those reasons alone its not one to miss. Read our interview with Ella Hickson about new writing at the Almeida.



October 7 - November 26, Almeida Theatre; almeida.co.uk Adriaen van de Velde: Dutch Master of Landscape You may not have heard of Van de Velde - this is the first ever exhibition devoted to the painter and draughtsman - but you need to see his work. One art historian compared Van de Veldes work to Mozarts chamber music. The Dulwich Picture Gallery has collaborated with the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam to bring over 60 of his paintings to London, and they are not to be missed.



October 12 - January 15, Dulwich Picture Gallery; dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk The Vulgar: Fashion Redefined Who is up for 500 years of vulgarity? The Barbicans new exhibition traces fashion past and present to try and explore ideas around taste, and make visitors think again about what exactly it means to be vulgar. Including contributions from Prada, Christian Dior and Vivienne Westwood, the show hopes to make visitors realise that excess doesnt have to be offputting, its just about the way you look at it.



October 13 - February 5, Barbican Centre; barbican.org.uk Blue Heart This is the first major revival of a double bill of one act plays by one of our greatest living playwrights. Caryl Churchills Blue Heart comes to the Orange Tree Theatre after an initial run in Bristol, and is another in a long line of exciting shows programmed by the brilliant Richmond venue.



October 13 - November 19, Orange Tree Theatre; orangetreetheatre.co.uk Art Battle Who knew that a paintbrush could be an instrument for partaking in competitive sport? At The Vaults this Saturday you can watch artists paint live, and in battle with one another. Making painting a spectator sport, a group of artists will respond to sound, light and performance art and you can vote for your favourite.



October 15, The Vaults; thevaults.london Soho Rising Soho Rising showcases the best work from Soho Theatres Young Company, so its the place to see the new writing stars of tomorrow taking their very first steps on London stages. Over the course of a week, there are seven shows including comedy, cabaret and theatre, including a show about going blind and a comedy gala to end the season.



October 10 - October 15, Soho Theatre; sohotheatre.com

The undoubted highlight was a breathless countdown of all the immigration waves that have made Britain great stretching beyond the Romans. Blimey. The bigoted bar steward finally embracing multiculturalism?

As he mused himself, confusing times. With Murray at his best funny times too.

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A south London graffiti artist was among 10 chosen from around the world to work on a mural in Washington DC.

Remi Rough, the first UK artist to be invited to take part in the scheme, spent three days transforming the wall of a house in the US capital.

He said: The DC Mural Project was without doubt one of the best gigs Im privileged to have been a part of.

"There were some amazing artists from very diverse backgrounds and parts of the world and the work was all amazing! Its such a privilege also to be the first British artist to have painted there.

The mural comes as part of the District Walls project, which has painted 146 murals across America in the last nine years, who say they hope to "add another dimension to the city" with the work.

Famous art in London 1 /18 Famous art in London The Water-Lily Pond, Claude Monet, 1899 National Gallery, WC2N, nationalgallery.org.uk

This Monet masterpiece, painted in his garden in Giverny where he lived until his death, was painted during the early part of his iconic Water Lily series, before the great painter suffered from cataracts. A Japanese style bridge arches over shimmering greens and pinks, a view Monet painted 17 times in one year alone. The National Gallery, London The Fighting Temeraire tugged to her last berth to be broken up, JMW Turner, 1839 National Gallery, WC2N, nationalgallery.org.uk

Political, but oh-so-beautiful: Turner shows the once-fearsome gun ship Temeraire headed away from the sunset, being tugged by a paddle boat to be broken up, while another tug ominously waits in the lower right hand corner. Turner is evoking a sense of loss, lamenting the decline of Britain's naval power. Messages aside, the painting itself is a gorgeous contrast of styles: details of the ship are finely done, the rigging lightly sketched, the paddles of the boat slicing the water, while the sky is a glorious explosion of colour, thick layers of oil paint, the sun and sky by turns silver and gold, red and purple. In 2005, it was chosen as the nation's favourite painting in a Radio 4 poll. The National Gallery, London Self-Portrait with Two Circles, Rembrandt, c. 1669 Kenwood House, NW3, english-heritage.org.uk

Just look in the eyes for this one: Rembrandt, at the time an old man, showed every ounce of pain and heartbreak he'd endured with the blackness of his pupils, which seems to spill out over his worn-to-grey skin. At the time of painting, he'd lost his wife, three of his children, and his mistress. He sits upright, square-jawed, jaw set defiantly, if a little sourly  it's a long way from his early, energetic, playful self-portraits. Four years later, after the loss of another son, he would by dead, having killed himself. The painting is a large one: give it some time. It's a peculiar experience to stand in front of it and sympathise with a stranger. Kenwood House Sunflowers, Vincent van Gogh, 1888 National Gallery, WC2N, nationalgallery.org.uk

Van Gogh's series of Sunflowers caused an uproar when they were first presented: artist Henry de Groux declared them 'laughable', a remark which saw him only narrowly avoid a fist fight with Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec and Paul Signac. It's said van Gogh was spurred to paint the flowers in order to have new work to impress Paul Gauguin, whom he planned to share a studio with. On a diet of coffee and booze, he painted the first four in just six days. While visiting the Sunflowers, be sure to see his famous Chair; A Wheatfield, with Cypresses; and the magnetic 1899 painting Two Crabs, which sometimes, sadly, goes overlooked. The National Gallery, London Blue Nude II, Henri Matisse, 1952 London Print Studio, W10, londonprintstudio.org.uk

Among his final ever work, Matisse's playful, vibrant cut-outs are a triumph of form. Too ill to paint, Matisse invented a new form with the cut-outs and the later Blue Nude series, as seen here, are deceptive: they seem simple, but the limbs swirl around each other, and Matisse captures something very human in the posture  particularly noticeable here in the slight incline of the neck. Straightforward, but captivating. DACS Venus, Sandro Botticelli, c. 1490 The V&A, Cromwell Rd, SW7, vam.ac.uk

It might not be the famous Birth of Venus, but this piece is as close as one can currently get in London. It contains the same ground-breaking nudity  Christian influence had put a bit of a damper on that for a few centuries beforehand  and again, it's all in the eyes here: the expression could mean one of a thousand things. Afterwards, head to the National to see Venus and Mars, from a few years earlier. Volker-H. Schneider / Gemaldegalerie, SMB / Jorg P. Anders The Skiff (La Yole), Pierre-Auguste Renoir, 1875 National Gallery, WC2N, nationalgallery.org.uk

Some Renoir is looked at a little sniffily  that's what being so successful your work is printed on everything from T-shirts to table mats does to you  but this remains a stunning example of Impressionism, showing off Renoir's famous use of vibrant colour: the orange and blue stand brightly against each other, and while the piece is a picture of calm, Renoir puts motion into the Skiff (La Yole, if you're showing off). The National Gallery, London A Bar at the Folies-Bergere, Edouard Manet, 1882 The Courtauld Gallery, WC2R, courtauld.ac.uk

There is more to this extremely famous painting than it first seems: the picture of an ordinary functioning bar quickly unravels with the questions it asks  why her expression? Who is the man? Is he asking about buying a drink or her? Though it feels lively and offhand, like a night in the bar might be, the piece is thoroughly kitted out with detail, including a well-hidden trapeze artist. It's partly famous as the barmaid's reflection has puzzled onlookers since it was first shown: still, Manet's last major work proved to be a hit, and so it has remained. The Courtauld Gallery The Signing of Peace in the Hall of Mirrors, Versailles, 28th June 1919, William Orpen, 1919 Imperial War Museum, SE1, .iwm.org.uk

William Orpen's piece, commissioned at the then huge cost of 3000, is more notable for its scene than the painting itself, but what a scene: as the title says, it shows the Peace Conference at Versailles in 1919, where the Allies decided the terms of peace following the First World War. In the painting are US president Woodrow Wilson, British Prime Minister David Lloyd George, and many, many soldiers, diplomats and politicians. Spend a while with it: the facial expressions and how much they differ are particularly interesting. The architecture, as Orphen sees it, is vast, leaning over the politicians, making them seem small, insignificant, weak. It's subtle, perhaps, but reveals what the artist thought of them. WM (Art.IWM ART 2856) Self-Portrait with Bandaged Ear, Vincent van Gogh, 1889 The Courtauld Gallery, WC2R, courtauld.ac.uk

The shades of green which run through this piece seem to exaggerate van Gogh's despondency. In this self-portrait, painted shortly after his ear was slashed and he almost bled to death, he sits staring, saying something, while wrapped up as if outdoors in a biting winter. Whether van Gogh slashed himself or it was the result of a fight with Gauguin remains unknown, but the two men never met after the incident again, and van Gogh's pain, insecurity and questioning in this picture is undoubtedly clear. The Courtauld Gallery Two Dancers on a Stage, Edgar Degas, 1874 The Courtauld Gallery, WC2R, courtauld.ac.uk

Degas's dancers are notable for their movement: while ballet is physically demanding, draining, and emotionally consuming, here the pair seem relaxed, joking, as if in rehearsal. That they aren't centre of the painting gives the piece of a feeling of being a spontaneously captured. Not Degas's most famous work, but a beautiful example from a beautiful painting nevertheless. The Courtauld Gallery Jane Austen, Cassandra Austen, c.1810 National Portrait Gallery, WC2H, npg.org.uk

This painting of the famous English novelist was done by her elder sister Cassandra. As the only two girls among eight siblings, the two were extremely close throughout their lifetime and frequently wrote to each other. This incomplete watercolour is thought to be the only known portrait from life of Jane. This does not, however, mean it looks much like her: her family were not convinced by it, although the expression apparently convinced her niece. Still, from 2017, it's the portrait we'll see on 10 notes everywhere. National Portrait Gallery, London An Allegory ('Vision of a Knight'), Raphael, c. 1504 National Gallery, WC2N, nationalgallery.org.uk

Seeing any Raphael is extraordinary, especially as there are far too few in London. It's not entirely clear what this piece means, though some think the sleeping knight is meant to represent the Roman General Scipio Africanus, and the piece is an allegorical painting which has taken influence from the epic poem Punica, by Latin poet Silius Italicus. An example of Renaissance painting, it features the typical faraway long perspective in hues of blue, and fine detail throughout. The National Gallery, London The Ambassadors, Hans Holbein the Younger, 1533 National Gallery, WC2N, nationalgallery.org.uk

Hans Holbein the Younger managed to be a hugely influential figure in art without founding a school, making him something of a rarity. This double portrait might not be as famous as the copy of his lost Henry VIII portrait (head next door to the National Portrait Gallery for that one), but it remains extremely striking, and draws the viewer in with what appears to be a white smudge across the bottom of the canvas: in fact, it is an early example of anamorphosis, and shows a skull, a symbol of death and mortality. While cynics suggest Holbein incorporated it simply to show off his skill (and hence secure future commissions, the canny so-and-so), it forces any audience to engage, to look and consider the work from all angles, and to get a more thorough appreciation for the piece. The National Gallery, London Mont Sainte-Victoire with Large Pine, Paul Cezanne, 1887 The Courtauld Gallery, WC2R, courtauld.ac.uk

Odd to think this series of beautiful, calming landscapes once caused a stir, but it did, if only for its form: unlike the Impressionists, Cezanne outlined his shapes and details, and the piece isn't about hundreds of little details blurred together. The colours are prominent and striking, and the painting feels warm, humid, sunny  something in it acts like a teleporter to south of France. The techniques here and striking lines shows why Cezanne is sometimes remembered for helping usher in Abstract art. The Courtauld Gallery Bathers at Asnieres, Georges Seurat, 1884 National Gallery, WC2N, nationalgallery.org.uk

Famous enough that a bar in Pimlico have a drink dedicated to it. That's how you know you've made it big time. At 2m by 3m, Seurat's painting of young men relaxing by the water is impressively sizeable, and another example of a deceptively simple style: in real life, the painting seems to gleam, shine and wink  an effect achieved by contrasting dots of colour. The water is the best example of it, but the boys hat has dots of blue on the orange, making it stand out, drawing attention to him as he braces himself to swim. The side-on figures draws to mind Egyptian art. The National Gallery, London William Shakespeare, attributed to John Taylor, c. 1600-10 National Portrait Gallery, WC2H, npg.org.uk

The Chandos portrait (named after a former owner) is currently on tour for about a year, but once it's home in the National Portrait Gallery, is well worth seeing. The painting is mystery itself: no-one is certain who actually painted it, and there's even some scepticism over whether it depicts the Bard or not. Nevertheless, it's this portrait which has formed the basis for countless portrayals of Shakespeare in the four hundred years since his death. An icon, not to be missed. National Portrait Gallery, London Queen Elizabeth I, unknown continental artist, c.1575 National Portrait Gallery, WC2H, npg.org.uk



Known as the Darnley portrait, this painting is one of the most important visions of Elizabeth I, and would have been painted from a sitting. Though it has come partly to define how people imagine the Queen, with her pale complexion and withering stare, technical goings-over have revealed the paint has faded, and that she would have had much rosier cheeks when the work was finished, which rather changes how one might see her. National Portrait Gallery, London

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L ondoners whove always dreamt of DJ superstardom can all but guarantee themselves a audience this week, by spinning on public decks which have been set up on Portobello Road.

Inspired by the Play Me Im Yours pianos across London, the decks are free and open for anyone to come along to and have a go at mixing a track.

The site will be running from 11am until 8pm on the corner of Portobello Road and Tavistock Road from today, Wednesday October 12, until Friday October 14. The decks, which are billed as professional quality, will come preloaded with a broad array of tracks and step-by-step instructions for beginners.

For those whose experience is limited to pressing the DJ button on a school keyboard, London duo The Glitter Beats will be on hand to give advice today, with DJ David Beiger lending a hand on Thursday and Friday.

50 free things to do in London 1 /66 50 free things to do in London A Cockroach Tour at the Science Museum Get a bug's eye view of the human race with the Science Museum's Cockroach Tour. Step into their shells (literally) and explore how science and technology are influencing our climate. Every Saturday and Sunday at 2pm and 4pm.



sciencemuseum.org.uk Columbia Road Flower Market Come rain or shine, this East End institution peddles its colourful flora every Sunday from 8am-3ish. You'll get the best bargains as it starts to warm down. Check out the adjacent galleries, coffee shops and boutiques which open up at the weekend too. columbiaroad.info Getty Climb up Big Ben Did you know you can wear yourself out climbing up all 334 steps of Big Ben to hear the Great Bell chime the hour up-close? As well as taking in stunning views across London, you can also explore behind the clock faces. Guided tours only at 9am, 11am and 2pm every Monday-Friday. Book ahead.



parliament.uk Getty In-store gigs at Rough Trade East Brick Lane's independent record shop hosts regular free gigs from the likes of Kendrick Lamar (pictured), Gabrielle Aplin and Foals. Wristbands are given out one hour before kick-off.



roughtrade.com Getty Kerb Street Food Markets Making cities taste better one street food market at a time, Kerb are the ultimate foodie guerillas. Find them at King's Cross (Tuesday-Friday), the Gherkin (Thursday) & UCL (last Wednesday of every month). Feast with London's best traders including Mother Flipper burgers and the Meringue Girls (pictured).



kerbfood.com (Picture: David Loftus) Hackney City Farm Give your kids a dose of the countryside in the concrete jungle at one of London's city farms. Our favourite is Hackney City Farm, which is packed with donkeys, pigs and chickens. Open from 10am4.30pm every day except Monday.



hackneycityfarm.co.uk Play table tennis at PING Tables at Earl's Court hangout PING are free on a first come, first served basis. Don't miss tournament Tuesday. Games of Beer Pong are positively encouraged.



weloveping.com Alfie's Antiques Market A hidden gem full of gems, this Marylebone market is an indoor haven for antiques, vintage, collectables and 20th Century design. Open 10am-6pm Tuesday to Saturday.



alfiesantiques.com Gigs and club nights at the Social This central London bar has been going for 15 years. Theres a great range of weekly club nights with a mixture of resident and guest DJs spinning the tunes from house and disco to funk and hip-hop, plus showcases of some of the best new bands around.



thesocial.com Lunchtime concerts at St-Martin-in-the-Fields Every Monday, Tuesday and Friday at 1pm you can listen to tomorrow's classical music stars, from pianists to choirs, play and sing for free at this beautiful church on the edge of Trafalgar Square. No ticket required. stmartin-in-the-fields.org Nike Training Club You can register for these free womens exercise classes via Facebook around two weeks in advance. Theres yoga, running and general fitness training sessions held in a mixture of indoor and outdoor locations including Clapham Common, Victoria Park and the exercise space in the Nike Town shop.



facebook.com/NikeTrainingClubUK Walk the Tamsin Trail in Richmond Park Walk, run or cycle around the seven mile perimeter of London's largest royal park and try to spot a herd of Red Fallow deer (pictured). Don't worry - there are plenty of tea stops along the way.



royalparks.org.uk Popcorn at Heaven One of London's biggest weekday club nights, Popcorn is one for hedonists who like to dance to house, hip hop and even cheese for seven hours on a Monday night. Just grab a wristband from G-A-Y Bar in Soho for free entry.



popcorn-heaven.com The Queen's House at Greenwich Designed by Inigo Jones in 1616, this Italian Renaissance-style mansion marked a departure from Tudor architecture and houses a fine art collection of maritime paintings. Open Daily 10am-5pm.



rmg.co.uk Guided tours of Tate Modern Tate Modern is spectacular to look at just from the outside (approach from the Millennium Bridge for the best view) and you can also join a free tour lasting 45 minutes and led by in-house experts, at 11am, 12pm, 2pm & 3pm. No booking required unless for a group of more than 10.



tate.org.uk Karaoke at Paradise by Way of Kensal Green Think you've got the X-factor? Hire the private karaoke room (which takes up to 25 guests) for no fee every Monday and Tuesday. Boy George (pictured) has had a go. There's even a button to press to order booze. Call 020 8969 0098 to book.



theparadise.co.uk Friday Night Skate Can you hold your own on rollerskates? Join a marshalled street skate (bladers welcome) which meets at Wellington Arch in Hyde Park at 8pm every Friday. Weather dependent.



lfns.co.uk Evensong at Westminster Abbey Westminster Abbey is always open to those who wish to worship. Come for the evensong service to hear the dulcet tones of the Abbey choir. Every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday at 5pm or Saturday & Sunday at 3pm.



westminster-abbey.org Meditate at Inner Space Those who need some respite from the grind of life can drop in to Inner Space for free lunchtime and evening meditation and positive thinking classes.



innerspace.org.uk Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace Everyone should watch the Queen's Guardsmen in action at least once in their life. The changing of the guard takes place at 11.30am on odd days (2, 4, 6 etc) throughout the month.



royal.gov.uk Ain't Nothing But The Blues Bar This Soho stalwart claims to serve up the best blues on this side of the pond seven nights a week. From Sunday to Thursday, entry is free all sweet night long and it's free before 8.30pm on Friday and Saturday.



aintnothingbut.co.uk Watch a trial at the Old Bailey Anyone can attend the public galleries of London's premier criminal court the Old Bailey to watch trials in session. Be warned, you can't take in bags, cameras or mobile phones and there's no cloakroom. Open Monday to Friday, 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm.



cityoflondon.gov.uk Rex Features New Act Night at the Comedy Cafe Theatre Forget big arenas and ticket prices to match, this night in Shoreditch is where many a comedy star, including Jimmy Carr and Mickey Flanagan, cut their teeth. Every Wednesday at 7.45pm.



comedycafetheatre.co.uk Natural History Museum Volcanoes, dinosaurs and a full-sized blue whale skeleton are just some of the wonders of the Natural History Museum.



nhm.ac.uk NHM The Curve Gallery at the Barbican Centre The Curve is always hosting exciting installations that carry no charge but might come with queues, such as Random International's Rain Room (pictured).



barbican.org.uk Gigs at Birthdays This mini bar/club has staged many a free gig, including an impromptu one from Bloc Party (pictured) that prompted massive queues. Make sure you refuel upstairs first.



birthdaysdalston.com Ceremony of the Keys This 700-year-old ceremony is the nightly locking up of the Tower gates. Its a popular event and for dates in 2014 youll need to apply in writing, but online bookings are being taken for January 2015 onwards.



hrp.org.uk Piano recitals at Bar Nightjar Recently voted the world's second best bar for its stupendous cocktails, this Old Street speakeasy also does a fine line in live music. Most nights there's a charge, but entrance to Piano Tuesdays is on the house.



barnightjar.com Whitechapel Gallery Around since 1901, the Whitechapel Gallery can be counted on for pioneering new talent in contemporary art - think Rothko and Frieda Kahlo. The best part? Admission to exhibitions is free.



whitechapelgallery.org Turner Collection at Tate Britain The Clore Gallery at Tate Britain boasts the world's largest collection of Turner paintings. Over 300 oil paintings, sketches and watercolours chart his development from boyhood to mature master and elevator of landscape art.



tate.org.uk Turner, Joseph Mallord William 1775-1851, Norham Castle, Sunrise c.1845 (Tate) Portobello Road Antiques Market Yes you will have to wade through SLR-wielding tourists, but wandering up the two-mile Portobello Road is still a good day out: roam antiques stalls, stock up on bargain bowls of fruit and veg, and explore the fashion market. Open every Saturday from 9am-10am.



portobellomarket.org Rex Features Backpacks, trails & workshops at the V&A Borrow a backpack for your mini art fiends (suitable for 5-12 years) and embark on hands-on activities, jigsaws, stories, puzzles and games to be enjoyed in and around the V&A. No need to book, available every day from the Sackler Centre.



vam.ac.uk Victoria and Albert Museum, London Mediatheque at BFI Southbank Like old movies? The BFI has a ready-to-watch archive of nearly 3000 films and TV series. Simply log on at a viewing station and get reacquainted with old classics from London Town (pictured) to Ab Fab.



bfi.org.uk Courtesy of BFI Mediatheque The Alibi Dalston hotspot The Alibi is always free entry. Don't miss the dive bar's film (Monday) and karaoke (Tuesday) nights .



thealibilondon.co.uk Lunchtime recitals at The Royal Opera House The ROH holds regular lunchtime recitals where you can catch rising orchestral and choral stars. Seats can be reserved online nine days before the concert and always go fast. They also run free backstage tours for nosey parkers.



roh.org.uk Peter Mackertich courtesy of the Royal Opera House Good gym 'Do good, get fit' is the mantra at play here. Join this group of runners and and you'll be sent on community-helping missions such as visiting the elderly. Everyone wins.



goodgym.org Angel Comedy On most Saturday nights the likes of Tony Law (pictured) will tickle your ribs for free from 8pm.



angelcomedy.co.uk The Wellcome Collection One for curious cats, this free gallery is all about medicine, life and art through the ages. Make the most of the library, cafe and temporary collections such as Death: A Self-Portrait (pictured). Don't miss their uber-popular Thursday night events.



wellcomecollection.org Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Lunchtime music at the Royal Festival Hall Find a seat in the Clore Ballroom and simply listen. You'll be treated to jazz, folk and world music from rising stars and established ensembles. Every Friday



southbankcentre.co.uk Parliament Hill The view from here is one you need to see and will revive even the most world-weary Londoner, especially on a clear day. And there's a lido nearby for brave swimmers.



cityoflondon.gov.uk The Wallace Collection A treasure trove in a historic townhouse setting, the Wallace Collection allows you to gawp at old masters, vintage armour, porcelain and furniture. Open to art buffs seven days a week, 10am-5pm.



wallacecollection.org Be in the BBC audience Get your 15 minutes of fame and apply for tickets to be in the audience of a BBC TV show. These guys are entranced by Question Time...



bbc.co.uk Friday nights at Catch Every Friday is free at this Kingsland Road bar and club. Expect anything from live bands to Nineties dance, indie and hip hop.



thecatchbar.com Speakers' Corner Speeches and debates have been taking place at the north-east end of Hyde Park since the 1800s. Stop by to hear wide-ranging views on a huge variety of topics. Or why not rock up and give a speech yourself?



royalparks.org.uk



Pic: Alex Lentati British Museum Not only is it a rather stunning piece of architecture, the British Museum is also an archive of fantastic art and artefacts from all over the world, including the Rosetta Stone and Elgin Marbles. Find anything from African textiles to a virtual autopsy of an Egyptian mummy. Open daily 10am-5pm.



britishmuseum.org Trustees of the British Museum Borough Market Rain or shine, Borough Market is a great place to refuel after a walk down the river, with hog roasts, lamb burgers and many other culinary delights. A real London institution. Full market open Wednesday-Saturday.



boroughmarket.com Lectures at LSE LSE puts on regular public lectures and everyone is welcome. Expect star speakers - past guests include Kofi Annan (pictured), Bill Clinton and Mervyn King.



lse.ac.uk  LSE / Nigel Stead Broadway Market Sandwiched between London Fields and the Regent's Canal, this old Hackney market is now a hipster hunting ground. Get on your fixie and munch on the trendiest galettes, store up on fresh veg and have a mooch around the vintage clothes stalls. It's easy to while away a day at the cafes which spill on to Broadway. Open on Saturdays 9am-5pm.



broadwaymarlet.co.uk Eric Huang Flickr CC World music and exhibitions at Rich Mix East London's premier cultural centre, Rich Mix hosts open mic spoken word nights, exhibitions, acoustic music (with free cake!) in its bar.



richmix.org.uk Museum of London 450,000 years of London history are on display in the permanent galleries at the museums City and Docklands locations and you can even browse a number of collections online.



museumoflondon.org.uk

Blind Pig Cider are behind the publicity stunt. Emma Sherwood Smith, of the brand, said: As most will know, the world of DJing is beset with rules  such as dont approach the DJ or make requests, and absolutely never touch the hardware But were actively asking people to do exactly that. We want to hear them mixing tracks you may not expect to hear together and prove you can love music and still not take yourself too seriously.

The event will be followed by a DJ night on Saturday October 15.

Follow David Ellis on Twitter @dvh_ellis

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A new food market housing 17 food stalls, a cooking academy and four bars is heading to Shoreditch.

The site, which will also feature one shop and an art gallery, will open at 106 Commercial Street during the second half of 2017, at an estimated 19,250 sq ft.

Time Out, the group behind the popular magazine and website, is behind the market.

It will follow the success of a similar ongoing project in Lisbon, which began in 2014 and attracts around two million visitors a year. Time Out announced last week it would be opening a similar project in Sao Bento train station in Porto, Portugal, and had plans for New York.

Chief executive Julio Bruno said: "This is not only one of the world's most vibrant and exciting cities, but also the birthplace of our iconic brand. Opening a Time Out Market here is an incredible milestone for our brand and our growth strategy."

The London market comes as the Time Out group continues its expansion, following a junior stock market flotation this summer. Time Out began as a London listings magazine in 1968.

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T he team behind The Clove Club have announced plans to launch a second London site, with a focus on Italian cooking.

The Shoreditch restaurant, which has a Michelin star and was ranked 26th best in the world at the Worlds 50 Best awards, will be joined by Luca, which is due to open on St John Street in Clerkenwell this November.

It is described as serving British seasonal ingredients through an Italian lense and will offer a large selection of pasta alongside cured meats, cheeses and antipasti.

Mains such as rump of beef stuffed with pancetta with rainbow chard; lamb chops, rosemary breadcrumbs and crushed vegetables; and fritto misto of Cornish fish and seafood will also feature.

Pasta: Tortelloni in warm pheasant broth

The new restaurant will be led by chef-owner Isaac McHale along with head chef Robert Chambers, who has been head chef at the Royal Automobile Club on Pall Mall for the past five years and has also worked at The Ledbury, The Square and Locanda Locatelli. The Clove Club co-owner Johnny Smith will move to the new site to run the front-of-house along with general manager Jennifer Brown.

It will serve lunch and dinner from Monday to Saturday and long lunches, from midday to 5pm on Sundays.

Bar snack: Taggiasche olives and salted gooseberries

There will also be a separate bar area serving small plates, salads and sandwiches all day long.

Snacks here will include Taggiasche olives and salted gooseberries, spiced baked chickpeas and gnocco fritto, and as of the new year, it will also offer breakfast.

Visit standard.co.uk/restaurants for the latest news and reviews from Londons food scene.

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W hen the Michelin guide came out this month, there were two significant London additions to the usual roster of Mayfair palaces. Pidgin and Ellory are both on the edges of London Fields: tiny, side-street Zone 2 joints, accessible only by Overground  a long way from the conversation-disrupting theatrics, white tablecloths and endless tasting menus that West End restaurants use to justify you dropping 100 a head before booze.

Awarding Michelin stars to Pidgin and Ellory marks a geographic shift in Londons fine-dining scene. When setting up a first restaurant, exorbitant rents make Zone 1 a no-go zone for young chefs and restaurateurs; even those with Michelin pedigree (Pidgins current head chef, Dan Graham, is ex-Heston Blumenthals Dinner and ex-LAutre Pied). Instead theyre heading out to the sticks of Zones 2 and 3, giving new life to the neighbourhood restaurant. Theres Bombetta in Snaresbrook, getting rave reviews for its Puglian menu, and Perilla, opening in Newington Green in early November. Meanwhile, established West End restaurateurs such as Chris Corbin and Jeremy King have expanded into Islington with Bellanger, while Sam and Sam Clark chose Hackney for the second branch of Morito  with a superb brunch menu to serve their neighbours hangover cravings.

Cheaper and friendlier than Mayfair, these places are serving food that should have the Ramsays and Wareings of the West End quaking in their Crocs.

Pidgin co-founder James Ramsden initially had doubts about setting up his restaurant in E8. Wed originally been pretty wedded to being central and having a bit of lunch trade, and were wary of the area, not least the polite warnings about the lack of said trade. A year on its proved to be a spectacular, critically adored success  partly due to the expectations that come with the location. We quite adamantly dont pour guests water or wine, or have uniforms, or do any of the things a restaurant putting out the level of food we do might find themselves expected to do on Berkeley Square, they say. When, despite this, dishes turn out brilliant  think scallop with scallop roe dashi, pigs ear, chanterelle and pine  customers are enthralled.

London restaurants with 2 and 3 Michelin stars 1 /16 London restaurants with 2 and 3 Michelin stars The Araki, Mayfair ** 3 Michelin stars Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, Chelsea *** 3 Michelin stars Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, Mayfair *** 3 Michelin stars Claude Bosi at Bibendum, Chelsea ** 2 Michelin stars Patricia Niven Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, Knightsbridge, London ** 2 Michelin stars Le Gavroche, Mayfair ** 2 Michelin stars Greenhouse, Mayfair ** 2 Michelin stars Helene Darroze at The Connaught, Mayfair ** 2 Michelin stars The Ledbury, Notting Hill ** 2 Michelin stars Marcus, Belgravia ** 2 Michelin stars Sketch (The Lecture Room & Library), Mayfair ** 2 Michelin stars Umu, Mayfair ** 2 Michelin stars

The bonus of Zone 2 restaurants for selfie-stick-sick Londoners, says David Gingell, chef at Primeur in Highbury, is that they tend not to get too many tourists.

Rather than claw his way into oversubscribed Soho, Gingell, who was formerly with the multi-Michelin winning Galvin brothers, chose Zone 2 for his restaurant, for the simple reason that there were not many good restaurants around. Luckily for millennials forced to rent shoeboxes ever further afield, chefs such as Gingell and Perilla head chef Ben Marks  ex-Noma, ex-The Square  are swiftly arriving to provide solace. Marks says N4 was a no-brainer when it came to choosing a site. It has a real sense of tranquility, he says. Being a residential area there is far more of a family vibe and also a real vibrant young scene going on.

Despite this, location naturally makes reputation-building harder. Lee Glen, ex-Capital and ex-Four Seasons, opened Darkhorse in East Village, Stratford, this year  an area which is still quite young development-wise, and we do not have the luxury of a volume of passing trade. While many West End restaurants can rely on accidental, spontaneous customers, ensuring repeat customers means maintaining consistency for Glen and his fellow neighbourhood restaurants, from P. Franco in Clapton (Tim Spedding, formerly Clove Club) to Salon in Brixton (Nicholas Balfe, who did time with Michelin-starred chefs James Lowe and Isaac McHale).

Fundamentally, though, the shift to the sticks is a financial move  out in the zones you can get a lot more for your money. With a slightly more affordable rent you can spend the money where it counts, Gingell enthuses. Like on great ingredients. We can buy super-fresh day boat fish from Cornwall, game from Yorkshire, foraged mushrooms, the best veg on the market. And sell it for a fraction of the price you would expect in the West End.

Thats why mains invariably cost well under 20 at Primeur and Ellory, why Pidgin can serve four superb courses for a 40 set meal or Salon a seven-course extended menu for 33. The food at such places better and far cheaper than many a white tableclothed zone 1 place  and you dont have to be an oligarch to have it on your doorstep.

Visit standard.co.uk/restaurants for the latest news and reviews from Londons food scene.

@franklymccoy

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A 960-seat theatre has been built in only seven weeks to host the eagerly awaited David Bowie musical Lazarus.

Producer Robert Fox turned down several West End venues before teaming up with the Kings Cross Theatre to build a pop-up stage on a patch of land near Kings Cross station which will eventually become home to Googles new HQ.

The site, which has three theatres, has been home to The Railway Children for almost two years. It shares a venue with US musical In The Heights, while the Donmar Warehouses new Shakespeare season has taken on another theatre.

Mr Fox said: When I started to think about producing Lazarus in London, I knew that I wanted to find a venue that was not a conventional West End theatre, as Lazarus is not a conventional West End musical.

Once I saw the fantastic space that was built at Kings Cross for The Railway Children and heard that we could have a similar space built for Lazarus it seemed like the perfect solution. Also, to be part of a theatre complex that includes a new building for the Donmar season of Shakespeare is a very exciting prospect. The set for the show, which stars Dexter actor Michael C Hall as an alien trapped on Earth, is being installed this week.

Producer Oliver Royds, who runs the theatre with Tristan Baker, said it was fitting to have an unconventional venue for the show, co-written by Bowie. The musical had a limited run in Manhattan, opening last December  a month before Bowies death.

Royds said: I think Robert could have had his pick of theatres, but he felt he should try and do something different and I think Bowie would have approved of that. Every record he did was different from the last.

Lazarus is at the Kings Cross Theatre from October 25 to January 22

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T he Royal Court is giving audience members the chance to be a part of the cast of a lifetime for their 60th anniversary celebrations.

A gala fundraiser taking place on November 2 will offer six people the chance to watch the performance on the stage itself. VIP ticket holders for The Bash will also get the chance to sit in on rehearsals for the gala performance, as well as being treated to a champagne reception and cocktail party on the night of the performance.

The line-up for the performance is a cast of theatre royalty, including Lesley Manville, Maxine Peake, Kenneth Cranham, Andrew Scott, Stephen Rea, Lesley Sharp, Meera Syal and Zawe Ashton.

The Royal Court, which is has historically been recognised as the UKs most important new writing theatre, needs to raise 1.7million per year through private donations. The money raised at The Bash will go towards continuing their work for the next sixty years.

Arts picks: 10th-16th October 1 /8 Arts picks: 10th-16th October Shopping and F***ing Its not been staged for twenty years and its got a swear word in the title, but will Mark Ravenhills in-yer-face play still have the power to shock? The Lyric Hammersmiths artistic director Sean Holmes is bringing it back to the stage with an exciting young cast, so well see if Ravenhills vision of a 21st century of empty consumerism rings true. If were not too distracted by internet shopping.



October 7 - November 5, Lyric Hammersmith; lyric.co.uk Beyond Caravaggio It doesnt get much better for art lovers this autumn, with the National Gallerys blockbuster new exhibition exploring the influence of Caravaggio on other painters. These gloriously rich paintings are brimful of stories and are a feast for the eyes. Read our review here .



October 12 - January 15, National Gallery; nationalgallery.org.uk Oil Ella Hicksons play about one womans journey through the history of oil promises to be epic, and its the latest in a line of chunky hits of theatre from the Almeida. Anne-Marie Duff stars and Carrie Cracknell directs, so for those reasons alone its not one to miss. Read our interview with Ella Hickson about new writing at the Almeida.



October 7 - November 26, Almeida Theatre; almeida.co.uk Adriaen van de Velde: Dutch Master of Landscape You may not have heard of Van de Velde - this is the first ever exhibition devoted to the painter and draughtsman - but you need to see his work. One art historian compared Van de Veldes work to Mozarts chamber music. The Dulwich Picture Gallery has collaborated with the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam to bring over 60 of his paintings to London, and they are not to be missed.



October 12 - January 15, Dulwich Picture Gallery; dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk The Vulgar: Fashion Redefined Who is up for 500 years of vulgarity? The Barbicans new exhibition traces fashion past and present to try and explore ideas around taste, and make visitors think again about what exactly it means to be vulgar. Including contributions from Prada, Christian Dior and Vivienne Westwood, the show hopes to make visitors realise that excess doesnt have to be offputting, its just about the way you look at it.



October 13 - February 5, Barbican Centre; barbican.org.uk Blue Heart This is the first major revival of a double bill of one act plays by one of our greatest living playwrights. Caryl Churchills Blue Heart comes to the Orange Tree Theatre after an initial run in Bristol, and is another in a long line of exciting shows programmed by the brilliant Richmond venue.



October 13 - November 19, Orange Tree Theatre; orangetreetheatre.co.uk Art Battle Who knew that a paintbrush could be an instrument for partaking in competitive sport? At The Vaults this Saturday you can watch artists paint live, and in battle with one another. Making painting a spectator sport, a group of artists will respond to sound, light and performance art and you can vote for your favourite.



October 15, The Vaults; thevaults.london Soho Rising Soho Rising showcases the best work from Soho Theatres Young Company, so its the place to see the new writing stars of tomorrow taking their very first steps on London stages. Over the course of a week, there are seven shows including comedy, cabaret and theatre, including a show about going blind and a comedy gala to end the season.



October 10 - October 15, Soho Theatre; sohotheatre.com

There will also be an online auction before the event, with a number of unforgettable experiences up for grabs. These include a one to one acting class with Maxine Peake, an exclusive Harry Potter and the Cursed Child experience with director John Tiffany, a day on the set of Abi Morgans new TV drama The Split, dinner with Stephen Mangan and Tamsin Grieg, a playwriting masterclass with Simon Stephens, and a day at London Fashion Week with the Vivienne Westwood Team.

The Bash takes place on November 2, with tickets starting at 100; royalcourttheatre.com

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I t has been a delicious year for musical theatre in the capital. From the very biggest venues and stars  Glenn Close at the 2,300-seater Coliseum, for example  to the smallest fringe spaces such as the recently rehoused Union Theatre, the musical genre has shown an unstoppable vitality and booming audience numbers.

All of which makes it a particular pleasure for us to announce that the voting is now open for this years Evening Standard Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical, the winner of which will be decided by you, the readers, listeners and theatre-lovers. The competition was launched this weekend on the much-loved Elaine Paige on Sunday show and voting will close at the end of the same programme on Sunday, October 23. You can cast your vote now at bbc.co.uk/radio2.

A shortlist of six has been drawn up by the Evening Standard advisory judging panel, joined for this category by Radio 2s Lewis Carnie. Let us remind you of the many merits of the six shows, an enticing mix of brand-new shows and revivals of classics of the art form. Let tuneful battle commence

Funny Girl

Menier Chocolate Factory, SE1, and Savoy, WC2

Sheridan Smith in Funny Girl / Johan Persson

Whats it all about? A fresh new outing for the show that catapulted Barbra Streisand into the big time.

Why is it a winner? It was always going to require a special sort of performer to take on the cherished memories of Streisand as Brooklyn-born Broadway revue star Fanny Brice. Delightfully for London, Sheridan Smith proved herself to be just the woman for the role, with its potent blend of professional success and personal vulnerability. In my review I praised the skill and heart with which Smith soars her way through the sad songs and makes us laugh, a lot, through the comedy numbers of the Ziegfeld Follies.

Michael Mayers classy production was memorably set in the wistful surrounds of an actual theatre, with rows of burnished mirrors endlessly reflecting Fanny back at herself but never quite in the image she wanted to see.

Groundhog Day

The Old Vic, SE1

Andy Karl in Groundhog Day (Manuel Harlan) / MANUEL HARLAN

Whats it all about? A playful stage incarnation for the enduringly popular Bill Murray modern classic film about doing it all again  and again  until we finally get it right.

Why is it a winner? Music writer Tim Minchin and director Matthew Warchus collaborated on the worldwide success story that is Matilda the Musical and theyre back at the top of their respective games here in Punxsutawney, where it is perpetually February 2 and TV weather reporter Phil Connors (Andy Karl) is getting very cross. Minchin has come up with a beguiling blend of musical numbers and Warchus riffs fruitfully on the idea of repetition, failure and ultimate redemption. In his five-star review, Henry Hitchings concluded that this is a profound musical but it wears its profundity lightly. Broadway now beckons for the show after an all-too-brief sojourn here in London.

Guys and Dolls

Savoy, WC2, and Phoenix, WC2

Rebel Wilson in Guys and Dolls / Johan Persson

Whats it all about? Quite possibly the best-loved Broadway musical of all time, in a delightful new production full of exciting cast changes.

Why is it a winner? Frank Loessers Guys and Dolls has been a winner ever since its 1950 premiere and Gordon Greenbergs lovely re-imagining, which originated at Chichester Festival Theatre, breathed fresh life  as well as some very nimble choreography  into this memorable line-up of Broadway hoodlums, inspired by the short stories of Damon Runyon. Appealing actors featured in every new cast change: there was Jamie Parker, currently onstage as Harry Potter, as high-stakes gambler Sky Masterson, and double Olivier Award-winner Samantha Spiro and then film star Rebel Wilson as Miss Adelaide, the well-known fiancee. The songs, prime among them Sit Down, Youre Rockin the Boat, reminded us once again why generations of fans have been humming along for more than 60 years. I concluded my five-star review by declaring: This show is tingle-down-the-arms good.

Jesus Christ Superstar

Regents Park Open Air Theatre, NW1

Declan Bennett in Jesus Christ Superstar / Johan Persson

Whats it all about? An audacious re-imagining of the classic Tim Rice/Andrew Lloyd Webber rock opera, which began life in 1970 as a concept album.

Why is it a winner? Above all because of Timothy Sheaders inspired production, which brought fresh impetus to this story of the final week in Jesuss life and his all-too-human clashes with Judas. In my review I praised the fact that Sheader offers some of the most stylish direction Ive seen all year, sculpting each segment into something distinct and vivid and compelling. The always magnificent surrounds of Regents Park, descending slowly but magisterially into darkness, only added to the shimmering atmosphere as Jesuss day of destiny drew ever closer.

Our Ladies of Perpetual Succour

National Theatres Dorfman, SE1

The cast of Our Ladies / Manuel Harlan

Whats it all about? A raucous blast of energy from a group of irrepressible Scottish schoolgirls on the rampage in Edinburgh.

Why is it a winner? What an inspired idea it was for Lee Billy Elliot Hall to adapt Alan Warners fine 1998 novel The Sopranos into a musical play, and then for Royal Court artistic director Vicky Featherstone to shepherd it lovingly onto the stage. Six highly tuneful teenagers from the titular convent school, hormones a-popping, are headed for a schools choir competition in Edinburgh, but first there is the alluring prospect of free time in the Scottish capital. Lovely singing, sometimes a cappella, sometimes backed by a fine all-female onstage band, punctuated the action with music ranging enticingly from Mendelssohn and Bartok to Jeff Lynnes Mr Blue Sky. In his review, Henry Hitchings called it big-hearted and enjoyably coarse this is a fearless portrait of adolescence, fuelled by songs and sambuca.

Sunset Boulevard

Coliseum, WC2

Glenn Close in Sunset Boulevard / Richard Hubert Smith

Whats it all about? Glenn Close. Singing. Wonderfully.

Why it is a winner? Glenn Close. Singing. Wonderfully. The American star, making her long overdue West End debut, displayed admirable command of this large and challenging venue as the manipulative, faded star of the silent film era, Norma Desmond, in Lonny Prices elegant, semi-staged revival of Andrew Lloyd Webbers thoughtful take on the Billy Wilder classic. She was terrifically well supported by Michael Xavier as struggling screenwriter Joe Gillis, who soon becomes her conflicted and highly compromised younger lover. In his review, Henry Hitchings called Close majestic, tormented and teasingly seductive and concluded that this revival was a mighty vehicle for a mesmerising star. The show was on for all too short a run but memories of Close preparing for that definitive final close-up will linger long.

Choose your favourite show for the Evening Standard Radio 2 Audience Award for Best Musical at bbc.co.uk/radio2

Voting closes at 11.59pm on October 23. The winner will be announced live at the 62nd Evening Standard Theatre Awards on November 13 at the Old Vic. Elaine Paige and Ken Bruce will broadcast live from backstage at the ceremony on Radio 2 from 9pm-11pm. For more information on the awards, go to standard.co.uk/ESTA2016

#ESTheatreAwards
L isbon might be the undeniable rising star of 2016's European mini break scene, but Portugal's second city, Porto, is hot on its heels. So if youve already ticked off a weekend of tram riding, bar hopping and pasteis de nata scoffing in its capital, then Porto should be next on your list.

Small and compact with direct flights from London, its ideal for 48 hours of great food, great wine and port and culture - not to mention the stunning location for music festival Primavera Sound every June.

The lowdown:

Three hours by car up the coast from Lisbon, youll find the laid-back, charmingly lost in time city of Porto. It sits astride the River Douro and is the gateway to Portugals port-producing Douro Valley, hence the name.

Despite being a city that is aesthetically defined by its past  its medieval heart, cute cobbled streets and endless Baroque churches  Porto has an undeniably youthful buzz about it, making it ideal minibreak fodder for fun-loving Londoners.

Its not a grand European city packed with cathedrals and squares, but youll doubtless be charmed by its low-key beauty and old-school vibe  especially once youve had a glass of two of its fine wines.

Boutique hotels are springing up and Time Out has announced a new market project opening in 2017, which will doubtless put Porto further on the map.

What is there to do:

This is a city ripe for wandering and exploring, weaving your way through neighbourhoods that are like stepping back in time. Make time for the waterfront district of Ribeira, Porto's UNESCO-listed centre with its multi-coloured houses and traditional port-carrying rabelo boats bobbing nearby. All over Porto you'll find gleaming Baroque churches worth poppig into, and beautiful examples of Art Deco architecture manifest in everything from cinemas to factories.

Golden Baroque beauty: Carmelitas Church / Alessandro Grussu/Flickr

It's also know for its grand bridges, the most notable of which is Dom Luis, a double decker metal beast designed by Gustave Eiffel himself.

Portuguese tile enthusiasts will want to pop into Sao Bento Railway station, which is decorated in a highly Instagrammable collection of 20,000 tiles. It's also the site for Time Out's new food market, which will be a cool curation of restaurants, bars, shops, cafes and galleries.

Tile heave: Sao Bento Railway station / Shutterstock

For the best view in town, climb the Clerigos tower  it looks over the citys red roofs and hills like no other vantage spot.

You cant visit Porto without doing some port  and wine  tasting. Head to Taylor's, one of the most renowned cellars for a tour and fun tasting session.

Clerigos Tower / Shutterstock

In the daytime, foodies should head to Mercado do Bolhao, a food market where you must try local favourite Francesinha  a delicious sandwich made with cured ham, fresh sausage or steak and covered with melted cheese and a thick tomato and beer sauce. Sounds like quite the hangover cure, doesnt it? Then take a river boat tour up the Douro or stop in at Clerigos Flea Market, a veritable treasure trove for antique lovers.

Mercado do Bolhao / Shutterstock / Alvaro German Vilela

At night, Porto's thriving bar scene comes alive with hidden jazz joints and fado music. Music fans should book ahead for June to catch the latest instalment of festival

Port tasting in Porto / Emily Jackson/Flickr

In sunnier months you can hit the beach easily too, just ask a local which tram goes to Foz, and youll be rewarded with golden sand and Atlantic waves.

Where should I stay:

For a design-conscious boutique option, Rosa Et Al is just the place. Located on the increasinly hip Rua do Rosario neighbourhood and surrounded by galleries and concept stores, this contemporary townhouse hotel has just seven rooms - all light with wooden floors and claw-footed baths. Breakfast here is a highlight, plus there are weekly cooking classes, a concept store and a coffee shop - and they can organise bike tours for you.

A bedroom at the stylish Rosa et Al hotel in Porto

For a luxurious stay, the current favourite is the immaculate Yeatman, which spreads languorously down a hill on the Gaia side of the River Douro and has a spa and the citys only Michelin-starred restaurant. Rooms are also individually designed by different wine producers from the region, showing how important it is to Porto's heritage.

If you're on more of a budget or staying with a group of friends, check out Airbnb options to live more like a local.

How much does it cost?

Like Lisbon, Porto is cheap, cheap, cheap. A local beer costs 1.50 euro and a coffee can cost as little as 70 cents. Flights to Porto from London start from 30 return.

When should I visit:

Summer will offer a fiesta vibe and surfing opportunities, but autumn is particularly lovely. Temperatures stay decent until early December.

You should go here if:

Youre on the hunt for a different style of European city break. Or you could combine a weekend here with exploring the beautiful Douro valley and more wine tasting.

Follow Kate on Twitter @kate_lough and Instagram @kateloughtravel
P olice in riot gear stormed a north London pub following a "swatting attack" in which it was claimed a woman was being held hostage at gunpoint.

Shocked customers watched on as around 20 officers, some carrying automatic assault rifles, swooped on The New Inn near Regents Park seeking the landlord, who was asleep in his flat upstairs.

Nick Tyrie, 42, today told how he was awoken by armed police shouting his name and banging on his bedroom door.

Mr Tyrie believes the 999 call which triggered the terrifying hoax may have been made by a disgruntled viewer of Channel 4 reality show Four In A Bed, in which B&B owners visit each others properties and critique their stay.

A repeat of an episode featuring his St Johns Wood pub had been broadcast a few days earlier.

Rude awakening: Nick Tyrie and his partner Kitti Gulyas / Nigel Howard

Mr Tyrie, who trained at The Savoy, told the Standard: I opened the door and they had all the kit to batter it down. Their guns were all aimed at me. They were big guns, like assassin rifles. They were all in position on my staircase.

There were eight armed police in my flat but there were about 14 more involved downstairs.

They realised from the look on my face they had been called out on a hoax. They were really nice chaps when they realised I wasnt a threat.

Im fine now but I was raided in my own home  Im a law-abiding citizen. It was pretty horrific. All my customers were waiting to see who would be carted out in handcuffs.

CCTV captured the moment officers swooped on the gastropub and hotel in Allitsen Road shortly before 1pm on Thursday.

'Swatting' is a bogus 999 call that results in police, firefighters or paramedics making an emergency dash to someone's property.

Mr Tyrie added: What I gathered from police was they were called to about someone being held hostage in my apartment at gunpoint. The only gun I have is a water pistol for when my dog barks.

I was alone. There was no hostage  just me and a TV.

Police raid: Officers stormed the New Inn, St John's Wood / Nigel Howard

He said: Its a huge waste of police time and taxpayers money. They are timewasters and sending out armed police puts peoples lives at risk. Whoever it is is a sad person.

I do feel angry people have time to waste sending out resources that are stretched already. We have terror threats going on but someone has the gall to waste police time and cause someone upset.

Four In A Bed contestant Jennifer McGirr, 61, believes she was targeted after referring to Blackpool B&Bs as grim on the show last year. Her hotel windows were smashed in and she received a stream of intimidating phonecalls.

Last summer, Mumsnet founder Justine Roberts Islington home was surrounded by armed officers after a hoax caller reported she had been murdered and her four children taken hostage by gunmen.

A Met spokesman said: Police in Westminster received a call at 11.23am on Thursday from a man stating he was in possession of a firearm and holding a woman against her will at a hotel in Allitsen Road.

Officers, including firearms officers, attended the venue and completed a search of the premises. No persons were located and no offences were established.

Work was undertaken to try and trace the caller but this yielded no results.
A man has been arrested after he and a woman were found stabbed in a south London street.

Witnesses reported seeing police with guns and ambulances as the busy Queenstown Road in Battersea was shut after a knife attack tonight.

The Met Police said they were called at just before 6pm to the top of the street, by Battersea Park Road.

Officers said they found a woman with lacerations to her arm and a man who also had cuts to his hand.

Police: The attack happened near the junction with Battersea Park Road.

Ambulances rushed the woman to hospital as police arrested the man. He is also being taken to hospital for treatment for his injury.

Two cars were also seen to have crashed in an accident at the junction, including a 4x4 which had its windows smashed. Eyewitnesses who were working near to the scene say the woman was stabbed after she abandoned her car, but police have not confirmed these reports.

Crash: Two cars looked like they had collided at the scene of the incident. / @EJWrites1

Witness EJ Ward told the Standard he could see armed officers and six police cars at the junction. The road was cordoned off and police were also seen taping off another area inside the cordon.

Others on social media described "madness" as they saw police with guns and ambulances.

A Met spokeswoman said they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and said: "We believe the two are known to one another."

Transport for London said Queenstown Road has been closed to traffic between Battersea Park Road and Silverthorne Road.
A British public relations executive arrested in Kenya on suspicion of helping extremist group Al-Shabaab was due to be released today after an embarrassing blunder by police.

Tom James, 32, who works for global communications agency M&C Saatchi, was detained by police yesterday after armed officers raided his Nairobi home.

Detectives said Mr James, who previously worked for The Economist in London, was being investigated for radicalisation  reportedly suspecting him and two friends of being trainers and recruiters for al-Shabaab in Somalia.

But after being held overnight, police sources said today he would be released without charge after an embarrassing blunder and the case dropped.

His family had insisted he was innocent of any wrongdoing, telling the Standard there was no truth whatsoever in the allegations.

His father, Terry, 69, said: It is a massive relief. It was a very worrying time.

Mr James, an MA in Strategic Studies who has lived several years in Kenya, worked on counter-terror campaigns in Somalia, with one recent project involving running radio campaigns spreading anti-extremist messages.

A police source said: They see a white person meeting with a couple of Somalis and they are immediately suspicious. The mistake [Tom and his two colleagues] made, they had not informed the Kenyan authorities [about their work].
A shop owner was today jailed for at least 27 years for the murder of 15-year-old customer Paige Doherty.

John Leathem, 32, stabbed the teenager 61 times after she stopped at his Delicious Deli in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire. He dumped her body in bushes two days later.

At the High Court in Glasgow the married father of two was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 27 years after admitting murder.

There were shouts of scum and monster as he was led from the packed court to the cells.

Paige Doherty's killer sentenced to at least 27 years in jail

Passing sentence, Judge Lady Rae said he had committed a savage and frenzied attack.

Killer: John Leathem / PA

The court had heard that Leathem attacked Ms Paige in the back office of his Deli on 19 March, apparently after a conversation about a job.

A post-mortem examination found she had been stabbed 61 times, mainly in the head and neck, and 85 further cuts are thought to have been sustained as she tried to fight off her attacker.

Leathem was caught on CCTV carrying her body out of the shop in a bin bag and putting it in his car boot. He is understood to have stored Paiges body in a shed at his nearby home before driving to a wooded area off the A82 and dumping her body, which was discovered by a passer-by.

After sentencing, public prosecutor Nicky Patrick said: Paige Doherty was a bright young girl full of energy and vitality who was robbed of her future by John Leathem.
P olice today smashed a suspected network of heroin and crack cocaine dealers supplying addicts in the Home Counties in a series of dawn raids in south London.

Officers swooped on 15 homes in London and further addresses in Northamptonshire, Essex and Somerset in simultaneous raids.

There were 10 arrests in the capital and one in Somerset. Suspected drug dealers and vulnerable addicts-turned-pushers were held in the 5am swoop codenamed Operation Break.

Detectives say they were targeting suspects mainly based in Greenwich who are thought to be trafficking Class A drugs to the Home Counties.

Officers from the Greenwich Gangs Unit, the Territorial Support Group and the Trident unit recovered a quantity of drugs and cash after searching the addresses.

In one raid police used a battering ram to crash through the front door of a flat in a housing block in Woolwich, which detectives said was being used as a front to sell drugs.

Greenwich police raid 1 /5 Greenwich police raid A man is led away by police during the raid Jeremy Selwyn A man is led away by police during the raid Jeremy Selwyn Police during the raid in Greenwich Jeremy Selwyn A man is led away by police during the raid Jeremy Selwyn

After charging inside officers shouted knife, knife and minutes later a 41-year-old man wearing black tracksuit bottoms and a T-shirt was led out in handcuffs after being arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A drugs.

At the same time police targeted a mid-terraced two-storey home two miles away near Woolwich Common. The intended target  a suspected drug dealer  was not inside but the house was searched for cash and drugs.

The raids follow a lengthy intelligence operation involving covert surveillance and undercover policing at known drug hotspots.

Greenwich commander Simon Dobinson said they were the culmination of more than six months of investigative work by officers from the boroughs Violent and Organised Crime Unit.

He said: Its important to recognise that by targeting our actions on the supply of drugs we are also helping those who have become involved with drugs because of their vulnerabilities.

It is a vicious circle and the reality is these people get into a situation where they are held to ransom by dealers. These people are blighted by their addictions as well as being intimidated.
A "predatory" man has been jailed for attacking a woman with Downs Syndrome and attempting to rape her after following her home.

Harjit Singh, 45, ambushed the vulnerable woman as she returned from a day out with her friends and forced her into her flat before trying to rape her.

But he was "unable" to do so and fell asleep, giving her the chance to escape and get help from her neighbours.

Singh, 45, was jailed for six years after pleading guilty at Kingston Crown Court to attempted rape and trespass with intent to commit a sexual act.

He was also sentenced to six months after sexually assaulting two women at the Royal Free Hospital in April last year.

A police spokesman said that Singh, of no fixed address, followed the 35-year-old victim when she got on a bus in Hounslow in July.

He said: "When the victim entered her block of flats, Singh followed her through the communal door and she took the lift up to her property while Singh took the stairs.

"The victim was ambushed by Singh on the landing as she opened her front door and Singh pushed her inside.

"She told Singh to leave but he forced her into a bedroom and attempted to rape her.

"Unable to carry out the attack, Singh fell asleep which gave the victim the opportunity to escape, alerting neighbours to what had happened. The police were called and Singh was arrested at the scene."

He is described by detective constable David Fall, who believe there may be multiple other victims, as a predatory man who targeted lone and vulnerable women.

Constable Fall added: "I am pleased with the sentence that has been handed down and even more satisfied that Singh will no longer be on the streets of London where he clearly poses a risk to the public.

"Singh is a predator who targeted a lone and vulnerable woman in broad daylight and he displayed a sense of arrogance as he carried out his attack without fear of being caught.

"The victim has been supported throughout the investigation by specialist officers and she has shown an immense level of bravery. I would like to place on record the courage she has shown throughout the investigation.

"We believe there could be other victims and we encourage anyone who has yet to speak to us to do so.

We can provide you with the necessary support so please do not delay in coming forward. Anyone with information about Singh should contact police on 101."
O n a blustery Saturday morning, a handful of volunteers gathered in a field in Wisbech, deep in rural Cambridgeshire.

Clutching heavy-duty gloves, string bags and high-energy treats to keep them going, they were about to glean potatoes.

The produce they were to gather had been left sitting in the field after harvesting by modern machines had finished. It was now destined for London charities that feed the hungry.

Gleaning  collecting leftover crops from fields after harvesting  is an ancient practice. It can be found in the Bible and some academics view it as an early version of our modern welfare system. Until the 1780s, it was a legal right in the UK that poor, rural people could gather unharvested crops from farmland. It is, as I found out, slow, tedious, back-breaking work. Even so, the eight volunteers  who all, like me, had signed up via food waste campaign group Feedback  were ready to dive in and get their hands dirty.

Volunteer Habi Racs, 31, helps to prepare meals at FoodCycle session in Hackney / Lucy Young

We set off along the shallow trenches left by the harvester, turning over the soil with our hands or feet to find our crops. Anything edible was picked up and put in the bag. The volunteers  all women aged 29 to 60  chatted away as they worked. Over the next six hours, most of us recovered six to eight bags of potatoes, each weighing about 10 kilograms. Three of mine were put in the back of my car  I was to drive them to London to hand them to a charity.

Casey Bishop, 29, a first-time gleaner from Lakenheath, Suffolk, signed up after seeing how preciously food was regarded in poor countries she had visited. I met people who just ate lentils every day, she said. Its the same in this country.

Feedback has 10,000 volunteers on its Gleaning Network. Every year they collect about 78 tonnes of perfectly good crops such as broccoli, cabbages, onions, potatoes and apples.

Is that just a small proportion of how many tonnes are left to rot in the fields every year? Nobody really knows, admitted Feedbacks Dan Woolley. Its estimated that up to 40 per cent of fruit and vegetables grown in this country are rejected before they even reach the shops. A great deal of this waste is driven by supermarket practice and thats why Feedback is calling on UK supermarkets to publish full data on food wasted throughout their supply chains, especially on British farms. In Europe, it is estimated that 20 per cent of fruit and vegetables are wasted at farm level.

Lizzie Edmonds delivers potatoes to volunteers / Lucy Young

Feedback said data from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs showed that the UK produces 3.6 million tonnes of fruit and vegetables, with potatoes an additional 5.4 million tonnes  nine million tonnes in total. Most of the 40 per cent discarded are for cosmetic reasons  they do not look suitable for sale  or because of overproduction or last-minute order cancellations.

Dan Matthews, who manages the 4,000-acre potato and onion farm where we gleaned, admitted a fair amount was left over after a harvest but couldnt specify. It is a shame for all this good produce to go to waste, he said. There is no reason why we wouldnt allow gleaners on our fields.

Fast forward a few days to the kitchen of the New Kingshold Community Centre in Hackney, where I have arrived holding three heavy bags of potatoes to give to FoodCycle, a charity which uses surplus produce to feed vulnerable people. It has worked with Feedback for the past few months on its Farm to Fork project  training young people to gather food through gleaning and cook the produce for people in need.

FoodCycle hosts eight lunches a week in the capital. Last year, 2,031 people lunched free at its Hackney centre, with 1,365 meals served up so far this year. On todays menu is vegetable soup made with the potatoes I have gleaned, followed by a four-bean chilli for main, and fruit salad for dessert.

Hibi Racs, 31, is head volunteer. She and the team arrived at 10am to start work on the menu, with 30 hungry guests due just two hours later. Its like Ready Steady Cook, she said. You look at what youve got and you make something from it. Its a challenge.

In Hackney, most guests are elderly, lonely people. There are also many who, according to Food-Cycles CEO Mary McGrath, rely on the service for perhaps their only hot meal of the week. She added: A lot of people are ashamed to come to a free lunch. They never say it but some are starving. They are thin as a rake and come back for three or four helpings. And our servings are substantial.

One 65-year-old woman said: I come here every week. I am so, so lonely. I am disabled and cant get out much. I dont have money. I look forward to it.

I thought back to what gleaning volunteer Christine Good told me: Its easy to put your hand in your pocket and give 10 to charity, but this way you are actually doing something.

Having seen at first hand the difference just one day in the field can make, Ill be signing up again.

feedbackglobal.org/gleaning

foodcycle.org.uk
L ondon could lose almost a third of its pharmacies under Government plans to cut NHS support, campaigners warned today.

A decision is expected within days on a major shake-up of the sector, as ministers look to save 22 billion across the cash-strapped NHS. This could place 750 of the 2,500 pharmacies in the capital at risk, with boroughs such as Hackney among those likely to be worst affected, according to the National Pharmacy Association.

It warned of a double whammy in some deprived boroughs, where GP shortages are already causing problems for residents trying to access primary care. Half of family surgeries in London have staff shortages and a third have at least one GP vacancy.

Health chiefs want more patients to seek medical help from pharmacists  especially for flu vaccines, diabetes treatments and help to stop smoking  to reduce the pressure on GPs and A&E departments.

However, plans for a six per cent cut in the 2.8 billion pharmacy bill  a reduction of 170 million a year  were unveiled last December.

In March, Sadiq Khan, while Labour MP for Tooting, wrote to Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt urging him not to push through policies that can have unintended and irreversible consequences for local pharmacies and the patients they serve.

Fears were allayed last month when new pharmacy minister David Mowat announced a pause to the programme of planned cuts. However, the changes are now scheduled to be announced shortly and expected be implemented from December 1.

Stephen Fishwick, spokesman for the National Pharmacy Association, said: The minister stood up and said he was going to think long and hard about it. Then it emerged very shortly after that officials were still looking at a fast-track decision. We are bracing ourselves for not necessarily good news.

Nationally, the Government has said we could lose up to a quarter of our pharmacies  2,000 across England. In London, a lot of pharmacies are at risk in under-doctored areas. We are going to get the situation where people in some of the most deprived areas in the country are going to have neither a doctor nor a local pharmacy.

Pharmacies currently receive an establishment payment and top-up fees based on the number of prescriptions issued, totalling about 220,000 a year. The planned reduction in funding will average out at a cut of 14,500 for every pharmacy in the country.

The Government wants to axe numbers in areas where there are clusters of pharmacies within 10 minutes walk of each other and campaigners fear that independent pharmacies will be the worst hit.

A Department of Health spokesman said: This government is committed to modernising the pharmacy sector  giving patients the best possible care by making the very most of pharmacists skills. Thats why we are investing 112 milllion to deliver a further 1,500 pharmacists in general practice by 2020.

We know how highly people value their local pharmacy, which is why we will offer more help to community pharmacies that people depend on most.
T raffic in central London was brought to a standstill this afternoon as Muslims held a procession to mark the religious festival of Ashura.

Part of Oxford Street was closed at Marble Arch as hundreds took to the streets for the peaceful celebration.

Muslims worldwide are celebrating Ashura Day, part of Muharram - the second holiest month in the Muslim calendar when Muslims commemorate the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad.

Photos from Oxford Street on Wednesday showed large crowds of people holding flags and standing together in the middle of the road.

Peaceful: Signs included, 'no to terrorism, no to injustice, no to racism'. / Robert Gordon Clark.

Most people carried flags relating to the religious festival, although others held placards with peaceful messages including: No to terrorism. No to injustice. No to racism.

Another placard read Terrorism has no religion while another said men and women are equal in Islam.

Officials can be seen managing the crowds and traffic.

Steve Giles was stuck in traffic on Oxford Street while hoards of people blocked up the road ahead.

He posted a photo online taken from the inside of his car with the caption: Traffic at standstill Oxford Street, this is what it will look like when Oxford Street is pedestrianized.

Robert Gordon Clark said: Major demonstration along Oxford Street promoting Islam and peace happening now

Clare Taylor posted a photo online showing hundreds of people in crowds stretching along Oxford Street towards Marble Arch.

She said: Amazing scene from our meeting room which overlooks Oxford Street

TfL said traffic was being held at Marble Arch and Oxford Street was also closed eastbound from Marble Arch.
A popular north London gastropub was today "gutted" by a fire which broke out in its extraction system.

The Victoria Stakes in Muswell Hill was badly damaged after a fire ripped through the building at about midday.

Concerned passers-by reported smoke billowing from around the area around the Victoria Stakes.

Robin Hosking tweeted: "If in Muswell Hill avoid around Victoria Stakes - fire engines, ambulances etc attending a fire near the junction."

Fire at pub in Muswell Hill

Lesley Ramm added: "Absolute chaos at bottom Muswell Hill. Seems VictoriaStakes on fire. Lots of @LondonFire in attendance. Hill closed from Priory Rd."

The London Fire Brigade was called to the pub just before noon today to find parts of the ground and first floor ablaze.

An LFB spokeswoman said: Part of the ground floor and part of the first floor of the building was damaged by fire.

All of the ducting to the second floor of the building was gutted by the blaze.

The cause of the fire is unknown at this stage.

A statement released by the pub reads: "With a heavy heart we announce Victoria Stakes has suffered a severe fire.

"Thankfully no-one was hurt. Clean up operation starts ASAP."
F urious British Airways passengers were left trapped for three hours on a grounded flight bound for London Heathrow.

Customers boarded the BA633 flight from Athens which was due to take off at 7.50pm before being told the plane had lost power four times, passengers claim.

Some 170 disgruntled travellers said they were forced to endure temperatures of more than 35C inside the cabin while staff worked to fix the problem. Some even alleged they were asked to use their phones to light the cabin during the ordeal.

But eventually the flight was cancelled leaving young families waiting until 3am to check into airport accommodation.

Michael West, 38, described the situation as incredulous and said passengers were offered very little food and water throughout the ordeal.

Trapped passenger: Michael West described the situation as 'incredulous' / Michael West

He told the Standard that the planes pilot asked passengers to use their smartphones to light up the cabin to save power.

He said of the ordeal on Monday evening: It was absolutely pitch black, originally they used the lights on the emergency exits but we were then told they were using too much power and the pilot came on the radio to ask us to get out our smartphones and use the flashlights so the cabin crew could walk around.

Mr West, who is international director of Adgenda media services, from Wimbledon, told how some passengers demanded to leave the plane after three hours waiting on tarmac.

He added: At one point the pilot was taking passengers into the cockpit to reassure them and calm them down.

By 11pm people were demanding to leave the cabin  we were effectively trapped on the plane.

You hear about these horror stories and you hear about it with Ryan Air and EasyJet  you pay a budget fare with a budget airline so you can expect budget service.

But this was entirely unacceptable.

Customers were eventually taken by bus to passport control before being transported to a hotel.

According to Mr West, who had travelled abroad for a wedding, several families were left queuing until 3am to check-in.

He was able to fly home yesterday but claims as many as 100 passengers were left stranded for up to 48 hours

The Londoners friends were trapped on the flight with their two-year-old toddler.

Furious customers took to social media to share their experiences.

Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Philips tweeted: Please tell me what is happening to your Athens flight. My daughter has been stuck on it for three and a half hours.

Shane McCabe wrote: Over 3 hrs on tarmac with little or NO refreshments we finally got sandwich 7hrs later. Stuck in Athens, crew did their best.

A spokesman for British Airways told the Standard: "We took care of our customers and offered them overnight hotel accommodation after our flight was cancelled on Monday due to a technical fault.

"We are very sorry for the inconvenience, but the safety of our customers is always our highest priority."
A man accused of a spate of killings called emergency services claiming to have found his first alleged victim collapsed near his home in Barking, a court heard.

Stephen Port, 41, is accused of 29 offences against 12 men  including four murders, seven rapes, four sexual assaults and administering a substance with intent. He has pleaded not guilty on all accounts.

Jurors were told of how Mr Port killed four men in 15 months by spiking their drinks with the date rape drug GHB. They heard how the chef took his alleged victims home where he raped them before dumping their bodies near his east London flat.

The defendant was last year 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, Anthony Walgate.

A court sketch of Stephen Port (left), 41, at the Old Bailey / PA

Mr Port met the 23-year-old fashion student through the website Sleepboys, through which Mr Waldgate reportedly agreed to visit Mr Ports home. He was found dead by a paramedic in the communal area of the flats where Mr Port lived in the early hours of June 19 2014.

In the call to emergency services played to jurors, Mr Port told the operator: "Cooke Street, appears a young boy looks like he's collapsed outside, I don't know. Looks like he has collapsed or had a seizure or something - or just drunk."

Shortly after Mr Port hung up the phone, but the operator called back and asked if the man was awake and breathing. Mr Port said he did not know, the court heard.

Paramedic Anthony Neil arrived in Cooke Street to find that Mr Walgate was already dead and cold to the touch. He said in a statement: "On the pedestrian walkway, I saw the outline of a figure in a sitting position against something. He appeared deceased. He was not breathing and was extremely cold to the touch and he did not have a pulse." The court heard how soon after Mr Neil alerted the police to a suspicious death.

Police officers later tracked down Mr Port marking him as a significant witness due to his earlier call to emergency services. In a statement Mr Port made later that day he said that on finding the man on the floor he had tried to raise him by slapping his face and he made a gurgling noise.

Mr Port said that after dialling 999, he returned to his flat and fell asleep. Pathologist Olaf Biedrzycki later confirmed the cause of death was GHB intoxication.

Additional reporting from Press Association
B oris Johnson was at the centre of a growing storm today after calling for protests outside the embassy of Russia in London over its bombing in Syria.

Moscow accused the Foreign Secretary of whipping up Russophobic hysteria after he firmly pointed the finger at Russias military for destroying an aid convoy heading for the besieged city of Aleppo.

Mr Johnson was also rapped by former MI6 boss Sir John Sawers, who cautioned that his call for demonstrations could spark retaliation against British diplomats in Moscow.

As the political war of words escalated, Russia yesterday unleashed the heaviest bombing of Aleppo in days, according to activists.

Boris Johnson calls for protests outside the Russian Embassy over Syria conflict

In London, the Metropolitan Police today appealed for any protests against Russian military action in Syria, which is blamed for killing scores of innocent civilians, to be peaceful.

Mr Johnson told the Commons yesterday that all the evidence pointed to Russian aircraft being involved in the September 19 attack on the aid convoy.

The incident took place after dark; by Russias own account, the war planes of Syrias regime cannot strike targets after dark, and  also by Russias own account  its aircraft were in the vicinity, he told MPs.

But Russian defence ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said the accusations were a storm in a glass of muddy London water and that no Russian aircraft were in the area at the time.

Russophobic hysteria of certain members of the British establishment is no longer impressive, he added.

The Foreign Office rejected his criticism, stressing Mr Johnson had praised Russia as a great country but warned it risked becoming a pariah state by its intervention in Syria.

Sir John Sawers, a former British ambassador to the UN, raised concerns over the call for protests, telling BBC radio: We all have to be a little bit careful and mindful of the security of our embassy in Moscow when calling for demonstrations here in London.

The West had vacated the Syrian theatre following MPs voting in the summer of 2013 against intervention despite president Bashar Assads alleged use of chemical weapons on his own people, he added, and the Russians had moved into this space.

Sir John also warned the US and Britain had to avoid moving down a road which ends up in a direct confrontation between the West and Russia.

Mr Johnson told MPs yesterday that the West should explore if a no-fly zone could be imposed over parts of Syria, though this would almost certainly only be done if Russia agreed to it.

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Air raids in Aleppo killed 25 civilians yesterday, a monitor said, and caused massive damage in several residential areas of the citys rebel-held east.

Stop the War vice chairman Chris Nineham said it would not stage protests outside the Russian embassy, arguing they would not influence president Vladimir Putin but would increase hysteria and jingoism being whipped up at the moment against Russia.
B ritain may end up paying billions of pounds to the European Union to preserve trading deals, it emerged today.

Downing Street refused to rule out the idea of payments, which is being discussed in Whitehall following falls in the Pound caused by talk of a so-called hard Brexit.

BBC Newsnight reported an unnamed Cabinet minister saying the UK could have to pay quite a lot of the money it currently pays in contributions for EU membership.

A No 10 spokeswoman said: We will not provide a running commentary on our negotiating position, but we have been very clear that all decisions about taxpayers money should be made in Britain.

If payments are made, they would dismay Brexiters who claimed in the Vote Leave campaign that 350 million a week could be saved.

Theresa May today accepted a Labour motion in the Commons calling for Parliament to be able to properly scrutinise her Brexit strategy before the formal exit process.


H eathrow today branded arch-rival Gatwick second best in a war of words  but faced claims its own third runway plan would hit Londoners with a massive tax bill.

Accusations flew as airport bosses clashed furiously ahead of the decision, expected next week, on which of them will be allowed to build the regions first new runway since the Second World War.

Speaking to the Standard, Heathrow chief executive John Holland-Kaye said Gatwick was not equipped to give the capital city the connections it needs post-Brexit.

We shouldnt settle for second best, he declared. Londons success is built on global connections. And in the 21st century that means having a successful hub airport to maintain and develop our long-haul links to key emerging markets.

Heathrow is the only airport that can be the hub our city needs.

However, Gatwick chief executive Stewart Wingate warned Londoners may have to pay billions of pounds for extra transport links if Heathrow is gets the go-ahead.

Heathrow says it is willing to pay less than 1 billion towards meeting these costs, which is nowhere near enough. Transport for London say the impact will be between 10 billion and 20 billion. The Airports Commission said Heathrow should pay between 5 billion and 6 billion.

It simply doesnt stack up that under 1 billion is a fair contribution.

A Government decision on whether to back expansion at Heathrow or Gatwick is due imminently, more than a year after the Airports Commission recommended a third runway at the west London airport.

British Airways service allows you to check in bags at home

The charge that Londoners could be left with a bill for extra road and rail links for a new runway was seized on by Bob Neill, co-chairman of the all-party London Group of MPs.

He said: What seems clear is that the Heathrow option does involve a significant call on the public purse. Surface transport costs are more likely to fall directly on Londoners. If there is a gap, that may come out of the TfL fare box, meaning higher ticket prices.

Last year TfL estimated that Heathrow expansion would require an extra 15 billion to 20 billion investment in road, rail and Tube links to prevent gridlock in west London.

This assessment was discussed during fiery clashes between Heathrow strategy director Emma Gilthorpe, Jock Lowe of the rival Heathrow Hub, and Mr Wingate at a hearing of the all-party London Group at the Commons.

Mr Lowe suggested the TfL figures were exaggerated, saying: Remember, this was done when their boss was Boris and he was looking for his Fantasy Island. Ms Gilthorpe said a realistic figure was less than 1 billion.

However, in a series of heated ex-changes, Gatwicks Mr Wingate claimed: We can get the same connectivity for 7.6 billion, less than half the price. Ms Gilthorpe retorted: You need to go back to school, Stewart. Mr Wingate claimed Heathrow had underplayed its own costings for expansion, saying: It seems absurd to us that a scheme that was 18 billion is magically discounted by 3 billion. Where exactly is the runway going to go? Is it going under the M25, over it, or going into Windsor Great Park? I doubt anyone seriously believes after the Terminal 5 debacle that the Heathrow scheme can be open and ready by 2023.

Ms Gilthorpe said London had too much to lose to risk putting its hopes in Gatwick. We have no automatic right to a seat at the global top table, she said. Paris and Dubai airports recently overtook Heathrow. We are slipping behind the competition. Every other country that has a hub airport regards it as an asset. Countries that dont have them look on enviously.

Mr Lowe said: It seems so obvious that if we want to stay as a worldwide trading nation we look after the main connective hub, and thats Heathrow.

Pressed by MPs on how Heathrow could meet air quality targets, Ms Gilthorpe said the M25 was the real problem, not the airport: If you shut Heathrow today, the sites Mr Wingate talks about will still be an air quality compliance problem.

But Mr Wingate interjected: So why on earth make it worse by expanding an airport next to them?

A battle also erupted today over whether London commuters or the Government will shoulder the huge bill for new transport links if Heathrow gets the go-ahead. Sadiq Khan called on Theresa May to pledge that ministers will meet the costs of Tube, rail and road connections.

Transport for London confirmed it believes the cost of preventing gridlock will be about 15 billion. A spokesman for the Mayor said the estimated cost was huge ... it is not a bill that can be passed onto London taxpayers and with no indication of how that funding gap can be addressed, it is another reason why a third runway there would be the wrong choice.
I kea has removed a picture of a boy from one of its British stores - after customers likened the child's pose to one used by Adolf Hitler.

Shoppers in Cardiff complained after seeing the image of a young boy with his finger held sideways across his top lip.

Stevie Davies-Evans said he was left outraged by the picture, which appeared to show the boy pretending he had a moustache.

He tweeted: @IKEAUKSupport Saw this in a Bedroom in your Cardiff store yesterday. Inappropriate much? #Hitler.

Ikea Cardiff store manager Richard Owen apologised for any offence caused by the image, which has now been taken down.

He said: We can confirm that a photograph that could cause some offence to some of our customers was found in our store.

We often use photography to illustrate life at home in our room sets and as soon as we were made aware, the image was immediately removed.

We apologise for any offence the image may have caused.
T V presenter Eamonn Holmes will leave Sky News flagship breakfast programme Sunrise on Thursday after more than a decade at the helm.

The king of breakfast TV announced he would be leaving the daily show in a statement last month and will present his final show tomorrow.

The 56-year-old from Northern Ireland started out at ITV where he co-presented GMTV for 12 years before switching to Sky in 2005.

On Wednesday he said: "The sun sets for me on Sunrise tomorrow morning after 11 years. I hope you can join me for the last day."

Holmes, from Belfast, said anchoring his own breakfast show was "the stuff of boyhood dreams" but that it is time for him to step down due to "having so much to do but little time to do it".

In his statement announcing his departure in September, Holmes said: "I cannot stress how hard it is saying goodbye to such a programme and the friends and colleagues who I have met over the years because of it - but nothing stays the same - nor should it.

"New studios mean a wonderful chance for new ideas and a new approach with new presenters. I hope they enjoy and respect the privilege of hosting Sunrise and waking up Britain and the world as much as I have."

Broadcasters: Eamonn Holmes and wife Ruth Langsford. / PA Wire/Press Association Images

"To those who have worked or woken up with me on Sky News over the years - thank you. I hope you appreciated that I tried to do it differently."

The broadcaster, who signed a five-year contract in 2013 but decided to leave last month, is also known for regularly hosting the National Lottery and a weekly Friday morning slot on ITVs This Morning with wife Ruth Langsford.

His approach was said to be "very much 'be yourself"' by former co-host Charlotte Hawkins, who credited Holmes with developing her career before she moved to Good Morning Britain two years ago.

Holmes will be replaced as anchor by Sarah-Jane Mee, who will be joined by new co-host Jonathan Samuels, currently the senior correspondent for Sky News.
T he Syrian terror suspect held by police over German bomb plot has reportedly committed suicide whilst in police custody.

Jaber al-Bakr was arrested on Monday suspicion of plotting an attack after a nationwide manhunt.

But German media are now reporting that he has been found dead in his police cell in Leipzig.

Fugitive refugee al-Bakr was caught tied up in a compatriots apartment in the eastern German city of Leipzig following a weekend of high drama.

He had telephoned fellow Syrian saying he was seeking a place to shelter but the man he thought was offering him a safe place to stay subdued him, tied him up and contacted police because he had heard the news of the vast manhunt underway.

The search was launched after a kilo of explosives were found at his home 50 miles away in the city of Chemnitz during a raid on Saturday.
W hen it first aired on the BBC in 2014, The Missing set itself apart from your average crime thriller with its grounded and gritty (but still twist-filled) take on the missing person drama.

Now its back for a second series that new viewers can hop straight into. Heres what you need to know.

1) Its a whole new story

Those hoping for a continuation of James Nesbitts character in Series 1 wont find it here  The Missing has been set up as an anthology show, meaning the new series brings a whole new plot and a different set of characters.

David Morrissey as Sam Webster / BBC/New Pictures/Sophie Mutevelian

2) Its about what happens when a missing person is actually found

While the first series followed father Tonys increasing desperation as he searched for his missing son across the span of nearly a decade, Series 2 opens with a missing person making an unexpected return.

British woman Alice Webster staggers into German town Eckhausen after an 11-year absence, stunning the local community with her re-appearance.

It soon turns out shes not the only person who has gone missing - and she may hold information about Sophie Giroux, another girl who disappeared around the same time.

BBC's The Missing series 2 trailer

3) Its told across two timelines

One strand of the story is set in 2014 when Alice first reappears in Eckhausen  following the impact of her initial return.

The series also follows the characters in the present day, where cracks between the Webster family members have exacerbated over the course of two years.

Keeley Hawes as Gemma Webster / BBC/New Pictures/Sophie Mutevelian

4) The cast is impressive

Missing girls Alice is played by relative newcomer Abigail Hardingham, but there are some familiar faces in the rest of the cast.

Alices parents Sam and Gemma are played by David Morrissey and Keeley Hawes respectively, while Roger Allam also pops up.

I enjoyed the first season so much that I was really interested in the second series, says Morrissey.

And by the end of the first episode, I thought it was fantastic. It sets up the scene, sets up the story, the characters and their dilemmas."

5) Theres one familiar face

Despite being an anthology show, there is one returning cast member from Series 1 - Tcheky Karyo, who plays detective Julien Baptiste.

Having previously investigation Girouxs disappearance, he comes out of retirement to see if he can get some closure on the case.

What I love about [Julien] is hes a man of action, but hes also a deep thinker, says Karyo. Its interesting because even when hes in a moment of action, he never forgets to think or to express something about the situation.

For him to follow these monsters who did these unspeakable crimes, its not a risk, its a responsibility.

Best TV dramas 2016 1 /38 Best TV dramas 2016 The Missing The addictive and twisty second series of the BBC's crime anthology series BBC/New Pictures/Robert Viglasky Dark Angel Joanne Froggatt stared as Victorian mass murderer Mary Ann Cotton in this ITV drama ITV Close to the Enemy Stephen Poliakoff's post-war drama thriller BBC/Little Island Pictures Ordinary Lies The BBC anthology drama returns with more twisted tales BBC/Red Productions/Adrian Rogers The Night Of Riz Ahmed stars in HBO's critically acclaimed crime mini-series HBO Cold Feet The classic ITV comedy-drama returns - and it's just as good as it ever was ITV Victoria ITV have given Poldark some stiff competition with this period drama about a young Queen Victoria ITV Poldark The BBC's hit drama returns with more brooding, and less naked scything BBC/Robert Viglasky One of Us The BBC kept everyone guessing with this claustrophobic four-part whodunit Ripper Street The fan-favourite Victorian police drama returned for Series 4 BBC/Tiger Aspect 2016/Bernard Walsh The Secret Agent Toby Jones led the cast in the BBC's Joseph Conrad adaptation BBC/World Productions/Mark Mainz/Matt Burlem The Living and the Dead The BBC's gothic romance debuted in full on iPlayer BBC Preacher AMC's adaptation of Garth Ennis' cult comic book is available week-by-week on Amazon Prime Amazon / AMC Versailles A raunchy royal romp around the court of King Louis XIV, spicing up Wednesdays on BBC Two Canal +/ BBC Locked Up The Spanish prison drama came to the UK thanks to Channel 4's Walter Presents series Channel 4 / Global Series Peaky Blinders The Birmingham-set gangster thriller was more popular than ever in its third series BBC/Caryn Mandabach Productions Ltd/Tiger Aspect/Robert Viglasky The A Word The BBC gave us a nuanced and emotional take on autism BBC/Fifty Fathoms Marcella Anna Friel stars in ITV's British take on the Scandi-noir thriller ITV Grantchester James Norton is back as the crime-solving vicar ITV / Lovely Day Stag The comedy-thriller from the team behind The Wrong Mans is both hilarious and chilling BBC/Des Willie/Hal Shinnie/Matt Burlem Vinyl Martin Scorsese and Mick Jagger present a glossy drama about the Seventies music industry HBO American Crime Story: The People vs OJ Simpson Cuba Gooding Jr leads an all-star cast in a dramatic re-telling of the 'trial of century' BBC/Fox Happy Valley Sarah Lancashire returned as Sgt Catherine Cawood for a second series of the gritty crime thriller BBC/Red Productions/Ben Blackall The X Files Mulder and Scully return for a brand new set of mysteries War and Peace The BBC's epic adaptation of the Russian literary classic BBC/Mitch Jenkins Call the Midwife The BBC period drama moved into the Sixties for Series 5 BBC/Neal Street Productions/Sophie Mutevelian Dickensian Charles Dickens' most famous characters collide in this historical soap BBC Jericho ITV's British western set in the wilds of Yorkshire Silent Witness The hugely popular detective drama returns for a 19th series

6) Its partly set in Iraq

Series 2 of The Missing is going into totally different territory  and with a war-based storyline it partly takes place in Iraq.

Writer Jack Williams explains that the two timelines are distinct in their settings, with the 2014 segment taking place in Germany, and the present day in the middle east.

It makes you wonder how we got there, and how the two are connected, he explains.

It also furthered the theme of freedom versus imprisonment. Its not just in Iraq, but in Northern Iraq, in a disputed region, between Kurdish soldiers, and ISIL soldiers."

7) It was filmed in Germany, Belgium and Morocco

The 2014 segments of the show were shot in Germany and Belgium, with the Belgian town of Malmedy being a key location for the town of Eckhausen.

The Iraq scenes were filmed in Morocco, were producers constructed burned-our and destroyed buildings in the desert sands.

BBC One, 9pm
Oeyvind Schanke, the chief investment officer of Norges Bank Investment Management (NBIM), speaks during an interview in Oslo, Norway, June 21, 2016. REUTERS/Joachim Dagenborg

By Gwladys Fouche

OSLO (Reuters) - The flash crash in sterling was a "correct move" that reflected economic expectations, a senior official at Norway's sovereign wealth fund, one of Britain's biggest foreign investors, said on Tuesday.

The pound plunged about 10 percent in a matter of minutes in early Asian trading on Friday, prompting the Bank of England to investigate why. The currency recouped much of the loss - which may have been due to automated trading - but was still down 1.5 percent on the day.

"It (the flash crash) was a permanent impact on the price. So if you do believe in markets, it was a correct move. It reflects the expectations of the UK economy," Oeyvind Schanke, chief investment officer for asset strategies at the Norwegian sovereign wealth fund, told Reuters.

"I do believe in market forces and I do believe that investors have an ability to price. And what that price move indicates to me is that they are worried about what is happening in the UK," he said in an interview on the sidelines of a seminar.

Schanke declined to say if the fund had taken any steps after the flash crash.

The Norwegian wealth fund owns shares in most top British companies and holds $11 billion (8.94 billion) in UK government bonds. It co-owns Regent Street, one of London's premier shopping areas.

Britain is its second-largest investment location after the United States, accounting for 10.2 percent of the fund's value at end-2015.

Before and after the vote to leave the European Union, the fund said it would remain a long-term investor in Britain despite "question marks" as to what Brexit would look like, once it has been negotiated.

"For a fund that invests the way we do, anything that is not in favour of free movement of goods, services and people -- that creates frictions in the market place," deputy CEO Trond Grande told Reuters in August.

"And if that hampers growth in some shape or form, that will ultimately be to our disadvantage."

Story continues

In August the fund cut the value of its unlisted real estate portfolio in Britain, made by external evaluators, by 5 percent, to reflect the uncertainty of valuating assets following the Brexit vote - it did not say how much it was worth at the time.

But on Friday, the fund said that uncertainty had vanished, allowing it to stick to the original valuation.

Some 23 percent of the fund's property investments are in Britain, and 16 percent in London alone. Real estate accounts for 3.1 percent of the fund's total investments.

(Editing by Terje Solsvik and Robin Pomeroy)
As the election nears, I find myself in a difficult position. Its the first time in my life I have not been able to decide who to vote for in a presidential election.

Hillary Clinton has been in the public eye most of her life. She has championed many causes, including health care, children and education, but theres always something in the back of my head keeping me from supporting her. Its the way she muddies the waters on everything or how those around her muddy it for her, with or without her knowledge.

Im concerned how her campaign had the power to help draft stories for the media. This is a power no one should have. If I was told to write an article or column to please someone else, Id quit. Im not a sycophant.

Clinton hasnt answered, to my satisfaction, issues of climate change, immigration, foreign policy, race relations, police training, income inequality or voter rights.

I like that Gary Johnson is anti-war, anti-capital punishment, wants government out of private lives and supports marijuana legalization, abortion rights and gay rights. But he doesnt care about climate change.

He doesnt support a federal minimum wage or any gun legislation except that which keeps guns out of the hands of the mentally ill. He doesnt support Net Neutrality. He thinks we should frack more. He supports Citizens United, which removed laws prohibiting big money in politics, and the Trans-Pacific Partnership.

But I cant vote for anyone that doesnt know what Aleppo is and cant name a single foreign leader he admires. I admire some of the work of Justin Trudeau (Canada). I like some policies of Angela Merkel (Germany). I dislike Teresa May (UK). Aleppo is in Syria. Its mired in civil war and Donald Trump doesnt want any of them in our country as refugees.

Jill Stein is the only candidate who has said climate change should be treated as a state of emergency. Climate change should be a priority. But Stein goes off the deep end with other scientific issues.

During a Reddit AMA (Ask Me Anything), she said, Vaccines in general have made a huge contribution to public health, and gave examples, such as smallpox, polio, measles and whooping cough. Then, she rambled about how we should be wary of regulatory agencies, like the FDA, who authorize vaccines.

Stein says there is too much influence from pharmaceutical companies at the FDA, but the FDA rejects 90 percent of medications and devices (see Tufts University Center for the Study of Drug Development (CSDD) for more). Her stance echoes that of anti-vaxxers and Im troubled by that.

She praised people who voted for Brexit and stoked the flames of fear-mongering, ignorance and hatred of the other to spin Brexit as a good thing. Brexit was fueled by racism, bigotry and Islamophobia. We shouldnt be celebrating that. When pressed on her statements, she removed them from her website.

Boing Boings Rob Beschizza, called her a fearmongering crank who thinks Wi-Fi harms childrens brains, after a video surfaced of Stein saying wi-fi in schools harms children.

Stein, a medical doctor, knows that theres no evidence that Wi-Fi (or other non-ionizing radio waves such as over-the-air TV or your baby monitor) causes any harm, he wrote.

Donald Trump has been bailed out by bankruptcy courts (six times), his father and Saudi Prince Al-Waleed Bin Talal. He violated the Cuban embargo. He doesnt pay employees. He knows nothing about global or domestic affairs. He incites violence. He encouraged Russia, or anyone else, to hack Clintons emails. He claimed an Indiana-born judge couldnt do his job because he was Mexican. He wants anyone different from him deported or arrested. He mocked the disabled. He smeared a Gold Star family who lost their son, yet used questionable practices to get out of his own military service. He belittled those in the military by saying the dangers of getting an STD was his own Vietnam and said veterans with PTSD are weak.

He is a sexist, a racist, a bigot, a misogynist, a failed businessman, a con man, a liar, and a fear-mongering, xenophobic fool. He is also a sexual predator. Yet, people still defend him. How can you support someone who is OK with their daughter being called a nice piece of ass or who says they would like to have sex with their daughter? How can you support a man whose ex-wife described in court records how he raped her? How can you support a man who thinks its okay to sexually assault multiple women and brag about it?

Ill be at the polls next week for early voting because there are local races that have an impact on my everyday life. There just might be one race where I wont choose a candidate.
LINCOLN  The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission will consider a staff recommendation to approve the Lake McConaughy/Lake Ogallala Master Plan when it meets Oct. 21 at Ponca State Park (SP).

If approved, the plan would serve as a road map for future development and desired conditions at Lake McConaughy and Lake Ogallala for the next 20 years. More information about the proposed plan is available at OutdoorNebraska.gov/LakeMcConaughyPlan.

The Commission meeting will begin at 8 a.m. at Ponca SPs Missouri National Recreational River Resource and Education Center, 88090 Spur 26 E, Ponca.

Also on the agenda, the Commission will consider amending park regulations to reflect statutory changes to resident minimum park entry permit fees, and consider amending park regulations to allow higher entry fees for nonresidents.

In addition, the Commission will consider recommendations to:

 Change the start of shooting hours for upland game and webless migratory birds from 30 minutes before sunrise to sunrise

 Change regulations pertaining to dog training and trials

 Change regulations pertaining to wildlife damage control permits for Canada geese

 Authorize one bighorn sheep auction permit and one bighorn sheep lottery permit for 2017

 Change regulations to Game Breeding and Controlled Shooting Areas regarding updating language on buying and selling birds, extending the hunting season, extending the date for annual paperwork to be submitted, and the change in shooting hours for Controlled Shooting Areas

 Change regulations regarding camping restrictions at some wildlife management areas

 Approve an acquisition of 57.37 acres adjacent to Platte River SP in Cass County to designate it as an addition to the park

 Change the fee schedule for the Nebraska Game and Parks Outdoor Education Center in Lincoln

The Commission also will hear an update on big game hunting seasons, and it will set its meeting schedule for 2017.

A meeting agenda is available at OutdoorNebraska.gov/Commissioners.
uss mason

UPDATE: The US military launched cruise missile strikes on three coastal radar sites in Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen, retaliating after failed missile attacks this week on a US Navy destroyer.

At around 6 p.m. local time on Wednesday, a US Navy destroyer detected an incoming missile attack from territory in Yemen controlled by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, the second such incident in the past four days, a Pentagon statement said.

The USS Mason, which was accompanying the USS Ponce, an amphibious-transport dock without the same missile-defense capabilities, took "defensive countermeasures" in response.

None of the incoming missiles hit the USS Mason or Ponce as it sailed in international waters north of the Bab al-Mandab, the Pentagon statement said.

This marks the second time in four days missiles from Houthi-controlled parts of Yemen have targeted US Navy ships, and the second time the US ships have responded by firing missiles to intercept the incoming salvos.

So far, the US has undertaken no direct military action against the Iranian-backed Houthi uprising in Yemen, however the Pentagon statement said the following:

"Those who threaten our forces should know that the US commanders retain the right to defend their ships, and we will respond to this threat at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner. "

HSV Swift

The USS Mason and Ponce moved off the coast of Yemen after an October 1 incident where Houthi militants took responsibility for a missile attack that savaged the HSV Swift, a former US Navy ship used by the United Arab Emirates.

On Sunday, the USS Mason fired two SM-2 interceptor missiles  an Evolved Seasparrow Missile (ESM) used for closer threats and a Nulka antiship missile decoy  to counter missiles coming from Yemen.

Bryan Clark, a naval analyst at the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments, told USNI News' Sam LaGrone the event was "very significant."

Story continues

It might be the first time the SM-2 was used against an actual threat for which it was designed, Clark said. Its definitely the first time ESM has been used  This is obviously a huge deal.

Now it appears the US Navy has had to repeat this extraordinary feat just days later.

The Houthis, who are battling the internationally recognized government of Yemeni President Abd Rabbu Mansour al-Hadi, denied any involvement in the previous attempt to strike the USS Mason or the nearby USS Ponce on Sunday.

But US officials have told Reuters there are growing indications that Houthi rebels, who are backed by Iran, were responsible for Sunday's incident.

Houthi RPG

The rebels appeared to use small skiffs as spotters to help direct the missile attack on the warship. A video claimed by the Houthis showed them using a similar tactic when they struck a United Arab Emirates vessel on October 1.

The US is also investigating the possibility that a radar station under Houthi control in Yemen might have "painted" the USS Mason, something that would have helped the Houthi fighters pass along coordinates for a strike, the officials said.

The Houthis, who are allied to Hadi's predecessor Ali Abdullah Saleh, have the support of many army units and control most of the north, including the capital, Sanaa.

Yemen map

Reuters has learned that the coastal-defense cruise missiles used against the USS Mason on Sunday had considerable range, adding to concerns about the kind of heavy weaponry that the Houthis appear willing to employ and some of which US officials believe is supplied by Iran.

The SM-2 missiles used by the USS Mason cost just under $1 million each. It's not clear whether the missiles intercepted the incoming threat, or if the missiles fired from Yemen simply failed to reach the US ships.

NOW WATCH: International investigation: MH17 was struck by a Russian-made missile





More From Business Insider


This page is archived. Data published after 5 April 2022 can be found on the renewed website. Go to the new statistics page

Published: 12 October 2016

Turnover in manufacturing nearly on level with the year before in May to July

According to Statistics Finland, turnover in manufacturing was 0.3 per cent lower in the May to July period than in the corresponding period of the year before. Domestic sales went down by 0.6 per cent and export turnover by 0.1 per cent from one year ago.

Three months' year-on-year change in turnover in manufacturing (C) sub-industries (TOL 2008)

Turnover grew slightly in nearly allfrom the corresponding period of the previous year. Turnover grew most in the textile, clothing and leather industry, by 3.6 per cent. In other sub-industries, turnover was nearly on level with the year before. The turnover of the chemical industry went up by 0.3 per cent and that of the electrical and electronics industry by 0.2 per cent. Less turnover than in the previous year was generated in the food industry, 0.5 per cent and in the metal industry, 1.6 per cent.

Three months' year-on-year change in turnover in main industrial categories (TOL 2008)

In the, turnover in mining and quarrying increased by 8.5 per cent. Turnover in water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities decreased by 0.3 per cent and that of electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply by 3.0 per cent from one year before.

The index of turnover in industry describes enterprises whose main industry is manufacturing. The calculation of the indices is based on the Tax Administrations value added tax data which are supplemented with data obtained with Statistics Finlands sales inquiry. The monthly turnovers of manufacturing enterprises can vary considerably, especially in the metal industries. The variation is mainly due to invoicing practices. The final invoice for major machinery deliveries and projects may be recorded in the sales of one month, even if the delivery had required the work of several months or years.

Source: Index of turnover in industry 2016, July, Statistics Finland

Inquiries: Maija Sappinen 029 551 3348, Kirsi-Maaria Manninen 029 551 2681, myynti.teollisuus@stat.fi

Director in charge: Mari Yla-Jarkko

Publication in pdf-format (347.4 kB)

Updated 12.10.2016

Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Index of turnover in industry [e-publication].

ISSN=1798-596X. July 2016. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 31.10.2022].

Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/tlv/2016/07/tlv_2016_07_2016-10-12_tie_001_en.html
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When Whitney Gilbert and Shadese (DeeDee) Griffith began dating more than a year ago, neither could have expected that they and their family w
By MARK EVANS mevans@stegenherald.com Bloomsdale will probably host a major fireworks display. The pyrotechnics will not take place until 2024, however. During the Oct. 12 board of aldermen meeting, Kevin Wehner and city officials again discussed the possibility of a July 4 fireworks display at the youth soccer fields on land leased by the city
Chief prosecutor of the National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) Laura Codruta Kovesi is asking the Chamber of Deputies to allow the prosecution of Elena Udrea for two counts of instigation to bribe taking related to the 2009 presidential election in Romania while she was holding the office of tourism minister.

"The DNA chief prosecutor has submitted to the attorney general with the Supreme Court a report on the case for the Chamber of Deputies to be asked to allow the commencement of a criminal investigation of Elena Gabriela Udrea, a member of the Romanian Parliament, for two counts of instigation to bribe taking related to the 2009 presidential election in Romania while she was holding the office of tourism minister. The case regards actions during the presidential election campaign related to the collection of proceeds of crime that were later used for the payment of services provided for the electoral campaign," reads a press statement released by DNA.

DNA says that this September prosecutors ordered a criminal investigation of several people, including Gheorghe Nastasaia, secretary general of the Tourism Ministry at the date of the crime commission and Victor Tarhon, chairman of the Tulcea County Council at the date of the crime commission suspected of bribe taking, as well ad of Elena Udrea for five counts of money laundering. In the meantime, new evidence is said to have been collected of Udrea's commission of two counts of instigation to bribe taking that require the criminal investigation being widened.

The prosecutors also claim that Udrea was a coordinator of the people who acted as middlemen for the bank transfers so that the ill-gotten money may reach the companies providing services to the campaign. Given that at the time covered in the investigation Udrea was the minister of tourism, the bribe-taking offences of which she is suspected were committed while in office, which requires the Chamber of Deputies' approval for the continuation of the criminal probe. Attached to the request of the DNA chief prosecutor were a report by the corruption prosecutors as well as 13 volumes comprising documents from the prosecution file.

Agerpres
Chief Prosecutor of the National Anticorruption Directorate (DNA) Laura Codruta Kovesi, requested the notification of Romanian President Klaus Iohannis in order to consent to the criminal prosecution of Gabriel Oprea, the former Deputy Prime Minister for the National Security and Minister of Interior Ministry, in the case regarding the death of officer Bogdan Gigina.

According to a release of the DNA sent on Wednesday to agerpres, the request was sent in accordance with the legal and constitutional provisions, taking into account the ceasing, through resignation, of Gabriel Oprea's tenure as Senator, starting 1 October 2016.

The release also points out that according to the legal provisions in force, the start of criminal prosecution is conditioned to obtaining approval from the President of Romania for persons who occupy or have occupied ministerial positions, for criminal acts done during their tenure as ministers, and who aren't occupying the position of deputy or senator, at the date of the notification.

Gabriel Oprea submitted his resignation on 26 September from the position of Senator. Before that, on 19 September, senators voted against the DNA request regarding the prosecution of the former minister for culpable homicide in the case of policeman Bogdan Gigina's death.

In this case, the prosecutors pointed out that on the night of night 20 October 2015, around 19:00 hrs, police agent Bogdan Gigina was involved in a car accident, following which he suffered a cranio-cerebral hemorrhage, resulting from a cranio-cerebral and facial trauma with skull fracture, which caused his death.

"At the moment of the accident, the victim, Bogdan Gigina, was part of the motorcade which accompanied Minister Oprea. That motorcade, ensured by the Traffic Police Brigade of the Bucharest City General Police Directorate (DGPMB) was made up of a road motorcyclist (victim Gigina) and a crew of one police officer and one police agent driving a motor vehicle of the Traffic Police Brigade. The motorcade was clearing the way for the vehicle carrying Minister Gabriel Oprea. At the time of the accident, Minister Oprea was being driven to his residence in the Cotroceni neighborhood," says the DNA.

The investigators mentioned that the collected evidence reveals reasonable indications that, by breaking legal provisions which regulate the dignitaries' escort, Interior Minister Oprea ordered, for himself, to benefit from the round-the-clock road escort, and said escorts be made up both of a Traffic Police Brigade vehicle (an agent and a traffic police officer) and a motorcycle belonging to the Traffic Police Brigade.

"The analysis of documents which attest the composition of the daily escorting missions and trips reveals that Minister Oprea was making about five daily trips where he would be accompanied by police motorcades," the prosecutors concluded.

The DNA mentioned that the total number of missions is approximately three times higher than the ones made in the same period for the escort of the Romania's President and almost two times higher than the one corresponding to the Prime Minister, dignitaries entitled to round-the-clock escort under the legislation in force.
The Ministry of the Environment, Waters and Forestry (MMAP) has provided an additional 20 million lei for the Green House programme for individuals, which enlarges the base of beneficiaries to include 3,000 potential new applicants, MMAP said Wednesday. The budget for the programme was thus increased from 60 million lei to 80 million lei.

'I am very glad to see the huge interest of people in the 'Green House' programme, one of the main pillars of the ministry's approach this year in support of Romania's transitioning toward a green economy. Because the budget already earmarked has been used up in some counties, leaving behind a large number of applications with local environmental protection offices, we have decided today to provide additional funds nationwide for the 'Green House' programme for individuals. This is our way of meeting the choices of as may Romanians as possible for renewable energy to heat their homes,' said Environmental Minister Cristiana Pasca Palmer.

The budget was allocated to each county proportional to population size. The 'Green House' programme started on October 10, 2016, with almost 65.8 percent of its budget provided by MMAP having been used up before Wednesday's extension of funds.

Agerpres
President Klaus Iohannis welcomed the general directors and commanders of member forces of the Association of European and Mediterranean gendarmeries and police forces with military status (FIEP), on Wednesday, at the Cotroceni Palace.

According to a release of the Presidential Administration, President Iohannis underlined at the meeting the FIEP's relevance in the current security context, marked by trans-border risks and challenges, as well as the necessity of strengthening the cooperation between the member states in order to prevent and fight said challenges.

Moreover, the head of state hailed the consolidation of FIEP's international value through the integration of new members and observers in the period in which the Romanian Gendarmerie ensured the presidency of the forum.

The representative of the directors and commanders of the FIEP highlighted the role of the Romanian Gendarmerie in coordinating the activities and achieving the objectives established by the FIEP.

Romanian Gendarmerie to handover presidency of FIEP Association to Jordanian Royal Gendarmerie

President Klaus Iohannis concluded by wishing good luck to the future presidency of this forum, which will be ensured by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the focus theme of which will be "The migration crisis- balance between the migrants' protection and national security."

The FIEP's general directors and commanders of member forces are gathered in Bucharest in order to attend the Association's Summit, event which is organized by the Romanian Gendarmerie.

agerpres.
Attending a session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) in Strasbourg on Wednesday, Romanian Senators Titus Corlatean and Ben-Oni Ardelean discussed with members of the attending Canadian delegation a free trade agreement between the European Union and Canada, as well as Canada lifting visa requirements for Romanian nationals travelling to Canada.

The Romanian Senate says in a press statement that on the side-lines of the fourth part of the PACE ordinary session in Strasbourg, the two senators, members of the Romanian delegation to the PACE session, met the members of the Canadian delegation that attended the event as observers. Also taking part in the meeting was Canada's Permanent Mission at the European Union. The theme of the meeting was the free trade agreement between the EU and Canada and the visa requirements for Romanian nationals travelling to Canada.

The Canadian delegation, which requested the meeting, voiced hope over the prospects for the Romanian Government affixing its signature to the free trade agreement between the EU and Canada in the period immediately ahead, while providing assurances about the seriousness of Canada approaching the lifting of the visa requirements, the Senate says. Senator Corlatean is quoted as mentioning that Romania has been a constant and energetic supporter of the free trade agreement between the EU and Canada getting finalised, hailing the completion of negotiations over it.On the other hand, he pointed to the special importance attached by Romania to the visa issue, to a final decision being made in the near future for Romanians, who are citizens of the European Union, by virtue of the reciprocity principle between the EU and Canada on this matter.

Senator Ardelean highlighted the importance for a decision in favour of Romanian nationals in political and strategic terms, given the transatlantic cooperation at a remarkable level between Romania and Canada and because there is no danger of significant migration from Romania to Canada. He added that Romania is one of Canada's main partners in Europe and there is solid cooperation between them on matters pertaining to security and the fight against terrorism, as well as in other areas of outmost relevance.

Agerpres
Boeing landed a deal to sell a dozen 787 Dreamliners to China Southern Airlines, bolstering support for its marquee carbon-fiber jetliner in an otherwise tough market for twin-aisle aircraft.

The order by Asia's biggest carrier by passenger volume is valued at $3.2 billion according to list prices, although carriers typically negotiate discounts. It comes less than a week after Qatar Airways announced an order for 30 Dreamliners. The two deals combined more than doubled Boeing's 787 order tally for the year.

China Southern chose the 787-9 model, with a list price of $271 million each, according to a Hong Kong stock exchange statement Wednesday. The planes will be delivered between 2018 and 2020 and funded using cash and loans from commercial banks, the Guangzhou, China-based airline said in the statement.

The carrier and its subsidiaries have ordered more than $15 billion of new aircraft from Boeing and Airbus Group in the past year as more people fly in the world's most populous nation. Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping signed an order for 300 jets valued at $38 billion on a state visit to the U.S. as Chinese carriers expand their fleet in a nation set to become the biggest travel market in two decades.

China Southern, the country's first Boeing 787 customer, already flies 16 Dreamliners on operating and financial lease, according to data the airline released in August. The carrier had a total fleet of 684 planes, the largest in Asia, as it caters to a nation that is expected to surpass North America as the world's largest aviation market.

Boeing had netted 19 orders for the Dreamliner this year prior to Qatar's announcement, bringing total sales for the plane to 1,161. Airbus netted 25 sales of the A350, its most advanced jetliner, through the end of September. Both planemakers have contended with slowing demand for widebody aircraft as moderating fuel prices and a glut of used Boeing 777 and Airbus A330 models tempers demand.
Updated with Thanksgiving store hours at the Galleria.

The biggest operator of shopping malls in the St. Louis region is taking a stand against Thanksgiving shopping and plans to close on the holiday.

CBL & Associates Properties announced Wednesday that it would close 73 of its malls across the U.S. on Nov. 24, including its four St. Louis properties  West County Center, South County Center, St. Clair Square and Mid Rivers Mall.

All four malls will close on Thanksgiving for the first time in several years and reopen at 6 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 25. CBLs St. Louis malls first opened on Thanksgiving in 2013.

Some retailers and theaters at the mall with exterior entrances may continue to operate on Thanksgiving Day . Most major anchor tenants havent yet released their holiday plans.

The Chattanooga, Tenn.-based mall operators decision follows an announcement earlier this month by Mall of America in Minnesota, the countrys largest mall, that it planned to close on Thanksgiving to give employees more time with their families. Mall of America had opened on Thanksgiving since 2012.

We want to bring back the excitement of Black Friday shopping as the true start of the holiday shopping season and allow our employees, retailers, and shoppers to spend the Thanksgiving holiday with their families, CBLs president and CEO Stephen Lebovitz said in a statement. After evaluating feedback from our mall employees, retail partners, and input from our shoppers we determined that this was the best decision for our properties.

When Mall of America announced it would close on Thanksgiving this year, it sent retailers and mall owners scurrying to decide whether to follow suit or continue the trend of opening on the holiday.

Mall of America said earlier this month that it wanted to give employees a chance to be with their families on the holiday, earning it a flood of accolades on social media from shoppers in St. Louis and across the country who said they wished others would follow.

In the wake of the announcement, Indianapolis-based consumer electronics chain hhgregg said this week that it also would close on Thanksgiving this year. The chain has four St. Louis-area stores.

It was really about employees being able to spend time with their family and friends, said hhgregg regional manager Corey McEnerney of St. Louis, who said hes looking forward to spending the holiday with his wife. Ive worked in retail for the last 13 years and Ive never been able to spend it with family, he said.

Like Mall of America, hhgreggs decision was praised on social media: Good. The more stores that take this stance, the quicker the horrid trend can be reversed, C.J. Bremer wrote on Facebook.

For years, shoppers flocked to stores on Black Friday in search of deals. But in recent years, store hours and sales were pushed back earlier and earlier, with many of the countrys largest retailers opening for several hours on Thanksgiving.

JCPenney, for example, opened its stores at 5 p.m. on Thanksgiving last year, three hours earlier than the previous year. The Plano, Texas-based chain hasnt yet released its holiday hours for 2016, a spokeswoman said.

General Growth Properties St. Louis Galleria, which was open on the holiday last year, will be open on Thanksgiving from 6 p.m. to midnight and reopen at 6 a.m. on Black Friday. General Growth also is a majority owner of Plaza Frontenac, which has never opened on Thanksgiving.

CBLs Chesterfield Mall, which is in receivership and under separate management, has not revealed its plans for the holiday. Alton Square Mall did not immediately return calls seeking comment about its plans.

Some St. Louis area malls are not following Mall of Americas lead, including Taubman Prestige Outlets in Chesterfield, which will open from 6 p.m. to midnight on Thanksgiving and reopen at 6 a.m. on Black Friday, according to general manager Colleen ONeill.

Taubman Prestige Outlets previously tried staying open past midnight on Thanksgiving but found customer traffic was light so it scaled back hours last year.

ONeill said that Taubmans holiday hours were specific to each market and that many of its tenants and customers wanted to shop on Thanksgiving.

We really go by what retailers want and what customers ask for, she said. There are some people who want to eat an early Thanksgiving meal, then head out to shop.

St. Louis Premium Outlets in Chesterfield will also be open on Thanksgiving Day, from 6 p.m. until 2 a.m. On Black Friday, the mall will reopen at 6 a.m.

We do not require our retailers to open, but the majority chooses to do so, St. Louis Premium Outlets general manager Davis Bethel said.
MADCO, the resident dance company at the University of Missouri-St. Louis, is celebrating its 40th anniversary. This weekend, the company will present Invitation to Dance, performed in a ballroom setting to live accompaniment by the Arianna String Quartet  which happens to be celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Stacy West, executive and artistic director of MADCO, spoke with Go! Magazine about the ensembles institutional milestone.

You joined MADCO as a dancer in 1988, and youve led the company artistically since 1994. How would you say its changed? The quality of the dancers has continued to improve. And I would attribute that to the collaborations and the partnerships that weve been able to create, particularly since weve become the resident company at the Touhill (in 2007).

Invitation to Dance is comprised of four pieces, including Crimson Momentum by MADCO co-founder Alcine Wiltz. What statement does the program make about your anniversary? Our community has supported us for 40 years. Thats extraordinary. So we really want to say thank you.

Dance seems to be catching fire in St. Louis, with several emerging companies. Has that been a motivator for MADCO? Yes, absolutely. It inspires us. And the more vibrant the dance scene is, it really is better for all of us.
A Humane Society of Missouri disaster response team was returning to St. Louis Wednesday after helping rescue animals in Georgia as Hurricane Matthew bore down on the state.

The team took in pets in Savannah, Ga., transported them to a temporary shelter inland during the storm, and then returned them back to owners in the Savannah area.

The team also took in 24 dogs and puppies from Augusta and Atlanta shelters that were overcrowded with homeless pets because of the storm. The animals will be offered for adoption in St. Louis after they are checked by vets here. They were expected to arrive Wednesday evening at the Humane Society of Missouri headquarters at 1201 Macklind Avenue.

"Our team traveled tens of thousands of miles in the past week to ensure the safety of pets and the well-being of their owners who were affected by Hurricane Matthew," said Kathy Warnick, president of the Humane Society of Missouri. "We are glad we can help the animals now reunite with owners in Georgia as well as those we are bringing back to find great homes in Missouri."
UPDATED with additional details from fire chief

LADUE  A construction worker trapped inside an excavator when a chimney collapsed on it was rescued after nearly 2 hours Wednesday morning.

He was talking but seriously injured, and paramedics loaded him onto a stretcher about 10:30 a.m. A physician from Washington University who specializes in caring for victims after structural collapses was among the dozens of rescuers at the scene, in the 400 block of South Price Road in Ladue.

Part of the chimney toppled about 8 a.m. as the home was being demolished, sending bricks, cinder blocks and other building debris onto the construction equipment and trapping the man.

Ladue Fire Chief Steven Lynn said a 3,000-pound cinder block piece of chimney fell onto the equipment, trapping the man. They know the weight, he said, because they actually weighed it using a crane.

Michael Thiemann, a spokesman for the Metro West Fire Protection District, said: It is a lengthy extradition process due to the entanglement.

More than a dozen fire departments were on the scene to help. Firefighters stood on top of the excavator, helping with the rescue. They put a tarp over the cab of the equipment and positioned plywood boards around the man. He was given IV treatments during the rescue.

Lynn said the man's upper body and lower body were trapped. Lynn said the man was alert during the rescue, but Lynn declined to provide any more information about the injured man due to federal health-privacy laws.
ST. LOUIS  In a federal lawsuit unsealed here Tuesday, the Federal Trade Commission says a Creve Coeur company bilked consumers out of millions of dollars with misleading pop-up ads for unneeded computer security or tech support.

The company paid marketers for the pop-ups, which falsely claimed that consumers computers had been hacked or infected and were in urgent need of repair, the FTC said. Consumers were told to call a toll-free number purportedly associated with Apple, Microsoft or other well-known companies, but the consumers reached the companys telemarketing boiler room in India, where they were then subjected to  deceptive and high pressure sales tactics, the complaint says.

The telemarketers would try to convince victims to let them take over their computers and then run a series of purported diagnostic tests that were nothing more than a high-pressured sales pitch, the complaint says, including generating bogus warnings and errors.

Victims were charged $200 for a one-time fix or $400 for a one-year tech support plan, the FTC says.

The suit names Global Access Technical Support LLC, which also does business as Global S Connect, Yubdata Tech, and Technolive, the suit says, and uses addresses in Creve Coeur and uincorporated St. Louis County near Ballwin. It also names Source Pundit LLC and Helios Digital Media LLC in Creve Coeur, Global sMind, Global S Connect in Clayton and VGlobal ITES Private Limited in India.

The suit names Rajiv Singh Chhatwal, Rupinder Kaur and Neeraj Dubey as officers or owners of the various companies.

James Crowe III, attorney for Kaur, said, Ms. Kaur never engaged in any of the activities described in the complaint and she is fully cooperating with the FTC.

Attorneys for the others did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

The suit seeks unspecified damages and asks a judge to order a halt to the companys deceptive practices and a disruption of computer and telephone services.

The suit was filed Oct. 3 but sealed so that the FTC could freeze the companys assets and seek a temporary restraining order. A receiver, Claire Schenk of Thompson Coburn, has also been appointed.
ALTON  Officer Blake Snyder's high school classmates are uniting to draw the Illinois communities he called home together to pay their respects during the funeral procession Thursday for the fallen St. Louis County officer and to raise money to benefit his family.

Members of the Alton High School Class of 2001 have launched a social media campaign, called "Line the Streets," urging residents to take time out of their afternoon to salute the funeral procession as it winds its way through Alton and Godfrey.

The group also is selling window decals that pay tribute to Snyder at $5 each. The proceeds of the sticker sales will benefit Snyder's family, said Amanda Seymour-Harris, who went to grade school and high school with Snyder.

She said the group has nearly sold out of the 250 decals they began selling at a memorial ceremony in Snyder's honor Monday, but they plan to order more as demand continues.

"Hardly anyone has given me just $5," Seymour-Harris said. "One man gave me $50, and when I told him to take more than one, he said, 'No, because you can get more money if you sell them,' to others.'"

Seymour-Harris said she remembers playing on the playground as a kid with Snyder and then graduating from high school with him.

"I didn't feel like a popular kid in school, and he was this very nice handsome guy that went out of his way to say hi to me," she said, pausing to wipe away tears.

She said the words of Snyder's long-time friend, Wesley Strowmatt, during Monday's memorial ceremony have helped her cope with her anger toward Trenton Forster, the 18-year-old charged with first-degree murder. Police say Forster shot Snyder once in the chin after Snyder responded to a disturbance call and approached him in his car just after 5 a.m. Oct. 6.

"He said, 'When something like this happens, when somebody took someone else's life, you want to be mad at that person, but let's not let that happen. Let's go out and do good because that's what Blake would do,'" she recalled.

Seymour-Harris said many of her friends have said they plan to take their kids out of school to ensure they will be together when the funeral procession passes.

"He was born and raised in this area and we want everybody that lives in our area to be there for the family as they bring their loved one back home to his final resting place," she said. "This is a way to show kids that this is what you do when bad things happen. You come out to support people when they're going through hard times and you do what you can.

"I can never expect anybody to do what they can't handle or afford, but you just want to teach your kids to do what is of your ability to help people in need."

Hundreds of people are expected to line the route on the Missouri side as well. The St. Louis Area Police Wives and other volunteers have tied blue ribbons on light poles, mailboxes and other places along the route, too.

For more information about the decals, contact Seymour-Harris at 618-580-6078.

The St. Louis County Police Department also is keeping an online map of businesses hosting fundraisers for Snyder's family.
A Madison County man captured in West Virginia last month and accused of abducting his 13-year-old stepdaughter and her infant son has been brought back to Illinois.

Christopher M. Derleth, 39, was being held in the Madison County Jail on Wednesday morning.

Authorities say Derleth was found by authorities in a rural part of West Virginia last month with his stepdaughter Katherine Derleth and her 3-week-old son. He waived extradition there and was returned to Illinois.

Derleth is being held in Madison County in lieu of $200,000 bail on charges of aggravated kidnapping and parental abduction.

Katherine and her baby had been reported missing from a foster home in rural Madison County on Sept. 17.

The next week, West Virginia police and Madison County deputies tracked down Derleth after he used a credit card at a convenience store. Katherine and the baby were with him. They were found on Sept. 24 in a remote campsite near Kayford, a small rural mining community more than 500 miles east of St. Louis.

The Charleston Gazette-Mail reported that the girl and her son were in good condition. They are in protective custody.

Two weeks before the son was born, Christopher Derleth was barred by a court order from seeing his stepdaughter pending a criminal investigation in Bond County. His stepdaughter had lived with him before the order.
ST. LOUIS COUNTY  Officials planning Thursday's funeral for St. Louis County police Officer Blake Snyder are encouraging people to line the funeral procession route that will stretch about 50 miles across the St. Louis metropolitan area.

They also warned of some traffic congestion, especially along Interstate 64 (Highway 40).

Snyder, fatally shot in the line of duty Oct. 6, will be remembered at a funeral at 11 a.m. at the St. Louis Family Church, at 17458 Chesterfield Airport Road in Chesterfield.

The church will accommodate about 2,000 family and police officers in its sanctuary, with large closed-circuit TV screens for the public in an adjacent building and outside.

The hearse carrying Snyders body to the church from Wednesdays visitation at the Kutis Funeral Home Affton Chapel, at 10151 Gravois Road in South County, on Thursday morning will pass the police departments Affton precinct station, where Snyder was assigned.

After the funeral, the procession will go east on Edison Avenue to Baxter Road to Interstate 64 (Highway 40) east. Then it goes north on Interstate 270 to Highway 367, and northeast across the Lewis and Clark Bridges into Alton. It turns northwest on the Great River Road (Highway 100) to Clifton Terrace Road north to West Delmar Avenue (Highway 3), and finally east to the Valhalla Memorial Park Cemetery at 2308 West Delmar Avenue in Godfrey

Police said Edison Avenue between Long Road and Baxter Road in Chesterfield will be closed from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thursday. They strongly encouraged a public show of support along Edison. Chesterfield police plan traffic updates on Twitter at @ChesterfieldPD.

Motorists also should watch for intermittent closures of all eastbound lanes in I-64 beginning at 12:30 p.m. The Missouri Department of Transportation plans to provide Twitter updates at @MoDOT_StLouis.

County police are keeping an updated online map of businesses holding fundraising events for Snyders family and The BackStoppers, a nonprofit that provides financial support to families of fallen first responders.
ST. LOUIS  In the week since Police Chief Sam Dotson announced his plans to run for mayor, hes been hearing from both allies and critics that he should resign.

The argument is that a city of St. Louis size, which struggles with violent crime, cant afford to have a part-time police chief.

Another argument holds that its inherently awkward for business owners and other potential donors to turn down a fundraising request from the person who controls which streets and businesses get attention from police.

And now 17th Ward Alderman Joseph Roddy, the most senior lawmaker on the Board of Aldermen, is expected to introduce a resolution on Friday calling for Dotsons resignation.

And although resolutions are nonbinding and generally dont carry much political weight, in this case, there is the potential for 28 aldermen, representing all corners of the city, to hand down an ultimatum calling on a sitting police chief to choose one job or the other.

Roddy, who traditionally has had a good working relationship with Dotson and has never publicly criticized the chief, said he wanted to send a message.

Weve created this environment where the police chief is intended to be insulated from elected officials asserting undue influence, Roddy said. A sitting police chief running for mayor defeats the whole purpose of that. He is no longer insulated.

Some things are just inappropriate, Roddy said. Can you imagine the police chief sending out fundraising notices? Think about how awkward that would be.

Roddy said his resolution applied to only the police chief because other candidates who had announced theyre running for mayor were in elected positions.

Those are overtly political jobs, he said. The citizens can vote them out if they decide theyve spent too much time running for office.

Since announcing his candidacy a week ago, Dotson has maintained that campaigning for mayor wont interfere with his job as chief. He has said he will confine his political work to the times when he is not working and wont wear his uniform or drive a police car when working on his campaign.

What I do with my free time is my choice, he said. If Im out talking to people about crime and about how education feeds our crime problem, why are people afraid of that?

Dotson said he was on his way to brunch to celebrate his birthday with his family last week when he got the call about a police shooting involving an eighth-grader.

I dropped my family off and I went to the scene. Thats my job as police chief. My family knows and my friends know this job comes first, Dotson said. Thats the way its always been and thats not going to change.

Other elected officials whove said they are running for mayor include 21st Ward Alderman Antonio French and 28th Ward Alderman Lyda Krewson. Collector of Revenue Gregory F.X. Daly and city Treasurer Tishaura Jones have formed committees to run for mayor.
EAST ST. LOUIS  Officials and staff of East St. Louis School District 189 retaliated against a middle school student after he reported that a teacher had sex with him in St. Louis, a federal lawsuit filed Tuesday claims.

The pair had been communicating via text messages and email prior to the Oct. 13, 2014, attack and school officials were aware, the suit says. They questioned the student about the relationship, but didn't tell his mother, the suit says.

After the sex became public knowledge, the student was placed on homebound instruction, but wasn't provided adequate materials and the school refused to honor his grades, the suit says.

After the boy returned to school, he was harassed and punished for disclosing the assault, the suit says.

District and school officials did not return messages seeking comment.

The suit names District Superintendent Arthur Culver, Lincoln Middle School Principal Eric Harris and Assistant Principal Brittany Green, and seeks unspecified damages for civil rights and Title IX violations and other claims.

The teacher, Shondarnisha Hicks, is named in the suit but no public criminal charges could be located for her. She did not return a phone message seeking comment.

A spokeswoman for St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce said that the allegations were reviewed by both state and federal prosecutors, but there was "insufficient evidence to pursue charges."

In a statement at the time the alleged assault became known, officials said that an unnamed teacher had been placed on paid administrative leave during an investigation of allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student. They also referred the case to police and the Department of Children and Family Services, and said that they were in contact with the student's family to provide support.
ST. LOUIS  In an attempt to address college affordability, Missouri rolled out a new initiative Wednesday morning, flanked with the Legislatures support.

The 15 to Finish initiative encourages college students to take 15 credit hours each semester, increasing their odds of graduating on time and leaving college with less debt.

The Missouri Department of Higher Education is tag teaming with the national nonprofit group Complete College America to provide Missouris two- and four-year colleges with promotional materials and ideas to personalize the initiative for each campus.

The effort is to break through the idea that because 12 credit hours per semester is considered full-time to receive federal financial aid, that thats enough. This is especially important in an era where the average college student changes majors multiple times.

Complete College America estimates that fewer than one-third of students in Missouri public schools are taking 15 credit hours each semester. Students need to take at least 15 credit hours to be considered on time to graduate.

The same research found that almost 60 percent of students are taking 12 hours a semester. Both numbers are much higher at the University of Missouri-Columbia, the states flagship campus.

Graduation rates are factored into a schools success in Missouris performance-based funding system. Two-year schools are judged on a four-year graduation rate and four-year schools by a six-year rate.

Zora Mulligan, Missouri commissioner of higher education, said the challenge with the new initiative was convincing people that it can be done.

Some schools will argue that their students face too many responsibilities outside of the classroom, such as work and families, and therefore these students need to have reasonable schedules.

Mulligan said the new initiative could force colleges to think critically about what requirements for a degree might not be necessary and fix or eliminate those.

The challenge of students with many outside responsibilities is exactly the concern at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

We are very well aware that our students take a longer time to complete their degrees, said Alan Byrd Jr., dean of enrollment services at UMSL.

Before this initiative, the campus started making strides toward pushing its more traditional students with merit scholarships to take 15 credit hours. The four-year graduation rate is at the highest in UMSLs history.

He said the push came with case-by-case advising efforts, which leaders will probably continue to do alongside the 15 to Finish initiative.

Lots of our students are holding full-time jobs, making it more difficult to have students managing a workload of 40 to 50 hours per week and classes, Byrd said. But weve done this already. Well just work case-by-case, look at their work schedule and class schedule. In many cases, our students find they can pick up an online class to get them those extra three credit hours.
The Illinois Civic Mission Coalition (ICMC) has recognized Collinsville High School as a 2016 Illinois Democracy School, according to a press release.

The announcement was made recently by the Robert R. McCormick Foundation in conjunction with Constitution Day on Sept. 16.

To become a Democracy School, CHS was required to complete a rigorous assessment and application process that included an inventory of current and future civic learning initiatives. In this process, schools look closely at themselves and their communities and develop a plan for civic engagement and outreach. Since 2006, only 54 Illinois high schools have successfully completed the school-wide civic assessment and have been subsequently recognized as Democracy Schools.

As an Illinois Democracy School, CHS will receive a stipend from the Robert R. McCormick Foundation, which convenes the ICMC to invest in high quality civic learning initiatives, as well as a banner for public display.

Democracy Schools foster a climate that nurtures and models civic dispositions and builds strong relationships within the surrounding community. These schools provide students with various opportunities to participate in the democratic process such as engaging in current and controversial issue discussions, participating in democratic simulations and providing service learning opportunities. Through these practices, students see firsthand the critical role they play in shaping government and society.

Collinsville High Schools work to fulfill its mission as a Democracy School includes the recent memorial flag display at the school in memory of 9/11 victims, a mock presidential election in November and creation of a permanent Veterans Memorial at the high school.

Democracy Schools are recognized for providing the students with authentic experiences in the rights, responsibilities and tensions inherent in living in a constitutional democracy. Through these experiences, participating schools strive to equip students with the knowledge, skills and dispositions necessary for informed, effective engagement in our democracy.

According to the McCormick Foundation, Collinsville High School has truly embraced the spirit and commitment that is needed to become a Democracy School. The Democracy School Teams enthusiasm and commitment to civic education is contagious.

The Democracy School Team at CHS includes teachers Barbara Lindauer and Mary Sue Noeth, counselor Karen Olsen, assistant principal Stevie Brown and principal David Snider.

Collinsville High School serves 9-12 grade students in Collinsville Community Unit School District #10, which is comprised of 13 schools, serving 6,500 students in pre K-12 in Madison and St. Clair counties.
A trader apparently believes that SolarEdge Technologies may continue is recent downtrend.



optionMONSTER's tracking program detected the sale of 2,000 November 16 puts for $1.65 and the purchase of 2,000 November 14 puts for $0.80 yesterday. Volume was below open interest in the higher strike, indicating that the trader is taking some money off the table while rolling a bearish position to a lower strike.



Long puts lock in the price where a stock can be sold, so they make money if shares decline. Investors use them to hedge long positions or to speculate on a drop. (See our Education section)



SEDG fell 1.5 percent to $15.80 yesterday and is down 19 percent in the last three months. The Israel-based solar-technology company is expected to release quarterly results after the close on Nov. 3.



Overall option volume in the name was twice its daily average yesterday. Puts outnumbered calls by a bearish 6-to-1 ratio.





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Ambitious plans to create a pedestrianised Stratford featuring Shakespeares church, schoolroom, home and birthplace have been unveiled by developers in China.

Late last month a delegation of civic officials returned from a visit to Fuzhou in China, during which they received a full presentation on the proposal.

Located 14km away from Fuzhou in a mountainous region, the Stratford recreation would form part of a new cultural tourist attraction called Sanweng Town.

Those behind the theme town want the attraction to celebrate the achievements of Tang Xianzu, Shakespeare and Cervantes, who all passed away in the same year 1616.

To achieve this, Sanweng Town would be divided into three areas each depicting the hometowns of the three men, who are referred to as the Three Giants in China.

Amazingly the developers behind the project anticipate that construction of Sanweng Town will be complete within three years.

The initial plans paint an exciting picture of what will await visitors eager to get a taste of the place Shakespeare called home.

Four key buildings, Holy Trinity Church, The Guildhall, The Shakespeare Birthplace and New Place would be recreated along with selected elements of Stratfords street scene.

Presentation material about the Stratford recreation features detailed internal photographs of some of the towns historic buildings, suggesting that effort is being put into making such landmarks as authentic as possible, inside and out.

A river, to simulate the Avon, would be channeled through the settlement but unlike Stratford, Sanweng Town would be completely pedestrianised, connected close by to the regions motorway network.

During the presentation the Stratford delegation were told that the project would regenerate an existing heritage site with ancient buildings, which have fallen into disrepair.

Members of the Stratford delegation were invited to give their views on the proposal and suggestions such as the inclusion of statues of the three giants and specific Stratford buildings were well received.

Sitting between the recreation of Stratford and Cervantes home town of Alcala, two spectacular theatres would be built, one of which would sit in the middle of a lake.

The two venues could be used for performances of some of the Three Giants great works.

A reception hall with a series of courtyards would complete this cultural area of the town and elsewhere a museum to playwright Tang Xianzu, who lived in the area, would be constructed.

Further away from the centre a retail and restaurant area would be constructed, while spas utilising natural hot springs and luxury hotels would surround the town.

San Weng Town has been designed by one of Chinas leading urban architects Lin Young.

Stratford mayor Cllr Juliet Short said: The links that could be formed with China if this goes ahead would be amazing.

The architect behind this has visited Stratford and has spent a lot of time designing all the buildings, he is one of the best urban designers in China and I believe he sees this as his showcase creation.

If the plan to recreate the town goes ahead Stratford will join other famous places such as Venice, Paris and New York in being immortalised in China.
Jamie Sheldon is congratulated after putting Town 1-0 ahead at Cirencester. Photo: Phil Britt (philbrittphotos.zenfolio.com)

STRATFORD Town maintained their record as the only team in the Evo-Stik Southern League Premier Division yet to lose an away league game this season with a thoroughly professional performance at Cirencester on Tuesday night, writes Bryan Hale.

Goals from Jamie Sheldon and Simeon Tulloch saw Town claim a deserved 2-1 win at the Corinium Stadium, a result that moves Carl Adams' side up to ninth in the table.

The only change to Towns starting line-up from Saturday was the inclusion of Guy Clark as a natural replacement for the departed Jordan Cullinane-Liburd.

Jamie Sheldon looks for an opening. Photo: Phil Britt (philbrittphotos.zenfolio.com)

Kick-off was delayed for 15 minutes due to traffic problems on the M5 and both sides made a cautious start until Town went ahead in the tenth minute with the first serious attack of the evening.

Kieren Westwood exchanged passes with Edwin Ahenkorah down the left before sweeping the ball across the edge of the penalty area to pick out Jamie Sheldon, whose fiercely-struck first-time effort took a deflection off a defender, which seemed to wrong-foot keeper Harvey Rivers, who barely moved as the ball flew past him into the net.

With James Fry once again imperious in the centre of Towns backline, little was seen of the Centurions attack, while at the other end Simeon Tulloch was causing all sorts of problems with his pace as he looked to repeat his heroics of the weekend.

But on 39 minutes, Cirencester grabbed an unlikely equaliser when Town didnt deal properly with Andrew Elcocks free-kick from the right and Aiden Bennett pounced on the loose ball to thump it past Niall Cooper from virtually on the penalty spot.

Tulloch though was irrepressible and four minutes into the second half he restored Towns lead.

Latching onto a Will Grocott pass, he surged into the penalty area only for Rivers to smother at his feet.

The ball spun away to Westwood and he immediately returned it into the six-yard box, where it was met by Tulloch with a volley into the roof of the net.

From then on, Cirencester kept trying but Town were comfortably in control and a second equaliser seldom looked likely.

Town came close to adding a third in the closing stages with Rivers saving well from Grocott, substitute Dior Angus firing inches wide and Grocott having another attempt deflected behind.

TOWN: Niall Cooper, Dan Summerfield, Kieren Westwood, James Fry, Liam Francis, Guy Clark, Barry Fitzharris,Will Grocott, Edwin Ahenkorah, Jamie Sheldon (Warren Brooks 80), Simeon Tulloch (Dior Angus 75).
Sanofi (NYSE: SNY) has compiled the following items for consideration to assist in the financial modeling of the Companys Q3 2016 results.

As a reminder, following the announcement of exclusive negotiations with Boehringer Ingelheim and as an IFRS presentation requirement for discontinued operations, net income for Sanofi's Animal Health business (Merial) is reported on a separate line in the Consolidated Income Statement. Sanofi will continue to manage and report the performance of the Animal Health business, which will remain an operating segment consistent with IFRS 8, in the Business Net Income Statement until the closing of the transaction. On June 27, 2016, the signing of contracts to secure the transaction was announced.

Q3 2015 Sales and Business EPS

Sanofis Aggregate sales(1) were 9,455 million in Q3 2015. This excludes 136 million of VaxServe sales of products from other vaccine manufacturers reclassified to the line Other revenues. Sanofis business EPS was 1.61 in Q3 2015.

Specific events in Q3 2015 and Q3 2016

In Q3 2015, Sanofi recorded in the line Other operating income/expenses 137 million as a foreign exchange loss with respect to its subsidiaries based in Venezuela.

In Q3 2016, Sanofi settled a litigation related to Cipro generic for an amount of $100 million. This charge will be recorded in the line Other current operating income/expenses.

Business Items

AuviQ/Allerject

On October 28, 2015, Sanofi announced a voluntary recall for AuviQ and Allerject in the U.S. and Canada. Sales of the product were 61 million in Q3 2015. These sales were recorded in Established products. Japan

As previously communicated, multiple generic versions of Plavix entered the market in Japan since the end of June 2015 and significantly impacted Plavix sales. In Q3 2015, sales of Plavix in Japan were 145 million. In Q2 2016, sales of Plavix in Japan were down 59.1% at CER to 93 million.

Venezuela

In Q3 2015, sales in Venezuela were 24 million. In Q2 2016, sales in Venezuela were 6 million.

Diabetes

In H1 2016, Diabetes franchise sales were 3,591 million down 3.8% at CER. Over the same period, sales of Lantus in the U.S., decreased 16.7% at CER to 1,739 million mainly reflecting lower average net price and patients switching to Toujeo. A glargine biosimilar was launched in Q3 2015 in several European countries as well as in Japan.
SunEdison (OTC: SUNEQ) disclosed in an SEC filing:

On October 5, SunEdison, Inc. (the Company) received a notice that the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the SEC) is conducting a non-public, fact-finding investigation relating to the Company. The notice was accompanied by a subpoena, seeking production of certain emails and other electronic communications sent or received by certain current and/or former directors and/or officers of the Company, TerraForm Power, Inc. and/or TerraForm Global, Inc. As previously disclosed in the Form 8-K dated March 31, 2016, the Company previously had received a non-public, informal inquiry from the SEC. In addition, the Company has received subpoenas from the United States Department of Justice (the DOJ) seeking information and documentation relating to various matters. The Company and the board of directors intend to continue to cooperate fully with the SEC and the DOJ.


BATON ROUGE, La., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Lindsey Ellis, a 29-year-old woman from Baton Rouge with cerebral palsy who lost her home and independence in the devastating floods, took delivery of her new Mobility Ventures' MV-1 vehicle. Ellis was told about the donation when she appeared on an episode of the Emmy award-winning talk show, The Doctors, which aired on Sept. 16.

"Being on The Doctors was a once in a lifetime experience, I never imagined Lindsey would receive a new accessible vehicle as well, I was shocked," said Lindsey's mother, Pam Leavy, of Baton Rouge. "The MV-1 is going to make her life and our family's lives a lot easier. It gives her back some of the independence she had before her house and van were destroyed in the flooding."

The MV-1 is the only vehicle built specifically to meet the needs of the wheelchair user. The vehicle has an extra-wide door, a ramp that deploys from within the floor and extends to two different lengths and a self-leveling suspension system. The MV-1 meets all relevant Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines and applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).

"When we heard Lindsey's story, we knew right away that we wanted to help," said Pat Kemp executive vice president, Mobility Ventures. "The MV-1 can help transform daily life for people who use wheelchairs and their families. For Lindsey and many others, the MV-1 means independence and mobility, things that most of us take for granted."

Ellis and her family traveled to Los Angeles last month to tape the segment for The Doctors. The donation episode can be viewed at http://www.thedoctorstv.com/videos/surprises-for-louisiana-family-who-lost-it-all

About Mobility VenturesMobility Ventures LLC is an industry innovator in purpose-built paratransit vehicles for public and private transportation providing design, engineering, marketing, sales, and customer service support. Mobility Ventures is a wholly owned subsidiary of AM General LLC. To learn more about Mobility Ventures, please visit www.mv-1.us.

Media Contact:Monica Khattar[email protected] 202-420-1958

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/baton-rouge-woman-devastated-by-flood-receives-wheelchair-accessible-vehicle-300343540.html

SOURCE Mobility Ventures LLC
NEW YORK, NY and RESTON, VA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- IPsoft, a pioneer in Artificial Intelligence (AI) offerings, and Carahsoft Technology Corp., the trusted government IT solutions provider today announced a partnership. Carahsoft has been named IPsoft's master government aggregator, has added IPsoft's digital labor solutions to its GSA schedule, and will support IPsoft's public sector channel organization by driving demand for the company's artificial intelligence solutions throughout the public sector market.

"IPsoft is a disruptive technology company. From our inception, our founders recognized that automation through digital labor will shape the future of IT and business operations. Carahsoft has an excellent reputation for bringing innovative technology such as ours to the government marketplace and we are excited to partner with them to expand the application of our solutions across the public sector," said Bob Beck, Vice President of IPsoft Government Solutions.

After decades of research and slow progress, AI-based solutions are now being deployed. This summer, the White House hosted a series of public workshops on the topic, and the National Science and Technology Council formed a new subcommittee on machine learning and AI to coordinate federal activity. Governments must do more with less, and automation and AI can help solve that puzzle.

IPsoft's innovative solutions include Amelia, a cognitive knowledge worker which interfaces on human terms. She is a virtual agent built to deliver best-in-class service to citizens, fully automating human interactions with the goal of extending an agency's existing workforce. She reads natural language, understands context, applies logic, infers implications, discerns processes independently by reading and observing her colleagues, and applies her knowledge to solving problems.

IPcenter, IPsoft's Autonomic IT Service Management Platform, puts the benefits of automation at the heart of government IT service delivery so agencies can make time to innovate. IPcenter's Virtual Engineers automate the interaction between all of the different tools and people in the IT environment. The IPcenter platform automates the end-to-end processes and paves the way for vast increases in productivity without forcing IT departments to replace existing investments.

"Federal organizations are under considerable pressure to deliver more with less, particularly when it comes to improving their service to citizens," said Brian O'Donnell, Vice President at Carahsoft. "By adding IPsoft's solutions to our GSA, we are now able to help our resellers and government customers apply digital labor to automate computing, free workers to be more creative and productive, and provide citizens with a seamless digital customer experience."

IPsoft's digital labor solutions are available immediately via Carahsoft's GSA Schedule No. GS-35F-0119Y. To learn more, register to attend the Gartner Symposium/ITxpo 2016 in Orlando on October 16-20, 2016 to hear from IPsoft's CEO and President, Chetan Dube, outline how digital labor will transform future IT operations; or contact the IPsoft team at Carahsoft at 877-468-7962 or at [email protected].

About Carahsoft

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is the trusted Government IT solutions provider. As a top-performing GSA Schedule and SEWP contract holder, Carahsoft serves as the master government aggregator for many of its best-of-breed technology vendors, supporting an extensive ecosystem of manufacturers, value-added resellers, system integrators, and consulting partners committed to helping government agencies select and implement the best solution at the best possible value.

The company's dedicated Solutions Divisions proactively market, sell and deliver VMware, Symantec, Veritas, EMC, Adobe, F5 Networks, Google Cloud, ServiceNow, Open Source, HPE Software, SAP, Salesforce, and Innovative and Intelligence products and services, among others. Carahsoft is consistently recognized by its partners as a top revenue producer, and is listed annually among the industry's fastest growing firms by CRN, Inc., Washington Technology, The Washington Post, Washington Business Journal, and SmartCEO. Visit us at www.carahsoft.com.

About IPsoft

IPsoft automates IT and business processes for enterprises across a wide range of industries. Through its portfolio of world leading autonomic and cognitive solutions it provides services that allow its clients to secure competitive advantage. Headquartered in New York City, IPsoft has offices in 15 countries across the world and serves more than 500 of the world's leading brands directly as well as more than half of the world's largest IT services providers. www.ipsoft.com

Contact:Mary Lange703-431-8485Email contact

Source: Carahsoft Technology Corp. and IPsoft
Lincoln, NH (PRWEB) October 11, 2016

Seven Birches Winery in partnership with LaVista Italian Cuisine and RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain host their first annual Autumn Crush in the White Mountains to celebrate the end of the harvest season and the start of the winemaking season. The event will take place on October 15th at the brand new RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain, located in Lincoln-Woodstock, New Hampshire, BaseCamp of the White Mountains.

The Autumn Crush will kick off at noon with "big feet" grape stomping and continue until 4pm. Grape stompers of all ages and spectators are welcome at the "I Love Lucy" style stomp. Each stomper will receive a personal grape juice footprint shirt and a photo to document their stomp.

"Everyone always asks us if we crush our grapes like Lucy did in her famous skit on TV. The short answer is yes, we do at the Autumn Crush in the White Mountains event. We're thrilled to bring a harvest celebration and grape crush to New Hampshire and have plans to make it bigger and better with the years to come," says winemaker and owner of Seven Birches Winery, Mark LaClair, "come crush it with us!"

Seven Birches Winery, located in RiverWalk, will be offering "Meet The Winemaker Tours" every hour on the hour from 12pm to 3pm. The tour includes a chat with the winemaker, an intimate tour of the winery production room, a barrel tasting of an aging red wine and a Seven Birches souvenir wine glass. The wine tour concludes with a group tasting flight on the RiverWalk veranda where participants can sample four more wines and "nibbles" made on property by Seven Birches and LaVista.

The evening concludes with an all you can eat harvest celebration feast by LaVista Italian Cuisine on the veranda overlooking the mountains and the sunset. The feast is all inclusive with local wine, music, family, friends and food. The feast will include pastas, meats, breads, salads and Seven Birches wine.

"Our chef has quite the menu planned for the harvest feast from homemade pasta and meat dishes to salads, breads and wine," Herman Pfeuti, owner of LaVista Italian Cuisine says. "Make sure to work up a good appetite stomping grapes, the event is all you can eat and is a reason to celebrate in itself."

The RiverWalk Resort at Loon Mountain opened the first phase of the resort in June. The resort is located in the heart of Lincoln, minutes from Woodstock and surrounded by countless things to do. They offer fractional ownership as well as hotel rooms ranging from studios to three bedroom suites. After a day of grape stomping, eating, drinking and celebrating guests are invited to reserve a room and spend the night in the luxury accommodations. To reserve a room, please visit riverwalkresortatloon.com.

Tickets are available online and can be purchased a la carte by activity or the VIP package. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended but not required, just keep in mind it will fill up fast! All exclusive tickets are $90 per person and include grape stomping, a T-shirt of your size, a photo, winery tour, tasting flight with nibbles and the all you can eat feast. The grape stomp is $20 per person and the tour and tasting is $20 per person. The all you can eat feast is $50 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit WhiteMtnsCrush.com.

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2016/10/prweb13756944.htm
66 Percent of Consumers Now Shop Cross-Border with New Consumer Insights Creating Unprecedented Global Opportunity for Retailers and Marketplaces

STAMFORD, Conn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pitney Bowes (NYSE: PBI), a global technology leader providing innovative products and solutions powering anywhere-to-everywhere commerce, today announced the results of the third annual Pitney Bowes Global Online Shopping Survey, which finds that cross-border ecommerce has become prevalent among consumers around the world. Its no surprise that consumers frequently make domestic online purchases (94%), however more than two-thirds (66%) of consumers that have ever made a domestic online purchase have also made an online purchase from another country in the past year. Singapore (89%), Australia (86%) and Hong Kong (85%) have the highest number of cross-border shoppers, while countries like Japan (34%) and the U.S. (45%) are still growing in cross-border confidence.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161011006722/en/

(Graphic: Business Wire)

The World Shops

The survey findings suggest that online shopping has become a way of life for many shoppers. Nearly one-third of these consumers now say they make domestic online purchases on a daily or weekly basis, with over two-thirds in China reporting this regularity. As domestic online shopping becomes more frequent, it can create familiarity and comfort to reach across borders. Not surprisingly, cross-border shopping occurs less frequently than domestic shopping with the majority of consumers (58%) shopping monthly or annually. Top countries for monthly/annual cross-border shopping include Australia (78%), Singapore (77%), Canada (72%), Mexico (71%) and Hong Kong (70%).

What also drives cross-border shopping is the mutually-beneficial union between physical stores and online shopping, which could provide a huge opportunity for retailers and brands. Survey findings uncovered that 63 percent of consumers that have shopped cross-border are now participating in what Pitney Bowes is describing as In-store Global. Online Local. This phenomenon is when consumers make in-store purchases during their international travels, and follow up with online purchases from that same cross-border retailer. Most cross-border shoppers in South Korea, China and India cited that they often or always revisit a retailer online following international travels.

Shopping Here, There and Everywhere

Todays consumers have the power of choice, whether choosing to shop online direct to a retailer website or an online marketplace, and the study shows that consumers like it that way. In fact, while consumers may have a preference for one channel over the other, very few shop exclusively through one online channel.

Approximately half of consumers say that all or most of their online shopping, whether domestic or cross-border, is through an online marketplace. The top countries in which shoppers choose all or most of their cross-border marketplace purchases are Japan (70%), China (61%), Germany (59%) and India (55%). About a quarter of global shoppers choose the retailers direct site for all or most of their cross-border shopping. The top direct-to-retail countries are Canada (35%), South Korea (34%) and Australia (33%). The remaining shoppers shop both marketplaces and retailers with no leading preference. This suggests that retailers should consider a broad presence and multiple channels to reach global shoppers.

Consumers across the world have spoken. We have moved beyond the days of marketplace or retailer; in-store or online; or even in-country or cross-border, says Lila Snyder, President, Global Ecommerce, Pitney Bowes. The world is shoppingeverywhereas new consumer behaviors and trends have emerged. Entering the holiday season and a new year, retailers and marketplaces alike should take note and capitalize on these shifts in consumer behavior, which open up new opportunities for brands and retailers at home and abroad.

Shopping in the Mobile Age

Throughout the shopping journey, mobile devices are playing an increasingly greater role. Roughly half of shoppers in Singapore (51%), India (50%), Mexico (49%) and China (47%) were most likely to use a mobile device (including tablets and phones) for browsing. When it comes to order tracking, over half of shoppers in China, Hong Kong, India, Singapore and South Korea use these devices. Even though mobile is not the first choice for completing a purchase (33%), surveyed shoppers often use their mobile device for part of the shopping journey. For example, in the U.S. one-third of shoppers (33%) use mobile for completing a purchase, however mobile usage increases significantly (47%) when tracking an item post purchase. The data reveals a strong tracking application as highly strategic to reaching the mobile shopper.

Survey results uncovered insight into how consumers are finding products online. While marketplaces (62%), search engines (43%) and retailers sites (39%) continue to be popular discovery tools, countries like Hong Kong (26%), Australia (24%) and Singapore (22%) rely on email communications to find new products. And now nearly one-fifth (19%) of consumers are discovering new products through social media channels, especially in Hong Kong (45%), Mexico (32%), India and Singapore (both 30%). In fact, Hong Kong consumers are just as likely to use social channels to discover new products as they are a retailers website, while consumers in Mexico are more likely to use social media than visit a retailers website.

Getting the Basics Right Still Matters

The need for choice was also evident with regard to payment types. While survey results varied by country, no one payment option was chosen by a majority of cross-border shoppers. Credit cards (45%) were the most preferred method of payment online. E-wallets, which allow consumers to store multiple payment accounts in one place (i.e. PayPal, Alipay), were identified as another popular payment method (34%) for cross-border purchases. Choice again proved to be a crucial theme, as limiting options for payment alienates a significant number of would-be consumers. When asked about the most important factors in selecting a payment option, consumers cited service fees/total cost of purchase (33%), value of the purchase (25%), and offer of a purchase protection plan (25%) as the most important considerations when selecting a payment option.

Online shipping and returns continue to be a major pain point for consumers, despite merchants efforts to improve their shipping and returns processes. When asked about holiday shopping, 42 percent of consumers say they experienced related challenges when shopping online for the 2015 holiday season. In fact, even the most basic elements of the customer experience, such as shipping the right item; accuracy in address and tracking; a transparent returns policy; and proper duty and tax were all cited as challenges. Hong Kong (65%), India (59%), South Korea (55%), Singapore and China (both 54%) were among the countries experiencing the greatest headaches with online shopping during the 2015 holiday season. Even in the U.S., almost a third of consumers (31%) reported experiencing challenges during last years holiday shopping season, putting the pressure on retailers and marketplaces to make significant improvements in the consumer experience heading into this holiday.

Methodology

The 2016 Pitney Bowes Global Online Shopping Study was conducted online by ORC International and surveyed approximately 13,000 adults across 13 countries regarding their perceptions, habits and preferences for making online purchases. This years survey polled Singapore, Hong Kong and Mexico for the first time, where they joined survey participants from Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The survey was conducted in August 2016.

About Pitney Bowes

Pitney Bowes (NYSE: PBI), is a global technology company powering billions of transactions  physical and digital  in the connected and borderless world of commerce. Clients around the world, including 90 percent of the Fortune 500, rely on products, solutions and services from Pitney Bowes in the areas of customer information management, location intelligence, customer engagement, shipping, mailing, and global ecommerce. And with the innovative Pitney Bowes Commerce Cloud, clients can access the broad range of Pitney Bowes solutions, analytics, and APIs to drive commerce. For additional information visit Pitney Bowes, the Craftsmen of Commerce, at www.pitneybowes.com.

# # #

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161011006722/en/

Pitney Bowes Inc.

Kathy Raymond, 203-351-7233

[email protected]

Source: Pitney Bowes
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- (All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated)

Teranga Gold Corporation ("Teranga" or the "Company") (TSX: TGZ)(ASX: TGZ) is pleased to advise that the previously announced acquisition of Gryphon Minerals Limited ("Gryphon"), by way of a scheme of arrangement (the "Scheme") under the Australian Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), has been implemented.

Pursuant to the Scheme, shareholders of Gryphon received an aggregate of 70,638,853 Teranga common shares or chess depository interests (CDIs) listed on the Australian Securities Exchange ("ASX") (based on their election) on the basis of 0.169 Teranga common share or CDI for each Gryphon common share not already held by the Company.

In addition, Tablo Corporation ("Tablo"), controlled by Mr. David Mimran, is exercising its pre-emptive participation right, pursuant to a Voting and Investor Rights Agreement with Teranga dated October 14, 2015, to subscribe for 9,671,625 Teranga common shares (the "Private Placement"), representing 13.69% of Teranga's common shares and CDIs issued under the Scheme (calculated on a non-diluted basis). Following the completion of the Private Placement, Tablo will hold a total of 63,376,260, or 13.41%, of Teranga's issued and outstanding common shares (calculated on a non-diluted basis and post issuance of the Teranga common shares and CDIs issued on the Scheme and the Private Placement). The issuance price to Tablo will be $1.0322 per share, being the 5-day volume weighted average price of Teranga common shares as of close of business on October 12, 2016. The Teranga common shares issued to Tablo will be subject to a customary four month hold period.

Upon closing of the Private Placement, which is expected later this week, Teranga will have approximately 472.5 million issued and outstanding common shares and a market capitalization of approximately $486.7 million, based on the closing price of the Teranga common shares on the Toronto Stock Exchange on October 12, 2016. The trading of the Gryphon shares on the ASX was suspended on September 29, 2016, and Gryphon has applied for the termination of the official quotation of Gryphon shares on the ASX and the removal of Gryphon from the official list of the ASX.

About Teranga Gold

Teranga is a Canadian-based gold company listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: TGZ) and Australian Securities Exchange (ASX: TGZ). Teranga is principally engaged in the production and sale of gold, as well as related activities such as exploration and mine development in West Africa.

Teranga's mission is to create value for all of its stakeholders as it pursues its vision to be a pre-eminent mid-tier gold producer in West Africa. Operating in accordance with the highest international standards and using the best available techniques, Teranga strives to set the benchmark for responsible mining and to be a catalyst for sustainable economic, environmental and community development. For more information, please refer to www.terangagold.com.

Contacts: Teranga Gold Corporation Richard Young President & CEO +1 416-594-0000 [email protected] Teranga Gold Corporation Trish Moran Head of Investor Relations +1 416-564-4290 [email protected]

Source: Teranga Gold Corporation
DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Trinity Industries, Inc. (NYSE: TRN) announced today that it will report its financial results for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2016 after the financial markets close on October 26, 2016.

Trinity will conduct a conference call at 11:00 a.m. Eastern on October 27, 2016 to discuss its results. To listen to the call, please visit the Investor Relations section of the Companys website, www.trin.net. An audio replay may be accessed through the Companys website or by dialing (402) 220-2658 until 11:59 p.m. Eastern on November 3, 2016.

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Trinity Industries, Inc., headquartered in Dallas, Texas, is a diversified industrial company that owns market-leading businesses which provide products and services to the energy, transportation, chemical, and construction sectors. Trinity reports its financial results in five principal business segments: the Rail Group, the Railcar Leasing and Management Services Group, the Inland Barge Group, the Construction Products Group, and the Energy Equipment Group. For more information, visit: www.trin.net.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012005958/en/

Investor Contact:

Trinity Corporate Services, LLC

Jessica Greiner, 214-631-4420

Vice President, Investor Relations

or

Media Contact:

Trinity Industries, Inc.

Jack Todd, 214-589-8909

Vice President, Public Affairs

Source: Trinity Industries, Inc.
PORTLAND, OR -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- Digital Security Solutions leader Tyfone, Inc., will present on the topics of secure digital banking channels, cybersecurity technologies and security best practices at the Cooperative Credit Union Association's (CCUA) Annual Meeting and Convention, being held on October 12-14 in Uncasville, Connecticut. Representing over 1,000 credit unions in the Northeast, the CCUA's annual gathering provides educational opportunities for the region's credit union executives.

Tyfone co-founder and CEO, Dr. Siva G. Narendra, will present on behalf of Tyfone in Thursday's main session, and will be joined onstage by CCUA's CEO, who will moderate the event. Dr. Narendra is an internationally recognized cybersecurity thought leader who is a frequent guest speaker and has been involved in over 300 issued and pending patents for mobile banking, digital security, integrated circuits, Internet of Things (IoT), wireless and mobile technologies.

Dr. Narendra's presentation, titled "Secure Digital Banking: Best Practices and Techniques for Protecting Your Members and Credit Union in a Connected World," will cover a range of cybersecurity topics which are increasingly important to financial institution executives, including:

What you need to know about security and Digital Banking

5 Keys to an effective Secure Digital Banking Strategy

Why Security is Essential to Digital Transformation Initiatives

Digital Banking without a secure digital identity

The importance of secure digital identity within Digital Banking

"Credit Unions desire to provide their members with banking services across all digital channels, but in a way that is both very secure and also very convenient," according to Daniel Rawlings, Tyfone Chief Revenue Officer. "Mobile and internet connectivity technologies provide tremendous opportunities, but often introduce unacceptable security vulnerabilities. With Tyfone, credit unions and their members can enjoy the highest levels of security and convenience across all digital channels."

Tyfone's secure digital banking suite is a unified mobile and online banking solution, allowing financial institutions, such as credit unions and banks, to offer their members and customers the most secure digital banking solution in the industry. The solution's adaptive and responsive design takes advantage of the unique features of each device, while presenting a consistent user experience and rich functionality across all devices. The solution leverages Tyfone's u4ia Digital Security Platform to provide the industry's only banking solution that complies with the latest FFIEC guidelines and all levels of National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) security specifications. This enable the solution to provide the highest levels of security and convenience.

About Tyfone

Tyfone is a leading provider of digital security solutions for identity and transactions. Tyfone solutions bring both security and convenience in the hyper-connected digital world of cloud, mobility and IoT (Internet of Things), where legacy security methods have proven to be ineffective. Protected by over 130 issued and pending patents, the company's secure solutions serve key industries such as financial services (including two of the Top 10 credit unions), converged security for enterprises, critical infrastructure, and the US Government. The company is headquartered in Portland, Oregon and also has operations in Bangalore, India.

Tyfone is securing the connected world.

For more information, visit https://tyfone.com.

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Source: Tyfone, Inc.
MARKHAM, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- VIQ Solutions Inc. ("VIQ" or "VIQ Solutions") (TSX VENTURE: VQS) is pleased to announce that VIQ, in conjunction with partners Digital Voice Processing of South Africa, has been awarded two new secure digital capture and management contracts in Nigeria and Mauritius.

"An increasing number of customers in Africa and the Middle East are recognizing the superiority of the secure VIQ technology platform, with our emphasis on cybersecurity, data privacy and integrated workflow management," said Sebastien Pare, President and CEO of VIQ Solutions Inc. "We are seeing increased sales activity in law enforcement, courts and hearings in those regions as customer demand shifts to secure platforms with advanced feature sets and sophisticated management technologies."

The Nigerian contract calls for the installation of VIQ's digital court recording solution in multiple courtrooms, with remote stations for playback and transcription of court proceedings.

The Mauritius win relates to an ongoing environmental appeals tribunal. The VIQ recording platform will be installed across multiple locations to capture and manage proceedings.

Both contracts were won by long-time VIQ partner Digital Voice Processing of South Africa.

"These two new customer wins are indicative of the larger advanced digital modernization movement that is underway in the region, with an emphasis on security, connectivity and advanced workflow features," said David Tilling, VIQ's Regional Sales Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa. "With an established, knowledgeable partner in Digital Voice Processing, the VIQ footprint in Africa continues to grow amongst sophisticated customers who require advanced digital workflow solutions as part of their overall modernization initiatives."

For more information on what is making the news at VIQ Solutions, please visit our website at www.viqsolutions.com/news.html.

About VIQ Solutions Inc.

VIQ Solutions is the leading technology and service platform provider for digital evidence capture and content management. Our secure modular software allows customers to onboard the VIQ platform at any stage of their organization's digitization, from the capture of digital content from video and audio devices through to online collaboration, mobility, data analytics and integration with sensors, facial recognition, speech recognition and case management or patient record systems. VIQ's technology leads the industry in security, meeting the highest international standards for digital/cyber security and privacy, including military and medical regulations.

Our solutions are in use in over 20 countries with tens of thousands of users in over 200 government and private agencies including law enforcement, immigration, medical, legal, insurance, courts, and transportation and transcription services. VIQ also provides end to end transcription services to several large government agencies through our Australia-based reporting and transcription partners. VIQ operates worldwide with partners like security integrators, audio-video specialists, and hardware and data storage suppliers. Managing digital media evidence is what we do, and we do it better than anyone else. For more information about VIQ Solutions, please visit www.viqsolutions.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts: Sebastien Par President and Chief Executive Officer VIQ Solutions (905) 948-8266 ext. 221 [email protected] www.viqsolutions.com

Source: VIQ Solutions Inc.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger chain, has been part of American culture for 95 years. Its passionate fan base, affectionately known as Cravers, are loyal, dedicated, and will do almost anything to satisfy their craving for Sliders. In 2001, White Castle created the Cravers Hall of Fame, an honorary club that recognizes its most ardent fans.

For the past year, White Castle customers from across the country have submitted personal, funny and heartfelt stories for a chance to be inducted into the Cravers Hall of Fame. After reading and judging almost 1,000 entries, White Castle selected 14 loyal Cravers from across the U.S. Each member was formerly inducted into the 16th annual White Castle Cravers Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the home office in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday, October 11.

"White Castle is always touched by the unique and creative memorable moments our Cravers have participated in over the years," said Jamie Richardson, White Castle vice president. "Many of them tell us stories about growing up with our brand and how it has been a staple in their lives, whether it's making their very own White Castle costume, celebrating wedding anniversaries or just simply passing the passion for White Castle on from one generation to the next."

The judges set criteria to evaluate each story based on the following: brand loyalty, creative presentation, originality and magnitude of the Crave. To date, more than 200 inductees have been honored with this distinguished award. In 2002, White Castle added the "Craver in Extremis" category to recognize public figures, celebrities and pop icons, including Alice Cooper, John Boehner, Kal Penn and John Cho, who had publicly shown their love of White Castle.

The Class of 2016 inductees includes:

Larry McLaughlin, Detroit, Michigan  "Spring Break Crave" When Larry McLaughlin was a college student in 1988, he and a friend headed south for spring break in Daytona Beach, Florida. With little money for food, the pair took 100 frozen Sliders and a microwave oven on the trip, certain they could each subsist on five a day. They ended up selling most of the burgers to hungry spring breakers, earning them money and McLaughlin a spot in White Castle's 16th annual Cravers Hall of Fame class.

When Larry McLaughlin was a college student in 1988, he and a friend headed south for spring break in Daytona Beach, Florida. With little money for food, the pair took 100 frozen Sliders and a microwave oven on the trip, certain they could each subsist on five a day. They ended up selling most of the burgers to hungry spring breakers, earning them money and McLaughlin a spot in White Castle's 16th annual Cravers Hall of Fame class. Adam Schindler, Detroit, Michigan  "White Castle Man at the Fortress of Slidertude" Adam Schindler is a long-time fan of White Castle. His passion for the brand runs deep, and several years ago, he created a White Castle-themed superhero costume for Halloween. Schindler's "White Castle Man" costume features a long-sleeve white body suit emblazoned with the White Castle logo, a white cap, royal blue socks and a royal blue brief complete with a utility belt of Slider boxes. A year after he created the costume, Schindler entered  and won  a costume contest that White Castle was sponsoring.

Adam Schindler is a long-time fan of White Castle. His passion for the brand runs deep, and several years ago, he created a White Castle-themed superhero costume for Halloween. Schindler's "White Castle Man" costume features a long-sleeve white body suit emblazoned with the White Castle logo, a white cap, royal blue socks and a royal blue brief complete with a utility belt of Slider boxes. A year after he created the costume, Schindler entered  and won  a costume contest that White Castle was sponsoring. Michael DeFelice, Kansas City, Missouri  "Crave Case over Briefcase" DeFelice's love of White Castle began in the early 90s, after he saw a commercial advertising a kids' meal that came with an inflatable Godzilla toy. Today, DeFelice travels frequently for work, but he's strategic when it comes to planning his trips, making sure he frequently visits cities where White Castle restaurants are located. When he travels for work, DeFelice spends his $35 daily food stipend on a Crave Case for dinner. He still misses his Godzilla toy he received in his White Castle kids meal many years ago, but he says he has an extensive collection of cardboard Crave Case souvenirs to remind him of where he's been.

DeFelice's love of White Castle began in the early 90s, after he saw a commercial advertising a kids' meal that came with an inflatable Godzilla toy. Today, DeFelice travels frequently for work, but he's strategic when it comes to planning his trips, making sure he frequently visits cities where White Castle restaurants are located. When he travels for work, DeFelice spends his $35 daily food stipend on a Crave Case for dinner. He still misses his Godzilla toy he received in his White Castle kids meal many years ago, but he says he has an extensive collection of cardboard Crave Case souvenirs to remind him of where he's been. Mark Klein, Monroe Township, New Jersey  "Spreading the Crave" Mark Klein has been a devoted fan of White Castle since he was a child in the 1950s growing up in Brooklyn, New York. As a child, Klein loved going to White Castle with his parents and sister. Getting the little square hamburgers for lunch or before a N.Y. Mets game was always a treat. As an adult, he introduced his two daughters to White Castle, and they also became hooked on the restaurant's famous Sliders. Now living in a retirement community, Klein created a "Seniors White Castle Club." The 25 members visit the White Castle in East Brunswick, New Jersey, at least twice a month.

Mark Klein has been a devoted fan of White Castle since he was a child in the 1950s growing up in Brooklyn, New York. As a child, Klein loved going to White Castle with his parents and sister. Getting the little square hamburgers for lunch or before a N.Y. Mets game was always a treat. As an adult, he introduced his two daughters to White Castle, and they also became hooked on the restaurant's famous Sliders. Now living in a retirement community, Klein created a "Seniors White Castle Club." The 25 members visit the White Castle in East Brunswick, New Jersey, at least twice a month. Russ Axelrod, Las Vegas, Nevada  "A Slider to Lean On" When Russ Axelrod's college girlfriend broke up with him, the only thing that could mend his broken heart was a trip to his beloved White Castle for a sack of Sliders. Axelrod has been a devoted fan of White Castle since he was a child growing up in the Bayside neighborhood of Queens, New York. "A sack of White Castles was the only thing that brought me true happiness in my adolescent years," he wrote in his Cravers Hall of Fame submission. Axelrod went to college at the University of Maryland, which didn't have any nearby White Castles. When his girlfriend broke up with him, Axelrod realized it was "a bad time not to have my crave crutch." Thankfully, Axelrod had a friend who came to his rescue and surprised him with an 8-hour round trip to the closest White Castle, where they both indulged their Crave for a "sack of happiness."

When Russ Axelrod's college girlfriend broke up with him, the only thing that could mend his broken heart was a trip to his beloved White Castle for a sack of Sliders. Axelrod has been a devoted fan of White Castle since he was a child growing up in the Bayside neighborhood of Queens, New York. "A sack of White Castles was the only thing that brought me true happiness in my adolescent years," he wrote in his Cravers Hall of Fame submission. Axelrod went to college at the University of Maryland, which didn't have any nearby White Castles. When his girlfriend broke up with him, Axelrod realized it was "a bad time not to have my crave crutch." Thankfully, Axelrod had a friend who came to his rescue and surprised him with an 8-hour round trip to the closest White Castle, where they both indulged their Crave for a "sack of happiness." Stacey Parrinello and her sister, Mel Burrows, Manalapan, New Jersey  "Let's Treat Ourselves" Stacey Parrinello, a woman from Manalapan, New Jersey, paid tribute to her late sister Mel Burrows' memory with a custom made White Castle cremation urn. Mel was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2015, and as a special treat after her treatments, she and Stacey would sneak out of the hospital and pay a visit to their local Castle. "Let's Treat Ourselves," became the catch phrase of the sisters special trips and is prominently featured on the urn. "It might seem a bit silly to some people, but White Castle provided a sense of normalcy during Mel's treatments. And that was a true gift, because those days were difficult on all of us," said Stacey. "The time we spent together at White Castle is something I'll always cherish and look back on fondly, because I loved that Mel was able to find such joy in one of life's simple pleasures. The White Castle urn is a way I can honor her and cherish some of the last memories we shared together."

Stacey Parrinello, a woman from Manalapan, New Jersey, paid tribute to her late sister Mel Burrows' memory with a custom made White Castle cremation urn. Mel was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer in 2015, and as a special treat after her treatments, she and Stacey would sneak out of the hospital and pay a visit to their local Castle. "Let's Treat Ourselves," became the catch phrase of the sisters special trips and is prominently featured on the urn. "It might seem a bit silly to some people, but White Castle provided a sense of normalcy during Mel's treatments. And that was a true gift, because those days were difficult on all of us," said Stacey. "The time we spent together at White Castle is something I'll always cherish and look back on fondly, because I loved that Mel was able to find such joy in one of life's simple pleasures. The White Castle urn is a way I can honor her and cherish some of the last memories we shared together." Tim and Tam Tucker, Louisville, Kentucky  "Love & Sliders" Tim and Tam Tucker's love affair with White Castle started around the same time as their love affair with each other. When they started dating, the couple would take a city bus to the nearest White Castle, pick up a sack of 10 or 12 Sliders, and head to their favorite location to enjoy them. They still maintain this special tradition, despite the fact that Tim's losing his memory to Lewy Body Dementia. Tam married the love of her life when she wed Tim in 1982. Once married, they continued the ritual they started when they were dating, heading to White Castle on Wednesday and Sunday evenings. They'd share a pack of 12 sliders, some with extra pickles, some with just ketchup, some with just mayo and some with just mustard. They even got into the habit of celebrating Valentine's Day and their wedding anniversary at White Castle. Today, White Castle is one of the few things that brings joy to Tim. Diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia six years ago, Tim doesn't remember much, but he knows Tam and he knows his Sliders.

Tim and Tam Tucker's love affair with White Castle started around the same time as their love affair with each other. When they started dating, the couple would take a city bus to the nearest White Castle, pick up a sack of 10 or 12 Sliders, and head to their favorite location to enjoy them. They still maintain this special tradition, despite the fact that Tim's losing his memory to Lewy Body Dementia. Tam married the love of her life when she wed Tim in 1982. Once married, they continued the ritual they started when they were dating, heading to White Castle on Wednesday and Sunday evenings. They'd share a pack of 12 sliders, some with extra pickles, some with just ketchup, some with just mayo and some with just mustard. They even got into the habit of celebrating Valentine's Day and their wedding anniversary at White Castle. Today, White Castle is one of the few things that brings joy to Tim. Diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia six years ago, Tim doesn't remember much, but he knows Tam and he knows his Sliders. Flavy Buster, Farmington, Indiana  "Community Craver" A friend nominated Buster for his dedication to raising money for White Castle's annual Autism Speaks fundraiser in 2015 and 2016, and for his commitment and loyalty to the brand. Buster has visited White Castle regularly since 2015. In 2015 and 2016, Buster personally donated $2,000, in memory of his late wife, to White Castle's Autism Speaks campaign. He also went door to door to friends and local businesses raising donations.

A friend nominated Buster for his dedication to raising money for White Castle's annual Autism Speaks fundraiser in 2015 and 2016, and for his commitment and loyalty to the brand. Buster has visited White Castle regularly since 2015. In 2015 and 2016, Buster personally donated $2,000, in memory of his late wife, to White Castle's Autism Speaks campaign. He also went door to door to friends and local businesses raising donations. Donna Bazzell, Louisville, Kentucky  "Just What the Doctor Didn't Order" Before her scheduled tonsillectomy, Bazzell was given strict orders to not eat anything for at least 12 hours. But when she stopped at her local White Castle to get a drink on the way to the hospital, she couldn't resist the smell of Sliders and grilled onions. "I thought one wouldn't hurt, so I purchased a Slider and quickly ate it before returning to the car," said Bazzell. "I confessed to the doctor that I had eaten something before my surgery, and they weren't very happy with me. My tonsillectomy was cancelled for that day and had to be rescheduled. I felt guilty, but as a White Castle fan, I smiled remembering how good that Slider was. It was well worth it."

Before her scheduled tonsillectomy, Bazzell was given strict orders to not eat anything for at least 12 hours. But when she stopped at her local White Castle to get a drink on the way to the hospital, she couldn't resist the smell of Sliders and grilled onions. "I thought one wouldn't hurt, so I purchased a Slider and quickly ate it before returning to the car," said Bazzell. "I confessed to the doctor that I had eaten something before my surgery, and they weren't very happy with me. My tonsillectomy was cancelled for that day and had to be rescheduled. I felt guilty, but as a White Castle fan, I smiled remembering how good that Slider was. It was well worth it." Jade Kozup, Atlanta, Georgia  "Crave Case Carry On" Kozup's love for White Castle Sliders began in 2001 when she was living in Las Vegas. Her sister, who was interning in Indiana at the time, picked up a Crave Case at the local White Castle and flew it to Kozup in her carry on bag. This was their tradition. Throughout the years, the sisters moved to different cities, but their love of Sliders remained strong. "My sister travels a lot for work, and anytime she is in a city with White Castle, she would bring Crave Cases home for me. I'd do the same for her," said Kozup. "I went to a bridal shower in Columbus, Ohio and picked up two Crave Cases and brought them with me on the 13-hour drive back home."

Kozup's love for White Castle Sliders began in 2001 when she was living in Las Vegas. Her sister, who was interning in Indiana at the time, picked up a Crave Case at the local White Castle and flew it to Kozup in her carry on bag. This was their tradition. Throughout the years, the sisters moved to different cities, but their love of Sliders remained strong. "My sister travels a lot for work, and anytime she is in a city with White Castle, she would bring Crave Cases home for me. I'd do the same for her," said Kozup. "I went to a bridal shower in Columbus, Ohio and picked up two Crave Cases and brought them with me on the 13-hour drive back home." Joseph Gest, Converse, Texas  "40 Years and Still Craving" Gest's love for White Castle Sliders began in his hometown of Midlothain, Illinois when he was just seven years old. After enlisting in the Air Force at the age of 18, Gest was taken away from his beloved White Castle restaurant, but that didn't stop him from finding creative ways to satisfy his Crave throughout the years. "I was living in Columbus, Mississippi from 1997 to 1999," said Gest. "I was dating my now wife at the time, and she got off the plane with a sack of White Castle Sliders in her hand. That's when I knew she was the one."

Gest's love for White Castle Sliders began in his hometown of Midlothain, Illinois when he was just seven years old. After enlisting in the Air Force at the age of 18, Gest was taken away from his beloved White Castle restaurant, but that didn't stop him from finding creative ways to satisfy his Crave throughout the years. "I was living in Columbus, Mississippi from 1997 to 1999," said Gest. "I was dating my now wife at the time, and she got off the plane with a sack of White Castle Sliders in her hand. That's when I knew she was the one." Andy Balterman, Cincinnati, Ohio  "Crave Collector" Andy Balterman, a retired librarian from Cincinnati, has an extensive library of White Castle memorabilia. From his "I CRAVE" vanity license plate, to his vast collection of White Castle trinkets, it's no secret that Balterman is a fan of the steam-grilled Sliders. He prefers his with cheese and extra onions. "I have t-shirts and some real old mugs and a winyl keep-things-cool-or-hot lunch bag," said Balterman. "Late at night one night I stole a heavy plastic White Castle sign from the demolition site of a White Castle restaurant that was being rebuilt."

About White Castle White Castle, America's first fast-food hamburger chain based in Columbus, Ohio, is celebrating 95 years as a family-owned business. The company was founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 1921 serving The Original Slider which was named the most influential burger of all time in 2014 by Time. All White Castle Sliders are made from 100 percent USDA inspected beef. Today White Castle owns and operates nearly 400 restaurants in 13 states and has two dedicated Crave Mobiles that attended hundreds of events in 2015. White Castle's commitment to maintaining the highest quality products extends to the company owning and operating its own meat processing plants and bakeries as well as three frozen food processing plants. The retail division markets White Castle signature products in grocery, warehouse and convenience stores across the United States and in a growing number of international locations, including military PX's around the world.

WhiteCastle.com is a culture center for Cravers, the chain's loyal and passionate fan base, connecting like-minded Slider enthusiasts from around the globe in a social media setting. For more information on White Castle and to see the Craver Hall of Fame, visit whitecastle.com.

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SOURCE White Castle
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - China Southern Airlines <600029.SS><1055.HK>(NYSE: ZNH), the country's largest carrier by fleet size, has signed an agreement with Boeing (NYSE: BA) to buy a dozen B787-9 jets worth $3.3 billion in the latest sign of booming Chinese demand for air travel.

Each of the 12 mid-size jets comes at a catalogue price of $271 million, the Guangzhou-based airline said on Wednesday, adding that the aircraft will be delivered in stages from 2018 to 2020.

"The acquisition will strengthen the construction of Guangzhou hub, thus maximizing the operational efficiency and enhancing the competitiveness of the group," China Southern said in a filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange.

China is the world's fastest-growing aviation market, having expanded rapidly as rising incomes resulting from years of healthy economic growth have boosted demand for internal flights as well as travel abroad for business and leisure.

China Southern's deal follows similar fleet expansion moves by rivals such as Air China <601111.SS><0753.HK> and China Eastern Airlines <600115.SS><0670.HK>(NYSE: CEA).

(Reporting by Lee Chyen Yee and Bengaluru newsroom; Editing by David Goodman)
ONITSHA, Nigeria (Reuters) - Gunmen have kidnapped a Romanian engineer in Nigeria's oil-producing Niger Delta, police said on Tuesday.

Officers have launched a search for the man in the area of Owa Oyibo, where he was abducted late on Monday, said Celestina Kalu, a spokeswoman for police in Delta state.

He was working for Dextron Nigeria Ltd, a construction firm, Kalu added.

The southern swampland has been hit by a wave of militant attacks on oil and gas facilities and a general breakdown of law. Militants are fighting for a greater share of oil revenues for the impoverished Niger Delta, which is home to much of Nigeria's oil production.

(Reporting by Anamesere Igboeroteonwu; Writing by Ulf Laessing; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
A U.N. peacekeeper stands guard near children displaced in recent fighting, during a visit by the United Nations Security Council, delegation to the UN House in Jebel, near South Sudan's capital Juba, September 3, 2016. REUTERS/Jok Solomun

By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Russia said on Tuesday that an arms embargo should not be placed on South Sudan despite U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon reporting that the government has done little to allow more peacekeepers to be deployed and to improve access for U.N. troops already there.

President Salva Kiir agreed during a U.N. Security Council visit to South Sudan last month to accept 4,000 extra peacekeepers and to allow some 12,000 peacekeepers already on the ground to move around freely in order to protect civilians.

In an August resolution, after heavy fighting in July in the capital, Juba, the 15-member council had threatened to consider a possible arms embargo within five days of a report by Ban that Kiir's government was not fulfilling both measures.

Russia's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Petr Iliichev said that an assessment report from Ban to the council on Monday said that "South Sudan was not impeding or increasing difficulties, so it's a very neutral letter."

"Our opposition (to an arms embargo) doesn't change. Yesterday we were discussing Central African Republic, where an arms embargo is in place but the country is just inundated with weapons," he said.

Britain's U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said he would discuss the situation with council colleagues to decide whether or not to push for discussion of a resolution to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan, the world's newest nation.

"If we find that there isn't that full cooperation then yes it'll definitely be time to look again at the arms embargo," Rycroft told reporters.

U.S. Deputy Ambassador David Pressman told reporters he expected there would be a "robust discussion." The council is due to discuss the situation in South Sudan next Monday.

In Ban's letter to the council, seen by Reuters, he said "it will take some time to evaluate whether these commitments (by South Sudan) translate into improved freedom of movement on the ground or amount to business as usual."

Ban has previously urged the council to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan.

Political rivalry between Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and his former deputy Riek Machar, a Nuer, led to civil war in 2013 that has often followed ethnic lines. The pair signed a shaky peace deal a year ago, but fighting has continued and Machar fled the country after the July violence. He is now in Khartoum.

South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011.

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Grant McCool)
MADRID (Reuters) - Spanish and Moroccan police have arrested four Moroccan men suspected of links to militant Islamist activity, the Spanish Interior Ministry said on Wednesday.

The arrests followed two years of police investigations and stemmed from monitoring two people who had lived in Spain but had gone to join Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, the ministry said in a statement.

These two formed a recruiting cell and then established off-shoots in Spain and Morocco, each containing a further two members.

The two men arrested in Spain were charged with enlisting and indoctrinating recruits to fight in Syria and Iraq with the use of social media. They had direct contact with Islamic State through the Syrian unit, the ministry said.

The two others were arrested in Morocco.

Spain has been on high alert and has stepped up security measures following Islamist militant attacks in Paris last year. Spain has arrested around 40 people suspected of links with Islamist militants this year so far.

(Reporting by Blanca Rodriguez; Writing by Sonya Dowsett; Editing by Alison Williams)
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INFORMATION STATEMENT

PURSUANT TO SECTION 14 OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934,

AS AMENDED, AND REGULATION 14C AND SCHEDULE 14C THEREUNDER

This Information Statement is being mailed to inform the stockholders of action taken without a meeting upon the written consent of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of the common stock of the Company.

WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND

YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY.

GENERAL INFORMATION

This Information Statement has been filed with the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission and is being furnished, pursuant to Section 14C of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), to the holders (the Stockholders) of the common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the Common Stock), of JA Energy , a Nevada corporation (the Company), to notify such Stockholders of the following:

On or about October 11, 2016, the Company received written consents from seven shareholders in lieu of a meeting of Stockholders. These shareholders own 30,087,129 Class A Common Shares and 6,000,000 Class B Common Shares representing approximately 99.85% of the voting class (the Majority Stockholder) authorizing the Companys Board of Directors, to change its corporate name to UBI Blockchain Internet, LTD from JA Energy and increasing the number of authorized share to 200,000,000 from 75,000,000, while retaining the current par value of $0.001 . Percentage of total voting power represents voting power with respect to all shares of our Class A Common Stock (30,217,046 issued and outstanding) and Class B Voting stock (6,000,000 shares issued and outstanding), as a single class. The holder of our Class B Voting Stock are entitled to ten votes per share, and holders of our Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. The 6,000,000 Class B shares have voting rights equal to 60,000,000 common shares. Percentage of Total Voting Power is calculated based on an aggregate of 90,217,046 (30,217,046 Class A Common + 60,000,000 Class B Voting Common) shares issued and outstanding.

On October 10, 2016, the Board of Directors of the Company approved the above-mentioned actions, subject to Stockholder approval. The Majority Stockholder approved the action by written consent in lieu of a meeting on October 11, 2016, in accordance with the Nevada Corporate law . Accordingly, your consent is not required and is not being solicited in connection with the approval of the action.

The elimination of the need for a special meeting of the shareholders to approve the corporate name change and increase of authorized shares is authorized by Section 78.320 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, (the "Nevada Law"). This Section provides that the written consent of the holders of outstanding shares of voting capital stock, having not less than the minimum number of votes which would be necessary to authorize or take the action at a meeting at which all shares entitled to vote on a matter were present and voted, may be substituted for the special meeting. According to Section 78.390 of the Nevada Law, a majority of the outstanding shares of voting capital stock entitled to vote on the matter is required in order to amend the Company's Articles of Incorporation. In order to eliminate the costs and management time involved in holding a special meeting and in order to effect the corporate name change and increase the number of authorized shares in order to accomplish the purposes of the Company, the Board of Directors of the Company voted to utilize the written consent of the majority shareholders of the Company.

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CORPORATE ACTION #1

Corporate Name Change to: UBI Blockchain Internet, LTD.

Our Board of Directors and majority shareholders approved a corporate name change from to UBI Blockchain Internet, LTD from JA Energy. Management believes that changing our name to UBI Blockchain Internet, LTD will give the Company an improved identity.

Once we complete the name change, we will need to apply for a new Over-the-Counter Bulletin Board trading symbol and CUSIP number. We will report our new symbol and CUSIP number in a Current Report on Form 8-K once it is established.

The Company's Articles of Incorporation shall be filed with the Delaware Secretary of State so that Article 1 of the Certificate of Incorporation shall be as follows:

ARTICLE ONE

1. The name of corporation is: UBI Blockchain Internet, LTD

RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board of Directors of the Company believes that the stockholders of the Company will benefit from the corporate name which will give the Company a new identity . No assurances the corporate name change will have any effect on the business.

CORPORATE ACTION #2

Change our State of Incorporation

From Nevada to Delaware

Overview

On October 5, 2016, the Board unanimously approved and, by written consent, the Consenting Stockholders approved, the Plan of Conversion pursuant to which the Company will effect the Reincorporation, in compliance with the Delaware General Corporation law and the NRS.

Principal Reasons for the Reincorporation Under Delaware Law

Corporate Law

As we plan for the future, the Board and management believe that it is in the best interest of the Company to be able to draw upon well-established principles of corporate governance in making legal and business decisions. The prominence and predictability of Delaware corporate law provide a reliable foundation on which the Company's governance decisions can be based. The Board believes that the stockholders will benefit from the responsiveness of the Delaware corporate law. With the Reincorporation to Delaware, the By-laws of the Company will remain unchanged.

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For many years, Delaware has followed a policy of encouraging incorporation in Delaware and, in furtherance of that policy, has been the leader in adopting, construing and implementing comprehensive, flexible corporate laws that are responsive to the legal and business needs of the corporations organized under Delaware law. Unlike most states, including Nevada, Delaware has established progressive principles of corporate governance that the Company could draw upon when making business and legal decisions.

To take advantage of Delawares flexible and responsive corporate laws, many corporations choose to incorporate initially in Delaware or choose to reincorporate into Delaware, as the Company proposes to do. In general, the Board believes that Delaware provides a more appropriate and flexible corporate and legal environment in which to operate than currently exists in the State of Nevada and that the Company and its stockholders would benefit from such an environment. The Board has considered the following benefits available to Delaware corporations in deciding to propose reincorporation in Delaware:

 the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, which is generally acknowledged to be the most advanced and flexible corporate statute in the country;

 the responsiveness and efficiency of the Division of Corporations of the Secretary of State of Delaware;

 the Delaware General Assembly, which each year considers and adopts statutory amendments that the Corporation Law Section of the Delaware State Bar Association proposes in an effort to ensure that the corporate statute continues to be responsive to the changing needs of businesses;

 the Delaware Court of Chancery, which handles complex corporate issues with a level of experience and a degree of sophistication and understanding unmatched by any other court in the country, and the Delaware Supreme Court, which is highly regarded; and

 the well-established body of case law construing Delaware law, which has developed over the last century and which provides businesses with a greater degree of predictability than most, if not all, other jurisdictions provide.

Additionally, management believes that, as a Delaware corporation, the Company would be better able to continue to attract and retain qualified directors and officers than it would be able to as an Nevada corporation, in part, because Delaware law provides more predictability with respect to the issue of liability of directors and officers than Nevada law does. The increasing frequency of claims against directors and officers that are litigated has greatly expanded the risks to directors and officers of exercising their respective duties. The amount of time and money required to respond to and litigate such claims can be substantial. Although Nevada law and Delaware law both permit a corporation to include a provision in the corporations articles or certificate, as the case may be, of incorporation that in certain circumstances reduces or limits the monetary liability of directors for breaches of their fiduciary duty of care, Delaware law, as stated above, provides to directors and officers more predictability than Nevada law does and, therefore, provides directors and officers of a Delaware corporation a greater degree of comfort as to their risk of liability than that afforded under Nevada law. As the Company plans for the future, the board of directors and management believe that it is essential to be able to draw upon well-established principles of corporate governance in making legal and business decisions. The prominence and predictability of Delaware corporate law provide a reliable foundation on which the Company's governance decisions can be based.

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Capital Raising

Delaware is a recognized and understood jurisdiction throughout the international financial community. The Company would be better positioned to raise capital both within and outside of the United States by being incorporated in Delaware. The Board believes that the Company will be best suited to pursue all available financing options in the best interests of its stockholders if the Company is incorporated in Delaware versus Nevada. The Board believes that the Reincorporation will represent a better opportunity for the Company to increase stockholder value.

Any stockholders that votes against the Reincorporation may, under certain conditions, become entitled to be paid for his or her shares of the Corporation's capital stock in lieu of receiving shares of the Delaware Corp. Under Nevada Law Section 92A.380, you, the Companys stockholder, have the right to dissent from the Reincorporation and demand payment of the fair value of your shares of the Companys capital stock and are urged to read the full text of the Nevada dissenters' rights statute, which is reprinted in its entirety and attached as Appendix E to this Information Statement.

Disadvantages of Reincorporation in Delaware

While our Board believe that the foregoing benefits and advantages of the Reincorporation into Delaware are significant, you may find the Reincorporation disadvantageous. The Delaware General Corporation Law permits a corporation to adopt a number of measures, through amendment of the corporate certificate of incorporation or bylaws or otherwise, designed to reduce a corporation's vulnerability to unsolicited takeover attempts. There is substantial judicial precedent in the Delaware courts as to the legal principles applicable to such defensive measures with respect to the conduct of the board of directors under the business judgment rule, and the related enhanced scrutiny standard of judicial review, with respect to unsolicited takeover attempts. The substantial judicial precedent in the Delaware courts may potentially be disadvantageous to you to the extent it has the effect of providing greater certainty that the Delaware courts will sustain the measures the Company has in place or implements to protect stockholder interests in the event of unsolicited takeover attempts. Such measures may also tend to discourage a future attempt to acquire control of the Company that is not presented to and approved by the Companys Board, but that a substantial number and perhaps even a majority of the stockholders might believe to be in their best interests or in which stockholders might receive a substantial premium for their shares over then current market prices. As a result of such effects, stockholders who might desire to participate in such a transaction may not have an opportunity to do so.

We intend to effect the Reincorporation pursuant to the Plan of Conversion in substantially the form attached hereto as Appendix A. The Plan of Conversion provides that the Company will convert from a Nevada corporation to a Delaware corporation ( Delaware Corp ) and thereafter be subject to the laws of the State of Delaware. The Reincorporation would be considered, in effect, a continuation of existence of the Company, with the existence of Delaware Corp deemed to have commenced when the Company was first formed in Nevada.

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General actions that will occur pursuant to the Plan of Conversion

Pursuant to the Plan of Conversion, Delaware General Corporate Law, as amended (the  DGCL ), and the NRS, upon conversion:

 The Company will cease to be governed by the NRS and will be deemed a Delaware corporation subject to the DGCL;

 Delaware Corp will be deemed to be the same entity as the Company for all purposes under the laws of Delaware, with the Companys existence deemed to have commenced when the Company was first formed in Nevada;

 Delaware Corp will continue to have all of the assets of the Company;

 Delaware Corp will continue to have all the debts, liabilities and duties of the Company; and

 Each director and officer of the Company will continue to hold their respective offices with Delaware Corp.

Approval of the Filing of the Articles of Conversion and the Certificate of Conversion

Pursuant to the Plan of Conversion and in connection with the Reincorporation, the Board and the Consenting Stockholders approved the filing: (1) with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada articles of conversion, in substantially the form attached hereto as Appendix B ( Articles of Conversion ); (2) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware a certificate of conversion in substantially the form attached hereto as Appendix C (the  Certificate of Conversion ); and (3) the Certificate of Incorporation, substantially in the form attached hereto as Appendix D.

Adoption of Delaware Certificate of Incorporation

In connection with the Reincorporation, the Board and the Consenting Stockholders adopted the Certificate of Incorporation in substantially the form attached hereto as Appendix D. At the time they become effective, the Certificate of Incorporation will supersede the Companys current articles of incorporation. The Certificate of Incorporation were adopted in order to reflect the Reincorporation of the Company in the State of Delaware and to implement provisions deemed by the Board to be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

Effect on the Companys Securities

Common Stock

Following the reincorporation to Delaware, the authorized capital stock of the Company will consist of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.001 per share. There will be three Classes of Common Shares consisting of: 130,000,000 authorized shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share (Class A Common Stock), 6,000,000 authorized shares of Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share (Class B Common Stock and together with the Class A Common Stock, the Common Stock), 64,000,000 authorized shares of Class C Capital Stock, $0.001 par value per share (Class C Capital Stock and together with the Common Stock, the Capital Stock).

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Pursuant to the Plan of Conversion, each share of common stock of the Company, $0.001 par value per share, that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Reincorporation will automatically convert into one share of common stock, $0.001 par value per share of Delaware Corp.

Anti-Takeover Implications

Both Nevada and Delaware permit a corporation to include in its certificate of incorporation or bylaws or to otherwise adopt measures designed to reduce a corporations vulnerability to unsolicited takeover attempts. The Board, however, is not proposing the Reincorporation to prevent a change in control of the Company.

With respect to implementing defensive strategies, Delaware law is preferable to Nevada law because of the substantial judicial precedent on the legal principles applicable to defensive strategies. As a Nevada corporation or a Delaware corporation, the Company could implement some of the same defensive measures. As a Delaware corporation, however, the Company would benefit from the predictability of Delaware law on such matters.

For a discussion of differences between Nevada and Delaware law see Changes to Stockholder Rights Before and After the ReincorporationChanges from Nevada to Delaware LawBusiness Combinations;  Control Share Acquisitions below.

Changes to Stockholder Rights Before and After the Reincorporation

As previously noted, the Certificate of Incorporation and Delaware Bylaws will be the governing instruments of the Company following the Reincorporation, resulting in some changes from the Companys current articles of incorporation, which are primarily procedural in nature, such as a change in the registered office and agent of the Company from an office and agent in Nevada to an office and agent in Delaware. There are also material differences between the DGCL and the NRS. Certain changes to the articles of incorporation of the Company, as well as the material differences between Delaware and Nevada law are discussed below. The following summary does not purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to Delaware and Nevada corporate laws, the Certificate of Incorporation and Delaware Bylaws, copies of which are attached hereto as Appendix D and Appendix E, respectively.

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Changes From Nevada Law to Delaware Law

Set forth below is a table summarizing the material differences in the rights of the stockholders of the Company before and after the Reincorporation is effective, as a result of the differences between Nevada law and Delaware law. This chart does not address each difference between Delaware law and Nevada law, but focuses on some of those differences which the Company believes are most relevant to the existing stockholders. This chart is not intended as an exhaustive list of all differences, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to Delaware and Nevada law.

Provision Nevada Law Delaware Law Filling Vacancies on

the Board of Directors Nevada corporate law provides that all vacancies, including those caused by an increase in the number of directors, may be filled by a majority of the remaining directors, though less than a quorum, unless it is otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation. Unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation, pursuant to a resignation by a director, the board may fill the vacancy or vacancies with each director so appointed to hold office during the remainder of the term of office of the resigning director or directors. Delaware law provides that, unless otherwise provided in the certificate of incorporation or bylaws of a corporation, vacancies may be filled by a majority of the directors then in office, although less than a quorum, or by a sole remaining director. Further, if, at the time of filling any vacancy, the directors then in office shall constitute less than a majority of the whole board, the Delaware Court of Chancery may, upon application of any stockholder or stockholders holding at least 10% of the total number of the shares at the time outstanding having the right to vote for such directors, summarily order an election to be held to fill any such vacancies or newly created directorships, or to replace the directors chosen by the directors then in office.

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Provision Nevada Law Delaware Law Special Meetings of

Stockholders Under Nevada law, unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation or bylaws, the entire board of directors, any two directors or the president may call annual and special meetings of the stockholders and directors. Under Delaware law, a special meeting of stockholders may be called by the board of directors or by such persons as may be authorized by the certificate of incorporation or by the bylaws. Failure to Hold an Annual Meeting of Stockholders Nevada law provides that if a corporation fails to elect directors within 18 months after the last election of directors, a Nevada district court will have jurisdiction in equity and may order an election upon petition of one or more stockholders holding at least 15% of the voting power. Delaware law provides that if an annual meeting for election of directors is not held on the date designated or an action by written consent to elect directors in lieu of an annual meeting has not been taken within 30 days after the date designated for the annual meeting, or if no date has been designated, for a period of 13 months after the latest to occur of the organization of the corporation, its last annual meeting or the last action by written consent to elect directors in lieu of an annual meeting, the Court of Chancery may summarily order a meeting to be held upon the application of any stockholder or director. Limitation on Director Liability Under Nevada law, unless the articles of incorporation or an amendment thereto (filed on or after October 1, 2003) provides for greater individual liability, a director or officer is not individually liable to the corporation or its stockholders or creditors for any damages as a result of any act or failure to act in his or her capacity as a director or officer unless it is proven that: (a) the directors or officers act or Under Delaware law, if a corporations certificate of incorporation so provides, the personal liability of a director for breach of fiduciary duty as a director may be eliminated or limited. A corporations certificate of incorporation, however, may not limit or eliminate a directors personal liability (a) for any breach of the directors duty of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders, (b) for acts or omissions not in good faith or involving intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, (c) for the payment of unlawful dividends, stock repurchases or redemptions, or (d) for any transaction in which the director received an

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h

Provision Nevada Law Delaware Law failure to act constituted a breach of his or her fiduciary duties as a director or officer; and (b) the breach of those duties involved intentional misconduct, fraud or a knowing violation of law. improper personal benefit. Indemnification Under Nevada law, a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative, except an action by or in the right of the corporation, by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses, including attorneys fees, judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with the action, suit or proceeding if the person: (a) is not liable pursuant to NRS 78.138; or (b) acted in good faith and in a manner which he or she reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the conduct was unlawful. However, indemnification may not be made for any claim, issue or matter as to which such a person has been adjudged to be liable to the corporation or for amounts paid in settlement to the corporation, unless and only to the extent that the court in which the action or suit was brought Under Delaware law, a corporation may indemnify any person who was or is a party or is threatened to be made a party to any threatened, pending or completed action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (other than an action by or in the right of the corporation) by reason of the fact that the person is or was a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation, or is or was serving at the request of the corporation as a director, officer, employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise, against expenses (including attorneys' fees), judgments, fines and amounts paid in settlement actually and reasonably incurred by the person in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if: the person acted in good faith and in a manner the person reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, and, with respect to any criminal action or proceeding, had no reasonable cause to believe the person's conduct was unlawful. With respect to actions by or in the right of the corporation, no indemnification shall be made with respect to any claim, issue or matter as to which such person shall have been adjudged to be liable to the corporation unless and only to the extent that the Court of Chancery or the court in which such action or suit is brought shall determine upon application that, despite the adjudication of liability but in view of all the circumstances of the case, such person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses which such court shall deem proper. A director or officer who is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in defense of any proceeding subject to the Delaware corporate statutes indemnification provisions shall be indemnified against expenses (including attorneys' fees) actually and reasonably incurred by such person in connection therewith.

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Provision Nevada Law Delaware Law determines upon application that in view of all the circumstances of the case, the person is fairly and reasonably entitled to indemnity for such expenses as the court deems proper. To the extent that such person has been successful on the merits or otherwise in defense of any proceeding subject to the Nevada indemnification laws, the corporation shall indemnify him or her against expenses, including attorneys fees, actually and reasonably incurred by him or her in connection with the defense. Advancement of Expenses Nevada law provides that the articles of incorporation, the bylaws or an agreement made by the corporation may provide that the expenses of officers and directors incurred in defending a civil or criminal action, suit or proceeding must be paid by the corporation as they are incurred and in advance of the final disposition of the action, suit or proceeding, upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of the director or officer to repay the amount if it is ultimately determined by a court of competent jurisdiction that the director or officer is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation. Delaware law provides that expenses incurred by an officer or director of the corporation in defending any civil, criminal, administrative or investigative action, suit or proceeding may be paid by the corporation in advance of the final disposition of such action, suit or proceeding upon receipt of an undertaking by or on behalf of such director or officer to repay such amount if it is ultimately determined that such person is not entitled to be indemnified by the corporation as authorized under the indemnification laws of Delaware. Such expenses may be so paid upon such terms and conditions as the corporation deems appropriate. Under Delaware law, unless otherwise provided in its certificate of incorporation or bylaws, a corporation has the discretion whether or not to advance expenses.

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Provision Nevada Law Delaware Law Declaration and Payment of Dividends Under Nevada law, except as otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation, a board of directors may authorize and the corporation may make distributions to its stockholders, including distributions on shares that are partially paid. However, no distribution may be made if, after giving effect to such distribution: (a) the corporation would not be able to pay its debts as they become due in the usual course of business; or (b) except as otherwise specifically allowed by the articles of incorporation, the corporations total assets would be less than the sum of its total liabilities plus the amount that would be needed, if the corporation were to be dissolved at the time of distribution, to satisfy the preferential rights upon dissolution of stockholders whose preferential rights are superior to those receiving the distribution. Under Delaware law, subject to any restriction contained in a corporation's certificate of incorporation, the board of directors may declare, and the corporation may pay, dividends or other distributions upon the shares of its capital stock either (a) out of "surplus" or (b) in the event that there is no surplus, out of the net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year, unless net assets (total assets in excess of total liabilities) are less than the capital of all outstanding preferred stock. "Surplus" is defined as the excess of the net assets of the corporation over the amount determined to be the capital of the corporation by the board of directors (which amount cannot be less than the aggregate par value of all issued shares of capital stock).

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Provision Nevada Law Delaware Law Business Combinations Nevada law prohibits certain business combinations between a Nevada corporation and an interested stockholder for three years after such person becomes an interested stockholder. Generally, an interested stockholder is a holder who is the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the voting power of a corporations outstanding stock and at any time within three years immediately before the date in question was the beneficial owner of 10% or more of the then outstanding stock of the corporation. After the three year period, business combinations remain prohibited unless they are (a) approved by the board of directors prior to the date that the person first became an interested stockholder or a majority of the outstanding voting power not beneficially owned by the interested party, or (b) the interested stockholder satisfies certain fair-value requirements. An interested stockholder is (i) a person that beneficially owns, directly or indirectly, 10% or more of the voting power of the outstanding voting shares of a corporation, or (ii) an affiliate or associate of the corporation who, at any time within the past three years, was an interested stockholder of the corporation. Delaware law prohibits, in certain circumstances, a business combination between the corporation and an interested stockholder within three years of the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder. Generally, an interested stockholder is a holder who, directly or indirectly, controls 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock or is an affiliate of the corporation and was the owner of 15% or more of the outstanding voting stock at any time within the three-year period prior to the date upon which the status of an interested stockholder is being determined. A business combination includes a merger or consolidation, a sale or other disposition of assets having an aggregate market value equal to 10% or more of the consolidated assets of the corporation or the aggregate market value of the outstanding stock of the corporation and certain transactions that would increase the interested stockholders proportionate share ownership in the corporation. This provision does not apply where, among other things, (i) the transaction which resulted in the individual becoming an interested stockholder is approved by the corporations board of directors prior to the date the interested stockholder acquired such 15% interest, (ii) upon consummation of the transaction which resulted in the stockholder becoming an interested stockholder, the interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the outstanding voting stock of the corporation at the time the transaction commenced, or (iii) at or after the date the person becomes an interested stockholder, the business combination is approved by a majority of the board of directors of the corporation and an affirmative vote of at least 66 2/3% of the outstanding voting stock at an annual or special meeting and not by written consent, excluding stock not owned by the interested stockholder. This provision also does not apply if a stockholder acquires a 15% interest inadvertently and divests itself of such ownership and would not have been a 15% stockholder in the preceding three years but for the inadvertent acquisition of ownership.

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Provision Nevada Law Delaware Law Control Share Acquisition Statute Under Nevada law, an acquiring person who acquires a controlling interest in an issuing corporation is prohibited from exercise voting rights on any control shares unless such voting rights are conferred by a majority vote of the disinterested stockholders of the issuing corporation at a special or annual meeting of stockholders. Unless otherwise provided in the articles of incorporation or the bylaws, if the control shares are accorded full voting rights and the acquiring person acquires control shares with a majority or more of all the voting power, any stockholder, other than the acquiring person, who does not vote in favor of authorizing voting rights for the control shares is entitled to dissent and demand payment of the fair value of his or her shares. A controlling interest means the ownership of outstanding voting shares of an issuing corporation sufficient to enable the acquiring person, directly or indirectly and individually or in association with others, to exercise: (i) one-fifth or more but less than one-third; (ii) one-third or more but less than a majority; or (iii) a majority or more, of all the voting power of the corporation in the election of directors. Control shares means those outstanding voting shares of an issuing corporation which an acquiring person: (a) acquires in an Delawares control share acquisition statute generally provides that shares acquired in a control share acquisition will not possess any voting rights unless either the board of directors approves the acquisition or such voting rights are approved by a majority of the corporations voting shares, excluding interested shares. Interested shares are those held by a corporations officers and inside directors and by the acquiring party. A control share acquisition is an acquisition, directly or indirectly, by any person of ownership of, or the power to direct the exercise of voting power with respect to, issued and outstanding control shares of a publicly held Delaware corporation. Control shares are shares that, except for Delawares control share acquisition statute, would have voting power that, when added to all other shares that can be voted by the acquiring party, would entitle the acquiring party, immediately after the acquisition of such shares, directly or indirectly, to exercise voting power in the election of directors within any of the following ranges: (1) at least 20% but less than 33 1/3% of all voting power; (2) at least 33 1/3% but less than a majority of all voting power; or (3) a majority or more of all voting power.

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Provision Nevada Law Delaware Law acquisition or offer to acquire in an acquisition; and (b) acquires within 90 days immediately preceding the date when the acquiring person became an acquiring person. The control share acquisition statute applies to any acquisition of a controlling interest in an issuing corporation unless the articles of incorporation or bylaws of the corporation in effect on the 10th day following the acquisition of a controlling interest by an acquiring person provide that the provisions of those sections do not apply. Taxes and Fees Nevada charges corporations incorporated in Nevada nominal annual corporate fees based on the value of the corporations authorized stock with a maximum fee of $35,000, as well as a $200 business license fee, and does not impose any franchise taxes on corporations. Delaware imposes annual franchise tax fees on all corporations incorporated in Delaware. The annual fee ranges from a nominal fee to a maximum of $180,000, based on an equation consisting of the number of shares authorized, the number of shares outstanding and the net assets of the corporation.

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Changes to Articles of Incorporation

Set forth below is a table summarizing the material differences in the rights of the stockholders of the Company before and after the Reincorporation is effective, as a result of the differences between the Companys Articles of Incorporation and the Certificate of Incorporation. This chart does not address each difference between the Articles of Incorporation and the Certificate of Incorporation, but focuses on some of those differences which the Company believes are most relevant to the existing stockholders.

Provision Articles of Incorporation Certificate of Incorporation Impact on Stockholders Removal of Directors Not Addressed The Certificate of Incorporation states that any director of the Companys board of directors or the entire board of directors may be removed at any time, with or without cause, by the holders of at least sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) of the shares entitled to vote at an election of directors Under Delaware law, the default provision for the removal of directors of a corporation is that directors may be removed with or without cause upon the affirmative vote of a majority of all of the votes of the class entitled to elect that director unless the charter or certificate of incorporation provides otherwise. The Certificate of Incorporation increases the threshold for the removal of directors to sixty-six and two-thirds percent (66 2/3%) which will impact our stockholders by making it more difficult for them to change the Boards composition.

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Provision Articles of Incorporation Certificate of Incorporation Impact on Stockholders Indemnification and Advancement of Expenses Not Addressed in Articles of Incorporation The Certificate of Incorporation states that the Company shall indemnify, advance expenses, and hold harmless, to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law as it presently exists or may hereafter be amended, any person (a Covered Person) who was or is made or is threatened to be made a party or is otherwise involved in any action, suit or proceeding, whether civil, criminal, administrative or investigative (a Proceeding), by reason of the fact that he or she, or a person for whom he or she is the legal representative, is or was a director or officer of the Company or, while a director or officer of the Company, is or was serving at the request of the Company as a director, officer, employee or agent of another Company or of a partnership, joint venture, trust, enterprise or nonprofit entity, including service with respect to employee benefit plans, against all liability and loss suffered and expenses (including attorneys' fees) reasonably incurred by such Covered Person. Notwithstanding the preceding sentence, except for claims for indemnification (following the final disposition of such Proceeding) or advancement of expenses not paid in full, the Company shall be required to indemnify a Covered Person in connection with a Proceeding (or part thereof) commenced by such Covered Person only if the commencement of such Proceeding (or part thereof) by the Covered Person was authorized in the specific case by the Board of the Company. Section 145(e) of the DGCL permits, but does not require Delaware corporations to pay, prior to final disposition, the expenses, including attorneys fees, incurred by a corporate representative in defending a proceeding. The provision in Delaware Bylaws and the Certificate of Incorporation permitting such advances of fees associated with indemnification is not the default provision under the DGCL. Advancing expenses to Covered Persons prior to the final disposition of a proceeding could impact our stockholders to the extent that we would use Company assets, which could otherwise be used to grow our business and increase stockholder equity, to cover the costs of litigation without the certainty that the Covered Person will be successful on the merits of the suit.

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Provision Articles of Incorporation Certificate of Incorporation Impact on Stockholders Choice of Forum Not Addressed The Certificate of Incorporation states that unless the Company consents in writing to the selection of an alternative forum, the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware shall be the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on behalf of the Company, (ii) any action asserting a claim for breach of a fiduciary duty owed by any director, officer, employee or agent of the Company to the Company or the Company's stockholders, (iii) any action asserting a claim arising pursuant to any provision of the DGCL, the Certificate of Incorporation or the Delaware Bylaws or (iv) any action asserting a claim governed by the internal affairs doctrine, in each case subject to said Court of Chancery having personal jurisdiction over the indispensable parties named as defendants therein. The Delaware Chancery Court is widely regarded as the countrys preeminent business court, with experienced jurists who have deep understanding of Delaware corporate law and long standing precedent regarding corporations governance. The inclusion of the provision in the Certificate of Incorporation designating the Delaware Chancery Court as the forum for actions against the Company, may make it more difficult for small stockholders that reside in states other than Delaware to initiate suits against the Company or any director, officer or employee of the Company The inclusion of a choice of forum provision in a corporations certificate of incorporation is not a default provision under the DGCL.

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Provision Articles of Incorporation Certificate of Incorporation Impact on Stockholders of our stockholders without first amending the powers conferred to the Board to amend or repeal the Delaware Bylaws. Conferring the power to amend or repeal the Delaware Bylaws to the Board is not the default under the DGCL.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board believes that the stockholders of the Company will benefit from the change of Reincorporation from Nevada to Delaware, as they believe the Company will be able to draw upon well-established principles of corporate governance in making legal and business decisions

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CORPORATE ACTION #3

PURPOSE AND EFFECT OF AMENDMENT OF THE ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

TO Increase the Number of Authorized Shares

PURPOSE OF INCREASING NUMBER OF AUTHORIZED SHARES OF COMMON STOCK

The Company's Board of Directors recognizes that it is desirable to have additional authorized shares of Common Stock available for possible future financings, possible future acquisition transactions and other general corporate purposes. The Company's Board of Directors believes that having such additional authorized shares of Common Stock available for issuance in the future should give the Company greater flexibility and may allow such shares to be issued without the expense and delay of a special shareholders' meeting. Although such issuance of additional shares with respect to future financings and acquisitions would dilute existing shareholders, management believes that such transactions would increase the value of the Company to its shareholders. The increase in authorized common stock and preferred stock will not have any immediate effect on the rights of existing stockholders. However, the Board of Directors will have the authority to issue authorized common stock or preferred stock without requiring future stockholder approval of such issuances, except as may be required by the Articles of Incorporation or applicable law.

The proposed increase in the authorized number of shares of Common Stock could have a number of effects on the Company's stockholders depending upon the exact nature and circumstances of any actual issuances of authorized but unissued shares. The increase could have an anti-takeover effect, in that additional shares could be issued (within the limits imposed by applicable law) in one or more transactions that could make a change in control or takeover of the Company more difficult. For example, additional shares could be issued by the Company so as to dilute the stock ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to obtain control of the Company. Any such issuance of additional stock could have the effect of diluting the earnings per share and book value per share of outstanding shares of common stock or preferred stock and such additional shares could be used to dilute the stock ownership or voting rights of a person seeking to obtain control of the Company. Similarly, the issuance of additional shares to certain persons allied with the Company's management could have the effect of making it more difficult to remove the Company's current management by diluting the stock ownership or voting rights of persons seeking to cause such removal. The Board of Directors is not aware of any attempt, or contemplated attempt, to acquire control of the Company, and this action is not being undertaken with the intent that it be utilized as a type of anti-takeover device.

The board of directors of JA Energy may authorize, without further shareholder approval, the issuance of such shares of common stock or preferred stock to such persons, for such consideration, and upon such terms as the board of directors determines. Such issuance could result in a significant dilution of the voting rights and the stockholders' equity, of then existing shareholders.

Issuance of additional common stock may have the effect of deterring or thwarting persons seeking to take control of JA Energy through a tender offer, proxy fight or otherwise or to bring about removal of incumbent management or a corporate transaction such as merger. For example, the issuance of common stock or preferred stock could be used to deter or prevent such a change of control through dilution of stock ownership of persons seeking to take control or by rendering a transaction proposed by such persons more difficult.

20



The Company has an outstanding Subscription Agreement from UBI Blockchain Internet, LTD, a Hong Kong Company to purchase 30,000,000 Class C Common Shares. The Class C shares have been designated and have no voting rights. The Class C Common shares cannot be issued until the number of authorized shares are increased.

The Company's Certificate of Incorporation shall be filed with the Delaware Secretary of State so that Article 4 of the Certificate of Incorporation shall be as follows:

ARTICLE 4

"The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock that the corporation has authority to issue is a total of 200,000,000 shares, consisting of: 130,000,000 authorized shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share (Class A Common Stock), 6,000,000 authorized shares of Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share (Class B Common Stock and together with the Class A Common Stock, the Common Stock), 64,000,000 shares of Class C Capital Stock, $0.001 par value per share (Class C Capital Stock and together with the Common Stock, the Capital Stock). The number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Class C Capital Stock may be increased or decreased by the affirmative vote of the holders of capital stock representing a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the corporation entitled to vote thereon, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the General Corporation Law." (See Appendix D.)

The Company has designed three Classes of Common Stock. Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock which carries a voting weight equal to ten (10) Common Shares. The Class B shares can be converted into fully paid and nonassessable Common Shares, on a one-to-one basis, at the option of the holder at any time upon written notice to the Company and its authorized transfers agent. And, Class C Common Stock which has no voting rights.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Board believes that the stockholders of the Company will benefit from an increase in the number of authorized shares, in order to accommodate future financing or other corporate purposes. No assurances can be given that future financing will be found.

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management

The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the beneficial ownership of our common stock as of October 11, 2016, for: a) each stockholder known by us to be the beneficial owner of more than 5% of our outstanding shares of Class A common stock or Class B common stock; b) each of our directors; c) each of our named executive officers; and d) all of our directors and executive officers as a group. We have determined beneficial ownership in accordance with the rules of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Except as indicated by the footnotes below, we believe, based on the information furnished to us, that the persons and entities named in the following table have sole voting and investment power with respect to all shares of Class A common stock or Class B common stock that they beneficially own. Applicable percentage ownership is based on 30,217,046 shares of Class A common stock and 6,000,000 shares of Class B common stock outstanding at October 11, 2016. With the exception of Class B shares, that can convert one a 1-for-1 basis for fully paid and nonassessable Class A Common Stock, at the option of the holder at any time upon written notice to the Company and its authorized transfers agent, we do not have any outstanding options, warrants or other securities exercisable for or convertible into shares of our common stock.

21



Shares Beneficially Owned % of Total

Voting

Power(1) Class A Common Class B Common Name of Beneficial Owner Shares % Voting Shares % Named Executive Officers and Directors: Barry Hall (2) 0 -% - -% Frank Arnone (3) 0 -% - -% All executive officers and directors as a group (2 persons) 0 -% - -% Other 5% Stockholders UBI Blockchain Internet LTD (4) 30,000,000 99.3% 6,000,000 100% 99.8%

(1) Percentage of total voting power represents voting power with respect to all shares of our Class A Common Stock (30,217,046 issued and outstanding) and Class B Voting stock (6,000,000 shares issued and outstanding), as a single class. The holder of our Class B Voting Stock are entitled to ten votes per share, and holders of our Class A Common Stock are entitled to one vote per share. The 6,000,000 Class B shares have voting rights equal to 60,000,000 common shares. Percentage of Total Voting Power is calculated based on an aggregate of 90,217,046 (30,217,046 Class A Common + 60,000,000 Class B Voting Common) shares issued and outstanding.

2) Barry Hall, 8250 W. Charleston Blvd, Suite 110. Las Vegas, NV 89117.

3) Frank Arnone, 8250 W. Charleston Blvd, Suite 110. Las Vegas, NV 89117.

4) UBI Blockchain Internet, LTD, Smart-Space 3F, Level 9, Cyberport 3, 100 Cyberport Road, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China. Tony Liu is the beneficial owner who exercises the sole voting and dispositive powers with respect to the shares owned and has the ultimate voting control over the shares held this entity. Not included in the above totals are 40,000,000 Class C Non-Voting Common Stock to be issued, once the number of authorized shares are increased from 70,000,000 to 200,000,000.

We are not aware of any arrangements that may result in "changes in control" as that term is defined by the provisions of Item 403(c) of Regulation S-B.

We believe that all persons named have full voting and investment power with respect to the shares indicated, unless otherwise noted in the table. Under the rules of the U. S. Securities and Exchange Commission, a person (or group of persons) is deemed to be a "beneficial owner" of a security if he or she, directly or indirectly, has or shares the power to vote or to direct the voting of such security, or the power to dispose of or to direct the disposition of such security. Accordingly, more than one person may be deemed to be a beneficial owner of the same security. A person is also deemed to be a beneficial owner of any security, which that person has the right to acquire within 60-days, such as options or warrants to purchase our common stock.

22



Nevada Anti-Takeover Provisions

The anti-takeover provisions of Sections 78.411 through 78.445 of the Nevada Corporation Law apply to JA Energy. Section 78.438 of the Nevada law prohibits the Company from merging with or selling more than 5% of our assets or stock to any shareholder who owns or owned more than 10% of any stock or any entity related to a 10% shareholder for three years after the date on which the shareholder acquired the JA Energy shares, unless the transaction is approved by JA Energy's Board of Directors. The provisions also prohibit JA Energy from completing any of the transactions described in the preceding sentence with a 10% shareholder who has held the shares more than three years and its related entities unless the transaction is approved by our Board of Directors or a majority of our shares, other than shares owned by that 10% shareholder or any related entity. These provisions could delay, defer or prevent a change in control of JA Energy.

Expenses of Solicitation

The Company will pay all costs associated with the distribution of this Information Statement, including the costs of printing and mailing. The Company has asked or will ask brokers and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries to forward this Information Statement to the beneficial owners of the Common Stock held of record by such persons and will reimburse such persons for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in forwarding such material.

INTERESTS OF CERTAIN PERSONS IN OR OPPOSITION TO MATTERS ACTED UPON

No director, officer, nominee for election as a director, associate of any director, officer of nominee or any other person has any substantial interest, direct or indirect, by security holdings or otherwise, resulting from the matters described herein which is not shared by all other shareholders pro rata in accordance with their respective interest.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This information statement may contain certain forward-looking statements (as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 or by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission in its rules, regulations and releases) representing our expectations or beliefs regarding our company. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements concerning our operations, economic performance, financial condition, and prospects and opportunities. For this purpose, any statements contained herein that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, words such as may, will, expect, believe, anticipate, intend, could, estimate, might, or continue or the negative or other variations thereof or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements, by their nature, involve substantial risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond our control, and actual results may differ materially depending on a variety of important factors, including factors discussed in this and other of our filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

23



ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Company is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the Exchange Act), and in accordance therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information including annual and quarterly reports on Form 10-K and 10-Q (the 1934 Act Filings) with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the Commission). Reports and other information filed by the Company can be inspected and copied at the public reference facilities maintained at the Commission at Room 1024, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D. C. 20549. Copies of such material can be obtained upon written request addressed to the Commission, Public Reference Section, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. The Commission maintains a web site on the Internet (http://www.sec.gov) that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the Commission through the Electronic Data Gathering, Analysis and Retrieval System (EDGAR).

The following documents as filed with the Commission by the Company are incorporated herein by reference:

1. Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended August 31, 2014 and August 31, 2015.

2. Periodic Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 30, 2015, February 28, 2016, and May 31, 2016.

DELIVERY OF DOCUMENTS TO SECURITY HOLDERS SHARING AN ADDRESS

If hard copies of the materials are requested, we will send only one Information Statement and other corporate mailings to stockholders who share a single address unless we received contrary instructions from any stockholder at that address. This practice, known as householding, is designed to reduce our printing and postage costs. However, the Company will deliver promptly upon written or oral request a separate copy of the Information Statement to a stockholder at a shared address to which a single copy of the Information Statement was delivered. You may make such a written or oral request by (a) sending a written notification stating (i) your name, (ii) your shared address and (iii) the address to which the Company should direct the additional copy of the Information Statement, to the Company at Corporate Secretary, 8250 W. Charleston Blvd, Suite 110, Las Vegas, NV 89117, Telephone: (702) 544-1902.

If multiple stockholders sharing an address have received one copy of this Information Statement or any other corporate mailing and would prefer the Company to mail each stockholder a separate copy of future mailings, you may send notification to or call the Companys principal executive offices. Additionally, if current stockholders with a shared address received multiple copies of this Information Statement or other corporate mailings and would prefer the Company to mail one copy of future mailings to stockholders at the shared address, notification of such request may also be made by mail or telephone to the Companys principal executive offices.

CONCLUSION

As a matter of regulatory compliance, we are sending you this Information Statement which describes the purpose and effect of the aforementioned corporate actions. Your consent to the corporate actions are not required and is not being solicited in connection with this action. This Information Statement is intended to provide our stockholders information required by the rules and regulations of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

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WE ARE NOT ASKING YOU FOR A PROXY AND YOU ARE REQUESTED NOT TO SEND US A PROXY. THE ATTACHED MATERIAL IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY.

By Order of the Board of Directors

/s/___________________________

Barry Hall

Chief Executive Officer

25

APPENDIX A

PLAN OF CONVERSION

FOR CONVERTING

JA ENERGY

a Nevada corporation

TO

UBI Blockchain Internet LTD.

a Delaware corporation

This Plan of Conversion (together with all of the exhibits attached hereto, the  Plan ), dated ___________, 2016, is hereby adopted by JA Energy, a Nevada corporation (the  Company ), in order to set forth the terms, conditions and procedures governing the conversion of the Company from a Nevada corporation to a Delaware corporation pursuant to Section 265 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, as amended (the  DGCL ), and Sections 92A.105 and 92A.120 of the Nevada Revised Statutes, as amended (the  NRS ).

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Company is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State of Nevada;

WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Company (the  Board ) has determined that it would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders for the Company to convert from a Nevada corporation to a Delaware corporation pursuant to Section 265 of the DGCL and Sections 92A.105 and 92A.120 of the NRS; and

WHEREAS, the form, terms and provisions of this Plan have been authorized, approved and adopted by the Board and a majority of the Companys stockholders by written consent.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Company hereby adopts the Plan as follows:

1. Conversion .

a. Upon the Effective Date (as hereinafter defined), the Company shall be converted from a Nevada corporation to a Delaware corporation pursuant to Section 265 of the DGCL and Sections 92A.105 and 92A.120 of the NRS (the  Conversion ) and the Company, as converted to a Delaware corporation (the  Resulting Company ), shall thereafter be subject to all of the provisions of the DGCL, except that notwithstanding Section 106 of the DGCL, the existence of the Resulting Company shall be deemed to have commenced on the date the Company commenced its existence in the State of Nevada.

A-1

b. As promptly as practicable following the adoption of the Plan, the Company shall cause the Conversion to be effective by:

i. filing articles of conversion pursuant to Section 92A.205 of the NRS, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit B (the  Articles of Conversion ) with the Secretary of State of the State of Nevada;

ii. filing a certificate of conversion, substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit C, pursuant to Sections 103 and 265 of the DGCL in (the  Certificate of Conversion ) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware; and

iii. filing a Articles of Incorporation of the Resulting Company substantially in the form attached hereto as Exhibit D (the  Articles of Incorporation ) with the Secretary of State of the State of Delaware.

2. Effect of Conversion

a. Upon the Effective Date, the name of the Resulting Company will be UBI Blockchain Internet LTD..

b. Upon the Effective Date, by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of the Company or its stockholders, the Resulting Company shall, for all purposes of the laws of the State of Delaware, be deemed to be the same entity as the Company existing immediately prior to the Effective Date. Upon the Effective Date, by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of the Company or its stockholders, for all purposes of the laws of the State of Delaware, all of the rights, privileges and powers of the Company existing immediately prior to the Effective Date, and all property, real, personal and mixed, and all debts due to the Company existing immediately prior to the Effective Date, as well as all other things and causes of action belonging to the Company existing immediately prior to the Effective Date, shall remain vested in the Resulting Company and shall be the property of the Resulting Company and the title to any real property vested by deed or otherwise in the Company existing immediately prior to the Effective Date shall not revert or be in any way impaired by reason of the Conversion; but all rights of creditors and all liens upon any property of the Company existing immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be preserved unimpaired, and all debts, liabilities and duties of the Company existing immediately prior to the Effective Date shall remain attached to the Resulting Company upon the Effective Date, and may be enforced against the Resulting Company to the same extent as if said debts, liabilities and duties had originally been incurred or contracted by the Resulting Company in its capacity as a corporation of the State of Delaware. The rights, privileges, powers and interests in property of the Company existing immediately prior to the Effective Date, as well as the debts, liabilities and duties of the Company existing immediately prior to the Effective Date, shall not be deemed, as a consequence of the Conversion, to have been transferred to the Resulting Company upon the Effective Date for any purpose of the laws of the State of Delaware.

A-2

c. The Conversion shall not be deemed to affect any obligations or liabilities of the Company incurred prior to the Conversion or the personal liability of any person incurred prior to the Conversion.

3. Taxes. The Company intends for the Conversion to constitute a tax-free reorganization qualifying under Section 368(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Accordingly, neither the Company nor any of its stockholders should recognize gain or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of the Conversion.

4. Effective Date. The Conversion shall become effective upon the filing of the Articles of Conversion, the Certificate of Conversion and the Delaware Certificate of Incorporation (the time of the effectiveness of the Conversion, the  Effective Date ).

5. Effect of Conversion on the Companys Securities. Upon the Effective Date, by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of the Company or its stockholders:

a. Each share of common stock of the Company, $0.001 par value per share ( Company Common Stock ) that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date shall convert into one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of common stock, $0.001 par value per share, of the Resulting Company ( Resulting Company Common Stock ). Each share of preferred stock of the Company, $0.001 par value per share ( Company Preferred Stock ) that is issued and outstanding immediately prior to the Effective Date shall convert into one validly issued, fully paid and nonassessable share of preferred stock of the Resulting Company, $0.001 par value per share ( Resulting Company Preferred Stock ).

b. All of the outstanding certificates representing shares of Company Common Stock immediately prior to the Effective Date shall be deemed for all purposes to continue to evidence ownership of and to represent the same number of shares of Resulting Company Common Stock.

6. Effect of Conversion on Directors and Officers. Upon the Effective Date, by virtue of the Conversion and without any further action on the part of the Company or its stockholders, the members of the Board and the officers of the Company holding their respective offices in the Company existing immediately prior to the Effective Time shall continue in their respective offices as members of the Board and officers of the Resulting Company.

A-3

7. Further Assurances. If, at any time after the Effective Date, the Resulting Company shall determine or be advised that any deeds, bills of sale, assignments, agreements, documents or assurances or any other acts or things are necessary, desirable or proper, consistent with the terms of the Plan, (a) to vest, perfect or confirm, of record or otherwise, in the Resulting Company its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, privileges, immunities, powers, purposes, franchises, properties or assets of the Company existing immediately prior to the Effective Date, or (b) to otherwise carry out the purposes of the Plan, the Resulting Company and its officers and directors are hereby authorized to solicit in the name of the Resulting Company any third-party consents or other documents required to be delivered by any third-party, to execute and deliver, in the name and on behalf of the Resulting Company all such deeds, bills of sale, assignments, agreements, documents and assurances and do, in the name and on behalf of the Resulting Company, all such other acts and things necessary, desirable or proper to vest, perfect or confirm its right, title or interest in, to or under any of the rights, privileges, immunities, powers, purposes, franchises, properties or assets of the Company existing immediately prior to the Effective Date and otherwise to carry out the purposes of the Plan.

8. Termination; Amendment. At any time prior to the Effective Date, the Plan may be terminated or amended by action of the Board if, in the opinion of the Board, such action would be in the best interests of the Company and its stockholders.

10. Third Party Beneficiaries. The Plan shall not confer any rights or remedies upon any person other than as expressly provided herein.

11. Severability. Whenever possible, each provision of the Plan will be interpreted in such manner as to be effective and valid under applicable law, but if any provision of the Plan is held to be prohibited by or invalid under applicable law, such provision will be ineffective only to the extent of such prohibition or invalidity, without invalidating the remainder of the Plan.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Plan to be duly executed as of the date first above written.

JA ENERGY By: ________________________________________ Barry Hall Chief Executive Officer

A-4

ARTICLES OF CONVERSION

Appendix B to this Information Statement

[Seal of Nevada]

BARBARA K. CEGAVSKE

Secretary of State

202 North Carson Street

Carson City, Nevada 89701-4201

(775) 684-5708

Website: www.nvsos.gov

Articles of Conversion

(Pursuant to NRS 92A 205)

Page 1

USE BLACK INK ONLY - DO NOT HIGHLIGHT ABOVE SPACE IS FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

PLEASE NOTE: The charter document for the resulting entity must be submitted/filed simultaneously with the articles of conversion.

Articles of Conversion

(Pursuant to NRS 92A.205)

1. Name and jurisdiction of organization of constituent entity and resulting entity:

JA Energy

Name of constituent entity

Nevada Corporation

Jurisdiction Entity type *

and,

UBI Blockchain Internet LTD.

Name of resulting entity

Delaware Corporation

Jurisdiction Entity type

2. A plan of conversion has been adopted by the constituent entity in compliance with the law of the jurisdiction governing the constituent entity.

3. Location of plan of conversion: (check one)

[ ] The entire plan of conversion is attached to these articles.

[X] The complete executed plan of conversion is on file at the registered office or

principal place of business of the resulting entity.

[ ] The complete executed plan of conversion for the resulting domestic limited partnership is on file at the records office required by NRS 88.330. * corporation,

limited partnership, limited-liability limited partnership, limited-liability company or

business trust .

This form must be accompanied by appropriate fees. Nevada Secretary of State 92A Conversion Page 1

Revised 1-5-15

[Seal of Nevada]

BARBARA K. CEGAVSKE

Secretary of State

202 North Carson Street

Carson City, Nevada 89701-4201

(775) 684-5708

Website: www.nvsos.gov

Articles of Conversion

(Pursuant to NRS 92A 205)

Page 2

USE BLACK INK ONLY - DO NOT HIGHLIGHT ABOVE SPACE IS FOR OFFICE USE ONLY

4. Forwarding address where copies of process may be sent by the Secretary of State of Nevada

(if a foreign entity is the resulting entity in the conversion):

Attn: Chief Executive Officer

c/o: 8250 W. Charleston Blvd, Suite 110

Las Vegas, NV 89117

5. Effective date and time of filing: (optional) (must not be later than 90 days after the certificate is filed)



Date: Time 11:59 pm EDT





6. Signatures - must be signed by:

1. If constituent entity is a Nevada entity: an officer of each Nevada corporation; all general partners of each Nevada limited partnership or limited-liability limited partnership; a manager of each Nevada limited-liability company with managers or one member if there are no managers; a trustee of each Nevada business trust; a managing partner of a Nevada limited-liability partnership (a.k.a. general partnership governed by NRS chapter 87).

2. If constituent entity is a foreign entity: must be signed by the constituent entity in the manner provided by the law governing it.

Name of constituent entity

____________________________ Chief Executive Officer ___________

Signature Title Date

* Pursuant to NRS 92A.205(4) if the conversion takes effect on a later date specified in the articles of conversion pursuant to NRS 92A.240, the constituent document filed with the Secretary of State pursuant to paragraph (b) subsection 1 must state the name and the jurisdiction of the constituent entity and that the existence of the resulting entity does not begin until the later date.

This statement must be included within the resulting entity's articles.

FILING FEE: $350.00

IMPORTANT: Failure to include any of the above information and submit with the proper fees may cause this filing to be rejected.

This form must be accompanied by appropriate fees. Nevada Secretary of State 92A Conversion Page 2

Revised 1-5-15

CERTIFICATE OF CONVERSION

Appendix C to this Information Statement

CERTIFICATE OF CONVERSION

FROM A NON-DELAWARE CORPORATION

TO A DELAWARE CORPORATION

PURSUANT TO SECTION 265 OF THE

DELAWARE GENERAL CORPORATION LAW

1. The jurisdiction where the Non-Delaware Corporation first formed is Nevada.

2. The jurisdiction immediately prior to filing this Certificate of Conversion is Nevada.

3. The date the Non-Delaware Corporation first formed is: August 26, 2010.

4. The name of the Non-Delaware Corporation immediately prior to filing this Certificate of Conversion is JA Energy

5. The name of the Corporation as set forth in the Certificate of Incorporation is UBI Blockchain Internet LTD..

6. This Certificate of Conversion shall be effective at 11:59 pm EDT on [__], 2016.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned being duly authorized to sign on behalf of the converting Non-Delaware Corporation have executed this Certificate of Conversion on the [__] day of [__], 2016.

By: _/s/_______________________________________ Barry Hall Chief Executive Officer

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION

Appendix D to this Information Statement

UBI Blockchain Internet LTD.

ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION

ARTICLE I: NAME

The name of the corporation is: UBI Blockchain Internet LTD.

ARTICLE II: AGENT FOR SERVICE OF PROCESS

The address of the corporations registered office in the State of Delaware is: [to be inserted] . The name of the registered agent of the corporation at that address is: [Corporate Resident Agent.]

ARTICLE III: PURPOSE

The purpose of the corporation is to engage in any lawful act or activity for which corporations may be organized under the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware (General Corporation Law).

ARTICLE IV: AUTHORIZED STOCK

1. Total Authorized .

The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock that the corporation has authority to issue is a total of 200,000,000 shares, consisting of: 130,000,000 authorized shares of Class A Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share (Class A Common Stock), 6,000,000 authorized shares of Class B Common Stock, $0.001 par value per share (Class B Common Stock and together with the Class A Common Stock, the Common Stock), 64,000,000 authorized shares of Class C Capital Stock, $0.001 par value per share (Class C Capital Stock and together with the Common Stock, the Capital Stock). The number of authorized shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Class C Capital Stock may be increased or decreased (but not below (i) the number of shares thereof then outstanding or (ii) with the respect to the Class A Common Stock, the number of shares of Class A Common Stock reserved pursuant to Section 3.9 below) by the affirmative vote of the holders of capital stock representing a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the corporation entitled to vote thereon, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the General Corporation Law.

2. Designation of Additional Shares .

2.1 The Board of Directors is authorized, subject to any limitations prescribed by the laws of the State of Delaware, by resolution or resolutions, to provide for the issuance of the shares of Preferred Stock in one or more series, and, by filing a certificate of designation pursuant to the applicable law of the State of Delaware (Certificate of Designation), to establish from time-to-time the number of shares to be included in each such series, to fix the designation, powers (including voting powers), preferences and relative, participating, optional or other rights, if any, of the shares of each such series and any qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, and to increase (but not above the total number of authorized shares of such class) or decrease (but not below the number of shares of such series then outstanding) the number of shares of any such series. The number of authorized shares of Preferred Stock may also be increased or decreased (but not below the number of shares thereof then outstanding) by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of all the then-outstanding shares of capital stock of the corporation entitled to vote thereon, without a separate vote of the holders of any series thereof, irrespective of the provisions of Section 242(b)(2) of the General Corporation Law, unless a vote of any such holders is required pursuant to the terms of any Certificate of Designation designating a series of Preferred Stock.

2.2 Except as otherwise expressly provided in any Certificate of Designation designating any series of Preferred Stock pursuant to the foregoing provisions of this ARTICLE IV, any new series of Preferred Stock may be designated, fixed and determined as provided herein by the Board of Directors without approval of the holders of Common Stock or the holders of Preferred Stock, or any series thereof, and any such new series may have powers, preferences and rights, including, without limitation, voting powers, dividend rights, liquidation rights, redemption rights and conversion rights, senior to, junior to or pari passu with the rights of the Common Stock, the Preferred Stock, or any future class or series of Preferred Stock or Common Stock.

3. Rights of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and Class Capital Stock .

3.1 Equal Status . Except as otherwise provided in this Certificate of Incorporation (Certificate of Incorporation) or required by applicable law, shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and Class C Capital Stock shall have the same rights and powers, rank equally (including as to dividends and distributions, and upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up of the corporation), share ratably and be identical in all respects and as to all matters.

3.2 Voting Rights . Except as otherwise expressly provided by this Certificate of Incorporation or as provided by law, the holders of shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock shall (a) at all times vote together as a single class on all matters (including the election of directors) submitted to a vote or for the consent (if action by written consent of the stockholders is permitted at such time under this Certificate of Incorporation) of the stockholders of the corporation, (b) be entitled to notice of any stockholders meeting in accordance with the Bylaws of the corporation and (c) be entitled to vote upon such matters and in such manner as may be provided by applicable law. Except as otherwise expressly provided herein or required by applicable law, each holder of Class A Common Stock shall have the right to one (1) vote per share of Class A Common Stock held of record by such holder and each holder of Class B Common Stock shall have the right to ten (10) votes per share of Class B Common Stock held of record by such holder. Except with respect to the separate voting rights provided under the express circumstances described in this Section 3 or as provided by law, the holders of shares of Class C Capital Stock shall (1) have no voting rights or power, (2) be entitled to notice of any stockholders meeting in accordance with the Bylaws of the corporation and (3) not be entitled to vote on any matter that is submitted to a vote or for the consent (if action by written consent of the stockholders is permitted at such time under this Certificate of Incorporation) of the stockholders of the corporation. For the avoidance of doubt, the holders of shares of Class C Capital Stock shall have no power to increase or decrease the number of shares of Class C Capital Stock authorized.

3.3 Dividend and Distribution Rights . Shares of Class A Common Stock , Class B Common Stock and Class C Capital Stock shall be treated equally, identically and ratably, on a per share basis, with respect to any dividends or distributions as may be declared and paid from time to time by the Board of Directors out of any assets of the corporation legally available therefor; provided, however, that in the event a dividend is paid in the form of shares of Class A Common Stock or , Class B Common Stock or Class C Capital Stock (or rights to acquire, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, such shares), then holders of Class A Common Stock shall receive shares of Class A Common Stock (or rights to acquire, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, such shares, as the case may be), holders of Class B Common Stock shall receive shares of Class B Common Stock (or rights to acquire, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, such shares, as the case may be) and, subsequent to the Initial Class C Dividend, holders of Class C Capital Stock shall receive shares of Class C Capital Stock (or rights to acquire, or securities convertible into or exchangeable for, such shares, as the case may be), with holders of shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and Class Capital Stock receiving, on a per share basis, an identical number of shares of Class A Common Stock or , Class B Common Stock or Class C Capital Stock, as applicable. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Board of Directors may pay or make a disparate dividend or distribution per share of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Class Capital Stock (whether in the amount of such dividend or distribution payable per share, the form in which such dividend or distribution is payable, the timing of the payment, or otherwise) if such disparate dividend or distribution is approved in advance by the affirmative vote (or written consent if action by written consent of stockholders is permitted at such time under this Certificate of Incorporation) of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and Class C Capital Stock, each voting separately as a class.

3.4 Subdivisions, Combinations or Reclassifications . Shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Class C Capital Stock may not be subdivided, combined or reclassified unless the shares of each of the other classes are concurrently therewith proportionately subdivided, combined or reclassified in a manner that maintains the same proportionate equity ownership between the holders of the outstanding Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and Class C Capital Stock on the record date for such subdivision, combination or reclassification; provided, however, that shares of one such class may be subdivided, combined or reclassified in a different or disproportionate manner if such subdivision, combination or reclassification is approved in advance by the affirmative vote (or written consent if action by written consent of stockholders is permitted at such time under this Certificate of Incorporation) of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and Class C Capital Stock, each voting separately as a class.

3.5 Liquidation, Dissolution or Winding Up . Subject to the preferential or other rights of any holders of Preferred Stock then outstanding, upon the dissolution, liquidation or winding up of the corporation, whether voluntary or involuntary, holders of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock will be entitled to receive ratably all assets of the corporation available for distribution to its stockholders unless disparate or different treatment of the shares of each such class with respect to distributions upon any such liquidation, dissolution or winding up is approved in advance by the affirmative vote (or written consent if action by written consent of stockholders is permitted at such time under this Certificate of Incorporation) of the holders of a majority of the outstanding shares of Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock, each voting separately as a class.

3.6 Transactions.

(a) Merger or Consolidation . In the case of any distribution or payment in respect of the shares of Class A Common Stock or , Class B Common Stock or Class C Capital Stock upon the consolidation or merger of the corporation with or into any other entity, or in the case of any other transaction having an effect on stockholders substantially similar to that resulting from a consolidation or merger, such as a sale of substantially all of the Corporations assets, such distribution or payment shall be made ratably on a per share basis among the holders of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and Class C Capital Stock as a single class; provided, however, that shares of one or two of such classes may receive or have the right to elect to receive different or disproportionate consideration in connection with such consolidation, merger or other transaction if the only difference in the per share consideration to the holders of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and Class C Capital Stock is that any securities distributed to the holder of a share of Class B Common Stock have ten (10) times the voting power of any securities distributed to the holder of a share of Class A Common Stock and that any securities distributed to the holder of a share of Class C Capital Stock have no voting rights or power.

(b) Third-Party Tender or Exchange Offers. The corporation may not enter into any agreement pursuant to which a third party may by tender or exchange offer acquire any shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Class C Capital Stock, nor may the corporation recommend that holders tender shares of Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock or Class C Capital Stock into any third party tender or exchange offer, unless the holders of (i) the Class A Common Stock shall have the right to receive, or the right to elect to receive, the same form of consideration and the same amount of consideration on a per share basis as the holders of the Class B Common Stock and Class C Capital Stock would receive, or have the right to elect to receive, as applicable, (ii) the Class B Common Stock shall have the right to receive, or the right to elect to receive, the same form of consideration and the same amount of consideration on a per share basis as the holders of the Class A Common Stock and Class C Capital Stock would receive, or have the right to elect to receive, as applicable, and (iii) the Class C Capital Stock shall have the right to receive, or the right to elect to receive, the same form of consideration and the same amount of consideration on a per share basis as the holders of the Class A Common Stock and Class B Common Stock would receive, or have the right to elect to receive, as applicable; provided, however, that shares of one such class may receive or have the right to elect to receive different or disproportionate consideration in connection with such tender or exchange offer if the only difference in the per share consideration to the holders of the Class A Common Stock, Class B Common Stock and Class C Capital Stock is that any securities distributed to the holder of a share of Class B Common Stock have ten (10) times the voting power of any securities distributed to the holder of a share of Class A Common Stock , and that any securities distributed to the holder of a share of Class C Capital Stock have no voting rights or power.

3.7 Change of Control Class B Vote . Until the first date on which the outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock represent less than thirty-five percent (35%) of the total voting power of the then outstanding shares of the corporation then entitled to vote generally in the election of directors, the corporation shall not consummate a Change in Control Transaction (as defined in Section 4 of this ARTICLE IV) without first obtaining the affirmative vote (or written consent if action by written consent of stockholders is permitted at such time under this Certificate of Incorporation) of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of Class B Common Stock, voting as a separate class, in addition to any other vote required by applicable law, this Certificate of Incorporation or the Bylaws.

3.8 Conversion .

(a) Voluntary Conversion . Each share of Class B Common Stock shall be convertible into one (1) fully paid and nonassessable share of Class A Common Stock at the option of the holder thereof at any time upon written notice to the corporation. Before any holder of Class B Common Stock shall be entitled to voluntarily convert any shares of such Class B Common Stock, such holder shall surrender the certificate or certificates therefor (if any), duly endorsed, at the principal corporate office of the corporation or of any transfer agent for the Class B Common Stock, and shall give written notice to the corporation at its principal corporate office, of the election to convert the same and shall state therein the name or names (i) in which the certificate or certificates representing the shares of Class A Common Stock into which the shares of Class B Common Stock are so converted are to be issued if such shares are certificated or (ii) in which such shares are to be registered in book entry if such shares are uncertificated. The corporation shall, as soon as practicable thereafter, issue and deliver at such office to such holder of Class B Common Stock, or to the nominee or nominees of such holder, a certificate or certificates representing the number of shares of Class A Common Stock to which such holder shall be entitled as aforesaid (if such shares are certificated) or, if such shares are uncertificated, register such shares in book-entry form. Such conversion shall be deemed to have been made immediately prior to the close of business on the date of such surrender of the shares of Class B Common Stock to be converted following or contemporaneously with the written notice of such holders election to convert required by this Section 3.8(a), and the person or persons entitled to receive the shares of Class A Common Stock issuable upon such conversion shall be treated for all purposes as the record holder or holders of such shares of Class A Common Stock as of such date. Each share of Class B Common Stock that is converted pursuant to this Section 3.8(a) shall be retired by the corporation and shall not be available for reissuance.

(b) Automatic Conversion of Class B Common Stock . (i) Each share of Class B Common Stock shall be automatically, without further action by the holder thereof, converted into one (1) fully paid and nonassessable share of Class A Common Stock, upon the occurrence of a Transfer (as defined in Section 4 of this ARTICLE IV), other than a Permitted Transfer (as defined in Section 4 of this ARTICLE IV), of such share of Class B Common Stock; (ii) all shares of Class B Common Stock shall be automatically, without further action by any holder thereof, converted into an identical number of fully paid and nonassessable shares of Class A Common Stock at such date and time, or the occurrence of an event, specified by the affirmative vote (or written consent if action by written consent of stockholders is permitted at such time under this Certificate of Incorporation) of the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares Class B Common Stock, voting as a separate class.

(c) Certificates. Each outstanding stock certificate (if shares are in certificated form) that, immediately prior to a Conversion Event, represented one or more shares of Class B Common Stock subject to such Conversion Event shall, upon such Conversion Event, be deemed to represent an equal number of shares of Class A Common Stock, without the need for surrender or exchange thereof. The corporation shall, upon the request of any holder whose shares of Class B Common Stock have been converted into shares of Class A Common Stock as a result of a Conversion Event and upon surrender by such holder to the corporation of the outstanding certificate(s) formerly representing such holders shares of Class B Common Stock (if any), issue and deliver to such holder certificate(s) representing the shares of Class A Common Stock into which such holders shares of Class B Common Stock Stock were converted as a result of such Conversion Event (if such shares are certificated) or, if such shares are uncertificated, register such shares in book-entry form. Each share of Class B Common Stock that is converted pursuant to Section 3 of ARTICLE IV shall thereupon be retired by the corporation and shall not be available for reissuance.

(d ) Policies and Procedures. The corporation may, from time to time, establish such policies and procedures, not in violation of applicable law or the other provisions of this Certificate of Incorporation , relating to the conversion of the Class B Common Stock into Class A Common Stock, as it may deem necessary or advisable in connection therewith. If the corporation has reason to believe that a Transfer giving rise to a conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock into Class A Common Stock has occurred but has not theretofore been reflected on the books of the corporation, the corporation may request that the holder of such shares furnish affidavits or other evidence to the corporation as the corporation deems necessary to determine whether a conversion of shares of Class B Common Stock to Class A Common Stock has occurred, and if such holder does not within ten (10) days after the date of such request furnish sufficient evidence to the corporation (in the manner provided in the request) to enable the corporation to determine that no such conversion has occurred, any such shares of Class B Common Stock, to the extent not previously converted, shall be automatically converted into shares of Class A Common Stock and the same shall thereupon be registered on the books and records of the corporation. In connection with any action of stockholders taken at a meeting or by written consent (if action by written consent of stockholders is permitted at such time under this Certificate of Incorporation), the stock ledger of the corporation shall be presumptive evidence as to who are the stockholders entitled to vote in person or by proxy at any meeting of stockholders or in connection with any such written consent and the class or classes or series of shares held by each such stockholder and the number of shares of each class or classes or series held by such stockholder.

3.9 Reservation of Stock . The corporation shall at all times reserve and keep available out of its authorized but 
Getty Images. Russia has accused U.K. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson of "Russophobic hysteria" after he accused the country of carrying out an attack on an aid convoy in Syria.

Russia has accused U.K. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson of "Russophobic hysteria" after he accused the country of carrying out an attack on an aid convoy in Syria and called for demonstrations outside the Russian embassy in London.



Speaking in a U.K. parliamentary debate on Tuesday about the long-running civil war in Syria, Johnson said there was evidence that Russia  which is supporting the regime of President Bashir al Assad against rebel groups  was responsible for an attack on a United Nations aid convoy in Syria last month in which at least 20 people were killed.

"All the available evidence therefore points to Russian responsibility for the atrocity and I trust the UN board of inquiry will establish what happened," Johnson said.

The Russian Defense Ministry hit back on Wednesday, however, denying the allegation and accusing Johnson of "Russophobic hysteria."

"There were no Russian planes in the area of the aid convoy to Aleppo. That is a fact," ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a statement, Reuters reported on Wednesday.





In recent weeks, Russia and Syria have stepped up a bombing campaign in eastern Aleppo, killing hundreds of civilians in the process and attracting international condemnation with Russia accused of war crimes.

Johnson also called for demonstrations outside the Russian embassy in London in response to its involvement in the war in Syria, provoking a furore on social media site Twitter yesterday.

The U.K. foreign secretary added that thousands of people in parts of Aleppo were in dire need of humanitarian aid. He warned that eastern Aleppo  where the bombardment is focused - could be totally destroyed by the end of this year.

Russia and Syria have claimed they are targeting "terrorists" in the city but Johnson and said Russia risked becoming a "pariah nation" due to its role in the bombardment and that those involved should be investigated for war crimes.

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"In the last two weeks at least 376 people, half of them children, have been killed, another 1,266 have been injured," he said, adding that there appeared to be "deliberate policy" of attacking hospitals, which was tantamount to a "war crime."

Johnson is not known for mincing his words, having made controversial remarks about numerous countries before becoming foreign secretary this year. But yesterday he took an unusual step by calling on people to take to the streets in protest.

"I would certainly like to see demonstrations outside the Russian embassy. Where is the Stop the War coalition?" he said.

The Russian Embassy in the U.K. tweeted its response, asking whether it was a new form of diplomacy.

But many accused the foreign secretary of being biased against Russia and drew attention to the U.K.'s close relationship to Saudi Arabia which has conducted a bombing campaign in neighboring Yemen to quell a Houthi uprising in the country.

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NZ First believes proposed power hikes leave an axe hovering above the Kawerau mill and the 700 jobs it provides in the Bay of Plenty.

Spokesperson for Energy Fletcher Tabuteau says the countrys regions are within a hairs-breadth of a $900 million dollar power price increase.

NZ First suggests the Kawerau mill could be looking at a hike in their power bill of $15 million a year, if Electricity Authority proposals go through  changes which could be irreversible.

This government has ensured that there is no regulatory right of appeal to what the Electricity Authority proposes, says Fletcher.

The fat-cats at the Electricity Authority are little more than tin-pot dictators. It has not commissioned any independent expert reviews, has failed to engage with both submitters and their experts, and has refused to entertain cross-submissions.

It was only when New Zealand First, lines companies, electricity users, mayors and the EMA all kicked up a fuss that theres been any pause at all but the clock is still ticking for our regions.

However, Energy and Resources Minister Simon Bridges insists no final decisions have been made.

The Electricity Authority is the independent crown entity that regulates the electricity market, he says.

As Energy Minister, I am following the process carefully and am confident that the Authority is carefully considering the submissions they received.

He says NZ Firsts claim of a $900 million increase in power prices is completely inaccurate.

The transmission pricing methodology (TPM) determines the way Transpowers regulated revenue  which recovers the costs of owning and operating our secure and reliable national grid  is collected. Their revenue is set by the Commerce Commission and is currently $900 million.

What a revised TPM would do is change how and from who that revenue is collected in order to ensure fairness and efficiency. Any changes to TPM are inherently contentious which is why its important to find a durable solution.
Rhys Warren is challenging the justice systems right to try him on charges relating to an armed incident where four police officers were shot near Kawerau in March.

Three officers are believed to have been shot with a shotgun and another with a .22 in an armed siege that lasted 22 hours on March 9-10.

Rhys, 27, is in custody and appeared in Tauranga High Court today via audio visual link before Justice Tim Brewer, who also appeared via AVL.

Warren didnt wait to be seated before he began reading from a prepared statement.

Justice Brewer asked if Warren would like to sit down? If you stand up I cant see you.

Warren replied he would sit down under duress.

You dont have to sit down, but if you stand up I cant see you, said Justice Brewer.

After being told the purpose of the pre-trial hearing was to determine if there any arrangements needed to be made before the trail, Warren declared he didnt recognise the courts jurisdiction and nominated three people to represent him.

Justice Brewer told Warren they had to be barristers of the High Court.

Thats just the law. You can speakbut nobody can speak for you unless they are practicing law.

Two men in the back of the court said they were native assessors, loudly enough to be heard by the Justice  who replied that he could not hear them, he wasnt allowed to.

Warren repeated his denial of the jurisdiction and stated he reserved the right to speak in Te Reo at his trial set down to begin Monday, March 6 2017.

While Warren has the right to represent himself at trial, Justice Brewer expressed concerns about his ability to do so.

The crown is going to be calling evidence from experts as to what they think happened. An expert on guns, and you really need to have some expert of your own to review the report of the crowns expert, says Justice Brewer.

I dont understand any of that. My understanding is this court has no jurisdiction, says Warren.

The trial is going to happen, says the Justice. You are representing yourself. If you dont take steps to do that effectively, then whats going to happen to you?

He ordered Warren be sent a review of the forensic ballistic report, so if he wanted to use it he could.

When approached outside the court, the two men stated they are Native Assessors under the Te Tura Whenua Maori Act 1993, (Maori Land Act) part 13.

The Act replaces the Maori Affairs Act and treats primarily with the operations of the Maori Land Court. Part 13 is concerned with Maori incorporations.

They didnt want to give their names, on instructions from Rhys Warren.
The logo of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) is pictured at its building in Singapore in this February 21, 2013 file photo. REUTERS/Edgar Su/Files

By Anshuman Daga and Joshua Franklin

SINGAPORE/ZURICH (Reuters) - Singapore's central bank on Tuesday shut down a second Swiss bank in the city-state and fined banks DBS and UBS in its biggest crackdown on alleged money-laundering activities connected with Malaysia's scandal-tainted 1MDB fund.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) said in a statement it had ordered Zurich-based Falcon Private Bank's Singapore branch to cease operating because of "a persistent and severe lack of understanding" of Singapore's money-laundering controls. It also accused Falcon's senior management in Switzerland and Singapore of "improper conduct".

Falcon was fined S$4.3 million ($3.12 million) for 14 breaches of the money laundering prevention law, including not filing suspicious transaction reports and failure to inform authorities of irregular activities in their customers' accounts.

Falcon is the second bank to lose its licence in connection with Singapore's probe into 1MDB, in which authorities have frozen millions of dollars in bank accounts, fined banks and charged several private bankers.

In May, Swiss-based BSI Bank's Singapore branch was ordered to be closed for failing to control money-laundering activities connected with 1MDB. That was the first time in 32 years Singapore had shut down a bank.

DBS was fined S$1 million ($728,067) and UBS S$1.3 million on Tuesday for breaches in Singapore's anti-money laundering law. The two banks said in separate statements they would take action against staff responsible for the lapses.

STANDARD CHARTERED ASSESSED

In Zurich, the Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA), ordered Falcon to turn over 2.5 million Swiss francs ($2.56 million) in what the watchdog said were illegal profits.

A FINMA spokesman said the watchdog still has an ongoing investigation into UBS, Switzerland's biggest bank, in connection with 1MDB.

FINMA also said it has opened enforcement proceedings against two former Falcon executives, without citing them by name.

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Singapore authorities arrested the Singapore branch manager of Falcon Private Bank, Jens Sturzenegger, on Oct 6, MAS said.

The MAS said it is also finalising its assessment of the Singapore branch of Standard Chartered Bank and would make an announcement in due course.

Standard Chartered said it "would be inappropriate to comment" while the assessment is taking place.

Falcon described the MAS decision as "regrettable and disappointing", but said it would now focus on growing in "core locations" in Switzerland, Middle East and London.

The bank expects to close the branch, which as around 35 employees, in the next few months, a Falcon spokesman said.

SIX COUNTRIES PROBING 1MDB

Malaysia's 1MDB, once a pet project of Prime Minister Najib Razak who chaired its advisory board, is the subject of money-laundering investigations in at least six countries, including Switzerland, Singapore and the United States.

The U.S. Department of Justice filed lawsuits in July seeking to seize dozens of properties tied to 1MDB, saying that over $3.5 billion was misappropriated from the fund.

The lawsuits do not name Najib but say around $700 million of misappropriated funds flowed into the accounts of "Malaysian Official 1", who U.S. and Malaysian officials have identified as Najib.

The Wall Street Journal reported last year that investigators had traced nearly $700 million that was sent in from an account at Falcon in Singapore in 2013 to accounts in Malaysia they believed belonged to the Malaysian prime minister.

Both Najib and 1MDB have denied any wrongdoing.

In January, Malaysia's Attorney General Mohamed Apandi Ali said Saudi Arabia's royal family gave Najib a $681 million gift, of which Apandi said about $600 million was later returned.

GLOBAL FINANCIAL CENTRES

FINMA said its review of Falcon had identified around $3.8 billion associated with the 1MDB Group that was transferred to accounts at Falcon between 2012 and mid-2015.

"The business relationships and transactions booked in Switzerland and at Falcon's Singapore and Hong Kong branches were unusual and involved a high level of risk for the bank both through their nature and the amounts transacted," it said.

It said Falcon had a number of business relationships with 1MDB group companies and executed transactions amounting to around $2.5 billion via accounts of two offshore companies.

Falcon also had a client relationship with a young Malaysian businessman with links to individuals in Malaysian government circles, it said without naming him.

"The bank did not verify how this individual had been able to acquire assets of $135 million in an extremely short period of time or why a total of $1.2 billion was transferred to his accounts at a later date - a transaction which was clearly at variance with the information he had provided when opening the account," it said.

Internal warnings from bank staff were ignored, it found.

FINMA banned Falcon from entering new business relationships with foreign politically exposed persons for three years and said Falcon would lose its licence if there is any repetition of the offence.

Falcon had $900 million in assets in Singapore, the bank's Chief Executive Walter Berchtold told a media briefing. The 1MDB case has not prevented the bank from attracting news assets, he added.

Falcon's owner, a subsidiary of Abu Dhabi's sovereign fund International Petroleum Investment Company, said it views Falcon as a strategic investment "and has no current intention" to sell it.

'CLEAN AND TRUSTED'

Ravi Menon, managing director of Singapore's central bank said in the MAS statement the board and senior management of financial institutions play a pivotal role in keeping Singapore a clean and trusted financial centre.

"They must put in place robust mechanisms to detect suspicious activities, promote strong risk awareness among their staff, and empower their compliance and risk management people," said Menon. "Most of all, they must set the tone from the top  that profits do not come before right conduct."

The crackdown also sends a message that banks have to adopt a compliance culture and the need for compliance staff "to be able to take decisions independent of management," said Nizam Ismail, partner at RHTLaw Taylor Wessing LLP, where he advises clients on financial services regulation.

(Reporting by Anshuman Daga in Singapore and Joshua Franklin in Zurich.; Additional reporting by Saeed Azhar and Marius Zaharia in Singapore.; Editing by Bill Tarrant)
putin erdogan

Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, met on Monday for the second time since August to finalize a deal for an undersea gas pipeline and demonstrate renewed bilateral ties that could be used as a "trump card" against the US.

"Erdogan is flirting with Russia as a trump card against the US," Aykan Erdemir, a former member of Turkish parliament and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, told Business Insider on Wednesday.

Erdemir noted that Erdogan doesn't see the US as a partner in its battle against Turkey's domestic Kurdish insurgency, and still resents the US' support of Syrian Kurdish fighters that Turkey views as a threat to its territorial sovereignty.

Erdogan is also still reeling from a failed coup in July, which he and his party have blamed on the US-based cleric Fethullah Gulen. Erdogan on Wednesday accused the US of "sheltering the leader of the terrorist organization," warning that "very serious steps" would be taken if the 75-year old Turkish exile was not extradited immediately.



Moreover, Russia was quick to condemn the failed coup the night of the attempt and has been generally supportive of Erdogan's subsequent crackdown on the alleged coup plotters. The US and Europe, on the other hand, have criticized the extreme measures Erdogan has taken to purge Turkey of political dissidents and muzzle free speech.

"That Russia has not criticized Turkey for its unprecedentedly extensive purges post-July 15 makes deeper ties with Russia more attractive to Ankara," Middle East analyst Michael Koplow, policy director of the Israel Policy Forum, told Business Insider on Wednesday.

"Turkey perceives the West as having sold it out while Russia has unsurprisingly been more sympathetic to Turkeys widening crackdown."

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A riot police stands guard during the opening ceremony of newly built Yavuz Sultan Selim bridge, the third bridge over the Bosphorus linking the city's European and Asian sides in Istanbul, Turkey, August 26, 2016. REUTERS/Murad Sezer -

Still, many analysts say that the transformation of Erdogan and Putin's relationship underway is not in Turkey's best interests, politically or economically.

The long-delayed deal to construct a natural gas pipeline from Russia under Turkish waters in the Black Sea and into Europe is one example. The pipeline would be hugely beneficial to Russia, allowing Moscow to bypass Ukraine entirely and giving it a direct opening into the European market. Though it as the potential to give a boost to Turkey's economy, it's an expensive undertaking for Ankara with nowhere near the strategic value it holds for Russia.

"This whole Turkish Stream makes so little sense from a financial point of view that its political benefit becomes very questionable," Akin Unver, an assistant professor of international relations at Kadir Has University in Istanbul specializing in energy politics, said Tuesday. "In the last decade, Turkey's primary energy policy was diversification  away from Russia, and away from natural gas."

He continued:

"Turkey as an 'energy hub' was a romantic goal, but it was at least a good one. It made sense in terms of diversification of nearby sources. Now, as of 2016, Turkey has a new Russian pipeline, a 5% increase to its dependence on Russian gas, and a nuclear power plant built by Russia."

turkstream

As such, the pipeline emerges looking almost like a favor from Erdogan to Putin in exchange for Russia's continued support of Erdogan's increasingly authoritarian tendencies  well-known to be the source of tension between Turkey and the West that Russia is happy to exploit.

"Ankara tried a similar strategy of flirting with Moscow back in the 1960s and 1970s, but those efforts always fell short of military cooperation, and were strictly limited to the economic field," Erdemir said.

"It would be interesting to see whether under Erdogan's rule, Turkey becomes the first NATO country to 'defect' by building close political and military ties with Moscow."

Koplow, too, noted that while Turkey is still a NATO member and maintains deep trade relations with the US and the EU, "I dont think we should be surprised to see Turkey moving closer to Russia given the more immediate benefits that Russia can deliver."

Putin 'continues to cash in'

Sinan Ulgen, a visiting scholar at Carnegie Europe, told Time that the warming ties "shouldn't be read as a "strategic realignment on the side of Turkey."

"It is much more an effort to eliminate the acrimonious state of the relationship following the plane incident, Ulgen said. Now the relationship stands on more firm ground, but again, both history but also the reality of Turkeys relationship with Russia has amply demonstrated that there can be no real strategic realignment in Ankara and Moscow.

Still, Russia gains a lot from the renewed friendship  arguably more than Turkey.

"Putin has detected Erdogan's weakness and desperation, and continues to cash in on it," said Erdemir, of the FDD.



erdogan putin

The vulnerability stems from Turkey's perception of the US as working against its national security interests, and Erdogan's precarious position following July's coup attempt.

"Russia has been quick to take advantage of the tensions between Turkey and the West," strategic security firm The Soufan Group wrote on in a note to clients Wednesday.

"Furthermore, as tensions between the Turkish government and the [Kurdish] PKK broke into renewed conflict in the southeast over the summer, Russia arrested an arms-dealer in July who was allegedly delivering weapons to the PKK. On the domestic front, Turkey increasingly sees Russia as a security partner," the firm added.

Although Erdogan and Putin's goals have long been fundamentally divergent in Syria  Erdogan has been intent on ousting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad since 2011, whereas Putin has been actively supporting him  Turkey's prioritization of its own national security has resulted in a notable softening of its anti-Assad stance, in large part because many of the Turkish generals leading its Syria policy were jailed following the coup attempt.

"In Syria, Turkeys primary objective has quite clearly shifted from demanding that Assad go under all circumstances to stamping out any possibility of an autonomous Kurdish zone in Syria," Koplow noted.

On Monday, both Erdogan and Putin said they would continue to consult each other about their respective military operations in Syria, even after the US suspended its negotiations with Russia over Syria last Monday over its role in the relentless aerial bombardment of the city of Aleppo.

In any case, Erdemir said, "Moscow has made significant strategic gains since Turkey's downing of the Russian jet in November 2015"  and Putin has much to gain from strengthening his relationship with Erdogan at a time when Russian-US relations are at their lowest point since the Cold War.

NOW WATCH: International investigation: MH17 was struck by a Russian-made missile





More From Business Insider


(Adds details about Freitekh, instructor, investigation, bylines)

By Mark Hosenball and Joseph Ax

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK, Oct 12 (Reuters) - The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said on Wednesday it believes a small plane that crashed in East Hartford, Connecticut on Tuesday was intentional, and that the FBI would lead the investigation.

The twin-engine plane slammed into a utility pole and burst into flames on Tuesday near the headquarters of aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, killing flight student Feras Freitekh and leaving the instructor with serious burns.

In a statement, the NTSB said its initial investigation indicated that the crash was "the result of an intentional act."

East Hartford Police Lieutenant Joshua Litwin said at a news conference on Wednesday that he did not know who was flying the plane at the time of the crash. The aircraft had two sets of controls, allowing either person to pilot the plane, Litwin said.

The New York Times reported that law enforcement sources said the instructor has told investigators the plane was deliberately crashed. The Hartford Courant, citing a high-ranking law enforcement official, reported that the two men argued before the crash.

Federal Aviation Administration records showed Freitekh lived in Orland Hills, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, and became certified last year as a private pilot for single-engine planes.

A U.S. national security official, who confirmed the identity of Freitekh and requested anonymity to discuss the ongoing investigation, said law enforcement would look into whether Freitekh had ties to terrorism. The official said, however, that Freitekh was not known to U.S. intelligence agencies.

Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx declined to say if the crash was an act of terrorism. The FBI "is going to dig into the facts," he told reporters on Wednesday.

Police searched an apartment in Hartford where Freitekh was staying and had also interviewed other flight students, the Courant newspaper reported, citing unnamed sources.

Story continues

CBS News reported that Freitekh, a Jordanian national, first entered the United States in 2012 on a temporary student visa in order to attend flight school. The network said Freitekh also went to a language school in Toledo, Ohio, at one point.

People who said they were relatives of the man mourned him on social media on Wednesday.

"Pray for him for mercy and forgiveness," one person wrote on Facebook in Arabic, saying he was a cousin and that Freitekh, 28, died "after a terrible accident."

Freitekh and a flight instructor were the only people aboard the plane when it crashed at about 3:30 p.m. EDT (1930 GMT) on Tuesday during flight training that originated at the Hartford-Brainard Airport, local police said.

The instructor is being treated at the Bridgeport Hospital's burn center, according to East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc.

The Courant identified the instructor as Arian Prevalla. A LinkedIn profile for Prevalla lists him as the president of the American Flight Academy, a flight school based in Hartford, Connecticut.

Calls to the school went unanswered on Wednesday. Prevalla is originally from Albania and founded the academy in 2006, according to the school's website. The academy's two locations have a total of 21 Piper aircraft.

(Additional reporting by Laila Kearney, David Ingram and Gina Cherelus in New York and David Shepardson and Yara Bayoumy in Washington; Editing by Paul Simao and Diane Craft)
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Amazon, DeepMind/Google, Facebook, IBM and Microsoft last month announced the creation of thePartnership on AI, a nonprofit organization dedicated to formulating best practices in artificial intelligence and educating the public about the field.

The group will invite academics, other nonprofits, and specialists in policy and ethics to join its board, which will represent corporate and noncorporate members equally.

The partnership will conduct research, recommend best practices, and publish research under an open license. It will address topics such as ethics, fairness and inclusivity, transparency, privacy, and interoperability collaboration between people and AI systems, as well as AI technologys trustworthiness, reliability and robustness.

There are no plans to lobby government or other policymaking bodies.

Discussions with professional and scientific organizations such as the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, as well as nonprofit research groups including the Allen Institute for Artificial Intelligence, an AI research organization set up by Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen, were ongoing, the partnership said.

A Time of Great Turmoil

Salesforce and Apple are notably missing from the groups roster.

Salesforce recently announced Einstein, designed to embed AI in all of its offerings. Apple just purchased machine learning and AI startup Turi.

Salesforce may have been locked out by Microsoft, speculated Ray Wang, a principal analyst at Constellation Research.

Apple tends to take a go-it-alone strategy, though theyve worked closely with partners like IBM, he added.

As for the smaller players, the concept started with bringing a few anchor vendors into the alliance and then growing it from there, Wang told TechNewsWorld. Right now were in an era of AI babel. The machine learning algorithms, neural net designs, and data standards are a cacophony of hell.

Were at an inflection point in the progress of AI, according to Frost & Sullivan. Breakthroughs in deep learning due to more data, faster processing and better algorithms have led to dramatic improvements in computer vision, natural language processing and robotic motion systems. All of the fundamentals are in place for AI to revolutionize every business in every industry.

I think the participants are thinking in terms of controlling the Frankenstein factor that seems to be developing around AI, said Michael Jude, a program manager at Stratecast/Frost & Sullivan.

People, especially the mainstream media, are getting concerned about the rise of the machines, and I think a lot of this is in the nature of PR, he told TechNewsWorld.

Several universities have begun studying the possible dangers AI might pose. High-tech visionary Elon Musk and renowned physicist Stephen Hawking are among the people who have voiced concerns.

His concerns led Musk to help establish OpenAI, a nonprofit AI research organization that includes Amazon Web Services among its members.

We will see a rise in digital ethics and a potential call by other alliances and organizations, like the EFF, for an international human right to privacy and digital and AI ethics standards, Wang predicted.

Potential Impact

Partnership on AI should provide more rigor and initial standardization, particularly around safety protocols, definitions and certifications, noted Rob Enderle, principal analyst at the Enderle Group.

All of these are needed to validate [it] as viable and not just a time or money hole, he told TechNewsWorld.

Its founding members have deep AI experience, Enderle pointed out, and therefore should be able to establish rules and frameworks for the group far more quickly.

Partnership on AI might help the advancement of artificial intelligence by convincing the public that governmental controls arent necessary, Frosts Jude suggested.

Governments are beginning to get interested in the technology, he said. There have already been hearings on AI in Congress, and the public policy types are clearly interested in potentially regulating this space. If the industry can demonstrate that in a sense, its self-regulating, that may keep the regulators at bay.
Amazon is planning to expand its presence in the grocery business with a new effort known internally as Project Como.

Sources familiar with the plans tell The Wall Street Journal that Amazon is looking to build small brick-and-mortar convenience stores that would stock common perishable items like milk, produce and meats.

What's more, Amazon may be just weeks away from opening a drive-up grocery store in its hometown of Seattle in which orders placed ahead of time online will be brought out and loaded into customers' vehicles. The company is said to be developing technology to read license plates that would be used to speed up wait times.

The drive-up grocery store will - at least, initially - be limited to subscribers of Amazon's Fresh subscription service. Perhaps in preparation for the upcoming store, Amazon just last week eliminated the $299 annual price of Fresh in favor of a $15 per month fee for standard Prime members.

Nobody has yet cracked the online grocery / delivery puzzle. According to Morgan Stanley Research, groceries account for nearly 20 percent of consumer spending yet online grocery purchases make up just two percent of grocery sales in the US.

There's plenty of money to be made as the Food Marketing Institute says the average household makes more than one-and-a-half grocery store visits each week, spending an average of $107 in the process. Getting goods to online shoppers, however, is tricky as some food must be kept cold. Further complicating the matter are tight delivery windows as couriers can't simply leave several bags of food sitting on your porch if you aren't home.

Amazon declined to comment, the Journal said.
Google's services spans over a number of areas including online search, maps, mobile services, connectivity and more. Now the company has also announced its efforts in the space of fonts.

Google has partnered with font specialist Monotype, and the collaboration has announced the Noto Project, which has developed Noto fonts. Many people would have come across a rectangular character in place of the missing glyph, which is called .notdef, or "not defined." This rectangular character is also referred to as tofu. The Noto Project aims to eliminate tofu.

"Google has been developing a font family called Noto, which aims to support all languages with a harmonious look and feel. Noto is Google's answer to tofu. The name noto is to convey the idea that Google's goal is to see 'no more tofu.' Noto has multiple styles and weights, and is freely available to all," says Google.

Noto fonts will solve a big usability issue, which many people are unaware of. People who use languages such as Russian, English, Mandarin Chinese and Hindi rarely see tofu because these languages are supported by Unicode  the consortium responsible for approving emoji and maintaining internationalization standards for software.

However, many languages are not approved by Unicode and a tofu appears while writing in these languages.

Noto includes a wide variety of language scripts from different parts of the world. To be specific, Noto includes 100 writing systems with 100,000 characters, which includes 800 languages. The project is said to be about five years old and is considered as the biggest typography projects in recent times. Google says that the font sets will be open source and free for download.

"Our goal for Noto has been to create fonts for our devices, but we're also very interested in keeping information alive," says Bob Jung, the director of internationalization for Google. "When it comes to some of these lesser-used languages, or even the purely academic or dead languages, we think it's really important to preserve them."

Xiangye Xiao, Noto product manager at Google, says that the company widely prioritizes more commonly used languages; however, Google still wants to support other languages that are not widely used.

Although Monotype and Google have released Noto fonts, the two companies say that the project is still a work in progress and more scripts will be added in the near term.

Check out a short video on Noto font effort from Monotype and Google.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
OnePlus is anticipated to unleash the successor of its popular OnePlus 3 in April or May 2017, and rumors pertaining to what is now dubbed OnePlus 4 are already doing the rounds.

The latest buzz surrounding the upcoming phablet from the Taiwan-based company suggests that the next-gen handset in the OnePlus series will boast a Quad HD display and a powerful primary camera.

The OnePlus 4 is already being hailed as an iPhone 7 killer and this is not the first time rumors pertaining to the device have emerged online. In September, Tech Times reported that the OnePlus 4 was rumored to house a Snapdragon 830 processor, which will be an improvement on the OnePlus 3's Snapdragon 820. This is reaffirmed by new reports that hint at the successor being powered by the next-gen chipset.

The screen size of the OnePlus 4 is anticipated to be at least 5.5-inches, with OnePlus previously asserting that it will not offer any handset smaller than this. Why? Because it wants bigger batteries on the devices. The device is also rumored to sport a 4K display, which is possibly curved.

The OnePlus 4 will likely house 8 GB of RAM, which is higher than the 6 GB on OnePlus 3. While previous reports have pointed to a 23-megapixel primary camera for the OnePlus 4, the latest rumors point to a 21-megapixel camera.

Moreover, the Android-powered smartphone is expected to have a tweaked operating system. Basically, the company is anticipated to add additional elements to the Android OS to provide a better user experience.

In its "Ask Me Anything" on Reddit, OnePlus has revealed that it wanted fans to go: "Yeah, this is actually better than stock Android."

The OnePlus 4 could also come with an aluminum body similar to that of the OnePlus 3, and the company is anticipated to bring back the sandstone hue in 2017.

Since the company launched VR Loop this year, the OnePlus 4 could have dedicated features that take advantage of the technology. The battery capacity for the OnePlus 4 is anticipated to be between 3,500 mAh to 4,000 mAh.

The pricing for the OnePlus 4 is not yet known, but it should be affordable when compared to the Samsung Galaxy S8 or iPhone 7.

It is also expected that the company might release the OnePlus 3 Plus  the bigger sibling of the OnePlus 3. This handset could have a Snapdragon 821 processor and 6 GB of RAM.

With two potential handsets in the pipeline, OnePlus fans have plenty to look forward to in the near future.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Facebook says that it that shelled out 4.16 million ($5.16 million) in UK corporation tax during the 2015 fiscal year, marking a huge leap ahead from the meager 4,327 ($5,367) from 2014.

The company's books indicate that it scored a turnover of 210 ($260.75) million, and a taxable profit of 20 million, on which it paid standard UK corporation tax rate.

Despite keeping in line with UK taxation requirements, Facebook drew fire from critics across the media board and political spectrum. The main complaint was that the company avoids paying a fair amount of taxes in countries where it does business.

As a response to the chastising, Facebook tweaked its tax structure in the United Kingdom, as shown by its annual financial statements (PDF).

As a result, ad sales from the UK counted as taking place in the country, rather than in Ireland, which was a tax loophole the company used in the past to pay minimal levels of tax on billions of dollars in profits.

The overhaul of the company's taxation approach should mean that the U.K.'s coffers will be seeing more Facebook revenue this year, as well as into the future.

Insiders from the company said that the new tax policy will bring additional transparency, while acknowledging the importance of local organizations in adding value to the company, especially via the highly skilled sales team.

At the same time, the $5.16 million might not be enough to appease all Facebook's critics, who claim that Facebook still comes out on top, as it banked approximately 11 million in tax credits. The credits can be leveraged to pay upcoming UK taxes.

That is not to say that the company's decision to change its ways was purely altruistic. The UK has implemented the "Google tax," a measure meant to put a halt to tax evasion through deviating profits into other nations. The Google tax stipulates that all incomes that are discovered to have been diverted out of the country will be taxed with 25 percent, which is above the existing corporation tax.

The Brits started to crack down on enterprises that use creative accounting schemes to pay low taxes in the country. In January, Google had to pay 130 ($185) million in back taxes, and the new regulations made it mandatory for ventures such as Amazon, to book sales in the UK to make them taxable.

Facebook currently employs more than 1,000 people in the United Kingdom.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Microsoft is hosting an event this month where the latest news on the developments of Xbox, Windows 10 and its Surface devices will be revealed. On Oct. 26, New York prepares to learn the freshest information about Microsoft's work.

The event will likely focus on Windows 10 and the strong cloud based solutions from the company. Among other things, the services permit users to utilize their Microsoft account on desktops, notebooks and smartphones running on Windows 10 Mobile, as well as Android and iOS devices that sport software from the company.

The launch event is rumored to put the headlights on the new hardware that Microsoft is baking.

Insiders from the company note that a desktop computer is in tow, which is the perfect platform for Microsoft to showcase what Windows 10 is capable of.

However, there is an increasing suspicion that neither the Surface Book, nor the Surface Pro 4 will get an update this year, and there are strong reasons to back it up.

The two 2-in-1 devices are consumer-focused gadgets, meaning that the pressure to boost their specs and features is lower than when it comes to smartphones. For a handset, 12 months is plenty of time for users to want a new and revamped variant, while 2-in-1s have a longer aging time.

What is more, reviewers and users agree that the Surface Pro 4 and the Surface Book are still leading the pack in terms of both performance and bang for the buck. There is likely that Microsoft will share some statistics about the popularity of the slates and you should know that the Surface Pro 4 is already seeing big discounts on Amazon.

Users can save up to $585 when purchasing a Surface Pro 4 packing an Intel Core i7e, 16 GB RAM and 1 TB of space, or $260 when buying the same Surface Pro 4, but with only 256 GB of storage.

However, Microsoft might showcase its desktop rig, which rumors claim that is dubbed Surface PC or Surface All-In-One.

This seems to back previous rumbles pertaining to a Surface AIO. Microsoft did file for an AIO PC patent back in July 2015, detailing a "modular computing device."

We expect to see comparisons between Microsoft's upcoming PC and the Apple's Mac, and it may be just what the former wants.

Are you excited about an incoming Microsoft PC? Let us know in the comments section below.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
South Korea's antitrust watchdog affirms that the agency will investigate if Google inked agreements with Android reliant smartphone builders in a way that tampers with market competition.

Jeong Jae-chan, the head of Korea Fair Trade Commission, says that the regulator will look into anti-competition issues pertaining to the policies Google has in store, but kept mum about the details of the endeavor.

The agency announced in August that it plans to focus its attention on the American tech company and try to determine if Google broke the anti-competition laws in South Korea.

However, the KFTC did not mention what charges might be in place, should Google be found guilty. Google was involved in antitrust investigations before in the country, as the KFTC suspects that the company leverages Android's dominance to stifle competition.

South Korea is not the only market where Google is facing penalties.

In April, the European Union's Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager said that a five-year antitrust investigation into Google's practices in Europe concluded that the company harms both its rivals and consumers. To be precise, the search engine company places paid search results from Google Shopping at the top of the search results page, thus misleading the consumers.

Earlier this month, antitrust regulators from the EU warned the company again, as it appears that Google has disrespected the laws of free market competition in the region.

Specifically, the EU urges Google to stop forcing (read: paying) handset manufacturers to embed only Google Search on their gadgets. Not less importantly, the European regulators are aiming to make sure that the company allows OEMs to choose which proprietary Google apps come pre-installed in their Android smartphones.

"The Commission intends to set the fine at a level which will be sufficient to ensure deterrence," says the European Commission.

On its end, Google is defending its policies and claims that it is not eliminating competition by exploiting its place as leader of the pack.

The company affirmed that it will bring evidence to the Commission that the Android model is crafted to benefit both consumers who use it and the companies that implement it.

Should the EU come to the conclusion that Google broke European antitrust laws, the Commission could force Google to shell out as much as $6.7 billion, amassing to about 10 percent of its annual revenue.

Do you believe such a fine would teach Google to play nice with its rivals? Let us know in the comments below.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Sprint is giving away one million internet-connected devices, complete with service, to help disadvantaged U.S. high school students get online.

The company just announced the 1Million Project in a bid to "help bridge homework gap" for disadvantaged kids in the country.

The multi-year initiative will provide free mobile devices and internet connectivity to one million high school kids in the U.S. who live in low-income households without reliable internet access.

"Education is the foundation for our society to prosper, and the internet is an incredibly powerful tool for learning. But it's a huge problem in America that we have 5 million households with children that lack internet connections," says Sprint CEO Marcelo Claure. "Those kids have a huge disadvantage and we are failing them."

The company does not specifically mention which devices it will give away; these could be phones, tablets, laptops or hot spots. The group does note that it will distribute the gadgets over five years.

According to Claure, Sprint will try to be "flexible" regarding which devices eligible high school students can choose. The Sprint CEO further adds that various manufacturers are already on board with this initiative, committing to providing the devices for free.

High school students who receive a free device as part of the 1Million Project will also get a free 3 GB LTE data plan, with an additional 2 GB of lower 2G speeds once the data cap is reached. Sprint plans to pilot the program in January 2017 and ensure that disadvantaged students have internet access for up to four years of high school.

Internet connectivity has substantially changed the way kids access information and those without a reliable internet connectivity at home are at a significant disadvantage compared to their counterparts who have internet access.

Sprint wants to bridge that gap and bring one million underprivileged students online, especially since an increasing number of teachers now expect students to use the internet for some assignments.

Claure thinks that this initiative will incur minimal extra costs to Sprint, and the carrier is "consolidating" funds from other charitable initiatives for the 1Million Project.

Free internet-connected devices and service should help high school students with their research and homework, and those kids would likely remember Sprint's generosity later on, when they have to choose their service provider.

The Sprint 1Million pilot program will kick off in January next year in 10 cities across the United States, with a nationwide rollout expected in time for the 2017-2018 school year.

In the meantime, check out the video below to get a better idea of Sprint's 1Million Program.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Netgear is known for its reliable and feature-rich Wi-Fi routers, but the company takes part in other things as well. The company has been dabbling in wireless security cameras as of late, and the newest one, the Arlo Pro, could be the best yet.

Compared to the original Arlo, the Pro in many ways is the same product. It's designed to be placed outside or inside the home, and can record video whenever it picks up any form of motion. Furthermore, the camera can send alerts to a mobile app.

The Pro mode, however, has some major differences. While the original Arlo relies on replaceable batteries to keep going, the Arlo Pro uses rechargeable batteries, so there's no need to go out and purchase new ones. What's interesting about these rechargeable batteries is their ability to power the camera for six months on a single charge.

Being able to charge the battery of the Arlo Pro only twice per year is a huge achievement, but the surprises don't end there.

"Arlo Pro is the result of our singular focus to deliver the most innovative, intelligent and easy-to-use smart security products that uniquely address home and small business security needs," said Pat Collins, senior vice president of Arlo products at Netgear. "[One hundred] percent wire-free cameras provide customers with an incredibly easy and powerful way to monitor their entire property."

Netgear revealed via its press release that the Arlo Pro also comes with a microphone and speaker. The microphone is used to allow the camera to record automatically whenever it picks up noise. Meanwhile, the speaker can act as an intercom, allowing the owner to speak with anyone in close proximity to the camera.

To use the intercom feature, the user must have the official app installed on their smartphone.

Important Software Update

The Arlo has a sensor that sends alerts to the owner's smartphone app whenever it picks up movement. This can be a problem at times, hence the need for the new software update.

From what we have come to understand, the new update makes it possible for the Arlo Pro to recognize different objects. If it sees a cat, it won't send an alert, but will do so should a person come within range of the sensors.

While we like what Netgear has done with its wireless camera line, it should be noted that the company's devices are not free from criticism. Back in 2015, hackers were able to compromise Netgear routers because of unpatched security holes.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
The Motion Picture Association of America has submitted a list of websites it accuses of contributing to "notorious markets" to the U.S. government. The list includes popular torrent websites The Pirate Bay, Extratorrent and Rarbg, along with direct download websites such as Uploaded and Rapidgator.

The list was sent in response to an annual request by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and called out numerous websites for contributing to what the MPAA claims is copyright infringement. However, the report claims not to be a complete or comprehensive listing, and does include at least one error.

The list states that despite the fact that The Pirate Bay receives over 47 million unique visitors per month, it has not returned to its former first-place standing in popularity of torrent sites since the recent closings of Kickass Torrents and Torrentz. The Pirate Bay, however, is indeed again the No. 1 site of its kind in the world, and despite its assertion otherwise, the MPAA letter does not cite which torrent site it believes is now more popular.

The MPAA claims that torrent and file sharing sites included in the list were chosen "because of their high quality recently released content and because in some cases, they coordinate the actual upload and download of that content."

The other four torrent sites reported by the MPAA were 1337x.to (located in Switzerland), Extratorrent.cc (Latvia), Rarbg.to (Bosnia and Herzegovina) and Rutracker.org (Russia). Notably, The Pirate Bay's location was the only one listed as "unknown."

The report also listed various direct download and cyberlocker sites, from which users may access content directly. Those include Rapidgator (located in Russia) and Uploaded (The Netherlands/Switzerland), both of which are often used to store content that is linked from other sites. The other four sites listed under this category were Allmyvideos.net (Netherlands), Nowvideo.sx and the "Movshare Group" (several locations), Openload.co (Netherlands) and VK.com, which is essentially Russia's version of Facebook.

The third listed category was websites that link to what the MPAA claims is infringing content, at sites such as the aforementioned Rapidgator and Uploaded, but don't actually host it themselves. The full list of such sites on the MPAA document includes many foreign focused linking sites: 123movies.to (Unknown), Filmesonlinegratis.net (Brazil/Portugal), Kinogo.club (Netherlands), Movie4k.to (Russia), Newmovie-hd.com (Thailand), Pelis24.com (Spain/Mexico/Argentina/Venezuela/Peru/Chile), Primewire.ag (Switzerland), Projectfreetv.at (Romania), Putlocker.is (Switzerland/Vietnam), Repelis.tv (Mexico/Argentina/Spain/Peru/Venezuela) and Watchseries.ac (France).

The MPAA also cites separate domain name registrars and hosting providers as also contributing to the damages it claims result from the file sharing ecosystem as a whole. Note that the MPAA report merely provides a list of unproven accusations toward the various parties listed, and none of the various claims it contains have been legally proven.

 2022 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
Kim Kardashian has filed a lawsuit against gossip website mediatakeout.com, for claiming that she lied about being robbed at gunpoint on Oct. 3 in Paris, France. Masked criminals stole omore than $5 million in jewelry from the reality star after tying her up in the hotel room in which she was staying.

Kardashian and her lawyers have come out swinging in the wake of the recent robbery that occurred in France. When the details of the story first broke, many in the media and the public questioned the full veracity of Kardashian's claims due to several suspicious circumstances surrounding the theft.

The fact that a huge star such as Kardashian had no security at the time raised red flags, as did the fact that there was absolutely no security video footage of the robbery itself or the events preceding it, and only one other witness.

The claim that the robbers were dressed as cops also drew parallels to the recent Olympics debacle in Rio, Brazil, where U.S. swimmer Ryan Lochte admittedly lied about being robbed by fake policemen after a drunken night on the town.

Kardashian and her attorneys, however, feel that mediatakeout.com took the speculation too far in a series of articles it published, and are now suing the website and its owner Fred Mwangaguhunga for libel per se.

"[The website] published the Articles under patently false and misleading headlines stating, in no uncertain terms, that Kardashian 'staged' a robbery and committed a 'federal crime' by engaging in insurance fraud. The Articles themselves are fraught with unsupported allegations and fail to identify or cite to any credible sources to back up the wild claims asserted therein," the lawsuit states.

As a celebrity, Kardashian has a much bigger hurdle to jump when making defamation and libel claims. They generally need to show that the story or stories in question were recklessly published with "actual malice," meaning that they knew the content was false.

Many of the titles of the articles cited in the lawsuit indicate that the website covered its bases by using words like "may" and "if" attached to claims that the robbery may have been staged. The website cites "French authorities" as sources. However, the lawsuit claims that there were in fact no such sources in existence.

Kardashian emerged from the ordeal physically unharmed but apparently traumatized, and has since returned to her home in Los Angeles where a veritable army of security has been enlisted to protect her.

Her E! reality series Keeping Up With The Kardashians has halted production indefinitely while she recovers. The show is still expected to return to the air for the second half of its 12th season, however, on Oct. 23, as previously scheduled.

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Here's Why Google Pixel Does Not Need OIS Feature On Its Camera | TechTree.com

With the competition in higher end of smartphone market heating up with the introduction of the Google Pixel handsets earlier this month, it is time that the nitty-gritties of the phone be scrutinized, even by the fanbase of Google and Android. This time, the issue is the absence of OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) a staple feature in most smartphones these days, including some lower cost models, including some mid-range handsets. Everyone is already wondering, what could be the reason behind it, and what trick Google has up its sleeve, since it claims that it takes the best pictures in low-light conditions, and 4K definition. The answer lies, in the software algorithm, hence EIS (Electronic Image Stabilization).

On a dedicated forum for Google Pixel, an employee with user id IsaacOnCamera, detailed out the Google reason for opting out of the OIS feature on the Pixel Handsets. Though the reasoning itself omitted the technical feature like 1.55-micron rear and 1.4-micron front pixel size of the cameras, which are extremely crucial to taking good quality images on the handsets, the reasoning has based on EIS.

He explained, "It compensates for hand shake, allowing longer exposures in low light, but this in turn increases motion blur within the frame. And it comes with all kinds of trade-offs, starting off with its physical size (meaning it would be harder to produce the slim/small device that Pixel is." However, in comparison, the Pixel handsets use the HDR+ algorithm, which is the in-house developed algorithm from the company, to take images of that quality which other premium handsets take.

For further clarifications on videos, Google Pixel is actually using EIS to improve upon the shaky videos by bringing in a consistency in framing between multiple video frames. According to IsaacOnCamera, this is the reason by despite the absence of OIS, the EIS advanced feature helps Pixel handsets take such high quality videos and pictures, even in 4K resolution, while also maintaining the slim profile.

TAGS: Google, Pixel Smartphone, Google Camera, 4K
They say a business card is a mirror of what you think about your business. And when you are famous you need to make yourself and your brand visible through your business card.

So when you see a business card of say Steve Jobs or Bill Gates, you can expect it to be different. If these brilliant people can build a brilliant company then they obviously can also build or design their own business cards.

Most of these peeps played it cool and had decent business cards, though some are a little flashier than others. Check out the actual business cards of some of the worlds most famous people!

Mark Zuckerberg

Mark Zuckerberg is synonymous with Facebook and his card reflects that. Since beginning in 2004, Facebook has evolved into the biggest online social networking website with over 1 billion users actively using it.

Add to it, you have WhatsApp, Instagram and a bunch of other companies.

Bill Gates

Bill Gates is the richest man on earth. He started by developing the programme called Dos from which we are now using it in different versions such as very popular Windows 7, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10.

Bill and his wife Melinda are also pioneers in philanthropy and sponsoring several anti-hunger and literacy programs in third world countries.

Steve Jobs

Late Steve Jobs is famous for founding Apple company and developing Mac Operating System. He is one of the few people who are considered idols by startups.

Larry Page

Google Inc has flourished as a search giant with a hand in almost every internet activity in the world. This card is when Google was a standalone company and not part of the Alphabet Inc.

Barak Obama

Barak Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African-American to hold the office and the first president born outside the continental United States. Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Obama is a graduate of Columbia University and Harvard Law School, where he was president of the Harvard Law Review.

Jerry Yang

Jerry Yang is one of the co-founders of Yahoo, the yesteryears competitor to Google. He was born on November 6, 1968, in Taipei and is a Taiwanese American Internet entrepreneur and programmer.

Walt Disney

Everybody knows late Walt Disney. We grew up watching his cartoons and animation movies. A pioneer of the American animation industry, he introduced several developments in the production of cartoons. As a film producer, Disney holds the record for most Academy Awards earned by an individual, having won twenty-two Oscars from 59 nominations.

Neil Armstrong

Neil Alden Armstrong (August 5, 1930  August 25, 2012) was an American astronaut and the first person to walk on the Moon. He was also an aerospace engineer, naval aviator, test pilot, and university professor. Before becoming an astronaut, Armstrong was an officer in the U.S. Navy and served in the Korean War.

Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein lives among us through the thousands of quotes and memes circulating on the Internet. He developed the general theory of relativity, one of the two pillars of modern physics (alongside quantum mechanics).

Einstein is best known in popular culture for his mass-energy equivalence formula E = mc2 (which has been dubbed the worlds most famous equation).

He received the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics for his services to theoretical physics, in particular, his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect, a pivotal step in the evolution of quantum theory.
The hacker behind the worlds largest-ever 2014 JP Morgan bank hack arrested in Russia

Do you remember the mega-hack of 2014? In August 2014, the worlds bellwether financial giants and United States of Americas largest bank, JPMorgan Chase was hacked by unknown hackers infiltrated into the bank servers and stole sensitive information which the bank is yet to recover from.

Finally, after 2 years, the United States Department of Justice has managed to identify the man behind the mega banking hack. A Maryland man accused of participating in a yearslong scheme described by the Justice Department as securities fraud on cyber steroids was arrested in Russia on immigration charges several months ago following a lengthy manhunt, Bloomberg reported Tuesday.

Joshua Aaron, 32, was arrested in May after police showed up at his apartment near downtown Moscow and found he had violated the terms of his visa. Aaron was subsequently jailed in a Russian prison and ordered to leave the country.

FBI which was already pursuing Aaron issued an arrest warrant in June 2015 on four counts charging him with crimes including conspiracy to commit computer hacking, security fraud and aggravated identity theft. However, FBI failed to cut any deal with Russian authorities for extraditing Aaron despite placing him on FBIs most wanted list of suspected cyber criminals.

The biggest hurdle for trying Aaron in the United States was that Russia doesnt have an extradition treaty with the U.S. Finally, DoJ and FBI have managed to reach some sort of compromise for getting Aaron to stand trial in the United States. Instead Russia has offered to send Aaron to the U.S. in exchange for a reciprocal act, according to court transcripts seen by Bloomberg.

Meanwhile, Aaron is free to leave the country as per Russian judges decision and he doesnt know he is the most wanted cyber criminal in the United States as per Bloomberg report.
HOUSTON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Sales of Venezuelan oil to the United States increased 10 percent in September versus the previous month to 786,835 barrels per day (bpd) due to larger exports of crude blends, according to Thomson Reuters Trade Flows data.

Venezuela's state-run oil company PDVSA and its joint ventures have reduced shipments of grades mixed with naphtha in recent months, using more domestic and imported light oil to formulate crude blends instead, according to company sources.

This strategy has resulted in an increase of Merey crude exports, a heavy blend mostly sold to the United States and Asia.

Sales of Merey crude to the United States rose to 319,000 bpd in September, more than double the volume shipped in August. Exports of diluted crude oil (DCO) made with naphtha declined to 106,000 bpd versus 153,700 bpd the previous month, according to the data.

Main receivers of Venezuelan oil in the United States last month were PDVSA's refining unit Citgo Petroleum with 14 cargoes, followed by Phillips 66, Valero Energy and Chevron Corp.

Venezuela's crude output has significantly declined this year amid a long cycle of low prices that has affected its exports, but official figures showed a slight recovery in September to 2.42 million bpd.

(Reporting by Marianna Parraga; Editing by Chris Reese)
This single image can help you learn the popular coding language, JavaScript

We are back with our programming language series with a single image thanks to China-based developer Yusheng. Yusheng has already created a single image to learn popular hackers language, Python which we have featured here. He has now gone ahead and created a nice graphic that assembles the entire JavaScript programming syntax into one single all-encompassing image.

JavaScript ranks among the hottest programming languages being used today mainly because it is used by most tech companies and can land you a hot job. This popularity was won very hard, having to fight through a period where the language seemed to have stood still with no new features being released for a period of four years. Despite not being updated as regularly, developers take on to JavaScript mainly due to the technologies being developed on top of it, and more specifically Node.js.

The fact that JavaScript is still such a successful and powerful programming language has prompted Yusheng to assemble a nice mind map of the entire JavaScript language syntax, complete with code examples. As of now Yushengs infographic only covers ES5, but he says that he will soon be adding ES6 syntax to the image.

This interactive mind map can be accessed online (works better in Chrome) or downloaded from a GitHub repository, but theres also an image you can save on your computer, and reaccess it whenever you need.

The Entire JavaScript Language in a Single Image (click to enlarge)

As said above, Yusheng also created a similar mind map for Python 3, and hes also working on one for Googles Go programming language. We will bring the same when he releases it.
Nokia phone reportedly saves a mans life by stopping bullet

The proverb Old Is Gold is once again proven right by an old Nokia phone. The device has reportedly saved a mans life in Afghanistan when a bullet lodged in the Nokia phone proving how robust such devices are.

A tweet shared by a former design executive at Nokia, Peter Skillman who worked on a Nokia Lumia proved that these handsets can indeed handle tough damage  and can even stop a bullet.

A Nokia phone I worked on a few years ago saved the life of a man in Afghanistan last week. The embedded bullet, he wrote.

This is yet to be confirmed, but Mr Skillman shared the image of the phone which shows how the bullet got stuck in the middle of the phones body, demolishing it completely but keeping its user out of danger.

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

Mr Skillman said he was unable to disclose the actual victim, but having seen these unbreakable devices first hand, it seems legit. The phone shown in the pic is a Nokia 301, which was released in 2013, according to The Telegraph.

This is not the first time that a phone has reportedly stopped a bullet. Other incidents include a HTCs Evo 3D saved a store clerk in Florida when an armed robber fired at him while leaving the premises and a Lumia 520 that stopped a bullet from hitting a Brazilian police officer in 2014.
Cyber criminals hack UN nuclear power plant, try to steal nuclear fission material

Here is a scenario that security researchers and experts have been warning us for a decade now. Cyber criminals somehow getting access to the nuclear power plant and nuclear fission material which can be used to build dirty bombs. Apparently, the experts were not fooling us!

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which oversees United Nations nuclear operations, says a nuclear power plant was successfully hacked three or four years ago. The hackers also made an attempt to steal uranium which could have powered their dirty bombs.

The director of the agency, Yukiya Amano, told a Reuters correspondent during a visit to Germany that the attack caused some problems and the plant had to take some precautionary measures.

Amano said that the incident was serious but not enough to shut down the plant and said that the attack was disruptive rather than destructive. He, however, did not name the Nuclear Power Plant which was hacked. Amano added that attack against such core facilities was not an imaginary risk, especially alongside more traditional threats  such as a case which followed in which an individual attempted to steal enriched uranium to use in dirty bombs.

Amano commented:

This issue of cyber attacks on nuclear-related facilities or activities should be taken very seriously. We never know if we know everything or if its the tip of the iceberg.

This year, hackers were successful in shutting down a Gundremmingen nuclear plant in Germany by planting malware on the facilitys computer systems. The malware was not considered particularly harmful to the plants operations  unlike Stuxnet, a worm dubbed the worlds first digital weapon which was used to disrupt Iranian power plants.

Such attacks and the hacking attack that happened on the nuclear power plant give a grim view of a situation where the cyber criminals have access to dirty bombs and then proceed to do something unforgettable.
Are we alone in the universe? UFO 120 times faster than plane captured on air traffic radar

New Zealand news channels were abuzz with the news of UFO sighting. The news was first aired on News Now which showed a super-speed flight was picked up by a tracker website which uses radar to pinpoint where a plane is. This irrefutable proof has led UFO hunters and enthusiasts to state that this is perhaps the best proof that aliens exist.

The air traffic radar shows an object travelling, and was said to be 120 times faster than a standard plane, from New Zealand to Canberra in Australia.As such speeds are yet out of the realm of humans, it can be safely deduced that there is some extraterrestrial intelligence at play.

In addition to the air traffic radar, a local New Zealand TV station also alleged to have captured evidence of an object around the same time that it suggested could be the UFO responsible. According to the broadcast, the tracker gave the flight the name ZED-KG-DG, which did not relate to any known flight.



Some UFO websites have described this as an irrefutable proof while UFO enthusiasts are elated at getting such a clear video. One person posting online said: New Zealand news reported that the unknown object was travelling at a speed 150 times faster than a normal jet.

The video has it part of naysayers. One viewer also posted a comment, saying that what was shown in the video is perhaps just a technical glitch in the system. NASA was also blamed for hiding data earlier this month when they cut off a live stream when a suspected alien craft was flying near the International Space Station (ISS).

True or not, theres no stopping UFO hunters and enthusiasts from searching for the truth and gathering significant evidence proving that UFOs and aliens exist.
Nokia demonstrates a whopping 65 terabit-per-second transmission which is equivalent to streaming 10 million high-definition TV channels simultaneously

The yesteryears mobile phone king is doing quite well in the telecom sector that can be seen from its latest achievement. Nokias Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) Unit said on Wednesday it has set a new record for cable transmission capacity for communications traffic. It managed transmission speeds double its previous levels opening up new opportunities for wireless Internet transmission.

Nokia Bell Labs demonstrated in lab tests a whopping 65 terabit-per-second transmission using dual-band fiber amplifiers. The speed is equivalent of streaming 10 million high-definition TV channels simultaneously.

Nokias demonstration is going to help tech giants like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook, as well as ISPs and telecom companies due to increased bandwidth demand as Internet reaches more remote places. Research firm Telegeography estimates the market is poised to see an explosion of new cable deployments worth more than $8.1 billion over the next three years.

ASN Chief Technology Officer Olivier Gautheron said that the new transmission lines will be commercially ready to be deployed over the next two to three years. He also added that the new technique promises to help reduce transmission costs, increase network resilience and allow networks to dynamically adapt to changing traffic conditions.

Nokia used the newProbablistic modulation technique developed by Bell Labs that allows customers to maximize the capacity of high-speed optical networks or to trade off capacity by extending the distance needed between amplifiers to boost electronic signals in order to reduce network costs.
His presidency will mark Brazil's return to international collaboration for the resolution of common problems such as the struggle against climate change. | Read More
Stories of refugees and migrants feature prominently among the finalists the Rory Peck Awards 2016, which honour the work of freelance cameramen and camerawomen in news and current affairs.

News finalist Will Vassilopoulos and News Features finalists Marco Salustro and Lottie Gammon, uncover stories of desperation, detention and kidnapping in Greece, Libya and Macedonia respectively.



Syrian and Yemeni freelancers living and working in the midst of conflict are News finalists for intense footage from the frontlines. Waad Al Kateeb  a 24 year old Syrian mother from Aleppo  and Yemeni video journalist Nabil Hassan from Aden, show us the devastation wrought on their home cities and the people who live in them.



The struggles and motivations of soldiers fighting for and against extremism in Syria and Iraq are revealed in detail by Sony Impact finalist Paul Salahadin Refsdal in an unsettling portrait of Jabat al Nusras suicide bombers, and by News Features finalists Ayman Oghanna and Warzer Jaff who embed with Iraqs elite Golden Division as they fight to expel Islamic State from Anbar Province.



And the resilience of families and children rebuilding lives devastated by conflict in Syria, and by Ebola in Sierra Leone are explored by Sony Impact finalists Marcel Mettelsiefen and Ben Steele.

The work of this years finalists shows very clearly that freelancers are at the forefront of news and current affairs, uncovering stories that shape the agenda, inform our lives, challenge our views and inspire us to act. Their curiosity, bravery and dedication is inspiring, says Tina Carr, Director of the Rory Peck Trust. But as journalists around the world continue to be targeted, freelancers are the most vulnerable  many still work alone without any backup. We recognise the value of freelancers and we are proud to support them through the awards and through our work at the Trust.



This years winners will be announced at the Rory Peck Awards ceremony which takes place at Londons BFI Southbank on Wednesday 7th December. The event is the main fundraiser for the Rory Peck Trust which is dedicated to the support of freelance journalists and their families worldwide.

The Rory Peck Awards are sponsored by Sony.

Rory Peck Award for News  Finalists 2016



Waad Al Kateeb (Syrian)

A Life in the Day of Aleppo

Shot in Syria, May 2016

Self-funded. Broadcast by Channel 4 News / ITN

Waads entry focuses on the lives of one family caught up in the Syrian conflict. As the bombing of Aleppo intensified in May 2016, three young brothers went out to play and were hit by an air strike. They ended up at the al-Quds hospital where freelance camerawoman Waad (not her real name)  a 24 year old mother living in Aleppo  was filming doctors at work. Waad then captured the harrowing story of what happened to six-year-old Mohammed and the immediate impact on his devastated family, giving us a rare and intimate glimpse into what thousands of families have gone through in this city during the last five years. Judges said the report was a delicate, discrete story of human tragedy and that Waads pictures told one very simple story so tightly and so well.

Nabil Hassan (Yemeni)

The Battle for Aden

Shot in Yemen, June to August 2015

Commissioned and broadcast by Agence France Presse

In March 2015, a Saudi-led coalition of Arab air forces began air strikes on Iranian-backed Shia Houthi rebel forces in Yemen as they moved to seize the port of Aden where President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi had taken refuge. Three months later, Nabil  a 32 year old freelance video journalist and former mechanic  was embedded with the loyalists, the local anti-rebel militiamen from the Popular Resistance Committees (PRC), as they fought to recapture the southern port city from the rebels. He was with the PRC on the ground during this major offensive, getting close to the frontline, and witnessing the heavy fighting and intense shelling between the warring factions as well as the devastating impact of the conflict on civilians. Judges said this was rare and outstanding footage from a tragic war we never see.

Will Vassilopoulos (Greek)

Fear and Desperation: Refugees and Migrants Pour into Greece

Shot in Greece, October 2015  March 2016

Commissioned and broadcast by Agence France Presse

Since 2015, Greece has become one of the main entry points into Europe for hundreds of thousands of people fleeing war, poverty and persecution. Wills footage shows desperate migrants and refugees arriving on its shores from Turkey, in overcrowded, rickety boats and rubber dinghies and their rescue from open water in the middle of the night. His entry is focussed on the island of Lesbos which has seen the highest number of arrivals, and on the makeshift, sprawling Idomeni camp on Greeces northern border with Macedonia which became a flashpoint in the migrant crisis. Judges said Wills footage stood out because of his storytelling and eye for detail. Its difficult to do something exceptional when everyone is shooting it, however tragic and important the story is, and Will really managed that.

Rory Peck Award for News Features  Finalists 2016:

Lottie Gammon (British)

Tracking Down Macedonias Refugee Kidnap Gangs

Shot in Hungary, Greece, Macedonia and Serbia, May 2015

Commissioned and broadcast by Channel 4 News / ITN

Lotties film exposes an organised criminal network of people smugglers, kidnapping and extorting money from refugees crossing from Greece into Macedonia en route to Serbia. Following a tip-off from a victim, Lottie  a freelance documentary director and journalist  and reporter Ramita Navai tracked down the house where hundreds of refugees were being held against their will, and unearthed evidence of corruption by local police and customs officials turning a blind eye to the trade. The film had a significant impact in Macedonia and put pressure on the authorities to take action. The judges said the report showed, good, old-fashioned brave and bold journalism and it was very well shot.

Ayman Oghanna (British) and Warzer Jaff (American)

The Road to Fallujah

Shot in Iraq, April 2016

Commissioned and broadcast by VICE News

After 18 months of careful negotiation with Iraqs elite counter-terrorism force known as the Golden Division, Ayman secured an unprecedented level of access for him and Warzer to embed with the unit on the front lines as it fought to take back control of towns and cities across Anbar Province. We see the desperation and chaos left behind after ISIS had been driven out, and witness the soldiers trying to persuade local communities with a deep distrust of the Iraqi government to reveal any remaining ISIS sympathisers living amongst them. The judges said this was an example of a military embed at its very best and showed an unfolding story full of quiet moments which revealed how complicated the situation is right now in Iraq.

Marco Salustro (Italian)

Libyas Migrant Trade: Europe or Die

Shot in Libya, June 2015

Commissioned and broadcast by VICE News

Thousands of refugees and migrants desperately seeking a better life in Europe travel to Libya to cross the Mediterranean sea every month. To cope with the numbers and growing pressure from the international community, the Tripoli government is relying on militias to help deal with the migration flow. Marco secured repeated first-hand access to an unofficial detention camp in Tripoli, where he witnessed the local militia detain, abuse and mistreat migrants, forcing them to live in sub-human conditions. The militia claim to be bringing order to the country and to have the migrants interests at heart, but what emerges in Marcos film is a very different and shocking story. Judges Marco gave a real sense of the fear, insecurity and lack of home these migrants have. You dont just want away from this film and forget it instantly, it really stays with you.



Sony Impact Award for Current Affairs  Finalists 2016

Marcel Mettelsiefen (German)

Children on the Frontline: The Escape

Shot in Syria, Turkey and Germany, July 2013 until April 2016

Part self-funded. ITN Productions for Channel 4 Dispatches in association with ZDF and WGBH

In 2013, Marcel  who was raised in Spain and Germany  spent nine months filming the moving story of the children of a leading rebel commander in Aleppo whose lives had been changed forever by the war in Syria. In this second film, he returns to follow the fortunes of the three young sisters and their brother after the capture of their father by ISIS. He tells a story of loss, resilience and ultimately hope, astheir mother decides they must leave their home and the ruins of their lives in a city they had once loved. Marcel follows their escape to Turkey and their new lives as refugees in the sleepy town of Goslar in Germany. The judges said Marcels film was honest, emotional, intimate and poetic. This is a touching documentary from a mature and responsible filmmaker who has made a film that we all need to see at this time.

Paul Salahadin Refsdal (Norwegian)

Dugma: The Button

Shot in Syria, December 2014  June 2015

Funded by the Norwegian Film Institute, Viken Filmsenter and Fritt Ord

Broadcast on NRK

Paul  who specialises in reporting with insurgent groups  spent months inside rebel-controlled Northern Syria securing unprecedented access to film with Jabhat al Nusra, the local branch of al-Qaida. The result is an intimate portrait of a group of suicide bombers in waiting. In sharp contrast to how al-Qaida likes to portray themselves, the characters in this film are not just soldiers, but human beings with weaknesses, faults and self-doubt. Among the people we meet, waiting for his turn on the list to undertake martyrdom operations, is a Saudi man with a love for life and a love for deep fried chicken. Another fighter waiting for his turn is a British convert who gradually doubts that pushing the button  the Dugma  would be the right thing for him to do. The judges praised Pauls way of looking at suicide bombers as horribly human. He gets across the banality of evil, the mundaneness of war. There is great value to that.

Ben Steele (British)

The Children Who Beat Ebola

Shot in Sierra Leone, January  April 2015

Blakeway TV Productions for Channel 4 Dispatches

This is an intimate, heartbreaking portrait of life after the Ebola outbreak in West Africa told from the perspective of five children living through and surviving a disease that has taken their parents, siblings and other family members. Filmed over four months, Ben  a Rory Peck Award winner in 2014  follows the events in these childrens lives from the time the infection rate peaked in Sierra Leone, filming with families in quarantine, showing the impact of the devastation on individual young lives. As the virus is brought under control and schools reopen, Ben shows us how the children start to come to terms with their loss and stigma as they start to rebuild their lives and look to the future. Judges called Bens film a masterclass in filmmaking. He cleverly wins the childrens trust, telling the story from their perspective, from their eyeline, managing to capture many terrible, immensely moving and magical moments.

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The Metro Council once again stalled taking action on Baton Rouge Police Department reforms Wednesday, kicking back the controversial proposals for 30 days until after elections on November 8.

The council was expected to vote on six items Wednesday related to policing in Baton Rouge. Metro Councilwoman Chauna Banks, who proposed them, said delaying action for a month would give political leaders, BRPD leaders and community members more time to hash out the details and come to agreements.

Several conversations about police reform have been happening since early July, when a BRPD officer killed Alton Sterling in an incident captured on a cell phone video that went viral and sparked protests. But Banks' ideas for police reforms were not necessarily in synch with those of various community groups and other local leaders.

In July, Banks proposed a residency requirement that would force BRPD officers to live in East Baton Rouge parish, and it has been stalled since then. It was the first of her six proposals that the council deferred Wednesday, before many questioned whether continuing to defer them was the right move.

"We'd like to get with them on all of the police reform possibilities that are out there," Banks said. "We'd like to be on one page."

Along with the residency requirements, Banks proposed limiting city-parish vehicles like police cars from being driven to and from homes outside of East Baton Rouge Parish. Police cars are currently allowed to be driven within a 24 mile radius of the center of the city.

Trouble seeing the video? Click here.

She also proposed creating a citizen task force that would be charged with suggesting ideas for better policing. Banks also wanted Mayor-President Kip Holden's administration to include money in the 2017 budget for 10 percent BRPD raises, monetary incentives for officers who live in the parish and money for a consulting company to help BRPD recruit minorities.

Metro Councilman Joel Boe pointed out that the Metro Council has punted on Banks' reform proposals several times already and pushed for a vote on them Wednesday night. He, John Delgado and Ryan Heck will become lame ducks council members after the Nov. 8 election since they are not seeking re-election to council seats.

Boe referred to the residency requirements as "placeholders" for some other police reform that has not been determined yet. He also took issue with the timing of the deferral, saying that the city-parish's 2017 budget will be nearly finished in a month from now.

Despite the multiple deferrals of the residency requirements, Boe said, council members still have not received any more data or figures about why to vote for them. Banks responded by saying, "this isn't something you need data on." Boe disagreed, saying council members needed to know how much money a 10 percent raise would cost the city-parish both next year and in the future.

"I'm not very optimistic than 30 days from now, anything is going to be any different than it is tonight," Boe said.

+18 Time runs out on BPRD residency vote; Metro Council pledges reworked ordinance The Metro Council let the clock run out Wednesday on a major proposed change to the Baton Ro

#NBRNOW Blue Ribbon Commission member Gary Chambers and Councilman Buddy Amoroso both asked the council to only push back voting on the BRPD changes for two weeks. They said voters had the right to know where council members stood on the policing issues before the Nov. 8 election.

But Metro Councilwoman Tara Wicker said she and others are planning a city-wide meeting on October 29 to create a white paper on proposals for community policing.

Banks also said the city-parish's finance department would need time to crunch the numbers on the cost of the proposals, but Chief Administrative Officer William Daniel said the mayor's administration has not been asked to run a fiscal analysis on Banks' proposals.
Republican State Sen. Bodi White is continuing to raise far more money than his 11 opponents in the Baton Rouge mayoral race, new campaign finance reports show, boosted in part by contributions from political action committees.

The latest filings show that fundraising slowed for almost every candidate between Aug. 1 and Sept. 29, a period that coincided with the devastating losses many people experienced from August's flooding.

But White still managed to raise more money than everyone else, and the amount of money in his campaign account is still four times more than former Democratic State Sen. Sharon Weston Broome and independent candidate Darryl Gissel, his closest competitors on the fundraising front.

White's campaign reports that his first TV ad will run Wednesday. That comes with less than a month to go until the November 8 general election, and with the expected runoff close behind on December 10.

White's campaign has raised more than half a million dollars in the race thus far. During this reporting period, White raised $152,905 and has $425,308 on-hand. White took in $8,000 from political action committees during this period, but he's received $44,750 from PACs since he started running for mayor.

Broome, by comparison, has raised $81,797 this period, while Gissel raised $57,152. Fundraising was less favorable for Democratic State Rep. C. Denise Marcelle and Republican Metro Councilman John Delgado, who each raised about $25,000.

White has been spending most of his money on campaign and public relations consultants, along with advertisements that have mostly been on social media. He doled out $47,000 on six campaign and public relations consultants, and an additional $5,175 for data consulting.

In contrast to the money White has spent on consulting, he has spent just a fraction -- $5,485 -- on Facebook, Google and social media advertisements.

+8 East Baton Rouge mayoral candidate Bodi White takes huge fundraising lead State Sen. Mack "Bodi" White has taken a commanding fundraising lead in the upcoming Baton R

White used some of his campaign money to pay for his recent trip to Washington, D.C., where he traveled after the August floods to lobby for federal funding for the Comite River Diversion Canal and other projects. He charged $306 from his campaign account to Southwest Airlines for his ticket.

Broome was the only candidate to have a stronger fundraising performance during this period than in the previous one. She now has $96,712 available and her campaign has said it plans to spend it on "various mediums, both paid and unpaid" until Election Day.

Broome has yet to spend much money on advertising. During this period, she spent $5,125 on Facebook, radio and magazine advertisements. Broome has also spent her money on donations to local churches and flood relief.

Most of Broome's spending has gone toward consultants, as she spread $12,995 across five consulting groups. She also spent $8,000 on polling and voter surveys from Pathfinder Opinion Research. And Broome has pumped money into canvass workers for her grass roots game, giving small sums  usually under $100 each  to more than 35 of those workers.

Broome has received far less money from PACs than White, bringing in just $2,000 from them during this reporting period and $6,900 from them overall. But several well-known people in the community have contributed to her campaign, including Lamar Advertising CEO Sean Reilly.

Gissel has continued to pour his own money into his mayoral campaign, giving him $82,807 on-hand for this period after he out fundraised Broome during the last period. He spent $28,270 of his own money on his campaign this period.

Gissel also has not burned through most of his money yet. He spent $11,560 on campaign management and consulting services this period, with most of his advertising spending going toward signs and a $1,750 billboard rental.

Marcelle has not raised a lot of money and has been quickly burning through what she has raised, with only $7,860 left on hand at the end of this reporting period. She has spent $6,655 on campaign advertising and promotions  mostly in the form of campaign signs.

Marcelle has received money from U.S. Congressman Cedric Richmond, D-New Orleans, to help fund her campaign, along with former NAACP counsel Alfreda Tillman Bester. Richmond's congressional campaign previously donated money to Broome.

Delgado's fundraising has also continued to stall, though he's in a better position than Marcelle because he has money from earlier in the campaign left in his campaign account. He has $48,499 available now, and has loaned himself $29,500 during the duration of the race.

Delgado has spent just $100 on Facebook advertising, but said he plans to run radio ads in the final stretch leading up to the election. He has spent $14,300 on three campaign consultants, and he spent $2,375 on polling.

Others in the crowded mayoral field have raised smaller amounts of money. Beverly "B.J." Amador raised $250, R.J. "Smokie" Bourgeois raised $6,650, Greg LaFleur raised $10,326 and Cade Williams raised no money. The Louisiana Secretary of State's website did not show new campaign finance reports filed for Byron Sharper, Rufus Craig or Braylon Hyde.
LSU AgCenter will pitch its medical marijuana business plan to potential investors during a public forum from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Oct. 28 at LSU's Digital Media Center Theatre.

State law gives the agcenters at LSU and Southern the chance to be Louisiana's only licensed medical marijuana producers. The LSU AgCenter has opted in on the license but won't use state money to finance the business.

Instead, the AgCenter will seek outside investment "to fund all aspects of the operation," from the facility and production operation to the final product formulation. The forum will allow potential backers to take a look at the AgCenter's business plan and discuss it.

For more information, click here or email questions to agmedical@agcenter.lsu.edu.
Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission
In a sweeping change, Louisiana's top school board Tuesday voted to overhaul the ways teachers are trained for the classroom.

The vote was 6-5 and followed nearly three hours of arguments.

The tally was 5-5 before Gary Jones, a member of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education from Alexandria, cast the deciding vote.

The key feature of the new rules is a requirement that aspiring teachers spend a full school year in a classroom with a veteran teacher serving as a mentor.

That means rather than relying on higher education alone to train teachers, the job will be shared by colleges and local school districts, said Jeanne Burns, a top official of the Board of Regents, which backed the move.

Push to overhaul teacher training gets key endorsement A plan to overhaul the way teachers are trained in Louisiana got a major boost Friday when h

"This is a very, very important shift that we are talking about," Burns told the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Pilot projects have been underway for two years.

Shavanda Washington, who said she was apprehensive about the one-year residency, now calls it the best decision of her college career at Louisiana Tech.

"Before I graduated I had job offers, many job offers," Washington said.

BESE approved the plan despite a last-minute bid by Gov. John Bel Edwards to defeat it.

Donald Songy, the governor's newly-named education policy adviser, said while one-year teacher residencies are a good idea, how to pay for the changes warrants a delay.

"Our concern is there is not enough information around on how much the program will cost, especially for local school districts," said Songy, former superintendent of the Ascension Parish School District.

All three of the governor's BESE appointees voted "no" on the plan.

Officials of traditional public schools also opposed the change, including the Louisiana School Boards Association, Louisiana Federation of Teachers, Louisiana Association of Superintendents, Louisiana Association of Principals and Louisiana Association of Educators.

Scott Richard, executive director of the LSBA, said a fiscal analysis is needed before the plan is finalized.

"We can't operate in a vacuum on this issue," Richard told BESE.

Under current rules, aspiring teachers spend roughly one semester as a student teacher before graduation.

The plan would extend that to a full school year, with teacher candidates paid $2,000 per year and teacher mentors $1,000 per year.

State Superintendent of Education John White, one of the leaders of the push, noted that the issue has been discussed for four years and he said another delay would sap energy from the effort.

"We shouldn't be placing teachers in schools and wondering if they are effective," White said.

Lisa Allen, a teacher mentor in Lincoln Parish, said having a teacher candidate in the classroom means an extra set of hands to analyze data and figure out how to help struggling students.

Others backing the change included Democrats for Education Reform-Louisiana; state Rep. Steve Carter, R-Baton Rouge; and Stand for Children.

BESE members who opposed the move said that, while they like the concept, cost concerns and other worries means the effort needs more review.

"Where is the plan for sustainability?" asked Doris Voitier, superintendent of the St. Bernard Parish school system and one of Edwards' appointees.

Voitier said she favors an expanded pilot program on the one-year residencies.

BESE President Jim Garvey, who lives in Metairie, backed the training shakeup.

"It is the right thing to do for the kids," Garvey said.

White has said the program can be done for $7.5 million for the first three years and that funding sources have been identified.

Beyond that, officials said, a $67 million federal grant and other sources make the change financially doable.

Bid to overhaul teacher training gets $67 million boost A $67 million federal grant for the state will help finance plans to overhaul teacher traini

BESE was set to vote on the issue in June.

However, costs concerns by higher education officials and others delayed action, and it was only last week that the Board of Regents endorsed the plan.

The vote Tuesday was technically a committee action, but includes all the BESE members. A final head count on the plan is set for Wednesday during a meeting that begins at 9 a.m.

Voting for new teacher training rules were BESE members Holly Boffy; Tony Davis; Jim Garvey; Sandy Holloway; Kira Orange Jones and Gary Jones.

Opposing the plan were Kathy Edmonston; Jada Lewis; Thomas Roque; Lurie Thomason and Doris Voitier.

The new rules may first apply to the freshman class of 2018.
Federal officials have not established any connection between the recent slayings of two New Orleans men and their earlier testimony against l
ACT Labor would invest $7.5 million in mental health services if re-elected on Saturday and bring new suicide prevention programs to Canberra.

The party would allocate $1.5 million to create a pilot version of the Black Dog Institute's lifespan program, which is currently being trialled in NSW to reduce suicide rates.

ACT Labor would invest $7.5 million in mental health services if re-elected. Credit:Fiona-Lee Quimby

The program aims to deliver a 20 per cent reduction in suicides by working with GPs to improve early detection and by increasing mental health awareness in high schools.

Another $2.3 million would fund an undisclosed mental health service for vulnerable and marginalised youth and $1.6 million would allow youth service Headspace to employ five more staff.
The Canberra Business Chamber has criticised the Liberals' pledge to tear up the light rail contract if elected on Saturday, prompting an embarrassing text message mishap from party leader Jeremy Hanson.

Chamber executive Robyn Hendry said on Wednesday she was concerned that cancelling the contract  a key feature of the Liberals' election campaign  would hurt the territory's ability attract investment.

Liberal deputy Alistair Coe: Liberal promises to date will cost up to $230 million over four years. Credit:Graham Tidy

"It is important to ensure major infrastructure projects bring significant return to the economy and support creation of local jobs and economic diversification," Ms Hendry said.

Treasury has estimated the cost of cancelling the contract at between $220 and $280 million, although the Liberals say forging ahead with the project would saddle future generations with debt.
As the Liberals prepare to tear up the light rail contract if they win government, Capital Metro is preparing to build the tram by tearing up the ground of Northbourne Avenue.

Commuters along the major thoroughfare would have noticed construction fencing stretching from Antill Street in Dickson to near the Macarthur Avenue and Wakefield Avenue intersection.

Three new inspectors will examine safety standards on the transport project. Credit:Jamila Toderas

The fencing was erected in June to prepare for the first major earthworks for the first stage of the ACT government's $710 million light rail project from Gungahlin to the city.

Capital Metro workers have since been undergoing trenching and mapping work to see what is underneath the ground along the light-rail corridor and relocate utilities where needed, an ACT government spokesperson said.
What to do about the problems in life insurance will be just one of items on the lengthy "to-do" list awaiting Catherine Livingstone as she slides into the chairman's position at the Commonwealth Bank at the end of this year.

It was CBA's CommInsure division that helped trigger ASIC's investigation into the industry, after all.

Catherine Livingston is the new chairman of the Commonwealth Bank. Credit:Josh Robenstone

Livingstone, a former Telstra chair, will take over from David Turner, who last year set CBA the rather ambitious goal of being "the ethical bank" months before the CommInsure scandal was revealed.

The corporate plod also revealed it had collected 60,000 documents specifically from CBA, but did not give any clues on what its investigation into CommInsure has found.
Metcash has axed a number of senior staff to assemble the executive team to lead the merged Mitre 10 - Home Timber & Hardware (HTH) business, which has emerged as a powerful second force in Australia's $46.7 billion home improvement market from the ashes of Woolworths' failed assault on Bunnings.

The listed wholesaler would not reveal how many management and head office staff had been cut in the merger of the two independent hardware chains but sources close to the business claim at least two high profile personnel have already lost their jobs.

Metcash has assembled an executive team for the merged Mitre 10-Home Timber and Hardware business. Credit:Penny Stephens

The newly-minted management team for Metcash's bulked-up hardware business will be led by former Mitre 10 chief Mark Laidlaw and includes only two former Home Timber & Hardware personnel, former merchandise manager Darren Manning, and Stuart Willington, who will look after the 40-corporate-owned stores in the combined network.

A spokeswoman for Metcash said it was always the plan to bring together a team that combined the best talent from both businesses and "that is exactly what this team is".
After the miners' strike of 1984, more than 25,000 Welsh miner lost their jobs during a decade-long program of pit closures started by the Thatcher government. Unlike the experience of Rochester, there was no plan to cope with the enormous social dislocation and unemployment that followed.

The pain is still being felt to this day, with more than 10 per cent of the Welsh population reportedly claiming disability welfare benefits, twice the British average.

Industries inevitably fail  sometimes because of new "disruptive" technology, sometimes under the influence of powerful global economic forces. When they do, the pain is usually bourne disproportionately by specific geographic areas.

Why is all of this relevant? Because Victoria's Latrobe Valley is probably in the midst of similar upheaval. As it is, parts of the valley are struggling with high unemployment, and low incomes (not to mention other indicators of disadvantage such as poor health). In Morwell, for example, the unemployment rate is 19.7 per cent (according to the Department of Employment). In Moe it is 14.6 per cent.

The Latrobe Valley may have a proud history of supplying cheap power to the state. But those days are probably going to end. As reported by The Age, Hazelwood power station is likely to be closed by its majority owner, French energy company Engie, possibly as early as next April.
Weasel words mask obscene actions When the Nazis sent innocent people to Auschwitz to be murdered, they obscenely masked their actions with welcoming orchestras and an inspirational slogan  "Arbeit macht frei". When the Immigration Department sends innocent, suffering asylum seekers to indefinite offshore incarceration, to live alongside dangerous criminals, it obscenely masks its actions with weasel words: "Careful and appropriate consideration is given to the placement of all people ... Detainees are placed in facilities that will best meet their needs and ensure the safe, secure management of detention facilities" ("I see no hope for the future", 28/9). Colin Smith, St Kilda THE FORUM We are being done over

I wonder whether our governments are afraid to limit the acquisition of houses by foreigners because it would expose the fact that there is little else keeping the economy churning. While the cycle of demolition and construction keeps builders and white goods salespeople happy, it's also shutting out of home ownership younger generations. If we collected the billions in taxes we should expect from fantastically rich corporations such as Chevron, there'd be no need for this miserable sell-off of our future, or any other belt tightening. Just as with the mining boom, we are letting ourselves be done over like a bunch of hicks. Meg Williams, Alphington Loss of common wealth In 2014, every Norwegian became a theoretical millionaire thanks to their government's sovereign wealth fund, established in 1990. What does Australia have to show for taxpayer largesse to the mining industry, much of which sends its profits off-shore?

Federal and state subsidies average $7billion annually, plus there is federal funding of rail and port infrastructure. An estimated 60per cent of Queensland's royalties are returned to miners. In 2013-14, donations from resource and energy companies totalled $1.8million to the LNP, $453,000 to Labor and $114,000 to the Nationals. The sector is awash with employees on 457 visas, with local workers reportedly missing out on jobs. Fly-in-fly-out arrangements attract tax breaks for mining companies despite high social costs. In Australia, "mining is money" (The Age, 17/9). But whose money, when policies appear to socialise costs while privatising gains? And at what loss to our common wealth? Barbara Chapman, Hawthorn Devotion inspiring The article on the Fryer family's experience with the power outage, where two sons with Duchenne muscular dystrophy are so dependent on power, was not only alarming but a sobering insight into the world of those who care for people with severe disabilities (The Age, 12/10). Jenny Fryer's devotion to her sons was inspiring and a wake-up call to those of us who moan over minor inconveniences. Jenny, you are extraordinary.

Diana Yallop, Surrey Hills State owes the Valley The Latrobe Valley community has paid the price of supplying Victoria's electricity for the past 90 years. With the impending closure of Hazelwood, what have our state and federal governments done to ensure a just transition for the community? Itis extraordinary to hear Tony Abbott state that "coal is good for humanity" when communities living around coal mines are some of the most socially disadvantaged, with high unemployment rates. Latrobe Valley unemployment is about 10.7per cent. The future of our energy requires government to make sure there is an orderly transition. And transition is not just about technology but about the community. Wendy Farmer, Newborough Futility of new fleet

The Bureau of Meteorology was last year hacked by foreign spies, according to a cyber security report (The Age, 12/10). Now that foreign powers appear able to hack government computers with impunity, it is entirely possible that an enemy could hack Defence Department computers to pinpoint submarine locations. A submarine that is not invisible is a death trap for its hapless crew. Notwithstanding the rapid development of new technologies  including small, cheap submersibles  that will inevitably make submarine invisibility a thing of the past, cyber hacking ensures that submarine warfare is already obsolete. So the proposed $50 billion to be spent on a new submarine fleet will be wasted before the first rivet is fastened. Far better to spend that money on cyber security and on training a new generation of military hackers in the art of cyber warfare, for that is how future conflicts will be fought. Charles Shepherd, Brighton Dreading aged 'care' As one who witnessed horrific neglect of a frail man in a "high-end" nursing home more than a decade ago, I am still filled with horror, as a fit 70-year-old, at the prospect of ever needing to go into such care. The man called repeatedly for a pan to relieve himself, while surrounded by meal dishes left uncollected for hours. I felt bound to relieve his anguish, but when I reported the issue to the nurses' station, I was told he would have to wait until the change of shift, whenever that was. He was dead when I visited my mother the next day. Little wonder she also feared being in that aged-care facility, a circumstance I had no control over. Frail old age is an inescapable prospect for all of us and we must unite to demand an overhaul of the aged-care system. Kaye Kibblewhite, Frankston South

Bring complaints to us It is concerning to see letters raising serious issues about the quality of aged-care services. Iencourage anyone with concerns to come to us, or seek the assistance of an aged-care advocate. Both services are free. Due to our new independence and higher visibility, we are receiving an increasing number of complaints, and that is to be encouraged. We work with both sides of a complaint to identify what has gone wrong and try to resolve it to improve care for the person and others. Where there are concerns that an older person is at risk, or there may be a systemic issue, we refer the matter to agencies that are better placed to take urgent action. Raising concerns directly with service providers will often ensure quick and appropriate resolution. If people feel they can't do this, or are unhappy with the result, they should contact us. Ifthey are still unhappy with the outcome, they can seek a review or contact the Commonwealth Ombudsman. Rae Lamb, Aged Care Complaints Commissioner; 1800550552 (free call); www.agedcarecomplaints.gov.au

Window into despair Donald Trump is not the problem. Granted, tomes of unflattering assessments of his style and character could be written, but that would not lessen the incongruity of a (thankfully unlikely) Trump presidency. Trump is merely a window into the soul of an evidently deeply distressed population. We should be asking how utterly despairing must be the lives of his supporters that they see him as their salvation? History is littered with examples of restless citizenries' blind devotion to unanswerable leadership, often with devastating consequences for targeted minorities, and Trump's words and actions appear straight from the despot's playbook. Be not alarmed by Trump, the man, but by the social disquiet that has elevated him to potential-president status. George Petrides, Belgrave Still hope for America

They have allowed Trump and his followers to degrade a political process that was already puzzling to many of us: their attitude to gun control confounds and appals us; their legal system seems fixated on individual rights at the expense of public probity; their education system graduates millions who are ignorant of geography and contemptuous of history; and they have flooded the world with a culture that accepts substance abuse and glorifies trash-celebrities. To the extent that America sets the agenda for the Western world, it is our business. It seems there is much wrong with America. And yet, on that terrible September day when the Twin Towers came down, 403 firefighters, police officers, medics and Port Authority personnel numbered among the dead. Dozens, probably hundreds, of others went to help and survived. Stories abound of ordinary people who died helping others out of the buildings, or going back in to try. Any society that produces so many members willing to walk into fire to help strangers is sound at its core. Maurice Ryan, Malvern The chosen few We read of private schools that are flush with cash, the best way to find outfits to wear for each day of the racing season and of the "Cape Grim scotch fillet with oyster emulsion" to be fed to guests ("Top chefs serve up Caulfield winners", 8/10).

And then we read of the homelessness filling the city streets, with most of the mayoral candidates ignoring the topic. We read of the lack of support for families, the underfunding of government schools and and how too many people are being squeezed out of the housing market. We are a country of the haves and the have-nots: those with the Cape Grim scotch specially handpicked for them, and those whose dinner was chosen because it had a discount sticker on it as it neared the end of its life at the local supermarket. Donna Lancaster, Inverloch Snail mail indeed Australia Post has certainly lived up to its friendly nickname lately. Take these examples: A card sent from Mt Barker in SA, on March 20, was delivered in Ballarat on May 10; a letter sent from Wentworth in NSW on August 30 was delivered in Euroa on September 26; and a second letter sent from Wentworth on August 30, was delivered in Balwyn on September 27. Time to buy your Christmas cards and send them off, I suggest.

Barbara Dean, Soldiers Hill AND ANOTHER THING . . . US politics The Big Top election will be a Wirthless Circus, featuring Trumpeter the apprentice clown and Thrillary the animal trainer. Paul Drakeford, Kew

The Republicans have to stop putting up cartoon characters as candidates. Peter Bear, Mitcham US elections: a B-grade horror movie. Richard Boydell, Rowville With his sexual urges, it appears Trump hasn't grown out of early adolescence.

John Wolstenholme, Balnarring Could the media, particularly TV, occasionally give us a Trump-free day. The exposure the man gets is sickening. Gert Silver, South Yarra The nation Were the banners "Bob Brown's Bitch" and "Ditch the Witch" under which Coalition MPs protested locker room talk?

John Uren, Blackburn Tony Abbott must be very pleased now that his plan to block same-sex marriage has seemingly succeeded exactly as he intended. Garry Meller, Bentleigh Australia must be the laughing stock of the world's more progressive countries. Jen Gladstones, Heidelberg

It's time the Libs changed their name to the UCP: Ultra Conservative Party. Jennifer Young, Lower Templestowe One Nation declares war on the ABC. Malcolm McDonald, Burwood Senator Brian Burston, there is already a patriotic broadcasting corporation: in North Korea.

Thos Puckett, Ashgrove, Qld NSW politics Amazing that the greyhound "industry" has more clout than the car industry. Raymond Kenyon, Camberwell In the "greyhound" race, Mike Baird's principles run second to his political aspirations.
In Washington on Sunday night, the popcorn was popped, the pitchers of election-themed cocktails given a final stir. And then a hush fell over the city as the streets emptied and the professional political class gathered huddled around screens to watch the presidential debate and find out whether Donald Trump would somehow rescue his improbable campaign or pound the final nails into its coffin after a brutal weekend of scandalous recordings and cascading Republican disendorsements.

The consensus going in was that Trump would self-destruct. But he had two saviours: moderators prevented him from rambling and harming himself as much as he otherwise probably would have, and the questions about his appalling remarks came early in the debate. Psychological research suggests that people tend to disproportionately judge events by how they ended.

The consensus in Washington was that Trump had "stopped the bleeding." But 12 hours later the haemorrhaging seemed to have restarted. NBC and the Wall Street Journal released the results of a poll taken before the debate, but after the release of the bombshell tape that had sent Trump's campaign into its weekend death spiral. In a four-way race, it showed Clinton at 46 and Trump at 35, a five-point drop from the previous poll. If you just looked at Clinton and Trump together, she was leading by 14.

The question now is whether the defections restart. If Trump's debate achievement was to arrest his slide at 35 per cent, then it makes sense for Republicans to start jumping into the lifeboats.
It is hard sitting with a veteran - someone decorated for bravery, no less - when he tells you he has been thinking of taking his life. Gut-wrenching though it was, I wasn't surprised. I has seen this coming for months.

Dave (not his real name) is one of hundreds of veterans who are now having their service turned against them, and used to humiliate and destroy them. You see, Dave's wife made a domestic violence complaint against him, claiming that he was violent because of his service in the Defence Force. For good measure she claimed he had access to weapons because of his service, and all his friends had access to weapons as well.

The suicide rate among war veterans is higher than in the general population.

For a proud man like Dave, it was a kick in the guts. He had left the Army a decade ago, and had not handled a weapon for years. In fact, the only person he knows who has a gun is a friend who is a priest.

Absurd though it was, this stuff sticks. Dave's lawyer told him not to fight the claim because he couldn't risk the magistrate finding against him and ending up on a domestic violence register for the rest of his life.
The Australian Christian Lobby has thanked Opposition Leader Bill Shorten for playing a "helpful" and "important" role in its plan to stop same-sex marriage, after Labor committed to blocking the Turnbull government's proposed plebiscite.

ACL managing director Lyle Shelton, one of the highest-profile campaigners against marriage equality, enthused that Mr Shorten had delivered "the gift of time" to same-sex marriage opponents by torpedoing the planned February 11 public vote.

"We have a plan to win the marriage debate and yesterday Bill Shorten played an important and helpful role in that plan," he wrote in an email to supporters.

"We now have more time to continue building our campaign, more time to build our coalition, and more time to win the hearts and minds of millions of Australians.
Retired federal politicians have failed in their bid to claw even bigger retirement pensions and more free travel from taxpayers.

The High Court has dismissed a challenge brought by four former MPs  Labor's Barry Cunningham, Tony Lamb and Barry Cohen, and Liberal John Moore  that would have resulted in a big boost to the already generous entitlements given to about 350 retired politicians.

Not only has the case failed but the plaintiffs have been ordered to pay the costs of the long-running case - estimated to be many thousands of dollars.

The four men used section 51 of the constitution  made famous in the Aussie comedy classic The Castle  to challenge recent changes to the law that have slowed the growth of their retirement allowances and limited the number of trips they can take on the Life Gold Pass.
The Turnbull government has suffered a second embarrassing failure in Parliament, effectively voting to call on itself to explain its own failures on multinational tax avoidance.

Labor said the mistake is unprecedented in the federal Parliament, the first time a second reading amendment has passed the House of Representatives and leaving uncertainty about how the government could unwind its position.

Manager of Opposition Business Tony Burke blamed Financial Services Minister Kelly O'Dwyer, who he claimed had forgotten to vote against the amendment on behalf of the government, meaning it passed unanimously.

The amendment, moved by shadow assistant treasurer Andrew Leigh, called on the government "to explain why it has failed to close tax loopholes and increase transparency in Australia".
I'm not suggesting there aren't valid reasons for voting for her. Clinton has a solid record on many domestic policies including reproductive rights, and she is immensely qualified for office. However, as a senator she voted for the war in Iraq (that Obama opposed), later calling it a "business opportunity," and as secretary of state she championed the ultimately disastrous intervention in Libya that that would depose Gaddafi only to leave an ISIS-shaped power vacuum in his place. For people like me, whose families and extended communities bear the brunt of the consequences, this is no small issue. I understand Clinton's hawkish foreign policy is not high on the list of priorities of US voters, even though I would have expected her more progressive supporters to at least give it a cursory mention now and then. On the other hand, these concerns about Clinton aren't exactly a reason to hit the red button on the world and allow Trump into power instead. In other words, I don't have a problem with people supporting Clinton  somebody has to win this damn thing. What I do have a problem with is the implicit assumption that her less savoury policies, which signal more of the same destabilising incursions into the Middle East, are somehow irrelevant because defeating Trump is all that matters. Her record of supporting interventions is rationalised as nothing more than a minor "flaw," and since all politicians are flawed, then it doesn't really need to be addressed.

This is not good enough. Blackheads are a "flaw". Military interventions are deadly. At the same time, toxic sexism is making it all the harder to address these issues. Much of the hatred directed at Clinton (like that at Australia's first female PM Julia Gillard before her), is undoubtedly sexist. There is a large segment of so-called Bernie Bros that cannot forgive her for defeating Bernie Sanders in the primaries and cast Clinton as a heightened Lady Macbeth, giving her nicknames like "Killary." Meanwhile, the attacks on her from the right have long morphed from merely gendered to outright deranged. Naturally, the more she is derided, the harder her supporters have to bat for her, and that means that any criticism of Clinton, however legitimate and reasoned, seems to be taken not as an indictment of her policy but as proof of sexism against her. Consequently, the nuance is being missed. It is, in fact, possible to recognise Clinton as the far superior candidate without excusing her dubious record on a number of issues. Failing to get excited over her likely victory does not signify support for Trump, as is often implied  rather it acknowledges the inherent problems built into the system that she supports and that supports her. Whenever I have attempted to broach this with Hillary supporters, I am accused either of sexism against her or against them. So imagine my surprise when, after stating on The Drum that Clinton clearly wiped the floor with Trump in the first debate, I was treated to a series of angry tweets denouncing my "Hillary worship."

Apparently, we have to be so hardline in our views, so firmly "us" or "them", that we can't even give credit or criticism where it is due. This is what happens in a world that runs on twos. The two party system. Two sides to the story. Ying and yang. With us or Against us. You must pick a side and stick to it, uncompromisingly. In such a world, some can't seem to accept that you can in fact, concede Trump's awfulness while still fearing Clinton. Likewise, others appear to think that giving Clinton any credit whatsoever is tantamount to supporting genocide. There is a bigger picture here.
Two teenagers arrested in a counter-terrorism operation on Wednesday were apprehended by police just hours after buying two knives.

The boys, both aged 16, were arrested as they walked into a prayer hall on a laneway off Fetherstone Street at Bankstown on Wednesday afternoon.

"Officers seized two knives and the pair remains in custody," a police statement said.

"Police are unable to release anything further at this time however there is no on-going threat in relation to this matter."
Medical experts have cautioned the Baird government against any relaxation of its controversial 10pm takeaway alcohol trading restriction, warning that any reversal will increase the rate of domestic assault.

St Vincent's Hospital clinical director of alcohol and drug services Nadine Ezard said trading restrictions have led to a decline in family violence.

"The packaged alcohol outlet sales [restrictions] at 10pm has had an across-the-board effect around NSW, not just here in Kings Cross," Professor Ezard said. "We have seen a decrease across the state of 5 per cent of assaults, that has been linked to the changing availability of alcohol."

The call comes as Premier Mike Baird denied he had made a final decision on changes to the state's liquor laws following a review by former high court justice Ian Callinan.
A teenage boy arrested over an "imminent" terrorism attack on Wednesday had previously said he was furious and "burning" at the police over a raid two years ago.

The 16-year-old boy and a friend, also 16, were arrested as they walked into a prayer hall on a laneway off Fetherstone Street at Bankstown on Wednesday afternoon.

They had allegedly bought bayonet knives at a gun store in Bankstown just hours earlier, Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn said on Thursday.

The pair, who have been on counter-terrorism radars for a long time, then boarded a bus to Bankstown and were arrested at the Bankstown Musalla in Adnum Lane.
Police are hunting two men who are understood to have made off with more than $10,000 from a caravan park north of Brisbane.

The men entered a residence at the Brighton Bayside Caravan Park about 4.30am and woke up the 67-year-old caretaker.

Police were called to the Brighton Bayside Caravan Park. Credit:Louie Douvis

Police said they threatened him with an iron bar, demanded cash and fled with a large sum of money, understood to be more than $10,000.

Both men were wearing dark clothing and described as Caucasian, with one measuring about 183 centimetres and the other 170 centimetres.
A man accused of the one-punch killing of a Queensland man in inner-city Brisbane will remain behind bars.

Wayne Andrew Hearn, 38, appeared for only a few minutes in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on Wednesday morning charged over the death of Timothy Lang.

Dressed in a standard-issue watchhouse tracksuit, he briefly smiled and motioned to relatives after he was led into the prisoner dock.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Service solicitor Lyle Parker did not apply for bail on his client's behalf.
A woman has been charged with a domestic violence offence after a man was allegedly cut with a wine glass on the Gold Coast.

Police were called to a home at Oxenford to find a man with a deep laceration to his arm from a wine glass about 8.30pm Tuesday evening.

Police were called to a home on the Gold Coast to find a man bleeding heavily. Credit:Glenn Hunt

The 22-year-old was treated for his non-life-threatening injuries while a woman, 20, was charged with one count of assault occasioning bodily harm (domestic violence offence).

She is due to appear in Southport Magistrates Court on October 14.
With online credit card fraud on the rise, Stay Smart Online Week presents a good opportunity to rethink your online shopping habits.

Australians are spending more than ever on their cards, particularly online, so it's little surprise that credit card fraud is booming. "Card-not-present" fraud  where you're using your card online or over the phone rather than at the counter  has almost tripled in five years according to the Australian Payments Clearing Association. Almost two-thirds of these fraudulent transactions occur overseas, which the APCA chalks up to sophisticated malware and phishing attacks along with large-scale data breaches.

Keep your credit card details safe when shopping online. Credit:Tamara Voninski

Taking care when revealing your email address online is one way to protect yourself against scammers, but it's also important to play it safe when using your credit card online. The more organised amongst us have already started their online Christmas shopping, while others like to leave it to the last minute  but don't take silly risks in your rush to pick up a bargain.

Just like using email aliases to throw scammers off the track, one security option is to use a separate pre-paid debit card when shopping online. You can buy them at the post office or a supermarket and it's easy to top them up online, transferring just enough money to cover your recent purchases.
A man who used an ATM card skimmer to withdraw more than $40,000 from other people's bank accounts has been sentenced to four months' prison. Todor Tsenov, 36, used a card skimmer at various ATMs to create fake copies of bank cards between November and December 2015. Todor Tsenov's card skimming "grossly undermines confidence in the operating system of ATMs," said the judge who sentenced him to four months' jail. Credit:Jim Rice He then used these cards to unlawfully withdraw $43,373.50 from other people's bank accounts. Tsenov pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to cheat and defraud.

The Victorian County Court heard on Wednesday heard he also tried and failed to withdraw a further $38,745.60 from accounts which did not have enough funds. Tsenov - who was previously working in the building and childcare industries in the UK - became involved in the scheme to pay off loans, the court heard. Judge Jim Montgomery granted compensation orders to two of the banks involved, and sentenced Tsenov to four months in prison, saying he had played an "integral role" in a "sophisticated operation". The public, the judge said, had to have confidence in being able to use ATMs. "Your offending here grossly undermines confidence in the operating system of ATMs," he said.
Victoria's wealthiest private schools have reaped government funding increases per student that are almost three times greater than those received by the most disadvantaged public schools.

A new analysis reveals that the 35 most advantaged private schools benefited from an average state and federal funding increase of 27 per cent per student between 2009 and 2014.

A new analysis reveals that the 35 most advantaged private schools benefited from an average state and federal funding increase of 27 per cent per student between 2009 and 2014. Credit:Michele Mossop

This compared to a 10 per cent rise at the poorest 37 public schools.

It coincides with a fierce national debate about school funding, with federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham saying that some private schools are over-funded.
A husband accused of assaulting his pregnant wife during an argument over an abortion has been given four months to change his behaviour and plead guilty or face being deported to his homeland.

Police allege the man hit his wife in the head three times on the morning of August 8 in their Melbourne home after demanding she have an abortion.

The woman told him she was pregnant the previous day and that she wanted to keep the baby, Melbourne Magistrates Court heard on Wednesday.

Prosecutor Tim Hutchins told the court the man struck his wife with an open hand, breaking her glasses, hit her again, and after she screamed, hit her a third time and told her: "Lower your voice, don't let anyone hear."

The man, 31, is charged with recklessly causing injury, unlawful assault and damaging property. He cannot be named so as not to identify the woman.
A man who sexually assaulted a schoolgirl by putting his hand up her skirt on a crowded tram has been jailed for six months.

Magistrate Jonathan Klestadt said Marshall Jordan's "lewd conduct" had the potential to reduce the perception of safety of Melbourne's public transport network among children and parents, and found there was no other option than to send him to prison.

Jordan, 31, was in August found guilty of performing an indecent act on a child under 16 after a three-day hearing in which he denied touching the girl.

Melbourne Magistrates Court was told Jordan was on the 86 tram in Northcote on May 4 last year when he touched the 14-year-old, who felt him put a hand up her skirt as she prepared to get off the tram.
Letterboxes across Victoria have been filling with pamphlets for the upcoming council elections, as more than 2100 candidates from all walks of life vie for seats at their local town hall.

But for many candidates, it has not been their policy positions that have stood out. It has been their struggle with the English language.

council election melbourne

Much of the official candidate information delivered to ratepayers has been riddled with spelling and grammatical errors, with some prospective councillors even misspelling the name of their own council.

One major political party is considering introducing greater oversight of their candidates' official material and who they endorse after a number of errors were reported.
A Trinity Grammar student was allegedly bashed unconscious and had his nose broken by a Xavier College student, whose friends held the victim during the alleged assault at an exclusive weekend party.

Victoria Police is investigating the alleged assault at a fundraising event at Malvern Town Hall on Saturday night, attended by nearly 600 people, including students from Melbourne's top private schools.

Parents at Xavier College in Melbourne were asked to consider whether denial of same-sex marriage was "unjust discrimination". Credit:Wayne Taylor

Fairfax Media understands the year 11 Xavier student brutally punched the year 10 Trinity boy in the face while they were on the dancefloor at the fundraiser hosted by art therapy provider, The Art Cabriolet.
Police have confirmed a member of the public spotted missing Curtin University student, Ehab Elmowafy, catching a train around midnight on Tuesday - a week after he disappeared.

The 22-year-old civil engineering student was last seen studying around 2am at his university's library on October 5.

Missing Curtin student Ehab Elmowafy has been found.

It is understood he is in his final semester of university and studying for exams and his upcoming thesis submission.

Police on Wednesday released an image of Mr Elmowafy on a train travelling from Perth to Midland - about 30 kilometres north from his home in Canning Vale.
The horns aren't quite up but there's a bit of froth brewing between Feral Brewery and a specialist WA lager brewer over similarities with the former's newest beer that bears an uncanny resemblance to the latter's three-year-old brew.

Brothers Leo, Jaxon and Lachlan Horn, who run Horn Bros. Brewing, released session lager Perth Draught in September 2013 and are a little bitter the WA microbrewing giant has just released a beer similar in name, style and branding to their original 2013 drop.

Branding of Feral's new Perth Local is very similar to the Horn Bros' Perth Draught released in 2013.

The brew-haha started after the brothers began receiving random correspondence from confused beer drinkers.

"We have had enquiries about this Feral lager over the last few days and I can see why now they look pretty similar don't they?" Lachlan Horn told WAtoday.
What do you get when you mix top tier surfers, chefs and a three-time Olympic swimming medallist?

A dream team of food and sporting talent including pro-surfer Taj Burrow and Olympian turned restaurateur Eamon Sullivan will unite to cook up sets of premium dishes to raise money for SurfAid - an aid organisation that helps remote and vulnerable villages in Indonesia.

Chefs and surfers are uniting to raise much needed funds for SurfAid. Credit:Jane Wishaw

The event at Mr Sullivan's Bib & Tucker in Fremantle promises to 'more than a cocktail party but not quite a sit down dinner', with the pro surfers thrown in the deep end to see if they can master the kitchen.

"We like to give the surfers a bit of a wind up before they come in, tell them they're cooking for hundreds of people and it's all pressure on them!" said noted Perth chef Russell Blaikie from Must Wine Bar, who created the annual event.
WA has just had its newest marine park created - but also the first oceanic marine park not to contain a sanctuary zone.

Premier Colin Barnett on Friday launched the Yawuru Nagulagun/Roebuck Bay Marine Park in the waters around Broome: home to threadfin salmon, dugongs, turtles, mud crabs and a group of 140-odd rare snubfin dolphins.

The park from Gantheaume Point in the north to Cape Villaret in the south will be jointly managed with the Yawuru people.

An energetic online campaign by Save Our Marine Life, an alliance of 20 conservation groups that includes the Australian Conservation Foundation, Wilderness Society and World Wildlife Fund, pleaded for a no-fishing sanctuary zone to allow stock to breed and sustain both recreational fishing and the local dolphin population.
The world will be in danger if Republican nominee Donald Trump becomes president of the United States, the top United Nations human rights official said on Wednesday.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein cited Mr Trump's views on vulnerable communities including minorities and his talk of authorising torture in interrogations, banned under international law, as "deeply unsettling and disturbing".

"If Donald Trump is elected on the basis of what he has said already - and unless that changes - I think it is without any doubt that he would be dangerous from an international point of view," Mr Zeid told a news briefing in Geneva.

Mr Trump lashed out at US House Speaker Paul Ryan and other "disloyal" Republicans on Tuesday and vowed to campaign in whatever style he wants now that the party establishment has largely abandoned him. This occurred after a 2005 video surfaced last week showing him bragging crudely about groping women and making unwanted sexual advances.
Washington: The past few weeks have been rough for Russian President Vladimir Putin's international image.

Putin has been blamed for airstrikes in Syria that have killed hundreds of civilians, including children, dooming a ceasefire his government helped foster but may have never intended to abide by. A Dutch investigation said the anti-aircraft missile that downed Malaysia Airlines MH17 in July 2014, killing all 298 people aboard, came from Russia. The Obama administration accused his government of a hacking campaign to interfere with this year's US presidential election. And French President Francois Hollande accused his country of war crimes.

Russian President Vladimir Putin wears special glasses at a research facility in St Petersburg Credit:AP

But Friday, the day the Nobel Peace Prize was awarded, brought him some welcome news: Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro bestowed on Putin the Hugo Chavez Prize for Peace and Sovereignty of the Peoples. Putin can put it on his mantel beside China's Confucius Peace Prize, which he won in 2011.

Maduro, whose South American nation has been reeling amid a massive economic crisis, announced the prize during the unveiling of a statue (designed by a Russian artist) of his deceased predecessor, Chavez, in the latter's home town of Sabaneta.
All-New 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Voted Mid-size Truck of Texas by Texas Auto Writers Association

? SEE ALSO: Toyota Research and Buyers Guide

SAN ANTONIO - October 12, 2016: The 2017 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro showed off its off-road prowess at the 2016 Texas Auto Writers Association's (TAWA) Texas Truck Rodeo, winning the Mid-size Pickup Truck of Texas award.

After two days of demanding on and off-road driving at Longhorn River Ranch in Dripping Springs, Texas, journalists voted for their favorite pickup trucks, SUVs and CUVs in multiple categories. This year, more than 70 media members attended the event to test drive 82 vehicles from the world's top truck and SUV manufacturers.

"As America's best-selling mid-size pickup for ten years running, the recognition as Mid-size Pickup Truck of Texas confirms our vision of producing a truck that can tackle any off-road challenge," said Mike Sweers, Tacoma chief engineer. "Toyota's commitment to the new Tacoma TRD Pro was focused on meeting the needs of adventure-seekers where roads fear to tread, and we have proven that today."

Assembled at Toyota Motor Manufacturing, Texas (TMMTX) in San Antonio, the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro impressed TAWA members with its suspension, exhaust enhancements and off-road technology. The Tacoma TRD Pro's front springs with a 1-inch lift, rear suspension with progressive-rate off-road leaf spring and 16-inch TRD black alloy wheels with Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Kevlar-reinforced tires helped to navigate the off-road course at the event. With a heritage-inspired TOYOTA grille and TRD Pro badge on its front door with diamond-pattern knurled finish, the 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro's exterior it stands out in the crowd. From behind, the truck features a black TRD Pro, 4x4 rear tailgate badging and taillights with black bezels and TRD cat-black stainless steel exhaust system. The TRD Pro grade's look is topped off with a TRD Pro badge on the front door with a diamond-pattern knurled finish.

The 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro produces 278 horsepower and includes a V6 with a segment-first Atkinson Cycle engine. For those traveling off the beaten path, the Tacoma's TRD Pro grade offers a Crawl Control system, Multi-Terrain Select, Locking Rear Differential, Hill Start Assist Control and Active Traction Control, which takes over the truck's acceleration and braking, allowing drivers to focus on navigating over tough terrain.

TAWA is a Texas-based nonprofit association for automotive journalists promoting professionalism and quality in journalism for more than two decades. The group produces two annual events  Texas Auto Roundup and Texas Truck Rodeo  that allow members to experience vehicles from various manufacturers in one place, at one time.
Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi...
The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and Other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, prime brokerage, and data analytics. This segment also provides trustee, paying agency, fiduciary, escrow and other financial, issuer, and support services for brokers and investors. The Market and Wealth Services segment offers clearing and custody, investment, wealth and retirement solutions, technology and enterprise data management, trading, and prime brokerage services; and clearance and collateral management services. This segment also provides integrated cash management solutions, including payments, foreign exchange, liquidity management, receivables processing and payables management, and trade finance and processing services. The Investment and Wealth Management segment offers investment management strategies and distribution of investment products, investment management, custody, wealth and estate planning, private banking, investment, and information management services. The Other segment engages in the provision of leasing, corporate treasury, derivative and other trading, corporate and bank-owned life insurance, renewable energy investment, and business exit services. It serves central banks and sovereigns, financial institutions, asset managers, insurance companies, corporations, local authorities and high net-worth individuals, and family offices. The company was founded in 1784 and is headquartered in New York, New York.
Ad Investing Trends New this week - 166 interested

The Humble Mineral at the Heart of the EV Revolution (Not Lithium)

You may know of graphite as what's in the tip of a No. 2 pencil, but it is the key to many forms of renewable energy. Today, this humble mineral is at the epicenter of the electric car revolution. Because what most people don't know is today's EV batteries contain more than 220 pounds of graphite  more than lithium, copper or aluminum!
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The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen France SAS, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Suzhou Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Berkel Ireland Limited, Berrington UK, Brapenta Eletronica Ltda., Brooks Instrument B.V., Brooks Instrument GmbH, Brooks Instrument KFT, Brooks Instrument Korea Ltd., Brooks Instrument LLC, Brooks Instrument Shanghai Co. Ltd, Buell Industries Inc., CCI Realty Company, CFC Europe GmbH, CS Australia Pty Limited, CS Mexico Holding Company S DE RL DE CV, Calvia Spolka z Ograniczona Odpowiedzialnosci, Capital Ventures Australasia S.a r.l, Capmax Logistica S.A. de C.V., Celeste Industries Corporation, Coeur, Coeur Asia Limited, Coeur Holding Company, Coeur Inc., Coeur Shanghai Medical Appliance Trading Co. Ltd, Compagnie Hobart, Compagnie de Materiel et d'Equipements Techniques-Comet, Constructions Isothermiques Bontami C.I.B., Crane Carrier Company, Denison Mayes Group Limited, Despatch Industries, Diagraph Corporation Sdn. Bhd, Diagraph ITW Mexico S. de R.L. De C.V., Diagraph Mexico S.A. DE C.V., Dongguan Ark-Les Electric Components Co. Ltd., Dongguan CK Branding Co. Ltd., Duo Fast de Espana S.A.U., Duo-Fast Korea Co. Ltd., Duo-Fast LLC, E.C.S. d.o.o., E2M Production B.V.., E2M Technologies B.V.., E2M Technologies Inc.., ECS Cable Protection Sp. Zoo, ELRO Grosskuchen GmbH, ELRO Holding AG, ELRO-WERKE AG, Elro Group, Eltex-Elektrostatik-Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Envases Multipac S.A. de C.V., Eurotec Srl, Exhibit 21, FEG Investments L.L.C., Filtertek De Mexico Holding Inc., Filtertek De Mexico S.A. de C.V., Filtertek SAS, GC Financement SA, Gamko B.V., Gun Hwa Platech Taicang Co. Ltd., HOBART Gesellschaft mit beschrankter Haftung, Hartness International, Hobart Andina S.A.S., Hobart Belgium B.V., Hobart Brothers International Chile Limitada, Hobart Brothers LLC, Hobart Dayton Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Hobart Food Equipment Co. Ltd., Hobart International Singapore Pte. Ltd., Hobart Japan K.K., Hobart Korea LLC, Hobart LLC, Hobart Nederland B.V., Hobart Sales & Service Inc., Hobart Scandinavia ApS, Hobart Techniek B.V., Horis, ILC Investments Holdings Inc., ITW AEP LLC, ITW AOC LLC, ITW Aircraft Investments Inc., ITW Ampang Industries Philippines Inc., ITW Appliance Components EOOD, ITW Appliance Components S.A. de C.V., ITW Appliance Components S.r.l.a, ITW Appliance Components d.o.o., ITW Australia Holdings Pty Ltd, ITW Australia Property Holdings Pty Ltd., ITW Australia Pty Ltd, ITW Automotive Components Chongqing Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Components Langfang Co. Ltd., ITW Automotive Japan K.K., ITW Automotive Korea LLC, ITW Automotive Parts Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Automotive Products GmbH, ITW Automotive Products Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Bailly Comte, ITW Befestigungssysteme GmbH, ITW Belgium B.V., ITW Brazilian Nominee L.L.C., ITW Building Components Group Inc., ITW CER, ITW CP Distribution Center Holland BV, ITW CS UK Ltd., ITW Canada Inc., ITW Celeste Inc., ITW Chemical Products Ltda, ITW Chemical Products Scandinavia ApS, ITW China Investment Company Limited, ITW Colombia S.A.S., ITW Construction Products AB, ITW Construction Products AS, ITW Construction Products ApS, ITW Construction Products CZ s.r.o., ITW Construction Products Italy Srl, ITW Construction Products OU, ITW Construction Products OY, ITW Construction Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Construction Products Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW Construction Services Manila Inc., ITW Contamination Control B.V., ITW Contamination Control Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Covid Security Group Inc., ITW DS Investments Inc., ITW DelFast do Brasil Ltda., ITW Denmark ApS, ITW Deutschland GmbH, ITW Diagraph GmbH, ITW Dynatec, ITW Dynatec Adhesive Equipment Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Dynatec GmbH, ITW Dynatec Kabushiki Kaisha, ITW EAE B.V., ITW EAE Mexico S de RL de CV, ITW EF&C France SAS, ITW EF&C Selb GmbH, ITW EU Holdings Ltd., ITW Electronic Business Asia Co. Limited, ITW Electronic Components/Products Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Electronics Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Epsilon Sarl, ITW Espana S.L., ITW European Finance Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance II Co. Ltd., ITW European Finance III Co. Ltd., ITW FEG Hong Kong Limited, ITW FEG do Brasil Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW Fastener Products GmbH, ITW Fluids and Hygiene Solutions Ltda., ITW Food Equipment Group LLC, ITW GH LLC, ITW GSE ApS, ITW GSE Inc., ITW Gamma Sarl, ITW German Management LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings LLC, ITW Global Investments Holdings Y Compania Sociedad en Comandita por Acciones, ITW Global Investments Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Europe GmbH, ITW Global Tire Repair Inc., ITW Global Tire Repair Japan K.K., ITW Graphics Asia Limited, ITW Graphics Thailand Ltd., ITW Great Britain Investment & Licensing Holding Company, ITW Group France Luxembourg S.ar.l., ITW HLP Thailand Co. Ltd., ITW Holding Quimica B.C. S.L. Sole Shareholder Company, ITW Holdings Australia L.P., ITW Holdings I Limited, ITW Holdings II Limited, ITW Holdings III Limited, ITW Holdings IV Limited, ITW Holdings IX Limited, ITW Holdings Inc., ITW Holdings V Limited, ITW Holdings VI Limited, ITW Holdings VII Limited, ITW Holdings VIII Limited, ITW Holdings X Limited, ITW Holdings XI Limited, ITW ILC Holdings I Inc., ITW IPG Investments LLC, ITW Imaden Industria e Comercio Ltda., ITW India Private Limited, ITW International Holdings LLC, ITW Invest Holding GmbH, ITW Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, ITW Ireland Unlimited Company, ITW Italy Holding Srl, ITW Japan Ltd., ITW Korea LLC, ITW LLC & Co. KG, ITW Limited, ITW Lys Fusion S.r.l., ITW Materials Technology Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW Meritex Sdn. Bhd., ITW Metal Fasteners S.L., ITW Mexico Holding Company S. De R.L. de C.V., ITW Mexico Holdings LLC, ITW Morlock GmbH, ITW Mortgage Investments II Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments III Inc., ITW Mortgage Investments IV Inc., ITW Netherlands Administration BV, ITW Netherlands Beta B.V., ITW Netherlands Finance Alpha BV, ITW New Universal LLC, ITW New Zealand, ITW Ningbo Components & Fastenings Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Novadan Sp. Z.o.o., ITW PPF Brasil Adesivos Ltda., ITW Packaging Technology China Co. Ltd., ITW Participations S.a r.l., ITW Pension Funds Trustee Company, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Japan Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids Korea Limited, ITW Performance Polymers & Fluids OOO, ITW Performance Polymers ApS, ITW Performance Polymers Wujiang Co. Ltd., ITW Performance Polymers and Fluids Group FZE, ITW Peru S.A.C., ITW Poly Mex S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Polymers Sealants North America Inc., ITW Pronovia s.r.o., ITW Pte. Ltd., ITW Qufu Automotive Cooling Systems Co. Ltd., ITW Real Estate Germany GmbH, ITW Residuals III L.L.C., ITW Residuals IV L.L.C., ITW Rivex, ITW SMPI, ITW SPG Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., ITW Simco-Ion Shenzhen Co. Ltd., ITW Slovakia s.r.o., ITW Spain Holdings S.L., ITW Specialty Film LLC, ITW Specialty Films France, ITW Specialty Materials Suzhou Co. Ltd., ITW Sverige AB, ITW Sweden Holding AB, ITW Test & Measurement Equipment Shanghai Co. Ltd, ITW Test & Measurement GmbH, ITW Test and Measurement Italia Srl, ITW Test and Measurement Services Industry and Trade Ltd., ITW Texwipe Philippines Inc., ITW Thermal Films Shanghai Co. Ltd., ITW UK, ITW UK Finance Beta Limited, ITW UK Finance Delta Limited, ITW UK Finance Gamma Limited, ITW UK Finance Limited, ITW UK Finance Zeta Ltd., ITW UK II Limited, ITW Universal II LLC, ITW Welding, ITW Welding AB, ITW Welding GmbH, ITW Welding Products B.V., ITW Welding Products Group FZE, ITW Welding Products Group S. DE R.L. De C.V., ITW Welding Products Italy Srl, ITW Welding Products Limited Liability Company, ITW Welding Produtos Para Solgdagem Ltda., ITW Welding Singapore Pte. Ltd., ITW de France, ITW do Brasil Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Illinois Tool Works Chile Limitada, Illinois Tool Works ITW Nederland B.V., Illinois Tool Works Inc., Impar Comercio E Representacoes Ltda., Industrie Plastic Elsasser GmbH, Inmobiliaria Cit. S.A. de C.F., Innova Temperlite Servicios S.A. de C.V., Innovacion y Transformacion Automotriz S.A. de C.V., Instron Brasil Equipamentos Cientificos Ltda., Instron Foreign Sales Corp. Limited, Instron France S.A.S., Instron GmbH, Instron Japan Company Ltd., Instron Korea LLC, Instron Shanghai Ltd., Instron Thailand Limited, International Leasing Company LLC, Isolenge - ITW Sistemas de Isolamento Termico Ltda., Itw Spraytec, KCPL Mauritius Holdings, Kester, Kleinmann GmbH, Krafft S.L., Loma Systems, Loma Systems BV, Loma Systems Canada Inc., Loma Systems sro, Lombard Pressings Limited, Lumex Inc., Lys Fusion Poland Sp. z.o.o., M&C Specialties Co., MAGNAFLUX GmbH, MEHB Holdings Limited, MGHG Property LLC, MTS 2 LLC., MTS 3 LLC., MTS China Holdings LLC, MTS Europe Holdings LLC, MTS Holdings France S.a.r.l., MTS Japan Ltd.., MTS Korea Inc.., MTS Systems China Co. Ltd., MTS Systems Corporation, MTS Systems Danmark ApS., MTS Systems Europe B.V., MTS Systems Finance C.V.., MTS Systems Germany GmbH, MTS Systems Holding B.V.., MTS Systems Hong Kong Incorporated, MTS Systems Limited, MTS Systems Norden Aktiebolag, MTS Systems S.r.l, MTS Systems., MTS Systems.., MTS Sytems Do Brazil, MTS Testing Solutions India Private Limited., MTS Testing Systems Canada Ltd., Manufacturing Avancee S.A., Meritex Technology Suzhou Co. Ltd., Meurer Verpackungssysteme GmbH, Miller Electric Mfg. LLC, Miller Insurance Ltd., NDT Holding LLC, NOVADAN APS, North Star Imaging Inc., Nova Chimica S.r.l., Orbitalum Tools GmbH, PENTA-91 OOO, PR. A. I. Srl, PT ITW Construction Products Indonesia, Pacific Concept Industries Limited Enping, Panreac Quimica S.L., Paslode Fasteners Shanghai Co. Ltd., Peerless Machinery Corp., Polyrey, Premark FEG L.L.C., Premark HII Holdings LLC, Premark International, Premark International LLC, Prolex Sociedad Anonima, QSA Global Inc., Quimica Industrial Mediterranea S.L., R&D Engineering A/S., R&D Prague s.r.o., R&D Steel ApS., R&D Test Systems A/S., R&D Tools and Structures A/S., RDGDK Engineering Private Limited, Ramset Fasteners Hong Kong Ltd., Rapid Cook LLC, Refrigeration France, S.E.E. Sistemas Industria E Comercio Ltda., ST Mexico Holdings LLC, Sealant Systems International Inc., Sentinel Asia Yuhan Hoesa, Shanghai ITW Plastic & Metal Co. Ltd, Simco Japan Inc., Simco Nederland B.V., Societe de Prospection et dInventions Techniques  SPIT, Speedline Holdings I Inc., Speedline Holdings I LLC, Speedline Technologies GmbH, Speedline Technologies Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Speedline Technologies Mexico Services S. de R.L. de C.V., Stokvis Celix Portugal Unipessoal LDA, Stokvis Danmark ApS, Stokvis Holdings S.A.R.L., Stokvis Promi s.r.o, Stokvis Prostick Tapes Private Limited, Stokvis Tapes B.V., Stokvis Tapes Benelux B.V., Stokvis Tapes Deutschland GmbH, Stokvis Tapes France, Stokvis Tapes Hong Kong Co. Limited, Stokvis Tapes Italia s.r.l., Stokvis Tapes Limited, Stokvis Tapes Limited Liability Company, Stokvis Tapes Norge AS, Stokvis Tapes Oy, Stokvis Tapes Polska Sp Z.O.O., Stokvis Tapes Shanghai Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Sverige AB, Stokvis Tapes Taiwan Co. Ltd., Stokvis Tapes Tianjin Co. Ltd., Stolvis Holdings II S.A.R.L., Subsidiaries, Technopack Industria Comercio Consultoria e Representacoes Ltda., Teknek China Limited, Teknek Japan Limited, Teksaleco Ltd., The Miller Group Ltd, Thirode Grandes Cuisines Poligny, Tien Tai Electrode Co. Ltd., Tien Tai Electrode Kunshan Co. Ltd., Unichemicals Industria e Comercio Ltda., VR-Leasing Sarita GmbH & Co. Immobilien KG, VS European Holdco BV, Valeron Strength Films B.V., Veneta Decalcogomme S.r.l., Versachem Chile S.A., Vesta, Vesta Global Limited, Vesta Guangzhou Catering Equipment Co. Ltd, Viltronics Soltec, Vitronics Soltec B.V., Wachs Canada Ltd., Wachs Subsea LLC, Weigh-Tronix Canada ULC, Weigh-Tronix UK Limited, Wilsonart International Holdings LLC, Wynn Oil South Africa Pty Ltd., Wynn's Automotive France, Wynn's Belgium BVBA, Wynn's Italia Srl, Wynn's Mekuba India Pvt Ltd, and Zip-Pak International B.V..

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The Queen receives the President of Croatia and her husband (Photo: John Stillwell- WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Magpies, youre in luck: was a double brooch day for Queen Elizabeth II yesterday! Starting off at the palace and then ending up at an awards ceremony, we saw an extra dose of bling from the Queen.

Photo: John Stillwell- WPA Pool/Getty Images

In the morning, the Queen held audiences at Buckingham Palace. For these meetings, which included an audience with Croatias president and her husband, the Queen wore the Round Cambridge Emerald Brooch with its pendant drop.

Photo: John Stillwell- WPA Pool/Getty Images

The Queen and Prince Philip were also presented with long service and good conduct armed forces medals by the Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff. Both of them were clearly delighted with the presentation.

Photo: John Stillwell- WPA Pool/Getty Images

Heres a closer look at the Queens new medals. (Always good to get a medal with your own face on it!)

Photo: John Stillwell- WPA Pool/Getty Images

And, because I know that many of you are as nosy as I am, heres a better look at the objects housed in that glass table pictured above. 

Photo: Jeff Spicer  WPA Pool/Getty Images

In the evening, the Queen and Prince Philip attended a reception and awards ceremony at the Royal Academy of the Arts.

Photo: Jeff Spicer  WPA Pool/Getty Images

Its difficult to see in many photographs, but the brooches that the Queen wore to the evening event are the Ivy Leaf Clips from the Greville bequest. The brooches were made for Mrs. Greville by Cartier; the then-Princess Elizabeth received them from her parents as a 21st birthday gift in 1947.
The waters off Yemen are becoming a killing field for ships, and while the U.S. Navy is reasonably prepared to confront the escalating danger, Americas allies in the civil-war-torn Middle Eastern country might not be.

On the evening of Oct. 9, forces aligned with Ansar Allahaka the Houthis, Yemens Iran-backed Shia political movementfired two cruise missiles toward the U.S. Navy destroyer USS Mason and the amphibious ship Ponce while the two vessels were sailing in international waters north of the Mandeb Strait.

Ponce functions as a sort of floating base for mine-hunting helicopters and other U.S. forces. Masons job is to protect more-vulnerable vessels such as Ponce. U.S and allied ships patrol the waters around Yemen in order to prevent illicit arms from flowing into the troubled country.

The 510-foot-long Mason fired three surface-to-air missilesincluding two high-tech, long-range SM-2 missilesand launched a radar decoy in attempt to first destroy, then distract, the incoming Houthi munitions.

The radar decoy, known as a Nulka, is a rocket that hovers in midair while broadcasting a powerful signal mimicking the radar signature of a warship. The idea is that the enemy weapon will go after the decoy instead of homing in on the real target.

The first Houthi missile fell into the sea, either on its own or after being struck or redirected by the American weapons or decoy. It is unclear whether [SM-2s or decoys] led to the missile striking the water or whether it would have struck the water anyway, an unnamed military official told the news website of the U.S. Naval Institute.

The second Houthi missile harmlessly struck the water without American missiles or decoys directly intervening.

The Americans380 aboard Mason and an additional 210 on the 570-foot Poncewere lucky. But they were also prepared to defend against missile attack. Mason packs a sophisticated radar and scores of surface-to-air missiles plus short-range defensive guns. Ponce is the first Navy vessel to carry a defensive laser cannon that can quickly blast enemy missiles out of the air from miles away.

This is what they do, Eric Wertheim, a naval analyst and author of Combat Fleets of the World, told The Daily Beast, referring to the American ships. Their job is to go into harms way. Moreover, both vessels are made largely of steel, meaning they can withstand even direct hits by missiles.

Our ships are very capable of defending themselves, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter assured reporters in the wake of the failed attack.

The same does not apply to more weakly armed and lightly built ships. On Oct. 8, rockets apparently fired by Houthi forces slammed into the catamaran transport ship Swift in the same area where Mason and Ponce would come under attack a day later.

Swift burned and suffered heavy damage. Houthi media claimed the ship was completely destroyed. Its unclear whether any of the ships crew or passengers were hurt or killed, although the Saudi-led coalition in Yemen admitted staging a rescue operation following the missile attack.

The unarmed catamaran, which hauled U.S. troops under a Navy contract between 2008 and 2013, is now owned by an Emirati dredging company. The Saudi coalition claimed the vessel was hauling humanitarian aid to Yemen when it came under attack.

Its worth noting that ships belonging to the United Arab Emirates and other members of the Saudi coalition have maintained a steady flow of weaponry and supplies to allied forces in Yemen. Houthi media described Swift as a warship.

But as far as warships go, Swift is pretty flimsy. Made of aluminum in order to reduce weight and increase top speed, Swift cant absorb much battle damage. I can say from experience that the aluminum hull design is NOT meant for taking damage, one former Swift sailor wrote on Reddit in 2011.

A fire would literally melt the ship in half, the sailor claimed.

The problem for the U.S. Navy is that more and more of its ships are aluminum like Swift is, including the dozen catamaran transports the sailing branch is buying and the 40 planned Littoral Combat Ships.

The transports arent meant to sail in harms way. Though well-suited for low-threat environments, craft of this type are unsuited for high-intensity combat, Wertheim said. Those are issues we need to be concerned about as we look at the type of ships were bringing in.

The Littoral Combat Ships are meant for combat, although there are reasons to doubt theyd last very long in a shooting war. The LCSs are lightly armed compared to guided-missile destroyers such as Mason.

To be sure, the attack on Swift and the failed assault on Mason and Ponce a day later seem to have rattled the American fleet. The Navys response was forceful and, ahem, swift.

Anybody who takes action, fires against U.S. Navy ships operating in international waters, does so at their own peril, Capt. Jeff Davis, a Navy spokesman, told Military Times on Oct. 11. Were going to find out who did this and we will take action accordingly.

Who did it isnt much of a mystery. There are only so many military units in the Houthi order of battle with the ability to strike a ship at sea. As the Yemeni civil war deepened in 2015, as much as two-thirds of the countrys military sided with the Houthi rebels.

The defecting forces included the armys missile command and the air forces own missile units. Between them, the two contingents deploy Chinese-made anti-ship missiles, Scud ballistic rockets, and SA-2 surface-to-air missiles that, in a pinch, can also strike targets on land and at sea.

Its unclear which of these weapons the Houthis apparently launched at Swift, Mason, and Ponce. The munitions identity matters. There are a couple of issues that go into the kind of danger a missile would present, Wertheim said, including warhead size and the speed of the missile. Warhead size and missile speed vary widely, depending on the type of weapon.

In any event, Houthi missile crews appear to be honing their tactics. The rebel group claimed its missileers destroyed two Saudi vessels before the apparent successful strike on Swift. And the attack on the American ships, while unsuccessful, has compelled the Pentagon to switch up its tactics.

The military is adjusting our force posture in that area in reaction to the entirety of things that are going on in Yemen and the waters surrounding Yemen, Carter said. That could involve pulling even the best-defended U.S. warships farther away from Yemen, out of the emerging missile kill-zone.
The Hillary Clinton campaign and the Democratic National Committee are publicly accusing WikiLeaks of being a front for the Russian government and an ally in efforts to help elect Donald Trump, but U.S. intelligence officials arent so sure.

On Monday, Clintons spokesman called WikiLeaks a propaganda arm of the Kremlin and accused the sites founder, Julian Assange, of colluding with [the] Russian government to help Trump by leaking embarrassing emails taken from the Democratic National Committee and from the account of Clinton campaign chair John Podesta. That statement went further than an assessment by U.S. intelligence agencies and the Homeland Security Department last week that stopped short of explicitly naming WikiLeaks as a Russian agent. (It also made no mention of Trump or his campaign.)

Then, on Tuesday, the interim chair of the DNC tied WikiLeaks to an ongoing campaign to meddle with the U.S. elections. Our Intelligence Community has made it clear that the Russian government is responsible for the cyberattacks aimed at interfering with our election, and that WikiLeaks is part of that effort, Donna Brazile said in a statement.

But four U.S. military and intelligence officials told The Daily Beast that the relationship between Russia and WikiLeaks is not so clear cut. Undoubtedly, the group has benefited from the work of Russian hackers, who passed purloined emails to WikiLeaks. But does that mean that WikiLeaks is taking orders from Vladimir Putin and doing his bidding?

For Russia, WikiLeaks is more like a useful idiot because they [WikiLeaks] are too cowardly and dumb to be in on the master plan, one U.S. official told The Daily Beast, describing the website as essentially giving cover to Russian hackers.

Military and intelligence officials are convinced that WikiLeaks is an ongoing threat to U.S. national security and privacy owing to its leaks of classified documents and emails. But its precise relationship with Russia has been a subject of internal debate. Some do see the group as being in cahoots with the Kremlin. But others find that WikiLeaks is acting mainly as the beneficiary of stolen documents, not unlike a journalistic organization.

The intelligence agencies carefully worded statement last week about Russias role in hacking the DNC and other organizations suggests that theres no consensus on precisely how WikiLeaks and Russia work together. Referring to two other outfits that have disclosed stolen emails, the statement read, The recent disclosures of alleged hacked e-mails on sites like DCLeaks.com and WikiLeaks and by the Guccifer 2.0 online persona are consistent with the methods and motivations of Russian-directed efforts.

But there was no suggestion that any of those groups conducted hacking themselvesand many experts believe they haventnor was there any elaboration on how Russian-directed efforts involved WikiLeaks. Experts have said that the Guccifer 2.0 persona is acting on behalf of Russia, but it appears mainly to be a conduit of information, and WikiLeaks insists that it has an independent process of vetting the information it receives.

The group has a perfect, decade long record for the accuracy of its vetting process, a WikiLeaks spokesperson told The Daily Beast, without responding to allegations that it was working to help Russia and Trump.

The uncertainty about the sites allegiancesif anyis unnerving as a steady flow of stolen emails comes from WikiLeaks, including several batches from Podestas email that show Clinton spoke more favorably about free trade in paid speeches than she has on the campaign trail. Earlier, the DNC emails posted by WikiLeaks led to the resignation of the committees chair, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and revealed committee staff trying to undermine the campaign of Clintons then-rival for the Democratic nomination, Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

WikiLeaks has undeniably had an effect on U.S. politics. But, when asked how they how they categorize the group, two of the officials contacted by The Daily Beast responded with the same long pause. Hmm, that is an interesting question, they said.

Is it a media organization? Not exactly.

I dont treat them as a press entity since they dont follow any journalistic ethics code, one official said. (The WikiLeaks spokesperson rejected that idea, and noted that the group has won a great many journalism awards, including a prestigious award in Australia, where Assange is from.)

But those facts dont mean WikiLeaks isnt acting at Russias behest. And thats not a trivial matter. If the United States were to determine that WikiLeaks is an agent of a foreign power, as defined in U.S. law, it could allow intelligence and law enforcement agencies to spy on the groupas they do on the Russian government. The U.S. can also bring criminal charges against foreign agents.

So, is WikiLeaks a criminal organization? I wouldnt go that far, one U.S. official said. How about a facilitator to a crime? Absolutely, said another. A purveyor of leaks that solicits others to commit criminal activity on its behalf.

We have never tried to define them. Weve only spoken to the implications of their release, another offered.

Privately, some officials are gleeful that, as the group has increasingly released the private information of ordinary citizens, public opinion has appeared to swing against the organization. Earlier this month, for instance, WikiLeaks released nearly 300,000 emails from Turkeys AK Party, including information about every female voter in 79 of Turkeys 81 provinces, which WikiLeaks critics said could put the women in danger.

To these government officials, the public is starting to see WikiLeaks as they have have for a decade: agenda-driven agitators, not journalists carrying the mantle for whistleblowers.

We never viewed them as legitimate, one U.S. official explained. These are data dumps designed to embarrass the United States.

Everyone seems to be in agreement about one point, however: WikiLeaks wants to play a role in the U.S. election and have an influence on American politics.

Assange is trying to influence the machine of politics in this nation. This is a huge change, Arun Vishwanath, a University of Buffalo communications professor specializing in cybersecurity, told The Daily Beast. And though theres no evidence WikiLeaks has engaged in hacking, its clearly benefiting from italong with all other American news organizations.

But those hacks have done more than expose private communications. U.S. intelligence officials believe that Russia is trying to undermine confidence in the integrity of the elections, an especially dangerous maneuver given that Trump has repeatedly warned that the only way he could lose in November is if the elections were rigged by government officials or voter fraud.

Just two election cycles ago, we were not talking about cyber attacks. Now they threaten the very foundation of our political system, said Vishwanath.

Into that strange new world, WikiLeaks has plunged headlong. Last week, Assange, has said the group hopes to publish new information for the next 10 weeks, well after the presidential election.

Until then, debates about how exactly to characterize the group will be overshadowed by secrets it exposesmuch to the Clinton campaigns chagrin.
The Clinton-hate industrial complex scored a huge win on Sunday night. And no matter who takes the White House in November, its poised to make a killing.

Conservative groups stand to rake in massive sums of money by allying themselves against a Clinton presidency and then sending out letters hitting up donors for cash to help them keep fighting her.

One group in particular is poised for a windfall: Citizens United, a group that makes conservative documentaries. Its best known for its role in the 2010 Supreme Court decision, and its president, David Bossie, is currently taking a leave absence to work as deputy campaign manager for the Trump campaign.

And it has a history of sending out mailers that raise serious ethical questionsand that may prey on senior citizens with dementia and Alzheimers.

Citizens United, David Bossie, and the Trump campaign did not respond to multiple requests for comment on this story.

Bossies made a career out of relentlessly (and, for the most part, unsuccessfully) fighting Hillary Clinton. He worked on the Whitewater congressional investigation of her Arkansas real estate dealings back in the 90s and resigned from a House investigative committee after admitting that tapes he released were improperly edited. A former Citizens United employee told The Daily Beast that Bossie has a storage unit full of documents hes accumulated about Clinton over the years, including paperwork from the Whitewater investigationan investigation that proved no wrongdoing.

Charity Navigator, a non-ideological organization that tracks philanthropies spending, gives Citizens United an unfortunate one-star ratingmeaning donors should be wary about contributing to it, because it doesnt use money efficiently. Part of the reason for its low score is that the group spends tons of money on fundraising. Charity Navigator calculated that for every dollar it raises, the organization spends 38 cents to raise more money. Thats because it relies heavily on expensive fundraising methods, including mailers and telemarketer calls.

Jennifer Bell, who runs the blog Drowning in Junk, knows all about this. She helped care for an elderly relativenow deceased, who we will not name out of respect for the familys privacywho once wrote a $100 check to Citizens United. Bell said the relative suffered from dementia, and after writing that first check, received frequent mailings and phone calls asking her to give more. Sometimes she would get five pieces of mail per week from the group. The woman was eventually hospitalized, so Bell had her mail redirected to her own address to help her manage the onslaught.

Thats when she started to notice how disturbing some of the mailers were. One mail piece, which had Bossies name on it, said the relative had sent Citizens United a $50 check which was lost in the mail.

I am writing this letter to ask for your forgiveness and understanding with a recent mix-up with the Post Office, Bossie wrote. As a result, we were unable to receive your $50 donation.

Citizens United was the victim of a clerical mistake that temporarily decreased our ability to receive all of our mail, the letter continues. I would say I am shocked but what do you expect from a government run organization!

Then comes the kicker:

If you can see it in your heart to re-send your $50 in the included postage-provided envelope it would be a blessing to us, the letter concludes.

Bell said her relative never sent that $50 check in the first place. Bells family had taken away the relatives checkbook before she was hospitalized, so they knew she hadnt sent a check. Moreover, how would Bossie know she had sent one if it never actually got to him?

Why would Citizens United send out a fundraising solicitation that appears to be a lie? Bell said she suspects the group designs mailers to prey on elderly people with memory loss.

The fact that theyre sending this fraudulent piece of mail that says, Oh, we didnt get your $50that means they know the person has forgotten they didnt send a check, Bell said. If you send them multiple pieces in a day, theyll write a check for every piece because of dementia or Alzheimers.

Bell said the mailers she saw from Citizens United seemed designed to scare elderly people into giving them money. A separate mailing touted Bossies former work in Congresswithout, of course, mentioning the circumstances of his resignation.

She said she called the group multiple times trying to get her relatives name taken off the list, but to no avail.

Trump lambasted Ted Cruz when his campaign sent out the infamous voter violation mailer before the Iowa caucuses. As of this storys publication, Trumps team has no comment on his deputy campaign managers use of similarly mendacious fundraising tactics.

With the money it raises off people like Bells relative, Citizens United makes lots and lots of documentaries. The films rarely get any sort of widespread distribution or attention (ever heard of A City Upon A Hill: The Spirit of American Exceptionalism? No? Didnt think so). They typically focus on issues that conservative activists care aboutlike the glories of the Founding Fathers and Ronald Reaganor the deeply evil nature of things like Occupy Wall Street that the liberal media will never tell you about. That includes, of course, Hillary Clinton. The Citizens United Supreme Court decision involved a documentary they made called Hillary: The Movie. It was not a positive portrait.

Citizens United screens these documentaries at CPAC, the annual conservative confab, and sells them to Tea Party types on its website. It also uses them to solicit donations, according to a former employee; give them money so they can produce more documentaries that you can buy and watch that will then inspire you to give them more money. Its the political version of preaching to the choir.

If Trump loses in November, Citizens United will be able to establish itself as the premiere anti-Clinton organization. Bossies participation in the Trump campaign will give his fundraising pitches extra credibility.

Conservative groups and activists have been priming the Republican Partys base voters to loathe Hillary Clinton for more than two decades now. And if she wins, they will be able to enrich themselves even more by exploiting the hate they worked so hard to stoke.
By Elizabeth C. Tippett, Assistant Professor, School of Law, University of Oregon

Over the course of four years, at least 5,000 Wells Fargo employees opened more than a million fake bank and credit card accounts on behalf of unwitting customers.

Although many bank accounts were deemed empty and closed automatically, employees sometimes transferred customer funds to the new accounts, triggering overdraft fees and hurting credit ratings.

This scandal feels different from the mortgage crisis because it was not carried out by the 1 percentsuch as wealthy investment bankers indifferent to the effects of their actions on regular homeownersbut by $12 an hour employees, as one lawsuit alleged. Even if supervisors encouraged or directed the fraud, it was likely these low-wage workers who actually clicked the button to open those accounts.

These workers likely knew better than most what its like to be slapped with unfair overdraft fees or undeserved hits to their credit rating.

So why did they do it?

Social science research suggests that ethical behavior is not about who you are or the values you hold. Behavior is often a function of the situation in which you make the decision, even factors you barely notice.

This makes cheating more likely to happen in some situations than others. Although many honest Wells Fargo employees realized that opening fake accounts was wrong and refused to do so, it is also the case that other employees who considered themselves honest participated in the fraud.

What would it mean to apply these behavioral insights to the Wells Fargo situation? Here, I draw from White House guidance (PDF) on how to implement lessons from behavioral science into government policy to identify situational factors that contributed to the fraud.

In cases where the goal of an incentive is to encourage a particular behavior, agencies should ensure the incentive is salient to individuals.

As early as 2010, Wells Fargo imposed extremely aggressive sales goals on its employees. Specifically, they were told to sell at least eight accounts to every customer, compared with an average of three accounts 10 years earlier.

Unmoored from what his salespeople could realistically achieve, the CEO justified this goal on the basis of a simple rhyme, telling shareholders in the banks 2010 annual report (PDF):

Im often asked why we set a cross-sell goal of eight. The answer is, it rhymed with great. Perhaps our new cheer should be: Lets go again, for 10!

These goals loomed large when supervisors threatened salespeople who failed to meet them. One former employee interviewed by CNN reported, I had managers in my face yelling at me and that the sales pressure from management was unbearable.

Another former employee told the LA Times: We were constantly told we would end up working for McDonalds If we did not make the sales quotas we had to stay for what felt like after-school detention, or report to a call session on Saturdays.

A lawsuit against Wells Fargo alleges that employees who failed to resort to illegal tactics were either demoted or fired as a result.

As the guidance suggests, incentives matter a lot when they are highly salient, or foremost in the employees mind. Its hard for an employee to ignore the threat of losing ones job or even the threat of embarrassment in front of other employees.

At a bare minimum, Wells Fargo should have done a better job of investigating and stopping the coercive enforcement of its sales goals.

[I]n many contexts, individuals are motivated by social comparisons, such as learning about the behavior of their peers. Research finds that individuals reduce residential energy consumption when provided with information on how their consumption compares with that of their neighbors.

While the guidance emphasizes the positive side of social comparisons, they also work the other way: Watching others misbehave influences our own misbehavior. Were more likely to litter in a park full of litterespecially if we observe someone else littering. Watching someone else on our team cheat on a test makes us more likely to do the same.

In his congressional testimony, Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf made it sound as though the employees responsible were bad apples or lone wolves who disregarded the companys code of ethics. Although we dont know the identities of the terminated employees, this is an unlikely explanation for a fraud so widespread.

What is more likely is that the fraud occurred in clusters, as groups of employees rationalized their decisions. This hypothesis is consistent with the CEOs testimony that branch managers were terminated, suggesting that entire branches may have been infected by cheating.

A lawsuit filed against Wells Fargo also claims that employees shared with one another the know-how used in the fraud. They used shorthand reminiscent of a video game hack: gaming referred to opening accounts without authorization, sandbagging meant delaying customer requests, pinning stood for generating PINs without authorization, and bundling involved forcing customers to open multiple accounts over customer objections.

This euphemistic terminology allowed employees to lie to themselves about what they were doing, making it seem as though they were gaming the system rather than ripping off customers.

Consider the framing of the information presented.

In retrospect, it seems impossible to believe that any honest person at Wells Fargo would have felt okay about opening fake accounts. But as social scientists Nina Mazar and Daniel Ariely have argued, people like to think of themselves as honest. But their research shows that people behave dishonestly enough to profit but honestly enough to delude themselves of their own integrity.

In this case, the Wells Fargo employees probably focused on the respects in which their actions were harmless and ignored the downstream implications of what they were doing. Even Stumpf was guilty of this form of self-delusion, explaining to Congress that he initially believed the practices were harmless because empty accounts were auto-closed after a certain period of time.

Research suggests that people are more likely to engage in dishonest conduct in which they can tell themselves theyre not stealing money. As implausible as it may seem, Wells Fargo employees may have told themselves they werent stealing because they werent directly removing money from someones account. They were just moving it from one account to another.

Technology also tends to have a distancing effect. Pressing buttons on a screen feels morally different from robbing a bank, even if it achieves the same result. Thats sort of the premise of a main plot point in the comedy Office Space, when the main characters unleash an algorithm designed to steal fractions of a cent from bank transactions.

Wells Fargo employees may not have considered how their conduct affected customers in terms of overdraft fees or credit ratings. Even if they did, they could rationalize those consequences as outside of their control. In their minds, it was the Wells Fargo algorithm that assessed the overdraft fee. It was the credit rating agencies that make decisions about credit scores. The logic goes something like this clip from The Simpsons in which Bart punches the air and marches forward, warning Lisa that if she gets punched, its her own fault.

In this case, the customer didnt even know the punch was coming.

As early as 2011, the Wells Fargo board was informed about reports of ethics violations. The cheating continued, leading Wells Fargo to fire at least 1,000 people per year in 2011, 2012, and 2013. Any company that fires 100 people for the same type of cheating, let alone thousands, knows or should know that situational factors are contributing to the cheating.

Instead of addressing that environment, however, the bank allowed the situation to persist. In the words of Rep. Sean Duffy, who dismissed the CEOs claim that they are now trying to fix the problem, Were five years on! I dont buy it.

So how to fix a culture thats gone bad?

Although we dont know what sorts of internal controls Wells Fargo had in place, it should have examined the patterns of cheating and made it both practicallyand morallyharder to do.

Five years later, the bank is finally sending customers an email every time a new account is opened and revising its sales goals. It also needs to revisit how supervisors are evaluated and crack down on those who threaten employees over sales targets.

Software could also be used to apply moral speed bumps that remind employees engaged in suspicious activity like opening unauthorized accounts that the behavior is wrong and illegal.

Most of all, Wells Fargo needs to send a strong message to its employees about the moral implications of their actions. In my view, that starts with the CEOs resignation.

Elizabeth C. Tippett is an assistant professor of law at the University of Oregon.

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
This Tuesday, on my way home from work, two men saw me walking toward them on the street in Manhattan and surrounded me, shouting about my physical appearance.

This Wednesday, while walking on a different street, two men shouted at me from a doorway in the same tone, while their eyes moved up and down my body and they licked their lips.

These brief encounters were not the first Ive experienced. They werent even the most notable.

Like many women, Ive been sexually assaulted.

Like most women, Im also constantly subjected to a string of subtle, sexist assaults by street harassers, by men on the subway, by whomever. Normally, Im able to compartmentalize them and go about my day.

But for many of us, that task became more difficult when The Washington Post on Friday published a video of Donald Trumpthe Republican nominee for presidentusing exceptionally vulgar language to describe womens big phony tits and his affinity for grabbing them by the pussy.

You can do anything, he said, noting that sometimes he likes to pop a Tic Tac in case he kisses a woman without her consent. Men around him smiled and laughed and played along.

When youre a star, he said, they let you do it.

It was shocking to mea reporter who has followed the campaign for nearly a year and who writes about sexual assault regularlyin a way that I had not been shocked in a long time.

Officials and civilians alike have rushed to condemn the comments, and to argue that those words were not mere locker-room talk, as the real-estate mogul and his supporters have repeatedly claimed.

I think its locker-room banter, Eric Trump told the Colorado Gazette, repeating his fathers defense. I think sometimes when guys are together they get carried away, and sometimes thats what happens when alpha personalities are in the same presence.

At least four women who competed in a Miss Teen USA beauty pageant have said Trump walked into their dressing room while the young contestants were not clothed, BuzzFeed reported on Wednesday. Some of the teens were as young as 15 years old at the time and described the jarring experience as shocking and creepy.

Former Miss Arizona Tasha Dixon told reporters on Tuesday that when she was 18 years old, her fellow contestants for Miss USA were forced to greet and interact with Trump while they were topless and naked.

He just came strolling right in, Dixon said. The owner came waltzing in when we were naked or half-naked in a very physically vulnerable position and then to have the pressure of the people that worked for him telling us to go fawn all over him, go walk up to him, talk to him, get his attention.

Trump has openly and publicly bragged about invading those same dressing rooms. He owned several beauty pageants for years, including Miss Universe, Miss USA, and Miss Teen USA.

In 2005, Trump told Howard Stern on his radio show: Ill go backstage before a show and everyones getting dressed and ready and everything else. And you know, no men are anywhere... You know theyre standing there with no clothes. Is everybody OK? And you see these incredible looking women.

He added, I sort of get away with things like that.

Former Miss Vermont Teen USA Mariah Billado said, I remember putting on my dress really quick because I was like, Oh my God, theres a man in here.

Trump reportedly said something like, Dont worry, ladies, Ive seen it all before.

Dixon believes Trump owned the pageant for the reasons to utilize his power to get around beautiful women.

Who do you complain to? she asked. He owns the pageant. Theres no one to complain to. Everyone there works for him.

Its easy to imagine what a President Trump would believe he could get away with.

By participating in beauty pageants, women and girls are not automatically consenting to being ogled naked in a changing room. In the same way, by working at Fox News, women were not automatically consenting to being harassed by Trumps pal and campaign advisor Roger Ailes.

Will we soon live in a world where female reporters and politicians and state leaders all must subject themselves to the proximity of a man accused of groping and harassing women?

Because thats what is at stake here.

When I was working at the Texas Legislature in 2013, I was inundated by comments from various men in the building nearly every day. And I wrote about them making inappropriate remarks to female legislators and staffers and reporters alike. After that story published, I received countless Facebook messages and Twitter DMs from women in Texas and in other statehouses all over the countryincluding New Yorkabout their similar experiences. One Texas state senator called me to share her own story off the record.

After Fridays video, I spent the better part of the weekend thinking about my own sexual assault, and the way that man spoke to me a few years ago. I met him in a courthouse while working on a story.

But despite all of those private experiences, I have never heard any public figurelet alone a presidential candidatespeak that way.

Until now.

This is a man who has been endorsed and sanctioned by a major political party in the United States. That makes his actions and words more impactful.

When I tweeted that the video was shocking to me because of my own assault, Trumpkins on Twitter accused me of making it up and of being a shill for Hillary Clinton. (Theres a reason women hesitate to speak about their own experiences.)

Trumps words on Friday echoed my own assailants tone. In his words, I hear the same words Ive heard on the street and by men whove grabbed me on the subway.

Since then, I hear a constant echo of those words and of that tone, and I feel that gaze all of the time. I never thought Id have to worry about a president virtually cat-calling half of the countryand now that I have, it is inescapable, and it is impossible to ignore.
Stars including Michael B. Jordan, Michael K. Williams, and Danny Glover are all featured in a new social justice short film from Harry Belafonte. The powerful piece juxtaposes audio excerpts from police radio accounts of unarmed black men being shot and killed by officers with artfully shot footage of the famous personalities, also including activists Van Jones and Marc Lamont Hill, held up against a wall, playing the roles of victims of police violence.

The piece, titled Against the Wall, was produced in association with Belafontes social justice organization Sankofa.org.

The constant vilification of people of color is not new to the American psyche, Belafonte said about the project. Somehow cell phone video, dash cam video and news media flashing before our very eyes, hour after hour, the murder and victimization of black and brown bodies has desensitized us.

Sometimes it takes the face of a celebrity to make an impact. By using the faces of those we recognize, familiar faces, we look to re-sensitize the community to really see the problem, he said. The artistic community is responding to the plight of our disenfranchised. We are shining a light and calling out to all to take a look, listen and feel within your heart to take action.

The film, which directors Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz say doubles as a PSA, opens with a police siren. The credits roll introducing the actors taking part, all the more powerful considering the films each has starred in which speak to the issue of social justice and brutality against the black community: Jordan (Fruitvale Station), Glover (The Color Purple), and Williams (The Wire, 12 Years a Slave, The Night Of).

While their names flash across the screen, an audio excerpt of an impassioned speech Belafonte gave on MSNBC earlier this fall discussing the epidemic of police shootings plays: You cannot just go about, if its once or twice you can say its an accident or a coincidence, but when you have as large a population of murdered young men in the streets of America and theyre all black or of African American descent, I think someone is sending us a message. And we should respond to that message.

As the actors are against the wall, a montage of audio footage plays. Theres George Zimmermans call to a 911 operator before shooting and killing Trayvon Martin: This guy looks like hes up to no good or hes on drugs or something. Hes a black male. And theres Anderson Coopers report of the 68-year-old former Marine Kenneth Chamberlain Sr., who was shot and killed during a police standoff in 2013.

We relive Falcon Heights traffic-stop shooting of Philando Castile, who began to bleed to death while his fiance and her daughter were in the car with him. The police radio audio of an officer involved the shooting of unarmed Terence Crutcher also plays: That looks like a bad dude.

While the actors shot their footage against the wall, Renz said that he and Bush directed them to imagine what it would be like to be taken against your will and forced to be reduce yourself; your very humanity, in order to pacify the policewho regardless may take your life even if you stayed perfectly still, with your hands against the wall.

Williams, especially, had a particularly intense reaction to shooting the piece. He actually embodied the moment and as I watched him in front of our cameras, the sense that he was reliving the moment was very palpable, Renz told The Daily Beast. Williams has spoken to The Daily Beast about family members of his who have been incarcerated, and whats it taken for them to survive behind bars.

Knowing that audio of police shootings would be playing against footage of the actors they were filming was an emotional experience for the directors. I could imagine in my mind the loved ones of these boys and men who were shot and how I wish this film with these famous actors would never have been necessary in the first place, Renz said, but that hopefully it will bring an awareness and save someone else in the future and help to change perception.
Republicans will not simply walk away unscathed from the looming Trump disaster after Election Day.

The last two days have convinced anti-Trump Republicans not only that he will lose, but that there will be a prolonged civil war within the party. Trump not only needs to be humiliated at the ballot box, they say, but his supporters will need to be permanently thrown out.

Whether the Republican party can survive is an open question, said Randy Scheunemann, who served as a top aide to Sen. John McCain during his 2008 presidential run. The Republican party has been deeply wounded by his candidacy and the damage will last far beyond Election Day. Already Trump and Trumpians are blaming establishment Republicans for his demise. The blame game after his impending defeat will intensify.

A strategist for GOP Ohio Gov. John Kasich put the battle in vivid terms: Sometimes the barn is so infested with rats you just have to burn the damn thing down and start over, John Weaver tweeted Tuesday.

Trumps failure may not only cause long-term damage to the Republican Party, but the fracture could be so deep the two factions could break apart for good, with anti-Trump conservatives on one side and the pro-Trump forces on the other.

My basic belief is that despite a desire to rebuild a big tent, either the Trump faction will have to leave or be forced out, or those of us who think that the GOP should actually stand for something and nominate decent people should set up a new party, said Eliot Cohen, a former counselor of the State Department during the Bush administration.

Donald Trump spent the 48 hours following his debate performance in St. Louis escalating a war of words against his fellow Republicans. Rather than focusing his fire on opponent Hillary Clinton, he attacked GOP lawmakers who have disavowed or distanced themselves from him. McCain was foul-mouthed. House Speaker Paul Ryan was a very weak and ineffective leader.

Theres a sense of sobriety in the Never Trumpers who opposed Trump as the nominee months before he became the partys official pick in July. Most of the fellow Republicans I know are reacting the same way theyd react to a horrific car crash on the interstate, quipped Dan Drezner, a GOP commentator who teaches at Tufts University.

But they also feel a slightan ever-so-slighttwinge of satisfaction for being right all along.

Id be lying if I didnt admit to some satisfaction that he is being exposed for the fake that many of us thought him to be from the beginning, said Bryan McGrath, a defense consultant who in March helped organize a letter of 121 GOP national security leaders opposing Trump.

Its a satisfaction that former Trump antagonists Sens. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio may never get to feelboth denounced him in severe terms during the primary, but then later endorsed and have not backed away from their decision. On Tuesday, Rubio reaffirmed his support for Trump despite a leaked video showing the nominee advocating sexual assault.

Never Trumpers will not be satisfied with merely being right, however. The war against Trump will not be over, in the view of many who have opposed him from the beginning, until not only hebut also his supporters and their ideasare entirely detached from the party.

After election day, a bitter and protracted civil war will have to be waged to be rid of this mindless and militant Trump cult and to save genuine conservatisms place in Lincolns Republican Party, said Richard Russell, a Republican who formerly served as an adviser to the U.S. militarys Central Command.

The responsibility for a loss does not end with Trump, these Never Trumpers saythe entire Republican Party apparatus will need to be tossed overboard and replaced, including Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus and other members of the Republican establishment that enabled the flawed nominee.

After the election, there will be a reckoning, said Carrie Cordero, who gave policy advice to Kasich during the governors presidential bid. First step is Reince needs to go.

Reince thinks hes the king of the party, said Curly Haughland, who until recently was a member of the RNC from North Dakota. He clashed with the chairman over whether delegates could vote their consciencerather than for Trumpduring the Republican convention. He is completely beholden to the political industry. His motives are self-serving, and not in the interest of grassroots Republicans, and thats going to be his downfall.

To avoid Trumpesque disaster-candidates in the future, said Tom Nichols, a former GOP senate aide who has since become a professor at the Naval War College, the RNC needs to make structural changes, including closed primaries and discouraging pointless vanity campaignsthat are going to be crucial to preventing this kind of train wreck in the future.

Trumps campaign strategy, his pugilistic style, and the propensity to attack fellow Republicans will be fiercely debated after the election, and its a debate that could take years to resolve.

But one thing is for sure: The millions of GOP voters who supported Trump passionately will not go quietly. So even as Never Trumpers are preparing for a protracted battle, they are trying to forge the peace they hope comes after.

Make sure Trumps supporters understand that the Republican Party gets the issues he raised, and work them into the GOP priorities, McGrath said. Listen to what Trumps supporters saidbut separate that from Trump.
In the nearly unclassifiable thriller The Accountant, Ben Affleck trades the Bat-armor for another crime-fighting costume: spectacles, a sensible suit, and a pocket protector. By day he crunches tax returns for folks out of his strip-mall office in the suburbs. On the side, we swiftly learn in this audaciously serious genre romp, hes a stone-cold killer with numbersor a sniper rifle, or a knife, or his bare hands, or even the belt he wears looped through his sensible slacks. Afflecks titular accountant, you might say, is a CPA with a very particular set of skills.

Theres as much Taken as there is Rain Man to be found in The Accountant, a frequently frustrating but surprisingly entertaining genre mishmash thats at least upfront about its central conceit: Ben Affleck is definitely, 100 percent going for it as Hollywoods first autistic assassin. Thats not enough to make it a good movie, exactly, but it certainly keeps The Accountant watchable in drips and drops of eccentric, fleeting brilliance, in a truly weird kind of dad thriller that never met an accounting joke it didnt like.

Directed by Warrior helmer Gavin OConnor from a Black List screenplay by Bill Dubuque (The Judge), The Accountant has such a daring high-concept premise, its a shame how far it is from being cohesive. Affleck stars as Christian Wolff, a quiet and tidy loner whose high-functioning autism makes him a natural at the accounting artsparticularly when his shady cartel and crime-lord clients need him to sift through impossible amounts of files and figures to piece together the puzzle when cash goes missing.

A lifetime of brutal hand-to-hand combat and weapons training also makes him the easy choice when those messy books need resolving. His Yelp rating, one imagines, must be impeccable. Afflecks Wolff is nothing if not efficient at his job, slicing and shooting his way through entire buildings of bad guys with the same cool precision he uses to solve complex mathematical equations. In The Accountant, Afflecks targets are granted no mercy, only enough swift and deadly retribution to settle the score. No Marthas can save these men. The only mistake we ever hear of him making, quite literally, is that he filed his taxes properly and on time.

The mystery of Wolffs identity unspools throughout the films opening act as gritty U.S Treasury Director Ray King (J.K. Simmons) ropes reluctant analyst Marybeth Medina (Cynthia Addai-Robinson) into hunting him down through the only breadcrumbs he has: photographs of an unidentified man in a suit and the nagging suspicion that hes the key to something big. Meanwhile, Wolffs taken his latest gig tracking $61 million thats gone missing from the ledgers of a major cybernetic robotics manufacturer run by Lamar Black (John Lithgow).

But just as Wolff starts to math his way toward figuring out the culprit, executives start dying and his project is cut short, wreaking hell on his ability to cope with the chaos. Normally hed lock himself in the dark and beat his shins with a wooden dowel while listening to metal, as you do. (If youre looking for any deep understanding of how folks on the spectrum really live, you wont find it here.) Instead, this time, he goes on the run with Dana (a charmingly chatty Anna Kendrick), the junior numbers-cruncher also privy to the fiscal breach, setting a collision course with a shadowy-but-flashy assassin (Jon Bernthal) and the feds hot on his trail.

Once The Accountants plot gets going, it dazzles with bullet-flying action and winking humor. One of its most enjoyable moments boils down to a simple wave of the handa tiny throwaway gesture that manages to be the best-timed punchline in the entire movie. Other highlights come when Afflecks reclusive Wolff begrudgingly lets his guard down with the spunky Dana, and shares with her his most sacred space: a 34-foot Airstream trailer filled with priceless art and all his getaway cash, his superspy drawer of passports and faux identities next to a meticulously placed Star Wars lightsaber.

All the while, unfortunately, were yanked out of the present to flash back to Wolffs past. Some fathers teach their boys to throw a schoolyard punch. Recognizing his sons disorder would mark him as different, Wolffs Army vet single dad subjected him to years of brutal martial-arts training so hed become a fighter, not a victim. Its a provocative idea and one whose sincerity is underscored by the X-Men-style school for children with developmental disorders that plays a key role in the plot. One in 68 children in America are diagnosed as on the spectrum, the film lectures its captive audience. We should teach those children its what makes them different that makes them specialeven if that lesson is autistic kids can grow up to be stone-cold assassins, too.

Admirably enough, OConnor doesnt seem to care that his head-spinning melange of genres and tones is bound to try the patience of his audience. It is what it is: a hit man drama-thriller-mystery that champions autism as a form of underappreciated superheroism. The flaws dont negate that bold raison detre, even if The Accountant suffers from too many of them. For one, it has more characters than it can handle. It veers between droning exposition, bone-crunching action, too many flashbacks, and brief moments of romance and humor. And its dogged insistence on trumpeting itself as a form of R-rated hyperviolent autism advocacy is uncharted cinematic territory, to say the least.

Its really more like The Bourne Identity meets A Beautiful Mindso much so that Affleck even gets to furrow his brow and concentrate real hard through a montage scribbling figures on the windows and doors of an office, just like John Nash. Tragically, the last thing the already flat Affleck needs is to play a humorless rock of a character who struggles to convey and read emotional cues. You can see Affleck plainly trying to give his high-functioning hero a sense of authenticity, but it mostly comes off as unintentionally wooden when hes not applying his laser focus on crushing his enemies to death. Afflecks an actor best suited to more outwardly emotional douchebag roles that tap into his innate bro-iness. But his painfully disciplined Wolff speaks in a stilted soft-spoken hush, and puffs methodically at his hands before doing anythingwhether its eating dinner or performing an audit. But Affleck struggles to convey how viscerally discomfited the guy is by most social settings and how longingly he would love to feel the human connections that elude him. Its not a good look for him since he manages to muster only a few variations on the same stoic gaze through two hours and change onscreen.

And yet the times he actually does hit a self-aware groove, the strangest studio movie of the yearinclusive crime thriller, advocacy actioner, the only film youll ever see that big-ups both 19th-century German mathematician Carl Gauss and Dogs Playing Poker with equal reverencebegs even more of Afflecks autistic action hero. I did not expect to miss his awkward guy shtick on screen when he wasnt on it, but that very unlikely event happened during one heinously interminable scene of third-act exposition. OConnors niftiest trick is that he manages to pull The Accountant back from the brink at least long enough to make a case for seeing more of Afflecks Accountant in future sequels. He reaches his full potential while scrapping his way through a climactic scene set inside a sprawling luxury home under siege, finding emotional catharsis in the middle of a gunfight. Jason Bourne might have been able to do that, too, but could he also get you money back on your tax return?
Donald Trumps offensive statements and the chaos theyve brought to the Republican Party have been the headline-grabbing events of this election. But the biggest story, which is regularly overlooked, is the systematic disenfranchisement of millions of American voters, predominantly African Americans and Latinos.

Since sections of the Voting Rights Act were struck down by the Supreme Court in 2013 in Shelby County v. Holder, 14 states have introduced new voting restrictions in this election, and this represents only a sliver of the seismic crisis facing our democracy in this presidential race. Some estimates anticipate that roughly 1.3 million voters in vital swing states could be disenfranchised because of these new voting restrictions.

Additionally, more than 6 million Americans will be barred from voting due to felony convictions, and 2.2 million of those are African American. This amounts to 1 out of every 13 African Americans of voting age being barred from the ballot box. And in Florida, 23 percent of African Americans are prevented from voting due to felony convictions even after theyve done their time.

Seven statesMississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, Ohio, and Wisconsinthat will have new voting restrictions in 2016 also recorded their highest levels of African-American voter turnout in 2008. And five of those statesMississippi, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginiaplus Alabama, Tennessee, and South Dakota have witnessed their largest Hispanic population growth from 2000-2010. NALEOthe National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officialsestimates that new voter ID laws will effectively disenfranchise 875,000 Latino voters this year.

In other words, the influence of minority voters has increased a lot during Barack Obamas presidency. So its no mere coincidence that many Republican-controlled states have instituted these policies.

Its also no surprise that vital swing states under Republican controlWisconsin, Ohio, North Carolina, and Floridawill be the worst states for minority voters. Texas, which is not a swing state but has a rapidly growing Latino population, will also be especially bad.

Both Texas and North Carolina have passed voter ID laws that have been blocked and/or softened by court rulings, and yet state officials continue to challenge these decisions and implement restrictions that would disenfranchise minorities.

The new provisions target African Americans with almost surgical precision, wrote Judge Diana Gribbon Motz of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, regarding North Carolinas voter ID law and other voter suppression tactics.

After that ruling, Republican North Carolina legislators have still attempted to ban early voting on Sundays and cut voting hours and sites in areas with large minority populations. Texas Republicans have also continued to distribute fliers intent on intimidating Texans from voting despite court orders to stop.

And to make matters worse, the Justice Department interprets the Supreme Courts decision in Shelby County v. Holder as applying to the federal election observer program, and as a result has drastically reduced the program. For more than 50 years, America has relied on this program to combat voter suppression at the polls, yet in 2016 it will be almost nonexistent. Minority voters in Texas and North Carolina will have fewer protections and recourses to ensure that they can exercise their franchise, despite both states clearly showing a disregard for the law as they implement voter suppression measures.

Ohio, in addition to implementing new voter ID requirements, has been purging registered voters at an alarming rate due to a state law that mandates the revoking of a voters registration, without notification, if they have not voted in the last six years. Over the last five years, 2 million people have been removed from the voting rolls. In 2015 alone, 200,000 voters were removed in Ohios 20 most populous counties, including 40,000 in Cuyahoga County, which has many African-American voters.

For those African-American voters in Ohio who voted for Obama in 2008 but stayed at home in 2012, they could find themselves barred from voting in this election unless they register to vote again.

Florida also has a long history of using voter purges to manipulate elections, but one of the biggest threats in this election may simply be the mismanagement of voting sites that result in chaos on Election Day. In 2012, it was estimated that multi-hour waits at polling locations resulted in 200,000 voters not casting ballots. Additionally, Florida has as a track record of mistakenly preventing citizens from voting if their name matches that of a convicted felon.

Wisconsin may be one of the more surprising yet increasingly troubling states for minority voters. Not only has it implemented new strict voter ID requirements, but also it has failed to provide residents with the required ID to vote.

VoteRiders has accompanied Wisconsin voters to DMVs across the state and recorded instances where voters have been denied the necessary voting ID despite providing the required documentation.

It should not be on the advocacy group or on the individual voter to have to keep fighting through barrier after barrier to cast their ballot, said Liz Kennedy, the director of government and democratic reform at the Center for American Progress. This is the right that protects all of our other rights.

Each one of these states demonstrates that the intent and implementation of their voting restrictions are far more severe and damaging than they let on. And they show the increased necessity of election observers and activists who now must fill the void left by the federal government. But after Shelby, the federal government is less capable of protecting our right to vote.

The Black Lives Matter movement has peacefully combated police brutality by incorporating video and audio recordings to document injustices. In this election, minority voters should do the samepeople should film the long lines, the ballot challenges, and the acts of intimidation so America can see for itself the electoral obstacles we face that undermine the very fabric of our democracy.
Press Promotion

Label innovation for new craft gin brand

A new brand identity for the first dedicated gin distillery to open in the heart of Manchester has been captured in a label design by Royston Labels.

Launched in July, Manchester Three Rivers gin, named after the trio of waterways on which the British city was founded, is produced by hand in small batches using a custom-made 450 litre Arnold Holstein copper pot still. The 40% ABV super premium dry gin is then packed in 70cl bottles. The distillery also hosts interactive 'Gin Experience' tours, where visitors to the distillery can delve into the history of and process behind making gin, before creating their very own bottle of gin to take home with them using mini copper pot stills.





Royston Labels combined different decoration techniques in order to achieve the desired end result. Foil was used to create a premium look and with a rich colour printed on top of the foil, a special metallic satin finish was achieved. New anti-scratch matt film was used in the process, together with a never seen before, raised hammered metal effect which was applied to the Three Rivers name-style. Inspired by their ongoing work for leading drinks brands, Manchester Three Rivers asked Royston Labels for support in creating an innovative look and feel for their craft gin product in order to build a strong brand identity.Royston Labels combined different decoration techniques in order to achieve the desired end result. Foil was used to create a premium look and with a rich colour printed on top of the foil, a special metallic satin finish was achieved. New anti-scratch matt film was used in the process, together with a never seen before, raised hammered metal effect which was applied to the Three Rivers name-style.

Manchester Three Rivers PR & brand director, Louise Rivers, commented: We contacted Royston Labels via a recommendation as we were in a position where we needed a fast turnaround on the printing of our labels. They were professional, flexible and very accommodating with every request that we had. The team took the time to understand our brand and vision for our labels offering exceptional advice throughout the process.

We are a super premium product and needed a label to represent the quality of our gin and are extremely happy with the outcome. We look forward to working with Royston Labels long into the future.

Royston Labels managing director, Paul Clayton, added: Manchester Three Rivers are a great brand to work with. It was paramount to get the label looking perfect for launch, consequently we had a number of discussions to fine tune the development process. The end result is indicative of our willingness to spend time and work with our clients to develop innovations that help differentiate their packaging, create stand-out and provide them with a competitive edge.

The message to other brands out there is put us to the test and let us innovate for you!

With over 30 years packaging industry experience, Royston Labels are a major supplier of specialist labels for a wide range of packaging types, particularly within the personal care, drinks and pharmaceutical industries.

A new brand identity for the first dedicated gin distillery to open in the heart of Manchester has been captured in a striking label design by Royston Labels.

11 October 2016 - Sam Coyne The Drinks Report, editorial assistant
Trump promised to be "fighting like hell" until Nov. 8, but expressed frustration with resistance in his own party  especially from Ryan, who announced Monday he would focus on down-ballot races in the home stretch to Election Day. Republicans like Ryan, Trump complained, have been missing in action as his campaign has sought to regain its footing in recent weeks.

"I think they forgot that there was an election, because something happened in the last month where you didn't see them, right?" Trump said of some fellow Republicans, according to audio of the event obtained by The Texas Tribune. "You didn't see them. I said, 'Why aren't they on the shows? Why aren't they all over the place?'"

Earlier in his remarks, Trump said occasionally "our own party gets in the way" of his campaign. "Sometimes it's harder to beat our own party than it is to beat the person on the other side," Trump told donors.

Trump previewed that message earlier Tuesday on Twitter, railing against Ryan as a "very weak and ineffective leader." Trump kept up the criticism at the fundraiser, suggesting Ryan should focus more on budget issues than criticizing the GOP nominee  and even reaching back to Ryan's time as Republican Mitt Romney's running mate in the 2012 presidential race.

"This guy lost four years ago," Trump said, "in like a landslide."

Trump also tweeted Tuesday that the "shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to." At the fundraiser, Trump repeated the line, suggesting he feels more untethered from the Republican establishment than ever following Ryan's announcement Monday.

"It feels so good," Trump told donors.

Trump spoke for roughly 15 minutes at the fundraiser, which was held at the Grand Hyatt hotel in downtown San Antonio. Notable attendees included Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who chairs Trump's efforts in Texas, and Agriculture Commissioner Sid Miller.
I recently joined 145 other scholars and writers in declaring support for Donald Trump for president.

For every Trump supporter who agreed to join us, several others declined, believing that coming out publicly in favor of Trump would harm their careers. I've been upfront about my conservative views for more than 30 years, since before I got tenure, so any harm to me is probably already priced in. I debated economist James Galbraith in front of thousands in the University of Texas's University Lecture Series in 2008, for example, arguing in favor of Republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain of Arizona. And I edited one of the few textbooks for courses in contemporary moral problems that represent views from the left and right in equal measure. I'm fortunate to teach at a university committed to diversity in all its forms, including diversity of thought.

But the left has come to dominate college campuses over the past 20 years, and I can't blame anyone whose views are not already well-known for declining to become a target. Just last week, a professor from another institution shared a Facebook post hoping for all Trump supporters to be destroyed "immediately and forever." Who wants to be subject to such expressions of hostility?

Other professors used to ask me questions about politics: "You're smart. You're knowledgeable. How can you support" whichever Republican was running for president that year? Far from being dismissive, that used to lead to interesting and revealing conversations. I still have extended and productive political discussions with some old friends who disagree with me. Indeed, they were Bernie Sanders supporters, and the diagnoses Trump and Sanders give are not far apart, even if their prescriptions are quite different.

Conversing across ideological lines is increasingly rare this election cycle. Two friends, seeing my name on the list just published, compared me with Martin Heidegger - and not because they think "Reduction in the Abstract Sciences" is on a par with "Being and Time." The background assumption, which I find baffling, appears to be that occasionally uncouth language is the moral equivalent of genocide.

Many of my colleagues in academia find it hard to imagine why a reasonable person would support Trump. Most of the people who talk politics with me are those who agree with me or are on the fence, undecided about whether to vote for Trump, Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton or the Libertarian Party's Gary Johnson. People who definitely oppose Trump don't even want to debate the issues with me anymore.

Political conversations with students are rare, too. I try my best to keep politics out of the classroom. Once, a student said to me, "You're a conservative, aren't you?" I responded that I was disappointed that he could tell, because I try to present views on all sides fairly, keeping my own views in the background. He answered: "I know. That's how I could tell." Periodically, conservative students seek me out, relieved to find someone on the faculty with whom they can talk openly. But most students appear to pay little attention to politics, and those who do don't tend to talk to faculty about it. There are exceptions. Recently, a liberal student challenged my interpretation of why different regions tend to vote Democratic or Republican in presidential elections. That led to a constructive conversation and some refinements in my (and I hope his) understanding of the red-state/blue-state divide.

So why, given the response it gets me from colleagues and friends, do I support Trump?

Ask yourself: Are you better off than you were a decade ago? Is the United States better off? Is the world safer? Is this country on the right track? I am among the nearly two-thirds of Americans who answer no.

We're in the seventh year of the slowest economic recovery since 1949. The proportion of working-age adults who are employed is the lowest in decades. Young African Americans face an unemployment rate of over 20 percent. The national debt has almost doubled; an American baby born today already owes more than $60,000. We've lost our Standard & Poor's AAA credit rating. Cities and states face debt and pension crises of their own. Meanwhile, business profits and durable goods orders are down, productivity is sluggish and 2 percent growth is the new normal. Economic inequality has increased; incomes are down; prices are up.

The president's signature "accomplishment," Obamacare, is in a death spiral. Racial tensions are leading to riots. Violent crime is up sharply over the past 18 months. Life expectancy is falling for large segments of our population. The administration is conducting a war on fossil fuels, endangering our electric grid, while shoveling funds to green-energy boondogglesrun by donors. The IRS, the FBI and the Justice Department are protecting political allies, punishing opponents and defying court orders. Title IX is used on campus to destroy due process and stifle speech. In the past 10 months, we've suffered terror attacks in San Bernardino, Calif., Orlando, St. Cloud, Minn., and Burlington, Wash., leaving 68 dead. Europe's experience shows that if we continue these policies, we will suffer many more.

The Middle East is in shambles. We gratuitously overthrew a stable government in Libya, creating a terrorist haven and getting our ambassador killed. We threw away victories in Iraq and Afghanistan. Syria is a humanitarian disaster. We sabotaged Iran's Green Revolution and halted sanctions, propping up and then funding with planeloads of cash a leading global sponsor of terrorismactively seeking nuclear weapons - all in a quest to reach an agreement so adverse to U.S. interests that it was not even submitted to the Senate. Iran is reportedly already violating it.

This is not bad luck. It results directly from policies of the Obama administration that Clinton wants to continue. The problem is not implementation, but deep inadequacies in her progressive worldview. It's a worldview I encounter up close on campus, a worldview that intrigues intellectuals with its promise of rationality and tempts them with the possibility of power. As Dostoevsky warned, however, in practice, it indulges the moral narcissism of an elite and encourages disrespect for everyone else.

Progressives try to counter corporate economic power by centralizing political power in executive-branch agencies. They try to cure centralization with more centralization. But this leads to elitism and regulatory capture. When corporations, well-funded nonprofits or well-connected donors team up with government agencies, the rest of us lose. The federal government is the ultimate monopoly. The administrative state is largely unaccountable; you can't vote the regulators out of office. Under the Obama administration, federal regulations have strangled some industries outright and curtailed innovation in others. No one voted to destroy the coal industry or stop enforcing immigration law. Clinton promises more of the same. She promises to appoint Supreme Court justices who will remove the Bill of Rights's safeguards against excessive government power. She shows contempt for ordinary people, their rights and their concerns, treating any who oppose her as enemies. Only Trump promises to rein in the excesses of the administrative state and return us to constitutional governance. He pledges to issue a moratorium on new regulations and to reduce "the anchor dragging us down," the regulatory burden whose growth since 1980 has cost us as much as one-fourth of our gross national product.

Progressivism sacrifices the future for the present, and the present for special interests and personal gain. That is why economies stall and birth rates collapse in countries where progressive policies hold sway. Our economy works by allowing the market to channel accumulated capital to investments that fuel productivity gains and innovation, leading to technological advances, more affordable products, higher wages and increased opportunities. Trump's tax cuts would increase investment, boost productivity and wages and increase innovation and opportunities for all Americans.

Finally, progressivism rests on an implausible view of international relations. It seeks to diminish the nation-state and the reach of American power. The Obama-Clinton policy requires us to push traditional allies away and seek relationships with avowed enemies. Protecting Americans from harm and maintaining state secrets are evidently a low priority. Trump would bring a much-needed dose of realism to foreign policy, restoring damaged friendships with Britain and Israel, restoring the integrity of our borders and protecting U.S. interests in international agreements.

Trump has been giving serious speeches detailing his vision on the economy, foreign policy, crime, immigration and other central issues facing the country. He has been explaining policies that would strengthen the United States, revive the economy, and restore our social capital, especially in inner cities. Clinton, meanwhile, has been doing her best to distract us from the issues. Admittedly, Trump offers her many such opportunities. But our country's direction is too important to decide on the basis of who is more vulgar than whom. Clinton's policies portend nothing but a weaker economy, a weaker society and a weaker America. I want a president who's on our side. I plan to vote for someone who can change course and return us once again to the task of making America great.

Daniel Bonevac, author of six books and editor of four others, is professor of philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin.
Lobbying for lower standards

For obvious reasons, the chemical and pesticide industries prefer the US approach. This is why notorious lobby groups such as the European Chemical Industry Council (CEFIC) and the European Crop Protection Association (ECPA) use the TTIP negotiations, a potential EU-US trade deal, to attack the EU's precautionary approach.

CEFIC, which includes major players such as Bayer, BASF, Dow Europe, and Honeywell among its ranks, spent more than 10 million on lobbying activities in the EU in 2015 alone, with an overall budget of 40 million.

While industry efforts to lobby over EU policies are old news, the ongoing Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (TTIP) negotiations have opened the floodgates for business demands. The corporate goal in TTIP is clear: to remove discrepancies in laws and protection levels across the Atlantic - in short, quicker profits for companies and higher risks for consumers.

Along these lines, while admitting differences between the European and US systems, CEFIC's then Director General claimed in 2015 that "both result in a high level of protection of consumers, health and the environment". But of course the wide discrepancy between the chemicals and pesticides permitted in the US versus the far fewer allowed in the EU tells a very different story.

At the heart of industry's wish list for TTIP is the provision of 'regulatory co-operation'. Not only would this mechanism allow existing regulations to be attacked but it would ultimately give big business a voice in the very early stages of the regulatory process in both the EU and the US and thus directly override democratic decision-making.

Post-Brexit, the UK could be even more vulnerable ...



While it appears that British citizens won't have to worry about TTIP anymore, they must still remain alert to corporate lobbying that counters their interests. As one of the more agribusiness-friendly countries in Europe, before the June 2016 referendum Britain had been targeted by lobbyists to continue to support their position in the EU.

For instance, following a "very constructive meeting with the industry (NFUS, AIC, Crop Protection Association) ... to discuss the potential loss of pesticides", the Scottish Environment Minister made a submission to the Commission "asking that no pesticides be removed from approval before conducting a full impact assessment."

By leaving the EU, Britain could enter into negotiations on new investment and free trade agreements - and here is where it really gets dangerous for consumer and environmental protection, as well as for democratic values.

Launching a new series of large-scale free trade deal negotiations could open a whole new playing field for all sorts of corporate lobbying activities - with severe impacts on the British social and environmental legislation.

Today more than ever, free trade deals are being used by large companies and multinationals to shape the economic world order according to their interests. This comes at the expense of a sustainable and fair trade system that places the needs of consumers, citizens and the environment on equal footing with the demands of big business.

Action: Four European organisations have launched the 'Democracy for Sale Awards', in order to expose the behind-the-scenes business lobby. You are invited to 'honour' the lobby groups that have been most successful in co-writing the TTIP. Please vote now: help to expose the worst corporate offenders and fight for democratic decision making in Europe, in Britain and around the world.

Lora Verheecke & Laura Groe are researchers and campaigners for Corporate Europe Observatory, a Brussels-based lobby watchdog. Both work on European free trade agreements such as TTIP and CETA.
Major investors have warned the automotive industry it needs to accelerate its readiness for a low-carbon world if it is to retain their support and prosper.

Vehicle makers must put climate change specialists on their boards, engage better with policy-makers, and invest more heavily in low-emission cars, says a network of 250 global investors with assets of more than $24trillion.

The demands come in a new report, Investor Expectations of Automotive Companies, published this week by the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC).

"Long-term investors want to ensure that automotive companies are prepared for the challenges stemming from climate change, new technologies, changing policies and shifts in demand caused by global trends", says Dr Hans-Christoph Hirt, co-head of investment house Hermes EOS, a member of the IGCC.

"Investors expect the industry to embark upon a smoother route to future prosperity by developing and implementing long-term business strategies that are resilient to climate change and resulting regulatory shifts."

Sustainable returns

Chris Davis, senior programme director of the Ceres Investor Network on Climate Risk, another IIGCC member, agrees. "A growing number of institutional investors recognise that climate change will impact their holdings, portfolios, and asset values in the short and long-term," he says.

"To achieve sustainable returns for clients and beneficiaries, investors in the automotive sector must engage to ensure companies are prepared to thrive in a carbon-constrained environment and support robust policy action sufficient to drive the transition to clean vehicles."

The traditional car industry has gradually been increasing its output of pure electric and hybrid diesel / electric models, but in small numbers. It has failed to shrug off its image as a foot-dragger in the fight against climate change - similar to the way most big oil companies are seen.

The recent Volkswagen emissions scandal, in which the German car manufacturer used 'cheat devices' that underplayed pollution on its cars, has further tarnished the industry's image over the last 12 months. And critics have long claimed that few vehicles live up to the fuel consumption levels claimed of them.

Making sure the industry has "closed the gap between real world and emissions testing" is highlighted by the IIGCC as one of the key issue that must be fixed.

But the finance houses also want car and truck makers to set more meaningful targets and metrics to reduce greenhouse gases in their own supply chain. And car companies need to engage more meaningfully with international policy-makers and their own investors on climate change.
Dr Meyer then asks the question: what of the stress to badgers, the damage to their family structure and across the wider badger community, caused by culling? Badgers are a both a social animal living in small, tight-knit groups and whose territorial borders are far more elastic than supposed. There already is a fair amount of natural 'perturbation'.

The 1998-2006 Randomised Badger Culling Trials found that perturbation of badgers due to culling was followed by an increase of TB. The assumption was and still is that already-infected badgers fleeing the area take the disease with them. What if fleeing badgers are actually carrying high levels of stress, of loss and grief that open the door to the development of TB?

Perhaps we should also be studying the stress suffered by cattle due to modern farming methods, and how that might be causing TB to develop among the herds.

'The badger has no other enemy. But maybe one is enough'

Is work done 30 years ago still pertinent? What will surprise and infuriate many new readers is that, despite the science having been argued and investigated years back, and conclusions drawn, Defra is still ignoring the results. How many times do you have to prove the earth isn't flat before a government department can admit to the truth?

Just one example: pro-badger people have been cheered by the recent news that Professor Woodroffe's latest study showed that badgers and cattle avoided each other. This confirmed findings in a County Wicklow study of 2 years ago. But Dr Meyer mentions Dr Paul Benham of Reading University who was researching the known 'mutual avoidance' of badgers and cattle when Dr Meyer was writing his book 30 years ago.

Back in the 1950s and 1960s it was known, by Defra's precursor MAFF, vets and farmers, that spreading infected manure and slurry onto pasture would increase TB in cattle. It was known that double fencing between fields would help prevent cattle-to-cattle transmission of TB, as would other bio-security measures and controls.

It was known because it was due to these and other measures that TB in cattle had been reduced to a tiny percentage.

Then they forgot, because in 1971 they found a badger with TB and the myth began.

The whole sorry history, as laid out by Dr Meyer, demonstrates all too clearly how a myth can be embedded into public thinking. The badger had, for many years, been a victim of man's inhumanity. But now farmers, many of whom disliked badgers anyway, were able to use the badger as a scapegoat, the sole reason their herds had TB.

Despite having gained some legal protection, badgers were gassed and gassed again. They were trapped and shot. Rural thugs went on baiting and digging, believing they now had some sort of permission. Every mention of bovine TB had 'badger' attached to it - a point that Dr Meyer made then which, thirty years later, is being made by the Badger Trust's Dominic Dyer.

And MAFF set up study after incompetent study, trying to prove the badger was to blame. Incompetent? How's this for an example:

"Concerning the Woodchester Park ecological study - without doubt the most important project yet devised by MAFF on this programme - it is dryly stated that 'up to 31 July 1976 one badger, 2 jays and one pheasant were caught in 64 trap-nights'."

Which only goes to prove that jays and pheasants like peanuts as much as badgers.

'Scientific conviction, not appeasement'

The whole issue, as the book illustrates, comes down to the government promoting the myth rather than the science, caving in to the farming lobby - something they are still doing today. Let farmers have dead badgers instead of making them comply with more regulations.

It is disheartening to realise that we are still fighting exactly the same battle with dishonest and spineless politicians as people like Dr Meyer were, thirty years ago.

Much of the book deals with the political mishandling of the problem, cherry picking and distorting what science the officials chose to look at while burying and forgetting all the rest. Given the public outrage over the gassing of badgers and the failure of several reports and 'scientific projects' to convince them that badgers had to be culled, the subject became so toxic that minutes of panel meetings were secret and subject to the Official Secrets Act.

Knowing that all of this was due to government wanting to please the farmers rather than cure the problem led David Coffey, a respected ex-MAFF veterinary surgeon, to ask for "scientific conviction, not appeasement."

But how do you 'appease' those who do not want to listen to science? Just as Professor John Bourne was told, years later, by a government minister, you offer them the carrot of dead badgers.

The chapter on Rural Terrorism and the horrific details of badger digging and baiting is painful; it makes one want to cast the book aside, until ... Until you read of the female badger whose sett was dug, cubs killed and she pulled out to face the dogs. She escaped, rushed back into the sett, grabbed her one remaining cub and ran to another sett a quarter of a mile away - a sett in rocky ground among the trees, where she and her baby would be safe from digging.

How can you not salute such a brave, resourceful animal? How can you not step in to protect badgers?

Thirty years on, the fight continues

Yet here we are, thirty years later, still fighting the same battle. In his final chapter, written for today's readers, Dr Meyer writes:

"The utterly enervating badger/bTB saga, as mindlessly unreal and endless as The Archers or Eastenders, was described by EFRA as 'foot and mouth in slow motion'. The obfuscation is so old it has become fossilised with the permanence of a T. Rex dug up in America and stuck for evermore in a museum in Montana ...

"There are those who would sooner this was not so. They bring to this opinion not the logic or rationality of science, or the compassion of civilisation, but the consequences of indoctrinisation. Intellectual heirlooms regurgitated over decades into a myth.'

He engages in a damning critique of the political mess that successive governments have made of the problem of bovine TB. Looking back at his time on the Consultative Panel, he mentions a 2009 paper Intractable Policy Failure, written by Professor Wyn Grant, in which Grant cites several pronouncements by government ministers. To quote:

"One, asserting that the CP 'plays a major role in allowing us to demonstrate that all shades of opinion on badgers have been taken into account before we kill them' is chilling".

Being able to make use of the record of the past political failures recorded by Dr Meyer, and lay them side by side with the current failure to honestly address the cattle-to-cattle transmission of TB makes this book essential reading for all badger and wildlife groups. For here is the problem we have to solve:

Having become so entrenched in its anti-badger stance for so many years, it is difficult to see how governments can ever admit that they were wrong, that the bTB problem can only be tackled through cattle-based measures. How can they admit their badger-centred policies are based on a myth of their own creating, without losing face?

And it is not surprising that, when remembering his time on the Consultative Panel trying to defend badgers thirty years ago, Dr Meyer's reaction is: "fat lot of good that did then!"

The book: The Fate of the Badger by Dr Richard Meyer is available from the publishers Fire-raven Writing
I had an opportunity to collaborate with Mandy Ross and Shoe Phix (a Yaletown boutique). I caught up with Mandy in Vancouver, fresh from her time spent in Toronto and Los Angeles.

Mandy is a fashion chameleon and can easily transition from red carpet couture gowns to fitness wear. In addition to being a Model, Brand Ambassador, TV and Media Personality, shes also a regular volunteer and a Lifestyle Expert.

She has a monthly feature with Vancouver Boulevard magazine, "Fresh Takes." Her blog on www.Mandy-Ross.com features inspirational content and she recently joined forces with Canada's first and only Do It Yourself YouTube channel to produce healthy cooking, yoga, fitness and motivational videos.

Her infectious positive energy is what inspires and motivates others to ignite a passion for life.

For bookings, Mandy can be contacted at:

Instagram/ Twitter/ Snapchat: @MandyJRoss

Facebook: Mandy Ross

Heels from Aldo

Visit R!c's website: www.SidewalkRunway.com or follow him on instagram.com/sidewalkrunway_com or Twitter @RunwaySidewalk

All images are copyright protected. Re-posting or re-production of images is strictly forbidden without written consent.
By Catherine Sas,

Special to The Post

Often the clients that come to see us have previously worked with other immigration professionals. In many cases they have not been advised according to best practices and/or have placed misguided trust in those professionals. One of the most blatant misguided practices is to have applicants sign blank immigration application forms and then rely on the immigration professional to complete the application on their behalf. If an immigration professional asks you to do this, warning bells should go off immediately and you should find another professional to work with.

Signing blank application forms and relying on a professional to complete them for you is clearly problematic. The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) provides that an applicant must answer all questions put to them truthfully. This includes the completion of all the application forms and the provision of all supporting documents. Where inaccurate information is provided, an applicant can be found to have misrepresented information in their application. Section 40(1)(a) of IRPA stipulates as follows:

Section 40. (1) Misrepresentation - A permanent Resident or a foreign national is inadmissible for misrepresentation

(a) for directly or indirectly misrepresenting or withholding material fact relating to a relevant matter that induces or could induce an error in the administration of this Act

The penalty for misrepresentation - either direct or indirect  is a five-year ban from being able to make a future immigration application! This means that anything that anyone says on your behalf can lead to a finding of misrepresentation against you. You want to ensure that the information that you provide is completely accurate. It is no excuse to say that you were relying on your immigration professional.

The immigration application process is a legal process that is ultimately the responsibility of the individual applicant. It is your signature on the application form and not that of your representative. IRCC and CBSA officers routinely hear stories from applicants that they were only following the advice or recommendation of their immigration professional. Not surprisingly that does not provide an applicant with an excuse for inaccurate information. Many Federal Court decisions have considered instances of allegations that the grounds for refusal of their cases were due to the actions or advice of their immigration representative. The Federal Court has not sided with the applicants in such situations.

Be sure that all the information that you provide is accurate. Make sure that you review all of your application forms with your immigration professional before you sign them. If you are not fluent in English or French, be sure to have a qualified interpreter review them with you so that you are sure that you understand all of what you are signing off on. Don't rely on friends or family to be your interpreter as they may not be familiar with legal or immigration industry terminology. Use common sense - if a professional recommends something that you don't feel comfortable with or that strikes you the wrong way, ask for your file and find another professional. Your immigration application is ultimately your own responsibility and not that of your immigration professional. Take your responsibility seriously to avoid a misrepresentation finding in your future!

Catherine Sas, Q.C. has over 25 years of legal experience. She provides a full range of immigration services and is a leading immigration practitioner (Lexpert, Whos Who Legal, Best Lawyers in Canada). Go to www.canadian-visa-lawyer.com or email [email protected].
The wind rocked a few more trees than normal and the rain water started piling up, even around the News-Post building. The photos on todays front page show some of that damage. But we were all lucky. What we received was nothing compared to Haiti or even Daytona Beach, where the speedway track went under water for a few days. We were also lucky to have firefighters and police officers on call, handling the problems as they came in.

Out of sight, out of mind, so the phrase goes. We appreciate it when the fire department stops a forest fire from spreading or manages to save our house, but what about other days? What about when they have to block off roads or direct traffic, due to flood waters? The same goes for sheriffs deputies, detectives and the rest of that departments staff. We only see them when something goes wrong. That doesnt mean their value to the community is any less during the rest of the time. But because we cant always see the work they do, sometimes we can forget how important they are to a community like ours. Thats especially true when a storm like Matthew hits.

We can also be guilty of that in other parts of our lives as well. How many times have we told our pastors in the last few weeks that we appreciate them? These are people also on call pretty much 24-7. Yes, they deliver sermons, but they also visit people in the hospital, counsel others and have to stay strong, to hold a community together when someone dies. Weve seen that far too often here lately, funerals of people taken too soon. In each case, the pastor is called to help organize support.

Theres also the staff at all of the local schools. You think that job is easy? Try running a class with more than 20 kids and not just manage to stay on task, but reach each one, so that they grasp the concepts. This is, of course, while also dealing with some who refuse to take their medication and others who just want to act up. Try being the principals, in charge of not one class but over a dozen and in order to be considered a success, you have to make sure these classes all pass their Standards of Learning tests. Theres also the support staff, people who are constantly running back and forth, fixing computers, making sure the wifi works and providing solutions to problems that, until 10 minutes ago, they hadnt even heard of.

Bus drivers also have to manage kids, often at the worst parts of the day, to make sure they get to and from classes on time. They have to travel multiple routes, while making sure everyone on board doesn't attack each other.

The point is that in each of these cases, were quick to complain, quick to rush over when we feel theyre doing something wrong. Maybe the sermon wasnt to our liking, or the officer didnt have a report finished when we felt he should. Maybe the homework was hard even for the parents to understand. But when a student gets a good grade, do we thank the teacher for putting in the extra time to work with him or the technician for fixing the equipment, so he could take the test? When the police shut down a major drug operation, do we say thanks for getting narcotics off the streets? The answer, more often than not, is no. Thats their job, people argue. Theyre supposed to do it. Yes, that is their job, but its ours to tell each of them how much we appreciate their hard work. We can forget that these and other jobs take a toll on people and can wear them down to a breaking point.

A simple thanks can ease that a bit. Its our job to let people know theyre not forgotten, that their contributions mean something. Too often, we forget to do that.
Hurricane Matthew, which pummeled the lower section of the East Coast last weekend as a Category 4 storm, left its mark on Franklin County.

After belting a number of islands before hitting southern Florida, the effects of the storm in Franklin County came with rain that started before dawn Friday. It continued to fall until the early morning hours of Sunday when it was pushed out of the area by gusting winds reported to be as high as 30 miles per hour.

Some residents of Franklin County said they received as much as five inches of rain while others reported as much as six inches or more.

The United States Geological Survey (USGS) site revealed the Pigg River crested at 16 feet just before midnight Sunday. Flood stage is 15 feet. The water was running at 10,000 cubic feet per second (CFS) at that time.

Totals for the Blackwater River, which is not as wide as the Pigg, crested just before midnight Saturday at 9 feet, with the water flowing at 3,000 cubic feet per second.

The National Weather Services only instruments maintained on Scuffling Hill Road in Rocky Mount measured an official total of 3.82 inches. The rain gauge is checked at 7 a.m. daily and a break-down of the total shows 2.9 inches at 7 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 8 and .90 of an inch at 7 a.m. Sunday. Mondays reading was 0.20 of an inch.

A similar reading was taken by an amateur weather keeper in the Ferrum area. Those readings were 1.2 inches Friday night and another 2.60 inches Saturday night for the 3.8-inch total.

There was a noticeable increase in traffic Sunday morning crossing the Power Dam Road bridge as people drove by to see if there was any change in the landscape of the Pigg River, where the old Rocky Mount power dam was breached en route to being partially demolished.

Shenandoah Stream Works of Greenville started work on the dam Aug. 29. Plans call for leaving 30 feet of the structure on each end with the center taken out to the rivers original bed level.

The first trees and debris left at the site were washed down river as the water level increased. Then, as the level rescinded, a lot more debris was left in its wake.

The same was true with the Blackwater River as all the preliminary work started on rebuilding the washed out area of Blue Bend Road was still covered by water early Sunday.

Rain blown in from the hurricane put an end to the drought the county experienced last month. The county received just over an inch of rain on the first day of September with only trace amounts falling during the next three weeks before a large front moved in, adding water to the gauge on the last day of the month.

Weather forecasters reported Hurricane Matthew hit the southern part of Florida with the eye of the storm never coming inward. It continued to hug the coastline until it reached the Myrtle Beach area where it took a 45-degree right turn away from the U.S. and began a curve that would take it back to the Bermuda area as a weak tropical storm.
The Salvation Army of Martinsville will accept applications for Christmas assistance Saturday, Oct. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Franklin County Main Librarys second floor study room.

Applicants must bring a valid photo identification (drivers license, picture ID or passport), proof of expenses (utility bills, rent, etc), proof of income, birth certificates for each child, custody papers (if applicable), verification letter from SNAP/TANF and proof of residency (lease or utility bill).

Clothing and shoe sizes, as well as one want (no game systems, computers or video games) for each child and one need (clothes, sheets, towels) should also be provided.

Submission of all needed forms is required. No exceptions will be made.

The Salvation Army will be signing up children from ages birth to 12 years.

Children should not be brought to registration.

Applications will also be accepted Monday through Wednesday, Oct. 17-19 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Salvation Army building located at 603 South Memorial Boulevard in Martinsville.

For more information, call the Salvation Army at (276) 638-7259.
The Democratic and Republican candidates running for Virginias 5th Congressional District seat faced off Monday in a televised debate, presenting constituents their respective plans to transform the country and its not-so-pretty-politics.

After beginning the race in earnest about two months ago, Democrat Jane Dittmar and state Sen. Tom Garrett Jr., R-Buckingham, appeared at Piedmont Virginia Community College for a debate organized by PVCC and CBS19, a media partner of The Daily Progress.

The two candidates are vying to succeed Republican Rep. Robert Hurt, who announced late last year that he would retire from office after three terms.

Over the weekend, several Republican legislators abandoned their support for presidential candidate Donald Trump after The Washington Post revealed a 2005 recording of Trump boasting that he could sexually assault women because of his celebrity status.

Garrett continued to toe the party line, however, placing his trust in Trump.

In a statement this weekend, Garrett came short of ending his support for his partys nominee.

 I join my opponent in condemning the words of Donald Trump in the strongest possible manner, Garrett said, echoing his rival candidate.

Immediately before the debate, Garrett said he would continue to endorse Trump.

You got to choose between two very flawed candidates for who you think will be best for the future. We certainly think the Republican vision is the stronger vision, he said.

During the first half of Mondays debate, the tenor remained relatively stable until the candidates were asked about the presidential candidates.

After Garrett said he still supports Trump, he went on the offensive and criticized Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. He pointed to controversies that have dogged Clintons campaign, such as the FBI investigation into her use of a private email server when she was secretary of state.

Before the debate, Garrett said he agreed with Trumps wishes to appoint a special prosecutor to reinvestigate whether she may have committed any crimes.

We need to think about the fact that the things Tom Garrett said are so unfair. He didnt speak about his support for Trump because he doesnt want to speak about it, Dittmar said.

Dittmar said she thinks a Clinton administration would be more effective at maintaining political stability, both domestically and internationally.

Hillary Clinton may not be transformational enough for some of you, she said, but at least shes experienced and will continue to create stability, and she will let us look at some of the challenges we need to address 

The elevated tension during that snapshot of the debate subsided fairly quickly, as the debate went to an intermission before shifting from questions from a five-member panel to PVCC students.

The panel included Frank Friedman, PVCC president; Rob Jiranek, publisher of The Daily Progress; Val Thompson, CBS19 news director; Tim Saunders, WDBJ7 reporter, and Brandi Rey, vice president of the PVCC Student Government Association.

Responding to questions from students and the panel, Dittmar and Garrett provided answers similar to whats been offered in their previous debates. Both candidates have often reflected the current left-right paradigm but have agreed theres a need for economic development and less business regulation.

At the end of the debate, the two candidates distinguished themselves further.

Before underscoring her experience as a certified mediator for the states general and circuit courts, as well as her time as the former chairwoman of the Albemarle County Board of Supervisors, Dittmar said Garrett has prided himself on refusing to work with moderates.

Ask yourself, do you want tea party values in your seat? Do you possibly want to add to the paralysis and the polarization and partisanship by sending him to Washington?

Garrett, an Army veteran and former Louisa County commonwealths attorney, said Dittmar has failed to present any substantial solutions or policy proposals.

What weve seen tonight is a contrast in styles, he said, needling her for her stances on immigration, health care and foreign policy.

We need to cut regulatory red tape, shrink the federal government and power down decision-making to Virginia and our localities ... Ill be a warrior to that end in Washington, D.C.
Early this autumn the Canadian government led by Liberal Prime Minister Justin Trudeau formally announced Canadas first nationwide carbon pricing. This is an important milestone in Canadas pursuit of a low carbon energy strategy.

Securing a carbon deal was no easy feat for the Canadian Prime Minister. When carbon pricing was first announced in a meeting with the provinces in Montreal, the environment ministers of Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, all walked out. However, even in these provinces, we are seeing serious emission reduction efforts take hold.



While many provinces already participate in some form of carbon pricing agreement, as of 2018 there will be a national carbon pricing plan. As agreed upon last March in Vancouver, Trudeau and the provinces worked out a carbon pricing agreement that can either involve carbon taxes or cap-and-trade. Any province that lacks adequate plans to reduce its GHGs will be taxed by the federal government. A portion of the money raised through the scheme will go towards clean energy.

Canada is far from the first country to come up with such a scheme, the UK, Denmark, Sweden, South Korea and Mexico all have national carbon pricing. The carbon price will begin at $10 a tonne in 2018 and will increase by $10 per year until 2022. However, a carbon tax of $50 a tonne is only one-quarter of the $200 a tonne that some suggest is necessary to enable Canada to make the transition to clean energy.

Trudeaus emissions reduction plans in the energy sector include efforts to reduce methane leaks from oil and gas extraction, phasing out coal-fired power generation and measures to encourage the adoption of clean-energy technology.

Changes to energy policy are necessary if Canada is to meet its emissions reduction target (30 percent below 2005 levels by 2030). Other federal initiatives could include ending the $3.3 billion in subsidies given to oil and gas sector each year. Trudeau could also implement a national requirement for zero emission vehicle sales, more investment in renewable energy and public transportation infrastructure.

Most Canadian support carbon pricing. An Environics Institute poll suggests that 61 percent support carbon pricing, while strong opposition has fallen from 28 percent to 17 percent.

Carbon pricing is a great incentive for businesses. The Bloomberg Editorial Board heralded the news in an article titled, Canada Sets the Trend on Climate, They claim that Trudeaus approach (a) signals to the world Canada is serious about meeting its Paris obligations, (b) shows that even a fossil-fuel producing jurisdiction can summon the will to tax carbon, and (c) is revenue neutral, not a tax grab.

Due to lower commodity prices the oil and gas industry continues to cut costs and shed jobs. Nonetheless, the Canadian economy is doing well, employment grew by the most in more than four years in September. Statistics Canada reports that the latest jobs numbers show the largest job increases since April 2012. This is more than three times what was predicted.

Everything is looking pretty good in Canada until you consider that on September 27th the federal government approved a $36-billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in British Columbia. The Pacific Northwest LNG export terminal will be one of the largest sources of carbon pollution in the country. The export terminal cancels out the benefits of the newly announced national carbon pricing plan.

The project would be built on Lelu Island near Prince Rupert, B.C., in the Great Bear Rainforest. If it is build it would ship 19 million tonnes a year of liquefied gas to markets in Asia. The more than five million tonnes of CO2 it would generate each year would make it one the largest single greenhouse gas emitters in Canada, according to the Canadian Environmental Assessment Agency.

Trudeau is being criticized for the contradiction inherent in announcing a national carbon pricing just after he approves the LNG terminal carbon bomb. The terminal will still have to meet stringent environmental assessment guidelines including 190 conditions and more consultations. It will also be the first project in Canada to cap emissions.

The math makes no sense. Even if the economics of the venture work out, the carbon budget does not. As Bill McKibben explains in the National Observer, Trudeaus action, defies the unassailable arithmetic of climate change, a calculus that only gets stronger with each week of emerging science. We simply cannot afford to burn known oil and gas reserves and stay within 2 degrees Celsius of pre-industrial norms.

The terminal also contradicts the Prime Ministers promise to foster nation-to-nation relations with First Nations and honour the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. First nations fought hard to make the Great Bear Rainforest a conservation area and now they are preparing to launch a massive series of lawsuits against the government in the wake of the LNG decision.

Prime Minister Trudeau promised to make climate change a priority and so far it turns out he was half right.
Domestic violence cases increase in Des Moines County this year

Advocates say there was a spike in domestic abuse cases in Des Moines County this past year. But not all incidents are being reported to police.
It's become the annual Thanksgiving controversy: Should all stores (save for the ones hawking turkey and stuffing) be closed on Thanksgiving and Black Friday so that employees can enjoy the holiday with their families?

Several employers think so, resulting in a growing list of stores closed on Thanksgiving and the Friday after, which has become a dreaded nightmare for anyone who works retail.
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If you have a Volkswagen or Audi diesel car vehicle included in a proposed settlement in the fraud emissions scandal, there are some taxing questions to consider.

Like paying state taxes.

Department of Revenue Services Commissioner Kevin Sullivan said Volkswagen and Audi diesel car owners affected by the proposed settlement should consider how Connecticut sales tax applies as they decide whether to take the buyback, keep their car, or trade-in their car to a dealership.

A proposed settlement between Volkswagen/Audi, the U.S. Department of Environmental Protection and other regulators is in response to software installed in certain Volkswagen and Audi diesel cars that gave false readings to pass emissions testing. The court is expected to approve the agreement by the end of the year.

It is important for consumers to get all the facts and be aware of the tax implications before making a decision, Sullivan said in a release.

Owners of 2009 through 2015 TDI 2.0-liter diesel Volkswagen or Audi cars will have two choices under the settlement once it is approved:

Cash for the buyback of the car (or early termination of the lease), or keeping the car and have modifications done to the emissions software, plus receive cash.

If the owner chooses to take the buyback payment and use it to purchase another car, Connecticut sales and use taxes will be due on the purchase price of the car - including the buyback amount. There is no trade-in credit.

More Information The settlement The settlement partially resolves allegations that Volkswagen violated the Clean Air Act by the sale of approximately 500,000 model year 2009 to 2015 motor vehicles containing 2.0 liter diesel engines equipped with "defeat devices." The major excess pollutant at issue in this case is oxides of nitrogen, a serious health concern. Volkswagen is required to remove from commerce in the United States or perform an emissions modification on at least 85 percent of the affected 2.0 liter vehicles (recall rate). To achieve this recall, Volkswagen must offer every owner and lessee of an affected vehicle the option of a buyback or lease termination. Additionally, if Volkswagen submits a proposal for modifying the vehicles to improve emissions performance in accordance with certain performance and design requirements (emissions modification), and EPA approves it, Volkswagen must offer owners and lessees the option of an emissions modification. In the event that Volkswagen does not achieve the 85 percent recall rate, it must pay additional money into a mitigation trust. Volkswagen has also agreed to pay eligible consumers compensation for alleged consumer damages related to marketing and sale of the 2.0 liter vehicles with defeat devices. Volkswagen estimates that the total cost of achieving the 85 percent recall rate required under the settlement, and satisfying the FTC stipulated order and class action settlement agreement, will be up to $10.033 billion. In addition to the recall, under the CAA 2.0 liter partial settlement, Volkswagen will pay $2.7 billion to fully remediate the excess oxides of nitrogen from the affected 2.0 liter vehicles. The settlement will require Volkswagen to invest an additional $2 billion to promote the use of zero emission vehicles. Source: EPA. More information: https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/volkswagen-clean-air-act-partial-settlement The Federal Trade Commission has consumer information on the VW settlement: What does the record VW settlement mean for you? Early VW buyback offers could cost you. See More Collapse

This is not a typical trade-in under Connecticut law where a motor vehicle dealership accepts a vehicle from a customer as a trade-in and applies a credit toward the price of another vehicle. Instead, there is one transaction in which the customer is being paid for his sale of the car back to VW, and then a second transaction where the customer uses that payment to purchase another vehicle from a dealership, said Sullivan.

When a car is traded-in, sales and use tax is applied on the difference between the taxable sales price of the vehicle being purchased from the dealership and the amount allowed by the dealership on the car being traded in, Sullivan added. This trade-in reduces the sales tax amount owed on the car being purchased.

If the owner chooses to keep the car and have the modifications made to the emissions software, there are no sales tax implications for the owner of the car, Sullivan added.
Bass Pro Shops Chief Executive Johnny Morris said he wouldnt make false promises that all jobs are safe at Cabelas Sidney, Nebraska, headquarters, where he addressed some employees Tuesday.

But he reassured the workers that some operations would remain in the companys hometown and throughout Nebraska after Bass Pro last week said that it would take over Cabelas. Morris made the remarks in closed meetings with Cabelas employees. The World-Herald obtained an audio recording of the remarks.

Morris also addressed a report in Saturdays World-Herald that quoted finance and legal experts as saying that a Bass Pro pledge to keep important bases of operations in Nebraska isnt legally binding. It is mostly puff and fluff, one finance professor said of the Bass statement.

Morris took issue with the characterization. We feel our word does have meaning, he said, and we dont take that lightly.

He continued, according to the recording: Not that theres not going to be change. Not that theres not going to be some consolidation, but we plan to have jobs here  important, significant jobs.

Still, he said, theres going to be change. Theres going to be some slimming down.

A Bass Pro spokesman confirmed the meetings in Sidney. The spokesman said Morris, who founded Bass Pro, also committed to keeping three call centers open in the state in Grand Island, Kearney and North Platte, as well as the Cabelas Club credit card operations in Lincoln.

Cabelas didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Morris held two meetings at the Sidney headquarters, according to internal company documents obtained by The World-Herald. He addressed about 300 employees at each one. Employees were required to enter into a lottery to be chosen to attend one of the meetings. The company employs about 2,000 people in Sidney, a city of 6,800.

During the meeting, Morris disclosed that this isnt the first time that Cabelas and Bass Pro had thought of a tie-up: About 10 years ago, shortly after Cabelas became a publicly traded company, Morris said he met with Chairman Jim Cabela and former Chief Executive Dennis Highby to discuss the companies merging, but the deal fell through.

Morris said he again met with current Chief Executive Tommy Millner and Jim Cabela shortly after Millner took the helm in 2009 to discuss the companies merging  perhaps with Cabelas buying Bass Pro. Millner introduced Morris to the employees at the Tuesday meeting, according the recording.

We had this secret rendezvous meeting at some hole-in-the-wall place in Denver, Morris said. We went there, and we had lunch. We were discussing the same things: Is there a way maybe our companies can come together? It obviously didnt work out.

Meanwhile, Morris said he has never talked to anyone at Elliott Management, the New York-based hedge fund that took a big stake in Cabelas last year and pressed for big changes, which culminated in the $5.5 billion sale to Bass Pro that was announced last week.

Elliott indirectly reached out to us, but we refused to have any contact with them at any time throughout this, even to this day, Morris said.

A spokesman for Elliott didnt respond to messages left Tuesday. Elliott has made at least $90 million off the transaction so far, according to a World-Herald calculation.

Morris and Bass Pro Shops President Jim Hagale met Monday with Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts and the states Department of Economic Development representatives, as well as with Sidney Mayor Mark Nienhueser, Sidney City Manager Ed Sadler and other community leaders.

Ricketts and Sidney leaders talked about why Nebraska is a great place for Cabelas to grow under its new ownership, according to Taylor Gage, spokesman for Ricketts. They promoted Nebraskas workforce and infrastructure as well as potential tax incentives for Bass Pro, Gage said.

Morris also said he visited the Worlds Foremost Bank office in Lincoln, where the company operates the Cabelas Club credit card.

(Capital One, which has partnered with Bass Pro to purchase Cabelas credit card operation, also said last week that it would maintain the office in Lincoln but did not offer any details.)

Morris shed some light on what might become of the Cabelas and Bass Pro brands. He said he expects to combine both brands, and Cabelas signage could even be added to the exterior of Bass Pro Shops stores.

Thats just one idea, a Bass Pro Shops spokesman said later.

Morris told employees that he expects Cabelas hunting and camping merchandise to be incorporated into Bass Pro stores, and Bass Pro fishing and boating gear to be incorporated into Cabelas existing stores.

Whats going to separate us more, we think, from competition is by having one outlet for these great national brands.
There are too many faults stacked in Donald Trumps towering inferno. Republicans have trained themselves to downplay his negatives such that he seems poised to destroy the GOP. Hillary Clinton knows them well. During the debate Sunday night she recited a handy list of his sins: Trump never apologizes. He didnt make amends to the Khans, the Muslim Gold Star parents who lost a son in Iraq. He suggests crazy, unrealistic schemes like barring Muslims from entering the United States. He made fun of a disabled reporter and stoked the absurd birther rumors about Americas first black president.

His staunchest defenders know his demerits well, yet they are so demoralized about the direction of this country that they have chosen to see his shortcomings as strengths. At least, they tell themselves, Trump breaks the mold.

Trump certainly broke with etiquette by inviting to the debate Paula Jones, Kathleen Willey and Juanita Broaddrick three women who had accused Bill Clinton of sexual assault. To his die-hard fans, Trump demonstrated that he is not afraid to get bloody in a partisan fistfight. To me, it seemed an act of unnecessary cruelty toward Hillary Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea. The Commission on Presidential Debates probably saved Trump from himself in refusing to allow Clintons accusers to sit in the Trump family box.

Likewise, Trump nailed Hillary Clinton. The Donald faulted the former first lady for enabling her husbands extramarital behavior. Too bad for Trump that his reasoning ends with the realization that both Bubba and The Donald are dogs. When Trump said, Nobody has more respect for women than I do, Fox News Frank Luntzs real-time polling showed Trumps numbers tank.

Trump was best when he challenged Clintons self-serving story about her homebrew email server. I take responsibility for using a personal email account, she responded. Obviously, if I were to do it over again, I would not. Im not making any excuses. It was a mistake. And I am very sorry about that. If there were a debate fairy, then Id make one wish. Can someone please ask Clinton: What does it mean when you take responsibility? How is it different from when you do not take responsibility?

Self-styled undecided voters asked questions that suggested they were not really undecided. Am I supposed to believe that the Muslim woman who asked both candidates what theyd do about Islamaphobia was thinking of voting for Donald Trump?

Moderators Martha Raddatzs and Anderson Coopers questions followed the same trail of breadcrumbs  questions that get asked over and over again but never really get answered. They always ask about Syria and the fate of Aleppo. Then Clinton always says shes against putting U.S. boots on the ground in Syria  when theyre already there. Then Trump brags hell destroy ISIS  after he falsely claims to have opposed the war in Iraq from the start. Is there a philosophy behind those statements? Not that youd notice.

Trump forgot to mention Clintons recently leaked remarks in support of open trade and open borders  no shock, given his limited attention span. Still, its practically professional malpractice that neither moderator asked Clinton what she would do to support border security, given immigrations role in the GOP primary. Which undocumented immigrants would get to stay, and which, if any, would have to go? Clintons answer to that question might inform voters. Instead the town-hall debate served as a popularity contest. More voters have an unfavorable view of Hillary Clinton than favorable, but a majority apparently believe they have nowhere else to go.

Email Debra J. Saunders at dsaunders@sfchronicle.com.
Beware the Boos! Phillies fans will get say on Astros cheating scandal

The Houston Astros have heard all the taunting since their 2017 cheating scandal, but for the first time, they will be hearing it in Philadelphia.
Madison County Sheriff's Department Captain Mike Dixon announced to the media Wednesday morning that Christopher M. Derleth is now in custody at the Madison County Jail.

Derleth, 39 of Bond County, agreed to waive his right to extradition at a hearing Oct. 4 in Kanawha County Court, in Charleston, West Virginia.

On Sept. 19, charges of kidnapping and parental abduction were filed against Derleth by the Madison County State's Attorney's office.

Derleth is accused of taking his step-daughter and her 4-week-old son from their foster home in rural Edwardsville on Sept. 17.

A court order previously issued in Bond County prevented Christopher Derleth from having contact with his daughter, Katherine Derleth, pending an ongoing criminal investigation.

Following the abduction, a nationwide alert was put out for Derleth, who was traveling in a green 1997 Mercury Villager minivan with Illinois license plate number E833210.

The three individuals were located in rural West Viginia, where authorities had concentrated their search.

Madison County State's Attorney Tom 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. He was taken into custody without incident.
Alton has been designated one of six official Illinois Gateway Communities in the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area (ALNHA).

Officials from the Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition - the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area and Alton Mayor Brant Walker and Alton Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau President/CEO Brett Stawa took part in the announcement.

Statewide the Gateway Communities include: Bloomington-Normal, Quincy, Danville, Springfield and Charleston. In each of the Gateways, visitors to the Heritage Area will find a visitor friendly place to get information about what to do, where to stay, and places to see. From the Gateway Communities, travelers are encouraged to explore the ALNHA and other nearby communities.

It is appropriate for Alton to be named a Gateway Area, Stawar said. With our historic ties to Abraham Lincoln we are uniquely positioned to continue to share the Lincoln legacy with visitors across the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.

In addition to formally announcing the Gateways, Looking for Lincoln also announced the new ALNHA highway signage program. In its first phase, 12 new highway signs have been located near the borders of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area.

Sarah Watson, Executive Director of Looking for Lincoln - ALNHA, stated, These signs are a great step toward continuing to let people know about us. And, as a Gateway to the Heritage Area, Quincy is part of a major effort to show the world that the ALNHA is a tremendous travel destination with an important story to share - the life and times of Abraham Lincoln.

Designed by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), the signs are similar to those scattered throughout the US denoting National Forests and National Parks. Located along both State and Federal highways, the signs outline the boundaries of the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area to let travelers know they have entered a Federally designated heritage area. The signs are the culmination of a two-year effort between Looking for Lincoln and IDOT.

Watson added, Now, when visitors travel on our highways entering the Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area, theyll know they are in the midst of an area that is identified as being significant to the history and heritage of our country. It reminds both our visitors and our residents that this 42-county region represents an important chapter in our national story.  Watson went on to thank IDOT Deputy Director, Rich Brauer, and IDOT engineer, Kyle Armstrong, for their support in making this happen. These guys, and the staff at IDOT, worked closely with us to find the best locations and to design and install signs that would meet all of the Federal and State highway signage guidelines. The signs have been placed near key rest areas around the heritage area so that visitors after seeing the signs will be able to stop and pick up information about the ALNHA and its many communities, sites and attractions.

Watson said Looking for Lincoln and its partner communities are working on future plans to eventually include directional road signage and welcome signage for designated Looking for Lincoln communities throughout the ALNHA.

The Looking for Lincoln Heritage Coalition is the coordinating entity for the 42-county Abraham Lincoln National Heritage Area. It is a partnership of organizations and individuals dedicated to enhancing and helping to promote the communities, landscapes and people of central Illinois whose natural, cultural and historical legacies helped to shape the man who would become President Abraham Lincoln. For more information about the Looking for Lincoln and the National Heritage Area, visit www.lookingforlincoln.com.
Finding ways to improve communication and cut red tape dominated the discussion at a meeting recently between local officials, members of the Madison County Energy Advisory Board and the director of the Illinois EPA.

It was held at the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at SIUE.

Representatives from companies such as Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery and Piasa Motor Fuels were on hand as well.

In talking with them, I was amazed when they said that the Illinois EPA is sometimes stricter than the federal EPA, said County Board Chairman Alan Dunstan in a phone interview after the meeting. We said Well, if thats the case, we should have a meeting with the IPEA.

State Sen. Bill Haine arranged it, and invited IEPA Director Alec Messina to address the group. We need to improve communications and we have been working on that, Messina said of the IEPAs efforts. At the same time, it is important that we know ahead of time what projects are on the drawing board so we can plan accordingly. I believe this would be beneficial to everyone.

Dunstan cited a company representative who told him he had a project in Illinois and a similar project in another state. In one state it took two months to get the permit process through, and in Illinois it took them about two years to get the thing through. If you want to attract businesses to Illinois - and specifically to Madison County - we have to cut through some of this red tape with the EPA.

Like many agencies in Illinois, the IEPA in recent years has had to work with fewer employees than in the past.

But Messina said the agency has been working toward an expedited permitting process that will alleviate concerns.

When youre in business, Dunstan said, you cant afford a two-year delay. Especially when you can go to another state and get it done in two months. It makes the other state look more competitive.

Members of the Madison County Energy Advisory Board include Melissa Erker, Phillips 66 Wood River Refinery; Jim Potje, Ameren Illinois; Andrew Jones, Southwestern Electric Cooperative; Don Vichitvongsa, Sun Coke Energy; Bradley Ross, Abengoa Bioenergy; Courtney Breckenridge, NCERC at SIUE; Matt Schrimpf, HWRT Oil Co., Kevin Connor, Linde LLC; and Dan Cook City of Highland Light & Power.
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Linkedin Evan A. Laksmana Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

Despite the hype surrounding Indonesias campaign for a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council, dealing with China, a country that is no longer rising and is instead behaving like a regional hegemon, remains the countrys toughest foreign policy test.

Gone are the days when buzzwords like peaceful rise and charm offensive dominate Chinas engagement with Southeast Asia. Even phrases like win-win cooperation ring hollow, as we have recently seen with how Beijings media mouthpieces bullied Singapore over the regions legitimate concerns in the South China Sea.

It is also becoming harder to ignore Chinas deliberate wedge-driving that fractured ASEAN unity and consequently undermined its centrality. Further more, while some US actions can be counterproductive in the South China Sea (e.g. freedom of navigation operations), Chinas flouting of UNCLOS processes, including the July 12 arbitral tribunal ruling, has damaging long-term repercussions for the regions fledgling regional architecture.

More importantly, Chinas encroachment on Indonesias sovereign rights around the Natunas can no longer be swept under the rug as isolated incidents. As long as Beijing continues to claim historic fishing rights in parts of our waters  as its official maps continue to present  Indonesias maritime space remains insecure.

And yet, even with its maritime interests compromised as the region undergoes strategic flux, Indonesia seems unable or unwilling to step up to the plate.

On the South China Sea, for example, observers believe that Indonesia has indeed taken a position: to seek strategic autonomy while maintaining an honest broker non-claimant role. The biggest flaw with this hedging strategy? It is basically a cop-out  it is devoid of leadership and does nothing to change Beijings calculus or the shifting facts on the ground, so to speak.

In the meantime, Indonesias strategic capital is withering away.

Lest we forget, in international politics, perception is more important than reality, and President Joko Jokowi Widodos Indonesia has been perceived to be shrinking from its leadership role, caring only about a narrow domestic development agenda and even willing to sacrifice ASEAN at the altar of better relations with China.

One way to overturn these perceptions is to craft and publicly execute a China policy based on three principles: coherence, balance and independence.

A coherent position requires Jakarta to get its foreign policy-making house in order even as it invites new stakeholders, such as the ministries of defense and fisheries, the Navy and the coast guard (for the Natunas and the South China Sea).

An ideal solution would be to create an executive National Security Council (NSC). This isnt the council of principals (consisting of the military and police chiefs with the ministers of defense and foreign affairs, for example) envisioned by the now-defunct national security bill. Instead, an executive NSC should be under the Presidents office and act as a centralized information center and policy advice hub the President can call on.

In short, dealing with Beijing requires a collective effort coordinated by a single hub. China is too important a foreign policy test to be left to the sole purview of diplomats.

A balanced great power management, meanwhile, entails that we dont fully side with one power at the expense of another, while ensuring that we protect our national interests  a policy of pragmatic equidistance, in short.

This means that Jakarta should continue deepening its comprehensive strategic partnership with Beijing, for example, but on equal terms and not at the expense of other strategic partnerships. This also requires a realization that, economically, the narrative that Indonesia needs China more than the other way around is flawed.

In a recent 2016 study, Indonesia-China Economic Relations in the Twenty-First Century: Opportunities and Challenges, Yuki Fukuoka and Kiki Verico show that China has actually benefited more from the expanding trade relations with Indonesia. This is primarily because China enjoys comparative advantage in a broader range of trading products (77 percent, most notably in manufactured products) than Indonesia.

Consequently, as the study argues, Indonesias biggest export to China has mostly been from the natural resource sector (mining exports reached US$5.82 billion in 2010, 41.4 percent of total exports). So the fear that China would play the economic coercion card if Indonesia stands up forcefully  for our sovereign rights in the Natunas, for UNCLOS and for our fellow ASEAN members in the South China Sea  seems unwarranted.

Regionally, a balanced China policy requires Indonesia to take its leadership role more seriously beyond last-minute pushes during ASEAN meetings. If Jakarta believes multilateralism to be the best course of action, then invest in it and take the lead, but if our interests dictate that multilateralism is too cumbersome, then we need a more geopolitically nimble strategy  one that does not rely on the good graces of Washington and Beijing, but instead focuses on other regional partners like India, Australia, or Japan.

Finally, an independent China policy means that our national interests  not the personal interests of some members of the political elite  dictate when and how we should craft an assertive, proactive and balanced foreign policy.

Often the independent part of the bebas aktif doctrine is interpreted as being free from external intervention, but as we have seen recently such interventions may come through back doors in the domestic political arena. Put differently, domestic politics has taken over geopolitics when it comes to Indonesias China policy.

Of course, independence also depends on shedding bureaucratic group-thinks and abandoning rhetorical positions that give us short-term flexibility but long-term stagnation (e.g. the non-claimant position). But overall, combining the improvement of domestic maritime governance and foreign policymaking with flexible diplomatic positions should put us in the best position to be independent in crafting our China policy.

___________________________

The writer is a researcher at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Jakarta.
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Linkedin Bree Fowler (Associated Press) New York, United States  Wed, October 12, 2016

Samsung has officially scrapped the Note 7. So what's next for consumers?

Reports of battery fires first prompted a round of recalls followed by exchanges for what the company said were safer devices. Then Samsung was forced to junk the huge phone-bordering-on-tablet altogether after reports that the replacement phones were causing fires too. All of the major U.S. mobile carriers halted sales and trade ins.

So what's a Note 7 owner to do? Here are some answers to common questions:

___

I HAVE ONE OF THE REPLACEMENT PHONES. DO I REALLY NEED TO STOP USING IT?

Absolutely. The multiple investigations into replacement units catching fire and the fact Samsung has pulled the plug on the model should tell you something.

In addition, South Korean safety authorities said Tuesday that they may have found a new defect that may not be related to the batteries.

If you insist on using a Note 7 until obtaining a replacement, don't plug it in at night at your bedside, and don't give it to your kids. Use it at your own risk.

___

HOW BAD HAVE THE FIRES BEEN?

Social media are filled with pictures of smoldering phones. While dramatic, these occurrences are far from common. But you don't want to become the next headline.

Michael Klering of Nicholasville, Kentucky, says his replacement Note 7 caught fire while he was sleeping last week. The fire scorched a nightstand and filled his house with smoke that he says has caused his family to suffer breathing problems.

And when U.S. regulators announced their recall of the original Note 7s last month, they cited 92 reports of the batteries overheating in the U.S., including 26 reports of burns and 55 of property damage. The property damage included fires in cars and a garage.

(Read also: Samsung stops making Galaxy Note 7s as fresh problems emerge)

___

DID I JUST WASTE NEARLY A THOUSAND DOLLARS ON THE NOTE 7?

Samsung has been slow to release specific information on the replacement phones. Its initial recall offered owners a refund, a replacement Note 7 or another Samsung phone such as the Galaxy S7 with a refund of any difference in price.

While the replacement phone isn't an option anymore, the offer of a refund or another model of Samsung phone still stands. All major U.S. carriers are also letting customers switch to another manufacturer's phone.

Customers who exchange a Note 7 for another Samsung product also get a $25 in the form of a gift card, in-store credit or bill credit from select carriers or retailers.

___

WHAT ABOUT ACCESSORIES?

It depends on the carrier. T-Mobile and AT&T, for instance, are giving full refunds on accessories.

Some Samsung gadgets, such as its Gear Fit2 fitness tracker, will work with other Android phones. The Gear VR virtual reality headset requires a recent Samsung phone, though.

___

I'D LIKE TO STICK WITH SAMSUNG. WHAT'S AVAILABLE?

The Galaxy S7, which came out in March, doesn't offer the same huge screen as the Note 7, but it has many of the same features. Notable exceptions are the Note 7's iris scanner and pen.

Samsung's Galaxy S8 is expected in February or March, making the S7 feel old already. Even older is last year's Note 5 (there was no Note 6).

It's unlikely that Samsung will try to push out the S8 earlier to fill the gap, as the company is dependent on parts that might not be ready until next year.

___

COULD OTHER PHONES CATCH FIRE?

Given consumer demand for batteries that are more powerful, last longer and charge faster, it's a little surprising that Note 7 is the only phone catching fire these days.

Not that long ago, some laptop batteries were going up in flames too.

The Note 7 is still being dissected by tech experts for Samsung and the government. They may find that the problem isn't with the battery at all.
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Tue, October 11 2016

Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu has rejected a request from the Indonesian Military (TNI) for its personnel to be granted voting rights, saying it could lead to the countrys disintegration.

I dont want the TNI to be involved in politics, especially as the [Indonesian] political situation is still not yet fully developed, Ryamizard told journalists on Monday in response to a request made by TNI commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo.

Allowing the TNI to vote in elections could also create disunity, as military personnel who supported different political parties might create factions within the military itself, Ryamizard said

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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama has demanded Jakarta City Council to restart the deliberation of two bills related to reclamation projects in Jakarta Bay after the bills were stopped, following the arrest of a city councilor late last year.

The two bills are on Coastal Area and Islet Zonation Plan (RZWP3K) and Spatial Plan of Strategic Areas (RTRKS) on the north coast of Jakarta.

The RZWP3K bill is ready to be approved, while the disagreement on the RTRKS bill concerns one article on additional contribution. From their testimony, developers did not object to 15 percent of additional contribution, Ahok said as reported by tribunnews.com on Wednesday.

Ahok cited testimonies made by several officials of reclamation developers during the trial of Muhammad Sanusi, the city councilor, who was arrested for allegedly receiving bribes from a developer, who reportedly sought the decrease of additional contribution from 15 percent to 5 percent. Former CEO of Agung Podomoro Land and another official have been found guilty for bribing Sanusi.

Additional contribution was calculated from the sales of properties developed on the reclaimed land. Apart from being required to pay additional contribution, the reclamation developers were also required to put aside 5 percent of reclaimed land for the administration.

Meanwhile, Maritime Affairs and Fishery Minister Susi Pudjiastuti has called on the city administration to stop the reclamation project, pending the evaluation of its impact on the environment by the central government. She also said that Jakarta administration could not work alone in implementing the reclamation. (bbn)
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Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

Never has the country seen a politician as blunt as Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama, who has won as many detractors as supporters during his two-year stint as the capitals leader.



Ahok is no ordinary politician who easily follows the dos and donts of political communication.



While the two politicians have many stark differences, Ahok shares one trait with US presidential candidate Donald Trump: Like the US Republican Party, the alliance of political parties backing Ahok is now wary of their nominees inclination to make controversial remarks, which analysts said would take a toll on his electability ahead of the February gubernatorial vote.



During a press conference in Blitar, East Java, on Monday, Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri told the governor to keep his mouth shut when ambushed by journalists. The leader of the largest political party in the pro-Ahok coalition said

journalists would likely ask him leading questions so that whatever [Ahok] said would come off negative.



Megawati made the statement following an uproar over Ahok repeating a verse from the Quran that is used by some Muslim groups to oppose his election as governor. The governor said he meant to criticize the use of religion in politics, but some Muslims took his words as an insult to their holy book.



The gaffe has offended even Islamic groups that are traditionally considered moderate and which have claimed neutrality in the election. Ahok has apologized for the incident, but the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) on Tuesday issued an official statement asking the Jakarta Police to follow up on complaints filed against Ahok, who it said had clearly defamed the Quran.



Some groups, including the youth wing of Muhammadiyah, the nations second-largest Muslim organization, have asked the police to charge Ahok with blasphemy.



That was not the first time Ahok had triggered an uproar.



In August, he made national headlines after saying the countrys second-largest city, Surabaya, was equivalent to South Jakarta, despite their striking difference in size.



The size of Surabaya is 374.8 square kilometers and that of South Jakarta is 145.73.



Ahok made the statement in response to people who said the sidewalks in Surabaya were better than the ones in Jakarta. As a resident of Surabaya, I have dignity [] Surabaya is not the same size as South Jakarta, Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini angrily responded.



Surabaya residents took to the streets to protest Ahoks statement, which they considered an insult to their city.



But the latest gaffe has the potential to derail Ahoks chances in the election, with his opponents likely to use it to support their claim that the governor, a Christian of Chinese descent, is unfit to be a leader of Muslims, who make up about 90 percent of eligible voters.



The incident has further fueled sectarianism in the election, with several popular preachers, including Abdullah Gymnatiar, asking Muslims not to vote for Ahok.



Pelita Harapan University political analyst Emrus Sihombing said Ahoks communication style was his Achilles heel and that it would hurt the publics overall perception of him. He needs a professional spokesman to accompany him when he is acting both as a candidate in the election and as a governor,

he said.



Following the uproar, members of the pro-Ahok coalition have defended their candidate to minimize the political damage, assuring voters he did not intend to insult Islam.



Ahoks campaign team has appointed 20 individuals to be the governors spokespeople during the election. Bestari Barus, one of those appointed, said they would conduct a meeting very soon to determine a better communication strategy for the incumbent.



Jakarta-based Polltracking Indonesia showed in a survey released last month that having a blunt personality was among the reasons why Ahoks approval rating had dropped because people considered him rude. The pollster noted that Ahoks electability rating in September was below 50 percent, down from about 70 percent in March.

_____________________________



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Linkedin Tess Bacalla (The Jakarta Post) Manila  Wed, October 12 2016

As the international backlash continues over Philippine President Rodrigo Dutertes bloody war on drugs, the lack of due process and the consequent deaths of suspects in his campaign, ASEAN, along with its individual member states, has been characteristically silent.

For instance, ASEANs leaders and ministers met at the ASEAN summit in the Lao capital Vientiane in September and discussed a range of issues in the region and beyond. But neither the organization nor its members raised a whimper about rights concerns on the extrajudicial killings of supposed drug users and pushers since Duterte assumed office on June 30.

News reports put the figure of alleged users and pushers killed at 3,000 since Duterte assumed office on June 30.

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Linkedin (Associated Press) Canberra  Wed, October 12, 2016

An Australian government report has found that extremist groups could have the capability to launch damaging cyberattacks on Australia within three years.

The report by the Australian Cybersecurity Center released says extremist groups seeking to harm Western interests currently pose "a low cyberthreat."

But the report says that while their cybercapabilities were "rudimentary" and capable of compromising only poorly secured internet-connected services, they showed signs of improving significantly in the near future.

The report says: "It is unlikely terrorists will be able to compromise a secure network and generate a significant disruptive or destructive effect for at least two or three years."

Minister Assisting the Prime Minister for Cybersecurity, Dan Tehan, told Australian Broadcasting Corp. that the threat of cyberterrorism is "real."
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

BRISyariah, a subsidiary of state-owned lender Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI), has plans to undertake an initial public offering (IPO) in the next two years in a bid to get an alternative source of funds to expand its businesses.

We will prepare an IPO plan in 2017. Once it is completed, we will be ready for an IPO in 2018, BRISyariahs business director Indra Praseno told journalists in Jakarta on Wednesday.

BRISyariah president director Moch Hadi Santoso said the company planned to release about Rp 1 trillion (US$76.73 million) worth of capital into the bourse.

BRISyariah would use the funds it obtained from the IPO to strengthen its capital and to expand its funding portfolio into the infrastructure sector. Its current portfolio mostly catered to the retail and business segments, he said.

Hadi added that BRISyariah had started to fund a toll road project for a state-owned enterprise, although the figure was not too significant.

With more and more people becoming increasingly interested in using sharia banking services, he said, the opportunity for BRISyariah to expand its services had improved considerably.

BRISyariah aims to expand its total financing to Rp 18.8 trillion by the end of the year from around Rp 17.7 trillion in September 2016, Indra said. (win/ebf)
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Linkedin Safrin La Batu (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12 2016

Local authorities in the Thousand Islands have confiscated hundreds of candies and lollipops they mistakenly thought contained narcotic substances being sold by street vendors near elementary schools in the regency.

The Thousand Islands Police and Public Order Agency officers seized the Permen Jari (Candy Fingers) in an operation on Monday, after the National Narcotics Agency (BNN), apparently reacting to unfounded suspicions reported to it by some parents, indicated that a certain brand of candies sold to children might contain narcotics.

However, Tangerangs Food and Drug Monitoring Agency (BPOM) chief medical officer Lisa Puspitadewi confirmed on Tuesday that based on laboratory tests conducted by her agency, the candies were found to be free of any drugs.

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Linkedin Dylan Amirio (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

In order to achieve its grand infrastructure dreams, President Joko Jokowi Widodos administration must eradicate deeply entrenched stumbling blocks that have deterred private sector investment, a consultants report states.

Transparency and regulatory problems are among nine historic obstacles identified as the key challenges to private sector investment in Indonesias infrastructure projects, according to a report by the Jakarta office of consulting giant PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), published on Tuesday.

A lack of transparency in pipeline projects and the procurement process, an uncertain regulatory framework and policy flip-flops, as well as an unreliable judicial system to enforce contracts, top the list of issues needing to be solved to achieve the Presidents infrastructure ambitions.

What the Indonesian government has to do more is to understand what motivates private investors and create the conditions necessary for investment, PwC technical advisor for Indonesia Julian Smith said.

Almost all of the projects listed as ready for tender in the 2015 Book of PPP (Public Private Partnership) Projects have stalled for one reason or another. Strong political will is a critical factor in driving forward bottlenecked projects, the report reads.

Jokowi scrapped multibillion dollar energy subsidies shortly after taking office in 2014 and redirected a large portion of the funds saved for infrastructure spending, to unlock potential economic growth of up to 7 percent in Southeast Asias largest economy.

However, total government infrastructure spending, which rose by a substantial 51 percent to Rp 209 trillion year-on-year (yoy) in 2015, was still lower than the planned 63 percent rise. Budget disbursement also fell to 72 percent in 2015 from 78 percent in the previous year.

Also, a fiscal revenue shortfall has forced the government to cut some infrastructure spending.

It should also be noted that not all of this spending has immediately flowed down to actual construction activity, since it includes money disbursed by the central government but not yet spent on construction and also administration costs of line ministries, PwC states.

The international consultants therefore advise the government to reduce its reliance on state firms, which do not always have the management capacity and funding for the tasks they are allocated.

Streamlined land acquisition, capacity building in project preparation, as well as better coordination within government institutions are also desperately needed, they say.

PwC also calls for continued improvement in the investment climate such as in transparency and deregulation to improve the countrys ease-of-doing-business ranking, as President Jokowi aims to jump to 40th position, from the current 109th of 189 countries surveyed for the World Banks index.

Adding to the problems of infrastructure investment, state-owned infrastructure financing company PT Sarana Multi Infrastruktur (SMI), which gathers and disburses funds for national infrastructure projects, is still facing difficulties with land procurement.

That is despite a revision to the 2012 Land Procurement Law that was expected to expedite land acquisition, as owners will face compulsory purchase of their property if it is necessary for public infrastructure projects, while being guaranteed fair compensation.

However, lack of land tenure data recognized nationwide, including by the government and courts, has hampered implementation of the law. The challenge in the land procurement process is to do it in a transparent way so that both the land owner and investors can have faith. This transparency has not yet been fully achieved by regional governments, SMI president director Emma Sri Martini said.

The problems with the lack of transparency and uncertain regulations were also cited by Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin) advisory board member Chris Kanter as being among the main reasons why private companies hesitate before investing in an infrastructure project.

Private investors are placed in a difficult position, he said, echoing PwCs note that for private investors to spend huge sums on multi-year investments, a clear regulatory framework and strong judicial system are essential.
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Linkedin (Associated Press) Tokyo  Wed, October 12, 2016

An extensive blackout struck Tokyo on Wednesday, affecting government offices and halting trains in the Japanese capital just before the evening rush hour.

Tokyo Electric Power Co., a utility serving the Tokyo region, said officials are investigating the cause of the blackout.

The company, known as TEPCO, said smoke was detected at its unmanned power substation in Niiza city, near Tokyo, and officials are looking into whether it's related to the blackout.

TEPCO said as many as 350,000 households and offices were temporarily out of power. Electricity was restored to most of them later.

Japanese television showed black smoke billowing from the substation in a business district. There were no immediate reports of injuries. Tokyo's metropolitan police department, the land and transportation ministry and the foreign ministries were among the government offices that briefly lost power.

The Tokyo Fire Department said they received reports from people trapped inside elevators in downtown Tokyo and were assessing the situation. Traffic lights were also temporarily out in some locations in Tokyo.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference that officials are looking into the cause of the incidents, but did not answer when asked about a possible sabotage, according to NHK.
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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

The goverment will focus its first phase of the national legal reform package on five key points, which include eradicating illegal fees and smuggling, accelerating public services and permits and solving the overcapacity problem in prisons, a senior minister has said.

Explaining further, Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto said in an effort to eradicate illegal fees and bribery involving public officers, the government aimed to set up a new online platform where citizens could submit their reports on officers suspected to have imposed extra fees in their public service deliveries.

Officials would be prepared to handle the matter; they would carry out follow up measures based on the reports, he explained.

Wiranto said the legal reform would also create programs to accelerate procedures in obtaining drivers' licenses, vehicle registration (STNK), vehicle ownership documents (BPKB) and police clearance letters (SKCK), concerning extra fees given to officers to speed up the processes.

"We will also push for corruption-free and transparent IT-based services for the registration of temporary stay permits and intellectual property rights. These will be included in the first phase of the reform package to accelerate comprehensive services," he said on Tuesday.

The minister said the legal reform package, the government would introduce in October, would also mandate the establishment of a task force to eradicate smuggling through sea routes, which will hopefully lead to maximal operations of small seaports. The goal with this measure is that the national economy would not be damaged by the circulation of illegal goods.

On the penitentiary revitalization, Wiranto said 80 percent of penitentiaries in Indonesia were at overcapacity. Therefore, the government planned to relocate some of the most problematic prisoners, of whom have been tried for committing extraordinary crimes, such as terrorism and drug smuggling.

He said there would be a special system for people found guilty of committing misdemeanors in which they did not need to undergo a legal process in court.

"There will be new and efficient mechanisms [to punish the offenders], such as imposing fines or using more persuasive methods, which aim to create a deterrent effect but without sentencing so the prison population can be reduced," Wiranto said. (ebf)
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Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

Coordinating Economic Minister Darmin Nasution has said the government is set to announce the 14th Indonesian economic policy package, which includes e-commerce development measures next week.

The senior minister further said it was President Joko Jokowi Widodo himself who had suggested the timing of the launch of the next policy package.

The President suggested that the packages launch be held at the beginning of the week. It could be on Tuesday or Wednesday, Darmin said after he attended a meeting with President Jokowi and Communications and Information Minister Rudiantara to discuss the policy package at the State Palace on Wednesday.

For the policy package, he said, the government was preparing a regulation on Indonesias e-commerce roadmap, which consisted of 31 initiatives to address seven key issues in the e-commerce sector.

They comprised human resources and education, access to capital, tax incentives, consumer protection, cyber security, logistics and communication infrastructure, he went on. (ebf)
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Linkedin Ina Parlina and Grace D. Amianti (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

In the latest chapter in the gas-rich Masela block saga, the government says it wants to run two projects, following a recent meeting with the blocks contractor.



The projects will consist of gas-drilling activities and the development of downstream businesses, said acting energy and mineral resources minister Luhut Pandjaitan at the Presidential Palace complex on Tuesday.



He met with President Joko Jokowi Widodo to inform the latter about his recent trip to Japan, where he met a number of executives of Japanese oil and gas company Inpex, including CEO Toshiaki Kitamura.



Inpex, along with Anglo-Dutch oil and gas firm Shell, are the current contractors at the block. While Inpex holds a 65 percent stake, Shell controls the remaining 35 percent.



Luhut claimed Inpex expressed appreciation for the progress in ongoing discussions about Maselas future, adding that both sides agreed to seek the middle ground.



We will not carry it out sequentially, but concurrently, in the hope that the Masela construction can be started any time in 2019, he said.



As reported before, Inpex and Shell were put in the spotlight after Jokowi decided in March that the project must be developed according to an onshore scheme, dropping the initial offshore scheme.



At the time, Jokowi said an onshore development would garner greater benefits for the economy at both national and local level. His administration has demanded that the companies revise their plan of development (POD) once again and to complete it before the end of the year.



The original POD for an offshore scheme was submitted by Inpex and Shell in 2010, but the discovery of more extensive resources led contractors to submit a revised POD last year to adjust the floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) plants capacity to 7.5 million tons per year, up from 2.5 million tons.



With the existing POD in hand, it was estimated that the gas field could start production by 2024.



This has led to predictions that the gas field will only start operating in 2026, just two years shy of Inpex and Shells contract expiration.



Meanwhile, Luhut declined to go into details regarding the location of the blocks LNG plant, but said the President would soon give his approval.



All the details are currently being calculated by both sides and they involve intensive meetings two to three times a week, he added.



In terms of costs, the government says it believes work on the Masela block will cost less than before, lower than the US$22 billion previously projected, thanks to a drop in global oil prices and reductions in material costs.



The Energy and Mineral Resources Ministry itself estimates that the approximate construction cost for an onshore refinery is around $16 billion.



However, the government has yet to decide the type of downstream businesses to be established in Masela as it mulls over establishing petrochemical and fertilizer facilities.



Inpex senior communications and relations manager Usman Slamet said it was thankful for the governments project and was looking forward to the immediate start of the Masela work.



Separately, Fabby Tumiwa, Institute for Essential Services Reform (IESR) executive director, argued that the entire Masela project was still unclear and that the explanations were merely empty words.



In order for the work to run smoothly, all components, including future downstream businesses, must be contained in a POD. The POD itself doesnt exist, he said.

_______________________



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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12 2016

The Jakarta administration is seeking to enforce a bylaw requiring every shopping mall to allocate up to 20 percent of its total area for small businesses.

The regulation, however, has been largely misinterpreted by shopping mall operators in the city.

Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama said Bylaw No. 10/2015 on empowering small businesses, required 20 percent of specific areas allocated for small businesses. However, vendors setting up kiosks in walkways in a mall did not count as part of this allocation as many shopping mall operators in the city mistakenly believed.

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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12 2016

The police have arrested a Muslim cleric, identified as Ahmad Aman Suryadi, 29, for allegedly sexually assaulting several students in the Yayasan Titipan Ilahi Muslim boarding school in Koja, North Jakarta.

During questioning Aman is reported to have told the police he had abused more than 10 students. However, as of Tuesday, the police had identified only six of the victims.

Currently, we have only identified six victims. Nonetheless, the suspect says he assaulted more than 10, said Koja Police chief Comr. Supriyanto as quoted by wartakotalive.com on Tuesday. We are investigating the possibility that the number of victims might be even higher than he claims.

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Linkedin Ben Fox and David McFadden (Associated Press) Les Cayes, Haiti  Wed, October 12, 2016

Food, water and building supplies began to reach remote corners of Haiti on Wednesday as tens of thousands of people slowly rebuilt their lives after a devastating Category 4 storm hit last week.

In the southern seaside community of Les Cayes, a UN truck delivered water to the Sous Roche neighborhood while residents including 49-year-old fisherman Justin Cambry stood in line. The delivery marked the first time the neighborhood had received any help since Hurricane Matthew hit on Oct. 4.

"Life is completely destroyed here," Cambry said. "It will take 20 years to get it all back."

Haitians helped each other regain some semblance of their pre-hurricane lives as they awaited the arrival of more aid.

A community group that formed in the southern coastal village of Les Anglais cleared tree limbs from streets and placed them into piles while others gathered scraps of wood to start rebuilding homes.

Meanwhile, more than a dozen people gathered inside a neighbor's general store in the western coastal town of Anse-d'Hainault that was serving as a makeshift shelter. The store had a small generator that provided a little light and power to charge phones.

"We're looking out for each other," said Walna Gevere, who traveled to her hometown from the capital of Port-au-Prince to be with her family.

Those who survived the storm have faced great challenges, including going days without food. The prices of bottled water, bleach and other vital items have jumped by as much as 25 percent amid worsening shortages.

Elancie Moise, an agronomist and director for the Department of Agriculture in southern Haiti, said between 80 and 100 percent of crops have been lost across the southern peninsula.

"Crisis is not the word to describe it," he said. "You need a stronger word. It is much worse. There is no food for people to eat."

In addition, there have been reports of assaults on women gathered in shelters, said Yolette Etienne, director for the UK-based group ActionAid in Haiti.

She traveled to the department of Grand-Anse in Haiti's southwest peninsula to assess the damage when she was told about the assaults.

"Fortunately, the women organized themselves to capture the men and call the police," she said, adding that shelters are taking more preventive measures.

The United Nations has called for US$120 million in aid, noting that about 750,000 people in southwest Haiti alone will need "life-saving assistance and protection" in the next three months. Overall, at least 1.4 million people need assistance, the UN said.

Meanwhile, US Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says the storm's impact has put on hold a new policy of deporting Haitians in the United States without permission, but the government intends to resume it in the future. He said US officials will have to "be sympathetic to the plight of the people of Haiti as a result." But after conditions change, "we intend to resume the policy."

The National Civil Protection headquarters in Port-au-Prince raised the official nationwide death toll to 473, which included at least 244 deaths in Grand-Anse. But local officials have said the toll in Grand-Anse alone tops 500.

Concern also was growing about an increase in cases of cholera, which has already killed roughly 10,000 people and sickened more than 800,000 since 2010.

The World Health Organization pledged to send 1 million doses of cholera vaccine to Haiti, where water and sanitation infrastructure has been severely damaged. Sandra Honore, the UN envoy for Haiti, said the health impact of Hurricane Matthew "cannot be overestimated."

Cholera cases were rising in towns such as Anse-d'Hainault, where 2-year-old Dabens Desrosiers received rehydration fluid from an IV.

"Daddy, take me home," he repeatedly murmured to his father, 31-year-old Gerson Desrosiers.

After three days of treatment, the boy was about to be discharged, but there was no home to return as the family's wooden shack was flattened by Hurricane Matthew.

___

McFadden reported from Anse-d'Hainault, Haiti. Associated Press writer Danica Coto contributed to this report from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
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Linkedin Dewi Safitri (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12 2016

The state is in dire straits financially. The tax amnesty, the supposed savior policy, has been gaining better results but still suggests weaker numbers than expected. Economic growth targets have been amended more than once.

But if youre an Indonesian pursuing a career in science or research, this could be your time. In fact, science hasnt had support this great in a very long time.

It started four years ago with scholarships worth Rp 15.6 trillion (about US$1.2 billion). The Indonesian Education Scholarship (LPDP) aims to create future leaders by sending students to quality higher education institutions around the world. The designated level is master and doctoral degrees for people younger than 40.

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Linkedin Marguerite Afra Sapiie (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

Despite the outcry from rights activists, the House of Representatives has passed a regulation in lieu of law (Perppu) on child protection that allows for sex offenders to be subjected to chemical castration.

Lawmakers engaged in a heated debate at the plenary meeting on Wednesday. From the 10 political parties at the House, only the Gerindra Party and the Prosperous Justice Party (PKS) initially refused but then agreed to join the majority in passing the regulation, with several notes.

PKS lawmaker Ledia Hanifa said the government had yet to include the House's input into the regulation, which had initially been scheduled to be passed in August. It had yet to deliberate details on the chemical castration penalty, as requested by lawmakers.

"The Perppu still lacks concern for the victims, as it only focuses on punishing the perpetrators but neglects to provide compensation, restitution and rehabilitation for victims and their families," Ledia said.

Rahayau Saraswati from Gerindra said the faction still firmly rejected the Perppu, as it had yet to produce a comprehensive solution to protect children from sexual predators. Yet Gerindra agreed to pass it as long as the House would push for further revision of the 2002 Law on Child Protection.

The Perppu, which comes after several prominent cases of sexual violence against children in the country, focuses on capital punishment and chemical castration. It has sparked local and international criticism, given Indonesias already worrying human rights record. Rights activists have repeatedly slammed the bill, saying it focuses on punishing offenders without showing adequate concern for victims. (rin)
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Linkedin Liza Yosephine (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

Indonesia and Romania have agreed to boost economic ties through the signing of a cooperation agreement between the chambers of commerce and industry of the two countries during the visit of Romanian Foreign Minister Lazar Comanescu to Jakarta.

The fact is, last night, upon my arrival to Indonesia, the chamber[s] of commerce and industry from both Indonesia and Romania have signed a memorandum of understanding on their cooperation. The agreement has opened up the path for both chambers to diversify contact between business players from both countries, Comanescu said following a bilateral meeting with his Indonesian counterpart, Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi, in Jakarta on Wednesday.

Comanescu brought a team of business delegates from various industries, including energy, construction, customer goods and agriculture. While in Indonesia he is also participating in the Trade Expo Indonesia 2016. Trade between Indonesia and Romania reached US$117.64 million in 2015.

Comanescu's visit to Indonesia is the first from a Romanian foreign minister since relations between the two countries were established 66 years ago.

Both Retno and Comanescu highlighted the potential for strengthening cooperation in infrastructure development.

There is a possibility for our two countries to strengthen bilateral relations in infrastructure because it is one of the priorities of the Indonesian government, Retno said.

Comanescu is set to meet with Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi to discuss possible forms of cooperation.

The two countries have expressed mutual support for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council. Indonesia hopes to secure a seat for the 2019-2020 term, while Romania is eyeing a seat for the 2020-2021 term. (ebf)
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Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

There is an urgent need for synergy among countries in monetary, fiscal and structural reform policies to stimulate growth and create jobs, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has said.

Sri Mulyani, the first female chair of the joint World Bank/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Development Committee (DC), said global economic growth remained sluggish in 2016, with only a modest pick-up expected in 2017.

During the World Bank  IMF Annual Meeting in Washington DC, the DC focused on aligning economic policies in the 189 IMF member countries, both monetary and fiscal policies as well as structural reforms, in a bid to push global economic growth and job creation.

"The latest assessment or analysis of global economic conditions shows that we will face an economic slowdown, and the committee saw that countries have already maximized their monetary policies. However, it needs structural and fiscal policies to stimulate the demand side and job creation," Sri Mulyani said during a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The committee also called on the World Bank and the IMF to work with countries to enhance synergy among monetary, fiscal and structural reform policies, stimulate growth, create jobs and strengthen the gains from multilateralism for all.

The minister demanded a focus on "sustainable economic growth in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs) agenda in order to reduce poverty, increase productivity and diversification and improve human capital." (bbn)
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Linkedin Ruslan Sangadji (The Jakarta Post) Palu, Central Sulawesi  Wed, October 12, 2016

The last woman in Mujahidin Indonesia Timur (MIT), Tini Susanti Kaduku, alias Umi Farel, the wife of Ali Kalora, was arrested by Operation Tinombala Task Force in Moengko Lama village, Poso Kota, Poso regency in Central Sulawesi on Tuesday.

Information from the task force revealed a tip off last week that led to the arrest. Tini was hiding in a house in Moengko Lama.

On Tuesday, the task force came to the house and confirmed that Tini was inside. They negotiated with the residents and arrested Tini, who was in a bedroom, without any fight. She was brought to the Poso Police station and was later sent to the Central Sulawesi Police station.

Operation Tinombala spokesperson Adj. Sr. Comr. Hari Suprapto said Tini was possibly pregnant, so before reaching the Central Sulawesi Police station, she would undergo a health check up in Bhayangkara Police Hospital in Palu. We suspect she is pregnant, Hari said.

Tini had followed her husband Ali Kalora along with other MIT members, led by the late Santoso.

With Tini arrested, all women in MIT have been arrested. Previously, the task force arrested Santosos wife and Basris wife. The task force is still hunting for 10 terror suspects all of whom are male. (evi)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

Attorney Otto Hasibuan is claiming that his client, murder defendant Jessica Kumala Wongso, has recently been receiving growing support from people who believe she is innocent of killing her friend Wayan Mirna Salihin, for which she is standing trial.

While reading the defense statement at the Central Jakarta District Court on Wednesday, Otto expressed his gratitude to those who have supported Jessica. People also came to the court to meet and support Jessica directly, he said, adding that the lack of evidence against Jessica convinced them that she was not guilty.

"We thank the visitors who used to bully us, but have recently turned out to support us," Otto said on Wednesday before the judges, adding that some visitors to the court gave Jessica and her team of lawyers food and gifts.

Otto also claimed that they received hundreds of emails every day from various parts of Indonesia and overseas proclaiming support for Jessica.

"Although we were bullied in the beginning, now there are a lot of people from the United States, Dumai, Wonogiri and Australia who express support for Jessica," he added. (rin)
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Linkedin Margareth S. Aritonang and Ina Parlina (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

The possible disclosure of a document detailing the facts surrounding the 2004 murder of human rights defender Munir Said Thalib could lead to a new investigation into any individuals or officials involved in the killing.

Former members of a fact-finding team into Munirs murder confirmed the document mentions the names of state officials allegedly responsible for planning the murder.

However, confusion over the whereabouts of the confidential report has created tension between human rights campaigners and the State Secretariat, which is in charge of the governments administrative documents.

In a statement released on Tuesday, the State Secretariats deputy for public relations, Masrokhan, insisted his office had no information about the fate of the report. Thus, it is impossible for the State Secretariat to disclose a document that we know nothing about, he said in a press statement.

But that statement failed to discourage Munirs supporters.

Activist Usman Hamid still clearly remembered the day when he and his colleagues from the government-sanctioned fact-finding team met then president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in June 2005.

Usman described how he and other former team members, including Mashudi Hanafi, Asmara Nababan and Amiruddin Al Rahab, among others, handed a report detailing the findings of their investigation into Munirs killing to Yudhoyono, who was at that time accompanied by his full team of aides, including, among others, then coordinating political, legal and security affairs minister Widodo Adi Sutjipto, then National Police chief Dai Bachtiar and then state secretary Sudi Silalahi.

In a written statement to the Central Information Commission (KIP) Sudi himself confirmed his knowledge of the report as he, as then chief of the State Secretariat, was the one who had received it.

The State Secretariats denial of knowledge of the whereabouts of the report is really baseless, Usman said on Tuesday to respond to the State Secretariats insistent refusal to disclose the investigations findings as ordered by a recent KIP writ.

The government can no longer ignore the case. Several former team members, including Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi, are currently serving in the government. President [Joko] Jokowi [Widodo] can consult them on the existence as well as the content of the report.

A KIP hearing on Monday ruled that the investigation report was public information and consequently ordered the State Secretariat to immediately release the document to the public by any means of communication it utilized, either electronically or non-electronically.

The KIP was sure that all documents, including the report on Munirs murder, were still under the roof of the State Secretariat.

The KIP issued its writ following a request jointly filed by Munirs widow Suciwati, the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) and the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH) in April this year.

They demanded disclosure of the information contained in the report after years of pursuing a disappointing legal process to find the mastermind behind Munirs death.

Kontras coordinator Haris Azhar said Munirs supporters had demanded a public expose of the report for many years, even when Yudhoyono was still in office. They waited and watched over ongoing legal processes involving the case, which eventually resulted in the acquittals of certain figures believed to have had roles in killing Munir.

Munir died in September 2004 of arsenic poisoning during a Garuda Indonesia flight to the Netherlands. He was known for speaking out against human rights violations by the military.

The fact-finding team found the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) had a role in the murder, although it did not definitely conclude that BIN as an institution committed the crime. The team, however, identified individuals in BIN who played key roles. Among them were the then BIN chief AM Hendropriyono, who was a member of Jokowis presidential campaign team, and his deputy Muchdi Purwoprandjono.
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

The national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia denied there were snakes loose on board one of its flight, as they were instead indigenous legless lizards that managed to get out of the cargo compartment, an official of the company said on Wednesday.

Three of the lizards escaped the airplane's cargo compartment during a flight from Merauke, Papua, to Jakarta on Tuesday, Garudas vice president of corporate communications, Benny S. Butarbutar, said.

"The animal physically looks like a snake, but after an examination and checking of the documents, they are lizards and not snakes," he said in a press statement sent to The Jakarta Post.

The lizard was of the Lialis burtoni species, commonly called legless lizards, Benny said.

The airline acknowledged its plane was carrying a cargo of live animals in a wooden box that had air holes and was covered in a sack.

The cabin crew caught the lizards and secured them immediately. No flight disruptions were caused by the incident, Benny said.

Still, Garuda initiated an investigation into the incident.

"Whoever is proven to negligent over the standard operating procedures in the packaging will face firm sanctions," Benny said in the statement.

The preliminary investigation suggested the delivery box was not in accordance with regulations governing the transportation of live animals, since the confining wire mesh inside should have had smaller holes, he said, adding that officials possibly failed to conduct multiple checks on the cargo loaded onto the flight. (rin)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

The National Polices Criminal Investigation Department has launched an investigation into defamation allegations lodged against Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama.

Police investigators questioned witnesses from Thousand Islands regency, where the governor made a comment on Surah al-Maidah, verse 51 of the Quran, during a visit on Sept. 28.

In his speech, Ahok said, In your inner hearts, ladies and gentlemen, you may not want to vote for me, because [you have been] deceived into [applying] Surah al-Maidah, verse 51, etc. That is your right. So you do not need to feel uneasy if you cannot vote for me, because you are afraid of being condemned to hell, as you are being fooled. It is alright.

National Police general crimes unit director Brig. Gen. Agus Andrianto said that investigators had since Monday questioned a number of people who had reported the case to the police.

The investigators were in Thousand Islands regency to question witnesses, because that is the location, Agus said in Jakarta on Wednesday, as reported by tribunnews.com, adding that his office also had a recording of Ahoks speech on the island to be analyzed.

He said the police would seek an explanation from linguists in connection with Ahoks statement. I have written a letter to the National Polices Forensics Laboratory. A linguist will be consulted to establish if there is an insult connotation [in the speech], he added. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

Gerindra Party leader Prabowo Subianto said differences in politics did not always have to be resolved in a serious manner but could be ironed out over a plate of fried rice.

When Gerindra and the PKS [Prosperous Justice Party] decided to endorse Anies Baswedan and Sandiaga Uni for the 2017 Jakarta gubernatorial election, some people began to bring up the past. I am sure that since Anies tasted my fried rice, he loves me now, Prabowo said during a meeting of the Anies-Sandiaga campaign team in Jakarta on Tuesday, as quoted by the Antara news agency.

Prabowo was referring to Anies positioning during the 2014 presidential campaign, when Anies was working for Prabowos rival, President Joko Jokowi Widodo. Anies at the time called the Prabowo camps campaign unhealthy and said Prabowo was endorsed by mafioso.

Prabowo said the process to rally behind Anies and Sandiaga had not been easy. It had required everyones magnanimity and statesmanship before all could accept Anies and Sandiaga.

He noted the PKS magnanimity in not insisting on fielding a candidate from its own cadre as Anies running mate. He also praised Sandiaga, who had initially planned to be a gubernatorial candidate, for eventually accepting a deputy nomination. (evi)
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Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

The religious defamation issue will not affect Jakarta Governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnamas electability in the gubernatorial election, a political analyst has said.

The religious issue which arose after Ahok talked about a Quran verse will only ignite religious sentiments among radical groups, but it will not affect the moderate Muslims, said Sirojudin Abbas program director of Saiful Mujani Research and Consulting (SMRC) on Wednesday in Jakarta.

The number of radical Muslims in Jakarta is not significant, only 12 to 15 percent of voters. Although the issue has developed in the public sphere, I dont think this will make voters change their minds in supporting [Ahok], Sirojudin said on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, an Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) official announced that Ahok had committed blasphemy when the governor said people are being deceived [by using] Surah al-Maidah: 51 of the Quran during his visit to Thousand Islands.

However, Sirojudin believes that MUI's statement was not an issue for Ahoks candidacy.

MUI is not the single authority in interpreting religious teaching. Even if MUI issues fatwa, it wont sway Muslim voters because it is only MUI's opinion, he said.

He added Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has interpreted Ahoks statement differently. NU said that Ahok did not commit blasphemy with his statement. (bbn)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

Several residents of Tegaldowo and Timbrangan villages in Rembang, Central Java went to the governor's office in Semarang on Tuesday to remind governor Ganjar Pranowo of his promise to respect the legal process.

They went to Semarang following the Supreme Court decision, made available by the courts official website on Monday, which was in favor of the plaintiff, Joko Prianto and Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi). The case review ordered the revocation of environment permits and mining permits of PT Semen Indonesia, a state-owned cement company.

After the decision, we visited the Central Java governor to say thank you to Pak Ganjar, this was said in a statement made available on Tuesday. [Pak Ganjar] has helped promote prosperity for Central Java residents.

We would also like to remind Pak Ganjar of what he said on tribunnews.com on Aug. 3; he said all parties must respect legal processes. Whatever the decision of the court is, everyone must obey that decision, the statement said.

We hope the decision would make Central Java prosperous because residents believe the provinces agricultural lands are in line with a food security program that is part of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodos nine goals (nawacita), it said.

Residents living around the Karst mountains in Kendeng in Rembang, Pati and Grobogan regencies have protested against cement factories in the area, fearing the factories would damage the environment they needed to farm. The farmers insisted they had been successful growing food produce for the province, and they did not need factory jobs. (evi)
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Linkedin Bambang Muryanto (The Jakarta Post) Yogyakarta  Wed, October 12 2016

With Indonesia taking the lead in the fight against illegal fishing, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Susi Pudjiastuti called on countries participating in the second International Symposium on Fisheries Crime (FishCRIME 2016) to follow suit, saying it will bring a lot of benefits.

I do believe you will do the same. If you give no room for illegal fishing, your country will gain a lot of benefits, Susi said at the closing of the two-day symposium in Yogyakarta on Tuesday.

The event was attended by 250 experts from 46 countries and various organizations such as Interpol, the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), among others.

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Linkedin Ayomi Amindoni (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has said the ongoing tax amnesty program was in line with global efforts to prevent and combat tax base erosion and profit shifting (BEPS) and would not accommodate any money laundering efforts.

Tax amnesty programs have brought benefits to the many countries that have implemented them, Sri Mulyani explained at a press conference at the Finance Ministry in Jakarta on Wednesday. The press conference was held to debrief journalists about the outcomes from her attendance at last weeks World Bank (WB) - International Monetary Fund (IMF) annual meeting.

She highlighted that the tax pardon program was one of the government's efforts to improve Indonesias taxation data and tax base.

An improvement [of the tax amnesty programs implementation] in the future will be useful in our efforts to increase Indonesias tax ratio, which is currently still very low. The tax amnesty did not accommodate all kinds of money laundering efforts related to drug and human trafficking or terrorism funding," Sri Mulyani said.

During the WB-IMF meeting in Washington DC, member countries discussed efforts to prevent BEPS, a tax avoidance strategy used by multinational companies, wherein profits are shifted from jurisdictions that have high taxes to those that have low taxes  so-called tax havens.

Sri Mulyani said that understanding BEPS was very relevant to Indonesia's efforts to implement tax amnesty program.

The minister said she had met with leaders of a Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a task force to combat money laundering and tax evasion, to explain that Indonesias tax amnesty policy was not being used to facilitate funds from money laundering practices. (ebf)
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Linkedin (Associated Press) Bangkok  Wed, October 12, 2016

Thailand's stock market and currency tumbled and the prime minister canceled an overseas trip Wednesday amid concerns about long-ailing King Bhumibol Adulyadej's health. His son, the crown prince, returned home from Germany.

The Stock Exchange of Thailand's benchmark fell nearly 7 percent in afternoon trading before recovering somewhat for a 4.1 percent loss for the day. Thai stocks have slid daily since Sunday, when the royal palace announced that the 88-year-old Bhumibol's condition was unstable, the first time it has used that phrase regarding the king's health.

Also Wednesday, the Thai baht fell 1.1 percent to end at 35.76 to a dollar.

The highly revered Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has spent most of the last decade in a hospital for a variety of ailments related to old age, including kidney and lung problems.

Last week, doctors performed a hemodialysis to purify his blood. They also replaced a tube that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid.

Because Bhumibol has been king since 1946, there is great concern about the eventual succession. Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn has not earned the same respect as his father.

Vajiralongkorn lives mostly in Germany, and flew back to Bangkok. The government's top bureaucrat, Secretary General Wilas Aroonsri, said Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha went to the airport to receive him. Prayuth was supposed to fly to Laos on an official visit but canceled it in the morning.

The royal palace has not issued any statements on the king's condition Wednesday.

Bhumibol, a constitutional monarch with no formal political role, is widely regarded as Thailand's unifying figure. However, as his health has deteriorated, his participation in public affairs has sharply declined in recent years.

Concern about succession has been entwined with Thailand's political turmoil in the past decade, as royalists have sought to ensure that they control the process instead of certain politicians whose fealty to the monarchy they doubt. (**)
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Linkedin (The Jakarta Post)  Wed, October 12 2016

President Joko Jokowi Widodos wish to see prices of natural gas for industrial users halved from the current levels can be fulfilled only if the government takes bold measures to overhaul the countrys inefficient gas supply chain.

The gas prices are set differently depending on the locations of gas wells and the length of their pipe networks. At present, the prices range from US$9 to $14 per million British Thermal Unit (mmbtu).

Strangely, prices of gas in Indonesia, one of the worlds major natural gas producers, are far higher than those in neighboring ASEAN countries like Malaysia, Vietnam and non-producer Singapore, where prices range between $6 and $8 per mmbtu.

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Linkedin Anton Hermansyah (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

Visitors to the 31st Indonesia Trade Expo are sounding out the possibility of buying Indonesian products they consider to be of good quality.

Visiting the Trade Expo on Wednesday, Syrian Mohammed Khair Hadiaf said he was looking for Indonesia-manufactured pharmaceuticals.

"I work in the medical sector and my specialty is cancer. I came here to seek more information about Indonesias medical technology and products," he told The Jakarta Post through a translator application on Wednesday when he visited a booth at the expo, held at the Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo) venue in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, from Oct.12 to Oct.16 . It was the first time Hadiaf had come to Indonesia.

In another booth, Palestinian Shokri Zahedah and an Iranian calling himself only Amir were looking for snacks and sweets they could sell in their respective countries. Shokri and Amir frequently visit Southeast Asia to buy products from countries in the region, including Malaysia, but it was the first time they had looked at Indonesian products.

"You have good products. In Iran, snacks mainly come from Malaysia. Indonesian products need more promotion," Amir said. He said if he found interesting products he would return on Thursday to make a deal.

The Foreign Ministry through its diplomatic missions invited 1,200 potential buyers from 70 countries to the expo, including those from small countries.

Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi said 225 buyers from Middle Eastern countries attended the expo, followed by African and South Asian countries, which sent 49 buyers each, Eastern Europe (48), Afghanistan (42), Palestine (42), Latin America (35) and Fiji (22).

Poor communication skills appeared to be the biggest obstacle for buyers from small countries to make deals at the Trade Expo. Most of them could not speak English well while the expo lacked liaison officers who can speak foreign languages besides English, especially Arabic. (ebf)
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Linkedin Tama Salim (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

Uruguay announced on Tuesday that it will be opening an embassy in Indonesia next year, with an eye toward expanding bilateral and multilateral cooperation in Southeast Asia.

The plan was revealed during talks between Foreign Minister Retno LP Marsudi and her Uruguayan counterpart Rodolfo Nin Novoa, who is visiting Jakarta with an entourage of business leaders to attend the 2016 Indonesian Trade Expo (TEI), which opens Wednesday.

Retno warmly received the move by pointing out the significance of Novoas visit: It was the first visit by an Uruguayan foreign minister in 51 years of diplomatic relations.

This is a historic visit that sends a very positive message about the bilateral relations of the two countries, Retno told a press conference.

The exact timeframe for the embassy opening remains unclear, but Novoa said he was eager to follow up on this in discussions with Retno in 2017.

[Our hope is] that we will be able to meet next year for political consultations, which we will initiate through a video conference before following through on the agreements reached behind closed doors, he told reporters.

A number of issues were raised during the talks, including education, citizen protection, peacekeeping and political support on the international stage.

On the issue of citizen protection, Retno said Indonesia and Uruguay agreed to expedite the finalization of a mandatory consular notification treaty, particularly for Indonesian sailors working on foreign vessels in and around Uruguay.

Both countries have also agreed to support each other in their respective campaigns to join the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Uruguay proposed in July 2008 its candidacy for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC, for the period of 2016 to 2017. If elected, it would be returning to the Security Council 50 years after its first and only term on the body.

Meanwhile, Indonesia is vying for a non-permanent seat on the council for the 2019 to 2020 period.

With regard to the business delegation accompanying Novoa, Retno said she considered it a reciprocal gesture for the participation of Indonesian SMEs at Expo Prado, the Uruguayan equivalent of the TEI, since 2008.

I therefore strongly encourage collaboration between the two countries private sectors to enhance economic cooperation, she said.

After their closed-door meeting, the two foreign ministers signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to bolster economic and technical cooperation between their countries, which they did not elaborate on further.

Novoa said Uruguay also expects the opening of its embassy in Jakarta to bolster cooperation between regional organizations, particularly between ASEAN and Mercosur, Latin Americas premier economic bloc.

With the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta and Mercosur headquartered in the Uruguayan capital of Montevideo, Novoa expressed optimism that both regional blocs could work better together.

We think that Mercosur and ASEAN would be able to cooperate well. Mercosur can meet the demand for food in ASEAN and further enhance living standards in the region, he said.

Later in the day, Novoa witnessed the signing of another MoU by the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) chairman Roslan Roeslani and the president of the Mercosur-ASEAN Chamber of Commerce (MACC), Rodolfo Caffaro Kramer, to strengthen economic and trade cooperation.

Acknowledging one of the largest hindrances for Mercosur-ASEAN cooperation  distance  Foreign Ministry spokesperson Arrmanatha Nasir said the move to strengthen intercontinental ties is worth exploring.

We will continue to encourage the expansion of trade relations  Uruguay has shown its goodwill by initiating Mercosur-ASEAN cooperation in the business-to-business context, Arrmanatha said.

Mercosurs five full members, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay and Venezuela, have a combined gross domestic product (GDP) of roughly US$2.8 trillion, making it one of the worlds largest blocs. About 250 million of the blocs approximately 292 million inhabitants live in Argentina and Brazil.

President Joko Jokowi Widodo has said that 45 percent of ASEANs GDP comes from Indonesia and more than a quarter of the total population of ASEAN were Indonesians. ASEANs 500 million population has a combined GDP of $2.6 trillion.
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Linkedin Desy Nurhayati (The Jakarta Post) Nusa Dua, Bali  Wed, October 12, 2016

Scholars and activists participating in the World Culture Forum 2016 (WCF) in Bali said they were committed to formulating a work plan to advance local culture as an integral part of sustainable development.

This second WCF will push the Bali Promise further toward a more detail and comprehensive insight into the cultural paradigms embedded in sustainable development projects, Hilmar Farid, director general of culture at the Culture and Education Ministry, said Tuesday.

As an initiative of the Indonesian government that has been supported by UNESCO, the forum has gathered experts and scholars to collect best practices that have been used to support sustainable development around the world. In its first event in 2013, the forum produced the Bali Promise, which was later welcomed by the UN General Assembly.

This years meeting consists of a series of symposiums that discuss various local initiatives in Indonesia and other countries.

The first symposium used Reviving Culture for Rural Sustainability as its theme. The participants, Aleta Baun, head of Molo village in East Nusa Tenggara, Lee Yeon-tak from South Koreas Yeongnam University and Lanying Zhang, director of the Liang Shuming Rural Reconstruction Center in China, discussed the plurality of practices and experiments on sustainable development at the village level.

The local experiences shared by the speakers shed new light on developmental issues, including on the role of women in village governance and the paradigm that development should proceed from the periphery in order to secure welfare equality nationwide.

The second symposium, that had the theme Water for Life, Reconciling Socio-Economic Growth and Environmental Ethics, discussed the role of water to tie together the social structure of everyday life and as a fundamental element of economic growth.

Wayan Windia from Udayana University, presented Balis traditional irrigation system called subak as a good example of how to preserve water and culture and he spoke about the challenges faced by farmers to protect the tradition amid modern development on the resort island. Subak has been recognized by UNESCO as a part of world heritage.

The session also featured Indonesian environmentalist Hendro Sangkoyo and Satoko Kishimoto from the Water Justice Project of the Transnational Institute.

Kishimoto made a presentation about reclaiming public water networks, including the contribution of her organization to the success of several places worldwide in reversing water privatization. In the last 15 years, 235 cities in 37 countries have brought water services back under public control, benefitting more than 100 million people.

Everybody needs water. Water should not become a commodity to earn profits, or it causes problems. Water services should be managed under public control, she said.
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Linkedin Tan Hui Yee (The Straits Times) Bangkok  Wed, October 12, 2016

With palms joined in prayer, a pink-shirted woman mouthed a Buddhist chant while staring intently at a particular upper-floor window in Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital.

Like many others around her yesterday, she was willing a swift recovery for King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the subject of a recent ominous- sounding announcement.

The world's longest-reigning monarch has battled a series of ailments, including lung infection, in recent years and has not been seen in public since January.

Of late, the Royal Household Bureau has increased the frequency of announcements bearing updates on his health. These usually declared an improvement after he received a particular treatment. The statement on Sunday evening, however, said his condition remained unstable after he underwent dialysis.

Anxious Thais have been turning to temples as well as online to offer get-well wishes for the King.

Tuesday, in response to a social media drive, many turned out in pink - considered an auspicious color for King Bhumibol, who is regarded as a demigod in the country and often referred to as the father of the nation.

After prostrating herself before a picture of the monarch at Siriraj Hospital, where King Bhumibol is being treated, 50-year-old seamstress Maikaew Yongcharoenchai said she was disheartened when she heard the news. "I want to seek blessings, to help him recover."

Over at the capital's Grand Palace, where a hall has been opened to receive well-wishers, a regular stream of people turned up to make flower offerings and bow before the King's portrait. An official told The Straits Times that it receives more than 1,000 visitors a day.

On the stock exchange, Thailand's SET Index shed 3.15 per cent on Monday and 1.02 per cent at the close of trading Tuesday.

News about the royal family is tightly controlled in ASEAN's second-largest economy, where insults or defamatory comments against the king, queen, heir apparent and regent earn not just social disapproval but also a possible jail sentence of up to 15 years on each count.

Since the military took power through a 2014 coup, the number of people prosecuted for lese majeste has soared.

No other member of the Thai royal family commands the same level of influence and affection as King Bhumibol.

Uncertainty over the impending transition has given a sharp edge to the country's deepening political divisions, which have pitted Bangkok elites against an emerging middle class which has constantly voted in politicians accused by the former of being corrupt and populist.

Increasingly, questions are being raised about the type of democracy that Thais can accept, says Thailand-based scholar David Streckfuss.

Following a tightly supervised referendum in August, Thailand is set to promulgate a Constitution that will create what critics say is a recipe for unstable coalition governments even if elections are held again.

In sharp contrast, most Thais - who have lived through a revolving door of governments regularly upended by military coups - have known only one king all their lives.

"I hope he can live up to 100 years and beyond if possible," says retiree Ratsamee Porntreesat, who marked her 60th birthday Tuesday by wearing a bright pink blouse and praying for the King.
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Linkedin Carolyn Khew (The Straits Times) Singapore  Wed, October 12, 2016

From next year, foreign residents and Singapore permanent residents will have to pay more to enroll their children in local schools.

The increase ranges from S$20 (US$14.5) to $60 per month for PRs, and $20 to $150 per month for international students at primary and secondary schools and pre-universities.

International students who are not from ASEAN countries will have to pay $1,300 a month next year to attend junior colleges and centralized institutes, up from $1,150 currently.

Fees for those in secondary schools will go up to $950 a month, from $800 currently. Those in primary schools will have to pay $600, or $50 more than the current rate.

In a statement Tuesday, the Ministry of Education said the revision is part of a periodic review of school fees and will further differentiate them by citizenship.

Fees for Singaporean students remain unchanged.

This is not the first time school fees have increased for non-Singaporeans.

In 2009, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said the Government would sharpen the distinction between citizens and non-citizens, so as to enhance the privileges of being a citizen.

Then, international students attending secondary schools, for instance, paid $226 a month including miscellaneous fees.

In 2009, younger children studying in primary schools were charged $156 a month, including miscellaneous fees.

The fee hikes, however, are unlikely to deter foreigners from working in Singapore, said Annie Yap, managing director of human resource and recruitment firm AYP Group. This is because foreigners who wish to apply for a Dependant's Pass for their spouses or children have to earn a minimum income of $5,000 a month, she said. "This is just a very minor increase," said Yap.

"School fees for foreigners in other countries like Australia are in thousands and the fees for permanent residents are not subsidized, unlike in Singapore."

For 44-year-old Briton Anna Gibbons, who drives an Uber taxi, the increase in school fees is "significant". The single parent has lived in Singapore for six years and has two children aged eight and 10 in Primary 2 and Primary 4, respectively, in Elias Park Primary School.

"I'm on a limited budget, so it's going to be a struggle but I'll just have to work around it," she said.

While foreign parents on lower budgets may be caught in a bind, the fee hike should not deter foreigners from coming here, and local school fees are still more affordable than fees in international schools, said Yvonne McNulty, an associate lecturer at SIM University.

International schools can charge $15,000 to $30,000 per year for primary school. "What would deter foreigners is the ability to get a place in local schools... Gaining a place in a local school is getting more difficult for non-Singaporeans," said McNulty.
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Linkedin Edith M. Lederer (Associated Press) United Nations  Wed, October 12, 2016

The UN special adviser on Myanmar called on civilians in troubled Rakhine state on Tuesday to exercise maximum restraint and refrain from responding to recent fighting that led to the deaths of security personnel as well as civilians.

Vijay Nambiar expressed concern at violent attacks by unidentified individuals and groups against border guards and security forces on Oct. 9 and subsequent fighting in three areas of Northern Rakhine, situated on Myanmar's western coast, that resulted in the deaths.

Longstanding discrimination by majority Buddhists against Muslim Rohingya in Rakhine exploded into bloody violence in 2012. More than 100,000 people, mostly Rohingyas, are still in displacement camps.

"At this delicate juncture," Nambiar said, "the local communities at all levels must refuse to be provoked by these incidents and their leaders must work actively to prevent incitement of animosity or mutual hatred between Buddhist and Muslim communities."

He said authorities in the capital Naypyitaw had informed him "that firm instructions have been issued from the highest levels" for officials to take action within the law "to maintain peace and avoid escalation."

The UN adviser said in a statement that he recognized "the prompt action and sober response of the security forces" during the latest violence.

He urged the security personnel "to exercise caution in the future to avoid any injuries or loss of innocent civilian lives, collateral damage to properties or any perception of harassment of the local population."

Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi said in her first speech to the UN General Assembly last month as Myanmar's de facto leader that the government was "standing firm against the forces of prejudice and intolerance" and is "committed to a sustainable solution that will lead to peace, stability and development for all communities within the state."

But Suu Kyi, who has been criticized by some human rights activists for not speaking out forcefully in support of the Rohingya, did not mention the group by name in her speech. It's a contentious issue among Buddhists in Rakhine, who consider the Rohingya to be illegal immigrants from neighboring Bangladesh and customarily call them "Bengali."
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Linkedin (Associated Press) Hanoi  Wed, October 12, 2016

The United States and the European Union have called on the Vietnamese government to release a popular blogger arrested earlier this week for alleged anti-state writing.

Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, who blogs as Me Nam, was arrested Monday in the south central province of Khanh Hoa for what authorities say were her Facebook and blog posts that distorted truth and instigated the public to oppose the communist government.

US Ambassador Ted Osius and the head of the European Union Delegation to Vietnam said in separate statements that the arrest goes against Vietnam's international obligations and called for her release.
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Linkedin Ni Nyoman Wira (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

Taman Titi Orchids park in Sleman, Yogyakarta, is set to host a festival of rare orchid species on Oct. 15-16.

Located on the slopes of Mount Merapi, the venue is said to be an ideal place to grow orchids, especially the Vanda tricolor var suavis species.

The festival, which was initiated by Indonesian Orchid Association (PAI) in Yogyakarta and Gadjah Mada University's biology faculty, aims to preserve and maintain Vanda tricolor orchids. In addition to an exhibition and orchid bazaar, it will also feature orchid arrangements and a photography competition as well as a cultivation workshop open to the public. The winners are said to receive guidance and support on how to grow and care for the flower.

(Read also: Upside down fun in Yogyakarta)

'Vanda tricolor Merapi' orchid is said to be a rare species of the flower.(titiorchids.com/File)

"The event aims to increase appreciation for orchids," said festival coordinator Kadarso as quoted by tempo.co.

Meanwhile, Sleman's secretary of tourism and culture agency Endah Sri Widiastuti said the festival is expected to be an annual event to support local tourism and to become one of the region's icons. Such an event is popular among [tourists]; it is a potential tourism icon," she said, adding that orchid enthusiasts could continue their trip by exploring Mt. Merapi's slopes, home to many attractions, such as Mt. Merapi museum, Kaliurang, Kinahrejo and Kaliadem. (kes)
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Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta  Wed, October 12, 2016

Not a single country in the world totally practices gender equality, said the director of a child rights organization on Tuesday.

"Discrimination has made women and girls be left behind and unseen in key positions. Only 10 out of 152 heads of state are women. Meanwhile in 500 of the world's top corporations, only 4 percent of the CEOs are female," said Plan International CEO Anne-Birgitte Albrectsen in a press release.

To highlight the matter in conjunction with the International Day of the Girl Child on Oct. 11, the organization initiated a global movement called "Because I Am A Girl" (BIAAG) that will see female children fill 200 key positions in more than 50 countries, including those of president, prime minister, minister, region head, police chief, editor in chief and global corporation leader.

"The takeover of key positions in political, economic and social sectors by these girls will show that female children around the world have the strength and skills to be leaders," said Albrectsen.

(Read also: Empowering women, empowering the national economy)

The participants of Girls Take Over, an event initiated by Plan International.(Plan International/File)

In Indonesia, the BIAAG movement on Tuesday features a Sehari Jadi Menteri (a day as a minister) activity when two selected girls will fill the roles of two Indonesian ministers, namely the heads of the Womens Empowerment and Child Protection Ministry and the Manpower Ministry.

"We also convinced the East Nusa Tenggara provincial administration and Lembata, Sikka and the Timor Tengah Selatan regency administration to provide opportunities for girls to become governors and regents for a day," said Plan International Indonesia country director Mingming Remata Evora.

Previously, up to 22 girls from 11 provinces gathered in Jakarta to participate in Sehari Jadi Menteri training and orientation. Two of them will be chosen to be ministers and the rest will take the roles of high-ranking officials in the two ministries.

During the activity, they will lead meetings and discuss issues like child marriage and child workers. The meetings' results will be submitted to the real ministers as recommendations for reaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially the fifth goal that focuses on gender equality. (jes/kes)
There is an almost gravitational pull towards farce  perhaps explaining why we descend into it  that draws everything from Congressional budget negotiations to the badminton competition at the 2012 London Olympics into its field. And yet farce also depends on the careful orchestration of systematic collapse, whether it be a badminton player guiding her shot into the net or a writer steering her fictions towards anarchy in a most orderly and exquisitely timed fashion.

This imaginative drive to bring farcical inevitability under control is both disciplined and, as G.K. Chesterston points out, romantic. In his defense of the lighter and wilder forms of art, Chesterton whimsically describes the nameless anarchism behind our desire for farce:

To the quietest human being, seated in the quietest house, there will sometimes come a sudden and unmeaning hunger for the possibilities or impossibilities of things; he will abruptly wonder whether the teapot may not suddenly begin to pour out honey or sea-water, the clock to point to all hours of the day at once, the candle to burn green or crimson, the door to open upon a lake or a potato-field instead of a London street.

The descent into farce is thus an ascent into a higher imaginative realm, the yearning for a chaos more magical than the one that governs our lives.

Several recent farcical works have crafted this chaotic order to predictably entertaining effect. If you missed any of these the first time around, fear not. It is a minor readerly tragedy easily remedied.

1. Michael Frayn, Skios

In Skios, Michael Frayn, the author of the beloved theatrical farce Noises Off, set out to capture the same bustling comic energy in a novel. The plot involves Oliver Fox, a charming roue who on a whim decides to impersonate the keynote speaker of a European cultural conference taking place on a sun-baked Greek island. Fox is welcomed by the lovely Nikki Hook, who shepherds the impostor through the weekends events even as some part of her knows the dashing figure is too good  and good-looking  to be true. By a causal chain of events too complicated to recount here, Dr. Norman Wilfred, the real keynote speaker, adopts Oliver Foxs identity only to be hounded by the latters scorned lovers and the scorching Greek sun.

In the novels first chapter, there is a description of the arriving plane carrying Oliver and Norman that aptly describes the farcical condition: Too late now to alter what that was going to be. It was coming towards them all at 500 mph. This inevitable force finds a particularly suitable target in the perfectly ordered and manicured grounds of the foundations retreat:

Everything was so at ease with itself, so delicately balanced, like the works of a good watch, or nature itselfIt was a complete world, a miniature model of the European civilization that it existed to promote

The very clockwork precision that makes this miniature world so balanced also makes it particularly primed for comic disruption. In one scene, Fox cant remember the name of his cabin, all of which are named after Greeks. After shuttling among Xenocles, Theodectes, Menander, and Demosthenes, he convinces himself that Damocles is the right name. Oliver is wrong about the name but right in sense that Damocles is an apt figure for the farcical impostor who is always one false move, or unlucky circumstance, away from disastrous revelation. The least slip-up and the strings controlling the puppet show are severed, which is precisely what makes farce so exhilarating:[Oliver] felt intensely alive, like a mayfly with only one day to enjoy it all.

2. Penelope Lively, How It All Began

Penelope Livelys How It All Began, which itself begins with an epigraph on chaos theory, is also structured around a merciless and uncontrollable causal chain of events. While Livelys novel is best described as a comedy of manners, it originates by drawing on the accidents and swerves of farcical theater. The plot involves how the mugging of an elderly woman systemically derail[s] the lives of seven people. As the consequences of the mugging ripple outward, a series of personal, professional, and familial humiliations are capriciously triggered and meticulously chronicled by Lively.

How It All Begans one true farcical character is a retired history professor, Henry, who is so quintessentially donnish that you couldnt invent him. Some of the novels funniest scenes involve his doomed effort to host a TV program on Hogarths London for the BBC, whose executive is alternately fascinated and repulsed by the parodic dons awful appeal. And yet his farcical status makes him an oddly moving figure of pathos as he muffs his lines and is mocked by youths hanging out on street corners. Among the seven people whose lives are disrupted by the mugging, one feels the most for Henry, whose harmless pedantry is exposed to the publics  and the readers  enjoyment.

3. Dave Barry, Insane City

If you like your farce manic, pure, and pathos-free, then Dave Barrys Insane City is perfect. The novel is set during the wedding weekend of a mismatched pair  the moneyed bride is a high-powered lawyer while the groom is a marketer who tweets about feminine hygiene products. The plot involves a lost wedding ring, Haitian refugees, and a stoned billionaires inventive, extravagant method of procuring late-night take-out. A sample sentence captures the spirit of the novel: Any man fleeing from the police with three women, two children, and an orangutan is a friend of mine. And thats not even mentioning the flamingo suit and pirate ship.

4. Lucy Ellmann, Mimi

In the same manic vein is Lucy Ellmans Mimi, a novel that stays true to farces etymologic roots  from farcire, to stuff  by packing in a romantic comedy, family tragedy, lists, music scores, a manifesto, and even a deli menu. The plot involves a neurotic Manhattan plastic surgeon who takes up with an free-spirited public speaking guru, Mimi, who in turn inspires him to start a feminist revolution. Ellmanns is a frenetic, energetic style that attempts to will comedy into existence through sheer determination by deploying an army of exclamation marks, legions of italics, swarms of puns. Farcical in style if not in content, the novel feels somehow off, like a sentence with a dangling modifier. Unlike the concentrated zaniness of Barrys south Florida or the delicate balance of Frayns circumscribed Skios, Mimis sprawl disperses Ellmanns anarchic energy until it is too diffuse to provide a charge.

5. Helen DeWitt, Lightning Rods

There is not a trace of Ellmanns exuberance to be found in Helen DeWitts Lightning Rods, a daring attempt to translate the bedroom farce into the boardroom. Her novel follows an entrepreneur who translates his particular sexual fantasy into a farfetched solution to combat sexual harassment in the workplace. For a fee, he supplies a companys top earning workers with a perk that must break every OSHA regulation: anonymous sexual encounters with female employees specifically hired for the task. We learn all about the initial resistance to the idea, the hiring and implementation process and the ingenious contraption devised to back the undercover lightning rods into the bathrooms handicap stall. With such a setup, the opportunity for farce abounds, but DeWitt seems more interested in pursuing her outrageous conceit with an equally outrageous affectlessness. The prose, by design, is as passionate as the sex, which is to say not very. Logic rather than Eros reigns. The real triumph is not in the satire of alpha-male behavior and female exploitation but in the novel-length commitment to so flat and eerie a comic vision.

6. Nathan Englander, Camp Sundown

Farces originated as brief comic interludes stuffed between longer, more serious fare. It is therefore fitting to conclude with two short stories, one from Nathan Englanders collection, What We Talk About When We Talk About Anne Frank, and the other from Sam Lipsytes more recent The Fun Parts.

Englanders Camp Sundown establishes a perfect farcical scenario  a geriatric camp in the Berkshires that revives certain adolescent elements of human nature. But the septuagenarians hijinks take a darker turn when several campers become convinced that there is a Nazi war criminal in their midst and resolve to bring him to justice. As the beleaguered camp director, Josh, puts it: An old Nazi hiding in the Berkshires under the guise of a blue-toed low-sodium bridge-playing Jew. It is madness. It is too much to take. Within the space of two-dozen pages, Englander pivots from the initial comic setup  and its pitch-perfect Jewish humor  to an unsettling and lyrical exploration of guilt, responsibility, and memory. The story ends gorgeously as the focus shifts from the old kvetches to the even older inhabitants of Camp Sundown, creatures who are immune from all human history and farce: They watch those turtles on their slow march and behold those ancient creatures, shell-backed and the color of time, as they lower themselves, turtle upon turtle, disappearing into the stillness of the lake.

7. Sam Lipsyte, The Republic of Empathy

Sam Lipsytes The Republic of Empathy is a kaleidoscopic story narrated by different voices, including that of a drone. The first narrator, William, witnesses a shocking accident on a Manhattan rooftop. Two janitors are rehearsing a fight scene for their action movie when one falls to his death. The scene rattles William but teaches him a valuable lesson we too often forget: It just reminds you of the fragility of everythingEspecially the fragility of brawling on the roof of a very tall building. Later, William falls victim to an equally senseless act of violence, inexplicably targeted by a roving Reaper 5, or as the central command puts it, a truly mouthwatering piece of drone ass. If there is a moral in this slippery tale, it is that the dearth of empathy leads to terrifying farce; to viewing people as nameless, impersonal falling objects; to an absurd state of affairs in which a slightly chubby man in his pajamas standing on his lawn in the middle of the night is a valid target for a hyper-sexualized drone with a death-bringing ass and titties and a sweet armored bod.
Readers new to Roberto Calassos work often feel a bit bewildered, as if his books ought to come with a warning: This book is unlike any youve ever read. In addition to addressing the actual subject of the book, the reviewer must therefore explain who Calasso is, unpack his unorthodox rhetorical strategy, and provide some orientation to his uncommon perspective. This is easier said than done.

The Art of the Publisher, Calassos most recent work, consists of only 150 smallish and deceptively simple pages containing his speeches, essays, and occasional pieces about publishing. Briefly, he argues that publishing is an art, books are art objects, and the publisher is an artist. The publishers art has always been to provide the guiding sensibility for the publishing house and for the works it publishes. This sensibility is the mythos or spirit, if you will, of the publishing house. Todays publishing houses lack this kind of vision and thus do not produce art. And the every-writer-and-reader-for-himself universe of electronic publishing cannot be art either, because it, too, lacks a guiding vision and the art object, books.

There could scarcely be anyone more qualified than Calasso to make this case, and The Art of the Publisher offers entry into his fascinating world of leading edge literati. Intellectually, he is elegant and stylish in an Italian way: traditional, subtle, original. He writes from his formidable knowledge and from his experience as a founder and editorial director of Adelphi, an Italian publishing house of exceptional depth and quality with a backlist that includes the likes of Friedrich Nietzsche, Milan Kundera, Vladimir Nabokov, and Leonardo Sciascia. He considers publishing itself a literary genre. He writes erudite and highly original works on subjects few have considered, never mind named. He has an international following.

Calassos rhetorical method is always a mosaic. [Paris Review, 2012] His PhD thesis concerned the theory of hieroglyphs in Sir Thomas Browne. He says, [The] idea of a language made up of images is connected with all of my work. [Paris Review.] His books often begin with an image, almost a digression, that he deconstructs bit by bit as he traces its presence here and there; explicating its relationship(s) within mythology, religion, art, literature, history, languages (he knows eight), and the classics; making unexpected and seemingly effortless connections; and finally arriving at a new meaning for which the original image is now an emblem of a much larger whole. To those accustomed to a linear, PowerPoint-like arrangement of information, this agglomerative way of proceeding can be baffling. The following is my own attempt  not Calassos  to show what the experience of reading Calasso can be like:

While out walking you spy a coin on the sidewalk. You pick it up, intending to make a wish and throw it over your shoulder, a gesture that already connects you to a distant past. But, wait, its a gold coin with the image of a head crowned with a laurel wreath. And old. Did a coin collector accidentally drop it? You turn it over in your palm, recalling your own coin collection  the buffalo nickel, the pure silver dollars, the tiny pockets in the album. Did you know that the Smithsonians coin collection, the largest in the world, has more than 450,000 coins? Unfortunately, the exhibit closed years ago for lack of money. Upon closer inspection, you see that the image on the coin is likely Roman. The Romans minted coins from the 4th century BC at the temple of Juno Moneta, (the source of our word money), and they set up mints across the Empire, establishing minting practices for all time. Earlier still, Ploutos, the sometimes-blind Greek god of wealth, carried a cornucopia and dispensed riches. His near contemporary, a Phrygian named Midas, and the latters fairy-tale descendants had a different attitude toward wealth, one akin to the hedge fund managers. Along with coins and money came trade, banking, and the Medici, though the Romans had already invented checks, which are today dispatched on smartphones.

Question: When you toss the coin over your shoulder, what do you toss? Answer: Civilization. A book by Calasso is always a journey into and through civilization in the company of an expert guide.

In The Art of the Publisher, Calasso concerns himself with what the good publisher is and argues in favor of the publishers critical role in the furtherance of civilization through the expression of his own, highly refined sensibility. Consequently, it seems surprisingly self-evident when he says that the good publishing house is one that publishes only good books, i.e., books of which the publisher tends to feel proud rather than ashamed. Or that, as in most artistic activities, success in publishing is frequently unremunerative:

along with roulette and cocottes, founding a publishing house has always been one of the most effective ways for a young man of noble birth to fritter away his fortune.

At this point, Calasso explores some questions in contemporary publishing the answers to which arent necessarily obvious.

1. Why does one become a publisher?

[Because]publishing has always involved prestige, if only because it is a kind of business that is also an art[and]in order to practice it, money is an essential element.

With respect to publishing itself, he allows that very little has changed since [Johann] Gutenbergs time. He takes the reader down a rabbit hole of publishing history  typefaces, woodcuts, prefaces, publicity, and, of course, books  wherein we meet Aldus Manutius, an Italian humanist (1449-1515), the creator of the most beautiful book ever made, the inventor of the paperback, and the first to conceive of the publishing house as form:

the choice and sequence of titles to be published; the texts that accompany the books; the way in which the books are presented as objects.

In other words, the good publisher gives form to the essential reading of his time. This is very, very important to Calasso.

Todays dispersed and disparate publishing business, particularly the digital universe, directly challenges Calassos claim that a good publisher has an essential role and is himself artist. Even among the well read, Calassos kind of publisher seems a relic of an earlier time. In advocating for the relevance of those very few publishers who still remain faithful to the publishers art, Calasso can seem like a unicorn among donkeys. Undeterred, he insists that the good publisher by imposing his judgments, his noes and yeses, his style, his taste on the available possibilities

. . . give[s] form to a plurality of books as though they were the chapters of a single book. . . [and takes] . . . a passionate and obsessive care over the appearance of every volume.

In this way, a good publishing house becomes:

a single text formed not just by the totality of books that have been published there, but also by all its other constituent elements, such as the front covers, cover flaps, publicity, and quantity of copies printed and sold, or the different editions in which the same text has been presented[and this totality is]a literary work in itself, belonging to a genre all its own.

This vision is at the heart of Calassos argument. It is both secular and spiritual. The single chain that is formed by all the books published by the publisher is the unique work of art that the publisher brings to the literary table. It is both tangible  the books  and intangible  a reflection of the mythos or sensibility that is expressed in the chain and the totality, which imply other related books not written. For Calasso this totality is numinous.

2. Couldnt these tangible and intangible connections exist without the publisher?

For the most part, publishing today, whether print or digital, lacks the overarching sensibility that only the good publisher provides:

There would still be good and bad books, but those good books would appear as sporadic, isolated events with no congenial context into which to fit them.

Calassos good publisher is an endangered species in a business sense as well. In publishing today, form has become the organization chart, and mythos is merely brand power:

There are very few people today who can be given the title of publisher. They could probably be counted on the fingers of two hands. Editors, on the other hand, are many and increasing, if editors are those who discover, follow, develop, and launch a certain number of books within the catalog of a publishing house. All editors are associated with a list of authors and books as though they are theirs. This, however, does not include the form itself  the catalog, the program of the publishing house for which they work. If a publishing house is not conceived as a form, as a self-sufficient composition held together by a high physiological compatibility between all of its constituent parts, it easily turns into a casual association, incapable of triggering that magical element  brand power  that even marketing experts consider essential for achieving some degree of success.

Managers in todays publishing houses often know little or nothing of books and care even less about form. Their mandate is profits. Calasso believes this organizational pattern precludes the publishers art. It is, in fact, anti-art.

3. But wont information technology make all written works more widely available?

A little web-surfing  mine  turns up dozens of niche sites for contemporary fiction, poetry, essays, and works of art  an argument in favor of art for arts sake as the artists contribute their work gratis. Publishers websites  publicity arms, really, but presented as literary hubs  display varied imprints defined by consumer preferences. Other sites are more serious literary efforts that vanish when the editor gets a paying job. Barriers to entry are low, and some sites are scarcely more than hobbies. Often, sites are cross-listed, the better to achieve a higher ranking within the Google algorithms. The result is ever more self-referential and enclosed universes. A few sites, such as this one, grow and thrive because they serve real needs.

Calasso doubts the literary value of such websites and that Google books can become the greatest library in history. Quantity is not quality. He finds Googles ambitions totalitarian and oppressive and the implications for publishers negative:

In the face of[immediate access to everything]which grows wider and better every day, the publisher can only seem like a miserable obstacle.

Democratization in literary publishing isnt necessarily desirable either:

information technology aims toward a situation  its own utopian vision  in which, as everything is connected with everything else, the result is[a state of confusion and disorder]in which everyone can claim to have contributedWhether or not a world of this kind is desirable does not, for most people, seem a question of any urgency

The cloud is an apt image for this digital fog:

if we limit the field to that of publishing, it can be said with certainty that there is one element that the cloud of knowing (or, more accurately, the cloud of information, though hasnt the very distinction between information and knowledge become blurred?) can do without: judgment, that primeval capacity to say yes or no. But judgment was the basic founding element for the existence of the publisher[who]has always had the one undeniable prerogative: to say yes or no to a manuscript and decide in what form to present it. But if judgment can be easily dispensed with, this is even truer of form. Indeed, discussion about form could soon become meaningless.

4. Still, doesnt the existence of literary sites, publishing houses driven by consumer preferences, as well as the self-publishing boom refute Calassos claim that only the good publisher can provide a meaningful place for literary output?

In the digital universe everyone with a computer can be his own publisher, his own arbiter of taste, his own stylist of content, his own decider, but absent the publishers taste and judgment, there can be no art in Calassos sense of the word. Absent the chain, the totality, the publishers vision, there is no form, no mythos. Writers, readers, and books bob alone on a sea of dreck.

5. Why is someone like Calasso better at choosing what to bring to our attention than we are?

Perhaps its not surprising that Calasso has been accused of elitism and paternalism. To be fair, however, his argument rests on more subtle grounds than simply that the good publisher is the necessary, singular arbiter of quality. Rather, he sees the publisher as having a responsibility to establish a vision and within that vision to practice his art. In this way, the publisher becomes the custodian and purveyor of what he believes is essential to his culture and time. The gods are the fugitive guests of literature, he says, meaning that the publishers mission, while secular, has a sacred element: the carrier or custodian of a mythos that guides and is reflected in the collective works he publishes. This spirit unites otherwise solitary authors, readers, and books. The sum of his acts as a publisher thus constitutes a form, which is, like sculpture or painting, art.

Calasso ends by returning to the image of Manutius. He wants publishers to aspire to create new books that are equally as beautiful as Manutiuss perfect book. For some this charge may seem precious and as suffocating in its imposition of critical judgment as the Internet is in its lack of discrimination. This much is certain: No other publisher today has dared to claim as his own the singular judgment and unique artistry of the publisher-artist Calasso describes so precisely. That is because the one he has in mind is himself and the art his own.
Newcastle and Gateshead have been chosen over Sheffield, Bradford and Blackpool to host The Great Exhibition of the North in 2018.

The event comes as part of George Osborne's Northern Powerhouse package, and will comprise art, design and innovation from the north of England. The government are due to spend 5million on the event, alongside a 15m legacy fund which aims to attract further investment. The region was chosen because of the "ambition" of organisers.

The exhibition will run over 77 days and the team behind the bid anticipate that they will attract three million people in two months to the area.

The opening ceremony will be on the 21st June 2018 and will take place on the Quayside, featuring illuminated drones over the River Tyne. The overriding theme of the exhibition will be The Blazing World  The Fires of Invention.

When placing the bid for the event, the region promised to offer three themed walking routes that will guide visitors to the venues and attractions. The three themes will be The Arts Circuit, Design Circuit and Innovation Circuit. Each will start at the Great North Museum in Hancock, where an exhibition will be running on northern pioneers.

Five northern and five international artists will create work for the BALTIC Centre for contemporary Art, based on the exhibitions themes. Not only will artists be involved, but 50 writers will get involved, rewriting the narratives of the north.

The event will come to a close just before the Great North Run.

The long-term aim is the boost tourism, and it will be interesting to see whether the large investment pays off and whether Newcastle and Gateshead live up to their bidding.
The fashion veteran deep in discussion on politics and personal life (CNBC/PA)

The PM needs to do more to earn Dame Viviennes respect (Stefan Rousseau/PA)

A cuddle with husband Andreas Kronthaler after Paris fashion show (Francois Mori/AP/PA)

Dame Vivienne and Malcolms son Joe Corre (Nick Ansell/PA)

In a CNBC interview with Tania Bryer, which will air at 10pm on Thursday, Dame Vivienne said neither Clinton nor Donald Trump in the top job would represent a positive change for America. The British businesswoman, 75, said: To me Hillarys evil and I think shes a war mongerer. I dont expect the world to change with Hillary Clinton. Im not Pro-Trump.(I) would not vote for either of them If theres a Green person I would vote for the Green person. I wouldnt even pick Barack Obama over them either. Her feelings for UK Prime Minister Theresa May were not much warmer as she accused her of being no different from her predecessors in upholding non-environmentally friendly policies. She said: She apparently wants to try to help people, she wont be able to unless she starts to attack the money system and first of all you need to bring in a green economy.If you want to be the same as everybody who came before you  David Cameron, Tony Blair  youre all the same what is what youve all got in common is you are all applying this terrible system which is not only making everybody poor, but even dying from the fumes in the air. All kinds of terrible  war, everything is caused by this system.But she remained hopeful that a chance to talk to Mrs May would be enough to encourage her to make positive changes, adding: What I want to tell Theresa May is you could be the most wonderful woman in the world, you could be the most important person that ever trod on this planet. Because if you wanted you could turn it around. A fierce environmental campaigner, Dame Vivienne added that everyone needs to pitch in to make the world a better and greener place. Weve got to have a green economy, and a green economy is a fair economy, she said. We live in a myth, people believe that somehow the whole of evolution is done for one end result which is us.But she revealed that her particular brand of activism, which developed during her earlier years in the punk rock era, has changed over time. She said: There are gurus who tell you all the sociology and importance of punk but Im afraid to me it was just a marketing opportunity. And I got bored with it when I realised that the punks were only interested in jumping around and spitting and having a great time. And theres nothing you need to tell young people  the one thing if you tell young people they will join you immediately. We are against the older generation and think lets change everything. But I realised that I wasnt going to change anything. I got lost. I got bored by it.Dame Vivienne also opened up about her personal struggles juggling her high-profile career and political views with her family life, particularly during her relationship with designer Malcolm McLaren. She told Tania: We got rid of the children temporarily. My youngest boy (Joseph) at three years old we sent him to boarding school. Poor little thing, I got him out soon after, I had to. My eldest boy (Ben) I sent him to live with his father for a bit while we managed.
A decade on from his critically acclaimed debut album It's Not A Rumour, UK hip hop don Akala is the middle of a UK tour, following the release of a career-spanning compilation 10 Years of Akala.

Of late he has become the go-to-voice on issues of politics, race and history as a bright voice in an increasingly dark political and social landscape, but now is the time to refocus on his music both past, present and future. These themes can be heard on new track Giants. The tracks strong reggae influence hints at whats to come from Akala, and is intended as an homage to those who have paved the way politically, culturally and musically. This isnt a new theme in the work of the self-proclaimed Black Shakespeare- many of his lyrics testify to the importance of respecting those who have gone before.Its important that we recognise that a lot of what were doings not new. Theres this sort of trend recently of talking about grime particularly as if its a brand new form of music thats sort of come out of nowhere, whereas other than the tempo being 140 bpm, all of the other elements of grime - MCing, sampling, looping, sound clashes, etc. - all of that was being done on Jamaican sound systems in the 50s. This is the latest iteration in a UK context of a very old tradition and in many ways acknowledging the forefathers gives more legitimacy and longevity and understanding to the genre, rather than acting like every time theres a slight adjustment its something brand new. Thats what I was trying to get at. On modern rap and grime artists who dont fully understand the history of their art form, he says, Its normal in every music genre. Not everyone who makes guitar music knows who Rosetta Tharpe and Memphis Minnie and Chuck Berry are. Some people dont dig that deep into their genre. Not everyone who plays the violin knows the history of fourteenth century Florence. Its one of these things that not every artist is also an academic of their craft, some people just have a gift. But I would argue that if you go and talk to the best artists - if you go and talk to Jimi Hendrix about his guitar playing he would be able to recite you a dissertation. If you were to go and talk to Miles Davis or if you speak to Thom Yorke, you can hear in their craft not just the individual ability they have but their understanding of the genre is so broad, and that is reflected in their music.Of course its okay, Akala says, that not everyone who makes hip-hop is an expert on its history. But he feels it is, for him and artists like him, who do acknowledge those such as Lieutenant Stitchie and U-Roy who were rapping double time and toasting half a century ago, that you have to respect them. Its no secret that as British hip hop artists like Akala gain popularity their fan base demographic changes drastically. This is true now more than ever with the rise of grime in the UK in recent years  as he says himself its one of the legacies of the way in which the world evolves economically that the majority of consumers are white middle class western kids. So for the man who said, hip hop is just a fad to them. You didnt know? But to us this is our living breathing soul (Absolute Power, 2012) this could no doubt represent a dilemma. Does he worry about his message being undermined as his core support expands to those for who rap is a means of vicariously living a lifestyle they will never have to experience?I think as anyone gets more popular youre gonna attract more people who are surface dwellers and more people who are embedded and entrenched in something. I think theres a way in which people can engage in an art form critically even if its not an art form that theyre from, but because its not like Im on mainstream radio 500 times a day Id also like to think that generally a certain type of person would be interested in the kind of stuff that I do, or that Loki does, or multiple other people  a more challenging kind of music.He gives as an example his own practice of the martial art Muay Thai  born to parents of Jamaican and Scottish heritage he is obviously not Asian. I think a great talk people should watch is by Brother Ali, hes obviously a white rapper, and his whole talk is actually about white peoples relationship with black American music. He asks what do we want? Do we want a more authentic human experience (obviously when he says we he means white people who love hip hop) or do we want colonial consumption? And in the context of the United States there has been that history of colonial consumption with minstrels and with black face and caricatures of the black persona. But theres also been the contradictory tradition of Bob Marley being immensely popular while chatting about pan Africanism and all that. Drawing upon Bob Marley and Martin Luther King as examples (King once called the American government the greatest purveyor of violence in the world but is now held up by politicians in the US as an American icon), Akala explains the phenomenon that dominant groups will always return things in their own image. And that is a challenge for an artist like me, as you become more popular, what choices do you make, what radio shows do you go on and not go on, what spaces do you occupy to keep your credibility whilst also wanting to reach as many people as possible? Reflecting on the past ten years Mr Fire in the Booth says that the biggest difference now from when he recordedIts Not A Rumouris the music industry. The cost of entering the industry has dropped dramatically, with the advent of YouTube allowing freestyles like StormzysShut Upto chart  unheard of ten years ago.He says that artists have far more power than they did in the past. In the field of hip hop particularly the biggest artists in the country are almost all independent, meaning that they no longer have to change in order to accommodate major labels in the way they would have in 2006. This he accredits to the recognition at long last by the music industry of the talent on the UK scene. I think the popularity of predominantly young black inner city MC-based culture forces Britain to take a look in the mirror. And the irony is that thats actually doing Britain a service, yet because its critical there are people who would have you believe that those of us who are critical dont like the country, or this or that, but you only critique something if you want it to improve. Akala credits the success of many UK MCs including himself in the last five years to finally finding their own UK-based voice. For some years, he says, British rap was almost seen as a cheap gimmicky take on American hip hop, but finally the authenticity of British culture is shining through, and getting respect in America and around the world.So in the last 10 years whats been really pleasing for me, and especially in the last couple, has been to see MCs be successful on their own terms. And I hope it inspires future generations to kind of stick it out and be like, cool it might take me 10 years of work, but I now have a job for life in some ways. Its not like the people who support me, who come to my shows are there because Ive been on Radio 1. I havent been on Radio 1 in a decade. Theyre there because they are to some degree genuinely fans of what I do, and I hope that shows young artists that, in the long run, hard work, the graft, integrity actually pays off.
Unless youve just landed from Mars, youve probably heard about the scary clown pandemic spreading across the globe.

Well, the clown related frenzy has grown so big that it has forced one of the worlds most famous clowns, Ronald McDonald, into hiding. Sigh.

Ronald McDonald's been forced into hiding due to the scary clown craze. Not all clowns are the same! pic.twitter.com/MGhvvLlge6  Sarah O'Connell (@SarahO_Connell) October 12, 2016



McDonalds in New York told the Associated Press the company was being thoughtful in respect to Ronald McDonalds participation in community events as a result of the current climate around clown sightings in communities.

Ive met the real Ronald McDonald. Hes a very nice guy. Came to my store every year. #redeye  Erin Lindsey (@TinyMonsters524) October 12, 2016



The company didnt give any details about how often its red-haired and red-mouthed mascot will be making appearances, but what we do know is that Mcdonalds wants to keep its beloved mascot away from the controversy.

The burger chains decision comes after a growth in pranks around the world that involve creepy clown sightings and have forced police in some areas to respond.

Recent incidents include, a masked clown threatening to slit a womans throat in Walsall when he was unable to force his way into her car.

I feel for Ronald McDonald at this time.  Benjy (@benjyhill) October 12, 2016



And in Bournemouth a man was grabbed and dragged along the street by an attacker wearing a clown costume.

Bye bye Ronald McDonald clown. You've been tarred with the clown prank brush. #horribleclownpranks  Lisa McCulloch (@mcculloch_lisa) October 12, 2016



Sightings of scary clowns have been escalating and have now occurred in countries across the globe in the past two months.

With his red hair and face paint, Ronald has been the face of Mcdonalds since the early 1960s  but with all the bad press clowns have been receiving, its no wonder McDonalds want Ronald to stay out of the limelight.

Wonder if Ronald McDonald gets paid leave? #RedEye  SOcean5 (@SOcean5) October 12, 2016


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Taipei, Oct. 12 (CNA) Children of foreign professionals in Taiwan can apply to stay in the country even once they are aged 20 or above, the Ministry of the Interior said Wednesday, rebutting rumors that children of foreign nationals in Taiwan cannot stay in the country after they reach that age.
Drunk New Yorker arrested after attacking vehicles in Phuket

PHUKET: A drunk American man was taken into police custody after causing a minor traffic incident in northern Phuket early this morning (Oct 12). Police said the man, identified as American national Stephen Leonard, was on foot trying to flag down a vehicle to take him to the airport, before he obstructed traffic on the road and damaged several vehicles.

transporttourismalcoholpolice

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Wednesday 12 October 2016, 01:12PM

The drunk American man was attempting to get a ride to the airport before he blocked traffic and damaged three cars. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The drunk American man was attempting to get a ride to the airport before he blocked traffic and damaged three cars. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The drunk American man was attempting to get a ride to the airport before he blocked traffic and damaged three cars. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The drunk American man was attempting to get a ride to the airport before he blocked traffic and damaged three cars. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The drunk American man was attempting to get a ride to the airport before he blocked traffic and damaged three cars. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The drunk American man was attempting to get a ride to the airport before he blocked traffic and damaged three cars. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The drunk American man was attempting to get a ride to the airport before he blocked traffic and damaged three cars. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The drunk American man was attempting to get a ride to the airport before he blocked traffic and damaged three cars. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The drunk American man was attempting to get a ride to the airport before he blocked traffic and damaged three cars. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The drunk American man was attempting to get a ride to the airport before he blocked traffic and damaged three cars. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The drunk American man was attempting to get a ride to the airport before he blocked traffic and damaged three cars. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The drunk American man was attempting to get a ride to the airport before he blocked traffic and damaged three cars. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

The drunk American man was attempting to get a ride to the airport before he blocked traffic and damaged three cars. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Tha Chatchai Police Lt Thanom Thongpan said he received a call from a local resident at 5:30am reporting that a drunk foreigner was running around frantically on the north bound lanes of Thepkrasattri Rd smashing the windows of passing vehicles that were forced to stop when he walked into their path.

He also stood in front of a truck, forcing the driver to stop in the middle of the road, blocking traffic and leaving only one lane open for motorists.

The incident happened in front of the Klua Muang Mai restaurant in Mai Khao said police.

Responding to the call Lt Thanom arrived on the scene with fellow officers and approached a group of local residents who had restrained the intoxicated American man on the side of the road.

The man was named by police as Stephen Leonard, 38, an American citizen from New York.

Police said they struggled to bring the uncooperative Mr Leonard into custody before taking him to Tha Chatchai Police Station.

Police said added that a large Hino truck, driven by Wanlop Thongked, 36, was found with minor damage to its side, along with a damaged Toyota pickup truck, driven by Sakrin Saard, 30.

Lt Thanom said that, according to Mr Wanlop, the man came onto the road out of nowhere and blocked his vehicle. Mr Wanlop said he slammed on his brakes suddenly, which destroyed the suspension and drive shaft of the truck.

The driver of the Toyota pickup, Mr Sakrin said he was also heading north when the man jumped onto his vehicle, hitting the window, and threw an empty alcohol bottle which smashed his window.

Lt Thanom Thongpan said a third vehicle involved in the incident had left the scene by the time police arrived, but later reported to Tha Chatchai Police Station after dropping passengers at Phuket International Airport.

Lt Thanom Thongpan confirmed that the man was drunk and that the American Embassy had been notified of the incident.

Mr Leonard paid a fine B200 and was ordered to pay for the damage he caused to the vehicles before being released from custody.

He has been charged with public intoxication and damaging peoples property.
Erawan Shrine bomber translator, running from drugs charges, arrested in Phuket

PHUKET: Police in Phuket have arrested Uzbekistan national Sirojiddin Bakhodirov who acted as translator for Adem Karadeg, the prime suspect in the Erawan Shrine bombing in Bangkok in August last year.

policecrimedrugsviolenceChinesemilitary

By Yutthawat Lekmak

Wednesday 12 October 2016, 02:16PM

Srojiddin Bakhadirov (wearing baseball cap), who acted as translator for Adem Karadeg, the prime suspect in the Erawan Shrine bombing in Bangkok in August last year, was arrested in Phuket yesterday (Oct 11). Phuket Tourist Police

Sirojiddin Bakhodirov(wearing baseball cap), who acted as translator for Adem Karadeg, the prime suspect in the Erawan Shrine bombing in Bangkok in August last year, was arrested in Phuket yesterday (Oct 11). Phuket Tourist Police

Bakhodirov, 39, was wanted on an arrest warrant No 231/2559 issued by the International Criminal Court of Southern Bangkok on June 17, explained Lt Nuruwat Puttivero of the Phuket Tourist Police, who led the arrest.

The warrant was issued after Bakhodirov jumped bail while facing possession of marijuana charges in Bangkok.

Bakhodirov has consistently denied the charge, claiming that police officers planted the marijuana on him as punishment for helping Thailands Uighur community  an allegation that police have denied. (See story here.)

Phuket Tourist Police arrested Bakhodirov, 39, at a location along Yaowarat Rd in Phuket Town at about 6pm yesterday (Oct 11), Lt Nuruwat told The Phuket News.

Police will send him back to Bangkok to face his charges there, he said.

The August 2015 bombing left 20 dead and at least 125 injured at Ratchawong Intersection in the heart of Bangkok in an unprecedented attack.

Two suspects accused of the carrying out the bombing were arrested by police in the days after the bombing and held in military custody. Both deny the charges.

More than a dozen ethnic Chinese tourists were among the dead when explosives in an abandoned backpack detonated in the Hindu shrine popular with tourists on Aug 17 last year.

The explosion came weeks after the military government forcibly repatriated 109 Uighurs to China, where rights activists says the Turkic-speaking Muslim minority face cultural and religious repression.
Haiti death toll hits 473 as survivors plead for aid

HAITI: At least 473 people are now known to have died as Hurricane Matthew levelled swaths of southern Haiti last week, officials said yesterday (Oct 11), as hard-hit communities struggled to rebuild homes and access food and clean water.

constructiondisastersdeathhealthweather

By AFP

Wednesday 12 October 2016, 09:47AM

People walk down a debris covered street in the commune of Port-a-Piment, in Les Cayes, in southwest Haiti, yesterday (Oct 11). Photo: Hector Retamal/AFP

Haiti is observing three days of mourning for victims of the deadly storm, which also left 75 missing and 330 injured according to the provisional toll from the nations civil protection agency.

More than 175,500 people remain in shelters across the country, many of them in schools  which is keeping nearly 100,000 children from resuming classes.

Interim President Jocelerme Privert said those affected would receive humanitarian aid but warned against extending emergency help without a plan for long-term reconstruction.

If we continue to bring emergency food aid to victims  without taking steps to recapitalise them, for money to circulate in affected areas  the risk of exodus to large cities is still there, Privert told journalists.

Privert said the Haitian government has sent 40 containers of food aid to affected regions, which he said cost the treasury more than $400,000 (B1.7 million).

Matthew struck as the impoverished nation was struggling to stifle a cholera outbreak that authorities fear will now worsen, with the World Health Organisation yesterday pledging to send a million doses of cholera vaccines.

Two water purification stations also arrived in Port-au-Prince yesterday as part of Frances first shipment of humanitarian aid, which comprised some 69 tons of supplies including medicine and anti-cholera kits.

Each station produces 250,000 litres of drinking water per day.

But damage to roads and communications has hamstrung deliveries of supplies in some areas, according to an AFP journalist in the southern coastal village of Groteaux.

Many residents of that community were still struggling to find food and clean water as they scrambled to repair their battered homes.

Many Groteaux homes sported new tin roofs bought at inflated prices, but poorer families could not afford new metal sheets to shelter them from intense sun, tropical rains or bloodthirsty mosquitoes.

Only God knows what we will eat, Jean Nelson, 68, said. We are eating only coconuts that fell.

We dont have money for rice, he said, adding that the price of the staple has doubled in the past week.

Nelson said that even though roads are now accessible, with cell phone coverage also starting to improve, no Haitian officials or relief workers have visited the hard-hit town.

The UN envoy Sandra Honore yesterday urged the Security Council to keep UN peacekeeping forces in Haiti for another six months to help cope with storm damage, ahead of a vote on renewing the missions mandate.

The world bodys chief Ban Ki-moon said a massive international response was needed to help Haiti as the United Nations launched a $120mn (B4.2bn) flash appeal for the next three months.

Privert said Haiti would head efforts to tackle the latest humanitarian crisis to hit the island, where much of the population is sceptical of aid promises from abroad as well as the governments ability to manage distribution.

There are not two players on the field but one: the state, Privert said, adding that Haiti alone does not have the resources to meet the needs of the population.

The WHO said Tuesday it would send a million cholera vaccine doses to Haiti after the nation  the poorest in the Americas  began seeing cases surge after Matthews pummelling.

WHO cholera expert Dominique Legros told reporters in Geneva there had already been a sharp increase in cases in the south of the country, with 148 cases detected in the Grande Anse department and 53 more in the Sud department.

Grande Anse in Haitis southwest took a direct hit from the storm, suffering by far the highest toll with 244 dead, the civil protection agency said.

Matthew came as Haitians were already struggling with the intestinal disease spread by contaminated food and water, with more than 500 new cases each week.

The WHO has called for the strengthening of Haitian health facilities so they can handle the brunt of the humanitarian crisis, rather than relying on outside medical intervention.

The best people to help Haitians are Haitians themselves, Jean-Luc Poncelet, the country representative for the UNs WHO, told reporters yesterday. Priority must be given to the institutions already working in the country.

They know the people and therefore they are the most effective.
NCPO orders security boost after bomb alert

BANGKOK: The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) has ordered security to be stepped up following warnings of possible car bomb attacks later this month.

crimepolicetransportviolence

By Bangkok Post

Wednesday 12 October 2016, 08:49AM

The military has ordered stepped-up security, especially near the Erawan Shrine, and at CentralWorld, as seen here. Photo: Patipat Janthong

NCPO spokesman Piyapong Klinphan said yesterday (Oct 11) that the regime has instructed security agencies to watch for suspicious activities, set up checkpoints and conduct searches to prevent any public disturbances. This comes after police earlier boosted security in response to the threat.

The month of October was a politically significant month and government officials must ensure public safety and prepare themselves for any situation, Col Piyapong said, referring to polices warning of possible violence from Oct 25-30.

Authorities are monitoring movements of people suspected of launching serial bombings in seven southern and central provinces on Aug 12, the NCPO spokesman said.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that he was verifying the security warning and reporters should not exaggerate them.

Deputy national police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul confirmed on Monday (Oct 10) that police had received intelligence about possible attacks in three locations during Oct 25-30 in the capital and nearby provinces.

Gen Srivara said authorities are on alert and have been told to step up both surveillance as well as intelligence operations.

He said while there are no specific targets, there will be extra-tight security in tourist spots, embassies and symbolic locations.

More than 100 police officers from the Metropolitan Police Division 4 and the Patrol and Special Operation Division (PSOD), also known as the 191 police unit, searched nine locations on Ramkhamhaeng Rd in Bangkok following yesterdays security alert about possible car bomb attacks.

During a search of an apartment in Soi Ramkhamhaeng 53, 10 men were detained for questioning.

PSOD chief Maj Gen Surachet Hakpal said the operation targeted densely populated areas as well as looked for suspects wanted on arrest warrants and those with criminal backgrounds.

Metropolitan Police Bureau chief Lt Gen Sanit Mahathavorn later revealed a sweep of areas in Hua Mak, Wang Thong Lang, Min Buri and Nong Chok districts has found no one with links to any possible car bomb attack plots.

Lt Gen Sanit also said he has instructed officers at 88 police stations in Bangkok to report the results of their searches of locations such as hotels and apartments.

In Samut Prakans Muang district, police and soldiers raided an apartment room in Soi Aksornlak and detained a man identified as Preecha Samalee, 39, a mobile phone repairman working at a department store.

They seized a large number of mail packages and modified mobile phones and sent them to Explosive Ordinance Disposal experts to see if the modified devices were intended for use in detonating bombs.

Police are investigating if Mr Preecha is linked to the insurgent violence in the deep South.

Read original story here.
Phuket taxi driver hands in tourist couples lost pouch containing B300,000 cash

PHUKET: An airport limousine driver has been praised and rewarded after handing in a pouch containing over B300,000 in cash and a passport he discovered in his vehicle. The pouch was left behind by a tourist couple who used his service on Monday night, October 10.

policetourism

By Eakkapop Thongtub

Wednesday 12 October 2016, 10:50AM

Taxi driver Kris Komor Niyompong (third from left) hands back the wallet containing B300,000 to the relieved tourist couple at Karon Police Station on (Oct 11). Photo: Jamorn Sompong

Airport limousine driver, Mr Kris Komor Niyompong, 53 arrived at Karon Police Station at midnight (Oct 11) to hand in the pouch he found inside his vehicle to a tourist couple he picked up from Phuket International Airport earlier that evening at 9pm.

Upon arrival at Karon Police Station, Karon police officers and the tourist couple were waiting for him, after having called him to check for the lost money. Upon handing over the pouch containing the money, the woman it belonged to broke into tears, thanked Mr Kris for his honesty and gave him B2000 as a reward.

Mr Niyompong told police he picked up the couple from the airport at around 9pm and took them to the Best Western hotel in Karon. While driving home through the Thalang area, a tourist police officer contacted him and asked him to check for a pouch that the couple left on the back seat. Kris said he stopped to checked his vehicle, discovered the pouch on the floor and notified police.

I have been working for Phuket Mai Khao Sakoo Co as a taxi driver servicing the Phuket airport for more than six years, and have seen tourists leave wallets in my vehicle many times, but not usually with this much money, said Mr Niyompong.

I always return all items left inside my vehicle to tourists. I would never take them because my work is in the service industry and I thats what I get paid to do. If I did that it would destroy customers trust in our service and eventually we will lose our customer, he added.

The story of the honest taxi driver went viral among Phuket reporters after local reporter, Mr Jamorn Sompong posted a picture of the taxi driver handing over the pouch to the couple at the police station on Facebook, with a message that said good deed[s] must be praise[d].
Police confirm full charges for drunk hit-and-run cop

PHUKET: The police officer who injured six people in a drunk-driving multiple hit-and-run in Phang Nga last month will face full charges, Phang Nga Police have confirmed to The Phuket News.

policealcoholcrimetransport

By Yutthawat Lekmak

Wednesday 12 October 2016, 10:27AM

Sub Lt Thanom Haesathit caused outrage among Phang Nga Town locals after leaving six people injured when he ploughed his pickup truck into them while drunk at the wheel. Photo: Eakkapop Thongtub

Sub Lt Thanom Haesathit of the Phang Nga Muang District Police was taken into custody on Sept 9 after he left six people injured after his pickup truck crossed Phetkasem Rd and crashed into them  then he fled the scene.

Witnesses said Sub Lt Thanom reeked of alcohol when he exited his vehicle at a local temple. The incident sparked outrage among local residents in Phang Nga Town. (See story here.)

In less than 24 hours, Sub Lt Thanom was then released on bail of B20,000 after he was charged with reckless driving causing injury and fleeing the scene of an accident. (See story here.)

After taking more than two weeks to ascertain the results of the blood-alcohol concentration (BAC) tests from Phang Nga Hospital, police finally confirmed that Sub Lt Thanom will be charged with drunk driving. (See story here.)

Yesterday (Oct 11), Lt Dusit Phongphan, an inspector with the Phang Nga Muang District Police, confirmed that police had concluded their investigation into the case.

Sub Lt Thanom Haesathit will face charges of reckless driving, fleeing the scene of an accident (hit and run), causing injury to others and driving under the influence of alcohol, he said.

We have concluded our investigation into the case involving Sub Lt Thanom after finally receiving the BAC test results from Phang Nga Hospital after waiting for more than two weeks, and they confirm that the officers alcohol level was more than 50mg at the time of the incident, he noted.

However, Lt Dusit refused to reveal what the BAC test result was confirming how much alcohol was in Sub Lt Thanoms system on the night of the hit-and-runs.

He also did not explain why it took two weeks to receive the BAC test results.

Lt Dusit yesterday also said, All three people injured in Phang Nga Hospital are now being taken care of by Sub Lt Thanom Haesathit and they have left the hospital and gone back home.

Those details conflict with earlier confirmed reports that six people were initially taken to hospital for treatment of injuries after being struck by Sub Lt Thanoms pickup truck, and that two of the injured were required to stay in hopsital for at least 10 days. (See story here.)

During the course of the investigation, Phang Nga Police have not released the names of any of the people injured or reported the extent of their injuries.

Lt Dusit confirmed that Lt Thanom will face a police disciplinary tribunal over the incident, but refused to detail what standard policy mandated be handed down as punishment for police officers found guilty of multiple counts of drunk driving causing injury to others and then fleeing the scene of the accidents.

The Phang Nga Muang District Police will do the best with our duty on standard practice for police officers found guilty of drunk driving, he said.
Royal family and well-wishers gather at Siriraj Hospital

BANGKOK: Members of the royal family and a large number of well-wishers were at Siriraj Hospital tonight (Oct 12) where His Majesty the King is being treated.

health

By Bangkok Post

Wednesday 12 October 2016, 08:10PM

Well-wishers chant prayers for the good health of His Majesty the King at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok this evening (Oct 12). Photo: Weerawong Wongpreedee

Present at the hospital in Bangkok from this afternoon were HRH Princess Chulabhorn and her daughters HRH Princess Siribha Chudhabhorn and HRH Princess Adityadornkitikhun.

Later Princess Ubolratana arrived at the hospital, followed by HRH the Crown Prince who had just returned from abroad, and HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn.

The compound of the nations first hospital was full with well-wishers who were praying for the good health of His Majesty the King who will turn 89 this December.

His Majesty the King is the heart of Thailand, said 42-year-old teacher Donnapha Kladbupha.

I know everyone will wish him a speedy recovery, but I want to see his smile after his recovery too.

Suwanna Kenamthiangwan, 62, was trying to get as close as possible to His Majesty the Kings building together with some 20 friends. All wore pink, the colour believed to help promote His Majestys health.

I will stop praying for him only when he gets better, she said, holding His Majesty the Kings portrait to her chest.

The Royal Household Bureau announced on Sunday (Oct 9) that royal doctors performed haemodialysis on His Majesty, used drugs to control his blood pressure and put His Majesty on a medical ventilator to bring his blood pressure back to normal levels.

The bureau has not issued an announcement on His Majestys condition since.

Read original story here.
Security at Phuket Airport beefed up in response to car bomb warning

PHUKET: Security at Phuket International Airport (PIA) has been ramped up in response to the nationwide warning that car bomb attacks may be carried out at major tourist destinations later this month.

violencepolicemilitary

By Tanyaluk Sakoot

Wednesday 12 October 2016, 01:52PM

Security personnel carry out inspections of vehicles arriving at Phuket International Airport this morning (Oct 12). Photo: PIA

Security personnel carry out inspections of vehicles arriving at Phuket International Airport this morning (Oct 12). Photo: PIA

Security personnel carry out inspections of vehicles arriving at Phuket International Airport this morning (Oct 12). Photo: PIA

Security personnel carry out inspections of vehicles arriving at Phuket International Airport this morning (Oct 12). Photo: PIA

Security personnel carry out inspections of vehicles arriving at Phuket International Airport this morning (Oct 12). Photo: PIA

The National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) ordered to security to be boosted at major tourist areas in the country in the wake of the warning, which was leaked to the public on Monday (Oct 10).

Deputy national police chief Srivara Ransibrahmanakul confirmed on Monday that police had received intelligence about possible attacks in three locations during Oct 25-30 in the capital and nearby provinces.

Gen Srivara said authorities are on alert and have been told to step up both surveillance as well as intelligence operations.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha said that he was verifying the security warning and reporters should not exaggerate them. (See story here.)

Royal Thai Police Commander Pol Gen Chakthip Chaijinda confirmed that police have stepped up security measures nationwide, especially at major airports, as requested by Airports of Thailand (AOT) President Nitinai Sirismatthakarn.

Security has been increased at airports all six major airports operated by AoT:

Suvarnabhumi Airport

Don Mueang International Airport

Phuket International Airport

Chiang Mai International Airport

Hat Yai International Airport

Mae Fah LuangChiang Rai International Airport

Security at all six airports is now at Level 3+, Mr Nitinai said, though security at Phuket Airport has been officially at the same level since the Erawan Shrine bombing in Augusta last year.

Random checks on baggage passing through the airport have been increased , and we have the EOD (bomb-disposal) team and CCTV on watch on 24-hour standby to cover the whole area in the airport, Mr Nitinai said.

Police and local officials are on standby for a co-ordinated response to any potential emergency situation. We are also working with intelligence provided by the Office of the National Security Council, he said.

Mr Nitinai urged people to report anything suspicious to the nearest airport staffer or by calling airport security at 1722.
Trang man, 37, caught with 98 kilos of marijuana

PHUKET: A 37-year-old Trang man was arrested yesterday (Oct 11) after police discovered 98 kilograms of marijuana in his pickup truck at the Tha Chatchai checkpoint in Mai Khao.

crimedrugspolicetransport

By Yutthawat Lekmak

Wednesday 12 October 2016, 07:35PM

Police proudly present their hail of 98 kilos of marijuana. Photo: Col Thawas Tansakul

Lt Col Thawas Tansakul of the Tha Chatchai Police said, Mr Annop Deeramea, 37, from Trang was arrested with 98 packages of marijuana when police conducted a search of his vehicle.

Officers were performing regular checks at the Tha Chatchai checkpoint when they noticed an Opel Astra with Bangkok licence plates approaching. The driver drove very slowly and hesitated to come to the checkpoint when he saw police.

Upon suspicion, officers signalled for the man to stop and checked his vehicle where they discovered 30 packages of marijuana in one sack on the back seat and 68 packages inside two sacks in the back of the truck, he said.

While officers were checking inside the vehicle Annop attempted to run away, but he did not get far and officers apprehended him shortly after.

We are questioning him to find out more information about who or where he was supposed to deliver this drug to, he added.

Annop was taken to Tha Chatchai Police Station where he was to be charged with possession of a Category 5 drug with intent to sell.
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Ghost hunters seek spirits at Sisseton orphanage, Watertown auditorium

The Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Paranormal Society have explored dozens of locations, including the Sisseton orphanage and the Watertown city auditorium.
An opportunity for foodies and beer lovers to get lost in a world of food and drink from a hand-selected range of food trucks and breweries from around New Zealand.
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Montreals Mayor Denis Coderre signs a condolence book, with Israeli Consul General Ziv Nevo Kulman looking on, for former Israeli prime minister and president Shimon Peres, who recently died at the age of 93. Coderre also released a statement when Peres died, saying: It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Shimon Peres, former president and prime minister of Israel. In particular, we remember his role in the peace agreements, for which he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1994, along with Yasser Arafat and Yitzhak Rabin. A great statesman, who made his mark on history, he pursued his commitment to the peace process throughout his life, notably through the Peres Center for Peace that he established to promote reconciliation, tolerance and cooperation in the Middle East. I offer my sincere condolences to his family, friends and the people of Israel.
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On Page 18, it is briefly stated that: During Feb, there were 173 Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) Sightings in the Operational Report  Lessons Learned, Headquarters, I Field Force Vietnam, Period Ending 30 April 1969. The report chronologically lays out the activities of the Armys sizeable I Field Force in Vietnams Central Highlands during the months of February, March and April, 1969.

Recently, I completed the first two parts of an ongoing series regarding the United States Air Forces (USAF) accidental missile strike on the Royal Australian Navys HMAS Hobart guided missile destroyer off the coast of Vietnam. The incident occurred on the 17th of June, 1968. Part 1 and Part 2 of that series discussed my discovery of numerous US military records which state that both enemy helicopters and UFOs were intensely active at the time of the incident. However, during my research phase into this matter, I also found a great number of other Vietnam War-era records, quite aside in time and place than those detailing the with HMAS Hobart. This work

By Paul Dean

The UFO Chronicles

7-29-16

Twr 72 rpts object flying into their area about 700m infront of them, AZ 310. Object came in slow over the ASP & landed. When object moves it has a glowing light. It is about 15  20 ft across. It is shaped like a big egg. Control twr rpts their radar did not pick anything up. Object also does not seem to have any sound to it when it moves.

During Feb, there were 173 Unidentified Flying Objects (UFO) Sightings. (See above top)

During Mar, there were 190 UFO Sightings. (See below)

During Mar, there were 46 UFO Sightings.

During the entire reporting period, concerted efforts were made to identify UFOs. Further discussion of these efforts is precluded by the classification of this report.

- click and or right click on image(s) to enlarge -

Current action on UFOs was initiated in Nov 68 when the 4th Inf Div requested a Restricted Flying Area/Defense Identification Zone in order to aid in the identification of unidentified flying objects. In early Jan 69, a message was received from COMUSMACV directing that HAWK acquisition radars would be furnished by the 6th Bn 56th Arty, to aid in UFO detection and identification. On or about 25 Jan the following radars were received accompanied by operating personnel: (1) Pulse Acquisition Radar; (2) Continual Wave Acquisition Radar; and (3) Illumination Radar. These were placed in operation the night of 31 Jan with the radar CP located at LZ Oasis. The Air Force provided a liaison officer at the CP. Presently, the Air Force and the 4th Inf Div are gathering data for analysis; the Air Force will not grant engagement clearance while objects are in the air as positive identification as hostile has yet to be determined.

Project CHECO was established in 1962 to document and analyze air operations in Southeast Asia Project CHECO and other US Air Force Historical study programs provided the Air Force with timely and lasting corporate insights into operational, conceptual and doctrinal lessons from the war in SEA.

Another facet of target identification involved confirming the many visual, radar, and infrared sightings. No hard evidence such as photographs or wreckage was obtained. On three successive August nights, RF4s flew a total of 12 sorties against 34 radarplotted UFO targets. The photos showed no helicopters despite several runs which, according to the radar, passed directly over the targets. On 28 August, an RF4C using photo flash cartridges ran controlled tests to photograph a friendly helicopter at night. Of 38 exposed frames made on four passes, only two frames showed the helicopter. The summary of results to the 7AF Command Section said

This test confirms previous opinion by DOCR that chances of photographing one of the UFOs in the DMZ is extremely remote Even the two successful exposures required last minute flight correction by a DOCR representative riding in the lead helicopter.

Two special projects were established to observe the UFOs from Con Thien, the highest hill in the eastern DMZ area. The primary mission of project HAVE FEAR did not concern the helicopter reports, but this Air Force Weapons Laboratory project had laser range finders and night observation devices (NOD) that offered some chance of identifying the sightings. HAVE FEAR personnel saw red lights and got video blips. The UFOs usually traveled at speeds from 30 to 80 mph at altitudes from 1,200 to 1,600 feet. After several days of tracking, the red blinking lights would extinguish when under HAVE FEAR surveillance. The project ran from 412 August 1968 and resumed from 1831 August.

In mid-August, HAVE FEAR was joined by Project LETHAL CHASER, which used manpack radar. From 18 August through 3 September 1968, the several observation systems conducted a joint, integrated search that also employed Waterboy radar. The criteria for a valid track included the UFO being within 11 miles of Con Thien, being unidentified by Jazzy Control, having a track of at least two minutes duration, and traveling at less than 180 mph. This joint effort got 67 valid tracks, but no conclusive identifications.



By late August, the helicopter situation dwindled away into occasional sightings and little new technical data. Several times the peculiarities of the tracks and the lack of confirmation where expected (such as from troops in the plotted area) defied adequate explanation. The 7AF Commander decided the results could not justify continuing the projects and MACV concurred.

An additional function mentioned in this report was that of monitoring UFO reports. Information was relayed from forward observation posts through counter-battery intelligence channels to the FSCC, where the liaison team gathered all necessary information into the proper format and passed it on to the appropriate air defense agencies.









adds to the discoveries made by Boston based researcher Barry Greenwood. While I was trawling Americas huge Defence Technical Information Center (DTIC), he was dealing with the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA). The actual items we have found include Histories and Chronologies, Mission Reports, Patrol Logs, Daily Staff Journals, and so-called Lessons Learned publications. Also, these records come from all four branches of the US Armed Forces, which is fairly unusual.The question, which I have grappled with previously, is a one of terminology. Is the term UFO a catchall for anything unknown and flying? One would ask, why wouldnt military personal simply use terminology like unknown helicopter or unidentified aircraft or suspected flak? The fact of the matter is, they often did. Interestingly though, these more routine terms occurred alongside with, and distinct from, the term UFO. But, without more information, we just dont quite know what fits into the UFO basket and what doesnt. It has been argued that UFOs reported during the Vietnam War must have all been North Vietnamese helicopters. With this in mind, it is worth highlighting a United States Army Daily Journal entry which was found in the records of the 23rd Infantry Divisions Chu Lai Defense Command. Dated January the 6th, 1969, it says:This record was actually found, not by us, but by Joe Gillette, a NARA archivist in Washington DC. It was submitted to their official blog,. This is reasonable example of something very peculiar being witnessed and reported by military servicemen, in the vicinity of a military installation. Whatever it was, the notion of a deafening, lumbering North Vietnamese helicopter being responsible is puerile. Without more information, however, we can only treat it as another odd anecdote of wartime history.During the Vietnam War, the United States Army produced so-called Lessons Learned publications. Categorized as a form of Operational Report, these special documents were written for the purposes of chronologically recording major operational, in-the-field activities of all the major Army entities  from Field Force echelon down to Battalion level. Now declassified, it turns out that a not-insignificant number of these publications contain interesting references to UFO activity.One such Lessons Learned publication is titled. The report chronologically lays out the activities of the Armys sizeable I Field Force in Vietnams Central Highlands during the months of February, March and April, 1969. Originally classified CONFIDENTIAL, it was distributed by the Department of the Army, Office of the Adjutant General, on the 4th of August, 1969, after being signed off by Maj. Gen. Kenneth G. Wickham. On Page 18, it is briefly stated that:Not to be outdone, Page 25 of the report lists an even higher figure of UFO sightings for March, 1969. It reads:On Page 27, there is another entry regarding UFOs, and it applies to the month of April, 1969. It is important here to note that there appears to be a mistake in the authors text. Instead of correctly listing April as the time period being discussed, they have written March. As I said above, March had already been covered with its apparent 190 sightings. To quote exactly, it states:Of course, Mar means April, thus, the sentence should read, During Apr, there were 46 UFO Sightings.. Far more interesting, though, is the passage of text immediately following the above sentence. It states:This is something we seldom see. What concerted efforts were made to identify UFOs? And with what results? Clearly, whatever efforts were undertaken, the details must have been too sensitive to be laid out, even scantly, in a CONFIDENTIAL Army publication. This would imply that the matter was, at minimum, classified SECRET, which is one level of security classification above CONFIDENTIAL. There is, of course, a chance that the matter was classified TOP SECRET, but, without more to go on, we simply do not know. Imaged below is the page in question.There is no more discussion of UFOs in. In total, during the three months in question, there was a total of 409 UFO sightings made from within the US military. This, by anyones measure, is an extremely high number, and, the situation was evidently taken seriously. The fact that these UFO sightings continued to go unresolved must have been troublesome, from a security point of view if nothing else, for the militarys field commanders and other top brass staff. Only a few months later, on the 17th of December, 1969, the Secretary of the USAF, Dr. Robert C. Seamans, Jr, famously announced that, No UFO reported, investigated and evaluated by the Air Force was ever an indication of threat to our national security.. This is understandable, as he was paraphrasing the hogwash he was being fed by Project Blue Book staffers, as well as various other USAF entities. Needless to say, a thorough inspection of the USAFs Project Blue Book records  both administrative paperscase files  turns up nothing on the 409 UFO sightings listed by the Armys I Field Force in Vietnam. For those unfamiliar with Project Blue Book, it was the USAFs flawed twenty-year effort to collection and analyse UFO sightings the world over.Another US Army Lessons Learned publication has mention of UFOs, and, it is in fact the edition that chronologically leads up to one I detailed above. Titled, the entire document dryly discusses the operational activities of the I Field Force in the Central Highlands of Vietnam for the months of November and December, 1968, and January 1969. It was distributed by the Department of the Army, Office of the Adjutant General, on the 14th of April, 1969, after being signed off for distribution by Maj. Gen. Kenneth G. Wickham. As is standard, it was originally classified CONFIDENTIAL. On Page 17, various field activities for the month of January are laid out, and the UFO issue is taken rather seriously:This unequivocally says that the US Armys 4th Infantry Division was concerned enough about unidentified flying objects to request implementation of strict air identification processes. Furthermore, the Commander, US Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (COMUSMACV) ordered that three types of primary radar systems would be furnished to the 6th Battalion, 56th Artillery Brigade to aid in UFO detection and identification. The USAF provided a liaison officer at the central LZ Oasis Command Post (CP), and the gathering data for analysis was underway by the end of January. Finally, and maybe most importantly, the objects were not being readily identified. While there is every possibility that these UFOs or objects were merely North Vietnamese helicopters, there seems to be an awful lot of confusion about the matter. Again, why not simply use terminology such as unknown helicopter or unidentified helicopter? Also, if the objects were indeed enemy helicopters, would there not be intelligence from the worst affected areas stating such? The sound of military helicopters in flight, or, the discovery of functional bases from where to operate them from, must surely have been known toin the US Army. I have imaged the page below.Some of the most informative records I have located are from the USAFs Project CHECO collection. These detailed reports examined the USAFs aerial operations in South East Asia. CHECO stands for Contemporary Historical Examination of Current Operations, and each report has a standard introduction, which states:Previously, in Part 1 of my report into the accidental USAF missile strike on Australias HMAS Hobart warship, I discussed a Project CHECO publication titled. It was produced by the 7th Air Forces (7AF) Directorate of Tactical Evaluation, Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces (HQ PACAF), and was published on the 1st of August, 1969. It was signed off by Col. Warren H. Peterson, and was originally classified SECRET/AIR FORCE EYES ONLY. On Page 45 there is mention of a joint service conference on the UFO problem, which I discussed at length. Furthermore, on Page 47 and 48 there is detailed discussion on the attempted photographing, radar tracking and aerial engagement of UFO targets, which I also highlighted. I believe though, that some aspects of this need further discussion. On Page 47, it is stated:The author then quotes directly from a classified USAF record:The page continues with:This topic carries over into Page 48, which states:As we can see, there are a number of endnotes in the above text. Endnotes 132 and 135 are listed as a document titled. Endnote 133, is listed asEndnote 134 is listed asThis leaves no doubt that the information conveyed in these pages was gleaned directly from raw, established USAF authority.It should be stated that one particular statement in the above passages of text does argue in favour of UFOs being nothing more than helicopters. That statement is By late August, the helicopter situation dwindled away into occasional sightings and little new technical data. This is stated after the term UFO had been used repeatedly, so one has to take into strong consideration that the terminology used could be all-encompassing. Whatever the situation, we dont often see records that describe such intense efforts to engage unknown, unidentifiable aerial targets, which are repeatedly labelled as UFOs. Firstly, steadfast attempts to detect and track very elusive arieal targets, using the resources of the USAFs WATERBOY Control and Reporting Post at Dong Ha, were, apparently, unsuccessful. Secondly, two special projects, HAVE FEAR and LETHAL CHASER, used laser range finders, night observation devices and mobile radar systems. Yet, they got no conclusive identifications. Usually, we only have anecdotal and subjective reports to rely on. But here, we see instrumented efforts to assess unusual aerial activity. Seemingly, these airborne mysteries were never solved. The above mentioned pages are imaged below.Another Project CHECO publication I discovered is titled. It was produced by the 7th Air Forces (7AF) Directorate of Tactical Evaluation, Headquarters, Pacific Air Forces (HQ PACAF), and was published on the 31st of August, 1969. Originally classified SECRET/AIR FORCE EYES ONLY, the report was declassified on the 13th of June, 1989. On Page 58, it is stated:As detailed in the glossary of this Project CHECO report, the term FSCC stands for Fire Support Coordination Center. Also, the above sentence finishes with the endnote 8, which is listed as. During the late 1960s, I CORPS was an allied field force organised within the Army of the Republic of Vietnam (ARVN). The ARVN was the Army component of the South Vietnamese military, and functioned alongside the United States Army, as well as the USAF and US Marine Corps (USMC). The USAFs 7AF provided air support to I CORPS through its Direct Air Support Center (DASC) at Da Nang Airfield. Judging by the passage of text Ive highlighted above, an End of Tour report by one Major McMillen contained information about the monitoring of UFO reports.A further study of this bulk Project CHECO report reveals, on Page 57, that Major McMillen was the 7AFs Liaison Team Chief at Headquarters, I CORPS. Evidently, the 7AF were processing UFO case data. The statement gathered all necessary information into the proper format before passing it on to the appropriate air defense agencies can mean nothing else. There was certainly a clear paper trail going on here. Myriad questions come to mind. Just how classified was the 7AFs collection and dissemination of UFO case data to the appropriate air defense agencies? Was there any agreement on what these reports were actually caused by? North Vietnamese helicopters? US reconnaissance on sensitive, unacknowledged missions? Or something else more unsolvable? The page in question is imaged below.UFOs, helicopters, or otherwise, the records discovered and detailed here, prove, beyond any shadow of any doubt, that there are still very significant quantities of information completely unseen by researchers. In Part 2 of this series, I will highlight an even wider array of US military documents that were created during the Vietnam War, as well as try to offer some conclusions.Finally, below, I have imaged the front pages, or, descriptive covering letters, that verify the information I have detailed. Specifically, they are,
DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Whingeing. Contemptuous. Unpatriotic. Damn the Bremoaners and their plot to subvert the will of the British people

By Daily Mail Comment 12 October 2016

Waking up yesterday, it was as if Britain had been transported back to those febrile, fractious days in May and June, when the EU referendum campaign was being so ferociously contested.In a document released by the Treasury, there was a hysterical  and entirely bogus  claim that the country will be up to 66 billion a year poorer if the UK fully breaks free of the shackles imposed by Brussels.It was based on a six-month-old study commissioned by  you guessed it  George Osborne, the architect of the utterly discredited Project Fear and a man whose bitterness at being removed from office is one of the more unedifying spectacles in politics.Meanwhile, Remain-supporting MPs were being given copious airtime by the BBC to make unsubstantiated claims of impending doom for the UK outside of the single market.And, to top it all, the pro-Brussels CBI business group was also in full cry, claiming that Britain is heading for a cliff edge and that big employers will not possibly be able to cope without unskilled mass immigration from the EU  an unpatriotic, defeatist position which will enrage people in communities whose schools, health services and housing cannot cope with the existing number of migrants.Perhaps the most eloquent response to the pro-EU position of the CBI  which has long been notorious for its appeasing instincts  was the announcement that JCB, one of Britains most important industrial groups, was quitting the confederation in protest.To all these embittered Remainers, the Mail has a simple message: You lost. Stop the anti-democratic games and respect the emphatic verdict of the British people.From the moment the referendum result became clear, Remain have been sore losers: incredulous that the British people could be so disrespectful as to reject their wisdom, and increasingly furious that the economy  far from collapsing, as predicted by Mr Osborne  is flourishing.So it was that they resorted to desperate subterfuge.The people, they argued, were conned by false claims from the Leave campaign  despite the fact that this was one of the most deeply debated issues in post-war Britain, and that the Leave camp had nothing on the breathtaking mendacity of Remain.And second, they invented  in the newspeak style of Orwell  some new phrases. The British people, they decided, had not voted for hard Brexit  even though nobody had even heard of the expression until after the referendum. They wanted a soft Brexit  leaving Europe but staying within the single market.It is not difficult to discern just why the Remainers are behaving in such a petulant and unacceptable way. By putting a date on the triggering of Article 50  the formal two-year process for leaving the EU  Theresa May last week crushed their lingering hopes that Brexit was a bad dream that might never happen.At the same time, they were cut deep by her devastating  and entirely accurate  critique of a metropolitan elite that sneers at the publics concerns about mass immigration and considers it bewildering that 17.4 million people voted to leave the EU.Thus, a well-heeled group of London intellectuals which is used to having everything its own way  and which has ignored the ordinary voter for decades  is out for revenge on Mrs May and to re-assert its own authority.The BBC  which is now bitterly regretting its admirable impartiality during the referendum and has returned to type  is leading the Remain charge.Quite why it devotes so much airtime to the embittered pro-EU ramblings of the wet-behind-the-ears ex-Tory ministers Nicky Morgan and Anna Soubry, only it knows. For the Mails part, we know both women were unceremoniously sacked by Mrs May in July and have axes to grind.The most egregious Remainers of all, however, are Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg and friends  who have spent recent days demanding that Parliament must have the final vote on the terms of the UKs departure from the EU. Which, of course, is code for saying that we-know-best MPs  not the public who pay their salaries and expenses  should decide the countrys destiny.The entirely fatuous argument deployed by Liberal Democrat Mr Clegg  whose vanity literally destroyed his party, reducing it from 57 seats in 2010 to just eight last year  and Labours Mr Miliband is that the public did not vote to quit the single market on June 23: they voted only to leave the EU.In fact, what the public voted for was simple: to regain control of our borders in order to end mass immigration; reclaim control of our laws; and stop sending billions of pounds to Brussels.None of this is possible inside the single market  which requires the free movement of workers, full adherence to the diktats of the European Court of Justice and a vast annual membership fee.Of course, Mr Clegg and the trades-union puppet Mr Miliband  one of the most unelectable politicians ever to hold high office  know this only too well. They just pretend otherwise.But their argument that it is anti-democratic for MPs not to have another vote on the Brexit process is perhaps the most insulting of all.First, the original referendum bill  passed by a majority of six to one by MPs  made no mention of Parliament having to hold a second vote to approve or implement the June 23 result.And second, who are they to lecture anybody on democracy? Miliband and Clegg both fought tooth and nail to deny the public a referendum vote in the first place.Not only that, they are now trying to stick up two fingers to their own constituents by seeking to allow Parliament to block the referendum verdict.Let it never be forgotten that voters in Mr Milibands Doncaster North constituency voted 69 per cent in favour of Brexit, one of the highest percentages in the country, while  much to his horror  Mr Cleggs own city of Sheffield was also in favour of quitting the Brussels club.The fact is, the mandate for Britain to leave the EU is the biggest handed to any government in history on a turnout of more than 70 per cent.The verdict was unanswerable. It is time for the Remainers to stop reheating the arguments of the referendum, consign Mr Osbornes risible Project Fear to history and get on with making a success of Brexit.They are talking Britain down at every opportunity  most recently by delighting in the fall in the pound, which, as any economist knows, was over-valued in the first place.In reality, devaluation is good for Britain and our exporters in particular. The sharp fall in the pound that followed the decision in 1992 to leave the Exchange Rate Mechanism, the precursor to the euro, helped to usher in one of the longest periods of growth on record.Worse than being sore losers, the Remainers are also being deeply unpatriotic. Yes, there are profound challenges ahead, but there are also going to be wonderful new opportunities for our great entrepreneurs, scientists and engineers once we are finally free of the sclerotic, bureaucratic, one-size-fits-all EU.Crucially, however, the June 23 vote was  as Mrs May so astutely observed in last weeks powerful party conference speech  about more than just leaving the EU.It was about a deep and profound sense that the publics concerns on everything, from immigration and rip-off energy bills to big business not paying its taxes, have been ignored for too long.Mrs Mays verdict was stark. She said: If we dont respond  if we dont take this opportunity to deliver the change people want  resentments will grow. Divisions will become entrenched. And that would be a disaster for Britain.The Mail entirely shares this view. Is it really too much to hope that the penny might now finally drop with the metropolitan elite, who for decades have ignored the wishes of their fellow countrymen?It is difficult to avoid the conclusion that their contempt for democracy and the public is more to do with their own political ambitions than with concern for the future of Britain.






Organisation: Uganda

Christian University (UCU)

Duty Station: Mukono, Uganda

About UCU:

Uganda Christian University was founded when the historic Bishop Tucker

Theological College was promoted as a university in 1997. Bishop Tucker

Theological College trained clergy and educators during its 84-year history

from 1913-1997. The local chief, Hamu Mukasa, granted land for the college to

operate in Mukono. International partnerships were part of the Colleges

missionary history. The Church Mission Society teamed with Ugandan leaders and

others to assure the College had the necessary intellectual and other capital.

By the late 1990s, the Church of Uganda sought to have a broader impact on

society through the higher education  not only of clergy but of other

professionals as well. Uganda Christian University was established in 1997.

Job Summary: The Executive

Assistant will serve and provide high level administrative support to the

Office of the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic Affairs), through planning,

organizing, coordinating and participation in all matters to support the smooth

running of the Office. The incumbent must exercise a high degree of initiative,

tact and judgment and be a person of high integrity to protect the information

and data they may come across while performing their duties.



Responsibilities: Key Duties andResponsibilities:



Oversee and coordinate the arrangements for all

Board meetings and events that are the responsibility of the Deputy Vice

Chancellor (Academic Affairs)



Carry out office management and administrative

detail functions to assist the operations of the office of the Deputy Vice

Chancellor (Academic Affairs)



The incumbent will process administrative

details not requiring the immediate attention of the Deputy Vice Chancellor

(Academic Affairs)



Plan, organise, prioritise and process a variety

of assignments with other departments, Faculties and divisions



Screen telephone calls and visitors in a polite

and professional manner



Perform diverse secretarial and clerical duties



Support the overflow needs of other departments,

faculties and divisions



Perform any other official duties as may be

assigned by the Supervisor.



Experience: Qualifications, Skills andExperience:



The ideal candidate for the UCU Executive

Assistant career opportunity should hold a Masters degree in any of the

following areas, Business, Management, Law, Mass Communication or English

Literature from a recognized institution of higher learning



At least three years experience in minute

writing, editing and safe keeping of records



Thorough knowledge of higher education

administration subject matter and student development theory to act as a

resource for the exploration of new ideas



Collaborative, problem solving, planning and

organizational skills, strong oral, written, presentation and interpersonal

skills



Excellent communication and organizational

skills combined with a high level of computer literacy



Excellent interpersonal and networking skills



The incumbent must also demonstrate the

following personal attributes: be honest and trustworthy, be respectful, a

committed Christian who possess cultural awareness and sensitivity and is

flexible to demonstrate sound work ethics

How to Apply:

All qualified candidates should send two (2) copies of an application

letter clearly demonstrating suitability together with updated Curriculum Vitae

and three (Academic, Leadership, Pastoral) references. Please remember to

attach two (2) copies of academic and professional certificates and transcripts

to:

The Manager, Human Resource & Administration,

Uganda Christian University,

Pilkington Building,

P.O. Box 4, Mukono, Uganda

Deadline: 21st

October 2016 by 5:00 pm



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But the tribe has a long way to go
As population size goes, 1,200 is not a big number. But if that many people are ultra affluent, they can do wonders for the market. Exactly that many women, with a combined net worth of about $100 billion, are said to be driving the growth of India's $9 billion luxury market. This amounts to 15 per cent of the overall market share.

Based on a survey cum analysis they did, industry body ASSOCHAM described these women as fashion forward, beauty conscious and ultra affluent working women. Majority of these 1,200 women live in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi NCR, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkota, Mumbai and Pune.

"Growing number of young working women (with high paying jobs) have increased awareness of global fashion and beauty trends are driving up the demand for high-end luxury products and accessories across various segments be it jewellery, watches, apparels, footwear, cosmetics and others," the survey notes.

"Luxury industry is becoming more female dominated as womens brands have experienced a steep rise," says D.S. Rawat, secretary general of ASSOCHAM. He elaborates, "Working women or women with an active life have better spending propensity and are thus conscious of their appearance and are open to investing in luxury products."

The fallout? It was found that as professional women are emerging as the new decision makers and make most of their household purchases, it is imperative for luxury brands to open dedicated womens stores and expand their product offerings to build long-term relationships with this new breed of luxury spenders. There is a huge scope for leading global luxury retail brands to expand their India footprint, by focusing on 'women special' product portfolio and carrying out innovative marketing campaigns.

About 20 per cent of the 500 respondents said they purchase only luxury products owing to their quality control and easy availability both online and offline. Affordability is not an issue as they earn enough to splurge. A majority of the rest said they buy at least one luxury product whenever they go shopping and have a plethora of luxury products lined up in their wishlist which grows by the day. There were women who maintained that luxury products are only overrated and pricey, and there is hardly any difference in quality compared to regular products. Jewellery, watches, apparel and accessories, personal care and electronic products are top five categories for women luxury buyers in aforesaid centers.
Bharatiya Janata Party president Amit Shah and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley visited the Apollo hospital in Chennai where Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa has been undergoing treatment for nearly three weeks.

Both the leaders spent nearly 20 minutes at the hospital. However it is not known whether they met Jyalalithaa.

The 68-year-old chief minister was hospitalised on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration. The doctors later said she needed a longer stay at the hospital as she was suffering from infection and put her on respiratory support.

In the last bulletin issued on Monday, the hospital said she continued to be under treatment and was being constantly monitored by intensivists and other consultants in the expert panel, while respiratory support, antibiotics, nutrition, supportive therapy and passive physiotherapy were being given to her.

Meanwhile, AIADMK party workers and Amma loyalists continued to perform special poojas and prayers across the state. Tamil Nadu Music and Fine Arts Society organised a special prayer event at the famous Meenakshi Sundareswarar temple in Madurai, where 108 veenas were played by artists.

Yagnas were conducted at Namakkal and Nilgiri, while special prayers were held at churches in Kumbakonam, Dindigul and Tiruvallur.

On Tuesday, Governor Ch.Vidyasagar Rao allocated the portfolios held by Jayalalithaa to state finance minister O. Panneerselvam. Jayalalithaa had held the portfolios of Public, Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Forest Service, General Administration, District Revenue Officers, Police and Home.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday claimed that no 'surgical strike' had taken place during the tenure of the UPA government. He was speaking at an interactive session in Mumbai organised by Forum for Integrated National Security (FINS), a think tank.

"The credit for the actions on September 29 goes 100 per cent to the armed forces, but it was the government which took the decision," said the minister, referring to the strikes conducted by the Indian Army on the terror launch pads across the Line of Control.

The minister said that he had been in office for almost two years now and no surgical strike like the one on September 29 had taken place in past. "I have been defence minister for nearly two years now and from whatever I have learnt, there was no surgical strike anytime earlier, he stressed.

According to him, what had happened must be a punitive strike by the border action teams. It could be a localised response at local commander level in which the unit concerned takes punitive action against the opponent and the information is shared subsequently, he said.

"The credit (for the LoC operation) also goes to all 127 crore Indians who have always supported the army. My share in this credit is as small as 1/127 crores ," said Parrikar. "If we had to take political credit out of it, the defence minister would have made the announcement of the strike. But, the announcement was made by the DGMO."

The minister also said that the relations with China had improved a lot during the last two years. "The transgressions along the border have reduced significantly. "

Parrikar said that he simply could not sleep on on the intervening night of September 28 and 29 when the surgical strike was underway. "Had anything gone slightly wrong or had anyone been left behind, the entire blame would have fallen on this government. I could hardly sleep that night," he said.

"We don't take credit for the surgical strike, but everyone should realise that it is the government which takes decisions. And, the government needs to be cheered for taking bold decisions," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi had extended a hand of friendship to our neighbour, he said. "But that was probably construed as a sign of our weakness by some. India told them on September 29 that we would not tolerate anymore ," said the minister.
Recent weeks have seen almost simultaneous announcements of web based services for four wheeler and 2 wheeler owners in three metros -- Ahmedabad, Pune and Bangalore. Two different startups offer a gamut of desktop or mobile phone based solutions for busy owners who like to have their vehicles picked up and dropped back after repair or maintenance. Here is a rundown on what's on offer:



In Bangalore, a mobile app, BookMyTime



For Bangaloreans, BookMyTime is an end-to-end mobile-based platform connecting automobile owners with car dealers and service providers.

The help you find the best price and value for new cars of any brand, even while linking you to a wide network of car service providers. You can quickly reach puncture shops across the city, and find towing services, 24 by 7.

Says BookMyTime founder Muki Regunathan: This app is the result of several months of ground work that went into building a robust network of car service providers and associated services. We initially conducted a survey amongst car owners, which reinforced our suspicions about the existence of a glaring gap in the new car purchase and maintenance lifecycle. While there are other players in the market, who are offering similar services, we feel that none of them provide the end-to-end care that BookMyTime provides. BookMyTime not only helps in finding the best and nearest service provider, but also has in-house car experts who guide and support the car owner make informed service, repair and maintenance choice for their cars.

BookMyTime has tied up with 182 authorized and multi-brand garages for car services across Bangalore to provide various services ranging from free services, regular paid services, paints, dent removals, ad-hoc repairs, replacement of tyres, windshields, batteries, etc. It has tied up with all the 110 new car dealers, while partnering with 5 independent towing agencies . New car purchase and service e-platform offered in Bangalore.; Find the Android app BookMyTime here.

In Ahmedabad and Pune, online booking at AutoYaar for vehicle servicing



After a successful opening in Ahmedabad, earlier this year, Autoyaar ( www.autoyaar.com) came to Pune last month with its convenient web portal to locate and book a reliable neighbourhood agency to service your two or four wheeled vehicle, have the battery or tyres attended to -- or just to use the services of a car spa.

The company is looking to the tech-savvy professionals in the city to solve one of their worries: How to get a car or bike repaired without a lot of hassle -- having to locate a reliable garage, bargaining over the cost, delivering and collecting the vehicle on a working day?

Autoyaar claims to be especially useful, after the warranty or free service period is over and you have to fend for yourself. Many owners prefer to get their services from third party agencies after the warranty period which is typically 3 years, because it is usually cheaper that way. But finding a trustworthy neighbourhood garage can be a challenge.

Autoyaar has inspected and registered a large number of such third party servicing agencies after rigorous checks of their work quality. Once you go to the website and enter what you want done, Autoyaar will locate the best and nearest agency and arrange for someone to come to take your vehicle and return it -- mostly on the same day. It will provide an estimate of the charges it has negociated with the garage. The customer has to deal only with Autoyaar who will manage the repair or service and facilitate online payment -- unless you prefer otherwise

"Our rates are usually 20-30 percent lower than what you would encounter on your own", says Autoyaar co-founder Amisha. The company quickly gained nearly 2000 customers in its home ground Ahmedabad before expanding to Pune. It plans to operate in other Indian cities in a phased manner.
Russian jets resumed heavy bombing of rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Tuesday after several days of relative calm, a rebel official and the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said.

Air strikes mostly hit the Bustan al-Qasr neighborhood, Zakaria Malhifji of the Aleppo-based Fastaqim rebel group told Reuters. "There is renewed bombardment and it is heavy," he said.

The Observatory said the death toll from bombing in Bustan al-Qasr, Fardous and other neighborhoods rose to at least 25, with scores of wounded.

At least 50 civilians were killed by strikes on the rebel-held part of the city and nearby villages controlled by insurgents, residents and rescue workers said. In Bustan al Qasr, residents said, the strikes hit a medical center and a children's playground.

The Syrian army, backed by Iranian-backed militias, also said it had consolidated its control of the al Jandoul traffic circle at a major road intersection on the northern outskirts of Aleppo.

Moscow and Damascus reduced air raids in the northern city last week. The Syrian army said that was partly to allow civilians to leave opposition-held eastern neighborhoods.

The Syrian government said rebels holed up in Aleppo can leave with their families if they lay down their arms. Insurgents denounced that offer as a deception.

President Bashar al-Assad seeks the complete recapture of Aleppo, Syria's biggest city before the war, which has been divided between government and opposition control for years.

Assad's Russian allies have meanwhile built up its forces in Syria after a brief ceasefire collapsed last month.

Since Russia intervened in the war a year ago, the government's side has gained the upper hand on numerous fronts, including Aleppo, where the opposition-held sector has been completely encircled for weeks.

Insurgents have advanced elsewhere, including in Hama province further south, where they captured a series of towns and villages last month. But in the recent days, government forces have regained some of that ground.

In the southern city of Deraa, which is split between government and rebel control, insurgent shelling of a school killed at least five people, including children, on Tuesday, the Observatory and state media reported.

Rebels denied they fired at the school. Residents reported the same death toll.

Near the Turkish border, rebels backed by Turkey and a US-led coalition closed in on the Islamic State-held village of Dabiq, the site of an apocalyptic prophesy central to the militant group's ideology.

Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebel groups have been pushing south into Islamic State's territory in an operation backed by Turkey since August 24, and have taken more villages near Dabiq in recent days.

But hundreds of mines planted by the militants were delaying their progress, rebels said. The militants even retook the villages of Ihtimlat and Kafra only hours after the FSA fighters seized them, rebels said.

"They planted along their front lines of defense hundreds of mines," a rebel from the Failaq al Sham group said. Now the goal of FSA forces was to retake the town of Soran, an Islamic State stronghold in the area, before moving on to Dabiq, he said.
Female teacher allegedly had sex with 2 students on same dayBy Brad Hunter , 24 HoursFirst posted: Tuesday, October 11, 2016 03:01 PM EDT | Updated: Tuesday, October 11, 2016 03:26 PM EDTA female teacher at an all-boys school allegedly had sex with two of her students -- on the same day.Cops say much-married June Kendall -- a teacher at Chicagos Urban Prep Academy -- now faces charges of criminal sexual assault.The 29-year-old woman allegedly had sex with one of her 17-year-old students early in the day then followed it up with a raunchy recess later in the afternoon with another boy, the Chicago Tribune reports.Kendall's alleged liaisons with the two boys began over Snapchat, which got increasingly sexually charged. The teacher allegedly sent these students photos of herself in various stages of undress."Over time, (the Snapchat) messages became sexual in nature, and (Kendall) indicated to (one of the boys) that she wanted to have sex with him," according to a court document.But someone saw the raunchy missives and reported Kendall and she was arrested.Kendalls husband is reportedly standing behind her.June Kendall . (Chicago Police Department/HO)
At last we have a Prime Minister who seems to understand the plight of the ordinary men and women of this country.

For too long, the public has been fed this phoney line that if only we would shop around for our energy, broadband, banking and savings, everything would be all right.

The truth is, we're sick of being blamed by politicians and regulators for the failings of the giant firms running our basic services.

These powerful companies shouldn't be free to exploit our loyalty by greedily selling us rip-off deals just because there's a 'lack of competition' in the market.

The Prime Minister's speech at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham last week was the first glimmer of hope we've had for years

In that regard, the Prime Minister's speech at the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham last week was the first glimmer of hope we've had for years.

What a relief to hear her acknowledge the 'injustice' of power firms leaving millions of customers languishing on expensive deals.

It was refreshing to hear an admission of the 'bad side-effects' caused by economic policies that have rewarded the profligate and hammered the prudent.

Now it's time for action. Money Mail has been banging on for years about the gripes Mrs May aired last week. It all comes down to making basic services fit for 21st-century life.

For example, it's an outrage bank branches are being closed in rural areas and customers are being told to go online  even though the internet is utterly unreliable in the countryside.

The Government could help to keep vital branches open for rural communities by forcing several banks to share these spaces.

The 1.5 million homes without access to decent broadband should have it immediately. Speeds must be upped where they lag. And the over-70s should be given priority if their phone or broadband goes wrong.

Elsewhere, more must be done to protect customers from the growing fraud epidemic. How about making banks take responsibility when their security is circumvented by criminals, rather than blaming customers who've been duped by sophisticated scams?

On energy, suppliers must be prevented from offering their cheapest deals exclusively to new customers. And we're tired of the never-ending billing bungles at firms such as nPower and ScottishPower.

All financial firms should have to answer calls within five minutes or face a penalty, ditch overseas call-centres and have dedicated lines for vulnerable customers.

The Bank of England's quantitative easing money-printing programme has dashed the retirement hopes of many pensioners. Savers now earn an average 94 a year for every 10,000 in one-year bonds.

Now that most people pay no taxes on the first 1,000 of interest, the amount paid into cash Isas has fallen by 87 per cent. These popular deals were killed off by the so-called personal savings allowance last year.

So why not scrap savings tax? That would save HM Revenue & Customs  and the banks  vast sums in administration, which could be fed through to better rates.

Chancellor Philip Hammond should launch a government savings bond for everyone, paying a top rate in tune with last year's 4 per cent pensioner bonds. He could invest our cash in roads, trains and jobs; so it's win-win.

It's time the Government got rid of these impediments to everyday life  and stopped blaming us when it's too difficult to run a bank account, access the internet or heat our homes.

Speedy work

A tale of excellent customer service from a bank offering a top card for travel cash.

P. R., from Woking, Surrey, writes: 'I took out a Halifax Clarity credit card and was given a spending limit of 100, which wouldn't cover the cost of a hire car abroad (the reason I wanted it).

'I sent an email at 5pm asking Halifax if I could transfer some of my higher limit on another Halifax credit card I seldom used.

'Just two phone calls and 48 hours later, the 4,000 allowance had been transferred. The speed was surprising and refreshing.'

Well done, Halifax  that's not something we can say very often about our banks.
I am a retired BBC employee. I joined the BBC Club Lottery in the Nineties, and won two prizes in two years. Since then, I have not won once.

I contacted the BBC Club Lottery  only to be told I was not in it.

I have paid 4.33 a month by standing order from my Lloyds Bank account, but the Club Lottery said it did not accept money by standing order and, as it had not received my money, I was not a member.

I traced the number of the bank account to which I have sent money by standing order and it was nothing to do with the BBC Club. So what has happened to my money through all of these years?

At my age of 94, this has caused me a great deal of distress and lost sleep.

C. C., London.

Missing cash: One reader has had a standing order to enter a prize draw since the 1990s - but for years the money has been going missing

I honestly have no idea what could have happened.

You clearly thought that you had set up a standing order to pay for your membership of the BBC Club Lottery but, in fact, the account details were for something totally different.

Trying to find out what happened has been hampered by two things: the standing order was set up long ago, and you recently switched bank.

The upshot is that Lloyds no longer has access to the original standing order mandate that would let it check the details.

So it can't be sure whether the error was made by the bank when the payment was set up or if you inadvertently gave incorrect details.

However, Lloyds has really come up trumps and deserves a hearty pat on the back for using its discretion to do the right thing.

As a gesture of goodwill, it has decided to refund the 4.33 payment going all the way back to 1993, which is when you originally joined the lottery.

The total sum is 1,195.08 and it has issued a cheque, which should now be with you.

YOU HAVE YOUR SAY - WIDOW'S TRAVEL INSURANCE MISERY Every week, Money Mail receives hundreds of your letters and emails. Here's what you had to say about our story exposing how a catch in a travel insurance policy left a widow thousands of pounds out of pocket . . . I feel so sorry for this poor woman and the stress she endured at the hands of this insurance company. It is simply wrong. Insurers create contracts that are unfair and unjust. There is no way a policyholder should reasonably be aware of these catches prior to accepting such a contract. C. L., London. The reaction by insurance firms to all claims is to figure out how they can avoid paying. But, in this case, the conditions were explicit in the contract. It was how the claim was dealt with that is the issue here. Insurers employ low-paid claims handlers who read off scripts, meaning no compassion and little practical help for customers. M. D., Devon. Death is a possibility on holiday  and guaranteed at some stage  so it is vital to read your insurance policy. By the same token, the insurer has a duty to make the important stuff more prominent. P. M., Caerphilly. If you were buying insurance to cover you in Peru, shouldn't the insurance company tell you what it might cost if you died there and needed to be flown home? They should then offer to supply you with suitable insurance. T. R., Warwick. You only know how good your insurance policy is when you need to make a claim. S. D., Sussex. It's a very sad case. How on earth would she know how much it would cost to bring home a body? With all insurance companies, they try to avoid paying out. H. H., Maidenhead, Berks. I used one comparison site and the cheapest three policies were all with different companies  but when I checked the terms and conditions they all used the same underwriters. Always read what your policy covers and consider the worst-case scenario. P. N., Romford. Insurance companies are daylight robbers. Their method is to deny on the premise only a small percentage will fight their corner and receive their rightful settlement. N. N., Milton Keynes.

My father died in March and I gained probate on May 31. I have received payment from various banks, but Scottish Widows Bank would not accept the probate document and required further proof of my identity.

I phoned and spoke to its unhelpful adviser, who told me a credit agency had been consulted. She refused to explain why or discuss the matter further.

I was told I'd missed details on the bereavement form, but it was not returned to me to amend. I have since been into my bank to have a certified copy of my passport made and sent it to them. I am still awaiting a response.

Mrs R. J., Merseyside.

Scottish Widows may have systems for establishing that it is sending money to the right person, but there are ways of doing this sensitively.

The letter sent to you regarding your father's Scottish Widows account was insensitive in the extreme. In impersonal language, it cites money-laundering regulations and refers to you in the third person. No account seems to have been taken of the fact that you were recently bereaved.

Scottish Widows Bank should have accepted the probate document and sent the money to your nominated account.

As you told it, the probate document was accepted by Santander, the Post Office, Yorkshire Bank and the Government's own bank, National Savings & Investments. The fact that you felt you received rough treatment reflects badly on Scottish Widows.

It has since provided me with a statement, which said: 'The grant of probate was accepted by Scottish Widows Bank, but the closure of the account could not take place until Mrs J's identity had been verified, part of our process to request identification from an account holder or representative.'

I have no idea what that means, and asked Scottish Widows for clarification. What standards does Scottish Widows Bank have that other banks appear not to have?

The money was eventually paid to you, but it took a further six weeks before it sent you an apology and a 50 cheque for distress and inconvenience.

It's ironic that a bank with the word 'Widows' in its name should be so harsh and unsympathetic in dealing with the bereaved.

STRAIGHT TO THE POINT I cancelled a mobile phone contract with O2 in February, but recently received a letter saying I owed 25.83 and a debt collection agency would be in touch. I'm worried, because O2 said the account was clear. E. G., Maidstone, Kent. O2 says you have an outstanding payment on your account and it has no record of you cancelling. However, as you have not been using the phone, and as a gesture of goodwill, it has written off the 25.83. I'm a retired builder. When I was working, I was not eligible to build state second pension top-ups because I was self-employed. Now, I'm struggling to get by. Can I claim anything else to boost my income? G. C., Southampton. If your weekly income is below 155.60 (237.55 for couples), you can claim Pension Credit. Your income will be boosted up to that level. If you have savings or a private pension, you may be able to claim Savings Credit. You can collect 60p for every 1 your income is over 133.82 (212.97 for a couple) up to a maximum 13.07 a week (14.75 for a couple). But if you reached state pension age on or after April 6, 2016, you won't be eligible for Savings Credit. My son received a letter saying he owed 171.52 in income tax. It came from CCS Collect, which stated it was working on behalf of HMRC. Is the letter genuine? P. O., via email. Yes, that's one of the debt collection agencies the taxman now uses to chase missing money. You can find a list of the agencies HMRC uses at www.gov.uk/if-you-dont-pay-your- tax-bill/debt-collection-agencies I've recently been sent two texts about money-making schemes that seem too good to be true  claiming you can get thousands in your account, but you have to give them your details. Have you heard of this? Y. H., Bournemouth. Do not give your details. This is a scam and, by corresponding with the crooks, you will put yourself at risk of losing vast sums. I suggest you delete the text messages immediately. I booked a room in a Premier Inn for a weekend with my husband. After a day out, the bed hadn't been made or the bins emptied. They said housekeeping had gone home, but they'd give me a refund. I'm yet to receive anything. M. H., via email. Premier Inn says it is sorry for the delay and has arranged payment to your bank.

I bought a 12-month travel insurance policy with AllClear Insurance. While on a cruise in January, I became unwell.

X-rays were taken along with an ECG, and both were emailed to a UK hospital for analysis. Advice was sought from a cardiac consultant in the UK.

I made several visits to the on-board doctor and, at the end of the cruise, I was given a full and detailed report of the procedures undertaken, together with an invoice for more than 1,000.

On March 17, I made contact with AllClear and was asked to send my claim directly to a company called Travel Claims Facilities.

I heard nothing, so contacted AllClear Insurance, but was told to contact TCF about my claim.

Since then, 35 emails have been exchanged between us, but I remain unaware of any action being undertaken by either.

C. R., Brighton.

AllClear specialises in cover for people with pre-existing medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes and heart conditions. I have generally heard good feedback, so your letter was a surprise.

The only exception was in August, when Money Mail reported how a customer with heart problems unwittingly omitted crucial medical details on his insurance forms  so wasn't covered by AllClear for a 36,000 hospital bill.

However, you filled in your forms correctly, so should have been fine.

When I made contact, the senior executive team became involved. They apologised to you, and your claim was paid within days.
Habitat is to return to the High Street as new owner Sainsbury's plans a big expansion drive.

The grocer is looking to open stores for the one-time pinnacle of British design as well as concessions in its supermarkets.

At its peak Habitat took Swinging 60s London by storm, and now Sainsbury's plans to open up to 50 Habitat outlets.

The first is in Sainsbury's flagship Nine Elms supermarket in south London, which opened last week.

It plans five more by Christmas including at Colney Fields in St Albans, Marshall Lake in Solihull and Kiln Lane, Epsom.

Sainsbury's inherited the chain when it bought Argos owner Home Retail Group and describes it as the 'hidden gem' of the deal.

John Rogers, chief executive of Sainsbury's Argos, said: 'There is a good overlap of Sainsbury's and Habitat shoppers.'

In 2011 Habitat entered administration. Its name was virtually wiped out apart from at three key London branches  Tottenham Court Road, King's Road and Finchley Road.

This was when Home Retail stepped in to buy the stores.

It was a major blow to the king of interior design, Sir Terence Conran, who revolutionised the furniture market when he opened his first Habitat store in 1964.
Review: Eurostar is looking at the 'size and shape' of its business

Eurostar is looking at the 'size and shape' of its business in a review union leaders say could lead to 80 job losses.

The high-speed railway company said any job cuts would be achieved through voluntary redundancy or sabbaticals as much as possible.

The cuts are thought to be blamed on a fall in traffic following the Paris and Brussels terror attacks last year.

Transport Salaried Staffs Association general secretary Manuel Cortes said: 'Our first priority as a union is to protect our members' interests, their jobs, their pension and their redundancy rights during this difficult period.'
A scandal-hit Russian bank has threatened to pull hundreds of staff from the UK following Brexit  prompting a fierce response from campaigners who claim the City will survive without it.

VTB bank, which is propped up by Vladimir Putin's Moscow regime, has said it may move staff to other European cities, such as Frankfurt, Paris or Vienna.

Pro-EU campaigners seized on VTB's plans as evidence that investment in London was at risk.

VTB bank, which is propped up by Vladimir Putin's Moscow regime, has said it may move staff to other European cities, such as Frankfurt, Paris or Vienna

But last night the stunt appeared to have backfired as it prompted a fightback from the City, with some experts pointing to the bank's tainted reputation.

VTB was hit with stiff sanctions in 2014 following Russia's invasion of the Crimea. Dissidents claim VTB is a key part of Putin's regime.

The lender has been propped up with more than 15billion of Russian state cash since the financial crisis.

It was dragged into the Panama Papers tax avoidance scandal earlier this year, amid allegations that senior Russian figures used the lender to handle billions of pounds of offshore payments.

The bank's boss Andrey Kostin has been accused of subservience to the Kremlin, with critics branding him 'servile'.

Earlier this year, Russian dissident Alexei Navalny said: 'VTB is where all the dark deeds get done.

'Kostin knows about it but he doesn't even try to do anything about it because that's what the bank was set up to do.'

Billionaire businessman Peter Hargreaves, a leading Brexit backer, said: 'I wouldn't have thought they were any great loss to the City. I don't know why they are making a decision right now.'

A banking industry source said while the lender's presence was positive, it was not a large operation and its departure would be unlikely to herald the start of a mass exodus.

Meanwhile, Whitehall sources hinted that the bank's public declaration of its plans suggested the proposals were not set in stone.

In comments reported by the EU-supporting Financial Times newspaper, VTB's deputy chairman Herbert Moos said: 'We did have bigger plans for the London office, but after Brexit we are scaling them down and building them up elsewhere.'

The bank later rowed back slightly from his comments, stressing that its European headquarters was already based in Vienna, not London.

Its investment banking unit is based in the UK, not its corporate headquarters.

A spokesman said: 'Relocating from London or maintaining our presence there will depend on how Brexit unfolds. Due to Brexit, VTB will be adjusting its activities in London but there is no intention of closing our business there.'

A Government insider said: 'The bank is based here for access to one of the world's financial centres. It clearly needs London.'

There is also speculation that VTB's stance is a gambit aimed at piling pressure on ministers and that it might yet change its tune.

Before the referendum, large American banks such as Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan loudly warned that Brexit could cost thousands of jobs.
Hot seat: Bob Diamond has had to step in as interim chairman of his African banking firm

Disgraced ex-Barclays chief Bob Diamond has had to step in as interim chairman of his African banking firm Atlas Mara, following the departure of former Ecobank boss Arnold Ekpe.

Bob's venture has hardly set the continent ablaze since launching three years ago. Shares have dropped 68 per cent since then.

Last year it lost 6million. Of his prospects, he remarks pluckily: 'This isn't five-minute rice.' Not for nothing was Diamond, 65, known at Barclays as 'The Bobtimist.'

Baroness McGregor-Smith, who has departed her 2.5million-a-year post as head of mop-and-bucket outsourcing firm Mitie, is dubbed the 'Prickly Peer'.

Her replacement, 25million ex-British Gas boss Phil Bentley, 57, is no charm school alumnus either.

Rough-round-the-edges and abrasive, a whiff of cordite lingers in whichever boardroom he occupies.

A recent stint in the Miami sun running Cable & Wireless has reportedly done little for unpolished Bentley's stormy disposition.

Sainsbury's automaton Mike Coupe, 56, announced yesterday he was axing the supermarkets clothing range designed by excitable TV stylist Gok Wan.

His Gokness, 42, will now merely 'edit' the firm's clothing collection. Are naff celebrity tie-ins finally kaput?

Struggling 'big four' supermarkets these days prefer using ordinary folk to flog its wares.

Ryanair's incorrigible 3million-a-year boss Michael O'Leary, 55, who recently branded Ireland's state broadcaster RTE 'a rat-infested North Korean union shop', is accused by representatives of Ireland's far-left Workers Party of being 'Ireland's answer to Donald Trump'. Sans groping, tax-avoidance and dodgy comb-over, of course!

As banks threaten to relocate staff to Frankfurt post-Brexit, employment lawyers are inundated with enquiries from City workers to clarify their position.

Under British law, workers forced to move country could be eligible for constructive dismissal.
Threat: Fujitsu has told workers up to 1,800 British jobs could go

Fujitsu has told workers up to 1,800 British jobs could go as part of a 'transformation programme'.

The Japanese electronics company, which employs 14,000 in the UK, said it hoped to grow its new digital side of the business and scale back the area which looks after older computer systems.

It added the decision was not linked to the Brexit vote. Union Unite said it was a 'hammer blow' for affected employees, who work at sites including Belfast, Bracknell, Crewe, Londonderry, Manchester, Stevenage, Wakefield and Warrington.

The company said the programme would 'enable it to better support customers in the era of digital transformation'.

'As part of the programme, Fujitsu plans to streamline operations in order to remain competitive in the market,' it said.

'Fujitsu is committed to the UK and is confident in the continued growth of the UK economy.'
Airline Monarch has secured a last minute 165million cash injection from its private equity owner, allowing it to retain its operator's licence and carry on flying.

The Luton-based group had faced a deadline of midnight tonight to secure fresh funding or risk being unable to renew its Atol licence.

Alongside the news of the investment from private equity firm Greybull Capital - the biggest in the airline's 48-year history - Monarch also said it would take delivery of the first of 30 Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft in 2018.

Done deal: Monarch secured funding this morning and can continue operating

Monarch's chief executive Andrew Swaffield said: 'It is testament to the extensive effort by all parties, over the past weeks and months, that we are able to announce the largest investment in our 48-year history, as well as the renewal of our Atol licences.

'I'd like to thank the Civil Aviation Authority, our shareholders, partners, loyal customers and the team at Monarch for helping us to achieve this successful outcome. We are now firmly focused on the future as a stronger Monarch.'

However, he added that the company is preparing for a 'challenging market' as the slump in sterling and a rise in terrorism dogs the industry, with profit set to be dented as a result.

'We believe the market will remain challenging over the next few years,' Mr Swaffield said.

The airline company's future had been cast into doubt in the past weeks, with Monarch forced to deny 'negative speculation' that it was in financial trouble.

Yesterday Mr Swaffield was forced to pull out of a speaking engagement at a trade convention in Abu Dhabi where he was scheduled to talk about Brexit as financing negotiations went to the wire.

His spokesman said yesterday that Mr Swaffield had missed the event in the Middle East as he had 'business to attend to in the UK'.

Where's he gone?: Yesterday Monarch's chief executive Andrew Swaffield decided not to speak at Abta's annual convention and as the firm said had 'business to attend to in the UK'

A further extension of the Atol licence by the CAA was dependent on Monarch obtaining fresh funding. The scheme compensates travellers in full and ensures they are not stranded if a holiday company collapses.

Monarch will now be able to continue to sell package holidays.

Abta welcomed the announcement that Monarch had retained its licence to operate.

A spokeswoman for the organisation said: 'Monarch is one of the UK's best-known, most established travel brands and has been operating successfully for the past 48 years.

'It is very good news not only for Monarch, its staff and customers but for the travel industry as a whole.'

But despite the relief for passengers and the airline, sector analysts were less impressed.

Liberum Capital pointed out that it shows how much overcapacity there remains in the budget airline market, as the crowded sector sees Ryanair, easyJet and Monarch all fight for the same customers.

The broker said in a note: 'It is a reminder that capacity can remain in the market for longer than might seem rational, highlighting the risk that easyJets strategy of continuing to grow capacity in the face of excess industry capacity could result in more short-term pain before the long-term gain is realised.'

However, despite this, easyJet shares topped the FTSE 100 leader board this morning, up 2.3 per cent, or 20.5p at 921.0p on relief at the Monarch deal, while Ryanair gained 0.09 euro at 11.45, and British Airways and Aer Lingus owner IAG rose 2.9 p at 379.0p.

Greybull acquired a controlling stake in Monarch in 2014, but the airline group has struggled financially.

Monarch booked pretax profits of 19.2million in the 12 months to the end of October 2015 following a 57.3million loss a year earlier, according to accounts filed at Companies House.

Greybull is known for snapping up distressed companies and assets.

Last year Morrisons sold its M local stores to a team led by retail entrepreneur Mike Greene, backed by Greybull, for 25million.
Sales of stock and gravy fall 13%, but sales of sweet treats up 6.4%

Shares in Bisto to Mr Kipling cakes owner Premier Foods dropped after it blamed Septembers hot weather for a slide in sales, especially of its gravy and puddings.

The group, which earlier this year rebuffed takeover approaches by US firm McCormick & Company, lowered its full year outlook as it reported that sales at its grocery arm dropped by 9.5 per cent in the second quarter to October 13.

Premier Foods shares, which have risen by around 40 per cent since the takeover saga at the end of June, dived 14 per cent, or 7.6p lower to 44.6p in morning trading.

Hot weather has dented demand for products such as gravy and stocks, Premier Foods said

Premier Foods, which also owns Asian food specialist Sharwoods, said sales of its Oxo stock cubes and Bisto gravy had fallen by 13 per cent in the period.

Sales of its desserts were also 9 per cent lower, but demand for its new Cadbury cake Amaze Bites and its Cake On The Go range helped drive a 6.4 per cent rise in sales of sweet treats in the second quarter.

Premier, which recently launched its Cadbury cake ranges in the United Arab Emirates for the first time towards the end of the quarter, said its international business also performed well, with sales 13 per cent higher in the period.

Premier's chief executive Gavin Darby said: We are disappointed that our grocery business reported materially lower sales in the quarter due to warmer weather; particularly in September.

But he added that, despite expecting sales growth for the full year to be more muted at around 1 to 2 per cent, profits expectations remained unchanged thanks to a tight rein on costs.

Martin Deboo, analyst at Jefferies International, said: An unseasonably cold winter could still put things to rights. But September's heatwave was one that Premier Foods and its shareholders could have done without.'

Clive Black, of Shore Capital, added: 'For us, September was demonstrably warm - the apparel trade is testimony to that - but hardly frazzle country.

'As such, the magnitude of the weakness of Premier's grocery division in the month takes us by surprise.'

Sugar cravings: Sales of Premier Foods' sweet treats continued to rise in the second quarter

The trading update comes in the wake of Premier Foods rejection of three takeover bids from Schwartz spices owner McCormick & Company earlier this year.

Defending the group's decision to rebuff a takeover, Mr Darby said: 'The majority of shareholders recognise that there was never a bid from McCormick, it was a phantom bid.'

But Premier Foods' second biggest shareholder, Paulson & Co, branded the bid rejections as 'extremely disappointing'.
Snatch: Banks are demanding customers return PPI payouts

Banks are trying to claw back PPI compensation paid years ago to victims of the 25 billion mis-selling scandal, Money Mail can reveal.

Customers are receiving shock bills for thousands of pounds because banks wrongly calculated their payment protection insurance (PPI) payouts.

They are demanding customers hand back up to 15,000 as many as four years after the original payout was made.

It is unclear exactly how many people could be affected by the mistakes, but experts warned that thousands of mis-selling victims might be at risk.

The sneaky way PPI was piled on to credit cards and loans mean it's virtually impossible for customers who were mis-sold it to know if they received the correct compensation, experts say.

So far, in what has been dubbed 'the biggest financial mis-selling scandal of all time', banks have paid 25 billion back to millions of people.

The cover was routinely sold alongside loans, mortgages and credit cards in the Nineties and early Noughties.

It promised to pay out enough to meet repayments if a customer fell ill or lost their job. But many did not realise they had signed up for the cover at all.

Others would never have been able to claim because they were self-employed or had certain medical conditions that were excluded in the small print.

Around 12 million customers have now claimed compensation. But banks are understood to be discovering errors in these payouts when completing routine reviews (going back and double-checking sales and payments to customers is normal practice in banking).

Typically when companies uncover a large number of errors they launch larger investigations. And experts say the PPI cases identified by Money Mail could be the tip of the iceberg.

Christine and Christopher Smith, from Howden-le-Wear, County Durham, were told by Barclays earlier this year that they would have to repay almost 15,000 in compensation.

Over the years the couple, who run a road haulage company, had taken out a series of business loans with the bank. In 2012, they asked Barclays if they had ever been sold PPI alongside their loans and whether they were due a payout.

The bank said it had calculated that they were owed 14,739 in compensation. The Smiths spent the money on their business.

This year Barclays wrote to them again advising them that they were entitled to another 3,000. The couple contacted the bank to check whether this was correct.

Shortly afterwards they received a letter saying they should never have been paid the original 14,739 and demanding they repay it  four year after receiving the cash.

Shameless: Barclays demanded one couple return the 14,739 paid to them in 2012, claiming they never should have received it

Mrs Smith, 58, said: 'If we'd had the money we would have, of course, given it back, but so long after the event it was long gone.

'It caused us so much distress over a processing error made four years earlier.'

In another case, Halifax clawed back 1,552 from a customer's credit card account after realising it had wrongly handed her a payout.

The woman had spent the money on a family holiday, which she said she would not otherwise have booked.

She complained and last year the independent Financial Ombudsman Service, which resolves complaints between banks and customers, made Halifax repay the woman the cash plus 300 for the distress of having the money taken.

Nationwide was also recently ordered to pay a customer 150 compensation after clawing back a PPI payout. The Ombudsman said the building society had dealt with the complaint in an 'unsympathetic manner'.

Other customers have been forced to hand back their payouts.

Last year a man was ordered to return 3,634 of 5,704 compensation to banking giant Santander.

The bank originally paid out after he complained that he had been mis-sold the cover alongside his mortgage.

Santander later discovered that he should never have been paid the money and demanded that he return it.

The man said he had spent the cash on a holiday and had carried out renovations to his home. But the ombudsman ordered him to repay everything that was left over.

'This is a scandal. The banks should not be coming after people years after the event,' says Marc Gander, of campaign organisation The Consumer Action Group.

'If the bank has made an error and someone has spent the money in good faith, then they should be protected by the law.'

James Daley, founder of consumer website Fairer Finance, says: 'I wouldn't have thought that these are isolated cases.

'Banks are dealing with hundreds of thousands of people. Quite possibly there could be tens or hundreds of thousands of people affected.'

Mick McAteer, founder of think tank The Financial Inclusion Centre, adds: 'It's virtually impossible for individual savers to work out the PPI redress they are due, so it seems unfair to expect someone who has spent this money to pay it back.'

According to the City regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority, there are no set rules stopping banks snatching back payments.

The only caveat is that they must treat customers fairly.

After Money Mail intervened, Barclays said the Smiths did not have to repay the 15,000. It said this was because it had discovered the Smiths were in fact owed 7,000 in PPI compensation and waived the rest of the cash.

A spokesman says: 'This was a genuine error where Mrs Smith received funds that did not relate to her original claim.

'Once this was investigated fully, we realised that Mrs Smith was due a refund for PPI on a business loan for a smaller amount. We have written off the difference as we made a mistake.

'This was an exceptional case and we have apologised for any confusion caused.'

A spokesman for the Financial Ombudsman Service says: 'There is no rule to say that a business can't ask for money back if they have noticed a problem.

'However, if a complaint was brought to us, we would consider what is fair and reasonable.'
Financial fraud losses in the first six months of 2016 increased by a quarter on last year to touch 400million, according to new figures by Financial Fraud Action UK.

The giant figure has been largely driven by credit and debit card fraud, which makes up the large majority of the losses, according the data.

Some 321.5million was lost on remote purchase fraud, which was up 31 per cent on the same period of 2015 - this includes lost and stolen cards, cards not received, counterfeit cards and ID theft.

Growing fraud: Latest data from FFA UK shows that losses to scams touched 400m in the first half of the year

FFA UK intelligence suggests fraudsters are using card details obtained with malware and data breaches, while there are more opportunities to commit such crimes because of the growing number of e-commerce sites.

In terms of remote banking fraud  which covers mobile, online and telephone scams  losses totalled 70.6million, up from 66.2million last year.

Online losses were up nine per cent to 55.3million while mobile losses were up 120 per cent to 2.2million, suggesting this is a new avenue scammers are now starting to exploit.

Meanwhile, telephone fraud losses actually dropped 11 per cent annually, according to FFA UK.

It says that scams continue to drive remote banking fraud, with criminals managing to trick victims into handing over their money or banking details.

Katy Worobec, director of FFA UK, said: 'Banks use a range of robust security systems to protect their customers but as these systems become more sophisticated, criminals have increasingly been turning to scams and exploiting data breaches to con victims out of their personal and security information, as well as money.

'The industry takes its responsibility to combat fraud extremely seriously, but banks cannot stop all fraud on their own. It is essential all organisations with a role to play work together to better protect individuals and companies.'

NEW FRAUD HUB This is Money has a new fraud hub called Beat the Scammers. Here, we have collated all of the scams doing the rounds and essential guides to tackle the growing fraud epidemic.

FFA UK is urging customers to be vigilant of any unsolicited phone calls, text messages and emails and to be extremely cautious about giving out any personal and security information unless absolutely sure they know who they are dealing with.

The data shows that banks' security systems prevented fraud totalling 678.7million, FFA UK said.

This is equivalent to 6 in every 10 of attempted fraud being blocked.

Tony Blake, senior fraud prevention officer at the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit, said: 'Fraudsters can be very convincing and often pose as representatives from a trusted organisation in order to appear genuine.

'If you are asked to transfer some money or provide your personal details and you think it could be a scam, take five minutes to think about what you are being asked to do.
PLATTSMOUTH  A Greenwood resident will spend time in jail and serve 48 months of probation for his role in a DUI-based car accident last year.

Kevin L. Dougherty, 52, appeared in Cass County District Court Tuesday afternoon for a sentencing hearing. Dougherty pled no contest in July to one Class W misdemeanor of DUI-third offense. He also pled no contest to one Class IV felony charge of driving under suspension while revoked from DUI.

Dougherty was charged with a DUI crime in October 2015 after he was involved in a two-vehicle accident on Highway 6 east of Greenwood. A Nebraska State Patrol trooper spoke to Dougherty and two victims at the scene. The victims said they were traveling eastbound on Highway 6 when their car was rear-ended by Doughertys vehicle.

Deputy County Attorney Colin Palm told the court the trooper found Dougherty lying down in a ditch near the two vehicles. Dougherty told the trooper he was in the ditch because he knew he was in trouble because of the accident.

The trooper smelled the odor of alcohol on Doughertys breath and saw he had difficulty standing after he left the ditch. The trooper arrested him after learning he had been driving without a valid operators license. Palm said Doughertys blood-alcohol content level later registered at .290.

Palm said Doughertys first DUI conviction came in 1999. He was charged with his second DUI in Cass County in 2004 and was arrested on his third DUI in Cass County in 2006. He was sentenced to 180 days in jail and had his drivers license suspended for 15 years in the 2006 case.

Palm said Dougherty had accumulated several other notations on his criminal record in the past 15 years. He said the list included leaving the scene of an accident in 2006, domestic assault in 2007 and possessing an open container in 2014.

Palm said the state favored a jail sentence in the case. He said the state was concerned about Doughertys incidents involving drinking and driving. He said it was fortunate that the latest DUI accident did not cause any injuries to either Dougherty or the two victims.

At some point the risk to the public has to be paramount, Palm said. He has four DUI charges in his life. There were no injuries here, but how many times do we have to wait for Mr. Dougherty to figure it out?

Defense attorney Robert Creager said his client had entered an outpatient treatment program and had a stable job in Waverly. He asked the court to create a probation order that would allow Dougherty to remain employed.

Interim District Court Judge Paul Korslund told Dougherty it was a close call as to whether he would issue a statutory or probationary sentence. Korslund said he decided to order probation because of Doughertys recent enrollment in treatment. He said the Waverly company had also given several positive appraisals of Doughertys performance at work.

Dougherty must serve a 30-day term in Cass County Jail as a mandatory consequence of the DUI offense. Korslund also ordered him to spend 48 months on probation. Dougherty must attend a Mothers Against Drunk Driving victim impact panel and a defensive driving class during the next four years. He must also pay a mandatory $1,000 fine and submit to random tests for alcohol.

Korslund ordered Dougherty to wear a continuous alcohol monitoring device for the first 90 days after his jail sentence. Dougherty will also have his drivers license suspended for 15 years.
Carnival Corporation & plc is a leisure travel company operating a fleet of cruise ships, hotels, and resorts with international destinations. Brands under the Carnival Corporation umbrella include Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America, P&O Cruises, Seaborn, Costa Cruises, AIDA Cruises, and Cunard. The companys goal is to provide extraordinary vacations at an exceptional value. As of 2022, the company laid claim to nearly half of the global cruising market share with several new ships in the works.

Carnival Cruise Line was launched in 1972 with one second-hand ship and a tank of fuel. The first port of call was San Juan, Puerto Rico, but soon more were added. The original growth strategy included a festive atmosphere, features and amenities unlike any other cruise line at the time. Slow to start, the growth strategy shifted into overdrive in 1980 when Carnival shocked the world by building its own ship. The Tropicale became an iconic name in the cruising industry and sparked a wave of shipbuilding that is still underway.

The companys growth hit a new stride in 1987 following the IPO which floated 20% of the company on the open market. The proceeds from the IPO allowed the company to embark on a voyage of acquisition and now Carnival is the worlds largest travel and leisure business.

Today, Carnival Corporations 87 ships visit approximately 700 ports worldwide and employ more than 120,000 people while serving more than 13 million guests annually for a total of 85 million passenger cruise days per year. Net revenue, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, peaked out at over $6.5 billion annually.

Carnival Cruise Line is the companys largest brand serving guests on all coasts of North America. The brand's 22 ships make 1500 voyages per year with trips ranging from 2 days to 3 weeks and ports of call from the Caribbean to Alaska. The company's largest ship is named Panorama and can accommodate more than 4,000 passengers.

Carnivals 9 brands provide access to a wide range of cruising styles and destinations including the Caribbean, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, England, and ports in Asia. The company is headquartered in Miami, Florida and has offices around the world. The company also has the distinction of being the only company included in both the S&P 500 and FTSE 250 indices.
The following companies are subsidiares of PepsiCo: Alimentos Quaker Oats y Compania Limitada, Alimentos del Istmo S.A., Amavale Agricola Ltda., Anderson Hill Insurance Limited, Asia Bottlers Limited, BAESA Capital Corporation Ltd., BFY Brands, BFY Brands LLC, BFY Brands Limited, BUG de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Balmoral Industries LLC, Bare Foods Co., Barrhead LLC, Be & Cheery, Beaman Bottling Company, Bebidas Sudamerica S.A., Beech Limited, Bell Taco Funding Syndicate, Bendler Investments II Ltd, Bendler Investments S.a r.l, Beverage Services Limited, Beverages Foods & Service Industries Inc., Bishkeksut OJSC, Blaue NC S. de R.L. de C.V., Blue Cloud Distribution Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Arizona Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Arkansas Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Colorado Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Florida Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Georgia Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Illinois Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Indiana Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Iowa Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Kentucky Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Louisiana Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Minnesota Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Mississippi Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Missouri Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Nebraska Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Nevada Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of North Carolina Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Ohio Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Oklahoma Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Pennsylvania Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of South Carolina Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Tennessee Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Texas Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Virginia Inc., Blue Cloud Distribution of Wisconsin Inc., Blue Ridge Sales LLC, Bluebird Foods Limited, Bluecan Holdings Unlimited Company, Bokomo Zambia Limited, Bolsherechensky Molkombinat JSC, Boquitas Fiestas LLC, Boquitas Fiestas S.R.L., Bottling Group Financing LLC, Bottling Group Holdings LLC, Bottling Group LLC, Bronte Industries Ltd, C & I Leasing Inc., CB Manufacturing Company Inc., CEME Holdings LLC, CMC Investment Company, Caroni Investments LLC, Centro-Mediterranea de Bebidas Carbonicas PepsiCo S.L., Ceres Fruit Juices Pty Ltd, ChampBev Inc., China Concentrate Holdings Hong Kong Limited, Chipsy International for Food Industries S.A.E., Chipsy for Food Industries S.A.E., Chitos Internacional y Cia Ltda, Cipa Industrial de Produtos Alimentares Ltda., Cipa Nordeste Industrial de Produtos Alimentares Ltda., Cocina Autentica Inc., Comercializadora CMC Investment y Compania Limitada, Comercializadora Nacional SAS Ltda., Comercializadora PepsiCo Mexico S de R.L. de C.V., Compania de Bebidas PepsiCo S.L., Concentrate Holding Uruguay Pte. Ltd., Concentrate Manufacturing Singapore Pte. Ltd., Confiteria Alegro S. de R.L. de C.V., Copella Fruit Juices Limited, Copper Beech International LLC, Corina Snacks Limited, Corporativo Internacional Mexicano S. de R.L. de C.V., CytoSport Holdings Inc., CytoSport Inc., Davlyn Realty Corporation, Defosto Holdings Limited, Desarrollo Inmobiliario Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Dilexis S.A., Donon Holdings Limited, Drinkfinity USA Inc., Drinkstation Inc., Drinkstation Innovation Co. Ltd., Drinkstation Limited, Dutch Snacks Holding S.A. de C.V., Duyvis Production B.V., EPIC Enterprises Inc., Echo Bay Holdings Inc., Elaboradora Argentina de Cereales S.R.L., Enter Logistica LLC, Environ at Inverrary Partnership, Environ of Inverrary Inc., Eridanus Investments S.a r.l, Evercrisp Snack Productos de Chile S.A., FL Transportation Inc., FLI Andean LLC, FLI Colombia LLC, FLI Snacks Andean GP LLC, Fabrica PepsiCo Mexicali S. de R.L. de C.V., Fabrica de Productos Alimenticios Rene y Cia S.C.A., Fairlight International SRL, Far East Bottlers Hong Kong Limited, Food Concepts Pioneer Ltd., Forest Akers Nederland B.V., Forty-Six Peaks Holding Inc., Fovarosi Asvanyviz es Uditoipari Zartkoruen Mukodo Reszvenytarsasag, Freshwater International B.V., Frito Lay Gida Sanayi Ve Ticaret Anonim Sirketi, Frito Lay Poland Sp. z o.o., Frito Lay Sp. z o.o., Frito Lay de Guatemala y Compania Limitada, Frito-Lay Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Frito-Lay Dip Company Inc., Frito-Lay Dominicana S.A., Frito-Lay Global Investments B.V., Frito-Lay Inc., Frito-Lay Investments B.V., Frito-Lay Manufacturing LLC, Frito-Lay Netherlands Holding B.V., Frito-Lay North America Inc., Frito-Lay Sales Inc., Frito-Lay Trading Company Europe GmbH, Frito-Lay Trading Company GmbH, Frito-Lay Trading Company Poland GmbH, Frito-Lay Trinidad Unlimited, Fruko Mesrubat Sanayi Limited Sirketi, GB Czech LLC, GB International Inc., GB Russia LLC, GB Slovak LLC, GMP Manufacturing Inc., Gambrinus Investments Limited, Gamesa LLC, Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Gas Natural de Merida S. A. de C. V., Gatorade Puerto Rico Company, General Bottlers of Hungary Inc., Golden Grain Company, Goveh S.R.L., Grayhawk Leasing LLC, Green Hemlock International LLC, Grupo Frito Lay y Compania Limitada, Grupo Gamesa S. de R.L. de C.V., Grupo Mabel, Grupo Sabritas S. de R.L. de C.V., Gulkevichskiy Maslozavod JSC, Hangzhou Baicaowei Corporate Management Consulting Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co, Hangzhou Haomusi Food Co. Ltd., Hangzhou Tao Dao Technology Co. Ltd., Health Warrior, Health Warrior Inc., Heathland LP, Helioscope Limited, Hillbrook Inc., Hillgrove Inc., Hillwood Bottling LLC, Hogganfield Limited Partnership, Holding Company "Opolie" JSC, Homefinding Company of Texas, Hudson Valley Insurance Company, IC Equities Inc., IZZE Beverage Co., Inmobiliaria Interamericana S.A. De C.V., Integrated Beverage Services Bangladesh Limited, Integrated Foods & Beverages Pvt. Ltd., International Bottlers Management Co. LLC, International KAS Aktiengesellschaft, Inversiones Borneo S.R.L., Inversiones PFI Chile Limitada, Inviting Foods Holdings Inc., Inviting Foods LLC, KAS Anorthosis S.a r.l, KAS S.L., KFC, Kevita Inc., Kinvara LLC, Kungursky Molkombinat JSC, Larragana S.L., Latin American Holdings Ltd., Latin American Snack Foods ApS, Latin Foods International LLC, Lebedyansky, Lebedyansky Holdings LLC, Lebedyansky LLC, Limited Liability Company "Sandora", Linkbay Limited, Lithuanian Snacks UAB, Mabel, Marbo Product d.o.o. Beograd, Marbo d.o.o. Laktasi, Matudis - Comercio de Produtos Alimentares Limitada, Matutano - Sociedade de Produtos Alimentares Lda., Mid-America Improvement Corporation, Mountainview Insurance Company Inc., Muscle Milk, NCJV LLC, New Bern Transport Corporation, New Century Beverage Company LLC, Noble Leasing LLC, Northeast Hot-Fill Co-op Inc., Office at Solyanka LLC, Onbiso Inversiones S.L., One World Enterprises LLC, One World Investors Inc., P-A Barbados Bottling Company LLC, P-A Bottlers Barbados SRL, P-Americas LLC, PAS Luxembourg S.a r.l, PAS Netherlands B.V., PBG Canada Holdings II LLC, PBG Canada Holdings Inc., PBG Cyprus Holdings Limited, PBG Investment Partnership, PBG Midwest Holdings S.a r.l, PBG Soda Can Holdings S.a r.l, PCBL LLC, PCNA Manufacturing Inc., PR Beverages Cyprus Holding Limited, PR Beverages Cyprus Russia Holding Limited, PRB Luxembourg S.a r.l, PRS Inc., PSAS Inversiones LLC, PSE Logistica S.R.L., PT Quaker Indonesia, Papas Chips S.A., Pei N.V., Pep Trade LLC, Pepsi B.V., Pepsi Beverages Holdings Inc., Pepsi Bottling Group Global Finance LLC, Pepsi Bottling Group GmbH, Pepsi Bottling Group Hoosiers B.V., Pepsi Bottling Holdings Inc., Pepsi Bugshan Investments S.A.E., Pepsi Cola Colombia Ltda, Pepsi Cola Egypt S.A.E., Pepsi Cola Panamericana S.R.L., Pepsi Cola Servis Ve Dagitim Limited Sirketi, Pepsi Cola Trading Ireland, Pepsi Logistics Company Inc., Pepsi Northwest Beverages LLC, Pepsi Overseas Investments Partnership, Pepsi Promotions Inc., Pepsi-Cola Advertising and Marketing Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bermuda Limited, Pepsi-Cola Bottlers Holding C.V., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company Of St. Louis Inc., Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Ft. Lauderdale-Palm Beach LLC, Pepsi-Cola Company, Pepsi-Cola Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Pepsi-Cola Far East Trade Development Co. Inc., Pepsi-Cola Finance LLC, Pepsi-Cola General Bottlers Poland Sp. z o.o., Pepsi-Cola Industrial da Amazonia Ltda., Pepsi-Cola International Cork, Pepsi-Cola International LLC, Pepsi-Cola International Limited, Pepsi-Cola International Limited U.S.A., Pepsi-Cola International Private Limited, Pepsi-Cola Korea Co. Ltd., Pepsi-Cola Management and Administrative Services Inc., Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing Company Of Uruguay S.R.L., Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing International Limited, Pepsi-Cola Manufacturing Mediterranean Limited, Pepsi-Cola Marketing Corp. Of P.R. Inc., Pepsi-Cola Mediterranean Ltd., Pepsi-Cola Metropolitan Bottling Company Inc., Pepsi-Cola Mexicana Holdings LLC, Pepsi-Cola Mexicana S. de R.L. de C.V., Pepsi-Cola National Marketing LLC, Pepsi-Cola Operating Company Of Chesapeake And Indianapolis, Pepsi-Cola Sales and Distribution Inc., Pepsi-Cola Technical Operations Inc., Pepsi-Cola Thai Trading Co. Ltd., Pepsi-Cola de Honduras S.R.L., Pepsi-Cola of Corvallis Inc., PepsiAmericas Nemzetkozi Szolgaltato Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, PepsiCo ANZ Holdings Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Alimentos Antioquia Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Colombia Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Ecuador Cia. Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos Z.F. Ltda., PepsiCo Alimentos de Bolivia S.R.L., PepsiCo Amacoco Bebidas Do Brasil Ltda., PepsiCo Asia Research & Development Center Company Limited, PepsiCo Australia Financing Cyprus Limited, PepsiCo Australia Financing Limited Partnership, PepsiCo Australia Financing Partner 1 LLC, PepsiCo Australia Financing Partner 2 LLC, PepsiCo Australia Financing Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Australia Holdings Pty Limited, PepsiCo Australia International, PepsiCo Austria Services GmbH, PepsiCo Azerbaijan Limited Liability Company, PepsiCo BeLux BV, PepsiCo Beverage Sales LLC, PepsiCo Beverage Singapore Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Beverages Bermuda Limited, PepsiCo Beverages Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo Beverages International Limited, PepsiCo Beverages Italia Societa' A Responsabilita' Limitata, PepsiCo Canada Finance LLC, PepsiCo Canada Holdings ULC, PepsiCo Canada Investment ULC, PepsiCo Canada ULC, PepsiCo Captive Holdings Inc., PepsiCo Caribbean Inc., PepsiCo China Limited, PepsiCo Consulting Polska Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo De Bolivia S.R.L., PepsiCo Del Paraguay S.R.L., PepsiCo Deutschland GmbH, PepsiCo Eesti AS, PepsiCo Euro Bermuda Limited, PepsiCo Euro Finance Antilles B.V., PepsiCo Europe Support Center S.L., PepsiCo Finance Americas Company, PepsiCo Finance Antilles A N.V., PepsiCo Finance Antilles B N.V., PepsiCo Finance South Africa Proprietary Limited, PepsiCo Financial Shared Services Inc., PepsiCo Food & Beverage Holdings Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo Foods A.I.E., PepsiCo Foods China Company Limited, PepsiCo Foods Group Pty Ltd, PepsiCo Foods Guangdong Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Nigeria Limited, PepsiCo Foods Private Limited, PepsiCo Foods Sichuan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Taiwan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Foods Vietnam Company, PepsiCo France SAS, PepsiCo Global Business Services India LLP, PepsiCo Global Business Services Poland Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo Global Holdings Limited, PepsiCo Global Investments B.V., PepsiCo Global Investments S.a r.l, PepsiCo Global Mobility LLC, PepsiCo Global Real Estate Inc., PepsiCo Global Trading Solutions Unlimited Company, PepsiCo Golden Holdings Inc., PepsiCo Group Finance International B.V., PepsiCo Group Holdings International B.V., PepsiCo Group Spotswood Holdings S.a r.l, PepsiCo Gulf International FZE, PepsiCo Hellas Single Member Industrial and Commercial Societe Anonyme, PepsiCo Holding de Espana S.L., PepsiCo Holdings, PepsiCo Holdings LLC, PepsiCo Holdings Toshkent LLC, PepsiCo Hong Kong LLC, PepsiCo Iberia Servicios Centrales S.L., PepsiCo India Holdings Private Limited, PepsiCo India Sales Private Limited, PepsiCo Internacional Mexico S. de R. L. de C. V., PepsiCo International Hong Kong Limited, PepsiCo International Limited, PepsiCo International Pte Ltd., PepsiCo Investments Europe I B.V., PepsiCo Investments Ltd., PepsiCo Ireland Food & Beverages Unlimited Company, PepsiCo Japan Co. Ltd., PepsiCo Light B.V., PepsiCo Logistyka Sp. z o.o., PepsiCo Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., PepsiCo Management Services SAS, PepsiCo Manufacturing A.I.E., PepsiCo Max B.V., PepsiCo Mexico Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., PepsiCo Nederland B.V., PepsiCo Nordic Denmark ApS, PepsiCo Nordic Finland Oy, PepsiCo Nordic Norway AS, PepsiCo Nutrition Trading DMCC, PepsiCo One B.V., PepsiCo Overseas Corporation, PepsiCo Overseas Financing Partnership, PepsiCo Panimex Inc, PepsiCo Products B.V., PepsiCo Products FLLC, PepsiCo Puerto Rico Inc., PepsiCo Sales Inc., PepsiCo Sales LLC, PepsiCo Services Asia Ltd., PepsiCo Services CZ s.r.o., PepsiCo Services LLC, PepsiCo Twist B.V., PepsiCo UK Pension Plan Trustee Limited, PepsiCo Ventures B.V., PepsiCo Wave Holdings LLC, PepsiCo World Trading Company Inc., PepsiCo Y LLC, PepsiCo de Argentina S.R.L., PepsiCo de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., PepsiCo do Brasil Industria e Comercio de Alimentos Ltda., PepsiCo do Brasil Ltda., PepsiCola Interamericana de Guatemala S.A., Pet Iberia S.L., Pete & Johnny Limited, Pine International LLC, Pine International Limited, Pinstripe Leasing LLC, Pioneer Food Group Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Groceries Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Group Ltd., Pioneer Foods Holdings Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods Pty Ltd, Pioneer Foods UK Ltd, Pioneer Foods Wellingtons Pty Ltd, Pipers Crisps Limited, PlayCo Inc., Pop corners, PopCorners Holdings Inc., Portfolio Concentrate Solutions Unlimited Company, Premier Nutrition Trading L.L.C., Prestwick LLC, Prev PepsiCo Sociedade Previdenciaria, Productos Alimenticios Rene LLC, Productos S.A.S. C.V., Productos SAS Management B.V., Punch N.V., Punica Getranke GmbH, Q O Puerto Rico Inc., QFL OHQ Sdn. Bhd., QTG Development Inc., QTG Services Inc., Quadrant - Amroq Beverages S.R.L., Quaker Development B.V., Quaker European Beverages LLC, Quaker European Investments B.V., Quaker Foods, Quaker Global Investments B.V., Quaker Holdings UK Limited, Quaker Manufacturing LLC, Quaker Oats Asia Inc., Quaker Oats Australia Pty Ltd, Quaker Oats B.V., Quaker Oats Capital Corporation, Quaker Oats Europe Inc., Quaker Oats Europe LLC, Quaker Oats Limited, Quaker Sales & Distribution Inc, Raptas Finance S.a r.l., Rare Fare Foods LLC, Rare Fare Holdings Inc., Reading Industries Ltd, Real Estate Holdings LLC, Rockstar Energy Drink, Rolling Frito-Lay Sales LP, S & T of Mississippi Inc., SIH International LLC, SVC Logistics Inc., SVC Manufacturing Inc., SVE Russia Holdings GmbH, Sabritas LLC, Sabritas S. de R.L. de C.V., Sabritas Snacks America Latina de Nicaragua y Cia Ltda, Sabritas de Costa Rica S. de R.L., Sabritas y Cia. S en C de C.V., Sakata Rice Snacks Australia Pty Ltd, Sandora Holdings B.V., Saudi Snack Foods Company Limited, Sea Eagle International SRL, Seepoint Holdings Ltd., Senselet Food Processing PLC, Senselet Holding B.V., Servicios GBF Sociedad de Responsabilidad Limitada, Servicios GFLG y Compania Limitada, Servicios Gamesa Puerto Rico L.L.C., Servicios SYC S. de R.L. de C.V., Seven-Up Asia Inc., Seven-Up Light B.V., Seven-Up Nederland B.V., Shanghai PepsiCo Snack Company Limited, Shanghai YuHo Agricultural Development Co. Ltd, Shoebill LLC, Simba (Proprietary) Limited, Simba Proprietary Limited, Sitka Spruce, Smartfoods Inc., Smiles and Bites Holdings S.de R.L. de C.V., Smiths Crisps Limited, Snack Food Investments GmbH, Snack Food Investments II GmbH, Snack Food Investments Limited, Snack Food-Beverage Asia Products Limited, Snacks America Latina S.R.L., Snacks Guatemala Ltd., So Spark Ltd., Soda-Club CO2 Atlantic GmbH, Soda-Club CO2 GmbH, Soda-Club CO2 Ltd., Soda-Club Switzerland GmbH, Soda-Club Worldwide B.V., SodaStream, SodaStream Australia Pty Ltd, SodaStream CO2 SA, SodaStream Canada Ltd., SodaStream Enterprises N.V., SodaStream France SAS, SodaStream GmbH, SodaStream Iberia S.L., SodaStream Industries Ltd., SodaStream International B.V., SodaStream International Ltd., SodaStream Israel Ltd., SodaStream K.K., SodaStream New Zealand Ltd., SodaStream Nordics AB, SodaStream Poland Sp. z o.o., SodaStream SA Pty Ltd., SodaStream Switzerland GmbH, SodaStream USA Inc., SodaStream Osterreich GmbH, South Beach Beverage Company Inc., South Properties Inc., Spitz International Inc., Sportmex Internacional S.A. de C.V., Springboig Industries Ltd, Spruce Limited, Stacy's Pita Chip Company Incorporated, Star Foods E.M. S.R.L., Stokely-Van Camp Inc., Stratosphere Communications Pty Ltd, Stratosphere Holdings 2018 Limited, Streamfoods Ltd, TFL Holdings LLC, Tasman Finance S.a r.l, The Gatorade Company, The Good Carb Food Company Ltd., The Pepsi Bottling Group Canada ULC, The Quaker Oats Company, The Smith's Snackfood Company Pty Limited, Thomond Group Holdings Limited, Tobago Snack Holdings LLC, Tropicana Alvalle S.L., Tropicana Beverages Limited, Tropicana Europe N.V., Tropicana United Kingdom Limited, Troya-Ultra LLC, United Foods Companies Restaurantes S.A., V-Water, VentureCo Israel Ltd, Veurne Snack Foods BV, Vitamin Brands Ltd., Walkers Crisps Limited, Walkers Group Limited, Walkers Snack Foods Limited, Walkers Snacks Distribution Limited, Walkers Snacks Limited, Whitman Corporation, Whitman Insurance Co. Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann Beverages JSC, Wimm-Bill-Dann Brands Co. Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann Central Asia-Almaty LLP, Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods LLC, Wimm-Bill-Dann Georgia Ltd., Wimm-Bill-Dann JSC, and Wimm-Bill-Dann Ukraine PJSC.

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Deutsche Telekom AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides integrated telecommunication services. The company operates through five segments: Germany, United States, Europe, Systems Solutions, and Group Development. It offers fixed-network services, including voice and data communication services based on fixed-network and broadband technology; and sells terminal equipment and other hardware products, as well as services to resellers. The company also provides mobile voice and data services to consumers and business customers; sells mobile devices and other hardware products; and sells mobile services to resellers and to companies that purchases and markets network services to third parties, such as mobile virtual network operators. In addition, it offers internet services; internet-based TV products and services; and information and communication technology systems for multinational corporations and public sector institutions with an infrastructure of data centers and networks under the T-Systems brand, as well as call center services. The company has 242 million mobile customers and 22 million broadband customers, as well as 27 million fixed-network lines. Deutsche Telekom AG has a collaboration with VMware, Inc. on cloud-based open and intelligent virtual RAN platform to bring agility to radio access networks for existing LTE and future 5G networks; and partnership with Microsoft to deliver high-performance cloud computing experiences. The company was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Bonn, Germany.
Plattsmouth Mayor Paul Lambert has now joined the League of Nebraska Municipalities Board of Directors, following an election during the Leagues annual business meeting in Kearney in September.

Lambert will serve on the board with Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert, Norfolk Mayor Sue Fuchtman, Lincoln Mayor Chris Beutler, North Platte Mayor Dwight Livingston, Councilman of St. Paul Gerald Solko, Gering Mayor Mark Tony Kaufman and Superior Councilwoman Sandra Foote.

The League is a nonprofit organization of cities and villages established in the late 1800s to represent municipalities in the Legislature. The Leagues functions include sponsoring educational seminars, publishing a magazine and newsletters, representing its member cities and villages on state advisory boards and answering technical questions. The top priority is representing its members in the legislative process.

Lambert said he was encouraged to run for the board by others in the League. I have served for a number of years on its Legislative Committee. I have lobbied during the last session on several bills on behalf of the municipalities and on behalf of the League.

Lambert will serve one three-year term on the board. You only serve one term. Board members may move into the president or vice presidents position if they choose to run for those offices, Lambert said.

Along with the boards three executive officers and three board representatives, the directors formulate the Leagues policies and philosophies. Each year, the board approves a budget, which determines how much revenue is necessary and available and how it will be allocated. Board members also set policy concerning League programs and legislation.

Plattsmouth has been a member of the League for 17 years. The League looks at the bills going through the Legislature and what is best for cities and villages in Nebraska. I am going to work really hard. It will be good for Plattsmouth that Im on the board of directors, Lambert said.

Lambert said the board meets quarterly, and sometimes, more during the Legislative session. We are in weekly communication through emails, he said.

Lambert was mayor of Plattsmouth from 2003 to 2011 and 2014 to the present. He served on the city council before he became mayor and also served in the Nebraska Legislature.

Its an honor for me to serve on the Leagues board of directors, he said.
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.
Quotient Technology Inc. operates as a digital media and promotions technology company that offers power integrated digital media and promotions programs for brands and retailers. The company's Quotient Promotions platform offers digital paperless, print promotion, and cash back rebates, including Coupons.com website and mobile applications; brand and retailer websites and mobile applications; and third-party publishing websites and mobile applications. It also provides Quotient Retailer Promotions Platform that uses consumer data and insights to distribute personalized and targeted media and promotions for retailers of grocery, drug, mass merchant, dollar, club, and convenience merchandise; and Quotient Media Platform, which provides targeted advertising solutions that enables brands to reach shoppers before, during, and after their shopping cycles with digital media campaigns. It also provides Quotient Retailer Performance Media Platform that uses retailer's consumer data to drive sales and enhances the shopper experience; Quotient Analytics provides campaign analytics and measured sales results to brands and retailers; Quotient Consumer Properties; and Quotient Retailer Media Services. It serves approximately 900 consumer packed goods, representing approximately 2,500 brands, including various food, beverage, personal care, and household product manufacturers; retail partners representing various classes of trade, such as grocery retailers, drug, mass merchant, dollar, club, and convenience merchandise channels; and consumers visiting its websites, mobile properties, and social channels. The company was formerly known as Coupons.com Incorporated and changed its name to Quotient Technology Inc. in October 2015. Quotient Technology Inc. was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah.
CNH Industrial N.V. designs, produces, markets, sells, and finances agricultural and construction equipment, trucks, commercial vehicles, buses, and specialty vehicles in North America, Europe, South America, and internationally. It operates through five segments: Agriculture, Construction, Commercial and Specialty Vehicles, Powertrain, and Financial. The Agriculture segment provides farm machinery and implements that include two-and four-wheel drive tractors, crawler tractors, combines, cotton pickers, grape and sugar cane harvesters, hay and forage equipment, planting and seeding equipment, soil preparation and cultivation implements, and material handling equipment under the New Holland Agriculture, Case IH, STEYR, Miller, Kongskilde, Overum, K-Line, and JF brands. The Construction segment offers excavators, crawler dozers, graders, wheel and backhoe loaders, and skid steer and compact track loaders under the CASE Construction and New Holland Construction brands. The Commercial and Specialty Vehicles segment provides light, medium, and heavy vehicles for the transportation and distribution of goods under the IVECO brand; commuter buses and city-buses under the IVECO BUS and Heuliez Bus brands; quarry and mining equipment under the IVECO ASTRA brand; firefighting vehicles under the Magirus brand; and vehicles for civil defense and peace-keeping missions under the Iveco Defence Vehicles brand. The Powertrain segment offers engines, transmission systems, and axles for on- and off-road applications, as well as for marine and power generation under the FPT Industrial brand. The Financial Services segment provides and administers retail financing to customers for the purchase or lease of new and used industrial equipment or vehicles, and other equipment; wholesale financing, which primarily consists of floor plan financing; and trade receivables factoring services. The company was founded in 1842 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
Consolidated Edison, Inc., through its subsidiaries, engages in the regulated electric, gas, and steam delivery businesses in the United States. It offers electric services to approximately 3.5 million customers in New York City and Westchester County; gas to approximately 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and Westchester County; and steam to approximately 1,555 customers in parts of Manhattan. The company also supplies electricity to approximately 0.3 million customers in southeastern New York and northern New Jersey; and gas to approximately 0.1 million customers in southeastern New York. In addition, it operates 533 circuit miles of transmission lines; 15 transmission substations; 64 distribution substations; 87,564 in-service line transformers; 3,924 pole miles of overhead distribution lines; and 2,291 miles of underground distribution lines, as well as 4,350 miles of mains and 377,971 service lines for natural gas distribution. Further, the company owns, operates, and develops renewable and energy infrastructure projects; and provides energy-related products and services to wholesale and retail customers, as well as invests in electric and gas transmission projects. It primarily sells electricity to industrial, commercial, residential, and government customers. The company was founded in 1823 and is based in New York, New York.
Juniper Networks, Inc. designs, develops, and sells network products and services worldwide. The company offers routing products, such as ACX series universal access routers to deploy high-bandwidth services; MX series Ethernet routers that function as a universal edge platform; PTX series packet transport routers; wide-area network SDN controllers; and session smart routers. It also provides switching products, including EX series Ethernet switches to address the access, aggregation, and core layer switching requirements of micro branch, branch office, and campus environments; QFX series of core, spine, and top-of-rack data center switches; and juniper access points, which provide Wi-Fi access and performance. In addition, the company offers security products comprising SRX series services gateways for the data center; Branch SRX family provides an integrated and next-generation firewall; virtual firewall that delivers various features of physical firewalls; and advanced malware protection, a cloud-based service and Juniper ATP. Further, it offers Junos OS, a network operating system; Contrail networking, which provides an open-source and standards-based platform for SDN; Mist AI-driven Wired, Wireless, and WAN assurance solutions to set and measure key metrics; Mist AI-driven Marvis Virtual Network Assistant, which identifies the root cause of issues; Juniper Paragon Automation, a modular portfolio of cloud-native software applications; and Juniper Apstra to automate the network lifecycle in a single system. Additionally, the company provides software-as-a-service, technical support, maintenance, and professional services, as well as education and training programs. It sells its products through direct sales, distributors, value-added resellers, and original equipment manufacturers to end-users in the cloud, service provider, and enterprise markets. The company was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California.
OGE Energy Corp., together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy and energy services provider that offers physical delivery and related services for electricity, natural gas, crude oil, and natural gas liquids in the United States. The company generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric energy. It provides retail electric service to approximately 879,000 customers, which covers a service area of approximately 30,000 square miles in Oklahoma and western Arkansas; and owns and operates coal-fired, natural gas-fired, wind-powered, and solar-powered generating assets. As of December 31, 2021, the company owned and operated interconnected electric generation, transmission, and distribution systems, including 16 generating stations with an aggregate capability of 7,207 megawatts; and transmission systems comprising 54 substations and 5,122 structure miles of lines in Oklahoma, and 7 substations and 277 structure miles of lines in Arkansas. Its distribution systems included 350 substations; 29,494 structure miles of overhead lines; 3,365 miles of underground conduit; and 11,125 miles of underground conductors in Oklahoma, as well as 29 substations, 2,795 structure miles of overhead lines, 349 miles of underground conduit, and 662 miles of underground conductors in Arkansas. The company was founded in 1902 and is based in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
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By William Lewis

The long-awaited presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump has taken place with both candidates claiming success. Both candidates showed considerable knowledge. However, there were important issues that could have been discussed more in detail, including homeland security, immigration and military preparedness. Hopefully, at the next debate these matters will be addressed more than they were this time.

Hillary Clinton seemed well prepared for the first debate. She spent at least several days preparing for it. Donald Trump did not seem to have too much preparedness for it.

Probably the best subject in terms of being well covered was trade. Clinton seemed to put Trump on the defensive in terms of personal issues, including releasing income-tax returns and his questioning of President Obamas place of birth.

I think that national issues directly affecting the American people should have been paramount with the questions that the moderator asked. But the Clinton controversy about e-mails was only briefly mentioned.

All week long prior to the debate there were films shown on TV about previous presidential debates. Several important differences between this years debates and the debates since 1960 is that the earlier debates were more formal and had fewer personal attacks. Before this year the presidential candidates seemed to show more respect for each other.

Debates do give candidates a chance to gain name recognition. That was certainly true in 1960 when John Kennedys excellent performance helped him gain status in the presidential race. Kennedy might not have been able to win the presidential race that year without the assistance of the four debates.

It was also true in the debates held during the U.S. Senate race in 1858 in Illinois, which gave Abraham Lincoln the national recognition that helped him win the presidency two years later.

An insurgent candidate with no office-holding background has an advantage in attacking his opponents record in office. The insurgent can attack the officeholder during the debate about his performance as a public official.

However since the political debates have been very popular outside the United States, especially in Europe, they give observers in other countries a chance to see the candidates defend their positions from attacks from the other candidates.

Debates have become part of the national system and are taking place in races for local and state offices.

It can be said that campaign debates improve our democratic process. National debates at the state and local level seem to be here to stay.
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By Naeisha Rose

Restaurants from all over central and parts of western Queens were represented at Atlas Mall in Glendale for the Dine in Queens Kick Off event Tuesday from noon to 2 p.m.

Over a hundred people came to the event to try the free samples that highlighted the status of Queens as the most diverse county not just in the United States.

There was food from India, Brazil, Colombia, Italy and China for the preview of the dining extravaganza that used to be called Queens Restaurant Week.

Grace Pizza, a first-generation Italian restaurant located in Glendale, brought samples of penne a la vodka; rigatoni with sun-dried tomatoes, broccoli and oil; sausage and peppers; chicken cacciatore and more.

We wanted to raise awareness as to the good food in these neighborhoods, said owner George Tagaris, 36. We have food that is wholesome and good for them.

At the Kurry Qulture food stand, the owner and chef gave out samples of mushroom bruschetta with goat cheese.

We primarily make North and South Indian food, but also Indian food from all the states, said Gurminder Singh, 37, a Michelin chef whose restaurant is in Queens.

Chinese restaurant Grain House served up Szechuan-style food, which mostly consists of meats, vegetables and noodles.

I think this is a helpful way to show really traditional Chinese food, said David Pan, 45.  What people eat now is Americanized Chinese food. Theyve never been to a real Chinese restaurant, but this right here is authentic Chinese food.

Tienda Vieja, which specializes in Colombian food from Medellin, a city near the Bogota capital, came to the kick-off to promote their restaurant.

We are a block inside Utopia near PS 107 on 67th Avenue and Fresh Meadows Lake, and we are hidden in there, said Geraldine Puerta.

Beija Flor, a Brazilian restaurant in Astoria will celebrate its fourth anniversary Feb. 15, a day after Valentines Day.

At the Flor food stand, Danilo Barros, 25, who came from Brazil, shared samples of pastel de queijo (cheese), pastel carne do sol (beef jerky), pastel de frango (chicken), and bolinho de bacalhau (codfish croquette).

It is an amazing Brazilian place in this working-class neighborhood,  said Ken Holiday, 35.

Dishing out treats was Brooklyn Cupcake, which is owned by sisters Carmen Rodriguez, 50, and Gina Madera, 45.

I think this is pretty cool. Its a great way to learn about your neighborhood, said Rodriguez. The sisters recently opened their second location in Glendale. Their first store is in Williamsburg.

Also at the event were Restaurant Depot, which gave discounts to families for 20 percent off of their weekly shopping, and the Queens Economic Development Center, which helped to manage the event.

Dine in Queens officially begins Monday, Oct. 17, and runs through Nov. 3.
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By Gina Martinez

A Flushing doctor has been indicted on charges of recklessly causing the death of a 30-year-old woman on whom he performed an abortion, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.

Dr. Robert Rho, 52, faces a second-degree murder charge and up to 15 years in jail if convicted, the DA said.

The gynecologist and obstetrician maintains a medical practice at Liberty Health Care of Queens on 37-01 Main St.. According to the charges, the 30-year-old victim arrived at the health care center with her sister on July 9 seeking an abortion. It is alleged that during the surgical procedure, which took place shortly after 1 p.m., Rho caused a laceration of the victims cervix , Brown said.

He is accused of perforating the uterine wall, cutting the uterine artery and subsequently failing to provide her with appropriate and timely medical attention, the DA said.

The criminal complaint, filed by the DAs office, said that while in the recovery room, the victim bled profusely and was required to undergo an additional procedure at the health facility. The victim was then allowed to go home despite appearing disoriented and having collapsed, Brown said. On the drive to her sisters Bronx home the victim fell off the back seat and became unresponsive, the DAs office said.

She was taken to a Bronx hospital where she was treated for vaginal bleeding and given six units of blood, She died later that night at the hospital, Brown said.

A medical rating website said Rho had 24 years of professional experience.
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By Mark Hallum

Queens GOP leaders are not following the lead of other elected officials who have withdrawn support from Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump in light of the recently leaked recording from 2005, which has the candidate using what he calls locker room talk to describe sexual advances on women.

Bob Turner, chairman of the Queens Republican Party, and Phil Orenstein, president of the Queens Village Republican Club, both said they see the scandal as only a bump in the road on the way to reclaiming the presidency for their party.

According to Turner, the need for a Trump presidency to fix a broken labor market rises above his statements about women.

Is he the ideal paragon of rectitude? No. But weve lived through this in actions not words, with JFK or LBJ or Bill Clinton and it doesnt seem to affect the core of the issues, Turner contended. Nobody is defending what was said I think it was rather disappointing, but we have to soldier on.

Orenstein agreed.

Were in full support of Donald Trump for president. Our enthusiasm for his candidacy hasnt been shaken in the least, Orenstein said, adding that operatives for Clinton are behind the outrage which has Trump behind by 11 points according to =the Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll. Revelations will come out constantly.

To withdraw support, Orenstein said, would be a disservice to voters and the GOP. Backing for the Republican nominee should be absolute among party members and those withdrawing support are not doing their duty to their constituents, according to Orenstein.

He attributed this to what calls an unprecedented number of Republicans who turned out for the primary nationwide to support Trump and contended that the party has an obligation to the public to back their candidate.

These fellow Republicans should line up behind Trump, Orenstein said. They need to follow the will of the voters. We need to unite as a political party the way the Democrats do to win elections.

Most Republicans are still voting for Trump, according to Turner, but the number of party members who did not maintain unwavering support never had it to begin with.

A lot of the people that bailed out never had bailed in, Turner said, laughing. For them it was a good opportunity.

Turner believes the only justification for withdrawing support for a nominee would be a situation in which a candidate was indicted for a crime, referring to Hillary Clinton and her use of a private e-mail server. The FBI cleared Clinton of any criminal wrongdoing, but Trump threatened to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate the case if elected.

Orenstein said he could not imagine a circumstance in which support should be withdrawn from a nominee and expressed his belief that the Democratic candidates email scandal was a much more profound transgression in comparison to Trumps locker room recordings.

House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisconsin) furthered the rift within the Republican Party by vowing to discontinue support for Trump and focus his efforts on maintaining the partys majority in Congress. Trump candidate lost some of the support he had gained from GOP members since his nomination over the weekend after the recordings were released.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday accused France of deliberately luring Moscow into vetoing a United Nations resolution on Syria and suggested Paris was doing the bidding of the United States.

Russia last week imposed its veto on a French-backed resolution condemning the violence in the Syrian city of Aleppo, saying the document failed to take into account Russian proposals.

Western governments said the veto showed Moscow had no interest in halting the violence.

But Putin, who earlier this week called off a planned trip to Paris after his French counterpart Francois Hollande criticized Russia\s actions in Syria, launched a stinging attack on France\s handling of the resolution.

"It\s not our partners who should be offended by our veto, it\s us who should be offended," Putin said, when asked about France during a question and answer session at a business forum in Moscow.

He said French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault had raised the issue of the resolution when he visited Moscow last week. Ayrault was told the document put too much of the blame for the Aleppo violence on Syrian government forces, but that Moscow would not use its veto if France made some amendments.

"We expected joint, constructive work with France and with other permanent members of the Security Council. But what happened?," Putin said.

"The French foreign minister flew from Moscow to Washington, the next day he came out with (U.S. Secretary of State John) Kerry, accused Russia of all the deadly sins, no one spoke to us or discussed anything with us, and tossed the resolution into the Security Council obviously expecting our veto.

"What for? Knowing our position, and not discussing it with us, they didn\t chuck in the resolution so it would pass. But to get the veto. What for? To exacerbate the situation and to whip up anti-Russian hysteria in media under their control, and to deceive their own citizens," Putin said.

"I don\t know if that corresponds to the interests of European countries or not. But to just service like this the foreign policy interests, or maybe even the domestic political interests, of their allies, in this case the United States?

"I don\t know. Is that really the role of such serious countries which aspire to conduct independent policies and be called major powers. I don\t know," Putin told the forum.

Western governments have accused Russia of being responsible for an attack on an aid convoy in Aleppo region on Sept. 19.

In his speech on Wednesday, Putin said "terrorists" had struck the convoy, without giving details on who they were.

He said the United States knew who was to blame for the attack but that Washington preferred instead to make what he called baseless accusations about Russian involvement.

In the French parliament, French Prime Minister Manuel Valls defended his country\s stance on Russia, saying that Moscow was propping up Syrian President Bashar al-Assad\s government and carrying out war crimes in its bombing of Aleppo.

"Russia has chosen an obstructive attitude and from our point of view this stance is unjustifiable," Valls told lawmakers.

"Russia has a responsibility and I call on it to assume its responsibilities to end this massacre. We will continue talking to them, but not in vain."

SOURCE: REUTERS
Q&A with PA-16 candidates Robert Matzie and Rico Elmore

Both Beaver County natives, Matzie and Elmore have expressed their interest in making Beaver County a better place in their own unique ways.
John Ingle/Times Record News USA800 Vice President of Operations J.R. Metzen, right, interviews Serinity Mallett of Wichita Falls Wednesday afternoon for a position at the new call center that will be located at the intersection of Airport Drive and I-44. More than 150 people out of about 250 applicants were hired Tuesday alone with more than 100 appearing during Wednesday's event. The company's goal is to hire 300 in 30 days.

SHARE John Ingle/Times Record News Dan Quigley, right, chief operating officer of USA800, and Vice President of Operations J.R. Metzen talk about the high turnout of applicants during the first two days of the call center's first three-day job fair Tuesday and Wednesday in Wichita Falls. More than 150 people out of about 250 applicants were hired Tuesday alone, and the company's goal is to hire 300 in 30 days.

Call center company hires 150 employees on Tuesday

By John Ingle of the Times Record News

USA800 made it known they wanted to hire 300 employees for their new Wichita Falls inbound call center when they met with members of the Wichita Falls Economic Development Corp. on Oct. 3, and they are well on their way to achieving that after just two days of a three-day job fair.

Tom Davis, CEO of Kansas City, Missouri-based USA800, said more than 150 area residents were hired from the more than 200 applicants who showed up at the future location of the company on Airport Drive. It's the former location of WDS Global, another recent call center. A little more than 100 showed up Wednesday with Thursday's hiring event still to happen.

"It was a tremendous showing" Davis said. "We had to turn back some folks in the beginning just because it was so crowded. We didn't have enough resources to care for people, so we asked people to come back after a few hours."

The WFEDC approved a $3.4 million incentive package during their Oct. 3 meeting that will be paid out after USA800 meets specific benchmarks, including $2.6 million in cash-for-jobs incentives and another $800,000 for training. The Wichita Falls City Council will consider the offer during its meeting on Tuesday.

Davis said he was excited to hear from his folks on the ground in Wichita Falls about the high-volume turnout by the area's labor force. He said their hope within the next several years is to grow the company to 500-700 employees, who, as part of their benefits package, will also be owners of the company through its Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Henry Florsheim, president and CEO of the Wichita Falls Chamber of Commerce & Industry, said he and others in the WFEDC felt there would be interest in USA800 after speaking with its leadership about what positions it would fill and the type of employees they were wanting to hire. What isn't always known is how many people will show up for a hiring event.

Tuesday's and Wednesday's turnouts were impressive and something they can show to other companies considering expansion to Wichita Falls.

"Workforce is always the No. 1 issue when we're talking to a prospect," Florsheim said. "They've not only got to be able to find skilled workers, but people who are enthusiastic about a new opportunity. So when you see numbers like this turning out on the first day or the first two days, that is a great story for us to tell."

USA800 is a near 100 percent inbound call center where customer service representatives and technical support services receive calls for assistance. Davis said they are also interviewing for supervisor, quality assurance, training and information technology positions.

A class of new hires will begin training the week of Oct. 24, followed by another Oct. 31. A Nov. 7 training class has also been scheduled. Davis said the training is about a week long and includes teaching new employees about USA800, it's cultures, the systems it uses and then customer-specific training.

In addition to Thursday's 10 a.m.-6 p.m. hiring event, USA800 will host another job fair Tuesday through Thursday next week during the same times at 2236 Airport Dr. People unable to make the job fair can also submit an application at usa800.com.
Times Record News file photo

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By Christopher Collins of the Times Record News

A quasi-governmental organization that has been designated the state's mental health advocate has opened an investigation into the death of a mentally ill man in Burkburnett police custody.

An open records request submitted by Disability Rights Texas to the city of Burkburnett this year shows the group is gathering documents in connection to the suicide of prisoner Marcus Johnson, who hanged himself in a jail cell after police refused to allow him to take his antipsychotic medication in March.

Johnson reportedly suffered from a number of mental illnesses, among them bipolar disorder. He was jailed on a felony forgery charge after being in possession of a fake ID.

One Burkburnett police officer was suspended for a day because of the death. Another officer received a letter of reprimand and a third was sent a letter of counseling. The Texas Rangers opened an investigation, but documents do not show that an investigator recommended criminal charges for any of the officers involved.

The Times Record News previously reported Johnson's death was preceded by several police errors, including a violation of jail procedures and an unwarranted refusal to let Johnson take his medication.

Disability Rights Texas is part of a "national network of protection and advocacy organizations" that aims to secure the rights of people with disabilities, according to its website. The nonprofit agency was created by Congress and is federally designated.

Federal law gives the organization authority to investigate "incidents of abuse and neglect of individuals with mental illness," the Texas Attorney General's Office wrote this month in a letter to the city of Burkburnett. The city had requested an opinion from the AG's office when Disability Rights Texas requested information about Johnson's death  the city argued it should be allowed to withhold a portion of those documents.

The office ruled that Disability Rights Texas must be provided with some of the requested information because it had "probable cause to believe" that Johnson had been neglected or abused while in police custody.

Disability Rights Texas did not return a Times Record News call Wednesday to discuss the status of its investigation.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks at a rally, Wednesday, June 1, 2016, in Sacramento, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)

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By John C. Mortiz, Matt Wollbright and Chris Ramirez, USA Today Network Austin Bureau

More Republican Texas congressmen are stepping forward to denounce the recently uncovered vulgar remarks by Donald Trump from 2005 but they are still standing by their partys nominee for president.

I cannot and will not defend the indefensible, U.S. Jeb Hensarling of Dallas, who is seeking his eighth term, said Wednesday. Donald Trumps comments from nearly a decade ago are crude and offensive and should have never been uttered under any circumstance. It is only right that he offered his regrets and an apology.

Hensarling joined Arlington Republican Joe Barton, Texas most senior lawmaker in Washington, and Houstons Pete Olson in expressing dismay for remarks that were captured in audio recordings with a television personality in which the businessman-turned-politician described a failed attempt to seduce married woman and getting away with unwanted sexual contact with women because hes a star.

I do not condone or even try to defend the comments made by Donald Trump 11 years ago, said Barton, who has served in Congress since 1985. We must respect women and work to raise the discourse of this election.

The comments after Tuesday nights apology by U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold, R-Corpus Christi, after he seemed to suggest in a cable news interview that hed remain in Trumps camp even if the nominee admitted to rape.

.@farenthold on if he'd revoke support for Trump if he said "I like raping women" -- "It'd be bad...I'd consider it" https://t.co/jWCZ1YERYl  All In w/Chris Hayes (@allinwithchris) October 12, 2016

In a series of tweets shortly after his appearance, Farenthold expressed remorse for not immediately condemning rape under every circumstance. He also said he was thrown off by the hypothetical question.

I apologize for my failure to immediately condemn anyone who would say something as outrageous as they like raping women. (1/3)  Blake Farenthold (@farenthold) October 12, 2016

During an interview on MSNBC with Chris Hayes tonight, I was thrown off by the anchors use of a hypothetical question. (2/3)  Blake Farenthold (@farenthold) October 12, 2016

I do not, and have not ever condoned rape or violence against women. That is not the kind of man I believe Donald Trump to be. (3/3)  Blake Farenthold (@farenthold) October 12, 2016

Later, he told the Corpus Christi Caller-Times that he would never support a rapist.

Farenthold, like nearly every Texas Republican officeholder who has weighed in since Trumps remarks surfaced on Friday, said the GOP nominee is still preferrable to Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Olson said the former first lady and secretary of state is out of step with voters.

I remain supportive of our Republican nominee and am committed to defeating Hillary Clinton because she has a record of failure that has weakened our nation, harmed our national security, given rise to ISIS, and damaged the American economy, Olson said.

U.S. Rep. Kevin Brady, R-The Woodland, does not plan to comment on Trump, his office said. San Antonio Republican Lamar Smith had no comment either, other than to say hes still backing the nominee.

Nationwide, a USA Today survey of Republican governors and congress members showed that one-fourth of them have either withdrawn their support of Trump or had never backed him. The only Texans on that list are U.S. Reps. Kay Granger of Fort Worth and Will Hurd of San Antonio.

Granger is the only Texas woman in the GOP Texas delegation. Hurd is fighting for his political life in Texas only true swing congressional district and is in a rematch with former Congressman Pete Gallego.

Several Republican state lawmakers this week have also attempted to distance themselves from Trumps statements, But like their counterparts in Washington said they remain committed to his candidacy.

Without using Trumps name, state Rep. Todd Hunter, R-Corpus Christi, said Tuesday he supported our Republican Party nominee. He added that doing so doesnt mean he agrees with all his statements and positions, and that he doesnt condone what he heard on the tape.

State Rep. Geanie Morrison, of Victoria, and state Sen. Lois Kolkhorst of Brenham expressed similar sentiments.

I do not in any way defend or condone Mr. Trumps 2005 remarks said Morrison, whose district includes Aransas, Calhoun, DeWitt, Goliad, Refugio, and Victoria counties. I do however believe that based on his policy positions to restore Americas prominence in the world economy, and his stance on conservative issues, he is the best candidate in the race for president.

Kolkhors: I was disappointed in the recent tapes, but I am still voting for the Republican nominee. Im looking at the whole picture of who can jump start the economy and put America in a position again that leads to a more stable world.
Jonathan Olley

"The Legend of Tarzan": The jungle king must return to his country on a rescue mission. The latest look at the vine-swinging character created by Edgar Rice Burroughs takes a more civilized approach. Swedish hunk Alexander Skarsgard plays the title role with cinema's current reigning beauty, Margot Robbie, as his spunky Jane. The pair are the best-looking couple to hang with the animals in a beautiful jungle setting since Adam and Eve.; "The Legend of Tarzan" is not the king of jungle movies, but it is presented with such royal reverence that some people will go ape over it.

"The Infiltrator": Director Brad Furman uses the script based on the book by Robert Mazur to create the story of an undercover agent who lives in a tense, dramatic world while still allowing him to maintain his humanity. He's a good man living in an evil world. It's not an easy task as the film looks at the true story of a U.S. Customs undercover agent who in 1985 maneuvers his way into the Colombian cartel of drug lord Pablo Escobar. One wrong word and the agent's life would be in mortal danger.
ALBANY - A pirate ship prop from a shuttered restaurant is getting new life as part of the playground at Eagle Point Elementary School.

Volunteers on Wednesday assembled the pirate ship that was thrown out when Joe's Crab Shack in Colonie went out of business.
Troy

A trail of forged documents filed at the Rensselaer County Clerk's Office has resulted in a county grand jury indicting a 46-year-old man on 20 felony counts Wednesday.

Zarak O. Ali of Maiden Lane, Albany, is accused of forging deeds to five foreclosed properties in Brunswick, Rensselaer and Troy from January to March and filing them with the clerk's office, according to the indictment.

Ali listed his business address as 40 Wall St., New York City, the location for The Trump Building, in leases provided tenants.

The State Police Special Investigations Unit uncovered evidence of forged deeds in Rensselaer County and six other Capital Region and Hudson Valley counties extending back 18 months. Authorities said the forged deeds affected people who believed they were getting a deal on buying a home or renting an apartment.

"I'm thrilled he's been indicted," said County Clerk Frank Merola. Members of Merola's staff testified before the grand jury.

In the indictment handed up to County Judge Andrew Ceresia, Ali was indicted for four counts each of second-degree forgery, second-degree criminal possession of a forged instrument, first-degree falsifying business records and first-degree offering a false instrument for filing.

Ali will be arraigned Friday morning.

The indictments come from the filing of fake deeds at the county clerk's office for 141 Maple Ave. and 63 Collins St. in Troy; 226 East St and 406 Broadway in Rensselaer; and 37 South Road in Brunswick.

"Other counties have found bad deeds. County clerks from around the state been checking deed filings," Merola said.

The five deeds named in the indictment were usually three pages long and involved property transfers between two trust accounts, according to authorities.

The county real property tax office discovered the unusual property transfers between two trusts in several real estate transactions filed by Ali.

County officials said in April said their attention was drawn to the transfers due to them being between two trusts and the sloppy paperwork. The paragraph-long property descriptions and trustees' names were written in by hand instead of typed, which was also suggested something wasn't right, officials said.

kcrowe@timesunion.com  518-454-5084  @KennethCrowe
Beads of sweat roll from my face, edge to the tip of my nose and hang there for a moment, before dropping on my yoga mat. I am exhausted and each new pose is like torture, but still, I carry on. I've done the yoga class enough times to obey the instructions of our yoga teacher and act like a humble warrior and a tall tree and a dog that faces down. But after a long day, my body is really just begging to be a sleeping person.

I keep moving through the sequences, going from a dolphin to an upward facing dog. This feels good, I tell myself. Right? Right? Don't I feel good?

During the hour-long class, my body is good at obeying, but my mindnot so much. After I have run through the list of everything that happened that day, everything that is likely happen the next day and before I realize that we are close, thank goodness we are really, truly close to Savasnana, which is when the lights are turned down low and we lie still and meditate some more and class is over I start to think about food. Yes, food. There have even been times, when our yoga class is all working hard and focusing and concentrating and really, really getting into yoga that my stomach has interrupted with a loud, complaining gurgle. The gurgle says enough with the dog and lizard already. Let's talk noodles, it says. Sausage and garlicky greens. Did someone mention a glass of wine?

But before there is any food, I have to finish the yoga workout. Shhhhh, I tell my belly. Concentrate. Focus. I bring myself back to the pose. It's downward facing dog and even though I've done it a hundred times before, my wrists beg to be released. My calves scream as I pull and stretch my stiff muscles. Focus, I scold myself. Focus.

Our yoga teacher reminds us, in a gentle and soulful voice, "If your mind wanders, gently bring it back." And I try. I try to come back to the mindfulness and peace and the journey of being present in my own body. But sometimes, it's too far gone. My stomach whispered to my brain something simple like, "Avocado!" And then my brain runs with it. The class does side plank and some people stretch their leg out above their body, holding their toes with their fingers, balancing like some exotic animal on a branch. And my brain continues its downward spiral, going from avocado to crisp tortillas and rich, deeply red glasses of wine. And before I can stop it, my head and my hunger are holding hands and running toward my refrigerator, to its contents. There is leftover chili in there, cheese and plenty of other good things. If I try really hard, I can get it back. I reel it all in and as we move through our final pose and settle into Savasana, I am finally at peace. Perhaps my mind quiets only because hot food and cool drink are but a few minutes away.

The feast after exercise is like no other, and my family stands back, afraid to come between me, my fork and whatever container I pull from the refrigerator. Even in my ravenous, mindful state, I try to fill up on good healthy food. It would be easy to come home and go for chips or ice cream and occasionally I give in to that. But mostly, I go for the healthy stuff. Right now, my kitchen counter is crammed with beautiful fall vegetables deep green collards, brilliant peppers and the last of the tomatoes. It's all good fixings for an after-workout hoedown.

The things I've been waiting for, the pale, hard-skinned squash and deep orange pumpkins, are here. The harvest is at its best in October, with red, orange and forest-y green vegetables. I would eat the local vegetables if only for their color, even if the taste wasn't so good. Lucky for us, taste and beauty are working together this time of year.

Pumpkins, the kind you can eat, are out in abundance right now. Look for the tiny and so-very-cute pie pumpkins (sometimes called sugar pumpkins), with an intact stem and no bruises. Peeling and seeding a pumpkin for cooking seems like a momentous task, I know. My daughter timed me, for the sake of this story and my time was pretty good: 7 minutes, start to finish. I didn't rush and I didn't even lose a finger. See my note below about how best to butcher a pumpkin. Taking the time to prepare a whole pumpkin is surely worth it: the flesh is sweet and flavorful, with a bit of earthiness. It's a good pairing with the spice and tomatoes in the Afghan preparation here. And if you haven't braised vegetables, it's an easy process that involves browning the pumpkin, just a bit, then adding liquid and letting it simmer until tender.

Butternut squash is another favorite, for its deep, rich and subtly sweet flavor. This squash is a balancing add-in to the smoky paprika and mildly spiced beans in the chili recipe. The whole dish gets better with time (think about making it, refrigerating overnight, then keeping warm in a crock pot for guests.) The recipe suggests serving with avocado and toasted pumpkin seeds. My family gets out cheese and sour cream, hot sauce and tortilla chips. We have a chili smorgasbord and everyone is happy. And if your house is filled with meat lovers (yup, I've got them too,) then stir in ground turkey before adding the squash. Cook it til it's no longer pink, then continue with the recipe.

I've saved the best for last here, and want to take the time to tell you just how ridiculously good Thai-flavored Brussels sprouts are. My husband, who doesn't like Brussels sprouts, raised his eyebrows and deemed them "pretty good." That is the same as you and me doing cartwheels over Brussels sprouts. It's just like fireworks or cannons going off in honor of this vegetable. The important thing is roasting the sprouts until they are deeply brown and crispy and creamy soft in the center. While still hot, they are doused in a simply prepared dressing made from fish sauce, chiles and sugar. The vinaigrette is salty, with a touch of heat and sweetness. This recipe elevates Brussels sprouts to god-like status, from a ho-hum vegetable to something spectacular.

There is no shame in dreaming about any of these awesome fall vegetables, no matter what you are doing while the reverie plays in your mind. So let visions of pumpkins and squash and apples, Brussels sprouts and fall greens dance in your head. It's perfectly acceptable to do while driving, in a meeting and yes, even during yoga. Namaste!

Will Waldron

BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH THAI VINAIGRETTE

serves 5 as a side dish

adapted, from a popular dish at Momofuku

1 1/2 lbs. Brussels Sprouts

2 T. canola oil (or more as needed)

for the vinaigrette:

1/8 c. fish sauce

1/4 c. hot water (from the tap is fine)

juice of 1 lime

2 T. brown sugar

1 T. sambal oelek (Thai chile paste - found in the Asian or hot sauce section of the grocery store)

Preheat the oven to 425. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Mix together the vinaigrette ingredients, stirring well to dissolve the sugar. Set aside.

Trim and halve each Brussel sprout, then place in a large bowl. Toss with the canola oil, using more as necessary to ensure each is thoroughly coated. Spread out on the baking sheets, cut side down. Roast for 10 minutes, rotating pans halfway through. Stir both pans after 10 minutes, and roast 5 minutes more, until crispy brown on the bottom and soft on the inside. Scrape out into a bowl and toss with the dressing, mixing well to incorporate. Serve hot.

Will Waldron

AFGHAN BRAISED PUMPKIN (Borani Kadoo)

serves 5

1 pie pumpkin, peeled, seeded and cut into bite-sized pieces (see note below)

1 t. turmeric

1/2 t. cayenne

1 t. coriander

2 T. canola oil

1/2 white onion, chopped fine

1" piece of ginger, peeled and grated

2 garlic cloves

1/3 c. brown sugar

1 c. crushed tomatoes

sea salt, to taste

chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

yogurt sauce, for serving (recipe follows)

In a heavy-bottomed pot set over low heat, stir the spices until just fragrant, about 1 minute. Carefully add the oil and turn the heat to medium. Add the onion, ginger, garlic and sugar and stir, cooking for about 7 minutes, until very soft and starting to caramelize. Stir in the pumpkin and cook with the spices and onion mixture for 2-3 minutes. Add the crushed tomatoes, bring to a gentle simmer, cover and turn the heat to low. Cook for about 15 minutes, checking to be sure the liquid hasn't evaporated. Add water if necessary. When the pumpkin is tender, turn off the heat and allow to cool to room temperature. Season to taste with salt.

Serve with a sprinkling of cilantro and a dollop of yogurt sauce

YOGURT SAUCE:

1 c. plain greek yogurt

1 T. fresh lemon juice

1/2 t. cumin

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1/2 t. salt

Stir all the ingredients together and keep refrigerated until ready to serve.

Will Waldron

BLACK BEAN AND SQUASH CHILI

serves 5

1 T. cumin

1 T. smoked paprika*

1/2 t. chipotle pepper powder*

2 dried chiles (California or New Mexico), stemmed, seeded and minced**

3 T. canola oil

1 medium white onion, peeled and chopped

2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced

1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded and chopped

2-14.5 oz. cans fire-roasted tomatoes

1-29 oz. can black beans, drained and rinsed

2 c. water

1 T. apple cider vinegar

1 t. sea salt (or to taste)

For serving: avocado and toasted pumpkin or squash seeds

In a large, heavy bottomed pot, stir the spices over low heat for a minute or two, until fragrant. Carefully add the oil and turn the heat to medium. Stir in the onion and garlic and cook until soft. Add the squash, tomatoes, beans, water and vinegar and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and add salt to taste. Cool for a few minutes, then serve with avocado and seeds.

*Both of these spices are easily found in grocery stores

** Dried chiles can be found in the produce area or Hispanic section of most groceries

How to cut apart a pumpkin

Clean and dry the outside of the pumpkin. Using a large, very sharp knife, slice in half from the top to the bottom, then cut off the stem. Use a sturdy spoon to scoop out the seeds. Rinse and separate the seeds for roasting! Slice each half into 1" long sections, then lay each wedge on its side. Cut the skin off and discard. Use the pumpkin in wedges, or cut into bite-sized pieces.
How long is too long to drink tainted water?

The residents of Hoosick Falls, a small New York town near the Vermont border, drank poisoned water for 14 months after state government officials knew it was contaminated with dangerous chemicals. The people who live there were failed by public officials, including members of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's administration.

Instead of acting to rectify their error, state officials used recent public hearings as an opportunity to play the blame game, saying the real problem was with the federal government agency that was advising them to issue a health warning.

The people of Hoosick Falls weren't buying it, and neither should anyone else. We should demand action and accountability.

Hoosick Falls residents are suffering with elevated levels of perfluorooctanoic acid in their bloodstream, which puts them at greater risk of cancer and other health ailments. The likely culprit is a plant in town that manufactured products that included nonstick coating.

To hear the state government tell it, they were on the case. In February, Cuomo claimed, "We have been very active in Hoosick Falls from day one." That simply wasn't true. State officials waited well over a year after the first discovery of contamination to warn local residents to avoid drinking their water.

That is scandalous. But it gets even worse. The Cuomo administration resisted issuing this alert, even after federal regulators at the Environmental Protection Agency warned New York's senior health department officials that people in Hoosick Falls must be told their drinking water contained dangerous levels of PFOA.

So how can the Cuomo administration pretend that it acted responsibly? The people of Hoosick Falls, and all New Yorkers, deserve a real answer. But getting administration officials to explain themselves has been difficult. After months of pressure, state legislators agreed to hold public hearings. But after three such events, we still don't have a satisfactory answer to the most basic questions, and the Cuomo administration is sticking by its bogus blame-the-EPA story.

In a particularly ludicrous exchange at the second hearing in Albany, Department of Health Commissioner Howard Zucker was unable to tell legislators whether it was the right call to finally warn Hoosick Falls residents not to drink their poisoned water. This doesn't exactly inspire confidence that the state is well prepared for the next drinking water crisis.

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And that crisis might come sooner than we think. Since the bad news about Hoosick Falls broke, other communities nearby are reporting elevated levels of PFOA in their water systems. And new research shows that the problem with PFOA contamination is much broader, potentially affecting drinking water of millions of Americans in more than a dozen states.

It is clear that we need a comprehensive plan to deal with water contamination from PFOA and similar chemicals. It must start with an aggressive plan for the residents of Hoosick Falls, Petersburgh, Newburgh and other communities that are already suffering. The state must commit to ongoing biomonitoring  including blood testing  for those affected. And the state should make clear that long-term testing be paid for by the corporate polluters.

We owe it to the people who are suffering to come up with a real plan to solve our drinking water crisis. For that to happen, Cuomo must show real leadership. Is he up to it?

Alex Beauchamp is the Northeast region director at Food & Water Watch.
The 12 million refurbishment of Our Lady's Hospital in Cashel might well have been an enormous waste of money after it emerged this week that the elevator has allegedly been reduced in size and is now incapable of transporting a hospital bed in accordance with HIQA regulations.

The incredible and bewildering allegation was made by Cashel based Sinn Fein Councillor Martin Browne, who told The Tipperary Star that he simply cannot understand how such a move could have been made.

My information is that the elevator shaft and lift were reduced in size and when the idea of using Our Lady's as a step-down facility was mooted, it was never going to be a runner because they cannot fit hospital beds into the new lift. If that is the case, it is nothing short of a shambles. I cannot understand why such a crazy move would have been made. I don't know why they would have made the elevator smaller - it just seems so bizzare and crazy, Cllr Browne said.

A Private Question has been tabled to the Minister for Health, Simon Harris to get clarification on this matter and it is expected that the question will be dealt with in Dail Eireann before the end of this week. Minister Harris is due to visit South Tipperary General Hospital on Monday week next and was supposed to visit Cashel on the same day. However, this proposed visit has become shrouded in confusion with departmental officials saying that he will not go to Cashel due to pressure on time, while others are saying that he will visit Our Lady's and St Patrick's on the day (see story on page 3).

Councillor Browne also stated this week that restoring the elevator in Our Lady's to it's original size should not be a problem and would certainly be more cost effective than constructing a patient hotel at South Tipperary General Hospital at a cost of approximately 4.5 million per annum.

Cashel is only 20 minutes down the road from Clonmel. The beds are there waiting to be used and could be used within a matter of weeks if the right decisions are made. Even if the lift needs to be sorted out again, it could be done very quickly. Patients are on trolleys all over STGH which is in crisis - for Gods sake, do the decent thing and get them into Cashel if needs be, he said adding that the works would have been approved by the HSE.
The community of Newport in north Tipperary have been rallying to help a young family whose 20 month old son was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer earlier this summer.

Twenty month old Evan Jones was struck down with an extremely rare form of cancer last July after his parents noticed their young son was suffering with a wheezy chest and a droopy eyelid.

Following a visit to the local doctors his parents Marisa and Paddy were referred to the University Hospital Limerick for a second opinion where their worst nightmare was confirmed. Doctors explained that Evan had a large tumour growing in his neck which was compressing his airway and putting pressure on a nerve causing his eyelid to droop.

Within minutes the family were rushed to Our Lady's Children's Hospital Crumlin to meet with an oncology team who explained that Evan's airway was now only 2mm in size.

However due to the location of the tumour doctors said an operation to remove the growth was extremely risky and instead placed Evan on a heavy dose of chemotherapy to shrink the tumour.

Unfortunately the chemo did not have the desired affect the medical team were hoping for and doctors decided that a high risk operation to remove the tumour was the only hope for the toddler. Doctors operated on little Evan over nine hours and successfully removed the growth much to the delight of his parents and his new baby brother Ben.

However the families joy was short lived as a biopsy result showed that Evan had a malignant Rhabdoid Tumour which is commonly seen in children under two years of age. Evan has now been placed on an intensive course of chemotherapy and radiation treatment in Crumlin. A stem cell transplant may also be required in the future as well as possible further treatment in Germany.

While his parents moved to Dublin with the support of the Ronald McDonald house to be at their eldest son's side, the community of Newport began putting together a fundraising committee to help the young family defray some of the costs involved with Evan's treatment. Within weeks a 'Team Evan Jones' Facebook page and Twitter account were set up alongside a Go Fund Me account with a set target of 15,000. And since going live the Facebook page has become a viral hit collecting more than 1,100 fans and over 20,000 views.

"There has been a great reaction from everyone in the area so far, says Team Evan committee member Michael Coffey who adds that two events have also been organised for the end of October and early November to add to the fundraising efforts.

The Jones family wish to thank everyone who has contributed, organised and helped Evan so far on his road to recovery and add that despite all he has been through and the tough road that lies ahead he remains a happy and carefree child and proud big brother to two month old Ben.

Dates for the diary

31st October

Bank holiday family fun Run/ Walk fancy dress for Kids and bit of fun for all the family, raffles prizes for best dressed, Team Evan wrist bands to show support available for participants, BBQ after the event and a special guest Liam McCarthy along with some of the Tipperary hero's will be visiting. Registration from 12pm at Newport Community Centre.

5th November

Benefit night in the community centre Newport, Live band, DJ and Bar on the night. Limited Tickets available over 18 only, Monster auction on the night plus raffle draw on the night. Raffle and benefit night tickets are available from Team Evan Jones committee members and local retail outlets in Newport.

Great night out in support for Evan Jones on Saturday the 5th of November. Come join us and help us raise some funds with "TEAM EVAN JONES"! pic.twitter.com/KBf4Z7iNIV  TeamEvanJones (@teamevanjones) September 23, 2016

To donate to the Team Evan Jones fund online visit www.gofundme.com/teamevanjones or donate directly to the account at Mulcair Credit Union in Newport. Account name is Team Evan Jones.
[October 12, 2016] DDN and Lenovo Expand Collaboration at HPC Innovation Center in Germany

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- DataDirect Networks (DDN) today announced a new collaboration with Levono at its Global HPC Innovation Center in Stuttgart, Germany, which offers a permanent R&D and application benchmarking site for customers. DDN EXAScaler storage incorporating the Lustre file system is installed at the center, and allows users to benchmark the storage and file system elements of an HPC Solution from DDN in combination with Lenovo's HPC systems and solutions. "The Lenovo HPC organization is delighted to welcome DDN into our HPC Innovation and Benchmark center and strengthen our clse collaboration," said Rick Koopman, EMEA Technical Lead HPC DCG HPC at Lenovo. "With DDN's high-performance storage and Lustre filesystem solution, customers can easily facilitate proof of concept and benchmarking activities at our HPC Innovation center and more quickly determine the best solution for their needs. We are excited to support our HPC customers and partners in this way."



Tweet This: Exciting news as @DDN_Limitless and @Lenovo collaborate at #HPC Innovation Center in Germany - http://bit.ly/2dJ0Gei "DDN is excited to further collaborate with Lenovo to deliver the most innovative solutions for the HPC market," said James Coomer, EMEA Technical Director at DDN. "As a long-standing DDN partner, Lenovo has been proposing our storage solutions to the HPC market for years. With its recent move to cover a broader spectrum of the HPC market, DDN and Lenovo have expanded our collaboration efforts and are working together to provide DDN-based Lustre solutions to Lenovo customers."

Lenovo's HPC Innovation Center storage is powered by the DDN ES7K, a DDN EXAScaler appliance that builds on the experience of over a decade of Lustre development, system design, implementation and support. EXAScaler combines the industry's most powerful storage architecture with the leading Lustre distribution  Intel Enterprise Edition for Lustre, DDN integration tools, system monitoring and deep expertise across engineering, pre-sales and support to deliver the industry's fastest, most advanced Lustre appliance, proven in the most demanding HPC environments. For more information, contact DDN at [email protected] or visit DDN at booth #1931 at SC'16 November 13-18, 2016 in Salt Lake City, UT. Supporting Resources More on DDN EXAScaler

More on DDN End-to-End Storage and Big Data Platforms

More on DDN Customers

Follow DDN: Blog, Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook About DDN

DataDirect Networks (DDN) is the world's leading big data storage supplier to data-intensive, global organizations. For more than 15 years, DDN has designed, developed, deployed and optimized systems, software and storage solutions that enable enterprises, service providers, universities and government agencies to generate more value and to accelerate time to insight from their data and information, on premise and in the cloud. Organizations leverage the power of DDN storage technology and the deep technical expertise of its team to capture, store, process, analyze, collaborate and distribute data, information and content at largest scale in the most efficient, reliable and cost effective manner. DDN customers include many of the world's leading financial services firms and banks, healthcare and life science organizations, manufacturing and energy companies, government and research facilities, and web and cloud service providers. For more information, go to www.ddn.com or call 1-800-837-2298. Media Contacts:

DDN

Michael King

Sr. Director of Marketing

Email: [email protected]

Work: 408-419-2892 IGNITE Consulting, on behalf of DDN

Linda Dellett, 303-439-9398

Kathleen Sullivan, 303-439-9365

[email protected] 2016 All rights reserved. DDN Storage, DDN, EXAScaler and ES7K are trademarks owned by DataDirect Networks. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130223/MM65263LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ddn-and-lenovo-expand-collaboration-at-hpc-innovation-center-in-germany-300343021.html SOURCE DataDirect Networks (DDN)

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[October 12, 2016] Dr. Raul Camposano Joins Silvaco's Technical Advisory Board

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Oct. 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Silvaco, Inc., a leading provider of electronic design automation software and semiconductor IP, today announced that Dr. Raul Camposano has joined Silvacos Technical Advisory Board (TAB). Dr. Camposano brings an accomplished record in industry and academia to the TAB, where he will contribute his expertise in semiconductor design to Silvacos leadership team to advance the companys technology roadmap.

Dr. Camposano is currently CEO of Sage-DA, and held positions of CTO, Senior Vice President, and General Manager at Synopsys for more than ten years. He also previously served as CEO of EDA startups Xoomsys and Nimbic, which was acquired by Mentor Graphics in 2014. Prior to joining Synopsys, Dr. Camposano was concurrently a professor of Computer Science at the University of Paderborn, and Institute Director for Design of Integrated Circuits at GMD. His early career was as a research staff member at IBMs T.J. Watson Research Center. A distinguished author and researcher, he has published over 70 technical papers and three books, and was an Advisory Professor t Fudan University and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He was elected Fellow of the IEEE in 1999. Dr. Camposano holds a B.S. and M.S. in EE from the University of Chile, and a Ph.D. in CS from the University of Karlsruhe.



Operating under the leadership of Silvaco's CEO David L. Dutton, the TAB is a collaborative team of industry and academic experts leveraging their industry knowledge and subject matter expertise to assist the Silvaco management and technology team to refine its technology vision and roadmap. Dr. Camposano joins Dr. Siegfried Selberherr and Dr. Jin Jang as outside experts on the TAB. It is an exciting time to join Silvacos TAB, as the company has been growing its technology portfolio to take on the significant technology challenges facing the semiconductor design community, said Dr. Camposano. I look forward to helping develop the technology vision necessary to meet those challenges.

We are privileged to be able to announce the addition of Dr. Camposano to our technology advisory board, said David L. Dutton, CEO of Silvaco. His deep expertise and experience in both the technology and business of semiconductor design will be of tremendous assistance as we further develop our growth strategies. ABOUT SILVACO

Silvaco, Inc. is a leading EDA provider of software tools used for process and device development and for analog/mixed-signal, power IC and memory design. Silvaco delivers a full TCAD-to-signoff flow for vertical markets including: displays, power electronics, optical devices, radiation and soft error reliability and advanced CMOS process and IP development. For over 30 years, Silvaco has enabled its customers to bring superior products to market with reduced cost and in the shortest time. The company is headquartered in Santa Clara, California and has a global presence with offices located in North America, Europe, Japan and Asia. www.silvaco.com.

PRESS/MEDIA CONTACT: Silvaco, Inc. [email protected]

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[October 12, 2016]

LCRA chooses Brandwatch to power social intelligence and analytics

NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Brandwatch, the leading social intelligence company, today announced that the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has selected Brandwatch to unlock the value of social consumer insights. The renowned utilities nonprofit will be utilizing both Brandwatch Analytics social listening and analytics technology along with Brandwatch's social command center platform, Vizia, to understand and disseminate valuable social insights throughout the company.

"We're in the business of helping our customers glean the most relevant and actionable insights from social data to make smarter business decisions," said Pat Phelan, VP Global Customer Success.

"We're proud to work with LCRA, a nonprofit organization that wants to deliver the absolute best customer service to their own community. We're ready to provide LCRA with the qality, experience and flexibility that only Brandwatch can offer."







For more information on Brandwatch's social intelligence products, contact [email protected].

About Brandwatch

Brandwatch is the world's leading social intelligence company. Brandwatch Analytics and Vizia products fuel smarter decision making around the world.

The Brandwatch Analytics platform gathers millions of online conversations every day and provides users with the tools to analyze them, empowering the world's most admired brands and agencies to make insightful, data-driven business decisions. Vizia distributes visually-engaging insights to the physical places where the action happens.

The Brandwatch platform is used by over 1,200 brands and agencies, including Unilever, Cisco, Whirlpool, British Airways, Heineken, Walmart and Dell. Brandwatch continues on its impressive business trajectory, recently named a global leader in enterprise social listening platforms by the latest reports from several independent research firms. Increasing its worldwide presence, the company has offices around the world including Brighton, New York, San Francisco, Berlin, Stuttgart, Paris and Singapore.

Brandwatch. Now You Know.

www.brandwatch.com | @Brandwatch | press office | contact

Contact: Dinah Alobeid, 1-917-846-2381, [email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130207/NY56159LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lcra-chooses-brandwatch-to-power-social-intelligence-and-analytics-300342892.html

SOURCE Brandwatch
[October 12, 2016] PSCU Selects Qlik to Help Support Strategy for Service Delivery Excellence

Qlik, a leader in visual analytics, today announced that PSCU, an award-winning and leading provider of financial services and payment solutions to credit unions, has deployed Qlik Sense to drive greater efficiencies across the service organization. By leveraging Qlik Sense, PSCU is able to aggregate large amounts of operational performance data from various sources such as frontline applications, databases and surveys. That data provides decision makers near real-time information to make tactical, data-driven business decisions that support PSCU's vision of providing an unparalleled member experience. PSCU supports over 800 Member-Owner credit unions by providing services such as 24/7/365 contact center support; credit, debit, and prepaid card processing; online bill payment; and digital payments solutions. "PSCU is committed to providing excellent service to its Owner credit unions and their members," said Mike Dove, Senior Business Intelligence Analyst for PSCU. "Our partnership with Qlik is helping to streamline our operation by uncovering insights that indicate shifting market treds, as well as fluctuating Owner sentiment. We are continuing to use technology like this to enable our ability to leverage data and exceed the expectations of our Owners and their members."



By implementing Qlik, PSCU is enhancing its ability to recognize operational trends, measure process capabilities, and drive continuous process improvement. In addition, PSCU provides a variety of products and services across multiple platforms and channels for its Member-Owners. By leveraging Qlik Sense, PSCU can view its Member-Owners' experiences throughout the organization. For example, PSCU can measure the performance of disparate teams as they interact with the same Member-Owner in a centralized dashboard. As a result, PSCU is able to provide the highest level of service to its Member-Owners.

"Financial services companies are constantly looking for new, data-driven ways to drive efficiencies that will not only reduce customer churn but also increase customer satisfaction," said Paul Van Siclen, Qlik Director of Industry Solutions, Financial Services. "Financial services providers like PSCU are transforming their analytic capabilities to move beyond static reports that explain what happened, to more modern analytic capabilities that can explain why something happened and, even better, what's likely to happen in the future. These capabilities can look across all data sources, and help maximize their investments in people, data and ideas." About PSCU Established in 1977, PSCU (St. Petersburg, Fla.) is the nation's leading credit union service organization (CUSO) and was awarded CUSO of the Year recognition by NACUSO. The cooperative is owned by over 800 member credit unions representing more than 18.9 million credit, debit, prepaid, online bill payment and mobile accounts. Comprehensive 24/7/365 member support is delivered through contact centers located throughout the United States. For more information, visit www.pscu.com. About Qlik Qlik is the leading visual analytics platform and the pioneer of user-driven business intelligence. Its portfolio of cloud-based and on-premise solutions meets customers' growing needs from reporting and self-service visual analysis to guided, embedded and custom analytics, regardless of where data is located. Customers using Qlik Sense, QlikView and Qlik Cloud, gain meaning out of information from multiple sources, exploring the hidden relationships within data that lead to insights that ignite good ideas. Headquartered in Radnor, Pennsylvania, Qlik does business in more than 100 countries with over 40,000 customers globally.  2016 QlikTech International AB. All rights reserved. Qlik, Qlik Sense, QlikView, QlikTech, Qlik Cloud, Qlik DataMarket, Qlik Analytics Platform, Qlik NPrinting, Qlik Connectors and the QlikTech logos are trademarks of QlikTech International AB which have been registered in multiple countries. Other marks and logos mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012005018/en/

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[October 12, 2016] RNT Capital Leads Aditazz Series B

BRISBANE, California, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Aditazz announced its Series B equity round with an investment from RNT Capital, through UC RNT fund, a global investment platform backed by Mr. Ratan N. Tata and the office of the Chief Investment Officer of the Regents, University of California. The fund invests in disruptive, technology-oriented businesses across the world and takes a long-term, founder-centric approach to investing, often relying on its propriety sourcing advantage. Silicon Valley-based Artiman Ventures, the Series A lead investor, joined in the round. The Aditazz software platform serves the design, engineering, and construction industry, and allows organizations to reduce costs, compress timeframes, and achieve strategic project goals. Initially focused on domestic and international healthcare projects, the company is expanding into new areas and will use the funds to continue to build out the platform and associated software applications for use by architects, engineers, owners, developers and others in the ecosystem. "We are excited that our success in large-scale projects around the globe has attracted the attention and investment from RNT Capital. We are well positioned to capitalize on the need to use technology to radically improve the productivity of design, engineering, and construction for the built environment in India, China, and the rest of the world," said Deepak Aatresh, co-founder and CEO of Aditazz.



Aditazz has deployed its software platform for a variety of major projects in the U.S. and China. Building upon its success in healthcare, the company will expand into infrastructure opportunities in India including affordable housing, education, and urban planning where the Aditazz platform will bring unprecedented benefits at scale. "Aditazz has proven that it can use its expertise and software to bring significant value to major construction projects. We're excited for Aditazz to expand its efforts in healthcare and beyond, and in more parts of the world."  Amit Shah and Ajit Singh, Partners, Artiman Ventures.

About Aditazz Aditazz unleashes productivity and strategic value in planning, design, construction, and operations for the built environment. Our software products and services help our global customers complete large-scale and complex projects in less time, at lower cost, and with more efficient operations. Aditazz's foundation in a truly multidisciplinary approach, bringing together experts from computer chip design, building architecture, systems and structural engineering, materials science, data analytics, applied mathematics and computer science, demonstrates how a different approach can result in better outcomes. For more information, please visit www.aditazz.com. About Artiman Ventures Artiman is an early stage sector-agnostic venture fund with offices in Silicon Valley and Bangalore. Led by former entrepreneurs, Artiman invests in entrepreneurs building "white space" companies that have the potential to create or disrupt multi-billion dollar markets. Artiman was founded in 2001 and has over $1 billion under management. For more information, please visit www.artiman.com. About RNT Capital RNT Capital is a global investment platform backed by Mr. Ratan N. Tata. The fund invests in disruptive, technology-oriented businesses across the world and takes a long-term, founder-centric approach to investing, often relying on its propriety sourcing advantage. It partners closely with the office of the Chief Investment Officer of the Regents, University of California. CONTACT: [email protected], +1 650-492-7000

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[October 12, 2016] Schwan's Chef Collective Teams Up with Minnesota High School Students to Help Renovate School Lunches

This week, Wayzata High School students in suburban Minneapolis, Minn. will have the opportunity to consult and brainstorm with Schwan's Chef Collective chefs on new ideas for school lunches. With this work, The Schwan Food Company and its subsidiaries (Schwan) are continuing its commitment to adding excitement to frozen food with new chef-led events and partnerships through the Schwan's Chef Collective initiative. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012005844/en/ Schwan's Chef Collective member, Chef Todd Erickson from Miami, Fl. (Photo: Business Wire) Schwan's Food Service, Inc. is a leading food provider in the K-12 schools and has been committed to helping school foodservice professionals with delicious menu options for more than 40 years. With the goal of continuing to deliver great-tasting food that satisfies student demands, Schwan's Chef Collective will work with the Wayzata High School Director Mary Anderson to address common issues K-12 operators face. Schwan's Chef Collective is looking to provide solutions that include easy ways to add variety and customization to drive student participation in the school's lunch program.



During the event, students and chefs will come together and use Schwan's Minh sauces to help renovate and innovate school food offerings. Schwan values the input of students and operators in helping the company create on-trend sauce applications to add excitement to school lunch options. Minh sauces include options of Asian-style flavors that have lower sodium levels than competitive offerings and are free of high fructose corn syrup, MSG, artificial flavors and dyes. Wayzata High School is one of the largest high schools in the state of Minnesota and one of the largest restaurant operations in its town serving over 2,200 lunches per day.

"We see the Schwan's Chef Collective evolving to meet the ever-changing tastes and expectations of our customers and consumers. To do so, we will continue to seek chef partnerships to evolve our current portfolio and create new food concepts," said Stacey Fowler, senior vice president of product innovation and development for Schwan. "The Schwan's Chef Collective is looking to customize sauce applications in the K-12 space by addressing challenges that foodservice operators in K-12 schools face, as well as renovating meal options and menu items with direct feedback from students." The Schwan's Chef Collective was formed in 2015 to help Schwan on its journey to identify trends and bring delicious concepts to life. The group also supports the company's ingredient simplicity initiative, an imperative to provide food that is free from unfamiliar ingredients and to bring a fresh perspective to frozen foods. About The Schwan Food Company

The Schwan Food Company is a privately held business that manufactures and markets quality foods through home-delivery, retail-grocery and food-service channels. Its many popular brands include Red Baron, Tony's, Bon Appetit and Freschetta pizza, Mrs.Smith's and Edwards desserts, Pagoda snacks and appetizers, and Schwan's fine home-delivered foods. Based in Minnesota for 64 years, the company's subsidiaries employ 12,000 people in the United States. Learn more at www.theschwanfoodcompany.com. Join the conversation on LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012005844/en/

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[October 11, 2016] Fitch Rates Masonicare Obligated Group, CT, 2016 Revs 'BBB+'; Outlook Stable

Fitch Ratings has assigned a 'BBB+' rating to the expected issuance of the following State of Connecticut Health & Educational Facilities Authority bonds issued on behalf of the Masonicare obligated group (OG) (Masonicare): --$101,570,000 revenue bonds, Masonicare Issue, series F; --$4,720,000 revenue bonds, Masonicare Issue, series G. The bonds are expected to be issued as fixed rate. Bond proceeds will be used to refund Masonicare's series C, 2007 bonds (including the funding of a related swap termination payment), refund the series E, 2012 bonds, fund renovations at Masonicare Health Center (MHC) and Masonicare Ashlar Village (MAV) and other capital expenditures, and pay certain costs of issuance. The bonds are expected to sell via negotiation the week of October 24. The Rating Outlook is Stable. Fitch is also withdrawing the implied general obligation rating on Masonicare. SECURITY Revenue pledge of the OG, which currently comprises the majority of Masonicare's assets and revenues. No mortgage will be offered as security. KEY RATING DRIVERS SIZABLE SENIOR SERVICES PROVIDER: Fitch believes Masonicare's diversified service lines, reputation, and geographic presence throughout much of CT contribute to a good demand for services and a generally stable credit profile. Masonicare's operations include a market-rate senior living community, two skilled nursing sites, a small acute care hospital (focused on geriatric care), and a home health agency. Total operating revenue was $164.2 million in FY2015 (Sept. 30 fiscal year end), with none of its divisions accounting for more than 45% of revenue. MORE CONSERVATIVE DEBT STRUCTURE: Masonicare is moving to all fixed-rate public debt with this debt issuance. The current debt structure is 100% variable-rate debt, with approximately 70% of the debt hedged with fixed payor swaps. Fitch has viewed Masonicare's debt structure as very aggressive and believes that the current debt issue will provide for greater stability in the company's credit profile. MANAGEMENT TRANSITION: Masonicare's long-serving CEO retired and was replaced by the COO as of Oct. 1, 2016. The COO, who has been at Masonicare for over 20 years, was offered the position after an outside search firm completed a national search. A new CFO had started in 2015. Fitch views the CEO transition as largely credit neutral. However, given Masonicare's unique complement of services, Fitch views the new CEO's long tenure with Masonicare positively. With the new CEO the organization is undertaking a strategic planning process that is to begin later this fall. MANAGEABLE DEBT BURDEN: At year-end FY2015, Masonicare's pro forma 4.2% maximum annual debt service (MADS) as a percent of revenue was much lower than Fitch's 'BBB' category median of 12.3%. As a result, despite an adequate operating performance (operating ratio was 97.2% and net operating margin was negative 1.1%); pro forma revenue-only MADS coverage remained good at 1.4x, with coverage including entrance fees at a solid 2x. Masonicare's manageable debt burden is a key credit factor at the current rating level. ONGOING CAPITAL PLANS: Masonicare is in the midst of or has plans for a number of capital projects, both within and outside the OG. A rental facility in Mystic is currently underway outside the OG and will open in November 2016. For the project, Masonicare is guaranteeing its share of the debt service and repayment of the loan, which is approximately 85% (its share of a partnership company). A sizable repositioning project at MHC has been postponed, as Masonicare begins a strategic planning process and other projects outside the OG are currently in the earliest planning stages. RATING SENSITIVITIES STABLE FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE: Fitch does not expect any further erosion in operating performance or liquidity and that Masonicare Obligated Group's (Masonicare) overall credit profile will remain stable over the next year. FUTURE CAPITAL PROJECTS: Fitch expects Masonicare to pursue projects both inside and outside the OG, including addressing capital needs at the Masonicare Health Center. While Masonicare has some financial flexibility at the current rating level, a sizable project and borrowing, or support given to an outside OG entity, could pressure the rating, unless its cash flow increases to offset these expenses. Fitch will evaluate projects as information becomes available. CREDIT PROFILE Headquartered in Wallingford, CT, Masonicare is a large, multi-service non-profit senior living provider with an operating history of over 100 years. Masonicare's senior services include independent living (IL), assisted living (AL), skilled nursing, inpatient geriatric acute care, inpatient geriatric psychiatric care, home health and hospice, and at-home services of homemakers and personal care attendants. Its current unit mix is 453 IL units (360 continuing care retirement community units and 93 rental units), 191 AL units, 512 skilled nursing beds, 30 acute care beds, and 29 psychiatric beds. The 'BBB+' rating reflects a manageable debt burden, good liquidity and a solid market position. These positive credit factors are offset by a thinner operating performance and future capital plans that include a potential debt issuance. Fitch's rating is based on the financial results of the OG, which includes all of Masonicare's major service lines and a foundation, and currently represents the vast majority of the consolidating entities assets and revenues. However, moving forward Fitch expects the non-OG component to grow as Masonicare looks to develop new campuses. Adequate Operating Performance Over the last two audited years, Masonicare has posted an adequate financial performance. In FY2014 and FY2015, Masonicare had operating ratios of 95.5% and 92.2%, respectively, and net operating margins of negative 2.5% and negative 1.1%, relative to Fitch's 'BBB' category medians of 96.1% and 8.9%. Over these two years, weaker performances at the home health division, which had historically been a very strong margin contributor, and an operating loss at Masonicare at Newtown (MAN) due largely to a repositioning project on that campus, were a drag on financial results. The project at MAN which was completed in July 2015 refurbished skilled nursing and assisted living, and created 17 private skilled nursing rooms. Occupancy has returned to high levels on that campus, with AL at 88% and skilled nursing at 92%. For the home health division a change in leadership has also helped improve performance in FY2016. Nine-month FY2016 interim consolidated results show a 99% operating ratio, a negative 08% net operating margin, and 2x pro forma MADS coverage. The consolidated performance is lower than the OG performance due to the impact of the Mystic construction project. Masonicare's unrestricted cash and investments declined in FY2015, driven by the thin operating results, capital spending, and unrealized losses on investments. At June 30, 2016, Masonicare had $91.3 million in unrestricted cash and investments (on a consolidated basis), which equated to 184 days cash on hand and 88% cash to debt. Days cash on hand isadequate for the rating level, while cash to debt is above the 'BBB' category median of 60%.



Capital Plans Masonicare has near-term and longer-term capital plans for both within the OG and outside. The project completed in 2015 at MAN is the largest recent project in the OG. Outside the OG, Masonicare is nearing completion of a rental senior living facility in Mystic, CT. The campus will have a total of 179 units (81 IL units, 50 AL units, and 48 memory care units). The project is being built in partnership with a third party and is being funded by a $38.2 million bank loan of which $13.3 million has been drawn to date. The OG is making a $5 million equity contribution and is guaranteeing its share of the debt service coverage and loan repayment, which is approximately 85% (its current share of the partnership company), with the JV partner guaranteeing the remaining share.

The project fell behind schedule by a year as Masonicare had to replace the first contractor hired for the project, which led to a $19 million increase in cost. While the delay and cost overrun are concerns, Fitch believes the project's location and strong pre-opening demand, which has been sustained even through the delay, mitigate some of this concern. Mystic will open by November 2016 and demand has remained good with the pre-sales currently at 53 units. With the new CEO in place, Masonicare is beginning a strategic planning process and is putting major capital plans on hold, since these plans may evolve as a result of the new strategic plan. However, Fitch believes MHC will be an important part of any strategic plan. MHC is located on Masonicare's main campus in Wallingford on the same campus as Ashlar Village, its market rate CCRC. MHC is unique in that it offers IL, AL, acute care, psychiatric, and skilled nursing services, and has over 40 employed physicians and mid-level providers and a number of independent specialists with offices on the campus. The MHC building is in good condition but is an older building, and the provision of care for seniors has evolved from when the building was first built and will continue to evolve. Masonicare's management has indicated it wants a potential project at MHC to be current with the senior living marketplace. Masonicare has plans for two other potential projects outside the OG, which are expected to be entrance fee communities and will likely require a larger debt issuance. However, these projects are at least three years away and their potential impact on the OG is not factored into the rating. Fitch will continue to monitor the projects and any commitments that Masonicare's OG makes. Debt Profile With this debt issuance all of Masonicare's long-term debt within the OG will be fixed-rate. Fitch views this as providing more stability at the current rating level as all of Masonicare's $98 million in long-term debt is currently variable rate, with about 70% hedged with fixed payor swaps. The company will also be terminating its swaps with this debt issuance. The cost of the termination is expected to be approximately $22 million. The more conservative debt structure also offsets concerns about Masonicare's investment allocation, which is very aggressive, with approximately one-third allocated to hedge funds and alternatives, about half to equities, and less than 15% to fixed income. Masonicare has sustained unrealized losses over the last three years. Post-issuance Masonicare's debt burden remains very manageable. At year-end FY2015, pro forma MADS as percentage of revenue was 4.2% and debt to net available was 6.5x, relative to Fitch's 'BBB' category medians of 12.3% and 5.9x. The calculation does not include the guarantee of the Mystic debt. Fitch believes Masonicare has the capacity at the current rating level to honor this guarantee, which will burn off as the occupancy at Mystic stabilizes in approximately three years. However, a sizable debt issuance or additional guarantees could pressure the rating without a commensurate growth in cash flow. Disclosure Masonicare covenants to post annual reports no later than 150 days after fiscal year-end on EMMA and 60 days after each of the first three quarters. Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. 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As a result, despite any verification of current facts, ratings and forecasts can be affected by future events or conditions that were not anticipated at the time a rating or forecast was issued or affirmed. The information in this report is provided "as is" without any representation or warranty of any kind, and Fitch does not represent or warrant that the report or any of its contents will meet any of the requirements of a recipient of the report. A Fitch rating is an opinion as to the creditworthiness of a security. This opinion and reports made by Fitch are based on established criteria and methodologies that Fitch is continuously evaluating and updating. Therefore, ratings and reports are the collective work product of Fitch and no individual, or group of individuals, is solely responsible for a rating or a report. The rating does not address the risk of loss due to risks other than credit risk, unless such risk is specifically mentioned. 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Fitch receives fees from issuers, insurers, guarantors, other obligors, and underwriters for rating securities. Such fees generally vary from US$1,000 to US$750,000 (or the applicable currency equivalent) per issue. In certain cases, Fitch will rate all or a number of issues issued by a particular issuer, or insured or guaranteed by a particular insurer or guarantor, for a single annual fee. Such fees are expected to vary from US$10,000 to US$1,500,000 (or the applicable currency equivalent). The assignment, publication, or dissemination of a rating by Fitch shall not constitute a consent by Fitch to use its name as an expert in connection with any registration statement filed under the United States securities laws, the Financial Services and Markets Act of 2000 of the United Kingdom, or the securities laws of any particular jurisdiction. Due to the relative efficiency of electronic publishing and distribution, Fitch research may be available to electronic subscribers up to three days earlier than to print subscribers. For Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and South Korea only: Fitch Australia Pty Ltd holds an Australian financial services license (AFS license no. 337123) which authorizes it to provide credit ratings to wholesale clients only. Credit ratings information published by Fitch is not intended to be used by persons who are retail clients within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161011006728/en/

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[October 11, 2016] Labbrand Launches MADJOR to Empower Digital Brand Transformation

SHANGHAI, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Labbrand, the leading China-originated global brand consultancy, launched MADJOR, a new brand specializing in digital brand transformation. Started in 2011 as a department within Labbrand to drive digital innovations, MADJOR, now as a dedicated digital agency, is set to bring forward a series of transformative offerings. Its cross-disciplinary team of researchers, strategists, designers and technologists work together to unlock new areas of potential for brands across the world. MADJOR is the first digital agency whose approaches are grounded in branding. Unlike traditional digital agencies that originate from a marketing, sales or technology point-of-view, MADJOR uses a brand-led approach to elevate digital thinking. It believes that digital initiatives should be a continuation of a brand's products, experience, communication, culture and organization. MADJOR deploys a comprehensive process to spot opportunities, conceptualize and deliver digital transformation throughout the organization. Organization is the often overlooked success factr behind true digital transformation. Driven by consumer insights and empowered by strategic thinking, creative solutions as well as strong technical know-how, MADJOR engages all relevant stakeholders into a coherent journey and achieves digital transformation across all touchpoints.



"We believe that digital transformation requires a new process and mental toolkit. We help brands build that toolkit and transform them from doing digital to being digital," stated Kevin Gentle, Director and Lead Strategist of MADJOR. After the opening of the Paris office in early 2015, the launch of MADJOR marks another chapter in Labbrand's journey of over a decade. "MADJOR is the first strategic step Labbrand is taking to create a unique group of companies dedicated to branding. We are striving to build a set of new brand management practices that displaces traditional advertising and business consulting to help our clients with the challenges of digital and the need for strong culture of brand innovation in their organizations. In our 11th year, Labbrand is bound to embark on more exciting adventures and innovations with firm beliefs and ambitions," said Vladimir Djurovic, CEO of Labbrand.

The energetic and aspirational brand identity of MADJOR were developed in-house by Labbrand's naming and design experts. The two "window" silhouettes symbolizing diverse perspectives come together to spark transformation, in the meanwhile forming the shape of the letter "M" that echoes with the brand name. Uppercases are used in the wordmark of MADJOR to convey confidence and authority. About MADJOR Headquartered in Shanghai, we use a brand-led approach to elevate your digital thinking. We articulate insight, strategy, creative, and technology to organize and deliver comprehensive brand transformation. We change the way brands work and the way people experience them. madjor.com About Labbrand As the leading China-originated global brand consultancy, we help brands create, grow, and innovate to be strong and resilient in dynamic markets. We are multi-cultural in approach and cross-disciplinary in research, strategy, naming and design. Together this gives us the foresight and ability to build brand equity. labbrand.com

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[October 12, 2016] The Mausoleum of China's First Emperor Partners with the BBC and National Geographic Channel to Reveal Groundbreaking Evidence That China Was in Contact with the West During the Reign of the First Emperor

In 1974, an unprecedented discovery was made by farmers in central China: more than 8,000 terracotta figures that were buried less than one mile from the tomb of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. In the four decades since the discovery, archaeologists and scholars have continued to study this remarkable site, and though much has been revealed, much has remained a mystery. But new excavations across the site by mausoleum archaeologists, documented by cameras for National Geographic Channel and BBC audiences, offer new revelations about the tomb itself that rewrite the history of China and its contact with the western world. THE FINDINGS Evidence of Close Contact Between Greek and Chinese Civilizations in the Third Century B.C. Dr. Li Xiuzhen, senior archaeologist at the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum, China, said, "We now have evidence that close contact existed between the First Emperor's China and the west before the formal opening of the Silk Road. This is far earlier than we formerly thought." Before the creation of the First Emperor's tomb, there was no tradition of building life-size human statues in China. Statues found dating before the First Emperor's time are 8-inch (20-centimeter) tall, simple figurines. Where the Terracotta Warriors came from and who created them has previously been a mystery. To explain how such an enormous change in skill and style could have happened, Dr. Xiuzhen believes that influences must have come from outside of China. Professor Lukas Nickel, chair in Asian art history at the Department of History of Art at the University of Vienna, has examined statues of circus acrobats recently found at the First Emperor's tomb site, and he believes they support this astonishing new theory that 1,500 years before Marco Polo there was an exchange of people, ideas and technologies between Chinese civilization in the east and ancient Greek civilization in the west. If true, this would be the first documented contact between western and Chinese civilizations ever recorded. Dr. Nickel's theory is that the First Emperor was influenced by the arrival of Greek statues in central Asia in the century following Alexander the Great. And Greek artisans may have been at the First Emperor's site. Dr. Nickel concludes, "I imagine that a Greek sculptor may have been at the site to train the locals." Other recent evidence is found in a collection of exquisite bronze figurines of birds excavated from the tomb site. They exhibit manufacturing techniques uncommon in China - and akin to the lost wax technique known in ancient Greece and Egypt. Dr. Xiuzhen added, "We now think the Terracotta Army, the acrobats and the bronze sculptures found on site have been inspired by ancient Greek sculptures and art." Professor Zhang Weixing, lead archaeologist at the tomb site, concludes, "The archaeological work undertaken here recently is more important than anything in the past 40 years. By systematically examining the First Emperor's main tomb and subsidiary burials, we have discovered something more important even than the Terracotta Army." Murdered Concubines Weixing and his team have discovered - laid out in front of the First Emperor's own tomb - the bones of young women buried with precious jewelry made of gold and pearls, which could have belonged only to very high-ranking women. Dr. Huan Yang, who has been excavating the bones, believes these young women were concubines of the First Emperor. Disturbingly, it looks as if their bodies were mutilated at the time of their deaths. There are 99 individual identified graves of this kind on the site. Ten have been excavated so far - and each one contains the mutilated remains of a young woman. The Skull of an Executed Prince? The skull of a very high-ranking male was found buried east of the First Emperor's tomb with a crossbow bolt embedded in the back of the skull. This bolt appears to have been fired from close range, indicating an execution-style killing. Chinese archaeologists working at the site believe the skull might belong to Prince Fu Su - the eldest son of the First Emperor - because he was buried with artifacts belonging to the royal family. Chinese archaeoloists assert that the burial pit contains the bones of a total of seven individuals, all of whom were murdered. This matches historical evidence of a "Game of Thrones"-style power struggle in which Prince Fu Su and his other siblings were murdered by his younger brother Prince Hu Hai in a vicious sibling rivalry that ensued after the death of their father.



These were not the only skeletons found: Among the discoveries are mass graves. In one such grave, tools the workers used to construct the tomb complex were found, along with the arm and neck shackles that bound the workers. The first facial reconstruction of a skull of one of the workers buried within the temple complex has been made, allowing us to come face to face with these workers from the past. Size and Layout of the Site

The archaeological work has now revealed the whole site covers a zone of nearly 38 square miles (100 square km) below the northern foothills of Mt. Li. The site was formerly believed to be nearly half that size, at 22 square miles (57 square km). Experts have undertaken a comprehensive investigation of the site, including remote sensing surveys and targeted excavations. They have also completed a systematic archaeological survey using remote sensing technologies, ground-penetrating radar and core sampling techniques. These have revealed that the First Emperor's main tomb lies undisturbed beneath a man-made pyramid and a vast structure with walls 476 feet (145 meters) long on each side and 45 feet (14 meters) tall. Found surrounding the First Emperor's burial site were tomb corridors, including the burial chambers of the concubines, their living quarters and a 216-foot-wide (66-meter) road leading into the site, which is the size of a modern 16-lane superhighway. Dr. Albert Lin's Discovery of Two Roads The filmmakers were granted exclusive access to fly a drone, mounted with a thermal imaging camera, over the site. Using the footage from the drone along with satellite imagery, engineer and explorer Dr. Albert Lin discovered what seem to be two of the First Emperor's roads emanating out of the site. One of them heads in a northwesterly direction toward Lintao, the gateway to and from the west. The team at the mausoleum is now following up on this exciting new discovery. DNA Study European-specific mitochondrial DNA has been found at sites in Xinjiang Province, China, which reveals that Europeans traveled there, settled down there and died there before and during the time of the First Emperor. Weixing said, "It is an incredibly exciting time at the Mausoleum of the First Emperor. This is the largest archaeological site in the world; from our latest work, we now know it covers an area of almost one hundred square kilometers. Recent excavations here have led to extraordinary new insights into the China he created." THE PROGRAMS These extraordinary and groundbreaking discoveries will be revealed in two exclusive new television programs. "The Greatest Tomb on Earth," a one-hour special hosted by Dan Snow, Dr. Alice Roberts and Dr. Albert Lin will air in the United Kingdom on BBC Two on Sunday, Oct. 16, at 8 p.m.; and the two-hour drama-documentary hybrid China's Megatomb Revealed, hosted by Dr. Albert Lin, a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, will air on the National Geographic Channel in the U.S. on Sunday, October 23 at 8/7c. It will also air on National Geographic Channels around the world (excluding the UK) in 170 other countries and in 45 languages (check local listings for dates and time). Both programs will make viewers rethink the history of one of the world's largest ancient civilizations. Executive Vice President of Programming and Development for National Geographic Channel Hamish Mykura said, "The scope of these archaeological finds and what they mean for world history are astonishing. The new revelation that two of the world's ancient superpowers may have been in contact is a vital reminder today of the need for intercultural communication on a global scale. It is a tale worthy of National Geographic and BBC's legacies in delivering groundbreaking stories around the world." Commissioning Editor for the BBC Rachel Morgan said, "It is thrilling to think that these discoveries, using cutting technologies and the forensic techniques of the 21st century, have the potential to alter what we know about the origin and formation of one of the world's most powerful countries today and the relationships forged between ancient civilizations. The BBC and National Geographic are excited to partner together and, likewise, forge relationships with Chinese archaeologists and scientists, and together throw a shaft of light back through millennia to break this news and tell the story across the world." BBC presenter Snow said, "Exploring the vast necropolis of the First Emperor was a privilege and an incredible experience, and I hope audiences will find the new evidence as astonishing and thought-provoking as I did. It is extraordinary to think that history as we know it is changeable, and I have long been fascinated by the secrets held by the tomb complex." National Geographic presenter Dr. Albert Lin said, "We have only just scraped the surface of the tomb complex, but it has given us a window into the very foundation of our shared global story. There could not be a better team of archaeologists and historians working to unearth and preserve these findings. It was inspiring to join them in revolutionizing our knowledge of the history of this period. And it is an important reminder that we need to be continually exploring and asking questions about the world we live in." This is a co-production by Brook Lapping Ltd. for the BBC and National Geographic Channel. Executive producers for Brook Lapping are Lucy van Beek and Greg Sanderson. Commissioning editor for the BBC is Rachel Morgan; for National Geographic Channel, executive vice president of programming and development is Hamish Mykura and senior director of development and production is Simon Young. Chinese director Chen Kaige ("Farewell My Concubine") supervised the scripted sequences for National Geographic Channel. China's Megatomb Revealed Airs globally on National Geographic Channel (outside the U.K.) beginning Sunday, Oct. 16 Emerging Explorer Dr. Albert Lin and National Geographic Channel unearth the terrible secrets that lie hidden in the tomb of China's First Emperor. The Terracotta Warriors are just the tip of the iceberg in the largest tomb complex ever discovered, which has gone largely unexcavated  until now. These silent statues guard explosive, macabre findings that paint a very different picture of the ancient world from what we thought we knew. For more information on the discoveries highlighted in the program, please visit National Geographic News or pick up the November issue of National Geographic magazine. The Greatest Tomb on Earth Airs in the U.K. on BBC Two on Sunday, Oct. 16, at 8 p.m. From the depths of the greatest tomb on earth comes an epic new story that could rewrite history, revealing for the first time the true origin of one of the world's most powerful nations: China. In this landmark film, historian Dan Snow, anthropologist Dr. Alice Roberts and explorer and engineer Dr. Albert Lin investigate a series of earth-shattering discoveries at the mighty tomb guarded by the Terracotta Warriors, a site 200 times bigger than Egypt's Valley of the Kings and the final resting place of China's First Emperor. Mobilizing the latest technology, delving into some of the oldest texts, enlisting world experts and employing forensic science, together the three reveal an explosive secret from the foundations of the Chinese empire. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161011006769/en/

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[October 12, 2016] Industry Leaders Found xRAN.org to Promote Next Generation Radio Access Network Architecture and Standards

Three carriers that own and operate some of the largest mobile networks in the world - AT&T, Deutsche Telekom (News - Alert) and SK Telecom - today announced the formation of xRAN.org, a consortium dedicated to promoting a software-based, extensible Radio Access Network (xRAN) and to standardizing critical elements of the xRAN architecture. The xRAN architecture transforms today's static, highly-proprietary RAN infrastructure into an extensible, software-based service delivery platform capable of rapidly responding to changing user, application and business needs. xRAN.org was formed to develop, standardize and promote an open alternative to the traditionally closed, hardware-based RAN architecture. Current RAN architectures limit carriers' ability to optimize scarce spectrum and radio resources. This hinders the efforts of carriers to customize or quickly innovate to meet emerging customer needs. Amid exploding demand for bandwidth and intense competition, carriers need an alternative approach. "xRAN has the potential to transform the way mobile access networks are built and managed. This supports our vision for RAN infrastructure evolution, which is an important component of our Software Defined Operator model," said Bruno Jacobfeuerborn, CTO Deutsche Telekom. "With the adoption of a software-based multi-service delivery platform, we will have the flexibility to better respond to our customers changing user, application and business needs in the 5G era." "As the operator of one of the largest mobile networks in the world, AT&T (News - Alert) recognizes the tremendous potential benefits the xRAN architecture offers. AT&T is committed to driving the development and promotion of the xRAN approach, both internally and for the industry," said Thomas Keathley, the SVP of Wireless Network Architecture and Design at AT&T. "We believe the xRAN approach will fundamentally improve the quality of our customers' experience while, at the same time, deliver reductions in CAPEX and OPEX (News - Alert) that we've seen as a result of SDN and NFV initiatives in our core infrastructure." "SK Telecom views the xRAN architecture as a key platform for delivering next generation mobile applications. Augmented reality, IoT, connected cars, smart homes, all require a RAN infrastructure that empowers carriers and application developers to innovate quickly to meet customer expectations," said Alex Jinsung Choi, CTO of SK Telecom (News - Alert). "We are dedicated to the success of xRAN.org. Welook forward to continued collaboration with the world's top mobile infrastructure thought leaders and to the results xRAN.org will bring to RAN infrastructures around the world."



Collaboration over the past 6 months has resulted in an initial reference implementation. Our multi-vendor demonstration highlights the flexibility of xRAN's open interfaces, decoupled control plane and eNB stack on commodity hardware, as an alternative to existing closed, distributed control implementations on proprietary hardware. xRAN fundamentally advances the RAN architecture in three areas - decouples the RAN control plane from the user plane, builds a modular eNB software stack that operates on common-off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and publishes open north- and south-bound interfaces to the industry.

Decouple Control and User Planes: This migration of control, formerly tightly bound to RAN hardware devices, into accessible computing devices allows the underlying RAN to be more efficiently orchestrated as a logical pool of capacity. eNB software is decoupled from vendor specific hardware, inspiring innovation in both software and hardware cooperatively, but independently. Carriers gain unprecedented real-time programmability and control in their RAN infrastructure, which readily supports next-generation mobile applications and business services.

Modular eNB stack: The xRAN approach is well aligned with carrier Network Function Virtualization (NFV) initiatives, and provides high-performance, fine-grained traffic control, interference management and radio resource control on standard x86 platforms and across multi-vendor radio access interfaces. This approach enables flexible placement of eNB functions and hybrid split-control plane with a scheduler to handle variable front-haul latency and programmable, centralized control.

Standardize North and Southbound Interfaces: Standardized interfaces with multiple vendor support and proven interoperability. The xRAN.org and its members will drive adoption of these interfaces through standards processes, socialize the xRAN architecture and provide needed support. xRAN interfaces are well aligned with carrier edge cloud initiatives and complementary to edge computing efforts. The software-based architectural approach delivered by xRAN allows carriers to reduce complexity, innovate more quickly and significantly reduce operational and capital costs. xRAN benefits to carriers and their network subscribers include: Unprecedented real-time programmability and control of the RAN infrastructure to readily support next generation mobile applications and business services.

Optimized end-user experience, as applications exploit centralized control with end-to-end network slicing to seamlessly adapt the RAN to user needs.

Rapid innovation with the ability to deliver new capabilities without vendor updates. In addition to the industry leading mobile carriers, the xRAN.org includes technology suppliers and research leaders including: Intel, Texas Instruments, Aricent (News - Alert), Radisys and Prof. Sachin Katti from Stanford University. For more information about xRAN.org membership go to xran.org or email [email protected]. For more information on xRAN architecture, download the xRAN Architecture white paper. To schedule a briefing with xRAN member representatives at NGMN Industry Conference & Exhibition in Frankfurt, please contact [email protected]. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161011006772/en/

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[October 12, 2016] Sterlite Tech Appoints Industry Leaders to its Advisory Board

PUNE, India, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Sandip Das and BS Shantharaju to Advice on Strategic Growth Sterlite Technologies, which designs, builds and manages smarter data networks for telecoms globally, today announced the formation of its Advisory Board with industry leaders Sandip Das and BS Shantharaju. The Advisory Board will provide strategic guidance and direction on the company's growth roadmap and focused capabilities in the highly evolving digital communications industry. Both Sandip Das and Shantharaju have experience in creating large customer and service-oriented companies. Both are committed to work closely with Sterlite Tech in creating a smarter broadband infrastructure in the country. Highlighting the role of the Advisory Board, Pravin Agarwal, Vice Chairman, Sterlite Tech, said, "With the telecom space fast transforming, Sandip and Shantharaju will provide us insights and direction to achieve our purpose of transforming everyday living by delivering smarter networks." He added, "These are exciting times for India as smarter broadband highways are required especially to realise the government's vision of Digital India, Smart Cities and BharatNet." Elaborating on the responsibilities of the Advisory Board, Dr Anand Agarwal, CEO, Sterlite Tech, said, "It is an absolute delight to seek industry insights and validation of our strategic direction. Both Sandip and Shantharaju are advising us on technology and overnance systems to make the business future-ready." Adding further, he said, "We will continue to leverage their expertise on strategic approach, customer propositions and talent building."



Shantharaju's CEO experience spans over 15 years with Indus Towers, GMR Group, Delhi International Airport and Managing Director, Gujarat Gas Company. He was the CFO of SmithKline Pharmaceuticals as well. Shantharaju is a qualified accountant and holds Master's degree from International Institute of Management, New Delhi. He is an alumnus of London Business School. Sandip is one of the Asia's most respected telecommunications professionals and an acclaimed Chief Executive. He is ex-MD of Reliance Jio, Group-CEO, Maxis Communications and Hutchison Essar Telecom (now Vodafone), India. He was one of the founding members of private telephony in India and was part of the group of individuals that founded Hutchison Max Telecom in 1994. Presently, he is associated with Analysys Mason as a senior adviser. Sandip has done his MBA from FMS, Delhi and holds mechanical engineering degree from NIT, Rourkela.

He has completed Advanced Management Programme from Harvard Business School and has figured four times on the Global Telecom List of 100 most powerful People in Telecom since 2010. About Sterlite Technologies: Sterlite Technologies Limited designs, builds and manages smarter data networks for telecoms globally. Sterlite Tech is a pure-play telecom focused business that develops and delivers optical communication products, network and system integration services and software solutions. Sterlite Tech is among the leaders in all its business areas and has operations on a global scale with manufacturing presence in India, China and Brazil. Sterlite Tech aims to transform everyday living by delivering smarter networks. Sterlite Tech is India's only fully-integrated provider of optical fibre preforms, optical fibres and cables. With a strong portfolio of over 125 patents, Sterlite Tech is home to India's only Centre of Excellence for broadband research. Projects undertaken by the company include intrusion-proof secure network for the armed forces, rural broadband for BharatNet, Smart Cities' development, and establishing high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks. For more details, visit: http://www.sterlitetech.com Media Contact:

Sumedha Mahorey

[email protected]

+91-9820192152

Manager - Corporate Communications

Sterlite Technologies Ltd



Sonia Mansata

Text100

+91-9820 112 481

[email protected]





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[October 12, 2016] DoubleHorn launches BetterClouds, a New Multi-cloud Management Platform

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DoubleHorn LLC., a leading cloud services broker, announced today the release of BetterClouds (www.betterclouds.com), their new multi-cloud management platform. BetterClouds is a web-based, software-as-a-service platform that greatly reduces the complexity of managing multiple cloud services from different providers.

BetterClouds logo



At least 90 percent of IT organizations expect to use hybrid cloud environments by 2017, according to a recent Gartner report. Organizations are looking to CSB providers to provide a range of expertise for their ybrid IT initiatives. This includes not only technical expertise to bridge these different delivery mechanisms, but also business acumen, alignment of outcomes, and expertise in financial, policy, governance and regulatory compliance issues.*



This release is the culmination of years of development and is a very exciting step for our company, said Tab Schadt, CEO of DoubleHorn. BetterClouds addresses any of the problems weve seen in our numerous years of experience in the cloud industry, and were proud to offer this platform that empowers our customers to take full control of their cloud." Leveraging our years of expertise in the cloud industry, BetterClouds anticipates the growing need for help managing the IT and business dynamics of environments composed of multiple public cloud services, said Tab Schadt, CEO of DoubleHorn. Our new platform empowers our customers to take full control of their cloud to deliver the full range of benefits expected by the business.

BetterClouds is a unified platform for all cloud computing needs, enabling users to: Design cloud solutions for all common use cases

Compare cloud services between providers

Purchase and provision new cloud services

Monitor all cloud services in real time

Start, stop, terminate and schedule cloud services

Generate and view custom technical and financial reports

Consolidate and standardize all the bills into a single and simple format

Support all cloud services across providers at a single place It is becoming increasingly common for organizations of all sizes to utilize multiple cloud services. BetterClouds reduces and streamlines IT workloads, greatly simplifying the management of those services across multiple clouds. DoubleHorn's SVP of Strategy, Brent Brightwell, and the Director of Marketing Technology, Harish Munagala, will be attending Gartner Symposium in Orlando October 16 -20. To schedule a meeting to learn more about the companys BetterClouds, please contact [email protected]. About DoubleHorn Austin, Texas-based DoubleHorn is a leading Cloud Services Brokerage founded in 2005, dedicated to one enduring idea: Improving the world-changing power of clouds. Learn more about BetterClouds at www.betterclouds.com and DoubleHorn's other services at www.doublehorn.com *Market Guide for Cloud Service Brokerage, 27 September 2016. Sid Nag. Contacts: DoubleHorn Brent Brightwell, SVP Strategy, DoubleHorn [email protected], 855-618-6243

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[October 12, 2016] Elior Group Adopts New App to Ensure You'll Never Eat Alone in its Restaurants

PARIS, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- For employees, the lunch break rhymes with conviviality; a ritual when one eats with the same people at the same time. But what about people who are new, or shy? To make it easier to get to know people in the workplace, Elior Group has entered into a new partnership with the start-up Never Eat Alone whose application helps organize lunches between colleagues. (Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160411/353501LOGO )

Launched just a year ago, Never Eat Alone has enjoyed considerable success and is now looking to step up growth both in France and abroad. Its application connects office employees and company neighbrs at lunch time. The aim is not only to foster meetings and bring people of similar tastes and interests together but also to encourage intra-company collaboration.



Commenting on this new partnership, Philippe Salle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Elior Group, stated: "Elior Group is reinventing the lunch break which has to be a convivial moment as well as a tasty experience. This is being made possible today thanks to digitalization and the talent of startups like Never Eat Alone." Founder of Never Eat Alone, Marie Schneegans went on to say: "We look forward to growing our company with Elior Group as a partner. The dynamism and strength of the Elior Group teams immediately made us want to work together. Elior Group has an extraordinary awareness of digitalization; a factor which makes it one of the bridgeheads of FoodTech."

This partnership comes with an equity stake in the start-up and is in line with the Life4 innovation program laid out in the Elior Group 2016-2020 strategic plan. Within the context of this program, the Group seeks out, supports and promotes FoodTech talent. With the backing of mentoring and equity investment, start-ups can try out their innovations in Elior Group client restaurants and gauge their feasibility in the real world. For the Group, accompanying these fledgling enterprises is a way of contributing to the development of an ecosystem which will benefit the whole of the catering sector. For more information : eliorgroup.com



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[October 12, 2016] BioXcel Appoints Dr. Peter Mueller as Chairman of Scientific Advisory Board

BRANFORD, Conn., Oct. 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BioXcel, a privately held biopharmaceutical company based in Connecticut, today announced the appointment of Dr. Peter Mueller, Ph.D. as Chairman of its Scientific Advisory Board (SAB), which will serve as a strategic resource to the Company as it advances its clinical pipeline of immuno-oncology and neuroscience candidates.

"We are thrilled to have Dr. Mueller join BioXcel as the Chairman of our Scientific Advisory Board. He has tremendous expertise in drug discovery and development, which we believe will be valuable in shaping the strategic direction of the Company. We look forward to gaining counsel from Dr. Mueller on the assessment of various scientific and clinical opportunities as well as ongoing development of our pipeline programs. We plan to further expand our SAB to include renowned key opinion leaders in oncology, neuroscience, and technology who will play a key role in BioXcels scientific and clinical development initiatives," said Dr. Vimal D. Mehta, CEO and Chairman of BioXcel. Currently, Dr. Peter Mueller is the President of R&D and Chief Scientific Officer at Axcella Health. Prior to joining Axcella, Dr. Mueller served as the Executive Vice President of Global Research and Development & Chief Scientific Officer at Vertex Pharmaceuticals where he provided strategic oversigh for Vertexs worldwide drug discovery and development programs. Under his leadership, the company secured approval for and launched two breakthrough drugs, INCIVEK (HepC) in 2011, and KALYDECO (CF) in 2012. Additionally, Vertex submitted both an NDA and MAA for ORKAMBI (CF). Prior to his time at Vertex, Dr. Mueller served as Senior Vice President, Research and Development, for Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where he played a key role in the development of Spiriva, Combivent, and Atrovent. He is a member of various scientific and political societies, including the Gesellschaft Deutscher Chemiker (GDCh) and Verband Chemische Industrie (Germany), Royal Society of Chemistry (U.K.), IRI, RNA-Society, ASAP, AAAS (U.S.A.) and currently serves on several Boards and Scientific Advisory Board in companies and organizations including US-India Chamber of Commerce Biotech, Pharma & Medical Devices Council, University Iowa (CBB), Keystone Symposia, Inhibikase Therapeutics, Inc., and Kaleido Biosciences, Inc.



Dr. Mueller received both an undergraduate degree and a Ph.D. in chemistry at the Albert Einstein University of Ulm, Germany, where he also holds a Professorship in Theoretical Organic Chemistry. He completed fellowships in Quantum Pharmacology at Oxford University and in Biophysics at Rochester University. I am very pleased to chair the Scientific Advisory Board and work with the BioXcel team to advance the Companys current and future therapeutic programs. BioXcel is taking a unique and exciting approach to drug discovery and development that should bring new therapies to market in a more efficient manner, targeting areas of high unmet medical need. I am excited to support the team as they work to bring these innovative therapies to the market," stated Dr. Peter Mueller, Ph.D., Chairman of BioXcels Scientific Advisory Board.

About BioXcel

BioXcel is a biopharmaceutical company pioneering the integration of big data analytics and machine learning-based artificial intelligence with drug development expertise to advance the next wave of medicines, impacting the probability of success of drugs. Our focus is to develop innovative medicines that address immuno-oncology and neuroscience diseases with high unmet medical need. Committed to innovation, product excellence and partner success, BioXcel's global collaborations span the biopharmaceutical ecosystem. We are headquartered in Branford, CT, USA with operations in Asia.

Contact Information: Anita Ganjoo, Ph.D. Corporate Communications 203 957 2487

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[October 12, 2016] ZeroStack Offers Most Flexible Packaging Options for Private Cloud

ZeroStack, pioneering the cloud-managed datacenter delivering agility without complexity, today announced that it is now offering the industry's most flexible private cloud deployment options, giving customers, integrators and resellers the broadest choice of hardware and software options for deploying ZeroStack's SaaS (News - Alert)-managed Private Cloud. "Our clients and prospects are facing similar challenges when adopting a hybrid cloud model. Businesses are looking for flexible solutions that provide their end users with a highly automated, seamless, transparent, and secure experience that helps them get to market faster. As a cloud value-added service provider, C9 Cloud Services is partnering with ZeroStack so we can provide hybrid and private cloud as a service that meets our customers' needs," said Yashpal Matharu, President of C9 Cloud Services. "By offering the most flexible packaging options of any cloud infrastructure vendor, ZeroStack makes it easy for C9 to deliver outstanding, cost-effective private cloud with the ability to burst up and down into the public cloud." ZeroStack has long offered its Z-Block Cloud Appliance, a turnkey, hyper-converged platform that combines the ZeroStack Cloud software with a 'cloud-in-a-box' hardware appliance that includes hypervisors, compute and storage, networking and management software. In addition, ZeroStack recently announced that customers and resellers can run its cloud software on validated models of Dell, HPE, Cisco (News - Alert) UCS and SuperMicro harware from their preferred VAR or Managed Services Provider (MSP). Now, ZeroStack has added a third option - customers can also deploy ZeroStack on supported models of pre-existing server hardware and convert it into a self-service cloud.



"Many of our customers prefer to use existing servers to run the SaaS-managed private cloud, and now we're giving them that option," said Steve Garrison, vice president of marketing at ZeroStack. "Our private cloud solution is now available with more packaging options than any other cloud on the market." Helpful Links

ZeroStack Inc.

ZeroStack Inc. Blog

ZeroStack Inc. on Twitter Suggested Tweet: @ZeroStackInc is first private cloud vendor to offer full range of solution packaging options. About ZeroStack ZeroStack makes it possible to own and use cloud infrastructure without any operational burden. ZeroStack is the first to provide an on-premises hybrid cloud using cloud-managed infrastructure, delivering agility without complexity. The integrated solution combines on-premises, self-healing software, servers and storage with a cloud-based web management portal. Cloud-based management combines public-cloud-like consumption while delivering central control of turnkey, on-premises infrastructure. ZeroStack bridges public and private cloud, supporting application portability across hypervisors, AWS and vSphere. Founded by senior engineers from VMware and Google (News - Alert), the company is funded by Formation 8 and Foundation Capital, and is based in Mountain View, California. For more information, visit http://www.zerostack.com or follow us on Twitter (News - Alert) @ZeroStackInc. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012005459/en/

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[October 12, 2016] PHNIX In the Limelight with Its New Pool Heat Pumps At Interbad 2016

STUTTGART, Germany, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- PHNIX, a leading swimming pool heat pump supplier in China, was well received with its Swimming/Spa Pool Heat Pump, Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump and Heat Pump Dehumidifier at interbad 2016 from September 27 to 30. International Trade Fair interbad 2016 Interbad 2016 mainly focuses on swimming pools, sauna and spas. The 4-day exhibition attracted an international audience of about 500 exhibitors and 15,000 guests from 64 countries. Among them, many were experts in the area of pool heat pump product innovations, latest trends and developments, and can set benchmarks for the field. PHNIX at interbad 2016 PHNIX showcased a comprehensive pool heat pump series, including: EVI Spa/Swimming Pool Heat Pump (newly-launched)

(newly-launched) Heat Pump Dehumidifier

Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump

Vertical Swimming Pool Heat Pump

Horizontal Swimming Pool Heat Pump All of them were so eye-catching and popular that many were purchased on-site by professional buyers. interbad 2016 not only helped PHNIX promote its eat pumps, but it greatly enhanced PHNIX's understanding of the German market, the entire European market, state-of-art heat pump technology and future trends.



PHNIX's Popular Products on Site PHNIX continuously focuses on the research and development of new swimming pool heat pump technology, including inverter technology and Enhanced Vapor Injection (EVI) technology.

By adopting EVI technology, an EVI Spa/Swimming Pool Heat Pump can operate safely and stably at an ambient temperature as low as -25oC and an outlet water temperature as high as 43 oC. Compared with normal swimming pool heat pumps, PHNIX's EVI Spa/Swimming Pool Heat Pumps have a wider ambient working temperature range and a higher COP for spas, swimming pools for both domestic and commercial uses. On-site at interbad PHNIX attracted great attention, especially from buyers from low-temperature regions like Russia and Northern Europe. PHNIX's inverter technology ensures that pool heat pumps at a higher COP, that there is a shorter heating time and less energy used when compared with normal heat pumps. PHNIX's Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump has a high-end controller with a 5-inch color touch screen. The temperature and power consumption curve on it makes its energy use crystal clear. In addition, with the PHNIX Smart Pool Heater app you can control your heat pump, whenever and wherever you are. About PHNIX Founded in 2002 by Andrew Yi Zong, Guangdong PHNIX Eco-Energy Solution Ltd. is an international enterprise that specializes in the R&D and production of heat pump products and energy-saving solutions. Nearly 50% of PHNIX products are exported to Europe, The United States and other overseas markets. Headquartered in Guangzhou, China, PHNIX has been named a China High-quality Brand and Guangzhou High-tech Enterprise. For more information about PHNIX and its products, please visit www.phnix-e.com.



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[October 12, 2016] Neovacs Signs a Cooperation Agreement With the Department Immunology of Diabetes at the Reputed Hospital Cochin in Paris

PARIS, Oct. 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NEOVACS (Alternext Paris:ALNEV) (PEA-PME eligible), a leader in active immunotherapies for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, today announced a collaboration with Doctor Agnes Lehuen and Professor Christian Boitard, who are leading the laboratory for Research in Immunology of Diabetes at the Reputed Hospital Cochin in Paris. The goal of this collaboration is to achieve proof of concept for the use of Neovacs IFNa Kinoid in the treatment of Type 1 diabetes.

As part of this collaboration, Doctor Lehuen and Professor Boitards teams will jointly conduct research with scientists from Neovacs on INFa Kinoid in NOD models (Non-Obese Diabetic mice - the most relevant mouse model for this disorder). Existing scientific publications offer a significant body of evidence to support the involvement of IFNa in Type 1 diabetes1. This preclinical study aims to determine whether the use of the IFNa Kinoid vaccine can control this disorder by producing polyclonal neutralizing antibodies to Interferon alpha. Neovacs has already demonstrated in a Phase I /II study in lupus that anti-interferon antibodies have a biological activity capable of neutralizing the IFN signature, with a long-term positive effect2. The same principle could be applied in Type 1 diabetes, which is an autoimmune disease also having an IFNa signature as observed in Lupus, and characterized by an overexpression of this cytokine (IFN alpha). According to Miguel Sieler, CEO of Neovacs: "This collaboration confirms the interest in our technology and its potential. It also supports our confidence in the deveopment of therapeutic vaccines, especially with our INFa kinoid. We are very pleased to work with the Cochin Hospital teams in the Department Immunology of Diabetes. It is urgent to address the unmet medical needs associated with Type 1 diabetes, and we believe that our technology has the potential to meet the expectations of the scientific community in this field. We are confident that this collaboration will produce actionable results and will provide important answers about developing a targeted treatment for Type 1 diabetes, responding to the concerns of patients."



Dr. Agnes Lehuen and Professor Christian Boitard also explained: "This collaboration with Neovacs fits perfectly into our research focus. Indeed, faced with the rapid increase in patients affected by Type 1 diabetes, we need to find innovative ways to treat this disease and Neovacs approach is particularly interesting." 1 Cf. Publications scientifiques :

Meyer et al., 2016, Cell 166, 582595, July 28, 2016

Ferreira et al., Diabetes Volume 63, July 2014

Diana et al., Nature Medicine Volume 19, January 2013

2 Cf. Ducreux et al., al 2016 Rheumatology_in press et Lauwerys et al., Down-regulation of interferon signature in systemic lupus erythematosus patients by active immunization with interferon a-kinoid. Arthritis Rheum (2013), 65(2):447-456 About Diabetes

Diabetes is a disease that affects, according to WHO**, 422 million people worldwide, including 4 million in France and a rapid progression that could include 622 million patients by 2040. Notably, 10% of these patients have the auto immune form of type 1 diabetes. ** Source: World Report on Diabetes, published by WHO, April 2016 About Neovacs

Created in 1993, Neovacs is today a leading biotechnology company focused on an active immunotherapy technology platform (Kinoids) with applications in autoimmune and/or inflammatory diseases. On the basis of the companys proprietary technology for inducing a polyclonal immune response (covered by five patent families that potentially run until 2032) Neovacs is focusing its clinical development efforts on IFNa-Kinoid, an immunotherapy being developed for the indication of lupus. Neovacs is also conducting preclinical development works on other therapeutic vaccines in the fields of auto-immune diseases, oncology and allergies. The goal of the Kinoid approach is to enable patients to have access to safe treatments with efficacy that is sustained in these life-long diseases. For more information on Neovacs, please visit www.neovacs.fr. Contacts NEOVACS Charlene Masson +33 (0)1 53 10 93 00 [email protected] Investor Relations  Financial Communications Germany  MC Services Raimund Gabriel +49-89-210228-30 [email protected] Press/U.S. Inquiries  The Ruth Group Lee Roth/Joseph Green +1-646-536-7012 / 7013 [email protected] / [email protected]

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[October 12, 2016] Smartvid.io Debuts in Procore App Marketplace: Enables Voice and Image Recognition for Procore Photo Albums

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Smartvid.io, a cloud-based platform for managing, collaborating and analyzing photos and videos from industrial environments, revealed its integration with Procore, the leader in cloud-based construction management software.

Now available in the Procore App Marketplace, the new integration enables Procore users to connect Smartvid.io projects to Procore projects to leverage Smartvid.ios powerful photo and video management capabilities, including the automatic SmartTagging of photo and video content. SmartTagging is accomplished by automatic image and voice recognition, similar to how Facebook identifies faces in photos or how Google finds images online. Driven by machine learning, Smartvid.ios SmartTagging engine analyzes all images and videos in each project and matches them to a set of construction specific Tags. For example, personnel can be detected in images by searching on people or hard hat to screen for potential safety issues in your photos. The Procore integration, which is available on the App Marketplace, has been designed to be extremely simple to configure. Any Procore user with photo administrative permissions at the project level can start a free trial in Smartvid.io and connect to a Procore project in less than 90 seconds. Once connected, Smartvid.io tagged photos and video snapshots flow automatically into linked projects in Procore and are searchable by the machine-generated SmartTags. Smartvid.io customers are seeing significant time savings for field personnel who are required to gather massive volumes of photo documentation for progress tracking, milestone documentation, daily reports and more. With Smartvid.io field users can simply use their voice to annotate field imagery and have the SmartTagging engine automatically detect key words like locations (.g., main lobby), scope of work (e.g., drywall) and status (e.g., not complete). In a case study with Suffolk Construction, moving from a manual photo-based process to Smartvid.ios voice-enabled process saved Suffolk over two months of time.



Customers are excited about the integration. We are generating more photo and video content than ever from our projects, said Corren Collura, VP & CIO at Suffolk Construction. Being able to leverage the field time savings and search power from Smartvid.io integrated with Procore opens up new ways for us to improve efficiency and reduce risk on our projects. As early Beta users of the Smartvid.io product, we are excited for the combination of Smartvid.io and Procore. By combining Smartvid.ios automatic image and voice recognition with Procores photo albums well save time for field personnel and manage risk by being able to find critical documentation a lot easier down the road, said Taylor Cupp, Project Solutions Technologist, M. A. Mortenson Company.

Josh Kanner, Smartvid.ios Founder & CEO, highlighted the benefits of the partnership. Managing photos and videos is a huge challenge in construction and capital projects, and its only getting worse. Google, Apple and other consumer products are helping people sort and manage their photos in their private lives. Weve built the Smartvid.io product to bring that same power of machine learning to help streamline the collection, organization and analysis of industrial content so that field personnel save time, critical documentation is never lost and powerful new insights can be created all from videos and photos. Kanner continued, Our partnership with Procore has been driven by our customers' needs to marry our advanced photo and video management capabilities with Procores construction workflows. The open nature of the Procore API and deep commitment to partnerships from the entire organization at Procore has elevated our partnership from a desire to meet customer requests to a much more strategic initiative for our company. Both companies want all users in Procore to be able to take advantage of better photo and video analytics. The Procore App Marketplace and the ease of integration make that possible. We are always looking to drive more value to our existing customer base by partnering with the best the industry has to offer, enabling new features and functionality in a seamless manner that make the lives of construction professionals easier, said Paul Lyandres, VP of Strategy and Business Development, Procore. Were excited to be partnering with Smartvid.io to launch its new integration on the App Marketplace that will bring voice and image recognition to our photo albums and provide proven value to the 1.4 million Procore users. About Smartvid.io, Inc. Smartvid.io, Inc. is a Boston-based software company focused on solving the management, collaboration, search and analysis challenges associated with industrial videos and photos. Its SmartTag Engine leverages machine learning to listen to (voice recognition) and watch (image recognition) what is seen in a video or photo and then automatically tag content according to defined terms. The platform saves significant time for teams, provides a better way to communicate with clients, tames the challenge of enterprise-wide media management, and provides a photo and/or video insurance policy which allows for easy retrieval of key imagery. Smartvid.ios founding team has worked together in various software companies for over 15 years, helping to change the way people work. Most recently, the team started Vela Systems which pioneered the use of mobile technology in the AEC industry (architecture, engineering and construction), growing to tens of thousands of deployments all over the world before being acquired by Autodesk. Visit us at www.smartvid.io. MEDIA CONTACT: Jeffrey Scholes (978) 884-9319 [email protected]

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[October 12, 2016] Dental Product Shopper Tapped Again for 2016 Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards

MANALAPAN, N.J., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dental Product Shopper's March 2016 "Best Product" issue is again a finalist for the Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards in the B-to-B (Full Issue) category. This marks the second consecutive year Dental Product Shopper has earned this prestigious honor from Folio:. In 2015, Dental Product Shopper's "Best Product" issue won Folio:'s Eddie Award for best B-to-B (Full Issue). The "Best Product" issue runs every March and highlights products that have received a "Best Product" designation by DPS evaluators. To receive this designation, the dental product or service must score a minimum of 4.3 (out of 5) from evaluators who use it over the course of several weeks. Since 2007, thousands of products have been evaluated, but only 285 have attained such a score. In the "Best Product" issue, the DPS editorial team presents fresh perspectives on these products with updated information, clinician reviews, and viewpoints. The Folio: award will be presented to one finalist in the -to-B category during the annual "The Folio: Show" luncheon, which will take place in New York City on Oct. 31.



"We are once again proud to be a finalist for this award and honored to be in such elite company," says Brian Donahue, Managing Editor of Dental Product Shopper. "This nomination is a tribute to the hard work of our team and the many dental professionals who evaluate products and share their insights for our stories year-round. It also underscores the significance that unbiased, peer-to-peer reviews have on the dental industry." In addition to this latest honor, Dental Product Shopper had previously earned:

2015 Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Award for best Single Issue (March's "Best Products" Issue)

Eddie & Ozzie Award for best Single Issue (March's "Best Products" Issue) 2016 min's Magazine Media Award for Best Single Issue [b2b] (March's "Best Product" Issue)

Magazine Media Award for Best Single Issue [b2b] (March's "Best Product" Issue) 2016 min's Magazine Media Award for Best Magazine Redesign

Magazine Media Award for Best Magazine Redesign 2016 min's Magazine Media Award for Best Website Relaunch (www.dentalproductshopper.com)

Magazine Media Award for Best Website Relaunch (www.dentalproductshopper.com) 2016 min's Magazine Media Award for Best Contest/Sweepstakes (Ultimate Office Sweepstakes) In July 2016, Integrated Media Solutions, LLC, the publisher of Dental Product Shopper, was also recognized as a Great Place to Work in the American media industry. About Dental Product Shopper Dental Product Shopper is a fully integrated print and digital media platform dedicated to bringing in-depth product information to the dental profession. We strive to help clinicians make informed purchasing decisions by relying on the real-world experiences of their peers expressed in our product evaluations. These independent product evaluators are the cornerstone for delivering high-value feedback to clinicians. By combining the latest in product information with unbiased opinions, DPS creates the opportunity for clinicians to make purchasing decisions best suited to their practices. To learn more about DPS, visit www.dentalproductshopper.com. About Folio: The Eddie & Ozzie Awards program is presented by Folio:, the leading publication serving the entire magazine media industry. The Folio: family of products includes the monthly Folio: magazine, weekly eNewsletters, Folio: Webinars, The Folio: Show, and The Folio: 100. For more information, visit www.foliomag.com. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160401/350372LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dental-product-shopper-tapped-again-for-2016-folio-eddie--ozzie-awards-300343564.html SOURCE Dental Product Shopper

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[October 12, 2016] Ben Franklin's SGICC Releases White Paper on How to Take Advantage of the Development of a Petrochemical Complex in Our Own Backyard!

On June 16, 2016, Shell formally announced their decision to move forward with building the ethane cracker plant and petrochemical complex in Beaver County, PA. This announcement marks the beginning of a new era for our region - a renaissance in the United States' petrochemical industry. Twenty years ago no one would have imagined that Pennsylvania would be home to a new major petrochemical complex. Now it is expected that the Shell announcement is just the first of multiple major industrial projects in the region, all due to the shale energy boom and the natural gas liquids (NGLs) being produced from it. The question every business should now be asking is how they can take advantage of this opportunity. Can they get engaged in the multi-year construction of the complex and others that will be coming? Can they provide product(s) or services during the building projects, or ongoing operations of the industry? And furthermore, can they take advantage of the myriad of opportunities to utilize the products (in the case of the Shell Cracker primarily polyethylene resin pellets) that will become available from the conversion of the NGLs to intermediates? Ben Franklin's SGICC Has Released a White Paper (News - Alert) Overview Regarding the Shell Petrochemical Complex. The white paper is available for review on the SGICC web site at: http://www.sgicc.org/uploads/8/4/3/1/8431164/shell_petrochemical_complex__and_ngls_paper_september_2016.pdf.



"We decided that it would be helpful to our existing clients, and all PA-based companies to pull together a summary white paper to allow them to gain a good understanding of what the Shell Cracker is, the timeline as we could ascertain for its development, and a broad view of what the buildout of the petrochemical industry means to our Commonwealth," commented Bill Hall, SGICC Director. "The large quantities of NGLs that are being produced in the southwestern corner of our state and throughout the wet gas region of the Marcellus and Utica plays is something incredibly unique. This asset-rich region provides the building blocks for the petrochemical industry. We wanted to provide a resource for stakeholders that allows them to gain a basic understanding of what is about to take place in Beaver County and beyond." Hall also noted that developing the paper was challenging as there are many moving parts, and even with the Shell Cracker, there are many pieces that remain to be solidified. "We've done our best to search for all publicly available information regarding the project, but readers of the paper should understand that what we are sharing is a snapshot at this time of where things appear to stand."

The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development has also been actively working to discuss how communities can leverage potential investments and development opportunities related to Royal Dutch Shell's decision to build a new ethane cracker plant in Beaver County. "We are looking closely at how to position Pennsylvania to derive additional economic opportunities-understanding market dynamics, readying our workforce, and preparing industrial sites," said Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis Davin. "The research offered by SGICC is invaluable to our process." Hall reflected, "This is an exciting time for our state and the region! Now we have the lowest cost feedstock in huge quantities right here in our own backyard, and the industry is returning! It truly is an incredible story!" About the SGICC The Ben Franklin Shale Gas Innovation and Commercialization Center (www.sgicc.org) supports and commercializes early-stage technologies that enhance responsible stewardship of the environment while properly utilizing this energy asset. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012005925/en/

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[October 12, 2016] MRP Appoints Joe Smolarski as Senior Vice President, Sales Operations

PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MRP (LSE:FDP), a global provider of end-to-end predictive marketing and sales solutions powered by data, software, and services, today announced the appointment of Joe Smolarski to Senior Vice President, Sales Operations. In this newly created role, Smolarski is charged with driving operational efficiencies and building consistency across the sales organization, creating an improved customer experience.

Prior to joining MRP, Smolarski spent more than 12 years at IPC Systems, where he held various executive roles, including senior vice president of global sales and operations, and senior vice president of global information technology. During his tenure at IPC Systems, Smolarski led multiple strategic programs to maximize company performance, drive revenue, and use technology to increase efficiency and improve the customer experience. Smolarski was responsible for all IT strategy development and execution, including apps, network, infrastructure, integration, and security, through divestitures as well as six major acquisitions. He led the enterprise-wide implementation of technology platforms such as SAP, Oracle ERP, and Salesforce.com. Under his leadership, Smolarski led his global sales and operations teams to double digit growth in revenue and profitability. Its an exciting time to join MRP. Our clients include many of the worlds leading technology firms. MRPs Delta Marketing Cloud offers unparalleled predictive analytics integrated with end-to-end execution capabilities, allowing us to deliver enhaned value to our customers. My mission is to standardize MRPs sales operations to deliver a consistent, best-in-class solution to our clients globally, Smolarski said.



I am extremely pleased to announce Joes appointment as Senior Vice President, Sales Operations, said Kevin Cunningham, CEO of MRP. Joe has a proven track record of driving growth and an improved customer experience in a wide range of sales, operations, and technology roles, and we look forward to seeing the same positive impact here at MRP. Smolarski is a graduate of Temple University, where he holds a B.B.A. in Information Systems from the Fox School of Business.

About MRP

MRP is a global provider of marketing intelligence, software, and services. For 14 years, clients have relied on MRP to drive pipeline and deliver the insights needed to more effectively sell to their key target markets. MRP combines predictive intelligence with integrated marketing tactics to deliver closed-loop marketing programs generating industry leading ROI and conversion. MRP has 12 offices and covers 100 countries around the globe. MRP is a division of First Derivatives plc (FD). FD is quoted on the London Stock Exchange (AIM:FDP.L) and is a global supplier of software and consulting services. For more information about MRP, please visit www.mrpfd.com About First Derivatives

First Derivatives plc (FD) is a global technology provider whose services and solutions are used by many of the worlds largest companies. In addition to MRP, the FD Group includes Kx and Capital Markets Consulting, CMC. Kx is the world-leader in high-performance, time series computing, streaming analytics and operational intelligence. For more than 20 years the worlds largest banks, brokers and regulators have been relying on Kx technology to address the challenges posed by exploding volumes of data, regulatory requirements and the need for ever-faster processing. CMC supports financial institutions in designing, developing, implementing and supporting a broad range of mission critical data and trading systems across front, middle and back-office operations. Services are provided both on-site and from its strategically located Near Shore centers. FD is quoted on the London Stock Exchange (AIM:FDP.L) and has had double-digit revenue growth every year since it was incorporated in 1996. FD has over 1,500 employees around the world, including in London, New York, Stockholm, Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Sydney, Palo Alto, Toronto, Philadelphia, Dublin, Belfast and its headquarters in Newry. For more information, please visit www.firstderivatives.com. For more information, please contact: Betsy Hargus, Vice President [email protected] 215.587.8851

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[October 12, 2016] Largest Single Lenovo-Hosted Volunteer STEM Event in U.S.

Today, more than 500 Lenovo (News - Alert) employees participated in the largest company-sponsored STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) volunteer event in conjunction with NAF, a partner in the Lenovo Scholar Network. Lenovo brought together almost 200 high school juniors and seniors from 12 NAF Academies in North Carolina high schools to learn more about STEM careers and meet with Lenovo employees to practice interview skills. The event was held at the Sheraton Imperial Hotel & Convention Center in Durham, North Carolina, where students heard from several distinguished speakers, including North Carolina State University Chancellor Dr. Randy Woodson, as well as NAF and Lenovo leaders about the importance of STEM skills and education, and being college and career ready. NAF alum Marquis Cabrera highlighted outcomes of the NAF work-based learning model and the importance of being a lifelong learner and giving back to the community. "Today's STEM volunteer event hosted by Lenovo is a shining example of the unstoppable movement that the education and business communities can create when it comes to preparing our students for their most successful futures," said JD Hoye, President of NAF. "We'd like to extend our deepest gratitude to our partner, Lenovo, and their network of incredible volunteers, who have given selflessly of their time and expertise today, and whose impact will no doubt be felt for a lifetime. Together we can stand proud in creating tomorrow's workforce, today." As part of the half-day event, students met with company employees from across the United States to engage in mock interview exercises. The exercises are based on the real-world interview process for a high school internship. During this session, students heard personal stories about how these employees started their careers and pursued their aspirations in the spirit of the theme of the program, "Dream Big." Over the course of the day, the students were not only exposed to new career opportunities and STEM learning outcomes but also learned how important interpersonal skills are in today's workforce. "Last year, more than 50 employees visited classrooms across the U.S. over two separate work days as part of our inaugural Lenovo in the Classroom Day events, but this year we knew we could do more - so we enlisted more than 500 employees to participate," said Rob Cato, Executive Director, Public Sector an Healthcare vertical sales at Lenovo. "The event provided interactive opportunities to facilitate ample engagement to connect with our employee volunteers and ask questions throughout the day on many topics of interest and relevant to each respective student."



In addition to Lenovo in the Classroom Day, hosted at NAF academies in October 2015 and April 2016, Lenovo's partnership with NAF brings a robust mobile app development curriculum and delivery program to NAF academies through the Lenovo Scholar Network. Lenovo's programs give students personal access to those already in STEM careers to learn how they can harness the skills they are learning in the program and transfer those skills into their own careers and outcomes. This becomes increasingly important as STEM career opportunities are projected to grow to more than 9 million between 2012 and 20221. Now in its third year, Lenovo Scholar Network includes 50 NAF academies and nearly 2,000 students. As part of the Lenovo Scholar Network, students work with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Media Lab's App Inventor development tool, a web-based tool for creating Android (News - Alert) apps, to build and test their apps on Lenovo devices. NAF and MIT work together to provide technical assistance to Teachers in the Lenovo Scholar Network, and to develop support materials for teachers using MIT (News - Alert) App Inventor.

About Lenovo Lenovo (SEHK:0992) (Pink Sheets:LNVGY) is a $45 billion global Fortune 500 company and a leader in providing innovative consumer, commercial, and enterprise technology. Our portfolio of high-quality, secure products and services covers PCs (including the legendary Think and multimode Yoga brands), workstations, servers, storage, smart TVs and a family of mobile products like smartphones (including the Moto brand), tablets and apps. Join us on LinkedIn, follow us on Facebook or Twitter (News - Alert) (@Lenovo) or visit us at www.lenovo.com. About NAF NAF is a national network of education, business, and community leaders who work together to ensure high school students are college, career, and future ready. NAF's educational design ignites students' passion for learning and gives businesses the opportunity to shape America's future workforce by transforming the learning environment to include STEM infused industry-specific curricula and work-based learning experiences, including internships. Since 1982, NAF has been partnering with existing high schools in high-needs communities to enhance school systems at a low cost by implementing NAF academies - small learning communities within traditional high schools. NAF has grown from one NAF Academy of Finance in New York City to hundreds of academies across the country focusing on growing industries including: finance, hospitality and tourism, information technology, engineering, and health sciences. During the 2015-16 school year nearly 89,000 students attended 716 NAF academies across 36 states, including D.C. and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In 2015, NAF academies reported 98% of seniors graduated with 92% of graduates with post-secondary intentions. For more information, please visit: http://naf.org/. 1 Bureau of Labor Statistics View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012005997/en/

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[October 12, 2016] CTA Applauds Nevada Senate Approval of LVCC Expansion

The Nevada Senate convened yesterday, approving plans for a vital renovation and expansion to the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), home to thousands of business events, including CES, the world's largest innovation event, which draws 165,000+ attendees to Las Vegas annually. The following statement can be attributed to Karen Chupka, senior vice president CES (News - Alert) and corporate business strategy, Consumer Technology Association (CTATM), owner and producer of CES, regarding Nevada's Senate approval of the Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC) renovation and expansion plan: "We thank the Nevada Senate for approving the proposal to fund the expansion and modernization of the Las Vegas Convention Center, with an estimated completion date of 2023. This critical investment will help us grow CES, the world's largest annual business event which is held in Las Vegas every January, and will allow us to continue to bring hundreds of millions of dollars each year into the Las Vegas economy even in the interim while the expansion takes place. "This investment will pay dividends far into the future for the city and citizens of Las Vegas and greater Nevada. For the immediate term, the expansion will bring an estimated $2.1 billion in construction-related money to the local economy. The long-term economic impact is estimated at $810 million annually and will generate more than 7,800 full-time permanent jobs. "The measure now moves on to the General Assembly for consideration. We urge members of the Assembly to act quickly to approve this important project to help support Nevada's economy and maintain Las Vegas' global reputation as a world class destination for meetings and conferences." About CES: CES is the world's gahering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. It has served as the proving ground for innovators and breakthrough technologies for 50 years-the global stage where next-generation innovations are introduced to the marketplace. As the largest hands-on event of its kind, CES features all aspects of the industry. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM, it attracts the world's business leaders and pioneering thinkers. Check out CES video highlights. Follow CES online at CES.tech and on social.



About Consumer Technology Association: Consumer Technology Association (CTA)TM, is the trade association representing the $287 billion U.S. consumer technology industry. More than 2,200 companies - 80 percent are small businesses and startups; others are among the world's best known brands - enjoy the benefits of CTA membership including policy advocacy, market research, technical education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. The Consumer Technology Association also owns and produces CES - the world's gathering place for all who thrive on the business of consumer technologies. Profits from CES are reinvested into CTA's industry services.

UPCOMING EVENTS CES Unveiled Prague - Register

October 20, Prague, Czech Republic

October 20, Prague, Czech Republic CES Unveiled Paris - Register

October 25, Paris, France

October 25, Paris, France CT Hall of Fame Dinner

November 9, New York, NY

November 9, New York, NY CES Unveiled New York

November 10, New York, NY

November 10, New York, NY CES Unveiled Las Vegas

January 3, Las Vegas, NV

January 3, Las Vegas, NV CES 2017 - Register

January 5-8, Las Vegas, NV

January 5-8, Las Vegas, NV CES Asia 2017

June 7-9, Shanghai, China View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012006123/en/

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[October 12, 2016] Humana Offers Support to Communities Impacted by Hurricane Matthew

Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM), one of the nation's leading health benefits companies, announced today that it has launched a series of disaster relief efforts assisting its associates, members and communities impacted by Hurricane Matthew. Humana Southeast Regional Medicare President Jim Laughlin, said, "We know many of our associates and health plan members, across North Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas, are suffering and in need of our help. We are particularly concerned about the health and well-being of those who may be without basic necessities, such as electricity, food and water." In response, Humana has taken these steps to assist people and communities affected by the massive storm: Waiving all requirements for primary care physician (PCP) referrals

Providing enrollees with the same cost-sharing they would get at an in-network facility

Removing prescription drug limitations such as "Refill too soon" rejection notices that prevent replacing lost meications

Opening its toll-free Employee Assistance Program (EAP) hotline beyond Humana associates and members to include the community. Counselors and Work-Life Specialists are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at 1-866-440-6556 to provide free, confidential assistance to anyone needing help and support in coping with the disaster and its aftermath.



Humana Medicare, commercial and individual members with questions about services available to them should call the toll-free phone number on the back of their Humana ID card.

About Humana Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is a leading health and well-being company focused on making it easy for people to achieve their best health with clinical excellence through coordinated care. The company's strategy integrates care delivery, the member experience, and clinical and consumer insights to encourage engagement, behavior change, proactive clinical outreach and wellness for the millions of people we serve across the country. More information regarding Humana is available to investors via the Investor Relations page of the company's web site at www.humana.com, including copies of: Annual reports to stockholders

Securities and Exchange Commission filings

Most recent investor conference presentations

Quarterly earnings news releases

Calendar of events

Corporate Governance information View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012006127/en/

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[October 12, 2016] Lexumo CTO/Founder Chosen to Speak at IoT Security Summit

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lexumo, developer of the world's first automated service for continuously monitoring Internet of Things (IoT) code for critical open source vulnerabilities, today announced that Brad Gaynor has been selected to speak at the IoT Security Summit (October 17-19 in Boston). Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161012/427964

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161012/427965LOGO Brad will be speaking about the financial impact and brand damage that result from cyberattackers and security researchers exploiting vulnerabilities in consumer and industrial IoT devices. He'll also discuss the return on investment (ROI) of identifying and remediating vulnerabilities earlier in the development cycle, compared to the significant expense and engineering effort required to update vulnerable IoT devices in the field. The panel also features Tom Stumpek, who previously held roles as CISO, CIO and CTO in various business units of the General Electric Company (GE). Lexumo uses graph analytics and machine learning developed for DARPA to precisely identify public vulnerabilities such as Heartbleed in IoT and embedded code. The company was recently recognized as an IoT Company to Watch and a Machine Learning Startup to Watch. The impact of shipping insecure IoT devices was vividly illustrated recently when cyberattackers exploited vulnerabilities in 1.5 million IoT devices  including IP-connected cameras, DVRs and home routers  to generate the world's most powerful Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack to date. The unprecedented attack successfully disabled the website of well-known security researcher Brian Krebs. Cyberattackers also leveraged their massive botnet army to launch a separate DDoS attack on European ISP OVH that reached nearly one terabit per second (Tbps).



Brad will also be speaking on a second developer-focused panel about the next generation of embedded security. Details below: Panel: Balancing Security and Technology Spending in the Industrial IoT

Who : Brad Gaynor , PhD, Lexumo CTO and Founder; Tom Stumpek , former CISO, CIO and CTO at the General Electric Company; Ben Rogers , Engineer, Venafi.

: , PhD, Lexumo CTO and Founder; , former CISO, CIO and CTO at the General Electric Company; , Engineer, Venafi. What: Understanding the repercussions of security vulnerabilities and breaches.

Understanding the repercussions of security vulnerabilities and breaches. When: Tuesday, October 18 , 12-12:40pm .

, . Where: Hynes Convention Center, Boston . Panel: Next Generation of Embedded Security Who: Brad Gaynor , PhD, Veracode CTO and Founder; Fred Thiel , Futurist and President/CEO, Thiel Advisors ; Dennis Ward , Principal, Dennis Ward Enterprises; Loren Shade , VP, Allegro Software.

, PhD, Veracode CTO and Founder; , Futurist and President/CEO, ; , Principal, Dennis Ward Enterprises; , VP, Allegro Software. What : What's new and what's next in providing embedded security for IoT devices.

: What's new and what's next in providing embedded security for IoT devices. When : Wednesday, October 19 , 2:40-3:20pm .

: , . Where: Hynes Convention Center, Boston . Lexumo will also be demonstrating its solution on October 18 and 19 in Booth #202, where attendees can meet the company's founders and discuss embedded security with Lexumo's IoT cybersecurity experts. About Lexumo Lexumo secures the world's open source software. Our cloud-based service enables developers to securely adopt the best open source available  so they can ship great products faster. Lexumo uses "Big Code" analytics to precisely identify critical vulnerabilities without the inaccuracies associated with legacy open source software (OSS) governance solutions, even when code has previously been modified or patched. Built on a massively-scalable, AWS-based cloud stack, Lexumo's service integrates with existing developer workflows (Jenkins, Jira, etc.); provides actionable information in the form of detailed patching instructions; and continuously monitors your code for vulnerabilities without requiring any developer interaction. For more information, visit https://www.lexumo.com. Media Contact:

Phil Neray

Email

1-617-539-6823 To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lexumo-ctofounder-chosen-to-speak-at-iot-security-summit-300343710.html SOURCE Lexumo

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[October 12, 2016] First Annual SPARKsouth Digital Marketing Conference Comes To Atlanta This Fall

ATLANTA, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SPARKsouth, a digital marketing conference, will welcome students from throughout the Southeast as it convenes for its first annual meeting on Friday, Oct. 14. Held at the University of Georgia's Terry College of Business Executive Education Center in Buckhead, SPARKsouth serves as the largest student-focused digital conference in the Southeast, and is aimed at connecting and engaging digital marketing students and leading professionals from the field. The first collaboration of its kind, SPARKsouth exposes students to speakers and panelists who bring both experience and variety to the table. The speakers slated for this year's conference include representatives from the Atlanta Hawks, The Home Depot, the Atlanta Braves, Verifone, Sweetwater Brewing Company, InterContinental Hotels Group and Twitter, among other leading brands. In addition to the various speakers and panels, a mentor lunch and job fair, attendees will also have the option to select one of three tracks to follow during the conference. The student tracks include career development opportunities in an agency setting, brand-centered careers and insight into an entrepreneuria career path.



The conference will also feature keynote addresses from notable influencers in Atlanta's digital marketing community including Kate Atwood, vice president of ChooseATL, Brian Easter, co-founder of Nebo Agency and Joe Koufman, founder and CEO of AgencySparks. "This conference presents a truly unique opportunity for students to not only learn about the digital marketing field, but also to network and connect with some of the industry's best minds," said Jennifer Osbon, co-founder of SPARKsouth. "We've handpicked the professionals attending and know that each will bring something special and valuable to the table for students."

The SPARKsouth conference serves as an ambassador for both the city of Atlanta and its digital community, bringing together and connecting locally-based organizations, corporations and agencies with top students throughout the Southeast. Conference attendees are slated to come from schools including the University of Georgia, Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, Emory University, Morehouse College, Spelman College, Agnes Scott College, SCAD and the Portfolio Center. Among the sponsors for this year's conference are leaders of Atlanta's digital community including Nebo Agency, ChooseATL, Agency Sparks, Simpli.fi and Hypepotamus, as well as The University of Georgia's Terry College of Business. To learn more about SPARKsouth, visit http://www.sparksouth.com. About SPARKsouth: SPARKsouth is a digital marketing conference held in Atlanta designed to help students throughout the Southeast launch their careers in the field. The conference's inaugural session will be held at the Terry College of Business Executive Education Center in Buckhead and will host a combined group of 400 students and professionals. The annual conference provides students with access to leaders in the Atlanta digital marketing community through keynote presentations, professional skill development sessions, panels, a mentor lunch and a job fair. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161012/427986LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/first-annual-sparksouth-digital-marketing-conference-comes-to-atlanta-this-fall-300343735.html SOURCE SPARKsouth

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[October 12, 2016] TAUTACHROME Inc. announces the status of Share Retirement Activity

ORO VALLEY, Ariz., Oct. 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tautachrome, Inc. (OTC-PINK:TTCM) today announced the status of its Share Retirement Activity.

Dr. Jon N Leonard, CEO, stated today: "In keeping with my desire that our investors be informed on the things that matter in Tautachrome I want to comment on progress on the following important fronts." "The share retirement announced last week is targeted to close in the fourth week of this month. The retirement of substantial amounts of the common shares owned by the Companys principal shareholders in favor of preferred shares with long lock-out times telegraphs the long term and single-minded commitment of these principals to the success of the Company. Terms of the preferred shares will be announced soon. It is planned that share retirement will be accomplished in two increments, with a little more than 50% in the first increment and the balance in the second. The number of shares retired by each principal will be announced at the closing of retirementtargeted for later this month."



Our business briefing describing the companys flagship KlickZie technology and our rollout plans, visions and revenue expectations will be posted tonight on the Tautachrome website. In addition, we are developing a short video intended to complement the briefing that will be posted on the website in the coming weeks." We continue to work hard on patent development activity. I am personally in frequent contact with our patent attorney regarding progress with the US Patent and Trademarks Office, and can report that our work is progressing normally. Patent development is arduous and relentlessly consumes the calendar but we consider it to be an important focus area.

About Tautachrome, Inc. Tautachrome, Inc. (OTC-PINK:TTCM) is an emerging growth company in the developing digital imagery technology sector. Tautachrome is an Internet technology development company with operations in America and Australia. Tautachrome has revolutionary patents pending, including Talk-to-the-Picture social networking and trustable imagery-based interaction. Safe Harbor Statement Statements made in this press release are forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, general business conditions, managing growth, and political and other business risks. All forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this paragraph and the risks and other factors detailed in Tautachrome's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Tautachrome undertakes no duty to update these forward-looking statements. Contact: Tautachrome, Inc. Tel: +1 520 318 5578 Web: www.tautachrome.com

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[October 12, 2016] Simplified MiFID-II Compliance with Endace DAG Provenance

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Endace, a world leader in high-speed network monitoring and recording technology, today announced the launch of Provenance, a new feature available for its high-speed DAG Data Capture cards. Provenance enables recorded network traffic to be enriched with information about the state of the environment at the time the traffic was recorded -- including detailed real-time information about timing sources and accuracy. Under upcoming MiFID-II regulations, traders must not only record all trade data, but also ensure trade events are accurately time-stamped to within microseconds of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) along with information about the reliability of the timing source. Being able to perpetually describe the accuracy of time stamps means continually monitoring and recording timing accuracy as trade data is captured. Provenance provides a way for traders to capture contextual information at the source, helping them to comply with regulations easily. Provenance "watermarks" traffic every second as it is captured, enriching it with information--such as what timing source was used, how clocks were synchronized (using PTP, 1PPS or IRIG-B) and what the clock synchronization accuracy was at the time of capture. This allows traders to prove exactly what the status ad accuracy of clocks and time stamps were at the time trade data was captured.



Currently, more than 150 fields of Provenance data such as Hostname, Linkname and Optical Power Level can be included. This makes it simple for traders to accurately determine the origin of capture files and provides a clear evidential trail that can be easily examined in packet analysis tools, such as Wireshark. Endace is a long-standing supporter of the STAC Benchmark Council, a community of financial institutions and vendors collaborating to develop technology benchmark standards for the financial industry. Endace CTO, Dr. Stephen Donnelly attended STAC's MiFID-II Workshop in London in June. Following the workshop, Endace accelerated plans to introduce Provenance to help traders meet MiFID-II's strict timing requirements.

"Provenance is broader than just timing, it allows a wide range of enriched, 'smart data' to be embedded into network traffic as it's recorded. We see applications across a range of areas including network security," Dr Donnelly said. "But we saw an immediate application for Provenance to deliver a simple, effective way to enable traders to meet their obligations under MiFID-II and related regulations. So we accelerated plans to introduce Provenance to give traders time to test and implement it ahead of MiFID-II". Endace has introduced Provenance support in a firmware upgrade available immediately for its two port 1/10 GbE DAG10X2-S and DAG10X2-P cards and four port 1/10/40GbE DAG 10X4-P card. Provenance is a key feature which will be rolled out across all Endace products, and will be introduced in EndaceProbe Network Recorders in the new 6.3 release of OSm scheduled to ship early in 2017. About Endace

For more than 15 years, Endace has provided high-speed, network recording and visibility solutions to monitor and protect some of the world's largest, most complex networks. Customers include global banks, telcos and service providers, media and broadcast companies, health organizations, retailers, e-commerce and web giants, governments and large enterprises. Customers choose Endace technology because it can monitor and capture network traffic with 100% accuracy regardless of network speeds or loads. It can scale to meet the needs of the fastest networks and is built on an open architecture that enables integration with a wide variety of custom, open source and commercial solutions.

www.endace.com Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160523/371135LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/simplified-mifid-ii-compliance-with-endace-dag-provenance-300343804.html SOURCE Endace

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[October 12, 2016] Alliant Energy reaches agreement with customer groups on proposed wind project

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Alliant Energy's Iowa utility has reached a settlement with customer groups related to its proposed New Wind Project. The project, if approved, will be up to 500 megawatts, significantly increasing the amount of economical, environmentally beneficial wind energy that Alliant Energy supplies to customers. "The goal of this project is to bring additional low-cost, clean energy to our customers and the State of Iowa," said Doug Kopp, president of Alliant Energy's Iowa utility. "This settlement, which is the result of thoughtful discussions among the parties, is a significant step in achieving that goal." Alliant Energy's Iowa utility is proposing to expand its Whispering Willow Wind Farm in Franklin County and is exploring opportunities to develop wind energy in other areas of the state. The company is pursuing the project now to maximize the value of renewable energy tax credits. In addition to Alliant Energy, parties to the non-unanimous settlement include the Office of Consumer Advocate, a division of the Iowa Department of Justice; the Iowa Business Energy Coalition, and the Large Energy Group. The project, including the settlement, is subject to approval by the Iowa Utilities Board. A hearing is scheduled for October 26. The New Wind Proect, announced on July 27, calls for placing 250 megawatts of new wind in service in 2019 and the remaining 250 megawatts in service in 2020.



Alliant Energy Corporation's Iowa utility subsidiary (NYSE:LNT), Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), utilizes the trade name of Alliant Energy. The Iowa utility is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and provides electric service to 490,000 customers and natural gas service to 225,000 customers. The employees of Alliant Energy focus on delivering the energy solutions and exceptional service their customers and communities expect  safely, efficiently and responsibly. Alliant Energy Corporation is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LNT and is a component of the S&P 500. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com. This press release includes forward-looking statements, including expected in-service dates and terms of the settlement. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. Actual results could be affected by such factors as: state regulatory actions which delay, prevent or alter the settlement terms; unsuccessful negotiations for the purchase of equipment and real estate to develop wind farms; increased costs of equipment, commodities used in equipment, and real estate; unanticipated construction issues, delays or expenditures; federal regulatory actions which impact Alliant Energy's ability to utilize tax credits; failure of equipment and technology to perform as expected; current or future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries that could impede the implementation of Alliant Energy's plans; political conditions in Alliant Energy's service territories; changes to Alliant Energy's access to capital markets; and economic conditions in Alliant Energy's service territory. These factors should be considered when evaluating the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The forward-looking statements included herein are made as of the date hereof and Alliant Energy and Interstate Power and Light Company undertake no obligation to update publicly such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Settlement terms Size cap: up to 500 megawatts

Cost cap: $1,830 /kW, including allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) and transmission costs

/kW, including allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) and transmission costs Return on common equity: 11%

Return on common equity used in calculating the AFUDC rate to be the higher of the outcome of the next rate case or 10%

Depreciable life of 40 years, unless changed as a result of a contested case before the Iowa Utilities Board

Alliant Energy's Iowa customers shall be entitled to the full value of any environmental attributes, beyond those needed for compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements, associated with investment included in IPL's Iowa jurisdictional rate base

customers shall be entitled to the full value of any environmental attributes, beyond those needed for compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements, associated with investment included in IPL's jurisdictional rate base Alliant Energy is permitted to include in Iowa rates the actual cost of the wind project up to the cost cap without need to establish prudence, but required to establish the prudence of any cost in excess of the cost cap

rates the actual cost of the wind project up to the cost cap without need to establish prudence, but required to establish the prudence of any cost in excess of the cost cap Cancellation cost recovery, if applicable, amortized over 10 years

Defer double leverage discussion to future rate case

Withdrawal of renewable energy rider proposal Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20020405/LNTLOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/alliant-energy-reaches-agreement-with-customer-groups-on-proposed-wind-project-300343812.html SOURCE Alliant Energy Corporation

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[October 12, 2016] Fitch Expects to Rate Sprint Spectrum Securitization Series 2016-1 Class A Notes; Issues Presale

Link to Fitch Ratings' Report: Sprint Spectrum (News - Alert) Securitization https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/888857 Fitch Ratings expects to rate the up to $3.5 billion series 2016-1 class A notes to be issued by Sprint (News - Alert) Spectrum Co LLC (the Master Issuer), Sprint Spectrum Co II LLC (Co-Issuer II) and Sprint Spectrum Co III LLC (Co-Issuer III) 'BBB', Outlook Stable. A full list of rating actions follows at the end of this release. The issuance, which is the first out of a $7 billion program, will be backed by hell-or-high water lease payment obligations from Sprint Communications Inc. (SCI) which in turn are guaranteed by Sprint Corporation and all of SCI's subsidiaries that guarantee the Existing Credit Agreements. Additionally, as part of the financing structure, the wireless spectrum licenses that give right to the lease payments will be contributed to wholly owned subsidiaries of the issuing entity (true sale). The financing will also be collateralized by a pledge of the equity of the license holding entities and certain transaction accounts. Notes will be rated to timely payment of interest and ultimate payment of principal by the legal maturity date. Legal final maturity is 18 months after the expected maturity of the A-3 notes. The rating reflects; SCI's Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of 'B+'; its Going Concern Assessment (GCA) score (GC 2); an Affirmation Factor of 'High' indicating the likelihood of the company's affirmation of the related lease obligations following a bankruptcy filing; an 18 month liquidity facility and recovery prospects. The rating is capped at the 'BBB' level given the lack of significant precedent, limited data related to valuations and uncertainties as to the timing of foreclosure and recoveries. KEY RATING DRIVERS Credit Quality of the Lessee: Cash flows backing the transaction will come from hell-or-high water lease payment obligations from SCI. The IDR of the Lessee acts as the starting point for the analysis. SCI, a wholly owned subsidiary, of Sprint Corporation, is rated 'B+', Outlook Stable. Performance Risk and Going Concern Assessment Score: Timely payment on the bonds may depend on the ongoing performance of Sprint as the Lessee. SCI's GC score of 2 acts, which acts as a cap for the assessment of Sprint continuing to operate, could allow for a 4 notch differential between the Sprint IDR and the issuance PD rating. Strategic Nature of the Assets: Fitch considers the Affirmation Factor (i.e. the likelihood that Sprint would view this obligation as strategic and would affirm the lease in the event of a bankruptcy) as high. The strategic importance of the assets to Lessee's operations coupled with the structural incentives in place support this assessment. The assessment of high allows the transaction to obtain the maximum four notch uplift from the company's IDR which is commensurate with the GC 2 score. Liquidity Facility in Place: The transaction benefits from an 18 month liquidity facility. This facility can be used if there is any disruption in lease payments during a Sprint bankruptcy or reorganization process. Additionally, the liquidity will be used in the case of lease rejection by Sprint in order to meet timely interest payments during the foreclosure, re-marketing, and sales process. Recovery Potential: While sales proceeds are expected to be sufficient to repay all outstanding debt, even significantly stressed recovery levels would generate a high level of recovery on the notes. Fitch ran several stressed assumptions on the valuation with recoveries deemed Outstanding (greater than 90%) in the majority of all scenarios. This recovery benefit would allow the transaction to obtain a two notch benefit from the 'BBB-' PD rating. However, the rating was capped at 'BBB' for the reasons described below. Transaction Rating Capped: Although the IDR of the corporate entity, the GCA score, the affirmation factor, and the potential recovery proceeds allow for a rating of 'BBB+', the lack of significant precedent, the limited data related to valuations and uncertainties related to the timing of foreclosure and recoveries, Fitch elected to cap the transaction rating at 'BBB'. Back-up Manager Role: In Fitch's view, the role of Midland, a division of PNC (News - Alert) Bank, N.A. ('A+'/Outlook Stable), as back up servicer and control party provides additional protections and safeguards related to the collateral. Given Sprint's role as the manager of the collateral, the backup manager protects investors from misaligned incentives. In addition to day to day oversight, the backup manager plays a key role related to the foreclosure process as in an event of a manager replacement event it will direct sale of the business and/or liquidation of collateral, with approval of Controlling Class Representative. Asset Isolation and Legal Structure: Notes define default as occurring when an interest payment is missed (after the expiration of the liquidity facility) or in the event that full principal is not repaid at legal final maturity. However, the proposed structure contemplates events, such as lease payment default and manager termination events, in which the investors can dispose of the collateral before an event of default is declared. The trust structure used allows creditors to gain access to the collateral in the case of a collateral disposition event. These elements not only may increase overall recovery, but they increase the willingness of the Lessee to meet the monthly lease payments on a timely basis. RATING SENSITIVITIES Although the rating is sensitive to changes in the credit quality of SCI, the capped 'BBB' rating would be able to ithstand a one notch downgrade of Sprint's IDR. However, a significant downgrade of SCI's IDR could lead to a downgrade of the notes. In addition, a change in Fitch's adjusted valuation of the collateral that would result in a reduction of the recovery prospect estimations may lead to a downgrade.



DUE DILIGENCE USAGE No third-party due diligence was provided or reviewed in relation to this rating action.

Fitch expects to assign the following ratings: --Series 2016-1 5 year class A-1 notes 'BBB'; Outlook Stable; --Series 2016-1 7 year class A-2 notes 'BBB'; Outlook Stable; --Series 2016-1 10 year class A-3 notes 'BBB'; Outlook Stable. Additional information is available at www.fitchratings.com. Applicable Criteria Counterparty Criteria for Structured Finance and Covered Bonds (pub. 01 Sep 2016) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/886006 Criteria for Rating Caps and Limitations in Global Structured Finance Transactions (pub. 16 Jun 2016) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/882401 Future Flow Securitization Rating Criteria (pub. 14 Sep 2016) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/887175 Global Structured Finance Rating Criteria (pub. 27 Jun 2016) https://www.fitchratings.com/site/re/883130 Additional Disclosures Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1013035 Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1013035 Endorsement Policy https://www.fitchratings.com/regulatory ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTPS://WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON (News - Alert) THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEB SITE AT WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA, AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE, AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE CODE OF CONDUCT SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE. Copyright  2016 by Fitch Ratings, Inc., Fitch Ratings Ltd. and its subsidiaries. 33 Whitehall Street, NY, NY 10004. Telephone: 1-800-753-4824, (212) 908-0500. Fax: (212) 480-4435. Reproduction or retransmission in whole or in part is prohibited except by permission. All rights reserved. In issuing and maintaining its ratings and in making other reports (including forecast information), Fitch relies on factual information it receives from issuers and underwriters and from other sources Fitch believes to be credible. Fitch conducts a reasonable investigation of the factual information relied upon by it in accordance with its ratings methodology, and obtains reasonable verification of that information from independent sources, to the extent such sources are available for a given security or in a given jurisdiction. The manner of Fitch's factual investigation and the scope of the third-party verification it obtains will vary depending on the nature of the rated security and its issuer, the requirements and practices in the jurisdiction in which the rated security is offered and sold and/or the issuer is located, the availability and nature of relevant public information, access to the management of the issuer and its advisers, the availability of pre-existing third-party verifications such as audit reports, agreed-upon procedures letters, appraisals, actuarial reports, engineering reports, legal opinions and other reports provided by third parties, the availability of independent and competent third- party verification sources with respect to the particular security or in the particular jurisdiction of the issuer, and a variety of other factors. Users of Fitch's ratings and reports should understand that neither an enhanced factual investigation nor any third-party verification can ensure that all of the information Fitch relies on in connection with a rating or a report will be accurate and complete. Ultimately, the issuer and its advisers are responsible for the accuracy of the information they provide to Fitch and to the market in offering documents and other reports. In issuing its ratings and its reports, Fitch must rely on the work of experts, including independent auditors with respect to financial statements and attorneys with respect to legal and tax matters. Further, ratings and forecasts of financial and other information are inherently forward-looking and embody assumptions and predictions about future events that by their nature cannot be verified as facts. As a result, despite any verification of current facts, ratings and forecasts can be affected by future events or conditions that were not anticipated at the time a rating or forecast was issued or affirmed. The information in this report is provided "as is" without any representation or warranty of any kind, and Fitch does not represent or warrant that the report or any of its contents will meet any of the requirements of a recipient of the report. A Fitch rating is an opinion as to the creditworthiness of a security. This opinion and reports made by Fitch are based on established criteria and methodologies that Fitch is continuously evaluating and updating. Therefore, ratings and reports are the collective work product of Fitch and no individual, or group of individuals, is solely responsible for a rating or a report. The rating does not address the risk of loss due to risks other than credit risk, unless such risk is specifically mentioned. Fitch is not engaged in the offer or sale of any security. All Fitch reports have shared authorship. Individuals identified in a Fitch report were involved in, but are not solely responsible for, the opinions stated therein. The individuals are named for contact purposes only. A report providing a Fitch rating is neither a prospectus nor a substitute for the information assembled, verified and presented to investors by the issuer and its agents in connection with the sale of the securities. Ratings may be changed or withdrawn at any time for any reason in the sole discretion of Fitch. Fitch does not provide investment advice of any sort. Ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Ratings do not comment on the adequacy of market price, the suitability of any security for a particular investor, or the tax-exempt nature or taxability of payments made in respect to any security. Fitch receives fees from issuers, insurers, guarantors, other obligors, and underwriters for rating securities. Such fees generally vary from US$1,000 to US$750,000 (or the applicable currency equivalent) per issue. In certain cases, Fitch will rate all or a number of issues issued by a particular issuer, or insured or guaranteed by a particular insurer or guarantor, for a single annual fee. Such fees are expected to vary from US$10,000 to US$1,500,000 (or the applicable currency equivalent). The assignment, publication, or dissemination of a rating by Fitch shall not constitute a consent by Fitch to use its name as an expert in connection with any registration statement filed under the United States securities laws, the Financial Services and Markets Act of 2000 of the United Kingdom, or the securities laws of any particular jurisdiction. Due to the relative efficiency of electronic publishing and distribution, Fitch research may be available to electronic subscribers up to three days earlier than to print subscribers. For Australia, New Zealand, Taiwan and South Korea only: Fitch Australia Pty Ltd holds an Australian financial services license (AFS license no. 337123) which authorizes it to provide credit ratings to wholesale clients only. Credit ratings information published by Fitch is not intended to be used by persons who are retail clients within the meaning of the Corporations Act 2001 View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012006338/en/

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[October 12, 2016] Jeunesse Honored as Company of the Year in 8th Annual Golden Bridge Awards

Global youth enhancement company Jeunesse has recently been selected as Company of the Year in the Consumer Products sector of the 2016 Golden Bridge Awards, receiving the prestigious Gold award. This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012006357/en/ The coveted Golden Bridge Awards program was created to recognize the achievements and positive contributions of organizations and businesses worldwide in every area. This annual business awards program honors the best companies of all types and sizes in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific and Latin America, as well as the best products, innovations, management teams, women in business, and PR and marketing campaigns. Organizations from around the globe are eligible to submit nominations, including public and private, for-profit and non-profit, largest to smallest and new start-ups.



Jeunesse received this important award after a year in which the company reached a milestone $1 billion in annual sales, expanded operations to include 4 of the top 5 direct selling markets worldwide and received numerous accolades for company operations, executive management and marketing efforts - including being ranked #481 on the Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing companies in America. This award marks the seventh Company of the Year award Jeunesse has garnered in as many years of business.

A complete list of Golden Bridge Awards winners is available at goldenbridgeawards.com/world/. About Jeunesse Jeunesse is a global direct selling company with a mission to positively impact the world by helping people look and feel young, while empowering them to unleash their potential. The company's exclusive skin care and nutritional products form a comprehensive Youth Enhancement System. With multilingual customer service, back office support and a global enrollment system, Jeunesse utilizes a cutting-edge platform to share innovative products, training and support through 32 fully operational offices to markets in over 130 countries. Learn more at jeunesseglobal.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012006357/en/

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[October 12, 2016] Cloud Migration Services Market by Service Type, Application, and Region - Global forecast to 2021

LONDON, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- "Growing trend of workload migration to cloud, demand for strategic business processes, and the need for reduced operational costs are driving the cloud migration services market" The cloud migration services market size is estimated to grow from USD 2.42 billion in 2016 to USD 7.06 billion by 2021, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 23.9% from 2016 to 2021.The cloud migration services market is driven by factors such as increased migration of workloads to cloud environment by Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) and the inclination of enterprises toward improved security & increased business agility. Fear of vendor lock-in, risk of data loss, and cloud interoperability are some of the major restraints and challenges in the market.



"Professional services segment to have high growth rate during the forecast period"

Professional services segment includes training & consulting and support & maintenance. Migration consulting service providers identify the workloads that are fit for migration on cloud environment, thus, saving on resources and costs before migrating the entire workload. Training services aim at providing various education programs to mitigate the knowledge gaps. The support, training, and maintenance services segment provides customer-support abilities to the industry verticals in case of security threats and privacy breaches. Companies actively provide online training resources such as user guides, blog articles, white papers, video instructions, and forums to their clients.



"North America is expected to hold the largest share of the market, whereas Asia-Pacific (APAC) is projected to grow at the highest growth rate"

North America is expected to hold the largest market share in 2016, while APAC is the fastest-growing region in terms of CAGR. Factors such as improved IT infrastructure, growing internet penetration, and increasing number of connected devices are supporting the growth of the cloud migration services market in APAC.

In the process of determining and verifying the market size for several segments and sub segments gathered through secondary research, extensive primary interviews were conducted with key people. The break-up of profiles of primary participants is given beow as:







- By Company: Tier 1  40%, Tier 2  33%, and Tier 3  27%

- By Designation: C level  42%, Director level  38%, Others  20%

- By Region: North America  56%, Europe  25%, APAC  12%, ROW- 7%



Migrating workloads in real-time, integration of existing infrastructure into cloud system, cloud assessment, faster deployments, and automated disaster recovery are some of the upcoming trends in the cloud migration services market. Cloud migration services have enabled efficient business operations and improved security along with collaborative working across different geographical locations.





The various key cloud migration services vendors and service providers profiled in the report are as follows:

1. Amazon Web Services ( Seattle, Washington , U.S.)

2. IBM Corporation ( Armonk, New York , U.S.)

3. Microsoft Corporation ( Redmond, Washington , U.S.)

4. Google, Inc. ( Mountain View, California , U.S.)

5. Cisco Systems ( San Jose, California , U.S.)

6. WSM ( St. Clair Shores, Michigan , U.S.)

7. Computer Sciences Corporation ( Falls Church, Virginia , U.S.)

8. Rackspace, Inc. (Windcrest, Texas , U.S.)

9. RightScale, Inc. ( Santa Barbara, California , U.S.)

10. Verizon Enterprise Solutions ( New York , U.S.)

11. NTT Data Corporation (Koto-Ku, Tokyo, Japan )

12. VMware Inc. ( Palo Alto, California , U.S.)





Scope of the Report

The report covers detailed information regarding the major factors influencing the growth in the cloud migration services market, such as drivers, restraints, challenges, and opportunities. A detailed analysis of the key industry players has been done to provide insights into their business overview, products & services, key strategies, new product launches, mergers & acquisitions, partnerships, agreements, collaborations, and recent developments associated with the cloud migration services market.



Reasons to buy this report:

From an insight perspective, this research report has focused on various levels of analysisindustry analysis (industry trends), market analysis of top players, value chain analysis, and company profiles, which together comprise and discuss the basic views on the competitive landscape; emerging and high-growth segments of the cloud migration services market; high-growth regions; and market drivers, restraints, and opportunities.



The report provides insights on the following pointers:

- Market Penetration: Comprehensive information on cloud migration services offered by the top players in the global cloud migration services market



- Product Development/Innovation: Detailed insights on upcoming technologies, research & development activities, and new product launches in the cloud migration services market



- Market Development: Comprehensive information about lucrative emerging marketsthe report analyzes the markets for cloud migration services across regions



- Market Diversification: Exhaustive information about new products, untapped regions, recent developments, and investments in the global cloud migration services market





Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4214592/



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/cloud-migration-services-market-by-service-type-application-and-region---global-forecast-to-2021-300343946.html SOURCE ReportBuyer

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Delphi man arrested in killings of Libby German, Abby Williams

Richard Allen of Delphi, Indiana, was charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of two teen girls who had been hiking.
This decision is simple

In a time when it seems that it is hard to know what to do, where do you turn?

Not every decision has to do with Republicans, Democrats, male or female. Among all this anger, name calling and indecision with leadership in the country, the community of Fremont stands tall and strong. Tall and strong in their efforts to see the need and willingness to help local fellow Nebraskans with a matter of life and health.

We all know family members, friends or co-workers who have or are dealing with major health problems.

The annual 2016 giving campaigns for the Community Health Charities has begun and is showing great success with a strong start thanks to the big hearts of the people in Fremont.

The schools, hospital, businesses of all sizes along with organizations such as the Fremont Area Association of Retired School Personnel will all band together to support the 19 charities represented by Community Health Charities of Nebraska.

Donations made by workplace giving campaigns allow employees to make their personal choices of where their financial support will go. Yes, blue collar, white collar and retirees are making their choices. The giving campaigns of Fremont were recognized by CHC of NE in their annual community report and at their annual meeting.

If your business or employer has not established a giving campaign it is never too late to start one. Join us as we stand tall, hand in hand helping fellow Nebraskans all over our great state. There is no indecision in this 2016 campaign. Your donation is 100 percent invested where you select. It is an honor to work with the strong people of Fremont who stand tall for a healthy life. May your goals, dreams and good health be a reality.

Ruth Register

Local coordinator and advocate

Fremont area Community Health Charities of Nebraska
Having recently returned to announce a string of new national tour dates, Kingswood are set to reclaim the Aussie rock and roll crown with their barn-burning new single Creepin, which arrives complete with a new music video.

The first single since the release of Kingswoods acclaimed debut album, Microscopic Wars, guitarist Alex Laska describes Creepin as a song about the darker and more lustful parts of ones mind, when longing for an object or person of desire.

The idea being an attempt at reconciliation of the thought itself when the reality is an insatiable quest that ultimately transforms the protagonist entirely from something quite innocent and pure into a more sinister, powerful self through recognition of this transformation.

Meanwhile, the bands upcoming dates will give fans in capital cities and regional centres a chance to see the band on stages they havent seen since their earlier days. Kingswood will also be previewing material from their eagerly anticipated sophomore album.

Kingswood National Tour Dates

Friday, 4th November 2016

Chinchilla Event Fusions On The Field With Alex Dyson QLD

Tickets: Kingswood

Saturday, 5th November 2016

Spotted Cow, Toowoomba QLD

Tickets: Kingswood

Friday, 11th November 2016

Jive Bar, Adelaide SA

Tickets: Kingswood

Saturday, 12th November 2016

Blues At Bridgetown, Bridgetown WA

Tickets: Kingswood

Sunday, 13th November 2016

96FM Kick Start Summer Of Music Concert Perth WA

Tickets: Kingswood

Thursday, 17th November 2016

Imperial Hotel, Sydney NSW

Tickets: Kingswood

Friday, 18th November 2016

SSA, Albury NSW

Tickets: Kingswood

Saturday, 19th November 2016

Howler, Melbourne VIC

Tickets: Kingswood

Thursday, 24th November 2016

Wooly Mammoth, Brisbane QLD

Tickets: Kingswood

Saturday, 26th November 2016

Base Magnetic Island, Townsville QLD

Tickets: Kingswood
Community radio music directors often have an encyclopaedic knowledge of local music and an insatiable thirst to keep their ears ahead of the curve. So in this Tone Deaf series, the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (Amrap) invites music directors to highlight new Aussie tunes that you might have missed.

In this edition, Cam Durnsford from PBS FM in Melbourne contributes with a selection of tracks currently making their way to community radio through Amraps music distribution service AirIt.

Check out Cams selections below and if youre a musician you can apply here to have your music distributed for free to community radio on Amraps AirIt.

Corin  Void

The second taste of Corin Iletos forthcoming Virtuality EP  her first for Melbourne label Wondercore Island  is another beguiling piece of formless electronica, paired with one of the most jaw-dropping videos Ive seen in a good while. Sonically and visually there are echoes of Venezuelan uber-producer Arca and his frequent collaborator Jesse Kanda  Corin and visual artist Tristan Jalleh immersing us in a dystopia that isnt a world away from our current lot.

Corins live performances betray her origins as a classically trained pianist and bring with them an intensity that you might not expect from a solo artist with a few synths and a sampler. Theres a physicality about it that is at once beautiful and brutal  much like the dark realm depicted in Void.

The Peep Tempel  Totality

Is there a better storyteller in Australian music than The Peep Tempels Blake Scott right now? I think not. I was lucky enough to get an advance copy of the bands third album Joy about six weeks ago and have not stopped listening to it since. The narrative world the band creates and the characters that occupy it have an uncanny familiarity about them; this, and the fact that the songs are just so fucking good makes every tune on the record feel like an instant classic.

Thats not to say theyre wheeling out the exact same formula as 2014s breakthrough Tales here. Lead single Rayguns says more about the dire state of our national psyche and global politics than it does about the minutiae of the domestic relationships that seem to be the plot device for many of The Peep Tempels songs, while Totality ventures into more surreal waters (see what I did there) than weve encountered before.

Julia Jacklin  Pool Party

Its hard to pick one track, but this opening cut from Sydney artist Julia Jacklins Dont Let the Kids Win is a good contender for standout on an incredibly assured debut. Jacklin weaves elements of indie rock and alt-country into something thats evocative of contemporaries like Angel Olsen or Sharon Van Etten, and yet entirely her own across the 11 tracks.

Pool Party is among the more plaintive moments. While Jacklins exquisite voice is obviously a major focus, the arrangements and production are also top notch.

Prequel  Saints Ft. Cazeaux O.S.L.O.

The first time I heard this I thought it was a Theo Parrish jam! The jazzy feel and the declaration of black pride wouldnt be out of place in one of Detroit legends 12s  no doubt Melbournes Prequel has a few of those in his collection. Taken from Freedom Jazz Dance Prequels second release for UK label Rhythm Section International, this one is guaranteed to get a heavy rinse on Melbourne dancefloors for the foreseeable future.

I remember the first time I heard LCD Soundsystems Losing My Edge I went straight out and found out everything I could about all the artists James Murphy namechecks at the end. Thanks to Melbourne MC Cazeaux O.S.L.O.s contribution, Saints might have the same effect for many.

Wet Lips/Cable Ties  Shame/Cut Me Down

Two slices of vital garage punk from a couple of Melbournes current live favourites, lending life to the one of my favourite formats  the double A-side split 7. Cable Ties debut 7 from earlier this year has already become the stuff of Discogs speculators  blink and youll miss this one too.

Shame kicks off with a buzzsaw SG sound that takes me to Brisbane 76 with some killer three-part harmonies on the hook, while Cut Me Down takes one of the Ties signature post-punk bass lines as an anchor for Jenny McKechnies wail and shred. Both cuts are a defiant middle-finger salute to the patriarchy  sadly, somehow still necessary in 2016.

friendships  The Roof

Heavy, heavy vibe from this stunning audiovisual duo. Much has been said about how artists draw inspiration from pain and suffering  though perhaps not often as directly as in this case. The Roof has its genesis in friendships Misha Grace having a near-death experience after falling from a Brooklyn rooftop a few years back.

Thankfully she was OK, and friendships have only gotten better for the experience, with a triumphant set at Golden Plains and then the best Australian electronic album of the year in Nullarbor 1988-1989. Graces visuals are an essential component of what friendships do, and only serve to intensify Nic Browns dark take on jungle and techno (and other things besides)  if you havent yet, see them live as soon as you can.
If youre anything like us, you did a major Wait, what? when you heard Australian politician Anthony Albanese was responsible for saving Sticky Fingers from breaking up, but its true. Just ask Stickys bassist Paddy Cornwall.

The band came very close to breaking up last year. There was this point where it wasnt going to go on, Paddy revealed in an interview with Music Feeds. we couldnt get some visas sorted to get over to our tour of the States. So morale for the band was pretty low and we felt like if we werent going to get over there, that mightve been it for us.

But then miraculously, we got it sorted. Anthony Albanese got wise to the fact that we were having some trouble because of minor criminal record stuff like drink driving charges et cetera. But it turns out he was a fan of the band, so he got us all cleared and got us over there.

Yep, you can thank Albo for bringing Sticky Fingers back from the brink of collapse. According to Paddy, it was on the bands recent US tour that the bandmates, who hadnt spoken in months, reconnected and remembered why they love being in a band so much in the first place.

Speaking to The Huffington Post, Albo himself has since revealed just what went on behind the scenes and how he became the Newtown bands guardian angel in their time of need. They had a big tour booked and it was getting closer to when they had to leave on the tour, he told HuffPo.

Obviously having sold out concerts in the USA is a big deal for an Aussie band. It would have been a disaster for them if they hadnt been able to tour. They contacted us, I spoke to the U.S. ambassador John Berry who I know, and essentially it got fixed pretty quickly.

It was just one of those things, it just needs a push sometimes. The bureaucracy can sometimes take a long time in the U.S. and Australia. Albo said he was happy to help out a bunch of local boys who hailed from his inner-west electorate.

They are locals, inner-west lads and some of them went to Newtown Performing Arts High, he said. I was aware of the band because of that and my interest in music, and the fact many of their songs are about the inner-west.

Theyve got a song called Australia Street, which is the street where my son went to school. Theres an Australian economic interest here as well. Ambassador Berry understood that a successful Australian band is essentially an export. It was a good thing to be able to get sorted.

STICKY FINGERS NATIONAL TOUR DATES

Friday 28 October

Enmore Theatre, Sydney

Friday 4 November

The Tivoli, Brisbane

Saturday 5 November

NightQuarter, Gold Coast

Friday 11 November

Odeon Theatre, Hobart

Saturday 12 November

Festival Hall, Melbourne

Friday 18 November

Metro City, Perth

Saturday 19 November

Thebarton Theatre, Adelaide

Wednesday 30 November

Beyond The Valley Music Festival, Lardner VIC
The UMKC Libraries are partnering with KCUR and the UMKC Friends of the Library to host two moderated panel discussions exploring the life and work of Leon Jordan as well as his impact on current and future black politics in Kansas City.

"Leon Jordan was a well-known and highly respected politician and civil rights leader in Kansas City and Missouri. He has often been hailed as one of the most influential African Americans in Kansas City history and, at the time of his death, the state's most powerful black politician.





"As a prominent member of Kansas City society, Jordan's infamous murder and the mysteries surrounding it rattled the Kansas City community. But his memory and legacy live on to encourage the continued growth of black social and political leaders in Kansas City and beyond."

Notes on an upcoming event and Kansas City old school politics . . .Local history . . .You decide . . .
Fox4: Prosecutors filed charges on Tuesday against two men they believe kidnapped and sexually assaulted a Johnson County sheriff's deputy late Friday night.





William Luth and Brady Newman-Caddell are both charged with aggravated kidnapping, two rape charges each and aggravated sodomy in connection to the case.

"Authorities say the kidnappers followed the victim, a Johnson County Sheriff's deputy, who had worked at the department for about six months, from a QuikTrip at E. Santa Fe and South Ridgeview to the central booking facility at 101 Kansas Avenue where the abduction occurred at about 11:30 p.m. The victim was released between 1 and 1:30 a.m. on NE Todd George Parkway in the area of I-470 and Woods Chapel Road where she was instructed to keep her head covered while they sped away.





"She then walked north until reaching the Jackson County Sheriff's Office in Lee's Summit where she got help."

In an attack that was described as "horrific" and "premeditated" against local law enforcement . . . Here's a glimpse at suspects . . .Deets . . .More info on the crime with which they're charged:Developing . . .
y.

The reality here is that KCUR and the Pitch don't pay well and the former newspaper journalists working those prized gigs are getting paid less than fast food workers if at all.

PLEASE OFFER YOUR SUGGESTIONS FOR THE NEW "YAEL ON THE TRAIL" BLOG AND LET'S HELP THIS FORMER NEWSPAPER DUDE TRANSITION INTO THE KANSAS CITY BLOGGING LIFE!!!

Yael Abouhalkah is now a Kansas City blogger.The former Kansas City Star columnist recently debuted his project with some kind words from friends, former colleagues and fellow progressives. It's a nice looking site that seems like one of the better templates from Wix.Take a look:At first glance it doesn't look that much different than the stuff he has been writing at his former gig for decades. It's not bad but eversingle. columnist. who has started a blog in Kansas City has failed to successfully transition to the writing life after support from the mainstream media is gone. From the Wildman to the Irishman . . . More than anything their content kinda just feels like reading a newspaper and if people wanted that . . . For the moment, they can go read a newspaper.The ambitious newspaper journalists who still need a check to keep the lights on all went to TV news . . . Like. . . It's a soulless and backbreaking industry but it pays and there's always a bit of a thrill to see a hottie reporter repeat the words of a much more knowledgeable producer. Also, the audience at any local TV station nearly triples the number of old people still looking at newsprint.And so . . .Yael (We're on a first name basis now that he's a blogger) . . . Promised to break out of his shell and share "what he really thinks" about Trump and Brownback and that might be what saves him from the horrible fate of the blogging doldrums endured by his colleagues and predecessors in the local blogosphere who typically lose interest in their own writing most of the week.But I digress . . .We don't hold grudges here @ TKC and we always want to help a blogger colleague . . . Given that, yes, like it or not . . .. . .So here goes . . .Somebody remind me to send him a gift certificate to Starbucks and some snack cakes . . .
Many tragedies throughout history have been justified by the excuse I was only following orders. The international community has sought to solve this problem. Regulations governing the behavior of armed forces were expanded to cover the entire world following the Nuremberg War Crimes Trials after World War II. However, there have been a number of critical battles fought throughout history that were only won because someone didnt follow orders. Sometimes disobeying orders can turn the tide of major battles which might have affected the course of entire wars.

Although discipline is crucial for the performance of any military, there are those rare times when it was important to not follow orders. In the interest of accurate information, we have limited this list to events that occurred since the 18th century. Here are ten of the most famous instances since then. As Napoleon Bonaparte, who knew something about military life, said in 1817, Insubordination may only be evidence of a strong mind.

10. Battle of Copenhagen  Napoleonic Wars, 1801

Horatio Nelson has frequently been called Britains finest sailor. In addition to his unequalled ability to motivate those under him, he was a tactical wizard who didnt let minor details like orders from his superiors constrain him. By not obeying orders, Nelson was able to win critical battles. The Battle of Copenhagen in 1801 is one illustration of this habit.

In 1801, the British were fighting a critical battle against Denmark. Admiral Sir Hyde Parker was named commander of the the British forces. Since he was unable to take the larger ships too close to his enemy because of shallow water, Parker sent Nelson, his second in command, ahead with the lighter ships. When Parker thought things were going badly, he sent a signal to withdraw. One of Nelsons favorite ways to not follow orders, and thus win critical battles, was his unmatched ability to not see unwanted messages.

According to witnesses, when he he saw the signal, Nelson turned to Thomas Foley, his flag captain, and said You know Foley, I have only one eye  I have the right to be blind sometimes. He then raised his spyglass to his blind eye and said I really do not see the signal. Youve probably heard the phrase turning a blind eye when ignoring something obvious. If you ever wondered where it came from, thank Horatio Nelson and his willingness to ignore orders.

9. Battle of Hampton Roads  American Civil War, 1862

Captain John Marston of the US Navy provided a perfect example of how an officer can save a battle and probably a war by not obeying orders.

Early in the American Civil War, the Confederate Navy began converting the USS Merrimack into an ironclad warship. This would have made her essentially invulnerable to the Union forces which were blockading the southern ports. If she got loose and destroyed the Union blockade, there was an excellent possibility of Great Britain entering the war on the Confederacys side.

The Unions only chance was to build an ironclad of their own to stop the Merrimack (as noted by Edward L. Beach in The United States Navy: A 200-year History). Both sides raced to complete their vessels. While the Unions ironclad, the USS Monitor, was en route from New York, the Merrimack got under way and proceeded to massacre the Unions wooden ships guarding the critically important Norfolk harbor.

Against all logic, Gideon Welles, the U.S. Secretary of the Navy, insisted the Monitor must avoid battle and guard the Potomac River. When the Monitor arrived, her commanding officer reported to Marston for instructions. Despite Welles hysterical orders to have the Monitor avoid battle, Marston sent the Monitor to attack the Merrimack when she came out in the morning. Tactically, the next days Battle between the Ironclads was a draw. However, strategically it was a crucial Union victory which maintained the blockade and kept Great Britain out of the war. By disobeying orders, John Marston kept the south from winning the war.

8. Battle of Tannenberg  World War I, 1914

At the Battle of Tannenberg, the Imperial German Army encircled and crushed an invading Russian Army. Germany won this great victory because General Hermann Von Francois saved thousands of his troops by not following orders multiple times.

Initially, Von Francois was ordered to attack. He knew an assault by his forces before their supporting artillery arrived would have been suicide. He also knew he could afford to wait because he had seen intelligence reports which said the Russians wouldnt be moving yet. His superiors, despite having the same information, wanted him to go ahead anyway. Von Francois stalled them long enough to save many of his troops. He began his attack when he was ready, and was able to cut off a substantial part of the Russian Army.

Von Francois was later given another panicked order which he ignored, allowing him to completely encircle and trap most of the Russians. General Herrmann Von Francois had saved the day by not obeying idiotic orders.

7. Battle of Cowpens  American Revolutionary War, 1781

In 1781, Daniel Morgan was leading part of the American forces in the south. His commanding officer, General Nathaniel Greene, ordered him to limit operations to harassing the superior British Army. However, Morgan gained a huge victory for the Continental Army by not following orders. He learned that his major opponent would be the British Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton. Despised by the rebels for previously slaughtering American troops who were in the process of surrendering, he was called Bloody Tarleton. Morgan knew Tarleton could be overly aggressive and had little regard for the abilities of the rebel forces.

Despite his orders, Morgan saw an opportunity for a major victory. He set a trap, and Tarleton fell right in, barely escaping with his own life and a handful of his men. By not following orders, Daniel Morgan was able to dramatically change the entire course of the American Revolutionary War. In the process, he also greatly raised the morale of his troops by sending the hated Tarleton running away in disgrace.

6. Battle of Gettysburg  American Civil War, 1863

Captain William Millers actions are an excellent example of how not obeying orders can turn the tide of a battle. In this case, winning the day most likely decided an entire war.

At the beginning of July, 1863 the Union Army won the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg in the American Civil War. Robert E. Lee was leading the Confederate Army on an attack north into Pennsylvania where a major victory might have forced President Abraham Lincoln to quit the war.

In the third day of a battle that the south appeared to be winning, Miller had been ordered to hold his cavalry company in position. However, he could see the Confederate cavalry attacking the Union flank. Recognizing the danger, Miller knew he had to act, despite orders. He turned to his adjutant and asked for his support at the court martial Miller feared. When the lieutenant agreed, he ordered a charge.

Had Miller not violated orders, Lees cavalry would have reached the side of the Union line and turned their flank. Because of Millers quick action, the Confederate infantry was not supported, and their charge was crushed. This broke the back of the Confederate Army. Had they succeeded, the south probably would have won the battle and the war.

5. Sicilian Campaign  World War II, 1942

After defeating the Germans in North Africa, the Allies next planned to invade Sicily. Although the US Army had improved considerably since General George Pattons arrival, General Sir Harold Alexander, the British general in overall command of the operation, was unimpressed. US forces were assigned only supporting tasks, while British expected the leading role. To make matters even worse for the US Army, when the British ran into some difficulty, Patton was ordered to give up control of the road they were using. Pattons generals expected to see an explosion of his well-known temper. However, he calmly said these were the orders and that was that. Alexander authorized him to move his forces slightly to the west.

In addition to his other skills, Patton never failed to take advantage of an opportunity. Instead of slogging through difficult terrain just west of Montgomerys troops, he continued to the west coast and captured Palermo, which was a prize that was supposed to be reserved for the British. Just after Patton secured Palermo, an aide handed him an order from Alexander, which forbade him from taking the city. Patton replied Ask him if he wants us to give it back. He then turned north and captured Messina, which was also supposed to become a British prize, thereby trapping the remnants of the German forces. By not obeying orders, Patton drastically shortened the Sicilian campaign and demonstrated the US Armys abilities.

4. Battle of New Orleans  American Civil War, 1862

Admiral David Farragut is best remembered for exclaiming damn the torpedoes when the led the US Navy at the Battle of Mobile Bay in 1864. Despite that, his actions two years earlier at the Battle of New Orleans were far more important. At New Orleans, Farragut had been ordered to enter the Mississippi River and capture the city after reducing the defenses which guard the approaches. After thousands of shells had landed inside the fort with no apparent effect, Farragut realized the equipment he had would never be effective, and it would be impossible to reduce the defenses.

Since it was vital to get up the river in order to fulfill his important mission, and he lacked the proper weapons to disable the forts guarding the entrance, Farragut would have to disobey orders and proceed past the forts anyway. Although he defied written orders, thanks to his success Farragut was made the US Navys first admiral. His superiors realized he won only because he didnt follow their orders.

3. USS Constitution vs HMS Guerriere  War of 1812

The infant United States knew they could never hope to match the mighty Royal Navy in number of ships. Their only hope would be to build a small number of frigates which could be successful against the British in individual combat. By the War of 1812 a few of of these ships had been delivered. A nervous President James Madison had no intention of risking his tiny fleet in this manner. The US Navy would never learn if their plan would work. However, the United States was fortunate to have an officer who knew when not to follow orders.

Captain Isaac Hull, commanding the USS Constitution, one of these new frigates, had barely escaped into Boston harbor while being trailed by a force of five British warships. He knew as soon as Madison learned he was in Boston, Hull would be directed to remain in port. Rather than wait for this unwelcome order, he reprovisioned as rapidly as possible and put out to sea. The Constitution soon met the British frigate HMS Guerriere in combat. Hull would shock everyone by defeating the Guerriere. By not following orders, he gave America its first naval victory and proved the quality of its ships.

2. Battle of the Sinai Desert  Yom Kippur War, 1973

General Ariel Sharon was one of Israels most successful, and also most controversial commanders. You probably also remember him as the former prime minister of Israel. As a general, his superiors struggled, and usually failed, to control him. Once, when he was rebuked for not following orders, he yelled back Dont bother me with those things.

Although he was infuriating to his superiors, Sharons men loved him. He was known to everyone by his nickname, Arik. Some of them scrawled Arik, King of Israel on the sides of their tanks. By not obeying orders, Sharon frequently turned impending disasters into Israeli victories.

Sharons finest hour came in the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Egypt and Syria were able to launch a surprise attack. The Israeli forces guarding the east bank of the Suez Canal were overwhelmed. Two entire Egyptian armies were soon across the canal. Not long after Sharon arrived in the Sinai with a portion of his division, one of his patrols found a seam between the two Egyptian Armies, then massed in the Sinai Desert.

Naturally, Sharon suggested an attack there, which would split the Egyptian armies. His superiors told him to wait. After feuding with his commander, Sharon got his permission and crossed the canal. Once across, he was able to surround the entire Egyptian Army. The Egyptians soon agreed to a cease fire. By disobeying orders, Sharon turned an impending disaster into an Israeli victory.

1. Battle of Cape St. Vincent  Napoleonic Wars, 1797

As noted in entry 10, Horatio Nelson was a British sailing legend. In addition to his unequalled ability to motivate those under him, he was a tactical genius. Nelson didnt just think outside the box. In his mind, there was no box. By disobeying orders, Nelson was able to win critical battles that seemed lost. He first came to fame by his audacious actions at the Battle of Cape St. Vincent. During the entire age of sail, it was accepted practice to place the largest warships in a line so the maximum number of guns could be brought to bear.

Admiral Sir John Jervis, commanding the British fleet, ordered the British to form a line and engage the Spanish fleet. You never, ever, would intentionally break your line of battle. Unless, of course, your name was Horatio Nelson and you saw a way to win by breaking the cherished rules. Despite risking his career, when Nelson saw the Spanish fleet was about to escape, he swung his ship out of the line to cut them off. By not following orders, Nelson gave Britain a desperately needed victory.

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A large part of the money that was taken out of the banks between December 2014, when early elections were called after a President could not be elected, and the announcement for the referendum in June 2015, is stashed under 'mattresses', argued the Governor of the Bank of Greece Yannis Stournaras on Tuesday.

Asked by SYRIZA MPs why the Bank of Greece did not activate any tools to prevent the outflow of bank deposits in the first half of 2015 and why the European Central Bank did not provide Greece with unlimited funding to prevent the capital controls, the central bank responded that due to the freedom of movement of capital, the Bank of Greece cannot intervene and may only monitor.

As he told the parliamentary committee, bank deposits depend on trust, which in turn depends to a greater extent to the government's fiscal policy. At the time, depositors were insecure due to the delays in the government completing negotiations with the country's creditors, he added.

Furthermore, the central bankers stressed that the decision to introduce capital controls came after the Finance Minister at the time, Yanis Varoufakis, told the head of the ECB that Greece is a bankrupt country. Mr. Stournaras claims that he urged the ECB to 'not take Varoufakis into account', however that is not possible since he was Minister of Finance. Mr. Stournaras added that the former Minister convinced the ECB that with him in charge 'there was no return'. The governor noted that the urged that government in writing to 'reign him in'. The former Finance Minister has responded to the allegation, noting that a response will come in the Saturday edition of the Efimerida ton Syntakton and stated that those who pretend to have prevented the bankruptcy can carry on expanding it, until then.

Commenting on the decision to shut down the banks in the summer of 2016, Mr. Stournaras noted that after the referendum was announced, people withdrew 900 million euros up to Sunday evening. In such an environment, he explained, the ECB was unable to carrying on providing liquidity and that if the banks were to open, the system would crash due to the high demand for cash.

Mr. Stournaras also stated that he was not aware of bank executives urging their customers to send their money abroad. As she explained though, the largest portion of funds taken out of Greek banks in the second half of 2016 was withdrawn via ATMs, rather than transferring funds to overseas banks. The Governor underlined that if the government did not complete the negotiations at the time, the country would not be covered by the bailout program, which is a condition to receive liquidity from the ECB. Greek banks did not have the necessary guarantees to receive further funding.

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The European Unions Finance Ministers convened on Monday and decided to split the 2.8 billion euro tranche into two, with the payment of the first portion of 1.1 billion euros being approved. The remaining 1.7 billion euros will be paid after the Euro Working Group convenes on 23 October and the Hellenic State has made significant progress [] towards the clearance of net arrears. This development had been announced earlier by Germanys Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble.

Eurogroup chairman Jeroen Dijsselbloem commented that we heard from the four institutions on the completion of the implementation of the 15 open milestones which enables us all to close the first review. Important reforms have been undertaken on pensions, energy sector, bank governance, as well as on the setting up of the privatization fund and the revenue agency.

This progress enables the ESM to disburse 1.1 billion euros remaining under the second tranche. There has also been substantial progress on arrears clearance in July and August, which is essential to strengthen the economic recovery. Technical work will continue to gather the September data. This always takes a number of weeks to complete these data, so that cannot be helped, it cannot be done faster. We hope and presume that before the end of October those data are available he further noted.

According to the Eurogroup chief the data will then be assessed by the institutions and on that basis the ESM Board of Directors could decide on the disbursement of 1.7 billion euros. So this is specifically for the clearance of arrears. So that's also good news, adding that we will now focus on the second review, which we expect to be completed swiftly and we will come back to that in next meetings.

Ministry of Finance statement causes tension in Parliament

In a statement that followed the meeting, the Ministry of Finance issued a statement explaining that the Eurogroup approved the 1.1 billion euros as all milestones have been implemented. The Minister added that the remaining 1.7 billion euros will be paid out after the official figures of arrears for July and August are made available alter in October.

In the heated debate in Parliament on corruption and vested interests, the main opposition party leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis claimed that the Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos announced that Greece does not the remaining 1.7 billion euros of the tranche. The Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras referred Mr. Mitsotakis to the comments of Eurogroup chief Dijsselbloem on completion of the 15 milestones.

The official statement of the Eurogroup

The Eurogroup welcomes the implementation by the Greek authorities of the set of 15 milestones in the context of the first review of the ESM programme. The Eurogroup commends the Greek authorities for adopting the necessary further measures to reform the pension system and the energy sector, to strengthen bank governance, to fully establish the new independent Revenue Agency and to proceed with the privatisation programme. The Eurogroup also notes the further progress in the set-up of the Privatisation and Investment Fund - the Hellenic Corporation of Assets and Participations (HCAP). The Eurogroup stresses that the appointment of the members of the Board of Directors of HCAP, including the Chairman and CEO positions, must be pursued as a matter of priority in order to make the fund fully operational before the end of 2016, in the context of the second review of the ESM programme. To this end, we welcome the commitment of the Greek authorities to ensure that the appointment process is in line with the requirements of the HCAP law to ensure that Board members are fully independent, professional and with clear experience and the corporate governance standards will be in line with international best practices.

The implementation of the milestones paves the way for the ESM Board of Directors to approve the remaining disbursement of EUR 1.1 bn under the second tranche for debt servicing needs.

The Eurogroup acknowledges that significant progress has been made towards the clearance of net arrears during July and August and notes the time required for completing the data for September, which would be later in October. The institutions' positive assessment of Greece's clearance of net arrears would pave the way for the ESM Board of Directors to approve the further release of EUR 1.7 bn, which will be disbursed to a dedicated account to be used for arrears clearance.

The Eurogroup will now turn its attention to the next stages of the ESM programme. We call on the Greek authorities to intensify their work with the institutions on the measures needed to complete the second review in a timely manner, and welcome the intention of the institutions to return to Athens in mid-October 2016.

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European Commissioner for Economic and Financial Affairs Pierre Moscovici on Monday said the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) Board of Governors had decided to disburse 1.1 billion euros of loans to Greece, linked to the first review. He said the decision was based on the compliance report prepared by the European Commission and the other institutions, showing that Greece had completed all remaining milestones.

"Today's decision to disburse 1.1 billion is an important step in this heavily front-loaded programme and it also opens the door for the second review of the programme to start," he said. "I am happy that we have reached this point and we must absolutely go on, as I said, to try to build a 'success story' with Greece now. We are on the right path," the Commissioner added.

He noted that these milestones included reforms on a number of key issues, including pensions, bank governance, energy, privatisation and others, covering all parts the Greek economy, and he thanked Finance Minister Euclid Tsakalotos and Greek authorities for their efforts to complete this work.

"The measures will lead to budget savings of about 3 pct [of GDP] between 2016 and 2018," he said, adding that he shared the view of Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem about the state of the Greek economy. "We have quite good news from growth and also fiscal execution."

Moscovici also welcomed the significant progress that has been made in arrears, noting that this "must and will continue" since it was critical for relieving pressure on the real economy in Greece.

He announced that teams from the institutions will return to Athens in October to start the technical work of the second review, which will move the focus from legislation to implementation of the reforms.

ESM chief Klaus Regling explained that the Eurogroup's decision had approved the disbursement politically and that the official decision for the disbursement of the 1.1 billion euros will be taken at the next ESM Board of Directors meeting in two weeks, on October 24. Regarding the remaining 1.7 billion euros, Regling said that this could possibly be disbursed at the same time, provided the institutions have received the missing data for September, showing that the target for net arrears clearance has been met.

He said that Greece had submitted figures for July and August showing that the 1.8 billion euros ear-marked for arrears clearance has been fully used for the purpose intended.

"For net clearance we need to know whether there have been any new arrears accumulating so that is what we are waiting for," he added.

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Greek Finance ministry has strengthened its legal weaponry against tax evasion with a new legal framework offering the possibility of automated exchange of information between services for all taxpayers included in foreign lists

Greek Finance ministry has strengthened its legal weaponry against tax evasion with a new legal framework offering the possibility of automated exchange of information between services for all taxpayers included in foreign lists, Finance Alternate Minister Tryfon Alexiadis said on Tuesday.

In an interview with Praktoreio 104.9 Fm radio station, Alexiadis said: "From now on we will expect more new lists," adding that: "With a new legal framework, tax agencies in countries we cooperate -not only on European level- automatically send their data to our tax agencies for control. From there onwards economic prosecutors take charge".

"We will do what our predecessor did not. The lists will not "travel" via any ministerial office, no one, not Mr. Tsakalotos, or Mr Pitsilis, or myself, know where these lists are," the minister said.

"The Finance ministry supports every stage of control, the new list will be related with other lists and all control procedures will move forward. After completion of controls we will call taxpayers," Alexiadis said, adding that those who have paid their taxes having nothing to fear, although others will have to pay fines envisaged by the law. He noted that all citizens must participate in a battle against tax evasion, smuggling and corruption.

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The blast totally destroyed the vehicle and the police has launched an investigation

The car of a Korydallos prison guard exploded outside his home in the area of Egaleo early on Tuesday morning.

According to the police, the bomb was planted on the cars rear side wheel on the drivers side, went off at around 3am. The blast totally destroyed car and the police has launched an investigation.

The Minister of Justice Nikos Paraskevopoulos commented that legality and equality in prisons are non-negotiable and that warned that the intimidation tactics will fail.

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More German enterprises are expected to come to Greece for commercial and investment cooperations in 2017, particularly in the sectors of tourism, food manufacturing, IT & communications and services, on the preconditions that political, economic and tax stability prevailed in the country and that specific counter-incentives will be scrapped, Matthias Hoffmann, director of Northern Greece department of the German-Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry said on Tuesday.

In an interview with ANA, Hoffmann said that the number of German businessmen contacting the Northern Greece department of the Chamber, seeking to examine potential cooperations, has increased significantly in the second half of 2016, compared with the same period last year, when concern over a poll, the imposition of capital controls and fears of a Grexit had almost frozen such contacts.

"There is interest from German enterprises on the Greek market. What we do not want to see, on investment level, is a repeat of what happened with photovoltaic enterprises which were burdened at a later stage. The state must ahdere to its pledges towards investors, by implementing and not amending laws. Additionally, improving a national regulatory framework on investments and funding opportunities from European programs could have a positive impact, along with political and tax stability," he noted.

"Investment interest is focused on sectors, such as tourism, food manufacturing and IT & communications. This interest could start initially through small investments and through Greek-German joint ventures. For example, investments on energy saving in hotels could be offset in two to four years. In general, there is investment interest as long as a good climate was safeguarded for foreign investments and investors. Until this happens, I think that German businessmen will wait," Hoffmann said.

The German-Greek Chamber of Commerce and Industry has launched a www.pro-greece.com platform to help promote business cooperation between the two countries. "There's mobility lately as several Greek enterprises offered their products. It was difficult to promote marketing in Germany with Grexit still on the table. Lately, however, investment interest restarted," Hoffmann said, noting that around 1,000 enterprises participated in the platform in May 2016.

He noted that German enterprises are seeking cooperations also in other sectors, such as services (architecture) given the fact that there was a large number of specialized workers who have studied in Germany and were affluent in German language.

The German-Greek Chamber in Thessaloniki organized a seminar on energy saving and renewable energy sources in the tourism sector in Greece. During the seminar, seven German enterprises (GeoClimaDesign AG, PBW, Spenso GmbH, Steinel Vertrieb GmbH, Ship & Industrie Service UG, Terra Tec-Geotermie GmbH and ELA Industrieprodukte GmbH), will have more than 100 B2B meetings with Greek enterprises. "The meetings are carefully planned to have focused contacts, with around 20 Greek enterprises," Hoffmann said.

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European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker stated on Tuesday evening that this is the moment for [Cyprus'] reunification. If we are missing this opportunity, this opportunity will never come back.

European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker stated on Tuesday evening that this is the moment for [Cyprus'] reunification. If we are missing this opportunity, this opportunity will never come back.

Juncker made the statement while speaking at a photo exhibition on the islands Committee on Missing Persons being held at the European Parliaments Brussels HQ.

The EC President was joined by EP President Martin Schulz at the photo exhibition who in turn expressed his hope that a solution to the Cyprus Problem will be found soon.

The EC is very mindful of the consequences of the tragic events of 1963-64 and 1974 for all Cypriots, stated Juncker.

Unanswered questions about missing persons prevent both communities from overcoming a painful past. This makes it so important for the families concerned to determine the fate of their loved ones.

Juncker outlined that the CMP has proven to be a successful confidence-building measure and strongly contributes to the reconciliation in Cyprus.

SUPPORT FOR BOTH LEADERS

The EC President also expressed his support for both Cyprus President Nicos Anastasiades and Turkish Cypriot leader Mustafa Akinci.

I am admiring the courage of Nicos and of Mustafa. I am admiring their perseverance, and I am admiring the progress they have made so far, commented Juncker.

A LOST CASE

The EC President further made clear his concern that if a solution will not be reached soon, it may never happen.

The young generations who have been born in a divided country, they are used, to some extent, to that division, he added.

If we are waiting another 20 years before bringing these two noble communities together, this will enter history as a lost case.

So, the Cypriot citizens have it in their hands: to do what previous generations were unable to do.

In order to achieve this you need patience, perseverance, courage  the patience, the perseverance and the courage one needs if one has great ambitions in one's heart and when one is crossing a long distance.

UN TALKS

Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and illegally occupied its northern third.

UN-led talks have been underway since May 2015, aiming to reunify the island under a federal roof.

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The European Union and Egypt have signed a 129 million ($142.3 million) package of financial assistance to support socio-economic development in Egypt.



The agreement was signed by Johannes Hahn, commissioner for European Neighbourhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations, and Dr Sahar Nasr, Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation, at a ceremony held in Cairo.



Hahn said: This package of financial assistance clearly underscores the European Union's strong support to the Egyptian people.



It will boost socio-economic development and improve the living conditions of Egyptian citizens. In addition it foresees measures in favour of strengthening the role of the civil society, he added.



The package is comprised of six financing agreements with a combined value of 129 million ($142.3 million, said a statement.



The agreements focus on improving the quality of life of Egyptian citizens by promoting inclusive economic growth, improving the living conditions in informal areas of Cairo, contributing to the provision of citizen rights, including gender equality, and supporting priority projects in the field of renewable energy and agricultural drainage, it stated.



Additionally, it includes support at institutional level to on-going reforms in the energy and water sectors, it said.



This support is in line with priorities that the EU and Egypt are setting for their partnership in the coming years, it added.  TradeArabia News Service




Oman-based Ithraa, a leading inward investment export development agency, and Irans Trade Promotion Organization recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to further broaden mutual co-operation in trade and investment.



The MoU was signed by Dr Ali bin Masoud Al Sunaidy, Omans Minister of Commerce and Industry; and Eng Mohammad Reza Nematzadeh, Irans Minister of Industry, Mine and Trade, at the recent sixth meeting of the Oman  Iran Economic Joint Committee held in Tehran, said a statement from Ithraa.



Irans middle to upper classes could potentially be a key market for Omani non-oil exporters, it added.



Research conducted by emerging markets research specialists, On Device Research suggests 73 per cent of Iranian consumers are interested in buying foreign products, as soon as they become available. What interests Iranian consumers the most is the opportunity to have access to better quality products.



According to Emad Al Shukaily, director general, Omans Economic Co-operation Office with Iran in Bandar Abbas, said: While the oil and gas sector gets much of the media attention, Irans diversified economy is attracting companies across industries.



It is the worlds largest exporter of cement, as well as pistachios, saffron and caviar. Shipping is another big earner. In particular, Irans nearly 80 million young, educated and urbanized population offer Omani non-oil exporters some very exciting opportunities, he said.



In an effort to boost maritime trade links between the sultanate and Iran, senior management at Ithraas Bandar Abbas office assisted Omans National Ferries Company (NFC) open a sales and service representative office in the southern Iran city, said a statement.



NFCs new sailing route, launched on September 25 is expected to be highly popular with businesses in both countries, it said.



Business commentators expect Iran to upgrade its rail network, ports and increase investment in infrastructure. Its automotive, telecoms, pharmaceutical and aerospace industries will also be looking to expand, while on the services side there is potential for Omani business in retail, professional services and tourism.



Iran is home to an almost unlimited range of opportunities for Omani businesses, Al Shukaily concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
Weifang Henglida Steel Structure Company (Lida Group), a leading manufacturer in China for prefabricated houses, PEB steel structures, container homes, and LGS villa homes, took part in the recently concluded The Big 5 Kuwait 2016.



The company had a successful show, officials said.



The Big event took place from September 25 to 27, and is Kuwait's first and foremost international building and construction exhibition.



The event showcased new and innovative products never before seen in Kuwait from 18 countries, bringing together over 5,000 professionals to network, conduct business and share information, said a statement.



With massive infrastructure and building projects underway and in the pipeline, Kuwait continues to offer suppliers of construction products and services great opportunities, it said.



After delivering a successful event, The Big 5 Kuwait is committed to building upon its success with its 5th anniversary event in 2017, it stated. - TradeArabia News Service


Planning for an early winter adventure? Travelers are definitely fortunate for Southwest Airlines is offering one-way flights as low as $49 in a flash sale for both domestic and international destinations.

Not like other flash sales that heavily restrict days of travel, Huffington Post says that these domestic flight deal are available for everyday of the week except Friday and Sunday. Also, sales like these can prompt other airlines to have their fares cheaper as well to attract customers as a means of competition. That's why, it's important to be on the lookout for hot deals from carriers who also fly the same route as Southwest.

Furthermore, the sale started Tuesday morning and lasts for only 72-hours.

For the prices, Oklahoma City, OK, Omaha, NE, Salt Lake City, UT only cost cost $49.

There are also places which you can go to that has a rate of just $79 - Albuquerque, Dallas, Houston, Las Vegas, Ontario, Seattle, and St. Louis among others.

Also, for $99 a traveler can visit places like Cleveland, Detroit, Nashville, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Diego, and Washington.

Boston Logan, Grand Rapids, Louisville, New York, Philadelphia will only cost you $129.

There are restrictions for the three day sale, one must book tickets by October 6th for trips between the dates below. According to KDVR:

Travel in the U.S. valid November 30, 2016 through December 20, 2016 and January 4, 2017 through February 15, 2017.

Travel to/from San Juan, Puerto Rico valid November 30, 2016 through December 8, 2016 and January 17, 2017 through March 2, 2017.

International travel valid November 30, 2016 through December 13, 2016 and January 10, 2017 through March 2, 2017.

As for an advice to interested customers, Dawn Gilbertson said, "Travelers can combine sale fares and other fares for a round-trip ticket. You might even find cheaper fares than the sale fares by using the calendar. I found one-way fares as low as $54 to Chicago in December, for example,"

He also recommended checking fares on other airlines "as they tend to match Southwest's sale fares on competing routes." It's important to keep in mind the baggage fees as well. Southwest reportedly accepts the first two checked bags for free, as long as it's not oversized.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
The street-level store marquee located in Bedford Avenue in the northern part of the hip Williamsburg neighborhood of Brooklyn, N.Y., relayed a sentiment which would appear unimaginable on the other side of the East River:

"Relax. We're open."

Brooklyn provides somehow a slower pace and smaller scale for visitors both familiar to and escaping from the warp speed of Manhattan. As a result, hotel development in the past few years reflects what is becoming more of a prime destination.

In Williamsburg, the McCarren Hotel & Pool opened across the street from McCarren Park in 2011, while the modern and towering William Vale hotel debuted last month, which is located one block west.

Visiting to the McCarren will make people experience the laid-back vibe of the area. The 64-room hotel change its name in 2013 and was recently part of local hotelier Ed Scheetz's Chelsea Hotels group. The facade of the hotel is glass and splashy and it softens its atmosphere upon entry to its green, funky lobby.

On a sunny day, the vibe becomes downright Vegas-like, with a multilevel pool area emphasized by blues, yellows and a healthy dose of salmon hues. However, on a Friday afternoon, it's certainly an absolute scene.

Built in 1901 as a textile factory, Wythe Hotel is more cosmopolitan now. It was redeveloped into a 70-room hotel in 2012 with an industrial-chic design motif that has since been adopted by various boutique hotels and a few chains.

The well-known restaurant Reynard features rooms with 15-foot-high ceilings, beds made of reclaimed wood and poured-concrete floors. According to Travel Weekly, the place offer views of the Manhattan skyline, while guests in lower-level rooms can check out the vintage signs painted on the side of the brick building next door.

Other newer hotels mirror a borough that is playing catch-up to Manhattan in terms of hotel development. While Manhattan has around as many hotels in its area, 70, as were opened during the past two years, Brooklyn's pipeline of 29 hotels is more than three times the eight that have opened in that borough since 2014, as told by NYC & Company which is the city's tourism bureau.

Watch the video below to witness how Williamsburg, Brooklyn New York continue to prove how it has the hottest hotels in the world:

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
Did you know that Blueberry Nutrigrain bars are not allowed in Norway, Finland or France? Haggis is, as well, illegal in the United States.

There are definitely foods that are more controversial than others which we are not aware of.

Fortunately, Pokies.net.au and Stuff created a list of the foods that have been banned in certain parts of the world.

1. Kinder Surprise Eggs

These are greatly popular throughout many parts of the world, but these chocolates eggs with a toy in the middle are banned in the United States. What is the reason? There are concerns expressed about the choking hazard that could be posed by a non-food product (or "non-nutritive component") entirely encased in food. It also contravenes the 1938 Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

2. Jelly Cups

Jelly sweet products containing konjac, konjac gum or konjac glucomannan are banned in the UK because their slippery texture presents a choking hazard. The sweets are packaged in plastic cups and designed to be swallowed in one. The European Commission said that the sweets are a risk because of their "consistency, shape and form" and that warning alone were not enough to protect children. Moreover, the UK's Food Standards Agency and the Department of Trade and Industry said that this type of sweets containing an additive called konjac should be removed from sale, implementing a full ban. These are only legal in Japan, Taiwan and in the far east.

3. Samosas

Believing the three pointed, triangular shape represented the Christian Holy Trinity, Al-Shabaab (the Islamist extremist group which controls pockets of Somalia) banned somas as in 2011. They said that the popular snacks are "offensive" and too Christian. The fried food, usually filled with spicy meat or vegetables, have been served for centuries in the East African country. But the al-Shabaab leaders had decided the triangular shape was not compatible with their strict version of Islam.

4. Haggis

The traditional Scottish haggis has been banned in the USA since 1971. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has long objected to one of the main ingredients in haggis - sheep's lung. No food for human consumption, whether made locally in the USA or imported from overseas, can contain sheep's lung.

5. Foie Gras

This French food is banned by the Indian government after a complaint made by an animal rights group. The rich buttery liver, one of the ingredients, comes from a goose or duck fattened by force-feeding it. The process remains a controversial topic among activists who want to see the practice outlawed and the distribution of the product banned worldwide.

See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
Are you looking for the perfect place for a couple getaway? There are so many romantic destinations all over the world that guarantee a lovely time between you and your partner. Here are the top 5 most romantic travel destinations:

1. Song Saa Island, Cambodia: If you're headed to Asia, this spot in Cambodia is serene and it is reminiscent of one giant spa! Enjoy the sea breeze with the wide and open-air rooms, and you won't have to worry about the place being crowded - you'll only be occupying one of 27 rooms.

2. Wahiba Sands, Oman: The Middle East makes for an exotic romantic getaway too. 'Desert Nights' is a Bedouin-style camp set in the middle of the sand dunes. You'll enjoy privacy as well as a completely different ambiance.

3. Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice, Italy: This resort in this part of the world was where George Clooney brought his gets for his wedding. It's away from the city, and you can have private tours arranged for you and your beau.

4. The Peninsula, Paris, France: If you're not a fan of the beach, then this destination would be perfect for you. Its view of the Eiffel Tower alongside Paris's reputation of being the most romantic city in the world make for one trip all couples must experience.

5. Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley, California: If you're a foodie couple, this is one trip that you shouldn't miss. Enjoy wine tastings and amazing dinners set at the beautiful vineyards in this area. You can even get a chance to eat at a Michelin-Star restaurant too.

Going on a trip with your significant other is definitely a relationship milestone. Make sure to create an itinerary filled with activities that you and your lover will enjoy. Remember, the most important thing when it comes to trips is the moments you share together - make the most out of it and cherish each second you have with each other.

Here's viral Youtube couple ItsJudysLife's romantic getaway last year:



See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018
VacayStay Connect will be exhibiting at the 2016 VRMA National Conference from October 16-19 in Chandler, Arizona.



(TRAVPR.COM) ILLINOIS - October 11th, 2016 - Chicago, Ill. (October 11, 2016) VacayStay Connect, a leading provider of distribution and direct booking tools to the global vacation rental industry, will be attending the Vacation Rental Managers Association (VRMA) National Conference from October 16-19, 2016 in Chandler, Arizona.



The VRMA National Conference will help professionals in the vacation rental industry gain valuable insight, explore best practices and discover the latest products and solutions that will boost their vacation rental company's bottom line.



We are excited to be a part of the VRMA National Conference to continue learning from the best of the best in the industry, said Sunil Aluvila, President of VacayStay Connect.



Attendees are encouraged to stop by VacayStay Connects booth #404 for a chance to win a two night stay at a Diamond Resorts International, VacayStay Connects new vacation rental distribution partner. This unique relationship offers vacation rental property managers the opportunity to showcase their properties to Diamond Resort International's Club members.



There will be more than 50 educational sessions and a Vendor Showcase boasting more than 70 industry-leading vendors. The National Conference dives deeper into the "why" of vacation rental management, providing in-depth insight on business strategy, industry trends and sales/marketing.



For more information about the VRMA National Conference, please visit [http://www.vrma.com/nationalconference].

About VacayStay Connect 9http://vacaystayconnect.com/]

VacayStay Connect, the leading full-service distribution solution for the vacation rental industry, delivers property managers of both homes and resorts increased bookings across a variety of global travel sites like HomeAway, VRBO and Booking.com, as well as a network of exclusive membership and loyalty channels and branded websites. Integrated with a majority of leading property management systems and channel managers, the VacayStay Connect Platform connects more than 100,000 vacation rental properties to millions of leisure customers to provide them an unparalleled shopping and booking experience.



###
When it comes to family travel, its always about parents wanting their kids to be happy. This is why among many hotels in Kowloon Hong Kong, the Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong is here to fulfil this dream.



(TRAVPR.COM) HONGKONG - October 12th, 2016 -

Dorsett Mongkok, a family-friendly hotel located amidst the bustling districts of Mongkok and Tai Kok Tsui, is undoubtedly a perfect base for families to discover the different mix of Hong Kong and to let children learn about the local culture.

Besides being rich in culture, this neighbourhood also abounds with many quaint places to eat and shop. Venerable Hong Kong-style cha chaan tengs (local coffee shops) that serve a huge variety of local delicacies at a fraction of the cost of other restaurants are available at every turn. An affordable Michelin 1-star dim sum restaurant and Michelin-recommended shop which serves Boletus Soup at a snip at HK$33 per head are also within a 2-minute to 10-minute walk away. There are even eateries that open till late in the night, so parents and kids can rest assured they will never go to bed on an empty stomach.

Being surrounded by multiple restaurants are not enough as Dorsett Mongkok wants every familys stay to be even more food-full. With that in mind, all families will be given value-added perks such as complimentary food-tasting vouchers to savour some of the best dim sum dishes in the Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant  Tim Ho Wan, if they book directly on the hotels official website.

Make the Most of Family Vacation with Dorsett Mongkoks 24-hour Full Stay Promise

With its location right in the thick of everything, the Dorsett Mongkok offers guests easy access to some popular tourist destinations such as the Ladies Market, Flower Market, Fruit Market, and Gold Fish Market, as well as historical landmark like Hung Shing Temple (a Grade III historic building)  all within 10  20-minutes by foot or by the free hotel shuttle bus. Another bonus is that Olympic MTR station is only a 7-minute walk away, from which guests can take the MTR train to Disneyland, a must-visit for parents and kids, in only 30 minutes.

Despite the many tourist destinations in the vicinity, the best thing to do when you stay in the Dorsett Mongkok is to take a stroll around the streets with your kids and enjoy your surroundings. You will be amazed with what you will discover here  from the modern skyscrapers intertwining with low-rise tenement buildings to a traditional Chinese tea parlour next to a wine cellar selling some of the finest wines available  this nice blend of the old and new is what makes this neighbourhood a joy to explore.

Sometimes, you just have to relax and let your nose lead you to where the irresistible smell comes from and settle for a freshly baked pineapple bun for only a few bucks in a Hong Kong-style bakery. To get a feel of how the locals live their everyday life, visit any cha chaan teng that serves mouth-watering roasted meat or milk tea and share the table with complete strangers. This is the place where you can truly immerse yourself into the culture and be a part of us. And for the kids, this little exploration will enrich their Hong Kong experience and return home knowing this place is more than just a Cantonese-speaking city, said Ms Anita Chan, General Manager of Dorsett Mongkok Hong Kong.

With so many interesting things to explore and discover in the neighbourhood, Dorsett Mongkok offers the best Hong Kong hotel promotion (http://www.mongkok.dorsetthotels.com/en/specials/ ) ideas to suit all guests where parents can take advantage of the hotels pioneering 24-hour Full Stay** service to decide their check-in time and enjoy a full 24-hour stay to get the most out of their trip.

Fantastic 4 Family and Lets Go for 2 Rooms Packages

Dorsett Mongkok is pleased to offer Fantastic 4 Family and Lets Go for 2 Rooms packages which will fit family travellers in all possible ways. Personalized in-room amenities for the kids, free shuttle buses, and free use of handy phones are among many features that guests can enjoy by booking Fantastic 4 Family and Lets Go for 2 Rooms packages which are available until the end of the year.

The following is just a glimpse of the many offerings that we provide for all our guests.

Fantastic 4 Family Room Package

Fantastic4Family offers a wide range of thoughtful and fantastic kid-pleasing amenities in which guests can enjoy a 25% off Best Available Rate for 1 to 4 nights stay or 35% off for 5 nights or above in Room Family Quad. Below is a host of benefits that come with the package:

Fantastic Family Room for 4 persons

 A wide range of family-friendly rooms including the signature Room Family Quad to accommodate any family of 4

Fantastic Kids Amenities

 Child-sized bathrobe and slippers

 Welcome gifts such as a snack box and teddy bear

Fantastic Baby-sitting Service

 Complimentary 2-hour baby-sitting service (subject to availability)

Fantastic Breakfast

 Complimentary daily breakfast for the whole family

Lets Go for 2 rooms Room Package

Lets Go for 2 room offers a selection of adjoining rooms including Room Comfort, Room Superior, and Room Executive which guests can book to save 25% off.

The room package experiences are ideal for guests looking for family-friendly services and kids-pampering amenities in addition to the on-site offerings. Guests can find many other value-added services at the hotel and nearby temptations that include:

Well-linked Transportation

Dorsett Mongkok provides free shuttle bus services to and from many major shopping and financial districts around Mongkok, Tsim Sha Tsui and West Kowloon. On top of that, the hotel is merely 8-minute walk away from Olympic station.

Strategic Location

Nestled in the vibrant districts of Mongkok and Tai Kok Tsui, Dorsett Mongkok is surrounded by areas that are culturally rich. Popular attractions nearby include Ladies Market and Temple Street that are suitable for people of all ages.

Fantastic Connection

Free use of a smart phone with unlimited 3G internet, Wi-Fi hotspot for multi-device connectivity, local and IDD calls to Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Philippines, UK, and US (this mobile phone can be used both inside and outside the hotel) is available in every room.

More Services Await - Free Eat Like A Local and Shop Like A Local Guidebook and 24-hour Full Stay

When it comes to travelling, guests will often ponder the same question  what to do and where to go. Well, this is not a problem anymore as the Dorsett Mongkok is now offering a free travel guidebook with insiders travelling tips, so guests can follow its recommendations and uncover Hong Kongs hidden gems like a local expert! The travel guidebook is exclusively curated for in-house guests only.

**Terms & Conditions apply

Dorsett Mongkok, Hong Kong

The Dorsett Mongkok, Hong Kong is located between Mongkok and Tai Kok Tsui districts  Hong Kongs most celebrated jumble of the new and old, the east and west, and a place heavily soaked in local heritage that goes along with global glamour. Opened in 2010 (and previously known as the Cosmo Hotel Mongkok), this 100% indoor smoke-free, mid-scale, amiable yet attentive city hotel in Hong Kong offers 285 rooms including 20 suites. Specially designed Room Comfort, Room Superior, Room Executive, Room Family Quad, Suite Premier are all presented with modern decor and functional design making them well-appointed for any kind of stay. The hotels dramatic and spacious entrance and magnificent chandelier begin a chapter that will be filled with the warmest welcome and most attentive care. A mere 4-minute walk to Olympic Station, the hotel is also a 10-minute walk to Mongkok MTR station and an easy 30-minute drive from Hong Kong International Airport. Famous local markets and world-class shopping malls are both found close by. Our Thai restaurant, Thai Pad is a place to savour authentic Thai cuisine in relaxed surroundings. For more information on the Dorsett Mongkok, Hong Kong, visit: www.mongkok.dorsetthotels.com

About Dorsett Hospitality International

Dorsett Hospitality International is an off-shoot of Far East Consortium Limited. With three brands under its umbrella, the upscale and midscale Dorsett Hotels & Resorts and d. Collection comprising a range of charismatic boutique hotels; and the value-led Silka Hotels; the group currently owns over 30 hotels in China, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia including ten more scheduled to open within the next two years including one in the United Kingdom. For more information on Dorsett Hospitality International, visit: www.dorsett.com.

Media enquiries:
There is a lot of history here, and a great future.

Way back in the early days of Treehugger, our first writer, Meaghan O'Neill, wrote about the Wee House, with a wee photo and a wee paragraph. Around that time I was in the prefab biz and met Steve Glenn, who was just starting Living Homes; we covered it when the photos were just a bit bigger. He and Geoffrey Warner, founder of Alchemy Achitects and entrepreneur behind the weeHouse, are both true pioneers in modern prefab and tiny living, and are still at it.

Alchemy Architects / LH1 Exterior

Now they are working together and have introduced a line of wee accessory dwelling units (ACUs) ranging from 310 to 600 square feet, inspired by the weeHouse. Plant Prefab founder Steve Glenn says in the press release:

Since Alchemy has long been an expert in designing for prefabricated building methods and a pioneer in sustainable design, and weve already completed two projects together, it was easy for us to partner together to offer a set of unique, ultra-efficient, standard LivingHomes for the market.

Geoffrey Warner ripostes:

Having worked together to build two prior homes in California, were confident that Plant Prefab is the right partner to bring our ADU designs to this market. The lightHouse is intended to be a beacon for sustainable living; Plant Prefab has built up its reputation around sustainable building practice.

The specs sound appealing, with "thoughtful details, such as window nooks that double as seating and guest sleeping areas, laundry, and flexible storage spaces, provide utility where it matters most. Carefully-chosen finish options ensure that the units can blend in with their surroundings and adapt to different climates, a key consideration for building on the West Coast."

Plant Prefab/ Alchemy Architects

But as is so often the case, it is the planning that makes these things a success or failure, and this is where Geoffrey Warner has been refining his designs for the last fifteen years. Here are 380 square feet of really usable space with a generous bathroom. I am also intrigued by this (2) bench + sleeping concept. It's shown as the same depth as the kitchen counter, which is camp cot width, but it's a lot less work than unfolding a sofa bed.

Alchemy Architects

I wouldn't mind living in this 480 square foot unit, especially if it comes with that view. But it also has a very interesting plan:

Alchemy Architects

My first thought was, why is the kitchen out in the living space when there looks to be enough room in (7) laundry/mechanical/storage to fit a galley kitchen? On reflection, I conclude that ADUs should be designed for universal accessibility, which that bathroom is big enough for, as is the open kitchen. A galley might be too tight. You can also never have enough storage.

Alchemy Architects

There are lots of options in size and layout: "Thirteen floor plan variations allow customers to achieve their ideal space, siting, and view, regardless of lot limitations. Configurations range from a compact studio to a one-bedroom unit atop a two-car garage, accommodating just about any end use." Plant Prefab has figured how to do it affordably, with entry-level units starting at $170,000:

Construction of all LivingHomes is made significantly more efficient with use of the Plant Building System (PBS), Plant Prefabs patented, hybrid system for building prefabricated homes. PBS uses a combination of Plant Modules and Plant Panels, a new panelized construction system developed by Plant Prefab, which include plumbing, electrical, and finish materials. By integrating both modules and panels, PBS provides architects with greater design flexibility and reduces the complexity and cost of transportation and installation.

Fifteen years ago when I was working in prefab, Steve Glenn, Geoffrey Warner, and I were all trying to make "great architecture more accessible, affordable, and sustainable." I didn't have the talent or the discipline, but Steve and Geoffrey stuck it out, survived the Great Recession (a lot of others didn't), and are launching lightHouse LivingHomes at a very difficult and precarious time. On the other hand, the timing might be excellent; there may be a big demand for retirement downsizing, home offices, or rental units.

As for me, it is such a pleasure to see two people that I have known and admired for 15 years working together. They will do great things.
The Islamic State (IS) extremist group has claimed responsibility for an attack on a shrine in the Afghan capital, Kabul, that killed 18 people, mostly Shi'ite mourners.

IS's affiliate in Afghanistan and Pakistan -- known as Khorasan Province -- claimed the attack in an online statement issued on October 12.

Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said 62 people, including 12 police, were wounded in the attack on the Karte Sakhi shrine, one of the largest in Kabul.

He said that, contrary to earlier reports of three gunmen, only one gunman, who was later gunned down by security forces, attacked the shrine.

In a statement issued on October 12, the United Nations said the "attack deliberately targeting a large group of civilians exercising their right to freely manifest their religion in worship, observance, and practice is an atrocity."

In a statement issued on October 11, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani offered his condolences to the victims and condemned the attack as a "clear sign of a crime against humanity."

Afghan security forces at the scene had evacuated the shrine, where Shi'ite mourners had gathered nearby to celebrate the festival of Ashura, one of the holiest on the Shiite calendar.

Ashura commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in 680 and whose death laid the foundation for the Shi'ite faith.

For Shi'ite Muslims around the world, Ashura is a symbol of the struggle against oppression.

The mourning for the festival reaches its peak on October 12.

In July, an attack claimed by Islamic State (IS) extremists killed 84 people, many of them Shi'a from the ethnic minority Hazara group.

In 2011, 54 people were killed when a suicide bomber attacked another Kabul shrine where hundreds of people had gathered. A Shi'ite mosque in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif was also hit on the same day, leaving four dead.

Kabul police had warned Shi'a -- mostly ethnic Hazara -- against large gatherings as attacks were expected.

With reporting by AP and AFP
New Delhi

Indian Oil Corp plans to lay the nation's longest LPG pipeline from Gujarat coast to Gorakhpur in eastern Uttar Pradesh to cater to growing demand for cooking gas in the country. IOC plans to import LPG at Kandla in Gujarat and move it through the 1,987-km pipeline to Gorakhpur via Ahmedabad, Ujjain, Bhopal, Kanpur, Allahabad, Varanasi and Lucknow. PTI

New Delhi

IndusInd Bank Q2 profit up 25.75%

Private sector lender IndusInd Bank on Wednesday posted 25.75% increase in net profit to Rs 704 crore for the second quarter ended September 30, 2016. The bank had recorded a net profit of Rs 560 crore in the July-September quarter of last fiscal, IndusInd Bank said in a BSE filing. The total income of the lender also increased to Rs 4439.72 crore during the quarter under review, as against Rs 3581.31 crore over the corresponding period of 2015-16. PTI

New Delhi

Sun Pharma recalls anti-depressant drug in US

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries is recalling 31,762 bottles of bupropion hydrochloride extended- release tablets used for treatment of major depressive disorder in the US due to 'failed dissolution specifications'. The recall has been initiated by Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Inc for 31,762 bottles of bupropion hydrochloride extended-release tablets, USP (SR) in the strength of 150 mg, the USFDA said. PTI

New Delhi

Gems, jewellery exports up 11% in Apr-Aug

Exports of gems and jewellery grew by 11% to $14.43 billion during the first five months of the current fiscal, driven largely by demand in India's major markets like the US. In April-August period of the last fiscal, exports from the sector were at $13 billion, according to the data from Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council. PTI

New Delhi

Titan to launch womens ethnic wear

Tata group firm Titan on Wednesday said it will foray into women's ethnic wear segment on a pilot basis. The company said: "The pilot, which may include setting up a few stores, is expected to last about 12 months at the end of which the company will take a decision on the future course of action." PTI

Chandigarh

Uber hosts UberSHAAN Mela

Taxi-aggregator Uber hosted an UberSHAAN Mela here to drive micro entrepreneurship opportunities through its flagship initiative to create 1 million opportunities by 2018. The objective of the mela was to provide economic opportunities to the people of Punjab and Haryana to become driver-partners on the Uber platform. TNS

New Delhi

ICICI Bank to redeem bonds worth $340 m

ICICI Bank on Wednesday said it will redeem bonds worth $340 million by the month-end, issued by its Bahrain branch in 2006. The bank, on August 24, 2006, had issued 7.25% perpetual non-cumulative subordinated debt securities worth $340 million with an optional redemption on October 31, 2016, or on any subsequent interest payment date. PTI
Tokyo/New Delhi, October 12

Japanese auto majors Toyota Motor Corp (TMC) and Suzuki Motor Corp (SMC) today announced plans to explore business partnership to strengthen collaboration in fields of environment, safety, and information technology.

Both companies have agreed to start exploring ideas that are directed towards a business partnership, Toyota and Suzuki said in a joint statement.

Toyota and Suzuki just started exploring on any opportunities for collaboration, with the belief that it will help both companies solve their respective challenges, it said.

This discussion is based on the prerequisite that both companies continue to compete with each other in a fair and independent manner, the statement added.

Through the partnership, the two companies, which have significant interest in India, are looking to address their weaknesses.

With its primary focus on mini vehicles, Suzuki  whose arm Maruti Suzuki is the largest carmaker in India  has been consistently refining its technologies so as to develop vehicles with high price competitiveness.

However, in the face of the advanced and future technology R&D field, Suzuki is increasingly feeling a sense of uncertainty, the statement said.  PTI
Our Correspondent

Zirakpur, October 12

Four persons, including Nachhatar Singh, vice-president of the Zirakpur MC, were booked on a charge of abetment of suicide after a youth of Shiva Enclave, Zirakpur, allegedly committed suicide by consuming celphos tablets today.

The victim, Manish Bansal, left behind a suicide note in which he blamed Nachhatar Singh, Malkit Kaur, Manju and Hemant Thakur for forcing him to take the extreme step.

The Zirakpur police have registered a case of abetment of suicide under Section 306 of the IPC against the four.

In his complaint to the police, the victims father-in-law alleged that Manju and Malkit Kaur of Shiva Enclave were trying to falsely implicate Manish in a case and were harassing him. Fed up, Manish took celphos tablets. He was rushed to JP Hospital, Zirakpur, from where he was referred to the GMCH, Sector 32, Chandigarh, where he died.
Host families already living in poverty are struggling to provide food and shelter for the thousands of Kunduz residents who have fled the city in northern Afghanistan since it fell to the Taliban a week ago, aid agencies have reported.

Taliban fighters entered the city unexpectedly at the start of last week, and Afghan forces have scrambled to try and drive the insurgents out.

Geeta Bashardost, a women's rights activist from Kunduz who fled to the capital, Kabul, said most people had no chance to take any belongings with them.

"I fled Kunduz on the first day of fighting, but all my family is back in the city under the rockets and mortar shells of Taliban and government forces," she said.

Up to 10,000 refugees had arrived in Kabul and northern towns such as Taloqan and Mazar-i-Sharif by October 6, the United Nations estimated.

Afghanistan already has more than 1.2 million internal refugees. Some 260,000 have been forced to flee their homes this year as the fighting has continued across the country.

"The primary need (of the displaced) is food and clothes, as most of their host families are not in a good economic condition," said Abdul Rahim Qayoumi, head of the Afghan Red Crescent Society in Baghlan Province. He added that the logistics werent in place yet for his organization to begin offering assistance.

In Baghlan's Pul-e Khumri city, Noorullah Shokori said he had escaped Kunduz with his wife and five children. "The people live a very miserable life here. Up to five families live in one rented house of two rooms," said Shokori, who is a florist. "If the government does not act swiftly to clear up Kunduz from the Taliban and end the fighting, winter and cold weather will kill a lot more people than the Taliban."

In Takhar Province, Deputy Police Chief Mustafa Qudos said the governor had asked residents and businesses to help the displaced people.

"Ordinary farmers baked bread at home and distributed it to the Kunduz IDPs (internally displaced people) in Takhar. Some people took them into their homes, and university students raised funds to buy tents and food," he said.

With reporting by Zabihullah Noori for Thomson Reuters Foundation
James Moore

HOW should a company set the pay of its chief executive? Bengt Holmstrom, an economist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has won the Nobel Prize for economics along with Oliver Hart, who can be found at nearby Harvard, in part for his work on that very subject. Holmstrom, who is a former director of Nokia among other things, in the 1970s demonstrated how a principle, for example, a company's shareholders, should design an optimal contract for an agent, say, their chief executive.

His "informativeness principle" is a model for how the CEO's contract should link their pay to information relevant to their performance, after due regard has been paid to weighing risks against incentives. The work has been developed, debated and refined since that time.

The award of the Nobel Prize is particularly apposite today given the fierce debate being conducted about executive remuneration packages in the light of yet more scandal.

In the US, where the two men work, that debate is currently centred upon on the eye-popping awards handed to executives at Well Fargo, a retail bank in the midst of a scandal over the creation of bogus accounts.

John Stumpf, its chief executive officer, is to forfeit $41m (33m) in unvested share awards, will not receive a salary while the bank investigates the scandal, and won't receive a bonus for 2016.

Carrie Tolstedt, who headed the community banking unit that employed numerous workers who illegally opened unwanted accounts, has lost unvested share equity awards worth about $19 million. She also won't receive any severance pay, or any bonus for 2016 and won't be able to sell any stock during the probe.

It sounds painful, but they've both made considerable fortunes through working at the bank and as the writs fly, and the bank's shares slide, the shareholders who hired them have lost considerable fortunes. Needless to say, the creation of new accounts was heavily incentivised, while staff were pressurised to meet unattainable targets. Clearly the risk, that people in this environment would end up gaming the system, wasn't effectively weighed when the incentives and the targets were set.

More fool shareholders for approving the awards in the first place, you might think. Perhaps they ought to read up on Holmstrom's work.

But the problem goes beyond the methods used to set pay and design packages.

The CEO pay pot had already been stirred by corporate governance research firm MSCI, which examined the packages of some 800 CEOs at 429 large and midsize US companies during the 10 years to the end of 2014. It also looked at the total shareholder return of those companies - a measure of the share price performance and of the dividends paid.

The firm found that had you invested $100 in the one-fifth of those companies with the highest paid CEOs you'd have made $265. However, if you had put your money with the companies that paid the least you'd have made $367. This challenges the prevailing assumption that shareholders do better when they make a hireling an owner alongside them and incentivise them by handing them chunky share awards tied to company performance.

What all the toing and froing, including Holmstrom's prize-winning model, misses is a rather important point: There are social consequences to executive rewards as well as corporate and investment consequences.

Companies do not exist in vacuums. At a time of rising inequality, and insecurity, the pay packages handed to their CEOs are contributing to the anger and unrest that are the consequences.

It isn't exaggerating to say that they played a role in both the disastrous Brexit vote and the rise of Donald Trump, a plutocrat promising to tear up the system up in favour of the ordinary working Joe. Scarcely credible, I know, but people are buying it even after the ugly revelations about his sexual behaviour that emerged over the weekend.

Both phenomena have their roots in populist outrage at an economic system that appears rigged. As such, it isn't only model for setting CEO pay, and how it is linked to performance, that is at fault. The problem is not with agents, and principles, and the finer points of contract theory that the prize winners cast light upon.

It is as much with the quantum of awards that have surged at a rate that far outstrips the growth in average earnings, where there has been any growth at all, and the effect that has had against the backdrop of an increasingly insecure and unequal society.

The winners of the Nobel Prize for economics are to be congratulated. They are clever, talented people who have done valuable work. For that they will split SK8m (745,000).

It is a tidy sum but it just serves to illustrate the point I just made. The average FTSE 100 chief executive will make that sum in less than three months. Their US equivalents will make it after an even shorter interval. For far too many that sum would represent a mere rounding error when set against their overall package including, I'm sorry to say, the bosses of Wells Fargo.

What we really need to discuss is not the methods or the models used to set executive pay, but how best to bring it down to a more acceptable level given the unrest it is contributing to.

The Independent
KC Singh

BRICS Summit, being held on October 15-16 in India, raises questions both about the grouping and the state of play between its five members. Jim ONeill, former chairman of Goldman Sachs who coined the phrase BRIC- South Africa joining only in 2010, recently assessed the group on its 15th anniversary. He felt BRICS, even today, has a vital role to play in tackling the most pressing international challenges. His optimism rests on the continued rise of India and China, the latter albeit at a moderate pace, and the recovery of economic growth in the other three members. The theme for the current summit is Building Responsive, Inclusive and Collective solutions. That may be easier said than done as strategic divergences among the three strongest members  China, India and Russia  are gaining ascendancy.

An international group approached me to endorse an appeal by prominent citizens of all five nations to the leaders to ameliorate the degrading situation of civilians caught in the Syrian civil war. I did so, fully realising Indias policy dilemma as moral principles conflict national interests.

Since the civil war began in Syria in 2011, the civilian casualties exceed those in Sri Lanka, in the last and brutal phase of the governments fight against the LTTE in 2008-09, by a factor of 10 i.e. Syrias being over 4,00,000. The above appeal seeks cessation of hostilities to enable food and medical aid to be sent to the besieged people, exceeding 8,60,000. Aleppo was historically more significant than Syrias capital Damascus as it was more populous and during the Ottoman rule, next only to Istanbul and Cairo. It now faces a critical humanitarian crisis. For the Syrian government, its control is a condition precedent to a united Syria. For Syrian Kurds, it is a troublesome wedge separating two blocks of territory they control along the Turkish border. For the ISIS, former Al-Qaeda ally Al- Nusra Front and other opposition groups, it is their last hope for a Sunni-dominated Northern Syria and rallying platform for liberating Syria from the Assad family.

The battle lines are sharply drawn in east Aleppo, where almost 3,00,000 grownups and children are entrapped between the Syrian army and perhaps 900 Al-Nusra fighters. Unfortunately, the ceasefire negotiated by the US and Russia collapsed when the UN food convoy was attacked on September 19. Even medical facilities have not been spared from air attacks, despite the 150-year-old Geneva Conventions. Physicians for Human Rights have documented 373 attacks and about 750 deaths of medical personnel since the war began five years ago. The UN Special envoy, Stephen de Mistura, bemoaned that there would be no historic city of East Aleppo left in two months if the current level of violence continued.

The visit by Indian Minister of State MJ Akbar to Syria, immediately after a Chinese military delegations visit, was not so much to study Shia-Sunni churning in the region, which India had ignored since 2011, as to realign with the vanishing breed of secular rulers in the Islamic world. The sudden appearance of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in New Delhi at the beginning of September and the invite to Crown Prince Mohammad bin Zayed of Abu Dhabi to be the chief guest at the next Indian Republic Day, despite being neither president nor prime minister of the UAE, are all signals that the Indian approach to the Islamic world is being crafted through the window of terrorism, specifically its abetment by Pakistan against India. That is how the Syrian issue may be framed at the BRICS Summit, uncaring that so handled terrorism can spill to other regions, including India.

For the first time, a member  Russia  is a key player in the ongoing Syrian imbroglio and can get a cease-fire implemented. China on the other hand plays a double game by negating Indias demand for the listing by the UNSC committee of Pakistani terrorists like Masood Azhar and limiting their counter-terrorism to Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Brazil and South Africa have no existential threat from Islamic fundamentalism and can be expected to take a backseat.

India must not endorse the short sighted Sino-Russian approach to Syria favouring brute force, unmindful of collateral damage during the narrow window of the US pre-occupation with the presidential elections. It is akin to BJPs default position on terror at home, devoid of a reaching out to hearts and minds. Syria did come up during the second debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, with the latter praising Russia for fighting the ISIS while berating the Obama administration for nuclear deal with Iran. He failed to understand that the rationale for the nuclear deal was that there could be no fight against the ISIS without Iran, which is providing finance, military aid and soldiers to the Syrian government.

BRICS is thus in danger of becoming the new anti-US platform for providing institutional framework for Sino-Russian power play in Asia. India can get sucked in if it does not stick to a value-based approach to solutions that it feels BRICS can provide. Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India after a Russo-Pak military exercise, ostensibly for counter-terror cooperation. The Indian ambassador in Moscow took it up appropriately, but India would be foolish to ignore Putins subtle arm-twisting. Chinese President Xi Jinping has neither backed off from its veto of Indian membership of the NSG nor released hold on the listing of Pakistani terrorists by the UNSC committee.

Both Xi and Putin would be testing the limits of the new Indo-US strategic understanding. In bilateral meetings, PM Modi needs to reassure them that India is not about to become a US lackey, but also convey that nor shall it put all its eggs in the Russian basket or tolerate Sino-Pak strategic alliance if it impinges on Indian interests. The summit takes place during great uncertainty about the outcome of the US presidential election. Rabble-rousers like Trump, rewriting the electoral game, can fool pollsters. Hillary Clinton campaign is convinced that WikiLeaks daily releasing Clinton emails has Russian sponsorship. If Hillary wins, the US relations with Russia are bound to be testy.

PM Modi will thus discover that walls built with loose bricks can be dangerous in stormy weather. So can alliances resting on a bankers envisioning of the future.

The writer is a former Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs
Capt Amarinder Singh and Tota Singh do not have much in common except that both are charged with wrongdoing in their previous stints in power, both face a number of court cases, some of which may be dropped if courts accept the outgoing Badal government's let-them-go requests. Despite all the SITs formed and high-profile cases the Vigilance Burueau has handled, including those involving the Badals, not a single conviction has happened. Courts have passed strictures and ordered perjury cases against witnesses turning hostile and investigation officers taking U-turns. The processes of law have been used to defeat the processes of justice and ethics in public life.

In the prevailing scenario, the prosecution moving the court to withdraw a case against Agriculture Minister Tota Singh for his alleged involvement in a recruitment scam should not come as a surprise. Three years ago a similar attempt was thwarted by the court. He was earlier discharged in a case of possessing disproportionate assets and again came under a cloud over his role in the pesticide scam. The Badals calculated benevolence towards the Punjab Congress president, however, has raised eyebrows. In 2006, as Chief Minister, Capt Amarinder Singh was accused of exempting a 32-acre piece of land from acquisition at Amritsar, apparently to favour a private builder. Finding him guilty after an inquiry, the then Vidhan Sabha expelled him and the Vigilance Bureau booked him for corruption. Subsequently, the Supreme Court quashed the expulsion. On reinvestigation, the VB has gone back on its own findings and given laughable explanations for FIR cancellation. The whole Vigilance mechanism has been reduced to an organised farce.

Political opponents naturally see this as Badals favour to the Captain, who had earlier opposed a CBI inquiry into a drug case involving Majithia. The Ludhiana City Centre case in which Capt Amarinder Singh was charged with altering terms of a housing project, resulting in a benefit of Rs 1,144 crore to a Delhi firm, has been left to linger. Now the Enforcement Directorate is probing his son, Raninder Singhs links with an offshore company that bought a London property worth 1.8 million pounds. All this makes the citizen lose faith in the efficacy of laws as also reinforces the perception that corruption cases are a political tool.
On Tuesday Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in the Dasehra festivities in Lucknow. Gushing accounts tell us that it was the first time that a Prime Minister of the day had celebrated Dasehra outside Delhi. And, then, we had the UP Chief Ministers rather pithy observation that had there been an assembly election in Bihar, the Prime Minister would have probably celebrated Dasehra there. Ouch. No political leader can be faulted for wanting to derive electoral mileage out of a public appearance. After all, Uttar Pradesh will be going to the polls in the next few months and the air is already laced with calculations of caste and community.

Indeed on Sunday at her Lucknow rally the BSP leader, Mayawati, made her own overtures to Muslims in a bid to form a winning Dalit-Muslim combination in the 2017 assembly elections. If it works, and there is little reason to doubt it wont, the Dalits, constituting 22-23% of the Uttar Pradesh population, and the Muslims (18%) can together return Mayawati to power. The UP Muslims have traditionally stayed with the Samajwadi Party. This year they may opt for the BSP as the SP appears a loser, weighed down by anti-incumbency, factionalism and a poor law and order situation with criminals ruling the roost.

Sundays rally, a massive show of BSP strength with one lakh-plus attendance, had given Mayawati much-needed political traction after her battering in the last assembly and Lok Sabha polls. In power, Mayawati had made herself known as a tough administrator. Playing on that image, she has reassured both Dalits and Muslims, who feel insecure after the unfortunate incidents at Hyderabad, Dadri (UP), Una (Gujarat) and Mewat (Haryana). The unabashed communal agenda pursued by radical elements in the Sangh Parivar have brought together the two vulnerable communities. Mayawati is trying to take political advantage of this pervasive sense of fear. On the other hand, Prime Minister Modi has legitimately appropriated the nationalist mantle, post-surgical strikes. There are electoral dividends to be harvested. The contest has only just begun.
Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 12

Congress leader Sushil Kumar Shinde will begin investigation into the manhandling of Haryana unit president Ashok Tanwar on October 17.

Shinde, former Home Minister and veteran Dalit leader, will first meet Congress Legislature Party Leader Kiran Choudhry on October 17 followed by other party legislators the next day.

Shindes office contacted Tanwar today to check his availability to depose on October 17, while Tanwar communicated he was not in a position to testify right now and had been recommended three weeks rest.

Ahead of Shindes investigation, camps of Tanwar and former Haryana CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda remain at daggers drawn with each other; distrust is running deep on the two sides.

The Tribune has learnt Hooda personally requested Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi to order an investigation into the October 6 incident, wherein his supporters, including personal security officer, are accused of thrashing Tanwar with wooden sticks used to support banners.

Hooda loyalists have maintained the clash erupted on either side and was blown out of proportion.

They are seeking a probe into its provocation. Some accused workers claimed the entire episode was staged to gather publicity, asking how Tanwar, who was injured, continued to speak at the location for 15 minutes after the alleged attack on him.

Tanwar, for his part, is hurt. He told The Tribune today, This is the worst that could have happened to me. I want stern action. Whatever happens in the Congress probe, I am determined to pursue the matter legally. I will challenge RML doctors for non-cooperation and for not sharing my medical records with me. I will also challenge the Delhi Police which registered an FIR after hours of dharna by my friends. Apart from me, eight persons were injured that day. I am answerable to them as well.

Theres a section of the state Congress leadership which feels Tanwar should not have entered the scene of clashes on October 6 and say his entry exacerbated the situation.

Shindes probe has to progress against the backdrop of animosity between the Hooda and Tanwar camps in the state Congress, where the fight is for leadership.

Act against those defaming party: Hooda aides

Chandigarh: Dalit leaders owing allegiance to former CM Bhupinder Hooda on Wednesday hit back at supporters of State Congress chief Ashok Tanwar for burning effigies of Hooda and removing his pictures from the Congress office in Hisar. Dalit MLAs from the Congress Geeta Bhukkal, Udai Bhan, Jaibir Balmiki and Shakuntala Khatak, and senior Dalit leader Sudhir Chaudhary today termed Tanwar's manhandling in Delhi as unfortunate. But they alleged anti-social elements were trying to defame the party by making giving the incident a casteist colour. Without naming Tanwar, the Congress leaders said the state party president was not only a Dalit, but also the head of the party. We condemn what happened to him (Tanwar). But some anti-social elements have been tearing posters of senior leaders. This is equally unfortunate, they said.  Sushil Manav
Tribune News Service

Karnal, October 12

Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mandeep Brar today directed officials of various procurement agencies to clear the dues of farmers within 72 hours of the procurement of their produce.

While chairing a meeting here, Brar also directed the officials to speed up the lifting process of the paddy from the grain markets to provide space to the farmers to keep their produce.

The DC said the procurement process should be transparent. The moisture content in paddy should be measured in front of the farmers and the percentage of moisture should be displayed on the heap of paddy.

The auctioning of paddy should be done on the day of arrival, he said, adding that there was a need to engage more manpower for the smooth procurement and lifting of paddy at the grain markets. He directed the procurement agencies to appoint more employees for the process.

Taking a serious note of recovery of fake gate passes from shops of commission agents in the Karnal grain market, he asked the officials not to allow any vehicle enter the grain markets without the gate pass.

Millers who were not serious in the procurement process would not be spared and action would be initiated against them, he said.
Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 12

The Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) will observe a black Diwali in protest against the alleged loot of farmers and other anti-people policies of the BJP government.

No worker and leader of the INLD will celebrate Diwali. The party will persuade others to not celebrate, as the states atmosphere is somber. Theres nothing to celebrate, Abhay Chautala, Leader of Opposition in the Assembly, told the media here today.

Other party leaders were also present at the press meet. INLD leaders will meet Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki on Thursday to apprise him of scams of the government. If the situation doesnt improve till November 15, the party will give a call for Haryana bandh, Abhay said.

I visited 35 grain markets, while other leaders covered other mandis. Farmers are not getting adequate price for their produce. Since government agencies are missing from markets, private traders are purchasing paddy below the MSP. If Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar has any doubt, I have the phone numbers of 2,000 affected farmers. He can verify my claim from them, said Abhay.

He showed a list of affected farmers collected by his leaders during their visits to grain markets. He accused Khattar of ignoring the plight of farmers. All INLD MLAs, MPs and I went to meet the CM in New Delhi on October 9, demanding inquiry into the loot of farmers. Khattar, he alleged, did not pay heed to their demand.

The government is not only deducting money on the pretext of high moisture, but its also charging for drying up paddy. We have decided to launch a statewide agitation if the government fails to give adequate price to farmers, said Abhay. He claimed the government was going to waste Rs 1,700 crore on the golden jubilee celebrations. Theres nothing to celebrate in times of anti-people policies of the government.

He alleged outsiders were ruling the state, as local leaders were inexperienced.
Vikas Sharma

Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 12

In a major initiative to explore the hidden creative potential among girls, the district administration is going to organise Display your Talent- a festival of co-curricular activities exclusively for girls of government schools in Jammu district, under the centrally sponsored scheme Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP).

The Central government had recently extended the scheme to 10 more districts of J&K keeping in mind the declining child sex ratio (CSR) in these districts. These are Samba, Baramulla, Ganderbal, Rajouri, Srinagar, Shopian, Kupwara, Kulgam, Udhampur and Bandipora.

The dates of the event which is to be held in both individual and group categories are yet to be announced by the authorities. Girls from Classes IX to XII of government schools in Jammu are eligible to take part.

Jammu Chief Education Officer JK Sudan told The Tribune that the registration process started on September 27. So far we have received registration of more than 100 schools. The last date was October 10, but it has now been extended for few more days. The event is being conducted under the overall supervision of Deputy Commissioner, Jammu, JK Sudan said.

The response for registration is overwhelming, more than our expectations. We are hopeful of the events successful conduct so that the motive of creating awareness to save the girl child could be achieved, JK Sudan claimed.

Pertinently, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme was launched on January 22 last year at Panipat in Haryana. In the first phase, 100 districts with low CSR were selected for the implementation of scheme for creating awareness about the issue. It is a tri-ministerial effort of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

Declining child sex-ratio in state

In Samba district, there are 779 girls per 1,000 boys according to the 2011 census. In Baramulla district, the numbers decreased from 961 girls in 2001 to 863 in 2011.

In Ganderbal district, the number of girls per thousand boys stood at 863 in 2011 while it was 1,014 in 2001. In Rajouri district, 905 girls were recorded in 2001 as against 865 in 2011.

In Srinagar district, the numbers decreased from 983 girls per thousand boys in 2001 to 865 in 2011. In Shopian district, 1,011 girls were recorded in 2001 while the numbers dipped to 878 in 2011. In Kupwara district, there were 1,021 girls as per the 2001 census and 879 girls as per the 2011 census. In Kulgam, 1,003 girls were recorded in 2001 while the number was 885 in 2011.

In Udhampur district, the number of girls per thousand boys stood at 912 in 2001 while it dropped to 886 girls in 2011. In Bandipore district, 967 girls were recorded in 2001 as against 892 in 2011.
Majid Jahangir

Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 11

Nearly 36 hours after fidayeen terrorists barricaded themselves in a multi-storey building of the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Institute at Sempora (Pampore) on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, a terrorist has been killed in the operation that continued for the second consecutive day today.

The body was lying in the building, but was yet to be retrieved, a police officer said.

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While members of the Special Forces that carried out surgical strikes in PoK on September 29 are also part of the operation, the Army says it is not in a hurry to conclude it.

During the day, the forces used rockets, grenades and improvised explosive devices to neutralise the terrorists.

The building caught fire during the gunfight, but the structure remained intact. At least three terrorists are suspected to be hiding in the building and they did not fire a single round till 5 pm today, police sources said.

Meanwhile, 10 persons, including eight civilians, were injured in a grenade attack in neighbouring Shopian.
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 11

Curfew remained in force for the fifth consecutive day in interior areas of Srinagar, restricting processions on the ninth day of Muharram, while restrictions and shutdown continued to affect normal life across Kashmir on the 95th day of the unrest today.

Fearing a law and order situation, movement was restricted in the interior areas of Srinagar to prevent processions by Shias on the ninth day of Muharram. Curfew was imposed in areas falling under the police stations of Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, MR Gunj and Safakadal.

The restrictions would be extended to more areas on Wednesday to prevent Ashoora-e-Muharram processions for maintaining law and order. The police lobbed teargas shells to prevent the Muharram procession from Khanqah-e-Moalla to Habbakadal in downtown Srinagar amid restrictions.

A police spokesman said a number of Muharram processions were taken out across the Valley and in Kargil. Most of processions culminated peacefully and a few were still going on, the spokesman said.

At least 15 persons were injured in Tahab and Tumlehal villages of Pulwama district during clashes triggered by cordon and search operations by security forces.

According to reports, the police, Army and CRPF cordoned off localities in both villages and were conducting house-to-house searches when youths came out in large numbers. They started protesting against the alleged highhandedness of security personnel. The youths, raising pro-freedom and anti-India slogans, were dispersed with the use of teargas shells and pellets, leaving 15 persons injured. The injured were provided treatment and were stated to be in a stable condition.

The police said the situation remained by and large peaceful although stray incidents of stone-throwing were reported from some areas. The police arrested 66 persons for creating hurdles in the movement of people, stone-throwing and causing trouble.

Hardline Hurriyat chairman Syed Ali Shah Geelani criticised the government for imposing restrictions on Muharram processions. He termed the action as interference in religious affairs, a spokesman said.
Tribune News Service

Srinagar, October 12

A Peoples Conference worker was shot dead by militants in north Kashmirs Kupwara district this evening.

The police said Ghulam Nabi Khoja, 55, was shot outside his residence at Kralgund in Handwara, some 70 km from Srinagar, at 8.30 pm.

He was shifted to a Baramulla hospital in a serious condition where he was declared brought dead on arrival, police sources said.

The Peoples Conference is headed by separatist-turned-mainstream politician Sajad Lone, who is also a Cabniet minister in the Mehbooba Mufti-led government.

Meanwhile, the interior areas of Srinagar city continued to be under curfew for the sixth consecutive day today while the main procession on the 10th day of Muharram along the traditional route (Abi Guzar-Dalgate-Zadibal) was not allowed to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident.

Restrictions and shutdown continued elsewhere in Srinagar city and other major towns of Kashmir, paralysing normal life for the 96th consecutive day since the unrest began on July 9.

Officials here said the curfew was imposed in the areas falling under the five police stations of Nowhatta, Khanyar, Rainawari, MR Gunj and Safakadal to prevent any untoward incidents during the Muharram processions.

The police detained a number of Shia mourners on MA Road here this afternoon while they were on their way from Budgam to Zadibal in Srinagar to participate in the main procession today. The traditional processions on the 8th and 10th of Muharram, which were being taken out earlier from Abi Guzar in the Lal Chowk area to Zadibal in the city, have been disallowed since 1989.
Tribune News Service

Jammu, October 12

Several prominent activists from Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) have slammed Pakistan for suppressing the voice of the people under its control since 1947, when tribals occupied a part of J&K.

Activists were speaking at an event organised in the House of Commons, British Parliament, to commemorate the 121st birth anniversary of Maharaja Hari Singh. It was organised by the diaspora, under banner of Voice of Dogras, from both parts of divided J&K living in England.

The occasion was also used to highlight the history of the Dogras and their role in assisting the British Empire in World War I, World War II and numerous other campaigns.

The event also put forth the much neglected perspective of the PoJK diaspora which said the occupation of a part of the territory had a negative impact on the residents and their voice had often gone unheard and was even ignored.

A writer and political activist from the Mirpur area of PoJK, Sameena Raja, said: Maharaja Hari Singh only acceded to India to stop further slaughtering of innocent civilians at the hands of Pakistani armed forces and the invading tribals in 1947. Had he not taken the timely step to accede to India (conditionally though), not a single non-Muslim would have been alive in J&K.

A human rights activist originally from PoK, Faria Atique, shared a personal account of the Maharajas times prior to 1947 while Shabir Choudhary, a political activist, also spoke about the present situation in the Pakistani part of Kashmir.

Conservative Member of Parliament from Harrow East (London) Bob Blackman was the special guest in the programme. We are delighted to host an event that honours the memory of Maharaja Hari Singh. A great reformer and a great leader of his people. We look forward to the whole Jammu and Kashmir being reunited as the crowning glory of India, said Blackman.

Later, a paper was presented by Manu Khajuria, founder of Voice of Dogras.
New Delhi, October 12

The Congress today condemned Defence Minister Manohar Parrikars claim about surgical strikes being the first ever in Indias history and asked him to apologise for misleading the people.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala asked Prime Minister Modi to tame his ministers and party leaders lying about the past strikes.

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The belligerent chest-thumping by the BJP on surgical strikes is unending and their nasty attempts at electoral gains have brought disgrace to the traditions of governance. The RSS and BJP president Amit Shah have publicly declared their intentions to make political capital out of the surgical strikes. This is shameful, Surjewala said.  TNS
Simran Sodhi

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 12

The forthcoming BRICS Summit over the weekend is likely to be dominated by India-Pakistan-China tensions. Though there will be no representation from Pakistan at the summit, it will be the elephant in the room as the major topics likely to be the focus are terror, Indias continued bid to gain entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) and water treaties.

Sources in the government admit that India is hoping to engage with South Asian countries in an effort to form a new regional grouping that does not include Pakistan. The indications from China, however, over the past few days have been clear that there is no intention to form any such clique. Chinas vice-foreign minister Li Baodong said in Beijing recently that there is no attempt to form a clique to keep any country out, with reference to the upcoming BRICS and BIMSTEC Summits over the weekend.

A parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, on tour to Washington DC these days, has also pitched the idea for a greater South Asian regional grouping that would include China and Iran. Pakistan is, of course, pushing for the idea since the scheduled SAARC Summit to be hosted by Islamabad next month had to be postponed after India decided to boycott the summit after the Uri attacks.

Following Indias initiative, other SAARC members also expressed their inability to attend the summit giving India a diplomatic victory and Pakistan the first sense of a diplomatic isolation.

Meanwhile, India plans to give its NSG membership bid another push with the forthcoming NSG meet in Vienna next month. In that aspect, it is crucial for India that China changes its stance and it is in that context that sources point out Prime Minister Narendra Modi will raise this issue when he meets Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday.

China blocking a tributary of the Brahmaputra is being seen by many as China again standing up to its friend Pakistan after India said it would exploit the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) to the hilt to squeeze Pakistan. The issue of China again using its veto power in the United Nations to not let Jaish Chief Masood Azar get designated as an international terrorist will also cloud the talks.

So, while leaders of BRICS come together to discuss various issues, the real spotlight will be on many of the contentious issues determining the India-Pak-China dynamics.
Chennai, October 12

Opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagham on Wednesday wondered how the ailing Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa told the state's Governor to allocate her portfolios to Finance Minister O Panneerselvam.

DMK president M Karunanidhi said it was "surprising" how the chief minister advised Governor Vidyasagar Rao to hand over her portfolios to Panneerselvam when many leaders who visited her at Chennai's Apollo Hospital had been turned away.

According to a Raj Bhavan statement of Tuesday, the Governor, under Clause (3) of the Constitution's Article 166, allocated the subjects dealt with by Jayalalithaa to Panneerselvam on her advice.

Jayalalithaa held the portfolios of Public, Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Forest Service, General Administration, District Revenue Officers and Home.

Panneerselvam will also preside over the cabinet meetings.

"This arrangement has been made as per the advice of Chief Minister and will continue until the Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa resumes her duties. Jayalalithaa will continue to be the Chief Minister," the Raj Bhavan said.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to the hospital on September 22 with fever and dehydration. The doctors later said she needed a longer stay as she was suffering from infection and put her on respiratory support.

As she was being treated for infection and was on respiratory support, no visitor was allowed inside her room or to interact with her.

The visiting VIPs are briefed by the doctors and AIADMK leaders in the hospital.

PMK founder S. Ramadoss said that based on the medical bulletins issued by the hospital, it was evident that barring the doctors no one else was allowed to meet her.

"She is also on respiratory support," he said citing the medical bulletins. He wondered how she communicated her advice on portfolio change given this situation.

On Tuesday, Congress state unit President S. Thirunavukkarasar said that the reallocation of the portfolios "is a welcome development".

He said the situation was similar to the one that existed when AIADMK founder, the late MG Ramachandran (MGR), was admitted to the same Apollo Hospital in October 1984.

Senior AIADMK leader C. Ponnaiyan said that the portfolios handled by MGR were then allocated to VR Nedunchezian.

According to Ponnaiyan, MGR in 1984 had orally instructed that his portfolios were to be handled by Nedunchezhiyan.

"As per the rules, the Chief Minister can orally tell any one or more cabinet colleagues to handle the portfolios. This is the practice followed across the country," he said.

The AIADMK has ruled out the need for an acting or temporary chief minister.

Panneerselvam had earlier served as Chief Minister when Jayalalithaa had to step down in wake of her conviction by a Bengaluru court in a corruption case. She returned to the post after the Karnataka High Court acquitted her.

Officials expect Panneerselvam to visit the Secretariat on Thursday.

AIADMK retorts

The AIADMK on Wednesday criticised DMK treasurer MK Stalin for demanding an interim chief minister and asked if such an arrangement was made when former chief minister Karunanidhi, Stalins father, was hospitalised in 2009 for a spinal surgery.

The party also claimed that leaders such as MDMK chief Vaiko, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Su Thirunavukkarasar, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan, and CPI (M) State Secretary G Ramakrishnan were not in favour of an interim chief minister.

AIADMK mouthpiece Dr Namadhu MGR wondered if the DMK had an an interim Chief Minister when Karunanidhi was hospitalised for a spine surgery in 2009 when the party was in power.

The AIADMK also said the chief minister would resume her official duties soon.  Agencies
Mumbai/New Delhi, October 12

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday rejected claims that surgical strikes were undertaken during the UPA regime and asserted that a "major" share of credit for the army action last month goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Hitting back, the Congress accused the Defence Minister of misleading the public and undermining the army's sacrifices while indulging in "blatant politicisation" of the issue.

Mr Parrikar,Indian Army deserves all credit but why mislead the people & undermine Army's sacrifices by denying earlier SurgicalStrikes? 1/5  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) October 12, 2016

Mr Parrikar, Indian Army deserves all credit but why mislead the people and undermine army's sacrifices by denying earlier surgical strikes?

"Operation Ginger in 2011 was a large-scale surgical strike. Why is Manohar Parrikar quiet on army's valour? Is (it) not blatant politicisation?" Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala asked.

Earlier, speaking at two different functions, Parrikar said the doubting Thomases can share credit for the operation, though a major share goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government for decision-making and planning.

He also made it clear that claims of having carried out such strikes earlier were wrong as such actions were undertaken by border action teams at local level "without the knowledge" of the government.

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#WATCH: From whatever I have learnt in 2 years as Defence Minister "there is no #SurgicalStrike anytime earlier," says Manohar Parrikar pic.twitter.com/X0F6m2w9qd  ANI (@ANI_news) October 12, 2016

I dont mind sharing the credit, including on surgical strike, with every countryman because it is done by our armed forces and not by any political party.

We in the government and I personally as the Defence Minister are happy to share the credit with the Army, the 127 crore citizens and also those doubting Thomases, he said at a function in Mumbai.

The Minister said it will settle the nerves of many, in an apparent dig at the Opposition parties which have been accusing the Modi Government and the BJP of taking credit for the Army action for political gains.

Several Opposition leaders and parties have also questioned the surgical strike and have sought proof while the Congress has said that similar operations were undertaken during its tenure also.

Parrikar also denied that the government has leaked information about the September 28-29 surgical strikes on seven terrorist launch pads in PoK.

There is a difference between covert and overt operations. We have asked the Army to share with the nation about their operations, Parrikar said. He was speaking while inaugurating an exhibition on Technology and material sciences at Navi Mumbai near here.

The Defence Minister said "there were no surgical strikes ever carried out by Indian Army" (prior to the September 29 strikes).

"The earlier military actions were carried out mostly in low intensity and were covert. The reports used to be communicated later to the higher authorities. This was the first such strike which was approved by the government," he said.

Parrikar was speaking on the topic "strengthening India's defence capabilities", anchored by security analyst Nitin Gokhale, in suburban Bandra here.

Political hypocrisy by Modi govt: Cong

Hitting out Parrikar in a series of tweets, Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala asked, "If army deserves full credit (for the recent surgical strike), why are 'avengers of Uri' posters depicting Modiji as Lord Rama being plastered in poll-bound states?"

Surjewala said Parrikar is indulging in "ultimate political hypocrisy".

"The ultimate political hypocrisy; post surgical strike, Modi Sarkar cut disability pensions for 'combat injury' to half.

"Is Modi Govt giving credit to Army by denying OROP, Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, by refusing to acknowledge and honor commitments? (sic)" he asked.

If Army deserves full credit, why are "Avengers of Uri" posters depicting Modi Ji as Lord Rama being plastered in poll-bound states? 3/5  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) October 12, 2016

The Congress leader said the RSS and BJP chief Amit Shah have publicly stated that surgical strikes will be their key electoral strategy. "Forked tongue, Mr Parrikar?" he asked.

Surjewala also said while Defence Minister Parrikar credits army for surgical strike, "no wonder he got himself felicitated in Agra, Lucknow and Goa instead of our brave army."  PTI
Ajay Banerjee

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 12

Ever since the Army carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) to target terror camps in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK), the possibility of Pakistan retaliating has been war-gamed  a military art of predicting a future outcome or postures  in New Delhi.

A war with Pakistan has been ruled out, for now unless its thrust upon India by its neighbour. A top official said various scenarios had been studied and the closest assessment was that the Pakistan army would continue to use terrorists to cause damage in Jammu and Kashmir and India would retaliate accordingly.

Leave out a nuclear war, even a conventional war might not be an option in immediate future, the official said.

After the cross-LoC strikes on September 29, New Delhi told Islamabad in no uncertain terms that it didnt want to escalate situation, but would respond to any attack or threat appropriately. This cycle of terrorism cannot hold India to ransom, he added. The present scenario in which the Pakistan army has been left answering some uncomfortable questions is being seen as a booster for the Nawaz Sharif government.

On October 3, national security adviser of Pakistan General Nasser Khan Janjua (retd) spoke to his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval.

New Delhis message is that dialogue is the way forward on Jammu and Kashmir, but only after the Pakistan army stops abetting terrorism. Its for Pakistan, its army and its people to take a stand on avoiding escalation, the functionary said.

According to the Pakistan media, General Janjua has said we are two nuclear states and we cannot be enemies forever  a clear indication that the message is being read correctly.

India target is to not let Pakistan continue to use its low-cost option of waging a proxy war by sending terrorists to India. A response to such a terror strike will depend on the nature of the attack. It can be on several fronts  diplomatic, military, economic or information warfare.

The fact that Pakistans own citizens have questioned its wisdom of engaging with India or nurturing terrorists like Hafiz Saeed is being seen as positive step in India.
Jaipur, October 12

In the wake of the recent tension between India and Pakistan, a Pakistani delegation, which was scheduled to attend the SAARC Sufi festival, has pulled out from the three-day event beginning here this Friday.

The delegation comprising authors, writers, poets and Sufis will not be attending the festival to be held from October 14-16 at the Diggi palace.

"The delegation members have cancelled their participation to the event. The reason for most of them is the recent tension between the two countries following which the schedule of the event has been revised accordingly," Ram Pratap Diggi, the local associate of the organisers, said.

The event is being organised by SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL).

"The festival will be held on scheduled dates, but without the Pakistani delegation," he said.

JAIPUR: In the wake of the recent tension between India and Pakistan, a Pakistani delegation, which was scheduled to attend the SAARC Sufi festival, has pulled out from the three-day event beginning here this Friday.

Sources said it was feared that their presence may invite protests and demonstrations, so they preferred to cancel their visit to India.

Topics like Sufism and Its Inter Religious Links, Sufi-Bhakti Harmony, Promoting Sufi Tenets for World Peace, Teachings of Sufism and Application in Today's Life, Role of Education in Developing Human Values for Harmony, Dance and Sufism, Women in Sufism, Music and Spirituality, Poetry in Sufism will be discussed by panelists in the festival.

Last month, following threats by Hindu outfits, Mayo College, Ajmer had called off an event under an exchange programme in which a delegation from Pakistan was scheduled to attend from October 2-5. PTI
Islamabad, October 12

Pakistan is exploring the possibility of creating a greater South Asian economic alliance to include China, Iran and neighbouring Central Asian republics as part of its bid to counter Indias influence in SAARC, a media report said today.

Dawn News, citing diplomatic observers, said Pakistan is exploring the possibility of creating a greater South Asian economic alliance to counter Indias controlling hold on the eight-member South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

A parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, which is now in New York, pitched this idea during its five-day visit to Washington last week, the report said. A greater South Asia is already emerging, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed was quoted as saying in one of his interactions with the media. This greater South Asia includes China, Iran and the neighbouring Central Asian republics, he said.

He described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as the key economic route linking South Asia with Central Asia. The Gwadar port, Syed said, would be the nearest warm water port, not only for China but also for the land-locked Central Asian states. We want India to join this arrangement as well, said Syed.  PTI
MASON CITY  Harrison Truck Centers has joined in support of the Keeping NIACC First capital campaign by donating the use of a brand new Freightliner Cascadia truck to North Iowa Area Community College.

The gift is intended to enhance the diesel technology program and bring more visibility to the college. This gift is a yearly commitment for use of a new truck each year for five years at a value of $75,000 over the course of the five years.

Chad Harrison, Harrison Truck Centers, said in a news release, Harrison Truck Centers is proud to support NIACC and the new Diesel Technology Center.

NIACC provides a real value to North Iowa and Southern Minnesota in providing students an affordable avenue to continue their education after high school, and as the largest diesel repair shop in North Iowa, we rely on NIACC to provide us with skilled technicians to help us grow our business. Our careers started with NIACC and we are proud to help future community leaders get their start at NIACC as well.

According to diesel instructor Dennis Salz, This new truck will give students a first-hand look at the latest technology on a truck. The new emissions on the engine, and how it works, is something they can now actually see perform.

Its a great asset to the program for students to be able to experience the latest in drive train, electronics, fuel systems, brakes and all the other systems on a truck.

Im really excited about this partnership with Harrison Truck Centers and their support of our program, Steve Schulz, NIACC president, said in a news release. This truck will provide our students with the opportunity to learn about the latest truck technology as well as give us an opportunity to promote the diesel technology program.

North Iowa has countless opportunities for truck technicians and drivers and we hope to fill many of those openings with our graduates, Schulz said. This is truly a remarkable and wonderful gift that will serve NIACC and its students well over the years.

The Keeping NIACC First capital campaign committee is hoping to wrap up commitments to the campaign by the end of the year to allow the college to finalize the design and solicit bids for the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) renovations and expansion, which is the final of the four projects being funded primarily from the campaign.

The three completed projects are the piano upgrades and music enhancements, the diesel technology center and the health simulation center.

The committee chairs and honorary chairs of the campaign, O. Jay and Pat Tomson, Eugene and Mary Sukup, David Steffens Jr., and Gary and Vicki Wattnem, encourage all North Iowans to join in support of NIACC and this project that will position NIACC for the next generation of success.

For more information about the Keeping NIACC First capital campaign, visit the NIACC Foundation website www.niacc.edu/foundation or call the office at 641-422-4386.
Aditi Tandon

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, October 11

As the WHO cautioned Asia against a highly likely spread of the Zika virus, the government today admitted the country was at risk of the infection but said no case had been reported yet.

Director General Health Services Jagdish Prasad, nodal officer for outbreak prevention and control, said India was prepared to handle Zika. Surveillance and testing systems were in place, he added.

With Singapore reporting hundreds of Zika cases and Thailand confirming two instances of microcephaly related to Zika virus, India has decided to intensify its microcephaly surveillance.

Prasad said, Since the outbreak of Zika in Brazil this year, we have been monitoring microcephaly linked to the virus. We will intensify the surveillance now as the infection has moved closer home. The surveillance of microcephaly, a condition where the babys head is abnormally large due to Zika infection, is being conducted in the government system through Health Ministrys reproductive and child health chain.

Accredited social health workers have been trained in microcephaly surveillance and instructed to report cases.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry said advisories had been sent to all airports to screen any potential patient for Zika infection. Anyone travelling to India from Zika endemic or Zika outbreak country will be counselled to report to the doctor if they see any symptoms in two weeks of returning from the country reporting Zika. Surveillance teams are in place at all airports and isolation facilities made available to tackle cases of emergency, Prasad said.

The government is not ruling out Zika outbreak possibility given a high burden of dengue, which intensifies with the monsoon.
Washington, October 12

Supporting India's right to self-defence in the aftermath of the Uri attack which it dubbed a clear case of cross-border terrorism, the US today dismissed the recent attempt by Pakistan to link peace in war-torn Afghanistan with resolution of the Kashmir issue.

The White House backed Indias right to defend itself as with any other country, in view of the recent surgical strike but advised caution given the heavy militarisation between the two neighbours.

It also said the US was making every effort to ensure that India became a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) by the end of this year.

Making a rare appearance before a Washington audience, Peter Lavoy, the White Houses point person for South Asia, said the India-US ties were the most dynamic relationship for the US as he listed the Obama administrations achievements in strengthening the relationship between the two largest democracies of the world.

It (Uri) was a clear case of cross-border terrorism. But in a heavily militarised relationship that has also experienced three wars, there is indeed a need for caution and restraint, he said.

We share with India, the concern for preventing any future attack, Lavoy said.

Last week, Lavoy met the two special envoys of Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif on Kashmir. The two Pakistani envoys in their public meetings had linked peace in Afghanistan to resolving the Kashmir issue. We certainly do not believe that the situation in Afghanistan is linked with Kashmir, he said.

Lavoy said the US is making every effort to ensure that India becomes a member of the NSG.  PTI
Thiruvananthapuram, October 12

The Bharatiya Janata Party has called a shutdown in Kerala on Thursday to protest against the murder of a party activist in Kannur on Wednesday morning allegedly by CPI-M members.

The announcement was made by state BJP president Kummanem Rajashekeran.

He said Remith, a 26-year-old driver, was murdered near the house of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

He was attacked in front of a petrol pump in Pinarayi village, a police official said.

Remith's father was also murdered earlier by the workers of the Communist Party of India-Marxist, Rajashekeran said. The murder followed the killing of 52-year-old CPI-M grassroot leader K. Mohanan, who was hacked to death by suspected Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activists on Monday.

Both murders took place in Vijayan's Dharmadom constituency. Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala called upon the CPI-M and the BJP to end the politics of murder.

"The situation in Kannur has turned worse and people are living in fear over the way the two parties are taking on each other," Chennithala said. "The police appear to have lost control of the situation." Since Vijayan assumed office in May, four BJP and three CPI-M workers have been eliminated in Kannur district.

IANS
Varinder Singh & Bharat Khanna

Tribune News Service

Mansa, October 12

The situation remained tense at Gharangana village where the family members and relatives of 21-year-old Dalit boy Sukhchain Singh, who was brutally done to death by some influential persons on Monday, refused to cremate the body, demanding the arrest of six main accused and over 24 of their accomplices.

The Mansa police arrested Balbir Singh alias Kala, Hardip Singh alias Kala and Sadhu Singh of Gharangana village late last night. The families of the accused have reportedly fled the village, fearing police action.

We wont cremate the body till all the accused are arrested, said Sukhvir Singh, victims brother.

The police have assured the family of early action. We are zeroing in on the remaining accused. They will be nabbed soon, said SK Asthana, IG, Bathinda zone. He, however, claimed that during the investigations, they could not establish the involvement of any Akali leader in the case. Both sides indulged in illicit liquor trade and had an old enmity, Asthana said, adding that the missing left leg of the victim was recovered from the fields around 300 m away from the house of main accused Balbir Singh alias Kala.
Ravi Dhaliwal

Tribune News Service

Kotli Surat Malhi (Gurdaspur), October 12

Punjab Pradesh Congress chief and former CM Capt Amarinder Singh today stormed the Kotli Surat Mali police station before launching his partys door-to-door campaign. Not finding the SHO there, he was livid. The latter had left before the PPCC chiefs arrival.

A well-publicised affair, the local CID had informed the Batala SSP about Amarinders plans. Sources said SHO Manjit Singh developed cold feet when he learnt that scores of people were waiting to apprise the PPCC chief about cases registered by him (SHO) at the behest of local SAD leaders.

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There is not a single person in the area who has not complained against the SHO. His name is sure to top my list of errant officers, warned a livid Amarinder, adding he would not hesitate to invoke Article 311 of the Constitution to cleanse the Police Department of officers with a political bias, if voted to power.

During my earlier tenure as CM, I had dismissed 23 officers under Article 311. This is a warning to officers who openly toe the line of ruling party politicians, including halqa chiefs. There are reports that officers are reporting to their political masters, not their seniors. These officers will be dismissed, Amarinder said. He was apparently referring to scores of false cases registered against Congress workers.

Accompanied by MLA SS Randhawa and PPCC executive member Gurmeet Pahra, he was on the premises for 25 minutes. As Amarinder stepped out of the police station for campaigning, he was approached by some youths who complained about the SHOs behaviour. Later in the day, DS Cheema, SAD minister, said: Capts campaign is not picking up. He is resorting to gimmicks to grab headlines.
Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 12

As many as 900 private colleges have usurped funds totalling Rs 100 crore meant for students belonging to the Scheduled Castes through 32,000 fake enrolments.

A probe by the Punjab Welfare Department has already submitted its report to Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal. An inquiry was ordered after the matter was raised by Akali MLA Justice Nirmal Singh in the state Assembly during the Budget session. Several other MLAs, cutting across party lines, had supported his demand for an inquiry into the fraud in the name of SC students.

The government is in the process of recovering the money from the managements of these colleges even as some are pressing the authorities to brush the matter under the carpet, say sources. The maximum bogus enrolments of 22,000 students have been detected in colleges under the direct/indirect control of the DPI (Colleges) followed by technical colleges (10,000), including polytechnics and Industrial Training Institutes, under the Director, Technical Education.

Bogus admissions have also been detected in institutions under the control of the State Council for Education Research and Training, Animal Husbandry and Directorate of Research and Medical Education. In most cases, the students have been shown as having dropped out or are enrolled in more than one institution.

The private colleges are on the warpath. Their joint action committee has asked the government to release Rs 80 crore for 2014-15 and Rs 400 crore for 2015-16. We will take action against the erring institutions. But if they have genuine demands, we will certainly look into these, said Gulzar Singh Ranike, Minister for Welfare of SCs and BCs.
Minna Zutshi

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, October 12

Punjab Youth Congress secretary Parvinder Singh Lapran was today arrested, in an attempt to murder case, while raids were conducted at the residence of other Congress leaders and workers against whom cases were registered. The police action followed a clash between activists of the Youth Akali Dal and the Congress at GLADA grounds on the eve of Dasehra.

Judicial Magistrate Bhupinder Mittal remanded Lapra in judicial custody till October 24. The court turned down the request for his police remand. None of the lawyers of the accused was present, when the latter was produced before the court after 6 pm today.

Earlier Ludhiana MP Ravneet Bittu, and party workers waited at the court complex. Bittu said the Congress leadership would sit in front of the Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badals residence tomorrow to register their protest against the partisan attitude of the police in Ludhiana on the eve of Dasehra. We may sit on a dharna, go on hunger strike or take whatever action is required at that juncture, he told The Tribune.

The MP alleged that Youth Akali Dal (YAD) activists had tried to kill him during the attack on the Congress workers at GLADA grounds on the eve of Dasehra. If there was anything illegal on the Dasehra grounds, the police could have intervened. Its strange that the YAD had the audacity to barge in and attack the Congress leaders, including district Congress committee urban president Gurpreet Gogi, he alleged.

He said they would not relent till the Ludhiana Commissioner of Police and ADCP-4 were transferred and dismissed. He demanded the registration of a case under Section 307 of the IPC against the YAD leaders.

The MP said a delegation of the Congress leaders would soon meet the Punjab Governor to apprise him of the situation.

In the evening, Congress workers, led by Bittu and Deputy CLP leader Bharat Bhushan Ashu, pasted Proud to be Akali stickers at the office of the Police Commissioner and some official vehicles.

Tarsem Singh Bhinder, president of YAD Malwa zone-3, alleged that the Congress workers had beaten up YAD activists mercilessly during the clash. The police did not side with us. They only tried to maintain law and order, he added.
Tribune News Service

Mansa, October 12

The Congress today demanded a CBI probe into the Dalit youths killing, accusing the ruling SAD-BJP government of letting loose a reign of terror against the underprivileged sections.

PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh said: I have exhorted party workers to extend all possible help to the victims family. Dalits are feeling insecure in the state and the Badal-led government is trying to create social upheaval in the state. The liquor mafia is being patronised by the Akalis.

Sunil Jakhar, senior Congress leader, who visited the victims family at Gharangana village today, alleged that the raiding parties engaged by the liquor mafia under the SAD patronage were responsible for most of the crimes against the Dalits. We demand a CBI probe under the supervision of a sitting High Court judge not only to investigate this incident but also to investigate the nexus between liquor mafia and the SAD leaders, who are allowing their henchmen to coerce the 33 per cent Dalit electorate of the state to toe their line or face the heat, he alleged.

Congress Legislature Party Leader Charanjit Singh Channi demanded immediate arrest of the culprits. The Congress stands by the Dalit community in their fight for justice. This barbaric act has once again exposed the anti-Dalit face of the Badal regime under which the state had turned into mafia land, he alleged.

Workers of the CPI and BSP today staged a protest march and gheraoed the Mansa DC office. They demanded the arrest of all accused and Rs 10 lakh compensation and a job for the victim's family.

Meanwhile, Mansa SSP Mukhwinder Singh Bhullar said: "There is no political pressure on us. We are performing our duty as per law and all accused will be behind the bars soon."

Sampla asks DGP to act tough

Chandigarh: Taking note of the attacks on Dalits in Mansa and Sangrur districts, Union Minister and state BJP chief Vijay Sampla on Wednesday called up DGP Suresh Arora and demanded stringent action against the accused. Terming the incidents as unfortunate, he also directed party leaders to visit the aggrieved families. Earlier, Sampla said: "Our alliance with the Akali Dal was not merely political. The bond of trust was built on the foundation of social understandings, mutual respect and commitment for serving the people". TNS

BSP for Rs 10 lakh relief, job to family

Mansa: Workers of the Left parties and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Wednesday staged a march in protest against the brutal killing of Dalit youth Sukhchain Singh, in Mansa on Wednesday. The protesters gheraoed the office of the Mansa Deputy Commissioner and demanded immediate arrest of the remaining accused. They said atrocities on Dalits were on the rise in the state. They demanded Rs 10 lakh compensation and a government job for the victims family. TNS
New York, October 12

Several members of the Sikh community held a protest outside the UN headquarters here to raise their concerns over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and its impact on the lives of the people in Punjab.

The 'Save Punjab Rally', organised yesterday by rights group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in collaboration with civil rights groups and management committees of the Sikh temples across North America, also demanded a referendum in Punjab.

During the rally, held across the street from the UN headquarters, the demonstrators, including several pro-Khalistan Sikhs, carried placards that read 'Boycott India's Jingoistic War' and 'Support Punjab Referendum.'

SFJ also submitted a communique to officials from Uruguay's Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Uruguay is one of the 15 members of the Security Council and is due to hold the Presidency of the Council in January.

The communique alleged that the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan is forcing thousands of Sikh farmers in Punjab to evacuate their homes, "turning them into refugees."

SFJ Legal Advisor said war is not a solution, adding that a referendum should be conducted in Punjab.

Panic gripped the residents of villages in many border districts of Punjab after reports of escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan spread, following a surgical strike by the army on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 28.

Authorities have also began evacuating people residing in the villages falling within 10 kilometre of international border. Heads of local gurdwaras, temples with the help of Sarpanches have asked the people to evacuate at the earliest in the light of escalating situation.

Punjab shares 553-km border with Pakistan. It has six districts which lie close to international border. There are some 135 villages which lie very close to the IB. PTI
Louisa County man pleads guilty to deer poaching

DES MOINES  A Morning Sun man has pleaded guilty to multiple counts of illegally taking deer in Louisa County.

Ryan Matthew Greiner, 30, pled guilty to nine counts of illegally taking deer and seven counts of abandonment of dead or injured wildlife. Greiner was ordered to pay $3,120 in fines and $36,000 in liquidated damages for the nine deer, as well as court costs.

Greiner was charged following an Iowa Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement investigation when citizens reported the deer being shot by rifles and left to rot.

We are very grateful to the people who reported these actions to us and assisted us in making this case, said DNR Conservation Officer Lucas Dever, in a news release.

Another man arrested in the case, Treyton Hartman, 19, of Yarmouth, was found guilty of multiple wildlife-related charges earlier this year.

The charges were filed earlier this summer based on evidence that was collected during execution of a search warrant at their residences in January.

Fall urban trout stocking begins Oct. 13

Seventeen locations across Iowa are gearing up to receive trout this fall. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources will release between 1,000 to 2,000 rainbow trout at each location as part of its cool weather trout program that brings trout to areas that cannot support them during the summer months.

Grab your neighbors, friends and kids and try trout fishing this fall, said Joe Larscheid, chief of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Bureau, in a news release. Its time well spent. The fish are here, easy to catch and good to eat.

The fall urban trout stockings are a great place to take kids to catch their first fish. Trout can be caught using the most basic fishing gear. A small hook with a nightcrawler or corn under a small bobber to casting small simple spinners such as a panther martin or mepps is all that is needed to get in on the fun.

Bringing trout to cities and towns offers a close to home option for Iowans who might not normally travel to northeast Iowa to discover trout fishing. A family friendly event is often paired with the stocking to help anglers have success and fun while fishing.

The popular program is supported by the sales of the trout fee. Anglers need a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10.

Children age 15 or younger can fish for trout with a properly licensed adult, but they must limit their catch to one daily limit. The child can purchase a trout fee which will allow them to catch their own limit.

2016 fall urban trout stocking schedule:

 Oct. 13, North Prairie Lake, Cedar Falls, 11 a.m.

 Oct. 13, Sand Lake, Marshalltown, noon.

 Oct. 14, Lake of the Hills, Davenport, 10:30 a.m.

 Oct. 14, Terry Trueblood Lake, Iowa City, 11 a.m.

 Oct. 20, Big Lake, Council Bluffs, 3 p.m.

 Oct. 20, Banner Lake (South), Summerset State Park, Indianola, 11 a.m.

 Oct. 21, Lake Petocka, Bondurant, noon.

 Oct. 28, Ottumwa Park Pond, Ottumwa, 11:30 a.m.

 Oct. 29, Discovery Park, Muscatine, 10 a.m.

 Oct. 29, Wilson Lake, Fort Madison, noon.

 Oct. 29, Heritage Pond, Dubuque, 11 a.m.

 Nov. 5, Scharnberg Pond, Spencer, noon.

 Nov. 8, Bacon Creek, Sioux City, 1 p.m.

 Nov. 9, Moorland Pond, Fort Dodge, noon.

 Nov. 18, Ada Hayden, Ames, noon.

 Nov. 18, Prairie Park (Cedar Bend), Cedar Rapids, 10:30 a.m.

 Nov. 23, Blue Pit, Mason City, 11 a.m.

Trout fishing under a canopy of fall colors

Enjoy the vibrant scenery and cool weather this fall fishing for Iowas prize trout in northeast Iowas hundreds of miles of trout streams. From easily accessible streams in state or county parks, to those found in Iowas most wild and remote natural spaces, there are plenty of places to catch rainbow, brown and brook trout.

Its a busy place this time of year, said Mike Steuck, Iowa DNR fisheries supervisor for interior streams, in a news release. A lot of wild fish are in these streams for anglers to test their skills.

View some of the best fall colors in the narrow valley of Little Paint, west of Harpers Ferry. Look for trout behind larger boulders and under rock ledges. Let your lure or bait drift around the boulders and just in front of the ledges.

Catch stream-reared brown trout up to 16 inches and 10- to 12-inch stocked rainbow trout in the Maquoketa River. Miles of public access spots line the river in Clayton and Delaware counties. Find rainbow trout in pools and runs while brown trout will be near wood habitat.

The best opportunity to catch all three trout species in a single trip is at Spring Branch Creek, southeast of Manchester. There is great public access to more than 1 miles of coldwater stream.

Learn to read a stream, to identify habitats that offer food and cover. Trout are not randomly scattered in a stream. They locate themselves along the edge of the current flow near protective cover. The stream current carries food to the trout while it waits.

Trout try to bulk up in the fall for winter and seem to always be hungry. Brown and brook trout lay their eggs in nests called redds during October and November.

The eggs remain in these areas of cleaned gravel on the stream bottom until they hatch in late winter or early spring. Be careful where you walk to avoid stepping in or directly above these nests.

Brown trout are wary. Be as quiet and hidden as you can, said Steuck. If you can see them, they have already seen you and probably will not bite.

Fish overcast and gray days when using spin fishing gear. Trout seem to be less wary of lures at this time. If fly fishing, target midday on sunny and bright days. In cooler fall temperatures, bright warm days can stimulate an insect hatch. Dry flies can still be productive, but the insect hatches become more sporadic and less intense than in the summer.

Early fall is grasshopper time, especially for brown trout. Gather them in the cool of the early morning. Imitation grasshoppers also work well along with night crawlers, particularly following light rainfall.

Iowas trout season is open all year. Iowas trout streams are, too. About 105 coldwater trout streams await anglers in 10 northeast Iowa counties. DNR fisheries staff stock trout in 50 streams weekly through October. All October stockings are unannounced.

Anglers need to have a valid fishing license and pay the trout fee to fish for or possess trout. The daily limit is five trout per licensed angler with a possession limit of 10.

Learn more about Iowas trout streams, including maps, amenities and stocking schedules on the Iowa DNRs website at fishing.iowadnr.gov. Check conditions before you go with the weekly Iowa Fishing Report (www.iowadnr.gov/Fishing/Fishing-Reports).
Varinder Singh & Bharat Khanna

Tribune News Service

Gharanghna (Mansa), Oct 11

Sukhchain Singh, a 21-year-old Dalit of Gharanghna village, was waylaid, pulled out of his SUV and killed last evening, after which his limbs were chopped off.

The gruesome murder by persons owing allegiance to the ruling SAD and with links to Niranjan Singh, driver of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal, has created tension between the village Dalits and the land-owning community.

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The family of the deceased, with police assistance, is trying to find a missing leg. It has refused to cremate the body, kept in the mortuary of the Civil Hospital, until then. How can we cremate it without a leg? asks Sukhchains wailing mother Karamjit Kaur.

She wants the immediate arrest of Balbir Singh alias Kala, Hardip Singh alias Kala, Bitta Singh, Sadhu Singh  all from Gharanghna village, Bittu Singh of Chhote Nangal, Sita Singh of Makha village (they have been booked) and their 20 accomplices.

Hardip and his brother Bitta are nephews of Gharanghna sarpanch Sardool Singh, who is the son of the CMs driver, say sources.

Sukhchain and his friends, one of them Gursewak Singh, were reportedly waylaid while on their way home in a Bolero. Sukhchain was kidnapped by Balbir and 24 armed accomplices. As his friends fled, he was pulled out, taken to a secluded place and attacked with sharp-edged weapons.

An iron rod was pierced into his chest. When we learnt about the incident at about 8.30 pm, we called up the police on 100 and other numbers. The police, showing no urgency, arrived more than an hour later, alleged Sukhbir Singh, the deceaseds brother.

He said the grass at the crime site was smeared with blood but there was nobody there. The Bolero was smashed. As we arrived at the rear end of a street, we found a knee-cap and some pieces of human flesh. Later, the police found the blood-soaked body at Balbirs residence where my brother was apparently subjected to inhuman torture.

The arms were twisted. The left leg was missing and the bones broken, said Sukhbir, fighting back tears. He claimed Balbir bore a grudge against his brother. Sukhchain quit the illicit liquor business about three months ago after he was booked and thrashed by the police. Balbir and others were his competitors, he claimed. His mother said Balbir had warned her son to stay away from Gursewak.

When contacted, the Gharanghna village sarpanch said Hardip, one of the accused, was a relative with whom he had no ties since 1991. Hardip and Gursewak were once friends. They later turned leaders of rival gangs, he said. The Mansa SP (D), Narinderpal Singh, said the six persons booked for the murder would be arrested soon.

Dr Nancy Bansal of the Mansa Civil Hospital said Sukhchains body bore several injury marks.
If rumours are to be believed, Alia Bhatt and Sidharth Malhotra are trying their best to give their relationship another shot. Reportedly, the two have been meeting each other in secret and last week Sidharth drove to Alias new house at Juhu in Mumbai. The young actress shares the plush apartment with her elder sister Shaheen and Sidharth spent close to four hours there.

Even though Alia wants to be open about their relationship, Sidharth is not too comfortable. A source shares, Siddharth does not want the media attention that comes from having a very public romance. So Siddharth has decided to keep their new equation under wraps. We wonder for how long this hide and seek game will go on!
While the Id passed away apparently without a hitch in the rest of the country, news comes of serious disturbances in two villages of the Patna district in the Behar province. In one case it is said the trouble arose after the sacrifice and the police had to open fire on the Hindu crowd resulting in a couple of casualties. It is also stated that last year in this sacrifice by the Mahomedans. In the other a large crowd of Hindus assembled before the sacrifice and the District Magistrate who was present ordered fire as a last resort. There are several features in this regrettable affair which deserve a careful examination. Behar is province of India where the relations between Hindus and Mahomedans are generally of a most amicable kind, and where there is some sort of understanding among the leaders of the two communities.
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 12

Activists of the Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha (BJYM) took out a protest rally and set ablaze Chinese products to express resentment against terrorism, here today. The activists appealed to residents to strictly boycott the Chinese products.

The activists gathered at the BJP Mahanagar office. The rally was led by BJYM Mahanagar president Shyam Pant. They shouted slogans against the Chinese products and burnt the Chinese products at the Lansdowne Chowk.

They said an awareness drive on boycotting the Chinese products would be started soon by the activists. They said activists had urged shopkeepers not to sell Chinese electronic and other products during the festival season. According to them, boycotting the Chinese products by the residents would be one of the ways to pay tribute to martyrs who had laid down their lives for the nation. They said the money earned from selling Chinese products in India was used by China to support Pakistan to spread terrorism in the country.

The protesters said the Chinese products were not durable enough to be used for years so people should rely on Make in India concept started by the Union Government. They urged the residents to used Indian products in the country.
Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 12

The Association of Computing Machinery  Women (ACM-W) in University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun, honoured women in computing at the National conference 2016 of ACM-W India held here today.

With over 164 active chapters across the globe, the Association for Computing Machinery-Women supports, celebrates, and internationally advocates inclusive engagement of women in all aspects of the computing field.

The association provides wide range of programmes and services to ACM members towards promoting contributions of technical women working in the larger global community.

Arun Dhand, Director- Media Affairs of the university, said the ACM W student chapter in UPES was founded in April 2015 and was a sister body of the UPES-ACM student chapter. UPES ACM-W is a unique blend of aspiration, hard work and a productive working structure. The chapter emphasises on technological awareness and has since its inception been very active in disseminating information on contemporary technological advancements in the domain of computing. It was an outcome of the dedicated hard work and commitment of the team that within a year of its foundation the chapter got selected by ACM-W to host the national conference in UPES, he added.

Dr Margaret Burnett from Oregon State University shared her thoughts Research Experience for undergraduates, Womenomics and Gender Inclusive Software.

Divya K Konoor of IBM India, eminent speaker on the occasion, aired her views on the topic of Open Stack and Cloud Platforms.

The celebrations saw participation of students of several institutes from across the country, including DAIICT, Ahmedabad, IIIT Vadodara, Thapar University, Patiala.

Some of the spirited contests and competitions included Lady Ada - National Level Programming contest, Panel discussions, Poster WIP (Work in Progress) presentations, Hands on coding workshop in Python by IIT Bombay etc.

Dr Sheila Anand, chairperson ACM-W India, Dr Arati Dixit, Vice-Chairperson ACM-W India and Dr Neelu Ahuja, Dr Nilima and Dr Rashmi Sharma from Centre of Information Technology in UPES were present on the occasion.
Washington, October 12

With a host of Republicans abandoning Donald Trump after the furore over his lewd remarks about women, the defiant presidential candidate has asserted that he is tired of non-support and does not need the backing of party leaders like House Speaker Paul Ryan.

The fact is, I think we should get support and we dont get the support from guys like Paul Ryan, the 70-year-old real estate tycoon told Fox News.

Trumps remarks came a day after Ryan told his party leaders that he would not be interested in supporting Trump and instead would focus on retaining majority in the Congress.

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Im just tired of non-support and I dont really want his support. This happens all the timeif you sneeze, he calls up and announces, Isnt that a terrible thing. So look, I dont want his support, I dont care about his support, Trump said.

Trump also indicated that Ryan would no longer be the Speaker of the House of Representatives if he is elected as the US President.

Theyll be there. I would think that Ryan may be would not be there, maybe he will be in a different position, he said and exuded confidence that he would win the November 8 general election against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

Ive had a lot of women come up to me and say, Boy, Ive heard that and Ive heard a lot worse than that over my life.

If thats what it is going to take to lose an election, that will be pretty sad, Trump said.

Earlier, the reality TV star had lashed out against disloyal Republicans in a ranting tweetstorm.

Trump called Ryan a weak and ineffective leader. Disloyal Republicans are far more difficult than Crooked Hillary. They come at you from all sides. They dont know how to winI will teach them!, he said in a tweet.

With the exception of cheating Bernie out of the nomination, the Democrats have always proven to be far more loyal to each other than the Republicans!, Trump said.

It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to, the Republican presidential nominee tweeted.

Trump also lashed out at Senator John McCain, who was among the first few Republican leaders to withdraw support.

Trump also told Fox News that he should not have endorsed McCain, in the veteran senators August primary.

He (McCain) was desperate to get my endorsement. I gave him the endorsement...and frankly, he ran against a very good woman, I feel very badly I gave the endorsement, Trump said and described McCain as having probably the dirtiest mouth in all the Senate.

Meanwhile, Republican vice-presidential nominee Mike Pence said that he is disappointed that his party leaders are abandoning Trump.

Trumps candidacy has suffered a blow after a 2005 tape was released in which he was seen making lewd and derogatory comments about women.  PTI
Hong Kong, October 12

Hong Kong rebel lawmakers swore, shouted, banged drums and railed against tyranny today when they took their oaths of office in the citys parliament, as calls grow for a split from Beijing.

The chaotic first meeting of the new term of the Legislative Council (Legco) came after a citywide vote last month saw victories for several lawmakers advocating more autonomy or even independence for Hong Kong.

Lawmakers are required to recite a short oath in Legco before they can officially take up their seats. That oath declares repeatedly that Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China. The government had warned lawmakers in advance they risked losing their seats if they did not take the oath properly.

Nathan Law, 23, Legcos youngest lawmaker and a former pro-democracy protest leader, delivered an impassioned speech ahead of taking the oath. You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body - but you can never imprison my mind, he said, quoting Indias independence leader Mahatma Gandhi.

Each time he referred to China in the oath, he changed the tone to turn it into a question.

Two new pro-independence lawmakers, Baggio Leung and Yau Wai-ching, added their own words before the oath, pledging to serve the Hong Kong nation. Both displayed flags emblazoned with the words: Hong Kong is not China.

Leung took the full oath in English but refused to pronounce China correctly, instead calling it Cheena.

Yau also appeared to utter a profanity while reading Peoples Republic of China in English during the ceremony, but she later denied it.

New lawmaker Eddie Chu, who advocates a public referendum on Hong Kongs future sovereignty, shouted Democratic self- determination! Tyranny will perish! after taking his oath. Teacher Lau Siu-lai, also a former Umbrella Movement activist, read every word of the oath at a snails pace, prompting some pro-Beijing lawmakers to walk out.  AFP
Tokyo, October 12

A fire at a power facility triggered a huge blackout on Wednesday in Tokyo, leaving 350,000 households and several government buildings without electricity and halting trains during rush hour.

The Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) is probing the cause of the fire while Tokyo authorities have ruled out a terror attack as the reason, EFE news reported.

Footage from public broadcaster NHK showed a cloud of black smoke rising from the TEPCO facility located in Niiza, north of Tokyo, from a fire that is said to have caused the outage, according to the company.

The firefighting service detected an explosion before the fire.

TEPCO said 350,000 houses across the city were affected by the power cut though the supply was resumed around two hours later.

Many people trapped in elevators had to be rescued by firefighters and traffic signals at several locations in the capital also stopped working.  IANS
Geneva, October 12

The world will be in danger if Republican nominee Donald Trump becomes president of the United States, the top United Nations human rights official said on Wednesday.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad al Hussein cited Trumps views on vulnerable communities including minorities and his talk of authorising torture in interrogations, banned under international law, as deeply unsettling and disturbing.

If Donald Trump is elected on the basis of what he has said already, and unless that changes, I think it is without any doubt that he would be dangerous from an international point of view, Zeid told a news briefing in Geneva.

Trump lashed out at US House Speaker Paul Ryan and other disloyal Republicans on Tuesday and vowed to campaign in whatever style he wants now that the party establishment has largely abandoned him. This occurred after a 2005 video surfaced last week showing him bragging crudely about groping women and making unwanted sexual advances.

Trump has said he would immediately re-authorise the waterboarding of suspected militants if elected on November 8, contending that torture works. US President Barack Obama, a Democrat, signed an executive order after taking office in January 2009 that banned waterboarding and other enhanced interrogation techniques. Such executive orders can be rescinded by a successor.

Zeid said he would rather not interfere in political campaigns. But when a candidates comments pointed to a potential use of torture, prohibited under the Convention against Torture, a pact ratified by Washington, or to vulnerable groups possibly losing their basic rights, he had to speak out.

In a speech in The Hague last month, Zeid accused Trump of spreading humiliating racial and religious prejudice and warned of a rise of populist politics that could turn violent.

I always believe that its incumbent on leaders to lead and to lead in a way that is ethical and moral, Zeid said on Wednesday, when asked about Trump. The use of half-truths is a very clever political device. Because as every propagandist knows, you allow the listener to fill in the rest. Trump has portrayed himself as tough on national security and promised to build a wall to stop Mexican immigrant rapists from crossing the border.  Reuters

Wikileaks colluding with Russia to help Trump

Hillary Clintons campaign has slammed Wikileaks founder Julian Assange for hacking into its email system and accused it of colluding with Russia to help her Republican rival Donald Trump

The head of Hillary Clintons campaign team John Podesta blamed Russia for the alleged hacking into its email system resulting in Wikileaks releasing thousands of emails of its campaign staff and officials

Podesta said he is in touch with the FBI in this regard. It also alleged that the Republican rival campaign of Donald Trump might have some inkling about it

Gaffe-prone Trump urges people to vote, but on wrong date!

Gaffe-prone Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has made another slip, asking his supporters in Florida to go out and vote on November 28, 20 days after the actual election date

At a rally in Panama City, Florida, Trump urged his supporters to make sure they are registered to vote by the states registration deadline and told them to go out and vote on November 28

Theres never been anything like this, so go and register, make sure you get out and vote November 28, he said

Trump hits out at Paul Ryan, other disloyal Republicans
AMES  When, during the recent presidential debate, Donald Trump accused Bill Clinton of abusing women while he was president, Hillary Clintons response showed why people should want her as their next president, Bill Clinton said Wednesday.

Former President Bill Clinton is in Iowa for a two-day campaign bus tour, encouraging Iowans to vote early and help make his wife the next president.

During a surprise stop at a Starbucks coffee shop near the Iowa State University campus Wednesday, Clinton responded to a reporters question about how he felt during the debate when Trump attacked him.

After apologizing for remarks he made in 2005 about using his celebrity status to grope women, Trump then turned his comments to Bill Clinton, who was in the debate audience.

If you look at Bill Clinton, far worse. Mine are words, and his was action. His was what hes done to women, Trump said. Theres never been anybody in the history of politics in this nation thats been so abusive to women. So you can say any way you want to say it, but Bill Clinton was abusive to women.

The Trump campaign in Iowa continued the line of attack Wednesday in a statement regarding Bill Clintons trip to Iowa.

Bill Clinton also reminds Iowans of Hillarys history of bullying and destroying the women he harassed and abused sexually  including an intern in the Oval Office while president  to preserve her political power and ability to trade off that power to get rich, Eric Branstad, the state director for the Trump campaign and son of Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, said in a statement.

Bill Clinton told reporters Wednesday that he was proud of Hillary Clintons stoic response to Trumps comments during the debate.

I looked at her and I realized thats the kind of person you want to be president: shes calm, relaxed and focused on other people, Bill Clinton said. Thats what the election ought to be about. Its a clear choice: youve got divide, distract and demonize against cooperate, concentrate and create opportunities. Its a pretty clear choice. I thought much more about her than I did about him. Im beyond being moved or surprised, have been for a long time.

Bill Clinton started the day with an address at Simpson College in Indianola. During a roughly 40-minute address, he stuck mostly to policy and avoided mentioning Trump by name. He also encouraged the young voters in the crowd of roughly 500, according to the campaign, to support Hillary Clinton and to vote early.

Bill Clinton gave an optimistic view of the future, saying he believes the country is on the verge of the greatest period of creativity, advance and discovery in its history.

I am telling you, we are on the verge of having the best times America has ever had if we do the right things and show the right face to the world and show the world how to walk away from the madness, Bill Clinton said.

Bill Clinton played up Hillary Clintons resume and policies on national security, renewable and clean energy, and funding for infrastructure, including broadband internet.

He praised Iowas wind energy production, which leads the nation, and addressed concerns of workers in the fossil fuels industries by describing a recent speech he gave in West Virginia.

I said heres the deal: if you think you can make America like it was 50 years ago, thats an economic and a social message. It is, weve become too diverse and Ill move you back up on the social totem pole and give you the economy you had 50 years go, Bill Clinton said. Now I turned 70 this year. Thats like me saying Id like to be 20 again. I would, actually, but it seems unlikely and I wouldnt vote for anybody that promised to make me 20 again.

Addressing the students in the crowd, Bill Clinton noted Hillary Clintons plans for debt-free college and two years of tuition-free community college.

He also noted the role the next president will play in nominating at least one and possibly multiple justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, saying the court could make important rulings on voting rights and labor protections.

The national Republican Party said Bill Clintons attempt to motivate young voters will be for naught.

This last minute push by Bill Clinton to register voters in Iowa and engage millennials is yet another failed attempt by a campaign that has struggled to inspire the Obama coalition of voters Hillary Clinton desperately needs, Republican National Committee spokeswoman Lindsay Jancek said. Since 2013, Republicans have been registering voters across the Hawkeye state, meanwhile Democrats are failing to rally their own base around Clintons flawed candidacy.

Bill Clintons two-day Iowa swing includes scheduled stops in Waterloo on Wednesday and Mount Vernon and Davenport on Thursday.
CEDAR RAPIDS | Patty Judge wishes the conversation in the final weeks before the Nov. 8 election wasnt about Donald Trumps locker room talk.

I wish it was a referendum on what has happened in the last six years in the U.S. Senate, what they have accomplished and what they have not accomplished, and what we can do in the next six years that will be better, the Albia Democrat said Wednesday in Cedar Rapids.

Its not that Trumps comments and Republican Sen. Chuck Grassleys continued support for him dont matter, but they overshadow economic security issues concerning Iowans, Judge said.

Iowans are concerned about having jobs and wages that keep up with the cost of living, making sure Social Security is preserved and making college affordable.

All those things that I know are important to Iowans are not whats driving this election right now, said Judge, who is challenging the six-term senator.

The election has to be about change, Judge said, because the situation we have seen in the last eight years is unacceptable. Were falling behind.

The election should be the fact that people believe that Washington is not working, the system is broken, according to Judge. He definitely is part of the system. Hes been there 36 years. Hes responsible in large part for whats happening and not happening.

The Trump distraction has allowed Grassley to avoid addressing that.

Hes been largely invisible, Judge said. Hes refused to debate me statewide, withdrew from Iowa Public Television debate, refused to get on the State Fair soapbox. Hes largely been in hiding, trying to protect his incumbency.

If Grassley is invisible its because (Judge) doesnt venture out much, Grassley campaign manager Robert Haus said.

She cant escape the fact that even her most ardent supporters wonder where shes been, and Democrats desperately wish they had a different candidate running for U.S. Senate," he said. "Her fundamental problem is that Iowans remember all too well why they booted her from office in 2010, and they wont make the same mistake twice.

Grassley, Judge countered, has offered no plan for the next six years, such as how he will secure flood protection funding for Cedar Rapids, Judge said.

Sending someone a letter periodically is not going to move the needle, she said, a references to Grassleys letters to the Army Corps of Engineers. I was here in 2008 and I know what it takes to move things along.

Although disappointed that Grassley withdrew from the public television debate, Judge is looking forward to an Oct. 19 debate in Sioux City. It will be broadcast on KTIV in Sioux City, KWWL in Waterloo/Cedar Rapids, KTTC in Rochester, Minnesota, and WGEM in Quincy, Illinois, as well as being streamed live on the stations websites.

Grassley and Judge will meet again at 4 p.m. Nov. 4 for a WHO Radio debate, which will be televised by WHO-TV.
SemCAMS, a subsidiary of Tulsa-based SemGroup Corp., announced Tuesday that it has entered into an agreement with NuVista Energy Ltd. on a project that will include processing up to 120 million cubic feet per day of sour gas at a plant SemCAMS will build in the Wapiti area of Alberta, Canada.

The 15-year agreement provides for take-or-pay obligations creating a significant backstop for the investment to be made by SemCAMS, according to the Calgary-based companys news release. SemCAMS employs a workforce of about 250.

We are pleased to announce our plans to build the new Wapiti Gas Plant and the significant expansion of our commitments for a true win-win with our growth-oriented customer, NuVista Energy, SemCAMS Vice President and General Manager David Gosse said in a statement.

Our safe and reliable history of operating sour gas plants and our existing infrastructure gives our customers a substantial advantage. This is an exciting project for SemCAMS, and another significant milestone in our strategic growth plans to meet the midstream needs of producers in the world-class Montney and Duvernay plays.

Construction on the gas plant is to begin in the second quarter of 2017, and it is expected to be operational by the second quarter of 2019. The total project cost estimate is $300 million to $350 million Canadian dollars.

The Wapiti Gas Plant, licensed by the Alberta Energy Regulator in August, will have the capacity to process up to 200 million cubic feet per day of raw sour gas and 20,000 barrels per day of condensate.

The new plant will utilize SemCAMS existing Wapiti/Simonette pipeline systems, which are connected to SemCAMS K3 and KA sour gas plants, to process approximately 350 tonnes per day of sulfur.
Communication skills developed with teenage daughters have made Michelle C. Huffmans job a little easier to talk with other children.

The Tulsa County assistant public defender assigned to the Tulsa County Juvenile System meets daily with clients, who are children categorized as deprived by the state. They are caught up in the legal system and could be removed from their homes for a variety of reasons.

A chain reaction of events within families keeps Huffman and her co-workers busy. The majority of children experience trauma, which is passed on from the parents who often also experienced trauma as children.

The goal is to reunify children with their parents, but Huffman needs to find out what the clients want.

Oklahoma law provides that if the children can express an interest in their future, that is what is supposed to be represented in court, she said. If s child cant, then talking to a lot of people is the the next course of action.

I like it when clients open up and tell me what they want, Huffman said. It is easier, and I dont have to do a lot of outside investigation.

Some clients have made it clear when they do not want go to a family member or live in a certain household. Others are more reluctant to talk because they dont have a relationship with Huffman.

She said its important to reassure children because they dont want to get their parents in trouble, but its still important to find out what they need because the state might be asking for termination of parental rights.

Huffman tells them not to worry about their situation because it is her job to do the worrying.

Its difficult for those clients who move around from one foster home to another. Some are doing therapy with their parents so they can get to know a mom or dad that they have never known.

Kids are resilient, Huffman said. I had one girl moved from one foster home to the next. She is in a foster home and fortunately wont have to move again.

Others arent as lucky.

They often have anger issues due to trauma in their home, and foster parents may not want to deal with the emotional issues, she said. As a result, the children may put their personal belongings in a plastic bag as they move from one foster home to another.

Every client is different, she said. Older clients say what they want and often are the most truthful sources of information in the whole picture and are worried about getting their parents in trouble.

I try to explain the attorney-client privilege, that they can tell me things that I dont have to disclose, Huffman said. That seems to make them feel a little better and more likely to talk about situations.

Huffman has a passion for her work with children in the juvenile court system and quickly says that anyone who doesnt should not consider that line of work.

There is a great need for lawyers who specialize in representing children, she said.

The National Association of Counsel for Children gives a certification for lawyers working in this area, but Oklahoma is one of four states that doesnt recognize the certification because lawyers arent supposed to specialize.

Huffman considered a career in social work or therapy and double majored in psychology. She told her dad of her plan and his reply was that she would have to sit and listen to everyones problems all day long.

He suggested a law career instead.

Ironically, Huffman now works with therapists and social workers.

Graduating from the University of Oklahoma College of Law in 1994, she worked at a girls group home when a lawyer for one of clients suggested she contact Pete Silva, a retired Tulsa County public defender.

She did and was assigned to the juvenile court, a position she held until 2002 when she went into private practice.

Huffman continued to represent children in private practice, was a Tulsa Lawyers for Children volunteer and was a court-appointed attorney who handled delinquency cases. But even before she returned as an assistant public defender, she maintained contact with the office.

Jill Webb, an assistant public defender, responded quickly when Huffman called with questions.

I liked the camaraderie among people, and when I heard that (Public Defender) Rob Nigh had come to the office I thought I would like to go back, she said. Im glad I did.

Judge Doris Fransein hears cases handled by Huffman and Kevin Morrison. Fransein listens to what the child wants.

She also has lunch hour training sessions where national model court people make presentations on best practices and how things can be done better, Huffman said. I am amazed at what folks can do even they are virtually working on top of each other.

I wish people would realize the juvenile court is the front end of the legal system. If we fix what is going on with these kids and families, then maybe we wont be seeing them down the road in the adult system.

918-581-8480
NEWTON  Mike Pence on Tuesday reiterated his strong support for Donald Trump, to the great appreciation of roughly 200 supporters assembled at a campaign event in this central Iowa town.

He then delivered a withering, nearly 50-minute rebuke of Hillary Clinton.

Trump, the New York real estate businessman and Republican presidential candidate, has endured heavy criticism, including from his own party, since news reports Friday about a 2005 video showing Trump making lewd comments about groping women.

Pence began his remarks at Tuesdays event on the Des Moines Area Community College campus here by emphatically restating his support for Trump, who apologized for the remarks in a video statement and during Sunday nights presidential debate, during which he called the comments locker-room talk.

I like to say it takes a big man to know when youre wrong, to admit it, to apologize, and Donald Trump did just that, Pence said. Last Sunday night, my running mate showed humility. He showed the American people what was in his heart.

Pence said the election provides a choice between two futures.

I choose to stand with Donald Trump, Pence said.

During the remainder of his remarks, Pence criticized Clinton, the Democratic candidate for president, on national security and the military, tax and regulatory policy and health care policy.

He also reminded the assembly that the next president will nominate at least one and possibly multiple judges to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Steve King, the Republican congressman from northwest Iowa who is facing a re-election challenge from Democrat Kim Weaver, introduced Pence. King also reiterated his support for Trump.

King said he thinks Trump performed well in the debate, but any positive impact on Trumps electoral chance was stunted when, the next day, Republican U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan told fellow GOP House members he would not help Trump get elected and instead focus on House races.

King said he thinks Ryan did not need to make that information public because, in Kings estimation, Ryan had not been campaigning much with Trump anyway.

I think it hurts a lot, and it changes the narrative. And the bounce and the spring that Trump would have got from a rousing victory in the debate on Sunday night was diminished by the news that came out of the conference call on Monday morning, King said.

After Pences remarks, he took a handful of questions from the audience. One passionate supporter, who introduced herself as Rhonda, said she is concerned about voter fraud and she is ready for a revolution if Clinton wins.

Our lives depend on this election. Our kids futures depend on this election, the woman said. I dont want this to happen, but I will tell you, for me personally, if Hillary Clinton gets in, I myself, Im ready for a revolution, because we cant have her in.

Pence said politely, Dont say that, then encouraged the woman that a revolution is coming on November the 8th. I promise you.

After the event, some of those who attended praised Pence and said they were not bothered by the Trumps lewd comments in the 2005 video.

I guess I didnt see where that happening that long ago, you know people do change, and hes now a political person but then he wasnt, said Chris Hunzinger, a Newton woman.

What happened there isnt what Im concerned about now with the world and the state its in. I dont think hes going to worry about that.

Democrats, naturally, have not been as forgiving.

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., traveled to Iowa on Tuesday to address a group of Clinton supporters at a campaign event in Des Moines.

McCaskill said she suspects Pence and Joni Ernst, one of Iowas Republican U.S. senators, are having trouble reconciling their continued support for Trump.

I dont think hes a very cheerful warrior right now, McCaskill said of the Trump-Pence ticket. "I dont think this is a team that is working seamlessly and in a coordinated fashion."

McCaskill said there was a noticeable gasp in the St. Louis hall where last Sundays presidential debate took place when Trump said he and Pence had not talked about a U.S. response to the ongoing violence and Russian interference in Syria.

It was a stunning admission of how separated these two men are, McCaskill told reporters. I bet hes counting down the days, not because hes looking forward to it. Just because hes ready for it to be over.

Pence also was scheduled to speak Tuesday night in Bettendorf at the Scott County Republicans Reagan Dinner.

(Rod Boshart contributed to this story.)
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.
Next month Discovery premieres the miniseries Harley and the Davidsons, which looks at the birth of the Harley Davison motorbike.

The 3 part miniseries features Michiel Huisman (Game of Thrones) as Walter Davidson, Robert Aramayo (Game of Thrones) as William Bill Harley and Bug Hall (The Little Rascals) playing the role of Arthur Davidson. Other cast members include Stephen Rider (Daredevil), Jessica Camacho (Sleepy Hollow), Daniel Coonan (EastEnders), Annie Read (Awkward), Wilson Bethel (Hart of Dixie), Dougray Scott (Mission: Impossible 2), Gabe Luna (Matador), Alex Shaffer (Win Win) and newcomers Essa OShea and Sean H. Scully.

This premiered in the US in early September.

A Harley-Davidson is more than a motorcycle. It is a symbol of Americana, built from the ground up by founders Walter and Arthur Davidson and their friend Bill Harley. Premiering Thursday 17 November at 8.30pm (AEDT) on Discovery Channel, the highly-anticipated miniseries, Harley and the Davidsons, charts the birth of this iconic bike during a time of great social and technological change at the turn of the 20th century.

Based on a true story, Harley and the Davidsons follows the first three decades in the companys history. Walter, Arthur and Bill risked their entire fortune and livelihood in pursuit of the ultimate American dream. Each of these men faced very different challenges, but it was the motorcycle that united their dreams and ambitions. Built in a shed out of Milwaukee, these bikes were made to survive nearly every condition imaginable, and Walter definitely put them to the test. His ferocious ambition propelled him to become a top motorcycle racer while competing in the deadly competitions and it was his daredevil exploits that put Harley-Davidson on the map.

Fuelled by ingenuity, innovation and design, the founders of Harley-Davidson faced off against their much bigger rivals. If things couldnt get any more difficult, the Great Depression hit and the motorcycle industry was decimated. But Harley-Davidson continued to defy the odds with their forward-thinking business ideas.

Harley and the Davidsons looks at how the founders continued to grow its loyal following like no other competitor  from securing the American Army contract to embracing boisterous motorcycle clubs across the US. They would eventually channel all their resources into their biggest risk yet  creating the worlds first superbike; a state-of-the-art racing machine for the masses.

Walter, Arthur and Bill cemented Harley-Davidsons reputation as a builder of bikes that go anywhere, could ride hard and ignored all the rules. Its a legacy that has endured over 100 years  at the heart of the brand and its loyal riders.

Thursday 17 November at 8.30pm on Discovery.
FERTILE | The name of a 21-year-old Buffalo Center man killed in a crash in Worth County Monday afternoon has been released.

Breck Christopher Zittritsch died after his westbound 2006 Ford Mustang crossed the center line of U.S. Highway 9 and collided with an eastbound Pontiac Grand Am near Balsam Avenue, according to an Iowa State Patrol crash report.

The crash was reported about 2:30 p.m.

The scene is about 3 miles west of the city of Fertile.

The driver of the Pontiac, Amy Kofron, 27, was taken by helicopter to Mercy Medical Center-North Iowa.

Her condition wasn't immediately available Tuesday morning.

Troopers say the two children in Kofron's car, a 2-year-old boy and a female infant younger than 1 year old, were not seriously injured.

A bystander helped the children out of the car.

An Iowa State Patrol crash report says the children were taken to the hospital by private vehicle, not an ambulance.

 Molly Montag
Australian Story has confirmed it will screen a 2 part profile on Sally Faulkner, the Brisbane mother whose custody story resulted in incarceration for herself, a 60 Minutes crew and a child recovery team in Lebanon.

When Plans Change says it goes to the heart of the question of what went wrong.

Sally Faulkner is also reportedly writing a book.

Brisbane mother Sally Faulkner reveals in detail for the first time the story behind a desperate attempt to get her children back from Beirut, which landed her in jail along with a 60 Minutes crew and a recovery team.

The CCTV footage of two children being snatched from the streets of Beirut was startling.

News reports filtered in of a desperate mother, an Australian television crew and a child recovery team, all detained in a Beirut jail.

The woman behind the headlines was Sally Faulkner.

She was found by police with her children, six-year-old Lahela and three-year-old Noah, hiding in a safe house in a poor part of Beirut.

Ten months earlier, her estranged husband Ali Elamine had requested to take the children back to Lebanon for a holiday. He then called Sally to say the children would not be coming home.

What had begun as a custody battle now turned into an international incident.

Just who is the woman behind the headlines and how did it come to this?

Australian Story traces the relationship between Sally and Ali from its romantic beginnings through a rocky path to its bitter end. Surprisingly, this was not the first time Ali had separated Sally from one of her children.

When Plans Change goes to the heart of the question of what went wrong.

Monday October 17 & 24 at 8pm on ABC.
No two ways about it, National Treasure is uncomfortable viewing.

This four part Channel 4 drama is not just inspired by the UKs Operation Yewtree, it actually mentions Jimmy Saville in its narrative.

At the centre of this fictional drama is Paul Finchley (Robbie Coltrane) is one half of a much loved British comedy double act. He is depicted as a daytime quiz host for Channel 4 but his life is turned upside down when police come knocking on his door. Facing a search warrant and two counts of sexual assault, each some 20 years previous, life will never be the same for Finchley.

They think Im Jimmy f***ing Saville, he will later say.

Showing public support is wife Marie (Julie Walters), but behind closed doors her world is rocked to the core and doubts play on her mind. Having chosen to overlook the times her husband has come home smelling of someone elses perfumes she warns him, This is not one of those times.

Daughter Dee (Andrea Risborough) and longtime comedy partner Karl (Tim McInnery) also stand by the veteran comedian. But doubts persist.

Even watching the police at work makes for awkward viewing with the arresting officer telling Finchley she is a big fan by the way before interrogating him over rape allegations. Eww. But lawyer Jerome (Babou Ceesay) warns his client about giving out information, resulting in a string of no comment replies.

The whole art-imitates-life teleplay is made all the more compelling by its portrayals of a ruthless Fleet Street press, Channel 4 executive meetings (I note its definitely not the BBC) and even an awards night with Alan Carr as host.

Writer Jack Thorne (The Last Panthers, This is England 90, Glue, Skins, The Fades, Shameless) plays with doubts in the viewers mind too, by portraying Finchley as a flawed, wayward husband -but does that make him guilty? And at what point were these emotions also felt by those involved in other profile cases, such as Rolf Harris or Cliff Richard -the latter notably exonerated by police.

Having actors of the calibre of Robbie Coltrane and Julie Walters also makes this compelling viewing. Coltrane is distractingly fragile on screen but his performance is full of life and numerous shades of grey. Julie Walters again packs a punch as a woman questioning loyalty and who is thrown into the spotlight due to the actions of her husband. They suck us into the vortex of a world under enormous pressure. Thornes script allows for plenty of acting chops.

Airing quickly after its UK broadcast (late September), National Treasure is a searing, dark anatomy of a celebrity fall from grace and how it ricochets like a bullet amongst the innocent bystanders. Dont miss it.

National Treasure airs 8:30pm Thursday on ABC.
Season 7 of Blue Bloods begins on TEN tomorrow night.

This season premiered in the US last month.

Dannys world is rocked when Robert Lewis, from the Attorney Generals office, obtains new evidence against him in the self-defence shooting of serial killer Thomas Wilder.

Frank is put in a compromising position when the wife of a slain police officer, Grace Edwards, asks him to keep her only son out of the police force. Jamie and Eddie respond to a car crash involving a high-profile drunk driver.

Guest starring Michael Imperioli as Robert Lewis and Lori Loughlin as Grace Edwards.

10:30pm Thursday on TEN.
ABC journalist Sally Sara is returning to Africa as ABC News African correspondent, replacing Martin Cuddihy who has completed his three-year posting.

She was previously Africa correspondent from 2000-2005 and South Asia correspondent based in Delhi from 2008-2010.

Sara reported from the frontline in Afghanistan and recently reporting from on the aftermath of the attempted coup in Turkey. She has also reported for Foreign Correspondent and Landline and was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia.

Deputy Director of ABC News Craig McMurtrie said: Whatever the working environment she faces, Sally has demonstrated time and time again a formidable capacity to find the right person and story that cuts to the heart of an issue.

Sara will take up the posting in Nairobi next year.
To most people, fronting a travel documentary sounds like a dream job.

But while hes certainly not complaining, Martin Clunes explains that filming Islands of Australia is anything other than a holiday.

Theres no holiday. I go to places where other people are having holidays! he laughs.

The Doc Martin star visited 16 islands from one side of the country to the other for the Seven series. As a co-production between his own company Buffalo Pictures and Prospero Productions, he wasnt afraid to get his hands dirty.

Theres the journey to and from, gear to unload, heavy film equipment, on and off planes, then onto vehicles. Its an odyssey. We split it into 2 week blocks so I could keep going home. But that meant when we worked we really worked, no days off. Everyday was either shooting or travelling, he says.

Theres 25 to 30 pieces and then the personal luggage on the carousel, and with a tiny crew I cant queen it off and say Im the presenter Im not carrying anything! Only the cameraman gets to not carry anything!

It would be a bad look if I went and sat on a chair.

They are long hours, but its just normal work.

Documentaries are nothing new to Clunes, who has fronted projects such as A Lion Called Mugie, The Lemurs of Madagascar, A Man and his Dogs and Islands of Britain.

Its not my day job, but I suppose I have done a few now. They used to make me nervous, but now Id hate it if they took them away from me, he admits.

Its the perfect complement. Im not a professional presenter so I wouldnt be interested in presenting something Im not interested in. So I couldnt do it without enthusiasm.

I started with the animals but people are just as interesting.

I fell in love with the Norfolk Pine

In the first episode he visited Lord Howe, Norfolk, Restoration Islands and the Torres Straits.

I got really excited when we flew over the pointy end at the top of Australia because it is a pointy end! So it was photo here, photo there! he recalls.

The Torres Straits was exciting because it has a geographical and historical significance. Bligh and Cook all went through that water.

The racial harmony and all the blow-ins are all accepted as part of the community. Islanders are very different to anyone else on mainland Australia.

I fell in love with the Norfolk Pine. I find them absolutely breathtaking. Since Ive been home and not seeing them, my clever wife bought me one as an anniversary gift.

We only planted it last week! Hes about 5 foot high.

Whilst the series isnt designed as a traditional travelogue Clunes happily recommends islands to the east of Australia for those wanting a picture postcard setting.

Norfolk or Lord Howe are your idea of tropical islands but both are very different in terms of atmosphere. Lord Howe is very low key and they limit the number of tourists. Norfolk is a full-on welcoming (destination).

The highlight was swimming with a whale shark. But I fell in love with a dingo, I met a Tasmanian devil, I saw a quoll and I didnt even know there was such a thing.

And I really liked the vibe on Phillip Island. We stayed in the loveliest guest house with my family, but the sad thing was I couldnt have a holiday!

Rottnest freaked me out a little bit

In the remaining two episodes he visits Muiron, Tiwi, Abrolhos, Rottnest, Mundoo, Phillip and Maria islands.

Rottnest freaked me out a little bit because I learned about is present and its history at the same time. Its a funny match there are no waterslides in Auschwitz. But I had a personal (reaction) because I didnt see it as an Australian mess, I saw it as a British disgrace, he explains.

But its a really pretty island and I can see its a lovely place to bring your family. As I said in the (series) I hope people keep on doing that, but maybe find out a little bit more about what went on. It was really bad.

The Tiwi Islands are amazing. For an outsider its hard to get your head around the case of Indigenous people and the functionality of their lives. There is an awful lot of sadness and bad stories, but up in the Tiwis I spent time with people managing to keep their traditional ways alive, and functioning in the 21st century.

Aussie Rules seemed to be the glue. They are keeping their old ways alive alongside all of that. And I hadnt expected that. I was gobsmacked.

Martin Clunes: Islands of Australia airs 8:30pm Fridays on Seven.
CLEAR LAKE | The Opportunity Village Childrens Autism Center will host its second annual sensory-friendly trick-or-treating and Hallow-tism party from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Oct. 28.

The event, which will be held at 1200 N. Ninth St. W., is designed for children with disabilities and their families. There will be Halloween crafts, games, snacks and other activities.

There will be no loud noises or scary decorations at the party. Sensory-friendly toys and other items will be provided in lieu of candy.

Trick-or-treat picture cards and speech-generated devices will be available for children with communication difficulties.

Costumes are welcome but not required.

For more information, contact Christina Maulsby, director of family supports, at 641-355-1217 or cmaulsby@oppvill.org.

No pre-registration is required.
Sorry, the tyre review page you are looking for has moved. Please try visiting the home page and browsing from there.Any further issues please feel free to contact us.
CHARLES CITY | Residents whose homes were damaged in last month's flooding may qualify for immediate assistance to replace their furnace.

The Floyd County Trust Fund Furnace Replacement Program is offering assistance to help residents with damaged furnaces and high deductibles, or those without insurance coverage to replace it.

"Normally we would not install furnaces until December, when the Iowa Finance Authority determines whether we get an award," Vice Chair Tim Fox said in a statement. "However, because of the emergency nature of residents losing furnaces, we are prepared to start installations immediately."

The Charles City Area Development Corp. will provide the program with matching funding. The Iowa Finance Authority will allow the program to later petition for reimbursement, Fox added.

To qualify, applicants will have to meet income qualifications.

Applications are available at the Charles City Area Development Corp., 401 N. Main St. They can also be obtained by calling 641-228-3020 or by visiting www.charlescityia.com.
1

FYR Macedonia will make their U21 finals debuts next summer after qualifying for the first time.

6

Only six teams  Denmark, England, Germany, Italy, Portugal and Sweden  negotiated qualifying without suffering defeat.

6

Slovakia's Jaroslav Mihalik and Sweden's Kristoffer Olsson assisted six goals each, more than any other player.

Czech Republic celebrate qualifying Jan Tauber

7

There were two seven-goal wins, Austria beating Azerbaijan 7-0 in St Polten and the Czech Republic defeating Malta by the same scoreline in Ta' Qali. Portugal also hit seven on Tuesday, but only after Liechtenstein had taken a shock lead.

10

Czech Repuplic striker Patrik Schick top scored with ten goals; he needs five more at next summer's finals to match Lampros Choutos's record for a single U21 campaign. Compatriot Jan Kliment won the adidas Golden Boot at the 2015 final tournament on home soil thanks to a hat-trick in the group stage.

30

Germany were the only team to pick up maximum points, winning ten out of ten in Group 7 to accumulate 30 points.

35

Germany scored 35 goals during qualifying, averaging 3.5 a game, more than any other side. Davie Selke top scored with seven while Leroy Sane, Max Meyer and Maximilian Arnold struck five apiece.

36

Only 36 players were involved in every minute  either 900 or 720 depending on whether it was a six or five-team group  of their country's qualifying campaign, including five members of Kazakhstan's side.

FYR Macedonia qualified for the first time FFM

40

FYR Macedonia were ranked 40th (or 41st counting hosts Poland) when the qualifying draw was made. The only other UEFA final tournament the nation has reached was the 2010 WU19 EURO, when they qualified automatically as hosts.

95

Spain had 95 corners in total, 12 more than any other team. Some 26 came in one game, their 5-0 victory over Estonia.

134

There were 134 goals scored between the 31st minute and half-time, 18.9% of the total, making it comfortably the most prolific 15-minute period across qualifying. Next was minutes 61-75, when 123 goals  or 17.4%  were scored.

480

Denmark let in only three goals in ten games. They did not concede in the first 480 minutes of the campaign, until Gor Malakyan struck from the penalty spot for Armenia. Romania's George Miron, with his team already trailing 3-0 in Aalborg, looked set to be the only player to breach them from open play until the third minute of added time in the Danes' final qualifier, when Glenn Borges struck for Luxembourg.

708

Total number of goals scored throughout qualifying, at an average of 2.83 per game.
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).
Eleven Ukrainian sailors, the crew of the Cargo Ship Marti N., which sailed under the flag of Panama on September 23 from the Spanish port of Almeria towards Libya find themselves under investigation in a Spanish prison.

This was announced at a news conference in Madrid by lieutenant colonel of the Civil Guard (Gendarmerie) Javier Rogero. According to him, "Ukrainians are involved in the activities of a network," which is engaged in supplying weapons and narcotics to terrorists in Iraq and Libya, Deutsche Welle reports.

Asked by a correspondent of DW whether there are Ukrainians who are jihadists hired by a network to only transport Moroccan hashish - almost 20 tons  to Libyan terrorists."

The drugs were to then be sold in European countries and the money spent on, amongst other things, the needs of jihad. The vessel Marti N. was captured recently by special forces of the Civil Guard recently in the Western part of the Mediterranean Sea. The officer refused to reveal the exact date. The seamen face up to 10 years in prison for drugs trafficking.

The Foreign Ministry of Ukraine currently verifies the information.

pd
Russian-backed militants launched 44 attacks on positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine over the past day.

This is posted on the official website of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine.

As reported, 34 attacks were launched in Mariupol direction. The terrorists used 122m artillery and 120mm mortars to shell Shyrokyne (20km east of Mariupol) and Vodiane (16km north-west of Donetsk).

In Luhansk direction, seven ceasefire violations were recorded. The Russian mercenaries fired at Novozvanivka (70km west of Luhansk) and Novooleksandrivka (65km west of Luhansk), using grenade launchers, heavy machine guns, small arms, and mortars.

The militants launched three more attacks on ATO troops in Donetsk direction. Ukrainian positions in Avdiyivka (18km north of Donetsk) came under 122mm artillery, grenade launcher, small arm, and mortar fire.

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The German Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure has handed over 15 multi-functional snow ploughs to Kyiv, that will work on the streets during winter.

This is what the official site of Kyiv Mayor Vitaliy Klitchko reported overnight.

"The capital received from Germany multi-functional equipment that will clear the streets in winter. Today, 15 snow ploughs arrived in Kyiv - 12 made by MAN and three 3 are vehicles of the Mercedes brand. This will greatly assist the capital in coping with the snow in winter. I can say that Kyiv is ready for winter and we hope to get through it without any force majeure situations," said Klitschko.

pd
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed the law enabling Ukraine to receive cheap credits for small and medium-sized farms, the presidents press service reports.

President Petro Poroshenko has signed the law of Ukraine on the ratification of financial agreements (a draft on the main credit for the agrarian sector  Ukraine) between Ukraine and the European Investment Bank. The agreement was signed on December 28, 2015, reads the report.

Thus, the document is aimed at supporting the Ukrainian agrarian sector and providing the opportunity to raise a 12-year loan worth EUR 400 million with a 4-year grace period.

iy
Approval of a visa-free regime for Ukraine was not put on the agenda of the session of the European Parliament to be held on October 24-27 in Strasbourg.

This is evidenced by the European Parliaments draft agenda of the forthcoming session published on its website. In addition, the document does not contain the question of approving liberalization of visas for Georgia or consideration of the so-called suspension mechanism for visa-free travel, approval of which is known to be the main obstacle for the scrapping of visas for travel to EU countries for Ukraine and Georgia.

Back in September, Ukrinform reported that the President of the European Parliament, Martin Schulz, expressed his hopes of putting the issue of visa-free regime for Ukraine on the agenda of the European Parliament in October which, however, did not take place.

pd
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko will pay a working visit to Norway on October 18, the presidents press service reports.

On October 18, 2016, President Petro Poroshenko will pay an official visit to the Kingdom of Norway, reads the report.

During the visit, President Poroshenko will hold meetings with the prime minister of Norway, the president of Storting (Parliament of Norway), and will have an audience with the king.

In addition, the Ukraine-Norway business forum is to be held with participation of the Ukrainian president and the Norwegian prime minister. Also, it is expected that a range of bilateral documents aimed at enhanced cooperation between the two countries will be signed.

iy
Draft PACE resolution "Political consequences of the conflict in Ukraine" demands that Russia withdraw its troops from the territory of Ukraine and condemns the human rights violations in Crimea.

This document will be discussed and voted at todays PACE session, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"The Assembly again calls on the Russian Federation to withdraw its troops from the territory of Ukraine and to stop military supplies to the separatists," the draft document reads.

As for organization of local elections in Donbas, the Assembly notes that such elections should be held in accordance with the Ukrainian legislation and international standards of freedom and justice, for what it is necessary to ensure reliable security environment after troops and weapons are withdrawn.

The resolution also reiterates its condemnation of the illegal annexation of the peninsula in violation of the international law and the Charter of the Council of Europe.

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A Solar Tree has been installed in the Western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk, which will charge telephone batteries and distribute wi-fi, local portal Firtka reports.

"Near the dental block works at the hundred metre stretch installation works are being completed on the Solar Tree," the publication notes.

The installation will store up energy from solar panels and will have an element made of decorative benches. As noted, the "tree" will also distribute free wi-fi and serve as a device with solar batteries to charge mobile phones and tablets.

pd
CEDAR RAPIDS | An Iowa farmer who pledged assets as collateral for a USDA farm loan but later sold the assets and defaulted on the loan was sentenced Wednesday to six months in federal prison.

Leroy Jones, 59, Floyd, received the sentence after pleading guilty to one count of felony conversion of property pledged to a farm credit agency.

Jones admitted he pledged over 100,000 bushels of corn worth more than $300,000 to the USDA as security on two Farm Services Agency loans worth nearly $200,000.

He also admitted that over the course of the next year he sold all the grain he had pledged with the intent to defraud the agency.

Court records show Jones sold more than 10,000 bushels of corn before he pledged the corn as collateral.

U.S. District Court Judge Leonard T. Strand ordered Jones to make $137,682 in restitution to the Farm Service Agency. A special assessment of $100 was also imposed.

Jones must also serve a two-year term of supervised release after his prison term. Because he was convicted of a felony, he can no longer legally possess firearms or ammunition.
South Korea has significant achievements in reforming schools, and Ukraine is interested in the experience it possesses, particularly, regarding the formation of new state standards.

This is what Ukrainian Education and Science Minister Liliya Hrynevych said at a meeting South Korean Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister of the Republic of Korea Lee Joon-sik in Seoul, the Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers Portal reports.

"Korean experience, especially in developing education standards, is very valuable for us. I know that you have reviewed your curriculum seven times. In particular, you did this in 2015. We share the same goal as you do, namely to introduce a student-oriented curriculum that is guided by a creative and competency-based approach that will facilitate the integration of Arts and Sciences," said Hrynevych.

She also added that Ukraine wants to study the Korean experience with regard to STEM education, which in South Korea also involves an element of art (STEAM).

pd
60-year old Delinia Kongboh, who has been displaced since violence broke out in Bangui in October 2016.  UNHCR/Patience Ntemgwa

BANGUI, Central African Republic  UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has condemned attacks on civilians in the Central African Republic, where clashes between rival groups have forced thousands of people to flee their homes and disrupted vital humanitarian aid operations.

Fighting in the past month between ex-Seleka militiamen and anti-Balaka fighters has affected western, eastern and central parts of the country and the capital Bangui, according to the UN peacekeeping mission (MINUSCA).

It said at least 11 people were killed and 22 wounded in clashes that followed the murder of an army officer on October 4. Then on Wednesday this week, armed men attacked a site for internally displaced in the remote town of Kaga Bandoro, in Nana-Grebizi prefecture, torching homes, killing 13 civilians and forcing some 5,250 people to flee and seek shelter at the camp of the UN peacekeeping mission or with aid agencies.

We firmly condemn the attack on the Eveche site and other attacks against the civilian population, said Kouassi Lazare Etien, UNHCRs representative in CAR. These attacks greatly hamper the delivery of humanitarian aid to populations greatly in need of assistance.

MINUSCA also said that in a further incident of violence in the northwest on Tuesday 30 people sought refuge in Cambatt camp at the south entrance of Koui town, while another 130 sought refuge in Gabbatt camp to the north.

UNHCR strongly condemns attacks against civilians which severely hamper the provision of urgently needed humanitarian assistance to populations in need, said the UNHCR representative in CAR, Kouassi Lazare Etien.

Displaced people are perpetually in urgent need of food, basic household items, medicine and access to education.

Armed group activities engender insecurity and provoke population movements. Displaced people are perpetually in urgent need of food, basic household items, medicine and access to education.

The UN Refugee Agency said it was particularly alarmed by growing insecurity in the eastern prefecture of Haut-Mboumou, home to 2,748 Congolese refugees in Zemio, another 1,057 Congolese who have settled in Obo as well as 4,222 South Sudanese refugees in Bambouti.

On September 19, attacks by the Lords Resistance Army in Tabane 1 village, 20 kilometres from Zemio, led to the displacement of about 700 people and prompted UNHCR to decide to speed up the relocation of the South Sudanese refugees from Bambouti to Obo.

There, they are able to receive protection and assistance in health, education, shelter, water, sanitation, hygiene, and food and non-food aid.

Several humanitarian properties and convoys in the centre and north of the country were targeted by armed robbers. This, as well as clashes on September 16 between ex-Seleka and anti-Balaka elements in Ndomete, Nana-Grebizi prefecture, caused more than 3,200 people to flee into the bush and to nearby villages.

Despite reinforcement by the UN peacekeeping mission, armed groups have continued to set up illegal checkpoints and demand money from traders in the town of Kaga-Bandoro in Nana-Grebizi prefecture, forcing up prices of local commodities and disrupting the movement of humanitarian convoys.

The growing insecurity is causing many organizations to leave or reduce their presence.

On September 21, an attack by the armed group 3R (Retour, Reclamation et Rehabilitation) on Degaulle town in Ouham-Pende prefecture in the northwest led to the flight of an estimated 3,400 families towards Bocaranga and surrounding villages.

The growing insecurity is causing many organizations to leave or reduce their presence. Two UNHCR partners have cut their staff or suspended monitoring activities in the west of the country.

In Bocaranga, four humanitarian organisations have closed their bases or suspended their activities and two others have evacuated their staff, to Paoua in Ouham-Pende prefecture, or to Bangui. One of UNHCRs partners has reduced its staff on the ground for security reasons.

Because of the insecurity, UNHCRs response has been confined to protection monitoring, participating in food distribution to internally displaced people, and coordinating protection and shelter for the newly displaced populations.

A UNHCR-operated call centre in Ndomete, Nana-Grebizi prefecture, provides care to individuals who have suffered from gender-based violence, and helps in the tracing of unaccompanied children.

Displaced people are in urgent need of food, basic household items, medicine and access to schools.

Armed groups have occupied schools in some parts of the country, preventing classes from taking place. Food prices are rising and basic commodities are quickly disappearing from the market.

The 2016-2017 academic year has been interrupted by the presence of armed groups in and near dozens of schools and colleges in Ouham, Ouaka and Nana-Mambere prefectures, preventing more than 10,000 children from continuing their education.
CLEAR LAKE  Just a few years into his tenure as Clear Lake police chief, Nels Larsen became a witness to history.

When Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens and the Big Bopper were killed in a plane crash near Clear Lake on Feb. 3, 1959, Larsen was one of the first investigators at the scene.

Year later, he showed his sons photographs with himself, circled, at the crash site.

Larsen died last week at 92.

He had a long career with the city of Clear Lake, serving as police chief from 1955 to 1971. He was also the citys civil defense director, street superintendent and a volunteer firefighter. He first ran for City Council in 1986.

Craig Larsen said his father was a devoted parent who led by example, a kind and upbeat man with a strong moral compass and good sense of humor.

He was a servant, obviously, said Larsen, 46, of Cedar Rapids. He was just always looking for ways to improve Clear Lake. He loved that town.

He just wanted to make it the best place it could possibly be, Craig Larsen said.

Scott Flory, Clear Lake city administrator, said Larsen was on the City Council when Flory was hired in 2001 and they worked together for about 2 years.

Nels was a guy and an elected official who never took things lightly, Flory said. When he made up his mind to do something he was very committed to seeing it through to the end.

He also preferred to do his job with as little fanfare as possible. Nels was a behind-the-scenes kind of a guy, Flory said.

The city administrator said he and Larsen usually spent a few hours one afternoon each week going over items for the council agenda and checking on project construction activities and citizen concerns.

He and I developed a bond quickly, Flory said.

In his 16 years on the City Council, I would doubt he missed more than a handful of meetings, if that. He took the job of an elected official very seriously, Flory said, adding that the building of a new public works facility was something that Larsen was instrumental in seeing come to fruition.

A native of Dysart, Larsen served in the Navy during World War II, spending most of his two-year stint in the Admiralty Islands, north of New Guinea.

After the war Larsen moved back to Dysart and farmed until 1949 when he got a job as a mechanic in Traer. He and his late wife, Dolores, moved into a home on South Lakeview Drive in Clear Lake in 1952. Before joining the police department, Larsen was employed as a mechanic at the Burns DX gas station.

Larsen is survived by another son, Mike; six grandchildren and a great-granddaughter.

His funeral is 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Ward-Van Slyke Colonial Chapel in Clear Lake. Interment will be in the Clear Lake Cemetery, with military honors provided by the Clear Lake VFW.

As a tribune, his ashes will be taken in a restored 1950s-era Clear Lake police car for burial, cemetery officials confirmed.

Clear Lake city offices will be closed 1:30 to 3 p.m. so staff can attend the funeral.
MASON CITY -- Iowa State Police cited a Hampton woman after hitting a Mason City police officer in a two-vehicle crash on Tuesday morning.

Linda Palo was turning from southbound on N. Georgia Avenue to East State Street around 11:55 a.m. when she struck a patrol car also heading eastbound.

Palo was briefly checked by paramedics at the scene and released. Officer Brent Dettman was not injured.

The front left corner of Dettman's patrol car was damaged. The front portion of Palo's green Chrysler Sebring was damaged. That car was also towed from the scene.

A police SUV temporarily blocked a small segment East State Street's eastbound lanes as crews swept debris at the scene.

Mason City Fire medics provided assistance at the scene. The Iowa State Patrol led the investigation.

 Meredith Colias
OSAGE  The woman Nicholas Lenz of Mitchell is accused of confining and beating over two days in March testified Wednesday that she feared for her life.

He had threatened to kill me, said the woman.

She said Lenz, whom she was dating at the time, hit and kicked her in the face, breaking her jaw and cheek. At one point he put a gun to her temple and then pressed it hard under her chin.

She said she felt that I was going to die any second.

Lenz, 23, is being tried in Mitchell County District Court in Osage on felony charges of first-degree kidnapping and willful injury. If convicted on the kidnapping charge, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Defense attorney Parker Thirnbeck said in his opening statement Tuesday that although Lenz committed assault, his client was not guilty of either kidnapping or willful injury.

The woman, whom the Globe Gazette is not identifying, spent much of Wednesday afternoon testifying. She will be back on the stand when the trial resumes Thursday morning.

She said she met Lenz during a July 4, 2015, cookout and they eventually became romantically involved.

The woman described her relationship with Lenz in late February and early March as not good.

She said he left a ring in her mailbox but she did not tell him she would marry him.

He seemed a little more obsessed with me than anything, she said.

The woman said the two of them went in her car from Mitchell to a casino in Waterloo on March 5.

Lenz drove the vehicle, a Nissan Maxima, on the way back.

He was very angry, the woman said.

She testified he started hitting her in the face.

I was knocked out for a little bit, she said.

The woman said when they arrived at her house in Osage, he dragged her out of the vehicle by her hair and covered her mouth so she couldnt scream.

She said Lenz continued to hit her when they were in the house and she went in and out of consciousness.

The woman said at one point he put his hands around her throat and she couldnt breathe. She said he let go just as she was about to pass out.

The woman said the next day she ran out of the house and tried to get the attention of a neighbor, but Lenz caught up with her, threw her face-down in the snow and mud and kicked her in the head and the ribs.

She said he took her to an abandoned camper near Otranto, tied her ankles with zip ties to a pipe inside and left her there. She said she was barefoot and there was no heat in the camper.

I lost feeling in my feet, she said.

The woman said Lenz left her there four hours or more. She said when he came back he was driving a Chevy Trailblazer.

She said he took her along in the Trailblazer and they made several stops. She said she saw a safe during one of the stops and Lenz threatened to kill her if she didnt help him lift it. The woman testified she was too weak to be any help.

She said after Lenz took her back to her house, he let her sleep in her own bed.

The next morning, March 7, law enforcement arrived. The woman was first taken to the Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage and later taken by helicopter to St. Marys Hospital/Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

During cross examination defense attorney Letitia Turner pointed out inconsistencies between the womans testimony on the stand and her earlier statements to law enforcement and her deposition.

The woman said on the stand that she did not take the sleeping pills she normally takes for insomnia at any time from March 5 until she woke up at the Mayo Clinic, but Turner said she told law enforcement she took the medication before going to sleep the night before officers found them.

The woman insisted she did not take the sleeping pills because she was too weak from being beaten.

Jurors Wednesday morning were shown photos of the inside of the womans house after she was taken to the hospital.

Items were strewn all over the living room, including a set of kitchen knives, packing tape, cigarette butts and a bandanna that Chris Calloway, a special agent with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, said appeared to have been knotted and then unknotted.

A chair in living room appeared to have been cut and had packing tape on it, Calloway pointed out.

One photo showed a wad of hair in the bathroom wastebasket.

A pair of jeans found on the living room floor appeared to have dirt and blood stains on them, according to Calloway. He pointed out what he called a blood stain on a pillow in the bedroom.

A photo of the woman taken at the hospital after she was found was shown to the jury. Calloway said a bruise under her chin was consistent with the barrel of a gun being pressed there.

Under cross examination Calloway said he looked at each of the kitchen knives at the scene but they did not have blood or anything else on them.

He also said he did not seize the knives or a number of other items from the scene, including the pillow that supposedly had blood on it.

When Turner asked Calloway if the horseshoe-shaped bruise under the womans chin could have been caused by being kicked by a miniature horse, he replied, Show me a miniature horse and we can do tests.

Turner then asked if it was possible the bruise was caused by something other than a gun. Calloway said it was.

When Turner asked why he didnt call the mobile state crime lab unit to come to the scene to help in evidence collection, Calloway said that unit is only called in for a complex crime scene where DNA evidence is needed to identify a suspect.

Calloway said Lenz admitted on March 8 hitting and kicking the victim in the face and tying her up.
UNICEF/UN021490/Geai

GENEVA, 12 October 2016  The commitment by the UK and France to find urgent solutions for all the hundreds of refugee and migrant children languishing in Calais for months, could not come a minute too soon, said Marie Pierre Poirier, UNICEF Special Coordinator for the Refugee and Migrant Crisis in Europe.

With the imminent clearance of the Calais camp and wet winter weather fast approaching, it is good news indeed that many of the children will be given a new home and new hope in the UK in the days to come. We welcome also the commitment in France, to find solutions for the other refugee and migrant children who will remain in France. This too is long overdue.

For many months some 1,200 children have lived in appalling conditions in the Calais camp, exposed to abuse, exploitation and road accidents while awaiting their uncertain fate.

We can only imagine the enormous relief that the children themselves will experience when they are finally given a proper home, care, an education and a future  not just those who are going to the UK but those who remain in France. Their best interests should guide decisions by the authorities at every step of the way.



We, at UNICEF, together with our many partners who have long been lobbying on their behalf, will share the childrens relief when governments on both sides of the English Channel fully heed the calls made by the many local activists and volunteers, NGOs, including the French and UK National Committees of UNICEF, and international bodies, for lasting solutions to care for refugee and migrant children.

We look forward to even greater commitment by all the authorities, not only in their legal duty to the children, but in their moral obligation to protect all those uprooted.



###
The annual Times Higher Education's (THE) World Academic Summit in UC Berkeley brought together school administrators and education experts from all over the globe sharing ideas and strategies that universities can use for the benefit of their communities and the local population.

Experts and keynote speakers touched on subjects that concerns the importance and advantages of having a college degree and how it can benefit students and the impact of the rising costs of education and how the dwindling government support is affecting the quality of education and its output.

In his welcome speech, UC Berkeley's Chancellor Nicholas Dirks highlighted that individuals who holds a college degree are more likely to make a million dollars in their lifetime compared to their peers who has a high school diploma. In this respect, it simply says that the more you learn, the more you earn.

However, as former Labor Secretary, Robert Reich observed that public education is dying. Reich is currently the Chancellor's Professor of Public Policy at the UC Berkeley and served as chief of the labor department from 1993-1997 under Pres. Bill Clinton. The continuing and rapid rise of tuition costs and diminishing support from the state is killing public education.

"Universities create jobs and support livelihoods far beyond their own walls," said Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, Vice Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. However, it is sad to note that in the U.S. support for public universities like Berkeley continue to dwindle, 46 states have been giving less to their universities since the crisis of 2008 and its affecting the schools.

American Association of Universities (AAU) president Mary Sue Coleman appealed for the continued support of public universities in her keynote speech noting that, "Public universities are the workhorses of American research and education." Making the case for the research contributions of public universities that have benefitted the public.

Coleman also quoted UC Berkeley's first chancellor, Clark Kerr. "As society goes, so goes the university," Coleman said. "But also as the university goes, so goes society."

Sir Leszek Borysiewicz also noted that universities and the work they do is not just for their own alone but for a global scale. It is the responsibility of the academe to help improve the lives of billions subsisting on less tolerable situations.

Chancellor Dirks closed the event with the following words, invoking the spirit of idealism and innovation that have always fueled the pursuit of higher education, "As I reflect on so much of I what heard and learned, I leave this summit with great hope and optimism for the future. I suspect that you, like me, come away from this gathering reinvigorated and better prepared to advance our cause and shared interests. And, among the primary reason for that confidence is another one of this summit's powerful takeaways: We are not alone. We are all in this together. We are, each of us, a part of something larger - a global community of educators, scholars and administrators."
Xiaomi will host its annual Diwali Sale on Mi.com and Mi India app. Re 1 flash is one of the devices that will be on sale.

Xiaomi Diwali Sale will start on Oct. 17-19. The company's Re Flash sales on the following phones, Redmi 3S Prime, Redmi Note 3 (16GB), and Mi 4 smartphone, Indian Express reported.

30 of Xiaomi devices are up for sale for 1 at 2 pm everyday. Redmi 3S Prime flash will be on sale on Oct. 17, Redmi Note 3 on Oct, 18, and Mi 4 on Oct. 19.

Xiaomi also offers Re 1 flash sale on 20000mAh Mi Power Bank, Mi Bluetooth speaker, and Mi Band 2 along with the phones. Aside from that, 100 units of each device are up for grabs during the Re 1 flash sale, the source added.

To be to be eligible for the sale, you need to share about the Re 1 Flash sale on social media which includes Facebook, Twitter, etc. The results for flash sale will be announced on Mi Community daily. Those who successfully add a Rs 1 item to cart must pay within 2 hours so order will not be cancelled.

Xiaomi also offers coupons worth Rs 200, Rs 500 and Rs 100 for smartphones, accessories, and etc. These coupons are available every day at 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., which can be claimed from the website and used on the day of the sale.

There will a Daily Lucky Draw with the Mi Robot Vacuum at Xiaomi's Diwali sale. Customers who order between Rs 5,000 - Rs 15,000 will get a free Mi Key chain.

Then those who order above Rs 15,000 will get a Mi USB Fan. Every order has a free sticker.

Other available products are the Mi Air Purifier for Rs. 9,999, the Mi Band 2 for Rs. 1,999, and the 10000mAh Mi Power Bank Pro for Rs. 1,999. The China-based company will give away accessories at a 25 percent discount, NDTV reported.

Previously, the Chinese company introduced a new game titled, "Go Smash." Those who play this game will get a chance to win free devices and coupons.
HP Spectre and the Apple Macbook 2016 have been deemed as two of the best laptops for students who have gone back to school this year. Check out the other computers and hardware that can help students with their academic goals.

CNET collated a list of the best back to school computers and hardware for 2016. It includes laptops, tablets as well as CPUs.

1. HP Spectre

Deemed as the world's thinnest laptop, the HP Spectre is also very powerful with a Core i7 CPU. PC World gave it a 4.5 rating.

2. Apple Macbook 2016

CNET noted that the Apple Macbook 2016 has been seen frequently on college campuses. The second-gen upgrade equips the portable device with more power and battery life which is helpful for use in school.

College students can also wait for the upcoming Apple Macbook Pro 2016 which is rumored to have a November release date. The interesting feature for the upcoming device is that it will have an OLED Display Touch Bar which is believed to be fully-customizable to assign shortcuts to your frequently used programs or tasks.

3. Samsung Galaxy TabPro S

It runs on Windows 10 which is compatible with most software that students use. The Samsung Galaxy TabPro S comes with a keyboard cover, unlike the Microsoft Surface Pro which sells the keyboard separately. This means that students can save more money on this purchase.

4. Alienware Alpha R2

Digital Trends gave the Alienware Alpha R2 a 9/10 rating for its compact and sturdy design as well as a solid 1080p performance. It can easily become a schoolwork PC and, at the same time, be a gaming machine and media center.

5. Origin PC Chronos

The Origin PC Chronos, according to PC Mag, delivers excellent performance for VR and 4K gaming. This compact desktop is perfect for your dorm room.

6. Lenovo ThinkPad 13

Lenovo's ThinkPad 13 is another great tool for students with its good keyboard, long battery life, USB Type-C port as well as durable chassis. Laptop Mag deemed it as a "productivity powerhouse with an affordable price."
While students may have different opinions on internships, it is undeniably one of the best ways to start your career and be able to work in your dream company. There are a lot of companies to choose from right now. That's why students also need to be discerning when it comes to where they want to be trained for the "real world."

Recently, Vault has revealed its top internship programs for 2017. It was reported that college students from Georgia will not need to look far and wide since three Atlanta companies were found to have some of the best and prestigious internship programs in the nation.

Mercedes-Benz and Coca-Cola were ranked 22nd and 25th, respectively, on the Most Prestigious Internship Programs list. Google, Apple, Goldman Sachs & Co., Facebook and J.P. Morgan got the top five spots.

Other companies on the Most Prestigious Internship Programs list are Microsoft, Elon Musk's Tesla Motors, Morgan Stanley, The Walt Disney Company and Twitter. The Home Depot Inc., on the other hand, ranked 45 on the Top 50 Overall Internships.

According to Forbes, Vault's data came from a survey of more than 8,500 current and former interns. The participants were asked to review their experiences and rate the prestige of other companies. One Google intern described the Internet giant as "a company where you must work very hard, but they also provide opportunities to play."

"At the same time, college students view internships as the best way to test drive their chosen career path," Tara McCaffrey, vice president marketing at Vault.com, said. "These rankings offer students an opportunity to determine which companies are the best fit for their career goals."

Evercore's Advisory Summer Analyst and Summer Associate Program got the top spot for Vault's 50 Best Internships list. Frank, Rimerman + Co. LLP's Summer Internship and Elliott Davis Decosimo's ENVISION Summer Internship Experience got second and third, respectively. Moreover, the list also includes Nickelodeon Animation Studio's Nickternship Program which was able to take a place in the ninth spot.
The University of Birmingham has shown that its dedicated to keeping its students and staff safe by launching Callmy, its new security app designed to notify students when an emergency situation is happening in the campus.

According to the university, the app will stay dormant once installed but it automatically sends an alarm, text, and a voice or picture message when a situation deemed as an emergency occurs in the campus.

The development of the app was inspired by a cross-campus power outage in 2012 where students used Twitter as a means of passing information to other students. However, school security officials say that social media has its disadvantages in a way that students had to seek the information themselves. Callmy, on the other hand, automatically sends the information to the person.

The University of Birmingham officials are encouraging its students to download the app citing that in the past, the university has faced certain emergency situations and the university had difficulty disseminating information among students. With the app, they hope to have emergency information delivered timely and less intrusively to students and staff wherever they are at the campus.

Once downloaded, students then follow 'UBSafe,' and they will get instant notifications from the University of Birmingham. University officials said that only vital and relevant notification will be sent to condition students how important these alerts are. Moreover, the university will also send out an alert every month just to make sure the app will always stay in the students' consciousness.

The app is available on Apple iOS, android, and Windows phone. It will not also take a lot of space since it only takes 2.35MB to have it on your phone. The app is also user-friendly for those who have visual or even auditory impairment since it has two types of messaging - voice and picture messages.
"We know that legal and cultural change is possible because we've seen it in countries around the world, including our own," says First Lady Michelle Obama during a global conversation about girls' education.

According to a recent USAID study, more than 62 million girls around the world do not have access to education.

The First Lady is taking a break from her support from Hillary Clinton on her presidential campaign. There is something important that she has to take care of and that is to talk about girls' education. Partnering with Glamour's editor-in-chief, Cindi Leive, they hold an international Skype discussion.

Girls are facing challenges in order to gain access education. According to NBC News, the event coincides with the United Nation's International Day of the Girl.

The event encourages women and young girls around the world to share their challenges and experiences on social media platforms such as Facebook Live and even on Skype.

And because 62 million girls around the world do not have access to education, Michelle Obama and her husband, President Barack Obama, launches "Let Girls Learn." This initiative raises awareness regarding teenage girls getting much needed access to an education. This ensures them a right to an education.

Last year, Mrs. Obama challenges nations to end cultural beliefs that prevent girls from accessing education. She uses America as an example. A century ago, women in the U.S could not even vote. And to make it possible, everyone - men and women, young and old - " stood up to change these practices," says the First Lady.

She knows change is possible. Celebrities and personalities, and even notable authorities in different industries are calling for change. Discussions on Gender Diversity is already being discussed which calls for a different culture and treatment in the workplace, as well as inspiring young women to aim for a career in the STEM field.
October 12 2016

The largest project in NHS Orkneys history has secured approval from the Scottish government, clearing the way for a 60m integrated health facility to be built on the outskirts of Kirkwall Replacing the Balfour Hospital the new facility has been designed by Keppie Design to incorporate a number of relocated GP practices as well as a dental surgery.Health secretary Shona Robison said: These purpose-built, state-of-the-art facilities will enable more services to be provided at the hospital, ensuring some of our most remote communities dont have to travel as far for routine care.Following this decision Robertson Construction can now move on-site with the build, commencing a 25 year commitment to ongoing maintenance and operation at the hospital.
OSAGE  Nicholas Lenz brutalized and terrorized a woman while trying to beat her into submission for two days in March after she rejected him, prosecutors say.

Lenz, 23, is on trial this week in Osage on charges of felony first-degree kidnapping and willful injury.

In opening statements Tuesday morning, Assistant Iowa Attorney General Coleman McAllister described an extremely violent alleged encounter between Lenz and a woman he was dating.

Lenz punched the woman, kicked her, broke her jaw, strangled her, put a lit cigarette on her face and at one point left her zip-tied to pipes in an unheated camper in rural Otranto, McAllister said.

He taped her mouth, he dragged her by the hair, pulling out her hair. ... All because she wanted him to leave, McAllister said.

Defense Attorney Parker Thirnbeck, in his opening argument, told the jury that Lenz committed assault, but said his client was not guilty of kidnapping and did not commit willful injury.

Prosecutors say the alleged incident lasted from March 5 until early March 7, when the womans father suspected someone had broken into her home in Mitchell and called sheriffs deputies.

Mitchell County Sheriffs Deputy Jerry Jensen testified he found Lenz sleeping on a couch in the residence. He said a gun was later found tucked into the cushions near where Lenz was lying.

The woman, who the Globe Gazette is not naming, is expected to testify during the trial.

Judge Christopher Foy said he may order media covering the trial not to photograph or videotape her testimony.

McAllister showed the jurors photos of the womans swollen, bruised face. She had a black eye as well as swollen and cut hands and red marks on her ankles.

A dark, horseshoe-shaped bruise on the underside of her chin came from the butt of a .357-caliber handgun Lenz shoved into her face, McAllister said.

Defense attorney Thirnbeck told the jury of eight women and six men that his client and the alleged victim were engaged to be married and had spent the week prior to the alleged incident together, visiting with Lenzs relatives and accepting money for the two of them to go to a casino.

The situation deteriorated when they both began using crack cocaine and alcohol, Thirnbeck said, to the point Lenz became concerned for the womans welfare.

Youll hear that, as odd as it may sound, and it doesnt seem right, but Nick actually believed that he was helping protect her because he believed her judgment was impaired form the alcohol and drug use, Thirnbeck told jurors.

Thirnbeck said the womans strained relationship with her own family was a factor in charges being filed against Lenz.

He did not specify during brief opening remarks how that family dynamic influenced the situation, saying only, It is the defenses opinion thats a fundamental reason we are here this week.

Prosecutors called seven witnesses Tuesday afternoon, including four Mitchell County sheriffs deputies and Sheriff Greg Beaver.

Jensen, the deputy who found Lenz on the couch, described for the jury how a handcuffed Lenz escaped from the deputys patrol vehicle and ran down the street.

He said the chase culminated in a wild scene where a still-handcuffed Lenz, trying to flee in a pickup belonging to the father of the alleged victim, drove off with the womans father standing on the running board grabbing at him as the truck was moving.

The vehicle slid to a stop about a block away in front of The Town Pump, a local bar, Jensen said.

Lenz was put back in a patrol vehicle and taken away, but not before the alleged victims brother reached into the vehicle and punched a still-handcuffed Lenz in the side of the head.

The trial continues Wednesday morning.

The prosecution expected to wrap up its case Wednesday or early Thursday.

The defense will then begin calling witnesses.
Oct. 26, 2022

U.S. AIR FORCE ACADEMY, Colo.  Cadets got the unique experience of interacting with and learning from the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2022 at the U.S. Air Force Academy Sept. 27-29. The National Character and Leadership Symposium sponsored the visit and three days of activities.The 12
Published: October 12, 2016

NASA Planetary Geologist Adriana Ocampo to Speak at UT Oct. 21

On Friday, Oct. 21, The University of Tampa will welcome Adriana Ocampo, NASA planetary geologist, who will discuss her science and life experiences as part of the annual Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) National Hispanic Scientist of the Year (NHSOY) event.



Ocampos talk, Cosmic Collisions and Dinosaurs, will be held in the Trustees Board Room on the ninth floor of the Vaughn Center and is free and open to the public. Doors open at 5 p.m. and the talk will begin promptly at 5:30 p.m.



Ocampo, who was named the 2016 MOSI National Hispanic Scientist of the Year, was the first to identify the impact crater from the asteroid that likely caused the extinction of the dinosaurs. She is now the leader of NASAs New Frontiers effort, including the New Horizons mission to Pluto and Juno mission to Jupiter, and NASAs lead scientist for exploration of planet Venus.



She will also meet with students, faculty and guests, including 40 Hillsborough High School science students and their teachers who will be in attendance.



For more information, contact Steve Kucera, UT associate professor of biology, at skucera@ut.edu or (813) 257-3324.



The event is co-sponsored by The University of Tampa Honors Program in conjunction with the MOSI NHSOY Award.
Harry A. Stanton

MASON CITY  Harry A. Stanton, 82, of Mason City, died Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, at the Muse Norris Hospice Inpatient Unit, Mason City.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Epiphany Parish St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mason City, with an Epiphany clergyman officiating.

Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery, Mason City.

Military honors will be conducted by the Mason City Veterans.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, Mason City. A Knights of Columbus Rosary will be given at 3:30, with a scriptural wake to follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Epiphany Parish, Sisters of The Presentations, Hospice of North Iowa, or charity of your choice.

Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapels, Mason City.
BCBSWY Caring Foundation Provides Funding for Nursing Education in Wyoming

Anna Felton, left, of Lander, and Danielle Alvarado-Speager, of Laramie, are two of eight UW or Wyoming community college students who are in the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming Scholars Program for 2016-17. (School of Nursing Photo)

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming (BCBSWY) Caring Foundation has invested in nursing education at the University of Wyoming and the states community colleges through the creation of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming Scholars Program, part of the larger initiative, Meeting Wyomings Needs Through Nurse Education.

The gift, which totals more than $80,000, will support scholarships for students pursuing baccalaureate and Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degrees at UW.

This fantastic partnership between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming and the Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing supports nurses completing their BSN (bachelor of science nursing) degree, which is strongly recommended by the Institute of Medicine, says Mary Burman, dean of the UW Fay W. Whitney School of Nursing. Moreover, it supports DNP students who will serve important roles in primary care and psychiatric mental health.

Each year, the gift will provide scholarships at each Wyoming community college to students who want to continue their education and pursue their bachelors degree in nursing from UW. Scholarships also will be awarded to students in the UW DNP program who intend to practice in a clinic setting in Wyoming after graduation. The BCBS of Wyoming Caring Foundation already funds scholarships for community college students interested in the health professions and nursing through its Health Scholarship program.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wyoming is committed to improving the health of its members and strengthening the Wyoming health care system, says Rick Schum, BCBS of Wyoming president and CEO. As we meet with local hospital officials, they tell us how difficult it is to find nursing staff. Our Caring Foundation gives us a great opportunity to invest in quality people who will be on the front lines working with patients to ensure they get healthy and stay healthy longer.

Recruiting nurses for our community hospital is one of our biggest challenges, says Jerry Klein, CEO of Sweetwater Memorial Hospital in Rock Springs. Were excited about this support for nurse education and hope to work closely with the university and Blue Cross Blue Shield to expand this program to provide educational opportunities for even more interested Wyoming students.

Wyoming Scholars for the 2016-17 academic year -- including hometown, degree and institution -- are:

Casper -- Brenda Jennings, associate degree in nursing, Casper College.

Cody -- Kari Zora, associate degree in nursing, Northwest College.

Gillette -- Lillian Foster, associate degree in nursing, Northern Wyoming Community College District.

Jackson -- Brian McGeogh, associate degree in nursing, Central Wyoming College.

Lander -- Anna Felton, BSN, RN, Doctor of Nursing Practice, family nurse practitioner student, UW.

Laramie -- Danielle Alvarado-Speager, associate degree in nursing, Laramie County Community College.

Rock Springs -- Janae Holtzclaw, associate degree in nursing, Western Wyoming Community College; and Kara Jackson, associate degree in nursing, Western Wyoming Community College.

About Blue Cross Blue Shield Caring Foundation of Wyoming

As a caring community, BCBSWY has been involved in promoting the good health and well-being of Wyoming residents by participating in and contributing to many health-related charities and causes. In 1990, BCBSWY established the Caring Foundation of Wyoming to help sustain this mission. The Caring Foundation of Wyoming now focuses its support through charitable giving. For more information, visit www.bcbswy.com/company_info/foundation.
MASON CITY | North Iowans may want to dig out their hats and gloves as temperatures are expected to plummet overnight.

National Weather Service forecasters have issued a freeze warning 1 to 9 a.m. Thursday across Iowa. Cold air entering Iowa may drop temperatures to the 20s and 30s in much of North Iowa.

Frost is also expected across much of the state.

Temperatures are expected to jump to the 50s by mid-Thursday. According to forecasters, thunderstorms are possible from Saturday to Monday evening.
For a lot of conservatives, all of Donald Trumps bragging about behavior that boils down to sexual assault can be waved away by repeating this simple mantra: Bill Clinton.

If absolutely necessary, theres a follow-up at the ready, too: Supreme Court.

But the many Catholic voters I know who say theyre sticking with Trump because hes pro-life are kidding themselves. Not only because of his mutable and mixed-up thoughts on abortion rights, but because the pro-life label is supposed to sum up a whole attitude of respect for all people at all stages.

Can a term that implies womb to tomb care for the most vulnerable even conceivably apply to a man who guffawed to Howard Stern that when a woman reaches decrepitude at age 35 its check-out time? Or who has referred to his own daughter as a piece of ass?

After hearing Trump reduce half the human race to subhuman status in a riff that he sees as locker-room banter, some of the Catholic groups and leaders whod given him the benefit of the doubt started peeling away.

Alongside pieces headlined, Tim Kaines radical roots in Honduras and Six reasons Catholics cant trust Hillary Clinton, the conservative Catholic advocacy group CatholicVote.org posted a statement calling on the Republican National Committee to remove Trump if he wont step aside.

Newly released comments by Donald Trump leaked from an audio recording in 2005 are disgusting and simply indefensible, it says. In the recording, he brags about sexually assaulting women. Christians should not waste their breath defending them. The mere fact that this conversation is occurring in the context of a presidential campaign impoverishes us all.

That does not, of course, mean that theyll back Clinton, whose abortion views are a stopper, but that they now see both major party options as unacceptable.

After hearing Trump gloat that he gets away with grabbing womens genitals because hes a star, Patricia McGuire, the president of Trinity Washington University, a Catholic womens college in Washington, wrote that she could no longer refrain from answering the GOP nominees repeated offenses against human dignity and lack of fundamental respect and charity toward human beings that is so fundamental to understanding and upholding the right to life.

She called on American bishops to follow suit, though not one has done so. (Asked straight up about Trumps comments, Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich, who is considered a progressive and will be made a cardinal next month, ventured only this: I have a deep faith in the moral fiber of the American people to respond appropriately. Thats all Im going to say. Thank you.)

At risk of their own reputations, Trumps team of high-profile pro-life Catholic advisers is so far sticking with a man who, at age 59, thought bragging about forcing himself on women was highly entertaining. They include Joseph Cella, founder of the National Catholic Prayer Breakfast, who told the Jesuit-run America Magazine that, though Trumps comments on the tape are indefensible, Donald Trump and Mike Pence remain the only candidates in this election who will ... defend the right to life.

The only priest on Trumps advisory council, pro-life activist Rev. Frank Pavone, told America he had not watched the tapes but was still supporting and advising the nominee, too because we are electing someone to do a specific job, namely, to appoint the right kinds of judges and to sign the right kinds of legislation.

The Trump team of Catholic advisers also includes several Pennsylvanians  former Republican U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum, former U.S. ambassador to Switzerland Faith Whittlesey and Notre Dame alum and Republican Rep. Mike Kelly.

To them, I recommend a rereading of Pope Francis beautiful encyclical Laudato Si, which on every page maps out the interconnectedness of all living things and all kinds of violence.

In the end, he writes, a world of exacerbated consumption is at the same time a world which mistreats life in all its forms.

Or, they could listen to Fordham theology professor Charles Camosy, who notes that even if we limit our concern to abortion, we need to consider that Trump is a notorious liar who will say anything to garner support. He used to be pro-choice in every respect  even when it comes to the infanticide of partial-birth abortion  and now hes going to appoint pro-life justices?

In Sunday nights debate, Clinton talked about her support for abortion rights, and, in response, Trump made sure to talk about gun rights, but he failed to mention abortion even once.

In fact, he never brings up the topic in public. Ever. Camosys conclusion is that Trump is still pro-choice in every respect and taking traditional pro-life groups for a ride.

Theyve been on that kind of ride for decades  and were only open to Trump in the first place as a result. But at some point, its time to admit, as CatholicVote.org has, that in doing so, the good many hoped to achieve, in spite of Trumps many well-known flaws, is also now in doubt.

Melinda Henneberger is a longtime political reporter and editor in Washington. She wrote this for the Philadelphia Daily News.
Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, on her trip to Ethiopia, stressed out that she would make Africa, the priority for Germany's G20 presidency and she said that she had outlined strategic plans for a conference to be held in Berlin.

She is on her last day of her three-day trip which covered stops in Niger and Mali. The German leader is seeking opportunities on investment which she looks forward to help the economy's growth and mold migration in the future to Europe.

When Merkel faced the people of Ethiopia she told them to open up its politics and the police were reminded not to use their fists and iron hand against the protesters. After almost a year of unrest that rights groups say has ended to about 500 deaths. She said she didn't want another bloody rally of protesters.

In addition Merkel on her speech to the African Union, said that Africa would host a high-profile conference in middle of 2017.

"We want to strengthen private investment to create sustainable growth and jobs," Merkel said. She further added it was significant to widen infrastructure on the continent and professional training must be improved.

In the conference, the delegates were consists of industry representatives and international institutions. Merkel urged the firms to engage and make ties in Africa.

The leader of Germany said that there were already companies in Germany who actively committed themselves as investors in Africa. But according to her, there could be more and sometimes other nations offered deals for infrastructural projects that were linked to other packages.

"There are already many German companies active in Africa but there could be more," she said, adding that sometimes other countries offered deals for infrastructure projects that were linked to financial packages.

If German firms wanted to be victorious and triumphant over the business, Germany would have to change. In some other nations the state and its economy were more closely tied.

Firms in China have become active in some African countries in the previous years. It offers enticing financing deals.

The German chancellor has described Africa with its population of 1.2 billion people as central to the migration issue and wants the EU to agree a migrant deal with North African countries.

In her speech to the African Union, she then concluded, "I am expressly in favor of the African Union bringing its influence to bear to help solve the conflict. Adding Libya had become a "sad example" of the consequences of state structures.
I have been involved with the United Way for many years and currently am on the board. I ask that you support the United Way of North Central Iowa's campaign and invest in our community.

I like to consider myself an informed person but until that first year working on the Community Impact team, I had no idea how far reaching the needs in our community were, that right here in North Iowa we have kids that go to bed hungry, children who need a voice to represent them in the court system, parents that have to choose to either pay for an unexpected repair or food for their families.

When you give to the United Way your funds are used to support programs that better the community we live in by helping the most vulnerable in our community. We have a big goal, but when we come together as a community we can achieve great things. Live United & Give United.

Mae Miles, Mason City
A man sits next to his destroyed house in Les Cayes, Haiti, following the passage of Hurricane Matthew. Haiti faces a humanitarian crisis with at least 1.4 million people needing emergency aid following the battering by the hurricane. (HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP)

Haiti is observing three days of mourning for the victims of the deadly storm, which also left 75 missing and 330 injured according to the provisional toll from the nation's civil protection agency.

More than 175,500 people remain in shelters across the country, many of them in schools - which is keeping nearly 100,000 children from resuming classes.

Matthew struck as the impoverished nation was struggling to stifle a cholera outbreak that authorities fear will now worsen, with the World Health Organisation pledging on Tuesday to send a million doses of cholera vaccine.

Two water purification stations also arrived in Port-au-Prince Tuesday as part of France's first shipment of humanitarian aid, which comprised some 69 tonnes of supplies including medicine and anti-cholera kits.

Each station produces 250,000 litres of drinking water per day.

But damage to roads and communications has hamstrung deliveries of supplies in some areas, according to an AFP journalist in the southern coastal village of Groteaux.

Many residents of that community were still struggling to find food and clean water as they scrambled to repair their battered homes.

'EATING ONLY COCONUTS'

Many Groteaux homes sported new tin roofs bought at inflated prices, but poorer families could not afford new metal sheets to shelter them from intense sunlight, tropical rains or bloodthirsty mosquitoes.

"Only God knows what we will eat," Jean Nelson, 68, told AFP. "We are eating only coconuts that fell." "We don't have money for rice," he said, adding that the price of the staple has doubled in the past week.

Nelson said that even though roads are now accessible, with cell phone coverage also starting to improve, no Haitian officials or relief workers have visited the hard-hit town.

The UN envoy Sandra Honore urged the Security Council on Tuesday to keep UN peacekeeping forces in Haiti for another six months to help cope with storm damage, ahead of a vote on renewing the mission's mandate.

The world body's chief Ban Ki-moon said a massive international response was needed to help Haiti as the United Nations launched a US$120 million flash appeal for the next three months.

CHOLERA FEARS RISING

The WHO said on Tuesday it would send a million cholera vaccine doses to Haiti after the nation - the America's poorest - began seeing cases surge after Matthew's pummeling.

WHO cholera expert Dominique Legros told reporters in Geneva there had already been "a sharp increase" in cases in the south of the country, with 148 cases detected in the Grande Anse department and 53 more in the Sud department.

Grande Anse in Haiti's southwest took a direct hit from the storm, suffering by far the highest toll with 244 dead, the civil protection agency said.

Matthew came as Haitians were already struggling with the intestinal disease spread by contaminated food and water, with more than 500 new cases each week.

UN peacekeepers have been blamed for introducing the disease to Haiti, where it has killed 10,000 people since October 2010 - and the world body tacitly admitted its share of responsibility earlier this year.

The WHO also called for the strengthening of Haitian health facilities so they can handle the brunt of the humanitarian crisis, rather than relying on outside medical intervention.

"The best people to help Haitians are Haitians themselves," Jean-Luc Poncelet, the country representative for the UN's World Health Organisation, told reporters on Tuesday. "Priority must be given to the institutions already working in the country."

"They know the people and therefore they are the most effective."
Accordingly, the project will have a total investment capital of $3 billion and an annual capacity of 4 million tonnes. The construction will be divided into two phases, with a capacity of 2 million tonnes each. The investor seeks approval to retain the factorys operation for 70 years. Once the factory comes into operation, it is expected to bring an annual $2 billion in revenue for the operator.

DEZA has submitted documents to ministries and the relevant authorities for comments on Hoa Phats proposal.

According to DEZA, with an annual expected revenue of $2 billion, the factory will not only contribute approximately VND4 trillion ($178.3 million) a year to the provinces budget, but also generate about 8,000 jobs.

Based on the massive scale of the project, if licenced, the investor will receive incentives during both the construction and the operation stages. Notably, the investor will be exempt from land lease fees for 18 years and then only need to shoulder 10 per cent for the next 30 years.

However, Hoa Phat will have to pay VND203.5 billion ($9.07 million) for site clearance, which the province financed the Guang Lian projects site clearance.

Along with Hoa Phat, another Vietnamese steel maker Hoa Sen Group was reported to compete for the right to develop the Guang Lian Dung Quat Steel factory. However, Hoa Sen has yet to officially express movement to implement the project.

In early September, Quang Ngai Provinces Peoples Committee decided to revoke 337 hectares of land from Guang Lian Dung Quat Steel factory, due to its long delay in construction and violating the Land Law.

Licensed in September 2006, the project was initiated by Taiwanese steel giant Tycoons with a total investment of more than $556 million. The investor committed to completing the construction within 36 months.

E-United Group joined later by acquiring a 90 per cent stake. The two Taiwanese enterprises raised the registered investment amount to $3 billion in 2008 and then $4.5 billion in 2010, while simultaneously increasing the factorys manufacturing capacity to seven million tonnes per year, five million tonnes higher than the initial design.

However, the investors have put the construction on hold for numerous times.

In December 2015, the management board carried out an inspection of the project grounds, while simultaneously requesting the investors to voluntarily liquidate its assets.

In March 2016, the two investors committed to restarting the project with the total capital of $2.2 billion and an output of five million tonnes per year. The investors also committed to completing the construction within 42 months.

However, after numerous further delays, the local authorities have grown distrustful of the investors as well as the very feasibility of the project.

Since its ground-breaking ceremony in 2007, the investors have put about $42 million into constructing some work facilities, such as house blocks for workers, walls, and installing pile driving equipment.
Linh Trung Export Processing Zone II under the management of HCM City Export Processing and Industrial Zone Authority. - Photo thuduc.hochiminhcity.gov.vn

The information was released during Hepza's press briefing held yesterday on plans and policies to attract investment in the last quarter of the year.

The handbook publication was among important measures to promote investment in export processing and industrial zones in the city, head of Hepza's investment management division Tran Viet Ha said.

He said the authority would continue asking the municipal People's Committee and relevant ministries to expeditiously tackle investment-related obstacles, especially regulations on land lease in processing and industrial zones.

Ha attributed the land lease issue to a slump in investment in local export processing and industrial zones compared with 2015.

As of September 30, total investment in the zones (for both new and expansion projects) reached US$354.7 million, a drop of 54 per cent compared with the same period last year.

Of the sum, $167 million was from foreign investors, down 67.4 per cent, while domestic investments contributed $187 million, representing a decline of 27 per cent from a year earlier.

In addition, the authority would also enhance assistance for enterprises to access capital and update production technologies, maintain the single-window mechanism for investment projects and cut down 30 per cent of the administrative procedure handling time, Ha said.

Hepza was urging new industrial parks to build infrastructure to ensure land supplies for companies to rent, he added.

Tran Cong Khanh, head of the Hepza office, said the strong decrease in investments was also caused by problems emerging in the enforcement of the 2013 Law on Land and sluggish guidance on the implementation of the 2014 laws on investment and enterprises.

He added that many investors also wanted to wait for the parliaments of the member countries of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) agreement to ratify this deal.
Up to 15 serious labour safety violations at coal mines in northern Quang Ninh province were reported in the first nine months of this year, leaving 18 people dead and injuring dozens more, Lao ong (Labour) newspaper reported. - Photo laodong.com.vn

In August alone, there were five incidents, leaving six miners dead.

The accidents are on the rise with an increase of two cases and three deaths compared to the same period last year.

Quang Ninh Province currently has 30 coal mining units with hundreds of mines and about 40,000 coal miners working. With increasing areas of exploitation and tougher mining conditions, ensuring labour safety remains a big challenge for the local indsutry.

According to the provincial Department of Labour, Social Invalids and Society, the main reason for serious coal mine accidents was coal mine collapses and water breaking out, resulting in rocks and soil falling and trapping workers.

Mine collapses and water incidents cause about 45 per cent of accidents annually.

Last Friday, in one of the latest accidents in the province, it took more than 20 hours to retrieve the body of a worker, o Minh Hai, who died after a coal mine collapsed in Cam Pha City.

A day later, a truck driver carrying soil and rocks to Cao Son Company coal mine crashed and died. The driver lost control of the electric-truck when it experienced a power cut.

As many as 14 workers were injured by an explosion inside a coal mine in Cam Pha City in August.

Others accidents, reportedly due to technical failures and violations, have raised questions about coal sector safety, the responsibilities of company managers and safety awareness of workers.

Le Van Su, chief investigator of the department said that coal mining accidents can occur randomly. A series of accidents might happen one after another within one month or even a few days.

The reasons for these accidents come from a lack of professional skills, workers experience and a lack of supervision of employers, he said.

According to a Vinacomin investigation, most companies do not control safety indicators. Safety alarm systems do not work and labour safety in special working conditions underground have not been ensured.

Coal companies have made large investments in work safety. The Viet Nam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin), the largest corporation of this kind with 42 units, spent more than VN461 billion (US$20.5million) on labour safety in the first half of this year.

Nguyen Xuan Thuy, office chief of Vang Danh coal company under Vinacomin affirmed that labour safety is a top priority.

Every year, we conduct two labour safety training days and two health examinations for workers, he said. The company invests dozens of billions of ong on air warning systems, fire prevention and fighting alarm or labour safety clothes.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks during a rally at Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania on October 10, 2016. (Photo: AFP/Dominick Reuter)

Declaring himself unchained from party strictures, the bombastic real estate mogul publicly berated party big-wig Paul Ryan - the speaker of the House of Representatives - as a "weak and ineffective leader."

"It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to" Trump tweeted.

Relations between the Trump campaign and party leaders have always been difficult, but they have soured considerably since Democrat Hillary Clinton began to pull away in the polls two weeks ago.

The final straw for many elected Republicans was the emergence of a video in which Trump bragged about groping women. That prompted a string of disavowals and endorsement withdrawals.

Trump further alienated allies by bringing up unproven abuse allegations against former president Bill Clinton in a Sunday debate watched by tens of millions of Americans.

Trump's angry response seems to have been prompted by Ryan effectively telling fellow Republicans to stop defending the nominee and focus on limiting electoral losses in Congress.

In a conference call on Monday, Ryan told congressional Republicans "you all need to do what's best for you in your district," according to one person who listened in.

Trump began the two hour cyber outburst by claiming "polls" had shown him to be the winner of the debate.

In fact, most scientific polls showed voters believed Hillary Clinton to be the clear winner.

"Despite winning the second debate in a landslide (every poll), it is hard to do well when Paul Ryan and others give zero support!" Trump tweeted.

He followed up by saying: "Our very weak and ineffective leader, Paul Ryan, had a bad conference call where his members went wild at his disloyalty."

Democrats "have always proven to be far more loyal to each other than the Republicans."

In an ominous sign for Republicans who are worried about losing control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, Trump sounded a belligerent note.

"Disloyal R's are far more difficult than Crooked Hillary. They come at you from all sides. They don't know how to win - I will teach them!"
The company officially stopped its MLM operations throughout the country on March 14, 2016.

VCA requested the company to complete all obligations towards members to its MLM activities within 90 days of issuing the notice.



Established in November 2014, Isagenix Vietnam specialises in trading nutrition and beauty products in an MLM model. Isagenix Vietnams products are distributed by independent distributors in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

Isagenix Vietnam is one of the US MLM companies in Vietnam, including Herbalife, Amway Vietnam, and Unicity Marketing Vietnam.

With the exception of Amway Vietnam, the other three were all detected to violate regulations.

Notably, in July, Isagenix Vietnam, along with six other MLM companies, were fined VND229.9 million ($10,248) for administrative violations.

In June, Unicity Marketing Vietnam was fined VND130 million ($5,795) for not renewing its business license after adjusting its business activities and conducting business in cities and provinces where it does not have offices, while not informing local Departments of Industry and Trade and not training agents to acceptable standards.

Herbalife Vietnam was fined VND50 million ($2,228) for conducting business in cities and provinces where they do not have offices and not informing the local Departments of Industry and Trade.

According to reports from local Departments of Industry and Trade, in the first seven months of this year, they issued altogether VND2.8 billion ($124,800) in fines to 42 MLM companies, registered and unregistered alike, for all sorts of administrative violations.

VCA, meanwhile, fined multiple MLM companies for 29 counts of violations for a total of VND4.6 billion ($205,055), suspended two, and stopped the operations of five. In the period, Thai im Star Network and US Genesis Pure both completed procedures to stop operations by their own initiative.

Currently, nearly half of the 61 MLM companies operating in Vietnam are wholly foreign-backed.
Donald Trump says the shackles are off, and his first target is his fellow Republicans
Image by NASA

President Barack Obama sought Tuesday to reinvigorate his 6-year-old call for the U.S. to send humans to Mars by the 2030s.
File photo by MIAMI HERALD

A cooperative captive walks inside a communal cellblock at Camp 6, at the Navy base at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in February. An alleged accomplice in the Sept. 11 attacks is set to undergo rectal surgery Friday, his attorney says.


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DGAP-News: labfolder GmbH / Key word(s): Agreement labfolder GmbH: labfolder signs agreement with Max Planck Society for organization-wide use of laboratory data digital platform 12.10.2016 / 10:00 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- labfolder signs agreement with Max Planck Society for organization-wide use of laboratory data digital platform - Contract provides up to 11,000 Max Planck scientists access to use labfolder for digital laboratory data management - First organization-wide digital laboratory data management deal for a research institute across all disciplines globally - Long-term collaboration between labfolder and the Max Planck Society to further develop the platform - Digitalization of laboratory data management is a key driver in future scientific innovation Berlin/Munich, 10/12/2016 - labfolder GmbH and the Max Planck Society announced today a licensing agreement to provide up to 11,000 Max Planck scientists with labfolder's laboratory data management digital platform. This is the first time that a tool for digital laboratory data management is being provided across an entire research organization for scientists in all scientific disciplines ranging from physics, chemistry, life sciences and humanities. labfolder's next generation laboratory data management tool enables scientists from all disciplines to record, integrate and manage scientific data from different sources including tablets and devices, with simple compliance to industry standards, protocols and regulations. labfolder speeds up research and development, facilitates data analyses and collaboration of scientists and teams on all continents. labfolder can be used either on a central server or on a local server, which will be installed on the premises of the institutes. The labfolder digital platform is fully flexible and can be customized by the Max Planck scientists themselves. "This agreement with the Max Planck Society, one of the most successful and distinguished scientific organizations in the world, is an important milestone for labfolder," stated Dr. Simon Bungers, CEO of labfolder. "The deal demonstrates that we reliably deliver value to scientists in all disciplines from the individual up to large organizations with thousands of scientists. We are proud that the Max Planck Society is committed to a long-term collaboration, in which together we will develop new features and services for scientists." The classical paper-bound laboratory notebook is still the most commonly used tool for data management for many scientists. This continuous documentation is the key to understanding experiments and their underlying hypotheses as well as to interpret recorded data in a meaningful way. "There is an enormous demand for scientists within the Max Planck Society for switching to digital lab notebooks," stated Dr. Frank Sander, General Manager of the Max Planck Digital Library, the central unit for the provision and development of information and data management services in the Max Planck Society. "We are very happy to provide our scientists via labfolder with a solution which helps them to efficiently handle their daily data management tasks. The flexibility of the system allows the use of labfolder across the different research disciplines in the Max Planck Society and facilitates the exchange between scientists and with scientific data tools and services." Most laboratories still use a mixture of paper notebooks, locally stored files, and file servers for data management. Data management across storage media makes the compliant documentation, retrieval, and re-use of research data notoriously difficult and sometimes even impossible. Additionally, the amount of data generated in research and healthcare grows exponentially. Thus, research organizations, enterprises, and policy makers see further optimization of data management in research and in clinics as a crucial next step. Press Material: Link to Photos, Videos & Screenshots: https://www.labfolder.com/press-kit/ About the Max Planck Society The Max Planck Society is Germany's most successful research organization. Since its foundation 1948, it has earned a world-leading reputation as a science and technology research organization, with 18 Nobel Prizes awarded to their scientists, and is generally regarded as the foremost basic research organization in Europe and the world. In terms of total research volume (unweighted by citations or impact), the Max Planck Society is only outranked by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Russian Academy of Sciences and Harvard University. The Thomson Reuters-Science Watch website placed the Max Planck Society as the second leading research organization worldwide following Harvard University in terms of the impact of the produced research among all science fields. Currently, researchers at 83 Max Planck Institutes perform basic research in the natural sciences, life sciences, and humanities. Max Planck Institutes are active in areas of research that are exceptionally innovative and thus require special financial resources. The research spectrum is continuously widened: new institutes are being founded and institutes are being reformed to provide answers for global questions. The ongoing re-innovation processes allow the Max Planck Society to quickly adapt to an evolving scientific environment. About labfolder GmbH labfolder was founded in 2013 by biochemist Simon Bungers and biophysicist Florian Hauer. Since 2015, Joris van Winsen supports the management team as CFO and Managing Director. labfolder securely connects scientists, laboratories, companies or global organizations on a unified platform for individuals and teams, their notes, devices, materials, and data from any source. By providing such a platform for the entire life cycle of the scientific laboratory process, labfolder helps scientists to manage and share their data more easily, saving time and expense in many areas of laboratory work, while enabling accelerated innovation. labfolder ensures that data management is compliant with all laboratory guidelines. labfolder is used by more than 12,000 international scientists in all disciplines. It is used by academic as well as industrial and pharmaceutical scientists in R&D, analysis, and production labs. The increasing demand of digital solutions for managing growing amounts of data in a regulated environment has resulted in the continuous growth of labfolder, which is supported by investors such as Peppermint Ventures, the IBBbet, Vogel Ventures and a consortium of expert business angels. <pre> Press contact Web: www.labfolder.com Address: Dr. Florian Hauer Blog: blog.labfolder.com labfolder GmbH +49 (0) 30 Twitter: @labfolder Bismarckstrasse 91572642 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/ 10-12 +49 (0) 176 labfolder 10625 Berlin 24337833 FB: facebook.com/labfolder Germany fh@labfolder.com </pre> Anne Hennecke MC Services AG +49 (0) 211 529252 22 anne.hennecke@mc-services.eu --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12.10.2016 Dissemination of a Corporate News, transmitted by DGAP - a service of EQS Group AG. The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. The DGAP Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. Archive at www.dgap.de --------------------------------------------------------------------------- 510853 12.10.2016
The ruling Cambodian Peoples Party on Sunday slammed demonstrations held in Australia last week against a visit by Hun Manet, the first son of the prime minister, as stoking tensions amid an already uneasy political environment.



In a statement the CPP accused Hong Lim, a state lawmaker in the Victoria legislature, of orchestrating the protests in an attempt to aggravate the situation in Cambodia and to influence opinion in Australia.



The protest was held to express discontent with the slow progress of an official inquiry into the daylight shooting of prominent political analyst Kem Ley in July, which is widely believed to have been a political assassination.



Lim accused the CPP during the demonstration on Friday in Melbourne of being the one behind his death, echoing the president of the main opposition, Sam Rainsy, who has taken a similar line, accusing Prime Minister Hun Sen of direct involvement.



Its been more than three months and we even see the 100-day commemoration of his death, but there is still no leads as to who is really behind the killing, Lim said.



He added that the protest was not held in coordination with Rainsys Cambodia National Rescue Party, nor did members of the CNRP officially take part in the protest.



Lim was in August banned from entering Cambodia after labeling the regime a beast.



In its statement, the CPP condemned the killing of Kem Ley and called on the investigating authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice.



Meas Ny, a Phnom Penh-based analyst, cautioned against holding protests outside Cambodia which could inflame the situation.



I think that the local political parties should not get involved in demonstrations held overseas related to the political affairs of the nation on issues where there is no clear evidence, he said, adding that the government, for its part, should not consider every minor protest as an attempt to foment revolution.



Sok Eysan, CPP spokesman, said Lim was being irresponsible.



Hes Khmer, but he doesnt have the brain of a Khmer, he said. Its meaningless...theres no honor in this.



Manet countered on Facebook on Saturday, saying that the demonstration had only drawn 150 people, whereas more than 600 had attended an event where he was present, without incident.



This was not the first time an overseas visit by Manet has been met with opposition. A previous visit to the United States was marred by scandal when a lawyer attempted to deliver a subpoena, listing a number of serious charges against the high-ranking military officer, to a restaurant where he was eating, only to be allegedly attacked by one of Manets bodyguards.
Aid agencies warn that northeastern Nigeria is facing a famine. The Boko Haram conflict has displaced over two million people. Militants have stolen livestock and insecurity has disrupted trade and is preventing many families from returning their farms. The situation is particularly precarious for tens of thousands of children. For VOA, Chika Oduah has more from Maiduguri.
Saudi Arabia says it will ease the blockade of rebel-controlled areas of Yemen to evacuate people wounded in a deadly airstrike at a funeral. However, if more emergency humanitarian aid is not allowed into Yemen, according to analysts, many of its people may soon face famine.



It is getting worse and worse each and every day, said Peter Salisbury, an associate fellow for the Middle East and North Africa at Britain-based research organization Chatham House.



The Yemen war includes multiple militias fighting within loose alliances, and many of the groups have very different goals. With airports and ports largely closed, moving aid, like food and water, into many parts of the country has become increasingly difficult.



Aid organizations say half of all Yemeni people are malnourished and 80 percent of the people are in urgent need of food and other kinds of aid.



Unless food and water can be allowed first to flow freely into the country, and secondly flow freely across the country regardless of which military groups are where, theres a real danger that parts of Yemen will descend into famine in the very near future, said Salisbury.





On Saturday, airstrikes hit a funeral in the capital, Sanaa, killing 140 people and wounding more than 500. Saudi state media Wednesay announced a plan to facilitate and transfer the wounded in need of treatment. Officials in Yemen's Houthi government say 300 people are in critical condition and place the blame on the Saudi-led coalition, which initially denied responsibility for the strike.



Medical treatment in Yemen right now, according to Afrah Nasser, a Yemeni journalist and blogger speaking to VOA from Sweden, is almost non-existent.



Life is getting very, very harsh in many, many parts of Yemen, she said. Members of her family, like about a million other Yemeni people, tried to flee Yemen but later returned, finding few resources available in nearby African countries.



The prices of food are skyrocketing and medicine is becoming very seldom, she added. And hospitals? Forget about hospitals. You can go and they are empty. They cannot help you.



Escalating and ignored



Nearly 7,000 people have been killed since the coalition began airstrikes on Houthi-held territories in Yemen 18 months ago. Most of the dead were civilians, and most of the civilians were killed in airstrikes.



When the coalition began bombing, Houthi rebels and their allies were already embroiled in a civil war with the Saudi-backed government they ousted from the Yemeni capital.



The war is fueled by the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran, with the latter supporting the Houthis. Iran is not openly involved but observers fear an escalation of the war could prompt a more direct confrontation between the two regional giants.



On Sunday, missiles, assumed by many to have been launched by Houthi rebels, failed to hit a U.S. warship and Saudi Arabia reported a rocket attack from Yemen on its soil. Officials from both countries have called for retaliation.



If this were to erupt into a true proxy war, said Salisbury from Chatham House, If Iran, for example, were to decide that it wanted to lend genuinely large amounts of resources to the conflict, then that would have much wider regional repercussions.



The human cost would be phenomenal, he added.



After the funeral strike caused international outrage, the United States promised to review its support for the coalition. Saudi Arabia said it would investigate the attack.

Conflict of interest

The fact that Saudi Arabia is conducting its own investigation without independent observers is further evidence of Western complicity in human rights abuses and war crimes in Yemen, according to Yemeni political analyst and journalist in Sanaa, Nasser Arrabyee.



It is the most dangerous thing, he said. They disregard the U.N. laws, the international laws, the humanitarian laws, the human rights laws and everything, and just believe what Saudi Arabia wants or what Saudi Arabia says. This is a very dangerous thing, not [just for] Yemenis but for every human.



Yemens war is often described as a forgotten war, added Farah Nasser in Sweden. The country is isolated and foreign media have mostly fled; but, with many parties benefiting from lucrative arms contracts and powerful regional alliances, she said, in reality the war is deliberately ignored.
Afghan Taliban appear to be facing financial pressure since the death of their former leader Mullah Akhtar Mansour, who was more adept at managing money, according to the spokesman of NATOs Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan.

The evidence weve seen of that is an increase in their taxes to locals as they move through, Brigadier General Charles Cleveland said Wednesday in Kabul. We believe that the death of Mullah Mansour certainly contributed to that as well.

Mansour, who was killed in a U.S. drone strike in Pakistans Balochistan province in May, had financial acumen that, along with his involvement in the narcotics trade, helped grow the groups war chest, Cleveland said.

Drug trafficking

Afghanistans vast drug trade is one of the most lucrative sources of funds for the Taliban. According to a New York Times story on the Talibans drug links, Mansour was at the pinnacle of a pyramid of tribal Ishaqzai drug traffickers. In the process he amassed personal wealth, bought off opposition within the group, and helped the Taliban financially.

His death has probably hampered efforts by the Taliban to take advantage of a record poppy crop this year.

It was a good harvest and we did expect the Taliban to be flush with money, but since that time of course Mansour was killed and we have seen this evidence, in particular the taxes being raised on the local population, Cleveland said.

Hamed Sabori, a political analyst, said one of the reasons the Taliban may be raising taxes is because of the additional burden on their resources.

The fighting has intensified in the last couple of months, so obviously it requires more resources, Sabori said. I think that is why they have to raise taxes and find other sources of revenue.

The financial pressure could be affecting Taliban operational readiness. But Cleveland acknowledged the insurgent group manages to offset some of that pressure through their field operations against Afghan security forces.

Of course what weve also seen is that they will raid a checkpoint and they kind of restock some of their supplies as well, Cleveland added.

War is cheap

Javed Kohistani, a former general and military analyst based in Kabul, said that the war is not expensive for the Taliban to fight.

They captured resources from the Afghan army and controlled areas where ammunition was not that expensive: One bullet for an AK-47 assault rifle sells for five to 10 cents, he said.

The Taliban, he added, are trying to expand their financial resources by controlling more areas so they could get more taxes from cellphone companies and construction companies, as well as zakat, a mandatory charitable giving for Muslims who met certain financial criteria.
A surge in Arctic tourism is bringing ever bigger cruise ships to the formerly isolated, ice-bound region, prompting calls for a clampdown to prevent Titanic-style accidents and the pollution of fragile ecosystems.

Arctic nations should consider limiting the size of vessels and ban the use of heavy fuel oil in the region, industry players said, after the first luxury cruise ship sailed safely through Canada's Northwest Passage this summer.

The route, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific oceans via the Arctic, was once clogged with icebergs but is now ice-free in summer because of global warming.

With a minimum ticket price of $19,755, the 1,700 passengers and crew on board the Crystal Serenity followed  in reverse  the route first navigated more than a century ago by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. They left Anchorage, Alaska, on August 15 and docked in New York on September 16.

The ship's operator, Crystal Cruises, says on its website it will repeat the voyage in 2017. It declined a request for comment when contacted by Reuters.

Two shipping executives expressed concern that the one-off trip could become a trend, citing worries about safety, risks to the environment and the impact on small communities, in an area where there is no port between Anchorage and Nuuk, Greenland.

Miles of 'absolutely nothing'

"The Northwest Passage is thousands and thousands of nautical miles with absolutely nothing. ... There is a need to discuss possible regulation," said Tero Vauraste, CEO of Arctia, a Finnish shipping firm specializing in icebreakers.

Were a ship to be in trouble in the Northwest Passage, there would be little authorities could do, given the lack of infrastructure, he said.

"So we must do everything we can do to prevent this," said Vauraste, who is also vice chair of the Arctic Economic Council, a regional forum for business cooperation among Arctic nations.

Navigation in icy waters is made more difficult by poor satellite imagery. "An ice field might move at a speed of 4 to 5 knots, but a ship will receive a satellite picture of it that is 10 to 20 hours old," said Vauraste. "We need better-quality imagery."

Another concern is environmental. "Potentially, an accident involving a mega-ship could represent an environmental disaster," said Daniel Skjeldam, CEO of Hurtigruten, a cruise ship operator in the Arctic and Antarctic, whose biggest ships can accommodate 646 passengers.

Cruise ships usually use heavy oil, a type of fuel that takes longer to break down in the event of a spill. The Crystal Serenity did not use heavy oil during its trip, its operator said.

"Heavy oil in cold conditions is sticky and takes much longer time to break down, so it has a prolonged effect on the environment," said Marco Lambertini, director-general of World Wildlife Fund International.

"If something happens at the beginning of winter, no cleanup can be done. Oil can get trapped under the ice and travel for a hundred kilometers," he told Reuters.

U.N. code

A U.N. polar code will come into effect in 2017 that toughens demands on ship safety and pollution. It bans heavy fuel oil in the Antarctic, for instance, but merely encourages ships not to use it in the Arctic.

"What I call for is stronger regulations coordinated between the Arctic nations," Hurtigruten's Skjeldam told Reuters.

He suggested the size of ships should be limited, without specifying by which criteria; that the use of heavy oil be banned; and that shipping companies should aim to reduce their emissions by, for instance, using hybrid engines.

Vauraste said an update of the Polar Code, addressing some of these issues, could be on the agenda for the Arctic Economic Council.

The impact of the mega-ships on small Arctic communities is also becoming a concern.

Svalbard, an archipelago midway between Europe's northernmost point and the North Pole, is experiencing a tourism boom.

"I stay home when the cruise ship tourists come. Too many people at the same time. It is really stressful," said Fredric Froeberg, 37, a Swedish guide who runs excursions on snow scooters and boats from Longyearbyen, Svalbard's main settlement, with around 2,160 inhabitants. "This place should not become too big. Otherwise it will become overexploited, like so many other places around the world. What is fantastic here is the nature."
Britain has warned that Russia faces becoming an international outcast for its bombing campaign in support of Syrian government forces, which the West says has killed hundreds of civilians. The war of words has escalated sharply in recent days, after Russia vetoed a French motion at the United Nations Security Council calling for an end to airstrikes on Aleppo. VOA's Henry Ridgwell reports.
Britain has warned that Russia faces becoming an international outcast for its bombing campaign in support of Syrian government forces, which the West says has killed hundreds of civilians. The war of words has escalated sharply in recent days, after Russia vetoed a French motion at the United Nations Security Council calling for an end to airstrikes on Aleppo.

Barrel bombs, missile strikes and mortar shells have reduced much of Aleppo to rubble. Amid the twisted wreckage live an estimated 250,000 people at constant risk of annihilation as the bombs continue to fall.



Western powers have accused Russia of war crimes for firing bunker-busting and incendiary bombs on civilian areas  a charge Moscow has denied  despite the evidence on the ground. France has called for the International Criminal Court to investigate.





'Pariah nation'



In an emergency parliamentary debate Tuesday, Britains Foreign Minister Boris Johnson said Russia was becoming "a pariah nation."



"And if President Putin's strategy is to restore the greatness and the glory of Russia, then I believe he risks seeing his ambition turned to ashes in the face of international contempt for what is happening in Syria," said Johnson.



Lawmakers repeatedly called for Britain to help enforce a no-fly zone to protect civilians. Conservative MP Thomas Tugendhat said some military hardware already is in place.



"The helicopters that are dropping barrel bombs could easily be brought down by rockets based in Turkey, in Lebanon or indeed from our own Type 45s [warships] in the Mediterranean," said Tugendhat.





No-fly zone



A no-fly zone was pushed by U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry last month following an attack on a U.N. aid convoy. More hawkish voices are calling for Britain to back the idea. Alan Mendoza, director of policy group the Henry Jackson Society, is urging aggressive support.



"Come out and publicly say, 'America, we will stand with you on this if you intend to do it. And we will support it, indeed, with an application of our military force.' They [Russia] will not risk a confrontation once theres a firm military presence to fight against, and you will end up with a much better chance of a negotiated solution," said Mendoza.



British Prime Minister Theresa May has stopped short of supporting any military action to enforce a no-fly zone against the Syrian government or Russian forces, saying, "It is for the international community to continue to put more pressure on Russia."



As relations between Moscow and the West continue to sour, Russian President Vladimir Putin canceled a visit to Paris that was scheduled for next week.
As Haiti continues to count its dead and assess damage following devastating Hurricane Matthew, doctors and public health officers warn the risk of cholera must urgently be addressed.

Unprecedented flooding, particularly in the hard-hit southwestern peninsula, has contaminated already-scarce safe drinking water, drastically increasing the risk of a cholera outbreak. Once contracted, dehydration caused by cholera can kill children in as quickly as six hours.

"Essentially, the battle against cholera is sometimes a race against time," said Dr. Unni Krishnan of Save the Children. "Its a very fast killer and we need to act quickly."

Dr. Krishnan has worked around Haiti for 10 years, traveling to wherever he is most needed. He is currently working in Les Cayes, the city the hardest hit last week by Hurricane Matthew.

"When you come to some of the impacted areas you realize how bad the situation is," he told VOA. "Its something which can never be truly captured in words or pictures."

Contaminated drinking water



Contamination of drinking water is far from the only thing increasing the risk of cholera throughout Haiti.

Among many others, Dr. Krishnan said a lack of privacy due to destroyed homes has resulted in women breast feeding less often, and breast milk is a powerful natural antidote to cholera for infants.

Cholera is treatable, and the most common and dangerous symptom is dehydration. But lack of infrastructure and hospitals, made worse by the hurricane damage, could make combating an epidemic difficult for Haiti.

"For context, we are talking about a country with one of the weakest health systems in this part of the world," Dr. Krishnan said, emphasizing that many medical centers were destroyed or rendered non-functional due to the storm damage.

The hope for Haiti in the face of cholera lies in lessons learned, following a 2010 earthquake, after which Haiti suffered the worst cholera outbreak in modern history, according to the Center for Disease Control. Nearly 10,000 people in Haiti died of the treatable disease.

The international community bears the burden as well. The U.N. publicly took responsibility for bringing Virbrio cholerae, the bacteria which causes cholera, through Nepalese peacekeepers who went to the island nation following the earthquake.

New UN measures



A spokesman for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said the U.N. needs to do "much more" to address the cholera epidemic in Haiti, and promised a "significant new set of U.N. actions" to respond to the crisis, probably in two months or less. On Tuesday, the World Health Organization announced it is sending one million doses of oral cholera vaccine to Haiti.

Vaccinating all 10 million Haitians on the island would cost over $100 million, according to the American Council on Science and Health.

"That said, when you break something in a store, you have to buy it," Dr. Julianna LeMieux of ACSH wrote on their website. "It's time for the international body to give its health experts the financial support they need to correct the catastrophe it created."

While Dr. Krishnan did not specifically call out one organization to bear responsibility for the crisis, he urged the international community to be aware of how complex and dire the situation on the ground is.

"Haiti needs all the attention and support it can get now," he said.
SAN DIEGO, Oct. 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) successfully flew an Optical Bar Camera broad-area synoptic sensor on an RQ-4 Global Hawk high altitude long endurance unmanned aircraft system (UAS), marking the first time the legacy U.S. Air Force camera has been flown on a high altitude unmanned aircraft. The Optical Bar Camera has provided panoramic and unalterable imagery for the warfighter, allies and governments.



The successful flight is the second of three planned demonstrations of sensors previously unavailable on the Global Hawk. Northrop Grumman successfully flew a SYERS-2 intelligence gathering sensor in February of this year and plans to fly an MS-177 multi-spectral sensor later in 2016.

The successful flight of the Optical Bar Camera is another significant step in the evolution of Global Hawk. Its the result of our focus on increasing capability, reducing sustainment costs and fielding the open mission systems architecture that enables faster integration of cutting edge sensors at lower costs, said Mick Jaggers, vice president and program manager, Global Hawk program, Northrop Grumman. Weve proved that our open mission systems architecture and our universal payload adapter work very well and enable Global Hawk to deliver new multi-mission capabilities to the United States Air Force.

Payload integration is not new to Global Hawk. NASA has successfully integrated and flown more than 30 different information-gathering payloads on Global Hawk. Existing models of the U.S Air Force Global Hawk are capable of carrying an Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite (EISS), Airborne Signals Intelligence Payload (ASIP) and Multi-Platform Radar Technology Insertion Program (MP-RTIP).

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in autonomous systems, cyber, C4ISR, strike, and logistics and modernization to customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.
Egypt's armed forces will hold joint military exercises with their Russian counterparts on Egyptian soil for the first time from Oct. 15-26, Cairo's military spokesman said Wednesday.

Days ago, Egypt backed a Russian resolution in the U.N. Security Council on Syria that removed the demand for an end to airstrikes on Aleppo stipulated in an alternative French resolution.

Both resolutions failed to pass but Egypt's support for the Russian measure put the North African country at odds with its key financial backer, Saudi Arabia, which has opposed Russia's support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The joint military training will include drills between Egyptian and Russian paratrooper units in the northwestern region of el-Alamein, Egyptian military spokesman Brigadier General Mohamed Samir said in a statement posted on the Egyptian military's official Facebook page.

Russia's Izvestia newspaper said Moscow was in talks to open an air base in Egypt, though Egypt's official Al Ahram newspaper quoted the presidential spokesman Tuesday saying it would not allow foreign bases on its land.

Egypt is negotiating with Russia to restore flights to its Red Sea resorts, a year after the bombing of a Russian airliner carrying holidaymakers back to St Petersburg.

Egypt is keen to restore tourism, a key earner of hard currency, which has been in decline since the 2011 uprising ushered in a period of political instability.
Have you ever noticed how some people seem to be bitten by mosquitoes more than anyone else?

Apparently some people taste better to malaria mosquitoes than others, and scientists are trying to figure out why, so they can turn that information into a repellent to protect us all from malaria.

Such a repellent might be able to prevent some of the 214 million cases of malaria the World Health Organization says occurred in 2015, mostly in Africa. About 440,000 people, most of them children, died of malaria, the WHO said.

Researchers from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine have found evidence of what attracts malaria mosquitoes to humans for a blood meal, and smell isnt the only thing.

Christopher Potter, assistant professor of neuroscience, is working on the sensing ability of mosquitoes. Unlike humans who have one nose, Potter says, mosquitoes have three pairs of noses.

These include two antennae and two maxillary palps, which are fuzzy appendages below the insects head and are parallel to the feeding needle, Potter said. At the end of that feeding needle or proboscis, are the labella, two small regions with neurons that recognize smells and tastes.

So this suggests that the mosquito brain might also have a region of the brain thats dedicated to flavor, to combining smell and taste, he said.

And that is something they are very likely doing when they are actually landing on us and looking around for a place to bite, he added. They are actually smelling us and tasting us, and perhaps that means they are also flavoring us and that is part of what they are looking for when theyre trying to decide who they should bite from and where they are going to bite.

Potter and his colleagues made this discovery about the malaria mosquito, Anopheles gambiae, by making certain neurons in the insects noses fluoresce, or glow green. They wanted to trace those green-glowing external sensory neurons to the brain.

The green-glowing neurons lighted up in the brain when they were exposed to complex odors. These help the mosquito distinguish human blood from that of other warm-blooded animals.

Its the first time scientists were able to pinpoint the exact location of the senses of smell and taste in mosquitoes.

By studying the smell- and taste-detecting neurons, the finding suggests that its possible mosquitoes like not only the smell of humans but our flavor as well.

The long-term goal is to identify better repellents, things that will be better, safer, cheaper and more effective that we can manufacture on a larger scale and distribute it across the world.

Currently the insect repellent DEET is widely used in malaria endemic regions, but its not 100 percent effective, and a fair amount of the chemical needs to be applied to the skin to repel mosquitoes.

The research was published in the journal Nature Communications.
A federal judge has extended the deadline for Florida residents to register to vote by a week, following Hurricane Matthew.

Judge Mark Walker granted a request by the Florida Democratic Party for a temporary injunction that moved the states voter registration deadline from October 11 to October 18, after having previously moved it back by one day.

Democrats had asked Florida governor Rick Scott to extend the deadline, but he declined, saying residents had enough time to register, despite the hurricane's brush with his state.

Though the hurricane did not make landfall in Florida, it caused at least nine deaths and left nearly a million people without power.

Voters are registering for national elections November 8.
Foreign-owned companies have become the latest targets of violence during the unrest in the Oromia region of Ethiopia.

Government officials are worried the violence could derail the country's economic growth, but analysts say addressing protesters' grievances is also key to maintaining the nation's upward economic trajectory.

"You cannot just focus on building the economy and talk about double-digit growth," said Anuradha Mittal, executive director of the Oakland Institute, a California-based policy group. "An economic model which is built on denying democracy, denying people basic human rights, isn't sustainable, and it will collapse."

Eleven factories and about 60 vehicles have been burned and destroyed in recent weeks as anti-government protests spread across the region, according to reports on state-owned television.

Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has declared a six-month state of emergency to restore order, but hinted Tuesday it might be lifted early if the region could be stabilized. At a news conference Tuesday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel in Addis Ababa, he conceded the need for democratic reforms in the country, saying 49 percent of the population was not properly represented in the parliament.

Merkel voiced support for dialogue in the country and sympathy for the demands of the protesters. She relayed concerns from German companies about Ethiopia's business climate. Germany is one of the largest consumers of Ethiopia's products, such as textiles and coffee, buying 30 percent of coffee exports, according to Germany's foreign office.

Economic impact

Ethiopian Communication Affairs Minister Getachew Reda told journalists Monday that more than 90 percent of flower farms in an important economic corridor between Ziway and Hawassa in the Oromia region had been attacked, as well as textile and agriprocessing plants.

"What Ethiopia achieved in the last 15 to 20 years [is being destroyed] in the Oromia region," Reda said. "Civilian life has been attacked. They tried to create an ungoverned space."

These attacks on foreign-owned farms weren't the first. Last month, Dutch and Israeli farms came under attack by anti-government protesters.

Such attacks have caused some companies, including Dutch flower company Esmeralda Farms, to shut down operations. Another Dutch-owned fruit processing company that employed 2,000 people, Africa Juice BV, was set ablaze last week by protesters in Oromia.

Marjolein Busstra, spokeswoman for the minister for foreign trade and development of the Netherlands, told VOA that Dutch officials were in regular conversation with the Ethiopian government.

"[We] urge them to protect the safety of the people in those regions  not just the companies, everybody," she said. "We also urge them to enter into a dialogue with these groups that are conducting the attacks, because we think that there is a deeper, underlying conflict that is going on and repressing all the violence will not lead to a sustainable solution."

Left out of growth

Ethiopia has been hailed for its double-digit economic growth and its ability to weather even the global financial crisis of 2008. The country's robust growth earned it the nickname of the "African Lion," as it regularly topped the list of the fastest-growing economies in the world.

Recent development is attributed to investment and construction in the country, Gelila Woodeneh, World Bank communications officer, told VOA in a statement.

But the country's state development model is beginning to show cracks as people express anger at being left out of its ambitious development projects, Mittal said.

Her organization, the Oakland Institute, recently published a report titled "Miracle or Mirage? Manufacturing Hunger and Poverty in Ethiopia."

"In 2016, over 18 million people required food assistance in Ethiopia, a crisis attributed to El Nino-induced drought," said Mittal. "This narrative, while convenient for the government and its allies, ignores the chronic food insecurity in the country. Eight million to 18 million Ethiopians have depended on food or cash handouts for their survival each year over the last decade."

The protests that have erupted since November 2015 in the Oromia region began over a controversial government plan to expand the capital. The unrest forced the government to cancel the plan in January. But protesters' demands have broadened from land issues to human rights, lack of representation and lack of political participation of the Oromo ethnic group.

Some of the anger against foreign firms exists because their operations have pushed people off their land without producing promised jobs to locals, Mittal said.

"If I am a foreign investor, I look for opportunities. I understand that there are risks, but in the face of this growing unrest where foreign companies have been targets, given all that has happened in terms of displacement of people and their lands given away to foreign investors, it would be astute to not go into a country like that," Mittal said.
Kenneth Inniss, 56, has not voted in a U.S. election since 1984, when he first went to prison for a felony conviction. He is now out but will have to wait one more year until he is off parole to vote.

"It's a right that we take for granted until it's taken from us," he said. "And that's when it really hit home for me. I don't have a say in how those laws are keeping me incarcerated."

Inniss recently packed into a glossy black van with eight other formerly incarcerated New Yorkers and embarked on a road trip to Cleveland, Ohio. The group had a simple mission: Inform Ohio ex-prisoners of their right to vote.

In Ohio, a key swing state in the upcoming presidential election, former felons can vote as soon as they are released from prison. They don't have to wait until they are off parole, a post-release period during which former inmates are monitored for good behavior.

Emblazoned on the vehicle's side, in blue  beneath a logo of a dove escaping bars  was a slogan: "Building people, not prisons."

"I can't vote, so let me try to encourage at least five other people  family members and friends  by talking about political issues and how they affect us. And why you should vote," Inniss said.

Why Ohio

The Sentencing Project, a group working to promote a fair criminal justice system, says 6 million Americans are denied the right to vote in the upcoming election because of felony convictions. Felonies are serious crimes, often violent and punished with prison sentences of more than one year.

New York and most other states do not allow felons to vote until they have completed parole and, in most cases, an additional period of probation. Twelve other states deny voting rights to some or all released felons permanently. Only two U.S. states  Maine and Vermont  extend voting rights to convicted felons even while they are in prison.

WATCH: Ex-convicts Reach Out With Message on Voting Rights

But then there are cases like Ohio, where persons with felony convictions cannot vote while incarcerated but automatically regain the right upon release. But many of those affected are unaware of this.

For Inniss and his fellow parolees, this has presented a unique opportunity to effect change in a critical battleground state this election season and empower others, regardless of their own ability to vote.

JoAnne Page, president and chief executive officer of The Fortune Society  an advocacy organization that fosters prisoners' re-entry into communities  led the group of formerly incarcerated New Yorkers on the trip to Cleveland.

"Our folks are saying, 'I'm on parole; I can't vote.' You can vote, and it's really important that you do so," said Page.

Voting rights and recidivism

"If you're not willing to follow the law, then you can't demand a right to make the law for everyone else," said Roger Clegg, president of the Center for Equal Opportunity, a conservative think tank. He favors a policy that determines re-enfranchisement on a case-by-case basis.

"It can't be assumed that a felon has turned over a new leaf the day that he walks out of prison," Clegg said. "Recidivism rates are very high in this country, so it makes sense to wait some period of time to make sure that the individual really has turned over a new leaf."

But the Fortune Society makes a connection between reduced criminal relapse and increased civic engagement.

"We have 5 percent of the world's population, 25 percent of the world's prisoners. What's really important is that we build a constituency for changing that," Page said. "People who have lived through the experience of incarceration and people whose loved ones have been incarcerated know how much damage it does."

But the issue of felons voting is heavily politicized.

In August, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump weighed in on Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe's attempts to change his state's voting laws to allow 200,000 formerly incarcerated adults to vote. Virginia is one of the states that prohibit convicted felons from voting even after release and parole.

"Hillary Clinton is banking on her friend Terry McAuliffe on getting thousands of violent felons to the voting booths in effort to cancel out the votes of both law enforcement and crime victims," Trump told a Fredericksburg, Virginia, crowd. "They are letting people vote in your Virginia election that should not be allowed to vote."

The state Supreme Court overturned McAuliffe's executive order, ruling that a restoration of rights could be granted only on a case-by-case basis.

In Virginia and across battleground states, opponents of changes in voting-rights laws have argued that re-enfranchisement during an election year is a political tool that would benefit Democrats, because of the high proportion of minorities in prisons across the nation whose priorities tend to fall in line with a more progressive agenda.

'Just existing'

This was the second trip the Fortune Society has taken in an election year. The first was in 2004, following the Bush-Gore 2000 election that was determined by several hundred votes in Florida and a Supreme Court decision.

One ex-prisoner on the trip was Barry Campbell, 50, who grew up addicted to drugs and landed in Rikers Island  New York's infamous jail complex on the East River  following a robbery charge in 1991.

He eventually became eligible to vote in 1997 and has not missed an election since. But there are still those people, he said, who look at him as a convicted felon today.

"That's something I did; that's not who I am," Campbell said. "If people just get a chance to know who I am, they will be more than willing to let me in their society."

Another former convict, John, had to sit out the road trip. He had difficulty talking because of a cold, but he spoke for the entire group:

"A lot of us out here that can't vote honestly feel in our heart we are just existing and not truly living. Yeah, you can get up and brush your teeth and all that, but you're not truly living unless you're in the main artery of life, by having the ability to vote."
Fighters from Central African Republic's largely Muslim Seleka militia attacked refugees in the country's remote north on Wednesday, stabbing or hacking to death 13 people before U.N. peacekeepers repelled them, killing at least 10, officials said.

Several people were also wounded in the attack targeting the Kaga Bandoro, a town of dirt roads and thatched mud huts. A Reuters witness saw militiamen stab two refugees to death as people were fleeing. When some tried to fight back with clubs, the militiamen began firing their guns.

Hundreds of panicked villagers, already refugees from earlier violence, then fled in the direction of the U.N. base.

Central African Republic has been in chaos since early 2013 when the Seleka, which draws mostly from the country's minority Muslim population, toppled then-President Francois Bozize.

Militias representing the interests of the Christian majority responded by attacking Muslims and a fifth of the population fled their homes to escape the violence, leaving the isolated nation deeply divided along ethnic and religious lines.

"We were in the house when suddenly the Seleka arrived and set it on fire," said a witness, Marcelline Kanga, 40. "They killed my uncle and stabbed my brother to death right there."

Yongon Samson, 48, described seeing a body with the head sliced off it as he ran for cover.

Thousands of people displaced from the latest flare-up of violence gathered around the U.N. peacekeeping base. A Catholic priest took refuge inside.

Troops from the mission, called MINUSCA, opened fire to dispel the militias, a Reuters witness said.

A U.N. official, who declined to be identified, said the peacekeepers had to open fire in order to protect the civilian population. The official confirmed that at least 10 Seleka were killed.

The country, which holds reserves of uranium, gold and diamonds, is one of the world's most isolated economies, with exports and imports having to travel around 850 miles by road between the capital Bangui to the Cameroonian port of Douala.

France said on Friday it was keeping an eye on the worsening security situation in Central African Republic, but that it would still withdraw most of its troops by the end of the month.

Eleven people were killed in clashes in the capital Bangui last week, set off by the murder of an army officer.

Pope Francis visited the capital at the end of last year to implore Christians and Muslims to end a spiral of hate.
Attorneys for the Ghanaian opposition National Democratic Party (NDP) plan to file a petition in court Thursday seeking to challenge the electoral commissions decision to disqualify former first lady Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings, presidential candidate of the party, from the Dec. 7 general election.

Mohammed Frimpong, general secretary for the NDP, says the disqualification appears politically motivated, to ensure the former first lady doesn't pose any threat to incumbent President John Dramani Mahama of the ruling National Democratic Congress (NDC).

"We have credible information around that the ruling government is very uncomfortable with our candidate, Frimpong said. And if she stood, it means that she was going to divide a lot of votes with the ruling government.  And for that they hatched several plots against her.

The NDC sharply rejected the accusation.

Frimpong contends the electoral commission failed to apply the law requiring that a party be notified of any problems in its nomination documents, and allowed time for issues to be amended.

"In this case  if there was any mistake, they could just come back and say, 'Look, come and do a correction, he said. Fortunately for us, we were not invited at all for all the two days, which presumed that we didn't have anything wrong in our nomination forms."

12 candidates disqualified

Frimpong's remarks came after the electoral commission disqualified 12 presidential candidates, including the former first lady, for failing to meet requirements it stipulated ahead of the Sept. 30 deadline date to file their nomination documents.

The presidential candidates who are qualified to participate in the elections include Mahama, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Ivor Kobina Greenstreet of the Convention People's Party (CPP), and independent candidate Jacob Osei Yeboah.

Critics say the NDP had at least four years to adequately prepare to file its nomination and ensure it met all requirements. They say the NDP is to blame for the disqualification, since the party failed to check that those who endorsed the former first lady were legitimately registered to vote.

Frimpong disagreed, saying the electoral commission failed yet again to follow due process as the electoral law demands.

"This is a misunderstanding and misinterpretation of the law, he said. We had presented our papers duly signed on [September] 29 and the content was that there was no indication that anything was wrong, and nothing was wrong and nothing is still wrong.

Electoral commissions response

Local media quoted Amadu Sulley, deputy commissioner at the electoral commission, as saying the electoral body worked within the electoral laws to disqualify the 12 presidential candidates who didn't meet the requirement.

"The EC is a law-abiding entity and would therefore respect the laws of the land in its operations," Amadu said.
At a European Parliament subcommittee meeting on human rights and development, Human Rights Watch called on the European Union and international community to take strong action against Ethiopia.



The international community has largely looked the other way when it comes to human rights abuses and limits to the freedom of expression in Ethiopia, according to international human rights groups.

HRW senior researcher Felix Horne says he believes there is an unwillingness to address hard issues with Ethiopia because it has strong relationships with its international allies on development, migration and security.

The European Union should be taking much stronger action on Ethiopia, should be pushing for an international investigation; it should be pushing for special U.N. investigators to be allowed into the country - 11 of which have outstanding invites," Horne said. " And it should be pushing Ethiopia to release all of those arbitrarily detained during the protests.

Protests for wider political freedoms have been ongoing and led to the Ethiopian government's recent declaration of a six-month state of emergency for the first time in more than 20 years. Ethiopia is the largest recipient of EU assistance. The European Union adopted a resolution last January condemning violence used by Ethiopian security forces.

Merkel visit criticized



German Chancellor Angela Merkel visited Ethiopia this week. Although she refused to speak at the Ethiopian parliament for its lack of opposition members, she urged the government to open up the political space.



EU Parliament member Ana Gomes led an observer mission during Ethiopia's contested and bloody 2005 elections. She describes Merkel's decision to go to Ethiopia as regrettable.

It was important the message she passed that indeed there must be dialogue and open space for opposition and activists and critics of the government to exist," Gomes said. " That is a weak message nevertheless, because of course Germany has tremendous responsibilities in the position of the EU toward Ethiopia.

People in Ethiopia's Oromia region started protesting an urban expansion plan last year.

The demonstrations have spread across the country and led to more than 500 deaths, according to rights groups. Ethiopia said this week foreign groups are stoking unrest in an attempt to overthrow the government.
Nicole has re-formed as a Category 1 hurricane and is gaining strength as it takes aim at Bermuda.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami says the storm has maximum sustained winds of about 120 kph and is expected to strengthen before its center reaches Bermuda on Thursday morning.

Nicole was located about 575 kilometers south-southwest of Bermuda late Tuesday and it was heading northwest at 7 kph.

Nicole forced the U.S. space agency to postpone a cargo supply trip to the International Space Station. NASA said the launch, initially set for Thursday, will now launch no earlier than Sunday from Wallops Island, Virginia.

NASA said the delay was necessary because the mission requires the use of a critical launch-tracking station that is based in Bermuda.

"The ability to support a launch will depend on the impact the storm has on not only our systems, but also the overall Bermuda infrastructure," said Steven Kremer, chief of the Wallops Range and Mission Management Office.
When Manasi Gopala immigrated to America, she finally got the chance to row crew.

As a child in India, she had dreamed of the sport from watching Olympic telecasts. Now, twice a week, she pulls a pair of oars as her scull glides along tree-lined Lake Wheeler, far from her birthplace of Bangalore.

Gopala is among throngs of educated Indians who have moved in recent years to North Carolinas tech-laden Research Triangle and other areas across America. A 39-year-old software developer, she peppers her emails with an adopted yall. She became a U.S. citizen three years ago.

America had given me the opportunity to pursue my own life, she said.

Increasingly, the face of U.S. immigration resembles Gopala.

Changing face of immigration

For all of Donald Trumps talk of building a border wall and deporting 11 million unauthorized immigrants who are mainly Hispanic  and for all of the enduring contention over illegal immigration  immigrants to the U.S. are now more likely to come from Asia than from Mexico or Latin America.

And compared with Americans overall, immigrants today are disproportionately well-educated and entrepreneurial. They are transforming the nation in ways largely ignored by the political jousting over how immigration is affecting Americas culture, economy and national security.

As of three years ago, Census figures show, India and China eclipsed Mexico as the top sources of U.S. immigrants, whether authorized or not. In 2013, 147,000 Chinese immigrants and 129,000 Indians came to the U.S., compared with 125,000 Mexicans. Most of the Asian immigrants arrived in the United States legally, through work, student or family visas.

Immigrants are also more likely now to be U.S. citizens. Nearly half of immigrants older than 25  18 million people  are naturalized citizens, compared with 30 percent back in 2000, according to Census figures.

Simultaneously, more Mexicans without documentation are returning home. The number of Mexicans in the United States illegally tumbled nearly 8 percent in the past six years to 5.85 million, the Pew Research Center found. Border Patrol apprehensions, one gauge of illegal crossings, last year reached their lowest point since 1971.

Defying stereotypes

With the share of U.S. residents born abroad at its highest level in a century, immigrants increasingly defy the stereotypes that tend to shape conversations on the issue. Consider:

About 40 percent of Indian immigrants hold a graduate degree. Fewer than 12 percent of native-born Americans do. And earnings for a median Indian immigrant household exceed $100,000, more than twice the U.S. median.

A majority of Chinese immigrants have come to the United States to seek education. China has become the dominant source of foreigners attending U.S. universities, with 304,000 student visas in the past academic year. India is second, with 133,000 visas. In addition, a quarter of immigrants from China hold graduate degrees.

Since 2011, a majority of Indian and Chinese immigrants have been between ages 15 and 29. Their youth means theyre likely to have children born as U.S. citizens, who will then become prime contributors to American population growth in the years ahead, according to an analysis by Census officials.

Immigrant divide widens

The influx of Asians has not only reshaped the face of Americas immigrant population. It has also sharpened the divide within the immigrant population, between well-educated Asians and arrivals from Mexico and Latin America who have little money or education.

The result is that Americas 40 million-plus immigrants more and more reflect the extremes of Americas economic spectrum, from super-rich tech titans to poor agriculture workers.

Yet economists say immigrants from both ends of the divide are benefiting the economy. At a time when the growth of the U.S. workforce has slowed, immigrants and their collective spending have become a key source of economic fuel.

These disparate groups of immigrants have helped reshape towns and cities, populated new suburban housing developments and revived main streets in some rural communities.

The changes flash into view on a visit to the political swing state of North Carolina. The proportion of immigrants in the states population has quadrupled from 1990 to nearly 8 percent. Similar trends have emerged in Georgia, Colorado, Oregon and Washington.

Case in point, North Carolina

None of these states approaches the more than 20 percent share in California and New York. Yet the transformations are evident in a drive across the dense highways that connect North Carolinas Research Triangle. The suburbs sandwiched among Chapel Hill, Durham and Raleigh have exploded with plazas crowded with upscale lunch spots and designer gyms.

Indian immigrants have put their distinctive stamp on this area. Their prevalence here is similar to the many educated Chinese immigrants who have settled around Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York.

On evenings in the Research Triangle, many of the cars on Aviation Parkway pull off to stop at the 20-acre Hindu Society of North Carolina in Morrisville, which hosts yoga classes and religious services.

In 2000, when the societys temple was built, Morrisville was home to 230 Indians. Now, there are 4,300. Those with roots in the community dating to the 1960s recall a period when a grocery run for authentic Indian ingredients required a five-hour drive to Washington, D.C. Those treks are no longer necessary.

Their rising numbers have established a broad community of Indians that has made it easier for new arrivals to integrate than it was for prior generations.

Now, you come from India, you dont really have to know anything else, said Pranav Patel, a 57-year-old software developer. The system is here to help you adjust. There are no real hardships.

Asked how they have been received in the community, about a dozen Asian immigrants said they have generally been warmly accepted despite the national furor over immigration.

One, oncologist, Dr. Neeraj Agrawal, said he could recall a patient having to overcome an initial reluctance to be treated by a foreigner. But that was a rare exception.

Theres a dramatic change in attitudes about skilled, educated immigrants: Youre welcome. Youre a good neighbor. Youre a good addition to society, said Agrawal, who was born and educated in India.

In August, Gopala went to the Hindu Society to celebrate Indias independence day. Over the entrance of the temple is the symbol for om, representing knowledge, a reminder of educations vaunted status. Music blared over the crowd amid dancing and honors paid to statues of deities. Gopala enjoyed the festivities. Yet she saw few white and black guests sharing in the moment.

One prominent outsider did show up: Gov. Pat McCrory, a Republican in a heated re-election campaign that has been fueled in part by a crackdown on illegal immigration.

McCrory flattered the crowd.

This is the best of America, he said, sharing the stage with a life-sized statue of Mahatma Gandhi. This is the best of India. We work together. We learn together. We can pray together. We love family values together.

Not all immigrant groups enjoy that same Southern hospitality from North Carolinas government.

McCrory has backed laws to deny basic services and forms of identification to immigrants without legal status and their children. The governor signed a law last year barring North Carolina cities from helping unauthorized immigrants, whom he has associated with crime, and overcrowded schools and hospital emergency rooms.

His policies are premised on the belief that less-educated immigrants without legal status are burdens for taxpayers. But the arrival of Mexican immigrants helped save Duplin County, a quiet stretch of leafy tobacco fields and prefab homes about 70 miles south of Raleigh.

Undocumented help, too

Until the 1990s, Duplin Countys population had been roughly a flat 40,000 for 50 years. Then Hispanic farmworkers began immigrating, and the population nears 60,000 today. About 7,200 immigrants now live in Duplin County, most from Latin America; there are no clear estimates of how many are there legally.

Nearly three out of four didnt finish high school, but even these immigrants have helped rural North Carolina  opening businesses and keeping farms in operation despite harsh work conditions.

One Mexican immigrant arrived in North Carolina nearly two decades ago illegally, after a brutal crossing where he saw a fellow Mexican robbed. Having dropped out of school at 13 with little fluency in English, he took whatever jobs were available.

Planting and cutting tobacco was the hardest, he said. In one case, a building contractor offered to pay $500 a week, only to give him just $350 after five long days of labor. The immigrant said there was no one to protect him from this abuse.

Ultimately, this immigrant, who agreed to speak only anonymously because of his legal status, saved enough to open a small business.

For me, this my pueblo, he said of his adopted country. I love this place.

Battle lines harden

Americans sentiments about him and other immigrants have largely hardened along racial, political and demographic lines. Overall feelings toward immigrant workers remain negative. But sentiment has improved since 2006, possibly a sign that the growth of educated immigrants has begun to reshape attitudes, according to a Pew survey released this month.

Two-thirds of Republicans and 54 percent of whites said they think immigration harms U.S. workers. But a majority of Democrats, Hispanics and the college-educated said they felt immigrants made society better off.

By comparison, almost all economists view immigrants as helpful, even essential, for the nations continued prosperity.

On the one hand, some visa programs have deprived U.S. workers of jobs. And some companies have been accused of hiring cheaper foreign workers to replace older workers in similar jobs. But academic research has debunked the claims that immigration on the whole takes jobs away from natives, said Bill Kerr, a professor at Harvard Universitys Business School whose research has shown that immigration helps business formation.

Ultimately, our economies are able to grow, absorb people and do a number of dynamic things, Kerr said.

Because of the aging U.S. population causing more retirements, most economists say immigrants are needed to ensure that the workforce increases at a sufficient pace to sustain overall growth in the long term.

Anti-immigration groups such as the Federation for American Immigration Reform argue that the United States should cap all immigration levels. These groups contend that lesser-educated workers from Latin America diminish economic growth because they receive government-funded health care and education. And they argue that the jobs that are going to educated immigrants should be directed toward U.S. citizens.

Trying to grow your economy through the importation of bodies is rudimentary and Neanderthal-like, said Dan Stein, FAIRs executive director. Its backward.

Other research disputes this claim, finding value among the largely Hispanic group of less-educated immigrants. For every dollar spent on health care and education, North Carolina got $11 back from Hispanic residents in terms of consumer spending and taxes paid, a finding that includes unauthorized immigrants, said James Johnson, a demographer at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

While much of the debate has focused on the economic effects of immigration, many opponents fear a burden on taxpayers and the cultural changes in a nation coming to grips with its widening diversity.

The anti-immigrant rhetoric has concerned Gopala. She feels fortunate to no longer be among the millions of foreigners still applying for U.S. residency.

I got very lucky that my green card was processed when immigration wasnt a bad word, Gopala said.

America had given me the opportunity to pursue my own life. On the day youre born in India, your life is written. But here, that is not true.
CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barings Global Short Duration High Yield Fund (the Fund) (NYSE:BGH), formerly named Babson Capital Global Short Duration High Yield Fund, announced its monthly dividend for October 2016 of $0.1534 per share, payable on November 1, 2016. Based on the Funds September 30, 2016 share price of $18.63 per share, the distribution represents an annualized yield of 9.88% per share. Based on current projections through the payable date, the Fund expects that this distribution will be comprised of net investment income.



Additionally, the Fund announced estimated monthly distributions of $0.1534 per share for November 2016 and December 2016. The distribution schedule appears below:

Month Ex-Date Record Date Payable Date Amount 1 October 10/19/2016 10/21/2016 11/01/2016 $ 0.1534 November 11/17/2016 11/21/2016 12/01/2016 $ 0.1534 December 12/19/2016 12/21/2016 1/03/2017 $ 0.1534

The Fund seeks to pay a distribution at a rate that reflects net investment income actually earned. A portion of each distribution may be treated as paid from sources other than net investment income, including but not limited to short-term capital gain, long-term capital gain or return of capital. The final determination of the source and tax characteristics of these distributions will depend upon the Funds investment experience during its fiscal year and will be made after the Funds year end. The Fund will send to investors a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year that will define how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

The Fund is a non-diversified, closed-end management investment company that is managed by Barings LLC. The Fund invests primarily in short-duration, global high yield bonds with the objective of seeking as high a level of current income as Barings determines is consistent with capital preservation, with a secondary objective of capital appreciation. The Fund expects to maintain a weighted average portfolio duration, including the effects of leverage, of 3 years or less.

1 Amounts represent estimates for November and December.

Cautionary Notice: Certain statements contained in this press release may be "forward looking" statements. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date in which they are made and which reflect managements current estimates, projections, expectations or beliefs, and which are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. These statements are subject to change at any time based upon economic, market or other conditions and may not be relied upon as investment advice or an indication of the fund's trading intent. References to specific securities are not recommendations of such securities, and may not be representative of the fund's current or future investments. We undertake no obligation to publicly update forward looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

Because the Fund is newly organized, its shares have a limited history of public trading. Investors should read the Funds prospectus and consider carefully the risks, investment objectives, charges and expenses associated with an investment in the Funds common shares. For a copy of the prospectus, please contact your securities representative.

About Barings

Barings is a $275+billion* global asset management firm dedicated to meeting the evolving investment and capital needs of our clients. We build lasting partnerships that leverage our distinctive expertise across traditional and alternative asset classes to deliver innovative solutions and uncompromising service. A member of the MassMutual Financial Group, Barings maintains a strong global presence with over 600 investment professionals and offices in 17 countries. Babson Capital Management, Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers and Wood Creek Capital Management are now operating as a unified company under the Barings name. Learn more, at www.barings.com.

*As of June 30, 2016.

16/2291
The Islamic State (IS) propaganda machine, largely credited with helping the terror group recruit 30,000 foreign fighters, is posting online a fraction of the videos and images it was a year ago, and appears to be struggling to maintain production as it comes under growing pressure from foes on the battlefield, according to researchers.

A study released this week by the Combating Terrorism Center at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, shows there has been a plunge during the past 12 months in IS' digital media production, declining from a peak of 761 releases a month in August of 2015, to just 194 a year later.

It is clear the organization has been forced to cut back these activities in response to the increasing amount of counterterrorism pressure brought to bear, conclude researchers.

They argue the decline is evidence that IS is finding it a challenge to devote the personnel and secure the resources to keep up production rates of propaganda that portrays the group as Muslim champions in an apocalyptic competition with non-Muslims that glories in executions of enemies.



Strikes effective

Most of the reduction in media output is likely a direct consequence of the anti-IS coalitions offensive, which has shrunk dramatically the territory IS controls in Iraq and Syria. Its media production facilities are being destroyed and propagandists killed in airstrikes, say the West Point researchers.

Two of the terror groups top propagandists have been killed in recent weeks. Abu Muhammad al-Adnani, who is thought to have personally selected execution videos, was killed in an airstrike in late August. In September, al-Adnanis replacement as the groups chief spokesman, Abu Muhammad Furqan, was killed in a targeted coalition airstrike on his home.

Furqan was suspected by U.S. officials of having overseen the production of the videos recording the beheadings of American and British journalists and aid workers, including James Foley. He was thought to have been the day-to-day manager of a team of mostly Western, media-savvy jihadists who produced videos, full-length documentaries, photo essays and audio clips marketing the caliphate and glamorizing barbaric violence.



State-making setbacks?

The researchers, who focused on media output from official IS media outlets, found the biggest reduction in the past 12 months has come in the videos and other propaganda marketing the virtues of the caliphate and presenting peaceful activities of a functioning jihadist state.

From its beginning, IS propagandists sought to craft an online narrative of state-making, say analysts, with videos depicting bustling commerce and orderly everyday life in Raqqa, its headquarters, and the Iraqi city of Mosul, sending a surreal message of normalcy in a bid to legitimize a state no country in the world recognizes.

The state-making narrative distinguished IS from other jihadist groups.

In one notable 2015 propaganda video, the group showed British photojournalist John Cantlie, who is being held hostage, touring Mosul in the role of a TV correspondent, disputing Western media reports that the city is in a state of near collapse.

The media likes to paint a picture of life in the Islamic State as depressed, people walking around as subjugated citizens in chains, beaten down by strict, totalitarian rule, the groups propagandists had Cantlie narrate.

The captive photojournalist declared, Apart from some rather chilly, but very sunny December weather, life here in Mosul is business as usual and enjoyed by people from every walk of life.

West Point researchers say the propaganda output of videos showing store shelves well-stocked, children swimming and playing, and farmers cultivating fields has dwindled to virtually nothing.

This decline suggests that the group is struggling to maintain the outward appearance of a functioning state, the study argues.



Militants resources dwindling

On Tuesday, U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby welcomed the West Point report.

Using the Arab acronym for IS, he said, We have been making a dent in Daesh's ability to propagate their twisted narrative and recruit fighters, either to come to Iraq or Syria or to conduct attacks at home. We know they're having trouble recruiting talent and we know that they're having trouble retaining fighters and they certainly continue to lose leaders.

In April, the Pentagon estimated the flow of foreign fighters entering Syria to enlist with IS had dropped from 2,000 a month to about 200 a month.

The Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI), a Washington-based organization that monitors jihadists activity on the Web, reported in April that since late 2015, there has been a noticeable drop in the presence online of IS members based in Syria and Iraq.

IS members were more visible and vocal across a plethora of social media platforms than they are today, MEMRIs study concluded. It added that now supporters overseas are most crucial in disseminating the group's message.

Anat Agron, a research fellow at MEMRI, told VOA in April that this has been particularly the case for female IS members. They had been at the forefront of the terror groups effort to wage psychological warfare, lure Western women to the marriage beds of IS holy warriors and market the group online, posting personal photos on social media accounts and offering a stylized glimpse of life in the caliphate.

Meanwhile, researchers at West Point say the posting of IS videos showing executions of alleged spies have jumped significantly, suggesting IS is becoming more fearful of infiltrators and deserters.
Ivory Coast's parliament has approved changes to the constitution that ease a presidential eligibility requirement at the center of a political crisis that turned deadly.



The majority of parliament members Tuesday voted in favor of a new draft saying candidates must claim Ivorian nationality exclusively and have an Ivorian-born father or mother. Under the existing constitution, both parents of presidential candidates must be Ivorian.



The new draft, presented by President Alassane Ouattara, also removes the age limit of 75 for presidential candidates.



Ouattara vowed to change the constitution during his campaign for re-election last year. He was accused of being a foreigner before winning 2010 elections that sparked months of violence that claimed more than 3,000 lives.



The opposition denounced the changes.



Ivorians will vote on the referendum Oct. 30.
Croatias president called for the countrys new government to adopt an outward looking stance Tuesday and said she expected Britains negotiations to leave the EU to be long and difficult and required a tailor-made deal.

Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic named Andrej Plenkovic, head of the Croatias conservative HDZ party, as prime minister-designate on Monday.

Plenkovic now has less than a month to win parliaments approval for his cabinet and must quickly work out a way to spur growth of about 2 percent in order to manage public debt thats about 85 percent of GDP and unemployment of 13 percent.

Speaking at the London School of Economics Grabar-Kitarovic said she hoped the new government would confront the choice now facing many European countries of whether to be an open or a closed society by firmly remaining open.

I believe that finally Croatia will redirect the focus of the political debate within the country from the past to the future, she said.

She added the new government would need to improve the Balkan countrys economic position but also tackle issues such as housing and attracting back its citizens, especially the young.

We educate them, we invest in them and then they invest into some other countrys economy, said Grabar-Kitarovic.

As the newest member to the European Union, the Croatian president said that Britains referendum vote in June to leave the bloc was a shock but also a wake-up call to those countries that remain in the club.

She spoke after meeting UK Prime Minister Theresa May as well as Queen Elizabeth II and predicted the divorce negotiations between the UK and EU would be lengthy.

It will be a process like no other with far-reaching consequences, its final scope no one can predict with absolute certainty, she said.

It is not only about trading arrangements and access to the EUs single market ... it is also about preserving our joint and unique culture, our decades of strategic partnership and our commitment to the same shared values. This relationship needs to be tailor-made.
In Nigeria, several justices of the supreme court and judges of high courts have been arrested and jailed on suspicion of corruption and professional misconduct.

Security forces raided the homes of the justices and judges last Friday and Saturday.

One local media report, quoting a security official, said as much as $2 million was found stashed in the home of one of the judges

Action against judges began after allegations of corruption

Justice Minister Abubakar Malami says the operation is not against the judiciary as an institution, but rather it is part of an investigation into allegations of corruption among individuals in the judiciary.

Allegations were made; petitions were written against the conduct of judicial officers, and regardless of who is involved, whether judicial officer, executive officer, or legislative officer, once there is an allegation of corrupt practices, it becomes necessary and indispensable that an investigation in the circumstances be carried out. So it is not about being a judicial officer, it is about the existence of reasonable grounds of suspicion of the commission of offenses arising from complaints that were made against the personalities involved, he said.

The National Judicial Council has been meeting for the past two days over the arrest of the judges and justices but has not issued a statement on the matter.

Bar Association wants judges and justices released

But Nigerian Bar Association president Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud has reportedly called for immediate release of the judges, saying the association will do everything to protect the sanctity of the judiciary.

Justice Minister Malami said some of the judges and justices have since been granted bail and released while others were released on their own recognizance.

He said the clamp down on the judges and justices is rooted in the suspicion of financial corruption and professional misconduct.

It is the combination of the two. In respect of others, what especially matters was financial corruption. In respect of others were fraudulent decisions that were believed substantially by the petitioners to be rooted in some corrupt undertone, Malami said.

He said he could not give the exact number of judges and justices involved because the investigation is ongoing and expanding. However, he said a sizable number is involved.

One local media report said as many as 15 judges were being investigated and seven have so far been arrested.

Justice Minister Malami said the ongoing investigation of the judges and justices is in line with President Muhammadu Buhari governments determination to end Nigeria corruption.
The food shortage gripping northeast Nigeria is most obvious on the streets of the Borno State capital, Maiduguri. Long lines meander along the sidewalks as people wait for handouts from charities. Sometimes, the people in line become unruly.



I will beat you! shouts a crowd control officer to a slender woman in an orange hijab. She had rushed to the front of a line where workers from the World Food Program were giving away one-month supplies of baby food.

The woman is just one of millions of people who are feeling the pinch of unprecedented food insecurity in northeastern Nigeria.

For seven years, Boko Haram militants have been at war with the Nigerian government. Sect members have targeted civilians  destroying farmland and stealing livestock. Families have fled to the cities, especially Maiduguri, which is now housing more than a million displaced people.

Hunger and widespread malnutrition are the result.

Today in Maiduguri, malnutrition is way above 20 percent, says Dr. Jarvid Ali, the emergency medical coordinator of Doctors Without Borders activities in Borno State. That means in terms of the gravity of the situation, the magnitude of severe acute malnutrition, its really huge.



Many people cannot afford to buy food and some displaced people say the rations in the refugee camps are not enough.



Inusa Isa lives at the NYSC camp in Maiduguri. He says he has not eaten a solid meal in the past five days.



Up 'til now, the government did not bring food for us for 42 days. So today we will eat food; tomorrow we will not eat food. We usually dont eat food for days, Isa says. "We are dying of hunger. Shortly after I came here, my wife died. We just lost a baby three days ago that my brothers wife gave birth to. My brother is dead. My father died not too long ago.



Isa says he sometimes resorts to begging for money and the little money that he is able to get, he often uses to buy medication or to pay for funerals for his relatives.

The food insecurity has reached famine levels and Maiduguri residents say they have noticed a rise in the number of deaths.



In the past few months alone, Mallam Goni has had to attend more funerals than ever before in his 30-year career as a preacher.



Before, we were not supposed to pray for dead people because we delegate that to the head mallam; but, these days, the deaths are so common. Youll be talking to someone and then before you know it, they will say their relative died of hunger. So we just have to go to the funerals to pray. The deaths are just too many to count, Goni says.



Most of the corpses go to the Gwange Cemetery, the largest in the city. Attendants there say they are struggling to find spaces to dig new graves.



The graveyard is full. We keep digging graves every day. It wasnt like this a few months ago. And if you check, its mostly these IDP's [internally displaced persons] who are just dying of hunger, says Baba Gana Modu.

The mortality rate at the health clinics is also alarming. Dr. Ali said in August, 72 people died in one of their facilities where they treat the most severe cases of malnutrition.

The International Rescue Committee opened a clinic at a local hospital in September.

When we first started at opening, we saw one or two kids die a night, says Carmen Yip, IRCs emergency medical coordinator.

IRC pushed a community campaign last month to encourage families to bring in their children to the hospital earlier. Yip says this drastically reduced the death rate.

Even when families do come in, health workers face a challenge in communicating a childs needs to the parents. They say parents may not understand some of the treatment protocol  for example, the need for the sick child to be placed on a three-hour feeding schedule.



Yahawa Abukaka brought her 2-year-old daughter, Maryam, into the IRC clinic a few days ago.



She was very bad. She was not even walking and her hair was falling out, Abukaka says, looking at her daughter. The daughters hair is dusty red, the telltale sign of vitamin deficiency.

The health workers started Maryam on a low-protein milk before feeding her with a peanut butter-based supplement. Abukaka says she began to show signs of improvement.



She is responding very well now and I am happy, she says.

They will soon be discharged.



The United Nations says about 184 children will die in northeastern Nigeria each day if they do not receive help.



Isa is struggling to ward off hunger so he can stay alive for his two remaining children. After days without food, he manages to get a drink  squeezed from hibiscus flowers  and a fried bread snack.

Tomorrow, hell search again for something to eat.
Pakistan appears to be defying domestic and international calls for immediate removal of a controversial travel ban on one of its leading journalists, insisting the move is meant to bring an early closure to the inquiry into his concocted story on a secret national security meeting.

Cyril Almeida, the journalist in question, was informed on Monday that his name had been included in the so-called Exit Control List (ECL). The move bars the journalist from leaving the country, forcing him to abandon a family holiday trip to Dubai.

The punitive measure stemmed from a front-page article his employer, the English-language DAWN newspaper, published on October 6, in which he gave details of an unusually heated exchange between civilian and military leaders during the secret high-level meeting over how to tackle militant groups allegedly operating out of Pakistan.

Placement of the name of the journalist, Cyril Almeida, on ECL is only meant to bring the inquiry on the inaccurate, concocted and misleading contents of the press report written by him to an early closure, a senior interior ministry official told VOA Wednesday.

He insisted there is no check nor restraint on Almeidas movements inside Pakistan, though the ECL is primarily meant for barring individuals on the list from undertaking foreign travels.

Am concerned, possible convinced, more than 24 hours after the travel ban was imposed that government is planning to take further, uglier actions, Almeida said in a latest message posted on his official Twitter account late on Tuesday.

The controversial article cited anonymous sources describing the face-off, in which the civilian leadership warned that the country faced international isolation unless the military cracks down on anti-India and anti-Afghanistan Islamist groups using Pakistani soil.

Top government officials and the chief of the military spy agency attended the secret meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The government, however, has since repeatedly called the story fabricated and irresponsible journalism. On Monday, Sharif said those responsible should be identified for stern action.

Local and international media watchdogs, as well as human rights groups, are outraged at the ban on the prominent journalist, who is highly respected for his columns and stories.

In a scathing editorial Wednesday, DAWN maintained the accuracy of its reporting.

As gatekeeper of information that was verified, cross-checked and fact-checked, the editor of this paper bears sole responsibility for the story in question. The government should at once remove Mr. Almeidas name from the ECL and salvage some of its dignity, it said.

Another leading English-language newspaper, The Nation, has also written a highly critical editorial in defense of Almeida.

"Since the government would counsel us, the press, on how to do our job, we would like to offer some advice for them, on how to better do theirs. Leave journalists alone. Worry a great deal about Pakistans image abroad  some of our actions and inactions as a country are indefensible  everyone knows it, no matter how much we may pretend otherwise, it said.

In Washington, State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters the U.S. is aware of the reported restrictions on Almeida. Were concerned about any efforts to limit press freedom or the ability of journalists to conduct their very, very important work.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has also demanded the restrictions on Almeida be swiftly lifted.

"Pakistan can be a dangerous place for journalists, but the nation has a proud tradition of a fiercely independent press," said CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Steven Butler.

Unhappiness with a press report should never be used as an excuse to restrict the freedom of a journalist, added Butler.

Amnesty international criticized the chilling language used by Prime Minister Sharifs office and joined the calls for immediate removal of travel restrictions on Almeida.

It is one thing for the authorities to dispute and contradict a media report. But it is quite another to threaten a journalist under the guise of national security, the group said.
Pakistan appears to be defying domestic and international calls for immediate removal of a controversial travel ban on one of its leading journalists, insisting the move is meant to bring an early closure to the inquiry into his concocted story on a secret national security meeting.

Cyril Almeida, the journalist in question, was informed on Monday that his name had been included in the so-called Exit Control List (ECL). The move bars the journalist from leaving the country, forcing him to abandon a family holiday trip to Dubai.

The punitive measure stemmed from a front-page article his employer, the English-language DAWN newspaper, published on October 6, in which he gave details of an unusually heated exchange between civilian and military leaders during the secret high-level meeting over how to tackle militant groups allegedly operating out of Pakistan.

Placement of the name of the journalist, Cyril Almeida, on ECL is only meant to bring the inquiry on the inaccurate, concocted and misleading contents of the press report written by him to an early closure, a senior interior ministry official told VOA Wednesday.

Government defends move



He insisted there is no check nor restraint on Almeidas movements inside Pakistan, though the ECL is primarily meant for barring individuals on the list from undertaking foreign travels.

Am concerned, possible convinced, more than 24 hours after the travel ban was imposed that government is planning to take further, uglier actions, Almeida said in a latest message posted on his official Twitter account late on Tuesday.

The controversial article cited anonymous sources describing the face-off, in which the civilian leadership warned that the country faced international isolation unless the military cracks down on anti-India and anti-Afghanistan Islamist groups using Pakistani soil.

Top government officials and the chief of the military spy agency attended the secret meeting, which was chaired by Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The government, however, has since repeatedly called the story fabricated and irresponsible journalism. On Monday, Sharif said those responsible should be identified for stern action.

Local and international media watchdogs, as well as human rights groups, are outraged at the ban on the prominent journalist, who is highly respected for his columns and stories.

DAWN defends report



In a scathing editorial Wednesday, DAWN maintained the accuracy of its reporting.

As gatekeeper of information that was verified, cross-checked and fact-checked, the editor of this paper bears sole responsibility for the story in question. The government should at once remove Mr. Almeidas name from the ECL and salvage some of its dignity, it said.

Another leading English-language newspaper, The Nation, has also written a highly critical editorial in defense of Almeida.

"Since the government would counsel us, the press, on how to do our job, we would like to offer some advice for them, on how to better do theirs. Leave journalists alone. Worry a great deal about Pakistans image abroad  some of our actions and inactions as a country are indefensible  everyone knows it, no matter how much we may pretend otherwise, it said.

US, rights groups voice concern



In Washington, State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters the U.S. is aware of the reported restrictions on Almeida. Were concerned about any efforts to limit press freedom or the ability of journalists to conduct their very, very important work.

The New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has also demanded the restrictions on Almeida be swiftly lifted.

"Pakistan can be a dangerous place for journalists, but the nation has a proud tradition of a fiercely independent press," said CPJ Asia Program Coordinator Steven Butler.

Unhappiness with a press report should never be used as an excuse to restrict the freedom of a journalist, added Butler.

Amnesty international criticized the chilling language used by Prime Minister Sharifs office and joined the calls for immediate removal of travel restrictions on Almeida.

It is one thing for the authorities to dispute and contradict a media report. But it is quite another to threaten a journalist under the guise of national security, the group said.
A French government spokesman said on Wednesday that two French special forces commandos were injured by the drone with which the Islamic State militant group killed two Kurdish Peshmerga fighters earlier this month.

The confirmation from the French side came from spokesman Stephane Le Foll in response to a question at a regular media briefing.

It followed comments earlier in which, Jabbar al-Yawar, secretary general of the autonomous Kurdish region's defense ministry, told Reuters an apparently booby-trapped drone had killed two Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and wounded two French soldiers earlier this month north of the IS-controlled city of Mosul.
Pope Francis on Wednesday called for an immediate cease-fire in Syria.

Speaking at his weekly general audience at the Vatican, the pope said a halt in fighting should be put in place long enough for civilians, particularly children, to escape areas subject to bombings.

Previous international efforts to establish a cease-fire have quickly eroded throughout the country's conflict that has stretched on for more than five years. The latest example came last month in a short-lived agreement brokered between the United States and Russia focusing on the battered northern city of Aleppo.

Monitors said Tuesday Russian jets resumed heavy bombing in rebel-held eastern districts of Aleppo, killing more than 20 people.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights called Tuesday's onslaught "the heaviest Russian bombardment" since the government of President Bashar al-Assad announced last week it would cut back on airstrikes, ostensibly to allow civilians to disarm and leave opposition-held neighborhoods.

However, civilians, distrustful of the Assad government, have largely ignored the offer, which insurgents fighting to topple the government have called a deception.

Separately, the government's SANA news agency reported rebel shelling on government-controlled districts in the western part of the city, with at least four killed and 14 others wounded.

Earlier Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin, under intense Western criticism for Moscow's military role in Syria, canceled a planned visit to France after French President Francois Hollande insisted their upcoming meeting focus solely on Syria.

Putin's move came a day after French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault warned that Russia could face war crime charges in the International Criminal Court, the ICC, for its ongoing bombing campaign in Aleppo.

Ayrault told French radio that potential war crimes charges would extend to "all those complicit in what's happening in Aleppo, including Russian leaders."

Moscow has repeatedly denied attacking civilians in Syria, insisting its sole aim is targeting terror groups in support of the Assad government.

To that end, Russia on Saturday blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution proposed by France and Spain to end the Aleppo bombing. Monitors and aid workers say airstrikes have killed more than 300 people in the northern city -- most all of them civilians -- since September.

It is not clear how the International Criminal Court could investigate the Aleppo bombings, because neither Russia nor Syria is a member of the ICC.

The matter could be referred to the court by the U.N. Security Council. However, Russia, along with China, has previously used its veto power on the council -- as recently as Saturday -- to block several draft resolutions aimed at the Syrian government since the country's conflict began in March 2011.
A new report by two prominent rights groups calls for the decriminalization of possession and personal use of all illicit drugs in the United States, concluding that enforcement of drug laws has unjustifiably ripped families apart, fueled racial discrimination and failed to cut widespread drug abuse.

The report, titled "Every 25 Seconds: The Human Toll of Criminalizing Drug Use in the United States," by Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union said more people are arrested for simple drug possession in the United States than for any other crime.

"Every 25 seconds, someone is funneled into the criminal justice system, accused of nothing more than possessing drugs for personal use," said the report's author, Tess Borden. "These wide-scale arrests have destroyed countless lives while doing nothing to help people who struggle with dependence."

While the U.S. struggles with myriad drug abuse issues, including a rapidly growing opioid epidemic, decriminalization of drug use is unlikely. But Borden hopes the report will prompt federal and state authorities to boost funding for drug treatment programs and to reclassify drug use and personal possession offenses as misdemeanors instead of felonies.

Racial disparity, harsh sentences

The report said state law enforcement departments make 1.25 million drug possession arrests each year, or one out of nine arrests nationwide. Although black adults use drugs at similar or lower rates than white adults, the report said blacks are more than twice as likely to be arrested for possession.

The nation's "war on drugs" campaign, which began in 1971 by President Richard Nixon, has failed, the report said. Drug abuse rates are still high and criminalization of drugs forces users into the shadows of society and makes them less likely to get treatment.

Human Rights Watch and the ACLU said they interviewed 149 people who were prosecuted for using drugs in Florida, Louisiana and Texas. Sixty-four of them are in custody, including Corey Ladd, who is serving a 17-year sentence for possessing a half-ounce of marijuana after two previous drug arrests. Ladd is the father of a four-year-old girl who has never seen him outside of prison.

"The sheer harshness of the sentence shocks the conscience," Louisiana's appeals court wrote in April, when it asked that Ladd be given a lesser term. But prosecutors denied the request, and Ladd's case is now headed to the Supreme Court.

Evidence-based alternatives

In a statement to VOA, White House National Drug Control Policy spokesman Mario Moreno said, "The administration has been committed to implementing a balanced approach to drug policy from the beginning because we cannot arrest our way out of the drug problem. Public health and public safety collaboration is imperative to achieving this goal, which is why we've prioritized reforming our sentencing policies so that scarce resources are applied in the most effective ways."

Moreno said the Obama administration has promoted "evidence-based alternatives" to imprisonment that ensure access to drug treatment and recovery programs.

Specialized courts that divert non-violent drug offenders to the programs have been expanded, Moreno said, as have reentry programs that help former offenders remain drug-free as they return to society.

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman Russ Baer told VOA the agency is committed to upholding the nation's drug laws and focuses its efforts on the "biggest and most violent drug traffickers that control the flow of illegal drugs."

The report said many Western European countries have adopted comparatively less punitive approaches to drug abuse. Portugal took the most significant step in 2001 when it decriminalized the acquisition, possession and use of illegal drugs in amounts up to a 10-day supply. As a result, many drug abusers there are more likely to enter treatment programs rather than face prosecution.

But Temple University criminal justice professor Steven Belenko maintains the U.S. approach to drug enforcement is dramatically different from Portugal's.

"We don't have a consensus" in the United States, he said. "We've got to see it more as a public health problem, not as a crime problem."
RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Brinks Company (NYSE:BCO), a global leader in security-related services, will host a conference call on Wednesday, October 26, at 8:30 a.m. (ET) to review third-quarter financial results, which will be released earlier that day.



The conference call can be accessed by calling 888-349-0094 (in the U.S.) or 1-412-902-0124 (international). Participants should call in at least five minutes prior to the start of the call. Participants can pre-register at http://dpregister.com/10093154 to receive a direct dial-in number for the call. The call also will be accessible live via webcast on the Brinks website (www.brinks.com). To access the webcast and related earnings material, click here.

A replay of the call will be available through November 26, 2016, at 877-344-7529 (in the U.S.) or 1-412-317-0088 (international). The conference number is 10093152. An archived version of the webcast will be available online in the Investor Relations section of www.brinks.com or by clicking here.

About The Brinks Company

The Brinks Company (NYSE:BCO) is the worlds premier provider of secure transportation and cash management services. For more information, please visit The Brinks Company website at www.Brinks.com or call 804-289-9709.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and other key partners in Switzerland Saturday in yet another effort to find a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Syria.

The State Department says the talks in Lausanne are part of a multilateral approach after the U.S. called off direct talks with Moscow on a cease-fire and humanitarian relief.

Kerry also will discuss Syria in a meeting with regional and international partners on Sunday in London.

The State Department was not ruling out the potential of a Kerry-Lavrov conversation on the sidelines but said that does not mean the suspension of bilateral U.S.-Russia engagement is lifted.



The West is accusing Russia and its Syrian allies of war crimes for bombing hospitals and United Nations relief convoys in and around Aleppo as they target Syrian rebels looking to topple President Bashar al-Assad.



Loss of credibility

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Wednesday the U.S. is no longer trying to reach an agreement with Russia but is instead trying to use a "variety of diplomatic channels" to reduce the violence inside Syria.

"And that's necessarily going to include some Russian participation. But it is no longer in the context of trying to broker this agreement that would... hold out the prospect of U.S. military cooperation with Russia. That's something that Russia has lost, frankly, lost the credibility to be able to try to agree to," Earnest said.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians are trapped in the city of Aleppo, which has seemingly become ground zero in Syria. Rebels control the east while the Syrian military besieges the rest of the city.

While targeting the opposition with bombs, Syrian and Russian forces have been hitting civilians. Pictures of bleeding children, some in so much shock that they cannot even cry, have sickened the world.

Russia denies attacking civilians. It says its only target are "terrorists," the word Russia and Syria use when talking about the opposition.



Political rhetoric

Russian President Vladimir Putin told France's TF1 television Wednesday that allegations of Russian and Syrian war crimes in Aleppo are "political rhetoric" and that the West does not consider what is really happening on the ground.

"We cannot allow terrorists to take advantage of civilians and use them as human shields. We cannot allow them to blackmail the entire world by taking hostages, killing prisoners by cutting their throats," Putin said.

Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergei Kislyak said Tuesday that bilateral relations between the two powers were moving in the wrong direction.

Kislyak blamed the U.S. for unilaterally freezing normal channels with Russia and defended Russias bombings in Aleppo as being on a fully legal basis and by the invitation of the Syrian government.

Meanwhile, Pope Francis Wednesday called for an immediate cease-fire in Syria.

Speaking at his weekly general audience, the pope said a halt in fighting should be put in place long enough for civilians, particularly children, to escape the bombs.

Previous international efforts to establish a cease-fire have quickly eroded in the five years since the civil war erupted in Syria.

Just last week, Russia blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution proposed by France and Spain to end the Aleppo bombing.



Nike Ching contributed to this report from the State Department.
3 As well as bloodletting from the head, others flay themselves to mark Ashura. However, both are practiced by only a small minority of Shi'ites in Lebanon. (J. Owens/VOA)
Hundreds of tearful Thais continue to offer flowers and chant prayers for King Bhumibol Adulyadej outside the Bangkok hospital where the world's longest-reigning monarch is being treated for multiple health problems.

Thais wearing pink and yellow shirts in the king's honor have gathered outside Siriraj Hospital since Sunday, when the royal palace described his health as unstable. The palace said in a statement late Wednesday that the king's blood pressure had dropped, his liver and kidneys were not working properly and he remained on a ventilator.

Saranya Chungsuvanich came to the hospital Thursday after hearing about the king's condition. She said she is praying for the king not to be in pain and to get better.

Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has not been seen by the public for nearly a year as he battles a series of illnesses in a Bangkok hospital.

Bhumibol, a constitutional monarch with no formal political role, is widely regarded as Thailand's unifying figure.

In Washington, Daniel Russel, the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia, described U.S. born Bhumibol as a true friend of the United States.''

His son, the crown prince, Vajiralongkorn, 64, who lives mostly in Germany, has yet to attain his father's widespread popularity.

Privately many business leaders, both domestic and foreign, have expressed fear the king's demise could lead to economic instability, especially as there is no official discussion on how the country will handle his passing.
Violent protests have raged on South African campuses in recent weeks as students demand free university tuition for all in a nation still riven by inequality and racial divisions.

It seems like a straightforward demand, and one that few people - from university leaders to parents, to church leaders, to even the South African government - seriously disagree with.

But despite this emerging consensus, protests are showing no sign of stopping after they first emerged late last year. In recent weeks, protests have swept across most of South Africas 26 universities, with violent clashes between students and police at some campuses. Some universities have been forced to suspend classes, citing security concerns.

Presidential spokesman Bongani Ngqulunga says the event that spurred this round of protests - Septembers announcement that universities could raise fees by as much as 8 percent - is irrelevant, because the government has pledged to cover that increase for lower-income students, which is about 75 percent of the student population.

Student movement



So why are the protests continuing? It is, he says, partly because the student movement is competing - with itself.

I mean, if you look at the protests, interestingly they are not led by university student leaders, those who are members of the student representative councils, he told VOA. They are led by students who are outside of these formal structures. And theres been a bit of competition, frankly, about who can make more radical and extreme demands.

Social justice activist Rehad Desai puts it more charitably, saying that the student movement is still finding its feet and settling on an ideology. Theyre at the beginnings, at the embryonic stages, of building a new student movement, said Desai, who is also a filmmaker and made a well-received film on a 2012 mining strike that led to the police shootings of 34 striking miners. And they want to do that on the basis of as much consensus as possible. Now that takes time, to hearing to hearing all voices and so on.

Law student Thabo Boom is deputy secretary general of the University of the Witwatersrands Student Representative Council. He says the anti-fee movement is fairly unified at his university, and that his group tries to maintain that unity by making its members check their political differences at the door. Still, he says, that leads to diverse views even within the movement.

Concerns about studies



But they all agree on one thing.

None of the students that are protesting want to be repeating the year, he said. And I can tell you, as one of the students who has been involved from the get-go, I too want to ensure that I dont lose a year, as I cant afford to be there in any case.

So how do they get out of this rut? Bishop Ziphozihle Siwa, the head of the South African Council of Churches, says these dug-in parties need an impartial mediator to bring everyone to the negotiating table.

They are going to run out of patience, because we are asking them to calm down but nothing is changing. So were trying to calm the students, were trying to organize some conversation between all the stakeholders to say: priority is to calm the situation, get the police out of there and then continue the negotiations.

But Siwa adds that the students grievances started well before they were born, even before he was born -- when the racist apartheid regime drew a hard line between black and white, rich and poor. How long will it take to find middle ground? No one knows.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said Tuesday he is probably better off without the support of "weak and ineffective" people within his party, including House Speaker Paul Ryan.

He said in an interview on Fox News that Ryan and other members of Congress were "being nasty" to him and not supporting his candidacy.

The comments come days after the emergence of a 2005 videotape in which he made crude comments about women, and subsequent statements from a number of Republican lawmakers saying they do not back Trump.

"It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to," Trump posted Tuesday on Twitter.

When Fox News host Bill O'Reilly suggested that if elected, Trump would need Ryan and Senator John McCain -- who also unendorsed Trump -- the Republican nominee insisted, "They'll be there."

Trump, who has lost ground in polls this month, repeated Tuesday his defense that the videotaped comments were "locker room talk," and added that many women have told him they have heard much worse.

"If that's what it is going to take to lose an election, that will be pretty sad," he told O'Reilly.

WATCH: Republicans split over Trump



Lewd comments about women



The While House said Tuesday that President Barack Obama found Trump's remarks about groping women "repugnant" and considered it sexual assault.

Trump apologized for his 2005 words during Sunday's debate with Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, saying he is embarrassed and hates what he said.

But he viciously attacked Clinton during the debate, saying she had threatened several women who accused her husband, former President Bill Clinton, of raping and sexually abusing them.

Trump gave three of Bill Clinton's alleged victims front-row seats at the debate and pointed them out to the audience several times.

Climate change



Hillary Clinton ignored the sexual assault issue Tuesday during an appearance in Miami in favor of what she called a global crisis: climate change. She called global warming a real and urgent problem and said the U.S. could take the lead in addressing it.



Clinton said she fully backed the Paris Agreement on climate change, while Trump wants to scrap it. She reminded the crowd that Trump has called global warming a Chinese-created hoax.

On Tuesday, Clinton appeared with former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, founder of the Climate Reality Project, a nonprofit group focused on addressing climate change.

Gore said the nation needs a leader who is passionate about the environment instead of a denier who would take the globe to "climate catastrophe." He pointed to Hurricane Matthew as an example of the stronger and deadlier storms that develop because of warmer seas.

Every vote counts

Gore barely lost the White House in the extremely close and controversial 2000 election that needed to be settled by the Supreme Court because of flawed Florida ballots.

Although he was joking when he said he had firsthand experience of how every vote counts, he was quite serious in urging anyone who has not yet registered for the November 8 election to do so now.

He said staying home was not an option because the stakes could not be higher.


U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is vowing to finish the last weeks of his run for the White House on his own terms.

Trump is undeterred by party leaders' abandonment of his campaign after the widespread airing of a 2005 videotape in which Trump makes crude comments about women and boasts of his sexual exploits.

"I'm so angry at the Republicans," Trump told cheering supporters Wednesday in the southeastern battleground state of Florida. "They're not putting their weight behind the people."

The brash real estate tycoon accused Washington politicians, both Republicans and Democrats, of protecting his opponent, Democrat Hillary Clinton, from prosecution for her handling of national security material on her private email server while she was secretary of state for four years. Investigators called her actions "extremely careless" but decided no criminal charges were warranted.

"We have to investigate the investigation," Trump declared at the raucous rally. "Did they make a deal where everybody protects each other in Washington? She shouldn't be allowed to run for president."

But Trump did not mention the videotape that has roiled the final stages of the 2016 presidential campaign, in which be bragged about groping women with impunity because he was a celebrity.

Trump told Fox News on Tuesday that he was "tired of nonsupport" from Republican leaders. House Speaker Paul Ryan and the party's 2008 presidential candidate, Arizona Senator John McCain, among others, have abandoned Trump in recent days, with Ryan all but conceding that Trump will lose the November 8 election to Clinton.

"I wouldn't want to be in a foxhole with a lot of these people," Trump said.

Slumping poll numbers



With Trump's poll numbers slumping, his campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, told an interviewer Wednesday, "We want the support of anybody whos going to publicly endorse us. But enough of the pussyfooting around in terms of, you know, do you support us or do you not support us? The fact is that some of these leaders have been wishy-washy.

Since the tape controversy broke last Friday, nearly three dozen Republican lawmakers had called for Trump to stand aside. On Wednesday, however, some of those Republicans said they were back supporting their partys candidate.

Senator John Thune of South Dakota told the Rapid City Journal that while he had reservations about the way (Trump) has conducted his campaign and himself ... Im certainly not going to vote for Hillary Clinton.

Senator Deb Fischer of Nebraska, who had said over the weekend that she found Trumps remarks disgusting, told The New York Times Tuesday that she still planned to vote for him.

A wave of new political surveys show Clinton, looking to become the country's first female president, surging to a bigger edge over Trump, with the RealClearPolitics average of polls giving her a 6.2 percentage-point national advantage.

Several political analysts looking at the Trump-Clinton race across the state-by-state contests that determine the outcome of U.S. presidential campaigns give her about a 9-in-10 chance of becoming the country's 45th chief executive.



At Sunday's second debate with Clinton, Trump described the remarks he made on the videotape as "locker room talk." They were captured on a live microphone while he was on a bus as he headed to make a cameo appearance on a television soap opera.

"If that's what it is going to take to lose an election, that will be pretty sad," the onetime host of a reality TV show said.

Obama derides Trump

President Barack Obama, a staunch Clinton supporter, derided Trump's taped comments at a North Carolina rally.

"You don't have to be a husband or a father to say that's not right," Obama said. "You just have to be a decent human being."

The Trump campaign also accused Clinton of being, in Conway's words, "openly hostile on issues important to Catholics," asking her to apologize for comments about Catholics made by Democratic staffers in a cache of emails made public by WikiLeaks.

"The hostility toward religious liberty and the beliefs we hold as Catholics should not go unnoticed or unpunished," Conway said.

Many of Trump's staunchest supporters have stuck with him, but the new polling shows that women, already favoring Clinton, have moved even more toward her. Clinton's campaign, sensing it is on the cusp of winning, is considering expanding its efforts into states that almost always vote for Republican presidential candidates, including Georgia in the southern part of the country and Arizona in the west.

The quadrennial U.S. presidential elections are not decided by the national popular vote, but rather by the contests in each state, with each state's importance weighted by its population. The winning presidential candidate must reach a majority of 270 electoral votes in the 538-member Electoral College, with the electors casting ballots based on the voting results in each of the 50 states.

Tight race in some states

Most election prediction models show Clinton at or near the 270 majority, but polling numbers show a number of states with Trump and her locked in tight battles, giving him a chance in the last four weeks of the race to regain momentum heading to Election Day.

While Trump was in Florida on Wednesday  where he maintains a mansion along the Atlantic Ocean that he considers his second home  Clinton was speaking at rallies in two western states that are closely contested, Colorado and Nevada, the country's gambling mecca.
A dispute continues to deepen between Ankara and Baghdad over the presence of Turkish soldiers near the Iraqi city of Mosul.

he spat erupted after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took the country and the region by surprise last month by calling into question the 1923 Treaty of Lausanne, which defined modern Turkeys borders.

He declared Turkey had been blackmailed by foreign powers into giving up vast swaths of territory that were once part of the Ottoman Empire. Although Erdogan focused his criticism on the loss of Aegean islands to Greece, it is Turkeys southern borders he had in mind, according to visiting Carnegie Europe scholar Sinan Ulgen.

The message should be seen more of a signal in relation to Turkish polices towards the south, Syria and Iraq. I read it as a backdrop to a policy that tries to build domestic support for a more long-term presence, particularly in Syria, by pointing out, at allegedly past historical mistakes," Ulgen said.

Turkish forces are currently in Syria and Iraq. But the Turkish presence at the Bashiqa base, close to the Iraqi city of Mosul, has become the center of a deepening dispute with Baghdad. The base is ostensibly tor training Sunni militia to fight Islamic State.

On Tuesday, Erdogan dismissed Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadis calls to withdraw Turkish troops, telling him he should know his place.

Erdogan also insisted Turkish forces would participate in the imminent operation to retake Mosul from Islamic State militants.



Security interests or more?

Deputy chair of the Ankara-based Turkish Asian Center for Strategic Studies, Murat Bilhan, insists Ankara has no territorial aspirations toward Iraq.

Turkey just has been repeating and repeating rhetoric that Iraq should be a unified country, but it is not a unified country anymore. Turkey has some security interests in Iraq, to stop any kind of migration flow from Mosul as well as in Syria, Bilhan said.

Analysts say Erdogans calling into question the Lausanne treaty in connection with the Bashiqa dispute will cause unease in Baghdad, especially amid growing speculation about whether Iraq will eventually break up.

Observers say regional powers are already positioning themselves in an expected power struggle for control of Mosul when the Islamic State group is ousted from the city.

Analyst Ulgen says Mosul and the nearby city of Kirkuk have special significance for Turkey.

Both Mosul and Kirkuk, not only were they part of the former Ottoman lands, they were part of the original design of the modern-day Turkey, so in that sense there is certainly historical and emotional connection to those two cities, Mosul and Kirkuk, Ulgen said.

While the Lausanne treaty is historically viewed in Turkey as a victory for Turkish diplomacy, nationalists blame it, and British diplomats, for the loss of Kirkuk and Mosul, which include substantial oil reserves.

For Erdogan, who is courting nationalists at home, the Mosul card could fit well in his wider strategy of creating what he calls a New Turkey.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan warned Iraq's prime minister Tuesday that Turkish troops  more than 1,000 of them already positioned in northern Iraq  could not be excluded from the military force preparing to do battle with Islamic State extremists for control of the Iraqi city of Mosul.

Erdogan spoke in Istanbul, telling Sunni Muslim religious leaders that Turkish troops already in Iraq would not withdraw from a base near Mosul. He also said the largely Sunni Turkish army would not take orders from the Shi'ite government in Baghdad.

"Turkey's army has not lost enough of its quality to take orders from you," Erdogan said, referring to demands from Baghdad for the withdrawal of all Turkish troops.

Relations between the two powers grew tense late last year after Turkey deployed troops to a largely Sunni area northeast of Mosul to train locals in the fight against Islamic State extremists. Baghdad has since called the deployment a violation of its sovereignty and called on Turkey to withdraw.

Turkey has repeatedly warned of the potential for sectarian violence in and near Mosul, if the majority Sunni region falls under the control of Shi'ite militia, if and when extremists are driven from Mosul.

For his part, Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi warned earlier this month that Turkey risked provoking a regional war by keeping troops inside Iraq.

The U.S. State Department said Tuesday that all foreign military forces in Iraq should be endorsed by the Baghdad government and operate under the limited mandate of an anti-Islamic State coalition.

A U.S. statement said "it is imperative for all parties to coordinate closely over the coming days and weeks to ensure unity of effort in defeating Daesh [Islamic State] and to provide for the lasting security of the Iraqi people."

Separately Tuesday, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim warned that the looming military push to free Mosul should not result in any demographic changes to the largely Sunni region.

Analysts say one of Turkey's principal concerns is the rise of Kurdish or Shi'ite groups in the Mosul area and the likely push to drive Sunni Arabs and ethnic Turkmens from the region.
The U.N.'s human rights chief said Wednesday that if elected the next U.S. president, Donald Trump would be "dangerous from an international point of view."

Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein called some of Trump's comments about vulnerable communities and the use of torture "deeply unsettling and disturbing."

His comments to reporters in Geneva come a month after he said that populist politicians like Trump and Dutch nationalist Geert Wilders are using fear and the promise of a world that has never existed in order to gain appeal.

The High Commissioner said he has no plans to tone down those kinds of statements.

Russia complains



Russian diplomats in Geneva and New York have complained directly to Zeid and to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon about his remarks.

He should stick to human rights, he should not be criticizing foreign heads of state and government for their policies, this is not his business, Russias U.N. Ambassador Vitaly Churkin told reporters this week. He should be more focused on his specific responsibilities, he added.

Churkin said he had received instructions from Moscow to raise the issue with Ban Ki-moon. He denied earlier media reports that he had intervened on the U.S. Republican presidential nominees behalf.

Whether Trump was mentioned in his statement, I have no idea, Churkin said. Because I was referring to other politicians; I wasnt aware that he was even mentioned.
The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Raad al-Hussein is criticizing the U.N. Security Councils inaction in ending the relentless bombing of eastern Aleppo in northern Syria by the government of Bashar al-Assad and his Russian ally.

Zeid cites a plethora of global emergencies that demand immediate and critical attention, including Syria, Yemen, Myanmar, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi.

Among them, the catastrophic situation in eastern Aleppo stands out for its unbearable cruelty to 275,000 people under siege. And, yet, Zeid says nothing is being done to alleviate their plight.

We understand, the bombardments continue today," he said. "The Security Council was unable to take any decision in respect to halting the actions in eastern Aleppo last week. And, it very much raises the question in my mind when speaking of the Security Council, security for whom? Certainly not for the people of eastern Aleppo.

Zeid also raises concern about the growing trend in Europe of populist, xenophobic rhetoric. He says people feel angry at governments. They feel angry at austerity measures and lack of improvements in their lives. And, so, he says, they look for someone to blame and this often results in racism and scapegoating of vulnerable people.



Zeid says this situation is fertile territory for demagogues to exploit. He says he believes demagogues should be named when confronting xenophobia. He says he has no intention of interfering in any countrys political campaign.

But he tells VOA it is incumbent upon leaders to lead in a way that is ethical, moral and responsible. Zeid says people should be wary of political leaders who are seen to manipulate messages that could potentially incite hatred and violence.

In response to another question from VOA, Zeid says he is very concerned about the growing instability in Democratic Republic of Congo. If the situation continues to deteriorate, he warns it will have serious repercussions that could result in bloody violence on a massive scale.

Zeid says people in many parts of eastern DRC and elsewhere in the country have suffered enough. He says they need a respite. He is calling on the government to lift its repressive measures and enter into a constructive political dialogue.
Keats wrote:

While space looks empty, it is in fact filled with matter. In 1933, Swiss astrophysicist Fritz Zwicky coined the term dark matter to identify the substance that makes up an estimated 85% of all matter in the universe. Ever since, however, the search for the particles that compose dark matter has been ongoing with hypotheses and projections filling the minds of determined physicists in search of a breakthrough.



Among the most promising hypotheses is one that includes neutralinos, a proposed particle akin to the Higgs Boson particle as a building block of the universe we know. Neutralinos, it is proposed, will annihilate each other when they collide, producing both a matter and an antimatter equivalent (an electron and a positron, respectively). In such a reaction, each particle would carry with it as much energy as one neutralino has mass (per Einsteins theory of relativity), and this energy may well provide the means for which scientists can finally identify these sought-after particles.



The plausibility of this theory has galvanized support in the scientific community for extensive research. Aboard the International Space Station lies the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS), which is using magnetized sensors to identify the charges that would come along with these proposed particles. As it measures charges across space, AMS focuses on the variance of the ratio of positrons to electrons, under the theory that the positron fraction should peak when these high-energy positrons are created from dark-matter annihilation. To date, AMS has recorded over 30 billion cosmic rays and research indicates that it has indeed viewed hundreds of thousands of charged particles consistent with the theory of positrons. But scientists remain stoic on the issue, noting that these charges are potentially also consistent with those released by pulsars, the aftermath of exploded stars. Accordingly, research continues to better delineate between the positron fraction expected from pulsars and that from neutralinos.



1. Which of the following best summarizes the primary purpose of the passage?



To compare the search for neutralinos with that for the Higgs Boson

To detail the current hypotheses regarding the origin of dark matter

To prove that positrons are created from dark matter annihilation

To present a hypothesis to explain a mysterious scientific phenomenon

To explain the results of a current scientific research study



2. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?



The highest positron fractions that AMS records will be from dark matter particles.

Electrons and positrons carry approximately the same amount of energy.

AMS has been able to view hundreds of thousands of positrons.

The charges emitted by pulsars are indistinguishable from the charges emitted by positrons.

The neutralino hypothesis is currently accepted as the most plausible existing explanation for dark matter.



3. According to the passage, scientists theorize that dark matter is created when



The positron fraction reaches its peak value

Pulsars result as the remnants of stellar explosion

Positrons release the same amount of energy as a neutralino has mass

Neutralinos collide with one another

Highly charged electrons annihilate positrons

Could you please provide explanation for Qs 2-I marked A.Thanks
The chief executive officer of the second largest U.S. bank will step down in the aftermath of a scandal over its sales practices.

San Francisco-based Wells Fargo Bank announced Wednesday that John Stumpf has resigned effective immediately and will be replaced by chief operating officer, Tim Sloan. Stumpf will also relinquish his title as chairman.

Wells Fargo was well-known in the banking industry for its ability to sell customers multiple products, such as a new account, a mortgage, a retirement account, or even online banking.

The company last month agreed to pay $185 million to settle allegations that its workers opened millions of accounts without customers' permission to reach aggressive sales targets.

It has since faced a raft of federal and state investigations, including from the U.S. Department of Justice. Some 5,300 lower-level employees were fired because of the scandal.

The banks independent chairman Stephen Sanger will take over as board chairman and Elizabeth Duke, a current board director, will become vice chairman of the board.
A U.S. Navy destroyer was again targeted in a failed missile attack from territory in Yemen controlled by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, officials tell VOA.

The missile fired in the Red Sea Wednesday targeted the destroyer USS Mason, which was accompanied by the amphibious docking vessel USS San Antonio at the time. The rocket failed to reach the ships, a U.S. official who asked not to be identified told VOA.

The destroyer deployed countermeasures once it detected the missile launch, another U.S. official said, but it was unclear whether that defensive action drew the missile off course, or if it fell into the Red Sea for other reasons. Officials confirmed no one aboard the destroyer was injured, and that there was no damage to the ship.

The missile launch, the second in the past four days, was from a Houthi-controlled area south of Al Hudaydah, officials said.

A U.S. official told VOA the latest attack has raised an added sense of urgency to respond.

The Pentagon hinted about possible retaliatory strikes on Tuesday, with Pentagon spokesman Navy Capt. Jeff Davis saying that anyone who fired on U.S. Navy ships in international waters was doing so at their own peril.

The Houthi movement in Yemen has denied any involvement in the first attack on the USS Mason, a few days ago.

Wednesday was the 16th anniversary of a terrorist attack in Yemen that killed 17 American sailors from the guided-missile destroyer USS Cole in Aden harbor. Al-Qaida claimed responsibility for that attack in 2000, and U.S. courts subsequently held the government of Sudan responsible; more than $13 million in frozen Sudanese assets was released for compensation payments to relatives of the victims.
If Republican Party presidential candidate Donald Trump were elected and carried out his promise to investigate and jail his political opponent, Hillary Clinton, he would be among a number of heads of state or government who used judicial power to go after political opponents. Here are some of the leaders who have jailed political opponents while in power:

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi: Led the 2013 overthrow of President Mohamed Morsi and jailed many leaders from his outlawed Muslim Brotherhood, including Morsi himself.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro: Opposition leader Leopoldo Lopez is serving a 14-year sentence for inciting an anti-government protest in 2014 that left 43 people dead.

Zimbabwe's President Robert Mugabe: In 2007, authorities arrested opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai at a rally and later beat him. Several years earlier he was twice charged with treason, once for an alleged plot to kill Mugabe and a second time in connection to opposition protests.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni: Opponent Kizza Besigye was arrested several times in the run-up to the country's February 18 election, and after the vote was placed under house arrest.

Zambia's President Edgar Lungu: Opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema and others were arrested last week on charges of sedition after they disputed the results of Lungu's August re-election.

Myanmar's former longtime ruling junta: Current de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi spent more than 20 years under house arrest for charges widely seen as politically motivated.

Russian President Vladimir Putin: Former oil tycoon Mikhail Khodorkovsky spent a decade in prison for tax evasion in a case widely believed to be political and came after he funded opposition parties.

Former Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych: Opposition leader Yulia Tymoshenko was jailed in 2011 because of allegations she failed to consult with her government when she served as prime minister and signed a deal that ended a Russian cutoff of natural gas to Ukraine.

Chilean President Gen. Augusto Pinochet: Seized power in a bloody military coup in 1973. During his rule thousands of political opponents were executed or disappeared, detained, tortured or exiled.
South Africas President Jacob Zuma has formed a ministerial team to help bring an end to weeks of clashes at university campuses between police and students demanding free education, the presidency said Tuesday.

The government, grappling with a budget deficit equivalent to nearly 4 percent of economic output, says education subsidies should not be paid at the expense of other sectors of the economy such as health and housing.

It has also said 2017 university fees may rise by up to 8 percent.

Police clashed sporadically with student protesters Tuesday at the University of the Witwatersand, Talk Radio 702 said. The university was also the scene of violence Monday as it reopened following angry protests that closed it last week.

The team set up by Zuma consists of eight ministers, including Higher Education minister Blade Nzimande and Minister of Police Nathi Nhleko, and is tasked with resolving the crisis.

The main opposition Democratic Alliance party criticized Zuma, however, for excluding Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan.

At the heart of the crisis is the chronic underfunding of higher education over the last decade, it said in a statement.

Zumas government has said it will continue subsidizing university costs for the poorest students but could not afford free education for all.

We are not saying ... everybody must receive free education, even if the parents can afford, because we have got to balance the resources, Zuma told a news conference in Nairobi during a state visit Tuesday to Kenya.

The Wits Student Representative Council said in a statement that they would continue the struggle for free education.

Some students are demanding all universities be shut down until the government provides free education.


On October 8, the Russian Federation voted against the UN Security Council draft resolution on Syria, proposed by France.

The text of the document, which was obviously drawn up with Washingtons encouragement directly after the United States refused to observe the Russian-US agreements on the Syrian settlement, flagrantly misrepresented the actual state of affairs and had a politically-charged and unbalanced character. The French-proposed document indiscriminately laid the blame for the escalation of tensions in the Syrian Arab Republic solely on the countrys authorities and plainly attempted, through a ban on military flights over the city of Aleppo, to afford protection to Jabhat al-Nusra terrorists and the militants that have merged with it, despite the UN member states obligation to fight the terrorist threat with all available means. The draft resolution completely obscured the fact that the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo was provoked deliberately, when in August and September the militants refused to provide access to humanitarian convoys, threatening to open fire on them. At the same time, the document ignored the need to promptly initiate an intra-Syrian political process, which is being sabotaged by the same Syrian opposition members who are supported and covered by the West in every possible way.

During the discussion on the draft resolution, the Russian delegation proposed constructive amendments aimed at giving the document greater objectivity. We insisted on clearly and explicitly securing the key message on the necessity to separate those who consider themselves moderate opposition from the terrorists. We emphasised the need to have the militants unblock Castello Road, a vital transport artery to eastern Aleppo. We defended the mechanisms for securing the ceasefire, which were approved by the International Syria Support Group, and sought unconditional approval of the coordinated framework for a settlement in the Syrian crisis as laid out in UNSC resolutions.

We proposed a compromise variant of the resolution to prevent a split in the Security Council. However, the co-authors of the French-proposed draft resolution, encouraged by the rabid critics of Damascus, failed to show political wisdom. Instead of talks aimed at a positive practical result, they chose an ultimatum, a clamorous grandstanding move that exploited the humanitarian issues aimed at momentary political goals that are far from the interests of the Syrian and other people in the region. It is revealing that our rejection of such an approach was shared by a number of the Security Council members.

The failed attempt at exploiting the Security Councils authority has again shown the obsession of the initiators of the French draft resolution with the idea of an unconstitutional change of power in Syria through an international terrorism resource, which is lavishly propped up from abroad.

It is well known that Russia was not involved in the Syrian conflict for four years, as Western governments fostered armed extremist groups, and joined the military operations in Syria at the request of its legitimate government only after a serious threat of the seizure of Damascus by terrorists emerged. It would have been unacceptable to allow Syria to fall into the fate of Iraq or Libya, which were invaded, which in turn led to the destabilisation in the Middle East, thus giving rise to ISIS and new incarnations of Al-Qaeda, such as al-Nusra. It is unfortunate that some of our partners never learn from history.

With deep regret for the damage done to the efforts for a settlement in Syria by those who support an escalation in the confrontation, Russia confirms its deep commitment to seeking a long-term political solution to the Syrian conflict. We remain open to constructive collective efforts in the interest of fulfilling the obligations in the agreements in good faith and the coordination of additional steps to allow the Syrians to choose the future of their country through a dialogue between all political and ethno-confessional groups, without external interference.
When I saw that tonights Atlanta episode was entitled B.A.N., I thought it was an acronym for bitch ass niggas, which promptly had me body-rolling at my desk to Sevyn Streeter. Alas, B.A.N. actually stands for Black American Network, a fictional television channel thats the love child of PBS and Bounce TV. And on that network is Montague, a low-budget panel show starring Franklin Montague (Alano Miller). The dude looks like Ed Gordons nephew by marriage.

B.A.N. comprises an entire episode of Montague thats centered on transitions. To start, Montague wants to explore the growing outlook on accepted sexuality and its effects on black youth and culture. That sentence alone elicits fear, given most discussions related to black folks views on sexuality being drowned in stereotypes about how us colored people are so much more homophobic and transphobic than everyone else.

The show-within-a-show features the one and only Paper Boi as a guest along with a white woman named Dr. Deborah Holt (Mary Kraft), who is introduced as a trans activist. According to Montague, Alfred was invited to the show because, during a recent tweet storm, he said he wouldnt sleep with Caitlyn Jenner. When asked if he would explain the statement, Alfreds initial response is a simple Nope!

After a follow-up, however, he goes on to declare, I just dont think I have to have sex with Caitlyn Jenner cause yall said so. Montague volleys a leading accusation disguised as a question: So how long have you disliked trans people?

Man, I just found out they exist, Alfred answers. Montague wont let it go, quoting some Paper Boi lyric about Caitlyn Jenner. Alfred fires back by saying hes just rapping and shit, you know, before highlighting that the host doesnt know all of his catalogue. Has Montague ever even heard Illuminati Sex before?

Side note: How in the hell is Illuminati Sex not a real song?

In any event, Deborah very much plays into familiar Negro pathology. She claims that Alfred plays into cultures of exclusion and power. She then blames hip-hop for Alfreds attitudes, albeit with a slight twist: This time, issues with masculinity are supposedly the problem, rather than widespread homophobia or transphobia.

Please, please. Tell me about myself, Paper Boi quips.

Deborah most certainly does. Black men arent ready to accept the implications of a trans-accepting culture, she says. Even if this is a parody, its unfortunate that so many believe this idea. The Montague panel reminds us that many white liberals are as guilty as their conservative counterparts in generalizing about black people. What Deborah does is right on par with Donald Trump watching two episodes of Good Times then declaring that all black people live under hellish conditions in the inner city.

Likewise, I must say that Paper Boi not wanting to smash Caitlyn Jenner is an extreme example of an ongoing media trend: When a person of note makes controversial comments, critics are ready to pounce. Thats not necessarily a bad thing, but in some cases, the outrage goes way too far. Is it worth ascribing a belief to Alfred that he may not hold? Of course not. Advocacy is important, but plenty of folks see it as a come up so they trot out terms like problematic in an effort to appear more enlightened than thou. When people make mistakes, you should correct them, but only within reason.

Although I appreciated the humor employed to shoo-shoo away blanket generalizations about black people and our thoughts on sexuality and gender, the next Montague segment almost negates those efforts. Its a story called Trans-racial, which features a black man named Antoine Small who says that deep down inside he is a 30-something white man named Harrison Booth. Reminds me of a bunch of black dudes along the Florida-Georgia border.

Ive always felt different, he tells the interviewer. I go to the store and movies and just be thinking to myself, Why am I not getting the respect that I deserve? And then, it just hit me: Im white. And 35.

The segment follows Harrison as he begins transitioning by doing a bunch of white things. He practices ordering an IPA at bars. He wears thick brown leather belts. Hes also planning surgery for a full racial transition.

Now, I did laugh at his mamas response to it all: Id love to wake up one day and say, Hey, everybody. Im Rihanna. But I aint. But its all strange to watch if youre familiar with the likes of Rachel Dolezal, whom I long ago dismissed as a fake-ass Freddie Brooks from A Different World. According to some of Dolezals apologists, if one can argue the sex they were assigned at birth does not speak to their true gender, then why not race too?

Race is a social construct. Race is complicated. Nonetheless, gender has historically been far more fluid and varied outside of Western ideals. I didnt necessarily expect Atlanta to invoke the hijras of India, but I do wish the fundamental differences between this T-Pain-looking black man and those of Dolezals ilk were better explained. You know, for the folks watching at home who might not get it.

Alfred makes fun of the fake white man, but eh. Same goes for the noted hypocrisy in Harrison for claiming hes really a white man, then turning around to say, A man wanting to turn into a woman, thats unnatural. I know, I know: Its not Atlantas job to police behavior. However, if you are trying to say something, you should say it as thoughtfully as you can.

What B.A.N. does get plenty right, though, is the silly host Montague. As soon as the activist and the rapper start getting along, he keeps trying to stir the pot. How typical of the verbal pro wrestling that is most cable-news programming. Similarly, the episode mocks the conservative talking points vomited out by Montague. He asks Alfred, Isnt a lack of a father the reason you hate trans people? Alfreds response: What? Nigga, you hear yourself?

Oh, Alfred. How I feel the same about so many.

The fake commercials that air between Montague are pretty funny, too. I cant believe theres not a pre-dump Swisher Sweet readily available for purchase. That cereal ad that tackled police brutality had me cracking up. But all in all, it was too many damn commercials. We got it the first three times.

Lets get back to the focus of the episode: Alfred. His position ultimately boils down to You cant say real shit, and You cant even say ho anymore. Then theres his troubling assertion that Caitlyn Jenner is doing what rich white men do all the time, which is whatever they want. I have argued that Jenner spending so much of her life as a rich, white man has informed her unfortunate political positions, but Alfreds statement made me a cringe.

In Alfreds mind, I should be able to say something is weird without people hating on me. I never said anything about taking no peoples rights. This reminds me of Waka Flockas transphobic comments. People like to say they meant no harm with harmful words. That they have a right to their opinion. To that point, Alfred and the activist do reach an accord on freedom of speech.

Yeah, you can say whatever you want, but far too many fail to grasp the simple fact that words have consequences. Intentions do not negate impact. To quote the late Whitney Houston, Watch what the fuck you say.
Its always bittersweet when a show returns to the status quo after a big arc, and to its credit, Brooklyn Nine-Nine leans right into that feeling in this weeks cold open. Jake, still hobbling around with a cane after Amy was forced to cap him in the foot, has held on to one Florida souvenir: his frosted tips. (Amy: I feel like Im kissing Vanilla Ice. Jake: There was a time you would have jumped at that chance!) Hes hell-bent on keeping them, at least until he sees Boyle sporting the same look and recognizes how bad it really is. Jake is not a frosted tips kind of guy, and B99 is not a Florida show. But Im confident they will both continue to make the most of their home bases.

This episode is definitely a strong start. The punishment of being moved to the night shift is a twist that affects all of the characters in the same place, which gives it a little more punch than last season, when just Holt and Gina were exiled. And the conflicts that arise feel genuine  theres a lot of backed-up plot from last season, and it comes out in appropriate ways, given this new pressure on nearly everyones personal lives.

First of all, theres still the unresolved disappearance of Adrian Pimento, whos now been gone for three weeks after the arrest of Figgis. Rosa is supposed to meet him on a specific park bench, which she keeps sneaking off to in the middle of shifts. Of course, this irritates Amy, whos left with a pile of paperwork that doesnt even bring the same joy as it does on the day shift. As always, Stephanie Beatriz is masterful at sneaking in moments of vulnerability for Rosa: She convincingly sheds a tear in anxiety in one scene, and delivers a perfectly dry, That wasnt even me crying in the bathroom, that was someone with the same boots, but now shes gone a scene later.

Ill be interested to see what the show does with Jason Mantzoukas once he inevitably returns. Given that Pimento and Rosa remain engaged, I doubt hes going anywhere, but my guess is that there isnt enough budget to bring him on as a regular with such an already overstuffed cast. But Pimento is so intense (and so tied to the work that the other characters do) that itll be weird to have him as an occasional guest star like Genevieve or Kevin.

Another move I appreciated was the flip in attitudes between Holt and Terry. In previous seasons, Terry would have been trying to buck everyone up while Holt sulked, but reversing that dynamic brings out fun new aspects of their characters, from Holt trying to throw a party that bumps John Philip Sousa (the Skrillex of his day  I tried to make this fun, I even learned what Skrillex was) to kindhearted Terry unloading bursts of what his wife calls Night Sassy on his co-workers.

The most interesting and affecting work is saved for Jake and Boyle, which puts an interesting twist on their relationship. The show can sometimes lean a little too hard on Boyle being a desperate friend and Jake not needing him as much, and so it was nice to be reminded that they really are an interconnected duo, with Jake feeling neglected as Boyle declines to bust cases so he can spend more time with his new adopted son Nikolas (the nuances of whose name are apparently invisible to us non-Latvians).

The scene in which Jake tries to keep up a yay, you have a kid! facade while repeatedly insulting Boyles priorities will definitely feel all too real to anyone whose friends have suddenly blown them off for new parenthood (a.k.a. many, many people). And I thought it was a nice touch of world-building that the key advice for Jake came from Matt Walshs Det. Lohank, who pops up unexpectedly, regenerated by the day shift and sporting cooler clothes. Jake doesnt often get moments of emotional vulnerability on the show, and hitting the wall with the night shift, his nagging injury, losing the perp, and losing Boyle is surprisingly affecting.

All this, and I have yet to mention the brief New Girl crossover (clunkily underlined by an actual crossover vehicle), which, sadly, is the weakest part of the episode. The one-scene appearance by Zooey Deschanels Jess is an out-of-place plot drag, since the car crash is never actually resolved. And I was really bummed that B99 viewers only got one member of the main cast  and that it wasnt absolute bright light of humanity Jake Johnson  while New Girl viewers will get Jake, Holt, Boyle, and Gina. But Ill let Kathryn VanArendonk take it from here. Suffice it to say that the presence of New Girls writers upped B99s already excellent joke game, as youll see in the bullet points below.

Other Notes:
I cannot believe it actually happened, but somehow, Fresh Off the Boat made an episode without a single white person. Yes, they had to go to Taiwan to do it. Yes, this is probably the last time it will happen, but I will take what I can get.

Last seasons finale left me wondering whether or not the Huangs would actually go to Taiwan, or if theyd construct some shoddy version of a night market on a back lot somewhere in Hollywood. But instead of a knockoff Taipei, the Huangs returned to their ancestral homeland and made a wonderful half-hour of television. Coming From America is a beautiful, funny reminder of how essential it is for sitcoms to expand their fictional worlds from time to time.

So the Huangs are in steamy, humid, bustling Taiwan, because Louis and his brother Gene got into a fight about many things  Money! Weddings! Choices made by their father about which son to send to America!  and Gene absconded with Grandma Huang just in time for his wedding. Everyone showed up prepared: Jessica has an empty suitcase, ready to be filled with everything the family needs from the night market, and Evan brought his AAA guide to Taiwan, a suitcase full of toilet paper, and Cinnamon Toast Crunch. Seems fine! While the circumstances of their trip are less than spectacular, this is a wonderful opportunity for Eddie, Emery, and Evan to see where theyre really from. Yeah, theyve never been to Taiwan, but its still their home, albeit a home they know nothing about because they were born and raised in America.

At Big Aunties house, the Huangs settle in to be reunited with Grandma, their cousin Hennessy, Little Auntie, and an uncle or two. This is nice, but were not here for this. Were here to find Gene and make his relationship right with Louis. It turns out Gene does pretty okay. His wedding is being held at the Grand Hotel and it is on the staircase in the hotel lobby where Gene and Louis engage in one of the best bits Ive seen on this show since the Chinese polite fight. Communicating through a translator who scurries down the stairs to present Louis with a note scrawled on a legal pad, Louis bellows across the lobby in English just how much money he spent to bring the entire family to Taiwan, engaging in a budget-off with his brother. With each revelation, Gene scampers down a few more steps, climaxing in Louiss declaration that they flew direct, in economy plus. You spent so much! So much! Gene cries with the unfettered glee of someone who understands that a true sign of love is whether or not someone else is willing to pay full price.

And who is Genes mysterious bride? Margaret (Taiwanese star Hsu Wei-ning) is a beautiful actress and model whom we first see starring in an on-the-nose energy-drink commercial featuring traditional dancing and a dude in a bear costume doing a split. Margaret is beautiful and famous; Louis, bless him, is in complete and utter disbelief.

Meanwhile, Jessica and the kids take a walk down Dihua Street, relieved and relaxed in a sea of people that look like her. She relaxes so much, in fact, that she temporarily misplaces one of her children and picks up another that isnt Evan  similar to when I walk up to another short Asian woman in Marshalls thinking its my mother. Jessica is on a quest to show her kids Taiwan as she remembers it. Sadly, her beloved Mr. Deng who sells the swordfish soup doesnt remember her and even if he did, hes out of soup. Pro tip: Go to the street vendors early if you want to actually eat there instead of at a McDonalds down the street.

Back at Big Aunties house, everyone loves Margaret and Louis is still in disbelief that his dumb brother bagged such an impressive fiancee. Hes even more impressed when they leave the apartment and go up a floor to see where Gene and Margaret stay. Surprise! Its really, really nice. American middle-class is like Taiwan rich, Louis tells his gobsmacked children and also, technically, himself, as a means of self-soothing before the inevitable nervous breakdown he will later have while writing a happy wish for his brother on a paper lantern to be lit and sent heavenward. See, he cant think of anything nice to say because hes still super-mad at  himself? Gene? His father, for choosing one son to make it in America while the other stayed in Taiwan and made a nice life for himself? Turns out, its a combination of all three, and because most intra-sibling rivalries are nothing more than pettiness writ large, Louis isnt backing down.

When Jessica Huang and her children descended up on the night market, I wrote YAASS NIGHT MARKET in my notes followed by a lot of unintelligible jabber denoting my excitement. Please understand that this scene at the night market is perfect, from Jessicas bargaining with the vendors to the way Eddies Jordans fall apart within minutes of wear. This writing staff really gets the details; this sequence in particular manages to delight at every turn.

Its time for the actual wedding, a.k.a. the whole reason they came to Taiwan in the first place. Gene and Louis still arent talking after the lantern fight, so Gene introduces his own wedding video  a beautiful retelling of Ghost starring Margaret, Gene, and a Ming vase spinning on a potters wheel, already painted. Sure! While contemplating the extravagance of the wedding, Louis and Jessica have a little chat about their expectations and how they were blown away by their visit home. Nothing in Taiwan is the same, really, because its not home anymore. Yes, if Louis had stayed in Taiwan, through the frictionless slip of connections and family friends, hed have the same kind of life that his brother does. But Cattlemans Ranch wasnt built in a day and neither was the comfortable life they have for themselves in America. For them, thats worth it.

Oh, and as for the kids? Eddie spends most of the episode wandering around Taipei looking for a fax machine so he can send Allison letters because its still 1997. Ah, pre-smartphone romance.

Authenticity Index

To parse out individual moments of this episode and rate them by how authentic they are would take up too much time. The entire episode is a beautifully wrought story about identity, one that is so rarely seen on television. Every detail feels correct and resonates, from cousin Hennessys chosen American name to the rapid-fire bargaining at the night market to the look and feel of Big Aunties apartment with its linoleum floors and mismatched chairs. The Huang familys experience of being trapped between American life and Taiwanese life is one that many first-generation kids feel. To visit the land your parents came, without knowing the language and feeling distinctly American while looking like everybody else is a strange feeling. The tiny moments that captured this  Eddie asking his dad how to say something in Mandarin, Evans horror at the way a Taiwanese elementary school is run  are utterly wonderful. If forced to rate its authenticity, I give it a lifetime supply of baozi, sold from a bamboo steamer, washed down with a grass jelly drink on a humid morning. It is that good.
Photo: HBO

HBOs Vice News Tonight is trying to reinvent a particular wheel: the nightly, half-hour, general-interest newscast that covers a wide variety of topics. Its going about it in a new way, or trying to. The early consensus seems to be that its a shiny new wrapper on an old idea. Reviews of Monday nights premiere were mostly favorable but complained that the segments were too short or generally not deep enough, and that the entire thing had a fragmented, superficial quality. Over at The Hollywood Reporter, Daniel Fienberg called the premiere a string of little amuse-bouches to whet appetites for full meals available online, while the New York Times Mike Hale said it offers a capsule version of Vices long-form reporting but lacked the atmosphere and style of Vices actual long-form work.

These and other complaints are accurate if you view the show as a self-contained entity thats meant to stand alone, as the broadcast networks nightly newscasts have done for nearly 70 years. Thats tempting to do if you grew up in an era of more linear TV journalism that was more segment-driven; if youre judging it in comparison to, say, NBC Nightly News or PBS News Hour or Nightline, Vice News Tonight feels undernourished and distracted. Monday nights premiere cut its most interesting segments (Glenn Beck saying why he wasnt a Donald Trump supporter; the Wells Fargo phony-account scandal; an Alabama prison riot as described by an inmate Skyping from solitary confinement) short just as they seemed to be building toward creating a story or an experience as opposed to an impression. Some Tuesday segments felt truncated as well, in particular an interview with former Ohio Republican House Speaker John Boehner, who told Vice News co-founder Shane Smith that he respected Hillary Clinton even though he disagreed with her, but that he was voting for Donald Trump because hes the Republican candidate. If youre going to send a crew to hang out with Boehner, you might as well hang out with him and paint a portrait of his personality and daily routine; otherwise, why not just email him some basic questions and publish the answers on your website?

The series is certainly not lacking Vices signature personalities-and-graphics-driven reporting, memorably spoofed in The Onions Edge videos and in the Documentary Now! episode Dronez: The Hunt for El Chingon. (The world is nuts, intones Dronezs publisher-narrator, played by Jack Black. No one knows whats gonna happen next. But whatever goes down, well be there, keepin a close eye on all the madness.) Unafraid to embrace its own caricature, Vice News gussies up data dumps with fast edits and screen-filling text and charts; moves from one subject to the next with transitions that seem aggressively modern at the moment, but will seem hilariously dated in a few years (thumbnail images swipe left in the manner of a dating app); and sometimes makes Vice reporters or local journalists into the story rather than just concentrating on the story itself (as in a Tuesday segment about the anti-drug vigilantism in the Philippines, which featured a traumatized news photographer as a central character). To be fair, though, that last tic is not hugely different from 60 Minutes and 20/20 building their brands around the problematic idea of reporter as hero in the 70s; Vice just loses the stentorian self-importance and encourages reporters to take a more colloquial approach in addressing the viewer (sometimes to the point of self-parody  as Tuesdays segment on the Samsung-Apple patent case, which found correspondent Nellie Bowles telling the viewer, And just what is the state of patent law? Super old!).

Still, I doubt the series is aiming to be all-encompassing, or even entirely satisfying on its own terms. It feels more like the TV equivalent of a homepage inviting viewers to visit Vice News website or expand on certain stories or facts through their app. Thats what Vice gets out of the program: a portal on a major, old-school TV platform, directing traffic back to their own platforms. Many viewers who watch the series via cable TV from their living-room couches might be Vice first-timers: According to Nielsen data, 55 percent of the people watching the Vice News Tonight premiere were over 50.

What HBO gets from the series is a dedicated, five-nights-a-week program that stimulates curiosity without demanding an hour or 90 minutes of the viewers time (as long-form work does), and  perhaps most important, from a network programming standpoint  gives HBO viewers who watch in the old-fashioned way, on a television set, another reason to just leave HBO on their screens until the next movie or scripted series or documentary comes on, instead of clicking away to see whats happening on other channels. The program is splitting the difference between the old way of watching TV, which was all about the schedule or lineup as well as loyalty to a particular venue, and the new way, which is more fragmented, on-demand-oriented, and impulse-driven. And the program seems be leaning rather aggressively into the notion of news as content that leads the viewer to still more content, rather than pretending that we still live in 1996, when TV news saw itself as a stand-alone means of telling people what was happening in the world.

As such, Vice News Tonight is an intriguing effort  not new, exactly, but newish. The hangin out doin journalism approach is easy to mock, but this new program is engaging and smart. It explains complex concepts  such as patent law, and the basic elements of the Sexual Assault Survivors Rights Act  in plain language and useful images. And the shows news crews already seem to have a knack for being in the right place at the right time to record milestone moments in peoples lives. Last night, we got to see the reaction of Amanda Nguyen, the 24-year-old rape survivor behind the Sexual Assault Survivors Rights Act, to news of the bills passage. The segment on the vigilante drug killings in the Philippines included a heartbreaking interview with a murder victims widow who said her husband was not a drug user and was likely targeted for revenge by police because hed filed a brutality complaint. The crew interviewed her at her husbands memorial service; a white casket with flowers on the lid was visible in the background. Ive set my DVR to record Vice News  something I havent done with a nightly newscast in years.
La La Land. Photo: Dale Robinette

Lets hope there was some room in the La La Land budget for storage, because theyre going to need a lot of space to keep all these awards. Damien Chazelles musical, which stars Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone, won the Audience Award for Narrative Feature at the Hamptons International Film Festival Tuesday in whats becoming a familiar pattern. After its premiere at Venice, Emma Stone took home the Volpi Cup for the festivals best actress, and La La Land left Toronto with the Grolsch Peoples Choice Award, an honor that often goes to Best Picture nominees, especially over the last few years. There are only another thousand film festivals to go before the Oscars, so Chazelle & Co. should make sure they leave some golden-man-shaped spaces on their respective shelves.
John Mulaney (as George St. Geegland), Alan Alda (as himself), Nick Kroll (as Gil Faizon)

The stars were out Monday at the opening night of Oh, Hello on Broadway, Nick Kroll and John Mulaneys latest version of their stage show about two Upper West Side schmucks  Gil Faizon and George St. Geegland, respectively. In the lobby was a whos who of famous people who live in New York  your SNL cast members, your Michael Emersons  and their agents. Jimmy Fallon was there. As was Jon Hamm, who is listed with John Slattery as an understudy for the show. But the most important person there, by far, was Mr. Alan Alda  because without him there would be no show.

Ten years ago, two unrelated events occurred: Alda released his autobiography, Never Have Your Dog Stuffed, and Kroll and Mulaney were tasked with hosting a show at Rififi, the now-closed legendary East Village alternative-comedy venue. As the story goes, Kroll and Mulaney  who have been friends since meeting in college at Georgetown, when Kroll cast Mulaney for the schools improv team  were walking around Manhattan when they saw two old men at the Strand buying a copy of Aldas book. The two comedians  who among many talents are two of the best observers of character types  became fascinated by the elderly pair, soon deciding to host their show as versions of them.

What Kroll and Mulaney could never have imagined was how far theyd be able to take these two incredibly specific characters, who trade in very geographically specific jokes: from that small East Village club to online videos to fixtures of Krolls Comedy Central sketch series, Kroll Show, to an Off Broadway run to a touring stage show to freaking Broadway, baby. And Alan Alda was their guiding light.

Thats why it was a big deal that Alda was not only attending Oh, Hello on Broadway, but would also be a participant. Each night around the shows midpoint, they stage the taping of a fake TV segment. Its a live version of Too Much Tuna, the roast-like prank-show parody they performed on Kroll Show. Seth Meyers, Katie Couric, police commissioner Ray Kelly, Dick Cavett, Bill Hader, Marcia Clark, and Richard Kind have all participated in the past, and the bit always ends with Kroll and Mulaney presenting their guest with an overstuffed tuna sandwich and coaxing them into saying that its too much tuna. On opening night, it was only fitting Alda would be their subject  and he was more than happy to play along.



From the duos first Oh  hello to their final bow, Aldas face was fixed with a broad smile, which frequently opened to release his unmistakable laugh. Sitting in the crowd just behind Mulaneys family, he laughed at the inside comedy and theater jokes, particularly loving when the duo said that Kroll teaches a seminar called Improvisation for Nonlisteners, riffing on both Improvisation for the Theater (a book by Viola Spolin that Alan Alda blurbed after studying her teaching when he was becoming an improviser many years ago) and Improvisation for Scientists (a program that Alda launched). He laughed loudest at the darkest jokes, like when Kroll revealed, in his backstory, that his dad ratted out Jews during the Holocaust. Most important, Alan Alda laughed at the many jokes about Alan Alda. Early in the show, when Kroll and Mulaney are explaining themselves, they say, We are the recipients of a 1997 restraining order, keeping us 100 feet at all times from Americas greatest actor, Mr. Alan Alda. They continued on to explain that they are authors of the weekly newsletter celebrating Mr. Alda, which is titled Alda News Thats Fit to Print. Alda got it all, and loved it. Then came time for his tuna.

Before bringing Alda onstage, Kroll said, This is genuinely the best guest we ever had. Mulaney added, We do say this every night, but youll see in a minute we really mean it  Please welcome Alan Alda. Kroll and Mulaney smiled as he walked onstage, even breaking character as their own personal excitement seemed to overwhelm their stage personas. Alda sat down and was in it right away, glaring at the two hosts and asking, How did you get in touch with me? To which Mulaney responded, A doorman uniform is like the easiest thing to fake. Alda laughed.

He laughed a lot, even when they roasted him. Take the first question: On February 28th, 1983, a hundred million people tuned in to the least funny episode of M*A*S*H. I mean sometimes jokes dont land, but for a whole hour? Alda chuckled and responded, It was two hours. Quickly, Alda was giving it back to the duo, even saying Broadway in their distinctly nonsensical style, where it sounds like Brrrdway. Alda told Kroll, I dont understand anything he says, pointing to Mulaney. I understand you a little bit, but its the attitude because you have this funny expression. He doesnt have much of any expression. This got a big laugh from the audience and a bigger laugh from Kroll and Mulaney, as for a lot of their career Kroll was thought of as more of the performer between the two. Mulaney responded, winkingly, When you write, you dont have to be good at the performing side of it. To which Alda, playing like he still didnt understand him, responded, What!?

The segment ends, as all of these do, with an enormous tuna-fish sandwich being placed in front of the guest. Kroll and Mulaney mocked Alda and tried to get him to describe the sandwich. Alda looked at the two of them and said, I dont want to put too fine a point on it, but this is too much fucking tuna. Music played, and Kroll and Mulaney got up and danced in excitement. As Alda was leaving the stage, they got on the ground and bowed to him. Alda accepted the bows and got on the ground with them, prompting Mulaney to look out to the audience and say, Alan Alda just whispered to us: He will be in the lobby after the show. And he would like to take a cell-phone picture with you. Kroll added, Make sure to give your camera to somebody who doesnt know how to use it. As is the case when Kroll and Mulaney get off on a riff, they didnt stop until they got the biggest laugh. Mulaney found it with, And, Alan, if you can just point out which car is yours, I will Cape Fear myself to the bottom of it and well see each other real soon. Alda, back at his seat, mouth wide, laughed. Then Mulaney looked Kroll and said, Alan Alda just did the show.
Sir Rod Stewart. Photo: WPA Pool/Getty Images

If you want his body, and you think hes sexy  youre going to have to call him Sir, first. Rod Stewart  or, ahem  Sir Roderick David Stewart  was knighted at Buckingham Palace today by Prince William. The 71-year-old Stewart, joined by his wife Penny Lancaster and two of his eight children, looked dashing in tartan pants that nodded to his Scottish-British heritage as he knelt before the Duke of Cambridge. Stewarts impending knighthood was first announced back in June as part of Queen Elizabeths 2016 birthday honors. He was honored for services to music and charity, though wed add service to hair-product usage to that list. Sir Rod joins a growing list of rockers sword-tapped for knighthood, including Sirs Mick Jagger, Paul McCartney, and Elton John. Famously, David Bowie was courted for knightship in 2003 but declined, saying, Its not what I spent my life working for. For his part, Stewart accepted the honor lamenting only that his mum and dad couldnt be there to see it. He is, as of this writing, likely sipping gin and Dubbonet with the Queen.
Fans of Dunkin Donuts and those wanting to sample its pastries and gourmet coffees for the first time flocked to Wacos new shop Tuesday, creating lines for the 5:30 a.m. opening at Wooded Acres and Valley Mills drives and again during lunch hour because the chain also sells sandwiches.

Business was so brisk that Dunkin Donuts found the cupboard bare of a few popular choices by the middle of the day.

Why dont you just tell me what you do have? said Miriam Gracia, 33, whose first two picks, Caramel Apple Croissants and Reeses Peanut Butter Squares, came up empty as her car crept through the drive-thru lane. She laughed and said she understood the shops plight, considering it was opening day.

Gracia turned to a friend and said, Have you ever tried a Caramel Apple Croissant? They are amazing. Will absolutely change your life.

Mark Nelson, a Baylor University graduate and local franchisee for Dunkin Donuts, said customers were lined up at the door at 4 a.m. Tuesday, awaiting the opening 90 minutes later and the opportunity to win prizes. He spoke by phone briefly, saying, We have been extremely busy, exceeded our expectations.

He said at midafternoon he did not have figures on the number of people who had entered the shop or gone through the drive-thru lane.

Nelson has said he has the rights to place Dunkin Donuts locations in Waco and in several other markets, including Bryan-College Station, Temple, Killeen, Belton, Copperas Cove and Salado. He wants to place two other shops in the Greater Waco area and is scouting for sites.

Some of those piling into Wacos new location had enjoyed the Dunkin Donuts experience elsewhere in Texas or in the Northeast, where the brand enjoys a stronghold.

What do I think? I think we oughta have one in Hewitt, said Les Burch, 69, who was enjoying a box of doughnuts in mixed flavors with his wife, Linda, 67. They retired to Hewitt from La Crosse, Wisconsin, and have relatives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, where they head to Dunkin Donuts every time they visit.

They parked their vehicle behind Wacos shop, watched the flow of traffic and sipped on iced mocha and pumpkin spice coffee.

Its all delicious, Linda Burch said.

She and her husband had just picked up tickets to the Heart O Texas Fair & Rodeo and could not resist a pit stop.

Jim Davis, 78, who bought a cup of coffee and a breakfast muffin, said he closely monitors his calorie intake but still appreciates another choice for doughnuts.

I like Shipleys, Davis said of the dominant doughnut name in Greater Waco. But I use Dunkin Donut coffee thats available in the grocery store.

He described the scene inside as chaotic, about what one would expect on the first day of business with inexperienced staffers.

Ive never been in a Dunkin Donuts. I know theyre big up North, and its always good to have more coffee options or caffeine options, said Destiny Miller, 24, a McLennan Community College student who luckily found a parking spot behind the shop during the noontime rush.

Charis Dillon, 31, had plenty of nice things to say about her blueberry coffee and waffle sandwich, and about Dunkin Donuts in general.

If you travel in the Northeast, you will see one on every corner. Im excited we now have one here, she said.

Like several customers, Alicia Bartlett, 32, found a parking spot and dispatched a passenger to fetch goodies while she waited.

My dad was in the military, so I traveled a lot and knew about Dunkin, Bartlett said. I had heard Waco was getting one and saw it had opened when I passed by.

She said she ordered glazed Munchkins for her two small daughters in the back seat and a blueberry muffin for herself.

Calls to the local Starbucks locations about the arrival of a potential competitor were greeted with no comments and referrals to the corporate headquarters.

At the Burger King restaurant next door, assistant manager Alfred Gerena said the neighborhood was bustling Tuesday morning.

An employee said cars and people were lined up around the place, like everybody in town was going there, Gerena said. Im sure well give it a try.

Schreiber Investments, led by Wes Schreiber, entered into a build-to-suit agreement with Nelson, who is leasing the 2,100-square-foot building.

Schreiber drove through the parking lot of the establishment about noon, possibly scouting his tenants crowd.

Were very excited about the use of that property, Steve Cash, a property manager and real estate broker for Schreiber Investments, recently told the Tribune-Herald. I think Dunkin will go over very well, if it can carve away business from Shipleys, then create its own fan base.

In the spring, Dunkin announced plans to broaden its presence in several areas of Texas and began soliciting franchisees.

Phil Adkins, a regional spokesman for Shipley Do-Nuts based in Dallas, said he learned about 1 p.m. Tuesday that Dunkin had opened in Waco. He called the owners of Shipley locations at Cobbs and Valley Mills drives and on Waco Drive to hear how their days had gone with Dunkin now on the radar screen.

According to what they told me, it was a pretty normal Tuesday. They noticed no significant changes, and there were no big issues. Dunkin did have a quiet opening, so maybe by the weekend, we will have something to talk about, Adkins said, adding he likely will stop at Wacos Dunkin this week on his way to Austin.
At a time when overall homeownership is at a 30-year low in the United States, the Greater Waco Advanced Manufacturing Academy is a leading example of an institution with students who get it and a community that supports the idea that college isnt the only avenue to a successful career, U.S. Rep. Bill Flores, R-College Station, said.

GWAMA soon may train part of the workforce needed to build the countrys new homes, in addition to preparing students for careers that may allow them to buy their own homes.

Campus leaders are pushing to launch a construction science program for next school year to bridge gaps in the housing industry, which could be approved by Waco Independent School District trustees as early as this month.

Flores, who received the Defender of Housing Award on Wednesday at GWAMA, used his acceptance speech to focus on the schools ability to give students a head start in an area where the jobs are many but the employees are few.

GWAMA offers classes and dual credit courses in welding, precision metal manufacturing, robotics and electronics to sophomores, juniors and seniors from any school district within a 60-mile radius.

The National Association of Home Builders gives the award to 133 federal legislators who have demonstrated strong support for housing and for the associations positions on issues in the industry, the associations website states.

If we really want to re-instill that American dream, weve got to give people the opportunity to have the home they want at an affordable price, and also weve got to actually have the folks who can build these things, said Flores, whose district includes Waco, to more than 50 GWAMA students at the ceremony. Its exciting to see how this community is leading them to building the workforce of the 21st century with the skills we need.

Flores said GWAMAs model, and its partnership with Texas State Technical College and programs offered at McLennan Community College, should be followed all over the country.

College is a great pathway, but I get frustrated when people think its the is the only path to having a great economic future in this country and the only path to having a decent career, Flores said. Yall get it, and youve already made the good decisions. Stick with it. Work hard. Study hard, and the world will be your oyster.

In 2014, 169,000 people worked in Texas construction industry, but there were 270,000 jobs available, said Scott Bland, president of the Heart of Texas Builders Association.

The difference in those numbers shows a critical deficiency, Bland said. He and Greater Brazos Valley Builders Association representatives presented the award to Flores, and both groups have a key role in developing the construction science program GWAMA may add.

If the board passes the program, the HOT Builders Association wants to start GWAMA sophomore students learning the basics, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration regulations for on-site safety, he said.

In a students junior year, they could learn more in-depth skills related to plumbing, electricity, heating, masonry and carpentry. In the final year, students could have paid internships in specialized areas, where they could work four days in the field and one day in the classroom and work toward certifications, Bland said.

That would put GWAMA students light-years ahead of traditional high school graduates, he said.

Because the education system is geared mostly toward a college-only pathway, the construction industry has lost students willing to pursue the field because they arent being taught about other opportunities that dont involve a four-year degree, he said.

The field also has shifted away from simple home construction and toward complex, heavily-regulated and technologically-advanced homes.

This means trained and skilled workers are difficult to come by, and fighting the stigma that construction careers are low on the social totem pole is critical, he said.

Jobs that pay $20, $30 and even $40 an hour exist in the field, and starting training before students graduate can play a key role in filling those positions, he said.

Jobs in our industry are every bit as complicated and require these students here (at GWAMA), students who have good heads on their shoulders and are squared away and know what they want to do, Bland said. We need those kids in our industry. We can no longer be an industry of jobs that are a last resort.

The district is looking forward to the possibility of a long and productive partnership with the associations, considering building a new home itself is a partnership, Waco ISD Superintendent Bonny Cain said.

Its a partnership between homebuilders, their crews and their clients. Owning ones home remains the American dream, Cain said during the award ceremony. As Waco ISD makes training for the home building industry more affordable and attainable, Wacos community dream broadens.

It broadens to include homeownership, to include local, high-quality, well-paying jobs to assist families who want to buy their own homes, and it includes Waco homebuilding industries having a much easier time hiring local workers who are trained to meet local homebuilder specifications. GWAMA construction students will go to work for local builders, not ready to be trained, but ready to work, Cain said.
In the wake of last months retirement of Wacos federal judge, the presidents of two local bar associations have launched campaigns seeking to replace him with a Central Texas resident.

The presidents of the Waco-McLennan County Bar Association and the McLennan County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association each have written letters to the White House, U.S. Sens. John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, and Chief U.S. District Judge Orlando Garcia requesting that the vacancy left by the retirement of U.S. District Judge Walter S. Smith Jr. be filled with a local resident.

Garcia, chief judge of the sprawling Western District of Texas, which includes Waco, said U.S. District Judge Alia Moses, of Del Rio, has expressed interest in transferring to Waco to fill Smiths position. But Garcia said Tuesday he has not received any applications from judges wishing to transfer to other locations.

If Moses were to transfer to Waco, the judicial vacancy would be in Del Rio.

Moses did not return a phone message left at her chambers in Del Rio on Tuesday.

Patricia Wilson, a Baylor University law professor and president of the Waco-McLennan County Bar Association, and Nora Farah, president of the local criminal defense bar, both said they are aware that at least one judge has expressed interest in transferring to Waco. That is why they said their associations thought it important to write letters endorsing a local resident as Smiths successor.

The bar association believes strongly in the importance and the value of having someone from this community appointed to serve this community, Wilson said Tuesday.

Federal judges are appointed by the president. With the upcoming election, officials say it could be some time before judicial vacancies are filled, including a place on the U.S. Supreme Court left vacant since the death of Associate Justice Antonin Scalia in February.

Cruz and Cornyn have established a Federal Judicial Evaluation Committee, a panel of attorneys in Texas, to review candidates for judicial appointments. The senators make recommendations for appointments to the president. They also can block potential nominees.

Farah said the criminal defense bar thinks it is important for a local resident to get the appointment because he or she would be familiar with the local bar, the Waco U.S. Attorneys Office, local rules of the court and the overall system.

We know local attorneys and local judges. We have a working relationship with them, Farah said. We know the system, how it works. We wont take a particular position on a particular person, but we do think it is important that the person selected is from our local area.

In her letter, Wilson said appointing an attorney who has existing ties to Central Texas would ensure the resolution of cases by a judge who already has familiarity with the area and its unique challenges. Judge Smith served for the Waco division for more than 30 years, and our area benefited from having a judge with local ties.

Officials say U.S. Magistrate Jeffrey C. Manske, of Waco, is exploring the possibility of seeking the appointment. There is sure to be great interest among local attorneys seeking the job, which carries a lifetime appointment.

U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman, a former U.S. Attorney for the Western District, has been coming to Waco to hear Smiths cases since December 2015, when the Judicial Council of the 5th U.S. Circuit Court reprimanded Smith for groping a court clerk in his chambers and lying to investigators about it. The council also stripped Smith from hearing any new cases for at least a year and ordered him to undergo counseling.

Smith was the subject of a renewed investigation when he retired last month, ending the judicial councils jurisdiction over the former judge.

Smith, 75, a Republican who lost elections for 54th State District judge and McLennan County judge, was appointed by President Ronald Reagan in 1984.

After Smiths retirement, Garcia assigned Pitman to handle the Waco federal court docket, which includes three pending Title IX lawsuits against Baylor University filed by at least 10 women who allege Baylor officials mishandled their sexual assault allegations.
Two men accused of shooting at a woman in the parking lot of a Waco topless bar in late August have been arrested on deadly conduct charges, Waco police Sgt. W. Patrick Swanton said.

Brandon Keith Taplin, 23, of Waco, was arrested last Thursday after he shot a handgun at an unknown woman in the parking lot of Two Minnies, 641 Ruby Ave., on Aug. 29, according to an arrest affidavit. Taplin was one of two men who got into an argument in the parking lot before shots were fired at a woman who was seen leaving the area, according to the affidavit.

Police issued a warrant for Darien Kyle Jones, 25, of Waco, on a charge of deadly conduct in the same incident, Swanton said. Authorities in Ellis County arrested Jones on Tuesday, and he was taken to McLennan County Jail.

Police were called to Two Minnies at about 1:40 a.m. on Aug. 29 after the two men reportedly got into an argument. Shortly after the argument, an unidentified woman got into her car, circled the parking lot and smashed her car into a vehicle belonging to one of the men, Swanton previously told the Tribune-Herald. The impact pushed the car into the business, damaging the building.

The woman drove off, and both men fired shots at the fleeing vehicle before getting in a car and pursuing her, Swanton said.

According to Taplins arrest affidavit, video surveillance provided by Two Minnies assisted in the investigation. A witness was also able to identify the men involved in the shooting.

Taplin posted bond last week and was released from custody. Jones also posted bond Tuesday and was released.
What did Donald Trump have left to lose Sunday night? His dignity? Please. His campaigns theme? His Cleveland convention was a mini-Nuremberg rally for Republicans whose three-word recipe for making America great again was the shriek Lock her up! This presaged his Banana Republican vow to imprison his opponent.

The St. Louis festival of snarls was preceded by the release of a tape that merely provided redundant evidence of what Trump is like when he is being his boisterous self. Nevertheless, the tape sent various Republicans  who till then had discovered nothing to disqualify Trump from the presidency  into paroxysms of theatrical, tactical and synthetic dismay.

Again, the tape revealed nothing about this arrested-development adolescent that todays righteously recoiling Republicans either did not already know or had no excuse for not knowing. Before the tape reminded the pathologically forgetful of Trumps feral appetites and deranged sense of entitlement, the staid Economist magazine reminded readers of this: When Mr. Trump divorced the first of his three wives, Ivana, he let the New York tabloids know that one reason for the separation was that her breast implants felt all wrong.

His sexual loutishness is a sufficient reason for defeating him, but it is far down a long list of sufficient reasons. But if it  rather than, say, his enthusiasm for torture even if it doesnt work, or his ignorance of the nuclear triad  is required to prompt some Republicans to have second thoughts about him, so be it.

For example, Sen. Richard Burr, a North Carolinian seeking a third term, represents a kind of Republican judiciousness regarding Trump. Having heard the tape and seen Trumps apology (Trump said, essentially: My naughty locker room banter is better than Bill Clintons behavior), Burr solemnly said: I am going to watch his level of contrition over the next few days to determine my level of support. North Carolinians will watch with bated breath as Burr, measuring with a moral micrometer, carefully calibrates how to adjust his support to Trumps unfolding repentance. Burr, who is chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, has not received this nugget of intelligence: Contrition is not in Trumps repertoire.

Trump is a marvelously efficient acid bath, stripping away his supporters surfaces, exposing their skeletal essences. Consider Mike Pence, a favorite of what Republicans devoutly praise as Americas faith community. Some of its representatives, crucifixes glittering in the television lights, are still earnestly explaining the urgency of giving to Trump, who agreed that his daughter is a piece of ass, the task of improving Americas ailing culture.

Because Pence looks relatively presidential when standing next to Trump  talk about defining adequacy down  some Republicans want Trump to slink away, allowing Pence to float to the top of the ticket and represent Republicanism resurrected. This idea ignores a pertinent point: Pence is standing next to Trump.

Pence salivated for the privilege of being Trumps poodle, and he expresses his canine devotion in rhetorical treacle about this good man. What would a bad man look like to pastor Pence?

Still, some journalists, who seem to have no interests beyond their obsession with presidential politics and who illustrate Kiplings principle (What should they know of England who only England know?), are so eager to get started on 2020 that they are anointing Pence the GOPs front-runner. Perhaps Republicans will indeed embrace a man who embraced a presidential candidate whose supposed locker room banter merely echoed sexual boasts he published in a book.

Today, however, Trump should stay atop the ticket, for four reasons. First, he will give the nation the pleasure of seeing him join the one cohort, of the many cohorts he disdains, that he most despises  losers. Second, by continuing to campaign in the spirit of St. Louis, he can remind the nation of the useful axiom that there is no such thing as rock bottom. Third, by persevering through Nov. 8 he can simplify the GOPs quadrennial exercise of writing its post-campaign autopsy, which this year can be published Nov. 9 in one sentence: Perhaps it is imprudent to nominate a venomous charlatan. Fourth, Trump is the GOPs chemotherapy, a nauseating but, if carried through to completion, perhaps a curative experience.

George Will is also a commentator for Fox News.
Kudos to the Greater Waco Chamber of Commerce for putting together useful forums with local, state and national leaders to highlight issues facing Waco and the nation. Todays showcasing of Congressman Bill Flores, whose district includes Waco; U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, who mounted a strong Republican campaign for president this year; and Rob Engstrom, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, is a golden opportunity.

For one thing, it will be a chance to hear out three individuals who have a lot of influence on the business community and the crafting of laws. More importantly, its a too-rare chance for local business leaders to politely, concisely but firmly offer points about expectations in 2017, no matter who wins the White House.

Thats important. We cant have another several years where leaders of one party announce at the outset they wont cooperate with the White House, whether Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton occupies the Oval Office. The gridlock characterizing Capitol Hill for much of the 21st century fails the American people when crucial issues such as tax and entitlement reform languish unaddressed.

Consensus would sure help, even if its just in the Republican Party (which might at least be possible after the election  again, no matter who wins). For instance, Cruz has vowed to fight President Obamas nomination of the first U.S. ambassador to Cuba in more than 50 years. He has suggested the Obama move amounts to heaping honors on Raul and Fidel Castro.

Yet several months back, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott took advantage of the Obama administrations initiative to normalize relations with Cuba. On that cue, Abbott led a Texas business delegation to Havana, part of his worthy resolve to continue ensuring that our state continues as the top exporter in the nation.

Lets hope top Texas Republicans get their strategy together rather than working at cross-purposes. If were going to trade Texas goods and services with Cuba, maybe we better have someone in an ambassadorial capacity helping out.

Meanwhile, Flores makes excellent points about immigration reform, another major priority for business, and his town hall meetings suggest many local folks agree with him, including his point that deporting 11.5 million illegal immigrants now living and working in the United States is simply unrealistic. However, his equally frank remarks about the failures of Congress at the recent Texas Tribune Festival convince us that anything short of comprehensive immigration reform is doomed.

Reason: Neither side in Congress trusts the other to follow up on priorities important to it. So much for incremental reform.

Lets hope for the best at todays forum. Thanks to our chamber, local business leaders have a shot at offering some of their ideas. Are national leaders listening?
WAHOO  The proposal to consolidate the Saunders County Register of Deeds office with the Saunders County Assessors office has become a polarizing topic.

On July 12, the Saunders County Board of Supervisors voted to send the question of consolidation to the vote of the people.

The General Election ballot question reads: Shall the Saunders County Register of Deeds office and the Saunders County Assessors office be consolidated into one consolidated office according to the resolution adopted by the county board of Saunders County, Nebraska, on July 12, 2016?

A yes vote will allow the county to proceed with consolidation plans. A no vote is a vote against consolidation.

The initial reasoning given by the board of supervisors for the proposal was for efficiency and savings of dollars.

And board members are standing by that rationale. In a written statement addressed to the citizens of Saunders County and handed out at its Sept. 27 meeting, the board collectively stated It has been and will continue to be the goal of the Saunders County Board of Supervisors to reduce both the size and cost of Saunders County Government without eliminating necessary services.

But, personnel in both offices directly affected by the possible consolidation disagree with the boards assertions.

My feelings are that its not going to save money, Saunders County Assessor Cathy Gusman said. If merged, theres a lot of work and training and very little potential savings.

Deputy Register of Deeds Rhonda Andresen also has concerns.

You cant tell how it would impact service, she said. You have two highly efficient offices that run well. You would hope services would not dwindle, but nobody can promise that.

Saunders County Register of Deeds Don Clark has stated he will not run for that office again at the end of his current term, two years from now.

As proposed by the supervisors and if the voters give the nod to consolidation, one elected official, the Saunders County assessor, would run the consolidated office.

How that would work and how the office would be staffed, however, are still unknowns. Supervisor Doris Karloff said a plan has not been put in place yet for those details.

If consolidation were to gain voter approval, planning would then take place over the next two years. Personnel details will not be worked on until after the vote passes, Karloff said.

The Register of Deeds office currently has two full-time employees and one temporary call-in employee. The budget for the office, not including health insurance and benefits, is $113,607.

According to the boards letter, the proposed salary for the Register of Deeds in 2019 will be approximately $61,579. In addition, the position would cost an additional $8,800 in retirement and social security and between $13,280 and $16,615 in health insurance. The total to retain this position would be between $83,726 and $87,061 a year, equaling $870,000 over a 10-year period.

We believe the county will save at least one half of the amount listed annually. Over a 10 year span, the savings should exceed $425,000 without giving up the quality of service or efficiency that we have come to expect, the letter reads.

The office would have to find a way to fill the gap of work voided by another, full-time person in the Register of Deeds office.

Whether this means hiring another full-time employee at a lower wage or hiring two part-time people, remains unknown, Karloff said.

The Saunders County Assessors office currently has six full-time employees, including Gusman. The budget for the office, not including benefits and health insurance, is $253,348.

Gusman does not have a deputy in her office and said she has been told she does not need one per state statute.

Gusman said she had proposed assigning one person as a deputy, but was denied that request during budget discussions with the board.

When looking at savings in relation to the budget, Supervisor Ed Rastovski said he looks at larger positives and negatives.

Increasing costs in certain areas, like contract negotiations with the union and additions to the roads budget, need to be offset with savings or revenue in other departments.

He said he believes consolidation is an opportunity to save the county money.

This savings would include looking at each offices hours.

At the Sept. 20 Supervisors meeting, Administrative Assistant to the Board Louis Austin approached the board regarding a potential change in hours for the Register of Deeds office, suggesting the office could close at 4:30 p.m.

Supervisor David Lutton said, Were paying for eight hours of work. If they dont need eight hours then thats another reason we should consolidate the office.

Cross training employees to perform multiple job functions has also been pointed out as a way to save cost and gain efficiency.

But, Andresen said that the boards lack of knowledge in regard to each offices specific function creates an impediment to efficiently actualizing that concept.

The supervisors have not visited this office to be able to tell what it does, Andresen said.

Technology has not made multiple department tasks simpler, but has added an extra step to process, she added.

The Register of Deeds office has nothing in common with other offices in the courthouse, she said.

No plans have yet been detailed about how a consolidated office would be set up, how computer system compatibility could be handled or what types of costs might be incurred.

Gusman said that she supposed these two offices would be most logical to consolidate, since they deal with land. But, she stated that everyone does different things.

There would be technology issues to figure out and lots of training with new hires, Gusman said.

She said extra staff might also be needed in her office because of consolidation. Hypothetically, she said that the assessor would have to move from a working position to

an administrative position, if in charge of both offices.

The boards Sept. 27 letter stated that Saunders County is one of only 15 counties who have a separate Register of Deeds office. Sarpy County, one of those 15, is asking voters a similar consolidation question on the November ballot.

There has been mixed reaction from some of the other counties who have already consolidated.

At the July 12 public hearing, Douglas County Assessor Diane Battiato spoke against consolidation, after her experience consolidating the same two offices in her county recently.

In a written response to Austin, the Lancaster County Assessors office reported their office functions well, after having been consolidated for 13 years.

There was no one present at the July 12 public hearing speaking in favor of consolidation. Several county officials and area residents spoke in opposition.

Andresen views that as a message.

County government is of the people and for the people. When no one was there to speak for it and they put it on the ballot anyway, it was personal, Andresen said.

The board voted six to one July 12 to approve placing the question on the ballot, with the lone no vote coming from Rastovski.

Following the meeting, Rastovski said his reason for voting no was because he wanted a plan with options to be presented and for any cost savings to be presented in those options.
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Commonwealth Bank of Australia has appointed one of the nation's most powerful business leaders, Telstra chairman Catherine Livingstone, as its new chairman.

Ms Livingstone, who is president of the Business Council of Australia and was the chief executive of Cochlear, will succeed David Turner when he retires from the board on December 31. Mr Turner has served as chairman since early 2010.

Catherine Livingstone has been appointed the new chairman of Commonwealth Bank of Australia. Credit:Peter Rae

Ms Livingstone's background in technology and science should suit the CBA, as banks are increasingly looking for directors with technology experience as they battle a new wave of digital rivals.

Ms Livingstone, who has been viewed as a likely successor for Mr Turner since she was appointed to the CBA board in March, will retire from her role at the BCA next month, the bank said in a statement to the Australian stock exchange.
Thousands of investors allegedly "blindsided" by Slater and Gordon are suing the legal firm in what may end up as Australia's largest shareholder class action.

More than 3000 shareholders who lost more than $250 million in Slater and Gordon's 2015 share price plunge have so far signed up to the Maurice Blackburn Lawyers class action.

Slater & Gordon faces a class action launched by more than 3000 shareholders. Credit:Jessica Shapiro

The claim has been filed as an open class action to cover tens of thousands of affected shareholders, and will end up being significantly larger, Maurice Blackburn national head of class actions Andrew Watson said.

"The claim will vastly exceed the $250 million and has the potential to be one of Australia's largest shareholder class actions, if not the largest," he saidy.
Khloe Kardashian has revealed her older sister Kim is "not doing that well" after she was robbed at gunpoint in a Paris hotel room last week.

In an interview on The Ellen Show on Tuesday, the younger Kardashian sister spoke publicly for the first time since the incident occurred last Monday.

"She's not doing that well, I mean, it's incredibly traumatic what happened to her," Khloe said.

"But our family is super close, and great, and we'll get through it together."
In August, the University of Chicago sent a welcome letter to incoming students. The letter emphasised its "commitment to freedom of inquiry and expression without fear of censorship".

"Our commitment to academic freedom', it continued, "means that we do not support so-called 'trigger warnings' [or] academic 'safe spaces' where individuals can retreat from ideas and perspectives at odds with their own."

Students, as well as teachers, see trigger warnings as a way of opening up discussion rather than closing it down. Credit:Stocksy

In the fraught debate over trigger warnings in the university classroom, warnings are routinely associated with censorship, silencing, and "coddled millennials" fleeing to the safety of spaces where their views will not be challenged.

Recently on The Conversation, for instance, Marguerite Johnson referred to Columbia Unviersitys Multicultural Affairs Advisory Board, which had suggested trigger warnings for Ovids Metamorphoses, an epic poem containing fifty rapes. Johnson wondered whether such warnings "would censor discussions of rape and shut down interrogations of sex, violence, and female exploitation".
"Are you married?" "No." "Do you use condoms? Or are you on the contraceptive pill?" "Well, my partner is a woman, so no." I hadn't planned on coming out, but his question about condoms and the pill made me think he was more progressive than he looked. It hadn't occurred to me that I had to worry about his professionalism. "You're in a homosexual relationship?" he asked. He paused, with the speculum partially inserted.

"Yes." What he said next was disgusting and triggering. I don't want to write the words, and I especially don't want LGBTIQ people to have to read them. Suffice it to say, he shamed me. He told me that I was living an unnatural lifestyle that would make me unhappy. Knowing I was Jewish, he brought up my parents, and told me that I was letting them down after they had sacrificed everything for me. For a long time, I didn't tell anyone other than my girlfriend about this. I didn't get another pap smear for a while. I didn't confide in a medical professional about my mental health issues for another six years. It wasn't until I reached my thirties that I gained some confidence in dealing with the medical establishment. It isn't just being queer that makes it difficult to communicate confidently with doctors. It is also related to gender, and the way that young women are conditioned to be polite and passive in a patriarchal society.

I had always assumed that doctors offered the same treatment to their patients, regardless of their own views. However, the LA Times published an article last week about a study recently conducted by researchers at Yale University. "The study results suggest that patients can expect to get different kinds of medical care depending on where their doctor lies along the political spectrum," the article explained. It is important that we consider the impact medical professionals can have on people's self-confidence, self-esteem and sense of self. It is essential that medical care is inclusive of all genders and sexual identities, particularly if, as a society, we wish to promote mental health and reduce suicide. Last year, I wrote about my bisexuality, in response to beyondblue's report, Going Upstream, and the Australian Bureau of Statistic's General Social Survey. Both reports revealed the higher statistical likelihood for LGBTIQ people to have poor health, a disability, a long-term health condition, or a mental health condition. Medical professionals need to understand the negative impacts that even one experience can have, both short and long term, on the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQ people especially. If current professional development and regulations aren't sufficient, then it is time that we explore what else could be done to ensure that all doctors are trained, observant, empathetic and able to put personal judgments aside in their practice. The Australian government's Mental Health Commission, established in 2012, aims to promote mental health, prevent mental illness and suicide across all sectors, and ensure that mental health is embedded in government policy and reform.

Despite so much funding and promotion, the information isn't reaching the right people. I spoke to a bisexual woman in her 20s who had been brought up in a Christian community. She believed that pap smears were not necessary if the patient had regular checks for STDs. When I explained that the pap smear was actually a test screening for cervical cancer, she was astonished and concerned. For those concerned about seeing a doctor, I suggest doing some research about the clinic and reading any available reviews. Some will mention that they are LGBTIQ-friendly specifically. Bring someone along to your appointment for support, if possible. If a medical professional makes you feel uncomfortable, there are avenues in which you can follow it up, including your state or territory's Health Care Complaints Commission or Health Services Commissioner, and the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency. In my case, it took many years, and a lot of money, to find a GP who suits me and makes me feel like my health is the priority. I don't want a doctor who prioritises their political stance or religious ideology over my wellbeing, like that religious doctor who filled me with shame and sent me back into the closet for almost a decade. I implore readers to think twice about continuing to see conservative, judgmental, condescending and unhelpful doctors. If you have a great doctor, and know that a loved one has one of the bad ones, text them the details. You just might save their life. Roz Bellamy is a Melbourne-based writer, teacher and editor. www.rozbellamy.com
A man was hit by a car and killed on Tuesday night after being present at a domestic violence incident in Perth's southern suburbs that left a young woman in hospital.

Police were called to the incident at a home in Shelley Way, Munster, about 7.20pm, where a 22-year-old woman was taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital and remains in a stable condition.

There were multiple people in the house at the time and one of them was the same man hit by a car and killed in the neighbouring suburb of Yangebup about 15 minutes later, police say.

A grey 2014 Suzuki Swift hatchback, headed south, hit him as he crossed Stock Road.
The death of a six -year-old girl at Ivanhoe Crossing last week could have been prevented, according to a former Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley council member.

The girl drowned when she fell into the water of the Ord River, and was sucked into a whirlpool at the crossing.

The Crossing has been impacted by heavy rainfall this season. Credit:iStock

Large rocks had previously been in place to slow down water travelling through the crossing, and had acted as a safety barrier for those swimming at the spot.

The rocks were removed during contracted repairs in late 2015, and former council member Simone Rushby said the decision to re-open the crossing without them had proved increasingly dangerous.
Washington: A powerful surveillance program that police used for tracking racially charged protests in Baltimore and Ferguson, Missouri, relied on special feeds of user data provided by Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, according to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).

The companies reportedly provided the data - often including the locations of users - to Geofeedia, a Chicago-based company that analyses social media posts to deliver surveillance information to 500 law enforcement agencies. The social media companies sought to restrict Geofeedia's access to the streams of user data in recent weeks after the ACLU discovered them and alerted the companies about looming public exposure.

People watch as stores burn in Ferguson in November 2014 after the fatal police shooting of Michael Brown. Credit:AP

The popularity of Geofeedia and similar programs highlights how the rise of social media has given governments worldwide powerful new ways to monitor crime and civil unrest. Authorities often target such surveillance at minority groups or others seeking to publicly air political grievances, potentially chilling free speech, said the ACLU's California affiliate, which unearthed Geofeedia's relationship with social media companies through a public records request of dozens of law enforcement agencies.

"These platforms need to be doing more to protect the free speech rights of activists of colour and stop facilitating their surveillance by police," said Nicole Ozer, technology and civil liberties policy director for the ACLU of California. "The ACLU shouldn't have to tell Facebook or Twitter what their own developers are doing. The companies need to enact strong public policies and robust auditing procedures to ensure their platforms aren't being used for discriminatory surveillance."
Sao Paulo: Corruption charges against former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva piled up on Monday as prosecutors accused him and Marcelo Odebrecht, ex-CEO of engineering group Odebrecht, in an alleged bribery scheme related to contracts in Angola.

Lula already faced several other charges related to a sweeping kickback probe at state-run oil company Petrobras , and Odebrecht is serving a 19-year sentence after his conviction on other corruption allegations in the investigation.

Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in Rio de Janeiro last month. Credit:AP

The new charges come amid expectations that Odebrecht - Latin America's largest construction conglomerate - is on the cusp of signing a leniency deal with prosecutors that would see its former CEO and dozens of other executives turn state's witness.

Prosecutors have said the Odebrecht group, with its global reach and powerful connections inside Brazil, was at the heart of the long-running corruption scheme. Testimony from its executives could significantly expand the Petrobras probe, lead to new investigations and implicate more politicians.
President Barack Obama votes early in Chicago. Credit:AP Typically, the last weeks before the voter registration deadline are the most fruitful for Democrats. And Robby Mook, Clinton's campaign manager, said he was confident of where they stood in Florida and other swing states. "We are literally in the midst of the highest peak in voter registration for our campaign," he said last week during a conference call with reporters, in which he called on Scott to extend the deadline because of the storm. "President Obama definitely saw the same thing back in 2012. So we know you will see those voter rolls change, but it will take a little time." Local residents receive their ballots at the Polk County Election Office on the first day of early voting in Des Moines, Iowa last month. Credit:AP Vote-by-mail requests among Hispanics in Florida, Mook added, are up 77 per cent. And voter registration data there backs up his assertion that they are breaking for the Democratic Party in unprecedented numbers. Since January 1, just 16 per cent of new Hispanic voters registered as Republicans. That is down significantly compared with Hispanic voters who registered before 2013: 28 per cent of them registered as Republicans, according to Daniel A. Smith, a political science professor at the University of Florida.

The Clinton campaign has undertaken an ambitious effort to find likely supporters, identifying and modelling the voting behaviour of every voter in the swing states. John Olsen and Mark Cooper race to be the first to get their ballot in the box on the first day of early voting. Credit:AP Few states are expected to be closer than Florida, which Obama won by just 73,000 votes in 2012, and North Carolina, which he lost by 97,000 and where polls now show a statistical tie between Clinton and Trump. Early indications are that the Clinton campaign's efforts in North Carolina are paying off. If Trump does not win there, his path to the 270 electoral votes needed to win the White House becomes far more complicated and uncertain - and that assumes he hangs on in Florida.

According to an analysis of early voting in North Carolina's top 10 most populous counties, conducted by Michael McDonald, an assistant professor of political science at the University of Florida, ballot requests are up 17 per cent from 2012 among registered Democrats and down 27 per cent among Republicans. This suggests that Trump's weakness in urban and suburban areas may be hurting him badly among Republicans, as many expected. Trump needs an edge in early mail-in voting to help offset the overwhelming advantage Democrats will have once early in-person voting begins on October 20. Romney's organisation on the ground in North Carolina gave him an edge over the Obama campaign in mail-in voting in 2012, helping him carry the state. While there is too little data to point to any conclusive early-voting trends, the Clinton campaign said it was seeing encouraging signs in other states, including in the Midwest, where Trump is hoping for a surge of blue-collar support. In Ohio, where polls once showed Trump leading, the race has tightened recently. Absentee-ballot requests from heavily Democratic Cuyahoga County, home to Cleveland, accounted for one out of every six requests statewide, Mook said. In 2012, 41 per cent of voters in the county voted absentee, and that figure is expected to climb this year. But the Republican National Committee's investment in building a more sophisticated voter identification and registration program has been helping the party make up for lost time. Teams have fanned out across swing states, with clipboard-carrying staff members hitting Department of Motor Vehicles lines in Las Vegas, Hispanic evangelical churches in Florida and train stations in Virginia.

This is a change from years in which the party failed to create an on-the-ground network that could compete with the one the Obama campaign began working on in 2007. Adding to the challenge, the Republican Party has had to assume the work for the Trump campaign, which has neglected to undertake the kind of voter outreach that Romney and other nominees did. "We've both learned that you have to change the electorate," said Young, the Republican National Committee field director. "That's what Obama did so well, and that's what we are doing now." But Republicans are not seeing any clear, heartening trends in the early voting. In Iowa, for example, ballot requests from registered Democrats are down significantly more than requests from Republicans - but after the first debate, McDonald of the University of Florida noticed that ballot requests among Republicans there fell further, something he said could be attributable to Trump's widely panned performance. Registered Republicans in Florida are also ahead of Democrats in the number of mail-in ballots requested - but by a margin of just 81,000. In Nevada, there are almost 23,000 more registered Republicans than there were in 2012, while Democrats have added only about 4000. But Democrats still outnumber Republicans in the state, where recent polls have shown a very tight presidential race. In Pennsylvania, Republicans have added almost 40,000 registered voters. But Democrats, who have lost almost 180,000, still have a lead of around 900,000.
Moscow: Americans should vote for Donald Trump as president or risk being dragged into a nuclear war, according to a Russian ultra-nationalist ally of President Vladimir Putin who likes to compare himself to the US Republican candidate.

Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a flamboyant veteran lawmaker known for his fiery rhetoric, told Reuters Trump is the only person able to de-escalate dangerous tensions between Moscow and Washington.

By contrast, Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton could spark World War Three, said Zhirinovsky, who received a top state award from Putin after his pro-Kremlin Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) came third in Russia's parliamentary election last month.

Many Russians regard Zhirinovsky as a clownish figure who makes outspoken statements to grab attention but he is also widely viewed as a faithful servant of Kremlin policy, sometimes used to float radical opinions to test public reaction.
Washington/Moscow: Even as WikiLeaks released another trove of internal documents from Hillary Clinton's campaign on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted his country was not involved in an effort to influence the US presidential election.

Last week, the US government formally accused Russia of launching a hacking campaign to "interfere with the US election process."

Clinton's campaign, which has charged the Kremlin is trying to help Republican Donald Trump win the White House on November 8, took its allegations a step further on Tuesday when John Podesta, chairman of the Democratic nominee's campaign, accused the Trump campaign of colluding with Russia.

In Moscow, Putin said nothing in the hacking scandal is in Russia's interests and said all sides in the US presidential campaign were misusing rhetoric about Russia for their own purposes.
Department of Homeless Services Commissioner Steve Banks told reporters on Tuesday afternoon that DHS dropped its controversial plan to convert a Holiday Inn Express in Maspeth, Queens into a 110-bed homeless shelter because the owner of the hotel refused to go forward with a full facility conversion. Instead, the hotel agreed to rent out 30 of its rooms to the city to use as shelter beds for employed homeless men. Banks argued that the alternate plan is not a concession to vocal and persistent protesters.

"I want to dispel any suggestion that the city backed down on its plan to house homeless New Yorkers in Maspeth," Banks said. "We moved forward with our plan to put homeless New Yorkers in Maspeth last night."

"The property owner would not permit us to go forward with our full plan to use the full building," he added. "If additional rooms do become available we'll move forward with that plan, but we wanted to make sure that last night, as the weather was getting cold, we were able to provide shelter to some 30 homeless workers who needed a place to stay for the night."

He would not confirm whether the city is actively pursuing an alternate shelter site in Maspeth.

In September, Holiday Inn Express co-owner Harshad Patel told reporters that continual protests outside the hotel were hurting his business, and that he would "not go against the community" by converting the facility at 59-40 55th Road into a shelter. In a similar triumph of community opposition, Banks confirmed Tuesday that owners of the Bellerose Inn in Bellerose, Queenswhich until recently rented out 40 of its 43 rooms to DHS to house homeless familieshas also backed out of its DHS agreement. Patel reportedly owns both hotels, as well as a Quality Inn in Bellerose that houses homeless individuals and plans to cease doing so.

"There were protesters outside [the Bellerose Inn] chanting that that particular shelter should be shut down, and ultimately the hotel owner made a determination to not continue to rent those rooms," Banks said. "That solved absolutely nothing because those families had to be housed elsewhere in the city. And I don't think any New Yorker would want to see someone denied shelter because a particular group of people said 'Not in our community.'"



Protesters outside of the Holiday Inn Express in Maspeth in August (Scott Heins / Gothamist)

Throughout the thirty-minute press briefing, Commissioner Banks alluded to the difficulty his office faces in meeting its "legal and moral" obligation to house all New Yorkers in need of shelter, in the face of hostile opposition.

According to DHS, there are currently 6,000 homeless New Yorkers living in commercial hotel rooms. Last fall, following the triple stabbing murder of a mother and two of her small children in a Staten Island motel serving homeless families, Mayor de Blasio pledged to phase out the practice of renting out hotel rooms as temporary shelter for the homeless "as quickly as possible."

"Phase-out of commercial hotels was part of 46 reforms that we announced five months ago," Banks said when asked to comment on their continued use. He declined to confirm the number of hotels currently renting rooms to DHS (Pix11 reports that there are 70).

At Monday night's protest outside of the Holiday Inn Express, Maspeth residents accused the de Blasio administration of placing homeless men in a facility without kitchens or adequate case support, at tax payers' expense.

Banks confirmed on Tuesday that the city is paying $160 per night, per room, to rent out the Holiday Inn Express. He added that additional costs per-individualfor food and casework servicesare still being calculated. The city is also providing a shuttle service from the hotel to the closest public transportation, as well as 24-hour security.

Last week, Mayor de Blasio told reporters that he had no patience for the protests in Maspeth, led by locals who fear a shelter will diminish their quality of life, and safety. "I've told them I welcome their pickets as many times as they want because I will happily stare them down," he said. "We are going to put a roof over people's heads."

Reporters asked Tuesday if Banks feared the Maspeth decision in the wake of protests, in combination with the newly-reduced homeless services in Bellerose, would set an example for other communities looking to protest proposed shelters.

"The fact that we placed [30 men] there last night is a testament to our resolve," Banks said, adding, "The city will not back down."

DHS originally planned to place homeless people from Queens Community Board 5 in the Maspeth facility, in order to keep them close to their last known address. This was not achieved on Monday.

More than 100 Maspeth residents said Monday that they will continue to fight back against the placement of any homeless individuals in the Holiday Inn Express.
More than 180 delegates representing Customs, Trade and other Ministries from WCO Members, the WTO and other international organisations, development partners, academia and business convened at the WCO Headquarters in Brussels on 10 and 11 October 2016.

Ms. Ana Hinojosa, Director, Compliance and Facilitation (WCO) reminded delegates that the increasing number of countries ratifying the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) brought the implementation of it ever closer. She said that the WCO remained fully committed to the trade facilitation agenda and would continue the cooperation with all stakeholders to support the implementation of trade facilitation measures based on WCOs global standards such as the Revised Kyoto Convention.

On the first day, delegates were updated about the WTO TFA developments and the WCO Mercator Programme for the implementation of the TFA. During a panel discussion about National Committees on Trade Facilitation, representatives from the WTO, UNCTAD and the WCO discussed possible synergies in that area. Mr. Luc de Blieck, the newly appointed Deputy Director of the Compliance and Facilitation Directorate, explained that the WCO had gained from its Members a lot of useful experience and best practices and developed guidance material for the establishment and maintenance of National Committees on Trade Facilitation (NCTF). He said that the WCO published this information for everyone to use. He pledged the continued support of the WCO to the Members that requested assistance, not only for NCTFs but for all their expressed needs.

On the second day, the Permanent Technical Committee delegates joined their colleagues of the TFA Working Group for strategic discussions about the implementation of the TFA. The topics for discussion on the Joint Sessions included Border Agency Cooperation, the WCO Time Release Study, the WCO Cargo Targeting System, TFA related developments in other WCO bodies and the Revised Kyoto Convention. On the second day, the TFAWG also endorsed the new TFAWG Work Programme and Annual Work Plan that will give direction to the future work of the Working Group.

On 11 October, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) held a side event during the lunchbreak on their experiences and lessons learned in establishing a national Single Window. This event was well attended and Members expressed great appreciation for the opportunity to hear firsthand the obstacles and realities faced by Members, in this case US CBP. The experiences shared reinforced the value of Border Agency Cooperation and stakeholder engagement to shape the future innovation and technology advancements, especially in TFA implementation.
At the invitation of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), WCO Secretary General Kunio Mikuriya delivered a keynote speech at the opening session of the IATA Cargo Security and Facilitation Forum being held in Brussels, Belgium, from 11 to 12 October 2016.

The Secretary General touched upon several issues of mutual concern to both the global Customs community and the private sector, in particular facilitation and security of the air cargo supply chain and ongoing WCOs work in that domain. Among other things, he underlined the need for regulators to work more closely with the industry on these issues and highlighted that the WCO had been collaborating with IATA and other international organisations.

Dr. Mikuriya shared his thoughts on emerging trends in globalisation, the importance of technology in connectivity and enhanced service delivery, growing e-commerce, and the role of SMEs recognizing the significant role of the air cargo industry in these areas. In this context, he mentioned WCOs recent initiatives such as the multi-stakeholder E-commerce Working Group; Digital Customs; and coordinated risk management approach as enshrined in three pillars of the SAFE Framework of Standards to effectively address emerging threats and risks in the international supply chain, whilst facilitating legitimate trade flows.

Finally, Dr. Mikuriya reiterated the WCO and Customs central role in the implementation of the WTO Agreement on Trade Facilitation, which was primarily based on the WCO Revised Kyoto Convention. He also highlighted the role of private sector operators in supporting Customs in the fight against illicit trade and smuggling of cultural heritage and wildlife.
Four hundred indigenous rights activists occupied the American Museum of Natural History Monday afternoon in protest of Columbus Day and museum exhibitions they consider to be demeaning to indigenous peoples.

The protest, which featured a rally on the museum steps, a "de-colonization" tour, and the draping of a large parachute over an equestrian statue of Theodore Roosevelt, was organized by the artist activist group Decolonize This Place in collaboration with a number of community groups, including NYC Stands with Standing Rock.

Activists made three major demands of the museum: Remove the Roosevelt Statue, modify exhibits related to indigenous peoples and return various indigenous artifacts to the descendants of those to whom they belonged. They also called on the city to rename Columbus Day as "Indigenous People's Day."

The "de-colonization" tour kicked off around 4:30 p.m., with organizers leading roughly 200 protesters through 10 stops in the museum. At each stop, speakers described how a specific exhibit represented or revealed the legacy of colonialism.

"Africans are depicted as pre-modern, bearing curious instruments and colorful costumes, instead of present-day people," a speaker explained during a stop at the Hall of African Peoples. "Discrimination against African diasporic peoples is everywhere reinforced by these primitive stereotypes."

Luis Ramos, 50, a Taino activist who serves as the director of ceremonies at the Eagle and Condor Community Center, a Native American organization in Astoria, said the museum should return cultural artifacts to indigenous tribes. "Those are sacred objects for us. We honor our ancestors, they should not be in museums," said Ramos, who also goes by the name Sanakori. "They should be reburied or honored by its own people."

At the end of the tour, the crowd, which had swelled to 300 people, gathered in the museum rotunda and raised banners while chanting slogans like "Respect, Remove, Rename."

The call for the city to rename Columbus Day came as several cities, including Seattle, Denver and Phoenix, have made the name change.

After exiting the museum, protesters stood on the steps and called for the museum to tear down the Roosevelt statue, a small group struggled to get the parachute over the 20-foot-tall monument. (Museum security tried to block the protesters from covering the statue, but backed off when the crowd started forcefully chanting.)

According to a statement issued by Decolonize This Place, the Roosevelt statue, which features the former president on horseback, with a Native American man and a black man on either side of him, their heads bowed, "has often been cited as the most hated monument in New York City." The statement called the statue a "stark embodiment of the white supremacy that Roosevelt himself espoused and promoted" and an "affront to all who pass it on entering the museum, but especially to African and Native Americans." This isn't the first protest against the statue. In 1971, six members of the Lakota tribes were accused of defacing the statue with paint.

In recent weeks, protests on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation over the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline, as well as solidarity protests across the country, have placed indigenous rights in the national spotlight.

Monday's protest concluded with speeches from representatives of each organization that participated, who called for the U.S. to protect indigenous sovereignty and spoke in support of the Standing Rock protesters.

Maggie Gray, 48, who brought her young daughter to the event, said she was impressed with what she saw. "I think being able to meet here at this colonized space of this museum, which not only highlights white supremacy, but is so blatant in its efforts, I think really brings together so much of what's happening politically today, from Black lives Matter to the Trump campaign," she said.

The American Museum of Natural History and and the Mayor's Office did not respond to requests for comment on the protest.
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By West Kentucky Star Staff

Oct. 12, 2016 | PADUCAH, KY

By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 12, 2016 | 01:40 PM | PADUCAH, KY

A Paducah man was arrested on drug and wanton endangerment charges, after police say he tried to drive off with an officer leaning in his car window.



The Paducah Police Department says an officer stopped 20-year-old Jamey Donelson for speeding, then saw him run a stop sign to try to get away. An officer said he could smell marijuana when he was talking with Donelson. After finding nothing during a search of the vehicle, the officer issued citations for speeding and running a stop sign and released Donelson.



Police said Donelson pulled into a driveway of a home in the 2500 block of Trimble Street and then backed out of the driveway. They reportedly later found a plastic bag containing suspected marijuana in the front yard, which they suspected he put there prior to being pulled over. They set up surveillance and said a few minutes later, Donelson returned, stopped his car in the road, got out and picked up the bag of marijuana and ran back toward his car. As an officer leaned in through the passenger side window to try to stop him from fleeing, Donelson reportedly took off. The officer's body camera came off during the incident and fell into Donelson's car.



Officers caught up with Donelson and took him into custody. They seized about 50 grams of marijuana and $316 cash found in Donelsons car.



Donelson was charged with trafficking in less than eight ounces of marijuana, tampering with physical evidence, first-degree wanton endangerment, first-degree fleeing or evading police, speeding (23 mph over limit) and disregarding a stop sign. He was booked into McCracken County Regional Jail.
By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 12, 2016 | 04:11 PM | PADUCAH, KY

Police are looking for a man suspected of running a check fraud operation in the area.The Paducah Police Department says Jim Tinsley of Forest Hills Village told officers Wednesday morning that Paducah Bank notified him about a man who had tried to cash a check drawn on Forest Hills Villages account. The check, written for $1,489.67, did not look like Forest Hills Villages normal checks, and a bank employee became suspicious.Police said the bank determined the check had been forged, and seized it. The man attempting to cash it then left the bank. Police say they believe this incident is related to a similar one Saturday morning at Community Financial Services Bank, 3390 Park Avenue, after which a Tennessee pair were arrested for check forgery.Paducah police obtained a surveillance photograph of a man believed to be supplying the forged checks and transporting the people who are trying to cash them.Kentucky State Police are reportedly investigating similar incidents in western Kentucky, and advise area financial institutions to be extremely cautious when cashing checks.Anyone with information about the mans identity or his whereabouts is asked to call the Paducah Police Department at 270-444-8550 or Crime Stoppers at 270-443-TELL.

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By West Kentucky Star Staff Oct. 12, 2016 | 06:22 AM | MCCRACKEN COUNTY, KY

A traffic stop early Wednesday morning in McCracken County led to a drug arrest.

The McCracken County Sheriff's Office said deputies conducted a traffic stop on Clarks River Road at around 1:20 am. Police said the driver of the vehicle, 29-year-old Sarah Travelstead of Brookport, IL, was driving under the influence of intoxicants.

Deputies received consent to search the vehicle and found a syringe and a glass smoking pipe that contained methamphetamine. Travelstead was arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of drug paraphernalia and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs with aggravating circumstances.

Travelstead was booked into the McCracken County Regional Jail.
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ORANGE INSIDE Unified Schools Independent insight into OUSD a news service of Orange Net News /O/N/N/ Will OUSD Trustee Ortega violate Brown Act on Thursday?

Does a Homeland Security facility's entry gate security building meet the California Brown Act requirements for public access needed in teleconferencing of an OUSD public meeting?

According to the October 13, 2016 Orange Unified School Board Agenda, OUSD Trustee John Ortega will be participating in the meeting by teleconferencing from a secure Homeland Security Center for Domestic Preparedness facility in Alabama. The agenda lists the teleconference call will take place at the " Security Building at the Entry Gate".



The California Brown Act, which governs teleconferencing of public meetings in California requires teleconferencing meetings-like OUSD's October 13 meeting-to be held in a public place with public access and the ability for public to participate from the teleconference meeting place. The Brown Act, in addition to specific requirements for teleconferencing meetings, also requires all other requirements of the Brown Act apply to the location of the teleconferencing call. In addition to open access, the Brown Act requirements include teleconferencing locations meet other requirements like the public's ability to freely recording and video tape the proceedings, and requirements of ADA adherence.





61 Responder Drive in Anniston , Alabama that is listed in the October 13, 2016 OUSD Agenda as the site OUSD Trustee John Ortega will be participating in the Board meeting by teleconferencing. (click on Center for Domestic Preparedness) The picture below from Google Earth shows the security building atinthat is listed in the October 13, 2016 OUSD Agenda as the site OUSD Trustee John Ortega will be participating in the Board meeting by teleconferencing. (click on







Security building at entry gate building listed in OUSD Oct 2016 Agenda for teleconfrence



As seen in the above photograph, three sides of the security building are inside the security perimeter. The one side outside the security fence has a door (presumably locked) that has a U.S. Government warning sign on it.



The Homeland Security Center for Domestic Preparedness in Anniston , Alabama - run by the Federal Emergency Preparedness Agency (FEMA)-sits behind the security fence.













The FEMA facility includes: the high security Chemical, Ordnance, Biological and Radiological Training Facility (COBRATF), the only program in the nation offering training exercises in a real toxic environment, using chemical agents and biological materials; the Noble Training facility for hospital emergency trainings; and the Advanced Responder Training Complex (ARTC)- a full-scale replica training area with simulated buildings that might be found in a real city. Ariel view of Center for Domestic Preparedness with security building at entry gate in foreground

For more information Click on: FEMA CDP









Homeland Security Center for Domestic Preparedness facility sits on the part of the former U.S. Fort McClellan that is now occupied by a secure Alabama National Guard Base and the home of the Alabama National Guard Officer Candidate School . To access the Alabama National Guard Base, one must enter through the secure Fort McClellan Gate (pictured below). Thus, to get to the Homeland Security Center for Domestic Preparedness, a visitor must first get access to the secure Alabama National Guard Base. (Click on Fort McClellan GATE) Thefor Domestic Preparedness facility sits on the part of the former U.S. Fort McClellan that is now occupied by a secure Alabama National Guard Base and the home of the. To access the Alabama National Guard Base, one must enter through the secure Fort McClellan Gate (pictured below). Thus, to get to thefor Domestic Preparedness, a visitor must first get access to the secure Alabama National Guard Base. (Click on





Fort McClellan Gate entry to secure Alabama National Guard Base-home of CDP





The OUSD Closed Session begins at 5:30 pm PST- which is 7:30 pm CST in Alabama , with the Regular Session beginning at 7:00 pm PST -9:00 pm CST. The offices of the Center for Domestic Preparedness close at 4:30 pm CST.





OUSD has had numerous past problems with the Brown Act. In March of 2014 the OUSD Agenda announced that Trustee Kathy Moffat was suppose to teleconference from a private residence in Maryland . After Brown Act watchdogs Californians Aware was notified, the teleconference never took place. In 2010, OUSD re-voted on items that were originally approved during teleconference meetings that did not vote be the Brown Act required roll-call votes. In 2003 OUSD was under court order to record all of its Closed Session meetings for potential judicial review because of Brown Act violations of Closed Sessions in 2001. In another court case in 2006, OUSD prevailed in a Brown Act case brought by Californians Aware on behalf of then Trustee Steve Rocco over a censure resolution.





For more information Click on:

OUSD Brown Act violations and









OUSD Trustee John Ortega is currently seeking reelection to the Orange Unified School Board in November. His challenger is Daniel Correa .





For more information CLICK ON :

John Ortega and

Daniel Correa





Settlement notice filed with court on Sept 16, 2016

OUSD Trustees to vote on approve of settlement deal in autistic student abuse case

The OUSD Trustees will vote on October 13 to approve a settlement on a case involving the alleged physical abuse of an autistic OUSD student.





The notice of a settlement was filed in the case with the Orange County Superior Court on September 16, 2016.



The lawsuit Andrew Ashline v Orange Unified is listed under Closed Session Agenda Item 4 B. The case centers around an alleged 2014 incident where an autistic student was physically restrained at Palmyra Elementary.



The story was widely reported when a classroom aid reported the incident to the family. The student's Special Ed teacher Jayme Barks, plus various administrators and the district were all named in the civil suit.





For more information CLICK ON:

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OC Weekly





NEXT OUSD BOARD MEETING October 12, 2016 Next OUSD Board Meeting -OUSD BOARD ROOM CLOSED SESSION- 5:30 pm OUSD Regular Session : 7:00 pm For AGENDA- CLICK ON : OUSD AGENDA

For more information call the OUSD Superintendents office at 714-628-4040 For budgeting questions call Business Services at 714-628-4015

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I cannot explain how I didnt catch this when I saw it many months ago, but re-reading Steve Rodens blog post about his return to painting after a year-long hiatus, this completely floors me:

Recently, I have also been obsessed with a photograph of two seemingly insignificant pieces of wood about the size of the inner part of a closed fist. The photograph appeared in an auction catalog, and I was fascinated to discover that these seemingly ordinary, or pathetic objects were pieces of George Washingtons coffin, and as such, their presence transcends their objectness.

Probably! But right now it is their objectness that Im obsessed with.



I have not confirmed with Roden if these are the same pieces, but in 2011 a Presidential Relics sale at Heritage Auctions in Dallas included five separate lots of coffin fragments as part of a large collection of Washington-related material.

I have reordered the descriptions of these five lots for narrative flow.



Lot 38020: George Washington: Relics from His Original Coffin (5 Items). Nearly 40 years after his death in 1799, Washington was reinterred at Mount Vernon. His body was transferred to a new coffin, as the old one was already significantly deteriorated. The Washington family saved a significant part of the coffin, and for generations passed out small pieces as souvenirs to friends and well-wishers. This lot, consigned by a direct descendent of Bushrod Washington, consists of two tacks, two leather fragments, a small nail, and the piece of wood measuring 2.25 in length. A letter of provenance from the consignor accompanies this lot.



Lot 38019: George Washington: Three Larger Pieces from His Original Coffin (3 Items). Larger and more regular in shape than the typical fragments that show up from time to time in the market, often with contemporary notes. One carries the apparently very old pencil attribution Gen Washingtons coffin. These three are bound together by what clearly appears to be original 19th-century string. Sizes: 2 x 2.5, 3 x 2.125, and 3.25 x 1.125 respectively. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the consignor, a direct descendent of Bushrod Washington.





Lot 38018: George Washington: Three More Wood Fragments from His Original Coffin. (2 Items) One of them still has the original 1.75 screw running through it. Like the handle, the screw is heavily corroded, demonstrating the ravages of moisture which contributed to the decision to reinter Washington less than 40 years after his original burial. The lot consists of a 3.5 by 0.75 inch piece, a 2.5 x 0.75 piece, and a 2.5 sliver. Like the adjacent lots, this group has been consigned by a direct descendent of Bushrod Washington, and is accompanied by a letter of provenance.



Lot 38021: George Washington: Fragments of Embossed Decorations From His Original Coffin, As Shown (17 Items). Much more unusual than the wood fragments, which are the most commonly seen relics of Washingtons coffin. Like the other lots in this section, they are consigned by a direct descendent of Bushrod Washington and accompanied by a letter of provenance. Shown to scale, with the largest measuring 2.25 x 1.25.





Lot 38022: George Washington: An Iron Handle Removed From His Original Coffin (1 Item). Like the other relics of the section, this handle was preserved by the Washington family when the first president was reinterred nearly 40 years after his passing. Far rarer than the wood fragments, which were distributed as keepsakes for generations by the family. Heavily corroded surface, which reflects the ravages of moisture which contributed to the decision to reinter his body. Diameter 5.25. Accompanied by a letter of provenance from the consignor, a direct descendent of Bushrod Washington, into whose control Mount Vernon passed after Washingtons death. [Together the 28 pieces in these five lots sold for more than $12,000.]

So to recap:

The Washington family saved a significant part of the coffin, and for generations passed out small pieces as souvenirs to friends and well-wishers.

Larger and more regular in shape than the typical fragments that show up from time to time in the market,

Much more unusual than the wood fragments, which are the most commonly seen relics of Washingtons coffin.

Far rarer than the wood fragments, which were distributed as keepsakes for generations by the family.

a direct descendent of Bushrod Washington, into whose control Mount Vernon passed after Washingtons death.

Bushrod was George & Marthas nephew, and a US Supreme Court justice. He inherited Mount Vernon along with all of his uncles papers and property, including little cash and no slaves, after Marthas death in 1802. Until 1831, all the Washingtons were buried in whats called the Old Tomb. There were calls to move George Washingtons remains to the base of a monument, or to the base of the US Capitol. Instead he and Martha were reinterred in the New Tomb, or The Tomb, as he had originally instructed in his will.

The original coffin was mahogany, which dropped into a lead sarcophagus. Bushrod died in 1829, with no kids. [So technically, there is no direct descendant of Bushrod Washington.] His estate went to his own niece and nephews, including John Augustine Washington, Jr., who sold Mount Vernon to the Mount Vernon Ladies Association in 1858.

When, where, how and by who were the fragments of the coffin distributed? Were they chopped up? Sawed off? Was there a big bowl full of fragments you could pick one out of on the way out the door? Did this Bushrod Batch constitute what was left over, or what was kept and treasured? What was it like to be in a family where your tradition was if you really liked someone you gave them scraps of your great-great-great uncles coffin?

Did the first generation get big piles, which they had to make last, or did they get big pieces, which their heirs proceeded to break down into smaller and smaller slivers? Did the family document them, sign them out? Did they write it in the family Bible? When was the last fragment of George Washingtons coffin given as a keepsake or souvenir, and when was the first one sold as a collectible? How many fragments are out there? And the real question: how badly do I want to put together a catalogue raisonne?

Because refabrication, performance, and video have all been eliminated as options from the strategic artistic response list.

On December 18, 1999, for the 200th anniversary, Mount Vernon staged a re-enactment of George Washingtons funeral. CSPAN covered it live, for two-plus hours, with eight cameras.



They also created replicas of Washingtons original coffin (top) and sarcophagus (bottom).





By process of elimination, then, I am left with one choice: to track down all the fragments, bring them together, and reassemble them into George Washingtons original casket.

So far Ive found one. In 2000 Mount Vernon acquired a fragment of the coffin, that had been placed in a silver reliquary shaped like Washingtons new marble sarcophagus. It was given to Jesse Hartley, a Liverpool businessman who had helped the sculptor of the sarcophagus emigrate to the US.



It is engraved:

The portion of wood inserted in the lid of this facsimile of the/ Sarcophagus, was cut from the inner shell which encloses the remains/ of Washington, by Wm. Strickland, of Philadelphia, Architect, and/ John Struthers, of Philadelphia, Mason and Sculptor, who sent it/ to me, together with a printed historical description and engraving/ of the Sarcophagus, etc.



But why wait? It was just a year ago I made a piece of a to-be-reunited set of Agnes Martin prints. The fragments are what they are wherever they are, objects as real and as in the world as the pieces of Danh Vos Statue of Liberty.

At least Id think so. What if all the fragments of Washingtons Coffin turn out to weigh more than the actual coffin, like how Calvin said there are enough fragments of the True Cross to build a ship? Maybe it can be an edition.

Here are some more fragments so far:

Oh wow, this is getting complex. The old article with that purported piece said the coffin was black walnut.



Last year Hakes handled a piece of the coffin with a note attached, a fourth-hand account that, When Washington was taken up and reintombed at Mount Vernon the old coffin became the property of his old Black servant (from newspaper of that date).

Which they think might be a reference to William Billy Lee, the only enslaved person Washington freed in his will. But Lee died in 1828, three years before the tomb switch.

Perhaps it is instead a reference to West Ford, who was a slave of Bushrod Washington, and who moved to Mount Vernon in 1802. He remained there long after Bushrods death. Ford was freed at age 21 by Bushrods mother, and his descendants kept an oral history that identified George Washington as his father. More likely is that he was either Bushrods son, or the son of Bushrods brother William, who died young, whose name was sometimes listed as George. Anyway, that is going on. The African American descendants of the other side of Washingtons family, meanwhile, are finally being recognized.]



On July 19th, 1853, when he gave the scrap to John Klingbeil, William Klingbeil wrote on the back, This is small enough. Dont part with any of it for love of money. I have no more, this is all there is in our family.
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There was some good news at Helena Public Schools Tuesday night board of trustees meeting:

District enrollment is up.

The school district has more bonding capacity than it initially counted on for a facilities bond.

And it looks like interim superintendent Jack Copps may stay longer than his one-year contract.

Copps reported that K-5 enrollment is up 102 over last year, 60 in the middle schools and 242 at the high schools.

This is better news than the figures Copps reported at the September board meeting. At that time, high school enrollment was flat for the 2016-17 school year year, K-5 was up 35 students and 49 in the middle schools.

Copps latest data shows that some schools, such as Bryant saw a 10.5 percent increase, Four Georgians 7 percent and Jim Darcy 11 percent over last year.

CR Anderson is up 3 percent and Helena Middle School 4.5 percent.

Helena High School saw a 2.7 enrollment percent increase and Capital High, 2.8 percent.

Copps said after the board meeting that these increases could allow the district to amend its budget and could also make it eligible for more state funding. However, no specific amounts have been calculated.

Bond planning

Copps announced that the district began advertising a Request for Qualifications Sept. 30 to hire a communications strategist to help guide the facilities bond planning process. The deadline for applications is Oct. 23.

Copps recommended a bond election May 9, 2017, as part of the spring mail-in election. Three school board members would also be up for election at that time: Aidan Myhre, Cherche Prezeau and Tina Huffsmith.

Seventy days before the election, the board needs to decide the parameters of the bond, Copps said.

The district has already held 147 listening sessions on facilities over recent years, so it does not need to start over, Copps said.

Copps intends to set up a superintendent committee to help advise on some of the bond and facility questions, he said.

A campaign committee of community members will also be needed. The campaign committee cannot be run by the school district or use public funding, he said, because that would be illegal.

School district business manager Janelle Mickelson reported that the last Legislature increased school districts bonding capacity.

Helena Elementary District could run a bond of up to approximately $178 million, and the high school district could run one of approximately $245.4 million.

Previously the elementary districts debt limit was capped at $76 million, according to Independent Record articles. That cap was why the districts previous bond issue was set at $70 million.

At this time the board has no specific bond proposal, nor has it discussed any dollar amount.

Board Chairman Aidan Myhre reported that Great Falls and Kalispell school districts have both recently passed major bonds.

A citizen, Will Garvin, spoke in favor of a bond issue that would deal with one or two schools at a time and to do this in an ongoing basis, so all schools could be upgraded or rebuilt.

He voted against the last bond, Garvin said, however, I think something needs to be done. I want to spend money on facilities.

Superintendent search

Board Chairman Aidan Myhre announced that the board wants to delay launching a superintendent search, which it intended to start this fall.

I recommend we postpone our superintendent search until next summer or fall, she said.

Vice chairman Sarah Sullivan agreed: I love our superintendent. I think hes done a marvelous job. ...If hes willing to have us, Id be thrilled to postpone.

The general search period for superintendents is January through March, said Myhre. If the district started next fall it could use a search firm to help recruit and recommend candidates.

Copps said he did not want to abandon the school district in the middle of its bond issue.

The board doesnt need to take any immediate action to extend Copps contract, Myhre said, because his contract runs through the end of June. However, it could vote to extend his contract after his evaluation in December.

'Class oversize'

Copps reported to the board that he had met with the Office of Public Instruction regarding an issue of repeated class oversize that threatens Helena High Schools accreditation. The district has been placed in Step 2 of the Intensive Assistance Process. He hopes to have a plan that meets OPI approval to take to the Montana Board of Education meeting Nov. 17-18.

Drone policy

The board also approved a policy banning drone operation on school property, unless the drone is approved by the district.

There was extensive discussion on reserving the right to confiscate a drone operating on school grounds without permission, but it was agreed that the policy may need some written procedures and regulations for staff to follow.

Student input

Student board representatives Aine Lawlor of HHS and Jamie Seney of CHS both reported that students at their schools are interested in having engineering classes offered and more Advanced Placement science classes.

Lawlor and HHS principal Steve Thennis are discussing launching a regular noon pizza meeting for students to drop in and talk about school issues.

And both Lawlor and Seney want to launch a social media platform like Instagram to open communication with students about issues to bring to the school board.

Both Lawlor and Seney report a lot of student interest in the topic of improving school facilities.
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 12/10/2016 (2210 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Meatballs are the little black dresses of the culinary world.

You can dress them up for dinner with a velvet robe of sour cream and wild mushroom gravy. They can be daytime simple with a jacket of roasted tomato marinara, trimmed with fresh asiago cheese, and tucked into a crusty roll. Or they can be cocktail party sweet-and-spicy, glistening with a glaze of pineapple juice, sriracha sauce and sugar.

They also are comparatively inexpensive; can be made ahead then sauced later; require little attention once prepared; often can be retrofitted on Day 2 for a second go-round; and perform as well at a family dinner, a Sunday tailgate with friends, or a flavours-of-the-world themed get-together. For all this and perhaps more, the ubiquitous meatball is, well, ubiquitous.

And its trendy, too.

Chicago-based Technomic, a leading food research and consulting firm, describes meatballs as a 2016 food trend thats part of a national movement involving the elevation of peasant fare to new heights. Meatballs are proliferating  traditional, ethnic or nouveau.

Whether fashioned of pork, beef, chicken or no meat at all (as in mushrooms/lentils/cheese), the essential meatball ingredients are comparatively inexpensive. That allows for the spending of a little more dough on some of the spices that are needed to round out a recipe for the likes of Albondigas en Salsa de Limon. Translated, its meatballs in lemon sauce. The sauce requires a pinch of pricey saffron threads.

A delicious overture into Spanish cuisine, this pork and veal meatball is cooked in a richly viscous egg yolk/lemon/saffron sauce enhanced with mushrooms. The recipe for Albondigas en Salsa de Limon is featured in Penelope Casass One Pot Spanish tome, published in 2009 by Sellers Publishing. Lemon, both in the meatballs and the sauce, makes a nice taste counterpoint to the delicious velvet of fat in the meat and egg yolk. Casa suggests a sidecar of boiled new potatoes. Rice also would do well especially if the sauce ingredients were doubled and the meatballs were situated atop of the rice.

Smacking of pan-Asian is an exceptionally simple and yummy recipe for cocktail meatballs in the recently published Ultimate Appetizer Ideabook, 225 Simple, All-Occasion Recipes by Kiera and Cole Stipovich from Chronicle Books. The recipe pairs a delicate ground lamb ball with a spicy-sweet glaze of chili-pepper jelly that can be made for pennies in about 10 minutes. They are like potato chips: you cant eat just one.

Its hard to think of meatballs without thinking of tomato sauce. A 2015 publication by the editors of Saveur, entitled Saveur: Italian Comfort Food, offers a spin on the pairing that calls for a very spicy meatball cooked in an unusually simple and spice-free red sauce. Called Classic Meatballs, they feature ricotta, pork fat and prosciutto with a half-dozen spices, all adding up to a dish that need not sit atop pasta to stand as an entree.

These meatballs are more involved than the meatballs I make to serve with my spaghetti. And a couple of ingredients required special effort (my butcher had to trim a slab of pork fat for me), but they are worth the extra effort if you want to dial up Italian Night a notch.

Classic Meatballs

I used veal in this recipe with ground pork and pork fat instead of unsmoked bacon. I also bumped up the heat with a few extra chili flakes. I like my tomato sauce a bit more flavoured: I added a teaspoon of sugar and a teaspoon of salt.

280 g (10 oz) ground veal

280 g (10 oz) ground pork shoulder

55 g (2 oz) finely chopped pork fat or unsmoked bacon

55 g (2 oz) prosciutto, finely chopped

310 ml (11/4 cups) loosely packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped, plus more to garnish

10 ml (2 tsp) dried oregano

7.5 ml (11/2 tsp) fennel seeds

5 ml (1 tsp) chili flakes

2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) ground cumin

1 ml (1/4 tsp) ground allspice

7 slices white bread, finely ground in a food processor

Kosher salt (divided) and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

160 ml (2/3 cup) ricotta, drained in a sieve for two hours

30 ml (2 tbsp) milk

3 eggs, lightly beaten

90 ml (6 tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for greasing

60 ml (1/4 cup) red wine

1 L (4 cups) canned tomato puree

250 ml (1 cup) beef or veal stock

5 ml (1 tsp) sugar

5 ml (1 tsp) salt

Grated Parmigiano-Reggiano to garnish

Combine all meats, herbs, spices, breadcrumbs, salt and pepper in a large bowl and set aside. In another bowl, whisk together ricotta, milk and eggs then add to meat mixture, gently. Chill for an hour.

Heat oven to 150 C (300 F). Grease two rimmed baking sheets with oil and set aside. Portion mixture and roll into balls. Transfer to baking sheets.

Heat 45 ml (3 tbsp) oil in high-sided, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add half the meatballs; cook, turning occasionally, until browned, about 10 minutes.

Transfer meatballs to a plate and wipe out skillet. Repeat with remaining oil and meatballs.

Return reserved meatballs to skillet along with any juices from the plate. Add wine, increase heat to high, and cook for two minutes.

Stir in tomato puree, stock, sugar and salt, bring to a boil and tightly cover skillet.

Transfer to oven and bake until meatballs are tender and have absorbed some sauce, about 11/2 hours.

To serve, transfer meatballs to a platter and spoon sauce over. Sprinkle with Parmigiano and parsley.

 Adapted from Saveur Italian Comfort Food by The Editors of Saveur. (Weldon Owen Inc.; 2015)

LAKE FONG / PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE / TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE Classic Italian meatballs. Meatballs can speak different accents fluently.

Albondigas en Salsade Limon (Meatballs in Lemon Sauce)

For meatballs

90 ml (6 tbsp) dry breadcrumbs

60 ml (1/4 cup) milk

340 g (3/4 lb) ground veal

340 g (3/4 lb) ground pork

2 eggs

45 ml (3 tbsp) freshly squeezed lemon juice

30 ml (2 tbsp) minced parsley

30 ml (2 tbsp) finely chopped prosciutto

22.5 ml (11/2 tbsp) minced fresh thyme leaves or 4 ml (3/4 tsp) dried thyme

2 cloves garlic, minced

7.5 ml (11/2 tsp) kosher or sea salt

2.5 ml (1/2 tsp) freshly ground pepper

All-purpose flour for dusting

30 ml (2 tbsp) extra-virgin olive oil

60 ml (1/4 cup) finely chopped Mayan onion

180 ml (3/4 cup) chicken broth

45 ml (3 tbsp) dry white wine

45 ml (3 tbsp) minced parsley

1 clove garlic, minced

Pinch of crumbled saffron threads

Kosher or sea salt

110 g (4 oz) mushrooms, brushed clean, stems trimmed, and caps halved or quartered

45 ml (3 tbsp) freshly squeezed lemon juice

2 egg yolks

Chicken broth or water, as needed

To prepare meatballs, combine breadcrumbs withmilk in a large bowl. Gently mix in ground veal and pork, eggs, lemon juice, parsley, prosciutto, thyme, garlic, salt and pepper. Shape into meatballs and dust with flour.

To prepare sauce, heat oil in a shallow flameproof casserole over medium-high heat, and saute meatballs until brown on all sides.

Add onion and saute until softened. Stir in broth and wine. Bring to a boil over high heat. Cover and simmer for 40minutes.

Mash 30 ml (2 tbs) parsley, garlic, saffron and a pinch of salt to a paste in amortar, or process in amini food processor until finely minced.

Transfer meatballs to a warmplate and keep warm. Strain sauce through a fine sieve, pressing on the solids with the back of ametal soup ladle to extract as much liquid as possible. Return sauce to the casserole and add mushrooms, mortar mixture and lemon juice.

Whisk egg yolks with a little hot sauce from the casserole in a small bowl, then add back to the casserole. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly until thickened (do not boil). If the sauce seems too thick, add a little broth or water. (Mine needed no additional liquid.) Return meatballs to the sauce and simmer for 1minute. Serve straight from the casserole, sprinkledwith remaining parsley.

 FromOne Pot Spanish by Penelope Casas (Sellers Publishing; 2009)

(LAKE FONG / PITTSBURGH POST-GAZETTE / TRIBUNE NEWS SERVICE) Meatballs with lemon sauce. The lemon flavour makes a nice contrast against the savoury fat in meatballs.

Chili-Pepper Jelly-Glazed Lamb Meatballs

These little gems are like potato chips; you cant stop with one. I doubled the sauce recipe because I found it to be so deliciously spicy yet sweet.

450 g (1 lb) ground lamb

30 ml (2 tbsp) minced onion

15 ml (1 tbsp) chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

7.5ml (1 1 /2 tsp) finely chopped fresh mint leaves

180ml (3 /4 cup) fresh breadcrumbs

1 clove garlic, minced

15 ml (1 tbsp) Worcestershire sauce

15 ml (1 tbsp) ketchup

5ml (1 tsp) smoked paprika

2.5ml (1 /2 tsp) kosher salt

1ml (1 /4 tsp) freshly ground black pepper

1 lightly beaten egg

Mix all ingredients lightly, except egg. When combined, add egg andmix again. Shape into balls. Place on baking sheet, linedwith parchment paper or foil. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for about 30minutes.

Preheat oven to 175 C (350 F). Bake meatballs for 20 to 25 minutes or until internal temperature is 75 C (165 F). Immediately add cooked meatballs to 1/2 recipe Chili-Pepper Jelly Glaze in a saucepan (I made a full recipe and used it all) and simmer uncovered over lowheat for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently as needed until the meatballs are nicely glazed.

Chili-Pepper Jelly Glaze

80 ml (1/3 cup) ketchup

60 ml (1/4 cup) water

45 ml (3 tbsp) pepper jelly

10 ml (2 tsp) olive oil

10 ml (2 tsp) Worcestershire sauce

5ml (1 tsp) chili powder

5ml (1 tsp) freshly squeezed lemon juice

In a medium saucepan over lowheat, combine all the ingredients. Bring to a simmer and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes or until the flavours have blended.

Use right away or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days.

 FromThe Ultimate Appetizer Ideabook by Kiera and Cole Stipovich (Chronicle Books; 2016)  Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
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This article was published 11/10/2016 (2211 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Manitoba Telecom Services information technology services division, Epic, was one of only 48 companies in Canada and the U.S. to receive the 2016 Triple Crown Award by the trade publication, CRN (Computer Reseller News).

Ranked 19th, Epic was tops among the three Canadian firm that made it on the list. The other two were from Toronto and Burnaby, B.C.

Its the third annual CRN triple crown awards. Last year the list was comprised of 58 companies.

To make it onto such a list companies need to be included in CRNs Solution Provider 500 list of the largest solution providers in North America by revenue; the Fast Growth 150, which ranks the fastest-growing solution providers; and the Tech Elite 250 solution providers, with the highest level of certifications from major vendors.

This year Epic ranked number 464 in size and number 65 in the fastest growing rankings.

MTS acquired Epic in 2013.

Epic offers a wide range of technology services, from application development to unified communications. Its Unified Cloud portfolio of software-as-a-service solutions blends its services with offerings from Microsoft, Asigra, Salesforce, Kaspersky Lab and Zerospam.

Since its inception over 20 years ago, Epic has been recognized by customers, colleagues and trade magazines as a world class IT professional services organization  and this award further cements that sterling reputation, said MTS president and CEO Jay Forbes. We are extremely proud to receive this recognition and look forward to continuing to provide our partners and customers with the best consulting, managed services, cloud solutions, project services and resale support possible.

In addition to providing a full range of information technology solutions MTS is the largest provide of Internet, wireless, television and phone services and security systems in Manitoba.
It angers me when I see the TV ads from Greg Gianfortes campaign where he charges that Governor Bullock endangers the lives of Montanans by allowing the resettlement of Syrian refugees in Montana. Most of the refugees are women, including many widows, and children who are fleeing the bombing and violence of the horrendous civil war thats destroyed the homes and lives of innocent civilians.

Where is the compassion in Christians like Gianforte and Trump and in the Republican Party when they refuse to help refugees, helpless children and women from Syria or Mexico? The Bible is clear about our duty to show compassion to widows and children: Cursed is he who distorts the justice due an alien, orphan, and widow Deut. 27:19. This is pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father, to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world James 1:27.

Jesus, Joseph and Mary, who fled to Egypt fearing Herods slaughtering of innocent babies, would never have been allowed into Montana under Gianfortes rules because they too were unvetted refugees.

The prophets pronounced Gods judgement against Gods people for oppressing the alien, orphan and widow. Jeremiah 7:6. Rather than shunning helpless refugees and inciting fear of terrorist attacks by them, which by the way has never been committed by screened refugees since Sept. 11; our leaders and nation should fear the judgement of God for our hardening of hearts towards refugees.

I cant vote for leaders like Gianforte and Trump who incite fear and prejudice, rather than love and compassion. Their hearts are ice cold, like another leader of a nation, Pharoah, whose heart was hardened. Its not the caring attitude that Montanans are known for, nor is it Biblical, or even Christian! Like the old Bible camp song says, Theyll know we are Christians by our love, by our love Our response toward the refugees and our election of our leaders will show whats truly in our hearts.

Brad Ulgenes is a pastor in Helena.
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This article was published 12/10/2016 (2210 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

These are certainly heady times for Red River College.

One in six students is indigenous, graduates from the colleges trades feed the Manitoba economy, the skilled trade and technology building is nearing completion, and there are 900 students taking RRC courses and English training in China who may end up coming here.

However, like every other public education institution, college president Paul Vogt has no idea whats coming financially from the PC government.

BORIS MINKEVICH/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Red River College president Paul Vogt says while he gets along with the provincial education minister, he still hasnt been told about funding.

Vogt said he expects therell be some change to the legislated cap on tuition increases, but he doesnt know what it will be.

He spoke to a Manitoba Chambers of Commerce meeting Wednesday.

The operating grant, we still dont know. Obviously, we still dont know about support for capital, said Vogt, adding he gets along with Education Minister Ian Wishart.

Vogt wouldnt discuss plans by Finance Minister Cameron Friesen to reduce 112 civil service management positions to save $10 million.

Vogt said he can see where Friesen wants to go with public-sector salaries.

We can get the overall message. Collective bargaining is coming, Vogt said. Right now, the spotlight is on the University of Manitoba. Ours is a year out.

The U of Ms faculty association is voting this week on giving its bargaining team a strike mandate. The professors want 6.9 per cent on a one-year deal; the university has offered seven per cent over four years.

Friesen has told the Free Press the eight per cent over five years that provincial engineers bargained for was more than what Manitoba can afford.

Vogt told the chambers 16 per cent of the student body is indigenous, a percentage thats growing. Theres a campus on Peguis First Nation, and at the campuses in Portage la Prairie and Selkirk, the majority of students taking courses are indigenous, he said.

Vogt said the college has applied for another new building under a federal infrastructure program, which, if approved, would require the province to contribute  but he wouldnt elaborate.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca
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This article was published 12/10/2016 (2210 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A heavy-equipment operator who got involved in a loan scheme to defraud a Manitoba bank of more than $1 million pleaded guilty Wednesday while his co-accused awaits trial.

Damir Skovrlj, 50, received an 18-month conditional sentence Wednesday after Associate Chief Judge John Guy accepted a plea bargain from Crown and defence lawyers. Skovrlj was ordered to pay back the $57,000 portion of the stolen money that was funnelled to him as part of the scheme  facilitated by a former Scotiabank manager who is still on the lam, court heard.

Skovrlj pleaded guilty to fraud over $5,000 and admitted to applying to Scotiabank for two loans worth a total of $450,000 between December 2004 and April 2006. He used fake information to fill out the applications, which were accepted by the bank manager in exchange for a secret commission.

MIKE DEAL / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

Skovrljs longtime family friend Mike Jurcevic is alleged to have organized the fraud and pocketed most of the money. He is set to go to trial in February, and his wife and son  whose charges in the case were stayed  are expected to testify against him. The bank manager who allegedly accepted thousands of dollars as payment for approving five fake loans totalling more than $1 million was never charged, and a warrant is still out for his arrest.

The loan money was moved around via bank drafts and money orders up to eight times before it was deposited in various accounts meant to benefit Jurcevic and his business, Crown attorney Mandy Ambrose told court.

Although some frauds are impulsive, this one certainly wasnt, she said.

Defence lawyer Mike Cook said about $20,000 of the $57,000 destined for his client actually ended up in his pocket. He said Skovrlj had been played and manipulated by Jurcevic and the bank manager, and suggested Skovrlj, a child of Croatian immigrants, had been lured by Jurcevics property, cars, jewelry and other displays of wealth.

He certainly wasnt brought up by his parents that way, Cook told court. My client wanted a little piece of that action.

The judge told Skovrlj he was lucky to be avoiding real jail time.

He may have been used, but I think he was used willingly, Judge Guy said, calling the scheme a serious breach of trust.

Skovrlj was also ordered to complete 200 hours of community service.

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @thatkatiemay
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This article was published 12/10/2016 (2210 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Only those who obtain Canadian citizenship honourably and through the proper process shall have it, Canadas immigration minister said Tuesday in Winnipeg at a Citizenship Ceremony at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

John McCallum, the federal minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship, administered the Oath of Citizenship to 20 new Canadian citizens. The event included addresses by provincial Education Minister Ian Wishart and First Nations elder Sherry Copenace along with O Canada sung by Rhonda Head of Opaskwayak Cree Nation in English, French and Cree.

McCallum spoke briefly following the ceremony to address the recent issues of revocation of citizenship and those still dealing with the former 1977 citizenship law, called the 28-year rule, which saw citizenship removed automatically from people born outside Canada to Canadian parents who were also born outside the country. Individuals affected were born between Feb. 15, 1977 and April 16, 1981 and had until they were 28 years old to apply to retain citizenship  a detail legal experts have recently contended the government failed to adequately communicate to those people affected.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister John McCallum (right) congratulates new Canadian citizen Nadia Kidwai (left) as Manitoba chief of protocol Dwight MacAulay looks on.

I can tell you that we are looking into our processes, and in the case of the citizenship law that is now before the Senate, one of the senators is likely to propose an amendment regarding revocation appeals, and so we are definitely working on those issues and we know that there are some improvements that ought to be made, McCallum said Tuesday.

However, McCallum said citizen revocations will continue  as provided by law under Bill C-24, which was passed in 2014 by the former Conservative government that a hearing is no longer required to revoke the citizenship of someone accused of obtaining it on fraudulent grounds  while those changes are sorted out.

According to data compiled by the Winnipeg Free Press, the number of citizenship revocations appears to be on the rise since C-24 was passed, and no appeals process has been in place. There were 15 people each year in 2013 and 2014 who had their citizenship revoked. In 2015, after the change in process, there were 132 revocations of citizenship. In the first eight months of 2016, there were 104.

As uncovered by the RCMP, we have gangs of people who dishonestly and fraudulently misrepresented themselves to become Canadians. As we saw at the ceremony today, we take our citizenship very seriously, McCallum said. So, that means we are not calling a pause. There are very serious cases before the courts. But we are seeking ways to strengthen the appeal process.

Asked about reinstating hearings for people whose citizenship was revoked when found to have been obtained by lying or other methods of fraud, McCallum said its possible.

At the ceremony, Luther Laya, 39, his wife, Dyane, 33, and their son Dan, 6, received their Canadian citizenship more than four years after coming to Canada from the Philippines.

This is a very big day for us because for my family and my wifes family, were the first ones to actually go out of the Philippines and live in another country, said Luther whose family arrived in Canada in February 2012. Were like pioneers in our families.

ashley.prest@freepress.mb.ca with files from Mia Rabson, The Canadian Press
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This article was published 11/10/2016 (2211 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A Manitoba man caught illegally flying a powered paraglider through the Winnipeg airports airspace has steered clear of a criminal record.

Avoiding a long-delayed trial, Tony Darren Gibson, 37, pleaded guilty in court Tuesday to dangerous operation of an aircraft and flying without a licence.

Hell pay a $4,000 fine and will be under a conditional discharge, meaning he wont have a criminal record if he follows the conditions of his unsupervised probation for the next two years.

The RM of St. Francois Xavier resident wasnt a licensed pilot and didnt register his paramotor aircraft. The aircraft, which he bought in England, consists of a motor-strapped chair tied to a parachute. Transport Canada officials had repeatedly warned Gibson about flying it without the proper documentation, and hed been ticketed for ignoring those rules before. So on June 12, 2014, when staff in the control tower at James Armstrong Richardson International Airport spotted him through binoculars flying about 90 metres above Wilkes Avenue between Charleswood Road and the Perimeter Highway, they called police.

The case is unusual because Gibson was charged under the Criminal Code and the Aeronautics Act even though no one was hurt, Crown attorney Ken Hawkins acknowledged.

If air traffic controllers hadnt spotted Gibson, there was a chance they couldve directed a plane into his flight path for an emergency landing, Hawkins told court.

The chances of that happening might be quite slim, but the problem is, if it does come to life its a catastrophe. It could be, in theory, 100 people dead. So thats the sort of danger were looking at, he said. It was important to really send a message to the public that these rules, as stringent as they may be, are crucially important.

The Air1 police helicopter tracked Gibson, and officers on the ground arrested him when he landed in a field. He later spent two days in jail, a very sobering experience that contributed to his eventual decision to take responsibility for his actions, his lawyer, Richard Wolson, told court.

Crown and defence lawyers agreed to the plea bargain, accepted by provincial court Judge Heather Pullan, months after Gibson claimed the charges were an attack on his human rights and skipped court. Gibson, who had reportedly been linked to the Freemen on the Land movement, had a criminal charge against him for failing to comply with a summons stayed Tuesday. Hed previously said in court he believed it was an unlawful summons and told a judge she had 15 minutes to drop the case against him.

Wolson said despite past media reports, Gibson was not a member of any such association.

I do very much regret my actions. My family and I are looking forward to putting this behind us, Gibson told the judge.

katie.may@freepress.mb.ca
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This article was published 12/10/2016 (2210 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The provincial government introduced legislation Wednesday to combat sexual violence on campus.

Rochelle Squires, the minister responsible for the status of women, said Bill 15 covers 46 private vocational schools in addition to the provinces public and private universities and colleges. They must implement policies that comply with the act.

The Sexual Violence Awareness and Prevention Act includes social media and digital communications as means of committing sexual violence.

BORIS MINKEVICH / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Rochelle Squires, the minister responsible for the status of women

We are definitely a leader in Canada, Squires told reporters.

She would not say what the government would do should any institution fail or refuse to comply: We are expecting full compliance, she said.

Squires said she expects the legislature will unanimously approve Bill 15, but defended the governments decision last Thursday to vote down a similar private members bill from New Democrat Wab Kinew.

We really felt strongly we needed to put out legislation that had more substance, she said.

Squires lauded the policies already in place at the University of Manitoba and the University of Winnipeg, but emphasized the province wants strong policies in place at every education institution.

Some of the universities and institutions in the province do not have policies, said Squires, who did not name any of them.

The NDP didnt see a lot of changes from its own bill.

Looks pretty similar, Kinew told reporters.

Were happy to work with the government, but would have preferred the Tories had worked with the NDP to amend his bill.

Kinew said he was fine with the Tories decision to add private vocational schools and include social media in extensive definitions.

His bill had applied to only six public universities and colleges and to Canadian Mennonite University.

The new bill also covers Booth University College, Providence University College and Steinbach Bible College, which receive limited public funding.

Booth vice-president of advancement, Salvation Army Maj. John Murray, said it is important to be recognized along with the public universities in having a policy.

We have a draft policy in place (thats) before our legal people, Murray said.

The college is checking to see if it aligns with Bill 15s criteria, which the province distributed last week.

We absolutely support this. It sends a very strong message to the public, and protects not only students, but faculty and staff as well, he said.

Officials at Providence and Steinbach did not respond to interview requests Wednesday.

This bill is intended for the safety of students on all campuses in Manitoba, Squires told the legislature. Our new government believes all students should be safe.

Bill 15 lays out extensive definitions of what is included under the umbrella of sexual violence, she said.

nick.martin@freepress.mb.ca

b015
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This article was published 12/10/2016 (2210 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

She said her name was Savannah. Shes 29 and used to live on Winnipeg streets.

Speaking before a standing-room only crowd gathered Wednesday for the release of a report examining youth homelessness in Winnipeg, Savannah said it is time for action.

We are worth getting off the streets, she said. We want to feel accepted in society. I hope this plan will reduce youth homelessness and maybe one day end it.

WAYNE GLOWACKI / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Kelly Holmes, Chair of the Steering Committee at the event Wednesday for the launch of Here and Now: The Winnipeg Plan to End Youth Homelessness.

Here and Now, a Winnipeg Plan to End Youth Homelessness is the result of nearly two years of collaboration between 70 community agencies, government departments and umbrella associations and more than 100 youth who lived through homelessness.

It was unveiled at the Resource Assistance for Youth service agency in the citys core area, with speakers from three levels of government and dignitaries, including national anti-homelessness advocates, praising the effort.

We came together as a group of advocates with a very strong desire to help youth. Together were walking forward with a shift in attitude, said Kelly Holmes, chair of the reports steering committee and Resources executive director.

Resource and the Social Planning Council of Manitoba spearheaded the project, which was funded by the provincial government and the Winnipeg Foundation.

The document offered a comprehensive profile of youth aged 15 to 29 who have no homes, examines how they got there and how to reverse their circumstances.

The statistics are sobering.

About 300 youth are homeless in Winnipeg at any given time. Of that number, 15 per cent use city shelters, seven per cent sleep on the streets, 22 per cent are in institutions, such as jails, 23 per cent couch surf and only 28 per cent find transitional housing.

Coun. Cindy Gilroy, Conservative MLA Janice Morley-Lecomte and federal Liberal MP Terry Duguid applauded their efforts.

Youth homelessness is a huge issue and projects like Here and Now are going to help meet that need, said Gilroy, whose Daniel McIntrye ward includes some of the citys busiest youth agencies.

Morley-Lecomte, the legislative secretary to Family Services Minister Scott Fielding, said the reports findings are consistent with Premier Brian Pallisters priorities for child welfare and social services.

Duguid offered financial help from Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus national housing strategy, a $112-million fund for innovative housing needs. Ottawa is to host a housing conference in Winnipeg Thursday, he said.

Im certainly going to encourage these folks to apply for that funding, Duguid said after the event.

Apart from a profile on youth homelessness, Here and Now offers a four-point plan that would integrate existing services with new ones. It calls for improvements to existing emergency services and more efforts to prevent kids at risk from becoming homeless. Along with better access and prevention, the plan also calls for improved housing and social services, including support services to help the homeless make the transition off the streets.

Eighty-four per cent of the citys homeless youth are indigenous and organizers pledged support to the 94 calls to action from last years final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

The report emphasized an indigenous perspective.

The strategic framework includes the vision, mission, values, pillars, objectives and action strategies (that can) be visually represented through a circle. None of the strategies should be seen in isolation: the values are like the laces of a hand drum. In order to make the right sound, all the laces at the back need to be interwoven and tied together in the right way, the reports executive summary noted.

The next step involves meeting with the public and community leaders to explore how to implement the recommendations.

alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca
Opinion

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This article was published 12/10/2016 (2210 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

I wonder if the phrase compassionate conservative is contradictory, not only in Donald Trumps United States but also in Canada, including Manitoba.

As a former financial adviser, Premier Brian Pallister must be aware that our economic system has been increasingly skewed in favour of companies, management and owners, yet he still proposes legislation that worsens the tilt.

One indicator of our skewed economy is that the top one per cent of earners captured 37 per cent of the overall income growth from 1975 to 2007. Another is that it now takes two wage-earners in most families to buy a house and support a family, whereas it only took one a few generations ago. Stagnant wages for the middle class is yet another sign.

This economic upheaval happened because the ability of workers to obtain a fair share of the wealth they helped to generate has been greatly diminished by free trade and other means. One important weapon was the weakening of unions, which help individual workers defend against inadequate wages and benefits or even mistreatment by uncaring employers.

Unions partly created some balance of power until recent decades, but that balance has been almost completely lost in the private sector, and is threatened in the public sector. In fact, the unionization rate in the private sector has declined for 30 years and was only 15.2 per cent in 2014. That is, only 15 per cent of workers in the private sector were unionized.

Given greater income inequality and low levels of unionization, it is not clear why the Conservative government believes legislation is needed to make it even more difficult for workers to unionize. One explanation is that, unlike the fictional compassionate conservatives, their sole concern is business and management rather than the financial well-being of the vast majority of workers in Manitoba.

Another explanation is that the legislation is intended to weaken public-sector unionization now that private-sector workers have been whipped into submission. Ironically, too many working taxpayers, often underpaid and exploited by their own employers, are on board. It is ironic given recent revelations that those same employers and companies, like Trump, use off-shore accounts and other tricks proposed by financial advisors to avoid paying a fair share of taxes. More of the tax burden falls on lowly workers who, in a bizarre twist, then attack their own.

A final nail in the coffin of the mythical compassionate conservative is the mean-spirited reluctance to raise the minimum wage from $11 an hour. A number of provinces already pay higher rates and most provinces index minimum wage to cost of living increases. Minimum wage will be $15 per hour in Alberta by 2018.

Critics have long claimed that the idea of compassionate conservative was simply a marketing trick to appeal to moderate voters. Manitoba politics appears to support that view, providing further evidence that compassionate and conservative are like oil and water, doomed to exist in separate realms.

Jim Clark is the Chair of Psychology at the University of Winnipeg.
Opinion

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This article was published 12/10/2016 (2210 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

As of Oct. 11, 31 of the 100 U.S. newspapers with the highest circulations have endorsed Hillary Clinton for president. The list includes the New York Times and the Los Angeles Times. But several traditionally Republican papers are also backing Clinton.

To date, no major newspaper has endorsed Donald Trump  a historical first  though during the primaries he received support from the tabloid National Enquirer and the New York Observer, whose publisher is Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law.

USA Today did not endorse Clinton, yet broke with its 34-year custom and came out against Trump declaring him unfit for the presidency. Meanwhile, the New Hampshire Union Leader which has been staunchly Republican since 1916, (strangely) endorsed Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson. Its editorial explaining its anti-Trump decision said it best: The man is a liar, a bully, a buffoon.

EVAN VUCCI / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has said the media is working against him.

Newspaper endorsements probably wont change a lot of voters minds  in the heart of conservative Texas, the Dallas Morning News angered many of its subscribers with its decision to back Clinton. In a calculation done by the digital media company Mental Floss, in the majority of U.S. presidential elections since 1940, the candidate who received the most endorsements has won the election.

Still, in the late 30s and 40s, both Franklin Roosevelt and Harry Truman were victorious in elections in which few newspapers endorsed them. So its not a science by any means.

Trump, who has declared war against the mainstream and elite media, has predictably sloughed off his lack of endorsements and condemned the critical treatment he is subjected to as part of the larger conspiracy to thwart his glorious march to the White House.

Im not running against Crooked Hillary, Trump said in August at a rally in Connecticut. Im running against the crooked media. Thats what Im running against.

The New York Times, which recently broke the story about Trumps taxes is failing and dishonest; CNN, which features endless stories and pundit panels about Trump has been dismissed by him as biased; and the Wall Street Journal is almost always wrong. One of Trumps most loyal allies (maybe his only one) among journalists, as he repeatedly pointed out during his first debate with Clinton, is Fox News commentator Sean Hannity, who has been oblivious to Trumps numerous inadequacies.

It is political historical truism that a politician who blames the media for his or her troubles is increasingly desperate. Even in the old days when newspapers were highly partisan in the U.S. and Canada, politicians who either courted or manipulated the press have been more successful in elections and in office than those who gripe about it.

Back in the mid-nineteenth century, Abraham Lincoln was extremely adept at befriending journalists and ensuring what was written about him was precisely what he wanted. The same went for his contemporary in pre-Confederation Canada, Sir John A. Macdonald, who spent a lot of his time buttering up friendly newspaper editors.

A century later, John F. Kennedy, the first presidential candidate to understand the enormous power of television, had many friends in the media. His press conferences, which were televised, were must-see events and his charismatic bantering with journalists was legendary. However, he also lived in an era when journalists were somewhat more respectful and refrained from writing about politicians private lives.

Contrast JFK with his Republican rival Richard Nixons tense relations with the press, which rapidly deteriorated during the Watergate scandal. Just like Trump, Nixons vice-president Spiro Agnew stated that Nixon was the victim of a small and unelected elite who controlled the media. That hardly helped Nixon escape further scrutiny. He ignored each new revelation about Watergate at his own peril and he ultimately had to resign the presidency to avoid being impeached.

In most cases, ignoring the media is a smarter strategy than being obsessed with every negative comment as Trump is  or, for example, as Brian Mulroney was while he was prime minister.

But Mulroneys nemesis Pierre Trudeau, who was first built up by the media in 1968 during Trudeaumania, came to disdain journalists. He later insisted that he rarely paid attention to commentary about him in newspapers and on TV. During the 1974 federal election, in which Trudeau won a majority government, his chief advisers decided there was more to be gained by keeping Trudeau away from journalists covering his campaign than permitting them to speak to him regularly. The journalists grumbled loudly about it, but to no avail.

Trump or his handlers are incapable of showing such discipline. Instead, living in his own reality show, Trump will continue to yell and scream about every negative comment in every newspaper, TV news broadcast, or Tweet, right up to Nov. 8.

Now & Then is a column in which historian Allan Levine puts the events of today in a historical context. His next book, The Bootleggers Confession, a new Sam Klein Mystery, will be published this month.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 12/10/2016 (2210 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It was a magazine article that cut many Winnipeg officials to the quick. Almost two years ago, Winnipeg was branded Canadas most racist city by Macleans magazine, and officials quickly responded by showing a united front to combat racism and move on to reconciliation. Last week, Mayor Brian Bowman talked about his response to the article in what hes calling Winnipegs year of reconciliation.

However, a report released today from the Social Planning Council reveals this city is nowhere near reconciliation. Every night, nearly 300 young people are living without a home, and the majority of these kids are indigenous. Most of those surveyed spent some time in the care of Child and Family Services.

In other words, each one of these kids risks becoming another Tina Fontaine because of their status.

PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES

If the assumed narrative regarding First Nations poverty is brighter futures await aboriginals who move to where there are economic opportunities, then this report shows the challenges of pursuing those dreams. The Social Planning Council interviewed 123 homeless indigenous youth and found a third of them were attempting to transition from the reserve to living in Winnipeg.

The problem is there arent enough services provided to make that transition a safe one. Much has been written about the third-world living conditions on reserves, including the lack of potable water.

When a young person moves to Winnipeg, theres no safety net to help deal with the change. Just getting proper identification can be daunting. Add to that ongoing issues of discrimination that exacerbate attempts to find employment and affordable housing and its a recipe for a disaster.

For youth homelessness, too, often the focus is only on crisis or emergency shelter, without long-term strategies or a focus on prevention and early intervention. Sure, finding ways of effectively dealing with homelessness in the long-term is like trying to stick grape jelly to the wall. There are so many different areas that require attention  including family and sexual violence, addiction issues, racism, mental health issues and education. But more posturing by politicians wont help either.

Mayor Bowman created an indigenous advisory council and held a summit on racial inclusion in response to the magazine article, but racism is ongoing. Prime Minister Trudeau has said he will consult with other levels of government and aboriginal communities to develop a national housing strategy that will work, but problems with housing on reserves and a lack of accessible and affordable housing have been a problem for more than a decade. The provincial government has said an improved economy will result in fewer kids in care, but Manitoba still has the most indigenous kids being taken care of by Child and Family Services.

The Social Planning Council has moved beyond talk. It has set as priorities the development of a network of youth-service agencies, the implementation of prevention policies that help youth transition from government-funded care into housing, the creation of stable and affordable housing and the provision of increased income supports for youth.

However, while governments study, 300 kids in Winnipeg this evening are couch-surfing, sleeping in parkades or lining up for emergency shelters.

Reconcile that reality with what  for now  is just talk of action from those who say they are looking to help.
I thought Id write a letter before the IRs inevitable, and probably front page article, on Donald Trumps recording from 2005.

He gave a good apology. There is no avoiding blame for the statements (no "I did not have sex with that woman" kind of thing), and he notes that it was said over 10 years ago, and that he's met many people that have changed his attitudes.

He's definitely not a perfect candidate, but he didn't stand by while American ambassadors were brutally killed even though they had repeatedly asked for more security.

He didn't "accidentally" delete 30,000 emails on a non-secure private server, in an action that the FBI ruled as grossly negligent, which is hardly a quality that we want in a President, much less the then Secretary of State.

The list goes on and on.

But having said all that, I know that this newspaper will focus on Trumps gaffs, rather than face the more difficult scandals of Hillary Clinton, simply because shes a Democrat and a woman.

Edward Meardon

Helena
More trout stream restoration work is planned on Eagle Valley Creek in rural Fountain City, where the county board approved using state conservation aid money to help fund a habitat project.

The Fountain City Rod and Gun Club and county Land Conservation and Resource Management Department are were working with landowner Roy Fried to do creek restoration improvements.

Buffalo County authorized applying for $1,900 in conservation aid money through the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources.

The rod and gun club intends to meet a matching grant clause in the agreement and sponsor the project, which involves stream bank protection work and installation of trout habitat structures.

A series of trout stream restoration projects were done in past years to Eagle Valley Creek on lands owned by John and Mary Stettler.

Conservation aid funds were designated for trout stream improvements to Eagle Valley Creek in 2010 and 2012, according to the DNR.

Money went to the Waumandee Rod and Gun Club in 2013 and 2014 for trout stream improvements to Waumandee Creek on private lands.

The aid money and matching grant from the rod and gun club amounts to around $3,800 for trout creek work on the Fried property.

Carrie Olson, county conservationist, was given county board authority to apply for conservation aid funds annually without county board authorization.

The county has regularly applied for annual aid appropriations and had conservation clubs interested in using funds for fish and game habitat projects.
MADISON, Wis.  A man who operated a million dollar synthetic marijuana business out of his rural Alma home was sentenced Tuesday in federal court to six years in prison to be followed by three years supervised release.

Blake E. Dennis, 30, began making synthetic marijuana in 2010 with what he believed where legal chemicals. Doing business as Midwest Botanicals, LLC, he paid thousands of dollars for chemicals he purchased from China, sprayed them on a leafy material, packaged it and sold it to gas stations and pipe shops in several states, according to court documents.

He soon realized that most of the chemicals he used were prohibited by the Drug Enforcement Administration and he was engaged in illegal drug manufacturing and sales, but greed and his own drug use kept him going, his attorney, Gregory Dutch, said.

He used income derived to purchase a dream piece of property in Buffalo County. He knew it was illegal, he knew he would get caught, yet he continued to produce the marijuana, because he was making money, Dutch wrote the court.

He ran a criminal enterprise as if it were a legitimate business; he filed W-2 forms for employees, paid state and federal taxes and invoiced all transactions, Dutch wrote.

In 2011, Dennis made more than $1 million selling synthetic marijuana, Dutch said.

Dennis was charged in Buffalo County in 2012 with manufacturing drugs and maintaining a drug house. However, he continued to make and sell synthetic marijuana.

His case lingered before Buffalo County prosecutors for three years before the U.S. Attorney took over the case, charged Dennis with conspiring to make and distribute synthetic cannabinoids and seized his dream property.

By then, Dennis had ended his business and cooperated with authorities investigating his extensive drug sales operation.

After pleading guilty this summer, Dennis faced an advisory guideline sentence in excess of 30 years in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeff Anderson sought a sentence of more than 10 years, arguing it was warranted by the scope of Dennis drug business, the peoples health he harmed and to serve as a deterrent to others.

District Judge William Conley disagreed, asking why the government waited three years to charge him if he was such a dangerous criminal.

I cant answer that, Anderson said.

Conley said he could not impose anything close to what Anderson was asking. While Dennis crime was serious  many customers became ill from using his homemade drugs, including one person who required extensive medical care  Dennis had turned his life around since then, his attorney argued.

Living a crime-free life in recent years, earning a high-school equivalency degree and continuing to be employed showed that Dennis had progressed away from his criminal past, Conley said

Youve taken steps to help yourself and that will help you today and in the future, the judge said.

Dennis said he was remorseful for the negative impact he had on individuals and the community and now can make a positive impact on others.

A six-year sentence will provide punishment for establishing an extremely profitable and illegal business and also time to get treatment for alcohol and drug abuse, Conley said.

Conley gave Dennis, who has been on pre-trial release, until Oct. 26 to report to prison.
Peter Yarrow, one of the founding members of the famed folk group Peter Paul and Mary, will perform in Winona on Nov. 2 as a fundraiser for the Frozen River Film Festival and a documentary film.

Yarrow, who went on to a career as a social activist and has continued to perform regularly well into his 70s, will be joined by Dean Magraw, a world-class guitarist based in the Twin Cities.

The special event, presented by the Frozen River Film Festival, is a fundraiser both for the festival and for the ongoing production of a documentary about longtime Minnesota politician and presidential candidate Eugene McCarthy, titled Gene McCarthy: In the Land of the Aardvarks.

The performance will be held in Winona State Universitys Performing Arts Center, with the event starting at 6:30 p.m. and music at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $30 for for early-bird rates, or $35 at the door, with $15 tickets for college students.

The event also offers a special $150 ticket that includes an intimate pre-concert set performed by Yarrow and VIP seating at the performance.
A final ribbon-cutting officially opened the newly renovated Bluff View Flats Tuesday afternoon in Winona.

Chuck Riesenberg of Community Capital Development, went further in describing the recreation of the former Morningside Terrace Apartments.

We really have the rebirth of a completely new building, Riesenberg said.

The building has been under renovation for almost a year after being bought in December 2015, and plans for the rehabilitation started in 2014. The work came after years of challenges related both to the building and issues with residents.

The low-income apartments on Sugar Loaf Road were originally built in 1971. The rehab project covered most aspects of the building inside and out, including siding, windows, roof, air exchange and boiler, and new lighting, appliances, cabinets and carpeting for the units.

The complex will remain Section 8 housing, with 44 of the 54 units rent-assisted, Riesenberg said. The project comes a time when Winona has faced challenges with providing quality housing, particularly rental housing for lower-income residents.

The project had a variety of partners in the funding, including the Port Authority of Winona, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Lucy McMartin, the citys economic director, said that the renovations success was in the ability to provide quality housing for people in Winona.

The key here was that we were able to keep 54 units affordable in our community, McMartin said.

A $75,000 loan from the port last October was also an investment in the citys long-term plans of promoting affordable housing, with rent amounts and tenants monitored by both local and state agencies as a condition of the 35-year deferred loan.

Other partners spoke equally glowingly of the improvements.

Andy Wiesner of Paramark Property Management, which controls the property, called the renovation a huge victory compared to where it was eight years ago when they took it over.

It was an extremely distressed property, Wiesner said.

The apartment complex had drawn a number of police calls over the years prior to its renovation, for drug use and possession, domestic assault, theft and other incidents.

In June 2011 a Winona man leaped from a third-floor window after police responded to a report of an assault; the man was eventually convicted of felony domestic assault. In July 2010, a man was arrested after threatening to kill two neighbors with a knife; he was convicted of felony terroristic threats.
There have been no new leads concerning the whereabouts of a 19-year-old White Bear Lake man who has not been seen in Winona since Friday.

Police are asking property owners  especially in the neighborhood of the Winona State University campus  to check sheds, garages, or other places where a person could seek shelter, deputy police chief Tom Williams said. Police are also searching the Mississippi River.

Chukwudi Benjamin Onyeaghala, who goes by Ben, is known to have been on campus and in the surrounding area, Williams said, but we have no leads beyond that.

Onyeaghalas phone is either turned off or the battery is dead, and no one is known to have contact with him since Friday.

Onyeaghala was last seen in the vicinity of Huff and Sarnia streets around midnight Friday. He left work at 8:30 p.m. that evening, got pizza with friends, and parted company with them later in the evening. Security video shows him on the Winona State campus, and then later at the Huff and Sarnia streets intersection.

Onyeaghala is described as being 5 feet 7 inches tall and 135 pounds with brown eyes. In the security video he was wearing a maroon shirt with black stripes, khaki pants and carrying a black backpack.

Onyeaghala does not have a vehicle registered to him and attempts to contact him via cellphone and social media have been unsuccessful.

Anyone with information on Onyeaghalas whereabouts is asked to call the Winona County Law Enforcement Center at 507-457-6492.
Now that it appears the top of the GOP ticket has most likely imploded, its time to focus on the down-ticket races.

The Democratic Party is no longer the peoples party and is more interested in the power it can amass. Ask Bernie Sanders how that worked for him.

The major problem with all of the Democratic candidates stems from the top. The progressive agenda that has consumed the party is exemplified by Hillary Clintons Wall Street speeches where she has advocated for open trade and open borders. This is exactly the agenda the voters who live in Britain rejected overwhelmingly this past summer. To envision four more years of Democratic policies, think Brexit  the American edition.

The very progressive liberal policies that have gripped this country have led to the demise of our inner cities through welfare programs. They have chased away millions of manufacturing jobs overseas with impossible regulations and crippling environmental standards. Their tax the rich schemes have forced the producers in this country to move their wealth oversees and are handicapping our economy. Their open border policies steal jobs from Americans trying to get out of the poverty cycle and invite jihadists to stalk our cities.

We can support free trade without compromising American jobs. We can move people from welfare to work. We can enforce common-sense regulations that protect our environment and return jobs back to American soil for American workers. We can reduce tax rates across all income classes and fuel the government as tax collections rise when more people are back to work and producing meaningful incomes.

Last week I had an opportunity to meet with Sen. Ron Johnson. In talking to him, you overwhelmingly sense the concern he has for the direction of this country. Johnson is suffering in the polls right now because he isnt a politician. He has been in Washington fighting for us through his work as chair of the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Johnsons work with The Joseph project in Milwaukee has helped the victims of the welfare state by providing the education and resources necessary to help locate and maintain permanent employment. These are the efforts that will change peoples futures more than the replenishment of a QUEST card.

Rep. Ed Brooks has been the town chair in the town of Reedsburg for years. No one understands the challenges local rural governments face more than he does. He is one of only five farmers serving in the Assembly and has initiatives to bring broadband to rural communities and fund rural roads. He has voted for billions in tax cuts, allowing folks to keep more of their hard-earned money.

Rep. Todd Novak has been an independent voice that the voters of Spring Green can appreciate. Not always toeing the party line, he has voted in a manner that consistently represents the 51st Assembly District. The mayor of Dodgeville also has authored bills to spur economic development. His work has helped rural Alzheimers patients get the financial assistance they need to fight this disease.

Candidate for 81st Assembly David Moore has put in his time wading through the politics of the Sauk County Board. Moore recognizes his work across all ideologies that get things accomplished. His strong desire to prioritize budgets makes him a good fit for the people of his district. As an advocate for Constitutional rights, his decision making will always take into account the rights of citizens first.

Then there is Sen. Howard Marklein, serving the 17th Assembly District. No one works harder than he does. He is a consummate policy wonk who isnt afraid to knock on every door in his district to not only listen to his constituents, but to explain why he took the hard votes. Its why he is so widely respected in his district.

And finally there is Congressional candidate Peter Theron. Theron is a no-nonsense, no-frills math teacher who can see the progressive agenda simply doesnt add up. His commercials are a brilliant set of essays explaining what is wrong about the Democrats' new normal. It is really too bad he lives in the city of Madison. Having been represented by Democrats since 1998, the rest of the 2nd Congressional District could use a break and benefit from Therons common-sense solutions to perpetual federal problems.

The Democratic Party is the American politburo amassing political power while these GOP candidates are working for us. On Election Day, give the GOP your vote.
MADISON (AP)  State Sen. Rick Gudex, a Republican from Fond du Lac, has died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, the Fond du Lac County sheriffs department said Wednesday. He was 48.

The sheriffs department said his body was discovered around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday in the town of Eden. The preliminary investigation concluded that Gudex died of what appears to be a single gunshot wound to the chest. Toxicology results were pending, the sheriffs department said.

Gov. Scott Walker and lawmakers from both sides of the aisle put politics aside Wednesday to remember him.

Rick was a good man who served his community and state well, and he will be missed, Walker said in a statement. Our hearts and our prayers go out to his wife, Kim, and their two children during this difficult time.

Rick will be deeply missed by his Senate colleagues, said Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald.

Gudex was elected to the Senate in 2012 and served in the position of president pro tempore last year, but was not seeking election to a second term. The race for his seat, including parts of Winnebago and Fond du Lac counties, is the most hotly contested in the Legislature this year. Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris is running against Republican Dan Feyen, of Fond du Lac. Republicans held a 19-14 advantage in the Senate this session.

Whoever replaces Gudex will begin his/her term in January. Given that the seat will be vacant for less than three months, and the election is so close, Walker will not order a special election to fill the seat, his spokesman Tom Evenson said.

Democratic Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling said she was shocked and saddened, at news of Gudexs death, while Republican Sen. Leah Vukmir, of Brookfield, said the state has suffered a tremendous loss.

Rick was a true citizen legislator who came to work at the Capitol at a time when he felt his friends and neighbors needed him, Vukmir said. The people of Fond du Lac and Winnebago counties always knew they had an advocate for them with Rick representing them in Madison.

Gudex was a former mayor of Mayville and a member of the Fond du Lac Common Council.

He served in the Senate as chairman of the Economic Development and Commerce Committee; vice chairman of the Workforce Development, Public Works and Military Affairs Committee; and a member of the Universities and Technical Colleges Committee and the Joint Legislative Council.

He also served as a board member of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
BILLINGS -- About 24 people gathered outside U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke's Billings office on Tuesday, imploring him to renounce his support for Donald Trump.

They held signs that said things like "Grab them by the ballot," and "Grabbing back Nov. 8," in response to the Republican presidential nominee's recently released comments about women.

On Friday, the Washington Post released a 2005 video of Trump, in which he described, using explicit terms and making sexual advances on women, including grabbing them.

Tuesday's demonstration, which was part of the Montanans Rally for Women group, was attended mostly by women. Speakers said that if public officials maintain their support for Trump in light of his comments, then they fail to take a stand against sexual violence.

Event organizer Kate Olp-Restad said that she wanted to show Zinke that voters are taking notice.

"Here in Billings, we stand up for victims of sexual assault," she said.

Zinke has been a steady supporter of the Republican nominee while running his own re-election campaign. Zinke endorsed Trump on the cable news morning show "Fox and Friends" on May 25.

He introduced Trump during his appearance at Rimrock Auto Arena on May 26.

Also in May, Zinke told Breitbart News that he would serve under Trump if asked, perhaps as the New York businessman's vice presidential pick or any cabinet position, as well as from his current congressional seat.

After the release of Trump's comments, Zinke joined a list of party officials who condemned the words but stopped short of taking back their endorsements.

"The language is shocking and wrong, and should never be used, ever," Zinke said in a statement on Saturday. "My wife, Lola, and I have talked about it, and we pray he has grown from his mistake."

On Tuesday, he released a similar statement through a spokeswoman, saying that he and his wife "can never" vote for Hillary Clinton. He did not directly address his endorsement.

Some Republican officials have said they will not vote for Trump, including U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz and Gov. Gary Herbert, both of Utah.

Facing the building where Zinke maintains a field office, the group listened to stories of sexual assault. No one from the congressman's ninth-floor office met the audience.

Jade Bahr shared stories from her own life, when she witnessed sexual violence. She said that as a child, she saw her father be abusive toward her mother. She saw her friend go through an abusive relationship.

She said that if people like Zinke don't fully disavow those actions, it makes them more pervasive.

"Then he is normalizing rape culture," Bahr said. "And he is endorsing violence against women."

Another woman, Karen Jarussi, joined others at the event and called on Zinke to take back his endorsement. She said that when women speak about unwanted sexual advances, it's not a phenomenon isolated to some women.

That's what brought Wanda Walker out on Tuesday.

"Sexual assault is a part of every woman's life," she said.
What makes ordinary experiences extraordinary? Sometimes it is just adding something new, but other times, it might be taking something away.

My son returned from Toronto where he and his colleagues had the opportunity to dine at a most unusual restaurant. I say unusual, but it is only unusual for those of us who have our sight and are accustomed to seeing where we are, what we are eating and the people with whom we are having a conversation.

They went to a place where the lobby is the only lit space. It is where you select your foods (or choose the mystery dinner) before you are led into a totally pitch black dining room. Seriously, this is a cant-see-your-hand-in-front-of-your-face dark. Pitch black, inky dark.

It was a bit unsettling at first. They walked single file, each persons hand on shoulder of the person in front, and they were seated. They werent even sure who was sitting where. With laughter and then a calm that was not only peaceful but relaxing, they began to determine by their voices who was at their side. They had the unique opportunity of finding out how each of the twelve people responded to the challenge and it was a great way to get to know each other better.

Dining in the dark seems outrageous but those who are visually impaired do it every day with or without waiters serving them. The restaurant requests that the guests abandon their cell phones, luminous watches, cigarette lighters and flashlights to gain a better understanding of what it might be like to be blind. The team of wait staff consists entirely of the visually impaired so everyone is experiencing the same thing. Food is savored, the scents are enhanced and drinks are carefully lifted to avoid spillage.

Making eye contact is something many of us do instinctively, but when you are led by blind servers into a dark room, and then served by them, touch is the new interactive. The food is precut so the meat doesnt slip off your plate, and the waiter explains where everything is on the table. People said they resorted to fingers instead of forks, but that only added to the experience.

The menu is simple and sounds delicious. For the more adventurous, ordering the mystery dinner means your sense of taste will have to determine if that is apple glaze on the duck or if your potatoes have been roasted with parsnips or not.

O.NOIR is a restaurant that provides a dining experience like no other. A blind pastor from Zurich originated the idea to raise consciousness by blinding his dinner guests. As a socially conscious concept he then opened a restaurant and provided jobs for the visually impaired. From there the idea grew into a rage in Europe, Australia, and US cities like Los Angeles and New York.

People love the experience, and while they are enjoying great food, they are becoming sensitized to the world in a new way. They are also gaining insight, literally and figuratively.

Of course this brings new meaning to the term blind date. But judging from the reviews, people will go back for the delicious food as well as the opportunity to experience dining with all their senses heightened and to gain new insights. We dont have to go to Canada to try new things or to experience something that challenges our comfort level. We only have to be open and willing to see things through new eyes. (Pardon the pun)

The Toronto location has been under new ownership and new management since 2011, but it is dedicated to continue with an ever changing menu and guest services. It is creating quite a buzz in the food service industry.

Who knew that you could transform a dining experience into a business model that improves peoples understanding and appreciation of others as they go through life? Just be careful when you clink your glasses for a toast. And no selfies!
Information is taken from the records of the Portage Police Department and does not represent a comprehensive list of police activity. Each individual named in this report is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Between 6:03 a.m. Friday and 7:55 a.m. Wednesday, police responded to 177 calls

East Wisconsin Street: Police on Friday at 2:17 p.m. responded to a complaint whereupon Randall Kuhn, 35, of Portage, was arrested and issued a citation for city ordinance citations for disorderly conduct, harassment and trespassing.

New Pinery Road: Police on Friday at 5:25 p.m. stopped Corrina Vastine, 20, of La Crosse, who was cited for operating a vehicle with suspended registration and operating a vehicle after suspension of a license as a second offense.

West Conant Street: Police on Saturday at 2:22 a.m. stopped Kendall Preuss, 22, of Portage, for driving without displayed license plates and was cited for operating a vehicle after suspension of a license as a second offense.

Super 8: Police on Saturday at 7:10 a.m. responded to a disturbance where Marissa Ballard, 25, of Milwaukee, was arrested and charged with prostitution and Lance Porter, 27, of Milwaukee, was arrested and charged with party to the crime of prostitution. Anthony Mowers, 50, of Zion, Illinois, was arrested and charged with patronizing a prostitute.

Howard Street: Police on Saturday at 4:47 p.m. responded to a domestic disturbance where a 36-year-old Portage man was arrested and cited with domestic disorderly conduct.

East Slifer Street and Winnebago Avenue: Police on Saturday at 5:44 p.m. stopped Taylor Hawley, 22, of Portage, for driving with a defective tail light. Hawley was cited for operating a vehicle after suspension of a license as a second offense and driving without proof of valid insurance.

Portage High School: Police on Saturday at 10:15 p.m. referred a 16-year-old to Columbia County Health and Human Services for possession of a knife on school property.

West Edgewater Street and West Cook Street: Police on Sunday at 3:20 a.m. stopped Lucas Stoltenberg, 22, of Lodi, who, following a field sobriety test, was arrested and charged with operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated as a second offense.

East Conant Street: Police on Sunday at 10:18 a.m. responded to a disturbance where Diamond Winslow, 19, of Chicago, was arrested and charged with battery, criminal destruction of property, and felony possession of marijuana as a second offense. Abigail Rott, 37, of Portage, was arrested and charged with two counts of possession of prescription medication without a prescription and a 15-year-old male was referred to Columbia County Health and Human Services for obstruction of an officer.

Howard Street: Police on Sunday at 12:34 p.m. responded to a domestic disturbance where a 29-year-old Portage man was arrested and charged with domestic disorderly conduct.

Dunn Street: Police on Sunday at 6:46 p.m. responded to disturbance where a 56-year-old man was issued a misdemeanor citation for disorderly conduct.

New Pinery Road: Police on Monday at 7:04 a.m. stopped Raymundo Arreola, 34, of Dane, for driving with a defective headlight. Arreola was cited for operating a vehicle after revocation of a license as a third offense and driving without a court-ordered ignition interlock device.

East Cook Street and Jefferson Street: Police on Tuesday at 9:38 p.m. stopped Steve Stangel, 60, of Portage, after reportedly crossing the center line several times. Following a field sobriety test, Stangel was arrested and cited for operating a vehicle while intoxicated as a fourth offense, registering 0.17 on a preliminary breath test.
The lone holdout in Columbia Countys efforts to acquire property for its building project has filed a federal lawsuit calling for, among other things, a halt to the construction alongside the Portage Canal.

But John Gruber said Tuesday that hell settle for a better price for his property, and for some help in finding a new location for his business, Gruber Automotive, 208 E. Edgewater St.

And if he gets those things, he said, hell leave quietly  and forget about the other allegations contained in his lawsuit, including allegations that police are plotting to kill him, and that toxic waste dredged from the canal was secretly dumped in the dark of night.

The suit was filed Oct. 4 in United States District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin, based in Madison.

The named defendants include Columbia County, the County Boards Ad Hoc Building Committee, County Board Chairman Vern Gove, Ad Hoc Building Committee Chairman Kirk Konkel, Corporation Counsel Joseph Ruf, Assistant Corporation Counsel Krista Miller, the Portage law firm of Miller and Miller LLC, attorney John Miller of the Miller firm, attorney Mark Hazelbacker of the Kasieta Legal Group LLC in Madison, the City of Portage, City Administrator Shawn Murphy, the Portage Police Department, Police Chief Ken Manthey, Police Officer Klaude Thompson, the construction firm J.H. Findorff and Sons Inc. (the construction manager for the county building project) and the Columbia County Condemnation Commission.

The suit alleges a violation of civil rights. It asks the federal court to:

Declare the county building project to be unlawful;

Declare the condemnation action against Gruber to be unlawful;

Issue an injunction to halt and stop all construction of the canal-side building project;

Vacate not only the acquisition of the Gruber property, but also the acquisition of all property that was purchased for the project.

Declare the city-affiliated defendants as participating in unlawful hazardous waste disposal related to the canal dredging project, and declare the city defendants plan to cause death or injury against the plaintiff in conspiracy with defendant Columbia County to be unconstitutional and unlawful;

Issue an injunction prohibiting Columbia County from borrowing money or disbursing any taxpayer funds for any purpose related to the construction project;

Issue declaratory judgment that the defendants acted under the color of law depriving and violated (sic) Plaintiff Gruber of rights to possession of his property.

The canal was dredged last summer by Infrastructure Inc. of Rockford, Michigan, with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources paying most of the cost; the city and county also contributed, mostly in the form of in-kind services. The sediment removed from the canal was filtered for impurities such as mercury and lead, then was landfilled.

Gruber said he plans to bring in an appraiser from Fond du Lac to get an accurate estimate of his propertys value as a business. He has said previously that he has no place to move the business, and that available suitable sites cost more than twice as much as the $140,000 that he has been paid for the property.

Gruber said Tuesday that he has notified all who sold property to Columbia County for the building project that he believes the acquisition of their property was fraudulent, and he said he thinks the countys acquisition process should be declared null and void for all the properties, not just his.

They frauded everybody, so they have to start over, he said.

But only one other person is named with Gruber as a plaintiff in this lawsuit, and he does not claim to be an owner of any of the property purchased for the project. Rather, Michael Edwards of Mauston declares in the suit that he was a tenant in the property at 204 E. Edgewater St., owned by Dennis Dorn, and that he had been asked to the leave the property because it had been sold for the county project.

As of Tuesday, construction continues on the three-story Administration Building and the two-story Health and Human Services Building on opposite sides of the Portage Canal. Both structures are expected to be completed next summer  the Administration Building in June, the HHS Building in July. (Plans call for the HHS structure to be used, for about a year, as the temporary location for Columbia Countys court-related offices, while the courthouse at 400 DeWitt St. is renovated.)

On Monday evening, a man in plain clothes, who identified himself as a process server, delivered a copy of the suit to Murphy during a meeting of the Portage Common Councils Finance and Administration Committee. According to witnesses, the man dropped a stack of papers on the conference table and said, Youve been served, OK?

Jesse Spankowski, attorney for the city of Portage  who works for the Miller law firm  said Tuesday that the city has referred the matter to the citys insurance carrier for coverage, and he declined to comment further.

Hazelbaker, who has represented the county in its eminent domain case involving Gruber, said that each of the defendants has to decide how to respond to the suit.

Options, he said, include filing a response to the allegations contained in the suit or asking for the suits immediate dismissal, based on a contention that, even if the allegations are true, the plaintiff cannot legally get the judgment that he seeks from the defendant.

In his case, Hazelbaker said, the likely response is a motion for immediate dismissal.

At least one of the parties, including me, is going to move for dismissal, he said. Mr. Gruber cannot sue the lawyer.

Hazelbaker frequently handles eminent domain cases, and he said that the federal court, as a rule, is very reluctant to take on a state eminent domain case until the case has proceeded through all levels of the state court system.

Gruber has filed a suit in Columbia County Circuit Court appealing the Condemnation Commissions August decision to award him $140,000 for his property. The money has been paid. As far as the courts are concerned, Columbia County owns the property, and has the right to ask Gruber to vacate the property in 90 days.

Gruber said he has not yet received any notice that the county wants him to vacate by any certain date. The Gruber property is in an area thats been designated to become a parking lot to serve the Administration Building, so its not immediately needed for the project to proceed.

For the appeal, a telephone scheduling conference has been scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 7 at the Dodge County Justice Facility in Juneau, with Judge Brian Pfitzinger presiding.

Because Grubers most recent suit was filed in federal court, it does not necessitate having any of Columbia Countys judges determining whether to recuse himself from the case.

Neither Gove nor Murphy could be reached for comment Tuesday.

Hazelbaker said city and county officials have no intention of committing any type of violence against Gruber, and he said he doesnt believe Gruber intends to act violently, either.

I understand his frustration, he said. The law is harsh, but the law is the law.

Craig Sauer contributed to this report.
Madison Ald. Rebecca Kemble was arrested and jailed on Monday while acting as a legal observer of the continuing protests over a controversial oil pipeline in North Dakota that a Native American tribe says threatens tribal land.

Kembles version of events contrasts sharply with statements by law enforcement, who characterized the event as a riot.

Kemble was among more than two dozen people arrested on Monday at two protests, Morton County Sheriffs Department spokesman Rob Keller said. She faces tentative charges of misdemeanor criminal trespassing, destruction of evidence, resisting arrest and engaging in riot.

She was taken to Morton County jail and released after posting a $250 bond Tuesday morning, Keller said.

Actress Shailene Woodley, who starred in the Divergent movie series and most recently in Oliver Stones film Snowden, was also among those arrested.

Kemble said Tuesday afternoon that she was wearing a hat that identified her as a legal observer and was videotaping a peaceful prayer ceremony when police arrived and began making arrests. She said she intends to fight the charges.

I wasnt protesting. It wasnt a protest, she said. I was legal-observing. I was targeted by law enforcement for my camera.

Kemble, 18th District, traveled with her husband over the weekend to Morton County to present the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe with a parchment copy of a recent City Council resolution expressing solidarity with those protesting the pipeline.

The tribe wants construction halted due to concerns of potential contamination of its water supply and says the pipeline will encroach on tribal burial sites and other cultural artifacts.

On Monday morning, Kemble said she went with others to attend a ceremony that started at an encampment on the reservation. The ceremony, she said, moved to the pipeline site near St. Anthony and featured prayer, drumming and dancing by tribes from Argentina and the Arctic Circle.

She said most people were beginning to leave after the event, except for about 16 people sitting under a tepee, when at least 40 police officers arrived.

A commanding officer, Kemble said, told the protesters they faced arrest if an officer touched them. She said most people backed up but police pursued. She said the commanding officer ran at her, grabbed her while she was holding her camera, put her hands behind her back, bound her with a zip tie, and took her camera as evidence, with police taking her and those arrested to jail.

A Morton Countys Sheriffs Department press release on Monday afternoon describes a different scene.

On Monday morning, authorities got a call that two protesters had locked themselves to equipment on private property near St. Anthony and were arrested and charged with a felony and misdemeanors, the release said. Another arrest was made and the group disbanded.

About two hours later, authorities were alerted to a convoy of about 100 vehicles assembling near the pipeline site, the release said. Law enforcement closed a road and told the protesters to disband. The crowd refused and 24 more people were arrested, it said.

In the statement, Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney said, While some would like to say this was a protest, this was not a protest  this was a riot.

Kemble rejected the description. What alternate universe was the sheriff in that day? she said. It was so peaceful. The whole day was steeped in prayer and ceremony.

The police are fear-mongering.

Kemble said shell present the parchment to tribal leaders Wednesday morning.

Last weekend, the Dane County Sheriffs Office sent 10 deputies from its special events team to the site of the protests, part of a state contingent of 40 members of law enforcement that have gone to provide assistance to the area.

Construction resumed Tuesday on the $3.8 billion, 1,200-mile pipeline on private land about 20 miles from the so-called Red Warrior Camp where thousands of protesters have gathered, The Associated Press reported.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to correct the bond amount posted by Kemble on Tuesday.
Paul Ryan, the nations highest-ranking elected Republican, is facing perhaps the toughest leadership test of his nearly year-old House speakership thanks to Donald Trump.

The House speaker has walked a fine line in recent days, denouncing the GOP presidential nominees past predatory comments about women, canceling a joint appearance in Elkhorn and vowing to focus on electing Republicans to Congress  all while not revoking his endorsement of the billionaire real estate mogul.

The actions stood in contrast to Ryans call for unity at the Republican National Convention in July, when he said the party could earn a mandate if we dont hold anything back, if we never lose sight of the stakes.

In response to his feud with Trump, Ryan is facing an open revolt among some House and party members, while grassroots Trump backers are increasingly vocal in expressing their disdain for his representation of establishment Republicanism.

Hes been trying to finesse this decision, but the reality is thats impossible, conservative talk radio host Charlie Sykes said in an interview. Hes trying to walk the tightrope, but its like walking the tightrope in the middle of a tornado. Its not going to end well.

Nathan Gonzales, editor of the Rothenberg and Gonzales Political Report, said the criticism Ryan is getting from some fellow Republicans is the latest conflict between establishment Republicans who allow for compromise and anti-establishment purists. Those same forces played into the retirement of former Speaker John Boehner that led to Ryan reluctantly accepting the speakership last year on Oct. 29.

But the latest division foreshadows future challenges for Ryan, especially if Trumps unpopularity costs Republicans a large number of House seats, Gonzales said.

Ive been telling people for months that its not a foregone conclusion that Paul Ryan is speaker of the House next year, Gonzales said. If Republicans lose 10, 12 or 15 more seats, theyre more likely to come from moderate members or members that are allies of the leadership, and that will increase the proportional influence of the (anti-establishment conservative) House Freedom Caucus and could make Speaker Ryans life more difficult.

Trump tweet storm

On Tuesday morning Ryan faced the wrath of a Trump tweet storm, in which the Republican nominee suggested Ryan could be blamed if Trump falls short on Nov. 8.

It is hard to do well when Paul Ryan and others give zero support! Trump tweeted.

A Ryan spokesman responded to Trumps tweets, saying the speaker is focusing the next month on defeating Democrats, and all Republicans running for office should probably do the same.

The rift between Trump and Ryan took another turn Tuesday when The Hill newspaper reported Trumps campaign CEO, Steve Bannon, had a vendetta against Ryan when he was chairman of conservative Breitbart News.

Bannon said in a December 2015 email to a Breitbart editor that rather than build bridges with Ryan, the news site would work to make sure Ryan is gone by spring.

Late Tuesday, Trump announced he was returning to Ryans home state of Wisconsin on Monday, but the location was not disclosed.

One danger for Ryan, of Janesville, is that Trump is more popular among Republicans, political analyst Harry Enten wrote on fivethirtyeight.com.

The presidential nominees net favorable rating among Republicans  the percentage of those who have a favorable view minus those who have an unfavorable view  as of the latest weekly, email-based YouGov poll of about 1,300 people was +36 points, compared with the speakers +16.

Also, according to a rolling average of several of polls, Ryans popularity among Republicans fell to its lowest point this year as he withheld his endorsement of Trump, Enten wrote. Since shortly after the June 2 endorsement, Ryans net favorable number has climbed about 10 points.

At the same time, Ryan is still very popular in his own district based on his win in the August primary. A Breitbart-backed primary challenger, whom Trump promoted a week before the primary before finally endorsing Ryan, lost by nearly 70 points.

Ryan spent Tuesday touring local businesses and meeting with constituents in his district, according to an aide. He didnt have any public events scheduled and wasnt made available for an interview. On Friday he plans to address College Republicans in Madison.

Being Paul Ryan

Ryans allies defended his approach and pushed back on suggestions that his distancing himself from Trump stood in contrast with Republican National Committee chairman Reince Priebus telling RNC members Monday the party would continue to back Trump.

Paul Ryan is being the Paul Ryan I know  a stand-up guy. Big heart. Man of faith. Good conscience and he usually wants to do the right thing, said Steve King, an RNC committee member on the Priebus call and a longtime Ryan ally.

King said Ryan and Priebus were following different strategies suited to their different roles within the party, but theres no doubt everyone wants a Republican in the White House.

Paul is a very principled guy, King said. He has a conscience, and he says this is where Im going to spend my time. I know people read into that that hes given up on Trump  I dont think thats the case at all.

David Keene, opinion editor of the conservative Washington Times, also said there has been an overreaction to Ryans statements about Trump.

You would think from the way it played over the weekend that Paul Ryan had stepped out on his porch and set himself on fire, and that didnt happen, Keene said. But it did fuel a media narrative that everyone has to abandon him and get off the ticket.

Keene noted one way to turn a relatively close election into a landslide is for the candidates party to publicly attack him, citing Republican Barry Goldwater in 1964 and Democrat George McGovern in 1972. That might explain Ryans reluctance to revoke his endorsement.

Hes got a real tightrope to walk, Keene said. To the extent that his comments can be taken, as certainly the Clinton camp has taken them, as a way to drive a wedge between Republican voters, those comments in hurting Trump can also hurt Republicans running for re-election to the Senate and the House.
Former Sen. Russ Feingold told the Editorial Board last week that Congress should require third-party groups engaged in electioneering to disclose their donors. We agree. The public needs to know who is trying to influence its government.

Feingold, a Democrat, is a candidate for Senate again. He will face Republican Sen. Ron Johnson in the November election.

In its Citizens United ruling in 2010, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld disclosure requirements by a vote of 8-1. Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote at the time:

With the advent of the Internet, prompt disclosure of expenditures can provide shareholders and citizens with the information needed to hold corporations and elected officials accountable for their positions and supporters.

If only Congress would pass such a law.

Lawmakers came close in 2010, when the House passed the DISCLOSE Act, which would have imposed new reporting and disclosure requirements on outside groups that make independent expenditures such as television ads during the course of an election. The Senate came within one vote of passing the bill that year. In subsequent years, efforts to open the books on such groups have died.

As enormous amounts of money flood the electoral system, its past time for the public to know exactly who is behind these electioneering efforts. The argument that disclosure will have a chilling effect on the First Amendment rights of the donors doesnt wash. What about the rights of the rest of us to hold the government accountable? Donors can still speak through their donations, but citizens should know who is doing the speaking.

Doe docs

The John Doe investigation into Wisconsins recall elections is finally over after the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal by prosecutors. But in the wake of their long investigation lies a trove of documents that should now be made public.

For months, there has been a steady drip of leaks to the media  some damaging to prosecutors, some harmful to the targets of the investigation.

Because of the mistaken release of documents on a federal court website, for example, we first learned that a mining company that wanted a change in state law had given hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Wisconsin Club for Growth, which supported Gov. Scott Walker.

Thanks to a leak to the Guardian U.S., we learned that both before and after the Legislature approved laws limiting the ability to bring lawsuits by those poisoned by lead paint, the Wisconsin Club for Growth had received $750,000 in donations from the paint industry.

Prosecutors are under order to turn over copies of the documents to the state Supreme Court. At the same time, U.S. District Judge Lynn Adelman has ruled prosecutors could provide his court with sealed copies of the documents as part of their defense in a case brought by a former Walker aide. A fight over these two rulings is likely.

What else might these documents show? Prosecutorial misconduct? More donations by deep-pocketed donors with business before lawmakers?

Because of selective leaks, the public has seen only a small portion of the picture. The courts could perform a public service by making all the documents open to public inspection.
Faith Lutheran Church, located at 120 Faith Drive in Columbus, will hold a Spaghetti Supper on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children ages 4 to 10. Children 3 and under can eat for free. Carryouts will be available. Tickets may be purchased at the door or call the church at 623-3610.
Academic calendar and graduations

Update from the Senior Executive Team (16:30):

Academic programme

The majority of classes continued today across all campuses without disruption, and with better attendance than yesterday. Thank you to those who attended and taught classes today.

Senate approved last week that the academic calendar would be extended by two weeks.

Term ends: 31 October

Study break: 1 - 2 November

Examinations: 3 - 30 November

Examination timetables

The final Oct-Nov 2016 examination timetable has been published on the Wits website and the student portal. You can obtain your personalised timetable from the student portal. The revised Wits School of Education examination timetable will be made available soon.

Please note that no student will be prevented from writing examinations for financial reasons.

Graduations

Some graduations for 2016 have been rescheduled. Please visit the graduations webpage for details.

Wits pledge on free education

Wits has pledged its support for the goal of free, fully funded, quality, decolonised higher education. We pledge to approach government with a united voice for the realisation of this goal. We pledge to deploy our intellectual resources towards finding the best solutions. We are also prepared to support peaceful advocacy activities in this regard. Read the full pledge.

Managements engagement with protesting students

We reiterate that we have met with student leaders from various student structures and societies. We are open to engaging with students from all societies and mediators to try to find a negotiated settlement. The Dean of Students invited 20 student representatives to meet with management, but the protesting students did not take up the offer. We are also open to an imbizo provided that it doesnt fall into teaching time, it is facilitated independently, it allows for two way conversation and is planned in advance. We have communicated with the Students Representative Council in this regard.

We are happy to address all internal issues as described earlier but it is beyond our control to give students free education now.
Classes continue today

Update from the Senior Executive Team (10:30):

Academic Programme

All classes continue today across all campuses.

Overnight Incidents

Three petrol bombs were found in a backpack near the Raikes Gate on the Wits West Campus in the early hours of this morning. A security officer made the discovery and alerted the police who removed them.

Two other petrol bombs were found outside the John Moffet Building late last night. It appears as if another petrol bomb was thrown through a window to the basement of the building, which caused a fire. Security officers managed to extinguish the fire quickly.

Eggs were thrown in at the Albert Wessels front entrance at the Wits Business School this morning. Taps were left open in Central Block bathrooms overnight, which led to flooding in the area. All areas have been cleaned.

Offensive graffiti has reappeared in various Wits spaces and is being cleaned.

Intimidation and misinformation

We are aware that many students and staff are being intimidated by protesting students. This intimidation takes various forms  there are reports of intimidation of students in residences as well as those who attend classes. We remind all students and staff, that while protesting students have a right to demonstrate, others have a right to learn and work.

There are students who are circulating threatening voice notes and WhatsApp messages to instil fear in the Wits community. These notes and messages have been passed on to the police and they are investigating it.

There is much misinformation being spread through social media and we urge students to obtain their information from official Wits channels  www.wits.ac.za, www.facebook.com/witsuniversity, @Wits_News and @WitsUniversity.

Please report any intimidation to Campus Control on (011) 717-4444 or (011) 717-6666 or to the Wits Legal Office.

Clarification

Contrary to the information spread on social media yesterday, the University did not lock any students into any residence. Security did close one pedestrian turnstile when disruptions occurred on the Parktown Campus yesterday. Students were able to leave via the front gate.

Stay away from areas of conflict

We appeal to all students and staff to stay away from areas in which conflict may occur. If incidents occur, move away from the area for your own safety.
The following companies are subsidiares of Johnson & Johnson: 3Dintegrated ApS, ALZA Corporation, AMO (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd., AMO (Shanghai) Medical Devices Trading Co. Ltd Beijing Branch, AMO (Shanghai) Medical Devices Trading Co. Ltd Guangzhou Branch, AMO (Shanghai) Medical Devices Trading Co. Ltd., AMO ASIA LIMITED, AMO Asia Limited (Korea Branch), AMO Asia Limited Taiwan Branch (Hong Kong), AMO Australia Pty Limited, AMO Australia Pty Limited (New Zealand Branch), AMO Canada Company, AMO Denmark ApS, AMO Development LLC, AMO France, AMO Germany GmbH, AMO Groningen B.V., AMO International Holdings Unlimited Company, AMO Ireland, AMO Ireland Ireland Branch, AMO Italy SRL, AMO Japan K.K., AMO Manufacturing USA LLC, AMO Netherlands BV, AMO Nominee Holdings LLC, AMO Norway AS, AMO Puerto Rico Manufacturing Inc., AMO Sales and Service Inc., AMO Singapore Pte. Ltd., AMO Spain Holdings LLC, AMO Switzerland GmbH, AMO U.K. Holdings LLC, AMO United Kingdom Ltd., AMO Uppsala AB, AUB Holdings LLC, Abott Medical Optics, Acclarent Inc., Actelion Ltd, Actelion Pharmaceuticals, Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Actelion Pharmaceuticals Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Actelion Pharmaceuticals US Inc., Actelion Treasury Unlimited Company, Akros Medical Inc., Albany Street LLC, Alios BioPharma, Alza Land Management Inc., Anakuria Therapeutics Inc., Animas Diabetes Care LLC, Animas LLC, Animas Technologies LLC, AorTx Inc., Apsis, Aragon Pharmaceuticals, Aragon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Asia Pacific Holdings LLC, Atrionix Inc., Auris Health, Auris Health Inc., Backsvalan 2 Aktiebolag, Backsvalan 6 Handelsbolag, Beijing Dabao Cosmetics Co. Ltd., BeneVir BioPharm Inc., Berna Rhein B.V., BioMedical Enterprises Inc., Biosense Webster (Israel) Ltd., Biosense Webster Inc., Branch of Johnson & Johnson LLC (RU) in Kazakhstan, C Consumer Products Denmark ApS, CSATS Inc., Calibra Medical LLC, Campus-Foyer Apotheke GmbH, Carlo Erba OTC S.r.l., Centocor Biologics LLC, Centocor Research & Development Inc., Cerenovus Inc., ChromaGenics B.V., Ci:Labo Customer Marketing Co. Ltd., Ci:Labo USA Inc., Ci:z Holdings, Ci:z. Labo Co. Ltd., Cilag AG, Cilag GmbH International, Cilag Holding AG, Cilag Holding Treasury Unlimited Company, Cilag-Biotech S.L., CoTherix Inc., Coherex Medical Inc., ColBar LifeScience Ltd., Company Store.com Inc., Conor MedSystems, Cordis International Corporation, Cordis de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Corimmun GmbH, DePuy Hellas SA, DePuy International Limited, DePuy Ireland Unlimited Company, DePuy Mexico S.A. de C.V., DePuy Mitek LLC, DePuy Orthopaedics Inc., DePuy Products Inc., DePuy Spine LLC, DePuy Synthes Gorgan Limited, DePuy Synthes Inc., DePuy Synthes Institute LLC, DePuy Synthes Leto SARL, DePuy Synthes Products Inc., DePuy Synthes Sales Inc., Debs-Vogue Corporation (Proprietary) Limited, Dutch Holding LLC, ECL7 LLC, EES Holdings de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., EES S.A. de C.V., EIT Emerging Implant Technologies GmbH, Ethicon Endo-Surgery (Europe) GmbH, Ethicon Endo-Surgery Inc., Ethicon Endo-Surgery LLC, Ethicon Inc., Ethicon LLC, Ethicon PR Holdings Unlimited Company, Ethicon Sarl, Ethicon US LLC, Ethicon Women's Health & Urology Sarl, Ethnor (Proprietary) Limited, Ethnor Farmaceutica S.A., Ethnor del Istmo S.A., FMS Future Medical System SA, Finsbury (Development) Limited, Finsbury (Instruments) Limited, Finsbury Medical Limited, Finsbury Orthopaedics International Limited, Finsbury Orthopaedics Limited, GH Biotech Holdings Limited, GMED Healthcare BV, GMED Healthcare BV (Branch), Global Investment Participation B.V., Guangzhou Bioseal Biotech Co. Ltd., Hansen Medical Deutschland GmbH, Hansen Medical Inc., Hansen Medical International Inc., Hansen Medical UK Limited, Healthcare Services (Shanghai) Ltd., Hickory Merger Sub Inc., I.D. Acquisition Corp., Innomedic Gesellschaft fur innovative Medizintechnik und Informatik mbH, Innovative Surgical Solutions LLC, J & J Company West Africa Limited, J&J Pension Trustees Limited, J-C Health Care Ltd., J.C. General Services BV, JJ Surgical Vision Spain S.L., JJC Acquisition Company B.V., JJHC LLC, JJSV Belgium BV, JJSV Manufacturing Malaysia SDN. BHD., JJSV Norden AB, JJSV Produtos Oticos Ltda., JNJ Global Business Services s.r.o., JNJ Holding EMEA B.V., JNJ International Investment LLC, JOM Pharmaceutical Services Inc., Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy (Holding) Limited, Janssen BioPharma LLC, Janssen Biologics (Ireland) Limited, Janssen Biologics B.V., Janssen Biotech Inc., Janssen Cilag C.A., Janssen Cilag Farmaceutica S.A., Janssen Cilag S.p.A., Janssen Cilag SPA, Janssen Development Finance Unlimited Company, Janssen Diagnostics LLC, Janssen Egypt LLC, Janssen Farmaceutica Portugal Lda, Janssen Global Services LLC, Janssen Holding GmbH, Janssen Inc., Janssen Irish Finance Unlimited Company, Janssen Korea Ltd., Janssen Oncology Inc., Janssen Ortho LLC, Janssen Pharmaceutica (Proprietary) Limited, Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Janssen Pharmaceutica S.A., Janssen Pharmaceutical K.K., Janssen Pharmaceutical Sciences Unlimited Company, Janssen Pharmaceutical Unlimited Company, Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc., Janssen Pharmaceuticals Inc. Japan Branch, Janssen Products LP, Janssen R&D Ireland Unlimited Company, Janssen Research & Development LLC, Janssen Sciences Ireland Unlimited Company, Janssen Scientific Affairs LLC, Janssen Supply Group LLC, Janssen Vaccines & Prevention B.V., Janssen Vaccines Branch of Cilag GmbH International, Janssen Vaccines Corp., Janssen-Cilag, Janssen-Cilag (New Zealand) Limited, Janssen-Cilag A/S, Janssen-Cilag AG, Janssen-Cilag AS, Janssen-Cilag Aktiebolag, Janssen-Cilag B.V., Janssen-Cilag Farmaceutica Lda., Janssen-Cilag Farmaceutica Ltda., Janssen-Cilag GmbH, Janssen-Cilag International NV, Janssen-Cilag Kft., Janssen-Cilag Kft. Branch Office, Janssen-Cilag Limited, Janssen-Cilag Manufacturing LLC, Janssen-Cilag NV, Janssen-Cilag OY, Janssen-Cilag Pharma GmbH, Janssen-Cilag Pharmaceutical S.A.C.I., Janssen-Cilag Polska Sp. z o.o., Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd, Janssen-Cilag Pty Ltd (Branch), Janssen-Cilag S.A., Janssen-Cilag S.A., Janssen-Cilag S.A. de C.V., Janssen-Cilag de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Janssen-Cilag s.r.o., Janssen-Pharma S.L., Jevco Holding Inc., Johnson & Johnson, Johnson & Johnson (Angola) Limitada, Johnson & Johnson (China) Investment Ltd., Johnson & Johnson (China) Investment Ltd. Beijing Branch, Johnson & Johnson (Egypt) S.A.E., Johnson & Johnson (Hong Kong) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Ireland) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Jamaica) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Kenya) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc., Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc. (DHCC Branch), Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc. (JAFZA Branch), Johnson & Johnson (Middle East) Inc. Service Center (DAFZA Branch), Johnson & Johnson (Mozambique) Limitada, Johnson & Johnson (Namibia) (Proprietary) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (New Zealand) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Philippines) Inc., Johnson & Johnson (Private) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Thailand) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson (Trinidad) Limited, Johnson & Johnson (Vietnam) Co. Ltd, Johnson & Johnson - Societa' Per Azioni, Johnson & Johnson AB, Johnson & Johnson AB Eesti filiaal (Branch), Johnson & Johnson AG, Johnson & Johnson AG (Zuchwil Branch), Johnson & Johnson Belgium Finance Company BV, Johnson & Johnson Bulgaria EOOD, Johnson & Johnson China Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Consumer (Hong Kong) Limited, Johnson & Johnson Consumer (Thailand) Limited, Johnson & Johnson Consumer B.V., Johnson & Johnson Consumer Health Care Switzerland Branch of Janssen-Cilag AG, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Holdings France, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc. (Dominican Republic Branch), Johnson & Johnson Consumer NV, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Saudi Arabia Limited, Johnson & Johnson Consumer Services EAME Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Del Paraguay S.A., Johnson & Johnson Dominicana S.A.S., Johnson & Johnson Enterprise Innovation Inc., Johnson & Johnson European Treasury Unlimited Company, Johnson & Johnson Finance Corporation, Johnson & Johnson Finance Limited, Johnson & Johnson Financial Services GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Financial Services GmbH (Branch Office), Johnson & Johnson Gateway LLC, Johnson & Johnson Gesellschaft m.b.H., Johnson & Johnson GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Guatemala S.A., Johnson & Johnson Health Care Systems Inc., Johnson & Johnson Health and Wellness Solutions Inc., Johnson & Johnson Hellas Commercial and Industrial S.A., Johnson & Johnson Hellas Consumer Products Commercial Societe Anonyme, Johnson & Johnson Hemisferica S.A., Johnson & Johnson Holding GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Inc., Johnson & Johnson Industrial Ltda., Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JJDC Inc., Johnson & Johnson Innovation LLC, Johnson & Johnson Innovation Limited, Johnson & Johnson International, Johnson & Johnson International (Belgian Branch) (European Logistics Center), Johnson & Johnson International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Johnson & Johnson International (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. (Branch), Johnson & Johnson International Financial Services Unlimited Company, Johnson & Johnson K.K., Johnson & Johnson Kft., Johnson & Johnson Korea Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Korea Selling & Distribution LLC, Johnson & Johnson LLC, Johnson & Johnson Lda, Johnson & Johnson Limited, Johnson & Johnson Limited (Sri Lanka Branch), Johnson & Johnson Luxembourg Finance Company Sarl, Johnson & Johnson Management Limited, Johnson & Johnson Medical (China) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medical (Proprietary) Ltd, Johnson & Johnson Medical (Shanghai) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medical (Shanghai) Ltd. Beijing Branch, Johnson & Johnson Medical (Suzhou) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medical B.V., Johnson & Johnson Medical Devices & Diagnostics Group - Latin America L.L.C., Johnson & Johnson Medical GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Medical Korea Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medical Limited, Johnson & Johnson Medical Mexico S.A. de C.V., Johnson & Johnson Medical NV, Johnson & Johnson Medical Products GmbH, Johnson & Johnson Medical Pty Ltd, Johnson & Johnson Medical S.A., Johnson & Johnson Medical S.C.S., Johnson & Johnson Medical S.p.A., Johnson & Johnson Medical SAS, Johnson & Johnson Medical Saudi Arabia Limited, Johnson & Johnson Medical Taiwan Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Medikal Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Johnson & Johnson Medikal Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Ankara Branch), Johnson & Johnson Medikal Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi (Izmir Branch), Johnson & Johnson Middle East - Scientific Office, Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ - LLC (Lebanese Branch), Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC, Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC (Ghana Branch), Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC (Kenya Branch), Johnson & Johnson Middle East FZ-LLC Branch (TSO) (Saudi Arabia Branch), Johnson & Johnson Morocco Societe Anonyme, Johnson & Johnson NCB (Belgian Branch), Johnson & Johnson Nordic AB, Johnson & Johnson Pacific Pty Limited, Johnson & Johnson Pakistan (Private) Limited, Johnson & Johnson Panama S.A., Johnson & Johnson Personal Care (Chile) S.A., Johnson & Johnson Poland Sp. z o.o., Johnson & Johnson Poland sp. z o.o. oddzial w Warszawie "Consumer", Johnson & Johnson Private Limited, Johnson & Johnson Pte. Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Pte. Ltd. Korea Branch, Johnson & Johnson Pty. Limited, Johnson & Johnson Romania S.R.L., Johnson & Johnson S.A., Johnson & Johnson S.A. de C.V., Johnson & Johnson S.E. Inc., Johnson & Johnson S.E. d.o.o., Johnson & Johnson SDN. BHD., Johnson & Johnson Sante Beaute France, Johnson & Johnson Services Inc., Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision Inc., Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision India Private Limited, Johnson & Johnson Taiwan Ltd., Johnson & Johnson UK Treasury Company Limited, Johnson & Johnson Ukraine LLC, Johnson & Johnson Urban Renewal Associates, Johnson & Johnson Vision Care (Shanghai) Ltd., Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc., Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Ireland Unlimited Company, Johnson & Johnson d.o.o., Johnson & Johnson de Argentina S.A.C. e. I., Johnson & Johnson de Chile Limitada, Johnson & Johnson de Chile S.A., Johnson & Johnson de Colombia S.A., Johnson & Johnson de Mexico S.A. de C.V., Johnson & Johnson de Uruguay S.A., Johnson & Johnson de Venezuela S.A., Johnson & Johnson del Ecuador S.A., Johnson & Johnson del Peru S.A., Johnson & Johnson do Brasil Industria E Comercio de Produtos Para Saude Ltda., Johnson & Johnson for Export and Import LLC, Johnson & Johnson s.r.o., Johnson Y Johnson de Costa Rica S.A., Johnson and Johnson (Proprietary) Limited, Johnson and Johnson Sihhi Malzeme Sanayi Ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, LTL Management LLC, La Concha Land Investment Corporation, Latam International Investment Company Unlimited Company, Legal Entity Name, MDS Co. Ltd., McNEIL MMP LLC, McNeil AB, McNeil Consumer Pharmaceuticals Co., McNeil Denmark ApS, McNeil Healthcare (Ireland) Limited, McNeil Healthcare (UK) Limited, McNeil Healthcare LLC, McNeil Iberica S.L.U., McNeil LA LLC, McNeil Nutritionals LLC, McNeil Panama LLC, McNeil Products Limited, McNeil Sweden AB, Medical Device Business Services Inc., Medical Devices & Diagnostics Global Services LLC, Medical Devices International LLC, Medos International Sarl, Medos International Sarl succursale de Neuchatel (Branch), Medos Sarl, MegaDyne Medical Products Inc., Menlo Care De Mexico S.A. de C.V., Mentor B.V., Mentor Deutschland GmbH, Mentor Medical Systems B.V., Mentor Partnership Holding Company I LLC, Mentor Texas GP LLC, Mentor Texas L.P., Mentor Worldwide LLC, Micrus Endovascular LLC, Middlesex Assurance Company Limited, Momenta Ireland Limited, Momenta Pharmaceuticals, Momenta Pharmaceuticals Inc., NeoStrata Company Inc., NeoStrata UG (haftungsbeschrankt), Netherlands Holding Company, NeuWave Medical Inc., Neuravi Limited, Novira Therapeutics, Novira Therapeutics LLC, NuVera Medical Inc., OBTECH Medical Sarl, OGX Beauty Limited, OMJ Holding GmbH, OMJ Ireland Unlimited Company, OMJ Pharmaceuticals Inc., Obtech Medical Mexico S.A. de C.V., Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Inc., Omrix Biopharmaceuticals Ltd., Omrix Biopharmaceuticals NV, Ortho Biologics LLC, Ortho Biotech Holding LLC, Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical LLC, Orthospin Ltd., Orthotaxy, PT Integrated Healthcare Indonesia, PT. Johnson & Johnson Indonesia, Patriot Pharmaceuticals LLC, Peninsula Pharmaceuticals LLC, Pharmadirect Ltd., Pharmedica Laboratories (Proprietary) Limited, Princeton Laboratories Inc., Productos de Cuidado Personal y de La Salud de Bolivia S.R.L., Proleader S.A., Pulsar Vascular Inc., Regency Urban Renewal Associates, RespiVert Ltd., RoC International, Royalty A&M LLC, Rutan Realty LLC, SYNTHES Medical Immobilien GmbH, Scios LLC, Sedona Singapore International Pte. Ltd., Sedona Thai International Co. Ltd., Serhum S.A. de C.V., Shanghai Elsker For Mother & Baby Co. Ltd, Shanghai Elsker Mother & Baby Co. Ltd Minghang Branch, Shanghai Johnson & Johnson Ltd., Shanghai Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Sightbox LLC, Sodiac ESV, Spectrum Vision Limited Liability Company, Spectrum Vision Limited Liability Partnership, SterilMed, SterilMed Inc., Surgical Process Institute Deutschland GmbH, Synthes Costa Rica S.C.R. Limitada, Synthes GmbH, Synthes Holding AG, Synthes Holding Limited, Synthes Inc., Synthes Medical Surgical Equipment & Instruments Trading LLC, Synthes Produktions GmbH, Synthes Proprietary Limited, Synthes S.M.P. S. de R.L. de C.V., Synthes Tuttlingen GmbH, Synthes USA LLC, Synthes USA Products LLC, TARIS Biomedical, TARIS Biomedical LLC, TearScience Inc., The Anspach Effort LLC, The Vision Care Institute LLC, Tibotec LLC, Torax Medical Inc., UAB "Johnson & Johnson", UAB Johnson & Johnson Eesti Filiaal (Estonian Branch), Vania Expansion, Verb Surgical, Verb Surgical Inc., Vision Care Finance Unlimited Company, Vogue International, Vogue International LLC, Vogue International Trading Inc., WH4110 Development Company L.L.C., XO1, XO1 Limited, Xian Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd., Xian-Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd. Beijing Branch Office, Xian-Janssen Pharmaceutical Ltd. Shanghai Branch Office, Zarbee's Inc., and Zarbee's Naturals.

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M&T Bank Corporation operates as a bank holding company that provides commercial and retail banking services. The company's Business Banking segment offers deposit, lending, cash management, and other financial services to small businesses and professionals. Its Commercial Banking segment provides deposit products, commercial lending and leasing, letters of credit, and cash management services for middle-market and large commercial customers. The company's Commercial Real Estate segment originates, sells, and services commercial real estate loans; and offers deposit services. Its Discretionary Portfolio segment provides deposits; securities, residential real estate loans, and other assets; and short and long term borrowed funds, as well as foreign exchange services. The company's Residential Mortgage Banking segment offers residential real estate loans for consumers and sells those loans in the secondary market; and purchases servicing rights to loans originated by other entities. Its Retail Banking segment offers demand, savings, and time accounts; consumer installment loans, automobile and recreational finance loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, and credit cards; mutual funds and annuities; and other services. The company also provides trust and wealth management; fiduciary and custodial; insurance agency; institutional brokerage and securities; and investment management services. It offers its services through banking offices, business banking centers, telephone and internet banking, and automated teller machines. As of December 31, 2021, the company operates 688 domestic banking offices in New York State, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Connecticut, Virginia, West Virginia, and the District of Columbia; and a full-service commercial banking office in Ontario, Canada. M&T Bank Corporation was founded in 1856 and is headquartered in Buffalo, New York.
KeyCorp operates as the holding company for KeyBank National Association that provides various retail and commercial banking products and services in the United States. It operates in two segments, Consumer Bank and Commercial Bank. The company offers various deposits, investment products and services; and personal finance and financial wellness, student loan refinancing, mortgage and home equity, lending, credit card, treasury, business advisory, wealth management, asset management, investment, cash management, portfolio management, and trust and related services to individuals and small and medium-sized businesses. It also provides a suite of banking and capital market products, such as syndicated finance, debt and equity capital market products, commercial payments, equipment finance, commercial mortgage banking, derivatives, foreign exchange, financial advisory, and public finance, as well as commercial mortgage loans comprising consumer, energy, healthcare, industrial, public sector, real estate, and technology loans for middle market clients. In addition, the company offers community development financing, securities underwriting, brokerage, and investment banking services. As of December 31, 2021, it operated through a network of approximately 999 branches and 1,317 ATMs in 15 states, as well as additional offices, online and mobile banking capabilities, and a telephone banking call center. KeyCorp was founded in 1849 and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio.
Bank of Montreal provides diversified financial services primarily in North America. The company's personal banking products and services include checking and savings accounts, credit cards, mortgages, and financial and investment advice services; and commercial banking products and services comprise business deposit accounts, commercial credit cards, business loans and commercial mortgages, cash management solutions, foreign exchange, specialized banking programs, treasury and payment solutions, and risk management products for small business and commercial banking customers. It also offers investment and wealth advisory services; digital investing services; financial services and solutions; and investment management, and trust and custody services. In addition, the company provides life insurance, accident and sickness insurance, and annuity products; creditor and travel insurance to bank customers; and reinsurance solutions. Further, it offers client's debt and equity capital-raising services, as well as loan origination and syndication, and treasury management; strategic advice on mergers and acquisitions, restructurings, and recapitalizations, as well as valuation and fairness opinions; and trade finance, risk mitigation, and other operating services. Additionally, the company provides research and access to markets for institutional, corporate, and retail clients; trading solutions that include debt, foreign exchange, interest rate, credit, equity, securitization and commodities; new product development and origination services, as well as risk management advice and services to hedge against fluctuations; and funding and liquidity management services to its clients. It operates through approximately 900 bank branches and 3,300 automated banking machines in Canada and the United States. Bank of Montreal was founded in 1817 and is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
HAMILTON  On Oct. 14, 1891, close to 300 Bitterroot Salish packed up what little they had and left their homeland behind forever.

Under armed guard, they were forced to walk through the town of Stevensville. Mary Ann Coombs, who took part in the exodus, would later liken the mood to a funeral march.

It would take them most of three days to walk from the Bitterroot Valley to the Flathead Reservation, where they had been forced to resettle.

On Thursday, members of the Salish Tribe will meet at St. John Berchmans Church (the Jocko Church) at 8 a.m. to pray and prepare for what they call Return to Homeland: A journey back to the Bitterroot Valley.

For the next three days  as best they can  they will retrace the steps of their ancestors as they walk, ride horseback and bike from the church near Arlee to Stevensville to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the forced removal of the Salish from their homeland.

Some people had been thinking about this and decided it would be a good way to commemorate that time where our people were forced to leave, said Tony Incashola, director of the Salish-Pend dOreille Culture Committee. We want our young people to know a little bit about our history and to understand our history. We still consider the Bitterroot as our home.

So far, Incashola said somewhere between 60 and 70 Salish tribal members have expressed interest.

Im sure there will be people involved at the various points, he said. There will be people walking the whole way and some just walking toward the end. Others will help with feeding people.

On the first day, they plan to walk from Jocko Church to the KOA Campground in Missoula.

On the second day, they will wind their way through Missoula along Reserve Street and back streets on their way to the second campsite at Chief Looking Glass Campground.

The original plan had been to walk over the Higgins Avenue Bridge like their ancestors, but Incashola said that due to all the development and traffic, the decision was made for the detour.

We want to avoid as much of the traffic as we can, he said. We will take some back roads in Missoula to avoid some of that traffic.

On Saturday, they hope to arrive at Stevensville by noon.

Well gather first outside of Stevensville in a little area west of the bridge, Incashola said. When everyone is gathered together, we will walk to the church as a group.

Once they arrive at the St. Marys Mission, they will gather at the cemetery.

There are still some Salish people buried there, he said. Well have a few words, maybe a song.

To conclude, they will share a dinner and listen to some speakers at the St. Marys Church multipurpose room.

This is not a celebration, but a time to honor our ancestors, said Salish Language Coordinator Chaney Bell. It is a way to thank and remember what our relatives sacrificed for us and to learn what really happened.

It was one of the greatest changes in history for the Salish people, Incashola said.

***

According to a program created for the event, the Bitterroot Valley was the primary location for the Salish, especially in the winter months.

The forced removal of the Salish from the Bitterroot Valley can be traced back to the Hellgate Treaty of 1855 when the U.S. government first introduced the idea of concentrating Native people of several tribes onto a single reservation in the Mission Valley.

At the time, Chief Victor refused the governments demand that the Salish relinquish their lands in the Bitterroot Valley, which resulted in an amendment to the treaty that set aside the valley south of Lolo Creek as a Salish reservation pending the results of a survey authorized by the president.

Since the Bitterroot Valley was regarded as one of the most desirable places in Montana to settle due to prime agricultural and timber resources, an increasing number of white settlers began to demand the removal of the Salish.

In 1871, President Ulysses S. Grant issued an executive order saying the survey specified in the treaty was completed and the Jocko Reservation, now called the Flathead Reservation, was better suited for the needs of the Salish.

The following year, Congress sent a delegation led by the future president, James Garfield, to negotiate the removal of the Salish.

Chief Victor died in 1870. His son, Chief Charlo, had not forgotten his fathers words and told Garfield that the Bitterroot Valley was where the bones of his ancestors were buried and he would not leave.

By 1873, two sub-chiefs had moved their families to the Flathead Reservation, but the majority of the Salish remained in the Bitterroot with Chief Charlo.

The government assigned them allotments of land and opened the rest of the valley to settlement. Faced with worsening conditions for his people, Chief Charlo agreed to move to the reservation.

In October 1891, Gen. Henry B. Carrington arrived and told the Salish it was time leave.

Chief Charlo gathered the people together, the program reads. They prayed and announced they would go. The tribe trailed through Stevensville before the silent gaze of the non-Indians.

A survivor of the removal, Mary Ann Coombs, likened the trip to a funeral march. Elders have told that the soldiers did not allow people to stop to go to the bathroom, warning them they would be shot if they ran away.

Children riding behind their mothers wondered why the grownups were crying. As an old woman, Sophie Moiese suffered flashbacks, hearing the women crying as the people slowly rode north toward the Jocko Valley.
Telefonica Brasil S.A., together with its subsidiaries, provides mobile and fixed telecommunications services to residential and corporate customers in Brazil. Its fixed line services portfolio includes local, domestic long-distance, and international long-distance calls; and mobile portfolio comprises voice and broadband internet access through 3G, 4G, 4.5G, and 5G as well as mobile value-added services and wireless roaming services. The company also offers data services, including broadband and mobile data services. In addition, it provides pay TV services through direct to home satellite technology, IPTV, and cable, as well as pay-per-view and video on demand services; network services, such as rental of facilities; other services comprising internet access, private network connectivity, computer equipment leasing, extended service, caller identification, voice mail, cellular blocker, and others; wholesale services, including interconnection services to users of other network providers; and digital services, such as entertainment, cloud, and security and financial services. Further, the company offers multimedia communication services, which include audio, data, voice and other sounds, images, texts, and other information, as well as sells devices, such as smartphones, broadband USB modems, and other devices. Additionally, it provides telecommunications solutions and IT support to various industries, such as retail, manufacturing, services, financial institutions, government, etc. It markets and sells its solutions through own stores, dealers, retail and distribution channels, door-to-door sales, and outbound tele sales. The company was formerly known as Telecomunicacoes de Sao Paulo S.A. - TELESP and changed its name to Telefonica Brasil S.A. in October 2011. The company was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil.




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Westinghouse expands SMR study team

12 October 2016

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Westinghouse will work with UK shipbuilder Cammell Laird as well as the countrys Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (NAMRC) on a study to explore potential design efficiencies to reduce the lead times of its small modular reactor.

The reactor vendor has already worked with NAMRC on a study that concluded the reactor pressure vessels for its SMR design could be made in Britain - a potentially important element in its offer to government in hope of winning a competition towards SMR demonstration. The new study will be a continuation, said Westinghouse.

New to the project is Cammell Laird, a shipbuilder based in Liverpool that has been increasing its involvement in the UK's nuclear sector for several years. In 2010 it agreed to work with Nuvia towards manufacture of modules for decommissioning and for new build, and in 2011 the pair were joined by Ansaldo Nucleare of Italy, which is experienced in AP1000 work. This is in addition to Cammell Laird's ongoing work in offshore oil, gas and wind.

The Westinghouse SMR is a 225 MWe integral pressurized water reactor design with all primary components located inside the reactor vessel. It uses the passive safety functionality developed for the company's AP1000 reactor, currently being built at sites in China and the USA.

Plans for early deployment of SMRs in Britain follow the publication in 2014 of a feasibility report by a consortium led by the National Nuclear Laboratory into the potential impact of the technology on the UK energy sector and supply chain.

The government is in the late stages of a competition to choose an SMR that offers the best value to the country, the prize being at least 250 million over five years for research. NuScale and Rolls-Royce are also known to be participating.

Researched and written

by World Nuclear News

Related topics
Angola is a country in Southern Africa on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean. The nation has a long and storied history that includes its former status as a colony of the European nation of Portugal. After gaining its independence in 1975, the African country has endured many periods of violence and political unrest including the ravages suffered during the Angolan Civil War from 1975 to 2002. Despite having an abundance of natural resources such as oil and diamonds the World Fact Book notes that most of Angolas population experiences a low standard of living. The country also has one of the worst life expediencies in the world with especially high rates of infant death. Here is an overview of the top causes of death in Angola according to the Center for Disease Control.

The Vital Statistics Of The Population Of Angola

According to a 2014 census the population of Angola numbers at 25,789,024. The ethnic makeup of the nation includes native African groups such as the Ovimbundu, Ambundu, and Bakongo along with small minorities of Mestico, Chinese, and those citizens of European descent. Children under fifteen years of age make up about 46.6% of Angolas total population, those aged fifteen to 65 number comprise 50.9% while seniors over 65 represent only 2.5% of the countrys population.

Statistics from the World Health Rankings show that the life expectancy for the average man living in Angola is 50.9 years while for females its slightly higher at 54. Despite these sobering numbers it should be noted that life spans for Angolan residents have improved with citizens living longer than at earlier times in the countrys history. In 1960, for example, the average life expectancy for men was only 31.7 years with women living just three years more at 34.7 years of age. Currently, adult mortality rates number at approximately 11.49 per thousand while infant mortality is significantly higher at 38.78 per thousand births.

The reasons for Angolas poor life expectancy rate are complex and include a variety of factors such as widespread poverty, civil violence, food shortages, political unrest, and lack of adequate medical services. Among the leading causes of death in the country include conditions such as diarrheal disease, lower respiratory infection, malaria, malnutrition, AIDS, meningitis, and ischemic heart disease.

Diarrheal Diseases

The number one cause of death in Angola is the diarrhoeal disease which, according to the World Health Organization, is also the second leading cause of death among kids under the age of five. The disease is fatal due to the fact that it deprives the body of the water and salt necessary to sustain life. This condition is especially dangerous when combined with other serious health problems like malnutrition or HIV infection.

Preterm Birth Complications

Due to its status as a country with a high rate of infant mortality residents of Angola must cope with a number of health care issues associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood development. Pregnant women in Angola risk preterm birth due to factors such as high blood pressure, infection, diabetes, and multiple pregnancies. Babies born before 37 weeks are at increased risk of having various preterm complications including breathing problems, infection, as well as physical and mental disabilities. The World Health Organization cites low-income populations as well as a lack of proper health care to be major factors which contribute to the deaths of preterm babies. According to statistics from WHO over 60% of preterm births occur on the continents of Africa and southern Asia.

HIV/AIDS and TB

Angola has one of the highest rates of HIV/AIDS in the world, although its rates are lower than many of its Southern African counterparts. TB infection is another concern in Angola.

Malaria

Another significant killer in Angola is malaria which involves parasites which are spread by mosquitoes. Like a great many diseases malaria is not only preventable but also can be cured. According to the World Health Organization children under five are at the greatest risk of contracting malaria, and this segment of the population makes up 70% of deaths related to the disease. Malaria is a particular problem in South African countries because its transmitted by bites from infected female mosquitoes and in nations such as Angola these insects have a lengthy life span which gives the parasite sufficient time to develop.
Saint Barthelemy is an overseas collectivity of France, and the capital city of the Island is Gustavia which is the only harbor on the island. St. Barth is the only Caribbean island which had Sweden colonizing for a significant length of time, though Guadeloupe was under the Swedish rule for a brief moment only during the Napoleonic wars. The three crowns appearing in the Islands court of arms is a type of the Swedish legacy in the island. However, Cuisine, Language, and culture are distinctively French. St. Barth is a favorite tourist destination especially during winter season particularly for the rich and the celebrities.

6. Where Is St. Barts Located? -

Saint Barthelemy, an overseas collectivity of France, is associated with an interesting history, rich culture, and unique ways of life. The indigenous people of the island are known as the Ouanalao. The Island of St. Barthelemy is about 22miles (35km) to the southeast of St. Martin and north of St. Kitts. Puerto Rico is about 150 miles (240kms) to the west in the Antilles. St. Barthelemy is in the Caribbean and lies between the North Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea; it is located on the leeward side of the northern group of islands and lies to the east of the US Virgin Islands.

5. History Of St. Barts -

The St. Barts island was discovered by Christopher Columbus and he named it after his brother Bartolomeo. The island was settled by the French in 1648 and later sold it to Sweden in 1784, which renamed the largest town after the king of Sweden, Gustav III and made it a free port. The island became the center of trade and a supply center during the colonial wars of the 18th century. France re-purchased the island again in 1877 and took over the control of St. Bart. The island maintained its status as a free port and some Swedish relics such as the court of arms, the names of streets, and names of towns. In 2003 the people of St. Barth voted to secede from Guadeloupe, and the island became a French overseas collectivity in 2007. It is now one of the four territories of French West Indies the others are St. Martin, Martinique, and Guadeloupe. In 2012 St, Barth became a member of the EU.

4. The Population Of St. Barts -

St. Barth is a volcanic island that is surrounded by shallow reefs covering an area of 9.7 square miles (25 sq km) and in 211 the population was estimated at 9,035. In 2016 the population is estimated at 7,209 people. In the census of 2007, there were 8,398 people on the island that was a population density of 335 people per square kilometer. The population is mainly concentrated around the capital city, Gustavia, but there are some settlements around the Islands. The island has no natural rivers or streams and therefore fresh water is in short supply particularly during summer seasons. Therefore fresh water is supplied through desalination of the sea water, imported water with tankers, and collection from rain water.

3. Culture, Language, And Religion Of The People Of St, Barts -

The ethnic groups in the Island include the white Creoles also known as the mulatto, the blacks, and the Guadeloupe Mestizos also known as the French East-Asians. The primary language on the island id French, but English is widely used as well. The predominant religion in St. Barth is Catholicism and other minority religions in the Island are the Protestants and Jehovah witnesses.

2. Habitat And Biodiversity -

The island is arid and has several hundreds of plant species such as sea grapes and palm trees. There are also mangroves and shrubs in the coastal swamps. Plants such as the coconut were imported from the Pacific islands. Besides these, there are also other trees such as the frangipanis, sabal palms, manchineel trees, and wild trumpet, and aleo vera which was brought from the Mediterranean region among many other plant species. Within the Islands are different marine mammals such as the dolphins, whales, turtles which are endangered and are now protected. Three types of turtles have been identified around the island including the leatherback sea turtle, the hawksbill turtle, and the green turtles.

1. Tourism And Tourist Activities At St. Barts -

It is estimated that about 200,000 tourists visit the island every year and this has led to a boom in the construction of tourist residentials and apartments which can be as costly as 61 million for a beach villa. St. Barthelemy has approximately 25 hotels having an average of 15 rooms each and some of the biggest could have as many as 58 rooms, and they are categorized following the French version of three stars, four stars, and four-star luxe. There are also private villas available for rent. There are about 70,000 visitors booking luxury hotels every year and another 130,000 arriving on luxury boats. Tourists are many during the month of December as that is the highest season on the island.

The island has a 1,200-hectare marine nature reserve commonly known as the Reserve Naturelle and is made up of five regions surrounding the island, and together all form the network to protect the coral reefs, the endangered marine life, and the sea grass of the island.
DECATUR  Starting in pole position takes on a whole new meaning when you are an Ameren Illinois lineman heading out to the rodeo.

That's rodeo as in the International Lineman's Rodeo, happening Friday and Saturday in Bonner Springs, Kan. More than 200 lineman teams from utilities all over the nation and world will converge for a series of exercises designed to find out who has got the power when it comes to job skills.

Rodeo challenges include speed-climbing a 40-foot pole and then descending with enough finesse that a raw egg  held in the lineman's mouth  remains unbroken.

And then there is the simulated rescue of a hurt lineman that involves securing and lowering a dummy to the ground after making the wires safe, also while perched at the top of that 40-foot pole.

Ameren Illinois is sending multiple teams of 24 journeyman linemen and 14 apprentices to the rodeo, and they were practicing their skills Tuesday at the utility's training center in Decatur.

Zach Beaty, a lineman out of LaSalle, ended up letting his rescue dummy descend earthward a little too rapidly but pointed out nothing is easy under the critical eye of your smiling colleagues.

Beaty, however, already feels like a winner. He said he's doing his dream job, and he loves it most when battling frigid temperatures and howling winds to get the lights back on.

It's such a good feeling to help people who have been freezing in their houses, said Beaty, 33.

What's at stake in the rodeo are trophies, plaques and priceless bragging rights for the winners, but it's also a demonstration and perfection of skills with a deadly serious undercurrent.

The Ameren teams, for example, include Decatur linemen Don Putnam and Josh Simpson, who got to play both parts in a real rescue drama. In 2014, Simpson accidentally bumped a line, and the jolt of current left him hanging, unconscious, in his climbing straps at the top of a pole. Putnam helped rescue his friend and lower him to the ground.

There is a special bond between the linemen who work together, said Putnam, 34. He makes sure that I go home to my family and I make sure he goes home to his.
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Irish real estate firms like JLL broadly welcome the business and property-related measures announced in Ireland's budget this past week.Hannah Dwyer, Associate Director and Head of Research at JLL said, "As expected, this week's Budget did not include any great surprises, but instead focused on encouraging the continued sustainable recovery of Ireland's economy. At a time when global markets are confronted with existing challenges and uncertainty, it is positive to see that the government has responded to these by looking to encourage sustainability, business growth and competitiveness. As corporates re-valuate their real estate strategies in a post Brexit era, it is important that the government focused on this so much in the Budget.The introduction of CGT reductions for entrepreneurs will support Ireland's future business growth and will continue to promote Ireland as an excellent location to start-up a business. This in turn, is likely to encourage increased levels of FDI into Ireland, and will place it on a more level playing field with equivalent tax regimes in the UK.There is also a big focus on the residential market in the budget with a number of measures introduced to encourage activity. The financial incentive for FTB's, will hopefully encourage increased purchasing activity in the housing market. The value restriction to houses of 400,000 and restricting it to new builds is somewhat limiting, given the shortage of construction of new homes, and the rising average value of residential properties, particularly in Dublin. With extra cash for FTB's to spend, this does raise some cause for concern about triggers to price escalation as a direct result of this measure.Increasing levels for the tax free rent allowance may act as an incentive to homeowners and landlords to rent out rooms and properties that they have. This comes at a time when there is a significant under supply of rental accommodation and would be a first, although small, step to tackling supply shortages.One measure that is likely to have a direct impact on commercial property markets is the dissolution of tax incentives that have done so much for attracting overseas investment into Ireland. Minister Noonan has raised concerns around other fund structures in property which we take to mean the ICAV structures, and any dissolution of these will directly impact on the attractiveness of Ireland as an investment location, particularly as most countries offer tax exempt status to their investor base.We welcome the retention of the reduced rate of VAT for the hotels and hospitality sector. This will help to continue to support the sustainable recovery of the sector, and comes at time of uncertainty over visitor numbers from the UK market.A number of measures were also introduced that will positively impact money in people's pockets. These are hoped to encourage further improvements for the retail sector whose performance is directly correlated to greater consumer sentiment and spend".
A new study has found evidence that extreme hurricanes are likely to pound New York City in the coming decades because of climate change.

New York could be battered by more hurricanes like Sandy because of climate change and rising sea levels according to a new study. A coordinated study among researchers with the University of Princeton, University of Rutgers, and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that surge floods are likely to multiply by 17 times between 2000 and 2100 in the worst case scenario.

Scientists gathered historical data including tidal-gauge and geological records from New York since 1856 to assist with the study. The data was then used to develop computer simulations that projected the frequency of floods in the decades ahead, which included models of storm intensity, storm surges, and possible sea levels.

Results indicated the frequency of severe hurricanes increased nearly threefold between 1800 and 2000. In New York, particularly, the magnitude of Sandy-like storms has risen to once every 400 years in 2000 compared to once every 1,200 in 1800.

According to these estimates, by the year 2100, floods are anticipated to happen once every 90 years. The gradual rise is sea level is attributed to the progressive sinking of the mid-Atlantic region towards the end of the last ice age. Over the course of the late 20th century, however, human-influenced climate change accelerated the trend.

Ning Lin, lead author of the study and an Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Princeton University, said the incidence of extreme storms has increased drastically over the last two decades. Alterations in storm climatology and elevated sea levels, Lin added, are expected to influence the rate of storms over the 21st century.

The grand answer is that things are going to get worse by 2100. If nothing changes with hurricanes, sea-level rise alone will increase the frequency of Sandy-like events by 2100, said Researcher Benjamin Horton with Rutgers University.

Lin believes that more refined technology will assist researchers in making more precise estimations and help civic planners design hurricane-defense infrastructure.

Source: TechTimes

Image credit: PBS.org News Hour
Ambitious Plans to Increase Welsh Speakers in Wrexham Backed by Councillors

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Oct 12th, 2016

A five year strategy which aims to increase the use of the Welsh language across Wrexham County Borough has been backed by councillors.

The strategy, which was presented before members of Wrexham Councils Executive Board highlights

plans to halt the decline in the number of Welsh speaker across the county.

Wrexham Councils vision for the future of the Welsh language is detailed within the report, with the authority aiming to: Facilitate, increase and promote the use of the Welsh language in the County Borough and give residents the opportunity to live their lives through the medium of Welsh if they so wish; to create an increased understanding of the Welsh language and Welsh culture amongst non-Welsh speaking residents.

In the report it is noted that Wrexham has seen a decline locally in the use of the Welsh language, with a drop from 18,102 Welsh speakers in 2011 to 16,569 in 2011 (both figures are based off the 2011 and 2011 census results)

The strategy aims to increase the figure back to 2001 levels by the time the next census is undertaken in 2021.

In a bid to increase the usage of the Welsh language in Wrexham a number of actions have been put forward which would see initiatives to increase the use of Welsh within shops and businesses, ensure that Welsh language issues are considered at the Town Centre Forum and all new and replacement roadsigns comply with the the Welsh Language Standards.

In what could be a first for the Executive Board meetings, todays report was presented in Welsh first before being translated in English.

Lead Member for Communities and Partnerships, Cllr Hugh Jones said he acknowledges that Wrexham Council needs to work in partnership with a number of organisations and people in order to deliver the strategy.

He added: The aim is to reverse the decline in the use of Welsh language and in the number of Welsh speakers in the County Borough. This is a developing strategy, it is a living document which will change and develop as we progress.

Weve been working to a fairly tight timescale and we needed to have this in place by 30 September 2016. However we do need to make some more changes to document. The purpose of any changes ongoing will be to refine the document and make it more affective.

An amendment to the report was put forward, with Cllr Jones stating: That the Executive Board approve the draft five year strategy to promote, facilitate and increase the use of Welsh language in the County Borough and recognising this is a developing strategy, delegate to lead member in consultation with the Welsh language officer authority to make changes to the strategy.

Seconding the report Cllr Michael Williams, who is a Welsh speaker said: Having read the document I must say it does depress me that despite all our efforts the Welsh language continues to reduce in the percentage of the population who speak it.

A lot of it is down to the older generation and people in their 80s and 90s who are unfortunately dying now. We need to replace those speakers by other Welsh speakers and hopefully we can achieve that through the provision of Welsh medium education.

However Cllr Bob Dutton requested that the document is brought back to the Executive Board before publication for approval so that members are fully aware of the final position

Cllr Dutton said: I wonder would Cllr Jones agree that from our perspective as an authority we have done considerably more than some other authorities in terms of committing the financial resources which are required by the commissioner in terms of the standards she is wishing for us to meet.

Would Cllr Jones agree that now is the time for a national debate on how much should be committed to these resources. Bearing in mind Wrexham is a border area and is finding itself in a difficult position with austerity measures imposed by the Welsh Government and facilitated by the UK Government, that we need to look again at this at some stage in the future.

Cllr Dutton added: Im not asking for this to be part of the resolution at the present time, but I would ask for the final documentation as agreed with various groups is brought back for consideration.

The amount of money we pour into this activity I think indicates how much this authority is committed to the operation. They are substantial funds and at a difficult time when we have got 50m backlog of road improvements and repairs, along with other aspects we ought to think more about this situation.

Not to say people involved with and the lead member havent tried to improve the situation, but I think its time nationally we talked about this situation more.

Addressing the comments Cllr Jones said: I am happy to stand with the recommendation as I put forward because this is a living document, its an organic document and will need to change and develop as the years go ahead.

One assurance I can give is it is a cash limited budget and we will operate in that cash limited budget and all changes we make will be in the cash limited budget.

In terms of general point I think its unfortunate that when the Welsh Language Bill was brought before the Senedd and the standards were put on local authorities, there was no additional funding from Welsh Government to implement the standards.

He added: It is equally important to understand the significance of the Welsh language and the part Welsh culture plays with the culture and economy and life of Wales. It is true we are a border county, but we are a county with a strong Welsh heritage and I for one am very keen to promote that heritage.

The amendment to the report was welcomed by Cllr Dana Davies and Cllr Alun Jenkins, both of which are also Welsh speakers.

Cllr Jenkins said: The document as it stands contains a number of errors and inaccuracies that need to be tweaked. If the document as it appears today was published I dont think we would do a good service to the Welsh language and I think we need to avoid that.

Cllr Davies added: I feel very strongly and think the three of do so that we get this five year strategy right.

The meeting was assured by Cllr Jones that the report will be refined before publication.
Exciting Plans to Boost North Wales Economy Praised by Councillors

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Oct 12th, 2016

Ambitious plans to grow and boost economy and infrastructure across North Wales by tapping into the Northern Powerhouse, has been approved by councillors.

The Growth Vision for the Economy of North Wales, an aspirational document which outlines a joined-up vision for economic and employment growth for North Wales, was presented before members of Wrexham Councils Executive Board yesterday.

It is hoped that the document will be used as the basis of negotiations with the UK and Welsh Governments over a Growth Bid Deal for the region, along with any other funding and investment opportunities identified.

The document also highlights how the region is economically connected to the Northern Powerhouse.

Speaking at yesterdays meeting, Economic Development and Regeneration Cllr Neil Rogers stated the document outlines an ambitious vision for young people, people in the community and a vision for North Wales.

Cllr Rogers said: In presenting this report I am hoping members will endorse it and give it the support I think it deserves. For a number of months all local authorities in North Wales have been working together to make contact with Welsh Government and West Minister.

The population across North Wales is 700,000, we want to tap into that.

He added: We believe this is a good vision for Wrexham, we are placed in a good location in North Wales to place in bids.

We are already seeing the benefits of opportunities in Wrexham. HMP Berwyn is six months away and in the West we Anglesey with Energy Island and other projects. It is also important for Wrexham town centre  we all know what were trying to do on the Technology Park, the success of Moneypenny and the infrastructure on Highways.

When you come in from the Midlands through Chirk there are real problems. If we want to attract businesses here we have to make sure the infrastructure is in place.

The report was welcomed by Cllr Michael Williams, who noted that there arent many Executive Board reports which excite me, but this one does.

Leader of the Labour Group. Cllr Dana Davies also voiced her support for the document, however questioned if such document was available for the Wrexham area. She said: Because this is a regional document is there a Wrexham document or a plan which pulls all of this together for Wrexham?

My concern is the information in this document crosses three lead member portfolios. If looking at things in isolation it could generate barriers in delivering regional.

However Cllr Rogers stated that while there was the Wrexham Connected document, the regional plans could not be done by themselves.

He said: This is what the First Minister is saying about prosperity for all. We believe in working with partners across the border. We are not big enough to take the challenge forward, which is why I said 700,000 people live in North Wales.

We are developing this plan and how we implement it. It is vitally important North Wales and Wrexham gets its fair share of funding.

Council Leader Mark Pritchard added he was delighted to have the report presented to the committee and that all Executive Board reports excite him.

Cllr Pritchard said: This is another opportunity of working in true partnership to deliver working in the future. This isnt about Wrexham, its about North Wales. Were hoping to draw about 12bn between us.

I am delighted this is here, we have to be ambitious and have to work with other authorities. They delivered it in South Wales, if there can do it there we can do it here.

The report received unanimous backing from members of the Executive Board.

You can read the Growth Vision For the Economy of North Wales document here.
Explained: Police & Fire Service Attend Incident At Wrexham Town Centre Bank

This article is old - Published: Wednesday, Oct 12th, 2016

Fire and Police were in attendance at the Wrexham town centre Barclays Bank branch this morning as part pilot scheme surrounding missing and vulnerable people.

At around 10:30am this morning there were reports of two fire engines outside Barclays Bank in Wrexham Town Centre.

One onlooker said there was no fire in sight, prompting curiosity as to what the fire service had been called to.

It has since been confirmed that North Wales Fire and Rescue Service were assisting North Wales Police in a search for a missing person as part of a pilot scheme to provide support to locate vulnerable people who are reported missing from home.

The work is co-ordinated by North Wales Police who say it is way of ensuring we work together so that more resources are put towards locating a missing person as quickly as possible.

Bespoke training developed by North Wales Police is provided to North Wales Fire and Rescue Service staff.

Staff at Wrexham, Holyhead, Caernarfon and Bangor Fire Stations completed this training and are currently taking part in the pilot, assisting colleagues from North Wales Police, as required, in searches for those reported missing.

The pilot will be reviewed periodically and other locations may be included in the future

Stuart Millington, Senior Fire Safety Manager for North Wales Fire and Rescue Service said: The pilot does not in anyway impact our operational cover or cost us more as a Service.

Our staff will remain on call for fire and rescue service incidents and ready to respond as usual, but will provide assistance to police with missing from home incidents when required.

They can then reengage in any search for a missing person when they are available to do so.

This is another positive example of how emergency services are working together for the benefit of our communities and how we as a fire and rescue service can help to make a difference in a number of vital ways.

Inspector Paul Wycherley North Wales Police lead on the Collaboration Project said  It is entirely proper that the emergency services are examining ways to work together to maintain and improve service to the public.

This initiative strengthens the number of emergency service professionals tasked to reports of missing persons, which should result in persons being found more quickly so minimising the possibility of them coming to harm.

Original Information Below

As of 10:51am both the police and the fire service have left the scene, we have a query in with North Wales Police to discover the nature of the incident.

10:20am:

North Wales Fire and Rescue service confirmed they are assisting North Wales Police on Hope Street.

Pic: Barclays this morning.
Chicago teachers returned to work on Wednesday after the House of Delegates voted to end their strike. For nine days, the 26,000 teachers waged a courageous struggle in defense of public education. The fight pitted teachers not only against Mayor Rahm Emanuel, but the Obama administration, both big business parties and, most importantly, the Chicago Teachers Union itself.

The contract on the basis of which the strike was concluded is an unambiguous victory for Emanuel. It incorprates the mayors most essential demandsincluding the expansion of test-based evaluation systems, the extension of the school day without compensation, and the granting of broad authority to principals to hire and fire teachers.

While the strike has ended, the issues that gave rise to it remain, as does the immense opposition of teachers to the corporate-driven attack on public education. The media, Emanuel and other pro-reform mayors are already crowing, licking their chops at the prospect of dismantling teacher pensions, closing hundreds of public schools, and handing over the education system to private corporations.

New struggles will emerge over the fate of public educationin Chicago, where the contract must still be voted on by teachers, and throughout the country. This makes all the more necessary a careful evaluation of the experiences of the strike and its political lessons.

First, it is critical to see the strike within the context of the growth of the class struggle in the US and internationally. Four years after the onset of the global economic crisis, a mood of social opposition is growingfrom mass demonstrations in Greece to the strike wave of South African miners.

After funneling trillions to the rich in bank bailouts and other handouts, the corporate and political establishment is demanding a new normal of austerity, poverty and wage cuts. Every right that workers have won in struggle is targeted. The financial aristocracy is seeking to turn the clock backwards generations, even centuries. In the case of public education, the American ruling class has a strategy of undermining an institution with roots in the American Revolution itself.

In Chicago, the bipartisan character of this assault was out in the open. Whatever the posturing of Democrats as socially progressive, their true character was exposed, as a party no less ruthless than the Republicans and dedicated to the same end was exposed.

In an election season when Americans are supposedly presented with a choice between alternative visions, both parties lined up to proclaim their opposition to the teachers. Romneys vice presidential candidate, Paul Ryan, immediately expressed his solidarity with Emanuel, saying, school reform is a bipartisan issue. And indeed it is.

Emanuel is carrying out in Chicago the Obama administrations policy on a national level. Obamas education secretary, Arne Duncan, is implementing the policies he championed as Chicago Public Schools CEO from 2001 to 2009. This includes test-based evaluations to close failing schools, firing teachers and staff, and sell off schools to private operators. These reactionary measures are key to Obamas Race to the Top scheme.

The strike gave expression to a deep hostility to this entire agenda. Teachers are motivated to enter their profession by a commitment to the fundamental democratic principle that everyone should have the right to learn.

In their daily life, teachers confront the immense problems of poverty and inequality. They know that the agenda of privatization has nothing to do with improving education. The strike was about not just the interests of teachers, but the defense of public education as a wholeand therefore it involved the interests of the entire working class. With sickening hypocrisy, the media and politicians, both conservative and liberal, denounced the strike for harming children.

The greatest obstacle to carrying out a determined struggle was, and is, the organization that claimed to represent the interests of teachers, the CTU. The logic of the teachers struggle poses the necessity for a broader mobilization of the entire working class in a political struggle against the representatives of the corporate and financial eliteand the social system, capitalism, they defend.

Yet from the beginning, the CTU was preoccupied with preventing this at all costs. Its primary function was to contain the anger of teachers and prevent it from developing into a political struggle against the Obama administration and the Democratic Party. The role of the union was all the more significant, and revealing, in that it is led by a nominally left and opposition faction, the Caucus of Rank-and-File Educators (CORE).

CORE was elected in 2010, after a decade of open collaboration with Duncan had deeply discredited the old leadership. Karen Lewis took over the presidency, backed by the International Socialist Organization, whose member Jesse Sharkey became vice president. CORE presented itself as a more militant leadership dedicated to social justice unionism and a fight against school privatization.

In fact, CORE had no significant political differences with the faction it deposed. The new leadership endorsed Pat Quinn for governor, accepted mass layoffs and firings, and worked with Democratic legislators to draft Senate Bill 7, which severely limited teachers right to strike, allowed for a longer school day and year without compensation, and expanded the use of standardized tests to fire teachers.

The timing of the strike revealed the CTUs political commitments, as its beginning was deliberately delayed until after the Democratic Party convention that renominated Obamaa convention where American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten got up to insist, in relation to the Chicago contract dispute, that we are all Democrats.

Facing the angry opposition of teachers to Obamas reactionary school reform agenda, the CTU launched the strike on September 10, largely to let off steam, while behind the scenes it worked out a deal that contained all of Mayor Emanuels demands.

Throughout the nine-day strike, the CTU did everything to downplay the political issues at stake. At a September 10 rally of thousands of teachers, the word Obama was never mentioned by the assorted speakers, which included Jesse Jackson and other Democratic Party politicians, as well as officials from the AFT.

Meanwhile, according to a union source cited by the NBC-TV affiliate in Chicago, the AFT leaned on the CTU to settle the contract, concerned that the strike could backfire and negatively impact the Obama administration.

After only a few days on strike, Lewis, who had previously announced that the sides were far apart, reported that the union had reached a framework for a deal to end the walkout. Keeping the membership in the dark as much and for as long as possible, the CTU sought to stampede representatives in the House of Delegates to rubber-stamp the agreement.

The effort to ram through the sellout, however, encountered a hurdle when delegates overwhelmingly voted on September 16 to continue the strike. Having been rebuffed, the CTU leadership went into high gear to pressure delegates to end the strike at the next meeting on September 18. The Chicago Tribune, a vicious enemy of the teachers, made it clear that Lewis and Sharkeys task was curbing the vitriol enough to seal a deal.

Through a combination of intimidationaided by Mayor Emanuels move to obtain a court injunctionand outright lies, the CTU pushed through a return-to-work vote. While admitting the union had agreed to an austerity contract, Lewis said the CTU would not negotiate anything better because of tough economic times. She pointed to state law barring strikes over class sizes and school closingsfailing to mention that the CTU had endorsed the very bill that stripped teachers of the right to strike over these issues.

The most cynical role was played by the ISO. At the September 18 delegates meeting, the ISO passed out a leaflet claiming the deal had turned back the harshest items on the school deform list. Unable to conceal that it contains painful concessions, the ISO justified the sellout by pointing to even more egregious concessions accepted by teacher unions in Detroit, Cleveland and Philadelphia.

The leaflet reiterated Lewis line that teachers were barred by law from striking over the most critical issues, adding, however, But its also important to remember that struggles like these wont end when the strike is over and the contract is signed.

Thus, the ISO would have teachers believe the CTU, which sabotaged the strike, demobilized teachers and imposed Emanuels dictates would now be ready to lead a struggle over school closings!

The Chicago strike revealed the utter worthlessness of the old trade union organizations. It also exposed the class character of the ISO, which upholds the authority of these essentially anti-labor organizations over the working class, and through them the Democratic Party.

An organization defines its class character not by what it calls itself but by its actions. Whatever socialist rhetoric it occasionally employs, in reality the ISO functions as the left flank of the capitalist political establishment. Increasingly finding lucrative careers in the trade union apparatus, pseudo-left groups like the ISO represent the interests of an upper-middle class stratum thoroughly hostile to the working class.

The outcome of this struggle was not preordained. The potential existed, and was fought for by the Socialist Equality Party, to transform the strike into a powerful political movement of the working class to defend and vastly improve public education. The SEP fought for teachers to reject the entire framework being imposed on them: above all that the working class must restrict itself to what the Democrats and Republicans say is affordable.

The defense of public education and every other basic social right requires a direct attack on the economic and political dictatorship of the banks and big business and a vast redistribution of wealth from the financial oligarchy to the needs of working people. To fight for this, the working class must free itself from the political domination of the Democrats, who defend the interests of the super-rich just as viciously as their Republican counterparts.

None of the issues that teachers have fought for have been resolved. The next period will see the emergence of even more powerful class struggles. New organizations of struggle are required. Above all, the working class needs a new leadership that fights for its political independence from the two capitalist parties and in doing so fights for socialism. The SEP calls on all teachers ready to take up this struggle to contact us here.
The Canadian Broadcasting Company (CBC) and its Fifth Estate investigative program have provided further proof that Canadas security agencies and government connived in the illegal detention and torture of Canadians in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

The CBC obtained thousands of pages of secret documents that detail how the Canadian Security and Intelligence Service (CSIS), the countrys premier spy agency, and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) actively participated in the arrest, detention without trial, interrogation, and torture of three Canadians in Syria.

Abdullah Almalki, Ahmad El-Maati and Muayyed Nureddin were all arrested by the authoritarian Syrian regime between 2001 and 2003 at the instigation of Canadas police and intelligence agencies. Then, over a period of many months, Canadian authorities connived with their Syrian counterparts in their detention and interrogation. This included providing Syrias secret police with questions to ask the men and helping ensure that they remained detained under brutal conditions. Amnesty International has described Almalkis cell as a grave.

Almalki had been identified by the CSIS and the RCMP as a suspect in the immediate aftermath of 9/11. They alleged he had ties to Osama bin Laden through a charity he briefly volunteered for in Afghanistan. One memo shows the RCMP initially labelled him a potential procurement officer for al-Qaida. But after two weeks of round-the-clock surveillance, an RCMP officer bluntly noted in a report, O Div task force are presently finding it difficult to establish anything on him other than the fact that he is an Arab running around.

This did not stop the CSIS from issuing a global terrorist alert about Almalki, which they forwarded to the FBI and CIA. They also supplied the information to Syrian intelligence with the full knowledge that Almalki, who ran an electrical engineering business, would be detained by them the next time he traveled to Damascus.

El-Maati and Nureddin endured similar fates. El-Maati was targeted by the CSIS and the RCMP because he spent time in Afghanistan in the 1990s. He was stopped by US border guards who found a map of buildings in Ottawa in El-Maatis truck. The map included the marked locations of Atomic Energy of Canada, Eldorado Nuclear Ltd., HBW Virus Labs and HBW Disease Control, and the RCMP concluded on this basis that El-Maati was plotting to attack nuclear and biological facilities. By contrast, Alex Neve of Amnesty International referred to the map as a photocopy regularly given to delivery drivers so they could find their way around Ottawa.

When El-Maati travelled to Syria to get married, he was detained on information supplied by Canadian authorities.

The most well-known case of Canadian-sponsored rendition and torture during this period was that of Maher Arar, who was detained by US agents while changing planes in New York, flown to Syria and tortured for over a year. He later received C$10.5 million in damages after filing a suit against the Canadian government for its role in his detention and abuse.

The latest revelations substantiate the World Socialist Web Sites contention that under Liberal and Conservative governments alike, Canadas security agencies practiced their own rendition-style program under which they fingered terror suspects against whom they had little if any evidence and sent them to countries notorious for abusing prisoners. This enabled the intelligence agencies to circumvent the prohibitions in Canadian law on detention without trial and the use of torture and other enhanced interrogation techniques.

Canadas complicity in illegal rendition and torture programs was overseen by the Liberal governments of Jean Chretien and Paul Martin, which embraced the war on terror narrative to justify a vast clampdown on democratic rights at home and a substantial increase in Canadian military operations abroad in alliance with US imperialism. With the passage of their 2001 Anti-Terrorism Act, the Liberals undermined long-standing judicial norms, including the right to remain silent, while introducing a catch-all definition of terrorism that could be used to justify state suppression of working-class opposition, including political general strikes. They also vastly expanded the power of the intelligence agencies to conduct comprehensive surveillance on the Canadian population, including the systematic perusal of the metadata of electronic communications.

The Chretien Liberal government deployed troops to Afghanistan, where Canadian forces played a decisive role in the US-led neocolonial occupation of the impoverished Central Asian country. It was later revealed that Canadian troops were complicit in the torture of hundreds of Afghan prisoners of warmost of them poor peasants who had been detained during security sweepswho were subsequently handed over to Afghans notorious intelligence directorate.

The current Liberal government of Justin Trudeau, notwithstanding its rhetoric about change during last years election, has not lifted a finger to undo any of the crimes of Canadian imperialism. In fact, it is preparing the ground for new ones by escalating Canadas role in the principal US military-strategic offensives around the globe, in the Middle East and against Russia and China.

Despite the emergence of damning new evidence implicating Canada in war crimes, the Trudeau government formally rejected calls in June for a public inquiry into the torture of the Afghan prisoners of war. This is fully in line with the policy of the Harper Conservative government, which went as far as proroguing parliament in December 2009 to block a parliamentary investigation into the Afghan detainee issue, then flouted a House of Commons order to hand over documents about the detainees when parliament reassembled.

The Trudeau government has also equivocated on its pre-election promises to amend the Harper governments Bill C-51, deciding to backtrack and hold a phony public consultation before announcing any changes. The 2015 law vastly increases the coercive powers of the state, including empowering the CSIS to violate virtually any law when actively disrupting vaguely defined national security threats.

Canada also has a ministerial directive still on the books that, in violation of international law, authorizes the intelligence agencies to make use of information that was obtained by torture. Issued by former Conservative Minister of Public Safety Vic Toews, the directive could be rescinded by the current Liberal public safety minister, Ralph Goodale, at the stroke of a pen, but he has refused to do so. In a statement to the CBC, Goodale merely noted that he continues to assess ministerial directives to ensure that they both protect our rights and freedoms, and keep Canadians safe. The intelligence agencies, which strongly support the maintenance of the torture directive, also continue to share information with foreign intelligence agencies, even if there is a strong likelihood this could result in individuals being tortured.

Two government public inquiriesone led by Justice Dennis OConnor into the Arar case, and another by retired Supreme Court Justice Frank Iacobucci into the detention and torture of Almalki, El-Maati and Nureddinwere part of a concerted cover-up by the ruling elite and an exercise in damage control.

OConnor whitewashed the role of the CSIS and the RCMP by declaring that they were not involved in Arars detention by the US or his torture, while Iacobucci absolved the CSIS and the RCMP of any responsibility for the arrest of the trio. This was in spite of the fact that he acknowledged that Canada had provided information to Damascus that was, in the case of Almalki, inflammatory, inaccurate, and lacking investigative foundation.

Reflecting the determination of the Canadian ruling elite to sweep its criminal activity under the carpet, lawyers for Almalki, El-Maati and Nureddin only gained access to the documents containing the latest revelations after a lengthy legal battle. The information contained in them is to be used when court proceedings begin next year on lawsuits the trio has brought against the Canadian government.

Canadas collusion with the Syrian authorities did not end with the three mens detentions. The documents obtained by the CBC reveal that Canadas ambassador in Damascus, Franco Pillarella, arranged for questions drawn up by the RCMP to be hand delivered to the agency torturing Almalki. Pillarella later boasted about his relations with Syrias security services, proclaiming, No ambassador has ever, with my exception, had access to the head of military intelligence.

Questioned on his readiness to hand information to Syrian intelligence despite its use of torture being public knowledge, Pillarella cynically responded that while reports of the use of torture were widespread, unless a person had witnessed torture, one cannot say for a certainty that this is what would happen.

Michel Cabana, the RCMP inspector who oversaw the preparation of questions to be asked of Almalki while he was tortured, is now the RCMP deputy commissioner.

To put an end to his brutal torture, El-Maati confessed to being part of preparations for an attack on parliament and that he was an accomplice of bin Laden. Although Canadian authorities were well aware Elmaati was being tortured, the RCMP deemed his confession credible and stepped up security on Parliament Hill.

No government officials made any attempt to free the three men. In fact, the main concern during El-Maatis detention was that diplomatic officers working in the Canadian embassy in Damascus would get wind of his internment and expose the RCMPs secret operations. If consular section approaches the Syrians and asks for access to this guy [El-Maati] they could uncover O Divs operation, a Rome-based intelligence operative wrote.

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Late Monday night, the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) announced a tentative four-year agreement with the Democratic administration of Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Immediately teachers and parents took to social media to denounce the contract terms as well as city and Chicago Public Schools (CPS) officials and the CTU, which took nearly two years in behind-the-scenes negotiations to produce the concessions contract. Plans to put the current agreement before teachers for a vote have not yet been announced.

The new deal differs little from the agreement the unions bargaining team was forced to reject last January after opposition from the rank and file. That deal included a seven percent de facto pay cut to cover pensions and hikes to health care costs.

Concessions in the new deal include a phasing out of the pension pickup, where the city, in exchange for teacher wage cuts years ago, agreed to pay a portion of teacher pension contributions. Current teachers will keep the pension pickup but new hires will have to pay in full, amounting to a seven percent pay cut. The CTU claims these extra costs will be made up in salary adjustments over several years for new teachers. Teachers are also being asked to accept close to a one percent increase in their health care costs as well as higher copays.

The key concession demanded by Emanuel, the phasing out of the pension contributions, incentivizes the district to lay off the most experienced teachers, with the union playing a role in aiding that process. The contract forms a budget oversight board, formalizing the unions role in the board of educations decisions on how Emanuels education policies will be meted out. For years, veteran teachers have been targeted for layoffs due their relatively higher salaries and outspokenness against school cuts and privatization.

Teachers took to social media to express their anger at the terms of the agreement, arguing that after two years of negotiations, CTU had won nothing new, failed to protect what they do have for new hires, and did not reverse the deep cuts to staff and programs that have negatively impacted classroom instruction and student development and wellness.

Most contentious is the CTUs agreement to pit newer hires against veteran teachers in phasing out the pension pickup. Calling it a recipe for disaster and an abandonment of the spirit of all for one and one for all, teachers criticisms on Facebook and Twitter sound just like those of workers in the private sector, notably autoworkers, who have been subject to various tiered wage and benefit schemes to drive down labor costs and casualize the workforce.

Many teachers pointedly remarked on the absence of any mention of school closings. A five-year moratorium on school closings ends in 2017. In preparation for more layoffs, the contract offers laid-off teachers placement in an available vacancy or if thats unavailable, 10 months severance pay, up from five. In other words, many younger teachers will never attain the promised wage increases because they will lose their jobs.

Other terms of the contract highlighted as successes by CTU reveal how difficult working conditions are in public schools. The agreement states that classrooms with 32 or more students in kindergarten through second grade (seven- and eight-year-olds) should have a classroom aide. There are no class size restrictions for older students. Teachers speaking out on social media today said that ballooning class sizes are the single greatest challenge they face on a daily basis.

Some of the most vocal opposition to the contract has come from special education teachers, who have been working under extraordinarily difficult conditions for close to a decade. Just last summer, Special Ed programs were hit with hundreds of layoffs. None of the cuts to those programs have been restored in the agreement. Instead a toothless grievance procedure will be instituted to supposedly hold the district to Illinois law governing Special Ed classroom numbers and work conditions.

The pseudo-left International Socialist Organization continues to play a foul role in blocking a strike and negotiating a sellout contract. In addition to occupying a leading position in the CTU bureaucracy in the person of CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey, a main player in the negotiations, there is also the role of its mouthpiece, SocialistWorker.org.

In supporting the CTUs betrayal, Alan Maass and Lee Sustar write in an article posted Tuesday that CPS had made major concessions on key issues in the contract fight.

The ISO provides an apologia for the unions collaboration with Emanuel, who they acknowledge is a deeply discredited and hated figure. Maass and Sustar try to justify the settlement by making the absurd claim that it was Emanuel who capitulated to teachers in order to avoid a strike.

An open-ended strike could have finished off his already damaged political career," they write. "The mayor was facing the prospect of a mass picket line surrounding City Hall during his speech on the city budget, set for what would have been day one of the strike.

This only underscores the depth of the joint betrayal carried out by the CTU and the ISO. Emanuel's weakness and political crisis argue not for a last-minute deal to avoid a strike and accept a concessions-laden deal, but for a full-scale strike and the mobilization of the mass support for the teachers that exists in Chicago and across the state and the country.

It is precisely in order to rescue Emanuel and block such a mobilization of the working class that the CTU and its parent organization, the American Federation of Teachers, in concert with the ISO, did everything they could to prevent a strike. They sacrificed the jobs, living standards and working conditions of Chicago teachers, and the educational conditions for students, to prop up Emanuel and the Democratic Party as a whole. Tied to the Obama administration and the Democrats, the unions are desperately campaigning to put Hillary Clinton in the White House and they are determined to prevent any struggles of the working class that could interfere with this objective.

Dragging out the negotiations, refusing to set strike dates, lowering expectations by insisting the city is broke were all part of CTUs agreement to workas Emanuel himself put itwithin the financial envelope of his schools plan.

In the four years since the 2012 strike, during which Emanuel has been on the offensive against public education and against educators, threatening and then carrying out thousands of layoffs and closing 50 schools, the CTU has sought to collaborate with his administration. In the same period, teacher opposition has mounted to those policies with every passing month, evidenced in public statements and strike votes of 95 and 96 percent.

The fact is, there never was any threat of an open-ended strike from the CTU leadership. This is because the union nearly lost control of the strike in 2012 and was absolutely determined this time around to block any recurrence of such a situation.

It is the fate of leading Democrats that the CTU and ISO are looking out for, and whose good graces they seek. Their interests are directly opposed to those of teachers, students and working families.

This only underscores the need for rank-and-file teachers to take the conduct of the struggle out of the hands of the CTU. Rank-and-file committees should be elected to mount a campaign to defeat this sellout contract and fight for the mobilization of the entire working class in the city to oppose the corporate-backed attacks on teachers and fight for the right to quality public education for all.
There are too many faults stacked in Donald Trump's towering inferno. Republicans have trained themselves to downplay his negatives such that he seems poised to destroy the GOP. Hillary Clinton knows them well. During the debate Sunday night she recited a handy list of his sins: Trump never apologizes. He didn't make amends to the Khans, the Muslim Gold Star parents who lost a son in Iraq. He suggests crazy, unrealistic schemes like barring Muslims from entering the United States. He made fun of a disabled reporter and stoked the absurd "birther" rumors about America's first black president.

His staunchest defenders know his demerits well, yet they are so demoralized about the direction of this country that they have chosen to see his shortcomings as strengths. At least, they tell themselves, Trump breaks the mold.

Trump certainly broke with etiquette by inviting to the debate Paula Jones, Kathleen Willey and Juanita Broaddrick -- three women who had accused Bill Clinton of sexual assault. To his die-hard fans, Trump demonstrated that he is not afraid to get bloody in a partisan fistfight. To me, it seemed an act of unnecessary cruelty toward Hillary Clinton and her daughter, Chelsea. The Commission on Presidential Debates probably saved Trump from himself in refusing to allow Clinton's accusers to sit in the Trump family box.

Likewise, Trump nailed Hillary Clinton. The Donald faulted the former first lady for enabling her husband's extramarital behavior. Too bad for Trump that his reasoning ends with the realization that both Bubba and The Donald are dogs. When Trump said, "Nobody has more respect for women than I do," Fox News' Frank Luntz's real-time polling showed Trump's numbers tank.

Trump was best when he challenged Clinton's self-serving story about her homebrew email server. "I take responsibility for using a personal email account," she responded. "Obviously, if I were to do it over again, I would not. I'm not making any excuses. It was a mistake. And I am very sorry about that." If there were a debate fairy, then I'd make one wish. Can someone please ask Clinton: What does it mean when you take responsibility? How is it different from when you do not take responsibility?

Self-styled undecided voters asked questions that suggested they were not really undecided. Am I supposed to believe that the Muslim woman who asked both candidates what they'd do about Islamaphobia was thinking of voting for Donald Trump?

Moderators Martha Raddatz's and Anderson Cooper's questions followed the same trail of breadcrumbs -- questions that get asked over and over again but never really get answered. They always ask about Syria and the fate of Aleppo. Then Clinton always says she's against putting U.S. boots on the ground in Syria -- when they're already there. Then Trump brags he'll destroy ISIS -- after he falsely claims to have opposed the war in Iraq from the start. Is there a philosophy behind those statements? Not that you'd notice.

Trump forgot to mention Clinton's recently leaked remarks in support of "open trade and open borders" -- no shock, given his limited attention span. Still, it's practically professional malpractice that neither moderator asked Clinton what she would do to support border security, given immigration's role in the GOP primary. Which undocumented immigrants would get to stay, and which, if any, would have to go? Clinton's answer to that question might inform voters. Instead the town-hall debate served as a popularity contest. More voters have an unfavorable view of Hillary Clinton than favorable, but a majority apparently believe they have nowhere else to go.
A large protest in the Sri Lankan town of Jaffna, involving thousands of working people and youth, took place on September 24 against the continued suppression of the democratic rights of Tamils and the military occupation of the islands north.

The demonstration triggered a hysterical response by the Sinhala-dominated political and media establishment in Colombo. All the Sinhala political parties, along with the Buddhist hierarchy, vociferously condemned the Jaffna action, branding it as an attempt to revive the separatist Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which was defeated militarily in 2009.

The protest, named Ezhuka Tamil or Tamil upheaval, was organised by the Tamil Peoples Council (TPC), comprised of several parties of the Tamil elite, led by Northern Provincial Council Chief Minister C.V. Wigneswaran.

Wigneswaran was elected to his post as a candidate of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA), which supported the campaign, backed by the US and India, to oust Mahinda Rajapakse as president at the 2015 election and install Maithripala Sirisena. Washington regarded Rajapakse as too closely tied to China. Sirisena, with the TNAs backing, has tilted Sri Lankan foreign policy toward the US.

Although Sirisena postured during the election as a democrat and an advocate of reconciliation, the military occupation and state-sponsored Sinhala colonisation of the north and east of the islandwhere Tamils are in a majoritycontinues unabated.

The Jaffna protest demanded the removal of the military camps and the return of land occupied by the military to its legitimate owners, the release of political prisoners and an end to the forcible establishment of Sinhala colonies and Buddhist cultural icons in Tamil neighborhoods.

Wigneswaran, who is still a TNA leader, initiated the protest in a bid to contain growing opposition. Support for the TNA has fallen due to its close association with the Colombo government. TNA leader R. Sampanthan, who is the official leader of the parliamentary opposition, supports the government, without occupying a cabinet post.

Speaking at the rally, Wigneswaran highlighted the continued military presence in the north and the worsening social problems facing Tamils. He called for further powers to be devolved to the North and East of Sri Lanka, declaring it the Tamil peoples homeland. This call for self determination and greater devolution has nothing to do with addressing the democratic and social rights of the Tamil masses but rather is an appeal for a power-sharing arrangement with Colombo for the mutual exploitation of the working class and poor.

WSWS reporters spoke to some of the protesters, most of whom expressed their anger at the government and the TNA, as well as their distrust and skepticism toward the TPC.

Many participants spoke bitterly about the bogus campaign waged by the major Western powers, with the US in the forefront, that threatened the Rajapakse regime with human rights charges before an international criminal court. Protesters condemned the illusions that continue to be spread by the TNA and TPC that these same powers, who are engaged in brutal wars around the world, will pressure the Colombo government to become benevolent.

As soon as the Jaffna protest wound up, the political and media establishment in Colombo unleashed a barrage of Sinhala chauvinism against Tamil people and the demonstrations organisers, Wigneswaran in particular. The call for self determination and a Tamil homeland is bitterly opposed by the major parties, which are thoroughly steeped in Sinhala supremacism.

Both parties of the ruling coalitionSirisenas Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) and the United National Party (UNP) of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghealong with the opposition Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) and the Rajapakse-led group vied with each other to demonstrate their Sinhala communal credentials.

At a weekly media briefing, government minister Nimal Siripala de Silva from the SLFP declared: Now, we have to think anew about the devolution of power to the Tamil areas. What sort of a situation could arise if a chief minister of this sort [Wigneswaran] comes to power? My personal opinion is that we have to give thought to these issues when formulating a new constitution.

De Silva demanded that Wigneswaran withdraw his statements at the protest rally and called on the TNA to take disciplinary action against him.

State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene from the UNP declared that the government would not remove the army camps in the North. Stressing that his government was not afraid of protests, he added: They can shout all they want, but we reiterate that we will not remove the camps.

JVP general secretary Tilvin Silva deliberately twisted the demand of the protesters to stop the military-sponsored Sinhala colonisation, giving it a vicious racialist slant. Calls to keep the Sinhalese away from the North are unacceptable, he said. In the same breath, Silva endorsed the provocative erection of Buddhist temples under the patronage of the government and military. Citizens living in any part of the country have the right to construct places of worship, he said.

Rajapakses faction of the SLFP and its allies in the Joint Opposition (JO) exploited the situation to escalate its ongoing chauvinist campaign to claw back political power. It portrayed the Jaffna protest as a clear sign of the revival of the separatist LTTE, due to the spinelessness of the government. JO spokesman Udaya Gammanpila, leader of Pivithuru Hela Urumaya, declared he was hopeful that Wigneswaran would be arrested and remanded.

Former president Rajapakse made clear that he would have suppressed the Jaffna demonstration, saying: If I still ruled the country, such things wouldnt have happened. Rajapakses government was notorious for its brutal prosecution of the final 2009 phase of the civil war, during which thousands of Tamil civilians were killed, hundreds disappeared and others were imprisoned without trial as LTTE sympathisers.

The government and the political establishment as a wholeSinhala and Tamil alikeare whipping up communalism in order to divert and divide the working class amid a deepening economic and social crisis wracking the island. The International Monetary Fund is demanding ever more insistently that the government implement harsh austerity measures that will impact heavily on the living conditions of workers and the poor.

The ruling elites are terrified that a movement of Tamils in the North demanding their basic democratic and social rights will link up with the developing class struggles of workers, students and the poor in the South, particularly with the ongoing protest actions by tens of thousands of Tamil-speaking plantation workers, demanding higher wages.
SEP presidential candidate Jerry White brought a campaign team to New Orleans, Louisiana this week. A major port city at the mouth of the Mississippi River, New Orleans is a cultural hub of the southern United States. The city was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and parts of the city have never been rebuilt.

White arrived in New Orleans on Sunday, October 9, and attended a public viewing that evening at Tulane University of the second presidential debate between Clinton and Trump.

Before the debate began, White addressed the audience of about 100 students, explaining that they were about to witness a "degrading spectacle" which would mark a low point in the degeneration of American politics. "None of the critical issues facing workers and young people in America will be addressed by the Democratic and Republican party candidates tonight," White said, "in particular the far-advanced plans for a major war against Russia and China, which are being concealed from the American people."

After the debate, White participated with students in a discussion hosted by a Tulane University political science professor.

On Monday, White and a campaign team spoke to students at Tulane about the elections and the danger of war. They encountered virtually universal disgust over the so-called "choice" between Clinton and Trump. Interviews with students were streamed live to Facebook and can be viewed here and here.

On Monday evening, more than 50 students attended White's election meeting at Tulane, which was also streamed live to Facebook and can be viewed here.

Students asked critical questions on topics ranging from the history of the Russian Revolution, the socialist attitude toward the environment and climate change, the military budget, international trade and "protectionism," the relationship between workers in America and in the Middle East, wealth redistribution, scientifically planned economy, and many others.

On Tuesday, White and his campaign team traveled throughout the city of New Orleans. They spoke to workers in the Lower Ninth Ward, the area hit hardest by Hurricane Katrina 11 years ago. White received a warm welcome by truck drivers at the Port of New Orleans, one of the largest ports in the world. Campaigners also spoke to nurses, doctors and healthcare workers in downtown New Orleans. A video report on Tuesday's campaign will be posted later this week.
Since October 2, police in the US have killed at least 30 people in 21 states, according to the database KilledByPolice.net. The dead include:

* Sadine Dixon, an 84-year-old white woman in Rector, Arkansas. She was killed when officer Terry Burdin crashed into her car from behind while pursuing a stolen vehicle. The two suspects he was pursuing, Robert Huffines, 36, and Lea Mamino, 32, have been charged with first-degree murder in relation to Dixons death.

* Antoine L. Ladeaux, a 32-year-old Native American man in Sheridan County, Nebraska. Ladeaux, who had run a stop sign and did not have a license plate on his vehicle, refused to pull over and led a Nebraska state trooper on a five-minute chase. The unnamed officers cruiser hit Ladeauxs car, sending it off the road and ejecting Ladeaux from his seat. Ladeaux died at the scene. Three passengers were transported to Gordon Memorial Hospital and have since been released.

* Dean Allen Bruning, a 51-year-old white man in Mackinac County, Michigan. A relative, worried that Bruning was suicidal, called emergency services and asked that someone check on him. Two police officers arrived at Brunings home and found him with a handgun. One of the cops shot him twice. Police did not say whether Bruning was aiming the handgun at anyone.

As is routine with police killings in the US, all of the officers involved in each of the deaths have been placed on paid administrative leave.

The violence committed over the past ten days did not target any one particular racial or ethnic group. Fourteen of the 20 victims identified so far were white. What is common to all these victims is their working class or poor backgrounds.

Major news outlets, which overwhelmingly portray police violence as an exclusively racial question, have paid scant attention to the 30 people killed over the past 10 days, presumably because most of the victims were white. At of this writing, over 900 people have been killed by police so far this year.

The only homicides involving police that have made it to the front pages of US newspapers over the past ten days are killings of police, all three in California, not the more numerous killings by police.

The first, Sergeant Steve Owen, 53, was killed in Lancaster, California while confronting a burglary suspect, 27-year-old Trenton Trevon Lovell, who has been charged with capital murder.

In Palm Springs, California, 27-year-old Lesley Zerebny and 63-year-old Jose Vega were shot to death by a mentally ill man, 26-year-old John Felix. A neighbor, Frances Serrano, called police after Felixs father, Santos, came running to her for help.

He said, Help. I need help. My son is in the house, and hes crazy. He has a gun. Hes ready to shoot all the police, she told the Desert Sun. He was afraid of his son. Santos said that his son was waiting for police to arrive and was going to shoot them.

John Felix was standing outside the house when Zerebny, Vega and a third officer approached. He shot all three, then barricaded himself inside his familys house. The stand-off lasted over twelve hours and involved more than a dozen patrol cars, three fire engines, and a SWAT truck. There were police everywhere, Serrano recalled. I looked out the window and saw police with rifles.

Police used remote-controlled robots to pinpoint Felixs location. Felix finally exited the house and surrendered after midnight, after chemical agents had been propelled into the house.

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Race, class, and police murder in America

[11 July 2016]
A three-day strike began Tuesday by conductors employed by Southern GTR (Govia Thameslink Railway). Days earlier, the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) instructed the workers to sign new contracts they have been opposing since April.

On Monday, Southern GTR made a legal challenge against any future strikes. In response, RMT General Secretary Mick Cash said, We have a duty to issue our members with clear legal advice that protects their position in the teeth of the threat of mass sackings. That is what we have done.

Southern and the RMT are to hold further talks today in an attempt to end the dispute.

Rail workers determined resistance has been sabotaged at every stage by the RMT and the train drivers union, ASLEF, in collaboration with the Trades Union Congress and the Labour Party. All have colluded in suppressing growing calls for a national strike in defence of all rail workers jobs.

The RMTs decision followed Southern issuing three months notices of contract termination, after conductors refused to accept a 2,000 bribe in return for their forcible transformation from conductorstrained in over 35 safety critical tasks, including vital door operations being forced on the driverinto on board supervisors focused entirely on revenue collection.

Southern GTR management were emboldened in their attack by the support of the Conservative government, whose aim is to impose a public defeat on rail workers to intimidate future opposition to mass job losses. In 2012, the government adopted Lord McNultys recommendations for a vast restructuring of Britains railways. McNulty, hired by the previous Labour government, recommended the slashing of at least 20,000 jobs, the imposition of Driver Only Operation (DOO) nationally and the removal of more than 6,000 conductors.

The RMT previously did a deal with ScotRail in response to a series of determined strikes by conductors resisting the removal of door operation and the imposition of DOO. Opposed to unifying the struggle of Southern GTR and ScotRail conductors, the RMT called off the ScotRail strikes and entered negotiations. The RMT claimed the outcome was a major breakthrough in the battle against driver only operation. In reality, the driver will now open doors and conductors close them, leaving the company partially victorious in their latest effort to remove the conductors safety role.

The RMT attempted to get Southern to agree the same formula to call off strikes, re-entering negotiations on October 6. The revised offer went further than the ScotRail deal, with the RMT agreeing to Southern GTRs objectives of making conductors On Board Supervisors, but with a limited safety role. The RMT offered to call off the strikes with binding arbitration.

Southern GTR rejected the RMTs entreaties, insisting that conductors had to be removed from all control over the train.

In August, the RMT sabotaged a five-day strike on the second day after Southern GTR agreed to enter negotiations, without making any concessions. This followed the RMT and ASLEFs capitulation to high court injunctions on behalf of Southern GTR that resulted in overturning massive strike votes against the expansion of DOO.

In September, the RMT called off a strike by Southern GTR station staff who were fighting ticket office closures, reduced opening times of ticket offices and staff restructuring. As a result, the RMT and Southern are trialling new working arrangements at eight locations.

This is the latest in a series of betrayals by the RMT, which is described by pseudo-left groups as the premier left union. The RMT and ASLEF oversaw the removal of 130 conductors from London Overground trains in 2013/14, and the closure of all 265 London Underground ticket offices in 2015, in alliance with then Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson.

As Southern conductors were in struggle, the RMT ensured that a series of large votes for strikes by rail workers across the UK were isolated and then called off.

Southern conductors have confronted the courts, media and intimidation and threats from Conservative ministers and the company. Due to general public sympathy for the conductors and the abysmal record of Southern GTR, which has proved incapable of running a railway operation even when gifted vast public subsidies, the company have funded a media blitz urging passengers to blame RMT members for the collapse of its rail services.

This backfired and posters were pulped by the company when they were told they could be responsible for any assaults on staff. The RMT described a Twitter campaign as incitement, contravening Twitter rules. Huge numbers of passengers used the Twitter campaign to attack the company and defend rail workers.

Left Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has done nothing other than issue short statements fully backing the RMT leaderships various campaigns.

The pseudo-left Socialist Workers Party (SWP) and the Socialist Party (SP) have described, for the hundredth time, the RMTs latest token industrial action as a victory and the start of a fightback by the unions. The SP has senior positions on the RMTs executive and described the ScotRail deal as a big victory which will be seen by union members facing similar disputes with franchise holders across Britain, such as on Southern Rail and now Virgin East Coast, as a major boost.

The SP conclude by lying about the RMTs next steps in their campaign to fight for a guard on those services that currently run as driver only operation in Scotland. The RMT/ScotRail agreement in fact specifically states that all existing working arrangements will not be changed and ScotRail already operates over 50 percent of trains as driver only.

The SWPs article, With ScotRail licked workers take on Southern bosses over role of train guard, makes a positive virtue out of divisions fostered by the unions. On the ScotRail deal, it asserts on the one hand that guards will retain their full status and skills before having to admit that Drivers will open doors...

The ScotRail deal is an erosion of one of the 35 vital safety roles assigned to the conductor. One is to ensure the train arrives safely in the station and is fully in the platform before opening the doors. This role has prevented many passenger deaths and injuries, and frees up the driver to concentrate on observing signals.

The SWPs initial reaction to Southerns announcement threatening mass sackings was to corral any opposition to the RMT back behind the trade unions. Rail unions must fight the threatand everyone should back them, the SWP declared.

Throughout the Socialist Equality Party has urged all rail workers to initiate a national strike in defence of Southern GTR conductors. We explained that such a struggle requires a rebellion against the rail union bureaucracy, based on a new socialist strategy, through the formation of independent committees to take the struggle out of the hands of the RMT.
Tensions within the Republican Party exploded into public recriminations Tuesday, with presidential candidate Donald Trump issuing a series of strident statements denouncing House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senator John McCain, two leading congressional Republicans, for their refusal to support his campaign.

In a particularly revealing Twitter comment, Trump gloated over his open break with the Republican congressional leadership, declaring, It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to.

By shackles Trump is referring to the political norms of the US constitutional system, which he has defied with his threats, should he win the presidency, to prosecute and jail his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton, as well as his encouragement of violence and his denunciation of the electoral process as rigged.

At two campaign rallies Monday, Trump suggested that a Democratic victory in the presidential election would be illegitimate, the result of ballot-box fraud in key states such as Pennsylvania. He told his supporters to send poll watchers to certain communitiesalluding to African-American neighborhoods in Philadelphiato make sure that this election is not stolen from us and is not taken away from us.

Trumps strident attacks on his own party as well as the Democrats make clear that his perspective is no longer to win the presidential election on November 8. His orientation is rather toward the building of an extra-parliamentary far-right movement for the period of social and political upheaval that will follow the elections.

Maine Governor Paul LePage, a fervent Trump supporter, said in a radio interview Tuesday that the United States needed someone like Trump to wield authoritarian power because were slipping into anarchy. LePage was only articulating in the crudest form the strongman politics that are the essence of the Trump campaign.

Trump has said that a collapse of the world financial system on an even greater scale than in 2008 is likely, and he is positioning himself to offer an ultra-right alternative to a Democratic administration that will become deeply unpopular as it imposes policies of economic austerity and imperialist war. Whether this approach costs the Republicans legislative seats on November 8 is irrelevant to Trump, because he anticipates that in the next period in American history, political issues are going to be decided in the streets, not in the halls of Congress.

This divergence underlies the conflict between the Republican presidential candidate and House Speaker Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, who announced Monday he would no longer defend Trump or campaign for him. Ryan informed the House Republican Caucus of his decision in a Monday conference call, during which all members of the House leadership declared their agreement while a minority of pro-Trump representatives loudly objected.

Effectively declaring the presidential race lost for the Republicans, Ryan said that while he would not withdraw his endorsement of Trump, his number one task was to defend the Republican majorities in the House and Senate, making sure that Hillary Clinton does not get a blank check when she becomes president next January.

The House Republican leaders were reacting to polling data showing that Clinton has opened up a double-digit lead over Trump nationally. Of particular concern to the Republicans were indications that Trumps unpopularity was having an effect on congressional races. While loss of the Republican majority in the Senate had been widely considered possible, the 60-seat Republican majority in the House of Representatives was seen as impregnable until last week.

Trump unloaded on Ryan in a series of tweets on Tuesday, calling him weak and suggesting that the congressional Republican leadership would be responsible if he lost the election to Clinton. He also denounced the 2008 Republican presidential candidate John McCain, one of ten Republican senators who announced Saturday they could no longer support his presidential campaign.

Clintons response to these events has been a further shift to the right, redoubling her efforts to win support from leading figures in the Republican Party. Her campaign launched advertisements in at least four states that include testimonials from Republican voters who are supporting Clinton this year. Campaign spokesman Brian Fallon said, She is reaching out to voters that may well have supported Mitt Romney in 2012 and in a normal year might also be inclined to support the Republican nominee, but are so troubled by Donald Trump they are open to supporting Hillary Clinton.

As part of this outreach effort, Clinton followed up a campaign rally at Wayne State University in Detroit Monday with a private meeting with Republican billionaire Dan Gilbert, the Quicken Loans mogul who has bought up most of downtown Detroit in order to make a killing from the citys bankruptcy.

For the Democratic Party and its supporters in the media, Trumps slide in the polls and the very public crisis of the Republican Party are cause for celebration and complacent sighs of relief. Typical is the column by Roger Cohen in the New York Times, which begins with a lengthy verbal lashing of Trump:

Its fortunate that we are less than a month from the election because we are running out of words to describe him: this phony, this liar, this blowhard, this cheat, this bully, this misogynist, this demagogue, this predator, this bigot, this bore, this egomaniac, this racist, this sexist, this sociopath. I will not go on. Its pointless. Everyone knows, not least his supporters .

Cohen and his like are hostile to acknowledging the widespread economic desperation that is driving millions of working people to vote for and support the billionaire demagogue. But as Times columnist David Leonhardt pointed out on the same page Tuesday, tens of millions of Americans confront economic stagnation and generally deteriorating conditions of life. He wrote:

The typical household, amazingly, has a net worth 14 percent lower than the typical one did in 1984, according to a forthcoming Russell Sage Foundation publication. The life-expectancy gap between the affluent and everyone else is growing. The number of children living with only one parent or none has doubled since the 1970s (to 30 percent). The obesity rate has nearly tripled (to 38 percent). About eight million people have spent time behind bars at some point in their life, up from 1.5 million 40 years ago. While college enrollment has grown, the norm for middle-class and poor students is to leave without a four-year degree.

Cohen dismisses this social layer as the losers to turbo-capitalism, but they comprise, as Leonhardt suggests, the vast majority of the working class and large sections of the middle class, for whom living standards have declined or, at best, stagnated.

Hillary Clinton, the handmaiden of the stock exchange and the Pentagon, has no credibility as a defender of working-class jobs and living standards. It is the complacent, right-wing defense of capitalism and imperialism by the Democratic Partygiven a progressive coloration by its pseudo-left apologists, who share its obsession with the politics of race, gender and sexual orientationthat provides an opening for fascistic demagogues, whether Trump himself or a more politically skilled successor.
An email exchange between Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and her campaign manager John Podesta, posted Monday by WikiLeaks, frankly acknowledges that the Islamic State (also known as ISIS) is funded and supported by Washingtons chief allies in the Arab world.

The September 2014 exchange was contained in one of the 2,086 documents posted by WikiLeaks Monday, following up on the release a week ago of over 2,000 more of Podestas emails and attachments.

At the time of the exchange on ISIS, Podesta was a White House counselor to President Barack Obama. One of the most powerful figures in the Democratic Party establishment, he is the former White House chief of staff to Bill Clinton, the former chairman of the Obama transition and a corporate lobbyist for corporations like WalMart, BP and Lockheed Martin. For her part, Clinton had left her post as secretary of state over a year earlier.

The email acknowledges that the sources for the assessment of the Saudi and Qatari support for ISIS include Western intelligence, US intelligence and sources in the region.

The document calls for increased reliance upon the Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga as a key proxy force for combating ISIS in Iraq, pointing to the Kurdish militias long standing relationships with CIA officers and Special Forces operators.

It adds: While this military/para-military operation is moving forward, we need to use our diplomatic and more traditional intelligence assets to bring pressure on the governments of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which are providing clandestine financial and logistic support to ISIL [ISIS] and other radical Sunni groups in the region.

The email continues: This effort will be enhanced by the stepped up commitment in the [Kurdish Regional Government]. The Qataris and Saudis will be put in a position of balancing policy between their ongoing competition to dominate the Sunni world and the consequences of serious US pressure.

The Obama administration has publicly embraced Saudi Arabia as its closest Arab ally and the ostensible leader of an Islamic alliance against terrorism. The Saudi regime is the patron of the High Negotiations Committee (HNC), which purportedly represents the so-called moderate opposition that is also supported by Washington in the more than five-year-old war for regime change against the Syrian government of President Bashar al-Assad.

Officially, the US administration has maintained that, while wealthy individuals in Saudi Arabia and Qatar had helped finance ISIS, the despotic governments of these oil monarchies were blameless.

This pretense was blown in October 2014, barely a week after the Podesta-Clinton email, when Vice President Joe Biden told an audience at Harvard University that the Saudi regime, along with other Gulf sheikdoms and Turkey, had poured hundreds of millions of dollars and tens, thousands of tons of weapons into anyone who would fight against Assad. Except that the people who were being supplied were al-Nusra and Al Qaeda and the extremist elements of jihadis coming from other parts of the world.

We could not convince our colleagues to stop supplying them, Biden added.

The US State Department subsequently clarified the vice presidents remarks and Biden himself apologized for any implication that Turkey or other Allies and partners in the region had intentionally supplied or facilitated the growth of ISIL [ISIS] or other violent extremists in Syria.

The contents of the Clinton-Podesta email are supplemented by a separate email released by WikiLeaks that includes an excerpt from a secret speech delivered by Clinton in 2013 that was flagged as problematic by her staff. In it she claimed that US attempts to vet, identify, train and arm cadres of rebels in Syria had been complicated by the fact that the Saudis and others are shipping large amounts of weapons--and pretty indiscriminately--not at all targeted toward the people that we think would be the more moderate, least likely, to cause problems in the future.

And previously, WikiLeaks posted a secret State Department memo signed by Clinton in 2009 that affirmed: Saudi Arabia remains a critical financial support base for al-Qaida, the Taliban, LeT, and other terrorist groups.

The Clinton camp has responded to the latest release of emails by ratcheting up its virulently anti-Russian campaign, claiming that WikiLeaks was acting as a pawn of the Kremlin and that the material released may have been altered to serve Moscows foreign policy purposes.

In her debate Sunday with her Republican rival Donald Trump, however, Clinton herself acknowledged the authenticity of the documents, attempting to defend a statement quoted in one of them from a speech to real estate investors in which she declared that in politics you need both a public and private position. She claimed that her inspiration for this approach was Abraham Lincoln.

The method of the public and private position is clearly in force in relation to Saudi Arabia, and for good reason.

Saudi Arabia remains a key pillar of political reaction and imperialist domination in the Middle East, with its ruling monarchy constituting the worlds chief customer of the American arms industry. Some $115 billion in US weapons and military support have poured into the kingdom since Obama took office in 2009.

More importantly, the Saudi government support for Al Qaeda, ISIS and similar Islamist militias has developed in close collaboration with the CIA, which coordinated the flow of arms, money and foreign fighters into Syria from a station in southern Turkey.

Moreover, such collaboration began long before the Syrian civil war, dating back to the US-orchestrated war against the Soviet-backed regime in Afghanistan in the 1980s, where Al Qaeda got its start under the leadership of Osama bin Laden, who collaborated closely with the CIA and Pakistani intelligence.

The determination of the US ruling establishment to maintain a veil of secrecy over this collaboration was underscored by Obamas veto--subsequently overridden--of legislation allowing Americans to sue foreign governments alleged to be responsible for terrorist attacks in the US. The clear target of the bill was Saudi Arabia, based on ample evidence of Saudi government involvement in the September 11, 2001 attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 lives.

The overriding fear within the administration and US ruling circles is that any serious probing of the Saudi role in these attacks would uncover the complicity of elements within the US intelligence agencies themselves in the events of 9/11.

Another significant element of the Clinton-Podesta email is its welcoming of the ISIS 2014 offensive in Iraq. It states that the advance of ISIL [ISIS] through Iraq gives the U.S. Government an opportunity to change the way it deals with the chaotic security situation in North Africa and the Middle East. The most important factor in this matter is to make use of intelligence resources and Special Operations troops in an aggressive manner.

In other words, ISIS provided a pretext for launching a renewed US military intervention aimed at furthering the strategic goal of American hegemony in the Middle East under the guise of a struggle against terrorism.

The email exchange further exposes Hillary Clintons deep involvement in all of these crimes.
Sunday, Oct. 16, will be the observation of World Food Day, and while it may not be on your calendar, the purpose is worthy. It is designed in part to draw attention to agriculture and the importance of food, since that is not guaranteed for everyone.

Necessity and availability do not always go hand in hand; and while two out of five Americans are overweight (author acknowledgment), an estimated one billion in this world are hungry, half of them of childhood age. Another disturbing fact is that one-third of the food produced by farmers in the U.S. and globally never makes it to the table. Food is probably spoiling in your refrigerator, just as it does in places around the world where refrigeration is non-existent and farm to market transportation is slow.

Cornbelt farmers are about half-done with the 2016 harvest, but not all of what goes into the combine and into the bin will ever be used for its highest and best purpose. Unfortunately, the wet and warm weather late in the growing season fostered mold of various ilk on corn and soybeans and quality not only deteriorated in the field, but will also deteriorate in the bin by the time it is unloaded next spring and hauled to the elevator.

Travelers have also seen multiple piles of corn at grain elevators where bins are full and storage is at a premium. While elevator managers do the best they can to preserve the quality, a small percent of the grain in the piles will deteriorate. The U.S. food system does its best, but that is still insufficient to adequately feed the starving families here at home, much less those abroad.

As the world progresses to a planet population of 9 billion by mid-century, only 33 years from now, we will have to do a better job because of the demands for more and better food. Smart people have said there will be a need to increase food production by 70 percent to ensure food sufficiency. Much of that results from an increased migration of the global populace from the farm to the city, and there will be more people to feed who can no longer feed themselves.

With that challenge, answers will have to be developed for better food preservation. The next generation of Cornbelt farmers will have to implement better technology to ensure that corn on the cob or fruit on the vine will not spoil either prior to nor after harvest. Crop protectants will come in the form of pre-harvest fungicides, crops that resist insects, and stay fresh longer. Better storage and faster transportation will be needed to get that food from the field to the fork, and everyone in the food system will have to do their part.

Another issue in that challenge of 9 billion mouths to feed will be the weather. Farmers certainly know that weather windows that open and shut today are on a different schedule than when fathers and grandfathers were farming. As the world warms up, regardless of the reason, different crops will be raised in different places, and that will test farmers ingenuity to engineer change on their farm. But that will require both expensive basic research and time-proven advanced research.

And additionally with that challenge is the need to promote more efficient use of land and resources. Since 1959 pork producers have reduced their environmental impact and use of natural resources by nearly 50 percent. That is a 78 percent reduction in land and a 41 percent cut in water use. Since 1977, cowboys are producing a pound of beef with 19 percent less feed, 33 percent less land and 12 percent less water. The retiring generation has not done a bad job itself as the 9 billion burden falls on the shoulders of sons and daughters.

Come Sunday, thank a farmer for your food. Hes already given his thanks.
FLORIDA (AP) - Florida officials say nine deaths are now blamed on Hurricane Matthew.

The state's tally includes two deaths in Miami-Dade County, one each in Orange, Putnam and Duval counties and four in Volusia County.

The four deaths reported by Volusia officials were a woman struck by a falling tree during the storm, an elderly man later electrocuted by a downed power line, a boy who inhaled generator fumes and a worker crushed by a large log while removing trees in the storm's aftermath.

Matthew brushed Florida's Atlantic coastline last week, staying just offshore as it moved from the Miami area to Jacksonville.

The storm has been blamed for more than 500 deaths in Haiti and 34 in the United States - 18 of those in North Carolina.
Dear Dr. Roach: Again and again, I read how vital quality sleep each night is. Well, for many years now, I have not gotten any. I have followed many suggestions, from supplements to acupuncture, without success. The only reasonable amount of sleep I get comes via a sleeping pill, which I take only when I am desperate. My question: Is the sleep that is induced chemically as beneficially as "normal" sleep? Does the benefit gained from taking a pill outweigh the possible side effects of the medication?

 C.L.

A: Most sleeping pills do change the type of sleep that you get, and they especially reduce the amount of REM (rapid eye motion) sleep and deep restorative sleep. That's part of why many people wake up the day after taking a sleeping medication feeling groggy and exhausted: The brain did not get the type of sleep it needs. (Another reason may be that the medication is still in the system upon awakening, but this is less of a problem with most medications today.)

Some newer agents do not have as large a risk for disruption of the most beneficial types of sleep, but any medication taken to help sleep can cause people to become dependent on its use. Further, all types of sleep medicines have the potential to cause side effects, the most worrisome of which, to me, is the increased potential for falls; a fall, especially in an elder person, can lead to a catastrophic cycle of disability. It's not an exaggeration to say that sleeping pills can lead to death in a small proportion of people who take them.

Most people get good results from non-drug treatments, such as sleep hygiene, relaxation training and cognitive therapies. For people who have really tried these and have not had success, I recommend seeing an expert in sleep medicine to determine the least dangerous medication treatment.

Valve issues

Dear Dr. Roach: During a wellness ECG in May of this year, I was diagnosed with right bundle branch block. An echocardiogram indicated the following: mild mitral valve regurgitation; mild aortic valve regurgitation; mild tricuspid regurgitation; and a mildly thickened and sclerotic aortic valve.

How serious is a "sclerotic, mildly thickened aortic valve"? I have a follow-up appointment with my cardiologist in a few months and was advised that the regurgitation problems are only "mild." However, during another examination for a routine problem, the doctor advised that the aortic valve sclerosis should be monitored. Can you clarify any of this for me?

 B.M.

A: The aortic valve prevents the blood that is ejected into the aorta from going backward into the left ventricle. In sclerosis, the valve becomes thickened and hardened (the word "sclerosis" comes from the Greek word for "stone").

You're not alone: More than 25 percent of adults over 65 will have it, as well as 50 percent of those over 80. The risk factors for developing aortic valve sclerosis are similar to those for developing heart artery blockages, so it's important to reduce those risks (especially blood pressure, cholesterol and smoking, if present).

The main concern is progression to developing aortic stenosis, which is a reduction in the size of the valve opening. That can cause serious problems, including heart failure, fainting and chest pains. About 2 percent of people will progress from aortic sclerosis to aortic stenosis each year, which is why your doctor wants to monitor your heart valve. Severe or critical aortic stenosis may need surgery.

Regurgitation is when blood flows backward across the valve. Mitral valve and tricuspid valve regurgitation, diagnosed by echocardiogram, are extremely common, even routine, if they are described as "trivial" or "mild."
TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Several people hired to help with relief efforts from Hurricane Hermine are frustrated, claiming they haven't been paid for weeks.

Krystal Collier just wants her money. She's commuted from Donalsonville to Tallahassee, working up to 15 hours a day to monitor debris clean up from Hermine.

"They had a bunch of ads. A lot of folks were coming over here and getting hired," Collier said. "'This was such a good job. They make good money.'"

Pensacola-based Performance Personnel Services (PPS) hired Collier and several others. Employees said PPS promised them a paycheck every week, but most never got them.

Temp worker Justin Durham said, "I feel like I've been lied to. I've worked a lot of hours, and it was zero compensation in return."

"That's very, very frustrating, because I'm looking forward to that money to keep me going for the next week, so if they don't pay me, how am I supposed to work?"said temp worker Shahkerria Woodard.

A PPS representative tells WTXL that payment has been delayed for several reasons, including issues with processing paperwork and finding errors on timesheets.

However, workers said the explanations make no sense, and many have quit.

"No gas, no food, no nothing," said temp worker Nichole Lewis. "They don't care. They do not care at all. We're just out here working for free."

PPS tells WTXL that its workers will be paid by the end of the week, with all of the wages they're owed.

*If you have a story idea for "The Insiders," email abc27news@wtxl.tv, attention, "The Insiders."*
TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) -- Job-seekers headed to the FSU Alumni Center Tuesday for a career fair tailored to specific industries.

Dozens dressed to impress with the goal of getting hired in fields seeing growing demand.

CareerSource Capital Region hosted a "Manufacturing, Construction, Transportation and Logistics" hiring fair.

About 20 businesses chatted with potential employees about the skills they'll need to get jobs.

One of those companies, the Florida Trucking Association (FTA), says it's looking for different kinds of talent to join its team.

"There are jobs outside of just driving," said Ben Schultz with the FTA. "You can be a diesel mechanic, get your diesel certification. You can work in logistics. There's a wide variety of jobs in trucking, and there's a lot of positions that are hiring."

The fair connected job-seekers with employers in three counties. CareerSource Capital Region says this is the first specific event they've created just for these career fields.

Up next for the organization is a job fair for veterans coming up in November.
TALLAHASSEE, FL (The News Service of Florida) - U.S. Sen. Marco Rubio reaffirmed support Tuesday for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, saying he doesn't want Democrat Hillary Clinton to win the White House.

Democrats were quick to label the comment by Rubio, who is seeking re-election, as "self-serving."

Some prominent Republicans have backed away from supporting Trump amid a furor that began Friday when The Washington Post posted a 2005 video that showed Trump making lewd and sexually aggressive comments about women. But Rubio, who unsuccessfully sought the GOP presidential nomination this year, said he has a bigger aversion to Clinton becoming president.

"I ran against Donald Trump. And while I respect that voters chose him as the GOP nominee, I have never hesitated to oppose his policies I disagree with," Rubio said in a statement. "And I have consistently rejected his offensive rhetoric and behavior. I disagree with him on many things, but I disagree with his opponent on virtually everything.

"I wish we had better choices for president. But I do not want Hillary Clinton to be our next president. And therefore my position has not changed."

Trump's comments were recorded while he was preparing for a segment on the television show "Access Hollywood."

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who chairs a super PAC backing the Republican nominee, said Saturday that Trump's comments were "wrong" but stopped short of condemning the Republican presidential hopeful.

Trump, who has trailed Clinton among women voters, initially issued a statement on Friday in which he "apologized if anyone was offended."

He later released a 90-second video, apologizing and calling the 2005 tape a "distraction." During the presidential debate Sunday night, Trump called the taped conversation "locker-room banter."

In each reaction, Trump accused Clinton's husband, former President Bill Clinton, of doing worse.

After the 2005 tape was posted, Rubio tweeted on Friday that "Donald's comments were vulgar, egregious & impossible to justify. No one should ever talk about any woman in those terms, even in private."

The lack of other comments from Rubio drew his Democratic challenger, U.S. Rep. Patrick Murphy, to challenge the Republican front-runner Monday to "withdraw his support for Trump or withdraw from the race."

After Rubio responded on Tuesday, Murphy retorted that "Marco Rubio stands for nothing but his own pursuit of power."

The Florida Democratic Party went further, calling Rubio a "shameless coward" and the statement "self-serving."

(Rubio) stands with a man who bragged about sexually assaulting women, Florida Democratic Party Chairwoman Allison Tant said in a prepared statement. "He stands with a man who mocks people with disabilities and threatens to jail political opponents. He stands with a man who has embraced racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia. How can Floridians expect Marco Rubio to stand up for them when he can't even stand up for what he believes?"

Polls in recent months have shown Rubio leading Murphy in the high-profile race, which could help determine which party controls the U.S. Senate. A University of North Florida poll released Tuesday showed Rubio up by 7 points on Murphy.
TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - A woman with connections to the suspects involved in FSU law professor Daniel Markel's death and family of his ex-wife, was in court on Tuesday facing charges related to the murder.

Katherine Magbanua, who was transferred to Leon County Monday, appeared in court on Tuesday. Her appearance comes after she was denied bail.

The 31-year-old was charged Oct. 1st for the murder-plot that's being called a "hit for hire" job. She was arrested in Davie for first degree murder.

According to investigators, the single mother with no prior criminal history, was receiving payments from the family of Wendi Adelson, Markel's ex-wife.

After a messy divorce and custody dispute, investigators said they have reason to believe that Adelson's family had motive to kill the former professor.

They said Magbanua also had a relationship with Adelson's brother Charlie and is the mother of Sigfredo Garcia's children. Garcia is one of the men accused of driving from Miami to Tallahassee to murder Markel in broad daylight.

The other man accused, Luis Rivera, confessed to his role in a tape released Tuesday, earning him 7 more years to tack onto the 12 years he's already serving for other crimes.

As we find out more details, we will continue to update this story.
LOWNDES COUNTY, Ga. (WTXL) -- WTXL chief meteorologist Casanova Nurse premiered his "Cas in the Class" presentation series for the 2016-17 academic year with a return visit to Clyattville Elementary School near Valdosta.

Casanova visited fourth graders in the school's media center to discuss and highlight meteorological concepts such as the water cycle, severe weather information and safety tips, weather measurement instruments, and careers in the science. The presentation concluded with a question-and-answer session.

This was Casanova's fourth weather talk provided to the school in the last five years.
Chinese spending on shopping, food hit record high during National Day holiday Chinese spent a record high sum of money on shopping and food during the past week-long National Day holiday, according to the Ministry of Commerce on Friday.

More Chinese cities to move to tame housing price rise: report China's central government will continue to focus on destocking excess houses, especially in lower-tier cities, while implementing city-specific policies to tackle sharp housing price rises in higher-tier cities or cities with low stocks, according to a report released by international rating firm Fitch.
Getting Your Life Back: New Surgical Techniques Help Women Regain a Sense of Normalcy
YAKIMA, Wash. -- A Yakima man deserved no mercy for brutally stabbing to death a fellow inmate at the Yakima County jail, the victims family 
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New Braunfels, TX (78130)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun during the morning will give way to cloudy skies this afternoon. High 81F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Cloudy with occasional rain showers. Low 58F. Winds E at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
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The Lebanese Shi'ite movement Hezbollah vowed to maintain its "jihad" in neighboring Syria at a huge rally in Beirut on Wednesday, a day after its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said the war was in a phase of escalation.

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Addressing thousands marking Shi'ite Islam's annual Ashura religious commemoration in a heavily secured square in Hezbollah's south Beirut stronghold, Nasrallah said the war in Syria was being fought in defense of the whole region.





Nasrallah speaking at annual Ashura religious commemoration rally (Photo: AFP)

In a speech on Tuesday, Nasrallah asserted the Middle East was in a phase of escalating tension and there appeared to be no prospect of a political solution to the war in Syria.

Hezbollah leader Nasrallah gives a speech Tuesday (Photo: AFP)

"The regional scene is currently one of tension and escalation, and it does not appear that there are paths for negotiations or solutions," he said in a rare live televised speech before thousands of supporters in Beirut, adding that "the theater (in Syria) was open to more tension, escalation and confrontation."

Hezbollah supporters in Beirut watch Nasrallah's speech on Tuesday (Photo: Reuters)

On Wednesday, black-clad supporters paraded through the streets to mark the 7th-century death of the Prophet Mohammed's grandson Hussein, seen by Shi'ites as a divinely guided leader, and they roared approval of Nasrallah's remarks.

"We answer your call, o Nasrallah!" they chanted.

Annual Ashura religious commemoration rally (Photo: AP)

Since Hezbollah's entry into Syria's civil war on the side of President Bashar Assad, some 1,500 of its fighters have died, say security sources in Lebanon. These have included about 350 this year; their images, often in heroic pose, are displayed on posters in Shi'ite villages across Lebanon.

Nasrallah speaking at annual Ashura religious commemoration rally (Photo: AFP)

Hezbollah's part in the war is presented by the movement as both a defense against Sunni Muslim jihadists in Syria who have vowed to exterminate all Shi'ites, and as a way of protecting the regional Iran-backed bloc that has long sustained Hezbollah.

Annual Ashura religious commemoration rally (Photo: EPA)

Hezbollah has become an indispensable part of the coalition of forces backed by Iran and Russia that has been critical to keeping Assad in power and battling the myriad groups of Sunni rebels and jihadists striving to depose him.

Some of the rebel groups are backed by Saudi Arabia, whose own military campaign in Yemen was fiercely condemned by Nasrallah and his supporters on Wednesday, as he stepped up rhetoric against the leading Sunni Arab power.

Annual Ashura religious commemoration rally (Photo: AP)

Many of them carried placards denouncing the deaths of Yemeni children in air strikes by the Saudi-led coalition and among the marchers was a group of Yemenis holding up posters of the leader of the Iranian-allied Houthi rebels.

Martyrs

Three young men wearing T-shirts showing the image of their brother who had died in Syria stood by the road as organized groups of Hezbollah supporters in the guise of religious penitents marched past in black clothes and bare feet.

Alaa Nayef Amhaz from Baalbek was 22 when he was killed last year fighting for Hezbollah in the Syrian town of Zabadani, where the army and its Shi'ite allies besieged rebels after months of intense battles.

Annual Ashura religious commemoration rally (Photo: AFP)

"The importance of being in Syria is to defend Islam and religion and the nation of the Prophet Mohammed," Amhaz's younger brother Emad, 20, a green scarf over his head and a tattoo circling his wrist, said between puffs on a cigarette.

The most emotive date in the Shi'ite calendar, the death of Hussein at Kerbala is seen as providing an exemplar for how the sect should always stand up against tyranny and social injustice, offering up their lives if necessary.

Annual Ashura religious commemoration rally (Photo: AFP)

It has been used as a political call to arms for Shi'ites since Iran's 1979 Islamic Revolution, and was linked at Wednesday's rally to the struggles faced by Hezbollah allies across the region against a Sunni bloc led by Saudi Arabia.

As they marched along Hadi Nasrallah Street, named for their leader's son who was killed in clashes with Israeli troops in 1997, large groups of men clapped their chests with open palms as they chanted support for Hezbollah and its regional allies.

Annual Ashura religious commemoration rally (Photo: AFP)

Many of them wore photographs of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei - also recognized by Hezbollah as Shi'ite Islam's ultimate authority - tucked into headbands that carried religious slogans.

Annual Ashura religious commemoration rally (Photo: AFP)

Behind the marchers, standing on pavements or watching from balconies, were many families, some carrying children on their shoulders, as they enjoyed the day's spectacle.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has been on the defensive since a 2005 Access Hollywood video surfaced on Friday showing him bragging crudely to a reporter about groping women and making unwanted sexual advances, leading a string of Republican officials and officeholders to distance themselves from him.

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On Tuesday, Trump lashed out at US House Speaker Paul Ryan and other "disloyal" Republicans, vowing to campaign in whatever style he wants now that the party establishment has largely abandoned him.

Trump, in a barrage of stinging Twitter posts, condemned the Republicans who have backed away from his White House run, deepening a dramatic rift in the party over his struggling campaign for the Nov. 8 election.

Trump speaking at a Pennsylvania high school

"It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to," Trump said on Twitter, adding he would engage Democratic rival Hillary Clinton on his own terms.

Describing "disloyal" Republicans as more difficult than Clinton, he said: "They come at you from all sides. They don't know how to win - I will teach them!"

Despite the turn away from Trump by some elected Republicans, a Reuters/Ipsos poll of likely voters, released on Tuesday, found 58 percent of Republicans wanted Trump to stay atop their party's ticket and 68 percent said the Republican leadership should stand by him.

Trump makes lewd remarks on women

X

The poll, which was conducted after the second presidential debate on Sunday, showed Clinton's lead over Trump widening to 8 points from 5 points last week, before the release of the video.

Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, told party lawmakers on Monday he was breaking with Trump and would not campaign for him, all but conceding Clinton would win the presidency. The move angered some Trump supporters, although Ryan said he would not withdraw his endorsement of the New York businessman.

Trump slammed Ryan as a "very weak and ineffective leader" and complained in another tweet that it was hard to do well with "zero support" from Ryan and others. He later said in an interview with Fox News host Bill O'Reilly he neither wanted nor needed Ryan's support.

US House Speaker Paul Ryan (Photo: AP)

Ryan's spokesman, Brendan Buck, said on Tuesday that the speaker "is focusing the next month on defeating Democrats, and all Republicans running for office should probably do the same."

Trump also took aim at US Senator John McCain of Arizona, the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, who said on Saturday that he could not vote for Trump.

"The very foul mouthed Sen. John McCain begged for my support during his primary (I gave, he won), then dropped me over locker room remarks," Trump said. There was no immediate reaction from McCain, who secured his primary election win in August.

Sen. John McCain (Photo: AP)

Many Republicans worry that Trump's chaotic campaign could hurt their chances of holding majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate in next month's election, and will inflict long-term damage on the party.

In an extraordinary party revolt, nearly half of all 331 incumbent Republican senators, House members and governors have condemned Trump's lewd remarks on the video, and roughly one in 10 has called for him to drop out of the race, a Reuters review of official statements and local news coverage indicates.

Unlike Ryan, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus told RNC members on Monday that the committee, the party's leadership and fundraising arm, still backed Trump, two RNC members told Reuters.

Trump's vice presidential running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, also reinforced his support in television interviews on Monday.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a former 2016 Republican presidential contender who has became a close ally of Trump, also reaffirmed his backing, although he called Trump's comments in the 2005 video "completely indefensible."

Trump, 70, who has portrayed himself as tough on national security, released a hard-hitting television advertisement on Tuesday featuring footage of Clinton, a 68-year-old former secretary of state, stumbling last month after leaving a service commemorating the Sept. 11 attacks. Her campaign said she had been diagnosed a few days earlier with pneumonia.

"Hillary Clinton doesn't have the fortitude, strength or stamina to lead in our world," the ad's narrator says. "She failed as secretary of state. Don't let her fail us again."

Obama slams Trump over lewd comments

US President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that Trump's comments about groping women would disqualify him from even a job at a convenience store.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, Obama said the choice was clear in the Nov. 8 election even before the tape was leaked last week showing Trump speaking crudely about women.

"Now you find a situation in which the guy says stuff that nobody would find tolerable if they were applying for a job at 7-Eleven," Obama told the crowd, referring to the convenience store chain.

Obama at a campaign rally in North Carolina (Photo: AFP)

Trump said during Sunday night's presidential debate he was embarrassed by the video, but dismissed it as "locker room talk."

Obama also criticized some Republicans who have condemned the remarks but are still backing the New York businessman.

"The fact that now you've got people saying: 'We strongly disagree, we really disapprove ... but we're still endorsing him.' They still think he should be president, that doesn't make sense to me," Obama said.

Earlier on Tuesday, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the remarks in the recording amounted to sexual assault.

Obama also took aim at Trump's business credentials, referring to a New York Times report that showed he claimed a nearly billion dollar loss in one year on his taxes in the 1990s.

"They say the house always wins," Obama quipped about Trump, who was a casino developer at the time. "I don't know how that happens."
A group of people with hearing disabilities protested outside the government building in Yerevan yesterday, demanding that Grigor Grigoryan, president of the Union of Deaf People in Armenia NGO resign.

Roza Baleyan, one of the protestors, told Hetq that Grigoryan (photo) isnt defending their interests and that he basically appointed himself to the post.

During the protest, an official from the government building told the crowd to present their grievances in writing.

Grigoryan told Hetq that he was surprised by the protest and couldnt understand what the demonstrators wanted. He claimed that those dissatisfied with his work had never issued a list of demands to him.

Grigoryan says that some of the protestors accuse him of selling off the building housing their cultural center, even though he showed them documents to the contrary.

Grigoryan agrees that people with hearing difficulties in Armenia have a hard time finding work. He says that oftentimes the union rents space that it owns to businesses, requesting that they hire some of the deaf people registered with the union. Some 1,500 people are registered with the Union.

The Unions lawyer, Artour Mkrtchyan, told Hetq that a group of deaf people yesterday beat up Vahe Alaverdyan, a staff member at the Union and that a police investigation is underway.

Mkrtchyan says that some individuals are making these allegations for nefarious aims. He did not elaborate.

As to the charge that Grigoryan has been serving as Union president for four instead of two years, Mkrtchyan said that the law on NGOs had recently changed allowing presidents to serve from two to four years.

Three lawsuits are ongoing regarding the Union. In one, plaintiffs are demanding that the four-year deadline for Grigoryan as president be annulled. In another, the plaintiff is demanding 30 million AMD from the Union, claiming he gave it to the Union fifteen years ago. The third lawsuit is in regards to the possible illegal dismissal of a Union worker.
Youre done burying Mitterrand, so now youre here? is how Shimon Peres greeted me when I walked into his office in late February 1996, two days after the No. 18 bus suicide bombing, when Peres was prime minister. He sounded lost. A deathly silence pervaded his officea feeling that this was the end of the road. Did he already sense that he was going to lose to Benjamin Netanyahu in an election that was supposed to be a walk in the park for him, in light of Rabins assassination? Shimon Peres, the man who didnt know how to win the important political battles in his career, was en route to being defeated once more.

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Perhaps he felt back then like the mythical Sisyphus, sentenced to push a boulder up the mountain, only to see it rolling back down at him endlessly. The gods punished Sisyphus for disrespecting them and revealing their secrets. No fate could be worse, the gods reasoned, than feeling like youve almost reached the summitonly to then have to start from scratch.

Like a giant surrounded by small-minded people

The French philosopher Albert Camus offered a different view of Sisyphus: perhaps he derived his joy from the journey, from the act of pushing itself. Its doubtful whether Peres took any pleasure in his record of being defeated by Rabin, Shamir and even Moshe Katzav when he first ran to be president. Nonetheless, Peres never lacked the stamina needed to keep pushing, in hopes of getting to breathe the fresh mountaintop air. When everyone around him was frustrated, Peres kept going, arriving early in the morning to his officeeven after roomfuls of activists shouted at him that hes a loser the night before.

Peres, like the mythical Sisyphus (Photo: AP)

Peres refused to disappear or make way for others, not just because of his ego and will to prove everyone wrong, but also because he always felt like a giant compared to his peerslike a man of vision amid small-time meddlersand he couldnt get why his colleagues dont see the greatness that he has to offer. He was chasing recognition and prestige, and he had an insatiable hunger for being praised.

Most of the time, Peres walked around feeling that those in his milieu cant grasp the sophisticated language he speaks, sometimes arrogantly and always highfalutina magician with words.

Peres was responsible for many positive developments in Israeli politics, but he also introduced much darkness into it. This combination was Peres signature in the political arena, a multidimensional man of contradictions. Wherever he went, he was seeking attention and affection. So, howd I do? was the first thing coming out of his mouth after giving a speech, or offering what he thought was a brilliant insight, addressed to anyone who happened to be near.

He wanted to be told how great and wonderful he is

Its as if within him was a bottomless well. In his eyes was yearning for recognition, for affection. He wanted to be told how great and wonderful he is, to be celebrated for his wit and prescience. But the well had always remained empty because Peres felt that he never got all that he deserved.

He compensated for the emptiness by trying to please everyone, all the time. Thats why, it seems, he couldnt go all the way politically and make bold moves in light of opposition. He was just too occupied, whether consciously or not, with placating everybody. His need for adulation was rooted in always feeling like the foreigner, a Jew of the Diaspora.

Peres was sure he would defeat Netanyahu in the 1996 elections (Photo: Koby Gideon, GPO)

Theres no way around it, for people of my generation, the number question is: where were you in 48? Ezer Weizmann, who was at times a close friend of Peres, once told me. Its a loaded question, its not like asking where were you in the Sinai campaign, or the Yom Kippur War. And theres no way around the fact that Shimon was never in the army. He did a ton for national security, working in munitions and procurement, but he didnt talk like the army guys did, he just couldnt pull that off.

Peres was the total anti-Sabra compared to his political rival and later close friend, with whom hed have a love-hate relationship for decadesYitzhak Rabin, who was perceived as the perfect Sabra. When Rabin would mess up in public sing-alongs, it was seen as endearing; when Peres did it, it only contributed to his image as a foreigner who didnt grow up with the same folklore (in spite of having arrived to Israel at a young age).

A foreigner who wasnt part of the gang

Handsome was never an adjective used for Peres. Whenever people described Rabin as handsome, Peres would be fuming inside. He felt the same way when he watched as another foreigner, Dan Ben-Amotz, who had studied alongside him at Ben Shemen village, came to exemplify the ideal Sabra.

For years, Peres felt that he was tilting at windmills. Politically, every initiative of his had failed. He felt that he had been cursed, and misunderstood, that hell forever be more appreciated abroad than he is in his own country. During campaigns, his political foes would spread rumors about him, like that he had stocks in the company Tadiran and that his mother was an Araball because he was never part of the gang, never one to run on rough terrains in battle with the macho army guys.

Remember at the Peres Center for Peace (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

I had never asked for a thing for myself, Peres told me almost every time we met. What Im interested in is achieving peace. Building a new Middle East. No one will stop me.

Its true he was totally committed to bringing about peace. He wanted to find a solution, badly. But he had also asked for quite a lot for himself. Sometimes, he worked subversively to get his way, and other times he would operate by way of pleasant diplomacy. Peres didnt always toe the party line and his methods defied simple characterization. He was intellectually curious and he knew how to inspire. He was second to none in his creativity in politicking, for better or for worse.

Its only in the final stage of his career that Peres managed to achieve what he had always wantedto win, and to be adored. To be celebrated not just abroad, but also in the place he loved most, his country.

Mitterrands star eulogist

There are few who have achieved operational successes as Peres has: weapons trade deals, building up the Ministry of Defense and the nuclear reactor in Dimona, the Oslo Accords with the Palestinians. But in the real test that every politician faceswinning electionsPeres was doomed to fail and I saw this fear of failure in his melancholic gaze that same day in his office in February of 1996. He was appointed prime minister, but decided to go to elections early so that no one could say he had inherited his position. He wanted to be chosen by the people. He didnt want to have the throne by default, or because Rabins blood was shed in a Tel Aviv square (the man who termed Peres a master manipulator, a label that would stick).

That decision, to have elections early, was Peres cardinal error. He was the one who inadvertently turned over the keys to the kingdom to his arch-nemesis, a man Peres didnt trust or believe in, Benjamin Netanyahu. The one who just finished high school, as Peres once dismissively referred to Netanyahu.

I saw Peres a few weeks prior to the election in Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, when he came to pay final respects to his good friend and President of France, Francois Mitterrand. It was after Rabins assassination and before Peres had decided to go to elections early.

Peres hated being the right-hand man, to Rabin or to Ben-Gurion (Photo: AP)

If it werent for funeral etiquette, Peres would have received a cheering, standing ovation that day. Bill Clinton and Helmut Kohl were there, as well as John Major and Jacques Chirac. As Peres made his way to the stage, these world leaders all rose. I remembered how in the past crowds hurled rotten tomatoes and eggs at Peres in party meetings, how they called him a traitor and accused him of wanting to divide up Jerusalem. But that day in Paris, he was the star. French TV picked him to eulogize Mitterrand, a leader whom Peres admired. When asked in Paris What will be next? Peres, optimistic as always, said that peace will prevail and that it cant be any other way what had happened in that Tel Aviv Square.

It seemed, back then, that a moment of trauma was transformed into euphoria. Peres really did believe he was going to defeat Netanyahu in the general elections and become Israels prime minister in earnest. Even Peres political rivals predicted that he would finally shed his loser label, and that he couldnt lose this time even if he tried.

Yet, like Sisyphus, Peres pushed his boulder up the mountain all his life, only to watch it roll back downand once again, to start from scratch.

Throughout most of his political career Peres was an indispensable right-hand man, first for David Ben-Gurion and later for Rabin. And still, there was no one who hated being in that position more than Peres, so he was scheming obsessively to try to get to the top. This scheming is ultimately what got him further away from his goal; he wanted too much and too fast, and made many mistakes along the way. Im not Sisyphus, he told me once. I always get the boulder up the mountain. No rock has rolled back down yet, unless the mountains are elections.

When it came to elections, he lost. Its only in the final stretch of his career that Peres was showered with love. He became an admired and lauded president, a celebrated leader, the father of the nation and Israels elder statesman. When he closed his eyes for the final time, he had reached the mountain top.
Much like the IDF's recently-appointed Chief Rabbi Col. Eyal Karim , the Israel Police's new chief rabbi Rami Brachyahu's past is mired by a series of controversial statements against the LGBT community and about women.

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One such statement determines that while "We need to demonstrate warm and humane treatment towards homosexuals as private people and as individuals  we cannot allow having in our community couples whose lifestyle is not in line with the laws of nature."

He also signed a letter of support of religious-Zionist Rabbi Yigal Levinstein, who labeled LGBT persons as "perverts" in a controversial speech.

Rabbi Brachyahu, right, with Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh.

In a February 2015 interview given to the website Kippa, Rabbi Brachyahu was asked about the sex scandals that plagued the Israel Police in 2015.

"We give the police officers moral and ethical basis and instruct them how not to have heart-to-heart conversations and how not to get into a situation in which they are alone in a police cruiser with a female officer in the dark," he said in response. "It's true that this is complex and unhealthy, but it doesn't mean it's not possible."

Rabbi Brachyahu is also among the rabbis who are against female service in the IDF.

Brachyahu, the rabbi of the West Bank settlement of Talmon, was approved by Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan after being chosen by Police Commissioner Roni Alsheikh.

Alsheikh adopted the recommendation of an appointment committee headed by Deputy Commissioner Zohar Dvir, which was established in May 2016 and mandated to look for an "educational figure," with "proven halachic ruling ability" and "the ability to connect to the variety of officers serving in the Israel Police."

"I accept this role with fear and trepidation, while understanding the weight of the responsibility placed on me," Rabbi Brachyahu said on Monday, upon the approval of the appointment.

Rabbi Rami Brachyahu (Photo: Motti Kimchi)

Rabbi Brachyahu heads the Beit Midrash project "Believing in the Police," which seeks to reconcile the work of police officers in the field with Jewish law (halacha). Among other things, the project encourages the recruitment of police officers from among the religious-Zionist sector and has so far brought dozens of young officers into the force.

As part of the project, officers who encountered halachic dilemmas during their service would turn to Rabbi Brachyahu. At the time, this was an undeveloped field in halachic rulings.

Among his rulings, Rabbi Brachyahu determined a police officer is allowed to desecrate the Shabbat while on duty, even in a situation that is not defined as "pikuach nefesh" the principle in Jewish law that the preservation of human life overrides virtually any other religious considerationsuch as securing large-scale events on Saturday evening.

When asked about refusing an order when it comes to evacuating Jewish settlements in the West Bank, the rabbi said an effort must be made to be relieved of such an assignment by speaking to one's commanders rather than intransigently refusing an order.

He is also considered moderate when it comes to the halachic ban on women singing when men are present.

The Israel Police said in a statement on Monday that "We are confident that Rabbi Brachyahu will serve as a bridge to all the different sectors in the force and outside of it and will serve as a spiritual figure and moral compass to police officers everywhere."

The ultra-Orthodox public protested Rabbi Brachyahu's appointment, as he was chosen over their own candidate, Rabbi Moshe Gafni, who has been the acting police rabbi over the past few years. Rabbi Gafni's close associates claimed the religious-Zionist Alsheikh chose someone of his own sector and have threatened to petition the High Court of Justice against the appointment.

Meanwhile, the religious-Zionist Tzohar organization of rabbis welcomed the appointment, saying "Rabbi Brachyahu is a great Torah scholar, an important halachic ruler, who established the 'Believing in the Police' project where he has been dealing for years with public and individual affairs with sensitivity and great wisdom."






A Palestinian man was killed in clashes that broke out between Israeli Police and Border Police in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Silwan on Tuesday night, during the Yom Kippur fast.

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Ali Atef Shuyukhi, 20, was shot dead in the clashes, which lasted for a few hours. He was released from Israeli prison a few months ago after serving a year-and-a-half-long sentence.

The Jerusalem Police said masked men started hurling stones and Molotov cocktails at Border Police officers who were on patrol in Silwan.

Clashes in Silwan (File photo)

Police said the rioting "was directly targeting the force and substantially endangered the lives of the soldiers."

This led the troops to fire at the rioters, hitting Shuyukhi. The rioters then escaped, taking Shuyukhi with them.

According to the Palestinians, Shuyukhi, who conflicting reports say was killed by a bullet to the stomach or chest, was buried by his family only two hours after the incident at the Turbet al-Sawahira cemetery in Jerusalem. The rushed burial was done, the Palestinians said, due to concern Israeli forces will take the body and refuse to return it.

Hamas has endorsed Shuyukhi and on Wednesday dozens of residents of Silwan were outside his home, putting up posters praising him and calling slogans in his honor.

Police and Border Police also clashed with Palestinians in Isawiya and Jabel Mukaber. In Isawiya, masked rioters hurled Molotov cocktails and stones and launched firecrackers at the force, set trash cans on fire and blocked roads at the entrance to the neighborhood. The Israeli troops broke the riot using crowd dispersal measures.
In a tragic accident that occurred shortly before Yom Kippur, an Israeli family traveling to the former soviet state of Georgia lost two of its children in a car accident. Achinoam Greenfeld, 10, and her brother Nevo, 5, were killed when the SUV in which their family was riding flipped and fell into a ditch by the side of the road. Their mother , Noa, was seriously wounded in the accident, with their father Hanoch, was moderately hurt. Their siblings, Yiftah and Ivri, were lightly injured.

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The four surviving family members were taken to Israel on Wednesday via a special ambulance-plane, which was the only plane to land in Israel during the Yom Kippur holiday. The accident in which the two children died was, according to Georgian authorities, apparently caused by poor road visibility. The two childrens caskets will be flown to Israel for burial on Thursday.

The Greenfeld family.

The Grinfelds are residents of the West Bank town of Ma'ale Mikhmas. Achinoam was named after her uncle, who was killed in the Second Lebanon war.

Hanoch Greenfeld issued a statement from the Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital in Jerusalem, where his children are being treated, in which he expressed his gratitude towards those who assisted his family. The people in Israel and in Georgia, Israelis who appeared everywhere, in every move. The rescue crew, the improvised command center that was established in Israel and to anyone who helped open the airport for our flight, the trauma team at the Hadassah hospital who waited her for us en masse and is taking care of us.
Russian jets resumed heavy bombing of rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Tuesday after several days of relative calm, a rebel official and the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said.

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Air strikes mostly hit the Bustan al-Qasr neighborhood, Zakaria Malhifji of the Aleppo-based Fastaqim rebel group told Reuters.

"There is renewed bombardment and it is heavy," he said.

The Observatory said the death toll from bombing in Bustan al-Qasr, Fardous and other neighborhoods rose to at least 25, with scores of wounded.

Aleppo in Ruins. (Photo: Reuters)

A boy wounded by bombings in Aleppo receives medical treatment. (Photo: AFP)

At least 50 civilians were killed by strikes on the rebel-held part of the city and nearby villages controlled by insurgents, residents and rescue workers said. In Bustan al Qasr, residents said, the strikes hit a medical center and a children's playground.

The Syrian army, backed by Iranian-backed militias, also said it had consolidated its control of the al Jandoul traffic circle at a major road intersection on the northern outskirts of Aleppo.

Moscow and Damascus reduced air raids in the northern city last week. The Syrian army said that was partly to allow civilians to leave opposition-held eastern neighborhoods.

The Syrian government said rebels holed up in Aleppo can leave with their families if they lay down their arms. Insurgents denounced that offer as a deception.

President Bashar al-Assad seeks the complete recapture of Aleppo, Syria's biggest city before the 5 1/2-year war, which has been divided between government and opposition control for years.

Assad's Russian allies have meanwhile built up its forces in Syria after a brief ceasefire collapsed last month.

Since Russia intervened in the war a year ago, the government's side has gained the upper hand on numerous fronts, including Aleppo, where the opposition-held sector has been completely encircled for weeks.

A syrian girl named Aya, before and after being injured in a bombing in the town of Talbiseh.

Insurgents have advanced elsewhere, including in Hama province further south, where they captured a series of towns and villages last month. But in recent days government forces have regained some of that ground.

In the southern city of Deraa, which is split between government and rebel control, insurgent shelling of a school killed at least five people, including children, on Tuesday, the Observatory and state media reported.

Rebels denied they fired at the school. Residents reported the same death toll.

Syrian President Bashar Assad. Aided by Russia, backed by Iran-backed militants. (Photo: AP)

Near the Turkish border, rebels backed by Turkey and a US-led coalition closed in on the Islamic State-held village of Dabiq, the site of an apocalyptic prophesy central to the militant group's ideology.

Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebel groups have been pushing south into Islamic State's territory in an operation backed by Turkey since Aug. 24, and have taken more villages near Dabiq in recent days.

But hundreds of mines planted by the militants were delaying their progress, rebels said. The militants even retook the villages of Ihtimlat and Kafra only hours after the FSA fighters seized them, rebels said.

Wounded man carried to safety in the bombed Syrian city. (Photo: AFP)

"They planted along their front lines of defense hundreds of mines," a rebel from the Failaq al Sham group said. Now the goal of FSA forces was to retake the town of Soran, an Islamic State stronghold in the area, before moving on to Dabiq, he said.

UKs Johnson warns Russians

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson warned Russia on Tuesday it risked becoming a pariah nation if it continued to bomb civilian sites in Syria and urged protesters to demonstrate outside the Russian embassy against its alleged war crimes.

"If Russia continues on its current path then I think that great country is in danger of becoming a pariah nation," Johnson told parliament, calling on anti-war protest groups to demonstrate outside the Russian embassy.

UK Foreign Secretary Johnson. Warned that Russia may become a "pariah nation." (Photo: EPA)



"I'd certainly like to see demonstrations outside the Russian embassy," he said, calling on anti-war groups such as the Stop the War coalition, which is backed by the leader of Britain's main opposition Labour Party, Jeremy Corbyn.

Johnson also said the West should do more to put pressure on Russia, which has helped the Syrian government gain the upper hand against rebels on many frontlines in the conflict. He blamed Russia for an attack on an aid convoy in Syria last month.

"We've got to make sure we have innovative ways of getting aid into Aleppo, and as several members have said, we have to step up the pressure on Assad's regime through sanctions and on the Russians through sanctions," he said.

Putin cancels meeting with Hollande

Russian President Vladimir Putin has canceled a visit to Paris next week after President Francois Hollande said he would see him only for talks on Syria - the latest episode in deteriorating relations between Moscow and the West.

French officials have been grappling for ways to put new pressure on Russia after Moscow vetoed a French-drafted United Nations Security Council resolution on Syria. French officials' growing anger over a Russian-backed Syrian government onslaught against rebel-held areas of the city of Aleppo had led them to reconsider whether to host Putin on Oct. 19.

"I made it known to Mr Putin that if he came to Paris, I would not accompany him to any ceremonies, but that I was ready to continue the dialogue on Syria. He decided to postpone the visit," Hollande said at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg.

Russian President Vladimir Putin. Cancelled a meeting with Hollande. (Photo: AP)

The Russian president had been scheduled to inaugurate a new Russian Orthodox cathedral and visit a Russian art exhibition in the French capital on Oct. 19.

The Kremlin confirmed Putin's decision, but made no mention of Syria and said he was ready to come to Paris at Hollande's convenience.

While Paris has said it is vital to keep dialogue going with Moscow and not sever relations, events in Syria have damaged their ties as the two countries support opposite sides in the conflict.

Describing Russian air strikes in Syria as "war crimes", Hollande said it was still necessary to talk with Moscow, but only if discussions were "firm, frank," otherwise it would be a "charade."

"With Russia, France has a major disagreement on Syria and the Russian veto of the French resolution at the UN Security Council has prevented the cessation of bombings and enablement of a truce," Hollande said at the Council of Europe.

French President Francois Hollande. "I made it known to Mr Putin that if he came to Paris, I would not accompany him to any ceremonies." (Photo: AFP)

"I'm ready to meet President Putin if we can advance peace, end the bombings and announce a truce," he said.

France's foreign minister said on Monday his diplomats were working to find a way for the International Criminal Court's prosecutor to launch an investigation into war crimes it says have been committed by Syrian and Russian forces in eastern Aleppo.

Diplomats have also said Paris is leading discussions on whether to impose new European Union sanctions on Russia specifically over Syria, where Moscow backs President Bashar al-Assad in a more than five-year-old civil war.
This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company.

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By 1860, Westchester County had begun to spend substantial sums on the repair and maintenance of Pelham Bridge even though it did not own the bridge. In fact, In 1860, the bridge was operated as a private toll bridge owned by Lawrence G. Fowler who had succeed to the 30-year franchise granted in 1834 to George Rapalje to operate the bridge until April 15, 1864.





Westchester County understood the critical importance of the Pelham Bridge which connected more populated regions of lower Westchester County with important shoreline communities such as Pelham, New Rochelle, Larchmont, and Mamaroneck. Unhappy with the continuing need to assist with repairs and maintenance of the bridge and contemplating the possibility of entirely replacing the decrepit bridge, Westchester began efforts to acquire "perfect title" to the bridge.





Difficulties Followed the Pelham Bridge From 1829 Until 1831





By 1829, something seems to have changed regarding Pelham Bridge. On March 30, 1829, a petition was presented to the New York Assembly on behalf of the Eastchester Bridge Company "seeking

leave to surrender their corporate rights."





Almost immediately, on Friday, April 3, 1829, a bill was reported for the "relief" of the Eastchester Bridge Company.





Within a short time, the legislature released a report on the petition for the relief bill. The following is a citation to that report, that I have not yet been able to access:





"Eastchester Bridge Company

1829. Rept. re. petition of Eastchester Bridge co. praying leave to surrender corporate rights and remove materials composing bridge. (Assem. jol. 52 sess. 1829: 944-945.)"









At about this time, an odd situation developed. In 1831 an as-yet unexplained criminal information (a formal criminal charge which begins a criminal proceeding in the courts) was issued under the direction of the New York Attorney General in a case styled "The People vs. The President and Directors of the Eastchester Bridge Company." An effort was made by the Sheriff of Westchester County to serve the criminal summons on unidentified individuals then serving as President and Directors of the company, but none could be found within the county. More significantly, a legal notice published at the time stated "it cannot be ascertained that there now are, or within one year last past have been, any officers of the said corporation" suggesting, of course, that the company was defunct and no longer operating in any fashion. Consequently, a local court authorized service on the group by publication in local newspapers.

For now, we are left to speculate regarding the nature of this intriguing criminal action against the President and Directors of the Eastchester Bridge Company. However, the picture that emerges is that the company that purportedly still owned the right to operate a toll bridge across the Hutchinson River at Eastchester Bay was nowhere to be found, likely prompting local citizens a short time later to petition the legislative authorities of New York State to authorize George Rapelje to construct a new Pelham Bridge.





Ownership Since 1834





On April 2, 1834, the Committee on Roads and Bridges of the New York State Senate issued a report on a petition received from residents of Westchester County to permit Pelham resident George Rapelje to construct a toll draw bridge over Eastchester Creek. The report provides an interesting glimpse of a portion of the history surrounding efforts to construct bridges over Eastchester Creek to shorten the distance from New York City and surrounding areas to Pelham. After authorization by New York State, George Rapelye built the bridge and operated it as a private toll drawbridge under the 30-year franchise scheduled to expire on April 15, 1864.





Upon the death of George Rapelye (sometimes "Rapalje"), on November 30, 1841 the executors of Rapelye's estate sold Pelham Bridge and the franchise to operate it as a private toll road to James M. Post. The following year, 1842, James M. Post duly assigned and transferred his right, title and interest in the bridge and its associated franchise to Ann E. Cavins and Wm Cavins. The Cavins owned and operated the toll bridge until May 1, 1857 when they sold it to Lawrence G. Fowler who stll owned the bridge in 1860.





Westchester County Board of Supervisors Arranges Purchase in 1861





By 1860, the Westchester County Board of Supervisors was growing tired of appropriating taxpayer money to help maintain and repair the increasingly-important Pelham Bridge -- a private toll bridge that was not owned by the County. Westchester knew that the bridge needed to be replaced but, of course, was unwilling to fund such replacement unless it owned the structure. Accordingly, efforts began to lobby the State of New York to authorize Westchester County to acquire Pelham Bridge.





On February 15, 1860, the New York State Senate passed a bill to authorize Westchester to buy Pelham Bridge. The Assembly soon did the same and, on April 5, 1860, New York enacted into law a statute authorizing the purchase. The statute stated:





"

The board of supervisors of the county of Westchester are hereby authorized and empowered, at their annual session, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty, to purchase the bridge over Eastchester creek, in the said county, commonly known as the Rapelyea or Pelham bridge, upon such terms as they may agree upon with the lessee of said bridge, not exceeding the sum of four thousand dollars. . . .

The said bridge, if purchased by the said board of supervisors, shall be forever a free bridge, and a charge upon the said county of Westchester."





For the next twenty months, the Westchester County Board of Supervisors worked to appropriate the funds necessary to purchase Pelham Bridge. There was a study of the title to the bridge. There were presentations over the value of the bridge and the cost to replace it. There were successive votes related to whether to purchase the bridge. And, in the midst of all this, the Board continued to authorize payments to fund maintenance and repair of the decrepit structure.





On November 20, 1861, the Westchester County Board of Supervisors finally took action. According to its records, on that date:





"

Mr. McClelan moved that the resolution levying $3,000 on the County to pay Lawrence G. Fowler for Pelham Bridge, be taken from the table. Carried.

On motion of Mr. Lane, the written Report of the District Attorney was accepted and ordered on file.

The question on the adoption of the resolution levying $3,000 to pay Lawrence G. Fowler for Pelham Bridge, was then taken, and decided in the affirmative: a majority of all the members elected to the Board voting in favor thereof."





Finally, on December 4, 1861, the Westchester County schedule of accounts reflected the critical appropriation by the County of $3,000 to purchase Pelham Bridge. The process had begun to take title and replace the bridge.





* * * * *





March 30, 1829:





"IN ASSEMBLY,

Monday, March 30. . . .





Petitions: . . . of the Eastchester bridge company, for leave to surrender their corporate rights. . ."









"IN ASSEMBLY,

Friday, April 3. . . .





Mr. DAYTON, from the select committee, reported a bill for the relief of the Eastchester bridge company. . . ."









March 3, 1831:





"IN SUPREME COURT, 3d March, 1831 -- The People, vs. The President and Directors of the Eastchester Bridge Company. G. C. Bronson, Attorney General.





On filing an affidavit, and on motion of the attorney general, it appearing to the court that the writ of summons issued upon the information in the nature of a quo warranto filed in this cause, hsa been duly returned by the sheriff of the county of Westchester, not served, by reason that no officers of the said company could be found within the said county; and it also appearing to the court that the said writ was directed to the said sheriff of Westchester where the principal place of business of the said company was situated, and that, upon inquiry, it cannot be ascertained that there now are, or within one year last past have been, any officers of the said corporation; -- It is ordered, pursuant to the statute in such case made and provided, that a copy of this rule be published for four weeks successively in the state paper. And it is further ordered, that the defendants appear and plead to the information filed in this cause within twenty days after the last publication of this rule, or in default thereof, that the attorney general, on filing an affidavit of the due publication of the rule, be entitled to enter the default of the defendants, and to proceed to judgment thereon, in like manner as if the writ had been returned duly served. (A copy.)





JNO. KEYES PAIGE, Clerk.





mr 5-dlt 9IT6"









February 15, 1860:





"

-----

Senate.

ALBANY, Feb. 15, 1860. . . .





The bill to incorporate the New York Homeopathic College was passed.





Also the bill authorizing the Supervisors of Westchester county to purchase the Pelham Bridge. . . ."









April 5, 1860:





"Chap. 168.





AN ACT to authorize the board of supervisors of the county of Westchester to purchase the Rapelyea or Pelham bridge.





Passed April 5, 1860; three-fifths being present.





The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:





May purchase bridge over Eastchester creek.





SECTION 1. The board of supervisors of the county of Westchester are hereby authorized and empowered, at their annual session, in the year one thousand eight hundred and sixty, to purchase the bridge over Eastchester creek, in the said county, commonly known as the Rapelyea or Pelham bridge, upon such terms as they may agree upon with the lessee of said bridge, not exceeding the sum of four thousand dollars.





Bridge to be forever free





[Section] 2. The said bridge, if purchased by the said board of supervisors, shall be forever a free bridge, and a charge upon the said county of Westchester."









Wednesday, November 14, 1860:





"Mr. Lockwood offered the following resolution, which was adopted.





Resolved, That a Committee of Three, to be compose of one from each Assembly District, be appointed by the Chairman of this Board to inquire into and report to this Board as to the propriety and expediency of purchasing the Rapelye or Pelham Bridge, as authorized by the last Legislature, passed April 5th, 1860."









Thursday, November 15, 1860:





"Mr. Robertson moved to re-consider the vote on the adoption of the resolution offered yesterday by Mr. Lockwood, authorizing the Chairman to appoint a Committee of Three, composed of one from each Assembly District, to inquire into and report to this Board as to the propriety and expediency of purchasing the Rapelye or Pelham Bridge.





The motion to re-consder was carried; whereupon,





On motion of Mr. Robertson, the resolution was amended, so as to authorize the appointment of 'a Committee of Six, consisting of two from each Assembly District.'





The resolution, as amended, was then adopted."









Thursday, November 15, 1860, 2:00 p.m.:





"The Chair announced the following





Committee on the Purchase of Rapelye or Pelham Bridge:





2d District -- Alsop H. Lockwood, William L. Barker; 3d District -- Forst Horton, Hezekiah D. Robertson; 1st District -- William Cauldwell, Charles Bathgate."









Friday, November 16, 1860:





"Mr. McClelan offered the folloing resolution, which was adopted:





Resolved, That the Committee appointed to negotiate for the purchase of Pelham Bridge, be and they are hereby directed to ascertain and report to this Board --





The duration of the Charter thereof, the time when it will expire, and to whom it will revert:





The present cash value thereof, whether the same is in good order, what repairs, if any, are necessary, and the probable cost thereof:





Also, whether said Bridge is erected agreeably to the provisions of the Charter thereof; and if not, in what particular:





And that the said Committee, in order to acquire said information, are hereby empowered to employ one or more competent persons, (if deemed necessary,) to aid them in arriving at a proper and just conclusion."









Wednesday, December 5, 1860:





"Mr. Lockwood, from the Special Committee on the purchase of Rapayle [sic] or Pelham Bridge, presented a Report thereon, which was read as follows, and entered on General Orders, (No. 27:)





To the Honorable the Board of Supervisors of the County of Westchester:





The undersigned Committee, to whom was referred the resolution of this Board to enquire into and report to this Board as to the propriety and expediency of the purchase, by this Board, of the bridge known as the Rapelye or Pelham Bridge, for the purpose of making the same a free bridge, would respectfully report that your Committee have examined said bridge, and after consultation with others in relation to the same, would recommend the purchase of said bridge, for the purposes therein named, believing the demands of the public require the same to be made a free bridge; and wheras your committee find some defect in the present Act, passed April 5, 1860, authorizing this Board to purchase said bridge, would recommend the adoption of the following resolution:





Resolved, That this Board purchase the Pelham or Rapelye Bridge, as soon as a good and sufficient title can be given for the same -- said title to be examined by the District Attorney of this County, and pronounced by him as perfect -- and that the County Treasurer be directed to pay fo the same out of any monies in his hands, not otherwise appropriated, to an amount not exceeding the sum of $3,000; and that the District Attorney be requested to give his earliest attention to the same.





WHITE PLAINS, Dec. 1, 1860.





A. H. LOCKWOOD, )

FROST HORTON, )

Wm. CAULDWELL, } Committee on Pelham Bridge.

CHARLES BATHGATE )

H. D. ROBERTSON, )

Wm. L. BARKER, )





General Orders, No. 27."









Thursday, December 6, 1860:





"Mr. Lockwood, from the Special Committee on the purchase of Rapalye or Pelham Bridge, reported, as amended by the Committee, the Report of Said Committee, (see General Orders No. 27.)





Mr. McClelan offered the following resolutions as a substitute for the resolutions reported by the Committee:





Resolved, That this Board deem it inexpedient at the present time, taking into consideration the large appropriations made by this Board, to purchase Pelham Bridge.

Therefore,





Resolved, That our Senator and Members of Assembly be requested to procure the passage of an Act authorizing the Board of Supervisors of this County to assume the control of, and maintain and support Pelham Bridge, after the Charter thereof shall have expired.





The question was taken on the substitute, and decided in the negative -- ayes 4, nays 19, as follows:





Ayes. -- Messrs. Flagg, Hallock, Hopper, and McClelan.





Nays. -- Messrs. Baker, Barker, Bathgate, Cauldwell, Davids, Hatfield, Horton, Lippencott, Little, Lockwood, J. E. Marshall, W. Marshall, Jr., Miller, Mills, Robertson, Secor, Sutton, Tripp, and Twitchings.





The questions was then taken on the adoption of the Report, and decided in the affirmative -- ayes 18, nays 5 -- as follows:





Ayes -- Messrs. Baker, Barker, Bathgate, Cauldwell, Hatfield, Horton, Lippencott, Little, Lockwood, J. E. Marshall, W. Marshall, Jr., Miller, Mills, Robertson, Secor, Sutton, Tripp, and Twitchings.





Nays -- Messrs. Davids, Flagg, Hallock, Hopper, and McClelan.





On motion, the announcement of the result of the vote was suspended until the absentees could be sent for.





Mr. Hunt coming into the room, the call of the absentees was demanded, and the Clerk accordingly proceeded to call.





On the name of Mr. Hunt being called, Mr. Hunt declined to vote, for the present, and until he could examine into and ascertain the merits of the question.





Mr. Baker moved that Mr. Hunt be excused from voting.





Debate was had thereon.





Mr. Robertson moved to lay the motion on the table.





Carried.





The absentees were again called, Mr. Hunt still not answering.





Mr. Robertson moved to take from the table the motion to excuse Mr. Hunt, and demanded the ayes and nays.





The Clerk called the ayes and nays, and a call of the absentees being demanded, the Clerk called the absentees.





Mr. Hunt not answering to his name when it was called on the calling of the absentees.





Mr. Baker moved that Mr. Hunt be excused from voting.





Debate was had thereon.





On motion of Mr. Cauldwell, Mr. Hunt was heard in relation to his refusal to vote.





The motion was then put to excuse Mr. Hunt from voting on the motion to take from the table the motion to excuse him from voting on the motion to adopt the Report of the Committee, and carried.





The Clerk then announced the result of the vote on the motion to take from the table the motion to excuse Mr. Hunt from voting on the motion to adopt the Report -- ayes 17, nays 5 -- as follows:





Ayes -- Messrs. Baker, Barker, Bathgate, Cauldwell, Davids, Hallock, Hatfield, Lippencott, Lockwood, McClelan, J. E. Marshall, Miller, Mills, Robertson, Secor, Sutton, and Twitchings.





Nays -- Messrs. Flagg, Hopper, Horton, W. Marshall, Jr, and Tripp.





The question recurring on the motion to excuse Mr. Hunt from voting on the motion to adopt the Report of the Committee -- and debate having been had thereon -- it was decided in the affirmative -- ayes 15, nays 8 -- as follows:





Ayes -- Messrs. Baker, Barker, Bathgate, Cauldwell, Davids, Flagg, Hatfield, Lippencott, Little, McClelan, W. Marshall, Jr., Mills, Sutton, Tripp, and Twitchings.





Nays -- Messrs. Hallock, Hopper, Horton, Lockwood, J. E. Marshall, Miller, Robertson, and Secor.





The Clerk then announced the vote on the adoption of the Report -- (as above,) -- ayes 18, nays 5."









Thursday, December 6, 1860, 2:00 p.m.:





"Mr. Lockwood, from the Special Committee on the purchase of Rapalye or Pelham Bridge, presented a Supplemental Report, which was read as follows:





To the Honorable the Board of Supervisors of Westchester County.





The undersigned Committee, to whom was referred certain resolutions of enquiry, offered by the Supervisor of Eastchester, beg leave respectfully to report that, upon examination, your Committee find that on the 15th day of April, 1834, an Act was passed by the Legislature of this State, authorizing Rapelye, his heirs and assigns, to build a Toll Bridge over the Eastchester Creek; such charter to continue for the full term of thirty years, which charter will expire on the 15th day of April, 1864; and that on the 30th day of November, 1841, said Bridge was sold by the executors of George Rapelye, then deceased, to James M. Post; and that on the ___ day of ___, in the year 1842, the said James M. Post duly assigned and transferred his right, title and interest to Ann E. Cavins and Wm Cavins; and that also on the first day of May, 1857, the said Ann E. Cavins and William Cavins duly assigned and transferred all their right, title and interest in said Bridge to Lawrence G. Fowler, the present owner of said Bridge.





Your Committee are, at present, unable to inform this Board whether said Bridge was constructed in strict compliance with said charter, but that pursuant to said charter, the Judges of the Court of Common Pleas, of Westchester County, have appointed a Committee to examine said Bridge, after its completion, and if, in their judgment, the same was built pursuant to said charter, the said Judges were directed to file a certificate with the Clerk of the County, to whose files your Committee would respectfully refer.





Your Committee would further report that in their judgment, and from the best information your Committee have been able to obtain, consider the said Bridge worth at least the sum of $5,000. That the same could not now be built for less than $12,000.





And as far as your Committee have been able to ascertain, they would respectfully report that, in their opinion, the present structure would revert to its present owner, who would have full power to remove any and every part of the same, and the County of Westchester put to an expense of rebuilding said Bridge, or be compelled to purchase the same at, perhaps, an exorbitant price.





All of which is respectfully submitted.





Dated December 7, 1860:





A. H. LOCKWOOD, )

Wm. L. BARKER, )

Wm. CAULDWELL, } Special Committee on Pelham Bridge

FROST HORTON, )

CHARLES BATHGATE, )

H. D. ROBERTSON, )





On motion, the Report was adopted -- ayes 20, nays 1 -- Mr. McClellan voting in the negative."









Wednesday, November 13, 1861:





"Messrs. Badeau, Hatfield, Lippencott, Robertson, and Hopper, made explanations and remarks on the condition and in relation to the repairs on Pelham Bridge.





Mr. Badeau thereupon offered the following resolution, which was adopted:





Resolved, That there be a Committee of Three appointed by the Board to examine the repairs on the Pelham Bridge, and report what further repairs, in their opinion, are necessary at this time.





The Board thereupon appointed the following Supervisors as such





Committee -- Messrs. Purday, Brown, and Valentine.





On motion of Mr. Cauldwell,





Mr. Badeau was added to the Committee."









Tuesday, November 19, 1861:





"Mr. Lippencott. from the same Committee [Committee on Roads and Bridges], presented a Report on the bill of Abraham Hatfield and Samuel Lippencott, for materials, labor, and disbursements, on Pelham Bridge, which was read as follows:





To the Honorable the Board of Supervisors of the County of Westchester:





The Committee on Roads and Bridges, to whom were referred the bills of Abraham Hatfield and Samuel Lippencott, for work done and materials furnished for Pelham Bridge, respectfully report that they have examined the bill of Abraham Hatfield, with the vouchers therefor, and find it correct. The sum paid by Mr. Hatfield, amounts to one thousand two hundred and forty-nine dollars and sixty seven cents





.....................$1,249.67





The amount received by A. Hatfieild, from the sale of the old lumber is





........................... 79.50





The balance due Mr. Hatfield from Co. is therefore $1,170.17





They have also received the bill of Samuel Lippencott, (with the vouchers therefor,) amounting to the sum of four hundred and seventeen dollars and seventeen cents, ($417.17,) and find it correct. Your Committee therefore recommend the passage of the following resolution:





Resolved, That there be levied, assessed and collected on the real and personal property of the County of Westchester, the sum of one thousand five hundred and eighty-seven dollars and twenty-four cents, to pay the bills of Abraham Hatfield and Samuel Lippencott for services rendered and materials furnished for Pelham Bridge.





All of which is respectfully submitted.





Dated November 19, 1861.





SAM'L LIPPENCOTT, )

II. D. ROBERTSON, } Committee on Roads and Bridges.

A.B. REYNOLDS, )





(General Orders No. 3.)"









Tuesday, November 19, 1861, 2:00 p.m.:





"Mr. Mills presented the Report of William H. Pemberton, District Attorney, on the title to Pelham Bridge.





Mr. Purdy moved to refer the report back to the District Attorney, with the request that he make it conform to the terms of the resolution of the last Board under which the report was made. Carried."









Wednesday, November 20, 1861:





"Mr. Hatfield offered the following resolution:





Resolved, That there be levied and assessed on the County of Westchester, and collected, the sum of $3,000, to pay Lawrence G. Fowler for Pelham Bridge, as per certificate of Henry Willets, County Treasurer.





On motion of Mr. Robertson, the resolution was laid on the table.





Mr. Badeau moved that a Committee of Three be appointed to wait on the District Attorney, and request him to appear before the Board and give his opinion in relation to the title to Pelham Bridge. Carried.





The Chair announced, as follows:





The Special Committee to wait on District Attorney, &c. -- Mr. Badeau, Mr. McClelan, and Mr. Tripp."









Wednesday, November 20, 1861:





"The Special Committee to wait on the District Attorney and request him to appear before the Board and give his opinion in relation to the title to Pelham Bridge, reported that they had performed the duty assigned them, and that the District Attorney was now present.





On motion, the report was accepted, and the Committee discharged.





The District Attorney, upon being requested by the Chairman to state whether a good and sufficient title to Pelham Bridge could be conveyed by Lawrence G. Fowler to the County, replied that he had examined the title and pronounced it perfect, and that the County would, by the purchase of the bridge from Mr. Fowler, obtain a good and sufficient titled to it.





Mr. McClelan moved that the resolution levying $3,000 on the County to pay Lawrence G. Fowler for Pelham Bridge, be taken from the table. Carried.





On motion of Mr. Lane, the written Report of the District Attorney was accepted and ordered on file.





The question on the adoption of the resolution levying $3,000 to pay Lawrence G. Fowler for Pelham Bridge, was then taken, and decided in the affirmative: a majority of all the members elected to the Board voting in favor thereof."









Wednesday, November 20, 1861:





"General Orders No. 1 -- being the Report of the Committee on Roads and Bridges, on the bill of William G. Livingston, for survey and map of Pelham Bridge -- was taken up, considered , and adopted: a majority, of all the members elected to the Board voting in the affirmative. * [Footnote * states: "* -- See Clerk's Note to the Committee's Report."] . . .





General Orders No. 3 -- being the Report of the Committee on Roads and Bridges, on the bills of Abraham Hatfield and Samuel Lippencott, for labor and disbursements on Pelham Bridge -- was taken up, considered, and adopted: a majority of all the members elected to the Board voting in the affirmative."









Schedule of County Accounts, December 4, 1861:





"APPROPRIATIONS. . . . To pay Lawrence G. Fowler, for Pelham Bridge. 3,000.00"













"Pelham Bridge in 1865 From a sketch by W. J. Wilson"

Source: Jenkins, Stephen, The Story of the Bronx From

the Purchase Made by the Dutch from the Indians in

1639 to the Present Day, Opposite p. 318 (NY and

London: G.P. Putnam's Sons The Knickerbocker Press,

1912). NOTE: Click on Image to Enlarge.





* * * * *





Below are examples of previous postings that address the histories of the various Pelham Bridges that have spanned Eastchester Bay for the last two centuries.













Mon., May 12, 2014:

The March 6, 1812 New York Statute Authorizing Construction of the Pelham Bridge

.

For more about the Pelham Bridge and its history, see Pelham Bridge, Wikipedia The Free Encyclopedia, available at

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pelham_Bridge

(visited May 6, 2014).





Labels: 1829, 1831, 1834, 1841, 1842, 1857, 1860, 1861, Eastchester Bay, Eastchester Bridge Company, George Rapelje, Hutchinson River, Pelham Bridge, Transportation
Dobra, k. Szczecina 900 m2

40 miejsc parkingowych



Atut: Dodatkowe dochody z paczkomatow InPostu, a juz niedugo i z myjni samoobsugowej.



Tradycyjny zakup nieruchomosci, mozliwosc wykupienia uzytkowania wieczystego.
Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - This afternoon at approximately 1:42 p.m. officers were dispatched to a robbery in the 100 block of S. 4th Avenue. The victim, a 38 year old male, reported that 3 male subjects approached his vehicle; one reached in and took an undisclosed amount of cash and all three fled on foot.

The three suspects took off on foot towards the river by Gateway Park. All three of the suspects, 17 year old males, were taken into custody after crossing the river into California by Imperial County Sheriffs Office.

The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 373-4700.
Yuma News

Yuma, Arizona - On Monday, at about 8:40 pm, a fire was reported in a home at 604 South 9th Avenue. Arriving Yuma Fire Department personnel saw smoke coming from the home and all occupants had evacuated safely. Firefighters found that the fire appeared to have been extinguished with a home fire extinguisher but significant damage had been done in the kitchen area. Firefighters confirmed that the fire was out and had not extended into the walls or ceiling areas. They also used ventilator fans to remove the smoke from the home.

It was determined that a pan of oil had been left unattended on the stove and caught fire. One adult and 5 children between the ages of 12 and 16 were home at the time of the fire. The home was not able to be reoccupied without repairs and the American Red Cross provided assistance to the 2 adults and 5 children who lived there.

October 9-15 is National Fire Prevention Week. The most common place for fires to start is in the kitchen. The most common place in the kitchen is the stove top and the most common cause is unattended cooking. Always Watch what you heat, safety is no accident.
VILLANOVA, Pa.  Villanova University student Ben Eliason 18a Comprehensive Science major in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciencesis one of 26 undergraduates from top U.S. colleges and universities currently in Polynesia aboard the tall ship research vessel SSV Robert C. Seamans. As part of the SEA Semester Program (Sustainability in Polynesian Island Cultures and Ecosystems), Eliason is gaining firsthand knowledge about environmental challenges and cultural practices in some of the worlds most remote island communities.

SEA Semester encourages students to engage in conversations about how human societies will operate in the future, given limited resources, growing populations, exponential increases in waste generation, and climatic disruption. Now in its sixth year, the program was developed by Sea Education Association (SEA) faculty in collaboration with academic partners in Tahiti.

After a highly selective application process, the class arrived in August for four weeks of preparatory coursework on shore at SEA Semesters campus in the oceanographic research community of Woods Hole, Massachusetts. The students then flew to Pago Pago, American Samoa to board the SSV Robert C. Seamans, SEAs state-of-the-art 134-foot brigantine, which will serve as their home, classroom, and laboratory for the next seven weeks as they voyage to New Zealand.

The students will sail to several Pacific island countries, including Samoa, Tonga, and Fiji, for a comparative perspective. Along the way, they will confront challenging questions of colonial conflict, cultural identity, and environmental justice, while examining relationships between political structures, culture, and the natural environment. They will also explore issues of sustainability with local officials and visit historical, cultural, and agricultural sites. Using state-of-the-art shipboard lab and research facilities, they will investigate the complex factors that threaten fragile island ecosystems and the surrounding marine environment.

The program will conclude in early November in Auckland, New Zealand, where the students will compile their research and present their findings. To follow the ships journey, click here .

About Sea Education Association/SEA Semester

Sea Education Association (SEA) is an internationally recognized leader in undergraduate ocean education. For 45 years and with more than one million nautical miles sailed, SEA has educated students about the worlds oceans through its Boston University accredited study abroad program, SEA Semester. SEA/SEA Semester is based on Cape Cod in the oceanographic research community of Woods Hole, Massachusetts and has two research vessels: the SSV Corwith Cramer, operating in the Atlantic Ocean, and the SSV Robert C. Seamans, operating in the Pacific. In 2016, SEA was honored with the National Science Boards Public Service Award for its role in promoting the public understanding of science and engineering.

About Villanova University:
My sole motivation behind letting myself into that abominable prison house called school was the little white stick that my mother allowed me to grab and lick after the classes were over. I used to look with wishful eyes the attractive white box of ice cream walla who also had other varieties-the red tangy one that came in twenty five paisa, the slightly yellow one that came in fifty paisa and the expensive white creamy one that came in full one rupee. My mother had warned me against eating the orange one as she said it contained worms that came out if you sprinkled salt on it! So my childhood remained deprived of that one single taste that so often contented the appetite of my not-so-affluent friends. <BR><BR> When I went to college I read about globalisation, about the invasion of markets by foreign goods and of absolute wiping out of the local economy by organized production houses. But I could not understand these things till one day while crossing from near my school my eyes failed to spot that old ice cream walla whose presence had become such an inseparable part of the entire set up. It came as a rude shock to me that his place was now taken by three four colourful wheeled vans endorsing attractive logos and pictures of branded ice cream. <BR><BR> That changes are always for better or worse is like putting an emotion into plain black and white. I may have in my own personal way some attachment with the white stick ice cream or with the more expensive soapy, frothy softie of my school days but the accessibility, taste and variety that the present day ice cream industry is offering is no doubt incomparable. <BR><BR> Who would have thought barely a decade ago of eating ice creams made of real fresh fruits- a la Gelato Vittorio or a cool creamy liquid fried in hot boiling oil or what is called today the fried ice cream. <BR><BR> In India the ice cream industry took sometimes to catch the global cue because the country has an indigenous rich and well developed dessert market. What ice cream would stand in competition against Indian sweets? But no you cant say so just because you are born in the land of Kulfi. You will have the authority only when you taste Baked Alaska (an ice-cream sponge cake dish topped with meringue), Arctic roll (British dessert made of vanilla and flour), Adzuki (Japanese red bean ice cream) and Dondruma( a Turkish ice made of salep and mastic resin). <BR><BR> We Indians who generally go gaga over a handful of varieties that Baskin Robbins offers are unaware of the fact that the company actually makes 1000 flavours! What we get in India generally as branded ice cream is nothing but milk and corn flour seasoned with a few chemicals and packed in attractive cones, cups and cornettos. Our knowledge of Ice cream is so poor that we do not even know what cornetto is! Most of us think it is the name of an ice cream that Kwality offers. Update your dictionary- it is actually the registered name of an improved variety of waffle cone that does not become soggy and that was invented and patented by an Italian firm called Spica in 1960! <BR><BR> The world offers so much in shape of that delicate, cool, tender delight called ice cream that I being a lover of it feel choked with emotion at my own minisculeness and misfortune of not having tasted even a fraction of that tremendous, rich and inexhaustible treasure. What is thy life O mortal, my heart cries out, if thou hast not known the glories of the Australian Giant Sandwich Monster, the Manoco Bar, the Irish Scottish Sliders, the Argentine Helado, the Greek Kimaki and the Japanese Macha! <BR><BR> Sometimes I wonder whether there is an intricate connection between the survival of a race and its appetite for ice cream! Otherwise why would the Greeks, the Romans, the Chinese and the Persians survive the ravages of time and the Glorious Harappan civilization fade into oblivion? And let us be pragmatic and not blame some harmless ecology or innocent river for their decline. The reason I am sure was hidden in their food habits-they having failed to secure the divine blessings of the Gods. Yes, thats precisely what the ancient Greeks called ice cream! Imagine what foodies they must have been that nearly 4000 years ago they got for themselves ice houses constructed at the banks of Euphrates and as early as 5th century BC they began its marketing by selling ice cones mixed with fruit and honey. A honey flavoured cornetto.! <BR><BR> Roman emperor Nero (62 AD) was fond of fruit ice cream and hence sent his servants to fetch ice from mountains! The Falooda that we eat today is actually a Persian dish Faloodeh made from starch and has its origin around 400BC. The Chinese who claim to be the pioneers in almost everything -be it the first currency notes, the first stint with silk or the first to flood the markets of neighbours with cheap plastic goods-were not far behind in making ice cream too. They are credited to have invented a device that made quick ice using salt peter (no, it was not imported from Bihar, China had enough of it). <BR><BR> The unfortunate Charles I whom the world knows as an autocrat, a despot, a tyrant, an enemy of democracy and parliament was also a lover of ice cream! It is said that he made his chef keep the formula a secret so that it remained a royal prerogative. <BR><BR> Our great Mughals, we should not forget were the die hard lovers of food and all that is rich and luxurious in the modern Indian cuisine has a Mughal origin. So they too loved ice cream and they too enjoyed it in royal feasts and ceremonies. When they could get choicest fruits from Farghana and Samarquand and the best wines from Persia, why couldnt they send relays of horsemen to bring ice from Hindukush for their aromatic fruit sherbets? <BR><BR> But were sending horsemen to run and fetch ice or storing ice in underground icehouses near rivers, the only way of making ice creams in those days? Sadly, yes. And thats why the common man remained deprived of and unknown to its delectable taste. But lets thank Nancy Johnson of Philadelphia who first got the patent for a small hand run ice cream freezer. Gradually with the coming of electricity there also came a revolution in ice cream making. Thereafter Giant corporates like Howard Johnson, Dairy Queen, Baskin Robbins, Gelato Vittorio, Ben and Jerrys, Haagen Dazs and Carvel changed the concept of ice cream in the world. Soft serves, Sundaes and super premiums began to be offered by shops next door. <BR><BR> Thanks to globalisation, the world has really become a small place to live in. Today I can access any ice cream from the world over in my local confectionary shop. but among the confused tastes of multitudinous flavours I some how always try to find that one singular taste of the white stick ice-cream which trickled through my fingers and ran into my nursery uniformspoiling it but leaving an imprint on my memory which has failed to faint in all these years.
Washington: US President Barack Obama has slammed Donald Trump, saying that the Republican presidential candidate does not have the temperament, knowledge or "basic honesty" to be his successor at the White House.

"He (Trump) doesn't have the temperament, or the judgment, or the knowledge, -- or, apparently, the desire to obtain the knowledge -- or the basic honesty that a President needs to have," Obama said at an election rally in North Carolina yesterday.

In the remaining four weeks, Obama is expected to intensify his campaign against Trump and campaign for his former Secretary of State and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

In his address, Obama said Trump is different from the two previous Republican presidential nominees John McCain and Mitt Romney.

"When I was running against John McCain, when I was running against Mitt Romney, we had serious disagreements on the economy and on foreign policy and on social issues. Those elections were close and contested. We had debates. But the truth is, although, obviously, I believed that the agenda that we set was the better agenda for America, I never thought that those people were not honorable," he said.

"I did not think that if they were in the Oval Office that America would spin out of control. I didn't think that they couldn't represent us on the world stage. I just thought they represented a different political party and a different philosophy," he added.

Obama said the fact that Trump is not qualified to be the president was known even before surfacing of the 2005 tape in which he is seen making lewd remarks about women.

"So, like, tweeting doesn't qualify you. Sound bites don't qualify you.?Insults certainly don't qualify you. Nobody can fully know what it's like to manage a global crisis, or know the feeling of sending a young person into war. But I tell you, nobody has been closer to those decisions than Hillary," he said amidst laughter and applause.

"That was true even before we heard about his attitudes towards women. Now, of course, it was true when we heard what he thought about minorities, and what he thought about people of the Muslim faith, and when he made fun of disabled persons, or when he insulted Gold Star families," he said.

Obama said Clinton is only one candidate in the race who qualifies to the next president of the US.

"As a First Lady, as a senator, as my Secretary of State, she knows what it means. She knows what it takes. I've seen her intelligence and judgement and temperament and her discipline. I saw her in the Situation Room, where she argued for the bin Laden mission. I saw it in capitals around the world, where she was tirelessly pursuing diplomacy that led to new partnerships; that opened up new democracies," Obama said.
White Plains: The head of Hillary Clinton's campaign team John Podesta slammed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for helping Republican rival Donald Trump in the bitter White House race, while accusing Moscow of being behind the hack.

The anti-secrecy website has published thousands of emails from John Podesta's personal Gmail account since Friday, allegedly obtained by Russian hackers.

While there have been no major damaging revelations, the massive leak does lift the veil on Team Clinton's inner workings.

Podesta described the timing of the leak -- released late Friday -- as a "curious coincidence", coming shortly after The Washington Post published a shock video of Donald Trump making lewd boasts about groping women in 2005.

The veteran political aide, who served in the Obama and Bill Clinton administrations, suggested that the release "was their counter-move to try to take the public's attention off the despicable things that Donald Trump said on that video."

"Whether that was Mr Assange's decision to try to help Mr Trump or whether there was some coordination involved, I have no way of knowing. I'm just saying, it's an awfully curious coincidence that it happened virtually as soon as the water temperature was moving to a boil," Podesta told journalists aboard a campaign plane traveling from Miami to New York.

Padesta added: "We can't confirm the accuracy of those leaks, we know that the Russians might have passed on doctored documents."

"I would say that the Russian interference in this election and their apparent attempt to influence it on behalf of Mr Trump should be of utmost concern to all Americans."

President Barack Obama's administration on Friday formally accused the Russian government of directing cyber attacks on American political organizations to "interfere" with the election, and vowed to respond at an undisclosed time and place.

The assertion against Russia came with relations already frayed over NATO defenses and stalled efforts to end the bloody civil war in Syria.

Podesta also accused longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone of receiving "advance warning" about WikiLeaks's plan to publish the hacked emails.

He slammed Trump for taking positions "more consistent with Russian foreign policy than US foreign policy", pointing the Republican nominee's hostility toward the NATO transatlantic alliance and his indulgence toward Russia's annexation of Crimea.
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday reiterated his demand for immediately abolishing currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations to check black money in the country.

Addressing a news conference in his new office at Velagapudi here, he also voiced concern that politics has become a "shelter" for corrupt.

Naidu, who had been demanding a ban on big currency notes, said he would be writing a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday in this regard.

He said abolishing the big currency notes was necessary to check those who are buying votes and misusing the people's mandate.


Yangon: Twelve people have died in the north of Myanmar`s Rakhine state in clashes between armed men and troops, state media reported Wednesday, in a sharp escalation of violence in the restive region.

Four soldiers and one attacker were killed on Tuesday when hundreds of men wielding pistols and swords assailed troops in Pyaungpit village.

"After the incident, troops found seven bodies," state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported, referring to clashes with troops in Taung Paing Nyar.
At least 14 Shiites were killed Wednesday in a powerful blast at a mosque in northern Afghanistan, the second deadly attack on the minority in as many days during the major festival of Ashura.

"The explosion happened at the gate of the Shiite mosque in the centre of Balkh district (in Balkh province)," said the provincial governor`s spokesman Munir Ahmad Farhad, adding that 14 people were killed and 28 injured.

His account was confirmed by the provincial deputy police chief.

The blast came as the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for twin attacks in Kabul Tuesday that also targeted Shiites, killing up to 18 people and wounding dozens.

Witnesses said gunmen entered the Karte Sakhi shrine near Kabul University late Tuesday, firing indiscriminately on men, women and children as they tried to flee. The interior ministry said one was wearing a suicide vest.

At the same time, another attacker entered a nearby mosque and took an unspecified number of people hostage as they were commemorating Ashura, the ministry said.

The UN called the attack an "atrocity" and put the toll at 18, though the interior ministry later said it was 16.

White House National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said the attacks were "cowardly" and "clearly designed to stoke sectarian tension" in the country.

State Department spokesman John Kirby also condemned the violence.

"We commend the government and security forces of Afghanistan for their response to these attacks and their commitment to the peace, security, and prosperity of their country and a future for Afghanistan free of sectarian violence," he said.

Sectarian attacks have been relatively rare in Afghanistan, unlike neighbouring Pakistan where violence -- particularly by Sunni hardliners against the Shiite minority -- has claimed thousands of lives over the past decade.

However, the threat of attacks on Shiites was considered particularly serious during Ashura, and many foreign embassies in Kabul had restricted staff movements until the end of the week.

Ashura, marked on Wednesday, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was assassinated in the year 680 and whose tragic end laid the foundation for the faith practised by the Shiite community.

For Shiites around the world, Ashura is a symbol of the struggle against oppression.

In 2011 about 80 people were killed and more than 100 wounded when a suicide bomber struck a gathering of Shiites during Ashura in the heart of Kabul. Grieving worshippers Wednesday described desperately trying to shelter their children against a hail of gunfire during the Kabul attacks.

One mother who gave her name as Saleha told AFP of a gunman who was "killing everyone".

She was shot in the leg as she tried to protect her child.

"While I was hugging my little son I begged him not to kill my child," she said at a Kabul hospital.

The child survived, but she angrily denounced the Afghan government for failing to protect them.

"The families of the president, CEO Dr. Abdullah and other rich ones live abroad. Here, only poor people are killed every day."

Another witness, Ali Hussain, said attackers "indiscriminately shot everyone they faced. They wouldn`t even spare women and children".

On Wednesday the Islamic State group`s affiliate in Afghanistan and Pakistan claimed the Kabul attack, which President Ashraf Ghani condemned as a "clear sign of a crime against humanity".

Until recent months the group had been confined to its stronghold in eastern Nangarhar, but in July it claimed twin bombings that tore through minority Shiite Hazara protesters in Kabul, killing 84 people in the deadliest attack in the capital since 2001.

Its leader Hafiz Saeed was killed in a US airstrike in Nangarhar that same month, and officials have denied the July attack marked a turning point for IS in Afghanistan, saying the group has been under heavy pressure from US strikes and Afghan forces on the ground.
Islamabad: Noted Dawn columnist Cyril Almeida, who has been barred from leaving the country following his report on a suspected rift between civilian and military leaderships, fears that Pakistan government may take further 'uglier actions' against him.

Expressing his concerns on Twitter on Wednesday, Cyril Almeida said that he is 'convinced' that the Pakistani establishment will do more to penalise him for reporting on countrys political and military leadership.

Here is what he said on Twitter.

Am concerned, possibly convinced, more than 24hrs after the travel ban was imposed that govt is planning to take further, uglier actions.  cyril almeida (@cyalm) October 11, 2016

Meanwhile, there has been a growing chorus of support for him internationally.

Must Read: US expresses concern over journalists' situation in Pakistan

In Washington, State Department spokesman John Kirby said on Tuesday the US was aware of reports of restrictions on Almeida's travel.

Amnesty International too denounced the move. Amnesty International called on the government to lift all restrictions on Almeida and said reporters in Pakistan should be able to work freely and without fear of retribution.

Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect Journalists also urged Pakistan to "immediately lift the travel ban" on Almeida.

Importantly, Cyril Almeida is under pressure from the Pakistan government to reveal his sources, which provided him valuable inputs for his explosive report.

The Dawn reporter has already been put on 'Exit Control List' - a system of border control maintained by the Pakistan government under an ordinance which allows it to bar people whose names appear on the list from leaving the country.

Don't Miss: Pakistan puts Dawn journalist Cyril Almeida on exit control list; minister says no rift between Sharif govt, Army

The development came nearly a week after he wrote a front-page story in the daily about a rift between Pakistan's civilian and military leaderships over militant groups that operate from Pakistan but engage in war against India and Afghanistan.

On October 6, Almeida, citing sources, reported in the widely-read daily that the civilian government has told the military leadership of a growing international isolation of Pakistan due to alleged support for militancy.

Pakistan government has categorically rejected the report and termed it "speculative".

On Monday, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif ordered authorities to take "stern action" against those responsible for publishing the "fabricated" story.

"Prime Minister took serious notice of the violation and directed that those responsible should be identified for stern action," according to an official statement.

Must Read: Dawn journalist Cyril Almeida barred from leaving Pakistan, here's how he responded

Almeida's scoop came amidst a backdrop of heightened tension between India and Pakistan following the attack on an Indian Army base in Uri on September 18 in which 19 soldiers were killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists from the Jaish-e-Mohammed outfit.

On September 29, India carried out "surgical strikes" on seven terror launch pads across the LoC, and the Army said it had inflicted "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Pakistan has denied the surgical strike by India but has claimed two of its soldiers were killed in alleged ceasefire violations along the LoC by Indian troops.
Manila: A fire that ripped through a group of fireworks shops in the Philippines Wednesday has killed an unknown number of people and injured at least 10 others, the local mayor said.

The fire broke out at a strip of shops along a major road in Bocaue, a town about 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of Manila.

"Unfortunately, we are hearing some people are dead already but we don`t have the exact figures," Bocaue mayor Joni Villanueva-Tugna told ABS-CBN television.

She said the fire had been contained by early Wednesday afternoon, but not extinguished.

Television footage showed charred cars that had been overturned by the force of explosions from the fire, and debris across the road.
Islamabad: Leading Pakistani newspaper Dawn on Wednesday rejected allegations of "vested interest and false reporting", a day after the government imposed a travel ban on its journalist for reporting on a rift between civil and military leaderships over covert support to militants.

Dawn came out with a scathing editorial, saying Cyril Almeida's story on the verbal clash between government and military - which has generated a lot of heat in the country - was "duly verified and correct piece of reporting."

Almeida, a columnist for Dawn, yesterday said he has been put on Exit Control List - a border control system maintained by Pakistan government which allows it to bar people whose names appear on the list from leaving the country.

Must Read: Dawn Columnist Cyril Almeida fears 'uglier actions' by Pakistan govt amid growing international support

He had reported that leading civilian officials had warned the powerful army to renounce its covert support to militants like the Haqqani network, Taliban and Lashkar-e-Taiba - or face international isolation.

"This paper recently reported an extraordinary closed-door meeting between top government and intelligence officials where the foreign secretary briefed them on what he saw as Pakistan's growing international isolation; following this, there was a discussion on the impediments in the way of dealing with the problem of militancy in the country," the daily said in the editorial titled 'Reaction to Dawn story'.

"As gatekeeper of information that was 'verified, cross-checked and fact-checked', the editor of this paper bears sole responsibility for the story in question," it said.

Don't Miss: US expresses concern over journalists' situation in Pakistan

It said in accordance with the principles of fair and balanced journalism, Dawn twice carried the denials issued by the Prime Minister's Office about the clash during a meeting when the ISI was told by civilian leadership that its covert support to militants led to Pakistan's isolation globally.

"Journalism has a long and glorious tradition of keeping its promise to its audience even in the face of enormous pressure brought to bear upon it from the corridors of power," it said apparently referring to the pressure tactics such as Almeida's name being put on ECL and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's assertion two days ago that "stern action" will be taken against those responsible for the story, which his office called "fabricated".

The daily acknowledged that "while any media organisation can commit an error of judgement and Dawn is no exception, the paper believes it handled the story in a professional manner and carried it only after verification from multiple sources."

It demanded that Almeida's name should "at once" be removed from the list of people banned to leave the country so that some of the government's dignity could be salvaged.
Vatican City: Pope Francis, in his strongest appeal to date on the conflict in Syria, on Wednesday called for an "immediate ceasefire" to allow for the evacuation of civilians.

The war in Syria has escalated since efforts to reach a ceasefire collapsed in September. Syria and its ally Russia subsequently launched their biggest offensive on the city of Aleppo`s rebel-held sectors.

The air strikes have drawn widespread condemnation, including calls from France and the United States for an investigation into war crimes they say have been committed by Syrian and Russian forces.

"It is with a sense of urgency that I renew my appeal, imploring those responsible with all my strength for an immediate ceasefire," he said before tens of thousands of people at his weekly general audience in St. Peter`s Square.

Francis said a ceasefire was essential "at least for the time necessary to allow for the evacuation of civilians, especially children, who are still trapped by cruel bombardments."

Francis has made many appeals for an end to the bloodshed in Syria. Last month, he urged forces to stop bombing civilians in Aleppo, warning them they would face God`s judgment. He did not name those carrying out the air strikes.

On Sunday, Francis promoted the current Vatican ambassador in Syria, Italian Archbishop Mario Zenari, to the high rank of cardinal in order to show the concern of the 1.2 billion member Catholic Church for Syria.

It was believed to be the first time in recent history that a Vatican ambassador, known as a nuncio, would have the rank of cardinal.
Colombo: Affirming Sri Lanka's commitment to human rights, the country's cabinet on Wednesday approved the draft of a new counter-terrorism law to replace the existing Prevention of Terrorism Act.

A committee, chaired by Minister of Law and Order and Southern Development Sagala Ratnayake, was appointed to draft the new counter-terrorism law which will be aimed at providing adequate provisions for prevention of terrorism and affirm Sri Lanka's commitment on human rights responsibilities, Xinhua news agency reported citing acting government spokesperson Karunarathna Paranavithana.

Paranavithana said the new law was needed as terrorism had changed its nature, growing from internal conflicts to trans-national violence.

"We need the new law to ensure that the country is not used as a recruiting ground or for other organising activity of international terrorists," he said.
Supaul: Three pilgrims, including two women, were killed and 20 others injured when a bus overturned near a village on NH-57 in Supaul district of Bihar today.

The incident took place when the private bus, in which the people returning to West Bengal from Ajmer Sharif, lost control and overturned near Saraigarh village, Bhaptiyahi police station in-charge Chandan Kumar said.

While a 70-year-old man, identified as Md. Ismail died on the spot, two unidentified women succumbed to injuries at Sadar Hospital, he said.

As many as 20 persons sustained injuries of whom eight were undergoing treatment at Sadar Hospital, Kumar said.
New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal continues to be under attack from BJP and its sympathisers for demanding proof of Indian Army's surgical strikes along the Line of Control last month.

The ruling BJP has in past ridiculed the AAP chief for releasing a video and attacking PM Narendra Modi, in the garb of praising him for ordering surgical strikes, and demanding proof of the military action to 'silence' Pakistan.

Now, a poster has been displayed outside the BJP headquarters here, which took a dig at the Delhi CM for his inaction in tackling the dengue and chikunguniya outbreak in the national capital.

'Dear Kejriwal, first kill a mosquito then seek proof of surgical strikes', the poster says.

Must Read: Parrikar silences Opposition, says credit goes to Army for surgical strikes, thanks PM for decision-making

The poster has been put up by the youth wing of the BJP (BJPYM) and also highlights the rising number of deaths due to dengue in the city.

Indian Army's surgical strikes have created a flutter across the political spectrum of the country with many supporting the military action while some questioning the move.

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday mainly credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for carrying out the daring surgical strikes against terror launch pads along the Line of Control, which evoked sharp reactions from the Opposition parties.

Don't Miss: Opposition rattled as Manohar Parrikar gives credit to PM Narendra Modi for surgical strikes

Reacting to Parrikar's remarks, Congress said that the BJP dispensation was politicising the issue just for political gains.

Congress leader Manish Tewari also commented that Parrikar's conduct was not becoming of a minister.

"Parrikar does not deserve to be the Defence Minister of the country," said Tewari.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) was also quick to denounce Parrikar's claim as 'shameful'.

AAP leader Ashutosh that by giving major credit to PM Modi Parrikar was behaving like a small-time leader.

He even accused Parrikar of lying and asked him to tender an apology in this regard.
New Delhi: In a shocking incident, a 90-year-old man was found living with the body of his wife in their one-room flat in South-East Delhi's Kalkaji area.

The neighbours of Govind Ram Jethani informed police on Monday night of stench emanating from his house.

Police on Tuesday said the nonagenarian is "mentally unsound".

He was found lying on the bed and his wife 85-year-old Gopi Jethani's decomposed body was on the floor. It seems she died a few days ago, said police.

They added that the probe has revealed the couple had no children.

The flat was poorly maintained and the man was found in a neglected condition, an official said.

Police have ruled out any possibility of foul play; however, an autopsy has been conducted on the body.

An official said the exact cause of the death will be known after the post-mortem report is received.

Ram's distant relatives were informed and they took him to AIIMS, where he is undergoing treatment.

"Govind Ram told us his wife, who was bed-ridden for the last few years, fell down from the bed yesterday and did not get up. He is frail and undergoing treatment at AIIMS," DCP (Southeast) Romil Baaniya said.

The elderly worked as an office boy in an MNC and the couple was making ends meet with his pension.

(With PTI inputs)
London: British Prime Minister Theresa May signalled ahead of a House of Commons debate Wednesday that she would let parliament scrutinise her plan for Brexit before she begins the formal process to exit the EU.

The move caused the pound to bounce back after a torrid week, amid speculation that MPs may be able to soften the government`s approach to Brexit, which currently seems on course to take Britain out of the single market.

The pound was worth $1.2250 at 0900 GMT after falling to a 31-year low of $1.1840 last week.

May has still offered no reassurance that MPs will have a vote on her plan before she triggers Article 50 of the EU`s Lisbon Treaty, which formally begins the exit process.

The opposition Labour party hailed her move as a climbdown, although her office said she had always stated that parliament should have a role.

May acted amid concerns that she would lose a House of Commons debate Wednesday, initiated by Labour, calling for MPs to be allowed "properly to scrutinise" the government`s strategy.

She tabled an amendment that effectively accepts the motion.

However, it specifies that any parliamentary scrutiny process must respect the vote to leave the EU and should not "undermine the negotiating position of the government".

Labour`s shadow minister for Brexit, Keir Starmer, described the prime minister`s move as a "real victory for parliament".

The party has also given the government 170 questions on the detail of the Brexit plan -- one for every day until the end of March, the deadline May has set for triggering Article 50.

"If you are able to provide satisfactory answers to all these questions, just one per day from tomorrow until 31 March next year, it might give some confidence that the government is entering the Article 50 negotiations with a clear plan," they wrote.
New Delhi: The Intelligence inputs have reportedly issued a warning that Pakistan-backed terrorists might carry out an attack between October 12 and 14 in Goa, just days before BRICS Summit kicks off in the state.

According to an 'India Today' report, the terrorists from across the border are planning an attack in Goa just before the BRICS Summit, in retaliation to India's surgical strikes across the Line Of Control (LoC) against their terror launch-pads.

The BRICS and BIMSTEC Summit, scheduled to take place on October 15- October 16 in Goa will be attended by heads of 11 states, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The summit is scheduled to be held on October 15-16 in Goa whereas intelligence intercepts between handlers across the border and terrorists holed up in Maharashtra has put the Ministry of Home Affairs on a high alert.

The MHA has reportedly asked the K9 teams of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) to secure the venues and the hotel that rooms the BRICS leaders.

Amid threat perception and intelligence raising alarm, the report said after the failed SAARC Summit in Islamabad, Pakistan's ISI and terrorists are desperately trying to ensure that BRICS becomes a failure in Goa.

Meanwhile, terrorist slipper cells have been activated and asked to deploy themselves in Goa and hit a tourist spot in the state ahead of the BRICS Summit. According to another input from Intelligence agency, terrorists might also carry out a sea-borne attack in Goa, on the lines of 2008 Mumbai terror attack.

Earlier today, National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval chaired a meeting with the senior Navy, Coast Guard officials and other agencies to review the security arrangements in the state in view of the terror shadow on the BRICS Summit. It was reported that multi-level security arrangements have been put in place for ground air and water.
Panaji: Investigators probing Goa perfume specialist Monika Ghurde's sensational murder case have now claimed that the accused former security guard forced had her to see porn clips before raping and killing her.

A report in the Times Of India claimed on Wednesday that former security guard Rajkumar Singh showed perfumer at least three porn clips before raping and murdering her in cold blood.

The killer revealed this to Goa Police during his interrogation.

Goa DIG Vimal Gupta, while revealing the chilling details of the crime to media, confirmed that Ghurde was raped.

The police, however, refuted Rajkumar's earlier version that Ghurde's murder was 'accidental', saying it was actually a planned murder.

Must Read: Ex-security guard raped perfumer Monika before killing her: Police

The Goa DIG said Singh, posing as a security supervisor, knocked at Ghurde's door. When she opened the door, he entered Ghurde's flat forcibly and held her at knife point. When she was about to shout, Singh overpowered her and covered her mouth with his hand and took her inside the bathroom.

Ghurde become nervous and went into a semi-conscious state. The DIG said Singh revealed that he then tied her to the bed, binding both her hands and legs. After ensuring that she was helpless, he demanded money.

"She told Singh to take whatever money was there in her purse. He found Rs 4,000, which Singh told her was not enough for him," Gupta said, adding that when Singh demanded more, Ghurde told him to take her ATM card and gave him the PIN.

Later, Singh took her cellphone to prevent her from alerting anyone and forced her to give him the cellphone's password. "Once he got the password, he forced her to watch three porn clips," the DIG said.

Don't Miss: Monika Ghurde murder: Stripped Goa perfumer to make MMS and blackmail her, says accused

Gupta said Singh released Ghurde's legs and raped her. "We will add Section 376 (rape) IPC to the case," he added.

The DIG also stated that the police now have clinching evidence against the Rajkumar, who also shaved at Ghurde's flat.

"We have recovered hair from the spot," he said and added that a DNA analysis would be done.

The Goa Police, however, ruled out the involvement of any other person in the crime.

Rajkumar Singh, 21, a native of Bathinda, Punjab, was remanded to six days police custody by a local court here.

He had been working as a security guard at Sapana Raj Valley, Sangolda, where Ghurde's body was found naked with her hands tied to the bed.

''Singh was fascinated by Ghurde since the time they first interacted," Gupta said, adding that since then, the suspect kept track of Ghurde and ensured that she was staying alone.
Thiruvananthapuram: The BJP called for a protest shutdown in Kerala on Thursday and demanded a CBI probe after one of its activists was murdered on Wednesday allegedly by CPI-M members in Pinarayi village in Kannur district.

The BJP also accused the state's Left Democratic Front government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of unleashing "political terrorism" in Kerala.

Condemning the murder of Remith, a 26-year-old driver, Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah alleged "political vendetta" was the reason for the attacks on party workers in the southern state.

"Murder of Ramith in Pinarayi is disturbing. Attacks on BJP karyakartas (workers) in Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's home constituency is a matter of grave concern and smacks of political vendetta," Shah said on Twitter.

The BJP President said Remith's father Chavassery Uttaman was similarly killed in 2002.

Remith was attacked in front of a petrol pump in Pinarayi village, a police official said. The crime spot is near the house of Vijayan.

Remith's murder followed the killing of 52-year-old CPI-M grassroots leader K. Mohanan, who was hacked to death by suspected Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activists on Monday.

Both murders took place in Vijayan's Dharmadom constituency.

BJP spokesperson G.V.L. Narsimha Rao accused the Chief Minister of patronising criminals.

"One can clearly make out that this is political terrorism unleashed by goons of the LDF with the blessings and support of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. When the Chief Minister's patronage is available to criminals, you can see the mayhem they can unleash," he said here.

Rao said the ruling UDF led by the Communist Party of India-Marxist was unleashing terror on its political rivals as it was unnerved by the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the state.

"Unnerved by the BJP's rise as well as to divert attention from the corruption in Kerala, these attacks are being orchestrated," Rao said.

"The state government has not only failed to preserve law and order but actively participated to wreck it. We demand the LDF government and the Chief Minister to immediately hand over the murder probe to the CBI," the BJP spokesperson said.

The bandh announcement was made by state Bharatiya Janata Party President Kummanem Rajashekeran.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala called upon the CPI-M and the BJP to end the politics of murder.

"The situation in Kannur has turned worse and people are living in fear over the way the two parties are taking on each other," Chennithala said. "The police appear to have lost control of the situation."

Ever since the Left government assumed office in Kerala in May, four BJP and three CPI-M workers have been killed in Kannur district.
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New Delhi: Prominent exiled Baloch leader Brahamdagh Bugti on Wednesday asserted Naela Quadri Baloch, also a face of the independent Balochistan movement, does not represent the people of the troubled Pakistani province, a day after she announced her decision to approach India for setting up a government-in-exile.

The rift between the leadership spearheading the movement for Balochistan's freedom came to the fore as Bugti tweeted saying any such move needs national consensus and that Prof Baloch, who is currently visiting India, was "damaging" their cause.

"Government in exile is a national issue and National issues cannot be announced without national consensus. Naila Qadri is not representing Baloch People, rather than supporting they are damaging Baloch cause by their insane actions(sic)," Bugti said in a series of tweets.

Bugti, who is the President of the Baloch Republican Party, had last month approached the Indian Embassy in Geneva seeking asylum in India.

Prof Baloch, who lives in self-exile in Canada, and her son Mazdak Dilshad Baloch are scheduled to attend a series of meetings and seminars over the next few days in and outside New Delhi.

The Baloch cause for freedom received a major boost after Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought up Pakistani atrocities on people of Balochistan and of PoK in his Independence Day speech.
New Delhi: Ahead of the weekend meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping, China has said that it is ready to have talks with India on the latter`s entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

Former foreign secretary Bhupatray Shashank on Wednesday said China does not want to de-friend India at the cost of Pakistan.

Shashant told ANI, "China is saying that India has to negotiate with all the members of the NSG. So, it`s not a bilateral issue."

"China is trying to divert attention from its own role in blocking India`s entry into NSG by saying `look you have not spoken to others and they are others, who are blocking it," he added.

When asked about banning Masood Azhar, Shashank said China is trying to put pressure on both India and Pakistan.

"On one hand telling India that cannot clear Azhar Masood`s name on the terror list and on other hand they are telling Pakistan that look they must do something quickly so that China is not embarrassed and is not singled out for this purpose," he added.

"So, you have to keep in mind all these factors that China on one hand does not want to de-friend India at the cost of Pakistan and secondly it does not totally alienate India," he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet President Xi Jinping tomorrow at the BRICS summit in Goa, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Earlier, China`s Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong, defending his country`s blocking of India`s petition for a UN ban on Azhar, who heads the Jaish-e-Mohammed, said, "No one should pursue political gains in the name of counter-terrorism.

"India has blamed the Jaish-e-Mohammad for January`s attack on the air force base in Pathankot and last month`s terror strike on an army base in Uri in Kashmir, in which 19 soldiers were killed.

China has twice thwarted India`s move for Azhar to be added by the United Nations Security Council to blacklisted groups that are linked to al Qaeda or ISIS.

It also led a small group of countries in June that opposed India being made a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group or NSG, which has 48 members who trade in civil nuclear technology. Both moves are seen as Beijing`s extension of support to ally Pakistan.

In April, China was the sole among 15 member-countries of the Security Council to veto the ban on Azhar, which would stop him from travelling internationally and freeze his assets. Days before the veto or "technical hold" was to expire at the end of last month, China renewed it.

Last week, Vikas Swarup, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, said that India would ask China to reconsider its stand, seen as a significant extension of support to ally Pakistan.

About the NSG, China`s Vice Foreign Minister said "These rules are not to be decided by China alone... we are ready to continue consultations with India to build consensus and we also hope India can go to other members of the NSG as well.

To prevent India`s entry, China has said that the NSG`s rules disallow a member who has not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. India has said it will not surrender its national interest by signing the accord, but its track record of non-proliferation should entitle it to join the NSG.

India was granted an NSG waiver in 2008 that allows it to engage in nuclear commerce, but deprives it of a vote in the organisation`s decision making.
New Delhi: In the wake of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, a Chinese government official on Tuesday said Beijing is ready to provide "full assistance" to resolve the conflict between its all-weather friend Islamabad and New Delhi.

According to a Pakistani TV channel, Yuwan, the Chinese Foreign Ministry's counsellor for China-Asia, said: "We will try our level best to resolve the conflict between Pakistan and India. We are ready to provide our full assistance.

"The hostility not only affects both states but also affects the entire South Asian region," Yuwan said, as per Channel24, a private TV channel in Pakistan.

On ChinaPakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) issue, Yuwan said: "The project is a game changer and with the cooperation of Pakistan, it will be accomplished", reported The Times of India.

Earlier in the day, China's state-run media quoted leading experts as saying that India's move to completely seal its border with Pakistan was a "very irrational decision" and would further complicate India-China relations considering Beijing's "all-weather" strategic ties with Islamabad.

"India is making a very irrational decision, since no exhaustive investigation has been conducted after the Uri incident, and no evidence proves Pakistan is behind the attack," the Global Times quoted Hu Zhiyong, a research fellow at the official think tank `Institute of International Relations of the Shanghai Academy`, as saying.

Hu was commenting on Home Minister Rajnath Singh's announcement on Friday that the 3,323-km-long border between India and Pakistan would be "completely sealed" by December 2018.

A "completely sealed" border would further hinder the already scarce border trade and talks between the two countries, Hu said.

Wang Dehua, the director of the Institute for Southern and Central Asian Studies at the Shanghai Municipal Centre for International Studies, said that a sealed border would only disrupt peace efforts made by the two sides.
Mansa/Gurdaspur: A 20-year-old Dalit youth, allegedly involved in illicit liquor trade, was tortured to death and his leg chopped off by rivals, drawing condemnation from the opposition Congress, which alleged the perpetrators had links to the ruling Akali Dal.

A case of murder has been registered against six persons, including a Dalit, in connection with the incident, police said on Wednesday.

Police said the incident was a fallout of inter-gang rivalry and that the two groups had been involved in clashes in the past, too.

The victim Sukhchain Singh and his friends were called by the other group on the pretext of settling a dispute on Monday.

"Then they attacked Sukhchain and his friends with sharp edged weapons on Monday night. Though Sukhchain's friends managed to flee, the other group brutally killed Sukhchain with sharp edged weapon," Mansa SSP Mukhwinder Singh said today.

His body was recovered from the house of Balbir, one of the accused, police said.

There were injury marks on the body of Sukhchain and his leg was also found chopped off, police said adding efforts are on to trace the missing limb.

The murder acquired political overtone with Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh accusing the Parkash Singh Badal government of "unleashing a reign of terror" against Dalits in the state.

Amarinder, locked in a bitter war of words with the Akali leadership, cited media reports to claim that two of the accused had links with the ruling party. He said they were the nephews of Gharanghna sarpanch whose father was the driver of the Punjab Chief Minister.

"Dalits in the state are feeling extremely insecure and fear for their safety under the SAD rule," he said, expressing shock and concern at the situation.

"These developments can have serious consequences for the future of Punjab," he warned, adding that the Badal government was "meticulously destroying" the secular character and peaceful environment of the state.

"It is clear that these atrocities are being committed against Dalits in Punjab, particularly in the Malwa belt, by those having the patronage of the SAD leadership," he alleged and attacked state BJP president Vijay Sampla, also a Dalit, for being a "mute spectator" to the "excesses".

A similar incident was reported in the state last year when a Dalit Bheem Tank and his friend, Gurjant Singh, were allegedly attacked with sharp-edged weapons in Abohar in Fazilka. Bheem's limbs were chopped off and he had later died in hospital.
New Delhi: Congress on Wednesday criticised Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for taking credits over surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army at Line of Control (LoC) and accused the Union Minister of misleading the public and undermining the army's sacrifices while politicising the issue for 'political mileage'.

Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala, who addressed a press conference today, said, "This entire distasteful commentary by the BJP, unending public felicitations by defence Minister Manohar Parrikar whether in Goa, Agra or Lucknow and converting national security into event management exercise to polish the image of Prime Minister Modi is extremely unfortunate.

The BJP has publicly devalued the sacrifices of our armed forces and tried to make political capital out of it," he said.

Further training his guns on the Defence Minister for rejecting Congress' claims of surgical strikes in their regime, Surjewala said, "Mr Parrikar, Indian Army deserves all credit but why mislead the people and undermine army's sacrifices by denying earlier surgical strikes? Operation Ginger in 2011 was a large-scale surgical strike. Why is Manohar Parrikar quiet on army's valour? Is it not blatant politicisation?"

Taking a dig at the BJP for putting posters of PM Modi as Lord Rama in Uttar Pradesh, Surjewala said, "If army deserves full credit for the recent surgical strike, why are 'Avengers of Uri' posters depicting Modi ji as Lord Rama being plastered in poll-bound states?"

Surjewala further hit out at Union Minister Parrikar in a series of tweets today and said the latter is indulging in ultimate political hypocrisy.

"The ultimate political hypocrisy; post surgical strike, Modi Sarkar cut disability pensions for 'combat injury' to half.

"Is Modi Govt giving credit to Army by denying OROP, Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, by refusing to acknowledge and honor commitments? (sic)" he asked.

Is ModiGovt giving credit to Army by denying OROP, Seventh Pay Commission recommendations,by refusing to acknowledge & honor commitments?5/6  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) October 12, 2016

The Congress leader said RSS and BJP chief Amit Shah have publicly stated that surgical strikes will be their key electoral strategy. "Forked tongue, Mr Parrikar?" he asked.

RSS and Amit Shah have publicly stated that #SurgicalStrike will be their key electoral strategy. Forked tongue, Mr Parrikar? 6/7  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) October 12, 2016

Surjewala also said that while Defence Minister Parrikar credits army for surgical strikes, he got himself felicitated in Agra, Lucknow and Goa instead of our brave Indian Army."

Def Min Parrikar credits army for #SurgicalStrike,no wonder he got himself felicitated in Agra,Lucknow & Goa instead of our brave army.7/7  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) October 12, 2016

No surgical strike in past: Parrikar

Earlier today, Parrikar had rejected claims made by Congress party that several surgical strikes were carried out against terrorist launch pads across the LoC under UPA regime and said that 'we (NDA govt) carried out first surgical strikes at LoC'.

"I have been the Defence Minister for two years. From whatever I have known, there is no surgical strike from previous years. What they are quoting are actions taken by border action teams. These are common actions across the globe and by the Indian Army," he said.

Explaining the concept, the Minister said such operations are carried out without official order or prior sanction of the government.

"It is done without the knowledge of anyone. A report is subsequently given," he said underlining the action is taken by the local commander for settling scores.

Parrikar made it clear that unlike earlier, this time it was a surgical strike because "decision was taken and conveyed" and the Army did the job well.

"This was an operation which clearly indicates the intent of the government and the nation," he said.

Parrikar said that if the government wanted to take political mileage out of this, he would have announced it rather than the Director General of Military Operations.

Lauding the Indian Army for carrying out surgical strikes across the LoC, the minister said, 'the credit for it must go to the Indian Army'.

"I don't mind sharing the credit, including on surgical strike, with every countryman because it is done by our armed forces and not by any political party.

"We, in the government, and I, personally as the defence minister, are happy to share the credit with the Army, the 127 crore citizens and also those doubting Thomases," he said while addressing an audience at one of the two events he attended.

The minister said it will settle the nerves of many, in an apparent dig at the Opposition parties which have been accusing the Modi Government and the BJP of taking credit for the Army action for political gains.

(With Agency inputs)
Mumbai: Amidst the political war over the surgical strikes, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said that the credit for it must go to the Indian Army.

At the same time, Parrikar said that the "doubting Thomases" can share credit for the operation, though a "major" share goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government for decision-making and planning the strikes along the Line of Control to destroy terror launch pads.

"I don't mind sharing the credit, including on surgical strike, with every countryman because it is done by our armed forces and not by any political party.

"We, in the government, and I, personally as the defence minister, are happy to share the credit with the Army, the 127 crore citizens and also those doubting Thomases," he said while addressing an audience at one of the two events he attended.

The minister said it will settle the nerves of many, in an apparent dig at the Opposition parties which have been accusing the Modi Government and the BJP of taking credit for the Army action for political gains.

Several opposition leaders and parties have also questioned the surgical strike and have sought proof while the Congress has said that similar operations were undertaken during its tenure also.

Related News: Opposition rattled as Manohar Parrikar gives credit to PM Narendra Modi for surgical strikes

The minister said he understands the sentiments of the people and they are satisfied now.

"I understand (that) people`s sentiments are satisfied and the population is satisfied," he said.

Parrikar also denied that the government has leaked information about the September 28-29 surgical strikes on seven terrorist launch pads in PoK.

"There is a difference between covert and overt operations. We have asked the Army to share with the nation about their operations," Parrikar said.

Parrikar also rejected claims that surgical strikes were undertaken during the UPA regime.

He made it clear that claims of having carried out such strikes earlier were wrong as such actions were undertaken by border action teams at local level "without the knowledge" of the government.

"I have been the Defence Minister for two years. From whatever I have known, there is no surgical strike from previous years. What they are quoting are actions taken by border action teams. These are common actions across the globe and by the Indian Army," he said.

Explaining the concept, the Minister said such operations are carried out without official order or prior sanction of the government.

"It is done without the knowledge of anyone. A report is subsequently given," he said underlining the action is taken by the local commander for settling scores.

Parrikar made it clear that unlike earlier, this time it was a surgical strike because "decision was taken and conveyed" and the Army did the job well.

"This was an operation which clearly indicates the intent of the government and the nation," he said.

Parrikar said that if the government wanted to take political mileage out of this, he would have announced it rather than the Director General of Military Operations.

Also Read: WATCH: Video slamming Arvind Kejriwal for demanding proof of surgical strikes goes viral on Dussehra

Earlier this week, Congress spokesman Randeep Singh Surjewala said that it was the soldiers who were making sacrifices for the nation but ministers in the Narendra Modi government were trying to grab all the credit for the surgical strikes through "posters and hoardings".

Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, concluding his 'Kisan Yatra' in New Delhi on October 6, had accused Prime Minister Modi of playing politics over the blood of soldiers.

Also Read: Pakistan's ISI ordered Jaish-e-Muhammed to carry out revenge attacks for Indian Army's surgical strikes?

The Congress has also said that similar operations were undertaken during its tenure also.

The Indian Army conducted surgical strikes on the night of September 28 in the wake of the September 18 terror attack on the Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri town, leaving 19 soldiers dead.
Patna: Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other dignitaries came together on Wednesday to pay tribute to veteran socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia on his 50th death anniversary.

Kumar told the media that Lohia had carried forward the Quit India movement in India after independence and did not deviate from the principles of Samajwadi`s ideology.

"Today is the death anniversary of Lohia ji. We have all gathered here to pay our homage to him as he carried forward the Quit India movement along with JP," Kumar said.

"He did not deviate from his principles based on the Samajwadi`s ideology. The manner in which he brought together the intellectuals, farmers, youth and labourers of the nation and gave them a new direction," he added.

Kumar further said that he played an important role almost everywhere as he brought the entire opposition on board.

"Today, we talk of `swacchta`, Lohia ji was the first politician to have focused on this issue...He had even said once that if Nehru ji gets the toilets constructed in the towns and villages then he would stop his protests," he further said.

Ram Manohar Lohia died on 12 October 1967. He was an activist for the Indian independence movement and a nationalist political leader.
Islamabad: A leading Pakistani daily on Wednesday asked the civilian and military establishment that why no action has been taken against Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar and Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) head Hafiz Saeed as they roam freely in the country.

The daily also went on to question that why action against these 'terror masterminds' was considered as a danger to the country's national security.

The strong editorial in 'The Nation', considered close to the government and military establishment, came after the government banned the prominent journalist, Cyril Almeida, of 'The Dawn' from leaving Pakistan because of his 'strong' front-page report on a rift between the military and the civilian government over the military's covert support to militant groups.

The editorial titled 'How to Lose Friends And Alienate People' said the government and the military instead of taking actions against Azhar and Saeed was lecturing the press.

JeM leader and Pathankot terror attack mastermind Azhar and Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks are believed to have the protection of the military.

The daily said in its editorial that it was a disturbing day when civilian and military top leadership meet to lecture the media on how to do their job.

Here's the full text of article published in the daily:

"It is a disturbing day when civilian and military top leadership meet to lecture the media on how to do their job. Couched in the familiar and nauseating mantra of protecting vital state interests, the resulting action from the meeting was just a few hours later  the addition of Dawns Cyril Almeida to the Exit Control List.

Apparently a barrage of online abuse, and three official denials were not enough to assuage tempers riled after Mr Almeidas exclusive story in Dawn, detailing an unusual exchange between the very same civilian and military top brass that yesterday issued forth a statement on the violation of universally acknowledged principles of reporting on national security issues.

A denial, perhaps even three, were expected. What was not expected  possibly because the government was incorrectly credited with better judgement  was a witch-hunt. If the government and military top brass were affronted by the implication in the report that Pakistan was facing growing international isolation, they can now congratulate themselves on a coup de grace that unreservedly confirms this fact.

The report by Mr Almeida has been called fabricated, and speculative reporting. But the government and military top brass in yesterdays meeting delivered no explanation for why government MNAs are protesting the visible presence of banned outfits in Pakistan. Or why possible action against Masood Azhar, or Hafiz Saeed is a danger to national security. Or why Pakistan faces increasing isolation? Were all ears.

Instead, how dare the government and military top brass lecture the press on how to do their job. How dare they treat a feted reporter like a criminal. And how dare they imply that they have either the right or the ability or the monopoly to declare what Pakistans national interest is. Or even more laughably, what universally acknowledged principles of reporting are.

Since the government would counsel us, the press, on how to do our job, we would like to offer some advice for them, on how to better do theirs. Leave journalists alone. Worry a great deal about Pakistans image abroad  some of our actions and inactions as a country are indefensible  everyone knows it, no matter how much we may pretend otherwise. Salvage your own newly-minted reputation as a government envious of Kim Jong Il's press management.

For yesterday's statement, and the government's actions, there can be no feeling, save of contempt. And for Mr Almeida, nothing but solidarity. More power to you, and to your pen. The press stands with you."
New Delhi: World Baloch Women`s Forum president and prominent Baloch nationalist leader Naela Quadri Baloch on Wednesday said that an incompetent Pakistan, which relies on China for support, understands the language of "surgical process" and not of peaceful protests.

Naela, who arrived in India on Tuesday, told ANI, "I don't think Pakistan would be convinced by peaceful protests. Pakistan needs surgical process because the group of Generals, who are ruling Pakistan, don't listen peaceful things. They don't believe in democracy, people's opinion and human rights."ANI, "I don't think Pakistan would be convinced by peaceful protests. Pakistan needs surgical process because the group of Generals, who are ruling Pakistan, don't listen peaceful things. They don't believe in democracy, people's opinion and human rights."

"Pakistan's ears have still not opened. The Baloch nationals earlier staged a protest in front of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi asking Islamabad to quit its forces from Balochistan and stop genocide. They have established terror camps in PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistan has been engaging in proxy war since the last 30-40 years. I wish this protest becomes successful and the atrocities are stopped in Balochistan," she said.Baloch nationals earlier staged a protest in front of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi asking Islamabad to quit its forces from Balochistan and stop genocide. They have established terror camps in PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistan has been engaging in proxy war since the last 30-40 years. I wish this protest becomes successful and the atrocities are stopped in Balochistan," she said.

The Baloch national also urged the internal community and the United Nations to pay head to the protests carried out by the Balochistan Freedom Movement (BFM) activists and impose pressure on Pakistan to stop the atrocities in Balochistan.She was also of the view that Islamabad cannot fight a war with New Delhi as it was incompetent to do so.

"Pakistan cannot fight a war with India as its Generals lead a lavish life by exploiting resources of people. They are leading a very luxurious life and hence, they cannot fight a war with India," she said.

"Leave India alone, Pakistan cannot fight a war with Balochistan. They have to call China and other countries for their support. If Pakistan and Balochistan are left alone to fight, Balochistan can free itself in one single day," she added.Naela further said that Pakistan Army cannot stand before Balochistan."

Wherever you see either in PoK, Gilgit-Baltistan and other areas, Pakistan has called in the Chinese Army for help. Pakistani leaders like Nawaz Sharif and (General) Raheel Sharif are good at acting. If the financial support which they have been receiving from the other countries stops, Pakistan would not be able to even feed its soldiers for a single day," she said.
Delhi: Pakistan seems to be in a constant state of denial.

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit, on Wednesday, denied surgical strikes carried out by Indian Army across Line of Control (LoC) at terror launch pads, saying in an interview with India Today his country was striving to have good ties with India.

He added that it a cross-border firing and not a surgical strike which was a result of ceasefire violation.

"If there was any surgical strike, Pakistan would have responded proportionately," Basit was quoted as saying by the media house.

On several countries backing out of the SAARC summit, Basit said that it was was not cancelled but postponed.

Saying that Pakistan would host SAARC in future, he maintained, "Pakistan wants peace with every country."

Uri terror attack and surgical strikes

In the worst attack on the Army in many years, heavily armed militants suspected to be from Pakistan-based JeM had stormed a base in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in the wee hours of September 18, killing 18 jawans, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to assert that those responsible would not go 'unpunished'.

Located barely a few kilometres from the LoC and some 70 km from Srinagar, the base was subjected to the brazen attack by four terrorists at around 5.30 am.

Most of the Army casualties resulted from the fire in tents in which jawans were sleeping.

After the three-hour gunbattle, four terrorists were killed by the Army.

Days after the terror attack, India, on the intervening night of September 28 and 29, carried out surgical strikes on terror launch pads across LoC with Army operations causing 'significant casualties to terrorists and those providing support to them.'
Lucknow: Prime Minister Narendra Modi who has avoided making a direct reference to the issue of Ram temple at Ayodhya during past five years, chanted "Jai Sri Ram" as he addressed a huge gathering at the Aishbagh Ramlila Ground here yesterday, throwing indications that 'Hindutva' will be a key electoral plank for the BJP in 2017 polls in Uttar Pradesh.

Interestingly, PM Modi invoked Lord Ram during his speech, which mainly concentrated on terrorism and talked about the evils against women and girl child, just 125-kms away from Ayodhya where his party wants to built a grand temple dedicated to the deity.

Addressing a massive crowd at the Aishbagh Ramlila Ground, the Prime Minister chanted Jai Sri Ram, which enthralled all, including the members of BJP as well as the RSS who were present during the event.

Also Read: PM Modi targets Pakistan in Lucknow's Dussehra address, says can't spare nations who support terror

This was probably the first time that Modi chanted 'Jai Sri Ram' on a public platform. While some saw PMs invocation of Lord Ram as ''politically motivated'', alluding to the Ayodhya Temple issue, party leaders said that it was not the case.

While PM Modi's political opponents, including the Samajwadi Party, have already criticised the Lucknow event as politically motivated, the chanting of 'Jai Sri Ram' has surely come as a big boost for the BJP, which wants to seize power in the state in the coming assembly elections in 2017.

Must Read: Dussehra celebrations in Lucknow: Narendra Modi's top 10 quotes

Interestingly, the BJP is still claiming that the next battle for UP will be fought on the issue of development and the party will not stick to its 'Hindutva' ideology as it had done in past.

The chant of 'Jai Sri Ram' may be linked to Ayodhya temple movement, but the PM invoked Lord Ram at Ramlila. There is no political angle to this, a BJP leader said.

What would you expect him to say at a Ram Leela? It is a religious function, said BJP national secretary Srikant Sharma.

Don't Miss: PM Modi's Ram chant made #JaiJaiShriRam trend on Twitter: Here are some reactions

The announcement of 'Jai Sri Ram' by PM Modi may have also pleased the party's ideological mentor  the RSS  which is eager to revive the Ram Temple issue as it has taken a backseat in Prime Minister's current scheme of things.

Exulting over Modis 'Ram' chant, RSS spokesperson Manmohan Vaidya said the PM had "reflected" what people were celebrating in the country on Dusshera  Triumph of good over evil.

Coming out in support of PM, Sangh ideologue Rakesh Singh said, Sri Ram is an Indian cultural hero. If anybody embodies Indian ideals, it is him. For PM to chant his name is reiteration of Indian values. There is nothing sectarian about Lord Ram. If Indonesia, Malaysia can recognise Ram, why can't India?

Importantly, BJP chief Amit Shah had too said recently that 'development' will be the key electoral plank when the party goes into the poll mode in 2017.

Nevertheless, PM Modi's chanting of 'Jai Sri Ram' with special reference to Ramayana, equating the battle of Lanka to the battle against terrorism, and his strong stand against terrorism, has certainly given BJP a boost ahead of crucial polls in UP.

In his speech at the Ram Leela, the Prime Minister also gave a whole new social dimension to Ravan, equating killing of the girl child as an act the demon king would have committed.
Bhopal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a 'Shaurya Smarak' here, constructed by the state government in honour of those who laid down their lives for the country, on Friday.

"Spread in an area of 12.67 acre land, the 'Shaurya Smarak' is constructed at a cost of Rs 41 crore," an official of the Madhya Pradesh Public Relation Department said Wednesday

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has invited Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and the three Service chiefs for the event, said the official

The memorial will honour those who have laid down their lives for the country. It also will inculcate a feeling of patriotism among the masses, he said, adding that the "Prime Minister will inaugurate the memorial on October 14."

An official release recently claimed that "the memorial is the first-of-its-kind and unique Shourya Smarak in the country."

According to the detailed plan, it will have light and sound facility to narrate stories of bravery of the nation's valiant soldiers, who have laid down their lives fighting enemies on the borders

Chouhan had mentioned about the construction of India's first 'Shaurya Smarak' in the city on the floor of the state Assembly when the project was conceived

Chouhan, along with the then Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Deepak Kapoor, laid the foundation stone on February 23, 2010

The idea to set up the memorial was initiated by current Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha during a programme in Delhi in memory of late Colonel Ajay Narayan Mushran where Chouhan was also present along with top defence personnel

The memorial was designed by Mumbai-based architecture firm, UCJ Architecture and Environment.
Lucknow: The 'Jai Sri Ram' chants by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the first time on a public platform after a log gap has taken everyone by surprise, triggering intense reactions from all quarters.

Must Read: PM Modi chants 'Jai Sri Ram'  Will Ayodhya, not development be BJP's main poll plank in 2017?

PM Modi, who has avoided making a direct reference to the issue of Ram temple at Ayodhya during past five years, chanted "Jai Shri Ram" loud and clear as he addressed a huge gathering at the Aishbagh Ramlila Ground here yesterday, possibly indicating a shift in BJP's strategy vis-a-vis the upcoming elections in Uttar Pradesh.

Though the Prime Minister chose not to talk about the Uri attack, surgical strikes or UP politics, he indirectly gave a stern message to Pakistan for its continuous support to terrorism.

However, PM Modi's chants were what set the agenda on micro-blogging site Twitter making #JaiJaiShriRam trend on Tuesday.

Don't Miss: PM Modi targets Pakistan in Lucknow's Dussehra address, says can't spare nations who support terror

It did not come as a surprise that many on social media hailed the Prime Minister for being proudof chanting Lord Rams name. The euphoria was also mixed with a rant against the usual suspects - the liberals, sickulars and non-bhakts.

Here are some of those reactions:-

After Hearing Modi's Roar Of Jai Jai Shri Ram,Evn Burnol Won't Be Able To Give Liberals Any Relief #RamLeelaPoliticspic.twitter.com/FIJdW5NHCH  Sir Ravindra Jadeja (@SirJadejaaaa) October 11, 2016

PM @narendramodi started with Jai Jai Shri Ram & ended with Jai Jai Shri Ram in Aishbagh Lucknow, it's really #SpecialVijayaDashami for me.  Sanjana (@iSanjanaPatel) October 11, 2016
Islamabad: Hundreds of police personnel have been deployed by Sindh along its border with Balochistan after investigators found that the suspects involved in the last month's two terrorist attacks in Shikarpur had come from the neighbouring province.

According to the sources and senior official, the decision has been taken to stop suspects from entering Sindh, reports the Dawn. The authorities were convinced by the investigations into the last month`s foiled attacks that its planners, handlers and perpetrators had from the neighbouring province.

The findings had forced Sindh authorities to take up the matter with their Balochistan counterparts and tighten the security along the border.

Sindh authorities have deployed the policemen on key border points as a first step in this matter. The Sindh authorities are waiting for the Balochistan government to take the same measures on their side of the border.

Sindh IGP A.D. Khowaja confirmed that they have deployed a total of 400 policemen along their side of the border.

"The move is part of our plan to keep an eye on suspects and we have been coordinating with the Balochistan authorities at every level. I personally contacted the Balochistan IG and our [Sindh] chief minister has interacted with his counterpart in Quetta for better and coordinated efforts for security arrangements," Khowaja said.

Law-enforcement agencies had foiled the two suicide blasts during Eid prayers in Shikarpur`s Khanpur tehsil in which thirteen people were injured, including five policemen. Two attackers had targeted an Eid prayer ground where one assailant blew himself up, injuring 10 people. The other attacker fled away.

The police had claimed that the arrested suspect, identified as Usman, provided important information during interrogation.

A senior official said, "The police probe showed that Usman along with Abdul Rehman, who blew himself up, reached Shikarpur by a motorbike after travelling for three hours. The probe suggested that they had stayed somewhere in Jaffarabad, a district in Balochistan.

"The official stated that the move to tighten security at the border was initiated after the January 2015 attack. However, the border security plan failed to meet the reality checks from both sides and finally got the authorities` attention after the last month`s incident.

"In 2015 as well as the last month, unfortunately, the planners, handlers and attackers all used Balochistan land and entered Sindh hours before the incidents," the official said. "So it was realised that it`s very crucial to keep an eye on key points if not all along the border," he added.
New York: Several members of the Sikh community held a protest outside the UN headquarters here to raise their concerns over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and its impact on the lives of the people in Punjab.

The 'Save Punjab Rally', organised yesterday by rights group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in collaboration with civil rights groups and management committees of the Sikh temples across North America, also demanded a referendum in Punjab.

During the rally, held across the street from the UN headquarters, the demonstrators, including several pro-Khalistan Sikhs, carried placards that read 'Boycott India's Jingoistic War' and 'Support Punjab Referendum.'

SFJ also submitted a communiqu? to officials from Uruguay's Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Uruguay is one of the 15 members of the Security Council and is due to hold the Presidency of the Council in January.

The communiqu? alleged that the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan is forcing thousands of Sikh farmers in Punjab to evacuate their homes, "turning them into refugees."

SFJ Legal Advisor said war is not a solution, adding that a referendum should be conducted in Punjab.

Panic gripped the residents of villages in many border districts of Punjab after reports of escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan spread, following a surgical strike by the army on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 28.

Authorities have also began evacuating people residing in the villages falling within 10 kilometre of international border. Heads of local gurdwaras, temples with the help of Sarpanches have asked the people to evacuate at the earliest in the light of escalating situation.

Punjab shares 553-km border with Pakistan. It has six districts which lie close to international border. There are some 135 villages which lie very close to the IB.
New Delhi: A prominent Balochistan freedom movement leader Naela Baloch on Wednesday backed India's surgical strikes along the Line of Control to eliminate the Pakistan-backed terrorists.

Lambasting the Pakistani Army, the president of World Baloch Women's Forum said, ''the Generals ruling the country don't believe in peaceful protests, democracy and human rights.''

Thanking India for supporting the Balochistan freedom movement, Naela Baloch said, Pakistan wont be convinced with peaceful protests, it needs surgical process.

She appealed to the United Nations and international community to pressurise Pakistan to stop its atrocities on the Baloch people and support Baloch freedom movement.

Praising India, the Baloch leader said, Pakistan can't win any war against any nation, it cant even fight us (Balochistan), they've to seek China's help.

If Pakistan and Balochistan are left alone, we can free Balochistan from them in a day, she asserted.

Naela Baloch, who arrived in India yesterday said, ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the human rights violations issue, the international community has spoken against Pakistan.

Last month, Ryszard Czarnecki, the vice president of the European Parliament, had said some strong words for Pakistan on the Balochistan issue.

Czarnecki warned Islamabad of imposing economic and political sanctions on Pakistan if it fails to stop the atrocities on Baloch people.

Ever since PM Modi highlighted the human rights violations in Balochistan, several Baloch leaders living in exile have been aggressively advocating for freedom of the restive region from the clutches of Pakistan.

Pakistan's illegal occupation of Balochistan has gained international attention after PM Modi mentioned about the struggle of Balochi people during his Independence Day speech from the ramparts of Red Fort on August 15.

Notably, the Baloch National Movement (BNM) has said that Beijing is supporting Pakistan in the mass killing of the Balochi people courtesy the China Pakistan Corridor Project (CPEC).

Several Baloch leaders have accused Pakistan of using helicopter gunships to attack civilian settlements and villages on regular basis across Balochistan, following which entire population is forced to migrate leaving behind a trail of burned down houses and bodies of executed youth.
Srinagar: Army on Wednesday foiled an infiltration bid by militants from across the Line of Control (LoC) in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir.

"An infiltration bid was foiled by Army in Tangdhar sector," an Army official said.

He said an operation has been launched and further details are awaited.
Srinagar: With the encounter between security forces and militants in Pampore continuing for the third day, reports said a guerilla was killed in the gunfight on Wednesday.

The gunbattle between the forces and militants holed-up inside a government building near Pampore town in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district has been raging on for more than 50 hours.

One of the militant was killed on Tuesday after Army personnel fired mortar shells at the multi-storey building of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) at Pampore on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

Most part of the concrete building has been reduced to a skeleton as many of its walls have been blown up.

Elite Para commandos of the Army have also been called in to neutralise the militants but the security personnel are not rushing in to the building to avoid casualties, the officials said.

Two security personnel and a policeman were injured as the militants fired from inside the hostel building of the EDI on Monday after they entered the building.

The 70-room, seven-storey building is located at Pampore on the banks of the river Jhelum and 12 km from the Srinagar city centre.

The main building of the institute was attacked in February when militants captured it and launched a major attack on security forces. Six persons - a civilian, three soldiers and two paramilitary troopers -- were killed then before the three militants were shot dead.
Srinagar: After 56 hours of fierce gunbattle, encounter in Pampore town in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district ended on Wednesday, with security forces killing two terrorists holed-up inside the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI).

Briefing the media, GOC, Victor Force, Major General Ashok Narula confirmed the encounter was over and the forces eliminated two terrorists and recovered two weapons.

When asked as to why the encounter stretched for more than two days, the Army personnel replied, "The building where the terrorists were hiding was a huge one, the operation had to be very tricky."

It is sad that for the second time in a year the terrorists occupied the EDI complex, the officer said.

As there were reports of two to three militants present in the government building, the security forces had to search all the 50 rooms of the building before calling off the operation, the Army official said.

While one militant was killed yesterday evening, the other militant was shot dead by the security forces today, the official said.

The official said details about the slain militants were being ascertained but prima facie there were indications that they belonged to Lashkar-e-Toiba.

The Major General further said that the forces took every step cautiously to avoid any collateral damage.

Army personnel had to fired mortar shells at the multi-storey building of the EDI at Pampore on Srinagar-Jammu National Highway to eliminate the militants.

The militants, who were heavily armed with rockets, grenades and automatic gunfire had held the forces at bay since Monday.

Elite Para commandos of the Army had to be called in to neutralise the militants.

Two to three militants stormed into the EDI complex in the wee hours of Monday and took positions inside one of the buildings. After getting inside the complex, the militants set on fire few mattresses inside a hostel room to attract the attention of the police and other security forces, which arrived within minutes of the smoke emanating from the building.

Two security personnel and a policeman were injured as the militants fired from inside the hostel building of the EDI on Monday after they entered the building.

The 70-room, seven-storey building is located at Pampore on the banks of the river Jhelum and 12 km from the Srinagar city centre.

The main building of the institute was attacked in February when militants captured it and launched a major attack on security forces. Six persons - a civilian, three soldiers and two paramilitary troopers -- were killed then before the three militants were shot dead.
Pampore: The terrorists holed up into the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) since Sunday, wanted to inflict maximum causalities so that they could draw attention to themselves, said Kashmir Range Inspector General of Police Syed Javaid Mujtaba Gillani.

"Their main motive was to cause a lot many causalities so that they could be able to draw attention and so they chose this building," Gillani told reporters after the operation ended."

After the encounter that took place in Baramulla, we had information that there might be people, who would seek into the city and carry out these types of attacks on the highway. So our people were alert and probably, it's also because of the fact that people were alert on the highway that they couldn`t cause any damage on the highway and they had to take shelter in this building," he added.

Gillani further said they are prepared for any eventuality and for that deployment has been done in terms of defensive posturing.

Earlier, two of the terrorists holed up in JKEDI, a government building, on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. Official sources said, while one terrorist was killed yesterday, another was neutralised today during the operation to flush out them since Sunday.

Security forces resumed their operation this morning after being suspended late last night due to darkness.

The army has called its para commandos to neutralise the remaining terrorists.The exact number of the terrorists trapped inside is not yet known.

The building, where terrorists are trapped, suffered extensive damage as security forces fired dozens of rockets, mortar shells and triggered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to eliminate the militants. Security forces also used tear-smoke and pepper shells to bring the militants out from the building. Army, paramilitary forces and state police were jointly participating in the operation.
Srinagar: A worker of the Jammu and Kashmir's ruling coalition partner, Peoples Conference, was shot by separatist guerrillas in Jammu and Kashmir's Kupwara district on Wednesday and succumbed to his injuries in hospital, police said.

"Gulam Nabi Khoja was shot at outside his residence at Kralgund in Handwara tehsil today (Wednesday) evening. He was shifted to hospital in a serious condition where he succumbed," a police official said here.

The party is headed by Sajad Lone who is a minister in the Peoples Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party government. Lone represents the Handwara constituency in the state assembly.
Thiruvananthapuram: With artificial Chinese eggs reportedly making their way into certain parts of Kerala, state Health Minister K.K. Shylaja on Wednesday said a probe would be launched to find out the truth.

Speaking to the media, Shylaja said she has not received any complaints on this score, but she will examine the media reports and find out whether such a product has made its way into the state.

"I will now ask the Food Safety Commissioner to seriously look into these media reports that such a product is available. It would be nice if someone comes up and provides a sample of it so the tests can be conducted quickly," said Shylaja.

Reports have recently surfaced that these "artificial" eggs were coming into the state from Tamil Nadu.

According to reports, Idukki district of Kerala bordering Tamil Nadu is where this product is available.

Idukki district Medical Officer Rekha also told the media that in the wake of reports on the eggs, she too will probe the matter.

"Artificial eggs", reports say, unlike normal eggs are brown in colour and if kept in the open after cracking them, flies and other insects are not attracted to them. The eggs do not spoil or rot even after cooking or leaving them out in the open, according to reports.

These are unverified claims.
Delhi: BJP president Amit Shah on Wednesday said that attacks on BJP karyakartas in Kerala smacked of political vendetta.

He said, "Murder of Ramith, a BJP karyakarta, in Pinarayi village, Kannaur district, hometown of Kerala CM is disturbing. Chavassery Uttaman, Ramith's father was similarly killed in 2002, his mother suffered serious injures when his house was attacked recently."

"Attacks on BJP karyakartas in CM Pinarayi Vijayan's home constituency is a matter of grave concern and smacks of political vendetta," he added.

Murder of Ramith, a BJP karyakarta, in Pinarayi village, Kannaur district, hometown of Kerala CM is disturbing. My condolence to the family.  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 12, 2016

Chavassery Uttaman, Ramith's father was similarly killed in 2002, his mother suffered serious injures when his house was attacked recently.  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 12, 2016

Attacks on BJP karyakartas in CM Pinarayi Vijayan's home constituency is a matter of grave concern and smacks of political vendetta.  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 12, 2016

A 25-year-old BJP worker was hacked to death at Pinarayi here today, an incident which comes two days after the murder of CPI-M activist in the district.

The deceased has been identified as Prenith, police said, adding, the incident occurred at around 10.30 am near a petrol pump at Pinarayi.

Pinarayi is the home town of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Kannur has witnessed a series of attacks on political workers in the recent past.

A CPI(M) activist and toddy shop worker, Mohanan (40) was murdered by a six-member gang at Pathiriyad in the district two days back, with CPI(M) pointing fingers at RSS for the attack.

(With PTI inputs)
Kannur: A Bharatiya Janata Party worker was hacked to death on Wednesday in Kerala`s Kannur district, the state police said.



The victim was identified as Remith. He was killed in front of a petrol pump in Pinarayi village at around 10 am, a police official said.



According to sources, Remith`s father was also murdered some years ago.



This incident comes in the wake of the killing of 52-year-old CPI-M grassroot leader K Mohanan, who was hacked to death by suspected RSS activists on Monday.



Both of these murders took place in the Assembly constituency of Dharmadom represented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Kannur: Two days after the murder of a CPI-M activist, a 25-year-old BJP worker was hacked to death in Kannur on Wednesday.

The deceased has been identified as Ramith, police said, adding, the incident occurred at around 10.30 am near a petrol pump in Pinarayi village.

In a bid to protest against the incident, the BJP has called for state-wide hartal from 06.00 am to 06.00 pm tomorrow.

The victim had received injuries on his head and neck and had died before reaching the hospital, party state president, Kummanam Rajasekharan, said.

In 2002, the deceased youth's father Uttaman, was killed allegedly by the CPI(M), he said.

Pinarayi is the hometown of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Kannur has witnessed a series of attacks on political workers in the recent past.

BJP Calls for a State wide Hartal from 06.00am to 06.00pm Tomorrow 13.10.16 in protest of the Murder of Rimith in Kannur #Kerala #RedTerror pic.twitter.com/TAwqGhqjxt  BJP KERALAM (@BJP4Keralam) October 12, 2016

A CPI(M) activist and toddy shop worker, Mohanan (40), was murdered by a six-member gang at Pathiriyad in the district two days back, with CPI(M) pointing fingers at RSS for the attack.

Both of these murders took place in the Assembly constituency of Dharmadom represented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

A tense situation is prevailing in the area following the incident.
Kannur: A Bharatiya Janata Party worker was hacked to death on Wednesday in Kerala`s Kannur district, the state police said.

The victim was identified as Remith. He was killed in front of a petrol pump in Pinarayi village at around 10 am, a police official said.

According to sources, Remith`s father was also murdered some years ago.

This incident comes in the wake of the killing of 52-year-old CPI-M grassroot leader K Mohanan, who was hacked to death by suspected RSS activists on Monday.

Both of these murders took place in the Assembly constituency of Dharmadom represented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Mumbai: Five Shiv Sena activists were on Wednesday arrested in connection with the assault on BJP MP Kirit Somaiya and other BJP workers at suburban Mulund here, police said.

The assault took place after Sena workers allegedly disrupted a programme organised by Somaiya wherein an effigy of 'corruption mafia in MCGM' was to be burnt to mark the festival of Dussehra last evening, they said.

"We registered an offence against Shiv Sena activists and arrested five people under IPC 324, 323, 504, 506 and relevant sections," said senior police inspector Madhav More of Navghar Police Station.

Those arrested early this morning include Kiran Nande (40), Nilesh Sawant (37), Nilesh Thakkar (42), Sunil Gore (41) and Kishore Bhoir (42), all residents of Mulund East.

Also, three persons including a woman were injured in the clashes which erupted between workers of both the parties, after Sena activists objected to the effigy burning as they are in power in MCGM and tried to stop the programme, police said.

However, police intervened and brought the situation under control, Ashok Dudhe, Deputy Commissioner of Police, said.

MCGM is ruled by the Sena-BJP alliance for the last 20 years and civic polls are scheduled early next year.

Somaiya, a former Mumbai BJP chief, has aggressively targeted Sena and has repeatedly alleged that civic body was riddled with "mafia raj and corruption".

The MP who represents the Northeast Mumbai constituency had said yesterday that he will continue his fight against the "mafia raj and corruption in MCGM".
Mansa: A 20-year-old Dalit youth, who was allegedly involved in illegal liquor trade, was brutally killed and his leg chopped off allegedly by a rival group of liquor smugglers in the district, police said on Wednesday.

A case of murder has been registered against six persons and one of the accused is also a Dalit.

Police said both the groups were allegedly involved in illegal liquor trade and were involved in clashes in the past.

The victim Sukhchain Singh and his friends were called by the other group on the pretext of settling an issue on Monday.

"Then they attacked Sukhchain and his friends with sharp-edged weapons on Monday night. Though Sukhchain's friends managed to flee, the other group brutally killed Sukhchain with a sharp-edged weapon," Mansa SSP Mukhwinder Singh said today.

His body was recovered from the house of Balbir, one of the accused, police said.

There were injury marks on the body of Sukhchain and his leg was also found chopped off, police said, adding efforts are being made to trace the lost limb.

The SSP said a team of police officials has been formed to arrest the accused.

"We have registered a case of murder against six accused and we shall soon arrest them," he said.

The accused have been identified as Balbir Singh, Hardeep Singh, Amandeep Singh, Sadhu Singh, Babrik Singh and Sita Singh, police said.

Meanwhile, the family of the victim has refused to cremate the body until the chopped off limb is found.

A similar incident was reported in the state last year.

A Dalit Bheem Tank and his friend, Gurjant Singh, were allegedly attacked with sharp-edged weapons in Abohar in Fazilka last year. Bheem's limbs were chopped off and he later died in hospital.
State Debate: Debate rages on everything from Donald Trump to shopping on Thanskgiving Day
Chandigarh: The family of a 20-year-old Dalit youth, who was brutally murdered in Punjab`s Mansa district, on Wednesday refused to cremate the body till his missing leg was found and his assailants arrested.

Sukhchain Singh, the murdered Dalit youth, was said to have been a member of one of the gangs engaged in the illicit liquor business in the Mansa area, about 250 km from here.

He was allegedly murdered by members of a rival gang on Monday night. The accused chopped off his leg and took it away.

The young man`s family said his attackers belonged to upper caste landlord families and the Punjab Police was not taking action against them because they wielded considerable clout.

The victim`s father Resham Singh said his son was threatened by the rival gang in the past.

Another Dalit man, Bhim Tank, was brutally attacked in another liquor gang war last year in Fazilka district. His limbs were chopped off and he later died of his injuries.

A prominent ruling Akali Dal leader, Shiv Lal Doda`s men were alleged to have been involved in the attack that took place at his farmhouse.
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan will be put behind bars if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) forms the government in the state after next year Assembly election, Sangeet Som said.

BJP MLA from Sardhana Assembly, Som was addressing the public on the occasion of Dussehra when targetted Azam Khan in his speech and said that the senior Samajwadi Party leader has misused his power to accumulate wealth and used it in Jauhar University (It is to be noted that Azam Khan is the chancellor of Jauhar University, a private university established in Rampur).

"Azam, who had gone to the extent of calling 'Bharatmata' a 'dayan' (witch), must be dreaming of becoming country's Prime Minister. I urge everybody that we must unite together to show such people their status.

Som, who was in Mainpuri to attend the procession of Maharaja Tej Singh, said, "Azam is known to make jokes and offend our sisters and mothers. The SP minister who has often expressed fear for his life, is in fact, a threat to our motherland. "

On the occasion of Vijay Dashmi, we must take a pledge to uproot Ravana which is prevailing in the form of corruption and nepotism," Som asserted in an apparent reference to a practice followed by Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh.
Aden: Around 1,000 Ethiopian migrants escaped a detention centre in south Yemen on Wednesday with the help of their guards, a security official said.

The detainees broke out of the centre, where some 1,400 Ethiopians were being held prior to deportation after entering the country illegally, in the province of Shabwa before dawn, he said.

The getaway in the provincial capital of Ataq was "well organised", he added.

"The escapees boarded vehicles that were waiting for them to take them to the neighbouring provinces of Marib and Bayda" in small groups.

Loyalists control most of Marib except for the oil-rich Sarwah area where they are fighting the rebels, while insurgents control Bayda.

Late last month, Yemeni authorities deported at least 220 African illegal immigrants, mainly Ethiopians, from the southern port city of Aden, security officials said.

Hundreds of Ethiopians have arrived in the south of Yemen in the past months despite the conflict between loyalist forces and Shiite rebels that has gripped the country for more than 18 months.

A Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in support of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi`s government in March last year after the Iran-backed Huthis overran much of the country including the capital Sanaa.

Loyalist officials accuse the Huthis of recruiting to their ranks migrants who have entered the country illegally, but no independent source has confirmed this.

The rebels and their allies still control most of the Red Sea coast, as well as the capital and much of the central and northern highlands.

More than 6,800 people have been killed since the Saudi-led intervention began, almost two-thirds of them civilians, the United Nations says.
Washington: The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia said on Wednesday he did not know what a "panoply" of statements by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte since taking office this year would mean for Manila`s future security cooperation with Washington.

Duterte has made a series of conflicting statements about the future of his country`s long-standing alliance with the United States. Last week he said U.S. President Barack Obama should "go to hell" and alluded to severing ties with Washington.On Wednesday, in an apparent break from a weeks-long torrent of anti-American rhetoric, Duterte said the Philippines would maintain its existing defence treaties and its military alliances.

But he added to the confusion when he said his foreign policy was to "realign" and reiterated that joint exercises with U.S. troops, a decades-old tradition, would be stopped.

Obama`s senior U.S. diplomat for East Asia, Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel, told a roundtable discussion with Washington defence journalists he was baffled.

"President Duterte has made a panoply of statements; I think the operative adjective is `colourful,`" he said.

"But what that will ultimately translate (into) in terms of the ability of the Philippines to work with the United States on issues directly germane to security and even some of the regional and global challenges it faces ... we dont have an answer to just yet."

Russel said he was not aware of any changes in security cooperation but added, "Im not saying it couldnt happen, it wouldn`t happen."

He said that if the Philippine government were to propose specific changes to the relationship, the United States would "deal with that," but said there was "a distinction to be made between general high level pronouncements and considered policy decisions and actions."

"There is a lot of noise, theres a lot of stray voltage in the media, but ultimately the decisions about the alliance operations are going to be taken, I believe in a deliberate and thoughtful way."

Russel said the United States was "working through" the uncertainty and added that the two countries had "been through a lot worse in our 70-year history."

He said the U.S. relationship brought "tremendous" benefits to the Philippines ranging from cooperation on counter-terrorism and combating illegal fishing to dealing with Manila`s territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.

Russel said Manila`s developing dialogue with China was "in principle" a good thing, provided it was conducted on terms acceptable to the Philippines and consistent with international law.
Washington: Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump escalated his attacks on U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan on Wednesday, deepening a fracture in the party with only four weeks to go until the Nov. 8 election.

Trump, at a rally before thousands of supporters jammed into a livestock arena in Ocala, Florida, also attempted to drive voters away from Democratic rival Hillary Clinton with an overwhelmingly negative speech in which he described her as corrupt and unqualified for the presidency.

Ryan said on Monday he was no longer going to campaign for or defend Trump and advised House Republicans not to support the White House candidate if they did not want to. His move followed outcry over a video that surfaced last Friday showing Trump bragging in 2005 about groping women and making unwanted sexual advances.

Trump`s response to being abandoned by Ryan, the country`s most senior elected Republican, has veered between saying he feels free now to campaign on his own terms and assailing Ryan and other "disloyal" Republicans.

"Already the Republican nominee has a massive disadvantage and especially when you have the leaders not putting their weight behind the people," the New York businessman said on Wednesday, complaining that Ryan and others had not called to congratulate him on what he felt was a strong performance at a debate against Clinton on Sunday.

"You`d think they`d say great going Don, let`s go. Let`s beat this crook," Trump said.

No, he doesn`t do that, he added of Ryan, as the crowd booed in sympathy. There is a whole deal going on there. There is a whole deal going on and were going to figure it out. I always figure things out. But theres a whole sinister deal going on.

The release of the video has plunged Trump and the Republican Party into a deep crisis that has jeopardized his chances of winning the White House, when he was already lagging Clinton in national opinion polls, and possibly put Republican control of the U.S. Congress in danger.

WRONG FOCUS, LAWMAKERS COMPLAIN

Trump`s fresh round of attacks came even as his campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, heard concerns from some House Republicans that Trump`s criticism of Ryan was distracting from his message on how to defeat Clinton and win the White House.

Conway convened a conference call with House Republicans who support Trump that lasted about an hour.

A congressional aide said Conway went through a list of differences between Trump and Clinton and talked about how to make the case for Trump and against Clinton.

The general theme of comments from lawmakers on the call was that Trump needed to focus on his message to the United States and distinguish it from Clintons, the aide said.

The aide said members specifically brought up Trumps attacks on Ryan as a distraction from that message. The tone from House Republican was one of frustration at Trump`s attacks on a fellow Republican, the aide said.

The campaign and Conway did not respond to requests for their comments about the call.

Nonetheless, Ryan has been facing considerable blowback from a number of his fellow House Republicans since announcing his decision to focus on electing Republicans in Congress.

Oklahoma Republican Jim Bridenstine, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, tweeted on Wednesday that he will not support Ryan  presumably, for speaker in the next Congress -- because of Ryans failure to defend Trump.

Given the stakes of this election, If Paul Ryan isnt for Trump, then Im not for Paul Ryan, Bridenstine tweeted.

Republican Senator John Thune, who called for Trump to withdraw from the race in a Saturday tweet, says his position has not changed but that he will vote for all Republican candidates on the ticket including Trump.

I intend to support the nominee of our party. But hes got a lot of work to do, I think, if hes going to have any hope of winning this election," Thune told KELO-TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in an interview that aired late on Tuesday.

Thune was among a string of Republican officials and former officials who called on Trump to withdraw from the race over the weekend.
District of Columbia: Embattled presidential hopeful Donald Trump lashed out against "disloyal" Republicans in a ranting tweetstorm Tuesday, deepening a split that threatens the future of the 162-year-old party.

Declaring himself unchained from party strictures, the White House nominee berated Republican leaders for offering "zero support" and promised a bareknuckle 28-day campaign against Hillary Clinton.

Trump called Paul Ryan, the nation`s top elected Republican, a "weak and ineffective leader." He ridiculed the party`s 2008 White House nominee John McCain as "very foul mouthed."

"It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to," Trump said in a three-hour cyber outburst. "I will teach them!"

He doubled down in an interview with Fox News Tuesday night, saying of Ryan: "I don`t want his support. I don`t care about his support."

"I wouldn`t want to be in a foxhole with these people, including Ryan, especially Ryan," he added later in the interview, referring to Republicans who have turned their backs on him.

Relations between Trump and party leaders have always been strained -- from the outset many considered the bombastic reality-TV-star-turned-politico unfit to take up the mantle of Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan.

But the snapping point has been Trump`s precipitous fall in the polls after the emergence of a video in which he bragged about groping women.

US President Barack Obama addressed the scandal Tuesday, after White House spokesman Josh Earnest earlier in the day called the comments "repugnant" and said most people would consider the actions described as "sexual assault."

"You don`t have to be a husband or a father to say that`s not right. You just have to be a decent human being," Obama said while campaigning for Clinton in North Carolina.

Trump has apologized for the comments, saying they were just "locker-room" banter.

"If that`s why I`m going to lose an election... that`s going to be sad," he said in the Fox interview.

He added with his typical bombast: "But I think we`re going to win."

The latest Real Clear Politics polling average has Clinton ahead by six points across the country, and the latest polls show her ahead in a slew of must-win states for Trump.

With his campaign in a tailspin, Trump seemed determined to ram a wedge between party leaders and the radicalized grassroots that propelled his political career.Trump`s anger seems to have been prompted by Ryan suggesting in a conference call with Republican lawmakers on Monday that they stop defending the party nominee and focus on limiting electoral losses in Congress.

But Trump`s belligerent reaction is an ominous sign for Republicans worried about losing control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

"Disloyal R`s are far more difficult than Crooked Hillary. They come at you from all sides. They don`t know how to win -- I will teach them!" Trump tweeted.

Trump`s campaign has long had a no holds barred quality but the break with the Republican establishment signals the start of an even more vitriolic campaign.

Obama said it "does not make sense" that some Republicans expressed their disapproval of Trump`s lurid comments but continue to support him for the White House.

"You can`t repeatedly denounce what is said by someone and then say: I am still going to endorse him to be the most powerful president on the planet," he said.

Trump has also alienated allies by bringing up unproven sexual abuse allegations against Clinton`s husband, former president Bill Clinton, in a debate Sunday watched by tens of millions of Americans.

The last few days have seen Hillary Clinton`s speeches interrupted by people shouting "Bill Clinton is a rapist!"

A right-wing website has offered $5,000 to anyone who goes to a rally and does the same.

An unsparing Trump campaign ad released Monday showed Hillary Clinton when she had pneumonia last month, coughing at a dais and stumbling as she tried to get into her motorcade after a 9/11 anniversary ceremony.

"Hillary Clinton doesn`t have the fortitude, strength or stamina to lead in our world," the narrator says.Clinton`s campaign will be eager to tether the whole Republican Party to Trump`s harsh message -- which is popular with the party base but appears to have little appeal with the wider public.

"Somewhat of a civil war is breaking out in the Republican Party," said Clinton communications director Jen Palmieri. "But I think that Donald Trump didn`t become the nominee of his party on his own."

"The voters I imagine will hold them accountable (in) House and Senate races," she added.

Clinton revived the Clinton-Gore 1992 White House ticket on Tuesday, campaigning in Miami with her husband`s vice president Al Gore.

Gore has been largely absent from politics since he lost the 2000 race in Florida to George W. Bush by a handful of votes.

In Miami, he focused on the high stakes of November`s election. "Your vote really, really, really counts. You can consider me as Exhibit A."
Washington: The UN`s rights chief warned Wednesday that Donald Trump`s statements pointed to a "dangerous" figure emerging on the world stage if he won the US presidency.

At a press conference in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said he was "not keen or intent on interfering in any political campaign."

But, he said, in light of the "unsettling" and "disturbing" comments from the US presidential candidate it was only right to sound the alarm.

"If Donald Trump is elected, on the basis of what he has said already, and unless that changes, I think that it is without any doubt that he would be dangerous from an international point of view," Zeid said.

He referred to Trump`s call to bring back interrogation techniques that legal experts say amount to torture.

And, he said, Trump`s attacks on "vulnerable communities" such as Muslims, immigrants and minorities "suggest that they may well be deprived of their human rights."

Last month, Zeid launched a scathing attack on populists such as Trump and Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders, calling for action to halt "demagogues and political fantasists."

He had also compared Trump to Hungary`s Prime Minister Viktor Orban, France`s leader of the National Front Marine Le Pen, and leading Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage.

Those comments sparked a harsh reaction from Russia`s ambassador to the UN in New York Vitaly Churkin earlier this week.

Churkin complained the rights chief had overstepped his authority and had no business criticising foreign heads of state and government.

Churkin denied that he had taken issue with the remarks directed at Trump, but his remarks fuelled renewed speculation that the Kremlin is working to help the Republican candidate`s campaign.

Zeid dug in Wednesday.

"We are not a political office, so we are not going to get into ... politics, but where it affects the rights of people and especially vulnerable groups, we will speak," he said, insisting: "I see no reason to curb what it is that we are saying."

Zeid insisted that his office wholeheartedly "supports the freedom of expression."

"We believe it to be not just a right, but the greatest check against tyranny" he said.

"However, when you fan resentment and seek as a political leader to pin blame on a specific community for deeper problems, real problems, this is highly regrettable," he said.

Zeid pointed out that "populists often try to (say) that if you criticise a populist leader, you are criticising those who support him or her. And this is false."

"There are very real fears that are being stoked and exploited," he warned, stressing that "it is within the mandate of the office to speak out where we feel that vulnerable groups are being targeted for reasons that are misplaced."
Paris: Two French former inmates at Guantanamo Bay have called for a former high-ranking US defence department official to give evidence on their accusations of torture at the notorious US prison camp, the mens` lawyer said Wednesday.

Nizar Sassi and Mourad Benchellali were arrested by US forces in Afghanistan before being transferred to the prison in Cuba set up to hold terror suspects after the 9/11 attacks in the United States in 2001.

They were both sent back to France in 2004 and have since brought a legal case, aided by their lawyer William Bourdon, accusing their captors of arbitrary detention and torture.

As part of that case, the pair want William J. Haynes II, who served as General Counsel of the US Defence Department from 2001-2008, to have his day in a French court.

Haynes was "one of the main architects of the interrogation and detention policies of the Bush administration," they said in their legal application.

The prison camp was opened at the Guantanamo Bay US naval base in 2002 during George W. Bush`s presidency.

Despite promises by current US President Barack Obama to close the prison -- located in the east of the island under US control since a treaty signed in 1903 -- it remains open and still houses detainees without charge.

Haynes is not the first former US official whom Sassi and Benchellali have sought to give evidence.

In March Former Guantanamo prison chief Geoffrey Miller failed to appear before a French court despite a summons over the accusations of torture by the two ex-detainees.

Bourdon described Miller`s no-show at the time as "a dual act of contempt against the French judiciary; he both refused to appear and to provide any explanation about his role and that of the US administration".

At the height of its activity Guantanamo Bay held over 600 prisoners without any judicial procedures.
Paris: France`s ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy and former prime minister Alain Juppe will come face to face on Thursday for a televised debate ahead of a November primary widely seen as the main battle for the presidency.

The stakes could not be higher, as pollsters say whoever wins the nomination for the centre-right Republicans party on November 27 is likely to take on -- and defeat -- far-right leader Marine Le Pen in the 2017 presidential election.

The brash Sarkozy, 61, is waging an uphill fight for a return to the office he held from 2007 to 2012, lagging far behind his mild-mannered 71-year-old rival in voter surveys.

Polls show Juppe with a lead of between eight and 14 percentage points over Sarkozy for the first round of the primary on November 20, with five other candidates trailing behind.

All seven will take part in the debate on Thursday, the first of four, including one on November 24, three days before the run-off for the nomination.

Meanwhile the left is flailing without a viable candidate for the presidential vote in April and May, with the deeply unpopular President Francois Hollande yet to decide whether to stand for re-election.

Le Pen of the National Front, riding high in the polls thanks to a surge of anti-migrant sentiment, is expected to place second or even win the first round on April 23.

With no left-wing figure likely to make it to the May 7 second round, the run-off is expected to pit Le Pen against either Juppe or Sarkozy, with the centre-right candidate forecast to prevail.

Sarkozy is struggling for traction and has been accused of borrowing Le Pen`s themes, tapping into fears about immigration and Islam following a string of jihadist attacks in France in the past two years, coupled with the Europe-wide migrant crisis.

The former president confronted both subjects during a rally on Sunday, pledging to hold two referendums immediately after taking office -- one aimed at curbing immigration and the other designed to make it easier to round up suspected Islamist radicals.

Juppe, currently France`s most popular politician, is taking the opposite tack, positioning himself as a unifier and a moderate, notably on immigration.

On Monday he said Sarkozy was merely helping Le Pen with his proposals.

Sarkozy, who was faulted for flaunting his wealth in what was dubbed a "bling-bling" presidency, painted Juppe as an elitist on Sunday.

Without naming his rival, Sarkozy said: "I am running to talk about the daily lives of the French, not to represent an elite for whom everything is fine."Both men have been tarnished by scandal, though Sarkozy`s are fresher.

The ex-president faces inquiries into alleged influence-peddling and suspected illegal funding of his failed 2012 election campaign.

Juppe too was involved in a party finance scandal, which saw him convicted in 2004.

Those with longer memories will recall that Juppe`s austerity policies as prime minister sparked the longest period of strikes and stoppages France had seen since May 1968, bringing the Paris metro to a standstill for a month in 1995.

Juppe got his job back as mayor of Bordeaux after sitting out politics for two years in Canada in the wake of the 2004 conviction.

In a book out in September, he rankled at being seen as a cold, insensitive technocrat. "With time, I have softened, at least psychologically," he wrote.

Philippe Marcacci of the Est Republicain daily said: "Besides the (rivals`) opposite styles of fire and ice there is the political wager."

Marcacci wrote in an editorial that while Sarkozy has chosen to hammer away on security and immigration, Juppe "has made another choice -- that of the centre".

Gael Sliman of the Odoxa polling firm told AFP: "Everyone expects Sarkozy, the outsider, to do a lot, even too much, to regain ground. He will have to be careful not to go overboard" during the debate.

Juppe, on the other hand, "should put himself above the fray without coming across as arrogant."
Kabul: Islamic State on Wednesday claimed responsibility for a mass shooting that killed at least 18 worshippers at a shrine in the Afghan capital, raising fears of sectarian violence after a string of attacks on the country`s Shi`ite minority.

The claim to Tuesday`s attack, released online, came as the community observed Ashura, one of its holiest days, although commemorations have been subdued because of security fears.

On Wednesday afternoon, an explosion outside a mosque in northern Afghanistan killed at least 14 people and wounded 24 at a similar gathering. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for that assault.

Islamic State had earlier targeted members of Kabul`s Shi`ite community in a suicide bombing in July that killed more than 80 people and wounded 130.

The attacker in Kabul, said to be wearing a police uniform, entered the Karte Shakhi mosque on Tuesday night and opened fire on a crowd of Shi`ite Muslims marking Ashura, which commemorates the seventh-century death of a grandson of the prophet Mohammad.

In its statement, Islamic State said the attacker detonated a suicide vest after firing all his ammunition, but security forces said they shot the man.

A Reuters video shows the suspected attacker`s body intact, with no sign of an explosive vest.

Relatives carried dead and wounded victims away from the blood-stained steps of the mosque, which is known for its bright blue tiles and domes.

The dead included four women and two children, said the United Nations, which condemned the attack as a violation of international law.

"This attack, deliberately targeting a large group of civilians exercising their right to freely manifest their religion in worship, observance and practice, is an atrocity," the U.N. said in a statement.

It put the tally at 18 civilians killed and 50 wounded, though some witnesses said the toll could be higher.

Mourners buried several of the victims, including a four-year-old girl, on Wednesday.

"We are not happy with the government and the police. They both failed to protect us and provide security for us," said one of the girl`s relatives, Mohammed Hussain, who described the event as "doomsday" for the family.

Ashura is typically marked by processions that include self-flagellation by some worshippers, but government warnings of possible attacks prompted more subdued events this year.

The Taliban, who have been waging a 15-year insurgency against the Western-backed government and often conduct attacks in Kabul, denied involvement in the shooting.

The schism between Sunnis and Shi`ites developed after the Prophet Mohammad died in 632 and his followers could not agree on a successor. Some Sunni Muslim militants see Shi`ites as a threat and legitimate targets for attack.
Istanbul: Islamic State militants in northern Syria are putting up "stiff resistance" to attacks by Turkish-backed rebel fighters, Turkey`s military said on Wednesday, almost two months after it launched an incursion to drive them away from its border.

Supported by Turkish tanks and air strikes, the rebels have been pushing towards the Islamic State stronghold of Dabiq. Clashes and air strikes over the past 24 hours have killed 47 jihadists, the military said in a statement.

"Due to stiff resistance of the Daesh (Islamic State) terror group, progress could not be achieved in an attack launched to take four settlements," it said, naming the areas east of the town of Azaz as Kafrah, Suran, Ihtimalat and Duvaybik.

However, the operation to drive the jihadists away from the Turkish border, dubbed "Euphrates Shield", has allowed Turkish-backed rebels to take control of about 1,100 square km (425 square miles) of territory, the military said.

A Syrian rebel commander told Reuters the rebels were about 4 km (2.5 miles) from Dabiq. He said capturing Dabiq and the nearby town of Suran would spell the end of Islamic State`s presence in the northern Aleppo countryside.

A planned major offensive on the Islamic State-held city of al-Bab, southeast of Dabiq and an important strategic target, depended on how quickly rebels could take control of the roughly 35 km (22 miles) in between the two cities, he said.

Al-Bab is also a strategic target for the Kurdish YPG militia, which, like the rebels, is battling Islamic State in northern Syria but is viewed as a hostile force by Turkey.

In a daily round-up on Euphrates Shield`s 50th day, the Turkish army said 19 Islamic State fighters had been "neutralised" in clashes and eight rebels were killed. Twenty-two rebels were wounded and Turkish forces suffered no losses.

Turkish warplanes destroyed five buildings used by Islamic State fighters, while U.S.-led coalition jets "neutralised" 28 of the jihadists and destroyed three buildings, it said.
Moscow/Beirut: U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet his Russian counterpart in Switzerland on Saturday to discuss Syria, officials said on Wednesday, as a devastating bombing campaign of the city of Aleppo intensified.

The Syrian government launched an assault to capture rebel-held areas of Aleppo last month with Russian air support and Iranian-backed militias, a week into a ceasefire agreed by Washington and Moscow.

Kerry broke off talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov last week over the offensive, which has included air strikes on hospitals that Washington and Paris said amounted to war crimes for which Syria and Russia were responsible.

The Syrian and Russian governments blamed their foes for breaking the ceasefire and said they target only militants in the city, the last major urban stronghold of the Western-backed rebels, where more than 250,000 people are trapped under siege.

The resumption of talks, despite the offensive, was a sign of the lack of options facing Western nations over the Syria conflict, where they worry scaled-up arms supplies for the rebels could end up in the hands of jihadist groups.

Russia`s Foreign Ministry said Kerry and Lavrov would meet Lavrov in the Swiss city of Lausanne to consider steps towards settling the conflict. The meeting will include foreign ministers from Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran. A senior State Department official confirmed Kerry would attend.

On Wednesday, 25 people were killed by heavy air strikes on rebel-held areas of Aleppo, the Civil Defence, a rescue service working in rebel-held areas, said on Twitter, adding that 15 of them were killed at a market place in the Fardous district.

The Syrian army has denied targeting civilians.

A Syrian military source said warplanes had struck several locations to the south and southwest of Aleppo but Syrian and Russian officials could not immediately be reached to comment on the market place attack.

It was the second day of heavy air strikes after a lull of several days which the Syrian army said was designed to allow civilians to leave.

Rebels said the intensity of the air strikes on Tuesday and Wednesday had returned to the level seen at the start of the Russian-backed campaign to capture Aleppo.

Moscow`s intervention just over a year ago tipped the scales of the conflict back towards President Bashar al-Assad.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based organisation that reports on the war, said it had documented the deaths of 55 people killed in escalating bombardment of eastern Aleppo in the last 48 hours.

The Observatory also reported that four people were killed in government-held areas by insurgent shelling.

Clashes between pro-government and rebel forces were also reported in a rebel-held area in southern Aleppo.

The war has killed more than 300,000 people, created the world`s worst refugee crisis, allowed for the rise of Islamic State and drawn in regional and major powers.

Assad, with military backing from Russia and Iranian-backed militias, aims to take back all of Aleppo, which was Syria`s biggest city before the outbreak of war in 2011.

The city has been divided between government and rebel control for years and food, water and medical supplies in rebel areas are now running low.

The Observatory also reported heavy air strikes against the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta area near Damascus.

Russia on Saturday vetoed a French-drafted United Nations Security Council resolution that would have demanded an immediate end to air strikes and military flights over Aleppo.

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused France of deliberately luring Moscow into vetoing the resolution and suggested it was doing the bidding of the United States.

"What for? To exacerbate the situation and to whip up anti-Russian hysteria in media under their control, and to deceive their own citizens," Putin said, accusing France of serving U.S. domestic political interests.

French Prime Minister Manuel Valls also faced criticism from opposition lawmakers over his government`s handling of relations with Russia over Syria.

"Russia has chosen an obstructive attitude and from our point of view this stance is unjustifiable," Valls said after being asked by a parliamentarian why Paris was adopting a tough position on Russia.

Despite the war of words, the Kremlin said Putin spoke to French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday and said he hoped Saturday`s talks would be "fruitful".

France and Britain back a proposal for a dilution of big powers` United Nations vetoes in cases of serious war crimes, the top U.N. human rights official said in Geneva, but gave little support to Syrian opposition hopes of strong-arming Russia over eastern Aleppo.

Zeid Ra`ad al Hussein, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said last week that Security Council veto powers should be curbed to help resolve the situation and bring Syria under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.

"We would hope that the United States, Russia and China would likewise follow, (the French and British lead)" he said, but ruled out allowing the general assembly to force their hand.

The dispute over Aleppo has unfolded against a backdrop of separate campaigns being waged against Islamic State by a U.S.-led alliance and the Russian-backed Syrian army.

As part of the fight against IS, Syrian rebels backed by Turkey are currently waging a campaign in northern Syria near the Turkish border.

A rebel commander told Reuters the Turkey-backed forces had advanced closer to an Islamic State-held village that is of great symbolic significance to the group on Wednesday.

The rebels captured the village of Duweibiq, which is some 2 km from Dabiq - the site of an apocalyptic prophesy central to the militant group`s ideology. "The clashes were not very fierce but there is resistance," the commander said.
The suspect behind the New York bombing that left 31 wounded in Manhattan`s Chelsea neighborhood will appear in court on Thursday for the first time, nearly a month after the attack.

Ahmad Khan Rahami, 28, will appear via video link in court in his hometown of Elizabeth, New Jersey from the hospital where he is undergoing treatment after being critically injured in a shootout with police.

State prosecutors charged him with five counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and two unlawful weapon possession counts. Two police officers were injured in the September 19 shootout that led to his arrest.

He will appear on separate terrorism charges, including use of weapons of mass destruction, before a federal court in Manhattan at a later date, yet to be determined.

The Afghan-born American, who worked in his family`s fried chicken restaurant, will appear at the Union County Courthouse on Thursday at 2pm (1800 GMT) on state charges, the indictment said.

Rahami was captured while carrying a handwritten journal that lauded Osama bin Laden and US-born Al-Qaeda recruiter Anwar al-Awlaki, and criticized US wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, prosecutors said.

He was detained two days after the Chelsea bombing and a twin bomb attack along the route of a US Marine Corps run in the New Jersey town of Seaside Park.

Federal prosecutors say 31 people were wounded in Chelsea, including a victim from Britain, a driver knocked unconscious and a woman whose body was pierced with ball bearings, metal and wood.

Five additional pipe bombs were found in Rahami`s hometown of Elizabeth and a second device was found in Chelsea and subsequently defused.

The FBI believes Rahami acted alone and is not connected to any extremist groups.

US officials say he traveled extensively to Afghanistan and spent around a year in Pakistan, where he married and his wife became pregnant.

If convicted, he risks spending the rest of his life behind bars.
Manila: The Philippines has sent an invitation to United Nations rapporteur Agnes Callamard to probe the increasing number of drug-related killings in the country, a government spokesman said on Wednesday.

"Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said the palace has sent the invitation to Callamard and is awaiting her response," Xinhua news agency quoted Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella as saying.

In the invitation, Abella said the "palace also urged -- and I think it is notable -- the UN rapporteur to include in her investigation the killing of law enforcers by drug suspects so she could obtain accurate perspective of the drug problem in the country".

He said the Philippine government is urging Callamard to also look into the killings of law enforcers, who were also killed in the campaign to eradicate illicit drugs.

News reports said more than 3,000 suspects had been killed, some extra-judicially, in the fight against drugs since President Rodrigo Duterte took the presidency on June 30 this year.

Duterte said there are at least four million Filipinos who are into drugs. He warned that if not eradicated, the Philippines will continue to be governed by narco-politicians.

The Philippine Senate and the House of Representatives have conducted investigations into the drug menace.

The UN, the US, European Union and other international human rights groups have criticised the Duterte administration for carrying out a bloody anti-drug campaign, prompting the President to lash at them.

Despite the intense criticisms, Duterte has vowed to continue his anti-drug campaign.

As of October 10, the Philippine National Police said a total of 1,550 suspected drug users and pushers have been killed since July 1.

On the other hand, the police said at least 13 policemen and three soldiers were killed.

The police also said that close to 800,000 drugs suspects have "surrendered" since the campaign was launched.
Doha: Saudi air defence forces shot down a ballistic missile fired by Yemen`s Houthi militia toward Khamees Mushait city in the kingdom`s southwest on Tuesday night, a Saudi-led coalition said in a statement carried by the state news agency SPA.

The Royal Saudi Air Defence Forces destroyed the missile before it could cause any damage, according to the statement by the coalition, which since March 2015 has been fighting the Houthis to try to restore the Saudi-backed government of exiled president Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi.

Saudi forces responded to the missile attack by attacking the launch site, the statement added.
MOSCOW: Americans should vote for Donald Trump as president next month or risk being dragged into a nuclear war, according to a Russian ultra-nationalist ally of President Vladimir Putin who likes to compare himself to the U.S. Republican candidate.

Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a flamboyant veteran lawmaker known for his fiery rhetoric, told Reuters in an interview that Trump was the only person able to de-escalate dangerous tensions between Moscow and Washington.

By contrast, Trump`s Democratic rival Hillary Clinton could spark World War Three, said Zhirinovsky, who received a top state award from Putin after his pro-Kremlin Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) came third in Russia`s parliamentary election last month.

Many Russians regard Zhirinovsky as a clownish figure who makes outspoken statements to grab attention but he is also widely viewed as a faithful servant of Kremlin policy, sometimes used to float radical opinions to test public reaction.

"Relations between Russia and the United States can`t get any worse. The only way they can get worse is if a war starts," said Zhirinovsky, speaking in his huge office on the 10th floor of Russia`s State Duma, or lower house of parliament.

"Americans voting for a president on Nov. 8 must realise that they are voting for peace on Planet Earth if they vote for Trump. But if they vote for Hillary it`s war. It will be a short movie. There will be Hiroshimas and Nagasakis everywhere."

Zhirinovsky`s comments coincide with deep disagreements between Washington and Moscow over Syria and Ukraine and after the White House last week accused Russia of a campaign of cyber attacks against Democratic Party organisations.

Even as WikiLeaks released another trove of internal documents from Clintons campaign on Wednesday, Putin insisted his country was not involved in an effort to influence the U.S. presidential election.

THE RUSSIAN TRUMP?

Zhirinovsky likes to shock liberal public opinion and he has frequently heaped scorn on the West, which he and other Russian nationalists regard as decadent, hypocritical and corrupted by political correctness.

His combative style, reminiscent of Trump`s, ensures him plenty of television air time and millions of votes in Russian elections, often from the kind of blue-collar workers who are the bedrock of the U.S. Republican candidate`s support.

Zhirinovsky once proposed blocking off mostly Muslim southern Russia with a barbed wire fence, echoing Trump`s call for a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico.

Zhirinovsky, who said he met Trump in New York in 2002, revels in his similarities with the American businessman - they are the same age, favour coarse, sometimes misogynistic language and boast about putting their own country first. Zhirinovsky has even said he wants a DNA test to see if he is related to Trump.

But unlike Trump, a billionaire real estate developer who casts himself as the anti-establishment candidate in the U.S. presidential race with no past political experience, Zhirinovsky is a consummate political insider who has sat in the Duma for more than two decades.

Putin has also praised Trump as "very talented", while the Republican candidate has said the Kremlin boss is a better leader than U.S. President Barack Obama. Clinton has accused Trump of being too cosy with Putin and questioned his business interests in Russia.

In other comments that have delighted Moscow, Trump has questioned the value of NATO for Washington, has spoken ambiguously about Russia`s 2014 annexation of Ukraine`s Crimea and suggested that the United States under his leadership would adopt a more isolationist foreign policy.

"He (Trump) won`t care about Syria, Libya and Iraq and why an earth should America interfere in these countries? And Ukraine. Who needs Ukraine?," said Zhirinovsky, who once counted himself a friend of Iraq`s Saddam Hussein and Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi and whose deaths he still laments.

"Trump will have a brilliant chance to make relations more peaceful ... He`s the only one who can do this," he said, adding that Trump could even win a Nobel peace prize.

CLINTON "CRAVES POWER"

In contrast, Zhirinovsky described Clinton as "an evil mother-in law" and said her record as secretary of state under Obama in 2009-2013 showed she was unfit to lead her country.

"She craves power. Her view is that Hillary is the most important person on the planet, that America is an exceptional country, as Barack Obama said," said Zhirinovsky. "That`s dangerous. She could start a nuclear war."

In typically chauvinistic remarks, Zhirinovsky said Clinton`s gender should also bar her from the presidency.

"Most Americans should choose Trump because men have been leading for millions of year. You can`t take the risk of having one of the richest, most powerful countries led by a woman president," he said.

Asked about lewd comments Trump made about women in 2005 that have harmed his campaign, Zhirinovsky defended the Republican: "Men all round the world sometimes say such things that are just for their comrades. We must only consider his business (and political) qualities."

Though Putin and Trump have never met, Zhirinovsky said he believed they could establish a close working relationship, adding: "Victory for Trump would be a gift to humanity. But if Hillary Clinton wins it will be the last U.S. president ever."
District of Columbia: Hillary Clinton`s campaign aides last year used the Keystone oil pipeline project to try to divert attention away from her use of private email while serving as secretary of state, according to emails released by WikiLeaks.

The Canada-US pipeline project, finally rejected by President Barack Obama`s administration in November 2015, had crystallized the debate over energy and the environment in the United States.

It was fiercely opposed by Bernie Sanders, Clinton`s rival in the Democratic primary elections to pick the party`s presidential nominee.

In August 2015, several months before the Obama administration announced its decision, Clinton`s advisers wondered how to reveal her opposition to the Keystone project, the emails show. Until then she had made no public stance.

"We are trying to find a good way to leak her opposition to the pipeline without her having to actually say it and give up her principled stand about not second-guessing the president in public," wrote speechwriter Dan Schwerin.

Clinton`s campaign manager Robby Mook came up with a different solution: publicly state her opposition. That "will solicit criticism... but that might help distract from emails," he said, according to the leaked messages.

The controversy over Clinton`s use of a private email server while she was the Obama administration`s top diplomat was in full swing at the time, forcing her to publicly apologize for its use in September.

The idea of publishing an op-ed article stating her opposition to Keystone was also discussed.

"Given that we just offered an apology on emails that some reporters think happened `on a dime` after months of resistance, do we worry that publishing an oped... will be greeted cynically and perhaps as part of some manufactured attempt to project sincerity?," wrote campaign spokesman Brian Fallon.

Clinton eventually announced her opposition to Keystone at a campaign rally in late September 2015.

The emails recently released by WikiLeaks also reveal Clinton was wary of supporting a bill to separate commercial and investment banks, a financial reform championed by Sanders and the left wing of the Democratic Party.

"I understand that we face phoniness charges if we `change` our position" by supporting the law, wrote campaign aide Mandy Grunwald. "But we face political risks this way, too."

Clinton ended up refusing to support such a law.

In other documents recently released by WikiLeaks, Clinton, in private speeches to major banks in 2013 and 2014, expressed views in favor of free trade and Wall Street self-regulation that are at odds with her positions as a candidate.

Clinton won the Democratic presidential nomination in July of this year.

Her campaign has accused anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks of releasing documents to help Republican rival Donald Trump in the race for the White House.
Despite repeated setbacks on the path to peace in war-wracked Syria, world and regional powers will give diplomacy another chance in weekend talks in Europe, organized by the US and Russia, to try to secure a ceasefire that sticks.

Washington and Moscow, which officially cut off bilateral contact on the issue last week after a truce deal unraveled, on Wednesday announced two days of talks -- in Lausanne on Saturday, and in London on Sunday.

The meetings come after Syria was plunged into some of the worst violence it has seen, as government forces backed by Russian airpower push a brutal assault on rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

Fresh air strikes and artillery fire in Aleppo on Wednesday left at least seven people dead, an international monitor said, a day after Russia was accused of stepping up its raids on the city.

They also come with tensions high between Moscow and the West, which has accused Russia of potential war crimes over its bombing campaign.

In the Swiss city, US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov should be joined by their counterparts from Turkey and Gulf countries.

Lavrov named Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar -- all backers of Syrian opposition forces -- as possible participants. But neither side confirmed an invitation to Iran, a key player in the conflict and an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Then in London, Kerry will likely meet up with his European counterparts -- from Britain, France and Germany.

Both meetings will focus on "a multilateral approach to resolving the crisis in Syria, including a sustained cessation of violence and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries," the State Department said Wednesday.

In Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin "expressed the hope that the meeting set for October 15 in Lausanne... will be productive and contribute in a concrete way to a resolution" of the conflict, the Kremlin said.

French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel urged Putin to push for a ceasefire, despite the repeated setbacks.

Lavrov, meanwhile, told CNN in an interview Wednesday that he hoped the weekend talks in Switzerland could help "launch a serious dialogue" based on the now-defunct US-Russian pact.

"We would like to have a meeting in this narrow format, to have a businesslike discussion, not another General Assembly-like debate," Lavrov said. The United Nations said Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura had been invited to take part in the talks but a spokesman said he did not know if he would attend.

Hopes are rather low for a breakthrough to end the five-year conflict that has claimed some 300,000 lives.

The West has accused Russia of potential war crimes over its bombing campaign in Aleppo -- claims Putin dismissed as "political rhetoric."

Some have even called for punitive measures against Moscow, though French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault cautioned against "a cycle of sanctions for the sake of sanctions."

Russia has responded by bolstering its forces in the war-torn country.

Putin on Wednesday warned Western countries against imposing sanctions, stressing that Russia would not let itself be isolated.

"We should not go down the path of pressure and blackmail but search for compromise," Putin said at an investment forum in Moscow.

"I have said one hundred times that we are ready to search for these compromises. We would very much like that our partners treat us this way."

He also placed blame on the West for the dire situation.

"I am deeply convinced that it is our Western partners, first and foremost of course the United States, who are responsible for the situation," he told France`s TF1 television in an interview broadcast Wednesday.Putin earlier this week cancelled a long-planned visit to France after Hollande insisted they discuss Syria, and on Wednesday slammed Paris for presenting a UN proposal on Aleppo at the weekend that Russia vetoed.

"They put forward the resolution knowing that it would not pass... in order to incite a veto," Putin said.

"Why? It was aimed at inflaming the situation and fanning hysteria around Russia."

The Lausanne talks will mark the first meeting between Kerry and Lavrov since the two countries froze talks on October 3, after the ceasefire they brokered quickly crumbled.

Washington and Moscow have traded blame in subsequent days, but in fact, the negotiations never really stopped, with Kerry and Lavrov speaking by telephone in recent days.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday that for Kerry, the bilateral talks had been suspended but were "not dead."

The United Nations has warned of the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe taking place in Aleppo, saying that the rebel-held territory could be destroyed entirely by the end of the year.

Pope Francis appealed on Wednesday for an immediate ceasefire in Syria, calling for "at least" a truce enabling civilians, especially children, to be evacuated, after Aleppo came under fierce air assault.
Hillary Clinton, shown here at a campaign stop Sept. 27 in Raleigh, N.C., is cautious and prone to compromise, but we are encouraged by her willingness to bend toward more progressive positions during the primary competition, and her continued articulation of those positions as the partys nominee. PHOTO BY MATT ROURKE/ASSOCIATED PRESS
American Family Insurance Co. is turning to its estimated 3.7 million policyholders to approve a plan allowing the company to change its structure, which could open doors for expansion and new product offerings.

American Family on Tuesday began mailing proxy informational packets to its policyholders across 19 states. Proxy voting closes on Dec. 2 but policyholders also can cast votes during a special policyholder meeting at the companys Madison headquarters on Dec. 7.

The company recognizes not all policyholders will vote, but at least 75 percent of ballots cast must approve the plan before it can more forward. Results of the vote will be released after the Dec. 7 meeting, said Ken Muth, a company spokesman.

The plan has been approved by the companys board of directors. Besides approval from policyholders, the Wisconsin Office of the Commissioner of Insurance also must approve it.

The OCI has scheduled a public hearing on American Familys plan for Nov. 16.

If approved, current American Family policyholders wont notice any change, Muth said. Premium pricing also would remain unaffected.

American Family wants to create a mutual holding company, which would be the parent company of American Family Mutual Insurance Co. The switch, the company says, would give it more flexibility to offer more insurance products.

Long term, the new structure would make it easier for American Family to expand into other states, said Peter Carstensen, a professor of law at UW-Madison.

The company now operates in 19 states: Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wisconsin.

Their proposal really would give them more flexibility, Carstensen said. If they wanted to expand to a new region or state like New York, this would give them the flexibility to do that.

Granting management the authority to add new product lines is the risk for policyholders, who also are the companys owners.

It raises the question, whether management is well situated to make those kinds of decisions, Carstensen said. They are playing with policyholders money.

Rules already in place protect policyholders and their policies, he said.

State insurance commissioners around the country keep watch over the insurance industry and their finances, Carstensen said. They are the first line of defense for (policyholders).
Meatballs are the little black dresses of the culinary world.

You can dress them up for dinner in a velvet robe of sour cream and wild mushroom gravy. They can be daytime simple with a jacket of roasted tomato marinara, trimmed with fresh asiago cheese, and tucked into a crusty roll. Or they can be cocktail party sweet-and-spicy, glistening with a glaze of pineapple juice, sriracha sauce and sugar.

They also are comparatively inexpensive; can be made ahead and sauced later; require little attention once prepared; often can be retrofitted on Day Two for a second go-round; and perform as well at a family dinner, a Sunday tailgate with friends, or a flavors-of-the-world themed get-together. For all this and perhaps more, the ubiquitous meatball is, well, ubiquitous.

And theyre trendy, too.

One of the nations leading food research and consulting firms, Chicago-based Technomic, describes meatballs as a 2016 food trend thats part of a national movement involving the elevation of peasant fare to new heights. Meatballs  are proliferating  traditional, ethnic or nouveau. Technomic opines.

Thats no surprise to Brian Borres, general manager of Emporio: A Meatball Joint. Emporio is part of the Sienna Restaurant Group and it has two locations in the Pittsburgh area.

He said the restaurants recipe for success features heavy portions of creativity, comfort and cost-consciousness.

Meatballs are a comfort food. They make you think of Grandmas house, he said.

At the same time, Borres said that executive chef and managing partner Matt Porco adds his distinct and different brand of creativity to produce meatball bowls such as a tater tot poutine topped with mushroom gravy, a fried egg, bacon and pork meatball. Its Borres favorite dish, he confessed, referring to it as the breakfast bowl. And it costs about $11. Over a pound of food that is absolutely to die for. Thats a great value, he said.

The affordability of meatballs makes them the perfect vehicle to introduce family and friends to a new ethnic flavor profile.

Whether fashioned of pork, beef, chicken or no meat at all (as in mushrooms/lentils/cheese), the essential meatball ingredients are comparatively inexpensive. That allows for the spending of a little more dough on some of the spices that are needed to round out a recipe for the likes of albondigas en salsa de limon. Translated, its meatballs in lemon sauce. The sauce requires a pinch of pricey saffron threads.

A delicious overture into Spanish cuisine, this pork and veal meatball is cooked in a richly viscous egg yolk/lemon/saffron sauce enhanced with mushrooms. The recipe for albondigas en salsa de limon is featured in Penelope Casas One Pot Spanish tome, published in 2009 by Madison Press Books. Lemon, both in the meatballs and the sauce, makes a nice taste counterpoint to the delicious velvet of fat in the meat and egg yolk. Casas suggests a sidecar of boiled new potatoes. Rice also would do well especially if the sauce ingredients were doubled and the meatballs were situated atop of the rice.

Full of pan-Asian flavors is an exceptionally simple and yummy recipe for cocktail meatballs in the recently published Ultimate Appetizer Ideabook, 225 Simple, All-Occasion Recipes by Kiera and Cole Stipovich from Chronicle Books. The recipe pairs a delicate ground lamb ball with a spicy-sweet glaze of chili-pepper jelly that can be made for pennies in about 10 minutes. They are like potato chips: You cant eat just one.

Its hard to think of meatballs without thinking of tomato sauce. A 2015 publication by the editors of Saveur, titled Saveur Italian Comfort Food, offers a spin on the pairing that calls for a very spicy meatball cooked in an unusually simple and spice-free red sauce. Called Classic Meatballs, they feature ricotta, pork fat and prosciutto with a half-dozen spices, all adding up to a dish that need not sit atop pasta to stand as an entree.

These meatballs are more involved than the meatballs I make to serve with my spaghetti. And a couple of ingredients required special effort (my butcher had to trim a slab of pork fat for me), but they are worth the extra effort if you want to dial up Italian Night a notch.
Retired EU staff deliver a box containing a petition with over 150,000 signatures against Jose Manuel Barroso's decision to work for Goldman Sachs, at the EU Headquarters in Brussels, on October 12, 2016

The number of people signed up to a petition launched by EU staff demanding that former European commission President Jose Manuel Barroso lose his pension after he took a job with Goldman Sachs on Wednesday reached 152,000.

Barroso, a former Portugese prime minister who led the commission from 2004 to 2014, took an advisory position at US investment bank Goldman Sachs this summer, causing a furore over conflict of interest.

The decision by Barroso to join Goldman Sachs "is a further example of the irresponsible revolving-door practices, which are highly damaging to the EU institutions and, even if not illegal, morally reprehensible," the petition said.

"It is irresponsible because it feeds into a political context which is not only Eurosceptic but now even openly Europhobic," it added.

A delegation attempted to present the petition on Wednesday to the commission, but was turned away.

Since its launch by a small group of EU employees in July, the petition movement has gathered momentum as anger grows against top officials in the EU entering the private sector.

French President Francois Hollande labeled Barroso's new job as "morally unacceptable" at the time of his hiring.

Barroso has since strongly hit back at his critics, calling the accusations "discriminatory", adding that he complied with the EU's 18-month separation rule.

More recently it emerged that former EU Competition Commissioner Neelie Kroes had been a director of a Bahamas-based firm during her tenure from 2004 to 2009.

This was in violation of EU code of conduct rules that state "commissioners may not engage in any other professional activity, whether gainful or not."

A commission ethics panel is now investigating both the Barroso and Kroes cases.
French lawmakers support the European Milk Board's proposal for a structure that would implement production cuts to keep prices from falling too much

French lawmakers called Wednesday for regulating milk prices in order to deal with the overproduction and sliding prices since the EU removed production quotas last year.

The parliamentary report supported a mechanism proposed by the trade association European Milk Board that would use a system of voluntary and mandatory production cuts to keep prices from falling too much.

For example, a 15 percent price drop in prices paid to farmers would trigger an tender to remove at least 5 percent of production, with farmers cutting output receiving a payment. A price drop of 25 percent would trigger mandatory output cuts.

The EU is already paying farmers who voluntarily cut production.

In July, Brussels announced a 500 million euro ($551 million) package to help keep milk farmers afloat, which is paying those who participate 14 cents per litre of cut production.

Other proposals included redirecting some of the EU farm aid funds towards mechanisms that support farmers during periods of crisis.

In July, the weighted average price paid to dairy farmers in the EU was more down than 30 percent from that of July 2014, according to EU data.

Production has continued to climb despite falling prices, rising by 2.5 percent in 2015 and by 3.3 percent in the first half of 2016.
A fire in the kitchen of a Sun Prairie apartment was quickly put out Tuesday, but displaced one resident, the Sun Prairie Fire Department said.

Shortly before 4 p.m., firefighters responded to an apartment complex on South Bird Street after reports of a structure fire, the fire department said. After arriving, firefighters quickly took care of a fire in the kitchen of a first floor unit, while an off-duty firefighter helped the apartment's resident out, according to the fire department.

Other occupants evacuated the complex while firefighters ventilated the building, but they were allowed to return after, the fire department said.

The blaze resulted in fire damage in the unit's kitchen and smoke damage throughout the apartment, but no cost estimates were available, according to the fire department.

No one was injured during the incident, and the American Red Cross was notified about the displaced resident's need for assistance, the fire department said.
Investment firm Greybull Capital has pumped another 165 million ($203 million, 184 million euros) into Monarch, enabling the airline to retain its licence to carry on selling package holidays

British airline Monarch won a cash injection Wednesday from its owner, allowing it to continue flying holidaymakers and fund growth plans, as the sector faces turbulence from Brexit and terrorism.

Investment firm Greybull Capital has pumped another 165 million ($203 million, 184 million euros) into Monarch, enabling the airline to retain its licence to carry on selling package holidays, it said in a statement.

Greybull is Monarch's majority shareholder and bought European assets from India's Tata Steel earlier this year.

Monarch Airlines, based at Luton airport north of London, added it would take delivery of the first of 30 Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft in 2018. The order was unveiled back in October 2014.

"It is testament to the extensive effort by all parties, over the past weeks and months, that we are able to announce the largest investment in our 48-year history, as well as the renewal of our ATOL licences," Monarch chief executive Andrew Swaffield said in a statement Wednesday.

"We are now firmly focused on the future as a stronger Monarch."

Swaffield added it experienced a ?dampening? of bookings in recent weeks amid speculation over its finances -- and warned over the outlook for Turkey and Egypt, Bloomberg News reported.

The sector has been blighted by unrest in key markets Egypt and Turkey, as well as the slumping pound caused by Britain's EU exit vote on June 23.

Extension of the group's Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) membership -- a scheme which is funded by the sector and compensates travellers in the case of a company collapse -- was on condition of fresh funding.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the country's independent airlines regulator which operates the scheme, added it had renewed Monarch's ATOL licences until the end of September 2017.

The carrier had last month defended itself against reports questioning its finances -- and pointed to difficulties for the airline and holidays industry.

Monarch insisted it was trading well and would make an operating profit of over 40 million in the year to October 2016.

Story continues

"This is despite a difficult period for the holiday industry due to terrorist incidents, Brexit and the resulting devaluation of sterling," Monarch had said in late September.

Wednesday's cash injection came one week after rival EasyJet -- which is also headquartered in Luton -- warned annual profits would slump by almost a third, hit by a Brexit-driven tumble in the pound, terror attacks and industrial action.

EasyJet forecast its annual pre-tax profits would dive by about 28 percent to between 490 million and 495 million.

CMC Markets analyst Jasper Lawler described the Monarch's cash injection as a "bailout" and warned that the broader industry would continue to face turbulence.

"The bailout won't end the problems for the sector.

"There will be some relief that the CAA license has been awarded and the bankruptcy of a British airline has been avoided."

Greybull acquired a controlling stake in Monarch in 2014, but the group has since struggled financially.
OPEC recently agreed to cut output by 1.2 million barrels per day (bpd) to 32.5 million in January 2017

OPEC said Wednesday it was inviting Russia and other key non-members to a meeting later this month as the oil cartel and Moscow seek to tighten cooperation to boost historically low crude prices.

The announcement came after a meeting in Istanbul between several top OPEC energy ministers with their Russian counterpart Alexander Novak aimed at advancing joint efforts to bolster oil prices whose lows have hurt the highly-dependent economies of crude producers.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the World Energy Congress in Istanbul, which on Monday saw a vow by Russian President Vladimir Putin for Moscow to impose curbs on energy output to match OPEC cuts that caused a spurt in oil prices.

"We agreed to have a technical meeting of OPEC... on 28-29 of this month (October). An invitation is going to be sent to some key non-OPEC countries," Qatar Energy Minister Mohammed Saleh al-Sada said after the talks.

"This meeting is meant to give a better understanding of the best way of how to move towards the rebalancing of the market to the interest of all," added the Qatari minister.

Other than Russia, he did not elaborate on what other non-OPEC countries were being invited to the meeting but indicated he wanted a wide turnout.

"We have a list of non-OPEC countries and we are yet to refine it further. We intend to expand it get the feelings of as many non-OPEC countries as possible."

He gave no indication however the meeting would be attended by the United States, the world's number three oil producer.

"The US attending is something we cannot assure you of," he said.

- 'Cooperation roadmap' -

The prospect of Russia, one of the world's top two oil producers alongside Saudi Arabia, coordinating policy with OPEC has boosted global oil markets in the last few days and briefly brought crude to its highest levels for a year.

The cartel had last month at a meeting in Algiers agreed its first production cut in eight years, although it remains to be seen how this will be complied with and implemented.

Story continues

Novak confirmed that Russia had been invited to the October meeting in Vienna which would try and "work out a roadmap for the cooperation of our countries" in the rebalancing of prices.

The upcoming talks will be a technical meeting, with the next general meeting of OPEC ministers planned for November 30 in Vienna.

Novak had on Tuesday evoked a possible six month freeze of production levels by Russia to match OPEC's own output curbs.

He said that no concrete figures were discussed at the meeting. "As for figures, that is in the future and and I think (at the October meeting) we will discuss more or less concrete parameters."

Putin said Wednesday in Russia that a freeze of production at current levels was in the interest of the Russian economy. "If OPEC countries agree a production freeze we will join that decision," he said, adding the key obstacle was to find agreement between Saudi Arabia and its regional foe Iran.

- 'Rebalance the market' -

The energy ministers of OPEC members including United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazroui, Qatar Energy Minister Mohammed Saleh al-Sada and Venezuelan Oil Minister Eulogio del Pino all attended the talks at an Istanbul hotel chaired by OPEC Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo.

Of non-OPEC countries, Mexico was also represented.

However there were notable absentees from the talks, with the energy minister of the cartel's kingpin Saudi Arabia, Khalid al-Falih, having already departed from Istanbul and Iraq and Iran also not attending.

Al-Falih had also made clear at the congress earlier in the week that Saudi Arabia was against any drastic output cuts by OPEC, warning the cartel not to "crimp too tightly".

Oil prices had plunged to historic lows over the last two years with an excess of supply partly due to new and cheaper technologies coming at a time of a global economic slowdown.

"We are doing our very best now to rebalance the market," said the Qatari minister al-Sada, adding that the current "overhang" in excess supply was holding back much-needed investment.
Rosneft stock was up some five percent by 1100 GMT on the Moscow Exchange to 374 rubles ($5.9, 5.5 euros), valuing the company overall at around 58 billion euros

Russia's biggest oil company Rosneft on Wednesday bought the majority stake in Bashneft from the Russian state for $5.2 billion, the economy ministry said in a statement.

"The entire sum -- 329.69 billion rubles -- will go to the Russian budget," minister Alexei Ulyukayev said in the statement, after the sell-off of the 50.07% stake as part of Moscow's drive to raise cash.

The minister said the government had received two bids for the stake.

Bashneft, an oil producer based in the central city of Ufa, was privatised in the early 2000s. In 2014, a Moscow court ordered the nationalisation of a stake held by billionaire Vladimir Yevtushenkov's holding firm Sistema.

Yevtushenkov spent several months under house arrest after being apprehended in December 2013 in a money laundering probe that was widely compared to the controversial case against former Yukos chief Mikhail Khodorkovsky that saw him jailed for a decade on tax evasion changes critics say were politically motivated.

Two months after Bashneft's nationalisation, Yevtushenkov was released.

Putin ordered a privatisation drive in May to fill Russia's thinning coffers as the economy is set to shrink by 3.7 percent, more than the government had forecast.

The decision to let state-controlled Rosneft bid for the stake in Bashneft had been widely criticised, including by the government.
A number of climate change and indigenous land rights activists were arrested today following an attempt to shut off five major oil pipelines from Canada.

Together, the lines targeted in this protest can carry up to 2.8 million barrels of oil each day, representing about 15 percent of our daily oil consumption in the United States.

From the Reuters account of today's #NODAPL action:

Protesters in Montana, Minnesota, North Dakota and Washington state were arrested after turning off valves on pipelines that flow from Canada's oil sands into the United States, said Climate Direct Action. The activist group also posted videos online showing the protesters breaking chains and turning the valves. It did not say how many people had been arrested and no confirmation was immediately available from police in the localities involved. In a press release, the group said it had attempted to shut the pipelines in support of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, which has been protesting the construction of a $3.7 billion pipeline carrying oil from North Dakota to the U.S. Gulf Coast over fears of potential damage to sacred land and water supplies. "We are acting in response to this catastrophe we are facing," Afrin Sopariwala, a spokeswoman for the group, told Reuters.()Sopariwala said protesters shut down the pipelines between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. PT (1330 to 1430 GMT) by manually shutting off valves. In some places they had to cut chains to reach the valves. She said the group had spent months researching how to safely shut down the pipelines.

Related coverage by Jack Healy at the New York Times, "Ranchers Tote Guns as Tribes Dig In for Long Pipeline Fight," covers tensions between armed ranchers and the determined group of indigenous and non-indigenous activists who have maintained a protest encampment now for months:
Geofeedia bills itself as a way for marketers to reach potential customers through geotagged "hashtag listening," but they also sell it to police departments for "predicting, analyzing and acting on social media conversations," like, say, peaceful protests.

Following a series of public record requests, ACLU of California's Technology and Civil Liberties Policy Director Nicole Ozer published a troubling summary of the findings: "It goes without saying that speaking out against police violence or government overreach shouldn't land you in a surveillance database. But it can, and it does." Last year they found that Fresno police were using a Geofeedia competitor to monitor hashtags like #BlackLivesMatter, #DontShoot, #ImUnarmed, #PoliceBrutality, and #ItsTimeforChange.

The New American has also been following this for several years:

Local police departments are using software developed by a CIA-funded company to monitor citizens' social media posts and their physical locations in real time 24 hours a day. Stories from across the country have revealed that several local law enforcement agencies  in Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Oakland among others  and corporations  the Mall of America and McDonald's  have purchased surveillance software from a company called Geofeedia. The program will inform police of the physical location from which you made your last social media post. It will provide the content of your posts, too.

In wake of the recent developments, some social media platforms are pulling back from allowing companies like these to have access to their data.

 Police use of social media surveillance software is escalating, and activists are in the digital crosshairs (ACLU)

Image: Geofeedia promotional video still
SINGAPORE (Reuters) - China Southern Airlines <600029.SS><1055.HK> , the country's largest carrier by fleet size, has signed an agreement with Boeing to buy a dozen B787-9 jets worth $3.3 billion in the latest sign of booming Chinese demand for air travel. Each of the 12 mid-size jets comes at a catalogue price of $271 million, the Guangzhou-based airline said on Wednesday, adding that the aircraft will be delivered in stages from 2018 to 2020. "The acquisition will strengthen the construction of Guangzhou hub, thus maximizing the operational efficiency and enhancing the competitiveness of the group," China Southern said in a filing to the Hong Kong stock exchange. China is the world's fastest-growing aviation market, having expanded rapidly as rising incomes resulting from years of healthy economic growth have boosted demand for internal flights as well as travel abroad for business and leisure. China Southern's deal follows similar fleet expansion moves by rivals such as Air China <601111.SS><0753.HK> and China Eastern Airlines <600115.SS><0670.HK> . (Reporting by Lee Chyen Yee and Bengaluru newsroom; Editing by David Goodman)
Sergie Lavrov pussies

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Wednesday offered an interesting take on the recently leaked tape of Donald Trump boasting that he could grab women "by the p---y" and kiss them without consequence because of his celebrity status.

"Russia had its own Pussy Riot moment. What do you think of Donald Trump's Pussy Riot moment?" CNN's Christiane Amanpour asked Lavrov in an interview.

She was referring to a Russian feminist punk rock band of which two members were jailed in 2012 for hooliganism, prompting a national debate about free speech, Russia's policing practices, and authoritarianism.

"English is not my mother tongue. I don't know if I would sound decent. There are so many p---ies around the presidential campaign on both sides that I prefer not to comment on this," Lavrov said.

"Oh my goodness, I wasn't expecting that," a stunned Amanpour said with a laugh.

Here's the clip of the interaction:

Lavrov is due to discuss the crisis in Syria with US Secretary of State John Kerry on Saturday in Lausanne, Switzerland, Reuters reports. US-Russia relations have deteriorated in recent weeks to their lowest point since the end of the Cold War, amid tensions over Syria and the US alleging that Russia hacked Democratic Party organizations.

NOW WATCH: International investigation: MH17 was struck by a Russian-made missile





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2016 Innovators Awards

An Open Repository of Learning Space Design

The cross-institutional FLEXspace team created a global forum for sharing examples of technology-enhanced learning environments and their impact on teaching and learning.

Category: IT Infrastructure and Systems

Institution: University at Buffalo, State University of New York

Project: FLEXspace

Project lead: Lisa Stephens, senior strategist, SUNY Academic Innovation

Tech lineup: Artstor

Each image in the FLEXspace database includes robust metadata that organizes content into three taxonomies: learning and assessment, technology integration, and facilities integration.

In 2012, the State University of New York was looking for a way to more effectively share information about classroom building and renovation across its 64-campus system. Its vision: a collaborative repository with images and relevant information about examples of learning spaces on campuses across the country. A team quickly began building a proof-of-concept solution that would enable faculty, instructional technologists and facilities planners to share media assets in a structured way.

The Flexible Learning Environments eXchange (FLEXspace) was born out of that initial work at SUNY. And thanks to the support of a cross-institutional team of core contributors  including representatives from California State University, Foothill DeAnza and California Community Colleges, the Consortium of College and University Media Centers, InfoComm, the Society for College and University Planning, Educause Learning Initiative and Artstor, as well as corporate sponsors Herman Miller and Crestron  the effort grew into a highly searchable, peer-reviewed repository of technology-enhanced learning spaces, freely available to the higher ed community. It has since been expanding its mission and services to address the need for extensive global conversations on learning impacts and to provide other, new formats for productive information exchange.

FLEXspace uses the Artstor Shared Shelf platform to create its open education resource and share it with the higher education community. The online repository focuses on innovation, design and technology, providing extensive examples and high-end photos and illustrations as well as descriptive information and data. Shared Shelf provides a highly accessible, trusted environment that safely and securely stores institutional data, and contributions will remain intact and available in FLEXspace for the long term.

A user begins by accessing the public facing FLEXspace website, which describes each project. He or she can then access either the upload functionality (sharing examples of institutional solutions via Artstor's Shared Shelf) or the viewing portal (accessing video, images, and data from the FLEXspace collection).

Learn More Don't miss "FLEXspace: Sharing the Best of Learning Space Design," an in-depth interview with project lead Lisa Stephens and Rebecca Frazee, FLEXspace manager and lecturer for the Learning Design and Technology program at San Diego State University.

Ultimately, FLEXspace, used in conjunction with other resources like the Learning Space Rating System, will not only promote understanding of other institutions' efforts, but also assist individual campus stakeholders in creating master learning space plans. The more aware institutions can be of peer community solutions prior to meeting with architects, technology integrators, planners and donors, the more effective their negotiations can be. The goals are to save time, money and effort in the process of researching and executing the building and renovation of campus learning spaces. Today, FLEXspace is a tool designed to promote common understanding across the faculty, instructional support, facilities and technology integration communities.

As project lead Lisa Stephens, senior strategist for SUNY Academic Innovation, University at Buffalo, reflected, "FLEXspace, particularly when coupled with the Learning Space Rating System, is envisioned to be not only an infrastructure or facilities planning tool, but ultimately a forum for learning space designers and builders, as well as faculty using these flexible learning spaces, to engage in global conversations about how space and environment impacts learning effectiveness."
A Monroe woman was injured Tuesday when her vehicle collided with an overturned hay wagon on a Green County highway.

The crash happened at about 8:10 p.m. in the W1400 block of Highway 11 in the town of Spring Grove, the Sheriff's Office said.

Jeanne Riley, 69, was taken to the Monroe Clinic then flown by Med Flight to UW Hospital in Madison for injuries from the crash.

According to the report, Evan Marchant, 22, of Brodhead, was driving a tractor pulling a hay wagon loaded with baled corn stalks, going west on Highway 11.

He started to turn left into a driveway when a wheel on the hay wagon broke, tipping the wagon onto its side in the middle of the road.

Riley also was driving west on Highway 11 and struck the hay wagon. She was not wearing a seat belt.

Marchant was not injured.
Funding, Grants & Awards

Boeing Grants Benefit STEM in Washington Universities

Three Washington state universities have been the recent recipients of new grants from Boeing for STEM initiatives. The University of Washington (UW), Seattle U and Washington State (WSU) have all won awards from the company, which views the latest funding as a way to help ensure it has a trained workforce to fill its aviation jobs.

UW received $500,000 toward helping "under-represented" high schoolers attend and succeed at the university. That includes support for the "Dream Project," which trains UW students to mentor first-generation and low-income students in King County high schools as they navigate the college-admissions process.

Seattle U's College of Science and Engineering received $250,000 to improve retention rates of non-traditional students, specifically women and people of color.

WSU is also receiving $250,000, which it will use to create new coursework and equip new labs at its new North Puget Sound campus in Everett, scheduled to open in 2017. One of the motivations for placing a campus in that location was to be able to "deliver ready-to-work employees directly to the aerospace industry and other advanced manufacturing industries in our region," said President Kirk Schulz. The main campus for the institution is located 300 miles east in Pullman, WA.

As a thanks to Boeing, the university will be designating a fabrication lab on the first floor of the 95,000-square foot building in Everett as the "Boeing Innovation Studio." It will house a 3D printer and scanner, a CNC mill, laser cutter and other advanced manufacturing gear. Students will use the equipment to create capstone and club projects and do hands-on coursework.

"Boeing will be a significant jobs provider in Washington for decades to come. Our hope and goal is that those future jobs will continue to be filled by kids who grow up right here," said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO, Ray Conner, in a prepared statement. "We are working hard today to give Washington students opportunities for employment within aerospace, manufacturing and other STEM-related fields when they graduate.
Student Information Systems

Cuyahoga Community College Develops Unified Student Data System

Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) in Cleveland, OH has launched OneRecord, a software platform that lets faculty and staff throughout the college access student data through a single interface.

OneRecord is part of the college's One Door, Many Options for Success initiative, which focuses on "redesigning college systems and services to focus on students rather than processes," according to the college's strategic plan. The ultimate goal of the initiative is to improve student retention and completion rates.

Cuyahoga Community College partnered with Hyland Software to develop the OneRecord system using the OnBase by Hyland platform, which centralizes content, processes and cases from multiple systems across the institution.

Previously, faculty and staff had to access student data through multiple applications, including Banner by Ellucian, Ellucian Degree Works, Blackboard Transact and Blackboard Learn. Now, with OneRecord, they can access the same information through a single comprehensive view. According to Terri Pope, president of the community college's Westshore campus, OneRecord enables "staff members to provide better student service from any Tri-C location across the region, and eliminate barriers to completion for more than 55,000 students."

"With OneRecord, Tri-C employees are able to devote time to student-facing relationship building instead of flipping through many different screens to access information, and students no longer have to visit multiple offices to get the answers they need," said Laurel Stiller, global portfolio manager, higher education at Hyland, in a prepared statement.

The new system went live in summer 2016, and the college provided all of its employees with training on the system in preparation for the fall semester.
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 12, 2016 (HealthDay News) -- Mammography screening is much more likely to find insignificant breast tumors than it is to catch potentially life-threatening cancer in its early stages, a new study claims.

The study is the latest to question the value of routine mammography screening.

But, the new research drew fire from critics who said the study methods were flawed, and they said the findings don't change the current guidelines on breast cancer screening.

The study analyzed U.S. government cancer statistics to try to estimate how effective mammography screening has been since it came into widespread use in the 1980s.

It concluded that the incidence of large breast tumors (2 centimeters or more) among U.S. women had declined.

But, the researchers estimated that trend has been eclipsed by a much larger increase in the number of women diagnosed with small tumors.

And most of those tumors would never have progressed to the point of threatening a woman's life, said lead researcher Dr. H. Gilbert Welch. He's from the Dartmouth Institute of Health Policy and Clinical Practice in Lebanon, N.H.

The upshot, according to Welch, is that mammography is more likely to "overdiagnose" breast cancer than to catch more-aggressive tumors early.

What's more, the researchers said that while breast cancer deaths have fallen since the 1970s, that is mainly due to better treatment -- not screening.

Welch noted the current study's findings have nothing to do with women who feel a lump in the breast. "They need to get a mammogram," he stressed.

But, Welch suggested, when it comes to routine screening, women can decide based on their personal values.

Other cancer and radiology experts, however, were quick to point out flaws in the study and to defend current screening guidelines.

"I don't think this will alter, in any way, the guidelines from major organizations," said Dr. Richard Wender, chief cancer control officer for the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Wender encouraged women to "not lose confidence" in the recommendations from the ACS, U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and other medical organizations.

Each group differs slightly, Wender said, but all recommend that women begin mammography screening at some point between the ages of 40 and 50.

"When we update those guidelines, it's based on all of the evidence we have from high-quality studies -- not just one study," Wender said.

Mammography screening has been mired in controversy for years, as a number of studies have doubted whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

The major risks are "overdiagnosis" and "overtreatment." Mammography detects small tumors -- including early tumors in the milk ducts, and the screening inevitably detects some tumors that aren't life-threatening.

The problem, Welch said, is that doctors have no way of predicting which of those tiny tumors will progress and which will remain harmless.

So most women get treatment -- with surgery, radiation and possibly hormone therapy. That means some women face "real harm," but no benefit, Welch pointed out.

Everyone acknowledges that overdiagnosis happens, Wender said. However, this study cannot gauge the extent of overdiagnosis, or the value of mammography screening, he added.

For one, it's a review of data from a cancer registry -- a "weak form of evidence," Wender said.

"What's the highest-quality evidence?" he said. "Comparing a big group of women who've had mammograms with a big group who have not, and following them over years."

Those types of studies have shown that women who undergo mammography screening have a lower risk of dying from breast cancer, Wender said.

Dr. Kathryn Evers, director of mammography at Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, made the same point.

"Randomized controlled trials -- long considered the 'gold standard' for evaluating interventions -- have demonstrated that the use of screening mammography saves lives," she said.

The current study took a different approach to scrutinizing mammography. The researchers analyzed information on tumor size for U.S. women aged 40 and up who were diagnosed with breast cancer between 1975 and 2012.

Not surprisingly, the investigators found that the rate of small-tumor detection (smaller than 2 centimeters) rose substantially after mammography screening became routine.

But, Welch said, if screening were working as hoped -- catching a lot of life-threatening cancers early -- there should have been a comparable drop in the diagnosis of large tumors.

"That's not what happened," he said. There was a decline in large-tumor detection, but it was relatively small.

The researchers estimated that screening caught an additional 162 small breast tumors for every 100,000 women, versus the pre-screening era. But only 30 of those 162 tumors would likely have grown larger, the researchers said.

"Now here's the good news," Welch said. "Deaths from breast cancer have fallen by about one-third."

But, he said, based on his team's estimates, most of the credit should go to treatment advances. Deaths have fallen regardless of breast tumor size, the findings showed.

Welch acknowledged one limitation of the study. Researchers assumed that the true incidence of breast cancer in the United States has remained stable over the years -- and that any increases in diagnoses were the result of mammography screening.

But according to the American College of Radiology (ACR), that's a false assumption.

In a statement, the group pointed to evidence that the U.S. breast cancer rate has been rising each year for some time. Had that trend been taken into account, the ACR said, "the findings would have been vastly different -- showing no evidence of overdiagnosis and a marked decline in advanced cancers."

The study was published Oct. 13 in the New England Journal of Medicine.

More information

The American Cancer Society has more on breast cancer screening.
If ecotourism in the Galapagos Islands--a province of Ecuador 1,000 kilometers from the mainland--continues to match its growth rate of the past two decades, the renowned sea turtles, giant tortoises, marine iguanas and unique landscapes that help attract visitors face serious risks.

That's among the scenarios developed by researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Center for Galapagos Studies and the joint UNC-University of San Francisco de Quito Galapagos Science Center as part of a new effort to help Ecuador government officials plan for the future as they aim to balance economic development and resource conservation in a World Heritage site.

A new paper describing the research team's models forecasting potential outcomes appears in the Oct. 10th issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

More than 225,000 people visited the Galapagos in 2015, and the residential population has grown to about 30,000 as people flock to the island for higher wages in the booming ecotourism economy.

In an effort to sustainably develop and manage growth, the Ecuador government asked Steve Walsh, director of the UNC-Chapel Hill center, and Carlos Mena, director of the Galapagos Science Center, to generate scenarios of change reflecting the number of tourists and residents that the islands could accommodate before they start to lose their luster.

The resulting models drew from several representations of Galapagos society, human-environment interactions and how people function within both human and natural systems. For example, Walsh and Mena pulled data from multiple demographic, tourist, economic and environmental sources for analysis through computer modeling to predict how much growth the islands can sustain by 2033.

"The Ecuadorian government and the Galapagos National Park are asking the exact right questions," said Walsh, the Lyle V. Jones Distinguished Professor of Geography at UNC-Chapel Hill. "No one wants a boom and bust situation. We want wise, managed growth within the concept of sustainability."

Although the focus of the research was on the Galapagos, Walsh said he wanted to refine the models to study human-environment interactions affected by social and ecological forces and factors originating in the islands and beyond their shores.

"Our modeling is an attempt to help guide wise stewardship of a special place, and I think the models give us the opportunity to create a computerized natural laboratory to test scenarios of change," he said. "As we build these models, the notion is to understand the Galapagos and to export them to similarly challenged places around the globe."

The goal of the study and the models is not to tell governments what to do, but to help them make more informed decisions about the sustainability of island ecosystems and future threats.

"We see our models as tools for decision-makers that can help them understand and evaluate the value of special places and the risks they're willing to tolerate," said Walsh. "Our models allow decision- makers to look at scenarios of change and to choose what best matches their management goals and their sense of value and risk."

Using models to simulate behavior and feedback between people and the environment always has some uncertainty, he said. Researchers used real data, computed actual functions that linked variables and social and ecological processes, and performed analyses to determine the degree of uncertainty in their findings.

"We're not simulating data. We're not making up data. We're not using theory to guide it," said Walsh. "It's real data and real functions, and that improves the performance of the models."

The Galapagos Science Center is a joint effort between UNC-Chapel Hill and the Universidad San Francisco de Quito. The two universities built a research facility in 2011 on San Cristobal Island to promote science and education that will help protect the fragile island ecosystems and enhance the lives of their inhabitants. The facility is being used by UNC and USFQ faculty and students conducting research on the Galapagos Archipelago in association with the Galapagos National Park. UNC students use the facilities for study abroad experiences and to support their work on undergraduate, graduate and doctoral theses and dissertations.

The facility houses four laboratories focusing on terrestrial ecology, marine ecology, geospatial technologies, microbiology and genetics. With a permanent staff, field measurement equipment and several permitted projects that extend across the sciences, the Galapagos initatives focus on population, health and environment through a focus on understanding the complex interactions among the social, terrestrial and marine systems of the Galapagos islands.

###
A Sauk County sheriffs deputy answering a call for a suicidal man in West Baraboo was shot in the hand by the man, who fired a shotgun through his apartment door.

William Abate, 56, was arrested on a tentative charge of attempted first-degree intentional homicide, and other charges might be made against him as well, the Sheriffs Office said.

The incident happened at about 1:40 p.m. Monday, when Abate called 911, saying he no longer wanted to live. When deputies arrived, the man answered the door armed with a shotgun, Sheriff Chip Meister said, causing officers to retreat.

Abate then opened the door, closed it and fire a shot through the door, hitting the deputy in the hand.

The unidentified deputy, a 23-year veteran of the force, was treated and released.

Evidence at the scene indicated the man had several firearms available to him in multiple rooms of his apartment, Meister said. He may have been planning on engaging law enforcement in a gun fight.
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. and CAMBRIDGE, United Kingdom, Oct. 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inivata, a global clinical cancer genomics company employing a revolutionary approach to circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) analysis to improve personalized healthcare in oncology, today announces the launch of its US clinical validation study (INI-001) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

INI-001 will be conducted at more than 30 centers in the US and led by co-principal investigators Ramaswamy Govindan, MD, Anheuser-Busch Endowed Chair in Medical Oncology, Director, Section of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine and Ed Kim, MD, Chairman, Solid Tumor Oncology and Investigational Therapeutics at Levine Cancer Institute. It is expected to recruit several hundred patients. It is a prospective study to evaluate the performance of Inivata's targeted molecular profiling liquid biopsy platform in comparison to tissue based molecular profiling in patients with advanced NSCLC.

Inivata has selected Vector Oncology as the Clinical Research Organization for the study. Patient samples will be analyzed at Inivata's recently opened CLIA-accredited laboratory in Research Triangle Park, North Carolina. "Liquid biopsy approaches allow for far less invasive analysis of a patient's cancer and have the potential to greatly improve care. This is an important, rigorously-designed trial and we look forward to working with Inivata and the study centers to advance the understanding of ctDNA analysis in a clinical setting," said Lee Schwartzberg, MD, President and Chief Medical Officer of Vector Oncology.

"Tissue biopsies are highly invasive, particularly in lung cancer, and can fail as a result of lack of tissue availability. The launch of this trial is an exciting step in establishing the clinical utility of liquid biopsies in a disease which remains a significant cause of cancer-related mortality," said Dr. Govindan. Dr. Kim added, "I am excited to see Inivata take this important step to begin to establish a robust clinical evidence base for their novel approach to ctDNA analysis. The potential of ctDNA to unlock real time genomic information to help us treat lung cancer patients more effectively has transformative potential, and I am eager to work with the strong scientific and medical teams at Inivata to demonstrate the clinical utility of these approaches over time."

Inivata is currently involved with a number of clinical studies with leading cancer centers globally, but this is Inivata's first prospective clinical validation study. Clive Morris, MD, Inivata's Chief Medical Officer said, "We are thrilled to partner with outstanding national cancer centers across the US to launch our INI-001 study, which will correlate our highly sensitive ctDNA analysis from a simple blood draw with standard of care tissue biopsies. These data will be a key part of the evidence to support the use of Inivata's proprietary platform in helping physicians improve the clinical outcomes of their cancer patients."

The INI-001 (NCT02906852) trial is expected to complete in July 2017. The primary outcome measure is concordance in the detection of molecular abnormalities using Inivata's liquid biopsy panel with detection using standard of care tissue biopsy analysis. Secondary outcome measures include sensitivity and specificity comparisons, and an analysis of the proportion of NSCLC patients eligible for targeted therapy compared to standard of care alone. More details can be seen at ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02906852?term=inivata&rank=1).

-ENDS-

Interviews available on request.

Contact details: Liz Macfadyen Email: liz.macfadyen@inivata.com Phone: +44 (0)7739462323 1-(888)-424-8282

Consilium Strategic Communications Chris Gardner/Laura Thornton Email: inivata@consilium-comms.com Phone: +44 (0)20 3709 5700

About Inivata

Inivata, a clinical cancer genomics company, is employing the precision of ctDNA analysis to improve personalized healthcare in oncology. Using a simple blood test, ctDNA analysis is a new tool for oncologists to detect cancer, stratify patients, and assess individual response to treatment. Inivata's proprietary technology is based on pioneering research from the Rosenfeld Lab at the Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute (CRUK-CI), University of Cambridge. Inivata's InVision ctDNA assay provides a highly sensitive analysis of a highly-select gene panel to identify actionable mutations for oncologists to treat their patients optimally. For more information and a full listing of investors, please go to www.inivata.com. Follow us on Twitter @Inivata

About Vector Oncology

Vector Oncology is a leader in the design and delivery of care based oncology research and data analytics. Over a decade of exceptional medical and operational expertise in the conduct of more than 300 oncology studies makes Vector Oncology an ideal partner for real world programs and early phase trials. Our full service teams comprised of world class HEOR scientists, doctors, nurses, biostatisticians, trial management professionals, and strong executive leaders work together to ensure timely delivery of quality trial data. Vector Oncology offers a unique combination of assets and capabilities including our practicing medical oncologists with expertise across a range of tumor types and hematologic diseases who actively participate in the design and delivery of our early and late phase studies for our life sciences clients.

Vector's team, with a targeted focus and deep experience in oncology, fully understands how to navigate the issues associated with successful oncology trial management. For more information, please visit www.vectoroncology.com.
Provides robust network monitoring, configuration management, security and reporting capabilities for smaller mobile, enterprise and public sector networks: radio networks with up to 2,000 network elements, core networks with up to 500,000 subscribers

Combines core NetAct functionality for larger networks with software-only delivery; optimized for smaller-scale mobile network operational and budget requirements

Launch shows Nokia's commitment to win new business in fields beyond its traditional telecommunications provider customer base

12 October 2016

Espoo, Finland - Nokia today announced Nokia NetAct Compact, an advanced virtualized mobile network management system that meets the rising demand for smaller radio and core networks coming from a diverse range of industries outside of the telecommunications sector.

Nokia NetAct Compact is built upon the industry-leading Nokia NetAct solution, the first major virtualized network management software for mobile networks. Providing operators with a single, consolidated and comprehensive view of any mobile network, Nokia NetAct delivers best-in-class tools for troubleshooting, administration, software management and configuration management. It also delivers advanced assurance capabilities as part of Nokia's comprehensive, multi-domain Service Assurance program, which provides closed-loop automation to drive greater network agility and optimization.

Delivering the core functionality that Nokia NetAct provides for large networks, NetAct Compact is optimized to meet the operational and budget requirements of smaller operators, as well as organizations in public sector markets. Key target markets for NetAct Compact include: public safety networks (including TETRA customers), enterprise and public sector networks (healthcare, oil and gas, mining, railways, airports and universities), and smaller telecommunications operators.

Peter Patomella, head of Network Management & Self Optimizing Networks at Nokia, said: "There are a number of smaller operators and customers outside of the traditional service provider market that up until now have not had access to a robust network management system. NetAct Compact brings a powerful solution with all the tools needed to help them improve network performance and enhance users' experiences. It also allows them to manage complex networks without compromising network and service quality, and without increasing operational costs."

A single management system based on industry standards, Nokia NetAct Compact is designed for radio networks with up to 2,000 network elements, and core networks with up to 500,000 subscribers. It provides a number of advanced applications for system configuration and for monitoring and maximizing network performance, including the NetAct Configurator, which provides robust configuration management capabilities. NetAct Compact applications include:

NetAct Configurator - Offers comprehensive functionality for sophisticated configuration management with common processes and data storage in multi-technology radio and core networks



NetAct Monitor - Provides centralized end-to-end network monitoring on a single screen for all technologies, from element management to operational management



NetAct Performance Manager - Helps operators improve service quality and optimize network performance through real-time 24x7 performance management and monitoring

Availability

Nokia NetAct Compact is available today. For more information, visit the NetAct website.

Connect with Nokia:

About Nokia

Nokia is a global leader in the technologies that connect people and things. Powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs and Nokia Technologies, the company is at the forefront of creating and licensing the technologies that are increasingly at the heart of our connected lives.

With state-of-the-art software, hardware and services for any type of network, Nokia is uniquely positioned to help communication service providers, governments, and large enterprises deliver on the promise of 5G, the Cloud and the Internet of Things. www.nokia.com

Media Enquiries:

Nokia

Communications

Phone: +358 10 448 4900

Email: press.services@nokia.com
- FMX314 received both CE Mark Approval and 510(k) Clearance last quarter-

NUTH, The Netherlands and SAN DIEGO, Oct. 12, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fortimedix Surgical today announced the completion of an 11M Series A funding round. The round was led by Chemelot Ventures, a Netherlands-based, venture capital firm focused on investing in smart materials and life sciences, along with participation from all existing shareholders. The company will use these funds to support the U.S. and European launch of FMX314, the worlds first single-port surgery solution that is compatible with a standard 15mm trocar for use in minimally invasive abdominal laparoscopic surgery.

We are proud to partner with Fortimedix Surgical as it launches FMX314, which we believe can deliver on the promise of single-port laparoscopic surgery, commented Casper Bruens, Managing Director of Chemelot Ventures. Since 2004 our firm has been involved with Fortimedix, a global leader in the field of endovascular stents, the company from which Fortimedix Surgical emerged in 2012. We have gained tremendous trust in the companys leadership and are confident Fortimedix Surgical will achieve the ambitious commercial milestones for FMX314 as planned.

FMX314 promises fewer port-site complications, less post-operative pain, faster recovery and exceptional cosmesis. Emulating conventional, multi-port laparoscopy makes FMX314 easy to use and enables surgeons to perform procedural steps ergonomically, allowing for a comfortable and secure single-port approach.

We are excited to have Chemelot Ventures as an investment partner in our company, as we rapidly advance to commercialize FMX314 in key markets around the world, said Mr. Wout Bijker, CEO of Fortimedix Surgical. Following the recent 510(k) FDA Clearance in the U.S. and CE Mark Approval in Europe, this funding round represents another significant achievement that further enables us to offer the innovative FMX314 Surgical Platform to patients and healthcare communities around the world.

FMX314 will be formally launched in the U.S. during the American College of Surgeons (ACS) Clinical Congress, taking place October 16  20, 2016 in Washington, D.C., where Fortimedix Surgical will be located at booth #1139. The European commercial launch is planned for 2017.

Additional funds were received from MKB Leningenfonds, an investment fund specializing in financing Dutch Small and Medium size Enterprises (SMEs), and Rijksdienst voor Ondernemend Nederland, a part of the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs.

About Fortimedix Surgical

Fortimedix Surgical is a fast growing medical device company, aiming to challenge the status quo in minimally invasive surgery by creating novel devices that capture the claimed benefits of single-port surgery. The company is headquartered in Nuth, The Netherlands, and has a US subsidiary in San Diego, CA. With a strong history as a global market leader in contract stent manufacturing, Fortimedix has been a trusted partner in the medical device industry for over 15 years. Fortimedix Surgical is committed to driving the evolution of minimally invasive surgery through smart innovation across surgical specialties to improve the quality of life of patients throughout the world. For more information, please visit www.fortimedixsurgical.com

About Chemelot Ventures

Chemelot Ventures is a regional venture capital fund in the south of The Netherlands with a focus on smart materials and life sciences. The fund invests in product companies as well as in technology platforms and circular economy initiatives. Chemelot Ventures is the successor fund of the 2004 vintage Limburg Ventures fund which has made 21 investments. For more information, please visit www.chemelotventures.com

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements herein include forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements generally can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as may, will, expect, intend, estimate, anticipate, believe, project or continue or the negative thereof or other similar words. All forward looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the protection of intellectual property, changes to governmental regulation of medical devices, the introduction of new products into the marketplace by competitors, changes to the competitive environment, the acceptance of new products in the marketplace, conditions of the surgical industry and economic and political conditions globally. Actual results may differ materially from those contemplated or implied by the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this release and Fortimedix Surgical assumes no duty to update them to reflect new, changing or unanticipated events or circumstances.
The shareholders of Nexam Chemical Holding AB (publ), corporate identity number 556919-9432, are hereby convened to the Extraordinary General Meeting, held at 3.00 p.m. on Friday, 28 October 2016 at Nexam Chemical, Scheelevagen 19, in Lund. Admission for registration from 2.45 p.m. Notice of the Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting The shareholders of Nexam Chemical Holding AB (publ), (Holding), are hereby convened to attend the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) held at 3.00 p.m. on Friday, 28 October 2016 at Nexam Chemical, Scheelevagen 19, in Lund. Entitlement to participate and notification Shareholders wishing to attend the EGM must,  first, be listed in the share register kept by Euroclear Sweden AB on Saturday, 22 October 2016, and  secondly, not later than Monday, 24 October 2016, inform Holding in writing of their attendance and number of assistances, if any, to Nexam Chemical Holding AB (publ), Bolagsstamma, Scheelevagen 19, 223 63 Lund. Such notification can also be given by telephone +46 733 88 98 38, or by e-mail to info@nexamchemical.com. Notification ought to include the shareholders name, address, telephone number, personal or corporate identity number, registered shareholding and information on proxies and number of assistances, if any. Notification and particulars of any proxy and assistances will be registered with Holding to provide the basis for the voting list. Proxies etc. If shareholders attend by proxy, such proxy must bring a written power of attorney, dated and signed by the shareholder, to the EGM. This power of attorney may not be older than one year, unless a longer term of validity (although subject to a maximum of five years) is stated in the power of attorney. If the power of attorney is issued by a legal entity, a certified copy of registration certificate or equivalent document for the legal entity shall be presented. To facilitate entry, a copy of the power of attorney and other legitimacy papers is preferably attached to the notification of attendance of the EGM. Forms for power of attorney can be found at the Companys website www.nexamchemical.com and at the head office in Lund, (Scheelevagen 19) and will be sent to shareholders who so request and state their address. Nominee-registered shares Shareholders who have their holdings nominee-registered, through bank or other administrator, must, to be entitled to participate in the EGM, temporarily register the shares in their own name at Euroclear Sweden AB. Such temporary re -registration of ownership must be implemented no later than Saturday, 22 October 2016. Accordingly, shareholders must inform their nominees or banks of their wish of re-registration well in advance of Friday, 21 October 2016 since the record date is a Saturday. Other The board of directors report in accordance with AMN 2012:05, which also includes the proposal for resolution on item 6 (Resolution on approval of acquisition of warrants) and the statement (fairness opinion) from Ohrlings PriceWaterhouseCoopers AB which considers the fairness of the transactions for Holdings shareholders from a financial point of view, are available at Holdings head office, Scheelevagen 19 in Lund and at Holdings website (www.nexamchemical.com). The documents will upon request be sent to shareholders who state their address. Shareholders attending the EGM are entitled to request disclosures regarding matters on the agenda in accordance with chap. 7  32 of the Swedish Companies Act (2005:551). Agenda 0. Opening of the meeting. 1. Election of Chairman of the meeting. 2. Preparation and approval of the voting list. 3. Approval of the agenda. 4. Election of one or two persons to verify the minutes. 5. Consideration of whether the meeting has been duly convened. 6. Resolution on approval of acquisition of warrants. 7. Closing of the meeting. Proposed resolutions Election of Chairman of the meeting (item 1) The board of directors proposes that the lawyer Ola Grahn is appointed Chairman of the meeting. Resolution on approval of acquisition of warrants (item 6) In Holdings wholly-owned subsidiary Nexam Chemical AB, corporate identity number 556784-6711 (the Subsidiary) there are outstanding warrants in three series. The warrants entitle the holder of the warrants to subscribe for new shares in the Subsidiary and the warrants have been issued within the scope of an incentive program before the current Holding group was established. In connection with the establishment of the current Holding group with Holding as the parent company, Holding and the holders of the warrants entered into agreements in which agreements the parties have agreed that new shares issued upon exercise of the warrants in the Subsidiary shall be immediately transferred to Holding, whereby Holding shall pay a purchase price of 182.5034 newly issued shares in Holding for every new share in the Subsidiary which has been issued upon exercise of warrants. The holders of the warrants amount to 10, of which 6 remain employed by the Holding group. The issuance of new shares in Holding, which shares Holding is obliged to issue to the holders of the warrants in connection with the exercise of the warrants, requires resolutions on issues in kind. Since the warrants are partially held by persons who are employed by the Holding group, chap. 16 of the Swedish Companies Act states that such shareholder resolutions must be supported by shareholders representing at least nine-tenths of the votes cast and the shares represented at the General Meeting in order to be valid. Since the programs have different duration periods, it will be necessary to resolve on issues in kind on separate General Meetings during 2016, 2017 and 2018. The procedure with repeated General Meetings would result in administrative efforts and costs for Holding. If the necessary majority of nine-tenths does not approve the issue in kind on the Extraordinary General Meetings, the Subsidiary will have a number of minority shareholders. In accordance with the Swedish Companies Act, a minority shareholder is entitled to have its shares redeemed by the majority shareholder. If a settlement is not possible between the parties, the request of redemption will be settled in accordance with the provisions on compulsory redemption in the Swedish Companies Act. In order to avoid multiple future General Meetings and uncertainties regarding future minority shareholders and processes related to compulsory redemption, the board of directors of Holding has therefore evaluated alternatives. Holding has after negotiations with the holders of the warrants entered into agreements in accordance with what is set out below. It is the board of directors assessment that the agreed terms and conditions are favorable for Holdings shareholders. Holding has entered into agreements with all holders of the warrants which warrants have been issued by the Subsidiary, under which agreements the parties have agreed that Holding shall acquire the warrants with cash consideration. The agreed purchase price has been calculated from the assessment of market values which, inter alia, have included analyses, warrant value estimates and value estimates related to each warrant series. The total purchase price to be paid for all warrants amounts to SEK 4,773,019. The purchase price will be financed through existing funds and will only have a marginal effect on Holdings financial position. The board of directors has obtained a so-called fairness opinion from Ohrlings PriceWaterhouseCoopers AB which supports that the agreed terms and conditions for Holdings acquisition of the warrants are reasonable for Holdings shareholders from a financial point of view. The agreements with the holders of the warrants are subject to approval from the EGM regarding the transfers. Provided that such approval will be granted, the warrants will be transferred immediately thereafter. As provided above, the warrants have been issued within the scope of an incentive program. Among the holders as of today there are people who remain as employees in the Holding group as well as persons who have terminated their employment in the Holding group. Whereas some of the holders of the warrants are employed by the Holding group, the board of directors has made the assessment that Holdings acquisition of warrants constitutes such transactions that, in accordance with the statement from the Swedish Securities Council in AMN 2012:05, requires approval from the General Meeting in Holding. As provided above, the agreements are therefore subject to the approval from the EGM. In the light of the above, the board of directors proposes that the EGM resolves to approve Holdings acquisition of the warrants. Number of shares and votes As of the date of issuing of this notice to attend, the total number of registered shares and votes in the company amounts to 64,724,000. The company holds no own shares. ______________________ Lund, October 2016 Nexam Chemical Holding AB (publ) The Board of Directors Note: This text has been translated from Swedish. The Swedish text shall govern for all purposes and prevail in case of any discrepancy with the English version. For further information please contact: Lennart Holm, Chairman of the Board, +46-706 30 85 62, lennart.holm@nexamchemical.com This information is information that Nexam Chemical Holding AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person set out above, at 13:45 CET on October 12, 2016. ____________________________________________________________________________ About Nexam Chemical Nexam Chemical develops technology and products that make it possible to significantly improve the production process and properties of most types of plastics in a cost-effective manner and with retained production technology. The improved properties include strength, toughness, temperature and chemical resistance as well as service life. The improvements in properties that can be achieved by using Nexam Chemical's technology make it possible to replace metals and other heavier or more expensive materials with plastics in a number of applications. In applications where plastic is already used, Nexam Chemicals products can improve the manufacturing process, reducing material use and enable more environmental friendly alternatives. Example of commercial applications: pipe manufacturing, foam production and high-performance plastics. More information about the business will be found on www.nexamchemical.com (http://file///\\TELLUS\styrelsen\A.%20Pressmeddelanden%20 o ch%20nyheter\Pressmeddelanden\Eng\www.nexamchemical.com). The companys Certified Adviser is FNCA Sweden AB.
As of August 26th, 2021 Yahoo India will no longer be publishing content. Your Yahoo Account Mail and Search experiences will not be affected in any way and will operate as usual. We thank you for your support and readership. For more information on Yahoo India, please visit the FAQ
Deputies from the Dane County Sheriffs Office who were sent to North Dakota this week to aid police efforts at a contested pipeline site will return by Sunday and will not be replaced, as earlier planned, Sheriff Dave Mahoney said Wednesday.

After talking with a wide cross-section of the community who all share the opinion that our deputies should not be involved in this situation, Mahoney said, he decided to stop the Sheriffs Offices participation after one week.

The original plan was to rotate three teams of deputies Sunday-to-Sunday over three weeks, he said. He said reduced reimbursement of costs also played a part in the decision.

Dane County deputies were not involved in two incidents Monday in which arrests were made. One of those arrested was Madison Ald. Rebecca Kemble, who had traveled to Morton County, North Dakota, over the weekend to present the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe with a parchment copy of a recent City Council resolution expressing solidarity with those protesting the pipeline.

Kemble on Tuesday said she was acting as a legal observer, recording video of a ceremony featuring prayer, drumming and dancing, when she was grabbed and arrested near the pipeline site. The Morton County Sheriffs Department characterized the incident as a riot, which Kemble disputed.

Mahoney said his decision was not based on any specific incident.

Ten deputies and three supervisors of the Dane County Special Events Team joined a group of 43 Wisconsin officers responding to a call for help from the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services. The deputies were to provide assistance at the construction site of the controversial Dakota Access oil pipeline, a 1,200-mile line from North Dakota to Illinois. Opponents of the pipeline worry it could taint drinking water on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation and destroy cultural artifacts.

Lori Getter, spokeswoman for Wisconsin Emergency Management, said many of the officers were returning after one week on assignment.

The one-week deployment was the schedule we agreed to, and Dane County had agreed to, Sunday to Sunday, she said. The Wisconsin State Patrol, which sent 17 people, was also ending deployment Sunday and returning Saturday, said Patricia Mayers, DOT spokesperson. Likewise, Rock Countys five officers, and two of four sent from St. Croix County. The four from Marathon County are there for two weeks, Getter said.

The state of North Dakota is paying expenses for bringing in law enforcement help at the pipeline construction site. While protesters have been at the site for months, numbers have been steadily increasing, and an estimated 2,000 to 3,000 pipeline opponents are encamped just north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, about 25 miles south of Bismarck.

Mahoney agreed to send Dane County deputies, he said, because the request was made based on our teams experience in responding to highly volatile demonstrations. Since being on site (in North Dakota) our staff has seen the necessity of law enforcement involvement to protect public safety.

A portion of the protesters have resorted to harming individuals and damaging private property.

Dane Countys deputies have not arrested anyone, he said.

Our people have shined, they report they stood in line and were confronted with baseball bats and tire irons," he said. Our deputies said there was a need for law enforcement.

He said he was proud of their participation, but our assistance is complete, we have enough priorities here in our community to address.

Also, deployment would begin to cost Dane County beyond what would be reimbursed, Mahoney said. After the first week, costs to pay for replacement shifts at home would not be covered.

They would pay for the ones out there, but not for the ones here who were filling in, and that would be significant money, he said.

Getter said reimbursement would typically include wages, overtime, mileage on squad cars and a per diem.

Editor's note: This story has been updated to remove a quoted reference to law enforcement officers being sprayed with wasp spray during the protests. Authorities say the protesters have wasp spray but there have been no incidents in which it has been used on officers.
UW-Madison students reported more than three times as many instances of discrimination to campus officials through the first half of 2016 than they had during the prior six months, according to a report released Wednesday.

The increase  from 18 reported incidents in the second half of 2015 to 66 from January through June of this year  came amid a series of high-profile racist incidents at UW-Madison, as well as a social media campaign in which minority students sought to bring greater attention to the negative experiences they have had at the university.

Incidents reported to UW-Madison included anti-Semitic graffiti spray-painted on university buildings, as well as what officials described as racial insults and intense, disrespectful, threatening and controversial posts online.

In 30 of the incidents, the victim was targeted based on their ethnicity or national origin, according to UW-Madison, while others were discriminated against because of their religion, gender or sexual orientation.

Campus officials said Wednesday it is unclear whether instances of hate and bias, as the university refers to them, have actually been more prevalent at UW-Madison this year.

Rather, they said, the higher number of reports was likely the result of more students coming forward when incidents happen, which officials attributed to the universitys efforts to encourage reporting.

Dean of Students Lori Berquam said the increase is similar to what universities have seen in reports of sexual assault recently as campuses have made students more aware of the process for reporting.

Im glad that we have a mechanism so students who are impacted can be heard, and can more importantly be supported, Berquam said.

Its also not clear how the 66 reported incidents through June of this year stack up historically. UW-Madisons Bias Response Team, which handles those incidents, has tracked them only since July 2015.

Berquam said the Bias Response Team often responds to incidents that may not be so severe that police are involved, but certainly (have) an impact on our community by making people feel unwelcome.

We know that those issues on our campus impact the ability of our students to be successful inside the classroom, Berquam said.

One of the incidents, the anti-Semitic graffiti, was considered a hate crime. A Madison man who is not affiliated with the university pleaded guilty in July to misdemeanor criminal charges for the graffiti, according to online court records.

Seven additional reports were filed to the team that officials determined were not related to bias.

UW-Madison officials say they have taken several steps to address concerns students raised during protests over the campus racial climate last semester. Among other programs, teaching assistants, house fellows and about 1,000 new students have been taking part in inclusivity training programs since the summer.

Nine UW-Madison students were disciplined for their role in six bias incidents, according to the report.

They received a range of punishments  three students were given written reprimands, three were put on probation, one was suspended from the university and one was kicked out of University Housing. Some students received multiple sanctions for the same incident.

Free-speech organizations have raised concerns that the focus on bias incidents at UW-Madison and other universities, as well as a push for students to report potentially discriminatory actions, could stifle the open exchange of ideas on college campuses.

Berquam said UW-Madison is committed to free expression, and believes it can create a more welcoming university while respecting free-speech rights.
The U.S. Senate race in Wisconsin has tightened to its narrowest margin to date in the Marquette Law School Poll.

Former Democratic Sen. Russ Feingold leads incumbent Republican Sen. Ron Johnson 46-44 among likely voters. Libertarian candidate Phil Anderson received 4 percent support.

Johnson has trailed in every publicly available poll tracked by Real Clear Politics dating back to February 2015 with the exception of a Loras College poll conducted last week that showed him five points ahead of Feingold.

Two other national polls last week showed Feingold leading by margins of 3 points and 12 points.

Marquette poll director Charles Franklin said as the race has gotten closer to Election Day partisans on both sides have closed ranks behind their respective candidates. Only 7 percent of Republicans and 5 percent of Democrats said they would cross over and vote for the other partys candidate.

This looks like a perfectly understandable, highly partisan race, Franklin said.

The previous Marquette poll showed Johnson down six points, which was a poorer showing than GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump at the time, who was trailing Democrat Hillary Clinton by three points in a four-way race. That poll was taken just before the first presidential debate.

In the latest poll, Johnson is faring better than Trump, who trails Clinton by seven points.

Its unclear what impact, if any, Trumps troubles are having on the U.S. Senate race, though Feingolds campaign issued a statement linking Trump to Johnson. After downplaying the Loras College poll earlier in the day, the campaign characterized the race as close.

Sen. Johnson is trying to hide his record of protecting a system that benefits corporations and multimillionaires like himself in a desperate attempt to stay in Washington and save his political career, spokesman Michael Tyler said. And hes continuing to cling to Donald Trump, despite the fact that his Republican colleagues are repudiating his disgusting actions.

Johnsons campaign issued an internal memo touting Johnsons $4 million fundraising haul in the third quarter and more than 2 million voter contacts. Feingold has yet to release his third-quarter fundraising figures.

As weve consistently said, this is going to be a tight race with a real choice for Wisconsinites  between an Oshkosh manufacturer getting things done and a 34-year career politician saying one thing and doing another, Johnson spokesman Brian Reisinger said.

Johnsons name recognition and favorable rating have increased markedly since the previous Marquette poll among likely voters. Last month 39 percent viewed him unfavorably and 35 percent viewed him favorably, while 26 percent had no opinion.

This month he improved to 43 percent favorable, 37 percent unfavorable and 20 percent with no opinion.

On those same measures Feingold has dropped from 48 percent favorable, 32 percent unfavorable last month to 45-40 in the latest poll. Those without an opinion declined from 20 percent to 15 percent.

Franklin said Johnsons improving numbers might be explained by voters paying more attention heading into the final month of the election and Republicans rallying around their candidate.

The poll included 878 likely voters and a margin of error of +/-3.9 percentage points.

Feingold and Johnson meet for the first of two debates on Friday.
State Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald stood behind embattled Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Tuesday, while describing Trumps remarks about women on a recently uncovered video as ridiculous and disgusting.

Fitzgerald and Senate Democratic Leader Jennifer Shilling discussed the campaign at a WisPolitics.com debate luncheon in Downtown Madison.

For Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, it was his first public comment on Trump since dozens of Republicans nationwide began renouncing support for their partys nominee over the weekend.

The defections followed a report of a 2005 video in which Trump brags about making unsolicited advances on women because when youre a star, they let you do it.

Fitzgerald signaled he has no plan to join the ranks of Republicans who are deserting Trump, and that the controversy hasnt really, really trickled down to state Senate races. Fitzgerald said opposition to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton will continue to bolster the GOP ticket.

The fact of the matter is, theres still a lot of support out there for Donald Trump, Fitzgerald said.

Shilling, D-La Crosse, predicted Trump could help Democrats win races down the ticket, including in the Senate.

There is no telling the amount of damage that Hurricane Donald is going to be doing to Wisconsin and to this country on Nov. 8, Shilling said.

Fitzgerald has been a solid supporter of Trump since he became the presumptive GOP nominee and was widely quoted in May for saying he and fellow Republicans are on the Trump train now.

Fitzgerald also shrugged off Trumps full-on assault on U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan of Janesville on Tuesday. After Ryan signaled to House Republicans on Monday that he no longer would defend Trump, the GOP nominee spent Tuesday morning making Twitter posts slamming Ryan as weak and ineffective and other Republicans as disloyal.

Fitzgerald said Trumps tweets are not something thats good for the discussion right now but called them unsurprising.

Its typical, I think, when anybody goes after Trump, he lashes out at them, Fitzgerald said.

Republican Gov. Scott Walker tweeted disapproval of Trumps comments on the video but has not said whether he still backs Trump. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, has remained silent about Trump since the events of last weekend.

Sixteen of 33 seats in the state Senate are on the ballot; Republicans are seeking to protect their 19-14 majority.

Shilling predicted Tuesday that Democrats will pick up one or two Senate seats in the election. A two-seat gain would leave Democrats one shy of the majority, with a 17-16 GOP split.

Fitzgerald dismissed Shillings suggestion of Democratic pickup targets in Senate districts 10, 12 and 14, where they hope to knock off incumbent GOP Sens. Sheila Harsdorf of River Falls, Tom Tiffany of Hazelhurst and Luther Olsen of Ripon. Fitzgerald said internal polling and other factors suggest none of the three incumbents are vulnerable.
Gov. Scott Walkers job approval level has reached its highest level since just before his 2014 re-election, according to the latest Marquette Law School Poll.

The poll found 44 percent of registered voters approved of how he is doing his job, and 51 percent disapproved.

The Marquette poll before the November 2014 election found 49 percent approved of his job performance.

Last months Marquette poll, taken right after documents were leaked detailing the evidence from a halted John Doe investigation into Walkers 2012 recall campaign, found 43 percent approved of Walkers job performance and 52 percent disapproved.

Walkers job approval level has lingered in the low 40s and upper 30s since early 2015, shortly after he began traveling around the country to explore a presidential run.

The poll included 878 likely voters and a margin of error of +/-3.9 percentage points.

Questions on taxes

The poll also asked Wisconsin voters about taxes and diversity.

A majority of registered voters (51 percent) said the amount of federal income taxes they pay is about right, though 43 percent said they pay too much and 2 percent said the amount is too low.

Even more (62 percent) said upper-income earners arent paying enough federal income taxes, and 63 percent said the same about corporations. A quarter said the rich are paying the right amount and 8 percent said they pay too much.

One in nine said corporations are paying too much, and 18 percent say they pay a fair share.

As for low-income earners, 16 percent said they pay too little, 38 percent said they pay too much and 39 percent said they pay their fair share.

Respondents were split on the question of whether the government should redistribute wealth.

Diversity welcome

A majority of registered voters (53 percent) said having an increasing number of people from different races and ethnic groups makes the country a better place.
Two students at UW-Madison who were hospitalized last week have both been confirmed to have meningococcal disease B, a form of the bacterial disease few students are vaccinated against, according to a statement from university officials.

Both of the students are recovering, and as a precaution, people who might have been in close contact with them have received treatment, the statement said.

Most students have received immunizations against the varieties of meningococcal disease, known as serogroups A, C, Y and W.

But because a vaccine for serogroup B became available only recently, few people are immune, according to the statement.

(University Health Services) is in close communication with officials from the state and Public Health Madison-Dane County to determine the best vaccine recommendation for the UW-Madison students, the statement said.

Additional testing will be done to see how genetically close the bacteria are, according to the statement.

Meningococcal disease can result in meningitis, a potentially deadly disease that causes inflammation to the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

The bacteria is spread by close contact with an infected persons mouth or nose, such as by coughing or sharing drinks.
This HAS been chewed over before. Here's FactCheck.org from back in 2008: "Probably not, but its an untested constitutional conundrum."

More: "The 22nd Amendment says that Clinton can clearly not 'be elected' to the presidency. And the 12th Amendment says that no one can become vice president if they are 'ineligible to the office of the presidency.'

"Clinton has been elected to the presidency twice. So he can no longer be 'elected' to the presidency, according to the language of the 22nd Amendment. Does that mean he is 'constitutionally ineligible' to serve as president, to use the language of the 12th Amendment? If so, he could not serve as vice president. But finding out would certainly make for an interesting Supreme Court case."
Eugene Robinson

Eugene Robinson is an Associate Editor and twice-weekly columnist for The Washington Post. His column appears on Tuesdays and Fridays. In a 25-year career at The Post, Robinson has been city hall reporter, city editor, foreign correspondent in Buenos Aires and London, foreign editor, and assistant managing editor in charge of the paper's award-winning Style section. In 2005, he started writing a column for the Op-Ed page. He is the author of "Coal to Cream: A Black Man's Journey Beyond Color to an Affirmation of Race" (1999) and "Last Dance in Havana" (2004). Robinson is a member of the National Association of Black Journalists and has received numerous journalism awards.
Posey's Tips & Tricks

Microsoft Excel as a Text Messaging Platform

The ability to send bulk text messages could be beneficial to businesses -- and not only to those that want to send out mass SPAM content.

Microsoft recently sent out a tweet from @Office365 indicating that it was now possible to send text messages from Excel (using a third-party add-on). I have to confess that my initial reaction to the tween was to wonder how sending SMS text messages from Excel could possibly be useful. Initially, I was envisioning automated spreadsheets equipped with really obnoxious text messaging reminders. Once my morning energy drink kicked in, however, I began to realize that texting from Excel could indeed be useful.

I think that the main reason why I did not initially see the value in being able to send text messages from Excel had a lot to do with the way that I personally use Excel. I personally use Excel for producing financial spreadsheets, or for generating graphic representations of data sets (although I am increasingly using PowerShell for graphing instead of relying on Excel). What I tend to forget sometimes is that there are many people who use Excel as a tool for storing contact lists. Hence, an automated text messaging engine could conceivably be used to send out text blasts to everyone whose name appears on a list.

So what about use cases? Although such a tool has obvious social uses, I can also think of at least a couple of business-related uses cases. One option would be to use an SMS engine as a tool for contacting customers. I'm not talking about sending out text spam or promotional material, but rather important information that needs to be quickly and reliably conveyed to customers. Let me give you an example.

Many years ago, I owned an antivirus company. At the time, my customer data was locked away in a SQL Server database behind a Web front-end. The data wasn't easy to get to aside from certain accounting functions, but that was fine because I never contacted customers without being specifically asked to do so.

Eventually, the day came when I needed to contact my customers to warn them to be sure to update their software so that they would be protected against a particularly notorious virus that had been getting a lot of media attention. Unfortunately, that proved to be a tough task. My solution wasn't exactly elegant, but it worked -- well, sort of.

I used a conversion tool to extract the contents of the SQL Server database and dump it into an Access database. From there, I set up a mail merge in which customer records were merged into a form letter, and sent out through an old-school SMTP relay. The problem was that not everyone received the message. The sender mailbox got flooded with out-of-office replies, and of course there were those who claimed never to have received the message at all. I also had a couple of people report me for sending out unsolicited bulk e-mail.

An SMS text-based solution could have been much more effective (of course such a solution didn't exist way back then). Data could have been brought into Excel, and a message could have been sent to each customer's mobile device with a minimum of effort. It would have avoided the hassles of custom coding, out of office replies, and being reported as a spammer.

Another use case for Excel-based text messaging is internal emergency communications within an organization. Back in the mid-'90s, I was living in Kentucky and working for a large insurance company. There was an incident in which a major blizzard was forecast to hit the area. All of the company's employees were told to watch a particular television station at 4:00 AM the next day to find out whether or not we would be open for business. That night the blizzard hit the city really hard, and I vividly remember being half asleep at 4:00 AM and trying to comprehend the list of closures scrolling rapidly across the bottom of my tiny 19-inch TV screen. Fatigue, the small screen size and poor reception made the seemingly simple task of reading the list of closures a lot more challenging than it otherwise would have been.

Imagine how a situation like that could be different today. Rather than requiring employees to get up at some insanely early hour and watch for an announcement on the television, the organization could instead text all of the employees to let them know whether or not to come into the office.

In retrospect, I think that being able to send text messages from Excel could prove to be quite useful. There have long been third-party texting add-ins for Outlook, but the ones that I have used only allowed texts to be sent to one person at a time. Text messaging for Excel could greatly simplify bulk communications.
This article was originally on GET.com at: 5 Affordable Seafood Places In Singapore That You Surely Cant Resist

Where do Singaporeans usually go to for their chilli crab fix? If you're a frequent visitor of the popular Jumbo Seafood or Long Beach, maybe it's time to give these seafood gems a go. Personally, I've always felt like the best foods are always the ones we we can find at hawker centres or some place that isn't too atas.

GET.com has rounded up these 5 seafood gems in Singapore that you may or may not have heard of, but one thing's for sure, they serve up some pretty tasty seafood classics like fried baby squid, fried mantou, salted egg yolk prawns, cereal prawns, steamed fish, kang kong, you catch my drift.

5 Affordable Seafood Places In Singapore That You Surely Can't Resist

1. Sinaran

Image Source: Sinaran via Facebook

This is my personal favourite place to go to (because it's super close to my house), but also because I had one of the most satisfying seafood meals that I've had in awhile. My family shared their chilli crab, Hong Kong steamed fish, tom yum soup, cereal prawn and their deep fried baby squid, which was my personal favourite.

Tucked away at a typical-looking void deck hawker centre, you can consider taking a trip down to Sinaran if you live in the west. It's quite inexpensive too, especially if you split the bill. If you get to meet the owner, he will probably be the nicest, yet efficient man you'll ever meet. They're also certified halal, so it's also great for our Muslim friends.

Address:

26 Teck Whye Lane

Contact:

6769 0866

Opening Hours:

Daily: 11am - 11pm

2. Keng Eng Kee Seafood

Image Source: Keng Eng Kee Seafood via Facebook

You might have heard of this zichar-style restaurant, but if you haven't, then you have another excuse to make your next indulgent meal a seafood-related one. Somewhere in Bukit Merah this bustling seafood place which dates as far back to the 1970s, has since become quite popular for the residents in the area.

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Image Source: Keng Eng Kee Seafood via Facebook

Places that grew from humble beginnings will always maintain their quality and it doesn't just apply to their seafood, they also serve up some other quality dishes like pork ribs, or pig liver and the most delicious-looking fried hor fun.

Address:

Blk 124 Bukit Merah Lane 1

#01-136, Singapore 150124

Contact:

6272 1038

Opening Hours:

Daily: 12pm - 10pm

3. Hua Yu Wee

Image Source: Hua Yu Wee via Facebook

The common consensus among everyone who has visited Hua Yu Wee's restaurant is that the prices are affordable. Nestled in a humble colonial-looking house, you'd never expect such a space to produce such delicious, fresh and high quality seafood cuisine.

You must try the classic chilli crab here, or if you're feeling adventurous you can try the black pepper crab. Let's not forget the tofu options either, of course. If you live in the east side of Singapore, it's definitely worth giving Hua Yu Wee a try.

Looking for more places to visit in this area? Take a look at these 10 fun places to visit in east Singapore.

Address:

462 Upp East Coast Rd

Bedok South 46

Singapore

Contact:

6442 9313

Opening Hours:

Daily: 5pm - 11:30pm

4. Eng Seng Restaurant

Image Source: Eng Seng Restaurant

Crab lovers are split into two types of people, the chilli crab people and the black pepper crab people. This spot that is also located in the east, is the answer to all of the black pepper crab crew's prayers. If you happen to be around the area or if you're looking to try the best black pepper crab, look no further. Everyone raves about them!

Image Source: Eng Seng Restaurant

While I've never personally tried their famous dish, I heard that you have to make an advance booking on the crabs in the earlier part of the day and then start queueing up at 5pm for a seat. If that's really the case then I suggest reserving some extra crabs, just in case you want more (which is what happens in most cases).

Address:

247 Joo Chiat Place

Singapore 427502

Contact:

6440 5560

Opening Hours:

Daily: 4:30pm - 8pm

5. Mellben Seafood

Image Source: Mellben Seafood

And now we have a restaurant for the northerners in Singapore. You have to try their Claypot Crab Bee Hoon while you're there, they claim this dish to be their specialty and many people who have been there would agree.

Even though the name of the restaurant is like a mispronunciation of Melbourne city, don't worry, everything about it is true blue Asian. Oh, and did I mention, they also have online takeaway services if you're a little too lazy to head out of the house.

If you want to explore more places in the north, take a look at these 10 fun places to visit in north Singapore.

Address:

211 Toa Payoh Lorong 8

#01-11/15

Singapore 310211

Contact:

6353 3120

Opening Hours:

Monday to Friday : 4pm - 10:45pm (Last order)

Saturday, Sunday & PH : 12pm - 10:45pm (Last order)

More Affordable Food Options

Are you looking for other places to eat that won't break the bank? If you're a big eater and love buffets, take a look at our pick of the 10 cheapest weekend lunch buffets and at the 10 cheapest weekend lunch buffets at hotels in Singapore.

Dim sum lovers will want to check out these 10 dim sum restaurants that cost less than $50 per person. If you're in the JB area, check out these 5 cheap places to eat and drink in Johor Bahru.

To save money on dining out, try to use a credit card to pay for your meal whenever possible. Shoot for a cashback card or a rewards card that offers discounts or rewards on restaurants or meal purchases.

Here's our pick of the 2 best credit cards for dining out which can help you save money!

What do you think? Share your comments with us below!

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(Bloomberg) -- Australias government sold its biggest-ever bond, raising A$7.6 billion ($5.8 billion) in a debut offering of 30-year securities. Yields on benchmark 10-year debt jumped to the highest since June.

The eventual size was slightly larger than we expected, but does show good demand, said Roger Bridges, chief global strategist for rates and currencies at Nikko Asset Managements Australia unit. The 30-year notes offer relative value against swaps and comparable overseas notes, he said.

The new March 2047 securities were priced to yield 3.27 percent, the Australian Office of Financial Management said in a statement Wednesday. The bank-managed transaction further extends the nations yield curve following the AOFMs sale of 2039 bonds a year ago.

Australia took the opportunity to raise money for longer after yields plunged to unprecedented lows this year and as the governments borrowing needs blew out. Lower commodity prices and reduced mining investment sapped revenues, while the authorities have also struggled to rein in spending. The country is in the midst of its longest stretch of budget deficits since at least 1970 and expectations for a return to surplus have been repeatedly pushed back.

The face value of the government debt pile at the end of last week was A$443 billion and budget estimates have it climbing to almost A$500 billion by the end of June 2017.

The yield on the notes is higher than comparable sovereign bonds in other major developed markets. The benchmark rate in the U.S. was 2.51 percent as of 5 p.m. in Sydney, while for Japan it stood at 0.5 percent and Germanys was at 0.65 percent. The new note also was 60 basis points lower than the weighted average nominal issuance yield on Australian government bonds in the 12 months ended June 2015.

The increase in the yield premium offered by the Australian market is reflected in the 10-year part of the curve, where the spread over similar-tenor U.S. paper rose to 52 basis points. It last closed above that level in July. The 10-year yield rose as much as 6 basis points to 2.31 percent, the highest since June 1.

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Some Weakness

The supply from the 30-year has weighed on the market and the 10-year notes as the deal was priced, said Peter Jolly, the global head of markets research at National Australia Bank Ltd. in Sydney. While the market overall appears to have digested the supply pretty well, some weakness has seeped in. Yields have also generally been on a weaker bias and so momentum has generally not been positive for bonds.

Globally, a selloff in debt has driven up yields as speculation rises that the Federal Reserve will push ahead with an interest-rate increase this year and concern mounts that other central banks are nearing the limits of policy accommodation. In the U.S., the worlds deepest market, the 30-year benchmark has climbed 20 basis points this month, while Australias 20-year yield climbed to a three-month high of 2.88 percent.

The sale of the nations longest-ever bond comes as offshore demand for its paper has waned. The proportion of federal securities held by non-resident investors in the second quarter fell to just 59 percent, the least since 2009, according to official data. The share held by foreigners peaked at 76 percent in 2012 as investors lapped up Australian issuance even as ongoing budget deficits caused borrowings to balloon.

Portfolio Lengthening

The decision to issue a longer-dated bond is consistent with a strategy of lengthening the average term-to-maturity of the Australian Governments debt portfolio, Treasurer Scott Morrison said in a statement following the sale. He said this was aimed at reducing the impact of interest-rate volatility on the budget and the strong appetite from both foreign and domestic investors was a sign of investor confidence.

The size of the most recent offering outstrips the previous record. The nation has raised A$7 billion on three separate occasions with the latest one in May, according to AOFM data.

The 2047 bond deal was managed by Australia & New Zealand Banking Group Ltd., Citigroup Inc., Commonwealth Bank of Australia, Deutsche Bank AG, UBS Group AG and Westpac Banking Corp.

(Updates with Treasurers comment in 11th paragraph.)

--With assistance from Benjamin Purvis To contact the reporter on this story: Narayanan Somasundaram in Sydney at nsomasundara@bloomberg.net. To contact the editors responsible for this story: Garfield Reynolds at greynolds1@bloomberg.net, Jonathan Annells

2016 Bloomberg L.P.
The German government on Wednesday approved a new law to curb social benefits for EU citizens who arrive in the country without a job, as it responds to pressure to get tough on migrants. Under the draft legislation, which still needs to go through parliament, EU nationals who have never worked in Germany will have to wait five years before they can claim benefits. The strict new measure comes after a federal court ruled last year that every EU citizen had the right to claim benefits once he or she had resided in Germany for six months. The ruling sparked fears of "welfare tourism" from countries with a lower standard of living, and angered German municipalities who were already struggling with the financial burden of caring for last year's record influx of migrants and refugees. "It's clear that anyone who lives here, works here and pays their contributions is also entitled to the benefits of our social system," said Labour Minister Andrea Nahles after the cabinet adopted the legislation. But for those "who have never worked here and rely on state financial aid to survive, the principle applies that they should claim livelihood benefits from their home country." The government is keen to show it has heard voters' concerns over migration, as growing opposition to Chancellor Angela Merkel's open-door policy has fuelled support for the populist, anti-migrant AfD party. Worries over migration also played a key role in the British decision to leave the EU, and it remains to be seen whether a post-Brexit Britain will compromise on accepting the free movement of people in order to retain access to the single market. Germany is the preferred destination for EU citizens, some 4.1 million of whom are currently living in the country, according to official data. Britain is in second place with some three million EU immigrants calling the country home. - 'Betraying European idea' - Under the draft text agreed on Wednesday, unemployed EU nationals will be ineligible for social assistance until they have legally lived in Germany for at least five years. Those affected by the change in the law will however be entitled to claim a bridging subsistence allowance of one month. The proposed legislation came in for immediate criticism from politicians from the left-wing Die Linke party and the Greens. "The government is betraying the European idea," said leftist MP Sabine Zimmermann. "The basic right to a subsistence allowance should apply to all people in Germany and should not be restricted." A total of 474,000 EU immigrants received social assistance in June, according to Germany's federal employment agency, though not all of them were unemployed. Citizens from Poland, Bulgaria and Romania accounted for the most claims.
The Singapore International Arbitration Centre (SIAC) recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. Alongside the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre (HKIAC), which is slightly older, it is ranked as one of the two key institutions in Asia for parties who prefer to settle their disputes without going to court.



In recent years there has been a steady rise in both the number and value of cases that have been handled at the SIAC. In fact, 2015 set a record with 271 new cases being filed and the number of administered cases rising to 244. This compares with 520 new cases being filed at the HKIAC, of which 116 were administered.



The total sum in dispute was also at an all-time high for SIAC, at $6.23 billion, an increase of 24% from $5.04 billion in 2014. The same amount in dispute was recorded by HKIAC. However, what distinguished Singapore from Hong Kong was that the new cases received in 2015 were from 55 jurisdictions versus 41 in Hong Kong where Mainland China dominated. This attests to the popularity of Singapore as an arbitration centre well beyond the Asia-Pacific region.





Source: Thinkstock/Getty Images



Source: Thinkstock/Getty Images



Arbitration  an important dispute resolution mechanism



When parties enter into any sort of commercial contract, they know that differences may arise regarding the interpretation of certain clauses in the agreement. It could also happen that their agreement does not cover a situation that arises several months or years later.



Laws may change or the commercial basis on which a transaction hinges may no longer be valid. In the normal course of events, any differences that arise would be referred to a court of law.



But the legal process in many countries is both slow and expensive. In some cases, it may not be very effective. In view of these issues, companies entering into a commercial contract often insert an arbitration clause into their agreement.



This ensures that any dispute that arises is referred to an arbitrator, or an arbitration panel, for resolution instead of being referred to a court of law. Essentially, arbitration is a private dispute resolution procedure where the parties agree to implement the decision taken by the arbitrator.



What does the SIAC offer?



Why would a company from outside of Singapore, or even outside of the region, prefer to settle a dispute in Singapore rather than in the home country? In 2015, the greatest number of disputes referred to the SIAC were from organisations in India, China, and South Korea.



Parties from the USA, Australia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, and Malaysia also used the SIAC.



Organisations from these countries trust Singapore as it is an independent and neutral country with a strong rule of law and excellent infrastructure and technology to support it.



In addition, there are no restrictions on foreign law firms operating in Singapore, and on a relative basis, legal costs are reasonable.



SIAC is internationally recognized



Arbitration in Singapore is based on the model established by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL). For the last 40 years, UNCITRAL has been recognised as the core legal body of the United Nations system in the field of international trade law.



The SIAC also ensures that its legislation on international commercial arbitration is constantly updated to stay abreast of developments in other countries.



Singapore is a party to the 1958 New York Convention on the enforcement of arbitration awards. This makes the awards passed at the SIAC enforceable in 150 countries across the world.



All these factors have helped make the SIAC one of the destinations of choice for parties who want to settle their disputes in a fair environment.



It is interesting that approximately 50% of the cases handled by the SIAC have no connection with Singapore at all, higher than Hong Kong at 43%.



Speedy disposal of cases



An arbitration dispute can be decided by a single arbitrator or by a three-member tribunal. If the parties agree to have only one arbitrator, an arbitration award is normally rendered within 9 to 12 months. A dispute decided by a three-member panel is usually disposed of within 12 to 18 months.



The SIAC also has an Expedited Procedure where awards are required to be delivered within six months.



The short timeframes for completing the entire arbitration procedure is a major attraction for parties. In many countries, arbitration matters can drag on for many years without being resolved.



SIACs growth seems assured



As long as Asia remains the engine for world economic growth, SIACs position looks very solid. It has already opened offices in Shanghai and Mumbai, and plans to open another in Indias Gujarat state.



It is expected that this will give the SIAC greater exposure, leading to more parties looking to Singapore for dispute resolution.



The SIAC can expect new cases to emerge particularly from Australia, where the resource boom has tapered off, and larger disputes may be unavoidable going forward.



(By Ravinder Kapur)



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One year ago, my family and I moved to London for my further studies.

Given the need to commute regularly to Oxford each week (about a 90 minute drive), I decided to purchase a second hand car for a grand total of 850 pounds (about S$1,700 back then).

It was an interesting experience buying a car overseas. In the morning I went online, searched, found something within my budget, and met up at the very same evening with the previous owner. After paying him the money in cash, I drove home the car, a 2003 Vauxhall with some 71,000 miles. Insurance was purchased separately.

Variable costs of owning the car include car tax (about 110 pounds every six months), petrol (about 30 pounds a week) and the parking permit (10 pounds a month). Up till date, I had no major problems with the carhopefully it stays that way.

Owning A Car, But Leaving It At Home

The low cost of owning a car means that I have little qualms leaving the car at home whenever I travel to Central London  which is both prohibitively expensive to drive into, given the 10 pound congestion charge, and the extremely limited (and equally expensive) parking space (how does 4 pounds per half hour sounds?).

To be certain, the Tube (London version of the MRT) is not cheap either. A peak hour trip is about 3.90 pounds one way, but given the convenience of getting into Central London from the suburbs without driving through heavy traffic is certainly a bonus.

The usage of the car is limited to the weekly study trips to Oxford, weekend trip with the family, and family errands such as the weekly visits to the Oriental supermarket.

Since my wife is pregnant, having a car to ferry her (and the kids) to hospital for regular check ups certainly saves a lot of time. Given the age of the car, we have not used it for long distance trips that require more than a day. For these longer trips, we choose to rent a car instead.

So what has the past year taught me about how people choose to drive?

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Lesson Number 1: Opportunity Cost Matters More Than Actual Economic Cost

We often think that the fundamental way to suppress demand is to increase prices.

While this is true to some extent, owning a car is slightly different, particularly if the cost of buying a car is high.

Folks who pay more for a car are likely to drive it regularly, even when its more convenient to take the public transport. The logic here is that having paid so much for the car, it would be a waste to just leave it at home for the day. For example, if you spend $100,000 for a car, and can only drive it for ten years, each day of the car life span would cost you $30, even before including other costs.

In my case over the past year, the car would cost me only 2 pounds a day (about $4) if I leave it at home. Hence, unless there is a compelling reason to drive out, it would make more sense for me not to drive. The inconvenience of being stuck in traffic far outweighs the benefits of driving. The question that I ask myself each time before deciding to drive is: would the drive be worth my time, energy and cost?

Lesson No 2: Car As A Necessity, Rather Than A Luxury

In Singapore, we like to think of cars as luxury items, partially because of the cost of owning one, and also because of what the authorities sometime say.

The reality of the matter is that whether a car is a necessity or a luxury item is largely dependent upon the needs of the individual.

If one is single and have little family commitments, then having a car is not as important. However, if one has to run family errands, such as doing the morning school runs, or having to take family members to the hospital on a regular basis, not having a car is certainly very inconvenient. In the latter case, the car is viewed as a necessity.

Interestingly the hospitals we have visited here have far more disabled lots than the hospitals in Singapore, thus suggesting that the authorities take a far more sympathetic view to those who may be not so mobile while at the same time recognizing driving as a need, rather a luxury.

Lesson No. 3: Air Pollution

This is where I think a strong case can be made for limiting car usage (not necessarily ownership) in Singapore.

The air quality in Central London is known to be highly polluted and one reason is due to the fact that many cars are stuck in traffic with their engines purring away. Given that Singapore is far more limited in its land space than London, it would be terrible if our roads were chock-full of cars smoking away.

In this respect, it would make sense for our authorities to make it expensive to use a car so as to encourage public transport usage. However with newer technologies, the problem of gas-guzzling, smog-emitting vehicles may be a thing of the past, not to mention the possibility of car sharing, carpool options which further help to reduce amount of pollution.

Ultimately, between owning a car and taking public transport, our experience here remind us that people drive for various reasons. There is a world of difference between car ownership and car usage.

Levying a high cost on the former may not be the best option to resolve the latter. Singapore can find a more comprehensive approach between balancing the need for car ownership and car usage.

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This article was contributed to DollarsandSense.sg by our reader.

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Teachers and government workers fled northern border districts of Myanmar on Wednesday after clashes in Rakhine state left a dozen dead, fearing worsening violence in a region long-scarred by sectarian unrest. Crowds huddled on the jetty in the state capital of Sittwe after arriving by boat from near the Bangladesh border, an area home to the persecuted Muslim Rohingya minority that has been locked down by the military after attacks on border guards. Twelve people have died in clashes between armed men and troops in recent days, state media said, including four soldiers killed when they were set upon by hundreds of men wielding pistols and swords. One attacker was also found dead after the clashes in Pyaungpit, a village near Maungdaw -- the town at the epicentre of the recent unrest. Troops also found seven dead after fighting in the nearby village of Taung Paing Nyar, the Global New Light of Myanmar reported, raising the toll from Tuesday. "After the incident, troops found seven dead bodies," it said. "Swords and sticks were found with the bodies." The military has locked down the area around Maungdaw after nine police officers were killed on Sunday in attacks on three border posts which authorities blamed on mobs wielding swords and homemade weapons. More than 400 schools have been closed in Maungdaw and the surrounding area and a curfew has been enforced between 7pm and 6am. Most people in the impoverished area are Muslim Rohingya, a stateless minority whom Myanmar's Buddhist hardliners vilify as illegal immigrants -- even though many trace their ancestry in Myanmar back for generations. The recent unrest has raised the spectre of a repeat of 2012, when violence in Rakhine left more than 100 people dead and drove tens of thousands of Rohingya into displacement camps. Activists claim the military is using the search for the attackers as a pretext for a crackdown on the Rohingya, whom rights groups describe as one of the world's most persecuted peoples. Rumours of killings and mass arrests have spread like wildfire on social media, stoking fear. But details have proved difficult to confirm in the remote and tightly controlled area. - 'Delicate juncture' - A total of 29 people have died in the recent clashes, according to state media, police and government sources, including troops, attackers and the border guards killed in Sunday's raids. Four suspects in the border attacks -- including two who were captured on Tuesday -- are being held by law enforcement, according to state media. The escalating violence in the region poses a major challenge for the country's new democratic leadership. Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi is facing international pressure to reach a solution for the Rohingya, whose plight has tarnished the country's major democratic gains. She recently appointed a commission, headed by former UN chief Kofi Annan, to find ways to heal wounds in the bitterly divided and poor state. On Wednesday the Nobel laureate vowed to follow the rule of law when investigating the border guard attacks. "Until we know clearly what is happening, we will not accuse anyone," she said at the foreign ministry in Naypyidaw. "We will only bring charges when we have concrete and firm evidence." Authorities have released few details about the attackers or their motives, with some blaming the Rohingya and others pointing the finger at Bangladeshi groups. The UN's special adviser to the secretary-general on Myanmar, Vijay Nambiar, urged troops and residents to exercise restraint at what he termed a "delicate juncture" for the state. He also called on civilians to "not be provoked into any kind of response by targeting other communities or religious groups". The European Union also called for an investigation to be carried out "in line with the rule of law".
German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday announced a 27-million-euro aid package for Niger, her second stop in a three-nation Africa tour aimed at fighting terrorism and stemming the migrant influx to Europe. The German leader said the army of the arid west African country, one of the world's poorest, would receive 10 million euros ($11 million) worth of equipment next year. Germany will also build a military base to back up the UN mission in neighbouring Mali, the first country she had visited on the whirlwind African tour. Merkel also promised 17 million euros as development aid for Niger's arid and desperately impoverished Agadez region in the north in a bid to fight migration to Europe. "What compensation can we offer to the people of Agadez to help them survive?" she said. "While these people fight smugglers, illegal emigration, they need revenues. Earlier they lived off tourism and that is something they cannot do now," she said. Unrest in the region, including jihadist attacks and tourist kidnappings, have led to a sharp fall in the number of visitors. She said efforts to stall the influx of migrants into Europe would be futile without development. Niger is a key transit point for people from sub-Saharan Africa who try to cross the Mediterranean to enter Europe. Since 2014 more than 10,000 migrants have lost their lives in the Mediterranean, according to UN figures. Merkel has said that she wants the European Union and North African countries to do deals modelled on a controversial agreement with Turkey to curb migrant flows to Europe. Under the EU-Turkey deal, Ankara agreed to take back migrants who made it to Greece in return for being allowed to send Syrians from its massive camps to the bloc in a more orderly redistribution programme. The pact also pledges billions of euros in EU aid for Turkey and visa-free European travel for Turkish citizens. Merkel will visit Ethiopia on the last leg of her trip.
Towering center-back Yerry Mina scored an 85th-minute equaliser as Colombia came from behind to secure a 2-2 draw against South American qualifying leaders Uruguay on Tuesday. Mina, who plays for Brazilian side Palmeiras, soared high in the 84th minute to send a looping header beyond Fernando Muslera at a rain-lashed Estadio Metropolitano in Barranquilla. The 6ft 5in defender wheeled away to celebrate a goal that denied Uruguay what would have been a battling victory. Uruguay looked to be on course towards another important three points after Barcelona superstar Luis Suarez pounced on a slip by Colombia's Oscar Murillo in the 73rd minute to put La Celeste 2-1 up. But Colombia rallied superbly and conjured a deserved equaliser through Mina after a sustained period of pressure. Earlier, Colombia had taken the lead through Abel Aguilar's header from a corner after 15 minutes. Uruguay, however, struck back through Cristian Rodriguez 12 minutes later, with the Argentina-based winger heading in from a free-kick wide on the right. Uruguay's draw saw them extend their lead at the top of the South American standings to two points, with 20 points from 10 games. Brazil can overtake Uruguay at the top with victory over Venezuela later Tuesday.
Spanish police said Tuesday a boat carrying nearly 20 tonnes of hashish to Libya was seized as part of a global operation targeting the financing of armed groups in North Africa and the Middle East. With the help of Europe's police agency Europol, information from French customs and air support from Italian police, Spanish forces intercepted the boat registered under the Panamanian flag off Spain's southeastern coast on September 23. They said all crew members were detained -- 11 Ukrainians and one Uzbek -- in what a spokesman for French customs said was "one of the biggest seizures of hashish" ever in Europe. The Guardia Civil police force said the boat was intercepted as part of an operation launched in 2013 by Spanish, Moroccan, French, Italian and Greek authorities, with additional support from the US Drug Enforcement Agency. Some 100 tonnes of hashish have been seized in the multi-country operation and 109 people detained -- with a majority being nationals of Syrian, Moroccan and Spanish. "This trafficking is being used to finance insurgents in existing conflicts in North Africa and the Middle East," Javier Rogero, lieutenant colonel at the Guardia Civil, told reporters. He would not be drawn on which groups the drugs and weapons were benefiting, but said police were "convinced... that they also finance jihadist terrorism." - Captagon pills seized - Rogero described the Mediterranean Sea as "a sort of highway for illicit trafficking." A total of seven boats have been caught as part of the operation -- two of them carrying weapons and five full of hashish, believed to be used to buy arms. The boats had all departed from Turkey. In the case of those carrying drugs, though, the hashish -- which came from Morocco -- was loaded on board in the Atlantic ocean. In the case of the two boats carrying weapons, the arms were already on board when they left Turkey. One of them was intercepted last year, and another in February. Altogether, they carried 11,400 long guns, more than a million cartridges and ten tonnes of ammonium nitrate, which can be used to make explosives. One of the boats, which was registered in Togo, was heading to Misrata on Libya's northwestern coast. The intended recipients are unclear but Misrata is home to powerful militias who were among the forces that seized the capital Tripoli in 2014 and forced the government to flee further east. But they are now fighting alongside forces from a UN-backed unity government formed earlier this year -- and re-established in Tripoli -- to oust the Islamic State group from nearby Sirte. Rogero said that the exchange of information with other countries also allowed the Egyptian navy to intercept a shipment of 1.2 million Captagon pills, an amphetamine popular in Gulf and other Middle Eastern countries that is also believed to play a crucial part in Syria's civil war. The production of this synthetic stimulant provides income for the warring factions and also keeps fighters awake and energised over long periods.
The Bunt Live  Season 2 Episode 9  Kevin Lowry The Bunt is back chatting ollies, teenage arrests and Blueprint 2.0 with Calgarys own Kevin...

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Content marketing is obvious. If youre here reading Small Business Trends, odds are that youre engaged in content marketing.

Your websites, apps, and updates probably try to offer something of value  information, humor, tips, advice, how-to instructions, or even well crafted opinion  that people actually want to read.

Obvious, however, doesnt mean easy. Of course, creating a useful blog post, comment, update, or article doesnt take the millions of dollars the big brands typically spend on 30-second television ads. But if its really good content, it takes expertise, thought, editing, time, and effort.

It doesnt just happen.

Why Content Marketing is Getting Tougher

Millions of experts, writers, and information workers create free content because they want to.

That could be called post-and-hope.

I run several blogs and get regular emails from people who want to get guest posts published. Blogs like this one, Huffington Post, Amex OPEN, and thousands (maybe millions) of others encourage free content from experts.

The old system of editors as curators and gatekeepers has been replaced by a new system of crowds  readers  as gatekeepers.

Millions of individual experts and businesses create free content for business advantage.

Thats post and promote.

The business advantage is credibility and visibility in a topic area. When it works, its like earning a voice by sharing insight and expertise, instead of buying a voice by advertising.

Small Business Trends, where I am posting this, is a great example of how that works. Posts here cant sneak hidden advertising disguised as content; they have to have real value. Anita Campbell, founder of this site, has created a successful business built around content thats free, useful, valuable, and not infomercials.

For individual experts, as examples, look at the careers of Anita here with this blog, or Seth Godin, Gary Vaynerchuk, John Jantsch, Susan Solovic, Guy Kawasaki, Joel Libava, Ramon Ray, Jim Blasingame, and so many others. There is such a thing as the expert business, and creating content helps with that business.

Heres a hard truth.

Things that a lot of people like doing, and especially things people will do for free, generally pay less than things that most people dont like doing, especially work.

I discovered this general truth four decades ago when I was night editor for Northern Latin America for United Press International, working six nights a week, for $115 per week.

Why so cheap? Because I was young and eager and easily replaceable by somebody else young and eager if I didnt like it. If I quit (which I eventually did  I was married and we had kids) they could find somebody else (which they did).

It became clear to me after a few years of it that because journalism was fun to do, it was hard to make a great living at it. I ended up getting a fancy MBA degree and starting businesses  but thats a different post. And thats a fact of life with content marketing, too.

The big brands are getting it.

Good content  stuff people actively want to read  works in ways advertising doesnt.

For example, Time Inc.s DIY home site for mobile millennials, The Snug, is a collection of tips, articles, and pictures on a new kind of interior style. And not by coincidence, IKEA is happy to engage there. And CBS built Viewers to Volunteers as a connected digital giving platform.

All of which comes down to this.

There is a whole lot of noise in the content business. We live in an information-rich world in which the good stuff isnt a needle in a haystack. Its a needle in mountains of needles mixed in with mountains of haystacks.

A few decades ago content was controlled by gatekeepers called editors or budgets for advertising. Fast forward to now, and the gatekeeper functions have disappeared.

Experts who do it right can rise on the value of good content, alone. Guy Kawasaki and Seth Godin are self-publishing their books even though several business publishers would love to publish them. My own brother makes a several thousand dollars via Amazon in a good month on short stories he wrote and published himself.

See Also: The Fundamental Reason Why Content Marketing Works

Anybody can start a blog for free. Everybody is publishing all the time now. Facebook alone includes more than a billion accounts, all of them publishing, a couple hundred thousand of them not even people, just bots. Every tweet, no matter how useless or stupid, is something published.

But Its Also More Important Every Day

No, we cant give up on content marketing because its working. The business landscape is shifting. The classic methods of advertising  shouting, or buying a voice  are clearly threatened. The leading big brands arent going there because they dont have anywhere else to spend money. They are looking towards content because it works. And it works better every day.

What do we do? At least these two things:

First, acknowledge the challenge.

Too many experts are telling too many business owners that we should all just jump into content marketing as if suddenly every owner is a writer. Its not that simple. Quality content is content people want. They choose it, in a cornucopia of available options. Content marketing is driven by quality content.

Second, consider that curating can be as valuable as creating

The museum curator chooses what in a subject area is most important, gives it order, and makes it accessible. The modern web curator does the same thing with content. Thats what made Huffington Post and Buzzfeed successful. The traveler heading out for a new destination appreciates a selection of recent reviews and recommendations  curated content. The small business owner appreciates a selection of existing articles, well chosen, more than a flood of undifferentiated content.
Virtual Charter Schools

Ohio Online Schools Say They Will Appeal State Audits

Several of the nine Ohio cyber schools under investigation for allegedly inflating student attendance records say they will appeal state audits and challenge efforts to recover tens of millions of dollars already provided in tax money.

Many of the online schools claim that the Ohio Department of Education misled them by telling them that the state would not require records of students logging in and logging out until spring 2017, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. The Ohio ed department is now looking into attendance records from 2015-2016 and, based on its findings, could demand repayment of $83 million for misleading attendance reports.

At the top of the list is Ohios largest online charter school, the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT), which may have to pay more than $60 million for 9,000 students who did not complete enough work to be considered full-time, the state ed department contends.

The other schools include Akron Digital Academy, Buckeye Online School for Success, Findlay Digital Academy, Massillon Digital Academy, Southwest Licking Digital Academy, TRECA Digital Academy, Quaker Digital Academy and Virtual Community School.

Leaders at several of the online schools said they felt state regulators duped them and plan to appeal the findings to the State Board of Education.

We were repeatedly told we would not be held to log-in, log-out until the 2016-2017 school year, said La Shawn Terrell, superintendent of Akron Digital Academy, in an interview with the Plain Dealer. We believed them. This is improper, unilateral and retroactive implementation of guidelines.

Jeff Nelson, superintendent of the Virtual Community School, which is in the Reynoldsburg School District, also said state investigators told him in February that he would not be required to track how much time kids spent online until this current school year, the Plain Dealer reported.

ECOT is currently embroiled in a court battle with the state and its education department. Late last month, Franklin County Judge Jenifer French sided with the ed department, allowing the state to review ECOTs attendance records. ECOT had requested to block the state from requiring the school to provide log-in durations as a way of measuring how many students attended the school.

The problem of attendance at and funding for virtual, online charter schools is not limited to Ohio; in fact, it has become a national issue. California, Oklahoma and Pennsylvania have also seen controversies related to the reporting of student attendance at online charter schools.

To learn more about the cyber schools in Ohio and their attendance dilemma, view recent articles in the Plain Dealer and the Columbus Dispatch.
Computer Science

Partnership Continues to Support Girls in Computer Science

Dell is extending its partnership with Girls Who Code (GWC), a national nonprofit organization that works to close the gender gap in technology, in an effort to improve and expand school programs that teach computer science.

The partners plan to reach 15,000 girls across the country with new investments offering financial, technical and mentorship support for GWCs Clubs Program, or after-school programs for girls in grades 612. Programs will be concentrated in schools across the Great Plains and Rockies, the Southeast, the Northeast and San Francisco, according to a prepared statement.

The investments include:

A $40,000 cash donation from Dell;

A team of five women technology leaders who will serve as program ambassadors to organize and oversee mentorship services; and

Materials and supplies for STEM curriculum.

A group of girls in the GWC Summer Immersion Program learn about virtual reality at Dell's campus.

Dell previously worked with GWC on a few other similar programs. In fact, this past summer, GWC brought more than 30 girls to Dells Round Rock campus to gain exposure to tech jobs through its Summer Immersion Program.

Its the incredible support by partners like Dell that have enabled Girls to Code to become the largest computer science program for girls in the United States, said Reshma Saujani, founder and CEO of GWC, in a statement.

To learn more about the program, visit the Girls Who Code site.
STEM

University-Corporate Partnership Aims to Woo K-12 Students into Advanced Manufacturing

An Indiana university that hosts a Toyota manufacturing education program expects to see a boost in admissions with a new marketing partnership the auto company has formed with an online STEM hub.

Vincennes University hosts the Toyota Advanced Manufacturing Technician Program, which allows students to gain a two-year degree and paid work experience that could cover much of the education expenses. The program blends classroom instruction with on-site experience at the Toyota Manufacturing facility in nearby Princeton, IN. Students work 16 hours a week at the Toyota facility starting at $17 per hour. Raises are given based on grades and performance evaluations, and participants need to maintain a C or higher in all classes.

Although Toyota doesn't guarantee jobs after completion of the program, successful graduates are frequently integrated into the company, suggested a parent page on the university website.

To draw new students into the program Toyota has signed on with STEM Premier, the online hub, which connects students starting at about age 13 to colleges and employers. The students showcase their interests, experiences and talents through digital profiles, gain exposure to college and career resources and scholarships and make connections with schools and companies that can recruit them after viewing their profiles.

"As technology increases, so does the need for skilled technicians at our facility. Programs such as the AMT program do a great job at creating a qualified pipeline of skilled technicians who are job ready," said Terry Henderson, general manager of human resources at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indiana, in a press release. "However, in order to maintain that talent pipeline, we need to reach high school students earlier and educate them on our programs and opportunities. That's why our partnership with STEM Premier is so important to our success."
crash car

An unidentified artwork, showing a crashed car in the pavement, is pictured on display at Berlin's 'Potsdamer Platz' square, April 14, 2008.

The Brexit vote is already having a negative effect on the UK jobs market as recruitment company PageGroup said that its UK business declined in the third quarter of 2016, despite a rise in global profit.

Third quarter profits in the UK fell by 4.7% on last year, to 37.8 million ($46.45 million) in the three months to September 30.

The firm said that reflected the "continued uncertainty following the result of the UK referendum, particularly impacting our multi-national clients."

In other words, multi-national companies are not hiring as many people as they usually do because there is too much uncertainty over what kind of deal Britain will negotiate with the EU once it leaves the 28-nation bloc. PageGroup's results suggest Brexit is already having a measurable effect on jobs  and we have not even left yet.

Theresa May has refused to guarantee the rights of EU citizens to remain in the UK after the country leaves the European Union, and home secretary Amber Rudd has said she intends to cut immigration dramatically, so recruitment firms are having a tough time hiring from abroad at the moment. On top of that, the lack of clarity over whether Britain will stay within the Single Market could have a huge effect on a multi-national company and these types of firms are likely to be more cautious on investing in resources in the UK.

PageGroup also said that its financial services division in the UK had declined by 14%, although its technology division increased 22%.

The firm already announced in August that it would be cutting its UK staff, in a move that was interpreted as a worrying sign for the UK's post-Brexit job prospects.

The firm reported a gross global profit of 158.6 million in the third quarter, which represents an increase of 14% from the same quarter in 2015. That was due to strong performance in central Europe and Latin America, which represents about half its business, and because of currency fluctuations.

Story continues

In constant currency terms  when the effects of exchange rate fluctuations removed from the equation  the firm's global profit was only 1.3%. It said other markets, like Brazil and China, were also experiencing tough trading conditions for recruitment.

Steve Ingham, PageGroup's chief executive, said: "With the prevailing uncertainty in the UK, the challenges in some of our other larger markets and the unpredictable nature of the current cycle, we remain cautious in our short-term outlook.

"However, we will continue to progress our strategic projects, such as our European Shared Service Centre, as well as driving profitable growth and taking advantage of growth markets."

NOW WATCH: The 'Mrs. Doubtfire' house is on sale for $4.45 million  heres what it looks like 23 years later

See Also:

SEE ALSO: A 'Hard Brexit' is going to cost Britain's economy 66 billion a year in lost revenue

DON'T MISS: A major Russian bank is moving its HQ out of London because of Brexit
Australias foreign minister, Julie Bishop, has blasted the opposition party over its inconsistent and contradictory stance on running freedom-of-navigation exercises in the South China Sea. Bishop is the latest coalition MP to attack the Labor Party over its strategy, joining critics including former Labor Prime Minister Paul Keating.

While addressing parliament during Question Time on October 11, Bishop said the government has remained consistent in its stance, "calling on all nations to refrain from coercive behaviour  and for China and the Philippines to accept the recent [UN] arbitration ruling award as final and binding.

Labors Shadow Defence Minister [Richard Marles] decided Australia should escalate tensions by having our Navy conduct freedom-of-navigation operations within 12 nautical miles of Chinese-controlled land features that are also contested by other claimants, said Bishop.

Australia should be thinking to deescalate tensions in the region  Australia is not a claimant state, Australia should not take sides, and we should continue to urge all parties to conduct peaceful negotiations between the claimants, she said, adding that the leader of the opposition, Bill Shorten, should put an end to inconsistent mutterings on the issue. Credit: Australia Parliament House
By Francesco Guarascio LUXEMBOURG (Reuters) - European Union countries were at odds on Tuesday over a global reform of banking rules with divergent views about a cap on increases in banks' capital buffers that might result from the review. The Basel Committee, banking supervisors from nearly 30 countries, is due to complete its reform, known as Basel III, by the end of 2016. The new rules are meant to make the sector more financially sound by reducing reliance on internal risk models. European banks and regulators have warned against an excessive increase in capital requirements that could affect mostly European banks because they use internal models more than their U.S. rivals, which rely more on standardised methodology. Higher capital reserves would raise costs for EU banks. Asked whether there should be a set limit to any hikes in capital requirements, Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem told reporters before an EU finance ministers' meeting that discussed the issue: "My approach is different". Reacting to France's push for a 5-percent limit, he said: "I haven't heard it. It does not make sense." French Finance Minister Michel Sapin said a 5-percent hike would be considered significant and would be opposed by France. Speaking with reporters after Dijsselbloem's remarks, Sapin said that the French position was shared by Germany and most other EU states. The discussion on Basel at the finance ministers' meeting was requested by France, with the support of Germany, EU officials said. German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble kept out of the quarrel, limiting his comments to saying after the meeting that European banks should not be penalised. A proposal for a 5-percent limit was included in a EU finance ministers' draft statement but was removed from the final conclusions of a meeting in July, as member states could not agree on the issue. The Slovak finance minister Peter Kazimir, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the EU, said ministers did not discuss a figure on Tuesday, and pleaded with his colleagues to keep a common front on the Basel reform. He referred to the EU position in the conclusions of the July meeting, where ministers simply urged the Basel group to avoid a "significant increase" in overall capital requirements but set no limit. Officials at banking trade body AFME estimated the new rules were likely to increase the capital buffer held by lenders by at least 6 percent on average from the existing figures. The hike may be as high as 25 percent, according to EU estimates based on a sample of 95 banks discussed on Tuesday by EU finance ministers, two EU officials said. After the meeting, the EU commissioner in charge of financial services, Valdis Dombrovskis, reiterated EU red lines for the Basel reform and said proposals may lead to significant rises in capital requirements as well as increased risks. (Additional reporting by Frank Siebelt in Luxembourg; Editing by Alastair Macdonald and Louise Ireland)
BEIRUT (Reuters) - Russian jets resumed heavy bombing of rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Tuesday after several days of relative calm, a rebel official and the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said. Air strikes mostly hit the Bustan al-Qasr neighbourhood, Zakaria Malhifji of the Aleppo-based Fastaqim rebel group told Reuters. "There is renewed bombardment and it is heavy," he said. The Observatory said the death toll from bombing in Bustan al-Qasr, Fardous and other neighbourhoods rose to at least 25, with scores of wounded. At least 50 civilians were killed by strikes on the rebel-held part of the city and nearby villages controlled by insurgents, residents and rescue workers said. In Bustan al Qasr, residents said, the strikes hit a medical centre and a children's playground. The Syrian army, backed by Iranian-backed militias, also said it had consolidated its control of the al Jandoul traffic circle at a major road intersection on the northern outskirts of Aleppo. Moscow and Damascus reduced air raids in the northern city last week. The Syrian army said that was partly to allow civilians to leave opposition-held eastern neighbourhoods. The Syrian government said rebels holed up in Aleppo can leave with their families if they lay down their arms. Insurgents denounced that offer as a deception. President Bashar al-Assad seeks the complete recapture of Aleppo, Syria's biggest city before the 5 1/2-year war, which has been divided between government and opposition control for years. Assad's Russian allies have meanwhile built up its forces in Syria after a brief ceasefire collapsed last month. Since Russia intervened in the war a year ago, the government's side has gained the upper hand on numerous fronts, including Aleppo, where the opposition-held sector has been completely encircled for weeks. Insurgents have advanced elsewhere, including in Hama province further south, where they captured a series of towns and villages last month. But in recent days government forces have regained some of that ground. In the southern city of Deraa, which is split between government and rebel control, insurgent shelling of a school killed at least five people, including children, on Tuesday, the Observatory and state media reported. Rebels denied they fired at the school. Residents reported the same death toll. Near the Turkish border, rebels backed by Turkey and a U.S.-led coalition closed in on the Islamic State-held village of Dabiq, the site of an apocalyptic prophesy central to the militant group's ideology. Free Syrian Army (FSA) rebel groups have been pushing south into Islamic State's territory in an operation backed by Turkey since Aug. 24, and have taken more villages near Dabiq in recent days. But hundreds of mines planted by the militants were delaying their progress, rebels said. The militants even retook the villages of Ihtimlat and Kafra only hours after the FSA fighters seized them, rebels said. "They planted along their front lines of defence hundreds of mines," a rebel from the Failaq al Sham group said. Now the goal of FSA forces was to retake the town of Soran, an Islamic State stronghold in the area, before moving on to Dabiq, he said. (Reporting by John Davison and Suleiman al-Khalidi in Amman; Editing by Larry King)
Selling real estate is more than putting a sign in the yard. Selling real estate takes skill and effort. Hiring an agent without interviewing them for the job is like handing a stranger a blank check; you are putting your hard earned money at risk.

Many real estate agents have different sales techniques, styles and goals. As a seller, you want to work with an agent whose goals and personality are in alignment with your own. If you are thinking about working with a real estate agent on the sale of your home, consider asking these four questions before you hire your next agent.

How invested in the real estate industry are you?

Just because an agent is a long-term licensee does not mean they are active and engaged in the real estate market. Instead of asking an agent how long they have been in business, ask them how they stay current with changing market information. An agent who is active and engaged in selling real estate on a regular basis is more likely to be better versed on market trends and policy changes.

How often do you communicate with your clients?

An epic complaint sellers often have is that they hired an agent to sell their home and never heard from them after the home was listed. Have an open discussion with your potential agent about how they communicate with their clients.

Ask the agent you are interviewing how often you as the seller should expect to hear from them. Also ask them how they will contact you; will they use email, text, or will they call you? Different stages of a transaction also need different levels of communication. Ask your prospective agent how they communicate with their clients throughout different stages of a transaction.

What are you going to do to market my home?

Before the internet, placing your home in the MLS system and putting a sign in the yard was the primary way to secure a buyer. Real estate marketing today is shifting towards selling a lifestyle, not just a home. Ask your prospective agent what they are going to do to market your home in order to reach your target buyer. A skilled agent will adjust their marketing plan to market to potential buyers who fit the most likely buyer profile for your property.

Whats it going to cost me to sell?

Your prospective agent should provide you with a current market analysis and benchmark cost of sale or net out before you list your home. Neighborhood requirements and trends may mean that you have different costs associated with the sale of your home. A good example of this would be if your live in a Homeowners Association. A good agent is familiar with the relevant real estate details of a neighborhood and how it will affect your bottom line.

As a seller, you are putting your largest financial investment in the hands of a stranger. Your time is money. Asking the right questions during the interview process will save time and money in the long run.

Kellie Tinnin is the Career Development Director for ERA Sellers & Buyers Real Estate and a real estate blogger in Albuquerque, NM. Kellie is an advocate for raising the bar in the real estate industry, often writing about how real estate agents can improve their service to the public. Visit her at: www.kellietinnin.com
TUCSON, Ariz.  A chief deputy with the Pima County Sheriffs Department has resigned after being indicted in connection with allegations of misusing funds seized under an anti-racketeering law.

Chris Radtke didnt immediately respond Tuesday to a request for comment left at a Tucson phone listed in his name, and it wasnt immediately known whether he has an attorney for his case.

County Sheriff Chris Nanos announced Radtkes indictment and resignation Monday night and said he wouldnt comment on an investigation conducted by another agency.

However, Nanos said his department has procedures in place to monitor expenditures of anti-racketeering, or RICO, funds.

The Arizona Daily Star reported in February that the FBI was investigating spending on a cafe operated by Radtkes niece inside the sheriffs headquarters.

According to the newspaper, Radtkes niece took over operation of the cafe in 2012 and the sheriffs department spent more than $10,000 on equipment for the space and allowed her to run her restaurant rent-free and without a county contract.

Sheriffs officials initially said the equipment was paid for with RICO funds, which is money seized from criminals and given to law enforcement agencies, but they later said the money came from the general fund, the Star said.

The newspaper reported that public records indicated that the county spent more than $30,000 on equipment for the cafe and a second location opened in 2014 inside the county jail.

Former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona, a former sheriffs official, told Tucson TV station KGUN that he believed the FBI investigation went beyond the possible misuse of money spent on the cafe.

Carmona said hed been interviewed by the FBI and had spoken with others who also spoke with agents. He said a common topic was spending of RICO money on an annual awards banquet.

The FBI did not immediately respond Tuesday to an inquiry from The Associated Press and a spokesman for the U.S. Attorneys Office for Arizona referred questions to a spokeswoman in the U.S. Attorneys Office for Utah, who said she couldnt comment.

Use of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act and its state counterparts have periodically stirred controversy and prompted calls for reforms. Last year, New Mexico barred police from seizing money or assets from people unless convicted of a crime.

Nanos was appointed sheriff by the county Board of Supervisors in July 2015 to complete the term of fellow Democrat Clarence Dupnik.

Nanos faces Republican Mark Napier, a former Tucson police captain, in the general election Nov. 8.
LONDON  The man who stands a reasonable chance of becoming the next president of the United States is a hate preacher. He is unfit to hold the office because of his stupefying ignorance. His pattern of reckless behavior inspires a retching feeling.

Those are not the words of Republican nominee Donald Trumps domestic political opponents, eager to take him down in the rancorous home stretch of an almost incomprehensibly acid American election.

Instead, they are the sentiments of Washingtons closest allies, who, gazing across the Atlantic, have broken with decades of precedent that calls for studious silence and openly taken sides in a U.S. presidential election.

From the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean coast, the prospect of Trump taking control of the worlds greatest power has triggered widespread anxiety in European capitals. It has also brought periodic outbursts from leaders who no doubt hope, perhaps in vain, that the views of Americas foreign friends will somehow make a difference among American voters.

But what Trumps rise hasnt done is prompted European allies to get ready for the possibility that he could actually win.

They are taking it seriously, said Xenia Wickett, head of the Americas program at the London-based think tank Chatham House. But I dont think theyre preparing for it.

That lack of preparation leaves Europe dangerously exposed should Trump find a way out of the maelstrom generated by his vulgar comments in a 2005 video and pull off an unexpected victory over Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton in next months vote.

Europe is already at a vulnerable moment even without a White House resident who has called the most basic tenets of the trans-Atlantic alliance into question, and whose coziness with President Vladimir Putin comes as Russia has made a habit of menacing its weaker European neighbors.

Across the continent, populist movements that share much with Trumps nativist nationalism are on the rise. Britain is on its way out of the European Union. The continents ability to hang together amid problems ranging from the refugee crisis to terrorism is being tested daily.

But a Trump victory could be the biggest challenge of all, forcing European nations to bind together to compensate for a likely American turn toward isolationism.

Even if Trump opted to maintain the traditional U.S. role as guarantor of European security, his extreme positions may prove so anathema that Europe would have little choice but to distance itself from Washington, said Wickett, a former U.S. National Security Council official under President George W. Bush.

America would no longer be a country that you would necessarily want to be partnered with, she said.

That shift has already been telegraphed through the scathing words of top European officials  words that could make it difficult to reconcile with Trump if he wins.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier in August called Trump a hate preacher who had much in common with Brexit backers and with the German far right. He said they were linked by their exploitation of fears to achieve political goals. This was incendiary for society, Steinmeier said.

Steinmeiers boss, Chancellor Angela Merkel, has been more circumspect, though she has left little doubt about her true feelings. She has heaped praise on Clintons strategic thinking and commitment to the trans-Atlantic partnership.

Whenever I had a chance to work with Hillary Clinton, it has been a great pleasure, Merkel told the German newspaper Bild.

As for Trump, all she would say was that she doesnt know him personally.

Neither, presumably, does French President Francois Hollande. But that didnt stop him from saying that Trumps excesses had given him a retching feeling.

Britains Parliament has even gone so far as to debate whether Trump should be banned from the nations shores. The January session yielded no action, but did exhaust the thesauruses of dozens of lawmakers who struggled to creatively convey just how much they disliked the real estate tycoon.

Demagogue, buffoon and wazzock  a semi-obscure Britishism meaning, roughly, twit  were among the insults that echoed off the drafty stone walls in the mother of all parliaments.

Theres little evidence that Trumps reputation in Britain has improved since then, even though he, unlike Clinton or President Obama, backed the winning side in the countrys June Brexit referendum.

Trump has called himself Mr. Brexit, an apparent allusion to his belief that he can shock the world with victory much in the way anti-E.U. activists did in the referendum.

The most bombastic of those activists, longtime U.K. Independence Party leader Nigel Farage, has become a highly visible Trump ally. Farage spoke at a Trump rally in Mississippi in August, and was Trumps guest at Sundays debate.

Trump has found other friends in the ascendant populist movements of Europe, including Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban.

Orban, who built a razor-wire fence along the countrys southern border to block refugees and migrants from entering the country last summer, has hailed Trumps proposals to crack down on terrorism. I myself could not have drawn up better what Europe needs, Orban said in July.

But Orbans stand places him firmly in the minority among European leaders. For other nations, particularly the four NATO members that border Russia, Trump is the source of deep, almost existential anxiety.

The Republican nominee has gone back and forth over whether he would come to the aid of U.S. allies if they were attacked, even as Russia has staged provocative military drills and air incursions in the two years following its annexation of Crimea from Ukraine.

Three of Russias NATO neighbors  the Baltic nations of Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia  are together smaller than Missouri and stand no chance of defending themselves in the event of a Russian invasion. In that context, comments from top Trump adviser Newt Gingrich that Estonia is in the suburbs of St. Petersburg shook many in the region who have long counted Republicans as their staunchest advocates.

Concern over Trump runs so deep that Latvian lawmakers have started to reach out to Republicans in Congress, eager to build support among a constituency that might be a forceful counterweight to the would-be presidents isolationist impulses.

Ojars Kalnins, chairman of the Latvian Parliaments Foreign Affairs Committee, said Latvian lawmakers were in talks with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., and Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., to lead a delegation of Baltic politicians that hopes to speak in front of a Senate committee during the lame-duck session of Congress.

The Trump comments and the Gingrich comments did prompt us, Kalnins said. It was a realization that people arent as attuned to the Baltic states as they used to be.

But those modest steps are about as far as Europe has gone to prepare for a Trump presidency. The prevailing strategy for many diplomats and politicians is to hope he doesnt win, and if he does, to simply wait and see what he will actually do, given his often-contradictory statements.

Some European analysts believe Trumps foreign policy ideas are so radical that he would have trouble stocking the government with enough people committed to carrying them out.

We expect there would still be cadre diplomats, a lot of people who are not showing the opposition flag to Trump but who are the safe tier of professionals, said Juri Luik, a former Estonian foreign and defense minister who runs the International Center for Defense and Security in the Estonian capital Tallinn.

But Luik also cautioned that Europeans shouldnt kid ourselves and noted that in the United States, the president calls the shots on security policy.

Indeed, far from being reassured, European leaders have often gone out of their way to stress just how worried they are.

Trump is not only a problem for the EU, but for the whole world, European Parliament President Martin Schulz recently told the German weekly Der Spiegel. If a man is sitting in the White House . . . with no clue and describes expert knowledge as elitist nonsense, a critical point has been reached: Then an apparently irresponsible man is in a position which requires the highest sense of responsibility.

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Samsung said Tuesday that it would discontinue production of its highest-end smartphone, an unprecedented move for the company and one that could reorder the global market for mobile devices.

The Galaxy Note 7 was supposed to be the crown jewel of the smartphone lineup for Samsung, which once garnered little respect in the clubby world of Silicon Valley but is now the primary rival to Apple. Samsungs ascendancy has been celebrated by those who wanted a high-quality alternative to the iPhone and held up in Korea as evidence of the countrys arrival as tech power.

But Samsungs failure to manufacture phones that do not explode in purses or catch on fire on flights may be catastrophic for the companys brand, many technology analysts said. Samsungs shares fell 7.5 percent in Tuesday trading in Seoul, wiping out $17 billion of the companys value.

Some analysts said the company, in its race to release a new phone ahead of Apple, simply rushed. The Note 7s battery was one of its best selling points  more powerful than that of the iPhone 7 Plus and capable of charging the phone nearly to full power in 30 minutes.

Apple had endured criticism for not bringing such innovations to the iPhone. But its caution now looks wise, said John Cui, an assistant professor at Georgetowns McDonough School of Business.

Had this just stopped at replacement units, Samsung would have walked out of this, added Ramon Llamas, an analyst at the tech market research firm IDC. The fact that it didnt work out again? Now well be suspicious.

The damage isnt likely to be contained to the Galaxy Note model, which had a large 5.7-inch screen and cost $800. The government has also issued a warning about exploding Samsung washing machines, though the problems with those appliances are not related to a battery.

A recent survey from the brand-analysis firm Branding Brand found that 34 percent of current Samsung customers said they wouldnt buy another smartphone from the company  in a poll taken before news surfaced of the replacement phones also catching on fire.

The Note 7 fires also call to mind other incidents involving lithium-ion batteries, which increasingly power most personal devices and cutting-edge technologies, such as electric cars, mobile gadgets and childrens toys.

Unexpected explosions forced U.S. retailers to pull popular childrens scooters called hoverboards this year. Boeing had to ground its super-advanced 787 Dreamliner jets because of lithium-ion battery fires in 2013.

The supply chains that build the batteries in smartphones and other electronics are notoriously complex and opaque. Companies such as Samsung and Apple buy batteries from several makers, which source the battery parts from different firms across the globe.

Samsung, the largest battery-maker in the world, last year bought smartphone batteries from its own Samsung SDI division as well as from Maxwell, Amperex Technology Limited, Panasonic and Lishen, according to Avicenne Energy, a consulting firm. But Samsung was unusually dependent on Samsung SDI for about 75 percent of its batteries. By contrast, Apple has bought iPhone batteries from five companies, none of which supply more than a third of its batteries. That enables Apple to nimbly switch manufacturers if a problem surfaces.

Samsungs missteps are likely to help Apple, which offers the only other premium large-screen smartphone that is well-recognized by consumers. The new iPhone 7 Plus sold out within a day, just as reports of exploding Note 7s emerged. In general, large-screen phones generate more profits for manufacturers than smaller ones.

Other analysts said Samsungs problems might be an even more important development for Android makers, many of which have struggled to make a dent against Apple and Samsung.

Google, in particular, stands to gain, analysts said. The tech giant recently introduced its own line of high-end phones, called the Pixel, which could appeal to the anti-iPhone crowd.

The Pixel phone could be a beneficiary here since it shares many traits with the Note 7, said Brian Blau, vice president of technology research firm Gartner.

Samsungs crisis may be cushioned because carriers already have agreed to promote its other phones for the crucial holiday season.

But over the long term, the debacle may set back its relationship with its customers, who had to wade through shifting warnings from the company.

At first Samsung was slow to offer replacements. Only after U.S. officials, as well as airlines and subway systems, began to warn passengers to turn off their Galaxy Note 7s did the company offer an official recall.

And as of Tuesday, Samsung had not extended that recall to include the replacement Note 7 phones sold after Sept. 15, even though several of those devices have reportedly caught fire. The company has only asked owners of the replacements to stop using those models.

The mixed messages have frustrated U.S. officials. In a speech last month, Consumer Product Safety Commission Chairman Elliot Kaye criticized Samsung for trying to handle the problem without coordinating with his agency and for putting customers at risk.

I would say thats uncommon, said Kaitlin Wowak, an assistant professor of business at Notre Dame. Its important for companies dealing with recalls to have whatever relevant organization  the FDA, NHTSA, the CPSC  get behind them.

  

The Washington Posts Todd C. Frankel contributed to this report.

  

Video: Samsungs Galaxy Note 7 is dead. Heres everything you need to know.

Samsung has stopped production of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone after a series of explosions in the original and replacement models surfaced. (Jhaan Elker / The Washington Post)

Short URL: http://wapo.st/2dNO8yM

Embed code:

samsung-repeat
ATLANTA  Elizabeth Matherne had been practicing immigration law for four years in the far northern suburbs of this city when a new group of people came pleading for help. A flood of Central American newcomers fleeing violence in their home countries wereresettling in Atlanta, applying for asylum, and they jammed the six phone lines at her office. Shed never seen such demand for her services.

But Matherne only felt rattled. Atlanta was fast becoming Americas toughest immigration court, she told the callers, a place where asylum applicants had lotto number odds. And that left Matherne with a brutal choice: She could either accept money from cash-strapped clients likely to end up with only debt and deportation orders. Or stop and risk sabotaging her business  and her cause.

A crisis of conscience, she called it.

This was the curse of being an immigration lawyer in Americas least-forgiving place for new arrivals seeking asylum. Just as the massive flow of Central Americans into the U.S. immigration system was making Mathernes job more urgent, it was also making it increasingly impossible to do.

Across the nation, new migrants from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras were showing up in federal courts designed to hear immigration cases, telling stories about dire and sometimes life-threatening gang violence in their countries. But they did not easily meet the traditional standards for asylum, which is reserved for persecuted peoples. Lawyers working in immigration courts around the country said in interviews that the ambiguity surrounding these cases has opened the door for a more-arbitrary version of immigration justice.

Although the immigration court system has long faced differences across its 58 venues  reflecting the backgrounds of immigrants seeking reprieve, the availability of lawyers to help and the views of local judges  the Central American surge has made those variations more stark. Over the past five years, the asylum grant rate  at 48 percent nationally, according to government data  has risen in New York from 76 percent to 84 percent, reflecting a more generous attitude toward both Central Americans and other immigrants.

In Atlanta, however, it has fallen from 23 percent to 2 percent.

As a result, in the Souths largest city, Central Americans are running into a near-impermeable legal wall.

Before the surge of Central Americans began in 2014, immigration lawyers could choose from a range of cases. But in cities such as Atlanta, they are increasingly forced to take on Central American clients or none at all. That is because the newly arriving men, women and children have been moved to the front of the line by President Barack Obamas administration. Central Americans now account for almost half of immigration cases, up from a quarter in 2012. Many other cases have been pushed to 2019.

The Central American surge is changing the profile of border crossings. A decade ago, nearly 9 in 10 people apprehended at the border were Mexican. Today, although the overall number of border-crossers has declined, 40 percent are from the three most violent countries in Central America.

Cases are typically heard in the court closest to where the migrants resettle, and for many undocumented Central Americans, Atlanta is a popular destination for its job opportunities and Spanish-speaking neighborhoods. A separate batch winds up having cases heard via videoconference in the Atlanta court while being detained in a facility in Ocilla, Georgia.

For Matherne, practicing immigration law was a little rebellion against the conservative Southern culture in which she grew up. She was raised in Chamblee, Ga., and her father listened to Rush Limbaugh and talked about illegals taking over the country. But she was pulled onto a different path, selected for a DeKalb County 1990s integration program and bused to a majority-black high school. It just gave me an ability to put myself in other peoples shoes that most white people dont have, Matherne said.

She came to view herself as a spunky fighter who defied conventions: pregnant at 21, married to a Marine veteran at 22, a law degree at 27. She became a public defender in Orlando, Florida, at 28 and was seen by colleagues as the most empathetic in the office  every criminal with a redeeming side.

Elizabeth always thinks she needs to save people, and when she cant save them, it breaks her, said Brandy Alexander, a lawyer who worked with Matherne in Orlando.

  

For years, Matherne had carved out a comfortable living by handling a variety of immigration matters  green-card applications, helping spouses stuck overseas, the occasional asylum seeker. The sign that something had changed came with the simple task of trying to spring clients, usually new arrivals held by immigration authorities, from detention.

For years, judges had granted bond without much thought, but that began to change in 2014, as Central Americans  ones that Matherne took on as clients  entered the system.

The soft-spoken Guatemalan whose land had been seized under threat. Denied.

A Salvadoran forced by gang members to perform oral sex at knifepoint, now with a scar across his face. Denied.

An anti-drug detective who defected from a unit in which other men were helping gangs. Denied.

They were men who had thought they had futures in the United States.

You graduate law school, pass the bar; you think youre given a key to help the world, she said. I genuinely believed these people could die if theyre sent back. And youre talking to somebody  the judge  who is not listening.

Though the judges did not need to justify their actions, Matherne and other lawyers had explanations for them. One was legal: Unlike for those fleeing religious persecution, for example, the precedent supporting Central American asylum was shaky, particularly for politically conservative courts in the Southeast. The other was practical: Judges were seeing so many similar cases that they were afraid to open the floodgates. Indeed, the Obama administration had grown so concerned about the influx of Central Americans that it had taken steps of its own  building new detention facilities and carrying out deportation sweeps  to deter future migrants.

Some of the disparities in asylum rates reflect differences in the makeup of those walking through the door. In 2015, Central Americans were almost four times as likely to be denied asylum than granted it. Mexicans tended to lose at an even greater clip. Eritreans and Somalis, almost always fitting the traditional profile of an asylum seeker, fared better. Chinese immigrants, often wealthy enough to have lawyers, were among the most successful, including political dissidents and women who said they faced forced abortion because of the nations one-child policy.

But differences among immigrants seeking asylum areonly part of the reason for the national disparities, lawyers say. Lawyers in New York, Arlington, Virginia, and Boston  all places with generous approval rates  say they have also seen a massive surge in Central Americans seeking asylum. And they say they tend to win.

In Atlanta, the odds were never easy, but with the tough new reality, Matherne felt there was no conceivable way to reliably win. So for the first time in her career, she started pushing most clients away. She blocked out 10 to 20 hours every week for consultations. Yes, I believe you, shed say. Your case might have merit in some parts of the country. But it probably wont work here.

The asylum seekers did not have many other options. Only a few dozen of Atlantas 12,000 lawyers work in immigration. A study published last month found that having a lawyer boosted ones chances of success in immigration court more than fivefold but that only 47 percent of migrants in Atlantas court had attorneys. That was lower than any other big city.

We just dont have the capacity, said Keren Sohahong-Kombet, one person on a list of lawyers that court administrators gives to new arrivals.

Among the countrys 277 immigration judges  appointed by the attorney general  five work in Atlanta. Compared with other cities, they tend to be older. All are men. Four have served since at least the George W. Bush administration. Two are former prosecutors with the U.S. immigration enforcement agency. Their reasoning for rejecting most asylum claims remains unknown, and individual judges are prohibited from giving interviews. A staffer at Atlantas immigration court referred all questions to the Justice Departments Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

An EOIR spokeswoman declined to specifically address Atlanta but said in a statement that the office takes seriously any claims of unjustified and significant anomalies in immigration judge decision-making and takes steps to evaluate disparities in immigration adjudications.

  

With immigration law, Matherne could stand outside a detention center after a client was released and reunited with a family. Or she could spend dozens of hours preparing a client for an asylum case and rejoice as a judge agreed with her argument. She wrote about her best cases on her resume. The results were in capital letters: GRANTED.

But in the aftermath of the asylum surge, Mathernes business turned into what she called a house of cards. She needed 150 new cases per year to cover her costs, including an employee. Instead, she had a growing folder of hundreds of cases marked Consultations  Not Retained. Her caseload shrank, her revenue collapsed, and she cut her own salary to zero.

For the first time in her life, she spiraled.

Her husband, a tax accountant, could support the familys mortgage payments and groceries. But how could she validate the long hours when she wasnt making a cent? She was either working, she said, or home and too grumpy to talk. Her youngest son was struggling to read  something for which she blamed herself because she carved out so little time for him.

She argued with her husband. She stopped quilting and painting. She saw a psychologist.

I felt dead inside, she said.

Most of all, she second-guessed her handling of the asylum cases. She didnt want to con people or file bulls asylum claims or sustain a career on money from people who were wasting it. (Lawyers typically charge upward of $5,000 for an asylum case.)

But she also hated to back away.

You perceive yourself as a fighter, she said, and yet how are you so unwilling to take this fight?

  

Matherne was preparing a workshop on how to represent unaccompanied minors when she concluded something ominous: The Central American surge wasnt going away.

In the PowerPoint presentation she put together, she detailed what was happening: thousands of deportations, skyrocketing backlogs in court. Eighty-eight percent of court hearings were conducted in Spanish.

I saw the storm clouds, Matherne said.

And she decided that her job had changed beyond repair.

So I started ripping the Band-Aids off, she said.

She talked with her husband. Start over, he said. Simple. Do something that will make you happy.

She started to tell callers she was no longer taking cases.

She enrolled for online classes to become a law librarian.

Others keep going for years as zombies, she said. I couldnt keep going if I didnt think I could win.

Matherne still shows up in court from time to time with her last clients.

But several months ago, Matherne asked the immigration court to remove her from an official list of lawyers who take cases. She had been on the list for six years, but when the court updated its pamphlet, the change was immediate.

Atlanta had one fewer immigration lawyer, and the phone calls stopped.

immig-lawyer
GREENSBORO, N.C.  Exposing the nations sharp political divisions as Election Day nears, supporters of Republican Donald Trump repeatedly interrupted President Barack Obama on Tuesday as he urged North Carolina Democrats to take advantage of early voting and cast their presidential ballots for Democrat Hillary Clinton.

Obama also delivered a sharp indictment of Republicans who continue to support Trumps bid despite hearing him on a recently released video recording from 2005 talking in vulgar terms about making unwanted sexual advances toward women.

The fact that now youve got people saying, Well, we strongly disapprove. We really disagree. We find those comments disgusting. But were still endorsing him. We still think he should be president. That doesnt make sense to me, Obama told several thousand people at a raucous outdoor rally.

Now I hear then some people saying, Well, Im a Christian so Im all about forgiveness because nobodys perfect,' Obama said. Well, that is true. I am certainly not perfect  and I, too, believe in forgiveness and redemption, but that doesnt mean Im going to elect the person president.

House Speaker Paul Ryan said he was sickened by Trumps comments on the recording, and he rescinded an invitation for Trump to join him at a weekend rally in his Wisconsin congressional district. But Ryan has not pulled his endorsement of Trump, as some other Republicans have. Still, he has told fellow House Republicans he would not defend Trump or campaign with him and would focus on protecting the House GOP majority.

Obama said some Republicans were trying to have it both ways.

You cant repeatedly denounce what is said by someone and then say, But Im still going to endorse him to be the most powerful person on the planet and put them in charge, he said.

Several minutes after Obama started speaking, a young man and a woman who appeared to be Trump supporters moved toward the stage and revealed T-shirts that said Bill Clinton Rapist. They were quickly escorted out by security.

Immediately before Sundays presidential debate in St. Louis, Trump appeared with three women who have accused former President Bill Clinton of committing sexual crimes against them. Clinton was never charged in those cases. The women later attended the debate.

Obama joked that the protesters were auditioning for a reality show. Trump is the former host of the NBC reality show The Apprentice.

After the president resumed speaking, someone could be heard shouting Bill Clinton is a rapist. Minutes after that outburst, a man ripped up one of the blue North Carolina Together placards that attendees were given to wave during the rally.

This is our democracy at work. This is great, Obama said, as the largely supportive crowd began to boo.

Obama contrasted Clintons experience, qualifications and penchant for sweating the details with Trump, who Obama said doesnt have the temperament, judgment, knowledge or basic honesty a president needs to have. And that was true even before we heard about his attitudes toward women.

Obama also criticized Trump for threatening during Sundays debate to jail Clinton for using nongovernment email servers when she was secretary of state in Obamas first term, without the benefit of a trial or due process.

Obama said the U.S. has stood in contrast and in opposition to those kinds of ideas and, I frankly never thought Id see the day when wed have a major party candidate who would be promoting those kinds of notions.

He urged those in audience to vote, saying youve got everything to lose in the Nov. 8 election and that civility is on the ballot, as well as respect for women, tolerance and even democracy.

If you want to send a message in this election, make it a resounding message: Turn back the forces of racism and misogyny, Obama said.

The stop in North Carolina, parts of which are experiencing record flooding in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, marked the first of three appearances the president has scheduled this week in battleground states in the White House race. The president canceled a Clinton campaign event last week in Miami because of the approaching storm. Polls indicate the presidential race is extremely close in North Carolina.

On Thursday, Obama is scheduled to travel to Pittsburgh to address a White House event on the future of innovation in the U.S. and around the world. That evening, he is scheduled to address the Ohio Democratic Partys annual dinner in Columbus. He campaigns again for Clinton in Cleveland on Friday.

Obama opened his remarks by reflecting on Hurricane Matthews toll of death and destruction in North Carolina.

Thoughts and prayer are with the folks who are still dealing with rivers that are overflown, homes that are being flooded, he said. He urged everyone to look out for each other, no matter what.

Obama spoke to Gov. Pat McCrory by telephone on Tuesday, the White House said. He also signed a federal disaster declaration for the state on Monday.

___

Follow Darlene Superville on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/dsupervilleap
Bernalillo County commissioners on Tuesday narrowly agreed to accept introduction of a proposal that would allow the company behind the massive Santolina Master Plan to divert a share of future tax revenue generated there.

A financial analysis of the deal is underway, and the commission expects to make a final decision sometime next month.

Tuesday's vote just cleared the way for a final public hearing within 60 days. It passed 3-2, with commissioners Maggie Hart Stebbins and Debbie O'Malley in opposition.

Final approval next month would allow creation of tax increment development districts within Santolina  a proposed development on the West Side that could someday rival the size of Rio Rancho today.

The diverted revenue would reimburse developers for building streets, drains and other public amenities.

Western Albuquerque Land Holdings LLC, which owns the Santolina property, asked to divert up to 75 percent of the new property and gross receipts taxes that would be generated for the county as development occurs.

The county administration, however, is recommending that only 45 percent of the new revenue be allowed for diversion.

Bernalillo County has hired a firm to analyze the potential economic impact of creating the districts. The county expects the analysis to show that the districts would provide positive economic impacts to the county, according to a report prepared by county staff.

The districts would lie within the Santolina Master Plan, which established zoning and other regulations intended to guide development on 21 square miles of land atop the West Mesa, near 118th and Interstate 40.
PHOENIX  Federal judges dealt double blows to Democrats efforts to challenge Arizona election laws Tuesday, with an appeals court panel refusing to block a new law prohibiting get-out-the-vote groups from collecting early ballots and a U.S. District Court judge declining to order Arizona to count votes cast in the wrong precinct.

The rulings came in different parts of the same lawsuit filed by Democratic voters and national and state Democratic groups, along with presidential candidate Hillary Clinton. It was filed after major problems with long lines during the March presidential primary election and the signing of the new ballot collection law by Republican Gov. Doug Ducey.

In the ballot collection portion, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals refused to overturn a decision by U.S. District Court Judge Douglas Rayes that kept the new law in effect. It means people who collect ballots for delivery to the polls in most cases face a felony charge.

Democratic groups challenged the law under the Voting Rights Act and argued it disproportionately affected minority voters. Republican backers argued it was needed to prevent voting fraud.

Both parties have used ballot collection to boost turnout during elections by going door-to-door and asking voters if they have completed their mail-in ballot. If they have not, they urge them to do so and offer to return it to elections offices. Democrats, however, use the technique more often as part of their get-out-the-vote efforts.

Ducey signed the law in early March, calling it a common-sense approach to maintaining the integrity of our elections.

In their injunction request, Democrats argued there has been a lengthy history of discrimination at the polls in Arizona and that the law was orchestrated to suppress voter turnout among Democratic voters.

The separate district court ruling by Rayes rejected a request by Democrats to block Arizonas practice of invalidating ballots cast in the incorrect precinct. The judge said the state has a valid reason not to count such votes because different races are on ballots in different precincts and Democrats havent shown that minorities were affected more than white voters.

The decisions dont end the case but instead keep current practices in place pending a full trial.

Messages seeking comment from state Democratic Party officials werent immediately returned. Matt Roberts, spokesman for Secretary of State Michele Roberts, also didnt immediately return a call seeking comment.
BEIRUT  Airstrikes on rebel-held parts of the northern city of Aleppo killed at least 14 people Tuesday, while the shelling of a government-held neighborhood in southern Syria hit a school, killing at least six, including children, opposition activists and state media said.

Syrias official news agency SANA also reported rare shelling of neighborhoods in the capital, Damascus, including several mortar shells fired by opposition groups based on the edge of the city that landed in the residential Qasaa district and close to the Umayyad Mosque, wounding an unspecified number of people.

Fighting on a number of fronts across the country has intensified in recent weeks following the collapse of a U.S. and Russian-brokered cease-fire.

The northern city of Aleppo, Syrias largest and its former commercial center, has seen particularly fierce fighting, as pro-government forces try to capture neighborhoods in besieged opposition-held parts of the city.

The activist-operated Aleppo Today TV station and Qasioun news agency say bunker-busting bombs were used in an attack on the Bustan al-Qasr neighborhood in rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

Other activist groups and a member of the Aleppo local council, Zakaria Amino, said rescue workers were searching for people under the rubble. Amino said bombs fell on a number of other rebel-held neighborhoods.

The opposition-held part of Aleppo has been battered by an intensive aerial campaign since last month, when the truce collapsed after just a week. Syrian pro-government forces are also conducting a ground offensive into the rebel-held districts, advancing slowly in the north, east and south of the city.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the airstrikes on Aleppo killed at least 16 people, while the Local Coordination Committees said 14 were killed.

In the southern city of Daraa, where the conflict began following anti-government protests in March 2011, rebels fired rockets at government-held areas. One hit a primary school, killing six people  among them five children  and wounding 18 students, according to state-run news agency SANA. It said some of the wounded are in serious condition.

SANA posted a photo of a boy carried on a stretcher, his grey trousers stained with blood and his bandaged right hand on his stomach. Another photo showed a boy and a girl inside what appeared to be a hospital with IV drips in their arms.
It is now up to the U.S. Supreme Court to determine the legality of New Mexicos nearly 30-year practice of buying textbooks for all students, regardless of where they go to school.

Lets hope the justices in D.C. agree with the judges on two lower state courts that all taxpayer dollars deserve respect, not just those that come from parents who send their children to public school. And hope they embrace the principle that all New Mexico property owners help fund the states 89 public school districts and charter schools with their tax dollars.

After all, the states Land Grant Permanent Fund, which makes money off oil and natural gas leases, provides more than a half-billion dollars annually to beneficiaries including the states public schools. That fund and the resources that replenish it belong to all New Mexicans.

Just as residents who dont have children in public schools still pay taxes to those schools for the greater public good, so do families who choose to put their children in private schools. Shouldnt the latter at least get secular textbooks for their contribution? State district and appellate court judges agreed they should in New Mexico Association of Nonpublic Schools v. Moses.

Unfortunately, last year the New Mexico Supreme Court, in an opinion by Justice Edward Chavez, parted ways with the ruling that the legislative intent in promoting the education of all school children in New Mexico deserves greater weight than plaintiffs concern of where that education is happening.

For almost three decades, until the state Supreme Court ruling, New Mexico honored both tax dollars, and the separation of church and state by covering only nonreligious textbooks for private schools. And that should be the focus when the federal high court takes up the case  that, as part of the greater good, all of New Mexicos students get the educational materials their parents, guardians and other New Mexicans pay into the system for.

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.
WHITE PLAINS, N.Y.  Hillary Clintons presidential campaign chairman, John Podesta, said Tuesday that the FBI is investigating a criminal hack of his private email account and suggested that the campaign of Republican Donald Trump could have had advanced warning that the documents were going to be made public.

Ive been involved in politics for nearly five decades, and this definitely is the first campaign that Ive been involved with in which Ive had to tangle with Russian intelligence agencies, who seem to be doing everything they can on behalf of our opponent, Podesta told reporters aboard the Democratic nominees plane as it returned here from campaign stops in Florida.

Podesta, a longtime Clinton family confidant and aide, said he spoke with the FBI on Sunday and that he had been told Tuesday that the intrusion into his email is now part of a wider inquiry into potential Russian cyberattacks. He would not confirm the authenticity of emails released in recent days by the anti-secrecy website WikiLeaks that appear to be from his gmail account.

Russian interference in this election and apparently on behalf of [Donald] Trump is, I think, of the utmost concern to all Americans, whether youre a Democrat or independent or Republican, Podesta said.

Podesta said that it would be reasonable to assume that the Trump campaign knew his email was going to released by WikiLeaks. He pointed to comments earlier this year by Roger Stone, a longtime Trump associate and former adviser to the campaign, that he had been in contact with Julian Assange, the WikiLeaks founder.

Around the same time, Stone pointed his finger at me, and said that I could expect some treatment that would expose me, Podesta said, referring to comments on Twitter in August by Stone, who said it would soon be Podestas time in the barrel.

So I think its a reasonable assumption to  or at least a reasonable conclusion  that Mr. Stone had advanced warning and the Trump campaign had advanced warning about what Assange was going to do, Podesta told reporters.

Some of the emails published so far are, if authentic, embarrassing glimpses into the inner workings of the Democratic presidential nominees political network. They include sniping and drama among aides and Clintons daughter, Chelsea Clinton, and a suggestion that Clinton ally Donna Brazile, who is now the interim head of the Democratic National Committee, had improperly tipped Clinton to a question she would get at a CNN forum. Brazile denied any impropriety Tuesday.

Podesta and Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri spoke to reporters following Clintons campaign appearance in Miami on Tuesday with former vice president Al Gore.

Podesta pointed to ties to Russia among Trump advisers, including Stone, and suggested there is a concerted effort to use Russian intelligence, surveillance or computer hacking abilities to disrupt the American election.

Why would there be this active engagement by the Russians in the DNC and other Democratic organizations, [and] into my private email account? Well, I think you could start by looking at the positions that Mr. Trump has taken during the course of this campaign, Podesta said. Ones that are more consistent with Russian foreign policy than with U.S. foreign policy.

He cited Trumps suggestion that he would not necessarily abide by the mutual defense clause of NATO, which obligates military action on behalf of one member by the others. It is a foundation of the military alliance and probably the element that Russia most opposes.

Podesta also cited Trumps excuse, and really lack of knowledge, about the Russian involvement and invasion of Ukraine, the illegal annexation of Crimea, and his apparent love affair, bromance as Ive called it, with [Russian President] Vladimir Putin.

Podesta speculated that the timing of the first WikiLeaks release Friday was intended to detract attention from the emergence earlier in the day of a 2005 video, first reported by The Washington Post, that captured Trump making extremely lewd comments about women. Trumps comments came as he was riding on a bus for a segment on the show Access Hollywood.

Within minutes of the Access Hollywood tapes coming out, they decided that they were accountable for trying to take all the publics attention off the things that Donald Trump said on that video, Podesta said.
Twenty years ago, Helen Fox regularly visited Central Avenues cheap motels, looking for kids who were barely making it.

Fox, a respected teacher, had founded a program to help homeless students with necessities such as food, clothes, academic resources and school supplies.

Albuquerque honored Foxs dedication Tuesday by inscribing her name on the citys Wall of Fame. She was the fourth honoree to receive a place on the wall at the Alvarado Transportation Center at First and Central.

Helen is one of our own, and we are so very proud of her, said Albuquerque Public Schools Superintendent Raquel Reedy. Over the years, APS has had thousands of outstanding professionals  people that were wonderful and known across the United States, but every once in a while, someone comes along who is truly gracious and unforgettable.

Fox grew up in Texas and taught in her home state as well as California, West Virginia and Alabama. She also worked in child welfare in Arkansas and Wyoming before moving to Albuquerque in 1982.

In 1994, Fox launched APS Homeless Project with funding from Title 1, a federal act that helps disadvantaged students.

When a small start-up grant ran out, she persevered, continuing to raise money and awareness.

Helen Fox has been described as a tireless educator, civil servant and an angel on earth,  said Bruce Rizzieri, director of ABQ RIDE.

Foxs work earned her numerous honors, including the 2007 Outstanding Individual Award from the National Association for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth and 2009 Queen Smith Award for Commitment to Urban Education from the Council of the Great City Schools.

She retired in 2014 after 32 years with APS.

During Tuesdays induction ceremony, Fox thanked staff from the city of Albuquerque and APS Title 1 program.

I know things are in good hands today and are moving along, she said.

Fox joins three past Wall of Fame inductees: Dr. George Fischbeck, television weatherman and science teacher; Rudolfo Anaya, author and professor emeritus; and Eva Encinias-Sandoval, flamenco dance pioneer.
Copyright  2016 Albuquerque Journal

A new study of crime data in Albuquerque concludes that a rise in the citys crime rate correlates directly with a significant reduction in population at the Metropolitan Detention Center.

Peter Winograd, a retired University of New Mexico professor hired by the city to analyze local violent and property offense rates, said the number of people released from jail as a result of changes there and in the legal system have had a much greater influence on crime than either the economy or the size of the Albuquerque Police Department.

Thats the most direct, straightforward relationship, and we researched it as best as we can, Winograd said. Its causal. Its not just correlation.

Albuquerque Mayor Richard Berry will discuss the study, its implications and some plans the city has to address crime during a Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce luncheon today from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Albuquerque.

The city commissioned Winograd to undertake the analysis after the release of 2015 crime data that found Albuquerques crime rate climbing.

Berry also said during a meeting with Journal reporters and editors on Tuesday that while crime is up in Albuquerque, it is not at historic levels and that the uptick mirrors trends in many cities.

I hear people in the community talk about crime being the worst its ever been, when thats simply not the fact, Berry said. I think its important from an economic development standpoint and a citizens standpoint to have some data on that.

Violent crime rose 9.2 percent in 2015 compared with 2014, and the property crime rate rose by 11.5 percent, according to crime data. But Berry said historical data shows the rates as measured by population remain much lower than some years during the 1980s and 90s.

Albuquerques violent crime rate  which was 966 per 100,000 residents  was higher than rates in similar-sized cities, including Tucson, Louisville, Ky., Las Vegas, Nev., and Oklahoma City in 2015.

And the citys property crime rate was higher than that of Las Vegas, Nev., Oklahoma City and Louisville, while slightly lower than Tucsons.

We know the FBI crime statistics, but I wanted to peel the onion a little bit, Berry said. We (tried to) paint an unvarnished picture of whats going on here and give us an idea of where to put the resources we have.

Auto thefts, which increased significantly in recent years here, were a particular focus of the study, which concluded that repeat offenders  some of them in and out of jail multiple times in a single year  played a major role in the increase.

In 2010, 2,773 auto thefts were reported in the city. In 2015, there were 5,179.

The study found that those numbers have risen while the jail population decreased. The jails average population was 3,008 in 2010, and it was 1,713 in 2015.

One reason cited for the decrease in jail population stemmed from a November 2015 decision in which the Supreme Court reiterated that defendants in almost all cases were entitled to reasonable bail while awaiting trial. The court ruling has resulted in prisoners arrested on suspicion of property and other crimes being released from custody, according to the study.

That, in turn, has led to the spike in auto theft, Winograd said.

People with a history of felony property crimes arrests commit 48 percent of auto thefts in the city, according to the study. And Albuquerque police solve only about 9 percent of auto thefts. Therefore, Winograd concluded, people arrested on suspicion of auto theft have committed similar crimes they were never charged with.

Berry will discuss at todays luncheon the study and several initiatives he has planned in response to the crime rates.

One, he said, will be creating a portal on the citys website where people can check the crime rate in a given ZIP code, which will be a useful tool for community members and neighborhood associations.

He said he also will ask the City Council to approve a project in which retired officers will be brought back, possibly under contract, to work on a community response team that would respond to and investigate low-priority calls like property crimes in which the victim isnt in imminent danger.

Berry said he also will lobby for an amendment to the state Constitution voters will consider on Election Day.

The amendment would allow judges to hold defendants charged with serious crimes without bond before trial if they were deemed to be a threat to community safety. The measure also would make it less likely low-risk defendants are forced to wait in jail simply because they are too poor to post bail.
Both community activists who have pushed for reform of the Albuquerque Police Department and the union representing the department proclaimed Tuesdays mistrial of two former officers on trial for murder a victory  albeit a smaller one than each group had hoped for.

Mayor Richard Berry wants the city to move forward.

This tragic incident has deeply affected our community, he said, in a statement Tuesday evening. As difficult as it has been for everyone, we have all learned from it. The most important thing moving forward is that we get closure, both for the officers, the families involved and our community.

Police union spokesman Shaun Willoughby called the hung jury, which polled with nine in favor of acquittal and three in favor of conviction, a vindication of what weve said from the beginning: That there was no criminal act in the 2014 shooting death of illegal camper James Boyd by then-APD officers Keith Sandy and Dominique Perez.

The Boyd shooting occurred about a month before the U.S. Department of Justice released findings that APD had a pattern or practice of using excessive and fatal force in APD shootings. That led to police putting in place a number of court-enforceable reforms.

Meanwhile, District Attorney Kari Brandenburg filed charges against Sandy and Perez, the first criminal prosecution of Albuquerque police officers in 50 years for an on-duty shooting of a citizen.

Sandy eventually retired. And Perez is appealing his firing, which occurred under a city policy that requires termination upon being charged with a felony.

This historic trial marks the first time in memory that APD officers have been held criminally accountable after killing a citizen in the line of duty. The Boyd trial has sent an important message to APD and the community it serves: No one is above the law, Adriann Barboa, spokeswoman for community group APD Forward, said in a statement.

Her group hoped the trial would end in a conviction in Boyds clearly unjustified death and increase pressure on the department to reform its training policies and culture to create proper use-of-force policies and systems of accountability.

The mistrial for each group means a mixed message.

Even if officers werent convicted of criminal charges, their actions escalated a situation that could have ended peacefully. It bears remembering that Mr. Boyds only crime was illegal camping in an open space, and for that he died, Barboa said in her statement. In the memory of James Boyd, we must continue the hard work to ensure Albuquerque has a well-trained police force with a healthy respect for the lives of those they serve.

Willoughby said he and his officers were hoping for a full acquittal.

This was a justified police shooting, and we hope that the state doesnt waste the resources and the money to retry this case, he said. We respect the jurys opinion, and we would have loved to have seen an acquittal.

APD released the following statement from Assistant Chief of Police Robert Huntsman: APD leadership and the administration support and appreciate the difficult work and challenges our officers face each and every day. We strive to serve the community with honor, courage and commitment always. Closure is important for our department and our community to move forward and we hope it comes soon.

Meanwhile, about a dozen protesters gathered outside the courthouse shortly after the judge declared the mistrial. Surrounded by news cameras and reporters, the group took turns speaking into a megaphone, expressing disappointment that Sandy and Perez werent convicted, followed by a bit of chanting.

Journal staff writer Katy Barnitz contributed to this report.
The Daily Times

FARMINGTON  Students and staff at two Central Consolidated School District elementary schools are mourning the death of a physical education teacher who was killed in a vehicle wreck Monday.

Tammy Shirley, a PE teacher at Naschitti and Newcomb Elementary Schools, was identified as the person killed in the wreck, according to CCSD spokesman James Preminger.

CCSD interim Superintendent Colleen Bowman said in a statement that the district is deeply saddened by Shirleys death.

Ms. Shirley, whose work, caring and compassion meant so much to her students, will be missed by everyone, Bowman said in the statement.

Details about the wreck are still limited. Preminger referred questions to law enforcement.

New Mexico State Police and Navajo Police Department officers responded to a motor vehicle crash in the area of County Road 7010 around 8 a.m. Monday, according to State Police spokesman Sgt. Chad Pierce.

Pierce referred questions about the wreck to the Navajo Police Department, stating they were the primary investigating agency.

Shirley had been working as a physical education teacher at both elementary schools since 2007, according to Preminger. She also taught at Naschitti Elementary School for the 1996-1997 school year.

The principals at Naschitti and Newcomb Elementary schools both said Shirley was an excellent teacher who cared deeply about her students.

Dave Goldtooth, Naschitti Elementary School principal, said Shirley was a fabulous teacher who incorporated Navajo culture into her curriculum. He said Shirley worked with local nonprofits to bring additional supplies and materials to the school.
FOR THE RECORD: This story reported that Democrats contend that because a lease renewal by the Human Services Department in 2014 for a building partly owned by the husband of Rep. Sarah Maestas Barnes, R-Albuquerque, was not approved by the General Services Department until after Maestas Barnes was in office, in 2015, under state law it should have gone through a bidding process. The story included the fact that the secretary of state determined there was no violation of the law, but failed to include the fact that GSD said there was no requirement for a new procurement.

Editors note: This is the second in a series of stories about contested New Mexico races.

SANTA FE  Democrats trying to reclaim the majority in the state House of Representatives they lost two years ago are targeting an Albuquerque district held by a first-term lawmaker who is seen as a rising star in the Republican ranks.

Rep. Sarah Maestas Barnes was part of the GOP surge in 2014 that ended Democratic domination of the House and gave Republicans a 37-33 edge.

She defeated Democratic freshman Rep. Emily Kane in a close race in District 15, which can easily swing to either party.

This year, Democrat Ane Romero is taking on Maestas Barnes in the district covering portions of Albuquerques North Valley and Northeast Heights.

Maestas Barnes is a lawyer who has done advocacy work for the disabled but says her primary responsibilities these days are her two young children and her legislative duties.

Romero does training on suicide prevention and consults on behavioral health and workforce development issues with schools, communities, Indian tribes and nonprofits.

Both candidates have deep family roots in New Mexico  going back hundreds of years  and stress that they are small-business owners.

Backgrounds

For a first-term legislator, Maestas Barnes has had an unusually high profile, especially on crime-related issues that were priorities for the GOP.

She helped shepherd through the Legislature bills that increased penalties for child pornography possession, for repeat DWI offenders and some drunken drivers who kill people, and that expanded Amber Alerts for missing children.

The lawmaker, a former Democrat, said before her 2014 election that she told GOP leaders, If youre looking for someone to vote a straight party line on every single issue, youd better find another Republican.

But her Democratic opponent says Maestas Barnes very much walks in step with Gov. (Susana) Martinez and her policies.

She cited Maestas Barnes support for education initiatives such as allowing non-teachers to be adjunct instructors in public schools.

Maestas Barnes also supports the governors signature proposal to require some third-graders who cant read proficiently to be held back; Romero, who is married to a teacher, opposes it.

Maestas Barnes cites her support for solar energy  she sponsored two bills, one of which Martinez vetoed  as an example of diverting from the GOP party line.

I took a lot of heat from the people in my party, said Maestas Barnes, who has worked with Democrats on legislation. That is one thing I firmly disagree with my party on.

She also broke with the Republican caucus in the recent special session, voting against the GOP-led Houses spending cuts plan to help deal with the budget crisis. She said later that some of the cuts were too deep.

Romero, who was raised in Las Vegas, N.M., and was Miss New Mexico 2005, has been active in suicide prevention work since she was a student and was an appointed member of the New Mexico Commission on Higher Education.

She spent seven years on Capitol Hill, where she was an assistant to Rep. Grace Napolitano, D-Calif., and oversaw the bipartisan Congressional Mental Health Caucus, and then worked for Sen. Martin Heinrich, D-N.M., after returning to New Mexico in 2014.

For me, it was really about coming back and sharing the knowledge and experiences.  Running for office is a most appropriate step, given my background and the work Ive already been able to accomplish, she said.

Maestas Barnes has been outraising Romero, taking in $185,531 to Romeros $124,768 for the race, according to reports filed Tuesday with the Secretary of States Office.

Ethics complaint

Romero has been pounding Maestas Barnes over an ethics complaint  filed in August by the Democratic Party  that the lawmaker failed to disclose on financial statements that one of her husbands businesses gets more than $91,000 annually from leasing an Albuquerque building to the state Human Services Department.

The complaint was filed two weeks after Maestas Barnes submitted an amended report disclosing the lease, and the secretary of state concluded last month that the lawmaker had not violated state law.

Maestas Barnes said she wasnt involved in her husbands business interests and had been unaware of the contract until recently. Romero called that assertion ridiculous, because the address for Maestas Barnes law practice was the same building.

Maestas Barnes says that since her children were born, she has done any legal work at home and used her husbands business address for mailing purposes only. The engineering consulting firm that Harry Barnes and Sarah Maestas Barnes own occupied part of the building leased to HSD by Harry Barnes other company.

The lawmaker says her husband is one of six owners of the building, the HSD lease revenue was used for mortgage payments and other costs, and her family derived no income from the lease.

The HSD lease was first signed, and the lease terms were set, with the buildings previous owners, long before Maestas Barnes was in the Legislature. But Democrats continue to insist that because the lease expired in 2014 and its extension apparently was approved retroactively, in 2015  by which time Maestas Barnes was in the House  the law required that the contract go through a bidding process.
HOUSTON  All of the more than 5,000 officers with the Houston Police Department will receive special training to better respond to sexual assault and domestic violence cases.

The advanced training, announced Tuesday, is part of a combined effort by the city and advocates for the victims of family violence, the Houston Chronicle (http://bit.ly/2d7bZvi ) reported.

Houston police officers have responded to over 21,600 reports of domestic violence so far this year. The Department of Justice in late 2015 issued new guidelines for police departments nationwide to eliminate gender bias in investigating sexual assault and domestic violence cases. The recommendations include more appropriate classifying of reports of sexual assault or domestic violence. Police will also be trained to better address and recognize biases, assumptions and stereotypes about victims.

Its going to train officers on the neurobiology of trauma, HPD Special victims Division Capt. Dana Hitzman said. So officers can understand why that victim might not be able to tell their story in a linear fashion, why they might jump around  why they might respond the way they do, if they have a history of family violence or sexual assault.

The training comes as departments have faced scrutiny for their handling of sexual assault investigations, including accusing victims of false reporting and sometimes even jailing the victim.

Associate professor in Sam Houston State Universitys department of criminal justice and criminology Cortney Franklin said that if police are better trained to act and speak with compassion to the victims, then the victims are more likely to cooperate.

The training, expected to be completed by next fall, was developed by police and the Houston Area Womens Center.

___

Information from: Houston Chronicle, http://www.houstonchronicle.com
LAS CRUCES  The Ohio man accused in the slaying of Hatch police Officer Jose Chavez will stand trial on federal carjacking and firearms charges in June 2017, according to an order issued Friday by U.S. District Judge Robert C. Brack.

Jesse Denver Hanes, 38, of Columbus, Ohio, is facing five federal charges related to violent carjacking incident that occurred Aug. 12 at a rest stop near Radium Springs not long after Chavez was shot in Hatch during a traffic stop.

Hanes also is facing separate state charges, including first-degree murder in Chavezs death. He is accused of shooting Chavez during the traffic stop.

Hanes is scheduled to stand trial in the federal case from June 12 through June 23, beginning with jury selection, at the federal courthouse in Las Cruces, Bracks scheduling order states.

The judge also set several deadlines related to pretrial motions and discovery. A plea agreement deadline has been set for May 8.

No trial has been scheduled in Hanes state case.



2016 the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.)

Visit the Las Cruces Sun-News (Las Cruces, N.M.) at www.lcsun-news.com

Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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President Vladimir Putin vowed that Russia wont give in to blackmail and pressure over its military offensive in Syria and accused the U.S. and its allies of whipping up anti-Russian hysteria.

A French-proposed United Nations Security Council resolution on Syria, which demanded an immediate halt to the bombing of Aleppo, was set up to provoke Russias veto and worsen the situation, Putin said at a VTB investor forum in Moscow on Wednesday. France has thus served U.S. domestic needs, he said.

Putin accused candidates in the U.S. presidential election of using anti-Russian rhetoric to bolster their support, which is poisoning relations between the two countries. At the same time, he reiterated that Russia is willing to work with any U.S. leader who is willing to cooperate with it.

Putin on Tuesday canceled a visit to Paris, the latest turn in the downward spiral of Russias relations with the U.S. and its allies, after his French counterpart Francois Hollande scolded the Kremlin over its bombing campaign in Syria. Russia last week vetoed the U.N. Security Council resolution proposed by France that required a stop to Russian and Syrian air strikes in Aleppo where about 250,000 civilians are trapped. Russia and the West have blamed each other for the breakdown of a cease-fire agreement in the Middle Eastern country, where at least 280,000 people have died since 2011.

France threw in the resolution to get this veto in order to escalate the situation and whip up anti-Russian hysteria in the midst of the U.S. presidential campaign, Putin said. This is a type of behavior in the international arena which is called pressure and blackmail, which Russia has never given in to and wont.

Russia intervened a year ago in Syria with an air campaign that reversed the course of the 5 1/2 year civil war, bolstering President Bashar Assad against opposition groups including U.S.-backed rebels. The fighting helped spawn the rise of Islamic State, which has waged a global war of terror from its base in Syria and Iraq, and provoked the worst refugee crisis since World War II as millions of Syrians fled to neighboring countries and Europe.

Russia has warned the U.S. against any strike against government forces in Syria after media reports the Obama administration is considering a range of options from stepped-up military assistance to the opposition to an attack on a Syrian base, which unnamed U.S. officials said was much less likely because of the risk of hitting Russian troops.

Lets not forget that Russia and the U.S. have a particular responsibility as the two biggest nuclear powers, Putin said. The tensions between them are bad for our countries and for the entire international community.

Over the past 10 days, Moscow increased its military presence in the Mediterranean and Baltic regions by deploying warships and missiles that can be fitted with nuclear warheads, and suspended a nuclear non-proliferation treaty. Russia on Wednesday test-fired three missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

russia-syria
AURORA, Colo.  Four-term Republican U.S. Rep. Mike Coffman has done everything imaginable to shore up support in a battleground district in the suburbs east of Denver. He keeps up a tireless campaign schedule and has raised far more than any congressional candidate in Colorado, from either party.

Coffman learned Spanish after his Aurora-based district was redrawn in a way that includes more Latinos. Hes even learned a few basics in Amharic, the language of Ethiopian refugees in his district.

Still, he cant get away from Donald Trump.

For national Republicans, Colorados 6th District is just one of many where Trump is playing an outsized role and threatens the GOPs majorities in the House and Senate. The national GOPs panic over its presidential nominee has less to do with the White House and more to do with states like Colorado, where the partys 5-4 Senate and congressional majority is in serious doubt.

Trump hasnt been to Aurora to campaign, but hes dominating the contest in Colorados toughest-fought congressional race.

Coffman publicly called on Trump to abandon the presidential race after Trumps shockingly crude comments about women surfaced recently.

Coffmans challenger, Democratic state Sen. Morgan Carroll, has based most of her campaign on comparing Coffman to Trump. Making her closing argument at a televised debate, Carroll seemed to be running against Trump, not Coffman.

This country deserves better than Donald Trump, Carroll told the Univision audience.

The argument may be a winner in Colorados most diverse congressional district, which is about 20 percent Latino. Democrats believe they have their best chance in years to pick up a congressional seat from Colorado, ending the GOPs 4-3 House advantage.

Coffman complains that hes the subject of a one-dimensional attack on his partys presidential nominee.

In one of the most competitive districts in the country  her goal is to say, Mike Coffman is Donald Trump,' Coffman said recently at a business forum.

In Colorado, GOP candidates are at times struggling to distance themselves from Trump without angering the businessmans loyalists or opening themselves up to accusations of being wishy-washy.

Not everyone is succeeding.

 In the U.S Senate race, underdog Republican Darryl Glenn is a perfect example. The outsider candidate embraced Trump early and spoke at his nominating convention in Cleveland last summer.

After Fridays comments, Glenn first said he was extremely disappointed. He later called on Trump to step down, saying he was simply disqualified from being commander in chief.

This week, Glenn reversed himself, saying he was still praying over my open support of (Trumps) election and hoped to meet Trump to discuss the matter. Finally, in Tuesdays debate with Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet, Glenn declared that I have absolutely suspended my endorsement of Donald Trump  pending any Trump meeting.

 Democrats are hoping an anti-Trump wave helps them seize Colorados largest congressional district. Stretching from Pueblo and southern Colorado west to the Utah state line, the 3rd District has been represented by Republican Rep. Scott Tipton since 2010. Hillary Clinton was campaigning in the district Wednesday, but Tipton has stood by Trump while disavowing Trumps comments.

In a statement sent to The Durango Herald, Tipton said, Its unacceptable, and he must sincerely and directly apologize to all women. That said, this is the reality: It is too late to replace anyone on the ballot, and we have two flawed candidates for president.

 Republicans are distancing themselves from Trump even when theyre not facing a tight race. In the 5th District, the states reddest, Republican Rep. Doug Lamborn of Colorado Springs recently sent reporters a statement blasting Trumps flaws before concluding, Donald Trump remains a far superior candidate than Hillary Clinton.

Perhaps because the district is so Republican, the Democrat in the race isnt talking much about Trump, either. Misty Plowright says she hates both Trump and Clinton, and has joked that shes voting Giant Space Rock 2016.

Clinton is everything that is wrong with our system; Trump is everything that is wrong with our culture, Plowright said.

It all adds up to an uncertain picture.

Will dislike of Trump depress turnout for the entire GOP ticket in Colorado or will it motivate voters who cannot vote for Trump to vote Republican for congressional seats and the U.S. Senate race to counter a Hillary Clinton presidency?

Those Republicans and unaffiliateds who dont want to see Trump in the White House might be motivated to do whatever they can to make sure Republicans like Coffman and Tipton are re-elected in the House, said John Straayer, a political scientist at Colorado State University.

On the other hand some might say they dont want Trump and they wont vote GOP. How those winds might cancel each other out, I have no good sense of that.

___

Associated Press Writer James Anderson contributed to this report.
Watching Donald Trump talk during a presidential debate about jailing his opponent was a jarring experience for Al Cardenas, who traces his Republican identity in part to his hatred of the authoritarian Castro regime he fled more than a half-century ago.

As a refugee from a dictatorship, that attitude sounds all too familiar, said Cardenas, former chairman of the Florida Republican Party and of the American Conservative Union.

For John Yoo, the conservative legal scholar and former Justice Department official under President George W. Bush, Trump reminds me a lot of early Mussolini. . . . very disturbingly similar.

The populist candidacy that upended the GOP order and has torn through many of the norms of American politics is now raising a concern among critics in both parties: that Trump is, in effect, running to be a strongman with dictatorial powers.

In addition to vowing to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Hillary Clinton and put her in jail, Trump has also pledged to open up our libel laws so when reporters write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money. He has also talked of establishing a religious test on immigrants and about setting up a national stop-and-frisk program, despite the fact that policing policies are considered to be in the purview of state and local governments.

Trump promises to rip up long-standing trade agreements. He has presented himself as a singular force to remake a broken political system, saying at the GOP national convention that, I alone can fix it. His latest campaign ad ends with the words: Donald Trump will protect you. He is the only one who can.

It would seem few aspects of daily life would be beyond the reach of the executive power that he envisions for himself. If I become president, were gonna be saying Merry Christmas at every store, Trump told Iowa evangelicals last year. You can leave Happy Holidays at the corner.

Trumps supporters and defenders say his words should not be taken literally, but that his muscular approach is precisely what the country needs to put itself back on track.

They also argue that his comments should be viewed in the context of the choice that voters have this fall, and that many Americans are justified in wondering whether President Barack Obamas Justice Department gave Clinton a pass in deciding not to prosecute her after investigating her use of a private email server while she was secretary of state.

To me, its a comparative question, said Charles Kesler, senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, a conservative think tank in California.

Which is more concerning, that a major partys presidential candidate has to undergo an FBI investigation before she can run for office? Kesler said. Or that the other partys candidate, reasonably suspicious of the energy and probity of the investigation, insists that a fresh investigation be launched by a new administration? I say the former.

Maine Gov. Paul LePage, R, this week defended Trump, telling an interviewer that he wonders whether we need a Donald Trump to show some authoritarian power in our country and bring back the rule of law.

The Trump campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

Trumps view of the job of the nations chief executive reflects his decades of experience in business, in which he was the ultimate decider in a world where executives are expected to be confident and decisive. The question is whether that sort of leadership translates to the presidency in a democratic system.

The real estate developer has cast himself as a lone ranger who leads a one-man army. And he has extolled the power of narcissism, citing a book called The Productive Narcissist by psychoanalyst Michael Maccoby.

Trump wrote in Think Like a Billionaire that Maccobys book makes a convincing argument that narcissism can be a useful quality if youre trying to start a business. A narcissist does not hear the naysayers. At the Trump Organization, I listen to people, but my vision is my vision.

That sentiment raises the question of whether, if Trump is elected president, he would listen to advisers or others who disagree with him.

Maccoby, who works from a Washington office, said he didnt know that Trump had cited his book until informed by a Post reporter. He said in an interview that although narcissists with an altruistic streak can be powerful leaders, he is concerned that Trump represents the most negative side of narcissism.

There is something that these people do that is very dangerous, he said. They make organizations into tribes. If you look at Trump, he really is not leading the party. He is creating a tribe of people who share a sense of both resentment and being better than other people. History shows this kind of personality, when they are given power and they are puffed up, can become totally abusive and dangerous.

Trumps campaign rhetoric, of course, might be only talk. He is the author of The Art of the Deal, and he has emphasized that he would use his skills to work with Congress.

But Trump has also repeatedly praised authoritarian leaders, famously saying, for instance, that Russias Vladimir Putin is a stronger leader than Obama.

Trump has also expressed admiration for the way dictators have dealt with their enemies.

Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was a bad guy, really bad guy, Trump said earlier this year. But you know what he did well? He killed terrorists. He did that so good. Trump added that Saddam Hussein didnt read them the rights  they didnt talk, they were a terrorist, it was over.

Trump also said he admired the way North Korean leader Kim John Un killed his uncle to consolidate power. Hes like a maniac, okay? Trump said. And youve got to give him credit. He goes in, he takes over, and hes the boss. Its incredible. He wiped out the uncle.

Constitutional scholars say they are alarmed that Trump does not seem to understand the separation of powers.

I have genuine concerns about his grasp of the most basic principles of American constitutional law, such as free expression, racial and religious equality, limited presidential power, and more generally the rule of law, said Akhil Reed Amar, a professor of law at Yale University.

Amar said he is a registered Democrat who has been cited as much by judicial conservatives as liberals, and is the author of The Constitution Today: Timeless Lessons for the Issues of Our Era.

Some conservatives point to a glaring inconsistency in Trumps rhetoric. Many of his supporters on the right have traditionally stood for limiting the role of government and curtailing its influence.

Yoo, the former Bush administration official, said Trumps promise to appoint a special prosecutor to go after Clinton is a compounded stupidity, because it would erode power that should remain in the executive branch with the Justice Department.

If you are a Republican or a conservative, you think that special prosecutors are unconstitutional, Yoo said. He said that the late Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia, who Trump cites as his model for future Supreme Court nominees, warned against conducting prosecutions outside the normal executive-branch channels and would be rolling in his grave.

Even former Attorney General Michael Mukasey, who has been critical of Clintons email practices, said Trumps approach seemed un-American.

It would be like a banana republic, Mukasey said. Putting political opponents in jail for offenses committed in a political setting, even if they are criminal offenses  and they very well may be  is something that we dont do here.



The Washington Posts Jose A. DelReal contributed to this report.

trump-threat
It may very well be the strongest hurricane, for wind speeds, that human beings have ever been able to measure.

In October of last year, Hurricane Patricia spun up south of Mexico and briefly attained a wind speed intensity of 185 knots, or 213 miles per hour, on Oct. 23, based on an analysis by the U.S. National Hurricane Center. As I wrote earlier this year, there is one hurricane in the record books (a typhoon, actually) that was also claimed to have had winds of 185 knots, but that was back in the 1960s when researchers are no longer fully confident in the way wind speeds were estimated.

Patricia was therefore, for wind speeds, vastly stronger than Hurricane Matthew, also a Category 5 storm  and we saw how much damage it was capable of. Yet Matthews strongest winds were only estimated at 140 knots, or 161 miles per hour, in the Caribbean. Patricia is really the kind of storm that makes you think we need a Category 6.

So what created a storm like Patricia  and could there be more of them in our future?

In a new study in Geophysical Research Letters, oceanographers Gregory Foltz of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Karthik Balaguru of the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory studied the oceanic conditions last year that triggered Patricia. Sure enough, due to the powerful El Nino event that had long been in the works and finally fully developed last year, ocean surface temperatures were much hotter than normal along the storms path  1.5 degrees hotter even than they were during the strong El Nino event in 1997.

But thats just the beginning. What mattered was not only how hot the waters were at the surface, the research finds, but the depth to which they stayed hot. You see, strong hurricanes kick up enormous waves and therefore stir the ocean greatly  bringing up cooler water from below. That cooler water can then tamp down on the storms intensity.

But that didnt happen as much with Patricia. The warm water layer was very thick at the surface, and the surface elevation of the ocean itself was much higher than usual, due to all the warm water that had piled up in the Eastern Pacific as a consequence of El Nino. The beginning of the so-called thermocline, the ocean layer between the warm surface and the cooler depths, was also considerably deeper than usual, the study finds, being weighed down by all the extra water piled up in the region.

More than just the single large El Nino event of 2015 and 2016, it was really this long period of El Nino type conditions in the central Pacific, extending back to 2014, that tended to produce record deep thermocline anomalies in the Patricia region, said Foltz.

You have this really record warm sea surface temperatures, and record deep pool of warm water in the northeastern tropical Pacific.

And still, thats not all. The study also highlights an intriguing factor you dont hear about much in hurricane research  the sea water in the area was fresher than usual. Thats because this was near where both the Rio Grande de Santiago and the Balsas River empty into the ocean.

Fresh water is lighter than salty water, and so this meant the column of ocean water was more stratified  unlikely to mix. That, too, prevented the storm from stirring up cooler waters from below.

What this would do is it provides stability for the upper ocean, so it tends to reduce the mixing, reducing the cooling due to mixing in the upper ocean, Foltz said.

All of this together meant the potential intensity the storm could achieve was simply off the charts, the study reports.

Two outside scientists contacted by The Washington Post praised the study, but one also added that it may not be the full story.

The fresh water anomaly (low salinity implying greater stratification) is a relatively new idea that is starting to get some traction in the research community, said James Elsner, a researcher at Florida State University who commented on the study for the Post, by email.

Along these lines I would argue that perhaps Matthews anomalous (severely under-predicted) intensification last week near the coast of South America was due to a tendency for that region to have low salinity because of its proximity to the Orinoco and Amazon rivers, Elsner added.

The circumstances surrounding Patricia were unusual, to say the least, added MIT hurricane researcher Kerry Emanuel. I agree with the authors of the study you are writing about that the unusual El Nino of 2015 played a role. But reduction of ocean mixing by extra salinity stratification, and higher than normal [sea surface temperatures] do not explain the whole problem.

Emanuel said in his models, only when you also dial down an atmospheric parameter called vertical wind shear as well do you get a hurricane close to as strong as Patricia. Vertical wind shear refers to a situation in which winds in the upper and lower atmosphere blow in different directions, which can lead to the structure of a hurricane being blown apart.

The current study did not focus on the atmospheric conditions driving Patricia, noting that those would also have to be examined in the future.

For this situation, it was record warm surface temperatures in the ocean, and a record deep pool of warm water, said Foltz. So it was just a really powerful combination of the two.

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Texas televangelist the Rev. Kenneth Copeland, who sits on Donald Trumps evangelical advisory board, urged viewers of his television program to vote, saying that would be held accountable if they dont.

Youre going to be guilty of murder, the charismatic preacher said on the program. Youre going to be guilty of an abomination of God. Youre going to be guilty for every baby thats aborted from this election forward.

The comments come after the Republican presidential candidates lewd comments made in a 2005 video were published on Friday by The Washington Post. Trumps candidacy, already tearing some evangelical families and relationships apart, continued to divide evangelicals since his comments were made public.

Another megachurch pastor who is a member of Trumps advisory board called the comments misogynistic trash that reveals a man to be lecherous and worthless, saying he is no longer willing to offer more of his time without a change of heart and direction.

Copelands program, which was uploaded to Copelands churchs Vimeo page on Sunday, also featured author David Barton, and pastors George Pearsons and Keith Butler to mobilize conservative Christians to vote.

Dont cut out of the program, Copeland urged viewers. I mean we could have another eight years of Hillary Clinton and the worst mess anybody could make out of a nation, he said. A clip of the program was first published by Right Wing Watch. Those on Copelands program spent a good portion of it looking at the Democratic Partys platform, decrying its abortion rights stance.

Conservative evangelical leaders have been divided in their support for Trump, but many have a long history of distrust for Clinton and especially abhor her position advocating for abortion rights. Many are especially concerned that whoever becomes president will appoint Supreme Court justices that will keep Roe v. Wade, the landmark case on abortion, from being overturned.

On the show, Copeland told viewers that God told him during a prayer that He has been dealing with politicians since biblical times and that America is Gods nation.

This is Gods nation, and nobody is going to take it away from him, Copeland shouted. Now I want to get that clear right now, in the name of Jesus. No man, no woman, no Democrat, no Republican, no socialist, no communist can take this nation away from God! I dont know what it is about that you cant understand, but Im telling you right now God Almighty is head of this nation, not people! Jesus of Nazareth is Lord over the United States.

Kenneth Copeland Ministries is headquartered in Fort Worth, where a review board found that the ministrys 1,500-acre campus includes a $6 million church-owned lakefront mansion. The Copelands were among the televangelists targeted in a 2007 Senate investigation since their ministry is not required to file a financial disclosure Form 990 with the IRS because it is designated as a church.

Members of Trumpss evangelical advisory council advise Trumps campaign on issues that matter to people of faith, how those issues are articulated, including positions on the Supreme Court nominees, national defense and the economy.

Its still unclear whether the revelation of Trumps lewd comments has made any difference among evangelicals planning to vote. Evangelicals have in recent decades voted with the Republican Party regardless of misgivings they may have, such as their support of Mitt Romney, who is Mormon, and their support for Ronald Reagan, who was divorced. The most recent Washington Post-ABC News poll, conducted Sept. 19-22 ahead of the video leak, showed that 52 percent of evangelicals of any race favored Trump, compared with 40 percent who supported Clinton. Among white evangelicals, 71 percent supported Trump while 22 percent supported Clinton.

election-televangelist
LONDON  A film production company was fined 1.6 million pounds ($1.95 million) on Wednesday over an accident on the set of Star Wars: The Force Awakens that broke the leg of star Harrison Ford.

The actor was struck by a hydraulic door on the set of the Millennium Falcon  his character Han Solos spaceship  at Pinewood Studios near London in June 2014.

Production on the film was suspended for two weeks after the accident.

Prosecutors said Ford, who was 71 at the time, could have been killed by the door, which struck him with a force comparable to the weight of a small car.

Foodles Production (UK) Ltd. had acknowledged breaching health and safety law.

A judge at Aylesbury Crown Court north of London said Wednesday that Foodles  which is owned by the Walt Disney Co.  should have informed Ford of the risks.

If only they had included Mr. Ford in all the discussions, he might have at least been alert to the dangers that he had to avoid, Judge Francis Sheridan said.

The Force Awakens is the seventh installment in the space saga and has taken in more than $2 billion at the box office worldwide since its release last year.
The Santa Fe National Forest is beginning a previously announced prescribed burn in the Santa Fe Watershed today (Wednesday, Oct. 12) using hand ignitions, followed by aerial ignitions on Thursday, the U.S. Forest Service announced.

The prescribed burn to treat 2,435 acres follows a comprehensive review of expected conditions, including weather, winds and ventilation, said a Forest Service news release. The decision to proceed was made in conjunction with city government, the New Mexico Environment Department and the state Department of Health.

Smoke monitors on Upper Canyon Road and at state governments Harold L. Runnels Building at Alta Vista Street and St. Francis Drive will help officials assess impacts and determine whether there is a need to issue health alerts throughout the duration of the prescribed burn, the news release said.

NMED and the Health Department today issued a smoke advisory for parts of Santa Fe that may be affected by smoke from the burn.

Smoke conditions are most likely to be a factor in the evenings and early morning hours following burning, but will be likely to linger in affected areas until inversions lift, typically by mid- to late-morning hours throughout this week, said the smoke advisory announcement.

The state news release said areas most likely to be affected by smoke include neighborhoods along Hyde Park Road and along the Santa Fe River in north and east Santa Fe near Canyon Road, Cerro Gordo Road, and Alameda Street. Smoke will likely be visible from Santa Fe, Tesuque, Glorieta, Pecos Canyon, Eldorado and Interstate 25.

The Forest Service tweeted this morning that a test fire in the watershed was good and the burn was proceeding.

The burn area, located just north of the citys McClure Reservoir, was treated with mechanical thinning, mulching and prescribed fire from 2006 through 2009. The new burn is a maintenance burn called for under the Santa Fe Municipal Watershed Plan for years through 2029, which provides guidelines for forest restoration and water management.

The burn is intended to improve and protect the Santa Fe Watershed, the mountain area from which snowmelt and runoff fills two city reservoirs, by removing dead fuels from the forest floor and reducing the risk of high-intensity wildfire, according to the Forest Service.

Some Santa Fe residents have objected to prescribed burns. They challenge the consensus view that thinning forest via fire is the best way to prevent large wild fires and helps restore the forest to a more natural, less-dense status that existed before forest fires were tamped down. The critics cite studies showing that prescribed burns can increase the risk of catastrophic fires by drying out forests and accelerate climate change by releasing carbon and mercury into the atmosphere.

Data from the Forest Services air quality monitor on Upper Canyon Road is available on the web at http://ow.ly/vbPl3055wGq. Go to Real Time Data, and click on the Santa Fe location on the map.

The temporary air quality monitor at the Runnels building can be accessed at http://www.wrcc.dri.edu/cgi-bin/smoke.pl. Click on the pin over Santa Fe to access the data.

NMED and the Health Department said in their smoke advisory that if visibility is more than five miles, the air quality is generally good.

However, no matter how far you can see, if you are having health effects from smoke exposure then take extra care to stay inside or get to an area with better air quality. You should also see your doctor or healthcare professional as needed, the agencies said.
Police shut down Central Avenue in both directions between Rhode Island and Pennsylvania for most of Wednesday after a man on the roof vandalized a building and was not cooperating with officers, according to a spokeswoman for the Albuquerque Police Department.

Officer Tasia Martinez said police began negotiating with the suspect, named Superman Amir, around 11 a.m. He was taken into custody shortly before 10 p.m.

At this time, he has caused extensive damage to the property and forced police to close westbound lanes of traffic on Central in the area because he has been throwing items out onto the street and was attempting to hit vehicles that were passing by, Martinez said.

Around 9:30 p.m. police announced the SWAT situation was over.

The male is in custody and the roads will be re-opened shortly, said officer Fred Duran, an APD spokesman.
New Mexicos total tourism industry injected $6.3 billion into the states economy in 2015, Gov. Susana Martinez announced Wednesday.

The $6.3 billion was calculated by a state-commissioned report by consultant Tourism Economics, which shows that tourisms economic impact has increased by more than one-half billion dollars since 2011.

Tourism Secretary Rebecca Latham said travel around the state by New Mexicans accounted for about 30 percent of the states 33.4 million visits in 2015. That figure could include the same travelers more than once.

Local tourism partners and government officials gathered at Los Poblanos Historic Inn & Organic Farm in Albuquerque to hear Martinez and Latham hail the economic boost from tourists to the Land of Enchantment.

The report said the industry supports more than 90,000 jobs, generating $2.4 billion in salaries in 2015 alone. That represents one in 12 New Mexico jobs.

Martinez said growth in the tourism sector is helping New Mexico trim its economic reliance on the federal government. Visitors generated an estimated $630 million in state and local taxes, which Martinez said helps pay the tab for the states schools and roads.

She said strong marketing efforts are made to target visitors in adjacent states like Texas, Colorado and Arizona  places that are a gas tank away from many popular New Mexico sites and attractions.

Latham said about one-third of the amount spent last year was in Bernalillo County. The $2 billion figure was 3.9 percent more than the year before, said Latham.

Improved consumer sentiment and cheap gas prices have left many American families with spare cash, which they have been spending on vacations, said Latham.
LAS CRUCES  Outer space needs a traffic cop.

Speakers on Wednesday took on the seemingly pedestrian  but truly complicated  issue of traffic congestion in space at the 2016 International Symposium on Personal and Commercial Spaceflight in southern New Mexico.

When it comes to understanding and managing traffic congestion, space remains the Wild West, said Moriba Jah, director of the University of Arizonas Space Object Behavioral Sciences program.

There arent a whole lot of rules and regulations on orbit, Jah said. People are after this bonanza. Angel investors want to get on orbit. Most of these people dont realize the perils of operating in space.

As space becomes increasingly clogged, the Federal Aviation Administration could play the lead role in managing traffic beyond earth, said George Nield, associate administrator of the FAAs Commercial Space Transportation unit.

Right now the Air Force tracks objects in space  both vehicles and debris  and issues collision warnings, keeping space vehicles and the International Space Station safe. But Nield said the U.S. government has recognized that the Air Force should focus on its national security mission, serving in the future as space warriors, not space traffic cops.

The FAA, he said, could take on the role of space traffic controller without a huge new regulatory environment. Jah noted that with the cost of getting to space getting cheaper, the risk of operating in space is actually increasing. Thats because we dont really know everything thats out there, he said.

The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency  or DARPA, inventor of the Internet  has developed a Space Surveillance Telescope that can detect even faint objects in deep space; Its housed in New Mexico at the White Sands Missile Range. But that telescope can identify only a fraction of the objects it finds and cant track those objects, Jah said.

Speaking to more than 250 participants from the public and private space industry, Jah asked, Can we bring to the table some science that would help resolve that problem? We should not be afraid of traffic. Understand it, monitor it and then pass the right regulations that enable commerce.
We can help you make sense of the agribusiness industry, extending from chemicals and fertilizers used as inputs into agriculture, to the commodities, food and by-products that are an output to farming, with policy and regulation applied at every step of the value chain.
Tech and government investment specialist Veritas Capital has made another deal in the wake of its weighty $10.65bn Fund VIII close from earlier this month with the buyout of analytics provider Verisk's energy business.
European Union countries were at odds on Tuesday over a global reform of banking rules with divergent views about a cap on increases in banks' capital buffers that might result from the review.

The Basel Committee, banking supervisors from nearly 30 countries, is due to complete its reform, known as Basel III, by the end of 2016. The new rules are meant to make the sector more financially sound by reducing reliance on internal risk models.

European banks and regulators have warned against an excessive increase in capital requirements that could affect mostly European banks because they use internal models more than their U.S. rivals, which rely more on standardized methodology.

Higher capital reserves would raise costs for EU banks.

Asked whether there should be a set limit to any hikes in capital requirements, Eurogroup President Jeroen Dijsselbloem told reporters before an EU finance ministers' meeting that discussed the issue: "My approach is different."

Reacting to France's push for a 5-percent limit, he said: "I haven't heard it. It does not make sense."

French Finance Minister Michel Sapin said a 5-percent hike would be considered significant and would be opposed by France.

Speaking with reporters after Dijsselbloem's remarks, Sapin said that the French position was shared by Germany and most other EU states.

The discussion on Basel at the finance ministers' meeting was requested by France, with the support of Germany, EU officials said.

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble kept out of the quarrel, limiting his comments to saying after the meeting that European banks should not be penalized.

A proposal for a 5-percent limit was included in a EU finance ministers' draft statement but was removed from the final conclusions of a meeting in July, as member states could not agree on the issue.

The Slovak finance minister Peter Kazimir, whose country holds the rotating presidency of the EU, said ministers did not discuss a figure on Tuesday, and pleaded with his colleagues to keep a common front on the Basel reform.

He referred to the EU position in the conclusions of the July meeting, where ministers simply urged the Basel group to avoid a "significant increase" in overall capital requirements but set no limit.

Officials at banking trade body AFME estimated the new rules were likely to increase the capital buffer held by lenders by at least 6 percent on average from the existing figures.

The hike may be as high as 25%, according to EU estimates based on a sample of 95 banks discussed on Tuesday by EU finance ministers, two EU officials said.

After the meeting, the EU commissioner in charge of financial services, Valdis Dombrovskis, reiterated EU red lines for the Basel reform and said proposals may lead to significant rises in capital requirements as well as increased risks. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie
Published On Oct 12, 2016 10:44 PM By Alshaar

Germany and cars, we all know about that love story; of how the country has grown to become one of the most powerful automotive forces in the world. But like many love stories, this one too could soon take a turn for the worse, as the lawmakers in Berlin recently sought a total ban on internal combustion.

Germanys Bundesrat, the upper house of its parliament, passed a resolution to ban both gasoline and diesel engines starting in 2030, Forbes reports, citing a story in the German-language Spiegel Magazin. If the ban were to go through, German citizens would only be permitted to purchase electric or hydrogen-fuelled cars.

The resolution, which has received cross-party support but has no legislative effect, also calls on the European Commission to follow its footsteps and implement the ban across the European Union. The resolution, though, does not hold any legal authority yet, but is set to be influential in framing the directives across the European continent.

The resolution also appeals for the revision of the countrys tax structure that currently offers advantages to diesel cars. At a time when fighting the menace of pollution has become a global concern, a rise in the prices of diesel cars could sway the public sentiment towards other alternatives like battery-operated vehicles.

The German automotive industry also seems aware of the future of cars whether the resolution is successfully implemented or not. While the likes of Volkswagen have committed to rolling out more electric vehicles in the near future, others like Mercedes-Benz and BMW are also intent on taking the electric route.

Even the Indian powers that be have recently initiated a crackdown against the menace of pollution with the National Green Tribunal (NGT), banning diesel vehicles older than 10 years in Delhi and Kerala, and are also helping the Supreme Court form stricter policies for diesel cars in the Delhi-NCR. What lies ahead in terms of electric cars in the country, though, still remains to be seen.
All at LOOSE/The Studio would like to send a BIG thank you for our 2021 Award for The Studio Project (Arts, culture and heritage category). It gave all staff, volunteers, and participants and our local community a massive and much needed boost to morale. Despite the Ceremony being online in 2021, it was so beautifully presented it felt very special. Good luck to all nominees for the 2022 Awards!
With thanks to our conference sponsors

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KCOM designs and delivers communications and integration services across the UK. After listening to, and learning from our customers, we apply our technical knowledge to help them connect with the things that matter. Our customers include the likes of the RNLI, RSPB and Terrence Higgins Trust, who look to us for a single managed service experience, trusted solutions and ongoing support for their changing technology needs.



We understand how crucial the technology you use can be to the productivity of what you do; whether thats online fundraising, communication between colleagues across sites, or simply securing the confidential data you hold. Well work with you and advise on and deliver the best technology available, so you can get on with what you do best.

Just like most companies our customers are our lifeblood, so we pride ourselves on making your experience with us exceptional from start to finish. Right from the project managers at the beginning of the relationship, through to our in-life customer service teams, you can rest assured that our team of passionate people will be on hand whenever you need it.

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Blackbaud is passionate about delivering the technology that non-profits need to advance their missions.



We see state-of-the-art fundraising solutions as a key enabler of your success; from CRM database platforms through to cutting edge digital fundraising solutions, Blackbaud understands how technology underpins everything you do.



Weve been doing it for 30 years, and are proud to say that using Blackbaud solutions, our 35,000 loyal customers raise, invest, manage and award more than 65 billion each year.

Today, supporters can engage with your cause through any number of channels, creating data siloes.



High profile cases in the press have highlighted fundraising tactics as a potential cause for concern. Meanwhile, rising competition combined with changing regulations and legislation has put data management firmly in the spotlight.

If these are issues for you too, you should talk to us.



Through our status as a Microsoft Gold Partner we have pioneered Microsoft Dynamics CRM to create a market leading solution that is already being used to overcome these obstacles, to optimise fundraising campaigns and deliver services with impact!



Visit us at the Charity Technology Conference to learn more.

MSM Software Solved helps charities improve service delivery through software solutions tailored to each organisation's unique requirements.

Weve been working with the sector since 1998 delivering quality projects for charities such as the National Trust, The Royal British Legion and RSPB to name a few. We understand your challenges and work collaboratively with you to design and develop software that improves the way you work for beneficiaries, volunteers and employees.

The most common request is to integrate existing and new technology. Were also helping charities automate manual processes and improve the management, analysis and reporting of their data. As experts in cloud, mobile and data solutions, were well placed to deliver software that meets your exact needs and is easy to use. From design and prototyping to development, integration and ongoing maintenance were a true partner for all your software needs. We'd be delighted to tell you more about the work we do at our stand or find out more at www.softwaresolved.com.

Newton IT has been successfully supplying innovative IT services to the Charity Sector for over 10+ years.



We fully understand Third Sector culture and are actively working with the smallest to the largest organisations throughout UK and offer attractive discount rates without compromising service delivery. Provision of highly skilled engineering resources has been the key to our success.



Newton IT provides Innovative Network design, Unified communications, Disaster Recovery, Private (Cloud) Hosted Solutions, all tied in with our passionate customer support and Managed IT Services.



Hear from one of our clients Vanessa Miles, head of ICT, Choice Support (social care charity) as to what can be achieved by adopting a strategy for enterprise wide Unified Communications at 14:25 (C3).

To find out more about our work please come along to our stand or visit our website www.newtonit.co.uk

We are technology experts, consultants, solution architects, designers and developers who enhance businesses and charities using cutting edge technology with the aim of reducing their cost, increasing revenue and creating new value for their customers.

We believe in innovative technology, breaking the norm and delivering technology solutions that work and deliver real value. We work with clients and in partnership to bring new solutions to market.

With over 15 years industry experience working for leading organisations as well as charities and entrepreneurs in the Bath, Bristol, Wiltshire as well as across the UK, ojo solutions offers a refreshingly different perspective.

Find out more at ojosolutions.com or have a chat with one of our team at the Expo.



Protective Intelligence provides consultancy and training on Cyber Security and Data Protection.



We believe successful information security lies in the heart of an organisation, where everyone understands the importance of protecting data. For too long technology has driven the security agenda, but organisations who are successful in keeping their information safe recognise that without governance and training technology alone cannot prevent security breaches.

We have long-standing experience, with previous clients ranging from corporate giants to SMEs and charities. We deliver high-quality consultancy on the strategies, policies and training that your organisation needs, as well as technical solutions such as Penetration Testing.

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Co-Operative Systems is a leading IT provider to the charitable and social enterprise sectors, Investor in People accredited and a Microsoft Gold Partner. We are 'enablers of social good' providing an appropriate, dynamic, and cohesive range of IT services cost effectively. We deliver a wide range of ICT projects including Microsofts new Office365 and Azure services , we provide Managed IT services and Business Continuity services.



We are always happy undertake assessments and a brief piece of work free to show what we can do. For more information about us visit us on our stand @ the Civil Society IT event, see www.coopsys.net or mail [email protected]
9.00AM - 9.30AM Registration, refreshments and networking Registration, refreshments and networking

9.30AM - 9.40AM Chair's welcome Stephen Cotterill, editor, Fundraising Magazine



9.40AM - 10.20AM Opening plenary - 1m a day and rising - 10 strategic principles for fundraising growth By studying their fundraising strategies over the past fifteen years, Anthony Newman has defined what he believes are the ten consistently successful principles underpinning this growth, and which could be applied to organisations of any size. Anthony Newman, director of brand, marketing and communications, Cancer Research

10.20AM - 11.00AM Speed networking This fun session provides a valuable opportunity to connect with people early in the day. We promise that you will come away from the session with several new contacts, some inspiration and a smile on your face

11.00AM - 11.25AM Networking and refreshment break Networking and refreshment break

11.25AM - 12.05PM 1A. Putting online fundraising at the heart of your strategy Drawing on fresh donor research and recent evidence, this session will explore the challenges associated with converting online visits to donations. What are the main barriers to people completing their donation journey online, and what customer experience techniques can you use to overcome these and encourage greater giving? Among other issues this session will examine the pros and cons of different digital channels, practical methods for turning donors to regular givers and tips on how to engage and excite younger supporters. Susan Pinkney, head of research and Julie Simpson, product manager, Charities Aid Foundation

11.25AM - 12.05PM 1B. The creative brief- working with agencies to produce compelling propositions A compelling fundraising proposition is the holy grail for any successful campaign. This session will consider how to work alongside an agency to construct a creative brief, examining the merits and drawbacks of some of the existing advice, including nudge theory, neuroscience and the principles of storytelling. Using real-life examples of successful campaigns and how they were developed, you will walk away equipped with new tools and practical methods to reinvigorate your campaigns strategy.



Nick Holmes, director, Different Kettle

11.25AM - 12.05PM 1C. PANEL: Is digital the key to levelling the playing field between small charities and the 'superbarnds' Predominantly due to constraints in resources, few smaller charities are able to be truly competitive against the larger, more well-known superbrands. Focusing on three emerging areas of opportunity, our expert panel will discuss the possibilities for smaller organisations to leverage the fundraising potential and reach of the following digital channels; gaming, online petitions and developing viral social content



Chair - Debra Allcock Tyler, chief executive, Directory of Social Change

Panellists: Tom Bage, communications director, Change.org, Elisabeth Little, head of corporate fundraising, War Child and Joe Wade, managing director, Don't Panic



11.25AM - 12.05PM Choose from one of the 3 sessions above Choose from one of the 3 sessions above

12.10PM - 12.55PM 2A. PANEL: Recruitment versus retention- what's the secret to building stable and high-performing teams? (in association with TPP) As accountability and transparency become increasingly important aspects of operating a not-for-profit organisation, they are also gaining equal importance in managing your online presence. This session will look at a range of tools and techniques to manage your brand online, with a focus on those that will boost credibility, donor confidence and public support. Examples include basic privacy practices, your social media personality and brand, and openness in communication.



Chair: Joe Jenkins, director of fundraising, The Childrens Society

Panellists: Mark Astarita, director of fundraising, British Red Cross, Rob Hayter, director, TPP, Ed Tait, director of fundraising, Crisis and Sonya Trivedy, director of fundraising, Terrence Higgins Trust

12.10PM - 12.55PM 2B. Panel: Corporate partnerships- more than just the money Corporate fundraising continues to be viewed as one of the key areas for growth across the sector, with charities of all sizes identifying strategic partnerships as a vital tool for growing fundraising revenue. Increasingly, the most successful and sustainable relationships seem to extend beyond financial contribution to sharing skills, knowledge and even networks. This session will consider these partnerships from the perspective of the corporates involved, assessing the criteria for selecting their charity partners, techniques for driving and maintaining engagement and what a mutually beneficial relationship should really look like.



Chair: Terence Lovell, director of development, Teach First Panel: Harriet Stranks, director of grant making north, Lloyds Bank Foundation and Suzanne Doxey, community relations manager - corporate affairs, E.ON and Julie Milnes, head of corporate partnerships, British Red Cross

12.10PM - 12.55PM 2C. A new model for Millennials: engaging your next generation of philanthropists NEXTGen is a global movement of diverse young leaders, entrepreneurs and innovators who dedicate their spare time to raising funds and awareness for Unicef's work, predominantly through a range of events and campaigns. Their model brings an innovative and refreshing perspective to fundraising, relying on the passion and motivation of young volunteers. Join this session to consider the changing expectations of a younger generation of charity supporters and pick up practical tips to reach new audiences, increase engagement and energise and inspire your events fundraising.



Hortense Decaux and Layla Yarjani, co-founders, Unicef NEXTGen, Europe

12.10PM - 12.55PM Choose from one of the 3 sessions above Choose from one of the 3 sessions above

12.55PM - 1.55PM Lunch Lunch and networking break

1.55PM - 2.40PM Meet the regulators- your questions answered Stephen Dunmore, interim chief executive, Fundraising Regulator, David Holdsworth, chief operating officer and registrar, Charity Commission, Peter Lewis, chief executive, Institute of Fundraising and Richard Marbrow, lead policy officer, Information Commissioner's Office

2.40PM - 3.25PM 3A. How to run a successful CRM project from start to finish Data is one of a charity's most valuable assets, but knowing how to manage and make the most of large quantities of supporter information, while also complying with fast-changing regulation is an ongoing challenge. This session will focus on the top ten things to consider when selecting and implementing a new CRM system, highlighting areas to focus on and common pitfalls to watch out for. Tory Cassie will specifically examine the functionality of Microsoft Dynamics and how it can be integrated into your wider fundraising and comms strategy.



Tory Cassie, business development, m-hance

2.40PM - 3.25PM 3B. Anthony Nolan case study: Beyond theory- making relationship fundraising a reality Over the past four years Anthony Nolan has shifted from a product-led fundraising strategy to focus on building stronger relationships with supporters. Through developing a better understanding of donors' circumstances and their connection to the cause, the charity has seen an increase from 189K to 1m net income. This session will explore the practicalities of making relationship fundraising a reality to unlock maximum lifetime value from your supporters. Lawrie Mallyon, Senior Community Fundraising Manager

2.40PM - 3.25PM 3C. The future of event tech- keeping up with trends to increase ROI In an increasingly networked and digital-savvy world, technology has become an integral part of events fundraising. This session will explore some of the latest developments from pledging and mobile bidding technology to interactive auctions, and will consider how evolving donor behaviour and expectations should be influencing events fundraising strategies. John Roberts will impart some practical tips on how these tools can be used to drive supporter engagement and increase revenue from your fundraising events.



John Roberts, head of UK sales, Givergy

2.40PM - 3.25PM Choose from one of the 3 sessions above Choose from one of the 3 sessions above

3.25PM - 3.45PM Networking and refreshment break Networking and refreshment break

3.45PM - 4.15PM 4A. Trustees and fundraising-securing board buy-in For any fundraising function to achieve its full potential, fundraising must become part of the DNA of the entire organisation. In the wake of increased scrutiny and regulation, the trustees' responsibility for fundraising has come into the media spotlight. Drawing on her extensive personal experience as both a fundraising director and a trustee, Tait will explore the relationship between the two, and how they can best work together not only to ensure best practice, but to generate meaningful supporter relationships and maximise revenue opportunities



Liz Tait, director of fundraising, Battersea Dogs & Cats Home and trustee, Action on Hearing Loss

3.45PM - 4.15PM 4B. World Vision's Story shop case study: The changing face of F2F In a bid to tackle declining levels of child sponsorship and to attract and acquire new supporters, World Vision created The Story Shop; an immersive retail experience which uses cutting-edge technology and creative techniques to engage shoppers and bring the charity's work to life. An example of innovation in face-to-face, this case study will explore the challenges as well as benefits of trying to redefine people's experience of street fundraising Steve Wood, director of marketing & communications, World Vision

3.45PM - 4.15PM 4C. Is now the time for more disruptive fundraising? In this session, Richard Turner will assess the current challenges and opportunities facing the fundraising profession. Drawing on his own extensive career in fundraising and research of different approaches, he will draw on case studies including Charity: water and SolarAid to discuss what disruption in fundraising really looks like and why it is ultimately the delivery of the mission that matters. Richard Turner, director, ifundraiser , director, ifundraiser

3.45PM - 4.15PM Choose from one of the 3 sessions above Choose from one of the 3 sessions above

4.20PM - 4.50PM Closing plenary: Fundraising for the future Following a difficult year of fundraising scandals, greater public scrutiny and increased regulation, many charities are revising their fundraising strategies. In this session Mike Adamson will share some of the conclusions drawn by NCVO's working group on fundraising regulation, as well as his vision for taking the British Red Cross forward in the current political and economic climate. Adamson will focus specifically on responding to the decline in public trust, explaining why and how he believes charities' relationships with their supporters must adapt in order to achieve growth and regain confidence in the vital services they provide.



Mike Adamson, chief executive, British Red Cross

4.50PM - 4.55PM Chair's closing remarks Stephen Cotterill, editor, Fundraising Magazine
8.45AM - 9.20AM Registration Refreshments available and time to visit the exhibition.

9.20AM - 9.25AM Chair's welcome Andrew Hind, editor of Charity Finance, introduces the day.

9.25AM - 10.00AM Opening keynote: State of the sector and interactive Q & A with Rob Wilson Rob Wilson, minister of civil society, opens the day

10.00AM - 10.05AM Stream chairs' welcome The day is divided into four streams each chaired by an expert in the field who will open the breakout sessions with a short introduction. Stream A: VAT & Tax Fundementals - Gareth Jones, editor, Charity Finance Stream B: VAT & Tax Focused - David Ainsworth, deputy editor, Charity Finance Stream C: Strategy & Risk - Petra Ingram, chief executive, The Brook Stream D: Investment - Anrew Hind, non-executive director, Civil Society Media

10.05AM - 10.45AM 1A. Round-up of latest developments and topical issues on gift aid and tax This session includes an update on the following: GASDS, HMRC enquiries, and recent developments around trading subsidiaries and gift aid donation exceeding distributable reserves. Mark McGarry, direct tax partner, Saffery Champness

10.05AM - 10.45AM 1B. Strategic VAT Planning  reaping the rewards This practical session will explore the interaction between the VAT liability of income streams and the ability to deduct VAT incurred on expenditure. Luigi Lungarella, director - indirect tax, PKF

10.05AM - 10.45AM 1C. Case study on the impact and finance as drivers of organisational change This session will explore how the National Autistic Society is using theory-of-change methodology to prepare for the future. Mark Lever, chief executive, National Autistic Society

10.05AM - 10.45AM 1D. Absolute or relative return investing? This session will define absolute and relative return, consider the main features of the two approaches, and review the factors to be considered when deciding which approach to adopt. Andrew Pitt, head of charities, Rathbones

10.45AM - 11.15AM Refreshment break Opportunity for refreshments, networking and to time to explore the exhibition stands

11.15AM - 11.55AM 2A. Case law and recent developments This session will review recent tribunal and court decisions that affect the charity sector. The session will also consider any changes of interpretation to published VAT guidance, together with an update on any areas of VAT that HMRC are currently focusing their attention on

11.15AM - 11.55AM 2B. Property taxes- when can they arise and who pays them? Louise Veragoo will cover some of the tax issues, relevant to charities, which may arise in a property transaction. Pitfalls, opportunities, tax charges and reliefs will be covered in this session. Louise Veragoo, NFP tax director, haysmacintyre

11.15AM - 11.55AM 2C. Financial governance: Communicating effectively with the board This session will explore how finance leaders can help the numbers come to life for finance and nonfinance trustees to ensure that financial performance is central to the organisations strategy Kevin Barnes, congregational chief executive, Congregation of the Sisters of Nazareth Generalate and treasurer, CFG

11.15AM - 11.55AM 2D. What is your attitude to risk? This session explores what investment managers mean by risk, considers the need for portfolio stress testing, and examines how your attitude to risk can be expressed in a meaningful way. George Lagarias, senior investment analyst, Mazars

12.00PM - 12.40PM 3A. VAT & tax on trading & trading subsidiaries Using a worked example, this session will consider what constitutes trading, the exemptions for direct tax, and some of the grey areas. It will also cover key considerations regarding the use of a trading subsidiary, financing a subsidiary and issues with distributable reserves. Peter Bright, VAT director and Luke Savvas, charity and business tax partner, Buzzacott

12.00PM - 12.40PM 3B. Grants versus contracts Geraint will look to provide some clear and practical advice on how to deal with this complex issue, and how best to approach relationships with supporters to obtain the

desired VAT treatment. Geraint Lewis, partner, Kingston Smith

12.00PM - 12.40PM 3C. Cultivating a risk-intelligent culture For charities and trustee boards under pressure to balance innovation with risk-taking, this session will consider how to establish and develop an effective risk culture in order to provide both stability and competitive advantage. Jonathan Orchard and Kate Sayer, partners, Sayer Vincent

12.00PM - 12.40PM 3D. Thematic investing: Are property benchmarks obsolete? Given the pace of change, we question whether benchmarks comprised of properties that may be obsolete in this new world are the best measure of performance.

12.40PM - 1.50PM Lunch Opportunity for networking and to visit the exhibition.

1.50PM - 2.30PM 4A. Gift Aid de-mystified This session will look at some of the more complex areas of gift aid including donor benefits, admissions, auctions and membership subscriptions and will explore the opportunities and pitfalls that charities need to be aware of. Sarah Kelsey, senior manager - corporate tax, PKF

1.50PM - 2.30PM 4B. Maximising VAT recovery and understanding charity VAT reliefs The session will provide you with practical tips, focusing in particular on when charities can claim relief from VAT on their costs and how interacting with HMRC works in terms of negotiating recovery agreements. Alison Hone, director - charity VAT, Saffery Champness

1.50PM - 2.30PM 4C. DB pension schemes: Tackling the legal challenges This session will explore the steps you can take to manage this risk and deal with the associated legislative restrictions.



Clare Grice, partner, Mills & Reeve

1.50PM - 2.30PM 4D. Equities, fixed income or alternatives - where should charities invest right now? With cash yielding close to zero, equities values rising faster than earnings, bond yields near the floor and many alternative investments failing to perform, this session will explore some of the options available to charities with investable assets. Larry Hatheway, group chief economist, GAM

2.35PM - 3.15PM 5A. Printing & VAT on direct mail Adrian will review recent developments in this fast-moving area, and comment on

the latest thinking on how to minimise VAT costs.



Adrian Houstoun, partner, Kingston Smith

2.35PM - 3.15PM 5B. Tax-efficient giving This session will discuss recent developments in gift aid and explore some of

the other forms of tax-efficient giving, such as gifts of shares/securities and property, legacies, business gifts and how charities could benefit from social investment tax relief.



Jon Daley, tax manager, Buzzacott

2.35PM - 3.15PM 5C. The new SORPs  what worked for you and what needs changing? With the implementation of the new SORPs fresh in everyones mind, the SORP-making body is seeking your views on what works, what doesnt and the changes you want to see.



Facilitated by - Nigel Davies, deputy head of accountancy policy, Charity Commission and joint chair, Charities SORP committee

2.35PM - 3.15PM 5D. What do we mean by quality? The power of high-quality global equities in long-term portfolios In todays low- growth environment, identifying companies with strong cashflows, resilient business models and a policy of returning cash to shareholders can be the key to delivering the sustainable income and growth often required by charities.



Andrew Wheatley Hubbard, director, global equity portfolio manager, BlackRock

3.15PM - 3.40PM Break Networking and refreshment break

3.40PM - 4.20PM 6A. The changing face of employment taxes Nick Bustin will be looking at recent developments in respect of employee expenses and benefits, employment tax status as well as the apprenticeship levy which will come into effect from April 2017. Nick Bustin, director of employment tax, haysmacintyre

3.40PM - 4.20PM 6B. VAT on fundraising and challenge events While there is an exemption available for income generated from fundraising events, it only applies if specific conditions are met. This session will review these conditions and in addition, will also look at challenge events, where different rules apply.



Socrates Socratous, director, SOC VAT Consultants

3.40PM - 4.20PM 6C. Strategy & risk: A perfect marriage Hear how by putting risk management centre-stage with strategy, leading health and research organisations have changed the way they work for the better.



Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief operating officer and Paul Norris, director of finance, the Institute of Cancer Research

3.40PM - 4.20PM 6D. Investing for tomorrow, today In this session we will explore the long-term trends that are changing the investment landscape and creating significant growth opportunities.



Peter Michaelis, head of equities, Alliance Trust

4.30PM - 4.55PM Closing Keynote: Financial leadership - whose job is it anyway? This session will consider the role of the finance director in coaching the chief executive to ensure that strategic financial leadership permeates the entire organisation.



Simon Hopkins, chief executive, Turn2Us

4.55PM - 5.00PM Chair's closing remarks Gareth Jones, editor, Charity Finance
Charities may well have the answers to a lot of the issues facing the country, but will anyone in government be listening, asks Kirsty Weakley.

The overall mood from the voluntary sector representatives at the Conservative Party Conference this week was surprisingly optimistic, with many hoping that the new governments social reform agenda will be an opportunity to reframe the sectors relationship with the government.

In Theresa Mays closing speech the Prime Minister reiterated her commitment to a social reform agenda, which had been a bit of theme running through the conference. It might not be as good a sound-bite as Big Society, but it may prove to be more effective.

By setting up a new policy unit to improve relations with the, headed by former development and strategic partnerships director at the Centre for Social Justice Charlotte Lawson, Number Ten does appear to have indicated a willingness to listen to the sector.

And for its part the sector seems keen to offer the government solutions to problems instead of unrelenting criticism; even the representative from Friends of the Earth, one of the staunchest critics of the Lobbying Act, who was speaking at Acevos civil society rally, said it was time to reset the relationship.

Charities were also keen to assure the Conservative Party that the sector is not intrinsically left wing. This comes up again and again, but perhaps with the Conservative leader trying to convince the country that the Labour Party does not have a monopoly on compassion the party will find itself less at odds with parts of the voluntary sector.

What role can we expect the minister for civil society to play in all this?

While the sector might have cause for optimism when it comes to the government, the same cannot be said of the minister.

Once again Rob Wilson did not make his presence felt at the conference. He didnt make it to any of three sector-wide events, despite being down to speak at Acevos rally on Sunday night. This meant that there were not high-ranking politicians to hear leaders from the voluntary sector talk eloquently about the need for the voluntary and public sectors to work in partnership.

He did put in a brief appearance the following morning at a private round table hosted by NCVO, though its unclear if he made much of contribution.

Wilson, and the Office for Civil Society, have frequently been criticised for their focus on youth volunteering and social investment, at the expense of other areas of sector policy, which was only compounded at this conference. His only appearance at a sector event - one open to all delegates, anyway - was at a youth volunteering event, where he went to great lengths to not make any announcements.

It is perhaps telling that his new boss, Karen Bradley, Secretary of State for Culture Media and Sport, mentioned Wilson just once and charities hardly at all.

Interest at fringe events

In contrast to previous years there were a number of fringe events concerned causes close to many parts of the sector such as attitudes to international aid, solving poverty and engaging with local communities.

While it is a good sign that the Conservative Party is talking about these issues they dont necessarily seem to be looking for the voluntary sector for solutions.

One packed out fringe event, Solving Poverty the Conservative Way, which was hosted by the Spectator and Joseph Rowntree Foundation, barely mentioned the contribution that charities could make.

Most of the discussion centred on the need to build more housing, before a fleeting mention at the end that some more corporate social responsibility, from businesses to support community groups, would also be a good thing.

Other solutions to poverty that came from the floor included limiting the number of children people could have and actually talking to poor people.

At other fringe events related to charities ordinary party members turned up to have a pop at the sector, much to the surprise of some of the voluntary sector regulars. Their complaints seemed based on their own recent bad experience or prejudices.

While it is not helpful to read too much into anecdotal evidence its worth noting that there was a clear split in the room between those who think about charity issues all year round, and those who dont.
India shows the challenges for good social sector leadership, says Ruby Chadwick.



There is a sense of massive energy and optimism in India. People in the social impact sector are starting to ask the right questions, which is leading toward a shift in the entire business model of the traditional charity. More and more, leadership is rising to the top as a key factor in leading that shift.



Earlier this year, The Resource Alliance brought together a group of inspiring change-makers in the social impact sector in India to talk about critical issues in leadership. Participants shared and discussed key challenges of being a leader in the sector in India, and offered support and advice to each other. Following are some observations they shared.

What does leadership mean?

Effective leadership is, unfortunately, a scarce resource. People too often assume that simply being given a title makes them a leader. Were generally conditioned to seek leaders out -- its in our DNA -- but were often bad at choosing good ones. Or supporting them when we do.



Being a leader is about being the right person, in the right place and doing the right thing. Its also about building the next generation of leaders in your organisation.



Leadership is a lifelong journey. We need to spend time thinking about our leadership footprint and how to best serve our cause and our co-workers. Dedicated people join organisations because of their cause and mission, but too often leave because of their managers.



The participants shared the main challenges they experience from being a leader.

Getting the right people on the bus

Its a challenge to find people to work on the team who share the organisations vision. And if you do find them, its a challenge to find enough funding to employ them -- the talent comes at a cost. Oganisations that work in rural areas are especially challenged to get people to work in the villages. Qualified persons arent likely to choose to go back and work somewhere that they worked so hard to get out of.

Building up young leaders

When working with young leaders, there is a huge challenge in tackling the issue of their own self-belief. Being a social entrepreneur is a lonely place without a network of support. Theres a strong sense of competition rather than working together for the greater goal. In India specifically there is a huge fear of failure and aspirations not being met. In some instances, individuals would rather not try at all than try and fail.

Balancing social and economic interests

Theres a challenge in ensuring that organisations are financially sustainable while also maintaining social responsibility, and trying to always be innovative. There is also increasing suspicion from donors about how organisations are spending and handling their money.

Misrepresentation at the top

There are issues with ageism when it comes to being respected as a leader in India over the age of 60. And there is also the ongoing issue of gender in leadership roles. Women who make it to positions of leadership often find themselves the only woman in the room.

How do we overcome these challenges?

It is hugely important to have people on your team that represent the values and mission of the organisation. Truth and integrity distinguish the social impact sector from the corporates, but there are actually a lot of things we could be learning from them -- such as valuing and working to much higher standards of practice. This is something that organisations like Goonj are pioneering.

The women who work in Goonj workshops are offered incentives such as competitions to produce the highest quality products. Goonj doesnt seek donations based simply on peoples desire to give. They want to sell high-quality products that people want to have. Organisations are starting to understand how unsustainable the pity purchase is.

Creating a second generation of leaders in your organisation is something that needs to be encouraged. Leaders shouldnt be afraid of hiring someone who is smarter than they are. Early leadership takes a while to manifest, but the impact is huge. Second-generation leaders give the founder/CEO of social enterprises space to move on and do more work in the sector.

Organisations need to realise the importance of taking time to breathe, and reflect on what theyre doing, what they could improve on and what else is going on in the sector. The mission cant become more important than the organisation.

Leaders need a supporting environment where they can discuss issues they are experiencing and share with like-minded individuals. Leadership positions can be a lonely place, and leaders often dont give themselves time to just sit and vent.

The promise to continue to share and learn

The group has agreed to continue to hold this forum every couple of months. Each attendee will take turns hosting the forum. This will include the host presenting his or her organisations story, as well as introducing the group to their other staff members, as well, to include as many people as possible in the sharing process. They have also all agreed to invite a second-generation leader to their respective forums.



The objectives of the follow-up meetings will be to continue to learn from each other on the issues surrounding leadership, but also to begin to grow and nurture the sense of community. This type of sharing and support is essential, since its s not just about any one leader or organisation or cause; it is about the greater good, and collaboration among social impact leaders will serve only to strengthen the sector as a whole.



Ruby Chadwick is international programmes manager for The Resource Alliance.

For information on The Resource Alliances Leading for the Future programme, go to www.resource-alliance.org/leadership.

With more than 100 sessions and 18 intensive masterclasses, the 2016 International Fundraising Congress, happening 18-21 October in the Netherlands, is about Asking the Right Questions. For more information on the IFC, go to www.resource-alliance.org/ifc.

Civil Society Media would like to that the Resource Alliance for its support with this article
More than four years since a massive sinkhole swallowed trees in Assumption Parish and forced more than 300 residents from their homes officials say it now no longer poses a risk to the public.

Assumption Parish officials declared Friday that theyve completely lifted the remaining voluntary evacuation orders in the last parts of the Bayou Corne community where the few residents left had remained. Officials said risk from instability and seeping, flammable natural gas released in the sinkholes formation have been mitigated.

Through the preponderance of evidence, the area has been deemed no longer at risk due to the sinkhole and gas associated with its creation, parish officials said in a statement.

The Advocate reports the all-clear order had been coming for months. In June, the parish dropped mandatory evacuation orders to voluntary evacuations.

The sinkhole was discovered in 2012 in Bayou Corne about 30 miles northwest of Thibodaux. It grew from about one acre to about 35 acres. For a time, the sinkhole swallowed whole trees but eventually its growth slowed and has largely stabilized in recent years.

The methane gas released in the sinkholes formation, however, remained an ever-present risk to residents.

Texas Brine was deemed the responsible party after one of its underground salt dome caverns had been tied to the sinkholes formation by state experts. Texas Brine and its insurers bought out much of the Bayou Corne and Grand Bayou communities, and lawsuits were filed.

Dennis Landry, who owns vacation cabins and a boat launch in Bayou Corne, said he is happy to see the order lifted.

I cant speak for everybody here, but I think people are ready. I think theyre ready for that evacuation order to be lifted. I think most of them feel like its time, enough time has passed, Landry said.

Texas Brine, which has pressed for more than year to remove the evacuation orders, welcomed the parishs decision, saying it was glad to see state and local officials agree with the company that its response priorities have been satisfied and that the sinkhole does not pose a risk to Bayou Corne.

Texas Brine, in its statement, reiterated its position that the sinkhole was not the companys fault. Still, Landry said, he would like to see Texas Brine continue to monitor the sinkhole.

Landry echoed the sentiment of the parish Police Jury, which in August adopted a resolution asking the state Office of Conservation to hold Texas Brine to previous promises for additional testing and monitoring after the evacuation order was lifted.

But on Friday, Commissioner Richard Ieyoub, after considering the resolution and asking Texas Brine to respond to it, relieved the company of many of its monitoring requirements.

Patrick Courreges, spokesman for the Office of Conservation and state Department of Natural Resources, said data show the risk from methane has been minimized to the extent the gas can be practically removed. The swamp area also naturally has gas bubbles.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
A sharks primary sense is a lusty sense of smell. A shark can detect one drop of blood in a million drops of water and can smell blood as far away as a quarter-mile. Sharks also have what is known as a lateral line that allows them to perceive vibrations in the water from vast distances. A shark will employ this lateral line primarily to find prey in the water. Once a shark smells blood, if theyre esurient or covetous for some food, they will naturally gravitate towards their prey.

John Stumpf, CEO of Wells Fargo, is a gory and blood-soaked fodder kicking helplessly in the middle of the ocean, hoping someone will toss him a lifebuoy before the sharks pounce. Have you seen the poor guy lately? He looks like hes been spun in one of those exploding Samsung washing machines for one too many cycles or tried to charge his Samsung Galaxy cell phone without the obligatory bomb suit garb for protection. These days, Stumpf has also been seen sporting an arm brace on his right hand during his weekly grilling sessions on Capitol Hill.

As Stumpf dangles in the open sea waters as shark fodder, most of us are the lurking sharks. Many of us, including Elizabeth Warren, smell the blood with a ravenous appetite, triggering an insatiable desire to swarm and forage the punctured meat. Admittedly, Wells Fargo is an easy target. The audacity and boldness it takes to create over 2 million fictitious accounts for personal gain is off the charts and deplorable in every sense. There is no denying this.

But, do we know with complete certainty that Stumpf had intimate knowledge of these fictitious loans and accounts being created? Or, on the contrary, are we just incensed that something so egregious and predatory could occur, and we need someone to blame and hold accountable in order to publicly reconcile such an atrocity? I understand that part of being the Top Dog in any business is being responsible for, and held accountable to, literally everything that occurs. Those privileged enough to hold an executive or managers role in a business know all too well that every transaction, encounter, or decision made could at some point come back to be a direct reflection on you. I get that. But to broadly paint Stumpf with villain acrylic and liken him to Bernie Madoff seems intemperate and reactionary to me.

The opportunity cost in spending all our time and resources vilifying Stumpf is that we miss our chance to comprehensively deliberate on the potential perils in incentive programs and reduce/eliminate potential vulnerabilities in the future. We are so laser-focused on throwing stones at one person that we are watching our opportunity to learn painstaking lessons about the dangers in incentive plans evaporate into the clouds right along with these 2 million-plus fictitious Wells Fargo accounts.

The simple truth is that incentive plans are dangerous. Incentive plans are often laced with countless moral hazards that incentivize otherwise good people to make bad, and sometimes unethical, decisions for their personal gain. It happens to the best of em too. No one among us is exempt from capitulating to questionable decisions if the reward is sweet enough, or the situation dire enough. Just ask an honest single parent struggling to make ends meet if their moral fortitude has ever been pushed to the limits when faced with a choice between compromising their morals or providing for their children. Tough stuff that is much easier to judge from a position of having your needs met than living through circumstances where bills go unpaid and your children go to sleep hungry.

Dont get me wrong, I dont think a normal human being would actually go to the despicable lengths that many at Wells Fargo did to obtain their incentive (and Im not sure that Im qualified to determine what exactly constitutes normalcy in a human anyhow), but I do think poorly developed and monitored incentive programs can cause even the most morally astute to engage in shady and self-seeking activities. Perhaps its not as abominable as creating a plethora of bogus loans. Maybe instead its approving a loan that you know is outside of policy and unlikely to be repaid, but you justify approval by helping a longtime member when in reality the loan was approved because you knew of the rich loan incentives youd be receiving on the backend if you approved the loan.

Incentive plans are dangerous.

Incentive plans can be a culture killer too. Incentive plans can entirely trivialize any notion or value an employee places on base compensation, health benefits, or retirement plans. An employees entire purview can become so fixated upon an incentive that the munificence of a base salary and benefits can be entirely marginalized. Incentive plans can also diminish employees natural instinct to want to help people. This is what credit unions are all about right people helping people? Incentives can incite good people to put their personal interest ahead of the members best interest.

Instead of all joining-in on the disparagement of Stumpf, Id hope more of us would reach deeper and try to learn valuable lessons about the dangers of incentive programs. In the original Wall Street movie, a sleek Gordon Gekko pronounces that greed is good, greed is right, and that greed works. Im of the belief that greed is highly dangerous and can cause good people to engage in unsavory acts. As such, it behooves managers, executives, and directors to exercise extreme caution and careful oversight when considering offering any monetary incentives to credit union personnel.

We could use less sharks and stone-throwers right now and more people trying to learn valuable lessons about human nature, and the hazards of poorly structured or ill-monitored incentive programs.
This daily digest focuses on Yuan rates, major Chinese economic data, market sentiment, new developments in Chinas foreign exchange policies, changes in financial market regulations, as well as market news typically available only in Chinese-language sources.

- The PBOC weakened the Yuan for the third straight day on Wednesday after the week-long hiatus.

- Chinas Premier told that the central government supports Macau to become a key Yuan settlement center.

- Multiple firms with a large mount debt have entered into bankruptcy restructure; the overall credit risk is increased.

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Yuan Rates

- The PBOC set the Yuan weaker against the U.S. Dollar on Wednesday, the third consecutive day after a week-long holiday. The Central Bank guided the Yuan by -160 pips or -0.24% lower against the U.S. Dollar to 6.7258, marking a new six-year low. The offshore USD/CNH traded around the Yuan fix during the session. As we discussed yesterday, technical levels are in focus for the pair in the near-term.

USD/CNH 1-Day

Prepared by Renee Mu.

The PBOC also tightened the onshore liquidity for the third day in a row. On Wednesday, the regulator reduced a net of 165 billion Yuan cash, following a net withdrawal of 90 and 100 billion Yuan on Monday and Tuesday respectively. Despite the withdrawals, Yuans onshore borrowing rates either continued to drop or remained little changed. The SHIBOR O/N, 1-week, 2-week and 1-month fell -0.30, -1.10, -0.70 and -0.32 respectively. This indicates relative low demand in onshore Yuan liquidity.

Data downloaded from Bloomberg; chart prepared by Renee Mu.

Market News

Sina News: Chinas most important online media source, similar to CNN in the US. They also own a Chinese version of Twitter, called Weibo, with around 200 million active users monthly.

- Chinas Premier Li Keqiang said that the Chinese government supports Macau to become a key center for Yuan settlement. Also, the central government will promote the creation of a fund headquarters in Macau set up by China and Portugal. Macau, a special administrative region of China, was ruled by Portugal for more than a century until 1999. As a result, the region is considered to be a gateway between mainland China and the Western world, similar as Hong Kong. The establishment of a Yuan clearing center for Portuguese-language nations in Macau is expected to further promote Yuans global use.

Hexun News: Chinese leading online media of financial news.

- Chinese firms credit risks have been increasing of recent, according to a report issued by CITIC Securities. In late September, LDK Solar, a solar wafer producer, was forced to enter into the bankruptcy restructuring process following a ruling from the local state court. At the same time, Guangxi Nonferrous Metal Group failed to submit a restructure plan within six months and thus has been declared bankrupt, making it the first bankrupt issuer in Chinasinterbank market. Another troubled firm, Dongbei Special Steel, entered into the bankruptcy process on October 10th. Bohai Steel Group, also in the debt crisis, released a restructure plan in the effort to reduce its 192 billion Yuan of debt; however, the Chinese securities believes that the plan is not practical and likely to be rejected by creditors.

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Dalhousie has made important strides in embracing a broader group of students, faculty and staff in recent years, including launching a strategic initiative on diversity and inclusiveness in 2015.



A new position that aims to further that goal was announced earlier this week during a reception welcoming Schulich School of Law Professor Naiomi Metallic as Dals first Chancellors Chair in Aboriginal Law and Policy. The Chair was made possible thanks to a generous donation by the Honourable Anne McLellan, Dals chancellor.



On Monday, a group of Schulich School of Law faculty, students, alumni and staff, along with former colleagues of Metallics, gathered in the Weldon Law Buildings second-floor atrium to learn about her plans for the five-year renewable Chair term.



After Mikmaq educator and human rights activist Sister Dorothy Moore gave the opening prayer and blessed Metallic for making a better world for First Nations peoples, Sipeknekatik (Indian Brook) First Nation drummer Keagan Sack sang the Mikmaq Honour Song.



Its a great day to be here, said Dal President Richard Florizone. Saturday was Treaty Day, and events are still taking place on campus and around the city. He made everyone laugh when, after stating that he was excited for Metallic to begin putting her strategic plan into action as the first Chancellors Chair in Aboriginal Law and Policy, he added: No pressure!



Florizone said that Dal takes the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canadas Calls to Action seriously  in particular Action 28, which calls upon law schools in Canada to require all law students to take a course in Aboriginal peoples and the law. Were proud of what weve done to foster diversity and inclusiveness at Dalhousie, he said, but we know theres more we need to do.

Building on strong foundations



Schulich School of Law Dean Camille Cameron opened her remarks by recognizing that the reception was being held on traditional Mikmaq territory.



Im very proud of our Indigenous Blacks & Mikmaq Initiative, which was an inspired idea when it was established in 1989, said Cameron. It has become a model for access to the legal profession across Canada and the U.S., and it continues to make a vital contribution to that goal. But we have to do more. Im happy to say that we now have a dedicated group within the faculty taking us forward to respond to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, especially Call to Action 28.



McLellan, a former Canadian deputy prime minister who did her undergrad at Dal, then earned a law degree here in 1974, has been Chancellor since 2015. She pointed to the positive changes that have been made in diversity and inclusiveness generally compared to when she was a student.



When I was in law school, there was no Treaty Day, said McLellan. Im delighted to see Naiomi as this Chairs first scholar. She has an amazing personality, she exudes charisma and energy, and she will directly guide the creation of new initiatives to make both the law school and Dal more inclusive.

Chair to foster greater teaching, research



Metallic hails from the Listuguj Migmaq First Nation, which is located on the Gaspe Coast of Quebec. She was a member of the IB&M Initiative while studying law at Dalhousie, earning her degree in 2005.



Metallic is starting her first year of full-time teaching at the Schulich School of Law after several years of guest lecturing while practicing law at Burchells LLP in Halifax. Students taking Constitutional Law, Indigenous Governance, Aboriginal Peoples and the Kawaskimhon Aboriginal Law Moot will benefit from her experience working as a lawyer for Indigenous communities in the Maritimes and beyond.



At the reception, Metallic praised both the IB&M Initiative and its director, Professor Michelle Williams. I feel very fortunate to build on the great work of the IB&M Initiative and to push for positive change for Mikmaq and other Aboriginal peoples, she said. The Chair gives me a wonderful opportunity to move this work along with more authority and legitimacy. Thank you, Anne, for your generosity and leadership in funding this Chair.




China's appetite for pigs fills dinner plates, but it also fills half the world's orders for heparin, an anticoagulant made from the animals' intestines. However in 2007 and 2008, adulterated supply from the country was linked to more than 80 deaths in the U.S. A story in Chemical & Engineering News (C&EN), the weekly newsmagazine of the American Chemical Society, explores how regulators and companies are trying to reduce the risk of another such incident.

Jean-Francois Tremblay, a senior correspondent at C&EN based in Hong Kong, notes that ensuring the safety of heparin is a tall challenge. The drug, which is used in heart surgery, dialysis and for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis, is a highly complex mixture of polysaccharides. Its heterogeneity makes it difficult for testers to determine purity or animal origin. The U.S. currently only allows heparin derived from pigs. Bovine heparin was once an option, but after concerns over mad cow disease arose in the 1990s, it was banned in the U.S.

To try to ensure suppliers in China produce high-quality heparin, tighter controls have been set. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is making surprise visits to heparin plants in China. There are new tests to verify the animal origins of the drug. And the U.S. Pharmacopeial Convention has outlined new limits for impurities, including the adulterant oversulfated chondroitin sulfate that was used in the heparin scandal 10 years ago. But U.S. legislators and others are still wary of potential "bad apples." Moving forward, the FDA is considering whether to reintroduce bovine heparin to diversify sources. And researchers are working to develop a synthetic version of the drug.

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To automatically receive news releases from the American Chemical Society, contact newsroom@acs.org.

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Alexandria, VA - As we celebrate National Fossil Day, EARTH Magazine brings you a story set in Pleistocene South America, where the climate was warming following an ice age. At this time, Patagonia was home to large megafauna species like giant sloths and saber-toothed cats. There was also a new predator on the block: humans. At some point as the climate warmed and human settlers began hunting, the megafauna living in Patagonia and Tierra del Fuego went extinct.

By luck, numerous remains were preserved in cool volcanic and lakeshore caves. The chilled environment spared the DNA from destruction, providing scientists a unique opportunity for study. By sampling mitochondrial DNA from radiocarbon-dated bones and teeth found across the region, the timing of major changes in the diversity of creatures like the giant jaguar, one-ton short-faced bear, and large ground sloths became apparent, helping clarify previous hypotheses about this extinction. The scientists share their findings with EARTH Magazine in the October issue. To find out how long humans and megafauna coexisted go to: http://bit.ly/2dcGwCS.

The October issue of EARTH Magazine offers stories you won't find anywhere else, including our cover feature, "Thirsty Business," on water use in the tech industry, a news story on how bad weather may have hampered the Mongol Invasion, and a news story on how a junk gem is yielding information about diamond-forming processes. As always, travel with the EARTH team with this month's Travels in Geology to Guatemala's Vulcan Pacaya and read our review of the book "Alfred Wegener," which we deem the definitive biography of a geoscience star. For these stories and many more, visit http://www.earthmagazine.org.

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Keep up to date with the latest happenings in Earth, energy and environment news with EARTH Magazine online at: http://www.earthmagazine.org. Published by the American Geosciences Institute, EARTH is your source for the science behind the headlines.

The American Geosciences Institute is a nonprofit federation of geoscientific and professional associations that represents more than 250,000 geologists, geophysicists and other earth scientists. Founded in 1948, AGI provides information services to geoscientists, serves as a voice of shared interests in the profession, plays a major role in strengthening geoscience education, and strives to increase public awareness of the vital role the geosciences play in society's use of resources, resiliency to natural hazards, and interaction with the environment.
Spin-orbit coupling is one of the fundamental effects in quantum physics. It plays a vital role in many basic physic phenomena and exotic quantum states. These phenomena led to the foundation of several important research fields in condensed-matter physics like spintronics, topological insulator and topological superconductor. However, due to common problem of uncontrollable complex environment, many researches of solid materials of exotic physics become extremely difficult. This remains a major challenge for many relevant researches.

Recently, a joint team of the University of Science and Technology of China and the Peking University made breakthrough in quantum simulation of ultracold atoms. The joint team pioneered the proposal and realization of two-dimensional spin-orbit coupling for ultracold quantum gases. This will inspire of the researches of exotic topological quantum states and therefore implement significant influence to the way how we understand of our world. This joint result was published as a Research Article on the latest issue of Science. Considering the 'great potential for investigating exotic phenomena that go beyond traditional condensed-matter physics' of the result, a review article was specially published on the corresponding perspectives column.

The spin-orbit coupling describes the interactions between the particle spin and the orbital motion. To synthesize the spin-orbit coupling within ultracold atoms is one of the most exciting directions in the field of quantum simulation. Efforts were put in this extremely challenging research field by several teams from several countries in the past decade. 1-D spin-orbit coupling was first realized by Spielman's team from NIST, and then by several other laboratories. While, to simulate the exotic topological quantum matter, as topological insulator or superconductor, at least 2-D spin-orbit coupling is required. Yet the research to spin-orbit coupling on higher dimensions was a more challenging work.

LIU Xiongjun's theoretical team from Peking University first inspired and proposed the Raman optical lattice system, which leads to 2D spin-orbit coupling. Based on this theoretical scheme, the experimental team led by PAN Jianwei, CHEN Shuai and DENG Youjin from the USTC dedicated years to ultra precision laser and magnetic field controlling technology. At last they successfully constructed the Raman optical lattice quantum system and synthetized the 2-D spin-orbit coupling for Bose-Einstein condensates.

This setup is, according to the review on Science, particularly appealing because it involves only a single laser source and does not require phase-locking between several optical beams. Instead, a single laser beam is split into two parts to produce a spin-independent optical lattice and a frequency-shifted Raman beam.

Further research indicates that the spin-orbit coupling and the band topology are highly adjustable. This work will greatly influence the research to ultracold atoms and condensed-matter physics. This breakthrough may also inspire researches in the field of quantum computing. Hopefully in 10-15 years, scientists may realize the coherent manipulation of 80-100 quantum bit, solving speed of specific problems will exceed the current supercomputers.

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This work is supported by National Nature Science Foundation of China, Ministry of Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chinese Academy of Science, CAS-Alibaba Joint Laboratory of Quantum Computing, and several other institutions.
A team led by Dante Minniti (Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile) and Rodrigo Contreras Ramos (Instituto Milenio de Astrofisica, Santiago, Chile) used observations from the VISTA infrared survey telescope, as part of the Variables in the Via Lactea (VVV) ESO public survey, to carefully search the central part of the Milky Way. By observing infrared light, which is less affected by cosmic dust than visible light, and exploiting the excellent conditions at ESO's Paranal Observatory, the team was able to get a clearer view of this region than ever before. They found a dozen ancient RR Lyrae stars at the heart of the Milky Way that were previously unknown.

Our Milky Way has a densely populated centre -- a feature common to many galaxies, but unique in that it is close enough to study in depth. This discovery of RR Lyrae stars provides compelling evidence that helps astronomers decide between two main competing theories for how these bulges form.

RR Lyrae stars are typically found in dense globular clusters. They are variable stars, and the brightness of each RR Lyrae star fluctuates regularly. By observing the length of each cycle of brightening and dimming in an RR Lyrae, and also measuring the star's brightness, astronomers can calculate its distance [1].

Unfortunately, these excellent distance-indicator stars are frequently outshone by younger, brighter stars and in some regions they are hidden by dust. Therefore, locating RR Lyrae stars right in the extremely crowded heart of the Milky Way was not possible until the public VVV survey was carried out using infrared light. Even so, the team described the task of locating the RR Lyrae stars in amongst the crowded throng of brighter stars as "daunting".

Their hard work was rewarded, however, with the identification of a dozen RR Lyrae stars. Their discovery indicate that remnants of ancient globular clusters are scattered within the centre of the Milky Way's bulge.

Rodrigo Contreras Ramos elaborates: "This discovery of RR Lyrae Stars in the centre of the Milky Way has important implications for the formation of galactic nuclei. The evidence supports the scenario in which the bulge was originally made out of a few globular clusters that merged."

The theory that galactic bulges form through the merging of globular clusters is contested by the competing hypothesis that these bulges are actually due to the rapid accretion of gas. The unearthing of these RR Lyrae stars -- almost always found in globular clusters -- isvery strong evidence that the Milky Way bulge did in fact form through merging. By extension, all other similar galactic bulges may have formed the same way.

Not only are these stars powerful evidence for an important theory of galactic evolution, they are also likely to be over 10 billion years old -- the dim, but dogged survivors of perhaps the oldest and most massive star cluster within the Milky Way.

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Notes

[1] RR Lyrae stars, like some other regular variables such as Cepheids, show a simple relationship between how quickly they change in brightness and how luminous they are. Longer periods mean brighter stars. This period-luminosity relationship can be used to deduce the distance of a star from its period of variation and its apparent brightness.

More information

This research was presented in a paper to appear in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

The team is composed of D. Minniti (Instituto Milenio de Astrofisica, Santiago, Chile; Departamento de Fisica, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile; Vatican Observatory, Vatican City State, Italy; Centro de Astrofisica y Tecnologias Afines - CATA), R. Contreras Ramos (Instituto Milenio de Astrofisica, Santiago, Chile; Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Instituto de Astrofisica, Santiago, Chile), M. Zoccali (Instituto Milenio de Astrofisica, Santiago, Chile; Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Instituto de Astrofisica, Santiago, Chile), M. Rejkuba (European Southern Observatory, Garching bei Munchen, Germany; Excellence Cluster Universe, Garching, Germany), O.A. Gonzalez (UK Astronomy Technology Centre, Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, UK), E. Valenti (European Southern Observatory, Garching bei Munchen, Germany), F. Gran (Instituto Milenio de Astrofisica, Santiago, Chile; Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile, Instituto de Astrofisica, Santiago, Chile)

ESO is the foremost intergovernmental astronomy organisation in Europe and the world's most productive ground-based astronomical observatory by far. It is supported by 16 countries: Austria, Belgium, Brazil, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Finland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom, along with the host state of Chile. ESO carries out an ambitious programme focused on the design, construction and operation of powerful ground-based observing facilities enabling astronomers to make important scientific discoveries. ESO also plays a leading role in promoting and organising cooperation in astronomical research. ESO operates three unique world-class observing sites in Chile: La Silla, Paranal and Chajnantor. At Paranal, ESO operates the Very Large Telescope, the world's most advanced visible-light astronomical observatory and two survey telescopes. VISTA works in the infrared and is the world's largest survey telescope and the VLT Survey Telescope is the largest telescope designed to exclusively survey the skies in visible light. ESO is a major partner in ALMA, the largest astronomical project in existence. And on Cerro Armazones, close to Paranal, ESO is building the 39-metre European Extremely Large Telescope, the E-ELT, which will become "the world's biggest eye on the sky".

Links

* Research paper - http://www.eso.org/public/archives/releases/sciencepapers/eso1636/eso1636a.pdf

* Variables in the Via Lactea (VVV) - https://vvvsurvey.org/ ESO public survey

Contacts

Dante Minniti

Universidad Andres Bello

Santiago, Chile

Email: dante@astrofisica.cl

Rodrigo Contreras Ramos

Instituto Milenio de Astrofisica

Santiago, Chile

Email: rcontrer@astro.puc.cl

Mathias Jager

Public Information Officer

Garching bei Munchen, Germany

Cell: +49 176 62397500

Email: mjaeger@partner.eso.org
Findings related to damage babie's brains even in late pregnancy were published in Clinical Infectious Diseases. Another article, published in American Journal of Transplantation, reports manifestations of Zika in transplant recipients

A Brazilian study shows that infection of a pregnant woman by Zika virus may represent a risk to the baby's neurological development even when it occurs only a few days before the mother gives birth.

"Until now, the paradigm has been that infection by Zika was a problem only if it occurred in the first trimester, but we observed brain damage in four infants whose mothers were infected between two weeks and one week before they gave birth," said Mauricio Lacerda Nogueira, a professor at the Sao Jose do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP) in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, and a member of the state's Zika Virus Research Network (Rede Zika).

In the five-year prospective cohort study, a group of 55 women infected by Zika during pregnancy are being monitored at Hospital de Base, Sao Jose do Rio Preto's reference hospital. Zika infection in these women was diagnosed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. Their babies are also being submitted to detailed tests and examinations as they are born.

In four of the newborns exposed to the pathogen during the last trimester of gestation, diagnostic imaging showed central nervous system lesions that are characteristic of congenital viral infections. Moreover, Zika virus was detected in the babies' urine and blood at delivery, confirming vertical transmission (from mother to fetus). Two of these cases are reported in the published article.

"These infants were born with normal length and weight and without microcephaly or any other symptoms of the disease," Nogueira said. "The lesions would have gone unnoticed by health workers if the mothers hadn't been part of a study group."

According to Nogueira, the lesions observed - including lenticulostriate vasculopathy (ultrasound-visible brain lesions appearing as streaks or spots in certain arteries) - have not been associated with severe complications in previous studies, but the implications for the neurocognitive development of these Zika-infected infants are unknown.

"We mean to keep monitoring the development of these babies for several years in order to detect any problems," he said. "This discovery reveals another spectrum of the disease, making it even more complex. In addition to the dramatic cases of microcephaly, there are less severe manifestations that need to be properly understood."

Zika in transplant recipients

Another article by researchers at FAMERP describes for the first time manifestations of Zika virus in patients previously receiving organ transplants. The study was also led by Nogueira under the aegis of Rede Zika.

As Nogueira explained, these patients take immunosuppressants continuously to prevent rejection of the transplanted tissue, so any infection can become severe with a heightened risk of complications.

"Because Sa Jose do Rio Preto is one of the leading transplant hubs in the interior of Sao Paulo State, as well as a major focus of dengue, for some years we've been painstakingly monitoring transplant recipients with symptoms of dengue fever," he said. "When the Zika epidemic emerged, we began investigating whether some of the suspected dengue cases were actually Zika infections."

Two recipients of kidney transplants and two recipients of liver transplants were diagnosed with Zika using RT-PCR assays performed at Hospital de Base. All four had to be hospitalized and presented with complications, notably bacterial infections. The good news is that all four survived.

"These transplant recipients didn't have the typical symptoms of Zika, such as exanthema (skin rash), itching and conjunctivitis," Nogueira said. "Actually, it was hard to distinguish their clinical manifestations from those observed in dengue patients. They had a low platelet count, for example."

None of them had severe manifestations such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, "but as the number of cases rises, it should be easier to detect these phenomena," he said.

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Boston, MA - The smokeless tobacco product snus, which is used mainly in Sweden but also is sold in the U.S., may increase the risk that men with prostate cancer will die from their disease, and the risk that they'll die prematurely from any cause, according to a new study led by researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. The findings, which build on previous studies showing increased risk of death from prostate cancer in smokers with the disease, suggest that nicotine or other non-combustion-related components of tobacco may play a role in prostate cancer progression.

The study will appear in the October 12, 2016 issue of the International Journal of Cancer.

"Snus has been suggested as a less harmful alternative to smoking because it lacks the combustion products of smoking that are associated with cancer risk. However, we found that men with prostate cancer who used snus were at increased risk of premature death," said co-first author Kathryn Wilson, a research scientist in the Department of Epidemiology at Harvard Chan School.

Snus is a powdered tobacco product, often sold in teabag-like sachets, that is placed under the upper lip for extended periods. It contains nicotine but no combustion components, and has not been previously studied in relation to prostate cancer survival.

The researchers analyzed health data collected from Swedish construction workers during preventive health check-ups between 1971 and 1992, including a tobacco use questionnaire completed during each man's initial check-up. Of these men, 9,582 later developed prostate cancer. About half of the subjects died during the follow-up period--2,489 from prostate cancer.

Compared with those who never used tobacco, those who used snus but did not smoke had a 24% increased risk of dying from prostate cancer and a 19% increased risk of dying during the study period from any cause. Among men whose cancer had not spread, increased risk of death from prostate cancer for exclusive snus users was three times higher than for never-users of tobacco.

"There is some evidence from animal studies that nicotine can promote cancer progression, and snus users have high blood levels of nicotine. Snus users are also exposed to other carcinogens in tobacco even though it is a smokeless product," said Sarah Markt, research associate in the Department of Epidemiology. "Taken together, this suggests that the health effects of smokeless tobacco products should be carefully studied by public health officials."

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Other Harvard Chan authors involved in the study included Jennifer Rider and senior author Lorelei Mucci, associate professor of epidemiology.

Wilson, Rider, and Mucci were supported by Prostate Cancer Foundation Young Investigator Awards. Markt was supported by a T32 training award from the National Cancer Institute (NIH T32 CA09001).

"Snus use, smoking and survival among prostate cancer patients," Kathryn M. Wilson, Sarah C. Markt, Fang Fang, Caroline Nordenvall, Jennifer R. Rider, Weimin Ye, Hans-Olov Adami, Par Stattin, Olof Nyren, Lorelei A. Mucci, International Journal of Cancer, October 12, 2016, doi: 10.1002/ijc.30411

Visit the Harvard Chan School website for the latest news, press releases, and multimedia offerings.

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health brings together dedicated experts from many disciplines to educate new generations of global health leaders and produce powerful ideas that improve the lives and health of people everywhere. As a community of leading scientists, educators, and students, we work together to take innovative ideas from the laboratory to people's lives--not only making scientific breakthroughs, but also working to change individual behaviors, public policies, and health care practices. Each year, more than 400 faculty members at Harvard Chan School teach 1,000-plus full-time students from around the world and train thousands more through online and executive education courses. Founded in 1913 as the Harvard-MIT School of Health Officers, the School is recognized as America's oldest professional training program in public health.
Diagnostics of the future: New polymer warns of dangerous kidney disease

The advanced phase of acute kidney injury can be fatal in even one in two patients. Fortunately, now it will be possible to detect the disease in its initial stages, when treatment is still relatively simple and the prognosis good. The key to this health and life-saving manner of diagnosis is a new polymer, designed at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw.

The chemical heart of low-cost diagnostic tools capable of detecting the early stages of kidney disease may, in the near future, be a special polymer prepared by PhD student Zofia Iskierko under the supervision of Dr. Krzysztof Noworyta, in Prof. Wlodzimierz Kutner's group at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences (IPC PAS) in Warsaw. The polymer was designed and carefully constructed so as to particularly effectively entrap only one substance in its vicinity: lipocalin-2 (NGAL), a protein naturally occurring in human blood. For the clinician, an increase in the concentration of this compound in a patient is a valuable signal of still symptomless, but already developing, acute kidney injury. Work on the implementation of the polymer, funded by grant from the Polish National Centre for Science, was carried out in collaboration with the University of North Texas in Denton, the Warsaw Institute of Physics of the Academy of Sciences and the International Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology.

"We deal with the creation of polymer recognition films for chemosensors that detect various substances. These include biomarkers and other biologically important compounds, whose presence or changes in concentration in body fluids carry information about the health of the patient. Our latest polymer can selectively capture lipocalin-2, a protein biomarker for acute kidney injury," says Dr. Noworyta.

Acute kidney injury, earlier known as acute renal failure, affects about three in a thousand people. However, on hospital wards the situation is much more serious: up to 40% of hospital patients may suffer from this disease. With early diagnosis the effects of acute kidney injury are reversible. The clear symptoms of the disease such as fatigue, vomiting or altered consciousness, however, only appear at an advanced stage of its development when possible complications become a serious threat to life (in the most advanced stage, the mortality rate reaches up to 50%!). Kidney damage, which occurs in the late stages of the disease, may be permanent and require continued dialysis or even entire organ transplantation.

"Before acute kidney injury develops, the concentration of lipocalin increases in patient's blood. So, we devised a polymer in whose structure there are molecular cavities that are a good fit for the shape and properties of the molecules of just this compound. The probability that any other protein will get caught in them is very, very small," explains PhD student Zofia Iskierko, the lead author of the publication in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

The new polymer was prepared by molecular imprinting. Molecules of lipocalin were first surrounded by appropriately selected (so called functional) monomers binding with the protein at specific locations characteristic only for itself. Then, a cross-linking monomer was introduced which combined with the functional one. Those monomers were later subjected to polymerization, after which the lipocalin was washed out of the resulting structure. Finally, a stable polymer film was obtained with molecular cavities matching lipocalin molecules both in terms of their local chemical features as well as their size and shape.

"When lipocalin molecules in the test solution come into contact with a polymer formed in this manner, some of them have the chance to be deposited in the cavities. Proteins, however, are quite large and they are reluctant to migrate through the polymer network. Therefore, the structure of our polymer had to be artificially loosened enough to ensure the lipocalin molecules had the best access to the greatest number of cavities, but not excessively, so that the polymer film would not collapse," describes Dr. Noworyta.

The IPC PAS researchers obtained the required porosity, whilst retaining sufficient mechanical strength, by using MOF (metal-organic framework) inorganic-organic microporous materials. In terms of structure, MOF materials resemble three-dimensional lattices whose mesh sizes depend on the type of metal atoms and connecting ligands used. It was on this construction frame that the actual recognition film was fabricated. When the polymer had been immobilized, in the process of removing lipocalin molecules, the MOF skeleton - by this time redundant - was also destroyed. This treatment also resulted in an extension of the polymer surface, leading to an increase in cavities available for the protein molecules and ensuring better sensitivity of the chemosensor.

The polymer mass increases after entrapping the lipocalin molecules. Therefore, if it were to be placed on a small piezoelectric oscillator, its easy-to-measure oscillation frequency would have to decrease. Another method of identifying the presence of lipocalin particles within the molecular cavities is to measure changes in the potential of the recognition film, which alters the current flowing in the processing field effect transistor component. Due to its simplicity and reliability, this latter solution would be particularly suitable for commercial chemosensors designed for mass production.

"Our research is of a basic, laboratory nature. It is, however, still a long way from the preparation of a polymer capturing lipocalin to the mass production of low-cost detectors for the prevention and early treatment of disease," says Prof. Kutner.

Niels Bohr, the great Danish quantum physicist, used to say that predicting was difficult, especially when it comes to the future. However, it seems reasonable to suppose that in the next decade devices detecting various biomarkers and warning early on of a threat to health will become an integral part of the ubiquitous smartphone. Diagnosis would then become as simple as testing blood sugar using today's glucose meters: it would suffice to connect a removable, simple chemosensor with an appropriately selected polymer recognition film to the smartphone, apply a little physiological fluid to it and... wait for the smartphone to display the result. Everyone would be able to carry out advanced medical diagnostics as often as they deemed appropriate.

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The Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences was established in 1955 as one of the first chemical institutes of the PAS. The Institute's scientific profile is strongly related to the newest global trends in the development of physical chemistry and chemical physics. Scientific research is conducted in nine scientific departments. CHEMIPAN R&D Laboratories, operating as part of the Institute, implement, produce and commercialise specialist chemicals to be used, in particular, in agriculture and pharmaceutical industry. The Institute publishes approximately 200 original research papers annually.
The findings provide important insights into how pancreatic cancer develops and spreads and new strategies for better understanding one of the mostly deadly types of cancer

Toronto (October 12, 2016) - Researchers in the multidisciplinary PanCuRx research initiative at the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) and University Health Network's Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, led by Dr. Faiyaz Notta and Dr. Steven Gallinger, today published new findings that challenge current beliefs about how and why pancreatic cancer is so aggressive.

This deadly disease often strikes "out of nowhere," and the cancer is often inoperable by the time the patient experiences symptoms. Pancreatic cancer's tendency to appear at an advanced stage had long been a medical mystery. Using whole genome sequencing, the team reconstructed the history of pancreatic cancer development in 100 independent tumours. Unexpectedly, they found that many of the important alterations that are thought to cause this disease actually occur "all at once", similar to the idea of the "big bang". The results were published in the journal Nature (doi:10.1038/nature19823).

Pancreatic cancer is a highly aggressive and deadly form of cancer. It is expected to be the second leading cause of cancer-related death by 2030. Improving clinical outcomes has proven stubbornly difficult, highlighting the urgent need for scientific advances.

"When we started this project many years ago, we wanted to make better sense of how this disease progresses clinically," said Dr. Notta, an OICR Fellow, Principal Investigator at the Princess Margaret and lead author of the study. "This disease can go from being a local cancer, restricted to the pancreas, to becoming fully metastatic very rapidly. The traditional view of the biology of the disease just didn't jive with what happens clinically. And it's hard to move forward in trying to find new treatments if you can't link the biology of the tumour to the clinical reality of the disease. Our findings show a very different path for how this disease develops and puts the clinical problem of this disease into better perspective. We can make more sense about why this disease is so aggressive and can advance so quickly."

"Pancreatic cancer is one of the most deadly types of cancer and still one of the least understood," said Dr. Gallinger, Head of Hepatobiliary/Pancreatic Surgical Oncology Program at UHN and Mount Sinai Hospital and leader of PanCuRx. "These findings provide us with a new understanding of how pancreatic cancer develops and a path forward to identify better strategies to diagnose and target this terrible disease."

The findings open up important new pathways of investigation that could lead to the ability to better diagnose pancreatic cancer, predict how it will develop and determine how and when it will metastasize. The findings could also be applicable to other aggressive tumour types. New approaches to diagnosing and treating pancreatic cancer using this information could lead to better outcomes for patients.

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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.
CORVALLIS, Ore. - Researchers for the first time have documented the killing of millions of animals in Brazil's Amazon Basin for their hides following the collapse of the Rubber Boom in the 20th century, causing the collapse of some aquatic species.

Yet despite the harvest of many terrestrial animals, most land-based species appear to have survived the carnage.

Results of the study are being published this week in the journal Science Advances.

"There was a massive international trade in furs and skins taken from the Amazon in Brazil during much of the 20th century, yet surprisingly no previous studies documented the exploitation of the animals or the resilience of the ecosystem," said Taal Levi, a wildlife ecologist at Oregon State University and co-author on the study.

Beginning in the late 19th century, roughly half a million colonists entered the Amazon region to extract rubber across all the major river basins. An immense fleet of steamships was built for transport and trade and a network of river merchants purchased forest products from extraction industries. When rubber prices collapsed in 1912 because of competition from Malaysian plantations, the enterprises that did not go bankrupt sought other products.

Thus began the international trade in Amazonian animal hides, which persisted for decades until protective laws were established.

The researchers, including by lead author Andre Pinassi Antunes of Brazil's Wildlife Conservation Society, examined cargo manifests of the steamships, port registries, and other documents that reported actual hide export data. The research team estimates that between 1904 and 1969, at least 23 million animals representing 20 species of mammals and reptiles were hunted for hide exports and registered through these records.

"These figures, no doubt, vastly underrepresent the total number of animals killed since many were hidden to avoid taxes and others were wounded or killed and never made it to the steamships," Levi said. "Other animals were killed as part of subsistence hunting to support the colonists and the extraction industries."

Using export data, the researchers documented the greatest losses to aquatic species. The hunting caused the widespread collapse of giant river otter, black caiman, and manatee populations.

"The aquatic animals were more vulnerable because rivers were easily accessible and the animals were in essence trapped there," Levi said. "There wasn't as much effort spent hunting animals on land, thus the terrestrial species - in general - were affected less by commercial hunting."

Among the researchers estimates for the period of 1904-69:

More than 4.4 million black caimans were killed, with the harvest during the last five years dwindling by 92 percent from the peak;

110,504 manatees were killed, reducing the harvest by 91 percent from the peak;

386,491 giant otters were killed, reducing the harvest by 88 percent from the peak;

793,133 capybaras were killed, reducing the harvest by 75 percent from the peak.

Although many terrestrial species also were taken for their hides, the impact wasn't as great, the researchers note. For example, 5,443,795 collared peccary - a species of pig - were killed but the harvest was actually higher during the last five years than earlier in the century, indicating more resilience of the ecosystem to support the species. Likewise, 4,152,218 red brocket deer were killed with the harvest increasing 16 percent during the peak.

However, more than 3.1 million white-lipped peccary were reported in the export data and many more may have been killed, Antunes noted.

"It is a vital species for ecosystem function, but also one of the most impacted terrestrial species," Antunes said. "They live in large herds and have been one of the most prized species by subsistence hunters in Amazonia." The harvest of white-lipped peccary was reduced by 67 percent from the peak.

Other terrestrial species also declined, including ocelot (804,080 killed, and a 13 percent decline) and jaguar (182,564 killed and 30 percent decline).

"The international trade in hides peaked during World War II, when the United States sought Amazonian rubber to replace the rubber from Malaysia that the Japanese had captured," said Levi, who is on faculty of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife in OSU's College of Agricultural Sciences. "A second peak of animal hide exports came in the 1960s when exotic furs became fashionable."

In 1967, Brazil passed a faunal protection law that severely restricted hunting for many of the affected species, and in 1975 the Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) was ratified, vastly reducing the trade of hides from the Amazon.

The researchers say the baseline data in their study will help resource managers develop sound policies to protect Amazon species.

"Research by other ecologists is showing that some of these species are beginning to recover, including the black caiman, which is the second largest crocodilian species in the world," Levi said. "They can grow up to 20 feet long. But prior to this, we've never been sure just how resilient animals were to high harvests in the past."

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Primates claim the highest proportion of endangered species among all mammals, according to the IUCN Red List. Yet, the substantial conservation interference from humans, which is already in place, could itself lead to even greater losses.

Plenty of studies have proven that while researchers and ecotourists raise vital for ape conservation knowledge and funds, it is actually human presence that compromises primates' well-being due to extremely similar genetics and, thereby, easily transmittable diseases, ranging from common cold to human tuberculosis and Ebola fever.

In a paper published in the open access journal BioRisk, Rhiannon Schultz, Miami University, seeks the golden mean between giving ape species a hand and keeping safe distance. To showcase the impact human have on primates, the scientist makes example of the Mountain gorilla, an endangered species living in the montane forests of the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Rwanda.

Simply being in close proximity to primates, humans can easily transmit a wide range of diseases to the animals, including intestinal parasites, hepatitis, tuberculosis, Typhoid fever, Cholera, and Ebola fever. The transmission can occur as easily as having the two species breathing the same air, or the people leaving a banana peel behind.

Furthermore, threats to the gorilla species are also posed by the humans destroying the primates' habitats. The result is overlapping populations, where a disease is much easier to transmit among the small gorilla populations. For example, normally an ill individual would be put under a 'natural quarantine', which is impossible when the habitat has already been reduced.

In the meantime, banning people, both tourists and scientists, from gorilla habitat is not an option, since knowledge about the populations' dynamics is essential for the conservation of all primate species. On the other hand, ecotourism is what raises a great part of the resources need for conservation work. Income from gorilla trekking is enough to support the Ugandan Wildlife Authority, while also contributing a significant part to the country's national budget.

The key, Rhiannon Schultz concludes, is to, firstly, promote understanding of the risk for interspecies disease transmission as a conservation threat, and then, improve on current protocols and regulations.

"It may be difficult to ask tourists to wear masks while visiting animals in the wild, and it may be expensive to maintain a veterinary program for wild populations and to improve healthcare systems for local people, but making these improvements could be the key to preventing disease transmission to not only Mountain gorillas but also to other apes," sums up the scientist.

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Original source:

Schultz R (2016) Killer Conservation: the implications of disease on gorilla conservation. BioRisk 11: 1-11. doi: 10.3897/biorisk.11.9941
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Wind turbines are known to kill large birds, such as golden eagles, that live nearby. Now there is evidence that birds from up to hundreds of miles away make up a significant portion of the raptors that are killed at these wind energy fields.

Using DNA from tissue and stable isotopes from the feathers of golden eagle carcasses, researchers from Purdue University and the U.S. Geological Survey found that golden eagles killed at the Altamont Pass Wind Resource Area in northern California can come from hundreds of miles away. Golden eagles are a species of conservation concern, so understanding population-level differences and how individuals interact with turbines is key to meeting a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service target of no net loss to their populations.

The APWRA is one of the oldest wind farms in the country and one of the largest in the world originally with around 5,000 turbines. Worldwide, such facilities have been responsible for the deaths of 140,000 to 328,000 birds and 500,000 to 1.6 million bats, raising questions about their effects on population sustainability.

"Eagles tend to use that habitat around the turbines. It's windy there, so they can save energy and soar, and their preferred prey, California ground squirrels, is abundant there," said J. Andrew DeWoody, a Purdue professor of genetics in the Department of Forestry and Natural Resources. "As they soar, these eagles are often looking straight down, and they fail to see the rapidly moving turbine blades. They get hit by the blades, and carcasses are found on the ground under the turbines."

Collaborator David Nelson, a stable isotope ecologist with the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science, tested the birds' feathers for stable hydrogen isotopes, which can be used to determine where the birds likely grew their feathers. The research team determined that about 75 percent of the 62 birds were from the local population. The remaining 25 percent likely migrated into the area before they were killed.

Isotopes are atoms of an element that have different molecular weights. As precipitation moves inland, water with the heavier form of hydrogen falls out first, which creates predictable patterns of the stable isotopes ratios of precipitation across continents.

"When a bird drinks water or eats animals in a particular place, the hydrogen isotope ratios of precipitation in that area get recorded in its tissues," Nelson said. "You can use these hydrogen ratios in the feathers to determine the approximate place that the bird grew its feathers."

A genetic analysis revealed that golden eagles from the western U.S. have gene pools similar to those killed at the APWRA, which reflects the capacity of these birds to disperse widely.

"The population models we built confirm that the age structure of the eagles killed at Altamont is difficult to replicate without substantial immigration," said co-author Todd Katzner, a wildlife biologist with the USGS. Katzner said these findings suggest that environmental assessments of alternative energy facilities like Altamont Pass should take into consideration that animal populations affected by wind turbines might not be just local.

"If you only consider local birds in an environmental assessment, you're not really evaluating the effect that facility may have on the entire population," Katzner said.

DeWoody said that wind energy generators can receive permits that allow a certain number of unintended bird deaths. But if that number is too large, the companies could be fined. And knowing that a large percentage of the birds killed are from neighboring states could muddy the management waters.

"The golden eagle fatalities at this one site have demonstrated consequences that extend across much of the range of the species across North America," DeWoody said.

The golden eagle population is a concern for several state and federal agencies, DeWoody added. He said future research could include looking at more bird species affected by turbines.

The study was published in Conservation Biology on Sept. 28.

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The academic partners in the VerICiguaT GlObal Study in Subjects with Heart Failure with Reduced EjectIon FrAction (VICTORIA) are pleased to announce that patient enrollment has begun. The study will explore a novel treatment pathway in patients suffering from chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), by investigating the clinical impact of the drug vericiguat. VICTORIA is a pivotal Phase III clinical study conducted in collaboration with Merck (known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada) and Bayer.

Heart failure (HF) is a serious debilitating condition that is characterized by the progressive decline in the heart's ability to pump enough blood through the body. The global burden of HF is increasing, and the mortality rate remains high. According to the American Heart Association, HF mortality is worse than some cancers, with approximately one third of patients dying within one year of hospitalization for an acute HF event.

"Despite available treatment options, the prognosis for HFrEF patients remains poor and we need new treatment options," said Paul W. Armstrong, MD, founding director of the Canadian VIGOUR Centre and Distinguished Professor at the University of Alberta, and chair of the study's Executive Committee. "The VICTORIA study is designed to assess whether the addition of vericiguat on top of standard of care HF therapy can help improve heart and vascular function, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization in patients with deteriorating chronic HF with reduced ejection fraction."

"Currently, one in five people worldwide are expected to develop HF in their lifetime. Hence a critical unmet need exists for new treatments in patients with deteriorating HFrEF. Retarding or reversing the progression of disease and improving the current standard of care is a top priority," said Dr. Chris O'Connor, co-primary investigator of VICTORIA and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Inova Heart and Vascular Institute. "The VICTORIA Phase III program will help us determine if vericiguat could have a role in the future of HF treatment in this high-risk population."

The event-driven Phase III VICTORIA study will assess the efficacy and safety of vericiguat, administered at a dose of 10 mg, once daily, as compared to placebo (on background standard of care treatment) in reducing the risk of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization in patients with HFrEF following HF hospitalization or receiving an intravenous diuretic without hospitalization. The primary efficacy outcome is the time to first occurrence of cardiovascular mortality or HF hospitalization, which is the composite endpoint of the trial. VICTORIA has a global reach and will enroll approximately 4,900 patients at more than 500 centres across 40 countries. It is anticipated that the study will take 39 months to complete. VICTORIA is conducted by Merck in partnership with the Canadian VIGOUR Centre (CVC) at the University of Alberta and the Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI).

The design and dosing of the phase III VICTORIA study was informed by results from the SOCRATES-REDUCED phase II trial in 456 patients with HFrEF, presented at the 2015 American Heart Association (AHA) meeting in Orlando, Florida, and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Dr. Burkert Pieske, co-chair of the phase II investigation and Co-Principal investigator of VICTORIA, Director of the Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, German Heart Institute and the Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology at the Charite University Hospital in Berlin, said "We are excited that enrollment in our trial has now begun and we have the opportunity to evaluate vericiguat, the first sGC stimulator to be evaluated in patients with chronic HF. We can now carry forward our early promising results into this definitive phase III trial conducted around the globe."

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About Heart Failure

The prevalence of heart failure (HF) has increased progressively over the past several decades owing primarily to a reduction in myocardial infarction mortality and the aging of the world's population. Heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), also known as systolic heart failure, is characterized by the compromised ability of the heart to eject blood sufficiently during its contraction phase and represents the final common pathway for many cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease. Once established, HFrEF progresses through activation of a variety of pathways that adversely affect cardiac structure and function. Currently, the most effective pharmacological therapies for HFrEF target the over-activation of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system and the adrenergic sympathetic nervous system that occurs in HF. However, even with the current treatment options, morbidity and mortality remain high and increase further after episodes of acute decompensation or HF hospitalization.

About Vericiguat

Vericiguat (BAY 1021189 / MK-1242), discovered at Bayer, is the first soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator to be investigated as an oral once-daily in patients with deteriorating chronic heart failure. While sGC is important for the function of both the blood vessels and the heart, it is insufficiently stimulated in heart failure patients due to impaired nitric oxide (NO) availability resulting in systemic vascular and coronary dysfunction.

"We are especially pleased to have recruited an Executive Committee of world-wide thought leaders in heart failure who will provide inspired leadership and guidance for the trial along with leaders from both sponsors," said Paul Armstrong.

The development and commercialization of vericiguat is part of the worldwide strategic collaboration between Merck and Bayer in the field of sGC modulation. Merck is known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada.

Executive Committee VICTORIA

Kevin Anstrom, Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI), USA

Paul Armstrong, Canadian VIGOUR Centre, University of Alberta, Canada

Javed Butler, Stony Brook Heart Institute, New York, USA

Justin Ezekowitz, Canadian VIGOUR Centre, University of Alberta, Canada

Adrian Hernandez, Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI), USA

Joerg Koglin, Merck CV Global Clinical Development

Carolyn Lam, National University Heart Centre, Singapore

Christopher O'Connor, Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI), Inova Heart and Vascular Institute, USA

Burkert Pieske, Charite University Medicine and German Heart Center, Berlin

Piotr Ponikowski, Medical University, Centre For Heart Disease, Wroclaw, Poland

Lothar Roessig, Bayer Global Clinical Development

Adriaan Voors, Groningen Heart Failure Research Institute, The Netherlands
A team of physicians and laboratory scientists has taken a key step toward a cure for sickle cell disease, using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to fix the mutated gene responsible for the disease in stem cells from the blood of affected patients.

For the first time, they have corrected the mutation in a proportion of stem cells that is high enough to produce a substantial benefit in sickle cell patients.

The researchers from the University of California, Berkeley, UC San Francisco Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland Research Institute (CHORI) and the University of Utah School of Medicine hope to re-infuse patients with the edited stem cells and alleviate symptoms of the disease, which primarily afflicts those of African descent and leads to anemia, painful blood blockages and early death.

"We're very excited about the promise of this technology," said Jacob Corn, a senior author on the study and scientific director of the Innovative Genomics Initiative at UC Berkeley. "There is still a lot of work to be done before this approach might be used in the clinic, but we're hopeful that it will pave the way for new kinds of treatment for patients with sickle cell disease."

In tests in mice, the genetically engineered stem cells stuck around for at least four months after transplantation, an important benchmark to ensure that any potential therapy would be lasting.

"This is an important advance because for the first time we show a level of correction in stem cells that should be sufficient for a clinical benefit in persons with sickle cell anemia," said co-author Mark Walters, a pediatric hematologist and oncologist and director of UCSF Benioff Oakland's Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program.

The results will be reported in the Oct. 12 issue of the online journal Science Translational Medicine.

Sickle cell disease is a recessive genetic disorder caused by a single mutation in both copies of a gene coding for beta-globin, a protein that forms part of the oxygen-carrying molecule hemoglobin. This homozygous defect causes hemoglobin molecules to stick together, deforming red blood cells into a characteristic "sickle" shape. These misshapen cells get stuck in blood vessels, causing blockages, anemia, pain, organ failure and significantly shortened lifespan. Sickle cell disease is particularly prevalent in African Americans and the sub-Saharan African population, affecting hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

The goal of the multi-institutional team is to develop genome engineering-based methods for correcting the disease-causing mutation in each patient's own stem cells to ensure that new red blood cells are healthy.

The team used CRISPR-Cas9 to correct the disease-causing mutation in hematopoietic stem cells - precursor cells that mature into red blood cells - isolated from whole blood of sickle cell patients. The corrected cells produced healthy hemoglobin, which mutated cells do not make at all.

Future pre-clinical work will require additional optimization, large-scale mouse studies and rigorous safety analysis, the researchers emphasize. Corn and his lab have joined with Walters, an expert in developing curative treatments such as bone marrow transplant and gene therapy for sickle cell disease, to initiate an early-phase clinical trial to test this new treatment within the next five years.

Notably, research groups might be able to apply the approach described in this study to develop treatments for other blood diseases such as -thalassemia, severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), chronic granulomatous disease, rare disorders like Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and Fanconi anemia, and even HIV infection.

"Sickle cell disease is just one of many blood disorders caused by a single mutation in the genome," Corn said. "It's very possible that other researchers and clinicians could use this type of gene editing to explore ways to cure a large number of diseases."

"There is a clear path for developing therapies for certain diseases," said co-senior author Dana Carroll of the University of Utah, who co-developed one of the first genome editing techniques over a decade ago. "It's very gratifying to see gene editing technology being brought to practical applications."

The work is the fruit of the Innovative Genomics Initiative, a joint effort between UC Berkeley and UCSF that aims to correct DNA mutations that underlie human disease using CRISPR-Cas9, a pioneering technology co-developed by scientists at UC Berkeley that has made genome editing easier and more efficient than ever before.

The project also leverages the expertise of physicians and scientists at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland, a major center for research and treatment of sickle cell disease, and Carroll's expertise in the field of genome engineering.

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In addition to Corn, Walters and Carroll, other co-authors are Mark DeWitt, Nicolas Bray, Tianjiao Wang and Therese Mitros of UC Berkeley; Wendy Magis, Seok-Jin Heo, Denise Munoz, Dario Boffelli and David Martin of CHORI; Jennifer Berman of Bio-Rad Laboratories in Pleasanton, California; and Fabrizia Urbinati and Donald Kohn of UCLA.

The research is supported by the National Institutes of Health, the Li Ka Shing Foundation, the Siebel Scholars Fund, the Jordan Family Fund and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation.
Experts have created a shortlist of environmental factors that may contribute to our risk of developing dementia.

The list includes exposure to air pollution and a lack of vitamin D but researchers caution that the evidence is not yet sufficient to draw solid conclusions.

The team say that future research should focus on their shortlist, which points to the factors that show at least moderate evidence of a link.

Dementia is known to be associated with lifestyle factors such as high blood pressure in mid-life, smoking, diabetes, obesity, depression and low educational attainment, as well as genetic factors.

These risk factors however, leave around a third of dementia risk unexplained. Researchers led by the University of Edinburgh sought to determine whether other issues are at play, including the environment in which we live.

The team from the University's Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre reviewed dozens of previous studies that have considered environmental risk factors linked to dementia.

They found that a lack of vitamin D - produced by the body through exposure to sunlight - and exposure to air pollution were implicated, along with occupational exposure to some types of pesticide.

Excessive levels of minerals found in drinking water may be linked to the disease, the research suggested, but the evidence was mixed.

Dementia is a major global public health crisis that is expected to grow as people live longer. Almost 47 million people live with dementia worldwide and this is predicted to increase to more than 131 million by 2050.

Estimates indicate the disease costs the UK more than 26 billion annually and worldwide dementia care costs exceed the market value of Google or Apple each year.

There is a growing consensus among doctors that a significant proportion of cases could be prevented or delayed by addressing environmental factors linked to the disease.

The team behind the latest research says future studies should focus on the shortlist of environmental risk factors flagged up in their study.

The research, published in the journal BMC Geriatrics, was funded by Alzheimer Scotland and Dr Russ was supported by Alzheimer Scotland through the Marjorie MacBeath fellowship.

Dr Tom Russ, of the Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh, said: "Our ultimate goal is to prevent or delay the onset of dementia. Environmental risk factors are an important new area to consider here, particularly since we might be able to do something about them.

"We found that the evidence is particularly strong for air pollution and vitamin D deficiency. But we really need more research to find out whether these factors are actually causing dementia and how, and if so, what we can do to prevent this."

Jim Pearson, Director of Policy and Researcher at Alzheimer Scotland, said: "We welcome the findings of this important area of research from our colleagues at the Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre at the University of Edinburgh. The research study substantially improves our knowledge and understanding of environmental factors which may increase the risk of developing dementia and provides a basis for further, and more focussed, research in this area.

"Dementia is a global public health priority. There are 90,000 people living with dementia in Scotland and the number is on the rise. We need much more research into the causes of dementia, treatments and supports that allow people to live well with dementia as well as the prevention and cure of dementia."

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COLUMBIA, Mo. - According to the Pew Research Center, Latino teens remain at high risk for poor academic outcomes. They drop out of high school at higher rates of compared to blacks, whites and Asians and they lag other groups in obtaining four-year degrees. Now, a new study from the University of Missouri, found that Mexican-American youth who exhibit more prosocial behaviors, such as empathy and caring toward others, are more likely to demonstrate better academic performance later in adolescence. These findings provide guidance to parents as well as clues for developing early intervention and policy programs designed to improve academic performance.

"Given the large representation and continued rapid growth of the Latino population in the U.S., the current disparities in academic performance among the Latino population is a significant concern," said Gustavo Carlo, Millsap Professor of Diversity in MU's College of Human Environmental Sciences. "The goal of this study was to examine how parenting styles and prosocial behaviors can impact academic performance over time to develop effective intervention programs that could foster positive academic performance."

Carlo and his colleagues analyzed a sample of 462 Mexican-American families living in the Southwest. Children, teachers and parents were interviewed to assess the child's prosocial behaviors, such as willingness to help people in need, being empathetic and quickly responding to requests. The researchers followed these families and their teachers during the child's 5th, 10th and 12th grades in order to assess how prosocial behaviors influenced academic performance over time.

"We found that Mexican-American teens who reported more caring behaviors were more likely to demonstrate better academic performance later in adolescence," Carlo said. "We also found that parents who expressed high levels of support and moderate levels of discipline, were more likely to see their children exhibit high levels of caring behaviors. Not surprisingly, uninvolved parenting style was found to be negatively associated with prosocial behaviors."

Carlo suggests Latino parents should understand the importance of prosocial behaviors, and encourage their children to be empathetic, share and wait their turn. Parents also should remain engaged in their children's lives while maintaining boundaries to help them learn discipline. Moreover, policy programs should focus on efforts aimed at fostering more caring behavior in teens, which can promote better academic outcomes.

"This study presents the strongest evidence to date that fostering caring behaviors early in Mexican-American youth will create lasting benefits later in life," Carlo said. "These findings shed light on how parents can intervene early in a child's life to help improve their academic performance."

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"The mediating role of prosocial tendencies in the relations between parenting styles and academic outcomes among U.S. Mexican adolescents," will be published in Child Development. Carlo partnered with Rebecca M.B. White, George P. Knight and Katharine H. Zeiders from Arizona State University on the study. Research also was supported by University of Missouri graduate student Cara Streit. This research was funded, in part, by the National Institute of Mental Health (MH68920.) The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the funding agencies.
AMHERST, Mass. - Geomorphologists who study Earth's surface features and the processes that formed them have long been interested in how floods, in particular catastrophic outbursts that occur when a glacial lake ice dam bursts, for example, can change a planet's surface, not only on Earth but on Mars.

Now geoscience researchers Isaac Larsen at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Michael Lamb at the California Institute of Technology have proposed and tested a new model of canyon-forming floods which suggests that deep canyons can be formed in bedrock by significantly less water than previously thought. They point out that "reconstructing the magnitude of the canyon-forming floods is essential for understanding how floods modify planetary surfaces, the hydrology of early Mars, and abrupt climate change."

Larsen and Lamb apply their new model to the "channeled scablands" in eastern Washington State, an area that, like some on Mars, has very deep canyons cut into fractured basalt bedrock. The researchers say their results suggest "there may be a rich imprint of both the history and discharge of flooding in the morphology of canyons" such as terraces, valley shapes and slope profiles on Earth and on Mars "that warrant further investigation." Details appear in the current issue of Nature.

The researchers say channels in the scablands today, which are up to 650 feet (200 meters) deep and 3 miles (5 km) wide, were likely formed by flood discharges five- to tenfold smaller than brimful estimates, that is by "significantly lower megaflood discharges than previously thought. The channeled scablands are a classic landscape in the history of geomorphology and we're bringing new views of how it was formed."

Until the 1920s, scientists did not understand what could have formed the tortured landscape of eastern Washington studied for decades by J Harlen Bretz, a giant figure in geosciences, Larsen recalls. Bretz was the first to suggest that they were formed by catastrophic flooding of unknown origin. His views were dismissed for years, but Bretz was later vindicated when glacial Lake Missoula was identified as the floodwater source.

As most scientists came to accept the catastrophic flood explanation for the canyons and then tried to estimate floodwater discharges, they assumed that floods filled canyons to the brim, a huge amount of water. But an alternate hypothesis proposed and now tested by Lamb and and Larsen posits that as floodwater cuts into bedrock, the canyon deepens, meaning less water is required to shape it.

In areas underlain by fractured bedrock, Larsen says, "our general concept is that the channel floor was being cut and lowered as the floods were happening, and you need to account for that when reconstructing the scenario of flood magnitude. This applies to the scablands, to Mars and other areas where there have been catastrophic outburst floods."

He and Lamb combine numerical flood models with estimates of the force required to erode basalt bedrock to show that for Moses Coulee, a canyon carved by catastrophic Lake Missoula floods in eastern Washington when an ice dam repeatedly broke and reformed around 15,000 years ago, their "threshold shear stress model" explains the shape and depth of currently observed channels better than the brimful model.

"We numerically routed floods through the canyon in different states, from current configuration and at four different past scenarios," Larsen notes. "We predicted the discharge from two models and tested which one is most reasonable, based on the depositional evidence from the current bars seen today in the canyons. The size of floods our model predicts from the basalt erosion better match locations of depositional flood bars in the canyon than the brimful model predicts."

Larsen and Lamb's new model also works better to explain observed canyon-cutting mechanics and outflow channels observed on Mars, they point out, "supporting the notion of a multi-flood or low-magnitude flood origin for the Mars outflow channels. " Larsen adds, "There are very similar but larger canyons on the surface of Mars. These outflow channels are much bigger than the ones on Earth, but they look very similar and the assumption is they formed by similar processes. We know in most cases there were not canyons before these floods happened. They had to be carved, so the bottoms were getting lower and lower with each flood. We believe in the final phases of floods, they were not filled to the brim."

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This research was supported by a Caltech Texaco Prize Postdoctoral Fellowship, collaborative National Science Foundation funding to both authors and a NASA award to Lamb.
Technology means work and outside pressures can't be avoided at home; but these blurred boundaries may make it difficult to be present with kids

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - A parent gets home from work just as a new email "dings" on his or her phone. At the same time, the toddler is calling out for a snack or because big brother isn't sharing, and he would really like to show off his Lego creation.

Meanwhile, the phone keeps buzzing -- more emails, social media notifications, a breaking news alert, an "urgent" text.

As smartphones and tablets blur lines between work, home and social lives, parents are grappling to balance it all, a new small study suggests. Parents' use of mobile technology around young children may be causing internal tension, conflicts and negative interactions with their kids, suggests the qualitative study in the Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics.

It's a challenge both parents and health care providers should tune in to.

"Parents are constantly feeling like they are in more than one place at once while parenting. They're still 'at work.' They're keeping up socially. All while trying to cook dinner and attend to their kids," says lead author Jenny Radesky, M.D., a child behavior expert and pediatrician at University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital who conducted the study with colleagues from Boston Medical Center.

"It's much harder to toggle between mom or dad brain and other aspects of life because the boundaries have all blurred together. We wanted to understand how this was affecting parents emotionally. We found that parents are struggling to balance family time and the desire to be present at home with technology-based expectations like responding to work and other demands."

The study involved in-depth interviews with 35 caregivers, which included moms, dads and grandmothers. Participants consistently expressed an internal struggle between multitasking mobile technology use, work and children, information overload and emotional tensions around disrupting family routines, such as meal time. As one mom in a focus group described it, "the whole world is in your lap."

Some parents also reported a trickle-down effect. Their emotional response to whatever they were reading on their mobile device -- whether it was a work email or bad news -- sometimes affected how they responded to their children, for example. Parents also described more attention-seeking behaviors from children when they were heavily attentive to their mobile devices, which prompted negative interactions such as snapping at kids.

At the same, caregivers said that mobile technology provided "an escape" from the boredom and stress of parenting and home life demands. One mom said that after long days with kids, plugging into the outside world was a reminder, "I have a life beyond this."

Other boons included more ability to work from home (when digital connection to work could be kept in check); easier communication with estranged family members by allowing a more "filtered" view of their life; and serving as a tool to keep peace and quiet in the house.

"You don't have to be available to your children 100 percent of the time -- in fact, it's healthy for them to be independent. It's also important for parents to feel relevant at work and other parts of their lives," Radesky says. "However, we are seeing parents overloaded and exhausted from being pulled in so many different directions."

Parents are estimated to use mobile devices such as tablets, smartphones and wearables nearly three hours a day. But few studies have explored the role these technologies play in family interactions.

Radesky and colleagues wanted to explore the issue further after an observational study of caregivers eating with young children in fast food restaurants. In that study and subsequent videotaped research, her team found that parent mobile device use is associated with fewer verbal and nonverbal interactions with the children.

"Technology has transformed the way parents use digital media around their children," Radesky says. "Compared to traditional distractions like books, mobile technology is described as much more commanding of attention that is unpredictable and requires a greater emotional investment.

"Kids require a lot of different types of thinking, so multitasking between them and technology can be emotionally and mentally draining. As clinicians, we have an opportunity to start conversations with parents and help them manage this conflict with ideas on how to unplug and set boundaries."

With all this in mind, physicians can recommend some ideas for families struggling to stay unplugged. Some suggestions from Dr. Radesky:

Set boundaries. Create a family plan that includes unplugged spaces or times of day. For example, you may abolish tech use at dinner time or bedtime. Or maybe it's right when you get home and your kids are excited to see you. Maybe you plug in your device in a certain room and only use it there or agree not to use it in certain areas of the house (i.e. kids' bedrooms).

Track your mobile use. Consider creating a filter or block on your device to avoid the temptation of tech use at home. Apps like "Moment" and "Quality Time" may also help you track mobile use and see where you may be spending too much time. If 90 percent of your time is on Facebook or work email, for example, you can think of ways to cut down technology time for these purposes.

Identify top device stressors. Think about which parts of your mobile device use are most stressful for you. If it's reading the news or checking work email, for example, reserve these tasks for times when you know your kids are occupied. This way, you have your own time and space to process the information rather than interrupting time with kids who may react to your negative emotions with their own negativity.

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This year's Swiss Human Relations Barometer focuses on the main discussion topic of "loyalty and cynicism" and cynicism, - a negative, even derisive, attitude that employees develop toward their employers. "The results show that the situation is essentially a good one in regard to employee loyalty," says Prof. Bruno Staffelbach of the University of Zurich. 54 percent of employees feel emotional ties to their employer and only 16 percent are seriously considering resigning. Nonetheless, every fourth employee regards some promises made by the company they work for as having been broken and every third person is not fully satisfied with their relationship to their superior and with their co-workers. "As a result, 60 percent of employees manifest cynical behaviour toward their employer by, e.g., making deprecatory comments," according to Staffelbach.

Companies can take steps to combat the development of cynicism

"Companies can take steps to combat the development of cynicism and promote loyalty among their employees," Prof. Grote of ETH Zurich observes. Employees who perceive their employers as loyal are more motivated to remain and show less cynicism. Moreover, job security plays a major role. Those who fear that they will soon lose their job are more likely to develop a cynical attitude or show corresponding behaviour and play with the idea of resigning from their job. However, according to Prof. Grote, a certain dose of cynicism can also help in addressing grievances and in maintaining a healthy distance from the company.

Discrepancy between work conditions and expectations grows

In addition, the Human Relations Barometer trend analysis shows that the discrepancy between work conditions and expectations, especially in regard to wages and the opportunity to develop, is growing. In order to better prepare employees for uncertain times, companies should promote the financial security and above all, the employability of those so affected. However, the necessary measures for systematic career planning, such as career assessments or mentoring have still not been taken by many companies.

Little initiative to take charge of one's own career

In regard to career orientation, the survey shows that employees only wish to take limited responsibility for their own careers. While most do not expect their company to plan and further their careers for them, they nonetheless want to stay at one company for a long time. The necessity to deal with uncertainty and in some circumstances to even be able to use it to one's advantage, is something that is not recognized by a large and even growing number of employees. If companies want to change these circumstances, then they must choose fundamentally new approaches in human resource development. Taking the initiative for one's own career can only be promoted by measures that focus on the career opportunities and needs of employees rather than those that primarily serve the interests of the company.

The Swiss Human Relations Barometer

The Swiss Human Relations Barometer gathers data on how Swiss employees experience their work situation. For example, surveys have been conducted on the following themes: Mutual expectations and proposals of employees and employers as an aspect of the work relationships (psychological contract), practices in human resource management such as job design and personnel development, leadership, job satisfaction, employability and career orientation. This survey is regularly put out and edited by Prof. Gudela Grote, Professor of Work and Organizational Psychology at ETH Zurich and Prof. Bruno Staffelbach, holder of the Chair for Human Resource Management at the University of Zurich.

The basis of the 2016 Human Relations Barometer was a survey of 1506 employees based on a random sample registry of the Swiss Federal Statistical Office (SFSO). The survey took place between March and June 2016 in the German, French and Italian-speaking parts of Switzerland. The current edition focuses on the main discussion topic of loyalty and cynicism.

The 2016 Human Relations Barometer was made possible with the support of the Swiss National Science Foundation (SNSF).

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Information about the Yearbook

The report can be downloaded electronically at http://www.hr-barometer.uzh.ch or http://www.hr-barometer.ethz.ch. Gudela Grote and Bruno Staffelbach (Eds.): 2016 Swiss Human Relations Barometer: Loyalty and Cynicism. Zurich 2016. University of Zurich and ETH Zurich. ISBN 978-3-033-05885-9.
DALLAS - Oct. 11, 2016 - UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers successfully boosted the regeneration of mature nerve cells in the spinal cords of adult mammals - an achievement that could one day translate into improved therapies for patients with spinal cord injuries.

"This research lays the groundwork for regenerative medicine for spinal cord injuries. We have uncovered critical molecular and cellular checkpoints in a pathway involved in the regeneration process that may be manipulated to boost nerve cell regeneration after a spinal injury," said senior author Dr. Chun-Li Zhang, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology at UT Southwestern.

Dr. Zhang cautioned that this research in mice, published today by Cell Reports, is still in the early experimental stage and is not ready for clinical translation.

"Spinal cord injuries can be fatal or cause severe disability. Many survivors experience paralysis, reduced quality of life, and enormous financial and emotional burdens," said lead author Dr. Lei-Lei Wang, a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Zhang's lab whose series of in vivo (in a living animal) screens led to the findings.

Spinal cord injuries can lead to irreversible neural network damage that, combined with scarring, can ultimately impair motor and sensory functions. These outcomes arise because adult spinal cords have very limited ability to regenerate damaged neurons to aid in healing, said Dr. Zhang, a W.W. Caruth, Jr. Scholar in Biomedical Research and member of the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine.

Dr. Zhang's lab focuses on glial cells, the most abundant non-neuronal type of cells in the central nervous system. Glial cells support nerve cells in the spinal cord and form scar tissue in response to injury. In 2013 and 2014, the Zhang laboratory created new nerve cells in the brains and spinal cords of mice by introducing transcription factors that promoted the transition of adult glial cells into more primitive, stem cell-like states, and then coaxed them to mature into adult nerve cells.

The number of new spinal nerve cells generated by this process was low, however, leading researchers to focus on ways to amplify adult neuron production.

In a two-step process, researchers first silenced parts of the p53-p21 protein pathway that acts as a roadblock to the reprogramming of glial cells into the more primitive, stem-like types of cells with potential to become nerve cells. Although the blockade was successfully lifted, many cells failed to advance past the stem cell-like stage. In the second step, mice were screened for factors that could boost the number of stem-like cells that matured into adult neurons. They identified two growth factors - BDNF and Noggin - that accomplished this goal, Dr. Zhang said. Using this approach, researchers increased the number of newly matured neurons by tenfold.

"Silencing the p53-p21 pathway gave rise to progenitor (stem-like) cells, but only a few matured. When the two growth factors were added, the progenitors matured by the tens of thousands," Dr. Zhang said.

Further experiments that looked for biomarkers commonly found in nerve cell communication indicated that the new neurons may form networks, he added.

"Because p53 activation is thought to safeguard cells from undergoing uncontrolled proliferation, as in cancer, we followed mice that had temporary inactivation of the p53 pathway for 15 months without observing any increased cancer risk in the spinal cord," he said.

"Our ability to successfully produce a large population of long-lived and diverse subtypes of new neurons in the adult spinal cord provides a cellular basis for regeneration-based therapy for spinal cord injuries. If borne out by future studies, this strategy would pave the way for using a patient's own glial cells, thereby avoiding transplants and the need for immunosuppressive therapy," Dr. Zhang said.

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Other UT Southwestern authors included postdoctoral researcher Dr. Wenjiao Tai and senior research scientist Yuhua Zou, both of Molecular Biology and the Hamon Center, as well as former UTSW visiting instructor Dr. Zhida Su, with the Institute of Neuroscience and the Second Military Medical University of Shanghai, China. A researcher from Indiana University School of Medicine also participated.

This research was funded by the Welch Foundation, the Decherd Foundation, the Mobility Foundation Center for Rehabilitation Research, the National Institutes of Health, the National Key Technologies Research and Development Program of China, and the Texas Institute for Brain Injury and Repair (TIBIR) at UT Southwestern. Founded in 2014, TIBIR embodies a comprehensive and transformative approach to how brain injuries are prevented and treated.

UT Southwestern has established the Peter O'Donnell Jr. Brain Institute, a comprehensive initiative dedicated to better understanding the basic molecular workings of the brain and applying these discoveries to the prevention and treatment of brain diseases and injuries.

About UT Southwestern Medical Center

UT Southwestern, one of the premier academic medical centers in the nation, integrates pioneering biomedical research with exceptional clinical care and education. The institution's faculty includes many distinguished members, including six who have been awarded Nobel Prizes since 1985. The faculty of almost 2,800 is responsible for groundbreaking medical advances and is committed to translating science-driven research quickly to new clinical treatments. UT Southwestern physicians provide medical care in about 80 specialties to more than 100,000 hospitalized patients and oversee approximately 2.2 million outpatient visits a year.
Farmers must be placed at the heart of a new combined food, farming and environmental policy to help revive the rural economy in a post-Brexit era, say industry leaders.

The vote to leave the EU has offered Britain a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build a more resilient farming sector  and restore the environment.

But if subsidies are lost, redirected or poorly targeted, there could be serious consequences for the wider countryside, warn farm leaders.

See also: Chancellor pledges post-Brexit funds for agri-environment schemes

An inquiry into environmental policy post-Brexit was held at Portcullis House, Westminster, on Tuesday (11 October).

The Environment Audit Committee (EAC) meeting, chaired by Wakefield MP Mary Creagh, brought together representatives from the Country, Land and Business Association (CLA), Tenant Farmers Association (TFA), National Trust, RSPB and others.

Industry leaders urged Defra to rethink its plans for two separate 25-year strategies on food and farming, and the environment.

They favoured a joined-up strategy that pays subsidies to farmers for delivering targeted services for the public good, such as enhancing wildlife, soil fertility and flood mitigation.

Its madness that we should be looking at these things in isolation, said TFA chief executive George Dunn. They feed off each other. Each will benefit from the others thought processes.

Binary approach

CLA deputy president Tim Breitmeyer said his organisation viewed Brexit food, farming and environment policy as a binary approach to create a more resilient farming sector alongside greater benefits for the environment.

The recent State of Nature report had cited agri-environment schemes as being a huge benefit to the environment, he said.

It is one of the rays of hope for the farming sector that these schemes are really recognised, he said. I think we must build on that.

But Mr Breitmeyer, who manages a 650ha farm in Cambridgeshire, said the government must slash red tape associated with agri-environment schemes. Frankly, its putting most farmers off trying to engage with it, he added.

Agri-environment gains

Patrick Begg, rural enterprises director at the National Trust, said higher-level agri-environment schemes, in particular, had produced the best results.

We now have the opportunity to look at it again and rebalance the payments for public benefit, but also recognise that we will need farmers to do this, he added.

This has to be a partnership. The last thing anyone needs is a great deserting of the uplands or marginal farms  because they are the most vulnerable  through the immediate removal of public subsidies.

We will need to make sure the [Brexit] landing is as soft as possible, but also starts to push people towards a rather broader set of outcomes for land management than simply food production.
2 Sisters chief executive Ranjit Singh has further strengthened his hold on the British poultry industry by buying beleaguered turkey integrator Bernard Matthews.

Mr Singh bought the business in a pre-pack administration deal, paying 87.5m to cover investors losses in exchange for its assets, intellectual property and lucrative green-energy operation.

It will take on the operation as a going concern, securing 2,000 staff and thousands of turkeys already placed for the Christmas market.

See also: Bernard Matthews sold to poultry tycoon Ranjit Singh

Private investment

The transaction was funded by a private investment vehicle separate to 2 Sisters Food Group.

A spokesman said the businesses would not consider saving costs through integration before this years crucial Christmas period was over.

Bernard Matthews assets 50 farms

Two factories

1,800 employees (plus 200 agency staff)

Operating subsidiary in Hungary

It is no secret that Bernard Matthews has struggled to turn a profit for some time.

But documents seen by Poultry World reveal the challenge faced by turnaround specialist Rutland Partners after it bought a controlling stake in the business in 2013.

Cash injection

It initially injected 25m and drove a corporate restructure, which saw fresh branding and new leadership put in place.

Despite efforts, sales continued to slide and the business failed to turn a profit  although margins improved in the interim three years.

In late 2015, additional funding of 5m was made available by Rutland, but declining prices for dark meat compounded problems, and projected losses after tax for the financial year ending June 2016 looked as though they would slump to 26.9m (see Bernard Matthews financials, below).

Final rescue

Rutland explored two potential avenues for rescue.

One was another restructure, selling more assets, stripping back the scope of the company and further consolidation.

This would have required funding to keep the business operational  an unattractive prospect to investors  so a potential sale was explored at the same time.

According to administrators Deloitte, some 40 parties expressed initial interest in buying Bernard Matthews.

From this consortium, two made a formal offer  one was the eventual purchaser, Mr Singhs private office.

That initial offer has not been disclosed, but it is understood that the business would have been acquired as a going concern.

It was rejected, and Rutland pressed on with its restructuring plans, until 25 August, when Mr Singh again made an offer to buy the company through a pre-pack administration deal.

In effect, this is a business arrangement to enter administration with a purchaser  who can mitigate the losses of investors  lined up.

Bernard Matthews board met four days later, and agreed that, as long as the offer stood, it was acceptable.

Rutland had made it clear it would not support further restructuring through additional financing, bolstering the resolve to take the business into administration.

Sale conclusion

The sale concluded just before midnight on 19 September, and in addition to the near 90m to buy the business, a capital requirement of 3m was needed to maintain operations until the end of September.

The administrator considered this the best outcome.

In the event a sale could not be achieved in a very short time frame, the business would have been wound down and broken up, a report from the administrator stated.

This would have compounded investors losses and required ongoing funding over the four to five months that recently placed birds would need to grow to full weight.

In buying Bernard Matthews, Ranjit Singh may have secured Christmas  it remains to be seen what restructuring takes place next year.
(Video by PUEBLO It was 2003 and Jerry Brown was mayor of Oakland. George Bush just invaded Iraq. American Idol was the number one television show. And the Oakland Police Department was put under the supervision of federal Judge Thelton Henderson as the result of a misconduct scandal.Idol is gone, Brown long ago moved on to Sacramento, Bush has (thankfully) faded almost into oblivion, but Judge Henderson still oversees the OPD, which has been unable to comply with the reforms he ordered.Reform was supposed to take no more than five years. Its been 13 years and the job is still not done.Oakland has so far spent more than $30 million to pay for a federal monitor and compliance director. Yet federal oversight has not stopped police misconduct. In the past 13 years, Oakland has paid at least $70 million to settle lawsuits based on the actions of OPD officers.Since 2003, there have been four mayors, eight city administrators, and five police chiefs (seven if you count the two who came and went in a week in June).None of them have reformed the police. Most of them didnt even try. This clearly isnt just an Oakland Police Department problem  its an Oakland city government problem.Finally, there is a chance to break Oaklands cycle of indifference to police reform. Its called Measure LL. Although it was put on the November ballot by the City Council in a unanimous vote, Measure LL is largely the product of a group of concerned citizens from diverse backgrounds working under the name Coalition for Police Accountability.The text of the law originated in the coalitions drafting committee and was taken by Council members Dan Kalb and Noel Gallo, who changed parts of it to deal with political realities in City Hall. The final measure is not everything that the coalition wanted but it does the essential job  it represents the coalitions vision of a strong and independent civilian oversight body.Measure LL will create the Oakland Police Commission and the Community Police Review Agency. There will be seven volunteer commissioners, three chosen directly by the mayor and four chosen by a selection panel made up of city council member appointees. No current or former sworn member of the OPD or officer of the police union can be a police commissioner.This process was designed by the coalition to insulate the commission from political considerations as much as possible. The Oakland Police Commission will most likely be the only police oversight body in the country the majority of whose members are not directly appointed by politicians.The agency will investigate civilian complaints against police officers and recommend discipline to the commission. The commission will have the power to discipline officers found guilty of misconduct and will also be able to review and change the OPDs policies unless the city council vetoes its action.The commission will have the power to fire the police chief.If Measure LL passes, Oakland will finally have a means of making the Police Department accountable to its residents. The Police Commission itself is not the destination of fair and constitutional policing. That will still take constant citizen involvement. But it will be the vehicle to get us to that place.Larry C. White is a volunteer lawyer with the Coalition for Police Accountability. He is a resident of Oakland.
SANTIAGO, Chile - Orosur Mining Inc. (Orosur or the Company) (TSX/AIM: OMI), the South American-focused gold producer, developer and explorer is pleased to announce an update of its exploration and development activities in Uruguay and Colombia.

HIGHLIGHTS

Uruguay: Development

Construction of the San Gregorio West underground mine is on budget and on track to commence production towards the end of Q2 FY17, with over 328m of horizontal development completed to the end of Q1 FY17.

Uruguay: Exploration

Exploration drilling in and around the San Gregorio UG area has yielded positive results, which are expected to significantly enhance mine economics and increase reserves and resources in the short and medium term.

An eastern continuity of the current San Gregorio West UG mineralized ore body has been drilled from an underground station with seven diamond core holes. These holes were aimed at testing the continuity of the mineralization between the existing San Gregorio West and East underground reserves. Drilling successfully intersected significant gold mineralization in every hole. Further drilling is underway.

Initial results from diamond drilling at San Gregorio East UG have demonstrated consistent and attractive mineralized intercepts and are expected to validate and increase reserves.

Previous drilling of a deeper mineralized extension located beneath the San Gregorio West UG has demonstrated continuation of mineralization at depth and the Company is planning a six hole diamond drilling campaign from surface to further test and confirm this mineralization.

Uruguay open pit brownfields exploration and development activities have shown success in exploration at Don Tito and additionally the re-evaluation of targets at the existing Santa Maria and Peru open pit mines indicate the potential for additional production to the current mine plan at gold prices at or above US$1,300/oz.

As part of ongoing Uruguay greenfields exploration, an encouraging geological reinterpretation of the San Gregorio  Arenal corridor has been developed. If proven to be successful, this would unlock an area of approximately 25,000 m to new exploration with the objective of discovering deposits of similar characteristics as San Gregorio or Arenal.

Colombia: Exploration

At the Companys high grade Anza Project in Colombia, initial preliminary metallurgy and density test work has been completed, with average gold recoveries ranging from 95.9  96.1% utilising a combination of gravity concentration, flotation and cyanidation processing, which is in line with the metallurgical recoveries of the development projects and producing mines in the region.

Ignacio Salazar, CEO of Orosur, said:

We are pleased to be able to report such a positive exploration and development update across our portfolio of gold assets in Uruguay and Colombia. Thanks to our operational performance, positive operating cash flow and the further strengthening of the gold price this year, the Company resumed more active and aggressive exploration work earlier in the year.

Development at our San Gregorio West Underground project is advancing according to plan and on budget, with production due to commence at the end of Q2 FY17. We achieved positive drilling results in a number of exploration projects in Uruguay, most notably in locations at depth, along strike and immediately adjacent to our current San Gregorio West Underground development with the potential to add reserves, expand the project and improve its economics via additional synergies. Im delighted with the hard work our team has delivered to achieve these positive results and look forward to the next stages of the exploration programme in the coming quarters.

At our Anza gold project in Colombia, positive preliminary metallurgical results in line with peers in the immediate region represents a de-risking of the project and our team are preparing a geological model with which to plan our next exploration phase at Anza.

Uruguay Underground Projects

Development of the San Gregorio West Underground Mine (SGW UG Mine)

The Company continues to make steady progress on the construction and development of the SGW UG mine, the second mechanised underground mine in Uruguay (after Arenal). SGW UG is a continuation at depth of the historic San Gregorio open pit deposit which, to date, has produced approximately 536,000 oz at an average grade of 2.12 g/t. Development tunneling extended a horizontal length of 328 m during the recent Quarter. Development has reached the point where ventilation fans will be positioned, a key milestone in commencing production as anticipated towards the end of Q2 17. The raise-boring machine which was required to construct the ventilation shaft has been commissioned. Mine development at the SGW UG mine has to date been accomplished while sharing equipment and personnel with ongoing production at the Arenal UG mine in an efficient and safe way.

Potential for Significant Expansion of the San Gregorio West Underground Mine

During FY17, the Company intends to expand the SGW UG operations with three neighboring underground projects. These projects are the San Gregorio East Underground, Deeper Extension of the SGW UG and the San Gregorio Underground Central area. The last two projects relate to areas which were not considered in the SGW UG mining plans and represent new opportunities with a strong potential for near term resource and reserve delineation.

Potential for Expansion of San Gregorio East Underground Reserves

San Gregorio Underground East (SGE UG) is contiguous and east of the SGW UG. The area is currently being diamond drilled in order to validate and increase its reserves. The Company is committed to drilling an initial 3,000m programme during FY17. Preliminary results to this point have demonstrated consistent and attractive mineralized intercepts:

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Intercept Including SGDD16-060 147.1 160.3 10.3m @ 2.60g/t - SGDD16-061 215.1 220.1 5.0m @ 1.10g/t - SGDD16-063 175.9 180.9 5.0m @ 1.69g/t - SGDD16-064 169.8 184.9 15.3m @ 1.22g/t 5.1m @ 1.77g/t SGDD16-067 153.3 162.4 9.2m @ 0.50g/t 3.5m @ 0.80g/t

Potential for Delineation of New Reserves Below SGW UG

The Deeper Extension of the SGW UG, is an area located immediately beneath the SGW UG sector. This area is not considered in the current mining plans for SGW UG. Previous drilling has demonstrated the continuation of the mineralization at depth and at multiple depths. These historic intercepts show encouraging gold intercepts:

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Intercept SGDD002 434.3 437.6 3.3m @ 2.6g/t SGDD003 656.7 661.3 4.6m @ 3.1g/t

As a result of these intercepts, the Company is initially planning to drill six long diamond core holes, from surface, to further test and confirm this mineralization. Following a positive result, a further campaign to define and increase reserves in the area is expected to proceed.

San Gregorio Underground Central (SGC UG)  A New Mineralised Area in the Core of SG

SGC UG corresponds to the eastern continuity of the current SGW UG mineralized ore body and sits in between the latter and the existing SGE UG reserves. Seven diamond core exploratory holes have been drilled from the SGW UG ramp, aimed at testing the continuity of the mineralization between SGW UG and SGE UG reserves. Results received to date intersected significant mineralization and demonstrate reason for further exploration. During Q1 FY17, the Company drilled 7 holes, with mineralized intercepts as follows:

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Intercept Including DDHUGSG16-024_01 113.9 121.9 8.0m @ 4.57g/t - DDHUGSG16-024_02 110.2 115.8 5.7m @ 1.43g/t - DDHUGSG16-024_0 119.6 124.8 5.2m @ 1.65g/t - DDHUGSG16-024_04 110.4 123.0 12.6m @ 2.42g/t - DDHUGSG16-024_05 142.2 160.0 17.9m @ 1.47g/t 6.45m @ 2.42g/t DDHUGSG16-024_06 139.4 143.9 4.5m @ 1.34g/t - DDHUGSG16-024_07 92.7 109.1 16.4m @ 5.53g/t 7.8m @ 11.17g/t

These results indicate the strong potential to significantly improve the economics of the entire SG UG Project. Any SGC UG reserves will benefit from the extensive development and mining activities occurring at present and planned in the future at the SGW UG mine in construction.

Uruguay Open Pit Brownfield Projects

The Companys suite of open pit projects in Uruguay are currently being reevaluated for potential development and production activities in the current gold price environment. Based on the Companys internal economic analysis, some targets at the Santa Maria and Peru mines appear to be economic at or around US$1,300/oz, which could result in additional 10-12 Koz Au to the current mine plan.

In the Sobresaliente area, approximately 6 km north of San Gregorio, the Don Tito exploration project contains an anomalous area with high grade intercepts. This area has historic artisanal workings, with gold occurring in quartz veins hosted in granite similar to the ore bodies mined previously at Sobresaliente, in operation during 2011  2013, producing 21,667 oz of gold at an average grade of 1.04 g/t Au. Exploration work completed to date consists of 5 diamond holes, 7 Reverse Circulation holes, and 7 trenches.

Hole ID Type From (m) To (m) Intercept Including DTDD001 Diamond Drilling 37.0 51.2 14.2m @ 0.34 g/t 1m @ 2.1g/t DTDD002 Diamond Drilling 17.8 28.5 10.7m @ 1.33g/t 3.0m @ 3.64g/t 42.7 46.2 3.50m @ 1.37g/t 0.55m @ 4.75g/t 58.3 74.5 16.15m @ 1.79g/t 0.85m @ 25.63g/t DTRC002 Reverse Circulation 37.0 42.0 5.0m @ 1.08g/t 1.0m @ 2.91g/t 48.0 52.0 4.0m @ 0.50g/t 1.0m @ 1.47g/t DTRC003 Reverse Circulation 14.0 18.0 4.0m @ 1.52g/t 1.0m @ 4.93g/t 39.0 50.0 11.0m @ 0.72g/t 2.0m @ 1.68g/t DTRC004 Reverse Circulation 25.0 31.0 6.0m @ 0.80g/t 1.0m @ 1.6g/t 41.0 46.0 5.0m @ 0.31g/t DTRC006 Reverse Circulation 2.0 4.0 2.0m @ 1.51g/t 1.0m @ 2.52g/t 16.0 27.0 11.0m @ 0.65g/t 3.0m @ 1.40g/t DTRC007 Reverse Circulation 5.0 9.0 4.0m @ 0.49g/t 1.0m @ 1.23g/t 21.0 28.0 7.0m @ 0.69g/t 1.0m @ 2.22g/t DTTR14-001 Trenching 69.5 83.0 13.5m @ 4.07g/t 3.0m @ 14.81g/t DTTR14-002 Trenching 21.7 24.0 2.3m @ 1.49g/t DTTR14-003 Trenching 19.0 48.0 29.0m @ 0.26g/t 2.0m @ 0.62g/t DTTR14-004 Trenching 8.0 12.0 4.0m @ 1.11g/t DTTR14-005 Trenching 71.0 75.0 4.0m @ 2.17g/t 1.0m @ 6.86g/t DTTR14-007 Trenching 8.0 15.9 7.90m @ 0.33g/t 0.6m @ 1.67g/t

Don Tito drilling and trenching exploration results.

The Company has two other projects in the area near Don Tito and plans to progress exploration in the Sobresaliente district with the objective of adding open pit reserves as soon as the exploration permits are received from the Uruguayan Mining Department (Dinamige).

Uruguay Open Pit Greenfield Projects

As part of a comprehensive geological evaluation of the economic and geologic features of the San Gregorio area, an encouraging geological reinterpretation of the San Gregorio  Arenal corridor has been developed. Geological data, including geophysics, drilling, trenching and soil sampling, indicates a promising new geological model, which if proved, would open an area of approximately 25,000 m to new exploration with the objective of discovering deposits of similar characteristics as San Gregorio or Arenal.

Additionally, in Southern Uruguay, a number of high grade, low tonnage targets have been identified for further exploration and development work, with the goal of treating and processing this potential ore in the San Gregorio plant, as part of the Companys multi-focal approach to extend mine life and grow production. The permitting process for confirmatory and/or exploration drilling at these projects is currently underway.

Colombia

The Company continues its efforts to advance its high grade Au-Zn Anza project.

The Company has received positive results for its metallurgical test work on material from the Anza gold system. Preliminary metallurgical testing from composites was undertaken to characterize the ore. Gravity concentration, flotation, cyanidation and bond tests were performed on the samples. The tests were conducted at ALS Metallurgical Laboratory in Santiago, Chile.

As indicated in drilling intercepts and as expected, the metallurgical tests confirmed the deposit contains areas with high zinc, lead and copper values. Gold occurred either free, or associated with pyrite, and the bulk of samples demonstrated a cyanide only gold recovery of approximately 87%, when whole ore was leached with cyanide at 500 ppm using a grind size of 106 um (P80).

Limited samples were also processing through a combination of gravity concentration, flotation and cyanidation and demonstrated gold recoveries ranging from 95.9  96.1%, in line with the metallurgical recoveries of the development and production stage mines in the region and belt.

This work is preliminary and opportunities exist to improve the metallurgical leaching recoveries, especially on some particular samples types, where recoveries declined associated with the presence of talc or calcite. These initial results indicate that processing options may likely be a combination of concentration, flotation and cyanidation, with a final configuration to be defined as the project progresses and the understanding of the gold bearing mineralization, its by-products and gangue are better evaluated and understood.

Specific gravity was measured on three master samples and thirteen composites with an average density of 2.61 g/cm with a maximum of 2.74 g/cm, minimum of 2.47 g/cm and standard deviation of 0.06.

The Company is currently engaged in developing a geological model to better understand the gold mineralization and its distribution in the Pastorera-Aragon trend, where the bulk of the historical exploration work has been carried out. A better understanding of the geological features controlling gold mineralization should allow for a more accurate assessment of the regional potential and what steps are best suited and required to define a preliminary resource estimate at the high grade Anza gold project.

With positive initial metallurgical results in hand, the Company intends to finalise a geological model during Q3 FY17 with a view to evaluating the options through which to most effectively and swiftly advance the Anza project.

Qualified Person's Statement

The technical information related to the current assets of Orosur Mining in this presentation has been reviewed by Miguel Fuentealba, a Mining Engineer who is considered to be a Qualified Person under NI 43-101 reporting guidelines. Mr. Fuentealba is a graduate in Mining Engineering from the University of Santiago de Chile and is an AusIMM Member and Qualified Person of Chilean Mining Commission. Mr. Fuentealba has 20 years of professional experience in the field of mining engineering, mine development and management.

Forward Looking Statements

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained or incorporated by reference in this news release, including any information as to the future financial or operating performance of the Company, constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of certain securities laws, including the "safe harbour" provisions of the Securities Act (Ontario) and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on expectations estimates and projections as of the date of this news release. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Such statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements include, without limitation success of exploration activities; permitting time lines; the failure of plant; equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; accidents; labour disputes; requirements for additional capital title disputes or claims and limitations on insurance coverage. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law.

About Orosur Mining Inc.

Orosur Mining Inc. is a fully integrated gold producer, developer and explorer focused on identifying and advancing gold projects in South America. The Company operates the only producing gold mine in Uruguay (San Gregorio), and has assembled an exploration portfolio of high quality assets in Uruguay, Chile and Colombia. The Company is listed in Canada (TSX: OMI) and London (AIM: OMI).
October 12, 2016 / TheNewswire / Gold Bullion Development Corp. (TSX-V: GBB) (OTCPINK: GBBFF) (Frankfurt B6D) ("Gold Bullion") and Takara Resources Inc. (TSX.V: TKK) ("Takara") today jointly announced that they plan to commence a geophysical survey this fall at the 3,300 hectare Castle Silver Mine property, which is 75 km southwest of Kirkland Lake, Ontario and is one of the most advanced exploration properties in the Cobalt Camp targeting high-grade silver, cobalt and gold.

The survey will test an area outside and immediately east of the past producing areas where an estimated 50 million ounces of silver was produced during the 1900s mostly from the Miller Lake O'Brien, Castle 3 and Capitol mines. In addition, approximately 300,000 pounds of cobalt was produced at the Castle Silver property in the early 1900s and the recent discovery of gold and copper mineralization adds significantly to the attractiveness of conducting further exploration on the property.

The survey will include an area of the property known as the Castle Golden Corridor Zone, where surface gold was initially discovered through a train of sulphide-rich boulders extending from the north shore of Miller Lake. The Zone is part of a distinct east-west regional gold trend that stretches for at least 150 km, cutting through the Castle Property and the Gowganda mining camp, which historically were only explored for high-grade silver. Gold Bullion purchased a 50% interest in this Golden Corridor Zone (see news release issued June 30, 2016).

The geophysical survey involves induced polarization (IP) over eight lines of approximately 1.8 km each and is aimed at identifying IP anomalies typical of gold and silver mineralization. Follow-up Mobile Metals Ion (MMI) sampling will be used to prioritize IP anomalies for exploration drilling.

The historic silver production was from the upper two-thirds of a gabbroic intrusive; a cone dike seen in this vicinity as an undulating sill approximately 300m thick and locally known as the Miller Lake Diabase Basin. Although the Castle No. 3 Shaft is collared in Nipissing diabase, the sill is located approximately 350-630m below surface in the area of the proposed 2016 exploration.

The planned exploration will focus on gold and silver targets. Gold targets are hosted in Archean volcanics between surface and 350m below surface. The silver targets are within the upper two-thirds of the gabbroic intrusive.

The IP will test for chargeability highs (caused by pyrite) coincident with resistivity lows (caused by alteration) which are commonly associated with gold ore. These types of mineralization and alteration with gold and copper mineralization were encountered in surface trenching. The IP will also test for high chargeability-low resistivity anomalies associated with silver-cobalt vein deposits.

Trenching in 2014 on the property has shown the following channel sampling results:

In Trench D1, Channel B indicates a grade of 0.77 g/t Au over 3.98 m (weighted average of four samples)

In Trench D3, Channel 2 indicates a grade of 1.16 g/t Au over 0.83 m, Channel 4 indicates 3.77 g/t Au over 1.27 m and Channel 5 indicates 0.62 g/t Au over 0.98 m

MMI sampling in 2013 and 2014 has indicated soil geochemical anomalies on the property including the following:

439m west of the east boundary, a four-sample anomaly with the highest sample having values up to: 20,600 ppb Ag (threshold 43 ppb Ag) 2.4 ppb Au (threshold 0.8 ppb Au) 739 ppb Co (threshold 390 ppb Co)

585m west of the east boundary, a two-sample anomaly with the highest value of 2,380 ppb Co

A 3-D model of the property has already been developed based on historical records of underground workings, a drone survey and recent exploration results. The 3-D model will serve as a valuable tool to define the potential for silver-cobalt mineralization.

Takara has a fully integrated exploration camp located on the Castle Silver Mine site property. It has conducted various voluntary rehabilitation activities on the former mine location and reached MOU agreements with First Nations in the area.

The Company also has an advanced exploration permit, has completed a closure plan with paid financial assurances and has opened up the former Castle 3 mine adit at the 70-foot level. Castle 3 has 11 underground levels, most with extensive workings. Cobalt bloom was evident at the entrance of the opened adit for a considerable distance - confirming the presence of cobalt. Cobalt is used in environmentally friendly cobalt-lithium battery production and is also defined as a strategic metal by many countries including the United States and China.

Qualified Person

The technical information in this news release was prepared under the supervision of Mr. Frank J. Basa, P. Eng., President and CEO, who is a member of the Ontario Association of Professional Engineers and a qualified person in accordance with National Instrument 43-101.

Technical Report

Takara Resources Inc. Castle Silver Property Gowganda, Ontario, Canada NI 43-101 Report, published August 21, 2015, effective date July 9, 2015. Claude Duplessis, Eng., of GoldMinds Geoservices Inc., is the independent qualified person in accordance with NI 43-101.

About Takara Resources

Takara Resources Inc. is a junior natural resource company focusing on the exploration and development of its high-grade Castle Silver Mine in Gowganda, Ontario and its former producing silver properties in Cobalt, Ontario. The Castle Silver camp features structures, water, year round road access and diesel generated power. Additional information on the Company's properties is available at the Company's website at www.takararesources.com and filed at www.SEDAR.com.

About Gold Bullion Development Corp.

Gold Bullion Development Corp. is developing the Granada Gold Property near Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec. The property includes the former Granada gold mine which produced more than 51,476 ounces of gold in the 1930s with an average grade of 0.28 ounce per ton (9.6 grams per tonne) before a fire destroyed the surface buildings. The highly prolific Cadillac Trend cuts through the north part of the property. The Cadillac Trend has been the source of more than 50 million ounces of gold produced in the past century on a line running from Val-d'Or to Rouyn-Noranda.

The Company has obtained all necessary permits for the initial mining phase known as the "Rolling Start" for which stripping has already begun, and has agreements in place with First Nations. Additional information is available at www.goldbulliondevelopmentcorp.com.

"Frank J. Basa"



Frank J. Basa P. Eng.

President and Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Frank J. Basa, P. Eng., President and CEO at 1-819-797-4144

Renmark Financial Communications Inc.

Steve Hosein: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Tel.: (416) 644-2020 or (514) 939-3989

www.renmarkfinancial.com

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This 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.



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NORTH VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 12, 2016) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSX VENTURE:LIO)(ASX:LLO)(OTCQX:LOMLF)(FRANKFURT:LY1) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has submitted a tender for the acquisition of the Navilawa tenement directly adjoining the Company's 100% owned and fully permitted Tuvatu Gold Project, located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. The Company also announces that exploration on a new discovery is underway at the Jomaki Ridge Prospect inside the Tuvatu Mining Lease, and that dewatering and drilling contractors have been retained and mobilized for the next phase of development at Tuvatu.

Navilawa Tender

Fiji's Mineral Resources Department (MRD) publically solicited expressions of interest for the new Navilawa tenement in July and August of 2016 after the lapse and expiry of the previous holder's exploration license. The Navilawa tenement directly adjoins the northern boundary of Lion One's tenements at Tuvatu, which if combined, would consolidate ownership of the entire Navilawa mineral complex under a +30,000 hectare exploration license package with Tuvatu's 384.5 hectare Mining Lease (SML 62) and mining and processing operation, currently under development, at its center. The Company has submitted a tender for the Navilawa tenement with $15 million of initial exploration expenditures proposed over five years.

The Navilawa project area has at least 10 well defined prospects including the Kingston Mine, Banana Creek, and Tuvatu North. The most significant historic results returned were surface rock chip samples of 46.30 g/t Au from Banana Creek; 176.27 g/t Au from the Kingston Mine, and 8.50 g/t Au from Tuvatu North, where a rock chip sample was taken from just inside SPL 1296 and adjacent to the Tuvatu resource. Although little systematic historical exploration has been undertaken in the area, six of the prospects have historic workings with short shafts or adits up to 15 meters deep or manual workings on copper and gold bearing rocks as is the case at the Central Ridge prospect. Mapping, sampling and geophysics clearly demonstrates that the Tuvatu gold deposit extends north into the Navilawa tenement area.

On a macro scale there is mineralization evident from the Banana Creek prospect, well within the Navilawa tenement, all the way to the Jomaki Ridge Prospect at the south end of Lion One's tenements, demonstrating a NE to SW extent of over 5.5 km. Mineralization also extends along a north-south corridor aligning the Upper Ridges Lodes of Tuvatu with the Kingston Mine 2 km to the north. Navilawa hosts a multi-phase monzonitic intrusive system exhibiting epithermal styles of mineralization, with some porphyry affinities. The MRD has advised that Lion One should be notified of the result of its tender proposal before the end of October 2016.

Jomaki Discovery

Exploration of a new discovery is underway at the Jomaki Ridge Prospect situated within SML 62, 1.50 km south-west of the planned processing plant site at Tuvatu. Lion One's Fiji exploration team has discovered significant extensions of a pervasively altered and densely veined zone situated between the contact of volcanic units and the micro-monzonite intrusive. Visible gold has been detected at the surface and in some recently dug trenches. Trenching and sampling has begun to test outcrops and near-surface mineralization, with initial rock chip sampling returning results up to 125 g/t Au. An extensive NE-SW veinset at Jomaki Ridge is cross cut by additional NS veins which are thought to be extensions of the UR1 and UR 2 Lodes already recognized at Tuvatu. Further sampling results are expected by late October, with 183 samples already dispatched to Townsville, Qld. for analysis, and will be followed by more samples collected from the extensive trenching program across the width and strike length of the mineralized zone currently underway.

Dewatering, Decline, Drilling

The Company also reports that its prime contractors and suppliers have been retained and equipment has been purchased for dewatering, drilling, and rehabilitation of the existing decline. A new diesel powered pumping station has been delivered and is scheduled to become operational in late October. Based on prior testing, the Company estimates that less than 30 days of pumping will be required to dewater past the Core Shed Fault, 150 meters inside the decline. The Company plans to have diamond drill rigs operating on surface by late October and underground by late November, to focus on numerous infill and extensional targets of the existing mineralized lodes at Tuvatu.

About Tuvatu

The Tuvatu Gold Project is located 17 km from the Nadi International Airport on the main island of Viti Levu in Fiji. Discovered in 1987, Tuvatu was advanced by previous owners through underground exploration and development from 1997 through to the completion of a feasibility study in 2000. Acquired by Lion One in 2011, the project has over 100,000 meters of drilling completed to date in addition to 1,600 meters of underground development. Tuvatu is a high grade, low sulphidation, epithermal gold deposit hosted inside a South Pacific-style volcanic caldera, along the Viti Levu lineament, Fiji's own corridor of high grade gold deposits. In January 2016 the Hon. Prime Minister of Fiji, Mr. V. Bainimarama, formally presented the previously granted Tuvatu Mining Lease to Lion One, concluding the permitting process for the development of an underground gold mine and processing plant at Tuvatu, demonstrating strong government support for Fiji's 85 year-old gold mining industry.

As per its independent June 1, 2015 NI 43-101 PEA Technical Report on the Tuvatu Gold Project, the Company envisages a low cost underground gold mining operation producing 352,931 ounces of gold at head grades of 11.30 g/t Au over an initial 7 year mine life, including 262,000 ounces at 15.30 g/t through year three, at cash costs of US$567 per ounce with all-in sustaining costs of US$779 per ounce. Total capex of US$48.6 million includes a contingency of US$6.1 million with an 18 month preproduction schedule and 18 month payback on capital. At a US$1,200 gold price the project generates net cash flow of US$112.66 million and an IRR of 52% (after tax). Tuvatu is situated upon a 5 hectare footprint inside a larger 384 hectare mining lease that contains numerous high grade prospects proximal to Tuvatu, at depth, and up to 1.50 km along strike from the resource area, giving the project near-term production potential and further discovery upside inside of one of Fiji's underexplored volcanic goldfields.

The information in this report that relates to the Exploration Results or Mineral Resources is based upon, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation compiled by Mr. Stephen Mann, who is an officer and director of the Company and is a member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr. Mann has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and the activity in which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person under 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code). Mr. Mann consents to the inclusion in this news release of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in previous news releases referred to above, and confirms that the form and context in which the findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original news releases. Albert Siega, P. Eng., a full time employee of the Company and Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 has reviewed and approved the technical content of this release.

For more information on Lion One including technical reports please visit the Company's website at www.liononemetals.com or the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

On behalf of Lion One Metals Limited

"Walter H. Berukoff"

Chief Executive Officer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the early stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA / October 12, 2016 / MGX Minerals Inc. (MGX or the Company) (CSE: XMG / FKT: 1MG / OTC: MGXMF) announces that initial results from 2016 field work at its 100% owned Fran gold property (Fran or the Property) has generated numerous high-priority drill targets with significant gold and copper exploration potential.

Work in 2016 at Fran focused on further defining large-scale positive magnometer anomalies in the Fran East zone (Fran East) (see Figure 1). Fran East is located 35 kilometers south-west of the Mount Milligan mine, which hosts 5.7M oz. Au / 2.2B lbs. Cu proven and probable reserves, and is operated by Thompson Creek Metals (TSX: TCM). Field crews completed a 100-metre spaced soil sampling program at Fran East that included collection of 260 soil samples and 15 rock samples. Assay results were submitted for interpretation to Activation Laboratories Ltd. (Activation Laboratories), who carried out spatiotemporal geochemical hydrocarbon (SGH) analysis.

Figure 1. Fran Gold magnometer survey





Initial results from the first 68 soil samples representing two grids covering the northern half of the magnetic anomaly have been analyzed and interpretation of SGH analysis by Activation Laboratories highlighted unique and signature traits associated with copper-gold mineralization at depth. Results from SGH sampling suggests the Fran East magnetometer anomaly zone is underlain by an area approximately 1 x 0.4 kilometers with SGH signatures associated with Cu-Au mineralization. (Figures 2 and 3).

Figure 2. SGH gold pathfinder 3D-view



Figure 3. SGH copper pathfinder 3D-view



In addition to an excellent response from SGH sampling, a rock chip sample (Sample 16FR-08) of angular float located approximately one-kilometer ESE of the SGH survey area returned a geochemical analysis of 34.1 g/t gold (0.995 opt). This sample contains mariposite (chromium mica), muscovite, hematite, pyrite, and chalcopyrite (see photo 1). The source of the SGH anomalies and gold-bearing rock sample are not known at this time, but further geochemical and exploration drilling is planned for this new zone on the eastern portion of the Property.

Photo 1. Rock chip sample 16FR-08 which assayed 34 g/t gold



About Fran Gold Property

The Fran property encompasses 10,200 hectares across 15 mineral tenures within the Omineca mining division of central British Columbia. A total of 87 historic diamond drill holes spanning more than 15,000 meters have been completed to date within the Bullion Alley zone, where three parallel gold-bearing trending Quartz veins are traced for several hundred meters. Fran is located within the Quesnellia Terrane of the Canadian Cordillera and is underlain by the Takla Group of Late Triassic to Early Jurassic sedimentary and volcaniclastic rocks that are intruded by dykes and small stocks of monzonite, monzodiorite, diorite and more.

* The potential quantity and grade is conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource. It is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.

Qualified Person

The technical portions of this press release have been reviewed by Andris Kikauka (P. Geo.), Vice President of Exploration for MGX Minerals.
KOLWEZI, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO--(Oct. 12, 2016) - Robert Friedland, Executive Chairman of Ivanhoe Mines (TSX:IVN), and Lars-Eric Johansson, Chief Executive Officer, announced today that the company has completed an independently verified, initial Mineral Resource estimate for the extremely-high-grade Kakula Discovery on the Tier One Kamoa Copper Project, near the mining centre of Kolwezi in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Kamoa-Kakula Project is a joint venture between Ivanhoe Mines, Zijin Mining and the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kakula is the second major discovery on the Kamoa mining licence in the past eight years. Now, with the addition of Kakula's Mineral Resources, research by Wood Mackenzie - a prominent, international industry research and consulting group, based in the U.K. - has independently demonstrated that the Kamoa-Kakula Project is the largest copper discovery in Zambia and the DRC, making it the largest copper discovery ever made in the history of mining on the African continent. In addition, research by Wood Mackenzie also shows that Kamoa-Kakula already ranks among the 10 largest copper deposits in the world.

"With the initial resource now established, we are evaluating technical and infrastructure options to rapidly advance the development of the near-surface, highest-grade copper resources at Kakula," said Mr. Friedland. "Our mine planning will focus on how to expeditiously develop the zones of thick, bottom-loaded chalcocite, grading in excess of 6% copper, near the centre of Kakula's high-grade area.

"Given that the copper grades at Kakula are significantly higher than the average grades found elsewhere at Kamoa, we are highly confident that fast-tracking the development of Kakula will have a profound and positive impact on the economics of the overall Kamoa-Kakula Project."

The 60-square-kilometre Kakula Exploration Area is approximately 10 kilometres southwest of Kamoa's initial mine development presently underway at the Kansoko Sud Discovery (see Figure 1). Ivanhoe and Zijin have been conducting an aggressive drilling program at the Kakula exploration target since April 2016. More than 31,000 metres of drilling already have been completed. Given the outstanding success to date in delineating high-grade copper resources, the Kakula drilling program has been expanded by 60,000 metres and will continue unabated into 2017.

Highlights of the initial Kakula Mineral Resource estimate, prepared by Ivanhoe Mines under the direction of Amec Foster Wheeler E&C Services Inc. (Amec Foster Wheeler), of Reno, Nevada, in accordance with the 2014 CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves:

Indicated Resources total 192 million tonnes at a grade of 3.45% copper , containing 14.6 billion pounds of copper at a 1% copper cut-off. At a 2% copper cut-off, Indicated Resources total 115 million tonnes at a 4.80% copper grade, containing 12.1 billion pounds of copper. At a higher cut-off of 3% copper, Indicated Resources total 66 million tonnes at a grade of 6.59% copper, containing 9.6 billion pounds of copper.

, containing 14.6 billion pounds of copper at a 1% copper cut-off. At a 2% copper cut-off, Indicated Resources total 115 million tonnes at a 4.80% copper grade, containing 12.1 billion pounds of copper. At a higher cut-off of 3% copper, Indicated Resources total 66 million tonnes at a grade of 6.59% copper, containing 9.6 billion pounds of copper. Inferred Resources total 101 million tonnes at a grade of 2.74% copper , containing 6.1 billion pounds of copper at a 1% copper cut-off. At a 2% copper cut-off, Inferred Resources total 51 million tonnes at a 3.92% copper grade, containing 4.4 billion pounds of copper. At a higher cut-off of 3% copper, Inferred Resources total 27 million tonnes at a grade of 5.26% copper, containing 3.2 billion pounds of copper.

, containing 6.1 billion pounds of copper at a 1% copper cut-off. At a 2% copper cut-off, Inferred Resources total 51 million tonnes at a 3.92% copper grade, containing 4.4 billion pounds of copper. At a higher cut-off of 3% copper, Inferred Resources total 27 million tonnes at a grade of 5.26% copper, containing 3.2 billion pounds of copper. The average true thickness of the selective mineralized zone (SMZ) at a 1% cut-off is 14.27 metres in the Indicated Resources area and 10.33 metres in the Inferred Resources area. At a higher 3% cut-off, the average true thickness of the SMZ is 5.91 metres in the Indicated Resources area and 5.15 metres in the Inferred Resources area.

This Kakula Mineral Resource has been defined by drilling covering a total area of 8.7 square kilometres within the larger 60-square-kilometre Kakula Exploration Area. The total areal extent of Indicated Resource is 4.6 square kilometres at a 1% cut-off and the areal extent of the Inferred Resource is 3.3 square kilometres at a 1% cut-off. The average dip of the mineralized zone in the Indicated Resource area is 13 degrees, while the average dip is 16 degrees in the Inferred Resource area.

Mineralization is open along trend to the northwest and the southeast, while the remainder of the Kakula exploration area remains untested (see Figure 2). The Mineral Resource estimate is based on the results from approximately 24,000 metres of drilling in 65 holes. An additional 13 holes totalling more than 7,000 metres have been completed and assay results are pending.

Indicated Resources are defined when the drill-hole spacing approximates a 400-metre grid, while Inferred Resources are defined when the drill-hole spacing approximates an 800-metre grid.

The Kakula Mineral Resource estimate was prepared by Ivanhoe Mines under the direction of Dr. Harry Parker and Gordon Seibel, both RM SME, of Amec Foster Wheeler. Dr. Parker and Mr. Seibel are the Qualified Persons for the estimate, which has an effective date of October 9, 2016. A technical report will be filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com and on the Ivanhoe Mines website at www.ivanhoemines.com within 45 days of the issuance of this news release.

The Kakula Mineral Resources, along with sensitivities at various cut-offs, are shown in tables 1, 2 and 3.

Table 1. Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources at a 1% cut-off grade, Kakula Discovery. Category Tonnage

(Mt) Area

(km2) Copper

(%) True Thickness

(metres) Contained Copper

(kTonnes) Contained Copper

(billion lbs) Indicated 192 4.6 3.45 14.3 6,630 14.6 Inferred 101 3.3 2.74 10.3 2,763 6.1

Notes:

Ivanhoe's Mineral Resources Manager George Gilchrist, a Member of the Geology Society of South Africa and Professional Natural Scientist (Pr. Sci. Nat) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), estimated the Mineral Resources under the supervision of Dr. Harry Parker and Gordon Seibel, both RM SME, who are the Qualified Persons for the Mineral Resources. The effective date of the estimate is October 9, 2016. Mineral Resources are estimated using the CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Reserves (2014). For the Kakula Discovery, Mineral Resources are reported using a total copper (TCu) cut-off grade of 1% TCu and an approximate minimum thickness of 3 metres. A 1% TCu cut-off is a natural cut-off grade on the Central African Copperbelt. There are reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction under assumptions of a copper price of US$3.00/lb, employment of underground, mechanized, room-and-pillar and drift-and-fill mining methods, and that copper concentrates will be produced and sold to a smelter. Mining costs are assumed to be $38/t. Concentrator and General and Administrative (G&A) costs are assumed to be $19/t. Metallurgical recovery is assumed to be 77% at the 1% TCu cut-off and 88% at the average grade of the Mineral Resource.. Ivanhoe is studying (Preliminary Economic Assessment in progress) reducing mining costs using a convergence backfill method. Reported Mineral Resources contain no allowances for hanging wall or footwall contact boundary loss and dilution. No mining recovery has been applied. Rounding as required by reporting guidelines may result in apparent differences between tonnes, grade and contained metal content.

Table 2. Kakula Discovery Indicated Mineral Resources, Sensitivity Cases. Category Cut-off Grade

(Cu%) Tonnes

(millions) Area

(Sq. km) Copper Grade True Thickness (metres-m) Contained Copper

(kTonnes) Contained Copper

(billion lbs) Indicated 7.0 27 1.4 8.25% 6.3 (m) 2,242 4.9 Indicated 6.0 42 2.1 7.69% 6.6 (m) 3,220 7.1 Indicated 5.0 51 2.7 7.29% 6.5 (m) 3,711 8.2 Indicated 4.0 62 3.4 6.78% 6.1 (m) 4,211 9.3 Indicated 3.0 66 3.8 6.59% 5.9 (m) 4,351 9.6 Indicated 2.5 75 4.0 6.13% 6.3 (m) 4,579 10.1 Indicated 2.0 115 4.3 4.80% 9.2 (m) 5,504 12.1 Indicated 1.5 139 4.4 4.24% 10.9 (m) 5,899 13.0 Indicated 1.0 192 4.6 3.45% 14.3 (m) 6,630 14.6

Table 3. Kakula Discovery Inferred Mineral Resources, Sensitivity Cases. Category Cut-off Grade

(Cu%) Tonnes

(millions) Area

(Sq. km) Copper Grade True Thickness (metres-m) Contained Copper

(ktonnes) Contained Copper

(billion lbs) Inferred 7.0 1 0.1 7.47% 4.2 (m) 72 0.2 Inferred 6.0 8 0.4 6.50% 6.2 (m) 490 1.1 Inferred 5.0 18 0.9 5.89% 6.4 (m) 1,076 2.4 Inferred 4.0 23 1.3 5.60% 5.8 (m) 1,283 2.8 Inferred 3.0 27 1.8 5.26% 5.2 (m) 1,445 3.2 Inferred 2.5 31 2.0 4.98% 5.2 (m) 1,537 3.4 Inferred 2.0 51 2.2 3.92% 7.7 (m) 2,018 4.4 Inferred 1.5 75 2.6 3.21% 9.8 (m) 2,412 5.3 Inferred 1.0 101 3.3 2.74% 10.3 (m) 2,763 6.1

High-grade Kakula Discovery presents game-changing opportunities for Kamoa-Kakula development

Mineralization at Kakula is substantively thicker and higher grade than elsewhere on the Kamoa mining licence; it also is consistently bottom-loaded and will support the construction of selective mineralized zone (SMZ) composites at cut-offs up to at least 3% copper. The lateral consistency of mineralization at these higher cut-offs presents significant opportunities for mine planning, with large areas of the resource having average grades in excess of 6% when using the 3% SMZ.

The Kakula resource model was constructed using a series of nested grade shells at 1%, 2% and 3% cut-offs. A minimum thickness of 3.0 metres was applied to the 3% grade shell and the outer shells were nested above and below this central shell. The resultant model allows the flexibility to show distribution of grades and thicknesses across the various grade shells and highlight Kakula's outstanding, high-grade potential.

Figures 3 and 4, below, show the distribution of grades and thicknesses across the 3% copper shell, while figures 5 and 6 show the distribution of thicknesses and grades across the base-case 1% copper shell.

Kakula Exploration Area provides significant potential for resource expansion.

The Kakula Discovery remains open along a northwesterly-southeasterly strike and there is considerable potential for resource expansion within the Kakula Exploration Area. High-grade copper mineralization has been outlined along a corridor that is currently approximately one kilometre wide and at least four kilometres in length. This high-grade corridor lies within an area of 8.7 square kilometres over which resources have been delineated.

Encompassing the area of defined resources, the highly-prospective, 66-square-kilometre Kakula Exploration Area remains largely unexplored (see Figure 2). Four drill rigs are focusing on expanding the Inferred Resource, drilling step-out holes to the southeast and northwest of Kakula's currently defined high-grade core. One rig is drilling infill holes to expand the Indicated Mineral Resource, while a sixth rig is focusing on shallow drilling to define stratigraphy and the weathering profile in the area outlined for a potential box cut.

Figure 1. Kamoa-Kakula Project map shows the planned initial mining area at Kansoko Sud and the adjacent Kakula Discovery exploration area





Figure 2. Kakula Exploration Area showing grade of Indicated and Inferred Resource blocks at a 3% selective mineralized zone cut-off





Figure 3. Average grades of Indicated and Inferred blocks in Kakula's 3% selective mineralized zone





The Indicated and Inferred Resource perimeters indicate a confidence classification. Cut-off criteria are applied within the perimeters to state Mineral Resources.

Figure 4. Average true thickness of Kakula's 3% selective mineralized zone Indicated and Inferred blocks





The Indicated and Inferred Resource perimeters indicate a confidence classification. Cut-off criteria are applied within the perimeters to state Mineral Resources.

Figure 5. Average grades of Indicated and Inferred blocks in Kakula's 1% selective mineralized zone





The Indicated and Inferred Resource perimeters indicate a confidence classification. Cut-off criteria are applied within the perimeters to state Mineral Resources.

Figure 6. Average true thickness of Kakula's 1% selective mineralized zone Indicated and Inferred blocks





The Indicated and Inferred Resource perimeters indicate a confidence classification. Cut-off criteria are applied within the perimeters to state Mineral Resources.

Kakula's newly defined resources add to an already world-class resource base at the Kamoa-Kakula Project

Kakula's estimated resources are in addition to the Mineral Resources delineated elsewhere on the Kamoa mining licence that were disclosed by Ivanhoe Mines in a news release on February 23, 2016.

The combined Kamoa-Kakula Indicated Mineral Resources now total 944 million tonnes grading 2.83% copper, containing 58.9 billion pounds of copper at a 1.0% copper cut-off grade and a minimum thickness of three metres.

Kamoa-Kakula now also has Inferred Mineral Resources of 286 million tonnes grading 2.31% copper and containing 14.6 billion pounds of copper, also at a 1.0% copper cut-off grade and a minimum thickness of three metres.

The total consolidated Mineral Resource for the Kamoa-Kakula Project is shown in Table 4 and the sensitivity of the resource at various cut-offs is shown in Table 5.

Table 4. Consolidated Mineral Resource Statement, Kamoa-Kakula Project - October 9, 2016, 1% copper cut-off over minimum thickness of 3 metres. Deposit Category Tonnes

(millions) Area

(Sq. km) Copper Grade True Thickness

(metres-m) Contained Copper

(kTonnes) Contained Copper

(billion lbs) Kamoa Indicated 752 50.5 2.67% 5.2 (m) 20,110 44.3 Inferred 185 16.8 2.08% 3.8 (m) 3,840 8.5 Kakula Indicated 192 4.6 3.45% 14.3 (m) 6,630 14.6 Inferred 101 3.3 2.74% 10.3 (m) 2,763 6.1 Total

Kamoa Project Indicated 944 55.1 2.83% 6.0 (m) 26,740 58.9 Inferred 286 20.1 2.31% 4.9 (m) 6,603 14.6

Notes to Accompany Kamoa Project Mineral Resource Table:

Ivanhoe's Mineral Resources Manager, George Gilchrist, Professional Natural Scientist (Pr. Sci. Nat) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP), estimated the Mineral Resources under the supervision of Dr. Harry Parker and Gordon Seibel, both RM of Society of Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME), who are the Qualified Persons for the Mineral Resource estimate. The effective date of the estimate is 9 October 2016. Mineral Resources are estimated using the 2014 CIM Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources are estimated assuming underground mining methods, a copper price of US$3.30/lb (Kamoa) and US$3.00/lb (Kakula Discovery), a cut-off of 1% total copper, a minimum thickness of 3 m, and that concentrates will be produced and sent to a smelter. Tonnage and contained-copper tonnes are reported in metric units, contained-copper pounds are reported in imperial units and grades are reported as percentages. Rounding as required by reporting guidelines may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes, grade and contained metal content.

Table 5. Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources, Kamoa-Kakula Project - October 9, 2016. Category Cut-off Grade

(Cu%) Tonnes

(millions) Area

(Sq. km) Copper Grade Contained Copper

(kTonnes) Contained Copper

(billion lbs) Indicated 3.0 304 18.0 4.43% 13,471 29.7 Indicated 2.5 458 27.9 3.86% 17,669 39.0 Indicated 2.0 665 38.7 3.37% 22,384 49.3 Indicated 1.5 825 48.2 3.05% 25,179 55.5 Indicated 1.0 944 55.1 2.83% 26,740 58.9

Category Cut-off Grade

(Cu%) Tonnes

(millions) Area

(Sq. km) Copper Grade Contained Copper

(kTonnes) Contained Copper

(billion lbs) Inferred 3.0 47 3.5 4.50% 2,145 4.8 Inferred 2.5 83 6.1 3.74% 3,107 6.9 Inferred 2.0 144 9.8 3.12% 4,488 9.8 Inferred 1.5 211 14.5 2.67% 5,652 12.4 Inferred 1.0 286 20.1 2.31% 6,603 14.6

Kamoa-Kakula now ranks among the world's 10 largest copper deposits

The initial Kakula estimate vaults the Kamoa-Kakula Project into the ranks of the 10 largest copper deposits ever discovered in the world - and its copper grades are the highest, by a wide margin, of the copper world's top 10 (see Figure 7). Significantly, both the Kakula Discovery and Kamoa's earlier Kansoko Discovery continue to remain open for expansion in numerous directions.

Research by Wood Mackenzie also shows that the Kamoa-Kakula Project's distinctions include the world's largest, high-grade (>2.5% copper) copper deposit and the world's largest, undeveloped copper deposit, based on contained copper in the project's Measured and Indicated Resources.

Figure 7. Among the world's largest copper deposits by contained copper, Kamoa-Kakula has the highest copper grades by a wide margin





Figure 8. World's largest undeveloped copper deposits





Figure 9. World's largest high-grade (above 2.5% copper) copper deposits





Figure 10. Central African Copperbelt discoveries, ranked by resources and historical production





Preliminary Economic Assessment underway for a four-million-tonne-per-year mine and mill at Kakula

With the initial Kakula estimate completed, Kamoa Copper has retained OreWin Pty. Ltd., of Adelaide, Australia, to prepare a Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for the development of the Kakula deposit. The PEA, which is expected to be completed before the end of 2016, will concentrate on establishing the economic parameters of potential mining operations at Kakula, including capital and operating costs for an underground mine.

The PEA also will analyze process facilities, mining planning and scheduling, including capital costs and operating costs for both mining and concentrator operations. The PEA will draw on recommendations from the Kamoa 2016 pre-feasibility study, including the potential to increase production up to four million tonnes per year from the proposed initial mining area.

Kakula mineralization is characteristically bottom loaded. The resource estimate demonstrates that opportunities exist to mine Kakula at much higher lateral and vertical cut-offs than at Kamoa's Kansoko Sud. The clear zonation and grades in the central high-grade core should provide sequencing opportunities to mine at significantly elevated grades.

"The Kakula PEA will allow Kamoa's engineers and consultants to maximize opportunities for project enhancements as we move the Kamoa-Kakula Project forward," said Mr. Johansson.

To help advance the mine-planning work at Kakula, the Kamoa technical team is rapidly proceeding with the engineering and construction of a box cut at Kakula to accommodate decline ramps that will provide underground access to the deposit.

Kakula's chalcocite-dominant mineralogy expected to produce very-high-value, low-arsenic concentrate

The initial metallurgical test results received in July 2016 from a sample of drill core from the Kakula Discovery zone achieved copper recoveries of 86% and produced a copper concentrate with an extremely high grade of 53% copper. The July results also indicated that material from Kamoa's Kakula and Kansoko zones could be processed through the same concentrator plant, which could yield significant operational and economic efficiencies.

Earlier metallurgical testwork indicated that the Kamoa concentrates contain arsenic levels that are extremely low by world standards - approximately 0.02%. Given this critical competitive marketing advantage, Kamoa-Kakula concentrates are expected to attract a significant premium from copper-concentrate traders for use in blending with concentrates from other mines. The Kamoa-Kakula concentrates will help to enable high-arsenic concentrates from mines in Chile and elsewhere to meet the limit of 0.5% arsenic imposed by Chinese smelters, via blending, to meet China's new environmental restrictions.

Qualified Person and Quality Control and Assurance

The independent qualified persons for the Kakula Mineral Resource estimate are Dr. Harry Parker and Gordon Seibel, both of Amec Foster Wheeler.

Other scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Stephen Torr, P.Geo., Ivanhoe Mines' Vice President, Project Geology and Evaluation, a Qualified Person under the terms of National Instrument 43-101. Mr. Torr is not independent of Ivanhoe Mines. Mr. Torr has verified the technical data disclosed in this news release not related to the current Mineral Resource estimate disclosed herein.

Ivanhoe Mines maintains a comprehensive chain of custody and QA/QC program on assays from its Kamoa-Kakula Project. Half-sawn core is processed at the Kamoa-Kakula on-site preparation laboratory and prepared samples then are shipped by secure courier to Bureau Veritas Minerals (BVM) Laboratories in Australia, an ISO17025-accredited facility. Copper assays are determined at BVM by mixed-acid digestion with ICP finish. Industry-standard certified reference materials and blanks are inserted into the sample stream prior to dispatch to BVM. For detailed information about assay methods and data verification measures used to support the scientific and technical information, please refer to the current technical report on the Kamoa Copper Project on the SEDAR profile of Ivanhoe Mines at www.sedar.com.

Ivanhoe Mines will be filing a NI 43-101 Technical Report in respect of the current Mineral Resource estimate disclosed herein, within 45 days of this news release.

Data verification

Dr. Parker and Mr. Seibel, (collectively the Amec Foster Wheeler QPs), reviewed the sample chain-of-custody, quality-assurance and quality-control (QA/QC) procedures, and the accreditations of analytical laboratories used by Ivanhoe. The Amec Foster Wheeler QPs are of the opinion that the procedures and QA/QC are acceptable to support Mineral Resource estimation. Amec Foster Wheeler also audited the assay database, core logging and geological interpretations and found no material issues with the data as a result of these audits.

In the opinion of the Amec Foster Wheeler QPs, the data verification programs undertaken on the geological and assay data collected from the Kakula Discovery support the geological interpretations and the analytical and database quality, and the data collected, can support Mineral Resource estimation.

About Ivanhoe Mines

Ivanhoe Mines is advancing its three principal projects in Sub-Saharan Africa: Mine development at the Platreef platinum-palladium-gold-nickel-copper discovery on the Northern Limb of South Africa's Bushveld Complex; mine development and exploration at the Kamoa-Kakula Copper Project on the Central African Copperbelt in the DRC; and upgrading at the historic, high-grade Kipushi zinc-copper-lead-germanium mine, also on the DRC's Copperbelt. For details, visit www.ivanhoemines.com.

Cautionary statement on forward-looking information

Certain statements in this release constitute "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including without limitation, the timing and results of (1) statements regarding the evaluation of technical and infrastructure options to rapidly advance the development of the near-surface, highest-grade copper resources at Kakula; (2) mine planning focusing on how to expeditiously develop the zones of thick, bottom-loaded chalcocite, grading in excess of 6% copper, near the centre of Kakula's high-grade area; (3) statements regarding Ivanhoe being highly confident that fast-tracking the development of Kakula will have a profound and positive impact on the economics of the overall Kamoa-Kakula Project; (4) statements regarding the Kakula drilling program will continue into 2017 and its expansion to 60,000m; (5) statements regarding the high-grade Kakula Discovery presents game-changing opportunities for Kamoa-Kakula development; (6) statements regarding the bottom-loaded mineralization at Kakula will support the construction of selective mineralized zone (SMZ) composites at cut-offs up to at least 3% copper; (7) statements regarding there being considerable potential for resource expansion within the Kakula Exploration Area; (8) statements regarding the bottom-loaded nature of the gently-dipping, stratabound chalcocite mineralization at Kakula offers the potential for selective, mechanized, underground mining at copper grades greater than 7% copper; (9) statements regarding the expectation that the Kakula PEA will be completed before the end of 2016; (10) statements regarding the Kakula PEA will draw on recommendations from the Kamoa 2016 pre-feasibility study, including the potential to increase production up to 4 Mtpa from the proposed initial mining area; (11) statements regarding clear zonation and grades in the central high-grade core at Kakula should provide sequencing opportunities to mine at significantly elevated grades; (12) statements regarding material from Kamoa's Kakula and Kansoko zones could be processed through the same concentrator plant, which could yield significant operational and economic efficiencies; and (13) statements regarding that Kamoa-Kakula concentrates are expected to attract a significant premium from copper-concentrate traders for use in blending with concentrates from other mines and that the Kamoa-Kakula concentrates will help to enable high-arsenic concentrates from mines in Chile and elsewhere to meet the limit of 0.5% arsenic imposed by Chinese smelters, via blending, to meet China's new environmental restrictions.

Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the company, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Such statements can be identified by the use of words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate", "scheduled", "forecast", "predict" and other similar terminology, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. These statements reflect the company's current expectations regarding future events, performance and results and speak only as of the date of this release.

All such forward-looking information and statements are based on certain assumptions and analyses made by Ivanhoe Mines' management in light of their experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors management believe are appropriate in the circumstances. These statements, however, are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information or statements including, but not limited to, unexpected changes in laws, rules or regulations, or their enforcement by applicable authorities; the failure of parties to contracts to perform as agreed; social or labour unrest; changes in commodity prices, including the price of copper; unexpected failure or inadequacy of infrastructure, or delays in the development of infrastructure, the failure of exploration programs or other studies to deliver anticipated results or results that would justify and support continued studies, development or operations, and the results of economic studies and evaluations. Other important factors that could cause actual results to differ from these forward-looking statements also include those described under the heading "Risk Factors" in the company's most recently filed MD&A as well as in the most recent Annual Information Form filed by Ivanhoe Mines. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. The factors and assumptions used to develop the forward-looking information and statements, and the risks that could cause the actual results to differ materially are set forth in the "Risk Factors" section and elsewhere in the company's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis report and Annual Information Form, available at www.sedar.com.

This news release also contains references to estimates of Mineral Resources. The estimation of Mineral Resources is inherently uncertain and involves subjective judgments about many relevant factors. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The accuracy of any such estimates is a function of the quantity and quality of available data, and of the assumptions made and judgments used in engineering and geological interpretation, which may prove to be unreliable and depend, to a certain extent, upon the analysis of drilling results and statistical inferences that may ultimately prove to be inaccurate. Mineral Resource estimates may have to be re-estimated based on, among other things: (i) fluctuations in copper prices or other mineral prices; (ii) results of drilling; (iii) results of metallurgical testing and other studies; (iv) changes to proposed mining operations, including dilution; (v) the evaluation of mine plans subsequent to the date of any estimates; and (vi) the possible failure to receive required permits, approvals and licences, or changes to any such permits, approvals or licences.

Although the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are based upon what management of the company believes are reasonable assumptions, the company cannot assure investors that actual results will be consistent with these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. Subject to applicable securities laws, the company does not assume any obligation to update or revise the forward-looking statements contained herein to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this news release.
KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Oct. 12, 2016) - FISSION URANIUM CORP. (TSX:FCU)(OTCQX:FCUUF)(FRANKFURT:2FU) ("Fission" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that assay results confirm the strongest high-grade mineralization to date at the R1620E zone and further high-grade holes at R840W zone at its PLS property, host to the Triple R deposit, in Canada's Athabasca Basin region. Both zones are presently outside of the Triple R resource area. The assay results include hole PLS16-500 on zone R1620E (line 1545E) with 9.5m @ 13.56% U 3 O 8 within a larger interval of 27.0m @ 5.0% U 3 O 8 . The wide, high-grade mineralization encountered at both zones, continues to highlight the strength and prospectivity of the 2.63km mineralized trend at PLS - the largest lateral footprint in the Athabasca Basin region.

Ross McElroy, President, COO, and Chief Geologist for Fission, commented

"These results include the highest-grade mineralization seen to date at the R1620E zone, as well as strong grades at the R840W zone. Both of these shallow-depth, high-grade zones are outside of the current resource estimate for the Triple R and remain open in multiple directions."

Assay Highlights Include:

R1620E zone (high-grade, shallow zone at eastern end of mineralized trend)

PLS16-500 (line 1545E) key interval:

27.0m @ 5.0% U 3 O 8 (86.0m to 113.0m), including: 9.5m @ 13.56% U 3 O 8 (98.5m to 108.0m)

(86.0m to 113.0m), including:

PLS16-498 (line 1515E) key interval:

26.5m @ 3.60% U 3 O 8 (78.5m to 105.0m), including: 9.0m @ 8.56% U 3 O 8 (89.0m to 98.0m)

(78.5m to 105.0m), including:

R840W Zone (high-grade, shallow land-based zone recently merged with R600W zone)

PLS16-495 (line 855W) key interval:

10.0m @ 3.74% U 3 O 8 (138.0m to 148.0m), including: 1.0m @ 8.92% U 3 O 8 (139.5m to 140.5m) 4.0m @ 5.92% U 3 O 8 (142.5m to 146.5m)

(138.0m to 148.0m), including:

Table 1:

Zone Hole ID Grid

Line Az Dip From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) U3O8

(wt%) R840W PLS16-495 855W 3 -81.1 138.00 148.00 10.00 3.74 139.50 140.50 1.00 8.92 142.50 146.50 4.00 5.92 153.00 184.00 31.00 0.44 158.00 159.50 1.50 1.20 196.50 197.00 0.50 0.05 202.50 217.00 14.50 0.22 PLS16-499 525W 340 -80.7 No Significant Mineralization PLS16-501 855W 344 -79.7 142.50 143.00 0.50 0.05 148.50 151.00 2.50 3.95 159.50 160.50 1.00 0.16 187.50 188.00 0.50 0.13 204.00 204.50 0.50 0.06 208.50 210.50 2.00 0.46 PLS16-502 885W 358 -76.3 172.50 173.00 0.50 0.06

Composite Parameters 1. Minimum Thickness: 0.50m 2. Grade Cut-Off: 0.05 U 3 O 8 (wt%) 3. Maximum Internal Dilution: 2.00m

Table 2

Zone Hole ID Grid

Line Az Dip From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) U3O8

(wt%) R1620E PLS16-496 1485E 329 -70.9 66.80 100.50 33.70 2.53 83.50 91.50 8.00 8.61 103.50 110.00 6.50 0.11 PLS16-498 1515E 323 -74.7 73.00 75.00 2.00 0.05 78.50 105.00 26.50 3.60 89.00 98.00 9.00 8.56 PLS16-500 1545E 339 -70.9 86.00 113.00 27.00 5.00 98.50 108.00 9.50 13.56 122.00 124.50 2.50 0.23 128.00 128.50 0.50 0.06 130.50 133.50 3.00 0.05 146.00 146.50 0.50 0.05

Composite Parameters 1. Minimum Thickness: 0.50m 2. Grade Cut-Off: 0.05 U 3 O 8 (wt%) 3. Maximum Internal Dilution: 2.00m

Composited % U 3 O 8 mineralized intervals are summarized in Tables 1 and 2. Samples from the drill core are split in half sections on site. Where possible, samples are standardized at 0.5m down-hole intervals. One-half of the split sample is sent to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (an SCC ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Accredited Facility) in Saskatoon, SK for analysis which includes U 3 O 8 (wt %) and fire assay for gold, while the other half remains on site for reference. All analysis includes a 63 element ICP-OES, uranium by fluorimetry and boron. Individual zone wireframe models constructed from assay data and used in the resource estimate indicate that both the R780E and R00E zones have a complex geometry controlled by and parallel to steeply south-dipping lithological boundaries as well as a preferential sub-horizontal orientation. Similar geometrical relationships appear to be the case with the R840W and R1620E zones as well. All depth measurements reported, including sample and interval widths are down-hole, core interval measurements and true thickness are yet to be determined.

PLS Mineralized Trend & Triple R Deposit Summary

Uranium mineralization at PLS occurs within the Patterson Lake Conductive Corridor and has been traced by core drilling approximately 2.63km of east-west strike length in four separated mineralized "zones". From west to east, these zones are: R840W, R00E, R780E and R1620E. Thus far only the R00E and R780E have been included in the Triple R deposit resource estimate, where-as the R840W and R1620E zones fall outside of the current resource estimate window.

The discovery hole of what is now referred to as the Triple R uranium deposit was announced on November 05, 2012 with drill hole PLS12-022, from what is considered part of the R00E zone. Through successful exploration programs completed to date, it has evolved into a large, near surface, basement hosted, structurally controlled high-grade uranium deposit.

The Triple R deposit consists of the R00E zone on the western side and the much larger R780E zone further on strike to the east. Within the deposit, the R00E and R780E zones have an overall combined strike length validated by a resource estimate of approximately 1.05km with the R00E measuring approximately 105m in strike length and the R780E zones measuring approximately 945m in strike length. A 225m gap separates the R00E zone to the west and the R780E zones to the east, though sporadic narrow, weakly mineralized intervals from drill holes within this gap suggest the potential for further significant mineralization in this area. The R780E zone is located beneath Patterson Lake which is approximately six metres deep in the area of the deposit. The entire Triple R deposit is covered by approximately 50m to 60m of overburden.

Mineralization remains open along strike in both the western and eastern directions. Previous logging of drill core interpreted sequences of basement rocks to be meta-sedimentary (meta-pelitic and meta-semi-pelitic gneiss) but recent observations have changed this interpretation to represent varying degrees of altered mafic volcanic rocks. Mineralization is both located within and associated with mafic volcanic intrusives with varying degrees of silicification, metasomatic mineral assemblages and hydrothermal graphite. The graphitic sequences are, associated with the PL-3B basement Electro-Magnetic (EM) Conductor. Recent very positive drill results returning wide and strongly mineralized intersections from the R840W zone, has allowed interpretation to merge the previously described R600W zone into the R840W zone. The R840W zone, located 495m west along strike of the Triple R deposit, now has a defined strike length of 465m and is still open. Drill results within the R840W zone have significantly upgraded the prospectivity of these areas for further growth of the PLS resource on land to the west of the Triple R deposit. The recently discovered high-grade mineralization in the R1620E zone, located 270m to the east along strike has significantly upgraded the prospectivity for further growth of the PLS resource to the east of the Triple R deposit.

Updated maps, assay tables and cross sections can be found on the Company's website at http://fissionuranium.com/project/pls/.

Patterson Lake South Property

The 31,039 hectare PLS project is 100% owned and operated by Fission Uranium Corp. PLS is accessible by road with primary access from all-weather Highway 955, which runs north to the former Cluff Lake mine and passes through the nearby UEX-Areva Shea Creek discoveries located 50km to the north, currently under active exploration and development.

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the company by Ross McElroy, P.Geol., President and COO for Fission Uranium Corp., a qualified person.

About Fission Uranium Corp.

Fission Uranium Corp. is a Canadian based resource company specializing in the strategic exploration and development of the Patterson Lake South uranium property - host to the class-leading Triple R uranium deposit - and is headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia. Fission's common shares are listed on the TSX Exchange under the symbol "FCU" and trade on the OTCQX marketplace in the U.S. under the symbol "FCUUF."

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Ross McElroy, President and COO

Cautionary Statement:

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may include statements regarding the future operating or financial performance of Fission and Fission Uranium which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our reports filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company and Fission Uranium disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation.
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- One of the embattled Judges allegedly involved in a N500m scandal, has been caught in a compromising position

- The judge is said to have been caught on his belly prostrating before DSS officials in plea as evidences against him emerged

- The judge is question is said to have agreed that he took bribes running into multi millions of Naira

An emerging report suggests that one of the seven judges arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS), has admitted to being a part of the controversial N500m bribery scandal.

Some of the judges whose homes were reportedly raided by the DSS

The judge had refused to unlock the safe in his house for DSS operatives to have access to its contents.

The DSS, however, plans to take possession of the safe to uncover its contents, a source told The Nation.

READ ALSO: SHOCKING: DSS finds Rolls Royce,15 exotic cars in judges house as others confess

It was gathered that the agency has been questioning bank chiefs and directors over links with some of alleged corrupt judges.

Those arrested were two Supreme Court Justices  Sylvester Ngwuta and Inyang Okoro;  the suspended Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, Justice Mohammed Ladan Tsamiya, who was picked up in Sokoto; Justice Adeniyi Ademola (Federal High Court); the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice I. A. Umezulike; Justice Kabiru Auta of Kano State High Court; and Justice Muazu Pindiga (Gombe State High Court).

The source said: Corruption in the Judiciary was based on our intelligence gathering and alerts from informants and petitions. It is not based on the perception of Nigerians. We have been on the trail of some of these judges in the last few months.

For instance, we started probing one of the seven judges in detention since the Ramadan period of 2015. When we got sufficient intelligence on him, bordering on over N500million bribe, we invited him.

The judge was given a copy of our report on him. By the time he read it halfway, he prostrated, held the legs of the security chief (Lawan Daura) and begged for forgiveness. We captured the way he was reeling on the floor.

We later sent a security brief on him to the National Judicial Council (NJC) with enough evidence. But he was cleared by the NJC as having committed no wrong. Since the NJC could not do the needful, we have decided to subject him to a judicial process.

We also have a case of one of the judges who refused to unlock a safe in his house when our operatives went to his house. We may actually secure the leave of the court to relocate the safe to Abuja.

Another detained judge got a contract from Bauchi state Government and obtained a loan from a bank. But when he defaulted in paying back the facility, the bank filed an action against him before the Federal High Court in Bauchi. What is the business of a judge with contract?

Another source gave insights into the ongoing operation against 15 judges by the DSS.

We are digging more and getting fresh revelations from these judges. For instance, a Federal High Court judge in detention actually spread the N54million and $171,779 recovered from his residence in different rooms. He kept them in different parts of the rooms like a thief.

READ ALSO: Revealed: The real truth behind Obasanjo, Oba Akiolu feud

There is no immunity conferred on judges, we are only duty bound to protect the court because it is a sacred place, a temple of justice. Once you have issues, you go to court but immediately a judge is outside the court, he or she is like you and me.

There is nothing unusual about the arrest of judges other than it has not been the practice. But it is normal. Once a petition is lodged, it is normal that you just have to look into it as a security agency.

We have started looking into allegations against some banks; we have torn all banks apart. Some bank chiefs have been coming to the DSS office in Abuja for clarifications on some transactions we are investigating.

Every week, not less than three bank officials come here. We will let you know the outcome soon.

Meanwhile, the federal government has dropped plans to arraign alleged corrupt judges arrested in a DSS raid at the weekend.

According to Sahara reporters, it is not clear why the judges are not going to be arraigned again even as Nigerians remain deeply divided over the raid on their homes between late Friday, October 7 and early Saturday, October 8

Source: Legit.ng
Albania, which sits on the Adriatic coast of the Balkan Peninsula in Southeast Europe, is slightly larger than Massachusetts. The country is very small, but its very diverse, says Auron Tare, founder of Our Own Expeditions, an Albanian-based tour agency. You can travel in an hour and be in a completely different landscape.

But Tares larger point is this: this little nation packs an unexpectedly large punch. Between the Albanian Alps of the north, the vast coastlines in the west and the more rugged countryside of the interior, its easy to get your fill of sceneries without traveling all that far.

Tare has been involved in Albanian tourism since the industry was in its infancyhe even helped establish the nations first UNESCO World Heritage Siteand his company has been guiding expeditions for 22 years now. In 2014 Tare was elected to head up Albanias National Coastal Agency, and his wife Nancy took control of the operation, continuing the companys mission to showcase the countrys diversity through its authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences.

Our Own Expeditions tours embody Albanias spirit of variety perfectly, hosting excursions to historical landmarks, natural wonders and cultural destinations throughout the region as a whole. The companys site currently lists more than 20 available tour options, but we picked our five favorites.

Tracing the steps of English poets legendary 1809 horseback trek through Albania, the In The Footsteps of Lord Byron tour doesnt go overboard with luxury. As Tare explains, the Lord Byron was the companys first guided expedition, as it was mainly adventure tourists who made the first large-scale journeys to Albania during the post-Communist era of the mid 1990s.

Participants spend eight days and nine nights alternating between tent camping and the Gjirokasters Hotel Cajupi, which serves as a de facto home base. During the day, tour guides lead the party through Byrons famous route, passing through monasteries, castles and historical sites along the way.



Photo: Inge, CC-BY

Starting on the shores of the Adriatic and stretching all the way to the Greeces Aegean coastline, the Via Egnatia expedition follows the path of the ancient Roman road of the same name. In its imperial prime, the trail was the most popular route between Rome and Constantinople, meaning tour participants are actually walking in the footsteps of figures such as Brutus, Mark Antony and Cicero as they work their way from Durres, Albania, to Thessaloniki, Greece.

Historical nerd-out opportunities aside, the Via Egnatia makes for an ideal guiding compass, bringing visitors through the natural wonders of three separate countriesAlbania, Macedonia and Greecewith stops at ruins neighboring waterfalls, churhces and the stunning, ancient and UNESCO-protected Lake Ohrid. However, Tare finds the trips strongest feature to be its obscurity, as the eight-day journey moves through the sincere, authentic countryside of the Balkan Peninsula, providing a relatively untouched view of local culture.



Photo: Butforthesky.com, CC-BY

As a country still trying to make a name for itself in the global tourism market, Albania emphasizes hospitality above all. When people come and they see how hospitable it is, how warm the people are, how relaxed it is, Tare says. In general the people go home with a good feeling.

Bringing guests to the countrys northern tip, where the Albanian Alps rise harshly out of green landscapes, the Northern Albanian excursion is all about curating a friendly atmosphere. Vacationers spend four nights at a quaint, mountainside bed & breakfast, eating traditional dishes and exploring the depths of Valbona Valley National Park.



Photo: Valerie M, CC-BY

Butrint, often called Mini Troy for its neatly preserved Hellenic ruins, has become Albanias most visited destination. Tares connections to the location are closeas the nations first UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the location he helped develop in the early days of Albanian tourism.

Today, Our Own Expeditions leads day-long outings to the ancient Greek colony, giving its customers the chance to walk through the ruinsamphitheaters, arches and intact walls aboundwhile also walking through the idyllic scenery of the surrounding national park. Additionally, Butrint is only a 45-minute drive away from the tours starting point in the beach town of Saranda, so the brief stay doesnt feel too rushed.



Photo: Paula-soler moya, CC-BY

Although not looking back on millennia-old ruins or tracing the passages of eccentric figures, the communist tour looks back on a much more recent and fascinating time in Albanian history. The eight-day expedition is massive in scope, exploring the architectural, agricultural, intellectual and cultural effects of the nations 20th century communist regime.

The trek covers almost the entire countryonce again, its very easy to cover a lot of groundand actually stops at some of the highlights of Our Own Expeditions other tours, Butrint, Gjirokaster and the capital of Tirana included. Specific stops include everything from the National Gallery of Arts to the National History Museum to the neighborhood of former dictator Enver Hoxha.

Top image: Emilio Poli, CC-BY

Dillon Thompson is a freelance writer based in Athens, Georgia.
A few weeks ago The New York Times published an unnerving story about Diggy, a dog in Michigan whose crazed smile had gone viral. The widely shared photo of Diggy and owner Dan Tillery had caught the eyes and ire of local police. They contacted Mr. Tillery demanding proof that Diggy wasnt a pit bull, a breed Waterford Township bans. If Diggy was even part-pit, he would have to return to the Detroit Dog Rescue.

Now in Montreal, police await DNA results for a dog that mauled a woman, Christiane Vadnais, to death in June. The dog was registered as a boxer, but that didnt stop myopic Mayor Denis Coderre and 37 councilmembers from panic-voting on September 27 to ban pit bulls in the city.

Contrary to what Montreal, Waterford Township, and countless other places would have us believe, we cannot glean a dogs goodness or wickedness from its breed.

We dont need a DNA test to tell us that a dog who mauls a woman to death is bad. (Though he probably wasnt born that way: the dogs owner named him Lucifer, and one shudders to think how he treated him.) Likewise, we dont need to know Diggys breed to know that he is good. We know Diggy is good and Lucifer is bad the same way we know how people are good and badfrom their actions.

Not that it should matter, but Diggy is an American bulldog. He can stay.

I recently came across a cartoon in which a pack of Salem pilgrims force a dog off a plank into a tank of water, saying, If he floats, hes a pit bull! Idiot humans have demonized many breeds over the yearsGerman shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweilers, mastiffsbut no dog has been so victimized and vilified as the pit bull. (The jaw-locking thing is a myth, by the way, one thats been linked to those other breeds as well.)

We chop off their ears, choke them, breed them, torture them, and force them to fightand then we oppress and execute pit bulls for their inherent cruelty.

The pit bull is not an official breed; its a catchall term for American pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, and/or any strong dog with a blocky head, short hair, and a wide smile. That is one of the many, many problems with breed-specific legislation (BSL): as exemplified in Waterford Township, pit bulls are misidentified as often as they are identified. You cant determine breed via eye test, only DNA test.

A 2015 study in The Veterinary Journal found, Whereas DNA breed signatures identified only 25 dogs (21%) as pit bull-type, shelter staff collectively identified 62 (52%) dogs as pit bull-type. (So no, Rene Cadieux, pit bulls are not like pornography.)

More importantly, there is no evidence that BSL reduces dog bites. Its expensive and ineffective, so much so that the American Veterinary Medical Association, the American Bar Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Obama administration, the Canadian branch of the Humane Society International, and even an independent advisory group appointed by the Quebec government all oppose BSL. (PETA remains a joke.)

A 15-year study of Irelands BSL found a significant increase in hospitalizations from dog bites over that time. Bites have gone up in Toronto, too, since Ontario banned pit bulls in 2005 after 567 dog bites in the capital city the previous year. (One hundred and twelve of those attacks were by German shepherds, 86 by pit bulls.) In 2014, there were 767 bites200 more than in 2004.

Bill Bruce, Calgarys director of animal services from 1997 to 2012, told the Montreal Gazette, I dont support breed bans because they dont work The thing that disturbs me the most is that in every city Ive looked at, they have not reduced the overall number of bites in the community.

So what does work? Focusing on the other end of the leash. Thats what Calgary did after a spate of bites by Labrador retrievers. Instead of punishing an entire breed, the city spearheaded public education, pet identification and licensing, subsidized sterilization (70 percent of dog bites are by unneutered male dogs), and training. They held owners responsible and treated dogs on a case-by-case basis.

From 1985 to 2014, these measures reduced aggressive dog incidents by two-thirds, from 2,000 to 641.

In lieu of sensible legislation like Calgarys, which would actually protect people, Montreals mayor has issued a death sentence for thousands of good innocent dogs like Diggy. Any pit bull-type dog in a shelter will be euthanized. There are roughly 700 of them today, and there will be thousands more in the years to come.

In his defense of the indefensible ban, Mayor Coderre has repeatedly turned a blind eye to these shelter dogs. He focuses only on pit bulls already in homes. These dogs will be grandfathered in (not murdered), but they must be muzzled and leashed whenever outside. There will be a two-dog and four-pet limit to every household, so if someone has three dogs, or two dogs and three cats, they will have to apply for a special permit or get rid of one of their pets (or move, as many Montreal animal lovers have threatened to do).

The heroes at the Montreal SPCAwho tried in vain to reason with Mayor Coderreare fighting the new law tooth and nail. They sued the city and last Wednesday secured a key victory when a judge agreed to suspend the pit bull by-laws until a Superior Court can hash out their legality. (Mercifully, this could take awhile.)

In an open letter sure to trigger any dog lovers gag reflex, Mayor Coderre hinted at an appeal of the judges decision, writing, Montreal sets a very high bar when it comes to respecting animals lives and well-being. He said that his

top priority will always be people and their safety. That is why we adopted a by-law concerning dangerous dogs and one in particular, the pit bull. Pit bulls have been banned in numerous cities throughout Quebec, Ontario and around the world.

This is the first and last refuge of someone with no actual evidence to support his or her stance: But everyone else is doing it! (Runner up: This is how weve always done it.)

Yes, pit bulls have been banned around the world, which has only served to punish and demonize the breed. There is no evidence that these costly bans have saved a single lifeonly that they have taken hundreds of thousands.

In his letter Mayor Coderre bemoaned that the pit bull debate had taken an emotional turn. But he is the one who has failed to present a sound rational argument for the ban, or even a clear way to carry it out. He is the one who made an emotional, knee-jerk decision in the wake of Ms. Vadnais death. And now he is the one whining because experts, advocates, and even judges are questioning his muddy, deeply misguided law.

The mayors letter was titled People first!, as if his town wasnt big enough for both people and pit bullsas if he had to choose between them. He doesnt.

It should go without saying, but breed discrimination is a global problem, not just a Canadian one. If we are going to #BanMontreal, we must also #BanDenver and #BanMuchofEurope.

Though American pit bull terriers score above average on temperament testshigher than golden retrievers, beagles, and Chihuahuaspit bulls are banned in the UK, Denmark, Norway, Australia, Israel, Brazil, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Malaysia, and restricted in Ireland, France, Spain, Germany, Portugal, Poland, and New Zealand, among other places.

Here in the States they are outlawed in several hundred towns and cities, including Denver and Miami, plus the territory of Puerto Rico. Michigan, to its credit, is considering a law that would repeal BSL statewide. (Miami might repeal, too, though that vote was just pushed back by Hurricane Matthew.)

But even in places where the breed is not restricted, the pit bull label can shatter a dogs chances of ever leaving a shelter. The stigma is such a powerful repellant that dogs deemed pit bulls or pit mixes spend three times as long in the shelter as similar-looking dogs who are called something else. In many cases, this can mean the difference between adoption and euthanasia.

Every year 1.2 million dogs are put down. Forty percent of themnearly half a millionare pit bulls.

The night of the Montreal vote, my girlfriend Sam and I curled up on the couch with what we believe is a pit bull/American bulldog mix, Petey. On the coffee table sat Bronwen Dickeys book, Pit Bull: The Battle Over an American Icon. Ms. Dickey has received death threats over her exhaustively researched defense of the breed.

Eight months ago Petey was a pit bull-type dog at the no-kill Sean Casey Animal Rescue. He had been found chained up in Flatbush, 20 pounds underweight, covered in fleas, and battling several nasty infections.

We were only supposed to foster him until he found a home, but wilted beneath his brightness, total devotion, and world-class cuddling prowess. We named him Petey for his likeness to the pit bull from The Little Rascals (the breed was adored back then), and refused to give him up.

Petey could be Diggys spotted uncle. He is 80 pounds of chunky muscle and has teeth like a shark. He is also the most affectionate dog I have ever known. Despite being treated like trash by humans (he flinches often and is terrified of basements), he has never shown a whiff of aggression toward them. He makes a truly pitiful guard dog, all licking and wiggling. Children climb all over him, calling him moo cow; he just stands there, barely registering their presence. I dont need a DNA test to know that hes a good boy.

The night of the vote, Sam, Petey and I streamed The Champions on Netflix, rendering our Kleenex extinct. The Champions is a 2015 documentary about the redemptionagainst PETAs wishesof Michael Vicks pit bulls, almost all of whom have found loving homes, many of them as service or therapy dogs. (One, Cherry, loves cuddling with kittens and is the heartbeat of [his] family.) It will open your eyes and jerk tears out of them, and I have not ruled out mailing it to Mayor Coderre and The Magnificently Ignorant 37.

After the movie, the three of us squeezed into our queen-sized bed. Like most nights, I slept with Peteys piebald brick of a head on my chesthis ostensibly unlockable, homicidal jaws just inches from my neck. He snored, drooled, dreamed, shifted, and licked me, like always. (If I move to the couch, he follows. If I move back to the bed, he follows.) I didnt sleep well, but not because of anything my dog had done.

In the morning we went out into the world, unmuzzled and asking for a fair shake.
The apocryphal story goes like this:

A troubled young poet visited his doctor. He asked the exact location of his heart, then with a red crayon mapped the organ on his shirt where the doctor placed a finger. That night, after a dinner party, the poet took a pistol to bed and sent a bullet through the heart of the sketch.

Jose Asuncion Silva was 30 years old.

Like Edgar Allan Poe in the United States and Charles Baudelaire in France, Silva lived unhappily, wrote lines of verse that brilliantly captured melancholy, and died young. He penned (or more likely quilled) a single poem, Nocturne III, that immortalized him.

Many Colombians can quote at least part of the Nocturne by heart, and after a few cervezas they do so with great emotion. They can even pay for the beers with a Silva. Though dead to the world since 1896, Silvas soulful face, forever young, fronts Colombias 5,000 peso bank. His entire Nocturne appears in microprint on the bills flip side, part of a moody engraved moonlit scene illustrating the verses.

I find it exhilarating to see a poet and poetry on national currency. In the states, our Franklins and Lincolns and Grants could write, but they appear on bank notes for other reasons. The Silva note, purely and simply, puts poetry in the hands of Colombians every day.

Silvas story reads like a bad Hollywood script about a tortured poet. Born to a well-to-do family, he consumed the family library. At school, he dressed like a dandy. Classmates dubbed him Jose Presuncion (Jose Presumption). He started scribbling poetry at age 10. He went to France to study, met famous French Symbolists, then returned to his native Bogota just as the family fortune crumbled in a Colombian civil war.

Assuming the Silva familys affairs after his father died, the writer spent years battling lawsuits against the estate. He produced verse and fiction, showing it to a few friends. He became a diplomat to Venezuela, and he wrote enough there to fill a small chest with his works. That chest gurgled to the bottom of the Caribbean in a shipwreck. Silva only recreated a few works before his death.

It is widely presumed that Silva and his half-sister indulged in an incestuous relationship, and that her premature death broke the young poets susceptible heart once and for all. It is widely accepted, too, that Silva, aching with loss, wrote Nocturne III to her, before his suicide.

Whatever its inspiration, Silvas poem was like nothing before it in Latin American literature. Through his free verse, the rhythms and words he chose to mimic sound and create mood, and his deeply personal anguish, Silva modernized South American poetry, clearing the way for future giants like Pablo Neruda and Octavio Paz.

Below is Silvas Nocturne III, followed by an English-language translation from Hispanic Anthology: Poems Translated from the Spanish by English and North American Poets. Editor: Thomas Walsh. New York: G.P. Putnams Sons, 1920.

Welcome to one of the best-known works of Latin American literature.

NOCTURNO III

Una noche

una noche toda llena de perfumes, de murmullos y de musica de alas,

Una noche

en que ardian en la sombra nupcial y humeda, las luciernagas fantasticas,

a mi lado, lentamente, contra mi cenida, toda,

muda y palida

como si un presentimiento de amarguras infinitas,

hasta el fondo mas secreto de tus fibras te agitara,

por la senda que atraviesa la llanura florecida

caminabas,

y la luna llena

por los cielos azulosos, infinitos y profundos esparcia su luz blanca,

y tu sombra

fina y langida

y mi sombra

por los rayos de la luna proyectada

sobre las arenas tristes

de la senda se juntaban.

Y eran una

y eran una

y eran una sola sombra larga!

y eran una sola sombra larga!

y eran una sola sombra larga!

Esta noche

solo, el alma

llena de las infinitas amarguras y agonias de tu muerte,

separado de ti misma, por la sombra, por el tiempo y la distancia,

por el infinito negro,

donde nuestra voz no alcanza,

solo y mudo

por la senda caminaba,

y se oian los ladridos de los perros a la luna,

a la luna palida

y el chillido

de las ranas,

senti frio, era el frio que tenian en la alcoba

tus mejillas y tus sienes y tus manos adoradas,

entre las blancuras niveas

de las mortuorias sabanas!

Era el frio del sepulcro, era el frio de la muerte,

Era el frio de la nada

Y mi sombra

por los rayos de la luna proyectada,

iba sola,

iba sola

iba sola por la estepa solitaria!

Y tu sombra esbelta y agil

fina y languida,

como en esa noche tibia de la muerta primavera,

como en esa noche llena de perfumes, de murmullos y de musicas de alas,

se acerco y marcho con ella,

se acerco y marcho con ella,

se acerco y marcho con ella Oh las sombras enlazadas!

Oh las sombras que se buscan y se juntan en las noches de negruras y de lagrimas!...

NOCTURNE

One night,

One night all full of murmurs, of perfumes and the brush of wings,

Within whose mellow nuptial glooms there shone fantastic fireflies,

Meekly at my side, slender, hushed and pale,

As though with infinite presentiment of woe

Your very depths of being were troubled,

By the path of flowers that led across the plain,

You came treading,

And the rounded moon

Through heavens blue and infinite profound was shedding whiteness.

And your shadow

Languid, delicate;

And my shadow,

Sketched by the white moonlights ray

Upon the solemn sands

Of the path, were joined together,

As one together,

As one together,

As one together in a great single shadow,

As one together in a great single shadow,

As one together in a great single shadow.

Another night

Aloneall my soul

Suffused with infinite woes and agonies of death,

Parted from you, by time, by the tomb and estrangement,

By the infinite gloom

Through which our voices fail to pierce,

Silent and lonely,

Along that road I journeyed

And the dogs were heard barking at the moon,

At the pale-faced moon,

And the croaking

Of the frogs

I was pierced with cold, such cold as on your bed

Came over your cheeks, your breasts, your adorable hands,

Between the snowy whiteness

Of your mortuary sheets;

It was the cold of the sepulchre, the chill of death,

The frost of nothingness.

And my shadow

Sketched by the white moonlights ray,

Went on alone,

Went on alone,

Went on alone over the solitary wastes;

And your shadow, slender and light,

Languid, delicate,

As on that soft night of your springtime death,

As on that night filled with murmurs, with perfumes and the brush of wings,

Came near and walked with me,

Came near and walked with me,

Came near and walked with meOh, shadows interlaced!

Oh, shadows of the bodies joining in shadow of the souls!

Oh, shadows running each to each in the nights of woes and tears!

Image: Ozge Gurer Vatandas, CC-BY

Charles McNair is Pastes Books Editor emeritus. He served the magazine as writer, critic and editor from 2005-2015.
A Sydney model who picked up a Golden Staph infection from dirty makeup brushes is speaking out to raise awareness of hygiene practises in the makeup artistry industry.



Anthea Page, who has covered magazines from Harpers Bazaar to Cosmopolitan Bride, contracted the highly contagious and potentially deadly infection after doing a show for Fashion Weekend at Sydneys Moore Park last weekend.

She was put on strong antibiotics, narrowly avoided a trip to the hospital, and was forced to cancel or reschedule her bookings for the next month.

Now shes speaking up about unhygienic practises in the industry, which she says are rife but almost never talked about.

I believe in authenticity and although I was ashamed to share this with the world I felt the issue was so widespread that I had to at least say something, she told PEDESTRIAN.TV. Every model has a story about pink eye, staph, school sores, etc, but if your face was your job would you want to publicise your issues and draw attention to the parts of you that are fucked? This happens ALL the time but the only other girl Ive ever seen say anything about it is [Hungarian model and actress] Barbara Palvin.



Anthea posted a photo of her infected eye to Instagram and Facebook, asking everyone  whether or not theyre in the industry  to look out for their own safety and demand more hygienic practises.

If you are getting your makeup done or using any testers, check everything has been cleaned to your standard even if someone scoffs at your concerns, she told her 87k followers. This is not my first time receiving an ailment from a dirty makeup brush and unfortunately in my line of work I doubt it will be the last but please be aware of this if you ever come close to a makeup kit so you can keep yourself safe and healthy.



Golden Staph is a particularly nasty and fucked infection that occurs when the the Staphyloccus bacteria gets inside the body.

It can lead to anything from boils to blood poisoning, and in Antheas case, posed a very real threat of blindness (thankfully the danger has now passed).

After Anthea shared her post, dozens of people came forward both publicly and privately with their own horror stories.

The most shocking to me was the young girl who had her makeup done for her 21st birthday party, Anthea told P.TV. She contracted a recurring staph infection that has changed the last 9 years for her (it appears all over her body). The emotional / physical damage has had such a profound impact on her that she has never had a partner since or told anyone about it until my post.

Sandra Campitelli, CEO of the Hair & Beauty Industry Association (HBIA), told P.TV that while they recommend makeup artists follow their states health regulations, the industry cant mandate it as such.

Obviously the industry strongly recommends that artists follow the health regulations pertaining to their industry, she said, but explained that artists can run into difficulties when working with multiple models. Theyll be doing one after the other, and so they may not necessarily be able to [clean rigorously between each one].

Campitelli recommends artists use plenty of different brushes, but added that it was likely many dont due to the cost.

She echoed Antheas suggestion in that people be prepared to ask artists how clean there equipment is, and not be afraid to do so.

She also warned that other models might have picked up the same infection as Anthea.

You would think that if Anthea got a staph infection, that thered be a number of other girls that also got a staph infection, because that is highly contagious, she said. Highly, highly, highly contagious. And if that was the case, it should be investigated.

You can read Antheas Instagram post in full below.

Photo: Instagram / Anthea Page.
Calling the Clock with Max Pescatori Sponsored by KO Watches

October 12, 2016 PokerNews Staff

Beginning as a cutting-edge brand active in design, manufacturing and distribution of quality-finish watches from young Mexican entrepreneurs, KNOCK OUT -KO- Watches works to distinguish itself with its quality and clean design, allowing people to use time they have as they wish and without interruption. With our sponsor, KNOCK OUT -KO- Watches in mind, we're now going to "Call the Clock" on Max Pescatori.

PokerNews Sarah Herring called the clock on Pescatori, giving him 60 seconds to answer as many questions as he can. This week's segment comes from a previous interview with Pescatori on the PokerNews Podcast.

How do you like your eggs?

Poached.

Ever broken a bone?

Yeah, I have a gigantic scar from when I broke it in Monte Carlo after [Antonio] Esfandiari knocked me out.

What bone was it?

The humerus, its the one in the right arm between the shoulder and the elbow.

Whats your favorite TV show?

Thats a good question. South Park.

Who was your poker idol when you first started?

Valter Farina. He was the first player that ever won a bracelet for Italy. He won it in Vegas in 7-Card Stud and thats probably why Im quite good in that game.

What are you most sick of hearing at the poker table?

Nothing. I love staying at the poker table.

Who would you most want to fight in poker if you had to fight someone in poker?

Fight, like fist fight? Oh, Daniel [Negreanu]! Thats easy because who am I going to fight, Todd [Brunson]? Hes going to just squash me, but Daniel, he eats only raw stuff and so he should be easy to fight.

When the clocks stops, time comes to life. Get your hands on a Knock Out -KO- watch right here.
READ: Wired Analyzes Republicans Pot Commitment to Donald Trump

October 12, 2016 Katie Callahan

House Speaker Paul Ryan flopped on Donald Trump Oct. 10 during a conference call with Republican representatives, saying he would no longer stand behind the candidate in the presidential election, reported Wired.

According to Wired, Republicans early investment of their reputation in Trump can be similarly applied to poker: Were they pot committed? Is it too late to jump ship?

Pot committed suggests that the player has arrived at a point in the poker hand where folding to any bet or raise has become an incorrect play, sometimes called a point of no return. It is determined by pot odds and comparing them to the chance of winning the hand.

Wireds Jason Tanz called politicians to do their own calculations, determining pot size (advantages to standing by Trump), chip count (whats left of their reputation) and odds of Trump winning. Then they can decide on whether they should fold.

Even Ryan has avoided making statements in response to Trumps media firestorms, while still realizing that he may hold the key to pass conservative legislation should he become president.

While Ryan has yet to formally pull his endorsement from Trump, others have weighed the costs and decided it wasnt worth it, given their perception of his odds.

Representative Jason Chaffetz is one such individual, chair of the House Oversight Committee, firm opponent of Hillary Clinton and Republican from Utah.

Trumps Vice Presidential Nominee Mike Pence remains invested with plenty of reputational chips and has an enormous upside for the 2024 presidential election.

And then theres Ted Cruz who came in at the worst possible time to pledge his support for Trump, just before his first debate performance. It doesnt help matters that photos and videos leaked from the Washington Post have since appeared online with Cruzs pained face as he phone-banks for Trump.

Tanz concludes that given the Republican perspective which overwhelmingly calls politicians to stand by their man despite the odds in his favor and Trumps threat to attack Republicans who disavow him, the risk to fold raises and some should keep calling the bet.

But those sitting on larger stacks should keep one thing in mind: The hand isnt over yet. Trump might say something even harder to stomach. There could be more tapes. At that point, it will be even harder for the players to fold. If they arent pot committed yet, they may be very soon.

You can read the full article at Wired.com right here.

Lead photo courtesy of Gage Skidmore/Flickr


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Gothenburg is the pre-eminent location for a distribution centre in Scandinavia, particularly for import companies with large volumes passing through the Port of Gothenburg. This was revealed in a new study published by SWECO. According to a report published by SWECO, Gothenburg is the best location for the establishment of

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TRANSPORT secretary Chris Grayling has confirmed the government's support for HS2.

The DfT has predicted that construction will start during the first half of 2017, following Royal Assent to the Hybrid Bill which authorises Phase 1 between London and Birmingham, while a decision on Phase 2 to Manchester and Leeds will be taken this autumn.

Mr Grayling said the high speed line is needed to deal with the rail network's 'looming capacity crisis', and that the project will also boost jobs and regeneration.

He has also confirmed plans to make 70 million of Government funds available to support communities and improve road safety along the route.

He said: We need HS2 now more than ever. Were facing a rapidly approaching crunch-point. In the last 20 years alone, the number of people travelling on our railways has more than doubled and our rail network is the most intensively used of any in Europe

We need HS2 for the capacity it will bring on the routes between London, the West Midlands, Crewe, Leeds and Manchester, as well as the space itll create elsewhere on our transport network.

We need it for the boost it will give to our regional and national economies. And we need it for the jobs it will create, and for the way it will link our country together.

The 70 million budget consists of three separate funds - the HS2 Community and Environment Fund and the Business and Local Economy Fund, which total 40 million, plus a further 30 million for road safety.

The DfT said the Community fund will help improve community facilities and access to the countryside, and also conserve the natural environment along HS2's line of route, while the Business fund will support local economies in areas where businesses may be disrupted during the construction phase.

There will be 15 million for the Central area (Staffordshire, Warwickshire and Buckinghamshire), 7.5 million for Greater London, 7.5 million for the West Midlands (Birmingham, Solihull and Coventry), and 10 million which has yet to be allocated but is expected to be used for schemes which cross the borders of the regional areas or would apply along the whole route.

The allocations were made by Cathy Elliott, the independent chair of the Community and Business funds, following recommendations from the House of Commons HS2 hybrid Bill Select Committee.

She said: Allocation of the funds in this way allows communities to have an indication of the level of funding available while maintaining some flexibility to ensure that the overarching objective of the funds are met.

Allocating the funding on a regional level will allow the funding of larger schemes which are likely to deliver a long lasting legacy.

Community groups, charities, non-governmental organisations and business support specialists will be able to bid for grants between 2017 and 2026, when Phase 1 is due to open.

The separate 30 million road safety fund will be used to make improvements such as traffic calming, safer junctions or better pedestrian crossings.
Ahead of its launch, the updated Ashok Leyland Dost BS6 has been spied on video

The marriage between Ashok Leyland and Nissan to establish presence in Indias promising Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment started off euphorically but ended in an unceremonious divorce. When things settled, the Indian CV major retained the rights to manufacture and sell the Dost family of LCVs.

The Ashok Leyland Dost has managed to create a niche for itself in the 1  1.5 tonne payload category and even after 9 years since its launch, manages to sell in decent numbers. So, it is not a surprise that AshLey wants to keep its LCV alive in the new BS6 era.

Its to be noted that the Dost is based on a Nissan CV platform which has been localized heavily in India. The vehicle is powered by a 1.5-liter three-cylinder turbocharged diesel engine which was developed by the Indo-Japanese JV. In its current avatar, the engine is available in two states of tune.

On board the Dost Plus which has a payload capacity of 1,475 kg, the motor produces 60 hp and 170 Nm of torque. The entry and mid-level Dost Lite and Dost Strong modes make do with a 58 hp and 157.5 Nm version. All the variants employ a 5-speed manual transmission.

The Dost Lite, Strong and Plus have rated payload capacities of 1,150 kg, 1,250 kg and 1,475 kg respectively. The LCV family is pitted against different variants of Tata Intra (successor to Super Ace). The BS6 version is not expected to have much changes to the engines output figures or the familys payload capacities.

A camouflaged prototype of 2020 Ashok Leyland Dost BS6 has been spotted testing. The noticeable visual changes include a new bumper with larger air-dam, reflectors and provision for fog lights. The sheet metal part of the vehicle appear to have been carried forward without any changes.

2020 Ashok Leyland Dost BS6 Spy Video

Considering that Tata Motors has upped the game in the mid-premium Intra with creature comforts, we expect the updated Dost to feature revised interiors. We expect the goods carrier to offer optional air conditioning and standard power steering like the existing variant.

The 2020 Ashok Leyland Dost BS6 is expected to have a considerable price hike when it goes on sale next month. The Chennai-based CV maker is also looking at expanding its presence in the sub-5 tonne category by introducing more LCVs but the details are scarce at the moment.

As of now, lions share of Ashok Leylands revenue comes from medium and heavy commercial vehicles. The company announced last year that all of its models from GVW 16.2 tonne and above are ready with BS-VI compliant engines. These variants will be made available once the BS-VI grade diesel fuel is made available across the country.
It's a known fact that cells can move around the body, but how they do it has been unknown -- until now.

Researcher in Infection Medicine Pontus Nordenfelt at Lund University in Sweden has managed to describe and visualize cell migration on a molecular level. In time, this could become significant in the treatment of infectious diseases, inflammation, cancer, etc. where cell migration plays an important role.

In his studies, Pontus Nordenfelt used T cells as models. The T cells are part of the immune system and must therefore be able to reach tissue which has been exposed to, for instance, a bacterial invasion.

To be able to move, the cell must attach itself to a surface and use its front to push to exert the force it needs. Meanwhile, the rear part of the cell must let go from the surface, allowing it to "roll" forward, so to speak.

"When moving, the cell converts chemical energy into mechanical force. This force can now be measured using the microscope tool I developed," says Pontus Nordenfelt, an engineer from the start, whose work benefited greatly from having this background.

Cell migration is enabled by three molecules working together. Integrins are molecules located on the cell surface that are able to attach themselves to other surfaces. Actin are small building blocks on the inside of the cell membrane, and collectively form the skeleton of the cell. Finally, the "adaptor" is a protein that links integrin and actin together.

"Once the adaptor has connected the integrins and actin, the mechanical force from actin gives the 'green light'. The integrin molecule then binds itself to a nearby partner surface, through which the cell can move slightly forward. Once the cell's migration is complete, the integrin and actin molecules separate from each other in this part of the cell, while another part of the cell becomes active," explains Pontus Nordenfelt.

The key to cell migration is that the integrin molecules become active in the appropriate part of the cell, and how this works has so far been unclear. The Lund researcher's study is published in Nature Communications.

The notion that cell migration would be based on activation of integrins through force from actin was suggested several years ago by prominent researcher Timothy Springer at Harvard, where Pontus Nordenfelt spent three years examining how integrins become active. Among other things, the work resulted in new microscopy techniques that have been used to test this hypothesis of how cell migration works.

The technique is based on fluorescent biosensors that are inserted into the cell, showing force changes in integrins through variations in colour. This allows you to see the process of cell migration through colour images, and measure the mechanical force acting on the integrins. This technique could enable the development of more targeted drugs to strengthen the body's immune system against infections, or prevent tumours from metastasising, etc.

As a researcher in Infection Medicine, Pontus Nordenfelt became interested in integrins, as this is a group of proteins used by the immune cells, which led to his studies of cell migration. With the help of his new tool, he now wants to continue with the study of phagocytes -- immune cells that "eat" invading bacteria.

"The fluorescent biosensors enable measuring when and how different bacteria are ingested; perhaps it's also possible to create variants of the sensors that measure the opposite, that is, when bacteria avoid being eaten and instead manage to invade the body," he says.
By carefully observing scenes as simple as leaves falling from trees or dandelion seeds blowing in the wind, we can see diverse "falling styles" that include tumbling, fluttering or spiraling.

James Clerk Maxwell conducted some of the first documented studies of free-falling objects during the mid-1800s, when the physicist analyzed the tumbling motion of a freely falling plate. But much remains unknown about the phenomena.

Maxwell's work inspired a team of researchers from National University of Singapore and Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics in China to conduct a numerical study to explore the patterns made by 2-D rectangular plates falling freely within water. They report their findings this week in Physics of Fluids, from AIP Publishing.

The team's goal was to view and determine the plates' regular free-fall patterns, identify the parameters influencing them, and figure out why plates don't always fall in the same way each time.

"Since we want to track the motion of a falling object, the flow field around the object also needed to be explored," said Yan Wang, a research scientist working in the College of Engineering at the National University of Singapore. "To do this, we used computational fluid dynamics -- a branch of fluid mechanics that uses numerical analysis and algorithms to solve and analyze flow problems on supercomputers."

In particular, the group tapped a "novel lattice Boltzmann flux solver with immersed boundaries" so they could carry out numerical simulations of the freely falling objects within an infinitely large domain. Another key concept involved in their work is the motion of a rigid body and unsteady aerodynamics.

"This allowed us to study the key parameters that govern the patterns of falling plates and to construct a phase diagram to classify them," Wang said. "Our most important finding is that the plates' fluttering frequencies -- unstable oscillations -- are caused by a linear relationship with the Froude number (a dimensionless number used to indicate how well a particular model works in relation to a real system). And the lift forces on the fluttering plates are linearly dependent on the angle of attack at the cusp-like turning point." These findings about the force characteristics may help improve the wing designs for unmanned aerial vehicles and to control their motions.

The kinematics and mechanics involved in this phenomenon are relevant to many academic and engineering applications such as unsteady aerodynamics, biomechanics, sedimentology and chemical engineering.

In terms of applications, the group's work can be used "to build unsteady aerodynamic force models for falling objects or to predict the falling styles of objects," Wang said. "Our work may also aid in reducing the search areas for belongings lost within bodies of water."

At this time, "the unsteady aerodynamics of freely falling objects remains far from understood," he added. "And, although the falling patterns of an object can be predicted, controlling their motion actively or passively will require further studies."
The African naked mole rat is an odd, homely creature with the closest thing to real-life super powers on earth. These small rodents can live for 32 years, they are cancer-resistant, and they are impervious to some types of pain.

Now, new research has pinpointed the evolutionary change that made the naked mole rat so uniquely pain-free, according to a study published on October 11th in Cell Reports.

"We think evolution has selected for this tweak just subtly enough so that the pain signaling becomes non-functional, but not strong enough that it becomes a danger for the animal," says lead author Gary R. Lewin, a professor at the Max-Delbruck Center for Molecular Medicine in Berlin, Germany.

Imagine the sting of entering a hot tub with a bad sunburn. The naked mole rat wouldn't be bothered, but most animals would sense this as thermal hyperalgesia, and the scientists who conducted the study have a good idea of what goes on at a cellular level when this happens.

In response to high temperatures and inflammation around sensory neurons, nerve growth factor (NGF) molecules bind to a receptor called TrkA. This kicks off a cascade of chemical signals that "sensitize" an ion channel -- called TRPV1 -- on the surface of the sensory neuron so that it opens. Once TRPV1 opens, it results in sensory nerve firing that tells the brain to register pain at temperatures that are not normally painful.

Through more than a dozen carefully designed experiments, Lewin and colleagues found what differentiates the naked mole rat from other animals in this process -- a small change in their TrkA receptor.

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For example, if the scientists swapped out the TRPV1 channels in a mouse cell for naked mole rat versions of TRPV1, then thermal hyperalgesia occurred normally. But if a cell had a common rat TRPV1 and a naked mole rat TrkA, then the cell couldn't sense thermal hyperalgesia.

Researchers compared the gene for the naked mole rat's TrkA receptor to those of 26 other mammals, and five other African mole rat species. They discovered a switch of just one to three amino acid changes on one section of the naked mole rat TrkA receptor that make it less sensitive.

"Even though the naked mole rat's version of the TrkA receptor is almost identical to that of a mouse or a rat, it has a very significant effect on the animal's ability to feel pain," says Lewin.

Further experiments revealed that the tweak on the naked mole rat's TrkA receptor didn't render it dysfunctional, but hypo-functional. Their TrkA receptor could respond like that of other animals, if the naked mole rat cell was exposed to ten times the normal concentration of NGF.

This subtle difference between a hypo-functional and a dysfunctional TrkA receptor may explain why the naked mole rat could survive without the typical neurodegeneration found in animals with mutations that completely shut down NGF signaling. Previous research has shown developing embryos require NGF signaling to develop a normal pain signaling systems.

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However, the new study found that naked mole rats are born with roughly the same number of pain sensors as newborn mice. It's only by adulthood that the naked mole rat's pain sensors dwindle by two-thirds compared to any other mammal. Evolution may have selected a TrkA receptor that works well enough for the animal developing as an embryo, but leaves adults with fewer nerve receptors and partially pain-free.

Losing thermal hyperalgesia might help the naked mole rats survive in their crowded underground colonies, where the close contact can be uncomfortably hot but thermal hyperalgesia may not be helpful in this warm environment. And it's possible that losing sensory neurons as adults may help the animals conserve energy.

"They live in desert regions underground, and they have to do a lot of work to get their food," says Lewin. "They have the lowest metabolic rate of any mammal. Evolution has shut down everything that is not absolutely necessary -- including extra nerve receptors."

Lewin and his colleagues are planning future studies in mice bred to have the unique naked mole rat TrkA receptor.

"We hope to see that these modified mice will show lots of features that make naked mole rats unique," says Lewin.
Results of new study led by Linda Pagani, professor at the University of Montreal's School of Psychoeducation, show that young children who watch too much television are at risk of victimization and social isolation and adopting violent and antisocial behaviour toward other students at age 13.

"It is unclear to what extent excessive televiewing in early childhood -- a particularly critical time in the development of areas of the brain involved in self-regulation of emotional intelligence -- can adversely affect social interactions," said Pagani.

"The detection of early modifiable factors that influence later child well-being is an important target for individual and community health. Since establishing strong peer relationships, getting along well with others, and building a positive group social identity are essential elements in the successful transition to adolescence, we undertook to examine the long-term affect of televiewing in toddlerhood on normal development based on four key indicators of social impairment in children aged 13," she added.

To do this, Pagani and her team examined the parent-reported televiewing habits of the children at age 2, as well as the self-reported social experiences of these children at age 13.

"Children who watched a lot of television growing up were more likely to prefer solitude, experience peer victimization, and adopt aggressive and antisocial behaviour toward their peers at the end of the first year of middle school. Transition to middle school is a crucial stage in adolescent development. We observed that excessive televiewing at age 13 tends to complicate the situation, posing additional risks of social impairment," demonstrated the principal investigator of the study.

Pagani and the co-authors of the study, Francois Levesque-Seck and Caroline Fitzpatrick, came to their conclusions after examining data from a Quebec longitudinal cohort born in 1997/1998. The Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development is a set of public data coordinated by the Institut de la statistique du Quebec. Parents of the 991 girls and 1,006 boys from the Study reported the number of hours their children spent watching television at two and half years. At 13 years, the same children rated their relational difficulties associated with victimization, social isolation, intentional and planned aggression by peers, and antisocial behaviour. Pagani's team then analyzed the data to identify any significant link between such problems and early televiewing, discarding many possible confounding factors.

"Our goal was to eliminate any pre-existing conditions of the children or families that could throw a different light on our results," said the researcher.

Televiewing is a common early childhood pastime, and some of the children in the study exceeded the recommended number of hours spent in front of the screen. Social impairment in children is an increasing concern of education and public health sector workers. According to Pagani, social skills such as sharing, appreciation, and respect gained from others are rooted in early childhood. "In toddlerhood, the number of waking hours in a day is limited. Thus, the more time children spend in front the TV, the less time they have for creative play, interactive activities, and other fundamental social cognitive experiences. Active daily life at the preschool age can help develop essential social skills that will be useful later and ultimately play a key role in personal and economic success," concluded Pagani.
UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers successfully boosted the regeneration of mature nerve cells in the spinal cords of adult mammals -- an achievement that could one day translate into improved therapies for patients with spinal cord injuries.

"This research lays the groundwork for regenerative medicine for spinal cord injuries. We have uncovered critical molecular and cellular checkpoints in a pathway involved in the regeneration process that may be manipulated to boost nerve cell regeneration after a spinal injury," said senior author Dr. Chun-Li Zhang, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology at UT Southwestern. Dr. Zhang cautioned that this research in mice, published today by Cell Reports, is still in the early experimental stage and is not ready for clinical translation.

"Spinal cord injuries can be fatal or cause severe disability. Many survivors experience paralysis, reduced quality of life, and enormous financial and emotional burdens," said lead author Dr. Lei-Lei Wang, a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Zhang's lab whose series of in vivo (in a living animal) screens led to the findings.

Spinal cord injuries can lead to irreversible neural network damage that, combined with scarring, can ultimately impair motor and sensory functions. These outcomes arise because adult spinal cords have very limited ability to regenerate damaged neurons to aid in healing, said Dr. Zhang, a W.W. Caruth, Jr. Scholar in Biomedical Research and member of the Hamon Center for Regenerative Science and Medicine.

Dr. Zhang's lab focuses on glial cells, the most abundant non-neuronal type of cells in the central nervous system. Glial cells support nerve cells in the spinal cord and form scar tissue in response to injury. In 2013 and 2014, the Zhang laboratory created new nerve cells in the brains and spinal cords of mice by introducing transcription factors that promoted the transition of adult glial cells into more primitive, stem cell-like states, and then coaxed them to mature into adult nerve cells.

The number of new spinal nerve cells generated by this process was low, however, leading researchers to focus on ways to amplify adult neuron production.

In a two-step process, researchers first silenced parts of the p53-p21 protein pathway that acts as a roadblock to the reprogramming of glial cells into the more primitive, stem-like types of cells with potential to become nerve cells. Although the blockade was successfully lifted, many cells failed to advance past the stem cell-like stage. In the second step, mice were screened for factors that could boost the number of stem-like cells that matured into adult neurons. They identified two growth factors -- BDNF and Noggin -- that accomplished this goal, Dr. Zhang said. Using this approach, researchers increased the number of newly matured neurons by tenfold.

"Silencing the p53-p21 pathway gave rise to progenitor (stem-like) cells, but only a few matured. When the two growth factors were added, the progenitors matured by the tens of thousands," Dr. Zhang said.

Further experiments that looked for biomarkers commonly found in nerve cell communication indicated that the new neurons may form networks, he added.

"Because p53 activation is thought to safeguard cells from undergoing uncontrolled proliferation, as in cancer, we followed mice that had temporary inactivation of the p53 pathway for 15 months without observing any increased cancer risk in the spinal cord," he said.

"Our ability to successfully produce a large population of long-lived and diverse subtypes of new neurons in the adult spinal cord provides a cellular basis for regeneration-based therapy for spinal cord injuries. If borne out by future studies, this strategy would pave the way for using a patient's own glial cells, thereby avoiding transplants and the need for immunosuppressive therapy," Dr. Zhang said. Other UT Southwestern authors included postdoctoral researcher Dr. Wenjiao Tai and senior research scientist Yuhua Zou, both of Molecular Biology and the Hamon Center, as well as former UTSW visiting instructor Dr. Zhida Su, with the Institute of Neuroscience and the Second Military Medical University of Shanghai, China. A researcher from Indiana University School of Medicine also participated.
At least 281 black bears have already been killed in the first two days of New Jersey's expanded bear hunt - and they died after being shot with arrows. Taking place from October 10 to October 15, the newly added bear hunting season (there's also an annual hunt in December) is the first time in decades the "bear harvest" has allowed archery. During the first three days, the hunt is archery-only, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced. Hunters are allowed to shoot the bears with rifles in the final three days. Animal lovers are calling the hunt "disturbing."

Dodo Shows Faith = Restored Woman Tries Every Day For A Month To Rescue This Dog

"Allowing bears to be hunted with bows and arrows has even greater potential than firearms to inflict painful, gruesome injuries and slow, agonizing deaths," Jennifer Place, a program associate for Born Free USA, told The Dodo. "At the start of this black bear hunting season, more than 200 bears were killed in just one day using this brutal method, and that's not accounting for any wounded bears that weren't ultimately found by the hunter. Severely wounded bears could suffer for days or even weeks before dying." Still, the DEP promises in a press release that the "added fall season will help achieve [the] goal of healthy and sustainable bear population and reduce potential for encounters with people."

But black bears almost never attack people - you're far more likely to get struck by lightning. "Most negative black bear encounters are caused by surprising the bears or giving them a reason to think you are a threat," Born Free USA said. Chris Norcott, a wildlife photographer who focuses particularly on black bears, recently told The Dodo that a black bear encounter can even been seen as lucky: "You'll be fortunate because they are shy and timid animals," he said. "[Like] any wild animal, black bears need to be respected."
Hotel heiress Paris Hilton just got another teacup dog. Because teacup dogs are bred to be dangerously small, their hearts beat dangerously hard and fast to push blood through their underdeveloped bodies - all for the sake of being pocket-sized and cute.

Dodo Shows Wild Hearts Guy And Wild Shark Have Been Best Friends For Decades

But that didn't stop self-proclaimed animal lover Hilton from dropping $8,000 on her latest puppy, still nameless, who weighs just 12 ounces. Hilton posted photos of her new acquisition this week on Instagram. When Paris Hilton bragged about her Chihuahua years ago, it was one of the main factors that contributed to an upsurge in demands for the dogs. And breeders were pleased to up their production and rake in more cash.

Soon enough Chihuahuas were filling up shelters at a rate no one had anticipated. By the time the trend was over, Chihuahuas made up 30 percent of dogs in California shelters. This isn't Hilton's first teacup dog. Last year she bought two tiny Pomeranians for $25,000 from a breeder in Canada, and in 2014, she spent $13,000 on a Pomeranian she named Mr. Amazing.

"She led the way of destruction," Veronica Perry, rescue and foster coordinator at East Valley Animal Shelter in Van Nuys, California, recently told The Dodo about Hilton. "She flaunted buying a dog from this breeder in Canada who breeds these tiny little dogs. And then everyone had to have one." The teacup dog trend is already on the rise internationally, bringing tiny dogs into the world who can barely even function - some delivered prematurely by c-section just to make them smaller - when so many other dogs in shelters need homes.

And Hilton is definitely not helping. "Those eyes are about to pop out because of overbreeding," one commenter wrote on Instagram (and yes, this actually can happen). "It will have a headache for life! Shame on you supporting these type of breeders! #adoptdontshop."
Alex Layton spent the holiday weekend making house calls in Hurricane Matthew's flooded wake. A boat would take her up flooded driveways right up to someone's front door. If she had the key - some owners had given her a set earlier - she could unlock it. But with water surging up past the knob and around Layton's waist, the door still needed to be shoved open by several people from her rescue team.

Alex Layton

And inside, they would find that they were looking for: pets cowering on the highest surfaces they could cling to. Like the desperate family of cats she found at one house. "That's where it hit me the most," Layton tells The Dodo. "They were on the highest parts of the house. Above the kitchen cabinet. On the back of the sink. It was pitiful." Layton was among an army of volunteers working alongside firefighters and rescue crews in Pinetops, North Carolina, to save as many lives as they could - including those of pets who had been hastily left behind.

Alex Layton

In Pinetops, few expected the floodwaters to rise so high in the wake of Hurricane Matthew. While hundreds of people were evacuated, many could only take one pet with them.

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Alex Layton

"We were not expecting any of this," Layton says. "We were expecting to be hit lightly and maybe three or four inches (of water)."

Alex Layton

Layton, who rescues and fosters dogs, and volunteers at the Maggie Society, was one of the people who got the call early Sunday morning. While she joined a crew on several boats making runs to swamped houses and yards, more volunteers, like Kim Edmondson and Celena Edwards of the Wilson County Humane Society, stood on shore with crates.

Alex Layton

The dogs and cats - many of them fished from the water - were shivering and cold, and had to be moved indoors immediately.

Alex Layton

Every time Layton sailed out, her list seemed to get longer and longer and frantic pet owners gave her an address to check in on their pets. In some cases where Layton wasn't given keys from worried homeowners, she would look for an open wondow to crawl through.

Alex Layton

In all, Layton's rescue crew managed to save 27 dogs, four cats, a horse ... and one somewhat unexpected victim. "A family member had told me they had left their chinchilla," Layton says. "So we called the boat that was out there and they went and got their chinchilla." Her team was only one of several that made daring forays into flooded neighborhoods to rescue people and pets. In one dramatic scene, the U.S. Coast Guard saved a dog swimming desperately in muddy waters.

All of the animals are now safe. People in areas that weren't affected by the storm offered kennels for some of the animals. Layton is keeping some at her house. The humane society is boarding a few. And the rest have already been reunited with their owners.

Alex Layton

But Pinetops will have a lot of rebuilding to do. Many of the kennels and homes in the area are underwater. In addition, many of the dogs and cats recovered will need to be spayed and neutered.

Alex Layton
Ericsson AB blindsided investors with a surprise announcement that its business was deteriorating faster than expected, with no turnaround in sight.

Shares of the Swedish phone-network manufacturer sank the most in nine years  wiping out about $3.8 billion (U.S.) in market value  after Ericsson reported sales and earnings that significantly missed its predictions. The weakness accelerated toward the end of the third quarter and wont end any time soon as carrier customers around the world cut back on investments, Ericsson said in an unscheduled statement Wednesday.

The announcement came a week after Ericsson announced major job cuts in Sweden, and the company said Wednesday that it will need to come back for more to stabilize operations. The deepening crisis prompted chief executive officer Jan Frykhammar to reassure shareholders that the 140-year-old Ericsson, one of the worlds biggest makers of networking equipment, wasnt falling into a death spiral.

This is absolutely not the beginning of the end for Ericsson, Frykhammar said. Were a company that during many, many years have been good at adjusting.

Revenue fell 14 per cent to 51.1 billion kronor ($5.8 billion) in the third quarter, the biggest drop in more than a decade. The gross margin, or whats left of sales after production costs, shrank to 28 per cent, the lowest since 2001, from 34 per cent a year earlier. Both metrics missed analysts estimates.

Shares of Ericsson fell 17 per cent to 51.15 kronor at 2:04 p.m. in Stockholm, after tumbling 18 per cent earlier for the biggest drop since Oct. 16, 2007. The stock had already lost 25 per cent this year. Finnish competitor Nokia Oyj is facing similar market challenges, said Mathias Lundberg, an analyst at Swedbank AB. Nokia dropped 4.6 per cent to 4.65 euros.

We knew that the business climate was weak, and that would show in the numbers, but we didnt know that things were this bad, Lundberg said by phone. That was a surprise both to us and the market.

The company singled out weak economies in markets that are key to its growth plans, including Brazil, Russia and some Middle East markets, as well as carriers in Europe that completed mobile-broadband projects last year.

Our result is significantly lower than we expected, with a particularly weak end of the quarter, and deviates from what we previously have communicated regarding market development, Frykhammar said in the release. The negative industry trends have further accelerated.

The size of the revenue slump underscores Ericssons challenges as it tries to keep up with rising competition and slowing demand from phone carriers. As falling sales began to eat into profit, Ericsson ousted its CEO in July and last week said it plans to cut 3,000 jobs in Sweden, a fifth of the workforce in its home country. Frykhammar, who was promoted from chief financial officer in July, has said he doesnt want to keep the job for the long term. The company is searching for a permanent CEO.

Ericssons first-half woes have not abated, in fact they got worse, said Neil Campling, an analyst with Northern Trust Securities who told clients to sell the stock earlier in the year. Pretty much everything I feared when I initiated my short on this  now covered  has come to fruition.

Ericsson is trying to revive earnings growth through savings as it competes with Huawei Technologies Co. and Nokia in an increasingly tough market. Carriers are restraining investments after spending billions of dollars building fourth-generation network systems so users can stream music and video on phones and tablets. Meanwhile, demand for so-called fifth-generation, or 5G, equipment is yet to pick up as the technology isnt ready yet.

The decline in sales was the biggest since the third quarter of 2003. Analysts had predicted sales of 54.2 billion kronor and a gross margin of about 33 per cent, the average estimates compiled by Bloomberg.

Operating profit dropped to 300 million kronor from 5.1 billion kronor, Ericsson said. The company is trying to cut expenses by 9 billion kronor a year by 2017, with analysts estimating that it needs to announce further job reductions to achieve its goal.

Since we now are in a situation where volumes are dropping, we have to adjust the cost of sales resources both external and internal, Frykhammar said. Thats clear given the volume reductions.

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At first sight, Baba Ramdev looks like the worlds oddest tycoon  and with his infectious, lopsided grin and bright saffron robes, surely the most harmless. But Indias favourite yoga teacher has expanded his presence beyond the countrys multitude of religious channels, which are full of his sermons, and even its news channels, where hes a strong supporter of the Hindu nationalist government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Now hes moving into Indias grocery stores with his Patanjali brand of traditional cosmetics and processed foods. The company  which is owned and run by his closest followers, not the supposedly ascetic Ramdev himself  grew 150 per cent last year. Ramdev has said he intends it to grow as fast for the next five years.

Indias Aspirations

Patanjali products have developed an audience by purporting to be organic and quality-conscious. With them, and by helping to popularize yoga in its country of origin, Ramdev may have kept more than a few members of the notoriously overweight Indian middle class from toppling over.

But the way Patanjali has chosen to market its products is disturbingly xenophobic. And their popularity may force other retailers to follow suit.

Ramdev himself is, sadly, the most regressive shade of social conservative. Indian lawmakers have accused him of selling medicines that claim to encourage the birth of male children. He advertises cures for homosexuality in his ashram and has a running feud with Bollywoods actresses, whom he has condemned as characterless. He fought against the decriminalization of homosexuality all the way to Indias Supreme Court and eventually won. (He also believes that only racism stops him from winning a Nobel Prize.)

With Patanjali, Ramdev and his followers have promoted a stridently nationalist line. They would claim that when you buy a Patanjali toothpaste, you arent just preventing cavities but also buying freedom from the West. Newspaper advertisements underscore the argument: Though we got political freedom 70 years back, economic freedom is still a dream. ... The way [the] East India Company enslaved and looted us, multinational companies are still doing the same [sic]. Some of these ads have featured a map of India overlaid with a cross to symbolize the rapacious British East India Company, which for some reason upset Indian Christian organizations. Patanjalis messaging thus effortlessly links nationalism, Hinduism and the virtue and quality of the companys goods  and Ramdevs multitude of TV programs gives him plenty of scope to spread the message.

Patanjali has also been remarkably nimble at casting competitors as outsiders, even though most of them  even the multinationals  have been operating here for decades and are almost completely Indian in management and marketing. Last year, after Nestle Indias best-selling Maggi instant noodles ran into regulatory trouble, Patanjali rushed an all-Indian variant into stores to take advantage of the gap in the market, with Ramdev promising a healthy alternative. (Unfortunately for Patanjali, its alternative almost immediately ran into similar regulatory trouble.)

Patanjalis rivals are clearly worried. Now that selling Indian-ness is an advantage, even the most foreign of companies are trying gamely to keep up. Several are hastily reviving herbal and ayurvedic divisions and brands that they had sold off or shut down years ago. Lufthansas current ad campaign in India features the line More Indian than you think. Even phones from Chinese electronics major Xiaomi arrive with big Made in India stickers across the front of the box.

This festival season  were moving towards Diwali, the festival of lights and of massive sales  Ramdev has upped the ante, calling for an old-fashioned boycott of Chinese-made goods. He complains of the Beijing regimes solid support of Pakistan. (His plans to launch a line of swadeshi, or indigenous, jeans are no doubt just a coincidence.) Campaigns across social media have taken up the call; schoolchildren have launched protest marches and vowed to not to buy Chinese firecrackers.

This is going to be a headache for Modis government, not just foreign companies. The Swadeshi Jagran Manch, the economic wing of the family of organizations that includes Modis ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, has seized on the idea of a boycott of Chinese imports, which totalled $62 billion (U.S.) last year. The government has already given in to the Manch by making things very difficult for the U.S.-based biotech company Monsanto. Its now going to have to deal with this fresh demand, at a time when relations with China are already fraught.

As for multinationals, one thing is clear: Indias not as uncomplicated a market as it used to be. Previously, companies had to worry about political risk in China, with demonstrations outside American fast-food restaurants and mobs burning Japanese cars. India, on the other hand, would lap up anything imported and ask for more. But that was an older, perhaps less self-confident country. Ramdevs India may not be quite as friendly a place to do business.

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The fallout from Samsung Electronics Co.s dramatic move to end production of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone is set to spread to Vietnam, hurting an economy already hit by drought and lower oil prices.

Samsungs decision to kill off Galaxy Note 7 will certainly impact Vietnams exports this year, since the companys exports represent about 20 per cent of the nations shipments, said Nguyen Mai, chairman of Vietnams Association of Foreign Invested Enterprises. The recall of 2.5 million smartphones after complaints of exploding batteries contributed to a $1.1-billion (U.S.) decline in exports in September, according to the statistics office.

Samsung helped to turn Vietnam into an electronics manufacturing hub almost single-handedly with $15 billion in investments from the technology giant and its affiliates, including battery-maker Samsung SDI Co. The South Korean company is Vietnams biggest exporter, shipping about $33 billion of electronics last year.

Vietnam now faces the loss of millions of dollars in exports at a time when its struggling to meet its 2016 economic growth target of 6.7 per cent. Part of the reason for the 6.8-per-cent decline in exports in September from the previous month was due to the Note 7 recall, said Nguyen Bich Lam, head of the countrys General Statistics Office.

Its another blow, said Alan Pham, the Ho Chi Minh City-based chief economist at VinaCapital Group Ltd., the countrys largest fund manager. This is the risk of putting all your bets on one company or industry. But that is the natural progression of a developing country: It starts by exporting commodities then turns to manufactured products, industrial products.

Samsungs plants in the northern provinces of Bac Ninh and Thai Nguyen do not plan to fire employees as a result of the Note 7 incident, the company said in an e-mail statement. Overall, 2016 Vietnam exports are expected to increase from last year, the company said.

Shares of Samsung Electronics dropped for a third consecutive day today, losing 0.7 per cent at close in Seoul trading.

Even before the Note 7 fallout, Vietnam was struggling to meet its target of 10 per cent export growth this year, Trade and Industry Minister Tran Tuan Anh said in a July interview. Still, Vietnams economic growth is better than neighbouring countries, Pham said.

Vietnams annual economic growth accelerated to 6.4 per cent last quarter, from 5.78 per cent in the previous three months, the General Statistics Office said Sept. 29, behind only the Philippines in Southeast Asia. The government is pushing for 6.7 per cent growth target this year.

Earlier this month local news websites reported that Samsung had applied to the customs department for tax exemptions to re-import flawed Galaxy Note 7 smartphones and export replacements to Samsungs headquarters in South Korea.

Samsung has contributed greatly to Vietnams economy, said Mai, who estimated the total workforce tied to Samsung in Vietnam is about 400,000 people, including 130,000 company employees.

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OTTAWACanadas economic development minister says the federal Liberal government is encountering public pushback on its immigration plans from Canadians who fear for their jobs.

Navdeep Bains says newcomers create jobs in Canada and is urging people to see immigration not as a social issue, but as a key driver of economic growth.

Bains is asking the business community to help sell immigration as something that can increase prosperity and opportunity for Canadians.

He says people need to understand that bringing in newcomers will give the country a competitive advantage.

The minister says the government has to do a better job of telling that story.

Bains made the comments today while speaking to business leaders at an economic summit in Ottawa sponsored by the Public Policy Forum.

The honest truth is there is still reluctance around immigration policy, Bains said. When we want to talk about immigration and we say we want to bring more immigrants in because its good for the economy, we still get pushback.

He asked his audience to pitch in.

I need your help, and the help of many in this room, to change that conversation, because I can tell you Im hitting a bit of challenge within government in having this conversation.

Some worry that immigration might be viewed negatively because there is high unemployment in some parts of the country.

Overall, how do we explain it to Canadians? Because theyll view it as somebody taking away their jobs.

Thats what needs to change, he said.

I think we need to change the conversation to say, its not a social policy its an economic policy. Its important to our economic agenda, our innovation agenda.

If we bring the right people, the motivated people, theyll create more jobs and more opportunities for Canadians.

There are a lot of immigrant success stories, he added, including that of his own father who arrived with $7 in his pocket, worked three jobs for a time and then went on to start his own company, which employed 20 people.

That needs to be part of the narrative, Bains said.

We talk to and engage with Canadians and we explain to them that immigration policy is a good thing, its a competitive advantage, its how were genuinely going to grow.

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He thought she was dead.

David Martinez had heard his co-worker fall as his group of subway workers walked off the underground tracks in New York City on Friday afternoon.

He saw Monique Brathwaite lying across the third rail that powers the No. 1 train under West 145th St. in Harlem with 600 volts of electricity.

I was suspecting the worst, said Martinez, 54, who lives in Queens. There was smoke coming out of her hair. I said, Shes dead.

Martinez, who has worked for the subway system for 16 years, said he thought of her children. He moved closer to her. I saw her move.

A co-worker called dispatch to shut off the power and Martinez, never trained in CPR, recalled reading an article in July in the Washington Post about the District of Columbias fire chiefs efforts to train everyday citizens in a new version of saving people from heart attacks.

Its called Hands-Only CPR, which eliminates mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and emphasizes chest compressions to quickly pump blood to an oxygen-deprived brain.

It can be quickly taught and easy to remember. The fire chiefs goal is to train everyone in the District. He reached 10,000 on Oct. 6.

Martinez said he learned by reading the article on his Kindle and by watching a video produced by the American Heart Association that accompanied the story on the Internet. People are told to pump chests to the beat of the song Stayin Alive, because its 100-to-120 beats per minute is an ideal pace.

Martinez remembered the important part, if not the lyrics. I kept singing Keep Alive, Keep Alive, he said.

It took several minutes for New York firefighters to reach Brathwaite, a 35-year-old single mother of three who took the job as signal maintainer seven months ago. Its regarded as among the most dangerous positions in the transit administration; the union said she took the job because it provided extra money for her family.

By the time firefighters got there, Martinez said, Brathwaite was breathing. She had a convulsion and she opened her eyes, he said.

Brathwaite was rushed to Harlem Hospital Center where leaders of her labour group, Transport Workers Union Local 100, said she was placed in a medically induced coma. She was taken out of the coma Monday and was alert and talking, said the unions spokesman, Pete Donohue.

John Samuelsen, president of Transport Workers Union Local 100, said that subway workers in New York, unlike in most other cities, perform routine maintenance in underground tunnels while trains are running and the electrified third rails are activated. Typically, one worker dies each year in the system, he said.

Ms. Brathwaite was very lucky, he said. Its very rare that an individual has an accident, comes in contact with the third rail, and lives to tell the tale.

https://www.gofundme.com/2tl33o4?ssid=766591255&pos=1

 set up to help support her children and pay bills  said she has nerve damage in her right hand and suffered third-degree burns on the left side of her body and both arms. She could be hospitalized for months. She has four sons  ages 7, 12, 16 and 19  and is putting the oldest through college.

Her 19-year-old son, Jeremiah McCoy, said he has not yet talked to Martinez but learned from his mother about her co-workers heroics. She didnt remember anything, McCoy said. She doesnt know how she fell. She was told a man saved her (life) and gave her CPR.

McCoy said his mother left her old job at the post office to work in the subway system to better provide for her family. I didnt realize her job was this high risk, McCoy said. I dont think my mom wanted us to be too concerned.

Martinez, who suffered a back injury during the rescue, has children of his own as well. A 4-year-old daughter and a 3-year-old son live with relatives in the Dominican Republic; two other sons, ages 21 and 23, live in New York.

He and Brathwaite  the saviour and the saved  saw each other again for the first time at the hospital on Monday.

She was really grateful, Martinez said. She told me, Because of you, Im alive. I really feel good. Its a miracle shes alive.

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The prime ministers wife has joined social media in honour of Oct. 11s International Day of the Girl, creating Instagram and Facebook accounts.

Sophie Gregoire-Trudeau explained on both platforms how shes resisted social media for almost ten years, but that as a mother and as an activist for gender equality, she thinks its time to share this amazing journey were on together.

International Day of the Girl is a United Nations campaign launched to recognize girls rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.

She writes on her Facebook page that through her position, she has been lucky enough to be able to meet people from all walks of life, whom have confirmed for her that humankind is hungry for many of the same things: equality, justice and an opportunity to take care of our loved ones.

Gregoire-Trudeau stresses that very little of her time is actually spent spruced up in heels and dresses; part of the reason she is on Instagram and Facebook, she says, is to expose her online followers to other aspects of her life, beyond the esthetic focal points that are regularly broadcast in the media.

She writes that she is an activist for gender equality, a nature lover, an adventurous athlete, and a curious and open-hearted woman hoping to help others find justice, balance and inner peace.

Rather than being a platform on which to share her own experiences and feelings, Gregoire-Trudeau hopes her social media accounts will provide a space where people can share their stories and in doing so, will help Canada grow as a family and a community.

She wants Canadians to connect and engage with the wonderful people who help make our lives . . . peaceful through their openness, courage, determination and action.

Gregoire-Trudeau urges her followers to be honest and accepting; there is nothing, she says, more moving or inspirational than truth.

She signs off by asking readers to please call her Sophie, not Madame.

At the time of this article, less than 24 hours after creating her social media accounts, Gregoire-Trudeaus Facebook page has already accrued almost 45,000 likes, and she has around 12,000 Instagram followers.

She herself is currently following 16 Instagram accounts, including actress/activist Emma Watson, who recently met with her husband to discuss gender equality. She is also tracking several activist organizations accounts  but she and her famous husband have not yet followed one another on the app.

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WASHINGTON  The United States appears to be working toward a system for privately sponsoring refugees, potentially making it the latest country to emulate the program Canada has deployed during the Syrian migration crisis.

A group that works with the government on resettling refugees says a pilot project is in the works. An assistant secretary of state reportedly referred to it at a public forum. Canadas immigration minister says he has heard about a pilot project, and one small-government advocate says hes been advising policy-makers on it.

David Bier of the libertarian Cato Institute said he used the experience of the northern neighbour while making the case to government officials that the private sector could play a bigger role in resettling refugees.

He said there was initial reticence when he first discussed it last year with government officials, but he said the White House became enthusiastic and the State Department got involved in the details.

In the meantime, the Canadian program started getting international attention.

The fact that it was already in operation in Canada and had proven successful was invaluable to our advocacy, Bier said in an interview. I have no doubt that this is going to happen (in the U.S.). This is something thats part of the agenda and is being developed by the most important actors in the American refugee system.

The Canadian program allows people to sponsor a refugee for $12,600, which includes help with income and initial costs like groceries and rent. Nearly half the Syrian refugees Canada brought in starting late last year entered through private or quasi-private initiatives.

At least 13 countries have made inquiries about emulating the program, said Canadas immigration minister John McCallum. Australia and New Zealand have adopted such programs, and McCallum said the United Kingdom is working on one.

He said hes happy to offer technical advice.

Were definitely the pioneers in it, he said in an interview. I think this is a model that would be of some value all over the world, given that we face a huge global refugee crisis . . .

I understand that (the U.S.) is going ahead with a pilot project in this area.

The White House didnt confirm or deny its intentions when asked last week.

The refugee issue is an incendiary one in this election season. Republicans are fighting a migration increase, with Donald Trump warning that the Syrians represent a threat. Democrats insist they can be carefully screened, unlike in Europe; they say the U.S. can do far more than the 10,000 it has accepted so far.

Bier said the government has the power to do it under existing legislation.

In fact, he says the U.S. has a long history with programs such as this.

Contrary to popular belief, the U.S. experience may predate Canadas program. As he researched the issue, Bier realized private sponsorship from relatives and organizations helped bring in hundreds of thousands of Holocaust survivors after the Second World War.

Then during the Cold War, he said, Ronald Reagan allowed private donors to bring in 16,000 Cubans and Soviet Jews.

Canadas program was born between those eras.

It occurred with little fanfare in 1976. It was embedded in a little-noticed provision of the landmark 1976 Immigration Act. Newspaper articles of the day didnt even mention that part of the law. They focused on its major reforms to the immigration system  the law created annual quotas, the modern points system, and a new family category. It deleted outdated language banning idiots, imbeciles and morons, and ended limits on epileptics.

Around that time, the city of Windsor, Ont., had a mayor and a priest working together to help Indochinese refugees. According to research from the University of Windsors Giovanna Roma, on that panel with Mayor Bert Weeks and Rev. Robert Warden were federal officials. Those officials informed municipalities of new provisions of the 1976 act, and it spread to bigger cities. The federal program was officially launched in 1978, and then championed by other mayors like Ottawas Marion Dewar.

Some of the refugees bumped into brutal nativism  one example Roma cites in a paper is a 15-year-old Vietnamese boy who was beaten at school and wound up in a Windsor intensive-care unit.

Romas paper for the Refuge, published by York Universitys Centre for Refugee Studies, mentions that the mayor and priest in Windsor were driven by shared socialist values. In the U.S., however, a vocal proponent is driven by opposite politics.

Bier believes the private sector can produce better results.

Im a libertarian, Bier said. We really thought that, right now, the government in the United States does everything on refugee resettlement. We felt like the private sector could really supplement what the government was doing.

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At last, evidence that sometimes a journalist can make something of himself. On Friday, in a hall in Levis, across the St. Lawrence River from Quebec City, Parti Quebecois members learned the separatist party had elected Jean-Francois Lisee as its ninth leader.

Since I learned a lot about Quebec politics by reading Lisee a quarter-century ago, when he was a star reporter for the newsmagazine Lactualite, it was gratifying to see him win. Perpetually boyish even in late middle age  he is 58 years old  Lisee is gregarious, ever-eager to dish good gossip, intellectually curious, immense fun in a private conversation or in front of a crowd.

He is the most formidable PQ leader at least since Bernard Landry, who quit in 2005 after a leadership-review vote gave him a mere 76.2 per cent support. Maybe the most impressive since his former boss Lucien Bouchard, whom Lisee served as an adviser until he quit in frustration over Bouchards reluctance to hold a proper referendum at the end of the 1990s.

(I will not be so bold as to hold Lisee up for comparison with his first political boss Jacques Parizeau, who lured Lisee into politics and made him a senior adviser as soon as Parizeau was elected in 1994. Not that Lisee needed much luring. I have long believed Parizeau was in a league of his own, smart and tough and persuasive.)

There is a tendency, among nervous outside observers of Quebec politics, to treat each new PQ leader as a sign that Canada may soon be back in big existential trouble, of the kind it last faced in 1995. Partly this is simple boredom talking. It was fun watching the country teeter on the brink, the way playing chicken in traffic is fun, and among some jaded denizens of the federal capital, some part of them yearns for a pure hit of the adrenalin that flowed like rivers through their veins for those harrowing few weeks.

This means there is also a tendency to wildly overstate each new PQ leaders chances. Landry liked to send English-speaking reporters photocopies of a long article about him that ran in Saturday Night magazine soon after he became premier in 2001. Its thesis was that he could really be the guy whod take Quebec out of Canada, so, you know, watch out. When Andre Boisclair, urbane and generous, became Landrys successor, Michael Ignatieff told an Ottawa conference that Boisclair could really be the guy. I know him, said Ignatieff, who, like Boisclair, had spent some time at Harvard. Hes good. No he wasnt.

And already, I feel the need to remind everyone that when the billionaire media magnate Pierre Karl Peladeau took over the PQ in 2015, many Pequistes were sure theyd found the guy who could finally make the great day come. They were so sure of it that Lisee dropped out of the race against Peladeau early. Even for briefly criticizing Peladeau, Lisee was so thoroughly ostracized in the party it seemed hard to believe he could ever come back to lead it. Plus he was getting old-ish. When Peladeau abandoned the leadership, less than a year after he won it, it was briefly trendy to prefer a new face from a much younger generation as the new face of the PQ.

Lisee fought against those prejudices with his well-known gifts: eloquence, sharp debating skills, and an impressively shameless willingness to say whatever pops into his head. He has suggested banning Muslim headgear in public because its a security risk. In Quebec, where people often cover their head because its cold out. Thatd be a fun policy to apply in the real world.

He also promises he would not hold a secession referendum during the first mandate of a PQ government. This seemed significant at first. But surely nobody should attach any weight to the promise. Lisee wrote a two-volume book about Robert Bourassa, castigating him for not taking Quebec out of Canada after the Meech Lake Accord collapsed in 1990. If Canada ever handed him a comparable crisis he would take the shot, election promises be damned.

It is Canadas job not to hand him a crisis. Lately Canadian prime ministers have been pretty good at avoiding crises. Lisees good, but hes no magician. The best advice to federalists now is the same as the advice when the last four PQ saviours showed up: Be of good cheer.

Paul Wells is a national affairs writer. His column appears Wednesday, Friday and Saturday.

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MONTREALA member of the European Parliament who opposes the Canada-EU free-trade deal has been allowed to stay in Canada after being threatened with expulsion.

Just a few hours before being scheduled to board an Air France flight out of Montreal on Wednesday, Jose Bove found out about the reprieve from the Canada Border Services Agency.

Ive just had the customs supervisor on the phone and he told me theres been a bit of a U-turn in your file, Bove told reporters after a news conference.

Bove, who was to pay $200 for the document that will allow him to stay for seven days, will actually leave the country this Saturday.

Maybe I will also thank the prime minister (Justin Trudeau), who seems to have understood it wasnt a good idea to stop me from coming here, Bove said jokingly.

Earlier, he told the news conference he wanted Trudeau to tell him why he was being kicked out of Canada.

I feel like asking Mr. Trudeau: Whats got into you? And why do you, someone who always wants to come across as the most open person on the North American continent, accept such a situation? It is pretty incongruous.

Is it because the French prime minister, Mr. (Manuel) Valls, who supports the (EU-Canada) free-trade agreement, arrives in Ottawa today? Is it because you (Trudeau) will be in Europe next week to try to sell the deal?

Bove was detained for several hours at Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport on Tuesday and was allowed to leave the airport on the condition he return Wednesday afternoon.

He says he was told he could not stay in the country because of convictions in France in 2001 and 2002 for incidents in 1999.

One of those incidents targeted a McDonalds restaurant and the other involved genetically modified organisms.

Bove said he is sure he would have been put on the plane Tuesday night if Air France had another Paris-bound flight.

If Im here today (Wednesday) ... its because theres only one Air France plane a day going to Paris, he said. So thank you Air France for having only one plane.

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Donald Trump took aim at Canadas Health Care System during Sunday nights town hall debate with Hillary Clinton.

When asked about costs associated with the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare, he called it a disaster. He then said Clintons changes would create a system similar to Canadas, which he called catastrophic.

She wants to go to a single-payer plan, which would be a disaster, somewhat similar to Canada. And if you havent noticed the Canadians, when they need a big operation, when something happens, they come into the United States in many cases because their system is so slow. Its catastrophic in certain ways.

A report released on Wednesday by the Fraser Institute, a right-leaning think-tank in B.C., found that 45,619 Canadians in 2015 received non-emergency medical treatment outside of the country. Thats approximately 0.126 per cent of Canadas population, according to Statistics Canadas population count as of July first.

Physicians in British Columbia reported the highest proportion of patients travelling abroad for treatment (1.5 per cent). However with 22,352 residents leaving the country for procedures, Ontario saw the largest number of patients going abroad.

The report did acknowledge that there is no readily available data on the number of Canadians travelling abroad for health care. Instead, the authors produced an estimate by using data from their annual survey of Canadian physicians in 12 specialties and data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information on the number of procedures performed in Canada.

But Bacchus Barua, senior economist in the Fraser Institutes Centre for Health Policy Studies and co-author of the study, said they do not have numbers on how many of those patients went to the U.S. specifically.

Barua says there are a variety of reasons why Canadians could be seeking treatment abroad including state of the art medical technology in other countries and lengthy wait times in Canada. He added that Canada has some of the longest wait times for health care in the developed world.

The Fraser Institutes annual measurement of health care wait times in 2015 found patients waited 9.8 weeks for medically necessary treatment after seeing a specialist, which they said is three weeks longer than what physicians consider clinically reasonable.

Our health care system is good when it comes to an emergency or a crisis but the thing is what about everyone else? Barua said. Do they have to wait until something is a crisis in order to get treatment?

However, a March 2016 report by the non-profit organization Canadian Institute for Health Information says that the collection and reporting of wait time data has expanded significantly. While the report focuses on wait time changes from 2011 to 2015, it does say wait times have improved since the initial data was released in 2006.

Barua also referenced a private non-partisan foundation, the Commonwealth Fund, saying their reports find Canada routinely at the bottom of the pack when it comes to wait times. A 2014 report found this to be true. Canada was ranked last out of 11 nations for timeliness of care, while the U.S. was ranked fifth.

But overall Canadas health care ranking was tenth, with the US behind in last place.

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Note - May 10, 2019: This article is subject to legal action by Matthew Green.

The strip search performed by Toronto police on Matthew Green was unlawful  that much everyone can agree on.

After he was forced to remove all of his clothing, including his underwear, inside Toronto police 13 Division in the early hours of November 3, 2013, Green, then 28, filed a complaint with the Office of the Independent Police Review Director (OIPRD).

Watchdog investigators ultimately determined that Green, charged with public intoxication at the time of the search, should not have been subjected to the invasive search. It constituted police misconduct.

But it was misconduct of the less serious variety, according to both the OIPRD and, later, the Toronto police  a designation that meant no public disciplinary hearing would be held and that Green could not know how Staff Sgt. Courtney Chambers, the officer who ordered the search, was punished.

Insisting the strip search was serious, unconstitutional behaviour, Green launched a judicial review of his complaint, seeking a ruling quashing the less serious designation and prompting a public hearing in his case.

The characterization of an unlawful strip search as being less serious is indefensible, said lawyer Alan Young, who represented Green at a recent hearing at Osgoode Hall, alongside lawyers Alexi Wood and Jennifer Saville.

Greens action also aims to highlight unnecessary secrecy within the police complaints system, Young added.

When the disposition is held secret, it doesnt give confidence that the complaint has been taken seriously. It almost seems juvenile  whats the point of launching the complaint if you dont know the outcome? he said.

The case comes amidst what legal experts have called an epidemic of unjustified strip searches, an invasive procedure the Supreme Court ruled in 2001 to be inherently degrading and not to be employed routinely.

Indeed, citing a glut of cases involving unjustified strip searches coming across his desk, Independent Police Review Director Gerry McNeilly launched a rare systemic review of such searches this summer, saying hes had enough.

Green, a 31-year-old freelance technical writer, says thats hypocritical.

I find it hard to grasp how they can tell the police to take these things seriously, when youve told them not to (in individual cases), Green said in an interview Tuesday.

Both Toronto police and the OIPRD are opposing Greens application for the misconduct to be deemed serious, prompting a public disciplinary hearing.

Karla Amirault, spokesperson for the OIPRD, said in an email Tuesday that it would be inappropriate to comment on Greens case as the matter has been argued, but the court has not yet rendered a decision.

But she said systemic reviews and investigations of particular incidents are very different. Systemic reviews do not seek to hold individual officers accountable for misconduct  they take a much broader approach to the issues.

A Toronto police spokesperson declined to comment on Greens case, citing the ongoing judicial review.

The case stems from Greens arrest on November 3, 2013, after he left a party near the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto and flagged a cab to go home.

Once inside the taxi, Green kept changing his destination, prompting the frustrated cabbie to take Green to the nearest police station to help determine Greens address. The investigation by the OIPRD found that Green was never violent or threatening with the driver.

However, arriving at the police station, Green immediately got into an altercation with police; according to the OIPRD report, he began swinging his arms in a threatening manner towards police, who arrested him for public intoxication and later, assaulting a peace officer. Both charges were later dropped by the Crown.

According to Greens factum, the OIPRD report also states that outside the police station, Chambers struck Green twice in the face with an open hand technique. Once inside the booking hall, Green asked why he was hit without cause, and told the officers he would not be intimidated.

In response, Chambers told Green he needed to undergo a strip search because he was obviously intoxicated.

Following the Supreme Court ruling on strip searches, Toronto police created six scenarios establishing when a strip-search, also known as a Level 3 search, can be performed  including that the officers have reasonable grounds to believe the person is carrying weapons or items that could cause injuries.

In Greens case, five of the six justifications were checked off on a form authorizing his search, though none of the officers involved in Greens search could recall who filled out the form or on what basis there were reasonable grounds to believe Green was carrying weapons.

According to the Toronto police factum filed as part of the judicial review, the search was requested to ensure Green had nothing on him that could harm himself or others.

The OIPRD investigation ultimately found Chambers authorized a strip search on Green when there was no justification or legal and proper grounds to do so. In his directors report, which was sent to then-police chief Bill Blair, McNeilly deemed the conduct less serious.

After reviewing the case, Blair agreed that the conduct was less serious. Under Ontarios Police Services Act, in cases where the chief believes there was misconduct of a less serious nature, he or she can seek an informal resolution instead of a public misconduct hearing.

In his factum, Green said he attempted on multiple occasions to ascertain how the determination was made that the misconduct was less serious, but was not provided with an explanation. Green also claims he repeatedly inquired about the nature of Chambers discipline but was ultimately told by Toronto police that such information would not be provided.

Without knowledge of what penalty was applied, it is impossible for a complainant to know whether an officer has been fairly sanctioned and the complainant's rights vindicated, says Greens factum.

In its court filing, the OIPRD states that the Police Services Act does not explicitly require the chief to notify the complainant when discipline has been imposed without a hearing.

According to the Toronto police court filing in the case, Chambers was given a reprimand and attended a two-day training course on fair and impartial policing.

A decision from the judicial review is expected in the coming weeks.

Wendy Gillis can be reached at wgillis@thestar.ca

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The cost of installing the Presto fare card system on the TTC has exceeded initial budget estimates, the Star has learned, and the project is still not complete.

Metrolinx, the provincial transit agency in charge of the Presto program, says it doesnt know how much the bill will eventually come to, and is declining to provide an estimate of final costs until an unspecified later date.

As of March 31, however, the agency had spent $276.7 million deploying Presto on the TTC, according to numbers provided by Metrolinx. Thats almost $22 million higher than the agencys 2012 estimate of $255 million.

The $276.6-million figure doesnt reflect work that has yet to be completed or was finished after March 31; those jobs include completing Presto deployment at all subway stations, installing additional self-serve reload machines and fare vending devices across the network, and rolling out fare card readers on all 1,900 TTC buses and 500 Wheel-Trans vehicles.

Also unaccounted for are the future cost of upgrading the Presto system  which currently enables riders to pay their fare with a tap of a prepaid card  to allow for direct payment using credit or debit cards, and the cost of migrating TTC passes onto Presto.

Steven Del Duca, minister of transportation for Ontarios Liberal government, said the higher-than-expected cost was reasonable, and attributed it primarily to the TTC changing the scope of the project. He said the Toronto agency had opted to deploy Presto machines on its older streetcars and to replace its subway turnstiles with automated fare gates, which inflated the bill.

Its not a shock to me to hear that when a request is made to do something differently from the original proposed process that it would have an impact on cost. I think at the end of the day, its again most important that we get this fully deployed, said Del Duca, adding that Metrolinx is working closely with the TTC to ensure the program is delivered successfully.

The TTC appeared to take issue with the suggestion that it was the source of any significant additional costs.

TTC spokesperson Brad Ross acknowledged that delays to the agencys order for new Bombardier streetcars compelled it to put Presto readers on more of its older vehicles, but said there were always plans to put the devices on a portion of its aging fleet.

And while Metrolinx said the fare gates required costly alterations to plans for power and communications upgrades at stations, Ross said the TTC is paying for the gates installation and maintenance, and the impact of the gates on station infrastructure is something the TTC and Metrolinx are continuing to review together and has not yet been resolved.

The TTC believes that the vast majority of work and costs that (Metrolinx) has undertaken are part of the original scope of the contract, said Ross. Any differences will be resolved through the process contained in the contract. We remain partners with an excellent working relationship with a common goal: to deliver Presto to all TTC vehicles and stations by the end of 2016.

Metrolinx had been reluctant to reveal how much it is spending to put Presto on the TTC, with a spokesperson initially telling the Star that she couldnt provide figures until the project was complete. After repeated inquiries, the agency agreed to reveal how much it had spent up until March.

Neither Metrolinx nor Del Duca would provide an estimate for how much the TTC deployment will cost once its completed. The TTC intends to have the fare card system implemented on all buses, streetcars and subway stations by the end of the year, and to phase out all other forms of payment in the second half of next year.

Del Duca said he was absolutely committed to releasing the final cost but that he couldnt provide an estimate now because discussions with the TTC are ongoing and costs are being refined.

As soon as we know what the final price tag will be, well make that information public, he said.

Michael Harris, MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga and the transportation critic for the Ontario PCs, called Presto a costly government-backed fiasco.

This has been a disaster, Harris said, and frankly I think riders and taxpayers have lost confidence in (the Liberal government and Metrolinxs) ability to properly execute such an important and integral system in Toronto.

The NDPs critic for urban transit accused Metrolinx of a lack of transparency that she described as shocking.

These are tax dollars theyre spending, said Cheri DiNovo, MPP for ParkdaleHigh Park.

According to Metrolinx, the TTCs investment in Presto was not included in the $276.7-million figure, which reflects only work the provincial agency has done. That includes the cost of custom software, construction and electrical work at some stations, and installing Presto hardware on some vehicles and subway stations.

The TTCs entire streetcar fleet has had Presto readers since the end of last year, and more than two-thirds of the agencys buses now have the machines. Roughly 40 of 69 subway stations accept Presto.

When the TTC agreed in principle in 2011 to sign up for Presto, the cost of implementing it on Torontos transit network was estimated at between $250 million and $300 million. By the time the deal was signed with Metrolinx one year later, that number had been revised to $255 million.

As part of the deal, the province agreed to cap the TTCs capital spending on the fare card system at $47 million. The TTC has since agreed to spend an additional $50 million on the Presto fare gates, however. Ross said the TTCs Presto spending remains on budget.

TTC and Metrolinx officials have said that implementing Presto is key to modernizing the regions transit system, because it will allow passengers to pay to ride on any transit system in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area with a single card, and make fare collection more efficient.

Presto is now used by 11 transit agencies in the GTHA and Ottawa, including GO Transit, MiWay in Mississauga, and the Union Pearson Express.

But its deployment in Toronto has not been without problems. As previously reported by the Star, recent audits conducted by the TTC revealed that up to 12 per cent of Presto readers on buses and 6 per cent on streetcars werent working.

The TTC and Metrolinx have said the glitches are temporary and will be rectified by the time Presto is fully implemented.

In 2012, the Ontario auditor general found that the cost of implementing the fare card system across the GTHA had nearly tripled from its initial budget, to $700 million.

With files from Tess Kalinowski

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Students are demanding the University of Toronto take action in the face of transphobic comments made by psychology professor Jordan Peterson.

In video lectures posted on YouTube, Peterson criticizes Bill C-16, which would amend the Canadian Human Rights Act and Criminal Code to include protection for gender identity or expression.

He also refuses to honour non-binary students request for gender neutral pronouns, saying I dont know what the options are if youre not a man or a woman.

Denio Lourenco, LGBTQ co-ordinator with the University of Toronto Mississauga Students Union, called Petersons comments disturbing and accused the prof of trying to hide behind the shield of academic freedom.

The students union, along with a number of other campus groups, has penned an open letter to the administration condemning Petersons remarks and demanding an apology.

Although this is very much about him, its also about demanding accountability from the university, Lourenco said.

The letter, also signed by representatives from LGBTOUT, and the Black Liberation Collective, calls for a full retraction of Petersons comments and the removal of his lectures from YouTube.

It also demands the university defend students against future prejudiced comments from tenured professors.

Lourenco said U of Ts own policies support an environment free of discrimination and harassment.

They actually made a commitment, we just need them to follow through with it at this point, he said.

University of Toronto spokesperson Elizabeth Church said the university has received the letter and is considering it.

Peterson told Metro he has no plans to either apologize or retract his statements.

The whole letter is just basic ideological boilerplate, its exactly what youd expect, he said after speaking at a campus rally Tuesday.

The rally, organized by Petersons supporters, became tense at times, as other students challenged his views, and each other.

At one point a fire alarm went off, causing students to spill out onto the steps of Sidney Smith Hall on the downtown campus, where the event was taking place.

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WASHINGTONHacked emails show that Hillary Clintons campaign was slow to grasp the seriousness of the controversy over her use of a homebrew email server and believed it might blow over after one weekend.

Two days after The Associated Press was first to report in March 2015 that Clinton had been running a private server in her home in New York to send and receive messages when she was secretary of state, her advisers were shaping their strategy to respond to the revelation.

WikiLeaks began releasing on Friday what it said were years of messages from accounts used by Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta. He said Tuesday that the FBI told him it was looking into the breach as part of its ongoing investigation into the hacking of Democratic organizations by Russian intelligence.

Among the emails made public Tuesday by WikiLeaks was one from Clinton campaign spokesman Nick Merrill, who optimistically suggested that the issue might quickly blow over.

Goal would be to cauterize this just enough so it plays out over the weekend and dies in the short term, Merrill wrote on March 6, 2015.

It did not, and became the leading example of Clintons penchant for secrecy, which has persisted as a theme among her campaign critics and rivals throughout her election season. Clinton did not publicly confirm or discuss her use of the email server until March 10 in a speech at the United Nations, nearly one week after The Associated Press revealed the servers existence.

WikiLeaks began releasing on Friday what it said were years of messages from accounts used by Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta. He has acknowledged his emails were hacked. Podesta warned that messages may have been altered or edited to inflict political damage but has not pointed to any specific case of this.

Months after Merrills message, the campaign was still preoccupied with emails. In May 2015, Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon alerted other staffers that the Justice Department was proposing to publish Clintons work-related emails by January in response to requests by news organizations. Fallon, a former Justice Department spokesman, wrote that unspecified DOJ folks told him there was a court hearing planned soon in the case. The name and email address of the person who shared the information with Fallon had been deleted.

Donald Trump on Tuesday called Fallons email unbelievable, and his supporters said it showed collusion between the Obama administration and Clintons campaign.

The dates of court hearings would have been publicly posted in advance on the courts docket. Fallon did not respond to a request for comment from The Associated Press. The Justice Department declined to discuss Fallons email.

It wasnt immediately clear who hacked Podestas emails, though U.S. intelligence officials last week blamed the Russian government for a series of breaches intended to influence the presidential election.

On Tuesday, Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak dismissed the accusations as untrue.

We are watching very carefully the election campaign in this country, Kislyak said at a discussion of bilateral affairs at Johns Hopkins Universitys campus in Washington. We dont interfere (in) the internal affairs of the United States, neither by my statements nor by electronic or other means.

The messages stolen from Podestas account describe how Clintons closest advisers considered responding to key events during the campaign, including the discovery of her email server and her congressional testimony over the deadly 2012 attacks on a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya.

In emails from March 2015, Merrill suggested a strategy  ultimately nixed by Clinton herself  of having comedian Larry Wilmore and Bill Clinton joke during an event for the Clinton Global Initiative charity in Coral Gables, Florida, before having Clinton join them on stage.

Merrill laid out the scenario in emails to Podesta and other aides: Wilmore could sit down with WJC and Chelsea and say something like Thanks for having me here, its a pleasure. And I should tell you, I just emailed HRC (I hear shes a big emailer), and asked if shed join as well. (Laughter). He added that Hillary Clinton could then walk out to applause.

It would be just lighthearted enough while giving her the opportunity to address this seriously, be a little conciliatory as discussed, and then get back to a discussion about CGI etc., Merrill wrote in the email.

In the end, Hillary Clintons team drafted talking points Clinton used at the news conference at the United Nations.

Clinton said she fully complied with every rule that I was governed by and that there is no classified material among her work-related emails.

Both of those statements were later proved false.

The State Departments internal watchdog concluded in an audit released that Clinton ignored clear written guidance that her email setup broke federal record-keeping rules and could leave sensitive material vulnerable to hackers. The FBIs recently closed investigation concluded that more than 100 emails exchanged through Clintons private server contained information that was later determined to be classified.

As the email controversy escalated in the summer of 2015, Clinton herself seemed slow to grasp the continuing political damage. Communications director Jennifer Palmieri in August expressed concerns that Clinton wasnt in the same place on the issue as some on her campaign staff.

At the time, the political aides were working out details of revealing that Clinton had directed her staff to hand over her server and a thumb drive with copies of her emails to the Justice Department. Palmieri was writing other campaign aides to arrange for a Univision reporter to ask a few questions on emails during an interview that would otherwise focus on college affordability.

As you all know, I had hoped that we could use the server moment as an opportunity for her to be viewed as having take a big step to deal with the email problem that would best position us for what is ahead, Palmieri wrote. It is clear that she is not in same place.

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Race is perhaps the worst idea ever to come out of science. Scientists were responsible for officially dividing human beings into Europeans, Africans, Asians and Native Americans and promoting these groups as sub-species or separate species altogether. That happened back in the 18th century, but the division lends the feel of scientific legitimacy to the prejudice that haunts the 21st century.

Racial tension proved a major point of contention in the first 2016 presidential debate, and yet just days before, scientists announced theyd used wide-ranging samples of DNA to add new detail to the consensus story that we all share a relatively recent common origin in Africa. While many human species and sub-species once roamed the planet, theres abundant evidence that beyond a small genetic contribution from Neanderthals and a couple of other sub-species, only one branch of humanity survived to the present day.

Up for grabs was whether modern non-Africans stemmed from one or more migrations out of Africa. The newest data suggests there was a single journey  that sometime between 50,000 and 80,000 years ago, a single population of humans left Africa and went on to settle in Asia, Europe, the Americas, the South Pacific, and everywhere else. But this finding amounts to just dotting the is and crossing the ts on a scientific view that long ago rendered notion of human races obsolete.

We never use the term race,  said Harvard geneticist Swapan Mallick, an author on one of the papers revealing the latest DNA-based human story. Were all part of the tapestry of humanity, and its interesting to see how we got where we are.

Thats not to deny that people vary in skin colour and other visible traits. Whether youre dark or light, lanky or stocky depends in part on the sunlight intensity and climate in the regions where your ancestors lived. Nor is it to deny that racism exists  but in large part it reflects a misinterpretation of those superficial characteristics.

There is a profound misunderstanding of what race really is, Harvard anthropology professor Daniel Lieberman said at an event the night after the presidential debate. Race is a scientifically indefensible concept with no biological basis as applied to humans.

Consider the fact that most of the race boxes people tick off on census forms were invented by creationists, such as Swedish biologist Carolus Linnaeus. In 1758, he declared that humans could be divided into races he described as white (European), red (native American), black (African) and yellow (Asian). He also attributed various unflattering personality traits to all the races except for whites. In subsequent decades, scientists of European ancestry argued over whether God created the races separately or whether they diverged from a common creationist origin.

In the 19th century, scientists used race not just to classify people but to justify slavery by painting Africans as inferior, according to Joseph Graves, a geneticist at North Carolina A&T State University who spoke at Harvard this week. One of the worlds most prominent American scientists of the mid-1800s, Samuel Morton, collected skulls from all over the world and attempted to demonstrate that those of European ancestry had the worlds biggest heads and were, so he claimed, intellectually superior.

Scientists subsequently realized that Morton was wrong  about whose heads were biggest and the connection between head size and intelligence. There is still controversy about whether Morton cheated or made a statistical error, but his conclusion remains debunked.

Graves, who is the author of several books, including 2005s The Race Myth  said a key turning point occurred when Charles Darwin published On the Origin of Species in 1859. From his travels around the world, Darwin realized that there was no scientific reason to divide people into four races. It made just as much sense to him, he wrote later, to divide them into anywhere between two and 63 races.

But not everyone took Darwins side. Another influential figure in 19th century science was Swiss-American biologist Louis Agassiz, whom Graves describes as a giant  both in his accomplishments and his sway over his contemporaries. Even after Darwin published his book, Agassiz continued to promote the notion that Africans and Europeans were different species. Agassiz proposed that the children of mixed couples would be infertile, as are the offspring of horses and donkeys. He was wrong, just like he was wrong in never accepting evolution.

Darwins powerful idea didnt put an end to scientific racism. The eugenics movement of the Progressive Era, for example, tried to cloak racism in evolutionary theory, but in general, 20th-century researchers pushed racism to the scientific fringes. (Historians have shown that Hitler could only fake the scientific credibility of his racist ideology.) And in the 1980s, scientists used DNA to trace all humans back to an origin 200,000 years ago in Africa. This is recent in evolutionary time, given that our lineages split from that of chimpanzees perhaps 7 million years ago.

Refining the story, contemporary scientists have analyzed DNA collected from diverse populations  aboriginal Australians, Papua New Guineans, Basques, Bedouins and Pygmies. The very nature of the project acknowledges that these groups are distinct enough that their DNA matters in deciphering the human story  but not so distinct that they represent separate races. Bones and teeth scattered through the Middle East and Asia show people left Africa in many waves, but according to this latest DNA analysis, only one of those waves made a substantial contribution to the current population of humans.

Why are people still so determined to believe that racial categories are distinct, unchanging and rooted in biology? Its not rational, said Graves. He said one reason Americans are stuck in the 19th century when it comes to race is that many teachers are unprepared to teach human evolution or refuse to out of fear.

Graves sometimes quizzes his students by showing them an image of a man and asking them to guess where he comes from. It appears to show someone most Americans would identify as a black man, and Graves said people assume hes from Africa or an African American community in the U.S. But hes from the Solomon Islands, which are in the South Pacific.

This exercise shows that race is real in the public consciousness, if not in biology. But the science shows it doesnt have to be this way forever.

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Television personality and exiting NBC host Billy Bush is an alpha male. Donald Trump is an alpha, too, as Eric Trump would have you believe. So argued the younger Trump, lending his voice to the refrain that his fathers grab them by the p---y comments should be dismissed as locker-room banter.

On Monday, the 32-year-old son of the Republican presidential nominee defended Donald Trumps lewd braggadocio in an interview with the Colorado Gazette. It was damage control in the wake of a 2005 recorded conversation between Billy Bush and Donald Trump, published Friday by The Washington Post.

While professional athletes and those familiar with locker rooms cracked down on the banter defence as fallacious and harmful, Eric Trump further qualified that among the most dominant, or alpha, men, such conversations were only natural. I think sometimes when guys are together they get carried away, he said to the Gazette, and sometimes thats what happens when alpha personalities are in the same presence.

But, like the notion that locker rooms are rancid with boasts of sexual assault, the concept of the human alpha, too, is just that: a myth, as real as James Bond or Patrick Bateman.

That is not to say the idea of the alpha is not pervasive. Eric Trump is far from the first person to ascribe the quality to Trump. Opinion pages froth with Trumps perceived alpha-ness. As Florida State University professor Diane Roberts wrote in a recent Los Angeles Times op-ed: Trumps supporters call him an alpha male; they use dominant, hard-driving and other unsubtly phallic adjectives. Running mate Mike Pence coquettishly refers to his broad shoulders. 

Consider Ed McMullen, Trumps South Carolina co-chairman, who described Trump in February as the alpha male who says exactly what is on his mind.

To Dilbert comic creator Scott Adams, who has willed himself into something of a Trump whisperer, the candidates appeal can be expressed in alpha-versus-beta terms. Trump is well on his way to owning the identities of American, Alpha Males, and Women Who Like Alpha Males, he said to The Washington Post in March. Clinton is well on her way to owning the identities of angry women, beta males, immigrants, and disenfranchised minorities.

Nigel Farage, the British politician, likened Donald Trumps performance at Sundays debate to a silverback gorilla in the way Trump dominated Democratic rival Hillary Clinton, reported CNN.

When asked, primatologist Frans de Waal saw parallels between Trump and alpha chimpanzees. At least, in the sense of blustering and bluffing, as he told The Washington Post in May, as well as the businessmans willingness to take risks.

Defenders of the alpha male identity look to biology to give it a veneer of scientific validity. Alpha animals, after all, reap the benefits of their perch at the top of their social hierarchies. An alpha elephant seal lays claim to a harem of female seals; this giant marine mammal guards his group for months, forgoing eating in lieu of a chance to impregnate dozens. An alpha guinea pigs testosterone levels spike after fighting off other males from their home turf. Alpha chimpanzees rule through a combination of group grooming politics and an iron paw.

The idea of the alpha male can be traced to wolves, and the work of U.S. Geological Survey scientist L. David Mech. His 1970 book The Wolf: Ecology and Behaviour of an Endangered Species popularized the term, and it caught on, spreading to other areas of animal science. But Mech later lamented it was incorrect, and would refine the terminology based on an additional 40 years of wolf research.

From Mechs website: One of the outdated pieces of information is the concept of the alpha wolf. Alpha implies competing with others and becoming top dog by winning a contest or battle. However, most wolves who lead packs achieved their position simply by mating and producing pups, which then became their pack. In other words they are merely breeders, or parents, and thats all we call them today, the breeding male, breeding female, or male parent, female parent, or the adult male or adult female. In the rare packs that include more than one breeding animal, the dominant breeder can be called that, and any breeding daughter can be called a subordinate breeder. 

But inaccuracy did not keep the idea from creeping into descriptions of humans. After de Waal further popularized alpha male in his 1982 book Chimpanzee Politics, as he told New York Magazine, the chimp-human comparisons picked up steam. By the time of Al Gores presidential bid, the idea reached the halls of the White House: campaign adviser Naomi Wolf diagnosed Gore as beta to Bill Clintons alpha.

During the mid-00s, the transcendence to alpha from beta became a staple of a certain type of masculine self-help, particularly within the pickup artist community. As outlined in the New Statesman in 2014, the social hierarchy of pickup culture is framed by the idea of becoming the alpha within a group, or at least of understanding the hierarchy of a social situation enough to make sure that a man is valued enough to be a potential mate, literally by demonstrating value. 

Because the internet excels at nothing if not ideological cross-pollination, these ideas about social hierarchy began to power some of the more bizarre Trump supporter memes: The GOP candidate, as an alpha, is Daddy. His detractors are cucks, from cuckservative  a more loaded twist on the concept of RINO or Republican-in-name-only  and fair game to be diagnosed from the comment section with low testosterone, or low T. (If you take Florida weight-loss doctor Dareld Morris at his word, or at least by his Facebook page, voting for Clinton is a symptom of low testosterone. He is offering a hormone test to check for the condition.) It is possible there are even sillier iterations of Trumpian alpha-ness.

If you are left wondering whether the alpha chimpanzee, who by genetic terms is indeed closely related to humans, could be a worthwhile parallel, consider that our social hierarchies are vastly different. One well-studied alpha male, Frodo, was by human standards less a leader worthy of emulation and more a psychopathic despot: He killed and tried to eat a human infant, attacked cartoonist Gary Larson and almost broke Jane Goodalls neck. Chimpanzees are innately disposed toward violence, a Nature study revealed in 2014.

For the single guy, too, aping the puffed-up chimp is a false start. In 2015, University of Pennsylvania psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman pointed to a body of social research indicating that prestige, attainable through confidence and generosity, made men more attractive to women  rather than the stereotypical alpha traits of aggression and dominance.

The popular idea of alpha begins to falter further: An alpha chimp is not necessarily the most massive, most powerful or most willing to sniffle down an opponents neck. Sometimes the smallest male can become the alpha male. Thats because they need coalition partners, de Waal said in May. They need to keep them happy.

This includes, the primatologist pointed out, the support of females in the social group. And if that is the case, given Donald Trumps plummeting polls among women, the candidate is shaping up to be anything but the mythological alpha.

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The inevitable question about Islamophobia came up roughly a third of the way through the second U.S. presidential debate, held in Missouri on Sunday. But a rapid-fire Twitter post by a Brooklyn professor has arguably become more well-known than either candidates response.

Gorbah Hamed, a Muslim woman, asked both candidates  starting with Trump  how hed help people like me deal with the consequences of being labelled as a threat to the country after the election is over?

Trump told Hamed that Islamophobia was a shame, but later said:

We have to be sure that Muslims come in and report when they see something going on. When they see hatred going on, they have to report it.

Moments later, Moustafa Bayoumi, an author and English professor at Brooklyn College, took up Trumps suggestion  and reported the candidate.

Its since received roughly 90,000 retweets, and twice as many likes. A hashtag, #MuslimsReportStuff, began circulating around Twitter before the second presidential debate even ended.

Many users followed suit, and reported Trumps sometimes bizarre stage presence during the debate as something going on:

Others reported a double-standard: the onus was put on Muslims to report crime in their own communities, yet white communities werent expected to explain the actions of their own people.

And plenty of users reported perfectly benign behaviours of daily life in America:

In one case, Muslim-Americans literally tweeted about reporting stuff  such as this tongue-in-cheek quip from an NPR political reporter.

As #MuslimsReportStuff began going viral, Trumps official Twitter account only reinforced the statements he made in the debate:

Clintons condemnation of Islamophobia was more specific than Trumps. She said shed gotten similar questions to Hameds, because, unfortunately, theres been a lot of very divisive, dark things said about Muslims.

"We need American Muslims to be part of our eyes and ears on our front lines, Clinton later said.

Her campaigns Twitter account doubled down on the fallout from her opponents comments:

Bayoumi, on the other hand, has been lauded in U.S. and international news outlets for his post  and the reaction thats since followed. He even reflected on how weird it was for him to keep posting about his own post.

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Hillary Clintons name is on the ballot, but the 2016 race so far has been just as much a contest between Barack Obama and Donald Trump.

Never in modern times has a retiring incumbent been so central to a presidential campaign, a phenomenon embraced by a nominee who initially kept her distance. Crowds sometimes cheer four more years when Obama or his wife, Michelle, headline rallies for Clinton.

The outsize role Obama is playing reflects a strategic choice by Clinton to tap an election-year surge in his popularity; the president enjoys 53 per cent job approval in the latest Gallup poll. The Clinton campaign knows that she simply cant get to the White House unless she can appeal to a coalition she has struggled to excite  the African-American, Hispanic, and younger voters who delivered Obama the presidency, said a Democrat close to the campaign and to the Obama administration.

Barack Obama has essentially put Hillary Clinton on his back and is trying to carry her across the finish line metaphorically, said Democratic pollster Peter Hart, who has polled presidential elections since 1964. There is no president that has put his prestige and his power behind a candidate more than Barack Obama, and if Hillary Clinton is successful she will owe it to Barack Obama more than any candidate I have ever known.

White House press secretary Josh Earnest declared Obama the cleanup hitter for Clinton at a recent news briefing. In that role, Obama plans to devote one to two days each week to campaign for her through the election. He travelled to North Carolina on Tuesday looking to run up the score on Trump, whose campaign is reeling after last weeks release of a 2005 video tape in which he made vulgar comments about women  a development that led many GOP allies to desert him.

Obama appeared to relish the opportunity to attack Trump for the tape on Tuesday, going off-script and speaking 20 minutes longer than expected at a rally in Greensboro, N.C. He questioned how Republicans could criticize Trumps remarks but maintain their support for his campaign.

I too believe in forgiveness and redemption, but that doesnt mean Im going to elect the person president, Obama said. We saw this coming. Hes been saying bad stuff for a while now. I mean whatd you think, he was just going to transform himself?

More than a year ago, long before Trump was considered a viable nominee, Obama and his advisers already were planning an unprecedented push for Clinton, seeing the election of a Democratic successor as critical to securing his policy achievements. But Trumps emergence has intensified that fervour, said the Democrat close to the administration who spoke on condition of anonymity.

Obama has an antipathy toward Trump that runs deeper than politics, the Democrat said. The president and his advisers consider Trump antithetical to core Obama values such as a commitment to racial and cultural diversity, a reliance on reasoned decision-making and a willingness to work within global norms.

The disdain between the men is evident. Trump led the birther movement that falsely questioned Obamas nationality early in his presidency, and Obama responded by publicly ridiculing the billionaire at the 2011 White House Correspondents Association Dinner.

During the most recent debate, Trump railed against Obamas foreign policy, health-care program, and handling of racial unrest, repeatedly linking Clinton to the president.

This country cannot take another four years of Barack Obama, and thats what youre getting with her, Trump said.

The 2016 race has been roiled by protests over police shootings of black men, the fight over the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade accord, anxiety over immigration, economic angst among working-class whites and fears of Daesh-inspired terrorism at home. Trump and Obama personify those social tensions in the campaign.

The starkly different ways Americans interpret those developments are embodied in North Carolina, a melting pot of southern white conservatives, a sizable black population, and some of the nations most prestigious universities. Its largest city, Charlotte, has been gripped by protests following a deadly police shooting last month.

Its hard to think of a time when not only the presidents legacy but the president himself is as central to the campaign, said Julian Zelizer, a presidential historian at Princeton University.

Trump talks about Crooked Hillary,  he said. But his real gripe is not only what the Obama presidency stood for but everything Obama himself stands for.

Traditionally, the presidential nominee emerges as party leader by the summer convention. Yet the most durable moments of Julys Democratic convention were speeches by Michelle Obama and the Muslim parents of a U.S. soldier killed in action. Clinton spent much of August out of the public eye raising money, and was sidelined for several days last month by pneumonia.

Any president on the campaign trail is likely to overshadow any candidate, especially when they have the campaign skills of Barack Obama, said Democratic political consultant Steve McMahon. Thats not to take anything away from Hillary Clinton; hes an extraordinary and remarkable campaigner.

Few nominees have begun their campaigns as widely recognized as Clinton, a former first lady, U.S. senator from New York, 2008 presidential candidate and secretary of state. Yet Clinton acknowledges her weakness in generating excitement on the campaign trail, and her instinct for privacy further handicaps her connection with voters.

When it comes to public service, the service part has always been easier for me than the public part, Clinton said in Philadelphia last month. I confess I dont enjoy doing some of the things that come naturally to most politicians  like talking about myself.

While an incumbent president always wields influence in the contest to succeed him, Obama has had an unusually forceful presence. His role in the campaign will include rallies, fundraising and television, radio and social media appearances. The first lady already has appeared in a television ad. The appearances are directed and organized by the Clinton campaign, White House aides said.

Obamas predecessor, George W. Bush, by comparison was so diminished in his final year that he left public response to the worst financial crisis since 1929 to his treasury secretary, Hank Paulson, and the two presidential candidates, Obama and Republican nominee John McCain. Bush didnt even attend the 2008 Republican convention.

Ronald Reagan in 1988 and Bill Clinton in 2000 kept similarly low profiles in the campaigns of their vice-presidents, George H.W. Bush and Al Gore. Though Gore distanced himself from Clinton because of the Monica Lewinsky sex scandal, Bill Clinton and many Democratic strategists, including some Obama advisers, think that may have cost Gore the election.

While Obamas popularity has been rising, the nominees are more despised than admired: only 43 per cent of Americans have a favourable view of Clinton and 36 per cent of Trump, according to the Real Clear Politics average of polls conducted Sept. 27 through Oct. 9.

Obamas criticism of Trump has been a continuing thread in his speeches this year, spanning remarks in Springfield in February on the U.S. political discourse to his final address to the United Nations General Assembly on Sept. 20, in which Obama warned that a nation ringed by walls would only imprison itself.

Obama is becoming more vehement as the election approaches. Should African Americans fail to turn out to support Clinton in large numbers, he told the Congressional Black Caucus this month, he would consider it a personal insult  an insult to my legacy.

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SINGAPOREThe wealthy city-state of Singapore  with its flourishing trade, orderly life and almost non-existent crime  is hardly a place one would associate with illegal trade. But a new report by a reputed organization reveals that in fact the country has a poor record of preventing just that.

The new Economist Intelligence Unit released a 100-point index Wednesday that placed Singapore at seven out of 17 Asian countries for its ability to prevent illicit trade that includes counterfeit goods, arms and endangered wildlife. Singapores low ranking was largely the result of its lacunae in its free trade zones.

Commissioned by the European Chamber of Commerce, the index evaluated countries against 14 indicators including transparency, intellectual property and customs.

Singapore scored 69.8 points to tie with Taiwan. Still, it is behind neighbour Malaysia (71.8), often seen as a nation with a far less efficient government. The top performers were Australia (85.2), New Zealand (81.8) and Hong Kong (81.4).

Singapores government did not immediately respond to a request for comment by The Associated Press.

While it has the strongest customs environment, a failure to monitor its busy free trade zones dragged Singapores score down, the EIU said in a press release.

One of the indexs indicators rated countries between zero to four for free trade zone governance, including checks on warehouses for smuggled goods. Singapore was handed a score of one, meaning that there was little to no monitoring. It also received a poor rating for government co-operation with stakeholders.

Given the constant evolving nature of illicit trade, authorities need to constantly enhance their regulatory controls and enforcement effortespecially in free trade zones, Simon Jim, the chairman of the European Chamber of Commerces Committee on Intellectual Property Rights, told reporters at a news conference where the report was released.

Fake goods dont just take revenue away from companies or governments. They threaten the security of nations by supporting transnational crime syndicates and terrorist groups, he added.

Southeast Asian counterparts, except Brunei that did not feature in the index, ranked low on the table. The bottom three were Cambodia (23.9), Laos (12.9) and Myanmar (10.8). China, which carries a reputation of being a hub for counterfeit goods, had a score of 61.6.

Illicit trade is more than just counterfeit goods. Illicit trade includes guns, it includes endangered species and endangered wildlife. It includes human trafficking, said author Chris Clague from the EIU.

A lot of these other forms of illicit trade ... follow the same channels that counterfeit goods do, he said.

EIU said that rising labour costs in China could encourage manufacturers to look for cheaper sites, causing illicit trade to flow to developing Southeast Asian countries.

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A bomb suspect who was tied up and turned in by three Syrian refugees in Germany has committed suicide while in police custody.

Saxony's state Justice Ministry says the 22-year-old Syrian man arrested for a suspected Islamic extremist bomb plot killed himself Wednesday in a prison cell in Leipzig.

Justice Ministry spokesman Joerg Herold told The Associated Press that Jaber al-Bakr killed himself sometime in the evening, but that the incident was still being investigated.

Al-Bakr, who had been granted asylum after coming to Germany last year, was arrested Monday in the city Leipzig after three fellow Syrians tied him up and alerted police.

Great news!! The police have arrested the Syrian suspect (Jaber al-Bakr). We sincerely thank the police and our compatriots. We fled from the war and know what it means to live in insecure conditions, reads a post on the Facebook page of German Life Style, a page run for and by Syrian refugees.

Monis Bukhari, who has emerged as a leading lobbyist for Syrian refugees in Germany, also expressed his pleasure on Facebook regarding al-Bakrs capture. The Berliner Morgenpost newspaper quotes several Syrians in Leipzig, including one who called the men who apprehended al-Bakr heroes. Everyone should do the same in such a situation.

The arrest of the Syrian terror suspect came after an unsuccessful attempt by police to apprehend al-Bakr in Chemnitz on Saturday. After finding 1.5 kilograms of extremely dangerous explosives in his apartment, as well as further materials that could be used to produce a suicide vest, police launched a weekend-long manhunt.

It wasnt until Sunday evening, however, that police in Saxony, where Chemnitz is located, translated the wanted notice into Arabic and posted it on the web. That posting ultimately led to al-Bakrs apprehension.

Unable to return to his apartment, al-Bakr approached a Syrian refugee named Mohammad A. at the Leipzig train station Sunday night asking for a place to spend the night. In an interview with the German broadcaster RTL Monday, Mohammad A. says that he only saw the police announcement on Facebook after he had returned to his apartment with al-Bakr in tow.

He immediately informed some friends who came to his apartment. Together they tied up al-Bakr with telephone cables. According to Mohammad A., al-Bakr sought to buy them off with about 1,200 euros he had in his backpack. But we told him: You can give us as much money as you want, but were not letting you go,  Mohammad A. told RTL.

An initial telephone call to police failed because of communication difficulties. Mohammad A. took a picture of al-Bakr and drove to the police station. I am so thankful to Germany for taking us in, Mohammad A. told the tabloid Bild. I couldnt allow him to do anything to the Germans.

Chancellor Angela Merkel expressed her gratitude to the Syrians who captured al-Bakr. Saxony Governor Stanislaw Tillich likewise praised them for being courageous and responsible.

Al-Bakr arrived to Germany on Feb. 18, 2015, and received asylum on June 9. He has lived in northern Saxony since then. Recently, though, he came to Chemnitz and moved in with Khalil A. Khalil A. arrived in Germany on Nov. 25, 2015, and was arrested on Saturday as a possible accomplice.

Al-Bakr has been under observation by German domestic intelligence officials since mid-September after he allegedly researched bomb-building on the Internet and obtained some materials.

Hans-Georg Maassen, president of Germanys domestic intelligence agency, said on Monday: We had indications that he initially intended to attack trains in Germany. More recently, he began focusing his attentions on airports in Berlin.

According to the German daily Die Welt, Syrians used Facebook on Sunday evening to quickly distribute the wanted notice posted by the Saxon police, which is how Mohammad A. was able to quickly find it and take action.

With files from The Associated Press

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According to respected pollster Angus Reid, Canadians arent as accepting of cultural difference as they think. Thats probably right.

Unfortunately, the observation is based on a misleading question from a survey that the Angus Reid Institute did in partnership with the CBC. Released during the first week of October, the Angus Reid-CBC survey revealed that by a factor of almost two-to-one, Canadians say they would prefer that minorities do more to fit in with mainstream Canada, rather than encourage cultural diversity in which groups keep their own customs and language.

Reid construes this finding as a barometer of support for multiculturalism, which he states was stronger when he asked a similar question some 25 years ago.

Reids formulation implies that by maintaining ones customs and language, newcomers and their children wont fit in to the undefined mainstream to which the survey question alludes. The survey creates additional confusion by referring to minorities in one proposed response and immigrants in the other.

Canadian multiculturalism doesnt force newcomers to make the stark choice served up to respondents in the Reid survey. Indeed, the manner in which the policy and practice of multiculturalism is conveyed by the government of Canada suggests there is no contradiction between preserving ones language and customs and fitting into society.

According to the government of Canada multiculturalism ensures that all citizens can keep their identities, can take pride in their ancestry and have a sense of belonging  through multiculturalism, Canada recognizes the potential of all Canadians, encouraging them to integrate into their society and take an active part in its social, cultural, economic and political affairs. Multiculturalism has led to higher rates of naturalization than ever before. With no pressure to assimilate and give up their culture, immigrants freely choose their new citizenship because they want to be Canadians.

In other words, someone can preserve their Jewish heritage or celebrate Chinese New Year or speak Arabic with friends at work and still be a full participant in the so-called Canadian mainstream. Certainly our mainstream(s) is diverse and the term is left open to quite broad interpretation. The survey creates far more confusion about newcomer adjustment to Canada that it offers meaningful insights about Canadian views on the process.

The survey results that purport to be about multiculturalism are used by Reid to construct what is referred to as an index of Canadian values. One might deduce from the results that multiculturalism is not a value to which the majority of Canadians adhere. But that conclusion simply cannot be drawn on the basis of the question.

A 2013 Statistics Canada survey of 27,000 Canadians found to a great and moderate extent, 88 per cent of respondents felt ethnic and cultural diversity was a shared Canadian value.

Other questions in the Angus Reid-CBC survey that seek to gauge Canadian values are also awkwardly formulated and thereby lead to yet other unwarranted conclusions.

When it comes to secularism, the Angus Reid-CBC survey asks Canadians whether they prefer Keeping God and religion completely out of public life or publicly celebrating the role of faith in our collective lives.

Faced with another stark choice, unsurprisingly, most respondents opt for keeping religion out of public life. There is, however, a large grey area between the two visions that Canadians are not permitted to choose.

Wearing a hijab, turban or keepa at work should not be construed as a public celebration of faith. By providing no concrete example of what is meant by a public celebration of faith Reid leaves the impression most Canadians believe there should be no room whatsoever for religion in the public space. That is certainly not the view of most Canadians.

Multiculturalism and the place of religion in society remain the object of important public debate and it is vital that underlying issues be clearly explained to the population to enable them to make informed decisions. Regrettably, the survey results provided by the Angus Reid Institute and CBC do not move us closer to this objective.

Jack Jedwab is president of the Association for Canadian Studies and the Canadian Institute for Identities and Migration.

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Two ways of looking at Donald Trumps view of women:

1. He has inadvertently performed a public service in revealing the hardship of womens daily lives.

2. Hes a shaggy flabby force of malignity in American politics.

I dont see a great deal of middle ground. The first point was just me looking for a bright side, however desperate and evanescent. And the second understates the case.

In May, before the Trump sewer burst, Abacus Data asked Canadians how they would vote, theoretically, in the U.S. election. The answer was Clinton at 80 per cent, Trump at 20 per cent. Trump would not carry a single province, including noble right-leaning Alberta at 74 per cent/26 per cent in favour of Clinton. Only 13 per cent of women and 27 per cent of men would vote for Trump.

I basked in this story for weeks. I love my country, and believe our healthy public education system has kept us from the abyss-like social divisions of the U.S. and Britain. Hard-working teachers keep this nation smart, sensible and able to identify a nonfact as such.

What would those numbers be like now, as Trump and his supporters reveal themselves in their full glory? Im thinking of the man with his wife and three young sons at a Trump rally in Wilkes-Barre, Penn. on Monday. He wore a T-shirt saying Shes a c---. Vote for Trump.

So I hesitate to write about Trump today lest events overtake me, possibly including audio or video of him using the N-word. Things can only get worse, and they will.

But for now, lets avoid what Trump said on radio about his wife Melanias and ex-wife Ivanas bowels. Lets stay with Trump boasting of what he is able to do when he first meets a woman, which is to forcibly kiss her or grab her genitals.

The Canadian writer Kelly Oxfords question on Twitter asking Women: tweet me your first assaults has revealed what many women first experienced in girlhood. The stories poured in like lava, snippets of memories of bewilderment and fear when the attacks happened. Young boys also experience this at the hands of men. But women endure it all their lives.

As the New York Times wrote, The result has been a kind of collective nationwide purge of painful often long-buried memories. This was true of the Jian Ghomeshi court case and its true of Trumps casual boasting about brutality.

When I asked a few women on Twitter how often they had been groped, at work, on the street, in stores, on planes and trains, the numbers were very high. A woman who had worked for seven years as a waitress said it had happened to her, oh, about 28 times. Bosses and customers are a major workplace hazard.

My thoughts drifted. I try to suppress these memories on principle, a morally faulty one as I now see. Never underestimate how much you are hated, I tell female audiences, but I also say, Learn to bend with the blows. Otherwise you might break. This is practical advice. But was it helpful?

I tried to remember how many times I had been sexually groped against my will. My list, so far, is 10. A friend had said it helped her to be an intimidating 6-feet tall. I am 5-foot-2. Did I look unlikely to defend myself?

Of the 10, five were journalists. When I was 15, I was repeatedly groped by a female boss in her 40s in the bookstore where I worked. Two others were physically painful, one leaving bruises. One was an interviewee. The others were random strangers. The last one was in 2012. More will come back to me unless I shut it down, which I have. I have Trump sadness to spare. I neednt over-egg this foul pudding.

Who helped me through these events? Good men, mainly. And girlfriends, and in one spectacular instance, journalist Lee-Anne Goodman gave me the courage to confront the guy. But men sympathized, expressed horror and in some cases offered to help. I cant tell you how much this raised my spirits.

The thing is, Trump is one man. His supporters and enablers are many. But I see them not as men but as malevolent old boys.

Normal men arent Billy Bush. They are appalled by this. They are friends to women. The fight for womens rights is an alliance between good men and women.

Possibly Trump is bringing us closer in ways he would detest. But then again, he might still win.

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Perhaps the starkest symbol of the Harper governments punitive approach to justice was its decision in 2012 to drop the term criminal pardon from Canadian law, replacing it with the less graceful record suspension. Forgiveness was no longer on offer, the government seemed to be saying. You can pay for your crime, but you will never be liberated from the yoke of your past mistakes.

Worse still, Harper et al didnt stop at the semantic. The change was part of the Criminal Records Act, a piece of legislation ostensibly designed to save Ottawa a few bucks, but which, like so much of the Harper governments crime policy, has created an unjust cycle of disadvantage while yielding highly dubious economic benefits.

The law imposed an absolute ban on pardons for some offenders, doubled the waiting period to apply and raised the cost from $150 to $631. That last change might not seem like much, but for many  especially those who cant find a job because of their criminal record  the increase has proved prohibitive, the new law a Catch-22.

As numbers released this week by the Parole Board of Canada show, the legislation has prompted a precipitous drop-off in pardon applications. Over the last four years, the number is down by more than half, from 29,849 applicants in 2011-12 to 12,384 last year.

While that was precisely the intended outcome, it should be cause for grave concern. Released offenders often require a pardon before they can travel, get a job or find housing. The policy perversely denies the rehabilitated their earned right to re-enter society and thus makes recidivism more likely.

If given the chance, the vast majority will contribute to their community. Ninety-seven per cent of pardoned Canadians never reoffend, according to the parole board. They are less likely to commit a crime than the average citizen. What purpose beyond vengeance could this law possibly serve?

Vic Toews, the public safety minister at the time of the policy shift, offered this answer: Ordinary Canadians shouldnt have to be footing the bill for a criminal asking for a pardon. But surely the cost of providing social assistance to the many offenders kept out of the workforce or denied adequate housing by this misguided law easily eclipses any savings.

Canadians seem to understand this. Before tabling the legislation, the Harper government consulted more than 1,000 citizens. Ninety-eight per cent said they opposed it. That seems to give the Liberal government a clear mandate to revise a pardon process it claims to oppose.

Yet nearly a year into its first term, all the government has done on this issue is talk. In January, Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale called the current process punitive and questioned both the high fees and the long wait times. In May, the parole board conducted a public consultation on pardons, the results of which will be released later this month  just in time for a further broader consultation on the Criminal Records Act.

The government has said the law is unjust. So have Canadians. How many more public consultations will it take before Ottawa does the moral, evidence-based thing and gives rehabilitated offenders a second chance?

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NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Bank stocks have been under pressure recently as a result of several factors including the ongoing battle between Deutsche Bank (DB) and the DOJ. But not everyone is bearish on the German banking giant.

Goldman Sachs Asset Management's Mike Swell appeared on Tuesday morning's "Bloomberg Daybreak: Americas" to discuss the pressure on banks and whether or not there is buying opportunity in Deutsche Bank.

"I would say that overall the market kind of overreacted to a lot of the Deutsche Bank concerns. There's been significant, significant changes in regulations in the way that swaps are collateralized across counter parties. So this big leverage number that everybody got significantly concerned about is really protected in the way that different institutions transact with each other," Swell said.

Goldman feels that the recent concerns over Deutsche Bank were "overblown" and that there were some opportunities in the name over the last week or so. The firm found that the bank's senior debt was most attractive.

"If you flew down from Mars...you would say not a sustainable situation," Swell said. "But if you think about the ECB and you think about the ECB supporting Portugal and Greece and other countries, and who's behind the ECB? Well obviously, Germany is a very important player behind the ECB, you would say well Deutsche Bank, how do they not support Deutsche Bank?"

Swell repeated that the senior debt is not an issue and the widening in spread is an opportunity that is "relatively safe."

Shares of Deutsche Bank are down on Tuesday morning.

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 has this to say about the recommendation:

We rate DEUTSCHE BANK AG as a Sell with a ratings score of D. This is driven by several weaknesses, which we believe should have a greater impact than any strengths, and could make it more difficult for investors to achieve positive results compared to most of the stocks we cover. The company's weaknesses can be seen in multiple areas, such as its deteriorating net income, disappointing return on equity, generally disappointing historical performance in the stock itself and feeble growth in its earnings per share.

You can view the full analysis from the report here: DB
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of Chesapeake Energy (CHK) were declining in mid-afternoon trading on Tuesday as oil prices retreated.

Crude oil (WTI) was down 1.11% to $50.78 per barrel while Brent crude was lower by 1.35% to $52.42 per barrel this afternoon.

Oil prices slumped today after the International Energy Agency reported that OPEC increased its daily oil output in September by about 160,000 barrels over August levels. The countries pumped roughly 33.64 million barrels per day last month.

This comes after OPEC members agreed in late September to cut production by about 700,000 barrels daily to between 32.5 million barrels to 33 million barrels per day, Reuters notes.

Additionally, CEO Igor Sechin of Russia's government-owned oil company Rosneft saidtoday that his company would not reduce or freeze oil production with OPEC countries, according to Reuters.

Russia is not a member of OPEC, but Russia's President Vladimir Putin said yesterday that the country would support OPEC's efforts to cut oil output.

The International Energy Agency said it isn't clear how quickly global oil supplies could fall to meet demand even if Russia and OPEC agree to curb output, Reuters reports.

Chesapeake Energy is an Oklahoma City-based natural gas, oil and natural gas liquids producer.

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 rated this stock as a "sell" with a ratings score of E+.

The company's weaknesses can be seen in multiple areas, such as its weak operating cash flow and generally disappointing historical performance in the stock itself.

You can view the full analysis from the report here: CHK
Britain's Brexit drama took another turn Wednesday after U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May conceded some ground by agreeing to a debate among lawmakers before the exit clause from the European Union is triggered.

This minor step back from her government's hard-line Brexit talk helped boost the country's faltering currency, with the pound rebounding firmly in both Asia and London, reversing a string of losses and rising more than 1.4% against the US dollar to 1.2283.

Late Tuesday, the government accepted an opposition Labour Party motion that called for "full and transparent debate on the government's plan for leaving the EU." It also asked the Prime Minister to ensure that lawmakers were "able to properly scrutinise the plan for leaving the EU before Article 50 is invoked."

Article 50 is the formal method of triggering Britain's exit from the EU, which May has said she'll invoke by the end of March. In accepting the motion, the Prime Minister said the debate would not be about the referendum results and should "not undermine the position of the government" in negotiations.

But the amendment does not say whether members of parliament will be given a vote on the Brexit plan. During her regular weekly question-and-answer session with lawmakers Wednesday, May vowed to allow "every opportunity" to debate the country's Brexit strategy, but stopped short of promising a House of Commons vote.

The opposition Labour Party has put forward 170 questions for the government to answer before the exit clause is officially triggered.

The question of whether it will be a "hard Brexit", "soft Brexit" or no Brexit at all remains to be seen. A Bank of America report Monday said the government's U-turn has enhanced the range of Brexit outcomes and clearly the pound, which HSBC has called the official opposition to May's policies, has delighted in the range in possibilities.

Lawmakers from all parties have called for more transparency and say over the government's Brexit plan.

A growing sense of discontent has been emanating from Parliament since May laid out her timetable for Brexit and looked to be favoring hard line on immigration over access to the single market, or a so-called "hard Brexit".

Investors were further unsettled by various Brexit preparations, which at first included a plan that would have forced firms to disclose the number of foreign workers they employ. Although this plan has now been scrapped, the message pointed clearly to a tougher Brexit stance than had been first anticipated.
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Shares of LPL Financial (LPLA) were lower in mid-morning trading on Wednesday as JPMorgan reduced its rating on the stock to "neutral" from "overweight."

The firm also trimmed its price target to $30 from $31 on shares of the Boston-based broker-dealer.

The company is exploring strategic alternatives including a sale, Reuters reported yesterday, citing sources. LPL Financial is working with Goldman Sachs on a possible sale that's drawn interest from companies and private equity firms.

JPMorgan said the takeover speculation serves as an opportunity to exit the stock, as any deal would be compounded by "significant baggage," such as legal liabilities and negative equity.

Nomura analysts contended that a deal is unlikely, as it would have "too many hurdles."

Any buyer of LPL Financial would have to take a number of complex factors into consideration, the firm added.

The firm has a "neutral" rating and $27 price target on the stock.

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.

The team rates LPL Financial as a Buy with a ratings score of B-. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its attractive valuation levels, notable return on equity and growth in earnings per share. The team feels 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: LPLA



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NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Boeing (BA) signed a contract with China Southern Airlines (ZNH) to sell the Guangzhou-based company a dozen Dreamliner jets worth about $3.2 billion total.

Each of the mid-sized jets are priced at $271 million and will be delivered in stages from 2018 to 2020, according to Reuters.

The airline has ordered more than $15 billion of aircrafts from the Chicago-based planemaker and its rival Airbus in the past year, Bloomberg reports.

China has emerged as the world's fastest-growing aviation market, driven by domestic economic growth and a higher demand for international travel, Reuters noted.

Shares of Boeing were sliding in late-morning trading on Wednesday.

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.

The team rates Boeing as a Hold with a ratings score of C+. The company's strengths can be seen in multiple areas, such as its revenue growth and notable return on equity. However, as a counter to these strengths, it also finds weaknesses including a generally disappointing performance in the stock itself, deteriorating net income and generally higher debt management risk.

You can view the full analysis from the report here: BA



BA

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10/10/2016

Lowell Sun

By Amelia Pak-Harvey

LOWELL -- When UMass Lowell professor MinJeong Kim was working on a literacy project at the Bartlett Community Partnership School, she realized the school didn't have a single Cambodian-American children's book -- despite the high number of Cambodian students in Lowell.

Now, Kim and fellow UML professors Allyssa McCabe and Phitsamay Sychitkokhong Uy will work to bring original Southeast Asian folk tales to Lowell's elementary students.

They've received one of three "creative economy" grants from the UMass president's office, using $23,750 to collect and create stories from Cambodia, Laos, Burma and Vietnam.

The professors hope to host literary nights for each Southeast Asian group, inviting families to share stories they grew up with and also stories of their own immigrant experiences.

From there, they will choose three folk tales and one story of an immigrant experience for each ethnic group. Illustrations for the books will come in part from associate art and design professor Karen Roehr.

The group hopes to publish the books by April, in time for the Southeast Asian new year.

The grant includes a day of professional development for teachers to learn about the books and family engagement in general.

"It's just a matter of engaging immigrant and refugee communities in a culturally respective and responsive way," Uy said.

The three professors are tackling the project with the belief that children might not understand stories from different cultures as well as their own.

Case in point: The first time Kim's 4-year-old daughter saw snow, she called it rice.

"That's something she relates to when she makes a story and when she makes sense of the world," Kim said.

Funding for creativity

Another creative-economy grant will go to professor Pouya Afshar in UML's Department of Art and Design. He will use $18,669 to launch an animation program at Lowell High School, which will open this month to 25-30 students.

The money will pay student instructors from UML to teach the workshops, which will run twice a week for 11 weeks.

At the end, LHS students will make a film.

"We're going to start with some basic projects in animation for them to warm up and get to know how the technical side of animation work," Afshar said. "From there, we're going to shift our gears toward narrative."

The program is a win for everyone, he said, because UML students will also learn arts instruction.

"One part of being an artist these days is to do the practice, but also you need to be able to convey, transfer what you know," Afshar said.

History professor Chad Montrie will use $22,182 for an "Urban Waters Revolution" project he is working on with Groundwork Lawrence, the Lawrence Heritage State Park and the Essex Art Center.

The project will install educational signs at Lawrence's Ferrous Park, and create elementary-school lesson plans on Ellen Swallow Richards, who worked on experiments in water and sewage treatment at the park.

Richards, the first woman to attend and teach at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, worked on filtration efforts that eventually made Lawrence the first city in the country to filter all of its water for disease prevention.

Richards is an important part of that effort and has been very much under-acknowledged until now, Montrie said.

Those experiments, too, are a big part of the Lawrence story, he said.

"The main thing we want to do is communicate how important Lawrence is to the environmental history of the United States and really in sort of understanding how it fits in terms of many improvements that we've made in other parts of the world," Montrie said.
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Against a backdrop of filing cabinets filled with immigration cases, lawyer Elizabeth Matherne poses for a portrait at her office in Cumming, Ga. (Kevin D. Liles for the Washington Post)

Elizabeth Matherne had been practicing immigration law for four years in the far northern suburbs of this city when a new group of people came pleading for help. A flood of Central American newcomers fleeing violence in their home countries were resettling in Atlanta, applying for asylum and jamming the six phone lines at her office. Shed never seen such demand for her services.

But Matherne only felt rattled. Atlanta was fast becoming Americas toughest immigration court, she told the callers, a place where asylum applicants had lotto number odds. And that left Matherne with a brutal choice: She could either accept money from cash-strapped clients likely to end up with only debt and deportation orders, or she could stop and risk sabotaging her business  and her cause.

A crisis of conscience, she called it.

This was the curse of being an immigration lawyer in Americas least-forgiving place for new arrivals seeking asylum. Just as the massive flow of Central Americans into the U.S. immigration system was making Mathernes job more urgent, it was also making it increasingly impossible to do.

Across the nation, new migrants from Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras were showing up in federal courts designed to hear immigration cases, telling stories about dire and sometimes life-threatening gang violence in their countries. But they did not easily meet the traditional standards for asylum, which is reserved for persecuted peoples. Lawyers working in immigration courts around the country said in interviews that the ambiguity surrounding these cases has opened the door for a more arbitrary version of immigration justice.





Although the immigration court system has long faced differences across its 58 venues  reflecting the backgrounds of immigrants seeking reprieve, the availability of lawyers to help and the views of local judges  the Central American surge has made those variations more stark. Over the past five years, the asylum grant rate  at 48 percent nationally, according to government data  has risen in New York from 76 percent to 84 percent, reflecting a more generous attitude toward not just Central Americans but also other immigrants.

In Atlanta, however, it has fallen from 23 percent to 2 percent.

As a result, in the Souths largest city, Central Americans are running into a near-impermeable legal wall.

Before the surge of Central Americans began in 2014, immigration lawyers could choose from a range of cases. But in cities such as Atlanta, they are increasingly forced to take on Central American clients or none at all. That is because the newly arriving men, women and children have been moved to the front of the line by the Obama administration. Central Americans now account for almost half of immigration cases, up from a quarter in 2012. Many other cases have been pushed to 2019.

The Central American surge is changing the profile of border crossings. A decade ago, nearly 9 in 10 people apprehended at the border were Mexican. Today, although the overall number of border-crossers has declined, 40 percent are from the three most violent countries in Central America.

Cases are typically heard in the court closest to where the migrants resettle, and for many undocumented Central Americans, Atlanta is a popular destination for its job opportunities

and Spanish-speaking neighborhoods. A separate batch winds up having cases heard via videoconference in the Atlanta court while being detained in a facility in Ocilla, Ga.

For Matherne, practicing immigration law was a little rebellion against the conservative Southern culture in which she grew up. She was raised in Chamblee, Ga., and her father listened to Rush Limbaugh and talked about illegals taking over the country. She was pulled onto a different path, selected for a DeKalb County 1990s integration program and bused to a majority-black high school. It just gave me an ability to put myself in other peoples shoes that most white people dont have, Matherne said.

Lawyer Elizabeth Matherne at her office in Cumming, Ga. (Kevin D. Liles for the Washington Post)

She came to view herself as a spunky fighter who defied conventions: pregnant at 21, married to a Marine veteran at 22, a law degree at 27. She became a public defender in Orlando at 28 and was seen by colleagues as the most empathetic in the office  every criminal with a redeeming side.

Elizabeth always thinks she needs to save people, and when she cant save them, it breaks her, said Brandy Alexander, a lawyer who worked with Matherne in Orlando.

Judges being so dismissive

For years, Matherne had carved out a comfortable living by handling a variety of immigration matters  green-card applications, helping spouses stuck overseas, the occasional asylum seeker. The sign that something had changed came with the simple task of trying to spring clients, usually new arrivals held by immigration authorities, from detention.

For years, judges had granted bond without much thought, but that began to change in 2014, as Central Americans  ones that Matherne took on as clients  entered the system.

The soft-spoken Guatemalan whose land had been seized under threat. Denied.

A Salvadoran forced by gang members to perform oral sex at knifepoint, now with a scar across his face. Denied.

An anti-drug detective who defected from a unit in which other men were helping gangs. Denied.

They were men who had thought they had futures in the United States.

You graduate law school, pass the bar; you think youre given a key to help the world, she said. I genuinely believed these people could die if theyre sent back. And youre talking to somebody  the judge  who is not listening.

Though the judges did not need to justify their actions, Matherne and other lawyers had explanations for them. One was legal: Unlike for those fleeing religious persecution, for example, the precedent supporting Central American asylum was shaky, particularly for politically conservative courts in the Southeast. The other was practical: Judges were seeing so many similar cases that they were afraid to open the floodgates. Indeed, the Obama administration had grown so concerned about the influx of Central Americans that it had taken steps of its own  building new detention facilities and carrying out deportation sweeps  to deter future migrants.

Some of the disparities in asylum rates reflect differences in the makeup of those walking through the door. In 2015, Central Americans were almost four times as likely to be denied asylum than granted it. Mexicans tended to lose at an even greater clip. Eritreans and Somalis, almost always fitting the traditional profile of an asylum seeker, fared better. Chinese immigrants, often wealthy enough to have lawyers, were among the most successful, including political dissidents and women who said they faced forced abortion because of the nations one-child policy.

But differences among immigrants seeking asylum are only part of the reason for the national disparities, lawyers say. Lawyers in New York, Arlington, Va., and Boston  all places with generous approval rates  say they have also seen a massive surge in Central Americans seeking asylum. And they say they tend to win.

In Atlanta, the odds were never easy, but with the tough new reality, Matherne felt there was no conceivable way to reliably win. So for the first time in her career, she started pushing most clients away. She blocked out 10 to 20 hours every week for consultations. Yes, I believe you, shed say. Your case might have merit in some parts of the country. But it probably wont work here.

The asylum seekers did not have many other options. Only a few dozen of Atlantas 12,000 lawyers work in immigration. A study published last month found that having a lawyer boosted ones chances of success in immigration court more than fivefold but that only 47 percent of migrants in Atlantas court had attorneys. That was lower than in any other big city.

We just dont have the capacity, said Keren Sohahong-Kombet, one person on a list of lawyers that court administrators give to new arrivals.

Among the countrys 277 immigration judges  appointed by the attorney general  five work in Atlanta. Compared with those in other cities, they tend to be older. All are men. Four have served since at least the George W. Bush administration. Two are former prosecutors with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. Their reasons for rejecting most asylum claims remain unknown, and individual judges are prohibited from giving interviews. A staffer at Atlantas Immigration Court referred all questions to the Justice Departments Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR).

An EOIR spokeswoman declined to specifically address the Atlanta situation but said in a statement that the office takes seriously any claims of unjustified and significant anomalies in immigration judge decision-making and takes steps to evaluate disparities in immigration adjudications.

A personal crisis

With immigration law, Matherne could stand outside a detention center after a client was released and reunited with a family. Or she could spend dozens of hours preparing a client for an asylum case and rejoice as a judge agreed with her argument. She wrote about her best cases on her resume. The results were in capital letters: GRANTED.

But in the aftermath of the asylum surge, Mathernes business turned into what she called a house of cards. She needed 150 new cases a year to cover her costs, including an employee. Instead, she had a growing folder of hundreds of cases marked Consultations  Not Retained. Her caseload shrank, her revenue collapsed, and she cut her own salary to zero.

For the first time in her life, she spiraled downward.

Her husband, a tax accountant, could support the familys mortgage payments and groceries. But how could she justify the long hours when she wasnt making a cent? She was either working, she said, or home and too grumpy to talk. Her youngest son was struggling to read  something for which she blamed herself because she carved out so little time for him.

She argued with her husband. She stopped quilting and painting. She saw a psychologist.

I felt dead inside, she said.

Most of all, she second-guessed her handling of the asylum cases. She didnt want to con people or file bulls--- asylum claims or sustain a career on money from people who were wasting it. (Lawyers typically charge about $5,000 for an asylum case.)

But she also hated to back away.

You perceive yourself as a fighter, she said, and yet how are you so unwilling to take this fight?

Turning away

Matherne was preparing a workshop on how to represent unaccompanied minors when she concluded something ominous: The Central American surge wasnt going away.

In the PowerPoint presentation she put together, she detailed what was happening: thousands of deportations, skyrocketing backlogs in court. Eighty-eight percent of court hearings were conducted in Spanish.

I saw the storm clouds, Matherne said.

And she decided that her job had deteriorated beyond repair.

So I started ripping the Band-Aids off, she said.

She talked with her husband. Start over, he said. Simple. Do something that will make you happy.

She started to tell callers she was no longer taking cases.

She enrolled for online classes to become a law librarian.

Others keep going for years as zombies, she said. I couldnt keep going if I didnt think I could win.

Matherne still shows up in court from time to time with her last clients.

But several months ago, Matherne asked the Immigration Court to remove her from an official list of lawyers who take cases. She had been on the list for six years, but when the court updated its pamphlet, the change was immediate.

Atlanta had one fewer immigration lawyer, and the phone calls stopped.
Back in the late 1950s, my friends and I would regularly camp out in my back yard. Naturally, we told scary stories about the Hook or the Beast With Five Fingers. Sometimes wed discuss whether any of our teachers could be Russian spies. Sooner or later, though, we would always lie back in the cool grass and stare up at the night sky. Wheres the Big Dipper? Could that be Venus? Is that a plane over there? Wed all look hard at the lighted dot skimming along high overhead. Was it a plane? It seemed to be flying really fast. Then someone would say, What would you do if the aliens landed here right now?

. . . Flying Saucers Are Real! is the just-published catalogue of the magnificently kitschy UFO collection compiled by science fiction writer Jack Womack. Sometime next year, the Georgetown University library  which recently acquired the collection  will mount an exhibit featuring such loony, nostalgia-laden volumes as Flying Saucers Are Watching You, Flying Saucers Have Landed, Are The Invaders Coming?, The White Sands Incident and The Elvis-UFO Connection. Till then, this oversize paperback deliciously chronicles one of the 20th centurys most extraordinary popular delusions and the madness that accompanied it.

"... Flying Saucers Are Real!," by Jack Womack (Anthology Editions )

The main focus is on books, pamphlets and other written material from the heyday of the saucer craze, the two decades following June 24, 1947, when pilot Kenneth Arnold reported seeing nine reflective disklike objects moving at 1,200 miles an hour over the Cascade Mountains of the Pacific Northwest. As Womack writes, The words flying saucers first appeared in a no-byline Hearst International release datelined June 26. By June 27, Arnolds story had gone worldwide. Yet there was much more of that story still to come.

[At 86, Ursula K. Le Guin is finally getting the recognition she deserves  almost]

A few weeks after Arnolds initial sighting, the editor of Fate magazine asked him to speak with a man who had also spotted saucers above Puget Sound. Quickly agreeing, Arnold left a debriefing with two military intelligence officers to meet Harold Dahl, who told him of how six flying discs had ejected shards of a mysterious metal over his boat. Dahl retrieved some of the metal and gave it to his boss, Fred Crisman. The next day, as Womack summarizes, a man dressed in a black suit driving a brand new 1947 Buick sedan stopped Dahl and told him they needed to talk. The stranger added, I know more about your experience than you will want to believe and later warned him not to speak to anyone else.

Nonetheless, Dahl then told Arnold that the saucers were piloted by manlike beings made visible by A-bomb radiation. At this point the two intelligence officers who had been debriefing Arnold asked to accompany him when he interviewed Dahls boss about the weird metal. At the meeting, however, Crisman failed to bring any of the alien scraps and the officers left, infuriated. Next morning, as Womack writes, Arnold saw the Tacoma Times headline: SABOTAGE HINTED IN CRASH OF ARMY BOMBER AT KELSO. Both officers were on board, both were dead. The reporter said an unidentified source claimed the plane was shot down because it carried classified material. 

There, in a nutshell, are nearly all the darkly suggestive X-Files elements that would feed what William Gibson  in his introduction to the catalogue  calls the flying saucer meme. In my own case, by the time I was 14 I had already read, wide-eyed, Frank Edwardss Flying Saucers  Serious Business and retired Marine Maj. Donald E. Keyhoes Flying Saucers From Outer Space, had learned from radio talk shows about the National Investigations Committee on Aerial Phenomena (NICAP) and the Air Forces Project Blue Book, which was gathering UFO data, and knew that somewhere in the western desert of Arizona and New Mexico strange aircraft had crashed and alien bodies had been recovered, then spirited away to secret, underground laboratories.

[How great science fiction works]

. . . Flying Saucers Are Real! also features plenty of fuzzy contemporary photographs of circular objects in the sky, one collection of these being described by Womack as the most complete compilation of lens flares, camera smudges, film imperfections, blurs, and jiggled shots ever published. Saucer contactees, a group that gradually grew more numerous, would frequently testify to intimate body probes or sometimes announce that they were now apostles of a cosmic gospel of peace and love. The cover of John W. Deans Flying Saucers Close Up even bears an official alien imprimatur: Spacemen urged the author to compile this book, supplied much of the information and approved the work. In still another instance, the Office of Naval Research was sent a paperback of M.K. Jessups The Case for the UFO, annotated with handwritten comments by purported extraterrestrials.

But were the saucers really from outer space? Maybe they originated from inside a hollow earth. Could they actually have been engineered by the Russians or by aging Nazis in Argentina  or even by American scientists working at some top-secret facility? More chilling still, could Basil Tyson be right in titling his book UFOs Satanic Terror? One paperback actually includes an illustration of Jesus ascending into heaven with the help of a mother ships tractor beam. And finally, did a Venusian named  I kid you not  Valiant Thor actually meet with the president in an underground bunker in Washington? Can you prove it didnt happen? As Womack needlessly stresses, In Saucerdom, there are ultimately no limits to what you want to believe.

In his 1956 book, The Report on Unidentified Flying Objects, Edward J. Ruppelt, former head of Project Blue Book, examined all the evidence and concluded that further study of UFOs would be a complete waste of time. Oh, ye of little faith! The very existence of the Womack collection demonstrates incontrovertibly that UFOs are, if nothing else, the stuff that dreams are made of. Keep watching the skies!

Michael Dirda reviews books on Thursdays in Style.


Kiefer Sutherland as President Tom Kirkman on ABC's "Designated Survivor." (Ben Mark Holzberg/ABC)

Like voters, television is also on the hunt for a suitable U.S. president. In a crop of current dramas and comedies, idealized traits are summoned forth and shaped into characters who almost always read as more likable and presidential than the two people currently angling for the Oval Office. Even Veeps Selina Meyer, routinely called the c-word by her staff, seems preferable to our real-life options.

Thats TVs job, after all. When it comes to presidents, shows about politics specialize in wish-fulfillment and simplified resolution, so long as your politics lean to the left. Conservatives arent wrong when they gripe that Hollywood seems creatively disabled when it comes to delivering a fictional Republican president to whom viewers can relate. Thats why some Donald Trump supporters and Fox News addicts, so primed for the dismantling of Washington, may have raised the incline on their BarcaLoungers (briefly, hopefully) upon hearing the premise of ABCs ambitious political drama Designated Survivor.

The series premiered last month with an unthinkable fantasy usually reserved for macho action movies: A terrorist bomb explodes during the presidents State of the Union address, killing everyone in the House Chamber, including the commander in chief, his vice president and Cabinet members, Congress, Supreme Court justices and others, leaving a crater of rubble and only half of a charred Capitol dome. Throw the bastards out, indeed. (Or blow them up.)

Only Tom Kirkman (Kiefer Sutherland), the secretary of housing and urban development, is still around, and thats only because he was asked to pull duty as the designated survivor, a long-established contingency plan meant to ensure order in just such a scenario. Still wearing his Cornell sweatshirt (read: policy nerd), Tom is whisked to the White House and, to the disbelief of stricken staffers and a situation room full of bellicose Pentagon brass, sworn in as president.

Sutherland, of course, is best known in his former guise as Jack Bauer, the relentlessly rogue counterterrorism agent in Foxs 24. In the earliest of its nine seasons, 24 offered unexpected succor to post-Sept. 11 anxieties, and Sutherland excelled as a complicated good guy who wasnt opposed to occasional off-script uses of torture. Pre-Obama, 24 also effortlessly acquainted audiences with the idea of a black president (Dennis Haysbert as President David Palmer), whose baritone toughness at times seemed almost melodiously Republican, even though 24 pulled the usual network trick of avoiding a party affiliation for its characters.

Nevertheless, conservatives responded to what 24 offered  even the Heritage Foundation hosted a 2006 panel about the show, at which moderator Rush Limbaugh was moved to plant a kiss on Mary Lynn Rajskub, the actor who played Chloe OBrian, the shows temperamental techie.

Four weeks in, Designated Survivor viewers have figured out that its no 24. The 49-year-old Sutherland, freed from MacGyver-like perils and ticking clocks, clearly relishes the challenge of portraying President Kirkmans inherent wonkiness and unimpressive stature. Designated Survivors producers dont have to hide their stars 5-foot-9 averageness the way 24 did, letting this accidental president discover his inner commanding presence. Our hero is beset by an array of crises  from who set the bomb (no foreign terrorists have claimed responsibility and an FBI investigator, played by Maggie Q, is already following leads that hint at a homegrown conspiracy) to restoring bureaucratic order.

Here you have the complete executive, legislative and judicial reboot so many voters pine for; unsurprisingly, its chaos. So far, Designated Survivor is a walk with me drama, building its narrative intrigue as characters rapidly converse from one hallway to the next, but a sharp viewer can also tell that it stands ready to stir in more Scandal-like soap suds if the ratings flag  already the bad guys are aligning, seducing, growling. The show could also easily take an Air Force One route, redeploying Sutherland as an action figure.

The good news is that ABC has already given the series a full order, meaning creator David Guggenheim and his writers can spend Season 1 focused on the Kirkman administrations immediate crises while trying to figure what sort of tone the show might take in future seasons. Designated Survivor is very much a work in progress, which is part of what makes it watchable.

But is Kirkman a Democrat or a Republican? Save for the glorious liberal pipe dream that was Aaron Sorkins The West Wing, which ran concurrent to 24 and remains the gold standard of White House dramas (even if some of its politics and dialogue have ossified with time), network TV shows about presidents cling to the notion that they can play it straight down the middle and not burden their characters with affiliation. A couple of seasons ago, HBOs Veep seemed to at last give Selina Meyer a party label, coloring her victorious states blue during her disastrous journey through an electoral-college stalemate.

Similarly, Designated Survivor has already let out a subtle slip of partisanship: On Kirkmans second day in office, the ridiculously named Rep. Kimble Hookstratten (Virginia Madsen) sauntered in and explained that she was Congresss designated survivor  plenty alive and ready to make trouble. Whispering aides implied Hookstratten is a Republican; given the adversarial setup between the president and congresswoman, it seems safe to assume that Kirkman is on the opposite side of the table.

Perhaps Elizabeth McCord, the preternaturally capable secretary of state played by Tea Leoni on CBSs drama Madam Secretary, has been a palatable Republican all this time.

In the Season 3 premiere, her boss, President Conrad Dalton (Keith Carradine) took a stand against his partys dismissal of climate science and global warming. At Elizabeths urging, hes seeking a second term, only this time as an independent. Hollywood would love nothing more than to turn all presidents into independents  but who would ever buy it?



Nick Nolte as former president Richard Graves in the Epix dramedy "Graves." (Lewis Jacobs/Lionsgate)

Cynthia Nixon as Nancy Reagan and Tim Matheson as Ronald Reagan in National Geographic Channel's "Killing Reagan." (Hopper Stone, SMPSP/National Geographic Channels)

For another disappointing example of Hollywoods inability to visualize a Republican president with both his morals and his marbles intact, look no further than Graves, a new half-hour dramedy premiering Sunday on Epix, a channel available to some (but not all) cable and satellite subscribers.

Graves offers an intriguing idea and a talented cast but still cant overcome a transparently smarmy premise, in which Nick Nolte plays former president Richard Graves, a gruff Republican put out to respectful pasture at his luxurious Santa Fe, N.M., ranch.

Triggered by an online article that calls him the worst president in history, Graves abandons his sycophantic minder (Skylar Astin) and sets about making amends for some of his policies. To the astonishment of his family (including Sela Ward as the former first lady), Graves goes on a cable news show and invites undocumented workers from Mexico and Central America to come live on his land  which works out splendidly and with little incident.

Graves is so enthralled by this political exercise in magical thinking that it forgets to bring the comedy, which is a shame, because Nolte seems more than up to the task. What would have been so wrong with a sharper, crueler comedy about a Republican ex-president who doubles down on his beliefs and winds up joining a militia or building the border wall himself?

Dont misread my point  after all, I too pine for the glorious days of West Wings Josiah Jed Bartlets administration. But if the TV industry is to truly practice what it preaches about diversity in programming, cant anyone make a show about a Republican president who is not only proud of his political views but also free to declare them? Couldnt Hollywood help out the hideously fractured GOP right now, with a show that reacquaints viewers with the partys nobler ideas?

Republicans, of course, have bigger things to worry about these days than how theyre represented fictionally. Where better, then, for them to find succor than in National Geographic Channels Sunday-night adaptation of Bill OReilly and Martin Dugards best-selling pop history book Killing Reagan? (Spoiler alert: Reagan lives! And in GOP fiscal policy, hes eternal.)

This brisk and surprisingly on-point TV movie stars Tim Matheson and Cynthia Nixon, who are dutifully believable as the Gipper and Nancy, and begins its tale in the final, heated weeks of the 1980 campaign. The script, by Eric Simonson, is blunt but equitable, portraying the newly elected president as a determined leader who was also growing dim, relying on Nancy to shield him, somewhat, from the overwhelming pressures of office. Meanwhile, a deranged slacker (Kyle S. More as John Hinckley Jr.) grows increasingly frustrated that the object of his desire  Jodie Foster  wont acknowledge his existence.

Although the Hinckley stuff plays like baked ham, Killing Reagan re-creates the events of March 30, 1981, with compelling aplomb, from the Washington Hilton to the operating table at George Washington University Hospital, where Nancy is ominously warned by doctors that her husband will recover but never be quite the same.

Indeed, when Reagan comes back to work, he writes a personal letter to Soviet Union chief Leonid Brezhnev, opening doors to talks. For a moment its easy to imagine a Graves-like, Designated Survivor-ish dramedy series here, too, about a president shaken to his core, who emerges ready to work and whose only true enemy is his gradually deteriorating mind.

Designated Survivor (one hour) airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC.

Graves (30 minutes) premieres Sunday at 10 p.m. on Epix.

Killing Reagan (two hours) airs Sunday at 8 p.m. on National Geographic Channel.
Washingtons bar scene has grown at a frenetic pace this year: Glamorous rooftops with views, themed cocktail dens, low-key basement spots. Think of these as a Swiss Army knife of destinations: Whether youre celebrating, meeting a friend or planning a date night, one will be the perfect fit. Here are my 10 favorites, starting at the top:



Cuxibamba - gin, horchata logana and makrut lime cordial paired with watermelon carpaccio and flower salad at Columbia Room. (Dixie D. Vereen/For The Washington Post)

1. Columbia Room

Best known for thoughtful prix-fixe cocktail tastings ($75-$100 per person), it also offers seasonal libations in an open-air punch garden and vintage cocktails in the plush spirits library. 124 Blagden Alley NW. 202-316-9396. columbiaroomdc.com.



The 7 p.m. seating is completely booked at Dram and Grain, a reservation-only cocktail bar in the basement of Jack Rose Dining Saloon in Washington, DC. (Stacy Zarin Goldberg/For the Washington Post)

2. Jack Rose

Its collection of 2,600 whiskeys (and counting) is reputedly the largest in the Western Hemisphere, but what sets this Adams Morgan bar apart are the varied settings: rooftop tiki bar; classy marble-accented saloon; and dark, speakeasy-like cocktail bar (Dram and Grain ) in the basement. 2007 18th St. NW. 202-588-7388. jackrosediningsaloon.com.



Adam Bernbach, Bar Director at 2 birds 1 stone in Washington, DC hands draws the menu in 2013. (Joseph Victor Stefanchik/For The Washington Post)

3. 2 Birds 1 Stone

The cocktails at Adam Bernbachs lounge might include bourbon infused with Middle Eastern spices, house-made sodas or a high-end take on frose, making them almost as creative as his hand-drawn drink menus. 1800 14th St. NW. No phone. 2birds1stonedc.com.



Medieval Madness at Lyman's bar is availabe for $0.50 per three plays. (April Greer/April Greer)

4. Lymans Tavern

Washingtons largest selection of new and vintage pinball machines is the draw at this friendly neighborhood bar, where bartenders serve beer-and-a-shot combos and free baskets of popcorn slathered with sriracha butter. 3720 14th St. NW. 202-723-0502. lymanstavern.com.



Customers at The Sovereign. (Dixie D. Vereen/For The Washington Post)

5. The Sovereign

Its laserlike focus on Belgian lambics, saisons and blonde ales  and American beers made in a Belgian style  make it a fascinating place to settle in and take a deep dive into craft beer. 1206 Wisconsin Ave. NW. 202-774-5875. thesovereigndc.com.



The exterior of All Souls, a corner bar in Shaw. (Matt Batista/Courtesy of All Souls)

6. All Souls

David Batista runs this one-room bartenders bar, where affordable French and Spanish wines meet well-made signature cocktails, most of them priced at just $9. 725 T St. NW. 202-733-5929. allsoulsbar.com.



Copycat Co on H St., NE. (Farrah Skeiky/For The Washington Post)

7. Copycat Company

The best cocktails in the H Street corridor are in this narrow, dimly lit walk-up, where veterans of Barmini and the Columbia Room draw inspiration from tiki drinks, bitter amari and long-lost bartender manuals. 1110 H St. NE. 202-241-1952. copycatcompany.com.



Bartender shaking drinks at Espita Mezcaleria. (Dixie D. Vereen/For The Washington Post)

8. Espita Mezcaleria

Mezcal is as central to Espita as the Mexican street art on the walls: The Oaxacan spirit is mixed with fresh fruit in seasonal cocktails, served in a shot glass alongside Miller High Life, or poured in flights from the dozens of bottles behind the bar. 1250 Ninth St. NW. 202-621-9695. espitadc.com.



Right Proper is a brew pub that employs one of the most innovative brewers working in town. (Kate Patterson/For The Washington Post)

9. Right Proper Shaw

Shaws lone brewpub has expanded to a production facility in Brookland, but I prefer the convivial original bar, where the regularly changing drafts might find a dry-hopped Berliner weisse next to a wild Belgian-style saison next to a barrel-aged hoppy farmhouse ale.

624 T St. NW. 202-607-2337. www.rightproperbrewing.com.



Bloomingdale resident George White, left, and friends, Travis Corbuh, middle, and Holly Le at the Showtime Lounge. (Amanda Voisard/For the Washington Post)

10. Showtime

Washingtons finest jukebox, stuffed with vintage R&B and soul, is found in this cash-only bar, competing for attention with $5 beer-and-a-shot combos and the Sunday night performances by the funky house band. 113 Rhode Island Ave. NW. No phone. twitter.com/Showtime_DC.


An injera-lined platter at Zenebech, which remains atop the list of the areas best Ethiopian restaurants. (Photo: Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post)

The first time, they closed for money. The second time, they closed after misfortune.

Im talking about the family behind Zenebech, the name that crosses everyones lips when discussing the finest Ethiopian restaurants in Washington. In fall 2016, founders Zenebech Dessu and Gebrehanna Demissie finally sold to developers who had long slobbered over their Shaw property on T Street NW. Less than a year later, the family reopened Zenebech in Adams Morgan.

Zenebechs resurrection in the new location felt like a rebirth not only for the business, but also for the neighborhood, once the nerve center of a thriving Ethiopian and Eritrean community in the District. An East African rhythm once again pulsated in Adams Morgan with a mix of newcomers and established restaurants, whether Ababa on 18th Street NW or Keren on Florida Avenue NW.

It did until late December, that is. Thats when a midnight blaze erupted at #1 Juicy Cajun Seafood, next door to Zenebech. Within a matter of minutes, it had caused collateral damage: The fire stopped Zenebechs comeback in its tracks.

Michael Demissie, son of Zenebechs founders, says the damage was not as awful as originally feared: mostly smoke and water damage on the dining-room side, the space nearest Juicy Cajun. Zenebechs recovery has been slowed, he adds, by the inevitable insurance squabbles. Zenebech expects to return to the scene by mid-April.

The family has been using the unexpected down time to tinker with the menu. They want to offer smaller portions for the lunch crowd. They may even create a few Ethiopian-American dishes to help introduce the cuisine to those unfamiliar with its fragrant, handheld pleasures. Think: french fries topped with fresh ayib cheese and the spiced (and often raw) Ethiopian ground beef known as kitfo. Or boneless wings dressed up to resemble doro wat, the chicken-and-egg stew often dubbed the national dish of Ethiopia.

This will give us a chance to work on some things, Demissie says, and come back better than ever.

In the meantime, Zenebech remains atop my list of Washingtons best Ethiopian restaurants because, to my mind, you cant lose your title without a fair chance to defend it. Argue with me if youd like.

[Hands-on eats: A deep dive into enjoying Ethiopian food like a pro]



The Vegetarian Sampler II at Ethiopic Restaurant includes seven dishes. (Photo: James Buck for The Washington Post)

10. Ethiopic Restaurant

The H Street establishment has found smart ways to incorporate the art and iconography of Ethiopia into a space as intimate as a farm-to-table hideaway in Shaw. The place was among the first to suggest that Ethiopian cooking was not reserved for expats knocking back St. George lagers in a dumpy storefront, but a cuisine worthy of a sauvignon blanc or some other bottle too often associated with European fare. A refined spot for a refined take on Ethiopian plates. 401 H St. NE. 202-675-2066.

9. Keren Restaurant and Coffee Shop

Some will tell you theres no difference between an Ethiopian and Eritrean restaurant, other than cultural pride. Thats largely true in my experience, but this Eritrean mainstay in Adams Morgan points up one telltale difference: Its plates of pasta and breaded cutlets are stark reminders that the country was once under Italian rule. Try the beef cotoletta, Kerens take on veal Milanese. The cutlet may strike a hollow note on its own, but it will provide a steady bass line to the arpeggio flash of the accompanying salads. The ful here, a breakfast staple offered any time of day, is an attraction all its own. 1780 Florida Ave. NW. 202-265-5764.



The special kitfo at Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant and Mart looks like it has been pureed into a spicy paste. Its served with homemade cottage cheese and injera. (Photo: Amanda Voisard for The Washington Post)

8. Chercher Ethiopian Restaurant and Mart

Earlier this winter, on a day that could blast-chill your face in seconds, I was left cold by my meal here, a vegetarian platter that missed the mark on multiple fronts: texture, seasoning and spice. I was concerned. A week later, I returned to find Chercher again hitting on all cylinders. I was perplexed. Cherchers inconsistency, Im afraid, has forced me to demote it from its previous position at No. 4 on this list. 1334 Ninth St. NW. 202-299-9703.

7. Beteseb Restaurant

Downtown Silver Spring, like Build America Plaza in Falls Church, is a magnet for Ethiopians. The Maryland suburb teems with East African restaurants and cafes, some more welcoming than others to outsiders on a busy Saturday night. The recently renamed Beteseb has carved out a niche as an approachable outpost for all comers, whether newbies to the cuisine or expats looking for a taste of home. More important, the food remain vibrantly spiced, not some milquetoast interpretation to entice first-timers. 8201 Georgia Ave., Silver Spring. 301-448-1625.

6. Abay Market and Restaurant

Located in the same strip center as Nazret, the No. 3 restaurant on the list  admirers of Ethiopian food and culture should have Build America Plaza permanently programmed into their GPS  Abay specializes in meat. The rawer, the better. Owner Yonas Alemayehu was among the first in the area to offer tere sega, the glistening slabs of beef round sliced straight off the haunch. Often served as a celebratory dish in Ethiopia, tere sega is a daily attraction at Abay, where the lean meat provides a cool, animalistic counterpoint to the fiery, man-made awaze sauce. Alemayehus kitfo  served raw, of course  may even be better. 3811-A S. George Mason Dr., Falls Church. 703-998-5322.

[The 10 best barbecue joints in the D.C. area]



A vegetarian platter lined with three types of injera (one imported straight from Ethiopia) at Meaza. (Photo: Joseph Victor Stefanchik for The Washington Post)

5. Meaza Ethiopian Cuisine

Owner Meaza Zemedu and her team do not prepare injera daily. They prepare it multiple times a day  to ensure that this focal point of the Ethiopian table is always light, airy and fresh. Wrap that tangy flatbread around almost anything on Zemedus menu  Id suggest the Meaza tibs, tender morsels of beef that you can immolate with the accompanying awaze sauce  and youll immediately understand the importance of good injera. 5700 Columbia Pike, Falls Church. 703-820-2870.



An assortment of scrambled eggs, kinche and chechebsa at Bete Ethiopian Cuisine and Cafe in Silver Spring. (Photo: Ricky Carioti/The Washington Post)

4. Bete Ethiopian Cuisine and Cafe

This reliable outpost of East African cooking, in a free-standing cottage in Silver Spring, drops by a couple of spots from the previous list, but only because the competition (at least, the competition I have tried) continues to improve. I still consider Betes vegetarian combo  especially its green-lentil salad, azifa, with its acid blasts of lime and mustard seed  the standard by which others are measured. 811 Roeder Rd., Silver Spring. 301-588-2225.

3. Nazret Restaurant

How good is Nazret? When I was chatting with some diners at a different Ethiopian restaurant, they all suggested I needed to try Nazret. The place is not easy to find: Its around the back of Build America Plaza, in a poorly marked storefront. Its worth the effort. Chef Zewdu Mekonnen has been trained in the classical cuisines of Europe, but his specialty is the food of his native Ethiopia. Hes not trying to refine Ethiopian cooking as much as hes honoring it with quality ingredients, the hallmark of every good chef. His buttery tibs, his ropy kitfo, his well-salted gomen greens: Theyre all the efforts of a master cook. 3821-D S. George Mason Dr., Falls Church. 703-347-9911.

[A guide to the best breakfast spots in Washington]



Injera tacos at Etete. (Photo: Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post)

2. Etete

Trailblazers invite detractors, and Etete was no different when the Ninth Street institution decided to hire a chef with fine-dining credentials to reimagine Ethiopian cuisine for the young-and-hungry set that has gentrified the neighborhood. At least one critic told me he no longer considers Etete a proper Ethiopian restaurant. Its true that chef Christopher Roberson borrows inspiration from other cultures  Japan for the soy-glazed derek tibs, Mexico for the berbere chicken tacos wrapped in injera  but the results have shown that Ethiopian cuisine is more open to foreign influence than previously suspected. Im a devoted fan. 1942 Ninth St. NW. 202-232-7600.

[A guide to the best brunch spots in Washington]



Co-owner and chef Zenebech Dessu prepares a platter in the kitchen at Zenebech in October. (Photo: Deb Lindsey for The Washington Post)

1. Zenebech Restaurant

I had visited the new Zenebech only once before the fire. The highlight of my late-summer meal was the banatu, a stacked dish that combines kitfo, sauteed beef tibs, fresh cheese, a boiled egg and the soaked-and-sliced-up pieces of injera known as firfir. Its the Ethiopian equivalent of lasagna, layered and lusty, but without a defined form. I practically panted from the chile pepper heat. I knew I was in the presence of greatness from this dish alone. Colleague Tom Sietsema basically confirmed it with his two-star (good) review in October. 2420 18th St. NW. 202-667-4700.

Note: Queen of Sheba, No. 3 in the previous rankings, was not considered for this list. The Shaw restaurant recently changed owners and chefs, and it still needs time to settle into its new persona.


Slow-Cooker Ratatouille (Deb Lindsey /For The Washington Post)

Sure, its only October, but dont forget: Between now and the holidays, time tends to fly. So if you were planning to make holiday fruitcakes, nows the time to start. And if you werent planning to make them, wont you reconsider? Kristen Hartke showcases three excellent (and very different) fruitcakes this week  with recipes, of course.

Also in Food, Phaedra Hise travels to a Virginia farm whose owners are raising a rare and endangered species of pig that arrived here with the Spaniards 500 years ago. And Will Hawkes introduces us to cookbook author and former chef Anna Jones, British by way of California and now teaching the merits of vegetable-centric cooking across the pond.

[More Chat Leftovers: how to smoke tofu; which measuring cup to use ]

You will definitely want to make yourself available for todays Free Range chat. Kristen Hartke and Anna Jones will be special guests, and its sure to be a terrific hour. So bring your culinary questions and concerns, and tune in at noon.

First, of course, I present you with a leftover question from last weeks chat:

Are there general guidelines for converting a regular recipe to a slow-cooker recipe? Any rules I should follow?

There are! The first one is that you need to be practical about which regular recipe you decide to convert. On the Internet, youll see assurances along the lines of Theres no recipe you cant adapt for the slow-cooker! Maybe, but some are more adaptable than others. Soups, stews, chilis, sauces  all ideal candidates. Something that cooks on the stove top or in the oven for an hour or more is a good bet. I find seafood to be a tricky proposition in the slow-cooker  much of it cooks so fast and gets tough or dry when cooked for a long time  though our Recipe Finder has some slow-cooker seafood dishes that are excellent. Meat that has a good amount of fat and connective tissue is preferable to lean meat. (Speaking of meat, in many cases youll want to brown it before slow-cooking it, for improved flavor.)

Another key factor is moisture. The slow-cookers closed lid traps moisture inside, not allowing evaporation, so youll need to cut liquid ingredients by 25 to50 percent to make up for that. (Dont follow that rule for rice, pasta or dried beans, however; they need moisture to cook properly.) Conversely, add 1/2 cup of liquid if the recipe doesnt include any.

Add herbs and spices near the end of cooking time, not at the beginning, to prevent the herbs flavor from fading and the spices flavors from becoming too strong.

You can find more helpful guidelines, plus a chart of suggested cooking times, on the One Good Thing website. Just remember that because so many variables are involved, your first attempt at converting a recipe might not be perfect. Experimentation may be in order.

Of course, you can avoid the need to convert and experiment by starting out with a recipe expressly meant for the slow-cooker. There are many in our Recipe Finder; let me recommend Slow-Cooker Ratatouille, which was a hit at my house.
Starting Thursday, you can see all eight of the Harry Potter films on Imax theaters across the United States. The first two movies, Sorcerers Stone and Chamber of Secrets, are being shown in Imax for the first time. (Peter Mountain/Warner Bros. via Reuters)

Potterheads rejoice: Starting Thursday, all of the Harry Potter films are showing in Imax theaters across the country  including, for the first time, Sorcerers Stone and Chamber of Secrets. That troll in the dungeon and slithering basilisk snake will have never looked so big.

The one-week film festival is part of the buildup to the newest Potter film, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, which stars Eddie Redmayne as the magical-animal expert Newt Scamander. (Watch the movies latest trailer here.) Fantastic Beasts premieres November 18 and is directed by David Yates, who made Order of the Phoenix and all of the Potter movies that followed.

Each of the Imax screenings will include a sneak peek of the new film.

[A new Harry Potter play opened in London this summer, dazzling fans.]

You can buy single tickets to each screening, a day pass to see three or more of the films in a single day, four-show tickets or even a special festival pass, which will let you see as many of the films as you want throughout the week.

Imax has information on screening times and locations here.

If you live in the Washington area, youll probably be heading to the AMC Loews Georgetown in Washington; AMC Hoffman Center in Alexandria, Virginia; or Regal Majestic in Silver Spring, Maryland.


Savannah, 4, pokes her head out of a tent in Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont, Md. (Nevin Martell/For The Washington Post)

The authors son Zephyr, 3, helps put together a tent on his inaugural camping trip. (Nevin Martell/For The Washington Post)

Its right there, said my friend Scott, pointing excitedly at the adjacent campsite.

I peered into the shrubbery, searching for signs of a bear. The day before, officials at Cunningham Falls State Park in Thurmont, Md., warned us that a family of four had invaded a nearby encampment. We were told that if we saw any, we should keep our distance. If they came into our camp, making a lot of noise would probably frighten them off. As a last resort, we were to gracefully retreat and wait until they had finished pawing through our belongings.

Behind me, I could hear my 3-year-old son, Zephyr, and the other three children, all 4-year-olds  Scotts daughter Clara May, my friend Wills daughter Lauren, and my friend Matts daughter Savannah  clamoring to be allowed to get closer. This was the first time any of us dads had taken our children camping, so we wanted it to go smoothly. And preferably remain bear-free.

[10 tips for travel bliss with kids  from a dad who spent 300 days on the road with his]

Where is it? I asked again.

Dude, its right there, Scott said, this time pointing at a leaf-strewn patch of the forest floor a few feet from one of the tents. There was nary a bear in sight. What had he put in his coffee?

What are you talking about? Wheres the bear?

Scott looked at me like I was the one who had poured a fifth of Jack Daniels into my morning joe. Its a snake. Who said anything about a bear?

Sure enough, a small, black snake was slithering across the ground. It didnt even look like any of the venomous ones displayed in the parks small visitors center. My paternal side breathed a sigh of relief, though the foolhardy part of me was a little disappointed.



Cunningham Falls State Park is 90 minutes from the District and has a family friendly atmosphere. (Thomas R. Fletcher/Alamy Stock Photo)

A butterfly rests on a flower in the garden next to the visitors center in the Manor Park area of the park. (Nevin Martell/For The Washington Post)

The other fathers on the trip mocked me good-naturedly while our children respectfully gathered a safe distance from our visitor to ooh and aah over it. Our four families had met and become friends through the day-care center that the kids attended. Over the last three years, we dads formed a tightknit group. So when Will suggested we all take our children on what would be their inaugural camping trip, we were all in.

Cunningham was chosen for its proximity to the District  90 minutes  and its family-friendly atmosphere. We planned the excursion meticulously, dividing up meal duties and communicating at length to ensure that we had brought all the necessary equipment. Though we wanted to have a good time and impress our wives with our logistical prowess, we were most focused on showing the children the best time we could.

We had been heartened by our first day. Arriving late on a Friday afternoon in early July, we set the tents up quickly on two gravel-lined lots under a canopy of trees. Dinner went off without a hitch. A small fire was built and ignited with a single match  my two Outward Bound expeditions as a teenager were still paying dividends  to toast marshmallows for smores. Despite the sugar overload, the little ones had gone to bed easily and slept soundly.

[Vacationing with kids: Travel hacks for babies, teens and everybody in between]

With the snake-not-bear drama out of the way, we got on with our Saturday. The weather could not have been more perfect: mid-80s and low humidity. Perfect for a dip. The park is divided in two. The northern section is home to Hunting Creek Lake, a 10-minute drive away from the Manor Area, where we were encamped. Slipping on swimsuits, packing a cooler full of lunch supplies and double-checking that we had enough waterproof sunscreen, we piled into our cars and drove over.

Though it was only 11 a.m., the small strip of sand and the grassy slopes leading down to it were already patchworked with blankets and beach chairs. After claiming our own piece of property, we headed into the surprisingly warm water. For an hour, we let the kids frolic in the shallows. When they tired of splashing each other and wrestling for control of a rainbow-striped beach ball, we withdrew to the shoreline for a breezy picnic.



The beach at Hunting Creek Lake in Cunningham Falls State Park. Its a popular site for campers and day trippers alike during the summer months. (Nevin Martell/For The Washington Post)

Sun-kissed and full bellied, we headed back to the other campsite for an afternoon of adventuring. Dangling the promise of some truly awe-inspiring wildlife, we walked over to the aviary by the visitors center. On the way, we spotted brambles dotted with ripe, rosy wine raspberries. Warning the children to avoid the thorns, we gathered handfuls of sweetly tangy berries and ate them gleefully. The children left telltale smudges on their smiling faces.

Outside the aviary, the kids marveled at the 82-pound snapping turtle living in a mesh-covered pool. They all seemed to recognize the power of its sharp, beaklike mouth, because they didnt linger long, telling each other it was super scary and not nice. The birds were less intimidating. There was a pair of barred owls with big eyes set in white, heart-shaped faces, a peregrine falcon and a bald eagle that still managed to look majestic inside the confines of its humble cage.

Later, as darkness fell, our fire sent sparks floating upward to join the stars that were just becoming visible in the pale purple sky. We grilled corn on the cob over the embers while sizzling up hot dogs and hamburgers on the camp stove. The children were so tired from the days activities and full from the meal that none of them noticed there was no dessert on the menu.

[Road Scholars trips for kids and their grandparents provide a rare bonding experience]

The next morning, I was up as soon as the suns rays began streaming through the mosquito-netted window of our tent. I lay quietly for a moment, listening to Zephyrs steady breathing next to me and birds tweeting in the trees above. As I made a move to rise, I felt soreness in my back from sleeping on the hard-packed dirt for two nights in a row. Note to self: Admit youre in your 40s and buy an air mattress for the next expedition.



Mountain trail in Cunningham Falls State Park. (David Trozzo/Alamy Stock Photo)

Everyone was up not long afterward, so the dads began preparing breakfast, as well as plenty of strong coffee. It was a sweet scene: The kids perched in camp chairs, eating while chattering away about their escapades. Too bad it was already over.

There was one last treat, ice cream at the nearby Gateway Market, which houses a scoop shop and a grocery store, and sells by-the-pound candy. Kids and adults alike scarfed down cones at one of the outdoor picnic tables, racing to eat the treats before they melted. Between bites, everyone agreed that we should go camping again, the sooner the better.

Finally, it was time to go. Hands and faces were wiped off; there was one last run to the bathroom. The kids cheerily hugged each other while the fathers shared congratulations on a job well done. Not a single bear attack!

Pulling out of the parking lot, I aimed the car homeward, keeping the radio off to mimic the stillness of the woods for a little longer.

What was your favorite part of the trip, I asked once we were a few miles down the road.

Silence. I peered into the rearview mirror. Zephyr, with a small smile, was already asleep.

Martell is a writer based in Washington and the author of several books, including Freak Show Without a Tent: Swimming With Piranhas, Getting Stoned in Fiji and Other Family Vacations. On Twitter: @nevinmartell.

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Anne Arundel County

The following incidents were reported by the Anne Arundel County police. For information, call 410-222-8050.

LAUREL AREA

ROBBERIES

Route 198, 3400 block, 2:40 a.m. Oct. 2. An armed man stole cash from another man. A Columbia man, 30, was charged.

WEAPONS

Route 198, 3300 block, 3:36 a.m. Oct. 1. Bullets holes were found in a door at a motel.

Annapolis

These were among incidents reported by the Annapolis Police Department. For information, call 410-268-9000.

ROBBERIES

Cove Rd. near Primrose Rd., 5 p.m. Oct. 2. Two armed males robbed three men and fled.

Spa Rd., 900 block, 9:30 p.m. Oct. 4. A male held a knife to a womans throat at her apartment and demanded cash. The woman and her children fled the apartment. The male apparently stole a bicycle from the home and fled.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Chesapeake Ave., 300 block, 11:50 a.m. Oct. 3. During a response to an intrusion alarm at a residence, a door was found unlocked and a window screen cut, but nothing was reported missing.

Forest Dr., 1300 block, 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Sept. 30. Electronic devices, a wallet and a cellphone were stolen from a vehicle.

Short St., 11oo block, 10 p.m. Sept. 28 to 7 a.m. Sept. 29. Electronic devices were stolen from a vehicle.

Smith Ave., 7 p.m. Sept. 27 to 10 a.m. Sept. 30. A purse, cash and an iPad were stolen from a home.

South Cherry Ave., 200 block, 11;30 a.m. Oct. 1 to 1 a.m. Oct. 2. Electronic devices were stolen from a home.

Tyler Ave., 1400 block, 9:30 to 11 a.m. Sept. 30. A window was forced open, and food was stolen from a home.

Wardour Dr., 100 block, 8 p.m. Sept. 29 to 2 p.m. Sept. 30. Electronic devices were stolen from a vehicle.

West St., 1900 block, 12:30 p.m. Sept. 29. A mountain bicycle was stolen from a business.

West St., 1900 block, noon, Aug. 21 to noon, Sept. 14. Property was stolen from a vehicle.

Williams Dr., 7 p.m. Sept. 27 to 4 p.m. Oct. 2. A canoe was stolen from a dock.

MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS

Prince George St., 100 block, 8:30 p.m. Sept. 30 to 8:15 a.m. Oct. 1. A 2015 Buick was stolen and recovered in Bowie on Oct. 1 at 11:20 a.m.

Howard County

These were among incidents reported by the Howard County Police Department. For information, call 410-313-2236.

COLUMBIA AREA

ROBBERIES

Centre Park Dr., 8800 block, 4:30 p.m. Oct. 1. A female stole a mans ATM card while he was using the machine and fled.

Stevens Forest Rd., 5700 block, 8 p.m. Oct. 1. A male assaulted a woman and a male youth and demanded money but fled without any property.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Alexander Bell Dr., 6700 block, 11:31 p.m. Oct. 2. A male attempted to steal cases of soda from a business.

Little Patuxent Pkwy., 10400 block, Oct. 3 to Oct. 4. Copper wire was stolen from a soundstage.

Stonebrook Lane, 8800 block, noon-3:30 p.m. Sept. 30. Keys were stolen from the foyer of a home, and a 2011 Toyota Highlander was stolen.

Water Lily Way, 7500 block, Oct. 1-Oct. 3. A porch screen was damaged in an attempt to gain entry.

MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS

Airybrink Lane, 8700 block, 5:55 to 6:05 p.m. Oct. 1. A red Nissan Sentra was stolen.

Brook Way, 5300 block, 3:25 a.m. Oct. 5. A gray Honda Accord was stolen.

Cloudleap Ct., 8700 block, Oct. 1 to Oct. 2. A 2000 Chevrolet truck was stolen.

Faulkner Ridge Cir., 10300 block, 1:20 a.m. Oct. 1. A 2012 gray Chrysler 200 was stolen.

Gerwig Lane, 9500 block, Oct. 2 to Oct. 3. A 2015 Ford tow truck was stolen.

Gramercy Pl., 10600 block, Oct. 2 to Oct. 3. A 2005 silver Honda Accord was stolen.

Hayshed Lane, 8800 block, 2 a.m. Sept. 30. A 2007 black Toyota Corolla was stolen.

ELKRIDGE AREA

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Sedgewick St., 6400 block, Sept. 29. During the night, keys and a vehicle were stolen from a residence.

Washington Blvd., 7300 block, Sept. 23 to Sept. 30. A laptop, a bag and trash can were stolen from a business.

Waterloo Rd., 6800 block, 2:28 a.m. Oct. 4. A window screen at a home was damaged.

MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS

Amberton Dr., 6600 block, 7:22 a.m. Sept. 29. A Penske truck was stolen.

ELLICOTT CITY AREA

ROBBERIES

Old Stockbridge Rd. at Branch Wood Ct., 3:15 p.m. Oct. 2. A group of male youths tried to flee with males cellphone, but the males father stopped the robbery.

Rogers Ave., 10:58 p.m. Oct. 2. A male with his face partially covered demanded cash from an employee at a business and fled.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Frederick Rd., 9200 block, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 3. A handgun, jewelry, cash and a laptop were stolen from a home.

MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS

Normandy Woods Dr., 3200 block, 10:24 a.m. Oct. 2. A 2002 blue Dodge Caravan was stolen.

JESSUP AREA

ASSAULTS

Washington Blvd., 7900 block, 8 p.m. Oct. 3. A man, 45, was found on a sidewalk with a stab wound. Another man, 24, was found a few blocks away after he had crashed his vehicle into a pole. Investigators think the two incidents might be related.

LAUREL AREA

ROBBERIES

All Saints Rd. near N. Laurel Rd., 3:34 p.m. Sept. 29. A group of teens assaulted a male youth and stole his cellphone.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Stansfield Rd., 10100 block, 1:51 p.m. Oct. 4. A male who was seen reaching through a broken glass door at a home fled when he was confronted.

MOTOR VEHICLE THEFTS

Washington Blvd., 10100 block, 5:19 a.m. Oct. 3. A 1998 blue Buick was stolen.

MARRIOTTSVILLE AREA

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Henryton Rd., 1500 block, 1:43 p.m. Oct. 5. Two males knocked on a door and then kicked it in when a female occupant did not open it. The two fled before police arrived.

WEST FRIENDSHIP AREA

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Frederick Rd., 12900 block, Sept. 29. Cash was stolen from a business overnight. Pry marks were found on the office doors of other businesses in the area.
Summit's Personalized Learning Platform shows where a student is in the year-long learning plan. Blue rectangles represent cognitive skill projects. Green rectangles represent "power focus areas," or discrete concepts for students to learn. (Summit Public Schools)

Caroline Pollock Bilicki felt uneasy about the new education program introduced this year at her childrens Chicago school.

Summit Basecamp, built with the help of Facebook engineers, was billed as a powerful tool that could reshape how students learn. Dozens of schools nationwide have signed up to use the program, which tailors lessons to individual students using software that tracks their progress.

But it also captures a stream of data, and Bilicki had to sign a consent form for her children to participate, allowing their personal data to be shared with companies such as Facebook and Google. That data, the form said, could include names, email addresses, schoolwork, grades and Internet activity. Summit Basecamp promised to limit its use of the information  barring it from being used, for example, to deliver targeted ads  but Bilicki agonized over whether to sign the form.

Im not comfortable with having my kids personally identifiable information going to I dont even know where, to be used for Im not sure what, she said.

A joint project of Facebook and the high-performing charter-school network Summit Public Schools, Basecamp is an example of an increasingly popular education trend  data-driven personalized learning. Its most fervent backers have framed it as the next big thing in education, re-imagining how classrooms work and allowing teachers to reach students across a wide spectrum.

Summit's Personalized Learning Platform shows the components of a project. (Summit Public Schools)

But as the Summit program and others like it have expanded, concerns such as Bilickis have emerged, highlighting the tension between the promise and the potential perils of new classroom technologies. Some parents, researchers and privacy advocates worry about what information is being collected and how it is being used. Education experts warn that while using computers to personalize teaching might prove transformative, its effectiveness remains largely unproven.

None of that has dampened enthusiasm for Summit Basecamp. About 20,000 students in more than 100 charter and traditional public schools, including in the D.C. area, are working with the program, a rapid expansion from a handful of West Coast schools two years ago.

Were pushing really hard to make it so it can go to as many who want it next year and in the future, said Diane Tavenner, chief executive of Summit, which runs schools in California and Washington state. The network provides Basecamp to other schools at no cost, aided by the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and others.

Tavenner said Summits success  especially with low-income children, who account for half of its students  has drawn a steady stream of educators who want to duplicate it. In the classroom, personalization means students set goals for their own performance each day. One student might be watching a video about calculating the area of a circle while another reads about proportions and ratios.

Even as Basecamp and countless other tech-centered programs have taken off, there are few independent studies of the programs effectiveness, researchers say. We really dont know that much about personalized learning, said Monica Bulger, senior researcher at the Data and Society Research Institute in New York.

[A personal tutor with the click of a mouse]

Yet the demand is surging as teachers and schools look for ways to close the nations stubborn achievement gaps.

A teacher's dashboard, with information about each student's progress. (Summit Public Schools)

Theres a lot of hype, said Joel Reidenberg, a Fordham University law professor who researches student privacy. In effect, they are experimenting on children.

Tavenner acknowledged the lack of published studies on Basecamps results. But she said the approach, based on research on how children learn, has worked well at Summit schools: Almost all graduates are accepted to four-year colleges, and they graduate from college at double the national rate.

And there is ample evidence that the status quo is not good enough, Tavenner said.

What we are literally doing right now we know undeniably does not work for a huge number of kids in our country, she said. Im just not compelled by the argument that we need to keep doing that.

A lot of work to do

Summit officials said personalization used to be a laborious, largely pen-and-paper affair. Then Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg  who has made personalized learning one of the focal points of his philanthropy  came into the picture, agreeing to donate the social-media companys help after a tour of a Summit school in 2013.

Now, Facebook supplies 20 engineers, product managers and designers to work full time on the Summit software, said Mike Sego, the Facebook teams engineering director.

The team accesses student data sometimes, Sego said, but only to improve the software.

Sego emphasized limits on Facebooks role: The project is not housed on Facebook servers. The software does not use Facebook log-ins. Cooperation between the two companies is limited to software development.

Were not thinking of this as a business, Sego said. Were focused on making the Summit Personalized Learning Platform better for teachers and students, and we have a lot of work to do.

But the involvement of a tech giant  and one with a history of privacy infractions  has been unsettling to some parents.

Student data privacy has emerged as a concern in recent years, driven by worries that the 40-year-old federal education privacy law fails to protect students from risks inherent in new classroom technologies.

A watershed moment came in 2014, when privacy concerns forced the nonprofit InBloom to fold. The $100 million project had aimed to harness the power of big data to improve education by collecting and sharing potentially sensitive information about students, including about discipline, disabilities, family relationships and socioeconomic status.

[$100 million Gates-funded student data project ends in failure]

Summit officials say they are collecting only limited student data necessary to run the software and sharing it only for educational purposes. But activist Leonie Haimson, who led the charge against InBloom, said she believes Basecamps privacy terms are written so broadly that they basically require parents to give up all rights to their childrens privacy.

[Google a school official? This regulatory quirk can leave parents in the dark.]

Basecamps terms of service allow Summit to share student data with any company it deems necessary. Use of the data would then be governed by that companys privacy guidelines, which could be more permissive.

It does say that we can share with anybody if we think we should, and you the parent are consenting to it. Youre giving us complete discretion, said Nate Cardozo, a privacy lawyer at the Electronic Frontier Foundation who said he did not find the terms troubling so much as sloppy.

Tavenner, the Summit CEO, said she understands the privacy concerns because she is a parent, too. Her 14-year-old son uses the Basecamp platform at a Summit school, and she feels confident that the terms are strong enough to protect his privacy. The parents of just four of Summits students have contacted the school with questions or concerns about Basecamps data privacy, she said.

Experts praise Basecamp for requiring parental consent, pointing out that other ed-tech companies including Google  which has education apps that more than 50 million students and teachers use  simply publish their privacy terms in a fine print that most parents never see.

But the Basecamp terms also require disputes to be resolved through arbitration, essentially barring a students family from suing if they think data has been misused. In other realms, including banking and health care, such binding arbitration clauses have been criticized as stripping consumers of their rights.

Tavenner said she could not put Summit, a network of charter schools, at risk of legal action.

Were offering this for free to people, she said. If we dont protect the organization, anyone could sue us for anything  which seems crazy to me.

Basecamp in D.C.

The Basecamp software serves many purposes. It houses Summits sixth-to-12th-grade curriculum, including lessons in math, English, science and social studies, and it also keeps a running tally of student grades. It is where students take tests and work through about one-third of their lessons independently, learning at their own pace.

It is also where students set short- and long-term goals and where they, their parents and their teachers can see their progress.

Dan Schwartz, dean of Stanford Universitys Graduate School of Education, said that this, more than fancy algorithms, is Summits secret sauce  a push to focus students on what they want and how they can achieve it.

Some kids have taken off with it, and others are struggling, said Adam Zimmerman, director of strategy and innovation at the Districts Truesdell Education Campus, where middle-school teachers adopted Basecamp last school year.

Truesdell Principal Mary Ann Stinson said the program relieves teachers of paper-shuffling so they can spend more time tailoring lessons to individual students.

Each Truesdell middle-schooler has a computer, and on a recent morning eighth-graders sat in clusters of three or four, reading the speech that President Obama gave after a neighborhood watch volunteer fatally shot unarmed black teenager Trayvon Martin. They answered questions, guiding them toward writing an essay.

In a nearby seventh-grade science classroom with no computers in sight, students built models of animal cells out of paper plates, pipe cleaners and hot-glue guns.

Truesdells eighth-grade students  who are overwhelmingly poor and mostly Hispanic  scored in the 99th percentile for growth in math and reading last year, according to a nationally normed standardized test, and its seventh-graders did nearly as well.

Bilicki, the Chicago parent, initially refused to permit her children to use Basecamp. But then the pressure mounted: Her husband sent a list of questions to Summit, and a detailed reply allayed his concerns. Her children came home from school saying they did not want to miss out on something so fundamental to their classmates experience.

A week after she first heard about Basecamp, Bilicki had begun to soften. She was nearly ready to change her mind and say yes. But she still had misgivings about the unintended consequences of signing her name to a form that seemed to hand over so much power to a network of charter schools and some of the biggest companies in tech.

Theres a lot of unclear nuances that I cant possibly know and I just have to trust, she said.
Kevin Maxwell spoke at a child-abuse case news conference in February. Behind Maxwell is Prince Georges County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, left, and Prince Georges County Board of Education Chairman Segun Eubanks. (Mark Gail/For The Washington Post)

NAACP leaders in Prince Georges County called for the removal of schools chief Kevin Maxwell after a string of school system scandals involving child abuse and other problems.

Its been one incident after another, said Bob Ross, president of the Prince Georges NAACP branch, which announced its request Wednesday. Its just out of control, and we need someone to come in and put it back on track.

Ross and others asked that County Executive Rushern L. Baker III (D) take Maxwell out of the districts top job. But Baker made it clear Wednesday that he has faith in the leader he tapped in 2013 to turn around a struggling school system.

Baker said that he had a heart-to-heart with Maxwell about a month ago over whether the right people are in place to make changes needed to ensure safety. He said he continues to meet with Maxwell and his top staff weekly.

If I felt like Dr. Maxwell couldnt get the job done, believe me, he would be gone tomorrow, Baker said. But I have talked to him, I have talked to his staff, they get it, theyve got have a plan in action, and now Ive got to make sure that they operate that plan. Are we going to have hiccups? Yes, we are. . . . The thing is, how do we deal with those, and how transparent are we?. . . I have asked him to be extremely transparent.

Maxwell declined to comment Wednesday through a school system spokeswoman.

The leadership turmoil comes as Maxwell, in his fourth year as chief executive of the 130,000-student system, has been under increasing fire amid abuse cases that highlighted concerns about the districts policies, safeguards and culture.

In February, a school volunteer, Deonte Carraway, was arrested on child pornography and related charges after he allegedly video recorded children performing sexual acts at an elementary school and other sites. He was indicted in June on 270 counts involving at least 23 victims, prosecutors said.

[For years, Pr. Georges didnt strengthen school sex-abuse policies]

Federal officials decided to terminate the school systems $6.4 million Head Start grant in August because of a failure to correct problems involving staff misconduct and child abuse.

[Feds end Head Start grant after finding schools humiliated kids, used corporal punishment]

Last month, a bus aide was charged with abusing two special needs children, and on Tuesday, police alleged that a high school teacher sexually assaulted one male student and exchanged inappropriate text messages with another.

[Pr. Georges teacher charged with assaulting, soliciting sex from student]

When the Carraway case surfaced publicly, Maxwell created a safety task force that made recommendations for improvements. In September, amid calls for an investigation of the districts handling of Head Start, Maxwell asked for a state audit and a separate review of internal communications and employee and labor relations protocols.

But NAACP leaders said the district has been slow to react, and many in the community have lost confidence in Maxwells leadership.

June White Dillard, an NAACP executive committee member, noted that Maxwell learned about Head Start problems shortly after a Feb. 29 letter from federal officials but that months passed before the school system took action.

The school CEO has had a tremendous amount of time to deal with these issues and has not done anything effectively until August-September, she said. That kind of delay is just unconscionable, and therefore we dont feel we have any confidence in the CEO, Maxwell, being able to handle this problem.

Dillard said that Maxwells administration has had way too long to resolve issues in the system and that his deputies could take charge while the county looks for a new schools chief.

NAACP members also have concerns about late school buses, the fact that hundreds of employees are out on administrative leave, and a new practice that would require some students to pay for Advanced Placement exams that the school system used to cover, Ross said.

Its just a mess, he said.

NAACP leaders met last week with Baker and Maxwell, and Ross said Baker conveyed his continuing support for the schools chief. NAACP leaders asked what the school systems plan is for getting back on track. We didnt get a real good answer about that, Ross said.

[Pr. Georges school bus aide charged with sexual abuse of two special-needs children]

The NAACP branch has heard from critics and supporters of Maxwell, Ross said. But its executive committee voted last week to seek Maxwells removal, he said.

There are some things he doesnt have control over, and we realize that, but at some point you have to figure out how to get control over it, Ross said.

Several of the 14 members of the Prince Georges school board called for Maxwells resignation a few weeks ago. Maxwell has said he has no plans to leave.

I want our school system to be able to move forward and heal, school board member Edward Burroughs III said Wednesday. And we cant do that with Dr. Maxwell at the top, unfortunately. It is important that parents, students and employees of the school district have confidence in our school system leadership.
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) on Tuesday amended his order to start school after Labor Day, setting narrow terms for districts to seek waivers and appearing to make it nearly impossible for school districts to get approvalto start before Labor Day.

The new rules, released more than a month after Hogans mandate, take much of the decision-making power out of the hands of the Maryland State Board of Education and come as school districts across the state scurry to approve their 2017-18 calendars.

Under Hogans original executive order, schools must open after Labor Day and end by June 15. But districts could seek waivers based on a compelling justification. The governor did not spell out what that meant.

Under the amended order, Hogan largely limits a compelling justification to several circumstances, involving either a charter school with an innovative schedule; certain low-performing or at-risk schools with innovative schedules, such as year-round or extended year calendars; or a district that has had 10 emergency or weather-related closings a year at least twice during the past five years.

Doug Mayer, a spokesman for Hogan, said the governor changed the executive order to address concerns raised by the state board members about putting together regulations in time for district officials to set their calendars for the coming school year.

The governor heard the concerns from the members of the state Board of Education that they needed more guidance and time to deal with this issue, Mayer said. This is an effort to alleviate the clear concerns. . . that they had concerning the waiver process and timing issues.

Last month, the state Board of Education voted unanimously to ask state staff members to draft guidance that makes it clear the board intends, beginning immediately, to approve expeditiously requests for waivers from the calendar limits set by Hogans order.

[Maryland state education board moves on Hogans Labor Day executive order]

That decision appeared to present a pathway for school systems to circumvent Hogans mandate, but the governors move on Monday came before the state board could proceed in that direction.

It seems to me that this governor has intentionally put the brakes on the state board proceeding with multiple waivers, said State Board Member Chester E. Finn Jr. Its evident that a number of districts are ready to ask for them. This pretty clearly seeks to make that impossible.

The underlying question, Finn said, is who really has the authority at the state level to make the decision, and whether the issue is a state matter in the first place.

Should this be decided by the state or by districts? he asked. Is this the states business? And if it is, who at the state level decides? I would say thats up for grabs.

Sen. Paul Pinsky (D-Prince Georges), who sought an opinion from the Attorney General on whether Hogan exceeded his authority by issuing the original order, said Tuesday that Hogan has gone way too far. . . Its an abuse of power.

[Maryland attorney general: Hogan may have exceeded authority with order on school start]

He seems to be going to battle with his own Republican-nominated school board, he said. Hes stripping their authority.

Pinsky said he is not sure whether the issue will end up in the courts, or if the legislature will address the issue next session.

In Montgomery County, school officials voted Monday to seek a waiver that would allow an Aug. 28 start to the school year.

The boards resolution noted the importance of such issues as reducing summer learning loss  when students lose ground academically during the long break from school  and preserving instructional time in the event that schools are closed for emergencies.

[Montgomery County seeks waiver from Hogan order to start school after Labor Day]

Andy Smarick, president of the state board, said Monday night that the board would review the amended executive order at its next meeting, in late October.
Correction: Correction: An earlier version of this article incorrectly reported the name and description of the firm that maintains The Carbon Underground 200. It is Fossil Free Indexes, a research and investment firm. The article has been corrected.

Montgomery Countys employee pension fund would be ordered to divest an estimated $65 million in stock that it holds in fossil-fuel companies under legislation proposed by County Council members Roger Berliner and Nancy Navarro.

The holdings represent a tiny fraction of the countys $4 billion investment portfolio. But Berliner (D-Potomac-Bethesda) and Navarro (D-Mid-County) contend that the council has a moral and political obligation to shed its stake in oil, natural gas and coal companies.

Climate change is an existential threat to the entire planet, the two members said Tuesday in a memo to council colleagues. Its correlation with the companies principally responsible for creating climate change is direct.

After passing numerous bills and resolutions over the years that limit carbon emissions and promote clean energy, they said, the county should not be investing in the very companies that undermine our commitment to sustainability.

If the measure passes, Montgomery County would become one of the largest localities in the nation to join the divestment movement organized by 350.org, the grass-roots organizing group founded by former New Yorker magazine writer Bill McKibben. A local affiliate, 350MoCo, has lobbied the council to address the issue.

[What we can and cant say about climate change and Hurricane Matthew]

The number 350 represents the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide many scientists say the planet must reach to avoid the most dire consequences of climate change. The level is now an estimated 400 parts per million.

Like Montgomery County, the divesting jurisdictions are mostly liberal strongholds such as Minneapolis; Portland, Ore.; Seattle; San Francisco; and a selection of college towns. They have pledged to sell all or part of the holdings in their pension funds. The District of Columbia Retirement Board has also eliminated about $20 million in fossil-fuel investments  less than 1 percent of its total portfolio  over the past couple of years.

Critics say that divestment has little or no impact on the companies or on climate change and that it only politicizes the management of public employee retirement funds. The countys pension fund is overseen by a 13-member Board of Investment Trustees, appointed by the council and the county executive.

The fund holds stock in 65 fossil-fuel companies listed on the Carbon Underground 200, an index of the top 100 publicly traded coal and 100 oil and gas companies ranked by potential carbon emissions in their reserves. The list is maintained by Fossil Free Indexes, a research and investment firm.

[Obama hails historic Paris climate accord]

Berliner and Navarro said that current low stock prices should make it relatively easy for the board to divest. Given the strength of portfolios without fossil fuels, and the relatively poor performance of fossil fuel stocks we are confident that the Board will be able to harmonize our countys values with its fiduciary duties, they said in the memo.

The bill gives the board five years to sell the stocks and include an off-ramp provision that allows for retention of fossil-fuel investments if it can demonstrate that divestment would reduce the return of the portfolio.

Board of Investment Chair Gino Renne said in an interview Tuesday that he was inclined to favor divestment but needed to see details of the plan.

Sometimes your personal beliefs are in conflict with your fiduciary obligations, said Renne, who is also president of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1994, which represents about 5,000 county workers.

As long as the board has the option to hang on to the stocks, he said, he would probably support the bill.

We can move in that direction, presuming that doing so wont have a negative impact on investment yield, Renne said.

The bill will be scheduled for a hearing before the councils Committee on Government Operations and Fiscal Policy, which Navarro chairs.
Prince William County

These were among incidents reported by Prince William County police for this edition of Local Living. For information, call 703-792-5123.

DUMFRIES AREA

ASSAULTS

Graham Park Rd., 3800 block, 10:49 p.m. Oct. 4. A gunman assaulted two male juvenile pedestrians. The gunman shot one of the pedestrians in the arm.

River Ridge Blvd. and Burrough Hill Lane, 7:35 p.m. Oct. 2. A man grabbed a female jogger from behind. When she screamed, he pushed her to the ground and fled.

Wayside Dr., 17200 block, 3:54 p.m. Oct. 3. One of three male attackers cut a male pedestrian with a knife. They struggled, and another attacker brandished a handgun at the pedestrian.

ROBBERY

Heth Ct., 2600 block, 9:28 a.m. Sept. 29. A man asked for money and cigarettes from an unknown man who was working on a vehicle. The man who asked for money then pulled out a knife, demanded cash and searched the vehicle. The second man ran to a residence to call police. The first man fled empty-handed.

THEFT/BREAK-IN

Inlet Pl., 15300 block, 6:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Sept. 28. Two computers were stolen from a residence.

MANASSAS AREA

ASSAULT

Oak St., 8000 block, 5:14 p.m. Sept. 30. During an argument between a woman and a female acquaintance, the woman attempted to drive away from a residence. When the acquaintance attempted to stop her, the acquaintance was struck by one of the vehicles doors, which was open, and then was dragged along by the vehicle. The acquaintance separated from the vehicle, and the woman drove away. The acquaintance was treated for injuries. A Manassas woman, 51, was arrested.

ROBBERY

Chadds Landing Way and Old Centreville Rd., 6:20 p.m. Sept. 30. A male juvenile robbed a male juvenile pedestrian of cash. A Manassas youth, 16, was arrested.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Centreville Rd., 7200 block, 10:20 p.m. Sept. 28 to 5 a.m. Sept. 29. Cash, lottery tickets and cigarettes were stolen from a store entered by damaging a front window.

Festival Lane, 10300 block, 10:20 p.m. Sept. 29 to 9:05 a.m. Sept. 30. Cash was stolen from a business entered through an unlocked rear door.

WOODBRIDGE AREA

ASSAULTS

Cara Dr., 12800 block, 3:07 a.m. Oct. 2. During an argument, a man assaulted a female acquaintance.

Opitz Blvd., 2 a.m. Sept. 29. Three male attackers stabbed two men, who were treated for injuries.

Ridgewood Center Dr., 4300 block, 8:52 a.m. Oct. 4. A male patient at the health center stabbed a male dentist with a knife. The dentist was treated for injuries. A Woodbridge man, 42, was arrested.

WEAPON

Nottingdale Dr., 13200 block, 10:20 p.m. Oct. 1. A man fired a weapon into the air. No one was reported injured.

ROBBERIES

Bayside Ave., 1400 block, 9:35 p.m. Sept. 30. Four men assaulted a male pedestrian and robbed him of a wallet. The pedestrian was treated for injuries.

Bayside Ave., 1400 block, 1:24 a.m. Oct. 1. Two gunmen demanded property from a male motorist. They fled in his vehicle. Police found the vehicle at 10:45 p.m. Oct. 2 in the 13600 block of Jefferson Davis Highway. The driver fled, throwing a paint can at officers. A Woodbridge male juvenile, 15, was arrested.

Crossing Pl., 14300 block, 10:15 p.m. Sept. 28. A man met a woman in the District, drove her to the area and robbed her at gunpoint of cash, cellphones and a purse.

Worth Ave., 13000 block, 9:05 p.m. Oct. 2. During an argument among a group of acquaintances, one person in the group took a ring from someone else.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Alaska Rd., 15000 block, 4:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Sept. 30. Cash, a computer tablet, a jewelry box and clothes were stolen from a residence entered by pushing in a window air-conditioning unit.

Cavallo Way, 4800 block, 3:30 to 4 p.m. Sept. 23. A bike, mail and a personal check were stolen from a garage entered through an open door.

Chaste Tree Pl., 4900 block, 2 p.m. Sept. 24 to 9 p.m. Sept. 25. A bike and a helmet were stolen from a garage entered through an open door.

Critton Cir., 11800 block, 8:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m. Oct. 4. An attempt was made to enter a residence by damaging a front door.

Kempair Dr., 4800 block, 7 a.m. Sept. 23 to 6 p.m. Sept. 27. An attempt was made to enter a residence by damaging a door.

Ketchum Ct., 3600 block, 2 to 5 a.m. Sept. 29. A drum set and two video-game systems were stolen from a residence.

Knoll Top Lane, 1900 block, 8:40 to 9:10 a.m. Sept. 30. Two laptop computers, a computer tablet and a video-game system were stolen from a residence that was entered through an unlocked rear door.

Ranger Loop, 1400 block, 1 to 8 p.m. Oct. 1. A computer, a TV, a video-game system, shoes and other items were stolen from a residence.

Rush Dr., 13500 block, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sept. 28. Two computers were stolen from a residence entered through an unlocked window.

Manassas

These were among incidents reported by Manassas police for this edition of Local Living. For information, call 703-257-8000.

THEFTS/BREAK-INS

Nittany Dr., 9500 block, Sept. 26. Cash was stolen from an unlocked vehicle.

Stonewall Rd., 8400 block, Sept. 26. Tools were stolen from a vehicle.

Stonewall Rd. and Woodline Ct., Sept. 23. Floor mats were stolen from a vehicle.

MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT

Wellington and Clover Hill Roads, 2 to 7:40 a.m. Sept. 25. A black 2013 Toyota Camry was stolen.

VANDALISM

Centreville Rd., 9000 block, 6:50 p.m. Sept. 23. A man broke a glass door at a business. A man was arrested.

Cleary St., 10200 block, 10 p.m. Sept. 20 to 7 a.m. Sept. 21. A vehicles tires were slashed.

Quarry Rd., 8400 block, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 26 to 2:30 p.m. Sept. 30. A garage door window at a business was damaged.

Manassas Park

No report was received from Manassas Park police for this edition of Local Living. For information, call 703-361-1136.
A Washington man was sentenced to 15 months in prison Wednesday for stealing more than $142,000 from Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, where he worked as an office manager.

Floyd L. Middleton, 47, pleaded guilty in July to a federal charge related to a five-year scheme in which he submitted reimbursement claims for bogus expenses and false invoices to help pay his rent.

Middleton was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Christopher R. Cooper on the one count of interstate transportation of stolen property.

In a plea agreement, Middleton agreed to repay the full amount, which included about $60,410 in rent payments from about February 2009 to October 2014. He made the fraudulent payments by entering his apartment buildings property manager in the charitys payment system.

[D.C. office manager with Catholic Charities pleads guilty to theft of $142,000]

In asking for an 18-month prison term, Assistant U.S. Attorney Kendra D. Briggs of the District wrote, Defendants motive in these crimes was simply greed.

For six years, she wrote, Middleton abused his employers trust by stealing from them and then using [their] money for tremendous personal benefit.

Assistant Federal Public Defender Dani Jahn sought probation, saying Middleton was a gambling addict whose divorce and diagnosis with a life-threatening disease sent him into a cycle of despair . . . increased gambling and additional poor decision-making, which spiraled out of control.

[Thefts, scams and phantom purchases at the nations nonprofits]

Middleton asked for forgiveness and mercy, writing in a letter to the court that he has returned to church and works at Southern Maryland Hospital Center as a patient-registration clerk.

I know I have done wrong and I am sorry for what I have done, Middleton wrote. Please give me a chance to pay this money back.

When Middleton pleaded guilty, a Catholic Charities spokesman said in a statement that it identified and investigated the fraud, notified law enforcement, filed an insurance claim to return the missing funds and was grateful to law enforcement for helping right this wrong.
Bilal Ahmed hides behind an envelope as he leaves court with his lawyers, Peggy Bennett and Barry Coburn, on Jan. 28, 2016. He is accused of sexually assaulting three patients while they were anesthetized. (Keith Alexander/The Washington Post)

A former Washington dentist who allegedly sexually assaulted three patients while they were anesthetized was indicted Tuesday, prosecutors said.

In 2014, Bilal Ahmed, 44, of Potomac was treating a male patient at Universal Smiles DC in the 2300 block of M Street NW when the patient, after being administered nitrous oxide through a face mask, realized Ahmed was sexually assaulting him, the U.S. Attorneys Office for District of Columbia said in a statement.

[Georgetown dentist charged with sexually assaulting patient during procedure]

The patient reported the assault to police, who found two other male patients who said Ahmed sexually assaulted them after treating them with nitrous oxide, the statement said. One of Ahmeds employees also said the dentist improperly touched him, according to the statement.

Ahmed, who was arrested in January at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, was indicted on 21 counts of sexually abusing or otherwise improperly touching former patients and employees in 2013 and 2014, including 14 felony counts of sexual abuse, four misdemeanor counts of sexual abuse and three misdemeanor counts of assault, prosecutors said. His dental license was suspended in April.

Ahmeds dental practices office manager, Mahsa Azimirad, 26, of North Bethesda, who allegedly lied to a grand jury during the Ahmed investigation, was also indicted on one count of perjury, according to prosecutors.

Ahmed and Azimirad pleaded not guilty at earlier court appearances.
Authorities arrested a Herndon police employee after a missing persons investigation revealed he illegally videotaped female employees in the departments communications center bathroom for several months, a spokeswoman said Wednesday.

The employee, 30-year-old Michael Richard Carr of Herndon, was taken into custody earlier this month and charged with five counts of videotaping a non-consenting person in a location where there is an expectation of privacy, said Jane Ross, a police spokeswoman.

Police initially began investigating the disappearance of Carr after he abruptly resigned from his civilian position at the department as a communications manager on Sept. 26. Carr also ceased all contact with his family, and police said they believed he might be a threat to himself, according to department news release.

Ross said it was during the missing persons investigation that police received information that Carr had videotaped two female employees in a department bathroom. The recordings were between November 2011 and March 2012, and authorities said at the time Carr was working as a communications technician.

Herndon police received information that Carr was at a hotel in Orlando, and authorities with the Florida Highway Patrol arrested him on Oct. 1.

Michael Richard Carr (Herndon Police Department)

Carr, who was hired by the department in February 2009, is currently being held at the Orange County Adult Detention Center and is awaiting extradition to Virginia, Ross said.

The news release said the department took all the necessary actions to ensure the Herndon Police Department facility where this occurred is free of any type of unauthorized recording devices. Police also said they believe the recordings were limited to two victims, but it is being investigated, authorities said.
Months before the FBI arrested Nelash Das on charges of plotting a purported ISIS-backed terrorist attack, he discussed in a recorded conversation how he could obtain an illegal gun for the planned crime so that it wouldnt be traced to him.

We want to do it perfect, Das is heard in the audio telling a man he would later learn was a paid FBI informant. You want no evidence.

Snippets of Dass exchanges with the informant were played Tuesday at his detention hearing in U.S. District Court in Greenbelt, where a federal judge ordered Das to remain in government custody through the duration of his court proceedings.

The recordings, the government contends, show Das was not the victim of entrapment  as he has asserted in telephone interviews with The Washington Post  but rather a dangerous man who was preparing to murder a member of the U.S. military in support of the Islamic State.

Its the defendants own words and actions, Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas Windom told the judge.

Das, 24, of Prince Georges County, was arrested Sept. 30 after law enforcement officials found him and a paid FBI source at an address in Prince Georges County, where Das had been led to believe that they would kill a member of the U.S. military, federal officials said.

[Maryland resident charged with supporting ISIS, allegedly plotted to kill member of U.S. military]

Das plans to enter a plea of not guilty at a future hearing, said Julie Stelzig, his attorney.

Her client is a citizen of Bangladesh and a legal permanent resident of the United States after being admitted to the country as a young child in 1995, federal officials said. From as early as September 2015 to early this year, Das expressed support for the Islamic State and the terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino, Calif., on social media, according to the federal complaint.

After being flagged, the government sent a paid FBI source to pose as a supporter of the Islamic State and befriend Das. The informant eventually told Das the pair could receive $80,000 for launching an attack against a member of the U.S. military, according to a federal criminal complaint.

In telephone interviews with a Washington Post reporter while he was in federal custody, Das said that he is the victim of entrapment and was harassed into taking part in the scheme by the U.S. government.

At Tuesdays hearing, Stelzig also argued Das was coerced into a government-orchestrated plot.

What the government has thwarted is a terror plot of its own creation, Stelzig said.

[Held on charges of supporting ISIS, he says the FBI trapped him in its own terror plot]

Stelzig said the paid confidential informant was a professional manipulator who not only lacks training on the rules barring entrapment, but also had a financial stake in the outcome of the case. The informant found the target that he and Das planned to attack and drove Das in advance to various locations to buy supplies and conduct surveillance.

Das did not speak at the hearing. He entered the courtroom wearing a maroon detention uniform and waved to his mother sitting in the audience.

Although Das in phone interviews with The Post said he was led to believe that he would only knock on the door of the intended target and not shoot, Windom said that was not the case. Das is heard on tape talking about how he and the informant would shoot the target together before taking turns and that the attack would be the first of many, Windom said.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Thomas M. DiGirolamo said Tuesday that his job at the hearing was not to decide whether Das was entrapped, but whether there was enough evidence to keep him locked up for the duration of his legal proceedings.

I heard a plan . . . to specifically kill a United States military service man, DiGirolamo said before ordering Das detained. The government has a strong case against Mr. Das.
D.C. police are investigating reports of shots fired in Franklin Square park during the evening commute. (Victoria Walker,Whitney Leaming/The Washington Post)

D.C. police are investigating reports of shots fired in Franklin Square park during the evening commute. (Victoria Walker,Whitney Leaming/The Washington Post)

D.C. police are investigating the report of gunshots shots being fired in Franklin Square park near a major commuter thoroughfare during the height of Wednesdays rush hour.

No one was injured, and D.C. police said it appears nothing was struck but the investigation was continuing.

Authorities first received 911 calls reporting the sound of shots fired at 14th and K streets NW about 5:18 p.m., said Officer Hugh Carew, a spokesman. Multiple cruisers responded but by 5:25 p.m. police reported nothing being found.

Several people in the park reported hearing between three and five shots. Issam Philippe, 40, was walking along K Street Northwest when he said he saw a man holding a gun and shooting. The man was standing about midway down the block on a sidewalk along the park and near a parking meter.

He looked at me and then looked down and held the gun up, said Philippe, who works for the U.S. Justice Department. He fired, but it appeared he was firing at random. It didnt appear he was shooting at anybody. He was just trying to cause chaos.

Police investigate a shooting Wednesday in Franklin Square. (Aaron C. Davis/The Washington Post)

He said the man ran across K Street and jumped into the passenger seat of what appeared to be a dark-colored Chevrolet Impala. He said the driver sped along the service lane.

People in the park and on the sidewalks scattered, some running into nearby businesses.

Officers from the U.S. Park Police, D.C. police and the U.S. Secret Service swarmed the area and several times jumped into cruisers and sped away from the scene.

Philippe captured the car speeding away on his smartphone; it appears as a quick blur across the screen. He provided the video to police at the scene but declined to provide it to a reporter. Police had yellow crime scene tape near the parking meter and an officer guarded at least two shell casings on K Street.

The investigation threatened to snarl traffic at one of the Districts busiest during the afternoon rush as commuters head south on 14th Street toward the Virginia suburbs and west along K Street.
Public safety officials in Prince Georges County hope that a new mobile app could save lives in situations where every second counts.

On Wednesday, the county fire and EMS department launched PulsePoint, a technology designed to connect CPR-trained users to cardiac emergencies nearby.

PulsePoint is connected to the countys 911 dispatching system. When someone reports a sudden cardiac arrest, PulsePoint users in the area are alerted to the location where they can offer assistance, and identifies nearby defibrillators available for public use.

It takes first responders an average of seven to 10 minutes to arrive at an incident once it has been reported to 911, said county fire and EMS Chief Marc Bashoor. But intervening with CPR as soon as someone collapses from sudden cardiac arrest is key to saving lives.

Improving the outcome of these incidents is well within our reach, Bashoor said. The life you save tonight might be next door.

[A lesson learned in minutes may save lives: Hands-Only CPR]

In the past 12 months, more than 1,250 people have suffered sudden cardiac arrest in Prince Georges, with nearly 90 percent of the cases ending in a fatality, Bashoor said.

Bashoor said that Howard County, the only other jurisdiction in Maryland that has implemented PulsePoint, has seen a 60 percent increase in cardiac arrest survival rates since the technology rolled out.

The chances of survival for a victim of sudden cardiac arrest decrease at least 7 percent for every minute that passes before help arrives, said Brian Frankel, commander of the Prince Georges EMS division.

Frankel said the department responds to about seven cardiac arrest calls a day and sought the technology to improve patient outcomes for cardiac arrest victims.

The technology cost Prince Georges $30,000, an expense that the Washington-based nonprofit CTIA Wireless Foundation has covered. The technology will cost $18,000 to maintain each year, and the county is seeking grants to keep PulsePoint going in the future, Frankel said.

In addition to downloading PulsePoint, fire and EMS officials are urging residents to learn the new recommended form of CPR, which eliminates mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Instead, it requires people to push hard and fast on someones chest 100 times per minute, roughly to the same beat of the Bee Gees song Stayin Alive.

It takes mere seconds to learn, Frankel said, and could mean the difference between survival and sudden death.
Two men and a woman were shot and wounded in three separate attacks within about 35 minutes Tuesday night in Southeast and Northeast Washington, D.C. police said.

The first shooting occurred about 11:10 p.m. in the 1900 block of M Street NE, in Carver-Langston. Police said a man was grazed by a bullet and was treated at a hospital.

About 11:30 p.m., police said, a woman was shot in the 5300 block of E Street SE, in Benning Park near the Maryland boarder. She was reported to be conscious as she was being taken to a hospital.

The third shooting occurred about 11:45 p.m. in the 3600 block of Jay Street NE, in the Mayfair Mansion apartment complex. Police said a man was shot several times, and was conscious at the scene.

No arrests have been made.
THE DISTRICT

One dies, three are hospitalized in crash

One person was killed and three others were taken to hospitals Wednesday night after a vehicle collided with a Metro bus on the Suitland Parkway in Southeast Washington, District and transit officials said.

D.C. police responded to a crash on the Suitland Parkway near Stanton Road about 10:08 p.m., said Officer Hugh Carew, a D.C. police spokesman.

According to preliminary accounts, one person from the passenger vehicle was found dead in the car, and a second person was taken to a hospital with critical injuries, the D.C. fire department said in a tweet.

Two people from the Metro bus also were taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, said D.C. fire officials and Metro spokeswoman Morgan Dye.

It appeared that the bus was on the 94 route, heading south on Stanton Road, when it was struck by the vehicle, which ran a red light at a high speed.

Police closed the Suitland Parkway between Stanton Road and Firth Sterling Avenue.

VIRGINIA

Some Arlington voters get bad directions

About 9,000 Arlington County voters received erroneous directions this week on where to vote Nov. 8 because of a mailroom error, the countys voter registrar said Wednesday.

Active voters in the Wilson, Crystal City and Abingdon precincts found voter cards in their mailboxes that said their polling places had changed, which is true, but they listed the wrong location for the new polling place.

The error occurred when the county mailroom used the wrong precinct information, said Registrar Linda Lindberg, and incorrectly told voters to go to the Lyon Park Community Center. The problem was first reported by Arlnow.com.

Police worker arrested over illegal videotapes

Authorities arrested a Herndon police employee after a missing-person investigation concluded that he illegally videotaped female employees in the departments communications center bathroom for several months, a spokeswoman said Wednesday.

Michael Richard Carr, 30, of Herndon was taken into custody this month on five counts of videotaping a non-consenting person in a location where there is an expectation of privacy, said Janet Ross, a police spokeswoman.

Police began investigating Carrs disappearance after he resigned from his civilian position at the department Sept. 26. The recordings were made between November 2011 and March 2012, officials said.
On Oct. 12, Metro workers rushed to repair defective or cracked sections of rail on the Red Line, but crowds were packed into stations waiting for trains for up to an hour during rush hour. (WUSA9)

On Oct. 12, Metro workers rushed to repair defective or cracked sections of rail on the Red Line, but crowds were packed into stations waiting for trains for up to an hour during rush hour. (WUSA9)

Track issues near Metros inner core made for miserable  and, at times, scary  back-to-back midweek commutes for riders on several rail lines.

Packed platforms. Crush loads inside rail cars. Passengers waiting for an hour as train after train rolled by, each too full to accommodate new riders.

The problems came as riders have been begging for Metro to restart late-night service and provide after-hours trains for Washington Nationals playoff games.

On Wednesday, crews worked to replace a 39-foot section of cracked rail near the Grosvenor station on the Red Line  a job that extended throughout the afternoon and into the evening as staffers brought in a crane to make the repairs.

Elsewhere on the Red Line, defective rail fasteners spotted by inspectors near the Dupont Circle station required single-tracking to Farragut North.

It was a similar situation Tuesday when a track defect affected the Orange, Blue and Silver lines.

One side of the tracks between the Smithsonian and Federal Center stations was taken out of service because of defective fasteners flagged by an inspector in the middle of the day. The issue was a code black defect, meaning that it was serious enough that the tracks were too dangerous for train travel.

Metro spokesman Dan Stessel said supervisors decided to wait until after the afternoon rush hour to begin repairs. Otherwise, the single-tracking would have involved a much longer segment of the system, compounding delays for riders.

And if that wasnt enough, just before evening rush hour, Metro announced a switch problem at the Reagan National Airport station.

Stessel pointed to the persistent track issues as a reason Metro officials have been justified in rejecting pleas from residents and elected officials to keep the system open later at the expense of maintenance time.

Is there really a question about why Metro cant support extended hours right now? Stessel said.

On both afternoons, Metro sent out an alert warning of the potentially troublesome commute. But at least on Tuesday, riders said it came too late and many said the situation was poorly handled.

Kelly Anderson said she entered the Farragut West station about 5:30 p.m. and passed through the fare gates, and only then did she realize that trains were single-tracking and that she would have a long wait.

Over the course of 45 minutes, four trains came through, said Anderson, 30, who was headed to the Court House station in Arlington. And they were all too packed to get on.

She eventually gave up and decided to split a surge-priced Uber with a co-worker  the station platform, she said, was nearly impassable. By that point, Metro Transit Police officers had stopped people from entering through the fare gates, and throngs of riders filled the space leading out to the fare machines.

It was just, crowds  like, masses, Anderson said. I was like: This is the nations capital. We can do better. 

Other commuters shared their horror stories. One man at Metro Center said the crowds were so thick on the platform that he was pressed up against the outside of the train once it arrived, fearful that he wouldnt be able to back up from the edge of the platform once the train departed. When he finally nabbed a spot on an Orange Line train, he said, the train was packed tighter than I can remember ever seeing.

His commute, usually 35 minutes, lasted nearly 90 minutes.

The situation was so bad at the Rosslyn station, one rider said, that applause broke out when a train finally arrived with space for passengers to board.

Even Metro staffers were concerned. Over the systems radio network, comments from train operations and station managers sounded increasingly worried.

Foggy Bottom platform is just a little bit crowded, said one worker.

Man, its crowded, added another.

Staffers at Metro Center called for assistance from Transit Police to deal with the growing crowds.

And then came the request from another spot on the system: Crowd control at McPherson.

A train operator who arrived at the Rosslyn station was dismayed by what he saw.

I have a crush load, nobody else can get in this train, the operator told dispatchers just after 6:30 p.m. People are really trying to squeeze in here. I can barely get the doors closed. And Ive got a crowded platform here.
About 9,000 Arlington County voters received erroneous directions this week on where to go to vote in the Nov. 8 elections because of a mailroom error, the countys voter registrar said Wednesday.

Active voters in the Wilson, Crystal City and Abingdon precincts found voter cards in their mailboxes that said their normal polling places had changed, which is true, but gave the wrong location for the new polling place.

Registrar Linda Lindberg said new, corrected voter cards were being sent out Wednesday with a letter of apology. The error occurred when the county mailroom used the wrong precinct information, she said, incorrectly telling all the voters to go to Lyon Park Community Center.

The polling-place changes are a result of construction at the normal sites, she said.

This news was first reported by Arlnow.com.

People in the Wilson precinct should vote at the Bennett Park Art Atrium, 1601 Clarendon Blvd. Crystal City precinct voters are being sent to Crystal Plaza, 1800 Crystal Dr. Abdingdon precinct voters should go to the Fairlington Villages Community Center, 3005 S. Abingdon St.
Floodwaters associated with Hurricane Matthew surround a church sign and homes in Lumberton, N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory said Thursday the number of power outages was down to about 55,000, from a high of nearly 900,000 when the storm hit last week.

Oct. 13, 2016 Floodwaters associated with Hurricane Matthew surround a church sign and homes in Lumberton, N.C. Gov. Pat McCrory said Thursday the number of power outages was down to about 55,000, from a high of nearly 900,000 when the storm hit last week. Brian Blanco/AP

Rivers are rising to record crests in the state after more than 17 inches of rain fell during Hurricane Matthew.

Rivers are rising to record crests in the state after more than 17 inches of rain fell during Hurricane Matthew.

Rivers are rising to record crests in the state after more than 17 inches of rain fell during Hurricane Matthew.

During her first night of homelessness, Phyllis Heywood retreated to the far corner of a windowless high school gym and slept on the hardwood floor. The noise of several hundred others woke her up after just a few hours, and so Heywood walked into a bathroom stall, hung her clothing on a hook and bathed herself with a soapy rag. She rinsed with two bottles of water.

Im just desperate for some privacy, said Heywood, 59, whod left her public-housing apartment a day earlier by boat. But I aint got no home to go back to. Everything destroyed by water.

Her new home for the present was a school with a ram mascot statue out front and an American Red Cross sign on the front door, one of 50 makeshift shelters that have opened across the poorest parts of North Carolina after devastating flooding. Heywood was without her church dresses, without her insulin and without her glasses, and all she knew about her future was that a $710 monthly disability check  after a career as a cafeteria worker  wouldnt get back what she had lost.

Hurricane Matthew, which left a trail of destruction up the East Coast after killing hundreds in Haiti, came stealthily to devastate North Carolina, its heavy downpours swiftly overpowering river basins far from the Atlantic Ocean. Seventeen have died in flooding, the water is still rising to historic levels, and new evacuations were being ordered Tuesday afternoon.

The disaster is leaving a particularly deep scar across a part of inland North Carolina that was already the most economically vulnerable part of the state. More than 4,000 people have been forced from their homes into hastily assembled shelters at high schools and recreation centers. Many lack flood insurance, health insurance or stable employment.





Officials in this corridor of farmland and struggling post-manufacturing towns along Interstate 95 are bracing for a protracted recovery where displaced people will be without permanent homes for months or longer. Many will depend heavily on assistance from aid groups and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. But FEMA spokesman Rafael Lemaitre said the agency can provide only a partial solution, offering emergency housing such as trailers or providing temporary rental assistance.

It is not designed to make survivors whole again, Lemaitre said.

The most severe flooding stretches across the eastern third of North Carolina, where more than 2,000 have been rescued by boat, helicopter and large military cargo trucks. Schools in 43 of North Carolinas 100 counties have canceled classes  including in all seven of the counties with the highest poverty rates. Across the hard-hit region, roughly 50 percent of households are in liquid asset poverty, according to data tracked by the Corporation for Enterprise Development, meaning they dont have enough savings to handle short-term expenses after a crisis.

In some flooded communities, like Lumberton, the disaster also struck along racial lines: A white area of town was preserved, while a lower-lying African American part now stands in several feet of water. That disparity, also seen in some North Carolina towns after 1999 flooding from Hurricane Floyd, is the legacy of geographic segregation in which blacks were pushed toward less desirable  and often lower-lying  land. But in other sections of the state, emergency officials say, a diverse group of people have been pushed from their homes.

When a flood like this hits, the pain of it is exacerbated by the poverty, said the Rev. William Barber, president of the North Carolina NAACP and pastor of a church in Goldsboro, where the Neuse River was expected to crest Tuesday night 10 feet above flood stage. What were taking about, particularly in eastern Carolina, are some of the poorest communities in the country  black and white, who already had economic challenges before something like this.

In a news conference Tuesday, North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory said that extremely dangerous conditions would persist until at least Friday. Get out, said McCrory (R) in a direct message to people still refusing to leave areas under evacuation orders. Get out now.

President Obama signed a disaster declaration that provides additional federal aid to 13 counties. At a campaign event for Hillary Clinton in Greensboro, Obama said such crises transcend politics. Weve been making sure the local and state officials all have what they need to recover and rebuild, he said. Its a reminder of what we do here in America, which is we have to look out for one another no matter what.

McCrory said officials will work to quickly dispose of decaying animal carcasses that could contaminate waters and pose a potential public health threat. Tens of thousands of chickens, hogs and other livestock are feared dead in the floodwater that washed over factory farms.

Some in North Carolina on Tuesday were still caught by surprise as water was spreading into new neighborhoods. In Robeson County, which has the highest poverty rate in North Carolina and is seeing among the most severe flooding, the swollen Lumber River tumbled across Harpers Ferry Road, eating into a neighborhood composed mostly of Native Americans. By noon Tuesday, trailers and old minivans were half-submerged. A lawn chair was visible underwater. A pig walked circles in a dry patch, surrounded on all sides by water.

Faith Sanderson, 27, after watching her 1989 Champion mobile home get swallowed by water, walked toward the last dry part of the road carrying a box of days-old Entenmanns doughnuts, which she distributed to neighbors, who gawked at their own flooded homes. Sanderson said shed managed to save her three kids from the home, as well as her pets. She earned $9 per hour at an Einstein Bros. Bagels shop, where she tended to the cash register.

I probably have $8 in my bank account, Sanderson said, because I paid the light bill last week.

For those who came to evacuation shelters, relief workers passed out sneakers and donated clothing. But many, instead, dwelled on the possessions they lost.

Lets see, said Mae Campbell, 65. A living room set. Three TVs. A microwave. A smoker. Another tabletop. A grill. A coffee maker and toaster. A fish fryer that we never used  a nice deep one with the propane tank. I left my receipts. Maybe $150 worth of meats in the freezer. Three pot sets. A meat slicer. Three mops, two brooms, two buckets. Sets of sheets and a pillowcase. Towels, washcloths, an Oriental rug that was my mothers  13 by 15 feet. Two coffee tables. One . . . two . . . three. Another table.

Campbell stopped for a moment, as other friends  fellow residents from the now-flooded First Baptist senior affordable housing community  gathered around.

I am so hurt, said Campbell, 65, who was planning soon to retire as a home health aide. I had a plan. Now I have no plan at all.

Fritz reported from Washington. Arelis R. Hernandez in Elizabethtown, N.C., Kirk Ross in Raleigh, N.C., and David Nakamura in Greensboro, N.C., also contributed to this report.
Smoke pours from the smoldering remains of a small plane that crashed in East Hartford Conn. (Jim Michaud/Journal Inquirer via AP)

CONNECTICUT

NTSB: Plane crash possibly intentional

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said on Wednesday that it believes the crash of a small plane in East Hartford, Conn., on Tuesday was intentional and that the FBI would lead the investigation.

The twin-engine plane slammed into a utility pole and burst into flames on Tuesday near the headquarters of aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney, killing flight student Feras Freitekh and leaving the instructor with serious burns.

Federal Aviation Administration records showed Freitekh lived in Orland Hills, Ill., a suburb of Chicago. CBS News reported that Freitekh, a Jordanian national, entered the United States in 2012 on a temporary student visa to attend flight school.

The instructor, identified as Arian Prevalla, is being treated at the Bridgeport Hospitals burn center, East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc said.

 From news services

Man charged in killings of officers: California prosecutors charged a man with first-degree murder Wednesday in the ambush shootings of two Palm Springs police officers. John Hernandez Felix, 26, was charged with multiple felonies, the Riverside County district attorney said. Officers Jose Gilbert Vega and Lesley Zerebny were responding to a domestic disturbance call at the home of Felixs family on Saturday when he killed them, authorities said.

 Associated Press
Cmdr. Aaron Rugh (third from left) is officially sworn in as an appeals court judge at the Washington Navy Yard alongside Col. Brian Palmer, Cmdr. Anne Marks, and Lt. Col. Troy Campbell. (Natalie Morehouse/U.S. Navy photo)

On the day Cmdr. Aaron Rugh stood in a Washington courtroom and was ceremonially sworn in as an appellate judge last year, he had already served as a trial judge and the Navys top prosecutor.

Rugh, a longtime colleague said later, was a rock star in the military justice community  slated for promotion to captain and considered a strong contender to eventually become the Navys chief judge. Then The Washington Post revealed that Rugh had given false information to a board of officers deciding whether a Marine he had prosecuted for sexual misconduct should be expelled from the service.

Now his future  and potentially dozens of criminal appeals he has overseen  is being threatened by the fallout from the flawed investigation into Marine Maj. Mark Thompson, a former instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy convicted of having sex with two female midshipmen.

At the Washington Navy Yard last week, Rugh testified at an ethics hearing before a senior officer probing whether he lied under oath in 2014 about two witnesses. Thompson is accused of lying to the same board and faces a second court-martial because of The Posts revelations about his case.

[A Marine fights to prove hes innocent of sexual misconduct. Then a lost cellphone is found.]

Marine Maj. Mark Thompson taught history at the U.S. Naval Academy before being found guilty of sexual misconduct. (Nikki Kahn/The Washington Post)

The controversy surrounding Rugh has exposed the militarys lack of transparency when judges are accused of misconduct. For weeks, the Navy wouldnt acknowledge that the inquiry delayed Rughs promotion or that the 20-year veteran is under review.

After this report was published online Wednesday, the Navys deputy chief of information, Capt. Amy Derrick, told the The Post that Rugh was indeed the subject of an ethics investigation launched in August and that a hearing had been held Oct. 3.

Rughs attorney, retired Rear Adm. Christian L. Reismeier, wouldnt comment on what his client said at the ethics hearing. But he denied that Rugh, 44, had intentionally misled the board. In an email, Reismeier called the alleged misstatement an honest mistake based on information that Rugh believed to be true at the time.

CDR Rugh is one of the most highly-respected judge advocates on active duty in the Navy, wrote Reismeier, who served as the Navys chief judge. He has an impeccable reputation for rigid adherence to the highest ethical standards, as well as to truthfulness, honor, integrity and fairness.

[Could military judge accused of lying during sexual-misconduct case face investigation?]

But already, one defense attorney has argued that Rugh shouldnt have ruled on a case that claims another prosecutor acted inappropriately.

In April, Navy Lt. R. Andrew Austria contended in a motion that the question surrounding Rughs impartiality is not hypothetical. It is real and compounded by the fact that this case involves allegations of prosecutorial misconduct  the same behavior of which Judge Rugh is accused. He indicated that a preliminary inquiry into the judges behavior was already underway.

Rugh declined to step aside, finding that Austria had failed to demonstrate how the accusation would influence his decision-making.

Retired Lt. Col. Joshua Kastenberg, who handled more than 200 trials as an Air Force judge, questioned Rughs decision to remain on the court while under review.

You could see every case that Rugh is sitting on being recalled, said Kastenberg, now a professor at the University of New Mexico. If I had a formal investigation against me of wrongdoing, I would disqualify myself for the duration of it.

Eugene R. Fidell, who teaches at Yale Law School, didnt disagree but cautioned that a mere accusation shouldnt force a recusal. Judges, like everybody else, he said, are entitled to a presumption of innocence.

The investigation only became public two months ago when the judge presiding over new charges against Thompson acknowledged at a hearing that Rugh is under scrutiny. The development was first reported by Military.com. The Navy initiated an inquiry after Thompsons defense attorney, Kevin B. McDermott, filed an ethics complaint, a copy of which was obtained by The Post.

[Marine accused of lying in sex case was obsessed with vindication, friend says]

Ironically, Major Thompson is being criminally prosecuted for making false statements before the same board, McDermott wrote, arguing that Rugh had either lied or failed to correct a grossly negligent misrepresentation.

In 2013, Rugh led the prosecution against Thompson, who was accused of raping one student and having a consensual relationship with another. Thompson was found guilty of five charges but acquitted of sexual assault.

After serving two months in a Virginia brig, Thompson faced what is known as a board of inquiry, which would decide his fate in the military.

The government called Rugh, then still a prosecutor, to testify by phone about one narrow aspect of the case. But the three board members wanted to know more.

Sarah Stadler, one of Thompsons accusers, had alleged at trial that they had sex a final time on the night of her graduation  but he had a compelling alibi.

So one board member asked Rugh how the government had proved that they had seen each other that night. Investigators, Rugh explained, had contacted family members who had rented a house in Annapolis for the ceremony.

Now, we went and interviewed her family, her brother, etcetera, he said. They remember her, you know, they verified that they had the rental house, that she was there for a little while and then left the house and came back later that evening.

Rugh then explained why he hadnt called them as witnesses.

None remembered with such specificity that we ever put any evidence on of that particular night, he said. So we didnt call her brother to come in and testify that he was, you know, that he was sitting there on the couch when she came in later that evening.

Stadlers mother, Laurel, later told The Post that the former prosecutors statement was a complete and total lie. She and her son denied that they had ever spoken to investigators about the case.

Laurel Stadler confirmed last month that she told the same thing to a military attorney who contacted her as part of the Rugh investigation.

Last week, his lawyer offered the first public explanation for the judges disputed comments.

When he gave his statement, he believed the facts about the family came from someone investigating the case for the government, Reismeier said in an email. Based on our investigation, CDR Rugh was told these facts in a way that he misunderstood the source of the information.

But Reismeier refused to say who told his client about witness interviews that apparently never occurred.

Rugh acknowledged to Thompsons board of inquiry that he had not reviewed the case file in preparation for testifying, a decision military law experts decried as negligent.

Retired Lt. Col. Kate Germano, one of the three Marines on the board, said Rughs contested testimony further illustrates how troubled Thompsons case was.

Unconvinced that the government had proved Thompson was guilty, the board allowed him to remain a Marine. Germano and another member went even further, writing in a letter that all three believed the court-martial jurors had erred in their findings.

But earlier this year, after being contacted by The Post, Stadler found her old cellphone, which contained text messages with Thompson that showed he had lied to the board about their relationship. The exchanges revealed that she hadnt seen him on her graduation night  as Stadler remembered and the prosecution alleged  and instead met him the following evening.

Germano and the other members, she said, were fully embarrassed by the revelations after risking their careers to oppose the jurys conclusion. We made the decision that we made based on the investigation and evidence . . . that we had, she said. Clearly that was flawed.

Rugh, meanwhile, continues to wait for the Judge Advocate Generals Corps to determine his fate and the Navy to decide whether he will be promoted to captain  one step from rear admiral. Excluding admirals, Navy records show that among the nearly 140 active-duty JAG officers chosen to advance in rank in fiscal 2016, he is the only one who hasnt.

It remains unclear whether the military will reveal the results of its investigation.

In response to requests from The Post, the Navy, Army and Air Force, citing privacy laws, refused to provide the names of any judges who had been reprimanded over the past decade.

Reismeier, in comments he made as a legal expert before becoming Rughs attorney, criticized the militarys unwillingness to be open about judicial impropriety.

The trust and confidence people have in that judge has to be the first concern for anybody who runs a judicial system, he told The Post. When you have allegations against a judge that arent visible to the public in any way, shape or form, you do run the risk of undermining confidence in the system.

Unless Rugh is criminally charged or faces other severe discipline, the military wont be obligated to share the investigations results with the public. But Derrick, the spokeswoman, said Wednesday that the Navy will strive to be open about the high-profile case.

We have an obligation, she said, for transparency.

Ann Marimow and Julie Tate contributed to this report.
People try to get off a boat carrying aid as national police arrive to secure the boat as it docks in Jeremie, Haiti in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew. (Dieu Nalio Chery/AP)

BURUNDI

In a first, lawmakers vote to pull out of ICC

Lawmakers in Burundi overwhelmingly voted Wednesday in support of a plan to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, something no country has ever done.

The decision escalates a bitter dispute with the international community over the human rights situation in the East African country, which has seen more than a year of deadly violence after President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to pursue a third term.

No state has withdrawn from the ICC, according to the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, a nonprofit group that supports the courts work. The court prosecutes cases of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The plan, approved in the lower house of Parliament and then unanimously adopted by the Senate, needs the presidents approval.

Some African countries have threatened a withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the ICC, accusing the court of disproportionately targeting their continent. Only Africans have been charged in the six cases that are ongoing or about to begin, though preliminary ICC investigations have been opened elsewhere in the world.

Hundreds have died in Burundi since Nkurunziza last year pursued and won a third term that many call unconstitutional. Since the ruling party announced his candidacy in April 2015, Burundi has experienced violent protests, forced disappearances and assassinations. More than 260,000 have fled the country.

 Associated Press

YEMEN

Another missile fired at U.S. Navy ships

At least one missile was fired from rebel-held territory in Yemen at U.S. Navy ships in the Red Sea on Wednesday, marking the second time in four days that such an attack has occurred, defense officials said.

In response, the Navy launched Tomahawk missiles early Thursday from the Red Sea at three coastal radar sites in Yemen, destroying targets associated with the missile attacks.

The attack was again aimed at the USS Mason, a guided-missile destroyer that also came under fire Sunday night, said Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook. The coastal defense cruise missile was launched about 6 p.m. from south of the coastal city of Hudaydah, in an area of western Yemen held by the Houthis. The rebel group pushed the central government out of power in the capital city of Sanaa in 2014 and has resisted U.S.-backed efforts by Saudi Arabia to restore President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi to power.

One defense official said that the missile fell short of the Mason. The ship deployed countermeasures, but it was not immediately clear whether they had an effect.

On Sunday, two missiles were launched from Yemen at the Mason and the USS Ponce, an amphibious ship used as a forward staging base.

 Dan Lamothe

GERMANY

Suspect in terror plot commits suicide

A 22-year-old Syrian man arrested in Germany for a suspected Islamic extremist bomb plot killed himself Wednesday in a prison cell in Leipzig, Saxonys state Justice Ministry said late Wednesday.

Justice Ministry spokesman Joerg Herold said Jaber al-Bakr killed himself sometime in the evening but that the incident was still being investigated.

Al-Bakr, who had been under surveillance by German domestic intelligence since last month, was observed exiting an apartment building in the city of Chemnitz on Saturday, and authorities fired a warning shot. He nevertheless was able to elude police on the scene and flee the city. Inside the apartment, police found highly volatile explosives and a homemade bomb vest.

Al-Bakr, who had been granted asylum after coming to Germany last year, was finally arrested Monday in Leipzig after three fellow Syrians tied him up and alerted police.

 Associated Press

BRITAIN

Lawmakers press May for vote on Brexit talks

British lawmakers pressured the Conservative government on Wednesday to give Parliament a vote on the negotiating terms for the United Kingdoms exit from the European Union, as uncertainty about what kind of deal the U.K. is seeking with the E.U. rattles business leaders and currency markets.

Government ministers, however, insisted that it would not be wise to give too much away while Britains stance is still being worked out.

The opposition Labour Party forced a parliamentary debate on a motion calling for lawmakers to properly  scrutinize Britains position. Labour Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer agreed that Britons had voted June 23 to quit the 28-nation bloc but said there was no consensus on the terms.

Prime Minister Theresa May says she will invoke Article 50 of the E.U. treaty  triggering two years of official exit talks  by March 31, but she has declined to reveal details of Britains negotiating hand.

 Associated Press

France creates national guard amid security concerns: Frances government has approved a decree creating a national guard to bolster security against attacks. The guard, expected to grow to 84,000 people by 2018, is an enhanced version of the existing reserve forces. After the Nov. 13 attacks in Paris, President Francois Hollande proposed creating such a force. Guard members tasks will vary from patrolling the streets of big cities to securing major events to working in military staff offices. Meanwhile, attorneys for the only surviving suspect in the attacks say they will no longer defend Salah Abdeslam because he refuses to speak.

 From news services
Watching Donald Trump skulking behind Hillary Clinton on the debate stage Sunday night, muttering about locking her up if he wins, was a reminder that we are drifting toward a kind of bullyboy-world, where power is everything.

You see this coarsening climate of relations around the globe, in the debasement of the norms that make civilized life possible. Dictators push the limits of power in new ways almost daily: China brazenly builds military bases on disputed rocks and sand in the South China Sea and dares anyone to stop them; Russia pillages Americas political system and baldly denies it, just as it denies connivance in the shoot-down of a civilian airliner over Ukraine and the bombing of a humanitarian aid convoy in Syria, Meanwhile, our own Middle East ally Saudi Arabia, bombs a funeral, yes, a funeral, in Yemen.

The leading bullyboy in this part of the world is North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un. His regime is a calculated act of defiance. He terrorizes his population, shoots his relatives and governs his nation as if by whim. Yet this crackpot dictator is about to become the leader of a full-fledged nuclear power, after bomb and missile tests last month that bring him to the threshold of targeting U.S. territory with a nuclear attack.

Historians will have to decide whether Barack Obamas presidency encouraged this fraying of limits. For all his decency, Obama conveyed a sense that you could defy the United States and its cherished rules-based order and get away with it. His slowly unfolding but decisive use of power against the Islamic State may partially reverse that reputation.

Here are key moments from the fiery town-hall style presidential debate between Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Hillary Clinton at Washington University in St. Louis on Oct. 9. (Sarah Parnass/The Washington Post)

Even if Obama had been as implacable as President Andrew Old Hickory Jackson, the probing and testing of the United States that always accompanies our transitions of power would already have begun. Thats part of what were seeing now  the bullies giving America a shove  and the process will increase as we move toward Inauguration Day and after.

The Korean Peninsula is the place where the tests may come early. North Korea likes to get ahead of any new administration by baring its teeth. The recent nuclear and missile tests are a statement of Pyongyangs basic calculus: Keep pushing and the world will back off and decide that the cost of stopping North Korea is too steep: Pyongyang will get away with its proliferation, just as Pakistan did.

Dealing with the worlds bullies is complicated by having a wannabe member of the club running for president. How does the United States credibly reinforce the rules of behavior among nations when a leading U.S. presidential candidate proclaims his support for torture, religious discrimination, tax dodging and abusive sexual behavior? Comparing Trump to Vladimir Putin may be flattering Trump.

Rebuilding order in the world begins by telling the truth. That was the importance of Fridays blunt statement about Russias political hacking by Director of National Intelligence James R. Clapper Jr. and Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson. They used undiplomatic language: The U.S. Intelligence Community is confident that the Russian Government directed the recent compromises of emails from . . . U.S. political organizations. . . . We believe, based on the scope and sensitivity of these efforts, that only Russias senior-most officials could have authorized these activities.

Having named and shamed Russia, whats the United States going to do about it? The Obama administration wisely answered that some of Americas response will be visible, and some of it wont. The United States has vastly more power than we normally employ. Let Russia do the worrying for a while. As in the old playground admonition about bullies, dont get mad, get even.

We should admit that the might-makes-right process infects the United States, too, and I dont just mean Trumps nastiness toward women, Latinos, Muslims and others who stand in his way. We have become in many ways a meaner, less-confident, less-generous country. Our use of drones as silent assassins has unfortunately been an object lesson for the rest of the world. We have far from clean hands.

Americans who want a more orderly, rules-based world should also recognize that bullying is a particularly American disease, and not just on the playground. A recent study called Adult Bullying  A Nasty Piece of Work by Pamela Lutgen-Sandvik, an associate professor at North Dakota State University, found that nearly 40 percent of U.S. workers have been bullied, and that this rate is 20 percent to 50 percent higher than that in Scandinavian countries surveyed.

The 2016 presidential election is about the candidates, of course. But its also about the electorate. If we are the nation that elects Donald Trump, we will own that fact  and bear that scar  through our history.

Read more from David Ignatiuss archive, follow him on Twitter or subscribe to his updates on Facebook.
THE HORRIFIC bombing of a funeral ceremony in Yemen on Saturday has forced a long-overdue reexamination by the Obama administration of its support for the air war being waged there by Saudi Arabia. For 18 months, the Saudis and their Persian Gulf allies have tried to bomb Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and their Yemeni allies into submission, with the help of intelligence, refueling and munitions supplied by the United States. The result has been a military stalemate as well as more than 4,000 civilian casualties  including more than 140 killed in the Saturday airstrike.

Like Russia in Syria, Saudi Arabia has repeatedly hit hospitals and other civilian targets. So it is more than plausible that the attack on the funeral, which was attended by numerous Houthi leaders, was deliberate. Under pressure from top U.N. officials, who called for an international investigation, Saudi authorities said they would stage one of their own. Thats unlikely to be satisfactory  and neither will the promised U.S. review of security cooperation with the Saudi coalition in Yemen, unless it leads to the end of such attacks.

Saudi Arabias Sunni regime perceives Yemens civil war as a proxy conflict with Shiite Iran, even though the Houthis are allied with Yemens former Sunni president, a onetime Saudi ally. The United States, too, has interests at stake: The rebels toppled a U.S.-backed government and disrupted operations against the Yemeni branch of al-Qaeda. On Sunday, Houthi forces fired two missiles at a U.S. destroyer in international waters off the Yemeni coast; both missed.

From its inception, however, the Saudi military campaign  directed by the ambitious 31-year-old deputy crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman  has been misconceived. Aimed at driving the Houthis out of the capital, Sanaa, it had no chance of succeeding without a substantial ground force, which the Saudis lack. Peace talks this year appeared to make progress toward a compromise solution, but when they broke down in August, the bombing resumed. According to the United Nations, at least 369 civilians have been killed or injured since the beginning of October  including a number of Houthi leaders who supported the peace talks.

Though ambivalent about the Saudi intervention, the Obama administration has aided it in part because of a perceived need to bolster the U.S. alliance with Riyadh following the Iranian nuclear deal. Pentagon officials have tried to restrain attacks on civilian targets, even supplying lists of facilities that should not be struck  something Russia surely has not done in Syria. Still, the administration did not apply the leverage it has following the previous bombings of hospitals; by withholding intelligence and refueling, Washington could quickly curtail, if not completely halt, the Saudi campaign.

Following the weekend attack, Secretary of State John F. Kerry called Prince Mohammed and the Saudi foreign minister to press for an immediate cessation of hostilities. The Saudi response was predictably qualified. Mr. Kerry also called for steps to ensure that such an incident does not happen again. If they are not taken, U.S. military support must cease.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks during the second presidential debate with Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in St. Louis on Oct. 9. (Patrick Semansky/Associated Press)

The Oct. 7 editorial Unchecked, unbalanced was a good start on what an unchecked, unbalanced President Trump might do, but, as the editorial board acknowledged , the impact of a Trump presidency cannot be fully predicted or imagined. Lets try anyhow.

I am concerned, based on numerous statements Donald Trump has made, about his contempt for action on climate change. He has declared the whole idea to be a hoax and has pledged to eliminate and scrap President Obamas Climate Action Plan.

Well, the Defense Department, overall  but especially in Navy arctic warfare planning  has spent millions of dollars assessing the implications of climate change in national defense. Senate Report 113-211, accompanying the fiscal 2015 Defense Appropriations bill, stated: DoD recognizes the reality of climate change and the significant risk it poses to U.S. interests globally.

Would President Trump order his officers  given that he knows more than the generals  to stop devoting resources to strategy and tactics predicated on a hoax? After all, with that arctic ice sheet still intact, Russian submarines wont be able to surface and launch missiles.

Michael Scott, Arlington
John R. Kasich, a Republican, is governor of Ohio.

Does the United States still have the ability  or the will  to be the undisputed global leader, a role it has held since World War II? Its a question to be answered soon by members of Congress as they approve or reject an initiative to give the United States expanded access to 11 countries that represent more than a quarter of the worlds trade, while leveling the playing field for U.S. workers and businesses.

How they vote on the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement will affect the course of the United States security, prosperity and global influence for the rest of the 21st century and determine whether we advance or retreat from our leadership role at a time of worldwide turmoil and uncertainty.

For me, the only common-sense direction is forward, because trade is the foundation of peace. Not only will the TPP promote peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region, but also it will help maintain the United States essential strength in that hemisphere at a time of increased Chinese and Russian assertiveness.

Since World War II, the United States has maintained its global leadership by building alliances that helped us fulfill our most important responsibility  protecting Americans militarily and economically  and then sharing those responsibilities and protections with our allied democracies. Leader of the Free World was more than a motto we proudly wore in the Cold War and beyond; it was our pledge to the worlds democracies and repressed peoples alike that the United States would never let them down.

Thats why congressional approval of the TPP agreement is so essential to the United States continued leadership across the world, as well as to its security at home.

Dont be fooled by divisive talk in the presidential campaign that the TPP is only a debate about trade. At its very core, this agreement is about making sure the United States continues to strengthen its essential alliances and is willing to sustain its standing as the global leader  something we have done for more than half a century.

While China and Russia  and dangerous client states such as North Korea and Iran  jockey to outmaneuver everyone else and gain a dominant hand for their global schemes, there are fast-growing, independent nations looking to partner with the United States and thereby bring their strategic, economic and political values into alignment with ours. That list begins with the initial TPP partners, but as many as 10 additional economies have expressed interest in joining.

The U.S. and 11 other nations have come up with a trade deal after years of negotiations. But what's in it, who hates it, and what happens next? (Gillian Brockell/The Washington Post)

The last thing we need is for these thriving markets to come to believe they cant count on U.S. support, pushing them instead into economic and geopolitical relationships with China or Russia. In the event of our inaction and loss of resolve, the United States will surrender global leadership to our most aggressive rivals, dictators who have the most to gain: Vladimir Putin, Russias latter-day Stalin; and Xi Jinping, the most repressive Communist Chinese leader since Mao Zedong.

Thats why the TPP agreement enjoys full-throated, bipartisan support from Americas most respected national-security leaders, including former defense secretaries Robert Gates, Leon Panetta and Donald Rumsfeld and former secretaries of state Colin Powell, Madeleine Albright and James Baker.

They echo the stance of former president Ronald Reagan, who had it right when he said, The freer the flow of world trade, the stronger the tides of human progress and peace among nations. Reagan knew that when people trade together, it binds them together and promotes peace.

As a governor and former member of Congress who served for 18 years on the House Armed Services Committee, I am convinced that the TPP agreement will strengthen those alliances, helping attain the peace and progress Reagan spoke of and achieved through his own insistence on U.S. leadership and resolve.

We cannot turn our backs on that legacy or abandon this opportunity, because expanding trade is about more than growing our economy; its also about ensuring our national security and asserting the United States willingness to stand tall against those who wish us ill.

Its been more than 250 days since these 12 countries came together to sign the TPP agreement. As each new day passes, we should be concerned that the worlds doubts grow stronger about the United States willingness and ability to continue its historic role. Its time for members of Congress to put aside partisan politics, resolve their differences and ratify the deal. Their vote will send a message to the world that we are the global leader, today and forever.
In her Oct. 11 op-ed, Anti-family values from the religious right, Catherine Rampell could have noted that by state law and according to the current Louisiana secretary of state website, birth certificates were not required in all Louisiana parishes until 1918. So neither of my parents (born in Baton Rouge in 1911 and Donaldsonville in 1905) had a birth certificate. My dad had a letter from my grandmother saying he was her son born on a date certain, and my mother and her mother executed a document before a notary in Houston in the late 1930s attesting to my mothers birth. My parents were married in Baton Rouge in 1933 without the benefit or need of birth certificates.

The folks at Louisiana Family Forum and the Louisiana legislator who introduced the law referenced by Ms. Rampell should read their states history.

Peter Green, Ellicott City
Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton arrive onstage at Washington University in St. Louis before their second debate.

Oct. 9, 2016 Republican presidential nominee Donald J. Trump and Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton arrive onstage at Washington University in St. Louis before their second debate. Melina Mara/The Washington Post

Clinton and Trump face off during second presidential debate in St. Louis

Clinton and Trump face off during second presidential debate in St. Louis

It should surprise no one that this presidential election  the first ever to involve a female nominee from a major party in the top spot  has devolved into a contest of mans ultimate metaphor.

Im not referring to a spitting competition, if youre struggling here.

Rather, the race apparently is to determine who is the worst man on the stage  Bill Clinton or Donald Trump. Never mind that Hillary Clinton is the one running for president.

This historic struggle for dominion over a winning narrative, either one of which would be a losing proposition in a sane world, proves yet again that we dismissed Dr. Freud too soon. And, if I may add a footnote for future discussion, that women have traded their superior powers in pursuit of the lesser distinction of being equal to men.

Would that life were more complicated.

In this video from 2005, Donald Trump prepares for an appearance on "Days of Our Lives" with actress Arianne Zucker. He is accompanied to the set by "Access Hollywood" host Billy Bush. The Post has edited this video for length. (Obtained by The Washington Post)

Instead, we are hostage to a comedy.

Shocked, shocked, I tell you, the people were to hear an 11-year-old recording of Trump talking dirty about women. Really? Democrats, who tolerated a presidents abuse of power with an intern and, poor Freud, a cigar that wasnt just a cigar, couldnt believe their ears. Republicans couldnt believe the hypocrisy of Democrats. Tell me if youve heard this before.

The revelation that sent Trump supporters scurrying to protect their womens skirts? The GOP nominees bragging to Billy Bush about kissing beautiful women and grabbing their privates, presumably without their consent, because that, young man, is what celebrities get to do!

No news here, folks. But speaking of weird, Republicans previously have been fine with Trumps racist, xenophobic and misogynistic comments  but this p---y business wont stand.

Meanwhile, poor Billy Bush, whose full name cant be said too often, has been suspended from his Today show job because he played along, laughing at Trumps absurd statements. Well, of course he played along. He was a reporter for a Hollywood show at the time, and this is what reporters do. They will laugh at just about anything to keep an idiot talking.

But America is rediscovering its virtue, if, as always, selectively. Morning chatterboxes at Fox News remind us, as if we could forget, that Christians believe in redemption and second chances. Trump apologized. Others have said that actions matter more than words. While Trump only talked about assaulting women (as far as we know), Clinton did have sexual relations with that woman, consensually, and possibly others who werent so inclined.

In either case, outrage is justified  and I wont defend either mans behavior. But a little context might be helpful in understanding these two characters.

1 of 22 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Memorable quotes from Clinton and Trumps second presidential debate View Photos Here are some memorable quotes from the presidential debate in St. Louis, Mo. Caption Here are some memorable quotes from the presidential debate in St. Louis, Mo. Wait 1 second to continue.

Donald Trump and Bill Clinton were born two months apart in 1946 into a revolutionary culture that soon would embrace a hip-swiveling crooner named Elvis Presley and Hugh Hefners Playboy magazine.

Basically, everything you need to know about Bill Clinton and Donald Trump can be found in these two mid-century icons. A fellow Southerner, Clinton saw himself as Elvis. Even now, his face sometimes betrays Elviss smoldering glance with the slightly curled lip. Trump, a New York City boy, was Hefner. He collected all the toys of the Playboy lifestyle  boats, planes, cars  the best of everything a gilt-mongering rich boy would seek to glam up his sex appeal. Mar-a-Lago was his Playboy Mansion. All three of his wives have been bunny quality, and Trump Tower isnt just a tall building.

Of course he believes that any woman would welcome his kisses. Why wouldnt Pussy Galore be within his reach?

And then things got weirder.

Trump has dismissed his casual chat with the much younger Bush as locker-room talk. Whereupon, offended athletes more recent to the locker room  and to a greater awareness about sexual harassment and rape  decried Trumps insult to their integrity.

At a news conference before the presidential candidates second debate, Trump rounded up three women who shared recollections of their unwanted sexual encounters with Bill Clinton. A fourth woman condemned Hillary Clinton for serving as the court-appointed attorney to defend a man she accused of raping her when she was 12.

The women flanked Trump, who sat with hands neatly folded on the table, looking as pious as an acolyte about to recite the Apostles Creed.

Whether Hillary Clintons attempts to contain bimbo eruptions are sufficient to undermine her global role in advancing womens rights will be a tough call only for those for whom Ken Bones red sweater is a hero.

As for Elvis and Hef, they are so yesterday. Personally, I never could stand either one.

Read more from Kathleen Parkers archive, follow her on Twitter or find her on Facebook.
Hillary Clinton denounced scorched earth tactics by Republicans on Wednesday, saying Democrats must not allow themselves to turn away from the election in disgust.

Those tactics have recently included protesters accusing former president Bill Clinton of rape. Clintons campaign appearances were interrupted two days in a row this week by people shouting while holding or wearing T-shirts that brand her husband a rapist.

Her rally here was briefly interrupted by two demonstrators, but it was not clear they were accusing Clintons husband.

Americans want to turn out in as large numbers as possible, Clinton said to applause. Reject the dark and divisive and hateful campaign that is being run.

The Democratic presidential nominee contrasted what she calls Republican Donald Trumps efforts to divide voters and her own plan to govern inclusively.

Donald Trump has brought former president Bill Clintons past infidelities and unproven allegations of sexual assault to the forefront of his campaign against Hillary Clinton, despite the fact that he was a vocal supporter of the Clintons when the scandals first broke. (Deirdra O'Regan/The Washington Post)

We have done our best to stay out of all the meanness, Clinton said.

I want you to know, I want to be the president for everyone, she said. I am tired of all the division and the barriers. I want to bring people together across party lines, across all the lines that divide us.

Clinton welcomed the support she is getting from Republicans and independents and scoffed that scorched earth is an act of desperation.

Thats all they have left  pure negativity, she said.

Obviously Hillary Clinton is very concerned about how divisive this race has become and all that Donald Trump has done, campaign communications director Jennifer Palmieri told reporters traveling with Clinton.

Trumps tactics have just created more enthusiasm and mobilization among Democrats, Palmieri said.

[Donald Trump will protect you: Some fear he is running to be a dictator]

1 of 57 Full Screen Autoplay Close Skip Ad  Hillary Clinton on the campaign trail View Photos The Democratic presidential nominee hits the road as Election Day nears. Caption Hillary Clinton loses to Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election. Nov. 9, 2016 Hillary Clinton speaks in New York while her husband, former president Bill Clinton, applauds. Melina Mara/The Washington Post Wait 1 second to continue.

Clinton drew a record crowd of more than 18,000 this week, and early voting and voter registration in Nevada, where Clinton will also campaign Wednesday, Florida and other places are encouraging for Democrats, Palmieri said.

If anything, we feel that enthusiasm is growing on the Democratic side, Palmieri said.

Clinton will not directly engage on the rapist protests, Palmieri said.

These are people that are being paid to come and heckle her, Palmieri said, adding that she applauded President Obamas dismissal of a similar protest at a pro-Clinton event Tuesday.

Its just more of the effort that Trump is undertaking to try to intimidate her, Palmieri said. He will find that it will not have much effect.

Cellphone toting protesters with handmade T-shirts scrawled with Bill Clinton is a rapist interrupted President Obama mid-joke in Charlotte on Tuesday.

Oh, no, he let out, grinning and chuckling as the crowd booed and the protesters were let out. The chants started Hillary! Hillary! Hillary!

He said, You know, this is the great thing about politics in America. It takes all kinds. Folks will just do . . .

Anything the riled up crowed screamed back.

Do all kinds of stuff, Obama finished. Now where was I?

Democrats will also hold Republicans to account for their support  current or past  for Trump and for the toxic nature of the contest in the final weeks, Palmieri warned.

The Clinton campaign has directly implicated conservative radio host Alex Jones and his conspiracy-driven website Infowars for urging Clinton opponents to raise the rape allegation  and offering to pay those who get on television.

Jones made such an offer on his Sept. 30 show, and referred to longtime Clinton opponent and Republican operative Roger Stone.

Another shirt that was designed and licensed from Roger Stone is the Bill Clinton rape shirt, Jones said. Looks like the Communist-style Obama Hope shirt, but says Rape.

Wear it, get aggressive, start the conversations, get on TV with it, Jones urged. Anyone that gets on national TV with the shirt clearly for more than five seconds gets $1,000. Anyone that gets it on air on national TV and gets the words out Bill Clinton is a rapist or things along the line with a bullhorn, could get $5,000, he said.

It is not clear whether those protesting last week and this week at events held by Clinton, her husband or other surrogates were directly inspired by that offer, or whether anyone has been paid.

Clinton did not directly address a disruption Tuesday during an appearance in Miami alongside former vice president Al Gore in which a man yelled allegations about Bill Clinton and rape.

[Clinton turns to Al Gore and climate change to excite millennials in Florida]

Clinton pleaded with voters Monday not to let the nastiness of the final weeks of the campaign become a reason not to vote. That is just what her enemies want, she suggested.

Thats what the other side wants you to feel, that Im not going to vote because its so nasty, she had told a college audience in Detroit.

Thats the main reason to vote, to make it clear that were not going to put up with that kind of attitude.

That rally was also briefly interrupted by a man in the crowd wearing a T-shirt with Bill Clintons picture on it and the word rape. The man yelled rapist as he was escorted out.

Hillary Clinton said nothing about the accusation and made light of the incident, which came the day after her second debate with Trump and as his support among voters and elected Republicans was melting.

I hope somebody follows that man out and stages an intervention, Clinton said to laughter. He clearly has not been following this election very closely.

Bill Clinton also laughed off a disruption last week, in Akron, Ohio, in which a woman shouted that he had harmed women while holding aloft a hand-lettered T-shirt that read, Bill Clinton a Rapist.

The demonstration was staged near the back of the hangar-style event hall, directly in front of risers where television cameras were recording the former presidents remarks.

Abby Phillip in Washington contributed to this article.
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump responded Hillary Clinton saying that he shouldn't be in charge of the law in the U.S. saying, "You'd be in jail." The comment was met with rousing applause from the audience. (The Washington Post)

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump responded Hillary Clinton saying that he shouldn't be in charge of the law in the U.S. saying, "You'd be in jail." The comment was met with rousing applause from the audience. (The Washington Post)

Watching Donald Trump talk during a presidential debate about jailing his opponent was a jarring experience for Al Cardenas, who traces his Republican identity in part to his hatred of the authoritarian Castro regime he fled long ago.

As a refugee from a dictatorship, that attitude sounds all too familiar, said Cardenas, former chairman of the Florida Republican Party.

For John Yoo, the conservative legal scholar and former Justice Department official under President George W. Bush, Trump reminds me a lot of early Mussolini. . . . Very, disturbingly similar.

The populist candidacy that upended the GOP order and has torn through many of the norms of American politics is now raising a concern among critics in both parties: that Trump is, in effect, running to be a strongman with dictatorial powers.

In addition to vowing to appoint a special prosecutor to investigate Hillary Clinton and put her in jail, Trump has also pledged to open up our libel laws so when reporters write purposely negative and horrible and false articles, we can sue them and win lots of money. He has also talked of establishing a religious test on immigrants and about setting up a national stop-and-frisk program, despite the fact that policing policies are considered to be in the purview of state and local governments.

The Fix's Aaron Blake breaks down Trump's extraordinary call to jail Hillary Clinton over her handling of a personal email server. (Daron Taylor/The Washington Post)

Trump promises to rip up long-standing trade agreements. He has presented himself as a singular force to remake a broken political system, saying at the GOP national convention that, I alone can fix it. His latest campaign ad ends with the words: Donald Trump will protect you. He is the only one who can.

It would seem few aspects of daily life would be beyond the reach of the power he envisions. If I become president, were going to be saying Merry Christmas at every store, Trump said last year. You can leave Happy Holidays at the corner.

Trumps defenders say his words should not be taken literally, but that his muscular approach is what the country needs to put itself back on track.

They also argue that his comments should be viewed in the context of the choice that voters have this fall, and that many Americans are justified in wondering whether President Obamas Justice Department gave Clinton a pass in deciding not to prosecute her after investigating her use of a private server while she was secretary of state.

Which is more concerning, that a major partys presidential candidate has to undergo an FBI investigation before she can run for office? said Charles Kesler, senior fellow at the Claremont Institute, a conservative think tank in California. Or that the other partys candidate, reasonably suspicious of the energy and probity of the investigation, insists that a fresh investigation be launched by a new administration? I say the former.

Maine Gov. Paul LePage (R) this week defended Trump, telling an interviewer that he wonders whether we need a Donald Trump to show some authoritarian power in our country and bring back the rule of law.

The Trump campaign did not respond to requests for comment.

In the final stretch of the race for president, Trump supporters advise their candidate on how he can deliver on Election Day. (Dalton Bennett/The Washington Post)

The real estate developer has cast himself as a lone ranger who leads a one-man army. And he has extolled the power of narcissism, citing a book called The Productive Narcissist by psychoanalyst Michael Maccoby.

Trump wrote in Think Like a Billionaire that Maccobys book makes a convincing argument that narcissism can be a useful quality if youre trying to start a business. A narcissist does not hear the naysayers.

That sentiment raises the question of whether a President Trump would listen to advisers or others who disagree with him.

Maccoby, who works from a Washington office, said he didnt know that Trump had cited his book until informed by a Post reporter. He said in an interview that although narcissists with an altruistic streak can be powerful leaders, he is concerned that Trump represents the most negative side of narcissism.

There is something that these people do that is very dangerous, he said. They make organizations into tribes. If you look at Trump, he really is not leading the party. He is creating a tribe of people who share a sense of both resentment and being better than other people. History shows this kind of personality, when they are given power and they are puffed up, can become totally abusive and dangerous.

Trump has repeatedly praised authoritarian leaders, famously saying, for instance, that Russias Vladimir Putin is a stronger leader than Obama.

Trump has also expressed admiration for some dictators.

Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein was a bad guy, really bad guy, Trump said this year. But you know what he did well? He killed terrorists. He did that so good. Trump added that Hussein didnt read them the rights  they didnt talk. They were a terrorist, it was over.

Trump said he admired the way North Korean leader Kim Jong Un killed his uncle to gain power. Hes like a maniac, okay? Trump said. And youve got to give him credit. He goes in, he takes over, and hes the boss.

Constitutional scholars say they are alarmed that Trump does not seem to understand the separation of powers.

I have genuine concerns about his grasp of the most basic principles of American constitutional law, such as free expression, racial and religious equality, limited presidential power and more generally the rule of law, said Akhil Reed Amar, a professor of law at Yale University and a registered Democrat.

Some conservatives point to a glaring inconsistency in Trumps rhetoric: many of his supporters on the right have long favored limiting the role of government.

Yoo, the former Bush administration official, said Trumps promise to appoint a special prosecutor to go after Clinton is a compounded stupidity, because it would erode power that should remain in the executive branch with the Justice Department.

If you are a Republican or a conservative, you think that special prosecutors are unconstitutional, Yoo said.

Even former attorney general Michael Mukasey, who has been critical of Clintons email practices, said Trumps approach seemed un-American.

It would be like a banana republic, Mukasey said. Putting political opponents in jail for offenses committed in a political setting, even if they are criminal offenses  and they very well may be  is something that we dont do here.

Jose A. DelReal contributed to this report.
It was October 1998, and Hillary Clintons midterm campaign swing for Democratic candidates brought the first lady on a Saturday afternoon to a middle-school gymnasium in Janesville, Wis. A 28-year-old conservative upstart from the town was running for Congress  and Clinton, rallying 1,200 people with a rip-roaring denunciation of Republicans, was trying to stop him.

Clintons efforts failed, of course. Paul D. Ryan went on to win, and he has held his House seat in Wisconsins industrial southeastern corner for nearly two decades as he has risen to become the highest-ranking Republican in the country.

Clinton and Ryan did not know each other then, and they barely have a personal rapport now. When they served together on Capitol Hill, they did not collaborate. They have crossed paths only a few times, in perfunctory meetings while she was secretary of state. Clinton, 68, and Ryan, 47, also have no apparent social ties  although they do share a book agent, Washington super-lawyer Robert Barnett.

Nonetheless, their relationship could become Washingtons most important in determining whether the federal government functions over the next four years, should Clinton win the presidency and Ryan retain his majority  as polls show is probable, although not certain, for both.

Ryans uneasy relationship with Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump  one that appeared to reach its breaking point this week  has been front and center in this years melodrama of a campaign. Its less clear what a Clinton-Ryan relationship would look like.

Its fine, Ryan said flatly when asked about his relationship with Clinton at a late-September breakfast hosted by the Economic Club of Washington. Ive only had two or three conversations with her. . . . I cant really say I know her very well.

The relationship would hinge on how Clinton decides to begin her presidency. She could claim an electoral mandate and launch a pitched battle to pass the more progressive parts of her agenda. Or she could start with a relatively incremental push on a menu of domestic issues on which she and Ryan have shared interests, including infrastructure investment, criminal-justice issues and anti-poverty measures.

Do they want to begin it at loggerheads or with some signal to a very frustrated electorate that there is ground to be gained by focusing on the overlap between their two agendas? asked William A. Galston, an official in President Bill Clintons administration and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution.

Mixed views about partnership

There is a glaring fault line between optimism and pessimism about Clinton and Ryan forging a productive partnership. Some see the pair as policy wonks with pragmatic instincts who are poised to break the logjam. Others say their political caution and entrenched ideologies would prevent them from defying their bases to resolve disputes and build agreements.

To assume Washington is going to work next year is to assume shes not Clinton and hes not Ryan, said former House speaker Newt Gingrich (R-Ga.), who has been advising Trump and had made legislative pacts with Bill Clinton on issues such as welfare and spending.

Paul Ryan will not be dealing with Bill Clinton, Gingrich said. I had a guy I could talk to who had been the governor of Arkansas and dealt with that states legislature and helped to found a centrist organization, he added, referring to the Democratic Leadership Council. Hillary, on the other hand, is someone who is hard left. They are totally different people with different instincts.

The other power broker in the Clinton-Gingrich negotiations, Republican former Senate leader Trent Lott (Miss.), has a far different assessment.

Donald Trump started attacking members of his own party in a series of tweets Tuesday after many Republicans rescinded their support for the presidential nominee. The Fix's Chris Cillizza weighs in on the unprecedented unraveling of the GOP. (Jayne Orenstein/The Washington Post)

Lott pointed to the lessons Hillary Clinton took away from watching her husband negotiate with Congress, as well as the warm relationships she built with Lott and other Republicans when she served in the Senate. He said Ryan has an even temperament and eagerness to shed his partys reputation as obstructionist, as evidenced by the budget deal he struck with Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.) in late 2013.

Paul Ryans nature is to try and find a way to make things work, Lott said. And Hillary has seen how important communication is. She understands theyre not just a bunch of rogues up there. . . . Youve got to be willing to give a little to get a little. Thats how Bill Clinton and I made deals across the board.

Ryans biggest obstacle to partnering with Hillary Clinton would probably be the House Freedom Caucus, a group of dozens of hard-line conservatives whose threats of rebellion led Ryans predecessor, John A. Boehner (R-Ohio), to resign and who have become a thorn in Ryans side.

One member, Rep. Dave Brat (R-Va.), who ousted then-House Majority Leader Eric Cantor in a primary two years ago, vowed to work with Clinton on issues such as fighting terrorism, but he said, I dont see a love fest.

For us, its not about Paul Ryan, Brat said. Its about constraining anyone whos opposed to stopping the expansion of the federal government.

House Republican leaders have said that if Clinton is elected, they intend to continue their investigation into her use of a private email server as secretary of state, forecasting a stormy atmosphere. Next year could be very much like 1998, when we impeached Bill Clinton, Gingrich said.

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), who worked with Ryan on the House Budget Committee, said the jury is still out on the prospects for common ground.

The question for Paul Ryan is, is he going to be a speaker who wants to try and govern with President Clinton or continue to kowtow to the tea party faction? Van Hollen said. I think that battle within the Republican caucus is unavoidable. . . . If he wants to get stuff done, hes going to have to be willing to have that showdown.

On top of the possible tensions between the speaker and Clinton could be a Senate with a narrow majority, with Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) or Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) as majority leader, depending on election results this fall.

People who know Ryan said his amiable disposition can do only so much to help him connect with Clinton. Hed be gracious and a gentleman, sure  less confrontational than Newt, and hed be smoother than John Boehner, said William J. Bennett, a close friend of Ryans and a former education secretary under President Ronald Reagan. But, Bennett said, these arent people who are going out to dinner.

Further complicating Ryans calculations could be his political ambitions  namely, whether Ryan, the GOPs vice-presidential nominee in 2012, would try to position himself to run against Clinton in 2020.

Clinton probably would face similar pressures. She is distrusted by the Democratic Partys liberal wing, which fueled the formidable primary challenge of Sen. Bernie Sanders (Vt.).

Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and their followers have signaled they would try to halt any move to the middle by a President Clinton on bedrock programs such as Social Security and Medicare, which Ryan has long targeted for sweeping changes.

Finding mutual goals?

For Republicans, Clinton presents potentially a far different negotiating partner than President Obama. Obama came to office with little record of bipartisanship and with a disdain for the social rituals that have historically greased relations at both ends of Pennsylvania Avenue. Clintons allies said she would be more sensitive to the political realities of divided government.

One of my favorite expressions about leadership is, The best way to persuade is with your ears, and she truly understands that  the need to listen, said Democratic former Senate leader Thomas A. Daschle (S.D.).

Daschle led Senate Democrats through Clintons first four years in the chamber, and he recalled her painstakingly cultivating alliances across the aisle. For instance, she befriended Sen. Lindsey O. Graham (R-S.C.), who only a few years earlier had argued the impeachment case against her husband. They traveled together overseas and worked on issues such as military benefits. And in 2006, when Clinton appeared in Times 100 Most Influential People issue, it was Graham who penned a glowing tribute.

How do you build relationships? Daschle asked. Its inclusion. Its invitations to Camp David. Its regular meetings at the White House. Its socializing. It starts with that.

In his failed attempts at a grand bargain with Boehner, Obamas approach was to appeal to Boehners sense of reason and convince him that a deal was best for the country, even if he suffered a backlash on the far right. But Clintons associates said she would approach similar talks like a mechanic, understanding Ryans constraints and identifying areas of mutual advantage.

One such area could be an infrastructure spending bill, which Clinton has said would be an immediate priority. Ryan, too, has in the past year privately reached out to top Democrats about beginning infrastructure talks, which the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other pillars of the Republican establishment have championed.

Clinton also would seek to work immediately on an overhaul of immigration law, an issue that Ryan has advocated but that has become anathema in parts of the Republican conference. It is possible that a Trump loss in November could shift political winds in the GOP, creating momentum for Ryan to consider starting discussions.

Its got to be done in stages and pieces, not some big, massive bill that ends up collapsing under its own weight, Ryan said at the Economic Club about the prospect of an immigration pact next year.

There are other areas of mutual agreement, such as on criminal justice. Clinton and Ryan have expressed concern about mass incarceration and advocated changes to sentencing laws, and there are bipartisan efforts afoot.

Another issue is fighting poverty, something Clinton and Ryan prioritize, although they have clear disagreements on the solutions. Ryan sees it as his personal mission and thrust it to the forefront of the GOP policy agenda. His confidants said he would feel invested in reaching an anti-poverty accord with Clinton.

Bob Woodson, a veteran community organizer who has mentored Ryan, said he could envision Clinton and Ryan touring beleaguered urban neighborhoods together.

Paul and I have taken many of these kinds of trips, and he does it in a way where politics isnt part of it, Woodson said. It wont be easy. Shes going to want more government; hes going to want more choice in education and different ways of spending money to tackle these problems. But hes the kind of person who could sit down and come up with five or six concrete steps where there is overlap.

Clintons selection of Ken Salazar, a former Interior Department secretary and senator from Colorado, as co-chairman of her transition team was seen by some in Washington as a telling signal. Ken was well known for his ability to work across the aisle, Daschle said. Just selecting Ken was a strong statement about her desire to govern.

Ryans friends say a glimmer of hope may be the speakers aversion to the caustic animus toward the Clintons within his partys ranks  a trait they say traces to his days as a staff member. The Midwesterner has never been comfortable about Clinton conspiracies or sordid accusations, despite his opposition to the Clintons policies.

He wasnt like a lot of conservatives his age in the 90s who wanted to dig up Clinton dirt and scandals, said Vin Weber, a former Minnesota congressman who worked with a just-out-of-college Ryan at Empower America, a think tank that has since shuttered. Rather than talk about Monica Lewinsky, hed want to crusade against tax increases.

Ryans unease about Clinton barbs has been evident on the campaign trail and in private fundraisers, where he goes after her policies but not after her personally.

Hes with his party, but he never said that he cant work with her, Weber said. Thats a key distinction. Hes certainly not for her  but he has never said hes unwilling to engage.

Read more:

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Heres how good a shot Democrats have of actually winning the House

Donald Trump will protect you: Some fear he is running to be a dictator
Well-wishers pray for the healthy recovery of King Bhumibol Adulyadej at a hospital in Bangkok. The world's longest reigning monarch is in unstable condition after undergoing blood dialysis. (Diego Azubel/European Pressphoto Agency)

The children of King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the Thai monarch revered as a figure of unity and stability in a country prone to political turbulence, gathered at his bedside on Wednesday as the palace issued a new report on his deteriorating health.

Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn flew in from Germany, where he has a residence, and Gen. Prayuth Chan-ocha, the prime minister and junta leader, cut short a trip outside the capital amid growing anxiety about the condition of the worlds longest-reigning monarch.

The 88-year-old king is on a ventilator battling fresh infections after receiving blood-cleansing dialysis treatment over the weekend, according to the latest palace update. His health has overall not yet stabilized, the statement said.

The Bangkok stock exchange plunged sharply, and many Thais donned pink clothing  regarded as a lucky color by royal astrologers  while hundreds of well-wishers converged on the riverside hospital that has been his main home in recent years.

The military government urged Thais not to listen to uncorroborated information on social media but rather to await official announcements for an update on the situations, without giving further details.

The junta spokesman played down Prayuths abrupt return to Bangkok, saying that he met the crown prince for a routine presentation on government matters, just hours after the heir presumptive arrived in the country.

On Sunday, doctors for the king, who has not been seen in public since January, reported that they had sought formal permission for him to cease official duties.

In a country where harsh lese-majeste laws are in place, public discussions about the kings health and royal succession issues are strictly curtailed.

But this weeks two bulletins triggered sharp slides in the stock market and the value of the Thai baht in a country where the military took power in 2014 after years of political turmoil.

The king has reigned for 70 years after ascending the throne following the death, by a single gunshot, of his older brother in mysterious circumstances.

During a series of coups, he was seen as a stabilizing factor.

The kings ailments chronicled in previous updates included a series of infections, breathing difficulties, renal failure and water on the brain. In the latest statement, the palace said that doctors used drugs to control his blood pressure and performed renal replacement therapy.

Outside Siriraj hospital, Thais lined up to buy pink clothing at nearby street stands, and many held up his portrait.

Wanna Sirikhet, 69, told the Bangkok Post that she traveled nearly 700 miles from her southern home town to offer her best wishes. I came here to pray for the king, and I believe that millions of Thais nationwide are now praying for his quick recovery as well, she said.

Read more

With bombings, Thai militants appear to be sending a message to the junta

Thai junta enjoys absolute power as opposition quietly bides its time

Behind Thailands coup is a fight over the king and his successor. But its hush-hush.

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
A funeral procession on Oct. 12 for one of the people killed in an attack on a Shiite shrine in Kabul the previous day. (Hedayatullah Amid/European Pressphoto Agency)

A second deadly attack on Shiite worshipers in two days killed at least 17 people and wounded 36 others when a remote-controlled bomb exploded outside a mosque in northern Afghanistan, as crowds in the capital and elsewhere gathered defiantly to commemorate one of Islams holiest days.

The blast near the city of Mazar-e Sharif, home to one of Afghanistans most important Shiite shrines, followed a mass-casualty attack Tuesday in Kabul at a Shiite shrine that raised fears of further violence during the Shiite processions and gatherings.

But Shiites refused official appeals to stay off the streets, packing areas in Kabul and elsewhere for events marking Ashura, which commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the prophet Muhammad who was killed in battle in the 7th century.

The Islamic State claimed Wednesday that it was involved in orchestrating the Kabul attack, according to the groups media wing. The United Nations said 19 civilians were killed and more than 50 wounded when an attacker opened fire on Shiite worshipers in the abhorrent assault in Kabul on Tuesday night.

Many Sunni-led militant factions, including the Islamic State and the Taliban, consider Shiites part of a heretical branch of Islam. No group has taken responsibility for the Wednesday bombing,





[Taliban opens offensives before winter]

In the capital, the area around the assaulted Karte Sakhi shrine was cordoned off to traffic, and security was extremely heavy. Dozens of uniformed and plainclothes police officers were stationed on every block, and squads of gunmen in trucks circled the ethnic Hazara Shiite district of West Kabul.

In July, suicide bombers from the Islamic State killed 80 people at a peaceful protest by Hazaras in the same community.

Even before Tuesdays deadly violence, the Afghan government had urged people not to congregate during Ashura and expose themselves to danger. Five years ago, at another shrine in Kabul on Ashura, 70 people were killed in a suicide bombing claimed by a violent Sunni group from Pakistan.

But on Wednesday, Shiites thronged the streets in acts of quiet and dramatic defiance: pushing baby strollers, wearing sashes saying, We salute Hussein, hoisting flags from minivans and bicycles and smearing their cars with red paint to symbolize the blood spilled by Hussein.

[Afghan warlord seeks peace but struggles to win trust.]

We have zero fear, said Sayed Abdullah, 20, a geology student wearing a black tunic and green scarf to represent mourning and Islam. Those who did this are determined to stop our gathering, but they will fail.

Like many in the crowd, Abdullah said there was no enmity between Afghan minority Shiites and majority Sunnis, and he accused outside forces of using violence in an attempt to sow sectarian division and hatred.

There is unity and empathy between us, he said, adding that students of both sects in his university dorm had read the Koran and passed out alms together this week.

Nasir Alizada, 27, a metal worker, said he was at the rally that was bombed in July, where young Hazaras had gathered to protest discrimination and poor public services to their community. Although the group was left splintered by the attack, it will continue to struggle for our rights, he said. We have no fear of the enemies of Islam.

Women brought their entire families out for the Ashura events, seemingly unfazed by the previous nights attack at the Karte Sakhi shrine. The ornately tiled and domed shrine is surrounded by a cemetery and park that is a popular spot for family picnics among Shiites, especially during new year celebrations in March under the calendar followed by Iranians and many other Shiites.

We are worried that Hazaras will be targeted again, but we still want to take part. We are ready to give our lives, said a high school senior who gave her name as Roya. She and two friends had visited 12 shrines during the week, she said, and they were on their way to visit Karte Sakhi as well.

Despite the festive air, tension was evident everywhere. Police repeatedly shouted at drivers to keep moving, and mosque security volunteers urged people not to bunch around the charity food stalls and the tents selling colorful posters of Hussein and other historic Shiite figures in heroic poses.

Drum-pounding chants boomed from loudspeakers, creating a sense of mounting urgency. Later in the day, men and boys would perform ritual self-flagellation in frenzied circles, in symbolic penance for Husseins death. But others in the crowd seemed at peace despite the threat of danger.

This day is very important for us every year, so we cannot worry, said Mohammed Reza, 56, a shopkeeper. He held hands with his two young grandchildren, both wearing black headdresses, as they moved through the crowds.

If there is another attack or explosion, it doesnt matter, he added. We are here to dedicate ourselves to Hussein.

Read more:

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
Pro-government forces drive in military vehicles in Iraq's eastern Salahuddin province, south of Hawijah, on Oct. 10 as they clear the area ahead of a push to retake the northern Iraqi city of Mosul. (Mahmoud Al-Samarrai/AFP/Getty Images)

The battle plans to oust the Islamic State from the city of Mosul are in place, but an uneasy mix of forces fighting against the militants could delay the fight or ignite separate conflicts.

Preparations for the offensive have sped up in recent weeks, after officials in Baghdad and the Kurdish regional government agreed on a detailed military plan to retake the northern city. But thornier issues are still being worked out, such as the role of Iraqs Shiite militias and the question of who will control the land after it is retaken.

The battle for Iraqs third-largest city will be the biggest yet by Iraqi forces, who are backed by the U.S.-led coalition. The city, home to more than a million people, is the militants last major stronghold in the country.

For Iraqi authorities, its a careful balancing act. Mosul and the surrounding province of Nineveh are in one of the most religiously and ethnically diverse areas of the country. Though in theory united against a common enemy, many of the groups jostling for a role in the fight are bitter rivals with competing interests.

[Signs of panic in the heart of Islamic States self-proclaimed caliphate]





Meanwhile, neighboring Turkey, which has historic claims to Mosul, is also publicly insisting on playing a role despite vehement objections from Iraq.

Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi has accused Turkey, which has troops in Iraq against Baghdads wishes and has been training Sunni fighters for the assault, of risking a regional war by attempting to interfere in the offensive.

The situation is extremely difficult in Mosul, said Iraqi government spokesman Saad al-Hadithi. We need to ensure a cohesion and make sure all the sectarian and ethnic worries are addressed.

Under the military agreement, which lays out the plan of attack, only Iraqi special forces, army, police and volunteer fighters from the area will be allowed to enter the city, according to an Iraqi military spokesman, Lt. Gen. Yahya Rasoul. Iraqi troops will be allowed to move through and build up a presence in areas controlled by Kurdistans semiautonomous government, and sectors of the battlefield have been assigned to various Iraqi forces.

The role of the Shiite militias is still to be determined, Rasoul said, though they may be used to secure the outskirts of the city.

Tensions over power and land have already caused factions fighting the Islamic State in Iraq to turn their weapons on each other. Shiite militias have clashed with Kurdish peshmerga forces over the past year in the northern town of Tuz Khurmatu.

Jawad al-Tleibawi, a spokesman for Asaib Ahl al-Haq, one of Iraqs main Shiite militias, said his group will prevent Kurdish greed during the offensive and its theft of Iraqs land. Shiite militias have mushroomed over the past 21/2 years, since a call to arms to plug the gap after the Iraqi army collapsed in Mosul and Islamic State militants pushed toward Baghdad.

Tleibawi said it is his militias national and religious duty to take part in the battle for Mosul. He also said that Turkish troops, and fighters trained by them, will be treated as an occupying force if they are allowed onto the battlefield.

[Battle for ISIS stronghold could displace 1 million Iraqis]

Iraqi officials have repeatedly demanded that Turkey withdraw its forces, which remain on a base in northern Iraq and have provided artillery support to Sunni fighters battling the militants.

No one can prevent us from participating, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan recently said of the Mosul offensive. Erdogan has said Turkey has a duty to protect ethnic Turkmens in the area because of their close cultural ties.

Iraqi officials and analysts say one of the most dangerous potential flash points is in the town of Tal Afar, 40 miles west of Mosul, which gave birth to many of the Islamic States top leaders. It is home to ethnic Turkmens  Sunni and Shiite.

Shiite militia leaders say they should play a role in Tal Afar because of the significant Shiite minority there. But any revenge killings against the Sunni majority could provoke Turkish forces to intervene.

We think its better to keep [Shiite militias] out of Tal Afar; its a bad idea to have them there, said Atheel Nujaifi, the former governor of Nineveh province, whose Sunni fighters are being trained by Turkey. We are trying to do that politically because we cant prevent them by force.

Adding to the complications, Turkey has also strongly objected to any involvement by the Kurdistan Workers Party, or PKK, which also has forces in Iraq fighting the Islamic State. The PKK has publicly stated that it wants to be involved. Assyrian Christians and Yazidis also have their own armed militias in the area.

[ISIS fighters seem to be trying to sell sex slaves online]

Given the potential for conflict after the Islamic State is ousted, some Iraqi officials argue that issues of how the area will be governed and stabilized must be addressed before the offensive begins.

If they dont take a decision on what to do after, that means theyll leave it up to whatever de facto situation happens on the ground, Nujaifi said. And that will lead to a struggle.

But what happens to land that Kurdish forces recapture is still unclear. Kurdish officials have indicated that Kurdistan will keep any land taken by its forces during the offensive. Meanwhile, Hadithi, the spokesman for the Iraqi government in Baghdad, contends that there will be no change in status of territory due to military operations.

Iraqi military commanders say the planning stage is over and that its only a matter of weeks before an offensive is launched. Abadi has pledged to retake Mosul by the end of the year.

In the United States, meanwhile, the Obama administration has been accused of rushing ahead with the offensive in order to have it underway in time for the November elections.

I dont think theres ever going to be an ideal time to go in, said Michael Knights, an Iraq specialist at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. But the enemy is cracking and the forces are ready. Momentum is everything in Iraq.

How advancing forces treat Sunni civilians will be crucial, however, he said. Civilians who remained in Islamic State territory would likely be viewed with suspicion for perceived ties to the militants, and men of fighting age will go through security screening.

Abuses against the Sunni population would fuel the perceptions that caused many civilians in Mosul to welcome Islamic State militants into their city in June 2014. Then, many felt discriminated against by the Shiite-led government in Baghdad and its security forces, turning to the militants.

If the local population is handled fairly, then it might actually be a good opportunity to reset relations, Knights said. But to do that, Baghdad and the U.S.-led coalition would have to successfully coordinate various fighting factions on the ground in what Knights described as battlefield chess.

Its going to be messy; its going to be chaotic, he said. But will it be a disaster? We hope not. A huge amount of effort has gone into orchestrating this.

Read more:

10 new wars that could be unleashed as a result of the one against ISIS

Islamic State, losing fighters and territory, increasingly turns to child bombers

A walk down one of Baghdads most bombed streets

Todays coverage from Post correspondents around the world
A protester stands on the steps of City Hall Friday in March in San Francisco. A Justice Department review released Wednesday from the San Francisco Police Department stops and searches African Americans at a disproportionately high rate and does not adequately investigate officers using force. (Ben Margot/AP)

The San Francisco Police Department stops and searches African Americans at a disproportionately high rate and does not adequately investigate officers using force, a Justice Department review found.

The review  released Wednesday by the Justice Departments Office of Community Oriented Policing Services  uncovered numerous indicators of implicit and institutionalized bias against minority groups, along with insufficient training and data collection. It found the vast majority of those killed by police were people of color.

While the Justice Department credited the San Francisco police with being open, cooperative, and willing to make changes, the 432-page report identified no shortage of problems.

This is going to take some time, and its going to require a significant amount of focus and resources, said Ronald Davis, the Justice Departments director of Community Oriented Policing Services.

[Justice Department launches investigation into San Francisco police force]

The San Francisco Police Department said in a statement it had or would implement the Justice Departments recommendations. Suzy Loftus, the president of the San Francisco Police Commission, which oversees the department, said the commission had already asked department leaders to create a matrix of how and when reforms were being implemented.

Justice Department officials announced the review earlier this year, as protests raged over the death of 26-year-old Mario Woods, who was shot and killed by police. That was one of a number of high-profile incidents that raised tensions between residents and police. As Justice Department investigators were doing their work, two city police officers shot and killed a homeless man, and it was revealed that a group of officers exchanged bigoted text messages. The departments chief, Greg Suhr, was removed in May, hours after a police officer in the city fatally shot a woman.

The review, while significant, will not immediately carry with it the same force as an investigation by the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division. While it makes 272 specific recommendations, the review is not a court-enforceable agreement.

Instead it relies on the departments cooperation and local leaders to reforms. Davis said if the department fails to meet its promises, the Civil Rights Division could still pursue more heavy-handed legal action.

[Justice Department: Give police reform process in San Francisco a chance]

Police departments across the country are grappling with many of the same problems as San Francisco. The Justice Departments Civil Rights Division, for example, found that Baltimore police had for years engaged in racially discriminatory policing that targeted black residents, and the division is investigating similar concerns in Chicago.

In San Francisco, the Justice Department found that there was minimal documentation of use-of-force incidents, including no routine collection of photo evidence and limited analysis of the evidence from each event. If a supervisor didnt respond, the Justice Department found, it was left to the officer who used force to complete the investigation, which is unacceptable.

The Justice Department also found that African American drivers were 24 percent more likely to be stopped by the police than their estimated representation in the driving population, though the report asserted that available data did not necessarily imply the existence of racial profiling. African American and Hispanic drivers also were disproportionately searched without consent following traffic stops  even though data showed they were less likely to be found with contraband than white people.

Fatal shootings by officers also almost always involved minorities; from May 2013 to May 2016, nine of the 11 killed by police were people of color, the Justice Department found.

Those disparities are contributing to why the community does not trust the San Francisco Police Department, Davis said.

The Justice Department advised San Francisco to review each incident and try to understand what might have caused the disparity. All but one remain under investigation.

Read more:

San Francisco police chief ousted after latest fatal shooting, mayor says

Current and former police officers describe tension in current environment
The conclusion of the impeachment of Brazils former president, Dilma Rousseff of the Workers Party (PT), and her replacement by the former vice-president, Michel Temer of the Brazilian Democratic Movement party (PMDB), has cleared the way for a succession of behind-closed-doors meetings of business and political circles to pursue the impeachments real goal: a quick and sweeping restructuring of class relations in Latin Americas largest economy.

Despite virtual consensus on the measures to be taken, centering on pension and labor reforms and a decades-long government divestment plan, virtual paralysis has taken hold of Congress. Its 594 members are preoccupied with the new political landscape after Brazils 5,570 townships held local elections on October 2, and a vote on the austerity measures, considered so politically toxic as to make local political alliances unstable, is being postponed.

Significantly, as 55 townships brace for run-offs in mayoral elections at the end of this month, in both Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeirowith a combined population of 20 millionthe candidates supported by the new president suffered electoral routs, finishing in fourth place. Both have openly blamed the federal governments economic agenda for their defeat.

Even as the government repeatedly backs off from calling its reforms to a vote, details of the three principal reforms are already known, having been presented by several ministers in high-profile press conferences in September. The only formalized proposal, a constitutional amendment to impose a 20-year freeze on government spending, was already approved by a special commission in the lower house. According to economic think-tanks, such a measure, if it had been introduced in 2002, would have reduced current health care funding by 60 percent.

But this is only a preparatory measure compared to the pension and labor reforms being negotiated in the capital of Brasilia. In line with what is being discussed in Europe and particularly in crisis-ridden Greece and Spain, the business-government consensus in these matters is that people are living too long and the minimum retirement age should be raised to 65 years. This means that the poor layers of Brazilians, who enter the legal labor market at 16, would work no less than 49 years before retirement. By the same logic, wages are too high and should be cut, which the current constitution forbids.

Other pension reform proposals include increasing contributions all across the wage spectrum, introducing mandatory private pension plans for public employees, ending so-called parity between pensioners and workers, which allows pensioners to have the same increases in benefits as those negotiated by unions for active workers and, most significantly, ending the entitlement of Brazils almost 14 million rural workers to age-related pensions even without contributions having been made during their working years. This was a crucial measure introduced to reduce rural poverty, as rural workers are among the most exploited and cannot usually spare money for retirement during most of their working lives.

As for the labor reform, it has been reduced by ministers to the watchword the negotiated above the legislated. This means that concessions agreements negotiated by the unions that violate Brazils highly detailed, almost 80-years-old Labor Codewhich have been frequently struck down by the labor courtsmust now be allowed to stand.

It is highly significant that in such a sweeping restructuring of class relations, union negotiations are being promoted as never before in Brazil. The countrys Labor Code (Portuguese: Consolidacao das Leis do Trabalho, CLT) was imposed upon workers in the twilight of the fascistic dictatorship of Getulio Vargas (1930-1945). It was openly modeled on the corporatist labor laws created by Italys Benito Mussolini, centered on labor-business partnership and a high degree of state intervention in the unions.

Although democratic governments between 1945 and 1964 and--following the end of Brazils two-decade military dictatorship--since 1985 have refrained from openly intervening in union boards and elections, the Labor Codes mandatory arbitration in wage negotiations has frequently resulted in crippling fines on striking unions. At the same time, virtually every other working condition, from working hours to the duration of contracts and workplace safety regulations, has been fixed under national law and therefore considered non-negotiable. This has generally been interpreted in favor of business.

Even so, in the last 20 years, this system has resulted in the formerly unimaginable scenario in which union betrayals have been remedied by the courts finding openly company unions as well as bureaucratically controlled and formerly militant unions guilty of illegal negotiating practices, voting fraud, harassment of workers and outright corruption.

This is what the new government wants to end for good, recognizing the unions past services and their willingness to accept levels of exploitation precluded even by the Labor Code.

Also crucially, the labor reform aims to end restrictions on businesses contracting out jobs, currently allowed only in the so-called mean activities, that is, activities which are not the main business of a given company. For example, the state-run oil giant Petrobras is not currently allowed to hire contract workers for oil extraction, but 40 percent of its workforce is made up of contract workers employed in areas such as oil transport, refining and maintenance. Unrestrained contract hiring is seen by the government as a crucial means of lowering wages.

The Brazilian version of the Spanish daily El Pais recently reported that contract workers earn on average 27 percent less than regular employees in direct pay, and usually lack many non-wage benefits, such as health insurance, paid leaves and vacations and long-term contracts. On the whole, the reform intends to extend to all workers, by various means, the conditions only suffered by the most exploited in black market jobs, such as 12-hour shifts, unrestrained part-time hiring and substitution of highly exploitative productivity contracts for hourly contracts that prevail in most industries.

The labor reform is considered the most complicated of all the governments planned measures, not only because of fear of the reaction of workers to the Dickensian working conditions it envisions, but because the relationship between the Labor Code and the Constitution is one of the most contentious in Brazilian politics and law. Moreover, there is widespread fear among ruling circles that the corruption-ridden company unions in many industries lack the legitimacy to impose the new contracts and conditions.

As the government scrambles to formalize its proposed reform, Brazils ruling circles are also weighing the possibility of a judicial resolution of these challenges. A highly publicized Supreme Court ruling in September has allowed for the imposition of 12-hour shifts and a 48-hour workweek for civil firefighters (Brazil also has a military fire department). Praising the 9 to 2 decision, Temers chief-of-staff, Eliseu Padilha, on September 19 told the financial daily Valor Economico that we have with these discussions what we need to gain competitiveness. The 12-hour shift law was appealed in 2012 by Brazils attorney general and took four years to be ruled upon by the Supreme Court. The decision followed the striking declaration by Supreme Court Justice Gilmar Mendes in August, after a lecture to a think tank, that the courts have a role in updating their view of the labor laws in order to protect the employment system and boost the economy.

These debates have a deep significance, not only in exposing the reactionary character of the impeachment process and the elements of the pseudo-left that supported it, but also the role of the unions.

The ruling class is encouraging the unions to play a more prominent role in negotiating away the conditions of the Brazilian working class. It has reason to count on such collaboration. The unions have failed to organize any effective resistance to the new Temer government, despite two nominal one-day national strikes by public servants and metalworkers on September 22 and 29, respectively.

The reaction of the union bureaucracy, from the right-wing Forca Sindical to the PT-affiliated CUT, has been one of fear and paralysis. The PT-linked magazine Carta Capital reported as early as June, 2016 that Forca Sindicals secretary general has declared that negotiations in Brazil arent a good idea because differently from France and the United States, where negotiations are prevalent, theres a lot of democratic participation inside companies, a striking and blatant lie. Vagner Freitas, the CUTs president, meanwhile, has complained of the bosses mentality in failing to appreciate the unions. Criminal cowardice complements serial lying from the left to the right of the union bureaucracy.
Noam Chomsky, professor emeritus of linguistics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and prominent critic of US foreign policy, gave a talk on September 26 at the University of Chicago. The lecture, titled, On Power and Ideology, was organized under the aegis of Haymarket Books, the publishing house of the pseudo-left International Socialist Organization (ISO).

While the event attracted considerable interest, anyone who came looking for answers to the great problems facing humanityabove all, the threat of world war between nuclear-armed powerswas offered nothing more than the thoroughly bankrupt strategy of supporting the lesser of two evils, i.e. the Democratic Party.

The meeting, held on the same night as the first of the presidential debates between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, drew large numbers of young people. Tickets for the event sold out within hours. Eighteen hundred were reportedly in attendance, and over 1,000 more watched the livestream online.

Anthony Arnove, a member of the ISO who sits on the editorial boards of the groups International Socialist Review and Haymarket Books, introduced Chomsky, saying, He embodies, more than any other person alive, the meaning of solidarity. The question of solidarity with whom, or with what class, was not elaborated on.

Chomsky, beginning his lecture, stated, For the first time in human history, its necessary to make a crucial decision: Will organized human life continue to exist on this earth, or will it not. And thats not in the indefinite future; its in the near future.

The two major threats to decent human survival, Chomsky said, were those of nuclear war and environmental catastrophe. However, while criticizing certain features of US foreign and environmental policy, Chomsky continuously sought to portray the Republican Party in general and Trump in particular as a far greater menace than Clinton and the Democratic Party, stating, Considering the stakes, its a fair question to ask whether theres ever been a more dangerous organization than todays Republican Party.

Under conditions in which there is growing disillusionment with the Democratic Party, with millions of workers and young people having undergone eight years of perpetual war and declining living standards overseen by the Obama administration, Chomsky is seeking to deploy his left-wing credentials in order to prevent at all costs a break from the Democrats. In this endeavor, he finds common cause with Senator Bernie Sanders, who is currently touring the country to drum up support among his former followers for Clinton who is broadly and justifiably despised for her pro-Wall Street and warmongering record.

In his remarks, Chomsky alluded to the threats posed by global warming in order primarily to urge support for Clinton in the elections, saying: We can do a lot about building coal plants in the United States. And in fact a very clear choice about that extremely significant matter is arising in a few weeks, when we have to choose between a presidential candidate whos committed to phasing out this highly destructive practice, and another candidate who calls for accelerating this race to destruction.

Chomskys assertion that Clinton is preferable to Trump because of her campaign promises to phase out coal use would be laughable if it werent so insidious. Such a claim papers over the record of the Democratic Party, which has defended at every step the profit interests of the energy conglomerates against the needs of the worlds population for a safe environment.

More significantly, Chomsky went on to refer to the threat of nuclear war, stating, The military dimension that leads us to the growing threat of nuclear war is primarily at the Russian border. Theres a secondary threat off the coast of China.

While attributing the threat of war with Russia in significant part to the expansion of NATO, Chomsky avoided at any point reconciling his assessment of the war danger, which has increased exponentially under the Obama administration, with his support for Obama in previous elections and for Clinton in the current election.

In order to portray Trump as the greater evil, Chomsky remained virtually silent about Clintons explicit support for a no-fly zone in Syria and the bombing of President Bashar al-Assads forces, or the reactionary campaign by the Democratic Party and the media to portray Russia as an outlaw state. Nor did he mention, for that matter, Clintons vote in support of the war in Iraq, which he has characterized as recently as his latest book as the major crime of the twenty-first century.

In reality, the dramatic escalation of US provocations against Russia and China under Obama, the plans for even more reckless war policies under a potential Clinton presidency, and the support for Clinton by nearly the entire foreign policy, military and intelligence establishment, blows apart Chomskys claim that the Democratic Party is the lesser of two evils.

Although Chomsky has recycled the moth-eaten lesser-evil strategy for years (in particular beginning with the 2004 presidential race between Democrat John Kerry and Republican George W. Bush), his arguments have found perhaps their most pathetic expression in an article published on June 15 this year, An Eight Point Brief for LEV (Lesser Evil Voting).

(In an indication of the hostility that the article has provoked, and Chomskys indifference to the popular hatred of the two-party system, it is prefaced with a note stating, Professor Chomsky requests that he not be contacted with responses to this piece.)

Juggling phrases like ethical/moral principles and cost/benefit strategic accounting, Chomsky and his coauthor, John Halle, employ a sophistic argument in an effort to blackmail workers and youth into voting for the Democratic Party.

Those who would vote for alternatives to the major party candidates who fail to reflect our values or the corrupt system designed to limit choices to those acceptable to corporate elites are essentially supporting Trump, they assert. The exclusive consequence of the act of voting in 2016 will be (if in a contested swing state) to marginally increase or decrease the chance of one of the major party candidates winning.

Referring to a number of right-wing proposals by Trump (and saying absolutely nothing about the record and policies of Clinton), they draw the conclusion, The suffering which these and other similarly extremist policies and attitudes [of Trump] will impose on marginalized and already oppressed populations has a high probability of being significantly greater than that which will result from a Clinton presidency.

As the WSWS has repeatedly explained, the Trump campaign is not an isolated aberration, but rather the expression of the extreme rightward shift of the entire political establishment, bound up with the decline of US capitalism and the resort to ever more reactionary and criminal measures by the bourgeoisie. To urge a vote for Clinton is to blind workers and young people to that reality, and to facilitate the coverup of the catastrophic war plans she and the Democratic Party are preparing.

The anti-working class policies pursued by a Clinton presidency, moreover, would only create the conditions for Trump or some other demagogue to exploit social discontent and divert it down a fascistic path. The same process is seen throughout Europe with parties like LePens National Front exploiting the social disaster overseen by the official left.

In the preamble to the brief, Chomsky and his coauthor smugly assert, The basic moral principle at stake is simple: not only must we take responsibility for our actions, but the consequences of our actions for others are a far more important consideration than feeling good about ourselves. In other words, if you dare vote for a political alternative to the two right-wing, warmongering candidates you are nothing but selfish.

This is entirely specious. The only consequences Chomsky would have himself or others feel responsible for are those of a Trump presidency. Chomsky, however, refuses to take any responsibility for the policies of Obamawho he repeatedly promotedor a future Clinton presidency.

Chomsky, a lifelong anarchist and explicit opponent of Marxism and the Russian Revolution, is a representative of the upper-middle-class intelligentsia, which has steadily shifted further to the right, particularly following the end of the anti-Vietnam war protests in the 1970s, and then accelerating after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.

While Chomsky may still, on one or another occasion, note the hypocrisies and dishonesty of the justifications given for US military intervention, he nonetheless is incapable of maintaining a politically consistent opposition to imperialism, above all because of his hostility to Marxism and its scientific, historically-grounded analysis of capitalism as the root cause of war.

In Chomskys appearance in Chicago, there is the not-insignificant matter of his host: the ISO, which has been among the most fervent proponents of US military confrontation with the Assad regime in Syria and Russia. Although the ISO claims to oppose the lesser evil argument and formally endorses Green Party candidate Jill Stein, in reality it functions as a section of the Democratic Party. It has repeatedly propagated the fraudulent human rights justifications for US military interventionin Libya, Syria, and elsewhereand plays a key role in covering up for the Democratic Partys plans for new and more catastrophic wars. About these lies and this political record, Chomsky had to saynil.

Professor Chomsky is fundamentally opposed to any challenge to the two-party system, and thus prostrates himself before the political establishment. His call to vote for the lesser of two evils by urging a vote for Clinton marks him as a supporter of the Democratic Party, and renders him politically responsible for the crimes they have carried out and are preparing.
During the recent Toronto film festival, I spoke to Michael Koch, writer and director of Marija, a film about a Ukrainian woman immigrant living in the Nordstadt district in Dortmund, Germany. [See accompanying article.]

David Walsh: I think it is an honest and authentic film.

Michael Koch: It was important for me to try and create a very precise portrait of a woman and a part of society, and not just aim at winning an audience.

It is difficult sometimes to show such people and society in such a way that you are attached to them, but not too attached. I didnt want to build it up like a story I had simply invented. I wanted to give a precise picture of what I found. I was told so many stories about immigrants living in Nordstadt, a district in Dortmund.

DW: You speak in your directors notes and you spoke at the public screening about going to Ukraine. What did you see in 2010 when you were in Ukraine? First of all, why were you in Ukraine?

MK: I went there after I graduated. Actually, I was there for a film festival, and then I got to know a lot of people and so I went there again just because I was interested in the country. I thought it was a really extraordinary and important country.

I met so many people who wanted to leave Ukraine and this really struck me. They were determined to go. They were ready to leave their family, friends, everything, to leave for Germany. In Ukraine if you dont live in one of the big cities and have a good job, you have no chance of a future. Its really difficult.

This was in 2010, even before the recent crisis. And then I came into contact with a woman who left Odessa for Germany. I was impressed at how focused she was, how determined.

For me, the question arose: what price do such people pay? Even if they do find employment and make a certain advancement. And they are not always better off in Germany, even in money terms, than they were in Ukraine.

All right, maybe they have a job and take a step up in society. But the cost is high. They are very often lonely. They reached their economic goals, but they are alone. I dont want to generalize. People like Olga [a character in the film] go a different way, such people have different lives. But I met many people like Marija. That was the starting point for the film.

DW: I think this is the most important issue, because in some of the reviews the film was treated as a big success story. Thats not how I saw it. I found the final images in which Marija is walking down the street quite tragic. Although its a very different film, a very different tone, and a very different style, it made me think of another Maria, Maria Braun by Fassbinder. [The Marriage of Maria Braun, 1979, by R. W. Fassbinder.]

MK: Its interesting that you mention this, because someone else mentioned it to me too.

DW: What is the price of economic success? That was the most powerful image in the film. I was expecting some catastrophic episode. If it had been an American film, something horrible would have taken place. In some ways, this ending is more painful.

MK: It is a really painful success. In the last scene, in the hair salon, one of her customers says, Youve been very lucky. To me, she hasnt been very lucky. Its not a happy ending, or its both happy and sad. Its a general problem, its a social problem. It is very interesting to see how people respond to the ending. There are some people who interpret it as a happy ending, but if I ask them: what about Olga? What about Georg? What about the other people in her life? What if she needs to share her feelings with someone? Theres no onetheyre all gone.

DW: This is one of the reasons why the film is unusual, and interesting.

MK: Perhaps if she was killed or something spectacular happened, it would have a bigger impact on the audience  I dont know. But I wanted to try and make people think about her life and their lives. I hope this has a more long-lasting effect.

DW: What is your background?

MK: I went to the Academy of Media Arts in Cologne. I started out as an actor in the theater. But I always wanted the opportunity to make films. I began making short documentaries.

It was very important to me in this film not to exaggerate too much and to work in the original locations, to work with the people living there, to work with very limited technique and equipment.

I met so many people during my research in Nordstadt, an immigrant neighborhood. In this area, as a German you do not normally come into contact with the people. Theyve had a lot of bad experiences with the media. The press come and take pictures of garbage and rats, and put them in the papers. The media doesnt really care about the people there. Its simply sensationalism. Only time and patience really gets you in touch with them. I was very lucky in the end because they were happy to have me there. They participated in the film. We moved about the neighborhood quite freely.

DW: Why did you pick this particular area in Dortmund?

MK: You know, there are a few other areas like this. But Nordstadt is really special because you have people from 130 or more countries living there. Its a little bit of a microcosm of the way things are going. There are people from everywhere.

It was once an industrial area, and then you had the crisis in the steel mills and jobs disappeared. The Turkish immigrants came and stayed. Now the Turks have become the new middle class, so to speak. You have new working immigrants. The same process continues. People who speak German take advantage of the new people who dont speak German.

I wanted to go into the area where these kinds of things were happening. If you live in these conditions, where there is a daily struggle to survive, can you afford emotions, relationships, loyalty? Are such things possible?

DW: Which are the predominant nationalities?

MK: After the Turkish people, you have a lot or Romanians, Bulgarians, Russians, Ukrainians, Polish. There are direct private bus routes between Bulgaria and Dortmund. They often dont go to the big cities, but to the countryside, or smaller cities. Bulgaria is part of the European Union, but it is extremely poor. They are legally able to work in Germany, but they cant find legal work. So they are abused.

DW: There is a certain elegance to the film. It is possible to communicate something poetically, even harsh subject matter.

MK: First, that has to do with the character. It was important to show her with dignity. I think its also because of my cinematographer. The camera is not pushing too closely, or too aggressively. The cinematography gives her some room to breath, I hope, and the audience too. The camera operates like a very human eye. We also filmed all the scenes, with a few necessary exceptions, in one shot.

This is not a documentary, it was created by us. There is movement, there is some choreography. We tried not to push for effect. We did not want to use a shaky camera, or a camera in anyones face, which is something of a cliche today. There is no technical need to do that.

DW: What do you think about the present refugee crisis?

MK: I know many Syrian people. In Berlin I try to help them get good flats and so forth. The refugee situation is a big issue in Germany. Angela Merkel said, you can come, sort of. But they put the refugees in these horrible camps. Normally, Germans dont come into contact with the refugees. You have these parallel lives, between Germans and the refugees. But if theyre here, it doesnt matter how they came. You have to care about them, theyre part of our society.

You cannot put these people in a camp and say, its fine, but its over with. If you get to know them as human beings, often your fears will go away.

DW: Your film is also part of that process. I think the film humanizes people. There are no monsters, Even in the case of the Turkish landlord, you end up having some sympathy for him. Not that you make excuses for everything, but there are economic pressures. In the film, that sense of relentless economic pressure is always there. What do these pressures make people do? What sacrifices do they make? Where do you find some kind of solidarity?

MK: If you felt this, thats good, because thats the reaction I was hoping for. We need pictures of human beings, not caricatures. Human beings are complex and sometimes ambiguous. It is very interesting if you dont know how someone will react. And you get to the point where you ask yourself, how would I react in this situation? The more complex it is, the more interested I am. Im attracted to characters who have inner conflicts. But these conflicts dont always express themselves in words. These people act in certain ways that indicate their inner feelings. They dont simply say, or they cant simply say, what their problems arebut they act a certain way. I want to bring that out.

DW: Why did you choose to make the film about a woman?

MK: As I said, I met a woman in Ukraine and she impressed me a great deal. She was so strong, I was really attracted to her as a human being. In Ukraine it seemed to me the women were often stronger than the men. Whether this was simply a matter of the people I met, I dont know. They wanted to change something, they were not so settled as the men. Ukraine is a very patriarchal society.
The Minnesota Nurses Association (MNA) announced early Tuesday morning that it had reached an agreement with Allina Health and was pulling down picket lines prior to a shot-gun ratification vote to be held on Thursday. The MNA is seeking as quickly as possible to end the six-week-long strike of 4,800 nurses on the basis of a concessions contract that accepts all the main demands of Allina.

The announcement of the agreement comes after the intervention of Minnesotas Democratic Party governor, Mark Dayton, into the contract negotiations. On Monday, Dayton called for the negotiating parties to meet at the governors mansion to quickly reach a deal. This was a political decision by the Democratic Party to end the strike, with the MNA now tasked with trying to push it through in one way or another.

Nurses should reject this agreement with the contempt that it deserves. The MNA is seeking to repackage a contract that in all essentials is identical to what nurses have already voted down four times. In particular, it would transition nurses out of their current health care plans and onto costlier plans controlled by Allina. It would also lay the foundation for increasing the workload of nurses.

To try to sell the agreement, the union is trumpeting a few cosmetic changes, including a $500 contribution to a health savings account for nurses who decide to switch to Allinas health care plans in the next yearthat is, a miserly incentive for nurses to have their health care cut. On top of this, it states that the MNA representatives will be appointed to a health insurance committee that will oversee any benefit cuts that the hospital system decides to make in the future.

The contract has the unanimous support of the MNA. Rose Roach, the executive director of the union, declared that it contains improvements in workplace safety, nurse staffing policies, and multi-year contributions to accounts that will ease their transition from their contract health insurance plans to Allina core plans. This is so much hot air.

The union said it would terminate the strike the same day as the tentative agreement and has already taken down picket lines. This is meant to demobilize the nurses to create better conditions for the contract to be pushed through. The agreement also states that the nurses will return to work promptly following the ratification. In the language of this agreement, the MNA writes as if the ratification has already happened.

The announcement of the tentative deal was met with anger by nurses and their supporters. One nurse wrote on Facebook, How is this proposal different from the one we voted against? Another nurse rejected the tentative agreement, writing, What was the purpose of the past 6 weeks then? As for that we will form a committee proposalthat whole ploy has been proven to be bogus, full of empty promises, contract after contract. Some nurses raised concerns that the vote would be manipulated to ensure passage.

Nurses want to expand the struggle, but the experience of the strike, culminating in the agreement announced yesterday, demonstrates that a serious fight cannot be waged within the framework of the MNA.

Even before the strike was called, the MNA had agreed to all of Allinas main demands. Facing the determination of nurses to resist these demands, the union was forced to call a strike, but it has sought throughout to create the conditions for getting the deal through.

The striking nurses have been completely isolated. The MNA rushed through wage-only contracts at five other hospitals in the area and ordered the 6,000 nurses who work at them to stay on the job. Nurses were strung out without strike pay and on October 1 faced the cutoff of all their health care benefits. As for the AFL-CIO, it did nothing to mobilize broader support from workers facing the same attack on jobs and benefits.

The isolation of the strike was coupled with publicity stunts aimed at demoralizing the nurses, such as a corporate campaign appealing to the corporate executives on Allinas board of directors and the Democratic Party.

The actions of the MNA make clear once again that the unions are not working class organizations. They function as an arm of corporate management and the state. Their political alliance with the Democratic Party is aimed at securing the position of the union apparatus itself at the expense of the workers they claim to represent.

In particular, the MNA has been desperate to prevent the nurses struggle from developing into a political conflict with the Obama administration and the Democratic Party, particularly with only one month until the US presidential elections. Yet the actions of Alina are entirely in line with the overall attack on health care, supported by both Democrats and Republicans, and spearheaded by the Obama administrations misnamed Affordable Care Act (ACA). The basic aim of Obamacare has been to transfer health care costs from corporations and the state onto workers, while at the same time increasing the workload of already understaffed nurses.

The MNA sought to give a left cover for itself and the Democrats by incorporating members of the pseudo-left Socialist Alternative into its bargaining committee and endorsing Bernie Sanders for president. Sanderss campaign was a political trap for the working class, channeling opposition to the policies of the ruling class back into the Democratic Party and support for Clinton, who will only escalate the vast transfer of wealth to the rich overseen by Obama. Sanders, a friend of the nurses according to the MNA, made absolutely no mention of the strike in his visit to Minneapolis last Tuesday. He instead declared that the only task of his supporters should be to get Clinton elected.

A determined struggle by nurses would have enormous support in the working class as a whole, which the unions are seeking to prevent. The same day that the MNA announced an agreement in Minneapolis, the Chicago Teachers Union declared it had reached a deal with Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, calling off a possible strike by Chicago teachers. Unifor, formerly the Canadian Auto Workers, also announced it had reached an agreement with Fiat Chrysler to avert a strike across the border against attacks on jobs and working conditions.

The WSWS calls on nurses to reject the sellout contract and combine this rejection with a political mobilization of the working class in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area and beyond. Delegations of nurses should be sent out to workplaces, universities and schools to appeal for broader support.

Nurses are facing a political battle. The fight for the most basic social rightsa secure and good paying job, safe working conditions and quality health care and a pensionpits workers against the entire capitalist system, which subordinates the social needs of the working class to the accumulation of wealth by the corporate and financial oligarchy. The ruling capitalist class of America controls both political parties, the Democrats and Republicans.
The agitation by the New Anticapitalist Party (NPA) for a direct NATO intervention in Syria aimed at Russia is indistinguishable from the war propaganda of the CIA and the French corporate media.

As US officials threatened to bomb Syria and deploy nuclear weapons against Russia last week, the NPA published an article by its Swiss-Syrian correspondent, Joseph Daher. The article, Calling for an end to intervention is not nearly enough, denounces opposition to NATO intervention in Syria and calls for the installation of a puppet government in Syria closely tied to Al Qaeda.

Daher begins by hailing the breakdown of last months short-lived truce between US-backed and Russian-backed forces in Syria, which he calls a total failure politically, militarily, and in humanitarian terms. He then turns on some sections of the left and sections of the antiwar movement in the USA and Britain, for whom the failure of the truce is a result of the internationalisation of the war in Syria.

Daher cites an article from Britains Stop the War coalition, which states: The central problem is the internationalisation of the war. Syria has for years been a theatre in which regional and global powers have been pursuing their geopolitical interestsprolonging and intensifying the conflict. This process has been gathering pace recently, and in the run up to the worrying US election, there are growing calls for further Western escalation.

Outraged by criticism of Western escalation against the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Daher responds: Simply calling an end to all interventions, putting them on the same level, to reach peace in Syria ... is not enough and is simply wrong. He attacks the Stop the War Coalitions article: Anyone reading the article will notice that not a single word is said about the destructive policies of the criminal and authoritarian Assad regimethe main source of the nearly half a million deaths in the country.

Dahers attack on anti-war sentiment is based entirely on political lies. The main cause of the carnage in Syria is not Assads regime, but the intervention of the NATO powers backed by pseudo-left groups like the NPA. After five years of war, it is well known that NATO and its Middle East allies have spent billions of dollars arming Islamist opposition militias to topple Assad, launching a conflict that caused hundreds of thousands of casualties and forced over 10 million Syrians to flee their homes.

Daher writes entirely from the standpoint that is politically aligned with that of NATO military forces and intelligence agencies pushing for regime change in Syria, and which was opposed to last months ceasefire.

Last month, several US generals announced they did not intend to respect the ceasefire after it was signed by US Secretary of State John Kerry. They objected to sharing intelligence on Al Qaeda with Moscow, against whom they have since declared that they are preparing for war. They also feared the temporary cessation of hostilities would help Assad retake key cities like Aleppo from US-backed, Al Qaeda-linked militias, who were not covered by its terms. US fighters bombed and killed dozens of Syrian troops in Deir ez-Zor shortly before the ceasefire expired, finishing off any attempts to extend it.

Echoing the position of the Pentagon chiefs, Daher denounces the ceasefire for preventing the destruction of Syrian President Bashar al-Assads regime.

At the political level, this ceasefire was born to fail because it did not address the political roots of the problem: the Assad regime, he writes, adding: The political agreement concretely actually led to stabilization of the Assad regime under the so-called pretext of the war on terrorism for the political interest of the USA and Russia. That is why this agreement was rejected by large sections of the democratic opposition, whether armed or peaceful.

Daher claims that the Obama administration is trying to stabilize Assads regime. This lie, which originated in US neoconservative circles, serves the interests of sections of the US military and media, and of the NPAs allies in Frances Socialist Party (PS) government, who are dissatisfied that the Obama administration has not yet taken military action to crush Assad. Particularly in 2013, Obama almost went to war in Syria alongside France, but suddenly backtracked even after the PS had come out for it. This infuriated both the PS and prominent NPA supporters of the Syrian war, such as Professor Gilbert Achcar, who already in 2011 was directly advising leaders of the CIA-linked Syrian National Council.

Dahers alignment with Pentagon and CIA war propaganda marks a further step in the evolution of the NPA far to the right. Over decades, the NPA and the social layers from which it is drawn have integrated themselves into bourgeois politics. Since the 1980s, it has orbited free-market PS governments which launched wars and military interventions from Chad and Mali in Africa to Iraq and Afghanistan.

Daher, a graduate student at the University of Lausanne, represents a younger layer inside the NPA with absolutely no genuine personal connection to Marxism, Trotskyism, or anything that can be seriously described as socialist and anti-imperialist politics. Their association with the NPA has served as a mechanism of their integration into the media and political networks through which the imperialist powers seek to create a somewhat broader, popular base for their war policies inside layers of affluent students and the upper middle class.

Daher contributes to various web sites that post materials from US-backed opposition forces in Syria, like the Syrian Freedom Forever blog. He signed the International Socialist Organizations May 2013 Solidarity with the Syrian revolution appeal, which was part of the propaganda campaign for US-led military intervention in the run-up to the 2013 war scare. He has been photographed wearing a Palestinian scarf, which is intended to provide Daher with a left persona even as he produces pro-imperialist propaganda.

Politically, Daher and Achcar are far closer to neo-conservative politicians like Paul Wolfowitz, who planned the illegal 2003 US invasion of Iraq, than to left-wing politics, let alone socialist politics based on the working class.

Daher ends his article by calling for US-backed groups like the Free Syrian Army (FSA) and other member organizations of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces (NCSROF) to destroy the Assad regime and take power in Syria. Assads overthrow, Daher writes, is the only way for democratic and progressive forces to reorganise and once again play a leading role in the struggle for a new Syria for all without discrimination, far from the dictatorship of the criminal Assad regime and the authoritarian practices of the Islamic fundamentalist forces.

In fact, the NPA is working along very similar lines to the Pentagon, the CIA, and the Persian Gulf oil sheikdoms to install a reactionary Islamist puppet government in Syria, as an examination of Dahers analysis of the democratic opposition makes clear. Daher cites criticisms by the Syrian Kurdish militias, which are backed by both the Pentagon and the NPA, of the NCSROF.

These militias have attacked a NCSROF draft plan for a post-Assad Syria, declaring: Whoever reads the document notes immediately that point 1 of the General Principles exclusively lists the Arab culture and Islam as sources for intellectual production and social relations. This definition clearly excludes other culturesbe they ethnic, linguistic or religiousand sets the majority culture as the leading one. As Syrian Kurds, we feel repulsed by this narrow perception of the Syrian people. The similarities between this definition and the chauvinist policies under the Assad regime are undeniable.

Daher replies with a series of damning admissions about the forces he is supporting. He writes, It is true that the National Coalition of Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces has long lost any legitimacy to represent the aspirations for democracy, social justice, and equality of the Syrian revolution and revolutionaries by its alliance with dictatorships and authoritarian regimes in the region, while collaborating with sectarian and reactionary forces (Jaysh Islam) or seeking more cooperation with them (Ahrar Sham and Fateh al Sham).

Fateh al Sham is the newly-renamed Al Nusra Front militia, Al Qaedas affiliate in Syria, and an ally of the forces the NPA wants to see take over Syria. Daher adds that the NCSROFs corruption and promotion of neo-liberal policies and rather poor consideration for democracy, in addition to its chauvinist and racist policies against Kurdish people, objectively oppose the objectives of building a new Syria for all Syrians without discrimination.

Daher is admitting that his proposed military escalation aims to bring to power a corrupt, free-market, anti-democratic, racist, and discriminatory organization tied to Al Qaeda.

He blithely concludes by stating: At the same time, there is a need to empower the democratic popular movement and FSA democratic groups upholding the objectives of the revolution and uniting the various components of the Syrian people to challenge sectarianism and racism.

Like the NPAs other attempts to present its policies as left or democratic, this is just empty rhetoric, trying to legitimize the bloody policies of US and European imperialism in progressive garb.
On November 5 at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan, the Socialist Equality Party and the International Youth and Students for Social Equality are holding an antiwar conference, Socialism vs. Capitalism and War. The purpose of this conference is to examine the growing danger of war and lay the political foundations for a movement against imperialist war in the United States and internationally.

The conference has been called in the midst of an immense geopolitical crisis, centered on the ever-expanding war drive of American imperialism. Far more rapidly than most people are aware, the quarter-century of war waged by the US since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, and the fifteen years of the war on terror, are metastasizing into a direct confrontation with the larger geopolitical rivals of the United States.

In the final weeks before the US elections, the Obama administration is preparing a major escalation in Syria while simultaneously intensifying its campaign against both Russia and China. In Sundays town hall presidential debate, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton reiterated her support for a no-fly zone in Syria, which US military leaders have acknowledged could precipitate a war with Russia.

Last week, in an event virtually ignored by the American media, US officials gathered in Washington DC at the annual conference of the Association of the US Army, where they issued bellicose threats and demanded a massive expansion of the military.

Army Chief of Staff Mark Milley said a future war involving large nation-states is almost guaranteed. To those who try to oppose the United States, he declared, we will stop you and beat you harder than youve ever been beaten before.

Deputy Defense Secretary Robert Work warned that the American military is prepared to pound the snot out of any adversaries [who] think they can keep us out. Major General William Hix said that a conventional conflict in the near future will be extremely lethal and fast, and urged military officials to prepare for violence on the scale that the US Army has not seen since Korea.

This immense war danger has been virtually excluded from the presidential election campaign and all but ignored by what presents itself as the political left in the United States. After a quarter-century of unending war, including eight years under Obamathe first president to serve two full terms with the country continuously at warthere is no functioning antiwar movement.

The conference called by the Socialist Equality Party and the IYSSE is the only effort to mobilize opposition to imperialist war. This is an extraordinary fact that requires explanation.

What accounts for the disappearance of organized antiwar opposition? It is not that the people of the United States and the world have become pro-war. The antiwar sentiment that erupted in demonstrations of hundreds of thousands, in some cases millions, in the run-up to the invasion of Iraq in 2003 has not gone away. Rather, the organizations that largely led these protests have become the most fervent advocates and apologists for imperialist intervention.

An example of the arguments advanced by these forces is an article published by Stanley Heller on the web site New Politics, which bills itself as an independent socialist forum. The founding editors of New Politics, Julius and Phyllis Jacobson, were political associates of Max Shachtman, who broke with the Trotskyist movement in 1940 and later became a champion of US imperialist intervention in Korea and Vietnam. The editorial board of New Politics includes members of an array of pseudo-left organizations.

In his September 28 article Rage for Aleppo and Syria, Heller attacks those who are acting as if this was 2003 and everyone need to focus on Western imperial adventures The main carnage right now has little to do with the Empire.

The issue is not the role of US imperialism, Heller insists, but the government of Bashar al-Assad, who is assisted (and in some ways commanded) by foreign powers, one semi-fascist [a reference to Russia], and the other a theocracy [Iran]. He blackguards anyone opposing the CIA-backed operation in Syria as a supporter of Assad and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Repeating the worst propaganda from the US war in Iraq, Heller invents popular support in Syria for US intervention, claiming that Syrians have called for a no-fly zone for years. He writes that he is repulsed by the anti-imperialist left who demonize as an agent of the Pentagon anyone who demands a NFZ [No Fly Zone].

Heller concludes by calling on the peace movement to put pressure on the candidates for president, particularly Clinton, to take a more aggressive line on Syria. Only Hillary Clinton, he writes, expresses any sentiments about doing something to protect Syrian civilians, including supporting a no-fly zone. He bemoans the fact, however, that even if Clinton wins, she doesnt take office until January.

Heller, a periodic correspondent for the International Socialist Organizations Socialist Worker, is also a leader of the misnamed Revive the Peace Movement group, which is endorsed by the ISO, CODEPINK, the Middle East Crisis Committee, and various other groups. The Revive the Peace Movement recently published an Open Letter on Syria to which Heller makes reference in his above-quoted article.

The letter centers on attacking the Obama administration for last months failed cease-fire, claiming that it would undermine the campaign against Assad. Under the Kerry-Lavrov deal, the letter states, Washington and Moscow will be collaborating to maintain Assad in power.

The letter is signed by a broad coalition that includes Ashley Smith of the ISO; David Finkel, managing editor of Against The Current; Howie Hawkins of the Green Party; Joanne Landy, co-director of the Campaign for Peace and Democracy; Fred Mecklenburg of the News and Letters Committees; Dan La Botz, co-editor of New Politics and leading member of Solidarity; and representatives of the Antiwar Committee in Solidarity with the Struggle for Self Determination, the Black Lives Matter-affiliated Moral Mondays group, and many more.

This list encompasses virtually the entirety of the pseudo-left in the United States, whose constituent organizations maintain an incestuous relationship rooted in their common opposition to Marxism and hostility to the working class. Against the Current is published by Solidarity, which is a fusion of various Shachtmanite organizations and also maintains a political affiliation with International Viewpoint, published by the Pabloite tendency that broke with Trotskyism in the early 1950s. The ISO is another branch of Shachtmanite politics. News and Letters has its origins in the Marxist Humanism of Raya Dunayevskaya and CLR James.

Finkel himself is a former member of the Socialist Workers Party, which reunited with the Pabloites in 1963 and the following year expelled the tendency that would go on to form the Workers League, the predecessor of the Socialist Equality Party. Finkel recently interviewed Gilbert Achcar, an associate of the New Anti-capitalist Party, the main organization behind International Viewpoint. As the World Socialist Web Site recently noted, Achcar, along with the ISOs Ashley Smith, is a leading campaigner for intervention in Syria and also backed the war in Libya.

Those pseudo-left groups that did not sign the open letter abstained not out of opposition to the principles elaborated therein. Socialist Alternative, for example, has ignored the drive to war in order to cover for American imperialism. Its last article related to US foreign policy, dated September 4, downplays the risk of war and paints a Pollyannaish picture of American imperialism. Socialist Alternative writes that a full-blown military intervention at this point in Syria, let alone in Iraq, is politically inconceivable for them [the US]. An earlier article by the same organization refers to what it claims is the extreme reluctance of American politicians to commit boots on the ground.

Such statements are made despite the fact that hundreds of thousands of soldiers are presently deployed at US imperialisms nearly 1,000 bases worldwide. Since the dissolution of the Soviet Union, American foreign policy has been based on an extreme recklessness in undertaking military adventures abroad. With respect to Syria, the US has been bombing the country for over two years in a de facto alliance with the Al Qaeda-linked al-Nusra Front and other proxy Islamist forces. The United States war for regime change has led to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of Syrians and turned millions more into refugees. Washington bears primary responsibility for the virtual destruction of Syria.

During the primary campaign in the US, Socialist Alternative devoted itself entirely to promoting the campaign of Bernie Sanders for the Democratic presidential nomination. While posing as a socialist opponent of Wall Street, Sanders gave his full support to Obamas war policy throughout his primary campaign. He is now enthusiastically campaigning for Clinton, who is running largely on the basis of anti-Russian agitation and advocating military escalation against the forces of Assad and Russia in Syria.

The pro-imperialist orientation of the pseudo-left is not fundamentally the product of mistaken ideas or the rotten politics of one or another individual. The unanimity of these organizations expresses class interests.

They constitute a faction of bourgeois politics. They speak for sections of the privileged middle class that want a bigger share of the wealth of the top 10 percent and more influence and power within the corporate elite, the trade union apparatus and the state. The upper-middle class, approximately the top 10 to 1 percent of the population, has benefited greatly from the post-2008 stock market boom, which is itself dependent on the domination of American imperialism abroad and austerity and wage cutting at home. The pseudo-lefts use of radical and socialist phrases is aimed at obscuring its pro-war and pro-capitalist orientation.

The development of a new antiwar movement is the most urgent political task, one that must be taken up by workers, students and youth in opposition to the treacherous politics of the pseudo-left. As the February 18, 2016 statement of the International Committee of the Fourth International, Socialism and the Fight Against War, insists, such a movement must be based on the working class, the great revolutionary force in society, uniting behind it all progressive elements in the population. The fight against war must be international, it must be socialist, and it must be completely independent of and hostile to all of the political parties and organizations of the capitalist class.

The ICFI is the only organization that is mobilizing opposition to war because it is the only organization that fights for the program and perspective of world socialist revolution. The same capitalist crisis that produces war also produces the objective basis for putting an end to war in the growth of the class struggle. The anger and opposition of workers all over the world must be politically organized and directed in a revolutionary movement against the capitalist system. A political leadership must be built, and it is for this purpose that the SEP and the IYSSE have organized the November 5 conference in Detroit.

For more information and to register for the November 5 conference, Socialism vs. Capitalism and War, click here.
Britains ruling elite are making advanced preparations towards a major escalation of military operations in Syria.

Parliament met in an emergency three-hour session yesterday to accuse Russia of war crimes in Syria and lay the basis for Britains involvement in establishing a no-fly zone and possibly sending ground forces into the war-torn country.

Global tensions over Syria are at a boiling point. As parliament met, Russian President Vladimir Putin cancelled a planned October 19 visit to France in response to the accusation made the previous day by French President Francois Hollande that Moscow was guilty of war crimes in Syria.

The Syrian army, with the support of Russia, have been attacking the east of Aleppo, where NATOs Al Qaeda-linked Islamist proxies in Syria are based. With its proxies facing defeat, Washington, backed by its international allies, is calling for the imposition of a no-fly zone in order to save them.

The population [of Aleppo] is the victim of war crimes. Those who commit these acts will pay for this responsibility before the international court of justice, said Hollande.

Tensions have been ratcheted up ever since Washington, without any evidence, pinned responsibility on Moscow for an attack on a UN aid convoy and demanded that Russia and Syria ground their aircraft. Russia denies any involvement.

The UK parliamentary debate was initiated jointly by Conservative MP Andrew Mitchell and Labours Alison McGovern, who co-chairs the Friends of Syria group and is chair of the main Blairite think-tank, Progress. The initiative was supported by former US commander in Iraq and ex-CIA Director David Petraeus.

The Guardian, one of the main advocates of confronting Russia in Syria, noted that Mitchell has been arguing for a no-fly zone for many months... In recent weeks some of Mitchells advisers have developed this proposal into a call to track Russian jets from UK warships off the coast of Syria, and for a complete no-fly zone for Syrian helicopters over civilian areas. It has been argued that Syrian helicopters are doing all the damage with chemical, napalm and high explosive barrel bombs. One proposal has been to bomb air runways.

Speaking to BBC radios Today programme ahead of the debate, Mitchell said, What we are saying is very clear. No one wants to see a firefight with Russia, no one wants to shoot down a Russian plane.

The shooting down of the warplanes of the worlds second nuclear power is precisely what Mitchell is advocating.

He continued, But what we do say is that the international community has an avowed responsibility to protect and that protection must be exerted. If that means confronting Russian air power defensively, on behalf of the innocent people on the ground who we are trying to protect, then we should do that.

Asked if the UK should be involved in enforcing a no-fly zone, Mitchell responded, I think that Britain should explore with its allies how it would enforce a no-fly zone.

In the debate, Mitchell provocatively compared Russia with fascist Germany and Italy. The Russians are doing to the United Nations precisely what Italy and Germany did to the League of Nations in the 1930s, and they are doing to Aleppo precisely what the Nazis did to Guernica during the Spanish civil war, he said.

Mitchell railed against the anti-war sentiment that has grown as a result of the disastrous imperialist wars over the past two decades. The international community faces a choice, he asserted. Are we so cowed and so poleaxed by recent history in Iraq and Afghanistan that we are incapable now of taking action?

The debate saw Labours warmongers compete with the Tories in displays of handwringing over the tragic fate of the Syrian people in order to justify heightened military aggression.

Labours official response came from Shadow Foreign Secretary Emily Thornberry, appointed at the weekend by newly elected leader Jeremy Corbyn. Opposing a no-fly zone, she said, I believe that in a multi-layered, multifaceted civil war such as that in Syria, the last thing that we need is more parties bombing. We need a ceasefire and for people to draw back.

From then on Thornberry bent with the prevailing political winds. After being heckled by Labour MP Ben Bradshaw, who demanded Thornberry describe Russias actions as war crimes, she replied, The actions of the Russians can well be seen as war crimes, adding that there were, however, also the war crimes of the jihadis. Thornberry called on the government to support French efforts to ensure that more initiatives are taken to bring the parties to international justice.

The evening prior to the debate, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn convened a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party to make yet another appeal for unity with the Blairite warmongers. Instead he was denounced for refusing to sanction action against Russia. According to the Guardian, MPs said Corbyn referred to an attack that was apparently carried out by the Russians.

The newspaper cited Angela Smith MP, who said, It is deeply concerning that Jeremy is unwilling to face up to the role that Putins Russia is playing in Syria. The recent criminal atrocities committed in Aleppo make the case for an effective international response overwhelming and Labour needs to show moral leadership on what is an intolerable situation.

Corbyns spokesman later stated that he acknowledged that the evidence appears to show that Russia was involved in the bombing, if not Russia the Syrian airforce, and all evidence appears to show it was a war crime. But Corbyn opposes all forms of foreign intervention in the conflict, he added.

During the debate, Labours Ann Clwyd commended the Guardians coverage of Syria and demanded to know, Where is the rage? Where are the demonstrations that we have seen on so many previous occasionsI want to seeI challenge the people listening to this debate2 million, 3 million or 4 million people outside the Russian embassy day after day.

Clwyd was a staunch advocate of the 2003 war against Iraq. The political editor of Rupert Murdochs The Sun, Trevor Kavanagh, praised her role in supposedly swinging public opinion behind support for war, while Blair made her his Special Envoy on Human Rights in Iraq.

Clwyds call was echoed by Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, who called on the Stop the War Coalition to organise a demonstration in London against Russia.

Johnson at this stage ruled out support for a no-fly zone, stating it would be impossible to enforce unless we are prepared to shoot down warplanes. However, the military options being considered by the imperialist powers were outlined by retired British General Sir Richard Shirreff in an interview in the Daily Telegraph. The former Deputy Supreme Allied Commander of NATO said that British troops should play a major role in training professional armed forces in Syria to oppose Assad. To train properly youve got to be able to commit troops, because the whole principle of training other armies is that you live alongside them and if necessary youve got to be prepared to fight alongside them, or at least advise them.

He warned, [B]e under no illusions about how difficult imposing a no fly zone is. The Syrians have very effective Russian supplied air defence systems and that will require a major effort to suppress it.
This is the sixth and final part of a series of articles devoted to the recent Toronto International Film Festival (September 8-18). Part 1 was posted September 27, Part 2 on September 29, Part 3 on October 1, Part 4 on October 5 and Part 5 on October 7.

One must face life as it is.  This is the best possible advice, although it does not immediately solve allor perhaps any ofthe problems of todays film writers and directors. Many of the latter think they are facing life as it is, but their notions of reality are very limited or distorted by their social prejudices and background. Perhaps it would be better to say, One first needs to understand life deeply, and then face it as it is. 

There are differences, of course, even among those who take a critical look at society today. Some examine things more profoundly, some stop partway at this or that point, some give way at the critical moment, some are too satisfied with or intimidated by prevailing opinion.

In this series of articles we have already pointed to a number of films that we considered the most honest and deep-going: Loving, Sami Blood, Lady Macbeth and others. Michael Kochs Marija is another serious work.

Koch is a young, Swiss-born, German filmmaker. (See accompanying interview.) Marija follows the life of a Ukrainian woman immigrant in Dortmund. We first meet Marija (Margarita Breitkreiz) cleaning hotel rooms, with what we eventually learn is her customary energy and even ferocity. Soon she is accused of stealing and loses the job. She has been setting money aside to open her own hair salon. Now that plan is threatened.

Marija comes to a sort of arrangement with her landlord, Cem (Sahin Eryilmaz). The latter, a Turkish immigrant who has been in Germany for some years, functions as a liaison between the districts newer immigrants, mainly Eastern and Central Europeans, and the German authorities. Cem of course always skims something off the top for himself. If you dont screw them, theyll screw you is his credo.

Marija is smart and determined, and she has language skills. She graduates to a job working as a translator and negotiator for Georg (Georg Friedrich), who is organizing a business deal with some shady Russians. Now she makes 400 euros a week.

In one of the most telling scenes, Marija spies immigration police approaching and runs through a worksite, yelling Inspection! at the top of her voice. The husband of her friend Olga (Olga Dinnikova) is picked up and kicked out of the country. The pregnant Olga plans to follow him. Marija is appalled and uncomprehending: To throw your life away for a guy, I dont understand it. She follows a different logic, financial success and independence at any cost.

When Marija later has to choose between a guy and her dream of opening a salon, she has no hesitations, no qualms.

Much of the film rings true. Koch, born in Lucerne in 1982, tries to take reality on directly, without self-consciousness or affectation. All the performers sincerely pursue that goal as well. The writer-director wants to show a woman who, as he told an interviewer, has to take a lot, but can also dish it out. She is always on the go and looking ahead.  She even decides against her feelings.

Not only against her own feelings, but sometimes against other people too, if necessary. There is no need to idealize Marija or people like her. They are not the most advanced in their thinking. They can be selfish and individualistic. It is understandable that emigration and harsh economic realities make people, including oppressed people, act in anti-social or self-centered ways, but it is not a model of behavior.

Kochs film is a bit unusual in that it allows the viewer to draw critical conclusions. The ending is ambiguous or open-ended, in a positive sense. Koch leaves it up to the viewer to decide whether launching a small business (which remains at the mercy of bigger businesses and banks, and which may fail next month) and losing every relationship in the process is the definition of success. By the end of the film, Marija has grown a very hard shell around herself. How she sees her progress and how we see it may be quite different.

As I told the director in a conversation, the film reminded me thematically (not in any other sense) of another German Maria, the central character in R. W. Fassbinders The Marriage of Maria Braun (1979), about a woman in postwar Germany who sacrifices a great deal for a misplaced dream of prosperity and security, and loses everything important in herself along the way.

Sad to say, if it had been a contemporary American film, Marija would probably have ended in a very different fashion, with a rape, a murder or multiple murders, some violent disaster. Throwing blood in the audiences face merely serves to evade every serious, more pertinent question. In this film, Marija accommodates herself to the conditions and survives, but are they conditions that one should have to accommodate oneself to?

Past Life

Avi Neshers Past Life, from Israel, is an intelligent, convincing film for the most part, inspired by a true story. It takes place in the late 1970s.

Aspiring composer Sephi Milch (Joy Rieger) is in Berlin to sing with her choral group when a woman approaches her after a concert, and upon hearing her name, calls her father a murderer. The woman seems to be Polish, and wears a crucifix around her neck.

Sephi and her older sister Nana (Nelly Tagar), who has an axe to grind against her stern father, set out to look into the matter. Nana works for a leftist magazine of some kind and has arguments with her father about Israeli policy toward the Palestinians. When we first see her, she is condemning Israelis for robbing people of their land and for justifying our crimes by crimes committed against us. Her father, a gynecologist, will hear none of it.

The sisters, with Nana (I hate secrets) in the lead, uncover painful facts about their fathers life in Poland during World War II, when he hid in a farmers basement from the Gestapo. Eventually, against his better judgment and against his wifes wishes (Why bring up the past?), Baruch Milch (Doron Tavory), reads to his daughters his wartime diary, a diary of hell.

The story is complicated by the woman Sephi met in Berlin, Agnieszka Zielinska (Katarzyna Gniewkowska), and her son, Thomas Zielinski (Rafael Stachowiak), a composer with whom Sephi develops a friendship. Why is the Polish woman so convinced Dr. Milch is a murderer? Can a victim of the greatest crime in history have committed inexcusable acts?

There are many complications and intricacies in this story. There is even an element of suspense. Some of the situations seem unlikely, but they are apparently rooted in fact.

Nesher, a veteran director, comments, World War II ended in 1945 and it took the world seven decades but finally everyone seems to have moved oneveryone, that is, except for the sons and daughters of those Holocaust survivors, the very people who constitute the vast majority of the population of my homeland.

He continues: Slippery politicians know only too well how to press the Holocaust button and activate reactions that would do Pavlov proud.  [The Holocaust] is a deeply rooted trauma that is very difficult to overcome, but overcome it we must if our children are to have a future.

Nesher, however, seems to have a limited notion of what overcoming the past would mean. It seems simply bound up with forgiveness, reconciliation and similar concepts. He has set the film when he did for a reason. Past Life s production notes explain: 1977 is the same year Egyptian president Sadat decided to break the shackles of history and bravely embark on a peace process with Israel. In many ways this is exactly what the two sisters need to do as they travel throughout Europe, bent on uncovering the past and getting to the truth behind their parents darkest secret. This is a poor comparison on every score.

The desire to promote reconciliation as such perhaps helps explain the somewhat unconvincing, pat final scenes, during which various attempts are made to bring Dr. Milch and his wife together with Agnieszka Zielinska.

For the most part though, the film is intensely and richly written and performed. The sense of historical nightmare hanging over the various characters is palpable. Tavory is particularly memorable.

Past Life is inspired by Dr. Baruch Milchs autobiography Can Heaven Be Void? Milchs diary was brought to Neshers attention by Milchs daughter, Ella Sheriff. Sheriff explained to an interviewer: It was terrifying to know that our parents had a secret, but never knowing what it might be. In fact, the atmosphere was consistently grim. There was never a feeling of a happy childhood. We could not share our own distressing experiencing with our parents, either, and yet on the other hand we girls were always overprotected, especially by our father, and we could not understand where this anxiety was coming from, the constant fear of loss. 

Shedding light on the mentality of many of those who emigrated to Israel after the war, Sheriff pointed to her fathers personal Ten Commandments, which include: Thou shall have no other Gods before yourself, Do only that which benefits you, and do not sacrifice for others, Toughen your heart and do not heed it, Do not get too close to people, and do not bring them closer to you, and Do not be gullible, and trust no one.

Ember, Noces, Moonlight

Ember is a film from Turkey, written and directed by Zeki Demirkubuz. Its an odd film, with a lot of intensity and three interesting performances, but somewhat dull or blunted in its outlook and impact.

A singular love triangle includes Emin (Aslihan Gurbuz), an Istanbul seamstress, Cemal (Caner Cindoruk), her husband who, when the film opens, has gone to Romania leaving debts behind him, and Ziya (Taner Birsel), her husbands former boss.

With Cemal away, Emin turns to Ziya for help paying for her sons surgery. The suave, cultured Ziya has always been in love with the beautiful woman. She is grateful. One thing leads to another. Cemals return then complicates matters. He demands to know how the expensive medical bills were paid for, and beats the answer out of his wife.

Ziya eventually hires Cemal to a good position. Meanwhile, the jealous husband demands a divorce. Ziya has a serious accident. Emin and Cemal may be stuck with one another, after all.

As noted above, the goings-on are intense, but what larger point is being made? The proletarian Cemal is bitter and impotent in his rage, Ziya seems opportunistic and Emin passive. If Demirkubuz is getting at the general impasse of Turkish society, its overall incapacities, his conclusions are unclear and take a long time coming.

Written and directed by Stefan Streker, Noces (A Wedding) takes on the question of honor killings. The film centers on a teenage girl, Zahira (Lina El Arabi), belonging to a Pakistani immigrant family in Belgium.

Zahiras parents, who mean well for her, insist that Zahira marry a man of their choosing. Zahira is a fully Europeanized adolescent girl, who has no intention of doing any such thing. She even has a Belgian boy friend. She turns to a trusted friend and to her beloved brother for help. Everything goes horribly wrong.

But it goes horribly wrong in fairly predictable and limited fashion. Streker, basing himself on a 2007 case, explains: I tried to keep the narrative as far away as possible from the notion of the good on one side and the wicked on the other. As a filmmaker, I felt it was important to give each character the chance to win our sympathy. The judgement remains in the eyes of the spectator. Streker approaches matters intelligently, but also somewhat blandly. In any case, he misses the point. Honor killings, as repugnant as they are, are not the driving force behind anti-Muslim bigotry, the geopolitical ambitions of the US and the European powers are.

The film festival highlighted a number of films from Lagos, Nigeria, this year, including Green White Green (Abba Makama) and Oko Ashewo (Taxi Driver, Daniel Emeke Oriahi). (Joanne Laurier has already briefly commented on 76, directed by Izu Ojukwu.) The two former films seemed relatively slight, but the performances reveal a liveliness and earthy sense of humor. No doubt there is great talent in Lagos. Like every other cinema, Nigerian cinema faces the challenge of investigating deeply and challenging the status quo.

Barry Jenkins has directed Moonlight, set in Miami in three acts. The film follows a black youth living in the slums, as a child, a teenager and a young man. He is played by three actors. Drugs, bullying, poverty and complex sexual longings all come into play. Mahershala Ali, a gifted performer, makes a memorable appearance as a mentor of sorts. The film is sensitively done, and when it comes out, we will write a proper review.

Likewise, we will review Terence Davies A Quiet Passion, James Francos In Dubious Battle and Ewan McGregors American Pastoral when they become generally available.

All in all, an interesting year.

Concluded
Celebrity hunks like Johnny Depp, Brad Pitt, and David Beckham have long been painting their nails, but the practice has gotten even sexier now that the Hemsworth brothers  Chris and Liam  have joined in. Thats because theyre doing it for a good cause.

The easy-on-the-eyes Aussies have brought the Polished Man Challenge to the States. Its a campaign to end violence against children and to encourage donations to support victims. One in five kids falls victim to physical or sexual violence by the age of 18. The gist is that a polished man doesnt turn his back on those in need; he raises his voice  and nail. Chris was the first of the brothers to post about it and show off his red digit, which may have come from Elsa Patakys vanity.

The Thor star, 33, then stripped down to a tank and challenged his younger brother and a few other celebrity friends to follow suit.

Liam, 26, readily said yes, showing off a bright green finger, a color that is just so Miley Cyrus. Hes rocked polish before (on his toes!), courtesy of his niece, Chriss daughter.

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Zac Efron, 28, clearly feeling inspiRED, also accepted Chriss challenge, which is spearheaded by not-for-profit YGAP. Fun fact: The Baywatch actor has worn polish before.

And Pretty Little Liars actor Tyler Blackburn, 30, also went green.

Im helping raise funds and awareness to support the 1 in 5 children effected by violence before the age of 18. Click on my link to donate to the cause! #PolishedMan A photo posted by Tyler Blackburn (@tylerjblackburn) on Oct 2, 2016 at 5:48pm PDT

Hugh Jackman, Robert Downey Jr., Jimmy Fallon, Jeremy Renner, and Tom Hiddleston are among the other names of the guys they challenged, so look for this campaign to slowly unfold on social media.

The campaign, which launched in 2014, was born after YGAPs Elliot Costellos trip to Cambodia for a project with Hagar International. There, he met a girl named Thea who had been abused. Before he left, she painted one of his nails, and he promised that hed always keep one painted to remember her. Past supporters include Alec Baldwin and Mario Batali, but the campaign is expected to blow up with the Aussie actors  and their A-list friends  getting behind the cause.

So far, $386,096  and counting  has been raised. People are showing their true colors.
From Esquire

"And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars upon which the house stood, and on which it was borne up, of the one with his right hand, and of the other with his left. And Samson said, Let me die with the Philistines. And he bowed himself with all his might; and the house fell upon the lords, and upon all the people that were therein. So the dead which he slew at his death were more than they which he slew in his life."

-Judges 16: 29-30

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI-Well, I hate to say I told you so, but, dammit, I told you so. Way back in 2013, I told you this was coming, that the unquiet ghosts of the Great Penis Hunt of the 1990s were awaiting only a sorcerer well enough versed in the dark arts to bring them forth upon the land again. Little did I know that they would be summoned not only to destroy Hillary Rodham Clinton, but also by a near-suicidal Republican presidential campaign willing to bring the temple down on its own head as long as the party establishment died under the rubble as well.

There is no modern parallel to what Donald Trump did prior to Sunday night's debate. Seated in a room in a luxury hotel that looked like nothing more than the town council chamber in a backwater Rust Belt town, El Caudillo del Mar-A-Lago hosted a bizarre photo-op with three of Bill Clinton's most famous accusers, Juanita Broaddrick, Paula Jones, and Kathleen Willey, as well as Kathy Shelton, who was raped when she was 12 by a man who later became a client of young lawyer Hillary Rodham Clinton. From NBC News:

"Mr. Trump may have said some bad words, but Bill Clinton raped me and Hillary Clinton threatened me. I don't think there's anything worse," Broaddrick said. Trump told reporters the four women had asked to be present for the panel, which was billed to the press as part of Trump's preparation for the debate. Broaddrick, Wiley and Jones will all be in the debate hall tonight, a Trump aide confirmed. Trump did not respond to a reporter who shouted a question to Trump about whether he believes his star power allows him to touch women without their consent.

Story continues

Thus was democracy rendered a shambles, once again, by a vulgar talking yam who speaks for far too many of his fellow citizens. And let us pause in our chortling to remember that, to a substantial percentage of the people in the country, this event was absolutely the balls. For a considerable number of them, it was an orgasmic celebration of the impeachment interruptus in which, they believe, Bill Clinton beat the rap.

In short, Trump may have managed throughout the night to stop Republicans from running away into the night, screaming. They still may abandon him, but they'll slip silently away in the darkness, like deserters from the Confederate army heading for the hills. On Sunday night, he solidified his base the only way that his base can be solidified-with bullying, bluster, and an amazing ability not to know dick about so many of the important issues of the day. And he left us all with one amazing, indelible moment.

CLINTON: I told people it would be impossible be fact checking all the the time-I'd never get to talk about anything I want to do or how we're going to make lives better for people. So go to HillaryClinton.com. You can fact check him in real time, last time at the first debate, we had millions of people fact checking, so expect we'll have millions more fact checking. It's just awfully good that someone with the temperament of Donald Trump is not in charge of the law of our country.

TRUMP: Because you'd be in jail.

Even for a guy who spent the first quarter of the encounter talking in fluent 4-chan, this was a startling bit of business, the first time in American political history that one candidate promised to throw the other candidate in jail. It should be the only thing anyone talks about until the next debate. No arrest. No indictment. No trial. No conviction. Just, "You'd be in jail." And he got enough of a cheer in the hall that Anderson Cooper screwed on his stern librarian face and told people to shut up. I'm telling you, for somewhere between 37 and 42 percent of your fellow Americans, the earth moved at that moment.

[contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="Related%20Story" customtitles="America%20Has%20Been%20Waiting%20for%20Donald%20Trump" customimages="" content="article.49415"]

In truth, while Trump took the debate into the sewer early, by talking at length about his Special Guest Stars and the perfidy of both Clintons, he didn't stay there long, which I guess counts as something of an improvement in his debating style. And he did seem to throw Clinton off-balance. Maybe it was the Undead of the Starr Report. Maybe it was Trump's alpha-male strutting around the stage, but Clinton had moments when she was uncertain and overly prolix. When Martha Raddatz brought up the recent WikiLeaks publication of what purport to be the speeches she gave to various Wall Street gombeens, Clinton got completely lost in the fog.

Raddatz: I want to move on. This next question from the public through the bipartisan Open Debate, where Americans submitted questions that generated millions of votes. It was reported that excerpts of secretary Clinton's paid speeches, in which she has refused to release, and one line, in which you say you need both a public and private position on certain issues. So, Tu (ph), from Virginia asks, Is it okay for politicians to be two-faced? Is it acceptable for a politician to have a private stance?

CLINTON: Right, as I recall, that was something I said about Abraham Lincoln, and after having seen the wonderful Steven Spielberg movie called Lincoln. It was a master class watching President Lincoln get the Congress to approve the 13th Amendment. It was principled and strategic. I was making the point that it is hard sometimes to get the Congress to do what you want to do. To keep working at it. And yes, President Lincoln was trying to convince some people to use some arguments. That was a great, I thought, a great display of presidential leadership.

Photo credit: Getty

I know what point she was making. In order to get big things done, sometimes, presidents have to be deft at moving the pea around under the shells. She used Lincoln's finessing the 13th Amendment through Congress, but a better example is Franklin Roosevelt and Lend Lease. Anyway, whatever its merits, Clinton simply couldn't bottle the answer.

And then she went on to point out that the American intelligence community has said explicitly that "the Kremlin" is trying to monkeywrench the election, which is true, but which also is not a denial that she said what the documents say that she said, and then pivoted again, clumsily, to Trump's reluctance to release his tax returns. Gifted with a lovely opportunity, Trump fell on his face. He basically accused the American intelligence community of lying to benefit the Clinton campaign.

TRUMP: I notice anytime anything wrong happens, they like to say the Russians-she doesn't know if it's the Russians doing the hacking. Maybe there is no hacking. But they always blame Russia and the reason is because they think they're trying to tarnish me with Russia. I know about Russia but I know nothing about the inner workings of Russia. I have no businesses. I have no loans from Russia.

He then got in a plug for his new hotel in Washington.

At this point, the debate spun off into parallel universes. Trump beat his chest, waved his dick, and basically talked to the people he's been talking to for going on three years. He had a good moment punching away at Clinton on her e-mails, and then defused the whole thing by slipping into Whiny Twerp mode and bleating about how unfair the moderators were. He doubled back on his remarkably stupid argument that we should have launched a "sneak attack" on Mosul.

TRUMP: The biggest problem I have with the stupidity of our foreign policy, we have Mosul. We have ... coming out of Washington and Iraq, we will be attacking mosul in three or four weeks. All of these bad leaders from ISIS are leaving Mosul. Why can't they do it quietly? Why can't they do the attack, make it a sneak attack and after the attack is made, inform the American public that we've knocked out the leaders, we've had a tremendous success. People leave. Why do they have to say we're going to be attacking mosul within the next four to six weeks which is what they're saying. How stupid is our country.

Moderator Martha Raddatz, who's seen more combat than Trump has allegedly groped starlets, at this point appeared to be looking around for a RPG launcher to end this whole exercise.

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And, on the subject of healthcare, this is what he said. I quote it in full in the hope that somebody, somewhere, can figure out what in the name of Hippocrates the man is talking about, because I took a wrong turn somewhere in the second sentence and had to sleep under a tree for the rest of the night.

TRUMP: I'll tell you. You're going to have plans that are so good because we're going to have some competition. Once we break out the lines and allow the competition to come.

COOPER: Are you going to have a mandate that Americans have to have health insurance?

TRUMP: President Obama by keeping those-and it was almost gone until just right toward the end of the passage of Obamacare, which was a fraud. You know that, because Jonathan Gruber, the architect of Obamacare, said it was a great lie. It was big lie. President Obama said you keep your plan, the whole thing was a fraud and it doesn't work. When we get rid of those lines, you have competition and we'll be able to keep preexisting and help people that can't get, don't have money because we are going to have people protected. And Republicans feel this way. Believe it or not and strongly this way. We're going to block grant. Into the states. Block grant into medicaid. So we will be able to take care of people without the necessary funds to take care of themselves.

The one identifiable idea in that mess-block-granting Medicaid to the states-is appallingly bad. (Sure, let's give Pat McCrory in North Carolina some Medicaid money to fund his stupid lawsuits defending his stupid laws, or to Scott Walker in Wisconsin, to dole it out to the penny-ante cronies with whom he surrounds himself.) As for the rest of it, I'm not sure, but I don't think Donald Trump believes that states have actual borders.

As for HRC, she was herself. She was dogged, determined, and talking to whomever out there was looking for a president and not for a carnival act. She spoke long and earnestly about the situation in Syria. (Pro Tip: Nobody in or out of American government knows fck-all how to deal with that ongoing humanitarian disaster.) She had a fine, extended colloquy linking Trump's ghastly remarks on Access Hollywood to the rest of his long record of inflammatory blather.

CLINTON: And he has said that the video doesn't represent who he is. But I think it's clear to anyone who heard it that it represents exactly what he is. Because we've seen this throughout the campaign. We have seen him insult women. We've seen him rate women. On their appearance. Ranking them from one to 10. We've seen him embarrass women on TV and on Twitter. We saw him after the first debate spend nearly a week denigrating a former Miss Universe in the harshest, most personal terms, so, yes, this is who Donald Trump is. But it's not only women and it's not only this video that raises questions about his fitness to be our president.

She'll never be quick. You will always come up with snappier comebacks from your sofa than she will on the stage. But she presses, presses, presses, and, given her opponent in this great sucking mire of an election, that is the perfect approach to take. If the best that can be said for your opponent is that, on this night, he was insane, but manageable, then dogged and determined, and simply knowing what you're talking about, goes a long, long way.

[contentlinks align="center" textonly="false" numbered="false" headline="Related%20Story" customtitles="This%20Trump%20Lie%20from%20Sunday's%20Debate%20Is%20Stunning" customimages="" content="article.49431"]

Of course, after the debate, the Trump campaign trotted out its surrogates and the whole thing went to the zoo all over again. The four Clinton Accusers made the rounds of the Spin Room. (Dear Commission on Presidential Debates: Why?) Kellyanne Conway went on with Chris Matthews and tried to spin the Access Hollywood taping by explaining that the halls of Congress are not dissimilar to that scene in Roman Polanski's Repulsion where all the hands come out of the wall to grab Catherine Deneuve.

"When I was younger and prettier, them rubbing up against girls, sticking their tongues down young women's throats And some of them, by the way," she added, "are on the list of people who won't support Donald Trump 'cause they all ride around on a high horse."

Holy hell. It's like a stickier version of Joe McCarthy. "Senator, are you now or have you ever been a throat-diver?" And, speaking of a stickier brand of McCarthyism, Rudy Giuliani dropped by MSNBC to lend his unique brand of insight to close out the evening.

"THERE WAS SEMEN ON HER DRESS!"

Jesus Christ, get the net.

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While we were all wallowing in the dried mud of the 1990s on Sunday, a federal court dealt a whack to the indigenous people in North Dakota who are seeking to stop the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline. Per Democracy Now:

A federal appeals court on Sunday rejected a bid by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe to permanently halt construction on part of the Dakota Access pipeline. The ruling by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals paves the way for the Dakota Access company to resume construction on private lands adjacent to Lake Oahe on the Missouri River. A decision on whether the pipeline can proceed under the river rests with the Army Corps of Engineers. The Standing Rock Tribe argued unsuccessfully that construction of the $3.8 billion pipeline is destroying cultural artifacts and sacred sites. Members of hundreds of indigenous nations who've gathered at the Standing Rock reservation say they'll continue to fight the Dakota Access pipeline.

However, both the federal court and the administration seem to be aware of the delicate nature of the situation. The court's order applies only to construction of the pipeline on public land, whereas any construction of the public land around the Missouri River is still suspended pending further environmental reviews conducted by the Army Corps of Engineers and the Departments of Justice and the Interior, so the protests will continue and people will sleep on the prairie as winter gets closer.

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Altered Innocence has picked up the U.S. rights to Pirjo Honkasalos Concrete Night. The film, which received its world premiere in the Masters section of the Toronto Film Festival, will receive a release in January 2017.

The deal was negotiated between Frank Jaffe from Altered Innocence, also an executive with North American distribution company Strand Releasing, and Film Republics Xavier Henry-Rashid. Jaffe commented: Im beyond excited that I have the chance to expose more people to this stunning and heartbreaking film in the U.S. market.

Concrete Night tells the story of impressionable 14-year-old Simo as he keeps his soon-to-be incarcerated brother company over the course of one night in a beautiful and otherworldly Helsinki. The film screened in over 60 festivals, garnered six Jussi Awards, and was presented as Finlands official entry to the Academy Awards, as well as winning the ASC Spotlight Award for cinematographer Peter Flickenberg. The film was edited by Niels Pagh Andersen (The Act of Killing, The Look of Silence).

Honkasalo, whose career spans four decades, is best known known for her documentaries. These include the multi-award winning The Three Rooms of Melancholia, which launched at Sundance in 2005. Concrete Night is written and inspired by the book by her partner, Pirkko Saisio.

The film is produced by Misha Jaari and Mark Lwoff at Helsinkis BUFO Film, a production company that produces commercials, television and features films. BUFO recently launched Plan-B distribution, whose first releases include Cannes winner The Happiest Day in the Life of Olli Maki, Finlands contender for a foreign-language Oscar nomination.

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Yangon (AFP) - Teachers and government workers fled northern border districts of Myanmar on Wednesday after clashes in Rakhine state left a dozen dead, fearing worsening violence in a region long-scarred by sectarian unrest.

Crowds huddled on the jetty in the state capital of Sittwe after arriving by boat from near the Bangladesh border, an area home to the persecuted Muslim Rohingya minority that has been locked down by the military after attacks on border guards.

Twelve people have died in clashes between armed men and troops in recent days, state media said, including four soldiers killed when they were set upon by hundreds of men wielding pistols and swords.

One attacker was also found dead after the clashes in Pyaungpit, a village near Maungdaw -- the town at the epicentre of the recent unrest.

Troops also found seven dead after fighting in the nearby village of Taung Paing Nyar, the Global New Light of Myanmar reported, raising the toll from Tuesday.

"After the incident, troops found seven dead bodies," it said. "Swords and sticks were found with the bodies."

The military has locked down the area around Maungdaw after nine police officers were killed on Sunday in attacks on three border posts which authorities blamed on mobs wielding swords and homemade weapons.

More than 400 schools have been closed in Maungdaw and the surrounding area and a curfew has been enforced between 7pm and 6am.

Most people in the impoverished area are Muslim Rohingya, a stateless minority whom Myanmar's Buddhist hardliners vilify as illegal immigrants -- even though many trace their ancestry in Myanmar back for generations.

The recent unrest has raised the spectre of a repeat of 2012, when violence in Rakhine left more than 100 people dead and drove tens of thousands of Rohingya into displacement camps.

Activists claim the military is using the search for the attackers as a pretext for a crackdown on the Rohingya, whom rights groups describe as one of the world's most persecuted peoples.

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Rumours of killings and mass arrests have spread like wildfire on social media, stoking fear. But details have proved difficult to confirm in the remote and tightly controlled area.

- 'Delicate juncture' -

A total of 29 people have died in the recent clashes, according to state media, police and government sources, including troops, attackers and the border guards killed in Sunday's raids.

Four suspects in the border attacks -- including two who were captured on Tuesday -- are being held by law enforcement, according to state media.

The escalating violence in the region poses a major challenge for the country's new democratic leadership.

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi is facing international pressure to reach a solution for the Rohingya, whose plight has tarnished the country's major democratic gains.

She recently appointed a commission, headed by former UN chief Kofi Annan, to find ways to heal wounds in the bitterly divided and poor state.

On Wednesday the Nobel laureate vowed to follow the rule of law when investigating the border guard attacks.

"Until we know clearly what is happening, we will not accuse anyone," she said at the foreign ministry in Naypyidaw.

"We will only bring charges when we have concrete and firm evidence."

Authorities have released few details about the attackers or their motives, with some blaming the Rohingya and others pointing the finger at Bangladeshi groups.

The UN's special adviser to the secretary-general on Myanmar, Vijay Nambiar, urged troops and residents to exercise restraint at what he termed a "delicate juncture" for the state.

He also called on civilians to "not be provoked into any kind of response by targeting other communities or religious groups".

The European Union also called for an investigation to be carried out "in line with the rule of law".
How can they call themselves bosses

When they got so many bosses

You gotta see what your boss say

I get it straight out the faucet



Chance the Rapper - "Mixtape"

These four bars find Chance The Rapper, who is well on his way to becoming the first artist to ever have a Grammy nomination for a mixtape, brazenly take aim at those of his contemporaries who pride themselves on being bosses. But they don't seem to have the control of Chance, who enjoys the freedom that comes from being independent.

Chances career thus far has been defined by independence. Hes managed to stay one step ahead of an industry that is often highly exploitative of artists. When Chance proclaims that he gets it straight out the faucet, he could be talking numbers; he doesn't have to deal with a major label when it comes to touring, merch, and endorsements. Chances story is challenging many preconceived notions about the industry as a whole, and it all starts with what the Chicago rapper calls mixtapes.

Over the years, the music industry has made painstaking efforts to avoid appearing out of touch. They've incorporated streaming data into reported record sales and Billboard charts, adjusted the traditional release strategies, and looked beyond print media and radio plays for promotion. Back in June, the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences decided that music only available via streaming was eligible for Grammy nominations. This is arguably the largest platform the mixtape has ever been granted. Consequently, its time to consider how the term mixtape has changed over the years, and what its future holds.

The prevalence of the mixtape in hip-hop is almost as old as the music itself. In the late '70s and early 80s, hip-hop pioneers like Afrika Bambaataa, Grandmaster Flash, and DJ Kool would have their performances recorded, distributed, and sold to individual listeners via cassettes. This market took shape during hip-hops formative years, a time when the music existed almost only in a live setting. These early mixtapes were a burgeoning MCs main way of having their music circulated.

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These tapes would then be re-dubbed, duplicated, and passed around, and the best releases began to gain traction. Although the tapes quality would be reduced the more it was dubbed, it was a signifier of mass popularity and appreciation within hip-hop circles. The mixtape was the first mass vehicle for hip-hop music, long before platforms like BET and rap-based radio stations surfaced.

By the 90s, the mixtape was undergoing its first metamorphosis. In addition to its physical form shifting from cassettes to CDs, the rise of DJs such as Funkmaster Flex and DJ Clue marked the moment when the focus of mixtape moved to exclusive and unheard material from the eras reigning heavyweights like Notorious B.I.G. and Mobb Deep. It also became a platform for new emerging talent like Jay Z and The Lox.

The culture of obtaining exclusives was such a prerequisite for up-and-coming DJs that they were prepared to take potentially perilous risks. Back in the day it was a rite of passage to have the unreleased exclusives and branding them with your own custom drops, DJ Whoo Kid explains. I remember going into the label offices and getting DAT's from people like Russell Simmons, and there would be music on there that wasn't supposed to be, or I would steal them out of the offices and leak the records. One time that almost got me killed when I leaked Jay Z's artist Sauce Money's diss to Big Pun and Pun kidnapped me up in Spanish Harlem.

One time [a mixtape exclusive] almost got me killed when I leaked Jay Z's artist Sauce Money's diss to Big Pun and Pun kidnapped me up in Spanish Harlem. - DJ Whoo Kid

Arising concurrently was the movement of the blend tape, innovated by Ron G. As the name indicated, a DJ would blend the a cappella of R&B vocalists with hard-edged hip-hop beats to create a new sound. Ron Gs method was later picked up by Diddy and the Bad Boy label. It paved the way for the remix and hip-hop soul, the R&B subgenre coined by Diddy and mastered by giants of the time like Mary J. Blige and Jodeci.

During this era, mixtapes had always been monetized commodities with a high degree of exclusivityif you were able to purchase or redub these tapes, you were in the minority. It meant that you were paying attention to what was still a subversive culture. The arrival of Flex and Clue signaled the mixtape form transitioning from a covert trade to a custom that major record labels could profit from.

During the mid to late 90s, labels commercially released albums classified as mixtapes, such as the first of Clues The Professional series, which became a platinum record. Flexs The Mixtape spawned four sequels. These releases effectively broke the mixtape form into the mainstream.

Critics argued DJs like Clue and Flex werent really respecting the craft of "real" DJs. They were just lining up tracks supplied by their label bosses while shouting signature drops over the tracks. But DJ Whoo Kid believes consistent placement of such drops was not necessarily a sign of narcissism; it was a survival tactic. That's how we used to brand ourselves pre-social media, he says. If you had a hot exclusive, you wanted to make sure that fans knew that was your record so that when you released other mixtapes, the hype would be there because they knew your shit was hot.

Regardless of brand maintenance, DJs fell out of favor in some circles, perceived as a face for corporate products rather than a true ally to the mixtape tradition. The DJs role in mixtape culture began to take a back seat, and artists began to appropriate the mixtape model for their own needs.

At the turn of the millennium, the mixtape market was at its most experimental. Artists positioned themselves front and center, and the DJ had a secondary role. Mixtapes from Dipset and 50 Cent in particular ran the newly revitalized mixtape marketplace with the likes of DJ Whoo Kid, DJ Kay Slay, and later DJ Drama becoming the quintessential hosts for such releases.

Whoo Kidd noted the importance of hosted mixtapes. "The major benefit of doing a mixtape with a DJ," he said, "was the fact that you had access to the clubs that the DJ was spinning at, access to radio promotion, and most importantly, that co-sign. 50 Cent used the mixtape form to gain attention from record labels while also usurping dominant rappers of the time by taking their songs and making them his own. His interpretation of other artists' hit songs became incredibly popular in their own right, something that Lil Wayne also mastered with tapes like Da Drought 3 and Dedication 2 in the 2000s.

50 Cent used the mixtape form to gain attention from record labels while also usurping dominant rappers of the time by taking their songs and making them his own.

This was perhaps the first example of an artist realizing the power they had outside of a major label system, says Minnesota rapper/producer Allan Kingdom. 50 Cent would eventually attain superstar status during the early to mid 2000s. He set a precedent with his tapes that would be followed by the likes of Drake, J. Cole, Nicki Minaj, and Kendrick Lamar.

But by the late 2000s, mixtapes shifted again, as they became more accessible digitally with the growth of websites such as DatPiff and LiveMixtapes. Around this time, a penchant for mixtapes comprised of completely original material arose. It was no longer enough for new talent to show their skills over someone elses beats. By crafting a full body of work in the vein of an album or EP, prospective listeners and industry insiders could hear the full breadth of a rappers musicality.

Perhaps most importantly, the new mixtape era encouraged artists like Chance the Rapper to build their own musical identities. It began to separate artists with potential for a lasting career from those who just knew how to string along a few 16-bar freestyles. It's part of the reason why we have such diversity in hip-hop todaythe roots are the same, but there are no boundaries to where artists can choose to take their music.

This diversity eventually expanded beyond hip-hop, as new R&B artists such as Tinashe, Jhene Aiko, Frank Ocean, and The Weeknd took advantage of the mixtape approach. They understood the power of the mixtape, and how it had become a pillar of urban culture.

This diversity eventually expanded beyond hip-hop, as new R&B artists such as Tinashe, Jhene Aiko, Frank Ocean and The Weeknd took advantage of the mixtape approach

Until this modern era, most people would usually classify a mixtape as a free product. But in 2015, Drake released his purchasable mixtape If Youre Reading This Its Too Late, and he's hardly alone in making that choice. Ultimately, it comes down to a couple of questions: what is the purpose of the product, and what goal is the artist trying to achieve with the release?

Established artists like Lil Wayne, Wale, Wiz Khalifa, Future, and Gucci Mane all continue to release mixtapes to keep fans satisfied in between label-funded albums. When artists release mixtapes in this manner, it presupposes the idea that the "album" is the main event.

But this line of thinking can be complicated by the fact that rappers like Chance the Rapper and Young Thug have launched and sustained their careers on the basis of mixtapes, with rollouts and promotional campaigns that are somewhat similar to those of a label-funded album. Allan Kingdom measures the success of his mixtapes by how many more fans I made from it. Also, how large my touring markets grow from my releases. The mention of lucrative touring markets in association with a product that is mostly free begs the question: does the mixtape have the potential to render the traditional album irrelevant? Or is it the label itself thats becoming increasingly irrelevant?

Even as the defining characteristic of "free" fades, mixtapes continue to enjoy a reputation of authenticity and rawness. In some cases, albums in hip-hop are slowly becoming merely a way for artists to appease the financial demands of their labels, a launching pad to an extensive audience with watered down but profitable music. The mixtapes are for fans who truly revere and value the art they know is genuine to the artists.

An artist's debut album is still a major landmark moment, but in 2016, there's an implication of compromise when it comes to working with a label. The most successful artists are able to appease both camps: the mainstream audience with their albums, and the day one fans with their mixtapes.

The mixtape has been evolving for years, so much so that it is all but synonymous with the album. If Chance does indeed become the first act to be Grammy-nominated with a mixtape, were on our way toward a music industry devoid of such categorizations. One thing's for sure: the internet and social media have irreversibly changed the way music is released. How much longer will it be until the difference between a "mixtape" and an "album" are erased entirely?

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On Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, Yahoo Global News Anchor Katie Couric talks with New York Times columnist Frank Bruni about the state of the 2016 election, the campaign strategies of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, and what this all means for America.

Yahoo News Now Special Edition: 2016 The Choice  Every weekday until the election, well be coming to you live from the Yahoo Studios in New York City, bringing the latest information and analysis of the days most compelling storylines in the race for the White House.
Investors interested in tax-free stable income may consider municipal bond mutual funds or munis. Though munis come with lower yields than taxable bonds, they fetch better returns in high tax brackets, if we consider after-tax returns. So, municipal bonds are preferred by investors seeking a steady stream of tax-free income in a volatile market.

California municipal bond mutual funds form one of the main segments in this category. These funds invest in municipal debt obligations of the issuers from the state. These mutual funds are expected to offer the states investors stable income which is not only exempted from federal income tax but also from California state income tax.

Below we share with you three top-rated California muni bond mutual funds. Each has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and is expected to outperform its peers in the future. Investors can click here to see the complete list of muni bond funds.

American Century California High Yield Muni A CAYAX invests a large chunk of its assets in municipal securities that are believed to provide interest income free from federal and California income taxes. CAYAX focuses on acquiring California municipal securities that are rated below investment grade. The fund may also invest in securities that are unrated. American Century California High Yield Muni A is a non-diversified fund and has a three-year annualized return of 8.1%.

CAYAX has an expense ratio of 0.75% as compared to the category average of 0.88%.

Invesco California Tax-Free Income A CLFAX seeks return by investing heavily in investment grade California municipal securities that provide income free from federal and California state income taxes. CLFAX may also invest a maximum of 20% of its assets in securities that are rated below investment grade or junk bonds. Invesco CA Tax-Free Income A has a three-year annualized return of 7%.

Robert Stryker is one of the fund managers of CLFAX since 2009.

Story continues

Northern CA Intermediate Tax-Exempt NCITX invests majority of its assets in debt instruments that are exempted from federal as well as California state income tax. NCITX seeks return through tax-exempted income. It is a non-diversified fund. Northern CA Intermediate Tax-Exempt has a three-year annualized return of 4.9%.

NCITX has an expense ratio of 0.45% as compared to the category average of 0.85%.

Nuveen California Municipal Bond A NCAAX invests a major portion of its assets in municipal debt obligations that provide interest income exempted from federal and California personal income tax. NCAAX invests in securities including bonds of the State of California or its affiliates, and debt obligations issued by the U.S. government. Nuveen California Municipal Bond A has a three-year annualized return of 7.9%.

As of Aug 2016, NCAAX held 399 issues, with 3.21% of its assets invested in Los Angeles Calif Cmnty Colleg Go Bds 5%.

To view the Zacks Rank and past performance of all muni bond mutual funds, investors can click here to see the complete list of muni bond funds.

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As of 2015, an estimated 15 million U.S. workers have said "no, thanks" to a regular 9-to-5 gig, opting instead to go the self-employment route. While being your own boss offers a degree of freedom and flexibility that's not always present in a traditional career, one thing that's lacking is access to an employer's retirement account.

Self-employed workers need to be acutely aware of what that means for their long-term retirement plans, says Grey Merryman, senior director of wealth planning for Wells Fargo Private Bank in Charlotte.

"With no company pension, 401(k) match or other benefits to assist them, the financial burden is on them to make it happen," Merryman says.

While you don't need to be a financial expert to invest for retirement when you're self-employed, it certainly helps to do your homework. If you own a business or operate as an independent contractor, here are some common missteps you'll want to steer clear of.

Choosing the wrong retirement plan. Self-employed individuals have several ways to save for retirement and it's important to pick the right plan the first time around, advises Jeremy Torgerson, CEO of nVest Advisors in Brownsville, Texas.

"Although you can change plan types later on, it can be complicated and expensive," Torgerson says, so it's critical to choose the plan that's the best fit at the outset.

He advocates evaluating different retirement plans based on three specific criteria, starting with its features. For instance, if you think you may need to take a loan from your retirement plan at some point, a 401(k) would allow you to do that -- but an IRA-based plan wouldn't.

[See: 7 Turnaround Stocks and How They're Doing.]

Torgerson says you also have to take into account your choice of plan if you run a business that has employees.

"The general rule of employer-sponsored plans is whatever you do for the owner, you must do the same for eligible employees," he says.

Finally, Torgerson says it's important to make sure the plan you choose fits the way you want to invest. With a 401(k), your investment choices may be limited to mutual funds while a SEP or Simple IRA may offer more variety.

Story continues

Underestimating how much you can save. Something many self-employed workers often fail to understand is which retirement plan will allow them to max out their savings, says Patricia Cathey, an investment advisor with Denver-based Smart Retirement.

A 401(k) offers the highest contribution level. As of 2016, you can contribute up to $53,000 in one of these plans, or $59,000 if you're over 50. A Simple IRA, by comparison, has an annual contribution limit of $12,500, with an additional $3,000 allowed if you're 50 or older.

When you're not sure how much you can funnel into a particular plan, the potential to shortchange your retirement increases.

For example, a sole proprietor earning a net income of $125,000 annually would be able to save $23,233 in a SEP IRA, based on the annual contribution limit for 2016.

With a solo 401(k), on the other hand, the same person would be able to set aside $41,233. Assuming a decent rate of return, a higher contribution rate could add up to a substantially larger nest egg over time.

Not thinking investment choices through. Drew Horter, founder and chief investment strategist at Horter Investment Management in Cincinnati, says self-employed savers need to make sure the risk they're taking on matches the level of risk they're comfortable with.

"Too many times we see clients who want low risk that in actuality have portfolios with high risk," Horter says, throwing their entire investment strategy out of balance.

Cathey points out that self-employed savers may also misunderstand certain nuances of investing on a granular level.

"Savers may think that buying Apple (ticker: AAPL) is different from buying Google ( GOOG, GOOGL) because they're in different businesses but truly, they're the same in terms of correlation," Cathey says.

The result is that their portfolios may lack enough diversification to insulate them against market volatility.

[See: 6 Strategies To Avoid Working in Retirement.]

Taking a hands-off approach can be equally detrimental, Merryman says. "Often times, a self-employed saver will establish a retirement plan, fund it with a few securities or a handful of mutual funds and forget about it.".

When plan participants don't take time to rebalance, they end up with a portfolio that offers less than optimal returns or otherwise carries too much risk. Instead, they should choose a target asset allocation, diversify with an appropriate mix of mutual funds, ETFs and individual securities, then rebalance periodically.

Overlooking your tax situation. When you're self-employed, your tax outlook can have a significant influence your choice of retirement plan.

For example, is your business taxed separately or does it flow through to your personal return? Do you claim partnership profit or loss as your income or do you pay yourself a salary?

Those are questions Torgerson says self-employed workers need to ask themselves. He recommends involving a tax preparer and financial advisor in the decision-making process if you're struggling to come up with answers.

Paul Jacobs, a certified financial planner and chief investment officer with Palisades Hudson Financial Group in Atlanta, says self-employed workers should also be taking advantage of key tax benefits whenever possible.

"A great tax break that's available to the self-employed is the ability to deduct health insurance premiums," Jacobs says, noting that as premiums rise, the deduction becomes more valuable.

When you're able to maximize deductions and reduce your tax liability, that in turn frees up more of your income that can be invested towards your retirement.

Forgetting to factor in Social Security. Determining where Social Security fits in is a must for anyone but even more so for self-employed workers who may not be saving enough on their own, says Scott Tucker, president and founder of Chicago-based Scott Tucker Solutions.

In that scenario, life expectancy and the timing of Social Security benefits are critical.

"If you take benefits beginning at age 62, you're giving up eight years of 8 percent raises that Social Security will you give if you wait until age 70 to file," Tucker says.

For someone who's self-employed and expects to live longer, delaying those benefits may be the smarter course.

Merryman cautions self-employed workers against relying on Social Security as a safety net in retirement. "For younger people, those benefits could be eliminated or greatly reduced once they reach full retirement age," he says.

[See: 13 Ways to Take the Emotions Out of Investing.]

Bottom line, while self-employed workers should be looking at scenarios that include Social Security income, it's not a substitute for saving regularly in a qualified retirement plan.





More From US News & World Report


It takes time to plan a great Halloween party. Lots of preparation goes into the big day, such as carving funny pumpkins, cooking snacks and dressing up Take a break from planning your Halloween hangout  cheer yourself and your friends in the Halloween eve!

Weve made a list of some limited edition beauty and decor treats youll need for a fabulous event. Get in the Halloween mood with aroma candles, bath bombs, soaps, toys and cosmetics. These seasonal offerings will be hard to resist. Halloween is right around the corner, hurry up!

1) Lush

The British bath cosmetics brand is generally known for its cutest and sweet-smelling fresh beauty products. Every year Lush drops colorful scary-good bath items and in 2016 Halloween-themed product line is as big as it was never before. Get ready to fall in love with new treats as well as old bath favorites!

Sorry Summer, it's over between us. Autumn's where it's at now for days of bathing. by @lushieayy #lushhalloween #Lush A photo posted by LUSH Cosmetics UK (@lushltd) on Sep 27, 2016 at 7:04am PDT

Boo! Don't be scared  this luxurious bath melt will transform your bath into something boo-tiful, with moisturizing cocoa butter, spicy ginger and uplifting bergamot. #boobathmelt #lushoween A photo posted by Lush Cosmetics North America (@lushcosmetics) on Sep 26, 2016 at 11:53am PDT

2) Bath & Body Works

The ultimate accessory for your #halloween costume! #TrickorTreatYourself #PocketBac A photo posted by Bath & Body Works (@bathandbodyworks) on Sep 15, 2016 at 11:01am PDT





Purrfect Pumpkin Body Scream, $13.00

This body cream provides your skin with 24 hours of nourishing moisture. Its formula full of shea oil, aloe vera and cocoa butter melts into the skin to bring it rich hydration along with the beautiful aroma of cinnamon, gingerbread and vanilla!



Happy Halloween  Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin 3-Wick Candle, $22.50

Decorated specially for the Halloween, aroma candle brings you a wonderful combination of pumpkin, clove, vanilla and sugar scents. It melts consistently and evenly, radiating enough fragrance to fill the entire room. Burns approximately 25-45 hours.

Story continues





2-in-1 Body Wash $ Bubble Bath Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte, $18.00

Enjoy the cute bottle and rich foaming bubbles smelling like Marshmallow Pumpkin Latte! Its creamy formula with shea butter, vitamin E and pumpkin oil will make your skin silky and shiny. Other available flavors are: Sweet Cinnamon Pumpkin, Salted Caramel Pumpkin, Pumpkin Cupcake All of them sound incredibly sweet. Choose your favorite!

halloween collection 2016



Shea-Infused Lounge Socks, $8.50

This is a super comfortable pair of socks highly recommended for tired feet! Its soft inner layer is full of rich shea butter while the bottom has a non-skid surface. Keep calm, put the socks on and have a cozy Halloween!

Check out official instagram and web site for more Halloween products.

3) Cellar Door Bath Supply

Cellar door bath supply offers 100% vegan bath products in vibrant colors and premium fragrances to leave your skin silky smooth. This fall, the brand comes up with spooky soap bars and candles perfect for treating yourself or someone else. Take a look at Halloween-inspired products!

Once Bitten Bar Soap ($7.00) & Soy Candle ($18.00)

halloween collection 2016

halloween collection 2016

Cellar door bath supply has its own idea of how does fresh blood smells. Here it is: blend of cherry soda, black vanilla and clove. Scary at the first glance and sweet inside  that is the main concept of the brand!

Another fragrances in the collection are: Haunted Woods (fallen leaves and freshly dug earth), Hootenanny (tart poison apples and overripe pears), Transylvania Trance (enchanted black amber, hexing spices, archaic musk). Make your Halloween special with these unique scents! Look through the other fragrances on the official web site.

Check out the store locator.

4) Yankee candle

Season after season Yankee candle offers long-scented fragrances and decor elements for all lovers of coziness and comfort. Its seasonal product lines usually gather lots of fans across the globe. Youll definitely love aroma candles and accessories from Halloween 2016 collection!

Toxic Tonic Swirl Candle, $24.99

halloween collection 2016

Brightly colored orange-green candle with a sugary aroma of apple, vanilla, baked pumpkin and cinnamon will decorate the interior of your room and leave a candy scent in the air. Made of premium ingredients with natural essential oils. Burn time is up to 50 hours.

Boney Bunch After Party Haunted House Jar Candle Holder, $14.99

halloween collection 2016

halloween collection 2016

After you buy a candle, dont forget to put it in a special holder to immerse yourself in the holiday atmosphere and surprise your friends! Better hurry because these limited editions are disappearing fast. The jar holder is designed for large and medium classic jar candles or large tumbler candles.

There are more Halloween-themed products available online through Yankee candle official web site.

5) Morgan Taylor

Its not Halloween without black, purple and white. American professional nail lacquer brand knows it and offers a special Dia De Los Muertos Halloween 2016 collection. Mini set features four 5 ml exclusive shades including Little black dress, All white now, Shock therapy and Glow in the dark top coat to fix the result. These will for sure get you in the spooky mood!

halloween collection 2016

Check out some Halloween nail art ideas inspired by Dia De Los Muertos Halloween 2016 collection online.

6) Tsum Tsum Japan

Every year Japan releases a new Halloween Tsum Tsum collection. Take a quick look at the preview of 2016 Tsum Tsums!

halloween collection 2016

It includes eleven separate mini Tsum Tsums, which are cute as usual, including Pumpkin Minnie, Mickey, Minnie, Chip, Dale, Goofy, Pluto, Baymax, Stitch, Scrump, and Perry. There is also a Pumpkin Winnie the Pooh Tsum Tsum bag set with Winnie the Pooh, Piglet, Tigger, and Eeyore.

halloween

Just look closer how lovely this Winnie the Pooh is! Itll definitely be a great addition to your toys collection as well as a nice gift.

halloween collection 2016 - tsum tsum

2016 Halloween Tsum Tsum collection will be coming out in Japan early October. Cant wait!

Get your Halloween products from overseas by travellers! Post up a request on Airfrov, our travellers offer their help to bring back items you need.

The post 6 Spooky Halloween Collections Around the World appeared first on Airfrov Blog.
Julius Caesar

After eliminating his rivals in a civil war, general and politician Gaius Julius Caesar began serving as dictator of Rome in 49 BCE.

He established a number of political reforms before getting stabbed to death on the Ides of March in 44 BCE.

This sparked yet another civil war that doomed the Roman Republic to mutate into an empire with Caesar's adopted heir Octavian at the helm.

Today, Caesar is still considered one of the greatest military commanders in history. His name is also synonymous with cults of personality and political strongmen.

So how exactly did the one-time high priest of Jupiter accrue so much power during his lifetime?

Business Insider looked through some of his own writings  as well as the less-reliable but still interesting works of contemporary ancient writers  to get a sense of his leadership style.

Here are the top seven lessons we came up with:

1. Presentation matters

The best leaders don't just do amazing things  they know how to present a compelling story.

After a relatively brief war with a certain Pharnacles II of Pontus, Caesar had to sit down and write out a report to Rome detailing his conquest. According to both Greek biographer Plutarch and Roman historian Suetonius, the commander didn't go into too much detail, writing simply: "I came, I saw, I conquered."

The phrase proved so catchy that we still remember it, centuries later.

Caesar could have gone on and on about his military prowess (in fact, he was the author of several long military accounts). Instead, he realized that the simple note would convey the most powerful message.

2. Take risks

In ancient Rome, crossing the Rubicon River with an army was kind of a big deal. It was tantamount to a declaration of war and could be punishable by death.

When Caesar crossed the Rubicon with his legion, he put everything on the line. In "The Life of the Deified Julius," Suetonius writes that Caesar quoted an Athenian playwright as he crossed the river, declaring "the die is cast."

Story continues

He risked it all and it paid off (in the short-term, at least).

3. There's nothing wrong with starting small

Oftentimes, you've got to start out as a large fish in a small pond in order to succeed as a leader.

Caesar understood this. He managed to climb back into a position of power, even after losing his inheritance in a coup as a young man.

According to the ancient Plutarch's "Parallel Lives," the general also made a rather curious remark while passing through a small village in the Alps: "I assure you I had rather be the first man here than the second man in Rome."

4. Nothing is set in stone

As a general, Caesar new that circumstances could change in an instant. According to Bill Yonne's "Julius Caesar: Lessons in Leadership from the Great Conqueror," Caesar once wrote that "in war, events of importance are the result of trivial causes."

Resting on your laurels is never a good idea  because things can always take a turn for the worst.

5. Never kid yourself

Even if you're a successful leader, you never want to get to the point where you start to buy your own nonsense.

In his chronicle of the Gallic Wars, Caesar concludes that: "i n most cases men willingly believe what they wish" when describing a tactical mistake on the part of his Gallic enemies.

The best leaders behave rationally and don't allow their feelings or preconceived notions to dominate their decision-making. Gut calls and instincts are important too, but the best leaders utilize both  not one or the other.

6. Don't get comfortable

No matter how good things look, the best leaders never fail to anticipate the worst outcomes.

In his "Commentaries on the Gallic Wars," Caesar writes: "The immortal gods are wont to allow those persons whom they wish to punish for their guilt sometimes a greater prosperity and longer impunity, in order that they may suffer the more severely from a reverse of circumstances."

Basically, if you're on a winning streak, watch out. Caesar would have done well to actually follow this advice himself. Instead, he allowed a conspiracy to boil under him once he became dictator, resulting in his famous assassination.

7. Never sell yourself short

In order to lead, you need confidence in your own abilities. This is something that Caesar never seemed to lack.

This is illustrated by one notable incident in the ancient Roman's life (involving pirates, of all things). In his account of Caesar's life, Plutarch writes that, as a young man, Julius Caesar was abducted by the pirates that swarmed the Mediterranean Sea.

Livius.org provides a translation of what happened next: "First, when the pirates demanded a ransom of twenty talents, Caesar burst out laughing. They did not know, he said, who it was that they had captured, and he volunteered to pay fifty."

Caesar went on to promise the pirates that he'd personally kill them once he was free. After he was ransomed, he raised a fleet, hunted them down, and did just that.

NOW WATCH: How to make a Caesar salad that is actually healthy





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2.5 stars (out of 4)

That bespectacled guy with a pocket protector is not your average accountant. He carves out a secret life as a killing machine for the mob. Hes also autistic and is able to calculate numbers in his head, Rain Manstyle. The man is deadly  and brilliant!

Its hard to recall the last straightforward Hollywood thriller that was this ridiculous. (Strike that. The Girl on the Train was released a week ago.) But hold the audit: This film ever-so-slightly succeeds because it has the smarts to bask in its own ridiculousness. After all, in one scene, two characters being chased by shadowy figures take a time out to debate the merits of expensive hotel towels.

A handful of game movie stars help make it all go down rather smoothly. A wildly miscast Ben Affleck stars as Christian Wolff. Thats not his real name. Hes a socially uncomfortable savant traumatized by his ultradisciplined upbringing. As an adult, he has difficulty making eye contact and speaks haltingly in monotone sentences even though hes a multimillionaire gunslinger. In other words, hes a character that only exists in the movies. (Heres hoping Affleck wrote off his acting fee as a charitable deduction.)

Christian has his own Illinois-based business, called ZZZ Accounting, which serves as a front for all the work he does for various shady organizations. He gets paid in the form of rare comic books and original Jackson Pollock paintings, which are stashed in a mobile trailer. With the Treasury Department crime division honcho (J.K. Simmons) on his tail, Christian takes on a legit client: a robotics company that specializes in state-of-the-art prosthetics. A clerk named Dana (Anna Kendrick) has noticed a discrepancy in the books to the tune of $61 million, and Christian is hired to figure out whats going on.

Ben Affleck Appeared on a 1984 PBS Series When He Was a Kid Before I Had Testicles: Watch the Clip

While he furiously scribbles math on glass walls to decipher the problem (shades of Good Will Hunting!), it would be helpful if someone did the same for the audience. When Christian catches the mistake and excitedly explains the problem to Dana by pointing out patterns in the phony calculations, only people that once passed a CPA exam will understand and/or care. If that.

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Christian also uncovers some sort of massive dirty-money conspiracy within the ranks, prompting the bad guys to go after him and Dana. How fortunate that our hero also happens to be an expert marksman and Daddy once forced him to take hard-core martial arts classes! Thanks to these superspecial skills, the two are able to go on the run and elude capture  that is, after he drop-kicks a few goons in her bathroom.

Dont waste one precious brain cell trying to make sense of a jumbled plot that spins off in six directions. No, really. Lets count the ways: 1. Affleck has a complicated relationship with his parents. 2. Affleck has an even more complicated relationship with his brother. 3. Simmons reveals a personal backstory with Affleck. 4. The head of the robotics company has evil motives. 5. Affleck develops growing feelings for Kendrick. 6. Affleck confides in a mysterious British female voice that assists him by speaking into a phone, a narrative device that hasnt been utilized since David Hasselhoff talked to KITT in Knight Rider.



The editing is so tangential that late in the movie, a weary Simmons plops down on a couch, complains to a colleague about how tired he is and then proceeds to tie up all the plot threads via one long, flashback-heavy monologue.



Here's How Anna Kendrick Turned Her Naturally Curly Hair Into Smooth, Glamorous Waves

An Oscar contender this is not. Affleck and Kendrick have already moved on to more prestige projects  in fact, Afflecks next film, Live By Night, which he stars in and directs, will be released before the year is out. So for now, just enjoy the two awkwardly bantering about the cost of her Vera Wang prom dress and his issue with a poster that depicts dogs playing poker. (Dogs would never bet on things.) Guffaw as this nerdy guy assassinates a villain and then solemnly waves to an elderly woman and her husband in their car. Applaud every time an exasperated characters cries out, "He's just an accountant!" Hey, at least nobody can say this flick is by the numbers.

(The Accountant opens Friday, October 14.)









Related Content:
(Reuters) - A man accused of bombings in New York and New Jersey last month that injured dozens is set to be arraigned on New Jersey state charges on Thursday, one of his attorneys said on Tuesday.

Ahmad Khan Rahami, who was born in Afghanistan, is set to be arraigned at the Union County Courthouse by video feed from his hospital room where he is recovering from gunshot wounds suffered during his arrest, Alexander Shalom said. Union County prosecutors charged Rahami with five counts of attempted murder of a police officer and weapons charges.

Shalom, an attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union, is temporarily representing Rahami on separate federal charges until public defenders can take over the case.

Rahami, 28, has been held in a Newark, New Jersey, hospital with wounds suffered during a shootout with police on Sept. 19 when he was arrested. He faces federal charges in both states stemming from a bombing the previous weekend in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood that injured 31 people, and explosives found in two New Jersey locations. No one was killed in the blasts.

He also is accused of planting another pressure-cooker bomb in Chelsea that failed to explode, and multiple devices at a train station in Elizabeth, New Jersey. One of those exploded as a bomb squad robot attempted to defuse it.

Authorities described Rahami as a "jihadist" who begged for martyrdom and praised late al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden. Rahami bought bomb components on eBay, made a video of himself testing out homemade explosives, and kept a journal expressing outrage at the U.S. "slaughter" of mujahideen in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and the Palestinian Territories, federal officials allege.

(Reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Editing by Sandra Maler)
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
Chittagong (Bangladesh) (AFP) - Leg spinner Adil Rashid claimed a one-day international career-best four for 43 as England restricted Bangladesh to 277-6 in the series decider in Chittagong on Wednesday.

Rashid took full advantage of a turning wicket which remained under cover for two days due to rain and picked up his second four-wicket-haul in the final game of a three-match series which is currently tied 1-1.

The 28-year-old Yorkshireman derailed Bangladesh's innings with regular strikes in his unbroken 10 overs stretch after Tamim Iqbal and Imrul Kayes put on 80 runs in the opening stand.

Mushfiqur Rahim topscored for the home side with an unbeaten 67 while Sabbir Rahman (49), Kayes (46), Iqbal (45) and Mosaddek Hossain (38 not out) also contributed to what should be a competitive total.

Ben Stokes secured the first breakthrough for England when he had Kayes caught by substitute fielder Liam Dawson at square leg.

Local boy Iqbal became the first Bangladeshi to score 5,000 ODI runs by pulling Chris Woakes for a mid-wicket boundary.

But he fell the next over when Rashid deceived him with a googly and James Vince took the catch at short mid-wicket.

Mahmudullah, the top-scorer for Bangladesh with 75 in the Sunday's second match, hit Rashid for a six but then promptly fell to a short ball caught by Jonny Bairstow at cover.

Rahman fell one short of what would have been his fourth ODI fifty by edging Rashid to wicketkeeper Jos Buttler before Moeen Ali brought another lucky breakthrough for England by removing Shakib Al Hasan.

Hasan, who scored just four, missed the superbly turning delivery and so did Buttler but the ball deflected off his gloves to dislodge the bails with the batsman still out of his crease.

Rashid took his fourth wicket with a full-toss that Nasir Hossain tried to clear over the ropes only to be caught by Vince at mid-wicket.

Rahim and young Mosaddek put on 85 runs in their unbroken seventh-wicket partnership, taking Bangladesh past 250-run mark.

Rain had earlier threatened to ruin the match but it stopped just in time and the match started without delay.

England captain Buttler won the toss and opted to bowl first as the visitors looked to halt Bangladesh's unbeaten run in their last six consecutive series.
MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan (Reuters) - A bomb blast outside a mosque in Afghanistan on Wednesday killed at least 14 people and wounded 24 among a gathering of worshippers, the second attack targeting the country's Shi'ite minority in less than 24 hours, an official said. The devotees had congregated to mark Ashura, one of the holiest days for Shi'ite Muslims, at the mosque, about 20 km (12 miles) from Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Afghanistan's northern Balkh province. The mosque was targeted in the explosion, said Moneer Ahmad Farhad, a spokesman for the provincial governor. There was no immediate claim of responsibility. On Tuesday night a gunman killed at least 18 people and wounded 50 at an Ashura gathering at a mosque in the capital, Kabul, according to United Nations estimates. That attack was claimed by Islamic State, which also claimed responsibility for an attack on a mostly Shi'ite street demonstration in July that killed 84 people. (Reporting by Matin Sahak Writing by Josh Smith; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)
* Gordhan due to appear in court over fraud on Nov. 2

* Rand firms by as much as 2 pct on review of charges

* Analysts say Gordhan a target of political pressure

* Zuma denies rifts with finance minister (Adds quotes, details)

By Wendell Roelf

CAPE TOWN, Oct 12 (Reuters) - South Africa's state prosecutor said on Wednesday that Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan could ask for a review of a decision to charge him with fraud, a case that is part of a long-running row surrounding the minister.

The comments from Shaun Abrahams, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, pushed the rand firmer. Gordhan is well regarded by investors and business people.

Abrahams had said on Tuesday that Gordhan, in his previous role as head of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), cost the tax agency about 1.1 million rand ($79,000) by approving early retirement for a deputy commissioner in 2010 and re-hiring him as a consultant.

Gordhan was issued with a formal summons to appear in court on Nov. 2 over fraud charges.

On Wednesday, Abrahams said he was willing to review the matter if somebody requested that he do so.

"Now, Minister Pravin Gordhan can submit representations to me and ask me to review that matter and I would certainly look into the matter," he told a parliamentary briefing in Cape Town.

Analysts have said that Gordhan has been a target of political pressure from a faction allied to President Jacob Zuma, who has denied any rifts with the finance minister.

The perceived tussle between Zuma and Gordhan has rattled markets in Africa's most industrialized economy, which faces the risk of ratings downgrades later this year. The opposition has called the investigation on Gordhan a "witch-hunt".

Gordhan has said he would remain in his post despite the court summons. He has denied the allegations, saying they are part of a politically motivated campaign against him.

The National Prosecuting Authority has been criticised by some analysts for announcing its plans to charge Gordhan for fraud just two weeks before he is due to outline plans to kick-start the economy and avert possible credit rating cuts to "junk".

Story continues

The rand firmed more than 2 percent in response to Abrahams comments, before parings some of its gains. The currency fell more than 4 percent on Tuesday on news Gordhan had been summoned to court.

Abrahams said "I don't think we must jump the gun" on whether Gordhan could also face charges about the legality of a surveillance unit he set up at the tax department a decade ago that is suspected of spying on politicians including Zuma.

Abrahams said the NPA was still investigating this issue and will decide whether or not to press charges at the conclusion of the probe, but did not provide a timeline for completion.

Previously finance minister from 2009 to 2014, Gordhan was recalled to the post to stem a selloff in South African assets after Zuma abruptly replaced finance minister Nhlanhla Nene with an unknown politician in December.

He and central bank governor Lesetja Kganyago have since worked hard to reassure investors that economic policy remains free from political interference. Prosecuting Gordhan could undo those efforts, South African business leaders have said.

(Writing by James Macharia; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) on Wednesday told President Jacob Zuma's lawyers to argue their case against the reinstatement of corruption charges against him in open court, granting the head of state a brief reprieve. Zuma is appealing a ruling by the High Court in April ordering a review of a National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decision to set aside hundreds of corruption charges against Zuma. That decision allowed him to run for president in 2009. Legal experts had expected the SCA to issue a new ruling on whether Zuma can challenge the charges but instead said the president's lawyers should first argue their case in court. The court did not set a date for the appeal hearing. The NPA's own attempt to appeal that ruling was denied by the Constitutional Court last week. The hundreds of corruption charges relate to a major government arms deal arranged in the late 1990s. The main opposition Democratic Alliance party said in a statement that the appeals court decision to hear arguments in court rather than issue a ruling was unusual and gave Zuma another delay from having his day in court. "President Zuma will one day have his day in court, and we are one step closer to that today," the party said. The prospect of Zuma's corruption charges being reinstated follows a constitutional court judgment against him in March. The court said he breached the constitution by refusing to refund some of the 240 million rand ($17 million) of state money spent on refurbishing his private residence. Zuma has since repaid some of the money. (Reporting by Mfuneko Toyana; Writing by James Macharia; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
A Marriott flag hangs at the entrance of the New York Marriott Downtown hotel in Manhattan, New York November 16, 2015.

Ever since Airbnb came on the scene, the hotel industry has been worried the home-sharing company could hurt the hospitality and real estate industries.

It turns out that at least some of those concerns might be unfounded.

Data research firm STR took a look at Airbnb data alongside hotel data in 13 US and international markets. STR compared Airbnb to the biggest hotel chains in the world, like Marriott and Starwood (which recently merged), Hilton, Intercontinental Hotels Group, and more.

The data found that Airbnb has more than double the number of listings worldwide than Marriott/Starwood and Hilton combined, but it's not actually replacing hotels.

Airbnb chart

Comparing Airbnb and hotels in the first place is "apples to oranges," as STR senior research analyst Jessica Haywood notes in her breakdown of the data. Travelers who choose to stay in an Airbnb versus a hotel are often looking for an entirely different type of experience. They want to interact with hosts, want to be immersed in the local culture, or simply can't afford to stay in a hotel, so will only travel if they have free or very cheap accommodations.

Beyond that, Airbnb offers accommodations that hotels don't, like shared spaces or more whimsical places like tree houses and tents. Haywood notes that those kinds of atypical lodgings may have skewed her findings.

Still, hotels crushed Airbnb in terms of occupancy in every market measured in the study.

Airbnb vs. hotels

Hotel occupancy was still significantly higher in major markets like Los Angeles and San Francisco  Airbnb's home town  and the gap was even larger in international cities like Mexico City and London. Haywood estimates that in US cities, Airbnb is picking up the slack when hotels are full. Hotels also saw higher growth than Airbnb in nearly every US city.

Airbnb vs hotels

While Airbnb may certainly be stealing a small portion of hotel guests, that portion isn't nearly enough to unseat traditional lodgings. And while the hotel industry has other qualms with Airbnb  many believe Airbnb is contributing to gentrification and impacting housing costs  there's no reason to think Airbnb will put hotels out of business anytime soon.

Story continues

NOW WATCH: We stayed in an Airbnb in Cuba which looked great but had one big issue





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Things havent been going so great for the former Alberto Del Rio over the past few months. After receiving a suspension and then parting ways with WWE, he has no-showed an event due to allegedly surviving a knife attack, and in the past week hes had to make the media rounds to comment on the second suspension of his significant other, Paige. But now things seem to be turning around for the wrestling star, as he suddenly finds himself in a whole new line of work.

In a press conference on Tuesday  emceed by none other than Del Rios former personal ring announcer, Ricardo Rodriguez (what a superb touch)  Alberto El Presidente was introduced as the President of the promotion by its CEO, Campbell McLaren. McLaren was one of the original founders of UFC, which lends Combate Americas a good bit of instant credibility.

In an interview with ESPN, Alberto discussed his new role.

The moment Campbell McLaren sent me the prospect I said yes immediately, Rodriguez told ESPN.com. As you know, I like to be in front of the camera with a microphone in my hand to tell people all about how proud I am to be Latino and to be a Mexican. I think all of the fighters who are competing for Combate Americas feel the same way. Im going to be recruiting fighters and Im going to be there to help them get to the place that they want to get, Rodriguez said. We have a lot of talent in the company. Most of that talent is Hispanic. That makes me really happy to be able to help them.

Alberto is a legitimate, massive star in Mexico  as McLaren described him to the press conference crowd, he is royalty. He also has a legit MMA background, as he famously fought in a mask as Dos Caras Jr. years ago. He has also been sought after by MMA promotions ever since the first time he left WWE. So this would seem to be a good fit for both him and for Combate Americas.

We just hope there isnt a steep learning curve going from Pentagon to the Octagon.

Combate Americas is the first Hispanic MMA promotion and franchise, and currently has deals in place with NBC Universo and DirecTV. In addition, you can also watch the companys events on UFC Fight Pass, which has become something of a one-stop shop for streaming independent MMA cards. Combate Americas next event takes place on Friday and is the New York debut for the promotion.
Minnesota Power, an affiliate of diversified energy company ALLETE, Inc. ALE, has clinched a five-year deal to supply electricity to U.S. Steel, the largest taconite producer on Minnesotas Iron Range. Terms of the deal were, however, kept under wraps.

Details of the Deal

The deal extends through Dec 2021. U.S. Steel has a production capacity of 22 million tons of iron ore pellets per year. The company also owns a 14.7% stake in Hibbing Taconite Co., which boasts a production capacity of 9.1 million tons of iron ore pellets per year.

Minnesota Power has filed a plea with the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission for the regulatory approval of the agreement.

As per the company, the latest deal strengthens Minnesota Powers position as the leading electricity supplier to the Iron Range.

ALLETE INC Price

ALLETE INC Price | ALLETE INC Quote

Overview

Minnesota Power supplies electricity to six taconite facilities. The subsidiarys primary customer  the domestic steel industry  is poised for growth on the back of rising automotive sales and improving industrial activity.

At Aug 2016 end, Minnesota Power had 13 electricity supply contracts, with the earliest termination date of Dec 2019.

Industry Outlook

Utility is undoubtedly one of the most stable industries to invest in. Clean energy is projected to be at the top of the agenda in the coming years. On the other hand, we expect utilities to take advantage of the shale boom in the U.S. and falling prices to open more natural gas-fired power plants. Combined-cycle natural gas plants not only help reduce pollution but also lead to energy efficiency.

Meanwhile, a makeover in this space is already underway, with the companies shutting down coal-fired units and focusing on renewable generation.

Per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate in Aug 2016 was 4.9%. The level of employment has remained unchanged in the last two months. As per the U.S. Census Bureau, new single family home sales increased 20.6% year over year in Aug 2016 to 505,000.

Story continues

The U.S. Energy Information Administration forecasts retail electricity sales to the commercial sector to grow 5.8% in 2016. In addition, U.S. industrial sector sales are expected to jump 19.4% this year.

Zacks Rank & Key Picks

ALLETE carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A few better-ranked stocks in the same space include Pinnacle West Capital Corporation PNW, DTE Energy Company DTE and Black Hills Corporation BKH.

DTE Energy with a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) has witnessed four upward estimate revisions for the full year over the last 60 days. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Black Hills with a Zacks Rank #2, has seen one upward estimate revision for 2016 over the last 60 days.

Pinnacle West Capital has a Zacks Rank #2 and its earnings estimates for 2016 remained unchanged over the last 60 days.

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Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ALNY announced that the Data Monitoring Committee (DMC) has recommended the continuation of the phase III APOLLO study on patisiran without any modification. However, the committee also stated that it will periodically meet to monitor the overall safety of the candidate through the course of the study.



Note that patisiran, an experimental RNAi therapeutics targeting transthyretin (TTR), is being evaluated for the treatment of hereditary TTR-mediated amyloidosis (hATTR) with polyneuropathy (hATTR-PN), also known as familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP).



Top-line data from the study are expected in mid 2017.

ALNYLAM PHARMA Price

ALNYLAM PHARMA Price | ALNYLAM PHARMA Quote

The committee met at Alnylams request following its decision to discontinue the development of revusiran in the phase III ENDEAVOUR study due to an imbalance in mortality in patients dosed with the candidate, compared to placebo. Revusiran was being evaluated for the treatment of patients with hATTR with cardiomyopathy (hATTR-CM), also known as familial amyloidotic cardiomyopathy (FAC).



We remind investors that Alnylam has a worldwide collaboration agreement with Sanofi SNY for the development and commercialization of RNAi therapeutics - patisiran and revusiran.



Investors should note that hATTR represents high unmet need due to the lack of treatment options, with approximately 10,000 people affected with FAP and at least 40,000 people suffering from FAC in the world.



Meanwhile, given that Alnylam has no approved product in its portfolio, successful development of patisiran would allow the company to launch its first product.



The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).



Stocks to Consider



A couple of better-ranked stocks in the health care sector are Incyte Corporation INCY and Geron Corporation GERN. Both the stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



Incytes earnings estimates for 2016 and 2017 were up a respective 29.5% and 11.5% over the last 60 days. The company has beaten earnings estimates thrice in the last four quarters with an average surprise of 335.16%.



Geron has delivered a positive earnings surprise in each of four trailing quarters, bringing the average beat to 20.78%.



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Premier passenger carrier, American Airlines Group Inc. AAL posted a decline in traffic in the month of September. Traffic  measured in revenue passenger miles (RPMs)  was 17.8 billion, down 1.7% from 18.07 billion recorded last September.

On a year-over-year basis, consolidated capacity (available seat miles/ASMs) too declined 0.4% to 21.76 billion. Moreover, load factor or percentage of seats filled by passengers decreased to 81.6% from 82.7% in Sep 2015 due to greater reduction in traffic compared with the capacity contraction..

On account of the lackluster performance in September, the companys stock closed 1.77% lower in the last trading session.

In the first nine months of 2016, American Airlines recorded 0.7% growth in RPMs to 170.02 billion, while ASMs inched up 2.2% to 207.72 billion, both on a year-over-year basis. Also, the load factor declined 120 basis points year over year to 81.9%. Total passenger count (Enplanements) in September decreased 2.2% and decreased 0.6% in the first nine months of 2016.

AMER AIRLINES Price

AMER AIRLINES Price | AMER AIRLINES Quote

Guidance

American Airlines, sporting a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), expects total passenger revenue per ASM for the third quarter of 2016 to decline by almost 23% year over year. (PLS MENTION THE PREVIOUS GUIDANCE). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. The company also expects pre-tax margin of 13% to 15% for the third quarter. Cost per ASM is expected to increase by 57% for 2016, while mainline fuel expenses are forecast between $1.44 per gallon and $1.49 per gallon in the third quarter.

The company also disclosed that it has purchased 18.2 million shares worth $616 million in the third quarter. Moreover, American Airlines reached a tentative agreement with its flight crew training instructors and simulator instructors. Represented by the Transport Workers Union (TWU), the instructors are an integral part of the airline.

Story continues

American Airlines continues to face increasing competition from peers such as United Continental Holdings Inc. UAL, Southwest Airlines Co. LUV and Delta Air Lines Inc. DAL. American Airlines is scheduled to report third-quarter operating results on Oct 20 this year.

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Rest assured, Evan Peters fans: The actor will, in fact, make his season debut on this Wednesday nights American Horror Story: Roanoke.

Co-creator Ryan Murphy tweeted the news on Wednesday afternoon, and in the process, debunked a popular fan theory about his character. Evan Peters makes his season debut in tonights American Horror Story: Roanokeand no, hes not playing a producer, he wrote.

Evan Peters makes his season debut in tonight's American Horror Story: Roanokeand no, he's not playing a producer.  Ryan Murphy (@MrRPMurphy) October 12, 2016

Viewers had speculated that Peters character was on the show the whole time, but behind the camera. Roanoke differs from past seasons in that its shot in the format of a true-crime documentary; a male voice could be heard talking to interviewees at some point, vaguely sounding like the AHS vet.

With that theory ruled out, see below some other possibilities for Peters character:

Peters is a descendant of Edward Philippe Mott. As Denis OHares Dr. Elias Cunningham explained in Chapter 4, Mott built the house in 1792. Fans were quick to note that Mott shares a surname with Dandy Mott, Finn Wittrocks character from Freak Show. Plus, as Cunningham recounted the houses victims, Edward Philippe Mott was the only one not showed on screen. Murphy has long teased that Roanoke will connect to past seasons of AHS  could this be the major link that truly ties them all together?

Peters is a descendant of Edward Philippe Mott and Lady Gagas Wood Witch. This is similar to that last theory, but taken one step further. As first explored by TV Guide, we know that the Wood Witch has, well, human-like needs, which is why she so badly wanted to have sex with Cuba Gooding Jr.s Matt. Could she have seduced Edward Philippe Mott and pro-created? We know that the spirits are able to take life during a six-day period in October. Does this mean they could also create life?

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Peters is the piggy man. The half-naked man wearing a pigs head has terrorized Matt and Shelby throughout Roanoke, and has ties going back all the way to the first season of American Horror Story. Fans have noted that the man weve seen has a similar body type to Peters, and also said an Instagram post he published contains what looks like a sculpture of the pigs head. Its worth pointing out, however, that the sculpture looks more like a dogs head than a pigs.

All will be revealed (hopefully) when the latest American Horror Story debuts Wednesday night at 10 p.m. ET/PT. Let us know your theories in the comments below.

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A super-PAC devoted to defeating Donald Trump is targeting young evangelical Christians in North Carolina with a new campaign ad launching Wednesday, in hopes of peeling off support for the Republican presidential nominee in that key battleground state.

Not Who We Are PAC is launching an ad campaign featuring Christian musician William Matthews, who has been associated with Bethel Music, a group of musicians with roots in North Carolina.

A 60-second video will go out on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, with a modest $8,000 social media buy. But given the specificity of the target audience  millennial evangelical Christians in North Carolina who have shown an interest in Matthews or Bethel Music  NWWA PAC hopes it can have an outsized effect, a spokesman said.

The video shows Matthews praying in church and standing in front of an altar with a cross on the wall. We have power to stop one of the most dangerous candidates we have ever experienced in our lifetime, he says. Donald Trump is dangerous.

NWWA is also releasing a six-minute extended cut video in which Matthews and the husband and wife musical duo Gungor perform the song Free.

Matthews, in a testimonial on a website created by NWWA with stories of several people  Muslim members of the U.S. military, children of undocumented immigrants, a single mom who says she was scammed by Trump University  who believe Trump should not be president, bases his opposition to Trump on the Republican candidates rhetoric on race.

Racism strikes at the heart of the gospel, and racial justice is at the core of Jesus message. Donald J. Trump has inspired a movement that perpetuates and condones racism in this country  both explicitly and implicitly, Matthews says. We cannot ignore this bigotry.

NWWA does not advocate support for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, and neither does Matthews. In fact, he gives a nod to the fact that many evangelicals may feel uncomfortable supporting a Democratic candidate, but argues that stopping Trump is his highest priority.

Story continues

No matter what other issues we also care about, Mr. Trumps racist and xenophobic rhetoric and policies are morally unacceptable, Matthews writes. Im proud to be both a Christian and an American, but Donald Trump is Not Who We Are.

Younger evangelicals have less reflexive political allegiance to the Republican Party than older evangelicals, and Trump is accelerating that trend.

But Russell Moore, president of the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission, the public policy arm of the Southern Baptist Convention, said he is not overly concerned that younger white evangelicals will turn in droves to voting for Democratic politicians.

Moore, who has been the most outspoken evangelical critic of Trump over the past year, said liberal groups will not have much success with younger evangelicals.

Younger evangelicals are too theologically defined, Moore said. The greater danger is [political] disengagement altogether.
Checking in at number 54 on Vanity Fair's 2016 New Establishment List, Apple executive Eddy Cue was recently asked what current-day items will likely be obsolete in five years time. Cue's answer was rather telling: "Keys, physical wallets, and cash."

Apple doesn't often telegraph its future product plans, but this is as close to a confirmation as you'll ever see regarding Apple's plan to make the wallet obsolete. As it stands today, Apple Pay has already made it much more convenient to walk around without cash or credit cards. Looking to broaden its attack on the wallet, Apple now appears intent on going after physical transit cards as well.

DON'T MISS: A $17 billion Galaxy Note 7 sales loss might not even be the worst thing for Samsung

Apple Pay already works in tandem with some transit systems such as the MTA in New York and the London Underground, but Apple has its eyes set on expanding Apple Pay's transit reach considerably over the next few months.

Bloomberg reports:

Apple is looking to serve more transit systems as cities like New York and Boston move toward tap-based mobile payments as an option. Some commuter rail lines servicing both cities currently let customers buy tickets from within an app.

Notably, Apple with the iPhone 7 outfitted devices in Japan with FeliCa Type-F NFC technology, thereby allowing users in the country to rely upon their iPhones for transit-based travel simply by tapping their phones to a scanner.

Cue's profile from the aforementioned Vanity Fair piece can be viewed below.

eddy-cue-wallets

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See the original version of this article on BGR.com
Here are some of the stocks the Yahoo Finance team will be watching for you today.

Apple (AAPL) is eyeing its seventh straight day of gains after hitting a 10-month high yesterday. This comes amid rival Samsungs (005930.KS) growing Galaxy Note 7 safety crisis, which prompted the South Korean company to cut its operating profit guidance for the third quarter by 33% to $4.6 billion.

Amazon (AMZN) is turning up the volume in music streaming. The e-commerce giant is launching a service with tens of millions of songs you can access on any device for $9.99 a month. And its putting real pressure on Spotify and Apple Music by offering the new service for $7.99 a month to its Prime customers and just $3.99 a month if you own the Amazon Echo. Thats the voice-activated speaker that answers to the name Alexa and sells for $180.

The European telecom sector is under pressure this morning. Ericssons (ERIC) US-listed shares got hit hard in early trading. The Swedish telecom equipment company warning that third quarter profit will be significantly lower than estimates due to weak demand for broadband networks. The company also said it doesnt expect to see an improvement anytime soon. Nokia (NOK) share also fell on the news.

Newell Brands (NWL) shares rose this morning. The consumer products company is selling its tools unit to Stanley Black & Decker (SWK) for $1.95 billion in cash. Newell is divesting its Irwin, Lenox and Hilmor brands as it sheds some of its businesses after its acquisition of Jarden in April.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 12, 2016 / Arctic Star Exploration Corp, (ADD.V) ("Arctic Star" or the "Company") announces that the board of directors passed a resolution on October 11th, 2016 to proceed with a consolidation of common shares of the Company on the basis of four (4) pre-consolidated shares for one (1) post consolidated share (the "Consolidation"). The consolidation was approved by the Company's shareholders at the Annual and Special Meeting held on June 23, 2016. The transaction is subject to TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") approval.

Currently, a total of 97,363,073 common shares are issued and outstanding. Accordingly, upon the Consolidation becoming effective, a total of approximately 24,340,768 common shares will be issued and outstanding. There is no maximum of authorized common shares.

Computershare Investor Services Inc. ("Computershare") will mail letters of transmittal to the shareholders providing instructions on exchanging pre-Consolidation share certificates for post- Consolidation share certificates. Shareholders are encouraged to send their share certificates, together with their letter of transmittal, to Computershare in accordance with the instructions in the letter of transmittal.

Private Placement

The Company proposes to issue, on a post-consolidated basis, up to 20,000,000 units at $0.06 per unit for gross proceeds of up to $1,200,000. Each unit will be comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable into one common share at a price of $0.08 for a period of two years from closing.

All securities will be subject to a four-month hold period from the closing date. Finder's fees may be paid in accordance with the TSXV policies. The private placement is subject to the approval of the TSXV.

Proceeds of the private placement will be used to develop existing properties, potential future acquisitions and general working capital.

Options Granted

Story continues

The Company also announces the grant of 1,225,000 options to purchase post-consolidated shares of the Company as per the Company's stock option plan at a price of $0.06 per share.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

ARCTIC STAR EXPLORATION CORP.

"Patrick Power"

Patrick Power, President

(604) 689-1799

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" including but not limited to statements with respect to Arctic Star's plans, the estimation of a mineral resource and the success of exploration activities. Forward-looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the completion of our planned share consolidation, our planned private placement and our planned use of proceeds. 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. Factors that could affect our plans include our potential inability to raise funds as intended, and in such event we may require all funds raised, if any, to be used for working capital rather than the intended uses as outlined. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Arctic Star undertakes no obligation or responsibility to update forward-looking statements, except as required by 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.

SOURCE: Arctic Star Exploration Corp
Verizon keeps buying more teen-skewing fare for Go90  meaning it either has found an audience engaged in the scripted originals, or is crossing fingers that one eventually materializes.

Season 2 of high-school drama Guidance from AwesomenessTV will premiere Nov. 14 on Go90 with an all-new cast, headlined by YouTube star Arden Rose (Go90s Mr. Student Body President) and Erica Dasher (Jane by Design).

In the second season, Rose plays an over-achiever at Capitol High who discovers that her perfect GPA is suffering, causing her to accuse the schools most beloved teacher of favoritism. The new guidance counselor (Dasher) launches an investigation  which unearths years of school secrets.

The cast of Guidance season 2 also includes Chachi Gonzales (winner of Americas Best Dance Crew), David Gridley (The Duff), YouTube musician Ben J. Pierce, Leah Lewis (Gamers Guide to Pretty Much Everything), Diamond White (Boo! A Madea Halloween), Keean Johnson (Nashville), along with Ryan Rottman (Billionaire Boys Club), Eric Allan Kramer (Good Luck Charlie), Alisha Marie, Molly McCook (The Ranch), Ramon De Ocampo (12 Monkeys) and Jessie Paege (Fullscreens Girls Night In tour).

Guidance season 2 is directed by Julian Higgins and Maggie Kiley and executive produced by Brian Robbins, Shauna Phelan and SJ Hodges.

Verizon has stocked Go90 will some 250 hours of exclusive original series, but it hasnt revealed any user performance data for the millennial-pitched, mobile-first video service.

Whatever the viewership traction has been to date, the telco continues to ink deals for more content. Recent pickups include Embeds, a political comedy about reporters on the campaign trail with Fox News Channels Megyn Kelly attached as producer, and comedy docu-series Top Grier in which social-media star Hayes Grier attempts to run a farm. Verizon also has renewed talk-show series Tawk with Awkwafina for seasons 4 and 5.

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AwesomenessTV is a majority owned by Comcast (after its acquisition of DreamWorks Animation) with minority stakes held by Hearst and Verizon.

Pictured above: Erica Dasher (left) and Arden Rose in Guidance season 2.

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Ariana Grande just got SO hilariously real about her fave Snapchat filter

When we are feeling a little goofy or silly, one of the best ways to express that in our modern, social media era is through Snapchat filters. Celebs like the rest of us hold down on their faces to pop up the fabulous filters that will transform our faces into fairies, deer, and even aliens. Ariana Grande, pop princess and ponytail queen, is one of the many devotees of Snapchat. But today she took here favorite filter one step further.

Ariana Grande is so in love with the beautiful deer Snapchat filter, that she finally realized something very important about herself.

when u realize dis is what your soul looks like & pat yourself on the back for maintaing your inner peace & connection to the light A photo posted by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) on Oct 11, 2016 at 5:26pm PDT

when u realize dis is what your soul looks like & pat yourself on the back for maintaing your inner peace & connection to the light

Yep, Ariana officially embraced her inner deer, and we can totally see how she can relate to these graceful, sweet creatures. Ariana is owning her spirit, and she couldnt have done it without Snapchat.

Ariana has long been a huge fan of the deer filter, posting tons of super sweet videos and pics.

 A video posted by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) on Aug 29, 2016 at 1:34am PDT

She even brings her friends in on the adorableness.

  A photo posted by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) on Aug 29, 2016 at 9:57am PDT

We know what a struggle it must have been to deny her inner frolicking fawn, so were glad Ariana was finally able to let her true inner deer shine.

! A photo posted by Ariana Grande (@arianagrande) on Oct 9, 2016 at 2:00pm PDT

The post Ariana Grande just got SO hilariously real about her fave Snapchat filter appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Quito (AFP) - The interrogation of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on a Swedish rape accusation has been postponed by a month at his request, Ecuadoran prosecutors said Wednesday.

The questioning, initially scheduled for Monday, will now take place on November 14 at 10:00 am at Ecuador's embassy in London, where Assange has been holed up since June 2012, the national public prosecutors' office said.

Assange "made the request in a document filed through the Ecuadoran ambassador to the United Kingdom, in which he cited his rights to the protection and defense of his person," it said in a statement.

The 45-year-old Australian will be interrogated by an Ecuadoran prosecutor, to whom Swedish authorities will submit questions.

Ecuador has said it will also take samples of his bodily fluids if he gives his consent.

Assange, who denies the rape allegation, has refused to travel to Sweden for questioning.

He says he fears Sweden would hand him over to the United States to face trial for the leaking of hundreds of thousands of classified US military and diplomatic documents in 2010.

After lengthy diplomatic wrangling, Ecuador, which has granted him asylum, agreed to arrange an interrogation at its embassy.

Swedish prosecutors dropped a sexual assault probe against Assange last year after the five-year statute of limitations expired.

But they still want to question him about a 2010 rape allegation, which carries a 10-year statute of limitations.

Assange insists the sexual encounters in question were consensual.

WikiLeaks has meanwhile returned to the spotlight in recent weeks with the damaging leak of tens of thousands of emails from the US Democratic Party and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's campaign.
By Byron Kaye SYDNEY (Reuters) - A malware attack against Australia's Bureau of Meteorology which might have spread into other government networks originated from a foreign intelligence service, an official report by the country's cyber defense agency said on Wednesday. The Australian Cyber Security Centre's (ACSC) first public report did not say which foreign power authorized the December 2015 attack but it will add credibility to warnings from independent cyber security experts who have blamed countries like China and Russia for malicious online attacks. When the national government revealed the attack took place last year, it did not specify the suspected source. Local media said at the time that internal security sources blamed China, charges the Chinese foreign ministry dismissed. In the report, the ACSC said it "attributed the primary compromise to a foreign intelligence service", and noted that "security controls in place were insufficient to protect the network from more common threats associated with cybercrime". The center "identified the presence of particular Remote Access Tool malware popular with state-sponsored cyber adversaries, amongst other malware associated with cybercrime", the report said, adding that the same malware had been used to compromise other unspecified government networks. In the 18 months to June 30, the ACSC responded to 1,095 cyber security incidents on Australian government systems which were deemed "serious enough to warrant operational responses" the report said. In a telephone interview, the prime minister's cyber security adviser, Alastair MacGibbon, declined to name the country behind the attack but said "we've been very open in saying that it was a foreign government, and a foreign intelligence service, at that". The report did not name a motive for the attack. MacGibbon said he was unaware of a motive but added that "there's been a suggestion that it was moving laterally among other networks". China is Australia's top trading partner, with two-way trade of about A$150 billion ($114 billion) in 2013. The countries began a free trade agreement in December last year, the same month of the Bureau of Meteorology attack. In June, U.S. officials blamed Chinese hackers for compromising the records of up to four million current and former government employees. China called the U.S. comments irresponsible, while President Barack Obama vowed that the United States would aggressively bolster its cyber defenses. (Reporting by Byron Kaye; Editing by Michael Perry)
Shanghai (AFP) - Australia's Nick Kyrgios lashed out at fans and insisted "I don't owe them anything" after he was booed off court in a spectacular meltdown at the Shanghai Masters on Wednesday.

The hot-headed world number 14 clashed with the chair umpire and a heckler and admitted not trying after he lost 6-3, 6-1 to German qualifier Mischa Zverev, the world number 110.

It is just the latest incident in which Kyrgios's talent has been overshadowed by his tempestuous nature after he received a suspended ban for an infamous jibe last year.

Kyrgios was slapped with a code violation for an audible obscenity and was warned to play properly in front of an increasingly restive crowd in Shanghai.

Chair umpire Ali Nili told Kyrgios to play professionally after he patted a soft, child-like serve into his opponent's court and was broken to go 1-4 down in the first set.

Facing game point at 1-1 in the second set, the 21-year-old started walking to his chair before Zverev's serve had even landed.

Australia's highest-ranked player was broken twice in the second set and as Zverev served for the match at 5-1, he took on a heckler in a heated argument mid-game.

Facing three match points at 0-40 down, Kyrgios then floated a return from Zverev's second serve before the German gratefully put away the winning shot.

Kyrgios, who departed to boos, later admitted he "took the easy way out" and "tapped out a little bit".

But when asked whether he could understand why fans were upset, he shot back: "Not at all."

"I feel like if they knew what they were talking about they'd be on the tennis court and being successful, as well.

"No, I can't really understand it at all. They don't know what I'm going through."

Kyrgios added: "I'm good at hitting a tennis ball at the net. Like, big deal. I don't owe them anything. It's like it's my choice.

"If you don't like it, I didn't ask you to come watch. Just leave. If you're so good at giving advice and so good at tennis, why aren't you as good as me? Why aren't you on the tour?"

Story continues

Kyrgios also said he "couldn't care less" if he reaches the ATP World Tour Finals in London, the prestigious, season-ending tournament featuring the top eight players.

The flare-up comes after Kyrgios won the third title of his career, and season, at last week's Japan Open and was showing new focus after pairing with trainer Martin Skinner.

Kyrgios is known for his poor behaviour on court. Last year he received a suspended one-month ban for making a lewd and personal comment during a match with Stan Wawrinka.
LONDON (Reuters) - Barclays (BARC.L) has sold 260 million pounds' worth of salary secured loans in Italy to IBL Banca, the British lender said on Wednesday, the latest disposal of assets from its 'non-core' unit that are earmarked for sale.

Barclays completed the sale of its Italian retail banking network in August, as it continues to shrink its balance sheet to focus on Britain and the United States.

Completion of the sale, which is subject to regulatory approvals, is expected to occur in the first quarter of 2017, Barclays said.

(Reporting By Lawrence White; Editing by Susan Fenton)
LONDON (Reuters) - Global regulators have published final rules that aim to limit the impact on financial markets if mega banks run into trouble.

The rules must be applied by the world's 30 biggest "systemically important" banks like Goldman Sachs (GS.N), HSBC (HSBA.L) and Societe Generale (SOGN.PA) in a bid to make sure they have enough resources to call on in a crisis to avoid taxpayer bailouts.

Banks will have to issue billions of dollars in known as total loss absorbing capacity debt or TLAC debt which can be written down to avoid burning through all their capital in a crisis.

TLAC is seen as a key tool for ending "too big to fail" banks by making them easier to close down in an orderly way without the market mayhem seen when Lehman Brothers went bust in 2008.

The Basel Committee of banking supervisors published the final TLAC rules on Wednesday to limit how much of another bank's bonds a bank can hold.

Banks will be allowed to buy TLAC bonds of other banks up to certain thresholds, but Basel also made some changes following feedback from the industry.

In a concession, banks can hold an additional 5 percent if they meet extra conditions, Basel said in a statement.

"While we welcome the additional 5 percent threshold for certain additional instruments, this does not go as far as the industry had suggested in response to the consultation," a banking official said on condition of anonymity.

Banks will also be disappointed that Basel has kept a requirement to trim their Tier 2 capital reserves in line with the amount of TLAC bonds they buy.

(Reporting by Huw Jones. Editing by Jane Merriman)
It was a dreary day in October in the Netherlands when they met.

The woman, an English visitor by the name of Catherine Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, wore a tailored lilac skirt suit by Catherine Walker. Her minimalist accessory of choice? A serendipitous pair of pearl earrings.

The occasion for her visit was a solo encounter with King Wilhelm-Alexander as well as a tour of the local scene. However, it was whilst she was carrying out said duties and exploring the Mauritshuis museum in The Hague that she came across The Girl - yes, the one With a Pearl Earring.

Karwai Tang/Getty Images

Their eyes met and lingered on one another. Game recognized game, and paparazzi photographers recognized the lucrative meta moment: A woman and a girl - separated by centuries, cultures and that intangible divide between the living and the suckered-into-posing-for-a-portrait-by-Johannes Vermeer - each wearing a nearly identical pair of pearl earrings.

Sometimes, life imitates art. (And sometimes, life is just a photo op too good to pass up.)

Getty Images
China said Wednesday that South Korea needs to stay reasonable and cool-headed even after Chinese fishermen rammed and sank a South Korean coast guard speedboat in the Yellow Sea.

Chinas appeal to South Korea followed a warning Tuesday from Seoul, which said its coast guard vessels would be armed and ready to use to force against Chinese fishing boats that defy their orders.

The argument started last Friday, when  according to officials in Seoul a 100-ton Chinese fishing boat slammed into a 4.5 ton South Korean speedboat that was trying to expel the Chinese fishermen from waters off the western coast of the Korean peninsula.

South Korean officials summoned Chinas ambassador to express the governments outrage over the incident and said that its coast guard vessels would be equipped with mounted machine guns from now on.

We will actively respond to Chinese fishing boats that obstruct justice by using all possible means if needed, such as directly hitting and gaining control of those Chinese fishing boats as well as firing common weapons, Lee Choon-jae, deputy chief of the South Korean coast guard, told reporters.

The spat between South Korea and China comes after Beijing has riled up most of its maritime neighbors  and the United States  with its expansive claims and aggressive behavior. China has built artificial islands in the South China Sea, provoking U.S. naval patrols in order to defend the right to free navigation, and sparking a tougher posture from Vietnam, Indonesia and others. In the East China Sea, China and Japan are at loggerheads over Chinese natural gas platforms that Tokyo says are both encroaching on disputed territory and potential military sites.

Tensions are already running high between Beijing and Seoul over South Koreas decision to deploy U.S.-made missile defenses on its territory. Beijing views that as a threat despite Seouls insistence that the weaponry is aimed at countering the threat posed by North Korea. Until the announcement on missile defense, relations had improved in recent years years amid expanding trade and shared concerns over North Koreas volatility.

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The feud between China and South Korea over fishing rights in the Yellow Sea, which started about 15 years ago, has ramped up in recent months. South Koreas ministry of defense alleges that Chinese fishing boats were caught operating illegally in 520 cases between January and May of this year, compared to 120 instances in all of 2015.

Although no one was injured in last weeks incident, the dispute has taken a deadly turn in the past. Clashes left a Chinese fishing boat captain dead in 2014 and claimed the lives of a South Korean coast guard member in 2011 as well as two Chinese fishermen in 2010.

Much to the irritation of neighboring states, China also subsidizes its fishermen. In the South China Sea, Beijing pays its fishermen to operate in far-flung waters as a maritime militia to back up its far-reaching territorial claims. In the Yellow Sea, however, there is no evidence that China is encouraging fishing boats to sail into Korean coastal waters, or that the fishermen are part of a wider strategic land grab, experts said.

Still, China does not impose any penalties on fishermen that are poaching in South Korean waters and Seoul feels China does nothing to crack down on this illegal fishing, said Gregory Poling, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

As long as they make it back to the line in China, there have been no consequences for the fishermen, he told Foreign Policy.

While South Korea demanded that China rein in its fishermen and recognize the gravity of the situation, Beijing accused Seoul of endangering its citizens.

Concrete measures must be taken to ensure the safety and lawful rights and interests of Chinese personnel, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a press conference.

With a more prosperous Chinese population ready to spend more on seafood, coupled with dwindling fish stocks in Chinese waters, the countrys fishermen have an incentive to take a more aggressive approach in Korean coastal waters. And the Chinese fishermen often exploit tensions between Seoul and Pyongyang by taking advantage of the de facto maritime boundary between the two adversaries.

The Chinese fishermen sometimes sign contracts in North Korea to cross the boundary  known as the Northern Limit Line  to fish in South Korean waters. Reluctant to trigger a military conflict with the North, South Korean authorities have tended to take a cautious approach to the Chinese fishermen when they are operating around the boundary line.

But in June, South Korean naval ships and U.S.-led forces staged an operation to push out Chinese boats fishing in the mouth of the Han River estuary, which lies near the sea border between South and North Korea. Under the armistice that ended the 1950-53 Korean War, the area is designated as a no mans land. No foreign ships are allowed to sail in the military buffer zone except those registered by either South or North Korea.

Photo credit: South Korean Defense Ministry via Getty Images
BlackRock, Fidelity Investments and Charles Schwab have been aggressively courting investors who are searching for rock-bottom prices for funds that track the market.

BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, announced October 5 that it cut the expenses for 15 of its iShares exchange-traded funds. (See table below.)

Fidelity on Wednesday said it will waive commissions on those BlackRock ETFs. The move comes after Fidelity reduced expenses on 27 equity and bond index funds and ETFs in June.

"We want customers to receive the best value possible, whether that means offering a Fidelity solution or one from a third-party leader," said Ram Subramaniam, president of Fidelity Brokerage Services, in a statement.



BlackRock officials acknowledge that these moves are being made in part because of the Department of Labor rule requiring financial advisors to act as fiduciaries for their clients. The rule, which takes effect beginning on April 10, 2017, has increased demand for low-cost investments.

Schwab has already responded to BlackRock's price cut. It trimmed expenses on four stock ETFs and one bond fund. The total savings to investors in each fund would be one cent for every $100 invested in the fund. (See table below.)

"Schwab has gained market share in the past couple of years in part by being a low-cost provider of market-cap weighted equity and fixed income ETFs," said Todd Rosenbluth, director of ETF and mutual fund research at New York-based CFRA.

The current price war may not add up to much for most investors.

"Lower fees are unequivocally good for investors," said Ben Johnson, global director of ETF Research at Morningstar. "That said, the incremental savings are often de minimis at this point."



Take an index investor with $10,000. That person would now pay $4 per year in fees to own the iShares Core S&P 500 ETF instead of $7 annually.

Meanwhile, that investor with $10,000 would pay $4.50 in annual fees with the premium share class of the Fidelity 500 index fund (FUSVX), which has an investment minimum of $10,000, or $5 per year in the Vanguard 500 ETF (NYSE Arca: VOO). All of these funds track the same index: the S&P 500.

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"These fee cuts may actually move the needle more for fund sponsors, who stand to win market share, than they might for investors, who may or may not be able to save a few bucks on fees," Johnson said.

Fees shouldn't be the only concern for investors when selecting an index fund, Rosenbluth said.

"I think investors should look beyond the expense ratio," Rosenbluth said. "The underlying index matters."



For example, iShares Core Dividend Growth (NYSE Arca: DGRO) and SPDR S&P Dividend (NYSE Arca: SDY) both invest in dividend-paying stocks, but track different indexes. As a result, the iShares fund is up 5.9 percent this year while the SPDR fund is up 11.6 percent.

Poor performance by actively managed funds has caused more investors to move money into passively managed index funds this year.



A majority of actively managed funds across all asset classes failed to beat their passively managed counterparts over a 10-year period through June 30, according to a Morningstar analysis.

Lower fees from index funds are part of the reason investors are ditching actively managed funds. Last year the asset-weighted average expense ratio for passive funds was 0.18 percent, compared with 0.78 percent for active funds, according to Morningstar.

Fees for the most popular passively managed funds will continue to gradually decline as they gather more assets, Rosenbluth said.

"We think asset managers will continue to bring costs down to appeal to investors both ahead of the DOL implementation and as more investors seek out passive strategies," Rosenbluth said.



Morningstar's Johnson said fund sponsors will continue to remove "baggage" from their existing funds, reducing sales charges and eliminating so-called 12b-1 fees from their share classes, in response to the fiduciary rule.



"This movement has been afoot for some time," Johnson said. "I expect that firms' last resort will be to cut management fees  which haven't budged much on average."

Update: This story has been updated to include reactions from Fidelity and Schwab to BlackRock's ETF price cuts.







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ROME (Reuters) - BNP Paribas plans to cut 5 percent of the workforce at its BNL Italian business and close more than 10 percent of its branches there, two union sources said, as the French bank tries to return the division to profit.

BNP Paribas is due to present a new three-year strategy early in 2017 for its main European markets of France, Italy, Belgium and Germany, where in line with peers it has already started to cut costs.

BNL would cut 700 jobs and close 100 branches under its new business plan to 2020, the sources said on Wednesday following a meeting between the bank and union representatives the previous day.

The sources said the redundancies, which would be managed through early retirements, stemmed both from branch closures and from reduced staffing requirements as the use of information technology rises.

"The goal is to increase the bank's profitability," one of the sources said.

Further cost cuts will be achieved by lowering staff incentives by 30 percent over four years and keeping workers at home without pay for a total of 12 days over two years.

In a statement the BNL trade union said the 2017-2020 plan had been presented it on Wednesday.

"The trade union... rejects forcefully and determinedly the proposals laid down," it said.

BNL's headcount stood at 13,397 as of the end of last year, according to an internal BNP document seen by Reuters.

BNL had 812 branches then, according to BNP Paribas' annual report, as well as 121 other specific branches that cover private banking, small and mid-sized businesses and international companies.

Annual pretax income at BNL has declined steadily since 2011 to reach a loss at 28 million euros in 2015. BNL posted a 8 million loss in the first quarter of 2016 and a 65 million euros pretax income in the second quarter.

BNL has refocused its business on "better corporate and small business segments" over the last few years to try to lower loan-loss provisions.

BNP Paribas, France's biggest bank, is heavily exposed to slow-growing mature European markets makes such as Italy, which accounts for about 40 percent of provisions it sets aside for bad loans.

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BNP Paribas paid 9 billion euros to acquire control of Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL) in 2006 and had to revive the Italian bank from years of underinvestment.

BNL had no immediate comment. BNP Paribas declined to comment.

Details of the plan were reported earlier on Wednesday by news agency Radiocor.

(Reporting by Stefano Bernabei, writing by Valentina Za and Maya Nikolaeva; Editing by Keith Weir and Adrian Croft)
Bob Newhart, the 87-year-old actor and comedian, is a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan. He was born in Oak Park, Ill., just outside of Chicago, and paid tribute to the Windy City by setting his 1972 TV comedy The Bob Newhart Show there. And now after years of losing, Newhart is watching the Cubs win. And you better believe hes enjoying it.

After Tuesday nights series-winning ninth-inning comeback against the San Francisco Giants, Newhart posted this to his Twitter account. (How cool is it that Bob Newhart has a Twitter account?!)

Cubs, I am 87 and I am getting too old for this #GoCubsGo #FlyTheW pic.twitter.com/d4tnkgRCl0  Bob Newhart (@BobNewhart) October 12, 2016

Thats adorable, but also: come on, Cubs! Dont do this to Bob! Hes 87! It doesnt seem to matter to Newhart, though. Hell take the wins any way they come. He tweeted this after the Cubs Game 1 win last Friday night.

Hes even sporting a postseason hat! Bob Newhart is all in, guys.

Despite Newhart saying that hes too old for this, he told the Sioux City Journal in 2003 that the Cubs have prepared him for anything.

Being a Cub fan prepares you for life, he said. Youre ahead right now, but you find some way of blowing it.

The Cubs are eight wins away from winning the World Series. They may have prepared Newhart (and millions of other Cubs fans) for what its like to blow it when youre ahead, but this winning thing is a little different. From his tweets, it seems like Newhart is willing to try it.

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Come on, Cubs! Dont you want to make Bob Newhart this happy? Or even happier!? (Getty Images)

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
bosch driverless car

Bosch is showing off its self-driving car prototype in Australia this week, and it could give us a glimpse of Tesla's Autopilot 2.0 plans.

Bosch, the largest supplier of automotive components, has released the self-driving car for the ITS World Congress in Melbourne, Australia. It marks the first time a self-driving vehicle has driven on Australian roads.

Bosch has been working on a vehicle automation system for five years that can be used on any car, Gavin Smith, President of Bosch Oceania, told Business Insider in an email. For this demonstration, Bosch used a Tesla Model S, but it stripped the car of its Autopilot hardware and replaced the sensors with its own technology.

It's worth noting that Bosch is Tesla's only known components supplier for its Autopilot system.

As Tesla CEO Elon Musk tweeted in July, the German company makes the radar sensor for Tesla's semi-autonomous system.

Promising call today with @BoschGlobal, maker of our radar sensor. Looks like significant improvements possible via OTA software update.  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) July 17, 2016

Mobileye, an auto tech supplier, stopped providing Tesla with its driving-assistance chips and software earlier this year after a fatal Tesla crash occurred while Autopilot was activated.

"Our work is systems based so any vehicle could have been used as the donor," Smith said of Bosch's prototype vehicle. "A Tesla Model S was chosen because it represents our mobility solution well, it is connected, electric, and automated."

Tesla autopilot

Sources familiar with Tesla's Autopilot 2.0 project told Electrek's Fred Lambert that the Bosch Model S prototype has similar autonomous features to the upcoming Autopilot 2.0.

In a separate article, Electrek's Lambert also reported that Tesla Autopilot 2.0 would include significant hardware changes, such as adding more radar sensors and a new front-facing camera to the car.

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When asked whether the Bosch prototype had to do with Autopilot 2.0, Smith said "the purpose of this vehicle is to demonstrate highly automated driving and inform regulation in Australia for when these type vehicles become commercially available."

"As an engineering project, there are always learnings and part of this demonstration includes an advanced human machine interface (HMI) that can detect the driver, configure that drivers vehicle settings and monitor if the driver is distracted," Smith continued.

bosch driverless car

The Bosch prototype comes with six radars, six laser sensors (lidar), one stereo video camera, and one high precision GPS.

Bosch says the prototype demonstrates level 4 autonomy, which means the car is fully driverless in certain environments and conditions and does not require a driver to take over. However, Bosch does have a safety driver behind the wheel. Tesla's Autopilot system currently is capable of level 2 autonomy, meaning that the car has automated functions, but still must be supervised by the driver.

As for when we can really hear more about Autopilot 2.0, it may be sooner than we think. Tesla CEO Elon Musk teased a new product announcement for October 17. We'll have to wait and see whether or not it involves releasing details about Autopilot 2.0.

NOW WATCH: Tesla made a big software update after a Chinese company remotely hacked the brakes of a Model S





More From Business Insider


DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 12, 2016 / Dallas-based Billingsley Company is bringing an iconic structure by way of urban art to its new multifamily community, The Brickyard, with the unveiling of its new stain glass water tower. The water tower was designed by Joseph Shortell of Shortell Design, a Dallas-based designer who works in stone, glass, iron and other primary materials, and whose creations have been featured in restaurants, lounges and other locations from coast to coast. Lauren Stout, an independent artist working with Shortell, laid out the color schemes with direction and approval directly from property developer, Lucy Billingsley.

The water tower accompanies other urban-inspired design elements on the property, such as arched windows, brick detailing and old-style painted signs, reminiscent of Brooklyn style-walk ups.

Among the features of the Brickyard Water Tower:

Internally lit with 24 LED flood lights

Agricultural silo-style metal roof

24 3'x6' curved panels, each with individual colored acrylic panes in varying shades of yellow, orange, red, blue and green

Panel and pane frames made of powder-coated metal to withstand the harsh Texas elements

"We could not be more thrilled with how the Water Tower has turned out," said Sumner Billingsley, managing partner on The Brickyard project. "I think it fully encompasses the thoughtfulness and unique attention to detail that went into this development - inspired by elements of the past, but infused with the creativity and energy of our community today."

The water tower sits on the edge of the property - a perfect viewing location for both residents and passersby. The official unveiling and lighting of the water tower was October 5th. Farmers Branch dignitaries and guests attended a lighting party to see the new addition to the property and welcome a local piece of art to the community.

DOWNLOAD PICTURES HERE

The Brickyard is the first phase of apartments and townhomes in Mercer Crossing, the newest multi-use Billingsley development, located at the crossroads of Interstate 35E, Interstate 635 and President George Bush Turnpike. The Brickyard is a blend of one- and two-bedroom apartments and townhomes that embody romantic industrial architecture with abundant use of brick, metal-framed windows and old-style painted signs on building walls. Residents have been moving into the community since May 2016.

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For more information, please visit www.BillingsleyCo.com or www.TheBrickyardApts.com.

About Billingsley Company

Founded in 1978 by Lucy and Henry Billingsley, Billingsley Company expertly builds, owns and manages its properties, ensuring long-term client, resident and partner return. Specializing in master-planned developments and principles of new urbanism, Billingsley Company's developments are life-enhancing communities in which to work, live, play, shop and dine. Combining its relationships in the local market with its expertise in development, Billingsley Company provides expanded opportunities for its business partners. From raw land to fully developed communities, Billingsley Company is engaged in each step of the process. The company's decisions in design, finance and construction are grounded in doing what is right for the long term.

Media Contact:

Dana Cobb

TrizCom PR

Dana@TrizCom.com

O: 972-247-1369

C: 972-955-9747

Nikki Darling

TrizCom PR

Nikki@TrizCom.com

O: 972-247-1369

C: 469-667-9371

SOURCE: Billingsley Company
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain lacks the policies needed to achieve its domestic emissions targets, and should by February set out new plans to meet them, the government's climate advisers said on Thursday.

Under the Climate Change Act Britain has committed by 2050 to cut emissions by 80 percent compared with 1990 levels, and must produce proposals on how it intends to reach its climate targets, set in five-yearly carbon budgets.

"Current policy in the UK is not enough to deliver the existing carbon budgets that Parliament has set," Britain's Committee on Climate Change (CCC) said in one of three reports published on Thursday on Britain's climate policy.

Existing policies, including those agreed to by Britain and at the EU level will at best deliver around half the emission cuts required, the CCC said.

A spokeswoman for Britain's Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy said it is making good progress towards meeting emission reduction goals.

"We are now looking ahead to set out how we will continue to decarbonise through the 2020s. Our plan will send an important signal to the markets, businesses and investors so we want to take the time now to get it right," she said.

The government should produce proposals on bridging the policy gap by February, Lord Deben, chairman of the CCC said at a press briefing ahead of the reports' publication.

Following Britain's decision earlier this year to leave the European Union, the country should either retain EU policies or replace them with equivalent measures, the CCC said.

"If the UK has weaker standards than the EU that could reduce opportunities for UK manufacturers and lead to a dumping on the UK market of inefficient products with higher running costs and emissions," it said in a report focussed on Brexit.

British Prime Minister Theresa May, last month, also pledged to ratify by the end of the year the Paris agreement to slow climate change.

Under the deal nearly 200 nations agreed to curb greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming and pursue efforts to limit the world temperature rise at 1.5 degrees Celsius.

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In a report focussing on the agreement the CCC said Britain would need to consider a tougher 2050 emission reduction target to meet the Paris goal, but said it was too early to do this.

"There will be several opportunities to revisit the UK's targets in future as low-carbon technologies and options for greenhouse gas removals are developed, and as more is learnt about ambition in other countries," the report said.

(Reporting By Susanna Twidale, editing by David Evans)
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain lacks the policies needed to achieve its domestic emissions targets, and should by February set out new plans to meet them, the government's climate advisers said on Thursday. Under the Climate Change Act Britain has committed by 2050 to cut emissions by 80 percent compared with 1990 levels, and must produce proposals on how it intends to reach its climate targets, set in five-yearly carbon budgets. "Current policy in the UK is not enough to deliver the existing carbon budgets that Parliament has set," Britain's Committee on Climate Change (CCC) said in one of three reports published on Thursday on Britain's climate policy. Existing policies, including those agreed to by Britain and at the EU level will at best deliver around half the emission cuts required, the CCC said. A spokeswoman for Britain's Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy said it is making good progress towards meeting emission reduction goals. "We are now looking ahead to set out how we will continue to decarbonize through the 2020s. Our plan will send an important signal to the markets, businesses and investors so we want to take the time now to get it right," she said. The government should produce proposals on bridging the policy gap by February, Lord Deben, chairman of the CCC said at a press briefing ahead of the reports' publication. Following Britain's decision earlier this year to leave the European Union, the country should either retain EU policies or replace them with equivalent measures, the CCC said. "If the UK has weaker standards than the EU that could reduce opportunities for UK manufacturers and lead to a dumping on the UK market of inefficient products with higher running costs and emissions," it said in a report focused on Brexit. British Prime Minister Theresa May, last month, also pledged to ratify by the end of the year the Paris agreement to slow climate change. Under the deal nearly 200 nations agreed to curb greenhouse gas emissions blamed for global warming and pursue efforts to limit the world temperature rise at 1.5 degrees Celsius. In a report focusing on the agreement the CCC said Britain would need to consider a tougher 2050 emission reduction target to meet the Paris goal, but said it was too early to do this. "There will be several opportunities to revisit the UK's targets in future as low-carbon technologies and options for greenhouse gas removals are developed, and as more is learnt about ambition in other countries," the report said. (Reporting By Susanna Twidale, editing by David Evans)
LONDON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - British airline Monarch said a 165 million pound ($205 million) investment from majority shareholder Greybull Capital had secured its future by allowing the low-cost carrier to renew a key operating licence.

Monarch warned in September that security concerns and the devaluation of the pound against the euro after Britain's vote to leave the EU in June had made market conditions difficult.

The Luton-based carrier sells holidays and flights primarily to Britons travelling to Spain, Italy and France, but has lost business over the last year as holidaymakers turned their backs on formerly popular destinations in Tunisia, Egypt and Turkey.

Monarch issued a statement last month saying that it was operating normally after questions were asked about its financial viability on social media.

Days later, Britain's aviation regulator, the CAA, said Monarch had until 2259 GMT on Oct. 12 to satisfy the requirements needed for a full Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL).

Under UK law, all British companies which sell air holidays and flights are required to hold an ATOL, which provides protection for customers if a travel firm ceases trading.

($1 = 0.8042 pounds) (Reporting by Paul Sandle; editing by Kate Holton)
(Reuters) - Royal Mail Plc, operator of Britain's main postal service, said on Wednesday it had banned the delivery of Samsung Electronics Co's Galaxy Note 7 smartphones through its network for safety reasons, making it potentially difficult for many Britons to return the recalled devices.

Samsung recalled about 2.5 million Note 7s last month after reports some had caught fire due to faulty lithium batteries, and the company said on Tuesday it would stop making the devices after fires were reported in replacement phones.

Royal Mail said the ban also applied to its Parcelforce UK and international courier service.

The company said it would ask customers to detail the contents of their packages to ensure that hazardous items such as faulty lithium batteries were not transported.

(Reporting by Esha Vaish in Bengaluru; Editing by Ted Kerr)
LONDON (Reuters) - A senior British lawmaker has accused Russia of targeting civilians in Syria in the same way the Nazis behaved at Guernica during the Spanish civil war of the 1930s. Andrew Mitchell, a lawmaker in Prime Minister Theresa May's ruling Conservatives and a former Secretary of State for International Development, said an attack last month on a United Nations relief convoy near the northern Syrian city of Aleppo was a war crime committed by Russian forces. Some 20 people were killed in the attack on the U.N. and Syrian Arab Red Crescent convoy and the United States blamed two Russian warplanes which it said were in the skies above the area at the time of the incident. Moscow rejects the accusations saying it only targets militants and accuses the West of being responsible for the crisis in Syria. "When it comes to incendiary weapons and munitions such as bunker-buster bombs and cluster bombs, the U.N. makes it clear that the systematic use of such indiscriminate weapons in densely populated areas amounts to a war crime," Mitchell told parliament late on Monday. "We are witnessing events that match the behavior of the Nazi regime in Guernica in Spain," he said referring to the destruction of the Spanish town in 1937 by German aircraft from Adolf Hitler's Luftwaffe. The bombing of the historic city became the subject of a famous painting by artist Pablo Picasso. "Who's this politician?" Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asked reporters when told about Mitchell's comment. "Unfortunately I don't know him, who is he? I would not comment in any way. To my shame, I don't know him." The British parliament is due to hold a three-hour debate on Tuesday about the humanitarian situation in Syria. (Reporting by Kylie MacLellan and Denis Pinchuk in Moscow; editing by Michael Holden)
London (AFP) - British Prime Minister Theresa May signalled Wednesday that she would let parliament scrutinise her Brexit plan before starting the formal EU exit process -- but dismissed calls for a vote on the terms.

Her position caused the pound to bounce back after a torrid week, amid speculation that MPs may be able to soften the government's approach to Brexit, which currently seems on course to take Britain out of the European single market.

The pound was worth $1.2227 at around 1400 GMT after falling to a 31-year low of $1.1840 last week.

May stopped short, however, of agreeing a vote for MPs on her plan before she triggers Article 50 of the European Union's Lisbon Treaty, which formally begins the departure process.

Asked in the House of Commons if there would be a vote, May only replied: "The idea that parliament somehow wasn't going to be able to discuss, debate, question issues around (Brexit) was frankly completely wrong."

She made it clear that any scrutiny would not change the outcome of Britain's June 23 vote to leave the EU, telling MPs: "The UK will be leaving the European Union. We're not asking ourselves what bits of membership we want to retain."

May's comments came ahead of a Commons debate Wednesday on calls by the Labour main opposition for MPs to be allowed "properly to scrutinise" the government's strategy.

The prime minister tabled an amendment that effectively accepts the motion. However, it specifies that any parliamentary scrutiny process must respect the vote to leave the EU and should not "undermine the negotiating position of the government".

- 'Where is the mandate?' -

Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer described the prime minister's move as a "real victory for parliament".

Speaking at the debate in the Commons, he said there was "no mandate" for the terms of Brexit.

"It's never been put to the country, it's not even been put to the secretary of state's political party, and it's not been put to this house," he told MPs.

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"Where is the mandate on these terms?"

Brexit minister David Davis said Labour's motion was "broadly welcome" but with "important caveats". Like the prime minister, he batted off questions on whether there would be a vote.

"We need to be explicit that while we commend and welcome parliamentary scrutiny it must not be used as a vehicle to undermine the government's negotiating position or thwart the process of exit," he said.

Davis dismissed as a "stunt" a move by Labour to pose 170 questions to the government on the detail of the Brexit plan -- one for every day until the end of March, the deadline May has set for triggering Article 50.

- High Court challenge -

The debate comes ahead of a High Court challenge on Thursday to the government's right to start the Brexit process without a vote in parliament.

England's most senior judges will hear arguments brought by lawyers for a number of different claimants, including an investment fund manager, a hairdresser and an expatriate living in France.

May has condemned their challenge as an attempt to "subvert" the result of the June referendum when 52 percent of Britons voted to leave the EU.
Bujumbura (Burundi) (AFP) - Burundian lawmakers on Wednesday overwhelmingly voted to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), taking the nation a step closer to being the first ever to quit the tribunal.

The move is the latest snub of the international community by the central African nation, which has been mired in 18 months of violent political crisis since President Pierre Nkurunziza ran for a third term in office.

Earlier this week Burundi declared three UN rights experts persona non grata and cut ties with the UN's main human rights body, after a damning September report detailing atrocities and warning of "genocide".

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda in April had launched a preliminary investigation into reports of "killing, imprisonment, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, as well as cases of enforced disappearances."

The initial probe is aimed at determining whether there is enough evidence to proceed to a full-blown investigation by ICC prosecutors which could result in drawing up charges against those believed to be responsible for the violence.

"The ICC is a tool being used to try and change power" in Burundi, charged Aloys Ntakirutimana, a lawmaker with the ruling CNDD-FDD, during a three hour debate in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

While a few lawmakers argued against the draft law, it was eventually passed in the lower house with 94 votes in favour, two against and 14 abstentions. Later on Wednesday the Senate passed the law unanimously, with all 39 senators supporting it.

It is expected to be approved by President Pierre Nkurunziza later this week.

Should Burundi withdraw from the ICC it "will most definitely be the first country to do so," said Niall Matthews, communications head of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, a non-governmental organisation.

"The voices of victims are being lost," added Stephen Lamoy, the group's head of policy at the UN.

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- 'Genocide looms large'-

Burundi was plunged into crisis in April 2015 when Nkurunziza decided to run for a third term in office, which he went on to win.

A vicious government crackdown on protests and widespread violence followed, which some rights organisations estimate has left more than 1,000 people dead.

The report by the UN rights experts recounts spine-chilling cases of torture and horrific sexual violence, mass arrests and disappearances.

"Given the country's history, the danger of the crime of genocide also looms large," the report warned.

Burundi has a long history of violence between its Hutu and Tutsi communities, which led to a 12-year civil war that ended in 2006.

The report prompted the UN Human Rights Council to send a Commission of Inquiry to Burundi, a move taken only in rare situations of significant concern.

"It is perfectly clear that this is a plot to do harm to Burundi," Gaston Sindimwo, Burundi's vice president, said last week, referring to the investigations.

Burundi's move to leave the Netherlands-based court comes amid rising resentment in Africa against the ICC, whose leaders accuse it of unfairly targeting Africans for prosecution.

Kenya -- whose president and deputy president were the subjects of failed ICC prosecutions -- is pushing for all African nations to snub the court.

"A few African leaders have been threatening to 'withdraw' from the ICC treaty for seven years; none have so far. Human rights and democracy advocates in Burundi will oppose their government withdrawing," said William Pace of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court.

"Seeking immunity for the worst crimes in international law is the worst failure of political leadership."

Set up in 2002 as the last resort to try war criminals and perpetrators of genocide never tried at home, the ICC has opened full investigations into nine nations, all of them African except for Georgia.

The African countries which have come under investigation are Kenya, Ivory Coast, Libya, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Uganda and Mali.

According to the Rome Statute which established the court, any country which wants to leave has to inform the UN secretary general in writing.

The country's departure becomes effective one year after the receipt of a written formal notice of withdrawal but does not affect ongoing investigations.
NAIROBI (Reuters) - Burundi's parliament voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, a move no other country has taken despite bitter complaints from Africa that the court disproportionately targets the continent. Only two lawmakers voted in favour of staying under the jurisdiction of the Dutch-based ICC, while 94 voted against and 14 abstained. Pro-government lawmaker Gabriel Ntisezerana said the court was "a political tool used by powers to remove whoever they want from power on the African continent." Earlier this year, the ICC opened a preliminary investigation into Burundi, focusing on killings, imprisonment, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, as well as enforced disappearances. Burundi's government was infuriated last month by a U.N. report that named officials accused of orchestrating the torture and killing of political opponents. Since then, Burundi has banned three U.N. investigators from its territory and condemned a U.N. decision to set up a commission of inquiry to probe the violence, which began last year after President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to seek a third term in office. Opponents said his candidacy violated the constitution and a peace agreement that ended a civil war in 2005. The opposition mostly boycotted the polls and Nkurunziza won a third term. The ICC said in April that political violence had killed around 450 people and forced hundreds of thousands to flee. The bill to remove Burundi from the court's jurisdiction will proceed to the upper house of the legislature and then be signed by the president, triggering a withdrawal process that will last a year. Opposition lawmaker Fabien Baciryanino favoured staying under ICC jurisdiction, saying to withdraw was "no more, no less, than inciting the Burundian people to commit more crimes". Since it was set up under the 1998 Rome Statute, the court based in The Hague has focused on prosecuting such politically-motivated crimes as genocide and crimes against humanity. Most of its investigations and indictments have been of Africans, stirring criticism from many governments on the continent. Fadi El Abdallah, spokesman for the court, said the ICC could not comment on Burundi's vote because it had not yet been formally notified. "There is a possibility for countries to withdraw, but it only takes effect one year after being submitted to the UNSG," he said, referring to the United Nations Secretary-General. "Withdrawal does not effect the past obligation of a country to cooperate with any ongoing proceedings or investigation." (Additional reporting by Anthony Deutsch in Amsterdam; Writing by Katharine Houreld; Editing by Andrew Roche)
By Matthias Blamont CALAIS, France (Reuters) - In thick fog, Nasir helped load his young family's scant possessions into a van and turned his back on the beaten-up caravan that has been home for the past nine months in a migrant camp known as the "Jungle" in northern France. In a few days, the French government will begin dismantling the filthy, ramshackle camp outside Calais that has become a searing symbol of Europe's struggle to respond to an influx of migrants fleeing war and poverty. Nasir, a 23-year-old Afghan, doesn't want to wait for the bulldozers to move in and raze the camp as winter approaches. Instead, he, his wife Nabila and their 7-month old infant are joining one of the last voluntary resettlement convoys bound for reception centers across France. "We just want a life, nothing more," Nasir told Reuters in broken English. A Union Jack flag painted on his caravan is a poignant reminder of Nasir's now-dashed dreams of a better life in Britain, barely 21 miles (33 km) away across the English Channel and the preferred destination of almost all migrants in Calais. No one knows for sure how many have made the perilous crossing from France to Britain, sometimes stowed away in the back of lorries or clinging to the undersides of trains. Thousands have however failed, including Nasir, thwarted by barbed wire-topped fencing lining the highway between the camp and the Calais ferry port, by police patrols as well as a battery of security cameras. Now a wall is being built on the port's approach road to serve as a further deterrent. President Francois Hollande said last month that France would completely shut down "the Jungle" by the end of the year. The plan is to relocate migrants in small groups around the country, largely removing the option of forging a new life in Britain. Nasir now hopes France will grant him asylum. "On the one hand, closing the Jungle is good. There is nothing, no future here," Nasir said. "The Jungle is not fit for humans, it's for animals." DESTINATION SOUTHWESTERN FRANCE A new census on Tuesday showed there are about 6,500 migrants holed up in the camp, though aid workers say the number is closer to 10,000. Most are from countries like Afghanistan, Sudan and Eritrea, and increasingly Syria. A small crowd encircled Nasir and exchanged farewells before a state worker drove the family to the bus waiting to transfer them to a reception center in Merignac on the outskirts of Bordeaux in distant southwestern France. The migrants cannot choose where they end up and even as France prepares to shut the "Jungle", many still target Britain. "England, England!" shouted one Afghan teenager as Nasir bid his goodbyes. Ahead of a presidential election next April, Hollande has faced mounting public pressure to dismantle the camp and relocate its inhabitants. Conservative opponents have raised the heat, accusing the Socialist president of mismanaging a problem they say is ultimately a British one. Hollande reminded Britain two weeks ago that it had a role to play in managing the flow of migrants. He said that were France to stop preventing the migrants from leaving French soil, Britain would find itself obliged to deal with them when they landed on its shores. Vincent Berton, a senior official in the Calais town hall, described the camp closure as a "humanitarian operation", and said that more than 6,000 Jungle migrants had been moved to reception centers in the past 12 months. An average of three bus-loads were leaving each week, he said. Yet Hollande's plans are meeting stiff local resistance in some towns where the 160 reception centers have been set up. Last week shots were fired at two planned migrant centers, one in the western seaside resort town of Saint Brevin and the other in Saint-Hilaire-du-Rosier in southeastern France, a conservative stronghold. In the southern village of Allex, the mayor sought to hold a local referendum on whether to accept its quota of 50 migrants before regional officials blocked the vote in court. Such resistance highlights the balancing act the government faces upholding humanitarian obligations and pleasing voters as Europe searches for a coherent response to the migration crisis. "I want to stay in France, if France wants me," said Rawaz Rawchy, 33, an Iraqi Kurd, as he boarded the bus. "We have to leave now. My children can no longer sleep because of the cold." (Writing by Richard Lough; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Photo: Carlota Vargas/Facebook

A California man allegedly killed his mother by pushing her out the window and stomping on her following an argument, PEOPLE confirms.

Police say they were called to the 7400 block of Hazeltine Avenue in Van Nuys, California, early Monday morning after neighbors heard a loud argument, allegedly between Carlota Vargas, 70, and her 40-year-old son, Fernando Vargas.

When officers arrived they found Carlota lying on the ground in front of their apartment complex suffering from injuries to her face. Fernando was also at scene and appeared to be suffering a leg injury, according to a press release from the Los Angeles Police Department.

 Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Click hereto get breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases in the True Crime Newsletter.

Carlota was taken to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, where she died from her injuries, according to the release.

Photo: Fernando Vargas/Facebook

Police allege Fernando pushed his mother from their second floor apartment window and then jumped out of the same window and began to kick and stomp on her.

All we know is it was a dispute, LAPD officer Norma Eisenman tells PEOPLE. Eisenman says authorities are still trying to figure out the motive and detectives plan to do a toxicology test to see if he was on drugs, she says.

It was horrible, witness Nancy Ochoa told WGNTV. He said that she was going to die anyway and it didnt matter [if he stomped on her].

Neighbor Says Mother was Lovely Person

Friends have described Carlota, who was originally from Chile, as an outgoing and friendly woman.

She always smiled, wore makeup and looked good and everything was a party, Sheila Tucker, a former neighbor, tells PEOPLE. Life to her was a party. She was a very lovely person and had quite a few friends. You could imagine when she was younger she could stop traffic.

Tucker tells PEOPLE Carlota really loved her son.

He was very catered to by his mother, she says. He was spoiled. I never really heard any fights. But there was something going on. An issue.

Story continues

Tucker says Carlota had worked as a door-to-door salesperson and had been living with her son in the two-bedroom condo for more than a decade. Fernando, she says, worked out at the local gym and at one point had aspirations to become an actor.

Tucker, who has appeared in commercials and whose husband was an actor, says Fernando approached her asking about how to get work as an actor.

I said, First of all you have to have a little talent. He just thought that because he was kind of good looking that he could make a good living. He said he quit his job, but I wonder if that is true.

Fernando Vargas was arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody. It was not immediately known whether he had retained an attorney or entered a plea.
(MAIDUGURI, Nigeria)  An explosion targeted a passenger-filled taxi in northeastern Nigerias largest city on Wednesday, killing eight people in the deadliest bombing there in several months, officials said.

The National Emergency Management Agency said in a statement that 15 people had been hospitalized with injuries.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the blast.

The blast occurred as the taxi approached a gas station in the outskirts of Maiduguri. The bodies of victims were sprawled on the ground next to the bombed-out vehicle as officials inspected the area.

It was unclear if a bomb had been planted in the taxi or if a passenger detonated explosives.

Security has been beefed up at the scene of the explosion, the emergency agencys statement said.

Northeastern Nigeria is the epicenter of the Boko Haram extremist groups seven-year uprising that has claimed more than 20,000 lives. Maiduguri city had been spared deadly bombings in recent months as soldiers were able to shoot suicide attackers before they reached their targets.

President Muhammadu Buhari recently painted an optimistic picture of the military campaign against Boko Haram. In a speech on Oct. 1 marking the anniversary of the countrys independence from Britain, he said the insurgent group was defeated in December and that residents of the northeast enjoyed relative safety as they went about their daily lives.

Commuters can travel between cities, towns and villages without fear, the president said.
This is a man who really, really loves his car.

As Hurricane Mathew made landfall and buffeted the Florida coast, Randy Jalil of Port St. Lucie decided there was no place like home for his pristine 1988 BMW M3.

As in driving it through the front door and parking it behind his couch.

Read: 'This Storm Will Kill You': Florida Governor Warns Residents to Evacuate as Hurricane Matthew Strengthens

Its my pride and joy and any of my friends that know me understand how much I love it! he told InsideEdition.com. The last thing I needed was any kind of damage to my car.

Luckily, Jalil has double-wide front doors. He measured the opening, discovered it was 73 inches, which was wider than his car. With some help from his dad, he drove it right in, with inches to spare, he said.

He posted photos of his automotive baby on Instagram, and soon car publications like Motor Trend were putting his images online.

One photo shows him eating breakfast with his car. Another frame shows it nestled firmly behind his comfy couch.

Read: South Carolina Man Dies After Shootout With Deputies Over Hurricane Evacuation Route

Jalil recently returned to Florida after seven years in the Air Force. He had forgotten what it was like to ride out a big storm.

But all turned out well and the storm had little effect in his area.

We enjoyed a nice breakfast together the morning after the hurricane, he said.

Watch: Shocking Videos Show the Reality of Not Evacuating In Midst of Hurricane Matthew

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Catastrophe star Rob Delaney does not appreciate hypocrisy.

The comedian has raised more than $54,000 this week to unseat GOP politicians who endorsed Donald Trump and then rescinded their endorsements in light of the 2005 Access Hollywood audio of Trump and then-host Billy Bush making vulgar comments about women, which emerged on Friday.

"That's what it took for you to disavow him?" writes Delaney in a Tumblr post. "Since I'm not a total moron, I know that what really happened is that it finally became clear to anyone who knows how elections work that Trump was definitely going to lose."

Delaney argues that the "drive for self-preservation that led these turd balls to endorse" Trump in the first place, is what compelled these politicians to disavow the GOP candidate for his comments about groping women.

The writer-actor says he's supporting Hillary Clinton because of her Supreme Court nominee options and health care policies.

Read more: Samantha Bee Eviscerates "Leering Dildos" Donald Trump and Billy Bush, Talks Debate

Delaney says he's going to donate, and encourage people to donate, money to the politicians running against candidates who formally unendorsed Trump on or after Oct. 7. Delaney has partnered with Democratic fundraising site ActBlue to oust the candidates he refers to as "spineless shit loaves."

While Delaney points out that he loathes some politicians like Paul Ryan, he is leaving those who refuse to rescind their Trump endorsements alone.

"I'm talking about the real garbage, the people who want it both ways; the people who got on the train, and now want to get off," said Delaney. "F - you baby, you're on the train till it crashes into the American Electorate at full speed. Keep your eyes open and stay alert; I want you to feel it."

Read more: Billy Bush Negotiating Exit From NBC's 'Today' Show
Archbishop William Goh. Photo: Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Singapore

A second major religious organisation has expressed reservations about the forthcoming move to allow online gambling in Singapore.

The Catholic Church is concerned about the possible ill-effects to Singapore society of a more pervasive gambling culture, even though it sees gambling as morally neutral, Archbishop William Goh said in a pastoral message to the faithful on Wednesday (12 October).

The head of the Catholic Church in Singapore also urged authorities to continuously monitor the gambling situation here, as well as the safeguards put in place against excessive gambling.

Gohs comments come after the National Council of Churches Singapore (NCSS) said last week that the government was sending confusing and conflicting signals, having passed the Remote Gambling Act  which banned online and phone betting  just two years ago, in 2014.

Over the next two months, lottery operators Singapore Pools and Singapore Turf Club will launch online gambling products after getting exemptions from the Act.

In response to NCSS, Minister for Social Family Development Tan Chuan-Jin said last week that the move aims to create a managed space and offer a safer alternative for those looking to place online bets.

Archbishop Goh addressed the impending invasion of this potential vice into the sacred space of our homes by noting that the effects of excessive gambling go beyond the individual gamblers to entire families.

Family life and loving marriages can be destroyed or disrupted by the loss of income which could lead to stress, other mental health issues and even suicide, said Goh.

While we maintain that gambling is morally neutral, any adverse effects on our people need to be carefully considered, since not all gamblers are able to make prudent or conscientious judgement of their actions  most or all of the time.

Goh also acknowledged that the Government has done its due diligence to ensure that stringent measures are put in place to minimize the ill-effects of online gambling.

Notwithstanding the Churchs reservations on the matter, it recognised the Governments dilemma in tackling this highly sensitive and controversial issue that continues to plague modern society.
BERLIN (Reuters) - The European Union must seek a deal with countries across Africa's desert Sahel region if it wants to curb an influx of migrants, rather than focusing on bilateral deals with individual countries, the president of Chad said on Wednesday. President Idriss Deby was speaking in Germany where he met Chancellor Angela Merkel after her trip this week to Mali and Niger - two of the five countries which form the G5 Sahel security organization. Chad, Burkina Faso and Mauritania are the three other members of the Sahel group of countries, which stretches 4,200 km (2,600 miles) across northern Africa, from the Atlantic in the west to the border of Sudan in the east. "We can only resolve the issue if we involve the G5 frontline states, not through country by country agreements," Deby, the first head of state from Chad to visit Germany. "That is the only possibility to slow the flow of migration." He said working with the G5 countries would also enable progress on issues such as drug and human smuggling and terrorism in the remote deserts of the Sahel, which host several jihadist groups. Deby, current chairman of the African Union, said 90 percent of the refugees transiting through Niger also crossed into neighboring Chad on their journey north to the Mediterranean since the Niger route was closed by militant groups. Merkel, who has said she will make Africa a priority for Germany's G20 presidency next year, noted that EU officials have set up a G5 Sahel strategy that emphasized the need to deal with the countries as a group. "That means other EU countries will have to get engaged, also with the cooperation of the commission," she said. Merkel told reporters that Germany would boost its development aid to Chad by 8.9 million euros to help address water- and food supply issues, noting that it was dealing with over 700,000 refugees from neighboring countries. Italian data on sea arrivals so far this year show a sharp increase in migrants from several African countries including Mali, Senegal and Nigeria. The EU last year launched a $2 billion fund for Africa to combat the poverty and conflicts driving people to migrate to Europe. It has also proposed making development aid conditional on governments' cooperation in curbing migration. (Editing by Dominic Evans)
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - ChargePoint Inc, the world's largest electric vehicle charging network, has asked a U.S. judge to order changes to Volkswagen AG's (VOWG_p.DE) $2 billion agreement with the Justice Department to boost zero emission vehicle (ZEV) infrastructure.

The company, which operates more than 30,000 public charging stations, said the VW diesel emissions cheating settlement threatens its survival and other charging station companies.

VW has agreed to spend up to $16.5 billion to settle with U.S. owners, state and federal regulators and dealers after it admitted to installing software that allowed 475,000 U.S. vehicles to emit up to 40 times legally allowable emissions.

Under the proposed settlement, VW must spend $2 billion over 10 years to improve infrastructure, access and education to support and advance ZEVs, including $800 million in California.

The funding will allow VW "literally to drown out all other participants in the ZEV infrastructure market through enormous spending, made at its unfettered discretion, that is untethered to the normal constraints and financial metrics by which all other market participants must operate," ChargePoint said in a court filing late on Tuesday.

Allowing VW "to flood a competitive market with $2 billion in goods threatens the survival of the current participants in that market," ChargePoint said.

The Justice Department rejected ChargePoint's arguments in a September 30 court filing, adding it believes that zero emission vehicle infrastructure is likely to increase in coming years and will allow "for continuing competition in these

emerging markets."

The settlement requires VW to fund infrastructure that can be used with electric vehicles produced by all manufacturers.

ChargePoint said VW could "drive out all competition" through free or subsidized charging.

ChargePoint said in May it had raised an additional $50 million, bringing total funding the California-based company has raised from investors to more than $164 million.

Story continues

The company said it has 244,000 drivers registered on its network, including more than 125,000 in California.

U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer is set to hold a hearing on whether to grant final approval to the settlement on Oct. 18. An EPA spokesman declined to comment on ChargePoint's objection. VW did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

ChargePoint said Breyer could appoint an independent trustee to oversee the fund or issue an order barring VW from offering charging services at below market rates.

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Andrew Hay)
Lille (France) (AFP) - Eleven French charities on Wednesday sought an urgent court order to block the planned demolition of the "Jungle" migrant camp in Calais, one of their lawyers said.

"This evacuation is an attack on the fundamental rights" of the thousands of migrants in the camp, said lawyer Julie Bonnier.

The Lille administrative court in northern France must rule on the case within 48 hours.

"Real long-term solutions have not been found, that is what we fear and have feared for some time," Bonnier added.

"Those who are evacuated are going to find themself without access to healthcare, without rights, their needs unlistened to," added Bonnier who launched a similar attempt to block the demolition of the southern part of the "Jungle" in February.

The French government is planning to break up the shantytown which is currently occupied by up to 9,000 migrants.

It has become a magnet for migrants trying to reach Britain by stowing away on trucks heading across the Channel from France.

The makeshift settlement has also become a focal point in France of Europe's migrant crisis, the subject of heated debate among politicians and a constant source of tension with Britain.

The seven charities include Emmaus, a French group that works with migrants and poor people.
From Road & Track

The Mustang vs. Camaro rivalry is one of the oldest and most heated in the automotive world. Loyalties are fierce, and the parameters of victory are myriad: 0-60 times, quarter-mile performance, horsepower, torque, price.

Notch one up for the Camaro, though: In the month of September, it out-sold the Mustang for the first time in almost two years.

That victory is due in part to a startling slump in Mustang sales-so bad, Ford idled its Flat Rock, Michigan assembly plant for a week. Mustang production is scheduled to resume October 17th.

But keep that Chevy victory lap short-on annual sales, Ford is still winning, having moved 87,258 Mustangs in the U.S. this year. Despite a 9.3-percent drop in sales compared to this time last year, Ford's numbers still beat the Camaro's sales of 54,535 so far this year, down 11 percent from this point in 2015.

And the Camaro's sales win is a drop in the bucket compared to days gone by: Mustangs outsold Camaros for 24 years straight, a trend that was only reversed with the reintroduction of the Chevy in 2010, though not permanently.

Of course, there's a reason for all this: With the end of the model year looming, Camaros are carrying an average discount of $3409 per car, nearly triple the incentive available two months ago. Meanwhile, Mustangs carry an average incentive of $2602.

But it's all about getting buyers in cars. Pony car fans vote with their checkbooks, and right now, the Camaro is the winner.

At least for the month of September.

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Hot Springs, North Carolina, was the site for Wild Goose Festival 2016, a Progressive Christian Woodstock, but with food and showers. Rain, mud, hosannas, psalms, and Praise Jesus. Fellowship, love, acceptance, and moonshine masses. Deep theological discussions longer than the queue for the bathroom. Three thousand progressive Christiansand two Jews. Its the last place you would expect a Jewish couple, but this was exactly where Gail and I were last weekend.

Here is where I have to make a confession. My title for this note [How Christianity Brought Me Back to Judaism] is clickbait. I never left Judaism. I never had a crisis of faith or felt abandoned by G-d. My Judaism has always been, is now, and will continue to be central to who I am. I think Jewishly, my week is ordered around Shabbat, and the holidays and festivals set the rhythm of my year.

But there have been times I have felt estranged from other Jews. The ethos of American Jewry is influenced most heavily by a Western European privilege of decorum over kavanah. Raised in an Eastern European tradition, I tend to rock back and forth as I pray and vocalize even the silent prayers. Culturally, Ashkenazic Jews are divided into two major categories: Litvaks and Galitzianers. The majority of American Jews consider themselves Galitziana. I am a Litvak. However, despite these differences, I never felt estranged from the expression of my Judaism until a few years ago.

From 2005 to 2009 I lived and worked in a Jewish community where I was bullied, emotionally and verbally abused, and had my Judaism silenced, negated, and denied. Teaching a secular subject was proof, I was constantly told, that I was a secular Jew. Scandal ensued when I dared teach Song of Songs as literature in my senior AP Lit class. Whenever I attempted to contribute to discussion about the Jewish direction of our community, I was told I knew nothing about Judaism and please shut up or go away.
By Amanda Becker WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign looked for ways to avoid damaging its relationship with the White House as she considered how to publicly announce her position on the controversial Keystone XL pipeline, according to emails published this week by WikiLeaks. Clinton aides weighed having the Democratic candidate say she opposed the pipeline in a closed-door union meeting, leaking it to news media outlets or including it without fanfare in a policy fact sheet, the emails show. Clinton eventually announced that she opposed the pipeline on Sept. 22, 2015, at a town hall event in Des Moines, Iowa, early in the contest to win the Democratic presidential nomination. President Barack Obama, also a Democrat, announced that he too opposed the project on Nov. 6, 2015. The WikiLeaks group released its latest batch of apparently hacked personal emails of Clinton campaign chair John Podesta on Wednesday, just weeks before the Nov. 8 presidential election in which Clinton is facing Republican Donald Trump. Whether Clinton would oppose TransCanada Corps pipeline to bring Canadian crude tar sands oil to refineries on the Gulf of Mexico was a major issue in her Democratic primary race against chief rival U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, who opposed the project. Clinton was walking a fine line on supporting or opposing the pipeline. The Keystone XL controversy put at odds labor unions, which thought the project would spur job creation, and environmentalists, who advocated moving away from tar sands-derived oil to cleaner forms of energy. Clinton's decision was further complicated by the fact that the pipeline approval process began when she was Obama's secretary of state from 2009-2013. She said repeatedly that she would wait to announce her position until after the State Department had repeated its review of the project, in deference to her former boss. Privately, aides were figuring out the best way to announce her opposition to the project. We are trying to find a good way to leak her opposition to the pipeline without her having to actually say it and give up her principled stand about not second-guessing the President in public, speechwriter Dan Schwerin wrote on Aug. 7, 2015, in one of the apparently hacked emails. Schwerin was responding to a suggestion by Clinton Campaign Manager Robby Mook that they could use the Keystone announcement to draw news media attention away from Clintons use of a private email system while she headed the State Department. The Clinton campaign has declined to verify the authenticity of the Podesta emails released by WikiLeaks. Podesta told reporters on Tuesday that the Federal Bureau of Investigation had notified him it was investigating the criminal hack of his emails as part of a broader probe. The White House last week formally accused Russia of hacking Democratic Party organizations in an effort to influence the presidential election, a charge Russia has denied. As a result, Clinton campaign officials and supporters have warned that such email releases could include fraudulent or misleading documents among genuine emails. There was no evidence to indicate that the Keystone emails - which provided insight into the campaigns struggle to announce Clintons position on a major Democratic issue that could put her at odds with the White House - were not genuine. Clintons campaign considered having the former secretary of state address the Keystone issue in a private meeting with a building trades union, then immediately roll out a fact sheet on her infrastructure proposals and publish an opinion article on the topic, the leaked emails show. But Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon thought it might be easier to forgo including Keystone in the policy rollout, skip the opinion piece and have Clinton state her opposition in the union meeting. I think we could seem consistent with our past statements about not wanting to get ahead of POTUS on Keystone if her position merely leaked out of the meeting, Fallon wrote in a Sept. 8, 2015, email, using an acronym for the president. That would seem like a private comment that she didnt intend to become public. Perhaps we could just issue an infrastructure fact sheet" without mention of Keystone, "and rely on the (Clinton) Keystone (position) to leak, either organically or with an assist from us, Fallon added. After Clinton warned at a New Hampshire campaign event on Sept. 17, 2015, that she could not wait too much longer and was putting the White House on notice that she would soon tell voters her position, Podesta checked in with White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough. Trying to calibrate whether we are threading the needle ok with you guys after Valerie getting her nose out of joint on Keystone, Podesta wrote in a Sept. 20, 2015, email, in an apparent reference to Valerie Jarrett, a senior adviser to Obama. Podesta said that Clintons comments on being frustrated with the delay were not a frontal attack on the president. (Reporting by Amanda Becker; Editing by Jonathan Oatis)
By Amanda Becker NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hillary Clinton's campaign was worried about the "hard balance" she would need to strike as the presidential candidate prepared to oppose a Pacific trade pact championed by President Barack Obama that she once supported, according to emails published on Tuesday by WikiLeaks. WikiLeaks released its latest batch of apparently hacked personal emails of Clinton campaign chair John Podesta with exactly four weeks left in the 2016 presidential campaign before the Nov. 8 election. White House hopefuls have made trade a key theme of their campaigns, with the 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a prime target for criticism by both Democrat Clinton and Republican opponent Donald Trump. In an Oct. 6, 2015, email the day after the Obama administration finalized the details of the TPP, Clinton speechwriter Dan Schwerin circulated a new draft of a statement the campaign was preparing about Clinton's position, according to WikiLeaks. "This is indeed a hard balance to strike," Schwerin wrote in the email to a handful of top advisers, "since we don't want to invite mockery for being too enthusiastically opposed to a deal she once championed, or over-claiming how bad it is, since it's a very close call on the merits." The next day, as she campaigned in Iowa, the first state to pick candidates during the nominating contest, the campaign released a statement from Clinton saying the pact did not meet the "very high" bar she had set to earn her support. The Clinton campaign declined to verify the authenticity of the latest batch of Podesta emails released by WikiLeaks. Podesta told reporters on Tuesday that the Federal Bureau of Investigation notified him it is investigating the "criminal" hack of his emails published by WikiLeaks as part of a broader political hacking probe. The U.S. government last week formally accused Russia of hacking Democratic Party organizations in an effort to influence the presidential election, a charge Russia has denied. As a result, Clinton campaign officials and supporters have warned that such email releases could include fraudulent or misleading documents among genuine emails. Clinton's October 2015 announcement on the TPP came just a week before the first debate in her primary race against U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, a vocal opponent of the deal. Key Democratic constituencies, such as progressives and organized labor, have also criticized the pact. Clinton had previously declined to say whether she would support the TPP, a main tenet of Obama's strategic pivot to Asia that began when she was his secretary of state from 2009 to 2013, explaining that she wanted to wait to assess the final negotiated terms. "I accept the position we're taking but she has generally been more pro-trade than anti," Clinton strategist Joel Benenson responded to the draft from Schwerin. "While we're opposing this, don't we want to say something generally about ensuring American manufacturers can compete around the world?" EARLY WARREN MEETINGS Clinton's nascent campaign began meeting with advisers to U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren even before Clinton announced her second White House bid, according to the hacked emails. In a January 2015 email sent three months before Clinton officially launched her campaign, Schwerin briefed close aides about a meeting with a longtime policy adviser to Warren, a firebrand leader of the Democratic Party's liberal wing. Warren's team was concerned that Clinton would staff her campaign with economic advisers that were too closely associated with the centrist policies of her husband, former President Bill Clinton, such as those championed by his Treasury secretary, Robert Rubin. The Warren adviser, Dan Geldon, "laid out a detailed case against the Bob Rubin school of Democratic policy makers, was very critical of the Obama administration's choices," Schwerin wrote. Schwerin said he and Geldon went over a list of recommended hires that Warren had sent to Clinton. Geldon told him they would be "watching carefully" to see how Clinton staffed her campaign, Schwerin wrote. "They seem wary - and pretty convinced that the Rubin folks have the inside track with us whether we realize it yet or not," Schwerin wrote of Warren's advisers. Geldon declined to comment on the email. Schwerin also added that Geldon expressed "some flexibility on Glass-Steagall," a Depression-era law that prohibited commercial banks from engaging in risky trading activities that was repealed during Bill Clinton's administration. "Said too big too fail is the bigger issue," Schwerin wrote. Many Democratic activists believe that reinstating Glass-Steagall would help prevent future financial crises such as the one that rocked the U.S. economy in 2008. Warren has said that there are two ways to break up too-big banks, either based on size alone or by instituting a modern version of Glass-Steagall. She introduced a bill in the U.S. Senate to reinstate a version of the law. Clinton weighed supporting a new Glass-Steagall law but eventually rejected that route, announcing a risk-based approach for breaking up banks, according to an email WikiLeaks released on Monday. (Reporting by Amanda Becker; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Lisa Shumaker)
The next album from indie rock band Cloud Nothings has been set for release on January 27, 2017, with uptempo single "Modern Act" made available immediately.

Produced by John Goodmanson, who has worked with Sleater-Kinney and Death Cab for Cutie, the album is intended to be "inspiring," according to frontman and founder Dylan Baldi.

"Life Without Sound" will be Cloud Nothings's fifth studio album, following a long player debut in 2010.

The band is currently engaging in a US tour which runs until February 2017. The following month it lands in Europe with dates in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany, the Netherlands, France, Scotland and England.

"Modern Act" can be heard in streaming media format at soundcloud.com/cloudnothings/modern-act-2
Colombia coca cocaine crops eradication war on drugs

Efforts to staunch the flow of cocaine in recent years have focused on the source  ripping coca plants out of the ground or dousing them with herbicide.

And attacking cocaine production at the source has yielded some success at the beginning of that supply chain.

In 2014, Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru  the drug's three biggest producers  destroyed some 300,000 acres of the crop, up from 15,000 in 1994.

"When you look back, we've seen that there has been a pretty effective interruption of the supply of coca," Tom Wainwright, the former Economist reporter in Mexico City and author of "Narconomics," told Business Insider earlier this year.

But the drag created on the production of the cocaine that's shunted north toward the voracious US market doesn't seem to be reflected in the price of the drug on US streets in recent years.

"The price of cocaine in the United States has hardly moved," Wainwright said. "In the past couple of decades it's been about $150 per pure gram, and that's barely budged, so there's a puzzle there."

The static nature of cocaine prices can likely be explained by the hold cartels and other traffickers have over the cocaine market at its origins  specifically their ability to dictate prices to producers. Wainwright elaborated:

"What's really going on there is that the cartels in parts of South America have what economists call a monopsony, which is like a monopoly of demand for a particular product  they're the main buyers by far." "And what this means is that even when the supply is interrupted or restricted the farmers there aren't able to push up the price in the way that you'd expect, because the cartels there have this kind of Walmart-like grip on the market, which means that they can say, 'Sorry guys, we're the only buyer in this region, the price stays where it is.'"

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Wainwright explained the Walmart comparison in his book. For farmers and manufacturers, "Their complaint is that Walmart and other big chains have such a big share of the groceries market that they are able more or less to dictate terms to their suppliers."

Average US cocaine prices, 1992-2012

"In the same way that a monopolist can dictate prices to its consumers, who have no one else to buy from, a monopsonist can dictate prices to its suppliers, who have no one else to sell to," Wainwright writes.

Walmart, one of the world's biggest retailers, and the drug cartels that control the world's cocaine market are vastly different enterprises  most significantly in that Walmart is a legal business operating in accordance with national and local regulations, while cartels are organized-crime groups operating outside the law.

But they are both businesses, with similar dynamics.

Just as Walmart's suppliers can strain under the low prices that the retailer can dictate, coca farmers are caught between pressure on their crops from authorities and prices dictated by traffickers.

"And so the effect of all these interruptions of supply" from eradication efforts, Wainwright said, "are to really squeeze the farmers. It's not hitting the cartels. It's not hitting the consumers in the States or in Europe. The people that it's really damaging are the farmers who grow this stuff."

'The real drugs millionaires are right here in the United States'

Coca goes through several stages to become cocaine, with value added at each step.

To produce a kilogram (2.2 pounds) of pure cocaine requires about a ton of fresh coca leaf, Wainwright told Business Insider. "It then gets dried out, it weighs a bit less, but that ton of leaf to start with costs only about $400 or $500 in Colombia," he said.

Farmers who process that coca leaf into a base paste and then sell that to traffickers can get about $900 a kilo, an Associated Press report earlier this year found.

Once that paste is turned into cocaine and shipped north, it can fetch between $10,000 and $20,000 a kilo, depending on where it arrives.

Colombia cocaine paste

"Then, by the time it makes it to dealers, it's worth maybe more like $70,000, $80,000, and by the time they cut it into grams, sometimes dilute it, a pure kilo is worth equivalent of about $150,000, so the markup is gigantic," Wainwright said.

The actual price paid by the street-level customer can vary based on location, purity, and other factors. But overall, "You're going from hundreds of dollars to hundreds of thousands of dollars. That's why the profits involved in this business are just so sky-high," he added.

According to Wainwright, the pressure eradication efforts put on cocaine's source have little impact on the consumer. "Imagine that through eradicating coca plants in Colombia, you managed to double the price coca leaf from, say, $400 to $800," he said. If all that extra cost lands on the US buyer, the price of that pure kilo is only $150,400.

"You've increased the cost of the raw material by 100%, and you've only increased the price of final product by less than 1%," Wainwright said. "The economics of the war on drug just don't add up."

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The Price is Right Wheel: Free Spins for the Public In Beverly Hills (Photos)

The first thing you see when you enter the exhibit is a working wheel from The Price is Right.

At the opening party on October 10, the real Drew Cary stood guard. An original table from The Talk makes an instagram-worthy moment. The hosts hit 4-for-5 at this party, missing Sharon Osbourne.

Mrs. O. may have been in London, where she is shooting live weekly episodes of The X Factor UK with Simon Cowell, an under-appreciated reality competition show that airs domestically on AXS TV.

I might have (spun it) like 15 years ago CBS Chief Les Moonves said while eyeing his wife Julie Chen take a spin.

CBS has given away $310 million over the past 30 years on its daytime gameshows and The Talk.

A lot of that has come here: at the Showcase Showdown. Cary posed with a bunch of non-eligible CBS employees:cast of The Young and the Restless and Guiding Light.There is no Beer Pong at the Paley Centeronly Wayne Bradys Lets Make a Deals Car Pong game.

From soap The Young and the Restless, Daniel Goddard has a hard time keeping up with the pace of the writing on the 43-year-old soap.

This exhibit features original scripts from show creator William J. Bell and a press release from decades ago announcing that this new daytime series will focus more on the man-woman relationship.

From soap The Young and the Restless, Daniel Goddard has a hard time keeping up with the pace of the writing on the 43-year-old soap.

This exhibit features original scripts from show creator William J. Bell and a press release from decades ago announcing that this new daytime series will focus more on the man-woman relationship. Winsor Harmon (The Bold and the Beautiful) strolled the costume gallery on the second floor.

You know the well-liked good-guy James OHallran as the male model from The Price is Right. While he is usually at CBS Television City, his cardboard cutout will greet tourists at the corner of Beverly and Little Santa Monica in the 90210.Soap fans will like the bridal gallery of The Young and Restless dresses.

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One factoid in the exhibit relates that a single female character has had 18 weddings in the shows history.

Julie Chens self-embraced nickname The Chenbot, for her repetitive on-camera hosting tics, came to life in a game of Spot the Fake as The Talk hosts lined up with their 2D stand-ins.

Lee Philip Bell (left) is the matriarch of daytime soaps: She created both The Young and the Restless and The Bold and the Beautiful.

Eric Braeden (right) has 2,509 episodes under his belt in the role of Victor Newman.

Bold and Beautifuls Rome Flynn brought his girlfriend, model Camia Marie to the opening night soiree.

The CBS #1 in Daytime exhibit also recognizes shows that have gone to the great soap set in the sky, like Guiding Light (72 Seasons!).

Former GL star Laura Wright (now on General Hospital) snapped a selfie with The Talks Sheryl Underwood.Ready for the next chapters of daytime TV? Check out TheWraps rankings of Kelly Ripa fill-in co-hosts:
The worlds of comedy and music are about to collide.

Comedy Central has ordered the unscripted stand-up/performance hybrid project The Comedy Jam to series, The Hollywood Reporter has learned.

An extension of the "Comedy Jam" special that aired in August - which is based on the popular Los Angeles live show created by Josh Adam Meyers - the series gives top comedians the chance to play out their rock 'n' roll fantasies.

Each episode showcases stand-ups performing in front of a live audience, where they share memorable moments from their lives that are linked with an iconic hit song. After the telling of each story, the comedians live out their rock star fantasy, performing the song while backed by "The Comedy Jam Band."

Highlights from the special included Saturday Night Live star Pete Davidson performing "Gangsta's Paradise" with a surprise appearance by original artist Coolio, and Adam Devine (Pitch Perfect) singing Blink 182's "All the Small Things." A group performance of "We Are the Champions" closed out the night.

Meyers will exec produce with Mike and Tim Duffy and Joel Gallen, who will also direct. Gary Mann and Ryan Moran are the executives in charge of production for Comedy Central. The series, which hails from Ugly Brother Studios and Tenth Planet, will bow in 2017.

"We have been working under theimpression that what comedians want most is to have television and digital platforms to further their comedy careers," Comedy Central president Kent Alterman said. "It turns out they really just want to be rock stars."

The pickup follows the recent series order for the weekly talk show Problematic With Moshe Kasher.

The Comedy Jam is one of several unscripted series to feature a large musical component. Spike has found success with Lip Sync Battle and is getting ready to launch the spinoff Lip Sync Battle Jr. on sister Viacom network Nickelodeon. TBS recently greenlighted rap-battle series Drop the Mic, and Apple TV will launch the stand-alone Carpool Karaoke series. (Spike also has the similar format Caraoke Showdown.)
By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - There is "extreme risk" to the stability of Democratic Republic of Congo as a deepening political rift over President Joseph Kabila's future will likely spark large-scale violence, the United Nations envoy to the country said on Tuesday. Kabila, in office since 2001, is barred by constitutional term limits from standing for a third term. But the country's electoral commission says logistical and budgetary obstacles will prevent it from organizing a new poll before December 2018. "Actors on all sides appear more and more willing to resort to violence to achieve their ends," Maman Sidikou, head of the 18,000-strong U.N. peacekeeping mission in Congo, known as MONUSCO, told the U.N. Security Council. "While MONUSCO will do everything it can within its mandate to protect civilians, the scope of the threats dramatically outstrip the mission's capabilities," he said. Anger has been simmering for months in Congo over what opponents of Kabila believe are his efforts to hold on to power as other African leaders have done. In March, the U.N. Security Council called on the country to organize a poll this year. Last month anti-government protests in the capital Kinshasa turned violent and dozens of people were killed. The Security Council called on Congolese authorities to exercise maximum restraint and urged the leaders not to exacerbate the situation. A Congolese opposition leader was arrested late on Sunday for his role in anti-government demonstrations last month in which more than 50 people died, the government said on Monday, leading to threats of more protests if he is not released. "The Democratic Republic of Congo has entered a period of extreme risk to its stability," Sidikou said. "The coming period will certainly be extremely difficult, the tipping point in the serious violence could be reached very quickly." Congo, Africa's top copper producer, has been further destabilized by the fall in global commodity prices, which forced the government in June to cut its 2016 budget. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Sandra Maler)
KINSHASA (Reuters) - A wanted warlord in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo has surrendered, five years after he escaped from prison following his conviction for crimes against humanity, the provincial governor said on Wednesday. Gedeon Kyungu, leader of regional separatist group Bakata Katanga, turned himself in with a bout 100 of his fighters at a ceremony in the village of Malambwe on Tuesday, Haut Katanga governor Jean Claude Kazembe said. It was not immediately clear why Kyungu had surrendered, what would happen to him now or whether the staged nature of his return suggested some sort of deal had been agreed. Authorities have struggled for decades to end violence in the east, where militia groups have attacked civilians and plundered vast mineral resources. Kazembe said he thought Kyungu wanted to take part in the government's rebel demobilization program, a scheme that rights activists have criticized for integrating violent insurgent groups into the national army. The region where Kyungu operated before his arrest became known as "the triangle of death" because of the suffering inflicted on civilians there. News of the ceremony organized to mark his surrender angered some campaigners. "The welcome that was reserved for Gedeon was a great disappointment and an insult to all of his victims... Gedeon's place is in prison," the president of the African Association for Human Rights, Jean Claude Katende, told Reuters. A Congolese military court sentenced Kyungu to death in 2009 for his role in killings in the copper-rich Katanga region. Congolese courts can impose the death penalty but no executions have been conducted since 2003 when a moratorium was imposed. He escaped from prison in the provincial capital of Lubumbashi in 2011. U.N. experts said in a 2014 report that he had close ties to high-ranking politicians. The name of his separatist group, Bakata Katanga, means "cut off Katanga" in Swahili. (Corrects paragraphs 1 and 8 and to make clear Congo has a moratorium on executions.) (Reporting by Aaron Ross; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg)
KINSHASA (Reuters) - A wanted warlord in southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo has surrendered, five years after he escaped from prison following his conviction for crimes against humanity, the provincial governor said on Wednesday. Gedeon Kyungu, leader of regional separatist group Bakata Katanga, turned himself in with a bout 100 of his fighters at a ceremony in the village of Malambwe on Tuesday, Haut Katanga governor Jean Claude Kazembe said. It was not immediately clear why Kyungu had surrendered, what would happen to him now or whether the staged nature of his return suggested some sort of deal had been agreed. Authorities have struggled for decades to end violence in the east, where militia groups have attacked civilians and plundered vast mineral resources. Kazembe said he thought Kyungu wanted to take part in the government's rebel demobilisation programme, a scheme that rights activists have criticised for integrating violent insurgent groups into the national army. The region where Kyungu operated before his arrest became known as "the triangle of death" because of the suffering inflicted on civilians there. News of the ceremony organised to mark his surrender angered some campaigners. "The welcome that was reserved for Gedeon was a great disappointment and an insult to all of his victims... Gedeon's place is in prison," the president of the African Association for Human Rights, Jean Claude Katende, told Reuters. A Congolese military court sentenced Kyungu to death in 2009 for his role in killings in the copper-rich Katanga region. Congolese courts can impose the death penalty but no executions have been conducted since 2003 when a moratorium was imposed. He escaped from prison in the provincial capital of Lubumbashi in 2011. U.N. experts said in a 2014 report that he had close ties to high-ranking politicians. The name of his separatist group, Bakata Katanga, means "cut off Katanga" in Swahili. (Reporting by Aaron Ross; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg)
Chicago (AFP) - The Native American tribe at the center of protests against an oil pipeline in North Dakota reacted angrily Wednesday to the resumption of construction on lands the tribe considers sacred.

The US government has twice asked the operators of the Dakota Access Pipeline to voluntarily pause construction near the tribe's reservation, while authorities reconsider the pipeline's route.

The latest request came Monday, after a weekend appellate court decision refusing to compel Energy Transfer Partners to halt construction within 20 miles (32 kilometers) of the disputed area.

The company resumed construction Tuesday, on what the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe says is land that contains ancient and sacred sites. The tribe also contends that the project threatens its drinking water supply.

"They have bulldozed over the burials of our Lakota and Dakota ancestors and have no regard for the sanctity of these places," Dave Archambault, the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe chairman, said Wednesday.

He urged President Obama to take action to stop the company.

"We need him to take action now. Our lives are at risk and the places we hold sacred are at risk. Millions have stood with us in opposition to this pipeline and he must heed their call," Archambault said.

Energy Transfer Partners said the pipeline, which snakes through four states, has complied with the law. The views of tribes that participated in the project planning process were considered, the company said in a statement, adding that the project was "reviewed and approved by highly qualified private and state-employed archeologists."

"We reiterate our commitment to protect cultural resources, the environment and public safety," the company said.

The Dakota Access Pipeline has been the subject of a months-long protest in North Dakota. Native Americans and their supporters have camped outdoors to block the pipeline's route underneath the Missouri River and the adjoining man-made Lake Oahe.

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The standoff has grown into a larger protest movement in the United States, drawing in Indian tribes, environmentalists and advocates for Native Americans.

There have been repeated clashes in the last several months between pipeline workers and protesters. Local authorities have arrested at least 123 people since August.

In a Wednesday email, Morton County Sherriffs office spokeswoman Donnell Hushka characterized the ongoing protests as a "hostile situation" and said officers and media on the scene had encountered "threatening behaviors."

During a protest Monday, actress Shailene Woodley, of the "Divergent" film series, was one of 27 arrested. She was charged with criminal trespass and engaging in a riot, and is due in court on October 24, police said.
berlin

Germany  the country that spawned automotive giants like Volkswagen, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz  hopes to ban vehicles with gas and diesel engines by 2030.

The Bundesrat, the upper house of Germanys parliament, passed a resolution for the nationwide car ban from its highways and streets on Monday, Der Spiegel reports.

The resolution is nonbinding and needs the approval of the European Union, since it would apply to people from other EU countries that come to Germany. About half of all vehicles on Europes roads use diesel fuel.

The proposal also calls for EU nations to review how it taxes certain cars. It's uncertain what that means exactly, but creating a larger tax burden on car manufacturers could encourage them to push more electric vehicles into production.

autobahn germany

According to Der Spiegel, the proposal has gained cross-party support in the Bundesrat.

Germany has already vowed to reduce CO2 emissions 95% by 2050. To help reach that goal, the country created a $1 billion subsidy this year for electric car buyers (only about 0.01% of German car owners currently drive a battery-powered vehicle or hybrid).

Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and BMW all make at least one electric car model. Mercedes-Benz parent company, Daimler, just announced at the Paris Motor Show that it will launch more than 10 electric cars by 2025, and zero-emission vehicles will make up between 15% and 25% of Mercedes sales by then.

The main reason for the car ban resolution is to cut down on pollution, representatives from the Bundesrat said. In recent years, German cities like Stuttgart and Reutlingen have failed to meet the World Health Organization's recommended air quality standards. Cars produce the majority of this carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide pollution.

Other European cities and countries have announced similarly ambitious plans. In July, Paris announced that all drivers with diesel and gas cars made before 1997 will be fined if they drive in the city center on weekdays. By 2020, the ban will cover all cars registered before 2010. London will also ban cars from the city center by 2020.

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While Germany's latest motion is not yet legally binding, it signals hope for a less smog-ridden future.

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Transparency; sunlight; public oversight. These may not be words one associates with Chinas judicial system, with its publicized history of sham trials, forced confessions, and backchannel Communist Party meddling in nominally independent legal decisions. But on Sept. 27, Zhou Qiang, the chief justice of Chinas Supreme Peoples Court (SPC) and head of the countrys judiciary, announced the debut of an impressive new website, the Chinese Open Trial Network. It already boasts full, high-definition videos of over 67,000 criminal, administrative, and civil proceedings. So far that content comes from only a handful of courts, including all open SPC hearings and some carefully selected lower court hearings. According to private Internet behemoth Sina Corp., which operates the site, as many as 3,500 courts will participate by 2018, uploading videos for at least 1 million cases from the nations roughly 12 million per year. Hundreds of thousands of additional videos have already been uploaded to local court websites, but have not yet been integrated into the new platform.

To those familiar with Chinas legal system, the new site is welcome, and counts as the boldest of several recent measures recently taken to enhance judicial transparency. On its face, this level of transparency seems almost radical compared to the United States, where cameras are still generally barred from U.S. federal court proceedings and some state courts. The SPCs likely motive is to persuade Chinese citizens that the countrys judiciary is an efficient, modern institution. Chinese can now use the site to watch an accused drug dealer in Guangdong Province appeal his conviction, take in a contract dispute in the financial center of Shanghai, or even revisit Michael Jordans ill-fated appeal to Chinas highest court in April in an effort to protect his Chinese name against the domestic shoe company that trademarked it. Theres no question that streaming court hearings  despite the initiatives obvious limits, selective implementation, and inadequate protection of the privacy of the participants  will expand public awareness of Chinas courts. It is linked to the powerful Party Central Committees October 2014 stated goal to strive to have the people feel fairness and justice in every judicial case and to strengthen judicial supervision by the public. Yet its unlikely to significantly improve Chinas ailing and often unjust judicial system in the absence of far more basic reforms.

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Although Chinese trial judges have long been concerned about the impact of the media and public opinion on shaping judgments, their key audience continues to be their superiors in the judiciary, not the online viewing masses. The leadership of the court involved must approve all important decisions as well as the streaming of every case; those court leaders must, in turn, please their own superiors in a chain stretching all the way to Beijing. An editorial on judicial standardization in the Communist Partys Peoples Daily, published one day before the new sites public launch, provides a clue to the central governments reasons for placing live cameras in courtrooms nationwide. The article, written by the president of the important High Court of the northeastern city of Tianjin, stressed that judicial supervision, and the standardization it begets, will transmogrify isolated, fragmented, abstract norms into a set of systematic, scientific, and evaluable standards  language that hints at Beijings desire to assert greater control over a vast, dispersed legal system and minimize the plague of every countrys judicial system: inconsistent judgments.

This welcome initiative should be viewed together with Chinas current, ambitious campaign to improve the reputation and compensation of judges and prosecutors by winnowing out the many official legal staff who bear the label of judge or prosecutor, but who do not actually have the competence or reliability to carry out the work expected. Beijing hopes to create a true judicial elite, separate from the regular bureaucracy, and to reduce the distorting impact on lower-court decisions of political interference, corruption, guanxi (relationships), local protectionism, and local Party and government influence. Yet the goal of trimming judicial personnel by well over half has proved challenging. Courts are attempting to do so using a quota system that has in practice favored senior, often less competent officials, and it appears to be creating serious morale problems, contributing to a large number of recent resignations by younger, overworked, and underpaid judges and prosecutors.

Regionalism is also a factor. Despite enormous advances in legal education during the past generation, the quality of Chinas court personnel remains uneven, with less developed localities displaying a significantly lower level of judicial experience and professionalism than major cities, with their higher judicial salaries, educated populations, and frequent, sophisticated commercial disputes. This inequality is bad news for the Peoples Republic; it further undermines public confidence in the system, makes judicial outcomes harder for private actors and government officials to foresee, and promotes meddling in local courts by local Party bosses and others who dont always put the plans and interests of the central government above their own.

In announcing the new national site, Zhou styled streaming as a mechanism to force judges to raise the quality of their trials and their judicial abilities. The hope is that this will increase respect for Chinas judicial process among citizens, who widely mistrust it now. In addition to influencing and educating viewers, the site may also become an instruction tool for training the judiciary itself. Even though China is only beginning to experiment with a precedent-based system, judges preparing for trial should find it useful to watch how colleagues conduct similar cases. Judges need authoritative guidance in many aspects of their work, particularly because Chinese legislation often lacks detail and consistency. For that reason, in recent years the SPC, in addition to issuing authoritative interpretations and other aids for applying legislation, has begun (with much fanfare) to publish a small number of guiding cases to assist lower courts in handling certain archetypal disputes. But in practice, their role has been modest.

Streaming will also challenge prosecutors and lawyers to do (and appear to do) a better job in court. It would be significant, for example, if the new digital spotlight prodded both prosecutors and lawyers to learn how to cross-examine witnesses in court. But that would require the system to compel usually reluctant witnesses to show up for trial while shielding them from the risk of retaliation. (Current rules permit witnesses to give written testimony and escape cross-examination, often called the greatest instrument for the discovery of truth in any legal system.) Yet judicial policy that now seeks to make trials the focal point for court decisions will require Beijing to devote far greater resources to hearings. This in turn will spur existing attempts to develop a system of plea bargaining with Chinese characteristics so that only genuinely contested cases receive full hearings from already-overworked judges. Without it, the judicial hearing system will break down from overload, just as the U.S. system would without plea-bargaining.

Procedural changes of this magnitude, however, will require substantial political as well as economic support from government leaders. Will President Xi Jinping, who early in his administration declared his determination to enable the people to feel that justice is served in every case before the courts, provide the necessary muscle? Without it, no website can prove significant.

Another crucial question is whether lawyers will be allowed to interpret for the general public what the website shows. Without assistance from lawyers, most viewers outside of the legal profession are unlikely to understand what they are seeing on the slick new site. Despite repeated SPC admonitions and some recent progress, Chinese court opinions still often contain too little legal reasoning, instead mostly reciting the basic facts and the ruling. Making sense of judicial outcomes, and explaining procedural issues to the public, will thus require lawyers and other legal experts (whether they are involved in the cases being streamed or not) speaking and writing freely.

To be sure, some criticism of court judgments already occurs on popular mobile app WeChats public-facing accounts, and judges themselves occasionally comment about broadcasted hearings. But a 2013 law bans defense lawyers from broadcasting the situation inside the courtroom via email, blogs, micro-blogs, or other means, which one lawyer complained makes open trials secret. And a spate of recent arrests of rights lawyers  and accompanying smear campaigns in official media  make clear the penalty for activist lawyers who would use the latent power of social media to rally the masses against procedural or substantive injustice. Much will depend on how existing controls are applied in practice against lawyers seeking to comment on the new broadcasts. Revealingly, although the website initiative is supposed to bring sunlight to the judicial process, the online interface currently provides no mechanism for comment beyond feedback on video quality. And newly-released regulations of law firms that stiffen prohibitions against their members resorting to the internet, open letters, and public protests to discuss their cases offer little ground for optimism; indeed, they have just provoked 168 legal experts to deliver an extraordinary open letter of protest to the Ministry of Justice.

In other words, while Chinas plan to broadcast its trials is worth applauding, the extent to which it will stimulate popular understanding and judicial professionalism is uncertain  and there is no guarantee that these developments will lead to public trust, or justice. The countrys judiciary remains suspect among citizens, judges, and prosecutors experience growing dissatisfaction within their ranks, and criminal defendants and their lawyers continue to face almost impossible odds. One thing is clear. If the public cannot understand what it is seeing  and if no lawyers dare explain it to them  then everyday Chinese cannot assist Beijing in acting as checks on local court abuses and in raising judicial standards.

A real turn towards greater professionalism and justice will require a change in Party policy that will welcome lawyers critiques instead of suppressing them. Theres no app for that.

Susan Finder contributed to this article.

STR/AFP/Getty Images
LONDON (Reuters) - Credit Suisse equity strategists said on Wednesday they expected sterling, which has been hit by concerns over Brexit, to fall further against the euro, and tipped buying UK stocks with earnings in Europe.

"The house view is GBPEUR 1.16 in 12 months' time. However, we are slightly more bearish and would now expect GBPEUR to trade down to 1.05 (previously 1.10), having turned bearish on the pair a year ago," the Credit Suisse equity strategy team said in a research note.

"Thus, continue to buy UK-listed Continental European earnings," they added.

Among their favoured stocks in this regard were travel group Thomas Cook, telecoms group Vodafone, home improvement retailer Kingfisher and textile services company Berendsen.

They also upgraded UK small caps to "benchmark" from "underweight".

(Reporting by Sudip Kar-Gupta; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Paris (AFP) - With a wave of hysteria about sightings of "creepy" or "killer" clowns sweeping the United States and far beyond -- forcing McDonald's to limit the appearances of its mascot Ronald McDonald -- AFP asked experts how the phenomenon could have taken such a grip.

How did the 'madness' start?

"Everybody is acting as if this is unprecedented, that it has never happened before," said sociologist Dr Robert Bartholomew, author of "The Martians Have Landed: A History of Media-Driven Panics and Hoaxes".

"But exactly the same thing happened in France in 2014 and it was also fuelled by social media, bogus sightings and video hoaxes. Now it's happening in America people are paying attention. But it was quite intense and violent in France" leading to the arrest or jailing of a dozen teenage "killer clowns".

"The clown scare is a classic social panic involving an exaggerated fear about some evil threatening the public," Bartholomew told AFP.

"I believe what is happening is a reappearance of the 'stranger danger' panic of the 1980s.

"Social panics reflect current fears and uncertainties, especially the threat from within posed by strangers, prompted by concerns over terrorists and refugees."

The New Zealand-based academic said while the clown panic may seem like a very modern "outbreak of madness and stupidity", such scares were common long before social media was there to drive them.

"In 1750, a kidnapping panic swept Paris driven by claims that King Louis XV was suffering from leprosy and was having children kidnapped to cure his condition by bathing in their blood. It triggered riots as mobs chased suspected kidnappers through the streets."

Why clowns?

For the last 30 years "the malevolent clown" has become a fixture of popular culture, according to French anthropologist Veronique Campion-Vincent, an expert on how rumours and urban myths spread.

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Chilling characters like Pennywise the clown in Stephen King's novel "It" and the evil clowns in the "Poltergeist" films have helped cement a darker side to clowning.

"Clowns can be seen as creepy because you can't read a clown's face, and 80 percent of communication is non-verbal," Bartholomew argued. "If a person is wearing makeup or a mask, it is hard to know whether they are friend or foe."

Coulrophobia -- the fear of clowns -- may affect as many as one in 10 people, said Matthew Lorber, director of the child and adolescent psychiatry department at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.

Bartholomew said the idea of the "cunning, murdering clown" first emerged in the 18th century and reappeared in the "dark carnival" circus sideshows of Depression-era America.

But their traditional family-friendly image was reasserted by Bozo and Clarabell the Clown, who were huge stars of 1960s US television.

How long will it last?

"It is not a good time to be a clown. Careers are being ruined here," said Bartholomew, who predicted that the scare would die down after Halloween, as it did in France and Belgium in 2014.

However, the #ClownsLivesMatter Twitter campaign launched by Snuggles The Clown -- the professional American "scary clown" Jordan Jones -- came out of a real fear of people getting hurt, the academic said.

"If I were a clown in the US now I would be keeping a low profile. It wouldn't surprise me if the police shoot a clown, there is so much anxiety out there."

That said, he voiced hope that people would see sense. "I think this will eventually go the way of the Hula Hoop and other fads, although there is some life left in it yet."

As to whether the febrile political atmosphere in the US in the run up to the presidential election was also a factor, New York-born Bartholomew joked: "Given that 35 percent of the American public seem willing to vote for Donald Trump, I think we can safely call 2016 the 'Year of the Clown'."

Global fast food giant McDonald's took the rare step of announcing it will limit public appearances by its colourful mascot, saying in a statement to CNN that it would be "thoughtful with respect to Ronald McDonald's participation in community events for the time being".
First the bullpen, then ESPN, and now, Curt Schilling could be heading to the beltway. He joined the FOX Business Networks Mornings with Maria to discuss his potential run for office.

Im thinking about it Ultimately it comes down to what my wife says, but yeah its something Im seriously considering, he said.

The former Boston Red Sox pitcher criticized Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren describing her as a Wall Street girl and then explained why he wants to unseat her.

I think above all else political office is about leading. Its about being able to relay and take a message [and] as a Senator your job is to go to Washington, [and] take the concerns of your constituents in the state. Im clearly not establishment. I think I have a firm grasp of how it works and an understanding of issues and I also look at someone like Elizabeth Warren as one of the reasons why politically we are in the quagmire we are in, he said.

Schilling, known for his epic bloody sock performance during the 2004 ALCS against the New York Yankees, also discussed Donald Trumps locker room talk tape.

First of all half of the stuff he says is a lie, which is what guys do. A lot of guys growing up or older guys will brag about things and exploits that have never happened to be funny, to be cool. And when you listen to the conversation thats exactly what it was, he said.

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By Steve Scherer ROME (Reuters) - Eastern states that continue to refuse to take in refugees to help frontline countries in Europe's migration crisis should have their EU funding cut, Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said on Wednesday. Italy is the main destination for the waves of migrants fleeing violence and poverty in Africa. It is housing 160,000 asylum seekers out of more than 460,000 refugees who have reached its shores from North Africa since the start of 2014, Interior Ministry data show. Of 39,600 refugees due to be relocated from Italy under an EU quota plan, so far only 1,300 have been moved, according to the European Commission. While outlining his priorities for the EU's next summit meeting on Oct. 20-21 in Brussels, Renzi told parliament: "It's necessary that Italy be the promoter of a very tough position toward those countries that have received a lot of money for belonging to the bloc to relaunch their territories, and who are shirking their commitments to relocate immigrants." Poland, Hungary and other formerly communist states are firmly opposed to relocation quotas for refugees and say immigration, especially from the Muslim cultures of the Middle East, would disrupt their homogeneous societies. They also object to paying penalties for not taking people in. The financial transfers to less-developed areas of the EU from which they benefit, and which Renzi was referring to in his comments, absorb a large portion of the current 1-trillion-euro EU long-term budget. The proposal for the next EU budget, for the 2021-27 period, is supposed to be completed by the end of next year. "The positive aspects of belonging to the EU must be balanced by the duties that come with membership," Renzi said. Earlier this month, Hungarians voted over any future EU relocation quotas, with more than 98 percent opposed accepting any such plans. The referendum failed to reach a quorum and so was not valid, but Budapest wants to enshrine the result in Hungary's constitution. Slovakia wants the EU to drop the relocation plan and work on an alternative, Prime Minister Robert Fico said earlier this month. EUROPE 'PARALYZED' Of 66,400 refugee relocations foreseen by the EU from Greece - which has borne the brunt of arrivals from Syria and other parts of the Middle East - so far only 4,600 have taken place, official data shows. Both Italy and Greece were in the top five in numbers of first-time asylum applicants received in the second quarter of this year with Italy, on 27,000, second behind Germany. Renzi had sharply criticized the EU's response to both the immigration crisis and Brexit a month ago after leaders met in Bratislava to chart a way forward following Britain's vote to leave. He echoed that twin criticism on Wednesday, again urging the bloc to come up with a more ambitious relaunch plan. "We thought that the Bratislava summit would come up with an ambitious and important program," Renzi said. Instead, "we had to observe that this frenetic paralysis brought nothing: a banal document with a list of promises unable to face the challenge created by Great Britain's exit." (Reporting by Steve Scherer; editing by John Stonestreet)
Dakota Fannings short leather dress has us seeing stripes in the best way

Ooh la la! Dakota Fanning, star of the upcoming crime thriller American Pastoral, was spotted in New York yesterday evening. She was sporting a super trendy, vertical-striped, leather body-con dress, reminiscent of an art deco Piet Mondrian painting.

Fanning attended a rooftop party held by Save The Children in celebration of International Day of the Girl. As a Save The Children Artist Ambassador, Fanning joined Save The Children president and CEO (Carolyn Miles) and a group of Save The Children scholarship recipients in lighting the Empire State Building red. The red lighting symbolizes the recognition of girls and the unique challenges they face globally.

Both Fanning (and the girls from Save The Children) certainly dressed to impress last night.

dakota striped leather dress

Fannings primary-colored stripes definitely jazz up her classic black 60s-style mini dress. Plus, we have to give Fanning kudos for subtly matching her pop of red with the Empire State Building.

We see you, Dakota. Well played.

Dakota with girls from STC

Weve also fallen hard for Fannings super mod Gianvito Rossi see-through Plexi Pumps.

So stylish. So chic. See-through shoes are very on-trend right now. Check out these more affordable options from Dolls Kill or ASOS.

In a short interview with Save The Children, Fanning stated,

Every girl deserves to follow her dreams no matter where she comes from or what her circumstances are. The first step in doing that is bringing attention to the barriers girls face globally. The second step is empowering young girls to reach their full potential.

Fanning has been working with Save The Children for some time now. In June, Fanning, alongside other notable models and celebrities, was involved in a Gabriela Hearst shoe auction that aimed to raise money for Save The Children.

Once in a lifetime view. Thank you to @empirestatebldg and @savethechildren for having me flip the switch to light such an iconic landmark RED in honor of #internationaldayofthegirl Fellow New Yorkers: Look up tonight! A photo posted by Dakota Fanning (@dakotafanning) on Oct 11, 2016 at 1:39pm PDT

Not only does Fannings charity work inspire us, but her fashion statements make us green (or yellow or red or blue) with envy. You go, Dakota!

The post Dakota Fannings short leather dress has us seeing stripes in the best way appeared first on HelloGiggles.
On Tuesday's Dance Moms, some of the moms made attempts to distance themselves from Abby Lee Miller. Recently Miller, the owner of the popular dance studio and tumultuous personality on the Lifetime reality series, pleaded guilty to bankruptcy fraud. In the episode, Jill and Kendall discussed breaking ties with Miller who was serving as Kendall's manager for her music career. Jill said, "We've been unhappy for sometime now, since Abby has been sitting on an entire album of Kendall's music. So this week our attorney sent word to Abby's attorney that we were going to dissolve our contract with Abby." The two had a discussion that unsurprisingly turned into a shouting match. At one point, Miller bragged that she drove a Hummer and was rich enough to fly around the world. On Tuesday's Dance Moms, some of the moms made attempts to distance themselves from Abby Lee Miller. Recently Miller, the owner of the popular dance studio and tumultuous personality on the Lifetime reality series, pleaded guilty to bankruptcy fraud. In the episode, Jill and Kendall discussed breaking ties with Miller who was serving as Kendall's manager for her music career. Jill said, "We've been unhappy for sometime now, since Abby has been sitting on an entire album of Kendall's music. So this week our attorney sent word to Abby's attorney that we were going to dissolve our contract with Abby." The two had a discussion that unsurprisingly turned into a shouting match. At one point, Miller bragged that she drove a Hummer and was rich enough to fly around the world. The argument spilled from dance rehearsals all the way to the time after a dance competition. It ended with the two threatening to finish the fight with their lawyers. The two had a discussion that unsurprisingly turned into a shouting match. At one point, Miller bragged that she drove a Hummer and was rich enough to fly around the world. The argument spilled from dance rehearsals all the way to the time after a dance competition. It ended with the two threatening to finish the fight with their lawyers.


Dato' Kamil Othman has been entrusted as the Vice President of AFCNet.

12 Oct  Dato' Kamil Othman, the Director General of National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), has once again been elected as the Vice President of Asian Film Commissions Network (AFCNet).



Kamil will be holding the role for another consecutive term, from 2016 to 2018, as revealed in a post on FINAS' Facebook page.



"As we have arrived at the era of cinema on the go, technology is playing highly significant role in content creation," said Kamil in his acceptance speech, while also extending his gratitude towards the members' full support.



"We must not forget how essential storytelling is in this aspect that could be strategically extended into teaching, training, educating and also into social engineering."



By becoming one of the active members of AFCNet, Malaysia forms a strong partnership with foreign countries, making it an essential platform in driving the new domestic ecosystem. By bringing potential foreign investors into Malaysia, this will generate more international co-productions with local companies, a move forward that the FINAS Director General has always lauded.



Following his re-election, the AFCNet Vice President will continue to represent Malaysia at the Asian Content Business Summit (ACBS), which he has been actively involved in since 2010.



AFCNet is Asia's largest non-profit international film-related organisation, which facilitates information sharing among its 59 members from 18 countries including Korea, China, India and Japan.



Headed by Busan Film Commission as the chair organisation, AFCNet celebrates its 12th anniversary in 2016.
The daughter of legendary MMA fighter Fedor Emelianenko was attacked in Moscow after her father criticized Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov support of childrens MMA fights.

The teenage daughter of heavyweight legend Fedor Emelianenko was attacked and hospitalized in Moscow in what appears to be in response to Emelianenkos criticism of child MMA fights in Chechnya hosted by Chechen dictator Ramzan Kadyrov.

The original reports suggested that the victim was the daughter of a famous heavyweight. However, Bloody Elbow confirmed with multiple sources that the girl was Emelianenkos daughter.

According to a report by Moscow publication MKRU, the 16-year-old was assaulted by several individuals while walking home from school late last wek. The attack left the girl with several bruises, but she returned to her home in Moscow and remained there through the weekend. However, the pain did not subside and was taken to the hospital by her mother. She was transferred to the Research Institute of Childrens Emergency Surgery and Traumatology, where she was diagnosed with contusion of the chest and abdomen.

The article suggested that Emelianenkos daughter refused to cooperate with police and identify her attackers.

This all comes after Emelianenko lampooned the MMA fights that Kadyrov had his three preteen sons compete in back on October 9. His heavy-handed condemnation of the event caused an investigation by the Kremlin and the Commissioner for Childrens Rights in the Russian Federation. Apparently, this drew the ire of those around Kadyrov as well as some harsh responses from members of the Akhmat Fight Club.
Kratom_Pills

The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) is reversing its intent to ban kratom, a move some experts call "shocking," the Washington Post reported.

The DEA announced a temporary federal ban on kratom  a Southeast Asian plant used to alleviate pain and stress and sometimes used as a stimulant  on August 31.

The organization said it was planning to list kratom's active ingredients as Schedule I within the Controlled Substances Act.

Schedule I substances have both a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use in the US.

Usually crushed and mixed into water or taken as a pill, kratom has gained popularity in recent years as an alternative painkiller to opioids. As such, the DEA's move to ban kratom made some advocates livid.

The DEA is withdrawing its notice of intent to ban the drug, according to a preliminary note on the Federal Register, set to be published in full Friday.

"DEA has received numerous comments from members of the public challenging the scheduling action, and requesting that the agency consider those comments and accompanying information before taking further action," the DEA's acting administrator Chuck Rosenberg wrote in the note.

Kratom_tree

More than 120,000 people have also signed a petition asking the White House to keep kratom off Schedule I.

One of the main issues with kratom, however, is that not much research exists on the plant's effectiveness or safety. As has been the case for marijuana since it was listed as Schedule I decades ago, kratom would be difficult to study if classified in the same way.

The DEA is asking the FDA to conduct a "scientific and medical evaluation and scheduling recommendation" for the active compounds in kratom, which will form the basis of the DEA's decision how to schedule kratom. The DEA also opened up a comment period until December 1.

John Hudak, a drug policy expert at The Brookings Institution, told The Washington Post Wednesday that the DEA's move is "shocking."

Story continues

"The DEA is not one to second-guess itself, no matter what the facts are," he said.

NOW WATCH: EX-UNDERCOVER DEA AGENT: What I did when drug dealers asked me to try the product





More From Business Insider


By Nicole Craine KINSTON, N.C. (Reuters) - Rivers swollen by rainfall from Hurricane Matthew rose dangerously higher in North Carolina on Wednesday, prompting officials to go door to door urging residents to leave as a wide swath of the state faced its worst flooding in 17 years. Floodwaters have swamped areas across the central and eastern part of the state, where drownings in recent days have brought the death toll to 19. That figure represents more than half of the deaths in the U.S. Southeast linked to the fierce Atlantic storm, which killed around 1,000 people in Haiti and displaced hundreds of thousands as it tore through the Caribbean last week. Matthew caused an estimated $10 billion in total U.S. property losses, about $5 billion of which are insured, according to a preliminary estimate by Goldman Sachs. The damages continue to mount in North Carolina. Flooding has killed up to 5 million poultry birds, most of them chickens, in a blow to the local economy, said North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality Secretary Donald van der Vaart. The floodwaters have forced more than 3,800 residents to flee to shelters, closed down stretches of major interstate highways and shuttered 34 school systems, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory told reporters in Raleigh. Emergency officials rescued dozens of people on Wednesday from flooded homes in areas including Robeson and Pender counties. There were no official estimates as to the number of people and homes still in harm's way in the state. Matthew's aftermath drew comparisons to Hurricane Floyd, which triggered devastating floods in North Carolina in 1999 and caused more than $3 billion in damages in the state. In Kinston, where the Neuse River is expected to peak on Saturday at almost twice the 14-foot (4.3 meter) flood stage and just shy of the Floyd record, city officials warned residents not to be fooled by the water's gradual rise. "Its not like its a tidal wave thats coming. Its a slow rise," city manager Tony Sears said in a phone interview. But, he added, "in the next 24 hours, its not whether I should go or not, its when you should go." Residents should be prepared to be out of their homes for more than a week, Sears said, with river levels expected to remain elevated into next week. Kinston resident Toby Hatch, 60, who lived through Floyd and Hurricane Irene, which destroyed his home in 2011, heeded the city's evacuation order this week and headed to a shelter. "I didnt really want to leave, but I was already looking at enough water that I was trapped," he said. Evacuations also continued in Greenville, where the Tar River was 10 feet (3 meters) above flood stage and forecast to crest even higher by Friday. Flooding has forced the city's airport to close and classes were canceled for the week for East Carolina University's 28,000 students. In Goldsboro, where the Neuse River peaked on Wednesday at a record level, Tony Rouse, 56, had taken refuge at an elementary school with his wife. His home lost power and all the roads leading to it were inundated, he said. "It's kind of boring," he said of life at the shelter, "but it beats not being able to eat." (Additional reporting by Gene Cherry; Writing by Colleen Jenkins; Editing by Bill Trott and Tom Brown)
By Pamela Barbaglia and Sophie Sassard

LONDON (Reuters) - Deutsche Bank promoted a group of its senior investment bankers on Tuesday, part of an internal reshuffle as it tries to boost its flagging performance in corporate mergers and acquisitions and capital markets.

The German bank, threatened with a multi-billion-dollar fine from U.S. regulators, saw its global investment banking fees fall nearly 30 percent to $2 billion (1.63 billion) in the first nine months of the year, slipping behind its nearest European rival Barclays to seventh position in the investment banking league tables, according to Thomson Reuters data.

But Alasdair Warren, the bank's head of corporate and investment banking for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) told Reuters he's confident the German lender can recover some lost ground over the next 12 months, particularly in equity capital markets (ECM), and he is making a series of changes to the investment bank's structure.

"We're confident that we can rise back up in the ECM league tables," said Warren, a former co-head of the global private equity advisory business at Goldman Sachs, who joined Deutsche in May this year.

Deutsche Bank has seen fees from global equity products take the biggest hit in the first nine months of year with a 45 percent decline to $328 million. In the same period its global M&A fees went down 31 percent while fees attached to global loans and bonds slipped 36 percent and 14 percent respectively.

The bank's share price has almost halved this year, prompting speculation that it could lose some of its top investment bankers.

Last week its global co-head of real estate, gaming and lodging Massimo Saletti left to join JPMorgan while on Tuesday sources with direct knowledge of the matter said its Asia Pacific wealth management head Ravi Raju is moving to UBS.

But Warren has promised to reward those in his division who stay at the bank with "career opportunities" despite having a limited budget for expensive rainmakers.

Story continues

He is trying to shift the investment banking business to focus more on providing clients with long-term advisory services in dealmaking.

"Previously, there was a greater focus on markets and financing-related products, whereas we're now focussing on building long-term strategic dialogue and relationships, and refocusing our client coverage," he said.

He announced a series of changes to staff on Tuesday including promoting Bob Douglas to head its EMEA consumer and retail corporate finance team, where he has been working for the last decade. Douglas will continue to report to Scott Bell, global co-head of consumer, who has been given an additional role as the head of UK and Ireland corporate finance.

In Britain Charles Wilkinson, co-head of UK corporate broking, becomes chairman of the division, while Matt Hall succeeds Wilkinson as co-head of UK corporate broking alongside Andrew Tusa.

These appointments are aimed at revamping Deutsche's UK business with some bankers, including Bell and Tusa, also joining a new leadership group for UK corporate and investment banking.

"PEOPLE AGENDA"

Meanwhile Warren has tried to address gaps in Deutsche's dealmaking capacity across Europe. For example the bank had no one based in its home country to look after the industrials sector, the biggest source of deals in Germany.

"We have great product capability and geographical coverage but we need to add resources to some of our sector coverage teams," he said.

"Most of what we are doing will be driven by our existing people, but we will make a few external hires to add to our coverage in certain sectors," he added.

So far this year the bank has failed to rank among the top three advisors for the biggest announced deals in each industry, according to Thomson Reuters data, and was unable to advise Bayer on its $66 billion takeover of Monsanto, the biggest deal ever clinched by a German buyer, having pledged loyalty to a rival suitor.

Warren said he has a "people agenda" and while pay remains important he will also use "career opportunities" to motivate staff.

"In order to attract and retain talent, you can't simply focus on compensation," he said.

"We have a 'people agenda' and it's all about offering people the opportunity to grow and develop as professionals. We evaluate their performance twice a year and monitor their progress."

EFFICIENCIES

Among other changes aimed at streamlining the business, Warren has decided to merge the bank's maritime industries business into the global industrials group within corporate finance, appointing Craig Fuehrer as global head of maritime industries in addition to his role as head of transportation industries across the Americas.

At the same time Michael Zolotas becomes head of maritime industries across EMEA, while Peter Illingworth continues in his role as head of maritime industries in Asia Pacific. Klaus Stoltenberg becomes chairman of the global shipping business, having hitherto been global head of the same unit.

Deutsche Bank is also seeking to develop more cooperation among its funds teams, replicating a similar structure to that implemented by Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan where private equity teams work alongside those focussing on sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and family offices.

As a result Evans Haji-Touma and Ashok Pandit have been appointed as global co-heads of sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and family offices, to be based in London and Hong Kong respectively.

They will report to Mike Walsh and Adam Bagshaw globally, who act as co-heads of private equity across the world, and to Alasdair Warren and James McMurdo regionally.
By Pamela Barbaglia and Sophie Sassard LONDON (Reuters) - (In this October 11 story Deutsche Bank says it has changed the reporting lines of Evans Haji-Touma and Ashok Pandit referred to in last paragraph but has corrected an earlier statement that said they have been promoted to global co-heads of sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and family offices) Deutsche Bank promoted a group of its senior investment bankers on Tuesday, part of an internal reshuffle as it tries to boost its flagging performance in corporate mergers and acquisitions and capital markets. The German bank, threatened with a multi-billion-dollar fine from U.S. regulators, saw its global investment banking fees fall nearly 30 percent to $2 billion in the first nine months of the year, slipping behind its nearest European rival Barclays to seventh position in the investment banking league tables, according to Thomson Reuters data. But Alasdair Warren, the bank's head of corporate and investment banking for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) told Reuters he's confident the German lender can recover some lost ground over the next 12 months, particularly in equity capital markets (ECM), and he is making a series of changes to the investment bank's structure. "We're confident that we can rise back up in the ECM league tables," said Warren, a former co-head of the global private equity advisory business at Goldman Sachs, who joined Deutsche in May this year. Deutsche Bank has seen fees from global equity products take the biggest hit in the first nine months of the year with a 45 percent decline to $328 million. In the same period its global M&A fees went down 31 percent while fees attached to global loans and bonds slipped 36 percent and 14 percent, respectively. The bank's share price has almost halved this year, prompting speculation that it could lose some of its top investment bankers. Last week its global co-head of real estate, gaming and lodging Massimo Saletti left to join JPMorgan while on Tuesday sources with direct knowledge of the matter said its Asia Pacific wealth management head Ravi Raju is moving to UBS. But Warren has promised to reward those in his division who stay at the bank with "career opportunities" despite having a limited budget for expensive rainmakers. He is trying to shift the investment banking business to focus more on providing clients with long-term advisory services in dealmaking. "Previously, there was a greater focus on markets and financing-related products, whereas we're now focusing on building long-term strategic dialogue and relationships, and refocusing our client coverage," he said. He announced a series of changes to staff on Tuesday including promoting Bob Douglas to head its EMEA consumer and retail corporate finance team, where he has been working for the last decade. Douglas will continue to report to Scott Bell, global co-head of consumer, who has been given an additional role as the head of UK and Ireland corporate finance. In Britain Charles Wilkinson, co-head of UK corporate broking, becomes chairman of the division, while Matt Hall succeeds Wilkinson as co-head of UK corporate broking alongside Andrew Tusa. These appointments are aimed at revamping Deutsche's UK business with some bankers, including Bell and Tusa, also joining a new leadership group for UK corporate and investment banking. "PEOPLE AGENDA" Meanwhile Warren has tried to address gaps in Deutsche's dealmaking capacity across Europe. For example the bank had no one based in its home country to look after the industrials sector, the biggest source of deals in Germany. "We have great product capability and geographical coverage but we need to add resources to some of our sector coverage teams," he said. "Most of what we are doing will be driven by our existing people, but we will make a few external hires to add to our coverage in certain sectors," he added. So far this year the bank has failed to rank among the top three advisors for the biggest announced deals in each industry, according to Thomson Reuters data, and was unable to advise Bayer on its $66 billion takeover of Monsanto , the biggest deal ever clinched by a German buyer, having pledged loyalty to a rival suitor. Warren said he has a "people agenda" and while pay remains important he will also use "career opportunities" to motivate staff. "In order to attract and retain talent, you can't simply focus on compensation," he said. "We have a 'people agenda' and it's all about offering people the opportunity to grow and develop as professionals. We evaluate their performance twice a year and monitor their progress." EFFICIENCIES Among other changes aimed at streamlining the business, Warren has decided to merge the bank's maritime industries business into the global industrials group within corporate finance, appointing Craig Fuehrer as global head of maritime industries in addition to his role as head of transportation industries across the Americas. At the same time Michael Zolotas becomes head of maritime industries across EMEA, while Peter Illingworth continues in his role as head of maritime industries in Asia Pacific. Klaus Stoltenberg becomes chairman of the global shipping business, having hitherto been global head of the same unit. Deutsche Bank is also seeking to develop more cooperation among its funds teams, replicating a similar structure to that implemented by Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan where private equity teams work alongside those focusing on sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and family offices. As a result two managing directors focusing on sovereign wealth funds and pension funds, Evans Haji-Touma in London and Ashok Pandit in Hong Kong, will report to Mike Walsh and Adam Bagshaw globally, who act as co-heads of private equity across the world, and to Alasdair Warren and James McMurdo regionally. (Editing by Greg Mahlich)
Disney just changed its rules for being a princess, feminists everywhere REJOICE

I could write a thousand stories about my love for Disney princesses. Okay maybe not a thousand, but you get the gist! Growing up, almost every little girl wanted a glass slipper like Cinderella, sass like Ariel (THE Little Mermaid), and can we all agree that Snow White and her seven dwarfs were the original #squadgoals?

Well now, Disney illustrators are flipping the narrative on its head and creating new standards to look up to!

Disney commissioned parenting expert Judy Reith to analyze Disney Princesses such as Belle (Beauty and the Beast), Rapunzel (Tangled), and Tiana (The Princess and the Frog), before putting together a list of qualities and traits. These characteristics were then presented to a panel of over 5,000 parents. The parents then ranked the list based on the features they felt were most important for their children to look up to.

Excited to have been working with @disney on this poster bringing together ten Princess Principles which will be given away for free in stores and online. For little and big people to enjoy on the walls of wherever they call home. A photo posted by katemoross (@katemoross) on Oct 6, 2016 at 5:38am PDT

Afterward, Kate Moross, Rose Blake, and Kate Forrester (UKs leading illustrators) were tapped to create wall art for Disneys Dream Big Princess campaign, which outlines ten new modern-day princess principles. These posters are free through Disney stores across the country and online to download as a free downloadable print.

Heres what Kate Moross had to say about the project:

Disney is as much a part of my life now as it was when I was little. Anyone that knows me will know this chance to collaborate with Disney is a dream come true. It has been really fun to bring to life these principles, and I hope that it will be enjoyed by big and little people on the walls of wherever they call home.

Care for others, don't judge a book by its cover and believe in yourself! Poster I designed for @disneyuk showing the qualities of a modern day princess! A photo posted by @kateforrester999 on Oct 7, 2016 at 1:30am PDT

For the first time ever, Disney is defining what it means to be a modern Princess  tiara and/or Prince not required!

Story continues

Don't forget to go to DisneyInspired.co.uk to download a free copy of my @disneyuk #DreamBigPrincess poster or to your nearest UK Disney Store to pick up a free print A photo posted by rose blake (@iamroseblake) on Oct 8, 2016 at 4:56am PDT

BRB. We are contacting every little girl we know so this can be framed in their rooms!

The post Disney just changed its rules for being a princess, feminists everywhere REJOICE appeared first on HelloGiggles.
Many people take it for granted that when they visit a doctor's office, stop at a pharmacy or go to the dentist, at least some of the staff members will look like them. For some patients, it may not matter much whether health providers resemble them by race, ethnicity or sexual orientation. But for others, diversity (or lack of) could determine whether they seek or shun the health care system.

Read on as experts describe the consequences of the diversity gap among health care providers, researchers and leaders -- and how greater inclusiveness is better for patients.

[See: 14 Things You Didn't Know About Nurses.]

Lagging Life Expectancy

With persistently shorter life spans, black Americans are at a disadvantage, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A breakdown by race and ethnicity from the Kaiser Family Foundation showed that in 2009, African-Americans had a life expectancy of about 74.5 years compared to nearly 79 years for whites, almost 83 years for Latinos and a high of 86.5 years for Asian-Americans.

Boosting the diversity of providers in the U.S. health care industry could be a tool for bridging the gap from shortest to longest life spans, says Dr. Douglas Garland Jr., trained as a health scientist and also a board member for the Association of Black Health Professionals, a recently formed interest and advocacy group.

The group's mission is to increase the use of black doctors, pharmacists, dentists, nurses and others who work directly with patients. In addition to more recruitment and hiring of clinicians, the ABHP is advocating for employers such as hospital systems, both public and private, health agencies and pharmacy chains to expand black presence and build more diversity in leadership positions.

A recent study conducted by the association looked for a connection between states with a higher proportion of black Americans working in the health care industry and higher life expectancy trends. The early study suggests a correlation, Garland says, although the study does not show cause and effect.

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Doctors, Nurses and Leaders Who Look Like Me

From a patient's immediate perspective, is it important to see clinicians who resemble them? "For the majority of Americans, the answer is no," Garland says. "They should not pick a clinician who necessarily looks like them. That doesn't have to be a prerequisite, shall we say? There are many people in American who get very great care notwithstanding the ethnicity of their clinician, be it a pharmacist, nurse, physician or any other clinical provider."

But concerns about discrimination and mistrust of the health system exist, causing some people to avoid it altogether outside of dire emergencies. "There are Americans who are unwilling to engage in the health care system," Garland says. "We believe that workforce diversity is one of the many tools that can help them re-engage, particularly the frequency they engage with the health care system at the appropriate time -- preventively as opposed to waiting until the last minute."

It's not just about the hands-on providers with whom patients deal directly, but administrators and other staff members as well, Garland adds: "When patients walk into an institution and they see from top to bottom there are people who look like them, that helps promote trust and confidence in the system."

If you want to see more diverse providers in health facilities serving your community, Garland suggests dropping a line to facility administrators and to your elected officials.

[See: How Social Workers Help Your Health.]

Mental Health Barrier

As a child psychologist, Dr. Alfiee Breland-Noble, an associate professor of psychiatry at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, works with young people with mental health issues. In the realm of mental health professionals, Breland sees two especially salient gaps. One is the lack of diversity among those who conduct research in the treatment and prevalence of mental illness. On the clinical side, there's a dearth of providers available to meet the needs of a diverse population.

Among teens, 11 percent have had a major depressive episode in the past year. African-American youth get less specialty care, have lower rates of treatment completion, spend less time in treatment and are less likely to get treatment specific to their mental health disorder, Breland-Noble told journalists attending a National Press Foundation conference on mental health in September.

As a federally funded researcher, Breland-Noble feels strongly about the need to increase the diversity of people who lead research along with patients involved in studies. "That's where it starts with me," she says in an interview. "If we're going to have better treatment, we've got to have really strong research. If we're going to have really strong research, we want it to be more generalizable. And to get there, we've got to bring more people into the fold. At the leadership level and in terms of who participates."

Practitioners from any background can improve their cultural competence, says Breland-Noble, who has taught it. Cultural competence encompasses a few broad areas, she says. One is a knowledge base of different U.S. populations; for instance, the experience of Latino people depending on whether they're of Caribbean, Central American or South American origin.

Awareness is another piece -- how you view yourself in relation to other groups and your own personal experiences and biases. For African-American patients, faith is often part of the community, although it's more significant for some than others, Breland-Noble notes. "As a provider, what is my experience and level of comfort in talking about my faith?" she says. "Am I comfortable sharing my own? Am I comfortable letting the patient share his or hers with me?"

Providers who are themselves part of a community probably have a head start relating to patients, she says. For example, an LGBTQ doctor could have personal experience coming out that another doctor might lack but could learn more about by talking to his or her colleague.

[See: 10 Reasons to See a Physician Assistant.]

"You want a diversity of perspective and a diversity of experience," Breland-Noble says. "That's the best for patients. Patients don't have to have, I think, somebody who looks exactly like them. What they do have to have is someone who's willing to understand and who has taken the time to gain enough of a skill set that they're open to working with people who are different from them."

Lisa Esposito is a Patient Advice reporter at U.S. News. You can follow her on Twitter, connect with her on LinkedIn or email her at lesposito@usnews.com.
By Dan Whitcomb (Reuters) - A documentary maker who was filming as environmental protesters attempted to shut down the flow of oil through pipelines carrying crude from Canada to the United States was arrested and her footage confiscated, activists said on Wednesday. Deia Schlosberg, producer of the 2016 film "How to Let Go of the World and Love All the Things Climate Can't Change", was taken into custody on Tuesday as an "accessory" to the action despite serving only to document it, said Kyle Cadotte, managing director of the International WOW film company. Cadotte said Schlosberg remained in custody in Pembina County, North Dakota on Wednesday and had not been allowed to speak to an attorney. A spokeswoman for the Pembina County Sheriff's Office confirmed that Schlosberg was being held at the jail but declined to release any further information, referring calls from a Reuters reporter to State's Attorney Ryan Bialas. Bialas could not immediately be reached for comment on Wednesday. Protesters on Tuesday broke into valve stations at five remote locations to stop the flow of crude through arteries that pump around 15 percent of the oil consumed in the United States every day. Companies operating the pipelines shut down their lines for between five and seven hours as a safety measure before restarting them, according to Reuters estimates and company representatives. The action on Tuesday underscored the vulnerability of the thousands of miles of pipeline in the United States that deliver energy to consumers. Together, the pipelines have the ability to carry nearly 2.8 million barrels a day of crude across the Canadian-U.S. border. Schlosberg produced on "How to Let Go of the World" with Josh Fox, whose 2010 documentary on fracking, "Gasland" was nominated for an Academy Award. "Whatever you think about the protests, you cannot believe that a person who is simply reporting - freedom of the press, the First Amendment - shooting the protests should be arrested and their footage confiscated. This is an outrage," Fox said in a videotape posted on his Facebook page. Fox called Schlosberg's arrest, along with that of actress Shailene Woodley at a demonstration against the Dakota Access Pipeline near St. Anthony, North Dakota, an attack on the free press. Woodley was taken into custody on Monday, along with 27 other protesters, on misdemeanor charges of criminal trespass and engaging in a riot, according to a spokesman for the Morton County Sheriff's Office. She was later released on bond. (Reporting by Dan Whitcomb; Editing by James Dalgleish)
What a time for Donald Glover. After his FX show Atlanta was recently renewed for a second season, and with a possible album from rap alter ego Childish Gambino on the way, the actor/rapper has now reportedly welcomed his first child.

According to Us Weekly, the 33-year-old was spotted in Hawaii with his unidentified partner, who flaunted a baby bump while the pair were grocery shopping in January. The private couple were also seen in New York City in May, where the girlfriend was pushing a stroller with the baby.

Fatherhood adds to Glover's lengthy list of accomplishments. He previously played Troy Barnes in the NBC hit Community and was a writer for 30 Rock for three years. He created, executive produces and stars as Earnest Marks (who also has an infant daughter on the show) in Atlanta, which follows a Princeton University dropout and his cousin, Alfred "Paper Boi" Miles, on their pursuit of success in the Atlanta rap scene.

In September, the rapper hosted a three-night series of Pharos shows, where he previewed new music and visuals in Joshua Tree, California. In 2015, his 2013 effort Because The Internet was nominated for a Grammy for Best Rap Album.

Details about the baby's birth date and gender have yet to be revealed. Reps for Glover did not immediately return Billboard's requests for comment.
(Facebook/Caitlin Brassington)

For the past 18 years, Australian mother of three Caitlin Brassington has worked as a pediatric and child health nurse. She has had a full career thats included holding patients hands as theyve taken their last breath, bringing babies into the world, performing CPR and, well, saving lives. But when she was referred to as just a nurse by an acquaintance earlier this week, it was the final straw.

Over my 18 year career I have heard this phrase many, many times, but today it got to me. Am I just a nurse? she asked in an open letter written on Instagram that was cross-posted to Facebook.

In the post, she lists the many reasons why calling someone just a nurse really isnt fair.

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I have helped babies into the world, many of whom needed assistance to take their first breath, and yet I am just a nurse. I have held patients hands and ensured their dignity while they take their last breath, and yet I am just a nurse. I have counselled grieving parents after the loss of a child, and yet I am just a nurse. I have performed CPR on patients and brought them back to life, and yet I am just a nurse.

She outlines the many aspects of her job, both big and small as well as the sacrifices  like missing Christmas Day with her family  that come with just being a nurse.

I will miss Christmas Days, my childrens birthdays, and school musicals to come to work to care for your loved one, and yet I am just a nurse.

In an interview with ABC News 24 in Australia, Brassington discussed the post, blaming history for the way society undervalues roles like being a nurse, a teacher, a parent and so on.

I dont think any profession should have the word just in front of it, she said. Many of my friends in the past have called themselves just a stay-at-home mom and I think that role is enormous.

(Instagram/caitbrassington)

Immediately after putting up the post, Brassington wondered if she had been a little too hasty with her remarks but now shes happy that she did and says that the response has been overwhelming.

The support, appreciation, recognition and love for nurses has been, and continues to be, truly humbling, she told ABC News. We are not a profession that very often stands up and says: Look at me  tell me what a good job I am doing. And I think, because of this, we rarely actually hear what the greater community sees in us.

So many of the comments have touched me.

What do you think of Brassingtons open letter? Let us know by tweeting to @YahooStyleCA.




While campaigning in Iowa Tuesday night, Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence advised a supporter against staging a revolution in the event that Hillary Clinton is elected president.

The call to action came from a woman named Ronda, who explained that shes been on social media all day, every day, nonstop, since last June pushin Trump. She said she became very concerned about voter fraud.

Our lives depend on this election, our kids futures depend on this election, she said. If Hillary Clinton gets in, I myself, Im ready for a revolution because we cant have her in.

Dont say that, Pence interjected, attempting to temper her outrage with a slight wave of his hand.

But Ronda was not easily rebuffed.

No, Im like Trump, she said, eliciting applause and a few cheers from the crowd. Do I not speak for people here? Am I not saying the truth, guys? Come on.

The Indiana governor has spent the past several days rejecting rumors that he might ditch Donald Trumps ticket amid controversy over a 2005 recording of a then newly married Trump making lewd comments about groping women, among other things.

Pence stated over the weekend that he was offended by the words and actions described by Donald Trump in the eleven-year-old video.

Still, Pence made clear Tuesday night that although hes committed to stand by his man, he would do so on his terms. Whereas the brash billionaire at the top of the ticket may have gone on another one of his riffs about the election being rigged, Pence told Ronda to stay focused on the election.

Theres a revolution coming on November the 8th, I promise you, Pence said.

Apparently unsatisfied, Ronda asked, What are we gonna do to safeguard our votes? And Pence offered a rational, albeit dry, response to her concern about voter fraud, which in-depth news investigations have determined is insignificant.

Pence said the best way to ensure that our elected officials are upholding the principle of one person, one vote is to be involved in the election process.

If you are concerned about voter integrity and you havent signed up to be a poll watcher, to volunteer at a polling place, to be a part of the integrity of that process, then you need to do it, he said.
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The southern right whale was given its name because tragically, it was the "right" whale for whaling. The animals tended to swim close to shore, making them easy marks for whalers who hunted them to the brink of extinction.

Thanks to drones, researchers are helping the southern right whale make a comeback while keeping an eye on the effects of climate change.

SEE ALSO: Climate activists shut down 5 tar sands oil pipelines

Researchers from Murdoch University, supported by WWF Australia, are monitoring the whales as they breed in the Great Australian Bight in the country's south.

Fredrik Christiansen, a researcher at Murdoch University, told Mashable southern right whale populations are recovering, albeit slowly. In Australia, they are thought to number only around 3,500.

Bella's calf on July 3 (top) and September 4 (bottom). The calf grew 1.83 metres (6 foot) in length in two months.

Image: FREDRIK CHRISTIANSEN/MURDOCH UNIVERSITY

"Although the humpback was hunted almost as much, the humpbacks are 10 times as many now as the southern right whale," he said. "They are still endangered. There are still populations in the North Atlantic where they are critically endangered."

When the whales visit Australia, they typically breed and aggregate along the south coast of the country from late May to late October. That gives scientists the opportunity to use drones to monitor their health.

Christiansen said the technology has proved invaluable. "To get this kind of information before you would need a helicopter or a plane  it was expensive, noisy and involved some risk for the operator," he added.

The team fly DJI Inspire 1 Pro drones off the cliffs of the Great Australian Bight with the permission of the Aboriginal Lands Trust, allowing them to minimise disturbance to the animals while getting high resolution images and measurements.

After months of monitoring, the team found female southern right whales lose an extraordinary amount of body mass while feeding and fattening their calves. Some females lose more than half a metre in width roughly, Christiansen explained, while the calves can grow more than two metres (seven foot) in length.

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"When the whales leave, the females look quite emaciated," he said. "There is so much energy being transferred between the female and the calves, especially when they're not feeding." During this time, the mother whales rely entirely on their fat stores.

Maybeline and her calf on July 2 (top) and August 31 (bottom). Maybeline lost 40 cm (16 inches) in width while her calf gained 1.53 metres (5 foot) in length.

Image: FREDRIK CHRISTIANSEN/MURDOCH UNIVERSITY

Ultimately, the team hope to discover how climate change will affect the whales. For example, how krill production in their Antarctic feeding ground  the abundance of which will likely be impacted by the rise in sea temperature and receding sea ice  will affect their condition once they arrive in Australia.

Monitoring these factors can tell scientists about the probability of the whales surviving and reproducing. Southern right whales only calve every three to four years.

"We can also compare our population to other populations to see if the Australian population is doing better," he added.

Bella on July 3 (top) and September 4 (bottom). She lost 31 centimetres (12 inches) in width in 63 days.

Image: FREDRIK CHRISTIANSEN/MURDOCH UNIVERSITY

To continue the work, the WWF is campaigning to raise additional funds.

"This [drone] technology is getting picked up all over the world by whale monitoring groups," Christiansen said. "In a few years, we're going to know the condition of most baleen whale populations around the world."

BONUS: Veteran caught in extreme flooding saved thanks to drone
Ducati Globetrotter 90 Jessica Leyne

Back in July Ducati picked seven riders from 3000 applicants to mark its 90th anniversary by riding a Multistrada 1200 Enduro around the world. Belgian Jessica Leyne, the groups only woman has just crossed Japan to conclude Part Three of the seven-stage Globetrotter 90 trip.

Jessica, 27, (and five feet, two and a half inches tall) is a math teacher and web designer by trade, and a Ducatista by passion. Although delayed by Typhoon Malakas in Japan, she delivered the Multi to the fourth rider in San Francisco. Brazilian Eduardo Generali will ride to Indianapolis, Indiana, on the next leg, documenting the trip in real time by video. The full trip is available at globetrotter90.ducati.com.

Jessica left Tokyo on September 17 and immediately took to the roads of Mount Fuji, the volcano that dominates over the city populated by 35 million. From there she made her way south to the city of Kiushi, Japan. There Jessica visited the Hiroaki Iwashita museum, which houses the worlds only remaining prototype of the Ducati Apollo.

Jessica left Tokyo on September 17 and immediately took to the roads of Mount Fuji, the volcano that dominates over the city populated by 35 million. From there she made her way south to the city of Kiushi, Japan. There Jessica visited the Hiroaki Iwashita museum, which houses the worlds only remaining prototype of the Ducati Apollo.

Jessicas trip was packed with emotional experiences, as she recounts. On Kinki island, she saw the famous Meotoiwa, the married couple rocks, a symbol of love. The stark contrast between modern Osaka and the forests and white beaches she saw en-route proved to be an evocative one, as was the traditional castle in the center of Chuo-ku city. An excellent example of how the ancient can live in the modern, she said. Jess crossed the Pacific, arriving in San Francisco to meet with Eduardo Generali and hand him the bike on October 5th.

Now its the turn of Eduardo, A 28-year-old adventure tour guide, and riding instructor. He hails from Itu, in the State of Sao Paulo in Brazil, and his passion for two wheels was passed on to him by his father. He will travel the roads of the western United States, from California to Indiana in the Midwest. He will visit legendary race tracks such as Laguna Seca and adventurous routes like Pikes Peak in the Colorado mountains, the setting for the famous race to the clouds that Ducati won on three consecutive occasions from 2011 to 2013.

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Jessica faced adversity in the forms of a frozen visor, waist-high mud, and even a fractured wrist, but nothing stood in her way. It was no surprise that when Typhoon Malakas smashed into the Japanese archipelago causing floods and wind gusts up to 100 mph, Jessica, even with her small build (just 162 cm tall), bravely continued her journey with the Multistrada 1200 Enduro barely delayed by the typhoon crossing the Land of the Rising Sun.

Jessica faced adversity in the forms of a frozen visor, waist-high mud, and even a fractured wrist, but nothing stood in her way. It was no surprise that when Typhoon Malakas smashed into the Japanese archipelago causing floods and wind gusts up to 100 mph, Jessica, even with her small build, bravely continued her journey with the Multistrada 1200 Enduro barely delayed by the typhoon crossing the Land of the Rising Sun.

To follow the Globetrotter 90 adventure:

on the official site globetrotter90.ducati.com

on the official Ducati Facebook page

on Twitter Instagram #globetrotter90
* IPO volume more than 100 mln euros -source

* Targeted market cap up to 300 mln euros -source

* Proceeds to be spent on BASF joint venture (Adds equity market conditions, details on renewable plastics)

By Ludwig Burger and Arno Schuetze

FRANKFURT, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Dutch chemical technology firm Avantium will announce an initial public offering (IPO) this week to fund production of plant-based plastics for Coca Cola bottles and Danone yoghurt cups, two people familiar with the plan told Reuters.

Avantium, which earlier tried to float in 2007, and Germany's BASF said last week they would set up a joint venture and build a facility to produce chemical building blocks from plant-based sugars.

The planned market debut comes as uncertainty over China's growth and Britain's Brexit vote have led to jittery markets. Two European companies -- UK gym operator Pure Gym and German real estate company OfficeFirst -- cancelled plans to IPO on Tuesday due to unfavourable conditions.

Avantium - which counts Dutch bank ING, Coca Cola, Danone and various venture capital firms among its owners - plans to raise more than 100 million euros ($112 million) from new shares, valuing the group at up to 300 million euros, one of the sources said.

The proceeds from the Amsterdam IPO, which will be managed by ING and KBC, will foot Avantium's share of the costs of setting up the new facility, the sources said.

Avantium and ING declined to comment, while KBC was not immediately available for comment.

Spun off from Royal Dutch Shell in 2000, Avantium has developed a chemical production procedure that feeds on fructose from plants rather than conventional oil derivatives.

Cost has been a major hurdle to renewable plastics becoming mainstream, but Avantium says its method is cost-competitive.

Its process yields a chemical building block which can be further processed into a bioplastic that the company says is more robust than the widely used PET and can also be used in textiles as well as electronics and automotive components.

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The bioplastic, which will also be used by Mitsui Chemicals , can be recycled by existing PET facilities.

While many consumers prefer renewable-labelled packaging, they are only prepared to pay slightly more than the price of petroleum-based equivalents, analysts say.

Developers of renewable plastics have long focused on genetically engineered microbes that can ferment carbohydrates from plants into chemical building blocks, but non-biologic approaches based on catalysts that enable chemical reactions, such as the one used by Avantium, have also gained traction. ($1 = 0.8928 euros) (Additional reporting by Toby Sterling in Amsterdam; Editing by Georgina Prodhan and Alexander Smith)
CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt's armed forces will hold joint military exercises with their Russian counterparts on Egyptian soil for the first time from Oct. 15-26, Cairo's military spokesman said on Wednesday. Days ago Egypt backed a Russian resolution in the U.N. Security Council on Syria that removed the demand for an end to air strikes on Aleppo stipulated in an alternative French resolution. Both resolutions failed to pass but Egypt's support for the Russian measure put the North African country at odds with its key financial backer, Saudi Arabia, which has opposed Russia's support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad. The joint military training will include drills between Egyptian and Russian paratrooper units in the northwestern region of el-Alamein, Egyptian military spokesman Brigadier General Mohamed Samir said in a statement posted on the Egyptian military's official Facebook page. Russia's Izvestia newspaper said Moscow was in talks to open an air base in Egypt, though Egypt's official Al Ahram newspaper quoted the presidential spokesman on Tuesday saying it would not allow foreign bases on its land. Egypt is negotiating with Russia to restore flights to its Red Sea resorts, a year after the bombing of a Russian airliner carrying holidaymakers back to St Petersburg. Egypt is keen to restore tourism, a key earner of hard currency, which has been in decline since the 2011 uprising ushered in a period of political instability. (Reporting by Mahmoud Mourad; Writing by Eric Knecht and Lin Noueihed; editing by John Stonestreet)
What Were Following

Dumping Trump: By far the biggest story of the weekend was the unfolding scandal over the tape released on Friday in which the Republican nominee bragged about his treatment of women in terms that sounded like sexual assault. The fallout was serious: High-profile Republicans withdrew their support, and even the highest-ranking one in government, Paul Ryan, said hed no longer defend the nomineethough he didnt withdraw his endorsement. Trump has responded with threats and intimidation against his own party members down the ballot. From a candidate who in Sundays debate threatened to jail his political opponent, this looks dangerous.

At the Polls: How are voters taking all this? A PRRI/The Atlantic poll released today shows Hillary Clinton with a double-digit lead over Trump, 49-38. But the effects of Trumps campaign could run much deeper than Election Day, which is exactly a month away. As he continues to spread fears of a rigged election among his supportersdespite clear evidence that voter fraud is extremely rarethe loss of public trust in the political system could seriously damage U.S. democracy. And the latest episode from Samantha Bee demonstrates how deeply election-related outrage has permeated American culture.

Recommended: The Anger of Samantha Bee

Meanwhile, Off the Campaign Trail: In Germany, three Syrian refugees captured a suspected terrorist. Ahead of Yom Kippur, some animal-rights groups protested a Jewish ritual. And in the American Southwest, scientists predicted a drought worse than anything seen during the last 2,000 years.

Some Personnel News: The Atlantic has a new editor in chief. Longtime national correspondent Jeffrey Goldberg is succeeding James Bennet as the head of our print, digital, and video teams, and he plans to dive into the new role the same way hed report a story: by interviewing his staff. Were also looking to the future in our November issue, out today, which centers on how technology shapes the world we live inand the one were about to. From a guide to the robot revolution to the cure for phone addiction, check out the whole issue herestarting with our new cover story, which looks at how social media has begun to play a key role in global warfare.

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Snapshot

A building flooded by Hurricane Matthew is reflected in the water in Lumberton, North Carolina, on October 10, 2016. See more photos of the hurricanes aftermath here. (Sean Rayford / Getty)

Quoted

Wed like to be the chickens choice. If Im a chicken and Im going to be raised by somebody, I want it to be Perdue. Bruce Stewart-Brown, a senior vice president at Perdue Foods

Recommended: What Will Break Peoples Addictions to Their Phones?

If you infected my Mac and recorded me all the time, youd see me sitting at my desk, picking my nose, petting my dog, and occasionally swearing at my computer. However, when I jump on a Google Hangout  thats when things get interesting. Patrick Wardle, a cybersecurity researcher, on how hackers can eavesdrop on video calls

Our power has been challenged, [but] really we are a very strong pillar of the community. The women are stronger than men sometimes. Ghazala Khan, the Gold Star mother who stood up to Donald Trump, on the political power of Muslim women

Evening Read

Amanda Ripley on the state laws against disturbing schoolwhich, in South Carolina, is punishable by up to 90 days in jail or a $1,000 fine:

When teenagers talk back, scream obscenities, or otherwise behave badly, adults must call them out and hold them accountable. Thats how kids learn. In time, most kids outgrow their delinquent ways. Police and policy makers who defend these laws say they make classrooms safer. But the laws have also been used to punish behavior that few reasonable people would consider criminal. Defiance is a typical part of adolescence, so putting teenagers in jail for swearing or refusing to follow an order is akin to arresting a 2-year-old for having a meltdown at the grocery store. It essentially outlaws the human condition. And the vagueness of the laws means they are inevitably applied unevenly, depending on the moods and biases of the adults enforcing them. In South Carolina, black students  are nearly four times as likely as their white peers to be charged with disturbing school.

Keep reading here, as Ripley explores how America came to outlaw adolescence. And read more about how racial profiling can affect kids learning here.

Recommended: How America Outlawed Adolescence

What Do You Know?

1. In the Victorian era, the poisonous substance ____________ was used to make food coloring, wallpaper, nurses uniforms, fertilizer, and a libido pill.

Scroll down for the answer, or find it here.

2. Almost ____________ species of plants and animals are known to have gone extinct since 1500.

Scroll down for the answer, or find it here.

3. In Maine, one high school boosted its graduation rate from 58 percent to 91 percent by adding a curriculum based on ____________ .

Scroll down for the answer, or find it here.

Political Theater

Megan Garber introduces the next film in our election-themed movie club:

Tracy Flick is, in one sense, a kind of comic-book villain in a plaid skirt. Shes obsessed with winning. She will stop at nothing to achieve that goal. And shes also that most fraught of things for a woman to be: openly ambitious. Because of all that, Tracy is an extremely relevant character for the era that is still (still!) grappling with the political ascendancy of Hillary Clinton. So lets talk about Ms. Flick! And about the movie she stars in! Our next installment of Political Theater will be  1999s Election.

Well be watching Election tomorrow, October 12, at 6:30 p.m. ET, and discussing it in the coming days.

Reader Response

A Jewish reader, Charles, describes a major turning point in his religious life:

From 2005 to 2009 I lived and worked in a Jewish community where I was bullied, emotionally and verbally abused, and had my Judaism silenced, negated, and denied. Teaching a secular subject was proof, I was constantly told, that I was a secular Jew. Scandal ensued when I dared teach Song of Songs as literature in my senior AP Lit class. Whenever I attempted to contribute to discussion about the Jewish direction of our community, I was told I knew nothing about Judaism and please shut up or go away. I left that community a few years ago, but I have yet to find my comfort level in my new community. It was not that I felt a void where my Judaism was (as I mentioned, my Judaism never left me). I felt more like my presence in synagogue created a void in that holy place and time. Then I attended my first Wild Goose Festival.

Continued here, and write to us at hello@theatlantic.com if youd like to share a profound experience you had worshipping with people of a different religion.

Verbs

Graphite biographied, football falls, pot proposals tick up, phone goes bust.

The Atlantic Daily is written by Rosa Inocencio Smith. To contact us, email hello@theatlantic.com.

Read more from The Atlantic:

This article was originally published on The Atlantic.
ISTANBUL (Reuters) - Energy ministers from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Algeria, Venezuela and Russia began informal closed-door talks with the secretary general of OPEC in Istanbul on Wednesday as they try to coordinate efforts to rebalance the oil market.

OPEC officials are holding a flurry of meetings in coming weeks to nail down an agreement reached in Algiers last month on modest output cuts, the first such deal since 2008, for which they are seeking cooperation from non-OPEC producers.

The ministers were meeting on the sidelines of the World Energy Congress in Istanbul. No decision is expected from Wednesday's talks.

(Reporting by Rania El Gamal, Ron Bousso, Parisa Hafezi and Olesya Astakhova; Writing by Nick Tattersall)
Enrique Iglesias' "Bailando," featuring Descemer Bueno and Gente De Zona, holds the record as the longest-running No. 1 ever in the history of Billboard's Hot Latin Songs chart. It not only spent 41 weeks at the top of the chart, but also rose to No. 12 on the Billboard Hot 100, aided by a Spanglish remix (featuring a Sean Paul guest rap), a rare feat for a predominantly Spanish track. And its backstory is just as improbable.

"Bailando" started as a co-write between Iglesias and longtime collaborator Descemer Bueno, but was shelved. But then Bueno revamped it with Cuban reggaeton duo Gente de Zona, and released it online as his own single, without Iglesias. When Iglesias heard the new version, he was blown away, added his vocals to it, and included it on 2014's Sex and Love LP (Universal Music Latino/Republic). The rest is hitmaking historia.

Here's how "Bailando" went from leftover to crossover.

Iglesias: There are things one can't plan. I wrote "Bailando" a year ago with Descemer. We recorded a demo, then Descemer goes back to Cuba and has the brilliant idea of recording it with Gente de Zona and doing a video.

Bueno: Enrique and I worked on the song and kind of left it there. Then I met up with Gente de Zona in Havana -- they added the "I want to be contigo" bridge and the "Oh, oh, oh." It added an important element. That's the new version Enrique heard and got excited about.

Iglesias: A friend of mine called me one day and says, "I just went to Cuba. I was in a taxi, I turned on the radio, this song came up and I loved it." So I went to YouTube to find this song and I said, "Holy shit - I wrote it!" I called Descemer and asked, "Dude, why didn't you tell me?" It's not that we're disorganized, but that's the way we work. Many songs end up on the album, many songs don't.

Luis Estrada, Universal Music Latino: We launched the single in Miami in March, when we released the album to test the market, and reaction was immediate. The three Latin rhythmic stations in the market put it into high rotation. We were still working [previous single] "El Perdedor," which was climbing to No. 1 [on Hot Latin Songs], but we had to rush "Bailando." After Enrique performed at the Billboard Latin Music Awards in April, we knew it would hit No. 1.

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Charlie Walk, president the Republic Group (at the time, EVP of Republic Records): There was massive Latin airplay, but we also saw big Shazam and iTunes numbers - without a single play at pop radio. It's one of the few Latin records I've seen react before pop play. We knew we had a hit. Then, [program director] Alex Tear put it on at [top 40] WHYI Miami. That started it on its way to becoming a pop hit.

Iglesias: The whole point is you never know where a hit is going to come from. There's just something about this song.

Additional reporting by Gary Trust.

An earlier version of this story appeared on Billboard in 2015.
By Mia Shanley and Helena Soderpalm

STOCKHOLM (Reuters) - The crisis at Ericsson deepened on Wednesday when the world's biggest maker of mobile network equipment reported a 94 percent plunge in quarterly operating profit and tumbling sales at its core networks division.

Shares in the Swedish company dropped more than 15 percent in early trading after it missed analysts' forecasts for a fifth straight quarter and said it saw no signs of a quick upturn.

Ericsson is struggling with weak demand for mobile network equipment in developed markets and stiff competition from Finland's Nokia and China's Huawei, with the former boosted by radical cost cutting following its merger with Alcatel.

The Swedish firm is now also cutting thousands of jobs, but it has come under fire from analysts and investors for being too slow to respond. Hans Vestberg was ousted at CEO in late July and the company is still looking for a permanent replacement.

"It seems that the main reason was the important business area networks which deviated the most," research firm Redeye said of the profit slide.

"Combining the market development with the lack of a permanent CEO and a major cost reduction programme, there are the few things to be happy about," it said in a research note.

Ericsson said in a statement its third-quarter operating income plunged to 300 million Swedish crowns ($34.8 million) from 5.1 billion crowns a year ago, including restructuring charges of 1.3 billion crowns.

Sales dropped 14 percent to 51.1 billion crowns, including an almost 20 percent drop in its core networks division.

Analysts' mean forecasts were for operating income of 4.3 billion crowns and sales of 53.6 billion.

"Our result is significantly lower than we expected, with a particularly weak end of the quarter, and deviates from what we previously have communicated regarding market development," said acting Ericsson CEO Jan Frykhammar.

"More in-depth analysis remains to be done but current trends are expected to continue short-term."

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Ericsson said the sales decline was mainly driven by markets with a weak macro-economic environment such as Brazil, Russia and the Middle East. Sales in Europe were also hit due to the completion of mobile broadband projects in 2015.

At 0720 GMT, Ericsson shares were down 16.7 percent at 51.65 crowns, after hitting an eight-year low of 50.50 crowns. The stock has fallen around 37 percent so far this year.

"Unless Ericsson can provide a solid explanation to why the gross margin should rebound during early parts of 2017 and why the market should pick up ... we see clear risk that the share will come down sub 50 crowns as estimates will have to come down heavily and (the) dividend likely will have to be cut," SEB analysts said. ($1 = 8.6231 Swedish crowns)

(Reporting by Niklas Pollard and Bjorn Rundstrom; Editing by Subhranshu Sahu and Mark Potter)
OTTAWA (Reuters) - European Parliament member and anti-globalization activist Jose Bove will be allowed to stay in Canada after earlier being told to leave the country, according to organizers of an event where he had been scheduled to speak. The Council of Canadians, a social justice non-profit, said on Wednesday that a decision to expel Bove from Canada had been reversed. Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety, tweeted that "an appropriate outcome has been achieved" in the Bove case, though he said privacy rules block public comments on admissibility issues. The Council of Canadians said Bove had been held by customs for several hours on Tuesday, causing him to miss a planned appearance at a public forum the group had organized in Montreal on the Canadian-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Bove tweeted on Tuesday evening that he had been blocked at Montreal airport for three hours and blamed it on his opposition to CETA. Bove had said in an earlier interview with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation that he had been allowed to go to his hotel, but his passport was confiscated and he was told he would have to leave the country Wednesday afternoon. A spokeswoman for the Canada Border Services declined to comment on the specific case. Bove is the keynote speaker at a separate conference in St. John's, Newfoundland on Friday and he will speak at the conference as originally planned, the Council of Canadians said in a statement. Bove is known as an anti-globalization activist and for participating in the vandalism of a McDonald's restaurant in 1999. He was elected to the European Parliament in 2009. (Reporting by Leah Schnurr; Editing by Andrew Hay, Bernard Orr)
European markets finished in negative territory on Wednesday as a renewed decline in oil prices and weakness in the tech sector weighed on sentiment.

Giving up any hope of retaining earlier gains, the pan-European STOXX 600 (^STOXX) closed down 0.47 percent provisionally. Most sectors ended in the red. However, basic resources and insurance outperformed.



The French CAC (Euronext Paris: .FCHI) fell 0.44 percent, while Germany's DAX (^GDAXI) slipped 0.51 percent. The U.K.'s FTSE 100 (FTSE International: .FTSE) tumbled 0.66 percent, while the British pound rebounded during trade, trading at $1.2205 against the U.S. dollar around the market close.



Sterling (Exchange:GBP=) climbed out of the red on Wednesday after U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May said she would offer provide lawmakers some scrutiny over the Brexit proceedings and that the country would seek "maximum possible access" to EU's single market , Reuters reported.

Across the Atlantic, the Federal Reserve is back at the front of investors' minds, as the Federal Open Market Committee is set to release its latest minutes from its September meeting.

Due out at 7.00 p.m. UK time (2.00 p.m. ET), investors will be poring over the content to see if there are any indications of when the central bank will raise interest rates, while looking for the institution's opinion on the state of the U.S. economy.

Yet again, crude futures were shaking up sentiment on Wednesday , with prices coming under renewed pressure. Prices were initially higher on Wednesday following record crude imports out of India. However, in afternoon trade, prices fell back into the red.

Brent was last standing around $51.80, while WTI crude hovered around $50.06 per barrel at the market close. On Wednesday, OPEC said in its latest report that oil production rose to its highest in at least eight years during September and that the group had raised its forecast for next year's non-OPEC supply growth.

Meanwhile, basic resources outperformed the broader market, closing up 1.43 percent, as most metal prices posted solid gains. Glencore (London Stock Exchange: GLEN-GB) jumped to the top of the STOXX 600, up 6.44 percent, however most miners either closed slightly higher or lower.

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Looking at international markets, in Asia stocks slipped Wednesday , with Samsung shares falling after the firm said it would permanently stop selling its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone. In the States, Wall Street was mostly mixed as traders waited for the Fed minutes.





On the individual stock front, Ericsson (Stockholmsborsen:ERIC.B-SE) was the biggest drag on the STOXX 600, slumping 20.2 percent after the company issued a profit warning.

The news pushed other tech stocks down, including Nokia (Helsinki Stock Exchange: NOKIA-FI) which fell 5.1 percent and AMS (Swiss Exchange: AMS-CH) which slipped 3 percent. Overall, the tech sector closed down 2.86 percent.

On the opposite end, Lufthansa (XETRA:LHA-DE) jumped over 4 percent after Kepler Cheuvreux raised its price target for the stock. Aegon (Euronext Amsterdam: AGN-NL) was one of the best performers, up 4.56 percent, after Macquarie started with an outperform rating on the stock.

Pagegroup (London Stock Exchange: PAGE-GB) jumped over 3 percent after Kepler Cheuvreux, JP Morgan, HSBC and Barclays raised their price target on the recruitment firm.

Shares of jewelry manufacturer Pandora (Copenhagen Stock Exchange: PNDORA-DK) popped 2.64 percent, after the Dutch firm launched itself online in China on the Alibaba Group's platform Tmall.com.

Despite saying it expected to open more stores in 2016 and that like-for-like sales were up in particular regions during its third quarter, U.K. listed firm Domino's Pizza (London Stock Exchange: DOM-GB) fell over 5 percent in European trade.

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UPDATE: Evan Peters has finally shown himself on American Horror Story: Roanoke, and you can see whats up with that here.

American Horror Story fans better brace themselves: Evan Peters will make his long awaited Season 6 debut tonight on the FX anthology series.

Series creators Ryan Murphy announced the news on Twitter, no doubt sending Peters fans into a frenzy. Evan Peters makes his season debut in tonights American Horror Story: Roanokeand no, hes not playing a producer, Murphy wrote.

Tonights episode marks the halfway point in Season 6, and there has nary been a sign of Peters. One social media user claimed Peters shoulder made an appearance in the premiere, when Shelby (Sarah Paulson) and Matt (Cuba Gooding Jr.) first moved into the house and a weird pig-headed creature was seen lurking in the woods.

Also Read: 'American Horror Story': Evan Peters Finally Makes His 'Roanoke' Debut

This also raised questions over whether this related to Piggy Man from Murder House, the storyline of the series first season.

Another theory floating around is that Peters is the leader of the Lost Colony, of which Kathy Bates, Wes Bentley and Lady Gaga are also a part.

Also Read: Evan Peters' Own American Horror Story: Watch Actor Squirm Over Season 6 Questions (Video)

Another theory claims that Peters will be the talking head of the redheaded police officer (Colby French) seen this season, which is shot documentary-style and set years after the characters Roanoke Nightmare.

American Horror Story: Roanoke airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on FX.

Related stories from TheWrap:

FX Renews 'American Horror Story' for Season 7

'American Horror Story': Turn The Cameras Off (Recap)

'American Horror Story': Best Fan Theories About the Upcoming Twist
Imagine having to start a whole new life on the other side of the world. Well, that was me, when I had to leave the Statesa place I had called home for the past 16 yearsand head to Jakarta to continue my teaching career. While filled with some trepidation, as I left my family and friends, I saw this as an adventure, looking forward to what this new chapter of life would entail. I say looking forward to it because as someone who was born in Ghana, but lived, grew up and attended school in three different countries (Botswana, South Africa, and United States), I saw this as yet another international experience I could embrace. Little did I know what I would be getting into.

Once the novelty wore off, I became painfully aware of the way people reacted whenever I stepped outside of my apartment building, as I quickly learnt how being the centre of attention could have a negative connotation. The stares, finger pointing, laughing and double looks (sometimes more) became something that I encountered day in and day out. As a black person, while I had encountered some negative interactions due to the colour of my skin, nothing had been as intense as this experience.

Here in Indonesia, I have learnt what it means to be both black and African (I say African because here, as in America, theres not much differentiation). Colourism is most definitely in play here, as the darker your skin colour, the more you are treated differently. There is a great preference for lighter/fairer skinned people, with skin whitening/bleaching creams littered around stores, all in plain view. Lighter/fairer skinned people are seen in commercials, on T.V., on billboards, etc.

However, one irony I have found is that even the darker-skinned Indonesians point, stare, and laugh. Its not only confusing, but disappointing as well, because I would think that because we are both more or less in the same boat, we would be able to connect and even commiserate with each other. I suppose its that whole idea of the oppressed becoming the oppressor, in a bid to distance themselves, and hopefully, one day, find themselves being accepted as well. Thus, the idea is, while I may have it bad, at least I dont have it as bad you do. And so the cycle continues.
By Bernardo Vizcaino

Oct 12 (Reuters) - External sharia audits are gaining support in Islamic finance as consumers and regulators seek more transparency and accountability, a study has found.

Islamic banks have traditionally used in-house boards of scholars to determine whether religious principles are being obeyed, but this self-policing has often been criticised for leaving banks open to conflicts of interest.

Pressure for more external oversight has been building in several countries that have major Islamic finance industries, and this year Bahrain's central bank proposed new governance rules that would require Islamic banks there to conduct external sharia audits.

The study, published this week by the Malaysia-based International Shariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance and Britain's UK Islamic Finance Council (UKIFC), said external sharia audits should become mandatory globally, and that this would help the growth of Islamic finance.

"By providing an additional check, external sharia audit will play an important role towards providing reassurance to scholars, financial institutions and customers," said Omar Shaikh, advisory board member of the UKIFC, a body which seeks to develop the industry.

The Bahrain-based Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), whose standards are followed in many countries, is deliberating whether to incorporate external sharia audits as a separate item in its rules, the study said.

"If AAOIFI make it part of their standards, then all countries where their standards are mandatory will naturally start implementation," said Shaikh, adding that support for such external audits had also come from banks in Kuwait.

The central bank of Oman issued specific guidelines for external sharia audits in 2012, and Pakistan's central bank did so in 2014.

Malaysia, the top Islamic finance market in Asia, does not specify a position on external sharia audits but existing practice by the central bank includes an extensive sharia inspection of all Islamic financial institutions every year.

The study suggested that to help national regulators introduce external sharia audits, the scope of the audits should be made clear, results should be publicly disclosed and there should be conflict resolution mechanisms. (Editing by Andrew Torchia and Alison Williams)
DHAKA (Reuters) - A fire on Sept. 10 at Tampaco Foils, a food and cigarette packaging factory in Dhaka, killed at least 39 people and injured dozens more. Here are some of the Bangladesh's worst industrial accidents in the last decade: January 2005  A fire at a garment factory outside the capital Dhaka killed 22 people and injured more than 50. April 2005  At least 64 people were killed and about 100 injured when a garment factory building collapsed in Dhaka. February 2006  Twenty one workers were killed and dozens injured when the Spectrum garment factory building collapsed in Dhaka. February 2006  A fire ripped through a textile factory in the port city of Chittagong, killing 65 workers and injuring dozens. February 2010 - A fire at a garment factory in a Dhaka suburb killed 21 workers and injured about 50. December 2010  A fire at the Sportswear factory supplying global retailers killed at least 26 people and injured about 100 just outside Dhaka. November 2012 - A fire at the Tazreen Fashions factory in Dhaka supplying global brands killed 112 workers and injured more than 150. The blaze, believed to have been caused by a short circuit, was the deadliest factory fire in Bangladesh's history. April 2013 - At least 1,136 people were killed and hundreds injured when an eight-storey building housing five garment factories supplying global brands collapsed on the outskirts of Dhaka. The Rana Plaza tragedy was the worst industrial accident in Bangladesh and the world's most deadly industrial accident since the 1984 Bhopal disaster in India. January 2015  A fire at a plastics factory on the outskirts Dhaka killed 13 people and injured dozens. August 2016 - More than 100 people fell ill in Bangladesh after inhaling gas that leaked from a fertilizer factory in Chittagong. (Compiled by Ruma Paul; Editing by Euan Rocha and Mike Collett-White)
An Alabama man was arrested after allegedly pretending to be a police officer in his local town, armed only with nothing but an unmarked cop car, some lights and Forensics for Dummies in the trunk.

Jonathan Cole, 36, of Pleasant Grove, was caught Tuesday by police after stopping on a town road with all of his police lights on in the Crown Victoria he was driving, Lt. Danny Reid said.

Read: Suspect Tells Cops He Saw Zombie, Nearly Shoots Man With Real Bullets Marketed to Kill Undead: Cops

Cole initially told police he was a Birmingham police officer and gave officers the number to the Birmingham department as his badge number, Reid said.

In his car, which he reportedly bought at an auction, police said they found a bright, yellow vest with the words police written on it and a book titled Forensics for Dummies.

It may have been a fitting title, as police said Cole told them he was stopped because he couldnt figure out how to turn the police lights off, even though there was a switch inside of the vehicle to do so.

Nothing he said made sense, Reid said.

Police said they eventually found that Cole bought the old cop car from an auction and the lights he added to it were bought online.

Read: Man Allegedly Kills 5 Teens in Wrong-Way Crash Before Stealing Cop Car

They also said he was the same "officer" residents had complained was speeding around town with his lights on earlier that day.

Cole is charged with impersonating a police officer. His bond was set at $5,000.

Watch: Woman Busted for DUI Hours After Posting New Mercedes Pic on Instagram: Cops

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ZURICH (Reuters) - Falcon Private Bank said on Wednesday it would look for a speedy resolution of a Swiss criminal probe into its alleged failure to prevent suspected money laundering linked to Malaysian state fund 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB).

"The bank has cooperated with the OAG (Office of the Attorney General) already in the past and has voluntarily submitted relevant information and documentation," Zurich-based Falcon, owned by Abu Dhabi's IPIC fund, said in a statement.

"The bank will continue do so in order to contribute to an expeditious clarification of the allegations against the bank."

(Reporting by Joshua Franklin; Editing by Michael Shields)
Lahore (Pakistan) (AFP) - A life and death countdown has begun in Pakistan, where the Supreme Court is due to hear a final appeal against the execution of a Christian woman for blasphemy.

Some insist it is not just a fight for one life -- but a battle for the nation's soul as the state walks a razor-sharp line between upholding human rights and appeasing populist hardliners.

This will be the final appeal for mother-of-five Asia Bibi, some six years after she was sentenced to death -- accused of insulting the Prophet Mohammed during an argument with a Muslim woman over a bowl of water.

"There is no question that what is at stake is the very soul of the state and Pakistan society: does Pakistan respect the rights of the most vulnerable? Does it defend those rights against spurious allegations even where those allegations involved matters that are sacred to most Pakistanis?" Mustafa Qadri, an expert on human rights in South Asia, told AFP recently.

The allegations against Bibi date back to June 2009, when she was labouring in a field and a row broke out with some Muslim women she was working with.

She was asked to fetch water, but the Muslim women objected, saying that as a non-Muslim she was unfit to touch the water bowl.

The women went to a local cleric and accused Bibi of blasphemy against the Prophet Mohammed, a charge punishable by death under legislation that rights groups say is routinely abused to settle personal vendettas.

Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue in deeply conservative, Muslim-majority Pakistan. Anyone even accused of insulting Islam risks a violent and bloody death at the hands of vigilantes.

Bibi was convicted and sentenced to death in 2010, despite her advocates maintaining her innocence and insisting the accusers held grudges against her.

But successive appeals have been rejected, and if on Thursday the three-judge Supreme Court bench upholds Bibi's conviction, her only recourse will be a direct appeal to the president for clemency.

Story continues

She would become the first person in Pakistan to be executed for blasphemy. The repercussions for minorities, human rights and the blasphemy laws will be "tremendous" if that happens, says Shahzad Akbar, a human rights lawyer.

"In Pakistan blasphemy cases are mostly misused... it would be a huge blow for minorities in Pakistan who already live in fear," Akbar explained.

A decision in Bibi's favour, Qadri says, "would send a powerful message to the world that Pakistan respects the rule of law and not the mob."

But he also warned that hardliners "would without question react angrily and likely violently" if Bibi is acquitted.

In 2011, liberal provincial governor Salmaan Taseer, who spoke out in support of Bibi, was gunned down in broad daylight in Islamabad.

The state hanged his assassin Mumtaz Qadri earlier in 2016 in a Supreme Court decision that was hailed by progressives, but brought hardliners into the streets supporting Qadri and demanding Bibi be killed.

Freedom in Pakistan means a life under threat from mob violence. Her husband has already written to Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain to seek permission to move her to France.

- Family in hiding -

Bibi's family have lived largely in seclusion since 2010, fearing they will be mistreated if they venture out into the brimming streets of Lahore.

"Papa used to tell me not to go out, the situation out there is very bad," her daughter Esham, 18, says of the days after Qadri's hanging. "We used to stay inside all the time."

She is afraid, she says, adding: "Someday someone will come and ask me, are you the daughter of Asia Bibi?"

Esham and her sister Esha go twice a month to the south Punjab city of Multan, where their mother is held.

"We talk to our mama about the things at home," Esham says. "I share my thoughts with her, like mother-daughter stuff."

The visits begin joyfully, she says, but end in grief. "She becomes sad... her daughters come to meet her from such a long distance and she cannot even hug them."

According to a tally by Human Rights Watch, 17 people including Bibi remain on death row for blasphemy.

Her case has reached all the way to the Vatican -- Esham had a face to face meeting with Pope Francis in April last year as the head of Catholic church offered prayers for her mother.

"He gave me blessings and I can't remember more," she told AFP.

"I feel the Pope is praying for my mother and he will keep praying, and with his prayers my mother will be freed."

In 2010, Pope Francis's predecessor Benedict XVI also called for Bibi's release.

Her family continue to hope. Esham clears her throat and speaks quietly: "My mom will be released. I ask you to pray for her."
NEW YORK (Reuters) - State and federal agency officials on Wednesday were investigating what caused a twin-engine plane to crash into a utility pole on Tuesday and burst into flames in downtown East Hartford, Connecticut, killing one man and badly injuring another.

The New York Times, citing unnamed federal officials, reported on Tuesday night that investigators were looking into whether the pilot deliberately crashed the plane.

East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc said it "might be premature to state" that the plane was intentionally downed but acknowledged "there are concerns" based on details provided to investigators by a flying instructor who was aboard the plane, as well as the crash site's proximity to the headquarters of aerospace manufacturer Pratt & Whitney.

The instructor and a student were the only people aboard the plane when it crashed at about 3:30 p.m. EDT on Tuesday during flight training originating at the Hartford-Brainard Airport, police said.

The student was killed and the instructor is being treated at the Bridgeport Hospital's burn center, Leclerc said. Authorities have not yet released the names of the two men on board the plane.

East Hartford Police Lieutenant Joshua Litwin said at a Wednesday news conference that the plane had two sets of controls but that he did not know which person was flying the plane at the time of the crash.

Asked about reports that the plane was flown into the ground on purpose, Litwin said officials had not ruled out anything, including terrorism. But he cautioned that the investigation was still "in its infancy."

The Federal Bureau of Investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are all involved in the investigation, along with local and state police, Litwin said.

(Reporting by Laila Kearney and Joseph Ax; editing by Diane Craft)
London (AFP) - A film production company was on Wednesday fined 1.6 million ($2 million, 1.75 million euros) over an accident on the set of the latest Star Wars movie in which the actor Harrison Ford broke his leg.

Prosecutors said Ford, then 71, was pinned to the ground by a metal hydraulic door after it broke during filming of the blockbuster film at Pinewood Studios west of London in June 2014.

It acted like a "blunt guillotine", coming down "millimetres from his face" as the actor passed underneath, pinning him by the pelvis to the ground, prosecutor Andrew Marshall told the court, adding that the door was "capable of killing one or possibly two people".

The Disney-owned Foodles Production (UK) was handed the penalty after it admitted two breaches of health and safety laws during filming of "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens" in which Ford reprised his role as Han Solo.

Ruling in the case, Judge Francis Sheridan said the production company had carried out a risk assessment on the door, but failed to tell Ford about the dangers.

"If you have a risk assessment and you do not communicate it, what is the point of having one?" the judge said.

"That is the most serious breach here.

"If only they had included Mr Ford in all the discussions, he might have at least been alert to the dangers that he had to avoid," he said.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) public body responsible for workplace regulation said the rapidly-closing door hit Ford with a force comparable to a small car.

The door was designed to be remotely closed by a special effects operator, who shut it upon a signal from a spotter.

Ford needed surgery to screw together the fractured tibia and fibula bones in his left leg and plastic surgery on a "deep laceration" to his left hand.

Charles Gibson, who defended Foodles Production (UK), admitted there was a "failure in communication" between the production team and Ford.

Story continues

"This was an innocent mistake by bona fide professionals," he told the court in Aylesbury northwest of London.

"Lessons were learned. The good health and safety record of this production continued to the end."

Judge Sheridan said the remote operation of the door by someone who could not see the actor going through it was a "crazy approach" to health and safety.

"Had the wrong button been pressed it would have continued to crush down on Mr Harrison Ford. It's just incredible that so much was left to chance."
Voters in the US state of Florida appear overwhelmingly inclined to legalize medical marijuana in a referendum November 8, a new poll out Tuesday shows.

Some 77 percent of likely voters in the southeastern state have said they will cast ballots in favor of Amendment 2 -- which would change the state's constitution to legalize cannabis for medicinal use -- according to the survey conducted by the Public Opinion Research Laboratory (PORL) at the University of North Florida.

"Not only are Democrats wildly supportive, but even Republicans are above the 60 percent threshold required for passage," said the laboratory's faculty director Michael Binder. He added that the strongest support was among likely voters age 34 and under, but many older than 65 also favor the amendment.

The poll -- which surveyed some 700 likely voters between September 27 and October 4 -- found that about 18 percent of Floridians have said they will vote against legalization, with four percent still undecided.

In 2014 the institution found that 67 percent of Florida voters approved of the measure, after conducting a similar survey during the same time frame.

Yet, when it came time to vote Floridians nevertheless decided against medical marijuana, falling nearly three percent shy of the 60 percent required for legalization.

"It's a great feeling to know we're ten points ahead of where we were this time last campaign," Bianca Garza of United for Care, a pro-medical marijuana organization, told AFP.

"However positive it feels, we are not taking the numbers for granted," Garza said. "The race isn't over, we are continuing to fight."

At least 10 Florida newspapers have endorsed medical marijuana legalization -- most recently the Panama City News Herald called Amendment 2 "a compassionate, common-sense measure."

"Florida residents should have the same ability to avoid the risks of addiction and overdose that come with legal painkillers, and instead use medical marijuana to treat chronic pain, nausea and other conditions that stem from debilitating disease," the paper's editorial board wrote.

Half of America's 50 states, as well as the capital city Washington, have approved cannabis for medical use, with a handful of states expanding legalization to include the drug's recreational use.
Left to right: Miss Teen USA 2013, Cassidy Wolf; Miss Universe 2013, Gabriela Isler; Donald Trump; and Miss USA 2013, Erin Brady, pose during a red carpet event before the Miss USA 2014 pageant in Baton Rouge, La., in June 2014. (Photo: Jonathan Bachman/AP)

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump apparently once had a penchant for walking in on beauty pageant contestants while they were changing.

He just came strolling right in. There was no second to put a robe on or any sort of clothing or anything. Some girls were topless. Other girls were naked, Tasha Dixon, Miss Arizona in 2001, recalled to KCBS-TV for a story published Tuesday.

Trumps campaign has been embroiled in controversy over a 2005 audiotape in which he boasted about his celebrity status allowing him to grope and kiss women.

On Sunday, CNN published separate 2005 audio of Trump bragging to shock-jock Howard Stern about walking into contestants dressing rooms when they were naked or half-naked. He told Stern that owning the Miss Universe competition allowed him to get away with walking into the contests dressing room while the women were naked or in the middle of changing.

Well, Ill tell you the funniest is that before a show, Ill go backstage and everyones getting dressed, and everything else, and you know, no men are anywhere, and Im allowed to go in because Im the owner of the pageant and therefore Im inspecting it, Trump told Stern. You know, Im inspecting because I want to make sure that everything is good.

Youre like a doctor, Stern said.

Trump continued, You know, the dresses. Is everyone OK? You know, theyre standing there with no clothes. Is everybody OK? And you see these incredible looking women, and so, I sort of get away with things like that. But no, Ive been very good.

Donald Trump (center) poses with former Miss Universe beauty queens (left to right) Susie Castillo of the U.S., Shandi Finnessey of the U.S., Amelia Vega of the Dominican Republic, Dayana Mendoza of Venezuela, and Justine Pasek of Panama during a pageant photo shoot in New York in July 2011. (Photo: Jamie Fine/Reuters)

Trump also hinted that he may have slept with contestants and was asked if that would be a conflict of interest. He answered that it could be, but that those concerns dont really come up until a little bit later on.

And Trumps claims of having intruded on women while they were changing appear to be corroborated by several contestants themselves.

Our first introduction to him was when we were at the dress rehearsal and half naked changing into our bikinis, Dixon, who was 18 at the time, told KCBS-TV.

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She added that it was awkward for her and the other contestants to have the owner come waltzing in when we were naked or half naked in a very physically vulnerable position and then to have the pressure of the people that worked for him telling us to go fawn all over him, go walk up to him, talk to him, get his attention.

As Miss Arizona, Dixon said that she veers toward conservatism and that her decision to discuss what happened behind the scenes has nothing to do with politics.

Im telling you Donald Trump owned the pageant for the reasons to utilize his power to get around beautiful women, she said. Who do you complain to? He owns the pageant. Theres no one to complain to. Everyone there works for him.

Donald Trump, left, and Miss Connecticut USA Erin Brady pose onstage after Brady won the 2013 Miss USA pageant in Las Vegas, Nev., in June 2013. (Photo: Jeff Bottari/AP)

On Wednesday, BuzzFeed News reported that four women who competed in the 1997 Miss Teen USA beauty pageant said Trump walked in on the contestants  some of whom were as young as 15  when they were changing.

Mariah Billado, who was Miss Vermont Teen USA, said, I remember putting on my dress really quick because I was like, Oh my God, theres a man in here.

Trump said, she recalled, something along the lines of Dont worry, ladies, Ive seen it all before.

The three other women spoke to the online news site on the condition of anonymity because they didnt want to be swept up in a media maelstrom. Two said they quickly tried to cover their bodies and one described the experience as shocking and creepy. The third said she was already dressed when Trump came in.

BuzzFeed reported that it spoke with 11 other contestants from the 1997 competition who did not recall seeing the media personality in their dressing room. Several said they did not think he was there.

Trumps bid for the White House has been plagued with accusations of racism, sexism and xenophobia. His statements about women have been placed under increased scrutiny since last Friday, when the Washington Post published the 2005 audiotape in which, among other things, he talked about grabbing women by the p****. He later dismissed his words as locker room talk and beseeched the public to focus instead on former President Bill Clintons indiscretions.

The Trump campaign did not respond to a request for comment from Yahoo News about the women claiming he walked into the beauty pageant dressing rooms.
proterra bus

A former Tesla executive responsible for building its cars has joined Proterra, an all-electric bus start-up that's making serious moves in the industry.

Josh Ensign, Tesla's former vice president of manufacturing, left the electric car maker in May following production delays and problems with the Model X. The SUV first suffered delays relating to the design of its falcon-wing doors and second-row seats, and much of early Model X production was voluntarily recalled this year when a seat malfunction was discovered.

Ensign was one of five Tesla vice presidents to leave the company in 2016, Bloomberg's Tom Randall reported at the time.

Ensign has now joined Proterra as chief operating officer, the start-up announced in a press release Wednesday.

josh ensign

Proterra unveiled a new design for its all-electric bus in early September that allows it to operate a route for an entire 18 hours  the same as a diesel bus.

Proterra's Catalyst E2 is 40-foot long bus with a range of 350 miles under typical test track conditions. To get that kind of range, Proterra worked on improving its battery tech and designing a bus that can accommodate the extra weight put on batteries for two-and-a-half years.

The Proterra bus will be fully functional soon, with the first deliveries arriving in Foothill Transit in California in early 2017.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced his intention of building an all-electric bus in his "Master Plan, Part Deux" in July.

Musk said he wants to make the bus smaller than current models and increase the number of passengers on it by removing the "center aisle and putting seats where there are currently entryways."

"It would also take people all the way to their destination. Fixed summon buttons at existing bus stops would serve those who don't have a phone," Musk wrote at the time.

Matt Horton, Proterra's vice president of sales, told Business Insider in a September interview that the start-up won't compete directly with Tesla because Musk is focused on lighter vehicles than heavy duty buses.

Story continues

"We did certainly pay attention when Elon tweeted out his Master Plan, the thing that I think was quite clear is when you look at what theyve actually proposed they are focusing on using a light duty vehicle chassis," Horton said at the time. "Its a completely different type of product they are talking about."

"I personally dont have any concerns about Tesla shifting gears," he continued.

NOW WATCH: Everything we know about the Tesla Model 3





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MIAMI, Fla. (Reuters) - Hillary Clinton recruited Al Gore, the former vice president in her husband's administration, to raise the specter of Gore's loss to former President George W. Bush in the contentious 2000 U.S. election to urge voters to go to the polls next month. "Take it from me," Gore told a crowd of several hundred Clinton supporters at a campaign event in a college gymnasium. "Every single vote counts. Every single vote counts." As he campaigned for Clinton at Miami Dade College ahead of the Nov. 8 election that pits her against Republican nominee Donald Trump, Gore reminded voters of the Florida recount saga 16 years ago. Bush was declared the winner in the state by a mere 537 votes after the intervention of the U.S. Supreme Court. "Your vote really, really, really counts," Gore said. "You can consider me as an exhibit A of that. For those of you who are younger than 25 you might not remember the election of 2000 and what happened here in Florida. For those of you older than 25, I heard you murmuring just now, but take it from me it was a very close election." A chant grew out of the crowd: "You won! You won!" Gore, who served as vice president under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001, also sought to put a spotlight on the fight against climate change, which has long been his signature issue. "When it comes to the most urgent issue facing our country and the world the choice in this election is extremely clear: Hillary Clinton will make solving the climate crisis a top national priority," Gore said. "Her opponent, based on the ideas he has presented, would take us toward a climate catastrophe." Clinton highlighted comments from her rival Donald Trump expressing skepticism about climate change. In 2012, he said on his Twitter account that the "concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese" in order to benefit its manufacturing sector. "We cannot put a climate denier in the White House, at all," she said. "We need a president who believes in science." (Reporting by Jonathan Allen; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
Wells Fargo CEO john Stumpf house testimony

After weeks of being batted around, Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf has retired.



His retirement, after a 34-year career at the bank, was announced Wednesday, and the bank's COO, Tim Sloan, is the new chief executive.

There were plenty of factors that led to this moment, but in the end Stumpf has no one to blame but himself.

Stumpf first learned that employees were improperly opening accounts under the name of customers without their knowledge in 2013. Between 2011 and 2015, more than 2 million of the fake accounts were opened by retail-banking employees.

In September, the bank announced a $185 million settlement with regulators over the matter, including paying back customers who had an account opened for them.

This was bad enough, but the real problems for Stumpf came afterward. In response to the scandal, Stumpf responded inadequately and ineffectively to pressure from lawmakers, analysts, and investors.

In front of Congress, he was unprepared

The perfect example of this came when Rep. Keith Ellison of Minnesota repeatedly asked Stumpf about tactics used by retail-banking managers to force employees to make their sales goals. These tactics had been reported by the news media.

Instead of providing a definitive answer, Stumpf dodged the question, saying, "That's the first I've ever heard of that."

It's fine for Stumpf to not admit guilt, but responding "I don't know" over and over again made it seem like he had ignored the news surrounding his own bank leading up to the hearing. Even a simple "We've heard the accusations  we do not condone them or believe they have happened, and we will investigate" would have been better.

Stumpf also couldn't answer questions such as, What was the official title of the highest-ranking Wells employee to be fired, instead saying it was "the manager of a manager of a manager"?

Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf testifies before a Senate Banking Committee hearing on the firm's sales practices on Capitol Hill in Washington, U.S., September 20, 2016. REUTERS/Gary Cameron

Story continues

In the early days of the scandal, it appeared as if Stumpf was merely reactive to the scandal instead of proactive.

The bank came under pressure over the large compensation package of Carrie Tolstedt, the executive who oversaw the division responsible for opening the fake accounts, for example.

Stumpf then went in front the Senate Banking Committee and tried to justify that Tolstedt retired and was allowed to keep her compensation.

Only after being raked over the coals for the choice did Stumpf and Tolstedt have some of their compensation clawed back.

Both of these instances could have been headed off by Stumpf, but instead of proactively taking concrete steps to appear remorseful when the scandal broke, he waited until the issue became so big he was forced to adjust course.

In addition, Stumpf did not communicate a clear, remorseful message to the public.

To deflect blame from senior executives and himself, Stumpf said that the culture of the bank created by the higher-ups was not to blame for the scandal. Instead, insisted Stumpf, it was a collection of rogue employees that caused the issues.

This makes sense from a purely legal perspective  to try not to focus on your own actions. In the public, however, it seemed as if Stumpf was trying to say he was sorry without taking any of the blame, which only intensified distaste.

Ultimately, a lack of preparation, a seeming unwillingness to be proactive, and a muddled message were the self-inflicted wounds that brought down John Stumpf.

This is an editorial. The opinions and conclusions expressed above are those of the author.

NOW WATCH: Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf is retiring, effective immediately





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Fortinet Inc. (FTNT) shares slid in Wednesdays session after the company released its preliminary third-quarter financial results. Ultimately these numbers did not live expectations, as we can tell by the investor reaction.

Keep in mind that these third-quarter 2016 preliminary results are subject to change based on the completion of the quarter-end review process.

The company expects total billings to be in the range of $343 million to $348 million, compared to its previously announced guidance of $372 million to $376 million.

Fortinet also expects to report total revenue for the third quarter between $311 million and $316 million, compared to previously announced guidance of $319 million to $324 million. Thomson Reuters has consensus estimates calling for $321.82 million in revenue for the quarter.

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Earnings per share are expected to be in the range of $0.15 to $0.16, while the previously announced guidance was $0.17 to $0.18. Consensus estimates were calling for $0.18 in EPS.

Ken Xie, founder, board chair and chief executive, commented:

Our third quarter results were primarily impacted by the lengthening of deal cycles as enterprises are becoming more strategic with their purchasing decisions and buying with less urgency than last year. We also encountered sales execution challenges in the North America resulting from the newness of our sales organization, as well as macro issues in Latin America and the U.K. Though we are disappointed with our third quarter performance, we continue to feel good about our competitive-differentiating and market-leading security fabric. We remain confident in the underlying strength of our business and long-term growth opportunity, and committed to delivering returns to our shareholders.

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The third quarter results are scheduled to be announced on October 27.

Shares of Fortinet were down about 12% at $30.00 on Wednesday, with a consensus analyst price target of $40.44 and a 52-week trading range of $23.16 to $44.63.

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Paris (AFP) - French President Francois Hollande spoke Wednesday with German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Russian President Vladimir Putin about organising a summit on the Ukraine conflict, French officials said.

The leaders had a telephone conversation about the conditions for a summit, which will also include Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko and will be held in Berlin "very soon", although no date has yet been set, a statement from the French presidency said.

The aim was "to try to make progress on a negotiated political solution" to the conflict in eastern Ukraine in which more than 9,600 people have been killed.

Ukraine and the West accuse Russia of fuelling the fighting, but Moscow denies government involvement.

A peace deal brokered by Germany and France in February 2015 reduced the fighting but has failed to stop it.

France said the conditions for a solution remained a lasting ceasefire, speeding up disarmament and obtaining unrestricted access for Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OCSE) observers.

The West also wants guarantees that local elections "can be held within the framework of Ukrainian law and the standards of the OSCE".

France is pursuing efforts to organise the summit despite tensions with Russia after Putin cancelled a visit to Paris scheduled for next week.

France has said Putin pulled out after Hollande insisted they hold talks during the visit on Russia's role in the Syrian conflict.

Russia said Wednesday it would hold discussions on the Syria conflict with the United States and key regional powers this weekend, the first meeting on the conflict since Washington broke off bilateral ceasefire negotiations.
Paris (AFP) - President Francois Hollande speaks of "a problem with Islam" in French society, in excerpts published Wednesday of a book in which he also suggests that immigration needs to be curbed.

"There is a problem with Islam because Islam requires (holy) sites and recognition," Hollande told two journalists from Le Monde newspaper for the book which will be published Thursday.

"It's not Islam that poses a problem in the sense of its being a religion that is dangerous in itself, but because it wants to assert itself as a religion in the (French) republic," he is quoted as saying in "Un president ne devrait pas dire ca", which translates as "A president shouldn't say this".

Elsewhere in the book, Hollande says he thinks "there are too many arrivals, immigration that should not take place."

Immigration and national identity are key themes in campaigning for next year's presidential election, which has echoes of the US race for the White House, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen riding high in the polls.

A string of jihadist attacks in France in the past two years, coupled with the Europe-wide migrant crisis, have stoked anti-immigration sentiment.

A heated debate about Muslim integration in staunchly secular France came to a head over the summer when around 30 towns banned the body-concealing burkini swimsuit.

France's highest administrative court later ruled that such a ban was a "serious" violation of basic freedoms.

The deeply unpopular Hollande has not yet declared whether he intends to stand for re-election.

But his arch-rival Nicolas Sarkozy, bidding for the centre-right nomination, is campaigning heavily on populist anti-immigration themes.

Sarkozy on Sunday said that if elected he would call a referendum asking the French if they backed suspending the right for non-EU nationals to join family members in France -- one of the main channels for immigration to the country.

In the tell-all book, Hollande also attacks Sarkozy's "vulgarity, meanness and cynicism" and criticises the rival he defeated in 2012 for his fascination for money and his legal entanglements.

The Le Monde journalists, Gerard Davet and Fabrice Lhomme, had exceptional one-on-one access to the president in 61 meetings.
(Adds background)

By Michel Rose

PARIS, Oct 12 (Reuters) - French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday accused the United States of abusing its power by demanding multi-billion dollar fines from European companies, stoking an increasingly bitter trans-Atlantic dispute.

In an interview, Hollande said the fines - most recently $14 billion against Germany's Deutsche Bank for selling toxic mortgage-backed securities in the United States - were one reason why he could not support a U.S./EU free-trade deal.

"When the (European) Commission goes after Google or digital giants which do not pay the taxes they should in Europe, America takes offence," the Socialist leader told L'Obs magazine six months before presidential elections.

"And yet, they quite shamelessly demand 8 billion from BNP or 5 billion from Deutsche Bank."

BNP was fined in 2014 for violating U.S. sanctions against Iran and Sudan, causing outcry in France where the French bank's actions were not illegal.

BERLIN TREADS MORE SOFTLY

The EU's decision in August to order Apple to pay 13 billion euros in back taxes to Ireland also sparked furore in the United States, with the iPhone maker's CEO, Tim Cook, calling the ruling "political crap".

But Hollande's comment contrasted with the far more muted reaction from Berlin. Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said in Washington on Saturday there had been "far too much talk" about Deutsche Bank since the fine was made public.

The German lender has said it does not expect to pay the full $14 billion and is negotiating a final sum with Washington, while Berlin has adopted a more discreet approach than Paris.

The bank has set aside 5.5 billion euros ($6.16 billion) to cover all litigation cases against it.

In the interview Hollande, France's most unpopular president on record, stuck to a December deadline to announce if he will run for a second term.

Certainly, a firm line on trade with the United States could win popular approval.

The French president said Europe should adopt the same tools to be able to sanction American companies.

Story continues

Hollande's comments come days after a French parliamentary report criticised what it called increasingly aggressive use by the United States of extra-territorial laws that have cost European companies billions in fines and other settlements.

Since 2009, European banks have paid about $16 billion to the United States over breaches of sanction regimes and European firms have accounted for 14 of the 15 biggest penalties handed down, the report said.

European governments should be more confrontational with the U.S. and consider appealing to the World Trade Organisation should a more cooperative approach failed, one of the report's co-authors told Reuters.

($1 = 0.8928 euros) (Editing by Richard Lough and Ralph Boulton)
By Michel Rose

PARIS (Reuters) - French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday accused the United States of abusing its power by demanding multi-billion dollar fines from European companies, stoking an increasingly bitter trans-Atlantic dispute.

In an interview, Hollande said the fines - most recently $14 billion against Germany's Deutsche Bank for selling toxic mortgage-backed securities in the United States - were one reason why he could not support a U.S./EU free-trade deal.

"When the (European) Commission goes after Google or digital giants which do not pay the taxes they should in Europe, America takes offense," the Socialist leader told L'Obs magazine six months before presidential elections.

"And yet, they quite shamelessly demand 8 billion from BNP or 5 billion from Deutsche Bank."

BNP was fined in 2014 for violating U.S. sanctions against Iran and Sudan, causing outcry in France where the French bank's actions were not illegal.

BERLIN TREADS MORE SOFTLY

The EU's decision in August to order Apple to pay 13 billion euros in back taxes to Ireland also sparked furor in the United States, with the iPhone maker's CEO, Tim Cook, calling the ruling "political crap".

But Hollande's comment contrasted with the far more muted reaction from Berlin. Finance Minister Wolfgang Schaeuble said in Washington on Saturday there had been "far too much talk" about Deutsche Bank since the fine was made public.

The German lender has said it does not expect to pay the full $14 billion and is negotiating a final sum with Washington, while Berlin has adopted a more discreet approach than Paris.

The bank has set aside 5.5 billion euros ($6.16 billion) to cover all litigation cases against it.

In the interview Hollande, France's most unpopular president on record, stuck to a December deadline to announce if he will run for a second term.

Certainly, a firm line on trade with the United States could win popular approval.

Story continues

The French president said Europe should adopt the same tools to be able to sanction American companies.

Hollande's comments come days after a French parliamentary report criticized what it called increasingly aggressive use by the United States of extra-territorial laws that have cost European companies billions in fines and other settlements.

Since 2009, European banks have paid about $16 billion to the United States over breaches of sanction regimes and European firms have accounted for 14 of the 15 biggest penalties handed down, the report said.

European governments should be more confrontational with the U.S. and consider appealing to the World Trade Organisation should a more cooperative approach failed, one of the report's co-authors told Reuters.

($1 = 0.8928 euros)

(Editing by Richard Lough and Ralph Boulton)
By Joe Brock JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - Fraud charges laid against South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan will be hard to prove and the case will fuel suspicion of a plot to oust a man who has defied allies close to President Jacob Zuma, legal experts, analysts and senior politicians say. Prosecutor Shaun Abrahams, a Zuma ally, announced the charges on Tuesday and defended the independence of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) when asked about possible political interference. The rand and stocks tumbled. Zuma later gave his backing to Gordhan saying he was "innocent until and unless proven otherwise". Gordhan will appear in court on Nov. 2 to hear charges he cost the South African Revenue Service (SARS) 1.1 million rand ($79,000) by approving early retirement for a deputy commissioner in 2010 and re-hiring him as a consultant. A charge sheet, seen by Reuters, says Gordhan unlawfully, falsely and with intent to defraud gave Pillay a retirement package and a new contract when SARS was under no obligation to do so. But legal experts say it will be difficult to make the charges of fraud stick because the NPA will be required to prove Gordhan intentionally broke the law. "I am relieved that I will not be the prosecutor tasked with securing a conviction," constitutional lawyer Pierre De Vos said, rating the NPA's chances as "highly unlikely". "(It) raises questions about whether the NPA truly believes that it will be able to secure a conviction in the case." Political analysts think it is more likely the case is meant to give Zuma an opportunity to reshuffle his cabinet, including appointing a new finance minister under the guise of giving Gordhan the space to clear his name. If Zuma removed Gordhan in a reshuffle without a clear reason, it would give ammunition to opponents who say he wants to take control of Treasury and could spook financial markets. Zuma denies any plot to remove Gordhan. "The charges against him are so absurd and so trumped up that once he is likely forced out of the public office in the coming weeks, it will be a clear act of political vengeance," the Daily Maverick, an online political magazine, wrote. Gordhan could also face charges about the legality of a surveillance unit he set up at the tax department a decade ago that is suspected of spying on politicians including Zuma. Abrahams said the NPA was still investigating this issue. POWER STRUGGLE "There is considerable legal opinion that these fraud charges and the 'rogue unit' charges that are still pending are so thin they could not hold up a tea-bag, let alone hold up in court," said Gary van Staden, analyst at NKC African Economics. Gordhan and a political group close to Zuma have been at loggerheads over state spending and perceived corruption, sources in the ruling African National Congress (ANC) say. Gordhan has urged fiscal prudence to appease ratings agencies which are on the verge of downgrading South Africa's sovereign rating to "junk" as economic growth hovers near zero. [L8N1CI1HY] Former ANC Treasurer General Mathews Phosa said Zuma's camp was keen to push through expensive state projects, including a nuclear power programme that could cost up to 1 trillion rand and a new fleet for the loss-making state airline. "It all smacks of a political motive and desperate agenda to remove Pravin Gordhan in order to make way for a more pliable Minister of Finance who will dance to the tune of a corrupt clique who are chasing public contracts," he told Reuters. Suspicions about a plot to gain control of the Treasury erupted in December when Zuma sacked respected finance minister Nhlanhla Nene and replaced him with an unknown lawmaker. Markets dropped so sharply Zuma recalled Gordhan days later to steady the ship. Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has even said the government is at war with itself. The cases against Gordhan have also distracted from several graft scandals swirling around Zuma. Zuma was questioned last week by an anti-corruption watchdog over allegations his wealthy business friends influenced political appointments and were given sweetheart government tenders worth billions of rand. The constitutional court then said last week the NPA could not appeal a ruling that could see the reinstatement of hundreds of corruption charges against Zuma set aside on a technicality before his presidential run in 2009. (Additional reporting by Ed Cropley; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
PARIS (Reuters) - France's UDI party of centrists threw their backing on Wednesday behind conservative former prime minister Alain Juppe ahead of a primary election next month. Some 600 UDI elected officials and party head Jean-Christophe Lagarde offered their support for Juppe in an opinion piece in newspaper Le Monde. Their backing boosts Juppe's chances of winning November's primary for centrists and conservatives to choose a candidate for the two-round presidential vote next April and May. Though the 71-year-old Juppe regularly ranks as one of France's most popular politicians, he has struggled to cut a higher profile in the media, especially against Nicolas Sarkozy. The conservative former president frequently dominates media coverage with a hardline on immigration and security, as he seeks to win voters from the far right National Front. Some three-fourths of conservative and centrist voters have a favorable opinion of the more moderate Juppe while only 55 percent look favorably on Sarkozy, according to an Elabe poll for BFMTV published on Wednesday. Given the ruling Socialists unpopularity, the winner of the Nov. 20 and 27 primary election has a good chance of making it to the run-off round of the presidential election in May, possibly against National Front leader Marine Le Pen. (Reporting by Simon Carraud and Leigh Thomas; Editing by John Irish)
Rome (AFP) - French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said Wednesday he did not support sanctions against Russia or Iran, which back the Syrian regime and its offensive in Aleppo.

"The priority is not to enter into a cycle of sanctions for the sake of sanctions," he told a news conference in Rome after meeting his Italian and German counterparts.

He described the situation in Syria as "intolerable", adding that there was no military solution and negotiations were the only way to end the five-year war.

Washington and Moscow on Wednesday announced two days of talks -- in Lausanne on Saturday, and in London on Sunday.

The meetings come after Syria was plunged into some of the worst violence it has seen, as government forces backed by Russian airpower push an assault on rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

"We bet on the possibility that Russia would have a positive influence" on its allies, but now "we must acknowledge that did not happen", said Italian Foreign Minister Paolo Gentiloni.

Fresh air strikes and artillery fire in Aleppo on Wednesday left at least seven people dead, an international monitor said, a day after Russia was accused of stepping up its raids on the city.

"Our moral credibility is at stake. We must not only stop these deaths in Aleppo, but all over Syria," German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said.
From Harper's BAZAAR

Photo credit: Dennis Leupold / Essence Magazine

Last month, Gabrielle Union responded to her Birth of a Nation costar Nate Parker' rape allegations by sharing her own experience of sexual assault. "Twenty-four years ago, I was raped at gunpoint in the cold, dark backroom of the Payless shoe store where I was then working," she began her essay. In the latest issue of Essence, she continues to stand by sharing her story.

"As a rape survivor and as an advocate, I cannot shy away from this responsibility because the conversation got difficult," she told the magazine. "I don't want to put myself above anyone's pain or triggers. Every victim or survivor, I believe you. I support you."

The news surrounding Parker negatively impacted the reception of the film, as it was met with an unimpressive opening weekend last week, but Union understands why viewers might choose note to see it.

"I can't sell the film," she adds. "This movie has always been about more than one person, and for the outspoken feminist advocates and allies who risked a lot to be a part of this project - Aja Naomi King, Aunjanue Elllis, Penelope Ann Miller - we are okay if you have to sit this one out, and we're okay if you don't, and we understand."

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General Mills GIS has reportedly confirmed the expansion of cereal production in its Buffalo plant by including brands like Corn Chex, Honey Nut Chex and others. Notably, the facility already produces brands like Kix, Total, Lucky Charms, Wheaties, Cheerios, and Gold Medal flour.



Notably, the expansion project involves an investment of $25 million with public sector support coming from New York State of $1 million grant. The funds are in addition to the supply of low-cost hydropower and electricity from the Power Authority.



The project also involves the purchase of new packaging equipment and upgraded ingredient systems. The upgradation is expected to be completed in May 2017. Meanwhile, management reported that 417 of the current workers at the plant will be retained. At the same time, no new jobs will be created.

GENL MILLS Price

GENL MILLS Price | GENL MILLS Quote

General Mills have been cutting costs lately to improve its bottom-line performance. Earlier this year, General Mills announced its plans to dismiss 1400 workers worldwide and close several plants owing to low demand for some of its products.



Notably, the U.S. cereal category of the company has been declining in the recent years. Revenues at this segment declined 8% year over year to $2.33 billion in first-quarter fiscal 2017. Although the cereals business showed some improvement in fiscal 2016, overall Cereal sales declined around 1% in the year.



Lower demand for cereals due to competitive pressure from alternatives including yogurt, eggs, bread and peanut butter is hurting category growth. Moreover, changing consumer views on health and wellness have hurt cereal retail sales.



However, we believe that the Buffalo plant expansion initiative should somewhat aid General Mills to reinvigorate this priority business.



General Mills currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).



Stocks to Consider



Better-ranked stocks in this industry include Post Holdings, Inc. POST, Tate & Lyle plc TATYY and ConAgra Foods, Inc. CAG.



Post Holdings  a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stock  is expected to witness a 295.81% rise in fiscal 2016 earnings.



Tate & Lyle is expected to witness a 6.25% rise in fiscal 2017 earnings. The company carries a Zacks Rank #1. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



ConAgra Foods carries a Zanks Rank #2 (Buy). Full-year fiscal 2017 earnings growth is projected at 18.20% for the company.



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BERLIN (Reuters) - Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet on Wednesday approved the deployment of additional German troops to Turkey to help operate NATO surveillance aircraft as part of the U.S-led fight against Islamic State, government sources said. The Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) aircraft will be based at Konya air base in southern Turkey. They will be used for reconnaissance in support of air strikes against Islamic State targets. The German military, or Bundeswehr, provides about one third of the crews used to operate and maintain NATO's AWACS planes, but German law requires that individual missions must be approved by parliament. No details were provided on exactly how many troops would be part of the deployment. Germany already has about 500 military personnel involved in the fight against Islamic State, including over 240 who are based at Incirlik air base in Turkey to operate six Tornado surveillance aircraft and a refueling plane. Others are on board a German frigate that is operating in the eastern Mediterranean with the French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. The total number of German troops participating in the fight against Islamic State is capped at 1,200 and will not be increased, the sources said. German involvement in combating IS was "a core part of our security policy in the region, which is aimed at countering the direct and immediate danger to Germany, our allies and the international community," the draft legislation said. NATO approved the new AWACS mission in July and could start flying the planes this month, although initially without German crews since the German parliament is not expected to approve the expanded German role until November. NATO has been operating some AWACS from Konya air base since early 2016 as part of a separate mission approved after Turkey shot down a Russian fighter jet in the border area in November 2015. (Reporting by Sabine Siebold, Writing by Andrea Shalal; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
FRANKFURT, Oct 12 (Reuters) - German fish fast food chain Nordsee has been put up for sale in potential deal worth more than 300 million euros ($336 million) deal, people close to the deal said.

Owner families Mueller and Kamps have tasked investment banking boutique GCA Altium with organising the transaction they said, adding that first information packages have already been sent out to prospective buyers.

Nordsee last year posted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation of 30 million euros on sales of 350 million euros. It's EBITDA is expected to remain flat this year.

Peers such as McDonald's, Yum! or Wendys trade at 12-13 times their expected core earnings.

Nordsee is likely to fetch a valuation of more than 300 million euros or more than 10 times its expected core earnings, one of the people said.

"A lot will depend on how much refurbishment costs will weigh on cash flows," the source added.

Altium and Mueller declined to comment, while Kamps was not immediately available to comment.

Nordsee is expected to catch the eye of private equity groups with plans for an international rollout of the restaurant chain, as well as some industry peers.

The company already has a private equity history as it was owned by Apax from 1997 until bakery entrepreneur Heiner Kamps bought it in 2005. Kamps later sold a stake on to dairy entrepreneur Theo Mueller.

Nordsee was founded 120 years ago as a fishery group in Bremen and in the early 20th century expanded into fish processing and a retail network. It opened its first fast food restaurant in 1965, and today serves almost 20 million customers at its 373 outlets. ($1 = 0.8928 euros) (Reporting by Arno Schuetze; Editing by Harro ten Wolde)
Berlin (AFP) - A Syrian man arrested on suspicion of plotting a jihadist bomb attack on a Berlin airport was found dead in his cell Wednesday after an apparent suicide, sparking outrage over a "judicial scandal".

Jaber Albakr, who was arrested two days earlier following a nationwide manhunt after police found explosives in his apartment, was discovered hanged in his jail cell in the eastern city of Leipzig, reported Germany's Bild daily and national news agency DPA.

"Jaber Albakr took his own life in the Leipzig prison hospital," the government of the eastern, ex-communist state of Saxony said in a statement, without elaborating.

Albakr, 22,had narrowly evaded police commandos at dawn last Saturday but was arrested some 48 hours later, thanks to three compatriots now widely lauded as heroes, who said that after recognising him, they tied him up and handed him to police.

Politicians and the suspect's defence lawyer reacted with outrage over the death in custody which followed what was widely seen as a botched police search that ended only thanks to the three other Syrian asylum seekers.

- 'Heroes of Leipzig' -

Germany's domestic security service had first alerted police last Friday that Albakr may be plotting a bomb attack, and police investigators have since said he was thought to have had links with the Islamic State group.

Early last Saturday, police closed in on his communist-era flat in the eastern city of Chemnitz, but he managed to slip away after they fired a warning shot, sparking a weekend-long nationwide manhunt and high alerts at railway stations and airports.

Police then discovered 1.5 kilograms (over three pounds) of TATP, the homemade explosive dubbed the "mother of Satan" that was used by Islamic State jihadists in the Paris and Brussels attacks, in his flat.

Investigators said the explosives were "almost ready or even ready for use," and that he was apparently preparing a "bomb, possibly in the form of a suicide vest".

Story continues

Public broadcaster MDR said Wednesday that Albakr, who first arrived in Germany in early 2015, had since then twice returned to Syria via Turkey.

Germany's domestic intelligence chief Hans-Georg Maassen said his service had received information that Albakr "initially wanted to target trains in Germany before finally deciding on one of Berlin's airports".

The service reportedly believes the attack may have been only days away.

On the run over the weekend, Albakr had contacted the Syrians, who put him up in their apartment in Leipzig but then realised he was a wanted terror suspect and turned him in to police, having kept him in a headlock and tied up with an electric cable.

Albakr had offered them money to let him go, but they refused, they later told media, which did not identify them for fear of IS reprisals against the men.

The top-selling Bild daily described the trio as "the Syrian heroes from Leipzig", while calls and online petitions have grown to honour and reward them.

DPA said Albakr had told police the three Syrians had been complicit in his attack plans, but it was unclear whether police took that claim seriously. It said there was no news of fresh charges being laid.

- 'Shock and disbelief' -

Politicians reacted with anger and incredulity to the news of Albakr's suicide while he was in the custody of the eastern state of Saxony.

Conservative lawmaker Wolfgang Bosbach called it a "true nightmare", Greens party lawmaker Volker Beck tweeted "how could this happen?," while the Social Democrats' Johannes Kahrs wrote "What's up in Saxony this time? Crazy."

The state of Saxony has received notoriety amid Germany's record migrant influx, which brought 890,000 asylum seekers last year, as a hotbed of far-right protests and racist hate crimes.

Last weekend's police hunt earned its police more bad press after officers let the suspect slip through their dragnet, with one investigator later saying police could not chase him because of their heavy bulletproof vests.

Albakr's public defence lawyer Alexander Huebner told Focus news weekly that the detainee's jailers had been aware he presented a suicide risk and angrily labelled the death a "judicial scandal".

"He had already smashed lamps and manipulated power points" after entering a hunger strike shortly after his arrest, agreeing only to drink a glass of water, Huebner said.

"I am incredibly shocked and in disbelief that this could have happened."
Germany Wants to Ban Internal Combustion Engines

According to Der Spiegel, the Bundesrat, Germanys top legislative body, has voted to ban all internal combustion engines by the year 2030. The legislation calls on the European Commission to "evaluate the recent tax and contribution practices of Member States on their effectiveness in promoting zero-emission mobility," effectively asking for a ban on the lower level of tax on diesel fuel within the EU.

It also calls on European vehicle manufacturers to "review the current practices of taxation and dues with regard to a stimulation of emission-free mobility."

"If the Paris agreement to curb climate-warming emissions is to be taken seriously, no new combustion engine cars should be allowed on roads after 2030," said Greens party lawmaker Oliver Krischer. BMW Motorrad's head of development Karl Viktor Schaller told Britains Motorcycle News, "It may be 10 or 15 years away, but urban traffic will be electric in the future. Maybe eventually electric vehicles will reach a range of 200km, but it is too early to talk about electric segments.

If you look closely, you can see Germany in the heart of those pesky rising temperatures everyone has been talking about.

If you look closely, you can see Germany in the heart of those pesky rising temperatures everyone has been talking about.

"An electric superbike is possible, but it has a very limited range due to its high power. An electric GS would need range and not so much power. Until we have a good solution for range, it will take time for electric vehicles to expand beyond urban riding."

While the resolution is non-binding, it may not happen, but the statement of intent carries strength, given that German regulations have historically shaped many EU regulations. Maybe the new BMW NEXT 100 Zero Emissions Concept Bike isn't so random after all?
Categories Celebrity Beauty

When it was announced that supermodel Gigi Hadid would be designing her own capsule collection for Tommy Hilfiger, excitement from fans and the fashion crowd ensued. After wrapping up a hugely successful Fashion Month, including her very own carnival-themed show, Gigi is now on a world tour promoting her line as well as her nautical-inspired fragrance, The Girl (an update on the 90s staple fragrance).

For her Tokyo press stop, Gigi wore one of her best kitschy beauty looks yet. While were used to seeing her in fresh-faced makeup and natural beachy waves, she instead paid homage to Harajuku culture. Hairstylist Bryce Scarlett gave her a half-up, half-down style with space buns.

Instagram/@erinparsonsmakeup

Makeup artist Erin Parsons gave a nod to Tommy Hilfigers signature red, white and blue color scheme with Gigis eye shadow. She swept subtle tones of burgundy on her lids, electric blue eyeliner on her waterline and added a crystal finish to her inner and outer eye corners.

Gigi always makes sure to have her manicurist Mar y Sol by her side for camera-worthy nails. For the Tokyo trip, she went for a blue and white look with layers of abstract diagonals.

Instagram/@nailsbymarysoul
Meet Dianes goddaughter. Game of Thrones and Downton Abbey alumna Rose Leslie has been cast as a lead opposite Christine Baranski and Cush Jumbo in the upcoming followup The Good Wife series for CBS All Access, CBS VOD and live streaming service. Leslie will play Maia, Dianes (Baranski) goddaughter who joins her firm just after passing the bar, and is a key part of Dianes plan for the future.

The Good Wife spinoff series, said to be a little lighter in tone than the mothership drama, will pick up one year after the events of The Good Wife series finale on CBS. An enormous financial scam has destroyed the reputation of a young lawyer, Maia (Leslie), while simultaneously wiping out her mentor Diane Lockharts (Baranski) savings. Forced out of Lockhart & Lee, they join Lucca Quinn (Jumbo) at one of Chicagos pre-eminent law firms.

Leslie is the first actor cast in the spinoff who was not on the original series. In addition to Baranski and Jumbo, she joins Sarah Steele, who will reprise her role as Eli Golds (Alan Cumming) smart and outspoken daughter Marissa Gold. In the spinoff, she begins as Diane Lockharts secretary, but finds she has a knack for investigating.

Were thrilled to have Rose on board, said The Good Wife creators Robert and Michelle King who co-wrote the spinoff and will serve as executive producer/showrunners. We needed a young actress who could hold her own with Christine Baranski and Cush Jumbo, and Rose is perfect. Shes real, shes strong, and she can play comedy. If we designed an actress from the ground up, we couldnt have done better.

Scottish actress Leslie is probably best known for her roles as Gwen Dawson on the popular costume drama Downton Abbey, and as Ygritte on the hit HBO fantasy series Game of Thrones. Her additional credits include the UK series Luther and Utopia and the features The Last Witch Hunter and Morgan.

The new The Good Wife series will debut in February 2017 on CBS before moving exclusively to CBS All Access.

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Robert and Michelle King co-wrote the premiere episode with Phil Alden Robinson, who will executive produce the premiere episode. The Kings executive produce the series with Ridley Scott, David Zucker, Liz Glotzer, Brooke Kennedy and Alison Cross for CBS Television Studios in association with Scott Free Productions and King Size Productions. The series will be distributed worldwide by CBS Studios International.

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'Star Trek: Discovery' Premiere Pushed, 'The Good Wife' Spinoff Debut Moved Up On CBS All Access
Lotto Quit

Despite a weaker than expected jobs report and JOLTS number, the labor market in the US appears to be fairly tight.

According to Torsten Slk, chief international economist at Deutsche Bank, the number of people quitting state and local government jobs is near an all-time high.

"The quits rate measures the number of people who resign as a percent of total employment, and the quits rate for government workers is near its all-time highs, and higher than in 2006," said Slk in a note to clients.

Now this is interesting because the general quits rate is supposedly linked with a tight labor market  the thinking being that if someone quits their job it means they feel confident about finding another one.

Government jobs, however, may add another layer. Not only are people thinking that they can find another job, but they think there are higher wages out there.

Government jobs typically have a more stringent wage structure since they are part of the state budget, and given the budget woes of various states, wage increases may not be assured.

So as wage pressures build up in the private sector and lead to pay raises, many government workers may be feeling more secure about leaving a job in the public sector and going after higher wages and a greater possibility of raises in the future.

Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Cost Index, the wages and salaries for private sector workers increased by 2.6% in the 12-month period ending in June 2016, while wages and salaries for state and government employees increased by just 1.7% over that same time period. The year before  from June 2014 to June 2015  wages and salaries increased 2.2% for both private employees and state and local government employees.

Thus, with these workers departing, it would seem that one good explanation for the uptick in public sector quitting is that people are finally noticing the disparity in wage increases between the private and public sector. While this may not directly lead to a bump in private pay, it certainly means people are catching on to the trend.

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Screen Shot 2016 10 12 at 10.58.37 AM

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The Spring Mansion in Berkeley, CA, isnt just a homeits also a piece of history and a work of art. Modeled on an empress palace and offering breathtaking views of San Francisco Bay, the estate is like a Picassoyoure not just going to walk in and buy one at Wal-Mart, according to listing agent Herman Chan.

With a price tag of $7.5 million, itll require a buyer who doesnt rely on everyday low prices. For the price, a buyer isnt getting merely a 12,000-square-foot mansionthe mansion is also a time capsule with ties to a progressive school for children, a liberal arts college, and a couple of millionaires.

Built in 1912, the mansion still needs a few interior tweaks. Its had only four owners, but the search for a fifth has had its challenges. Chan and his crew polished up the property to bring it into the 21st century while highlighting its unique background.

Selling a bit of history

Chan saw the house languish on the market as other agents struggled to find a buyer. He knew that this unique property needed equally unique marketing.

Its not just a house. Its one of a kind. Theres nothing else like it in the world, said Chan. You have to give it enough spin, glamour, and PR to justify its price.

The marketing campaign features a website, a book, and wider outreach.

Weve been getting inquiries from abroad, especially China, for trophy properties, he said. Even tech incubators have been calling us about maybe transforming this into a school or a conference center.

In fact, the Spring Mansion was an institution for far longer than a residence. Built for real estate mogul John Hopkins Spring by architect John Hudson Thomas, whose grand homes still dot the Berkeley hills, the mansion was modeled on Empress Elizabeth of Austrias Achilleion Palace.

The architects trademark designs are still visible throughout the mansion, from the four-square pattern and starbursts on the front door and the atrium skylight to the fireplace carvings and the terraces surrounding the mansion.

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Square patterns shine through the atrium skylight Circle Visions

Spring didnt stay in his custom-built mansion for long. He lived there less than a year before the estate found itself in the hands of a pioneering educator, Cora Williams, who offered a holistic, creative take on childrens education. After her death, the home became a liberal arts college.

A bedroom transformed into a library. Much of the school librarys collection remains with the property. Circle Visions

After serving 50 years as a school, the mansion became home to yet another real estate mogul in the 70s. He made changes to the interior, though his handiwork included a few unfortunate design choices inspired by the timeslike its red and orange interior paint.

Luckily, the exterior remained untouched and the mansion wound up becoming a city landmark in 2000. The mansion was sold again in 2005, but the owner soon left for Los Angeles and put the estate back up for sale. It has since bounced on and off the market.

Staging for a modern buyer

Chan knew he couldnt take on this project alone. Cora Sue Anthony, a home stager whose work has been featured on HGTV, saw the Spring Mansion as a grand dame in need of a makeover.

The trick was, how do you keep the integrity of the house but make it so that anyone can live here? Anthony says. Staging is like makeup. You want a nice foundation to highlight certain features, but you dont want to be clownish.

The gaudy interior paint was replaced with neutral tones that allowed the homes underlying features to shine. The red carpet that covered the grand staircase was replaced with a neutral-colored quatrefoil pattern, which meshes well with the existing design elements while offering a modern touch.

Neutral carpeting and paint make for an approachable room. Circle Visions

While some of the mansions carpeting and upholstery was ravaged over the decades and had to be replaced, museum pieces such as the medieval wall tapestries in the living room had survived for over a century in excellent condition.

Anthonys other major task was to furnish rooms without making the home feel stuffy.

We went for comfortable furniture that still kept the integrity of the houses history. We used lighter woods and fabrics to contrast with the dark wood of the walls instead of competing, Anthony explains. Above all, we didnt want to go too formal. It has to be livable.

Comfortable, modern furnishings were chosen to complement the homes unique features. Circle Visions

Will their work pay off?

Only time will tell if this new makeover and marketing campaign will work, but Chan seems optimistic. The mansion has a chance to stay true to its roots and become the residence of another local mogul or the home of another school. Or perhaps itll move in an entirely different direction. Either way, the Spring Mansion is ready for the 21st century.

The post A Grand Dame Gets a Makeover in the Berkeley Hills appeared first on Real Estate News and Advice - realtor.com.
By Makini Brice PORT-AU-PRINCE (Reuters) - Haitian interim President Jocelerme Privert on Tuesday played down the international aid response to Hurricane Matthew, saying some promised foreign aid had yet to materialize and that the devastated country was mostly funding its own recovery. Southwestern Haiti was smashed by the Category 4 hurricane on Oct. 4, which barreled through the southern coast of the poor island nation, killing some 1,000 people and displacing hundreds of thousands. The storm has most acutely hit farmers in southern rural areas, six years after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake leveled much of the nations capital Port-au-Prince, where reconstruction is still ongoing and disillusionment about the involvement of the international community in the rebuilding still runs high. Privert said the Haitian government had managed and steered aid to the proper channels and had opened up accessibility to many areas that had been cut off after the storm because of flooding, landslides, downed trees and debris. "Many countries have promised us aid  some support in kind, but others have made promises that have not yet materialized," said Privert. "What we have done up to now, we have done with public resources withdrawn from the national treasury." Privert called for the rebuilding of infrastructure and urged investment to the area, which was formerly green and relatively tree-covered in a country that has long had issues with deforestation, saying that the short-term response could not come at the expense of long-term reconstruction. "The emergency is to assist the displaced people, those who find themselves in temporary shelters, who are deprived of water, deprived of food, of medication," said Privert. "Its necessary to bring assistance with haste. The assistance would not need to be of an indefinite nature. We need to make sure thatpeople can return to their homes, rebuild their lives, restart agriculture to avoid that, after this state of emergency, that the country does not plunge into a food crisis, into a more serious crisis than the one caused by the hurricane." Before the hurricane, Haiti tasked itself with providing most of the $55 million in funds for a re-do of last years presidential elections, which were scrapped due to accusations of fraud. Parliament appointed Privert to manage a caretaker government until an elected successor could take office. The vote, scheduled for Oct. 9, was canceled when the hurricane hit and has not yet been rescheduled. An announcement on a new date is expected for later in the week. If the (provisional electoral) council asks me tomorrow to publish a presidential decree inviting the people to the polls for such and such date, I will take that decision, said Privert. (Editing by Frank Jack Daniel and Michael Perry)
s400 vs f-22

In a bold faced power move, Russia just moved additional missile defense batteries to Syria and issued a thinly veiled threat that it would shoot down any US or coalition aircraft that tried to bomb Syrian regime targets without warning.

This step, just days after US and Russian bilateral negotiations for a ceasefire fell through, shows the depth of Russia's commitment to Syrian President Assad, who has shown a ferocious willingness to use chemical and banned weapons against his own people since the war started in 2011.

But the Russian S-300 and S-400 missile defense batteries pose a serious question about US and coalition military capabilities versus the Russians.

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Gen. Igor Konashenkov, a Russian Defense Ministry spokesman, went as far as to say that "all the illusions of amateurs about the existence of 'invisible' jets will face a disappointing reality," referring to the US's fifth generation stealth aircraft, the F-22 and F-35.

While the US fields the greatest Air Force in the world, the capabilities of Russia's S-300 and S-400 air defense systems in Syria represent a very real challenge to the US's ability to operate in those zones without being shot down.

Dr. Igor Sutyagin of the Royal United Services Institute, an expert on Russian missile defense systems and strategic armaments, told Business Insider that in this case at least, Russia is correct.

"Konashenkov is absolutely right  stealth as invisibility is just amateurs invention, not a technical term."

However, according to Sutyagin, some of the Russian capabilities also fall in the category of speculation rather than hard capability.

For instance, as advanced as Russian surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems are, and they are really quite advanced, they still face very real limitations.

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Russian "air defense systems are designed to intercept high flying targets at a maximum range of about 250 miles," said Sutyagin. While this does pose a threat to US and coalition aircraft operating normally in the region, the missile defense can be outfoxed, as they less optimal against low flying planes or missiles.

Even though the Russian systems have great radar range and capabilities, in the real world obstacles abound, and that makes it very hard to get a clear picture of real world air spaces.

The Russian missile defense systems sit on trucks, ready to be positioned wherever needed in a specific region. Some reports indicate that Russian crews can get the missile battery up and running within 5 minutes of parking the truck. Additionally, the mobile missile batteries present an ever changing target, and a puzzle that incoming aircraft must solve anew each time they enter the air space.

But they battery is still just a truck on the ground. Parking it on a hilltop makes it visible. Parking it in a valley severely limits the range due to natural obstacles. So just as the US fantasy of "invisible jets" doesn't completely pan out when the rubber hits the road, neither does the Russian fantasy of a 250 mile air defense zone.

Indeed to flesh out this idea of the Russians, they'd need to operate Airborne Warning and Control Systems (AWACs), or planes that carry large radars and can survey battle spaces free from obstructions on the ground, which Sutyagin says Moscow does not currently have in Syria.

But who would come out on top?

s 400

According to Sutyagin, stealth US planes like the B-2, F-22, and F-35 could knock out Russian SAM sites in Syria, but not without a fight.

"Yeah they can do it. In theory they can do it because they will be launching stand off weapons," said Sutyagin, referring to long range missiles as "standoff weapons."

"The tactics of these low visibility planes as they were designed originally was to use the fact that detection range was decreased so you create some gaps in radar range and then you approach through gap and launch standoff weapons," said Sutyagin.

At this point, Russia's "defenses will inevitably detect it, but maybe too late," said Sutyagin, who emphasized that firing a missile doesn't always mean a hit, and detecting a missile doesn't always mean an intercept.

"There is no 100% reliability, but still it will be much more difficult" for Russian SAM sites to intercept missiles fired from US stealth aircraft that can get up close and personal and locate the site first. "If the standoff weapon is also low visibility," the chances only improve, according to Sutyagin.

Additionally, Russian SAM sites in Syria have a limited magazine capacity.

"One air defense battalion with an S-300 has 32 missiles. They will fire these against 16 targets (maybe against cruise missiles they would fire a one-to-one ratio) but to prevent the target from evading you always launch two... but what if there are 50 targets?"

This limitation explains why Russia deployed the S-300 battery to Syria when they already have the more advanced S-400 stationed there.

According to Sutyagin, it takes "40-50 minutes to reload launchers." The SAM sites are then unarmed, with their positions exposed and they're "not well prepared to meet another threat."

What it comes down to

air force

So the US could overwhelm Russian defenses. Or Russia could shoot down US fifth-generation aircraft over Syria. What it comes down to, according to Sutyagin, is training.

Sutyagin says that overall, the situation is "very complicated" and that there is "no easy solution to suppress air defense, but there are opportunities."

Each combat scenario brings unique challenges and opportunities that may benefit one side or another. Generally, there is reason to believe that the pilots of US fifth-generation aircraft are among the best in the world, and that they would have the edge in almost every situation.

Indeed, Sutyagin says that the US's airborne capabilities put them in a better situation than the US was in during Vietnam, when Russian SAM sites shot down many US planes.

Though the details of the how US F-22 Raptor pilots would engage an enemy SAM site are classified, a pilot with the program recently told National Interest's Dave Majumdar that the F-22 pilots are confident they could prevail.

But jets and SAM sites fight battles on air, over seas, and on land  not on paper.

"If American pilots will be not experienced in their fifth-gens, they will be shot down. If they are brilliant, operationally, tactically brilliant, they will defeat them," concluded Sutyagin.

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Heres what happens when meditation replaces detention in schools

At one Baltimore elementary school, meditation rooms have replaced detention halls.

Robert W. Coleman Elementary School launched a meditation program for kids who get into trouble. Instead of punishing kids, teachers send them to the mindful moment room to reflect, breathe, and relax. They then meet with a counselor to talk about what happened and how they can better manage their emotions.

The school says meditating provides a healthy outlet for students who are in desperate need of one. Andres. A Gonzalez, with Holistic Life Foundation, told A Plus.

Meditation allows students to take a moment and respond instead of impulsively reacting

It gives them a place to go inward and not be overwhelmed by external stimuli.

The results have been stunning: According to Newsweek, the school reported zero suspensions in the last year, down from four in the 2013-2014 school year.

Meditation is sweeping the nation.

The Baltimore School is leading a new movement to bring holistic practices to classrooms. New York Citys 2014 Move to Improve initiative made yoga and stretching part of the school day to help with stress. On the west coast, Californias Mindful Schools has trained educators in 48 states and 43 countries, Newsweek reports.

Carlillian Thompson, principal of Robert W. Coleman Elementary, told the Holistic Life Foundation:

I started seeing a difference in their behaviors

Instead of the students fighting or lashing out, they started to use words to solve their problems.

The post Heres what happens when meditation replaces detention in schools appeared first on HelloGiggles.
When season one of The Crown first arrived on Netflix in November of 2016, viewers were given a look inside the life of a young Queen Elizabeth II as she took to the throne. But there was another story to be told alongside the history of the monarch's reign.

Photo credit: Netflix

The Queen's fun-loving younger sister Princess Margaret stole the show. Played by British actress Vanessa Kirby, Margaret was caught in a clash of loyalty, forced to choose between royal duty and the man she wants to marry, divorced royal equerry Peter Townsend.

Now, some viewers are discovering the seriesand the dramatic royal relationshipfor the first time following Queen Elizabeth's death; others, are refreshing their memories before new episodes drop on November 9.

Before you dive into the show's fifth season, here's what you need to know about one the most gripping love stories in royal history.

1. Princess Margaret was a teenager when she first met Peter Townsend.

According to multiple reports, Peter had been interviewed by Margaret's father, George VI, for a position as his equerry, when he first met the 14-year-old princess at Buckingham Palace. Peter later recalled that she was "as unremarkable as one would expect of a 14-year-old girl." Their romance began eight years later, when 22-year-old Margaret fell in love with Peter soon after the death of her father in 1952.

Photo credit: Getty Images





2. Peter was 16-years older than Margaret, but the age gap wasn't what kept them apart.

Long before they fell in love, Peter had served in the Indian Civil Service; when he returned to Britain, he married Miss Cecil Rosemary Pawle after a short engagement. The couple had two sons, but after his wife had an affair, Peter filed for divorce in November 1952. It was his divorced status which eventually made it impossible for Margaret to marry him, as both the Church of England and parliament suggested they were firmly against the match.

Photo credit: Getty Images





3. It was Margaret's sense of humor, and her natural beauty, that caught Peter's eye.

"She was a girl of unusual, intense beauty, confined as it was in her short, slender figure and centered about large purple-blue eyes, generous, sensitive lips, and a complexion as smooth as a peach," Peter is said to have recalled. "She could make you bend double with laughing and also touch you deeply in your heart," he added.

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Photo credit: Getty Images





4. Margaret and Peter's relationship was hidden by the Palace, although a subtle gesture gave their secret away.

In its obituary for the princess, The Guardian highlights the moment when the public picked up on her relationship with Peter. On the Queen's Coronation Day in 1953, the princess was seen to flick a piece of fluff from his uniform while waiting outside Westminster Abbey. That gesture was a sure sign that rumors of their romance were true. The news was soon printed in newspapers around the world.

Photo credit: Getty Images





5. The couple's desire to marry sparked a battle between the government and the public, and the Queen was caught in the middle.

As Margaret was under the age of 25, the Queen had to consent to her sister's marriage to a divorced man, but her role as Head of the Church of England made this difficult. It didn't help that Winston Churchill, the Prime Minister at the time, said it was unlikely his cabinet would approve of their marriage, despite public support for the couple. Townsend was sent away to work as an air attache for the British Embassy in Brussels, but speculation around their relationship never died down.

Photo credit: Getty Images





6. The princess eventually put duty before herself.

After two years apart, the couple were reunited in 1955, and although Margaret had now turned 25, they were still denied the right to marry. The government, then led by divorced Prime Minister Anthony Eden, decided that if the princess insisted on marrying Townsend, she would be stripped of all her royal privileges as well as her income. This left Margaret in an impossible position and on October 31 of the same year, the princess made her decision clear.

"I would like it to be known that I have decided not to marry Group Captain Peter Townsend," she said. "I have been aware that, subject to my renouncing my rights of succession, it might have been possible for me to contract a civil marriage. But, mindful of the Church's teaching that Christian marriage is indissoluble, and conscious of my duty to the Commonwealth, I have decided to put these considerations before any others."

Photo credit: Getty Images





7. Margaret was said to be heartbroken, but she moved on.

Three years later, in May 1960, Margaret married a magazine photographer, Antony Armstrong-Jones, later known as Lord Snowden, at Westminster Abbey. The couple had two children, David and Sarah, before they divorced in 1978. Peter moved to France and married a young Belgian woman who was said to have a strong resemblance to Margaret. Townsend and the princess met again in 1993, which is thought to be the last time they saw each other. Margaret died in February 2002 at the age of 71, seven years after Peter died aged 80. (Lord Snowden died in January, 2017.)

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By Nia Williams CALGARY, Alberta (Reuters) - Canadian heavy crude differentials narrowed slightly on Wednesday as oil flows between Canada and the United States returned to normal following protests the previous day that targeted five major cross-border pipelines. Activists in four U.S. states broke into remote flow stations to manually turn off valves on TransCanada Corp's Keystone line, Enbridge Inc's Line 4 and 67, the Spectra Energy Partners LP Express line and a feeder line on Kinder Morgan Inc's Trans Mountain system. The lines affected were shut down as a precaution, but the disruption was short-lived. By Tuesday afternoon all four companies had restarted the pipelines, helping minimize the impact on prices. A short-term pipeline shutdown will have little impact on deliveries, shippers in Calgary said. However, longer outages can lead to crude getting bottlenecked in the Alberta marketing hubs of Edmonton and Hardisty, and weigh on prices. Wester Canada Select heavy blend crude for November delivery last traded at $13.60 per barrel below the West Texas Intermediate benchmark, compared with a settlement price of $13.70 per barrel below WTI on Tuesday. Light synthetic crude from the oil sands for November delivery last traded at 30 cents per barrel below WTI, having changed hands at 15 cents per barrel under the benchmark on Tuesday. (Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Scientists have found some toxic DNA lurking inside a virus that infects bacteria. In addition to its own genes, the virus holds a gene for black widow spider venom and DNA from other animals, the researchers found. The findings suggest that either the virus snagged this foreign genetic material or that these other animals have stolen DNA from the virus, the researchers said.

Future research could find that such swapping across domains of life, from the most complex to the most ancient, is more common than previously thought, scientists say.

Stealing DNA

Viruses infect all three domains of the tree of life. The most complex forms of life on Earth  including animals, plants and fungi  belong to the domain Eukaryota, whose cells possess nuclei. The other two domains include the prokaryotes, the earliest forms of life  single-celled microbes that lack nuclei. There are two prokaryotic domains  the familiar Bacteria, as well as Archaea, which includes microorganisms that thrive in harsh environments such as hot springs and underground petroleum deposits. [The 9 Deadliest Viruses on Earth]

Each virus infects just one domain of life. For instance, bacteriophages, which are viruses that attack bacteria, cannot infect eukaryotes, or cells with nuclei. In part due to this specificity, scientists have explored using these so-called "phages" in therapies to kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Previous research found that viruses can pick up genes from their hosts, using this "stolen" DNA to evade and manipulate their victims. Because each virus infects only one domain of life, scientists would not expect a phage to possess animal DNA, for example.

Viruses that infect bacteria

However, previous research found that a number of bacteria do live in eukaryotes  for instance, harmful parasites or mostly helpful symbionts such as E. coli that live in hosts such as humans and other animals. This idea raised the possibility that phages that infect such bacteria might regularly be exposed to DNA from the eukaryotic hosts of these bacteria.

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Virus particles (shown in inset) infect the symbionts of the Wolbachia bacterium. Michelle Marshall and Seth Bordenstein

In the new study, scientists investigated the phage WO, which infects the bacterium Wolbachia. This bacterium infests an estimated 40 percent of the most species-rich group of animals worldwide, the arthropods, which include insects, spiders and crustaceans.

"Wolbachia are among the most widespread bacterial infections on the planet," said study co-author Seth Bordenstein, a microbiologist at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee.

The researchers found that this phage's genome (or the complete set of genes within each cell of an organism) contains a number of genes similar to some seen in eukaryotes. "This is the first time, to the best of my knowledge, that animal genes were found in bacteriophages," Bordenstein told Live Science.

One gene, the second largest seen yet in phages, is made of genes previously seen in eukaryotes and bacteria fused together. This combination gene includes DNA that was found previously in prior work to help create black widow spider venom. Other genes of this phage that were previously seen in eukaryotes are known to mediate interactions between microbes and hosts, trigger the death of host cells, and help in the secretion of proteins across cell membranes.

Flow of genes

It remains uncertain how this phage uses these recently discovered genes. The researchers suggested that these genes may help the phage break into animal cells or evade animal immune systems to reach and infect their bacterial hosts.

It also remains unknown how this DNA has flowed between this phage and animals. Although it is likely that the genes in the phage originally came from animals, the researchers have not yet ruled out the possibility that these genes in animals originally came from phages. "We should consider all possible routes of transfer," Bordenstein said.

Future research could explore how often phages get DNA from domains of life other than the one they infect. "We'd like to see a comprehensive genomic survey of viruses and their hosts," Bordenstein said.

Bordenstein also noted that someday, this phage could be used to genetically modify Wolbachia. "There's been long-standing interest in genetically editing Wolbachia; people have tried vigorously and failed," he said.

Finding ways to tinker with Wolbachia might help fight the Zika and dengue viruses, Bordenstein said. "When Wolbachia is present [in mosquitoes], dengue and Zika viruses are prevented from replicating at high rates," he said.

Bordenstein and spouse Sarah Bordenstein, also a microbiologist at Vanderbilt University,detailed their findings Oct. 11 in the journal Nature Communications.

Original article on Live Science.

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Samsung will permanently cease production and sales of its Galaxy Note 7 flagship phablet smartphone following reports that early models exploded and subsequent replacement devices caught fire.

This will leave the smartphone maker without a high-end device to compete against the iPhone 7 and Google's new Pixel smartphone, and will likely be a massive blow to the companys bottom line and brand image, The Wall Street Journal notes.

There will be ample opportunity for rival smartphone vendors to leverage the absence of the Note 7. Samsung controls the largest market share of smartphone shipments. In Q2 2016, device shipments reached 22% of the global smartphone market. And recently, the Galaxy Note 7 became the most used device, according to Apteligent data shared with BI Intelligence.

Here's how the major players could benefit:

Apple will find itself peerless in the near term. Samsung and Apple have been embroiled in a battle over the high-end smartphone market for some time. Apple will likely benefit from its strong brand name and see an uptick in switchers as consumers look for a comparative device to replace the Galaxy Note 7.

Googles new Pixel smartphone  in particular, its Pixel XL  could see significant adoption. The companys first true smartphone and phablet devices could be the obvious choice for consumers who want to stay within the Android ecosystem. Moreover, the companys Nexus 6P device  a device made in conjunction with Huawei  saw a marked increase in adoption immediately following the first recall of the Galaxy Note 7, according to Apteligent, suggesting that consumers are likely to move toward the Pixel. However, the exclusivity deal that Google signed with Verizon may mute any boost in device shipments.

Other players will likely take advantage by presenting themselves as viable alternatives to Samsung. In particular, Chinese vendor Huawei will want to strike early. The company is working hard to boost its device shipments as it vies to replace Samsung as the top smartphone maker.

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Samsung will need to move quickly to mitigate the harm its Galaxy Note 7 debacle created.Damage to Samsungs brand could have a trickle-down effect on the shipment volumes of the companys other products, namely the Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge. This will likely be most apparent during the upcoming holiday season, which typically sees the largest levels of consumer adoption of smartphones.

All of this is occurring at a time when the global smartphone market is expected to slow considerably over the next few years. Despite a record-setting holiday quarter, 2015 was likely the last year of double-digit growth for smartphone shipments.

Mature markets were at the heart of this years deceleration. Adoption has reached new highs in key markets in the United States, Europe, and China. The pool of first-time buyers in these countries is shrinking rapidly, and sales are now primarily coming from phone upgrades.

Meanwhile, emerging markets will continue to see robust shipment growth. India and Indonesia, in particular, will help fuel a large share of the shipments growth within the global smartphone market over the next few years.

BI Intelligence, Business Insider's premium research service, has compiled a detailed report on smartphones by country that forecasts the market through 2021 to reflect slower, stabilizing growth in the long term.

Here are some key points from the report:

The global smartphone market is still growing at a steady pace due to more widespread adoption in emerging markets. We estimate the global market will hit about 2.1 billion units shipped in 2021.

Shipments growth over the past few years has been driven by the falling price of smartphones, which has made handsets more accessible in emerging markets. The average selling price of a smartphone in India nearly halved between 2010 and 2015.

With relatively low smartphone penetration, we forecast Indian smartphone shipments to grow rapidly over the next five years. Nevertheless, India has a long way to go before it surpasses China as the worlds leading market for smart handsets. India is estimated to account for roughly 10% of the global smartphone market in 2016, considerably less than Chinas 30% share.

The global platform wars are over, even as smartphone adoption continues to rise across various markets worldwide. Android and iOS are estimated to account for 97.3% of global platform market share in 2015, compared to 96.3% last year.

Apple closed the year with another strong quarter on the back of its iPhone 6s and iPhone 6s Plus launches. Still, the vendor saw a slight decline in YoY growth of its share of the market in the face of stiff competition from Samsung and Chinese vendors such as Huawei.

In full, the report:

Forecasts global smartphone shipments through 2021.

Explores why India is the next high-growth smartphone market.

Breaks down the global smartphone platform wars.

Discusses smartphone vendor performance market share.

To get your copy of this invaluable guide, choose one of these options:

Subscribe to an ALL-ACCESS Membership with BI Intelligence and gain immediate access to this report AND over 100 other expertly researched deep-dive reports, subscriptions to all of our daily newsletters, and much more. >> START A MEMBERSHIP Purchase the report and download it immediately from our research store. >> BUY THE REPORT

The choice is yours. But however you decide to acquire this report, youve given yourself a powerful advantage in your understanding of the smartphone market.





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By PTI: Ahmedabad, Oct 12 (PTI) Over 200 people from the Dalit community from Gujarat converted to Buddhism in three separate events organised by Buddhist organisations here on the occasion of Vijaya Dashmi, organisers said today.

Another 90 from the state converted to Buddhism in Nagpur, taking the total to over 300 Dalits.

According to organisers, though conversions are carried out every year on Vijaya Dashmi, this year the numbers were high on account of the Una Dalit flogging incident.

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"As many as 140 Dalits converted to Buddhism at an event organised by Gujarat Buddhist Society in Dani Limda locality of Ahmedabad yesterday to mark Vijaya Dashmi," Ramesh Banker, a member of Gujarat Buddhist Academy, which organised the event here, said.

Sixty-five people from the community converted to Buddhism at a separate event organised in Kalol in Gandhinagar district, while 11 more converted in Wadhwan in Surendranagar district.

Some of them also embraced Buddhism at an event organised at Kalol. A total of 65 persons converted at this event, P G Jyotikar of Buddhist Society of India, said.

He said while conversion is an ongoing event, the Dalits prefer to embrace Buddhism on Vijaya Dashmi because on this day in 1956, Babasaheb B R Ambedkar took to Buddhism alongwith other Dalits at an event in Nagpur.

"Most Dalits prefer this day for conversion, as Ambedkar himself converted to Buddhism on this day in 1956. The reaction to the Una Dalit atrocity incident was evident in response we received from the converts," Jyotikar said.

While a total 216 Dalits converted to Buddhism at events organised in the state, around 90 more from the state converted to the religion at Nagpur, where Dalits from all over the country gather for conversion, Banker claimed.

"With this, more than 300 Dalits in the state converted to Buddhism," he claimed.

Collectors of Surendranagar and Ahmedabad, where the event took place, said they have no knowledge of the events.

"It has not come to our notice," Surendranagar Collector Uday Agrawal said.

Those who embraced the new religion said they converted to Buddhism because it is a "more humane religion" than Hinduism. (MORE) PTI KA PD DK TIR RDS

--- ENDS ---
"Head Office is watching you," a senior manager warned.

The orders to the employees at Falcon Private Bank's Singapore branch were loud and clear. They were told to process the transactions, and get them done on time.

This is part of what Swiss authorities alleged as serious breaches of anti-money laundering rules in Falcon's dealings with troubled 1Malaysia Development Bhd (1MDB) and a young Malaysian businessman with ties to the government.

Falcon managers ignored concerns raised by a number of bank employees, the Swiss regulator Finma said.

Due to the pressures from two board members tied to 1MDB, the bank's managers approved US$3.8 billion of asset transfers linked to the fund from 2012 to mid-2015.

"Although management's attention was drawn to these matters, it repeatedly failed to properly investigate the business relationships, specifically those with politically exposed persons, and high-risk transactions," Finma stated in a statement.

These allegations, shed light on how international banks allegedly aided in the misuse of 1MDB funds meant for economic development.

Know more about the story here.







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Last month, Maroon 5 teased a very unexpected collaboration with none other than Kendrick Lamar at their show in San Antonio. Some were unsure as whether or not Kendrick would be a good fit for the song, but now, fans can finally hear "Don't Wanna Know" and decide for themselves as the band officially shares the single.

Produced by Benny Blanco, the new single features a tropical vibe that would have fit in perfectly with the hits that took over the airwaves this summer. Kendrick jumps in nearly towards the end of the track for a very quick verse to balance out the lead vocals from Adam Levine. This, of course, isn't Kendrick's first time lending a hand to a pop act, having teamed up with Imagine Dragons for the massive hit "Radioactive" and also appearing on Taylor Swift's "Bad Blood."

Listen to Maroon 5 and Kendrick Lamar's "Don't Wanna Know" below.

Continue Reading On PigeonsandPlanes
BEIRUT (Reuters) - The leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah movement, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, said on Tuesday the Middle East was in a phase of escalating tension and there appeared to be no prospect of a political solution to the war in Syria. "The regional scene is currently one of tension and escalation, and it does not appear that there are paths for negotiations or solutions", he said in a rare live televised speech before thousands of supporters in Beirut. Speaking about Syria, where the Iran-backed group is fighting alongside Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Nasrallah said "the theater was open to more tension, escalation and confrontation". However, large sections of his more than hour-long address, marking Shi'ite Islam's annual Ashura commemorations, were spent attacking Sunni power Saudi Arabia, the main regional rival of Iran, mostly over its military campaign in Yemen. Nasrallah said the Saudi leadership were pushing their country to "the abyss" and accused Riyadh of being responsible for an air strike on a Yemeni funeral in the capital Sanaa on Saturday that killed scores of people. Saudi Arabia, which backs Syrian rebels, earlier this year marshalled other Arab states to denounce Hezbollah as a terrorist group, part of Riyadh's efforts to contain Iran's influence and reduce its ability to support Assad. Hezbollah denies being involved in terrorism and Nasrallah accused Saudi Arabia of supporting terrorism in his speech on Tuesday. The thousands of Hezbollah supporters in the crowd, mostly dressed in the traditional dark colors worn by Shi'ites at Ashura, were shown repeatedly chanting "Death to the Al Saud", Riyadh's ruling dynasty, while pumping their fists in the air. (Reporting by Laila Bassam, Tom Perry and Angus McDowall; editing by Ralph Boulton)
Hillary Clinton advisers say that the Trump campaigns charge that it is anti-Catholic is a faux controversy stirred up over two email exchanges revealed in the WikiLeaks hack.

In an email from 2011, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress wrote to Clintons now campaign chairman John Podesta and her now campaign spokeswoman Jennifer Palmieri, who are both Catholic, about many powerful elements of the conservative movement that are all Catholic, saying they were a bastardization of the faith and that they must be attracted to the systematic thought and severely backwards gender relations.

Palmieri responded: I imagine they think it is the most socially acceptable politically conservative religion. Their rich friends wouldnt understand if they became evangelicals. Podesta did not respond.

Trump campaign staff and supporters call this evidence of anti-Catholic Democratic sentiment. In a national conference call on Wednesday afternoon, campaign manager Kellyanne Conway, who is Catholic, called on Clinton to apologize for hostility to religious liberty and to the beliefs we hold as Catholics. Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, who converted to Catholicism in 2009, added that now we know what Hillary meant by deplorables. It was people of faith.

Trumps evangelical supporters prepared to release a statement calling for Clinton to immediately apologize for the Christophobic behavior of her associates.

Clinton spokesperson Brian Fallon responded on Twitter: Latest faux controversy out of @Wikileaks hack: Accusing Jen Palmieri, who is Catholic, of being anti-Catholic.

In a second email from 2012, a liberal activist wrote to Podesta, arguing that Catholics need to demand the end of a middle ages dictatorship and demand respect for gender equality.

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Podesta wrote back to note that while groups like Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good and Catholics United had been created to push for a more progressive approach to the faith, change would have to be bottom up.

Clinton spokesman Glen Caplin criticized the email hacking.

By dribbling these out every day Wikileaks is proving they are nothing but a propaganda arm of the Kremlin with a political agenda doing Putins dirty work to help elect Donald Trump, he tells TIME in an email. The FBI is now investigating this crime, the unanswered questions are why Donald Trump strangely wont condemn it and whether any of his associates are involved.

The two campaigns are fighting for white Catholic voters in places like Ohio, where they are a swing-voting group. According to a July survey of registered voters from the Pew Research Center, Clinton and Trump are closely tied at roughly half of white Catholics, though more than three-fourths of Hispanic Catholics back Clinton.

 With reporting by Tessa Berenson and Sam Frizell
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 12, 2016 / NetCents Technology Inc. (CSE: NC) ("NetCents" or the "Company") are pleased to announce that it has entered into a letter of intent with The Hillcore Group ("Hillcore") for the licensing of the NetCents' Digital Payment Platform.

The Agreement extends NetCents' global reach by leveraging Hillcore's demonstrated expertise in creating value through efficient transaction structures and the efficient structuring and deployment of intellectual property.

"This alignment with Hillcore will allow the company's platform to be utilized in international markets that currently process an estimated 1.5 billion transactions per year valued in excess of $46 Billion. Once the License has been finalized, Hillcore expects to be able to rapidly deploy the platform internationally," said Clayton Moore CEO & Founder NetCents Technology Inc. Moore went onto say, "Having spent four years in this sector, and now combined with Hillcore, I believe rapid market adoption is inevitable."

"NetCents has developed an incredibly robust and complete payment processing platform. We are delighted to have the opportunity to license the technology and deploy it internationally," commented Jean-Marc Bougie, CEO of the Hillcore Group.

Moore further added, "A licensing agreement with Hillcore will provide great value for our shareholders as in addition to receiving an ongoing licensing fee, NetCents will earn a percentage of transaction revenues earned by the licensee."

NetCents recently completed its' Merchant API which will allow the platform to quickly expand into the international market place and be available across a multitude of sectors. The Hillcore Group and NetCents Technology Inc. will be well poised to roll out the API internationally.

To note: the Company has appointed Daniel Goldman as interim CFO, replacing Ryan Cheung.

About Hillcore Group

The Hillcore Group is a leading independent Canadian investment and advisory firm with offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal. Entities under the Hillcore Group's management have an asset value in excess of $4.4 billion, as of December 31, 2015. Since 2005, Hillcore has completed acquisitions, directly or indirectly through their investment funds, with an aggregate asset value in excess of $7.2 billion, including $710 million in 2015 alone.

Story continues

About NetCents

NetCents is an online payments platform, offering consumers and merchants online services for managing electronic payments. The Company is focused on capturing the migration from cash to digital currency by utilizing innovative Blockchain Technology to provide payment solutions that are simple to use, secure and worry free. NetCents works with its financial partners, mobile operators, exchanges, etc., to streamline the user experience of transacting online. NetCents technology is integrated into the Automated Clearing House ("ACH"), which ensures our consumer's security and privacy. This newly designed website will enhance the users online experience, granting them the freedom and convenience to Pay. Your Way.

Further information about the Company is available under its profile on the SEDAR website, www.sedar.com, on the CSE website www.thecse.com, on our website www.netcents.biz or contact Robert Meister, Capital Markets at Ph: 604.676.5248 or email: Robert.meister@net-cents.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

NetCents Technology Inc.

Clayton Moore, Founder/CEO

NetCents Technology Inc.

Suite 1500, 885 West Georgia Street

Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3E8

The Canadian Securities Exchange has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this press release. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Information

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include regulatory actions, market prices, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.

SOURCE: NetCents Technology Inc.
Pro-democracy politicians staged protests during the opening session of Hong Kongs Legislative Council on Wednesday. The newly elected lawmakers demonstrated their opposition to the political establishment in Hong Kong and Beijing by refusing to read the official oath of office.

Pro-democracy demonstrator and founder of the League of Social Democrats, Leung Kwok-hung, went a step further and took his oath while holding a yellow umbrella. This was particularly symbolic, considering the Umbrella Movement was one of the names of the pro-democracy group that emerged from protests in 2014. Credit: YouTube/Legislative Council via Storyful
Berlin (AFP) - Calls grew Wednesday for Germany to honour three Syrian "heroes" who captured a compatriot suspected of plotting to bomb a Berlin airport in the name of the Islamic State group.

"The young men deserve the Federal Cross of Merit," Social Democrat defence expert Johannes Kahrs told Bild daily, referring to Germany's highest honour for civilians.

"What they've done is proof of their deep respect for their host country, Germany.... It's hard to imagine greater integration (in the country). This is exemplary."

After it emerged on Saturday that a Syrian refugee was wanted for amassing explosives in his apartment in the eastern town of Chemnitz, there has been concern it might cast a cloud of suspicion over others.

The arrival of 890,000 refugees last year has polarised Germany and misgivings run particularly deep in the ex-communist east, even more so since two IS-linked attacks hit Germany in July carried out by Syrian asylum-seekers.

But the mood turned somewhat when it emerged that the bomb plot suspect, Jaber Albakr, was turned in to police by three of his compatriots -- all refugees themselves.

The top-selling Bild daily described the trio as "the Syrian heroes from Leipzig" and asked: "Will they be fast-tracked to become German citizens?"

By Wednesday, more than 23,000 people had signed an online petition on change.org urging the eastern state of Saxony to honour the three for their valour.

- 'Tried to bribe us' -

The Syrians had unwittingly invited the 22-year-old fugitive to stay at their apartment in the state's city of Leipzig.

They only realised later that Albakr was on the run from police, who on Saturday raided his apartment and found 1.5 kilos (over three pounds) of TATP, the homemade explosive used by Islamic State jihadists in the Paris and Brussels attacks.

After seeing the police appeals for information in Arabic on Facebook, the Syrians quickly overpowered the fugitive, tied him up, and called in officers to take him away.

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Albakr had offered them money to let him go, they later said.

"He tried to bribe us, but we told him he could give us as much money as he wanted, we wouldn't free him," one of the men told RTL television, speaking with his back to the camera and identified only as Mohamed A., for fear of reprisals.

"Then we got an electrical cord and tied him up until the police got there," he said.

"I was furious with him, I couldn't accept something like this -- especially here in Germany, the country that opened its doors to us."

- 'Courageous action' -

Asked if the government would be willing to honour the Syrians with the Federal Cross of Merit, spokesman Steffen Seibert recognised their contribution and thanked them for their action, but said it was up to the president to make that decision.

"They acted courageously and decisively, and possibly prevented a major disaster," he said.

Noting that when it comes to foreigners, it is up to Germany's foreign ministry to nominate possible candidates for the honour, spokesman Martin Schaefer said his ministry was likely "to take a positive view" on the suggestion.

The trio's courageous action was not only celebrated by Germans, but also particularly feted on social media by tens of thousands of fellow Syrians who have sought asylum in Germany.

Neighbouring France granted citizenship to an undocumented migrant from Mali, Lassana Bathily, after he saved shoppers' lives during a jihadist attack on a Jewish supermarket in Paris last year.

And three Americans who helped thwart an attack on a train in France last year were awarded the Legion of Honour, the country's highest decoration.

Germany's domestic intelligence chief Hans-Georg Maassen said his service had received information that Albakr "initially wanted to target trains in Germany before finally deciding on one of Berlin's airports".

Investigators said explosives found in Albakr's apartment were "almost ready or even ready for use," and that he was apparently preparing a "bomb, possibly in the form of a suicide vest".
In the wake of the Wells Fargo (WFC) scandal, in which the banks employees created up to 2 million accounts without permission, its hard to find any winners.

Certainly not the inconvenienced customers who had to deal with canceling accounts they never authorized. Not regulators like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, whose very existence was questioned yet again when it didnt find out about the fraud until long after it began. And not former-CEO John Stumpf, whose retirement was announced Wednesday evening.

At first glance, the bank itself might even appear to be the winner. Wells Fargo paid a $185 million fine that roughly amounts to a rounding error given its revenue of $86 billion. Moreover, Wells Fargo clawed back $60 million from executives in the wake of the scandal. Still, the bank is battered, with its relationship to customers in tatters and the possibility of more sanctions for its executives. Perhaps as Patrick Swayze mused in Roadhouse, nobody wins a fight.

But in revisiting how the saga unfolded, its clear one victor did emerge: Senator Elizabeth Warren, who used a power relatively new to Congress to virality.

Soon after the bank agreed to cough up $185 million, the Senate Banking Committee called Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf into the chamber to answer its questions. Quickly, it turned into a brutal grilling as Warren and others berated Stumpf for failing to stop the problem. As Warren demanded to know whether he had or planned to pay back his CEO-grade compensation or resign, Stumpf sheepishly deferred that decision to the board he sits on and chairs.

As my colleague Rick Newman pointed out, Warren and the committee didnt have authority to administer any real punishment, which made Warren look like an ineffectual grandstander at first. The federal government does not and never has run Wells Fargo and does not have the power to claw back compensation or fire an employee; that power rests with the board.

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Senator Elizabeth Warren going full Al Pacino in Heat on Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf. Source: REUTERS/Gary Cameron

But in that hearing, Warren wasnt playing checkers. The former Harvard law professor was playing Kasparov-grade chess.

From the moment Warren began her 18-minute tirade, the wires began to buzz, and the testimony made a rare flow off C-Span 2 to the internet and social media. Putting on one heck of a show, Warren channeled the betrayed public, flagellating Stumpf for the banks misdeeds under his leadership.

The people know their champion when they see one, and in short order a Facebook video posted by Warren just after the public shaming racked up more than 11 million views and almost 200,000 shares. (Warrens office declined to comment for this story or on their video-heavy Facebook page.) AlterNet posted it and netted over 7 million, and multiple other news organizations including the BBC, NBC, NowThis, Huffington Post had their own Facebook clips of Warrens grilling, racking up well over a million views each. And this is just one platform.

Exactly a week later, Wells Fargo said it would claw back $60 million from Stumpf and head of community banking Carrie Tolstedt, who led the community banking division that violated its customers trust.

And now on Wednesday, Stumpf has retired.

Although Warren did not herself use legislation or official congressional power to get Wells Fargo to claw back $60 million from executives, her public shaming and the Facebook post that followed fanned the public opinion fires so vigorously that the banks board had to do something to quell shareholders and an angry public.

Warrens flagellation may have connected more acutely with peoples feelings more than other news coverage of the fraud, satisfying a public who couldnt call up the CEO to vent themselves. Plus, they even got to see a big guy sweat.

Warrens viral speech goes far beyond Stumpf. Her performance in Congress was tantamount to another, far greater fine. Before her speech, the bank could have come out relatively unscathed, since the offenses didnt severely damage most of the customers involved. But when Warren turned up the volume, it became a public relations disaster.

In the days after the hearing, people dumped Wells Fargo in the midst of a soaring market, driving the price down to 3.6%. A Credit Suisse analyst mused what we dont know is where this ends, and cut 2017 earning per share $0.15which, in absolute terms, is $772.5 million in earnings. Deutsche Bank revised similarly, cutting its earnings estimates for 2017 by $1 billion, adding that this could have a longer term effect on valuation. As the Charlotte Observer noted, this is the largest decline of any of the big six banks.

Clearly a public shaming will not work in every situation, especially in the private sector, as pharma bro Martin Shkreli showed the world when, in a congressional hearing, he invoked his Fifth Amendment rights. Not everyone has a board and shareholders to answer to.

But for the right company, in the right situation, andmost importantlywith a lawmaker up to the rhetorical challenge, its another tool to keep corporations honest.

Ethan Wolff-Mann is a writer at Yahoo Finance focusing on consumerism, tech, and personal finance. Follow him on Twitter @ewolffmann.

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By PTI: Yogendra Yadav

New Delhi, Oct 12 (PTI) Amid Delhi governments constant run-ins with the Centre, Swaraj India President Yogendra Yadav today launched a no-holds-barred attack on AAP, saying it has "minimum interest" in governing the capital and that it is using the city as a launch pad for greener pastures in other states.

Yadav, once a prominent AAP ideologue and now the President of the political outfit launched on October 2, insisted that AAPs "focus is outside" and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is using Delhis "resources and visibility" to expand the footprint of his party, leaving citizens of the capital in the lurch.

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The Swaraj India President, who was expelled from AAP for "anti-party" activities after he crossed swords with the leadership last year, was also critical of Kejriwal, AAP ministers and MLAs for "often being outside Delhi" at a time when the city was struggling to cope with the vector-borne diseases.

"The AAP government is using Delhi merely as a stepping stone. They basically want to use Delhis resources, its visibility to step on to Punjab, Goa," Yadav told PTI in an interview.

Referring to the Delhi High Court judgement, which stamped primacy of the LG as the administrative head of the capital, Yadav said after the order, AAP has "lost all interest in governing".

"So, from being party which was obsessed with Delhi, it has become a party which has less than minimum interest required left in the state where it governs. They seem to have made up their mind that there is no juice left in Delhi. So, make use of Delhi," Yadav said.

Attacking the AAP for its Delhi Model of Governance, Yadav said the "party is mindless in publicity" and often contradicts with its own claims.

"You cannot go and say two things at the same time. You cannot say I dont have the police and land and I cannot do anything and (then) you say we have transformed Delhi... This is Delhi Model of governance and everyone should replicate it.

"If they (the AAP) go and say that we are severely hampered, but in the limited things we can do, here is something we have done," Yadav said.

The new party has announced that it wants to contest MCD polls and claimed to have presence in 200 wards. (MORE) PTI PR SMN

--- ENDS ---
While some firms have attempted to forecast the economic and market consequences of Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump presidential win, it has been much more difficult to track in real-time how the market is pricing the various scenarios running up to Nov 8.

One proxy has captured the attention of market-watchers: the Mexican peso (MXN).

The peso proxy

The peso has shown increased sensitivity to the US election, with currency weakness corresponding to shifts in opinion polls that have suggested a higher likelihood of a Republican victory.

Uncertainty surrounding the US presidential election appears to have contributed to the currencys weakness this year. In fact, the Mexican peso is the worst performing emerging market currency year-to-date and the only major emerging market currencyother than the yuan (CNY)that has meaningfully depreciated against the US dollar, as HSBC highlighted in a recent note.

Certainly the declining peso has other influences including falling oil prices. Wells Fargo analyst Erik Nelson explained that the Mexican peso, given it is among the most liquid of emerging market currencies, is often used as a hedge to offset bets on the broader emerging markets. (Daily average turnover for the Mexican peso is $112 billion for 2016 compared to $135 billion in 2013).

Nonetheless, it appears to show trading correlation with US election prospects.

This has been particularly evident after it didnt participate in a recovery in oil prices or global equity recovery, as Wells Fargo points out below.

While economists have highlighted the difficulty of deciphering how much US election premium is priced into the peso, according to Goldman Sachs, a 10% increase in the probability that Secretary Clinton wins the election is associated with a 3% appreciation of the peso.

Trump peso impact

Why would a potential Trump presidency have such a significant impact on the peso?

Ever since he declared his candidacy in June 2015, and infamously called Mexicans rapists, the country has been a focal point for his proposed policy measures.

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Most significantly, Trump has proposed double-digit tariffs on Mexico and ending or renegotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which has been key to opening Mexicos economy to global export over the past twenty years. Mexico is an export-oriented economy with more than 90% of Mexican trade is under free trade agreements, NAFTA being the most influential. In fact, 80% of exports go to the United States.

And while Congressional pressure could mitigate the degree of presidential proposals, if he were elected president, Trump could have a significant influence over US trade deals. Congress has delegated authority to the presidency to regulate trade via several statutes, the Peterson Institute has noted. For example, under the Trade Act of 1974, the president can impose temporary tariffs of up to 15% for up to 150 days against a country if theres a large balance of payments surplus. Under the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, the president can impose tariffs or quotes if theres a finding of an adverse impact on national security from imports.

Additionally, Trump has said he may block worker remittances to Mexico, make Mexico pay for a border wall, and deport Mexican undocumented workers from the United States.

Increased uncertainty has put downward pressure on the emerging market currency. And the threat of Trumps policy proposals to the Mexican economy has caused more downward pressure on the currency, according to Nelson.

Even Bank of Mexico officials have commented on the election, with Bank of Mexico chief Agustin Carstens saying a Trump presidency would be a devastating hurricane of major intensity.

Even as probability of a Trump president has declined in recent days following the leak of his Access Hollywood tape, HSBC warns never say never, especially after low expectations for a Brexit vote that were proven wrong.

Central bank policy

The weakness in the peso has influenced Mexican central bank policy. Even though Mexico has not experienced an overheating economythe economy shrank for the first time in three years in the second quarterrate increases have come in response to election influence on the peso.

At the end of September, Mexicos central bank, Banxico, raised rates by 50 basis points to 4.75%.

The bank has been explicit in explaining their close watching of the currency in rate decisions.

And HSBC added that, under a Trump presidency, the peso could weaken further. In turn, the central bank would likely increase the policy ratepotentially to 6%to defend the currency on concerns over potential financial instability. This of course comes as the US Federal Reserve is expected to raise rates come December, which could put further downward pressure on the peso.

Mexicos continued rate increases could come despite economic growth deterioration, which could be further dragged down from trade policy, declining domestic incomes, falling remittances, and higher unemployment (inflated by a return of an undocumented workers from the USin 2014, 5.6 million Mexican illegal immigrants worked in the US according to PEW Research Center.).
WASHINGTON, D.C. / ACCESSWIRE / October 12, 2016 / The International Biometrics + Identity Association (IBIA) is hosting a lunch and learn event, open to the public, on Thursday, October 13, 2016 at 12:00 PM EDT on Capitol Hill. Titled "Secure Identity: Protects privacy; mitigates identity theft & fraud; and enhances national security" the event will feature remarks from leading experts in the identity technology industry and the privacy community:

Dawn E. Lucini, Director of Aviation Security, Telos ID, an aviation security expert and former TSA employee, will talk about aviation employee screening.

Michael Petrov, Managing Director, USA, Vision-Box, a veteran of the biometrics industry, will talk about the use of biometrics in border security.

Jules Polonetsky, CEO, Future of Privacy Forum, will address the evolving relationship between security and privacy.

Teresa Wu, Director of Strategic Marketing and Government Relations, MorphoTrak, will discuss the role of technology in protecting privacy and curtailing identity theft.

Biometric technologies, including fingerprint, face and iris recognition, are meeting the pressing demand to authenticate identity in today's world. Where people need to prove who they are, the use of biometrics ensures security, reduces fraud in the provision of services and identity theft, and preserves user privacy.

"IBIA has brought together these four experts in identity technology and privacy to share their expertise on current and critical issues," said Tovah LaDier, Managing Director, IBIA. "The need for secure identity to protect our national security, stop the rampant growth of identity theft and fraud, while at the same time protecting privacy, are issues at the forefront of discourse in 2016. Please join us on Capitol Hill for this important discussion."

The IBIA Secure Identity lunch and learn event is scheduled for Thursday, October 13, 2016, from 12:00 - 1:30 PM EDT in the:

Senate Commerce Committee Hearing Room

253 Russell Senate Office Building

2 Constitution Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002

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For more information on IBIA's Secure Identity lunch and learn event, or to RSVP, please contact:

Tovah LaDier - tovah@cl-law.us

Kate Oldham - kate@cl-law.us

About IBIA: IBIA advances the adoption and responsible use of technology based identification solutions to manage identity to enhance security, privacy, productivity, and convenience. For more information, please visit our website: ibia.org

SOURCE: International Biometrics + Identity Association
12 Oct - Miss Earth Philippines Imelda Schweighart raised eyebrows recently, after trying to explain her previous joke about President Rodrigo Duterte acting like Adolf Hitler.



As reported on PEP News, the issue sparked when Schweighart decided to do a Facebook Live feed as she spoke to Miss Earth Austria, Kimberly Budinsky, about the fact that Hitler was from Budinsky's country.



"That's a bad question because we normally don't talk about Hitler. But yeah, he is," said Budinsky.



Schweighart instead responded, "Oh my God! Our President is doing Hitler stuff here in the Philippines."



Upon getting a lot of flak for her words, Schweighart decided to delete the video and then tried to explain her side of story online.



She wrote, "Guys, I'm a Duterte follower. The people who talk to me everyday knows how delightful I am to see and experience the change he has made happen so far. I am half German; that is the reason why I talked to a fellow delegate about 'Hitler' so casually who is Austrian. Because all my life I am always teased by fellow Filipinos as 'Hitler' because they are not well informed that Hitler was not German. In fact Hitler was Austrian. So, when I saw my fellow delegate I made a soft joke about it out of my excitement."



Schweighart calls herself "an extremist", and apologised for the misunderstanding she has caused. She also added that she only repeated what the media has been saying about Duterte's action and words since he came into office.



However, her post didn't seem to have make things better as netizens continue to express their dissatisfaction, saying that she didn't only offend the Filipinos, but Austrians as well.



(Photo source: facebook.com/ImeeHarties)
By Indo-Asian News Service: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today reiterated his demand for immediately abolishing currency notes of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denominations to check black money in the country.

Addressing a news conference in his new office at Velagapudi here, he also voiced concern that politics has become a "shelter" for the corrupt.

Naidu, who had been demanding a ban on big currency notes, said he would be writing a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi today itself in this regard. He said abolishing the big currency notes was necessary to check those who are buying votes and misusing the people's mandate.

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Also read: Andhra Pradesh to implement Real Time Governance



"Politics has become shelter for corrupt people and black money earners," said Naidu, also the Telugu Desam Party Chief.



BLACK MONEY



Terming black money as the root cause for all the evils, Naidu said this could be curbed by abolishing cash and currency transactions and making all transactions through banks compulsory. The chief minister said when all payments can be made through a smart phone, there was no need for cash transactions.

"In course of time, we have to go for total bank transactions. We have to regulate and create that culture. Then only can we control all evils and then only everybody will earn money through a genuine way," he said.

Also read: Andhra Pradesh postal and telecom circles inaugurated



Stating that some people were becoming rich overnight, he said, they were launching a "counter attack". Naidu said such people get votes by distributing Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes among the voters. "This is leading to competition among MLAs, who also want to make money to win elections. This is a vicious circle and the only way to break it is to go for total bank transactions," he added.

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Jakarta (AFP) - An Indonesian woman accused of murdering her college friend by slipping cyanide into her coffee broke down in tears Wednesday as she took the stand to deny carrying out the crime.

Prosecutors are demanding that Jessica Kumala Wongso, an Australian permanent resident, be jailed for 20 years for the murder of Wayan Mirna Salihin, who collapsed and died after being poisoned at an upmarket Jakarta cafe in January.

The "poison coffee" case has generated huge interest in Indonesia, with crowds packing out the court during the trial and TV networks showing it live, and in Australia where the victim and alleged murderer studied together at a design college.

Wongso, 28, strenuously denies the premeditated murder of her friend and on Wednesday took the stand in the Jakarta court to issue an emotional plea for the judges hearing the case to find her innocent.

"I swear, I am not a murderer," she told the court, speaking through sobs.

"I didn't kill Mirna so there shouldn't be any reason to treat me like garbage."

Wongso told how she had endured a nightmare since her arrest as she was locked up in a small police cell, and labelled a murderer by the police and Salihin's family.

"It makes me think, are they mean because they lost Mirna or did they lose Mirna because they are mean?" she told the court.

Prosecutors last week recommended the hefty jail term for Wongso, alleging that she decided to kill the victim after Salihin, 27, advised her to break up with her boyfriend as he was using drugs.

They accused the bespectacled design graduate, who lived in Sydney until last year, of planning the murder "meticulously" before inviting Salihin to a cafe at a mall, where she slipped cyanide into her Vietnamese iced coffee.

Salihin collapsed and began convulsing after drinking the coffee, dying soon afterwards in hospital.

The defence team in the trial, which began in June, asserts the case against their client is weak and lacks evidence to prove guilt.

Australian authorities agreed to assist with the case after receiving assurances that Wongso would not be handed the death penalty if found guilty of murder, a capital crime in Indonesia.

A verdict will be handed down at a later date.
Infrastructure projects are worth IDR5.5trn.

Indonesia's infrastructure drive will eventually stutter without greater private-sector participation, says Fitch Ratings.

It notes that while the government has bolstered the capacity of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to finance projects, SOEs alone will not be able to deliver on far-reaching plans to address the country's infrastructure problems.

Here's more from Fitch:

The Joko Widodo administration is aiming to launch infrastructure projects worth around IDR5.5trn (USD420bn) during its first term, from 2014-2019. The government does not have the funds to meet this target on its own, owing to its low revenue base. Moreover, the government has not yet been able to generate the interest in public-private partnerships (PPP) that it hopes will help make up the difference. Potential private-sector participants have so far been put off by the uncertain regulatory environment and bureaucratic delays.

The government has responded by introducing a number of programmes to give SOEs the financial capacity to plug some of the gap. Most notably, it injected more than IDR17.5trn of new equity into infrastructure-related SOEs - such as contractors, airport and port operators, and power generators - in 2015, and has budgeted for another IDR35trn in 2016. This capital is being given to SOEs assigned to build projects. For example, Angkasa Pura II will receive IDR2trn this year to acquire land to build a runway at Soekarno Hatta Jakarta airport. Fitch expects SOEs to be at the forefront of the government's infrastructure push.

However, public finances are already constraining on this strategy. No provision has been made in the 2017 budget draft for the injection of new equity capital into infrastructure-related SOEs. The government has passed certain provisions that allow the state to guarantee borrowings by SOEs from international financial institutions for certain priority projects, but SOEs will otherwise be expected to improve their capacity for self-financing.

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Indonesian infrastructure-related SOEs generally have a strong market position in their regions, relatively stable income and fairly sound credit metrics. However, most will still generate negative free cash flow in the short- to medium-term, as they have large capital expenditure plans and must pre-fund most of their projects. They are in a weak position to lock up large amounts of extra capital in projects with long investment horizons. Fitch feels that a debt-fuelled increase in infrastructure investment by SOEs is therefore not sustainable beyond the short term.

This means that the government will still need to break the PPP gridlock if it is to fulfil its infrastructure-development agenda. As part of a broader, ambitious reform effort, the government has taken steps to tackle process inefficiencies and mitigate the economic risks faced by investors. It has revoked more than 3,000 regional regulations that contradict national rules or deter investment in 2016. Land acquisition has also been made easier. These are positive reforms that have addressed some of the business environment weaknesses that hold back private-sector infrastructure investment.





More From Singapore Business Review


Washington (AFP) - A second international meeting on the deadly violence in Syria will take place Sunday in London, after talks in Switzerland the day before, the US State Department said Wednesday.

US Secretary of State John Kerry will attend both meetings to discuss "a multilateral approach to resolving the crisis in Syria, including a sustained cessation of violence and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries," his spokesman John Kirby said.

Saturday's meeting in Lausanne will bring Kerry together with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and "key regional partners," while Sunday's talks are likely to see Kerry briefing his European counterparts.

Lavrov said Turkey, Saudi Arabia and possibly Qatar could take part in Saturday's talks.

The meetings come after Syria was plunged into some of the worst violence it has seen, as government forces backed by Russian airpower push a brutal assault on rebel-held eastern Aleppo and Washington pulled the plug on ceasefire talks with Moscow.
* Samsung lowers Q3 profit guidance by third to 5.2 trln won

* Samsung shares touch 1-month low on earnings worries

* Firm scrapped sales, output of flagship Note 7 smartphone

* Crisis could seriously damage Samsung long-term -analysts

* Investors raise prospect of share buyback to soothe nerves (Adds investor comment on Q4 impact, share buyback prospects)

By Se Young Lee

SEOUL, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics Co slashed its quarterly profit estimate by a third on Wednesday, soaking up a $2.3 billion hit from ditching its flagship smartphone in what could be one of the costliest product safety failures in tech history.

Quantifying the financial pain of Tuesday's move to scrap the Galaxy Note 7 smartphone after a global recall and weeks of mounting problems, the world's top smartphone maker said it expects its July-September operating profit was 5.2 trillion won ($4.7 billion), down from the 7.8 trillion won it estimated five days ago.

Samsung said in a statement the 2.6 trillion won ($2.3 billion) guidance cut reflects the sales and earning impact it currently expects from the decision to permanently halt sales of the $882 Note 7 device. Its third-quarter revenue estimate was also cut to 47 trillion won from 49 trillion won previously.

The new earnings guidance is 30 percent below third-quarter 2015's operating profit, and left investors and analysts pondering the longer impact on Samsung's brand and earnings. Rival suppliers of smartphones that use the Android operating system, like Samsung's, stand to benefit if the Note 7 damage drive consumers elsewhere.

"It's possible there could be additional profit impact in the fourth quarter but it likely won't be as large as the third quarter," said Park Jung-hoon, a fund manager at HDC Asset Management, which owns shares in Samsung. "I think it's possible for fourth-quarter profits to come in as much as the high 7 trillion won range."

Samsung shares ended down 0.7 percent on Wednesday, with the Seoul market closing before the earnings guidance cut was announced.

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HDC's Park said the initial guidance issued last week likely already factored in a 1 trillion won profit impact, putting the total third-quarter earnings hit at around 3.6 trillion won. While this was a major blow, he said some investors had feared the profit impact could be as large as 5 trillion won this year.

BILLION-DOLLAR BUYBACK?

Samsung shares have already fallen 10 percent this week and are on track for their biggest weekly decline since May 2012, having touched a one-month low of 1.494 million won as investors worried the Note 7 crisis could inflict long-term damage on Samsung's reputation and earnings.

Some investors said Samsung may need to return more cash to shareholders, either through a dividend or additional buybacks, to calm market jitters. HDC's Park said the cash-rich firm may need to announce a buyback of between 2 trillion won and 3 trillion won in order to mollify shareholders whose nerves have been jangled.

The tech giant announced the recall of 2.5 million Note 7s in early September following reports of the phones catching fire. The firm appeared to have the situation under control as it issued replacement devices with different batteries, until new phones also began to smoke and combust.

Investors and analysts agreed that the damage to Samsung's brand and future earnings would deepen the longer the market was left in the dark about the origin of the fault. Some have already predicted lost revenue in the region of $17 billion for Samsung.

"There needs to be explanation from Samsung in order for consumers to understand that problems won't occur in the next models...Samsung needs to clearly explain and admit what went wrong," said IBK Asset Management fund manager Kim Hyun-su. The asset manager owns shares in Samsung.

Samsung would likely push ahead to get the latest version of its premium S-series smartphones to market as soon as possible, fund managers said. Typically, the South Korean company unveils a new Galaxy S phone on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress tech trade show in the first quarter as it battles Apple Inc to stay at the top of the smartphone market.

'DAMAGE CONTROL'

Experts are baffled by what could be causing the overheating in the replacement phones, if not the batteries, and Samsung has not commented.

An official at the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards, which is investigating the problem alongside Samsung, said the fault in the replacement devices might not be the same as the problem in the original product. The official asked not to be identified as he was not authorised to speak publicly.

Aviation authorities and airlines around the world are telling passengers to switch off their Note 7s and keep them out of checked baggage, amid fears they could bring down a plane.

"Damage control at Samsung will face an uphill battle to redeem the company's tarnished image owing to the dangerous and dramatic nature of the phone's failure," Vijay Michalik, an analyst at research firm Frost & Sullivan, said.

While the damage to Samsung's brand, if not its earnings, remains hard to quantify, negative publicity from the botched recall could touch off a turf war among Android smartphone manufacturers, analysts said.

Consumers tend to commit to their choice between Apple's iOS operating system and Google's Android, leaving Samsung's fellow Android manufacturers such as LG Electronics Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google in prime position to strike.

($1 = 1,114.7500 won)

(Reporting by Se Young Lee; Additional reporting by Joyce Lee and Nataly Pak; Writing by Lincoln Feast; Editing by Stephen Coates and Kenneth Maxwell)
By Ahmed Saeed KERBALA, Iraq (Reuters) - Millions of Shi'ite Muslims flocked to Iraq's holy city of Kerbala on Wednesday to commemorate Ashura, a religious day marking the slaying of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Hussein in the 7th century AD in a revolt against the Umayyad ruler Yazeed. Visitors came from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and the Gulf as well as Iraq, where Shi'ites form the majority community. Mourners dressed in black and waving flags with the slogan "O Hussein" moved around his mausoleum, hitting their heads and chests in a show of sorrow at the suffering of the imam and his family. Imam Hussein was killed on the site along with his half-brother Abbas, his son Ali Akbar and dozens of his warriors on the Day of Ashura. Other members of his family, including his sister Zainab and his daughters were taken as captives to Damascus. The day marks Hussein's epic battle against Yazeed's troops, who outnumbered his forces and who deprived him and his family access to the waters of the Euphrates River to force his surrender. This year's commemoration is held as Iraqi forces prepare an offensive on Mosul, the last city still under control of Islamic State, the hardline Sunni group that considers the Shi'ites as apostates. Qais Al-Khazali, the leader of the Iran-backed paramilitary group Asaib Ahl al-Haq, compared those who killed Husein in Kerbala to Islamic State, which declared a caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014. "The liberation of Mosul will be the revenge against the killers of Hussein, because these (IS) are their grandsons," he said in a video posted on the Kurdish news website Rudaw. (Writing by Maher Chmaytelli; Editing by Angus MacSwan)
DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland's 2017 budget goes beyond the limit of prudent policy, the country's fiscal watchdog said on Wednesday after the government announced a 1.3 billion euro (1.19 billion pounds) package of spending increases and tax cuts.

The measures appear to break European Union budgetary rules, but not by a significant enough margin to justify fines, the head of Ireland's Fiscal Advisory Council John McHale said.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan on Tuesday announced the 1.3 billion package of tax cuts and spending increases, increasing an earlier estimate that the government would have 1 billion euros to spend in the budget.

That extra 300 million euros plus an extra 300 million euros of resources for 2016, also confirmed on Tuesday, means the government will inject 3 billion euros of new resources into the economy in 2016-17 up from an earlier estimate of 2.4 billion, McHale said.

"We see that as beyond the limit of 2.4 billion which we saw itself as being the limit of prudent policy," McHale told state broadcaster RTE.

The budget indicates the government will reduce its structural deficit -- a measure that strips out business cycle effects and one-off revenue and spending -- by 0.3 percent next year rather than the 0.6 percent improvement demanded by EU rules, McHale said.

He said it also exceeded EU rules on allowable expenditure growth by 200 million euros.

"These breaches are not large enough - at least on current projections - to bring fines from the EU. But they still are breaches of the rules," McHale said.

Noonan on Tuesday described the budget as representing "prudent fiscal policy" and said he expected the country's budget deficit fall to 0.4 percent of GDP in 2017 from a deficit of 32 percent when he took office in 2010 in the middle of the country's financial crisis.

Deputy Prime Minister Frances Fitzgerald told RTE that the department of finance did not agree with the Fiscal Advisory Council's assessment.

(Reporting by Conor Humphries; Editing by Toby Chopra)
DUBLIN (Reuters) - Ireland's 2017 budget is in line with European Union fiscal rules, Finance Minister Michael Noonan said on Wednesday after the country's independent fiscal watchdog said it believed the rules had been breached.

The head of the Fiscal Advisory Council earlier on Wednesday said the budget would cut the country's structural deficit by less than the minimum required by the EU and that it had breached expenditure growth rules.

Asked if the budget was in breach of EU rules, Noonan told state radio RTE it was not. "We know that there isn't going to be any fines or any reprimand or anything like that. They (the EU) understand the arithmetic," Noonan said.

(Reporting by Conor Humphries; Editing by Toby Chopra)
BAGHDAD/PARIS (Reuters) - A booby-trapped drone launched by Islamic State (IS) militants killed two Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and wounded two French soldiers earlier this month north of the IS-controlled city of Mosul, Kurdish and French officials said on Wednesday. The drone blew up when Peshmerga fighters tried to lift it after it crashed to the ground, Jabbar al-Yawar, secretary general of the autonomous Kurdish region's defense ministry, told Reuters. "It seems it was booby-trapped." The French newspaper Le Monde reported on Tuesday that the drone had been intercepted in flight on Oct. 2 and exploded near the Kurdish and French soldiers when it hit the ground. It was unclear, Le Monde said, whether the drone was remotely detonated or carried a timed bomb. Yawar, speaking from Erbil, capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, said the French soldiers had been training Kurdish fighters near the site of the drone crash near the town of Dohuk. Peshmerga forces plan to take part in a planned U.S.-backed Iraqi military offensive to oust Islamic State from Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city and the last urban center still under IS control in Iraq after a series of government offensives to reverse the jihadists' lightning seizure of territory in 2014. The U.S.-led coalition has in the past shot down Islamic State drones, which could be bought online and were mostly used for surveillance, and was moving in more capabilities to deal with them, Colonel John Dorrian, a spokesman for the coalition, told reporters in Washington on Wednesday. A U.S. Defense Department official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said a guidance had been sent to coalition troops to not pickup drones that had crashed. The U.S.-led coalition against IS includes French, British, Canadian and other Western military contingents. The two wounded French soldiers were immediately returned to France for medical treatment and one of them was "between life and death", according to Le Monde. It said other French soldiers were also lightly wounded by the blast but gave no details. French government spokesman Stephane Le Foll confirmed the injuries. "Yes. They were injured by a drone that landed and then exploded," he told reporters after a weekly cabinet meeting. France has about 500 troops in Iraq as part of a U.S.-led coalition The numbers include special forces that have been training Kurdish Peshmerga forces. In anticipation of the offensive to dislodge them from Mosul, IS militants have placed booby traps across the city, dug tunnels and recruited children as spies, according to Iraqi and U.S. officials. (Reporting by John Irish, Jean-Baptiste Vey and Marine Pennetier in Paris, Maher Chmaytelli and Ahmed Rasheed in Baghdad, and Idrees Ali in Washington.; Writing by Astrid Wendlandt; Editing by Toby Chopra and Alan Crosby)
Jerusalem (AFP) - Israel shut down Wednesday for the Jewish Yom Kippur holiday, with roads, shops, airports and even radio and TV stations all closed, while Israeli authorities sealed off mainly Palestinian east Jerusalem.

The solemn holiday of Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement, began Tuesday evening and ends Wednesday at sunset.

Many Jews fast during that time. Families and young people also walk and cycle through empty streets, while Orthodox Jews with prayer shawls can be seen making their way to synagogues.

Security was tight for this year's holiday with fears of a new surge in violence, particularly following a Palestinian gun attack in Jerusalem on Sunday that killed two people.

Overnight, clashes erupted during an Israeli raid in the Silwan area of east Jerusalem, where the gunman lived, residents and local activists said.

Israeli security forces shot dead a 20-year-old Palestinian man, Ali Shiouki, Palestinian officials said.

Later, Israeli police said "masked Palestinians threw stones and incendiary bottles" at border guards in Silwan, putting their lives at risk.

"The border guards then fired at and hit the rioters who fled and took the wounded with them," a spokesman said, adding police subsequently learned one of the wounded had died and was buried.

Clashes also erupted Wednesday in Al-Ram, a Palestinian area on the outskirts of Jerusalem.

Yom Kippur is the second of three successive Jewish holidays that have led to tensions with the Palestinians in the past.

Last week Jews marked Rosh Hashanah, or New Year, and next week they celebrate Sukkot.

Last year's holiday period led to clashes and marked the start of an upsurge in Palestinian gun, knife and car-ramming attacks.

More than 3,000 police have been deployed to Jerusalem, while the mainly Palestinian eastern sector of the city, occupied by Israel in 1967 and later annexed, has been sealed off with barricades.

Palestinians were also prevented from entering the city from the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip during the holiday.

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Thousands of Jews visit the Western Wall in east Jerusalem's Old City during the holiday period, while a smaller number go to the nearby Al-Aqsa mosque compound.

The compound is holy to both Muslims and Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount.

The site is central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Palestinians fearing Israel may one day seek to assert further control over it.

On Sunday, a 39-year-old Palestinian who saw himself as an Al-Aqsa protector went on a shooting rampage in Jerusalem, killing two Israelis. He was shot dead by police.

But the atmosphere was different in Tel Aviv, Israel's commercial capital and a far more secular city.

Streets were filled with walkers, bikers and skateboarders, while shops owned by Arab residents that remained open were drawing many customers -- particularly those selling alcohol.

Some in the Mediterranean city had picnics on the beach.

A young skater, Amnon Elkaim, called the day "a little bit magical, where there is really nothing to do except see friends and go to the beach".

A mother with her young son, who wore a Spiderman costume, called it a "real vacation day".
The first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi will be ready to welcome worshippers by the end of 2017, a businessman overseeing the project said on Tuesday.

By Reuters:

The first Hindu temple in Abu Dhabi will be ready to welcome worshippers by the end of 2017, a businessman overseeing the project said on Tuesday.

The temple is being built on land donated by the government of Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates. Hindus currently travel to Dubai, the UAE's tourism and commercial hub more than 100 km away, to perform prayers.

TEMPLE ANNOUNCEMENT DURING MODI'S VISIT



The government announced it was allocating land to build the temple during a visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Hundreds of thousands of Indian Hindus live in Abu Dhabi.

Indian billionaire businessman BR Shetty, who is chairman of the Temple Coordination Committee, said: "The UAE is a great example of religious tolerance with people of different nationalities living in harmony here."

The temple project will be funded privately, he said. The government has allocated 20,000 square metres of land in Al Wathba, just outside Abu Dhabi city.

30 PER CENT INDIANS IN UAE



Indians make up the largest expatriate group, about 2.6 million or 30 percent of the UAE population, according to figures from the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.

Dubai also has a Sikh Gurdwara and both Dubai and Abu Dhabi have Christian churches.

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Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan will be the chief guest at India's Republic Day parade next year.

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For more celebrity videos visit Yahoo View, available now on iOS.

New York (AFP) - Pop superstar Janet Jackson has confirmed that she is pregnant with her first child at age 50 -- and has the baby bump to prove it.

People magazine on Wednesday published a portrait of the star, her face beaming as she stood on a beach, with an unmistakably protruding belly.

"We thank God for our blessing," she told the magazine.

The younger sister of late king of pop Michael Jackson in April stunned fans by halting a global tour and saying that she and her husband, Qatari tycoon Wissam Al Mana, were "planning our family."

Jackson had not said more since then but was recently spotted by paparazzi shopping at a baby store in London -- and looking like she had the tell-tale bump.

Natural pregnancies are highly unusual, but not impossible, for women past their mid-40s, but in vitro fertilization can extend the age at which women can have children.

Jackson has been discreet about her personal life and did not immediately publicize her 2012 marriage to Al Mana, whose company sells luxury fashion brands throughout Gulf Arab kingdoms.

Michael Jackson was also non-traditional in his efforts to have a family. He had two children with Debbie Rowe, who worked at his dermatologist's office and married him, and a third through an undisclosed surrogate.

Janet Jackson won an international fan base in the late 1980s with her albums "Control" and "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814," which brought together pop music and funk with the emerging genre of hip-hop.

The albums were notable for their socially conscious lyrics, in which Jackson identified with women's empowerment, and were accompanied by intricately choreographed live shows.
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan has protested to China over signs it is pressing ahead with maritime gas exploration in the East China Sea despite Tokyo's repeated requests to stop, Japan's top government spokesman said on Wednesday. The exploration platforms are on the Chinese side of the median line between the two countries, but Japan accuses China of ignoring a 2008 agreement to maintain cooperation on resources development in an area where no official border has been drawn. China said in July it had every right to drill in the East China Sea close to waters disputed with Japan, adding that it did not recognize the "unilateral" Japanese median line setting a boundary between the two. Ties between China and Japan, the world's second- and third-largest economies, have already been strained by their conflicting claims over a group of tiny East China Sea islets and the legacy of Japan's wartime aggression. "Earlier this month, flares were newly witnessed at two of the gas exploration platforms China had installed in the East China Sea," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters. "It is extremely regrettable that China, despite our multiple representations, is carrying on with unilateral development in an area where no maritime border has been set. We protested to China through diplomatic channels right away." Japan is also at adds with China's South China Sea claims. China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than $5 trillion of trade moves annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have rival claims. Japan has no territorial claims over the waters, but much of the trade is to and from Japanese ports. (Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by Nick Macfie)
Brooklyn brewery

A major Japanese beer company just acquired at stake in New York's largest craft brewer.

Kirin Holdings Co. has acquired a roughly 25% stake in Brooklyn Brewery, the companies announced on Wednesday.

As part of the deal, Kirin's beer-centric division, Kirin Brewing Co., and Brooklyn Brewery will establish a joint-venture in Japan in early 2017, as well as expanding Brooklyn Brewery beer in Brazil.

"This investment is part of a broader strategy to form partnerships and collaborate around the world to build our brand and help grow craft beer wherever we go," Robin Ottaway, the President Brooklyn Brewery, wrote in a blog post on Brooklyn Brewery's website. "But let me be entirely clear  Eric and I will continue to control and operate the Brooklyn Brewery for many years to come. Kirins investment allows us to do that and a lot more."

The deal is part of a larger trend of beer giants turning to craft beer for growth, especially when it comes to attracting younger drinkers.

Japanese beer of brands such as Asahi, Kirin and Suntory are placed in a fridge at a store in Tokyo Octber 15, 2015. REUTERS/Issei Kato

Kirin the second-largest brewer in Japan, as the maker of beers such as Kirin Lager and Ichiban Shibori. In 2014, the company began its serious investment in craft with the purchase of a 33% stake in Japanese craft beer Yo-Ho Brewing Co., reports Bloomberg.

Brooklyn Brewery is the 12th largest craft beer maker in the US by beer sales volume, and the biggest craft brewer in New York, according to Brewers' Association data.

With the acquisition, Brooklyn Brewery can continue to label itself as a craft beer, despite Kirin's partial ownership. However, the friction between craft beer and international beer giants is bigger that a simple definition.

Craft beer is a swiftly growing part of the beer industry. In 2015, craft beer was a $22.3 billion business in the US, accounting for 21% market share by dollars  an increase of 16% from 2014. However, as craft beer gets hotter, bigger beverage companies are increasingly interested in investing themselves.

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Craft beer acquisitions by major companies, such as Ballast Point to Constellation Brands, Saint Archer to MillerCoors, and Golden Road to Anheuser-Busch InBev, have made many craft brewers concerned about the future of the industry.

Brooklyn Brewery

"People are genuinely concerned: Are the big brewers starting to even monopolize craft brewing?" Darby Hughes, trends analyst at food and beverage brand-building boutique Quench, told Business Insider last year.

And, for many craft brewers, acquisition means the surrender of a breweries fundamental values.

"We support craft, and craft breweries should be independent, not bastardized by megacorporations who will compromise the quality of the beer to cut corners, cut people, and make a profit," Sarah Warman, craft brewer BrewDog's head of marketing, told Business Insider in March.

Brooklyn Brewery, however, says that the acquisition will only serve to make the craft brand more accessible and international.

In fact, Ottaway argues that Kirin is key to independence, writing in the post: "This investment allows Steve, Garrett Oliver, Eric and me to achieve our #1 goal  to remain an independent owned and operated brewery (as defined by the Brewers Association)."

NOW WATCH: What happened when the Sam Adams founder told his dad he was quitting a $250,000-a-year job to make beer





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In the wake of receiving Pathes silent film library last year, the Jerome Seydoux Pathe Foundation, founded in 2014 and headed by Sophie Seydoux, is planning to restore Abel Gances monumental La Roue (The Wheel) in its original six-hour version, as a pan-European endeavor.

The Jerome Seydoux Pathe Foundation occupies the historic Gaumont Gobelins cinema building in Paris, that has been subjected to a spectacular renovation project by architect Renzo Piano.

Film restorations undertaken to date include Francis Ford Coppolas Apocalypse Now Redux, Claude Sautets 1983 Garcon! and Abel Gances lesser-known 1940 Paradis Perdu.

Now entering its third-year of activity, one of Sophie Seydouxs main priorities is film restoration. Restoration of Abel Gances pic La Roue is its most ambitious project to date.

The pan-European project involves the French Cinematheque, Cineteca di Bologna, with which the Foundation has a close working relationship, German pubcaster ZDF (especially for the music), and the Swiss Cinematheque (which has an important color print).

La Roue was directed just before Gances most famous work, Napoleon.

The movie is unbelievable, enthused Seydoux. It was made at the time when he had just come back from the U.S. and started to make movies with very speedy editing and close-ups. Its all hand-colored, one of the greatest Abel Gance films!

One of the key guidelines for the restoration process will be the playlist of music used on the pics world premiere at the Gaumont Palace in Paris, in 1923.

Abel Gance is a director who is well known for constantly changing the final edited version. He was editing all the time, Seydoux expained. We are starting from the list of music to try to restore the movie on the basis of the music, rather than starting from the image. We have five different versions of La Roue in France. And from those five different versions, we want to be able to get back to the original 1923 version. If you read his letters, its almost impossible to know what he did between 1922-23 in terms of re-editing his movie.

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The restoration is an ambitious 2-year project that will be completed by the end of 2017. Part of the restored film will be screened in Bolognas Il Cinema Ritrovato classic film festival in 2017, accompanied by a master class on the problems faced during the restoration.

The Cineteca di Bologna Cinematheque worked on other Foundation projects such as the restoration of Riccardo Fredas Les Miserables.

Pathe produced 9000 films between 1896 and 1927; 2,000 still survive in the collection. At present, the Foundation is working on 400 films.

In addition to restoration activities, the Foundation screens silent films in its in-house 68-seater screening room, accompanied by live piano music. These screenings have been extremely successful, with over 17,000 admissions clocked up in 2015, Seydoux said. A new season of silent Hitchcock films, that began in September, 2016, has been consistently sold out. The audience for such sessions is highly diverse, ranging from film buffs, interested viewers and students. The Foundation also organizes special morning screenings, three times a week, for schools.

Seasons that have been particularly popular to date include those dedicated to the silent films of Hitchcock, Buster Keaton and Charlie Chaplin.

Each month, the Foundation gives carte blanche to another institution to arrange its own screening schedule during one week.

Sophie Seydoux revealed an amusing anecdote: One day we asked the Australian Cinematheque to program a session They proposed to screen what we could call as hot movie from the 1910s. One day I was coming back from lunch at the Paris Cinematheque and I saw a big crowd.. I thought My goodness, whats going on? I asked and it turned out it was this Australian hot movie from the 1910s! And it was a huge success!

Other successful sessions have been programs dedicated to female actresses in the 1920s. The Foundation also hosts a series of temporary exhibitions, featuring posters and other film-related materials. On the first floor, there is a permanent exhibition of over 150 cameras and projectors built by the Pathe film company in the early years of cinema.

Each week conferences are held, dedicated to different filmmaking techniques, moderated by the Collections coordinator. Weekly conferences are also organized about the building itself, which are highly popular amongst architecture students, to see the integration between the new and old. Three times a week, there are sessions with children, introducing them to film stock and all the related topics, given that in the digital world, they will most probably never work with celluloid film. These sessions also show how the accumulation of still images can create the illusion of movement. The sessions are divided between two different age groups  for 7 year-olds, who are taught about stills and frames, and the way of adding color in the early days of cinema. The other group, for 10-11 year-olds are given a camera and film and practice shooting films and then edit them.

Involving around 81 schools in the Paris region, the sessions are held twice a week with schools and once a week with the general public and only run during the school year.

Seydoux said that her main goals for the Foundations third year of activity include establishing a partnership with the LEcole de Gobelins, the prestigious and nearby film school dedicated to animation and photography, including a showcase in June of the best end-of-course works by students, including films, videos, and still images.

Screening 35mm prints, rather than digital video, is another of the Foundations hallmarks. Very few cinemas in Paris still have 35 mm projectors. Seydoux has been pushing for Pathe-Gaumont commercial cinemas to keep some 35mm projectors, comparable to the phenomenon of vinyl records in the music industry.

The last James Bond movie was shot in 35mm, said Seydoux. Star Wars was shot in 35mm and they went back to digital afterwards. There is something about 35mm which digital cannot compete with so far.

As a purely private foundation, without public funding, the Foundation achieves an operating break-even by renting out different parts of the building for events, private screenings, cocktails and dinners.

The Foundation also maintains regular contact with cinematheques and other partner institutions around Europe, including the Cineteca di Bologna German Cinematheque, Royal Cinematheque of Belgium and many other institutions in Europe.

Seydoux said that she has also been in contact with institutions in the U.Sc But transporting copies from L.A .on a specific movie are very expensive, so she prefers to ship copes from sites closer to Paris, in view of the insurance and freight costs.

Once I wanted to show silent movies by Maurice Tourner and wanted to organise a film series. I tried to see how much it would cost. It was impossible to even break even. Its not because of the U.S. Its just the distance. Thats why I try, for the moment to work solely with cinematheques in Europe. One day I think we will also show digital copies. At that time, we could work more with America on a larger scale.

John Hopewell contributed to this article

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2015 was the year of Jidenna. After his smash hit "Classic Man" swept the airwaves (while landing a remix from rap king Kendrick Lamar) and received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration, the Wondaland records signee is now following up the hype with a proper debut album, and an acting role on Issa Rae's HBO dramedy Insecure.

In the past year, Jidenna has unleashed powerful visuals like "Long Live The Chief" and "Chief Don't Run," and plans to reclaim his throne with his debut album, Long Live the Chief, a nod to his roots. "I think this story is from the point of view of a first-generation Nigerian-American in different cities, places and communities, that has ever been told in this way," he says.

As the countdown to Long Live the Chief (which still has no release date) continues, Billboard caught up with Jidenna to discuss what fans can expect from his major label effort, expanding his brand outside of music and making his acting debut.

What's the status of your highly anticipated debut Long Live the Chief? Is there a release date, and what can we expect?

I've been done with Long Live since this summer. The date has been moved a couple of times, so we're going to see, but it will be coming within a season. The album will feel like you're on an airplane and stopping in different cities. You're the same person, but each place you touch, touches you, therefore you change in each environment. As a person of color and African descent, traveling is important. My father, along with many others I know, couldn't travel as we can in our generation. I feel like I've made a few anthems that kind of show the point that we're at now, where we can travel freely and post about it on Instagram. [Laughs.]

Happy October 1st! This year, let us celebrate not just our beloved independence but our interdependence with the African Diaspora. Let us be the leaders in unifying the Diaspora. We are in the spotlight more than ever. Let us use it wisely. #NigeriaAt56 #Childhoodhome -- @twopointoh

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A photo posted by Jidenna (@jidenna) on Oct 1, 2016 at 3:43pm PDT

You actually shared some great photos from your travels this summer on Instagram. Was there a specific place that sparked inspiration?

I won't say there's only one place, but recently going to Nigeria and South Africa and even being in the U.K. for a bit, I think people will feel all of those places for sure. Nigeria will probably be the most prominent, not only in the music but in the actual storyline. We've crafted a first-generation immigrant story -- coming to the States, has dreams, works from a class where he and his family have some upward mobility, and [they] get their piece of the American pie.

I don't think that before Wyclef, on a national and international scene, that the first-generation Haitian immigrant story had been told. Or before Akon, that somebody from Senegal would have this story. So I think that this is going to be an album that makes waves on that platform.

As an emerging artist who has already been Grammy-nominated before releasing an actual album, what can you credit your success to thus far?

To be candid, I'm always looking to the future. I need to work on celebrating the now more, and even just reflecting. But what's gotten me here? Not me, but a team. Any artist has art, but it doesn't matter if you don't have an amazing team. And I happen to have Fear and Fancy, Wondaland Records and a partnership with Epic and Sony. I've had the opportunity to continue to build on that with great people, and believers from other companies that share my same values.

You recently partnered with Pepsi for their new music platform, the Sound Drop, which is all about sharing your art in a meaningful way, and spreading your story to the masses. Why was it important for you to hop on board for the launch?

What was most important to me was being able to promote my story on a larger level, and showcase different sides of me, the creation of the music, and some of the people behind songs like "Little Bit More." With Sound Drop, I'm able to do that. It was great to have a lane and meet new people and influencers and share my story in a new light, which I think is important after a big hit like "Classic Man." I've got to unpeel the layers and this is the way to do it.

December will mark the two-year anniversary of Wondaland Records. Could you recall that moment you signed to Janelle Monae's label?

Man, I've known Janelle for a long time. Even the era when she was standing on the front steps of HBCUs just singing with a guitar in her hand. I'm just really proud of Wondaland for making it this far -- Chuck Lightning, Nate Wonder, Janelle Monae, Roman GianArthur, some of the people that have been there from jump before I got there. I'm more so proud of the team than myself. I didn't stare at my name on the ink while I was signing it [Laughs]. I was more happy that we were toasting and beginning the campaign of what was to come.

Within a couple months later, we signed and put out "Classic Man." That was an instant hit off the [Eephus] EP. It wasn't even supposed to be a year where I released an album.

The Eepheus also celebrated its one-year anniversary in August. Is the Wondaland team plotting another collaborative project?

Yeah, we've definitely talked about The Eephus 2 or something like that, but I think our focus now is rolling out the individual artists so everyone can get a taste of everyone on the label. I'll roll out the first project, but there's some amazing artists like Roman whose project is also coming up.

Outside of music, you've been staying busy and expanding your creativity. You recently made an appearance on Luke Cage, performing "Long Live the Chief." Is acting possibly in your future?

Yeah, you'll be seeing my acting debut soon on Issa Rae's Insecure. Issa and I went to school together [at Stanford University] and worked together -- we're homies. We'd be in the dorm rooms, and I'd be making music on my laptop while she was writing screenplays, or whatever her project was -- like reproducing [Spike Lee's 1988 film] School Daze on campus. She actually wanted me for a lead part in School Daze and I was like, "Nah, I gotta focus on my music career before my acting career." [Laughs.]

So, when she started Insecure, she was [saying], "Yo, you know you're going to act in this," and I was like, "Okay, let's do this." She always believed in me and I always believed in her, so it's nice that our projects are coming out around the same time.
The pilot of a plane that crashed in Connecticut Tuesday reportedly told investigators it was intentionally downed.

The twin-engine plane went down in Hartford as it was approaching a local airport on Tuesday. It crashed into a utility pole and burst into flames.

Read: Dashcam Captures Terrifying Plane Crash

One man was killed. He was identified as a 28-year-old student pilot, Feras Freitekh.

He was a Jordanian national who first entered the U.S. in 2012 on a temporary student visa to attend flight school and was certified to fly a single-engine plane.

His instructor, who survived but was seriously injured, was taken to the hospital with serious burns. He told investigators the crash was not an accident," according to The New York Times.

He has been identified as Arian Prevalla, the president of the American Flight Academy and managing member of the Hartford Jet Center, the Hartford Courant reported.



The two were reportedly arguing shortly before the crash. Freitekh told his instructor he no longer wanted to fly the plane, the paper reported.



According to another source, Freitekh was flying erratically and his instructor fought with him to take control of the plane. Freitekh was worried over his poor performance at the flight academy, the report said.



The Associated Press reports that this appears to be a case of suicide by the student pilot, not terrorism.

Mayor Marcia Leclerc also told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the survivor told detectives the crash was not an accident, but she added that the information has not been confirmed.

Read: Five Dead in Hawaii Skydiving Tour Plane Crash; Officials Working to Determine Cause

The plane came down near a Pratt & Whitney factory that makes jet engines, including those for military planes.

Watch: 90's Band Nelson Remember Late Dad's Plane Crash After Their Jet Mishap

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By PTI: Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 13 (PTI) The CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala seems to be facing its worst crisis with the row over appointment of ministerial kins to plum posts in PSUs refusing to die down, even as opposition Congress today demanded either resignation or sacking of Industries Minister E P Jayarajan, who is at the centre of the controversy.

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CPI(M) General Secretary Sitharam Yechury also indicated, in New Delhi, that action could be taken.

"The process of correction of whatever decision has been taken has been initiated. The state Secretariat will be meeting on October 14 at Thiruvananthapuram," Yechury told reporters in New Delhi.

Asked if any action will be taken, he said "certainly".

KPCC President V M Sudheeran said Jayarajan should either resign or he should be removed from the post. The matter cannot be viewed as an internal issue of the party, he told reporters here.

Congress will take out a march to the Assembly on October 17, when the House re-assembles after Pooja holidays, he said.

Congress and BJP leaders have also written to Vigilance Director seeking action against Jayarajan.

Vigilance is understood to have sought legal opinion. Jayarajan had appointed his nephew P K Sudheer, who is the son of Kannur MP, P K Sreemathy, as the Managing Director of Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Ltd early this month.

However, when the matter became controversial, the appointment was cancelled by the government.

Deepthi Nishad, another close relative of Jayarajan, today resigned as the General Manager of Kerala Clays and Ceramic Products Ltd in Kannur.

Opposition alleged that Deepthi, daughter-in-law of Jayarajans elder brother, was appointed in the PSU without the requisite qualification.

CPI(M) State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan today held talks with Jayarajan for nearly an hour at the AKG Centre, the party head quarters, and has reportedly sought details of various appointments made by him.

Jayarajan declined to talk to the media after his visit to the party office. MORE PTI LGK UD RC SMJ

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Jurassic World was a fun return to a world of dinosaurs, righting the ship after the Jurassic Park sequels that led the franchise astray. While Colin Trevorrows 2015 film was mostly just an appealing popcorn film, the sequel, to be directed by J.A. Bayona, will reportedly have more of a message. In an interview with El Mundo, a Spanish-language newspaper in Spain, Trevorrow said the second Jurassic World will be a statement on animal abuse.

Trevorrow said, The dinosaurs will be a parable of the treatment animals receive today: the abuse, medical experimentation, pets, having wild animals in zoos like prisons, the use the military has made of them, animals as weapons.

The first film already had elements of this idea. As you may recall, one of the bigger arguments took place between Chris Pratts and Vincent DOnofrios characters. They didnt see eye to eye when it came to weaponizing those velociraptors.

Sam Neill Reenacts Classic Scene From Jurassic Park:

Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Khail Anonymous, on Twitter.
the big short

The Office of the Inspector General late last month released the results of a damning audit of the charter school industry, which found that charter schools' relationships with their management organizations pose a significant risk to the aim of the Department of Education.

The OIG is a federal agency that works to prevent inefficient or illegal activities.

The findings in the audit, specifically in regard to those relationships, echo the findings of a 2015 study that warned of a bubble similar to that of the subprime-mortgage crisis, one of the study's authors, Preston Green, told Business Insider.

"I'm happy that the Office of the Inspector General is shining a light on the issue about the need for greater accountability," Green said.

The study, titled "Are charter schools the new subprime loans?," notes that several factors appearing to edge the charter school industry  schools funded partly by tax dollars but run independently  toward a bubble are similar to those that encouraged banks to start offering risky mortgage loans.

One such similarity is what the study calls the "principal-agent problem."

In the mortgage crisis, mortgage servicers began handling administrative tasks that originators used to do, such as collecting fees from late payments or foreclosures. Since the servicers were compensated to foreclose on loans rather than find alternatives, the incentives of the servicers and the originators diverged, which negatively affected both homeowners and banks that forecasted mortgage payments into the future.

The Big Short Jaap Buitendijk Paramount

Charter schools have this same misalignment with third-party management organizations, according to the study. Many charter school boards hire private education-management organizations  with similarly divergent interests as the loan servicers in the mortgage crisis  to run the school's day-to-day administrative tasks.

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The study found that while charter school boards have a responsibility to follow the same laws that relate to public schools, the incentive of these outside organizations is to increase revenue or cut expenses. That misalignment creates an environment that may discriminate against students who the organizations see as "too expensive," such as those with disabilities, according to the study.

The recent OIG audit found the same divergence of incentives within the charter school market, and noted that 22 of the 33 schools in its review had internal control weaknesses.

"The Department's internal controls were insufficient to mitigate the significant financial, lack of accountability and performance risks that charter school relationships with CMOs"  charter management organizations  "pose to Department program objectives," the OIG wrote in the audit.

The factors leading up to the mortgage crisis look eerily similar to the ones currently affecting the charter school industry, and the authors of the 2015 study predicted that if the bubble were to burst, some students could be stranded without alternatives. Local districts could also face lawsuits, not to mention investors in the sector would lose money.

NOW WATCH: These animations will help you understand the math concepts you never got in high school





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NAIROBI (Reuters) - Kenya has won a two-year extension of sugar import limits from a regional trade bloc to give it more time to overhaul its ailing sugar sector, a local daily newspaper said on Wednesday. The arrangement capping cheaper imports from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) was scheduled to expire soon. The deal was struck at a meeting of COMESA in Madagascar, the Standard newspaper quoted a top official in the country's ministry of industrialization and trade as saying. The government is selling shares in some of its sugar factories, hoping to bring in capital and the expertise needed to pull the sector out of the doldrums. Kenya produces about 600,000 tonnes of sugar a year, compared with annual consumption of 800,000 tonnes. The deficit is covered by strictly controlled imports from COMESA. Experts have blamed the high cost of production for the problems facing Kenya's sugar industry. Poorly funded government factories have aging machinery that is prone to breaking down. The roads in most sugar growing areas are also in poor shape. The Kenya Sugar Directorate estimates the cost of producing a tonne of sugar at about $570 in western Kenya compared with $240-$290 in rival producers such as Egypt. (Writing by Duncan Miriri; editing by Elias Biryabarema and Louise Heavens)
By Vladimir Soldatkin and Tom Perry MOSCOW/BEIRUT (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet his Russian counterpart in Switzerland on Saturday to discuss Syria, officials said on Wednesday, as a devastating bombing campaign of the city of Aleppo intensified. The Syrian government launched an assault to capture rebel-held areas of Aleppo last month with Russian air support and Iranian-backed militias, a week into a ceasefire agreed by Washington and Moscow. Kerry broke off talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov last week over the offensive, which has included air strikes on hospitals that the United States and France said amounted to war crimes for which Syria and Russia were responsible. The Syrian and Russian governments blamed their foes for breaking the ceasefire and said they target only militants in the city, the last major urban stronghold of the Western-backed rebels, where more than 250,000 people are trapped under siege. The resumption of talks, despite the offensive, was a sign of the lack of options facing Western nations over the Syria conflict, where they worry scaled-up arms supplies for the rebels could end up in the hands of jihadist groups. Russia's Foreign Ministry said Kerry and Lavrov would meet in the Swiss city of Lausanne to consider steps toward settling the conflict. The meeting was expected to include foreign ministers from Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran. The U.S. State Department said Kerry had called for the meeting and would attend, but declined to say what foreign ministers other than Lavrov had been invited or would attend. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Washington remained committed to a "deep multilateral engagement" to reduce the violence in Syria which would "necessarily" involve Russia too. "But it is no longer in the context of trying to broker this agreement that would ... hold out the prospect of U.S. military cooperation with Russia. That's something that Russia has lost... the credibility to be able to try to agree to," he said. On Wednesday, 25 people were killed by heavy air strikes on rebel-held areas of Aleppo, the Civil Defence, a rescue service working in rebel-held areas, said on Twitter, adding that 15 of them were killed at a market place in the Fardous district. The Syrian army has denied targeting civilians. AIR STRIKES A Syrian military source said warplanes had struck several locations to the south and southwest of Aleppo but Syrian and Russian officials could not immediately be reached to comment on the market place attack. It was the second day of heavy air strikes after a lull of several days which the Syrian army said was designed to allow civilians to leave. Rebels said the intensity of the air strikes on Tuesday and Wednesday had returned to the level seen at the start of the Russian-backed campaign to capture Aleppo. Moscow's intervention, which began just over a year ago, has tipped the scales back toward President Bashar al-Assad. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based organization that reports on the war, said it had documented the deaths of 55 people killed in escalating bombardment of eastern Aleppo in the last 48 hours. The Observatory also reported that four people were killed in government-held areas by insurgent shelling. Clashes between pro-government and rebel forces were also reported in a rebel-held area in southern Aleppo. The war has killed more than 300,000 people, created the world's worst refugee crisis, allowed for the rise of Islamic State and drawn in regional and major powers. Assad aims to take back all of Aleppo, which was Syria's biggest city before the outbreak of war in 2011. The city has been divided between government and rebel control for years and food, water and medical supplies in rebel areas are now running low. Last Saturday Russia vetoed a French-drafted United Nations Security Council resolution that would have demanded an immediate end to air strikes and military flights over Aleppo. On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused France of deliberately luring Moscow into vetoing the resolution and suggested it was doing the bidding of the United States. "What for? To exacerbate the situation and to whip up anti-Russian hysteria in media under their control, and to deceive their own citizens," Putin said, accusing France of serving U.S. domestic political interests. "OBSTRUCTIVE ATTITUDE" Putin later told France's TF1 television channel that the West, especially the United States, was responsible for Syria's plight and he dismissed the Western accusations of Russian and Syrian war crimes as "political rhetoric". French Prime Minister Manuel Valls faced criticism from opposition lawmakers over his government's handling of relations with Russia over Syria. "Russia has chosen an obstructive attitude and from our point of view this stance is unjustifiable," Valls said after being asked by a parliamentarian why Paris was adopting a tough position on Russia. Despite the war of words, the Kremlin said Putin spoke to French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday and said he hoped Saturday's talks would be "fruitful". France and Britain back a proposal for a dilution of big powers' United Nations vetoes in cases of serious war crimes, the top U.N. human rights official said in Geneva, but he gave little support to Syrian opposition hopes of strong-arming Russia over eastern Aleppo. Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said last week that Security Council veto powers should be curbed to help resolve the situation and bring Syria under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. The dispute over Aleppo has unfolded against a backdrop of separate campaigns being waged against Islamic State by a U.S.-led alliance and the Russian-backed Syrian army. As part of the fight against IS, Syrian rebels backed by Turkey are currently waging a campaign in northern Syria near the Turkish border. A rebel commander told Reuters the Turkey-backed forces had advanced closer to an Islamic State-held village that is of great symbolic significance to the group on Wednesday. The rebels captured the village of Duweibiq, which is some 2 km from Dabiq - the site of an apocalyptic prophecy central to the militant group's ideology. "The clashes were not very fierce but there is resistance," the commander said. (Additional reporting by Alexander Winning and Katya Golubkova in MOSCOW, Tom Miles and Stephanie Nebehay in GENEVA, Lesley Wroughton and Arshad Mohammed in WASHINGTON; Writing by Philippa Fletcher; Editing by Gareth Jones and Sandra Maler)
The Murdochs apparently don't like to waste empty office space. Lachlan Murdoch, 21st Century Fox executive chairman, has moved into Jim Gianopulos' former office in Building 88 on the Fox lot.

Gianopulos, the longtime chairman and CEO of Fox's film unit, was ousted in August, and sources confirm to THR that Murdoch has taken over the digs while maintaining an office in the executive tower across the street. He likely will divide his office time to be closer to the film unit, now run by Stacey Snider.

The change comes on the heels of another Murdoch exec move on the East Coast. Murdoch's father, Rupert Murdoch, also exec chairman of 21st Century Fox, has been making use of the office of Roger Ailes, the fired Fox News chairman. Meanwhile, back on the Fox lot, Lachlan's brother, 21st Century Fox CEO James, likely will take an office in the film group, but it's not yet clear where.

A version of this story first appeared in the Oct. 21 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.

Read more: This Is How James Cameron Reserves His Parking Space at Lightstorm Entertainment HQ
Arjun Bijlani, who's currently shooting for Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil in Austria, will not be with his wife on her birthday.

By India Today Web Desk: Arjun Bijlani is in 'Pardes' right now, shooting for his new show. Though the actor has been posting a lot of photos from the pictersque Austria, there is one thing that he is sorely missing back home--his family; especially, his 1.5-year-old son Ayaan.

He has also missed out on something big today. Wonder, what it is. Well, Arjun will not be with his wife on her birthday for the FIRST time in 13 years. Yes, for the first time since the couple met, Arjun will not be cutting cake with the love of his life.

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Also read: This video of Arjun Bijlani playing with his son will make your day



The actor posted a mushy pic with Neha with a lovely message on his Instagram today. "Happy birthday baby. Missing ur birthday for the first time in 13 years. Will make up for it once I'm back..till then."

Happy birthday baby .missing ur birthday for the first time in 13 years.will make up for it once I'm back..till then ???? @nehaswami A photo posted by Arjun Bijlani (@arjunbijlani) on Oct 11, 2016 at 11:51am PDT

Arjun and Neha recently brought in aunt Deepti Bhatnagar's birthday together in Goa.



Right now, the Naagin actor is shooting with Drashti Dhami for their upcoming show Pardes Mein Hai Mera Dil, in Austria. However, the show's name is contradictory to his real life situation. He must be surely saying--India Mein Hai Mera Dil--these days.



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USA TODAY Sports

The case of Derrick Roses alleged sexual assault took perhaps is strangest turn yet, as an LAPD detective who was investigating for a criminal case against Rose was found with a gunshot wound in her home in Whittier, California. She was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital less than an hour after the gunshot was reported.

Detective Nadine Hernandez sent a letter to the judge in the ongoing civil case against Rose requesting that the accuser remain anonymous to assist in the LAPDs criminal investigation of the incident. That letter was in itself a revelation that the incident was under criminal investigation, since Jane Doe never pressed criminal charges herself. At 2:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Whittier police received a call reporting a suicide attempt and responded to Hernandezs home.

LAPD detective investigating Derrick Rose case found dead of gunshot wound in Whittier https://t.co/pPxyT9w5VS pic.twitter.com/MvDtDR4DDb  Los Angeles Times (@latimes) October 12, 2016

Hernandez, in her position within the LAPDs Robbery-Homicide Division Special Assault Section, often worked in high-profile sexual-assault cases, according to the Los Angeles Times. She was reportedly one of two detectives investigating the criminal case against Rose, which has not yet resulted in any criminal charges.

Police have not said if they believe the incident to be a suicide or a homicide, but Whittier police Lt. Steve Dean said simply, Were investigating it.

(Via Los Angeles Times)

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. lawmaker urged the Obama administration to suspend cooperation with a Saudi-led coalition conducting airstrikes in Yemen, saying in a letter released on Wednesday that civilian casualties from the strikes "appear to be the result of war crimes." Rep. Ted Lieu, a California Democrat, wrote to Secretary of State John Kerry on Tuesday, saying the coalition had conducted more than 70 "unlawful airstrikes" in Yemen. "It appears that either the Saudi coalition is intentionally targeting civilians or they are not distinguishing between civilians and military targets. Both would be war crimes," wrote Lieu, who had taught classes on the law of war when he was a lawyer in the U.S. Air Force. His letter increases pressure on the White House over Yemen after the administration announced Saturday it was reviewing support to the Saudi-led coalition after an air strike killed 140 mourners at a funeral. U.S. arms sales to Riyadh and other support to the coalition should be halted until the White House review is completed, Lieu wrote. Lieu also cited a Reuters article published on Monday, which reported that the Obama administration went ahead with arms sales to Saudi Arabia despite some officials' fears that Washington could be implicated in war crimes for supporting the Saudi-led air campaign. The Saudi-led coalition has said it takes its responsibilities under international humanitarian law seriously, and is committed to the protection of civilians in Yemen. State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement on Wednesday: "We have received the letter, and are aware of congressional concerns regarding arms sales to Saudi Arabia. We, too, remain gravely concerned by the high toll of the conflict, including civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure caused by all sides of the conflict." "Aid and assistance for any country are always under review and subject to modification. We are going to review our position and continue to have further policy discussions," Kirby said. Several recent efforts in the U.S. Congress to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia have failed. But the White House on Saturday announced it was initiating an "immediate review" of U.S. support to the Saudi-led coalition after the apparent coalition air strike on the funeral. Saudi Arabia has said it will investigate the circumstances of that strike. (Reporting by Warren Strobel; Editing by Alistair Bell and Bernadette Baum)
When Hong Kongs Legislative Council inducted its newly elected members on Wednesday, few were expecting a solemn affair. The vote early last month saw the election of several young activists who have ridden the rising tide of the pro-democracy movement in this semiautonomous Chinese territory, and who have not hesitated to voice their opposition to Beijings increasing political influence here.

For those anticipating political theater, the new generation of lawmakers did not disappoint. The inauguration requires a reading of an oath of office that demands fealty to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China and its constitution, the Basic Law  strictures that could be interpreted as precluding liberal demands, such as the calls for Hong Kongs self-determination or outright independence, that several of these maverick politicians champion. Their solution was simple: simply modify the oath, the more creatively the better.

The exercise veered dangerously close to farce. Lau Siu-lai, whose activism has included outspoken opposition to the government crackdown on outdoor food vendors  who are seen as symbols of grassroots local culture  chose to read it at exaggeratedly slow speed, saying one word about every 10 seconds.

Thirty-year-old Sixtus Baggio Leung, who heads the radical political party Youngspiration, pledged to serve the Hong Kong Nation (a term frequently wielded by Hong Kongs separatists) and pronounced China as Shina  an old pejorative Japanese term for mainland China, as one reporter pointed out. He then ignored Legislative Council Secretary General Kenneth Chans demands to sit down and instead wrapped himself in a blue banner that proclaimed Hong Kong Is Not China.

His party colleague, 25-year-old Yau Wai-ching  who in recent weeks has elicited both praise and pearl-clutching for her frank remarks on apparently prurient matters  also pledged allegiance to the Hong Kong Nation and appeared to call the Peoples Republic of China the Peoples Ref-cking of Shina.

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Others were less theatrical. Thirty-eight-year-old Eddie Chu, who ran on a platform opposing local corruption, simply concluded his oath by affirming democratic self-determination and proclaiming that autocracy will die. Twenty-three-year-old Nathan Law, a figurehead of the 2014 pro-democracy protests who is now the youngest lawmaker in Hong Kongs history, treated the inauguration ceremony as a soapbox.

This sacred ceremony has become a tool of the authorities trying to bend public opinion, he said and proceeded to quote Indian revolutionary figure Mohandas Gandhi: You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind.

He said of the oath: I will go through this necessary procedure, but it doesnt mean I will bend and bow to absolute authority. I will never bear authority to the powers that be that kill the people. I will use my conscience to defend the Hong Kong people.

Three lawmakers  Leung, Yau, and Edward Yiu, who refused to read the formal oath  saw their oath-taking rejected, according to the Hong Kong Free Press. They will apparently be given the chance to retake their pledges.
Paris (AFP) - The two lawyers for the main suspect in the Paris attacks, Salah Abdeslam, said Wednesday they would no longer defend him given his uncompromising refusal to answer questions about the November massacre.

"We both decided to give up his defence," lawyer Frank Berton said in a joint interview with France's BFM TV with fellow lawyer Sven Mary.

"We don't think that he will speak, and he will use the right to remain silent," said Berton.

"Given our position, what are we supposed to do? We said from the beginning... that if our client remained silent we would quit his defence," he added.

Abdeslam is the sole surviving member of the group behind the November 13 carnage at a Paris concert hall, bars and the national stadium that left 130 people dead and scores injured.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the atrocity, one of a string of attacks claimed by the jihadists that have put Europe on edge.

Abdeslam has refused to answer questions since being transferred to France from Belgium in April.

Berton said he had seen his client around 10 times and had regularly spoken to him on the phone.

He said the 27-year-old Belgian-born French national had written to the authorities to tell them he no longer wanted representation.

- Just like 'social visits' -

Mary, his Belgian counsel, said he had felt as if his role was just to "pay social visits to the prison".

Abdeslam has protested at the round-the-clock CCTV surveillance of his jail cell in Fleury-Merogis prison south of Paris, where he is being held in solitary confinement.

The CCTV surveillance was the "clear" reason why he was tightlipped, said Berton.

"Authorisation for the surveillance is valid for three months and the minister of justice is going to decide shortly on whether to renew it," Berton said.

"I sense that he (Abdeslam) will contest this as well."

After four months on the run, he was arrested on March 18 in Molenbeek, a Brussels neighbourhood notorious for being a hotbed of Islamic extremism, where he grew up.

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He was transferred to France to face terror charges on April 27.

Investigators have yet to pin down his exact role in the worst terror attack in French history.

Abdeslam drove the three suicide bombers who blew themselves up outside the Stade de France to the stadium and then roamed the city before fleeing to Belgium the next day.

He told investigators there he had also wanted to blow himself up at the Stade de France but had changed his mind.
Remastered works by auteur directors Michael Powell and Claude Sautet will make their way to the Lumiere Film Festival 2016 thanks to classic film distribution company Les Acacias.

Audiences in Lyon will be treated to a restored version of the 1951 technicolor British adaptation of French opera Tales of Hoffmann directed by Powell and starring American tenor Robert Rounseville and British ballet dancer Moira Shearer, as well as Claude Sautets Cesar et Rosalie (pictured) in honor of the great French screenwriter writer Jean-Loup Dabadie.

Les Acacias assistant director Jean-Fabrice Janaudy described Tales of Hoffmann as a visual masterpiece, a unique cinematic feast.

The distribution company, founded in 1981, serves as an intermediary between the films and viewers both through distribution and programming for two cinemas in the Paris area: the historic Max Linder Panorama theater and Le Vincennes cinema in Vincennes on the outskirts of the French capital.

Films they have distributed in France include Akira Kurosawas King Lear inspired masterpiece Ran, Academy Award-winning Italian drama Cinema Paradiso and Sam Peckinpahs psychological thriller Straw Dogs starring Dustin Hoffman.

Concerning the distribution of classics, we both negotiate and buy movies from foreign rights holders and manage them, with our historical partners Tamasa, Studiocanal and TF1 Studio catalogues. Our four people team is really passionate and cinephile, Janaudy said.

Les Acacias scored a recent hit with the release of Japanese film Yearning (Une femme dans la tourmente in French and Midareru in Japanese) by Mikio Naruse, which was previously unreleased in France. Janaudy said as a result journalists and art house cinemas had more interest than usual and the film reached a larger audience.

The company also supports newer, up and coming film authors by acquiring the rights to distribute their films in France. Les Acacias distributed one of Christopher Nolans first films Following in 1998, and also the Pusher trilogy by Danish Drive director Nicolas Winding Refn.

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Some majors directors we are currently working with are Hong Sang-soo, Rithy Panh, Wang Bing, Jean-Claude Brisseau and the very promising young Taiwanese director Midi Z, Janaudy said.

Les Acacias marketing strategy for classic films consists mainly of organizing festival and press screenings, as well as putting together new posters and a new trailer, Janaudy explained. However, he added that the keys to reaching a wide audience are press articles and the community work carried out by cinemas exhibitors.

Les Acacias spends an average of 20,000 (around $22,000) on each classic film they launch.

The market for classic films has been more and more weakened by the increasing number of releases and the uneven quality of distribution work. Fortunately many art house cinemas are tirelessly continuing to ensure the transmission of our love of classic films, Janaudy said.

Showcasing classic film restorations,and run by director Bertrand Tavernier and Thierry Fremaux, also the Cannes Festival head, Frances Lumiere Film Festival 2016 runs Oct. 8  16.

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From ELLE

Last night, Donald Trump held a rally in Pennsylvania where there were some Trump fans in the audience wearing incredibly offensive T-shirts. And I'm not talking about this guy's Hawaiian shirt, because, despite popular opinion, there is a time and a place for a loud tropical print button-ups (Hawaiian pizza night! Your grandfather's 89th birthday!). Nope, I'm talking about another one, because there is actually never a time and a place for this:

This guy, at the rally with his wife and three kids, in his "She's A Cunt, Vote For Trump" shirt. pic.twitter.com/NDQMz1uteG - Sally Kohn (@sallykohn) October 11, 2016

CNN's Sally Kohn shared this photo of a Trump supporter wearing a shirt that reads, "She's a Cunt, Vote for Trump."

Kohn also notes the man is with his wife and children.

So let's take a moment to talk about that shirt, because that's what he wants, right? I can't imagine when he was scrolling through chumpsfortrump.com debating which tee to add to his shopping cart, he was looking for something discreet. No, he was looking for something that makes a statement! That would get attention! Because, just days after Donald Trump was revealed to have made demeaning, misogynist comments about women-ones that promote sexual assaultit seems only right for his supporters to take note, to follow the leader, and refer to women in like-minded terms. And to not only think it, but also to shout it from their shirts.

Because that's what he's saying, isn't it? By voting for Trump, he's calling him a role modelthe ultimate role model, really, the man representing our country, our voices. For supporters who accept his brand of misogyny and who say it's okay that a candidate for president used the phrases "grab them by the pussy" and "I moved on her like a bitch," are we surprised that they also proudly refer to a woman as a cuntor a bitch, or any other derogatory term used to describe Hillary Clinton in this election.

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And by the way, that fellow didn't just buy that disgusting shirt onlineaccording to Kohn, it looks like it was a DIY hate job. And he made custom numbers for his kids as well:

Three boys, I think. All had homemade shirts. One said "LOCK HER UP" colored in what looked like crayon. https://t.co/aDnnJ6Imn7 - Sally Kohn (@sallykohn) October 11, 2016

So, C U Next Tuesday, November 8, at the polls, sir, where I'll probably be wearing a navy blue sweater (it will likely be cold, and that's my warmest layer) and a smile, because I'll have just placed my vote for a candidate that won't inspire my future children to treat women like garbage. Make sure you're registered.

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By PTI: Mumbai, Oct 12 (PTI) State-run Bank of Maharashtra (BoM) today said it has renewed its corporate agency tie-up with United India Insurance Company (UIIC).

Customers can buy the entire gamut of UIIC products at any of the 1,896 branches of the bank across the country, the lender said in a release here.

They can buy insurance products related to motor, fire, health, marine, overseas travel policy and personal accident from the banks branches.

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****** Accenture to help AU Financiers offer digital banking *

Accenture today said it will provide Au Financiers, one of the 10 in-principle licensees of small finance banks, assistance in setting up the bank.

The leading global professional services company will customise, integrate and support Au Financiers new core banking platform and enterprise resource planning software (ERP), a company release said.

The core banking platform, with online and mobile banking digital capabilities, will enable Au Financiers customers to operate their accounts from anywhere in the country.

Accenture will also implement an analytics-rich customer resource management(CRM) solution to help Au Financiers manage customer records and relationships. ****** Karthik Rajeshwaran named Director of Strategy at Freecharge *

Snapdeal-owned digital payments platform Freecharge has appointed Karthik Rajeshwaran as its Director of Strategy.

In his new role, Rajeshwaran will deploy his expertise to usher-in consumer-centric innovations to expand revenue across new business opportunities, the company said.

Rajeshwaran formerly handled global marketing and growth at Obi Worldphone, where he was responsible for launching smartphones and crafting brand communication plans across Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines and select West Asia countries. He began his career at FMCG giant Hindustan Unilever. (MORE) PTI DSK HV ADI MKJ

--- ENDS ---
From ELLE

Donald Trump isn't the only one who can stay up late to tweet his displeasure. Early on Tuesday morning, Marybeth Glenn, a Wisconsin resident who tells ELLE.com she's voted Republican ever since she could vote, expressed her grave disappointment in the Republican politicians still standing behind Trump.

In 17 fierce tweets, she decried the acts of the "cowards" who backed down from meaningful action against Trump in the wake of his recent horrific comments. Glenn laid out how she's defended Republican politicians against claims of sexism, despite the disapproval of other women.

When I saw Republican men getting attacked I stood up for them. I came to their defense. I fought on their behalf. 2/ - Marybeth (@MBGlenn) October 11, 2016

Not only charges of sexism, but I defended @marcorubio during Go8, I fought in my state to stop the @ScottWalker recall, etc... - Marybeth (@MBGlenn) October 11, 2016

Glenn tells ELLE.com that what drives her politically is "upholding who we are as Americans." This election year, she says, "we have allowed fear to fuel our hate, and American exceptionalism is under attack because of such dangerous ideals. Women feel as though they are under attack, and minorities feel as though they are under attack. It needs to end."

Realistically, she doesn't expect that every politician she supports will fully align with her, but she says that the GOP crossed a line with its support of Trump: "What drove me to the 'tweet storm' was this feeling of abandonment I think conservatives are experiencing. We've been supportive of these people for years when most Trump supporters couldn't stand them. We've knocked on doors, we've read their legislation and remained informed, we've really fought on their behalf, and we've dealt with horrific comments from Trump supporters for over a year only to have the people we support pander to this fringe faction that has no right to be calling themselves conservatives."

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In her tweets, it appeared that the continuing Republican support of a presidential candidate who "treats women like dogs" felt like a betrayal of her efforts. "I wanted men and women of good and decent character to stand up and say wrong is wrong, despite fears of political backlash," she says.

He treats women like dogs, and you go against everything I  and other female conservatives  said you were & back down like cowards. 6/ - Marybeth (@MBGlenn) October 11, 2016

Jeff Sessions says that he wouldnt characterize Trumps unauthorized groping of women as assault. Are you kidding me?! 8/ - Marybeth (@MBGlenn) October 11, 2016

"What he said is wrong, and the way he treats women is wrong, but its not wrong enough for me to not vote for him." Thanks, cowards. 10/ - Marybeth (@MBGlenn) October 11, 2016

Why does she think it was the recent "locker room" comments that drove so many conservatives over the edge? "It's not just the objectification of women on full display," Glenn says, "it's an attack on good and decent men. It's normalizing repulsive behavior."

I'm sooo done. If you cant stand up for women & unendorse this piece of human garbage, you deserve every charge of sexism thrown at you. 12 - Marybeth (@MBGlenn) October 11, 2016

by your silence, and your inability to take a stand. But one by one youll watch more women like me go, & youll watch men of 14/ - Marybeth (@MBGlenn) October 11, 2016

Outside the lines. Men who truly see women as lesser beings, & women without self-respect. & your guiding faith & "principles" will be 16/ - Marybeth (@MBGlenn) October 11, 2016

Glenn directed her tweets at prominent Republican politicians, including Marco Rubio and Ted Cruz. When asked what she wants from them, she says, "I truly hope that they come out saying they'll stand with women, unendorse, and at this point I believe they owe us an apology if they ever want our support again."

Attached to them as well. And when its all said and done, all youll have left is the party The Left always accused you of being. Scum. 17/ - Marybeth (@MBGlenn) October 11, 2016

Her tweetstorm was quickly noticed and picked up by others, including celebrities like Mark Ruffalo and J.K. Rowling.

@MBGlenn Bravo! That took a lot of inner strength and courage. #Commendable #Honorable Real men don't act nor talk that way. - Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) October 11, 2016

Having stepped away from the Republican presidential candidate, Glenn has found representatives whom she feels better represent her values. "I am supporting Evan McMullin and Mindy Finn," she says. "He aligns with my stance on small government conservatism, believes we need to take a deeper look at the racial divide, supports immigrants, and supports refugees. He's my brand of compassionate conservatism, and while he may be an underdog, I'd rather stand with him, principles intact."

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Yesterday (Oct. 12), while visiting a refugee camp in Calais, France -- known as Calais Jungle -- U.K. pop star Lily Allen broke down in tears, all of which was captured on camera for BBC's Victoria Derbyshire program. As the channel reported, Allen had never been to a refugee camp before -- she is currently recording in a London studio less than 100 miles away from the camp -- and therefore was overwhelmed with emotion.

"I think as human beings we have a responsibility to help those who are suffering," Allen told BBC. She later said, while speaking to a teenage Afghan refugee, "I apologize on behalf of my country, for what we've put you through."

That comment in particular sparked social media outrage, as many were angered that Allen spoke for an entire country. As a result, both viewers and Allen have engaged in discourse via Twitter regarding the controversial comment.

I don't need your permission to say sorry to a 13 year old boy for the devastating impact our country has had on his life. You weren't there https://t.co/NyB6gdcwVU

- lily allen (@lilyallen) October 12, 2016

It was compassion and basic manners. Stop being so hateful https://t.co/NyB6gdcwVU

- lily allen (@lilyallen) October 12, 2016

That's exactly what I'm going to do now. X https://t.co/ll1m9VVY0z

- lily allen (@lilyallen) October 12, 2016
LONDON (Reuters) - State-backed Lloyds Banking Group (LLOY.L) said on Wednesday it planned to axe 1,230 jobs as part of a three-year restructuring plan aimed at cutting costs and improving returns for shareholders.

Employee union Unite branded the job losses, expected to hit the lender's retail banking, Group Operations, Customer Products & Marketing, and Finance and Risk divisions, as "horrific".

The net total of planned layoffs is inclusive of 110 new roles that will be created across these business areas, the bank said.

Lloyds announced in July it would cut a further 3,000 jobs and close 200 branches amid a more testing economic environment caused by Britain's vote to quit the European Union.

The bank has already cut about 4,000 positions from its 75,000-strong workforce in 2016 and has closed around 100 branches so far this year.

"The constant flow of job cuts across Lloyds must now be halted and staff be allowed to get on with delivering the high quality and impressive service they are so good at providing," Rob MacGregor, Unite national officer said in a statement.

"The Lloyds management pursuit of this cuts agenda is counter-productive in their aim of a successful business."

A spokeswoman for the bank said all affected employees have been briefed by managers and unions would continue to be consulted.

"This process involves taking difficult decisions, and we are committed to working through these changes in a careful and sensitive way," she said.

"Where it is necessary for employees to leave the company, it will look to achieve this by offering voluntary redundancy. Compulsory redundancies will always be a last resort."

Unite said it would oppose all planned job losses and challenge senior management to ensure affected staff are offered alternative suitable employment.

(Reporting By Sinead Cruise, editing by Andrew MacAskill and Rachel Armstrong)
Screen Shot 2016 10 12 at 4.30.25 PM

A couple of weeks ago, you may have seen a message at the top of your Facebook News Feed asking if you were registered to vote for the U.S. presidential election.

It turns out that the prompt, which was shown over a period of four days to Facebook users in the U.S. over the age of 18, resulted in a significant spike in registrations, according to the Center for Election Innovation and Research and multiple secretaries of state.

Facebook clearly moved the needle in a significant way, California secretary of state Alex Padilla, told The New York Times on Tuesday.

Since Facebook launched its online campaign to remind Hoosiers to register to vote, we have seen substantially higher than normal online registrations, Indiana secretary of state Connie Lawson said on September 26.

Facebook has shown election day reminders since 2008, but a company spokesperson told Business Insider that this was the first year it showed a voter registration reminder. The spokesperson said the reminder was part of "a broader effort designed to get more people engaged in the civic process."

Here's a chart showing the uptick in registrations in some states before and after Facebook started running its News Feed prompt:

Screen Shot 2016 10 12 at 4.27.51 PM

NOW WATCH: How to stop Facebook's ads from following you all over the internet





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From Road & Track

I've never much cared for British autowriters' observations on American culture-most of the time they are based on the same kind of ignorant, stereotypical thinking that was once considered the sole province of the "Ugly American" abroad-but I remember very well the trenchant one-liner that appeared in the pages of CAR around the time I started reading it, perhaps in 1989 or thereabouts. "Only the poor Americans," the writer noted, "drive the really cool cars."

It was a laser-sharp insight, given the car market of the time. The Big Three were nearly completely committed to anonymous front-wheel-drive downsized entries ranging from the K-car and its derivatives all the way to the unpleasantly runt-ish Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham. If you owed a car that was less than ten years old, chances are that it was some miserable square-rigged, strut-suspended penalty box that had been designed for a permanent fuel crisis that never truly arrived. Lincoln had a great advertisement around that time in which a bunch of country-club types couldn't figure out which of the valet-parked cars was a Cadillac and which was an Oldsmobile, and so on-but at the same time, they were trying to foist the Taurus-based Continental on customers.

Meanwhile, the poorest of us were rumbling around in American "gas guzzlers" from the Seventies. They were all over when I was a kid. I had a chance to buy a 1970 Monte Carlo for $800 when I was sixteen in 1988; my friend's sister bought a '71 Skylark in that sun-textured deep-green enamel of the era for less than that. They weren't exactly reliable, not in the current sense of the word, and most of them struggled to achieve ten miles per gallon. But with gas under a dollar per gallon, few people cared.

The roads swarmed with big boats, faded paint and bubbled Landau tops, visible rust all over the place. The exhaust systems, too, were rusted out, casualties of an era where the government didn't mandate long life for emissions-related components and as a consequence stainless steel was about as rare as hammered 24-karat gold beneath the floorpans of domestic cars. So when you heard a loud exhaust, particularly a loud V8 exhaust, you knew it was somebody who couldn't afford a modern V6 or four-banger with an intact muffler. Loud cars were for poor people.

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And that's how it stayed for a few decades. New cars were quiet cars. The standard-bearer for this was Lexus, which prided itself on sound insulation. Everybody else followed the Lexus lead, even the Germans. Hell, even new Ferraris were quiet, which sparked a whole business in five-figure aftermarket exhausts to satisfy buyers who couldn't hear their Italian stallions over the roar of their P Zero tires.

There was a worldwide war on passenger-vehicle noise production.

It wasn't just changing consumer attitudes; there was also a worldwide war on passenger-vehicle noise production. One of the excuses widely cited for moving the 911 to a watercooled engine was compliance with Euro drive-by noise regulations that took effect at the turn of this century. This process has not halted, by the way. If anything, governments are becoming ever more stringent: the EU has tentatively proposed that new cars meet a 66dB limit in 2020, measured externally. That's about what you'd hear inside a 1990 Lexus LS400 at 70 mph. The future of all cars, upscale or affordable, new or (slightly) used, is a quiet one.

None of what you've read above, however, explains why nearly every single one of the performance-oriented cars I've driven lately has had what amounts to a "loud button" somewhere on the dashboard. With most cars, it's part of a "sport" or "track" mode, but with Jaguar, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche it's just a little button showing a picture of two tailpipes. In all cases, however, the resulting change in exhaust behavior is quite dramatic. Sometimes it's accompanied by snuffling, popping-off, backfiring, and all the other audible characteristics of an old-school race engine that has been tuned within an inch of its life; sometimes it's just the same exhaust soundtrack played at what sounds like twice the volume.

I'm not aware of any manufacturer that claims significant power gains from these open-pipes antics, nor can I personally discern any genuine difference in straight-line performance with any car that transforms itself into a "popcorn machine," as one of my fellow editors called it. And in all of the cases, whether we're talking Lamborghinis or Lotuses or Lexuses (Lexi?), the changes take place past the various catalytic converters and emissions hardware that account for most of the significant airflow reduction in the exhaust system. This isn't about performance. It's about noise, plain and simple.

After some thought on the matter, I've concluded that this modern era of obnoxious performance cars amounts to a sort of Gilded Age arrogance combined with some basic human psychology. It's not enough for the owner of a supercar or pumped-up coupe to make a visual impact on the common man as he trudges along to work or school or dinner; he also has to make enough noise that the aforementioned common man is forced to notice him. Owning an expensive car is no longer enough. There is so much wealth concentrated in so few hands that I've heard several people independently, and unironically, call the $200,000 Bentley Continental Flying Spur "The Beverly Hills Camry." The biggest problem Ferrari faces isn't selling cars; it's keeping them from being immediately resold again and again to a spiraling spectator market.

There's probably also a bit of cross-pollination with the so-called Rich Urban Biker mentality.

Having 100-decibel pipes on your expensive car makes you immediately noticeable. There's probably also a bit of cross-pollination with the so-called Rich Urban Biker mentality, in which various dentists and corporate board members spend their weekends oppressing pedestrians with ridiculously loud motorcycles that will vibrate the bones in a passer-by's chest. The man who owns both a $40,000 CVO Harley and an AMG Mercedes will not be pleased if the latter can't have the same impact out there on the boulevard. Why should Mercedes let an aftermarket exhaust supplier fulfill that need and reap all that sweet, sweet profit?

As to why people want to be noticed-well, I think that's as old as humanity itself. You're here today to read this column because you had a distant ancestor who was better at reproducing than his neighbor was. Chances are that guy was a bit of a showoff. A little noise, a little drama, a memorable entrance; these things improve your chances in the mating game. If you don't believe me, then why aren't you driving an Aries K to your high-school reunion or your Tinder dates?

And that's how driving a loud car became a rich man's game. But if you find this panoply of headache-inducing cat-back peacocking a bit too much, and you think that electric cars will bring it to an end, I should warn you: The same government bureaucrats that want to muzzle the internal combustion engine also want electric cars to make some sort of recognizable noise, beyond what they produce with their tires and rotating assemblies. You see, it's apparently common for pedestrians to just walk out in front of cars that are relatively silent. So there will have to be some sort of warning.

No doubt the suggested or even mandated electric-car warning noise will be some sort of chime or touch-tone inoffensiveness, possibly modulated at random so pedestrians can pick out the different cars around them and recognize the approach of one that puts them at risk. But I suspect that there will be a way to change that. If you have money, you'll have your own noise. Your own sound. I don't know about you, but I'm going to spend whatever it takes to get my autonomous transportation box to emit something besides the run-of-mill warble. I'm thinking the opening ten seconds of "Welcome to the Jungle," repeated on loop, at a volume roughly equivalent to what you'd have gotten in the front row at a Monsters Of Rock concert. These days of whining and roaring supercars? You'll miss 'em. I promise.

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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BUCHAREST, ROMANIA / ACCESSWIRE / October 12, 2016 / Louis Berger inaugurated its new Bucharest office on 29 September 2016. The new Louis Berger office is located in Premium Plaza, a modern high-rise class A office building featuring state-of-the-art technologies. This office opening marks the successful modernization and reengineering of Louis Berger's Romanian operations to build on our presence in Romania and strengthen our market position.

"The Romania office inauguration represents a major milestone for Louis Berger in Eastern Europe and demonstrates our commitment to build on the success we have achieved during our 25 years of continuous presence in the country," said Thomas Topolski, president of Louis Berger's international operations. "We have achieved great work in transportation and environment and are expanding our asset management, buildings and industrial facilities, and defense and security portfolio. Louis Berger has significant experience in these sectors globally and we are confident that there is a market for such opportunities in Romania."

"On behalf of the U.S. Embassy in Romania, I would like to congratulate Louis Berger on this important milestone. It is amazing to see where you are 25 years after your first investment in Romania and the kind of attention you give to values such as compliance and safety," said Dean Thompson, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Romania. "They are strong American values that make companies such as Louis Berger successful because clients know what is the quality they are going to get and that there is a transparent system for them to operate with when working with you."

Louis Berger has a long term commitment to Romania, where it has completed several hundred contracts for public and private sector clients in the environment, transportation, buildings and facilities, economic and institutional development, energy and mining markets. At present, Louis Berger is best positioned to offer clients a full range of complex business solutions, from traditional engineering design and program management/construction management services to more customized financial analysis and asset management services.

About Louis Berger

Louis Berger is a $1 billion global professional services corporation that helps infrastructure and development clients solve their most complex challenges. We are a trusted partner to national, state and local government agencies; multilateral institutions; and commercial industry clients worldwide. By focusing on client needs to deliver quality, safe, financially-successful projects with integrity, we are committed to deliver on our promise to provide Solutions for a better world.

Louis Berger operates on every habitable continent. We have a long-standing presence in more than 50 nations, represented by the multidisciplinary expertise of 6,000 engineers, economists, scientists, managers and planners.





Pictured above: Tom Topolski, president of Louis Berger's international operations, and Dean Thompson, Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Romania, cut the ribbon at the official opening of Louis Berger's new office in Bucharest, Romania.

SOURCE: Louis Berger




Barack Obama has said that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's comments on a 2005 videotape about groping women would disqualify him from even a job at a convenience store.

By Reuters: President Barack Obama said on Tuesday that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's comments on a 2005 videotape about groping women would disqualify him from even a job at a convenience store.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Greensboro, North Carolina for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, Obama said the choice was clear in the November 8 election even before the tape was leaked last week showing Trump speaking crudely about women.



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UNFIT FOR 7-ELEVEN JOB



"Now you find a situation in which the guy says stuff that nobody would find tolerable even if they were applying for a job at 7-Eleven," Obama told the crowd, referring to the convenience store chain.

Also read: Clinton takes on Trump over Islamophobia, says US not at war with Islam



Trump said during Sunday night's presidential debate, he was embarrassed by the video, but dismissed it as "locker room talk."





Obama also criticised some Republicans who have condemned the remarks but are still backing the New York businessman.



OBAMA SLAMS REPUBLICANS BACKING TRUMP



"The fact that now you've got people saying: 'We strongly disagree, we really disapprove ... but we're still endorsing him.' They still think he should be president, that doesn't make sense to me," Obama said.

Earlier on Tuesday, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said the remarks in the recording amounted to sexual assault.



Also read: Trump donors want money back after lewd comments about women



Obama also took a dig at Trump's business credentials, referring to a New York Times report that showed he claimed nearly a billion dollar loss in one year on his taxes in the 1990s.

"They say the house always wins," Obama quipped about Trump, who was a casino developer at the time. "I don't know how that happens."

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Mumbai, Oct 12 (PTI) Biodiesel Association of India (BDAI) today said it has sought relaxation of VAT on blending of bio-diesel for promoting green fuel blending and energy security in the country.

BDAI has also requested the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry to come up with a National Bio-diesel Policy to ensure fuel security.

"Currently VAT on bio-diesel blending goes up to 24 per cent in several states and if they (states) do not provide promotional VAT rate on B5 blends, the bio-diesel blending in retail segment would be killed," BDAI President Sandeep Chaturvedi said.

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In its memorandum, the association has sought relaxation of VAT for major bio-diesel producing states like Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.

"The states are required to declare a promotional VAT rate for bio-diesel blending. A small levy of 10 paise per litre on high speed diesel (HSD) could fund the entire blending programme," Chaturvedi said.

"Bio-diesel is being promoted world over as a green fuel to mitigate harmful emissions from diesel vehicles. The promotion of this green fuel will have a positive impact on the urban and rural lifestyle by reducing chronic airborne diseases and disorders that have significant adverse impact on health of citizens in our country," Chaturvedi added. PTI PSK NRB BAL

--- ENDS ---
(New York)  As Americans debate the expanding campaign to legalize marijuana, two of the nations most prominent human rights organizations are urging a far bolder step  the decriminalization of possession and personal use of all illicit drugs.

Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union jointly issued the call Wednesday in a detailed report contending that enforcement of drug laws has unjustifiably ruined lives, torn families apart and fueled racial discrimination while failing to curtail rampant drug abuse in the U.S.

Every 25 seconds someone is funneled into the criminal justice system, accused of nothing more than possessing drugs for personal use, said Tess Borden, the reports author. These wide-scale arrests have destroyed countless lives while doing nothing to help people who struggle with dependence.

Borden acknowledged that broad decriminalization of drug use, whether by Congress or state-by-state, is unlikely in the near future. She hopes the report will spur action at the state and federal level to invest more funds in treatment programs and to reclassify drug use and possession as misdemeanors rather than felonies.

Though four states have legalized recreational marijuana use, and five more will vote on that step next month, no state has decriminalized personal use of other common illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Possession of them is often classified as a felony.

According to the new report, state law enforcement agencies make more than 1.25 million drug possession arrests per year  one of every nine arrests nationwide. Regarding racial disparities, the report said black adults use drugs at similar or even lower rates than white adults, yet are more than twice as likely to be arrested for possession.

The report argues that the decades-long war on drugs has failed, with rates of drug abuse still high. It says criminalization of drugs tends to drive people who use them underground, making it less likely they will get treatment and more likely they will be at risk of disease and overdoses.

Story continues

However, Michael Ramos, district attorney of San Bernardino County in California, said decriminalization would pose huge dangers.

He predicted that property crime would increase as drug users carried out thefts to maintain their habits. He also said rehabilitation programs would wither if drug abusers no longer had the threat of incarceration as an incentive to participate.

Once you legalize all drugs, theres no motive for those people to get help, he said.

However, Ramos acknowledged that most state prisons and jails should be doing a far better job of providing effective rehabilitation programs for convicted drug users.

Right now, what were doing is putting them in and turning the key, he said. Theres not much help there.

In compiling their report, Human Rights Watch and the ACLU said they interviewed 149 people prosecuted for using drugs in Louisiana, Texas, Florida and New York, 64 of them in custody.

Among them was Corey Ladd, who  because he had two prior drug arrests  is serving a 17-year sentence in Louisiana for possessing a half-ounce of marijuana. He has a 4-year-old daughter who has never seen him outside prison; shes being raised by her grandmother.

The sheer harshness of the sentence shocks the conscience, Louisianas appeals court wrote in April, when it asked that Ladd be resentenced to a lesser term. But prosecutors held firm and appealed that ruling; Ladds case is now headed to the state Supreme Court.

Ladds public defender, Kenneth Hardin, said Louisianas highest-in-the-nation incarceration rate stems directly from its hardline approach to drug abusers.

The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result, he said. Weve been throwing these drug users in jail. Has that made the streets feel safer? Has that changed the crime rate?

Mario Moreno, spokesman for the Office of National Drug Control Policy, said the Obama administration favors a balanced approach that would divert non-violent drug offenders into treatment programs rather than prisons.

We cannot arrest our way out of the drug problem, he said in an email.

One such diversion program is being launched in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by Rob Reardon, a former director of corrections in nearby Lafayette Parish.

If were able to engage with these people before entanglement with the criminal justice system, everybodys a winner, he said. Some people have to go to jail because they are dangerous  but the vast majority are there because theyre poor decision-makers.

In Western Europe, many countries have adopted approaches to drug abuse that are less punitive than in America. Portugal has gone the furthest, deciding in 2001 to decriminalize the acquisition, use and possession of illicit drugs in quantities up to a 10-day supply. Rather than facing prosecution, drug abusers are likely to be referred to treatment programs.

According to various evaluations, including a United Nations study, the policy has been a success, lowering the number of overdose fatalities, encouraging more people to seek treatment, and reducing the financial toll of drug abuse.

However, Steven Belenko a professor of criminal justice at Temple University, noted that the U.S. differs dramatically from Portugal, where there was a consensus in favor of decriminalization that spanned much of the political spectrum and extended to law enforcement agencies.

We dont have a consensus, said Belenko, though he suggested that an increasing number of Americans were questioning the efficacy of a punitive approach to drug abuse.

Weve got to see it more as public health problem, not as a crime problem, he said.
Major shareholders are looking to sell it out.

United Engineers, an established centennial Singapore company with key businesses, will be subject to a potential takeover as major shareholders look to exit, said DBS Vickers Securities.

Major shareholders, OCBC, Great Eastern and affiliates, have announced a potential sale of their combined stake of c.32% of the stock, which will spark a general offer, based on SGX listing rules.

"We believe UE will be of interest to prospective acquirers given the groups strong recurring income and well-positioned assets  UE Bizhub City (UE Square), One North mixed development, as well as UE Bizhub West which are strategically located at the fringe of the Central Business District (CBD) or in key suburban commercial districts," it said.

CIMB believes that potential acquirers might include listed developers, private property funds or overseas developers looking to increase their footprint in Singapore.

What's in it for acquirers?

Apart from acquiring a commercial portfolio that sits on substantially FH/999-LH land and upside to earnings through active leasing of empty spaces, CIMB believes that more capital is needed to be spent to spruce up the portfolio in order to remain relevant to tenant needs. This, it said, could point to higher values in the medium term.

CIMB, however, cautioned about the following risks: lacklustre sales and lease for the China projects, Chengdu Orchard Villa and Shenyang Orchard Summer Palace.





More From Singapore Business Review


Maroon 5 and Kendrick Lamar team up for the first time on "Don't Wanna Know," a new song you probably do wanna know.

The new Benny Blanco-produced track dropped just before midnight across all digital retailers and streaming services and was immediately serviced to radio.

Lamar contributes a single verse to the cruisy, tropical-vibe collab. "No more police stop/No more hashtag boo'd up screenshots/No more tryin' make me jealous on your birthday/You know just how I make you better on your birthday, oh," he raps.

The wait is over. Our new single #DontWannaKnow, Ft. @KendrickLamar is out now on @AppleMusic https://t.co/f4dsNRwVoE pic.twitter.com/teOL0mFqg9

- Maroon 5 (@maroon5) October 12, 2016

Its official music video isn't far away. The clip, which reunites Maroon 5 with David Dobkin, the filmmaker who shot the band's most-viewed video to-date, "Sugar," premieres this Friday (Oct. 14 on NBC's Today).

Interscope's reps claim the new song "showcases another evolution for both artists" and "Don't Wanna Know" does indeed represent the first collaboration proper between Maroon 5 and Lamar, though frontman Adam Levine and Lamar did guest on The Lonely Island's "YOLO" back in 2013.

Levine and co. are slated to deliver the first TV performance of the single Nov. 3 on Ellen. Maroon 5 debuted the song at a September show in San Antonio, minus Lamar's input. It's a good chance they'll give it another plug at their upcoming U.S. headline tour dates, which include a concert this Thursday (Oct. 13) at Porland's Moda Center and a pair of late-December shows in Las Vegas. A raft of 2017 U.S. concerts are also confirmed for February and March.

Stream the track here on Apple Music or below via Spotify.

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Thomas Mikal Ford, who starred on five seasons of Martin Lawrence's Martin sitcom, died late Wednesday afternoon, his agent, Joy Pervis, told the The Hollywood Reporter. He was 54.

Ford's family released a statement: "It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved son, father, brother, husband, and friend Tommy Mykhal Ford. On behalf of the family, we would like to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers. Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming. Please respect the privacy of the Ford family during our time of grief."

The actor, best known as Tommy Ford, joined the Fox sitcom in 1992, playing sidekick Tommy Strawn in the comedy for more than 100 episodes. Following the series, he nabbed a role in Fox's drama series New York Undercover as Lt. Malcolm Barker and on UPN's The Parkers as Mel Parker.

Prior to his career-making turn in the Lawrence series, Ford appeared in MacGyver, Living Single, The Flash, Law & Order and the TV version of Uncle Buck.

Ford's career in film, television and theater spanned more than two decades. His film appearances through the years include Harlem Nights with Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor, Night and the City with Robert De Niro and Class Act with Kid 'n Play.

Recently, he branched out as a motivational speaker.

Word of his death spread quickly, flooding social media with tributes from fans and celebrities, which led to his name trending worldwide on Twitter.

Read more: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2016
Thomas Mikal Ford, who starred on five seasons of Martin Lawrence's Martin sitcom, died late Wednesday afternoon, his agent, Joy Pervis, told the The Hollywood Reporter. He was 54.

Ford's family released a statement: "It is with great sadness that we announce the untimely passing of our beloved son, father, brother, husband, and friend Tommy Mykhal Ford. On behalf of the family, we would like to thank everyone for their love, support and prayers. Funeral arrangements will be forthcoming. Please respect the privacy of the Ford family during our time of grief."

To all family and friends of Tommy Ford. We would like to inform everyone that our brother passed away today October 12, 2016 surrounded by his loving family. Please keep his family in your prayers as they go through this challenging time. He was so dearly loved by so many and for that lets all be grateful for a life well served.

A photo posted by Thomas Mikal Ford (@bigtommyford) on Oct 12, 2016 at 3:24pm PDT

The actor, best known as Tommy Ford, joined the Fox sitcom in 1992, playing sidekick Tommy Strawn in the comedy for more than 100 episodes. Following the series, he nabbed a role in Fox's drama series New York Undercover as Lt. Malcolm Barker and on UPN's The Parkers as Mel Parker.

Prior to his career-making turn in the Lawrence series, Ford appeared in MacGyver, Living Single, The Flash, Law & Order and the TV version of Uncle Buck.

Ford's career in film, television and theater spanned more than two decades. His film appearances through the years include Harlem Nights with Eddie Murphy and Richard Pryor, Night and the City with Robert De Niro and Class Act with Kid 'n Play.

Recently, he branched out as a motivational speaker.

Word of his death spread quickly, flooding social media with tributes from fans and celebrities, which led to his name trending worldwide on Twitter.

Read more: Hollywood's Notable Deaths of 2016

This is terrible news, man. #RIP https://t.co/5LMMU2UpPB

Story continues

- Steve Harvey (@IAmSteveHarvey) October 12, 2016

This is really sad. Way too young. RIP Tommy. https://t.co/VtFm6WtPAo

- Larry Wilmore (@larrywilmore) October 12, 2016

Today I received some sad news that I have lost my brother and cast member #tommyford We bonded https://t.co/BxCjqzH1T6

- BILL BELLAMY (@BILLBELLAMY) October 12, 2016

So sad to hear the news that we lost a great one. Sleep in peace brother #MikalFord AKA #Tommy https://t.co/MNLZNRFB6F

- Salt N Pepa (@TheSaltNPepa) October 12, 2016

damn tommy. next to coming to america, i can't think of another single pop culture franchise i've referenced more in my life. thank you bro https://t.co/WORljUqi6A

- Questlove Gomez (@questlove) October 12, 2016

My condolences to the family of Thomas Mikel Ford. "Tommy" was an extremely funny & talented man. May he rest in power.

- Jackee Harry (@JackeeHarry) October 12, 2016

RIP Tommy Ford. Always had a smile on his face.

- Gary Owen (@garyowencomedy) October 12, 2016

Noooooooooo.....! Not Tommy. https://t.co/rbEYSZfI0B

- Joy Reid (@JoyAnnReid) October 12, 2016

Tommy Ford has transitioned to an ancestor #RestinPower https://t.co/NX4aCVjmB0

- Tariq Nasheed (@tariqnasheed) October 12, 2016
By PTI: Mumbai, Oct 12 (PTI) Biodiesel Association of India (BDAI) today said it has sought relaxation of VAT on blending of bio-diesel for promoting green fuel blending and energy security in the country.

BDAI has also requested the Petroleum and Natural Gas Ministry to come up with a National Bio-diesel Policy to ensure fuel security.

"Currently VAT on bio-diesel blending goes up to 24 per cent in several states and if they (states) do not provide promotional VAT rate on B5 blends, the bio-diesel blending in retail segment would be killed," BDAI President Sandeep Chaturvedi said.

advertisement

In its memorandum, the association has sought relaxation of VAT for major bio-diesel producing states like Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Tamil Nadu.

"The states are required to declare a promotional VAT rate for bio-diesel blending. A small levy of 10 paise per litre on high speed diesel (HSD) could fund the entire blending programme," Chaturvedi said.

"Bio-diesel is being promoted world over as a green fuel to mitigate harmful emissions from diesel vehicles. The promotion of this green fuel will have a positive impact on the urban and rural lifestyle by reducing chronic airborne diseases and disorders that have significant adverse impact on health of citizens in our country," Chaturvedi added. PTI PSK NRB BAL BAS

--- ENDS ---
(Reuters) - Four Massachusetts churches on Tuesday filed a lawsuit asking to be exempted from a state law that requires public places to allow transgender people to use bathrooms in line with their gender identity.

Access to public bathrooms has become a flashpoint in the battle over transgender rights in the United States, after North Carolina earlier this year enacted a measure mandating that bathrooms and locker rooms be restricted according to a person's biological gender.

The Horizon Christian Fellowship, the Swansea Abundant Life Assembly of God, the House of Destiny Ministries and the Faith

Christian Fellowship of Haverhill filed the federal civil rights lawsuit in Massachusetts, arguing the law violates their constitutional rights to freedom of religious expression and free speech.

"The Churches' policies and practices regarding access to their changing rooms and restrooms flow logically and directly from their religious beliefs concerning God's design for biological sex," the lawsuit said.

The law did not provide exemptions for religious organizations, with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Office saying on its website that "houses of worship" are public places.

The lawsuit is seeking an injunction from the law for religious organizations and attorneys fees.

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey and the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination were named as defendants in the case. Neither could be reached for comment on Tuesday night.

Jillian Fennimore, a spokeswoman for Healey's office, told the MassLive news website the office would not comment on the lawsuit as they are still reviewing it.

Fennimore added however, "We are pleased that we finally have a law in place that protects transgender people from discrimination in public places. This law is about civil rights and is critical for people who were without full protection and equality under the law for too long."

Story continues

The lawsuit makes Massachusetts the latest battleground for transgender rights.

A U.S. judge in August blocked an Obama administration policy that public schools should allow transgender students to use the bathrooms of their choice, granting a nationwide injunction sought by 13 dissenting states.

Meanwhile, lawmakers elsewhere have moved to expand protections for transgender people. Late last month California Governor Jerry Brown signed a bill opening single-stall public restrooms to anyone, regardless of gender. The state already bars discrimination against transgender people, including in public bathrooms.

(Reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)
Awkward alert! Matthew McConaughey explained in a new interview that his family wasnt so sure that his wife, Camila Alves, would accept his sweet 2011 Christmas Day proposal.



PHOTOS: Celebrity Couples and How They First Met: Love Story Beginnings

Chatting with Esquire for its November 2016 cover story, the actor, 46, recounted the nerve-racking moment.



I remember hitting the knee, looking into her eyes andI remember her face. I remember this smile coming up from her feet. I remember her having to catch her breath. And she didnt say yes right away, McConaughey recalled. And then the whole family was going, Jeezus, shes gonna say no.

PHOTOS: Stars Share Secrets: Read Celebs' Shocking Confessions

The True Detective star  who married Alves, 34, in June 2012  previously opened up about the nail-biting experience of asking for the Brazilian models hand in marriage during a 2012 interview with Jay Leno.

At Christmastime, we go around our family and everyone takes turns opening presents, he recalled. So I had wrapped the engagement ring in about eight different boxes deep, so she would keep opening boxes to get with it.



PHOTOS: Celebrity Dads Bond With Their Kids: Adorable Pictures

The Oscar winner  who first met his spouse at a bar in 2006  continued: We finally got to her, and Im calling my family over  She gets to it, she opens it up, her eyes go wide. I take a knee and I ask her, Will you marry me and take my name?



While Alves  with whom McConaughey now shares kids Levi, 8, Vida, 6, and Livingston, 3  did not immediately say yes, she eventually came around.

PHOTOS: The Best Dressed Celebrity Couples on the Red Carpet

The first words out of her mouth were not yes. Im not gonna say what it was, he teased. But I did say, Look, Im down on a knee. Ill stay here awhile. I will outlast you. And I did! She conceded.







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By Lisa Rapaport (Reuters Health) - Prisoners who practice transcendental meditation twice a day may experience less stress and fewer mental health issues than fellow inmates who dont meditate, a small U.S. study suggests. Previous research has linked this type of meditation involving mantras and mindfulness to reduced stress in a variety of populations at risk for mental health problems, including trauma victims, refugees and military veterans. For the current study, researchers offered 90 male inmates in Oregon state prisons a five-session training program in meditation then asked them to practice the techniques they learned twice daily for 20 minutes. Researchers also followed a control group of 91 inmates who didnt receive any intervention. After four months, all the men showed some improvement in symptoms, but men in the meditation group reported significantly larger reductions in perceived stress, anxiety, depression, dissociation and sleep disturbances than the inmates who didnt participate in this program, the study found. For depression and sleep problems, symptom scores were reduced by half, on average, among men who meditated, as was their total trauma score. This is the first randomized controlled study to confirm that transcendental meditation can substantially decrease trauma symptoms, including reducing depression and sleep problems, in prison inmates, said lead study author Sanford Nidich, director of the Center for Social and Emotional Health at Maharishi University of Management in Fairfield, Iowa. The practice may have benefits for both mental and physical health, Nidich added by email. Elevated trauma symptoms are associated with poor lifestyle decision making and higher rates of recidivism, Nidich said. Experience of trauma exposure also is associated with adverse mental and physical health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic disease, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. Researchers evaluated the transcendental meditation program at the Oregon State Correctional Institution, a medium-security prison, and the Oregon State Penitentiary, a maximum-security facility. Men participating in the study were 29 years old on average. Approximately 52 percent were white, 16 percent were black and 15 percent were Native American. In the treatment group, men were encouraged to meditate each morning and afternoon after completing the training program. They could also attend optional group sessions several times a week. Before treatment started, and again four months later, researchers asked participants in the meditation group and the control group to rate how often they felt stress as well as a range of symptoms associated with trauma such as sleep disturbances, depression and anxiety. While both groups experienced declines in perceived stress, men in the meditation group reported a bigger average decrease, researchers report in The Permanente Journal, online October 7th. One limitation of the study is that it isnt designed to show transcendental meditation works better than alternative treatments, only that its better than doing nothing to help prisoners cope with stress, the authors note. This is quite a significant weakness of the study, said Bei-Hung Chang, a researcher at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester who wasnt involved in the study. That said, the results suggest its feasible to try the approach in prisons and get inmates to participate, Chang added by email. Meditation is a lifelong practice and regular practice is the key to maintain and deepen the effects, Chang said. As such anyone who has learned the technique should continue the practice if they want to maintain the effects and continue to improve. Because the study only followed inmates for four months, its unclear how many sessions a week, over how long a period of time, would be needed to cement an effective meditation practice, noted Dr. James Stahl, a researcher at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in New Hampshire who wasnt involved in the study. But there may be no harm in trying, Stahl added by email. I think it is safe to say for those amenable to transcendental meditation that it is a safe, effective, inexpensive intervention that can have long term beneficial effects, Stahl said. SOURCE: http://bit.ly/2dcdk21 The Permanente J 2016.
Late Monday evening, Katy Perry announced she had just wrapped a CoverGirl shoot. But that's not all, the pop star had the honor of announcing the beauty giant's first male ambassador.

"Honored to have the pleasure to announce the very first COVERBOY, James Charles!" captioned Perry. Charles might not be a recognizable name in Hollywood (yet) but he's certainly grown a massive fan base on his YouTube channel, where he puts up beauty tutorials - from how to achieve fake freckles to a special FX burn look for Halloween - for his 70K-plus subscribers since launching in December 2015.

A photo posted by KATY PERRY (@katyperry) on Oct 10, 2016 at 10:52pm PDT

Charles couldn't contain his excitement on Instagram, either.

"I have been on set this entire past weekend shooting my first-ever TV commercial and I'm so excited to announce I'm the first-ever male CoverGirl," said the ecstatic YouTube star.

The rising beauty guru first shot to social media fame when he made headlines for his high school portrait, which he re-took after not being satisfied with the original photos. His solution for the re-shoots? Bringing in his own ring light so that his "highlight would be poppin," he wrote on Twitter. Even Zendaya, fellow CoverGirl ambassador, retweeted his photos and added: "You win."

According to People, Charles will debut CoverGirl's So Lashy! by blastPRO Mascara next month.

A video posted by JAMES CHARLES (@jcharlesbeauty) on Oct 11, 2016 at 6:11am PDT
For the past decade, Mel Gibson has received the cold shoulder from Hollywood.

After a DUI arrest in July 2006, the Oscar-winning Braveheart director hurled statements about "f - ing Jews" at an officer. Within hours, the arrest report was leaked, and industry reaction was swift and sudden.

Ari Emanuel, then at Endeavor, penned an open letter that said the industry can't "allow Mel Gibson to get away with such tragically inflammatory statements." (He later dumped Gibson as an agency client.)

Fast forward 10 years in directors jail, and the freeze-out is thawing. With his latest directing effort, Hacksaw Ridge, garnering Oscar-level praise (THR's David Rooney called the movie, about a conscientious objector in World War II, a "forceful comeback  that succeeds in combining horror with grace"), the embattled star is poised to make a comeback.

"I've known Mel for many years, and his talents as a filmmaker are undeniable," says Sue Kroll, president of worldwide marketing and distribution at Warner Bros. "He is a gifted storyteller and has created some really exceptional films."

Read more: 'Hacksaw Ridge': Venice Review

Though Gibson publicly denounced his words and asked for forgiveness in the days following the arrest, he has been in directors jail ever since. In fact, Hacksaw Ridge marks his first foray behind the camera since Apocalypto, a film that opened four months after the infamous comments and whose Oscar chances took a nosedive amid the fallout. It didn't help that Gibson previously had made disparaging comments about gays during a 1991 interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais. He later said he was under the influence at the time of the interview and "shouldn't have said it."

Producer David Permut, who is gay and Jewish, had some reservations before teaming with Gibson on the film, but he decided to get to know Gibson personally before drawing conclusions. What he found was a man well at odds with the headlines.

Story continues

"Believe me, there were conversations I had with people who were questioning me about going down the path with Mel," says Permut. "But he's not the person some people interpret him to be on the surface. Ask anyone involved with this film - above the line, below the line - they all revered him. The crew would lay in front of the tracks for Mel. It was an amazing experience and a learning experience for me because I got to know the man whom I never really knew."

Permut is glad he did. After all, the producer had been developing the true story of Desmond Doss (played by Andrew Garfield) for 16 years before Gibson enlisted in 2014. That triggered Cross Creek Pictures (Black Swan) to come on board as financier. Lionsgate will release the drama Nov. 4.

Read more: Mel Gibson in Talks to Star in Action-Adventure 'Every Other Weekend' (Exclusive)

In the meantime, Gibson - once one of Hollywood's most bankable stars - also is lining up work as an actor. He is currently in Ireland shooting passion project The Professor and the Madman opposite Sean Penn (Apocalypto screenwriter Farhad Safinia is directing). And he is in negotiations to play a CIA spy in Every Other Weekend, with the current plan to shoot that film in January (Clement Miserez and Jean-Charles Levy are producing the feature along with Peter Safran).

As Gibson's heat index rises, the jockeying to rep him has intensified. CAA and UTA are said to be chasing the star, now repped solely by manager Rick Nicita. Whether Emanuel's WME enters that bake-off remains to be seen, though the agency reps Gibson's partner, writer Rosalind Ross, who is pregnant with Gibson's ninth child.

"I think Mel has been misunderstood by people who may not know him, but nobody can take his talent away," adds Permut. "Ultimately, I think time heals."

A version of this story first appeared in the Oct. 21 issue of The Hollywood Reporter magazine. To receive the magazine, click here to subscribe.
ZURICH, SWITZERLAND / ACCESSWIRE / October 12, 2016 / Today, MGX Minerals Inc. (CSE: XMG) reported initial results from its exploration program at its 10,200 hectares sized Fran Gold Property within the Omineca Mining Division of central British Columbia in Canada.

In the eastern part of the property, MGX collected a total of 15 rock samples and 260 soil samples. Initial results from the first 68 soil samples have been analyzed and interpreted, whereas 1 rock sample yielded 34.1 g/t gold. Further results may be published soon. MGX also announced to have identified high-priority drill targets with a drill program being planned.

MGX focussed its exploration activities in the eastern part of the Fran Property and results to date indicate the discovery of a new zone to be drill tested for the first time. In the past, 87 holes totaling more than 15,000 m have been drilled in the Bullion Alley Zone of the Fran Property.

The Fran Property is situated only 35 km southwest of the Mount Milligan Mine from Thomson Creek Metals Company Inc. (market capitalization: $134 million CAD) with reserves of 5.7 million ounces of gold and 2.2 billion pounds of copper (2015 output: 205,000 ounces of gold).

As the source of the strongly mineralized rock sample is not known at this time, the upcoming drilling program may discover a new gold-rich zone, whereas geophysic surveys and interpretations have identified a highly prospective area.

The full report can be accessed with the following links:

English (PDF):

http://rockstone-research.com/images/PDF/MGX11en.pdf

English (web version):

http://rockstone-research.com/index.php/en/research-reports/1837-MGX-Minerals-assays-34-grams-gold-per-tonne-from-surface-sampling-in-British-Columbia

German (PDF):

http://rockstone-research.com/images/PDF/MGX11de.pdf

For smartphones, an APP from Rockstone Research is available in the AppStore for Apple devices and in the GooglePlayStore for Android devices.

Recently, Zimtu Capital Corp. launched the Beta Version of its Advantage APP, in which all interlisted stocks (i.e. all public companies listed in Canada and Germany) can be tracked. After a cost-free registration, the full features of the APP are unlocked, e.g. sorting all stocks with the biggest daily trading volumes on all German or Canadian exchanges (see instructions in the section "How To Use"): www.app.zimtu.com

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Disclaimer: Please read the full disclaimer within the full research report as a PDF as fundamental risks and conflicts of interest exist.

SOURCE: Rockstone Research
A new social justice short film from Harry Belafonte was released on Monday, featuring Michael B. Jordan, Michael K. Williams, Danny Glover, and others. The piece, titled Against the Wall, aims to shed light on police brutality toward African Americans.

The PSA, which opens with police sirens, features audio excerpts (including the sound of shots fired) from police radios and news coverage of unarmed black men being shot and killed by on-duty officers, paired against footage of Hollywood stars and media personalities like Van Jones and Marc Lamont Hill up against a wall.

Belafontes recent MSNBC interview about the epidemic of police shootings plays in the opening credits.

You cannot just go about, if its once or twice you can say its an accident or a coincidence, but when you have as large a population of murdered young men in the streets of America and theyre all black or of African American descent, I think someone is sending us a message. And we should respond to that message, he said.

The sampled audio includes George Zimmermans 911 call before fatally shooting Trayvon Martin, Anderson Coopers report of Kenneth Chamberlain Sr.s killing in 2013, and Officer Nakia Jones speech about police brutality in a Facebook Live video in July.

If you are white and you work in a black community and you are racist, you need to be ashamed of yourself, said Jones, whose audio is featured in the video. You stood up there and took an oath. If this is not where you want to work at, you need to take your behind somewhere else.

Against the Wall, directed by Gerard Bush and Christopher Renz, was produced in association with Belafontes social justice organization Sankofa.org.

Watch the video below.

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The true hold of the Donald Trump campaign, especially on the media, has not been about how he might win but in what kind of conflagration or hapless meltdown of ritual and propriety he would lose. Contrary to any political common sense, he has not been chastened by each of his many crises but, to the absolute amazement of the media - in every respect morally and institutionally against him - has doubled down.

It has sometimes seemed as if he were actually planning all this, that the media was cannily set up to be the predictable and dopey foil to his unapologetic and inexplicable comebacks. Over the course of almost 18 months, the media's horror and transfixed attention and Trump's defiance and belligerence have become locked in place.

And the train, moving toward its certain crash, has barreled on.

Last week, after the airing of the Access Hollywood outtakes, much of the media (along with Trump's other foils: the Republican establishment and the liberal elite) was once again convinced that the wreck was happening - in awesome slow motion. Forget the fact that Trump had won the nomination both handily and fair and square, he would have to go, booted by the exact Republican establishment that he had heretofore vanquished.

Then, failing once more to get the memo, Trump, angry and remorseless, stepped on to Sunday night's debate stage ever-more resolute and preposterous - incoherent, but unyielding and savage - in his Trumpness. Contrition is bunk. And while this would surely not win him the election, it would, rallying the faithful, once more make clear the large and peculiar nature of the threat he presented in American life and, accordingly, stoke the media's apoplexy. Another media seizure would again give Trump the opportunity to use it as a foil. His legitimacy - pussy talk and all - was the media's uncontrollable aversion to him.

The Trump base - a moving number but, on a bad day for Trump, probably still as much as 35 percent to 40 percent of the electorate - likely knew exactly who he was. The media, once more shocked and appalled, was the Johnny-come-lately to the party.

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The Access Hollywood outtakes may have been archived and unavailable, but the Howard Stern interviews - suddenly another exhibit in the furious coverage of Trump's vulgarity, and in their way vastly more jaw dropping than even the bus banter - were always easily searchable. Perhaps the political press was too busy tweeting to look. Or too confounded to understand: The Trump secret sauce, the Trump charisma (for those who obviously think he has charisma, of, apparently, an irresistible kind) is vulgarity - crudeness, impudence and tastelessness.

Read more: How NBC's Infotainment Agenda Led to Its Donald Trump Debacle (Guest Column)

In the search for Trump's origins, and how to explain him, there's few better places to examine than Stern and the shock jocks - including Bubba the Love Sponge, Opie and Anthony and Johnny Dare - sexual nasties and incorrigibles who, along with political shock jocks, defined a new segment of sensibility in the '80s and '90s. Curiously, the answer to the question, asked repeatedly and with incredulity in the past few days, "Who talks like this?" is probably: very few, beyond drunks and people in prison. But entertainers talk like this all the time. Sexual hyperbole became the language of rappers, male comedy club performers, guy gross-out comedy movies and now, arguably, Amy Schumer. (To the extent hers is a takedown of the former it is also an adoption of it.)

So it's a particular sort of disconnect when a righteous Jake Tapper - once a glamour-boy news star, now portly and grave - unrestrained in his open disgust for Trump, confronts Trump surrogate Rudy Giuliani about the Access Hollywood video, calling Trump's description of his behavior "sexual assault." And Tapper was hardly the only media person to turn vulgarity into criminal violence. (This is part of the skirmish that has taken place throughout the campaign on the real meaning of Trump's utterances. Was Trump truly inviting Russia to hack Hillary Clinton? Was he really urging Second Amendment nuts to shoot her? Does he really grab unsuspecting women by, as Tapper helpfully translated, the vagina?)

So? Is Trump a sociopath or a blowhard? Or is there any reason to make that distinction? And how do you deal with this in analytic terms if it is the precise attribute - this elemental blasphemy - that makes him credible as an anti-establishment voice to the 40 percent? (Is saying "pussy" something like saying "no new taxes"?) After all, this was precisely the sort of aging lothario comedy routine that helped keep Silvio Berlusconi in power in Italy and to distinguish him from everybody else in public life.

To say that the media is confounded by Trump - repulsed and mesmerized - is of course an understatement. To say that its panic has increased with every advance he's made, every time he overcomes its dismissal of him, is as obvious. To say that the mainstream media has collapsed its own methods and standards in telling the Trump story is as clear.

Curiously, it may be NBC, arguably the most conflicted of media outlets, which has tried to walk a careful, or anyway self-conscious line, that has been most vilified. NBC helped created Trump with The Apprentice - but that was under Jeff Zucker, now CNN's chief. NBC News, now under Andy Lack, who led the division before in the 1990s, and who is perhaps the last representative of a judicious network news (or at least the memory of it), lost its position in the primary debates this winter because Trump accused its sister channel, CNBC (not run by Lack), of biased questioning.

In a recent Trump-Clinton forum, Matt Lauer was roasted by the rest of the media for being too tough on Clinton. Last week, learning that its show Access Hollywood had the Trump video, and believing that ownership gave it control, and hence the time of its choosing to release it, NBC debated the ethics and liabilities of airing the video (and, undoubtedly, the damage to Billy Bush, Trump's hapless interlocutor and a rising star at NBC's Today show before his recent suspension), long enough to get scooped by a leak to the Washington Post, which has been especially aggressive in its prosecution of Trump's vileness.

The old-fashionedness of the way NBC seems to have reflexively seen the story - an important story that needed to be vetted, versus a story that could kill Donald Trump; hesitating because you might destroy someone's chance to be president versus rushing precisely because you can destroy his chance - might be hard to explain to an anti-Trump generation of reporters.

The reasonable lesson here for any news operation is that the Trump story can only be told hotly. Trying to rise above the conflict risks losing the story. Being part of the conflict is the story.

Most outlets have by a de facto policy forsaken on-the-one-hand-and-on-the-other. That's been replaced by the new rationale of " equivalency." You can't compare Trump against the norm (in this instance, however bizarre to the 40 percent, Hillary Clinton). This, then, is exactly the card that Trump repeatedly plays. If he didn't pay taxes, she deleted 33,000 emails. Or, if he might have spoken crudely, Clinton's husband has actually been accused of rape, abetted by her help in whitewashing those charges.

This is a particular confusing piece of media and political theater. On some level playing field, Trump is certainly right. He's gross, but Bill Clinton, in many instances, is as gross, or even fractionally grosser - and has benefited a lot more from having Hillary defend him than Trump has benefited from Melania. The media shock at Trump's reprise of the Clinton sex years reflects its Clinton bias and also its belief that this is a lose-lose strategy - it won't help him at all with women.

Trump's blunt-instrument strategy - the lineup of grim and damaged victims positioned up front in Sunday's debate - was intended to highlight the media's refusal to entertain that there are two dogs (at least!), with similar proclivities, at the apex of American political life. ("Yes, Bill Clinton had affairs. But there's a world of difference between consensual sex, however inappropriate, and abuse of power to force those less powerful to accept your urges," says Paul Krugman in the Times, circumlocuting the Clinton legacy in curiously Victorian language.) This, Trump understands, resonates with a 40 percent that thinks the Clintons are as morally sickening and sick as the other side thinks he is.

But then again, this too is confounding for the media and the establishment, both Democratic and Republican. It's perhaps the most confounding part. Why would you do something that only speaks to 40 percent? What's that going to get you? This is what is so hard to grasp. Everything he does guarantees he will lose. The train is sure to crash. How do you analyze willful self-destruction in horse-race political terms?

Of course, it's technically possible for him to win. There are black swan events (and there could - still could be - a terrorist attack, a Hillary blackout, a spectacular email revelation, but even here the reversal would require a perfect tsunami). Other than a few weeks' frisson of close polling in September, there has never been any actual alarm that he might really be elected. The reason no newspaper has endorsed him, no major CEO has contributed to him, and why important parts of the Republican hierarchy have publicly rejected him, is as much because he is unelectable as because he shouldn't be elected.

So what is he doing? What's the point? Why doesn't he just quit?

Because politics is really only analyzed in traditional win-lose political terms, everybody (read: the media) fails to appreciate the astonishing success he's had even if he loses. Never has somebody with so little come as close to being president as Donald Trump has. In celebrity terms, his accomplishment is off the charts. Now, it is true that the only way he has gotten this far is to behave in a way that guarantees he can't actually go any further. But you can't have everything.

What's he's gotten is a massive market share anyway. It is unlikely that the Trump base is, post defeat, going to contentedly return to more traditional political figures. No, he's got them, maybe for keeps, if he wants them - and if he doesn't try to become a politician reaching for 51 percent. All he has to do is continue to stand tall for, well  vulgarity, among other things.

But what is he going to do with them, with the great unwashed, the deplorables? That's the real question, not whether he's going to win or lose the presidency. In fact, in its way, it's almost as unsettling a question as what would happen if he actually won. That's a role that would likely hem him in. Being outside, standing with his huge aggrieved portion of the electorate, might be much more threatening.

The media, in its amusement, created him. The media, in its horror, propels him on, supplying the conflict that sustains him.

The Trump era, despite the cocksure certainly of nearly every tweeting journalist, is not ending. It has just begun.

Read more: Tapes or No Tapes, 'The Apprentice' Alums Recall Donald Trump's Sexist and Racist Behavior
WASHINGTON  First lady Michelle Obamas celebrated passion for empowering girls around the globe to become educated is the subject of a CNN Films documentary to air this week in more than 200 countries. The project received a rousing sendoff Tuesday at a White House screening that included Meryl Streep.

We Will Rise: Michelle Obamas Mission to Education Girls Around the World will air beginning this week on all CNN networks  a first for the cabler. It is co-produced by the same CNN team that three years ago created Girl Rising, a doc about nine girls from developing countries in pursuit of their dreams. We Will Rise bows in the U.S. on Wednesday.

This past June we had the opportunity to revisit the critical topic of girls education when we followed the first lady during visits to Morocco and Liberia, said CNN Worldwide president Jeff Zucker. He said it resulted in the new film about young women with big dreams.

Obama said the film is an important reminder of the courage and determination some girls have to make just to pursue their education. Several of the films subjects were on hand for the screening. They participated in a panel discussion in advance of the screening, hosted by CNN correspondent Isha Sesay. Offering a video from London was Indian actress Freida Pinto, who also joined Obama on the trip.

Its about telling the stories of these girls and girls like them across the globe  not just their challenges and their struggles, but their dreams and their aspirations  which are big, Obama said. Their unrelenting bravery and determination  the miles they have to walk each day just to get to school. The hours they spend each night studying, making their families proud. Their refusal to give up, even in the face of some overwhelming odds that would stifle many of us.

Streep, who also joined the first lady on her June trip, praised her dedication to enriching the lives of young women throughout the world. Places that hold women back suffer economically and in esteem, she said. Streep said she was delighted to participate in the incredible initiative.

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Among others attending the event were reps from Let Girls Learn, a U.S. government initiative to promote education around the world, and Rise Ups Let Girls Lead. The panel and screening also coincided with the worldwide celebration of International Day of the Girl.

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Aditya Chopra has come a long way since his Senorita days in DDLJ to getting Ranveer Singh to strip in Befikre. That might not have necessarily improved things.

By Tatsam Mukherjee: There's a scene in Aditya Chopra's 1995 blockbuster Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge, where Kajol wakes up in Shah Rukh Khan's bed after an evening of heavy drinking. Shah Rukh walks in with the morning tea and Kajol has plenty of questions to which Shah Rukh simply replies saying that they did it. Kajol goes hysterical in denial mode, and starts sobbing.

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That's when Shah Rukh delivers the line which has gone on to become almost legendary for well-behaved 'Hindustani' men, "Main ek Hindustani hoon. Aur main jaanta hoon ek Hindustani ladki ki izzat kya hoti hai." Kajol then begs him to not 'joke like this' otherwise 'she would have done something'.

That was 1995. Cut to 2016. We have a Ranveer Singh dancing around in a red thong and a cowboy hat. How have times changed! But have things gotten better in the last two decades?

ALSO SEE: Befikre's trailer starring Ranveer Singh, Vaani Kapoor is a shocker from Aditya Chopra



ALSO READ: Befikre only in West, is India too ugly for Labon ka Karobar?







Director Aditya Chopra has tempered his understanding of the Indian audiences over the years, trying to cater to what they want to see. So where Babuji was of utmost importance and there was the melodramatic climax, DDLJ still had those nuggets of beautiful moments of SRK helping Kajol on to the train that went on to become iconic. Befikre, on the other hand, seems loud in every respect. Loud colours, wannabe dares (slap a cop, make-out in a hoodless car) because they 'dare to love fearlessly' as the poster claims. The lead characters are cheerful to the point of being annoying. However, this has been a decade-and-a-half in making.

A newly liberalised India meant that the influence of MTV had only about begun. So kids were hanging out at pizza outlets, eating with a fork and knife. There was a need to talk to the McDonald's servers in English. And the perfect embodiment of this generation happens to be Yash Chopra's Dil Toh Pagal Hai. So even if the audience had the momentary hawww moment seeing Shah Rukh Khan walking into Karisma Kapoor's room while she is dressing - the film reveals itself when Shah Rukh sells something dubious to a room full of people. He says, if Valentine's Day (a day invented by greeting card companies and gift shops) and the full moon (a monthly event) coincide, then that's the day you meet your soulmate. And the audience totally bought it, citing source: Shah Rukh Khan of the late 90s, the Deepak Chopra of romance. Obviously who would even verify that!

Then came Aditya Chopra's Mohabbatein, which basically showed a man landing a teaching job at the country's best school without a background check. As it is revealed later, the man was thrown out of the same school for falling in love with the Dean's daughter. The daughter kills herself and the man comes back to avenge her death from her father by 'inspiring' his students to go after the women they love. A fairly idealistic version of love, even as the ladies began sporting attire with deeper neck-lines. Mohabbatein was the kind of movie where the leading ladies danced around in low necklines and *hugged* as a gesture of affection.

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Next was the daft Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi showing Shah Rukh Khan overdoing his Punjabi accent and married to a half-wit half his age, Anushka Sharma. The girl is understandably naive (because she is from a small town, according to YRF), but on which planet can you not tell your husband from a stranger, the difference being only that of a moustache?! This movie was again directed towards the parents who grew up on Chopra romances, keeping it clean and Rab-like.

Father Yash Chopra, in his last directorial venture Jab Tak Hai Jaan still showed signs of pragmatism where Shah Rukh Khan made out with Katrina Kaif inside a phone-booth as it rained in London. So what if the hero had the same kind of accident twice? Once to lose his lover and then again to lose his memory?

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Now with Befikre, Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor are shedding all inhibitions and clothes to declare their adoration for each other. Nothing wrong with it, but Aditya Chopra seems to be trying too hard to live up to the 'Befikre' tag. So much so, that he too seems to have gone befikre (carefree) while making the film.

Over the last few years, that has been the case with the Chopras' version of romance. For if there is one thing films like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi and Jab Tak Hai Jaan reveal, it is that the Kings of Romance are losing their charm.

Maybe Befikre should take a cue from its leading man, who is so unabashedly boisterous and adorable without even having to try. A few comparisons have been made with YashRaj's 2005 misfire Neal 'n' Nikki. At least Befikre has two more likeable leads working for them, as compared to Uday Chopra (LOL!) and Tanisha Mukherji (Who?). Only time will tell if this one goes on to have the same fate as Neal 'n' Nikki. We'll find out on December 9.

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Robert Shaw in Jaws (Photo: Universal Pictures/Kobal Collection)

During an appearance on Fox News, Governor Mike Huckabee compared Presidential candidates Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump to characters from the movie Jaws  but the metaphor turned around and bit him in the Arkansas. Speaking with anchor Megyn Kelly, Huckabee urged Republicans to support Trump despite recent events, saying that Trump is basically just like the sea captain played by Robert Shaw in the 1975 blockbuster, whereas Hillary Clinton is literally a great white shark trying to kill everyone. One tiny problem, though: Huckabee didnt remember the film all that well.

Look Ive said this about him, Megyn: Hes like Captain Quint in the original movie Jaws, Huckabee said of Trump (via Buzzfeed News). Hes vulgar, hes salty but hold on here, okay? Hes the guy whos going to save your butt and save your family. And so at the end of the day, when he kills the shark, youre happy about it. Now, Hillary is the shark. Shes gonna eat your boat.

Related: 25 Deep-Dive Facts About Jaws, the Wildest, Most Waterlogged Movie Shoot of All Time

In conclusion, Huckabee stated that voters have a choice: Do you vote for Captain Quint, whos going to save your family, or do you vote for the shark? And this is Megyn Kelly stepped in to remind him who actually wins the showdown between Quint and the shark.

Governor, I hate to be the one to tell you this, but Captain Quint got eaten by the shark at the end of that movie, Kelly informed Huckabee. Watch the exchange below:

Mike Huckabee compared Donald Trump to a Jaws character who gets eaten ???? https://t.co/YErJkKpkfQ pic.twitter.com/XL5gWb35BY  BuzzFeed News (@BuzzFeedNews) October 11, 2016

Secret Jaws fan Megyn Kelly is correct: In the film, Quints plan to harpoon the shark backfires, and he is devoured on the deck of his own boat. He doesnt even kill the shark, as Huckabee insisted; that honor goes to Roy Schneiders character Brody, who stuffs a scuba tank down the sharks throat and shoots it with a rifle, killing the creature in the explosion. (Also, the shark returned for three sequels, making it almost as tenacious as Hillary Clinton.)

Even if Huckabees analogy falls short, it might be wise for the GOP to heed the lessons of Jaws: If they dont want Trump singing Farewell and adieu in November, theyre gonna need a bigger vote.
From ELLE

One year ago, Miley Cyrus came out to the public as pansexual to ELLE UK. "That just means everyone," she told ELLE U.S. in this year's October issue when asked to define what the term means to her. "It doesn't stop at girl, boy, or if someone's in a transition. I don't see people ever for who they were before who they are right now. I think of who I was before who I am right now; that's a transition in itself. Everyone is constantly transitioning."

In a new interview with Variety, Cyrus explained the moment she realized that was her sexuality. "I think when I figured out what it [pansexual] was," she started. "I went to the LGBTQ center here in L.A., and I started hearing these stories. I saw one human in particular who didn't identify as male or female. Looking at them, they were both: beautiful and sexy and tough but vulnerable and feminine but masculine. And I related to that person more than I related to anyone in my life. Even though I may seem very different, people may not see me as neutral as I feel. But I feel very neutral. I think that was the first gender-neutral person I'd ever met. Once I understood my gender more, which was unassigned, then I understood my sexuality more. I was like, 'Oh-that's why I don't feel straight and I don't feel gay. It's because I'm not.'"

"I never related to loving being a girl," she continued. "And then, being a boy didn't sound fun to me. I think the LGBTQ alphabet could continue forever. But there's a "P" that should happen, for 'pansexual'."

She started exploring her gender identity in elementary school: "My whole life, I didn't understand my own gender and my own sexuality. I always hated the word 'bisexual,' because that's even putting me in a box. I don't ever think about someone being a boy or someone being a girl," she said. "Also, my nipple pasties and shit never felt sexualized to me. My eyes started opening in the fifth or sixth grade. My first relationship in my life was with a chick."

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She did tell her parents then, but it took time for them to process it. "I grew up in a very religious Southern family. The universe has always given me the power to know I'll be okay. Even at that time, when my parents didn't understand, I just felt that one day they are going to understand."

Today, being a member of and fighter for the LGBTQ community with her Happy Hippie foundation has given Cyrus her driving cause. "My empowerment comes from feeling like I have a purpose now. On my tombstone, I didn't want the 'Wrecking Ball' lyrics," she said. "I wanted it to be something greater. I'm the only fucking Disney star who would say I'm pro lesbian and gay, before it was okay to say that."

And that didn't cause any trouble for her "because a lot of the dudes that work for Disney are gay, so they were very happy to have someone on their side."

Cyrus also took a moment during her interview to send a political message to all her disgruntled former Berne Sander supporters who won't vote for Hillary Clinton: "That's fucking crazy and you're out of your mind. It's literally pissing me off more than anything. If you could ever consider Donald Trump, you never understood Bernie in the first place."

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By Fayaz Bukhari SRINAGAR (Reuters) - Militants shot dead a political party worker from Indian-controlled Kashmir's ruling coalition on Wednesday, police said, hours after two suspected militants were killed by armed forces in the region. Local police said Ghulam Nabi, a party worker of the People's Conference in Kashmir was shot by at least two armed militants in the Kupwara district. Kupwara is near the Line of Control, the de facto border that divides Kashmir between India and Pakistan, which both claim the Muslim-majority region. Tensions in the state have been running especially high in recent weeks after an attack by militants last month on an army base in the Indian-controlled part of the disputed region claimed the lives of 19 Indian soldiers. New Delhi blamed the attack on militants, who crossed over from the Pakistan-controlled part of the region. Pakistan has denied any involvement. In retaliation, India said its troops had crossed into Pakistan's side of Kashmir and killed suspected militants in a "surgical strike", an operation Pakistan says never took place. Nabi was rushed to hospital but died of his wounds, Police Superintendent Ghulam Jeelani said. The People's Conference that he worked for, headed by Sajad Lone, is a part of the coalition in power in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Earlier on Wednesday, the army in Indian-controlled Kashmir killed two suspected militants, holed-up in a large government building, ending a three-day stand-off. Last week, Indian soldiers shot dead seven suspected militants who tried to attack two army bases in Kashmir. Three of them were shot in the Kupwara district where Nabi was killed on Wednesday. The latest round of tensions over Kashmir initially erupted in July when protests erupted after Indian forces killed a separatist leader. 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. (Writing by Euan Rocha; Editing by Dominic Evans)
(Adds comments from state agriculture department, poultry companies)

By Tom Polansek

CHICAGO, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Flooding from Hurricane Matthew has killed up to 5 million poultry birds in North Carolina, most of them chickens, the state's top environmental official said on Wednesday, hurting a major contributor to its economy.

Donald van der Vaart, secretary of the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality, also told Reuters that some pits that hold hog waste on farms had been inundated with floodwaters. The waste, mixing with water, may eventually make its way into rivers, streams and the Atlantic Ocean.

Van der Vaart said he did not know how many pits had been inundated but that the environmental damage would be minimal because the hog waste will be "vastly diluted" by floodwaters.

North Carolina officials have been racing to help farmers swamped by Matthew and to assess damages since the storm dumped heavy rains on the state over the weekend. They have wanted to avoid a repeat of Hurricane Floyd, which overwhelmed hog farms and pits in 1999, contaminating waterways with animal carcasses and waste.

"Knock on wood, right now we don't have the kind of catastrophic losses we had in 1999," van der Vaart said. He added that there had been "a tremendous loss of life on the poultry side," however, saying the number of birds killed could total about 5 million.

Floodwaters have covered areas across central and eastern North Carolina this week, killing 19 people and forcing more than 3,800 residents to flee to shelters.

Agriculture is the state's top industry, contributing about $84 billion to the economy, according to the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

The department has confirmed 1.8 million poultry have died, mostly chickens, spokesman Brian Long said. The total is expected to increase, he added.

Last year, North Carolina produced about 823 million chickens for meat, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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Sanderson Farms Inc, the third largest U.S. poultry producer, said it lost about 250,000 chickens being raised for meat in the state.

Tyson Foods Inc said its losses were minimal because the company does did not have operations raising chickens for meat in flooded areas.

Privately held Perdue Farms said it was still assessing the number of chickens it lost.

Chicken carcasses will be disposed of primarily through composting inside the houses where the chickens were being raised, North Carolina officials said.

The state's agriculture department said it had asked the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency for about $5 million to help cover composting costs.

(Reporting by Tom Polansek; editing by Grant McCool and Tom Brown)
By Alex Dobuzinskis

(Reuters) - Jurors failed to reach a verdict on Tuesday in the trial of two former Albuquerque police officers charged with murdering a homeless man in 2014, prompting the judge to call a mistrial, local media reported.

After more than 17 hours of discussions, the jury said it was still split on whether to find Dominique Perez and Keith Sandy guilty of the second degree murder of James Boyd, with nine of the 12 members favoring acquittal, the Albuquerque Journal reported.

Officials have said Boyd was armed with knives and camping illegally in the Sandia foothills outside Albuquerque. Police had approached him and shot him after a four-hour standoff.

Protests erupted after Boyd's shooting, which came at a time when the U.S. Justice Department was already investigating the police force over accusations of using force on civilians.

Lawyers for Perez and Sandy had argued the officers were justified in opening fire because they were protecting an officer who had moved closer to the 38-year-old homeless man, the paper reported.

Special prosecutor Randi McGinn, who handled the case, said Bernalillo County's incoming district attorney, Raul Torrez, would now decide whether to try the men again.

Albuquerque officials last year agreed to pay $5 million to Boyd's family to settle a wrongful death brought in civil court.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles; Editing by Toby Chopra)
Just days after kicking off their Chinga Tour Madre Latino trek in South America, the Mexican rock band Molotov took to social media to announce the cancelation of their upcoming shows in Uruguay, Chile and Ecuador, all scheduled for this week.

"To our fans and friends, we are sorry to inform you that we won't be able to go on with the scheduled shows for this tour," the band explains in a statement. "After two concerts in Peru, we are forced to interrupt the tour due to personal and urgent matters that require our immediate presence in Mexico."

"Keep checking our socials for any updates regarding re-scheduled dates. We're very sorry and hope to have more info soon." The Chinga Tour Madre Latino international trek is part of Molotov's 20th anniversary celebration.

Comunicado oficial con informacion del #chingatourmadrelatino en Sudamerica. pic.twitter.com/iGluC3wcZj

- Molotov (@MolotovBanda) October 11, 2016

After tweeting out about the canceled tour dates, the "Gimme The Power" quartet shared a sneak peak of their upcoming clothing line in partnership with Levi's Mexico.

Banda, tenemos una sorpresa para todos los Molochos. Esperala pronto X @LevisMX #LiveInLevis #molotov20anos pic.twitter.com/oWSEh8JeUG

- Molotov (@MolotovBanda) October 11, 2016
After a long wait, Denver-based Molson Coors Brewing Company TAP now has 100% ownership of MillerCoors after its acquisition of London-based SABMiller plcs 58% share of the company for $12 billion. In addition, Molson Coors has acquired the Miller brand portfolio globally. It now has full rights to all the brands in the MillerCoors portfolio for the U.S. market, including Redds and import brands such as Peroni and Pilsner Urquell.

The deal makes Molson Coors the largest brewery in the U.S. and the third largest in the world, after Belgium-based Anheuser-Busch InBev BUD and Dutch brewer Heineken NV HEINY.

MillerCoors was a joint venture of Molson Coors and SABMiller formed in 2008 that sells both companies' products in the U.S. Molson Coors had 42% stake before the acquisition. SABMiller sold its stake in MillerCoors to satisfy antitrust concerns of U.S. regulators as part of its planned merger with Anheuser-Busch InBev that closed on Monday.

MOLSON COORS-B Price and Consensus

MOLSON COORS-B Price and Consensus | MOLSON COORS-B Quote

MillerCoors will now operate as the U.S. business of Molson Coors, which includes the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Also, it will retain its name and headquarters in Chicago. MillerCoors is expected to provide 70% of Molson Coors total revenue.

Post this acquisition, Molson Coors annual revenue is anticipated to grow to $11.2 billion, increasing from $6.8 billion in 2015. Underlying earnings before income taxes, depreciation and amortization are projected to be $2.3 billion, up from $1.3 billion. Volumes will grow to 94 million hectoliters from 58 million.

This acquisition would also enable Molson Coors to improve scale and gain significant synergies, allowing it to cut costs quickly. As the U.S. beer market grows slowly, lower costs will help the company to increase its profits in the coming years.

Per reports, strong margins via cost savings and synergies, solid cash generation and stable top-line growth volume would result in double-digit EPS growth. Also, Molson Coors reportedly plans to announce a cost savings program of $900 million.

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Zacks Rank

Currently, Molson Coors holds a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).

Investors can also take a look at another beverage company, Constellation Brands Inc. STZ, with a Zacks Rank #2. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

Constellation Brands has posted an average positive earnings surprise of 24.01% in the trailing four quarters. The stock has a long-term earnings growth rate of 17.77%.

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From Cosmopolitan

Amber Pasztor, 29, who is charged with murdering her two children in a stolen car in September, told WANEs Brett Thomas she gave the 6- and 7-year-old the choice to live or to die before smothering them. She also admitted to shooting and killing her neighbor, whose car she stole and used to kidnap the kids from their father and legal guardians house in Indiana to an unspecified place in Michigan.

Via video chat from the Elkhart County, Indiana, jail, Pasztor explained to Thomas she smothered her daughter Liliana, 7, first after Liliana said she would kill herself first before somebody hurt her." She then smothered her son, Rene, 6, after he said he wanted to go with [Liliana]. Pasztor gave him a choice, she said: "That they can live traumatized like their mom, or they can go to Heaven and with God and be better off. She did not elaborate on her trauma, but did say she believes the children are "in a better place now."

Photo credit: undefined

When Thomas asked if the children fought her as she covered their mouths and noses with her hands, Pasztor said A little bit, yeah. She said she considered shooting them with the gun she stole from Frank Macomber, the 66-year-old neighbor she admitted to killing, but didnt have the heart to. Pasztor has not been charged with Macombers murder, but said she threw his gun in a Michigan river.

According to WANE, as-of-unaired footage from the interview includes Pasztor explaining she decided to kill her children when she saw the Amber Alert issued for them, presumably reported by the kids father.

According to WNDU, Pasztor faces more than 100 years in jail - or the death penalty - if convicted. She will also undergo a psychiatric evaluation on January 23 to determine if shes fit to stand trial. Watch the interview segment in full here.

Follow Tess on Twitter.

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Bihariganj town of Bihar witnessed violent communal clashes on Tuesday over a religious procession. The town remains tense, section 144 CrPC has been imposed.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: Situation in Bihariganj town in Madehepura district of Bihar remains tense after clashes took place between two communities on Tuesday evening.

Section 144 CrPC has been imposed in the town after the clashes.

The clashes erupted after one community, which was carrying out a religious procession, was attacked by the other community leading to violent clashes.

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POLICE, DISTRICT OFFICIALS RUSHED TO QUELL ANGER, WERE ATTACKED INSTEAD

Soon after the clashes took place, the police and district administration officials led by the District Majistrate Mohammad Sohail and Superintendent of Police Vikas Kumar reached the spot to quell the anger. However, they too had to face the wrath of the agitators.

Those who were stopped from carrying out the religious procession attacked the police vehicles and set the SDM's and DSP's vehicles on fire.

They first damaged the vehicles of the district officials and later torched them. The Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) and Sub-Divisional Magistrate(SDM) had to run away from the spot to save their lives.

Thereafter, the local MP, Pappu Yadav reached the spot to control the situation.

SITUATION REMAINS TENSE

It was only by early morning today that the group carrying out the religious procession agreed to end their procession.

The situation in Madhepura, however, continues to remain tense.

Considering that the other community will be carrying out a religious procession today, massive police deployment has been put in place in Bihariganj.

The town has turned into a police camp in order to keep the situation under control.

Also Read:

Odisha: Section 144 imposed in three districts after communal clashes

Home Ministry alerts security agencies after intel input on communal clashes



--- ENDS ---
London (AFP) - British airline Monarch won a cash injection Wednesday from its owner, allowing it to continue flying holidaymakers and fund growth plans, as the sector faces turbulence from Brexit and terrorism.

Investment firm Greybull Capital has pumped another A165 million ($203 million, 184 million euros) into Monarch, enabling the airline to retain its licence to carry on selling package holidays, it said in a statement.

Greybull is Monarch's majority shareholder and bought European assets from India's Tata Steel earlier this year.

Monarch Airlines, based at Luton airport north of London, added it would take delivery of the first of 30 Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft in 2018. The order was unveiled back in October 2014.

"It is testament to the extensive effort by all parties, over the past weeks and months, that we are able to announce the largest investment in our 48-year history, as well as the renewal of our ATOL licences," Monarch chief executive Andrew Swaffield said in a statement Wednesday.

"We are now firmly focused on the future as a stronger Monarch."

Swaffield added it experienced a adampeninga of bookings in recent weeks amid speculation over its finances -- and warned over the outlook for Turkey and Egypt, Bloomberg News reported.

The sector has been blighted by unrest in key markets Egypt and Turkey, as well as the slumping pound caused by Britain's EU exit vote on June 23.

Extension of the group's Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) membership -- a scheme which is funded by the sector and compensates travellers in the case of a company collapse -- was on condition of fresh funding.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the country's independent airlines regulator which operates the scheme, added it had renewed Monarch's ATOL licences until the end of September 2017.

The carrier had last month defended itself against reports questioning its finances -- and pointed to difficulties for the airline and holidays industry.

Story continues

Monarch insisted it was trading well and would make an operating profit of over A40 million in the year to October 2016.

"This is despite a difficult period for the holiday industry due to terrorist incidents, Brexit and the resulting devaluation of sterling," Monarch had said in late September.

Wednesday's cash injection came one week after rival EasyJet -- which is also headquartered in Luton -- warned annual profits would slump by almost a third, hit by a Brexit-driven tumble in the pound, terror attacks and industrial action.

EasyJet forecast its annual pre-tax profits would dive by about 28 percent to between A490 million and A495 million.

CMC Markets analyst Jasper Lawler described the Monarch's cash injection as a "bailout" and warned that the broader industry would continue to face turbulence.

"The bailout won't end the problems for the sector.

"There will be some relief that the CAA license has been awarded and the bankruptcy of a British airline has been avoided."

Greybull acquired a controlling stake in Monarch in 2014, but the group has since struggled financially.
By Paul Sandle

LONDON (Reuters) - British airline Monarch secured a 165 million pound lifeline from majority shareholder Greybull Capital on Wednesday, enabling the low-cost carrier to renew a key operating licence and fund new aircraft.

The equity investment was agreed only hours before its operating licence was due to expire, allowing the airline, which sells flights and package holidays to tourist destinations, to keep flying.

The 48-year-old airline said the investment would fund the replacement of its Airbus jets with more fuel-efficient Boeing 737 MAX-8 aircraft between 2018 and 2021.

Monarch warned in September that security concerns and the devaluation of the pound after Britain's vote to leave the EU in June had made market conditions difficult.

Based at the southern English airport of Luton, Monarch has been hit by a decline in the popularity of destinations in Tunisia, Egypt and Turkey due to security concerns. The carrier mainly sells holidays and flights to Spain, Italy and France.

Larger budget airline easyJet (EZJ.L) warned last week that annual profit had fallen by more than a quarter and hinted that trading would remain tough.

Monarch Chief Executive Andrew Swaffield said he now had "real confidence" about his airline's future despite the current environment.

The fall in the pound had increased fuel and leasing costs paid in dollars and navigation and ground handling costs paid in euros, Swaffield said, adding that security concerns were also a negative factor.

The combined impact would cut profit this year to about 40 million pounds from more than 70 million pounds last year.

"We believe the market is going to remain fairly challenging over the next few years, particularly related to terrorism and the weak pound," he said on Wednesday.

Questions about Monarch's finances were raised last month, forcing the carrier to say it was operating normally.Days later, Britain's aviation regulator, the CAA, said it had until 2259 GMT on Oct. 12 to satisfy the requirements needed for a full Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL).

Story continues

Swaffield said airline bookings had been relatively unaffected by the deadline, but there had been a "dampening" in holiday sales in recent weeks.

He said sales were already returning to normal, and he was confident the weaker pound would not hit consumer demand.

"People very quickly re-align to a new exchange rate," he said. "The British are resilient when it come to holidays."

(Editing by Keith Weir)
Monster Worldwide, Inc. MWW launched its Monster Social Brand Ads yesterday. However, the news failed to cheer investors as the stock dropped 1.45% in yesterdays trading session.

Monster Social Brand Ads is a novel branding solution for employers.It has been designed using Monster's proprietary targeting technology to enable companies reach both active and passive job seekers.

The company has made the solution available on Facebook FB and Instagram to boost employers brand value across social media. The company estimates that through Monster and Facebook, it can reach over 1.71 billion Facebook users and nearly 313 million Twitter TWTR users through job ads.

The beta version of the solution was launched in Aug 2016. The company has now rolled out the complete product with three subscription plans across the U.S. It expects to reach some other markets in the remainder of 2016.

The company has been going through a tough time ever since it announced its takeover by Dutch firm, Randstad in Aug 2016. This is because its biggest shareholder, MediaNews (11.6% stake in Monster) continues to vehemently oppose the deal saying it has no confidence in the existing board and CEO owing to their repeated failures to take correct strategic and operational decisions to maximize value for shareholders.

Last week, the company provided muted preliminary revenue guidance for third-quarter 2016 stating "Q3 continued to be a challenging business environment."

A notable stock in the same space is Asure Software, Inc. ASUR sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.

For the current year, estimates for Asure Software have gone up from 15 cents to 19 cents.

MONSTER WWD INC Price and Consensus

MONSTER WWD INC Price and Consensus | MONSTER WWD INC Quote

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Moscow (AFP) - Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday said that US claims Moscow is meddling in the American election process are "flattering" but baseless.

Lavrov shrugged off US allegations that Russia has directed cyber attacks against American political organisations in a bid to influence the November 8 vote.

"It's flattering of course to get this kind of attention for a regional power, as President Obama called us some time ago," Lavrov told CNN.

"Now everybody in the United States is saying that it is Russia which is running the (US) presidential debate."

But Lavrov insisted that there is not a "single fact, a single proof" to back Washington's accusations.

President Vladimir Putin also struck back at Washington on Wednesday.

The Kremlin strongman insisted that the US accusations were aimed at stirring "hysteria" over Russia to "manipulate public opinion" and distract from issues uncovered by leaked documents.

Last week the Obama administration formally accused the Russian government of trying to "interfere" with the American election, and vowed to respond at an undisclosed time and place.

A White House spokesman said Tuesday that Washington would ensure that its "response is proportional".

"If they decided to do something, let them do it," Lavrov said.

In the CNN interview Lavrov also commented on lewd remarks by Republican candidate Donald Trump in a 2005 video in which he boasted about his ability to grope women as he pleases and said he could "grab them by the pussy."

"There are so many pussies around your presidential campaign on both sides that I prefer not to comment," Lavrov said, stressing that English was not his first language and he was not sure he would sound "decent", CNN reported.

The Kremlin was propelled to the heart of American politics in July after Hillary Clinton's campaign blamed Russia for an embarrassing leak of emails from the Democratic National Committee.

Russia has been accused of favouring Trump -- who has praised Putin and pledged better ties with Mocow -- over the more hawkish Clinton.

Russia's relations with the United States have sunk to their post-Cold War nadir over the conflict in Ukraine and stalled efforts to end the five-year Syrian war.
A New York mother was arrested after plainclothes officers witnessed her shooting heroin in a car while her 5-year-old daughter sat in the backseat, police said.

Heather Dajani pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges of drug possession and child endangerment, Nassau court spokesman Daniel Bagnuola told InsideEdition.com.

Read: Police Find Mom Passed Out From Heroin with Baby in the Backseat: Reports

Bond was set at $2,000.

A passerby called 911 Tuesday night, reporting there was a woman using a hypodermic needle in the parking lot of a Walgreens on Long Island, police said.

Undercover officers sent to the scene also saw Dajani shooting up inside her car while a young girl sat in the back, authorities said.

The 25-year-old woman was arrested and her daughter was released to the custody of the girls grandmother, who came to the parking lot to get her.

Read: 4th Case of ODing Parents with Kid Nearby Is Latest Example of Heroin Plight Gripping America

Officers found a straw containing heroin, a glass pipe with crack cocaine and a metal pipe filled with marijuana inside Dajanis car, police said.

According to court documents, the woman told officers, Im sorry. I just had a relapse. I was in rehab, News12 reported.

Her next court date is scheduled for Friday.

Watch: Onlookers Gawk and Film Married Couple Passed Out in Apparent Heroin Overdose

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This grieving mother donated more than 16 gallons of breast milk after she gave birth to a stillborn son, hoping to turn her personal tragedy into hope for another.

Read: Mom With Breast Cancer Breastfeeds Her Son for the Last Time Before She Has A Mastectomy

"I wanted to turn something tragic into something good," Wendy Cruz-Chan of New York told InsideEdition.com

Cruz-Chan was 19 weeks pregnant with her son, Killiam, when she suffered a rare uterus infection that caused her baby to be stillborn.

"All I have of him are his ashes in his urn," Cruz-Chan told InsideEdition.com. "I can't dress him, I can't play him, I can't watch him grow. As a mother, it breaks me. It hurts me deeply."

As she was leaving the hospital, she recalled that her breasts were still extremely engorged, and the milk ducts were developing. That's when she and her husband decided she would begin pumping, and donate the breastmilk to babies in need.

"Even though I cannot personally breastfeed my own son, I wanted to do something in his name," she explained. "That's all I can do for him."

She said she turned to social media, and tried to connect with new mothers who were in need of donated breastmilk.

Cruz-Chan, who is a doula, also reached out to the community of other doulas to see which parents need extra milk.

One of the many children she's been helping was diagnosed with Epidermolysis bullosa (EB), a rare skin disease that causes blisters on the skin.

That child has been making steps towards better health since drinking Cruz-Chan's breast milk.

"Through donating, it gave me a purpose," Cruz-Chan explained. "It helped me not be in such a deep depression."

In the beginning, she told herself that she would pump for three months, but when she reached 1,000 ounces, or nearly 8 gallons, of breastmilk in two months, she was determined to double her goal the following month.

Story continues

"I'm just so proud of my boobs," she laughed.

Read: Working Mom Distressed After Airport Security Confiscates 2 Weeks' Worth of Breast Milk

Cruz-Chan said she's started weaning her breasts from producing milk after hitting her goal, but wants to continue to help other women by spreading awareness, and normalizing donated breastmilk.

She also wants to raise money to put proper equipment in hospitals for other stillborn babies.

Watch: Be Our Guest! Single Mom Breastfeeds Baby at Disneyland as Princesses Line Up for Photos

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By Leela Parker Deo

NEW YORK, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Erica Frontiero has joined alternative asset manager The Carlyle Group as managing director and head of capital markets for the firm's private credit group, part of Carlyle's global market strategies business, according to sources.

Frontiero started at the end of September. She reports to Michael Hart, managing director of global market strategies and chief executive officer of GMS Finance.

Frontiero comes to Carlyle from Antares Capital where she was a managing director in capital markets from January 2016 through September 2016. Before that she worked in capital markets at GE Capital, beginning in 2004 until Antares, the middle market sponsor finance business of GE Capital, was sold to Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) last year. Frontiero began her career at Banc of America Securities in leveraged finance.

In her new position Frontiero replaces Boris Okuliar, the sources said.

Okuliar left the New York-based role at Carlyle to join Ares Management in London, IFR, a Reuters publication, reported on September 14. Okuliar joined Ares as a partner and will focus on the alternative asset manager's European credit business, IFR reported, citing sources.

Okuliar joined Carlyle in February 2014 from UBS where he served as head of leveraged capital markets in London.

(Reporting by Leela Parker Deo; Editing By Jon Methven)
Mulan *will* have an Asian love interest, because at least some things are right in this world

Weve all agreed that 2016 has been a major bummer (or at least, many moments of it). But luckily some things are going right for us, because Mulan *will* have an Asian love interest, despite rumors to the contrary. People (us included, obviously) have been freaking out since it occurred to us that Mulans love interest could end up being a white dude (and theres nothing wrong with white dudes but, in this case, we really dont need any more white saviors and everyone in the story of Mulan is Chinese???).

Luckily, though, this isnt the case.

We were all pumped about the live action Mulan from Disney. Like, its about time! But then everyone got all mixed up when an anonymous open letter on Angry Asian Man said Disney bought a script where Mulans love interest is a white guy, a 30-something European trader. Like, ugh, NO.

giphy (4)

But Disney clarified things, saving our hearts from being crushed into a million pieces.

Disney told Vulture that this rumor is false. In reality, theyre using the script they bought as little more than a jumping off point, with other writers making it, well, Mulan. While were at it, we also totally hope at least some of those writers are Chinese, thanks, Disney!!

A source told Vulture, Mulan is and will always be the lead character in the story, and all primary roles, including the love interest, are Chinese.

TG for that, you guys. We want this live action Mulan, and we want it to be PERFECT, and here so soon.

The post Mulan *will* have an Asian love interest, because at least some things are right in this world appeared first on HelloGiggles.
SHANGHAI (Reuters) - Fourth seed Rafa Nadal was stunned by Serb Viktor Troicki in an upset-filled Shanghai Masters second round on Wednesday while Andy Murray breezed past American Steve Johnson and Nick Kyrgios slumped to a listless defeat. Troicki, ranked 31st in the world, overcame Nadal 6-3 7-6(3) in an hour and 34 minutes to secure his first ever victory in five previous attempts against the 14-time grand slam winner. The unseeded Serb broke twice to seal the opening set before Nadal came back strongly in the second. The Spaniard saved a match point at 5-4 down but was defeated in the tiebreak. "I played really well," Troicki said. "I was aggressive, I served well, I hit the ball nice. It was a great feeling on the court playing like this... against Rafa Nadal, who is a great champion." Twice Shanghai Masters champion Murray, who claimed the China Open title last week, had no such trouble as he won 6-3 6-2 as he won 70 percent of second-serve return points. The second-seeded Briton, who scraped through a testing encounter with Johnson at the Rio Olympics in August, also saved the one break point he faced in the first set. He will play Frenchman Lucas Pouille in the third round. "I felt like I was creating a lot of chances on his serve. I thought I moved well for the first match in new conditions," Murray told reporters. "I was timing the ball well. I felt like I was controlling a lot of the rallies. Yeah, for a first match after playing pretty different conditions a few days ago, it was good." Australia's Nick Kyrgios lost to Germany's Mischa Zverev 6-3 6-1 with another controversial display in which he appeared uninterested throughout, landing a series of half-hearted serves and barely moving to meet his opponent's returns. The 21-year-old also clashed with spectators before being booed off the court after a match that lasted just 48 minutes. Kyrgios, later apologized on his Twitter account, saying his performance was "not good enough". [L4N1CI3OH] Seventh seed Tomas Berdych lost to Marcel Granollers of Spain 7-6(4) 7-6(1), while third seed Stan Wawrinka, the U.S. Open Champion, beat Britain's Kyle Edmund 6-3 6-4 and Canada's Vasek Pospisil battled past Grigor Dimitrov 7-5 7-6(2). (Reporting by Ian Rodricks in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)
From Popular Mechanics

NASA Director Charles Bolden announced today that private companies, like SpaceX and Boeing, may soon be able to install their own modules on the International Space Station.

The ISS has been in orbit since 1998, and is currently made up of 15 separate but connected modules. These modules were mostly built by either the U.S. or Russia, with a few built by Europe and Japan.

Many of these modules are nearing end-of-life, with both the U.S. and Russian modules only funded through 2024. To keep the ISS alive, NASA has decided to allow private companies to get in on the action.

A few months ago, NASA asked a number of private space companies how they would use the ISS if they were given a chance. And according to Director Bolden, many companies expressed a "strong desire" to get their own modules in the mix.

These modules could expand the functionality of the ISS for future NASA astronauts, or this could be NASA signaling that it's willing to turn over the ISS to a private company eventually. If this is the case, we could see the ISS used for commercial purposes, like a giant space hotel.

NASA has been relying heavily on private space companies over the past few years. SpaceX and Orbital ATK have been launching regular missions to bring cargo to the ISS, and starting next year SpaceX, Boeing, and Sierra Nevada will be transporting astronauts there as well. In a few years, they might be staying in SpaceX, Boeing, and Sierra Nevada modules as well.

Source: The White House via The Verge

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A BJP worker was hacked to death by suspected members of the CPM today in Kerala's Kannur district, the state police said.

By India Today Web Desk: A BJP worker was hacked to death by suspected members of the CPM today in Kerala's Kannur district, the state police said.

The victim has been identified as 32-year-old Remith. He was killed in front of a petrol pump in Pinarayi village around 10 am, a police official said.

CPM ALSO BEHIND HIS FATHER'S MURDER?



According to sources, Remith's father Unnithan was also allegedly murdered by CPM workers in 2002. The incident comes two days after the killing of 52-year-old CPM leader K Mohanan, who was hacked to death by suspected RSS activists on Monday.

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BS Yeddyurappa, President of Karnataka BJP has condemned the killing of Remith, calling it a cold-blooded murder. The BJP leader also blamed the CPM for the attacks on the RSS and the BJP workers in the state.



Both these murders took place in the Assembly constituency of Dharmadom represented by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.



.@BJP4Keralam activist Ramith hacked to death by @cpimspeak hitsquad in Pinarai, the home town of @vijayanpinarayi , Kerala CM pic.twitter.com/vy84c9U1EH HaindavaKeralam (@HKupdate) October 12, 2016

Very unfortunate report from Kannur that a BJP activist was killed by CPM terrorist;we strongly protest this, tweeted Kerala BJP spokesperson MS Kumar. He went on to add that chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan was acting as if he was a 'gunda' leader.



Very unfortunate report frm Kannur that a BJP activist was killed by CPM terrorist;we strongly protest this:Kerala BJP spokesperson MS Kumar pic.twitter.com/J2DNWhvh2s

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan acts as if hes a 'gunda' leader: Kerala BJP spokesperson MS Kumar pic.twitter.com/zSkpNHPo3l





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As the millennial movement continues to sweep across the U.S., Nashville has become known as one the largest urban havens for a younger generation looking for more walkable cities and instant access to a variety of choices.

But does it make sense for investors to look to the Nashville region as an investment? Enter the LocalShares Nashville Area exchange-traded fund (ticker: NASH), which was launched in August 2013 as the first city-based ETF of its kind in the U.S.

"It's the metamorphosis of geographic investing," says Matthew Hayes, CEO and president LocalShares Investments. "From investing in countries to cities we are at the beginning of something that is going to be very commonplace in the future."

Holding a basket of 28 stocks -- including energy company Delek US Holdings ( DK), restaurant company Cracker Barrel Old Country Store ( CBRL), retailer Dollar General Corp. ( DG) and several health care stocks -- the fund has $8.85 million in assets under management. But it has also struggled this year, showing a net outflow of $1.35 million and has roughly $8.85 million of assets under management.

Although the concept of having a city-specific ETF may seem appealing to investors who want to access a portfolio of corporations within a targeted geographic region, some financial experts say that's a potentially disastrous investing philosophy in practice.

[Read: Pros and Cons of Buying Alphabet (GOOG) Stock.]

"It's a sucker bet," says Scott Tucker, president and founder of Scott Tucker Solutions, a fiduciary investment advisor in Chicago. "They are preying upon uniformed investors and people are going to get hurt because it's a product looking for a place to be sold."

Two other efforts for a geographic-based ETF failed in 2010. Geary Advisors closed its Texas ETF and its Oklahoma ETF after less than a year, citing thin trading volume and low AUM. The funds failed to attract investors despite solid performance by both.

Tucker says he's most concerned about the lack of diversity within the fund. NASH includes companies headquartered in or around the Nashville region with at least $100 million in market capital and 50,000 shares in average daily trading volume. The weightings within the fund are based on growth, liquidity, volatility, momentum, return valuation and yield, Hayes says.

Story continues

Expenses for the passively managed fund are 0.49 percent, or $49 annually per $10,000 invested.

Too much concentrated risk. Traditionally, Nashville has always been known as a health care hub, and is home to HCA Holdings ( HCA), a large-cap operator of nearly 300 hospitals and surgical centers in the U.S. and the U.K. Other health care companies in the NASH ETF include Healthways ( HWAY), Community Health Systems ( CYH), Surgery Partners ( SGRY) and National HealthCare Corp. ( NHC).

The NASH ETF also features real estate holdings that are secondary plays on health care space, including real estate investment trusts National Health Investors ( NHI) and Healthcare Realty Trust ( HR). In all, health care makes up 36 percent of NASH, with the real estate sector making up 17 percent.

"Health care grew up here," says Margaret Dolan, president and CEO of LocalShares Knowledge. "Because of the health care sector, there are also a lot of new health care companies in the IT field."

Tucker says NASH suffers from too much geographic risk since all the companies are within the Nashville region, as well as too much industry risk since a majority of the fund focuses on health care.

"It appeals to people from Nashville who want to do a nice thing for a local company and it's the worst risk someone could take," Tucker says. "It's not beating up on Nashville -- this is a bad idea for any town."

[See: 10 Healthy Health Care Stocks to Buy Now.]

Delek, the energy company, is the largest holding in NASH. Coupled with Delek Logistic Partners LP ( DKL), the two holdings make up approximately 10 percent of the ETF.

"Those two holdings have been terrible this year," says Joshua Wilson, partner and chief investment officer at WorthPointe Wealth Management in Plano, Texas. "It's also important to understand that [LocalShares is] not actively picking stocks they think will perform well. Instead, they simply created an index of stocks by screening for liquidity and market capitalization."

Liquidity problems. Paul Bolster, professor of finance at Northeastern University in Boston, says he is concerned about the fund's lack of liquidity because it is thinly traded making its trading volume too low be a reasonable investment vehicle.

"Over the past year, it averaged less than 1,000 shares of daily volume and did not trade at all on 47 percent of trading days," Bolster says.

The use of average daily trading volume is also problematic, Wilson says, since it "skews the averages and doesn't give you an accurate picture of what to expect on a random day."

Larger companies such Blackrock, iShares or Vanguard would have already dropped this ETF, Wilson says, because it's not profitable, bringing in less than $45,000 a year to LocalShares based on the assets under management and a high expense ratio.

Wilson also points to the SPY ETF, which is used as a proxy to compare other ETFs. Since the inception of the NASH ETF, SPY is up by 26.5 percent, while NASH is down 0.2 percent, he says. "When I look at this I see someone who has pride on the line, rather than making a business decision," Wilson says.

Kyle Woodley, managing editor of Investorplace.com, says its wrong to assume that companies in the NASH ETF will prosper as Nashville grows. Dollar General, for instance, only has a handful of stores in the Nashville area. "Some of NASH's holdings might enjoy more of the city's fruits, but this fund is hardly a pure play on the city, depsite its moniker. Without the Nashville connection, this is just a random index of U.S. companies," he says.

[See: 20 Awesome Dividend Stocks for Guaranteed Income.]

"Civic pride is a quality I'd like to see in more people," Woodley says. "But if you're better off expressing it through local charitable work than an inefficient investment."





More From US News & World Report


As the millennial movement continues to sweep across the U.S., Nashville has become known as one the largest urban havens for a younger generation looking for more walkable cities and instant access to a variety of choices.

But does it make sense for investors to look to the Nashville region as an investment? Enter the LocalShares Nashville Area exchange-traded fund (ticker: NASH), which was launched in August 2013 as the first city-based ETF of its kind in the U.S.

"It's the metamorphosis of geographic investing," says Matthew Hayes, CEO and president LocalShares Investments. "From investing in countries to cities we are at the beginning of something that is going to be very commonplace in the future."

Holding a basket of 28 stocks -- including energy company Delek US Holdings ( DK), restaurant company Cracker Barrel Old Country Store ( CBRL), retailer Dollar General Corp. ( DG) and several health care stocks -- the fund has $8.85 million in assets under management. But it has also struggled this year, showing a net outflow of $1.35 million and has roughly $8.85 million of assets under management.

Although the concept of having a city-specific ETF may seem appealing to investors who want to access a portfolio of corporations within a targeted geographic region, some financial experts say that's a potentially disastrous investing philosophy in practice.

[Read: Pros and Cons of Buying Alphabet (GOOG) Stock.]

"It's a sucker bet," says Scott Tucker, president and founder of Scott Tucker Solutions, a fiduciary investment advisor in Chicago. "They are preying upon uniformed investors and people are going to get hurt because it's a product looking for a place to be sold."

Two other efforts for a geographic-based ETF failed in 2010. Geary Advisors closed its Texas ETF and its Oklahoma ETF after less than a year, citing thin trading volume and low AUM. The funds failed to attract investors despite solid performance by both.

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Tucker says he's most concerned about the lack of diversity within the fund. NASH includes companies headquartered in or around the Nashville region with at least $100 million in market capital and 50,000 shares in average daily trading volume. The weightings within the fund are based on growth, liquidity, volatility, momentum, return valuation and yield, Hayes says.

Expenses for the passively managed fund are 0.49 percent, or $49 annually per $10,000 invested.

Too much concentrated risk. Traditionally, Nashville has always been known as a health care hub, and is home to HCA Holdings ( HCA), a large-cap operator of nearly 300 hospitals and surgical centers in the U.S. and the U.K. Other health care companies in the NASH ETF include Healthways ( HWAY), Community Health Systems ( CYH), Surgery Partners ( SGRY) and National HealthCare Corp. ( NHC).

The NASH ETF also features real estate holdings that are secondary plays on health care space, including real estate investment trusts National Health Investors ( NHI) and Healthcare Realty Trust ( HR). In all, health care makes up 36 percent of NASH, with the real estate sector making up 17 percent.

"Health care grew up here," says Margaret Dolan, president and CEO of LocalShares Knowledge. "Because of the health care sector, there are also a lot of new health care companies in the IT field."

Tucker says NASH suffers from too much geographic risk since all the companies are within the Nashville region, as well as too much industry risk since a majority of the fund focuses on health care.

"It appeals to people from Nashville who want to do a nice thing for a local company and it's the worst risk someone could take," Tucker says. "It's not beating up on Nashville -- this is a bad idea for any town."

[See: 10 Healthy Health Care Stocks to Buy Now.]

Delek, the energy company, is the largest holding in NASH. Coupled with Delek Logistic Partners LP ( DKL), the two holdings make up approximately 10 percent of the ETF.

"Those two holdings have been terrible this year," says Joshua Wilson, partner and chief investment officer at WorthPointe Wealth Management in Plano, Texas. "It's also important to understand that [LocalShares is] not actively picking stocks they think will perform well. Instead, they simply created an index of stocks by screening for liquidity and market capitalization."

Liquidity problems. Paul Bolster, professor of finance at Northeastern University in Boston, says he is concerned about the fund's lack of liquidity because it is thinly traded making its trading volume too low be a reasonable investment vehicle.

"Over the past year, it averaged less than 1,000 shares of daily volume and did not trade at all on 47 percent of trading days," Bolster says.

The use of average daily trading volume is also problematic, Wilson says, since it "skews the averages and doesn't give you an accurate picture of what to expect on a random day."

Larger companies such Blackrock, iShares or Vanguard would have already dropped this ETF, Wilson says, because it's not profitable, bringing in less than $45,000 a year to LocalShares based on the assets under management and a high expense ratio.

Wilson also points to the SPY ETF, which is used as a proxy to compare other ETFs. Since the inception of the NASH ETF, SPY is up by 26.5 percent, while NASH is down 0.2 percent, he says. "When I look at this I see someone who has pride on the line, rather than making a business decision," Wilson says.

Kyle Woodley, managing editor of Investorplace.com, says its wrong to assume that companies in the NASH ETF will prosper as Nashville grows. Dollar General, for instance, only has a handful of stores in the Nashville area. "Some of NASH's holdings might enjoy more of the city's fruits, but this fund is hardly a pure play on the city, depsite its moniker. Without the Nashville connection, this is just a random index of U.S. companies," he says.

[See: 20 Awesome Dividend Stocks for Guaranteed Income.]

"Civic pride is a quality I'd like to see in more people," Woodley says. "But if you're better off expressing it through local charitable work than an inefficient investment."

Dawn Reiss is an award-winning journalist in Chicago who has written for TIME, Reuters, Chicago Tribune, The Atlantic and Travel + Leisure and many other publications. Follow her on Twitter, Google+ and Instagram @dawnreiss.
The North Carolina National Guard assisted North Carolina Emergency Management Services in air and water rescues of those stranded by Hurricane Matthew in the days following the storm.

In these videos, helicopter crews rescue people trapped in their homes and on rooftops in North Carolina where extreme rise in river levels from Hurricane Matthew has inundated towns and cities with intense flooding. Credit: YouTube/North Carolina National Guard
Findings are at Odds with Federal Regulations Requiring Satisfactory Evidence of Safety

STAFFORDSHIRE, ENGLAND / ACCESSWIRE / October 12, 2016 / The prestigious NatureResearch journal published results from the first study comparing the reactivity and fate of aluminum adjuvants commonly used in vaccines, findings that are at odds with Code of Federal Regulations Title 21 requiring satisfactory evidence of safety.

Aluminum-containing adjuvants have been used with most childhood vaccines by convention based on their adjuvanticity in animals,1 often without a clearly demonstrated safety and/or enhanced immune response or protection in humans. The need and benefits of using an adjuvant with a vaccine should be demonstrated in humans, as animal models have not been good predictors of effectiveness of most human vaccines. This would require an extra group in clinical trials for the vaccine without an adjuvant.

As per 21 CFR 610.15, "an adjuvant shall not be introduced into a product unless there is satisfactory evidence that it does not affect adversely the safety or potency of the product."2 Aluminum-containing adjuvants have been known to be associated with adverse reactions after vaccinations.3.4 There are no sound scientific studies or controlled clinical trials to understand adjuvant effect and toxicity of aluminum-containing adjuvant.

A simple explanation of how an aluminum adjuvant works is that its injection into the muscle or under the skin produces toxicity. In most recipients of a vaccine this toxicity is seen as mild inflammation or reddening and swelling of tissue at the injection site. However, in a small minority of individuals the consequences of this toxicity are more severe and can lead to serious adverse events including autoimmune disease and brain encephalopathies.

Breakthrough in Study of Aluminum Adjuvant Impact on Immune Response

Research at Keele University led by Professor Christopher Exley aims to understand the toxicity of aluminum adjuvants in vaccinations and their latest findings are now published in Nature's 'Scientific Reports' (http://www.nature.com/articles/srep31578 ).

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In a project funded by the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the Dwoskin Foundation the group at Keele investigated the relationship between the physicochemical properties of aluminum adjuvants and the immune response. Specifically, they show that the reaction of the aluminum adjuvant at the injection site will determine its subsequent fate and therefore its activity both at the injection site and away from the injection site.

One form of aluminum adjuvant which is most commonly used in vaccines is an aluminum hydroxyphosphate salt and is more toxic at the injection site than the second form of aluminum adjuvant, also commonly used in vaccines, aluminum oxyhydroxide salt. However, the latter is more easily loaded into immune reactive cells with the possibility to be transported throughout the body. It is suggested by the Keele research that this loading of aluminum into viable cells offers a mechanism whereby significant amounts of aluminum, a known neurotoxin, might be translocated throughout the body and even across the blood brain barrier and into the central nervous system.

Aluminum Adjuvants Not Clinically Approved

Professor Exley adds that there are no clinically-approved aluminum adjuvants only clinically approved vaccines which use aluminum adjuvants. This makes it imperative that all vaccine trials which use aluminum salts as adjuvants must not use the aluminum adjuvant as the control or placebo. This has been common practice for many years and has resulted in many vaccine-related adverse events due in part or in entirety to aluminum adjuvants being unaccounted for in vaccine safety trials. This is in violation of the regulatory requirement that, "An adjuvant shall not be introduced into a product unless there is satisfactory evidence that it does not affect adversely the safety or potency of the product."2

The National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act (Public Law 99-660)5 and the Vaccine Compensation Amendments (Public Law 100-203) in 19876,7 provide mechanism of monetary compensation of victims by creating a trust which is funded by a $0.75 excise tax on vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for routine administration to children. The Act and subsequent amendments also require the public health agencies to find the causes for side effects, causal relations between severe side effects and vaccines, and improvement of vaccines. Unfortunately, the 3 large public health agencies in the US responsible for approving vaccines (FDA), recommending their use in population (CDC) and performing research on understanding the safety and adjuvanticity of most commonly used adjuvants (NIH, CDC and FDA), have not done much in this regard and in improving the childhood vaccines. An enormous amount of surplus money is lying in the trust fund created under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act, which is also meant to improve the vaccines.

Based on the findings of Professor Exley, further research funded by the trust fund is warranted to understand the safety and adjuvanticity of aluminum-containing adjuvants. It is required by the law (21CFR610.15),2 that the FDA should not approve a vaccine with any adjuvant unless it is clearly demonstrated that it does not adversely affect the safety and potency. This can only be known when vaccine is used without adjuvant in one group of the clinical trial and placebo group without aluminum-containing adjuvant. Instead of working for the public in approving safe vaccines developed as per the law, the FDA has been favoring the vaccine industry in not requiring demonstrating clearly the safety of and need for aluminum-containing adjuvants.

For further information contact Professor Chris Exley (c.exley@keele.ac.uk), The Birchall Centre, Lennard-Jones Laboratories, Keele University, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG, UK.

References

Gupta, R.K. Role and application of adjuvants and delivery systems in vaccines. In: Wang, W. and Singh M., eds, Biological Drug Products: Development and Strategies, Wiley, 437-468, 2014. 21 CFR 610.15. Constituent Materials Gupta, R.K. and Relyveld, E.H. Adverse reactions after injection of adsorbed diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus (DPT) vaccine are not due only to pertussis organisms or pertussis components in the vaccine. Vaccine 9:609-702, 1991. Gupta, R.K., Relyveld, E.H., Lindblad, E.B., Bizzini, B., Ben-Efraim, S. and Gupta, C.K. Adjuvants - A balance between toxicity and adjuvanticity. Vaccine 11: 293-306, 1993. Public Law 99-660, Title III, Vaccine Compensation, National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, November 14, 1986. https://history.nih.gov/research/downloads/PL99-660.pdf Public Law 100-203, Title IV, Medicare, Medicaid, and other Health-Related Programs, Subtitle D, Vaccine Compensation, December 22, 1987, https://www.congress.gov/bill/100th-congress/house-bill/3545 Title 42 USC Chapter 6A  Public Health Service, SubChapter XIX  Vaccines, Part 2  National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program. http://www.hrsa.gov/vaccinecompensation/authorizinglegislation.pdf

SOURCE: Children's Medical Safety Research Institute
From Popular Mechanics

The first hint that the USS Mason was under attack this weekend came with return signal registered on the screen of a radar operator. Something has risen from the coast of Yemen and was streaking toward the ship. It's a nightmare scenario in modern naval combat - someone was trying to sink the American destroyer. Within an hour a second missile appeared on the screen, also aimed at the American vessel.

The pair of missiles missed the Mason and hit the water, the Pentagon says. But the close call highlights a dangerous situation off the coast of Yemen, and what U.S. forces have at their disposal to combat attacks like this.

When the attack happened, the Mason was about 12 miles off the coast of Yemen, stationed near the Bab el-Mandeb strait. That's a busy patch of water that connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. It's a popular transit for ships passing through the Suez Canal. It also skirts a war zone, where a proxy conflict between Saudi Arabia and Iran has spilled over the shoreline and into international waters.

In early October, a missile fired from the shoreline struck a ship operated by the United Arab Emirates. USNI News was one of the few to report on the incident. Defense officials told them that the missile struck "the HSV Swift, a high-speed ferry that was once used by U.S. Military Sealift Command and leased to the UAE." Houthi rebels, the proxy fighters aligned with Iran, released a video claiming to depict the attack.

A proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran has spilled over the shoreline and into international waters.

Afterward, the U.S. sent three destroyers into the area, cruising around the coast of Yemen. Destroyers have long-range missiles and deck guns, but they are particularly adept at playing defense. These are the ships that help protect aircraft carrier strike groups.

That brings us back to Sunday's attack, and that radar screen. Missiles are dangerous ship-killers, but destroyers are built to thwart them. That starts with detection, the job of the SLQ-32 radar.

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In a fight against a missile, time is everything and spotting it is not enough. The ship has to know what kind of missile is coming to prepare the appropriate countermeasures. How is it guided? What's it's speed? Does it skim the waves or careen from above? Is the missile made to kill ships or just something the attackers had handy? The SLQ-32 system has an online library of emitter types for rapid identification, its maker Raytheon says. "It can detect aircraft search and target radars well before they detect the ship," the company says.

The Mason also has other air and missile defense radar to track the threats and guide the countermeasures. All these systems work together automatically to enable the crew to react in a situation where seconds matter.

After the Mason's radar identified the threats during this incident, defense officials told media, they employed defensive measures. That could be as simple as getting out of range, but there are plenty of tricks a modern destroyer can use to deke a missile. And all Navy and Coast Guard ships that deploy to hotspots practice missile defense drills.

Photo credit: Raytheon

Then there are decoys. There are six-barreled launchers on the deck that can spit out chaff that can throw off radar-guided missiles and flares that will draw away missiles with infrared seekers. Arleigh Burke vessels also have nifty Nulka active missile decoy systems, which fire a hovering rocket that mimics a ship and "seduces" a missile away from the real thing. "After launch, the Nulka decoy radiates a large, ship-like radar cross section while flying a trajectory that lures ASMs away from their intended targets," the U.S. Navy says. "Australia developed the hovering rocket while the U.S. developed the electronic payload."

The Mason survived this attack, but the incident is telling. While the world is focused on Syria, the conflict in Yemen is also fraught with a risk of escalation. It's a civil war in which two regional powers, Iran and Saudi Arabia, are backing opposing sides. The United States, which backs the Saudis, has witnessed the war grow and intervention on both sides escalate.

A full-scale regional war, on top of a humanitarian crisis, would certainly hamper shipping through these international waters. And without shipping, the global economy will suffer. With Russia and Iran's influence in the Middle East rising and the world's economy at risk, the stakes in the Bab el-Mandeb strait could scarcely be higher.

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LAGOS (Reuters) - Nigeria's telecommunications regulator NCC said on Tuesday it has approved a request by internet provider Visafone to transfer its shares to MTN following its takeover by the South African firm. MTN bought Visafone in January to improve its broadband services in its biggest market Nigeria. "The NCC, in line with its procedure granted a Final-Approval to Visafone for the change in its shareholding structure," the regulator said in a statement. Visafone had also applied to transfer its licence to MTN but this had not yet been approved, NCC said. MTN come under public scrutiny in Nigeria and agreed in June to pay a fine of 330 billion naira ($1.09 billion) for missing a deadline to disconnect unregistered SIM cards, amid government fears that these may be used by criminals. Last month, Nigerian lawmakers also accused MTN of illegally transferring $14 billion out of Africa's most populous nation. MTN has denied the accusation. ($1 = 304.0000 naira) (Reporting by Ulf Laessing and Camillus Eboh; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)
Nobody 2016 stickers are all the rage at Colorado State University  summing up what a lot of Americans  and especially young Americans -- think about this election. Like it or not, millennials are receiving a crash course in ugly Politics101. Not only did their hero Bernie Sanders turn traitor by endorsing Hillary Clinton; they now know, thanks to Wikileaks, that Clinton colluded with officials of the Democratic Party to cheat and beat their man.

Worse yet, they are finding out that Clinton has sold them a bill of goods. More emails reveal that she isnt on board the Sanders revolution, and never will be. As she has said to donors, away from microphones, I occupy the center-left to the center-right. From the same source, they now know that the media was complicit in undermining Bernies run, and is politically aligned. Most uncomfortable of all, the COO of Facebook, that millennial home-away-from-home, is in the tank for Hillary, too. Is nothing sacred, they must wonder?

Related: Sanders Supporters Seethe Over Clinton's Leaked Remarks to Wall St.

Meanwhile, they have heard GOP candidate Donald Trump utter words they know to be unacceptable, suggesting behavior towards women that they have been warned against in their schools and their workplaces. Countering those lewd remarks, Trump has introduced into the race the women who have accused Bill Clinton of abuse and rape, and made Hillarys attacks on those women part of the campaign.

Can it get any worse? What does it mean for the U.S. that the next generation is coming of age politically in the midst of this election? It means even greater disillusionment with our government and, most likely, even lower voter turnout on November 8. In August, 60 percent of the 18-34 year old crowd, which numbers 75.1 million, 300,000 short of the Boomer count, said in a poll they would consider voting for a third-party candidate. That has likely declined at this point, but many apparently are still not committed to either Clinton or Trump. Consequently, millennial turnout could drop from the 2012 generation record high of 50 percent back to the 46 percent recorded in the prior two elections, or even lower. That could be a problem for Clinton.

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Millennials are beginning to understand that Hillary Clinton wants their votes, but doesnt want their problems. That goes for all American voters. Not just for those deplorables who support Donald Trump, or the folks she says need an intervention because they might vote for her opponent, but for ordinary people  like her security detail, whom she curses at in the foulest of terms, and often. (An intervention, by the way, is something you do for sick people  people with a drug or gambling addiction, for instance. Not for someone who disagrees with you.)

Related: Wheres Bernie? With Clinton Quiet, Sanders Is on the Sidelines

In an audio recording Hillary is caught describing Children of the Great Recession as aspiring to Socialist goals like free college, free healthcare even though half the people dont know what that means. Clinton is talking about millennials.

Clinton also shows her disdain for Sanders supporters by baldly saying one thing in public to win their votes while saying quite another behind closed doors. Hillary says she opposes the TPP trade deal, despite having once called it the gold standard of such arrangements. But then, in a speech made in Brazil, Mrs. Clinton she dreams of open trade and open borders while Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, one of her closest political pals, told Politico she will endorse it once she is elected.

In trying to win over Bernies army, Hillary also claims to disapprove of fracking. But then she extols the virtues of fracking to a banking audience, explaining how it has ignited an energy revolution in the U.S. Ironically, in another leaked email, she accuses the Russians as funding environmentalists efforts to squash fracking and that pipeline, by which she presumably means the Keystone Pipeline. Those Russians sure are busy.

To win over the Elizabeth Warren anti-bank crowd, Hillary talks about bringing bankers to justice and toughening regulations on financial firms. But to Deutsche Bank bigwigs, she says that financial reform really has to come from the industry itself. She flattered a Goldman Sachs audience by telling them you are the smartest people. Theres a reason financial firms have given Clinton $59 million in this election cycle alone.

Related: 7 of Hillary Clintons Biggest Flip-Flops

Will the Wikileaks revelations make any difference? Not if the media ignores them. Just as a tree falling in the forest makes no sound, embarrassments for the Democrat contender that go under-reported may not have much impact. Other revelations from the email dump show how cozy the Clinton camp is with the media. One has New York Times reporter and CNBC anchor John Harwood bragging to Clinton operatives about his attack on Donald Trump during a debate in which he asked the GOP candidate, Lets be honest, is this a comic book version of a presidential campaign? In another, a campaign apparatchik says of Maggie Haberman, formerly of Politico and now of The Times, We have had her tee up stories for us and never been disappointed.

Any number of journalists and news organizations have been implicated as working hand in glove with the Clinton team. The Boston Globe, for instance, appears to have helped place and construct stories helpful to Clinton strategists, while The New York Times has apparently been getting sign-off from Clinton before publishing interview quotes.

None of this would surprise Trump supporters, who have been appalled at the unprecedented mainstream media attacks on the GOP candidate. It might, however, surprise Millennials who still expect fair play. This could be the fall-out from this election: the next generation will be more skeptical of the media and of our politics. They may begin to challenge what they hear on the nightly news, and question why some stories get more play than others. And, disgusted, they may stay home on November 8. Maybe, after all, that is not such a terrible outcome.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
Seoul (AFP) - North Korea has purged its vice foreign minister as punishment for the recent defection of the nuclear-armed country's deputy ambassador to Britain, South Korean media reported on Wednesday.

The mass-circulation JoongAng Ilbo, quoting an anonymous source familiar with North Korean affairs, said that Kung Sok-Ung had been removed from his post and expelled from Pyongyang to a rural farming area with his family.

It said the purge was ordered by supreme leader Kim Jong-Un following the defection of the North's deputy ambassador to Britain, Thae Yong-Ho, and his family to the South two months ago.

"Since Thae Yong-Ho's defection in late July, there has been an overall inspection throughout the foreign ministry," the source said.

"Kung Sok-Ung was held accountable for the embassies in Europe and purged as a result."

The report said four other high-ranking diplomats in charge of European affairs were also expelled from Pyongyang.

South Korea's Unification Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-Hee said the ministry was in the process of "verifying" the report but offered no further comment.

The 72-year-old Kung is a veteran diplomat who had been looking after North Korea's diplomacy with Russia and Europe for nearly two decades.

Since taking power in 2011, Kim has ordered numerous executions and purges of high-ranking officials to solidify his grip on power.

In August, South Korea's unification ministry confirmed that the North executed a vice premier for education for showing disrespect to the leader during a meeting.

The most notorious case was that of Kim's uncle and one-time number two, Jang Song-Thaek, who was executed for charges including treason and corruption in December 2013.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency has put the number of party officials executed during Kim's rule at over 100.
In retaliation to the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army in PoK, the BRICS summit in Goa has come under the threat of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.

PM Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, Chinese President Xi Jinping and South African President Jacob Zuma at the BRICS Summit, 2015 in Russia. Photo: PTI

By Manjeet Negi: Intelligence inputs have suggested that Pakistan-sponsored terrorists plan to carry out a massive operation in Goa between October 12-October 14, ahead of the 8th BRICS summit in the state.

The summit is under the radar of Pakistan-sponsored terrorism as a retribution to the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir.

Heads of 11 states, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, will be attending the BRICS and BIMSTEC Summit scheduled to take place on October 15- October 16 in Goa.

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Also Read: China shields Masood Azhar at UN second time; issue may dominate Modi-Jinping BRICS talks

NSA AJIT DOVAL REVIEWS SECURITY ARRANGEMENTS

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval reviewed the security arrangements with senior Navy, Coast Guard officials and other agencies.

The latest intelligence inputs were also analysed in the meeting.

Sources said ground, air and even underwater multi-level security apparatus has been put in place.

Marcos commandos will be securing the key locations like the Goa Airport.

Intercepts between handlers across the borders and terrorists holed up in Maharashtra have put the Ministry of Home Affairs on high alert.

Also Read: India to play trade card with China ahead of BRICS summit

ITBP'S ELITE K9 UNITS RUSHED TO GOA

The MHA has asked the K9 teams of the Indo Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) to secure the meeting venues and the hotels where the BRICS leaders would stay. This has been done as it would be too difficult for the Goa police or the local Army Dog Squads alone to secure the venues.

The ITBP, on getting an SOS call from the Goa state government last week, was directed by the MHA Internal Security wing to rush the elite K9 units to Goa.

These units of dogs are highly decorated after serving in Kabul, Afghanistan and thwarting numerous Pakistan-trained Taliban attempts to harm the Indian Embassy at Kabul.

These specially trained Explosive Detection Dogs, who are scarred veterans of Mission Kabul, will secure the BRICS summit at Goa.

Sources refused to divulge the number of dogs or the number of ITBP troops that have been rushed to the tourist paradise.

Also Read:

India unhappy over Russia's military exercise with terror-sponsor Pakistan

China declines to speak up for isolated Pakistan before BRICS Summit



--- ENDS ---
Were not sure why Elle Fanning chose to go barefoot at the airport, but we have questions

Elle Fanning is a trend-setting fashionista (which is putting it mildly). Shes constantly rocking clothes, accessories, and hairstyles wed never think to try. Seriously, she kills it in everything she wears and simultaneously makes us feel like we are the opposite of trendy.

However, Fanning recently made one wardrobe choice that were a little confused about and a lot concerned about. On Tuesday evening, the 18-year-old hopped on a flight from the east coast, arriving at the Los Angeles airport late that night. She looked super comfy, wearing an oversized pink cotton blazer and matching pants.

But its not the cozy pant suit were questioning, its what shes not wearing that has us worried.

Celebrity Sightings In Los Angeles - October 11, 2016

Fanning strolled through LAX wearing NO SHOES. She was completely barefoot. We never went to med school, but were pretty sure not wearing shoes at an international airport is unsanitary  for everyone involved. Not to mention she could have stepped on glass or something that might puncture her feet.

So of course, we are dying to know  why wasnt she wearing shoes? We dont even like the idea of going barefoot in the TSA security line.

Did she forget her shoes on the plane? Were her feet hurting? Did she literally just not feel like wearing shoes? Or was she trying to start a new trend?

We may never know the answer, but we do know that walking around barefoot at LAX probably shouldnt become a thing. Because germs.

Anytime there are a lot of people in a small area, such as on a bus, in a train station, in the airport or on an airplane, theres a lot of coughing, sneezing and touching things and an increased chance for spreading germs around, John Zautcke, medical director of the University of Illinois-Chicago Medical Clinic at OHare Airport, told USA Today.

Also, theres unfortunately much more to be worried about.

Dr. Rami Calis, a podiatrist at Emory Healthcare, explained to Smarter Travel:

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Athletes foot is not the only issue. Think of all the things that fall off peoples shoes. Also, there might be small tacks or sharp pebbles that could cut you  and if you have an opening in the skin, that is asking for infection. Even a sock wont protect your foot. If you do step on a tack, then were talking about [possibly] having to get a tetanus shot, and possible infections.

So whats up, Fanning? Why the no shoes? (And please be careful!)

The post Were not sure why Elle Fanning chose to go barefoot at the airport, but we have questions appeared first on HelloGiggles.
From Popular Mechanics

Germany is auctioning off a maglev train that officials once hoped would speed up transport at home and become a major export success.

The Transrapid train is on show Tuesday and Wednesday to would-be buyers at a former test track in northwestern Germany, near the Dutch border. Bidding closes on Oct. 25.

The government hasn't set a minimum bid price for the train, a prototype built in 2007 for an abandoned high-speed maglev link project that would have linked Munich with its airport.

A Transrapid line went into operation between Shanghai and its airport, but various proposals for links in Germany flopped.

In 2006, 23 people were killed when a maglev train crashed with a maintenance vehicle on the German test track. The track hasn't been used since 2011.

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Washington (AFP) - Playboy said Wednesday its nude-free magazine would be offered for the first time as Apple and Google digital subscriptions, as the iconic brand shifts to win over a new generation.

The magazine, which recently threw in the towel on nudity as part of an effort to reach a broader audience, made its debut on the iTunes and Google Play stores.

"Since introducing a brand new vision for Playboy magazine earlier this year, we have expanded our distribution channels in many powerful ways, including higher visibility on an increased number of traditional and digital media platforms," said David Israel, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Playboy Enterprises.

"Inclusion in the iTunes and Google Play stores is an important milestone for Playboy as we continue to explore opportunities to introduce our content to new audiences all over the world."

Playboy, which broke lifestyle taboos in the 1950s with bare-breasted pictures in a magazine for the mass market, unveiled "a top-to-bottom redesign" starting with its March 2016 edition.

Facing a deluge of online pornography, Playboy shifted its focus in a bid to offer lifestyle content that is "safe for work" and more widely distributed on social media.

Playboy still includes provocative pictorials of women, but without nudity, a major turnabout for the magazine which launched in 1953 with an edition featuring Marilyn Monroe.

The magazine also gained fame for its interviews of major public figures from Jimmy Carter to Fidel Castro, and fiction from writers including Vladimir Nabokov, Haruki Murakami and Margaret Atwood.
The executive producer of The OReilly Factor will meet with members of the Asian American Journalists Association (AAJA) and community leaders following an Oct. 3 Watters World segment that many Asian viewers found offensive.

In the segment, Fox News correspondent Jesse Watters stopped passerbys in New Yorks Chinatown and asked them questions about the first presidential debate, where China was mentioned numerous times. But in addition to political questions, Watters asked things like, Am I supposed to bow to say hello?, Is it the year of the dragon?, and Do you know karate?

On Oct. 5, AAJA demanded an apology from Fox News, calling the segment rude, offensive, mocking, derogatory and damaging.

Qanta Shimizu and Harry Leung, two subjects featured in the segment, told the organization that Watters never identified himself, what show he was with, and what the interviews were being used for.

Watters responded on Twitter that the piece was meant to be tongue-in-cheek and expressed regret if anyone found offense, but stopped short of an apology.

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

Bill OReilly supported Watters, describing him as a gentle satirist and the segment as a gentle piece. The OReilly Factor host added that the outcry was a attack on Fox News and boasted he was proud of Watters.

David Tabacoff, executive producer of The OReilly Factor, invited AAJA president Paul Cheung to speak on the show last Friday, but Cheung declined the invitation, saying that the conversation should be expanded to include the Asian-Pacific Islander community, and extending an invitation of his own to a town hall last Saturday.

Fox News did not respond to Cheungs invitation, nor a request for an on-air apology. Fox News did not show at the town hall despite a seat being held for them.

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On Tuesday, Tabacoff finally agreed to meet with AAJA. According to Cheung, the private meeting will take place at New York Citys Museum of Chinese in America on a to-be-determined date. Its also unclear if Watters or OReilly will participate in the meeting.

Among the goals of the meeting: to ensure fair and accurate coverage of Asian Americans in news media and preventing this type of coverage in the future.

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Fox News Host Expresses Regret Over Controversial Chinatown Segment

Donald Trump Labels Lester Holt a Democrat Ahead of Debate With Hillary Clinton
Obama

President Barack Obama encountered a raucous crowd in Greensboro, North Carolina, on his latest campaign outing in support of Hillary Clinton.

"I think I gotta take off my jacket, because we have some work to do," Obama said, as the audience cheered.

While thanking the crowd and looking ahead to life outside the White House, the president joked that he and Michelle Obama were getting ready to pack up.

"Our lease was only for eight years, and we're already looking around ... Bo and Sunny haven't ruined any of the carpets, because we want to get our security deposit back."

The event took a sharp turn early, when two protesters walked in front of the crowd, screaming "Bill Clinton is a rapist" while wearing shirts that bore the same phrase.

Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, helped revive the sexual assault allegations against the former president in recent days, even as he was accused of promoting the same in a leaked 2005 audio recording published on Friday.

Trump doubled down on the attacks over the weekend, inviting some of Bill Clinton's accusers to the second of his three debates with Mrs. Clinton.

Obama North Carolina

It is one of many feuds in which Trump is currently engaged, which includes a bitter war against his own party, just weeks ahead of Election Day.

Obama dismissed the protesters: "Those were some folks who were auditioning for a reality show ... If you cant get your own rally, dont come mess up somebody elses rally."

And then he leaned in on Trump: "He doesn't have the judgment, or the temperament, or the knowledge  or even the desire to obtain the knowledge ... that a president needs to have."

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"When [Trump] asks you what do you have to lose, the answer is you've got everything to lose."

You can watch the entire rally below:

NOW WATCH: 'He never said that': New Clinton ad shows Trump contradicting Pence's VP debate denials





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USS Mason

For the second time in two days, the USS Mason had to defend itself from incoming missile attacks launched from Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen.

In doing so, the Mason likely recorded the first ever use of the SM-2 interceptor missile in combat after more than 20 years of peaceful service.

These incidents come just a month after Iran made a habit out of harassing US Navy ships at sea.

Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, an expert on Iran and Yemen at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, said that these incidents, by all indications, look "like an Iran-backed harassment strategy that has been carried out with weapons that are almost certainly provided by the Iranians."

"It's a provocation and challenge to a crucial waterway," Schanzer said of the incidents in the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the busiest waterways in the world and a choke point for crucial aide entering Yemen, where a war has raged for 18 months, causing mass starvation and a humanitarian nightmare.

According to Schanzer, these attacks are "a direct challenge to the US military," which is only becoming more dangerous for US sailors as they refuse to return fire.

"The lack of response on the part of the US might be emboldening the group," said Schanzer.

"After the first rocket there was an opportunity. Its unclear to us why the US Navy didnt fire back at the location from where the rocket was fired," said Schanzer. Indeed, the Mason is an Arleigh Burke class guided-missile destroyer with an Aegis radar, the world's most advanced radar system, on board.

uss mason

Instead of simply firing missiles to intercept and neutralize the incoming threats, the US Navy very likely had the capability to counter the 1990s-vintage missile and send another missile speeding toward the coast of Yemen where the Iranian-backed Houthis were likely in waiting.

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"The fact that they didnt [fire back] might have been an indication to these militants that they can continue to do so with impunity," Schanzer said.

But the reason for the lack of action may come from the top. According to Schanzer, the Obama administration "doesnt want to get dragged into another Middle East conflict, but [it's] also an administration that is phobic of clashing with Iran-sponsored actors."

Yemen map

Obama  who has repeatedly refused to engage allies of Iran militarily, even after Syrian President Bashar Assad crossed Obama's "red line" in Syria by using chemical weapons against his own people  seems completely averse to confronting the regional power in order to preserve the fragile Iran deal, a key element of Obama's foreign-policy legacy.

With Obama in office for just a few more months, Schanzer thinks we're unlikely to see the US military respond to force with force. Instead, any million-dollar missiles fired by the US Navy will likely be in defense.

"The last thing they want to do is challenge Iran," said Schanzer.

Confronting Iran's Yemeni proxies "could put them in a peripheral conflict with the Iranians  that explains the reticence," Schanzer concluded.

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By David Brunnstrom WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia said on Wednesday he did not know what a "panoply" of statements by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte since taking office this year would mean for Manila's future security cooperation with Washington. Duterte has made a series of conflicting statements about the future of his country's long-standing alliance with the United States. Last week he said U.S. President Barack Obama should "go to hell" and alluded to severing ties with Washington.On Wednesday, in an apparent break from a weeks-long torrent of anti-American rhetoric, Duterte said the Philippines would maintain its existing defense treaties and its military alliances. But he added to the confusion when he said his foreign policy was to "realign" and reiterated that joint exercises with U.S. troops, a decades-old tradition, would be stopped. Obama's senior U.S. diplomat for East Asia, Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel, told a roundtable discussion with Washington defense journalists he was baffled. "President Duterte has made a panoply of statements; I think the operative adjective is 'colorful,'" he said. "But what that will ultimately translate (into) in terms of the ability of the Philippines to work with the United States on issues directly germane to security and even some of the regional and global challenges it faces ... we dont have an answer to just yet." Russel said he was not aware of any changes in security cooperation but added, "Im not saying it couldnt happen, it wouldn't happen." He said that if the Philippine government were to propose specific changes to the relationship, the United States would "deal with that," but said there was "a distinction to be made between general high level pronouncements and considered policy decisions and actions." "There is a lot of noise, theres a lot of stray voltage in the media, but ultimately the decisions about the alliance operations are going to be taken, I believe in a deliberate and thoughtful way." Russel said the United States was "working through" the uncertainty and added that the two countries had "been through a lot worse in our 70-year history." He said the U.S. relationship brought "tremendous" benefits to the Philippines ranging from cooperation on counter-terrorism and combating illegal fishing to dealing with Manila's territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea. Russel said Manila's developing dialogue with China was "in principle" a good thing, provided it was conducted on terms acceptable to the Philippines and consistent with international law. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Andrew Hay)
31-year-old Sargunam was troubled by the health condition of Jayalalithaa and set himself on fire.

By Pramod Madhav: A 31-year-old man set himself on fire today as he was troubled by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's health condition.

Sargunam later claimed that he was extremely depressed about Jayalalithaa still being in the hospital. The chief minister was admitted to Apollo hospital on September, 22. Periodical health bulletins have been released by the hospital which served as the only way of knowing about her health.

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On Wednesday afternoon, Sargunam poured petrol and set himself on fire in front of Tambaram Sanitorium in Chennai. The cops who were on patrol tried to put the fire off but Sargunam tried to evade them. He was seen yelling, "There is no news about Amma's health. She should get well soon." Cops finally manged to handle him and put out the fire. Sargunam was immediately rushed to the hospital.

Also read: Katju's love note for Jayalalithaa: You are a fearless lioness, your opponents are langurs



LIFE FOR AMMA



Sargunam's wife, Sheela said that he used to drink and rant such things often, so she didn't take it seriously but was taken back to hear that he set himself on fire. Sargunam who has severe burns in his hands, legs and chest, groaning in pain said, "I want to give my life and save Amma. Tamil Nadu needs her and she must get well soon."

Sargunam works as a security officer in a private company and has a 4-year-old daughter.

Also read: Man killed in shooting inside bus in Tamil Nadu's Virudhunagar district, motive unclear



The incident created tension and drama on the busy road and disrupted traffic movement, while the commuters were shocked.



--- ENDS ---
abandoned taxi china

You've probably heard it before: Uber and Lyft are killing old-school taxis. While it may be a tired trend to talk about, it is also true, according to data from Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

This trend was put in stark relief in one chart from BAML's monthly review of customer card usage. The bank looks at retail and credit card spending for all Bank of America customers and showed that while the total use of taxi/limo services has spiked, the amount spent on traditional car services has tanked.

"After controlling for these companies, we see a decline in credit/debit card spending on the standard taxi and limo companies, implying that the disruptors have taken market share," Michelle Meyer, a US economist at BAML, wrote in a note to clients on Wednesday.

Uber, founded in 2009, and Lyft, founded in 2012, have been around for a while, but it appears the shift away from taxis and to these newer services has recently accelerated.

Additionally, the disruption from Uber, Lyft, and other ride-hailing services has changed the method that people are using to pay for car services from cash to card.

"Moreover, it is likely that these disruptors also intensified the broader industry shift from using cash on these services to credit cards, explaining the dramatic sales growth in this category," Meyer wrote.

Screen Shot 2016 10 12 at 8.56.27 AM

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Istanbul (AFP) - OPEC said Wednesday it was inviting Russia and other key non-members to a meeting later this month as the oil cartel and Moscow seek to tighten cooperation to boost historically low crude prices.

The announcement came after a meeting in Istanbul between several top OPEC energy ministers with their Russian counterpart Alexander Novak aimed at advancing joint efforts to bolster oil prices whose lows have hurt the highly-dependent economies of crude producers.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the World Energy Congress in Istanbul, which on Monday saw a vow by Russian President Vladimir Putin for Moscow to impose curbs on energy output to match OPEC cuts that caused a spurt in oil prices.

"We agreed to have a technical meeting of OPEC... on 28-29 of this month (October). An invitation is going to be sent to some key non-OPEC countries," Qatar Energy Minister Mohammed Saleh al-Sada said after the talks.

"This meeting is meant to give a better understanding of the best way of how to move towards the rebalancing of the market to the interest of all," added the Qatari minister.

Other than Russia, he did not elaborate on what other non-OPEC countries were being invited to the meeting but indicated he wanted a wide turnout.

"We have a list of non-OPEC countries and we are yet to refine it further. We intend to expand it get the feelings of as many non-OPEC countries as possible."

He gave no indication however the meeting would be attended by the United States, the world's number three oil producer.

"The US attending is something we cannot assure you of," he said.

- 'Cooperation roadmap' -

The prospect of Russia, one of the world's top two oil producers alongside Saudi Arabia, coordinating policy with OPEC has boosted global oil markets in the last few days and briefly brought crude to its highest levels for a year.

The cartel had last month at a meeting in Algiers agreed its first production cut in eight years, although it remains to be seen how this will be complied with and implemented.

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Novak confirmed that Russia had been invited to the October meeting in Vienna which would try and "work out a roadmap for the cooperation of our countries" in the rebalancing of prices.

The upcoming talks will be a technical meeting, with the next general meeting of OPEC ministers planned for November 30 in Vienna.

Novak had on Tuesday evoked a possible six month freeze of production levels by Russia to match OPEC's own output curbs.

He said that no concrete figures were discussed at the meeting. "As for figures, that is in the future and and I think (at the October meeting) we will discuss more or less concrete parameters."

Putin said Wednesday in Russia that a freeze of production at current levels was in the interest of the Russian economy. "If OPEC countries agree a production freeze we will join that decision," he said, adding the key obstacle was to find agreement between Saudi Arabia and its regional foe Iran.

- 'Rebalance the market' -

The energy ministers of OPEC members including United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazroui, Qatar Energy Minister Mohammed Saleh al-Sada and Venezuelan Oil Minister Eulogio del Pino all attended the talks at an Istanbul hotel chaired by OPEC Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo.

Of non-OPEC countries, Mexico was also represented.

However there were notable absentees from the talks, with the energy minister of the cartel's kingpin Saudi Arabia, Khalid al-Falih, having already departed from Istanbul and Iraq and Iran also not attending.

Al-Falih had also made clear at the congress earlier in the week that Saudi Arabia was against any drastic output cuts by OPEC, warning the cartel not to "crimp too tightly".

Oil prices had plunged to historic lows over the last two years with an excess of supply partly due to new and cheaper technologies coming at a time of a global economic slowdown.

"We are doing our very best now to rebalance the market," said the Qatari minister al-Sada, adding that the current "overhang" in excess supply was holding back much-needed investment.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 12, 2016 / Canadian Zeolite Corp. (the "Company") (CNZ.V) (CNZCF) (ZEON.F) is pleased to report that crushing and screening equipment has arrived at the Company's Bromley Creek zeolite quarry to crush and screen approximately 10,000 tonnes of zeolite from previous blasts at the present face of the quarry for shipment to the Kamloops facility where it will be processed and sized for specific customer markets and orders.

Canadian Zeolite's CEO will meet with the Operator and their Qualified Person at the Bromley Creek quarry to lay-out a plan for an additional drill and blast. This will ensure sufficient inventoried zeolite will be available throughout the winter months to meet increasing customer demand.

Ray Paquette CEO of Canadian Zeolite states, "The impact of natural zeolites in environmental applications is receiving global recognition. Products based on natural zeolites are applied in environmental fields including animal feed, composting odor control, water purification, fertilizer carrier, plant substrates, wastewater treatment and aquaculture. Our goal is to produce innovative products designed to solve environmental issues."

Canadian Zeolite is an environmentally friendly Green Tech company. We are operational at the Bromley Creek quarry and have a competitive advantage in the world of zeolites given our product has been tested, applied, and exceeds the standards of specific markets.

Canadian Zeolite continues to move forward with the Bromley Creek quarry, which is fully permitted to extract up to 50,000 tonnes of zeolite on an annual basis. The Company is not basing its production decision on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating the economic and technical viability. As a result, there is increased uncertainty and economic and technical risk of failure associated with the production decision.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Ray Paquette"

President & CEO

604.684.3301

www.canadianzeolite.com

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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.

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.

SOURCE: Canadian Zeolite Corp.
TOKYO (Reuters) - A power outage after a fire an underground cable facility on the outskirts of Tokyo left some 350,000 households without electricity on Wednesday afternoon, but all power was restored in about an hour, Tokyo Electric Power said. The blackout occurred at 3:30 p.m. local time (0630 GMT) and affected as many as 350,000 households at one point, but all power was back on line by 4:25 p.m. (0725 GMT), a company spokesman told Reuters over the phone. There was a cable fire at an underground cable facility in Saitama prefecture, next to Tokyo, but the cause of the fire was not immediately known, he said, adding the company was investigating the cause. (Reporting by Yuka Obayashi; Editing by Chris Gallagher and Christian Schmollinger)
GAZA (Reuters) - Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday pardoned a military officer sentenced to a year in jail for criticizing him for attending the funeral of Israeli statesman Shimon Peres, an official said. A court in the occupied West Bank had sentenced Lieutenant-Colonel Osama Mansour to jail and ordered him dismissed because he had broken a military code of conduct forbidding uniformed officials from expressing political opinions, his lawyer said. But a senior Palestinian official, who declined to be named, told Reuters: "The president has issued an amnesty decree in favor of Mansour and the officer will be sent into retirement." The officer had been held in custody since he posted his criticism on Facebook earlier this month. While supporters defended Abbas as making a diplomatic and a good-will gesture in attending Peres's funeral in Jerusalem earlier this month, critics in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip said he betrayed national principles. Peres, 93, shared a Nobel prize for interim peace deals with the Palestinians but many social media postings in Arabic focused on a view of his legacy that jarred with his world acclaim as an architect of the landmark Oslo accords in the 1990s. Peres's state funeral was attended by U.S. President Barack Obama and dozens of dignitaries from around the world. Abbas's visit was his first to Jerusalem since 2010. Before the funeral, Mansour called on Abbas on his Facebook page to reconsider his decision to participate and said it would be "wrong" for the Palestinian leader to attend. "If it was your decision to take part in the funeral of the killer of our children, you were wrong, and if you made the decision on the recommendation (of your advisers), you were misled," Mansour wrote. (Writing by Nidal Almughrabi, Editing by Ori Lewis and Ralph Boulton)
Washington (AFP) - With one eye on Donald Trump's implosion and another on maintaining his party's majority in Congress, House Speaker Paul Ryan is the man in the middle -- struggling with whether to stand by the Republicans' man, or bail.

For the past year as the nation's top elected Republican, Ryan's role has been to keep the House of Representatives -- and its raucous, fractured Republicans -- on an even keel, while shepherding conservative legislation through Congress and onto the president's desk.

But he is clearly walking a tightrope as he navigates an unprecedented presidential race and his party's shoot-from-the-hip nominee.

After hesitating to come on board with Trump earlier this year, he has sought for months now to reconcile his party with the controversial billionaire non-politician at the top of the ticket.

But on Monday he appeared to have had enough, telling hundreds of fellow House Republicans on a conference call that he would no longer "defend" Trump, and instead spend the remainder of the campaign focusing on protecting the Republican congressional majorities.

It was an unprecedented breach between the intellectual leader of the Republican Party and its nominee in the late stages of a US presidential campaign.

The extraordinary move means Ryan has concluded that down-ballot candidates are at increasing risk of going down with Trump, whose campaign has been in free-fall since the release of a 2005 video in which he was caught making lewd remarks about women.

The speaker said he would work to keep Congress in Republican hands, in order to ensure that the Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton would not get a "blank check" from a Democratically controlled House and Senate.

Stunned analysts saw it as a hammer blow to Trump's already wilting chances of defeating Clinton on November 8.

- Combative Trump -

But Trump himself sounded downright combative, tweeting it was "so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to."

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"I don't want his support," Trump snapped Tuesday on Fox News. "I don't care about his support."

On Wednesday he piled on, complaining that Republican leaders were engaged in "a whole sinister deal" to deprive him of support.

Some Republicans were furious at Ryan for distancing himself from the nominee, including congressman Steve King of New York.

"The better Donald Trump does, the better everybody out here on the ticket does all across America," King told CNN.

That is not true in every case, said presidential historian David Pietrusza, who argues that whether Trump helps or hurts a lawmaker will vary from district to district.

"It is a dangerous move either way," said Pietrusza, 66.

For Ryan, a conservative Catholic who said he was disgusted by Trump's recorded remarks, distancing himself from the nominee was less a matter of political calculation than "a question of living with yourself."

- 'Cowardly' -

Ryan, just 46, was considered a "young gun" when he entered Congress from Wisconsin in 1999: wonkish and handsome with a midwestern reserve, brimming with confidence and smarts, and apparently eager to climb the political ladder.

By 2012, he emerged as Republican Mitt Romney's vice presidential running mate, and suddenly was a household name. When Romney lost to incumbent Barack Obama, many openly spoke of Ryan as the party's future.

But Ryan sees his immediate task as maintaining the Republican status quo in Congress.

The conservative wing of the party, known as the Freedom Caucus, has fought Republican leadership at nearly every turn, and some were livid at Ryan's move against Trump.

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher called him "cowardly."

Trump running mate Mike Pence, who said he was "offended" by his boss's language in the tape but ultimately stood by him, expressed disappointment with Ryan.

"Paul Ryan is my friend," Pence told NBC News while campaigning in Iowa. "But yeah, I respectfully disagree with his focus in this campaign."

Pietruzsa says Ryan is now likely to face internecine warfare.

Trump has suggested that if he wins, Ryan would lose his House speaker job. A Trump loss, on the other hand, would likely ignite a fierce battle for the soul of the Republican party with conservative anger at their leadership running high.

"Donald Trump has been the vessel of channeling their anger," Pietrusza said.
LYNCHBURG, Va.  Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence on Wednesday framed the decision between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton as an epochal choice, and implied that Christians who sit out the election lack courage.

When the annals of this time in American history are written, the question will be, Where were you? Where were we in the great battle for life and liberty and freedom in America? What did you do? Pence said in a speech at Liberty University, a Christian university of 15,000 on-campus students in southwest Virginia.

Theres no place for believers on the sidelines at a time like this, Pence said. Its a time for courage.

Pence left no room for the possibility that conservative evangelicals might actually consider standing against Trump on moral grounds.

But on the very campus where he spoke, a group of Liberty students seized on Pences appearance to start publicly circulating a strongly worded petition repudiating Trump and distancing themselves from Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. because of his outspoken support for Trump.

We are Liberty students who are disappointed with President Falwells endorsement and are tired of being associated with one of the worst presidential candidates in American history. Donald Trump does not represent our values and we want nothing to do with him, the petition states.

Because our president has led the world to believe that Liberty University supports Donald Trump, we students must take it upon ourselves to make clear that Donald Trump is absolutely opposed to what we believe, and does not have our support, the petition says. We want the world to know how many students oppose him. We dont want to champion Donald Trump; we want only to be champions for Christ.

The petition also takes Falwell to task for defending Trumps comments on a 2005 videotape in which he talks graphically about forcing himself physically on women and sexually assaulting them.

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Any faculty or staff member at Liberty would be terminated for such comments, and yet when Donald Trump makes them, President Falwell rushes eagerly to his defense  taking the name Liberty University with him. Were all sinners, Falwell told the media, as if sexual assault is a shoulder-shrugging issue rather than an atrocity which plagues college campuses across America, including our own, the petition states.

The petition is just one sign that while a majority of evangelical Christians still support Trump  many of them reluctantly  there are substantial numbers for whom it is a bridge too far. The Public Religion Research Institutes latest poll shows 65 percent of white evangelicals supporting Trump. In 2012, 79 percent of white evangelicals voted for Republican nominee Mitt Romney.

The Barna Groups latest survey shows an unprecedented level of dissatisfaction with the presidential choices among evangelicals. More than four out of ten evangelicals currently refuse to vote for either of those two candidates, George Barna wrote.

Christianity Today magazine released a scathing denunciation of Trump this week, calling him the very embodiment of what the Bible calls a fool. World Magazine, another major Christian publication, printed its own editorial on Tuesday calling for Trump to step aside and let someone else run for president as the GOP nominee. World editor Marvin Olasky quoted Southern Baptist Theological Seminary President Al Mohler in agreement: We should not allow a national disgrace to become the Great Evangelical Embarrassment. And several prominent female leaders in the evangelical world have said they can no longer support Trump since the release of the 2005 tape.

At Liberty, Trump was rejected by most students in the Virginia primary last spring, despite having spoken there and promising to protect Christianity. He received only 8 percent of the vote from students. Sen. Marco Rubio was their first choice, with 44 percent, and Sen. Ted Cruz received 33 percent.

A majority of Liberty students, faculty and staff feel as we do, the Liberty student petition asserts. In an interview, the petitions endorsers said they have encountered many students who are afraid to publicly speak out against Falwells support for Trump because they have jobs on campus and dont want to lose them, or because the culture at Liberty places a high priority on respecting people in positions of authority, especially Christian leaders.

Dustin Wahl, one of the creators of the petition, told Yahoo News that he and the other students circulating the petition all respect President Falwell, but feel free to challenge a Christian leader because challenging a Christian leader is a good way of showing them respect, holding them accountable.

But to a lot of students here, they see it as speaking out against someone who has been placed in their life to be their leader, and they feel like thats something that will not allow them to keep their job or their good standing with other people, so they stay quiet, Wahl said.

Liberty has in the past enforced a strict set of rules governing student speech on campus that prohibited circulation of petitions not approved in advance by school officials, though some of those restrictions have been eased in the past year, the petition organizers said.

And when a Yahoo News reporter tried to solicit student opinions about Trump and Falwell on the anonymous social media forum Yik Yak, the question disappeared after a few minutes. Students in the chat speculated that Liberty officials sometimes monitor the app and downvote submissions in order to make them go away, although there is no evidence of that. The app is blocked on the schools wireless network.

Wahl said that he thinks a majority of students on Libertys campus will vote for Trump, but only out of opposition to Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton.

Indeed, interviews with students before Pences speech revealed little enthusiasm for Trump. Clay Goupil sat with three male friends, wearing an American flag bow tie and a suit jacket. Goupil said the Liberty campus, while politically conservative for the most part, is not pro-Trump. All four friends were regular listeners to the podcast of Ben Shapiro, an outspoken conservative critic of Trump who also used to work at the pro-Trump website Breitbart News with Steve Bannon, now one of Trumps senior advisers.

The four said they sense hostility toward their faith perspective from many corners of the culture, and they like Trumps business credentials. But only one said he would be voting for Trump. Goupil, who is voting by absentee ballot in his home state of Florida, said he was undecided and might vote for Trump. His friend Josh Wilson, also voting absentee in another swing state, Pennsylvania, said he might leave the presidential choice blank or write in another name.

During Pences speech, the audience was unenthusiastic when Pence talked about electing Trump president at the top of his speech. They warmed up and gave several standing ovations to Pence when he criticized Clinton, or talked about being pro-life or pro-Israel.

Pence, who was rumored to have been considering dropping off the ticket with Trump when the 2005 tape first broke into the news cycle, argued that Christians should forgive Trump for his indiscretions.

As Christians, we are called to forgive even as we are forgiven, Pence said. My running mate showed humility  and then he fought back and turned the focus to the choice we face.

Pence also sought to stir up evangelicals against Clinton by expressing outrage over emails in a Wikileaks document dump in which a Clinton adviser, Jennifer Palmieri, says many elite conservatives convert to Catholicism because their rich friends wouldnt understand if they became evangelicals.

Pence called the emails bigoted anti-Catholic, anti-evangelical remarks and called on Clinton to denounce them and apologize.

Palmieri, however, told reporters that she did not recognize that email and implied that it was forged. She said the Russian government has been responsible for cyberattacks on American government and political entities and is also behind the timing and manner of the leaks.

By dribbling these out every day, WikiLeaks is proving they are nothing but a propaganda arm of the Kremlin with a political agenda doing Putins dirty work to help elect Donald Trump, Palmieri said. The FBI is now investigating this crime, the unanswered questions are why Donald Trump strangely wont condemn it and whether any of his associates are involved.
A day after the Prime Minister invoked Lord Rama at his Dussehra speech in Lucknow, the Congress called it a political act meant to further his party's agenda.

Prime Minister's 'Jai Sri Ram' speech on Dussehra has come under fire from the Opposition. (Photo: PTI)

By Mausami Singh: In the run up to the assembly elections in 2017, the political rhetoric is getting shriller. A day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated Dussehra at Aishbagh ground in Lucknow, the Congress has accused the PM of using Lord Rama for political gains.

Launching a sharp attack on his Dussehra address, which the PM started by invoking Lord Rama, Congress spokesperson Meem Afzal said, "I would like to ask the PM what if Vice President Hamid Ansari addressed a congregation starting with Allah hu Akbar?"

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ALSO READ: Lucknow: At Ramleela function, PM Modi says terror must be defeated just like Ram defeated Ravana

THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK

Afzal said Narendra Modi holds a constitutional post and therefore he must think "if he should have used Jai Sri Ram for furthering his party's agenda".

Given the BJP's stand on the Ayodhya issue, Afzal said that every time the Prime Minister talks about Lord Rama, people are bound to link it to the temple.

ALSO READ: Lucknow welcomes Uri avengers, read hoardings on PM Modi's visit for Dussehra Mela today

RAMA IS FOR ELECTION SEASON

Pramod Tiwari, the in-charge of the Congress coordination committee for the UP polls, said that the Ram Mandir has always been a poll issue for the BJP. "During every election season, the BJP picks up this topic and after the election puts Rama in a box and locks him away," Tiwari said.

Accusing the Prime Minister of politicising Lord Rama, Tiwari said the PM must explain why he does not use the same invocation of 'Jai Sri Ram' while attending other functions.

Senior Congress leader Rashid Alvi said that the Prime Minister remembers Uttar Pradesh only when the elections are due. "The PM's speech is sheer politics. He has no faith in Sri Ram. This is just an attempt to woo voters," said Alvi, who belongs to UP.

ALSO READ: BJP rally in Lucknow to project PM Modi as terror-slayer as party smells winning formula

ALSO READ: Modi's arrow against evil: Terror knows no border, world must unite against it



--- ENDS ---
Tesla Road Trip 2016

When it comes to electric vehicles, we're about to exit the age of "range anxiety."

Mass-market EVs, first from Tesla and Chevy, but later from pretty much every other major automaker, are going to provide numerous 200-mile-range cars, at reasonable prices.

Range anxiety had been a big concern; car companies favored various hybrid designs because they correctly assumed that consumers wanted better fuel economy and lower emissions, and didn't want to deal with EVs that could deliver only about 80 miles per charge, max.

But now they're going to be up against a new problem. I'm calling it "charge fatigue."

We've gone, in about two decades, from having to charge almost nothing to having to charge everything. Smartphones, tablets, laptops, speakers, various batteries, watches. Soon, those new Apple AirPod earbuds.

I probably have 50 chargers around my house. Currently, as a family we have five phones, three laptops, three tablets, and three speakers to keep juiced up.

It's frankly refreshing to get into the car, see that I only have an eighth of a tank of gas, then drive over to the filling station and in five minutes have enough range to cover me for a few weeks of errand-running and grocery shopping and drag racing (just kidding about the drag racing).

gas prices gas station

Only one good option

I've driven quiet a few electric cars at this point, and the only time I've ever had what I'll term an easy charging experience was when I pulled a Tesla Model S up to a Tesla Supercharger and fully recharged in about an hour. But even then, I had to take the time, eating lunch while I waited. With other vehicles, I've need to find charging facilities or deal with ultra-slow home charging.

One of my friends in Los Angeles owns an electric Volkswagen and simply plugs his car in every night when he gets home. But he of course has a covered garage and a faster charging setup. However, if his power goes out or he forgets to plug in, he has issues.

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It could just be me, but I find the charging part to be the least appealing thing about EVs. I own a Toyota Prius, and one of the brilliant things about the arrival of that vehicle for many owners was the realization that they had to go to the gas station about half as often as with a non-hybrid car, saving both money and time, but more importantly lessening their cognitive load. I rarely think about whether I need to get gas.

2016 Toyota Prius

Meanwhile, I'm constantly reminding myself to juice up my phone, and my family's combat over chargers got so bad that I recently assigned everybody their own, going so far as write names on them. The whole thing is exhausting. And if I leave home to commute to New York City by bus or train and I have forgotten to charge my phone, I'm in a pickle. Then the whole thing is exasperating.

Some solutions have been proposed, on the electric-car front: inductive charging via the roadways, wireless charging. But these technologies are decades away.

So for now, as we slide deeper and deeper in chronic charge fatigue, I'm fairly certain that this is yet another factor holding back more widespread and enthusiastic EV adoption.

NOW WATCH: A 13-year-old kid explains why Tesla is the best car





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The lights are off in the Committee on Science, Space and Technology room  once the last stand for Bob Inglis. The conservative climate change believer had lost to a tea party challenger, and, on that day six years ago, he was indignant. In a televised hearing, Inglis said he was glad deniers would have their comments on the record for history to judge them accordingly, and promised that China would eat our lunch in the next century if America didnt innovate around alternative fuels and global warming concerns.

Gettyimages 176473821

Inglis at the National Clean Energy Summit 6.0 in 2013.

Source Isaac Brekken/Getty

It was a fiery indictment of scientific skepticism and government inaction. But today, there is no audience. The black leather chair from which he gave his solemn swan song sits empty, and the old Capitol Hill office he inherited from rising Colorado Sen. Mark Udall was handed over to an Indiana congressman who is now vice presidential nominee Mike Pence. The climate change debate seems to have hardly moved on, even if the lawmakers who survived Inglis have. Oh, yeah, I miss it, Inglis says. Although, I will tell you, Im very sad for the people who never lead while they are here.

While Inglis was ousted from office, hes since advanced his counter-party conservatism in other ways. In 2012, he founded the Energy and Enterprise Initiative at George Mason University, which promotes conservative solutions to energy and climate challenges. That program has scaled up to RepublicEn, a savvy online community that uses Facebook advertising and viral videos to reach young conservatives sympathetic to the cause. He was awarded the Profile in Courage Award from the John F. Kennedy Library Foundation last year, and the border-adjustable carbon tax hes championing has been praised by economists for marrying free-market principles with the goals of environmental activists, winning support from the disparate likes of former Vice President Al Gore and ex-Ronald Reagan aide Art Laffer. As Ted Lieu, a freshman House Democrat and co-author of an environmental carbon-pricing bill, laughs: I tweeted he was my new American hero.

Story continues

Inglis looks economical with his sparse white hair, neat blue suit and sleek black glasses. Hes here in the nations capital again to make more converts, dropping quotes from St. Francis of Assisi and Thomas Friedman as he goes. Inglis explains his back-of-the-envelope math: He needs 200 right-leaning activists in 25 Republican House districts (and 15 Senate seats that go with them) to pressure his former colleagues into voting on carbon pricing. What that means is we need 5,000 people, he says, and RepublicEn has more than 1,000 listed online. His organization, along with other eco-right groups like ConservAmerica, the R Street Institute and Citizens for Responsible Energy Solutions, would form grassroots willpower through letters to legislators, public events and running interference on the airwaves that dominate conservative discussion. When we get on the radio and sing just a couple bars of this, people start to hear it as a tune that they agree with  that we should have accountability and a level playing field, where all fuels are accountable for what they cost, Inglis says.

Still, real traction for action from conservatives is nascent at best, and nonexistent at worst. Yes, 47 percent of conservatives now say the climate is changing, according to a survey released in April by Yale and George Mason Universities, up 19 points since the 2014 midterms. However, in Gallups annual environmental poll less than two-fifths of Republicans said they felt like the change was man-made, complicating efforts by folks like Inglis to enact reforms. And once you start talking about hurting the economy for what appears to be little environmental gain, conservatives struggle to hum along, Inglis admits. If we put into place all of their regulations, we will see the difference in the sea level be less than two widths of a human hair, Oklahoma Rep. Jim Bridenstine, who sits on Inglis former committee, tells OZY, citing an Environmental Protection Agency report.

It can be one of the key planks of the platform to turn the Grumpy Old Party into the Great Opportunity Party. Bob Inglis

Gettyimages 107553610

Source Spencer Platt/Getty

For his part, Inglis says such views miss the hidden costs of not taxing emissions. But can thousands of supporters really make a difference in a nation of millions of voters? Inglis is taking the message from colleges in Minnesota to Maryland and Kentucky, to name just a few states, and argues that an opportunity lies in the reimagining of the Republican Party should Donald Trump lose in November. It can be one of the key planks of the platform to turn the Grumpy Old Party into the Great Opportunity Party, Inglis says.

That slow transformation is one Inglis is familiar with. During his first six-year term representing South Carolinas 4th District in the 90s, he called climate change hooey and Al Gores imagination. He went into private law, came back in 2004 and emerged humbler  vowing to consider other viewpoints. Fact-finding trips to Antarctica along with his sons urging led Inglis to propose a carbon-pricing plan in opposition to the Obama cap-and-trade program that he viewed dismally. It earned him a tea party challenger: Trey Gowdy, who has since become famous during the Benghazi investigations for leading the divisive partisanship tactics that Inglis opposes. Says Inglis: Im glad that I dont have to do that, is all Ive got to say.

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That didn't take long. After being appointed creative director of Roberto Cavalli in March 2015, Peter Dundas is now exiting the Italian fashion house.

"On behalf of Roberto Cavalli and our shareholders, we thank Peter Dundas for his contribution to the brand, and we wish him well for his future," Roberto Cavalli CEO Gian Giacomo Ferraris said Wednesday in a statement. "As Roberto Cavalli goes through a period of transformation, the design team will carry on and the appointment of a new creative director will be made in due course."

Read more: Milan Day 1: At Gucci, Hollywood Forever; At Cavalli, Nudie's Rodeo Tailors

Dundas' successor has yet to be announced, but Business of Fashion reports that the luxury label is going to experience a company-wide reorganization following the designer's departure. The company will close its Milan offices and move its operations to Florence, as well as cut 200 positions from the current headcount of 672. A number of stores also will be closed or relocated.

"After my initial examination of the company I believe the Cavalli brand has what it takes to succeed," Ferraris told Business of Fashion. "But the reality is that the company's costs must be in line with its revenues and that is the task we now have to embark upon."

Dundas previously worked as chief designer at Cavalli from 2002 to 2005 before serving as Emilio Pucci's creative director for six years and then returning to Cavalli last year.

Dundas presented his last collection at Milan Fashion Week in September, where THR senior fashion editor Booth Moore described his Western-themed range as "rock n' roll, decadent and very L.A."

Read more: Zayn Malik Is a Designer Now

The designer's sexy creations were a favorite among the Hollywood set. Beyonce slayed in a Dundas-designed ruffle stunner in Lemonade; Kim Kardashian wore the first gown he made upon returning to the brand in 2015 to the Met Gala; and Cavalli ambassador Ciara enlisted him to design her wedding down when she tied the knot with Russell Wilson.

"I want to thank Roberto Cavalli and the Group for this valuable experience and I wish them the best in their future endeavors," said Dundas. "I am especially grateful to the ateliers and the teams who participated in this adventure."
By Neil Jerome Morales and Karen Lema MANILA (Reuters) - About 250 Philippine business executives will visit Beijing with President Rodrigo Duterte next week as he puts aside years of hostility to seek a new partnership with China at a time when tensions between Manila and its traditional ally, the United States, are mounting. There has been no announcement about the delegation, but business groups and government officials said registration to join Duterte on his Oct. 19-21 visit had been oversubscribed. Filipino executives are eager to talk with Chinese business leaders and government officials about deals in a range of sectors, from rail, and construction to tourism, agribusiness, power and manufacturing, the sources said. Initially only about two dozen Philippine entrepreneurs were to accompany Duterte but the number had ballooned to about 250, Trade Undersecretary Nora Terrado told Reuters. "I understand there are 100 more wanting to go," Terrado said, adding the size of the delegation was unusual because the two sides agreed on the visit only about one month ago. The trip could signal a transformation in a relationship dogged in recent years by mistrust over rival territorial claims in the South China Sea, and could upset strategic alliances in a region growing wary of China's influence and military might and where the United States has a strong presence. An arbitration court ruling in the Hague on July 12 that said China had breached the Philippines' sovereign rights in the South China Sea had threatened to lead to a further deterioration in ties between Manila and Beijing. But Duterte, who took office on June 30 after winning an election in May, has instead aggressively courted China and said he wants to reduce the nation's dependence on the United States. He has said he will hold talks with China on the South China Sea dispute. His promises to engage with China have in large part come in a near-daily barrage of hostility against Washington, raising questions about whether his overtures carried weight, or were simply aimed at boosting his profile at home by espousing a "pro-Filipino" foreign policy. CLOUDS "FADING AWAY" In recent days there have been clear signs of improving business ties. On Saturday, Philippines Finance Minister Carlos Dominguez said in an interview in Washington that Duterte would seek billions of dollars in infrastructure investments from China in coming months. And Philippine Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel Pinol said on Sunday that China would lift a ban on fruit exports by 27 Philippine firms as a "gift" to Duterte. And the size of the delegation going to China and early comments from senior government officials in Manila signal a new and potentially much deeper economic relationship with Beijing than there has ever been before. "We do have a very popular president and the president decided that he wanted to have a better relationship with China," said Francis Chua, chairman emeritus of Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "We are neighbours... this is actually what the president is thinking: instead of fighting, why don't we just become friends?" Officially, Beijing has yet to confirm Duterte's visit, but Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a regular press briefing on Tuesday that both sides were in close contact and it hoped Duterte would visit at an early date. He said both sides had the desire to improve relations and China was willing to increase cooperation in all aspects. Beijing's ambassador to the Philippines, Zhao Jianhua, has been more lyrical in welcoming the transformation. "The clouds are fading away. The sun is rising over the horizon, and will shine beautifully on the new chapter of bilateral relations," he said at a Chinese National Day reception in Manila last month. Discussions between officials of the two governments would be held on the first day of the visit and on day two about 600 representatives of private firms from both countries would be addressed by Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping, several sources said, citing a tentative program. While no concrete deals have yet been finalised, several Filipino businessmen said exploratory talks would be held on cooperating in a range of sectors including industry, finance and low-cost manufacturing. "We have members who are looking for some tie-up with their like in power, agriculture, financing facilities and joint ventures," said Sergio Ortiz-Luis, president of the Philippine Exporters Confederation. "They (China) might be offering certain packages, grants on the table." Trade Minister Ramon Lopez told Reuters on Monday that Chinese manufacturers could benefit from low manufacturing wages in the Philippines, which could vie with Vietnam for some investments. EARLY SIGNALS Some Chinese companies have already indicated interest in new projects in the Philippines. China's CRRC-Dalian Co., Ltd, a unit of China's CRRC Corp, said in a statement on Monday it had "solid intent" to modernize the antiquated railway system in the Philippines. And while there has been no firm talk of defense deals, Duterte said last month the United States had refused to sell some weapons to his country but he didn't care because Russia and China were willing suppliers. U.S. officials said they were doing their best to ignore Duterte's hostile rhetoric and taking comfort in the fact that he had yet to translate his words into less military cooperation. A closer Philippines-China relationship, analysts say, could jeopardize regional efforts to forge a unified position on how to handle China's assertiveness in the South China Sea. By engaging with China, Duterte could improve his chances of tackling urgent issues at home, such as weak infrastructure, unemployment and energy security as domestic natural gas reserves run out. There are oil and gas reserves off Palawan island and at the Reed Bank in the South China Sea but the Philippines lacks the expertise to exploit them. State-run Philex Petroleum has not ruled out resuming stalled joint surveys with China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) at the Reed Bank. Undersecretary Terrado, who heads the trade ministry's industrial promotions department, said it would be businesses setting the agenda themselves next week, free of government intervention. "We are allowing market forces to just get it on," said Terrado. (Writing by Martin Petty; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan and Martin Howell)
By Karen Lema MANILA (Reuters) - The Philippines on Wednesday announced plans to open in November what it called a "mega" drug rehabilitation facility, funded by a Chinese tycoon, to treat up to 10,000 patients in President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs. The news comes six days ahead of a visit to Beijing by Duterte, accompanied by hundreds of businessmen, as he seeks to forge closer ties with the Asian giant and daily airs his dissatisfaction with traditional ally the United States. Several thousand people, mostly small-time drug users and dealers, have died at the hands of police and suspected vigilantes since Duterte took office on June 30, promising to eradicate the drug menace. "This initiative will not only benefit these drug victims whom we want to help and reach out to, but also for the change that we envision for our country," Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial told a news conference. The center, located in a military camp north of the capital, Manila, was paid for by Chinese philanthropist and real estate developer Huang Rulun, whose net worth Forbes magazine has estimated at $3.9 billion. It will be built using 75 shipping containers of material imported from China, said Ubial. The government plans to build four more mega treatment and rehabilitation facilities elsewhere in the country and many donors, including Chinese, have come forward, she added. Duterte has repeatedly said the Chinese have expressed their readiness to help his government fight illegal drugs, which he estimates to have affected more than 3 million Filipinos. But he has also criticized China for not doing enough to stem the flow of methamphetamines into the Philippines. Just one or two percent of declared drug addicts, or "surrenderers", as they are known in the Philippines, will receive in-patient treatment at the sprawling center, however. Roughly 700,000 such addicts have come forward to register with the authorities, but the country currently has few facilities to help them. The Philippines is training hundreds of people to staff the new center, which will require 900 personnel to treat the first batch of 2,500 patients. Duterte, who has admonished rights groups and foreign governments which raised concerns about the drugs crackdown, called his critics "stupid" and "idiots", in a speech on Wednesday. He confirmed he had officially invited a United Nations special rapporteur on extrajudicial executions to investigate the drug killings. "It will be open to the public," Duterte said, describing such an inquiry. "Ask me any question under the sun, just afford me the right to be heard." (Reporting by Karen Lema Writing by Kanupriya Kapoor; Editing by Martin Petty and Clarence Fernandez)
(Adds details on market, quote)

By Kanupriya Kapoor and Enrico Dela Cruz

MANILA, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is set to sign a regulation this month banning smoking in public across Southeast Asia's second-most populous country, rolling out among the toughest anti-tobacco laws in the region.

Public health campaigners who have long battled against the country's hefty tobacco lobby welcomed the push to end smoking in public places and said they believed Duterte, with his tough anti-vice record, was the man to do it.

Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial told Reuters on Tuesday she hoped the president would sign the ban, which expands the definition of public places, into law before the end of October and that it would come into effect next month.

She was quoted by newspapers as saying that no smoking would be allowed in public places, whether indoor or outdoor.

"Parks, bus stations, and even in vehicles. All these are considered public places," she said, according to media. She later clarified the law would apply only to public vehicles.

Designated smoking areas will be set up, at least 10 meters (33 feet) outside buildings, according to a draft of the executive order seen by Reuters.

Around 17 million people, or nearly a third of the adult population, smoke in the Philippines, according to a 2014 report by Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance, - the second highest in the region after Indonesia. Nearly half of all Filipino men and 9 percent of women smoke and experts say the habit costs the economy nearly $4 billion in healthcare and productivity losses every year.

Sandra Mullin of Vital Strategies, a global public health organisation, said smoke-free laws reduced smoking prevalence by 4 percent, if fully comprehensive.

Marlboro owner Philip Morris International, estimated to hold more than 70 percent of the Philippines market through its joint venture with Fortune Tobacco, will be among the international producers most affected by the proposed ban.

Story continues

In 2015, the Philippines accounted for almost 1 in every 13 cigarettes sold by Philip Morris globally, though analysts estimated it was worth a far smaller 2 percent of profit.

A spokeswoman for Philip Morris International referred queries on the proposed ban to the Philippine Tobacco Institute, which represents tobacco interests in the country.

A spokesman for the institute said he had no immediate comment on the proposed ban.

SCALING UP

The proposed smoking ban replicates on a national level an existing law in Davao City, where Duterte ruled as mayor for 22 years until his rise to the presidency earlier this year.

Penalties for breaking the anti-smoking law in Davao can include a 5,000 Philippine peso ($103) fine or four months in prison.

When Duterte was in Davao, he once personally forced a man to stub out his cigarette and eat it after he refused to stop smoking in a restaurant, according to media reports.

A government spokesman declined to comment on the incident but said:

"Certainly in Davao, the sentiment and business establishments support a smoke-free Davao. The president sees it as something that's not ideal for health...and this is part of the public well-being," Ernesto Abella said.

Duterte also rolled out a number of other strict rules in the city of 1.5 million during his term as mayor, including banning late-night drinking and karaoke, and a 10 p.m. curfew for school children. He also oversaw a severe crackdown on narcotics and crime in the city, earning him the nickname "The Punisher".

The 71-year old won the presidency on a promise of widening that crackdown throughout the country of 100 million. Over 3,600 people, mostly small-time drug user and dealers, have died in police operations and alleged vigilante killings since he took office in June.

Anti-tobacco activists said Duterte's reputation meant the nationwide smoking ban would be implemented.

"This is effectively a scaling up of the Davao City plan," said Ralph Degollacion of Health Justice Philippines, a local NGO.

"We know his track record...and given the political will in his government, we're confident that in terms of implementation he will really push it," he said.

When asked if the ban could extend to alcohol and gambling - both multi-million dollar industries - government spokesman Abella said there were no such plans in the offing and that bars and casinos were continuing to operate normally.

BIG TOBACCO UNDER PRESSURE

The nationwide ban is set to be among the strictest no-smoking laws in Southeast Asia. The region is home to nearly 10 percent of the world's smokers and while most countries have partial smoking bans in place, enforcement is often lax.

The Philippines ban will also cover 'vaping' or the use of electronic cigarettes.

For tobacco companies, already under pressure from tobacco tax hikes under the previous government, that's bad news.

"A smoking ban could see any further recovery in the sales dynamics in the market stall," Owen Bennett, equity analyst at Jefferies International, said in a note.

Duterte's government has also proposed increasing taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products, Finance Undersecretary Karl Kenneth Chua said. The tax would build on a landmark tax-hike imposed by the previous government, but Chua did not elaborate on how much additional revenue the government was expected to net. ($1 = 48.2800 Philippine pesos)

(Additional reporting by Clara Ferreira Marques in Singapore and Martine Geller in London; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
By Kanupriya Kapoor and Enrico Dela Cruz MANILA (Reuters) - Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is set to sign a regulation this month banning smoking in public across Southeast Asia's second-most populous country, rolling out among the toughest anti-tobacco laws in the region. Public health campaigners who have long battled against the country's hefty tobacco lobby welcomed the push to end smoking in public places and said they believed Duterte, with his tough anti-vice record, was the man to do it. Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial told Reuters on Tuesday she hoped the president would sign the ban, which expands the definition of public places, into law before the end of October and that it would come into effect next month. She was quoted by newspapers as saying that no smoking would be allowed in public places, whether indoor or outdoor. "Parks, bus stations, and even in vehicles. All these are considered public places," she said, according to media. She later clarified the law would apply only to public vehicles. Designated smoking areas will be set up, at least 10 meters (33 feet) outside buildings, according to a draft of the executive order seen by Reuters. Around 17 million people, or nearly a third of the adult population, smoke in the Philippines, according to a 2014 report by Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance, - the second highest in the region after Indonesia. Nearly half of all Filipino men and 9 percent of women smoke and experts say the habit costs the economy nearly $4 billion in healthcare and productivity losses every year. Sandra Mullin of Vital Strategies, a global public health organization, said smoke-free laws reduced smoking prevalence by 4 percent, if fully comprehensive. Marlboro owner Philip Morris International, estimated to hold more than 70 percent of the Philippines market through its joint venture with Fortune Tobacco, will be among the international producers most affected by the proposed ban. In 2015, the Philippines accounted for almost 1 in every 13 cigarettes sold by Philip Morris globally, though analysts estimated it was worth a far smaller 2 percent of profit. A spokeswoman for Philip Morris International referred queries on the proposed ban to the Philippine Tobacco Institute, which represents tobacco interests in the country. A spokesman for the institute said he had no immediate comment on the proposed ban. SCALING UP The proposed smoking ban replicates on a national level an existing law in Davao City, where Duterte ruled as mayor for 22 years until his rise to the presidency earlier this year. Penalties for breaking the anti-smoking law in Davao can include a 5,000 Philippine peso ($103) fine or four months in prison. When Duterte was in Davao, he once personally forced a man to stub out his cigarette and eat it after he refused to stop smoking in a restaurant, according to media reports. A government spokesman declined to comment on the incident but said: "Certainly in Davao, the sentiment and business establishments support a smoke-free Davao. The president sees it as something that's not ideal for health... and this is part of the public well-being," Ernesto Abella said. Duterte also rolled out a number of other strict rules in the city of 1.5 million during his term as mayor, including banning late-night drinking and karaoke, and a 10 p.m. curfew for school children. He also oversaw a severe crackdown on narcotics and crime in the city, earning him the nickname "The Punisher". The 71-year old won the presidency on a promise of widening that crackdown throughout the country of 100 million. Over 3,600 people, mostly small-time drug user and dealers, have died in police operations and alleged vigilante killings since he took office in June. Anti-tobacco activists said Duterte's reputation meant the nationwide smoking ban would be implemented. "This is effectively a scaling up of the Davao City plan," said Ralph Degollacion of Health Justice Philippines, a local NGO. "We know his track record... and given the political will in his government, we're confident that in terms of implementation he will really push it," he said. When asked if the ban could extend to alcohol and gambling - both multi-million dollar industries - government spokesman Abella said there were no such plans in the offing and that bars and casinos were continuing to operate normally. BIG TOBACCO UNDER PRESSURE The nationwide ban is set to be among the strictest no-smoking laws in Southeast Asia. The region is home to nearly 10 percent of the world's smokers and while most countries have partial smoking bans in place, enforcement is often lax. The Philippines ban will also cover 'vaping' or the use of electronic cigarettes. For tobacco companies, already under pressure from tobacco tax hikes under the previous government, that's bad news. "A smoking ban could see any further recovery in the sales dynamics in the market stall," Owen Bennett, equity analyst at Jefferies International, said in a note. Duterte's government has also proposed increasing taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products, Finance Undersecretary Karl Kenneth Chua said. The tax would build on a landmark tax-hike imposed by the previous government, but Chua did not elaborate on how much additional revenue the government was expected to net. (Additional reporting by Clara Ferreira Marques in Singapore and Martine Geller in London; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)
Alia Bhatt Issue Credits: Architectural Digest India October 2016 Photo Credits: Prasad Naik (for portrait shots) & Ashish Sahi (for interior shots)

Architectural Digest India is the very first to see Alia Bhatts new house, which she will be sharing with her sister Shaheen: Before my friends, before my family, even before my father!, she says. It was during the shooting of the Vikas Bahl-directed Shaandaar that Alia Bhatt met Richa (Vikass wife), whom she would end up asking to design her new house. Although there was no real brief, she was very clear about what she didnt want. I told Richa I didnt want it to be too modern. I wanted it to feel a little old, with a New York loft kind of feel. And I didnt want anything overtly glamorous, like chandeliers, or marble floors. She purchased the house two years ago, choosing it over two others she had seen, because of its closeness to her parents house. It was really a no-brainer for me, she says, with much more confidence than you would expect from a 23-year-old speaking of her first home. The renovation took around a year and a half, and the spaces four bedrooms were reconfigured to three. Richa fashioned Alias dressing room into a separate space to ensure the rest of the house would be private, even if the actress was in the midst of fittings. You know, when shes getting ready its not just her. Theres the stylist, the make-up artists, the spot boys, the ironing guys its like a mela in there, says Richa, in mild horror. A lobby now separates that space from the large living room, which has turned out to be a cosy mix of New York loft and Swiss chalet, with white walls, comfortable sofas, concrete-tiled floors and expansive windows that incongruously though not unpleasantlylook out to Mumbais very tropical trees. The palette here is surprisingly mature. Alia wanted the space to be as completely removed from the glamour associated with Bollywood as possible, and even the lighting is muted, in deliberate contrast to the harsh spotlightliteral and figurativein which the actress usually finds herself. The one thing the sisters insisted on in the house was a tea bar, because apparently, theyre both really into tea. Just totally obsessed, says Alia, sounding like a sprightly octogenarian. Its hard to imagine anyone (young or old) comfortably drink tea while perched up on a bar stool, but the hip flask on the bar counter that reads, I didnt text you, vodka texted you, indicates that other beverages might be served as well. To read more, grab your copy of Architectural Digest Indias October 2016 issue, out on stands now.

Issue Credits: Architectural Digest India October 2016

Photo Credits: Prasad Naik (for portrait shots) & Ashish Sahi (for interior shots)
Pineapple leather has landed [Photo: Instagram/Pinatex]

Pineapples are having a moment. Earlier this week we reported that its all about pineapples not pumpkins this Halloween, experts have long been waxing lyrical about the health benefits of the spiky fruit and theyve become the must-have golden accessory du jour in the world of interior design. But now theres another reason to love pineapples because a clever design company have used the leaves of the pineapple plant to create an animal-friendly alternative to leather.

The tropical textile is the brainchild of designer Carmen Hijosa who came across the product while researching alternatives to leather in the Philippines. She discovered the possibilities of pineapple fibre and partnered with local weavers to experiment with transforming it into a mesh-like material.



The fabric created was both fine and strong, making it the perfect combination as a leather alternative. And thats when the idea for Pinatex was born.



The faux leather is almost as good as the real thing [Photo: Instagram/Pinatex]

The material uses fine fibres extracted from pineapple leaves  which are considered an agricultural by-product, often burned or left to rot. Through her start-up company Ananas Anam, Pinatex then takes these fibres and felts them together into a non-woven fabric that can be used for clothes, footwear or even furniture.

We are actually taking a waste material and upscaling it, meaning that were giving it added value, Carmen Hijosa told Fast Co Exist earlier this year.



And since the material is strikingly similar to the real thing, you get the leather-look without any of the guilt. Winning.



The future looks sweet for faux-leather [Photo: Instagram/Pinatex]

Fruit meets fashion

The designer has spent the last five years developing Pinatex at the Royal College of Art and sample shoes have been made by Camper and Puma. Designer Ally Capellino has also made bags from it, while other international companies are also selling a variety of products from boots to laptop carriers.



Story continues

The production of Pinatex involves no harming of animals, or for that matter pineapples, which means its a truly environmentally-friendly fashion choice that takes a waste product and turns it into super cute, super durable bags, shoes and more.

The products has been used in shoes, bags and even furniture [Photo: Instagram/Pinatex]

Unsurprisingly, this game-changing fashion innovation has not gone unnoticed. Earlier this year, Londons Royal College of Arts announced Carmen Hijosa as the winner of their 2016 Arts Foundation award for Material Innovation, while PETA UK also honoured the designer with an Innovation Award during their annual Fashion Awards in 2015.

And if the pieces that have dropped so far are anything to go by the future for pineapple-based fashion is looking pretty sweet. *groans*

Would you buy a bag made from pineapple leather? Let us know @YahooStyleUK

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John Podesta speaking in the spin room at the second presidential debate, held at Hofstra University. (Photo: Yahoo News)

Clinton campaign chair John Podesta told reporters Tuesday night that longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone may have had advance knowledge that Podestas private emails were hacked and about to be published on Wikileaks. Stone quickly rebutted the allegations, calling them laughably absurd.

I think it is a reasonable assumption  or at least a reasonable conclusion  that Mr. Stone had advance warning and the Trump campaign had advance warning about what [Wikileaks founder Julian] Assange was going to do, Podesta said about the hack, which Wikileaks posted on Friday. I think there is a reasonable belief that Mr. Assange may have passed this information on to Mr. Stone.

Podesta said the FBI was investigating the hack, which the Clinton campaign and U.S. government believe was the result of a Russian state-sponsored cyberattack. He said he did not know whether the FBI was looking into Stone. The FBI had not yet returned a request for comment on Podestas claims as of Tuesday night.

Podesta said the campaign believes Stone was aware that his emails were going to be released based on a Tweet the campaign operative posted in August. Trust me, it will soon be Podestas time in the barrel, Stone wrote.

Trust me, it will soon the Podesta's time in the barrel. #CrookedHillary  Roger Stone (@RogerJStoneJr) August 21, 2016

Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon also pointed to a interview Stone did in August with Alex Jones InfoWars, when he said he had been in touch with Assange through mutual friends. In late September and early October, Stone repeatedly touted that Assange would soon release more information on Clinton, both on his Twitter and in another interview with Jones.

But Stone denied Podestas allegations. Laughably absurd and categorically false, Stone wrote to Yahoo News. He should make any evidence he has that would prove this claim public. There is none. Stone did not deny that he had been in touch with Assange, but he said his communication with him had no connection to Podesta. His name never came up, he wrote.

Story continues

Stone added that his August tweet about Podesta was based entirely on my own research. I am well aware of Podestas activities abroad. At the time Stone tweeted the comment, Trumps campaign manager Paul Manafort had resigned his job under fire for his past connections to Russia as a lobbyist. Trump allies at the time were pointing to the firm of Podestas brother Tony Podesta, which also did work for foreign governments.

Since Friday, Wikileaks has posted thousands of emails hacked from Podestas private Gmail account, including ones written by Hillary Clinton, in what appears to be an attempt to embarrass the Clinton campaign. The campaign has struggled to respond to the contents of the emails, and has declined to authenticate them.

Podesta suggested that Wikileaks timed the latest release to drown out the scandal over Trump saying in leaked audio from 10 years ago that he liked to grab women by the genitals. He called the timing a curious coincidence.

Clearly Mr. Assange wanted to change the subject, he said. He didnt succeed in doing it.

Podesta strongly condemned Trump for refusing to say Russia is behind the hacks in the most recent debate, saying that he knows from his intelligence briefings as a candidate thats not true. Trump has praised Russian President Vladimir Putin as a strong leader.

I would say that the Russian interference in this election and their apparent attempt to influence it on behalf of Mr. Trump should be of utmost concern to all Americans, whether Democrat, Independent or Republican, Podesta said.
The United States issued a statement stating that it was worried about the threats faced by journalists in Pakistan. It, however, did not have anything to say on travel ban on Pakistani journalist Cyril Almeida.

Cyril Almeida has been barred from leaving from leaving Pakistan after he reported on the government-military rift. Photo: Youtube

By Press Trust of India: The US has expressed concern over the difficulties and dangers faced by journalists in Pakistan but refrained from commenting on the travel restrictions imposed on a Pakistani scribe for reporting a rift between the civilian and military leaderships.

"I'm aware of the reports of restrictions on (Cyril) Almeida's travel. I would refer you to the government of Pakistan for information on that," State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference on Tuesday.

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'CONCERNED ABOUT EFFORTS TO LIMIT PRESS FREEDOM IN PAKISTAN'

"On press freedom, it's obviously an issue that we continue to raise regularly with the government of Pakistan, including our concerns about the difficulties and the dangers that journalists face there," he said.

"We are concerned about any efforts to limit press freedom or the ability of journalists to conduct their very, very important work," Kirby said.

Also Read: Pakistan bans Dawn journalist Cyril Almeida from leaving country after report on government-military rift



'IMMEDIATELY LIFT TRAVEL BAN' ON CYRIL ALMEIDA: COMMITTEE TO PROTECT JOURNALISTS

Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect Journalists urged Pakistan to "immediately lift the travel ban" on Almeida.

"Pakistan can be a dangerous place for journalists, but the nation has a proud tradition of a fiercely independent press," said CPJ Asia Programme Coordinator Steven Butler.

"Unhappiness with a press report should never be used as an excuse to restrict the freedom of a journalist," he added.

Under Secretary, State for Political Affairs, Tom Shannon held a working lunch with the Pakistan Ambassador to the US, Jalil Abbas Jilani. There was no readout of the meeting.

Almeida, a prominent Pakistani journalist, has been barred from leaving the country after he reported a rift between the civilian and military leaderships over the powerful ISI shielding terror groups like the Haqqani network and LeT that led to Pakistan's international isolation.

--- ENDS ---
Warsaw (AFP) - Poland said Wednesday it would launch a new tender process for military helicopters after talks to buy Airbus aircraft collapsed in acrimony.

The announcement comes a day after Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz said that Poland plans to buy at least 21 US Black Hawk helicopters from Airbus rival Lockheed Martin.

"To comfort Airbus group I can only say that a new call for tenders will be launched and that they can participate," government spokesman Rafal Bochenek said on Jedynka public radio.

He did not give any details about the tender process.

Warsaw has previously said that it is seeking between 50 and 70 new aircraft, to be manufactured in both Poland and abroad.

Airbus furiously criticised Warsaw on Tuesday over its handling of the failed deal, with Airbus chief executive Tom Enders saying his company had never been treated so badly by any government.

The spat has ratcheted up diplomatic tensions between Warsaw and Paris, which was backing Airbus in the process.

French President Francois Hollande has postponed a visit to Poland that was scheduled for Thursday.

There is disagreement over who actually ended the negotiations, with Poland at the weekend blaming Airbus for the breakdown in the talks over what would have been a contract worth more than three billion euros (dollars).

"I want to make it perfectly clear that it wasn't the Polish side who broke off the talks," Macierewicz told reporters Saturday in Warsaw.

The disagreement centred on Airbus' commitment to create up to 6,000 jobs in Poland -- the so-called "offset package", according to Macierewicz.

But the short time between the collapse in talks with Airbus and the emergence of a possible deal with Lockheed has led some to speculate that Poland was in touch with the US manufacturer before the talks broke down.

Poland's liberal opposition has called for a parliamentary probe into the contract process.
By Timothy Large LONDON (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Poor coordination and a failure to prosecute traffickers is undermining progress in Britain's fight against modern slavery, even as groundbreaking legislation starts to bite, the UK's anti-slavery tsar said. Kevin Hyland, appointed independent commissioner two years ago as part of Britain's widely lauded Modern Slavery Act, said early in the job that he would measure success by a rise in the number of traffickers put behind bars. Data released on Wednesday in his first annual report showed police had a long way to go with only a quarter of reported cases of potential slavery officially investigated. "There aren't enough prosecutions, and that's in the UK and internationally," he told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in an interview before the release of the 2015-16 review. "There aren't enough resources being allocated to this, and there isn't enough coordination. The criminals are very much operating with impunity." Activists have hailed the Modern Slavery Act as a milestone in the struggle against a crime affecting 46 million people worldwide, according to the latest Global Slavery Index by Walk Free Foundation. An estimated 11,700 are enslaved in Britain. The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner's Annual Report showed that between August 2015 and September 2016 police forces across Britain recorded 956 modern slavery crimes. Just 127 resulted in a charge or summons. That compares with 3,359 potential cases of trafficking referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), established to identify trafficking victims, during the same period. "So that means only really one in four crimes are being properly investigated or ending up on a crime report," he said. "So what's happening to the other 75 percent?" Hyland blamed a lack of police systems to store and manage NRM referrals and link them to crime records, as well as poor leadership in bringing together efforts to combat a scourge that Prime Minister Theresa May recently called a "barbaric evil". "I think the frustration has been that we haven't had the right people doing the right job," he said. "NOT A FAIR FIGHT" In July, the government pledged to spend 33.5 million pounds ($42 million) of the overseas aid budget to tackle the issue in countries that are the source of proven trafficking routes to Britain. May also set up a cross-government task force, adding muscle to legislation that requires British companies to publish what they have done to ensure their supply chains are free of slave labor. Hyland, who has 30 years experience in investigating organized crime, welcomed the extra money to take the anti-slavery fight to "source countries" such as Nigeria, Vietnam and Albania, but said greater international coordination was key. "In a lot of ways this hasn't been a fair fight because the criminals are making $150 billion a year and there's about $1 billion invested in this from the global community," he said. "I think what we've been doing for too long is not looking at it as serious organized crime, not having the organizations that have the skills and the ability to pursue these crimes. "Once we start using those resources and tactics and strategies and working more with countries of origin, we will see a change in the prosecutions." Asked if Britain's decision to leave the European Union would compromise international cooperations against a borderless crime, Hyland said it would not have "a great deal of effect". "But what we do need to do is make sure the relationships that are there with law enforcement and prosecutors within the EU are developed, are trusting and look at serious and organized crime," he said. Hyland stressed that since becoming law in March 2015, the Modern Slavery Act was already proving to be a model of legislation that other countries could learn from. But his report noted a lot of the work was just beginning. "While the Modern Slavery Act has undoubtedly pushed modern slavery up the agenda and into the boardrooms of large businesses, this is just the first step," Hyland wrote. "There is still much more to be done to ensure that companies produce statements that both comply with the Act's obligations and point to decisive action begin taken, as opposed to merely being a 'tick box' exercise. Here the role of consumer and investor pressure is crucial." (Reporting by Timothy Large, Editing by Belinda Goldsmith; Please credit the Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, which covers humanitarian news, women's rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit news.trust.org to see more stories.)
Warsaw (AFP) - The leader of Poland's governing right-wing party said Wednesday he still hopes to tighten the country's abortion laws, despite parliament's recent rejection of a proposed ban on terminations in the devoutly Catholic nation.

"We will strive to ensure that even difficult pregnancies -- when the child is sure to die, severely deformed -- will result in birth so that the child can be baptised, buried, and have a name," Law and Justice (PiS) party leader Jaroslaw Kaczynski told the Polish news agency PAP.

Protests by tens of thousands of black-clad women across Poland, where the abortion law is already among the most restrictive in Europe, led parliament to reject a ban on the procedure last week.

But Kaczynski refused to put the matter to rest in the PAP interview: "We will strive to ensure that there are many fewer abortions in Poland."

Passed in 1993, the current law bans all terminations unless there was rape or incest, the pregnancy poses a health risk to the mother or the foetus is severely deformed.

The controversial bill rejected by parliamentarians -- a citizens' initiative -- would have allowed abortions only if the mother's life was at risk and would have put women who had terminations at risk of jail terms, though judges could waive incarceration.

"Currently there are around 1,000 legal abortions in Poland, a huge number of which is due to Down syndrome," Kaczynski said.

"We hope that this will not be the case soon. That's our goal. We have to prepare it well though. We also have to convince society, especially women, and we will do it."

Kaczynski added however that "of course this refers only to those cases of difficult pregnancy when there is no threat to the life and health of the mother."

In addition to the legal abortions in the country of 38 million people, women's groups estimate that another 100,000 to 150,000 procedures are performed illegally or abroad.
WARSAW, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Poland's drive to exploit shale gas has come to an end with state-run gas firm PGNiG and oil refiner PKN Orlen drawing a line under projects to find it.

The country's quest to explore for shale gas began five years ago, when the then prime minister Donald Tusk raised hopes with a forecast of it coming on stream in 2014.

This attracted global energy majors, including Chevron Corp, Exxon Mobil and Total, but one by one they pulled back after disappointing results and a slump in oil prices.

Polish state-run firms, including PGNiG and PKN Orlen were the last ones to work on the country's shale gas projects.

"The discussion and projects related to shale gas is a closed issue for us," Miroslaw Kochalski, deputy head of PKN Orlen told a news conference on Wednesday.

This was echoed by Piotr Wozniak, the chief executive office at PGNiG, who said:

"Shale gas has ended not that badly when it comes to the improved techniques of unconventional gas exploration. Shale gas as such has failed indeed." (Reporting by Agnieszka Barteczko; Editing by Alexander Smith)
Hillary Clinton now leads Donald Trump by eight points among likely voters, according to a national tracking poll released Wednesday.

The new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that after Sundays second presidential debate and the leaked video of lewd comments he made regarding women in 2005, Republican voters are in a tight spot.

One in five GOP voters say that his comments about women disqualify Trump from the presidency, while 58 percent say they would like Trump to remain at the top of the ticket and 68 percent said that party leadership should stand by their nominee. Trump on Tuesday declared that he had taken the shackles off, before later going on the offensive about House Speaker Paul Ryan and other GOP leaders.

Clintons lead has continued to grow, last week she led Trump by five points. Now, 45% of likely voters choose Clinton and 37% choose Trump, with another 18% declining to support either.

Among debate watchers, some 53% said Clinton came out on top Sunday while 32% felt that Trump won. These results were rather partisan, as 82% of Democrats chose Clinton, while 68% of Republicans picked Trump.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll was conducted online among 2,386 Americans, including 1,605 likely voters. The poll has a credibility interval of 2%.
Vatican City (AFP) - Pope Francis appealed on Wednesday for an immediate ceasefire in Syria, calling for "at least" a truce enabling civilians, especially children, to be evacuated, after Aleppo came under fierce air assault.

"I want to underline and reiterate my closeness to all the victims of the inhumane conflict in Syria," he said at his weekly audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican.

"It is with a sense of urgency that I renew my appeal, begging those responsible, with all my strength, for an immediate ceasefire to be imposed and respected at least long enough to consent the evacuation of civilians, especially children, who are still trapped under the ferocious bombardments," he said.

On Tuesday, regime ally Russia carried out its heaviest air strikes in days on Aleppo, killing 25 civilians including four children according to a monitor, and causing massive damage in several residential areas of the city's rebel-held east.

Syria's army announced a bid last month to retake the city, which has been divided since mid-2012.

The assault began after the collapse of a short-lived truce negotiated by Washington and Moscow, and has seen the besieged east of Aleppo come under fierce aerial assault.

Syrian army said last Wednesday it would reduce its bombardment, after days of attacks that killed hundreds of people and destroyed the largest remaining hospital in the east, but heavy bombing began again on Tuesday.
The massive hole on the busy Gurugram-Jhajjar state highway has led to serious questions on the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram's failure to maintain the Basai flyover.

By Ajay Kumar: You have seen big potholes on roads, but this time it's something different: a massive hole on the Basai flyover on the busy Gurugram-Jhajjar state highway.

The hole developed on Monday night, thanks to poor maintenance of the flyover by the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram. The hole was spotted by some alert passers-by who informed local authorities. Soon the hole was barricaded. However, it has led to serious questions on the civic body's failure to maintain the flyover.

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"It was night and I spotted the massive hole in the middle of the flyover. I immediately dialed 100 to inform authorities so that a major mishap could be averted. There was a possibility of the flyover collapsing due to the pressure of vehicles," said Bijendar Kumar, a commuter.

MORE THAN 50,000 COMMUTERS USE BASAI FLYOVER EVERYDAY

The flyover was built in 2008 to connect Gurugram with Jhajjar-over the Delhi-Jaipur railway track. After completion of the flyover, it was handed over to the Municipal Corporation of Gurugram. More than 50,000 commuters use this flyover every day, including several heavy vehicles.

Villagers in Basai blamed the civic agency for lack of maintenance. Sand and clay have got accumulated on the bridge, which in turn disrupted the flow of water. As a result, potholes have developed and the flyover's outer and inner layers have been affected.

"Several buildings are being constructed along the Dwarka Expressway adjoining Basai flyover. Due to this, sand and clay got accumulated on the flyover. We have complained to the MCG several times, but it ignored us. Officials were even informed that layers under the flyover are falling on the railway track," said Basai resident Atalveer Kataria.

Civic officials said they sprung into action once they learnt about the hole. "As soon as we received information about the hole on Basai flyover, a team was rushed. The damaged area has been cordoned off and the company which constructed the flyover is repairing the hole," said Dharmvir Malik of MCG. Civic joint commissioner Vivek Kalia has initiated an inquiry into the matter.



ALSO READ | Pothole row: 2 MNS corporators arrested for humiliating BMC engineer

--- ENDS ---
VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis, in his strongest appeal to date on the conflict in Syria, on Wednesday called for an "immediate ceasefire" to allow for the evacuation of civilians. The war in Syria has escalated since efforts to reach a ceasefire collapsed in September. Syria and its ally Russia subsequently launched their biggest offensive on the city of Aleppo's rebel-held sectors. The air strikes have drawn widespread condemnation, including calls from France and the United States for an investigation into war crimes they say have been committed by Syrian and Russian forces. "It is with a sense of urgency that I renew my appeal, imploring those responsible with all my strength for an immediate ceasefire," he said before tens of thousands of people at his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square. Francis said a ceasefire was essential "at least for the time necessary to allow for the evacuation of civilians, especially children, who are still trapped by cruel bombardments." Francis has made many appeals for an end to the bloodshed in Syria. Last month, he urged forces to stop bombing civilians in Aleppo, warning them they would face God's judgment. He did not name those carrying out the air strikes. On Sunday, Francis promoted the current Vatican ambassador in Syria, Italian Archbishop Mario Zenari, to the high rank of cardinal in order to show the concern of the 1.2 billion member Catholic Church for Syria. It was believed to be the first time in recent history that a Vatican ambassador, known as a nuncio, would have the rank of cardinal. (Reporting By Philip Pullella; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)
By Robin Emmott BRUSSELS (Reuters) - France, Germany, Italy and Spain have joined forces to plead for a common European defense policy, seeking to keep up momentum on a project Paris and Berlin hope can forge unity following Britain's vote to quit the bloc. In a joint letter seen by Reuters on Wednesday, the defense ministers of the four countries wrote to their counterparts, including Britain, to set out how the 27 remaining governments would share assets and deepen cooperation in EU missions. "To be clear: an 'EU army' is not our objective," said the letter, which has been sent to European capitals this week, choosing language that seeks to assuage concerns in Britain that the European Union is planning a rival to NATO. France and Germany, as well as Italy, have already set out their ideas on how the EU could match its economic and global trading prowess with a more far-reaching military presence to give its foreign policy more clout. Diplomats said this week's letter was aimed at persuading skeptical eastern and northern European countries who worry about undermining NATO, as well as underlining the context in which the plans are emerging. Britain's pending departure robs the bloc of its biggest-spending military force and puts the onus on France, which has significant but stretched armed forces, to lead the broader response to crises on Europe's borders. Germany's sizeable military assets and Italy's know-how, from conflicts in Libya and Afghanistan, make them partners. But Berlin has traditionally been cautious given its role in the 20th century's two world wars, while Rome has sharply cut defense spending since the euro zone debt crisis. "Given the current and foreseeable security environment, the EU will most probably have to launch missions of a military and/or civilian character in regions where NATO does not consider taking action," the letter said. "The level of ambition should enable the EU to respond to external crises," it said, stressing the need to act "autonomously" without the guiding hand of the United States. Proposals include increasing European spending on military missions, jointly developing assets such as helicopters and drones, expanding peacekeeping abroad and building stronger defenses against state-sponsored hackers in cyberspace. NATO, and especially the United States, feels it cannot be relied on to solve all security issues and wants to see Europeans increase defense spending and strengthen their militaries. "This shouldn't be a competition. We'll do it together. A strong Europe is good for NATO," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in Germany on Monday. After a first discussion last month in Bratislava, EU defense ministers will hold talks on the defense plans in Brussels in November, before presenting a more detailed strategy to EU leaders at a summit in December. (Additional reporting by Andrea Shalal in Berlin; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
Trouble is a-brewing at your company, and there are signs that your job might be slashed.

Maybe there have been layoffs already. Maybe you sense your boss isn't pleased with your performance. Whatever it is, you've got to start hunkering down and prepare for several months -- or more -- without a paycheck. "You want to triage this thing and not put yourself in too bad of a position," says Ed Vargo, certified financial planner, founder and private wealth manager at Burning River Advisory Group in Cleveland.

[See: 8 Big Budgeting Blunders -- and How to Fix Them.]

Here's how to prepare your finances for a potential layoff.

Slash spending. Don't wait until you're handed a pink slip to start cutting back on spending. "If you see the writing on the wall, then that's when you should immediately act like it's happened," says Melissa Sotudeh, a wealth advisor at Halpern Financial in Rockville, Maryland.

Examine your budget for categories where you can cut back. You might choose to tamp down on restaurant meals and future vacations. You may be able to extend your auto loan to lower your monthly payments. You might renegotiate your cable -- or better yet -- cut it entirely.

Once you've cut your spending, funnel the extra cash into a savings account. The key is to keep it liquid, so that you can live off of it when your paycheck ceases, experts say.

"If you can reduce those guaranteed fixed expenses, it can make your life so much more manageable," Vargo says.

Reduce savings. It may make sense to scale back on contributions to certain long-term savings accounts in order to carve out room in your tightening budget. "If you don't have an emergency fund, it's a good idea to halt contributions to your 401(k)," says Zach Abrams, a certified financial planner and manager of wealth management at Capital Advisors Ltd., in Shaker Heights, Ohio.

If you do have an emergency fund, you may still want to scale back on savings, without cutting them entirely. When it comes to your employer-sponsored retirement account, "contribute up to the match," Vargo says. "Get the free money."

Story continues

[See: How to Live on $13,000 a Year.]

Other classes of savings, for example, contributions to a child's 529 college savings account, may be better off suspended completely during your period of unemployment. Your future student will be able to tap student loans, scholarships and grants for his or her education, but "there are no student loans for retirement," Vargo says.

Navigate health insurance. If you'll lose your employer-sponsored health insurance along with your paycheck, start considering your options for nabbing medical coverage elsewhere.

You'll likely keep your employer's coverage through the end of your last month. After that, you may choose to extend it through the federal program COBRA.

"It's also a good idea to start looking at how much insurance would be off the [health care] exchange ... because that's a huge expense," Sotudeh says.

[See: 12 Habits of Phenomenally Frugal Families.]

Or your spouse may be able to add you to his or her insurance plan. If you're married, "you do want to know: Can the other party pick up health care?" Vargo says.

No matter which route you choose to continue your insurance, it's a good idea to fit in some checkups and other health care appointments while you're still on your employer's medical plan.

Tap credit. If accessing credit, such as your home equity, is a strategy you want to try, submit your applications while you still have a paycheck.

"They're going to want to see that you're employed," Sotudeh says.

One option, a home equity line of credit, can be a reliable backup source of extra cash. "Get the home equity line of credit now," Vargo says. "That's a really cheap loan."

Another option is to tap credit cards with zero percent introductory rates. But only access this credit as a last resort. "The more debt you take, the more risk you take," Abrams says.

Get to work. It's typically easier to start your job search -- and land a new gig -- while you're still employed.

Start applying for new jobs and making introductions to potential networking contacts.

And consider what extra work you start doing to increase your revenue streams -- even before you're laid off. "Is there any other way you can generate a source of revenue?" Abrams asks. "Even incrementally by a few months? Drive an Uber?"

Susannah Snider is the Personal Finance editor at U.S. News. She previously covered paying for college and graduate school. You can follow her on Twitter or email her at ssnider@usnews.com.
Trouble is a-brewing at your company, and there are signs that your job might be slashed.

Maybe there have been layoffs already. Maybe you sense your boss isn't pleased with your performance. Whatever it is, you've got to start hunkering down and prepare for several months -- or more -- without a paycheck. "You want to triage this thing and not put yourself in too bad of a position," says Ed Vargo, certified financial planner, founder and private wealth manager at Burning River Advisory Group in Cleveland.

[See: 8 Big Budgeting Blunders -- and How to Fix Them.]

Here's how to prepare your finances for a potential layoff.

Slash spending. Don't wait until you're handed a pink slip to start cutting back on spending. "If you see the writing on the wall, then that's when you should immediately act like it's happened," says Melissa Sotudeh, a wealth advisor at Halpern Financial in Rockville, Maryland.

Examine your budget for categories where you can cut back. You might choose to tamp down on restaurant meals and future vacations. You may be able to extend your auto loan to lower your monthly payments. You might renegotiate your cable -- or better yet -- cut it entirely.

Once you've cut your spending, funnel the extra cash into a savings account. The key is to keep it liquid, so that you can live off of it when your paycheck ceases, experts say.

"If you can reduce those guaranteed fixed expenses, it can make your life so much more manageable," Vargo says.

Reduce savings. It may make sense to scale back on contributions to certain long-term savings accounts in order to carve out room in your tightening budget. "If you don't have an emergency fund, it's a good idea to halt contributions to your 401(k)," says Zach Abrams, a certified financial planner and manager of wealth management at Capital Advisors Ltd., in Shaker Heights, Ohio.

If you do have an emergency fund, you may still want to scale back on savings, without cutting them entirely. When it comes to your employer-sponsored retirement account, "contribute up to the match," Vargo says. "Get the free money."

Story continues

[See: How to Live on $13,000 a Year.]

Other classes of savings, for example, contributions to a child's 529 college savings account, may be better off suspended completely during your period of unemployment. Your future student will be able to tap student loans, scholarships and grants for his or her education, but "there are no student loans for retirement," Vargo says.

Navigate health insurance. If you'll lose your employer-sponsored health insurance along with your paycheck, start considering your options for nabbing medical coverage elsewhere.

You'll likely keep your employer's coverage through the end of your last month. After that, you may choose to extend it through the federal program COBRA.

"It's also a good idea to start looking at how much insurance would be off the [health care] exchange ... because that's a huge expense," Sotudeh says.

[See: 12 Habits of Phenomenally Frugal Families.]

Or your spouse may be able to add you to his or her insurance plan. If you're married, "you do want to know: Can the other party pick up health care?" Vargo says.

No matter which route you choose to continue your insurance, it's a good idea to fit in some checkups and other health care appointments while you're still on your employer's medical plan.

Tap credit. If accessing credit, such as your home equity, is a strategy you want to try, submit your applications while you still have a paycheck.

"They're going to want to see that you're employed," Sotudeh says.

One option, a home equity line of credit, can be a reliable backup source of extra cash. "Get the home equity line of credit now," Vargo says. "That's a really cheap loan."

Another option is to tap credit cards with zero percent introductory rates. But only access this credit as a last resort. "The more debt you take, the more risk you take," Abrams says.

Get to work. It's typically easier to start your job search -- and land a new gig -- while you're still employed.

Start applying for new jobs and making introductions to potential networking contacts.

And consider what extra work you start doing to increase your revenue streams -- even before you're laid off. "Is there any other way you can generate a source of revenue?" Abrams asks. "Even incrementally by a few months? Drive an Uber?"





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Barack Obama

Speaking with Wired editor-in-chief Scott Dadich and MIT Media Lab director Joi Ito in a recent interview, President Barack Obama reaffirmed his belief that universal basic income would be harder to ignore in the coming decades.

UBI is a system of wealth distribution in which the government provides everyone with some money, regardless of income.

The money comes with no strings attached. People can use it however they choose, whether to repair a leaky roof or to go on vacation. Advocates say the system is a smart and straightforward way to lift people out of poverty.

A growing body of evidence suggests such a system might be necessary if artificial intelligence wipes out a huge chunk of jobs performed by humans. That is the future Obama wants to avoid, but he said the possibility warrants a debate on basic income.

"What is indisputable ... is that as AI gets further incorporated, and the society potentially gets wealthier, the link between production and distribution, how much you work and how much you make, gets further and further attenuated," Obama told Dadich and Ito.

The president has expressed such concerns in the past.

In June, Obama told Bloomberg Businessweek that the US would need to redesign the social compact as AI plays a larger role in the economy. "The notion of a 40-hour workweek, a minimum wage, child labor laws, etc.  those will have to be updated for these new realities," he said.

Several months before that, Obama released his February economic report to Congress, in which he offered data that showed a high probability of automation replacing the lowest-paid workers: those manning the deep fryers, call centers, and supermarket cash registers.

In his latest interview, he emphasized how the changing nature of work compelled us to reevaluate which jobs we want to put a premium on.

"Whether it's teachers, nurses, caregivers, moms or dads who stay at home, artists, all the things that are incredibly valuable to us right now but don't rank high on the pay totem pole," he said, "that's a conversation we need to begin to have."

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The size of UBI's role in the future depends largely on how much the system earns widespread support, Obama told Dadich and Ito. It's a concern others have raised.

A common response to UBI is a feeling that it's unfair. Critics say giving people free money that isn't conditionally attached to work violates the ideal of earning your living.

Some UBI advocates, on the other hand, say the system provides an even stronger American luxury: freedom. They say it unshackles people from having to make compromises in how they live just so they can survive.

But many people pushing for UBI, like Y Combinator president Sam Altman, who is launching a UBI experiment in California in 2017, take the pragmatic view. Altman shares Obama's vision of an AI-dominated future. At some point, he says, AI will leave so few jobs to humans that UBI won't be a matter of debate; it'll be the only system left.

Candidates considering running for office in 2032, consider Obama's words of advice for your future campaign: Read up on basic income.

NOW WATCH: Obama: Trump couldnt get a job at 7-Eleven





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From Esquire

Thirty years ago last Wednesday, a plane was shot down. As it spiraled into a Central American jungle, it brought down the curtain behind which a secret government was selling missiles to the state sponsor of terrorism and making war in the countries of the isthmus. The pilot survived and, 30 years ago tomorrow, he was trotted out by his captors for a news conference. His name was Eugene Hasenfus.

(As always, the essential text for this peculiar anniversary is Theodore Draper's masterful A Very Thin Line.)

Hasenfus was an airman in the employ of a CIA front group called "Corporate Air Services." His mission was to re-supply elements of the Contra army, the American-sponsored guerrillas whose goal was to overthrow the Sandinista government of Nicaragua. This effort was in direct contravention of a law passed by Congress that forbade the delivery of lethal weapons of war to the Contras. In response to that law, members of the administration of Ronald Reagan had set up a public-private partnership through which they could continue arming the Contras.

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Of course, when Hasenfus' plane went down, a simply amazing fog of lies, half-truths, and omissions emerged from the intelligence community. Documents were shredded and, later, before Congress and a national television audience, people bragged about how many documents they had shredded. Ronald Reagan compared Hasenfus to the Americans who had gone to fight the fascists in Spain in the 1930s. They had a lot to hide. By the time the plane had augured in, the operation already had begun the process of selling weapons to Iran and, in turn, using the proceeds of that sale to help fund and arm the Contras.

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The capture of Hasenfus-and a whole batch of embarrassing documents that were aboard his battered old airplane-was the very beginning of the end for what became known as the Iran-Contra Affair, the great lost opportunity for the re-establishment of the American republic. There was a chance to demand democratic accountability for even the most secret of government activities. There was a chance to demonstrate that Congress, not the Executive branch, still has the constitutional power both to raise money and to make war. But the only way to take advantage of that chance was to hew to the rule of law and let the chips fall, even if that meant they fell in the Oval Office and buried the occupant.

Alas, that didn't happen. The investigations went only so far and, when the water was rising over his ankles, President George H.W. Bush pardoned everyone except Shoeless Joe Jackson on his way out the door. Very few people paid an actual price for what really was a sort of low-running coup d'etat in American politics and, when the Supreme Court handed the presidency to the younger Bush, many of the same figures who scurried for cover when Hasenfus' plane went down came back into the light and into government service, including Elliot Abrams, who was the early point man in the effort to cloud Hasenfus' role in the Reagan Administration's covert criminality.

So now we're electing another president, and the presidency still maintains the capacity to wage secret wars in secret places, and to run guns and money wherever and whenever the president and/or his advisers choose to do so. (The current president is making semi-secret war in dozens of places in west Asia, and he's at least partly financing a grotesque campaign by Saudi Arabia in Yemen that has been largely obscured by the grotesque campaign being conducted by the Assad regime in Syria.)

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You don't really need a Eugene Hasenfus to do that any more. The weapons are flown by people behind consoles, which very rarely are shot down in hostile territory. But, through custom and through a steady erosion of constitutional norms, the basic ability of whoever gets elected to do pretty much whatever she (or he) wants with the military might of the United States will remain unchecked by substantial congressional oversight.

In a related development

TRUMP: I think that it basically has fallen. OK? It basically has fallen. Let me tell you something. You take a look at Mosul. The biggest problem I have with the stupidity of our foreign policy, we have Mosul. They think a lot of the ISIS leaders are in Mosul. So we have announcements coming out of Washington and coming out of Iraq, we will be attacking Mosul in three weeks or four weeks. Well, all of these bad leaders from ISIS are leaving Mosul. Why can't they do it quietly? Why can't they do the attack, make it a sneak attack, and after the attack is made, inform the American public that we've knocked out the leaders, we've had a tremendous success? People leave. Why do they have to say we're going to be attacking Mosul within the next four to six weeks, which is what they're saying? How stupid is our country?

I'm just sayin'.

Click here to respond to this post on the official Esquire Politics Facebook page.

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Oct 12 (Reuters) - The following are the top stories on the New York Times business pages. Reuters has not verified these stories and does not vouch for their accuracy.

- Samsung Electronics Co Ltd said on Tuesday that it was killing the production of its Galaxy Note 7 entirely, following reports that some of the replacement devices were blowing up too. http://nyti.ms/2e4Ba2U

- The Federal Bureau of Investigation is conducting an investigation into the plane crash in East Hartford, Connecticut on Tuesday. The FBI is investigating if the crash that killed a passenger was intentional. http://nyti.ms/2e4BEGe

- NBC news anchor Billy Bush is set to exit NBC after a videotape of Bush and Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump making lewd remarks about women surfaced online. http://nyti.ms/2e4DhU0

- Employees at Wells Fargo & Co tipped off the bank's ethics hotline and human resources department for years before the scandal came to light last month. http://nyti.ms/2e4C6nS (Compiled by Abinaya Vijayaraghavan in Bengaluru)
By PTI: Srinagar, Oct 11 (PTI) A 13-year-old deaf-mute girl was allegedly raped by two men in Bandipora district of north Kashmir, said police today.

The girl was allegedly raped by Arif and Adil on October 4 while she was collecting firewood from a willow nursery in Lankreshipora village, a police official said.

The accused were arrested today following a complaint by the victims father, he said, adding medical examination of the girl has confirmed she was raped.

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The duo has been booked under Section 376 (rape) of the Ranbir Penal Code, he said. PTI MIJ ANB GVS

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By James Oliphant and Katya Golubkova WASHINGTON/MOSCOW (Reuters) - Even as WikiLeaks released another trove of internal documents from Hillary Clintons campaign on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted his country was not involved in an effort to influence the U.S. presidential election. Last week, the U.S. government formally accused Russia of launching a hacking campaign to interfere with the U.S. election process. Clintons campaign, which has charged the Kremlin is trying to help Republican Donald Trump win the White House on Nov. 8, took its allegations a step further on Tuesday when John Podesta, chairman of the Democratic nominees campaign, accused the Trump campaign of colluding with Russia. In Moscow, Putin said nothing in the hacking scandal is in Russias interests and accused all sides in the U.S. presidential campaign of misusing rhetoric about Russia for their own purposes. They started this hysteria, saying this (hacking) is in Russias interests, but this has nothing to do with Russias interests, Putin told a business forum. Putin said his government would work with whoever won the U.S. election, "if, of course, the new U.S. leader wishes to work with our country." WikiLeaks, the organization started by Julian Assange that publishes leaked information on the internet, this week released thousands of emails from Podestas email account and has not said how it obtained them. Last week, it posted excerpts from Clintons private speeches to banking and financial firms. The Clinton campaign has not confirmed the authenticity of the messages. The leaks, coming as the election campaign reaches the final stretch, have the potential to embarrass the Clinton camp. In recent days, however, Trump's own campaign has been in deeper trouble over the emergence of a 2005 video in which Trump bragged about groping women. Many Republican elected officials have turned their back on him and Clinton's lead in national opinion polls has increased. Clinton, who was secretary of state from 2009-2013, has repeatedly accused Trump of having overly friendly ties with Putin and Russia. She has noted that Trumps foreign policies have tended to align with Russians interests, whether it has been questioning NATOs role in defending Eastern Europe, failing to recognize Russias intrusion into Ukraine, and supporting Russias actions in Syria. Trump, a New York businessman who has never previously run for office, has shifted his policies on a wide range of issues, from taxes to the minimum wage to immigration during his White House campaign but his statements on Russia have been consistent. His friendly stance toward Moscow departs from the views of many prominent Republicans. During a presidential debate on Sunday, Trump publicly disagreed with his own vice presidential choice, Mike Pence, who had called for a more hawkish approach toward Russia. "I DON'T KNOW PUTIN" At that debate, Trump questioned whether Russia was behind the hacks, as the U.S. government has asserted. And on Wednesday, during a rally in Ocala, Fla., Trump echoed those remarks. Have you ever noticed, anything that goes wrong they blame Russia?" Trump told the crowd. "They always blame Russia and then they says Donald Trump is friends . . . I dont know Putin, folks. What the hell do I have to do with Putin? Trump has said that as president he would seek warmer relations with Russia and that it would be in the United States' best interests to seek Russia's help to defeat Islamic State. Trump is the most pro-Russian presidential candidate ever, said Max Boot, a senior fellow for national security studies at the Council of Foreign Relations. Putin no doubt sees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reorient U.S. foreign policy in his direction by electing Trump. A Russian ultra-nationalist ally of Putin who is known for his fiery rhetoric said Trump was the only person able to de-escalate dangerous tensions between Moscow and Washington, and predicted nuclear war if Clinton were elected. "Relations between Russia and the United States can't get any worse. The only way they can get worse is if a war starts," Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a flamboyant veteran lawmaker, told Reuters. Clinton campaign chairman Podesta said on Tuesday the FBI was investigating a criminal hack of his emails, and he tied the Trump campaign to the leaks by suggesting that a former Trump adviser, Roger Stone, had advance warning of the hacks. The Trump campaign has not responded to the allegation about Stone, but Trump has denied any coordination with the Russian government to embarrass Clinton. He has, however, made clear he supports WikiLeaks efforts. I love WikiLeaks, he said at a rally in Pennsylvania on Tuesday. The United States has an ongoing criminal investigation into Assanges publishing of classified material. Clinton has been a fierce critic of Assange, who remains at the Ecuadorean embassy in London where he sought refuge in 2012 to avoid possible extradition to Sweden. Last week, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and Department of Homeland Security said the government was confident the hacks of Democratic political groups and campaign officials originated from high levels of the Russian government. The White House on Tuesday promised a proportional response to Russia over the hacks. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told CNN the United States has offered no proof of his governments involvement, and suggested Moscow was unconcerned about possible reprisals. If they decided to do something, let them do it, Lavrov said. (Additional reporting by Steve Holland, Amanda Becker, Ginger Gibson, Mark Hosenball, Luciana Lopez and Alexander Winning; Writing by James Oliphant; Editing by Frances Kerry and Alistair Bell)
Moscow (AFP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday accused France of pushing for a UN proposal on Syria at the weekend knowing Russia would veto it, blaming the United States for leaning on Paris.

"They put forward the resolution knowing that it would not pass...in order to incite a veto," Putin told an investment conference in Moscow.

"Why? It was aimed at inflaming the situation and fanning hysteria around Russia."

He accused French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault of going back on promises given during his Moscow visit last Thursday and instead ignoring Russia's proposals for the resolution and "blaming Russia for all the deadly sins" in Syria.

He implied that France was serving US interests, which is using this hysteria in the presidential campaign.

"This is especially valuable in the conditions of the pre-election campaign," Putin said.

"I don't know if that corresponds with the interests of European countries, but to serve foreign policy, even domestic policy interests of an ally, in this case the US, is that the role of... serious states that claim to have independent foreign policy and call themselves a great country?"
MOSCOW (Reuters) - The scandal that erupted in the United States over allegations Russia hacked Democratic Party emails has not been in Moscow's interests and both sides in the U.S. election campaign are just using Russia to score points, Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday. The U.S. government on Friday formally accused Russia for the first time of a campaign of cyber attacks against Democratic Party organizations ahead of the Nov. 8 presidential election. And the White House said on Tuesday it would consider a variety of responses to the alleged hacks. "They started this hysteria, saying that this (hacking) is in Russia's interests. But this has nothing to do with Russia's interests," President Putin told a business forum in Moscow. Putin said the accusations were a ploy to divert U.S. voters' attention at a time when public opinion was being manipulated. "Everyone is talking about 'who did it' (the hacking)," said Putin. "But is it that important? The most important thing is what is inside this information." The Kremlin said earlier on Wednesday it took a negative view of White House statements about a planned "proportional" response to the alleged cyber attacks. Putin complained that all sides in the U.S. presidential race were misusing rhetoric about Russia for their own ends, but said Moscow would work with whoever won the election "if, of course, the new U.S. leader wishes to work with our country". "About a decade ago, they wouldn't mention Russia at all, because it was not even worth talking about, such a third-rate regional power and not interesting at all. Now Russia is problem number one in the entire election campaign," said Putin. "All they do is keep talking about us. Of course it's pleasant for us, but only partly because all participants are misusing anti-Russian rhetoric and poisoning our bilateral relations." (Reporting by Katya Golubkova and Alexander Winning; Writing by Christian Lowe; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
Https%3a%2f%2fblueprint-api-production.s3.amazonaws.com%2fuploads%2fstory%2fthumbnail%2f24127%2fec47bec1a7344278ab156d188b44547a

A quick-thinking man was able to save a dog after it walked out of an elevator with its owner noticing.

Ben Duke, a manager of The Roadway Inn in Greenville, South Carolina, was near the hotel's elevator when a guest boarded holding his dog's leash. However, the dog, named Boo Boo, was not inside the elevator when the doors closed.

In just seconds, the elevator starts to ascend, causing Duke to hop into action and grab the dog's leash, trying to pull the dog away from the elevator doors.

Fortunately, the Duke is able to break the dog's leash just as it gets to the door, and the pup is able to walk away unscathed.

Duke posted a surveillance footage of the incident to his Facebook page, where he explained that he broke the leash by pulling as hard as he could.

Image: Facebook/Screenshot

SEE ALSO: Tiny kitten wears tube sock sweater after surviving Hurricane Matthew

Fortunately, both Boo Boo and Duke made it out of the incident safely, though Duke says the dog did scratch his face "pretty good."

Duke tells KMBC that the owner is a regular at the hotel, and was extremely upset by the incident.

He was crying and was so grateful," Duke said. "He just came up and hugged me. It was pretty crazy.

Duke says he just did the right thing.

Everybody is calling me a hero, but I cant imagine the other outcome, Duke told KMBC. I just did what you are supposed to do in this situation.


12 Oct - While many people were surprised and delighted to learn that Rachelle Ann Go will be making her debut in Broadway for "Miss Saigon", the musical actress revealed that she has actually been keeping it a secret for a while now.



As reported on PEP News, the actress, who will reprise her role as Gigi in the musical, stated that producer Cameron Mackintosh had already told her of his intention to bring her to Broadway last year, after the 30th anniversary of "Les Miserables".



"He came up to me and was like, "I want to bring you to Broadway". I was of course shocked and was like, "Really? Let's make that happen!"," said Go.



However, Mackintosh couldn't confirm it at the time, saying that the Actors' Equity, the union that represents actors and stage managers in theatre within the United States, are known for being strict.



"But late last year, they said that they are submitting papers to New York and will help us. I got the confirmation when I got back here in Manila doing "Les Mis"," she said.



Go admitted that she was crying when she found out that she would be going on Broadway. However, she couldn't share the good news with anybody since the announcement had to be made by the producers first.



In a previous interview, Go admitted that she was very grateful for the chance, and that it was a dream come true for her.



"Being in London, in the West End is a dream, and now Broadway as well," she enthused.



(Photo source: twitter.com/gorachelleann)
The Paley Center in Beverly Hills, Calif. hosted the cast and producers of The Real ONeals Tuesday evening.

The ABC sitcom had its season premiere on Oct. 11 in tandem with Tuesdays event, which also coincided with National Coming Out Day. The panel included stars Martha Plimpton, Jay R. Ferguson, Noah Galvin, Mary Hollis Inboden and executive producers Casey Johnson, David Windsor and Stacy Traub.

The first season of The Real ONeals centers on an image obsessed, Chicago-based Irish-American family dealing with the recent coming out of their teenage son, Kenny. Johnson told Variety she originally got involved with the project because it differed immensely from many LGBT sitcoms that aired in the past.

Initially, we were really excited about the idea of telling a real coming-of-age story of a gay teenager today in America, said Johnson. That seemed really exciting for us especially on network television, because its never been done before. And ABC has been so encouraging in helping us tell those stories.

Much of the panel was dedicated to discussing not only LGBT issues on a national level, but also in the household. Plimpton, who portrays the ONeals matriarch, stated that although her character Eileen has her quirks, she is not very different from any parent of an LGBT child.

We know that nobody who reacts badly to anything in any given moment is intending to do harm, said Plimpton on her characters reaction to her sons sexual identity. Its incumbent upon us to tell the story of that relationship that so many parents have with their children regardless of whether theyre coming out as gay or trans, or just rebelling in a way they never expected and dont know how to deal with it.

The second season premiere saw guest appearances from Jane Lynch, Lance Bass, Tyler Oakley and RuPaul. However, Indoben has her eyes set for a particular guest star to appear on the series.

I would really love to see Bette Midler on our show, said Indoben. I love everything that she stands for, and Im a huge fan and I hope she sings karaoke with us.

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The Real ONeals airs Tuesdays on ABC.

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Colton Haynes Calls Noah Galvin Diss 'Frankly Embarrassing on His Part'
Hong Kong rebel lawmakers swore, shouted, banged drums and railed against "tyranny" Wednesday when they took their oaths of office in the city's parliament, as calls grow for a split from Beijing.

The chaotic first meeting of the new term of the Legislative Council (Legco) came after a citywide vote last month saw victories for several lawmakers advocating more autonomy or even independence for Hong Kong.

The city is semi-autonomous under a "one country, two systems" deal sealed when Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997.

The arrangement protects Hong Kong's freedoms for 50 years, but there are increasing concerns those liberties are disappearing as Beijing tightens its grip.

Lawmakers are required to recite a short oath in Legco before they can officially take up their seats.

That oath declares repeatedly that Hong Kong is a "special administrative region" of China.

The government had warned lawmakers in advance they risked losing their seats if they did not take the oath properly.

Nathan Law, 23, Legco's youngest lawmaker and a former pro-democracy protest leader, delivered an impassioned speech ahead of taking the oath.

"You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body - but you can never imprison my mind," he said, quoting India's independence leader Mahatma Gandhi.

Law, who is calling for self-determination for Hong Kong, was one of the main leaders of the 2014 Umbrella Movement rallies which brought tens of thousands to the streets calling for democratic reform.

Two new pro-independence lawmakers, Baggio Leung and Yau Wai-ching, added their own words before the oath, pledging to serve the "Hong Kong nation".

Both displayed flags emblazoned with the words: "Hong Kong is not China".

Leung took the full oath in English but refused to pronounce "China" correctly, instead calling it "Cheena".

Yau was distinctly heard saying "the People's Re-fucking of Zeena", instead of "the People's Republic of China" in her oath, although she denied that later, blaming her accent.

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Local media reported that they had used the word "Shina" instead of China, an archaic, derogatory Japanese term for the mainland.

- Risk to seats -

New lawmaker Eddie Chu, who advocates a public referendum on Hong Kong's future sovereignty, shouted "Democratic self-determination! Tyranny will perish!" after taking his oath.

Teacher Lau Siu-lai, also a former Umbrella Movement activist, read every word of the oath at a snail's pace, prompting some pro-Beijing lawmakers to walk out.

The Legco clerk told Leung, Yau and one other pro-democracy lawmaker that he was unable to "administer" their oaths, because they had modified them.

It is not yet clear whether any of the lawmakers deemed not to have taken the oath properly will be barred from taking up their seats.

In a statement issued before the oath-taking, the government cited a law that stipulates "any person who declines or neglects to take an oath duly requested which he or she is required to take shall vacate office or be disqualified from entering on it".

The session was suspended after Law refused to return to his seat, questioning why the clerk had objected to the three lawmakers' oaths.

According to government rules, the clerk must now refer the invalid oath cases to the Legco president, who was elected Wednesday afternoon amid further chaos.

The three lawmakers who did not have their oaths approved were told they could not vote for Legco president.

The vast majority of pro-democracy lawmakers left the chamber before the vote, with some shouting and tearing up their ballots.

Pro-Beijing legislator Andrew Leung was voted in by 38 to zero by establishment lawmakers, who are in the majority in the Legco.

The pro-democracy camp had objected to his candidacy.

Separately Wednesday, Britain urged Hong Kong to protect rights and freedoms in the city in its regular six-monthly report.
Syrian rebels shelled Damascus on Wednesday, October 11, hitting parts of Umayyad Mosque in the old city, and areas around the Russian embassy, Radio Sham FM, a pro-regime media group, reported. Syrian state news agency SANA said that a number of people were injured in the shelling.

Damascus-based Alikhbaria state TV channel shared footage described Umayyad Mosque and other areas of Damascus city after the shelling. The man interviewed in the video said that three shells hit the mosque, injuring an unknown number of people. The strikes also partially destroyed the mosaic painting in the mosque.

The Umayyad Mosque is considered one of the largest, oldest and holiest mosques in the world. Credit: YouTube/Alikhbaria
Shares of leading rent-to-own operator in the U.S., Rent-A-Center, Inc. RCII tanked nearly 29% on Oct 11 after the company issued dismal preliminary guidance for third-quarter 2016.

The company expects Core U.S. same store sales to be down nearly 12% in the third- uarter while Acceptance Now same store sales is estimated to be flat. Core U.S. gross profit is likely to be flat year over year. Rent-A-Center anticipates earnings per share both on the GAAP and non-GAAP basis to be in the range of 5 cents to 15 cents per share, well below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 40 cents.

The technical snags and outages after the execution of new point-of-sale system negatively impacted Core sales. The company further said: While we expect it to take several quarters to fully recover from the impact to the Core portfolio, system performance has improved dramatically and we have started to see early indicators of collections improvement.

Rent-A-Center has been disappointing investors with its top-line performance for the past four consecutive quarters. Accelerated point of sale system rollout, persistent sluggishness across the computers and tablets categories, headwinds across the oil-impacted markets and continued smartphones recast impacted the results.

RENT-A-CENTER Price

RENT-A-CENTER Price | RENT-A-CENTER Quote

The Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) companys new business model called Acceptance Now is gaining traction as it enhances consumers shopping experience. When a consumer is denied credit financing for a particular product from a retailer, Rent-A-Center under its Acceptance Now program acquires that product from the retailer and offers it to the consumer under a rental-purchase transaction. The company has moved a step ahead by introducing the Acceptance Now value proposition across retail partner websites.

Stocks to Consider

Better-ranked stocks worth considering include Deckers Outdoor Corp. DECK, Wolverine World Wide Inc. WWW and Sequential Brands Group, Inc. SQBG. All these stocks carry a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 (Strong Buy) Rank stocks here.

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Deckers Outdoor has surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in the trailing four quarters and also has a long-term earnings growth rate of 10.8%.

Wolverine World Wide shares have gained more than 31% in the past six months.

Sequential Brands Group has a long-term earnings growth rate of 17.5%.

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By PTI: Belagavi (KTK), Oct 12 (PTI) The Belagavi police along with forest department officials have seized deer horns, pangolin chips and tusker ivory pieces worth several crores of rupees from an old house in Shetti Galli of the city.

Speaking to reporters, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Law and Order) G Radhika said Salimkhan Sherkahan Soudagar, Mazarkhan Apparkhan Saudagar and Amjadkhan Afzalkhan Soudagar have been arrested in connection with the seizure.

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The materials were stockpiled since long without any proper documents, she said, adding, the actual valuation of the seized materials was still to be worked out.

Though the accused produced some certificates issued in 1998 allowing them to store the materials, the authenticity of the document needs to be established, she said.

According to the arrested trio, the materials were lying with the accused since their forefathers, she said. Since the matter pertains to the forest department, the case will be handed over to it, she said. PTI CORR RA RC RCJ KK

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BERLIN (Reuters) - A new report showing declining labour productivity has raised concern in a leading trade group about the future competitiveness of the German automotive and mechanical engineering sector, the German newspaper Die Welt reported.

"The development of productivity since 2010 is cause for extreme concern," it quoted Rainer Dulger, president of the German Federation of German Employers' Associations in the Metal and Electrical Engineering Industries, as saying. "Our location (as a manufacturing site) is crumbling."

The newspaper said a new study completed by IW Consult for the trade group showed a drop of 1.7 percent in labour productivity in Germany's largest industrial sector between 2011 and 2015, which amounts to an annual decline of about 0.4 percent, the paper said.

It said the study showed that productivity dropped due to a 4.6 percent rise in hiring in the sector, with some companies hoarding specialised workers to avoid losing them, even if they lacked sufficient orders. Hiring new specialist workers was simply too costly, it quoted companies as saying.

The study also suggested that many companies were hiring more workers in Germany to oversee finishing work that had been sent overseas to an increasingly complex web of foreign subsidiaries and suppliers.

"Statistically that is resulting in a high, relatively unproductive use of labour domestically," the report found.

It was also possible that productivity was down because companies were hiring less well-qualified workers due to a shortage of specialist labour, the report said.

(Reporting by Andrea Shalal; editing by Ralph Boulton)
Indonesian comedian Brian Imanuel caught massive attention earlier this year when he released a music video titled "Dat $tick" under his rap alias Rich Chigga. As the video began to circulate the internet over the summer, 88rising gathered a group of rappers like Flatbush Zombies, Camron, Desiigner, Tory Lanez, GoldLink, Madeintyo, 21 Savage, and Ghostface Killah to watch the video and explain how they felt about it. While most of these famous viewers enjoyed the video and found it funny, Ghostface immediately said, "That's dope, I'll get on that track"and he wasn't joking.

Fast forward a couple months, and we're finally met with a video for the remix to "Dat $tick" featuring none other than Ghostface Killah and Miami rapper Pouya. The original video was simplistic, but still completely entertaining. The updated video takes things up to an entirely new level with scenery and graphics as computer-generated versions of both Pouya and Ghostface make apperances in this crazy video.

Watch the video above.

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Milan (AFP) - Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli's creative director Peter Dundas stepped down Wednesday after just three seasons in the job as the label slashed 200 jobs.

The Spring/Summer 2017 collection, presented during Milan Fashion Week in September, was the last the Norwegian designer would do for the high-end brand, the company said in a statement.

His replacement at the Florence-based company has not yet been named.

Chief executive Gian Giacomo Ferraris said the house was undergoing "a period of transformation", and in a separate statement outlined a reorganisation of the company due to begin shortly.

"The fashion industry is facing uniquely challenging times", he said, citing "changing consumer demands, significant contraction in various key markets, and fundamental transformation in the industry's dynamics".

"In this environment, only iconic brands with a coherent business model and an efficient organisation can survive."

Ferraris, a former Versace chief named as the new Roberto Cavalli CEO in July in a bid to relaunch the struggling house, said he believed "the Cavalli brand has what it takes to succeed.

"But the reality is that the company's costs must be in line with its revenues and that is the task we now have to embark upon."

The reorganisation will see the company's Milan corporate and design offices closed and their functions transferred to Florence, some of the brand's stores shut and others relocated and 200 jobs slashed.

The fashion house, taken over in April 2015 by Italian private equity group Clessidra Capital Partners, had Dundas at the helm for just over a-year-and-a-half.

The designer, who spent seven years as artistic director of Pucci, a subsidiary of LVMH, had been seen as a good fit for his love of sexy, rock-inspired designs and penchant for animal prints.
felicity jones

Though "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" won't hit screens until December 16, you will see a lot of the movie's star Felicity Jones beforehand.

The British actress will be playing opposite Tom Hanks in the Ron Howard-directed "Inferno" on October 28 and is currently making the festival rounds for her Oscar-worthy performance in "A Monster Calls," leading up to its release in late December.

But Jones, 32, became an overnight star thanks to being cast as the bad girl turned Rebel fighter Jyn Erso in "Rogue One," the first "Star Wars" standalone film. And in a recent Hollywood Reporter feature we got a little more insight into the movie and how she scored the lead role.

Stories have been swirling about the reshoots for the movie, and Jones addressed them, saying, "Obviously when you come to the edit, you see the film come together and you think, 'Actually, we could do this better, and this would make more sense if we did this.'"

But she also downplays the reshoots as being something that often happens on big films.

"I've done it so many times," she said. "I mean, you wouldn't just give your first draft on this story, would you?"

The THR story also touches on the casting of Jones, who received a seven-figure payday for the role (no other cast member even got a mid-six-figure deal, the story reports).

"The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" star Rooney Mara and Tatiana Maslany from "Orphan Black" were also in the running to play Jyn. The final decision came down to Disney chairman Alan Horn, and according to Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, it was Jones' fighter quality that won her the part.

"Alan was incredibly excited by Felicity's work and loved her as an actress," Kennedy said. "She's relatively petite, but you would never know it. I mean, she comes off very strong and physical and capable, and all of those things were the qualities that we were looking for."

Jones said the feisty Jyn we see was inspired by watching a lot of music videos from British rock band Florence + the Machine before shooting on "Rogue" started in August of 2015 in London.

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"So much of Jyn is movement," Jones said. "It became a very important part of finding her. She walks almost a bit like a caged animal. Her fight sequences become like dances."

Read the entire Jones profile at THR.

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Thanks to this Friday's episode of ABC's 20/20, former University of Virginia associate dean Nicole Eramo has been barred from presenting deposition testimony of Sabrina Rubin Erdely, the author of a controversial rape story in Rolling Stone that's the focus of a defamation trial set to begin next Monday. Additionally, the 20/20 segment could impact other evidence at the upcoming trial.

On Monday, Rolling Stone brought an emergency motion demanding sanctions and injunctive relief because Eramo's team "intentionally leaked copies of video depositions," including one showing Erdely crying when questioned about her article about "Jackie," the UVA freshman who, according to a since-retracted story, was gang-raped at a fraternity party.

The publication warned U.S. District Court judge Glen Conrad that after the 20/20 episode airs, "seating an impartial jury in Charlottesville will be difficult, if not impossible."

Rolling Stone asked ABC News not to show the footage. In a press release sent out this morning, the network doesn't mention Erdely, but does tout that the segment - titled "What Happened to 'Jackie'?" - will feature Eramo's first interview since the rape story scandal erupted in late 2014.

The judge also was asked to postpone the trial and move it to another district, but his order stops short of doing this. Nevertheless, Conrad writes he "believes that other sanctions may be in order. To the extent that other material disclosed by plaintiff and not submitted for inclusion in the public record is broadcast by third parties, plaintiff may be prohibited from using such material at trial."

On the eve of a trial that could be the most important legal event in Rolling Stone's storied history, the publication has gotten yet another victory in court.

Conrad also clarified that Eramo must show that the statements in the Rolling Stone article she contends defamed her were "of and concerning" her. In a prior summary judgment ruling, the judge wrote that there was no dispute on this question, but now it will be for the jury to decide whether Erdely's references to what the UVA administration did - or didn't do - in the wake of sexual assault allegations can be interpreted as statements concerning Erdely.

The plaintiff also will need to show actual malice to prevail in this case. The parties are still arguing over the questions to be presented to a jury, including whether a lack of adherence to accepted standards of journalism is enough to demonstrate a reckless disregard for the truth. The absence of Eramo's deposition testimony could impact plaintiff's ability to show actual malice.
At the moment, Roseanne Barr is a broken woman  but her sense of humor appears to be intact.

Former Roseanne star  and sometime presidential candidate  posted graphic photos Wednesday of a knee injury shed suffered, and suggested that Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton could have been at fault.

Fell broke kneecap! Did Hillary drone me? Barr wrote, in a caption accompanying a photo of her bruised, grotesquely swollen knee. Lol.

Also Read: 8 Things You Need to Know About WikiLeaks' Anti-Hillary Clinton Document Dump

The joke is a possible reference to recent reports that Clinton had once considered a drone strike on WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Hours before posting the photo of her busted knee, Barr tweeted a link to a video, adding the message, New Leaks Confirm Hillary Selling out America.

This isnt the first time that Barr has paired personal injury with humor in the social media realm.

In November 2014, the comedian published a gruesome photo of her face after she received a chemical peel, along with a dig at scandal-plagued comedian Bill Cosby, whos been accused of rape or sexual assault by dozens of women.

Got a chemical peel to look more sexier, Barr wrote at the time. Joked about tussling Cosby.

Related stories from TheWrap:

Roseanne Barr Reveals She Is Going Blind From Eye Disease

Roseanne Barr Fuels Bill Cosby Scandal With Gruesome Twitter Photo

8 Things You Need to Know About WikiLeaks' Anti-Hillary Clinton Document Dump
Cape Town (AFP) - Rilee Rossouw hit a century as South Africa went in search of a series whitewash in the fifth and final one-day international against Australia at Newlands on Wednesday.

Rossouw made 122 in a South African total of 327 for eight. He and fellow left-hander JP Duminy (73) transformed the South African innings with a fourth wicket partnership of 178 after the hosts lost their first three wickets for 52 runs.

South Africa went into the contest seeking to become the first team to defeat Australia in every game of a five-match one-day series.

Australia's bowlers made a good start after South Africa won the toss, with Scott Boland having Quinton de Kock caught at cover and Joe Mennie bowling both Hashim Amla and South African captain Faf du Plessis.

Mennie, who conceded 82 runs without taking a wicket in his only previous international in Johannesburg, also ended the Rossouw-Duminy stand when Duminy was caught at backward point. He was the best of the Australian bowlers, taking three for 49.

Chris Tremain, another bowler who made his debut during the series, also took three wickets, aided by two in his last over. He conceded 64 runs.

Rossouw hit the ball with great power in making his runs off 118 balls with 14 fours and two sixes, while Duminy was the ideal partner with a combination of silky stroke play and good running between the wickets. Their partnership was worth 178 off 170 balls.

South Africa's total was the third-highest recorded in a one-day international at Newlands.
OCALA, Fla.  Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani issued an unusual attack on Hillary Clinton, suggesting she lied about being at Ground Zero in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks.

Appearing on stage ahead of Donald Trump at a Tuesday rally in what is a must-win state for the Republican presidential nominee, Giuliani repeatedly cited Clinton staff emails revealed through a WikiLeaks dump as proof that she has been lying to the country about everything from her use of a private email system to her foreign policy views.

Giuliani then brought up 9/11, suggesting she had overplayed her role in the aftermath of the attacks.

Dont tell me  you remember Sept. 11, 2001. I remember Sept. 11, 2001, Giuliani said. I heard her say she was there that day. I was there that day. I dont remember seeing Hillary Clinton there.

That was like when she said she had to run through gunfire, Giuliani added, as the crowd loudly booed. That turned out to be, what do we call it? A lie.

Though Giuliani gave credit to the then-New York senator for helping get benefits for first responders and others injured at the site, he suggested that Clinton had little emotional connection to the attacks.

Dont tell me you subscribe to the notion that all of us who were with on Sept. 11 (that) were lucky to be alive and have lost so many friends, the former mayor said. I lost so many friends on Sept. 11. I think about it every day. Dont tell me you belong to our very, very tight group of never forget. Dont tell me that.

On social media, many people noted that Giuliani and Clinton were photographed at Ground Zero on Sept. 12, 2001.

Then New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, center, flanked by then-New York Gov. George Pataki and Sen. Hillary Clinton on Sept. 12, 2001. (Photo: Robert F. Bukaty/AP)

Clinton was working in Washington, D.C., when the first plane hit the World Trade Center buildings. She and her fellow New York senator, Chuck Schumer, flew back to New York the next day and saw the destruction firsthand.

On Wednesday, the Clinton campaign pointed to Giulianis past praise for Clintons actions in the aftermath of the attack:

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Giuliani today and Giuliani in July pic.twitter.com/xyrBRH3tui  Josh Schwerin (@JoshSchwerin) October 12, 2016

Giulianis criticism came as Trump and his campaign have stepped up their personal attacks on Clintons character in recent days. Though Trump has frequently attacked Clinton as dishonest throughout the campaign, he and his surrogates, led by Giuliani, have gone after her in more extreme terms in the last two days.

In Panama City, Fla., on Tuesday night, Giuliani suggested she had gotten so good at mistruths that its impossible to know when Hillary Clinton is telling the truth.

We may be dealing with a pathological liar, Giuliani declared. She could possibly pass a polygraph test while she was lying. Its possible!
By Lisa Lambert and Trevor Hunnicutt

WASHINGTON/NEW YORK, Oct 12 (Reuters) - The top U.S. securities regulator is unlikely to approve rules this year that would restrict fund managers' use of derivatives and require additional planning to prevent service disruptions, one of the agency's members said on Wednesday.

Michael Piwowar, the sole Republican member of the Securities and Exchange Commission, told a conference at Georgetown University he did not foresee the regulator voting on the final rules for derivatives and transition planning before a change in the presidential administration after Nov. 8 elections.

The timeline could be a fatal setback for two pillars in the SEC's effort to boost oversight over asset managers and the funds they offer as fears their lending and investing activities could pose broader risks to the marketplace have led to heightened scrutiny by regulators.

The commission's current chair, Mary Jo White, originally identified finalizing the derivatives rule among her priorities for the year. But the proposal, revealed last December, drew fire from fund managers.

Industry representatives said the restrictions could curtail techniques used to reduce risk and manage bond funds, "leveraged" exchange-traded funds (ETFs) and other products.

The transition planning proposal, meanwhile, would require fund managers and other investment advisers put plans in place laying out how they would minimize disruptions during catastrophes such as natural disasters, cyber-attacks, technology failures or the departure of key personnel. Industry groups have also pushed back on elements of that policy.

The next U.S. president, who will be inaugurated in January, could choose to replace White, which may further delay some of its rule changes. At the same time, a new chair may have a different agenda and decide to put some SEC proposals on the back burner.

Piwowar voted against releasing the derivatives proposal, which had been years in the making, saying the SEC should wait until after it gathered data on the issues.

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Speaking to reporters while attending the Washington D.C. conference, Piwowar said there are still questions about how hard caps on derivatives use would affect leveraged funds and the ability of funds to "hedge," or cut risk.

On Thursday, the commission will vote on a data-gathering proposal for funds as well as another proposal governing how funds manage the risk of having to offload hard-to-sell assets to meet redemptions.

(Reporting by Lisa Lambert in Washington D.C. and Trevor Hunnicutt in New York; Editing by Alan Crosby)
Rupert Murdoch's compensation for his role as executive chairman of News Corp amounted to $5.3 million for the fiscal year that ended in June, compared with $5.07 million a year earlier, according to a regulatory filing released Wednesday.

News Corp CEO Robert Thomson's compensation amounted to $11.3 million, compared with $10.3 million in the previous year.

News Corp owns The Wall Street Journal and other financial news operations, U.K. newspapers like The Times and The Sun, book publisher HarperCollins and other businesses. Its stock fell 17 percent during the latest fiscal year.

News Corp CFO Bedi Ajay Singh was paid $5 million, up from $4.6 million a year earlier, and David Pitofsky, the company's general counsel, made $2.7 million, up from $2 million.

Murdoch's annual pay for his work at 21st Century Fox was disclosed last month. He made $34.6 million, up nearly 25 percent from a year earlier. News Corp and Fox split in 2013.

Wednesday's News Corp filing didn't disclose the pay of such executives as Rebekah Brooks, CEO of the company's British unit News UK. She took over effective Sept. 7.

Read more: Rupert Murdoch's News Corp Pay Drops 42 Percent to $5.1 Million
Washington (AFP) - Moscow and Washington have pledged to try again to negotiate a lasting ceasefire for war-ravaged Syria, committing to multilateral weekend talks in Europe, after the last attempt collapsed amid bitter recriminations.

Syria has been plunged into some of the worst violence of the five-year civil war after a hard-won truce collapsed as government forces backed by Russian air power push a brutal assault on rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

As the West accused Russia of potential war crimes over the bombing campaign, Moscow and Washington froze talks, trading blame for the collapse of the ceasefire they had brokered.

There is now a push to give diplomacy another chance with Washington announcing Wednesday two days of talks -- in Lausanne on Saturday, and in London on Sunday.

US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are expected to be joined in Lausanne by counterparts from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar -- all backers of Syrian opposition forces.

Neither side has confirmed an invitation to Iran, a key player in the conflict and an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Then in London, Kerry will likely meet up with his European counterparts -- from Britain, France and Germany.

The United Nations said Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura has been invited to take part in the talks but a spokesman said he did not know if he would attend.

Lavrov told CNN in an interview Wednesday that he hoped the weekend talks in Switzerland could help "launch a serious dialogue" based on the now-defunct US-Russian pact.

"We would like to have a meeting in this narrow format, to have a businesslike discussion, not another General Assembly-like debate," Lavrov said.

The floor of the General Assembly was the scene of a stormy weekend meeting as Russia vetoed a resolution on a ceasefire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin slammed Paris for the vetoed proposal, accusing it of deliberately putting forward a motion that Moscow would reject.

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"It was aimed at inflaming the situation and fanning hysteria around Russia," Putin said.

New Zealand on Wednesday presented another draft resolution demanding an end to air attacks in Syria's battleground city of Aleppo -- likely to again fan tensions between the West and Russia, who back opposing sides in the suppurating civil war.

Fresh air strikes and artillery fire in Aleppo on Wednesday left at least seven people dead, an international monitor said, a day after Russia was accused of stepping up its raids on the city.

The United Nations has warned of the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe taking place in Aleppo, saying that the rebel-held territory could be destroyed entirely by the end of the year.

- Compromise not blackmail -

Despite the continuing exchange of insults, the negotiations had never really stopped behind closed doors, with Kerry and Lavrov speaking by telephone in recent days.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday that for Kerry, the bilateral talks had been suspended but were "not dead."

Kirby also emphasized the importance of both tracks of talks -- with Russia, which has "the most influence on Assad," and with other regional players with "influence on other units."

But hopes remain low for a breakthrough to end the five-year conflict that has claimed some 300,000 lives.

Some have even called for punitive measures against Moscow, though French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault cautioned against "a cycle of sanctions for the sake of sanctions."

Putin on Wednesday warned Western countries against imposing sanctions, stressing that Russia would not let itself be isolated.

"We should not go down the path of pressure and blackmail but search for compromise," Putin said in Moscow.

He also placed blame on the West for the dire situation.

"I am deeply convinced that it is our Western partners, first and foremost of course the United States, who are responsible for the situation," he told France's TF1 television.
Moscow (AFP) - Russia on Wednesday said it would hold Syria talks with the United States and regional powers this weekend, the first meeting on the conflict since Washington froze bilateral ceasefire negotiations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry agreed to hold talks aimed at "creating the conditions for the resolution of the Syrian crisis" in Lausanne on Saturday, alongside top diplomats from "key countries in the region", Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement.

In an interview Wednesday Lavrov said that talks should include Turkey, Saudi Arabia and possibly Qatar, CNN reported.

"We would like to have a meeting in this narrow format, to have a businesslike discussion, not another General Assembly-like debate," he was quoted as saying.

A US State Department source confirmed the meeting to AFP: "Can confirm Lausanne. Lausanne will be a meeting with key regional participants as well as Russia."

The meeting comes as tensions between Moscow and the West have spiked over the conflict after peace efforts unravelled and Russia unleashed an intense bombing campaign to back up a regime assault on the war-ravaged city of Aleppo.

The US pulled the plug on talks with Russia aimed at reviving a flagging ceasefire on October 3, sending ties with Russia spiralling to a new low.

The West has accused Moscow of potential war crimes as its forces have blasted rebel-held eastern Aleppo in support of Bashar al-Assad's troops.
By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Russia said on Tuesday that an arms embargo should not be placed on South Sudan despite U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon reporting that the government has done little to allow more peacekeepers to be deployed and to improve access for U.N. troops already there. President Salva Kiir agreed during a U.N. Security Council visit to South Sudan last month to accept 4,000 extra peacekeepers and to allow some 12,000 peacekeepers already on the ground to move around freely in order to protect civilians. In an August resolution, after heavy fighting in July in the capital, Juba, the 15-member council had threatened to consider a possible arms embargo within five days of a report by Ban that Kiir's government was not fulfilling both measures. Russia's Deputy U.N. Ambassador Petr Iliichev said that an assessment report from Ban to the council on Monday said that "South Sudan was not impeding or increasing difficulties, so it's a very neutral letter." "Our opposition (to an arms embargo) doesn't change. Yesterday we were discussing Central African Republic, where an arms embargo is in place but the country is just inundated with weapons," he said. Britain's U.N. Ambassador Matthew Rycroft said he would discuss the situation with council colleagues to decide whether or not to push for discussion of a resolution to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan, the world's newest nation. "If we find that there isn't that full cooperation then yes it'll definitely be time to look again at the arms embargo," Rycroft told reporters. U.S. Deputy Ambassador David Pressman told reporters he expected there would be a "robust discussion." The council is due to discuss the situation in South Sudan next Monday. In Ban's letter to the council, seen by Reuters, he said "it will take some time to evaluate whether these commitments (by South Sudan) translate into improved freedom of movement on the ground or amount to business as usual." [nL1N1CH01X] Ban has previously urged the council to impose an arms embargo on South Sudan. Political rivalry between Kiir, an ethnic Dinka, and his former deputy Riek Machar, a Nuer, led to civil war in 2013 that has often followed ethnic lines. The pair signed a shaky peace deal a year ago, but fighting has continued and Machar fled the country after the July violence. He is now in Khartoum. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan in 2011. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; editing by Grant McCool)
By Jack Stubbs and Christian Lowe MOSCOW (Reuters) - The head of Russia's Olympic Committee, Alexander Zhukov, is stepping down, in the biggest change at the top of Russian sport since a doping scandal led to the country's track-and-field athletes being excluded from the Rio Games. President Vladimir Putin said Zhukov had told him he wanted to leave the role so he could concentrate on his other job as first deputy speaker in the lower house of parliament. "This is without doubt the right thing, we support it completely," Putin told a meeting of sports officials attended by Zhukov on Tuesday, adding that he "has done a lot for sport and, I hope, will do more still". Zhukov was given the tough task of trying to persuade the International Olympic Committee not to ban Russia entirely from the Rio Games despite damning reports from the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) that uncovered widespread state-sponsored cheating. His low-key, behind-the-scenes style was in contrast to the forceful approach of Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko, who is well known for emotional outbursts. Russia was eventually allowed to send athletes in most sports other than track and field, but was banned from the subsequent Paralympics. Whoever replaces Zhukov will play a key role in trying to clean up Russia's reputation and heal relations with the wider Olympic movement - an important priority for a country that sees sporting success as a symbol of its power and world standing. SOCHI COVER-UP Russian officials made no connection between Zhukov's departure and the doping allegations. "In most of the cases, these were made up and were unfounded, in order to totally discredit Russian sport," Mikhail Mamiashvili, president of Russia's Wrestling Federation, told Reuters. Zhukov, a Putin ally and former deputy prime minister, has been president of the Russian Olympic Committee since 2010, and was chairman of the Organising Committee for the 2014 Winter Olympics in the southern resort of Sochi. Russia lavished some $50 billion on the Games, a prestige project for Putin, and finished top of the medals table. But a WADA-commissioned report this year described how, in a clandestine night-time operation, positive samples from athletes who had cheated were smuggled out of a lab through a hole drilled in the wall, and then replaced with clean samples. Russia acknowledged that there were shortcomings in its anti-doping operations, but Zhukov was among those who argued it was being unfairly singled out for punishment for political reasons while doping by other countries was ignored. Zhukov quickly rose through the ranks at the International Olympic Committee, which this year appointed him to an influential role as head of the commission overseeing Beijing's preparation to host the 2022 Winter Olympics. (Additional reporting by Dmitry Rogovitskiy and Karolos Grohmann; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
Rag pickers are making money by collecting some of these waste materials that they resell. Delhi water minister Kapil Mishra has assured cleaning up of river banks.

By Mail Today Bureau: While the district administrations and civic agencies were quick to remove the remains of Durga idols that were immersed in the Yamuna river on Tuesday, insoluble materials like wood, plastics, cloths and bamboo frame were found strewn along the river bank till late Wednesday evening.

And rag pickers are making money by collecting some of these waste materials that they resell. Delhi water minister Kapil Mishra has assured cleaning up of river banks.

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MEGA ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHHATH PUJA

"This year, idol immersions were properly organised and I have instructed to clean up the river bank within this week," Mishra told MAIL TODAY. He said the Delhi government is planning mega arrangements for Chhath Puja, which will be performed at 180 ghats in the national Capital.



ALSO READ: Bihar town tense, Sec 144 imposed after violence over Durga Puja, Muharram processions



However, officials claimed cleaning up of the river bank would be a lengthy process. The district administration had set up temporary enclosures to collect flowers and waste materials.

The three municipal corporations said they have deployed around 150 sanitation workers to clean up the ghats. Civic agencies claimed the cleaning of the Yamuna is a routine drive of the corporation. However, during the festive seasons special measures are taken to clear the waste materials.

"The Delhi government's irrigation and flood control department collects the bamboos and other materials from the river banks. The civic workers then transport these materials in trucks to the landfill sites. We have three trucks stationed at the ghats for the work. The cleaning up work will take a day," said a corporation spokesperson.

Last year the National Green Tribunal had banned immersion of nonbiodegradable idols using plastic, Plaster of Paris (POP) and harmful colours. While the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) The Delhi Pollution Control Committee will analyse the impact of the immersions in Yamuna by a water quality check, an official said.

ALSO READ:

Here are the top 5 Durga Puja pandals from across Delhi

Akhilesh Yadav hits Agra-Lucknow expressway to check quality; video goes viral





--- ENDS ---
A Russian newspaper predicts a direct military confrontation between Russia and the United States as tensions heat up over Syria, stoking worries about World War III.

The Russian tabloid Moskovsky Komsomolets made the prediction last week, saying it would be on a par with the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Just imagine that the U.S. does what it has wanted to do for a long time and strike against [Syrian President Bashar] Assad, not by mistake but on purpose and openly, the newspaper said.

Should Russia defend its ally or consider striking against the Americans, but this would definitely lead to a Third World War.

Russia can win big in Syria but it can also lose big too. We must not forget that in Syria we are playing an astonishingly risky game.

Russia has long seen NATO expansion as a threat and vigorously opposed a U.S. missile defense shield in Europe, alleging it could be used offensively.

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed Saturday it had moved nuclear-capable missiles to Kalingrad near the Polish border, the Telegraph reported. The Iskander missiles are capable of hitting targets 450 miles away, putting Berlin within reach.

German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier told Bild newspaper the situation now is more dangerous than during the Cold War.

Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to work with the West to help defeat the Islamic State group in Syria but has since conducted bombing campaigns apparently aimed at propping up Assad. The most recent bombing runs have laid waste to Aleppo, once Syrias economic capital.

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry last week called for a war crimes investigation of Russian actions.

Putin raised the ire of the West when he seized Crimea from Ukraine in 2014.

More recently Russia has been blamed for hacking the Democratic National Committee and nearly two dozen U.S. voter registration databases in a bid to influence the U.S. presidential election.

In Russia, CNN reported a massive civil defense exercise last week, accompanied by instructions on how to survive a nuclear attack.

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Seoul (AFP) - Samsung's corporate car-crash over its exploding Note 7 smartphones has shone a spotlight on South Korea's "chaebol" business culture -- the family-run empires whose rigid corporate structure and opaque governance style aren't always best suited to a crisis.

Giant conglomerates like Samsung and Hyundai were widely credited with driving the stellar growth that transformed South Korea from a war-ravaged backwater to Asia's fourth-largest economy in a matter of decades.

Their business style was a top-down corporate culture where orders from the founding family and senior managers were carried out without question.

Samsung has long been seen as a model of pragmatic efficiency, with a chairman and handful of elite managers dictating an overall business plan for all divisions to follow meticulously.

Under the now-ailing chairman and family patriarch Lee Kun-Hee the strategy proved extremely successful over the past 15-20 years, turning the once-obscure electronics maker into a global powerhouse.

But as the firm grew in size, and its business dealings became more complex and globalised, the highly centralised decision-making process has become, some analysts suggest, a liability as well as an asset.

- Unchallenged authority -

Kim Sang-Jo, head of the Seoul-based corporate governance monitoring group Solidarity for Economic Reform, said a coterie of top managers in the company's "future strategy office" wield nearly unchallenged authority over the group's strategic direction.

"Whatever decision the office makes, engineers and working-level managers should follow silently, although they might think it's not humanly possible or utterly unreasonable," Kim said.

Along with a number of other analysts, Kim believes a key factor behind the Note 7 debacle was management's insistence that it be launched ahead of schedule to secure a lengthy market lead over arch-rival Apple's new iPhone.

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"There was no channel for engineers to tell the management that they needed more time to test the battery and later prepare a new battery for the recall... and this lack of feedback was the biggest culprit behind this disaster," Kim said.

When the new smartphones began catching fire, Samsung announced a recall of 2.5 million units. The company blamed a battery supplier, said the problem was fixed and offered to replace all the devices.

The real damage to the company's reputation came when replacement phones also started burning up, triggering criticism that the exchange programme had been rushed in much the same way as the original early launch.

In the end, Samsung was forced to kill off the Note 7, announcing Tuesday that it was permanently halting production.

- Lesson learned? -

Park Yoo-Kyung, a Hong Kong-based director specialising in corporate governance at APG Asset Management, said she hoped Samsung had learned its lesson.

"I've seen so many family-controlled firms respond to crises so slowly... or entirely miss the chance to correct their mistakes because everything has to be dictated by top management," she said.

"I really hope that Samsung will not introduce another new smartphone too quickly in its effort to put the whole crisis behind it... and that its management will do some soul-searching on whether it has a corporate culture in line with its status as a world leading tech company," Park said.

Chaebols like Samsung are not used to dealing with public scrutiny, or indeed with uppity shareholders -- as Samsung showed during a bitter dispute last year with the US hedge fund Elliott Management which tried to prevent a merger of two Samsung affiliates.

This is partly due to their dominant position in the South Korean economy -- Samsung alone accounts for around 17 percent of the country's GDP -- which tends to intimidate domestic regulators.

- New leadership -

The disaster with the Note 7 came as Samsung navigates a complex generational leadership transfer, with Lee Kun-Hee bedridden since suffering a heart attack in 2014.

In the aftermath there will be intense scrutiny of the performance of his son and heir apparent, J.Y. Lee, 48, who is vice chairman of Samsung Electronics and was nominated to the company board just days after the initial Note 7 recall.

"Depending on how he responds, Samsung will be remembered as a model case of using a crisis as an opportunity to reinvent itself... or go down in history like Nokia," said Kim Sang-Jo.

The Lee family controls the vast $242-billion Samsung Group through a complex web of cross shareholdings, although they only directly own about five percent of total stock.

The byzantine nature of the corporate structure was put into sharp relief during the showdown last year with Elliott Management, which is now challenging the Samsung leadership again.

Last week, the hedge fund unveiled a proposal for splitting Samsung Electronics in two in order to unlock billions of dollars in value for shareholders.
By Julia Love and Deborah M. Todd

(Reuters) - Samsung Electronicss abandonment of the Galaxy Note 7 due to safety concerns will likely touch off a turf war among Android smartphone makers, analysts said, presenting them a rare opportunity to gain share but with less room for arch rival Apple Inc.

Consumers tend to commit to their choice between Apple's iOS operating system for smartphones and Googles Android, leaving Samsungs fellow Android manufacturers such as LG Electronics and Alphabet Inc's Google in prime position to strike. Both have newly released phones.

A hardware problem is unlikely to change a customer's preference for software systems, said analyst Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research.

"Samsung has the premium end of the smartphone market pretty much sewn up on the Android side," he said. This creates a slightly bigger opening.

Research firm TrendForce revised up Apple's 2016 smartphone shipment forecasts by 3 million to 208 million, while slashing Samsung's shipments estimates by 6 million. It also raised forecasts for China's Huawei Technologies [HWT.UL], No.3 globally, by 4 million.

"A substantial portion of consumers demand will now go to the three major Chinese brands  Huawei, Vivo and OPPO," it said in a note.

Nevertheless, in San Francisco, prime Apple territory, some consumers were switching to the home team, and Apple stock has risen on expectations of a broader move.

"Some people might have already been thinking about making the switch and now here's their chance," said Robin Williams, a sales associate at a Sprint store on Van Ness St in San Francisco, describing some customers moving to Apple.

Bob ODonnell of TECHnalysis Research said Apple would benefit, "but I dont think they are going to get all of it because Apple has a single product."

Samsung on Tuesday scrapped the $882 flagship smartphone, in what could be one of the costliest product safety failures in tech history.

The news is a boon for Google, which last week announced a new line of Pixel smartphones, plunging the company into the hardware market that it has previously left to manufacturers such as Samsung. Samsungs retreat will prompt consumers to take a closer look at Googles phones.

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"Samsungs meltdown is a big opportunity for Google to do far better with Pixel than it has with its previous Nexus devices," said Richard Windsor, analyst at Edison Investment Research.

Despite the reputational damage, Samsung will remain competitive for premium smartphone sales, analysts said. LGs V20 smartphone will not arrive in the United States until the end of the month. Googles Pixel phones do not ship until Oct. 20, and will only be available in the United States at Verizon.

"Google needs to be present at retail and with operators in volume in time to meet this demand... it needs to accelerate the launch as much as it can," said Windsor.

ROOM TO SHINE

For consumers seeking immediate replacements for the Galaxy Note 7, it may be easiest to go with another Samsung phone, said ODonnell at TECHnalysis. You cant write off Samsung, he said.

Samsung is offering to exchange the Note 7s for its flagship Galaxy S7 models. A permanent end to Note 7 sales could cost it up to $17 billion, according to calculations based on analysts' projected shipments of the device.

And Apple may have room to shine, especially before new Android phones arrive.

At a T-Mobile store in San Francisco, salesperson Omar Arreola said some Samsung customers were so upset with the company that they switched to the iPhone 7. "They trust the brand," he said.

Brian Green, whose Note 7 caught fire on a Southwest Airlines flight last week, also said he replaced his device with an iPhone. He raced to purchase the Note 7 after its release, but he said he is unlikely to be an early adopter again.

Next time I think I'll wait and get it once it's been around the block a few times, he said.

(Additional reporting by Rory Carroll and Malathi Nayak; Additional reporting by Miyoung Kim in SINGAPORE; Editing by Lisa Shumaker, Sam Holmes and Muralikumar Anantharaman)
By Malathi Nayak and Deborah M. Todd

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics Co Ltd is sending fireproof boxes and protective gloves to customers returning potentially explosive Galaxy Note 7 phones, sparking a firestorm of humor on social media about the new twist in the recall scandal.

The company has permanently halted production of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone less than two months after launch following reports that some batteries caught fire. Reports that some replacement models also went up in smoke were an additional blow to Samsung's brand and financial outlook.

"Samsung fireproof boxes? Have they been tested?" wrote Twitter user @powermax_news, a sales and service group that works on products from Samsung rival Apple Inc (AAPL.O).

Samsung in a statement said it was sending the fireproof return kit to customers who bought the Galaxy Note 7 phone on its website.

A YouTube video by Android developer news site XDA Developers on Tuesday showed a "return kit," including a fireproof box with a "forbidden for transport by aircraft" warning and blue gloves to handle the device.

The thermally insulated outer box that has ceramic fiber paper lining has two smaller boxes within it and a static shielding bag, the video showed. The packaging also inspired mirth.

"The ultimate prank is when you open a box inside a box inside a box to find...a bag," Tweeted user @Nataddda.

U.S. wireless carriers described getting similar materials to return the phones.

Sprint Corp (S.N) spokeswoman Laura Lisec said retail employees had been told to remove phones from packaging, power them down and secure them in the heat-proof boxes. Sprint phones nationwide are being consolidated at a warehouse in Illinois before being forwarded to Samsung.

Verizon Communications Inc (VZ.N) spokeswoman Kelly Crummey said retail stores were keeping returned Note 7s separate from other merchandise but did not share details regarding shipping or packaging.

She said returns were steady and that many customers were choosing other Samsung Android operating system phones, rather than switching to Apple and its iOS.

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"The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are really popular with customers. From what we've seen with customers if they like Android they like Android and if they like iOS they like iOS," she said.

Shippers, meanwhile, are taking their own precautions. The U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and UPS said they would not ship the phones by air, consistent with U.S. regulation. But FedEx will only take phones returned to stores, not from individuals directly.

Royal Mail Plc (RMG.L), operator of Britain's main postal service, said on Wednesday it had banned the delivery Note 7 smartphones through its network for safety reasons, making it potentially difficult for many Britons to return the recalled devices.

(Reporting by Malathi Nayak, Deborah M. Todd; Editing by David Gregorio, Peter Henderson and Lisa Shumaker)
Seoul (AFP) - Samsung Electronics on Wednesday slashed its latest quarterly profit estimate by one third in the wake of a highly damaging recall crisis that ended with the scrapping of its latest flagship smartphone.

In the first indication of just how much the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco might end up costing the world's largest smartphone maker, Samsung revised its operating forecast for the third quarter to 5.2 trillion won ($4.6 billion), compared to the 7.8 trillion won it announced just last week.

The company said the revision reflected the expected impact on sales and earnings of its decision on Tuesday to permanently discontinue production of the Note 7.

Song Myung-Sup, an analyst at Hi Investment & Securities, said the impact would be felt for many quarters to come.

"Halted production of the Note 7 will damage Samsung's brand image and trust and eventually hurt future sales of its smartphones," Song said.

"Given that it needs to spend more on research, development, inspection and marketing down the road, this crisis will affect its earnings until late 2017," he added.

The company also slashed its third-quarter sales estimate by four percent to 47 trillion won from 49 trillion won.

The announcement came after the close of trade Wednesday which saw Samsung's share price fall 0.7 percent, following an 8.0 percent plunge the day before.

Wednesday's revision would reflect a 30-percent drop in Samsung's quarterly operating profit from a year ago, compared to a 5.5-percent rise according to the earlier estimate.

Samsung announced a recall of 2.5 million units of the oversized Galaxy Note 7 smartphone in early September after several devices exploded or caught fire.

When replacement phones also started to combust, the company eventually decided to scrap the Note 7 line entirely.

The company blamed faulty batteries made by an unnamed supplier -- widely believed to be its sister company Samsung SDI.

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But reports in the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times cited analysts, experts and other sources who suggested the fault may have been with the underlying technology -- possibly the processor or voltage control system.

"If you try to charge the battery too quickly it can make it more volatile. If you push an engine too hard, it will explode. Something had to give," a source who had spoken to Samsung executives told the Financial Times.

Discontinuing the Note 7 leaves Samsung extremely vulnerable as the highly-competitive market for premium smartphones enters the holiday buying season.

Arch-rival Apple launched its latest iPhone 7 last month, and Google just came out with its Pixel smartphone, which runs on the same Android software as Samsung's devices.

Numerous analysts have suggested that the rush to release the Note 7 ahead of the iPhone 7 left Samsung's engineers little time to test the device's new built-in battery.

The Note 7 was meant to underpin growth this year as Samsung struggles to boost sales, squeezed by Apple in the high-end sector and Chinese rivals in the low-end market as profit has stagnated.

Wednesday's revised earnings forecast, which comes ahead of audited results to be released this month, did not provide a net income figure or breakdown of divisional earnings for the company's mobile, TV, semiconductor and display units.

Samsung's handling of the Note 7 recall has placed a spotlight on the South Korean conglomerates management at a time when it is navigating a tricky generational power transfer within the founding Lee family.

Industry experts have criticised the Lee dynasty for controlling the vast group through a complex web of cross shareholdings, although they only directly own about five percent of total stocks.
By Mai Nguyen and My Pham

HANOI (Reuters) - Samsung Vietnam will maintain its current staff numbers and its exports target this year, the firm said on Wednesday, despite the parent company scrapping its flagship Galaxy Note 7 phone following a series of battery fires.

Samsung Electronics, which employs around 110,000 people in Vietnam, finally pulled the plug on the new Note 7 phone on Tuesday, less than two months after its launch, dealing a huge blow to the business as a result of unresolved safety concerns.

But Samsung Vietnam said it has no plan to lay off employees in 2016 as a result of the parent company's crisis and predicted the value of its exports would grow further from last year's $32.7 billion.

"The Note 7 incident may not bring about any significant impact on our exports in 2016; in fact this year's exports turnover is expected to increase," Samsung Vietnam said in a statement.

Samsung is a major investor in Vietnam, a low-cost manufacturing center for products that include its signature SMART televisions.

Electronics has become a vital part of Vietnam's economy and a factory base for other brands like Microsoft, Intel, Canon Inc, LG and Sony Corp.

Le Dang Doanh, a renowned economist and former government advisor, said the Note 7 crisis would serve as a warning to the government to diversify its economy and to become less reliant on foreign investment, which accounts for around 70 percent of Vietnam's exports.

"This incident will affect negatively on Vietnam's labor, exports and state budget," he said.

"There is a lesson here that we should not rely too much on a single market and exports should not depend on a single product."

CRUCIAL SECTOR

Phones exports are significant to Vietnam's exports, with the value of 2015 shipments up by 27.8 percent at $30.17 billion, or 19 percent of the country's total exports, customs data show.

Its phone shipments in the first nine months of this year increased by an estimated 8.6 percent on the same period last year to $24.96 billion.

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Samsung Electronics slashed its quarterly profit estimate by a third on Wednesday after taking a $2.3 billion hit from ditching the Note 7, which is made in Vietnam, South Korea and China.

But losses could spread to Vietnam where Samsung Electronics has several phone factories in the north with combined investments of about $7.5 billion.

Any fall in phone output would put further pressure on what is one of Asia's most resilient economies, as weakness in the mining and agriculture sectors hindered growth in the third quarter. Many economists and the government have predicted that Vietnam will miss its 6.7 percent growth target this year.

Analysts say a permanent end to Note 7 sales could cost Samsung up to $17 billion and tarnish the brand for other phones in the minds of consumers and carriers, while Samsung Electronics' market value has lost by around $20 billion.

The value of exports from Samsung's factories in Thai Nguyen and Bac Ninh could rise to $34.7 billion this year, or about a fifth of Vietnam's total exports, said Nguyen Mai, president of Vietnam's Association of Foreign Invested Enterprises.

Recalling the Note 7 could reduce Vietnam's exports by an estimated 0.5 percent to 1 percent this year, which will pose more challenges for the Southeast Asian nation to achieve its 10 percent exports growth target, Mai said.

But the recall may not hurt Vietnam's economic growth in the long-term, he added.

"Samsung is a large firm having reputable technology. They can rebuild the trust of customers, so this will not affect much on the future of Samsung," he said.

"Samsung is still making many other products in Vietnam"

(Reporting by Mai Nguyen and My Pham; Editing by Martin Petty, Greg Mahlich)
By PTI: Jaipur, Oct 11 (PTI) Effigies of the demon king Ravana were burnt at several places in Rajasthan today as it joined the nation in celebrating Dussehra, marking the triumph of good over evil.

Colourful effigies of Ravana, his son Meghnad and brother Kumbhakaran went up in flames in the state capital, and at fairs at Mansarover, Adarsh Nagar, Sanganer and Vidhyadhar Nagar among others.

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Vendors selling effigies made quick bucks as small sized figures were in demand at Rawana Mandi, Tonk road and other localities.

"We have sold more effigies this time than last year. Small sized effigies, between 5-10 feet long, were in demand as people can easily burn them in colonies and streets," effigy vendor, Jagdish Jogi said.

ADG Law and Order N R K Reddy said that elaborate security arrangements were made for the festival.

"Additional policemen were deployed around the city and in other parts of the state to ensure law and order," he said. PTI SDA ANB SMN AQS

--- ENDS ---
Between Samsung (Grey Market: SSGQF) phones, Chipotle (NYSE: CMG) burritos and Volkswagen (XETRA: VOW3-DE) diesel engines, it seems like it's been the year of recalls. It begs the question: How big is the Samsung recall, compared with all the others?



The Korean electronics giant announced Tuesday that it will halt production of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone just weeks after U.S. regulators issued a recall of 1 million of the model for risk of catching fire. According to reports, the replacement models were also defective. Samsung's market capitalization shed about $18 billion following the news.

The fiasco will probably cost the company billions, but it's hard to compare against other major product recalls. Any kind of item can be recalled, and there's no single source for information on those recalls. Instead, there's a patchwork of at least seven government agencies, each of which is tasked with tracking recalls of a particular type of product.

That alphabet soup of government agencies  including the NHTSA, CPSC, FDA and EPA  are all linked at www.Recalls.gov, a supposedly one-stop shop for recall information that really just points the user back to each individual agency's website. Each agency has its own units for tracking recalls: pounds of meat, units of defective vending machine jewelry, or bags of glass-contaminated bread.

Here's a look at how each organization tracks its recalls, and the biggest ones on record.

The USDA keeps what is probably the most useful and organized recall data out of all the big regulators, including the danger level, reason for the recall, and number of pounds affected. The majority of recalls are for food-borne bacteria like e. coli and listeria.

The biggest USDA recall on record was the February 2008 recall of 143.4 million pounds of fresh and frozen beef products from Westland/Hallmark Meat, a California processor that had slaughtered unhealthy cattle that couldn't walk  a clear violation of meat-handling standards, because that's a possible symptom of mad cow disease and other illnesses.

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Before the recall was announced, about 50 million pounds of the meat were distributed in school lunches and other federal programs (the company even won school "supplier of the year"). Even though the risk was considered small and some of the beef had already been consumed, two years worth of meat production was recalled, and the cost forced the company into bankruptcy.

The Obama administration once proposed creating a single agency tasked with food safety overall, but regulation is still split between the USDA's responsibilities and most other foods, which are handled by the FDA along with drugs and medical products.

An FDA spokesperson said the agency didn't have data organized in a way that would allow them to identify the largest recalls on record. Indeed, though the agency publishes the quantity recalled, there isn't much consistency in how information is recorded. A recall might involve "3,560 sandwiches," "10 pallets," "4 boxes," or "dozens," "units," "bags," "cases," "pieces of oysters," "pounds" or "jars" of recalled foods.

In our research, it appears that the single largest food recall for the FDA took place only a few months ago. Starting in 2013, nine people were sickened by listeria that appeared to come from fruits and vegetables produced by CRF Frozen Foods. The products had been shipped throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico as part of more than 40 brands at major retailers. The recall in early 2016 affected over 150 million pounds of products, according to FDA records, and millions more in products that were made with the fruits and vegetables.

The FDA's drug recall data is also hard to work with. Likely one of the most costly drug recalls in recent history was Merck's 2004 recall of Vioxx, an arthritis medicine worth billions of dollars in revenue each year. At the time of the recall, Vioxx was being used by millions of people, and potentially thousands of deaths were linked to the drug. The company lost potential revenue in the tens of billions and paid at least $6 billion in settlements.

The EPA has jurisdiction over recalls involving pesticides, rodenticides, fungicides and vehicle emission testing. The agency doesn't seem to keep data on those recalls on its website and did not provide figures by press time. Nonetheless, it is likely that the biggest recall in the agency's history will be for Volkswagen, after that company was found to have cheated on emissions tests.

In a nearly $15 billion dollar settlement this year, Volkswagen agreed to give owners the option to sell back the car or have their vehicles modified, and must have an overall recall rate of at least 85 percent or pay additional fees. The company will also be required to fund projects to improve infrastructure and reduce emissions.

The biggest vehicle recall ever ordered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration was for 32 million Fix-a-Flat tire inflators sold by Pennzoil-Quaker State, according to figures shared by an NHTSA spokesperson. The tires repaired with the kits were found to explode when exposed to extreme heat.

That's a large single recall, but reports indicate that it only cost the company about $25 million. If we take into account scope and cost, it's more fair to say that the actual largest vehicle recall in history is actually a combination of several recalls for Takata airbags beginning in 2014. The airbags could injure or kill occupants with their forceful deployment.

Takata airbags were included in more than 200 million vehicles from 14 different automakers and at least 10 deaths have been linked to the malfunction. About 50 million airbags have been recalled so far, but the total cost of the recall could cost Takata as much as $24 billion.

Consumer products is one category of recalls most people are familiar with. We generally hear about them described in terms of the number of units recalled. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is the government agency tasked with regulating the safety of thousands of types of consumer products in the nation. It also handles recalls for those products: Everything from craft paint to office furniture.

According to figure provided by a CPSC spokesperson, the biggest recall was vending machine jewelry made by the Genuine Toy & Joy company in 2004. The jewelry was found to have an unsafe amount of lead and 150 million pieces were recalled. But no one was actually hurt by the lead-tainted jewelry.



Compare that to the recall with the next highest number of units, that of some 50 million Roman and Roll-Up Shades in 2010. At least one death by strangulation was linked to the shades, and at least 23 other injuries were reported.







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samsung galaxy note 7 exploded

Samsung still hasn't said what caused its Galaxy Note 7 phone to explode, leading to an unprecedented cancellation of the entire product line this week.

But there are some indications that the company may have rushed replacement Note 7s to market following the first recall of the defective devices on September 15.

According to reports by Bloomberg and The New York Times, the original line of Note 7s had a battery manufactured by SDI, a Samsung subsidiary. After receiving dozens of reports that Note 7 phones were overheating or exploding, Samsung issued a formal recall. The company then decided to use batteries from the Chinese manufacturer Amperex Technology Limited in replacement Note 7s.

But the Amperex batteries didn't solve the problem, and reports started popping up that even the replacement Note 7s were overheating and smoking. Most notably, a replacement Note 7 started smoking on a Southwest Airlines flight last week, forcing an evacuation before the plane could take off.

Samsung officially killed the entire Galaxy Note 7 line on Tuesday.

Early reports suggest the original run of SDI batteries were too large for the body of the Note 7, which caused them to become "pinched" and overheat or explode. Samsung's solution was to replace the SDI batteries with Amperex batteries instead, but there's no indication rigorous testing was done to make sure they were safe.

The replacement Note 7 phones with Amperex batteries were on sale within a week of the first recall. It's that rush job that could've led to the overheating in the replacement devices. The batteries may not have been to blame after all, but instead the way they were squeezed into the phone.

A Samsung spokesperson said the replacement Note 7 batteries were made by a different manufacturer than the original devices and that the company is investigating what went wrong with the replacement phones. Samsung will announce the findings of its investigation in the coming weeks, the spokesperson said.

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NOW WATCH: Samsung has killed the Galaxy Note 7 and it could cost them $17 billion





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London (AFP) - European and English champions Saracens called a halt to their pursuit of South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth on Wednesday.

The Premiership club had held talks with Stormers star Etzebeth over the possibility of signing him on a short-term basis once South Africa's tour of Europe is over.

Alistair Hargreaves' recent retirement due to concussion has left Saracens exposed in the second row, but director of rugby Mark McCall revealed Etzebeth will not be providing a temporary solution.

"I don't think that will happen. Alistair has retired and we are looking for somebody who is available and eligible and they're quite difficult to find at this time of year," McCall said.

"We've been exploring a couple of options and Etzebeth was one of them, but that looks like it won't happen.

"Signing him would have solved a problem until the end of January, but after that we'd have had to find a different solution.

"It's very hard to find someone who is good enough, who is available to get into this country and who is also out of contract.

"There are some second rows who become available at the end of January so we thought we'd get a double solution, but it doesn't look like it will happen."
Saudi Arabia King Salman

OPEC's November 2014 decision to not cut production has been interpreted as the moment Saudi Arabia decided to go after market share rather than boost prices.

Two years later  and after the cartel's recent surprise agreement to limit production at its upcoming November meeting  it's worth checking in to see how this strategy has worked for them.

The verdict? Not so great, according to Michael Tran, commodity strategist at RBC Capital Markets. And that's at least in part thanks to production growth from some of the kingdom's competitors, including Russia, Iran, and Iraq.

"We have difficulty finding a metric suggesting that the Saudis emerged victorious on the goal they set out to achieve two years ago," Tran wrote in a note to clients.

"In other words, things did not go according to plan given that the self-inflicted war wounds left the Kingdom limping along on most fiscal measures as oil prices toiled to multi-year lows while burning through nearly a quarter trillion dollars worth of foreign reserves in the process."

More specifically, Tran outlines three key demand zones where the Saudis tripped up:

The US: The Saudis had long been one of the US' major suppliers, but America's push into energy independence and the surge in domestic production has resulted in the kingdom sending over less oil. Admittedly, basically all major oil producers have been hit by the US' oil agenda. However Tran argues that "what is troubling for the Saudis is that their market share as a percentage of total imports fell alongside their notional volumes." China: For at time, Saudi Arabia was the big player in China; however, Russia has managed to gobble up most of the growth over the last year. Plus, smaller producers like Venezuela and Brazil made some gains, and now Iran has climbed into the ring. "One could argue that the Saudis made a conscious decision to forgo market share in the US... instead focusing efforts on key demand growth regions. The only problem is that the Kingdom did not fare much better in China," argued Tran. India: India is the other big demand target  and Saudi Arabia has held onto 20% of the market for a good while. However, the bad news is that while India's demand has grown, the Saudis haven't really expanded their reach, according to Tran. Plus, he adds, the kingdom is looking at "potential threats on the horizon from surging Iran and Iraq."

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Screen Shot 2016 10 11 at 2.35.34 PM

Things have also been tougher for the Saudis on the home-front. Most recently, the kingdom announced several fiscal consolidation measures (read: slashed public sector employees' pay) in an effort to help reduce its record budget deficit.

Bloomberg previously reported that the country is aiming to cancel over $20 billion worth of projects and to slash ministry budgets by a quarter, there have been several ugly economic data points, and the public hasn't been happy with some austerity measures, such as the sharp rise in electricity bills.

As such, Tran argues that the recent agreement to limit production could be interpreted as a sign that the Saudis have just abandoned their market share strategy given its relative ineffectiveness and rising domestic concerns.

"Two years into the battle, Saudi Arabia has little to show for its efforts outside of fledgling foreign exchange reserves and rising tensions from a young, educated, and under-employed domestic population," he added.

NOW WATCH: STIGLITZ: It makes me crazy that everyone gets this wrong about the economy





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SANAA/DOHA (Reuters) - Forces loyal to Yemen's exiled government clashed with Houthi fighters over a strategic town close to the border with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday in a sign a new front may be opening in the 19-month-old civil war. Officials from the internationally recognized government of President Abd-Rabu Mansour Hadi's government said that Yemeni troops captured the al-Buqa border crossing on Tuesday night. If confirmed, it would be the first time that forces from the Saudi-backed government have established a foothold in Saada province, home of the Iran-aligned Houthi group that controls much of northern Yemen. "The town is secured but clashes are ongoing," Yemeni Foreign Minister Abdel-Malek al-Mekhlafi told Reuters by telephone. But the Houthi-appointed Saada governor denied what he said were Saudi media reports suggesting the crossing point had been captured. "We say this is an illusion. They will be unable to advance one inch inside Yemeni territory," Governor Mohammed Jaber Awad told Reuters. Fighting has intensified since U.N.-sponsored peace talks in Kuwait ended in August without an agreement. The fighting has been concentrated around the country's Houthi-controlled ancient capital, Sanaa, where little territory has changed hands. The Saudi-led coalition has been providing air support for Hadi's forces in a civil war that has unleashed famine and killed more than 10,000 people since March 2015 in the Arab world's poorest country. The outcry over civilian casualties has led some lawmakers in the United States and Britain as well as rights activists to push for curbs on arms sales to Riyadh, so far without success. EVACUATION Violence has escalated in Yemen since an attack on mourners in Sanaa last Saturday killed more than 140 people and wounded at least 500 more. The Houthi group has accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out the attack, but Riyadh has denied responsibility. Saudi Arabia's king on Wednesday offered to help evacuate Yemenis severely wounded in the attack. King Salman instructed the Saudi-run King Salman Centre for Relief and Humanitarian Aid to evacuate "those whose cases require treatment outside Yemen," said the Saudi press agency, SPA. It was not immediately clear if the announcement meant that the Saudi-led coalition would lift a ban imposed on flights from Sanaa airport since the peace talks collapsed. In a sign of escalating regional tensions Iran, an ally of the Houthis, criticized Saturday's air strike, which ripped through a wake attended by tribal leaders. "Saudi Arabia only has two choices - either admit defeat, stop attacks , exit and accept the results or sink deeper in to the swamp of war crimes and the international court," Hamid Aboutalebi, a political deputy in President Hassan Rouhanis office, was quoted as saying by Iran state news agency IRNA. (Reporting by Tom Finn in Doha, Mohammed Ghobari in Sanaa and Babak Dehghanpisheh in Beirut, editing by Sami Aboudi and Angus MacSwan)
Catching Up With Pernille Teisbaek Catching Up With Pernille Teisbaek Julien Boudet/BFA.com Nine West

For the style-obsessed, Scandinavians provide a wealth of inspiration. Channeling French-girl chic but adding their own minimalist twist, Danish fashion mavens in particular are asserting their dominance on the scene. Leading the pack is stylist, former blogger and shutterbug favorite Pernille Teisbaek, whose face you likely recognize thanks to her widespread Internet fame. Since leaving the blogosphere (though she still maintains her Instagram account), Pernille co-founded influencer-marketing start-up Social Zoo and launched her debut collection of jewelry, Afin Atelier (which sells exclusively on Forward by Elyse Walker). To get the scoop on her new line and score some fall fashion tips, we caught up with the entrepreneur. Here, she talks about how she shops, her favorite pieces and how to nail the covetable Scandi cool-girl look.
Edinburgh (AFP) - Scotland's ruling nationalists gather for their annual conference on Thursday with the issue of independence back on the table following Britain's vote to leave the European Union.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, the leader of the Scottish National Party (SNP), has vowed to explore "all options" to protect Scotland's place in the EU after Scots bucked the national trend by voting to remain in the bloc.

For many in the party, this means a second vote on independence from the rest of the United Kingdom -- even though a first referendum two years ago saw voters reject independence by 55 percent.

On Friday, conference delegates in Glasgow will debate a motion warning that "if no viable solution to safeguard our membership as part of the UK exists, Scotland should prepare for a second independence referendum."

Toni Giugliano, an SNP member from Edinburgh, said it was "an ultimatum" to British Prime Minister Theresa May to find a way to keep Scotland in the EU, or see it seek continued membership as an independent country.

However, May was clear during her own Conservative party conference last week that Brexit was not negotiable.

"We voted in the referendum as one United Kingdom, we will negotiate as one United Kingdom, and we will leave the European Union as one United Kingdom," the premier said.

"There is no opt-out from Brexit. And I will never allow divisive nationalists to undermine the precious union between the four nations of our United Kingdom."

- 'Far-fetched ideas' -

The SNP has governed the semi-autonomous Scottish Parliament for almost a decade, and many predicted the "No" vote to independence in 2014 would spell the end of the party.

But it won twice as many votes as its main opponents in both the 2015 UK general election and the 2016 Scottish Parliament election.

It also signed up hordes of new members to campaign for Scotland -- home to over five million people -- to vote on June 23 to remain in the EU.

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After the vote for Brexit, in which 62 percent of Scottish voters chose to stay in the EU, Sturgeon said a second referendum was "highly likely."

She headed straight to Brussels for talks with European leaders, where she was greeted with sympathy, but also a warning that Brussels would not get involved in the internal constitution wrangles of the United Kingdom.

European policymakers will be watching events in Glasgow with interest over the next few days for clues to where Scotland is heading next.

"Since the end of June there has been a lot of sympathy with Scotland and curiosity about what Scotland is going to do," former European Commission senior political adviser Kirsty Hughes told AFP.

"It will be interesting to see if Nicola Sturgeon gives them a better idea of how she's planning to play this one," said Hughes, now a senior fellow at the Friends of Europe think tank.

One proposal short of independence that Sturgeon has viewed with interest is based on Greenland's exit from the EU in 1985, even while Denmark -- part of the same realm -- stayed in the bloc.

Under the "reverse Greenland" theory, England and Wales -- which voted for Brexit -- could leave the EU while Scotland, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar -- which all voted to stay in -- could continue as the EU member state.

This may be "fanciful", as one cabinet minister has said, but Russell Gunson, director of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) in Scotland, said London and Edinburgh should consider "far-fetched" ideas.

"Unless we do, Scotland's options for the future will narrow significantly, and that is not what we want to see," he said.
London (AFP) - Scotland's pro-EU leader Nicola Sturgeon, will on Thursday accuse the British government of "xenophobia" and "scapegoating of foreigners" in its approach to Brexit, according to comments released by her office.

First Minister Sturgeon has been a vocal critic of London's handling of the June 23 referendum which saw Britain vote to leave the European Union.

In Scotland 62 percent voted to remain part of the 28-country bloc.

Opening her party's annual conference in Glasgow on Thursday, the Scottish Nationalist Party leader is expected to take aim at the ruling Conservative Party's handling of the referendum outcome.

"The right wing of the Tory Party is now in the ascendancy and it is seeking to hijack the referendum result. Brexit has become Tory Brexit.

"They are using it as licence for the xenophobia that has long lain under the surface -- but which is now in full view," Sturgeon is due to say.

Earlier this month the Conservatives held their own conference, during which the party announced a proposal for companies to publish lists of foreign employees. The government backtracked on the plan following widespread criticism.

Speaking at the SNP event, Sturgeon will describe the Conservatives conference as "a disgrace" during which "we heard an intolerance towards those from other countries that has no place in a modern, multicultural, civilised society".

Sturgeon promised to explore "all options" for Scotland in the wake of the June vote and Brexit is expected to dominate discussions in Glasgow.

She has vowed to explore "all options" to protect Scotland's place in the EU after Scots bucked the national trend by voting to remain in the bloc.

For many in her party, this means a second vote on independence from the rest of the United Kingdom -- even though a first referendum two years ago saw voters reject independence by 55 percent.

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Sturgeon is also a critic of the "hard Brexit" seen to be favoured by the central government, which could see the UK leave the European single market in order to have more control over immigration.

Sturgeon will define such a tough stance as having "ruinous consequences" and argue the government's line is not the approach wanted by "leave" voters.

"They certainly didn't vote to throw economic rationality out of the window.

"They didn't vote to lower their own living standards or to sacrifice jobs and investment. They didn't vote for our businesses to face tariffs or for holiday-makers to need visas.

"They didn't vote for the scapegoating of foreigners," Sturgeon will tell party members.

London plans to introduce a "Great Repeal Bill" to end the authority of EU laws, which SNP parliamentarians are expected to vote against.
Chad Radwell lept to the top of Dean Munschs list of suspects on Tuesdays Scream Queens  but not for the reason you might think.

RELATEDScream Queens: 10 Burning Questions We Already Have From Season 2

Special Agent Denise Hemphill revealed that her ex-lover was held back eight times in elementary school, putting him at the ripe old age of 30  which is exactly how old the baby whose father was dumped in the swamp would be today. (Im still not exactly sure how Dean Munsch and Co. deduced that the baby is the killer, but to be honest, I stopped trying to figure this show out a long time ago.)

And because not even a murder accusation could keep Chad from his No. 1 goal in life, he got down on one knee and asked Chanel to marry him  with an extremely rare whore cut diamond, no less! Sadly, the unholy union was not to be; on the day of the wedding, Chad was nowhere to be found until his bloody corpse dropped onto the altar from the room above.

RELATEDScream Queens Recap: Skin Deep

And as much as well all miss Chad, I think we can agree that Chanel No. 5 suffered the greatest loss here  she would have been an incredible doggy ring bearer.

Elsewhere this week

HEADS WILL ROLL | Are Denise Hemphills years of accusing Zayday finally about to pay off? Keke Palmers character came face-to-face with the Green Meanie this week, but rather than slash her in the face, he/she simply stared for a moment before disappearing down the hallway. (Cheri Oteris character  a patient plagued with chronic orgasms  wasnt so lucky.) So the question is: Why did the G.M. let Zayday escape?

THE BIG O | Another one of TVLines burning Season 2 questions was answered this week in regards to Dr. Cascades unusually low body temperature. During an especially erotic encounter with Chanel No. 3 in the morgue, the doctor revealed that he choked on his own vomit at a lacrosse party when he was 18, and hes been dead ever since. (So I guess we can add necrophilia to this shows list of storylines. Suddenly, murders not looking so bad.)

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Your thoughts on Chads untimely demise? And since hes dead  or so it seems  who else could be the killer? Drop a comment with your thoughts below.

Launch Gallery: <i>Scream Queens</i> Season 2 Photos

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Terror mastermind hits out at US and asks the Pakistani government to instead reach out to India.

Terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed has once again spewed venom against India and the US. (File photo)

By Anil Kumar: Declared a wanted man by both India and the United States, terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed spewed venom against India and the US, but reserved his most bitter remarks for Uncle Sam.

Calling the US Pakistan's enemy, Saeed said it is time Pakistan shifts its focus from the US to building a relationship with India.

BOUNTY BUT ALIVE

Taking a dig at the US for declaring a bounty on his head, Saeed said "There is a bounty worth crores on me but in the last five years US could not achieve anything out of it".

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ALSO READ: Hafiz Saeed releases new video before Eid, asks Kashmiris to back Hurriyat

"I am at peace when India gets worried about me or when US comes to Pakistan asking about me," Saeed said, mocking India and Pakistan's failed efforts to capture him.

PROBLEM IS WITH POLITICAL CLASS

The man behind the 26/11 Mumbai attacks didn't mince any words in criticising the Pakistani government for failing to resolve the Kashmir issue.

ALSO READ: Hafiz Saeed does it again, asks Pak Army chief to send troops to Kashmir

"Kashmiris are laying down their lives... the problem is with those sitting in Parliament in Pakistan, who have been voted to power by you. They are the real roadblocks because they have to look the US' way," the terror mastermind said.

He said that people in Kashmir would not settle for anything less than freedom. "Instead of the US, you (government) should build ties with India. The US would block such an effort," Saeed said.

THE PAIN OF BEING LONELY

Talking about Pakistan being isolated internationally, Saeed said the day Kashmir gets aazadi, India would know the pain of being lonely. Inciting people to fight for Kashmir, he said, "All parties should come together for Kashmir's freedom. India cannot do anything. Don't remember the US but remember Allah," the terror mastermind said.

ALSO READ: Pakistan 'silently' lifts ban, Hafiz Saeed appears on TV pushing Kashmir agenda



Accusing the US of doing India's bidding on putting pressure on Pakistan to not build nuclear arsenals, Saeed said, "The US is after us to reduce the size of our army, to reduce our nuclear arsenal. They are doing this at our enemy's behest".

Saeed dismissed the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army across the Line of Control as a "drama" that has exposed India's false bravado.

ALSO READ: Hafiz Saeed calls for protests amid arrival of Rajnath Singh to SAARC conference

ALSO READ: Lahore HC quashes plea by Hafiz Saeed to raise Kashmir issue at UNSC



--- ENDS ---

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Warning: This recap of the Handidates episode of Scream Queens contains spoilers.

Like the old saying goes, Sometimes Season 2 is just not as good as youd hoped it would be. Its an admittedly weird saying, and it doesnt apply to most situations, but who are we to doubt the old sayings? All the old sayings are trustworthy and full of wisdom, except maybe for the old sayings that are racist, in which case those sayings can probably be ignored on account of how A LOT of old wise men were racists. But were not here to talk about racism in olden days, only about the second seasons of television shows. Which, circling back now, brings me to the old saying I mentioned at the beginning of this paragraph as it applies VERY much to Scream Queens Season 2. This season is not as good as Id hoped it would be!

Friends, I am sorry, I love Scream Queens in general, but after three episodes I think it is safe to say that this season is very bad so far. We gave it a shot! We surely gave it a shot. In its first season, Scream Queens gleefully tossed story logic and coherence out the window in exchange for dizzyingly mean and inventive dark comedy, plus expensive-looking production values, wall-to-wall homages, and insane esoterica. So far Season 2 not only suffers from a fatal creative blunder  inserting the same characters into a premise that required all-new characters  but also feels cheap, uninventive, and worst of all, not very funny. Sure, the same comedy geniuses are behind it, but good punch lines require setups and contexts that make sense. Its not enough to have recognizable faces prancing around doing whatever  we have to actually know what theyre doing and why. Season 1 had me laughing at this shows audacity; now Im alternating between baffled and bored.

And now, to make matters worse, THIS episode went and killed off one of the best things this series had going for it: Chad Radwell is dead! (Seemingly.) Bad job, Scream Queens. Very bad job. Lets talk about Handidates!

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We began with poor Colton Hayness wart-encrusted, smoking corpse lying on the laser surgery table and presumably smelling pretty bad. But there was no time for Chanel No. 5 to mourn her dead boyfriend, nor for Chanel to blame her for his murder. Dean Munsch arrived and commanded them to hide the body!

Why did she need them to hide the body? Because reasons! Something about how it would buy her time to figure out which of the Chanels was the killer. Remember when I mentioned that I was getting both baffled and bored by this show? That began here! Anyway, they all teamed up to dump the body in the swamp. It was the perfect plan.

Chads friend with the shrieking problem woke up in a room full of lava lamps, as their good vibes had apparently cured him. He was very relaxed and untriggered and overall cured, but unfortunately for him, this meant he had to DIE.

In an admirably gory moment, the Green Meanie showed up and stabbed this guy so much. Couldnt remember his name or be bothered to care about him as a person, but he was now dead. Bye, stranger!

The gang decided to pay Hester another visit to concede that maybe they DID need her help after all. But Hesters demands for a room with a view were only met with Dean Munsch giving her a VHS copy of A Room With a View, and Hester did not appreciate this gag. But she DID give them a taste of a clue to the killers identity, so that was pretty nice of her.

This weeks wacky hospital patient was none other than Cheri Oteri, who could NOT stop having orgasms. Imagine that! Just tons of orgasms all over the place. Judging from her grimaces and wheezing, it was not as fun as that sounds.

One thing this episode did very correctly was give us a return trip to the locker room, where John Stamos and Chad Radwell had another nude-off!

These scenes will never get old and deserve at least a few Emmys for everyone involved. Now that Chad had discovered the secret behind John Stamoss cursed hand, he was demanding that John Stamos get a different, less murderous hand implanted on his wrist, and Chad himself would perform the surgery. (What?) But even the most ludicrous, least believable plot line seems more palatable when outlined by a nude Chad Radwell. So.

Then, following up on Hesters tip, four medical students, an FBI agent, and a hospital owner (?) visited the mansion of a former nurse whod worked at the hospital many years ago.

Played by the always wonderful Alec Mapa, this nurse had not only created a multimillion-dollar empire selling repackaged Jergens lotions as a designer brand but had also been the ONLY survivor of that one massacre in which an entire hospital was murdered yet didnt make the national news.

Not only that, but recently the killer had telephoned him to threaten that he or she was about to start murdering again. From this, the entire gang deduced that the killer must be the child of the pregnant woman whose husband had been murdered in the premiere. Which meant he was about 30 years old by now, which would rule out John Stamos, but not Chad Radwell, who had been held back in second grade eight times. WAS Chad the new killer? And was Scream Queens really wasting our time with another who-cares-whodunnit? No and yes, but didnt matter.  Chad had decided he wanted Chanel, and he wanted her bad enough to bestow upon her a prenuptial agreement!

I did love that Chanel treated his offering of paperwork as the most romantic thing thatd ever happened to her. I mean, there WAS a mariachi band, and they WERE at a city park. But their romantic bliss was interrupted by a creepy John Stamos creeping around in the background. What you up to, John Stamos?

In another romantic subplot, No. 3 fell for Taylor Lautner after they each revealed several secrets to one another. She confessed that shed never had an orgasm nor enjoyed Hamilton, and he confessed he was literally dead after accidentally choking on his puke during a frat hazing. They had a lot in common. And after some truly sensual yoga, he attempted to realign a crucial nerve in her pelvis to hopefully help her have an orgasm!

Later they attempted to have shirts-on sex, but it was hard to do that, considering No. 3 was too distracted by the inaccuracy of the term R&B and Taylor Lautner had a body temperature of 60 degrees. Kind of a boner killer.

For some reason Chad needed his enemy John Stamos to be his best man at the suddenly impromptu wedding, and even though this didnt make sense in the slightest, it did allow us the image of John Stamos tying Chads bow tie menacingly. Let it be known that this show is VERY generous with homoeroticism! Cant fault it for that.

Because the hospital was able to successfully cure orgasm lady of her orgasm problem, it meant the Green Meanie immediately ran up and lopped off her head with a flying scythe! He even stabbed Chamberlain for good measure!

But he did not murder Zayday, so that was a clue of some kind. Why not? Were they besties? (Fingers crossed the killer is Grace from last season. I would love that.)

But too many people had been murdered, so the hospital needed Hester to move in already. Enough was enough. It was time to loose a psycho on a psycho. Great plan, no flaws.

So then everyone showed up to the hospital chapel for some Chad-and-Chanel wedding action! Its telling that no outside friends or family showed up, and a sizable percentage of the guests was just Denise Hemphill frowning. (Poor Denise! Its always hard seeing your ex get betrothed to another.)

But within seconds of walking down the aisle, Chanel noticed the blood dripping from the ceiling. And guess whose blood it was?

Chads! Hed been murdered maybe! But had he pulled a Nick Jonas from last season and faked his own death? Or had he been slashed just for shock value? Either way, the lack of invention was pretty typical of this season. Scream Queens was either repeating a plot point from last season or just simply killing off one of its greatest characters for no reason. Cool!

Handidate had its moments, like any episode of a show with this cast and writers would. But, man, is this season a bummer. Just bad planning, bad brainstorming, bad execution. The most baffling thing is how it clearly wanted to be a separate story altogether  set at a hospital, with a supernatural bent  but instead just doubled down on its most cartoonish nonsense from last season? And now it cant even get the good stuff right? Denise Hemphill has been wasted, and now Chad is dead? Get outta here, show. I mean, Ill be watching, but Ill be watching with the same frown Denise wore to Chanels wedding. Maybe Im wrong and things will improve, but much like that glowing swamp behind the C.U.R.E. institute, things are looking dire.

What did YOU think of Handidates?

Scream Queens airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. on Fox. Watch clips and full episodes of Scream Queens at Yahoo View.
The Chinese trailer for "Doctor Strange" offers a chance to recap the film's core setup and see a new character in action, fellow Mystic Arts user Wong.

Focusing on the human drama, otherworldliness, and spectacle of Marvel's upcoming superhero film, a trailer prepared for Chinese audiences also gives a first look at British actor Benedict Wong as Doctor Strange's contemporary, also named Wong.

Tilda Swinton's Ancient One schools Benedict Cumberbatch as a novice Doctor Strange, while Chiwetel Ejiofor joins as Karl Mordo, another learner though one more advanced, and Mads Mikkelsen enters as the movie's villain Kaecilius.

"Doctor Strange" is set for a November 4 release in the USA and China, though plentiful other territories receive the highly anticipated movie before then, most especially those in Europe and South East Asia.

Comicbook.com uploaded the Official International Trailer: youtu.be/-kgbqnohaoY
Millions of Americans have 401(k) plans, which have all but replaced the traditional pension in the workplace. But what about the self-employed -- like workers in the "gig economy" who don't have a big organization to provide benefits?

Actually, if they think they're left out in the cold, they may be wrong. Unnoticed by many who work on their own is the option of opening an "individual 401(k)" with all the features of a plan from an employer. But many who are eligible just don't know about this option, permitted under the Bush-era tax cuts of 2001 but not widely touted by the financial services industry.

"It surprises me how many sole proprietors are unaware of this option and how many CPAs do not recommend this to their sole-proprietor clients," says Sterling D. Neblett, founding partner at Centurion Wealth Management in McLean, Virginia.

[See: 20 Awesome Dividend Stocks for Guaranteed Income.]

"Solo 401(k) plans are a great way for business owners to invest for retirement," says Carol Berger of Berger Wealth Management in Peachtree City, Georgia, noting the high contribution limits and wide-open investment options.

In fact, a solo 401(k) allows the account holder a tax deduction on contributions of up to $18,000 a year, or $24,000 for those 50 and older, plus up to 25 percent of earnings as "employer" contributions to a maximum of $53,000 a year, or $59,000 if older than 50. As the boss, you get to choose the investment options, typically mutual funds or exchange-traded funds from a provider like Vanguard Group or Charles Schwab Corp. (ticker: SCHW). As with a regular 401(k), investment gains are tax-deferred and withdrawals after age 59.5 are taxed as ordinary income.

While there are various ways for self-employed people to put aside tax-favored savings, the solo 401(k) is often the most generous.

AARP, the organization for people in and nearing retirement, has a calculator for figuring maximum contributions, as do Turbotax and other tax-preparation programs. The AARP calculator shows that a 40-year-old earning $60,000 a year could put $28,652 into a solo 401(k) compared to $11,152 in a SEP IRA, $13,624 in a Simple IRA and $11,152 in a profit sharing plan.

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"While both a SEP IRA and a solo 401(k) allow you to contribute to the IRS limit, currently $53,000 per year, a solo 401(k) plan reaches this maximum amount at a much lower income level," says John F. Knolle, planner with Saranap Wealth Advisors in Walnut Creek, California. A SEP IRA, for example, limits contributions to what is just the employer's share in a solo 401(k), he says.

"Ideal candidates for a solo 401(k) plan are usually sole proprietors, partnerships with no employees or one-person S corporations who are looking to contribute more than the limits allowed in an individual IRA or a Simple IRA," says Derek Mazzarella of The Bulfinch Group in Needham, Massachusetts.

[See: 7 Ways to Avoid Financial Stress Over the Holidays.]

Plans are set up through financial-services firms like mutual fund companies and brokerages. They provide the paperwork and investment options. Some firms specialize in alternatives like annuities, precious metals and other commodities.

"You'd usually use mutual funds and the risks would be the same as with an ordinary 401(k)," says Karen Lee of Karen Lee and Associates, in Atlanta. "You might be able to do individual stocks and bonds as well, based on the provider you choose."

A few things to know:

-- Contribution limits are based on your earned income from self-employment, though the cash put in can come from other sources like investment gains. Earnings from a regular job don't count toward the solo 401(k) limit.

-- You must work on your own and have no employees other than a spouse. Any employees hired after the plan is set up must be allowed to participate, and you'd have to file forms assuring they have the same rights you do.

-- An individual who has a 401(k) in a regular job can have a solo 401(k) for work on the side, but contributions to the two plans combined are limited to the amounts you'd face in a single plan.

-- Contributions are subtracted from your taxable income. But because of the interaction of various figures on your tax return, leave plenty of time to figure your contribution limits, hire a pro, or use a tax-preparation program that can handle these calculations.

While a solo 401(k) is appealing because of the substantial deduction on contributions, the law and most providers also allow Roth 401(k)s, which have no up-front deduction but allow tax-free withdrawals in retirement. A solo Roth can be a good option for those who earn too much to open a Roth IRA. Search for "traditional or Roth 401(k) calculator" for a tool to figure which type is best for you.

As the employer, you manage the plan and pay any administrative fees, though these should be small. Check before you choose a provider.

"If your account is over $250,000, you need to annually file a Form 5500 with the IRS," Lee says. "Some providers do this for you, or you can do the form yourself or ask your CPA if they would do it for you."

Like workplace plans, solo 401(k)s allow loans from the plan -- up to 50 percent of the plan's value or $50,000, whichever is less, with very low interest charges that are paid back to the account. As with all 401(k) loans, these loans actually liquidate assets, rather than use them as collateral, so you'd miss any investment gains before the loan is repaid, which must be within five years.

[See: 10 Reasons to Save for Retirement in a Roth IRA.]

If a solo 401(k) sounds appealing, get moving. A plan must be set up by the end of your business's fiscal year, probably Dec. 31, for you to deduct contributions for that year. The contributions, however, can be made up to your income-tax filing deadline: April 18 for the 2016 return.

Jeff Brown spent nearly 40 years as a newspaper reporter, columnist and editor, including 20 years writing about investing, personal finance, the economy and financial markets. He spent 20 years at The Philadelphia Inquirer and has been freelancing since 2007.
Seth Meyers, in Washington for the week, addressed the civil war inside the GOP since the Donald Trump-Billy Bush Access Hollywood tape was leaked, and Sundays debate.

In response to a New York Times report Trump Tower has become a lonely fortress where Trump is holed up inside increasingly isolated and upset, Meyers snarked, Were about two weeks away from learning the name of Trumps childhood sled. Which Im guessing was, what, Trump Sled?

Trump claims the polls showing him down are rigged, the voting will be rigged, etc.

Buddy, Ive got something serious to tell you, Meyers said, addressing the GOP candidate. How can you possibly think everything is rigged against you? Youre a blowhard with a seventh-grade vocabulary who became a celebrity billionaire with a supermodel wife. Life isnt unfair to you  its unfair FOR you.

[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRxDfIOTyi0&w=620&h=340]

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seth meyers donald trump election rigging late night nbc

If people believed that Donald Trump would be dangerous as the US president, Seth Meyers warns that he could be just as dangerous to American democracy if he loses in a new edition of his "Late Night" segment "A Closer Look."

In the wake of the leaked tape showing Trump making vulgar and aggressive statements about women, some polls have shown that Hillary Clinton now has a double-digit lead over the real-estate mogul. Meanwhile, Republicans are abandoning the presidential candidate in herds. A New York Times report describes Trump as being "increasingly isolated and upset."

"You know, we're about two weeks away from learning the name of Trump's childhood sled," Meyers joked, referring to the big reveal in the classic film about a sensational newspaper publisher, "Citizen Kane."

In response, Trump has doubled down on appealing to his base. In recent days, he has once again referred to the potential rigging of the election and asked his supporters to volunteer to monitor voting locations for fraud.

"Even if he loses, Trump can still do lasting damage by questioning the legitimacy of our political system," Meyers said. "Our political system depends on people accepting the outcome  even if they dont agree with it. But Trump cries fraud whenever he disagrees with something or someone."

Meyers then pointed to Trump's previous "birther" accusations that President Barack Obama wasn't born in the US. Then there's his threat during the debate that if he were to become president, Trump would have Clinton sent to prison.

"That's Trump's M.O., to discredit anyone he disagrees with, whether it's his opponent, or the election itself, and even the media," Meyers said.

Watch Meyers' latest "A Closer Look" segment below:

NOW WATCH: Obama: Trump couldnt get a job at 7-Eleven





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Shailene Woodley broke her silence after her arrest, and this is what she had to say on Instagram

Shailene Woodley is a free woman, after her unfortunate and somewhat questionable arrest on Monday. Woodley was briefly jailed for trespassing during a peaceful protest in North Dakota, and many people are backing her up, as her crime didnt seem too criminal.

Woodley has been quite active in protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline, as construction would put important land in danger. Its also quite an expensive project, and Woodley is just one of the many whos speaking up against it.

The entire incident was caught on Facebook Live, and many of her fans were concerned and confused after law enforcement met up with the actress back at her RV. Woodley was with her Mom at the time.

Right after some beautiful poetry, Woodley used the hashtags of #alwaysinallways #heartforward #uptous #NoDAPL #protectcleanwater #iamonyourside  obviously standing strongly by her cause.

While riots have occurred at the protest site, and more arrests were made, Woodley proved that she wasnt acting irrationally, or irresponsibly.

As reported earlier, many of Woodleys past castmates have shown their support of her through social media. Other celebrities are also coming forth to stand behind the actress.

I stand with @shailenewoodley for standing with the Standing Rock Water Protectors. #NoDAPL https://t.co/BqIbfApUCI  Mark Ruffalo (@MarkRuffalo) October 10, 2016

You can arrest someone but you CANNOT silence them... https://t.co/hGvzmiYArD  Maggie Q (@MaggieQ) October 10, 2016

We hope that Woodley doesnt give up the good fight!

The post Shailene Woodley broke her silence after her arrest, and this is what she had to say on Instagram appeared first on HelloGiggles.
From ELLE

Shailene Woodley was peacefully protesting the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline yesterday when she was told by a police officer to leave the area because she was trespassing. Woodley obeyed and livestreamed herself on Facebook returning to her RV, where police were waiting to arrest her. "Why am I being arrested and no one else is?" she asked the officer. "Is it because people know who I am? When you asked us to leave, we did."

Her entire arrest was captured on the video, which over 3.5 million have viewed:

Morton County Sheriff's Department Spokesman Rob Keller told the Associated Press that Woodley was charged with criminal trespassing and engaging in a riot. The maximum punishment of those two misdemeanors is 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Morton County Sheriff

Woodley was released yesterday from Morton County Jail in North Dakota after posting a $500 bond, CNN reports. Her publicist released a statement to E! that night: "She appreciates the outpouring of support, not only for her, but more importantly, for the continued fight against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline." Woodley's first court date is scheduled for Oct. 24, according to CNN.

Woodley is one of many environmentalists protesting the construction of the pipeline that would run through North Dakota, South Dakota, Iowa, and Illinois. It has caused controversy because it runs within a half-mile of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's reservation. Protesters fear it would threaten their water supply and could destroy some of the tribe's sacred sites.

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Yahoo file photo

by Nicholas Yong and Safhras Khan

Singapore Press Holdings (SPH) is expected to trim up to 10 per cent of its workforce as part of a company-wide restructuring exercise, according to a Bloomberg report.

Between five and 10 per cent, mostly part-time workers, are expected to go, the financial news agency reported Wednesday (12 Oct), citing three people with knowledge of the matter.

Bloomberg also said that the Singapore media conglomerate is planning to merge two tabloids, The New Paper and My Paper, and the new free sheet will focus on providing news to business-savvy readers to compete with MediaCorps Today newspaper.

According to its financial report for the fiscal third quarter, as of end-May this year, SPH had a head count of 4,229 employees, and its staff costs amounted to some $277 million.

Multiple sources within SPH told Yahoo Singapore that the media group plans to hold a town hall with its employees next Monday (17 October).

An employee with an SPH publication, who did not want to be named, said that about 20 staff from The New Paper will be laid off. A number of TNP staff will also be deployed to other publications, said the employee, who added that the mood at SPH is sombre, with many worried about their future.

The older folks are especially concerned about being laid off, given that the economy is not doing so well now. I am concerned too as I am already in my 50s and I still have a family to look after, the employee added.

Another SPH source said that manpower at TNP would be cut to about 50. Yahoo Singapore understands that the tabloid currently has about 90 staff.

Another employee with The New Paper said, The mood in the office is very quiet. Yes, Im concerned. I dont know where I will go after that if Im affected.

Sources inside The Business Times, which revamped its look last week, say the paper is expected to be largely unaffected by the cull.

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In response to queries from Yahoo Singapore on the impending changes, an SPH spokesman said, We do not comment on speculation.

Troubled times for SPH

For the fiscal third quarter ended 31 May, SPH reported that its net profit fell by 46.4 per cent to $52.7 million compared to the same period a year earlier, dragged down by a decline in its core media business and sluggish economic conditions.

The media business saw a 9.2 per cent drop in advertisment revenue to $15.7 million.

SPH will be releasing its financial year 2016 results on Friday (14 October).
With names such as After All This Time, White Chocolate Frog and Have a Biscuit, Potter, the makeup line includes eye shadow shades, lip gloss colours among other beauty products.

The makeup line is as magical as it gets! Picture courtesy: Shirocosmetics.com/Twitter/@HarryPotterFilm

By India Today Web Desk: The Harry Potter fandom keeps getting bigger and better with each passing day. And this time, it's a cosmetic brand that has decided to add magic to their range of products.

Shiro Cosmetics, a Portland, Oregon-based indie brand has a full-fledged line of makeup dedicated to JK Rowling's popular fantasy-fiction series.



Titled Marauders, Mugwumps, And Muggles the Harry Potter-inspired makeup line is the brainchild of Shiro Cosmetics founders, Lauren and Caitlin who conceptualised the idea for Halloween last year.





The eye shadow shades available with Shiro Cosmetics. Picture courtesy: Shirocosmetics.com

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The makeup line which has since then been made permanent, is reportedly--like other Shiro Cosmetics products--vegan and cruelty-free. According to Allure, "Lauren and Caitlin, blend their vegan, cruelty-free makeup by hand every day in small batches from their Portland laboratory."





The face powder from the Harry potter-inspired makeup line. Picture courtesy:Shirocosmetics.com

With prices as low as USD 1, products in the Marauders, Mugwumps, And Muggles line include 20 eye shadow shades, 5 lip gloss colours, one bronzer and one face powder.

But it isn't just the Harry Potter world that has a makeup line dedicated to it. All of six-years-old, the makeup brand has also derived elements from The Hunger Games series and the Hobbit collection.



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Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has proposed increasing the estate tax to a top rate of 65 percent, arguing, in effect, that the rich have been getting away with murder and enraging small-business owners and farmers who worry a higher estate tax could put them out of business.

Clinton wants to cut the exemption for the "death tax" from $5 million today to $3.5 million, with a 45 percent tax on amounts between that and $10 million. She'd set a 50 percent rate on assets over $10 million, 55 percent over $50 million and 65 percent on amounts exceeding $500 million for an individual, $1 billion for married couples. As with the progressive income tax, each rate applies until the next threshold is reached, when the next rate kicks in.



The estate-tax increase would generate $75 billion over the next decade, according to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. The tax increase and other new tax proposals from Clinton are to pay for her plans to simplify small-business taxes and expand the child tax credit.

Meanwhile, Donald Trump wants to get rid of the estate tax entirely, saying that would spur economic growth. But he would apply capital gains tax upon the owner's death, with exemptions for small businesses and family farms on the first $10 million in assets.

But it is Clinton's proposal that has drawn the most attention, because of its overall increase in the tax bite.

Though there is little evidence many businesses have gone under from estate taxes, it's a hot-button issue for those who see the tax jeopardizing family assets like farms built over a lifetime  or several lifetimes. Groups opposed to estate taxes note that many small businesses, even if they survive, must give up an arm and a leg selling assets to pay the tax. Many, they complain, shoulder heavy expenses for strategies like buying large life insurance policies to soften the blow.

There are approximately 2.5 million small businesses and 90,000 farms worth more than $5 million in the United States, according to National Federation of Independent Business, potentially exposing many to the tax. But there is no exact figure on how many would be affected by Clinton's tax increase.

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"The 65 percent tax rate that Hillary Clinton is looking to (impose) is only going to affect the super-rich, obviously a very small percentage of our population," said tax lawyer David Hryck, a partner at Reed Smith in New York City. "Ultimately, I don't believe it is going to raise much revenue as the super wealthy will continue to find ways to work around the tax."

Other estate tax experts disagree. While Clinton's higher estate tax rates would apply only to a minority of estates, opponents argue that farmers and business owners incur heavy costs preparing for estate taxes with strategies like buying large life insurance policies or setting up trusts.

The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) says 34 percent of its members report expenditures to prepare for estate tax, and says 90,000 U.S. farms are worth more than $5 million, potentially exposing many to the tax. It counts 2.5 million family-owned businesses in the country.

Estate tax opponents like NFIB say it is a particular problem for farmers and other small business owners because these enterprises often cannot be sold off piecemeal, the way a stockholder can sell just some shares to pay taxes.

"Small businesses and farms are illiquid; they lack access to a public market to readily convert ownership into liquid capital, especially fractional ownership," explained asset-valuation expert Dan Doran, founder of of Quantive Valuations in McLean, Virginia.

"To levy a 65 percent tax means that the only way to pay it is to liquidate the asset  the entire asset," he adds. "There is no market for 65 percent of a farm or 65 percent of a small, privately held business." That difficulty would hold true as well for estates taxed at lower levels, such as Clinton's 45 percent starting at $3.5 million.

"It means that the family is losing control of their generational asset," Doran continues. "To me this goes to the heart of the American Dream. We are a nation of entrepreneurs at heart, and often keep these sorts of assets in the family for generations. A tax like this is apt to change that dynamic."

"I have a number clients who would be impacted by the Clinton proposals," says tax expert Julian A. Fortuna, partner at Taylor English in Atlanta. "Her proposed dial back of the estate tax exclusions from $5.45 million to $3.5 million would have widespread impact on my client base."

An additional concern is the fact that Clinton also wants to eliminate the "step up" that currently reduces capital gains tax on stocks, real estate, businesses or other appreciated assets left to heirs. Under current law, if an investor paid $10 a share for a stock decades ago and it is worth $100 at his death, the beneficiary who sells the stock is taxed only on the sales price minus $100  the "cost basis" is the value at the first owner's death, not what he had paid for the shares.

Clinton has said some farms, small businesses and estates below some unspecified level would continue to get the step up "to ensure this change only affects the high-income families." Trump, too, would eliminate the step up and allow some exemptions, but hasn't given details.

The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget says Clinton's step-up elimination could produce $150 billion in revenue over 10 years.

"I think that is kind of a stealth item in this whole plan," said Bruno Graziano, estate tax expert at Wolters Kluwer-CCH, a tax-information firm in Riverwoods, Illinois. "That, of all the things she proposed, probably could be the thing that would affect the most people."

The estate tax has been a roller coaster since first imposed in 1917, when 10 percent was levied on portions of an estate exceeding $5 million. At its peak in the 1940s it charged 77 percent on portions over $10 million, then 70 percent for amounts over $5 million from 1976 to 1982.

Then it gradually declined to today's 40 percent, charged to amounts over $5.45 million.

The tax applies only to amounts above a given threshold, and lower rates have often been charged to smaller estates. From the beginning, some portion of every estate has been exempt altogether  $50,000 in the early 20th century. One oddity: Since 2006, the exemption has been higher than the threshold at which the highest rate kicks in. So today the 40 percent rate technically begins at $1 million but doesn't matter, because of the $5.45 million exemption.

Generally, each spouse in a married couple can get the full exemption with proper planning, if the first spouse to die leaves his estate to heirs rather than the other spouse, for example.

Opponents have long used the term "death tax" to emphasize what they think is the unfairness of using death as a reason to tax assets one has built over a lifetime, but the larger exemptions of recent years have dramatically reduced the number of estates that are actually taxed, from 7.65 percent of deaths in 1977 to 0.18 percent in 2013, or about 4,700 of the 2.6 million deaths, according to the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation.

Of course, Clinton's proposals are just planks in a platform. Most experts see little chance they will become law anytime soon, as the odds favor a split Congress even if she is elected and since Republican opposition to tax increases is solid.



Nevertheless, estate tax experts recommend business owners take some precautions under today's law.

"I recommend that people looking to reduce their estate tax start by gifting money to their children," Hryck said. "Each individual can gift $14,000 (a year) to each child tax-free, $28,000 as a couple."

Trusts can also be used to escape tax on assets transferred to others, Hryck says, noting that to qualify a trust must be irrevocable, meaning that once given, the assets cannot be taken back. Trusts can shelter much larger sums than gifts of $14,000.

Among the types used, said Fortuna: Charitable Lead Trust, Generation-Skipping Trust, Grantor Retained Annuity Trust, Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, Qualified Personal Residence Trust and Installment Sale to Grantor Trust. All need a lawyer and possibly an accountant to set up. While the nuts and bolts are different for each, they all shift assets to another individual or charity, making the trust-maker's estate smaller to reduce the estate tax.

One consequence of a higher estate tax, likely unintended: It could drive the wealthy to more charitable giving. "When choosing between a 65 percent estate tax or setting up a family foundation, I believe some wealthy individuals will choose to make some charitable bequests rather than pay higher estate taxes," said Ralph Bultman of Bultman Financial Services in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Anyone likely to be impacted by higher estate taxes would be wise to get legal help, look into life insurance and to start accumulating cash to pay the tax, said Emory J. Smith, principal of EJS Financial Management in Phoenix.

There's no getting around the fact that techniques for reducing an estate giving to charity, or to friends and family  leave less for heirs. But these strategies afford the estate owner a measure of control that would be lost if assets built over a lifetime are passed to Uncle Sam.

 By Jeff Brown, special to CNBC.com







More From CNBC


(Adds sourcing, company background)

By Sruthi Ramakrishnan and Lauren Hirsch

Oct 12 (Reuters) - U.S. photo-sharing app Snapchat has chosen Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Group Inc as lead underwriters for an initial public offering that could come as early as March, a source familiar with the situation said on Wednesday.

The banks were notified earlier this week that they had been awarded one of most coveted and potentially lucrative IPO mandates in recent years, as the Venice, California-based company vies for a $25 billion valuation in the stock market.

JPMorgan Chase & Co, Deutsche Bank AG, Allen & Co, Barclays Plc and Credit Suisse Group AG will be joint book runners, the source said, asking not to be named because the information was not yet public.

Snapchat, whose parent is Snap Inc, and the banks were not immediately available to comment on the news first reported by Bloomberg News.

Snapchat started in 2012 as a free mobile app that allows users to send photos that vanish within seconds. It has more than 100 million active users, about 60 percent of whom are aged 13 to 24, making it an attractive way for advertisers to reach millennials.

Awash in venture funding, the company raised $1.81 billion in May, which valued it at about $20 billion, media reports said at the time.

But investors worry that Snapchat's advertising sales, which began last October, is the company's only significant revenue source.

Snap in September starting describing itself as a camera company. Its first physical product will be glasses with an embedded video camera. Users will be able to record video from their perspective in 10-second increments, which can be synched with their smartphones.

The company's last round of funding included General Atlantic, Sequoia Capital, T. Rowe Price and Lone Pine. Previous rounds included Fidelity Investment, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Yahoo! Inc.

The U.S. IPO market has been unfriendly to technology companies for most of 2016. Year to date, technology IPOs have raised roughly $2.3 billion, compared to $5.2 billion over the same period in 2015. But a recent string of such IPOs has instilled more confidence among investors.

(Reporting by Sruthi Ramakrishnan in Bengaluru; Lauren Hirsch in New York; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta and Richard Chang)
By Tanisha Heiberg JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - South Africa has failed to protect residents affected by pollution from contaminated water and mine dumps over more than 130 years of gold mining near Johannesburg, an independent investigation by the Harvard Law School said. Its International Human Rights Clinic (IHRC) said successive governments including the current administration had not complied with international law, reacting too slowly and doing too little to reduce the harm from abandoned and active mines near the "City of Gold". The report said the government gave only limited warnings of the risks, did not perform enough scientific studies on the health effects, and rarely engaged with residents. The Department of Environmental Affairs could not immediately comment on the findings of the Harvard report. Pollution of ground and surface water from acid mine drainage and contaminated dust and soil from mine dumps have exposed residents living around the mines and on the waste dumps to high concentrations of heavy metals and radiation "that can contribute to immediate and long-term medical problems ranging from asthma and skin rashes to cancer and organ damage," the report said. It added: "The government's response to the crisis has been insufficient and unacceptably slow" and piecemeal, falling short of its duties under human rights law. The South African Chamber of Mines, which groups several mining companies in Africa's most industrialized country, said it could not comment because it had not read the report yet. "The Chamber was not approached to provide input by the authors prior to or post the publication of the document," said the Chamber of Mines. South Africa's government said it had set aside an estimated 1.2 billion rand ($87 million) in 2011 to clean up acidic water threatening to spill out from abandoned gold mines under Johannesburg. In May, South Africa gave the go-ahead for class action suits seeking damages from gold companies for up to half a million miners who contracted the fatal lung diseases silicosis and tuberculosis. Some local environmentalists supported the IHRC report. "There is often a systemic failure on their part to enforce the legislation," said CEO of the Federation for a Sustainable Environment, Mariette Liefferink, endorsing recommendations to minimize further risks and remedy current harm caused by contamination. (Editing by James Macharia/Ruth Pitchford)
Have you tried the rainbow roots or hidden rainbow hair trend?

If youve still not tried it because of how bleaching can damage your hair, youre not alone. Dark hair colors like ours require hours of bleaching and the use of peroxide to oxidise the color of our naturally dark hair.

This week, Splat  a boxed hair color specialist in U.S, made a major announcement thats gonna change our lives.

Splat midnight hair color without bleach

Known as the Splats midnight collection, the new boxed dye allows brunettes (or asian with black hair like ours) to color their hair a bright hue, without bleaching. Yes, you read that right. Besides the absence of bleach, it can even do good for your hair. Loaded with conditioning ingredients, the gentle & semi-permanent formula can help nourish your hair and give you the vivid color youve dreamt for, for up to 8 weeks.

Launched exclusively at Target stores for USD $8.99 each, each box takes only 45 mins to transform your hair into Amethyst (a deep violet), Ruby (a black cherry red), or Indigo (a navy blue). There are only 3 choices available at launch but we hope therell be new amazing colors coming up.

Where to get Splat Midnight Collection in Singapore?

We know that many of you cannot wait to try it already. Dont worry that they dont ship to Singapore, just ask an Airfrov traveller for help! Each box retails for USD $8.99 = Approx SGD $14 after tax & conversion. Our travellers are offering to help you buy at approx $20  $25 per box. Get yours before they get sold out!

Heres how to get one via Airfrov Travellers

1) Click on I want this too in this link to copy request

You can select your collection method & willing to pay price at this step. (willing to pay price includes cost of the item + tips to travellers)

2) It will post a job ad to travellers who are going to the U.S

3) Wait for a traveller to offer help (check your email or Airfrov app for notification)

4) Accept the offer if youre agreeable to travellers offer price & return date. Place a full deposit which will be held securely by Airfrov.

5) Wait for travellers return!

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Ready? Order now:

Splat midnight hair color without bleach

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The post Splat Midnight gives you Crazy Hair Colors of Your Dreams without Bleaching appeared first on Airfrov Blog.
India conveyed its opposition to Moscow over a joint military exercise between Russia and Pakistan, a state which sponsors and practices terrorism.

By PTI: Ahead of their annual bilateral Summit, India has conveyed its opposition to Russia over its joint exercise with Pakistan, a nation which "sponsors and practises terrorism as a matter of State policy", saying it will create further problems.

"We have conveyed our views to the Russian side that military cooperation with Pakistan which is a State that sponsors and practises terrorism as a matter of State policy is a wrong approach and it will only create further problems," Indian Ambassador to Moscow Pankaj Saran said in an interview to Russian news agency Ria Novosti.

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Also Read OPINION: Stronger China, losing Russia: India's BRICS story in trouble



RUSSIAN PRESIDENT PUTIN WILL ARRIVE IN INDIA ON OCT 14



Sarans remarks come ahead of the bilateral meeting in Goa on Saturday between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will be arriving in India on October 14.

Apart from bilateral Summit, Putin will attend the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa(BRICS) meet on October 16.

India has been communicating its unhappiness to Russia over its joint military exercises with Pakistan.

However, these concerns have been played down by the Russins who maintain that they hold similar military drills with other countries of the region as well.

Saran also said, "There are some burning issues before the world today which the BRICS countries will certainly address and this includes the question of terrorism and the threat of terrorism faced by all the countries in the BRICS group. So this will be a major item of discussion during the Summit apart from the regional conflicts and the global situation."

Also Read: Russia asks Pakistan to take steps to contain terror groups



INDIA, RUSSIA SHARE 'SPECIAL, PRIVILEGED PARTNERSHIP'



On Indo-Russia ties, the envoy said as far as India's relations with Russia are concerned, the two countries share a special and privileged strategic partnership.

"We see no change in this. On the contrary, this has only strengthened in all areas, including in the field of military-technical cooperation. This partnership is an anchor of peace and stability in the region and the world.

"We have a regular system of military exercises with Russia. We have been holding these exercises for the last few years with Russia and we will continue to do so. The plan for these exercises is drawn up between the relevant agencies of the two sides. This will continue even next year," he said.

Saran also talked about the cooperation in the field of civil nuclear sector, trade and investments.

Also Read:

Russia says recent US actions threaten its national security

India to play trade card with China ahead of BRICS summit



Surgical strikes by Indian Army: China calls for India, Pakistan 'to exercise restraint'



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By Abinaya Vijayaraghavan, Nayyar Rasheed and Sriraj Kalluvila

(Reuters) - Sprint Corp (S.N), the No. 4 U.S. wireless carrier, said on Wednesday it planned to raise an initial $3.5 billion by mortgaging about 14 percent of its wireless airwaves.

The company, majority owned by Japan's SoftBank Group (9984.T), estimates the airwaves are worth about $16.4 billion.

The spectrum portfolio, which includes FCC licenses and a small number of third-party leased license agreements, would be leased back, the company said.

The offering is expected to be rated investment grade by Moody's Investors Service and Fitch, Sprint said.

The carrier has been burning through cash as it faces intense competition for subscribers. The company had negative cash flow of $3.17 billion in the financial year ended March 31.

Sprint raised $1.2 billion in November and $2.2 billion in April through similar sale and lease-back deals.

Wall Street Journal first reported Sprint's plan on Tuesday. (http://on.wsj.com/2dbjNXQ)
Oct 12 (Reuters) - Sprint Corp, the No. 4 U.S. wireless carrier, is preparing to mortgage a little more than 10 percent of its wireless airwaves to raise cash, the Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The company, whose majority owner is Japan's SoftBank Group , believes the airwaves are worth more than $14 billion and will try to raise about $3.5 billion initially, the Journal said. (http://on.wsj.com/2dbjNXQ)

Sprint could not be immediately reached for comment.

In November, Sprint signed a $1.2 billion deal for the sale and lease-back of certain leased devices and in April, said it would raise $2.2 billion in cash through the sale and lease-back of certain network assets.

The company had negative cash flow of $3.17 billion in the financial year ended March 31.

The carrier, which has been burning through cash as it faces intense competition for subscribers, has said it aims to slash costs by more than $2 billion this fiscal year.

(Reporting by Abinaya Vijayaraghavan in Bengaluru; Editing by Amrutha Gayathri)
UK-based Foodles Production, the Disney-owned production company behind Star Wars: The Force Awakens that admitted to health and safety breaches following the accident that crushed Harrison Fords leg at Pinewood Studios in 2014, has been fined $1.95 million (1.6 million). The sentencing for violating the UKs Health and Safety at Work Act came down today.

During production on the movie on June 12, 2014, Ford was pinned by a hydraulic door on the set of the Millennium Falcon spaceship during a rehearsal. In July, a Milton Keynes magistrates court heard that the accident could have killed the then-71-year-old, who was reprising his iconic role of Han Solo, comparing it to the force of being hit by a small car.

Ford was airlifted to a nearby hospital following the accident. He broke his tibia and fibula, dislocated an ankle and suffered a cut hand.

According to the Daily Mail, Judge Francis Sheridan said today Foodles had acting wrongly in failing to alert Ford to the dangers of the scene they were rehearsing. The greatest failing of all on behalf of the company is a lack of communication, a lack because, if you have a risk assessment and you do not communicate it, what is the point of having one? he said, according to the paper. That is the most serious breach here.

A representative of the British governments Health and Safety Executive said, The British film industry has a world-renowned reputation for making exceptional films. Managing on-set risks in a sensible and proportionate way for all actors and staff  regardless of their celebrity status  is vital to protecting both on-screen and off-screen talent, as well as protecting the reputation of the industry.

Foodles said in a statement it deeply regretted (this) unfortunate on-set accident.

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A British production company was fined 1.6 million ($2 million) on Wednesday for an accident on the set of Star Wars: The Force Awakens that caused injuries to Harrison Ford. The Disney-owned company, Foodles Production, had previously pleaded guilty to two counts of breaking health and safety rules.

While rehearsing a scene at Londons Pinewood Studios, Ford was crushed by the hydraulic door of the Millennium Falcon, which broke his left leg. The actor underwent surgery to screw together the fractured tibia and fibula bones in his leg, and plastic surgery on a deep laceration to his left hand.

Prosecutor Andrew Marshall said that when Ford walked through the door, he believed the set was not live and the door would not close, because it hadnt done so during previous rehearsals.

Judge Francis Sheridan, passing sentence at Aylesbury Crown Court in the U.K., said: The greatest failing of all on behalf of the company is a lack of communication, a lack because, if you have a risk assessment and you do not communicate it, what is the point of having one? That is the most serious breach here.

Sheridan added: If only they had included Mr. Ford in all the discussions, he might have at least been alert to the dangers that he had to avoid.

The legal action was taken by the U.K. governments Health and Safety Executive. HSEs divisional director Tim Galloway said: This incident was foreseeable and preventable and could have resulted in more serious injury or even death. The power and speed of the door was such that, had Mr. Ford or anyone else been struck on the head by the door as it closed, they might easily have been killed.

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Han Solo Film: Tessa Thompson and Zoe Kravitz Among Those Testing for Female Lead (EXCLUSIVE)
Photo: National University Cancer Institute, Singapore

In the last weeks of his life, entrepreneur Stephen Giam put his final thoughts in a series of 19 short YouTube videos entitled Stephen Says.

Speaking from his hospital bed, Giam addressed topics such as coping with cancer and how to support sick patients, in hopes that his experiences would be of help to terminally ill patients, their families and healthcare workers.

The videos are by turns poignant (You can tell I feel like s***. What Id like you to do is hold my hand, tell me Im here with you), funny (You tell people you are dying, you got cancer, suddenly all the taxi drivers become first class doctors) and almost pleading (Tolerate me because I cannot be logical anymore).

Giam, a father of four teenage children, passed away on 26 September shortly before his 52nd birthday, after battling stage four bile duct cancer for almost a year. Giams family declined to be interviewed for this story.

But it isnt just in the virtual world that Giam had an impact on people. His palliative care physicians Doctor Jamie Zhou and Doctor Noreen Chan, of the National University Cancer Institute, Singapore (NCIS) were also moved by Giams final journey.

Palliative care involves care for the terminally ill and their families.

Zhou told Yahoo Singapore that she began treating Giam in April, all the way till his passing. When he first met me, he was trying to be brave. Hes a very extroverted person, and copes (by using) humour. Hes very real, he doesnt hold back and he will just say it as it is.

She added, But as we knew each other a bit better, he started to show a more vulnerable side. He started to be very honest with his fear, and to share a bit more about his life and his feelings.

Giam, who ran his own marketing consultancy firm, confessed to this in one of the videos, Show people Im okay. Sometimes bulls*** lah. Inside scared, but outside garang (fearless) lah. Like hero.

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In an article for a medical journal, Zhou and Chan wrote of how Giams need to control his situation led to several fractious encounters with hospital staff. Asked to elaborate, Chan said, Lets just say he had his opinions about how things should be.

The palliative care journey

Doctor Noreen Chan (left), head and senior consultant of the Division of Palliative Care in NCIS, and associate consultant Doctor Jamie Zhou. Photo: Nicholas Yong

Zhou is an associate consultant at the Division of Palliative Care in NCIS, while Chan is its head. The team of doctors and nurses at the Division collectively care for about 30-40 patients across National University Hospital at any one time, often working alongside their primary physicians.

There are no typical cases, said Zhou and Chan, and each patient and his or her family have different psychological, emotional and spiritual concerns.



Zhou explained, We focus more on trying to improve their quality of life. This includes understanding the complexities of the medical condition, the potential complications that it can involve.

Chan said, Having to face terminal illness is like being in a country with no map  you dont speak the language, you dont know the culture, you just have to grope your way around and hopefully find your way through. You can think of us as guides. Were like the bespoke tour guides: we go where you are.

We deal with a phase of life that is very unique, even though it is universal for all of us, so its really meeting people where they are, and trying to create the conditions for patients to live the best and most meaningful life that they can.

Leaving a legacy

It was on 30 May that Stephen first broached the idea of writing a book called I am dying, so are you. He had planned it all out in a notebook and his first chapter, recalled Zhou with a smile, consisted entirely of the F-word.

Told in August that his condition had taken a turn for the worse and that his time was running short, Giam told Zhou in typical fashion, Oh great, now my book will have to become just a booklet.

But he did not give up, filming the videos that he hoped would be his lasting legacy.

Asked what she had learned from Giam, Zhou responded, That fear is very normal. Hes a very garang kind of guy, but even a garang guy, he had panic attacks whenever there was a mention of dates or timings, when he felt he was losing time. Even hearing his watch tick, he started to get panic attacks.

As his time drew closer, Giam was more accepting of the inevitable.

Chan said, In the beginning, he never would have admitted that he felt fear. One reason that the videos are so impactful is that hes very honest, he said that he also felt scared, but its okay. And its difficult if you are a person whos normally very strong and self sufficient to admit that to yourself, or anyone else.

The day of Stephens passing

Stephen Giam led an active lifestyle before he took ill. Photo: National University Cancer Institute, Singapore

Zhou was present as Giam took his final breath, and also attended his wake, where Giams expressed desires for a white coffin, red carnations and beer to be served to guests were all met.

Zhou describes the privilege of being present at a patients death as a very sacred moment. She said, Its like a story book where you come to an end, and you savour it. You think to yourself: what did this story teach me?

Asked if it was difficult to maintain a professional front in the face of a patients suffering, Zhou recalled being emotionally affected by a very young patient while she was still a trainee.

Dr Chan told me that (its about) learning how to put one foot in the waves, and one foot on dry land, and not to be swept away by the current. If we put two feet on dry land, we are no good to them either, and if we put both feet (in the waves), we get swept away.
How can brands attract new consumers to alcohol-free wine? At this year's SIAL Paris international food fair, Languedoc-Roussillon producer Domaines Pierre Chavin will present new wines featuring two highly innovative ingredients: stevia and 24 carat gold leaf flakes.

October 16-20, food industry representatives from 104 countries will gather in Paris-Nord Villepinte to showcase their latest innovations. SIAL is a professional trade fair, but it is one that is of interest to the general public because it is a venue for the presentation of new ingredients that will soon be turning up on our plates. Among the plethora of new products, Domaines Pierre Chavin will present an alcohol-free wine that contains no more than seven kilocalories.

The Languedoc winemaker has successfully reduced the level of alcohol in this tipple to 0% without sacrificing its taste. However, the originality of this wine, which has been named Silhouet', resides in the addition of stevia, a natural sweetener that is 100 times more potent than sugar. The South American plant, which has been approved for use in France since 2009, is now used in a wide range of sodas and chocolates, but this is the first time it has been added to wine to give it a sweeter taste that does not translate into an impact on bathroom scales.

Silhouet' comes in three versions: a white chardonnay, a red merlot, and a sparkling white. The range, which will be officially launched at the trade show, will retail for six euros (nine euros for the sparkling version). The wines can be ordered from Domaines-pierre-chavin.com and will also be available from selected wine shops.

Gold in a bottle

Also at the SIAL, Domaines Pierre Chavin plans to launch Gold Arabesque: a sparkling wine that is as dazzling to the eye as it is to the palette. Twenty-four carat gold flakes have been added to this bubbly chardonnay to create a beverage that is not only alcohol-free and pleasing to the eye, but also therapeutic.

The consumption of gold helps to combat stress, relieve depression, stimulate collagen production and reduce wrinkles. Count on spending 65 euros for a bottle of this elixir, which also exists in an alcoholic version: Folie de Pierre, which retails at 55 euros.

The SIAL Paris will run October 16-20. For more information: www.sialparis.com
A poll by Axis-My-India for the India Today Group has found out that most of UP, Uttarakhand and Punjab were in favour of surgical strikes and remained wary of war.

By Harmeet Shah Singh: Most of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab overwhelmingly support surgical strikes to deal with Pakistan-backed terror, but remain largely wary of a full-scale war with the neighbour, according to a poll by Axis-My-India for the India Today Group.

In Uttar Pradesh, as high as 90 per cent of respondents rated India's cross-LoC swoop as "very good". Another 3 percent found the measure inadequate while the remaining ticked the "don't-know" option.

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Around 77 per cent of respondents in Uttarakhand and 88 per cent in Punjab also checked "very good" for the surgical strikes.

More than 85 per cent of respondents in Uttar Pradesh, 92 per cent in Uttarakhand and 88 per cent in Punjab rated surgical strikes as the best measure against Pakistani terror.

Also read: How India's surgical strikes created a rift between Lashkar terrorists, Pakistan army



RESPONDENTS FAVOUR SURGICAL STRIKE OVER WAR



A minor three per cent of people polled in the survey in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab favoured talks with Pakistan over surgical strikes. As high as 90 per cent in Punjab and 95 per cent in UP ticked "don't know" when asked how India should deal with Pakistan and terror if not through similar operations.

Opinion was equally divided - at 40 per cent - between talks and "don't know" in Uttarakhand.

But no respondent from the three states favoured continuation of old policy toward Pakistan.

MODI EMERGED STRONGER



Around 90 per cent of respondents in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and 79 per cent in Punjab agreed that prime minister Narendra Modi has emerged as a strong leader after the September 29 raid on PoK.

Also Read:Inside story of Indian Army's daring surgical strikes against Pakistan



Most of the participants across the three states concurred that India was heading towards a war and most of them claimed they weren't scared of a full-blown conflict.

Yet, only two per cent of the participants from Uttar Pradesh, 20 per cent from Uttarakhand and seven per cent from Punjab favoured war as a second option over surgical strikes, the poll showed.

Asked whether India should make evidence of its PoK assault public, 76 per cent in UP, 55 per cent in Uttarakhand and 65 per cent in Punjab ticked "yes".

More than 65 percent of respondents in Uttar Pradesh and 76 per cent in Uttarakhand believed surgical strikes have helped the BJP politically. In Punjab though, the majority - 60 per cent - said they didn't.

Also read: Opinion poll: BJP ahead in UP on back of OBC support





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Poll Methodology



UP: Sample size of 2,011 across 80 assembly constituencies in western, central, eastern and Bundelkhand regions.

Uttarakhand: Sample size of 895 across 30 assembly constituencies.

unjab: Sample size of 618 across 65 assembly constituencies across Majha, Doaba and Malwa regions.

--- ENDS ---
Khartoum (AFP) - South Sudan rebel leader Riek Machar, a pariah for the West since his call last month for renewed civil war, headed to South Africa for medical check-ups on Wednesday, an AFP correspondent reported.

In what he billed as his first media appearance since he fled the South Sudanese capital Juba as fresh fighting flared in July, Machar said that his stay in South Africa would be temporary and that he would leave after the tests.

"I am leaving the country now for South Africa to have medical tests and after that I will leave South Africa," he told reporters at Khartoum airport without specifying where.

Machar gave no details of his medical condition but spoke of the travails of his flight from South Sudan.

"I walked on foot until I reached the jungles of (Democratic Republic of) Congo and it took me 37 days," he said.

He said that it was only with the help of regional governments and the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC that he had reached medical help in Khartoum.

He was discharged from hospital in Khartoum on August 26 after being treated for a swollen leg, aides said at the time.

The Sudanese authorities said they had admitted Machar because he needed "immediate medical treatment".

Khartoum was a longtime backer of Machar during the two-decade war that led to South Sudan's independence in 2011.

Machar led a breakaway faction that fought the mainstream pro-independence rebels and received arms from the Sudanese military.

He broke again with the Juba government in 2013, sparking a devastating civil war in which allegations of gang rape, cannibalism and mass killings of civilians were widespread.

He returned to Juba earlier this year under a hard-won peace deal but it broke down in July when fresh clashes broke out between his ethnic Nuer supporters and the mainly Dinka troops of the government.

After his escape into exile in Khartoum, Machar last month urged "a popular armed resistance" against his rival President Salva Kiir's government.

On Thursday, the European Union, Norway, the United States and the United Kingdom, together with Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda, issued a joint statement condemning "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."
Anyone who has followed the saga of Sumner Redstone knows that the media baron likes the ladies. And the ladies like him. And they like his money, a fortune put at roughly $6 billion.

But no one could have guessed this time last year that one of Redstones seemingly less dangerous liaisons  with Argentinian-born socialite Manuela Herzer, 52, whom he had known for years  would fuel domestic discord, explode familial ties, reanimate the seemingly deathly corporate magnate and stoke a restructuring of one of Americas biggest media empires, encompassing Viacom and CBS Corp.

But thats just what happened. One year ago Wednesday, Redstone made an abrupt split with Herzer after becoming convinced that she had been lying to him, including spreading falsehoods about other former paramours. Herzer went to court, attempting to force her way back into Redstones life even though their romantic relationship had ended long before.

Herzer painted her quest as an effort to protect Redstones health and ensure that his wishes were not subverted by his daughter, Shari, and others in his inner circle. Redstones lawyers depicted Herzer as a gold-digger who was upset about being written out of Redstones estate after being promised $50 million in cash and the deed to his Beverly Park mansion, valued at $20 million.

A Los Angeles judge threw out Herzers suit three days after the trial began last May. But her allegations that the mogul had become a living ghost, no longer capable managing his own affairs, sparked new battles for Redstone on the corporate front. Investors demanded transparency about his health. The timing couldnt have been worse for Viacom, as it prompted Wall Street and business journalists to scrutinize the health of the company and its management.

Redstone soon booted not only Herzer, but others he believed had begun to ignore him or take him for granted. At the top of that list was Viacom CEO Philippe Dauman, who Redstone tossed off the board and Redstone family trust that ultimately will control his empire. Daumans fatal mistake, according to those who have been in the trenches the past year, was pushing for Viacom to sell a stake in Paramount Pictures over Redstones objections.

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Dauman waged a spirited counter-attack  both in court and with loyal members of the Viacom board. But it was too late. Redstone, the man who had said repeatedly in his younger days that he would never die, pulled off what is likely to be his final business coup.

After patching up his once-estranged relationship with Shari, Sumner Redstones maneuvers during the past few months have forced Viacom and CBS to consider a new merger, 10 years after Redstone split up his empire out of frustration that the stock was undervalued in their combined form. In this scenario, CBS Corp. chief Leslie Moonves emerges as the fair-haired son who is urged to save Viacom after exceeding all expectations during the past decade with his stewardship of CBS.

The drama surrounding the House of Redstone has been nothing less than Shakespearean, replete with ostentatious wealth, family discord and betrayals, shifting alliances, palace intrigue and lurid details about the personal life of one of the most influential media moguls of our times. Along the way, the seemingly endless string of headlines and uncertainty took a toll on Viacoms share price at a time when it was already under pressure because of its performance and the broader industry issues buffetting all traditional media companies.

For now, Redstone, at 93, remains the billionaire who would not quit, who would not be denied and who, in the 11th hour, put family first. The empire he built from a small movie theater chain  which includes CBS, Showtime, Paramount Pictures, MTV, VH1, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central  is now Shari Redstones to oversee for the next generation.

Heres a blow-by-blow look at all that has transpired in the past 12 months:

2015

OCTOBER

12: Manuela Herzer is ejected from Sumner Redstones Beverly Park home by his estate attorney, Leah Bishop. After a trip to run errands, Herzer returns to the house to find her passage blocked in a hallway by Redstones driver, Isileli Tuanaki, who tells her Mr. Redstone doesnt want you here, according to Herzers lawsuit.

Herzer eventually confronts Bishop, who calls Redstones Boston attorney, David Andelman (also a CBS Corp. board member) and yells you cant be here. Herzer is told Redstone is angry over a lie Herzer told him about Redstone granddaughter Keryn Redstone using his credit card, according to Herzers suit. Other court documents including Redstones deposition say the precipitating event was alleged lies told by Herzer to Redstone regarding his one-time girlfriends Sydney Holland and Terry Holbrook.

Viacom share price: $46.50

16: Viacom president-CEO Philippe Dauman is named health care agent for Redstone. Viacom COO Tom Dooley is named alternate. Redstone adjust the terms of his personal trust to eliminate Herzer from receiving a gift of $50 million in cash and the Beverly Park estate, valued at $20 million.



NOVEMBER

25: Herzer files a lawsuit in Los Angeles Superior Court challenging her removal as Redstones health care agent. The complaint describes Redstone as a living ghost and offers lurid details about the 92-year-old moguls personal life and accuses his daughter, Shari, of manipulating him to serve her own agenda. Herzers flamboyant lawyer, Pierce ODonnell, insists she has only gone to court because of her deep personal bond with the mogul.

Viacom share price: $52.35

30: L.A. Superior Court Judge David Cowan denies Herzers request for a fast-track decision to restoring her as Redstones health care agent and for a speedy deposition of Redstone.

2: Investor Mario Gabelli, Viacoms second-largest shareholder, calls for the management of Viacom and CBS Corp. to address the state of Sumner Redstones health and mental capacity.

7: At an investor conference, Dauman says Redstone has incredible will to live and enjoyment of life.

Viacom share price: $47.15

14: Herzers lawyers push a motion for a deposition of Redstone and claim his signature is forged on an agreement that allowed Herzer to return to his home to retrieve her belongings.

21: Judge Cowan rules that Dauman and two of Redstones doctors can be deposed as part of Herzers suit.

Viacom share price: $39.22

2016

JANUARY

11: Herzers lawyers argue an appeal for the deposition of Sumner Redstone.

19: A shareholder lawsuit is filed against CBS and Viacom in Delaware Chancery Court by E.F. Greenberg, claiming the companies have demonstrated too much loyalty to Sumner Redstone in violation of fiduciary duties. Another activist shareholder, SpringOwl Asset Management, calls for Daumans ouster.

Viacom share price: $41.72

22: Judge Cowan rules that Sumner Redstone can be questioned on videotape as part of Herzers lawsuit.

FEBRUARY

3: Bowing to pressure from the investment community, Sumner Redstone resigns as chairman of CBS Corp. in a letter sent to the conglomerates president-CEO Leslie Moonves. The CBS board unanimously elects Moonves as his successor. Redstone becomes chairman emeritus.

4: Viacom board votes 10-1 to elect Dauman as chairman, shifting Redstone to chairman emeritus. Shari Redstone casts the dissenting vote against Dauman. Despite Sumners vote for Dauman, Viacoms handling of the transition angers Redstone, in contrast to the process at CBS.

Viacom share price: $45.34

9: Viacom releases fiscal first quarter 2016 earnings showing a 6% decline in revenue and 9% drop in adjusted earnings. During the earnings conference call Dauman blasts naysayers, self-interested critics and publicity seekers as contributing to Viacoms challenges.

Viacom share price: $32.86

23: At an investor conference, Dauman plans to explore opportunities for a significant strategic minority equity investment in Paramount Pictures, echoing calls by Gabelli and others for Viacom to monetize the asset.

25: Sumner Redstone meets with Dauman, instructs him not to sell an interest in Paramount, according to a source close to Redstone.

27: Sumner Redstone meets with Paramount Pictures chairman Brad Grey, reiterates his opposition to selling a stake in the studio Viacom acquired in 1994.

29: Judge Cowan rules that Herzers lawsuit can proceed, citing questions about raised about his mental capacity in reports from examinations by two physicians.

Viacom share price: $36.85

MARCH

7: Dauman predicts Viacom will have a deal to sell a minority stake in Paramount by the end of June.

14: Sumner Redstone tells Viacom corporate executives via an attorney that he does not want to sell Paramount.

16: Viacoms board of directors names Frederic Salerno, former vice chairman of Verizon and a Viacom board member since 1994, as its lead independent director.

Dauman visits Redstone at his Beverly Park home for 30 minutes, during which time Redstone has trouble staying awake.

17: Viacom sets a new employment agreement with COO Thomas Dooley that includes a severance clause that will pay him $63 million if he is not upped to CEO if Dauman departs.

Viacom share price: $41.48

28: Mediation in Herzer lawsuit begins.

APRIL

3: Herzer and Redstone lawyers reach a settlement in principal that calls for her to receive $30 million.

7: Shari Redstone replaces Philippe Dauman as her fathers health care agent. Other changes to his estate are made.

Viacom share price: $38.27

9: Herzer and Redstone lawyers agree on final settlement terms. Herzer balks and pushes for several additions, including idemnifying her from claims Redstones relatives might bring against her, according to sources familiar with the talks. Sumner Redstone pulls the settlement off the table.

Daumans planned visit with Sumner Redstone is canceled at the last minute.

12: Sumner Redstone rejects Herzers attorneys effort to restart settlement talks.

19: Keryn Redstone files a motion seeking to join Herzers suit, citing Shari Redstones alleged undue influence over her grandfather. The motion is denied the following day.

21: After tense negotiations, Viacom and Dish Network set a long-term renewal agreement of Viacom channels, easing concerns that Viacom could lose significant distribution revenue if a deal could not be reached.

Viacom share price: $42.56

MAY

3: Salerno and Viacom director William Schwartz request a meeting with Sumner Redstone on May 16, which is rejected.

5: Sumner Redstones videotaped deposition is taken at his home.

6: The Herzer trial begins in Los Angeles Superior Court.

9: Judge Cowan dismisses the Herzer suit, citing Sumner Redstones deposition statement that he no longer wants her in his life. Herzer files a new lawsuit against Shari Redstone, accusing her and some staff members at Sumner Redstones home of interfering with her planned inheritance.

Viacom share price: $40.43

16: Redstone attorney Michael Tu requests briefing on Redstones behalf on the plan to sell minority stake in Paramount.

Redstones trust is amended to eliminate Keryn Redstone from receiving $3 million and a house from her grandfather.

17-18: Viacom board members hold a strategic review on Paramount sale and other matters. Shari Redstone and Sumner Redstone take part but remain silent.

20: Attorney Michael Tu sends a letter to Dauman and Viacom director George Abrams informing them they have been removed as board members of Redstones National Amusements Inc. (NAI) holding company and as trustees on the Redstone Family Trust that will inherit Redstones share after he dies or is deemed incapacitated.

Viacom share price: $39.05

23: Dauman and Abrams sue Redstone in Massachusetts probate court, alleging that Redstone does not have the mental capacity to remove them from NAI and the trust. The suit takes aim at Shari Redstone as manipulating her father for her own agenda. The suit seeks an expedited trial, citing Sumner Redstones health.

27: Sumner Redstone celebrates his 93rd birthday at a party thrown by Shari Redstone.

JUNE

3: Sumner Redstone asks the Massachusetts court to dismiss the suit from Dauman and Abrams.

6: NAI implements a change in Viacoms bylaws to require unanimous consent of the Viacom board for any transaction involving Paramount, and unanimous consent for any effort to amend the bylaws. That effectively blocks any deal from going forward without the votes of Sumner and Shari Redstone.

10: Sumner Redstone travels to Paramount Pictures in a van, where Grey comes out for a meeting with him in the vehicle.

14: Salerno writes an open letter to Redstone asking for a meeting and explaining the rationale of the Paramount sale. Redstone does not accept the meeting request.

Redstone travels to the CBS lot in Studio City, where CEO Leslie Moonves meets with him inside his vehicle.

16: NAI removes Abrams, Dauman, Salerno, Schwartz and Blythe McGarvie as Viacom directors. Kenneth Lerer, Thomas May, Judith McHale, Ron Nelson and Nicole Seligman are nominated as new directors.

Salerno files suit against NAI in Delaware Chancery Court challenging the validity of the Viacom board dismissals. NAI files in the same court seeking a legal affirmation of the board moves.

17: Viacom agrees to pay the legal bills of Dauman and Abrams in the litigation against Redstone and NAI.

Viacom share price: $45.05

18: Redstone attorneys offer to set meeting between Sumner Redstone and Viacom director Charles Phillips.

23: The discovery process in the Delaware case is put on hold while the Massachusetts probate court process unfolds.

The Viacom board rejects the proposed meeting of Phillips and Redstone.

28: NAI sends a letter to the Viacom board asserting Redstones right to eject the directors because the majority of NAI board approved. The letter blasts the highly personal and vicious attacks on Sumners capacity and Sharis honesty and integrity.

Viacom share price: $40.03

JULY

25-28: Settlement discussions begin between NAI and lawyers for Dauman and the independent directors of Viacom.

28: Judge George Phelan of Massachusetts probate court allows the Dauman/Abrams suit to proceed but rules that Redstone does not need to undergo an immediate medical exam.

29: Delaware Chancery Court Judge Andre Bouchon denies Redstones request to dismiss the Salerno suit.

Viacom share price: $45.97

AUGUST

2: Keryn Redstone files a crossclaim in support of the Dauman/Abrams suit in Massachusetts.

8: Settlement discussions for the Dauman/Abrams and Salerno suits resume. Dauman is under pressure from some Viacom board members and investment community to end the legal standoff crippling the company.

Viacom share price: $42.52

9: Massachusetts Judge George Phelan sets Oct. 3 start date for Dauman/Abrams trial.

15-16: Settlement discussions intensify with agreement for Dauman to step down as CEO and five new board members to join.

17: Settlements approved by Viacom board.

20: Viacom announces settlement that calls for Dauman to step down after Sept. 13. Dooley promoted to interim CEO through Sept. 30. Viacom board expands to include five new members, with plan for the ousted board members to exit after the 2017 annual meeting.

22: Keryn Redstone files objection to dismissal of Dauman/Abrams suit.

Viacom share price: $41.70

26: After lengthy hearing in Massachusetts, Keryn Redstone drops her objection to Dauman/Abrams dismissal in exchange for a meeting with her grandfather and amendment to the Redstone trust ensuring that all beneficiaries will receive equal shares.

SEPTEMBER

12: Keryn and Sumner Redstone have what is described as an emotional face-to-face reunion at his home.

14: Dooley takes over as interim CEO of Viacom. New board member Thomas May is elected non-executive chairman.

Viacom share price: $37.44

15: As speculation snowballs on Wall Street about Redstone pushing a reunification plan for Viacom and CBS, Moonves signals CBS wariness about merging with Viacom. We are very happy with the position we are playing now. We think we have a great future as the CBS Corporation now, Moonves says at an investor conference.

21: Viacom announces Dooley will step down on Nov. 15 after declining to accept permanent CEO position. Viacom cuts its quarterly dividend in half as it seeks to conserve cash to tackle debt refinancing needs.

29: NAI sends a letter to the boards of CBS Corp. and Viacom urging them to consider a merger.

30: The boards of CBS and Viacom both form special committees to explore merger options.

Viacom share price: $38.10

OCTOBER

7: Massachusetts court finalizes dismissal of Dauman/Abrams suit, settlement of Keryn Redstone claim and enters NAI trust amendments.

Ronald Richards, another attorney for Herzer, discloses to Variety that Herzer has sued former attorney Pierce ODonnell and filed a complaint against him with the California bar association. Herzer maintains she was persuaded to pay $500,000 in legal fees for Keryn Redstone without proper accounting or protection. Herzer has her appeal of Judge Cowans dismissal of her health care directive suit and she is continuing to pursue her suit against Shari Redstone for interfering with her planned inheritance.

Viacom share price: $35.73

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If Dean and Sams newly resurrected mother Mary needs a moment to adjust to her surroundings when Supernatural returns for Season 12 this Thursday (The CW, 9/8c), youll have to forgive her. After being dead for 33 years, she is entering a world in which her sons are hunters who use strange phones and work with angels. Plus, her boys and late husband John are Men of Letters legacies, a discovery Mary will soon make.

VIDEOSSupernatural Season 12: Winchesters Come Home in Memento-ish Trailer

TVLine spoke with executive producer Andrew Dabb about Mama Winchesters homecoming, Dean and Sams two-front war, Castiels new tude and more.

TVLINE | How do Dean and Sam each feel about Marys return?

Theyre happy and conflicted. Its like a miracle. But the Mary whos coming back is someone who had walked away from hunting but now walks in a world where her sons are hunters. Thats the last thing she ever wanted. Shes been in Heaven for [33] years. Thats obviously changed her. So Sam and Dean are happy to have her back, but theyre worried [about] how shell adjust [to] not only the modern world and technology and that kind of stuff but [also] to them and their lives, and [wondering] if she will be what they have become.

Supernatural Spoilers

TVLINE | Back when Mary was a hunter, there were no Men of Letters or angels, as far as she knew. How will she react to those two things?



Especially when it comes to angels, its shock. Mary was very much like our standard hunters. Sam and Dean ended up playing in a little bit of an elevated playing field [with] demons and angels and God. Your normal hunters not really dealing with that. Theyre dealing with vampires and werewolves and more terrestrial threats, you could say. So thats really where Mary comes from. Shes never met an angel before until she meets Castiel. Thats an adjustment for her.

Story continues

In terms of the Men of Letters, she heard vague stories. They had been gone [for several decades]. Even when the Men of Letters were around, they werent really that engaged with the American hunter community. They kept a little separate. So to find out theyre real, to find out John has a history with them, to walk into the bunker and see this cache of things she never knew existed, it is a shock to her. Its about fifth on the list, because there are so many shocking things. But its definitely something she has to grapple with.

RELATEDSupernatural Casts Kadeem Hardison as a Man With a Plan for Lucifer

Supernatural Spoilers

TVLINE | Is the Men of Letters British chapter the biggest threat to Dean and Sam in Season 12?



Theyre a threat. Lady Toni Bevell has got it in for our boys. But Lucifer is still out there, and whenever Lucifers on the playing field, its hard to think anybody is going to top him. Going into this season, its a dual-pronged approach. [Dean and Sam are] pulled in two different directions.

TVLINE | Coming off a season where you have a Big Bad as grand as The Darkness and God as a character, is the idea to introduce not necessarily smaller but more down-to-Earth villains and threats for the Winchesters?

I think so. For us, its a chance to explore the world of hunting and the world of the Men of Letters, [which is] something weve gotten a lot of mileage out of. Its really fun for us, and its a way to deepen that. There are other people in the British Men of Letters who want to take a different approach [with the Winchesters]. So I dont want to say from the jump that the British Men of Letters are all bad, because, as well learn, sometimes Sam and Dean will be working with them, sometimes theyll be working against them.

RELATEDSupernatural Season 12: Sam and Deans New Vulnerability, Lucifer vs. Cas and Old-Fashioned Horror Stories

Supernatural Spoilers

TVLINE | What does Lucifer get up to with his rock-star vessel?



At first, hes bouncing from vessel to vessel. Hes wounded in the final fight with Amara. When he finally finds someplace to stop, he looks around, and hes like, Gods gone. I have a free playing field here. I could go take over Heaven or Hell, but is that what I really want? What he discovers is that, in some ways, God had the right idea  worship is fun. Unfortunately, theres a lot of baggage with the name Lucifer. So for him, popping into someone like the rock star Vince Vincente allows him experience that almost God-like worship in another body.

RELATEDSupernatural Stars Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles on Marys Tricky Family Reunion  Plus: Whats Mom Hiding?

TVLINE | What is Cas attitude in the new season? At Comic-Con, Misha Collins compared him to the Cas of Season 4, who was a pretty different guy.

Early on, Cas is very driven to find Sam. Well see him take some action we havent seen in a while. This season, we wanted to tell some stories that were a little bit more personal with Castiel, both in terms of his relationship with Sam and Dean and digging into his past a little bit. He and Mary have a connection. Its not a romantic connection, but they have a lot in common. Theyre both kind of strangers in a strange land, in a way, especially early on.

For Cas, we wanted to focus him down a little bit more. Hes driven to find Lucifer. He feels responsible for Lucifer getting out of the cage, although pretty much everyone else on our show feels responsible for that, too. Obviously, as threats to Sam and Dean come up, he will be there to stand by our boys side.

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(Reuters) - Support for legalization of marijuana has risen to nearly 60 percent among U.S. adults, according to a study published on Wednesday, marking a near reversal of attitudes held only a decade ago. More relaxed views about marijuana have led around two dozen states to allow legal access of some type of the drug and more U.S. states are set to vote on marijuana related measures on Nov. 8. The Pew Research Center found that 57 percent of adults in the United States said the use of marijuana should be made legal, while 37 percent said it should be illegal. Ten years ago, just 32 percent of adults favored legalization, while 60 percent were opposed to it. Opinions on marijuana are divided starkly along political party lines, the poll from the Washington-based center found, with Democrats supporting legalizing marijuana over having it be illegal by more than two-to-one. Sixty-six percent of Democrats favor legalizing marijuana while 30 percent believe it should be illegal. Among Republicans, 41 percent favor legalization and 55 percent are opposed to it, according to the poll, which drew responses from 1,201 U.S. adults. Five U.S. states - Massachusetts, Maine, California, Arizona and Nevada - will vote on Nov. 8 on whether to legalize recreational use of marijuana. Four other states are voting on access to medical marijuana. Two human rights groups on Wednesday called on U.S. states and the federal government to decriminalize possession of marijuana for personal use, citing the damage done by more than 574,000 arrests for marijuana possession each year. Among U.S. voters, Liberal Democrats were most in favor of marijuana legalization, with 78 percent supporting it, according to the Pew study. Millennial adults between the ages of 18 and 35 are the age group most in favor of legalization with 71 percent in support. Within the Republican party, there is a sharp contrast between moderate and liberal Republicans and their more conservative counterparts, according to the poll. Sixty-three percent of moderate and liberal Republicans are in favor of legalization. Just 33 percent of conservative Republicans share this view, with 62 percent saying marijuana should be illegal. Some 24 states and Washington D.C. currently allow some type of medical marijuana use, and a handful of states allow its recreational use. (Reporting by Timothy Mclaughlin in Chicago; Editing by Andrew Hay)
A man was arrested Saturday after cops say he fired a rifle into the darkness in his Minnesota neighborhood, nearly striking a man who was asleep in his own bed.

When they responded, police in the town of North St. Paul, said they were told by suspect Ryan Stanislaw that he was simply trying to keep the area safe from "a zombie."

Watch: Zombie Gives Woman Fright of Her Life During Surprise Proposal

According to a criminal complaint obtained by WCCO, Stanislaw even had ammo specifically for the job.

Cops say his rifle was loaded with Hornady brand "Zombie Max" bullets, the novelty packaging for which touts "each round is loaded with a special, neon green, polymer-tipped Z-Max bullet that delivers devastating expansion and was specifically designed for zombie elimination."

Police were called around 5 a.m. when a neighbor called to report he was awakened by the sound of a gun and the shattering of his window. Authorities believe a bullet went through his window, ricocheted near his head then struck a wall.

When they arrived, cops say Stanislaw was nearby with an AR-15 style rifle slung over his back.

"Im out here making sure my neighborhood is safe," he allegedly told officers. "I didnt see the cops, so I figured Id do something."

Cops say Stanislaw smelled of alcohol, according to the complaint.

The complaint said Stanislaws mother told police her son doesnt have a history of mental illness.

Watch: Cops: 'Walking Dead' Fan Kills Friend He Believed Was Turning Into a Zombie

In September, Stanislaw was convicted of making terroristic threats and is banned from possessing a gun, according to court documents available online.

Stanislaw is due in court Friday afternoon.

Watch: 'Zombie Walk' Returns to Comic-Con 2 Years After Hit-and-Run Crash

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One of the world's largest makers of networking equipment, Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson (ERIC), announced preliminary results for its third quarter early Wednesday morning that are "significantly lower" than the company's previous expectations. Shares plummeted 19% to a new 52-week low once trading opened in New York.

The company said the sales decline in its networks segment was mainly driven by markets with a weak macroeconomic environment, citing Brazil, Russia and the Middle East specifically.

Ericsson's preliminary numbers indicate a drop of 19% in network sales and 14% in total sales for the third quarter. That's a sequential decline of 13% in network sales and 6% in total sales. Gross income is projected down 28% year over year and 17% sequentially.

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The preliminary estimate for operating income calls for a year-over-year drop of 93% overall and 109% in the network segment and sequential declines of 88% and 116%, respectively, for total income and network income.

Ericsson's new CEO, Jan Frykhammar, said:

Our result is significantly lower than we expected, with a particularly weak end of the quarter, and deviates from what we previously have communicated regarding market development. The negative industry trends have further accelerated affecting primarily Segment Networks. Continued progress in our cost reduction programs did not offset the lower sales and gross margin. More in-depth analysis remains to be done but current trends are expected to continue short-term. We will continue to drive the ongoing cost program and implement further reductions in cost of sales to meet the lower sales volumes.

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After about an hour of trading Wednesday morning, Ericsson's shares traded down about 18.8%, at $5.69 in a 52-week range of $5.67 to $10.58. The low was posted Wednesday morning and volume was already nearly five times the daily average of around 4 million.

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(Reuters) - Synairgen Plc said its partner AstraZeneca Plc stopped a mid-stage study for testing Synairgen's drug candidate as a potential treatment for severe asthma, putting the brakes on the lead product in Synairgen's pipeline. The drug developer's shares slumped more than a third on Wednesday to trade at 22.01 pence at 0722 GMT on the London Stock Exchange, becoming the biggest drag on the FTSE AIM Healthcare Index. Synairgen had licensed the drug to AstraZeneca in 2014 in a deal worth $232 million. (http://reut.rs/2e0slma) The company's pipeline has two more drugs, one being developed with AstraZeneca to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and the other being developed to treat a rare lung condition called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Synairgen said on Wednesday that fewer-than-expected patients had their asthma worsen in the study, making it difficult for AstraZeneca to gauge the drug's efficiency. AstraZeneca plans to evaluate the data collected from the study with a focus on secondary goals, which could better predict when patients' asthma would worsen. Synairgen said that full results from the study are expected in the first quarter of 2017. AstraZeneca shares were down 1 percent at 4996 pence at 0735 GMT on the London Stock Exchange. (Reporting by Vidya L Nathan in Bengaluru; Editing by Amrutha Gayathri)
The survey says Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is likely to be the runner-up with 115-124 seats while the incumbent Samajwadi Party will win 94-103.

By India Today Web Desk: The BJP's dream run in Uttar Pradesh continues with the party expected to win 170-183 seats though the verdict is likely to throw a hung Assembly in the elections due in less than six months, the India Today-Axis Opinion Poll has revealed.

In the 403-member Uttar Pradesh Assembly, a party must secure 202 seats to form a majority government.

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The survey says Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) is likely to be the runner-up with 115-124 seats while the incumbent Samajwadi Party will win 94-103.

The Congress, which last ruled the state in the 1980s and now has a huge stake in the crucial contest, is likely to fare miserably, barely making it to double digits with 8-12 seats.

WHO SHOULD BE NEXT CM?

In what may come as some boost for Mayawati, the survey found that most wanted the BSP supremo to return as Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister next year.

While 31 per cent of respondents wanted four-time Chief Minister Mayawati as their Chief Minister, 27 per cent want to retain incumbent Akhilesh Yadav. His father and Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav fared badly at just one per cent.

Also read:

UP election: SP, BSP fight to survive; Congress looks for relevance; Modi referendum for BJP

UP election: The not-so-happy families of Samajwadi Party



As far as other claimants to the chair are concerned, the Congress, which has not ruled Uttar Pradesh for 27 years and has a huge stake in the state this year, may be in for some disappointment with just one per cent of those surveyed approving the choice of Sheila Dikshit as the next Chief Minister.

Even Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, who is expected to play a larger role in Uttar Pradesh 2017, was chosen by only two per cent of the respondents as the next Chief Minister.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh, who has also been a former Chief Minister of the state, and his firebrand colleague in the BJP, Yogi Adityanath, are at 18 and 14 per cent respectively.

Mayawati was also called out by most voters for her record on law and order, an index on which Uttar Pradesh always falls at the bottom of the chart.

A whopping 64 per cent of those surveyed said the BSP chief will be the best bet on handling law and order, while Akhilesh (17) could not even beat Rajnath Singh (18) at it.

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"CONGRESS-MUKT BHARAT"?

More than half of those surveyed rejected the BJP's mission to clean India of the Congress. While 54 per cent said they do not agree with the idea of a Congress-free India, 29 per cent of the respondents backed the BJP while 17 per cent were not sure.

Congress-free India has been a BJP project since Amit Shah took over the party presidentship.

In the 2014 general election, the BJP had won a landslide 71 of the 80 Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh. The Congress was reduced to two seats represented by president Sonia Gandhi and her vice-president son Rahul.

WHO CAN REVIVE CONGRESS?

Perhaps Rahul Gandhi's month-long Kisan Yatra that concluded last week have struck a chord with voters in Uttar Pradesh. An impressive 38 per cent of those surveyed by India Today-Axis said the 46-year-old is the Congress's best bet to revive the party in the state.

Also read:

UP election: Why Rahul Gandhi's Kisan Yatra has left BJP, SP worried

For Mayawati, UP election is a fight to the finish



Rahul's sister Priyanka, who has often been invoked to pull a beleagured Congress out of the quagmire, is favoured by 19 per cent of the voters.

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Sheila Dikshit - three-time Delhi Chief Minister who is now her party's face for Uttar Pradesh - was in single digits with just 9 per cent of those surveyed saying she can revive the party.

Watch the video

END OF BJP'S RAM MANDIR POLITICS?

When asked what should be the BJP's biggest plank in the run-up to the Uttar Pradesh election, a massive 88 per cent of the respondents mentioned development, which was largely the party's main agenda in 2014.

The contentious issues of a Ram temple at Ayodhya or cow protection garnered three and one per cent approval respectively. Nine per cent of the respondents said the performance of the Narendra Modi government is the biggest BJP issue for them.

Also, 54 per cent of those surveyed said atrocities against Dalits and the minorities have increased since the last Uttar Pradesh election in 2012.

Also read:

UP election: Why an 'UPbeat' Amit Shah, architect of BJP's 2014 landslide, eyes two-third majority



--- ENDS ---
BERLIN (Reuters) - A Syrian migrant suspected of planning a bomb attack on a Berlin airport has committed suicide in a detention center in Leipzig, the Justice Ministry for the state of Saxony said on Wednesday. Investigators believe Jaber Albakr, 22, who arrived in Germany last year, was close to staging an attack comparable to those that killed 130 people in Paris last November and 32 in Belgium in March. "On the evening of October 12, 2016, Jaber Albakr, who was suspected of planning a serious attack, took his life in the detention center at Leipzig correctional hospital," the ministry said in a statement on its website. The ministry said it would give more details at a news conference in Dresden on Thursday at 0900 GMT. Spiegel Online reported that Albakr had been under round-the-clock surveillance in police custody in Leipzig due to an acute risk of suicide and hunger strike. It was not yet clear how he had killed himself, Spiegel said. German news agency DPA reported that Albakr had hung himself in his cell. Albakr was arrested on Monday after two Syrians tied up the suspect in their flat in Leipzig and alerted police. The manner of his arrest has raised questions about whether the police botched an attempt on Saturday to capture him, after which a two-day manhunt ensued. (Reporting by Caroline Copley; Editing by Robin Pomeroy and Chris Reese)
One teacher had a problem with how much a black childs mother was moisturizing her hair. (Photo: Getty Images)

It seems we cant go too long without hearing another story of someone complaining about a black childs hair. Whether its in an Afro, braided, or locd, there seems to sometimes be an issue if it isnt styled or cared for in a way that does not conform to Eurocentric ideals of what hair looks like and how it should be treated. And the same issue arose again on Monday when Tionna Norris, a Chicago parent, shared on Facebook that she got a note from her daughter Amias teacher, asking her to stop using as much coconut oil in her daughters hair. I understand the necessary of coconut oil on Amias hair, but please do not use as much. The children were complaining that her hair stinks. If you have to apply this daily  please do so lightly, so the kids dont tease her. Thank you for understanding.

Norriss daughter has kinky-curly hair, which needs lots of moisture to be healthy. If hair with that particular texture is not moisturized regularly, it can cause breakage.

Norris posted an image of the letter side-by-side with a snap of her daughters (admittedly fresh-looking) hairstyle, which included a side braid and a crown of seriously gorgeous curls. And her caption for the photo confirmed that she had no intention of taking the teachers advice. *applies the same amount of coconut oil* yall gone feel that black girl magic. Sincerely, unapologetically black mom. P.s. Coconut oil has no stinky smell.

Norris says her child is the only black student her class at the Raggedy Anne Learning Center, which adds another layer to the issue. This is why I make it a point to keep her hair natural and tell her yes shes different and its magical, she wrote on Facebook. The photo, which has been shared more than 3,000 times on Facebook, has a few people wondering why Norris and her daughter should make any changes to what theyre doing, when the teacher should instead be telling kids not to bully others. Why is the ill manner of another child your responsibility? Its absurd, one commenter said. I hope the teacher wrote the other kids parents about being bullies since shes so damn concerned, another echoed. Others pointed out the fact that coconut oil in general doesnt have that strong a scent.

Norris wrote that she and her fiance went for a sit-down with the schools director to talk about the issue. They apparently learned that her daughter wasnt getting bullied for her hair in the first place. In the conversation she explained the letter was never supposed to be offensive in any way shape or form, no one ever said anything to my daughter, and Amias teacher is just a complainer (shes Russian). We had an adult conversation, and my daughter has many friends, so no I will not be removing her from the school. The teacher is also being disciplined, she wrote in an update to Facebook.

On Wednesday, Norris posted again, reflecting on how the situation made her feel, saying that she isnt of the opinion that the teacher meant no harm from the letter, considering she was the only one who had a problem with the childs hair. It was just something the teacher was not used to and thought it was heavy, she wrote. Do I still believe the teacher didnt have ill intentions? Not for a second because the way she tried to talk to me about how she thought my daughter smelled ( she is the only person who felt that way) was absolutely and totally unacceptable, but Amia is deftly my child, her clap back will always be REAL!

Once again, a lack of understanding or tolerance for black hair rears its ugly head, and it is unfortunate that a child was made to feel different and othered in the process. Fortunately, little Amia has parents teaching her that no matter what her teacher says, there is nothing wrong with the way her hair grows out of her head  or the way she takes care of it.

Tionna Norris did not respond to a request for a comment as of press time. We called the Raggedy Ann Learning Center and were told, simply, No comment.

Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Terreno Realty Corp. TRNO recently revealed its investment as well as operating and capital market activities for third-quarter 2016.



In sync with its strategy of acquiring industrial properties, this San Francisco, CA-based real estate investment trust (REIT) purchased industrial properties in the third quarter for around $36.5 million in total.



These properties, comprising five buildings of around 240,000 square feet, are located in Capital Heights, MD, Somerset, NJ and Inglewood, CA. Moreover, the acquired properties include an improved land site, consisting around 13.4 acres of paved land in Hanover, MD. Further, the company has about $76.6 million of acquisitions under contract.



On the other hand, Terreno Realty sold one industrial property for a total of around $6.1 million. The 40,000 square feet industrial building in Miami was fully leased to one tenant.



As for its operating measures, Terreno Realtys occupancy rose in the third-quarter 2016 on a sequential basis on account of the beginning of a 221,000 square foot lease in South Brunswick, NJ and a 158,000 square foot lease in Kent, WA.



The same-store portfolio of approximately 8.6 million square feet was 92.7% leased as of Sep 30, 2016, compared with 95.1% at the prior-quarter end. Further, cash rents on new and renewed leases increased 20.9% for the quarter.



The company enjoyed ownership of 159 buildings, spanning around 11.7 million square feet, together with four improved land parcels comprising 21.4 acres as of Sep 30, 2016.



Coming to its capital-market activities in third quarter, Terreno Realty reaped gross proceeds of around $9.9 million from its at-the-market equity offering program. However, the company did not repurchase any shares under its repurchase authorization.



These latest acquisitions/dispositions are expected to boost Terreno Realtys bottom line, going ahead. The company actively focuses on leveraging from improving fundamentals of industrial markets and bolstering its business in the key coastal U.S. markets like Los Angeles, Northern New Jersey/New York City, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, Miami and Washington, D.C./Baltimore.

Story continues

TERRENO REALTY Price

TERRENO REALTY Price | TERRENO REALTY Quote

Terreno Realty currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Over the past one month period, Terrenos current quarter estimates have remained stable.



Some better-ranked stocks in the same space include Arbor Realty Trust Inc. ABR, CareTrust REIT, Inc. CTRE and Crown Castle International Corp. CCI ,each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



Current-quarter estimates for Arbor Realty Trust, CareTrust REIT and Crown Castle International remained stable at $1.16, 27 cents and $1.13 per share, respectively over the last month.



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LONDON (Reuters) - Tesco , Britain's biggest grocery chain, has pulled dozens of Unilever brand products from its website after a disagreement over prices in the wake of a partly Brexit-driven slump in the British currency. The dispute between two of Britain's best-known companies shows how the UK's decision to quit the European Union has exacerbated tensions between suppliers and retailers, which are battling for profits as consumers are increasingly savvy about their shopping. Unilever has been trying to raise the prices it charges Britain's big four supermarkets - Tesco, Sainsbury's , Asda and Morrisons - across a wide range of goods by about 10 percent, saying it needs to offset the higher cost of imported commodities, two people with knowledge of the situation told Reuters. One person with knowledge of the situation at a big four grocer said they had protested against Unilever's demands, noting that some of the products they wanted to charge more for are actually made in Britain. "Whats really a problem is when a supplier like Unilever comes and asks for across the board cost increases and there's no negotiation, there's no discussion. Thats been the approach that's upset the grocers," he said, adding that no decision had been made whether to accept Unilever's demand or delist some products. As of Wednesday evening, Unilever products - including Marmite spread, Ben & Jerry's ice cream, Lynx body spray and PG tips tea - were unavailable on Tesco's website, but the shortage had not yet affected stores, a Tesco spokesman said. "We are currently experiencing availability issues on a number of Unilever products. We always work to ensure customers get the best possible prices and we hope to have this issue resolved soon," he said. A spokesman for Unilever, which will report financial results on Thursday, declined to comment. Last week, Tesco boss Dave Lewis, a former senior Unilever executive, hailed a transformed relationship with suppliers as a major factor in the grocer reporting a 60 percent rise in first-half profit and the setting of tougher profitability targets. But he indicated it was not a given that suppliers should be able to recoup the cost of the falling pound as they had not always passed on benefits when sterling was much stronger. Since Britain's shock Brexit decision in June its currency has plunged almost 18 percent against the U.S. dollar. Most analysts and economists believe that sterling's slump will lead to higher grocery prices, following years of deflation due to a price war between the big chains. However, last month Mike Coupe, CEO of Sainsbury's , Britain's No. 2 supermarket, said the currency's depreciation would not necessarily lead to higher grocery prices, as it could be offset by lower commodities prices and stiff competition. Three-quarters of British food manufacturers said they have seen an increase in the price of imported ingredients, according to a survey published earlier on Wednesday. The average price for a basket of 35 commonly bought goods cost 83.19 pounds ($103.45) in September, according to price tracker mySupermarket.co.uk, up 57 pence from May, the month before the referendum. Sainsbury's and Morrisons declined to comment. Asda could not be immediately reached for comment. ($1 = 0.8042 pound) (Reporting by Martinne Geller and James Davey in London; editing by Ralph Boulton, G Crosse)
By Alex Dobuzinskis

(Reuters) - Several San Antonio police officers who wore Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" hats during his stop in Texas on Tuesday face discipline for violating a policy against endorsing a candidate while on duty, the police chief said.

More than a dozen officers in uniform wore the red caps with Trump's slogan as they stood with the candidate at an airport, in a video posted on Trump's Twitter page.

The 25-second clip bears the words "We will make America safe & great again, together" as the officers walk away.

San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor later said on Facebook she was "deeply disappointed" by the display and Police Chief William McManus said in a statement the officers showed "poor judgment."

"I expect them to know better than to give the appearance of endorsing a candidate while on duty and in uniform, regardless of the political campaign or the candidate," McManus said.

The identities of the officers was not immediately clear and they could not be reached for comment.

They were escorting Trump at the end of his visit, said Michael Helle, president of the San Antonio Police Officers Association, in a statement.

"Frankly, the officers were most likely caught up in the moment and did not consider the political nature of their actions," Helle said.

Helle told the San Antonio Express-News he expected the officers to only face "benign" punishment, such as a written reprimand.

Last month, the Fraternal Order of Police, the largest U.S. organization of its kind, endorsed Trump. The group's president said at the time his members believed the Republican nominee would "make America safe again."

Trump has described himself as the "law-and-order" candidate at a time when law enforcement has become a major focus of public discussion in the United States.

Violent crime rose last year though it remains far below peak levels of the 1990s.

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In the last two years, the country has seen a number of major protests against the deaths of black men in encounters with police, which has sparked a debate over police use of force and the role of racial bias in the criminal justice system.

San Antonio prohibits employees from taking action to support a political candidate while on paid duty but it allows them to engage in political speech on their own time, according to a policy document on the city's website.

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles)
Bangkok (AFP) - The health of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej is "still unstable", the palace said late Wednesday, with the 88-year-old on a ventilator and battling a new infection as crowds gathered to pray outside his Bangkok hospital.

Bhumibol is the world's longest-reigning monarch and beloved by many in Thailand, where he is seen as a rare unifying figure in a country riven by political rivalries.

But he has not been seen by the public for nearly a year as he battles a series of ailments in a Bangkok hospital, a source of great anxiety for many in the kingdom.

In a fresh palace health update released on Wednesday evening, blood tests on Tuesday showed the king's liver was working "irregularly" and that there was heightened levels of uric acid in his blood.

Doctors prescribed antibiotics for an infection, placed him on a ventilator and are using Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) to help lower acid levels, the statement said.

"His illness overall is still unstable," it added.

The statement followed a similarly pessimistic palace health update on Sunday that triggered market jitters inside Thailand this week as well as public prayers for his well-being.

By late evening around 300 well-wishers had gathered outside Siriraj Hospital where the king has spent much of the past two years.

Many held aloft portraits of the king and were moved to tears by a week of grim news.

"It feels like he is getting worse this time," said Somchit Naravichit, 58, tears welling in her eyes.

"Millions of Thais are sending him support, praying for him and wanting him to get well soon," she told AFP.

- Market jitters -

Stock market volatility hit Thailand for a third day Wednesday, plunging as much as 6.8 percent after junta chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha abruptly cancelled a visit outside the capital with little explanation.

The market later recovered to close 2.5 percent down. But rumours about the king's health swirled on social media.

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By late afternoon junta officials downplayed Prayut's schedule interruption saying he had returned to the capital to meet with named heir Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who spends much time outside the country.

Junta spokesman Lieutenant General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the trip cancellation was to provide the Crown Prince with "a routine presentation on the government's work".

Bhumibol's health is a sensitive subject and palace officials maintain tight control over news about his condition.

A draconian lese majeste law also makes public discussion of the succession all but impossible.

Privately many business leaders -- both domestic and foreign -- fret that the king's demise could lead to economic instability, especially as there is no official discussion on how the country will handle his passing.

Thailand's stock market has dropped by 6.5 percent since Sunday's health announcement and the baht has also dropped.

"It's about the political stability that the king has provided and his being a reconciliatory buffer between the major parties," Sean Yokota, head of Asia strategy at Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB in Singapore, told Bloomberg.

- Political conflict -

Analysts say anxiety over Bhumibol's health has exacerbated the past decade of political conflict in Thailand, as competing elites wrestle for influence. The military seized power in 2014.

The last two health statements are noticeably grim in their prognosis. Previous statements tended to end on a positive note after successful treatment.

The king has battled a range of ailments in the last two years including regular infections, breathing difficulties, renal failure and hydrocephalus -- a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid commonly referred to as "water on the brain".

He was last seen by ordinary Thais in September during a brief visit to the hospital shop. Video showed people on their knees as he the wheelchair-bound monarch was pushed by officials.

Most Thais have known no other monarch and many revere Bhumibol as the kingdom's moral leader.

Vajiralongkorn, 64, has yet to attain his father's widespread popularity.

Since Sunday's announcement, many Thais have started wearing pink in the belief it will bring the king good luck.

Security was stepped up at the riverside hospital where Bhumibol is being treated, with a spokeswoman saying they expected the Crown Prince to make an imminent visit to see his father.

"The king is very important to us because he has done everything for the people," Suwanna Kaennumtiang, a 62-year-old woman holding a portrait of the king, said.

"He is like my angel. I pray to his photo on my bedside everyday."
By Khettiya Jittapong and Manunphattr Dhanananphorn

BANGKOK, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Thailand's biggest retailer Central Group expects revenue to rise 21 percent to 320 billion baht ($9.17 billion) in 2016, due to strong growth from overseas business and tourist spending, its chief executive said on Wednesday.

Central, controlled by Thailand's third-richest family, the Chirathivats, is looking for opportunities to buy assets overseas as the group wants to focus more on Southeast Asian neighbors, CEO Tos Chirathivat told a news conference.

The Thai conglomerate is keen to expand its retail business in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam and expects revenue from foreign operations to account for 40 percent of total in next five years from 30 percent now, Tos said.

He gave no details about the M&A target.

In April, Central bought superstore chain Big C's Vietnam business from French retailer Casino, giving the Thai group access to Big C's 43 stores in Vietnam and 30 malls.

Vietnam is Southeast Asia's fastest growing market for Central, and the company expects sales to reach 37 billion baht this year, he said.

Central has benefited from rising number of foreign visitors in Thailand, with sales at its stores to tourists up 15 percent this year, versus 5 percent for Thai customers, Tos said.

The group, which has interests including shopping mall developer, Central Pattana Pcl, Robinson Department Store Pcl and Central Hotel Plaza Pcl, plans to spend more on its online retail business, which currently accounts for just 1 percent of revenue, Tos said.

Central bought fashion-focused e-commerce site Zalora in April as part of a push to win back shoppers who increasingly prefer internet shopping.

($1 = 34.8800 baht) (Reporting by Khettiya Jittapong and Manunphattr Dhanananphorn, editing by Louise Heavens)
Thailands King Bhumibol Adulyadej remains in an unstable condition in Bangkoks Siriraj Hospital, the palace announced Wednesday, with a team of doctors closely monitoring his treatment.

Quoting a statement from the Kings medical team provided by the palace, Thai newspaper Prachachat said that his blood pressure was getting low again, his pulse faster, with increasing acid level in his blood and that his blood test revealed that there is some infection and abnormal functioning of his liver.

The King was put on a ventilator and given CRRT dialysis treatment, used to treat critically ill patients with acute kidney damage, the statement said.

The announcement is the first update on the Kings condition since Sunday, when the palace announced Bhumibol was in an unstable condition after receiving hemodialysis treatment.

On Wednesday evening, hundreds of well-wishers gathered outside Siriraj Hospital to show their support for the King. A steady ebb and flow of people thronged into the compound. Many sat or knelt, lining the walkway to the hospital doors in neat rows, holding images of the King. A group of women in pink shirts recited a song believed to bring health. Others lit incense as they prayed in front of a statue of Mahidol Adulyadej, Bhumibols late father.

We come here to pray and meditate, because we think, with a lot of people here together, it will send out good vibrations to the King, says Kay Santi, 46, owner of a production company.

Earlier on Wednesday, junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha was recalled to Bangkok from neighboring Chonburi province to prepare for a meeting with the Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, according to government spokesperson Lt Gen Sansern Kaewkamnerd.

The prime minister did not undertake his official duties in Chonburi province today in order to prepare for an audience with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for a routine presentation on the governments work in progress, Sansern said in a statement.

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Unconfirmed reports suggested senior members of the royal family had gathered at the hospital, including the Crown Prince and Princess Sirindhorn.

The atmosphere outside Siriraj Hospital was somber as light raindrops fell from the sky. Chants of Long Live the King! filled the air after the Thai national anthem crackled over a speaker system.

Nitilak Leander, a 45-year-old naval commander, said he came to the hospital after hearing reports in social media regarding the Kings health. Every day I will pray and meditate, praying his condition will improve, he says. Today there are so many people gathered here at the hospital.

The 88-year-old ailing King has spent most of the year in hospital, and his recent turn has sparked widespread concern in the kingdom.

But those keeping vigil 16 floors below the Kings hospital bed remained hopeful.

We believe that the power when we pray together, just like Christianity or other religions, can make the King better, says 42-year-old English teacher Donnapha Kladbupha.
By PTI: From Jaishree Balasubramanian

Bangkok, Oct 12 (PTI) Indias envoy today joined thousands of Thai nationals in praying for the wellbeing of the countrys revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej who is being treated for severe infection.

Indian Ambassador to Thailand Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi and Deputy Chief of Mission A Ramu offered prayers for the long- life of the 88-year-old king at the Devasthan Temple here.

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Pink looks set to become a big trend again, repeating the phenomenon that grabbed Thais in 2007 when the colour was said to be good for the much-revered monarchs health, Nation newspaper said.

Thai citizens donned pink clothes as word spread that the colour has "auspicious power" for their beloved Kings health.

Sitting on the throne since 1946, Adulyadej has commanded much love and respect from his people. He is also the worlds longest reigning monarch.

On Sunday, the Royal Household Bureau released a statement on the King that said his condition was not stable.

This spurred a huge number of Thais, concerned about his well being to begin praying for their beloved King who will turn 89 on December 5. PTI JB CPS AKJ CPS

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Thailand's junta chief and Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha canceled all official engagements Wednesday to return to the capital in the wake of announcements about King Bhumibol's worsening condition, the South China Morning Post reported. Prayuth planned to meet with Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn to discuss the king's declining health and the possibility of the prince's imminent accession to the throne.

"The crown prince is returning to Thailand and I will wait for him to grant me audience so I can brief him on the government's work," said Prayuth Wednesday.

Prayuth is the chief of Thailand's junta, or military, who led a coup to seize power from the elected government in 2014. The junta's hope is that the crown prince will continue to bestow wealth and power to the military as the king has done in the past, according to the East Asia Forum.

RTSK0L9

Photo: Reuters

Fears of the beloved king's imminent death have swept through Thailand after the royal palace made an unprecedented announcement Saturday to say the king's condition was unstable after he received hemodialysis, a procedure to purify his blood and treat kidney failure.

King Bhumibol is the world's longest reigning monarch, having ruled for 70 years. Thailand has strict laws in place to protect the monarchy from any insult or defamation, making it nearly impossible to hear anything but the most complementary discussion of the king.

A temporary constitution gives Prayuth the power to take any measures he feels are necessary to promote order and unity. Since the junta's takeover two years ago, liberties like freedom of speech have become more restricted. Critics are often detained at military bases for interrogation known as "attitude adjustments," according to the Japan Times. Anybody who insults the monarchy can face up to 15 years in prison.

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Crown prince and heir to the throne Maha Vajiralongkorn is not nearly as adored as his father and many Thais fear his unpredictability and eccentricity will harm Thailand.

Related Articles
As the sun rose over a peaceful Bangkok early Wednesday morning, two women knelt solemnly at an old Buddhist temple as a pair of barefoot monks dressed in orange robes accepted their alms.

Wat Yunnawa in the central Sathon district of the Thai capital is recognizable by its ship-like stupa, and is widely believed to be supported by the Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn. But the monks and citizens dotted around the compound were offering good wishes for the princes father, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who lies in hospital after his already ailing health recently took a turn for the worse.

I am really sad, says Phra Poonchoke Chaungchum, one of the monks at the temple. I would like to give him moral support and I hope that he recovers soon.

The palace announced on Sunday that the worlds longest reigning monarch, who has been in hospital for most of the year, was in an unstable condition after receiving hemodialysis treatment, used to treat kidney failure. The treatment was meant to purify his blood, but it had made his blood pressure drop. There was no update from the palace on Tuesday regarding his condition, but doctors on Sunday said he was being closely monitored.

Read More: King of Thailand in Unstable Condition

I am very concerned, I feel uneasy about this news, says Sumana, 68, one of the women kneeling at the temple, who bore a satchel bearing the Thai flag. Every time I have the chance I pray for the King.

On Monday, the army publicly announced on TV that it would arrange special ceremonies to be held at temples nationwide on the second Monday of every month until December, so citizens can pray for the King and royal family.

As Thai people, we are very worried. I just hope the medical team can give the King the best treatment, says Nippon Hareanput, 41 a motorbike taxi driver in Bangkok.

Bhumibol, 88, who has ruled Thailand for more than 70 years, is seen as a unifying force in the country and deeply beloved by this subjects. But his ailing health comes at a time of political upheaval in the kingdom. A controversial referendum in August effectively cemented the power of the military junta that seized power in a coup in 2014.

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As the Kings health has declined in recent years, the subject of succession has become increasingly sensitive. His only living son, Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn, is poised to assume the throne, but the countrys broadly applied lese majeste law (which prevents anyone from defaming or insulting members of the royal family) means that discussion of the monarchs health and the line of succession is heavily curtailed.

Bhumibol is being treated on the 16th floor of Bangkoks Siriraj Hospital. Below in the courtyard stands a statue of his late father, Mahidol Adulyadej, who helped to set up the public health system in Thailand, and was a patron of the medical facility. A handful of people kneel in front of the statue, some are wearing pink shirts, which means they are explicitly praying for the health and wealth of the King.

This morning I woke up at 4:30 a.m. I prayed, took a shower and meditated for the King, says a visibly emotional Pipat Inthasara, 43, who sells second-hand items at a flea market. I rode my bicycle here and it took more than an hour. But I wanted to come to pay respect for the King. I cant explain it in words, Im speechless.




By Todd McCarthy, The Hollywood Reporter

The Accountant is both an intriguingly and maddeningly schizophrenic action drama; its intriguing due to its audacious attempt to make an anti-social, on-the-spectrum math genius into an action hero, maddening because, having gone half-way toward genuine eccentricity, it conforms by relying on fatigued genre tropes when it finally gets down to business. All the more frustrating because of its conceptual freshness and Ben Afflecks sly turn in the title role, this sleek action thriller ends up delivering standard shoot-em-up goods after initially suggesting it might provide something rather different. The sizable target audience probably wont mind.

It was definitely a nifty little brainstorm screenwriter Bill Dubuque (The Judge) had  to hatch the notion of a different sort of kid whose computer-fast talent with numbers, combined with fighting and marksmanship skills forced upon him by his sadistic military father, made Christian Wolff (Affleck) into a valued employee for big-time mobsters and others interested in cooking their books and keeping their stashes safe.

Suffice it to say that, instead of getting shrinks, emotional coddling and extra time on school tests, young Christian received the sort of education Uma Thurman had when she went to Japan in Kill Bill. As a grown-up hunk hes like Rock Hudson in the 1950s, with short black hair, shoulders as broad as Atlas, spectacles, conservative black suits and limited conversational proficiency.

Related: Ben Affleck Takes a Break at The Accountant Premiere to Tune In to Boston Red Sox Game

This latter trait proves frustrating to Dana (Anna Kendrick), a nerdily cute accountant for Living Robotics, a high-end high-tech company run by genius type Lamar Blackburn (John Lithgow), who, finding that nearly $70 million have gone missing from company accounts, hires Christian to uncook the books. This the numbers wiz does literally overnight, barely enough time for chatty Dana to pry more than a sentence or two out of the taciturn hunk.

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In the early-going, Dubuque and director Gavin OConnor (Jane Got a Gun, Warrior) wring a good measure of wry, low-key humor out of their leading mans unusual character; he speaks in Samuel Beckett-like mini-sentences that put others on edge, is prim and precise, uses a pocket pen protector, works (for his straight job) in an anonymous little mini-mall accounting office and keeps his valuables  which include original Renoir and Jackson Pollock paintings, loads of cash and enough heavy artillery to bring down the Albanian air force at the very least  in a pristine old Airstream trailer hidden in a storage garage.

The fact that neither Dana nor any other woman can make much headway with this Einstein-brained piece of granite merely augments his fascination. But then a virus called mundane plot mechanics begins infecting the system; for reasons that are probably explained, but remain both unclear and unconvincing, some bad dudes led by a brawny hot-head named Brax (Jon Bernthal) start coming after Christian and anyone else who gets in their way, which clicks on the body-count register.

At this point, Affleck may as well have put on his Batman suit, as hes obliged to spend most of his time from here on taking down Braxs goons, either with rifles so huge that they look like only a superhero could lift them or in hand-to-hand combat, specifically the Indonesian martial art called pentjak silat  employed here probably because its been little-seen in American films compared to more familiar Asian fighting styles (it was featured far more extensively and amazingly in the two Raid features).

In other words, by the time push comes to kill, the ingenuity  or perhaps its just cleverness  of the central concept has been reduced and abandoned for the sake of generic action moves. Thus is a relatively unconventional idea converted into a conventional film, which is a disappointment, as whos to say that an on-the-spectrum genius might not be just the right iteration of crime fighter for the current season?

Related: Ben Affleck Called Out for Censorship During Accountant Press Junket

For a good little while, The Accountant is sufficiently different from standard-issue big studio R-rated action dramas to keep an audience with it, and Afflecks tightly wound, subtle, quietly mischievous performance compounds the pleasure. The star is onscreen alone a good deal of the time, and he sustains unbroken viewer interest in a character of a sort hardly anyone would ever get to know in real life. Every gesture, look and utterance has a purpose, no movement is wasted, and the minimalism is all the more effective coming from a big man. And certainly the goofy contradiction implicit in seeing this hulk do the work of a socially awkward math teacher proves more amusing than watching him spring into heroics peering down the barrel of a very long rifle.

Kendrick provides a good foil for Affleck, while the rest of the stellar cast (including J.K. Simmons, Jeffrey Tambor and Jean Smart) is vastly overqualified for what theyre asked to do in the films roster of uninterestingly written supporting roles.

Opens: October 14 (Warner Bros.)
wolves

Eric Trump recently suggested that when his father, Donald Trump, bragged about grabbing women's genitals without consent, it was an example of "two alpha guys in a thing."

In addition to shedding some light on how Trump's son views his father and manhood, it's also interesting because "alpha males" aren't actually a thing.

As the writer Saladin Ahmed pointed out, the concept of "alpha male" wolves that assert dominance over their pack through aggression comes from a debunked model of lupine social groups.

a reminder that the scientist who coined the term 'alpha male' to describe wolves abandoned it as useless years ago https://t.co/zmqDdUMGpb pic.twitter.com/MeaFZG4Yei  Saladin Ahmed (@saladinahmed) October 12, 2016

David Mech introduced the idea of the alpha to describe behavior observed in captive animals. Alphas, he wrote in his 1970 book "The Wolf: Ecology and Behavior of an Endangered Species," win control of their packs in violent fights with other males.

But, as he outlined in a 1999 paper, he's since rejected that idea in light of research into the behavior of wolves in the wild.

In nature, Mech writes, wolves split off from their packs when they mature, and seek out opposite-sex companions with whom to form new packs. The male and female co-dominate the new pack for a much simpler, more peaceful reason: They're the parents of all the pups.

Mech writes on his website (with the lovely title Wolf News and Info) that his original book is "currently still in print, despite my numerous pleas to the publisher to stop publishing it."

Another Twitter user, Mike Westphal, pointed out another paper on the misuse of the phrase "alpha males" to describe breeding roosters.

@saladinahmed @GreatDismal...and let us not forget that the alpha concept was first applied to female chickens, not male wolves pic.twitter.com/ZE5Goy70Ny  Mike Westphal (@mfwestphal) October 12, 2016

In the 2003 book "Sexual Selections: What We Can and Can't Learn about Sex from Animals," the biologist Marlene Zuk points out that social groups of hens do have "pecking orders." That is, hierarchies among the females with dominance asserted through pecking.

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But roosters are not part of those social groups, Zuk writes, and the idea that the top hen is somehow an "alpha male" bizarrely misgenders the dominant bird.

All of which is to say: Humans who enjoy the idea of "alpha males" might want to keep in mind that there isn't really any such thing. And to the extent the term has any meaning at all, it describes the behavior of captive, lonely creatures.

NOW WATCH: The worlds largest pyramid is not in Egypt





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OUAGADOUGOU (Reuters) - Unidentified gunmen killed three Burkinabe soldiers on Wednesday, the defense ministry said, in the latest sign that instability in Mali is spreading to its southern neighbor. Attacks by Islamist militants in Burkina Faso were rare before a major strike by al Qaeda-linked fighters in the capital that killed 29 people in January. The latest attack prompted President Roch Marc Kabore to delay a trip to Belgium and call an emergency ministerial meeting, government sources said. "The death toll is three dead and one injured among Burkinabe forces and two attackers dead," the ministry said in a statement on the attack at Ingangom, five kilometers from the Malian border. The same base was attacked in June, resulting in the death of three police officers. A newly-formed militant group called Islamic State division in the Greater Sahara, led by a fighter formerly loyal to Algeria's Mokhtar Belmokhtar, also claimed to have attacked a Burkinabe military position in the far north last month. (Reporting by Mathieu Bonkoungou; Writing by Emma Farge; editing by Ralph Boulton)
OUAGADOUGOU (Reuters) - Unidentified gunmen killed three Burkinabe soldiers on Wednesday, the defence ministry said, in the latest sign that instability in Mali is spreading to its southern neighbour. Attacks by Islamist militants in Burkina Faso were rare before a major strike by al Qaeda-linked fighters in the capital that killed 29 people in January. The latest attack prompted President Roch Marc Kabore to delay a trip to Belgium and call an emergency ministerial meeting, government sources said. "The death toll is three dead and one injured among Burkinabe forces and two attackers dead," the ministry said in a statement on the attack at Ingangom, five kilometres from the Malian border. The same base was attacked in June, resulting in the death of three police officers. A newly-formed militant group called Islamic State division in the Greater Sahara, led by a fighter formerly loyal to Algeria's Mokhtar Belmokhtar, also claimed to have attacked a Burkinabe military position in the far north last month. (Reporting by Mathieu Bonkoungou; Writing by Emma Farge; editing by Ralph Boulton)
Whenever there has been a glimmer of light in the Syrian war, it has always been quickly extinguished. Take the cease-fire agreement reached in September by Washington and Moscow. After Red Crescent trucks delivering aid to the besieged city of Aleppo were bombed by suspected Russian aircraft, the deal quickly fell apart.

The many skeptics of the cease-fire were not surprised by its fate. But its dissolution had less to do with Russias duplicitousness than with the fact that Russia never should have been the main interlocutor to begin with. Of the outside backers of the Bashar al-Assad regime, Iran  which has sent hundreds of its troops to Syria and facilitated the involvement of several thousand non-Syrian Shiite militants to prop up Assad  has the most influence in Syria.

Russian and Iranian objectives in Syria are not the same, and theres no reason to think Irans interests are well represented by Russian negotiators. If the United States hopes to achieve any measure of peace in Syria, it cant avoid directly negotiating with Iran  which is not to suggest that peace will be the immediate result.

Washington first needs to understand why Irans stake in Syria runs so deep. Syria under Hafez al-Assad was the only country in the Middle East to back Iran in its devastating war with Iraq during the 1980s. Irans military leaders are all veterans of that conflict. They still bear the scars, emotional and physical, of fighting in a war fueled by Irans Sunni neighbors that killed and maimed hundreds of thousands of their countrymen. Tehran has a very small cadre of allies, and it will sacrifice plenty to avoid losing its oldest friend.

But the alliance is more than just about personal affection. Iran and Syria grew even closer during the 1990s over their shared antagonism to Israel. Syria became the conduit for support to Lebanese Hezbollah, which ever since has been used as proxy by Iran to threaten and pressure Israel and to serve as a pillar of Irans deterrence strategy toward Washington.

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Losing access to Syrian territory, in other words, would undermine Iranian deterrence and make it more vulnerable to Israeli and U.S. coercion. As one former official with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) put it, Syria is so strategically important that Iran considers it to be its 35th province. It would be better for Iran to lose its oil-rich southwest province to adversarial forces (as had happened in the Iran-Iraq war) than to lose Syria, he reasoned. Because if we hold Syria, we would be able to retake Khuzestan [province]; yet if Syria were lost, we would not be able to keep even Tehran.

From its perspective, the Islamic Republic has little reason to support any variation of regime change on offer in Syria. The countrys Sunni rebels have displayed a strong bias against Shiites. Jihadi groups like the Nusra Front, Ahrar al-Sham, and the Islamic State advocate a virulently anti-Shiite worldview. The Islamic State has put that ethos into practice through massacres of Shiite Alawites in Syria and mainstream Shiites in Iraq. Iran assumes other rebel groups would act similarly if given power in Syria and that such Sunni extremism would quickly spill over into Lebanon and Iraq, threatening Shiites in those countries. Iran also has its own problem with Sunni sectarian militants, particularly within its western and southeastern provinces.

A bigger threat is the coalition of support behind the Syrian rebels. The United States and Saudi Arabia have led international backing for the rebels, with Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, and Turkey playing important roles. Washington remains Irans foremost enemy, Saudi Arabia is a hostile rival, and the other states are all critics or competitors of the Islamic Republic. An anti-Shiite regime in Syria, backed by these states, would not only devastate Irans strategic investments in the Levant, it could unravel the entirety of its regional influence.

That is why Iran has sent its lead military, the IRGC, to act as the architect of Assads military strategy on the ground. Since early 2011, the IRGC has sent funding, weapons, and hundreds of its soldiers to Syria. Under the command of Maj. Gen. Qasem Soleimani, senior IRGC officers have advised Syrian counterparts and helped plan operations against the rebels. The IRGC has formed the crucial components of the pro-Assad forces, of which actual Syrian government troops are only a part. It facilitated the involvement of Lebanese Hezbollah and Iraqi Shiite militias, both IRGC clients, which provided needed frontline troops. It organized a paramilitary among native Syrians, which has become an effective auxiliary to government forces. It established mercenary divisions composed of Afghan and Pakistani Shiite expatriates. The latter were recruited through various inducements  from monthly stipends to promises of Iranian citizenship  but are also said to serve out of sectarian loyalties. Soleimani is also reported to have personally persuaded Moscow to intervene militarily in September 2015.

The reason Iran has made itself such a central actor in the Syrian conflict is to influence its postwar future. Thats why it never bode well that Tehran was excluded from the September cease-fire negotiations between Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Moscow and Washington may have formally represented the two main sides of the war, but neither was in a position to dictate terms to the numerous actors fighting on the ground. Unlike Iran, neither power has ever committed to having a formidable presence on the ground, where it matters most.

Given its deep involvement in Syria, and outside of a military victory by the rebels, Iran will have to be part of any political solution. The United States and Iran already have common cause against jihadis and support the same side of the war against the Islamic State in Iraq. U.S.-Iranian engagement on Syria could help both states advance their objectives. That alone should be enough to warrant bilateral negotiations.

If Iran saw the war in strictly strategic terms, such talks might also have the potential to produce immediate progress toward peace. But the war is seen differently in Tehran than in Washington or Moscow. Iran is far less inclined to compromise than Russia or the United States, because its interest in Syria is not only strategic: It considers the war a personal, sectarian, and even existential matter for the Alawites in Syria and Shiites in neighboring states. If the Assad regime loses Syria, Iran and its allies feel they may lose the region. Iran has thus not wavered from its support for Assad and has not appeared to have done anything to temper Assads ambitions in the conflict.

Its also worth noting that Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has rejected the expansion of U.S.-Iranian talks beyond the nuclear deal. Last year, he made this policy clear: We agreed to talks with the United States only for the nuclear issue.  In other areas, we did not allow talks with the U.S., and we will not negotiate with them. In August, he reiterated that stance, saying, They [the United States] want us to negotiate with them on the regional issues, but the nuclear deal experience tells us that [negotiating with the United States] is a lethal poison and we cannot trust the Americans words in any issue.

Khamenei has been backed by Irans military, which has similarly rejected compromise with the United States. Irans chief of staff, IRGC Maj. Gen. Mohammad Hossein Baqeri, said in September that the IRGC doesnt accept talks with the enemy. The enemy, especially the U.S., thinks that talks mean the other sides making concessions and the imposition of [American] demands, but this type of negotiations is not even worth [a] thought and the IRGC doesnt accept it. The IRGC is vigilant and cannot be fooled.

The outright rejection of compromise with Washington on regional issues is not a bargaining ploy for the Iranians. It is policy. Assad or we burn the country  a slogan used by pro-government troops  could just as easily serve as Irans motto. America is not trusted by the IRGC, and nothing short of fully acceding to the Islamic Republics demands will change that.

Iran will back down from its maximalist, all-or-nothing Syria strategy only if it feels obliged to do so. Right now it has little such incentive. Russia has buoyed the Iranian position and provided a counterbalance to U.S. pressure. Irans leaders also seem unconcerned with the reputational and moral cost of pursing victory. They are willing to sacrifice more for their side than their Sunni neighbors are for theirs. The question for the United States and its allies may be whether they are willing to explore the limits of Irans commitment. Iran has already lost more than 400 of its troops in the conflict, including some of its top IRGC commanders  more casualties lost than in any conflict since the Iran-Iraq war. The war is expensive and burdensome. Iran might be open to compromise, but only if it sees it as the best way to ensure Iranian gains. If both sides maintain maximalist positions, the war will end only when one side loses. Absent that, war and the destruction of Syria will perpetuate indefinitely.

Iran could be part of the solution to the Syrian conflict and help end the suffering of millions of innocent civilians. It has earned a seat at the table. But it would also be foolish not to recognize that for now it remains unlikely to use that position to pursue a compromise.

Photo credit: SPENCER PLATT/Getty Images
SEOUL (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics Co Ltd 005930.KS scrapped its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphone on Tuesday less than two months after its launch, dealing a huge blow to its reputation and outlook after failing to resolve safety concerns.

The following is a chronology of major developments related to Samsung's recall of the Note 7s since the launch of the smartphones in August.

Oct. 11 - Samsung permanently halts sales and production of Note 7 smartphones and asks customers to stop using the phones as it investigates reports of fires in new devices.

Oct. 10 - Samsung says it is adjusting Note 7 shipments for inspections, quality control due to more phones catching fire.

Oct. 9 - AT&T, T-Mobile say they have halted issuing new Galaxy Note 7 smartphones due to safety concerns.

Oct. 6 - A Southwest Airlines plane in the United States evacuated due to smoke from a Note 7 device on board.

Oct. 1 - Samsung resumes selling new Note 7s in South Korea.

Sep. 29 - Samsung says more than 1 million people globally now using Note 7s with safe battery.

Sept. 25- Samsung delays South Korea re-start of Note 7 sales by 3 days.

Sept. 22 - South Korea orders extra battery safety measures for Note 7 phones.

Sept. 21- Verizon Communications, Sprint Corp begin taking orders for new Note 7s.

Sept. 19 - Samsung says a Note 7 phone a China user claims caught on fire was caused by external heating.

Sept. 19 - Samsung starts Note 7 exchange program in SouthKorea.

Sept. 16 - Florida man sues Samsung for burns from Note 7 explosion. Samsung says to resume Note 7 sales in South Korea on Sept. 28.

Sept. 15 - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission formally announces recall of about 1 million Note 7 phones.

Sept. 9 - U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission urges Galaxy Note 7 users to stop using their phone.

Sept. 8 - U.S. Federal Aviation Administration advises passengers to not turn on or charge Note 7 smartphones aboard aircraft or stow them in plane cargo.

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Sept. 2 - Samsung announces global recall of 2.5 million Note 7 phones, citing faulty batteries.

Sept. 1 - Samsung starts Galaxy Note 7 sales in China.

Aug. 31 - Samsung delays shipments of Note 7s to South Korean carriers.

Aug. 24 - Report of a Note 7 explosion surfaces in South Korea.

Aug. 19 - Samsung starts Galaxy Note 7 sales in 10 markets including United States and South Korea.

Aug. 2 - Samsung unveils the Galaxy Note 7 at a New York media event.

(Reporting by Nataly Pak and Se Young Lee; Editing by Miyoung Kim and Kenneth Maxwell)
DMK President M. Karunanidhi on Wednesday said it is a wonder that Tamil Nadu Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao allocated portfolios handled by Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa to Finance Minister O. Panneerselvam based on her advice.

By Indo-Asian News Service: DMK President M. Karunanidhi on Wednesday said it is a wonder that Tamil Nadu Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao allocated portfolios handled by Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa to Finance Minister O. Panneerselvam based on her advice.

In a statement issued here, Karunanidhi said Jayalalithaa is in the hospital for the past 19 days and was advised longer stay there.

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He said that several leaders, including the Tamil Nadu Governor, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister M. Venkaiah Naidu and others, were not allowed to see or wish Jayalalithaa in person when they visited the Apollo Hospitals here where she is admitted.

PANNEERSELVAM BEING ALLOTTED PORTFOLIOS A WONDER: DMK



Given this situation, the statement from Raj Bhavan on Wednesday that reallocation of the portfolios was done based on the advice of Jayalalithaa is a wonder.

Karunanidhi also said one cannot entirely overlook the doubt as to whether the acting Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao had analysed the various provisions of the Constitution in a short span of time.

Also read: Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa's portfolios allocated to Panneerselvam



According to the Raj Bhavan statement issued on Tuesday, Governor Vidyasagar Rao has, under Clause (3) of the Constitution's Article 166, allocated the subjects hitherto dealt with by Jayalalithaa to Panneerselvam on her advice.

Jayalalithaa held the portfolios of Public, Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Forest Service, General Administration, District Revenue Officers, and Home.

Panneerselvam will also preside over the cabinet meetings.

"This arrangement has been made as per the advice of Hon'ble Chief Minister and will continue until the Hon'ble Chief Minister Selvi J. Jayalalithaa resumes her duties. Selvi J. Jayalalithaa will continue to be the Chief Minister," the Raj Bhavan statement said.

CONG HAILS DECISION ON PANNEERSELVAM



On Tuesday, Congress' state unit President S. Thirunavukkarasar, reacting to reallocation of the portfolios, told IANS that it "is a welcome development for the continued functioning of the government".

Also read: DMK welcomes decision to allocate Jayalalithaa's portfolios to Panneerselvam



He said the situation is similar to the one that existed when AIADMK founder, the late M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), was admitted to the same Apollo Hospitals in October 1984.

Senior AIADMK leader C. Ponnaiyan told IANS that the portfolios handled by MGR were then allocated to Nedunchezian.

According to Ponnaiyan, MGR in 1984 had orally instructed that his portfolios are to be handled by Nedunchezhiyan.

"As per the rules, the Chief Minister can orally tell any one or more cabinet colleagues to handle the portfolios. This is the practice followed across the country," he said.

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According to him, there is no provision in the Constitution for an acting Chief Minister.

Speaking to IANS, political commentator Maalan Narayanan said that in 1984, the then Governor Sundar Lal Khurana asked then Finance Minister V.R. Nedunchezhiyan to preside over the cabinet meetings and not to take any policy decisions.

JAYALALITHAA'S CASE HISTORY



The 68-year-old Jayalalithaa was admitted to the hospital on September 22 for fever and dehydration.

The doctors later said she needed a longer stay at the hospital as she was suffering from infection, and put her on respiratory support.

Also read: Katju's love note for Jayalalithaa: You are a fearless lioness, your opponents are langurs



On October 8, the hospital said: "The respiratory support is closely watched and adjusted. Lungs decongestion treatment is being continued. All other comprehensive measures including nutrition, supportive therapy and passive physiotherapy are under way."

The ruling AIADMK has ruled out the need for an acting or temporary Chief Minister. Panneerselvam has earlier served as Chief Minister when Jayalalithaa had to step down in wake of her conviction by a Bengaluru court in a corruption case. She returned to the post after the Karnataka High Court acquitted her.

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On October 7, Governor Rao met Panneerselvam and Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami and Chief Secretary P. Rama Mohana Rao to discuss the Cauvery water issue and the General Administration in the state in the wake of Jayalalithaa's hospitalisation.

--- ENDS ---


Tony Eusoff has repented following his arrest.



12 Oct  It was revealed that actor Tony Eusoff has received an early release from the Singaporean prison he was detained in for the last five months.



The actor was a free man again on 1 October, having previously been sentenced to eight months in prison after being found guilty of possessing drugs.



Tony, or Anthony Joseph Anak Hermas Rajiman, was released three months earlier than his original sentence due to good behaviour.



The 39-year-old actor admitted that he had learned his lesson and will not be involved in drugs anymore.



"Experiencing prison for five months has really caused me life-long regret.



"Being sentenced to prison is the biggest regret in my life. I feel guilty not only to myself but also my whole family," said the actor, according to Kosmo!



The "Sepi" actor shared that on the first day he entered Admiralty West Prison, the Singaporean authority informed him that he would be given an early release if he were to behave well.



He stressed that he will not look back and will keep moving forward in life.



Previously, the Sarawakian-born actor was given a prison sentence on 21 April, having been arrested on 12 March during an immigration check at Tuas Checkpoint for being in possession of 4.56 grams of cannabis mixture.



At the time, Tony had been travelling to Singapore to film a drama series, "The Hush".



(Photo source: Tony Eusoff's Facebook)
(White Plains, N.Y.)  A top adviser to Hillary Clinton on Tuesday accused a longtime Donald Trump aide of receiving advance warning about WikiLeaks plans to publish thousands of hacked emails and suggested the Republican candidate is aiding the unprecedented Russian interference in American politics.

Clinton adviser John Podesta pointed the finger at Trump adviser Roger Stone, who he said has been in touch with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Podesta also raised as evidence an August tweet in which Stone said Podestas time in the barrel was coming. The tweet was sent shortly after WikiLeaks published scores of hacked emails from other Democratic officials.

I think its a reasonable assumption, or at least a reasonable conclusion, that Mr. Stone and the Trump campaign had advance warning about what Assange was going to do, Podesta told reporters aboard the Clinton campaign plane. Podesta acknowledged the evidence was circumstantial.

Podesta confirmed that the FBI is investigating the hack of his private email account as part of the ongoing probe in other Democratic Party hackings by groups with Russian ties. Last week, intelligence officials said they believe the individuals responsible are working for Russian intelligence and coordinating with Assange on the political hacking.

Podesta said Russias actions may be driven by Trumps policy positions, which he said are more in line with Russian foreign policy than U.S. foreign policy. But he also suggested the driving force could be Mr. Trumps deep engagement and ties with Russian interests in his business affairs.

Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak dismissed the accusations as untrue.

We are watching very carefully the election campaign in this country, Kislyak said Tuesday at a discussion of bilateral affairs at Johns Hopkins Universitys campus in Washington. We dont interfere (in) the internal affairs of the United States, neither by my statements nor by electronic or other means.

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Clinton has repeatedly accused her opponent as being soft on Russia, pointing to his praise of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a strong leader, his suggestion that he would rethink sanctions against Russian officials, his sharp criticism of NATO and other policy positions.

While Podesta didnt directly accuse Trump of assisting with Russias meddling with American campaigns, he suggested Trump was either willfully ignoring intelligence officials warnings about Russian government involvement or an unwitting agent of the Russian Federation.

The Clinton campaign would not confirm the authenticity of Podestas leaked emails, noting that Russian hackers often fabricate documents.

The pattern is they hack, they leak truthful things, and then they build up to leaking documents that are either doctored or wholly fabricated, said Jennifer Palmieri, Clintons communications director.

Trump seized on the hacked emails at a rally Tuesday night in Florida, alleging the documents show that Clinton is the vessel (of) a corrupt global establishment thats raiding our country and surrounding the sovereignty of our nation.

Also citing WikiLeaks, Trump said: The Department of Justice fed information to the Clinton campaign about the email investigation so that the campaign could be prepared to cover up for her crimes. What is going on?

In May 2015, Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon alerted staffers that the Justice Department was proposing to publish Clintons work-related emails by January in response to requests by news organizations. Fallon, a former Justice Department spokesman, wrote that unspecified DOJ folks told him there was a court hearing planned soon in the case.

The dates of court hearings would have been publicly posted in advance on the courts docket. Fallon did not respond to a request for comment from AP. The Justice Department declined to discuss Fallons email.

Still, Trump said, This is collusion and corruption of the highest order and is one more reason why l will ask my attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor, following up on his debate threat to put Clinton in jail.

WikiLeaks dropped the first batch of Podestas emails shortly after news organizations released a video in which Trump is heard making sexually predatory comments about women. That video has deeply damaged Trumps campaign, leading several Republicans to revoke their support for the businessman.

Podesta said Tuesday the timing of his emails release was an awfully curious coincidence.

Mr. Assange wanted to change the subject, Podesta said. He didnt succeed in doing that.

___

Associated Press writers Jonathan Lemire in Panama City Beach, Florida, and Jill Colvin in New York contributed to this report.
By Naomi Tajitsu

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's Toyota Motor Corp and Suzuki Motor Corp said they plan to explore a possible partnership, citing technological challenges and the need to keep up with consolidation in the global auto industry.

Toyota invests heavily in R&D for automated driving functions and artificial intelligence for mobility purposes while cost-conscious Suzuki, which specializes in affordable compact cars, has yet to announce major strategic plans on how to compete in new automotive technologies.

Both companies said that they had just begun discussing possible cooperation so nothing was decided about areas in which they might collaborate.

However Suzuki chairman Osamu Suzuki said his firm was struggling to keep pace with the breakneck speed of R&D, telling a news conference "R&D in the auto industry is changing rapidly. The future looks perilous."

A partnership between Toyota and Suzuki would be the latest in an increasingly consolidating auto industry. Nissan Motor Co. in May announced it was planning to take a controlling stake in embattled Mitsubishi Motors Corp (7211.T).

A partnership Suzuki had with Germany's Volkswagen (VOWG_p.DE) ended on a sour note last year, after the German carmaker accused it of violating their pact by agreeing a diesel engine deal with Italy's Fiat.

Toyota completed a buyout of Daihatsu Motors earlier this year. The world's largest automaker by vehicle sales in 2015 said last week it will set up a company with Daihatsu to focus on emerging markets.

Suzuki, Japan's fourth-largest automaker, competes fiercely with Daihatsu in the domestic market and dominates the Indian market through its majority stake in Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MRTI.NS). Both firms concentrate on smaller vehicles.

Toyota and Suzuki said there was need for increased industry cooperation to keep pace with rapid changes in the global auto industry, where automakers and technology companies are competing to develop self-driving cars and new mobility services.

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"The technology race in the auto industry has been escalating at a pace we've never seen before," Toyota President Akio Toyoda told reporters.

"In a situation like this, there are limits to what any one company can do on their own ... partnerships are becoming increasingly important."

The companies said they would continue to compete and would be open to collaborating with other companies.

CLSA analyst Christopher Richter said that Suzuki could benefit from gaining access to Toyota technology.

But citing Suzuki's past experience with Volkswagen, he added that he saw the possibility that the firm, headed by the outspoken 86-year-old Suzuki, one of the longest-serving executives in the global auto industry, may be unlikely to heel to a much bigger partner.

"VW was very much a manager which liked to be in control, and so is Toyota. Meanwhile, Suzuki wants to march to its own step."

"Suzuki is very protective of its independence."

He added that a difference in corporate culture at Toyota, which has long had resources to spend on new technologies, and Suzuki, whose success has been driven by its knack for cost cutting, may pose challenges to a partnership.

(Reporting by Naomi Tajitsu and Maki Shiraki; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman and Elaine Hardcastle)
Toyota Motor Corp. (TM) vies with Volkswagen for the world crown in car companies by unit sales, yet the Japanese manufacturer is the world's most valuable car brand. Among the top 100 brands, VW has one of the lowest values.

According to Interbrand, Toyota's brand is valued at $56 billion, up 9% from 2015. Two luxury brands are next on the list. Neither sells as many cars at the largest companies, but each sells premium brands. Mercedes has a brand value of $43 billion, up 18% from the previous year. BMW has a value of $42 billion, up 12%.

The only U.S. car brand on the list, as Brand Channel points out, is Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F) at $13 billion, up 12%.

The Brand Channel had an interview with Interbrand's managing director and auto sector expert Daniel Binns. The publication pointed out that:

With 15 auto brands on Interbrands 100 Best Global Brands 2016 list, the automotive sector is crucial. Autos also are a top-growing sector, rising 9.5 percent in total value this year to more than $256 billion.

ALSO READ: America's Richest (and Poorest) States

Binns commented that:

This is impressive for an industry that can get bogged down by large legacies, infrastructures and ingrained processes. But while the speed of change is growing exponentially, many of these brands are keeping pace by responding to consumers evolving needs and embracing the technology thats changing the way the world thinks about cars.

Incidentally, VW's brand value was down 9% to $11.4 billion. Even the parent company's luxury division did better. Audi's brand is worth $11 billion, up 14%. The information shows how far VW will have to climb to get toward the top of the auto brand list.

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TripAdvisor has pledged to remove booking facilities for attractions featuring endangered or wild animals, such as petting tigers, riding elephants and swimming with dolphins. Tickets to zoos and aquariums, however, will remain available through its booking service.

According to the New York Times, the landmark decision  the first of its kind for an online tourism operation  comes after half a year of consultancy with animal welfare groups including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, the Global Wildlife Conservation (GWC), and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

There are some areas that I think every one of these groups we spoke with would agree on, and there are some that are not universally agreed upon, TripAdvisors chief marketing officer Barbara Messing told the Times. We just had to [] come to our own conclusions internally about what makes sense for us.

All attractions can still be listed in the review section of the site, however.

A 2015 study conducted by Oxford Universitys Wildlife Conservation Research Unit, cited by the Times, found that between 2 million and 4 million people each year visit tourism destinations with questionable animal welfare  and that concern over welfare was rarely mentioned in online reviews.

I think the average person would think that theres animals there, theres gotta be laws and regulations behind whats happening, but thats not the case, GWC chief scientist Wes Sechrest told the Times.

[NYT]
Young girls from Waghwade village in Karnataka have now taken up lathis to protect themselves from harassers and attackers from the neighbouring village, after no help came from the police.

The young girls from Waghwade village have took up lathis to protect themselves from secual harassment.

By Rohini Swamy: Young girls from Belagavi district in Karnataka have decided that they won't take it any more.

These girls from Waghwade village in Belagavi district now wield sticks and lathis so that they can use it against those who sexually harass them.

Men and boys from the neighbouring village of Markandey have been attacking and harassing young girls from Waghwade for a long time. At least five cases of molestation have been reported from the village.

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When no help came for a long time, the young girls took it on themselves to save them the harassment and the attack.

NOT PREPARED TO LIVE THEIR LIVES INSIDE 4 WALLS, GIRLS TOOK UP LATHIS

The girls started walking around with lathis. One can now see them carrying lathis whenever they go to school, or just walk around the village.

It is alleged that the bullies from the neighbouring village attack anybody, be it young or old. This fear compelled many women to remain confined to their homes.

But these young girls were not ready to spend their lives inside the four walls.

The two villages of Waghwade and Markandey have been at loggerheads over incidents of harassment for a long time. But neither the police nor the political representatives have tried to resolve the issue.

The girls alleged that the men ride motorcycles, harass women and flee from the scene soon after.

STORIES OF THESE YOUNG GIRLS

Anuradha Desai, one of the girls, said "Once when I had gone out with my family, these boys from the village of Markandey came and threatened us with knives."

"In another incident, when we were travelling by bus, they came and began eve teasing us. Whenever we walk, they keep passing comments. It has been taking place for nearly 2 years now. The police have taken no action. So, to protect ourselves we now wield lathis and walk around the village," Desai told India Today.

Roopa, another girl who now carries lathi, described how she was attacked.

"I had gone to a nearby society and while I was returning, these boys came on a bike and hit me from behind. I had an umbrella in my hand and I hit them back. It was close to 9.30 pm but they have been doing this for a while now, she said.

POLICE DOESN'T ACT

The issue came to light when an employee's wife from an NGO was attacked by the motorcyclists and she raised it.

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Despite several requests to follow up on the security of women, the police is yet to take up the issue seriously. This has led to an increased number of sexual assault cases in the village.

"After knowing about the situation, we have been sensitising the girls on how to protect themselves. We also made a sincere request to the police to increase protection and patrolling," said Kiran Nippanikar, of Pyaas foundation.

--- ENDS ---
(Reno, Nevada)  Detectives are reviewing witness accounts and horrifying cellphone video while they consider filing a criminal complaint after a pickup truck plowed into a crowd of people during a Native American rights demonstration in downtown Reno, the police chief said Tuesday.

The 18-year-old male driver and a 17-year-old passenger have been questioned but no arrests have been made in Monday evenings incident on the street beneath the arch with the citys famous slogan, The Biggest Little City in the World.

A 59-year-old woman remained hospitalized Tuesday with non-life threatening injuries. The driver, passenger and two others were treated for minor injuries, Reno Police Chief Jason Soto said.

A Facebook Live video of the protest shows a pickup truck revving its engine in front of the crowd that had spilled onto the street in Renos downtown. Several protesters confronted the driver and the passenger before the truck drives through the crowd, tires squealing, at about 6:40 p.m. Monday.

Soto said the activists did not have a permit to protest in the street, but some had gathered in the travel lanes of Virginia Street on the main casino drag.

Soto said he couldnt comment on whether the driver or passenger felt threatened by the crowd and declined to comment on whether it was being treated as a hate crime.

We are certainly looking into all aspects of the information that comes forward, Soto told reporters.

I want to make a point that we are going through a lot of video, he said, describing some of it as very horrifying.

Quanah Brightman, executive director of San Francisco-based United Native Americans Inc., said the group was speaking out against the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota when the truck approached.

It was a hate crime, she told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

One of the witnesses who posted video on Facebook Live said the two men in the pickup had been stalking the protest at the original site where the activists had gathered two blocks away.

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They drove by once as we were walking toward the arch, yelling obscenities, said Taylor Wayman, 27, who said he was not an official member of the sponsoring groups but decided to attend the rally.

I heard the driver ask one of the protesters, Do you want me to kill your homies? and that really set everybody off, Wayman told AP on Tuesday.

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said Tuesday she takes the matter very seriously.

Public safety is our highest priority and I want all Reno residents to know that we are working swiftly and diligently to make sense of the events that took place last night, she said Tuesday afternoon in a statement on behalf of herself and the city council.

The Reno Police Department will hold anyone responsible accountable for their actions once the investigation has concluded, Schieve said, adding that she respects an individual or groups right to conduct lawful protest.

Soto said police dispatch received a 911 call about a vehicle striking pedestrians at 6:41 a.m. Officers arrived on the scene two minutes later and about a minute after that the pickup driver contacted police.

Mike Graham, founder of the Oklahoma-based United Native American Association, said Tuesday he doesnt understand why the driver hasnt been arrested.

We are truly upset that he is not in custody. He left the scene of an accident, Graham told The Associated Press.

The driver stopped several blocks away, and both he and a passenger in the pickup are cooperating, Soto said.

___

AP Reporter Patrick Mairs in Philadelphia contributed to this report.
VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 12, 2016 / True Leaf Medicine International Ltd (CSE:MJ) (TLA.F), has signed an agreement with Monarch Pet, a wholesaler based in Denver, Colorado, to distribute True Hemp pet treats in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah, bringing to 36 the total number of US states where True Hemp is for sale.

Monarch is a family-owned and operated wholesale distributor of natural pet foods, treats and supplies, serving 350 independent pet stores in the western US.

"True Hemp is a unique product that will prove popular with consumers looking for healthy, natural products for their pets," said Jeff Flora, who owns Monarch with his wife Tracie. "They're a real fit for Monarch and its independent retailers."

"The agreement with Monarch continues the amazing growth story of our True Hemp products," said Darcy Bomford, True Leaf CEO. Just last month, True Leaf began selling True Hemp pet products in Europe for the first time. True Hemp is now generating revenue on two continents  North America and Europe. "In just 14 months, we've gone from pre-production to becoming a global brand," said Mr. Bomford.

True Leaf also recently announced upcoming new pet product line extensions, True Hemp 'Sticks' and True Hemp 'Oil', two new delivery formats with the same powerful True Hemp Hip + Joint, Calming and Health formulations. The products are currently in R&D stage, but the company plans to start shipping initial orders early in 2017.

In addition to sales in all 10 Canadian provinces, the US and now the United Kingdom, True Leaf has also recently added e-commerce for direct US consumer purchasing for True Hemp products on its trueleaf.com site.http://trueleaf.com

About True Leaf Medicine International Ltd:

True Leaf Medicine International Ltd. is entering the $104.9 billion global pet care industry with a line of hemp-focused pet chews and supplements marketed through natural pet health and veterinary channels in Canada and the US. The company has also filed an application under Health Canada's Marihuana for Medicinal Purposes Regulations (MMPR) to become a Canadian licensed producer through its 'True Leaf Medicine' subsidiary. It has passed through the preliminary and enhanced screening process of Health Canada's review and is currently awaiting security clearance and 'pre-licensing inspection' approval.

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Media Contact:

Paul Sullivan

BreakThrough Communications

O: 604-685-4742

M: 604-603-7358

Investor Contact:

Kevin Bottomley

Director

M: 778-389-9933

E: kevin@trueleaf.com

NEITHER THE CANADIAN SECURITIES EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATIONS SERVICES PROVIDER HAVE REVIEWED OR ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

FORWARD LOOKING INFORMATION

This press release contains forward-looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "project", "should", "believe" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. These statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks various risk factors discussed in the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis under the Company's profile on www.sedar.com. While the Company may elect to, it does not undertake to update this information at any particular time.

SOURCE: True Leaf Medicine International Ltd
By John Whitesides and Susan Heavey WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump lashed out at U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan and other "disloyal" Republicans on Tuesday and vowed to campaign in whatever style he wants now that the party establishment has largely abandoned him. Trump, in a barrage of stinging Twitter posts, condemned the Republicans who have backed away from his White House run, deepening a dramatic rift in the party over his struggling campaign for the Nov. 8 election. "It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to," Trump said on Twitter, adding he would engage Democratic rival Hillary Clinton on his own terms. Describing "disloyal" Republicans as more difficult than Clinton, he said: "They come at you from all sides. They don't know how to win - I will teach them!" A string of Republican officials and officeholders have distanced themselves from Trump since a 2005 video surfaced on Friday showing him bragging crudely to a reporter about groping women and making unwanted sexual advances. Despite the turn away from Trump by some elected Republicans, a Reuters/Ipsos poll of likely voters, released on Tuesday, found 58 percent of Republicans wanted Trump to stay atop their party's ticket and 68 percent said the Republican leadership should stand by him. The poll, which was conducted after the second presidential debate on Sunday, showed Clinton's lead over Trump widening to 8 points from 5 points last week, before the release of the video. Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, told party lawmakers on Monday he was breaking with Trump and would not campaign for him, all but conceding Clinton would win the presidency. The move angered some Trump supporters, although Ryan said he would not withdraw his endorsement of the New York businessman. Trump slammed Ryan as a "very weak and ineffective leader" and complained in another tweet that it was hard to do well with "zero support" from Ryan and others. He later said in an interview with Fox News host Bill O'Reilly he neither wanted nor needed Ryan's support. Ryan's spokesman, Brendan Buck, said on Tuesday that the speaker "is focusing the next month on defeating Democrats, and all Republicans running for office should probably do the same." Trump also took aim at U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona, the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, who said on Saturday that he could not vote for Trump. "The very foul mouthed Sen. John McCain begged for my support during his primary (I gave, he won), then dropped me over locker room remarks," Trump said. There was no immediate reaction from McCain, who secured his primary election win in August. Many Republicans worry that Trump's chaotic campaign could hurt their chances of holding majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate in next month's election, and will inflict long-term damage on the party. PARTY REVOLT In an extraordinary party revolt, nearly half of all 331 incumbent Republican senators, House members and governors have condemned Trump's lewd remarks on the video, and roughly one in 10 has called for him to drop out of the race, a Reuters review of official statements and local news coverage indicates. Unlike Ryan, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus told RNC members on Monday that the committee, the party's leadership and fundraising arm, still backed Trump, two RNC members told Reuters. Trump's vice presidential running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, also reinforced his support in television interviews on Monday. New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a former 2016 Republican presidential contender who has became a close ally of Trump, also reaffirmed his backing, although he called Trump's comments in the 2005 video "completely indefensible." Trump, 70, who has portrayed himself as tough on national security, released a hard-hitting television advertisement on Tuesday featuring footage of Clinton, a 68-year-old former secretary of state, stumbling last month after leaving a service commemorating the Sept. 11 attacks. Her campaign said she had been diagnosed a few days earlier with pneumonia. "Hillary Clinton doesn't have the fortitude, strength or stamina to lead in our world," the ad's narrator says. "She failed as secretary of state. Don't let her fail us again." 'INSULTED EVERYONE' Both Trump and Clinton headed to the key battleground state of Florida on Tuesday. Before her Florida rally with former Vice President Al Gore, Clinton told a Miami radio station that Trump had "insulted everyone." "People need to understand what's at stake in this election," she told WMBM. The White House said on Tuesday that Trump's remarks about groping women in the video amounted to sexual assault. President Barack Obama said Trump's remarks would disqualify him from a job at a convenience store, and should disqualify him from becoming president. Clinton, the first woman to be picked as a presidential nominee by a major U.S. party, tried to focus on Tuesday on issues that could win over undecided women voters, proposing to expand the child tax credit so that more low-income families can benefit and to increase by $1,000 a year the tax credit available to families for each child up to age 4. (Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu, Ayesha Rascoe and Chris Kahn; Writing by Emily Flitter in New York; Editing by Frances Kerry and Peter Cooney)
How Trumps candidacy affects me as a sexual assault survivor

I never thought Id see the day when a presidential debate would cause me to run out of the room in tears. As a feminist and political junkie, Im no stranger to feeling angry during debates. Ive watched many politicians advocate policies that would take away my most basic rights.

But, as everyone in the country knows, the October 9th presidential debate was historic in the worst way possible.

As the highly-anticipated face-off between Hillary Rodham Clinton and Donald Trump neared, pundits commented that, for the first time in history, this was a debate that most parents wouldnt want their children to watch.

Instead of domestic and foreign policy, we all knew what would take center stage  the vulgar tapes of Donald Trump bragging to Billy Bush about groping women, which unequivocally qualifies as sexual assault.

Saying Donald Trump's comments were "locker room talk" is still missing the point-- it's "locker room" bragging abt sexual assault. #debate  ... Ed Stetzer ... (@edstetzer) October 10, 2016

Id listened to the #TrumpTapes audio prior to the debate. Although the content didnt surprise me, Id felt physically sickened  especially by the word grab and by Trumps disgusting sense of entitlement to the body of every woman he lays eyes on.

Like far too many other women, Ive been on the receiving end of interactions much like the ones Trump considers to be a source of personal pride.

Dont let that ending make you forget that Trump began the #debate by refusing to acknowledge that he bragged about sexual assault. Dont.  Leslie Berntsen (@leslie_bern) October 10, 2016

Based on my conversations with countless women over the past years  and especially over the past several days  its become clear to me that we all have something terrible in common. Weve been grabbed, violated, and assaulted, and raped by men who believe its their god-given right to seize our bodies, forcing them into whatever positions they please.

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Still, I felt prepared to watch the debate. It wasnt exactly breaking news to me that Trump is a misogynist  I was glad there was raw footage for the world to see. As I watched his poll numbers rapidly drop and Republicans withdraw their endorsements, I even felt excited to watch Clinton put the final nail in Trumps coffin.

I certainly dont regret watching the debate, but I should have known better. I should have known that, because he and his scorched-earth campaign have nothing left to lose, Trump would behave in the most vile, sexist manner possible.

The debate was a painful experience for many assault survivors, and it made me realize that some of my wounds are more raw than Id led myself to believe.

Within the first ten minutes of the debate, moderator Anderson Cooper directly addressed Trump about the tapes and pulled no punches: You described kissing women without their consent, grabbing their genitals. That is sexual assault You bragged that you have sexually assaulted women. Do you understand that?

The Republican candidate predictably denied that his statements describe sexual assault and told Cooper hed misunderstood Trumps words. After his half-hearted apology, he chalked it up to locker-room talk  and the clear implication was that all men speak this way.

I felt as though he was personally gaslighting me and every other abuse victim with his boys will be boys narrative. To hear Trump tell it, this is the norm  so we better just toughen up and get used to it.

Every time Trump (& supporters) call bragging about sexual assault "locker room banter" they normalize it for all the young men watching.  Rachel Held Evans (@rachelheldevans) October 10, 2016

As someone who is generally wary of men, I took deep breaths as I reminded myself that the rhetoric used by Trump and men like him does not represent how all men think and speak.

In an effort to calm myself, I listed all the men in my life who are reviled by this type of talk  my father, my brother, cousins, uncles, and amazing male friends. This coping exercise provided some comfort, but it wasnt enough. I was left with the lingering feeling that I just happen to be one of the lucky ones when it comes to family members and friends. Maybe the men in my life are an anomaly, and Trump really does represent the majority, I texted a friend through my tears.

The final straw came when Trump brought up a widely discredited story about Clinton in her early days as a lawyer. I knew that he would gleefully shove her husbands infidelities in her face (although that certainly didnt make it any easier to watch), but I naively assumed that Trump would stay away from a narrative that has repeatedly been debunked.

Clintons critics love to tell this story and, in their falsified version, she eagerly volunteered to represent a man accused of raping a 12-year-old, secured an acquittal, and laughed at the victim years later. In reality, a judge assigned Clinton to the case and she made a request to be removed, which was denied. She wrote about the experience in her book Living History and the prosecuting attorney has corroborated her account on multiple occasions.

Clinton followed through and did her job as a defense attorney, but the defendant didnt walk free and theres no evidence that she laughed at the victim. A plea bargain was arranged, partially due to the request of the victims mother. Grainy audio recordings of Clinton discussing the case surfaced in 2014 and much of the content is unintelligible, but she described the case as terrible. Although laughter can be heard, it wasnt at the expense of the victim  it was at a moment when Clinton stated that the case forever destroyed her faith in polygraph tests.

When Trump turned the tables and attempted to paint Clinton as the candidate who laughs about sexual assault, I felt as though I was being emotionally gaslighted yet again.

It was an interesting dynamic; instead of blaming the victim (which so often happens in sexual assault cases), Trump attempted to label the woman onstage with him as a rape apologist  and, by extension, as an example of rape culture in action. It marked the moment I needed to pause the debate, leave the room, and take a breather.

I felt as though Trump was personally targeting me and other victims in an attempt to turn us against Clinton  the only candidate in this election who has spent the vast majority of her adult life advocating for women and children.

Trumps false remarks about Clinton show that  regardless of the circumstances  a woman will be blamed when a man commits sexual assault, whether shes the victim or the attorney who reluctantly must take the case to keep her job.

Trumps words werent the only thing that left me seething with fury. The town hall format of the debate allowed him to pace the stage, and he took the opportunity to repeatedly invade Clintons space as she attempted to shift the discussion to policy.

WHY IS HE STANDING BEHIND HER LIKE THIS pic.twitter.com/z0sWKnaGmu  Hannah Guerrero (@hammyguerrero) October 10, 2016

To me, Trumps constant hovering over Clinton appeared predatory and threatening  and his bizarre body language certainly didnt go unnoticed by the Internet.

Despite being fully aware that Clinton was physically safe and Trump wasnt actually going to pounce, it left a pit in my stomach and triggered flashbacks of essentially being stalked like prey.

A couple of times I've actually feared for Hillary's physical safety based on Trump's expression while standing behind her. #debate  Rebecca Carroll (@rebel19) October 10, 2016

As body language analyst Ruth Sherman told The New York Times, Trumps body language appeared to be an attempt to assert dominance:

The proximity to Clinton with which he stood behind her at certain points was particularly threatening, she explained to the outlet.

This is why women dial 911 and keep their finger on the call button when they walk home after dark. https://t.co/DsboJGuqXR  Heather Hogan (@theheatherhogan) October 10, 2016

Sunday night wasnt the first time Trumps candidacy took an emotional toll on me  and I know Im not alone. The manner in which he has spoken about and treated women throughout his life and throughout this election cycle is triggering enough on its own  and thats why I didnt find any of the tapes content to be remotely shocking.

Every time the polls tightened over the summer and early autumn, I felt distressed and disillusioned that so many people are willing to cast their votes for a man who brazenly disrespects and objectifies women at every available opportunity.

Really, the tapes are the culmination of a campaign with an entire platform that hinges on hatred and disrespect (and this certainly extends far beyond his attitude towards women). The #TrumpTapes may be breaking news this week, but weve known for a long time that Trump views women as nothing more than objects meant to satisfy the male gaze. The fact that he boasts about sexual assault is neither a shock nor a revelation  it simply lays out the truth in black and white.

The debate was triggering and painful to watch, but its far from the first time that Trumps campaign has brought survivors painful emotions to the surface.

Women: tweet me your first assaults. they aren't just stats. I'll go first:



Old man on city bus grabs my "pussy" and smiles at me, I'm 12.  kelly oxford (@kellyoxford) October 7, 2016

Still, I would be remiss to not acknowledge the support survivors have offered one another over the past months and days.

Nearly every woman has a story, and I found myself reconnecting with old friends this summer as we helped each other cope with the national nightmare that was unfolding before our eyes.

Calls, text messages, emails, and hugs were a lifeline. We provided reassurance to one another that our emotions are valid  we have a right to be furious, distressed, and heartbroken that Trump is a major party candidate.

Candidates Hillary Clinton And Donald Trump Hold Second Presidential Debate At Washington University

Trump attempted to gaslight us during the debate by telling us that his behavior is normal and Clinton is the rape enabler  but survivors alliances with one another are far stronger than the misogyny of this abusive man.

I hope that all survivors who feel triggered by this election can be kind to themselves and honor their emotions. I hope they will reach out for help if they need it, and know that theyre not alone. This is a dark time for many Americans. Everyone who has experienced emotional setbacks due to Trumps candidacy should know that there is no shame in shedding a few tears right now.

The post How Trumps candidacy affects me as a sexual assault survivor appeared first on HelloGiggles.
By Steve Holland and Emily Stephenson OCALA, Fla./WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump escalated his attacks on U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Paul Ryan on Wednesday, deepening a fracture in the party with only four weeks to go until the Nov. 8 election. Trump, at a rally before thousands of supporters jammed into a livestock arena in Ocala, Florida, also attempted to drive voters away from Democratic rival Hillary Clinton with an overwhelmingly negative speech in which he described her as corrupt and unqualified for the presidency. Ryan said on Monday he was no longer going to campaign for or defend Trump and advised House Republicans not to support the White House candidate if they did not want to. His move followed outcry over a video that surfaced last Friday showing Trump bragging in 2005 about groping women and making unwanted sexual advances. Trump's response to being abandoned by Ryan, the country's most senior elected Republican, has veered between saying he feels free now to campaign on his own terms and assailing Ryan and other "disloyal" Republicans. "Already the Republican nominee has a massive disadvantage and especially when you have the leaders not putting their weight behind the people," the New York businessman said on Wednesday, complaining that Ryan and others had not called to congratulate him on what he felt was a strong performance at a debate against Clinton on Sunday. "You'd think they'd say great going Don, let's go. Let's beat this crook," Trump said. No, he doesn't do that, he added of Ryan, as the crowd booed in sympathy. There is a whole deal going on there. There is a whole deal going on and were going to figure it out. I always figure things out. But theres a whole sinister deal going on. The release of the video has plunged Trump and the Republican Party into a deep crisis that has jeopardized his chances of winning the White House, when he was already lagging Clinton in national opinion polls, and possibly put Republican control of the U.S. Congress in danger. WRONG FOCUS, LAWMAKERS COMPLAIN Trump's fresh round of attacks came even as his campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, heard concerns from some House Republicans that Trump's criticism of Ryan was distracting from his message on how to defeat Clinton and win the White House. Conway convened a conference call with House Republicans who support Trump that lasted about an hour. A congressional aide said Conway went through a list of differences between Trump and Clinton and talked about how to make the case for Trump and against Clinton. The general theme of comments from lawmakers on the call was that Trump needed to focus on his message to the United States and distinguish it from Clintons, the aide said. The aide said members specifically brought up Trumps attacks on Ryan as a distraction from that message. The tone from House Republican was one of frustration at Trump's attacks on a fellow Republican, the aide said. The campaign and Conway did not respond to requests for their comments about the call. Nonetheless, Ryan has been facing considerable blowback from a number of his fellow House Republicans since announcing his decision to focus on electing Republicans in Congress. Oklahoma Republican Jim Bridenstine, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, tweeted on Wednesday that he will not support Ryan  presumably, for speaker in the next Congress -- because of Ryans failure to defend Trump. Given the stakes of this election, If Paul Ryan isnt for Trump, then Im not for Paul Ryan, Bridenstine tweeted. Republican Senator John Thune, who called for Trump to withdraw from the race in a Saturday tweet, says his position has not changed but that he will vote for all Republican candidates on the ticket including Trump. I intend to support the nominee of our party. But hes got a lot of work to do, I think, if hes going to have any hope of winning this election," Thune told KELO-TV in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, in an interview that aired late on Tuesday. Thune was among a string of Republican officials and former officials who called on Trump to withdraw from the race over the weekend. (Additional reporting by Susan Cornwell and David Morgan in Washington; Editing by Caren Bohan and Frances Kerry)
After the release of the leaked 2005 video in which Donald Trump was caught on a hot mic by Access Hollywood bragging about groping women, calls are mounting for NBC to release other tapes of the Republican nominee when he was host of The Apprentice. At least one former producer described the still-unreleased footage as far worse than the Access Hollywood material.

Two major petitions are calling on NBC, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios  which owns the rights to the show  and Mark Burnett, creator of The Apprentice, to release the tapes before next months presidential election.

A petition launched Sunday by MoveOn.org has received more than 100,000 signatures. A similar petition launched by the womens rights advocacy group UltraViolet on Monday has racked up more than 70,000.

In the 2005 videotape published Friday by the Washington Post, Trump was heard boasting to then Access Hollywood host Billy Bush that he could do anything he wanted to with women because of his celebrity status.

I just kiss. I dont even wait, Trump said. And when youre a star, they let you do it. You can do anything. Grab them by the p****. You can do anything.

Related: Trump tapes cause major spike in calls to sexual assault hotline

If you thought the tape of Donald Trump bragging about sexual assault to NBCs Billy Bush was bad, buckle up, MoveOn.orgs petition reads. Multiple TV producers are now saying theres worse footage, much worse, of Trump saying sexually predatory and extremely racist things.

After the tape was released, Bill Pruitt, a producer on The Apprentices first two seasons, suggested that far worse behind-the-scenes footage can be found in the shows archive.

As a producer on seasons 1 & 2 of #theapprentice I assure you: when it comes to the #trumptapes there are far worse. #justthebegininng  Bill Pruitt (@billpruitt) October 8, 2016

Chris Nee, an Emmy-winning TV producer, suggested on Twitter that Trump is heard using the N-word in one of the tapes, and that staffers on Burnetts shows face a $5 million penalty for leaking unaired footage. (Nee later deleted the tweets.)

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MGM and Burnett responded in a joint statement claiming that neither party has the ability to release anything. They also denied that leakers were subject to the purported $5 million penalty.

Despite reports to the contrary, Mark Burnett does not have the ability nor the right to release footage or other material from The Apprentice, the statement reads. Various contractual and legal requirements also restrict MGMs ability to release such material.

Its unclear who would have the legal rights to release such tapes. But Barry Diller, a billionaire media mogul and prominent Hillary Clinton supporter, isnt buying MGMs excuse.

I think its total bulls***, Diller said in an interview with Politico published Wednesday. There are no legal obligations. To who? For what? I mean, the legal obligations are: They own the copyright. They can do whatever they want with it.

Also read: Former beauty queens say Trump strolled into pageant dressing rooms

Groups like MoveOn and UltraViolet arent buying the excuses, either.

Voters deserve to know just how much of a racist, hate-filled serial sexual predator Trump is, their petition says. Stop protecting Trump and release the rest of the tapes.

For years, NBC and Mark Burnett have protected Donald Trump and built his brand, UltraViolet co-founder Nita Chaudhary said in a letter to supporters. The American people deserve to know if Donald Trump is a serial sexual predator and racist before heading to the polls this November.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe page was launched on Sunday with the goal of raising $5 million to cover the potential legal liabilities of those who may be sitting on more Trump material.

As of Wednesday, though, that effort had raised only $33,000.

And at a rally in Pennsylvania Monday, Trump seemed to confirm the existence of more lewd material, saying that if more tapes of him saying inappropriate things were released, he would continue to talk about Bill and Hillary Clinton doing inappropriate things.
Republican House Speaker Paul Ryan may have washed his hands of his partys nominee for president, but one of Donald Trumps leading rivals for the GOP nomination, Senator Marco Rubio of Florida, is still holding hands with him.

Reaffirming his support for Trump in a statement on Tuesday, Rubio said: I disagree with him on many things, but I disagree with his opponent on virtually everything. I wish we had better choices for President. But I do not want Hillary Clinton to be our next President.

Related: Election 2016: Will It All Be About Florida Again?

During the primaries, Trumps schoolboy taunting of the not-so-tall Rubio as Little Marco and Rubios sly jab that Donalds little hands might suggest smallness elsewhere led to one of the most incredible moments in this off-the-charts campaign: a candidate for the highest office in the land declaring publicly that he didnt have problem below the belt.

But Rubio and Trump need each other now.

If there is any remaining path to a Trump victory in November, he almost certainly must win Florida. By Real Clear Politics calculations, Trump today would get 165 electoral votes to 260 for Clinton, with 113 tossups. Trump would need to win almost all of the tossups to reach the magic number of 270 Electoral College votes, but the math doesnt work without Florida.

The data crunchers at website FiveThirtyEight say that Floridas chances of being the tipping-point state  the one that is decisive in the Electoral College vote  are the highest at 17.4 percent.

Clinton has pulled ahead of Trump in Florida, with the Real Clear Politics poll average giving her a 2.4-point lead in a four-way race with Trump (42.7 percent of the vote), Libertarian Gary Johnson (4.7 percent) and Green Party candidate Jill Stein (2.1 percent).

Even before The Washington Post released the bombshell video of Trump crudely joking with then-Access Hollywood host Billy Bush about how he comes on to women, the man who would be Tweeter-in-Chief had been busy on social media further alienating Hispanics with early-morning attacks on the Venezuela-born former Miss Universe Alicia Machado, whom Clinton trotted out at the Sept. 26 debate as an example of Trumps misogynist behavior.

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Trumps 3 a.m. Twitter blitz about the woman he once called Miss Piggy and Miss Housekeeping (a reference to her Latina ancestry) was bad enough, but then came a Newsweek story about his business dealings in Cuba while Fidel Castro was in power. While the money involved was modest -- a minimum of $68,000  any amount may be too much for older members of the Cuban community in South Florida.

Meantime, after a late decision to seek re-election, Rubio has a 4.8-point lead over Democrat Patrick Murphy. In fact, Murphy was weakening so fast last week that the Democratic Senate Campaign Committee cancelled almost $2 million worth of planned TV ad spending. Still, if Rubio turns his back on the Republican presidential nominee, he could turn off hardcore Trump supporters.

Susan MacManus, distinguished professor of political science at the University of South Florida and a lifelong student of the states politics, says that Florida remains a margin-of-error race. And Trump, arguably, needs Rubio more than vice versa. Even lukewarm support from Rubio, who hasnt campaigned with Trump in about a dozen visits to the state, could be crucial with the NPA (no party affiliation) Millennials and Hispanics to whom the senator appeals.

And MacManus sees the Florida race as much tighter than it appears in the polls.

Related: Trump Is Going Down Hard as Educated White Women Reject Him

Since those who saw the first debate as a clear victory for Hillary outnumbered those who called it for Trump by more than two to one  including 27 percent of Republicans  she said you would expect Clintons edge to be higher.

And while hardcore Cuban-American opponents of Castro might not have been pleased that Trump did business with the regime, MacManus wonders whether that is worse in their eyes than normalizing relations, as President Obama has done.

Mostly, MacManus says, with Florida almost evenly divided between registered Republicans at 36 percent of voters and registered Democrats at 38 percent, Its going to be a turnout game, 100 percent.

One of the big unknowns is newly registered Republicans, many of them may have been energized by Trump. The big spike was right before the presidential primary in March, which Trump won by 45.7 percent. Republicans have added 294,282 voters since 2015, according to the Florida Division of Elections; Democrats have added 213,094 over the same period.

MacManus says Trump has brought in blue-collar, working-class whites who are largely sometimes voters. If they vote, hes got a shot. If they dont, he doesnt, she says.

What could work against Trump is a significant swing vote within this swing state that goes beyond independents. MacManus says that in all her years as an observer of Florida politics she has never seen such softness in traditional bases.

A hardcore Republican woman told MacManus recently: Its too bad, Trump would have been a good president, but he just can stay focused.

Related: Republicans Dumping Trump Say They Care About Women. Let Them Prove It

Trump never really has understood the power of the womens vote, MacManus said in a phone interview with The Fiscal Times. Its not a cohesive vote. Certainly not, even though some people think it is. When youre talking about margins, its the suburban women with children who can push it in one direction or another in our state.

And were talking about margins. In 2012, President Obama beat Mitt Romney by just over 0.9 percent in Florida.

In the wake of Gropegate, Trump has to worry about those suburban women voters and older, religious females even more, says MacManus. They could grab any chance of success in Florida from his hands.

Top Reads from The Fiscal Times:
The Belagavi police arrested a man with horns of wild animals weighing more than a ton, worth several crores. The police said he had been hoarding them for several years and used to sell it in international market.

By Rohini Swamy: Samir Chamdewale, a resident of Belagavi district of Karnataka, has literally locked horns with the law.

The Belagavi police today arrested Samir with horns of wild animals weighing more than a ton.

A police official, on the condition of anonymity, said that the seizure might be worth several crores.

HE HAD BEEN HOARDING HORNS OF WILD ANIMALS, TUSKS FOR YEARS

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It is believed that Samir had been hoarding the horns of wild animals as well as tusks for several years in an old dilapidated house. He used to sell them in black.

The police claimed that they have also confiscated pangolin scales and tiger claws.

Based on a tip off, the Belagavi police raided the house in Shetty Galli and seized the material.

HORNS, TUSKS SOLD IN INTERNATIONAL MARKET

During interrogation, it was revealed that Samir has been in the business of smuggling for nearly 20 years and has been selling these horns and tusks to clients in the international market. Samir largely sold it to clients in the Gulf countries and China.

"Samir's modus operandi was very simple. In order to carry out the illegal trade, he would prevent people from entering the premises. Neighbours informed the police that they saw Samir entering the house at night and load horns and tusks in private goods vehicles," a police source said.

Also Read:

Watch: South Africa trains dogs to skydive and protect elephants from poachers

Uttar Pradesh: Tortured elephant rescued after 50 years







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(Photo: Getty Images)

From Redbook

Celebrities have access to all sorts of things that plebs do not, from elite trainers to personal chefs. But fit mom (and Redbook's November cover star!) Carrie Underwood has generously granted the Internet access to take part of her very own (vegan) Canadian Thanksgiving-themed workout created by trainer Eve Overland. Now you, too, can work out like a star in your very own living room!







But be warned: This workout - which she says is a finisher (meaning, she did another whole workout before it) looks tough as all hell, and will almost definitely make you want to scarf down some pie, whether you're celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving or simply waiting for the American holiday. It includes tons of plyometrics and challenging moves, from frog hops to tuck jumps to renegade rows. What's more, each move is performed for ten reps. And in an almost inhumane (yet probably super worth it) form of punishment, she wrote that you do the whole routine - posted below - ten. Times.

But even Carrie conceded that she didn't finish the workout, though she blamed it on a lack of time.

Comment below with your favorite way to #StayThePath for a chance to win @CarrieUnderwoods look! Dont forget to use #Sweepstakes and #CALIAbyCarrie in your entry! Rls: bit.ly/2dFUvDD A photo posted by CALIA by Carrie (@caliabycarrie) on Oct 9, 2016 at 4:49am PDT







"It was meant to be done 10 times (10 reps of each exercise)," she wrote, "but we only made it to 6 because I ran out of time (and 2 hours of working out is enough)."

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And don't worry, she knows that celebrating burpees with an enthusiastic 'yay!' is not something that most people do.

"I love that it's 'Tofurkey' and the last one is 'Yay burpees!" She wrote. "Nobody ever says 'Yay burpees!'"

Truer words have never been spoken.

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ANKARA (Reuters) - Turkish authorities on Wednesday issued arrest warrants for 215 police officers, including 147 police chiefs, broadcaster NTV reported, in an operation linked to July's attempted coup. Thirty from the group have been arrested so far, NTV said. Turkey has seen two mass arrests in the police force since Oct. 7, that the government says aims to root out supporters of U.S-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who Ankara blames for masterminding the abortive coup. Gulen denies accusations he was behind the coup, during which more than 240 people were killed. Some 32,000 people have been jailed, and 100,000 military officers, police, teachers, judges, prosecutors and others have been sacked. On Wednesday, the Defence Ministry said the armed forces had dismissed 201 more personnel from its air force and 32 more from the navy. Authorities said that all 215 officers listed were suspected of using ByLock, NTV said, a smartphone messaging app used by Gulen's followers since 2014. Most of the warrants were for officers in Ankara, though others were in 13 provinces, it said. The state intelligence agency traced thousands of people they say are part of Gulen's movement and linked to last month's failed military coup by cracking ByLock's security features. Parliament on Tuesday voted to prolong a state of emergency for three months in a vote that was more of a formality, as the ruling AK Party commands a large majority and the opposition Nationalist Movement Party had pledged its support of the move. The main opposition People's Republican Party and third-biggest Peoples' Democratic Party opposed the extension, citing worries that innocent people were being targeted. Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said Turkey's entire population had been harmed by supporters of Gulen, which the government refers to as the Gulenist Terror Organisation (FETO). "There are no victims in FETO - only the 79 million people FETO victimized," he said on Wednesday. (Writing by Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Ayla Jean Yackley and Louise Ireland)
Women are coming forward about Donald Trump as more discerning footage of the candidate resurfaced on Wednesday.

The New York Times spoke with Jessica Leeds and Rachel Crooks, who both claim they were touched and kissed without their consent by the GOP presidential nominee. Neither woman had told their story publicly before speaking with the newspaper.

In the article published on Wednesday, Leeds, 74, of Manhattan, details how more than three decades ago while traveling in first class, Trump lifted the armrest between them and began to touch her. According to Leeds, then 38, he grabbed her breasts and tried to put his hand up her skirt.

The post details each woman's experience with Trump. "He was like an octopus," Leeds told the New York publication, who also spoke to four people close to her to corroborate her account. "His hands were everywhere."

She added, "It was an assault."

Crooks, of Ohio, said she ran into Trump while working in his Trump Tower at her Manhattan real estate firm, Bayrock Group, in 2005 - the same year of the recently surfaced recording of Trump and Billy Bush that has embroiled the GOP nominee.

Crooks, who was 22 at the time, claims that Trump began kissing her when they were first introduced. He "kissed me directly on the mouth," she said. "I was so upset that he thought I was so insignificant that he could do that."

The newspaper also spoke to Crooks' sister, Brianne Webb, who recalled speaking to Crooks that day.

The Times says a "highly agitated" Trump denied both claims during a phone interview, telling the reporter who called about the story, "This never took place" and "You are a disgusting human being."

On Wednesday night, Trump's lawyers sent the Times a demand for a retraction, calling the article "reckless" and "defamatory."

"It is apparent from, among other things, the timing of the article, that it is nothing more than a politically-motivated effort to defeat Mr. Trump's candidacy," the letter reads. "That is why you apparently performed an entirely inadequate investigation to test the veracity of theseand malicious allegations, including why these two individuals waited, in one case, 11 years, and, in another case, more than three decades, before deciding to come forward with theseand defamatory statements. Clearly, The New York Times is willing to provide a platform to anyone wishing to smear Mr. Trump's name and reputation prior to the election irrespective of whether the alleged statement have any basis in fact."

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It continues, "We hereby demand that you immediately cease any further publication of this article, remove it from your website and issue a full and immediate retraction and apology. Failure to do so will leave my client with no option but to pursue all available actions and remedies."

Also on Wednesday, the Palm Beach Post published an interview with a local woman named Mindy McGillivray, 36, who claimed Trump groped her in 2003 after a concert at the Mar-a-Lago hotel. While standing with then-fiancee Melania Trump, McGillivray says Donald Trump grabbed "close to the center of my butt." (Trump spokeswoman Hope Hicks denied the story.)

CBS News unearthed Entertainment Tonight footage from 1992, also on Wednesday, where Trump is heard saying, "I am going to be dating her in 10 years, can you believe it?" about a young girl. (The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to The Hollywood Reporter's request for comment.)

Read more: Tom Hanks on Donald Trump's Vulgar 'Access Hollywood' Remarks: "I'm Offended as a Man"

During Sunday's presidential debate, Trump denied that he had ever acted on the words he is heard saying in the 2005 conversation recorded on a hot mic with former Access Hollywood host Bush, who is now negotiating his exit from the Today show with NBC due to his involvement.

In the audiotape, Trump says he "did try to f - " Bush's married co-host Nancy O'Dell - who is now a correspondent on Entertainment Tonight - and that famous men can "grab" women "by the pussy" and "do anything." Saying of women, "When you're a star, they let you do it."

Moderator Anderson Cooper pressed Trump on the tape Sunday, saying: "You described kissing women without consent, grabbing their genitals. That is sexual assault. You bragged that you have sexually assaulted women, do you understand that?"

Trump, however, again dismissed his words as "locker room talk."

When asked whether he had ever sexually assaulted a woman, Trump said flatly, "No, I have not."

Leeds told the Times of her reaction while watching that moment during the debate. "I wanted to punch the screen," she said.

In May, Temple Taggart, Miss Utah 1997, also told the Times of alleged unwanted advances from Trump. "He kissed me directly on the lips. I thought, 'Oh my God, gross.' He was married to Marla Maples at the time," she said of his behavior at the first Miss USA pageant he supervised as owner.

Read more: Tapes or No Tapes, 'The Apprentice' Alums Recall Donald Trump's Sexist and Racist Behavior

The Trump campaign issued a statement on Wednesday from communications director Jason Miller, calling the "entire" Times article "fiction."

"For the New York Times to launch a completelycoordinated character assassination against Mr. Trump on a topic like this is dangerous," the statement reads. "To reach back decades in an attempt to smear Mr. Trump trivializes sexual assault, and it sets a new low for where the media is willing to go in its efforts to determine this election."

The statement continues: "It is absurd to think that one of the most recognizable business leaders on the planet with a strong record of empowering women in his companies would do the things alleged in this story, and for this to only become public decades later in the final month of a campaign for president should say it all.

"Further, the Times story buries the pro-Clinton financial and social media activity on behalf of Hillary Clinton's candidacy, reinforcing that this truly is nothing more than a political attack. This is a sad day for the Times."

On Thursday, The New York Times' lawyer responded with the below statement:

David McCraw, NYT lawyer, responds to Trump's letter. pic.twitter.com/ziPBCIjkvP

- Sydney Ember (@melbournecoal) October 13, 2016

Oct. 12, 4:35 p.m.: Updated with Trump statement.

5:07 p.m.: Updated with Palm Beach Post story.

5:18 p.m.: Updated with ET video footage.

9:30 p.m.: Updated with lawyers' demand for retraction.

Oct. 13, 10:40 am: Updated with NYT lawyer response.
UPDATED: Two women have come forward to claim that Donald Trump touched them inappropriately in separate incidents over the past few decades, according to the New York Times, but Trump himself has lashed out at the paper and threatened to sue.

Jessica Leeds, now 74, claims that she sat next to Trump on a flight in the early 1980s when he grabbed her breasts and tried to put his hand up her skirt, according to the Times.

He was like an octopus, she said. His hands were everywhere.

Rachel Crooks claims than in 2005, when she was 22 and working as a receptionist for a real estate investment company that was located in Trump tower, she ran into Trump outside an elevator and introduced herself. Trump began kissing her, she told the Times, recalling the encounter as inappropriate.

Trump lashed out at one of the reporters who wrote the story, telling her that none of this ever took place and that he would sue the Times if it published the piece.

The Trump campaign issued a statement about the report later on Wednesday, with his senior communications adviser Jason Miller calling the article fiction.

This entire article is fiction, and for the New York Times to launch a completely false, coordinated character assassination against Mr. Trump on a topic like this is dangerous. To reach back decades in an attempt to smear Mr. Trump trivializes sexual assault, and it sets a new low for where the media is willing to go in its efforts to determine this election, the statement reads.

It is absurd to think that one of the most recognizable business leaders on the planet with a strong record of empowering women in his companies would do the things alleged in this story, and for this to only become public decades later in the final month of a campaign for president should say it all.

Further, the Times story buries the pro-Clinton financial and social media activity on behalf of Hillary Clintons candidacy, reinforcing that this truly is nothing more than a political attack. This is a sad day for the Times.

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Later on Wednesday, an attorney for Trump sent a letter to the New York Times demanding a retraction.

The story reflects the increased scrutiny that Trump has faced since Friday, when the Washington Post published an Access Hollywood recording of a conversation Trump had with co-host Billy Bush. In it, Trump makes lewd comments and talks of grabbing women by their sexual organs.

At Sundays presidential debate, Trump was asked about the comments. He said that he had apologized for them, but said that he had never actually committed sexual assault.

At a press conference on Tuesday, attorney Gloria Allred said that she had been contacted by women who have shared stories of inappropriate conduct by Mr. Trump, but she declined to go into details.

Later on Wednesday, in more troubling news for the Trump campaign, CBS News uncovered a video from decades ago in which the candidate can be heard telling a group of young girl that he would be dating one of them in ten years.

In the clip, an Entertainment Tonight Christmas feature, Trump asks one of the young girl if hes going up the escalator. When she replies that she is, he says, I am going to be dating her in 10 years. Can you believe it?

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Mark Burnett: 'I Have Never Been a Supporter of Donald Trump's Candidacy'
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top U.S. and Canadian trade negotiators said on Wednesday they would continue talks toward a new trade agreement on softwood lumber, despite the expiration of a "standstill" period prohibiting legal challenges over the long-standing dispute.

U.S. producers complain that Canadian lumber is subsidized, and they have in the past launched trade challenges that resulted in the United States imposing billions of dollars in tariffs.

In a joint statement, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and Canadian Minister of International Trade Chrystia Freeland said negotiators were meeting in Washington this week.

"In those negotiations, we will work to meet the mandate agreed to by President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when they met in Ottawa in June  a new agreement that is designed to maintain Canadian exports at or below an agreed-upon U.S. market share to be negotiated, with the stability, consistency and flexibility necessary to achieve the confidence of both industries," they said in a joint statement.

"The softwood lumber industry is a vital sector for both the United States and Canada," they added.

The most recent round of arguments ended with a 2006 deal that expired in October 2015. Both sides agreed to take no action for a year after that, but without a new treaty, U.S. firms have made clear they will file new damage claims.

Major Canadian lumber firms include Canfor Corp, West Fraser Timber Co, Interfor Corp and Resolute Forest Products Inc.

(Reporting by David Lawder in Washington and Andrea Hopkins in Ottawa; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Meredith Mazzilli)
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The top U.S. and Canadian trade negotiators said on Wednesday they would continue talks toward a new trade agreement on softwood lumber, despite the expiration of a "standstill" period prohibiting legal challenges over the long-standing dispute. U.S. producers complain that Canadian lumber is subsidized, and they have in the past launched trade challenges that resulted in the United States imposing billions of dollars in tariffs. In a joint statement, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman and Canadian Minister of International Trade Chrystia Freeland said negotiators were meeting in Washington this week. "In those negotiations, we will work to meet the mandate agreed to by President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau when they met in Ottawa in June  a new agreement that is designed to maintain Canadian exports at or below an agreed-upon U.S. market share to be negotiated, with the stability, consistency and flexibility necessary to achieve the confidence of both industries," they said in a joint statement. "The softwood lumber industry is a vital sector for both the United States and Canada," they added. The most recent round of arguments ended with a 2006 deal that expired in October 2015. Both sides agreed to take no action for a year after that, but without a new treaty, U.S. firms have made clear they will file new damage claims. Major Canadian lumber firms include Canfor Corp, West Fraser Timber Co, Interfor Corp and Resolute Forest Products Inc. (Reporting by David Lawder in Washington and Andrea Hopkins in Ottawa; Editing by Chizu Nomiyama and Meredith Mazzilli)
By Curtis Skinner

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - The U.S. Department of Justice on Wednesday released a report outlining deficiencies it found in the embattled San Francisco Police Department, including apparent racial bias in traffic stops, searches and killings.

The critical 60-page report comes amid an intense debate in the United States over police violence and a resurgence of the civil rights movement, spearheaded by activist group Black Lives Matter, fueled by police killings of unarmed African-Americans across the country over the past two years or so.

The report is the first assessment in the Justice Department's so-called collaborative review of the department, which launched in February in response to fatal police shootings in the city that sparked angry demonstrations.

The report made 272 recommendations for the department to address issues from institutionalized and implicit racial bias against African-Americans and other minority groups to updated use of force and data collection policies.

"This report makes clear the significant challenges that lie ahead for the police department and the city," Ronald Davis, director of the Justice Department's Office of Community Oriented Policing Services, said in a statement.

The findings echo a report released by a panel of judges in July that found black and Hispanic people were more likely to be searched without their consent by officers than whites and Asians.

The San Francisco Police Department in a statement highlighted areas where the review did not find deficiencies, saying, for instance, the assessment found the department's use of force "proportionate." But the department did say it agreed with several of the findings of bias.

"We are committed to the work that needs to be done to bring our systems into the 21st century. The San Francisco Police Department wants to be a leader in creating best practices and policies for the nation," interim San Francisco Police Chief Toney Chaplin said in a statement.

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San Francisco's police department was roiled by months of angry protests after the videotaped police killing of a black man last December.

In the wake of 26-year-old Mario Woods' killing, two other fatal police shootings in the city sparked outrage, as did revelations of a second racist text message scandal within the department in as many years.

In May, the city's then-police chief resigned under pressure from the previously supportive Mayor Ed Lee. Chaplin, who is African-American, has been serving in the role of interim police chief since.

(Reporting by Curtis Skinner in San Francisco; Editing by Bill Rigby)
Powerstar Pawan Kalyan, who is currently shooting for Katamarayuda, will star in the Telugu remake of Tamil blockbuster Vedalam, say reports.

By India Today Web Desk: Tollywood megastar Chiranjeevi and his clan are on a remake spree. Chiranjeevi is shooting for Khaidi No 150, the remake of Tamil film Kaththi, his son Ram Charan is remaking Thani Oruvan in Telugu as Dhruva. Pawan Kalyan too is currently shooting for Katamarayuda, which is the Telugu remake of Veeram.

ALSO READ: Rajinikanth's 2.0- Shooting for Thalaivar's Enthiran sequel is finally over

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ALSO READ: Wait's over! Rajinikanth's 2.0 first look to be unveiled this November

While the shooting of Katamarayuda is progressing at a brisk pace, reports about Pawan's next have surfaced online. Going by the reports, Pawan is all set to star in the Telugu version of Tamil blockbuster Vedalam and the project was launched on the auspicious occasion of Vijayadashami.

The project will be helmed by RT Neason, who directed Ilayathalapathy Vijay's Jilla, and it will be produced by A M Rathnam.

Reports also suggest that the shooting of the film is expected to take off once Pawan wraps up Katamarayuda.

In Katamarayuda, Pawan will be seen as a Rayalaseema factionist. The shooting of the film commenced last month and was subsequently delayed due to the actor's political commitments.

Directed by Dolly, the project will feature Shruti Haasan as the leading lady. Produced by Sharrath Marar, the film has music by Devi Sri Prasad, who composed music for the Tamil version as well. The film is slated to release next year.





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By Tom Miles GENEVA (Reuters) - The top U.N. human rights official repeated his call on Wednesday for a dilution of big powers' United Nations veto in cases of serious war crimes, but he gave little support to Syrian opposition hopes of strong-arming Russia over eastern Aleppo. Russian war planes have bombed rebel-held eastern Aleppo in the past two weeks in support of Syrian and allied ground forces who are besieging about 275,000 civilians. The United Nations says hospitals have been hit and more than 400 people killed. Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said last week that Security Council veto powers should be curbed to help resolve the situation and bring Syria under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. France and Britain back the proposal, Zeid told a news briefing in Geneva on Wednesday, adding: "We would hope that the United States, Russia and China would likewise follow." But he appeared to give short shrift to a proposal for the wider membership of the U.N. General Assembly to take the matter into its own hands and override the 15-nation Security Council, under a U.N. resolution dating from 1950, known as "Uniting for Peace". The opposition Syrian Coalition said on Tuesday its vice-president Abdul Ahad Steifo would ask friendly countries to press for action under "Uniting for Peace", which says the General Assembly can step in if disagreements among the veto-wielding powers mean they fail to maintain international peace. "It's not strictly a human rights issue as such," Zeid said. "The mechanism was used first in respect of Korea and has been used in respect of the situation in Palestine many times, so it is a device well known to diplomats in New York. "Our preference would still be that the permanent members of the Security Council voluntarily desist from using the veto (when there is evidence of serious violations of international law)", he said. Zeid asked whose security was being protected by the Security Council and, recalling his U.N. experience in the war in former Yugoslavia, said the world could not continue every decade or so to find itself in a situation where a densely packed urban population was under bombardment. "You cannot believe this is happening, and the fear and the horror of the people in those circumstances is hardly possible in the 21st century... How could we still be doing this? There are rules," he said. (Reporting by Tom Miles and Stephanie Nebehay; writing by Tom Miles, editing by Angus MacSwan)
By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A U.S. Navy destroyer was targeted on Wednesday in a failed missile attack from territory in Yemen controlled by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, the second such incident in four days, the U.S. military said. The USS Mason fired defensive salvos in response to at least one missile which did not hit the ship or caused any damage as it operated north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Pentagon said. Indications are that the second salvo brought down an incoming missile, one U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. The renewed attempt to target the U.S. Navy destroyer will add pressure on the U.S. military to retaliate, a move that would represent the first direct U.S. military action against Houthis in Yemen's conflict. The Pentagon said it would respond "at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner." The United States, a longtime ally of Saudi Arabia, has provided aerial refueling of jets from a Saudi-led coalition striking Yemen and it supplies U.S. weapons sales to the kingdom. Michael Knights, an expert on Yemen's conflict at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said the missile attacks appeared to be the Houthis' response to an attack last weekend, widely blamed on Saudi-led forces, on mourners gathered in Yemen's Houthi-held capital Sanaa. The White House says it is reviewing its support for Saudi-led forces in Yemen in the wake of Saturday's strike, which killed at least 140 people by one count. Knights said the targeting of U.S. warship suggested the Houthis, fighters from a Shi'ite sect that ruled a 1,000-year kingdom in northern Yemen until 1962, could be becoming more militarily aligned with groups like Lebanon's Shi'ite militant group Hezbollah. "Targeting U.S. warships is a sign that the Houthis have decided to join the axis of resistance that currently includes Lebanese Hezbollah, Hamas and Iran," Knight said. The USS Mason was also the target of a failed missile attack off Yemen on Sunday, and the Navy praised the resolve of sailors aboard the ship. "The team in USS Mason demonstrated initiative and toughness as they defended themselves and others against these unfounded attacks over the weekend and again today," the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson said. "All Americans should be proud of them," he said. KEY SHIPPING LANE The missile incidents, along with an Oct. 1 strike on a vessel from the United Arab Emirates, add to questions about safety of passage for military ships around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world's busiest shipping routes. The Houthis, who are battling the internationally-recognized government of Yemen President Abd Rabbu Mansour al-Hadi, denied any involvement in the previous attempt to strike the USS Mason. But U.S. officials have told Reuters there are growing indications that Houthi rebels, despite those denials, were responsible for Sunday's incident. The rebels appeared to use small skiffs as spotters to help direct the missile attack on the warship on Sunday. The United States is also investigating the possibility that a radar station under Houthi control in Yemen might have also "painted" the USS Mason, something that would have helped the Houthi fighters pass along coordinates for a strike, the officials have said. The Houthis, who are allied to Hadi's predecessor Ali Abdullah Saleh, have the support of many army units and control most of the north including the capital Sanaa. Reuters has learned that the coastal defense cruise missiles used against the USS Mason on Sunday had considerable range, adding to concerns about the kind of heavy weaponry that the Houthis appear willing to employ and some of which U.S. officials believe is supplied by Iran. Although the United States has provided limited support for the Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis, it also has reserved its direct military role in Yemen to the fight against al Qaeda's affiliate, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula. That general U.S. policy might still remain in place, even if it opts to carry out one-off retaliatory strikes. Yemen's war has killed at least 10,000 people and brought parts of the country to the brink of starvation. (Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Editing by G Crosse and Alistair Bell)
This article was co-published with Slate.com

American officials received persistent, stark warnings that Afghanistans entrenched culture of official corruption would undermine their efforts to rebuild that country after the Wests military invasion fifteen years ago, according to recently declassified diplomatic cables and internal government reports.

The diversion of Afghan resources and Western aid for private gain would drain vitally-needed funds from the countrys reconstruction and alienate its citizenry, the public and private reports all said. That would in turn fuel renewed public support for the Wests enemy  the Taliban, whose social brutality notoriously included draconian punishments for official corruption.

But the U.S. officials in charge of rebuilding the country largely failed to heed these alarms, according to their own assessments. Afghanistan's corruption, said Ryan Crocker, the U.S. ambassador from 2011 to 2012, in a newly-released interview with a team of official auditors, was the ultimate point of failure for our efforts.

Washington has paid a steep price for its mistakes  it has invested more than $800 billion in Afghanistan, including about $100 billion in direct payments, and lost more than 2,300 American lives over the past fifteen years (the anniversary of the U.S. invasion was last Friday). At least a tenth of the countrys population is still under the Talibans control, with another 25 percent now being contested, and these numbers have lately been rising, not falling. Nearly 40 percent of the population subsists on less than $1.35 a day.

In fact, Washington has so little to show for its efforts that a group of ten former U.S. ambassadors and military commanders in Afghanistan declared in a joint statement published by The National Interest magazine on Sept. 14 that stabilizing the country and ending its continued incubation of terrorism will require at least another generation of U.S. effort. Meanwhile, the U.S. costs alone are now running roughly $1 billion a year for reconstruction, plus another $4 billion a year in direct payments meant to continue to prop up Afghanistans persistently weak (and partly imaginary) security forces.

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Efforts to uncover what went wrong may yet take a while (the Pentagon Papers analyzing American mistakes in Vietnam were leaked to the public two years after they were completed in 1969 and 21 years after America undertook its disastrous military meddling there). But the Joint Chiefs of Staff concluded in a 2014 report that military and civilian leaders alike grievously underestimated the gravity and impact of Afghanistans corruption. More Lessons Learned analyses are now emerging from within the government, and the most recent one points some sharp fingers of blame at the Obama administration  including the State Department while Hillary Clinton was at the helm, and at the CIA, during the entire period of the Bush and Obama administrations.

While trying to stabilize the country, these organizations undertook two actions that made its problems worse, the latest study says: The CIA partnered over a long period with politically-connected warlords that engaged in rampantly corrupt activities, largely out of political expediency; meanwhile, U.S. aid organizations helped stoke the countrys historic corruption by pouring in more funds than the country could responsibly absorb, all the while measuring their achievements by how much, rather than how well, it was spent. With short military deployment stints and high turnover in civilian oversight roles, no one in Washington or in Afghanistan took effective responsibility for fixing these problems.

These are the unvarnished critiques in a Lessons Learned report by the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, John Sopko, who has been studying the Afghan effort for four years and whose team interviewed 80 participants and solicited comments from five of the key agencies or departments in charge. We must recognize the danger, Sopko said at the Carnegie Endowments Washington offices while presenting the report on Sept. 14, of dealing with [foreign] characters or networks of unsavory repute, tolerating contracting abuses, accepting shoddy performance, and delivering unsustainable projects.

But we didnt, his study shows, and so the desultory results of the U.S. intervention shouldnt have been a surprise.

Afghanistan was at the bottom of annual corruption rankings by the World Bank at the outset of the U.S-led occupation, and beginning in 2005, near the bottom of an annual corruption list published by Transparency International (they were rated the most corrupt or nearly the most). A cable sent to Washington by the U.S. embassy, entitled Confronting Afghanistans Corruption Crisis and newly declassified for Sopkos study, warned that corruption was the hallmark of daily life in Afghanistan and a major threat to its future. Conquering it, the cable said, is fundamental to the success of U.S. policy. The U.S. Agency for International Development (AID), which dispensed most of Washingtons nation-building funds, also remarked in an internal strategic plan that year that government institutions at all levels are tainted by high levels of corruption.

An internal Pentagon review in 2006 bluntly warned that enormous popular discontent is building against corrupt and ineffective governance. That was the year that then-president Hamid Karzai appointed as the head of his chief anticorruption agency a man who had been convicted in the United States on drug charges, Sopkos report points out. It was also when Karzai accepted the appointments of 14 senior police officials who have links to criminal networks, according to a secret memo (since declassified) written by a senior advisor to the Secretary of Defense.

A study by an Afghan integrity group in 2007 warned that a strong and interwoven spider web of illicit networks controlled power at all levels. Two years later, at the outset of the Obama administration, the U.S. embassy in Kabul warned in another cable, also recently declassified, that official corruption  including Afghan officials protection for the narcotics trafficking that produced around a half of the countrys GDP  was as likely as is the insurgency to undo our efforts in Afghanistan. British diplomats were no less aware of the risks: Their chief foreign aid agency warned in a 2009 report that corruption was then a major reason for supporting the Taliban. In 2010, at a meeting with U.S. diplomats, Afghanistans national security advisor acknowledged that corruptionis the system of governance.

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Washingtons response during the first seven years after the invasion, according to Sopkos report, was to prioritize its counterterrorism and development aims, not fully understanding how dependent these ambitions were on thwarting the impulse and ability of Afghan officials to steal their public resources. The creation in 2008 of a special U.S. military intelligence unit devoted to the topic produced shock in Washington at how bad this situation was and who was involved in it, according to Kirk Meyer, the units leader from 2008 to 2011.

Polling data during Karzais tenure bore out how poorly illicit funds transfers outside the country were being controlled. A comprehensive annual survey in Afghanistan by the Asia Foundation found that the number of respondents who experienced corruption at the customs office rose from roughly 40 percent in 2006 to 61 percent in 2015  even though U.S. diplomats, in a rosy 2013 cable, hailed Afghan reforms there. The average value of a bribe increased by a fifth from 2010 to 2014, and the number of respondents who said they experienced corruption in the court system rose from 42 percent to 61 percent. The publics sense of corruption within the national police  a major recipient of Western funds  remained largely unchanged through the occupation (half of the respondents experienced it).

Even after Washington finally grasped the centrality of the corruption problem in 2009 and President Obama publicly called for a crackdown on such behavior, top officials essentially blinked: A comprehensive anticorruption strategy drawn up by the embassy in Kabul and sent to Washington in 2010 never won Secretary Clintons (or anyone elses official) endorsement. When a key advocate -- Richard Holbrooke, a top adviser to Clinton and veteran diplomat who had seen the debilitating effects of corruption up close during a previous assignment in the Balkans  died in December 2010, no one else seized the plan and compelled its formal approval.

At another key moment the following year, Washington blinked again. Thats when the International Monetary Fund was negotiating a new $133 million 3-year loan to Kabul, and various foreign donors  including the Obama administration  initially withheld their funds to force Karzai to implement financial reforms and aggressively reclaim nearly a billion dollars that politically-connected Afghans had looted from the national bank. (The scale of this theft there was comparable, Sopkos report notes, to the looting of a trillion dollars from the U.S. economy.)

After some back-and-forth with the donors produced Afghan promises to crack down, Washington and its allies eventually agreed to endorse the loan. Clinton, speaking to a donors conference in Bonn that December, said while hailing the resumption of U.S. and allied aid that economic reforms Karzai has outlined are promising.

But Sopkos reading of the moment  a time of high leverage for the West -- was different: The Afghan government suffered no major consequencesfor its failure to hold accountable and recover significant assets from the politically connected individuals who had defrauded the Afghan people. Washington could have demanded measurable progress, but did not, he said. At that moment, or at other periods during the long occupation, State, in consultation with other agencies, might have pursued revocation of visas against corrupt Afghan officials and their families, and more robust law enforcement actions against corrupt Afghans with dual U.S. citizenship.

An international group that included Treasury Department officials concluded in November of that year that those finally indicted by the Afghan government in 2012 for the banks looting did not include officials from accounting firms that created false documents for Kabul Bank, airline employees that smuggled money out of Afghanistan, or shareholders who received funds from loans at zero-interest, apparently without the intention of repayment, many of them politically-connected. The final decision about who to indict, the groups report said, was made at the political level.

Asked for comment on these events, including Clintons failure to approve the embassys anticorruption plan, presidential campaign spokesperson Jesse Lehrich said that Clinton had helped ensure that U.S. resources in Afghanistan were responsibly utilized[and] made it clear each step of the way that the US was not offering a blank check. Lehrich said that as a result of her efforts, civilian and military contracts, purchasing operations, and vetting procedures were all improved.

But Gen. John Allen, the former commander of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan from 2011 to 2013, memorably told the Sen. Foreign Relations Committee in 2014 that for too long, we focused our attention solely on the Taliban. They are an annoyance compared to the scope and the magnitude of corruption.



Moreover, diplomats and experts from key donor countries who gathered in April at the U.S. Institute of Peace to discuss what went wrong during the Wests intervention noted that the Afghans early on figured out how to play one country against another whenever they were pressed to institute anticorruption reforms. Conditionality, meaning the threatened withholding of grants to compel action, was undermined by the presence of multiple donors that could provide alternative sources of aid, the conferees concluded.

There was also an added wrinkle in the Wests policymaking challenges: Throughout this period, key Afghan officials  including those in Karzais office -- were on the CIAs payroll, according to multiple media reports and Karzais own admissions. There has been a consistent pattern by the CIAto focus its energy on targeting [terrorists], and therefore to be at the head of colluding and collaborating with corrupt and abusive officials said Sarah Chayes, a former reporter who lived in Kandahar from 2002 to 2009 and became an adviser on Afghanistan to several U.S. military commanders there, plus the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I experienced it on the ground in Kandahar [where I often saw] CIA station chiefs getting in the way of corruption investigations that were under way.

She said Washington needs to take a good look at how the agency performs its functions. Many Afghans wanted Western powers to do more to stem local corruption, she said. People detested it[and] our complicity was driving people into the arms of the Taliban. So, while working with the military, we built a very detailed campaign-wide anticorruption program. But she said it had to be abandoned once it became obvious there was not political will in Washington.

Asked for comment, CIA spokesperson Heather F. Horniak said that while we will not comment on any specific claims, our goal is always to improve the capabilities and professionalism of foreign allies. We have taken significant steps to help Afghan partners address areas of concern.

Recent trends in the country are not good. The Taliban has recently taken control of some additional Afghan districts and made gains in Helmand and four other provinces, many of them past battlegrounds for U.S. forces. Civilian deaths are presently running around 3,000 a year, with nonlethal casualties more than twice that number. The Congressional Research Service, in a Sept. 26 report, said the governments leadership arrangement is troubled, by many accounts.

The National Interest experts group, which included all the key U.S. military commanders in the country from 2009 to 2014, rated only two to four of the countrys six army corps commanders as effective  after the expenditure of roughly $40 billion from the U.S. treasury on the Afghan Army so far (another $28 billion went to other security forces, including the perennially ineffective police). Only a little more than a third of the population there is optimistic about the future, while two-thirds say the security situation is poor.

Officials in the experts' group, which was pulled together by Michael OHanlon at the Brookings Institution, are nonetheless having a hard time giving up. They urged a quiet and more patient approach and warned that predatory corruption in particular needs to be targeted. They said Washington needs to apply serious pressure on neighboring Pakistan, where key Taliban leaders and soldiers have long had a refuge  an idea that key Obama administration officials have repeatedly opposed. They also wistfully noted that in 2013, the U.S. military developed an option for dispatching 5,000 more foreign troops to the country, and blamed the plans rejection in both capitals for some of the deterioration in the Afghan security environment going on now.

Sopkos report notes, however, that even though Karzai has left office and his replacement in 2014, Ashraf Ghani, vowed a genuine crackdown on corruption, its achievement is now a generational goal  an estimate that mirrors the length of time that former U.S. diplomats and generals say is needed for Western success there. He notes that no significant recovery of National Bank assets has occurred under Ghani and the countrys judiciary remains under substantial political pressure. Transparency International, in a September report, similarly said Afghanistan still lacks a comprehensive legal framework for preventing, detecting, and prosecuting corruption, which it noted remains rife in public institutions. The countrys anti-corruption agencies, the group said, have had little evidence of success in fulfilling their mandates.

Last week, Western officials at a donors conference in Brussels pledged another $15 billion in aid to the country over the next four years, on top of the more than $125 billion in aid that its received from all donors since the September 2001 attacks on the United States were hatched on Afghan soil. A joint communique by the donors noted that corruption remains a major obstacle to development and stability but also welcomed the steps taken so far.

They find themselves stuck, unable to extricate themselves, because of guilt, pressure, and the fear of what a collapsed Afghanistan would mean for their own security, said Heather Barr, a senior researcher at Human Rights Watch, who decried the donors' failure to hold Afghan officials accountable for their many promises of reform.

Whether U.S. lawmakers will have an appetite for again spending the lion's share of this pledged amount wont be clear until after the November elections.

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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.
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's government has the right to trigger Article 50, the formal legal process for leaving the European Union, before beginning exit negotiations with the bloc, Brexit minister David Davis told parliament on Wednesday. When asked by a fellow lawmaker whether it was the government's right to trigger Article 50 and then begin negotiations on an exit deal, David said: "My honourable friend is exactly right." "The premise on which we are advancing is that we will have proper scrutiny," he added. "But it is not one where we will allow anyone to veto the decision of the British people." (Reporting by Elizabeth Piper and Peter Hobson; writing by William James; editing by Stephen Addison)
LONDON (Reuters) - The idea the British parliament would not get to discuss and debate Brexit is "completely wrong", Prime Minister Theresa May said on Wednesday.

May has agreed to demands for parliament to debate the government's plans to leave the EU, but has ruled out letting it vote on whether to trigger the formal Brexit procedure.

"The idea that parliament somehow wasn't going to be able to discuss, debate, question ... was frankly completely wrong," May said when asked by an opposition Labour lawmaker whether parliament would get a vote on the government's Brexit plan.

"Parliament is going to have every opportunity to debate this issue."

(Reporting by Kylie MacLellan, Elizabeth Piper and William James; Editing by Elisabeth O'Leary)
Companies Will Establish The Megan Strong Foundation Natural Healing Centre, ACT Now Program, and Research Lab

DENVER, CO / ACCESSWIRE / October 12, 2016 / United Cannabis Corporation (CNAB) (the "Company" or "United Cannabis") today announced that it has signed a Memo Of Understanding (the "Memo") with the Megan Strong Foundation (the "Foundation"), regarding a number of projects, including the production and distribution of the United Cannabis-branded Prana Bio Nutrient Medicinals products, in New Brunswick, Canada.

The Memo calls for a number of activities, including the establishment of The Megan Strong Foundation Natural Healing Centre (the "Healing Centre"), which will go on to host a research lab facility and operate an ACT Now Center. All operations will be conducted in accord with the guidelines of the Tobique Compassionate Use Act.

Under the terms of the Memo, the Company will provide its resources and experience to create the operating business plan as well as contribute to the financing and investments necessary to execute the project. The Megan Strong Foundation will provide the facilities and contribute staff and other resources necessary for the building and operation of the Healing Centre.

Once the Healing Centre is completed, the companies intend to work together to produce and distribute the Company's Prana Bio Nutrient Medicinals and establish an ACT Now facility to service patients in Canada's Aboriginal communities, as well as creating a research laboratory.

Former Chief Gerald Bear, New Brunswick Advisor of Aboriginal Affairs and Chairman of the Megan Strong Foundation, commented on the announcement, "United Cannabis' Prana products gave me and my family the gift of time with my daughter Megan. Just four months after giving birth to my granddaughter, she came out of remission and was given 6 weeks to live. Instead of turning to aggressive chemotherapy, she chose a natural therapy and began to use the Prana products, and we were blessed with another 20 months of memories, which we will cherish forever."

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Former Chief Bear went on to say, "My family's experience with United Cannabis is not unique and I am determined to provide the same opportunity to other patients across Aboriginal communities in Canada."

Earnest Blackmon, United Cannabis' CEO, commented on the partnership, "We hear stories like Megan's every day, and this agreement will help us reach more patients, which is our ultimate goal."

About United Cannabis Corporation

The Company's Prana Bio Medicinal products provide patients a simple, safe, accurate, and easy way to mix/match cannabinoids for therapeutic purpose. These products are broken into 5 easy to follow categories that are available in capsules, sublingual's, and topical delivery methods. The Company uses a patent-pending infusion process utilizing select fatty acids, lipids, and a specific combination of cannabis derived terpenes to increase bioavailability. Prana Bio Medicinal products are NON-GMO, ethanol free, alcohol free, glycerin free, gluten free, 100% naturally derived, chemical-free, solventless, and hypoallergenic.

About ACT Now:

The A.C.T Now program a FREE robust, holistic program offering a customized combination of 100% plant-derived Prana products, nutritional guidelines, nursing support, delivery services, on-site visitation and electronic medical chart management. Each patient is assigned to a nurse with an online HIPAA compliant patient portal to schedule consultations, make follow up appointments, review conditions in a 3D medical library. Each patient also has access to customized cannabinoid sequencing charts. Together, these products and services have had a profound effect on patients diagnosed with many severe illnesses.

About Tobique First Nation:

Tobique First Nation is one of six Wolastoqiyik or Maliseet Nation reserves in New Brunswick, Canada. Tobique is the largest of the Wolastoqiyik and Maliseet Nation reserves in NB with a population of approximately 2500. The Tobique Reserve, established in 1801 with nearly 20,000 acres, was granted after a petition to the government by tribe members. Over the years, the reserve was reduced by surrenders to squatters and a major surrender in 1892. Roughly two-thirds of members of the Tobique First Nation reside on the reserve lands. In 2009 the government accepted the Tobique Specific Land Claim related to 10,533 acres which they claimed to have lost in the invalid surrender of 1892.

On June 6, 2012 The Chief and Council of the Maliseet Nation at Tobique adopted the Compassion Use Act of the Maliseet Nation at Tobique to provide a system permitting patients or designated persons to possess produce and distribute marijuana for the relief of symptoms associated with cancer, anorexia, aids, chronic pain, spasitcity, glaucoma, arthritis, migraine, or any other illness for which marijuana provides relief.

About The Megan Strong Foundation:

The Megan Strong Foundation is a Non-Profit Organization, dedicated to holistic healing of people with various forms of cancer and provides an alternative to people seeking treatment using natural medicines.

Contact: Staff@UnitedCannabis.us

Phone: 303-386-7321

Certain statements in this news release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of Rule 175 under the Securities Act of 1933, and are subject to Rule 3B-6 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to the safe harbor created by those rules. All statements, other than statements of fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential future plans and objectives of the company, are forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and other results and further events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements.

SOURCE: United Cannabis Corporation
US army and air force teams delivered World Food Programme aid on October 11 to parts of Haiti affected by Hurricane Matthew. The storm caused widespread devastation in the countrys south and west, leading to the deaths of about 1,000 people, according to a Reuters report, though the official death toll has not been confirmed. Cholera, which was introduced to the country by aid workers after the 2010 earthquake, was reportedly spreading.

This video shows military personnel delivering aid to Dame-Marie, GrandAnse, at the countrys western tip. Haitis interim President Jocelerme Privert said on October 12, that the country was still waiting for much of the promised international aid to arrive. Credit: SrA Ryan Green/US Air Force
Police have registered an FIR against Peace International school in Kochi for alleged links with the Islamic State and spreading non-secular feelings among students. The 'objectionable content' in the II standard textbook forces students to sacrifice their lives for Islam.

By India Today Web Desk: Police in Kochi are investigating school textbooks used by Peace International School in Kochi which contain highly 'objectional content'. The content in the primary school books advocate communal disharmony, foster non-secular feelings and force students to convert to Islam.

The school has classes from the LKG to eighth standard. "We suspect that this school's curriculum has been drafted with persons close to controversial preacher Zakir Naik of Mumbai based Islamic International School," sources have told PTI.

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The New Indian Express quoted an officer as saying, "The contents of the textbooks recovered from the school exhort the students to lay down their lives for Islam."

Also read: Bangladesh government orders closure of Zakir Naik's 'Peace Schools'



A picture of second grade textbook shared on Facebook asks questions like, "What if your friend Suzanne and Adam has decided to become a Muslim?" and gives inappropriate options like: "Would he or she have to change their name immediately to Ahmed or Sara, would he/she run away from home, and would he/she eat halal chicken".

The textbooks also exhort students to sacrifice their lives in the name of Islam. Facebook user Aysha Mahmood quotes radical questions from the books like, "why does Islam win wars? Because it is sacrifice we do for Allah," and "are you ready to die for Islam?".

According to reports, police suspect that the 21 missing people from Kasaragod who reportedly joined the Islamic State hail from this school. Abdul Rashid, one among the 21 persons from Kerala who had gone missing and is suspected to have joined ISIS, had worked as Public Relations Officer here. His wife Mariam, had worked as a teacher in the school, reports PTI.



A retired defence personnel in Kerala has launched an awareness programme to sensitise youth to stray away from terrorist outfits like LeT, IM, SIMI and IS, reports the New Indian Express.

Acclaimed Malayalam film director/producer Aashiq Abu shared the photo of the page from the textbook from his Facebook profile and his post is going viral now. What he wrote in his post closely translates to, "What kids learn in second standard are harmful."





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DailyFX.com -

Talking Points:

USD/JPY Technical Strategy: Bullish Break > Structural Resistance Encouraging

Bank of Japan chooses yield curve control, they may have changed the game of QE

Long-term trend continuation may be in play as USD resumes dormant uptrend

Access Our Free Q4 Trading Guides That Focus On Tradeable Themes Here

After the London Fix on Wednesday, USD/JPY did a mini-moon shoot toward and through key resistance. The strong move came ahead of FOMC minutes for the September 21 Fed meeting where three voters dissented and voted for a rate hike. For multiple reasons, weve seen a very strong USD in October, and USD/JPY is a key benefactor of the move.

In our last note, we discussed how the Chinese Renminbi (off-shore Yuan) fell by its largest amount in four months after China opened following National Day Golden Week holiday and continued to drop against USD. The drop continues to validate the trend of a stronger USD and weaker CNH. The weakening took the Yuan to its lowest level (6.7501) since September 2010 according to Bloomberg data. The significance of the CNY move to six-year lows is what it may encourage Japan to do that would also weaken the JPY (i.e. yield curve control + fiscal stimulus), and therefore encourage an impressive set-up for a long USD/JPY trade (not a trade recommendation.)

4-Year USD/JPY Chart Shows Bounce Off Support, Resistance In View

USD/JPY Technical Analysis: Has The Next Big Move Up Begun?

Chart Created by Tyler Yell, CMT, Courtesy of TradingView

The long-term chart shows USD/JPY moving higher after oscillating above 100 for a handful of months. The stagnation of price near 100 also occurred with rising slow stochastics, which could make the argument for bullish divergence on a daily USDJPY chart.

Additionally, you will see that the recent move higher (though were not out of a downtrend yet), happened near the kick-off point in July 2014 and the 50% retracement of the 2011-2015 price range. While we have bullish targets ahead of 105 and 108 (200-DMA & upper median line of the bearish Andrews Pitchfork,) its foolish to assume the downtrend is definitively over.

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USD/JPY Accelerates Through 104.32 Invalidating Bearish Corrective Pattern

USD/JPY Technical Analysis: Has The Next Big Move Up Begun?

Chart Created by Tyler Yell, CMT Courtesy of Trading View

Looking above, you can see what appears to be a very clear downtrend as highlighted by Andrews Pitchfork (Red). The long-term trend shows the path of least resistance, but it is worth being watchful for signs of a trend change that may be developing. The move above the 100-DMA (103.67) and the basing above Ichimoku Cloud on the chart above preceded the break above structural triangle resistance at 104.32. These three bullish moves with price above 100-DMA, Ichimoku, and now the triangle invalidation helps paint the scene for green shoots of a bullish development.

When looking for a reversal of a year-plus-long trend, its helpful to take a page out of Bayesian probability that looks for moments of proof of the pending hypothesis that the trend is turning. In other words, utilizing a few scenarios that would validate the trend change, which is a rare event. Now that 104.32 has broken, the next key zone to confirm a breakout would be ~107.50/108.10. These two levels encompass the July/ post-Brexit high and the 200-DMA respectively.

In previous market notes, weve discussed how Ichimoku Cloud would be one of the first long-term indicators to register a Bullish signal on a break and close above 103.20 on the daily chart. We seem to have that, but now the focus will be on carry through above 104.32 to see if a breakout is underway.

Lastly, the recent breakout has taken out the opening range high of October at 104.15. The break above the high of 104.15 on a closing basis should further embolden USD/JPY bulls. A continuation through the resistance levels mentioned above could see traders start to push USD/JPY higher in fear of missing out on the next USD/JPY long trade.

Shorter-Term USD/JPY Technical Levels: October 12, 2016

For those interested in shorter-term levels of focus than the ones above, these levels signal important potential pivot levels over the next 48-hours.

USD/JPY Technical Analysis: Has The Next Big Move Up Begun?

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Caracas (AFP) - Clashes broke out Wednesday between supporters and opponents of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro as opposition protesters sought to show momentum in their push to oust him in a referendum.

Sticks, stones and punches flew on the Caribbean island of Margarita as red-clad Maduro supporters tried to block opponents determined to march on the town of Villa Rosa, an AFP photographer said.

Several protesters were wounded, said the center-right opposition coalition, the Democratic Unity Roundtable (MUD), which accuses Maduro of steering Venezuela into an economic crisis marked by severe shortages of food and medicine, spiraling inflation, and rampant crime.

The scuffles came as the opposition held nationwide anti-Maduro rallies, seeking to show its strength by having protesters sign largely symbolic petitions calling for him to face a recall referendum.

The rallies amounted to a dress-rehearsal for an official petition drive later this month, when the opposition will have just three days to gather the four million signatures required to force a recall vote.

That process, scheduled for October 26 to 28, will be overseen by electoral authorities at 1,356 designated sites across the country.

But the opposition is hoping to score a symbolic victory before then.

"If we get seven or eight million (signatures), it will send a message to Maduro that we want change now," said Ismael Dacorte, a 51-year-old lawyer, at one rally in the capital Caracas.

- 'Dark days' -

Maduro supporters held rival rallies of their own across the country.

Addressing the main one, in Caracas, Maduro hailed the strength of his socialist "revolution."

"Today the revolution is going on the offensive toward the years 2017, 2018 and beyond. What's ahead for the right are dark days of collapse, defeat and division," he said.

The speaker of the opposition-majority legislature, Henry Ramos Allup, fired back with equally strong words.

Story continues

"Watch out: the people are mobilized to get rid of this band of thugs that's looting Venezuela," he said.

The clashes in Villa Rosa were the only immediate report of violence.

The town was also the scene of an anti-government demonstration that embarrassed Maduro in September, when he was greeted during a visit by residents banging pots and pans in protest. Some 30 people were arrested in the aftermath.

- 'Ticking bomb' -

As plunging crude prices have pushed OPEC-member Venezuela's oil-dependent economy to the brink of collapse, MUD has settled on a recall referendum as the best strategy to get rid of Maduro.

But electoral authorities have already dashed the opposition's hopes of ending 17 years of leftist rule.

They ruled in September that a recall referendum could only be held after January 10 -- the cut-off date to trigger a new presidential election, rather than simply transfer power to Maduro's hand-picked vice president until the end of his term in 2019.

Seven in 10 Venezuelans want a change in government, according to a recent poll.

But the fragmented opposition has struggled to stop the powerful political machine launched in 1999 by Maduro's mentor, the late president Hugo Chavez.

Rumors have swirled in recent days that Maduro could use the Supreme Court to block a recall referendum.

The court has blocked every opposition bill since MUD took control of the National Assembly in January, and handed Maduro a new victory Wednesday by ruling he could issue his 2017 budget by decree, bypassing lawmakers.

But with Venezuela on the verge of exploding into unrest, it would be a mistake for judges to quash a recall vote, warned political analyst Luis Vicente Leon.

"It would be like trying to deactivate a ticking bomb by throwing a grenade at it," he said.
Verizon Communications Inc. VZ has dismissed reports of claiming discount on its Yahoo! Inc. YHOO acquisition deal due to the latters hacking scandal. Terming the reports as total speculation, Verizon stated that Yahoos core assets are fairly valued.

The telecom giant has entered into an agreement to purchase Yahoos core assets for $4.83 billion. However, owing to the recent disrepute, there were numerous reports that stated that Verizon has been bargaining for a downward adjustment to the tune of $1 billion.

The Scandal

In Sep 2016, Yahoo revealed that at least 500 million of its user base had been hacked in 2014. Additionally, several media reports exposed Yahoos attempts to spy on customers on the behalf of U.S. intelligence agencies. This led to massive criticism of the company by stakeholders who were kept in the dark. Several U.S. senators are now calling for a detailed investigation by the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding Yahoos fulfillment of obligations to its investors.

The Bottom Line

Yahoo has a large user base with one billion monthly active customers, including 600 million mobile users. Yahoo Mail has about 280 million users, making it the busiest segment of its business. Verizons purchase of Yahoo was mainly aimed at monetizing this user base through mobile advertising and challenging Alphabet Inc. GOOG and Facebook Inc.s FB dominance in this space. However, if Yahoos user base takes a hit due to the aforementioned scandals, Verizon's plans will surely take a backseat.

VERIZON COMM Price

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Both Verizon and Yahoo currently carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.

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(Reuters) - A former Portsmouth, Virginia, police officer was sentenced on Wednesday to 2-1/2 years in prison for the shooting death of an unarmed black teenager last year, a court spokesman said.

The ex-officer, Stephen Rankin, 36, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter in August for shooting William Chapman II, 18, while investigating a shoplifting report at a Walmart store.

Portsmouth Circuit Court Judge Johnny Morrison denied a request by Rankin's lawyer that he remain free while his conviction is appealed, the spokesman said in a telephone call.

Rankin, who is white, was fired by the Portsmouth police department after his grand jury indictment. Prosecutors argued that Rankin had killed Chapman in April 2015 in what had amounted to little more than a parking lot fistfight in Portsmouth, about 175 miles south of Washington.

The sentencing came amid a roiling U.S. debate over police use of deadly force, especially against African-Americans. A Washington Post database showed that 754 people have been fatally shot by police this year, with 24 percent of them black.

Rankin is among 26 officers to be convicted of murder or manslaughter for an on-duty shooting out of 77 charged since 2005, Phillip Stinson, an associate professor of criminal justice at Ohio's Bowling Green State University, said in a telephone call.

Twenty-nine of the charges were leveled in the last two years alone, but Stinson said the numbers were too small to indicate a trend of officers being charged.

Rankin had shot and killed an unarmed man in 2011 while responding to a burglary call. No charges were filed over that shooting, and Rankin won a related civil trial.

(Reporting by Ian Simpson in Washington; Editing by Richard Chang)
From Esquire

While Donald Trump and his family travel around the country campaigning, there are five Trumps in Queens who aren't going anywhere.

The Lutheran All Faiths Cemetery on Metropolitan Avenue is the final resting spot of Donald's grandparents (Fred and Elizabeth), his parents (Fred Sr. and Mary), and his eldest brother, Fred Jr. A 2011 photo of the Trump family gravesite reveals an unassuming gray stone marker listing all five names. I was surprised to see such a modest-and crowded-grave for the forbears of a man who lives like King Tut. Had Donald not upgraded the three generations to a gold-leafed tomb? Or was he building that just for himself?

I had other questions, too. The name "All Faiths" seemed uncharacteristically progressive for Donald's father, Fred Christ Trump Sr., who marched in a Ku Klux Klan parade in 1927 and was sued by the Justice Department for racial discrimination in 1973. Had he really agreed to spend eternity next to just anyone? Also, did the family have a choice setting? As a real estate man, had Fred Sr. clung to the mantra "location, location, location" even in the afterlife?

As a real estate man, had Fred Sr. clung to the mantra "location, location, location" even in the afterlife?

This called for a day trip. All Faiths' friendly website says the cemetery "welcomes those who want to walk the grounds, [and] visit gravesites" so I rode the M train to the end of the line in Middle Village, Queens. A cold stone building houses the graveyard's main office. I entered and asked if they had a directory. A polite staffer said no, then handed me a map and asked who I was looking for. When I replied, "Fred Trump," he abruptly turned and walked away, disappearing into a back room. Minutes later, he returned with his supervisor: Daniel Austin, Jr., President of All Faiths Cemetery. Burly, balding and brusque, Austin didn't bother saying hello.

Story continues

"This is not a public space," he informed me. I mentioned the website's offer to "upon request" show visitors "areas of historical importance and the gravesites of notable individuals" and that Fred, Sr. was listed as a notable. Austin said he didn't care what the website said. He instructed me to sign up for a tour-which, he added, they only offer when enough people are interested.

Photo credit: Joe McKendry

I left the office, clutching my map. Despite his efforts, Austin hadn't intimidated me: I set off to look for the Trump plot without a tour guide. I had 225 acres to scour and two clues. First, grandfather Fred died in 1918, so the Trumps were probably buried in an older, more German section. (The cemetery only became "all faiths" in 1990. Until then it was simply the Lutheran Cemetery.) Second, according to the online photo, the gravestone had an unusual sloped top that rose to a pointy peak. This detail allowed me to scan a swath of graves, like searching for a puzzle piece with a certain kind of nub.

Strolling up Frederick Avenue, I noticed that almost every other etched name was "Frederick," yet all three Trump men had opted for the less formal "Fred." Along with their simple stone, I was sensing a just-plain-folks family attitude, one that Donald-not Don-clearly did not inherit. Another German name popped up a lot, too: Adolph, which fell off the "popular baby names" list around 1932.

I thought I was closing in on my destination when I passed an obelisk engraved with the surname, "TROLL" ... but no luck. Zigzagging back to an older section, I passed some maintenance workers and asked for help. One knew where the Trumps were located and told me I was in the wrong place. He turned my map over to reveal a whole other area of the cemetery marked, "South Side." When I pressed him for more specifics, he clammed up. I said I just wanted to have a look and he assured me, "Oh, we keep it real nice for Mr. Trump."

Photo credit: Wikipedia

I crossed Metropolitan Avenue, frustrated that I'd wasted two hours on the north side. It made sense that the Trumps had chosen the south, which seemed less crowded and featured rolling hills and better views. Another 45 minutes of looking in vain ended when I bumped into a man unloading flowers at a crypt wall and asked if I was near the Trump plot.

It made sense that the Trumps had chosen the south, which seemed less crowded and featured rolling hills and better views.

"It's down the road," he said. He kept his head down and continued untangling his flowers.

"Which road?" I asked, spotting four in the distance.

"Let me put it this way," he said. "Come back after the election."

Now I was desperate. "Okay, I get it. You can't say." I pointed. "But if I went in that direction, would it be a good choice?"

He shook his head, then warned, "If you don't know what you're looking for, you're not gonna find it."

That is great general life advice, although not particularly helpful in the moment. And annoyingly, he was right: I wandered for yet another 45 minutes and then finally gave up.

Walking dejectedly toward the gates, I wondered what the cemetery was trying to hide. Were the Trumps nestled between two Adolphs, making for bad optics? Was the lack of shiny brass grave embellishment embarrassing for Donald? Were his tax returns etched on the back of the tombstone?

I stopped by the main office one last time, hoping for pity. The same two staffers were behind the counter, and I told them that I hadn't been able to locate the grave. "Which grave?" the man asked, forgetting our earlier interaction. "The Trump grave," I said. Again, he abruptly turned and walked away, disappearing into a back room.

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Austin hustled out this time. "Are you a reporter for some place?" he demanded. Yes, I replied. This triggered a lockdown. "We don't talk to people," he snapped. "You're not allowed in here. It's a private cemetery."

Since his own website begs to disagree, I argued my case, explaining that I was looking for a grave of historical significance. "That's not historical significance," he said, and began the universal "I'm done with you" office maneuver of shuffling papers.

"Sir, you have two choices," I said, revving up to explain that I could either write the article I'd planned, or one about how he'd obstructed me, but he cut me off. "No, you have two choices. Your first option is to get out of here. Or your second option is I'm gonna call the police and have you arrested and removed from here."

For what? "Criminal trespassing." He repeated his threat to call the police twice more. His reaction seemed overly aggressive. It reminded me of Trump threatening to shoot Iranian sailors "out of the water" for making rude "gestures at our people."

"Well, this is Trump's America where people" I started.

"This is my America, honey," Austin interrupted. "This ain't yours or Trump's. It's my America. It says 'We the people of these United States.' Read the Constitution. Get lost!"

I wanted to point out that the Constitution also guarantees freedom of the press, but decided not to provoke a guy who had the tools and crew to dig a grave. I started for the door, but Austin wasn't finished.

"This is my America, honey."

"I've dealt with people like you my whole life," he sneered.

"People like me? What do you mean?"

"Have a wonderful day," he said, dismissively.

I raced through the possibilities and after a day of schlepping between crosses, my mind reflexively turned to: "Jews?" I said out loud.

Unknowingly, I'd lit a fuse. Austin exploded. "I'm part Jewish. You making fun of me? You making fun of me? You making fun of me?!"

Now we were in a Scorsese movie, repeating overlapping dialogue as Austin kept insisting I was "making fun" of him while I countered with, "No, you're making fun of me." Then Austin had enough. "Get out before I call the police!" he bellowed. "One-one-thousand, two-one-thousand...!"

Now I was in the worst game of hide-and-seek ever. I considered calling his bluff: Would he actually call 9-1-1? I chose not to find out and by the time he reached "five-one thousand," I was slipping out the door.

Back on the M train, I Googled Austin, and found an old newspaper article that identified him as an ex-cop, which made me glad I ducked out. If he still had friends on the force, it could've been a long day in a Queens holding room. I also learned that Austin shared more with Donald than a hatred of the media and a hair-trigger temperament. Austin also went into the family business, inheriting his President title from his father, current All Faiths Chairman Daniel Austin Sr.

It took the whole subway ride back to Manhattan for me to figure out what Austin Jr. meant by "people like you." It wasn't that I'm Jewish and I'm sorry that I leapt to that conclusion. And I don't think it was "journalists" either. I believe "people like me" are the people who dare to question his authority. He's President of over half-a-million dead bodies, so it doesn't matter what the website or the first amendment says: When he tells a reporter to get lost, she'd better get lost. And if she doesn't get lost, the next logical step is to "Lock her up. Lock her up."

I failed at my original mission to find Trump spirits among the dead. But I did find the spirit of Trump was alive and well.

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From Esquire

Coming home in a taxi from the airport last night, the little screen on the back of the driver's seat informed me that the election night team at RT, the Russian television network, will be composed of Ed Schultz, Larry King and  wait for it  Jesse Ventura. If you don't think I'll be tuning into that trio at least for a while, you're out of your mind. That being said, something happened Monday that should give us all a chilly pause.

On Sunday night, and again at a rally Monday, during one of his harangues about Hillary Rodham Clinton, Donald Trump cited one of the e-mails hacked out of the account of Clinton campaign spokesman John Podesta in which Sidney Blumenthal purportedly told Podesta that...

"Clinton was in charge of the State Department, and it failed to protect U.S. personnel at an American consulate in Libya. If the GOP wants to raise that as a talking point against her, it is legitimate."

The e-mail was pried loose by WikiLeaks and promoted by Sputnik, a Russian online news service. Kurt Eichenwald, whose reporting on Trump for Newsweek has been superb, read the dispatch and thought that it all sounded familiar  because it sounded like something he'd written. He can pick up the story from there.

The Russians were quoting two sentences from a 10,000-word piece I wrote for Newsweek, which Blumenthal had emailed to Podesta. There was no mistaking that Blumenthal was citing Newsweek-the magazine's name and citations for photographs appeared throughout the attached article. The Russians had carefully selected the "of course" paragraph, which mentions there were legitimate points of criticism regarding Clinton and Benghazi, all of which had been acknowledged in nine reports about the attack and by the former secretary of state herself. But that was hardly the point of the story, "Benghazi Biopsy: A Comprehensive Guide to One of America's Worst Political Outrages." The piece is about the obscene politicization of the assault that killed four Americans, and the article slammed the Republican Benghazi committee, which was engaged in a political show trial disguised as a congressional investigation-the 10th inquiry into the tragedy.

Story continues

And he asks the only pertinent question that matters.

So how did Donald Trump end up advancing the same falsehood put out by Putin's mouthpiece?

How, indeed?

There is little question now that Vladimir Putin is playing monkey-mischief with the 2016 presidential election, and that the Trump campaign is the primary beneficiary of that. The evidence, even without Eichenwald's smoking gun, is overwhelming. Even the American intelligence community thinks so. (And, in the debate on Sunday, Trump disparaged the notion, all the while stupidly blurting out something he'd learned in his national security briefing on the subject, sending the head spooks up the wall.)

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This should be authentically frightening for anyone who cares about this democracy, and anybody who's calling this "McCarthyism" can go whistle up a tree. Putin is a Russian power player, no less than Stalin or Peter the Great. Either he's playing WikiLeaks for marks, or WikiLeaks is being one of the most useful idiots since Trotsky took an ax in the dome. Nobody doubts that WikiLeaks has performed some very real and useful public service, but it's beginning to look like a cult now, and Julian Assange is beginning to look like some sort of mad monk missionary, and their defenders are beginning to look like fools. As Eichenwald put it:

The Russians have been obtaining American emails and now are presenting complete misrepresentations of them-falsifying them-in hopes of setting off a cascade of events that might change the outcome of the presidential election. The big question, of course, is why are the Russians working so hard to damage Clinton and, in the process, aid Donald Trump?

In the debate on Sunday, Trump denied that he owed any substantial debt to the Russian oligarchs for whom Putin fronts on the world stage.

But as far as other elements of what she was saying, I don't know Putin. I think it would be great if we got along with Russia because we could fight ISIS together, as an example. But I don't know Putin. But I notice, anytime anything wrong happens, they like to say the Russians are - she doesn't know if it's the Russians doing the hacking. Maybe there is no hacking. But they always blame Russia. And the reason they blame Russia because they think they're trying to tarnish me with Russia. I know nothing about Russia. I know - I know about Russia, but I know nothing about the inner workings of Russia. I don't deal there. I have no businesses there. I have no loans from Russia.

Of course, he's previously said that he and Putin were old pals from the time they shared an episode of 60 Minutes. And, "I don't deal with Russia?" Caudillo, please. The facts on Trump's slow dance with Russian money have been out there for months, in The Washington Post last June, among other places.

Still, the weekend was fruitful for Trump. He received a portion of the $14 million paid by Agalarov and other investors to bring the pageant to Moscow. Agalarov said he and Trump signed an agreement to build a Trump Tower in the heart of Moscow - at least Trump's fifth attempt at such a venture. And Trump seemed energized by his interactions with Russia's financial elite at the pageant and a glitzy after-party in a Moscow nightclub. "Almost all of the oligarchs were in the room," Trump bragged to Real Estate Weekly upon returning home.

Vladimir Putin, a ruthless authoritarian kleptocrat, is trying to influence an American presidential election, and he intends to employ all means, fair and foul, though mostly foul, to put the man he wants leading the United States in the Oval Office. In the case of Kurt Eichenwald, the attempts were clumsy and stupid, so the fine hand of the Russian oligarchs became exposed. We must assume that's the exception, and not the rule. Donald Trump has exposed American democracy as being far more fragile than we thought it was, and far more fragile than any of us should be comfortable with. He's had a lot of help, too.

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At first glance, the attitude of the Putin regime towards Russian civil society seems strangely inconsistent.

On the one hand, over the last few years, the Russian government has tightened the screws on non-governmental organizations. First, a 2012 law labeled a number of domestic NGOs as foreign agents  that is, as traitors who promote the interests of Russias enemies. And this wasnt just a symbolic tarring. It has resulted in quite tangible consequences for these organizations, crippling their work by imposing exhausting bureaucratic hurdles, enforcing endless inspections, and driving away potential partners and collaborators.

In 2015, Russias parliament passed another infamous law, this time allowing the government to designate foreign NGOs as undesirable organizations and driven out of the country. Seven groups, including the National Endowment for Democracy and George Soros Open Society Foundation, have already been declared undesirable. The regime has further tightened its grip by cracking down on the rights of free assembly and freedom of speech. Unsurprisingly, the main targets of this persecution are organizations that promote human rights or engage in other activities that challenge President Vladimir Putin and his grip on Russian politics. As a result, between 2012 and 2015, the number of civic groups in Russia decreased by 33 percent.

The other side of the story  and this part is routinely ignored by the media  is that this persecution has coincided with a series of new government programs designed to promote Russian civil society. These initiatives include grants awarded by the Ministry of Economic Development, subsidies to regional governments that encourage civic activity, and tax privileges for NGOs.

Why is the Kremlin simultaneously attacking civil society and promoting it? As two sociologists from Moscows Higher School of Economics write in a forthcoming paper, its almost as if the left hand of the government doesnt know what the right hand is doing.

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In fact, though, the Kremlin knows precisely what its doing. Upon closer inspection, both the repressive and the supportive sides of the strategy are pursuing the same goal: To neutralize the power of civil society and keep it under the states watchful eye.

State support for nonprofit organizations is, of course, not inherently nefarious. As a matter of fact, governments are the largest funders of nonprofits in most democracies. But Russia, where there is little homegrown charitable giving, and where the government has choked off the flow of foreign funds, NGOs that accept government funding become much more dependent on its whims. Thats why the Kremlins support of Russian civil society is no less harmful than its suppressive legislation.

The Ministry of Economic Development is the states main instrument for channeling funds to civic organizations, either through direct grants or through regional governments. These initiatives were launched in 2009, although the funding level was, at first, negligible, it increased over the next few years, particularly in the wake of the mass demonstrations against electoral fraud that rattled the Kremlin in the winter of 2011-2012. This year, over $112 million were allocated to civic groups from the federal budget, triple the 2012 figure.

The ministry restricts its support to one segment of the nonprofit sector  the so-called socially oriented NGOs, which includes groups working on such issues as patriotic education, financial assistance for low-income families, and public health. This selectivity is no accident. In Russia, organizations working in these areas are careful to represent themselves as being outside of politics and typically refrain from criticizing the regime (when theyre not openly praising it). As a result, theyre not viewed by the government as a threat. It is no surprise, then, that the list of the ministrys grant recipients contains no groups that work in human rights, environmental issues, corruption, or in any other sphere where their work would entail holding the government accountable for its misdeeds.

Even so, many activists have greeted the ministrys support program with enthusiasm, believing that it would not only enable them to keep providing vital services, but also bolster Russian civil society as a whole. They viewed the social sector as a kind of sanctuary where civil initiative, trust, and participation  indispensable qualities for building a vigorous civil society  could be cultivated without being cut down by the regime.

That would be true  if only the funds came without strings attached. Unfortunately, they do not. In the first place, every applicant for a grant knows that, in order to succeed, it is expected to demonstrate unconditional loyalty and total obedience to the governments policies. (It also helps if they have connections among the officials who are judging.) In addition, grants are given on an annual basis and only for particular projects selected by the ministry or by operators appointed by the presidents administration. Should an NGO step out of line by expressing dissent or working with foreign agents, its funding would be choked off. Needless to say, given the lack of other funding sources, this often means a complete shutdown.

Under such conditions, the governments assistance becomes little more than a tool to manipulate the non-profit sector. Officials determine which projects are allowed and which are not, forcing NGOs to focus only on permitted issues while ignoring topics that could unveil the regimes malfeasance and corruption. At the end of the day, in the fight for their survival, most NGOs prefer to cultivate a good relationship with officials rather than insisting on independence. Instead of fighting for the interests of Russian citizens and holding the government accountable, the nonprofit sector becomes almost a branch of the state, obediently fulfilling its instructions.

Another side effect of this scheme is that it amplifies division and polarization within the nonprofit sector. The foreign agents law began splitting NGOs in two antagonistic groups  the foreign agents (that is, those who challenge the government or its policies) and the patriots. The governments selective financial assistance deepen this schism. By privileging certain groups and neglecting others, the Kremlin sends a message to the public about which are legitimate and which are not.

Its no wonder that the socially oriented NGOs, which depend on government funding to survive, strive to avoid any contact with the marginalized groups. For example, according to a representative of Bellona-Murmansk, a environmental organization, almost all of the organizations long-time partners shied away after it was designated a foreign agent. Anton Pominov, head of Transparency International Russia, which was also blacklisted, said that some of his organizations potential partners abandoned several planned projects because, as they said, were afraid. Only a small number of organizations  mostly human rights groups  protested against the repressive inspections imposed on their colleagues. In fact, citing the need for security, many NGOs have come out in support of the governments restrictive laws.

Russian civil society has never had it easy  but today, the situation is as bad as its been since the Soviet collapse. Whats more, while the governments aggressive crackdown attracts the attention of the international media and foreign governments, its ostensible support doesnt raise any suspicion. But its important to understand that punishing one segment of the non-profit sector while privileging another enables the Kremlin to deprive NGOs of their independence while also conveying a distorted picture of civil society to the Russian public. By delegitimizing the political dimension of civil society, Vladimir Putin is able to suppress one of the key sources of opposition to his rule and thereby to secure his grip on power.

In the photo, protesters carry a banner that reads No Maidan  No War! during a patriotic rally in central Moscow on February 21, 2014.

Photo credit: DMITRY SERERYAKOV/AFP/Getty Images
Ever since Kim Kardashian got robber in her Paris apartment on October 3, these are the major developments that have taken place.

By India Today Web Desk: A high-profile celeb like Kim K getting robbed inside a private apartment--that too in Paris--came as a rude shock to everyone.

Five masked men held the concierge of the apartment building to gun point to enter the building, reached up to Kim's room, held her at gunpoint, tied her hands and ankles with zip-ties and duct tape and threw her into the bath tub. During the commotion, the only thing Kim could understand was that the men were looking for a ring in particular--which she guessed was her Lorraine Schwartz engagement ring worth USD 4 million. The reality TV star told the men where the ring was lying, so they could be done with it and leave her apartment. The robbers fled with a total of 13 items, worth USD 5.6 million (including the ring), reports TMZ.

Kim's USD 4 million Lorraine Schwartz engagement ring. Picture courtesy: Instagram/kimkardashian

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Ever since the robbery, Kim, husband Kanye, and the rest of the Kardashian family has not been active on social media. Here's what else has happened in the meantime:

1. The thieves dropped a necklace on the way out

The thieves who robbed Kim in Paris dropped a necklace on their way out of the hotel, TMZ reports. A passerby noticed it in the street the next day; the police are hoping they'd be able to pull DNA from the piece to help identify the robbers. The necklace in question, a diamond cross, is worth USD 33,000.

The cross necklace (bigger one) that the robbers supposedly dropped on the way out. Picture courtesy: Instagram/kimkardashian

2. Kim sued media house over claims of her faking the robbery

Kim Kardashian, on getting back to the US, has sued the website, MediaTakeOut.com, and its owner, Fred Mwangaguhunga, for a libel over three of their posts that claimed that Kim had faked her Paris robbery and then committed insurance fraud.

Kim's attorney, Andrew Brettler, said in the complaint that MediaTakeOut.com "claimed, without any factual support whatsoever, that Kardashian faked the robbery, lied about the violent assault, and then filed a fraudulent claim with her insurance company to bilk her carrier out of millions of dollars."

3. Kim is "not doing that well" ever since the incident

In a recent interview with Ellen DeGeneres, Kim's sister Khloe has come forth to say that Kim's not doing great ever since the traumatic experience. "It's incredibly traumatic what happened to her, but our family is super close and great and we'll get through it together. We do appreciate all of your guys' love and support. It will take time. It was horrible what happened to her. I think it's just a wake-up call to make a lot of life adjustments," Khloe said, when asked by Ellen about the Kardashians' having refrained from social media of late. "This is a really serious matter and for Kim, I think it's really personal as to when--that emotional terror--you could move on from that. I think for us it's all a wake-up call for all of us, but definitely just to make sure that our sister's okay."



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BERLIN (Reuters) - Volkswagen's works council chief said the company could cut up to 25,000 staff over the next decade as older workers retire to help the carmaker achieve cost-cuts needed to revive the VW brand. The German group's top executives have been in talks with works council leaders representing VW staff since June in an attempt to agree cost savings to fund the carmaker's post-dieselgate shift to electric vehicles. Volkswagen is under pressure to make cuts at high-cost operations in Germany to fund this transformation, while still grappling with billions in costs for its emissions scandal. Waiting for staff to retire is a more attractive option for VW workers than actual layoffs. "We have the huge benefit of the baby boomer age groups," VW labour boss Bernd Osterloh told Handelsblatt on Wednesday in remarks confirmed by the works council. "That's why we can also say the jobs of VW workers are safe." Volkswagen has said tens of thousands of staff from the 1950s and 1960s baby boomer generation will come up for retirement in coming years. VW declined to comment on Osterloh's 25,000 target, which would represent about a fifth of the company's workforce in Germany. Analysts said the cost savings from staff cuts of up to 25,000 would be a solid start, but must be accompanied by a reduction in purchasing costs and R&D spending to ensure a turnaround of the carmaker's operations. "VW has no choice but to bring down costs massively if it wants to put its business on a sound footing," Evercore ISI analyst Arndt Ellinghorst said. VW must achieve cost savings of about 22 billion euros ($24.64 billion) globally in coming years, three quarters of which must be invested in its transformation, said Ellinghorst, who has a "buy" recommendation on the stock. Ellinghorst also said VW could reap up to 2.5 billion euros by moving workers into early retirement, a "massive" gain for the VW brand which may only make operating profit of about 2 billion euros in 2016 after 2.1 billion in 2015. There appears to be common ground on opting for retirement to cut staff, two sources at VW familiar with the talks said on Wednesday, but VW management and the workers were at odds over other issues. Management wants to trim back white-collar staff which account for about two thirds of Wolfsburg's 60,000 jobs including administration, R&D, sales and marketing, one of the sources said. But workers are angry about management attempts to outsource services such as plant security, IT support and catering at a division in Wolfsburg, they said. Workers also oppose moves to scrap a longstanding practice of allowing foremen to switch to higher-paid non-production jobs, the sources said. VW declined to comment. Osterloh, seeking to raise pressure on management, has invited workers and executives to a special staff conference on Oct. 20 in Wolfsburg to brief the rank and file on the talks, which are due to be concluded in November. ($1 = 0.8928 euros) (Reporting by Andreas Cremer; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell and Jane Merriman)
From Esquire

I, for one, miss the journalistic je ne sais quoi that Larry King once brought to USA Today, so, in that spirit, let us continue.

ITEM!

It seems that the "Rose, remember what I told you about the lifeboats" conference call that Speaker Paul Ryan conducted with his caucus was a bit more of a shambles than we were led to believe, according to The New York Times, anyway.

One of the conservatives, Representative Dana Rohrabacher of California, attacked the Republicans stepping away from Mr. Trump as "cowards," three lawmakers said. Another, Representative Trent Franks of Arizona, said, using graphic language to describe abortion, that allowing Mrs. Clinton into the White House would end with fetuses being destroyed "limb from limb." Trying to quiet the uproar, Mr. Ryan interjected after about 45 minutes to assure members that he was not withdrawing his endorsement of Mr. Trump, but rather doing what he felt was in the best interests of the House.

Here, with a comment is Mr. S.L. Clemens of Hannibal, Missouri.

Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress; but I repeat myself.

ITEM!

On Monday, hard on the heels of the 1950s pulp novel that he created out of the second presidential debate, Donald Trump went to Pennsylvania and held a rally that would have had Leni Riefenstahl musing, "Ach du lieber! This is too much." The Philadelphia Inquirer was there.

Monday afternoon, Trump told the crowd in Ambridge, "I'm going to fight for you," and criticized media coverage of a leaked video from 2005 in which he boasts of physically accosting women. He also accused former President Bill Clinton of "predatory behavior" against women. Trump repeated attacks Monday night that he made in the debate 24 hours earlier, promising to have a special prosecutor investigate Hillary Clinton if he wins, and questioning Clinton's private speech excerpts released by WikiLeaks. He also suggested that the election could be "stolen" in Philadelphia. "I just hear such reports about Philadelphia," he said. "We have to make sure this election is not stolen from us." There is no evidence that the election in Philadelphia is in any way threatened and city GOP officials have said suggestions of rigging in the 2012 presidential election are unfounded. The state Republican chairman, Rob Gleason, has said he does not fear election rigging in Philadelphia or anywhere in Pennsylvania. In an hour-long speech in Wilkes-Barre, Trump drew the loudest applause when attacking Clinton and the media. "They are so dishonest," Trump said of reporters covering the campaign. "Without the media, Hillary Clinton couldn't be elected dogcatcher." The crowd frequently burst into chants of "CNN sucks" - referencing Trump's criticism of a CNN focus group that determined he lost Sunday's debate against Clinton.

Story continues

He also took to the electric Twitter machine and paid Ryan back in full for not publicly withdrawing his endorsement of the candidate.

It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to. - Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2016

These "shackles" heretofore have not been obvious to the casual observer but, whatever you say, big guy. Go for the gold.

ITEM!

I don't even know where to go with this.

If the consequence of standing against Trump and for principles is indeed the election of Hillary Clinton, so be it. At least it is a moral, ethical choice. If she is elected, the world does not end.... Once elected, Hillary can be fought. Her tactics are blatant and juvenile, and battling her by means of political and procedural maneuvering or through the media , through public marches and online articles, all of that will be moral, worthy of man of principal. Her nominees can be blocked, her proposed laws voted down. The alternative does not offer a moral person the same opportunity. If one helps to elect an immoral man to the highest office, then one is merely validating his immorality, lewdness, and depravity. But it's OK, at least it is not her! Right??

No.

Isaiah in Palestine, hello!

The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them.

ITEM!

The Party of Lincoln is in shambles. The Party of Lincoln is in shambles because it allowed the likes of Dana Rohrerbacher and Trent Franks to become men of influence within it. The Party of Lincoln is in shambles because it bought into the quack economics and the dream of a new Gilded Age so beloved by the likes of Paul Ryan. The Party of Lincoln is in shambles because it allowed the growth of an Id so large and powerful that it just sat there, like a land mine in history, waiting for the right vulgar talking yam. The Party of Lincoln is in shambles because so many of the people in it took Glenn Beck seriously for so long and became so warped that they were easy marks for El Caudillo del Mar-A-Lago.

ITEM!

The Party of Lincoln is an elephant with a bullet in its brain, looking for a place to fall.

Click here to respond to this post on the official Esquire Politics Facebook page.

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BERLIN (Reuters) - Volkswagen may cut up to 2,500 jobs per year over 10 years by moving workers into early retirement, Handelsblatt reported on Wednesday, citing Bernd Osterloh, chief of the carmaker's influential works council.

Top management and labour leaders are locked in "tough" talks on future strategy and cost savings at the troubled VW brand, Osterloh said in an interview with the German business daily published on Wednesday.

Labour leaders, who hold about half the seats on VW's supervisory board, are seeking to avert outright dismissals at Europe's largest automaker and instead back voluntary steps to reduce headcount via early retirements, Handelsblatt said.

"The jobs of VW workers are safe," the newspaper quoted Osterloh as saying.

VW, grappling with the impact of its diesel emissions scandal, will also need to hire new staff in software development and mobility services, Osterloh said, without disclosing details.

(Reporting by Andreas Cremer; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)
A video, posted by a Syrian opposition media group on October 11, is described as showing a child worker at a shoe repair shop in a besieged, rebel-held neighborhood in Aleppo city. In this video, the child gives his name as Ahmad and says he is 11 years old. He says that his father is a prisoner in Damascus and that he works to support his family.

Ahmad says he doesnt go to school because of the shelling and adds that he would go back to school if schools reopen. He is tried of working on the machine and he is not happy in his life, he says.

A United Nations report from February 2016 said that at least four million Syrian children were out of school.

The scale of the crisis for children is growing all the time, which is why there are now such fears that Syria is losing a whole generation of its youth, said Dr Peter Salama, Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa for UNICEF. Credit: Qasioun News
Since Burundian President Pierre Nkurunziza announced plans last spring to run for a third term, the tiny East African country has been rocked by civil unrest. Close to 300,000 people have fled Burundi as refugees and, according to the U.N., some 500 people have been killed.

The Burundian government claims the third term does not violate the constitution; Nkurunzizas opponents say it does. Since the violence began last year, Burundi has repeatedly refused outside interference; state officials at first threatened to treat peacekeepers like an invading army. Then, this week, authorities blocked the arrival of three U.N. human rights investigators who were due to visit Burundi.

And on Wednesday, 94 of Burundis 110 national assembly lawmakers voted in favor of a plan to withdraw the country from the International Criminal Court. The decision was then unanimously approved by the senate, and now waits only for the presidents approval.

In a phone call Wednesday, Burundian Ambassador to Washington Ernest Ndabashinze told Foreign Policy that his government is very happy about that, because we have seen the ICC manipulated by some countries.

It sounds like the ICC was created just for Africans when there are other cases in the world, but no one is working on that, he said.

Since its creation in 1998, no nation has voted to withdraw itself from the ICC. But assuming Ndabashinze speaks for Nkurunzizas administration, it sounds like the president is prepared to give the legislation the green light.

Its in the past for us, the ambassador told FP on Wednesday. We are not a member of the ICC now.

The United States has repeatedly expressed concern about human rights in Burundi, where refugees have accused security forces of hunting down government opponents, executing them in the streets, then throwing their bodies in mass graves. Earlier this year, Amnesty International published satellite imagery they said indicates the existence of those graves  claims that the Burundian government has vehemently denied.

Story continues

On Wednesday, State Department spokesman John Kirby said at a press briefing that the United States is concerned by recent developments with regard to Burundis human rights situation, including the Burundian governments announced decision to proceed with legislation that would lead to withdrawal from the International Criminal Court.

Such a movewould isolate Burundi from its neighbors and the international community at a time when accountability, transparency, and engaged dialogue are most needed, Kirby said.

But the United States itself is not a member of the ICC. That point was not lost on Ndabashinze, who scoffed when asked whether Burundi sought U.S. advice on the court decision. How do you want us to consult the U.S. when the U.S. is not a member of the ICC? he asked.

Burundi is one of a number of African nations to express concern that the only ongoing cases at the ICC involve Africans, which they see as purposeful targeting of the continents leaders despite human rights violations taking place elsewhere. Ndabashinze told FP that while Burundi may be the first to vote to leave the ICC, the international community can expect other African nations to follow. According to the Associated Press, U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon would need to receive a letter from the Burundian government requesting to leave the court, and Burundi will not be able to leave until a year from the date that letter is received. Bans spokesman told the A.P. he has not yet received such a letter.

As for those banned human rights investigators? The three people had been decried as persona non grata, Ndabashinze said. Instead of making an investigation, they were there to advance regime change.

Photo credit: AFP / ONESPHORE NIBIGIRA
Learn more about the men and women who have run the ultimate political gauntlet in pursuit of the most powerful job on Earth by watching THE CONTENDERS - 16 FOR 16, a new TV series from OZY airing every Tuesday at 8 p.m. EST this fall on PBS.

One of the most consequential losers in American political history and the godfather of modern conservatism, Arizona Sen. Goldwater lost one of the most lopsided presidential elections in American history to President Lyndon Johnson in 1964. But Goldwaters message of small government would inspire generations of conservatives, and one of his biggest supporters, a former actor and California governor named Ronald Reagan, would help convert the philosophy into a successful strategy at the ballot box.

A handsome pilot, athlete and adventurer, Goldwater won a seat in the U.S. Senate in 1952 after just a few years on the Phoenix city council. In Washington, the author of the influential manifesto, The Conscience of a Conservative, built a loyal conservative following before challenging, and defeating, the ruling establishment of his party and its leader, New York Gov. Nelson Rockefeller, in the 1964 GOP primary.

In the general election that year, President Lyndon Johnsons campaign branded Goldwater as a radical, including via a new breed of television attack ads like the infamous Daisy spot, and Goldwater would lose 44 states. But the conservative icon would awake a sleeping conservative beast within the Republican party and shape his partys positions on limited government, taxes, and defense, paving the way for both Reagans presidency and the Gingrich revolution of the 1990s.

A successful actor, athlete and corporate spokesman, Reagan first entered the national political spotlight in 1964 when he gave his famous Time for Choosing speech in support of Goldwaters ill-fated campaign. After serving as governor of California, Reagan would launch his own unsuccessful presidential run in 1976. With his party still hurting from the Watergate scandal, Reagan boldly decided to challenge sitting president Gerald Ford. In one of the most hotly contested primaries in history, Reagan lost the first six contests before rallying to win enough delegates to prevent Ford from clinching the nomination outright.

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At the partys convention that August in Kansas City, Reagan would lose on the first ballot to Ford, but his inspirational, and impromptu, speech on the final night of the convention would cement his position as the head of the blossoming conservative movement within the party. Reagan would eventually win the presidency in 1980, holding office for two terms.

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'Rogue One' One Sheet

Today a new poster; tomorrow, the new trailer. That was the good news revealed by Rogue One: A Star Wars Story director Gareth Edwards on Wednesdays installment of Lucasfilms Star Wars Show.

The new clip, which will premiere on Good Morning America on ABC (which, like Lucasfilm, is part of the Disney empire), marks the third trailer for the upcoming film. An initial teaser arrived in April, introducing the hero, Jyn Erso (Felicity Jones), and her mission: steal the plans to the Death Star before it can render obsolete the burgeoning Rebellion.

The first full trailer followed in August, establishing the long odds facing Jyn Erso and giving a little more face time to her team: Captain Cassian Andor (Diego Luna); the reconditioned Imperial droid K-2SO (voiced by Alan Tudyk); old warrior Saw Gerrera (Forest Whitaker); the blind Force-wielding warrior Chirrut Imwe (Donnie Yen); his blaster-happy bestie Baze Malbus (Jiang Wen); and the teams gadget guru Bodhi Rook (Riz Ahmed). We also got good looks at the variety of Stormtroopers and imposing Imperial weaponry trying to prevent the theft, all under the stewarship of the steely Imperial officer Orson Krennic (Ben Mendelsohn). And, finally, we got a glimpse of the Emperors personal enforcer, Darth Vader, back in black for the film set just before the events of Star Wars: Episode IV  A New Hope.

Whats in store for the next (and presumably final) trailer? Perhaps well get better looks at some of the more exotic characters that have been glimpsed in the new Rogue One toys and behind-the-scenes footage, like the Mon Cal Admiral Raddus; the alien Rebel fighters Bistan, Pao, Moroff, and Two Tubes, and ; or the Imperial astromech C2-B5.

While we wait for the new clip, we decided to scour the latest poster for clues. Heres our annotated version you can print n save.

Annotated 'Rogue One'

And heres a clean version you can mark up on your own before Rogue One hits theaters on Dec. 16.
By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 12 (PTI) BJP today hit out at Lalu Prasad and dubbed him "mentally disturbed" after the RJD supremo credited his wife Rabri Devi with making the RSS shed its trademark khaki shorts and opt for brown trousers.

Union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy said Prasads remarks should not be taken seriously because he was "under pressure" in Bihar.

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"Lalus remarks cannot be taken seriously. He is enjoying there (in Bihar) with Nitish Kumar. Recently someone mentioned that he (Lalu) is like a four-legged throne on which Nitish Kumar is sitting. Therefore, there is a lot of pressure on him these days. He (Lalu) is mentally disturbed," he said.

Rudy, who hails from Bihar and is the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge), said he is in power in Bihar due to the prevailing situation and there is no need to comment much on his views.

Prasad had on twitter said yesterday, "We forced RSS to wear trouser. Rabri Devi had rightly said that they (RSS men) do not have wisdom. Elderly cadres roam freely wearing half pant without shame."

Rudy also condemned the killing of a BJP worker in Kunnoor in Kerala and blamed the ruling CPI-M regime there for the "rising atrocities" against BJP and RSS workers in the state. He also termed the matter as one of grave concerns.

"This is something which has been happening in Kerala for a very long time. In the state of Kerala, BJP has been suffering, the RSS has been suffering and it is said that the of present government (in Kerala) has been attacking the supporters of the BJP and the RSS.

"They are newly-elected (Kerala state government) but they should see that there is no violence there and a full investigation is done in the incident which has happened now," he said.

A 25-year-old BJP worker was today hacked to death allegedly by CPI(M) activists in the home town of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the politically sensitive Kannur district, less than 48 hours after the murder of a Marxist member. PTI RSN SKC TIR

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Anjelica Hayes, the owner of Fat Cupcake, poses for a picture with her father as they prepare to hand out cakes to the homeless population in Portland for their Piece of Cake project. (Photo: Fat Cupcake)

The owner of a Portland bakery that has been accused of racism because it offers an Oreo cupcake it calls Mr. President says the commotion is based on a misunderstanding that has spiraled out of control.

Anjelica Hayes, who is biracial, opened Fat Cupcake two years ago in Oregon City and named her new Oreo-based pastry Mr. President soon after. After the store opened a second location in southeast Portland last month, a Yelp reviewer accused Hayes of racism.

Very troubling. They were serving a cupcake called the Mr. President that had an Oreo cookie inside. When I tried to point out the racism implied, they claimed that our current president loves Oreos, the commenter wrote.

The story was picked up by the Oregonian newspaper on Monday and went viral by Wednesday  much to Hayes surprise.

Yahoo News reached out to Hayes to hear what went into her decision to name the cupcake, and how she feels about the attention it has attracted.

Hayes said that when she first opened her shop, she thought she could have some fun with the names of her creations, rather than describe them simply as vanilla cupcake with strawberry or salted caramel cupcake, for example.

I actually was with a friend at my house and said, Here we go. Lets name these cupcakes. We did it fast because we were tired, and all was well, she said in a phone interview with Yahoo News.

A couple of months later, they decided to create a white cupcake covered in cookies and cream frosting, with an Oreo cookie baked in the middle. After they tasted it, she said, they were confident it would become a bestseller, so they wanted to give it a special name that would call attention to its exceptional quality.

The first idea that occurred to Hayes was Tuxedo, because a lot of off-brand Oreos are called Tuxedos, but the store already had a Suit & Tie cupcake.

Whats another job/position that you would hold where you would wear a very fancy suit? she recalled asking her staff. When they answered that it would suit the occupant of the Oval Office, she said, she came up with the name Mr. President.

Story continues

The Mr. President cupcake at Fat Cupcake in Portland was renamed The Professional after a Yelp reviewer accused the shop of racism. (Photo: Fat Cupcake)

My only thought was: This will represent how elite the presidents office is, Hayes said. I never even considered or thought about it trying to refer to any specific president whatsoever.

Shortly after its debut at the Oregon City location, nearly two years ago, the Mr. President cupcake became a hit on the Fat Cupcake menu. After the fact, a customer informed her that President Obamas favorite cookies are Oreos, which, she said, seemed like a happy coincidence.

According to Hayes, it was only when the shop was accused of racism on Yelp that the controversy erupted. Oreo is sometimes used as a derogatory term for a black person who is considered to have adopted white behavior or values.

Hayes unequivocally rejected the notion that her cupcake had anything to do with race and immediately reached out to the reviewer to provide her contact information and put the matter to rest, she said.

Racism is something that never even crossed my mind. I see everyone the same, she said.

To avoid another misunderstanding, she said, the bakery decided to rename the cupcake The Professional temporarily. We would never want someone to get the impression or have the idea that for some reason we would try to insinuate anything that would be disrespectful, she added.

The same Yelp reviewer also noted that Fat Cupcake had a cupcake with blue icing and cream filling called The Intern, implying that the name had been inspired by the blue dress worn by Monica Lewinsky when she was an intern at the White House and was involved with President Bill Clinton.

Hayes pointed out that the cupcake in question has white vanilla frosting drizzled with caramel and that the reviewer must have confused it with another one. I just had no idea what he was referring to, she said. I just didnt get it. I didnt understand what he was insinuating, so I had to ask someone.

She said the attention has been overwhelming and that shes been misquoted elsewhere. Some publications have written that she claimed she could not be racist because she is black.

That isnt what I said, Hayes objected. I just said coming from a biracial family, weve never seen race as anything, we always see people, we never see different skin colors. That was the correlation I was bringing in there, she said. Unfortunately, anyone, no matter what skin color you are, can be racist.

Hayes also said that some articles have referred to several critical reviews on Yelp, but that there was only one  that is, until the story went viral. In subsequent reviews, she said, people claimed to have eaten cupcakes with names like Bill Clinton or Benghazi, which, she said, have never been on the menu at her stores.

Hayes says she is now trying to look at the silver lining. She said she would be thrilled if President Obama could sample one of the stores cupcakes as a result of the furor, so that she could explain that no disrespect was intended.

That just blows my mind. I do think that if someone gives you lemons, you want to make lemonade out of it. Thankfully, people have been supportive and said, We never thought you meant any disrespect. We certainly didnt.

Right now, Hayes and her father, who is black, are focused on their Piece of Cake movement, in which they lead volunteers around Portland to give away cupcakes to the local homeless population.

Our goal at the end of the day is to serve the community, she said. Our hope was that we could bring attention to what our desire is in serving the community and really making a difference. Were hoping that through the midst of this all that there will at least be a few more people that would be challenged to say, Hey, what can I do? and How can I invest in those around me?
Mexico City (AFP) - A website documenting notorious cases of human rights abuses in Mexico was launched Tuesday but activists voiced concern that the authorities withheld a trove of documents, pictures and videos.

The website, www.memoriayverdad.mx, is a project by the Iberoamericana University, three non-governmental organizations and the governmental national transparency institute, or INAI.

After a year of work, the website documents 14 cases that have marked Mexican history, including the army's deadly repression of student protesters in 1968, the massacre of 72 migrants by a drug cartel in 2010, and the disappearance of 43 students at the hands of corrupt police in 2014.

The INAI managed to declassify some information.

But academics and activists complained that the institute did not pressure the government to declassify more information and that it decided last week to withhold information it had previously committed to making public.

"The system of access to public information in Mexico has not worked to guarantee the right to the truth," said Denise Gonzalez, director of the human rights program at the Iberoamericana University.

Ana Cristina Ruelas, regional director of the media rights group Article 19, said the INAI "is afraid and is "part of the political system of secrecy."

INAI president Ximena Puente defended her institute, saying it also has the "delicate" responsibility of protecting "personal data."
Lyle Denniston, Constitution Dailys Supreme Court correspondent, looks at the connection between two cases accepted by the Supreme Court on Tuesday and a landmark decision in 1971 about the right to sue federal officials.

courtfreize535

Almost 51 years after federal narcotics agents humiliated Webster Bivens in front of his family after entering his Brookyn, N.Y., apartment without a warrant (and later strip-searched him in a federal courthouse), the Supreme Court is going to look deeply into the constitutional revolution he set off, and may actually shut it down, or come near to doing so.

Bivens is one of those historic figures who has given their names to a massive victory in the Supreme Court, but he also is one who did not get much out of it personally. Bivens finally settled his $15,000 damages claim against those narcotics agents for $1,000 (his version) or $500 (the agents recollection). But he did set off a half-century of pondering by the Supreme Court of one of those ultimate questions of law: Does every constitutional violation deserve a remedy?

The last time the court allowed anyone to seek the remedy that Bivens had gained was in 1980. It has repeatedly denied it in various situations since then, and has several times told lower courts to approach with great caution any plea to allow it in any new setting.

On Tuesday afternoon, the court reopened what might be called the Bivens question, in two new cases. In one, a long-running controversy over actions taken by top federal officials in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, that question is the central one. In the other, a plea by two Mexican parents for a right to sue a U.S. Border Patrol agent who shot across the border and killed their teen-age son while he played with his pals, the court itself added that question to the case.

The two cases have the potential for a major new statement by the court, perhaps an attempt to put the Bivens remedy so far out of reach that it would become, in essence if not in specific terms, a constitutional nullity.

Story continues

Heres the background.

After the narcotics agents manhandling of Webster Givens in 1965 (for a narcotics crime that never was prosecuted), he wrote out his own lawsuit, seeking $15,000 in damages. He had no real legal basis for the claim, in fact. While state and local officials can be sued for damages for violating someones civil rights, Congress has never created such a remedy against federal officials.

But, in the Supreme Courts 1971 decision in Bivens v. Six Unknown Narcotics Agents (a misnomer, because there apparently were only five), individuals were given a right to sue federal officials personally, based on claims that those officials did something outside of their normal duties that denied an individuals constitutional rights.

While the Constitution does not, in so many words, authorize such a direct constitutional claim, the court majority said it was implied, on the theory (traced back to Chief Justice John Marshall) that there should be a remedy for such violations. Lawsuits would point out a part of the Constitution that guaranteed a right (in Bivens case, the Fourth Amendment ban on unreasonable searches and seizures), and offer facts to prove it was violated.

Only two times after that, in 1979 and 1980, would the court allow an extension of that principle. In the 1979 case of Davis v. Passman, the court allowed a damages lawsuit against a member of Congress for sexually harassing a female aide. (For Davis, the court said, it is damages or nothing.). In the 1980 case of Carlson v. Green, the court allowed a damages lawsuit against federal prison guards for cruel and unusual punishment in violation of the Eighth Amendment.

In the 9/11 terrorism investigation case that the court has now agreed to review, six foreign nationals have been trying to get a court to assess money damages against former Attorney General John D. Ashcroft, former FBI Director Robert Mueller, the former federal immigration commissioner, and two wardens at a federal detention facility in Brooklyn, N.Y.

The foreign nationals were among 84 individuals who had been taken into custody (part of the total of 762 rounded up during the post-9/11 investigation) and were kept for months under severely punishing conditions at the detention center in Brooklyn. They do not contest their arrest, focusing instead on the policy under which individuals like them would be held in harsh conditions until federal officials could be persuaded that they were not terrorists. After being deported, some of them, through their lawyers, sued for damages based on claims  among others  of discrimination and due process violations.

A federal appeals court, the Second Circuit, based in New York, allowed their lawsuit to go forward, at least on the claims of bias and due process violations. The Circuit Court majority got around the Supreme Courts admonition not to create a new Bivens remedy by concluding that these claims fit within traditional constitutional protections.

That is the outcome the court has now agreed to review. However, it could be that there will only be six Justices (the minimum necessary) available to decide the case, because Justices Elena Kagan and Sonia Sotomayor have disqualified themselves  apparently based on prior roles that somehow were connected to this long-running lawsuit. The court, perhaps, granted review in the expectation that, by the time a hearing is held, there would be a ninth Justice who could join in the ruling.

(This case is actually a sequel to a 2009 ruling by the court in the case of another foreign national who sought, unsuccessfully, to sue Ashcroft and other federal officials for similar claims. The court at that time found the claim wanting in evidence of wrongdoing.)

In the case of the shooting death of a Mexican youth (a case in which the Mexican government is supporting the parents right to sue), the court on Monday agreed to review the case. In doing so, however, it told the lawyers on both sides to come prepared to argue whether the parents do qualify for a right to seek a Bivens remedy. Before the court added that question, the parents were seeking a ruling that the Constitution extends its guarantees of rights across the border into a foreign nation.

The Supreme Court previously has frowned on such applications of the Constitution, but apparently may have been persuaded by the Mexican governments involvement at least to look into the case. The Bivens question, though, could well spell doom for the parents plea. At least it was an ominous sign.

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.

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New York (AFP) - Embattled Wells Fargo chairman and CEO John Stump has retired with immediate effect following a sham accounts scandal, the San Francisco bank announced Wednesday.

Stumps departure from the US commercial and retail banking giant capped mounting public outrage after the bank admitted last month that employees had opened millions of deposit and credit card accounts in customers' names without their knowledge in order to meet sales quotas.

Lawmakers in Washington had called for Stumpf's resignation, repeatedly castigating him in public hearings for stealing from customers and pressuring low-level employees to meet unrealistic sales targets, all while touting the results to investors.

"While I have been deeply committed and focused on managing the company through this period, I have decided it is best for the company that I step aside," Stumpf said in a statement.

Stumpf had said publicly in mid-September that he would not resign.

The bank last month settled with US regulators and the City of Los Angeles for about $190 million in fines and restitution, a sum that did not reflect the magnitude of the scandal's effect on the bank, which has seen officials in Illinois and California suspend ties with it.

Wells Fargo announced last month that Stumpf would forfeit $41 million in compensation and receive no bonus for the year.

The bank told AFP on Wednesday that Stumpf would also not receive any severance payment.

Stumpf will be succeeded as CEO by president and chief operating officer Tim Sloan, a 29 year veteran of the company.

"My immediate and highest priority is to restore trust in Wells Fargo," Sloan said in a statement.

"We will work tirelessly to build a stronger and better Wells Fargo for generations to come."

Stephen Sanger, Wells Fargo's lead director, will serve as the board's non-executive chairman.

Wells Fargo shares rose 2.1 percent in after hours trade following the announcement.

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The activist organization Public Citizen noted Wednesday that, while the bank had fired more than 5,000 employees accused of wrongdoing, Stumpf was allowed to retire.

"Those fired employees didn't receive golden parachutes and CEO John Stumpf shouldn't either," the organization's president Robert Weissman said in a statement, calling for federal authorities to press ahead with criminal probes.

"Americans are beyond sick and tired of big banks and their executives escaping accountability."

Stumpf's ouster represents a scalp for the bank's critics on Capitol Hill. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who has campaigned for stronger oversight of the US financial sector, accused him of "gutless leadership" and calling on him to step aside.

Stumpf had been with the company for more than three decades, having joined Norwest Bank in 1982 prior to its merger with Wells Fargo.

He became CEO in 2007 on the eve of the financial crisis. But he leaves the bank in a difficult state. Prior to the scandal, Wells Fargo had been the world's largest bank by market value. But shares in the company have fallen more than 9 percent following the September settlement, closing Wednesday at $45.32 in New York.
Several Western governments have called for the release of a Vietnamese activist jailed this week for "anti-state propaganda", urging greater freedoms in the authoritarian nation criticised for silencing critics.

Rights activist and blogger Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, more commonly known as Me Nam which means "Mother Mushroom", was detained Monday as she visited a fellow dissident in jail in southern Nha Trang city.

Quynh, whose critical Facebook posts have included articles about civilians reportedly dying in police custody, was accused of distorting truth and history, defaming the Communist Party and provoking anti-state violence, according to the Ministry of Public Security's official newspaper.

Her arrest comes after the appeal trials of two other bloggers in recent weeks, one whose sentence was upheld and another whose prison term was reduced by one year.

The United States, the European Union and Britain all called for her release.

"This trend threatens to overshadow Vietnam's progress on human rights," US Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius said in a statement Wednesday.

"The United States calls on Vietnam to release these individuals and all other prisoners of conscience, and to allow all individuals in Vietnam to express their political views online and offline without fear of retribution."

EU Ambassador Bruno Angelet also called for Quynh to be freed, saying in a statement Tuesday that her "arrest goes against Vietnam's international and domestic human rights obligations".

British Ambassador Giles Lever echoed the call, expressing "his deep concern at this development".

Last month, a Vietnamese court upheld prominent blogger Nguyen Huu Vinh's five-year sentence, as well as the three-year jail term of his assistant Nguyen Thi Minh Thuy.

Weeks later, 50-year-old blogger Nguyen Dinh Ngoc had his sentence reduced from four years to three.

They are among scores of dissidents in jail in the one-party state where private media is banned and where critics are regularly subject to arbitrary arrest and detention.

Quynh, a member of the independent Network of Vietnamese Bloggers, was awarded the 2015 Civil Rights Defender of the Year by a Sweden-based international advocacy group.

She is accused of violating Article 88 of the criminal code, which rights groups have said is vaguely worded and used to silence dissent. The charge carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.
(New throughout, adds comments from executive, adds dateline)

MONTEVIDEO, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Real estate investment trust Weyerhaeuser Co said on Wednesday it was exploring strategic alternatives, including a possible sale, for its timberlands and manufacturing operations in Uruguay.

The Uruguay operations include more than 300,000 acres of timberlands in northeastern and north central Uruguay, a plywood and veneer manufacturing facility, a cogeneration facility and a seedling nursery, the company said.

"This is a strategic revision with various possibilities: one is a sale but another is maintaining operations just as they are today," the company's South America Director Alvaro Molinari told Reuters.

Weyerhaeuser has been restructuring its business since it bought Plum Creek Timber Co Inc in February, combining the two largest owners of timberland in the United States.

Since then, Weyerhaeuser has said it would sell its pulp business to International Paper Co for $2.2 billion and its liquid packaging unit to Nippon Paper Industries Co Ltd for about $285 million.

Weyerhaeuser said this month it would sell its North Pacific paper unit to private company One Rock Capital Partners LLC.

Molinari said the business has recovered since the 2007-09 world financial crisis.

"We are in a challenging year but there have also been opportunities," he said. "From the market point of view, we have hit the bottom and we are now starting to rebound."

He said more than 90 percent of Weyerhaeuser's output in Uruguay is exported, mostly to the United States and Mexico.

(Reporting by Anet Josline Pinto in Bengaluru and Malena Castaldi in Montevideo; editing by Sriraj Kalluvila and David Gregorio)
Diamond Offshore Drilling, Inc. DO recently declared that its customer BP plc, BP has it informed it that BP will discontinue drilling campaign in the Great Australian Bight.



In 2013, Diamond Offshore Drilling received a contract for one of its harsh environment ultra-deepwater semisubmersible, the Ocean GreatWhite, from BP for the Great Australian Bight campaign of the latter.



In spite of its decision to discontinue drilling activities in the Great Australian Bight, BP has assured that its decision will not affect Diamond Offshore Drilling's rig contract. Currently, both Diamond Offshore Drilling and BP are exploring alternative locations for the Ocean GreatWhite.



Ocean GreatWhite is a new Moss CS60E design semisubmersible drilling rig. Diamond Offshore Drilling engaged Hyundai Heavy Industries to build the rig, which is specifically designed for use in deep water and harsh marine environments.



Diamond Offshore Drilling is a major contract driller that provides comprehensive offshore drilling services to the global energy industry. The companys drilling fleet of 32 consists of 23 semi-submersibles (of which one is under construction), five jackups and four dynamically-positioned drillships. The companys rigs operate in South America, Australia and Southeast Asia, the Middle East, Europe, East and West Africa, the Mediterranean, and the Gulf of Mexico.

DIAMOND OFFSHOR Price

DIAMOND OFFSHOR Price | DIAMOND OFFSHOR Quote

Diamond Offshore Drilling remains in good financial health and has a track record of disciplined capital outlays and financial conservatism. Diamond Offshore Drilling mostly stresses on operational performance to enable it to survive the prolonged downturn in the oil and gas industry.



The company aims to increase its footprint in emerging markets (such as Brazil, Australia and West Africa) to reap benefits from the recent discoveries of deepwater fields. Also, the gradual improvement in the Gulf of Mexico drilling market (especially after the deepwater drilling ban was lifted), along with better bidding activity, will prove beneficial for a contract drilling company like Diamond Offshore Drilling.



Currently, Diamond Offshore carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell). Some better-ranked players from the energy sector include Enviva Partners, LP EVA and W&T Offshore Inc WTI. All of these stocks sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.



Enviva Partners has a mixed earnings surprise history. The partnership posted positive earnings surprise in two of the last four quarters. It reported a positive earnings surprise of 20.51% in the preceding quarter.



W&T Offshore posted a positive earnings surprise of 29.85% in the preceding quarter. It reported a positive earnings surprise in all of the four preceding quarters.



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Actor Jyothika returned to silver screen after a six-year-long hiatus with 36 Vayathinile. Now, her next film is titled Magalir Mattum, which will have the Mozhi actor playing a documentary filmmaker.

By India Today Web Desk: Actor Jyothika's next Tamil film, which will have the Mozhi actor playing a documentary filmmaker, has been titled Magalir Mattum. Notably, the title has been borrowed from an eponymous yesteryear Tamil hit which was produced by actor-filmmaker Kamal Haasan.



ALSO READ: Pulimurugan movie review- Mohanlal's film is ambitious, but falls flat

ALSO READ: Rekka movie review- Vijay Sethupathi's film doesn't take flight

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ALSO READ: Remo movie review- Sivakarthikeyan's film has rich visuals and CHEAP content



Jyothika's husband Suriya has jointly produced the new film with Christy Pictures.



In a statement issued on Wednesday, Suriya thanked Kamal Haasan for parting with the title.

An elated Suriya took to Twitter and shared the first look poster of the film.



Dear all ! Jo's next #MagalirMattum directed by @bramma23 ! A feel good entertainer !! pic.twitter.com/AWCjH539YH Suriya Sivakumar (@Suriya_offl) October 11, 2016

Directed by Bramma of Kutram Kadithal fame, the film is a women-centric drama, which also stars Bhanupriya, Saranya Ponvannan and Urvashi in important roles.

Ghibran has been roped in to compose the tunes for the film and more than half of which has already been shot.

Last seen on screen in a comeback role in 2015 Tamil drama 36 Vayathinile, Jyothika has resumed acting full-time.



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Photo: Natalie Roe

A group of women on Wednesday formed a human wall blocking the exits and entrances of Trump Tower in New York City. The group used the hashtags #GOPHandsOffMe and #TrumpVsAllOfUs to amplify their demonstration.

It was the second day of protest in a row led by #AllOfUs, a group of multiracial women who also staged a sit-in in the lobby of the Republican National Committees headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Yong Jung Cho, 26, is one of the founders of #AllOfUs and was at both protests.

This morning outside of Trump Tower in New York City, about 60 women formed a human wall to demand that Republican leadership un-endorse Donald Trump. Its no surprise [what was said by Trump in the Access Hollywood tape leaked on Friday]  Donald Trump has been saying things like this throughout his campaign and his entire life in the public eye: racist, xenophobic, and sexist comments that hes been bragging about as well, Cho tells Yahoo Beauty. And Republican Party leadership needs to take responsibility for supporting and continuing to endorse him.

Cho adds that the experience has been amazing so far. I think the fact that both of these events were led by a multiracial group of women is the key. This response to Trumps hateful comments, and dangerous comments, is a conversation around the previous racist comments made by Trump, she says. Its important and felt really inspiring to be surrounded by other women of color, a multiracial group of women, to talk about the disgusting and dangerous things Trump has said in terms of misogynistic and racist comments.

Cho says she felt incredible support from bystanders at Wednesdays protest, and many of those passing by would stop to cheer on the group. Toward the end of their protest, she says, one woman came to the front of the line with her daughter and commented on how important she thinks it is for mothers, and for everybody, to be taking action against Trump right now.

Natalie Green, 24, is also involved in the leadership of #AllOfUs2016 and was one of the lead organizers of the sit-in on Tuesday in Washington. She tells Yahoo Beauty that the protest at the RNC headquarters was in response not just to the Trump tapes that came out on Friday but to Trumps entire campaign of racist, sexist, and xenophobic rhetoric over the past year and a half.

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Photo: Waleed Shahid

Green believes that millennial women like herself are standing up and taking action during this years election because young people know they have the opportunity to put their voice into the political system. We constantly read articles about what millennials are thinking, that they dont care about politics, that theyre lazy  we want to push that narrative. Were really passionate about this election, and as a generation, were frustrated with Trumps campaign of hate.

In Washington on Tuesday, Green says that the response she and her fellow protesters received was mixed. When we first went into the RNC headquarters, there was a security who was honestly pretty aggressive, she recounts. He was pulling people out of the lobby area  physically pushing people, grabbing arms, pulling.

RNC staffers, she recalls, made a point to use alternate entrances into the building to avoid their protest once word spread about it. One staffer who did enter through the main lobby flicked us off, Green says.

Those passing by, however, were very supportive. Green says many people stopped to take photos with them and that a lot of women, and mothers with daughters especially, were nodding in agreement with what we were doing as they walked by. It really shows how Trumps rhetoric is hurting so many people in this country.

Which is why millennial women activists like Green and Cho arent stopping their work any time soon.

The way America looks right now is very different than how it looked 20 years ago and how it will look 20 years from now, says Green. We are looking forward  we know were becoming more diverse and progressive as a country, and we want to make sure our political system includes us in its policy-making. She adds, Seeing progressive young people who look like me is so important  for other little black children and other little black girls, especially  to see.

I am really excited about the power of our generation, echoes Cho. I know there is incredible strength in women.

Lets keep in touch! Follow Yahoo Beauty on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.




This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) presented new data that reveals the health benefits of taxes on sugary drinks, prompting the agency to encourage countries to consider taxes as a tool to combat obesity rates.

By raising taxes 20 percent on sugar-laden beverages like soda and juice drinks, countries could see a proportionate decrease in consumption, says WHO. Taxes on drinks that are high in calories and sugar have been a hot topic among researchers who seeking effective ways to reduce the rising numbers of obese adults and children worldwide.

If governments tax products like sugary drinks, they can reduce suffering and save lives," says Dr. Douglas Bettcher, director of the WHOs Department for the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases, in a statement. "They can also cut healthcare costs and increase revenues to invest in health services.

Several countries have already taken a fiscal approach towards slimming down their citizens. In 2012, France introduced a tax nationwide on sugar-sweetened drinks, which decreased consumption after years of growth in the soda industry. During 2014, Mexico instated a tax increase of 10% on sugary beverages, which has resulted in a 6 percent decline of soda sales nation-wide.

America has seen mixed results in health-related food taxes though. Attempts to pass one in New York City were met with fierce opposition, while a successfully passed tax in Berkeley, California failed to produce positive results. This June however, Philadelphia became the second major U.S. city to pass a soda tax, which will go into effect on January 1, 2017.
The beat pounds. A woman steps onto the catwalk, knifing the air with her hands. The crowd screams and roars. This is voguing: raw, aggressive  and queer.

If you think this is just a fashion show, think again. Ball culture roared out of the Harlem dance scene from the 1960s onward. In the first half of the 20th century, the Manhattan neighborhood led the evolution of mainstream Black dance from ragtime to swing. But the ballroom scene  built by people looking for home amid the turmoil of the civil rights movement  quickly took on its own, exclusive life for transgender women, gay men and drag queens.

If youve ever thrown shade with underhanded compliments, verbally destroyed someone by reading them or screamed yas queen!, you have ballroom to thank.

Forget what you think you know about drag for a minute. Unlike the incarnations on RuPauls Drag Race, the ballroom scene wasnt made for straight, white audiences. First and foremost, this was about choosing ones family. In the 1970s and 80s, at ballrooms tucked around New York, young Black and Latinx (gender-neutral for Latino and Latina) LGBT people gathered to walk down catwalks and vogue their way into a new life. People dressed in drag or as themselves in ways they couldnt get away with outside the hall. Balls themselves were all about looking and being the embodiment of fierce, with performers facing off to out-vogue, out-insult and generally outdo one another.

Dedicated performers became part of the house system  a strict, carefully structured family run by mothers and fathers who enforced the rules, took care of their children and kept everyone looking fabulous. Houses were their own closely guarded tribes, named after choreographers, designers and models.

Gettyimages 169492552

The Life Ball 2013 after-show party in Vienna.

Source Thomas Niedermueller / Getty

The 1990 documentary Paris Is Burning was the first glimpse many outsiders had into the world of underground ball culture. One famous house mother, Peppa LaBeija, of the House of LaBeija, turned briefly philosophical for the camera about her children: When someone has rejection from their mother and father, their family, when they get out in the world, they search, she explained in the film. Because their real parents gave them such a hard way to go, they look up to me to fill that void.

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That same year, voguing went mainstream  or, more accurately, white. Madonna jumped into the scene with her hit Vogue, bringing the dance into the public eye. Ballroom style and language quickly followed voguing into the vernacular. If youve ever thrown shade with underhanded compliments, verbally destroyed someone by reading them or screamed yas queen!, you have ballroom to thank.

Even as the world turned ballroom inside out, the scene continued to thrive underground. The 2005 documentary The Aggressives follows six butch New Yorkers around vibrant ballrooms that have very little to do with white Manhattan. In present-day, white-defined LGBT terms, these people might be called genderqueer, genderfluid or trans men, but in the predominantly Black New York ballroom scene, they used in-house language to describe their experience  butch, stud, AG. Ball culture also filtered into international LGBT communities, popping up from Paris to Tokyo.

Miley can twerk, and Gaga may vogue, but the ballroom scene has never really been for white people. Many queer artists of color have good reasons for keeping it that way  because being Black or brown and LGBT still isnt safe. Its very much to do with visibility, explains Frey Kwa Hawking, a U.K.-based trans writer of color. If we catch your straight, white, cisgender eye, even while were focused on entertaining and fortifying ourselves, our existence has to be acknowledged.

This year, especially, being acknowledged is more important than ever. Beyonce, who has cited ball culture as a major influence, deliberately included queer-ball-inspired performers like Big Freedia in her Black Lives Matterinspired hit Formation. When cops showed up at a protest against North Carolinas anti-trans bathroom laws, Black trans activist Micky Bradford fought back the most effective way she knew  by voguing defiantly in front of police.

For the living embodiment of ball cultures revolutionary roots, Kwa Hawking says, look no further than Vaginal Davis. Since the 1970s, Davis has been an iconic drag ball performer whose stage persona is a sexualized version of communist activist and Black Panther Angela Davis. In her retirement years, Davis has taken her act from New York to Berlin, where the drag scene is less mainstream and more LGBT exclusive.

For Kwa Hawking, Davis is also a reminder of the lasting power of queer racial politics. Ball culture and drag will always be attractive to theater-makers, musicians and performers of every kind, but sanitize it of its ethnic history and the power is lost, he says.

For many, its worth staying true to ball cultures radical history. At the end of the day, in the words of the House of LaBeijas mother, its about filling the void.

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Sanaa (AFP) - Thousands of supporters of Yemen's Shiite rebels marked Ashura on Wednesday in the insurgent-held capital with slogans against Saudi Arabia, which is leading a coalition fighting them, witnesses said.

Gathering in a main square in Sanaa to mourn the seventh-century killing on the Prophet Mohammed's grandson, supporters of the Huthi rebels also railed against the United States, a Saudi ally.

"Death to the Saud family," they chanted, referring to the ruling family in the Sunni-majority kingdom. "We will not give in to the Americans."

Participants held up the portraits of Huthi chief Abdelmalek al-Huthi and the leader of Lebanon's Shiite movement Hezbollah.

In a televised speech, Huthi called for "revenge" over an air strike on Saturday that killed at least 140 people at a funeral in Sanaa and that the rebels have blamed on the Saudi-led coalition.

"The carnage hit... well-known people from all sides, which has embarrassed the Americans," Huthi said, adding revenge was "everyone's responsibility".

The raid was one of the deadliest attacks since the coalition launched a bombing campaign against Shiite rebels in Yemen in March 2015.

The alliance intervened in support of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government after the Huthis overran much of the country including the capital.

"Our people are facing Saudi tyranny supervised by the American administration," the Huthi leader said in the speech broadcast by the Al-Masirah television channel.

The coalition has been under intense international scrutiny over the alleged civilian death toll in its Yemen operations.

More than 6,800 people -- almost two-thirds of them civilians -- have been killed since the Saudi-led intervention began, the United Nations says.

On Tuesday, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah called for widespread protests in solidarity with Yemen after Saturday's deadly strike.
New York (AFP) - The suspect behind the New York bombing that left 31 wounded in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood will appear in court on Thursday for the first time, nearly a month after the attack.

Ahmad Khan Rahami, 28, will appear via video link in court in his hometown of Elizabeth, New Jersey from the hospital where he is undergoing treatment after being critically injured in a shootout with police.

State prosecutors charged him with five counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and two unlawful weapon possession counts. Two police officers were injured in the September 19 shootout that led to his arrest.

He will appear on separate terrorism charges, including use of weapons of mass destruction, before a federal court in Manhattan at a later date, yet to be determined.

The Afghan-born American, who worked in his family's fried chicken restaurant, will appear at the Union County Courthouse on Thursday at 2pm (1800 GMT) on state charges, the indictment said.

Rahami was captured while carrying a handwritten journal that lauded Osama bin Laden and US-born Al-Qaeda recruiter Anwar al-Awlaki, and criticized US wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, prosecutors said.

He was detained two days after the Chelsea bombing and a twin bomb attack along the route of a US Marine Corps run in the New Jersey town of Seaside Park.

Federal prosecutors say 31 people were wounded in Chelsea, including a victim from Britain, a driver knocked unconscious and a woman whose body was pierced with ball bearings, metal and wood.

Five additional pipe bombs were found in Rahami's hometown of Elizabeth and a second device was found in Chelsea and subsequently defused.

The FBI believes Rahami acted alone and is not connected to any extremist groups.

US officials say he traveled extensively to Afghanistan and spent around a year in Pakistan, where he married and his wife became pregnant.

If convicted, he risks spending the rest of his life behind bars.
United Nations (United States) (AFP) - New Zealand, one of the 10 non-permanent Security Council members, has presented a draft resolution demanding an end to air attacks in Syria's battleground city of Aleppo.

The new measure followed the failure of the council to adopt two resolutions on a ceasefire in Syria, one of which was vetoed by Russia during a stormy meeting at the weekend.

The draft text seen by AFP "demands an immediate and complete end to all attacks which may result in the death or injury of civilians or damage to civilian objects in Syria, in particular those carried out by air in Aleppo."

It remains unclear if the proposed measure will come to a vote at the Security Council.

Council members will discuss the crisis in Syria during a luncheon meeting with Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday, ahead of a new council session on Monday.

The United States and Russia are convening international talks in Europe at the weekend to try once again to secure a ceasefire and end the Russia-backed Syrian bombing campaign in Aleppo.

"We believe that the council has a responsiblity to address what is clearly the biggest issue on its agenda," said New Zealand's Ambassador Gerard van Bohemen.

"With the level of killing and destruction going on, just to give up seems to us to be an unacceptable course of action," he told reporters.

The move by New Zealand came as Canada was leading a push at the General Assembly to mobilize international efforts after a US-Russian ceasefire deal collapsed and the Security Council failed to take action.

The General Assembly is expected to hold a special session on Syria next week that could lead to further measures, possibly targeting Syria's voting rights at the United Nations.

Canadian Deputy Ambassador Michael Grant told AFP that the meeting would allow UN member-states to "express their anxiety and distress over what is happening in Syria and the lack of an appropriate response by the international community and the UN."
By Kiran Tare: One of India's most accomplished photographer-turned-perfumer Monika Ghurde, 39, considered South East Asia and Europe as her second home as she was a frequent traveler there in connection with her work but the pioneer of perfume research in the country always admitted that her heart lied in Goa.

Her 15-year-long association with Goa came to an end on October 6 when Rajkumar Singh a former security guard at her residential complex at Sangolda in north Goa Rajkumar Singh, 21, allegedly murdered her reportedly for staging his ouster from the job a month ago.

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Ghurde's murder has loomed a dark cloud over safety of the residents just after beginning of the tourism season. The first chartered flight carrying more than 200 tourists from Russia landed in Goa on October 1. There are other several chartered flights expected to arrive in the state till end of December.

Also read: Revenge, lust, robbery: Security guard showed perfumer Monika Ghurde 3 porn clips before rape, murder



Goa's consciences have shaken with Ghurde's murder as it has taken a couple of weeks after the Goa court acquitted seven people in murder case of a UK teen Scarlet. What added to the residents' worries is another murder of an elderly women Shobha Karmali in Kakoda in south Goa on the same night Singh allegedly smothered Ghurde. Karmali was strangulated to death. Her killers are still on the run.

Ghurde's is a story of passion and chasing the dreams. A young woman who wanted to establish her own identity, who was never shy of traveling and living alone was brutally murdered reportedly over a pity argument. The incidence has shaken the resident non-Goans who have made the state their home for a limited period. They are chasing their dreams in the state's attractive beaches and its night life.

The migrants settled along the beach line in north Goa are the most vulnerable to the crimes because they represent the rich and influential society. This is the area which has attracted a lot of high profile people including actors Akshay Kumar, Kimi Katkar to industrialist Vijay Mallya to build their second home.

According to Vimal Gupta, director general of police, Singh has confessed to his involvement in the crime. During interrogation, he said that he held Ghurde responsible for losing his job. Her missing umbrella was found in his cabin when he was posted as the security guard. She had accused him of stealing it. Following the accusations the security agency which had employed him sacked Singh.

A police officer explained the sequence of events after Singh entered Ghurde's flat. According to him Singh was hiding on the terrace for two days before he went to Ghurde's second floor flat in the afternoon of October 5 with an intention to extract money from her. He knocked on the door and said "security" when she asked who was there. Then he forcibly entered into the house. First, he threatened her with a knife. As Ghurde had Rs 4,500 cash with her she gave him her debit card with password.

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Also read: Goa: Perfumer Monika Ghurde's killers identified, caught on camera

He then forced her to watch porn clips stored in his mobile phone. Then he tied her hands to the bed. He has confessed in the police interrogation that he sexually assaulted her before he smothered her with a pillow. The post mortem report says marks were found on her private parts. However, a panel of doctors at Goa Medical College has announced that they will not draw any conclusion regarding sexual assault till serological examination report is out.



FIRST LADY OF SMELL

Originally from Amravati in Maharashtra, Ghurde's family shifted to Nagpur. They kept on moving from places to places because of transfers of her late father Ramesh, a judge in small causes court. She completed her Fine Arts course from Mumbai's J.J. Institute of Fine Arts in 1999. Her passion for photography got her first award, the best colour photography award in the same year. She moved to Chennai in 2002. Three years later, she co-founded a multi-disciplinary design and publishing company named as Graf along with well known photographer Bharat Ramamrutham. They fell into love and got married later.

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Her obsession with jasmine fragrance made her swap career from photography to the untouched world of perfumery in 2009. She got training under a perfumer from Picot Laboratories, a renowned perfumery in UK. She launched her perfume research company MO Lab. The couple moved to Goa in 2011. Since then she was busy in research and exploring perfumes.

She conducted workshops and development projects to identify a suitable fragrance for a specific person. She had become First Lady of Smell for the people whom she educated on sense and influence of smell. Her experiments took her from south to north and Paris to Milan as she visited conferences across the world. "The power of smell can transport us back in time. People have memories attached to a particular smell," she had said in an interview.

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With her bubbly smile and cooperative nature Ghurde made many friends in Goa's socialite circle. She had settled in her perfume research when she separated from Ramamrutham one and half year ago. The process of official divorce was in last leg as both of them had figured out their ways of independent living.

Also read: Naked, bound body of famed perfumer Monika Ghurde found at Goa home; robbery, rape suspected



Friends recall Ghurde as a person who had an eye for new experiences and creative outlets. She had a fetish for shoes and bags but she liked to read people's mind. She used to study the people and bit of their history whenever she captured them on her camera. For her photography was a liberal medium as she liked freedom. As her father was a judge she met a lot of people wherever he was transferred. However, she always remained at a distance from them because of her father's stature. So she used much of her time imaging and concocting stories of the people's life. "One cannot manipulate beauty. What is beautiful will remain so irrespective of whether it is viewed through an eye or lens," was her favourite statement.

Suraj Morajkar, a family friend of Ghurde, remembers her as a soft spoken person who always wanted to have her own identity. "Monika was happy, independent and bubbly person," the hotelier told INDIA TODAY. "She loved to live and travel alone and never relied on others. She was a socialite and liked to be in people's company. We used to meet occasionally but she never complained that she felt unsafe in Goa." He expressed surprise when he read about Singh's statement that Ghurde had accused him of stealing her umbrella. "I don't remember her getting hot tempered. She never used bad mouth for anyone."

Celebrity writer Shobha De tried to suggest that the investigation into Ghurde's murder is not over. "Am I the only one seeing parallels between Monika Ghurde and Hema Upadhyay murders? Too many to ignore," she tweeted. Upadhyay, a Mumbai-based artist, was murdered along with her lawyer Haresh Bhambani in December 2015. The main suspect in this case is her husband Chintan Upadhyay, also an artist who is in the jail at present.

"Bharat behind Monika's murder? No ways," says Morajkar. "He is a nice person. He was in tears when he learnt about her murder."

Ramamrutham has been staying at Porvorim, around 9 km from Sangolda, since the couple separated. A friend says that he left the house without taking anything along with him. "He has given every single thing in the house to Monika. There was a time when he didn't have a bed to sleep. He spent the night sleeping on mat," the friend says.

Ghurde's brother Anand too had called Ramamrutham and had asked him to visit her apartment when her maid and the US citizen neighbour told him that she was not opening the door even after repeatedly ringing the door bell.

The police have not ruled out possibility of more than one person's involvement in the crime. Singh was caught in the CCTV camera at an ATM centre in Porvorim with one more person. "He has claimed that the person helped him withdrawing money as he was not familiar with withdrawing money from an ATM machine. We are not taking his statement on face value," an officer says.

Also Read: Perfumer Monika Ghurde's killers identified, caught on camera



An independent MLA from Porvorim Rohan Khaunte says Goa cannot be branded as an unsafe place for the migrants after Ghurde's murder. "Such crime can take place anywhere. It has nothing to do with Goa. There is a need to proper mechanism to ensure the people's safety," he says. However, he complains that the government pays more attention to high profile cases whereas the common people are neglected.

Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar denies that Goa was an unsafe state. "We have taken all measures to control law and order. It is our duty to give a sense of safety to everyone in the state whether he or she is a resident or a tourist."

With Assembly elections approaching fast Parsekar needs to increase the security measures because deteriorating law and order is another poll issue.



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By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - New Zealand gave the 15-member United Nations Security Council on Wednesday a draft resolution that would demand an end to all attacks that may kill civilians in Syria, particularly air strikes in Aleppo, just days after Russia vetoed a similar text. Russia on Saturday vetoed a French draft resolution that would have demanded an end to "all aerial bombardments of and military flights over Aleppo city." A similar rival Russian text, which did not include that demand, was voted on straight after the French text, but failed to get enough votes. The New Zealand draft resolution, seen by Reuters, demands an "end to all attacks which may result in the death or injury of civilians or damage to civilian objects in Syria, in particular those carried out by air in Aleppo." The Syrian government launched an assault to capture rebel-held areas of Aleppo last month with Russian air support and Iranian-backed militias, a week into a ceasefire agreed by Washington and Moscow. More than 250,000 people are trapped under siege in eastern Aleppo. The New Zealand draft text was likely to be discussed by council envoys at a lunch with U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday, diplomats said, adding that the aim was to see if a vote could be taken within a week or so. A U.N. resolution needs nine votes in favor and no vetoes to be adopted. The veto powers are the United States, France, Britain, Russia and China. "The council has a responsibility to try to address what is clearly the biggest issue on its agenda and with the level of killing and destruction that is going on just to give up seems to us not to be an acceptable course of action," New Zealand's U.N. Ambassador Gerard van Bohemen said. "The aim on this one is to make a practical difference. We know resolution of themselves don't do that, but if it helps people make decisions to change their behavior then it would be useful," he said. Separately, diplomats said Canada was pushing for the 193-member U.N. General Assembly to be briefed on Syria next week. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, in Switzerland on Saturday to discuss Syria, officials said. Kerry broke off talks with Lavrov last week over the Aleppo offensive. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Andrew Hay)
Reggaeton duo Zion & Lennox score its first No. 1 on Top Latin Albums, as Motivan2 debuts atop the Oct. 22-dated list with 3,000 copies sold in the week ending Oct. 6, according to Nielsen Music.

It's the first album in six years for the Puerto Rican pair, which debuted in 2004 with Motivando A La Yal, peaking at No. 32. A special edition of the set was released in 2005 and reached No. 10. Most recently, Los Verdaderos debuted and peaked at No. 10 in 2010.

Meanwhile, the new album's single "Otra Vez," featuring J Balvin, spends a ninth week on Hot Latin Songs, stepping 8-7 (it previously peaked at No. 6 on the Oct. 1 chart). The song has its highest weekly stream count yet (in the week ending Oct. 11), logging 1.3 million U.S. clicks (up 6 percent). The bulk of its streams stem from 573,000 YouTube views, while Spotify closely trails with 510,000 plays. Rising streams concurrently lift the track 17-15 on the Latin Streaming Songs chart. A music video for the song has gathered over 91 million views worldwide since being released on Aug. 5.

In addition to Balvin, several big acts are featured on the new set including Nicky Jam, R. Kelly, Maluma and Farruko.

Lead single "Embriagame" spent 26 weeks on the Hot Latin Songs chart earlier this year, peaking at No. 11 (April 30 chart).

'Bailar' Dances Into Top 10: Elvis Crespo earns his tenth top 10 on Hot Latin Songs, as Deorro's "Bailar" - which features Crespo - rises 16-10. The tropical-infused dance track is in its 14th charting frame.

"Bailar" is the first Hot Latin Songs entry for Deorro, a Mexican-American DJ from Los Angeles, and his sixth on Hot Dance/Electronic Songs (where the track steps 16-15). He previously peaked at No. 6 on the latter chart alongside Chris Brown with "Five More Hours" (June 27, 2015 chart).

The latest single earns the Airplay Gainer tag on Hot Latin Songs, soaring 46 percent to 7.5 million audience impressions in the week ending Oct. 9. However, while the song is sung in Spanish, Latin radio stations only account for 10 percent of its total airplay points. The majority of audience impressions (83 percent) come from pop and rhythmic radio. The track currently resides just below the 40-position thresholds of both the Rhythmic Songs and Pop Songs charts, with gains at each format.

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Digital sales also spur "Bailar's" top 10 rise, with 4,000 downloads (up 13 percent) - also powering a 3-1 climb on the Latin Digital Songs chart, earning both Crespo and Deorro their first No. 1 ever on the chart. Streaming also reaches a new high, collecting 786,000 streams (up 1 percent), with Spotify accounting for 50 percent of total plays.

'Vacaciones' Arrives: Reggaeton star Wisin earns his 13th entry on Hot Latin Songs (as a solo act), as "Vacaciones" takes that Hot Shot Debut at No. 34. The debut marks his 50th career entry - including those as part of the duo Wisin & Yandel.

"Vacaciones" arrives with 3.8 million audience impressions at Latin radio (up 206 percent), earning the top debut on the Latin Airplay chart (No. 37).

A music video for the song is planned to be shot in Mexico in October. The track will appear on Wisin's forthcoming album, which has not yet been announced.
Before the Universal Post Union was created in 1874, the exchange of mail across country lines was messy, complicated, and inconsistent. Historical records indicate mail may have been delivered as early as 255 B.C. in Egyptyet it took millennia before even uniformpostage rates were introduced (in 1840).

It just so happens that the first known picture postcard was mailed that very same year.

October 9 is World Post Day, and we're tipping our hats to the Universal Post Union, which has been responsible for maintaining a global mail network for more than 140 years.

In celebration of World Post Day, the Belize Tourism Board wants to breathe new life into the tradition of the picture postcard. At the peak of paper correspondence, in 1951, some 4.5 billion postcards were received in the United States.

That number wasjust 838 million in 2015.

Nothing beats the excitement of opening the mailbox to find a handwritten postcard from a far-flung place, said Belizes director of tourism Karen Bevans in a statement.

Postcards from Belize

The Belize Tourism Board promises to respond to any postcard they receive between World Post Day and November 9 with a handwritten postcard from Belize. Locals will include in their penpal-style note fun facts about the country and tips for visiting.

And one person will receive a second postcard, congratulating them on winning a four-night trip to Belize, round-trip airfare included.

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Credit: Juan Naharro Gimenez/Getty

Emma Watson might just the coolest star in Hollywood.

The actress took to her Instagram account today to share an inspiring photo from her recent trip to Malawi, Africa, where she was working to promote the United Nations initiative HeForShe that promotes gender equality around the world, and her outfit in the snap is a real-life advertisement for stylish and eco-friendly fashion.

For the occasion, the 26-year-old star opted for a white button-up Tome NYC shirt made from organic cotton that she paired with a black silk Zady midi skirt ($180, zady.com) which is created using a more sustainable process. The U.N. Women Goodwill Ambassador finished off her ensemble with a chic pair of ankle strap Nisolo sandals that are ethically produced.

"I had the most amazing day in Malawi today," the actress wrote alongside the image. "Thank you President Mutharika for being a #HeForShe Impact Champion and for making gender equality a priority in your Government! Thank you to all the traditional leaders who are implementing President Mutharika's policies - especially Chief Kachindamoto (she's in the photo with me, she's formidable and has been nicknamed 'The Terminator'!). She gave me such a warm welcome today. She has implemented the annulment of so many child marriages and restored the futures of these girls. With the help and collaboration of her local chiefs, mothers' groups and religious leaders she has managed to annul almost 1500 child marriages, sending the girls back to school. President Mutharika has committed to make child marriage a thing of the past in Malawi within the next five years. It was amazing to be on the ground with @UNWomen and Chief Kachindamoto to witness their work!"

RELATED: 15 Charitable Celebs Who Double as United Nations Ambassadors

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VIDEO: Emma Watson's Best Red Carpet Looks

We're even more obsessed with Watson than we were before.
Germany just apologized to gay men in a BIG way, and its about time

Today in amazing news, apparently the German government is recognizing the way it harmed gay men in the past with laws that made gay sex illegal. The Advocate says that, as a result of this history, Germany is now planning to make reparations those imprisoned as a result of the homophobic law. Like, whoa.

In Germany, sodomy (aka gay sex) was illegal until 1994 under Paragraph 175, The Advocate explains.

The payout is estimated to be around 30 million Euros. Not only that, but the government will expunge the records of the 50,000 gay men jailed as a result of the homophobic law, which is seriously incredible. On one hand, its about freakin time, but on the other, were just glad apologies are being made.

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Germanys justice minister, Heiko Maas explained,

We will never be able to remove these outrages committed by this country but we want to rehabilitate the victims.

Maas continued,

The convicted homosexual men should no longer have to live with the black mark of a criminal conviction.

Like, TG. It makes zero sense that homosexuality was ever criminalized, but it continues to be punishable by jail time (or worse) in many countries. While it may seem like weve come so far from our more flawed past, its *so* important to recognize the ways we still fail queer and trans people to make sure we can fight for justice and equality for all.

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The post Germany just apologized to gay men in a BIG way, and its about time appeared first on HelloGiggles.
This stunning, Mexico-inspired makeup brand is for all the rebellious queens out there

Meet Reina Rebelde, a new makeup line were obsessed with and pretty sure you will be to. According to Refinery29, Regina Merson created this line, which translates to Rebel Queen, to celebrate the passion and bold femininity that is the Latina woman.

Lucious lips, ojos misteriosos, killer brows - were here to celebrate your fierceness y belleza! A photo posted by REINA REBELDE (@reinarebelde) on Sep 8, 2016 at 7:01pm PDT

The collection includes eyeshadows, eyeliners, lip colors in both stick and liquid form, as well as a contour and blush trio, priced from $15 to $20.

For La Rebelde who has plenty to say, a bold lip is your signature look. The options are limitless with our Bold Lip Color Sticks. Cross over to the dark side with Tatuaje or create a gorgeous ombre with Rosa Salvaje and Tatuaje. A photo posted by REINA REBELDE (@reinarebelde) on Aug 27, 2016 at 11:13am PDT

As she describes on her website, Regina celebrates the duality of the Latin-American experience in her line calling Reina Rebelde, the exquisite and ambitious woman who embodies her powerful cultural duality by showing her gran belleza to the world. She is blessed with many choices: she speaks English y algunas veces espanol. She loves being Latina and Americana

A photo posted by REINA REBELDE (@reinarebelde) on Sep 14, 2016 at 10:02am PDT

My collection is equal parts wild and unpredictable, bold and impractical, feminine and luxurious, sexy and severe  in many ways perfectly reflective of my complicated identity as a Mexican woman embracing an amazing American existence.

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Standouts from the line include their Bold Lip Color Sticks, (Im a sucker for anything in a stick form) and the 4 Play Wet Dry Eye Colors (Tapatiais perf for smoky eye).

 Holy Smokey Eye!  Inspired by the legendary and regal bellezas of Guadalajara , the 4 Play Wet Dry Eye Color in Tapatia, features metallic black, Mexican silver, pearl gray and rose colors. A photo posted by REINA REBELDE (@reinarebelde) on Sep 5, 2016 at 7:02pm PDT

Fellow rebel queens, you can shop the collection online.

The post This stunning, Mexico-inspired makeup brand is for all the rebellious queens out there appeared first on HelloGiggles.
MILAN  The changes keep coming in the Italian fashion world.

On Wednesday, Roberto Cavalli SpA joined the trend, parting ways with its creative director Peter Dundas and revealing plans for a drastic reorganization that will result in the cutting of almost 30 percent of its workforce.

Dundas last collection for the fashion house was for spring 2017, which was presented in September during Milan Fashion Week.

The reorganization aims to return the company to operating profitability in 2018. Following a meeting with the unions, the firm said it will cut about 200 positions out of a total global headcount of 672.

With the goal to streamline its company structure, Cavalli will close its Milan corporate and design offices and transfer all functions to Osmannoro, Florence. Production and logistics will be rationalized and a number of stores will be closed or relocated.

The fashion industry is facing uniquely challenging times, with changing consumer demands, significant contraction in various key markets and fundamental transformation in the industrys dynamics, said chief executive officer Gian Giacomo Ferraris. In this environment, only iconic brands with a coherent business model and an efficient organization can survive. After my initial examination of the company I believe the Cavalli brand has what it takes to succeed. But the reality is that the companys costs must be in line with its revenues and that is the task we now have to embark upon.

The departure of Dundas comes a little more than a week after Italian mens wear brand Brioni dismissed its creative director, Justin OShea, after only six months in that role and the departure in July of Valentino co-creative director of Maria Grazia Chiuri, who took on the same role at Dior as Pierpaolo Piccioli became sole creative director at Valentino.

Last April, Anthony Vaccarello exited Versus to join Yves Saint Laurent while in February, Ermenegildo Zegna decided not to renew the contract of Stefano Pilati, tapping Alessandro Sartori to succeed him. (Versus on Wednesday said it was partnering with the singer Zayn, who will design a mens and womens capsule collection to be launched in May and who will also front the brands ad campaigns.)

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Meanwhile, Italys leading fashion brands have seen a merry-go-round of executive changes, with new ceos at Salvatore Ferragamo, Versace and, just this week, Pal Zileri and Boglioli.

Now the winds of change have hit Cavalli. Asked about the cuts and who would be most affected by the plan, Ferraris said this was a comprehensive restructuring plan, encompassing the whole organizational structure.

He explained that a company of this size cannot have two separate entities in Milan and Florence, and that he was looking to optimize synergies. The vertical cuts will touch managers as well as employees in design and product development. We must have focused collections and close stores in provincial cities or that are underperforming, said Ferraris, citing units in Venice, Vienna and Madrid as examples.

Ferraris waved away the need to specifically have offices in Milan. The world is changing, its an outdated and provincial concept. We must reunite and restructure the company, make it more compact. I myself need to stay in contact with the workers and avoid feuds, miscommunication and inefficiencies. The situation could not go on this way. The company was unbalanced, there were more operating costs than sales.

Ferraris said that he expected sales in 2016 to amount between 155 million and 160 million euros, or $172 million and $177 million at current exchange. The executive underscored that the company had no debt.

The pipeline at the manufacturing plant in Osmannoro ranges from stocking fabrics to design and the development of prototypes, samples and products.

The restructuring of the company will start in the coming days.

Rumors about potential cuts at Cavalli have been circulating for months. In November 2015, more than 200 workers of the Roberto Cavalli factory in Sesto Fiorentino, in Tuscany, walked the streets of Florence to protest against Clessidras decision to open a mobility procedure for 66 employees.

Ferraris, a former Jil Sander and Gucci executive, succeeded Giancarlo Di Risio at Versace in 2009 and launched an extensive reorganization plan aimed at returning the company to profitability in 2011.

At the time, the company was expecting sales of 273 million euros, or $405.6 million, and an operating loss of 30 million euros, or $44.6 million, and Ferraris set in motion a cut of 25 percent of its workforce, or around 350 jobs. He sought to rationalize costs by streamlining such non-core operations as the logistics department to create a more flexible structure. Ferraris also shuttered the three-year-old Burago accessories plant for greater efficiencies, moving the production into Versaces historic clothing factory in Novara.

In 2010, Versace swung back to profit ahead of the 2011 date that had been forecast, and started setting its expansion.

Regarding Dundas departure, Ferraris said, On behalf of Roberto Cavalli and our shareholders, we thank Peter Dundas for his contribution to the brand, and we wish him well for his future. As Roberto Cavalli goes through a period of transformation, the design team will carry on and the appointment of a new creative director will be made in due course.

Without providing additional details about Dundas exit, asked about a potential successor, Ferraris said it was not an immediate issue, but that he believed the brand needs a creative director. This is a fashion company with a very clear DNA. We may go with a top designer along the model of Karl Lagerfeld for Fendi or promote an in-house designer like at Valentino or Gucci, but it may not be before September 2017.

He also said that Cavalli the designer is a shareholder, has the role of an ambassador, there is respect for him as the founder and a point of reference, but that he is not more actively involved in the company now.

I want to thank Roberto Cavalli and the Group for this valuable experience and I wish them the best in their future endeavors, said Dundas. I am especially grateful to the ateliers and the teams who participated in this adventure.

Dundas was appointed creative director of the Florence-based company in March 2015. The Norwegian designer had been the artistic director of Emilio Pucci, also based in Florence, since 2008. It was a homecoming for Dundas, who had worked with founder Roberto Cavalli and his wife Eva as head designer from 2002 to 2005.

Dundas first collection for Cavalli bowed in Milan in September 2015 for spring 2016 but received mixed reviews as the designer wanted to break with the past by injecting elements of youth, street savvy and touches of the Eighties. In his next collections, Dundas went back to his comfort zone, presenting rich and opulent designs with bohemian airs.

Dundas first major solo appointment came in 2005 when he was named artistic director at Emanuel Ungaro. After Ungaro, the designer consulted for Dolce & Gabbana before being appointed creative director of French furrier Revillon in January 2008. Known for his Seventies, rock-sexy designs and knack with prints, Dundas sensibility was perceived to be in sync with Cavallis own feminine and head-turning looks, animal prints and body-hugging silhouettes that have long been red-carpet mainstays.

Dundas is no stranger to the party circuit, and is frequently spotted on the arms of It girls and models including Natasha Poly, Poppy Delevingne or Bianca Brandolini DAdda, echoing Cavallis own flamboyant lifestyle and star-studded events on his yacht at the Cannes Film Festival.

The designer was responsible for the creative direction of the womens and mens ready-to-wear and accessories collections, as well as all licenses. He was also directly involved in the marketing and communication strategies of the brand.

The Cavalli brand has been going through a phase of changes. Italian private equity fund Clessidra bought 90 percent of the company at the end of April 2015, shortly after Dundas arrival. The founding designer retained a 10 percent stake, but has eased out of the fashion industry and never attended a show for the brand. At the end of July this year, Roberto Cavalli SpA appointed Ferraris as its new chief executive officer, succeeding Renato Semerari, who left over strategic differences. Ferraris was previously Versaces ceo. Francesco Trapani, former president of the company, had tapped Semerari at the time of the acquisition of Cavalli.

Trapani, a former chairman of LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuittons watches and jewelry division and Bulgari executive, had joined Clessidra in 2014. There, he spearheaded the acquisition of Roberto Cavalli. His departure was expected following Italmobiliares acquisition of Clessidra in May. Trapani was also Clessidras chairman and he left that role in the second half of September.

Last year was one of transition for the Cavalli group. In the 12 months ended Dec. 31, net profit totaled 32.7 million euros, or $36.3 million. This compares with a loss of 9.7 million euros, or $13 million, in 2014. The sale of the building housing the brands flagship in Paris Rue Saint-Honore helped lift the companys profits, as well as its net financial position. The company is renting the space where the store continues to stand.

In 2015, revenues were down 14.2 percent to 179.7 million euros, or $199.4 million, compared with 2014. The company attributed the drop mainly to a decrease in orders predating Clessidras acquisition and to the challenges in luxury markets, especially Russia, where the Cavalli brand has been historically strong, as well as a contraction in sales derived from licenses. Dollar figures were converted from the euro at average exchange rates for the periods in question.

In addition to the signature brand, the group includes the young casual Just Cavalli, the bridge line Cavalli Class, the Roberto Cavalli junior line and a home collection and a hospitality sector through its network of Cavalli Clubs and Cavalli Cafes, in cities ranging from Miami to Dubai.

Cavallis network of stores last year totaled 182.

Launch Gallery: Peter Dundas at Roberto Cavalli

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In Another Fashion Change, Cavalli Names Ferraris CEO

Gian Giacomo Ferraris Said to Join Roberto Cavalli Group as CEO

Beyonce Fans Cluster Outside Roberto Cavalli Boutique in Milan
Samsung was forced earlier this week to discontinue its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphone. For good. The Galaxy Note 7 turned out to be a massive disappointment. The phone intended to fight the iPhone 7 Plus this year was seen as one of the hottest Android devices in town. Unfortunately, it also turned out to come with an unexpected side-effect: the Galaxy Note 7 is a fire hazard. Even after Samsung fixed it.

DONT MISS: The end of Samsungs Galaxy Note 7 saga is really only the beginning

New manufacturing issues

Samsung has yet to explain what went wrong with its batteries in both the original phones and the replacements. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which worked with Samsung on the US recall, said on September 15th that batteries made by Samsung SDI were faulty. Apparently, they were made slightly too large for the space available in the phone. Installing them would crimp the corner, which could lead to a short circuit, overheating and potentially a fire.

Samsung removed Samsung SDI batteries from its Galaxy Note 7 supply and turned to Chinas Amperex Technology. However, Bloomberg reports that even Amperex batteries proved to have a manufacturing problem. Investigators of the latest Galaxy Note 7 incidents believe that a flaw different from the one that caused the original recall is to blame, according to Bloomberg.

The new issue hasn't been explained, but it looks like it may have crept into the supply chain after Samsung began replacing the faulty phones. Samsung had no choice but to pull the plug. Neither Samsung nor Amperex's parent company TDK Corp. commented on the matter, Bloomberg says.

More disturbingly, Samsung is apparently leaving its carrier partners in the dark about the problem. Samsung is asking partners to share testing data, but Samsung isnt reciprocating. Carriers have no idea what to tell customers, one unnamed carrier executive said.

Fast charging

Another theory that tries to explain the numerous Galaxy Note 7 explosions has to do with the fast-charging feature of the battery. According to the Financial Times, the problem comes from tweaks made to the processor to speed up charging.

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If you try to charge the battery too quickly it can make it more volatile. If you push an engine too hard, it will explode. Something had to give. These devices are miracles of technology  how much we can get out of that tiny piece of lithium-ion, an unnamed source said after supposedly speaking with Samsung executives about the matter.

That beautiful design

The Galaxy Note 7s looks might actually lead to explosions. Specifically, its the symmetrical curvature of the phone, a feature Samsung bragged about, that may have exerted pressure on battery packs and caused the short circuits that eventually led to dangerous fires.

After the first recall, leaked documentation from the Korean consumer protection agency said that Samsung SDIs batteries were slightly larger than the compartment they were supposed to be placed in. Furthermore, the isolation plates that separate the anode and cathode were too close to the edges. Phone Arena explains that this particular location made them more prone to collapsing under pressure.

One theory states that external pressure could have been applied to those isolation plates during manufacturing. The plates are placed towards the edge of the battery and when the phone is sealed, the battery pack might be subjected to excessive pressure. The images below show SDI battery packs with isolation plates placed too close to the edge.

samsung-galaxy-note-7-sdi-vs-atl-batteries

Meanwhile, Samsung reportedly still can't replicate the issue.

Trending right now:

See the original version of this article on BGR.com
Here is why Muslims mourn on Muharram and self-flagellate themselves.

By India Today Web Desk: Muharram, or more specifically the 10th day of the month called Muharram, is when the ceremonial mourning takes place. It is considered to be the holiest month after Ramzan and one of the four sacred months in the Islamic calendar. Muharram is observed by Muslims across the world.



Here are 9 things you need to know about the day: The day marks the holy day of Ashura and the word 'Muharram' means forbidden and sinful. Imam Hussain Ali, believed to be the third Imam of the Shia community, was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad and he was killed on this day. He was killed by the army of the Caliph Yazid in 680 AD at the battle of Karbala situated in modern-day Iraq. The Shia Muslim community mourn Imam Hussain Ali's death by flagellating themselves with sharp objects on Muharram. They cut their bodies covered with mud and lit bonfires in the streets and enact the Battle of Karbala. Some devotees visit Imam Hussain's shrine in Karbala. Imam Hussain's death is interpreted by the Shia community as a symbol of the struggle against injustice, tyranny, and oppression. In modern times, some Shia Muslims do not adhere to the practice of self-flagellation because it is dangerous. While the Shias flagellate, the Sunni Muslims fast on 9th, 10th and 11th day of Muharram as it is believed that fasting on these days is a way to make amends for the sins of the coming year. For Sunnis, Ashura marks the day that Moses and his followers (i.e the children of Israel) were saved from Pharaoh by God by creating a path in the Red Sea.

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Here some photos of how Muslims mourn on Muharram:

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

Photo: Reuters

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Samsung is in the midst of a huge mess involving its latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy Note 7. After Samsung's first run of Note 7 devices began exploding while in use, Samsung had no choice but to issue a global recall of the approximately 2.5 million devices that had been shipped to retailers. After identifying what it believed to be the problem, the company began replacing first-run phones with new Note 7 units that were believed to be safe. As we all now know, these new replacement Galaxy Note 7 phones were not safe in all cases, and more than a half-dozen replacement devices have reportedly exploded. On Tuesday, Samsung announced that the Note 7 would be discontinued and all phones should be powered down and returned immediately.

The Galaxy Note 7 is still the best smartphone Samsung has ever created  explosions aside, of course  and some diehard Samsung fans would rather take the risk of being burned than return their precious Note 7 phones.

DON'T MISS: This video might be our first look at a new Apple device no one even knew was in development

When we published our Galaxy Note 7 review back in August, we called it the best Android phone of all time. In fact, we also called it the best phablet ever, iPhones included. The housing design is absolutely spectacular, featuring curved edges on the front and back that make the phone very comfortable to hold despite its large 5.7-inch display. And that display, by the way, is the best smartphone screen the world has ever seen, hands down.

But that whole your phone might explode and burn you or even burn your house down thing is sort of a turnoff for us.

We've been recommending for weeks that users steer clear of the Galaxy Note 7, and now Samsung is saying the same thing. The phone has officially been discontinued, and Samsung has asked anyone currently in possession of a Note 7 to return it to the retailer where it was purchased immediately for a full refund. But some users just aren't willing to part with their phones no matter what dangers they might face.

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"All my friends, they make fun of me, they throw memes at me on Facebook," one Note 7 lover told CNET. "It is what it is  I'm not worried." Ironically, he's an EMT based in Queens, New York.

Another user said he doesn't want to be without the Note 7's great stylus features, and he loves the phone's design too much to part with it. "I've fallen in love with the curved, almost bezzle-less [sic] screen of the 7," he told the site. "I simply can not downgrade from that."

A quick search on Twitter or Facebook yields dozens more users who say that they have no plans to return their phones. While there's no question that the Galaxy Note 7 is a gorgeous smartphone, please be safe and follow Samsung's instructions, which clearly state that all Note 7 phones should be returned at once.

Trending right now:

See the original version of this article on BGR.com
Tech entrepreneurs met in Mogadishu to discuss business and innovation in a conflict-scarred city (AFP Photo/LOIC VENANCE) (AFP/File)

Foreign spies installed malicious software on an Australian government agency's computer system, stealing an unknown number of documents, an official report revealed Wednesday, stopping short of naming the country involved.

The security breach on the Bureau of Meteorology's system, which has connections to the defence department, was detected in 2015 and initial media reports linked it to China.

China has previously been accused of hacking websites run by the US government and by private firms. In 2013 Chinese hackers were accused of stealing the top-secret blueprints of Australia's new intelligence agency headquarters.

The government's Australian Cyber Security Centre report released Wednesday attributed "the primary compromise to a foreign intelligence service" but did not name any country as responsible.

"We don't narrow it down to specific countries, and we do that deliberately," said Dan Tehan, who assists Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on cyber security.

"But what we have indicated is that cyber espionage is alive and well," he told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

The report said the national cyber security agency, Australian Signals Directorate (ASD), had identified the presence of Remote Access Tool (RAT) malware "popular with state-sponsored cyber adversaries" and other malware associated with cyber crime on the weather bureau's system in 2015.

"The RAT had also been used to compromise other Australian government networks," it said.

"ASD identified evidence of the adversary searching for and copying an unknown quantity of documents from the Bureau's network. This information is likely to have been stolen by the adversary."

The report also said while the threat of a cyber attack against Australia's government, infrastructure and industry had grown in recent years, the risk from terrorist groups was low for now.

"Apart from demonstrating a savvy understanding of social media and exploiting the internet for propaganda purposes, terrorist cyber capabilities generally remain rudimentary and show few signs of improving significantly in the near future," it said.
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Not much has gone right for Roku (NASDAQ: ROKU) this year. Revenue growth abruptly stalled out, coming in at 18% in the second quarter and with guidance calling for just 3% growth in the third quarter. With its digital advertising peers, like Alphabet and Meta Platforms, reporting weak earnings, Roku is likely to face substantial headwinds for at least the second half of the year, if not well into 2023 or as long as advertisers fear a recession.
Samsung gave up on the Galaxy Note 7 this week, following the second series of fires affecting replacement units that were supposed to be safe. But the problems are just starting. Samsung still has a lot of work ahead to fix this mess, and the company stands to lose even more money in lost profit on top of the estimated $17 billion in missed sales because Samsung is going into the Christmas quarter without a hot new smartphone in stores. The worst thing about it as far as Samsung is concerned, however, is that the Galaxy Note 7 debacle might help Apple sell even more new iPhones.

MUST SEE: This video might be our first look at a new Apple device no one even knew was in development

Apples iPhone 7 isnt expected to break iPhone sales record this quarter. But Brian White from Drexel Hamilton wrote in a note to investors seen by Barron's that Apple stands to sell at least 8 million more iPhones this year because of the mess with the Note 7.

With original market expectations for approximately 10-14 million Galaxy Note 7 units in H2:2016 (availability began on August 19), we believe Apple has an opportunity to pick up at least 8 million incremental units in CY:16., the analyst said. Moreover, this fiasco could permanently damage the Samsung brand in the smartphone market, a big opportunity for Apple to gain market share.

Additionally, White also said that the iPhone 7 is already doing very well in markets around the world, including in China.

During our visit to over 30 smartphone stores and electronic retailers in Shenzhen this week, we could feel the momentum of Apples iPhone franchise and the struggles at some of its important competitors in China, he wrote. "The iPhone 7 Plus is clearly favored over the iPhone 7 in China, while the two new black colors were the most popular."

Moreover, two leading China-based telecom carriers said that iPhone 7 demand has exceeded last year's iPhone 6s demand. Samsung should indeed be worried about the quarter ahead.

Story continues

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San Francisco (AFP) - Google and Facebook on Wednesday announced plans to work with a China Soft Power Holdings subsidiary to connect Los Angeles and Hong Kong with a high-capacity internet cable.

The Pacific Light Cable Network will stretch 12,800 kilometers (8,000 miles), crossing beneath the Pacific Ocean in a first-of-its-kind direct connection between the two locations, according to companies involved with the project.

PLCN is expected to handle some 120 terabytes of data per second, enough capacity to enable 80 million high-definition video conference calls simultaneously between Los Angeles and Hong Kong, said Google network infrastructure director Brian Quigley.

Google and Facebook are working with Pacific Light Data Communication Company and with undersea communications technology firm TE SubCom on the cable, which was scheduled to be ready in mid 2018, according to a joint release.

"PLCN will be among the lowest-latency fiber optic routes between Hong Kong and the US and the first to connect directly using ultra-high-capacity transmission," PLDC chairman Wei Junkang said.

"It is certainly gratifying that global technology companies like Google and Facebook have become co-investors in PLCN."

Most Pacific subsea cables stretch from the US to Japan, according to Facebook vice president of network engineering Najam Ahmad.

"As the number of people using Facebook apps and services continues to grow in the region, PLCN will help further connect Asia and our data centers in the US," Ahmad said.

"This new direct route will give us more diversity and resiliency in the Pacific."

- Cables to Clouds -

Lifestyles increasingly centered on access to cloud-based online services as well as to video, pictures and other content on the internet have increased the need for infrastructure capable of quickly and efficiently moving digital data.

PLCN will be the sixth submarine cable in which Google has an ownership stake, according to Quigley. The US internet giant claimed to have the "largest network backbone of any public cloud provider."

Story continues

Microsoft and Facebook early this year teamed together to lay a high-speed Internet cable across the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean.

The subsea "MAREA" cable was expected to be completed by late 2017, with the aim of meeting growing demand by the tech companies' customers for fast, reliable data connections.

MAREA was expected to have a capacity of some 160 terabytes per second of data, according to the companies.

The 6,600 kilometer cable system will also be the first connecting the United States and southern Europe, running from Northern Virginia to Bilbao, Spain, Microsoft and Facebook said.
By PTI: Photo: PTI10_12_2016_000062B

Amaravati, Oct 12 (PTI) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today moved into his new office chamber on the first floor of Block-1 at Governments Transitional Headquarters (GTH) in Velagapudi in the capital region, marking the near completion of the translocation of the state administration from Hyderabad to Amaravati.

The Chief Minister now has four offices -- two in Hyderabad, one in Vijayawada and the latest one in Amaravati -- with the state government having spent over Rs 100 crore on them.

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Soon after becoming the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, following the bifurcation of the state in June 2014, Chandrababu used to function from Lake View Guest House in Hyderabad which was officially designated as the Chief Ministers Camp Office.

In October 2014, he moved into L-Block in the Secretariat after a plush office was readied.

In June 2015, Chandrababu shifted base to Vijayawada after a new office building was constructed for him.

On April 25, he symbolically occupied his chamber at GTH in Velagapudi, though the temporary Secretariat was still under construction.

He formally stepped into Block-1 at GTH amid vedic chants this morning, but he can start working from there only towards the end of this month as nothing is ready yet.

"As early as possible, probably by this month-end, I have to work from here (Velagapudi) only if everything is ready," the Chief Minister said.

After performing a puja, the Chief Minister signed a file, approving the release of Rs 2,500 crore to women self-help groups under a financial infusion scheme.

He then addressed a press conference and subsequently, reviewed the progress of works related to development of Amaravati.

The CMO Block at GTH is a highly-secured place and the building is said to be able to withstand even a rocket attack.

The CMO is completely bullet-proof and has an intelligent lighting system that functions with the help of sensors for energy efficiency.

Besides the cabinet meeting hall and a conference room, the State Command and Communications Centre is also on the first floor for the Chief Minister to monitor the development works taking place across the state through video links.

The Chief Secretarys chamber is also on the first floor while the General Administration Department which works under the Chief Minister is on the ground floor. (MORE) PTI DBV DK RC RDS

--- ENDS ---
The phablet competition is pretty tight this season with most of the big players in the smartphone industry releasing very impressive handsets. Just recently, Google joined the competition with its Pixel XL handset. After going head to head with Samsungs Galaxy Note 7, its about time for the Android device to be pitted against another formidable Android phablet, LGs V20. LGs V10 successor debuted to good reviews with its stellar specs and features. Lets find out if the Pixel XL is worthy of being called a V20 rival.

Performance

As flagship devices, performance is expected to be top-notch for these two. The LG V20 is equipped with a quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 820 processor (two Kryo cores clocked at 2.15 GHZ and the other two Kryo cores clocked at 1.6 GHz), 4GB of RAM and an Adreno 530 GPU. By todays standards, these specs are guaranteed to deliver high quality performance. However, Google may have the upper hand at this point, since its Pixel XL is powered by Qualcomms latest quad-core Snapdragon 821 chip (two Kryo cores clocked at 2.15 GHz and two more clocked at 1.6 GHz), 4GB of RAM and an Adreno 530 GPU. Despite having very similar specifications, Qualcomm indicated on its website that the 821 chip is 10 percent better than the 820. This may not translate to a significant difference between the real time performance of the two devices, but Googles phablet is known to provide a more seamless user experience than LGs dual-screen phablet on paper.

Display

When it comes to display, both handsets are rocking large touchscreen screens with Corning Gorilla Glass 4 for protection. The V10 successor has a 5.7-inch IPS LCD display with 1440 x 2560 screen resolution and 513 ppi pixel density. On the other hand, Googles Pixel XL comes with a smaller 5.5-inch AMOLED screen with 1440 x 2560 screen resolution and 534 ppi pixel density. Although the screen sizes and pixel densities of the two are dissimilar, both handsets render colors very well. Thus, there isnt much difference in the display quality they project to the naked eye. The thing that makes the V20 stand out, however, is the inclusion of a secondary screen atop its primary display. Keeping the distinguishing feature found on its predecessor, the V20 also has a small 2.1-inch horizontal display that is dedicated solely for notifications, shortcuts and other app-specific features. This then ensures that the main screens real estate is optimally utilized for the primary user experience.





Camera Technology

In this day and age, smartphone users are opting to buy devices that can match their instant photography needs. For this very reason, its clear that the V20 takes the cake when it comes to camera technology. LGs handset is boasting a dual rear camera setup comprising a standard lens with a 16-megapixel lens and a wide angle lens with an 8-megapixel lens. The two lenses make up for a photography device that is comparable to Apples iPhone 7 Plus dual-lens camera. Enhancing the user experience of the V20s primary camera setup are the laser and phase detection autofocus, 2x optical zoom, optical image stabilization and dual-LED flash. On the other hand, the Pixel XLs camera is a single lens with a 12-megapixel sensor, laser and phase detection autofocus and dual-LED (dual tone) flash. If its any consolation, the Pixel XL is armed with an 8-megapixel front-facing selfie camera, while the V20 only comes with a 5-megapixel front snapper.

Miscellaneous

Other determining factors that could help consumers decide include the batteries, OS versions, onboard memory variants and other features. Googles all-new phablet is powered by a non-removable Li-ion 3,450 mAh battery, while LGs device houses a removable Li-ion 3,200 mAh battery. Android OS-wise, the LG V20 is considered the device that was the first to come with Android 7.0 Nougat out of the box. Contrariwise, the Pixel XL is running the latest version of the Nougat OS, v7.1, and certain software features that are only Pixel-exclusive. Both handsets have fingerprint scanners.

The Pixel XL comes in two internal memory options, 32 GB and 128 GB, without the advantage of having expandable memory via a microSD card slot. On the other hand, the V20 comes in 32 GB and 64 GB variants and it has a dedicated microSD card slot that can accommodate up to 256 GB of additional storage. The Pixel XL has Very Black, Really Blue and Quite Silver color options, whereas the V20 has Titan, Silver and Pink color variants to choose from. Finally, what sets the V20 apart from the Pixel XL and other phablets in the industry is its B&O Play certified 3.5mm headphone jack and its 32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC technology and built-in HD Audio Recorder for unparalleled audio capabilities.

Which do you think is the better phablet between Googles Pixel XL and LGs V20? Sound off in the comments below.

Related Articles
The Galaxy Note 7 died earlier this week after an unsuccessful attempt from Samsung to rescue the flailing flagship. And it may have taken the entire Note series with it, as Samsung is supposedly contemplating the possibility of killing off the Galaxy Note brand altogether. So don't get your hopes up just yet for a Galaxy Note 8 to hit stores next year.

DONT MISS: The end of Samsungs Galaxy Note 7 saga is really only the beginning

The Galaxy Note 7 has done tremendous damage to Samsungs image, and its likely that consumers will associate the Note name with exploding batteries and scary fires for some time to come.

Samsung is recommended to drop the Note brand as consumers may still find it dangerous even when the new Note 8 comes out, Korea-Insight Institute vice president Kim Duk-jin told The Korea Herald.

The perception of the Galaxy Note 7 has changed significantly since its August launch, even in Samsung's home of South Korea. The institute says that negative perception rose to 53% in October, up from 34% in August when the phone was released. Favorable opinions dropped from 62% to 42% over the same period. The data comes from Konan Technology, a firm that analyzes social network messages.

The Note brand might be going away entirely  although theres no confirmation from Samsung at this point  but the company is likely to retain the Galaxy brand, which still obviously has tremendous value. All eyes are on Samsung now, and experts in Korea say that the first thing the giant corporation has to do is to find out what caused the Galaxy Note 7 explosions and come clean.

Samsung should first accurately find out what led to the explosions and honestly disclose them to consumers. If the design was the problem, thorough investigation should be carried out before launching the Galaxy S8, KAIST College of Business professor Lee Byung-tae told the Herald.

As the hasty launch of the Galaxy Note 7 has been said to have contributed to the crisis this time, Samsung should not feel rushed to unveil new features for Galaxy S8, an unnamed industry source added.

Story continues

Recent reports claimed that Samsung is preparing two Galaxy S8 versions for late February, including a regular model and a phablet version. A Galaxy S8 Plus complete with S Pen support could always replace the Galaxy Note series, of course. More shaky rumors have also suggested that Samsung is working on a third type of flagship smartphone that would have a bendable screen.

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Twitter shares have doubled over the past year, but gave back some gains following a strong quarterly earnings report (AFP Photo/Leon NEAL)

New York (AFP) - It all started with a single tweet.

Outraged by Donald Trump's boasts about grabbing women's genitals and forcing himself on them, Canadian author Kelly Oxford urged her hundreds of thousands of followers to share their recollections of the first time they were sexually assaulted.

What she didn't expect was the seemingly unstoppable chain she set in motion, with more than a million women sharing their experiences, and with that placing an explosive subject front and center of the campaign to become America's next president.

A 39-year-old writer, Oxford launched the Twitter appeal within hours of Friday's release of a 2005 Trump video, using the same word that Republican presidential candidate Trump employed in the video.

"Women, tweet me your first assaults. They aren't just stats," she wrote.

Oxford then went first: "Old man on city bus grabs my 'pussy' and smiles at me, I'm 12."

And with those words, the Los Angeles-based blogger became a major Internet celebrity.

Within an hour, she had already racked up thousands of witness accounts, with the hashtag #notokay taking social media by storm.

The next day, Oxford tweeted to express surprise at the rate of responses: around 50 per minute and well over a million at that point.

Most were women who, sometimes with modesty, at times in crude details, describe in several words how a parent, a friend of a friend, a professor or a stranger once abused them.

But joining the chorus were also some men who were either themselves victims of violence or sought to distance themselves from Trump's belligerent rhetoric and behavior.

Nearly five days on, the rhythm has slowed but the witness accounts keep pouring in.

While it is still too early to tell if Trump can scramble back up to the top of the polls after the hit he took following the revelations of his lewd, decade-old comments, the episode has reignited a fierce debate about sexual violence in the United States.

Story continues

After dozens of Republican figureheads publicly withdrew their support from Trump, some of his backers dismissed the comments as simply "locker room talk."

- 'More awareness' -

In 2015, views were similarly sharply divided when a then-student athlete of California's prestigious Stanford University, Brock Turner, was sentenced to just six months in prison after raping an intoxicated and unconscious 22-year-old woman during a fraternity party.

A petition with more than a million signatures asked that Superior Court Judge Michael Aaron Persky, himself a former captain of Stanford's lacrosse team, be recused from the case.

The scandal led to tighter anti-rape laws in California in September.

Terry O'Neill of the powerful National Organization for Women, recalled how another hashtag urging women to share their experiences of assault or discrimination -- #yesallwomen -- went viral in 2014 after Elliot Rodger went on a killing spree after women refused his advances.

And the sordid scandal that brought down former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who was accused of trying to rape a chambermaid in New York, had also triggered countless revelations by women who said they had suffered sexual assault or violence perpetrated by politicians.

"We really have made some progress, we have come a long way," said O'Neill.

"We may be at a moment where we expect real changes and really put an end to rape culture."

At least one in five people have been directly or indirectly affected by this type of violence in the United States.

"It's good that outrage is being voiced, it's creating more awareness... on a huge societal issue," said Delilah Rumburg, CEO of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center in Pennsylvania.

While doubting that these witness accounts will change the minds of people who plan to vote for Trump, Rumburg found it "very encouraging" that men are also participating in the debate by rejecting sexually predatory behavior.

"The more we talk about it, the less acceptable it is going to be," she said.

Jean Kilbourne, an author and speaker known for her work on the image of women in advertising, hailed the success of #notokay.

"For years, for a lot of us, we would tend to minimize it because the culture tends to minimize it, even though it has a lasting impact," Kilbourne said.

"It is just extremely important to realize how many women have had these experiences."

She then added, with a laugh: "Donald Trump has actually managed to bring a very serious issue in the campaign."
Giant conglomerates like Samsung are widely credited with driving the growth that transformed South Korea from a war-ravaged backwater to Asia's fourth-largest economy in a matter of decades (AFP Photo/Jung Yeon-Je)

Paris (AFP) - The first rule in a corporate crisis is to staunch the bleeding. However, PR experts say, Samsung Electronics bungled in not just misdiagnosing the fault afflicting its top-end phones but appearing uncommunicative with an aloof bedside manner.

As a result, the South Korean company has its work cut out as it embarks on a vast and costly exercise to win back trust and prove that it is still a byword for quality at a time when its rivals are going full tilt in the smartphone wars.

"The basis of crisis management is to make sure that when you give a solution, it's the right solution and it is going to enable you to move forward," Andy Holdsworth, a crisis management specialist at the British PR firm Bell Pottinger, told AFP.

That has not been the case with Samsung. Perhaps reluctant to lose too much ground to rivals such as Apple and Google, who were busy launching their own new models, the company rushed out replacements for its Galaxy Note 7 'phablet' series when some in the first global batch spontaneously caught fire.

The incendiary problem persisted, however, and now Samsung has been forced to scrap the entire line in an embarrassing setback for a brand image that took years to build up. Some airplanes had banned passengers from boarding with the phones. Social media is rife with anger and ridicule. One video, of a Burger King employee in South Korea gingerly handling a smoking Note 7 with oven gloves, has gone viral.

- Disjointed response -

Holdsworth said Samsungs response throughout had been "disjointed".

"I would question the investigation and I would question why Samsung said last night the product is safe if this morning (Tuesday) they then decide to recall all units and stop production. There seems to be a slight miscommunication somewhere.

"You kind of lose faith in it because your remedy (suffered) the same problem and this problem is quite a dangerous one."

Story continues

The family-run corporations, or "chaebol", which dominate the South Korean economy are used to running their businesses their own way.

As companies like Samsung and LG have become global brands, their corporate governance and PR cultures have improved as they have adapted to the rigours of international markets, but analysts say the old family-run structure, with its rigid top-down decision-making, leaves them vulnerable to a crisis.

- Who's in charge? -

In Samsung's case a generational leadership transfer, with family patriarch and group chairman Lee Kun-Hee bedridden since suffering a heart attack in 2014, may have contributed to the companys failure to deal efficiently with the Note 7 crisis.

"In chaebol like Samsung, the all-powerful chairman makes key decisions and these are swiftly translated into actions by his underlings," said Chung Sun-sup, head of corporate analysis group Chaebul.com.

"But if such a patriarchal leader is somehow absent, such a decision-making structure may fall into limbo. The current crisis at Samsung is related with this corporate structure. If Lee was in charge, he might have sorted it out, bringing in every available expert from both inside and outside the company. But Samsung just tried to tinker with the problem and failed," Chung said.

It could be worse. There has been no loss of life, unlike other PR disasters such as the 2010 explosion at BP's Deepwater Horizon oil rig which now features in a Hollywood movie.

And other companies have also struggled with the challenge of extracting more power and faster charge times from the lithium-ion technology used in smartphones today.

Boeing suffered electrical fires from the lithium-ion batteries aboard its new 787 jet, and Dell with self-combusting laptops, noted ManMohan Sodhi, a professor of operations management and supply chain at Cass Business School in London.

But Samsung erred in striving to "fix the problem too quickly", he said. Now, with the total shutdown of Note 7 production, "it sends a bad signal to the market that there is panic in the boardroom".

There may be no quick fix to undo the past few weeks, during which it appeared that Samsung's official response appeared to lag that of national regulators, airlines and mobile phone carriers.

But Samsung should at least shed any inhibitions it may feel about being more forthright with its customers, said Yves Robert-Paul, who heads crisis communications for French advertising group Havas.

Since Samsung started recalling the phablets last month, he said, it has offered only "a pragmatic response, devoid of all emotion".

"They've run it like an industrial disaster but they forgot to think about their customers."
By Malathi Nayak and Deborah M. Todd NEW YORK (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics Co Ltd <005930.KS> is sending fireproof boxes and protective gloves to customers returning potentially explosive Galaxy Note 7 phones, sparking a firestorm of humour on social media about the new twist in the recall scandal. The company has permanently halted production of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone less than two months after launch following reports that some batteries caught fire. Reports that some replacement models also went up in smoke were an additional blow to Samsung's brand and financial outlook. "Samsung fireproof boxes? Have they been tested?" wrote Twitter user @powermax_news, a sales and service group that works on products from Samsung rival Apple Inc . Samsung in a statement said it was sending the fireproof return kit to customers who bought the Galaxy Note 7 phone on its website. A YouTube video by Android developer news site XDA Developers on Tuesday showed a "return kit," including a fireproof box with a "forbidden for transport by aircraft" warning and blue gloves to handle the device. The thermally insulated outer box that has ceramic fibre paper lining has two smaller boxes within it and a static shielding bag, the video showed. The packaging also inspired mirth. "The ultimate prank is when you open a box inside a box inside a box to find...a bag," Tweeted user @Nataddda. U.S. wireless carriers described getting similar materials to return the phones. Sprint Corp spokeswoman Laura Lisec said retail employees had been told to remove phones from packaging, power them down and secure them in the heat-proof boxes. Sprint phones nationwide are being consolidated at a warehouse in Illinois before being forwarded to Samsung. Verizon Communications Inc spokeswoman Kelly Crummey said retail stores were keeping returned Note 7s separate from other merchandise but did not share details regarding shipping or packaging. She said returns were steady and that many customers were choosing other Samsung Android operating system phones, rather than switching to Apple and its iOS. "The Samsung Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are really popular with customers. From what we've seen with customers if they like Android they like Android and if they like iOS they like iOS," she said. Shippers, meanwhile, are taking their own precautions. The U.S. Postal Service, FedEx and UPS said they would not ship the phones by air, consistent with U.S. regulation. But FedEx will only take phones returned to stores, not from individuals directly. Royal Mail Plc , operator of Britain's main postal service, said on Wednesday it had banned the delivery Note 7 smartphones through its network for safety reasons, making it potentially difficult for many Britons to return the recalled devices. (Reporting by Malathi Nayak, Deborah M. Todd; Editing by David Gregorio, Peter Henderson and Lisa Shumaker)
When Samsung initiated a replacement program for its explosion-prone Galaxy Note 7 a few weeks ago, it was only natural to assume that the South Korean tech giant managed to pinpoint the source of the problem and fix it. Of course, it didn't take long before we starting seeing a stream of fresh reports involving replacement Note 7 devices catching fire and exploding as well.

Yesterday, Samsung officially discontinued the Galaxy Note 7, effectively closing a chapter on the most embarrassing and costly PR disaster in company history. What makes the entire Note 7 ordeal all the more frustrating is that Samsung engineers are still unable to replicate the problem. Consequently, Samsung still has no concrete idea as to why its initially well-received phablet turned out to be, in some instances, nothing more than a ticking time bomb.

DON'T MISS: The end of Samsungs Galaxy Note 7 saga is really only the beginning

According to a new report from The New York Times, Samsung has devoted a tremendous amount of engineering resources towards figuring out the root cause of exploding Note 7 devices. The company, however, still has more questions than answers.

When the first wave of Note 7 explosions began popping up, Samsung tasked hundreds of engineers with figuring out what was going on. Unfortunately for them, they weren't even able to replicate the issue in their labs, ultimately prompting them to assume that the problem must lie with one of Samsung's battery suppliers.

That theory, of course, was quickly proven to be false once new reports of exploding Note 7 units emerged.

Citing sources familiar with Samsung's efforts, the Times notes that "company engineers went back to the drawing board" but have still been "unable to reproduce the explosions" or precisely figure out what's causing them.

With no solution in sight, the company's hand was forced, culminating with yesterday's decision to mercifully end Galaxy Note 7 production altogether.

Story continues

Taking our customers safety as our highest priority, we have decided to halt sales and production of the Galaxy Note 7, the company said in a statement.

All that said, that's not to say that there are no theories being floated around.

Some, for example, speculate that the source of the problem may be faulty charging circuits. Meanwhile, Twitter user arter97 points us to a Korean Agency for Technology and Standards report which claims that the problem may be due to the rounded corner design of the Galaxy Note 7.

https://twitter.com/arter97/status/786002483424272384

With Samsung still unable to identify and eliminate the root cause of the problem, it stands to reason that explosion-gate, for lack of a better term, will have a detrimental and perhaps long-lasting impact on sales across the entirety of Samsung's smartphone and tablet lineup.

On a related note, a recently published video that we covered on Tuesday provides us with a window into what it looks like when a Note 7 begins smoking spontaneously. Ironically enough, the Note 7 in the video below began smoking after the owner reportedly visited Samsung's website.

Truth, as the old adage goes, is much stranger than fiction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CLyMQ5Q8cw

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By Abinaya Vijayaraghavan, Nayyar Rasheed and Sriraj Kalluvila

(Reuters) - Sprint Corp <S.N>, the No. 4 U.S. wireless carrier, said on Wednesday it planned to raise an initial $3.5 billion by mortgaging about 14 percent of its wireless airwaves.

The company, majority owned by Japan's SoftBank Group <9984.T>, estimates the airwaves are worth about $16.4 billion.

The spectrum portfolio, which includes FCC licenses and a small number of third-party leased license agreements, would be leased back, the company said.

The offering is expected to be rated investment grade by Moody's Investors Service and Fitch, Sprint said.

The carrier has been burning through cash as it faces intense competition for subscribers. The company had negative cash flow of $3.17 billion in the financial year ended March 31.

Sprint raised $1.2 billion in November and $2.2 billion in April through similar sale and lease-back deals.

Wall Street Journal first reported Sprint's plan on Tuesday. (http://on.wsj.com/2dbjNXQ)
U.S. telecom giant AT&T Inc. T is moving ahead with plans to introduce its Enhanced Control, Orchestration, Management and Policy (ECOMP) virtualization platform in the open source industry in the first quarter of 2017. In relation to this, the company announced that it will release all 8.5 million lines of code for ECOMP. AT&T further claims that it has plans to standardize ECOMP as one of the best automated platforms for managing virtual network functions and other software-centric network operations in the telecom industry.

Earlier in Sep 2016, AT&T and French telecom Orange S.A. ORAN had teamed up on open source initiatives in order to accelerate the standardization of software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV). In relation to this, AT&T declared Orange as its first telecom partner to test its open-source Enhanced Control, Orchestration, Management, and Policy (ECOMP) platform.

The main purpose of the trial was to create and manage a software-defined network so that it can be easily accessed by cloud developers and other operators. Apart from this, both the companies aim to simplify technological integration, increase operational efficiency and cut down expenditures. This assessment of ECOMP was first done in a lab environment followed by a field trial as part of its On-Demand Networks program.

Meanwhile, AT&T also moved ahead to release ECOMP as an open source software in collaboration with the Linux Foundation.

ECOMP

ECOMP is the software-defined platform developed by AT&T to power its virtualized network. It allows cloud developers to create services and help service providers and businesses better control network services, add features and cut down on operational costs. Thus, ECOMP is likely to fulfill consumer interests through improved network adaptability, better scales and ability to meet diverse needs of its clients.

Growth Prospects

The main purpose behind open sourcing ECOMP is to operate the industry through a common approach of VNF/SDN functioning with a single SDN-based network cloud. This launch should help AT&T attain its software-centric objective to support the escalating demand for data traffic transmission on AT&Ts wireless networks, which has been exceeding 150,000% between 2007 and 2015. AT&T claims that ECOMP is best suited to deal with technological and wireless problems faced by service providers around the world. Moreover, it allows the automation of service delivery, service assurance, performance management, fault management and SDN tasks.

Story continues

AT&T aims to virtualize 75% of its network by 2020 through ECOMP. The company has virtualized 5.7% of its network in 2015. It further intends to transfer 30% of its applications to cloud by the end of 2016.

Recent Developments

In order to cope up with the dynamic world where hybrid cloud and IT services are utilized to meet business requirements, AT&T recently announced that it is entering into partnership with International Business Machines Corporation IBM and Amazon Web Services Inc., a subsidiary of Amazon.com Inc. AMZN.

AT&T also declared a carriage deal with Viacom Inc. VIAB for its DirecTV Now, under which Viacom will broadcast 15 of its channels on AT&Ts DirecTV Now. Some of the channels covered by the deal include Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, VH1, Spike, BET, CMT, TV Land, Nick at Nite, Nick Jr. and Logo.

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Verizon will be the exclusive carrier of Googles Pixel and Pixel XL phones in the US, and up until now, we thought that might be a bad deal for any hardcore Android fans looking to always run Googles latest operating system on their phones. Reports last week said that Verizon would preload some bloatware on the phones. They also said that Verizon, not Google, will be in charge of Android update releases. According to some new claims though, that might not be the case.

DONT MISS: This Galaxy S8 render might be so crazy youll forget all about the Note 7

Any Nexus user who purchased a device from Verizon probably knows that Verizon Nexus devices arent known for receiving speedy Android upgrades. And thats even though Nexus handsets should always be able to run the latest Android release as soon as its available.

However, contrary to last weeks reports, it would seem that Verizon wont ruin the Pixel after all. Or at least, it wont ruin Googles phones completely.

There may be bloatware preinstalled, but Verizon will roll out Android releases at the same time as Google.

The news comes from Ars Technicas Ron Amadeo, who heard it directly from Verizon. Interesting, he tweeted. Just got a note from Verizon that its Pixels will will get all updates at the same time as Google.

https://twitter.com/RonAmadeo/status/786238183960932352

Googles Pixels are already shaping up to be the best Android phones of the fall, especially considering the whole Galaxy Note 7 debacle. So if you care about quick Android updates and want to buy a Verizon Pixel or Pixel XL, you may be in luck.

Otherwise, you could just purchase either phone directly from Google, which obviously guarantees that youll receive timely software updates.

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See the original version of this article on BGR.com
One of the pictures posted by her depicted troops taking over government buildings on Oct 12, 1999 and the other showed news on her father's return to power.

On the anniversary of the 1999 coup, the Pakistani prime minister's daughter, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, poked former president General Musharraf that their destinies have come full circle.

By Anil Kumar: This day, on Oct 12, 1999, General Pervez Musharraf toppled Nawaz Sharif and declared himself the chief executive of Pakistan in a bloodless coup.

17 years later, the former military dictator has virtually fled his own country, now ruled again by the same man he overthrew back then.

Musharraf is in the United States and Sharif at the seat of power in Islamabad.

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MARYAM NAWAZ SHARIF AT IT

On the anniversary of the 1999 coup, the Pakistani prime minister's daughter, Maryam Nawaz Sharif, poked former president General Musharraf that their destinies have come full circle.

"Though the mills of God grind slowly, with exactness grinds He all...' For some, there's Divine retribution," she tweeted.

The prime minister's daughter also posted two distinct photos to drive home her point, visually. One of them depicted troops taking over government buildings on Oct 12, 1999 and the other showed newspapers displaying her father's return to power.

Also read: Sharif vs Sharif in Pakistan over the next Army chief



COUP, A DARK PERIOD: PML(N)

On its official Facebook page and website, the PML(N) attacked Gen Musharraf's term after the coup as a "dark period" for Pakistan.

"His rule over the country is marked as dark period of the country. Political opponents were jailed, exiled and even murdered. National interests of Pakistan were severely compromised in the name of 'war on terror'. The infamous energy crisis are a product of this tenure as no major energy projects were launched during his 8 year tenure," Sharif's party wrote.

"People rejected his tenure by first re-electing PMLN in Punjab in 2008 and then in the center in 2013. This is how people of Pakistan responded to dictatorship."

The PML (N)'s celebratory mood aside, it's unclear if Sharif's government has emancipated itself fully from the overarching influence of the Pakistani army.

WHAT NEW DELHI THINKS

New Delhi's secret assessment of Islamabad suggests the Pakistani prime minister is locked in a tug of war with the generals again.

Also read: Post surgical strikes, Nawaz Sharif trying to reinforce himself over policy domains

Also read: Nawaz Sharif after India's surgical strike: Don't take our peaceful intent for weakness



Post India's strikes, according to intelligence inputs, Nawaz Sharif has now been trying hard to reinforce himself over his nation's domestic and foreign policy domains that virtually came under the military's thumb after his son and daughter were named in the Panama offshore scandal.

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Also read: India delusional? How Pakistan's media looked at surgical strikes



It's yet to be seen who would have the last laugh in the fight for supremacy between Pakistan's civilian administration and the army led by Gen Raheel Sharif.

--- ENDS ---
Bihar CM Nitish Kumar today took a dig at PM Modi's 'Swacch Bharat' campaign and said it was socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia, who first propagated the idea of cleanliness in the country.

By Rohit Kumar Singh: In a veiled attack at PM Modi, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar on Wednesday took a dig at the former's 'Swacch Bharat' campaign and said it was socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia, who first propagated the idea of cleanliness in the country. Nitish said that while people were talking extensively about cleanliness these days, Lohia was the first politician to stress the importance of the issue decades ago.

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He said this on the occasion of socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia's death anniversary today.

WOMEN DEFECATING IN OPEN UNFORTUNATE: LOHIA



"Today, a lot is being said about cleanliness but Ram Manohar Lohia was the first thinker and politician who stressed on the idea of cleanliness. Lohia used to say it was extremely unfortunate to see women defecating in the open", said Kumar.

Also read: Bihar: Gopalganj DM adopts Gandhigiri to make Swachh Bharat Abhiyan a success

Lauding the efforts made by Ram Manohar Lohia, Nitish remembered how the socialist leader had once said that he would stop opposing Congress leader Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru as he had built toilets in urban and rural India.

"Lohia had remarked once that he would stop opposing Nehru as he built toilets in villages and in cities", Nitish was quoted as saying.

NITISH'S DIG AT MODI'S SWACHH BHARAT



Taking potshots at PM Modi's cleanliness drive, Nitish said a massive drive was being run by the central govt in the country for cleanliness, but Lohia had already stressed on this issue in the 50s.

Also read: Nitish Kumar should be arrested if any liquor is found in Bihar, says Union Minister Ram Vilas Paswan



"A cleanliness drive is being run on a large scale in the country. However, Ram Manohar Lohia had spoken and stressed on the issue way back in the 1950s", Kumar added.

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From Lalit K Jha

Washington, Oct 12 (PTI) US President Barack Obama has found Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps 2005 tape that shows him making lewd remarks about women as repugnant, the White House has said.

"The President found the tape as repugnant as most Americans did.And I think theres been a pretty clear statement by people all along the ideological spectrum that those statements constituted sexual assault," White House press secretary Josh Earnest told reporters yesterday.

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"I know you heard from the Vice President about that over the weekend and that is an observation that we have heard from a wide variety of sources.That is why many people, I believe, have concluded that those statements are worthy of sharp condemnation," he said.

The current state of affairs in the Republican Party, he said, is a reflection of the work they have done over the past eight years.

"For more than seven years, Republicans in Washington have prioritised opposition to President Obama above all else, above even advancing a conservative agenda that they claim to support," he said.

"That is why it was not particularly surprising that the base of the Republican Party now has nominated somebody whose notoriety is derived primarily from his colourful opposition to President Obama and is promoting a variety of positions that are not particularly conservative," Earnest said.

"You reap what you sow.And for seven and a half years, Republicans in Washington have been sowing anti-Obama rhetoric to the exclusion of facts, to the exclusion of any sort of governing agenda, and even to the exclusion of conservative doctrine.Thats why Republican leaders in Washington find themselves in the situation that theyre in right now.Its not something from which they will quickly recover," he added.

He said Obama is energised by the Democratic campaign and by the opportunity to advocate for Hillary Clintons election.

"The President, in terms of visibly making this argument, is only going to ramp up his activity in the four weeks that remain until the election day," he said. PTI LKJ KIS

--- ENDS ---
On September 9, the chiefs of the Indian army, navy and air force sent out separate letters, or 'signals', to their personnel. The recommendations of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), that would have hiked their salaries, were not being implemented because of anomalies in the recommendations that needed to be addressed.

This was a near repeat of what happened in September 2008 when service chiefs halted implementation of the 6th Central Pay Commission because of certain anomalies. This time around too, the chiefs wanted the government to resolve four core issues before they could implement the recommendations. These are: introducing non-functional upgrades, or NFUs, for armed forces personnel; the restoration of an earlier equitable disability allowance; the grant of higher pay for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs); and a common pay matrix for civil and military services.

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On September 12, Union defence minister Manohar Parrikar did what his predecessor A.K. Antony had attempted to do nearly a decade ago-placate the services with a promise of future redressal. Parrikar reportedly advised Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha and navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba to implement the 7th CPC recommendations. Their grievances, he said, could be addressed by a 22-member panel, headed by the Secretary of the Department of Personnel Training (DoPT), and including the Finance Advisor to the Ministry of Defence (MoD), which would look into the pay commission anomalies.

On September 14, Air Chief Mar-shal Arup Raha, who is also Chairman Chiefs of Staff Committee, chose to play down the impasse. In a statement released on the Press Information Bureau, Air Chief Marshal Raha said the "Raksha Mantri is seized of all the issues and has assured to resolve them at the earliest. The Services are satisfied with the response". (At the time of going to press, the armed forces had not implemented the pay commission recommendations.)

This, even as observers bemoan yet another breakdown of 'civil-military' relations, the synergy that runs the defence ministry. "We only wanted the government to address these four core issues, most of which have been pending since the 6th Pay Commission," a senior armed forces official says.

The armed forces' discontent, meanwhile, is being amplified through the echo-chamber of social media. Angry posts on Facebook, Twitter and on Whatsapp groups have attacked the government for ignoring the armed services. This is one reason why the service chiefs' signals to their people urged personnel not to be "swayed by hearsay or by speculative reports from any quarter".

THE PARITY DISPUTE

Discontent over the 7th CPC recommendations had been brewing since its Chairman, Justice A.K. Mathur, submitted the report to the government last November. The armed forces were unhappy-and not over the modest 15 per cent hike for nearly 10 million central government employees and pensioners.

They were alarmed by the fact that the All-India Services (IAS, IFS and IPS) and the paramilitary were edging past them in pay and allowances. The most glaring discrepancy was in the Special Duty Allowances given to IAS officials and paramilitary forces posted in remote areas. An IAS official posted in the North-East for instance, could draw a Special Duty Allowance of over Rs 60,000, double that of an army officer at the toughest military posting, the Siachen glacier. There were other issues as well, like the disability allowance system. The earlier percentage based system for military personnel sustaining injuries in the line of duty was replaced by a single slab system, a one-size-fits-all, for all services. "In most cases, a civilian official slipping in his bathroom will get more disability pension and job security than a battle casualty of the army," an army officer says.

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The armed forces still thought they could persuade the government to reconsider the recommendations. In March, the three pay cells of each service made presentations before a 13-member Empowered Panel of Secretaries set up by the government to study the recommendations of the 7th CPC. They stressed their unique conditions of service which no other government official in the All-India Services would have to undergo. They explained the anomalies in the report. How, for instance, JCOs who led platoons were being unfairly put in the same Military Service Pay brackets with the soldiers they led. Both the JCO and the soldier drew identical MSP amounts, of Rs 5,200.

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At the heart of the civil-military dispute lies a battle for parity between the civilian bureaucracy and the armed forces. The military sees the not-so-hidden hand of the civilian bureaucracy behind a gradual attempt to whittle down the military's status, particularly its pay and perks.

The starkest reminder, the services say, is how the three service chiefs have been gradually brought down in the 'warrant of precedence' which lists important government functionaries according to rank and office. From No. 2 before Independence, the three chiefs now stand at number 13, just after the cabinet secretary and the attorney general.

This is one reason why the chiefs have demanded the NFU, an allowance that is usually given to civil servants, allowing them to draw higher pay even when they are not promoted in terms of rank. This demand has been pending since the 6th Pay Commission. So while an All-India Service officer gets nearly 90 military allowances, armed forces officials will get less than 50 allowances.

The composition of the pay commission is itself evidence of their being left behind, the military says. The armed forces, with over 1.4 million men and women-nearly 30 per cent of government employees-has never had a representative on the pay commission. This has been the case since the 3rd CPC, in 1973, brought the military under its purview. In 2009, the government first agreed to a separate military pay commission but later watered this down to adding a military representative on the 7th CPC. None of these promises was met.

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Officials say the divide between the army and the IAS bureaucracy is sharp, and a cold war has aggravated over the past two months. "Whatever files are sent to the bureaucrats, come back with observations because they want us to go meet them in the office. If we go, then they show us who's boss," one army official says.

The ex-chief minister of Punjab, army veteran Captain Amarinder Singh, weighed in on this divide when he berated defence minister Parrikar for listening to his bureaucrats. "If the services are to lose their standing by placing them below your babus and police, that is exactly what you will have, and then god help our country with a belligerent China and Pakistan. Will you then lead your babus into battle?" he asked in an angry Facebook post on September 11.

The government accepted most of the recommendations of the 7th CPC this July, with effect from January 1. The armed forces were bewildered. None of their recommendations was accepted, nor their core anomalies taken note of. The government's statement on the matter was that it had gone by the recommendations of the pay commission. No explanations were given as to why they had ignored the armed forces' presentations. Even Parrikar, who agreed with the chiefs regarding the four core issues, appeared to have been blindsided by the decision.

In late July, the three service chiefs immediately dashed off individual letters of protest to the prime minister. These went unanswered.

"We've looked at all their issues in great detail and given the services the best deal possible. They should take what is offered to them," says an official involved with the 7th CPC.

The 7th CPC report was given to the government just two months after its September 5 announcement of 'One Rank One Pension' (OROP). The OROP, a political promise made by the BJP before the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, had been preceded by several months of bitter public wrangling, including street protests and relay hunger strikes by military veterans.

There are some signs of this rancour returning. Ex-servicemen have voiced their solidarity with the service chiefs. Veterans have planned a march in Chandigarh on September 15. The armed forces are unlikely to come out onto the streets in protests. Their battle will most likely be confined within the sandstone corridors of South Block in New Delhi.

One general sees the impasse as heading into a battle of attrition, a military campaign in which the belligerents attempt to wear the other side down to the point of collapse. This has been the case in several pay commissions over the past few decades. Reports of the fourth, fifth and sixth pay commissions in 1986, 1996 and 2008 respectively, were adopted only after months of such attrition battles, where the military grudgingly agreed to implement the recommendations. "The trend, unfortunately, is for one pay commission to pass the anomalies on to the next pay commission," an army official says.

Follow the writer on Twitter @SandeepUnnithan



--- ENDS ---
By PTI: New York, Oct 12 (PTI) Pakistan has told the UN that India has "closed all doors" to bilateral dialogue as Prime Ministers Kashmir envoys handed over a dossier to President of the General Assembly over "human rights violations" in Kashmir.

Senator Mushahid Hussain and Shezra Mansab Ali called on President of UN General Assembly Peter Thomson here and briefed him about the "grave threat to peace and security posed by the deteriorating human rights situation in Kashmir", the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press released issued in Islamabad said today.

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Hussain told Thomson about the "war hysteria stoked by India to distract world attention from its brutal action to suppress the legitimate demand of the Kashmiri people for self determination", it said.

He also claimed that India has "closed all doors to bilateral dialogue, scuttled a regional summit (SAARC) and at the international level, refused to implement (UN) Security Council resolutions".

All this posed an "imminent threat" to regional peace and security, the release said.

It claimed that Thomson expressed concern at the situation and assured the visiting envoys that he would do "everything possible to foster peace" and that he would get an update on the current situation from the UN Department of Peace Keeping Operations. PTI SAI AKJ SAI

--- ENDS ---
Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit termed the surgical strikes and said had there been any surgical strike, Pakistan would have responded immediately.

By Karan Thapar: Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit termed the surgical strikes by the Indian Army as 'fictional' and said there was actually a cross-LoC firing whereby India violated the 2003 ceasefire understanding. Pakistan responded to this ceasefire violation immediately and proportionately, Basit added in an exclusive interview to Karan Thapar of India Today news channel.

Had there been any surgical strike, Pakistan would have responded immediately, Basit said, adding that his country does not need time for preparation or time to gather will.

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A RELATIONSHIP ON SOVEREIGNTY

"Pakistan is striving to have a normal relation with India and that continues to be our objective under the leadership of PM Nawaz Sharif. We want a relationship on sovereignty and mutual respect and we are committed to this," Basit said.

He refused to comment on media reports in both India and Pakistan on the surgical strikes. "Even your government's official statement has been that the surgical strikes took place or was carried out along the Line of Control. I am yet to see the government's statement that says the strikes were across the LoC," Basit said.

He also did not comment on reports by a Pakistani newspaper that mentioned deteriorating relations of the country with USA and China besides isolation it faced globally. "Since the Prime Minister's Office categorically rejected the report, it would not be proper for me comment on it.

Even if other countries supported the surgical strike, it does not prove the happening of the strike. Usual cross-LOC firing happened, but the LoC was not crossed," Basit said.

On being asked if DIG of Pak spy agency ISI was being transferred due to the surgical strike, Basit said these changes are normal and should not be linked with the "fictional" surgical strike.

NO OTHER COUNTRY CAN CLAIM TO HAVE SUFFERED MORE THAN US

Talking about countries opting out of the SAARC Summit in Islamabad, and leaving Pakistan isolated in South Asia, Basit said: "No other country can claim to have suffered more than us. Pakistan has been suffering for 13-14 years. Sixty-thousand lives have been lost and there has been financial loss as well. We do not need to be lectured on terrorism".

"Postponement of the SAARC summit was our collective loss. We are confident that Pakistan would host the 19th summit, if not this year then sometime next year. It is a setback for all of us that SAARC collapsed," Basit said.

Asked whether Pakistan was worried as its key neighbours India and Afghanistan united, Basit said: "We would like the relations with India and Afghanistan to be normal."

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On the possibility of providing asylum to president of Baloch Republican Party Brahumdagh Bugti, he said: "A handful of individuals do not represent the people of Balochistan. People in Balochistan are as patriotic as people in other parts of Pakistan. Some forces are trying to undermine Pakistan."

Referring to the Indus Water Treaty, Basit said as long as India adheres to treaty and abides by it, Pakistan has no issues.

Explaining the recent statement of Pakistan PM's adviser Sartar Aziz, who said that the country sees no hope of a breakthrough in relations with India under the Narendra Modi government, Basit said: "For the last two-and-a-half years, it has been our assessment in Pakistan that India is not ready to discuss the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir. He must have said this on the basis of that."

--- ENDS ---
By India Today Web Desk: Even as the nation is gripped in the fervour of surgical strikes that annihilated terrorist launchpads in PoK, Pakistan High Commissioner to India, today denied the strikes.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Abdul Basit said that Pakistan is striving to have good ties with India. He said that it was a cross border firing and not a surgical strike which was a result of ceasefire violation.

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When asked about the leaked tape with senior police official from Pakistan confirming India's surgical strikes, Basit said that the confession tapes were fabricated.

Further asserting his stand on the recent surgical strikes, Basit said that evidence could always be fabricated.

Basit also rejected claims made by Pakistan's military analyst Ayesha Siddiqa confirming the surgical strikes.

NO STRIKES SO NO VIDEO EVIDENCE



When asked about the clamour over evidence of the surgical strikes, Basit said that as far as Pakistan was concerned since there was no strike they were not concerned about video evidence.

"If there was any surgical strike, Pakistan would have responded proportionately," said Basit.

Also read: How India's surgical strikes created a rift between Lashkar terrorists, Pakistan army



Upon being asked about media reports substantiating surgical strikes, Basit said that he did not want to comment on media reports.

When asked if his transfer was directly related to the recent surgical strikes, Basit said that the transfer was unrelated.

Watch the video



SAARC NOT CANCELLED, ONLY POSTPONED



Following the surgical strikes several countries backed out of the SAARC Summit. Basit, however, said that SAARC was not cancelled but was postponed. He further added that Pakistan will host SAARC in future.

"Pakistan wants peace with every country," he said

Also Read: Inside story of Indian Army's daring surgical strikes against Pakistan



When asked about delay in prosecuting those involved in Mumbai terror attack, Basit said that Pakistan is committed but it is helpless without India's cooperation on these matters.

"Our investigation on Pathankot is progressing even though India Pakistan relations are deteriorating," he said on being asked about Pakistan's investigation into the Pathankot attack.

INDIA BLAMING PAKISTAN FOR URI ATTACK



Basit stated that India did not lose a moment to blame Pakistan for Uri attack and expected Pakistan to condemn the incident.

When asked about exiled Baloch leader Brahamdagh Bugti's decision to seek asylum in India Basit said that there is a foreign agenda to destabilise Pakistan. He added that Balochis are patriotic and a policy will be decided accordingly for them.

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Also Read: India's intended message conveyed to Islamabad through surgical strikes: Vikas Swarup



"Last two years we have been trying to come to table, to discuss difficult issues between the two countries. However, India is not ready to discuss Jammu and Kashmir," said Basit.



--- ENDS ---
Asad Butt, Vice-President of Sindh's Human Rights Commission has warned the Pakistan army against the use of force in Balochistan.

By Anil Kumar: A Pakistan-based human rights watchdog has warned the nation's security establishment that their use of force to silence the unrest in Balochistan could backfire.

"People are being abducted, killed and their bodies dumped in Balochistan. They (security forces) seem not to understand. We appeal to state institutions and agencies that if anyone has committed any crime, bring them to the justice system, bring them to your courts," said Asad Butt, Vice-President of Sindh's Human Rights Commission, in a video message.

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His comments came after Baloch students held a protest demonstration over what they called the unlawful arrest and disappearance of one of their activists, Shabir Ahmed Baloch. The missing man is information secretary of the Baloch Students Organization (Azad).

Also read: Baloch activist Naela Qadri Baloch in Delhi to form government-in-exile



RELEASE DEMANDED

Over the weekend, the protesters demanded his immediate release while assembling at the Karachi Arts Council and marched up to the city's main press club. They carried banners and portraits of the student leader.

Baloch, protesters alleged, was abducted by Pakistan forces in Balochistan on October 4, 2016.

"The way Shabir Baloch has disappeared, you will get nothing but hatred from people," Butt warned in his video post. "We are concerned and appeal to immediately release Shabir Baloch without any delay," Butt concluded.

Also read: Baloch Liberation Army accepts attack on Rawalpindi bound Pakistan train in Mach



PROTEST IN QUETTA



A protest march was also held at Quetta's press club. Nasrullah Baloch, human-rights activist and Chief of the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), his colleague Mama Qadeer Baloch and a number of students participated in the Quetta demonstration.

Lateef Johar, a member of the BSO (Azad), appealed in a video message to the international community to take note of the alleged abduction of Shabir Baloch, who led campaigns against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Balochistan and the handing over of the seaport of Gwadar to China for military buildup.

Also read: US is Pakistan's real enemy, best to focus on building ties with India: Hafiz Saeed



--- ENDS ---
A second terrorist has been killed by the security forces in ongoing encounter in Pampore that entered its third day today. One militant was killed yesterday evening.

Encounter between security forces and terrorists is underway in Pampore.

By Shuja-ul-Haq , Ashraf Wani: A second terrorist has been killed by the security forces in ongoing encounter in Pampore that entered its third day today. One militant was killed yesterday evening.

Combing operations by the security forces are underway



The body of the militant killed yesterday is yet to be recovered from the encounter site.



Meanwhile, security forces have entered the first floor of the 7-storey EDI building and are clearing one room after another as the building could not collapse despite the IED blasts.

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Some more militants are believed to be holed up inside the building.

The final picture will be clear when the encounter and search operations come to an end.

Security forces pounded the government building near Srinagar-Jammu National Highway at regular intervals with mortars and blasted IEDs with the aim of flushing out the militants or cornering them to one side of the building, officials said. However, the ultras did not fire in retaliation, they said.

Army personnel fired mortar shells at the multi-storey building of the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) at Pampore.

GUNBATTLE STILL ON



There seems to be no early end to the operation which started on Monday morning as the encounter is still underway and heavy exchange of fire is reported. The operation has been now going on for 48 hours.

Most part of the concrete building has been reduced to a skeleton as many of its walls have been blown up.

Elite Para commandos of the army have also been called in to neutralise the militants but the security personnel are not rushing in to the building to avoid casualties, the officials said.

The area around the EDI premises has been cordoned off to prevent the militants from escaping, the official said.

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) building is situated in Pampore near Srinagar-Jammu National Highway.

2-3 MILITANTS ENTERED EDI BUILDING



Two to three militants stormed into the EDI complex in the wee hours on Monday and took positions inside one of the buildings.

The ultras could have entered the complex from the riverside after travelling by boat but that can only be ascertained once the operation is over, the officials said.

After getting inside the complex, the militants set on fire few mattresses inside a hostel room to attract the attention of the police and other security forces, which arrived within minutes of the smoke emanating from the building.

Militants had targeted the EDI building in February this year as well.

ONE SOLDIER INJURED



In the initial exchange of firing, one army soldier was injured, the officials said.

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The security forces on Monday used mortar shells, Light Machine Guns and other small arms to flush out the militants.

Militants had targeted the EDI building in February this year as well.

Five security force personnel including two young army officers and a civilian employee of the Institute and three militants were killed in that operation which lasted 48 hours.

The operation has been now going on for 48 hours. It was launched in the wee hours on Monday.

ALSO READ:

Srinagar: Army prepared to play waiting game as terrorists still holed up in EDI building



--- ENDS ---
The three-day long encounter has ended with security forces killing the two terrorists inside a building they were holed in since Monday.

By India Today Web Desk: The three-day long encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Pampore town in Pulwama district has ended with security forces killing the two terrorists inside a building they were holed in since Monday.

Sources told India Today TV that special commandos carrying out the operation have cleared the Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) building where terrorists armed with rockets and grenades and automatic gunfire had held the security forces at bay for over 60 hours.

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Briefing reporters after the end of the 3-day standoff, Major General Ashok Narula said conducting the operation in a huge building was "tricky". "We didn't want collateral damage. There were chances of civilians being inside," he said.

While one of the two militants was killed today, his accomplice was gunned down on Tuesday. Two security personnel and a policeman were also injured in the encounter.

Narula said the two militants are suspected to be from terror group Lashkar-e-Taiba, which has a significant presence in the Kashmir Valley.



Also read:Pampore encounter enters third day; 2 terrorists killed, combing operations on



The joint operation was launched by the army, the Special Operations Group of the state police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).



The 70-room, seven-storey building is located at Pampore on the banks of the river Jhelum and 12 km from the Srinagar city centre.

The main building of the institute was attacked in February too when six persons - a civilian, three soldiers and two paramilitary troopers -- were killed before three militants were shot dead.



Watch the video here:

--- ENDS ---
Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao's allocating portfolios held by hospitalised CM Jayalalithaa to Finance Minister O Panneerselvam augurs well for administration, says DMK.

By Press Trust of India: Opposition DMK has welcomed Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao's allocating portfolios held by hospitalised Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to Finance Minister O Panneerselvam, saying the move will augur well for the state's administration.

"As the Opposition Leader, I welcome this action taken by the Governor in the interest of the administrative welfare of the state," DMK Treasurer MK Stalin said.



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CAUVERY, MULLAPERIYAR ISSUES



He pointed out that the decision had been taken as per the advice of the Chief Minister herself and said Tamil Nadu was 'surrounded' by inter-state water rows like Cauvery and Mullaperiyar.

Also read: Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa's portfolios allocated to Panneerselvam

"While the Cauvery issue involving Karnataka is coming up before the Supreme Court on October 17, the North East Monsoon was due to set in soon and at such a time, there has to be a responsible cabinet to discuss such administrative issues", he said in a statement.

CABINET HEAD A MUST

"Such a cabinet needs a head. Only then decisions on issues pertaining to the state's welfare can be taken," Stalin added.

He recalled that DMK had earlier demanded that the government name an interim or Deputy Chief Minister to effectively handle issues like the Cauvery dispute, till the time Jayalalithaa returned and resumed work.

Also read: Katju's love note for Jayalalithaa: You are a fearless lioness, your opponents are langurs



--- ENDS ---
Parrikar again lauded the Indian Army for carrying out surgical strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.

By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said the real credit for the Indian Army's surgical strikes last month across the Line of Control goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi while he only helped in "decision-making and planning".



Addressing the Materials Engineering Technology conference (MET 2016) in Mumbai today, Parrikar also lauded the Indian Army for carrying out surgical strikes on terror camps in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK).

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The Defence Minister said, "I do not mind sharing the credit for surgical strikes. They were not conducted by any political party. Credit for the surgical strike goes to every Indian, including the doubting Thomas". It was an indirect reference to some Opposition parties who are demanding that the government give proof of the offensive.

SPECIAL PRAISE FOR PM

Hailing the Prime Minister, however, Parrikar added that the major share of the credit was our Prime Minister's. "It's about decision-making ability and planning", he went on to say.

I will only share the credit, major share goes to PM. This should settle the nerves of many people: Defence Minister on #SurgicalStrike pic.twitter.com/95fF1WDRbe ANI (@ANI_news) October 12, 2016

"But... I will at least claim (that) the credit is decision-making ability and planning. So that should settle the nerves of many people," he said in an apparent dig at those accusing the ruling BJP of seeking to reap political benefit from the cross-LoC strikes.

Parrikar pointed out that the September 29 operation was carried out by the Indian Army and not a political party.

The Defence Minister said he does not mind sharing credit for the army's work, including the surgical strikes to destroy the terror "launch pads", with every citizen of the country.

"Because it was done by the army, not any political party. So all Indians, including doubting Thomases, can share the credit," Parrikar said, referring to people who have questioned the strikes and demanded proof that they were conducted.

A war of words erupted over the politicisation of the strike with the opposition accusing the government of seeking to capitalise on the Indian Army's action for electoral gains.

The surgical strike came in the wake of the terror attack at an army camp in Uri town of Kashmir on September 18, in which 19 soldiers were killed.

Parrikar also said the strike has satisfied sentiments of the people across the country. "I understand (that) people's sentiments are satisfied and population is satisfied," he said



Taking a dig at Arvind Kejriwal, he said he wondered why people always used the nomenclature of an ex-IITian for a Chief Minister. "May be they do not want use that for the other one. Not all IITians pass out with flying colours", he said.

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Parrikar also replied to Former Defence Minister Sharad Pawar's claims of earlier surgical strikes. "Indian Army's capabilities don't have to be put into public...but the fact that it is being discssed todays itself will give you an idea." Parrikar said.



Both Parrikar and Kejriwal are IIT graduates.



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By PTI: Mumbai, New Delhi (Oct 12 (PTI) Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today rubbished Congress claim of the army having undertaken surgical strikes under it and demanded a "major" share of credit for the military action post-Uri attack for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, escalating a bruising war of words with Congress.

Stung by the attack, Congress accused him of "blatant politicisation" of the issue and demanded an apology.

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Speaking at two events in Mumbai, Parrikar said all the 127 crore people of India, including "doubting Thomases", and the army share and deserve credit for the operation as it was done by the armed forces and not by any political party.

At the same time, he said that "major share" of credit does go to Modi and the government for decision-making and planning.

He also made it clear that Congress claims of such attacks having been carried out when the UPA was in power were wrong as those operations were undertaken by border action teams at local level "without the knowledge" of the government.

"I dont mind sharing the credit, including on surgical strike, with every countryman because it is done by our armed forces and not by any political party. So all Indians, including, those doubting Thomases, can share the credit," he said at a function in Mumbai, adding his statement will settle the nerves of many.

Parrikars remarks drew stinging criticism from the Congress, which called them "misleading" and said by rejecting the claim that such strikes had taken place in the past, the Defence Minister had "undermined" the sacrifices made by the army.

"Mr Parrikar, Indian Army deserves all credit but why mislead the people and undermine armys sacrifices by denying earlier surgical strikes?

"Operation Ginger in 2011 was a large-scale surgical strike. Why is Manohar Parrikar quiet on armys valour? Is (it) not blatant politicisation?" Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala asked and demanded an apology from the Minister.

"Converting national security into an event management exercise to polish the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is extremely unfortunate," he said. PTI BEN APA SAP NM SKC SPG RT VSC SK SK

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By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 12 (PTI) Marking the longest duration of decline in the history of PC industry, worldwide shipments fell yet again in the September quarter this year -- down 5.7 per cent to 68.9 million units, research firm Gartner said today.

This was the eighth consecutive quarter of fall in PC shipments, according to preliminary results by Gartner.

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In the July-September quarter of last year the shipments had totalled 79 million units.

PC manufacturers faced many challenges, which included weak back-to-school demand, and ongoing low demand in the consumer market, especially in emerging markets, it said.

"There are two fundamental issues that have impacted PC market results: the extension of the lifetime of the PC caused by the excess of consumer devices, and weak PC consumer demand in emerging markets," Gartner Principal Analyst Mikako Kitagawa said.

In emerging markets, PC penetration is low, but consumers are not keen to own PCs as they primarily use smartphones or phablets for their computing needs, and they dont find the need to use a PC as much as consumers in mature markets.

The top six vendors combined for a record high 78 per cent of PC shipments in the third quarter of 2016.

Lenovo continued to be the worldwide market leader based on preliminary PC shipments with 20.9 per cent share, followed by HP at 20.4 per cent and Dell at 14.7 per cent share.

Asus, Apple and Acer followed in the tally with 7.8 per cent, 7.2 per cent and 6.7 per cent share, respectively. The data includes numbers of desk-based PCs, notebook PCs and ultramobile premiums (such as Microsoft Surface) shipped but excludes Chromebooks and iPads.

In the US, PC shipments totaled 16.2 million units in the third quarter, 0.3 per cent decline from the same period last year. This is the second consecutive quarter of flat year-over -year PC shipment growth.

Asia Pacific PC shipments totaled 24.7 million units in the third quarter of 2016, a 7.6 per cent decline from the third quarter of 2016.

PC shipments in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) surpassed 19.2 million units in the third quarter of 2016, a 3.3 per cent decline from the same period last year. PTI SR SA

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The Goa police gave out appalling details about the rape and murder of perfumer Monika Ghurde. The security guard confessed to his crime during interrogation, and said that he made Ghurde watch porn clips before raping her.

Monika Ghurde was found murdered at his Goa flat with her hands tied to the bed. Photo: Social media

By India Today Web Desk: Chilling details have come out in perfumer Monika Ghurde murder.

The accused, security guard, has confessed to his heinous crime. He not only raped and brutally murdered Ghurde, but even showed her three porn clips before committing the crime.

The Goa police also said that the 21 year-old security guard, Rajkumar Singh, had planned the murder well in advance. It was not accidental, as we had suspected earlier, Goa Deputy Inspector General of Police Vimal Gupta said.

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Revenge, lust and robbery were the main motives behind the cold blooded murder, the police said.

Also Read: Naked, bound body of famed perfumer Monika Ghurde found at Goa home; robbery, rape suspectedWHAT REALLY HAPPENED ON THAT FATEFUL DAY



Security guard Rajkmar Singh went to Ghurde's house, posing as a security supervisor, and knocked on the door. When the perfumer opened it, Singh entered the flat forcibly. He then held her at knife-point and covered her mouth with his hands.

Singh later tied both her hands and legs to the bed, and it was then that he demanded money.

The police said that the perfumer told him to take all the money that was there in her purse. Singh said Rs 4,000, the amount that was present in Ghurde's purse, was not enough for him. The perfumer then asked him to take her ATM card and gave him the PIN.



But Singh did not leave.

He took her cellphone, got the password from her, and forced the perfumer top watch three porn clips.

The DIG said he then released Ghurde's legs and raped her.

"We will add Section 376 (rape) IPC to the case," DIG Gupta said.

Also Read: Monika Ghurde murder case: Security guard smothered perfumer to death, possibly raped her



THE GUARD SHAVED AT THE PERFUMER'S FLAT?

Shockingly, the guard shaved at Ghurde's flat. The DIG said police had clinching evidence to support the claim.

"We have recovered hair from the spot," he said, adding that a DNA analysis would be done.

The Goa police also ruled out the involvement of any other person.

"After Singh raped Ghurde, he must have realised that she knew him very well and would complain. Hence, he suffocated her by pressing the neck and smothered her with a pillow till she died," DIG Gupta told journalists.



Also Read: Perfumer Monika Ghurde's killers identified, caught on camera



SECURITY GUARD WAS ANGRY WITH GHURDE



"Singh was fascinated by Ghurde since the time they first interacted," the DIG said. The police said that the guard kept a track of Ghurde's whereabouts.

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The police also said that the guard used to interact with the perfumer often as Singh also used to wash Ghurde's car.

On July 22, Rajkumar Singh was removed from his job as there were many complaints against him. One of the complainant was perfumer Ghurde too.

The police said Singh linked his termination to the perfumer's complaint.

"He was angry not only with the employer but also with Ghurde," the police said.

(With inputs from agencies)



Also Read:



Perfumer Monika Ghurde's murder: One accused arrested from Bengaluru

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The T-shirt that Priyanka Chopra wore for Conde Nast Traveller India's cover was not about privilege or fashion, says the magazine's spokesperson.

By Indo-Asian News Service: A T-shirt that Priyanka Chopra wore for a magazine cover flaunted the message of being a traveller over a refugee, immigrant or outsider. It generated a mixed response on social media and a spokesperson of the magazine has explained that the idea was to tell the world to stop labelling people.

The magazine issued an official statement on Tuesday saying that the message was interpreted in a wrong way, and they wanted to suggest that "the beauty of a world" is in its diversity.

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The statement read: "At Conde Nast Traveller, we believe that the opening up of borders and the breaking down of walls can help us discover the world, and open up our minds and hearts.

"So, when we had actress Priyanka Chopra wear a T-shirt we created on the cover of our sixth anniversary issue, we had a point to make. And it's not about privilege or fashion."

The actress, who features in American TV series "Quantico", wore a white tank top that read "Refugee, Immigrant, Outsider, Traveller" with all but the last word crossed out for the cover.

Also read: Priyanka Chopra slammed for being insensitive towards refugees and immigrants because of her T-shirt



The image caused a stir among social media users as soon as it surfaced online. But the magazine spokesperson says the idea was to urge people to "stand against the building of walls, literal and otherwise".

"We must demand a world free of racism and bigotry and prejudice, so that we - and generations after us-- may enjoy all the abundance that travel offers, the beauty of a world that is open and rich and diverse in its people and cultures and geographies," the spokesperson added.

The statement stresses on why Priyanka, who has worked extensively in India and will soon be making her debut in Hollywood, was an apt choice for the magazine cover.

"Priyanka Chopra - a star at home and abroad, who has experienced firsthand the opportunities that travel offers -- is the perfect ambassador."



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A Dalit man, aged 20, was found dead in Gharangna village in Mansa district on Monday night with his left leg missing.

By India Today Web Desk: A 20 year-old Dalit man was found dead, with his left leg chopped off, in Punjab's Mansa district on Monday night.

The victim, identified as Sukhchain Singh Pali, from Gharangna village in Mansa district was involved in liquor smuggling and was killed by upper-caste men who belonged to a rival smuggling gang, the police said. The two groups had clashed several times in the last few months.

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FAMILY REFUSES TO CREMATE BODY

Pali's family, however, alleged that he was killed because he was a Dalit.



The family is not cremating his body and said that the rites would take place only after the leg is found and the accused are arrested.

Pali's father Resham Singh has filed a complaint against six people from the same village.

Based on the complaint, a case of murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) has been registered against Balbir Singh, Hardeep Singh, Amandeep Singh, Sadhu Singh, Babrik Singh and Sita Singh.

WHAT HAPPENED

According to the complaint, Pali was attacked while he was returning to his village on Monday night. The complaint read that the rival group, which was also involved in liquor smuggling, was led by landlords of the village. They attacked Pali and killed him.

Pali, too, was involved in the same business.

When Resham Singh heard about the attack from Pali's friends, he rushed to the police and sought their help.

Pali's body was reportedly found at Balbir Singh's house at around 10 pm on Monday night.

POLITICIANS' PROTEST AGAINST DALIT ATROCITIES



Local politicians protested in the village, alleging that Dalits were being harassed and attacked repeatedly.

Earlier last week, a Dalit youth was murdered in Muktsar for allegedly refusing to sell liquor .

In December last year, another Dalit man, Bheem Taank, was found dead in the state with his hand and leg chopped off.

Also Read:

Uttarakhand shamed: Dalit man killed for arguing with upper-caste school teacher

A repeat of Una: Pregnant Dalit woman, husband beaten up for refusing to remove cow carcass

MP: Dalit man forced to cremate wife outside his home while Parliament debates Dalit atrocities



India Today Expose: Why Dalit persecution is rampant in Gandhi's Gujarat

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By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 12 (PTI) Aiming to reduce travel time significantly, Railways will ink a pact with Germany for running high-speed trains in the country.

Accompanied by a high-ranking delegation, German Minister for Transport and Digital Infrastructure, Alexander Dobrindt, will meet Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu on October 14.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed between the two countries for bilateral cooperation in the rail sector, said a senior Railway Ministry official.

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Dobrindt is visiting India from October 12 to 15. According to railways, it is a "follow-up" to Prabhus visit to Germany in April.

The German minister will hold talks with Prabhu in Rail Bhavan. Both ministers will focus on deepening collaboration and strengthening ties in the field of railways and high?speed trains.

After the meeting, the MoU will be signed between Indian Railways and DB Engineering and Consulting GmbH. PTI ARU GVS

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By PTI: New Delhi, Oct 12 (PTI) A 16th century rare Iznik tile from the Islamic world is set to go under the hammer on October 18 at Bonhams Islamic and Indian sale in London.

Estimated at 25,000-35,000, the tile dates from 1580. It is unusual in the application of the chrome black outlines that seem to have been painted on top of the glaze before it was fired and are used to emphasise the form of the decorative elements.

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"This is a very intriguing tile. I have never seen one like it. The maker may have been aiming for a novel effect or perhaps he simply got distracted and forgot to complete the outlining before applying the glaze and then rectified his oversight afterwards. Either way, the effect is very striking," says Oliver White, Bonhams Head of Indian and Islamic Art.

The antiquity is part of a selection of tiles from Iznik, Kashan and other major pottery centres in the Islamic world.

Located in modern day Turkey, Iznik was an established centre for the production of simple, domestic, earthenware pottery when craftsmen began making stonepaste objects on the demands of the Ottoman Court.

These were initially decorated with traditional arabesque patterns combined with design elements taken from Chinese blue and white porcelain.

The sale also features an extensive array of relics from India and the Islamic world, including two other Iznik tiles - one from 1560 (estimated at 12,000-15,000) and another from 1570 (estimated at 8,000-12,000).

A fine Iznik rimless pottery dish from the same period (estimated at 15,000-20,000) will also go for auction.

Iznik pottery flourished throughout the 16th century reaching its golden era between 1560 and 1600. The artform gradually became more fluid with less symmetrical designs and changing colour palette that incorporated pastel shades of turquoise, sage green and pale purple. By the end of the century, bolder colours like red and emerald green had been introduced.

However, a series of catastrophic fires, combined with an economic slump across the Ottoman Empire at the beginning of the 17th century, affected both production and demand adversely. PTI TRS ZMN TRS

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The international fast food chain is limiting the appearance of its friendly mascot, because of the growing hysteria about clowns.

The clown, Ronald McDonald, has been the official McDonald's mascot since the 1960s. Picture courtesy: Instagram/ronaldmcdonald

By Shreya Goswami: One of the most attractive things about McDonald's, even in India, is the presence of the brand mascot, Ronald McDonald. The first few ads of the fast food chain featured this clown, and it majorly appealed to kids. The clown dressed in yellow and red is as popular as the Happy Meals, and both had contributed greatly to the fast food chain's growth.

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But now, thanks to the recent 'creepy clown epidemic' in the US, the McDonald's management has decided to cut down on the presence of Ronald McDonald in community events.

For those who don't know, there's been a recent spate of disturbing clown sightings all over America, where children and parents have reported that single or groups of clowns have tried to kidnap or lure away kids.

Ronald McDonald's public appearances have been toned down since the 'creepy clown' epidemic in the US. Picture courtesy: Instagram/ronaldmcdonald

According to the Associated Press, the first sightings occurred in Greenville, South Carolina in August. A group of clowns apparently offered several children money to follow them into the woods. Since then, reports of clowns trying to nab kids or turn violent have surged.

Also read: A beer that tastes like a burger? What?



While this is disturbing indeed, McDonald's has decided to take precautionary steps till the nation-wide situation gets controlled. "McDonald's and franchisees in local markets are mindful of the current climate around clown sightings in communities and as such are being thoughtful with respect to Ronald McDonald's participation in community events for the time being," the company's spokesperson related in a statement.

We can't predict if this step will help tone down the hysteria around the 'creepy clown' epidemic at all. But we're sure that Ronald McDonald's semi-exile is going to hit his fans hard, especially the younger ones. Happy Meals just aren't going to be happy enough without this clown's presence.



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By PTI: Srinagar, Oct 12 (PTI) Separatists, who have been spearheading the ongoing unrest in Kashmir for the last 96 days, today extended the shutdown call till October 20 even as people began resuming their normal activities.

In a fresh protest calendar for the upcoming week, the separatist camp, comprising leaders of both factions of Hurriyat Conference headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani and Mirwaiz Umar Farooq and JKLF chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik, has asked people to march towards Raj Bhavan to hand over a memorandum to the Governor on Friday.

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It also called upon social and religious organisations to start a "door-to-door campaign" on October 16 to raise funds for the support of transporters who have "suffered immensely" due to the ongoing strike which entered fourth month last week.

"Identify and prepare a list at mohalla (locality) level of all drivers, conductors, auto rickshaw owners, cab owners and matador (mini-bus) owners and extend help to them in all possible ways," the camp said in a joint statement here.

The proposed protest calender includes 14-hour relaxation from 5 PM daily from October 15 to October 20.

The unrest in the Valley following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani on July 8, has claimed 84 lives, including that of two policemen, and left hundreds of others injured in clashes between protestors and security forces. PTI MIJ TA AQS ZMN AQS

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Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput were seen with their daughter Misha at Mumbai airport.

By India Today Web Desk: It seems Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput's baby daughter Misha is all set for her first trip. The doting father, who is on a paternal leave right now, was spotted holding her daughter in a pink blanket at the Mumbai Airport. And he was accompanied by his wife Mira.

ALSO READ: Shahid-Mira's daughter is Misha, meet Bollywood's newest baby brigade

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ALSO READ: Shahid Kapoor and Mira Rajput are parents to a baby girl!



Shahid and Mira, who have been busy with their bundle of joy ever since her birth in August this year, have taken off to an undisclosed location before Shahid resumes work. The Udta Punjab actor would soon begin shooting for Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Padmavati.

Clad in black t-shirt and track pants, Shahid held onto his one-month-old daughter at the airport. While Mira sported a casual look.

Shahid and Mira became proud parents on August 26. And since then the two have been busy spending most of their time with their daughter.

On the work front, Shahid is awaiting the release of Vishal Bhardwaj's Rangoon. The period drama, which also stars Kangana Ranaut and Saif Ali Khan, will hit the screens in April 2017.

(Photos: Viral Bhayani)



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Somaiya was attacked in during a "Ravana Dahan"(burning of Ravana effigy) in Mulund, which he had organised.

By Kamlesh Damodar Sutar: A day after Shiv Sena workers disrupted a BJP rally and manhandled BJP MP Kirit Somaiya, five Shiv Sena workers who allegedly beat up BJP workers were arrested today.

SOMAIYA ATTACKED

Somaiya was attacked in during a "Ravana Dahan"(burning of Ravana effigy) in Mulund, which he had organised. The Ravana Dahan was done depicting corruption in Shiv Sena ruled BMC.

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THREATS BY BOTH PARTIES

Mumbai BJP President Aashish Shelar today visited Kirit Somaiya and those injured in the skirmish.

Shelar warned Shiv Sena that they will be given a befitting reply.

"Our agitation was against corruption, why was Shiv Sena angered in the first place? Our fight against corruption in BMC will continue. We will give a tit for tat.. They have started this game, but we will finish it" warned an angry Shelar.

The Shiv Sena too reacted sharply to Shelar's attack. Party leader Neelam Gorhe singled out Shelar in her attack.

"Aashish Shelar himself is facing an inquiry by the Lokayukta. Apart from Shelar, there are inquiries against BJP like Eknath Khadse and Pankaja Munde. BJP should also put up a poster of these scams with the Raavaan" attacked Gorhe.

Meanwhile, the five Shiv Sena workers were today arrested under IPC sections 324, 323, 504, 506 and relevant sections in connection with the assault on Kirit Somaiya



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By PTI: Mumbai, Oct 12 (PTI) Actor Vir Das is all praise for the action sequences in Ajay Devgns upcoming film "Shivaay".

"I think he (Ajay) has been able to pull off the story very well. I think nobody is able to pull off action the way Ajay has done in Shivaay. It will be a visual treat for everyone," Vir told PTI.

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Vir was surprised when Ajay offered him a role in "Shivaay".

"He (Ajay) called me and said come to office. His team of writers narrated the film and I liked it," he said.

The" Delhi Belly" actor reveals he is playing a Pakistani hacker in the film.

"Its not a negative role. I am playing a Pakistani hacker. I am under contract, I cant reveal much details about the film," he said.

Directed by Ajay, the film also starring Sayyeshaa Saigal and Erika Kaar releases on October 28. PTI KKP GK JCH RYS

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Pakistan is exploring the possibility of creating a greater South Asian economic alliance to counter India's controlling hold on the eight-member SAARC, say diplomatic observers.

Pakistan sees China, Iran as its backers in the wake of its growing global isolation led by India.

By Indo-Asian News Service: Pakistan is exploring the possibility of creating a greater South Asian economic alliance to counter India's controlling hold on the eight-member South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc), diplomatic observers said.

A parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, which is now in New York, pitched this idea during its five-day visit to Washington last week, Dawn online reported on Wednesday.

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"A greater South Asia is already emerging," said Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, in one of his interactions with the media. "This greater South Asia includes China, Iran and the neighbouring Central Asian republics."

Also read: SAARC: Maldives joins India, 4 others in boycott; Pak's isolation complete



He described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as the key economic route linking South Asia with Central Asia.

The Gwadar port, he said, would be the nearest warm water port, not only for China but also for the land-locked Central Asian states.

"We want India to join this arrangement as well," said Hussain, an offer Indians are unlikely to accept as they are comfortable with the advantage that SAARC provides them.



PAKISTAN ISOLATED OVER URI

Last month, India used its influence in SAARC to isolate Pakistan when it announced that it would not attend the regional group's 19th summit, scheduled in Islamabad on November 15 and 16.

India cited Pakistan's involvement in the September 18 terrorist attack at an Army camp in Uri town of Kashmir, in which 19 soldiers died, as the reason for its decision to boycott the summit.

India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, a claim which Islamabad has denied. Other SAARC nations -- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka -- joined India to boycott the meeting.

Also read: China shields Masood Azhar at UN second time; issue may dominate Modi-Jinping BRICS talks



According to Dawn, the boycott has led to an indefinite postponement of the summit and exposed Pakistan's isolation within the region.

"Apparently, the showdown forced Pakistan to conclude that in its present shape, SAARC will always be dominated by India. That's why they are now talking about a greater South Asia," said a senior diplomat, confirming reports that Pakistan is actively seeking a new regional arrangement.

"Pakistan hopes that this new arrangement will give it more room to manoeuvre when India tries to force a decision on it," said another diplomat.

Diplomatic observers in Washington said the proposed arrangement also suits China as it is worried about India's rapidly growing influence in the region.

They argued that China can play an important role in persuading Central Asian republics and Iran to join the new arrangement.

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WHY THE IDEA MAY NOT WORK

But, according to the observers, SAARC members will have little interest in supporting the idea.

There is not much benefit for Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka in joining a land route far from their borders and Dhaka as well as Colombo have their own ports.

The member that is likely to get the most benefits from a greater South Asian alliance is Afghanistan, which is technically a land-locked Central Asian nation.

But observers believe that Afghanistan is too closely linked to India to join any arrangement that hurts New Delhi's interests.

Afghanistan's presence in SAARC, however, justifies Pakistan's argument that Central Asian nations can be included in a greater South Asia.

SAARC member states imposed a stipulation for Afghanistan to hold general elections, which were held in late 2005, enabling the country to join the group as its eighth member in April 2007.

But, as a South Asian diplomat pointed out, even if a greater South Asia became reality, there's no guarantee that its members would support Pakistan in its disputes with India.

"Many Central Asian states have strong ties with India and Iran too has problems with Pakistan," the diplomat said.

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By PTI: Colombo, Oct 12 (PTI) Sri Lanka today said it has approved the draft of a new counter-terrorism law to replace a 37-year-old act to target the "new form of transnational violence" while ensuring its human rights obligations.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the draft of a new counter-terrorism law, acting government spokesman and deputy minister Karunarathna Paranavithana said.

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The new law will replace the current Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), which was enacted in 1979 in the face of growing Tamil separatist militancy and had faced criticism as it allowed indefinite detention of people without charges.

The Counter Terrorism Act (CTA) is aimed at dealing with new forms of transnational violence, he added.

According to a proposal by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the new law aims at ensuring full compliance with Sri Lankas human rights obligations while having adequate provisions to combat and deal with terrorism.

Paranavithana said a committee appointed by Wickremesinghe and headed by the minister of law and order had completed the draft policy and legal framework on the proposed CTA.

"We need the new law to ensure the country is not used as a recruiting ground or for other organising activity of international terrorists," he said.

The need for the new law was felt as terrorism had changed its nature, growing from internal conflicts to transnational violence, he added.

Tamil and human rights groups have pointed to the draconian nature of the PTA. During the LTTEs over three-decade armed campaign to set up a separate Tamil state, many LTTE activists were held under the PTA.

International rights groups had urged the Sri Lankan government to repeal the PTA and release those held under its provisions. PTI CORR ABH AKJ ABH

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Sudanese-born Josie Ajak was behind the cash register of Gloria Jean's Coffee cafe in Queensland when an elderly woman refused to be served just because of her skin colour.

By India Today Web Desk: Josie Ajak, a barista at Gloria Jean's Coffee cafe in Queensland, was the victim of racism recently when a customer refused to be served by her. A Facebook post from Ajak's friend Jade Arevalo went viral with tens of thousands of users showing support.



In the post, Arevalo wrote that the two women who visited Gloria Jeans for coffee refused to be served by Josie because of the colour of her skin. Enraged about the incident, she wrote, "Josie is one of the most kind and friendly people you could meet but, irrespective of her character, she did not deserve to be excluded like this," with hashtag #buyacoffeefromjosie. What followed was a massive outpouring of support.



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Ajak moved to Australia when she was just eight. Speaking to ABC, she said, "When we first came to Australia, in primary school and a bit in high school as well, I got the 'Why are you here? Go back to where you came from' line (sic).' She said it was after years that she faced another direct attack. She told ABC that the woman who refused to be served demanded a white lady instead.

Despite this bitter incident Ajak refused to register a formal complaint. One Facebook user lauded her spirit saying, 'Michelle Obama said...'when people go down, you go up'. And you did. You showed this woman that no matter who we are, whether we are able bodied or not, young or old, racism and bigotry is not normal, it is not tolerated here! If she is half a decent person, she should return to apologise to you."

She also thanked everyone for the overwhelming support she received and wrote on Facebook, "Regardless of which colour, gender, age, size, and shape you are, we are all deserving of love and should be treated accordingly. To everybody who has ever been refused service because of their skin colour, this is for you. There is absolutely no room for racism anywhere in the world."



Staff at Gloria Jean's also stepped up to make Josie Ajak feel special and decorated the whole store with signs which read 'no time for racism'.



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In a shocking incident, a 32-year-old man was killed today in shooting inside a bus in Sattur taluk of Virudunagar district in Tamil Nadu.

By Akshaya Nath: In a shocking incident, a 32-year-old man was killed today in shooting inside a bus in Sattur taluk of Virudunagar district in Tamil Nadu. The victim is said to be a resident of Tutukudi, Karupusamy.

The incident took place in broad daylight and the unidentified killer is absconding. Police officials are investigating the case and the motive behind the shooting is still unclear.

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There have been a series of daylight murders in the state in recent times, raising serious safety concerns among the people of Tamil Nadu. The infamous Swati murder case in Chennai had been in the news for some time.

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Hyderabad, Oct 12 (PTI) A day after 21 new districts came into existence, the Telangana government today said no fresh demands on reorganisation of districts and other administrative units would be considered.

Expressing satisfaction on the way the process of reorganisation of districts was carried out, the state government said no more changes would be considered on the issue.

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More than two years after Telangana came into existence as Indias 29th state, the TRS government in the state yesterday carried out the biggest administrative reform, creating 21 new districts.

With this, the total number of districts in the state went up to 31 from 10, following the reorganisation process.

Telangana, carved out of Andhra Pradesh, came into existence on June 2, 2014 as the 29th state of India.

Revenue divisions and other administrative units have also been reconstituted along with the districts and 25 new revenue divisions, 125 new mandals, four new police commissionerates, 23 new police sub-divisions, 28 new circles and 91 police stations have come into existence yesterday.

The new districts are -- Siddipet, Jangaon, Jayashankar, Jagtial, Warangal (Rural), Yadadri, Peddapally, Kamareddy, Sangareddy, Mancheriyal, Vikarabad, Rajanna, Asifabad, Suryapet, Kothagudem, Nirmal, Wanaparthy, Nagarkurnool, Mahabubabad, Jogulamba and Medchal/Malkajgiri.

The other 10 districts are -- Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Mahabubnagar, Medak, Karimnagar, Adilabad, Nizamabad, Warangal, Khammam and Nalgonda.

The reorganisation of districts would help in effective monitoring and implementation of welfare schemes, so that they reach the needy, Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao had said earlier. PTI SJR DK PMS SDM

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: Tirupati, Oct 11 (PTI) The nine-day annual Brahmotsavam at the famous hill shrine of Lord Venkateswara in nearby Tirumala came to a close today, with the celestial bath to the ancient idol of Chakrattalwar by priests in the holy tank near the shrine.

Thousands of devotees took a holy dip as the priests performed Chakrasnanam in the tank this morning, a temple official said.

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Apart from the revenue from gold, silver and other precious offerings, the cash offerings alone made in the temple hundi by devotees have totalled a record Rs 23 crore, about 30 per cent more than the previous Brahmotsavam, Temple Joint Executive Officer KS Srinivasa Raju said.

"Over 7.7 lakh devotees thronged the shrine and nearly half of them, including women and children, got their heads tonsured as fulfillment of their vow before offering their prayers," he said adding, a total of about 30 lakh pieces of laddus were sold at Rs 25 each to the devotees after their obeisance. PTI CORR ROH AQS DK

--- ENDS ---
A woman and her two sons attacked and verbally assaulted a Muslim mother and her daughter. When the mother called the police, "the cop did nothing".

By India Today Web Desk:

A woman from Damascus, Syria, shared a post on Facebook shedding light on the issue that has already scared the world for a while now.

The growing hate towards Muslim communities around the world and Islamophobia, which is only exaggerated further by Republican Party candidate Donald Trump, has been tough on many Muslims living in the Western countries.

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Talla Bitar wrote on Facebook how her sister and niece who live in Texas, United Sates, were attacked by a bunch of fanatic Americans and how, when the police came, the case was shrugged off.

She starts with what is going on with Trump and his pointless remarks on the Muslims.

"Trump's rhetoric might sound harmless to some, but the racism and Islamophobia his words spread are dangerously real."



THE POST

"Yesterday, my older sister and her 2 year old baby daughter were attacked in Arlington, TX.

"As she stopped at a red light while driving back home, a woman (50-60 y/o) and her two sons (20-30 y/o) got out of their car and started hitting her windows, screaming, and verbally assaulting her.

"They kept hitting her windows until the light turned green and my sister drove away."



It did not stop here. Soon they were chased by the woman and her two sons, when the mother in trouble reported the attack to the police.

"911 instructed her to keep driving around until the officer was near enough for her to park and wait. After she was told to park, the two men and their mother, attacked my sister again. One of the men climbed the front ramp of her Jeep, the other climbed the back ramp, and they started jumping until the car shook out of control. They continued to verbally assault her. Some of the things they said were:

"You think you're better than me? With your fancy ass car!"

"You're a piece of shit!"

"I'm gonna follow you home, pretty girl."

"I'm gonna show you, I'm gonna show you.""



The officer finally arrived and shockingly enough, he told Talla's sister that nothing at all has happened and that her sister's car suffered no damages.

"The cop saw my sister crying, he saw my 2 year old niece screaming, he saw, and admitted that there was no damage and that their car was completely FINE. So naturally, you know what he cop did? Nothing.

"The cop did nothing.

"He reported it as a "misunderstanding", and even GAVE THE ATTACKERS A COPY OF MY SISTER'S INSURANCE WHICH INCLUDED HER HOME ADDRESS. Let me repeat: He literally gave the attacker the address of the victim."



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She informs in the post that her brother-in-law has filed a complaint against the cop.

"My brother-in-law has filed a complaint against the officer, and will be contacting his attorney."



She ends the post with a question.

"I honestly thought most Americans would understand and think for themselves. I thought Texans were hospitable. Most importantly, I thought cops did their JOB and actively tried to make Americans feel SAFE.

"Now tell me, is this not an act of terrorism?"

Here's the Facebook post.

--- ENDS ---
A passenger tweeted to Ministry of Railways and Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu to ask for a diaper for his daughter.

By India Today Web Desk: Government ministries being active on social media has been a boon, especially if it is the External Affairs Ministry getting our visas sorted or rescuing Indians from abroad or Ministry of Railways helping a passenger whose father was in need of a wheelchair.

But in an off the track incident, a Twitter user tweeted to Railway Ministry asking for a diaper for his little daughter.

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Also Read: Tweeting about your train travel woes? Tag Suresh Prabhu or Indian Railways



Prabhakar S Jha tweeted to Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu, Railway Ministry of India saying that he is travelling with his little girl and needs a diaper.

Twitterati immediately bashed him for misusing the service and being careless. However, the Railway Ministry responded asking him his PNR and other journey details so that they can assist him.

Also Read: Digital India: Railway Minister helps man through Twitter yet again















This is not the first time such a request was made. In January 2016, a passenger travelling on Darbhanga - Hyderabad Express requested a diaper for his baby. Railway officials catered to his request and gave him the diaper at Bokaro station.

Also Read: Did actress Nivedita Saraf join Twitter to complain to Suresh Prabhu about rats on train?

--- ENDS ---
A Twitter user in a series of tweets described how her sister was harassed by CRPF personnel in Imphal.

By Manogya Loiwal : A Twitter user, Swar Thounaojam, in a series of tweets described how CRPF personnel harass her sister in Imphal every day.

Swar's youngest sister runs a shop in one of the main markets in Imphal and when she opens her shop everyday at 5.30 in the morning, CRPF personnel, she claims, come to question her about why she opens it so early.

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"Then they will pointedly stand right across her shop the whole day and stare at her or keep coming into her shop for random interrogation," one of the tweets read.

The CRPF personnel kick the dustbins of her shop and litter her space everyday saying that they are checking for bombs.

Swar wrote in the viral Twitter thread that the business of her sister and many shopkeepers has been suffering because the CRPF does not allow customers on the footpath.

She tweeted about a public rally that was going to take place during which people were believed to be demanding that the governor vacate his bungalow. According to Swar, one of Imphal's biggest markets is behind the Governor's bungalow and CRPF harasses people there.











According to the CRPF, "an IED blast had also taken place a few days ago in the area and the security of the governor was an issue".

Asked to comment on the incident, CRPF commandant Ranbir Singh told India Today that it was a "baseless allegation".

"They might be trying to use these tricks of using social media," he added.

Referring to a departmental inquiry against a constable a few months ago, he said that they follow a zero-tolerance policy (on harassment of civilians).

"Social media is easily accessible to others but there is a process of complaining against the forces and jawans. We have no connectivity here so cannot access social media but if a complaint is lodged then action will be initiated without a second thought or delay," he added.

He mentioned a protest during which people demanded that a parking area recently converted into a no-parking zone should be made available for public use.

The governor's house shares a road with the same parking area and the commandant said that they were given a letter from director of transport that the area has to be cleared because it shares a wall with a VVIP.



--- ENDS ---
By Samonway Duttagupta: Each of one deserves a break after those five crazy days in a week, in which we work hard towards meeting deadlines and negotiating traffic snarls.

And nothing else can offer a better break than a beautiful retreat high up within the mountains. Uttarakhand is one of those hill states which is home to a number of homestays hidden deep within the verdant slopes.

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We have found five of such hidden homestays for you so that you can disconnect from the world and make the most of your getaway.

Kuflon Basics, Uttarkashi

This homestay is literally hidden from the rest of the world. Located at distance of about 11 km from Uttarkashi, just above the Assi Ganga River, Kuflon Basics acts like a gem in the middle of nowhere. Named after the hamlet in which it is located, this homestay is surrounded by nothing more than the lush green mountains, beautiful bird calls and the tranquility offered by nature. Besides, it is a great place to interact with locals, experience the way they live life, and go trekking on unspoilt routes.

Picture courtesy: www.kuflonbasics.com

Book here

Jilling Terraces, Bhatelia

When you are done checking out Nainital, go on a couple of hours' drive to Bhatelia where Jilling Terraces will welcome you with open arms. There's something so charming about this homestay that you won't feel like leaving the place for the next few days at least. Set within 100 acres of untouched forest land, this 80-year-old house is a paradise for every nature lover. The rooms here are charming, the food offered is prepared using the local produce, and the views are stunning to say the least. Located in the South Gola range of the Garhwali Himalayas, this place offers unparalleled views of the majestic Nanda Devi and its surrounding peaks. Jilling Terraces is one place where you can spend entire days enjoying the views around.

Picture courtesy: www.jillingterraces.com Picture courtesy: www.jillingterraces.com

Book here

Innisfree Forest Estate, Nathuakhan

If you are an artist, writer, or any other creative person who is fond of travelling, then Nathuakhan's Innisfree Forest Estate is the place you must stay at least once in your lifetime. Owned by Lat and his elder brother Dway, who are the descendants of Kumaon's royal Chand Dynasty and a Burmese princess, this house is a paradise for those seek solitude in order to escape the noise of daily life at least for some time. Delicious Indian food, unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, and breathtaking of the snow-capped mountains are just some of the amazing things you can experience while living here.

Picture courtesy: TripAdvisor/Ishita M

Book here

Also read: 6 of the most beautiful homestays in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh



Pahadi House, Kanatal

This is one homestay you would not really want to tell others about--just for the sake of making it your secret getaway. Once you travel to Kanatal's Pahadi House, you would want to make a plan to revisit it. Pahadi House lets you experience the local life of the hill folk in well-appointed rooms having all the basic facilities one needs. This is a place where you can go on leisurely walks to soak in the charms of nature, pluck fruits and flowers, and go on jeep rides to unexplored areas of the surrounding forests.

Picture courtesy: pahadihouse.com Picture courtesy: pahadihouse.com

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Book here



Itmenaan Estate, Binsar

If you have been planning to visit Binsar, the famous hill forest of Uttarakhand, choosing the Itmenaan Estate as your accommodation will make your trip even more worthwhile. It is a 100-year-old traditional Kumaoni house which has been restored into a homestay in order to provide travellers an authentic experience of Kumaoni lifestyle. There's not much to do here, but there can't be a better place to stay for someone who loves nature.

Picture courtesy: www.itmenaanlodges.com

Book here



--- ENDS ---
By Kumar Shakti Shekhar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is under attack from the opposition over chanting of 'Jai Shri Ram' in Lucknow on Dussehra yesterday. The controversy is likely to become a rallying point between the BJP and its rivals in the forthcoming Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections in 2017.

Congress tried to hit Modi hard over raising Jai Shri Ram slogan. Said party spokesperson Meem Afzal, "I would like to ask the PM what if Vice-President Hamid Ansari addressed a congregation starting with Allahu Akbar? The PM holds a constitutional post and he should ponder whether he should have used Jai Sri Ram for furthering his party's agenda?"

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Also read: Congress hits out at PM Narendra Modi for his 'Jai Sri Ram' speech in Lucknow

Pramod Tewari, in charge of Congress Coordination Committee for UP elections, accused the PM of indulging in politics by chanting Jai Shri Ram. "Every time during election season, the BJP picks up this topic and after elections locks Ram in a box unlike the common Hindu... Modi should explain why he does not use the same 'Jai Shri Ram' for any other function or event," he said.

BJP COUNTERS

However, the BJP sought to brush aside Congress' attack on Modi. Replying to Meem Afzal's charge, party National Secretary Sidharth Nath Singh accused the Congress of selective outrage to suit its agenda. "Talking about constitutional posts, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wears hijab. Her posters show her offering namaz. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and many other former Congress leaders as then Union ministers sported skull cap. They throw Iftaar parties, which also is religious. But the Congress will not object to these," Singh said.

Also read: Nitish's dig at PM Modi: Ram Manohar Lohia first propagated Swachh Bharat

Modi broke away from tradition in not only raising the Ram slogan, which is generally associated with the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid controversy. He chose Lucknow to take part in the Ramlila celebrations against the tradition of PM participating in the national capital. The Congress has attributed motives behind this.

LUCKNOW CHOSEN FOR ELECTIONS

Congress leaders alleged that Modi chose Lucknow to participate in the Ramlila celebrations and chanted the slogan to rake up the Ayodhya Ram Temple issue. Afzal alleged that every time the PM says anything like this, it will naturally be linked to Ayodhya issue. Pramod Tewari said the Ram Mandir has always been a poll issue for the BJP.

Another Congress leader Rashid Alvi charged Modi of remembering UP only during elections. "Modi did not go anywhere else but Lucknow. The PM's speech is sheer politics, he has no faith in Jai Sri Ram. He is making political overtures in an attempt to woo voters," he said.



However, Sidharth Nath Singh rubbished the charges of Afzal, Tewari and Alvi. He justified Modi choosing the UP capital to celebrate Dussehra. He said the PM was free to visit any state. Moreover, his Lok Sabha constituency of Varanasi falls in UP and Lucknow is its capital. Singh further said the PM chanting 'Jai Shri Ram' in a Ramlila function on Dussehra which is related to Lord Ram could have been the fittest thing to do. "What Congress is raising smacks of political agenda rather than genuine concern," he said.

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Also read: Credit for surgical strikes goes to PM Modi, only helped in planning: Manohar Parrikar

With such charges and counter-charges, the issue of 'Jai Shri Ram' will only generate more heat as the UP elections draw close

--- ENDS ---
By PTI: From M Zulqernain

Lahore, Oct 12 (PTI) The parents of slain social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch today said they will not pardon their son for killing his sister in the name of "honour" and wish he is sent to the gallows for the "cold blooded" murder.

The family is already barred from pardoning Qandeels brother who has confessed to have strangulated her as Pakistan government, in an unusual move, turned plaintiff in the high- profile murder case.

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"I will not forgive my son for what he has done. My wife and I want to see our son - Muhammad Waseem - and other suspects to be hanged for their unforgivable crime," Qandeels father Muhammad Azeem said.

Talking to reporters, he said he would feel happy if the suspects - his son and three others - were sent to gallows or at least get life imprisonment.

"Waseem snatched from us our beautiful Qandeel. In fact, she was our son who would take better case of us," he said.

Qandeels mother Anwar Mai also shared the sentiments of his husband, saying "there is no question of pardoning Waseem who killed my beautiful daughter in cold blood".

Last week, the government led by PML-N passed fresh piece of legislation aimed at closing loopholes which previously allowed killers to walk free.

According to Capital Police Officer (CPO) Azhar Akram, Section 311 has been added to the FIR, meaning qisas or pardoning cannot take place.

Akram earlier said that with the state becoming the plaintiff, Qandeels father, who is complainant of the case, would not be able to forgive his son and other suspects for his daughters murder if at any point he decided to do so.

The 26-year-old actor-cum-model was killed in central district of Multan on July 15 allegedly by Waseem, who has confessed to have administered a sedative to her before strangulating her to death for the "honour of the family".

Waseem said he killed his sister due to her social media activities, which included a series of risque video posts with prominent cleric Mufti Qavi.

Azeem had lodged the FIR and named his two sons for killing her in Multan, where she had come from Karachi to live with her parents on the occasion of Eid.

The latest development comes after Mai claimed Qavi, who was suspended from top religious body Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in the controversy following Qandeels video posts with him, had "provoked" her son into murdering her daughter.

Police also included Qavi in the murder investigation of Qandeel but later cleared him after finding no proof against him.

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The honour-killing had sent shockwaves across the country and triggered an outpouring of grief on social media for Qandeel. PTI MZ SAI AKJ SAI

--- ENDS ---
Curating information literacy stories from around the world since 2005
ICAR 2016 - Main takeaways

Climate change and natural catastrophes were among the main aspects debated during the 13th edition of ICAR - The International CAtastrophic Risks Forum. The international event, which was organized on October 11, 2016, in Bucharest, Romania, gathered professionals from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, as well as Romania, who talked about the management of Nat Cat risks in the current context.



ICAR 2016 was organized together with of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the World Bank, being supported by PAID Romania as Strategic Partner, by JLT Re and PCS as Main Partners, as well as SAFETY Broker and MARSH Romania, as Partners.



Misu NEGRITOIU, President, ASF: Catastrophe risk coefficients in Romania are among the highest in the region



During ICAR 2016, Misu NEGRITOIU, President of the Financial Supervisory Authority in Romania, pointed out that the catastrophe risks (floods and earthquake) in Romania are among the highest in the region.



In the first half of 2016, the household insurance policies penetration degree had reached 19.4% in Romania, compared with 17.7% in 2015. "The activity (on the household insurance segment) is increasing, but the number of contracts is still small", Misu NEGRITOIU added.



Overall, in the first semester of 2016, the household insurance segment (both mandatory and voluntary policies) reported a 10% increase of gross written premiums compared with the same period last year, reaching RON 249.4 million (approximately EUR 55,56 million). On June 30, the number of active household insurance contracts had reached 3.3 million. Romania has 8.9 million households.



Raed ARAFAT, State Secretary, Ministry of Internal Affairs: Romania offers a clear example for the impact of climate change



Romania is a clear example of the climate change impact, Raed ARAFAT, State Secretary, Ministry of Internal Affairs, explained at ICAR 2016, pointing out that the frequency of short storms which produce major damages has been increasing.



"We need to be able to detect such phenomena before they happen and to alert the population in order to reduce as much as possible material damages and the number of victims. However, we are unable to do this at the moment. In the United States they have such alert mechanisms. But for Romania, these phenomena are new and we must begin to analyze the ways through which we can alert the population in time", Raed ARAFAT pointed out.



"The climate change warning is real", he added, given that the statistics of the National Meteorology Administration show that between 1901 and 2015, the average temperature in Romania increased by 1.98 degrees Celsius, accelerating in the last decades.



Moreover, the frequency of draught has been increasing since the beginning of the 20th century as well, intensifying after 1981. Thus, the frequency of draughts went from 1 in 10 years to 5 in 10 years. "It is clear that we face important changes. Draught is often accompanied by other extreme phenomena: if we have draught in one region, we get strong storms in others", Raed ARAFAT concluded.



PAID Romania's Nat Cat reinsurance capacity is the largest in CEE



"The purpose of the Insurance Pool against Natural Disasters in Romania (PAID) is to insure continuity for people after natural disasters. Thus, its sustainability and development are essential. An important argument for PAID's sustainability is that it respects the requirements of Solvency II", Francois COSTE, President, PAID, explained during ICAR 2016.



"We increased PAID's reinsurance capacity to EUR 800 million. This is the largest natural catastrophe capacity in Central and Eastern Europe", he added, mentioning that approximately 60% of PAID's earnings are currently used for reinsurance.



PAID Romania "became a stable company in the last 2-3 years, it can manage its IT and administrative problems and it has a good reinsurance program", Mesut YETISKUL, General Manager, CREDIT EUROPE Asigurari, said.



At the moment, PAID is working on a plan in case of major disaster. "We have been working for a very long time on a plan in case of a major natural catastrophe. PAID initialized this project as the center which will coordinate claims in case of disaster. We aim to establish a set of principles and rules to be used in claims assessment when an extended disaster occurs, in order to have an efficient and unitary solution for evaluating claims after such a natural catastrophe", Nicoleta RADU - NEACSU, General Director, PAID Romania, affirmed.



Adrian MARIN, UNSAR: Insurance reduce the consequences of major events



The insurance industry plays an important role in reducing the consequences of major events which, unfortunately, produce more and more human victims and economic losses, Adrian MARIN, President of UNSAR - the Romanian insurers' professional body - and CEO of GENERALI Romania, pointed out during ICAR 2016.



UNSAR analyzed the effects of an earthquake similar to the one in 1977 and it concluded that such an event would produce losses totaling EUR 6.58 billion, out of which EUR 5 billion uninsured losses. "Over 80% of the affected families will not have the necessary resources to repair or to rebuild after an earthquake like the one in 1977", Adrian MARIN explained.



According to the President of UNSAR, the low penetration degree of insurance in Romania is also explained by the fact that Romania is on the last place in Europe as far as financial education is concerned, with only 22% of the adult population being financially literate.



Tom JOHANSMEYER: Romania could become a signifficant contributor of original risc to the global market



Original risk is the only real, genuine way to grow the global insurance and reinsurance industry, according to Tom JOHANSMEYER, ARM AVP - PCS Strategy and Development, Verisk Insurance Solutions.



"You know there are markets like Romania, Italy, California, that are heavily exposed to the earthquake risk. There is a lot of opportunity for insurance growth here in Romania. Economic growth provides the opportunity for insured values, which also creates more original risk to enter the market", Tom JOHANSMEYER explained.



"Insurance growth unlocks capital that people are currently reserving. Romania is currently a amall insurance market, byt is certainly doesn't have to stay that way. All indications are that Romania could become a signifficant contributor of original risc to the global market", he underlined.



[galerie|ICAR-2016]





Author: Andreea RADU on 12.10.2016





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Successful water saving technology at Wollsdorf Leder

Austria

The Austria based tannery has reported successful results with the water saving bead technology developed by Xeros Technology Group in partnership with Lanxess.

Developed by the UK based Xeros Technology Group, the polymer bead technology has been specifically designed for industries with high water consumption. In partnership with German chemical manufacturer Lanxess, the water saving technology was used for the first time in a tannery in 2016.

The beads (small polymer pellets) are reusable and recyclable. Six test runs at Wollsdorf Leder have confirmed significant water and wastewater savings, while maintaining the same quality of leather produced.

Environmental protection and sustainability play a central role for Wollsdorf Leder. Optimal usage of resources such as water, energy and other raw materials as well as environmental compatibility of all company processes, are of utmost importance to the company, said Wollsdorf in a statement, highlighting that its plant has been CO 2 -neutral since the beginning of 2016.

According to Xeros, the bead technology is to be optimised and further developed for serial production in five different tanneries in 2017.

The pace of our Leather Processing trials in conjunction with our development partners, Wollsdorf Leder Schmidt in Austria and Lanxess, has accelerated ahead of our own expectations. We aim to achieve large scale commercialisation by the end of 2018, said Mark Nichols, Chief Executive, Xeros.

Wollsdorf Leder, CEO, Andreas Kindermann will outline the new technology as part of his presentation at the upcoming ILM Automotive Leather Supply Chain conference in Paris on October 17. Click here for more details.
* PermaKat Eleonora Rosati received the 2022 Adepi Award

* PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the World Intellectual Property Review's "Influential Women in IP" of 2020.

* PermaKat Eleonora Rosati listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2018.

* IPKat founder and Blogmeister Emeritus Jeremy Phillips listed as one of the Managing Intellectual Property magazine's "Fifty Most Influential People" of 2005, 2011, 2013, and 2014.

* Recommended by the European Patent Office as reading material for candidates for the European Qualifying Examinations, 2013.

* Listed as "Top Legal Blog" in The Times Online, March 2011.

2010 ABA Journal 100. * One of the only two non-US blogs listed in the Blawg100.

* Court Reporter Top Copyright Blog award winner, November 2010.

* Number 1 in the 2010 Top Copyright Blog list compiled by the Copyright Litigation Blog, July 2010.

* Selected by the United States Library of Congress for inclusion in its historic collections of Internet materials related to Legal Blawgs as of 2010.

* Top Patent Blog poll 2009: 3rd out of 50 in the "Favourite Patent Blog" poll and 2nd out of 50 in the "Most-read" poll.

Blog of the Year, 20 August 2008. * ComputerWeekly IT Law and Governance, 20 August 2008.
[October 11, 2016] Axiros Showcases the Latest in IoT and SaaS Management at Broadband World Forum 2016

LONDON, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Axiros, a leader in device management and IoT solutions for service providers, enterprises, and OEMs, is pleased to announced that the company will be at Broadband World Forum 2016 next week in London. Axiros will demonstrate the latest advances in management technologies: any device, any protocol, any service. Axiros solutions offer: IoT Event Stream Processing

ACS in the Cloud

TR-069 Protocol Stack

Quality of Experience/Service (QoE/QoS) Monitoring

IP Address Management (DHCPv4/v6)

VoIP Management

Service Assurance

Self-Service & Zero Touch Provisioning

Data Model Normalization

IoT, M2M & IT/OT integration via TR-069 & APIs







What: Axiros to exhibit at Broadband World Forum 2016, booth A11



When: October 18-20, 2016



Where: ExCeL London Exhibition and Conference Center



For: BBWF 2016 Attendees, Media and Industry Analysts interested in Cloud, M2M, IoT, TR-069 and Device Management

Meet the Axiros leadership team at booth number A11 or fill out our online request form to arrange a meeting with our CEO Kurt Peterhans or another Axiros representative before, during or after the conference to discuss TR-069, Cloud, IoT, M2M, device and service management, or any topics related to Axiros' products. You may also access a complimentary copy of Gartners Market Guide for IoT Integration report to learn more about how Axiros is bringing IoT service and device management to the world. About Axiros

The Axiros AXvantage: Any protocol, any device, any service any time. Axiros is a global leader in IoT, M2M, TR-069 and device management, providing software solutions and platforms to service providers and equipment manufacturers worldwide to manage and IoT-ize devices. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Munich, Axiros has sales and service offices and development centers worldwide, so as needs change, Axiros will always be close by to deliver. http://www.axiros.com @axiros1 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150224/177373LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/axiros-showcases-the-latest-in-iot-and-saas-management-at-broadband-world-forum-2016-300342850.html SOURCE Axiros

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[October 11, 2016] E2G | The Equity Engineering Group, Inc. Released The Latest Version Of Software, Incorporating The Third Edition Of API RP 581

CLEVELAND, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- E2G announced the release of API RBI Version 10 and SagePlus software, delivering new capabilities and enhancements. "The focus of this release goes beyond complying with the most recent updates to API RP 581 3rd Edition. It delivers enhancements that will allow users to make more informed decisions for their facilities," said David A. Osage, P.E. - President and CEO of E2G|The Equity Engineering Group, Inc. E2G's API RBI Version 10 is fully compliant with all features of API RP 581, including the latest probability of failure methods; Level 1 and Level 2 consequence models, including the consideration of inventory groups; and inspection planning for all types of fixed equipment referenced in API RP 581. The E2G software incorporates inspection planning for pressure relief devices and heat exchanger tube bundles and integrates an advanced algorithm to optimize inspection plans based on risk reduction and cost. In addition, the ability to select the 2nd and 3rd Edition methods will allow users to evaluate which 3rd Edition risk calculation changes will have a major impact on the inspection plans for their equipment so that the migration of plant equipment to 3rd Edition compliance can be scheduled. Osage continued, "Our alliance with Mistras PCMS creates unique opportunities for both organizations. With the integration of DamagePlus and PRDWise qualitative PRD assessment module, and the pending addition of E2G's API RBI with PCMS, we continue to leverage our extensive industry expertise to develop innovative solutions beyond our proprietary platform." Jim Redmon, Vice President  Asset Integrity Management Services for PCMS added, "We are delighted to be offering these modules to our customers, who can expect a seamless experience when operating them on the PCMS platform." To further enhance the user experience, analytics will be employed to guide E2G's decisions related to investment of resources and development efforts. Tom Seffernick, E2G Director of Technology and Software Products explained, "As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, these analytics will allow E2G to focus and prioritize our development efforts on tools that will have the greatest impact on our users." Additional Software Enhancements

SagePlus incorporates a large collection of analysis products and applies the most recent updates to the API 579 codes. It offers numerous features, including an intuitive user interface, the ability to store documentation files and photographs, andeasy collaboration and data sharing among users, and much more.



Improvements to SagePlus include detailed calculation reports that show how design or in-service code acceptance criteria are used. Each report displays the relevant code equations as written in the standard, the code equations with numeric values substituted from the user's case, and conclusions and results based on the design or in-service code acceptance criteria. These reports are an invaluable tool in reporting compliance to jurisdictional bodies. The RP530 module for heater tube thickness calculations has been improved in the areas of creep damage and remaining life evaluation. The method used to sub-increment past and future time increments based on metal loss has been improved, resulting in fewer sub-increments for the creep damage calculation, while vastly improving the accuracy of calculated stress.

Real time 2-D axisymmetric rendering with dimensions and numeric values  as well as 3-D component rendering with the ability to rotate, zoom, and display a cut section of the component  has been added to the SHELL, NOZZLE, and FLANGE modules delivered in SagePlus. This capability replaces the fixed reference drawings for the component geometry and is part of E2G's continuing effort to enhance the visualization capability of SagePlus. DamagePlus, based on API RP 571 and WRC 489, is a quick reference guide to help users identify and understand the potential damage mechanisms that can cause costly fixed equipment failure. E2G and Mistras now offer context sensitive integration of DamagePlus and the PCMS inspection data management system. This integration offers plant workers the ability to gain immediate insight into the damage mechanisms associated with the specific equipment in their charge and will be followed by the integration of DamageiQ  E2G's mobile-first web extension to the DamagePlus family. Many improvements have been made to the software, including the addition of the non-post weld heat treat carbon steel Nelson curve per the latest edition of API 941. Enhancements to DamageiQ, including code required thickness calculations, flange ratings, and direct access to the E2G materials database, are coming soon. About E2G

EG|The Equity Engineering Group, Inc. is an employee-owned engineering firm focused on providing specialized consulting services for new and aging infrastructure in the oil and gas industry. EG's goal is to develop and transfer technologies that help clients improve plant profitability by maximizing equipment availability, managing risk, and controlling fixed-equipment costs. For more information, please visit www.EquityEng.com and follow us on LinkedIn. Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427291

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427288

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427292

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427289LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/e2g--the-equity-engineering-group-inc-released-the-latest-version-of-software-incorporating-the-third-edition-of-api-rp-581-300342898.html SOURCE The Equity Engineering Group, Inc.

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[October 11, 2016] FedComp Offers Mobile Banking Anywhere Anytime Demo to Credit Unions

FAIRFAX, Va., Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Fairfax, Virginia based FedComp, a credit union core data processor provider, announced the availability of a free Mobile Banking Anywhere Anytime demonstration to credit unions. "We're pleased to introduce FedComp's Mobile Banking Anywhere Anytime program and offer demonstrations, free of charge, to credit union board members and staff in order for them to gain insights and understanding into both internet and mobile banking solutions for their members," said Homer Fager, FedComp president. In an app-crazed world, the race is on for credit unions, both large and small, to successfully retain existing members as well as attract and engage new younger members. To compete, credit unions must provide easy-to-use, full-featured mobility solutions for mobile banking. "To accommodate the demand for mobile banking and the growing number of mobile-only members, credit unions must rethink the way they deliver services to ensure th best member mobile experience," said Fager. "With FedComp's mobile banking app, credit unions are able to offer their members easy, secure financial control where and when they want it."



FedComp's Mobile Banking Anywhere Anytime program enables credit unions to provide members with the ability to: deposit checks from their smartphone

view account balances and activity

transfer money between accounts

pay bills

receive text alerts

make loan payments

locate a shared branch or ATM To sign up for a free FedComp Mobile Banking Anywhere Anytime demonstration or request additional information, call 855.640.3312. Credit unions will have use of the product for an extended period, risk free at no cost, before purchase.

About FedComp

For over 30 years FedComp has been servicing its credit union clients' core data processing needs both technically and with live 24/7 customer support. Since 1984 over 2,500 credit unions have employed its core data system. FedComp offers a premium Windows based software platform, called Platinum. Within Platinum, there is a full array of accounting, back office, reporting, marketing, EFT, lending & collection and record retention products to suit your credit union needs as well as your members' needs. FedComp's Platinum core data processor represents a sophisticated yet affordable core system offering a wide range of features for today's mobile credit union member. To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fedcomp-offers-mobile-banking-anywhere-anytime-demo-to-credit-unions-300342897.html SOURCE FedComp

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[October 11, 2016] MGT Capital Issues Update on D-Vasive Acquisition

HARRISON, N.Y., Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- MGT Capital Investments, Inc. (NYSE MKT: MGT), updated shareholders today on its pending acquisition of D-Vasive and Demonsaw. As previously disclosed on September 20, 2016, the NYSE MKT informed the Company that it would not approve for listing on the Exchange the 43.8 million shares required to be issued to complete the closing of the D-Vasive merger. Since that time, the Company has had discussions and negotiations with all parties involved, in an effort to reach a revised agreement on acceptable terms. Specifically, the Company plans to terminate the current Asset Purchase Agreement with D-Vasive. However, the Company has reached tentative agreements with John McAfee and Eric Anderson to execute employment agreements as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Technology Officer, respectively. In addition, the Company has reached a tentative agreement to exclusively license or acquire the Demonsaw source code and technology platform from D-Vasive. MGT believes that such a revised deal structure would be acceptable under NYSE MKT rules. To further clarify, MGT's acquisition and commercialization plans of both the Sentinel technology, a network intrusion detector, and the E-Tagged technology, a mobile device tracking platform, remain in place as previously disclose. In addition, the Company's bitcoin mining operations are also fully owned and operated by MGT. About MGT Capital Investments, Inc.

MGT Capital Investments, Inc. (NYSE MKT: MGT) is in the process of acquiring a diverse portfolio of cyber security technologies. With cyber security industry pioneer John McAfee at its helm, MGT Capital is positioned to address various cyber threats through advanced protection technologies for mobile and personal tech devices, including tablets and smartphones. The Company is currently in the process of acquiring D-asive, a provider of leading edge anti-spy software, and Demonsaw, a provider of a secure and anonymous file sharing software platform.



MGT Capital intends to change its corporate name to "John McAfee Global Technologies, Inc." upon closing of the D-Vasive transaction. For more information on the Company, please visit http://ir.stockpr.com/mgtci.

Forwardlooking Statements

This press release contains forwardlooking 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 "forwardlooking statements." MGT's financial and operational results reflected above should not be construed by any means as representative of the current or future value of its common stock. All information set forth in this news release, except historical and factual information, represents forwardlooking statements. This includes all statements about the Company's plans, beliefs, estimates and expectations. These statements are based on current estimates and projections, which involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include issues related to: rapidly changing technology and evolving standards in the industries in which the Company and its subsidiaries operate; the ability to obtain sufficient funding to continue operations, maintain adequate cash flow, profitably exploit new business, license and sign new agreements; the unpredictable nature of consumer preferences; and other factors set forth in the Company's most recently filed annual report and registration statement. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forwardlooking statements, which reflect management's analysis only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forwardlooking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof. Readers should carefully review the risks and uncertainties described in other documents that the Company files from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Investor Contact

Garth Russell

Managing Director

KCSA Strategic Communications

[email protected]

212.896.1250 Grace Livingston

Director of Investor Relations

MGT Capital

[email protected]

205.999.2524 Media Contact

Tiffany Madison

Director of Corporate Communications

MGT Capital Investments, Inc.

[email protected]

469.236.9569 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130409/NY91046LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/mgt-capital-issues-update-on-d-vasive-acquisition-300342926.html SOURCE MGT Capital Investments, Inc.

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[October 11, 2016] Barracuda Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2017 Results

CAMPBELL, Calif., Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Barracuda Networks, Inc. (NYSE: CUDA), a leading provider of cloud-enabled security and data protection solutions, today announced results for its second quarter fiscal 2017 that ended August 31, 2016. "In the second quarter, we are pleased with our financial results, and continue to execute on our strategy to position Barracuda as the clear choice to help customers protect their email, networks, applications and data across diverse and distributed deployments. Our total revenue grew 12% year-over-year, gross billings reached $100.3 million and our non-GAAP earnings per share more than doubled year-over-year to reach $0.21 per share," said BJ Jenkins, president and CEO. "We continue to innovate and bring new solutions to market that fortify the security fabric across public, private and hybrid cloud deployments and can be centrally managed from a single pane of glass. We believe Barracuda is well positioned to build on our momentum and be a market leader in our targeted focus areas as customers look to adopt new application and network deployment models and move workloads to the cloud." Second Quarter Fiscal 2017 Financial Summary Total revenue increased 12% to $87.9 million , compared with $78.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. Subscription revenue grew to $66.9 million , up 19% from $56.1 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, representing 76% of total revenue, and appliance revenue was $21.0 million , compared with $22.3 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

, compared with in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. Subscription revenue grew to , up 19% from in the second quarter of fiscal 2016, representing 76% of total revenue, and appliance revenue was , compared with in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. Gross billings were $100.3 million , compared with $98.4 million in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. The number of active subscribers grew approximately 14% to over 298,000 and the dollar-based renewal rate was 96% for the quarter.

, compared with in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. The number of active subscribers grew approximately 14% to over 298,000 and the dollar-based renewal rate was 96% for the quarter. GAAP net income was $2.4 million , or $0.05 per share, based on a diluted share count of 53.3 million, compared to a GAAP net loss of $2.2 million , or $0.04 per share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2016.

, or per share, based on a diluted share count of 53.3 million, compared to a GAAP net loss of , or per share, in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. Non-GAAP net income was $11.4 million , or $0.21 per share, based on a diluted share count of 53.3 million. Non-GAAP net income excludes $7.9 million in stock-based compensation expense, $1.9 million in amortization of intangibles, $0.4 million in acquisition and other non-recurring charges, $0.3 million of income tax effect, and $1.5 million in other income. Recent Company Highlights Continued Office 365 Security Momentum: With the number of advanced threats on the rise and affecting companies of all sizes, Barracuda recently announced the availability of the new Barracuda Email Threat Scan for Office 365, a cloud-based service that identifies latent threats, including hidden advanced persistent threats, within Microsoft Office 365 email accounts. With the launch of Email Threat Scan, Barracuda provides solutions to detect, prevent and recover against ransomware and other advanced attacks, offering multi-layered protection for its customers. Barracuda Email Threat Scan provides customers with an immediate view of their email security posture and enables resellers and MSPs to build a more robust email security and data protection offering.

With the number of advanced threats on the rise and affecting companies of all sizes, Barracuda recently announced the availability of the new Barracuda Email Threat Scan for Office 365, a cloud-based service that identifies latent threats, including hidden advanced persistent threats, within Microsoft Office 365 email accounts. With the launch of Email Threat Scan, Barracuda provides solutions to detect, prevent and recover against ransomware and other advanced attacks, offering multi-layered protection for its customers. Barracuda Email Threat Scan provides customers with an immediate view of their email security posture and enables resellers and MSPs to build a more robust email security and data protection offering. Expanded Cloud-Based Data Protection Functionality: Launched Microsoft SharePoint Online backup capability for Barracuda Cloud-to-Cloud Backup, which is available as a standalone product and as part of Barracuda Essentials for Office 365. Barracuda now offers granular backup and recovery options for Microsoft SharePoint Online to help IT departments restore deleted, corrupted or stolen files that have been encrypted by ransomware  without having to perform a full site recovery of the SharePoint environment. With this launch, Barracuda offers solutions to help customers running Office 365 detect, prevent and recover from ransomware and other malicious attacks, and to centrally secure and manage data in Exchange Online, OneDrive for Business, and SharePoint Online.

Launched Microsoft SharePoint Online backup capability for Barracuda Cloud-to-Cloud Backup, which is available as a standalone product and as part of Barracuda Essentials for Office 365. Barracuda now offers granular backup and recovery options for Microsoft SharePoint Online to help IT departments restore deleted, corrupted or stolen files that have been encrypted by ransomware  without having to perform a full site recovery of the SharePoint environment. With this launch, Barracuda offers solutions to help customers running Office 365 detect, prevent and recover from ransomware and other malicious attacks, and to centrally secure and manage data in Exchange Online, OneDrive for Business, and SharePoint Online. Expanded Cloud-Ready Next-Generation Firewall Technology: Announced availability of Barracuda NextGen Firewall F-Series version 7.0, which is designed for organizations adopting cloud-based applications, operating dispersed network environments, and leveraging cloud platforms. Barracuda NextGen Firewall F-Series version 7.0 provides intelligent network perimeters, and leverages Barracuda's global threat intelligence framework to help prevent data exfiltration from botnets and spyware for on-premises or cloud-based networks, allowing customers to more cost effectively scale by connecting on-premises and cloud networks through multiple uplinks with dynamic failover, traffic balancing and WAN optimization.

Announced availability of Barracuda NextGen Firewall F-Series version 7.0, which is designed for organizations adopting cloud-based applications, operating dispersed network environments, and leveraging cloud platforms. Barracuda NextGen Firewall F-Series version 7.0 provides intelligent network perimeters, and leverages Barracuda's global threat intelligence framework to help prevent data exfiltration from botnets and spyware for on-premises or cloud-based networks, allowing customers to more cost effectively scale by connecting on-premises and cloud networks through multiple uplinks with dynamic failover, traffic balancing and WAN optimization. Enhanced Data Protection Services: Launched Barracuda Backup version 6.3 which includes key enhancements that enable fast backup and recovery performance, improved public cloud support and expanded storage capacity at competitive price points. Conference Call Information

Barracuda will host a conference call and corresponding live webcast at 1:30 p.m. PT today. To access the conference call, dial 1-855-560-2573 for the U.S. or 1-412-542-4159 for international callers. The webcast will be available live on the investor relations section of the company's website at investors.barracuda.com, and via replay beginning approximately one hour after the completion of the call for a period of one year. An audio replay of the call will be available to investors beginning at approximately 5:00 p.m. PT today through October 18, 2016 by dialing 1-877-344-7529 in the U.S. or 1-412-317-0088 for international callers, and entering conference ID 10091929. Additional information can be found in an accompanying supplemental investor slide presentation located at investors.barracuda.com. Forward-Looking Statements

This announcement contains forward-looking statements related to our strategy and focus areas, potential benefits from newly launched products to customers and partners, and potential results from new initiatives and new channels and go-to-market strategies that involve risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding our expectations regarding financial performance, the potential impact of our new and updated products. Actual results could differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements as a result of certain risk factors, including, but not limited to: fluctuations in demand for our products and services; a highly competitive business environment for network security and storage solutions; the company's effectiveness in controlling expenses; the effects of significant developments in IT infrastructure deployments, particularly cloud computing; the impact of foreign currency fluctuations; the possibility that we might experience delays in the development of new technology and products; risks related to pending or future acquisitions; customer response to our new technology and products; risks related to pending or future litigation and regulatory matters; a dependency on third parties for certain components of our products and the impact of changes in our management team. The company undertakes no obligation to update the forward-looking information in this release. More information about potential factors that could affect our business and financial results is included in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, without limitation, under the captions: "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," and "Risk Factors," which are on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Non-GAAP Financial Measures

Barracuda provides all financial information required in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). To supplement our consolidated financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP, we are also providing with this press release and on our conference call with non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP operating income, non-GAAP gross margins, non-GAAP operating expenses, adjusted EBITDA and adjusted free cash flow. In preparing our non-GAAP information, we have excluded certain amounts as set forth in the attached financial tables and footnotes. We believe that excluding these items provides both management and investors with additional insight into our current operations and the trends affecting the company. In particular, management finds it useful to exclude these items in order to more readily correlate the company's operating activities with the company's ability to generate cash from operations. Accordingly, management uses these non-GAAP measures, along with the comparable GAAP information, in evaluating our historical performance and in planning our future business activities. Please note that our non-GAAP measures may be different than those used by other companies. The additional non-GAAP financial information we present should be considered in conjunction with, and not as a substitute for, our financial information presented in accordance with GAAP. We have provided reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures to their comparable GAAP measures for the periods presented in this release, which exclude certain amounts as set forth in the attached financial tables and footnotes for these periods. These measures should only be used to evaluate the company's results of operations in conjunction with the corresponding GAAP measures for comparable financial information and understanding of the company's ongoing performance as a business. Barracuda uses both GAAP and non-GAAP measures to evaluate and manage its operations. Forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures included in Barracuda's guidance exclude amortization of intangible assets, stock-based compensation expense, acquisition and other non-recurring charges, income tax effects related to such exclusions and other expense (income) adjustments. Barracuda does not provide reconciliations of its forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding GAAP measures due to the high variability of, and difficulty in making accurate forecasts and projections with respect to, the items excluded from these non-GAAP financial measures. In particular, stock-based compensation and related taxes are impacted by the company's future hiring and retention needs, as well as the future fair market value of its common stock, all of which is difficult to predict and subject to constant change. Accordingly, reconciliations of its forward-looking non-GAAP financial measures to the corresponding GAAP measures are not available without unreasonable effort. The actual amounts of these excluded items will have a significant impact on the company's GAAP operating income (loss) and net income (loss) per diluted share. About Barracuda Networks Inc. (NYSE: CUDA)

Barracuda (NYSE: CUDA) simplifies IT with cloud-enabled solutions that empower customers to protect their networks, applications, and data, regardless of where they reside. These powerful, easy-to-use and affordable solutions are trusted by more than 150,000 organizations worldwide and are delivered in appliance, virtual appliance, cloud and hybrid deployments. Barracuda's customer-centric business model focuses on delivering high-value, subscription-based IT solutions that provide end-to-end network and data security. For additional information, please visit barracuda.com. Barracuda Networks, Barracuda and the Barracuda Networks logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Barracuda Networks, Inc. in the US and other countries. Contacts:

Investor Relations: Maria Riley; +1 415-217-7722; [email protected]

Corporate Communications: Mary Catherine Petermann; +1 404-307-6290; [email protected]







Barracuda Networks, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (in thousands) (Unaudited)













As of

As of



August 31, 2016

February 29, 2016 Assets





Current assets:







Cash and cash equivalents $ 139,173

$ 118,654

Marketable securities 40,410

36,394

Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts 34,028

36,520

Inventories, net 5,746

5,648

Deferred costs 32,049

31,943

Other current assets 10,862

12,450 Total current assets 262,268

241,609











Property and equipment, net 30,272

31,910

Deferred costs, non-current 26,782

27,019

Deferred income taxes, non-current 2,867

2,992

Other non-current assets 7,970

7,293

Intangible assets, net 35,660

39,386

Goodwill 70,163

69,595 Total assets $ 435,982

$ 419,804









Liabilities and stockholders' deficit





Current liabilities:







Accounts payable $ 9,429

$ 15,939

Accrued payroll and related benefits 13,587

12,371

Other accrued liabilities 17,935

19,495

Deferred revenue 240,813

235,411

Note payable 4,251

268 Total current liabilities 286,015

283,484









Long-term liabilities:







Deferred revenue, non-current 158,065

157,363

Deferred income taxes, non-current 2,762

2,478

Note payable, non-current -

4,115

Other long-term liabilities 4,901

4,462









Stockholders' deficit:







Common stock 52

52

Additional paid-in capital 353,352

337,439

Accumulated other comprehensive loss (5,245)

(4,509)

Accumulated deficit (363,920)

(365,080) Total stockholders' deficit (15,761)

(32,098) Total liabilities and stockholders' deficit $ 435,982

$ 419,804

Barracuda Networks, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations (in thousands, except per share information) (Unaudited)

























Three months ended August 31,

Six months ended August 31,





2016

2015

2016

2015



















Revenue:















Appliance $ 21,034

$ 22,288

$ 42,367

$ 45,970

Subscription 66,896

56,083

132,217

110,375



Total revenue 87,930

78,371

174,584

156,345



















Cost of revenue 20,240

15,935

40,481

31,901



















Gross profit 67,690

62,436

134,103

124,444



















Operating expenses:















Research and development 18,446

17,502

37,653

35,502

Sales and marketing 32,144

34,470

63,474

68,602

General and administrative 10,969

10,770

21,741

21,468



Total operating expenses 61,559

62,742

122,868

125,572 Income (loss) from operations 6,131

(306)

11,235

(1,128)



















Other income (expense), net 1,515

97

2,505

(471)



















Income (loss) before income taxes 7,646

(209)

13,740

(1,599) Provision for income taxes (5,209)

(2,030)

(8,519)

(4,472) Net income (loss) $ 2,437

$ (2,239)

$ 5,221

$ (6,071)



















Net income (loss) per share:















Basic $ 0.05

$ (0.04)

$ 0.10

$ (0.11)

Diluted $ 0.05

$ (0.04)

$ 0.10

$ (0.11)



















Weighted-average shares used to compute net income (loss) per share:















Basic 52,265

53,270

52,275

53,133

Diluted 53,321

53,270

53,088

53,133 Barracuda Networks, Inc. Reconciliation of Selected GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (in thousands) (Unaudited)





















Three months ended August 31,

Six months ended August 31,



2016

2015

2016

2015

















GAAP cost of revenue $ 20,240

$ 15,935

$ 40,481

$ 31,901

Amortization of intangible assets (1) 1,257

424

2,533

828

Depreciation expense (2) 1,565

1,100

3,177

2,132

Stock-based compensation expense (3) 338

255

636

466 Non-GAAP cost of revenue $ 17,080

$ 14,156

$ 34,135

$ 28,475

















GAAP sales and marketing expense $ 32,144

$ 34,470

$ 63,474

$ 68,602

Amortization of intangible assets (1) 599

189

1,199

363

Depreciation expense (2) 55

43

108

69

Stock-based compensation expense (3) 1,943

1,639

3,791

3,189

Acquisition and other non-recurring charges (4) -

32

-

(293) Non-GAAP sales and marketing expense $ 29,547

$ 32,567

$ 58,376

$ 65,274

















GAAP research and development expense $ 18,446

$ 17,502

$ 37,653

$ 35,502

Depreciation expense (2) 138

160

291

329

Stock-based compensation expense (3) 2,608

2,000

5,072

3,835

Acquisition and other non-recurring charges (4) -

585

217

1,690 Non-GAAP research and development expense $ 15,700

$ 14,757

$ 32,073

$ 29,648

















GAAP general and administrative expense $ 10,969

$ 10,770

$ 21,741

$ 21,468

Depreciation expense (2) 572

379

1,159

748

Stock-based compensation expense (3) 3,007

3,272

6,334

6,220

Acquisition and other non-recurring charges (4) 409

10

584

303 Non-GAAP general and administrative expense $ 6,981

$ 7,109

$ 13,664

$ 14,197

















GAAP total expense $ 81,799

$ 78,677

$ 163,349

$ 157,473

Amortization of intangible assets (1) 1,856

613

3,732

1,191

Depreciation expense (2) 2,330

1,682

4,735

3,278

Stock-based compensation expense (3) 7,896

7,166

15,833

13,710

Acquisition and other non-recurring charges (4) 409

627

801

1,700 Non-GAAP total expense $ 69,308

$ 68,589

$ 138,248

$ 137,594

Depreciation expense (2) 2,330

1,682

4,735

3,278 Non-GAAP total expense including depreciation $ 71,638

$ 70,271

$ 142,983

$ 140,872 Barracuda Networks, Inc. Reconciliation of Selected GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures (in thousands, except per share information) (Unaudited)





















Three months ended August 31,

Six months ended August 31,



2016

2015

2016

2015

















GAAP operating income (loss) $ 6,131

$ (306)

$ 11,235

$ (1,128)

Amortization of intangible assets (1) 1,856

613

3,732

1,191

Stock-based compensation expense (3) 7,896

7,166

15,833

13,710

Acquisition and other non-recurring charges (4) 409

627

801

1,700 Non-GAAP operating income $ 16,292

$ 8,100

$ 31,601

$ 15,473

















GAAP net income (loss) $ 2,437

$ (2,239)

$ 5,221

$ (6,071)

Amortization of intangible assets (1) 1,856

613

3,732

1,191

Stock-based compensation expense (3) 7,896

7,166

15,833

13,710

Acquisition and other non-recurring charges (4) 409

627

801

1,700

Income tax effect on non-GAAP exclusions (5) 316

(382)

(971)

(142)

Other expense (income) adjustments (6) (1,497)

(156)

(2,474)

378 Non-GAAP net income $ 11,417

$ 5,629

$ 22,142

$ 10,766

















Non-GAAP diluted earnings per share (7) $ 0.21

$ 0.10

$ 0.42

$ 0.20 Weighted-average shares used to compute diluted earnings per share 53,321

54,913

53,088

54,974 (1) Amortization of Intangible Assets. We provide non-GAAP information which excludes expenses for the amortization of intangible assets, as well as certain losses on disposal and impairment of such assets, that primarily relate to purchased intangible assets associated with our acquisitions. We believe that eliminating this expense from our non-GAAP measures is useful to investors because the amortization of intangible assets can be inconsistent in amount and frequency and is significantly impacted by the timing and magnitude of our acquisition transactions, which also vary in frequency from period to period. Accordingly, we analyze the performance of our operations in each period without regard to such expenses.

(2) Depreciation Expense. We provide non-GAAP information which excludes depreciation expense related to the amortization of property and equipment, as well as certain losses from disposal of such assets. We believe that eliminating this expense from our non-GAAP measures is useful to investors because the acquisition of property and equipment, and the corresponding depreciation expense, can be inconsistent in amount and can vary from period to period.

(3) Stock-Based Compensation Expense. We provide non-GAAP information which excludes expenses for stock-based compensation. We believe the exclusion of stock-based compensation expense allows for financial results that are more indicative of our continuing operations. We also believe that the exclusion of stock-based compensation expense provides for a better comparison of our operating results to prior periods and to our peer companies as the calculations of stock-based compensation vary from period to period and company to company due to different valuation methodologies, subjective assumptions and the variety of award types.

(4) Acquisition and Other Non-Recurring Charges. We exclude certain expense items resulting from acquisitions and other non-recurring charges, which we do not expect to recur in our continuing operating results. We believe that adjusting for these charges allows us to better compare results from period to period in order to assess the ongoing operating results of our business. The charges include: (i) legal, valuation consulting and other expenses incurred in connection with acquisitions, the fair value remeasurements of contingent considerations, the payments made under the terms of certain acquisition agreements, the legal expenses incurred in connection with a litigation matter related to a prior acquisition and other non-recurring expenses and (ii) costs and settlements associated with an internal investigation of export control compliance.

(5) Income Tax Effect of Non-GAAP Exclusions. We believe providing financial information with and without the income tax effect of excluding items related to our non-GAAP financial measures provide our management and users of the financial statements with better clarity regarding the ongoing performance and future liquidity of our business. Excluded items include, but are not limited to: (i) amortization expense of intangible assets, (ii) stock-based compensation expense, (iii) acquisition and other non-recurring charges, and (iv) quarterly changes to the valuation allowance previously established.

(6) Other expense (income) adjustments. We provide non-GAAP information that excludes the effect of certain other income and losses. These adjustments consist of realized gains and losses from the sale of marketable securities and foreign currency remeasurement gains and losses. For all non-functional currency account balances, the remeasurement of such balances to the functional currency will result in either a foreign exchange gain or a loss which is recorded in other income (expense), net. We believe that eliminating these items from our non-GAAP measures is useful to investors, because these items can be inconsistent in amount and can vary from period to period.

(7) Non-GAAP Diluted Earnings Per Share. We provide non-GAAP diluted earnings per share. The non-GAAP diluted earnings per share amount is calculated based on our non-GAAP net income divided by the weighted-average diluted shares outstanding for the period. Barracuda Networks, Inc. Reconciliation of GAAP Net Income (Loss) to Adjusted EBITDA (in thousands) (Unaudited)





















Three months ended August 31,

Six months ended August 31,



2016

2015

2016

2015

















GAAP net income (loss) $ 2,437

$ (2,239)

$ 5,221

$ (6,071)

Deferred revenue, end of period 398,878

389,835

398,878

389,835

Less: Deferred revenue, beginning of period (393,072)

(381,003)

(392,774)

(372,862)

Less: Deferred costs, end of period (58,831)

(60,214)

(58,831)

(60,214)

Deferred costs, beginning of period 59,061

59,255

58,962

57,936

Other expense (income), net (1,515)

(97)

(2,505)

471

Provision for income taxes 5,209

2,030

8,519

4,472

Acquisition and other non-recurring charges 409

627

801

1,700

Stock-based compensation expense 7,896

7,166

15,833

13,710

Amortization of intangible assets 1,856

613

3,732

1,191

Depreciation expense 2,330

1,682

4,735

3,278 Adjusted EBITDA (1) $ 24,658

$ 17,655

$ 42,571

$ 33,446 (1) Adjusted EBITDA. We define adjusted EBITDA as net income (loss) plus increases in deferred revenue and increases in the associated deferred costs, plus non-cash and non-operating charges which include: (i) other expense (income), net, (ii) provision for income taxes, (iii) acquisition and other non-recurring charges, (iv) stock-based compensation expense, (v) amortization of intangible assets, including certain losses on disposal and impairment of intangible assets, and (vi) depreciation expense, including certain losses on disposal of fixed assets. The deferred revenue balances for the prior fiscal year's comparable periods presented exclude any amounts related to the acquisition date deferred revenue assumed in connection with our acquisition of C2C Systems Limited, which closed in the second quarter of fiscal 2015. We believe adjusted EBITDA provides an indication of profitability from our operations, and provides a consistent measure of our performance from period to period. Barracuda Networks, Inc. Reconciliation of GAAP Cash Flows from Operating Activities to Adjusted Free Cash Flow (in thousands) (Unaudited)





















Three months ended August 31,

Six months ended August 31,



2016

2015

2016

2015

















GAAP cash flows from operating activities $ 20,515

$ 22,317

$ 32,629

$ 28,619 Purchases of property and equipment (1,020)

(1,567)

(2,969)

(3,443) Acquisition and other non-recurring charges (1) 776

380

1,521

1,266 Adjusted free cash flow (2) $ 20,271

$ 21,130

$ 31,181

$ 26,442 (1) Acquisition and Other Non-Recurring Charges. We exclude the cash flow impact resulting from acquisitions and other non-recurring charges, which we do not expect to recur in our continuing operating results. We believe that adjusting for these cash outflows allows us to better compare results from period to period in order to assess the ongoing operating results of our business. The cash flows include: (i) payments related to legal, valuation consulting and other expenses incurred in connection with acquisitions, as well as the payments under the terms of certain acquisition agreements, the legal expenses incurred in connection with a litigation matter related to a prior acquisition and other non-recurring expenses, (ii) payments associated with an intellectual property settlement, and (iii) payments associated with an internal investigation of export control compliance.

(2) Adjusted Free Cash Flow. We define adjusted free cash flow as cash flows from operating activities less the purchases of property and equipment plus the cash flow effect of acquisition and other non-recurring charges. We believe that adjusting free cash flow to exclude these charges allows us to better compare results from period to period in order to assess the ongoing free cash flow of our business. We believe adjusted free cash flow is an important liquidity measure that reflects the cash generated by the business after the purchase of property and equipment that can then be used for, among other things, strategic acquisitions, investments in the business and funding ongoing operations. Barracuda Networks, Inc. Reconciliation of GAAP Revenue to Gross Billings (in thousands) (Unaudited)





















Three months ended August 31,

Six months ended August 31,



2016

2015

2016

2015

















GAAP Revenue $ 87,930

$ 78,371

$ 174,584

$ 156,345

Total deferred revenue, end of period 398,878

389,835

398,878

389,835

Less: total deferred revenue, beginning of period (393,072)

(381,003)

(392,774)

(372,862)

Deferred revenue adjustments 6,562

11,242

17,811

19,401

Total change in deferred revenue and adjustments 12,368

20,074

23,915

36,374 Gross billings (1)(2) $ 100,298

$ 98,445

$ 198,499

$ 192,719 (1) Gross Billings. We define gross billings as total revenue plus the change in deferred revenue and other adjustments, which primarily consist of returns and reserves with respect to the 30-day right of return we provide to customers, as well as rebates for certain channel partner activities. We believe that gross billings provide insight into the sales of our solutions and performance of our business. The deferred revenue balances for the prior fiscal year's comparable periods exclude amounts related to the deferred revenue assumed in connection with our acquisition of C2C Systems Limited, which closed in the second quarter of fiscal 2015.

(2) In order to determine how our business performed exclusive of the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, we compare the percentage change in our gross billings from one period to another using a constant currency. To present this gross billings information, the current and comparative prior period results for entities that operate in other than U.S. dollars are converted into U.S. dollars at constant exchange rates. For example, the rates in effect at August 31, 2015, which was the last day of our prior fiscal year's comparable quarter, were used to convert current and comparable prior period gross billings rather than the actual exchange rates in effect during the respective period. Barracuda Networks, Inc. Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (in thousands) (Unaudited)





















Three months ended August 31,

Six months ended August 31,



2016

2015

2016

2015

















Operating activities













Net income (loss) $ 2,437

$ (2,239)

$ 5,221

$ (6,071) Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:















Depreciation, amortization and impairment expense 4,186

2,295

8,467

4,469

Stock-based compensation expense 7,896

7,166

15,833

13,710

Excess tax benefits from equity compensation plans (650)

(1,116)

(791)

(3,260)

Deferred income taxes 213

94

474

239

Other (503)

333

(728)

670 Changes in operating assets and liabilities:















Accounts receivable, net 1,717

196

2,732

(2,143)

Inventories, net 280

(862)

(83)

(1,125)

Income taxes, net 2,146

1,730

3,598

4,019

Deferred costs 366

(905)

340

(2,284)

Other assets 1,094

(1,216)

(575)

(933)

Accounts payable (3,396)

5,338

(6,679)

2,225

Accrued payroll and related benefits 1,057

2,359

1,126

2,298

Other liabilities (507)

405

(762)

53

Deferred revenue 4,179

8,739

4,456

16,752 Net cash provided by operating activities 20,515

22,317

32,629

28,619

















Investing activities















Proceeds from the sale of marketable securities 4,943

3,974

10,294

7,177

Proceeds from the maturity of marketable securities 4,187

1,641

8,018

4,667

Purchases of marketable securities (10,205)

(5,747)

(21,777)

(14,240)

Purchases of property and equipment (1,020)

(1,567)

(2,969)

(3,443)

Purchases of intangible assets (1,000)

-

(1,000)

-

Purchases of non-marketable investments -

(350)

(636)

(350)

Business combinations, net of cash acquired (60)

(749)

(243)

(749) Net cash used in investing activities (3,155)

(2,798)

(8,313)

(6,938)

















Financing activities















Proceeds from issuance of common stock 1,838

1,052

4,869

4,300

Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards (990)

(1,850)

(2,544)

(4,026)

Repurchases of common stock (6,961)

-

(7,241)

-

Employee loans extended, net of repayment 32

(2,208)

(2)

(2,484)

Excess tax benefits from equity compensation plans 650

1,116

791

3,260

Repayment of note payable (66)

(62)

(133)

(125)

Other -

(25)

-

(181) Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities (5,497)

(1,977)

(4,260)

744

















Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

328

79

463

(115) Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 12,191

17,621

20,519

22,310

















Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 126,982

156,062

118,654

151,373 Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $ 139,173

$ 173,683

$ 139,173

$ 173,683 Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131113/SF16521LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/barracuda-reports-second-quarter-fiscal-2017-results-300342942.html SOURCE Barracuda Networks, Inc.

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[October 11, 2016] Double Gemini Launches the Stack Method Workshop Online to Help People Conquer Their Email Inbox

NEW YORK, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Nearly everyone struggles with email. Whether it's wading through thousands of emails sitting in your inbox to try and find the ones you need most; emails slipping through the cracks with important information and conversations getting dropped; or having your work fragmented by email notifications ranging in content from urgent response required to spam; email has been weighing on the shoulders of everyone for years. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427367LOGO "Techniques like Inbox Zero take a one-size-fits-all approach, and email programs like Gmail and Outlook are built on the premise of providing features and integration and not designed to solve the problems associated with email overload," says Prasanth Nair, CEO of Double Gemini. "The Stack Method helps people stay organized and confident enough with their email management to disengage from their inbox so they can concentrate on their other work." The Stack Method takes a holistic approach to solving all the pain points email causes. It includes time management techniques to prevent email from fragmenting other work while creating protected time for email so it doesn't become homework. The methodology tackles the fear of missing out on important information, prioritization of email responses as well as batch processing by creating workflows that are easily tailored to any job responsibilities. Perhaps best of all, the Stack Method reduces the average amount of time spent on email by around a third, and puts the user back in control of their inbox, reducing the stress and axiety that email creates.



The benefits of this system-agnostic workshop don't end when the workshop is completed - as any productivity guru knows, changing a behavior means building habits that support that change. The Stack Method includes 10 free practice sessions during which attendees of the workshop can implement what they've learned in a friendly and helpful environment, guided through any questions or problems they encounter by a Stack Email Productivity Certified Professional. With the launch of their new Stack Online Workshop, Double Gemini is aiming to create broader accessibility of these valuable productivity techniques - now anyone with an internet connection and speakers can gain the benefits of total email control.

To celebrate this launch, Double Gemini is offering a 10% off coupon code that can be applied to standard tickets. Using the code STACK10 at checkout brings the price of the workshop down from $200 to $180. There is also a non-profit rate of $100 for the session. In addition, Double Gemini will cover the full cost for anyone who can't afford the workshop such as job-seekers and students. To request this option, reach us through our website at www.doublegemini.com requesting a sponsored class detailing your specific needs. To learn more and sign up for the Stack Method Online Workshop, go to: http://www.doublegemini.com/stack-method-workshop About Double Gemini Double Gemini provides productivity training and transformation services to individuals and organizations, with the vision of making the world's best productivity techniques accessible to all. Established in 2000, Double Gemini provides these services worldwide from its headquarters in NYC. Related Images image1.png image2.png image3.png Related Links Learn more about Stack Method Online Double Gemini Homepage This content was issued through the press release distribution service at Newswire.com. For more info visit: http://www.newswire.com To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/double-gemini-launches-the-stack-method-workshop-online-to-help-people-conquer-their-email-inbox-300342861.html SOURCE Double Gemini

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[October 11, 2016] Fitch Rates University of Chicago Medical Center (IL) Series 2016 Rev Bonds 'AA-'; Outlook Stable

Fitch Ratings has assigned a 'AA-' rating to the approximately $175 million Illinois Finance Authority revenue bonds series 2016A&B issued on behalf of University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC). In addition, Fitch has affirmed the 'AA-' long-term rating on UCMC's outstanding debt, as listed at the end of the press release. The Rating Outlook is Stable. The series 2016A&B bonds will be fixed rate and bond proceeds will be used to refund the series 2009A&B (partial refunding), 2009C and 2011C bonds. The series 2016A&B bonds are expected to price on Oct. 19. SECURITY Debt payments are secured by a pledge of unrestricted receivables. KEY RATING DRIVERS INTEGRAL RELATIONSHIP WITH THE UNIVERSITY: UCMC plays a fundamental role in the highly integrated clinical and research platform between UCMC and the University of Chicago's (the university; revenue bonds rated 'AA+') Biological Sciences Division, which includes the Pritzker School of Medicine. UCMC has consistently provided transfers to the university to support the academic programs in biology and medicine, which suppresses liquidity growth. SOLID MARKET POSITION IN COMPETITIVE SERVICE AREA: UCMC is among the leading academic medical centers in the U.S. and maintains a strong reputation for clinical excellence in the provision of advanced high-acuity services. Its relationship with the university and focus on research differentiates it in a highly competitive and consolidating market. STRATEGIC GROWTH: UCMC is in the process of growing its network and provider base and various initiatives are underway including partnering and affiliating with community hospitals, expanding its ambulatory presence, and aligning with community physicians. CONSISTENT STRONG PROFITABILITY: Operating cash flow has remained strong driven by good volume growth and continued focus on expenses. Operating EBITDA margin was 14% in fiscal 2016 (June 30 year-end) and 13.1% in fiscal 2015. CONTINUED HEALTHY CAPITAL SPENDING: Strong volume growth and its strategic growth plan results in ongoing capital spending at almost 2x depreciation expense a year. The total 10-year capital plan is $1.56 billion and includes a new and expanded emergency room, the addition of 188 beds when an existing facility (Mitchell Hospital) is renovated and modernized, and growth in outpatient facilities. Only $200 million of the plan will be funded by additional debt and the rest will be from cash flow. DECLINE IN LIQUIDITY: Liquidity has declined at June 30, 2016 due to slow payments from Illinois Medicaid, high capital spending, and increased swap collateral posting. Days cash on hand and cash to debt dropped to 228.9 days and 103.3%, respectively from 305.3 and 131% the prior year. HIGH DEBT BURDEN: UCMC's debt burden is high and most debt metrics compare unfavorably to the 'AA' category medians. RATING SENSITIVITIES CONSISTENT FINANCIAL PROFILE: Fitch expects The University of Chicago Medical Center to maintain its consistent strong operating performance as it executes its strategic growth plans, which will require additional debt and ongoing capital spending. With the softening of liquidity metrics, there is less cushion at the current rating level for a deterioration in operating performance and profitability. CREDIT PROFILE UCMC currently operates 641 beds in three hospitals including the Center for Care and Discovery (CCD) , Bernard A. Mitchell Hospital (adult facility), and Comer Children's Hospital, which are all located in Chicago on the main campus of the university. Total revenue for fiscal 2016 was $1.6 billion. Relationship with the University The 'AA-' rating reflects UCMC's excellence and reputation in advanced high-acuity clinical services, the integral role of UCMC within the university, and its solid financial profile. Located on the main campus of the university, UCMC is the principal teaching affiliate of the university's Pritzker School of Medicine. UCMC provides a comprehensive array of services and its focus and clinical excellence is in quaternary care. The university is the sole corporate member of UCMC. Strategic Growth UCMC's strategic growth plans include growing its geographic presence and establishing an ambulatory and community physician affiliation strategy. UCMC finalized the merger with Ingalls Health System (Ingalls) and UCMC is now the sole corporate member of Ingalls effective Sept. 30, 2016. Ingalls is a community hospital in south suburban Chicago who was looking for a partner. Ingalls has a strong balance sheet but weak operating performance and its debt will remain separately obligated. UCMC has created a new organizational structure as it expands regionally and a new division, Community Health and Hospital Division (CHHD), was created. CHHD has a separate nine-member board (five from UCMC and four from Ingalls). UCMC has joint ventures with other community hospitals in specific service lines, such as cancer with Silver Cross. These relationships continue to expand and a letter of intent was signed with Little Company of Mary related to a similar structure. The Silver Cross joint venture has been very successful with volume growth exceeding projections and the ability to provide care locally and in a lower cost setting. Historically, UCMC's medical staff was all faculty physicians. Recently, UCMC formed a clinically integrated network (University of Chicago Medicine Care Network) to align with community physicians. The University of Chicago Medicine Care Network will include employed and affiliated non-faculty physicians. This physician base will be key to its ambulatory growth strategy, and Fitch will monitor the growth and impact on financial performance. UCMC has plans to grow its ambulatory presence and add multispecialty outpatient clinics in Orland Park and South Loop, which are expected to be staffed by the faculty and University of Chicago Medicine Care Network physicians. These clinics are expected to open in late 2016. Strong Profitability and Volume Growth Profitability has been consistently strong and aided by good volume growth and continued focus on lean initiatives. Multiple initiatives are underway regarding supply chain, pharmacy operations, lab operations and labor productivity. UCMC's operating margin was 6.6% in fiscal 2016 compared to 5.5% in fiscal 2015, 4.8% in fiscal 2014, and 5.9% in fiscal 2013. UCMC has a financial target of maintaining operating margins above 4.5%. Admissions have increased at a CAGR of 6.2% from FY 2011-2015 compared to a decline in the market of 2.1% over the same time period. Volume growth has also been strong in key specialty service lines. The growth has been due to physician relationships, better throughput in the emergency department, and added capacity (additional 49 beds since fiscal 2013). Ongoing Capital Spending UCMC completed a new hospital pavilion project (CCD) that opened in February 2013 and cost $700 million. The CCD was initially expected to move patient care out of the older hospital (Mitchell); however, due to capacity constraints, UCMC received approval to add back a net of 188 beds at Mitchell. Mitchell will need to be renovated and modernized and this will be done over a four- to five-year period at a cost of $187 million. Management also expects to consolidate cancer services at Mitchell. Another major project is a new and expanded emergency department, which is expected to open by early 2018. The cost of the ER is $36 million, and UCMC is aso applying for Level I trauma designation.



The total 10-year capital plan is $1.52 billion. Since the majority of the plan will be funded from cash flow, sustaining strong operating cash flow will be key to maintaining the rating. UCMC expects to issue $200 million of additional debt to fund a portion of the capital plan; however, this is expected to be issued over the next four to five years, which Fitch views favorably given UCMC's current high debt burden. Of the $200 million, $36 million is expected to be issued within the next year. Pressured Liquidity

Unrestricted cash and investments totaled $892 million at June 30, 2016 compared to $1.15 billion at June 30, 2015. The decline reflects higher capital spending, continued slow payments from the State of Illinois on Medicaid receivables, and swap collateral posting. At June 30, 2016, UCMC was posting $36.7 million in collateral and days in AR have increased 16 days (net accounts receivable totaled $288.4 million from $209.7 million the prior year). Capital spending was funded from cash flow and totaled $230.7 million (2.6x depreciation expense) in fiscal 2016 compared to $109.5 million (1.3x depreciation expense) in fiscal 2015. Liquidity growth is also pressured due to ongoing transfers to the university in support of the School of Medicine, and transfers have been around $70 million a year the last few years. High Debt Burden A credit concern is UCMC's above-average debt burden. Current MADS is $52.7 million and estimated to drop to $51 million with the refinancing. Pro forma MADS accounted for 3.2% of total revenue in fiscal 2016, which has declined from 4% in fiscal 2012 but compares unfavorably to the 'AA' category median of 2.2%. Debt service coverage calculations do not include the transfers to the university, and debt service coverage has been adequate at 4.8x in fiscal 2016, 5.2x in fiscal 2015 and 4.5x in fiscal 2014 (on pro forma MADS). Somewhat Aggressive Debt Portfolio Total outstanding debt at June 30, 2016 was $853 million with 44% underlying fixed-rate and 56% underlying variable-rate ($325 million variable-rate demand bonds, $74 million indexed floating direct bank loan, $76 million commercial paper). UCMC's letter of credit exposure is diversified among five banks, and the expiration dates range from 2017 to 2021. UCMC's cash-to-putable debt is solid at 2.2x. The covenants under the bank and direct bank loan agreements are more restrictive than the master trust indenture covenants. UCMC has a $325 million floating-to-fixed rate swap with JPMorgan and Wells Fargo (News - Alert). Including the swaps, UCMC's debt mix is 83% fixed rate. Collateral posting requirements are at a $50 million threshold for the JPMorgan swap at UCMC's current rating level, and the Wells Fargo swap does not have collateral posting requirements unless UCMC's rating is downgraded to 'A+' or lower. As of June 30, 2016, UCMC was posting $36.7 million of collateral related to the JPMorgan swap. Disclosure UCMC covenants to provide annual audited financials within 150 days of fiscal year end and unaudited quarterly financials for the first three fiscal quarters within 60 days of quarter end. Outstanding Debt: --$64,615,000 Illinois Finance Authority (IL) (University of Chicago Medical Center) revenue bonds series 2012A --$90,000,000 Illinois Finance Authority (IL) (University of Chicago Medical Center) revenue bonds series 2011C --$46,250,000 Illinois Finance Authority (IL) (University of Chicago Medical Center) variable-rate demand revenue bonds series 2011B (LOC: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation) University of Chicago Medical Center bank bonds series 2011B --$46,250,000 Illinois Finance Authority (IL) (University of Chicago Medical Center) variable-rate demand revenue bonds series 2011A (LOC: Bank of America, N.A.) --$46,250,000 Illinois Finance Authority (IL) (University of Chicago Medical Center) variable-rate demand revenue bonds series 2010B (LOC: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.) --$46,250,000 Illinois Finance Authority (IL) (University of Chicago Medical Center) variable-rate demand revenue bonds series 2010A (LOC: Bank of America, N.A.) --$70,000,000 Illinois Finance Authority (IL) (University of Chicago Medical Center) variable-rate demand revenue bonds series 2009 D-1, D-2 (LOC: PNC (News - Alert) Bank) University of Chicago Medical Center bank bonds series 2009D-1, D-2 --$70,000,000 Illinois Finance Authority (IL) (University of Chicago Medical Center) variable-rate demand revenue bonds series 2009 E-1 and E-2 (LOC: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A.) --$60,900,000 Illinois Finance Authority (IL) (University of Chicago Medical Center) revenue bonds series 2009C --$128,890,000 Illinois Finance Authority (IL) (University of Chicago Medical Center) revenue refunding bonds series 2009A&B Additional information is available at 'www.fitchratings.com'. Applicable Criteria 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 Additional Disclosures Dodd-Frank Rating Information Disclosure Form https://www.fitchratings.com/creditdesk/press_releases/content/ridf_frame.cfm?pr_id=1012964 Solicitation Status https://www.fitchratings.com/gws/en/disclosure/solicitation?pr_id=1012964 Endorsement Policy https://www.fitchratings.com/regulatory ALL FITCH CREDIT RATINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CERTAIN LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS. PLEASE READ THESE LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMERS BY FOLLOWING THIS LINK: HTTPS://WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM/UNDERSTANDINGCREDITRATINGS. IN ADDITION, RATING DEFINITIONS AND THE TERMS OF USE OF SUCH RATINGS ARE AVAILABLE ON (News - Alert) THE AGENCY'S PUBLIC WEB SITE AT WWW.FITCHRATINGS.COM. PUBLISHED RATINGS, CRITERIA, AND METHODOLOGIES ARE AVAILABLE FROM THIS SITE AT ALL TIMES. FITCH'S CODE OF CONDUCT, CONFIDENTIALITY, CONFLICTS OF INTEREST, AFFILIATE FIREWALL, COMPLIANCE, AND OTHER RELEVANT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ARE ALSO AVAILABLE FROM THE CODE OF CONDUCT SECTION OF THIS SITE. FITCH MAY HAVE PROVIDED ANOTHER PERMISSIBLE SERVICE TO THE RATED ENTITY OR ITS RELATED THIRD PARTIES. DETAILS OF THIS SERVICE FOR RATINGS FOR WHICH THE LEAD ANALYST IS BASED IN AN EU-REGISTERED ENTITY CAN BE FOUND ON THE ENTITY SUMMARY PAGE FOR THIS ISSUER ON THE FITCH WEBSITE. Copyright 2016 by Fitch Ratings, Inc., Fitch Ratings Ltd. and its subsidiaries. 33 Whitehall Street, NY, NY 10004. Telephone: 1-800-753-4824, (212) 908-0500. Fax: (212) 480-4435. Reproduction or retransmission in whole or in part is prohibited except by permission. All rights reserved. In issuing and maintaining its ratings and in making other reports (including forecast information), Fitch relies on factual information it receives from issuers and underwriters and from other sources Fitch believes to be credible. Fitch conducts a reasonable investigation of the factual information relied upon by it in accordance with its ratings methodology, and obtains reasonable verification of that information from independent sources, to the extent such sources are available for a given security or in a given jurisdiction. The manner of Fitch's factual investigation and the scope of the third-party verification it obtains will vary depending on the nature of the rated security and its issuer, the requirements and practices in the jurisdiction in which the rated security is offered and sold and/or the issuer is located, the availability and nature of relevant public information, access to the management of the issuer and its advisers, the availability of pre-existing third-party verifications such as audit reports, agreed-upon procedures letters, appraisals, actuarial reports, engineering reports, legal opinions and other reports provided by third parties, the availability of independent and competent third- party verification sources with respect to the particular security or in the particular jurisdiction of the issuer, and a variety of other factors. 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[October 11, 2016] Gartner Says Worldwide PC Shipments Declined 5.7 Percent in Third Quarter of 2016

Worldwide PC shipments totaled 68.9 million units in the third quarter of 2016, a 5.7 percent decline from the third quarter of 2015, according to preliminary results by Gartner (News - Alert), Inc. This was the eighth consecutive quarter of PC shipment decline, the longest duration of decline in the history of the PC industry. PC manufacturers faced many challenges, which included weak back-to-school demand, and ongoing low demand in the consumer market, especially in emerging markets. "There are two fundamental issues that have impacted PC market results: the extension of the lifetime of the PC caused by the excess of consumer devices, and weak PC consumer demand in emerging markets," said Mikako Kitagawa, principal analyst at Gartner. "According to our 2016 personal technology survey, the majority of consumers own, and use, at least three different types of devices in mature markets. Among these devices, the PC is not a high priority device for the majority of consumers, so they do not feel the need to upgrade their PCs as often as they used to. Some may never decide to upgrade to a PC again. "In emerging markets, PC penetration is low, but consumers are not keen to own PCs. Consumers in emerging markets primarily use smartphones or phablets for their computing needs, and they don't find the need to use a PC as much as consumers in mature markets." The PC market continues to consolidate, as the top six vendors combined for a record high 78 percent of PC shipments in the third quarter of 2016 (see Table 1). Lenovo continued to be the worldwide market leader based on preliminary PC shipments, but HP Inc. is nearly tied for this top spot, and these rankings could change when final shipment results are published. Lenovo has recorded six consecutive quarters of year-over-year shipment declines, while the nearest competitors, HP Inc. and Dell, have recorded shipment growth since the second quarter of 2016.







Table 1 Preliminary Worldwide PC Vendor Unit Shipment Estimates for 3Q16 (Thousands of Units) Company 3Q16

Shipments 3Q16 Market

Share (%) 3Q15

Shipments 3Q15 Market

Share (%) 3Q16-3Q15

Growth (%) Lenovo 14,434 20.9 14,789 20.2 -2.4 HP Inc. 14,058 20.4 13,744 18.8 2.3 Dell 10,111 14.7 9,856 13.5 2.6 Asus 5,397 7.8 5,271 7.2 2.4 Apple (News - Alert) 4,946 7.2 5,709 7.8 -13.4 Acer (News - Alert) 4,613 6.7 5,370 7.3 -14.1 Others 15,386 22.3 18,359 25.1 -16.2 Total 68,945 100.0 79,098 100.0 -5.7

Notes: Data includes desk-based PCs, notebook PCs and ultramobile premiums (such as Microsoft (News - Alert) Surface), but not Chromebooks or iPads. All data is estimated based on a preliminary study. Final estimates will be subject to change. The statistics are based on shipments selling into channels.

Source (News - Alert): Gartner (October 2016) The stabilization of the PC business market was a key factor for HP Inc.'s shipment growth, as a majority of its revenue was generated from the business segment. Dell's shipment growth exceeded the regional average in most regions. In the United States, PC shipments totaled 16.2 million units in the third quarter, a 0.3 percent decline from the same period last year (see Table 2). This is the second consecutive quarter of flat year-over-year PC shipment growth. "Mobile PCs, which include notebooks, two-in-one PCs and Windows tablets, showed low-single-digit year-over-year growth, but the overall results were offset by a decline of desktop shipments," Ms. Kitagawa said. "Traditionally, the third quarter has been driven by back-to-school PC sales, but back-to-school marketing campaigns have become less effective for driving PC sales. With so many PCs already in the consumer market, U.S. consumers do not feel the need to buy new PCs; many parents hand down old PCs to their kids. While our PC shipment report does not include Chromebooks, our early indicator shows that Chromebooks exceeded PC shipment growth." Table 2 Preliminary U.S. PC Vendor Unit Shipment Estimates for 3Q16 (Thousands of Units)

Company 3Q16

Shipments 3Q16 Market

Share (%) 3Q15

Shipments 3Q15 Market

Share (%) 3Q16-3Q15

Growth (%) HP Inc. 4,793 29.7 4,649 28.7 3.1 Dell 3,874 24.0 3,813 23.5 1.6 Lenovo 2,284 14.1 1,982 12.2 15.3 Apple 2,076 12.9 2,325 14.3 -10.7 Asus 824 5.1 783 4.8 5.3 Others 2,300 14.2 2,657 16.4 -13.4 Total 16,152 100.0 16,208 100.0 -0.3 Notes: Data includes desk-based PCs, notebook PCs and ultramobile premiums (such as Microsoft Surface), but not Chromebooks or iPads. All data is estimated based on a preliminary study. Final estimates will be subject to change. The statistics are based on shipments selling into channels.

Source: Gartner (October 2016) Asia/Pacific PC shipments totaled 24.7 million units in the third quarter of 2016, a 7.6 percent decline from the third quarter of 2016. Early indicators show that the PC vendors performed better than in the second quarter as they lowered channel inventory coming into the quarter and replenished stock for seasonal back-to-school demand. PC shipments in China are estimated to have declined 4.8 percent. Consumer sales in China were driven by notebook shipments, while the business market was driven by desktop PCs because of cost and computing effectiveness. PC shipments in EMEA surpassed 19.2 million units in the third quarter of 2016, a 3.3 percent decline from the same period last year. The EMEA market's decline was mainly associated with very weak demand in Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East and Africa. In the U.K., Brexit had no immediate impact on PC sales, but the depreciation of the British pound against the U.S. dollar caused some vendors to indicate prices will increase through the end of 2016 and into 2017. These results are preliminary. Final statistics will be available soon to clients of Gartner's PC Quarterly Statistics Worldwide by Region program. This program offers a comprehensive and timely picture of the worldwide PC market, allowing product planning, distribution, marketing and sales organizations to keep abreast of key issues and their future implications around the globe. About Gartner Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT) is the world's leading information technology research and advisory company. The company delivers the technology-related insight necessary for its clients to make the right decisions, every day. From CIOs and senior IT leaders in corporations and government agencies, to business leaders in high-tech and telecom enterprises and professional services firms, to technology investors, Gartner is the valuable partner to clients in approximately 10,000 distinct enterprises worldwide. Through the resources of Gartner Research, Gartner Executive Programs, Gartner Consulting and Gartner Events, Gartner works with every client to research, analyze and interpret the business of IT within the context of their individual role. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, USA, and has 8,100 associates, including more than 1,700 research analysts and consultants, and clients in more than 90 countries. For more information, visit www.gartner.com. View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161011006705/en/

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[October 12, 2016] EnterpriseDB Announces EDB Ark Database-as-a-Service for Hybrid Cloud Deployments of Postgres to Private and Public Clouds

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- At Postgres Vision, EnterpriseDB (EDB), the Postgres database platform company, today announced the general availability of EDB Ark, a Database-as-a-Service (DBaaS) for hybrid cloud deployments of Postgres to private and public clouds such as Red Hat OpenStack, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and other deployment platforms. In addition, EDB Ark will integrate with the leading cloud-native platform, Pivotal Cloud Foundry. "EDB Ark gives IT flexibility without giving up control," said Marc Linster, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Product Development, EnterpriseDB. "With EDB Ark, IT management can provide a DBaaS for developers or database administrators that runs in hybrid environments. Launching EDB Ark for OpenStack, Amazon, and other platforms gives organizations the ability to quickly deploy instances of Postgres, so they can more effectively support DevOps and continuous application development goals." "Modern cloud-native applications require scalable, easy-to-access, on-demand data services with the same high availability and resiliency expected from traditional big iron solutions," said Joshua McKenty, head of Global Ecosystem Engineering at Pivotal. "EnterpriseDB's EDB Ark puts powerful enterprise-grade PostgreSQL in the hands of developers building the next generation of web, mobile, and IOT applications." "Data platforms need to be built for the cloud with open innovation in order to deliver the responsiveness, agility, and scalability demanded by today's business applications," said Doug Balog, General Manager, IBM POWER. "Our investments in the OpenPOWER Foundation, as well as our partnerships with EDB and the Postgres community, highlight our extreme commitment to open source development. As such, POWER8, combined with EDB Ark, provides clients with a cloud solution built on efficient, high-performance, open technologies to deliver leading DBaaS choice." According to Gartner, Inc.: "IT departments are besieged by demands that come from two fundamentally different business needs: the need to provide stable and reliable performance to address the daily business functioning of the enterprise; and the need for flexibility and responsiveness to deliver digitally innovative results that drive new business outcomes. To meet the challenge, Gartner recommends that CIOs adopt a bimodal approach that identifies a Mode 1 capability that is applied to situations that are more predictable, and focused on improving and renovating in more well-understood areas, and a Mode 2 capability that is exploratory, experimenting to solve new problems."1 EDB Ark Architecture

EDB Ark simplifies the process of provisioning robust Postgres deployments, while taking advantage of the benefits of cloud computing. When used with EDB Postgres Advanced Server, EDB Ark also provides compatibility with Oracle, offering dramatic cost savings and competitive advantages. The EDB Ark console and APIs allow for quick and easy creation of Postgres clusters  each cluster is immediately set up with high availability, automatic backup and recovery, load balancing, and basic monitoring and management. Users have the option of encrypting every cluster to provide an environment that is both secure and transparent to the connecting applications. EDB Ark Features and Functionality

EDB Ark gives IT managers the ideal combination of deployment flexibility with centralized control and monitoring, while providing developers point-and-click simplicity, flexibility, and speed. <>Database administrators (DBAs) can work with EDB Ark through the GUI or a RESTful API. Applications connect to Postgres clusters through pgPool; if preferred, they can also connect directly to databases within the clusters. DBAs have full access to the databases via SSH.



EDB Ark provides a unified interface to control and manage deployments from an easy-to-use management console, as well as an API. EDB Ark deployments provide high availability, integrated disaster recovery, cross availability zone replication, and self-healing capabilities. Additional key features and functionality of EDB Ark include:

Scale out and scale up: EDB Ark provides scale out for increased read performance and increased data storage, and scale up to increase RAM or CPU. Scaling thresholds for the number of server connections or the percentage of storage can be used to add new replicas to the cluster automatically or increase the storage assigned to the cluster. The User Interface (UI) allows for simple upscaling (or downscaling) of the machine types to change RAM or CPU as needed. Migration and Compatibility with Oracle: EDB Ark offers full support for EDB Postgres Advanced Server, thus combining the flexibility of a DBaaS framework with database compatibility for Oracle. EDB Postgres Advanced Server's database compatibility for Oracle includes: SPL  EDB's stored procedure language that natively executes Oracle's PL/SQL

APIs supporting key Oracle interfaces including the Oracle Call Interface (OCI) and Pro*C

Function packages covering the most popular Oracle packages used by developers

DBA tools that make it easy to migrate established work processes and skill sets to EDB Postgres Advanced Server

A migration toolkit that automatically migrates Oracle objects including schema, data, stored procedures, packages and user definitions to EDB Postgres Advanced Server Replication: To extend capabilities, EDB Ark clusters can also be used in conjunction with EDB Postgres Replication Server. This allows for the creation of fully integrated digital business solutions that bridge traditional on-premises databases running on SQL Server or Oracle Database to DBaaS solutions running on Postgres. An order status website, for example, could run in the DBaaS framework while the order management system remains untouched as a legacy database on-premises, with continuous data replication to Postgres. The EDB Postgres Replication Server supports continuous replication of data from the traditional on-premises systems to the DBaaS databases  a key capability needed to avoid data silos. EDB Postgres Replication Server also can be used with EDB Ark to minimize downtime for migrations from traditional database platforms such as Oracle or SQL Server to Postgres-based DBaaS-managed databases. First, the EDB Postgres Migration Toolkit is used for a one-time migration of the database. Then EDB Postgres Replication Server is used to bring the DBaaS-managed database instance up-to-date with the original database, before redirecting the application to the DBaaS-managed instance. This approach combines the migration functionality with the continuous data replication capabilities to allow users to migrate to open source-based solutions with minimal downtime. EDB Partner Ecosystem

EDB Ark facilitates integration with databases across the infrastructure, connecting customers with EDB's strategic partner ecosystem of leading hardware, software, and service providers. EDB Ark is an extension of the solutions offered by EDB ecosystem partners that will enable customers to optimize their workload placement across public, private, and hybrid clouds. EDB Postgres Ecosystem Partners include Alibaba, Amazon, Dell Technologies, Google, HP Enterprise, IBM, Infor, Pivotal, and Red Hat, which provide customers the flexibility to choose an on-premises, cloud, or hybrid deployment model. EDB Postgres subscriptions support the ability to move workloads seamlessly on and off the cloud, worldwide, as needed, and provide enterprises with the flexibility to respond more quickly to shifting demands among internal constituencies. EDB Ark Availability and Downloads

EDB Ark is available as an annual subscription. Download EDB Ark here. More information about EDB Ark can be found here or by contacting [email protected]. To register for a free, half-day EDB Ark Quick-Start course, click here. Also, two full-day, fee-based EDB Ark training courses have been designed for (i) Administrators and (ii) Users. To learn more about these fee-based courses click here. About EnterpriseDB (EDB) Corporation

EDB is the leading worldwide provider of PostgreSQL software and services that enable enterprises to reduce their reliance on costly traditional solutions and slash their database spend by up to 80% or more. With powerful performance and security enhancements for PostgreSQL, sophisticated management tools for global deployments and database compatibility with Oracle, EDB software supports mission-critical enterprise applications. More than 3,600 enterprises, governments and other organizations worldwide use EDB software, support, training and professional services to integrate PostgreSQL into their existing data infrastructures. EDB is based in Bedford, Massachusetts. EnterpriseDB is a registered trademark of EnterpriseDB Corporation. EDB and EDB Postgres are trademarks of EnterpriseDB Corporation. All other names are trademarks of their respective owners. Media Contacts for EDB: Nancy Scott

EnterpriseDB

+1 781.357.3090

[email protected] Cairbre Sugrue

Sugrue Communications

+44 (0)1932 429 779

[email protected] 1 Gartner, Kick-Start Bimodal IT by Launching Mode 2, by Mary Mesaglio, Suzanne Adnams, Simon Mingay, published April 2, 2015. Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160106/319928LOGO To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/enterprisedb-announces-edb-ark-database-as-a-service-for-hybrid-cloud-deployments-of-postgres-to-private-and-public-clouds-300343285.html SOURCE EnterpriseDB

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CHARLESTON -- The English Department at Eastern Illinois University is hosting the first Nancy Hennings Memorial Poetry Reading of the academic year on at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 20. The reading will take place at Bobs Bookstore on the Charleston Square, 601 Monroe St.

The featured poet is Amy Ash, author of the full-length collection of poetry "The Open Mouth of the Vase" (Cider Press Review, 2015) and the chapbook "Acme Book of Love" (Main Street Rag, 2012). A winner of the Langston Hughes Award as well as an Academy of American Poets prize, Ash has had her work published in various journals and anthologies, including Mid-American Review, Harpur Palate, Salamander, 100 Word Story, and The Best of Kore Press 2012. She is an assistant professor of English at Indiana State University, where she teaches creative writing and literature.

The second reader is Jamie Newell, a local author who received her bachelor of arts degree in fiction writing from Columbia College in Chicago. She is a writer of young adult literature and a member of the Past Forward Memoir Writing Group. She is also an accomplished photographer whose specialty is photographing horse races.

Alexandra Dean, a graduate student in creative writing at Eastern Illinois University, will also read from her work. Dean writes poetry, creative nonfiction, and speculative fiction. She has edited both The Mastodon and The Vehicle and has won the Moraine Valley Community College fiction contest in 2012. Currently she writes for the weekly webcomic Dino Dynamic at dinodynamic.com and covers mobile game news and reviews for Game Mob.

The readings are made possible by an endowed fund established to honor Nancy Hennings, poet and longtime supporter of the arts in Coles County. The readings are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact Daiva Markelis at dmmarkelis@eiu.edu or at 217-549-8352.
EFFINGHAM -- HSHS St. Anthonys Memorial Hospital will host its next monthly "Walk With a Doc" walking program on Saturday at 9 a.m. at the TREC Trail.

Walkers should meet in the Effingham Performance Center parking lot. For those unable to walk on the trail, a doctor will be available to walk with walkers in the EPC parking lot.

Participants will walk with Ryan Jennings, MD, St. Anthonys Chief Medical Officer, and other health care professionals, who will provide support to the walkers and answer questions during the walk. Prior to the walk, Jennings will give a brief presentation on Clostridium Difficile (C.Diff) and antibiotic stewardship.

This is a free program, and pre-registration is not required. Walks will be held monthly, on the third Saturday of each month. During the winter months (November through March) and when there is inclement weather, the walks will be held at the Village Square Mall. In the spring, summer and fall seasons (April through October), the walks will be held at outside locations.

For cases of inclement weather, check the hospitals Facebook page at www.facebook.com/StAnthonysMemorialHospital or listen to local radio stations for notices about cancellation or changes in location.

Walk With a Doc was created by Dr. David Sabgir, a cardiologist who practices at Mount Carmel Health Systems in Columbus, Ohio, and he has been walking every weekend since 2005. The expansion and support of the program is thanks to Anthem Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

For more information about St. Anthonys Memorial Hospital, visit St. Anthonys website at stanthonyshospital.org. To learn more about the Walk With a Doc program, visit walkwithadoc.org.
Dance night scheduled in Montrose

MONTROSE -- The Bugger Boys will perform from 7-9:30 p.m. Thursday at the Grove Township Community Center, located at 5251 East 1800th Ave.

Free will donations will be accepted. Refreshments will be served. For more information, contact Kim Will, event coordinator, Grove Township Community Center, at 217-663-2505 or at grovetownshipcommunitycenter@gmail.com.

Tickets available for Habitat for Humanity 'Habitaste'

CHARLESTON -- Join Coles County Habitat for Humanity as it hosts the third annual Habitaste from 5 to 8 p.m. Oct. 20 at Unique Suites in Charleston.

The evening will include fine wines, exotic beers and hors doeures. It also includes many silent auction items and a raffle for a beautifully restored Victoria dollhouse.

Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. All proceeds benefit Coles County Habitat for Humanity, which builds affordable housing in Coles County. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 217-348-7063.
The world faces the prospect of more tension with China over trade, security and human rights after Xi Jinping awarded himself another five-year term as leader of the ruling Communist Party and called for self-reliance in technology, a stronger military and protection of core interests abroad. At a party congress, Xi gave no sign of plans to change the "zero-COVID strategy that has frustrated Chinas public and disrupted business and trade. He called for faster military development and announced no change in policies that strain relations with Washington and Asian neighbors. Xi is tightening control at home and trying to use Chinas economic heft to increase its influence abroad.
MATTOON (JG-TC) -- Mayor Tim Gover has been re-elected to serve as a vice president of the Illinois Municipal League.

The Mattoon mayor was elected at the league's 103rd annual conference held Sept. 22-24 in Chicago. The vice presidents, or board of directors, consist of 36 mayors or village presidents from throughout the state.

Gover has served as a vice president since 2013. Each term is for one year. He is a member of the nominations committee and, at the conference, was a member of the credentials committee. Gover also served as a moderator at one of the conference sessions.

"Serving on the IML board is a great opportunity to interact with elected mayors and to share ideas and learn from others' experience," Gover said in a press release. There are 1,297 Illinois municipalities that are league members.

Two previous Mattoon mayors served as presidents of the league. The late Mayor Morgan Phipps served in 1968-69 and former Mayor Roger Dettro served in 1980-81.

Mattoon City Council Commissioner Preston Owen and City Administrator Kyle Gill also attended this year's conference.
CHARLESTON -- Candidates in county and state political races weighed in on the upcoming Coles County referendum which calls for a 1-percent sales tax to be put in place for school facilities expenses.

Asked at a Tuesday candidate forum for their stance on the referendum, a majority of candidates in attendance -- including current Coles County Circuit Clerk Melissa Hurst and States Attorney Brian Bower, both Republicans, and Dennis Malak, 110th District state representative Democratic candidate -- were unequivocally in support of the sales tax increase.

As the state is less and less willing to provide monies to our school districts, we cannot have property tax be (the schools) sole funding, Bower said.

Hurst said the local schools need the money.

Our schools just need some funding, she said.

With a state that has been lacking in solid financial support for schools in recent years, the sales tax funds could and should be collected, Malak added.

Were not seeing the involvement from our state that we should be (so) that we can guarantee that our students are able to get to school safely and make sure that our schools are maintained and kept safe, Malak said.

While not against the referendum, current 110th District State Rep. Reggie Phillips, R-Charleston, and Coles County Coroner Ed Schniers expressed concern for what the referendum could mean for the community if it is approved by voters.

Phillips said he could not support it should it in some way allow schools the ability to raise property taxes as well. To be more knowledgeable on the issue itself, he said he plans on looking carefully at the language of the referendum to ensure it in some way gives the ability to increase property taxes as well.

If it is just a sales tax, then I am 100 percent for it, Phillips said.

Phillips' concern was derived from a school districts ability to levy for more funding should it potentially default on a bond payment and need more money to pay for the bond through property taxes.

Kirk Swenson of the Citizens for Coles County Schools, an advocacy group for the referendum, said schools have the ability to levy for more money should a bond payment not be made with existing funds anyway, regardless of the sales tax referendum. However, the referendum is geared to pay off these bonds payments, along with handling maintenance needs.

Schniers commented he was concerned how much the additional tax might weigh on business coming into the county.

Im not in opposition to a tax, Schniers said. I think that my concerns are always when we look at taxes, they are (considered) the cure all, end all of everything.

Along with the comments about the referendum, Malak and Phillips also pointed out focuses of their campaigns moving into the upcoming election.

Malak touched on his plan and ideas to help balance the state budget, which has stumped state legislators for over a year, leaving them to pass stopgap funding bills to keep state agencies afloat.

He calls for having a services tax for the service industries in the state, which he said does not pay their fair share.

We need to make sure that everybody is paying their fair share, Malak said.

This, along with closing corporate loopholes, which Malak also mentioned, would cut down the state debt significantly within four to six years, the Democratic candidate said.

The incumbent disagreed that this would make much of a difference.

You can't simply say we're just going to raise service taxes and think that services taxes are going to bring in (the money needed to wipe away the debt)," Phillips said.

According to the Illinois Comptrollers Office, the state's general funds have a backlog of $8.7 billion.

Phillips added that if services taxes are raised higher than surrounding states like Indiana, there would be a high chance business would be chased out of the state.

For Phillips, a major concern of his is centered around fair remapping in the state, an issue pushed hard by Republicans, who currently do not hold the majority in the state legislature. Malak mentioned that he is in support of fair remapping as well.

During the forum, Phillips was also questioned on his devotion to Eastern.

Representative Phillips, why do you not want EIU to stay open? one of the questions read.

Phillips refused to reply to the question.

If you don't mind, sir, I am going to completely ignore that question, Phillips said.

Phillips has come under fire in the past from constituencies largely based at Eastern Illinois University about his support of the university and higher education in general.

However, Phillips voted against several bills that would technically appropriate money to such schools. These bills, however, came under fire from Republicans like Phillips who called for bills with a funding source attached to it instead of merely adding more to the large backlog of unpaid mandates the state comptroller's office is dealing with.

Phillips and Malak will be speaking again today, on EIUs campus.
MATTOON (JG-TC) -- The Sarah Bush Lincoln Board of Directors on Tuesday named Jerry Esker, RPh, president and CEO of Sarah Bush Lincoln Health System, according to a press release.

He follows Timothy Ols, formerly president of the hospital since 2011. Sarah Bush announced in late July that Ols was no long with the health system, but gave no explanation for his departure; no additional information on the reason has been made available.

Esker, who has served as interim president & CEO since late July, has been with the organization for more than 30 years. He began his career at Sarah Bush Lincoln in 1985 as a staff pharmacist. Within three years, Esker was pharmacy director, and in 2007 he was named vice president of Practice Management.

The board members have known and worked with Jerry for many years, Steve Wente, board chairperson, said. He led the Practice Management division for nine years and has proven time and again what a knowledgeable and valuable asset he is to Sarah Bush Lincoln.

As the vice president of Practice Management, Esker led the divisions strategic growth by increasing the number of employed medical staff members from 78 to 147 and virtually eliminating resignations by medical staff members. Over that same time period, clinic office visits rose from 185,000 a year to 286,000 a year, and medical staff satisfaction improved from the sub-median level to the 90th percentile nationally by 2013.

Wente added that the sustained growth of Practice Management is directly correlated with the success of the entire health system. During the same time period, physician revenue more than doubled.

Over the last few months, Jerry has been a trusted leader moving Sarah Bush Lincoln forward as it executes its strategic plan. His focus and the focus of the entire staff is patient safety, service and the implementation of Cerner, the organizations new operating system, Wente said.

In response to the announcement, Esker said, I am humbled that the board of directors asked me to lead Sarah Bush Lincoln. Ive been part of this organization almost from the beginning and have enjoyed contributing to its success. I am excited about our future and the many ways we can positively impact the health of our community.

Sarah Bush Lincoln has 2,266 employees and is a growing health care organization. Construction of its new Regional Cancer Center is complete and will open to patients on Nov. 7. Construction continues on a new Casey Clinic, and renovations continue inside the hospital on 3 West, 2 East, 2 West and Sterile Processing. The health center recently purchased acreage adjacent to its current Walk-In Clinic in Mattoon to build a freestanding building to accommodate the volume of people seeking care there. Construction began this month.

A Teutopolis native, Esker has lived in Charleston for more than 30 years with his wife, Lana, who recently retired from the Charleston school dDistrict. They have five children.

Active in the community, hes a member of the Coles Together board of directors, served as board member of the Charleston Community Unit One School District, Sexual Assault Counseling & Information Services and Charleston Education Foundation (past president). Additionally, he has served on the Illinois Hospital Association Mid-level Provider Task Force.
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Nebraska farmers are fueling an aspiring snack-food revolution.

Snack maker BFY Brands recently rolled out its "Our Little Rebellion" line of munchies made from non-genetically modified ingredients, including a triangular corn-based food called PopCorners.

All the corn to produce PopCorners is being grown on 59 Nebraska farms and milled by Bungee Limited in Crete before being shipped by rail to processing facilities in Hudson Valley New York.

Sourcing enough corn, 20 million pounds this year, was a challenge, said BFY Brands CEO Paul Nardone.

Only 8 percent of all corn acres planted in the United States and 5 percent in Nebraska are non-GMO varieties, according to the US Department of Agriculture.

It wasnt as easy as just flipping a switch and being able to order 20 million pounds of non-GMO corn, he said. We really had to re-engineer the supply chain and make sure there was enough acreage planted for the yield we needed.

Nardone said BFY Brands relied on Bunge to build that network of farmers, who are getting a 20 to 25 percent premium for their corn.

BFY Brands this week partnered with the Non-GMO Project, a nonprofit that certifies products made without genetically engineered ingredients, for a marketing campaign in hopes of ignite an American revolution to support U.S.-grown, non-GMO corn given growing consumer demand for transparent ingredients. The effort is part of Non-GMO month.

To launch the effort, they worked with Beaver Crossing-area farmers Jim and Nora McGowen to create crop art featuring both organizations' logos and the message Join the corn revolution popcorners.com.

In a video for the promotion, Jim McGowen spoke about the 130 years his family has farmed in Nebraska and growing corn that hasnt been genetically engineered.

Most of the time in production agriculture, you produce the product and its treated as a regular old raw commodity. You dont ever know what happens to it. You dump it at the elevator and its gone. But to see the actual chain complete with this product from that field is really neat, he said.

PopCorners previously were sold by Medora Snacks, which was acquired along with Ideal Snacks Holding Corp. in June 2015 by international private equity firm Permira.

Nardone said market research showed consumer demand for non-GMO products, and the company expects to do $75 million in sales this year.

"We just feel were being responsive to what our consumers are looking for, especially millennial consumers," he said. "Weve even discovered there was a barrier to purchase by not being non-GMO corn.

Permira combined both snack companies into the BFY Brands. The other snacks featured in the "Our little Rebellion" line include Bean Crisps and Crinkles.
The way Jim Clifton sees it, the country is already in a recession.

Though the Gallup chairman and CEO acknowledged that gross domestic product -- the official gauge for determining whether recessions are occurring -- continues to grow at 1 to 2 percent a year, other measures show the country is going backward economically.

Clifton said sales at large publicly traded companies have declined for five straight quarters and their net profits have fallen for seven consecutive quarters.

"Big business is in a full recession," Clifton told attendees at Tuesday's "Removing Barriers in Nebraska" conference at the Embassy Suites.

Not only are those large companies seeing shrinking profits, they are seeing their ranks thinned, Clifton said, with the number of public companies being cut in half over the past 15-20 years.

One potential solution is more growth in small businesses, Clifton said, but growth in those businesses has been lagging over the past few years.

That, he said, is largely due to a lack of entrepreneurs.

Clifton said there is a mistaken view among many people, including economists, that what has driven the phenomenal U.S. growth over the past several decades is innovation.

But "innovation has no value whatsoever until a customer is standing next to it," he said.

Innovators are inventors, Clifton said, and many of them have no idea how to sell their inventions. That's where entrepreneurs come in.

But currently, he said, the U.S. has, "such an oversupply of innovators and such an undersupply of the entrepreneur."

Clifton said part of the $30 million his family donated last year to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is being used on research to identify students at the College of Business Administration who have the right entrepreneurial traits.

He said the first round of testing this year identified 20 freshman with the right entrepreneurial potential, "and we expect them to start 20 businesses."

Clifton was the keynote speaker at Tuesday's event, which was put on by the Platte Institute for Economic Research.
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In the past 10 years, the number of students attending Lincoln Public Schools summer school has more than doubled, with a record 1,411 students completing courses this year and 113 seniors earning enough credits to graduate.

In 2006, when the program moved from Lincoln High to North Star, coordinator Pam Robinson began working closely with counselors to pull in kids who could benefit, and to focus on offering the classes that kids needed.

She paid attention to failure rates -- if there were lots of failures in a particular course, shed make sure summer school offered more of those classes. Counselors reached out to kids just a few credits short of graduation and they celebrated summer school graduates with a special program.

Along the way, summer school began to attract not just students behind on credits but students who wanted to get certain requirements out of the way to make time for additional music or theater classes, or high-level courses.

Those efforts show in the numbers, presented Tuesday to the Lincoln Board of Education. Ten years ago, 890 kids signed up for summer school at North Star and 592 completed courses. In 2016, 1,699 signed up, 1,411 completed courses.

Of those, 28 students were from outside LPS this year, coming from as far as Scottsbluff to attend, Robinson said.

One of the factors driving the increase is online classes, which were offered at all the high schools but Southwest last summer. A total of 318 students completed at least one online class.

I think that was the difference with graduation completion, Robinson told the board.

That was another record this summer: 93 percent of the students eligible to graduate if they took summer school did so. Thats increased from 74 percent in 2012.

Counselors played a big part in that, Robinson said, and a grant paid for a social worker and four additional counselors who helped kids stay on track.

One even bought a student an alarm clock so he could get to school on time, Robinson said. It really did make a huge difference this year.

Of those students who attended summer school at North Star, 279 were English Language Learners, 284 received special education services and 1,115 were eligible for the free and reduced lunch program, the primary gauge of poverty at LPS.

LPS also is beefing up its summer school offerings for at-risk elementary and middle school students, serving 857 students this year. The programs are paid with a grant from the Nebraska Department of Education.

In addition, LPS used federal dollars to offer ELL programs to 247 elementary school students and 105 middle school students at their home schools.

Federal dollars also paid for programs at four middle schools, offering 84 eighth-graders chosen by teachers to earn high school credits to help them better transition into high school.

Board member Barb Baier said she loved the idea of helping students get a good start in high school.

I really want to commend you for some really forward thinking here, she said. This is great.
Democratic Rep. Brad Ashford and Republican challenger Don Bacon sparred Tuesday night in their first of three debates, differing over immigration and U.S. military policy in Syria while promising to work in a bipartisan manner in the House.

Ashford, the only Democrat in Nebraska's five-member congressional delegation, is seeking re-election to his second term in metropolitan Omaha's 2nd District; Bacon, a retired U.S. Air Force brigadier general, is his Republican challenger.

Their battle in a swing district headlines Nebraska's general election contests.

Ashford noted that he has parted with Democratic President Barack Obama and his party on a number of issues when he disagrees, including opposing the administration's nuclear agreement with Iran and the president's efforts to close the U.S. prison in Guantanamo Bay that houses suspected foreign terrorists.

Bacon said he would support NATO against the criticism leveled at it by Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and he'd be "careful about the use of force in Syria."

"I'm not a blank check for party or president," Bacon said.

Ashford said he already has demonstrated his independence from his party and president as one of the most independent members of the House based on voting records.

Bacon said he would be prepared to support a pathway to legal status for undocumented immigrants who have settled in the United States along with action to secure the U.S. border with Mexico.

Ashford said the pathway should lead to an opportunity to earn citizenship if those immigrants pay taxes and meet other requirements, including lawful behavior.

While Ashford supported U.S. implementation of a no-fly zone in Syria to try to help end the slaughter of Syrians in Aleppo, Bacon warned that would be "a recipe for conflict with the Russians" because Russian military aircraft already are operating there.

Both candidates agreed there should be a safe haven carved out for Syrians who are under attack now as the war wages on.

Ashford and Bacon also parted company on the Affordable Care Act, with Ashford arguing for reform while Bacon called for repeal of Obamacare.

Bacon said he would like to see health care policy returned to the states; Ashford suggested that Republicans in Congress always support repeal while alluding to "a mysterious plan" that would reform a law that has expanded health care coverage to millions of Americans.

The law needs to be improved and reformed, Ashford said, with changes that would make insurance more affordable while removing some mandates from small businesses.

Bacon said Obamacare has been "a failure (for) the middle class and small businesses."

Both candidates said they are prepared to support their presidential nominees.

Ashford said "there was no excuse" for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton to use a private e-mail server during her tenure as secretary of state, but argued that she has "the experience and relationships with Congress to move the country forward."

Bacon said he would not excuse the remarks made about women by Trump in a recently released video, but suggested the difference is that "he said something wrong and she's done something wrong."

The Omaha debate was co-sponsored by the Omaha World-Herald and KMTV, which televised the hour-long discussion.
Lincoln homeowners are getting a two-punch combo -- right in the taxes.

Property tax rates are on their way up, while the state property tax credit is going down.

The owner of a $150,000 house  just below the city average -- will pay about $20 more for property taxes next year, as long as their valuation remains the same. This year, that homeowner would have a tax bill of $2,900, compared with $2,920 next year.

The money goes to support local services ranging from schools to police to the county fair.

Lincolns overall property tax rate is going up less than a single percentage point from $2.027922 to $2.036758 per $100 of valuation, which works out to the tax bill for that $150,000 house going up $13.25.

At the same time, Nebraska has $204 million available statewide for property tax relief. That means the individual credit will drop from $94.09 to $89.57 per $100,000 in valuation (or $8.987 cents per $100 of valuation, when expressed the same as tax rates), which accounts for the other $6.75 bump on the tax bill for our example house.

The average home value for Lancaster County this year is $165,033, according to the Assessors Office.

The city of Lincoln saw the biggest monetary increase in its tax rate, which is going up 4.41 percent, from $.31958 to $.33366 per $100 of valuation.

The Lancaster County Board officially set the tax rates for all local government units in the county on Tuesday, as required by state law.

A year ago, the city's overall property tax rate also increased but was offset by an increase in state property tax credit.
The Strategic Air Command and Aerospace Museum will offer free admission and lunch to all military veterans during its Veterans Day program Nov. 11.

The general public is invited to attend the program. Admission will be charged, but lunch is free.

The program will focus on the United States' missiles program starting with the political tensions of the Cold War and how the United States developed strategies that enabled military forces to respond at a moments notice should anything threaten the United States. The program also covers the importance of missile tracking and monitoring today.

Guest speakers are Col. Reyes Colon, who works in the U.S. Strategic Commands Global Operations Center at Offutt Air Force Base, and Paul G. Cohen, brigadier general, USAF (retired), Air National Guard.

This free admission and lunches are possible through the support of the Midlands Community Foundation and Bellevue University.
The Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department has issued food enforcement warnings to:

Amigos #031, 2825 Cornhusker Highway. Chicken at unsafe temp after cooling, no log provided, product discarded (corrected). Items in reach-in cooler at unsafe temp, product discarded (corrected). Dented cans on rack, removed to return (repeat, corrected). Utensils stored between soiled shelves. Numerous sanitizer containers lacking labels.

Golden Corral, 2940 N. 26th St. Raw fish over ready to eat items in walk-in cooler. Did not ensure hams were at correct temp prior to removing from steamer, one discarded, one reheated (repeat, corrected). Soups on stove at incorrect temp (corrected). Drains not draining and overflowing at dish machine are (repeat). Stickers still observed on clean dishes, fruit wash tube moldy, knives with food residues (repeat).

Gourmet Grill, 1400 O St. No employee on duty with food handler permit. Shell eggs on top shelf, relocated to bottom shelf (corrected).

Mamma Mia, 6100 O St. No person in charge with current food protection manager permit. Pizzas and calzones/stromboli at unsafe temps while on display prior to customer order (repeat). No time markings to verify time as control procedure. Can opener with metal shavings and food residues, cleaned (corrected).

SchillingBridge Cork & Tap House, 575 Fallbrook Blvd. #109. Cook handled meat with gloved hands, removed gloves and donned fresh gloves without washing hands. Infused oil, bottled-in-house is sold in this facility, product must be tested for safety. Raw eggs stored above ready-to-east food in walk-in cooler, moved (corrected). Beef and pork in sham at unsafe temp, pork reheated, beef discarded (corrected). Beef brisket and mashed potatoes in walk-in cooler prepared previous day, discarded (corrected). Cheese grater and table mounted can opener with food residues.

Spikes Beach Bar and Grille, 2300 Judson St. Nine employees lacking current food handler permits. Employee food permit roster not kept up to date (corrected). Employee did not wash hands after working with raw burger, then changing gloves, washed hands (repeat, corrected). Sterno can and pest chemical stored next to food items, relocated (corrected). Open beverage observed on counter (repeat).
This election is about a lot of things, but it is fundamentally about the U.S. Constitution and whether federal judges will adhere to their oath to "... faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon me ... under the Constitution and laws of the United States," or dilute, attack and destroy our founding document.

That the Constitution is on the ballot in the persons of Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, who hold differing views of it and have pledged to appoint radically different judges to federal benches, is revealed in a recent op-ed for Slate by Richard Posner, a judge for the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 7th Circuit and a senior lecturer at the University of Chicago Law School.

In his op-ed, as reported by The Washington Times, Judge Posner claims to see "absolutely no value" in studying the Constitution because "18th-century guys, however smart, could not foresee the culture, technology, etc., of the 21st century." I suspect if they had seen modern culture with our fixation on Kim Kardashian, they might have retreated to England.

Even the Bill of Rights, says Posner, "do not speak to today."

Wow. Freedom of speech, assembly, the press, religion, no warrantless searches and more are outmoded concepts? Who knew?

Posner continued: "I see absolutely no value to a judge of spending decades, years, months, weeks, day, hours, minutes, or seconds studying the Constitution, the history of its enactment, its amendments, and its implementation (across the centuries -- well, just a little more than two centuries, and of course less for many of the amendments)."

After receiving severe criticism, Judge Posner apologized for his "careless" remarks, but he still doesn't think the Constitution is relevant for today because, you know, those dead white guys owned slaves and didn't have the internet.

Imagine if such illogic was applied to other creations of the 18th century. There was much literature and music, in addition to political writings, that came from that era. Are Jonathan Swift, Voltaire, Goethe, William Blake, Henry Fielding, all of the Founding Fathers, Alexander Hamilton (there's a modern hit musical about him) and the music of Bach and Beethoven, to mention a few, also irrelevant today?

This is the arrogance of some judges who think they know better than the Founders. It is the choice in this election between a president and the judges he or she will appoint who believe, as late Justice Antonin Scalia did, that the Constitution sets boundaries for limited government in order to guarantee liberty to American citizens, or whether it means only what an unelected judge says it does.

Posner is no fan of Scalia. In a clever turn of phrase he writes, "Let's not let the dead bury the living."

He continues: "I worry that law professors are too respectful of the Supreme Court, in part perhaps because they don't want to spoil the chances of their students to obtain Supreme Court clerkships. I think the Supreme Court is at a nadir. The justices are far too uniform in background, and I don't think there are any real stars among them..."

Washington Times reporter Jessica Chasmar sought reaction from David Bernstein, who teaches at Antonin Scalia Law School, formerly George Mason University School of Law. Bernstein described Posner's attack of Scalia as "revolting," adding, "We all know Posner doesn't think highly, to say the least, of Scalia. Judging from what Posner writes, the distaste seems to stem primarily from jealousy -- Posner thinks he would be a far better Supreme Court justice than Scalia was, and he resents that as a 'lower court' judge, his writings, though highly influential in their own right, will never get the same attention and accolades as Scalia."

This election will determine the direction of our courts and whether judges will write laws, or interpret under the Constitution the intent of the legislators who wrote them. It will also decide whether the Constitution remains a self-authenticating document, protecting our liberties from encroaching government, or something that in the minds of judges like Richard Posner can be shredded along with our liberties.
Donald Trumps threat in Sunday nights presidential debate to appoint a special prosecutor to go after Hillary Clintons use of a private email server is legally empty  but its genuinely dangerous nevertheless. Federal regulations give the appointment power to the attorney general, not the president, precisely to protect us against a president who uses the special prosecutor as a political tool.

What separates functioning democracies from weak or failed ones is that political parties alternate in power without jailing the opponents they beat in elections. That sometimes means giving a pass to potentially criminal conduct, but thats a worthwhile sacrifice for making republican government work.

The law itself has a telling history. After President Richard Nixon fired special prosecutor Archibald Cox in the Saturday Night Massacre, a Democratic Congress passed the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, which created an independent counsel who was appointed by a special judicial panel, not the president. The law was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

But the law expired in 1999. And it was never renewed, in large part because of the perception that Kenneth Starr had gone too far as an independent prosecutor in going after President Bill Clinton.

After the independent counsel law lapsed, the Department of Justice adopted a formal regulation governing the appointment of special counsels thats still in effect. The regulation says that the attorney general  not the president  has the legal authority to appoint a special prosecutor.

As political scientists have long observed, democracy depends most basically on political alternation: When parties change places after an election, the winners allow the losers to stay in business, operate as an opposition and run for office again.

That alternation means winners dont put their opponents in jail. If they do  or if the opponents fear that they will be jailed  then the incentive to accept defeat evaporates. Losers in that dire position instead will turn to wide-scale popular resistance or military coups. Thats only rational if the losers think they wont be free to run for office again.

Alternation is thus what distinguishes stable democracies from weak or failing ones. Prosecuting opponents is the hallmark of democracy-ending dictatorship. Egypt offers a recent and clear example: Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi has relentlessly prosecuted the elected leaders he displaced in his 2013 coup. No one has any illusion that the Muslim Brotherhood will be back in future elections. And no one doubts that democracy in Egypt is over.

It may seem extreme to say that Trumps promise to prosecute Clinton threatens alternation in the U.S. After all, American democracy is pretty stable. But other presidents have bent over backward to avoid such prosecutions  even to the point of condoning illegal behavior.

Gerald Fords pardon of Richard Nixon is a prime example, even though the two were from the same party. Ford judged that the republic wouldnt be well-served by prosecution of a former president. George W. Bush didnt seek to prosecute Bill Clinton for perjury, although legally he might have been able to do so.

And Barack Obama didnt seek to prosecute Bush administration officials for acts that likely counted as torture.

In each instance, there were other political reasons to avoid prosecution. But the dominant rationale was surely that each president wanted to avoid the specter of using executive office to go after opponents or former presidents.

This shows that even in the U.S., the value of democratic alternation weighs very heavily  more heavily than criminal justice. Trumps threat to jail Clinton shows he doesnt value that tradition of alternation. Even if hes not elected, thats a dangerous view.
Praise is due Lincoln City Councilman Trent Fellers for taking the high road after he and three other council members had their hats handed to them in a court battle over the city budget.

In a written statement, Feller said, "While I'm very disappointed with (the) ruling on this issue, I feel strongly that we need to begin to move forward in the best interests of the city. That process can start today.

If this experience has shown me anything, it's that our city budget process needs to change. It needs to be more open, more transparent and must involve dialogue between both branches of government well before the budget hits the council's agenda. It's my hope that we can have a constructive community conversation over the next few months about what the budget process should really look like."

Fellers statement stands in marked contrast to sour grape reaction of Roy Christensen and Cyndi Lamm after the ruling from Lancaster County District Judge Robert Otte.

The judge ruled that the plain and ordinary meaning of the charter is that it takes five votes for the council to enact its own budget over a mayoral veto.

Lamm, Christensen, Fellers and Jon Camp had ample warning that they were on flimsy legal ground. The city attorney told them it would take five votes. Members of the community urged them not to test their legal theory in court.

They did it anyhow. Since the city attorney was required to sit out the court battle, taxpayers will pick up the tab for the private attorneys hired to represent both sides in the dispute.

The whole time the aggressor council members tried to spin the situation as the mayors fault. Lamm took the rhetoric to a inflammatory level Tuesday, referring to the budget process as "tyranny." (Camp was out of the country on a previously scheduled vacation.)

The whole episode was totally unnecessary.

It would be a salutary result if the lawsuit was educational, driving home the point to the four Republicans who pushed the budget battle into court that the charter calls for City Hall to be nonpartisan.

In recent years Republicans and Democrats have cooperated in Lincoln in operating one of the most efficient and effective municipal governments in the state of Nebraska. Unfortunately lust for the mayors office has led GOP operatives to stoop to destructive tactics in pursuit of their goals, while Coby Mach, president and CEO of the Lincoln Independent Business Association, uses his position as host of a radio show (which should be titled The County Republican Hour) to cast a steady stream of aspersions on the Beutler administration.

Lamm and Christensen should follow Fellers lead and drop the combative tone.

The better option would have been for council members to begin a public discussion on how the city budget process could be improved. Thats what Fellers is recommending now. Its what should have been done in the first place.
Lady Gaga is not Deb Fischer's biggest fan.

On Wednesday, the international pop superstar tweeted at Nebraska's senior U.S. senator, accusing her of "supporting misogyny" by continuing to support Donald Trump's presidential bid.

.@SenatorFischer you are a female senator supporting misogyny. Putting our daughters in danger. Has your young courage faded?  JOANNE (@ladygaga) October 12, 2016

The full tweet said this: "@SenatorFischer you are a female senator supporting misogyny. Putting our daughters in danger. Has your young courage faded?"

Last weekend, Fischer called on Trump to drop out of the presidential race after video emerged of him making lewd comments about women on a hot mic in 2005.

On Tuesday, the senator from western Nebraska told KLIN-AM's Drive Time Lincoln she still plans to support Trump as the Republican nominee.

"I never said I wasnt voting for our Republican ticket," Fischer said.

She called Trump's comments "disgraceful" and "unacceptable," but said she aligns with him on issues including regulation of businesses, taxes and gun rights.
People around the country and the world who support or oppose the death penalty are watching how Nebraska voters will respond on Nov. 8 to an effort to stop a 2015 law that abolished the sentence.

Those on both sides of the issue are in the last throes of their efforts to convince those voters to vote to retain or repeal the law.

Ten people testified Tuesday night in Omaha at the first of three public hearings on the referendum that Nebraskans have already started voting on: Referendum No. 426.

Secretary of State John Gale told people attending the hearing he hoped it would lessen confusion about the ballot question, which has been a problem for some.

The question on the ballot asks voters to choose whether they would retain the law (LB268) that senators passed in 2015 that abolished Nebraska's death penalty, or if they want the law repealed.

Marylyn Felion, who witnessed Robert Williams' 1997 execution in Nebraska's electric chair, testified that in this modern, technological age the death penalty is no longer needed to protect society.

"I say this as one who believes the death penalty says more about us than it says about the person in the death chamber," she said.

She has also witnessed the toll the death penalty takes on prison personnel, she said.

The cause of death listed on Williams' death certificate is "homicide," she said.

As she walked past the six corrections officers after they had delivered Williams to the execution chamber, she said they were sobbing. One man quit his job after the execution.

Vivian Tuttle, whose daughter Yvonne was killed in the 2002 Norfolk bank robbery and who supports the death penalty, held a photo of her daughter taken the Friday before she walked into the bank to cash a $64 check.

Yvonne Tuttle's youngest daughter, who was 3 at the time, doesn't remember her mom, she said.

"She's depressed, she's angry, she's afraid. And she carries that fear because of what happened that day," she said.

The pain and sorrow never goes away, Tuttle said.

And when you talk about the cost of the death penalty, she said, "My daughter's blood that was spilled on that bank floor was worth more than any of the money that it took to do any of this."

Many of the people present at the hearing were supporters of retaining the law that abolished the death penalty.

Linda Ohri, a pharmacist for 42 years, said the American Pharmacists Association in 2015 passed a policy statement discouraging pharmacists from participating in executions, saying it was fundamentally contrary to the role of pharmacists as providers of health care.

It is particularly important in light of past practices by compounding pharmacies in providing lethal injection drugs for executions, which has also now been discouraged, she said.

Sen. Merv Riepe of Omaha told those at the hearing he was a pro life supporter of the innocent and supports the death penalty for "the evil," those who are sane and commit a heinous murder.

Riepe detailed the grisly facts of the murder committed by death row inmate Raymond Mata.

"I tell that, not to be morbid. I simply tell it because I think the hard, cold facts have to be on the table," he said.

Earlier in the day, the anti-death penalty group, Retain A Just Nebraska, brought to Lincoln the former attorney of Steven Avery, subject of the "Making a Murderer" documentary, for a fundraiser for Retain A Just Nebraska.

Dean Strang, and Tracy Hightower-Henne of the Nebraska Innocence Project, spoke to reporters about the death penalty before the fundraiser.

Strang said Nebraska was the most recent state to abolish the death penalty, and the only state considering repealing that vote by senators.

On a moral level, there are strong arguments both for and against the death penalty, he said.

"But in the end, in Nebraska, what's hard to dispute is that the death penalty is a government program that hasn't worked," he said. "It's very expensive. It's not served Nebraska meaningfully and won't, going forward."

Hightower said at the hearing there have been claims over and over that no one on death row in Nebraska claims to be innocent. That's not true, she said.

Arthur Gales, convicted of murdering two children, has an active pending claim of innocence in Douglas County District Court, she said.

The next hearing will be Thursday in Kearney.
A Sheridan County commissioner acknowledged Tuesday that law enforcement in Whiteclay isn't adequate to handle the host of issues surrounding alcohol sales in the troubled northwest Nebraska village.

Commissioner Jack Andersen told lawmakers "we absolutely do not" have enough resources for proper policing in Whiteclay, which is home to four beer stores and maybe a dozen people and sits less than a mile from South Dakota's Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where alcohol is banned.

"We really need help with law enforcement," Anderson told members of the Legislature's General Affairs Committee.

His comments, made during a hearing on Whiteclay issues at the state Capitol, came as a welcome surprise to activists who've spent years, even decades, fighting to stop beer sales there.

"It reinforces what we've maintained for quite some time," said John Maisch, a former Oklahoma alcohol regulator who made a documentary about Whiteclay.

Earlier in the hearing, Nebraska's top liquor control official said Sheridan County could effectively shut down Whiteclay's beer stores as soon as next year -- beginning in January when all four liquor licenses come up for renewal -- if county officials deem law enforcement there is inadequate.

"It's up to them," said Hobert Rupe, executive director of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission, after the hearing.

Lawmakers looking to boost law enforcement in Whiteclay also found promise in Andersen's comments.

Lincoln Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks, whose resolution to examine Whiteclay issues triggered Tuesday's hearing, called the unincorporated village a "two-block stretch of depravity" and said its continued existence makes Nebraska complicit in "genocide" against the Oglala Sioux people of Pine Ridge.

Whiteclay's ratio of beer stores to people would equate to more than 30,000 liquor stores in Lincoln or 50,000 in Omaha, Pansing Brooks noted.

A 24-hour law enforcement presence there would help address public safety and possibly help gather evidence to support state sanctions against the beer stores, she said.

State troopers have spent nearly 500 hours patrolling and investigating crimes in Whiteclay this year, in addition to 3,500 hours over the prior 14 years, said Maj. Kyle Otte, head of investigations at the Nebraska State Patrol.

Those efforts haven't unearthed enough serious violations by the beer stores for the state to try shutting them down, said Rupe, the liquor control official.

And despite Andersen's comments, there's no indication Sheridan County plans to seek an end to Whiteclay beer sales.

The true solution lies north of the state line, on the reservation, Andersen said later.

"Whiteclay is a symptom, not the problem," he said. "The problem would be there whether we have Whiteclay or not."

About 50 people attended Tuesday's hearing. No breweries, liquor distributors or beer store owners testified.

Activists and Pine Ridge residents spent much of the afternoon sharing Whiteclay's tragic narrative and pleading for swift action.

Nora Boesem, a longtime foster and adoptive mother of children from Pine Ridge, described caring for a 5-year-old girl born 13 weeks premature with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. The girl takes pain medication daily and has already outlasted her life expectancy.

"I will probably bury most of the children I have adopted," Boesem said.

Former Oglala Sioux Tribe President Bryan Brewer noted alcohol's impact on some 3,500 military veterans living in Pine Ridge.

Longtime Winnebago activist Frank LaMere accused the state of Nebraska of working to "protect the flow of alcohol" into Pine Ridge and law enforcement of ignoring the deaths of Native people in Whiteclay, including the apparent slaying of 50-year-old Sherry Wounded Foot in August.

"We would bulldoze the town tomorrow" if non-Native people were dying, LaMere said. If white people were dying similarly in Lincoln, he said tearfully, "we would act."

Olowan Martinez, jailed for past protests in Whiteclay and more recently while protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota, said some activists will take matters into their own hands if state officials don't act.

Another testifier, Wanbli Red Cloud, unleashed a loud expletive at lawmakers during her own impassioned speech, then quickly apologized.

Jane Kleeb, chairwoman-elect of the Nebraska Democratic Party, said the party opposes continued beer sales in Whiteclay. Speaking on her own behalf, she cited "racism" in Nebraska's polices there compared with the state's handling of the rural methamphetamine crisis.

"If we can do that to protect white rural Nebraskans, close down the supply of meth, we should be able to do the same for our Native brothers and sisters through the alcohol sales in Whiteclay," Kleeb said.

Manape LaMere, Frank LaMere's son, sang a Lakota prayer, saying later that tribes used prayer to solidify their treaties with white immigrants.
RACINE  Each time people shop at the new Salvation Army store that opens Friday at Westgate Square, theyll be helping to rehabilitate men overcoming addiction problems.

The 30,000-square-foot store at 4901 Washington Ave. will open with approximately 150,000 garments and 200,000 items in total, estimated Director of Operations Nancy Arteaga. Those represent the accumulation of items donated since January.

This is one of the biggest of the seven stores we operate in southeastern Wisconsin and northern Illinois, Salvation Army Lt. Holly Ehler said.

It is also more than triple the size of the other, 9,000-square-foot Racine Salvation Army store at 2122 Douglas Ave. Plans for that store have changed, Ehler said. When the new store at Westgate Square was announced in summer 2015, the Douglas Avenue store was to be closed. However, she said it will remain open for the foreseeable future.

Both stores support the Salvation Armys rehabilitation center for men in Waukegan, Ill., Ehler said. It takes up to 100 residents at a time, who live there in a work-therapy program for at least six months, learning coping and job skills.

These guys undergo a tremendous transformation, Ehler said, and people are welcome to tour the center.

Before the new store could open, the buildings facade was renovated to add an entrance and create an adjacent donation center where donated items are dropped off and processed. It is the only Salvation Army store with a front drop-off, Arteaga said.

Because donated items are prepared for sale there and stay with the store  instead of going to the Salvation Armys Waukegan warehouse for processing  the organization calls this one of its super stores. It will accept anything that can help the guys at the (rehab) center, Arteaga said.

Furniture to jewelry

When fully staffed, the store will employ 36 to 45 people, and volunteers will also help, Arteaga said during a conversation at a handsome round, rich brown poker table that is among the furniture for sale. Other large items on the floor Monday included two large sectional sofas, a half-dozen washing machines  four of them quite new looking  gas range, large treadmill, elliptical exercise machine and several bicycles.

I think when people hear thrift store, they think of garage sale items, Arteaga said, but she considers the stores merchandise to be clearly above that level. Merchandise includes a 1.5-karat diamond ring and other jewelry, designer purses and a chandelier.

Starting Friday, the new store will be open for both shopping and donations from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday for donations only. For more information call 262-637-2132.

The organization does home pick-ups of larger items and anything resalable, Ehler said. Call 800-728-7825 or 847-662-7730 to arrange a pick-up.
A woman is accusing Herschel Walker, the anti-abortion Republican running for U.S. Senate in Georgia, of encouraging and paying for her 1993 abortion. The accusation comes weeks after a former girlfriend said Walker did the same for her in 2009. Walker is dismissing the latest claim as more foolishness and all a lie," similar to how he denounced the first woman's allegation. The woman who came forward Wednesday is identified only as Jane Doe," and says she's not revealing her identity because she fears reprisals against myself, my family and my livelihood. She said in a call set up by her lawyer that Walker pressured her into an abortion and paid for one after she became pregnant while Walker was married to his first wife.
RACINE  A Milwaukee man who has been behind bars since his March arrest in Racine is suing the city for $65,000, alleging an officer punched him in the jaw while he was handcuffed to a hospital bed.

Gerry Wilson, 29, of the 5800 block of Beloit Street, turned himself in to police in the late night hours of March 13, according to his criminal complaint. He was charged with four felonies and six misdemeanors after police took him into custody and Wilsons blood-alcohol level was measured at .34, nearly four times the legal driving limit, by officers that night.

Wilson is suing the city, claiming that Racine Police Officer Jacob Smetana, whom Wilson wants to resign, punched him twice in my lower jaw while he was handcuffed to a hospital bed. Officers transported Wilson to Ascension All Saints Hospital, 3801 Spring St., because Racine County Jail has a .25 intake limit on alcohol consumption.

While at the hospital, Wilson identified himself as a gang member, threatened to assault the officers and shouted profanity, according to the criminal complaint. When officers handcuffed him to the bed, he began spitting on them and continued to struggle and shout profanity, police said.

Thats when, according to the complaint, Smetana delivered two focus strikes to Wilsons left jawline in an attempt to stop his assaultive behavior. Smetana then briefly stepped out of the room, but when he returned, observed Wilson violently thrashing back and forth in the hospital bed causing it to move toward the wall.

Letteney to represent Smetana

On Monday, City Attorney Scott Letteney asked the Finance and Personnel Committee for permission to represent Smetana.

Any time a city employee is sued for actions taken in the course of employment, were required to do one of two things: either defend them or let them hire an attorney to defend themselves and then we have to reimburse them, he said. We feel its just cleaner to defend.

Following his request, 13th District Alderman James Morgenroth, the committees vice-chairman, asked Letteney if the city has a limit to its exposure in the case. Letteney said that since the case surrounds an excessive-force allegation and is not a civil rights lawsuit, the citys potential exposure is limited to the $65,000.

Its a battery allegation, essentially, an excessive force allegation, Letteney said. If it was a civil rights claim, it could be significantly higher than that.

Letteney added that a second officer could become involved in the suit. According to the complaint, another officer assisted Smetana in arresting Wilson in March.

Theres only one officer named, but theres a potential for a second, Letteney said.
CALEDONIA  A Caledonia man faces multiple felony charges after he led police on two car chases before he was apprehended Tuesday morning.

Nico D. Tirado, 24, of the 4300 block of Kennedy Drive, texted a Caledonia Police officer about wanting to see the officer around 6 a.m. for reasons that were not made clear in a criminal complaint.

The officer allegedly went to the location on Douglas Avenue and located Tirado in his vehicle. Upon activating emergency lights, Tirado allegedly took off in his car just north of 4 Mile Road on Douglas Ave and led the officer on a chase that reached 100 mph at one point until the officer terminated the pursuit, the complaint said.

Later in the evening, the officer allegedly received another text message from Tirado that he was in the 5600 block of Acorn Trail. Officers went to the area and located Tirado, according to the complaint.

An officer attempted to approach the vehicle in which Tirado was in and once again he allegedly took off and, in the process, nearly hit the officer. Again the chase was terminated, the complaint said.

An Oak Creek police officer later located Tirado in the driveway of We Energies power plant, located just north of the Racine County line, and detained him, according to the complaint.

Tirado faces two felony charges for attempting to flee or elude a traffic officer and second-degree recklessly endangering safety, and two felony charges for bail jumping. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 19 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave.

Tirado remained in custody as of Wednesday night at the County Jail, online records indicated.
RACINE  A Racine man was reportedly found with a firearm after a shots fired incident in Racine Friday.

Donte D. Shannon, 25, of the 2800 block of Illinois Street, was pulled over for a traffic stop on 18th Street near Grange Avenue when he fled his vehicle, according to a criminal complaint.

An investigating officer found no other occupants in the car and while returning to the vehicle, the officer heard dispatchers reporting a shots-fired call involving a car matching the description of Shannons vehicle, the complaint said.

Inside the car, the officer allegedly found a 9 mm Sig Sauer brand gun underneath the front passenger seat. The officer noticed the gun had a spent casing in the ejection port causing the slide to be stuck to the rear and the magazine was empty, according to the complaint.

The owner of the vehicle, Shannons father, reportedly told police that his son had recently been in possession of the vehicle.

Shannon faces a felony charge for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and two misdemeanor charges for resisting or obstructing an officer and operating with a revoked license.

He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing at 8:30 a.m. Oct. 19 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave. Shannon remained in custody as of Tuesday night at the County Jail, online records indicated.
BURLINGTON  A Rochester man is facing his sixth operating while intoxicated charge after a reckless driving investigation on Sept. 10.

A witness reportedly observed Nicholas J. Weinkauf, 38, of the 100 block of South Rochester Street, driving recklessly at about 7:13 p.m. that night on Milwaukee Avenue in Burlington, according to a criminal complaint.

The witness reportedly told dispatchers that the driver nearly hit a truck and hit the grass median twice and a curb once causing a piece of machinery in the back of the truck to bounce up.

According to the complaint, a Burlington police officer located Weinkauf inside his car in the parking lot of Lucky Star Restaurant, 864 Milwaukee Ave. While talking with officers, Weinkauf allegedly provided multiple addresses and initially denied drinking.

The officer noticed an open container of Mike's Hard Lemonade in the center console that Weinkauf admitted he had been drinking, the complaint said.

After failing three field sobriety tests, Weinkauf reportedly blew a .159 during a Breathalyzer test, according to court records.

Weinkauf faces two felony charges for his sixth operating while intoxicated charge and operating a vehicle with a prohibited alcohol concentration. He is scheduled for an adjourned initial appearance at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave.
MOUNT PLEASANT  A Racine man was arrested Monday after allegedly attempting to steal baby formula from a local Walmart.

David C. Pierce, 25, of the 5400 block of Byrd Avenue, was attempting to steal 12 cans of baby formula from the Walmart Super Center, 3049 Oakes Road, when he was stopped by the greeter, according to a criminal complaint.

When the greeter asked for Pierces receipt, Pierce said he did not have one, allegedly pushed the greeter and then tripped and fell into a metal detector panel before he was held on the ground by employees, the complaint said.

Pierce had reportedly been caught on camera prior stealing baby formula on Oct. 3 and Oct. 6 when he stole a combined 38 cans of baby formula for a total of $438.92. The 12 cans of baby formula he attempted to steal Monday allegedly cost $214.16.

According to the complaint, Walmart has been the target of baby formula thieves recently. Pierce reportedly told police he was selling the baby formula he stole to a neighborhood grocery store in Racine for $7 a can.

Walmart estimates it has had nearly $6,000 worth of baby formula stolen recently and might start locking up baby formula in the store, the complaint said.

Pierce faces two misdemeanor charges for bail jumping and retail theft and two felony charges for bail jumping. He is scheduled for an adjourned initial appearance at 1:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at the Racine County Law Enforcement Center, 717 Wisconsin Ave.

Pierce remained in custody as of Tuesday night at the County Jail, online records indicated.
RACINE  When it came to sales, Racine native Robert Walter Bob Buhler had a golden  not silver  tongue.

Years ago, he used considerable charm, flattery and congeniality to sell milk door to door for Racines old Marigold Dairy.

In 1966, Buhler channeled his salesmanship and business skills into expanding Open Pantry Food Mart from a single store in Chicago to one of the earliest convenience food store chains in the country.

Buhler, a franchising pioneer who still held the title of chairman emeritus for the company at 93, died Oct. 6 in Tucson, Ariz.

He was an entrepreneur and a gentleman who loved to bring joy to everyone he met, according to his obituary. He would pay a compliment to any stranger or acquaintance, waiter or salesperson.

Buhler was born in Racine to Walter and Irene (Septon) Buhler. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and served in the U.S. Army during World War II.

He served as president of Marigold Dairy and pioneered the cream-top milk bottle, which uniquely separated milk from cream for use in cooking.

But recognizing that home delivery of milk would soon become obsolete, Buhler helped develop Open Pantry Food Marts into one of the largest convenient food store companies in Wisconsin.

According to a Journal Times story published in 1997, Buhler discovered convenience store franchising by accident. He was looking for a way to market his dairy business when Buhler stopped at an Open Pantry Food Mart in Chicago.

Buhler talked with the Open Pantry owners. Instead of talking him into buying a store, the owners asked him if he would like to become a franchiser, someone who recruited franchisees and developed stores.

They offered him a $1,500 refundable deposit to be the franchiser of Open Pantries in a 14-county area in southeastern Wisconsin. He took the challenge and continued to run the dairy business while recruiting franchisees.

After developing 12 stores, Buhler gave up the dairy business and moved to franchising full-time.

By 1997, Open Pantry Food Marts of Wisconsin had 40 franchised stores and 15 corporate stores, 30 of them with adjoining gasoline station operations. Annual sales were about $65 million, The Journal Times article said.

All in the family

Eventually Buhler transitioned the responsibilities of the chain to his son, Robert A. Buhler  who worked in his fathers stores as a clerk.

I grew up as we all grew up, following my fathers good example of work ethic, drive and optimism, the younger Buhler told The Journal Times in 1997. All the children in the family have, though not in the convenience food store business, used those important basics, although it is hard to keep up with his drive.

That drive extended into the elder Buhlers personal life. He proposed to Eunice Jean Berg after dating her for only three days. They married and stayed together for 53 years.

The couple raised three children: Elizabeth Betsy Buhler of New York, Rebecca (Doug) Emmons of Brookfield and Robert (Violetta) Buhler of Lake Forest, Ill.

Aside from working, Buhler was involved in the First Presbyterian Church, the Lutheran Church of the Resurrection, the Kiwanis Club of Greater Racine, the Racine Rotary Club, the Racine YMCA, the Racine County Safety Council, and the Chamber of Congress Economics Club of Tucson.

Visitation for Buhler will be held on from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home, 803 Main St., Racine.
YORKVILLE  Sheriff Christopher Schmaling didnt mince words talking about the staffing shortage at the Racine County Jail.

We have a crisis in our County Jail, Schmaling told the countys finance committee Tuesday. Its not a crisis in the making. Its actually a crisis that is happening today.

The county is proposing to add 10 correctional officers to the jail to reduce the amount of forced overtime, which Schmaling said has burned out workers and led to 18 departures in the past year.

The plan is part of a proposed $1.2 million increase to the Sheriffs Office budget in 2017. The county would also add three deputies to work targeted patrols and another to provide security at the Dennis Kornwolf Service Center, 1717 Taylor Ave.

County supervisors voiced support for the proposal Tuesday, the first night of budget discussions at the Ives Grove Office Complex, 14200 Washington Ave., Yorkville.

Supervisor John Wisch of Caledonia said he has long wanted the Sheriffs Office to add more personnel to reduce overtime costs. Jail workers were paid $440,000 in overtime between January and June of this year, according to county figures.

I am extremely ecstatic, Wisch said. Im sad it took this long, but I am very happy were finally making a step in the right direction.

Correctional officers have often been forced to work 16-hour days, Schmaling said, while the average daily population at the jail has increased from 686 last year to 740 this year.

Schmaling said the proposal should improve the lives of jail workers and reduce turnover.

For a lack of better words, were abusing them, Schmaling said. Were mandating that they work shift after shift after shift.

More deputies

The budget calls for three additional deputies to join a strategic patrol unit, providing targeted enforcement in certain areas  a neighborhood with a rash of burglaries, for example, or a street with a lot of speeders.

They would join a unit that has three deputies who were reassigned from the Village of Waterford after the Town of Waterford took over patrolling the village this year.

The unit has made a big impact, with nearly 100 drunken driving arrests made, more than 100 warrants cleared and about 100 drug arrests, Schmaling said.

I can move them around through the villages, towns and the cities, to see where theyre best suited and where theyre most needed, he said. Theyre an aggressive group and they are targeting violators.

And they essentially pay for themselves with the amount of revenue they bring in, Schmaling added.

The Kornwolf Center already has one deputy in the family court, but he sometimes gets called away elsewhere in the building, Schmaling said. The proposed additional deputy would provide security throughout the rest of the building, which hosts an array of county services including mental health, workforce development services and juvenile detention.

This (deputy) will be a rover  going throughout the facility and the parking lot, making sure that the employees who work there are safe, making sure the visitors who come there are safe, Schmaling said. Should there be a problem, he or she can respond to it immediately.
State Sen. Rick Gudex, R-Fond du Lac, has died at 48.

The Fond du Lac County Sheriff's Office is investigating the death with the county medical examiner, but foul play is not suspected, according to Fond du Lac County Sheriff Mylan Fink.

Gudex announced in November he would not seek re-election at the end of his first term, and said he planned to return to the private sector. Before his election, he spent more than 20 years in manufacturing management.

He was elected in 2012, defeating former Sen. Jessica King, D-Oshkosh. While in office, he served as Senate president pro tempore and as chairman of the Senate Economic Development and Commerce Committee.

He served previously as mayor of Mayville and on the Fond du Lac City Council. Gudex leaves a wife and two children.

"I was deeply saddened to hear this morning of the passing of Senator Rick Gudex," Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald, R-Juneau, said in a statement. "Rick will be deeply missed by his Senate colleagues; our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time."

Senate Minority Leader Jennifer Shilling, D-La Crosse, said she was "shocked and saddened" to learn of Gudex's death.

"I enjoyed serving with Rick in the Senate and will keep his family in my thoughts and prayers," she said.

Outgoing state Rep. Mandela Barnes, D-Milwaukee, recalled a positive relationship formed with Gudex that started over custard in Oshkosh Republican Rep. Michael Schraa's office.

Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, said Gudex was a "good senator, and an even better person."

"Wisconsin has lost a champion today," he said.

Gudex represented the 18th Senate district, which includes parts of Winnebago, Fond du Lac and Calumet counties.

Fond du Lac County Republican Party chairman Dan Feyen and Winnebago County Executive Mark Harris are vying for the seat.

"Rick Gudex was a dedicated public servant who will be deeply missed. His friendship and trust meant so much to me," Feyen said in a statement.
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Donald Trumps past comments that came to light last week, saying as a famous person he was able to take advantage of women, were absolutely unacceptable.

Trump has insisted that his comments about kissing and groping women without their permission was locker room talk, and that was it.

But during the debate Sunday, Trump waited a substantial time before answering a direct question about if he ever kissed or groped women without their permission.

It was a moment far too close to Bill Clintons infamous line, I did not have sexual relations with that woman.

While Trumps comments about women remind people of the former presidents infidelity and lies, this current election is between Trump and Hillary Clinton, not Bill Clinton.

Sunday, Trump unnecessarily held a press conference before the debate where he brought in women who have accused former President Bill Clinton of sexual assault.

Again, this race is not against Bill Clinton. Its against Hillary Clinton.

The one woman who had a direct connection to Hillary Clinton was Kathy Shelton. Hillary Clinton defended the man who raped a then 12-year-old Shelton in 1975. But a quick fact check search will tell you that Clinton was appointed by a judge in Arkansas to serve as the attorney for the suspect after the man requested a female attorney to represent him.

That was Hillary Clinton doing her job.

In this election, there is a lot to criticize both candidates about  including Hillarys use of her private email and accompanying lies  but the criticism should focus on real issues not ones like the Shelton issue.

While Hillary Clinton is not responsible for her husband, she is responsible for her own actions, and those include the words she used toward people who accused her husband of infidelity years ago.

Hillary Clinton  who says all victims have the right to be believed  in the past reportedly used phrases such as Bimbo eruptions to refer to the women making accusations against Bill Clinton, and said threats like I would crucify her and we have to destroy her story.

Then again, Trump himself years ago defended Bill Clinton, calling the sexual assault charges, hollow and a waste of time.

As for Trumps most recent comments that came to light, they are unforgivable and sickening, as Paul Ryan called them.
The state of North Dakota sought out the Dane County Sheriffs Office for assistance in managing oil pipeline protests near Bismarck because of the Wisconsin agencys expertise in managing large, highly-charged events.

Ten Dane County Sheriff Officers traveled to North Dakota Sunday as part of an interstate mutual aid agreement, managed by the Wisconsin Department of Emergency Management, and will be assisting in monitoring the protests for a week.

Morton County, North Dakota is home to Native American tribal lands, which the construction of an oil pipeline would threaten. Protesters ramped up their opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline late this summer when three federal departments halted construction near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

I provided 10 deputies and supervisors who I feel very confident can manage a very highly-charged issue and do so ensuring the values that we believe in by deploying high-character, high value-driven deputy sheriffs, Sheriff Dave Mahoney said.

As part of the agreement, the state of North Dakota will pay for any costs incurred, including paying overtime deputies to cover for those out of town.

North Dakota originally asked for 40 deputies, which Mahoney said was not feasible for Dane County. Other Wisconsin agencies, including the State Patrol, the Department of Natural Resources and four other sheriffs offices are sending staff to make up the difference.

Prior to the aid agreement, the state of North Dakota reached out to the federal government to come up with a list of law enforcement agencies around the nation with experience in managing large-scale protests. Dane County was on the list.

Mahoney traveled to the state about a month ago, describing the protest as full of emotion but peaceful. He offered his advice from managing his department's response to the 2011 Act 10 protests and demonstrations following the March 2015 fatal officer-involved shooting of Tony Robinson.

Taking into consideration the concerns of the protesters relative to the issues that they bring forth and being sensitive to that while building relationship and trust because as a result of the building the trust, you prevent acts of violence and potential injury to individuals, Mahoney said were specific lessons hes learned over his ten years as county sheriff.
Wisconsins bear season closed Tuesday with at least 40 hunting dogs confirmed killed by wolves, far exceeding the previous record of 23.

The states growing wolf population or possible increased hunting activity could have contributed to the number of dogs killed  or it could be an anomaly, said state Department of Natural Resources large carnivore specialist Dave MacFarland.

We dont have much to go on except speculation, MacFarland said. We know things are happening where there are a lot of wolves and dogs.

Many hunters blame the end of the states wolf hunt, which has been followed by rapid growth in the wolf population.

Others say wolf numbers needed to grow to avoid a repeat of the disappearance of the animal from the state, and that bear hunters could protect their dogs by avoiding known wolf caution areas established by the state.

MacFarland said scientific study will be needed to determine what caused the higher death toll.

Everybody can agree that we hope we dont see a repeat of what we saw this year, MacFarland said.

Although the hunt ended Tuesday, more hunting dog deaths could be reported to the agency on Wednesday.

Pat Quaintance, president of the Wisconsin Association of Sporting Dogs, said wolves are so thick and damage to domestic animals so great in the northernmost part of the state that he believes residents will begin poaching the endangered species.

Theyll take matters in their own hands. There will be an all-out war on wolves, Quaintance said.

After the all-but-extinct wolf was given protected status, its numbers grew in Wisconsin, prompting its removal from the endangered list in 2012.

Three hunts were held  with critics warning that another population collapse was imminent  before a judge found fault with state management and placed the species back on the list in 2014.

The estimated winter population of wolves grew 16 percent to about 900 this year, and claims for financial compensation from livestock and dog owners have also been on the rise.

Melissa Smith, executive director of Friends of the Wisconsin Wolf, said livestock damage caused by wolves isnt great, and it could be minimized if more farmers used measures such as fencing and noise-making devices that scare wolves away.

The roughly $200,000 the state paid to farmers, hunters and others to compensate for wolf damage should be spent to help keep wolves, bear and other animals from damaging livestock and crops, Smith said.

At the $2,500 rate the state pays owners of hunting dogs killed by wolves, the bill for taxpayers probably will reach $100,000 this year.

Smith said far fewer dogs would be killed if hunters didnt run dogs through areas the DNR cautions against because wolves are protecting pups or already in the habit of fighting off dogs.

I dont think they care about their dogs very much, Smith said.

Quaintance said hunters he knows care about their dogs, and about wolves, too, but there are too many of the wild predators.

This year, Quaintance said, he decided against hunting in a part of Bayfield County after seeing fresh wolf tracks.

He didnt lose any dogs this year, but in the last two decades bear hunters have lost thousands of acres of hunting land to wolves.

Theres no place now that a guy can turn a dog loose without it getting attacked by a wolf, Quaintance said.

A DNR map of reported wolf-dog conflicts shows several expanses where no dogs were killed this year, but Quaintance said they were areas that werent hospitable to bear hunting because they lacked enough public land or had other shortcomings.

DNR maps show areas of Bayfield, Ashland, Sawyer, Lincoln, Burnett, Douglas, Iron and Clark counties where dogs were attacked by wolves after previous attacks led to caution maps being posted online.

The DNRs MacFarland said its not clear why, but after a wolf pack has once attacked a dog, it is more likely to do so again if the opportunity is presented.

Wisconsin Wildlife Federation executive director George Meyer said wolves stir up strong emotions, positive and negative, but in the end, the federal government will need to remove the species from the endangered list so that hunting can resume with scientists setting quotas that will result in a sustainable population.
Latest Smart Gun Prototype Has

Some Pretty Dumb Flaws

By Beth Baumann. October 10th, 2016

Matt Nager/Wall Street Journal

According to 19-year-old MIT undergraduate student Kai Kloepfer, America has a "gun violence" problem. To help find a solution for the problem, Kloepfer decided to create a smart gun that utilizes military-grade fingerprint software so only the gun's owner can use the weapon. The idea is to keep children and criminals from being able to shoot guns and the technology found on these smart guns is similar to what is used by Apple to lock iPhones.

Kloepfer took to a number of crowdfunding websites to raise the money necessary to make his idea a reality.

I am building a safer gun that only the owner can use, preventing children, teens, and criminals from using it. My technology is a safety mechanism built into a normal handgun and works in conjunction with the other safeties on the gun. When you grip the gun normally it reads your fingerprint and compares it against a list of users that is stored inside the gun. If it matches, the gun is ready for fire, otherwise it is locked and secured. The only person that can access or modify the allowed users is the owner. They have full control to add/remove users or sell the gun.

Kloepfer has been working on the design for the past four years and expects to finish a live-firing prototype within the next few months. (read on).. ......

On paper, this probably seems (to anti-gun folks) the Holy Grail of "smart" technology, but like most all attempts at making "smart" guns it is inevitably flawed. Anything with a battery can fail and we can see that wet hands, gloved hands and maybe even a bandaid will pretty much prevent a release function. Periodically yet another supposedly fool-proof system is promoted as the ultimate, but there is really no such thing as a reliable "smart" gun - it's beyond wishful thinking.

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60 injured in Jhapa bus collision

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Dashain over but Tika continues

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As Sandi wanted, the blog continues. If you would like to make a donation of support, you can do so at the links below. Most of the donated funds go to the purchase of medical supplies and covering my medical bills. Some goes to the purchase of various reading materials which are eventually read and reviewed here.
Members of the 10th parliament have been urged to fully support the Alcohol Drinks Control Bill 2016.

The proposed bill by Mukono Municipality MP Betty Nambooze seeks to regulate the manufacture, advertising, supply and consumption of alcoholic drinks.

Speaking at a workshop in Kampala, the chairperson of the Uganda alcohol policy alliance David Kalema said Uganda suffers worst alcohol related negative consequences worldwide like accidents, violence and death.

He says there is need to regulate pricing through increased taxation and regulating all forms of advertising and marketing and restricting access to protect the youths.

The motion seeking leave of parliament to table the bill was stayed by parliament to allow for more discussions between government and the private mover.
The state Minister of Information Communication and technology, Aidah Nantaba has stressed limited funding and lack of support for research and innovations as the major cause of brain drain in Uganda

Addressing journalists in Kampala, Nantaba said the government must therefore invest more resources in research and innovation if it is to help the youth acquire relevant ICT skills in order to be competitive in the labour market.

She notes that for this to happen, more investment and funding must be diverted to this sector

She however commended President Yoweri Museveni for giving the ministry a sum of 15bilion shillings to fund innovative youths.
The widow of slain city businessman Eriya Bugembe Sebunya, also known as Kasiwukira is a free woman after the High Court in Kampala acquitted her of his murder.

Sarah Nabikolo has been acquitted by High Court Judge Masalu Musene on grounds that she wasnt involved in the murder of her husband, Kasiwukira.

However, her cousin, Sandra Nakungu and Ashraf Jaden, a police officer at Muyenga Community Police Station have been convicted of the said murder.

The presiding judge said the two had a common intention to kill Kasiwukira.

According to the judge, Ashraf knocked Kasiwukira and therefore was guilty of murder.

They have each been handed a 20 year jail term which the judge says is a deterrent sentence for other would be offenders.

Kasiwukira was hit by a car, which sped off after the incident on the morning of October 17, 2014 as he was jogging in the neighbourhood of Muyenga, a Kampala suburb.

At the time, the police referred to it as an intentional run over, but two months later, the three main convicts, Nabikolo, Nakungu and Jaden were charged with murder.

Kasiwukira is remembered for his critical role in the development of the local music industry.

He was the first person to duplicate songs of different artistes onto cassette tapes in the early 1980s, which tapes he would brand with his logo Kasiwukira and then have hawkers sell them around the city.

At the time of his death, he was the deputy treasurer of the Kwagalana group (a group that is known as the rich mens club in Kampala).
A red flag has been raised over Kampala Capital City Authoritys delays in installing 750 street solar lights in the city after the Shs. 7b project stalled a year ago.

Government in October last year released Shs 7 billion to KCCA ahead of the November 27-29 papal visit to Uganda to change the entire LED lighting system to solar powered street lighting.

The solar lights were meant to be installed along; Bombo Road, Kampala Road, Jinja, Mukwano Road, Nile Avenue, Kintu Road, Entebbe Road, Katwe-Kibuye among others.

Many of these LED lighting systems were installed during the 2007 CHOGM preparations, but they later broke down.

Philips East Africa Limited was procured and signed a contract on 22 October 2015 amidst criticism against KCCA by bidders, who poked holes in the procurement process.

According to the information on the KCCA website, the contractor availed a work plan that committed to have the project delivered by 20 November, 2015, which was reflected in the signed contract.

However towards the Popes visit, KCCA noticed discrepancies in the information submitted by the contractor, where most of the information committed to previously was inconsistent with unfolding events.

The contractor then went ahead to install temporary street lights as a stop gap measure ahead of the visit.

KCCA deputy spokesperson, Robert Kalumba says they are in the final procurement process and that another contractor will be awarded the tender to complete the project.
Parliaments Committee on Natural Resources has summoned city pastor Samuel Kakande over allegations of illegal sand mining in Kalungu district.

The committee, which last month made on-site visits to Lwera in Kalungu District to investigate reports of irresponsible sand mining and destruction of wetlands, established that Aqua World Uganda Ltd, a company owned by Pr Kakande of Synagogue Church of All Nations in Mulago, has been illegally mining sand in the area.

The MPs also found that the company, which was initially granted a cage fish farming permit by national environment agency NEMA in 2014, is also using the area to grow rice.

The legislators were also frustrated with Bernard Mutyaba and veteran politician Joash Mayanja Nkangi, both members of Kakandes legal team, after they failed to give adequate information on the irregular activities on the land.

The MPs were amused after Nkangi, on being quizzed about the other directors of the company, switched from English to Luganda and named Pastor Kakandes wife as one of the directors, but quickly said she may not be aware of its activities.

The MPs said it was pointless for the committee to engage the director and lawyer and instead resolved that Pastor Kakande appears before them on Friday to explain the matter.
President Yoweri Museveni has called for collective effort among African countries to address the aflatoxins in Africa.

A study conducted by Makerere University, indicated that due to aflatoxins, Ugandas total annual exports deteriorate by US$37.56 million per year.

While speaking in the 2nd Perishable Agricultural Commodities Act Partnership Platform Meeting today at Entebbe, president said that no single country can face the challenge of aflatoxins alone thus clear strategies involving all stakeholders must be adapted to mitigation this problem.

He explained that if not carefully addressed, the impacts of aflatoxins can significantly jeopardize Africas endeavors to meet Sustainable Development Goals, thus urgent interventions are needed.

He adds that the struggle must begin with the agricultural sector and later tackle other sectors.
South Sudan rebel leader Riek Machar has left Khartoum for South Africa to seek medical treatment.

His departure came just two months after he went to the Sudanese capital for medical attention.

The former South Sudan first vice-president addressed the press at the Khartoum airport where he thanked the government of Sudan the hospitality before his departure.

The rebel leader recently declared that he would work to bring down the government of President Salva Kiir, sparking a diplomatic row between Juba and Khartoum, but the latter says it will not allow any aggression or opposition activities against South Sudan from its territories.

Dr. Machar was treated at a Khartoum hospital in August after he fled South Sudan following the eruption of war in the new state in July.
Uganda has indicated that it could support Kenyas nominee for the African Union Chair, Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohamed.

This comes as some East African Community member states remain undecided on who to front as candidate to vie for the position of chairman of the Africa Union Commission.

The nomination process was opened afresh after the AU Heads of State Summit in Kigali Rwanda failed to choose a successor to South Africas Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma who has been chairperson since 2012.

At the Kigali summit none of the three candidates including Ugandas former Vice President Dr. Specioza Wandira Kazibwe obtained the required 2 thirds majority after seven rounds of voting.

Now speaking to KFM, Ambassador James Mugume the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs says Uganda failed to field a candidate to beat the 30th September deadline, so the only option is to support the two East African candidates in the race.

He says Uganda is yet to decide on whom to support, but will definitely back the candidate the region chooses between Kenyas Amina Mohamed and Somalias Fowsiyo Yusuf Haji Adan.

Rwanda has already thrown its weight behind Kenyas candidate who according to the foreign affairs minister Louise Mushikiwabo is the best woman for the job.

Story By Samuel Ssebuliba
QUANTICO--In the Marine Corps' rush to drop weight, one of the most beloved and storied pieces of gear could be left behind. At the service's first Equipping the Infantry Challenge here Sept. 27, program managers said they're looking for a lighter, more practical alternative to the iconic ammunition can.

Scott Rideout, program manager for ammunition at Marine Corps Systems Command, told industry leaders that the rectangular can, which today looks much the same as it did during World War II and Vietnam, may be overdue for an upgrade.

Marine Corps ammo comes to the warfighter, he said, "in the same metal can that it's come in for 100 years. That metal can is one of those things that when the ammunition is brought to Marines, they take the ammunition out, distribute it however they're going to distribute it, then throw [the can] away. The ammo can itself provides no value added to the Marine, except to help get the ammunition there."

Some may disagree. The blog Shooter's Log in 2013 listed 50 possible uses for the ammo can that range from improvised washing machine to anchor. Another website, Survival List Daily, topped that with 74 uses, including field toilet and cook pot.

The gear is even more central to Marine Corps identity: one of the elements of the Combat Fitness Test that all Marines must pass once a year is the ammunition can lift, in which troops are tested on the number of times they can lift a 30-pound can above their head and shoulders within two minutes.

But the calculus is simple, Rideout said: "Ounces equal pounds, and pounds equal pain."

Emerging technology, such as logistics drones that might be able to carry resupply items to troops in the field, may also put limits on how much a new delivery of ammunition can weigh.

The cans, which weigh anywhere between three and seven pounds depending on their make and the caliber of ammunition, can amount to a quarter of the ammo weight that Marines are carrying, Rideout said.

"If we can get that weight out of the system, thats more ammunition that can be resupplied to Marines to allow them to do their jobs," he said. "So we need lighter-weight packaging. Ammo is what ammo is, but there are a couple areas out there where we can reduce weight to enable Marines to do their jobs better, especially against a near-peer type competitor or distributed ops."

Ammo cans aren't the only area getting a look.

Rideout and Mary Flower LeMaster, chief engineer for ammunition at SYSCOM, said the brass casing that houses bullets may also be ripe for improvement.

"The brass provides no value added to the weapons system; its just to enable the round and the propellant to interface with the weapon to provide effect downrange," Rideout said. "Thats where we need to attack that weight. And there is technology out there that can do that and so were looking for industry to help us there."

Rideout and LeMaster provided no alternatives to these key ammunition items, and it's unclear how the Marine Corps might move forward with service-specific improvements to items used by multiple service branches, like ammo cans and brass. But this call-out to industry is in keeping with a broader service effort to solicit revolutionary ideas to improve the way Marines fight on the battlefield. During the same Infantry Equipping Challenge event, SYSCOM Commander Brig. Gen. Joseph Shrader said he wanted ideas for a meal, ready-to-eat optimized for Marine infantrymen in the field, with more efficient and practical packaging.

Currently, the ammunition managers said, they're looking for ideas to improve five different calibers of ammo, as well as the cans: 9mm, 5.56, 7.62, .50-caliber, and .300 Winchester Magnum.
A senior official at North Korea's spy agency defected to South Korea last year, a source said Wednesday, pointing to a rise in defections by North Korean elites disillusioned with the repressive regime.

An unidentified official who worked for the Ministry of State Security escaped to the South last year, the source familiar with Pyongyang's affairs said, in an unusual defection by a North Korean in charge of gathering intelligence and cracking down on ordinary people.

More North Korean elites, including diplomats, have deserted their country in search of freedom, which Seoul says points to signs of cracks in the North's regime.

Pyongyang banished its vice foreign minister Kung Sok-ung to a cooperative farm as punishment after the North's leader Kim Jong-un became angry as several North Korean diplomats escaped to South Korea, according to a report by the JoongAng Ilbo.

Kung, a veteran diplomat, was banished to a rural farm in an unidentified area in the wake of Thae Yong-ho's high-profile defection to South Korea, the daily said. Thae was the No. 2 man at North Korea's embassy in London.

Thae defected to Seoul with his family in late July, making him one of the highest-ranking North Korean officials to arrive in the South.

North Korea's leader is believed to have executed more than 100 state, party and military officials to consolidate power.

In the face of international sanctions, North Korean officials working abroad, including diplomats, are under growing pressure to repatriate hard currency to the regime, experts said. (Yonhap)
South Korea's ruling lawmaker said Wednesday the country must develop its own nuclear weapon to better tackle Pyongyang's on-going provocations, adding steps toward the measure must immediately be made should North Korea conduct another nuke test.

"We cannot sit idle when Pyongyang is staging nuclear and missile provocations. We need to find a new methods to solve the North Korean nuke issue," Rep. Won Yoo-chul, one of the Saenuri lawmakers who openly advocate the armament scenario, said during a forum held at the National Assembly.

"The move is not to start a war. It is to protect the peace. We need to make a decision to stop Kim Jong-un's provocations and protect South Korea and its people," Won stressed.

A rising number of hawkish lawmakers from the Saenuri Party have been demanding Seoul arm itself with nukes, especially after the North carried out its fifth nuclear test on Sept. 9. Recent public opinion polls have shown large numbers of the populace in favor of nuclear armament.

The opposition bloc strongly opposes the view, adding South Korea should also consider its commitment to the Non-Proliferation Treaty, as well as its alliance with the United States.

Cheong Seong-chang, a unification researcher at the Sejong Institute and a staunch advocate of nuclear arms, meanwhile, supported Won's view, adding such a move will make South Korea much safer. He argued that developing nuclear arms will not seriously damage Seoul's ties with Washington or other neighboring countries.

"For example, China slaps sanctions on North Korea when it makes provocations. But such a tough stance is weakened in about three months' time," Cheong said, adding the international sanctions are closely connected with the interests of each countries.

The researcher also said Seoul's nuclear weapons will reduce defense burden costs for both Seoul and Washington, adding a nuclear armed South Korea can also make the U.S. safer from Pyongyang's long-range missiles. (Yonhap)
When challenged about airstrikes that kill civilianswhether from drones or jets with smart ordnancethe excuses given by government and military officials are twofold. Either it was a regrettable error or it was a regrettable side effect of targeting a known bad guy  an ISIS leader, al Shabaab terrorist, a Taliban boss or al Qaeda commander. Collateral damage. The LOADR response. Lipstick on a dead rat.

So committing a war crime is OK if you say its regrettable?

Yeah, but those guys behead journalists and enslave girls.

True that, and ISIS has well earned the hatred and disgust most decent people on Earth feel for them. As well, when the US military strafes and bombs hospitals, can we wonder at all why the US is hated with enough venom to overpower morality? Yes, its true, when the US slaughters civilians it calls it a mistake and when ISIS does so they crow like proud two-year-olds with zero sense of right and wrong. But my question is, when are the American people going to stop allowing our militaryrepresenting all of us in a democracyto commit crimes against humanity?

The Obama administration claims that the only civilians worth worrying about are in countries not designated as war zones and that, in those countries the US has only killed between 64 and 116 civilians in drone and other lethal air attacks against terrorism suspects. Those nations presumably include Libya, Yemen, Somalia, and Pakistan. No numbers need be given for Iraq, Afghanistan nor Syria. Civilians there are presumably fair game.

At least four organizations are keeping independent tallies and all are far higher in their assertions of minimum civilian deaths in those designated non-war zones.

What of the broader picture?

The Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs at Brown University frames the largest study and tracks civilian deaths from military actions; their study estimates from documented accounts that as of March last year approximately 210,000 noncombatants have been killed in the Global War on Terror launched in October 2001.

So, at some point, we have to wonder; If the US intelligence services determine that an ISIS homegrown leader is living in a building in Queens or North Minneapolis or Beaverton, Oregon will it be OK then to target that building with a Hellfire missile launched from a Predator drone?

How ridiculous, right? We would never do that.

Except that we do, routinely, in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, and Pakistan. When will this stop?

It will stop when we are not only morally opposed to it but when we decide to be effective. Our violent response to terrorism escalates at every turn, guaranteeing that, in turn, terrorism against the US will also escalate. It is time to reject the idea that a nuanced, nonviolent approach is ineffective. Indeed, its a bit reminiscent of what Winston Churchill said about democracy, that its the worst form of governmentexcept for all the rest. Nonviolence is the worst way to manage conflictexcept for all the rest.

We not only create more terrorists when we accidentally or mistakenly take out a hospital, almost more importantly, we create a widening, deepening pool of sympathy for any sort of insurgency against the US. While it is true that sympathy and support for terrorists is nowhere near the support for armed insurgency a nd there is a great deal of difference  why on Earth would we continue to essentially guarantee that this global war on terror is permanent?

Why indeed? There are those who gain in status, power, and money by a continuation of this godawful war. These are the people who lobby hardest for more war.

Those people should be absolutely ignored. We need to fix this with other methods. We can, and we should.

If the U.S. would rethink its methods of conflict management it might come to solutions without bloodshed. Some of problem is simply who is asked to advise the deciders. In some countries the officials consult with expert scholars and practitioners of mediation, negotiation, humanitarian aid and sustainable development. Those countries keep the peace much better. Most  e.g. Norway, Denmark, Sweden  have better metrics of citizen well-being than we do in the U.S.

We can help. As an example in our hemisphere, the rebels and the government in Colombia waged a 52-year war, each side committing many atrocities and the well-being of the average Colombian suffered for more than a half-century. Finally, peace and conflict scholars from the Kroc Institute were invited to helpthe first time any academic program in our field was invited to do so in the West. They introduced new ideas and the happy outcome is that finallyfinallythe Colombians have a signed peace accord. Yes, the voters narrowly rejected it, but the principals are back at the table, not the battlefield, to work on a more agreeable agreement.

Please. We have the knowledge to end this terrible dance of death known as war. Humankind now knows how. But do we have the will? Can we step up as voters and require our successful candidates to stop boasting about how tough and lethal they will be and instead insist that the successful candidate will explain and commit to a productive peace process that is proven to produce much more gain with far less pain?

 Tom H. Hastings is Founding Director of PeaceVoice.
HUNTERTOWN  Rick Partin celebrated 20 years as owner of Web Graphics Inc. in Huntertown on Oct. 1.

He started his business next to Subway in the Huntertown Strip Mall and after four years outgrew the space and moved to a spot in the Lima Plank Industrial Park.

Web Graphics has developed and produced quality flexographic printing plates for printers working with a wide range of industries, specializing in narrow web label and packaging printer support. Products include food and beverage packages, consumer packaged goods, cleaning supplies, medical supplies, electronics and warning and instructional products.

You go into a grocery store and pretty much everything has a label on it. Its big business, Partin said.

The company also designs and produces plates for mid-size products like poly-bags and banners, political yard signs, automated food processing and packaging, tapes, garbage bags, pennants, hazardous waste cleanup and institutional bags and packaging.

Before Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump announced Indiana Gov. Mike Pence as his vice president, Partins company was given the logo to create the printing plate for the yard signs that were distributed locally.

We got a call a day and a half before and they sent us the artwork. We knew it was going to be Pence before the announcement, Partin said.

The company has five employees that serve over 100 customers in just the print rolled labels. As technology has advanced, his company has been able to produce plates for digital labels, embossed labels, bag signs and zipper bags.

While most customers are local, Partin said hes done business with companies in Tempe, Arizona, and Houston, Texas. Partin said that on a recent trip to Wisconsin, he found some of his companys craft beer labels on a store shelf.

Its neat to see them on the store shelves. You dont always get to see the end result, he said. Each day is fun, because you dont know what it is going to bring. Its nice that we have options so we dont tend to get bored. Ive always loved the graphics industry and doing new projects.

Partin, a North Side High School graduate, said he moved to his McComb Road home in 1994. He and his wife have two kids.

Partin was the first to take part in the Huntertown Town Councils Business Spotlight at the Oct. 3 town council meeting. Any business wanting to be featured is asked to send an email to council@huntertown.org to express interest.
FORT WAYNE  The combination of block and traditional scheduling at Carroll High School isnt something new.

That doesnt mean the state of Indianas education head hasnt taken notice.

Glenda Ritz, Indianas superintendent of public instruction, included Carroll High School in her list of 14 Promising Practices, released on Tuesday, Oct. 4. In honor of Indianas bicentennial, Ritz plans to name 200 Promising Practices before the end of the year.

The 14 practices identified on Oct. 4 focused on the areas of student-centered programming, research-based practices, school climate and culture, family and community engagement, school safety, counseling support and wrap-around services.

To date, the Indiana Department of Education has identified 170 Promising Practices throughout the state. In addition to public recognition, these practices will be shared with educators and school leaders as an example of best practices that have had a positive impact on Indianas students.

Everywhere I go, I hear about the great work that Hoosier educators and administrators are doing in our schools, Ritz said in a statement. I am proud to recognize fourteen of these outstanding schools today for the work they are doing to provide every student with the resources and support they need to succeed both in and outside the classroom.

Carroll High School has featured the combination scheduling for 17 years. Monday, Tuesday and Friday features a traditional 7-period schedule with 48-minute classes. Wednesdays schedule is made up of three block periods of 90-minute classes and an activity period and Thursdays schedule offers four 90-minute block periods.

The schedule we have in place provides all kinds of opportunities for kids, Carroll High School Principal Brandon Bitting said. We can plan the week out with traditional days book-ending it and having block days in the middle allows a teacher to prep a lab and have a big activity to create some excitement in the middle of the week. Friday, you close things up. Its a good thing the way the schedule is set up.

The award also highlighted the new zero-hour program, which allows students to take an extra class an hour before school each day except Wednesday.

Bitting said that half the students involved in the zero hour program use it to have eight classes while the others have simply shifted their day so it ends after sixth period.

Weve have a lot of positive feedback from the kids that participate, Bitting said. Its more opportunities for student to shift their day or add another class to their schedule.

The school studied both traditional and block scheduling for three years prior to implementation, according to a statement. Its success has given no reason to switch. Economics teacher Christopher Adams, a 29-year veteran at Carroll High School, was a part of the research team and said while some schools were switching to block scheduling because everyone else was doing it, Carroll wasnt among them.

(Former Carroll High School Principal) Tim Ogle had good vision. He felt it was something that might be worthwhile, but he wanted us to research. We did a lot of research to see what tangibles we could get out of it, Adams said. It gives us teachers some flexibility with our curriculum. I can integrate (Junior Achievements Titan Program  a computer simulated business competition) on block days. Its an activity that is like a biology lab. Versatility for the curriculum is nice.

NACS Superintendent Chris Himsel said the scheduling meets the districts top priority, which is to create opportunities for kids.

We provide some traditional scheduling which allows for more frequent meetings for kids who need to engage in the material more frequently. It also allows for the extended time to do more hands-on activities and more application based activities. Its the best of both worlds, Himsel said. The schedule allows us to try to organize 2,300 students and x-number of teachers in a way that is manageable through the hallways and create different learning opportunities, but also create some flexibility for kids with unique needs.

In Allen County, Leo Elementary School, East Allen University, East Allen County Schools, Fort Wayne Community Schools (district-wide initiative), Woodside Middle School and Homestead High School have all earned a Promising Practice recognition.
The Black River Falls Fire Department is hosting several activities in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week to educate students and the public about fire safety.

Firefighters will visit Western Learn & Play Day Care Center this Wednesday, Oct. 12 for pre-school and 4-year-old kindergarten students from 9:30-10 a.m. and again from 12:15-12:45 p.m.

The department then will be on hand at Forrest Street Early Learning Center on Thursday for kindergarten students during events from 9:30-10 a.m., 10-10:30 a.m. and from 10:30-11 a.m. There will be fire station tours for second-graders from Red Creek Elementary on Friday from 8:30-9:10 a.m., 9:15-9:55 a.m. and again from 10-10:45 a.m.

There also will be a presentation for 4K students at Forrest Street on Monday, Oct. 17 from 8:30-9:15 a.m. and 12:30-1:15 p.m.

There also were activities last week and earlier this week, including a safety day at Scholze Ace Home Center last Saturday and presentations at Black River Child Care, Teddy Bear Family Child Care and Forrest Street this past Tuesday.
Catholic Charities will be offering an opportunity for people to gain information about adoption through an informational meeting, Tuesday, Oct. 18.

Anyone thinking about adoption is encouraged to attend in order to get more information about what the process involves. Additional information can be found at http://www.ccwinona.org/programs/pregnancy-parenting-adoption/.

The meeting will be held at the Winona Catholic Charities office, 111 Market St., Suite 2B, at noon. Anyone interested in attending or has questions should call Jodi at 507-454-2270. If this time does not work, call to schedule an individual meeting.

Catholic Charities serves people of all denominations and faiths.
Each year, hunters, meat processors, and food pantries help the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and its partners donate thousands of pounds of venison to those in need.

"The generosity of hunters has been incredible," said Brad Koele, DNR wildlife biologist. "The need for venison is great so we are hopeful hunters continue to donate more deer this year -- individuals and families are truly appreciative of the venison they receive."

A list of deer donation sites for 2016 can be found by searching the DNR website for keywords "deer donation."

Since the Deer Donation Program began in 2000, hunters have donated over 87,000 deer and nearly 3.9 million pounds of venison. The collected meat is distributed to Wisconsin families in need of food assistance, and relies on cooperation with counties across the state, USDA-Wildlife Services, and community programs like Hunt for the Hungry and Target Hunger. These organizations help organize donations, coordinate processing, and distribute venison.

For more information about the DNR's deer donation program and more on how you can help, search the DNR website for keywords "deer donation."
At its September meeting, Driftless Wisconsin elected officers for the fiscal year ending in July of 2017. Driftless Wisconsin is a regional tourism promotion organization that promotes Crawford County, Vernon County and the Kickapoo Valley as a tourism destination.

Rick Kettner of Viola was re-elected president. Kettner and his wife Barb live on a small beef farm near Viola. He retired as an administrator from the Milwaukee Area Technical College in 2008.

Karya Powell of Viroqua was re-elected vice president. Powell is owner and hostess of the Tangled Hickory Wine Bar in Viroqua and is actively involved in both local and regional tourism promotion.

Will Cronin was elected secretary-treasurer, replacing retiring member Marcy West of La Farge. Cronin is the community development educator with the Crawford County University of Wisconsin Extension office in Prairie du Chien and a strong believer in a regional approach to tourism.

Other members of the board included Jeanne Rutter of Ferryville and Marie Cimino of Westby.

Driftless Wisconsin has been active in promoting the region through its Driftless Wisconsin Map, distributed to travel centers around the state; its website at www.DriftlessWisconsin.com; and through advertising campaigns highlighting the attractions, activities and events of the two-county, Kickapoo Valley area. In 2016, Driftless Wisconsin successfully completed a $20,000 advertising campaign in Chicago, Milwaukee and Madison with funding from the Wisconsin Department of Tourism and area sponsors.

Driftless Wisconsin is currently seeking board members from Crawford County with an interest in tourism promotion. Those with questions about the board or Driftless Wisconsin activities can contact Eric Frydenlund, administrator, at Admin@DriftlessWisconsin.com or call 608-326-6658.
LA CROSSE  More than 2,000 area high school juniors hit the La Crosse Center on Thursday for the annual Career Expo.

The students, who came from more than a dozen Western Wisconsin and southeast Minnesota school districts, spent their morning alternating between a college fair and breakout sessions about different career fields.

Western Technical College was one of the sponsors of the expo, Director of Recruitment and K-12 Relations Deb Hether said. The expo gives students a chance to learn more about different career fields and options, and it connects students with recruiters from colleges and universities from all over the Midwest.

It gives students a really great opportunity to learn about different careers, she said. They can explore and learn more about their interest areas.

More than 100 college recruiters were at the expo, which is part of the Wisconsin Education Fair program that brings campus representatives to communities across the state. In another room at the center, students were able to choose among 17 career clusters, with breakout sessions in each field.

At the booth about careers in environmental science, representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the U.S. Geological Survey spoke about career opportunities their organizations have for students and graduates.

The USGS hires biologists, chemists, geologists and experts in related fields such as information technology in order to study, promote and protect the countrys natural resources.

Were really excited to get students involved in natural resources, FWS fish biologist Heidi Keuler said. We can pick up job shadows and recruit interns from expos like this.

At another booth, a representative from Altra Federal Credit Union spoke about jobs in the financial sector, helping people grow, invest and protect their money. Other booths featured speakers from Kwik Trip, LHI and other companies and organizations about careers in fields from human services to computer science.

Zach Gordon was one of the students from the Holmen School District attending the expo, and during the breakout sessions he learned more about careers in business.

Gordon said he is interested in the trades, as he likes hands-on work, and he learned a lot about the variety of careers he could pursue, such as design or manufacturing. That information will help him as he plans for a career after graduation. Hes considering pursuing a technical degree at a two-year college.

The session really helped show the options available to me, classmate Jonathan Marcou said of attending the business session. It opened my eyes to all the possibilities.

The session really helped show the options available to me. It opened my eyes to all the possibilities. Jonathan Marcou, Holmen High School junior
Static and staccato-like beeps crackled on Scott Roepkes hand-held, battery-powered receiver as he slowly turned a directional antenna in his right hand extended above his head.

Somewhere, maybe a half-mile to the east of Millston, was an elk equipped with a radio collar.

There were other signs of elk, such as the rain-faded tracks in the sand, distinct trails leading into the forest, a tree rubbed raw from a bull elks antlers and thousands of Junior Mint-sized droppings.

This would be as close as Roepke, a wildlife biologist with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, would get last week to experiencing one of the states largest mammals.

Spotting a 700-pound elk in a 320-square-mile area isnt a guarantee, but the animal is building excitement along the Interstate 94 corridor of Jackson County. And in a few years, tourists armed with spotting scopes and cameras could be more of a regular occurrence and add to the economy of this area less than two hours from Madison. Ultimately, there could be a hunting season.

The reintroduction of elk to this rugged part of the state was first talked about nearly 20 years ago. But it has been just in the past two years that elk from Kentucky were trapped, quarantined in a holding pen near a mix of grassland, woods and swamp in the Black River State Forest south of Highway 54 and set free to roam.

When you look at projects of this magnitude and when you think about bringing partners together, sometimes its overwhelming and you wonder if you can even set your differences aside to work toward something like that, said Karen Sexton, a wildlife biologist for the Ho-Chunk Nation, which has contributed $200,000 to the program.

Its not just happened here. Its happened in a very ... amazing way.

The project, with about 60 elk in the herd, is a joint effort that includes the Ho-Chunk, DNR, Jackson County Wildlife Fund ($50,000), Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation ($300,000) and Jackson County Parks & Forestry. Officials have a goal of 390 elk in the herd.

At the Highway 54 exit on I-94, a large fiberglass orange moose, whitetail deer and a mouse greet visitors to the area, but large billboards that announce the elk are back in the Black River Country can also be found nearby. In the Black River Area Chamber of Commerce visitors guide, a photo of a large bull elk appears on page 28 with directions to a potential viewing spot.

And at Sand Creek Brewing Co. in Black River Falls, $1 from each case of Bugler Brown Ale is donated to the countys wildlife fund. Last year, the brewery donated $1,300. The logo for the beer, launched in 2014, includes the silhouette of a bugling bull elk at dusk. The idea came from Sexton, who worked part-time as a bartender in the brewerys tap house.

Right now (the elk) are tucked off into the corner of the state forest and to be honest, I havent seen one yet other than whats on the bottle label here, said Jim Wiesender, co-founder of the brewery. I think its just a matter of time before (elk viewing) really starts popping along.

Until the mid- to late 1800s, elk could be found in every county of Wisconsin, but development and hunting eliminated the animal. An attempt was made in the 1930s to reintroduce elk but failed due to poaching, with the last four animals killed in 1948.

In 1989, the state legislature directed the DNR to study the feasibility of elk reintroduction. That directive led to 25 elk being trapped in Michigan and released in 1995 into what is now the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest near Clam Lake in far northern Wisconsin. The herd has grown at an average rate of 13 percent annually and today has about 160 elk.

The DNRs goal is to grow the Clam Lake herd to 1,400 animals and a hunting season could come as soon as the fall of 2017. Although, based on a herd of 200 elk, only about 10 permits would be issued, with half of those going to Native American tribes, the DNR has said.

When the Clam Lake herd was first established, Jackson County was identified as a second region for a herd. But staff changes and the growth of chronic wasting disease in southern Wisconsin put the project on hold.

In 2012, the states elk management plans were updated under the guidance of Kevin Wallenfang, the states big game ecologist. Two years later an agreement with the Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife was reached to bring up to 150 elk to Wisconsin with half released in Jackson County and the remainder in the next two to three years in Clam Lake.

The state released 23 elk in Jackson County in 2015. Ten of those animals died, with two hit by vehicles and six killed in January by some of the estimated 30 wolves that make up eight packs that roam the region. In July, 50 more elk were released but four have died, two from unknown causes, one from a bacterial infection and another from a broken leg. No elk, who wear blaze orange radio collars, have been mistakenly shot by deer hunters.

If elk are going to make it on the landscape theyre going to have to learn to deal with wolves, Roepke said. Were trying to learn as much as possible from the elk that are on the landscape. All of the elk have radio collars on them, so with that data we can monitor what type of habitat theyre using, what their movements look like, where theyre going, where theyre spending their time and what some of the potential conflicts are like predation, vehicle collisions and elk getting into areas they shouldnt be.

That would include keeping them out of cranberry bogs where elk can trample plants, knock berries off the vine and potentially erode marsh banks. The DNR has offered to pay for eight-foot-tall fencing for any cranberry farm in the elk range.

So, far five farmers have accepted, and the DNR has spent about $250,000 on fencing. One farmer filed a damage claim last year, but it was only for a few hundred dollars, Roepke said.

We have had elk on other marshes, but those marshes have chosen not to enroll in the damage program, Roepke said. So they either didnt have enough damage or they werent all that concerned about it.

Jackson County will never be confused with elk-centric Yellowstone National Park, Jackson, Wyo., or Colorado. However, the Jackson County program has the potential to bring elk to those who dont want to invest a two-day drive out west or a half-day drive to northern Wisconsin.

Other states in the Midwest and in the eastern U.S. that have elk populations include lower Michigan, Arkansas, Missouri, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, North Carolina, Virginia and West Virginia.

We didnt have any trouble at all of developing a groundswell of grassroots support, said Allen Jacobson, a member of the Jackson County Wildlife Fund, founded in 1985. They were traditionally here, historically, and weve managed to get wolves, bears, whooping cranes, wild turkey, fishers  all those things back and were just missing having elk.

The return of elk also has spiritual and cultural significance for the Ho-Chunk Nation. The community has a 12-clan structure with most associated with animal spirits. They include eagle, pigeon, bear, wolf, deer, fish and elk.

Sexton took the lead on the elk program for the Ho-Chunk when she was hired in 2008 after stints at an Oregon wildlife refuge, researching big horn sheep in Idaho and bobcat in Michigan. The elk effort has brought together stakeholders outside the Nation who sometimes dont always agree on other issues.

Its been such a positive project, Sexton said. To have that clan species return to the landscape and allow those spiritual connections to occur and be a part of their culture is significant.
When I was canvassing for Democratic candidates not long ago, one gentleman on whose door I knocked said, Im a Republican: free markets!

I admired his succinctness, because free markets are indeed what Republican leadership is all about. It is the bedrock article of the Republican Party. But how do free markets really work, unhindered by government interference?

In a recent Associated Press article by Tom Murphy in the La Crosse Tribune titled, Insider Q&A: The Drug pricing battle, Dr. Steve Miller spoke for a business organization, which handles insurers and employers covering about 85 million people. He answered a question about which medications may have soaring prices. Consider how devastating Alzheimers is he said, anyone who comes to the market with a treatment would have unlimited pricing power. How much would you be willing to pay for your spouse who is suffering with Alzheimers? Anything.

Legalized extortion? No wonder, compared to other industrialized nations, Americans get so little for their healthcare buck, we obligingly let the market take such advantage of us.

Meanwhile, Trumps claim that paying no taxes makes him smart should make us smart  as in sting. We have to cover for him and all the other 1-percenters who pay little or nothing.

Its a way of life the Republicans are dedicated to protecting: free markets, paid for by you and me.

Ive said before, a working person who supports the Republicans is like a slave who supports the Confederacy.

Don Foy

La Farge
Yeah, I watched Sunday night.

After the St. Louis debacle that was more of an exercise in manure management than political discourse, I really had to wonder, Where is Pigasus when we really need him?

I imagine a goodly number of folks whose birth dates precede the Eisenhower administration recall Pigasus  the only genetically porcine presidential candidate on record, nominee of the Youth International Party  YIPPIE!  in 1968 and possibly the only imaginable uplifting candidate for this political season. A candidate that would roll in the muck and the slime with joy and abandon  radiating sure confidence that right there underneath the next turd was that succulent kernel that would make it all worthwhile.

I remember 1968 well. I was 16, freshly-minted drivers license in my wallet certifying me as a proto-adult, able to quit school, get a full-time job and legally consent to have sex  options I didnt opt to, or have the opportunity to, exercise.

It was also an election year, and I was well aware that by the time the mid-term elections rolled around there would be another document sharing my wallet with that drivers license  my draft card. Knowing full well that the outcome of the vote when I was 16 might well have great bearing on the likelihood Selective Service would select me two years later, I felt a real personal interest in politics.

Or, as Samuel Johnson almost put it, The prospect of being hanged focuses the mind wonderfully.

Well, maybe not hanged  but there was no question that, in 1968, politics could well be a life-or-death affair.

First and foremost, in my mind and the minds of most of the guys of my vintage, there was The War. Vietnam.

Daily, we were served up images of death at suppertime. Tet in January put lie to any notion that Id be seeing what Americas dark prince of politics  Richard Milhous Nixon  was calling Peace with Honor before Id be eligible to play a personal role in mechanized mass slaughter. It gave a guy a reason to pay attention.

And there were plenty of other things going on to make a nervous place. The Middle East was armed to the teeth  Arabs eager to revenge the humiliation of the Six Day War, the Israelis determined there would be no second Holocaust.

Across the globe the Brezhnev Doctrine was nose-to-nose with the Monroe Doctrine, NATO with the Warsaw Pact, with untold megatons on a hair-trigger, waiting for someone to blink.

At home it was hardly the politics of peace and light. Hey, hey, LBJ! How many kids did you kill today? Martin Luther King, dead. Bobby Kennedy, dead. Inner cities aflame. Machine guns mounted on the Capitol steps ...

Hubert Humphrey declared himself the Happy Warrior, but unless hed become a closet pothead, it was hard to imagine what was keeping his spirits up.

Still, we did overcome ... sort of. Yeah, Nixon was elected, but less than a year later we were on the moon.

In 1968 we were a country divided. They chanted Dump the Hump, but Nixon never threatened to send Hubert to jail.

The size of Nixons hands never became a campaign issue. No one in the country cared to even imagine RN having S-E-X.

We had real problems. Life and death issues. We had a billion Chinese wanting to destroy us, not make our iPhones.

The reality is we live in a world that is richer, safer, healthier than ever in human history. Compared with 68 our problems are pimples, ugly and annoying, but not to be mistaken for a case of the pox.

Too bad it might take a pig to appreciate that.
La Crosses police chief argues a La Crosse County judge jeopardized courtroom safety when she disarmed officers called to testify in a police battery case.

La Crosse County Circuit Judge Ramona Gonzalez at the start on Mark Topness trial on Tuesday for 10 crimes told three uniformed La Crosse police officers that they could not wear their firearms or duty belts in the courtroom.

It was the first time Ive ever been asked to disarm, officer Ethan Purkapile said. I was definitely concerned because it compromised my ability to protect the DAs office staff, the jurors, the circuit court staff, Judge Gonzalez and myself.

The judge argues that her policy, enforced only during jury trials, allows jurors to view police as witnesses without distraction.

And sometimes guns can be a distraction, she said.

Gonzalez also contends the policy protects jurors who suffered a traumatic experience with a firearm. A gun visible to jurors, she said, could be grounds for an appeal.

How many court cases have been appealed due to an officer wearing a duty belt with a weapon exposed? Police Chief Ron Tischer said. Ive never heard of one.

At least one juror agreed with her policy, which does allow police to wear a firearm during trials if its concealed by clothing, Gonzalez said.

State Supreme Court rules allow each circuit judge or court commissioner to decide whether officers can carry weapons inside a courtroom on a case-by-case basis.

This happens every time I have a jury, said Gonzalez, who pointed out officers cannot carry firearms in federal courtrooms.

Were not in federal court, Tischer said.

Circuit Judge Gloria Doyle did not disarm three uniformed officers who testified during a misdemeanor jury trial in her courtroom on Wednesday.

I will evaluate on a case-by-case basis, Doyle said.

The local bench in 2012 adopted a policy addressing officer firearms in courtrooms, although police would not discuss terms of the confidential agreement that requires judicial order to release. The police department maintains its followed policy and that a judge never before has disarmed a uniformed officer called to testify since the agreement.

I believe there is general agreement that officers are permitted to carry firearms, the exception being in front of a jury, Circuit Judge Scott Horne said. The concern has been expressed regarding an intimidating atmosphere and that may be the most common circumstance in which weapons may not be permitted. For many years, they had been denied entirely.

But emotionally charged courtrooms can be prone to violence and stripping an officer of a firearm presents serious safety issues, Tischer said. In 2015, La Crosse County Courthouse security confiscated more than 1,400 knives and more than 300 box cutters or razor blades.

Purkapile had nothing to protect himself from a man who threatened to kill him, Tischer said. To take away their ability to protect themselves and others is a frightening thought.

Topness, who has a criminal history, punched his roommate in the head before he fled from Purkapile on foot on Nov. 4, according to the complaint. He resisted arrest, spit on Purkapile before threatening the officers life and trying to kick him. The jury on Tuesday convicted him of nine charges, including attempted battery of a police officer.

Gonzalez ordered extra courtroom security for the trial, Tischer said. The sheriffs department does not discuss security procedures but deputies regularly carry firearms during court hearings.

You can never have just one person armed, Tischer said. When you take away all an officers tools, it puts everyone at a significant risk and youre forcing them to potentially use a higher level of force than they would otherwise be able to use had they had all their equipment available to them.

After Gonzalezs order before the start of the trial, Purkapile said he left the courtroom to relay the information to the two officers waiting outside and notified his supervisor because removing his firearm while on duty is against department policy. Topness told the officer during a break in the trial that he would burn in hell as a result of the testimony, Purkapile said.

Police maintain theyre not looking for a fight with Gonzalez, but that they hope to work with her to develop a courtroom firearm policy that protects everyones safety and interests.

The public is accustomed to seeing officers with duty belts and weapons, police Capt. Troy Nedegaard said. Its abnormal to see us missing equipment.

Arden Ross served on the jury for Tuesday and Wednesdays trials in front of Gonzalez and Doyle. He said Gonzalez addressed potential jurors in Doyles trial, some of whom served during the Topness trial, to ask how they felt about unarmed officers testifying.

I was much more comfortable during the (Topness) trial, he said. I thought they were more imposing (Wednesday). They had a gun.

Topness faces a host of new charges after police arrested him about five hours after his trial for trying to break into an RV and car parked on South Fifth Avenue. He fled from officers into the basement of a house on South Sixth Street before threatening to kill police, according to reports.
La Crosse County officials are open to looking at consolidation of the La Crosse city and county library systems, but not in the way La Crosse Mayor Tim Kabat has proposed and not before a long list of questions has been answered.

The La Crosse County Boards Executive Committee voted Wednesday morning to support County Board Chairwoman Tara Johnsons library consolidation approach, which involves forming a large commission to study the idea of a library system merger, a process that would take about nine months and involve a lot of public input in formulating any plan.

Kabat has proposed a high-level negotiated agreement that would involve the county taking over responsibility for the city libraries, with public input taken after an agreement has been drafted.

At Wednesdays meeting, Johnson noted that a week after the La Crosse Common Councils Sept. 12 approval of Kabats library merger resolution, the county already had received a proposed merger plan from the city. Im feeling quite frankly a bit badgered by the city right now, Johnson said. It is very clear his goal is to have a merged library system. My approach is to have the community conversation first and see where that leads us.

Johnson emphasized that she is not necessarily opposed to a joint city/county library system. I am supportive of the notion of consolidating and cooperating wherever we can, she said. My issue with this is the mayors proposal really throws all of that into a set of private negotiations between the city and the county and sidesteps what I believe is a critical first step and that is for the city to figure out what it wants its library system to be.

To some county board members on the committee, the city has a Lamborghini library system while the county has, say, a Cadillac, and Kabat wants the county to take the heat when the city library services have to be cut back. Hes got a wonderful system there, but he doesnt want to pay for it, said board member Dave Holtze. Im not looking just to bail the mayor out.

Kabat has pressed the county in the past couple years to take on some of the costs of the city library system, arguing that 20 percent of the city library clientele comes from county residents living outside La Crosse. His merger proposal is an outgrowth of that effort, and the draft plan calls for keeping all three city library branches open and preserving the archives operation at the main library.

Having those provisions on preserving the level of city library service already in the merger plan didnt sit well with county board members, including Mike Giese, who argued it wouldnt be right to offer a higher level of service at La Crosse libraries than are offered at the five county library branches.

Its politically naive. It just cant happen, said Giese, who also criticized the merger process proposed by Kabat. I think it would be foolish for us to be complicit in this less than democratic process.

Giese also had misgivings about going ahead with Johnsons library merger process and abstained from voting on it, as did Holtze. The resolution authorizing the joint library commission requires approval of the full county board, which meets on Oct. 20.

At Wednesdays meeting, committee members had a look at a long list of questions that would need to be answered in the process of considering a library merger. One of the major questions involves the much higher cost of the city library system, which Johnson said is $85 per capita, double the $42 per capita average cost for other Wisconsin cities of La Crosses size and far higher than the $27 per capita cost of the county system.

La Crosse Common Council President Dick Swantz affirmed that the high cost of the citys library system is something that must be addressed. Until fairly recently, the council has provided very handsome support for out public library. As a result, we do have I think a world class public library for a city our size, Swantz said. Somewhere along the line, that question has got to be answered.  People need to have their eyes wide open on this.

Although Swantz at first was skeptical about the process used in Kabats plan, he said he has come to think it would be the best approach. What the mayor is saying is get the key people together to explore this notion and identify what the key issues are and get answers to those issues so that one could at least paint a preliminary overview of what this would look like, he said. It seems to me that if you didnt have the right people together on this, you might spend a lot of time turning over rocks and not knowing what it all means.

The countys list of questions also delves into the history of the city and county library systems, how a transfer of library levy authority from the city to the county would happen, what the impact of a merger would be on city and county residents outside the city, whether to and how to transfer city library employees into the county system and how to resolve differences in pay between city and county staff members.

Next years proposed county budget does include $10,000 to fund a joint library study commission, which County Administrator Steve OMalley said also could be used to work on a long-range strategic plan for the county library system if the joint commission idea goes nowhere.

The county budget also includes additional funding for the libraries that would add five hours a week to the Bangor branch and expand West Salems hours to equal Holmens.

One of the major questions involves the much higher cost of the city library system, which Johnson said is $85 per capita, double the $42 per capita average cost for other Wisconsin cities of La Crosses size and far higher than the $27 per capita cost of the county system.
WINONA, Minn.  Despite wet weather that has been keeping him out of his fields, Gary Sobeck is still making good progress on this years harvest.

Like some Minnesota farmers, Sobeck has his soybean crop harvested and has put up a good portion of his corn. Rainy conditions were keeping many farmers out of their fields on Wednesday, but when they do get in there, he said, the yields have been good for both corn and soybeans.

The harvest is going kind of slow with the rain all the time, Sobeck said. Its hard to get the beans dry, but were getting it done.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which released new numbers this week, about 64 percent of the soybean crop was harvested in Minnesota and 14 percent of the corn crop.

Across the river in Wisconsin, things were going a little slower with 13 percent of the corn crop and 23 percent of the soybeans in.

Yields are up in Wisconsin, with farmers seeing 177 bushels per acre for corn compared to 164 bushels per acre last year. Minnesota yields are on par with last year, and farmers are bringing in an average of 186 bushels of the golden kernels per acre this harvest.

The Sobeck farm operates on 1,200 acres and milks 230 cows with its new robotic milking system on the ridge above Winona. While a majority of the crops go to feed the livestock, he sells some corn and soybeans for cash and was excited about the good yields this year.

Sobeck said he was seeing yields of about 60 bushels per acre for soybeans, higher than the state average, as well as corn yields around 230 bushels per acre. Like some western Wisconsin counties, farmers in Winona County, including Sobeck, have been dealing with northern corn leaf blight, which can make the harvest tricky.

The stalks arent very good due to the damage from the fungus, he said, and that damage forces farmers to rush to get the corn out of the field before it lodges, or topples over, reducing yields and quality. But the climate this year helped the corn mature and dry quickly, and farmers in the county are seeing yields as high as 270 bushels per acre, 45 percent higher than the state average.

At least you can go out and still see good yields, Sobeck said. Some farms just got flooded out.

Across the river in Crawford County, farmers have seen things turn since the heavy rains and floods three weeks ago. Crawford County Extension Agriculture Agent Vance Haugen said the fields that were spared from the mudslides and flooding have dried out and the harvest is in full swing.

Estimates still put things around 15 to 20 percent damage from the flooding, and yields are better than average, but that is small comfort to a farmer who saw the majority of his fields wiped out after the rains, Haugen said. Driving through the county earlier this week, he saw about half the soybean and corn crop had been harvested, and farmers want to get the crop out after some good drying days recently.

Prices are still a challenge, Haugen said, and his sentiments were echoed by Winona County Extension educator Jake Overgaard. It is difficult to see these good yields get swallowed up by low prices and the costs of production, Overgaard said, and farmers are definitely hoping for things to improve.

According to USDA data, corn was selling for slightly more than $3 per bushel in August, the most recent month information was available, and soybeans were selling about $9.80 per bushel. Corn prices are down from earlier this year, when the price went higher than $3.50 in May; bean prices are trending up from prices around $8.30 at the beginning of the year.

It looks like farmers will be in it for the long haul, however. Haugen said the economists predictions call for commodity prices to stay mostly where they are for the next couple of years unless some big event such as a major drought shakes up the market.

Luckily most farmers are going to have a pretty good crop, Sobeck said. Even when prices are bad at least they can hold their head up in pride on a good crop.
The letter to the editor Stricter rail scrutiny needed in inclement weather (Friday's Tribune) questions BNSFs procedures and our commitment to safety. Safe operations under all conditions are paramount at BNSF.

Federal safety statistics validate that railroads are the safest way to transport goods by land. Still, BNSF Railway strives to continually improve our safety program and believes we can prevent all incidents before they happen. That is why we execute more stringent track inspections and operating procedures than required by the Federal Railroad Administration.

We subscribe to a private weather data service that monitors weather conditions and issues alerts on our network 24/7. During extreme weather we conduct special track inspections, reduce train speeds and restrict movement based on warnings and conditions in a region.

Sep. 22, supervisors and employees inspected our tracks in western Wisconsin, monitoring conditions. Inspections took place at Ferryville prior to the train operating there, and train speeds were reduced based on the conditions. Conditions deteriorated quickly and, ultimately, a track washout occurred, causing the train to derail.

The extreme weather unfortunately caused incidents throughout the region, despite preparedness measures. Two people tragically died, roads washed out, and homes were destroyed. The governor declared a state of emergency; damage assessments and recovery are ongoing. At the railroad, we follow specific procedures to reduce risk, but well also evaluate what happened at Ferryville to determine what we can learn for future prevention  for the safety of our employees and communities where we operate and serve customers.

Amy McBeth,

BNSF Railway
For years, climate scientists have warned that global warming will bring us more extreme weather events. As floods, earthquakes and tropical storms sweep tragically across our various screens, most of us are starting to pay attention. It's time for our political officials to start connecting the dots, too.

Kudos to Minnesota 1st District Congressman Tim Walz for putting this issue front and center on his website and along the campaign trail. Walz supports the transition to renewable energy sources, and he makes a strong case that this makes good economic as well as environmental sense. Furthermore, he has the practical skills and bipartisan orientation needed to pass legislation in our polarized political era.

His challenger wants to step up U.S. oil production, while "reining in" regulations on emissions and industrial pollution. When asked in recent a debate whether global climate change is real, he said, "I have no idea," while criticizing carbon-reduction efforts. In other words, full speed ahead in the wrong direction.

If we stand a chance of leaving our grandchildren with a habitable planet, we need leaders who are informed and courageous on this issue above all the rest. Please help re-elect Congressman Walz, and insist all political candidates seriously address a timely transition to sustainable technology and carbon-neutral energy sources.

Scott Lowery and Connie Blackburn-Lowery,

Rollingstone, Minn.
Two Democratic state election commissioners, in a newly released letter to a federal judge, say the state hasnt done enough to publicize a petition process for people to get temporary credentials to vote in November even if they lack a voter ID and other documents.

Commissioners Mark Thomsen and Ann Jacobs also ask federal Judge James Peterson to assign them their own attorney in a pending legal challenge to Wisconsins voter ID law.

The filing came Tuesday on the eve of a hearing in the court challenge, brought by the liberal groups One Wisconsin Institute and Citizen Action of Wisconsin. The plaintiffs want Peterson to enjoin, or lift, the voter ID requirement less than a month before Election Day after the advocacy group VoteRiders showed Division of Motor Vehicles offices statewide gave inaccurate information to people seeking IDs to vote in November.

In the new letter, Thomsen and Jacobs accuse GOP Attorney General Brad Schimels Department of Justice, representing the state in the case, of misleading the court in a report submitted Friday. The report looked into reports, first made public by The Nation magazine, that the DMV provided inaccurate information on voter ID.

In that report, the DOJ said it found no additional problems with how DMVs were handling voter ID in addition to what was previously reported, and said DMV staffers have gotten more training on voter ID since the reports surfaced.

The DOJ also described state efforts to publicize the petition process as robust  which Thomsen and Jacobs dispute in their letter.

They note the Elections Commission, the state agency overseeing elections, has gotten no new funding to publicize the petition process since Peterson issued a July order requiring everyone who enters the petition process to promptly receive a temporary credential to vote in November. The petition process is for a small subset of voters who lack an ID as well as the documents needed to get one from the state.

The commissioners also say some ongoing efforts by the state to publicize the petition process, especially online and in social media, are unlikely to reach many of the voters who most need to learn about it.

Jacobs and Thomsen sit on the six-member Election Commission, which is evenly split, three-three, between Democrats and Republicans.
No school districts in Wisconsin will be considered eligible for a forced takeover program for schools that dont meet state academic standards, according to a letter the Department of Public Instruction sent Wednesday to the Milwaukee School District.

No schools fell into the states lowest-performing category, in part, because lawmakers in the last state budget cycle changed the way state report cards are calculated.

DPI said in the letter that a preliminary, but reliable look at the way schools measure up under the new formula shows no school districts are now eligible for a new program lawmakers also created during the last budget cycle that would give county executives the power to turn such schools in their county into private voucher schools or independent charter schools.

Milwaukee School District Superintendent Darienne Driver also said Wednesday schools in the district have improved. Before the report card change, more than 50 schools in the Milwaukee district were eligible for takeover.

The program, created by Sen. Alberta Darling, R-River Hills, and Rep. Dale Kooyenga, R-Brookfield, was supposed to begin this school year in the Milwaukee School District, but a commissioner Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele hired to oversee takeovers quit in June citing a hostile environment.

With the new round of state report cards, the Milwaukee School District  the only district eligible for the program  no longer meets the terms of the law that created the takeover program, said DPI spokesman Tom McCarthy.

Under the plan, an independent commissioner appointed by a county executive would take over three schools within school districts that have at least 15,000 students and are placed in the lowest-performing category on state report cards for two consecutive years. For the first two years, up to three schools could be converted and five more per year could be taken over after that.

While the plan targeted Milwaukee, it could have spread to Madison and Racine if the districts received the lowest rating on the states report cards for two consecutive years. The Madison School District has never received that rating.
A federal judge said Wednesday the state has shown a disturbing pattern of failing to foresee problems with the rollout of Wisconsins voter ID requirement  but that hes unlikely to suspend the law before Election Day.

Judge James Peterson signaled in a court hearing that he is unlikely to grant a request by plaintiffs challenging the law to enjoin, or lift, it so close to Nov. 8. Peterson said hes not certain he even has authority to do that.

But Peterson indicated he likely will require action by the state to ensure the public is better informed about a petition process for people to get a temporary credential allowing them to vote. The process is for a very small subset of voters who face real hardships complying with the law because they lack both an ID valid for voting and the underlying documents, such as a birth certificate, needed to obtain one.

There really hasnt been any real outreach by the state to publicize the process, Peterson said Wednesday. He spoke after hearing testimony in U.S. District court in Wisconsins Western District.

Parties in the case will reconvene Thursday, when Peterson said he expects to issue specific instructions.

Peterson scolded the state Wednesday for its implementation of the voter ID law  particularly the Division of Motor Vehicles, which is tasked with providing free IDs to people who lack them. The process is getting its first real test this year, the first presidential election year in which voter ID is in effect.

The state, particularly the DMV, responds to litigation. But it doesnt actively anticipate problems, even when the problems are really predictable, Peterson told the states attorneys Wednesday.

Wednesdays hearing was prompted by a probe by the voting-rights group VoteRiders. Audio recordings by the groups volunteers showed people who sought IDs were given incorrect information by DMV staffers at locations across the state.

The court case, one of two ongoing lawsuits against Wisconsins voter ID law, was tried in May. Peterson issued a July order requiring the state to promptly give temporary voting credentials to people who enter the petition process unless the state can show that person is ineligible to vote. The order also requires the state to make the public aware of the existence of the petition process. A federal appeals court later gave Peterson authority to enforce his order.

Two Democratic state election commissioners, Mark Thomsen and Ann Jacobs, also raised concerns about the states efforts to publicize the petition process in a letter to the court made public Tuesday.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs in the case, which include the liberal groups One Wisconsin Institute and Citizen Action of Wisconsin, responded by suggesting a course of action that falls short of fully enjoining the law. Attorney Bruce Spiva said Peterson could order that people who lack IDs be permitted to cast provisional ballots in the November election that would be counted unless the state could show the voter was ineligible.

Currently, a voter may cast a provisional ballot without an ID, but they must return to their municipal clerk by 4 p.m. on the Friday after the election to show their ID. If they do not, their vote will not be counted.

Spiva said problems that have been demonstrated with Wisconsins voter ID law indicate the burden of proving eligibility should be on the state, not the voter.

But there also are signs that trouble could arise from making major changes to voter ID procedures this close to the high-turnout presidential election. Michael Haas, administrator for the state Elections Commission, testified Wednesday that local election clerks dont want to see more changes related to voter ID this close to an election, when early voting already is underway in many municipalities.

Attorneys for the state invoked a similar legal principle in their arguments to the court Wednesday; it holds judges should not change election rules in the period just before the election. An attorney for the state also said VoteRiders volunteers posed complex questions in an effort to trip up DMV staffers.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reforestation program began its annual tree seedling sales in early October.

Landowners can find ordering instructions at the Wisconsin DNR website, dnr.wi.gov keyword tree planting, or by contacting the Griffith Nursery office at 715-424-3700. Landowners can get information on seedling availability, species information and tips on how to prepare a site for tree planting.

Every year, Wisconsin landowners plant millions of tree seedlings to enhance and restore forests, said Joe Vande Hey, reforestation program supervisor for the Division of Forestry. The reforestation program offers affordable, high-quality seedlings to meet that need.

When landowners think about what species of trees to plant, the local DNR office is a great source of advice. DNR foresters throughout the state are available to visit landowner properties, answer questions and help landowners maximize benefits from their tree planting activities. Contact information for all DNR foresters can be found on the DNR website, keyword forestry assistance locator.

Landowners contemplating tree planting projects should contact their local DNR forester, private consulting forester or nursery staff for advice on species selection, site preparation, planting methods, cost-sharing programs, tree planter rentals and other considerations in establishing a successful forest tree planting, Vande Hey said. They can also prepare an online planting plan by visiting the DNR website.

Although the tree seedlings will not be available for planting until spring, Vande Hey said it is important to order now because many species sell out quickly. Landowners can purchase seedlings from the DNR state nurseries for reforestation, wildlife habitat and windbreak and erosion control purposes. Customers who would like to select specific seedlings or shrubs must order a minimum quantity of 1,000 tree seedlings or 500 wildlife shrubs or build their own packet of 300 seedlings, usually good for landowners new to planting or those with small acreages.

Hardwood tree species available from the state nurseries include red oak, bur oak, black cherry, silver maple, sugar maple, river birch, shagbark hickory, butternut and black walnut. Conifer tree species available include white spruce, black spruce, white pine, tamarack, red pine, jack pine, hemlock and white cedar. Wildlife shrubs available include American highbush cranberry, hawthorn, American plum, red osier and silky dogwood. A current inventory of which species are still available is maintained on the DNR website.

Seedlings and shrubs are distributed in April and early May. Landowners who order from the DNR can pick up their seedlings at the state nurseries located in Boscobel, Hayward, Wisconsin Rapids, or in many counties, at a central location designated by the local DNR forester.

Additional information is available from reforestation program staff at the Griffith State Nursery in Wisconsin Rapids, 715-424-3700 or Wilson State Nursery in Boscobel, 608-375-4123.
While most college students spent spring breaks relaxing in the middle of hectic semesters, Katie Wiste studied at the Vermont Institute of Artisan Cheese.

She started Capra Nera Creamery earlier this year, utilizing the milk her goats produce during their natural birthing cycle to create varieties of goat cheese. Her cheese can be found mostly in restaurants in Rochester and a grocery store in Spring Grove, and the supply these days hardly keeps up with the demand.

Wiste grew up on a dairy farm in Spring Grove and always had a love for goats  despite her family not owning any. Finally, at 12, Katie was given permission to enter a 4-H essay competition for a chance to win a goat.

Thats where she won Blossom, the matriarch of Wistes cheese operation.

From a young age she was fascinated with the idea of making cheese out of her goats milk  despite her initial aversion to the moldy varieties.

Moldy cheeses were kind of scary, Wiste said with a laugh.

Eventually during her freshman year of college, Wiste attended the institute in Vermont for one week of spring break and another week during the summer, where her fear of mold started to fade.

As her passion grew and her interests as an Italian studies major grew, Wiste decided to study abroad in Perugia, Italy, where she studied for four months and then worked on farms in the country for another four months.

While overseas, Wiste learned more about the craft of cheese-making, and back home on the farm, her mother took care of her goats that would eventually become part of her livelihood.

My family has always been supportive, Wiste said.

She now runs a full operation with 15 goats out of Blossoms lineage and her own fully functioning production room, aging room and milking parlor, where the process begins.

The milk is stored in a tank her parents used when they were first married and then cultured to promote growth of the good bacteria and to deter any harmful bacteria away from the product. Wiste then applies rennet to help the cheese keep its moisture, calcium and minerals.

The curd is then cut, pressed into its form and eventually set in a cool room to age for at least 60 days.

Wiste currently has a metal shelving unit full of cheese nearly piled to the ceiling, each in a different step in the aging process and a couple in experimental modes Wiste is trying.

Im looking forward to doing a lot of experiments, Wiste said.

As of right now, Wiste is making Contadina and a modified recipe of Morbier cheese, but someday she hopes to use whiskey, bourbon and beer to create locally flavored cheese.

During the peak in her milking season, Wistes goats can produce 30 gallons of milk at a time, which can produce about 10 small wheels of cheese, but as the year gets colder and their kids get older, the goats are producing less.

By the end of the fall, Wiste will stop milking and then when her the goats start having kids March  most likely and hopefully two weeks after her wedding, Wiste saidthe whole process will begin again.

Wiste said she will be grateful for the break, yet there is something compelling to her about stinky cheese and curious goats.

I love my goats, and I love my cheese, Wiste said. I cant really think of anything else that Id rather do.
How often should the smoke alarms in your home be replaced? If you dont know, youre not alone.

A national survey conducted by the National Fire Protection Association shows that nine out of 10 Americans dont know how often smoke alarms need to be replaced. The correct answer is every 10 years.

As the official sponsor of Fire Prevention Week, NFPA is promoting this years campaign theme, to better educate the public about this potentially life-saving message.

While the public generally knows that smoke alarms play an important role in home fire safety, some smoke alarm messages are not as well understood, said Lorraine Carli, vice president of outreach and advocacy for NFPA.

Not knowing how often smoke alarms need to be replaced  or that they even have an expiration date  are among them.

That lack of awareness means some U.S. homes may have smoke alarms that have outlasted their full functionality, putting people at increased risk in the event of a home fire, according to Carli. NFPA statistics show that three out of five U.S. home fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms or no working alarms.

Key survey findings include:

Half of Americans have three or more smoke alarms in their current home.

Almost one in five Americans who have smoke alarms, 19 percent, say the oldest smoke alarm they currently have in their home is more than 10 years old.

Nearly one in five Americans who have smoke alarms, 18 percent, are not at all sure how old the oldest smoke alarm they currently have in their home is.

When asked how often they should replace smoke alarms, nine in 10 Americans, 90 percent, did not select the correct answer, which is once every 10 years.

Working smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire in half, Carli said. Thats why its so important to make sure theyre working properly.

A smoke alarms age can be determined by looking on the back or side of the smoke alarm, where the date of manufacture can be found. Smoke alarms should be replaced 10 years from that date  not the date of purchase or installation.

In addition, smoke alarms should be tested monthly, and batteries should be replaced when they begin to chirp, signaling that theyre running low.

Fire departments throughout the U.S. and Canada play a key role in making Fire Prevention Week an annual success by implementing the campaign in their communities. Departments throughout North America will be hosting open houses and other local events throughout the week of Oct. 9-15.
Thank you.

Two simple works uttered countless times every day, and two that should go to all of the public workers and volunteers in the county who have helped Vernon County start to recover from the Sept. 22, 2016, flood.

The Broadcaster was notified on Monday that the Vernon County Emergency Operations Center (EOC) officially closed after handling the flood. The Broadcaster was notified on Sept. 22 at 6 a.m. that the EOC was open due to flooding.

Public Information Officer Linda Nederlo made that call. And then Nederlo, working in concert with Vernon County Emergency Management Director Chad Buros, Vernon County Health Department Director Beth Johnson and a team of municipal workers from throughout the county started the work of notifying the public, recording damage and helping people cope with historic flooding.

For Vernon County, each significant flood brings with it a different set of circumstances. The flood of 2016 was tragic  it claimed two lives. It hit rural roads hard, closing more than 90 at its height. It caused unbelievable public and private property damage.

The calculated damage the flood caused in 15 counties in Wisconsin to date is $21 million. That will only climb after agents from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) put their heads together and begin to calculate all the information they uncovered while touring Vernon County last week. According to the WEM, of the $21 million in flood damage $10 million is in Vernon County.

The most flooded place in Vernon County during the Sept. 22 flood was Sidie Hollow, which had its campground and all part amenities on both sides of Sidie Hollow Lake under or near floodwaters.

The mudslide in Victory was the site of one of the fatalities and caused incredible damage to that tiny, unincorporated berg.

The flood did terrible damage along Reads Creek into Readstown, where it closed businesses for more than a week and damaged construction that was ongoing to the U.S. Hwy. 14 bridge replacement.

Where damage was done at private property, people have gotten help from friends, contractors and others to work toward returning life to normal. In towns and villages, the work has been slow where the flood did significant damage.

Facing facts, its important to note that most townships operate with one or two patrolmen, a couple trucks, a plow and a number of other implements to take care of public property. They dont each possess their own road-building equipment to fix flood-destroyed bridges, culverts and larger stretches of roads.

We tip our caps and give praise to all public employees who have helped in the wake of the flood. We also praise private individuals and civic groups, who have helped in the flood recovery.

That said, where will we be six months from now when it comes to fixing the damage caused in the 2016 flood? We know this, the job wont be complete.

One important factor is will all those impacted by flood damage, both public and private, receive appropriate financial flood aid? We were heartened by the La Crosse Tribune editorial, Sunday, calling for such aid to be released for Vernon County and other municipalities. Will government hear the call? It is something we will know in the coming weeks.

Until then, we will say Thank you to all who have helped since the early morning hours of Sept. 22, when we started to understand the devastating toll this natural disaster was taking.

The recovery will be underway for a long time.
For years, inattentive driving has resulted in multiple accidents, with injuries, at the Saugstad Rd. and east Co. P intersection on Hwy. 27. The troublesome intersection just north of the city of Westby, in the town of Christiana, has authorities and residents living in the area wondering what they can do to make the intersection safer.

The latest crash at the intersection occurred on Tuesday, Oct. 4, when a northbound vehicle turning left off Hwy. 27 failed to see a van traveling south and turned in front of it. The accident was the latest in a series of ongoing multiple vehicle crashes at the intersection including two separate accidents at the same location on Friday, July 1 and Saturday, July 2. Other non-injury related fender benders have also been reported at the same intersection since the first of the year.

The intersection marks the north side city limits for the city of Westby and has become a regular pit stop for the Westby Police Department and the Vernon County Sheriffs Department due to the frequency of accidents at the location. The high accident count at the site has resulted in the two law enforcement agencies alternating which one writes up the incident reports and press releases.

The Vernon County Sheriff Department handled the latest accident report on Oct. 4. At approximately 2:19 p.m. Jacob Schultz, age 33 of Sparta, along with passengers Jacob and Sarah Detweiler were traveling south on Hwy. 27, when a vehicle driven by Jerry Wileman, age 59 of Viroqua, attempted to turn left on to Saugstad Road. The Wileman vehicle turned in front of the Schultz vehicle causing the collision, which sent the Schultz vehicle down over an embankment where it struck and snapped off a a light pole and utility box.

Sarah Detweiler was transported to Vernon Memorial Healthcare in Viroqua for treatment of her injuries. All occupants were wearing seat belts at the time of the crash, which Officer Scott Stuber of the Westby Police Department said helped to reduce injuries.

Assisting the Vernon County Sheriffs Office and Westby Police Department were members of the Westby First Responders and Tri-State Ambulance Service.

Earlier this summer, an automobile and motorcycle crash was reported on Friday, July 1. The following day on Saturday, July 2, a two vehicle accident injured two women when the vehicle they were riding in was struck from behind. In the July 2 crash one of the injured women was a resident of the Nordic Village Apartments and the rash of accidents at the intersection has residents residing in the apartment complex and the adjacent mobile home park next door concerned enough to take action in hopes of making the area safer.

Approximately 250 people reside within a short distance of the intersection and Bev Morgan, a resident of Nordic Village said the people living near the intersection signed a petition asking the Wisconsin DOT and/or local and state political representatives to conduct a safety survey of the area. Morgan said she has been trying to get responses from anyone and everyone who might have enough influence to invoke change and she is not afraid to battle through the government red tape to make sure someone is listening.

This area is heavily populated with elderly drivers and young families that use the intersection on almost a daily basis. I just cant sit back and do nothing when the number of crashes at this intersection continues to increase. We need to do something to ensure a safer intersection for everyone and hopefully this petition helps, Morgan said.

After years of multiple crashes at another troublesome intersection located on the same stretch of highway at the Hwy. 27 and Hwy. 33 crossing, just east of village of Cashton, in the town of Portland, a new DOT engineered roundabout is nearing completion. Morgan said if a roundabout is what it takes to slow people down and make the Westby intersection safer then she is all for it. She is also convinced that reducing the 55 mph speed limit at which drivers enter the intersection would help, along with the posting of dangerous intersection signage.

Prior to the roundabout construction near Cashton the speed limit was reduced to 45 mph and signage warning drivers about the dangerous intersection failed to reduce the number of accidents at that location. A fatality was also recorded at that Cashton intersection just weeks before construction of the new roundabout was scheduled to begin.

Sooner or later someone is going to get killed in one of these crashes in Westby too. The first step to change of any kind is community involvement and Im ready to fight for my friends and families before an even worse tragedy occurs then weve already witnessed at the Saugstad intersection, Morgan said.

Westby Police Chief David Jefson passed along a reminder to all drivers to pay attention to the road at all times when operating any form of motorized vehicle, especially at intersections and pedestrian crosswalks.
This is Whats Trending Today.

Forget the presidential candidate with his name in gold lettering on tall buildings in New York City.

And forget his main opponent, the woman who visited 112 countries while serving as America's top diplomat.

What the United States apparently needed in this election campaign season was an undecided voter who had a question. They needed Ken Bone, a 34-year-old coal plant worker.

Bone was one of several undecided voters chosen to ask questions at the presidential debate last Sunday in St. Louis, Missouri. Each one said they had not yet decided on whether to vote for Donald Trump, the candidate of the Republican Party, or Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton.

During the debate, Bone asked Clinton and Trump: "What steps will your energy policy take to meet our energy needs, while at the same time remaining environmentally friendly and minimizing job loss for fossil power plant workers?"

Ken Bones few seconds on national television has made him famous on social media and beyond. In what Twitter said was the most tweeted debate of all time, talk of Bone -- especially his clothing -- spread quickly.

Thousands of people posted photographs of Bone in his red sweater. He wears eyeglasses and has a mustache. People commented that he looked friendly and nice, two things they found to be lacking in the debate.

One person said on Twitter that Bone looked like the "human version of a hug.

Since the debate, Bone has appeared on several television programs, including NBCs Tonight Show, NBC News, CNN, and Fox and Friends.

He also now has more than 100,000 Twitter followers. He said he had just seven followers before Sunday.

Much of the attention has centered on Ken Bones bright red sweater. Bone explained that he had planned to wear a more formal suit. But, he admitted that those clothes had simply gotten too small for him.

He told CNN, When I went to get into my car the morning of the debate, I split the seat of my pants all the way open. So the red sweater is Plan B. And Im glad it worked out.

The red sweater has become so famous that it has sold out on Amazon, the online marketer. By Tuesday, you could only find the sweater in other colors on Amazon.

Izod, the maker of Bones sweater, said Monday that Great style is something we can all agree on!

On Tuesday, Ken Bone posted a photo of himself on Twitter, without the iconic red sweater. He wrote, I took off the sweater between interviews, do you forgive me?"



And thats Whats Trending Today.

Im Ashley Thompson.

Chris Hannas wrote this report for VOA News. Ashley Thompson adapted it for Learning English, with additional materials. George Grow was the editor.

______________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

plant - n. a building or factory where something is made

minimize - v. to make (something bad or not wanted) as small as possible

fossil (fuel) - n. a fuel (such as coal, oil, or natural gas) that is formed in the earth from dead plants or animals

post - v. to write and add an online message

sweater - n. a warm usually knitted piece of clothing for the upper part of your body

formal - adj. requiring or using serious and proper clothes and manners

iconic - adj. widely known
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is working to gain acceptance in the United States.

Ahmadi Muslims are oppressed in Pakistan and other countries for not being true Muslims.

The Ahmadiyya movement has long struggled for the freedom to exercise its version of Islam.

Hanan Shahid is a member of the group.

This is true brotherhood, Shahid told VOA. This is true love for humanity.

The Ahmadiyya movement was founded in 1889 by Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. His followers believed he was a Messiah -- a savior for his people. This belief differs from that of most Muslims who believe Muhammad was the last prophet of God.

In the United States, Ahmadi Muslim-Americans are often forced to defend the religion in which they themselves have not been fully accepted.

Hanan Shahid told VOA it is interesting that Ahmadi Muslim-Americans are fighting the battle for true Islam [for] the Muslims that aredenouncing us.

Members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association recently gathered in New York City to raise money for groups that help ease hunger. They hoped their efforts would also help Americans learn more about the Ahmadi community.



Zeshan Hamid is a leader of the association.

We believe that giving the right message of Islam is very important, and the right message of Islam is humanity and helping mankind, he said. We do get affected by the Islamophobia thats going around. We look to cure that by communicating with people.



Attiyah Malik went to the associations gathering with her husband and two children. She said, Peace is a really big part of our culture, our faith and the way we live our lives.

She says her parents fled religious persecution in Pakistan. She likes the religious freedom in the United States.

Thats why so many people come here, because you can believe what you want, and as long as youre peaceful, you have a home, she says.

Im John Russell.

VOAs Tina Trinh reported this story from New York. Christopher Jones-Cruise adapted her report for Learning English. George Grow was the editor.

We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments Section, or visit our Facebook page.

________________________________________________________________

Words in This Story

prophet  n. a member of some religions (such as Christianity, Judaism, and Islam) who delivers messages that are believed to have come from God

Islamophobia  n. a fear or distrust of Muslims

persecution  n. to treat (someone) cruelly or unfairly -- especially because of race or religious or political beliefs
Samsung says it has permanently halted production of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone after continued overheating problems.

The company announced Tuesday it had stopped manufacturing and selling the troubled devices. Samsung said it was acting to protect the safety of phone users.

The company issued a worldwide recall of Galaxy Note 7 devices in early September after receiving several reports of overheating problems. The overheating was linked to problems with batteries that caused some phones to catch fire.

After the recall, Samsung began replacing customers phones with new Note 7 devices that had a different battery. Those devices were supposed to be safer. But there were numerous reports of those replacement phones also overheating.

South Korean safety authorities are investigating the problems with the replacement devices. They have not yet identified a cause.

The company is offering to give buyers their money back or exchange the Note 7 phones for other Samsung models.

The Federal Aviation Administration issued a warning to airplane passengers last month about the Galaxy Note 7 phones. It told passengers not to use devices during flights. It also urged them not to put the phones in checked baggage.

Samsung is the worlds largest maker of smartphones, with nearly twice the world market share of its main competitor Apple.

Jonathan Roubini is an independent technology analyst. He says in addition to the actual smartphone problems, the company has also been criticized for the way it dealt with the first phone recall.

This is very damaging for Samsung. And the fact that they messed up on the recall makes things extremely worse. Clearly, after new phones have been released after the recall, and the new phones have issues as well, theres something else in the phone that Samsung missed, and they should be fixing.

Troy Stangarone is with the Washington-based Korea Economic Institute. He told VOA the Galaxy Note 7 problems have already hurt Samsungs public image and could greatly affect sales.

Not only is it lost sales and replacement sales, but you are also talking about damage to Samsungs reputation. Will consumers now question whether other Samsung products also face challenges and then simply decide to go with an alternative brand, be it Apple or someone else.

Im Bryan Lynn.

Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on reports from VOAs Richard Green and Victor Beattie, 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

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

messed up  adj. spoiled or done badly

reputation  adj. the opinion of a person or company as it relates to past performance and behavior

consumer  n. person who buys or uses goods or services

alternative  adj.  different from the usual or conventional
A year after a spike in the number of newborns with the defect known as microcephaly, doctors and researchers have seen many of the babies dev
The memory of a beloved pet inspires one couple's fight against injustice.
Microsofts augmented reality computer that you wear around your head is heading to international waters.

You can already buy a Microsoft HoloLens Development Edition kit in the United States or Canada. But now you can also pre-order the device and have it shipped to Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, New Zealand, or the UK in late November.

Prices vary by region, but theres one universal: these things are expensive. A development kit costs $3,000 in the US, while a Commercial Suite sells for $5,000.

Keep in mind, these are still devices aimed at developers interested in creating applications for the Windows 10 Holographic platform. Its possible that HoloLens and/or HoloLens-like hardware from other companies will be much more affordable if and when it launches to the public.

Of course, its also possible that Microsoft is overestimating the mainstream appeal of a headset that lets you superimpose virtual items on the real world, and that this could be a niche device thats used primarily in specific industrial and enterprise environments (much like Google Glass). In that case, I wouldnt really expect the price to fall at all.

via Windows Blog




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.
Pasco County Emergency Management staff members are back home after helping Nassau County respond to Hurricane Matthew.

As Hurricane Matthew neared Florida, residents prepared and countys activated their emergency operation centers.

Pasco Co. Emergency Management went to Nassau Co. for Matthew

The mutual aid agreement connects the two counties

This year Pasco County constructed a mutual aide agreement with Nassau County.

They were under a mandatory evacuation and the curfew was issued from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m.," said emergency coordinator Leigh Cowan.

It came at a critical time, as a major hurricane approached less familiar territory.

We experienced Hurricane Hermine, on that side they don't experience as many hurricanes or storms as much as we do," said Monica Santiago, also a emergency coordinator.

Just this year alone, Pasco Countys Emergency Operations had had five activations: for destructive winds in Dade City, spring tornadoes in Port Richey, Tropical Storm Collin, Hurricane Hermine, and Hurricane Matthew.

Although the geography is different in Nassau, it helped to have that knowledge, like doing damage assessments.

They have small islands that are remote from them and they have to seclude and close down the bridges to those islands, said Santiago. So collecting that data once the bridges were open and making sure it was properly documented was something we played a key role in."

Three members from emergency management were in Nassau assisting for five days.
Both the gunman and the victim from a shootout in Lealman Tuesday remain hospitalized.

Larry Hoad, 65, accused of shooting at sergeant



Hoad shot neighbor Sean Smith, who remains hospitalized

Hoad was shot, is hospitalized with life-threatening injuries

The incident occurred around 12:50 p.m. near 4610 47th Way N.

According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, 65-year-old Larry Dennis Hoad went on a violent tirade several hours after being served eviction papers.

Deputies said Hoad fired several gunshots on 47th Way during the lunchtime hour Tuesday. His eviction was at 9:30 a.m.

Marc Shoosmith owns St. Pete Motorbikes and was just down the block from where the shooting occurred.

"We were out here working on a motorcycle and just heard four or five shots," Shoosmith said. "Pop, pop, pop. And then the next thing you knew, there were police everywhere."

Neighbors told McVey that Hoad had previous problems with neighbors, who had reported him to the sheriff's office on a number of occasions.

Deputies said Hoad used a 9 mm handgun and a rifle during his attack.

Hoad first attacked neighbor Sean Smith, shooting Smith multiple times. Smith remains at Bayfront Health St. Petersburg with life-threatening injuries.

Hoad then fired multiple rounds at another nearby home, before shooting at vehicles parking in the neighborhood and a painter in an alley.

Sgt. Matthew McLane spotted Hoad and told him to drop the weapons. Authorities said Hoad fired two shots at McLane. Both shots missed him and hit his patrol car.

McClane shot Hoad in the upper body. Hoad remains hospitalized at Bayfront with life-threatening injuries.

If he survives, Hoad will face three counts of attempted murder and two counts of firing into an occupied dwelling.
Los Angeles: Jim Carrey's former girlfriend Cathriona White's mother has announced that she is suing the actor over the death of her daughter, saying that he gave her three sexually transmitted diseases.

White's mother Brigid Sweetman's statement has come less than a month after White's estranged husband, Mark Burton, filed a similar lawsuit, reports telegraph.co.uk.

Carrey has denied all the allegations.

White, 30, an Irish-born make-up artist, died in September last year. A coroner ruled she took her own life, having consumed several prescription drugs.

Her mother said in a statement on Tuesday that Carrey should be "ashamed" of his treatment of her daughter, over claims that he illegally provided White with the prescription drugs involved in her suicide.

"Jim Carrey should be ashamed of what he did to my daughter. And he should be ashamed for how he has used his Hollywood attorneys to badmouth Cat's husband Mark with the hope that nobody will hold him responsible for what he did," Sweetman said.

"As a family, we want the world to know the truth about who Jim Carrey really is -- a man that will give your daughter three STDs, lie about it, call her terrible names and demean her, use his high-priced lawyers to try and shut her and her family up, and then give her illegal drugs," she added.

Sweetman is suing Carrey for wrongful death and violation of the drug dealer liability act.

In papers filed at the Los Angeles Superior Court, Sweetman claims Carrey knew he had tested positive for the STDs following a visit to a medical clinic in January 2013 and registering under the false name "Jose Lopez".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi took a jibe at India's perennially hostile neighbour Pakistan at his Kozhikode speech, just a few days ahead of the 'surgical attacks' conducted by the Indian army's special forces at LoC. The Prime Minister said India is ready for a war with Pakistan, but a war on poverty, unemployment and malnutrition. Modi's 'war cry' resonated well in Pakistani media, too. It seems we, Indians, are indeed at war with Pakistan on poverty and malnutrition.

As this Mint report notes, among Asian countries, India and Pakistan are at the bottom of the rankings in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) report released by US-based International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).

In the 2016 rankings of 118 countries, India is ranked 97 and Pakistan 107. All other Asian neighbours are doing relatively better -- China (29), Nepal (72), Myanmar (75), Sri Lanka (84) and Bangladesh (90), the report showed, adding Indias GHI score of 28.5 is worse than the developing country average score of 21.3.

Brazil and Argentina have a GHI score of less than 5 and are ranked the best among developing nations, while countries like Chad and Central African Republic come at the bottom with a score of 44.3 and 46.1, respectively, the report says.

GHI is a multidimensional statistical tool used to describe the state of countries' hunger situation. Updated once a year, it gauges the progress and failures in the global fight against hunger.

Take a look at the specifics. The IFPRI thinks we have a serious hunger problem with 15.2 percent of Indians undernourished and 38.7 percent of children under the age of five stunted on account of malnutrition.

One can always argue on the efficacy of such surveys in portraying the accurate picture with a decent amount of skepticism. But, facts are facts and the more you ignore it, a bigger joke you make out of yourself. The hunger index numbers indeed throw some serious questions on the course of ongoing government programmes to alleviate poverty and malnutrition in the country, and whether we have prioritised this problem the way it should be.

For a layman on the street, a logical question arises. With one in every 15 Indians facing near starvation and close to 40 percent below-the-age-of-five children stunted for want of minimum nutritious food, what sort of China-beating economic growth and India's emergence into world central stage are our politicians boasting about?

Yes, India has been struggling to cut down poverty. The level of poverty and malnutrition has come down over the past decade, but somewhere we are missing the sense of urgency when it comes to addressing people at the bottom of the pyramid.

The IFPRI report isn't a one-off.

Going by a United Nations annual report for 2014-15 released last year, India has the worlds highest number of hungry people in the world. Ironically, we have beaten China here too. India has 194.6 million hungry people compared with 133.8 million in China, of the total 795 million people in the world. In other words, one-fourth of the worlds hungry population is in India. What does being the citizens of the worlds fastest growing economy mean to them?

Jobless economic growth

When we talk about poverty and malnutrition, it is necessary to look at what education and job market are doing to elevate India's poor from the deadly grip of poverty. Since Independence, India has progressed remarkably in the field of basic education. Yet, how much of the primary school educated youth are able to get jobs in the country is unknown. Though the quality of higher education offered in our universities is still a matter of debate, India continues to be one of the biggest exporters of human talent across sectors to the developed world.

That takes us to the next problem  joblessness in our country and why we continue to see a period of high growth but less number of jobs being generated (mechanisation and efficiency cannot be the sole excuses). Specially for the poor, lack of employment opportunity is a big hurdle to overcome poverty.

For a larger section of people at the bottom of the pyramid, a 7.6 percent GDP growth is a mere number in newspaper reports considering the lack of employment opportunities. Even if one looks at the job data, the picture is disappointing. There has been no corresponding increase in the number of jobs in the economy to align with what the headline GDP numbers indicate.

Let's revisit briefly a recent Firstpost article, which highlighted the unemployment problem in the country.

According to data from the Labour Bureau, the country's unemployment rate has shot up to a 5-year high of 5 percent in 2015-16. This figure is significantly higher, at 8.7 percent, for women as compared to 4.3 percent for men. About 77 percent of Indian households do not have regular wage/salaried person.

India's unemployment rate was at 4.9 percent in 2013-14, 4.7 percent in 2012-13, 3.8 percent in 2011-12 and 9.3 percent in 2009-10. There was no report from the Labour Bureau for 2014-15. And the situation is not looking better going ahead.

A World Bank research has showed that automation threatens 69 percent of jobs in India. With the use of more technology, the pattern of the traditional economic path in developing countries could be fundamentally disrupted, the report noted.

That's not all.

The Asia-Pacific Human Development Report released by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) this year gives a strong warning about the level of unemployment in the country. According to the report, between 1991 and 2013 India could provide employment only to less than half of the new entrants into the job market.

"The size of the working-age population increased by 300 million (during the period), while the number of employed people increased by only 140 million  the economy absorbed less than half the new entrants into the labour market. A wider gap in India than China suggests a more limited capacity to generate employment  a serious challenge given the continued expansion of the workforce in India over the next 35 years, the report said.

The bottomline is this: It's perhaps time our politicians stopped weighing India's economic growth only in GDP percentage figures and go for a broader set of parameters that reflect the actual growth of the economy/real situation on the ground  something which depicts the level of poverty, unemployment and malnutrition rate, not just a measure crunching the domestic produce numbers.

Data contribution by Kishor Kadam
India is indeed shining, when it comes to expat life.

A survey conducted by HSBC has found that India is better placed for expats than China and even the US with respondents praising its economy, political stability and even entrepreneurial environment.

As per the survey held among nearly 27,000 expats from 190 countries and territories, India's overall rank stands at 26, higher than the US's 30 and China's 34.

The survey has thrown up some interesting points that paint a rosy picture of India.

The ranks were decided taking into account mainly three parameters -- economics, experience and family. All the three are captured in league tables and ranked separately as per other sub-parameters.

While in the overall ranking Singapore has emerged the topper for the second year in a row, Switzerland leads the economics league table, New Zealand the experience league table and Sweden the families league table.

However, it is interesting to note that India is considered better than the US and China on many of these parameters.

Here are a few takeaways from the recently released survey:

1) Indian economy better than China, US: In the economics league table, India is ranked 23, while the US is at 20 and China 21. In the sub-parameters, India is at 26 in personal finances as against China's 10 and the US's 20. Interestingly, local economy looks better in India (rank 10) than China (20) and the US (16). When it comes to working life, India is ranked 24 between China's 26 and the US's 19. Not surprisingly, the survey found that expats have high levels of confidence in the countrys political and economic stability. "Nearly two thirds (64 percent) of expats are confident in the Indian economy, above the expat average of 52 percent across Asia-Pacific. More than half (53 percent) of expats in India also have confidence in the political stability of the country, above the average of 48 percent across Asia-Pacific," the survey said.

2) Family relationships better in India: This should come as a big boost for the desi brigade: when it comes to family India is ranked much higher (at 24) than the US (37) and China (38). In relationships, India's score is a higher 15, while the US is at 28 and China 33. Surprisingly, it is so even in education and child care, where India is ranked 16 with the US at 34 and China 30. Raising children is also better in India (28) than the US (34) and China (a lowly 41).

3) India good for career progression: The survey found that expats are all praise for India as a good destination to progress a career. "Three in five (60 percent) expats believe their experience in India will improve their future job prospects, compared with 43 percent of expats across the (Asia-Pacific) region," the survey said. Also as many as 51 percent of expats in India believe the country is a good place for them to progress their career (42 percent across Asia-Pacific_ and 57 percent feel they have a better chance to acquire new skills here than they did in their home country (44% across Asia-Pacific).

4) India good for entrepreneurship: The country is a popular destination for expat entrepreneurs. "More than one in ten (11 percent) expats in the country moved there to set up a business, more than twice the average of 5 percent across Asia-Pacific," says the survey. India also draws more expat entrepreneurs than countries in the Middle East, such as Bahrain (7 percent) and the UAE (5 percent). "Almost half (46 percent) of expats report that India is a good place to start a business, more than in both China (39 percent) and Oman (32 percent), and above the Asia-Pacific average of 39 percent," the survey said.

5) India helps achieve long-term financial goals: Nearly two in five (38 percent) expats in India say their time abroad has accelerated their progress towards saving for their childrens education, above the average of 29 percent in Asia-Pacific. Expats in India are also able to save more, with 44 percent saying that living there has accelerated their progress towards making long-term savings and investments, compared with 39 percent across the (Asia-Pacific) region.
By Wa Lone

| Yangon

Yangon Four Myanmar soldiers were killed and one was injured on Tuesday when troops were attacked by suspected Muslim insurgents near the country's border with Bangladesh, an official said.The Myanmar army, known as the Tatmadaw, has been sent into northern Rakhine State to seek attackers who killed nine police officers guarding the border early on Sunday.The majority of residents in the area are Muslims belonging to the stateless Rohingya ethnic group. Around 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, soldiers came under attack close to Pyaung Pyit village in Maungdaw Township, said Ye Naing, a director at the Ministry of Information."One Tatmadaw soldier was injured and four were killed by the Muslim insurgents. One was dead on the enemy side," Ye Naing told Reuters late on Tuesday. "Two guns and two magazines of ammunition were found."

Nine border police officers were killed and five were wounded in Sunday's clashes, in which officials said scores of Rohingyas swarmed border guard posts and made off with guns and ammunition. Soldiers and police have been scouring Maungdaw Township since Sunday, employing helicopters to search the rugged terrain close to the frontier, which has been closed.In at least one instance, the hunt for suspects has led to soldiers killing residents who officials said ambushed them but who local Muslims said were trying to flee.

State media reported on Tuesday that four bodies were discovered after soldiers opened fire in Myothugyi village, also in Maungdaw Township.Four suspected insurgents have been detained, said Ye Naing. Police told Reuters earlier on Tuesday that two suspects had said during interrogation that Sunday's attacks were coordinated by a single leader operating on both sides of the Myanmar-Bangladesh border.

The events marked a dramatic escalation in violence in Rakhine State, which has seen bouts of conflict between Muslims and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists but has not typically been the site of armed insurgency. Vijay Nambiar, special adviser on Myanmar to U.N. Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon, called on civilians in "the area to exercise maximum restraint and not be provoked into any kind of response by targeting other communities or religious groups."The Rohingya bore the brunt of intercommunal clashes that broke out in Rakhine in 2012, in which more 100 people were killed. They make up most of the 125,000 people still living in displacement camps in Rakhine State and face severe restrictions on their movements.Myanmar's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, appointed former U.N. chief Kofi Annan in August to chair an advisory commission on issues in Rakhine State. (Writing by Simon Lewis; Additional reporting by Michelle Nichols at the United Nations; Editing by Catherine Evans and Peter Cooney)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Julia Love and Deborah M. Todd

Samsung Electronicss abandonment of the Galaxy Note 7 due to safety concerns will likely touch off a turf war among Android smartphone makers, analysts said, presenting them a rare opportunity to gain share but with less room for archrival Apple Inc.Consumers tend to commit to their choice between Apple's iOS operating system for smartphones and Googles Android, leaving Samsungs fellow Android manufacturers such as LG Electronics and Alphabet Inc's Google in prime position to strike. Both have newly released phones.A hardware problem is unlikely to change a customer's preference for software systems, said analyst Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research. "Samsung has the premium end of the smartphone market pretty much sewn up on the Android side," he said. This creates a slightly bigger opening.Research firm TrendForce revised up Apple's 2016 smartphone shipment forecasts by 3 million to 208 million, while slashing Samsung's shipments estimates by 6 million. It also raised forecasts for China's Huawei Technologies, No.3 globally, by 4 million."A substantial portion of consumers demand will now go to the three major Chinese brands  Huawei, Vivo and OPPO," it said in a note.Nevertheless, in San Francisco, prime Apple territory, some consumers were switching to the home team, and Apple stock has risen on expectations of a broader move."Some people might have already been thinking about making the switch and now here's their chance," said Robin Williams, a sales associate at a Sprint store on Van Ness St in San Francisco, describing some customers moving to Apple.

Bob ODonnell of TECHnalysis Research said Apple would benefit, "but I dont think they are going to get all of it because Apple has a single product."Samsung on Tuesday scrapped the $882 flagship smartphone, in what could be one of the costliest product safety failures in tech history.The news is a boon for Google, which last week announced a new line of Pixel smartphones, plunging the company into the hardware market that it has previously left to manufacturers such as Samsung. Samsungs retreat will prompt consumers to take a closer look at Googles phones."Samsungs meltdown is a big opportunity for Google to do far better with Pixel than it has with its previous Nexus devices," said Richard Windsor, analyst at Edison Investment Research.

Despite the reputational damage, Samsung will remain competitive for premium smartphone sales, analysts said. LGs V20 smartphone will not arrive in the United States until the end of the month. Googles Pixel phones do not ship until Oct. 20, and will only be available in the United States at Verizon."Google needs to be present at retail and with operators in volume in time to meet this demand... it needs to accelerate the launch as much as it can," said Windsor.ROOM TO SHINE

For consumers seeking immediate replacements for the Galaxy Note 7, it may be easiest to go with another Samsung phone, said ODonnell at TECHnalysis. You cant write off Samsung, he said.Samsung is offering to exchange the Note 7s for its flagship Galaxy S7 models. A permanent end to Note 7 sales could cost it up to $17 billion, according to calculations based on analysts' projected shipments of the device.And Apple may have room to shine, especially before new Android phones arrive.At a T-Mobile store in San Francisco, salesperson Omar Arreola said some Samsung customers were so upset with the company that they switched to the iPhone 7. "They trust the brand," he said. Brian Green, whose Note 7 caught fire on a Southwest Airlines flight last week, also said he replaced his device with an iPhone. He raced to purchase the Note 7 after its release, but he said he is unlikely to be an early adopter again. Next time I think I'll wait and get it once it's been around the block a few times, he said. (Additional reporting by Rory Carroll and Malathi Nayak; Additional reporting by Miyoung Kim in SINGAPORE; Editing by Lisa Shumaker, Sam Holmes and Muralikumar Anantharaman)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Thiruvananthapuram: The BJP called for a protest shutdown in Kerala on Thursday and demanded a CBI probe after one of its activists was murdered on Wednesday allegedly by CPI-M members in Pinarayi village in Kannur district.

The BJP also accused the state's Left Democratic Front government and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan of unleashing "political terrorism" in Kerala.

Condemning the murder of Remith, a 26-year-old driver, Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah alleged "political vendetta" was the reason for the attacks on party workers in the southern state.

"Murder of Ramith in Pinarayi is disturbing. Attacks on BJP karyakartas (workers) in Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's home constituency is a matter of grave concern and smacks of political vendetta," Shah said on Twitter.

Murder of Ramith, a BJP karyakarta, in Pinarayi village, Kannaur district, hometown of Kerala CM is disturbing. My condolence to the family.  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 12, 2016

Attacks on BJP karyakartas in CM Pinarayi Vijayan's home constituency is a matter of grave concern and smacks of political vendetta.  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 12, 2016

The BJP President said Remith's father Chavassery Uttaman was similarly killed in 2002.

Remith was attacked in front of a petrol pump in Pinarayi village, a police official said. The crime spot is near the house of Vijayan.

Remith's murder followed the killing of 52-year-old CPI-M grassroots leader K Mohanan, who was hacked to death by suspected Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activists on Monday.

Both murders took place in Vijayan's Dharmadom constituency.

BJP spokesperson GVL Narsimha Rao accused the Chief Minister of patronising criminals.

"One can clearly make out that this is political terrorism unleashed by goons of the LDF with the blessings and support of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. When the Chief Minister's patronage is available to criminals, you can see the mayhem they can unleash," he said.

Rao said the ruling UDF led by the Communist Party of India-Marxist was unleashing terror on its political rivals as it was unnerved by the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the state.

"Unnerved by the BJP's rise as well as to divert attention from the corruption in Kerala, these attacks are being orchestrated," Rao said.

"The state government has not only failed to preserve law and order but actively participated to wreck it. We demand the LDF government and the Chief Minister to immediately hand over the murder probe to the CBI," the BJP spokesperson said.

The bandh announcement was made by state Bharatiya Janata Party President Kummanem Rajashekeran.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala called upon the CPI-M and the BJP to end the politics of murder.

"The situation in Kannur has turned worse and people are living in fear over the way the two parties are taking on each other," Chennithala said. "The police appear to have lost control of the situation."

Ever since the Left government assumed office in Kerala in May, four BJP and three CPI-M workers have been killed in Kannur district.
Washington: Sino-India relationship, which is under stress, needs to be "recalibrated" as the 1988 arrangement is no longer an 'effective tool' with the changed situation, former national security advisor Shivshankar Menon has said ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit to India.

"India-China relationship is under stress. You can see this stress  Masood Azhar designation as terrorists, the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group), I mean, I do not need to list all this. So there is stress in this relationship," Menon told PTI.

"These are signs of relationship in stress, where there is not sufficient strategic communication between the two countries," he said ahead of the arrival President Xi to attend the two-day Brics Summit in Goa over the weekend.

However, the former foreign secretary, said he is not pessimistic over the bilateral relationship.

"I am not pessimistic about the future of India-China relations," he writes in his book Choices: Inside the making of India's Foreign Policy which was released at the Brookings Institute last week. The book is set to hit the stores globally next week.

On the foreign policy side, Menon, who was the national security advisor from 2011 to 2014, said he sees "certainly a great deal of continuity" by the Modi government.

"Many of the things they have done, land boundary agreement with Bangladesh for instance, what they have been doing in relationship with the US, many of these things, Act East from Look East are actually continuation of what had been going on before," he said.

"Continuity is good," he said, adding that this reflects that this is "India's policy and that it would also be carried forward."

"But it has its limits. If the situation changes. The balance of power in the Asia Pacific is changing, China's rise, some relationships need to be recalibrated, with China certainly," said Menon, who was the foreign secretary from 2006 to 2009.

Menon said the current modus vivendi with China, formalised during former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's visit in 1988 that has worked for nearly three decades, is no longer an effective tool.

"This was basically, we would discuss whatever difficult issues we have, but we would not let that stop us from developing the relationship where we can co-operate. And that's how it became our largest trading partner. Or from co-operating on the global stage where we have common interest. And we worked together in WTO, climate change negotiations," he noted.

But the basis on which we build that modus vivendi, which is the balance of power that existed and the situation that existed around that time has changed, he said.

"China has changed, India has changed. The situation has changed. So that modus vivendi clearly no longer works. India-China relationship is under stress," he said.

"So what do you do know?" he asked.

"You need to find a new modus vivendi, a new equilibrium in the relationship, which you need to do by sitting across the table and talking with the Chinese. And seeing what are your core interest and what are their core interest, where is the overlap, where is the friction and how are you going to deal with it," said Menon, who during his distinguished diplomatic career served as the Indian Ambassador to China.

Or else, Menon warned "you can just let it drift, which is dangerous."

Because, one never knows which one of these issues can become a dangerous issue and make "trouble for you", he added.

"Then managing the relationship, it starts effecting the rest of the relationship. You have a relationship today with China in which you both cooperate and compete. That is not likely to change fundamentally. But you need to find ways to managing and containing that relationships, so that you can concentrate on the more important thing, which is developing and transforming India," Menon said.

Responding to a question, Menon denied the impression that Pakistan is working as a proxy for China.

"I would not describe any State as others proxies. All States follow their own interest. When it coincides with somebody elses they work together. And I think, this is what we see in the case of China and Pakistan," he noted.

"A proxy means that they are only serving only somebodys elses interest. Thats not true. Pakistan serves its own interest. Where it can, it works with another power it can and it charges strategic rent for what it does.

It does so with China, it does so with others in the Middle East, it has done so for the US when the US found Pakistan useful in Afghanistan when the Soviets were in Afghanistan. So I would not call Pakistan a proxy of China. Pakistan has its own interest in the way it deals with us. And those remain with or without China," he observed.

Menon said today, China needs Pakistan for several reasons.

"It is not just India, but also because as China steps out, as China tries one belt one road, tries to create a region where Xi has a major say. It needs friend and allies, which today are North Korea and Pakistan," he said.

"There is a whole new set of issues on the trade side, world economy side, what do we do in terms of TTP, RCEP, various attempts to create free trade areas to the east of us, to actually break up the world economy into separate areas, these are big fundamental issues for us," Menon said.

"How do we deal with climate change for instance, energy security and climate change together? These are issues that I think, would more than just continuity," Menon said.

"They would need more creative solution, more work in the future. Those are the big challenges for this government, because all of them have major domestic repercussions," Menon said.
New Delhi: A doctors delegation from Pakistan which was scheduled to attend a four-day global meet on cancer care beginning on Wednesday could not do so as its members were unable to get visas, organisers said. Pakistani sources termed it as "unfortunate" while Indian officials were not immediately available for comments.

The conference, organised by International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS) and Foundation for Head-Neck Oncology (FHNO), is being attended by doctors from around 15 foreign countries. When asked at a press conference if there were delegates from Pakistan, the organisers said, "They were scheduled to participate but could not make it as they could not get the visas."

Organising Chairman of the conference Dr Alok Thakar said, "Some of the doctors were to present papers at the conference." Pakistani sources said that the delegation comprised 25 doctors, while another organising committee member put the number at 8-10 delegates. Relations between India and Pakistan have hit a low after a bitter war of words in the wake of Uri attack and subsequent surgical strike by Indian army across LoC in Jammu and Kashmir targeting terror launchpads.

Thakar, a professor of otorhinolaryngology and head-neck surgery at the Aiims, said the conference brings head and neck cancer experts from around the world and will share developments in the field during the four-day-long meet beginning on Wednesday.

"We have oncologists from Germany, the UK, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Bangladesh, among other countries," he said. IFHNOS is a global organisation established through cooperation of national and regional societies and organisations in the specialty of head and neck surgery and oncology with membership from national and regional multidisciplinary organisations, representing 65 countries.

"Doctors in India have also done a lot of research in the field of cancer and for two days they would be sharing the data and during the rest two days, the foreign delegates would share their data," Thakar said. "Head-neck cancer, unfortunately, is among the most common cancers in the Indian subcontinent and the FHNO has been at the forefront of educational and advocacy activities in this realm," he said.

FHNO represents head-neck medical professionals from India and is among the largest head-neck societies which constitute the IFHNOS.
Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) is in the news again, but this time the national media has treated the news scantily. It has not paid enough attention to the fact that those who were agitating early this year to protect their right to dissent in JNU are now the suppressors of ideas coming from others who are not their own. For them, the university will do or practice what they want. It is they who will decide what is to be taught and how the university should be administered. Needless to say that these dissenters are mostly the so-called leftists and secularists; dissent for them means that they have the exclusive right to oppose things they do not like, but they deny the same right to those who disagree with them.

Anita Singh, a JNU professor, has told DNA that she was abused and attacked inside the university campus by a group of students, instigated by the Left-dominated students union and teachers association, while she stepped out of the meeting of the university's statutory decision-making body, the academic council (AC), late on 7 October. Abused as a sanghi, Singh, who is the dean, School of Law and Governance, told the paper that she earned the students ire because, I had presented the proposal for introducing a disaster research programme in the university for a trans-disciplinary programme, the talks for which have been going on since 2011, and that has already been passed by five standing committees. But the JNUSU thinks that any new innovation is 'bhagwakaran'(saffronisation) and I was attacked as soon as I stepped out."

Singh has spoken about the events that took place outside the AC meeting. But what happened inside the AC meeting was equally gratuitous. Here, in the name of secularism, the majority rejected a proposal of the University Grants Commission (UGC) of introducing three short-term courses in Indian culture and yoga. According to the UGCs proposed draft, the course on Indian culture aimed at expounding the importance of the countrys culture as well as exploring the etymological, social, spiritual, cultural and mythological aspects and establishing Indian values in the world. The course will contain the texts, thoughts and traditions of different cultures and include things like religious systems in Indian culture among others. Besides, it will have portions from Vedas and selections from epics and Jatakas and suggestions on readings of Hindu epics like the Ramayana, the draft read. It was argued in the draft that Indian culture cannot be understood without the help of Indian literature, which is generally written by sages.

Now, if JNU, one of Indias foremost universities, refuses to teach Indian culture and yoga with the logic that it would lead to promotion of Hinduism in a secular country, then where else can one study Hinduism in India, where 80 percent of the population happens to be Hindus? And here, I came across a report in the Hindu, dated 13 July, 2013, that said that one Subadra Muthuswami, who had a Masters degree in public health from Columbia University, hoped to pursue her interest in Hinduism when she returned to India. Since I am in India, I decided to do research to understand why we practice rituals and rites in Hinduism. But I understand that no university offers a comprehensive course in Hinduism studies, she told the paper.

Subadra discovered that the University of Madras had programmes in Vaishnavism and Indian philosophy, but not on Sanatan Dharma (Hinduism) as a whole, even though the university has separate departments for Christian and Islamic studies. She was told by senior professors that universities are secular places where Hinduism as a religion cannot be taught. Sources in the university said when the department wanted to offer a paper in yoga (which is also a shastra) last year, the move was opposed on the grounds that it was endorsed by a political party.

One fails to understand that how a university that has departments on Christian and Islamic Studies considers offering a paper on yoga, let alone Hinduism, will tarnish its secular character. As a result, in India one can study Hinduism  and this was what Subadra discovered  only in private or spiritual organisations like Swami Shivananda Institute, Chinmaya Mission, Iskcon and Vedanta Academy (Mumbai).

In contrast, let us the situation abroad. I just did a Google search to find western universities offering courses on Hinduism and Indian culture. And this was what I found. The Oxford Centre for Hindu Studies is a recognised Independent Centre of Oxford University. The principal aim of the Centre is the study of Hindu culture, religion, languages, literature, philosophy, history, arts and society, in all periods and in all parts of the world. Cambridge University teaches Vedanta, Vyakarana and Sanskrit philosophy along with Buddhism. Londons School of Oriental and African Studies offers courses on Indian philosophy, especially Vyakarana and Mimamsa, Sanskrit philology, Sanskrit scientific literature. In fact, many British universities such as Sussex, Manchester, Leeds and Edinburgh have departments on Theology and Religious Studies that teach, among others, Sankhya and Patanjala Yoga. Swedens Stockholm university has courses on Indian Philosophy, especially Nyaya and Buddhism. In Brussels (Belgium), Vrije Universiteit (Antwerp FVG, Faculty for Comparative Study of Religions) teaches Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism, Jainism, Indian Philosophy, especially Vedanta schools and Kasmir Saivism. University of Vienna (Institute of South Asian, Tibetology and Buddhist Studies) has programmes on Sanskrit philosophy, Ayurveda and Sanskrit philology. There are many universities and institutes in Germany that give special emphasis to Sanskrit, Indian philosophical texts and Indian religions, including Veda, Pali and Epics.

Coming to the US, Concordia University States has a chair in Hindu Studies that is dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of Hinduism. There is the J Newton Rayzor Chair in Philosophy and Religious Thought at Rice University that studies Hinduism. Case Western Reserve University has a department on South Asian religions. So has also Emory University. Then there are famous professors like Wendy Doniger at the University of Chicago who has written many books on Hinduism, some of them controversial though.

The questions that emerge from the illustrated list (not exhaustive) above are this: Are these western educational institutions having departments of theology and offering courses on comparative religions communal? If not, how can the Indian institutions offering courses on Hinduism or related subjects like yoga be branded communal, that too in a country where 80 percent of the people happen to be Hindus? And thirdly, if our secularists consider the book on Hinduism (which has shown the religion in negative manner) by American Indologist Wendy Doniger, a Professor of Religions in an American university, a great scholarly work, why cannot they promote similar scholarly works in Indian universities? Is it not double standards to applaud work on Hinduism by foreign scholars in foreign universities but deny the Indian scholars to work on the same subject in Indian universities?

In fact, as the recent development in JNU has proved once again, our so-called liberals and seculars, who dominate the countrys education system, will leave no stone unturned to foil any attempt by any university in India to introduce courses on Religions. They will have nothing to do with the promotion of a dead language such as Sanskrit. Even any elective, repeat elective, course on Vastu Sashtra will be dismissed (as it happened in a Madhya Pradesh University some years ago) as attempts towards saffronisation. But minorities can pursue studies on their respective religions. As a result, what we see today is that the Muslims children learn about Islam and the Quran in Madrasas and the Christian children learn the essence of Christianity and the Bible in educational institutions founded and managed by them. Under the Indian Constitution, the minorities are allowed to have their own educational institutions and the certificates or degrees thereof are recognised legally.

In contrast, the children of the majority of the Hindu community do not have such facilities. Even at the school-level, whenever there are attempts to teach the children about the Ramayana, the Mahabharata or the Gita, the secular brigade makes a lot of hue and cry. And ironically, all these elements, who dominate the Indian academia and media, will want books critical of Hinduism to flourish in India but they will advise against the circulation of anything that is critical of other religions.

Such are their double standards!
Chandigarh: The family of a 20-year-old Dalit youth, who was brutally murdered in Punjab's Mansa district, on Wednesday refused to cremate the body till his missing leg was found and his assailants arrested.

Sukhchain Singh, the murdered Dalit youth, was said to have been a member of one of the gangs engaged in illicit liquor business in the Mansa area, about 250 km from Chandigarh.

He was allegedly murdered by members of a rival gang on Monday night. The accused chopped off his leg and took it away.

The young man's family said his attackers belonged to upper caste landlord families and the Punjab Police was not taking action against them because they wielded considerable clout.

The victim's father Resham Singh said his son was threatened by the rival gang in the past.

Another Dalit man, Bhim Tank, was brutally attacked in another liquor gang war last year in Fazilka district. His limbs were chopped off and he later died of his injuries.

A prominent ruling Akali Dal leader, Shiv Lal Doda's men were alleged to have been involved in the attack that took place at his farmhouse.
New Delhi: The Home Ministry on Wednesday strongly refuted the "vilification campaign" that a delegation of Pakistani doctors were denied visa by India, saying it never received any such application from any medical practitioner belonging to the neighbouring country.

A senior Home Ministry official said Pakistan comes under the "Prior Reference Category" (PRC) and anyone wishing to visit any conference in India has to apply well in advance for consideration of his or her visa application. "Reaction time for PRC visa application is minimum 10 days. So, one has to apply well in advance for consideration of his or her visa application.

"The fact of the matter is we have never received any visa application from any doctor from Pakistan to attend any conference in India. It is utter lie to blame us that we have denied them visa. It is nothing but a vilification campaign against India," the official told PTI.

The delegation of Pakistani doctors was scheduled to attend a four-day global meet on cancer care beginning here on Wednesday, but could not do so as its members were unable to get visas, organisers claimed. Pakistani sources termed it as "unfortunate".

The conference, organised by International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS) and Foundation for Head-Neck Oncology (FHNO), is being attended by doctors from around 15 foreign countries. When asked at a press conference if there were delegates from Pakistan, the organisers said, "They were scheduled to participate but could not make it as they could not get the visas."

Organising Chairman of the conference Dr Alok Thakar said, "Some of the doctors were to present papers at the conference."

The news comes amidst escalating tension between India and Pakistan in the wake of Uri attack and subsequent surgical strike by Indian Army on terror launch pads in PoK.
New Delhi: In what can be seen as a milestone in New Delhi's "Neighbourhood First" policy, Myanmar's State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi will pay a state visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from 17 to 19 October.

"The State Counsellor will be accompanied by several key Ministers and senior officials," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

"During her visit, the State Counsellor will call on President of India Pranab Mukherjee and have meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj," it stated.

Suu Kyi will also attend a business event during which she will interact with leading Indian business leaders on ways of bolstering bilateral economic and commercial relations.

"The visit of the State Counsellor will provide an opportunity for the two sides to discuss issues of mutual interest and seek ways to further strengthen the close and friendly ties that exist between the two countries," the statement said.

This will be first official visit of Suu Kyi to New Delhi since her National League for Democracy (NLD) assumed power in Myanmar in March this year.

Last month, Modi met Suu Kyi on the sidelines of the 14th India-Asean Summit and the 11th East Asia Summit in Vientiane, Laos.

Suu Kyi spent a considerable part of her early life in India and was educated at Lady Shri Ram College in New Delhi.

On 6 April this year, the 70-year-old Nobel peace laureate assumed charge as State Counsellor as she was constitutionally barred from the presidency after becoming the country's first female foreign minister on 30 March.

Prior to visiting New Delhi, Suu Kyi will attend the Brics-Bimstec Outreach Summit to be held in Goa on 15 and 16 October.

In August, Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw was in New Delhi on his first official visit abroad after assuming charge.

His visit came less than a week after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit to Nay Pyi Taw.
After more than 56 hours, the Pampore encounter in the EDI complex ended on Wednesday afternoon, wherein two militants were killed. As the operation to flush out holed up ultras inside a government building in Pampore on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway entered on the third day on Wednesday, two weapons were recovered from them without any collateral damage, General Officer Commanding (GOC), Victor Force, Major General Ashok Narula said. The combing operations in the nearby areas are, however, still underway.

Major General Narula added that this operation was particularly tricky because the complex occupied by the terrorists was a very huge building and there were chances of civilians being inside. The army's priority was to avoid collateral damage.

Adopting a cautious approach, the security forces combed the EDI building to flush out the militants suspected to be of Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT).

"We have taken our time. This is one building and it has 60 rooms. It has a ground floor, six floors and one attic. 60 rooms have as many bathrooms. That is the reason it takes time to clear each and every room," Major General Ashok Narula said, adding the clearing operation had started this morning. "We took our time to eliminate the terrorists to avoid collateral damage," he told reporters at the end of the operation.

The Entrepreneurship Development Institute complex was a symbol of development in the valley, where the Kashmiri youth were imparted entrepreneurial skills. "EDI is a centre of excellence and a lot of our young brethren get employment. And it is very sad that for the second time they have come and an encounter has happened," the officer said. Besides, the army also said that the venue of attack was chosen so as to maximise casualty and also to attract attention.

Security forces had been pounding the building of Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) since Monday after three militants barged inside the complex with the aim of engaging the law enforcing agencies. The operation to flush out holed up militants entered the third day as security forces continued shelling the multi-storey structure with mortars and rockets to bring it down.

The bodies of the two militants killed in the operation have been recovered, officials said. Most parts of the concrete building have been reduced to a skeleton after many of its walls were blown up.

Elite Para commandos of the army had also been called in to neutralise the militants but the security personnel are not rushing in to the building to avoid casualties, the officials said.

The army cordoned off the area around the EDI premises on Monday soon after smoke was soon rising from the building to prevent the militants from escaping, the official said. Two to three militants stormed into the EDI complex in the wee hours of Monday and took positions inside one of the buildings.

The 70-room, seven-storey building is located at Pampore on the banks of the river Jhelum and 12 km from the Srinagar city centre. The joint operation was launched by the army, the Special Operations Group of the state police and the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF).

The ultras could have entered the complex from the riverside but that can only be ascertained once the operation is over, the officials said.

After getting inside the complex, the militants set on fire few mattresses inside a hostel room to attract the attention of the police and other security forces, which arrived within minutes of the smoke emanating from the building.

Two security personnel and a policeman were injured as the militants fired from inside on Monday, according to IANS. Militants had targeted the EDI building in February this year as well.

Five security force personnel including two young army officers and a civilian employee of the Institute and three militants were killed in that operation which lasted 48 hours.

With inputs from agencies
Bikaner: A 61-year-old man playing Hanumana in a 'Ramleela' died while climbing down a rope during the act at Lunkaransar, police said on Tuesday.

Dhanna Ram fell on the stage from a height of 10 feet and died on the spot last night, they said.

He was enacting the part from the Ramayana where Hanumana brings 'Sanjeevani Booti'.

Ram was a known local artiste and had been playing Hanumana's role for the last 40 years, police said.

Bikaner MP Arjun Ram Meghwal has expressed his condolences to his family.

Congress leader Ashok Gehlot too expressed his condolences.
New Delhi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reviewed the security situation in the country, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, NSA Ajit Doval and other top officials.

During the hour-long meeting, top officials briefed the Home Minister and Defence Minister on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the 56-hour gunbattle between militants and security forces in Pampore which ended on Wednesday with the killing of two ultras.

The two ministers also took stock of the situation along the Indo-Pak border and the Line of Control and steps taken to check attempts of infiltration from across the border, official sources said. Unrest in Jammu and Kashmir has been continuing ever

since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani on 8 July that led to violent protests and clashes with security

forces and death of 84 people.

Terrorists also killed 19 soldiers at an army station in Uri on 18 September which led to the surgical strikes by Indian Army on terror launch pads in PoK 10 days later. The top security officials also gave briefings on the overall situation in the country and steps taken to maintain peace in view of the ongoing festival season.

The Home Ministry has already sent an advisory to all states to deploy additional forces in sensitive places to foil any attempt by terrorists to disturb peace and attempts by miscreants to try to create communal disturbance.
Amitabh Bachchan offered a birthday gift to Indias forces and called for solidarity with them as they faced a crisis on the border. It was all very sentimental and touched the right chords even though it was a bit late in the day. But a Bachchan quote gets attention so it makes for a platform to bring up an issue that has been flung onto the back-burner. Last month it was a burning issue and today its shunted into a dark tunnel.

It begs the question: When do we not express solidarity with our soldiers? When retired officers and men demand 'One Rank One Pension' and are marked off as greedy, grizzled sods with nothing but money on their minds, retired pests blocking the Jantar Mantar road in Delhi.

Perhaps when three chiefs write a letter to the Prime Minister and the Defence Minister and bring up four major issues regarding the 7th pay commission as they did just before Uri occurred. The letter was rejected by the CPC because of the anomalies that exist between the civil services and the forces. Again, these are seen as grasping people in uniform who are always griping about disparities and in this avatar really not worth expressing even a sliver of solidarity.

For example, the jawan who was wounded by firing in the ongoing Pampore takedown two days earlier will now get a third of the disability pension of someone in the IAS who may have unfortunately fallen down the stairs.

It is tough to make sense of this fiscal imbalance especially when everyone in the government is strutting around as if they won the WWII and no one is ready to speak out and say: Okay, this is just the beginning, there will likely be a lot more attacks, even a higher level of conflict as Pakistans generals get more jittery and what have we done these past four weeks as a political-bureaucratic combo to buy ammunition of which we are woefully short, build our War Wastage Materials potential towards 40 days as opposed to a low of 12 to 20 that being the projected current state.

We are just sitting around swirling the phrase surgical strike like it was an expensive cognac and not the least bit concerned that the problem has not gone awayit has been exacerbated. We are under threat and whether it is Uri or Baramulla or Pampore, they will keep coming at us.

What better time than now to actually give our armed forces a moral boost by addressing the four outstanding issues missed out by the Pay Commission and making them feel that they are the custodians of our nation.

The setting up of the Anomalies Committee last month to look into the demands by the three chiefs should be ordered to fast track their recommendations and get on with.

The other three points are not huge mountains to climb. There is a need to differentiate between JCOs and jawans whom they lead when it comes to military service pay. They cannot be the same. Because they are not the same.

Again, there is contention over the non-functional upgrade given the civil service and this should not be denied the Services. Finally, the pay brackets for the armed forces are less than their civilian counterparts enjoy, thus reducing their chances of getting raises.

At a time when the forces will be more exposed to hostility in what is an open ended engagement wouldnt it be the appropriate gesture to concede these factors and send them into battle knowing their worth has been acknowledged.

I speak from ignorance here and hopefully will obtain enlightening answers but what exactly is the status of the wives and children of the 18 soldiers killed in Uri. How much care have we taken of the next of kin and sliced through the red tape to ensure their basic needs.

I am not talking about steps taken by the Army Wives Welfare Organisation but the government at the Centre.
Chennai: Opposition DMK on Tuesday welcomed Tamil Nadu Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao allocating portfolios held by hospitalised Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to Finance Minister O Panneerselvam, saying the move would augur well for the state's administration.

"As the Opposition Leader, I welcome this action taken by the Governor in the interest of the administrative welfare of the state," DMK Treasurer MK Stalin said.

He pointed out that the decision had been taken as per the advice of the Chief Minister herself and said Tamil Nadu was "surrounded' by inter-state water rows like Cauvery and Mullaperiyar.

While the Cauvery issue, involving Karnataka, was coming up before the Supreme Court on 17 October, the North East Monsoon was due to set in soon and at such a time there has to be "a responsible cabinet to discuss such administrative issues", he said in a statement.

"Such a cabinet needs a head. Only then can decision on issues pertaining to the state's welfare can be taken," Stalin added.

He recalled that DMK had earlier demanded that the government name an interim or Deputy Chief Minister to effectively handle issues like the Cauvery dispute, till the time Jayalalithaa returned and resumed work.
Nagpur: On Tuesday Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis assured the Dalit community that notwithstanding the demand from a section of the society, a legislation on prevention of atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Tribes will not be abolished.

Addressing a huge gathering at 'Deekshabhoomi' on 60th Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Day, which marks the mass conversion to Buddhism by B R Ambedkar and his followers in 1956, he said there was a strong demand from a section of the Maratha community to repeal the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as it is allegedly being misused, but the act will stay.

A true follower of Ambedkar will not indulge in such misuse and hence there was no need for the Maratha community or any other community to fear its misuse, he said.

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind and Dalit leader and Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale were also present.

One of the major demands of the politically dominant Maratha community, which is taking out huge silent marches in Maharashtra, is abolition of the Atrocities Act.

Fadnavis also said the plan of the memorial of Ambedkar at Indu Mill land in Mumbai would be soon finalised.

The government had detailed discussions with top Dalit leaders including Prakash Ambedkar, Jogendra Kawade, Sulekha Kumbhare, Anand Ambedkar and others to avoid any controversy and the design of the memorial was nearing completion, he said.

He also lauded the contribution of former Governor of Bihar and Kerala R S Gavai, who headed the memorial committee till his death, and said a memorial for Gavai would be constructed in his hometown Amravati with a budget of Rs 25 crore.

Gadkari in his speech assured all necessary help from the Centre to turn Deekshabhoomi into a world-class monument.

A proposal from the state government to create a Buddhist circuit connecting important Buddhist sites was pending, and now the Centre has sanctioned Rs 100 crore for it, he said.

The Chief Minister also said the plan of the memorial of Dr Ambedkar at Indu Mill land in Mumbai would be soon finalised.

The government had had detailed discussions with top Dalit leaders including Prakash Ambedkar, Jogendra Kawade, Sulekha Kumbhare, Anand Ambedkar and others to avoid any controversy and the design of the memorial was nearing completion, he said.

He also lauded the contribution of former Governor of Bihar and Kerala R S Gavai, who headed the memorial committee till his death, and said a memorial for Gavai would be constructed in his hometown Amravati with a budget of Rs 25 crore.

Gadkari in his speech assured all necessary help from the Centre to turn the Deekshabhoomi into a world-class monument.

A proposal from the state government to create a Buddhist circuit connecting important Buddhist sites had been pending, and now the Centre had sanctioned Rs 100 crore for it, he said.
New Delhi: Congress on Wednesday shot back at Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for denying that any surgical strike was carried out during the UPA's tenure and accused him of misleading the public and undermining the army's sacrifices while indulging in "blatant politicisation" of the issue.

"Mr Parrikar, Indian Army deserves all credit but why mislead the people and undermine army's sacrifices by denying earlier surgical strikes? "Operation Ginger in 2011 was a large-scale surgical strike. Why is Manohar Parrikar quiet on army's valour? Is (it) not blatant politicisation?" Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala asked.

He asked "if army deserves full credit (for the recent surgical strike), why are 'avengers of Uri' posters depicting Modiji as Lord Rama being plastered in poll-bound states?" Hitting out Parrikar in a series of tweets, Surjewala said he is indulging in "ultimate political hypocrisy". "The ultimate political hypocrisy; post surgical strike, Modi Sarkar cut disability pensions for 'combat injury' to half.

Mr Parrikar,Indian Army deserves all credit but why mislead the people & undermine Army's sacrifices by denying earlier SurgicalStrikes? 1/5  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) October 12, 2016

"Is Modi Govt giving credit to Army by denying OROP, Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, by refusing to acknowledge and honor commitments? (sic)" he asked. The Congress leader said RSS and BJP chief Amit Shah have publicly stated that surgical strikes will be their key electoral strategy. "Forked tongue, Mr Parrikar?" he asked.

Is ModiGovt giving credit to Army by denying OROP, Seventh Pay Commission recommendations,by refusing to acknowledge & honor commitments?5/6  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) October 12, 2016

Surjewala also said that while Defence Minister Parrikar credits army for surgical strike, "no wonder he got himself felicitated in Agra, Lucknow and Goa instead of our brave army." Parrikar earlier on Wednesday rejected claims that surgical strikes were undertaken during the UPA regime and asserted that a "major" share of credit for the army action last month goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"I have been the Defence Minister for two years. From whatever I have known, there is no surgical strike from previous years. What they are quoting are actions taken by border action teams. These are common actions across the globe and by the Indian army," he said.

Speaking at two different events in Mumbai, he said all the 127 crore people of India, including "doubting Thomases", and the army share and deserve credit for the operation as it was done by the armed forces and not by any political party. At the same time, he said that "major share" of credit does go to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government for decision-making and planning.
New Delhi: Condemning Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for rejecting its claim of surgical strikes having been undertaken by the army under UPA, Congress on Wednesday demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi tame his "belligerent" minister and BJP chief Amit Shah, and apologise to the armed forces.

Congress also asked the Prime Minister to publicly vow never to make political capital out of army's sacrifice and asked Parrikar to immediately apologise for his statement that "insulted" the armed forces.

As the political slugfest over the surgical strikes continued unabated, Congress accused BJP of making political capital out of the issue and indulging in "belligerent chest-thumping", bringing disgrace to the culture of governance in the country.

"We urge the ruling dispensation to show maturity and gravitas in handling such crucial issues of 'National Security' and sacrifice of our soldiers.

"Onus lies at the doorstep of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to come forward, tame his belligerent Defence Minister and BJP President, apologise to the armed forces on their behalf and publicly vow to never make political capital out of army's sacrifice," Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said.

He said the Congress "vehemently dismisses and strongly condemns" Parrikar's remarks that "insult the service, sacrifice and valour" of the Indian armed forces.

"Blinded by political vote garnering out of the blood and sacrifice of our soldiers, Parrikar is unabashedly lying and misleading the people of India. Defence Minister is free to give credit to anyone but should abstain from undermining the huge sacrifices made by our armed forces in last 68 years.

"Parrikar should immediately apologise for his statement insulting our armed forces, denying their supreme sacrifice during multiple surgical strikes and in defending the nation," he said.

Surjewala said the belligerent chest-thumping by BJP on the issue of the surgical strike is unending and nasty attempts at political and electoral gains have brought disgrace to the traditions and culture of governance of our country.

Surjewala deprecated the RSS and BJP President Amit Shah for "publicly declaring" their intention of making political capital out of the surgical strikes.

"First, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar claimed that the Modi government had 'made the army realise its prowess and strength' for the first time. Going a step further, Amit Shah lied to the nation and disgracefully undermined the sacrifice of our armed forces by proclaiming that 'army has crossed the LoC for the first time in 68 years' under Modi government," he said.

The Congress leader said Parrikar, by his statement, had insulted war veterans and ex-servicemen, besides paramilitary and police personnel.

"Does he mean that those who fought the great wars of 1947, 1962, 1965, 1971 and 1999 had no courage and deserved no credit?," he asked, adding that those who participated in 'Operation Ginger' in 2011 are still alive.

"Parrikar has dangerously attempted to belittle their contribution and is dividing the forces on the political lines," he said.

"This distasteful commentary, unending public felicitations of the Defence Minister in Goa, Agra and Lucknow and converting 'national security' into an 'event management' exercise to polish the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is unfortunate and reflects desperation on the part of BJP," Surjewala said.
Chennai: DMK President M Karunanidhi on Wednesday said it is a wonder that Tamil Nadu Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao allocated portfolios handled by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to Finance Minister O Panneerselvam based on her advice.

He termed as "surprising" Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao's remarks stating that the allocation of portfolios held by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa to Finance Minister O Panneerselvam was done "as per her advice"

There was no official statement from the government though she has been hospitalised for the past 19 days and it has also been said that she may have to stay in the hospital for a longer period, he said. He said that several leaders, including the Tamil Nadu Governor, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Congress Vice-President Rahul Gandhi, Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and others, were not allowed to see or wish Jayalalithaa in person when they visited the Apollo Hospital where she is admitted.

"This is because a question has arisen among some people if Jayalalithaa had [actually] signed the file and rendered advice [regarding] allotting her portfolios to Finance Minister Panneerselvam," Karunanidhi said in a statement here.

"The Governor's communique yesterday that this (portfolios' allocation) has been done on the advice of Chief Minister is surprising," he said.

Karunanidhi also said one cannot entirely overlook the doubt as to whether the acting Tamil Nadu Governor Vidyasagar Rao had analysed the various provisions of the Constitution in a short span of time.

His views come a day after his party treasurer and son MK Stalin welcomed the allocation of portfolios held by Jayalalithaa to her trusted aide.

According to the Raj Bhavan statement issued on Tuesday, Governor Vidyasagar Rao has, under Clause (3) of the Constitution's Article 166, allocated the subjects hitherto dealt with by Jayalalithaa to Panneerselvam on her advice.

Jayalalithaa held the portfolios of Public, Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Forest Service, General Administration, District Revenue Officers, and Home.

Panneerselvam will also preside over the cabinet meetings.

"This arrangement has been made as per the advice of Hon'ble Chief Minister and will continue until the Hon'ble Chief Minister Selvi J Jayalalithaa resumes her duties. Selvi J Jayalalithaa will continue to be the Chief Minister," the Raj Bhavan statement said.

On Tuesday, Congress' state unit President S Thirunavukkarasar, reacting to reallocation of the portfolios, told IANS that it "is a welcome development for the continued functioning of the government".

He said the situation is similar to the one that existed when AIADMK founder, the late MG Ramachandran (MGR), was admitted to the same Apollo Hospital in October 1984.

Senior AIADMK leader C Ponnaiyan told IANS that the portfolios handled by MGR were then allocated to Nedunchezian.

According to Ponnaiyan, MGR in 1984 had orally instructed that his portfolios are to be handled by Nedunchezhiyan.

"As per the rules, the Chief Minister can orally tell any one or more cabinet colleagues to handle the portfolios. This is the practice followed across the country," he said.

According to him, there is no provision in the Constitution for an acting Chief Minister.

Speaking to IANS, political commentator Maalan Narayanan said that in 1984, the then Governor Sundar Lal Khurana asked then Finance Minister VR Nedunchezhiyan to preside over the cabinet meetings and not to take any policy decisions.

The 68-year-old Jayalalithaa was admitted to the hospital on 22 September for fever and dehydration.

The doctors later said she needed a longer stay at the hospital as she was suffering from infection, and put her on respiratory support.

On 8 October, the hospital said: "The respiratory support is closely watched and adjusted. Lungs decongestion treatment is being continued. All other comprehensive measures including nutrition, supportive therapy and passive physiotherapy are under way."

The ruling AIADMK has ruled out the need for an acting or temporary chief minister. Panneerselvam has earlier served as chief minister when Jayalalithaa had to step down in wake of her conviction by a Bengaluru court in a corruption case. She returned to the post after the Karnataka High Court acquitted her.

On 7 October, Governor Rao met Panneerselvam and Public Works, Highways and Minor Ports Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami and Chief Secretary P Rama Mohana Rao to discuss the Cauvery water issue and the General Administration in the state in the wake of Jayalalithaa's hospitalisation.

With inputs from agencies
The discussion around Narendra Modi's Dussehra speech has expectedly revolved around two related pressure points. One, whether the Prime Minister was "owning" a military offensive for political gains from a religious podium in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. Two, whether in uttering 'Jai Jai Shri Ram' at the end of his address he signaled a deviation from his development plank to a return to BJP's core Hindutva agenda.

To take up the first point, let us ascribe the context. Whether or not the surgical strikes across LoC will discourage Pakistan to use terrorism as a state policy remains to be seen. Though a terror-ravaged world is increasingly sympathetic to India, it does not automatically follow that Pakistan will face crippling economic sanctions or even be designated as a state sponsor of terror. Foreign policies are built on the bedrock of mutual interest, not ethics or morality.

Hence Pakistan will not let go of the cheap leverage against India unless the cost of pursuing such a strategy becomes less rewarding. For that to happen, many extraneous factors must fall in place. Not the least among them is India's resolve to stay the course. For the new, aggressive counter-terrorism policy to even moderately succeed, the government of the day must show political will and tenacity to fight the good fight.

Inherent in this question is the assumption that at the end of the day, it is the government at the Centre that must decide the course of action. The Army might be ready and even chomping at the bits but the green signal must come from the Prime Minister.

Speaking at an event in Navi Mumbai on Wednesday, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar wasn't far from the truth when he said: "Credit goes to our armed forces, but the Prime Minister's decision-making and planning also deserve major credit."

For better or worse, the decision to send the special forces across LoC to destroy terror launch pads was the PM's. If it had gone horribly wrong resulting in major casualties for our armed forces or an escalation of hostilities between two nuclear-armed nations, Modi would have been roasted over domestic and international fire.

By owning a covert operation, a major deviation from UPA's policy of 'strategic restraint' (if we take their claims over similar strikes seriously), Modi also took a huge gamble.

Clandestine strikes like the one carried out by the army on 29 September are rarely acknowledged because they are aimed at a specific purpose. When that purpose is met, there is space for plausible deniability. Modi's move to go public with it and sharing information with the Pakistan Army, therefore, was as much a strategic decision as a political one.

Strategically, the acknowledgement was a memo to global powers in general and Pakistan in particular that India henceforth cannot be expected to suffer in silence. Politically, it was a message to voters of his 'iron will', a shtick that he rode to power in 2014. Modi was living up to that promise. If the Prime Minister was strong-willed enough to order a strike, resolute enough to own it, it's only fair that the fallout (if any) or capital (thus accrued) should be credited to his account. When US Navy Seals took down Osama bin Laden in Abottabad, it wasn't George W Bush who was feted for it.

Modi's political rivals have an unenviable task. Congress, for instance, can't decide whether to blame Modi for 'khoon ki dalali' or claim belated credit for what it asserts were similar operations in the past. Both SP and BSP have blamed Modi for running away with credit that they claim are due only to the army.

"The pyre of jawans who lost their lives in the Uri attack has not yet died down, but the Prime Minister is coming to Lucknow to celebrate Dussehra for his political motives," BSP chief Mayawati said recently at a rally.

SP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia told ANI that Modi's Lucknow visit "is nothing but opportunistic politics only for the sake of votes." The comments are an open acknowledgement of Modi's renewed political capital post-Uri and their own insecurity at not being able to do anything about it.

Modi's speech at Aishbagh maidan was a study in the art of political messaging. He steered clear of referring to surgical strikes or taking Pakistan's name but by using Ravana to denote terrorism and stressing on the need to triumph over those who harbor him, he said all that needed to be said. He was not politicizing the surgical strike beyond the point that it already has been the moment details were made public. Modi can hardly be blamed for being the master communicator that he is.

The second point, on whether Modi is signaling a return to BJP's core agenda, is equally interesting. As Ajay Singh writes in Firstpost: "there was a marked difference in war cry of 'Jai Sri Ram' of LK Advanis time and Modis chanting of the same words in a different context."

If Modi was pandering to his core Hindutva agenda and sending a not-so-subtle message to BJP and RSS cadres ahead of what promises to be a tough fight in the Hindi heartland, he took care to mask it well.

He used all the props at disposal  Hanuman's gadaa, Krishna's sudarshan chakra and used characters from Ramayana on a Ram Leela event to send multiple messages of social inclusiveness, the need to stand guard against terrorism, save the girl child, strive for a cleaner and corruption-free India and remain united in the face of provocation. In effect, while urging us to triumph over inner Ravanas and social evils, the address to Hindutva sentiment was clear.

But it was done in such a way that much like the surgical strikes, the purpose was met and yet there was enough space for plausible deniability. There was no triumphalism, unlike some of his party peers, but he still managed to set the stage for BJP's poll campaign. It was a commanding performance from an orator at the top of his game.
On Tuesday, on the occasion of Dussehra various Indian politicians made public appearances and joined the festivities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi made his first public speech after 29 September surgical strike by the Indian Army and in an obvious reference to Pakistan said that the time has come to uproot terror and those who patronise terrorists.

RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat backed cow vigilantes and asked the government not to equate them with anti-social elements, contradicting Prime Minister Narendra Modi's stand on the Hindu bovine activists. He spoke in his annual speech on Vijay Dashmi, marking the 91st foundation day of the RSS.

Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray too spoke on Tuesday in Mumbai and lauded PM Modi for the recent surgical strikes across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir, and simultaneously dared the state BJP to break its alliance. He also gave a stern warning to the terrorists trying to infiltrate India's borders.
London: Britain's former Prime Minister David Cameron on Wednesday disclosed that he will take up an unpaid role at the National Citizens Service Trust, as part of his plans to create a "Big Society". The 50-year-old former Conservative Party leader, who recently resigned from the House of Commons, will lead an expansion of the UK's National Citizen Service (NCS) for teenagers, an initiative he had launched during his time in Downing Street as part of his plans to create a "Big Society".

The NCS aims to prepare teenagers for work through team-building activities and community projects. Cameron will take over as chairman of NCS Patrons with the aim of making the scheme available to all teenagers. "I am delighted that my first role in my life after politics is to continue my association with this fantastic programme by becoming chairman of NCS Patrons, bringing together a senior cross-party and cross-sector group of patrons and ambassadors who can help NCS to reach more youngsters," Cameron was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.

"It requires leadership from every part of society. From industry to the arts, from sport to the media, from local communities to the wider public sector, we need everyone involved in a national mission to make NCS a normal part of growing up that can give every generation a greater sense of purpose, optimism and belonging," he said.

The NCS is a charity open to 15 to 17-year-olds and sees groups of teenagers enjoy team outdoor activity trips before being mentored in the community, and ultimately deliver their own social action project. The former PM said he was "delighted" his successor, Theresa May, was pressing ahead with a National Citizen Service Bill, which would put the NCS on a permanent legal footing and create new duties on schools and councils to promote it.

Cameron had stepped down as PM on 24 June, the day after Britain voted in a referendum to leave the European Union (EU). He had initially said he planned to carry on as a Tory MP on the backbenches of Parliament but last month announced he was stepping down as an MP as well to quite political life.
Ankara: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday blasted US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton's "unfortunate" comments that she would consider arming Syrian Kurdish fighters, branding her proposal "politically inept."

"It is a very unfortunate statement," Erdogan said in a televised speech at the presidential palace in Ankara. "To be honest I see it as politically inept."

During a debate on Sunday with her Republican rival Donald Trump ahead of next month's presidential election, Clinton suggested that she would consider providing armed support for Syrian Kurdish forces fighting the Islamic State group.

"The Kurds have been our best partners in Syria, as well as Iraq. And I know there's a lot of concern about that in some circles," she said in the debate.

"But I think they should have the equipment they need so that Kurdish and Arab fighters on the ground are the principal way that we take Raqa after pushing IS out of Iraq," she added, referring to a future bid to dislodge IS from its de facto capital in Syria.

US support for Syrian Kurdish forces has strained relations between the two Nato allies.

Turkey sees both the Kurdish Democratic Union Party (PYD) and its People's Protection Units (YPG) militia as terror groups linked to the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

The PKK has waged a bloody campaign against the Turkish state since 1984, which has left over 40,000 people dead.

Washington however sees Kurdish groups as the most effective forces in the anti-IS fight in Syria and Iraq.

On Tuesday, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim also criticised Clinton's comments.

"Isn't the United States our ally in Nato, in the region? What does it mean providing armed support?" he said.
Afghanistan: An Afghan official says that at least 17 people including a policeman are dead after a militant attack on a Shiite shrine in the capital Kabul late Tuesday.

Sediq Sediqqi, the Interior Ministry's spokesman said Wednesday that another 62 people, including 12 policemen were wounded in the attack.

The attack on the Sakhi Shrine, Kabul's biggest, happened as Shiite Muslims were mourning the death in 680 AD of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Imam Hussein.

Mourning climaxes on Ashoura Day, which falls on Wednesday, a public holiday in Afghanistan.

Shiites, mostly ethnic Hazaras, had been warned by authorities to avoid large gatherings as attacks were expected.

No group has claimed responsibility for Tuesday's attack.

In July, a suicide bomber attacked Hazaras at a public demonstration, killing 80 and wounding hundreds of others.
By Vladimir Soldatkin and Tom Perry

| MOSCOW/BEIRUT

MOSCOW/BEIRUT U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet his Russian counterpart in Switzerland on Saturday to discuss Syria, officials said on Wednesday, as a devastating bombing campaign of the city of Aleppo intensified.The Syrian government launched an assault to capture rebel-held areas of Aleppo last month with Russian air support and Iranian-backed militias, a week into a ceasefire agreed by Washington and Moscow.Kerry broke off talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov last week over the offensive, which has included air strikes on hospitals that Washington and Paris said amounted to war crimes for which Syria and Russia were responsible.The Syrian and Russian governments blamed their foes for breaking the ceasefire and said they target only militants in the city, the last major urban stronghold of the Western-backed rebels, where more than 250,000 people are trapped under siege.The resumption of talks, despite the offensive, was a sign of the lack of options facing Western nations over the Syria conflict, where they worry scaled-up arms supplies for the rebels could end up in the hands of jihadist groups.Russia's Foreign Ministry said Kerry and Lavrov would meet Lavrov in the Swiss city of Lausanne to consider steps towards settling the conflict. The meeting will include foreign ministers from Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran. A senior State Department official confirmed Kerry would attend.On Wednesday, 25 people were killed by heavy air strikes on rebel-held areas of Aleppo, the Civil Defence, a rescue service working in rebel-held areas, said on Twitter, adding that 15 of them were killed at a market place in the Fardous district.The Syrian army has denied targeting civilians.A Syrian military source said warplanes had struck several locations to the south and southwest of Aleppo but Syrian and Russian officials could not immediately be reached to comment on the market place attack.It was the second day of heavy air strikes after a lull of several days which the Syrian army said was designed to allow civilians to leave.Rebels said the intensity of the air strikes on Tuesday and Wednesday had returned to the level seen at the start of the Russian-backed campaign to capture Aleppo.Moscow's intervention just over a year ago tipped the scales of the conflict back towards President Bashar al-Assad.The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based organisation that reports on the war, said it had documented the deaths of 55 people killed in escalating bombardment of eastern Aleppo in the last 48 hours.

The Observatory also reported that four people were killed in government-held areas by insurgent shelling.Clashes between pro-government and rebel forces were also reported in a rebel-held area in southern Aleppo.The war has killed more than 300,000 people, created the world's worst refugee crisis, allowed for the rise of Islamic State and drawn in regional and major powers. WAR OF WORDS

Assad, with military backing from Russia and Iranian-backed militias, aims to take back all of Aleppo, which was Syria's biggest city before the outbreak of war in 2011.

The city has been divided between government and rebel control for years and food, water and medical supplies in rebel areas are now running low.The Observatory also reported heavy air strikes against the rebel-held Eastern Ghouta area near Damascus.Russia on Saturday vetoed a French-drafted United Nations Security Council resolution that would have demanded an immediate end to air strikes and military flights over Aleppo.On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused France of deliberately luring Moscow into vetoing the resolution and suggested it was doing the bidding of the United States."What for? To exacerbate the situation and to whip up anti-Russian hysteria in media under their control, and to deceive their own citizens," Putin said, accusing France of serving U.S. domestic political interests.French Prime Minister Manuel Valls also faced criticism from opposition lawmakers over his government's handling of relations with Russia over Syria."Russia has chosen an obstructive attitude and from our point of view this stance is unjustifiable," Valls said after being asked by a parliamentarian why Paris was adopting a tough position on Russia.

Despite the war of words, the Kremlin said Putin spoke to French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday and said he hoped Saturday's talks would be "fruitful".VETO POWERS

France and Britain back a proposal for a dilution of big powers' United Nations vetoes in cases of serious war crimes, the top U.N. human rights official said in Geneva, but gave little support to Syrian opposition hopes of strong-arming Russia over eastern Aleppo.Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said last week that Security Council veto powers should be curbed to help resolve the situation and bring Syria under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court."We would hope that the United States, Russia and China would likewise follow, (the French and British lead)" he said, but ruled out allowing the general assembly to force their hand.The dispute over Aleppo has unfolded against a backdrop of separate campaigns being waged against Islamic State by a U.S.-led alliance and the Russian-backed Syrian army.As part of the fight against IS, Syrian rebels backed by Turkey are currently waging a campaign in northern Syria near the Turkish border.A rebel commander told Reuters the Turkey-backed forces had advanced closer to an Islamic State-held village that is of great symbolic significance to the group on Wednesday.The rebels captured the village of Duweibiq, which is some 2 km from Dabiq - the site of an apocalyptic prophesy central to the militant group's ideology. "The clashes were not very fierce but there is resistance," the commander said. (Additional reporting by Alexander Winning and Katya Golubkova in MOSCOW, Tom Miles and Stephanie Nebehay in GENEVA and Lesley Wroughton in WASHINGTON, writing by Philippa Fletcher, editing by Peter Millership)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Stockholm: Literary circles are abuzz with speculation ahead of Thursday's Nobel Literature Prize announcement, with award watchers suggesting this year's honours could go to a controversial writer such as Syrian-born poet Adonis.

The Academy is known for its cloak-and-dagger methods to prevent any leaks about its choice, resorting to codenames for authors and fake book covers when reading in public.

The list of nominees is never revealed and the jury's deliberations are kept secret for half a century.

The suspense will come to an end on Thursday at 1:00 pm (1100 GMT) when the winner is announced, ending an unusually long wait: it comes a week later than usual "for calendar reasons", the Academy said in late September.

"That leaves a little more time to speculate" about the 2016 laureate, joked Swedish Academy member Per Wastberg, interviewed by AFP.

While perfectly in line with Academy statutes according to Wastberg, some Nobel watchers have interpreted the late date as a sign of discord over this year's choice.

"If you ask me, it's absolutely not a 'calendar' issue," said Bjorn Wiman, cultural pages editor at Sweden's main daily Dagens Nyheter.

"This is a sign there's a disagreement in the process to select a winner."

Mattias Berg, cultural reporter at Swedish Radio, suggested the Academy's 18 members may have argued over a "politically controversial laureate, such as Adonis," whose most recent publication is a polemic tract on political Islam.

"The prize would in such cases be seen as taking a stance," Wiman said.

If the Academy is indeed looking for a laureate who divides opinion, it may also have set its sights on Indian-born British author Salman Rushdie.

In March, the Academy denounced the Iranian fatwa on the author of "The Satanic Verses", after a 27-year silence it attributed to its neutrality and independence.

Literary critic Madelaine Levy at daily Svenska Dagbladet said only one thing was certain: we know that we know nothing about the Academy's choice.

"Year after year, the writers chosen are incredibly different," she noted.

Some of the same names have been making the rounds for several years, including Ngugi wa Thiong'o of Kenya, Don DeLillo and Joyce Carol Oates of the US and Haruki Murakami of Japan.

Wiman meanwhile has his Nobel trifecta for this year:

"I think it will be (Norwegian playwright Jon) Fosse, I'm hoping for (Israeli writer David) Grossman and I would jump for joy for (the novelist using the psudonymn Elena) Ferrante."

Amid all the speculation, the Academy is remaining tight-lipped.

"Some people want to know what's in the Christmas parcel and some people want to be surprised. We want to surprise you," says Swedish Academy director Odd Zschiedrich.

Every year, the venerable tradition remains the same: in February, the Academy makes a list of all of the nominations submitted, before reducing it to a secret short list of five names in May.

Throughout the summer, Academy members study their works, before reaching a decision in October.

Last year, the Academy surprised everyone "by not surprising us", Wiman said.

Belarussian writer Svetlana Alexievich, who won for her documentary-style narratives based on witness testimonies, was the favourite in both literary circles and on betting sites.

This year, most observers say they are expecting a return to fiction.

But Murakami, the big favourite among bettors and the public, is not considered a serious contender.

Too superficial, is the unanimous verdict among the Stockholm literati.

"There's room for a category of authors who haven't yet won," as was the case with the short story genre and Alice Munro, and Alexievich and her documentary style, according to Swedish Radio's Berg.

Despite that, and even though novelists are those most frequently honoured with a Nobel, he said he would love to see Joyce Carol Oates win.

And, note many, more women ought to win the award: since 1901, only 14 women have won, compared to 98 men.

Others suggest it's time for an American laureate, the last one dating back to 1993 when Toni Morrison was honoured.

"It's been a long time since an American author won the prize," Levy said, adding: "The great American novel is under-represented."

But the Academy insists it does not consider gender or geography when selecting a laureate.

"They're only interested in whether it's a skilled writer," Zschiedrich says.

Recent winners of the Nobel Literature Prize

The Academy is expected to reveal the prize on Thursday, 13 October.

2015: Svetlana Alexievich (Belarus)

2014: Patrick Modiano (France)

2013: Alice Munro (Canada)

2012: Mo Yan (China)

2011: Tomas Transtromer (Sweden)

2010: Mario Vargas Llosa (Peru)

2009: Herta Mueller (Germany)

2008: Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio (France)

2007: Doris Lessing (Britain)

2006: Orhan Pamuk (Turkey)

2005: Harold Pinter (Britain)

2004: Elfriede Jelinek (Austria)

2003: J.M. Coetzee (South Africa)

2002: Imre Kertesz (Hungary)

2001: V.S. Naipaul (Britain)
Pakistani journalist Cyril Almeida, who reported a rift between the civilian and military leaderships over the powerful ISI shielding terror groups like the Haqqani network and LeT, has tweeted that he thinks the Pakistani government "is planning to take further, uglier actions."

Am concerned, possibly convinced, more than 24hrs after the travel ban was imposed that govt is planning to take further, uglier actions.  cyril almeida (@cyalm) October 11, 2016

Almeida, a columnist and reporter for the Dawn newspaper, had earlier tweeted he had been told that he was put on 'Exit Control List'  a system of border control maintained by Pakistan government which allows it to bar people whose names appear on the list from leaving the country.

I am told and have been informed and have been shown evidence that I am on the Exit Control List.  cyril almeida (@cyalm) October 10, 2016

Was a long-planned trip, for at least several mths now. There are certain things that I will never, ever forgive.  cyril almeida (@cyalm) October 10, 2016

The government has not officially commented on the ban, but Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday had asked authorities to take "stern action" against people responsible for publishing the "fabricated" story.

Meanwhile, the widely read daily  also the country's oldest  had on Tuesday stood by the story issued on 6 October, saying it was "verified, cross-checked and fact-checked".

The story, carried by the paper on its front page, had said that facing international isolation, 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.

It mentioned a rift between Pakistan's civilian and military leaderships over jihadi groups operating from Pakistan that engage in war against India and Afghanistan like the Haqqani network and the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), blamed for the Mumbai attack.

The newspaper in a message issued by its editor on Tuesday had said that "many at the helm of affairs are aware of the senior officials, and participants of the meeting, who were contacted by the newspaper for collecting information, and more than one source confirmed and verified the details".

It had also called the whole episode as "scape-goating the country's most respected newspaper in a malicious campaign" and asked the elected government and state institutions to "refrain from targeting the messenger".

Meanwhile, the US has expressed concern over the difficulties and dangers faced by journalists in Pakistan but refrained from commenting on the travel restrictions imposed on Almeida for reporting a rift between the civilian and military leaderships.

"I'm aware of the reports of restrictions on Mr (Cyril) Almeida's travel. I would refer you to the Government of Pakistan for information on that," State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference on Tuesday.

"On press freedom, it's obviously an issue that we continue to raise regularly with the government of Pakistan, including our concerns about the difficulties and the dangers that journalists face there," he said.

"We are concerned about any efforts to limit press freedom or the ability of journalists to conduct their very, very important work," Kirby said.

Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect Journalists urged Pakistan to "immediately lift the travel ban" on Almeida.

"Pakistan can be a dangerous place for journalists, but the nation has a proud tradition of a fiercely independent press," said CPJ Asia Programme Coordinator Steven Butler.

"Unhappiness with a press report should never be used as an excuse to restrict the freedom of a journalist," he added.

With inputs from PTI
WASHINGTON The Pentagon said it would respond "at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner" after a new, attempted missile attack on a U.S. Navy destroyer off the coast of Yemen on Wednesday, the second such incident in four days.Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said the USS Mason detected at least one missile launched from Houthi-controlled territory near Al Hudaydah, Yemen.

"The ship employed defensive countermeasures, and the missile did not reach USS Mason," Cook said in a statement.

(Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Editing by Chris Reese)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Manila: The Philippines has sent an invitation to United Nations rapporteur Agnes Callamard to probe the increasing number of drug-related killings in the country, a government spokesman said on Wednesday.

"Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said the palace has sent the invitation to Callamard and is awaiting her response," Xinhua news agency quoted Presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella as saying.

In the invitation, Abella said the "palace also urged  and I think it is notable  the UN rapporteur to include in her investigation the killing of law enforcers by drug suspects so she could obtain accurate perspective of the drug problem in the country".

He said the Philippine government is urging Callamard to also look into the killings of law enforcers, who were also killed in the campaign to eradicate illicit drugs.

News reports said more than 3,000 suspects had been killed, some extra-judicially, in the fight against drugs since President Rodrigo Duterte took the presidency on June 30 this year.

Duterte said there are at least four million Filipinos who are into drugs. He warned that if not eradicated, the Philippines will continue to be governed by narco-politicians.

The Philippine Senate and the House of Representatives have conducted investigations into the drug menace.

The UN, the US, European Union and other international human rights groups have criticised the Duterte administration for carrying out a bloody anti-drug campaign, prompting the President to lash at them.

Despite the intense criticisms, Duterte has vowed to continue his anti-drug campaign.

As of October 10, the Philippine National Police said a total of 1,550 suspected drug users and pushers have been killed since July 1.

On the other hand, the police said at least 13 policemen and three soldiers were killed.

The police also said that close to 800,000 drugs suspects have "surrendered" since the campaign was launched.
Vatican City: Pope Francis appealed on Wednesday for an immediate ceasefire in Syria, calling for "at least" a truce enabling civilians, especially children, to be evacuated, after Aleppo came under fierce air assault.

"I want to underline and reiterate my closeness to all the victims of the inhumane conflict in Syria," he said at his weekly audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican.

"It is with a sense of urgency that I renew my appeal, begging those responsible, with all my strength, for an immediate ceasefire to be imposed and respected at least long enough to consent the evacuation of civilians, especially children, who are still trapped under the ferocious bombardments," he said.

On Tuesday, regime ally Russia carried out its heaviest air strikes in days on Aleppo, killing 25 civilians including four children according to a monitor, and causing massive damage in several residential areas of the city's rebel-held east.

Syria's army announced a bid last month to retake the city, which has been divided since mid-2012.

The assault began after the collapse of a short-lived truce negotiated by Washington and Moscow, and has seen the besieged east of Aleppo come under fierce aerial assault.

Syrian army said last Wednesday it would reduce its bombardment, after days of attacks that killed hundreds of people and destroyed the largest remaining hospital in the east, but heavy bombing began again on Tuesday.
By Andrew Osborn

| MOSCOW

MOSCOW Americans should vote for Donald Trump as president next month or risk being dragged into a nuclear war, according to a Russian ultra-nationalist ally of President Vladimir Putin who likes to compare himself to the U.S. Republican candidate.Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a flamboyant veteran lawmaker known for his fiery rhetoric, told Reuters in an interview that Trump was the only person able to de-escalate dangerous tensions between Moscow and Washington.By contrast, Trump's Democratic rival Hillary Clinton could spark World War Three, said Zhirinovsky, who received a top state award from Putin after his pro-Kremlin Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) came third in Russia's parliamentary election last month.Many Russians regard Zhirinovsky as a clownish figure who makes outspoken statements to grab attention but he is also widely viewed as a faithful servant of Kremlin policy, sometimes used to float radical opinions to test public reaction."Relations between Russia and the United States can't get any worse. The only way they can get worse is if a war starts," said Zhirinovsky, speaking in his huge office on the 10th floor of Russia's State Duma, or lower house of parliament."Americans voting for a president on Nov. 8 must realise that they are voting for peace on Planet Earth if they vote for Trump. But if they vote for Hillary it's war. It will be a short movie. There will be Hiroshimas and Nagasakis everywhere."Zhirinovsky's comments coincide with deep disagreements between Washington and Moscow over Syria and Ukraine and after the White House last week accused Russia of a campaign of cyber attacks against Democratic Party organisations.Even as WikiLeaks released another trove of internal documents from Clintons campaign on Wednesday, Putin insisted his country was not involved in an effort to influence the U.S. presidential election.THE RUSSIAN TRUMP?

Zhirinovsky likes to shock liberal public opinion and he has frequently heaped scorn on the West, which he and other Russian nationalists regard as decadent, hypocritical and corrupted by political correctness.His combative style, reminiscent of Trump's, ensures him plenty of television air time and millions of votes in Russian elections, often from the kind of blue-collar workers who are the bedrock of the U.S. Republican candidate's support.Zhirinovsky once proposed blocking off mostly Muslim southern Russia with a barbed wire fence, echoing Trump's call for a wall along the U.S. border with Mexico.Zhirinovsky, who said he met Trump in New York in 2002, revels in his similarities with the American businessman - they are the same age, favour coarse, sometimes misogynistic language and boast about putting their own country first. Zhirinovsky has even said he wants a DNA test to see if he is related to Trump.But unlike Trump, a billionaire real estate developer who casts himself as the anti-establishment candidate in the U.S. presidential race with no past political experience, Zhirinovsky is a consummate political insider who has sat in the Duma for more than two decades.

Putin has also praised Trump as "very talented", while the Republican candidate has said the Kremlin boss is a better leader than U.S. President Barack Obama. Clinton has accused Trump of being too cosy with Putin and questioned his business interests in Russia.In other comments that have delighted Moscow, Trump has questioned the value of NATO for Washington, has spoken ambiguously about Russia's 2014 annexation of Ukraine's Crimea and suggested that the United States under his leadership would adopt a more isolationist foreign policy."He (Trump) won't care about Syria, Libya and Iraq and why an earth should America interfere in these countries? And Ukraine. Who needs Ukraine?," said Zhirinovsky, who once counted himself a friend of Iraq's Saddam Hussein and Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi and whose deaths he still laments."Trump will have a brilliant chance to make relations more peaceful ... He's the only one who can do this," he said, adding that Trump could even win a Nobel peace prize.

CLINTON "CRAVES POWER"

In contrast, Zhirinovsky described Clinton as "an evil mother-in law" and said her record as secretary of state under Obama in 2009-2013 showed she was unfit to lead her country."She craves power. Her view is that Hillary is the most important person on the planet, that America is an exceptional country, as Barack Obama said," said Zhirinovsky. "That's dangerous. She could start a nuclear war."In typically chauvinistic remarks, Zhirinovsky said Clinton's gender should also bar her from the presidency."Most Americans should choose Trump because men have been leading for millions of year. You can't take the risk of having one of the richest, most powerful countries led by a woman president," he said.Asked about lewd comments Trump made about women in 2005 that have harmed his campaign, Zhirinovsky defended the Republican: "Men all round the world sometimes say such things that are just for their comrades. We must only consider his business (and political) qualities."Though Putin and Trump have never met, Zhirinovsky said he believed they could establish a close working relationship, adding: "Victory for Trump would be a gift to humanity. But if Hillary Clinton wins it will be the last U.S. president ever." (Editing by Christian Lowe and Gareth Jones)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Lahore: The parents of slain social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch on Wednesday said they will not pardon their son for killing his sister in the name of "honour" and wish he is sent to the gallows for the "cold blooded" murder.

The family is already barred from pardoning Qandeel's brother who has confessed to have strangulated her as Pakistan government, in an unusual move, turned plaintiff in the high-profile murder case. "I will not forgive my son for what he has done. My wife and I want to see our son - Muhammad Waseem - and other suspects to be hanged for their unforgivable crime," Qandeel's father Muhammad Azeem said.

Talking to reporters, he said he would feel happy if the suspects - his son and three others - were sent to gallows or at least get life imprisonment. "Waseem snatched from us our beautiful Qandeel. In fact, she was our son who would take better case of us," he said.

Qandeel's mother Anwar Mai also shared the sentiments of his husband, saying "there is no question of pardoning Waseem who killed my beautiful daughter in cold blood". Last week, the government led by PML-N passed fresh piece of legislation aimed at closing loopholes which previously allowed killers to walk free.

According to Capital Police Officer (CPO) Azhar Akram, Section 311 has been added to the FIR, meaning 'qisas' or pardoning cannot take place. Akram earlier said that with the state becoming the plaintiff, Qandeel's father, who is complainant of the case, would not be able to forgive his son and other suspects for his daughter's murder if at any point he decided to do so.

The 26-year-old actor-cum-model was killed in central district of Multan on 15 July allegedly by Waseem, who has confessed to have administered a sedative to her before strangulating her to death for the "honour of the family".

Waseem said he killed his sister due to her social media activities, which included a series of risque video posts with prominent cleric Mufti Qavi. Azeem had lodged the FIR and named his two sons for killing her in Multan, where she had come from Karachi to live with her parents on the occasion of Eid. The latest development comes after Mai claimed Qavi, who was suspended from top religious body Ruet-e-Hilal Committee in the controversy following Qandeel's video posts with him, had "provoked" her son into murdering her daughter.

Police also included Qavi in the murder investigation of Qandeel but later cleared him after finding no proof against him. The 'honour-killing' had sent shockwaves across the country and triggered an outpouring of grief on social media for Qandeel.
New York: Several members of the Sikh community held a protest outside the UN headquarters in New York to raise their concerns over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and its impact on the lives of the people in Punjab.

The 'Save Punjab Rally', organised on Tuesday by rights group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in collaboration with civil rights groups and management committees of the Sikh temples across North America, also demanded a referendum in Punjab.

During the rally, held across the street from the UN headquarters, the demonstrators, including several pro-Khalistan Sikhs, carried placards that read 'Boycott India's Jingoistic War' and 'Support Punjab Referendum.'

SFJ also submitted a communique to officials from Uruguay's Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Uruguay is one of the 15 members of the Security Council and is due to hold the Presidency of the Council in January.

The communique alleged that the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan is forcing thousands of Sikh farmers in Punjab to evacuate their homes, "turning them into refugees."

SFJ Legal Advisor said war is not a solution, adding that a referendum should be conducted in Punjab.

Panic gripped the residents of villages in many border districts of Punjab after reports of escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan spread, following a surgical strike by the army on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 28.

Authorities have also begun evacuating people residing in the villages falling within 10 kilometres of international border. Heads of local gurdwaras, temples with the help of Sarpanches have asked the people to evacuate at the earliest in the light of escalating situation.

Punjab shares a 553-km border with Pakistan. It has six districts which lie close to the international border. There are some 135 villages which lie very close to the IB.
WASHINGTON Donald Trump said on Tuesday he does not want House Speaker Paul Ryan's support after Ryan broke with the Republican presidential nominee over a leaked recording of Trump making lewd comments about women."I dont want his support, I dont care about his support," Trump said, according to excerpts of an interview with Fox News.Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, told party lawmakers on Monday he would not campaign for Trump and would instead concentrate on retaining Republican control of Congress in the Nov. 8 elections.

(Reporting by Eric Beech; Editing by Eric Walsh)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Paris: Russian President Vladimir Putin cancelled a planned visit to Paris because he was "embarrassed" about Russia's bombing of the Syrian city of Aleppo, the French foreign minister said Wednesday.

Putin had been due in Paris on 19 October to inaugurate a spiritual centre at a new Russian Orthodox church near the Eiffel Tower and open an exhibition of artworks assembled by a Russian collector.

But French President Francois Hollande insisted Putin also took part in talks with him about Syria, where Moscow is providing military support to the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

The Kremlin cancelled Putin's trip on Tuesday.

"Vladimir Putin refused to come and talk about Syria, that's what we must remember. And I regret that," French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said on Europe 1 radio.

Considering the situation in Syria, Ayrault said it would have been "completely surreal" for Putin to come and not discuss the conflict.

"In reality, Vladimir Putin has stepped up his bombardment of Aleppo, so I imagine coming to Paris to talk about Syria would have been very embarrassing," he said.

Russia has been waging a punishing aerial bombing campaign in Syria for more than a year in support of Assad's forces, part of a multi-front war that has claimed some 300,000 lives and seen Moscow further estranged from the West.

On Saturday, Moscow blocked a draft French UN resolution calling for an end to air strikes on rebel-held eastern Aleppo that have escalated in the last month, leaving hundreds of people dead, including dozens of children.

Asked about British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson's call for demonstrations outside the Russian embassy in London, Ayrault said: "Is it the job of a foreign minister to organise demonstrations?"
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This image, captured with the VISTA infrared survey telescope, as part of the Variables in the Via Lactea (VVV) ESO public survey, shows the central part of the Milky Way. While normally hidden behind obscuring dust, the infrared capabilities of VISTA allow to study the stars close to the galactic center. Within this field of view astronomers detected several ancient stars, of a type known as RR Lyrae. As RR Lyrae stars typically reside in ancient stellar populations over 10 billion years old, this discovery suggests that the bulging center of the Milky Way likely grew through the merging of primordial star clusters. Credit: ESO/VVV Survey/D. Minniti

Ancient stars, of a type known as RR Lyrae, have been discovered in the center of the Milky Way for the first time, using ESO's infrared VISTA telescope. RR Lyrae stars typically reside in ancient stellar populations over 10 billion years old. Their discovery suggests that the bulging center of the Milky Way likely grew through the merging of primordial star clusters. These stars may even be the remains of the most massive and oldest surviving star cluster of the entire Milky Way.

A team led by Dante Minniti (Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile) and Rodrigo Contreras Ramos (Instituto Milenio de Astrofisica, Santiago, Chile) used observations from the VISTA infrared survey telescope, as part of the Variables in the Via Lactea (VVV) ESO public survey, to carefully search the central part of the Milky Way. By observing infrared light, which is less affected by cosmic dust than visible light, and exploiting the excellent conditions at ESO's Paranal Observatory, the team was able to get a clearer view of this region than ever before. They found a dozen ancient RR Lyrae stars at the heart of the Milky Way that were previously unknown.

Our Milky Way has a densely populated centrea feature common to many galaxies, but unique in that it is close enough to study in depth. This discovery of RR Lyrae stars provides compelling evidence that helps astronomers decide between two main competing theories for how these bulges form.

RR Lyrae stars are typically found in dense globular clusters. They are variable stars, and the brightness of each RR Lyrae star fluctuates regularly. By observing the length of each cycle of brightening and dimming in an RR Lyrae, and also measuring the star's brightness, astronomers can calculate its distance.

Unfortunately, these excellent distance-indicator stars are frequently outshone by younger, brighter stars and in some regions they are hidden by dust. Therefore, locating RR Lyrae stars right in the extremely crowded heart of the Milky Way was not possible until the public VVV survey was carried out using infrared light. Even so, the team described the task of locating the RR Lyrae stars in amongst the crowded throng of brighter stars as "daunting".

Their hard work was rewarded, however, with the identification of a dozen RR Lyrae stars. Their discovery indicate that remnants of ancient globular clusters are scattered within the centre of the Milky Way's bulge.

Rodrigo Contreras Ramos elaborates: "This discovery of RR Lyrae Stars in the centre of the Milky Way has important implications for the formation of galactic nuclei. The evidence supports the scenario in which the bulge was originally made out of a few globular clusters that merged."

The theory that galactic bulges form through the merging of globular clusters is contested by the competing hypothesis that these bulges are actually due to the rapid accretion of gas. The unearthing of these RR Lyrae starsalmost always found in globular clustersisvery strong evidence that the Milky Way bulge did in fact form through merging. By extension, all other similar galactic bulges may have formed the same way.

Not only are these stars powerful evidence for an important theory of galactic evolution, they are also likely to be over 10 billion years oldthe dim, but dogged survivors of perhaps the oldest and most massive star cluster within the Milky Way.

This research was presented in a paper to appear in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Provided by ESO
Gemini Observatory GeMS image of NGC 6624 revealing individual stars to the clusters core. The Clusters age as determined with this study is between 11.5-12.5 billion years old, which confirms that it formed when the Universe was only a fraction of its current age of about 13.8 billion years. Composite color image by Travis Rector, University of Alaska Anchorage. Credit: Gemini Observatory/AURA

An international team of astronomers, using the Gemini Multi-conjugate adaptive optics System (GeMS) and the high resolution camera GSAOI, brought the ancient globular cluster NGC 6624 into razor-sharp focus and determined its age with very high accuracya challenging observation even from space. In addition to producing a beautiful image, this work will ultimately help astronomers to better understand the formation and evolution of our Galaxy during its earliest development when the Universe was less than two billion years old.

Researchers using advanced adaptive optics technology at the Gemini South telescope in Chile probed the depths of the highly compact globular cluster NGC 6624, revealing pinpoint images of thousands of stars. The sharpness of the near-infrared images is competitive with that obtained from space with the Hubble Space Telescope in optical light. "With images this sharp, astronomers can do things that we never dreamed were possible from the ground," says team member Douglas Geisler of the University of Concepcion in Chile.

The team obtained the imaging data using two filters that are sensitive to specific wavelength bands of near-infrared light, then plotted them on a color-magnitude diagram  a technique that reveals details about the evolutionary history of the cluster's stars. The results of this research will be published in the Astrophysical Journal. According to first author Sara Saracino from the University of Bologna, this is the most accurate, and deepest, near-infrared color-magnitude diagram ever produced of this cluster and indeed perhaps the best-ever made for any bulge cluster.

CMDs of NGC6624 obtained from the Gemini observations. All the main evolutionary sequences of the cluster are well visible. These NIR diagrams turn out to be comparable to the HST optical ones, both in depth and in photometric accuracy. The photometric errors for each in of Ks and J magnitudes are shown on the right side of the panels. Credit: Gemini Observatory

The observations provide a clear detection of the so-called "main-sequence knee," a distinctive bend in the evolutionary track of low mass main sequence stars (those that burn hydrogen into helium at their cores). This feature is extremely faint and therefore difficult to detect. This is the first time this feature has been identified in this globular cluster. "Analysis of these razor-sharp images, and the very deep color-magnitude diagram, allows us to determine the age of the cluster to extremely high precision," says Saracino. In turn, this helps to better understand the formation and evolution of our Milky Way bulge, which may well be the oldest component of the Galaxy. The new Gemini data reveal that the age of NGC 6624 is between 11.5-12.5 billion years old, almost as old as the Universe itself  estimated to be about 13.8 billion years old.

NGC 6624 is also interesting because it has been classified as what astronomers call a post-core collapse cluster, meaning that this is a highly evolved system. The high quality of the data also allowed the researchers to perform a detailed study of the distribution of main-sequence stars of different masses outward from the center. As expected for such a highly evolved system, the team found evidence of a significant increase in low-mass stars at increasing distances from the cluster center.

This study is part of a much larger research program aimed at shedding new light on the still debated processes that formed the Milky Way's bulge using its globular cluster population. Due to the large amount of absorption by material between the stars in the Milky Way Galaxy, detailed studies of bulge globular clusters have been severely hampered until now. Geisler notes that the advent of the GeMS instrument now allows astronomers to penetrate the dust and study these clusters in the great detail they deserve. "It will certainly continue to provide us with very important clues about how our Galaxy formed and evolved," he says.

More information: Ultra-deep GEMINI near-infrared observations of the bulge globular cluster NGC 6624. arxiv.org/abs/1609.02152 Journal information: Astrophysical Journal
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Not happy with any of the eight people on the presidential ballot in Idaho? There are also 37 write-in choices, although theres a good chance you havent heard of most of them.

A few people have also filed as write-ins for some state legislative seats, although none of them are in the Magic Valley, according to the list the Idaho Secretary of States office sent out to county clerks across the state. And Pro-Life  a person and perennial candidate formerly named Marvin Richardson  has filed as a write-in in the First Congressional District, which is currently represented by Republican U.S. Rep. Raul Labrador.

I am still checking on write-ins in any of our county-level races. Nobody filed in Jerome or Twin Falls counties. In Lincoln County, Cresley McConnell and Verlon Southwick have filed to take on Rene Rodriguez again  they came in second and third, respectively, against Rodriguez in the five-way GOP sheriffs primary in May.

As for the Legislature, Greg Pruett, the head of the Idaho Second Amendment Alliance, the gun-rights group that was instrumental in pushing this years repeal of the requirement for a concealed carry permit within city limits, has filed to run as a write-in against Christy Perry, R-Nampa. Perry, you may remember, has been in the news since east Idaho blogger Lance Earl accused her and Sen. Jim Guthrie, R-McCammon, based largely on what he says he learned from Guthries ex-wife, of having an affair. Perry admitted to making a terrible mistake with a friend in the Legislature a couple of years ago but said much of the specifics of the allegations werent true and that there was no ongoing affair. A legislative investigation found one travel expense reimbursement Guthrie may have filed improperly but no other improprieties with state money. Guthrie and Perry have both apologized.

William Sifford of McCall has filed to run as a write-in for state Senate against Steven Thayn, R-Emmett. Ryan Thompson of Boise is running as a write-in against state Sen. Grant Burgoyne, D-Boise, and Democrat Jim Francis, of Idaho Falls, is running a write-in campaign against Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis, R-Idaho Falls.

Davis is unopposed otherwise, while the others mentioned all also have opponents whose names will be on the ballot. Click here to see the list of everyone on the ballot for state and federal offices.

Out of the write-in candidates for president here, six have Idaho addresses  Timothy Helgerson of Nampa; Steven Malloy of Pocatello; Reverend MsMere of Boise; Nicola Niki Jo Taysom of Pocatello; Chris Lacy of Boise; and Janet Reid of Rigby.

I did a quick Google search on all six of them and didnt find much other than a lawsuit Taysom filed in 2012 that, according to U.S. District Court Judge Lynn Winmills ruling dismissing it, alleged criminality by 21 political figures and was as vast as it is incomprehensible, including accusations of alliances with China and Russia and a discussion integrating First Amendment jurisprudence with the healing power of Christs divine Priesthood Authority and a description of the ambitions of Secretary of State Hilary Clinton to become the Antichrist. ... Claiming her concerns were ignored at a city council meeting in Pocatello, Plaintiff now seeks relief for what she calls her constitutional claims in this Court.

The defendants ranged from the Mayor of Pocatello to President Barack Obama and included, Lynmill wrote, a Senator Larry Crapo.

Likely, Plaintiff meant either former U.S. Senator Larry Craig or current U.S. Senator Mike Crapo, the judge wrote.

Winmill concluded that the attempt of a private citizen to lump the President of the United States and the Mayor of Pocatello (along with a non-existent Senator) together in her own do-it-yourself treason prosecution can be dismissed without further discussion.
Perhaps no issue has been as controversial among Idaho hunters as the idea of auction tags, which would give the highest bidder access to some of the most sought-after hunts in the state.

It has led to a major shakeup on the Idaho Fish and Game Commission, behind-the-scenes arm-twisting and a major division within Idahos hunting community.

At the bottom is a fundamental dispute about how hunting rights should work.

One side sees Idaho as the last true bastion of the North American Model under which game animals and the right to hunt them are shared by all, and each person has an equal shot at a coveted hunt, regardless of means.

Idaho is unique in the Western states, said former Fish and Game Commissioner Mark Doerr. We are one of the only states that does not have a major auction tag program. Its still a state where a hunter can buy a tag over the counter and go hunt.

The other side thinks the state is leaving lots of money on the table by refusing to issue more auction tags, money that could be used to maintain the health of game populations.

If (wealthy hunters) can contribute, I think we need to give them the opportunity, said Doug Sayer, chief business officer of Premier Technology and a longtime advocate of expanding auction tags.

The debate over auction tags came to a head during the January legislative session, when Sen. Steve Bair, R-Blackfoot, and House Majority Leader Mike Moyle, R-Star, introduced a bill that would have forced the Fish and Game Commission to issue a number of auction tags.

A bill enacted several years ago allowed the Fish and Game Commission to issue about a dozen auction tags per year, but each year the commission has decided against the idea. Bairs and Moyles bill would have changed language that said the commission may issue tags, to language saying the commission shall issue such tags, forcing their hand.

That bill didnt make it far, in part because of vocal opposition from sportsmens groups and few indications that lawmakers could expect support from the Fish and Game Commission.

A few months later, Gov. C.L. Butch Otter decided not to re-appoint Fish and Game commissioners Will Naillon, of Challis, and Doerr, of Kimberly, a move that was widely seen as an effort to push them out because of their stance on auction tags.

Thats most certainly the main issue, Naillon said.

Otter refused to comment.

Naillon said he asked two questions of any proposal put to him as a commissioner: What is good for wildlife? and How does this benefit the average sportsman? And while he saw that a few auction tags could raise lots of money for wildlife conservation, he worries it could also be the first step down a road that leads Idaho away from an equitable model of hunting access.

Its a small step, but its a step in the wrong direction, he said.

Utah has enthusiastically embraced auction tags, and it now sells hundreds of them every year under its conservation permit program. The program in Utah generated some $33 million between 2001 and 2014 for groups such as the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation which work to make sure game species are healthy.

Kenny Johnson, chief of the Administrative Services Section of the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, said the sale of auction tags has greatly benefited game management.

The fear is you lose some public permits, he said. On the opposite end, (its) in trade for some of the stuff the state agencies dont have resources for.

The benefits can be large for species such as bighorn sheep, Johnson said. With such a rare species, the state can issue only a few tags each year. So unless those tags fetch a hefty sum, there isnt enough money for projects meant to help the species recover. But by auctioning off those tags, the state raises a lot more revenue.

There are very few of those, Johnson said. Theyre worth a lot on the open market.

Sayer pointed out that many funds raised through auction tag sales are matched three-to-one with federal money collected through taxes on guns and ammunition.

If you sell a bighorn sheep tag for $100,000, that can mean $400,000 for conservation projects, he said.

Idaho auctions one bighorn sheep tag for a hunt near Hells Canyon each year, and Sayer sees it as a model for similar programs for moose, mountain goat and other big game species.

In my mind its a program thats worked for almost three decades, he said.

But where Johnson and Sayer see a success story in Utah, some sportsmen say issuing more auction tags could push Idaho toward a future in which hunting is a rich mans sport.

Idaho State Bowhunters president Tad Sherman, who just returned from a bowhunting trip during which his 11-year-old son bagged a deer, said hunting is an integral part of his family life. He typically gets tags for multiple species each year.

Its something I have the opportunity to do every year, he said. In Utah you have to hope that you can draw a tag. You might be sitting three or five years waiting for a hunt.

And for Sherman, that would mean missing out on opportunities to bond with his son. For him, hunting is really about spending time in camp with his family, exploring the woods with friends and putting meat on the table. If he gets a trophy buck, thats a good year, but it isnt why he loves hunting.

Naillon, too, worries that moving toward more auction tags might fundamentally change Idaho hunting culture and the nature of game management.

Idaho manages to get as many people out in the field that they can, Naillon said. Utah manages for trophy hunters.
The requirements for boater registration are changing in 2017. The new rules include mandatory verification of a boat owners hull identification number.

These changes, while were just implementing them, have been in the works for a number of years in all states, said Tammy Kolsky, program manager for campground reservations and registrations at Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

According to the departments website, the U.S. Coast Guard implemented the changes to improve boater safety and enhance law enforcement capabilities.

The Coast Guard manages multiple systems of information, including vehicle identification and an accident reporting system. According to Kolsky, the new regulations will help to create a more universal information system.

The idea is to make sure the systems we use are common and the data in them has the same formatting and requirements, Kolsky said. Its shared across this system, and its used for a number of reasons.

One of these reasons is to make sure authorities can identify the owner of the vessel, which can be for the owners protection if they lose the vessel or for homeland security purposes.

Its to make sure that were tying the vessel owner to the vessel and the unique identifiers on a vessel, Kolsky said. So that hasnt really changed.

What has changed, according to Kolsky, is the requirement that Parks and Recreation verify that it has a properly formatted hull ID number. Similar to a VIN on a vehicle, the HIN is the number stamped on a boat by the manufacturer. This number must be identical to the one on a boaters registration.

Although the new boater registration changes dont take effect until 2017, Kolsky said, counties throughout Idaho have been helping boat owners prepare.

The Department of Transportation has actually taken a look at every titled vessel that was registered in 2015 and 2016 so that those boats would be good to go in 2017 registration, Kolsky said. A number of different marine law enforcement agencies were doing inspections to help out over the summer when they did routine safety inspections also.
$1 million settlement approved for man hit with stun gun

POST FALLS  The family of a Post Falls man who was left permanently disabled after being hit with a stun gun by police in 2012 will receive more than $1 million as part of a settlement.

The Coeur dAlene Press reports that Kootenai County and Post Falls and Correctional Healthcare Management, which provided medical services to jail inmates in 2012, will both pay the settlement to 66-year-old Marvin Ball.

Ball was involved in an altercation with Post Falls police in 2012 that resulted in him being hit with a stun gun. Ball later had a stroke while being held at the Kootenai County jail, and his attorneys argue there was a lack of response to Balls deteriorating health that led to irreversible medical issues.

Caldwell-area shelter president, executive director resign

CALDWELL  Amid financial questions, the board president and interim executive director of the West Valley Human Society have resigned.

The Idaho Press-Tribune reports that the shelter announced the resignation of Board President Brenda Cameron and interim Executive Director Susan Woodward on Monday afternoon.

The resignations come after governmental entities, including the cities of Nampa and Caldwell and Canyon County, began considering a financial audit of the shelter after a number of late invoices.

Complaints have also led the cities and county to seek the appointment of a member to the shelters board.

Shelter officials say they will work with the Idaho Humane Society to begin restructuring management.

Business lobby endorses Dem opponent over N. Idaho lawmaker

BOISE  Idahos pro-business lobby says Republican state Rep. Heather Scott has one of the worst voting records on supporting commerce and has decided to throw its support behind her Democratic opponent.

Kate McAlister is the only non-incumbent the Idaho Association of Commerce and Industry has endorsed during this years general election.

Zach Hauge, political director for the influential lobbying arm, says McAlister has a history of supporting commerce because she is currently the president of the chamber of commerce in Sandpoint.

Scott, who is running for her second term, has been praised by the far right groups for voting no on most bills and opposing refugee resettlement in Idaho. Her northern Idaho legislative district swings overwhelmingly Republican.

Scott didnt return calls asking for comment.
TWIN FALLS  Support may come from unexpected places.

Thats what firefighter Mitch Silvestor learned as he mourned the loss of his husband last year. Silvestors story brought tears to the eyes of listeners as he described the last hours of his loved ones life, filled with hospital visitors and condolences.

There are good people everywhere, Silvestor said.

A focus on the positive was the goal of the Magic Valley Pride group Tuesday night during its first National Coming Out Day event at the College of Southern Idaho. Speakers from the Magic Valley and beyond came to tell their stories of coming out, support, self-confidence, understanding and embracing their sexuality. But these were also joined by stories of struggle, doubt, fear and loss.

Its OK to accept yourself and be confident, said Keelia Swafford as she talked about coming out as bisexual. If you be yourself, people might criticize you, but be yourself anyway.

Cody Hafer, with Magic Valley Pride, talked about growing up in Twin Falls and his struggles throughout high school. He told his family he was gay when he was in college and was thankful for his parents and brothers support.

But there were still struggles, even after gay marriage was legalized, he said. Many people associate gay men with HIV, AIDS and bars, Hafer said.

Were still fighting for equality in this country in so many ways, he said. We still have a journey ahead of us.

Some speakers, such as Camille Ramsey of Boise, told stories of their loved ones coming out. Ramseys brother, Kirk, grew up in Filer with a conservative family in the 1950s. He didnt tell them he was gay until the 70s, when he lived in California.

I always felt that my job was to protect Kirk, she said. To protect him from his brothers. To protect him from Filer, Idaho.

Jen Blair said she didnt know anything about what it was like to be gay until she talked to her 16-year-old son about it.

He didnt expect me to understand everything, she said.

After telling her the truth, her son became a more positive person and Blair said she learned a lot from him.

Before the event, LGBTQI ally and Magic Valley Pride youth services director Candise Ramsey expressed admiration for those speaking, saying they were brave to talk to a group. For her, National Coming Out Day meant supporting the community and their efforts to be treated with respect.

National Coming Out Day is celebrated Oct. 11 as the anniversary of the National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights. Tuesday marked the 28th anniversary of the celebration.
TWIN FALLS  An off-duty police sergeant, suspicious of a San Diego man who asked him for directions, alerted officers who later found nearly two pounds of methamphetamine in the mans rental car, police said.

Jose Anthony Mouw, 44, was arraigned Tuesday in Twin Falls County Magistrate Court on felony counts of trafficking in methamphetamine and possession of a controlled substance.

Prosecutors say Mouw has a long criminal history dating back to the early 90s with at least half a dozen convictions for various drug sale crimes.

On Friday, police reported finding 1.76 pounds of methamphetamine in Mouws trunk, and they said it was wrapped in cedar branches aimed at disguising the smell.

Twin Falls Police Officer Bradley Baisch reported that Sgt. Kevin Loosli called him Friday night and told him about a man acting suspiciously, Baisch wrote in a sworn affidavit. The man, later identified as Mouw, approached the off-duty police sergeant in the parking lot of Target and asked him for directions to Wal-Mart.

Loosli found this odd as the male was in the parking lot to Target and Winco, and the three stores all sell similar items, Baisch said. Loosli also advised me the male was driving a rental car bearing Arizona license plates  and he was not carrying any luggage.

Loosli followed Mouw to Wal-Mart, where it appeared he purchased a pay-per-minute cellphone, court documents said.

Later, after stopping him for a traffic violation, officers found Mouws car littered with other items they said hinted at long-distance drug trafficking, like empty energy drink cans, fast food wrappers, a cooler, a butane fuel canister, several knives and three cellphones.

Mouw told officers he was driving from San Diego to Nampa to visit a cousin who was recently in a car crash, and he denied being on probation or parole, court documents said. When Baischs service dog alerted on the car, officers searched the vehicle and found marijuana and pills.

But the biggest discovery was in the trunk, where police found a plastic sack holding two large, black packages wrapped in cedar branches, Baisch said. Both packages were filled with methamphetamine, and the cedar branches were an attempt to mask the smell.

Mouw is being held in the Twin Falls County Jail in lieu of $100,000 bond, and a preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 21.
TWIN FALLS  A prosecutor, defense attorney and judge all expressed hope that a therapeutic program directed by the Idaho Department of Correction will help rehabilitate a 19-year-old who pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a minor.

District Judge Richard Bevan on Tuesday sentenced Jacob Edward Morgan to five to 15 years in prison, but Morgan could avoid the prison term if he performs well in an IDOC retained jurisdiction program, commonly known as a Rider.

Morgan was charged earlier this year with sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl and raping a 17-year-old girl when he was 18. In August, prosecutors dropped both charges in exchange for Morgan pleading guilty to a felony count of sexual abuse of a minor under 16.

The plea deal, Twin Falls County Prosecutor Grant Loebs said in August, likely produced the same outcome a trial would have.

Given the evidence we had on (the rape) charge and the other charges, this was the best way to resolve the cases, Loebs said Aug. 15 when Morgan pleaded guilty.

On Tuesday, Bevan sentenced Morgan to a sex-offender treatment Rider. Hell also have to register as a sex offender and a pay a $1,000 fine.

Looking at the presentence information that we received, this is really the way to go, and Im pretty hopeful that this will work out for him, Deputy Prosecutor Suzanne Craig said Tuesday.

Keith Roark, Morgans attorney, said Tuesday his client struggles with impulse control but was honest and forthcoming about his sexual history during the presentence investigation and psychosexual evaluation. Roark said Morgan will benefit from medication and the programming available through the Rider.

I have every reason to believe hell be successful, Roark said. Jacob understands this isnt a final sentence, but an opportunity to avail himself of the programming in the retained jurisdiction program.

Roark said Morgan has spent 205 days in jail, a place where bad habits can be picked up, but is ready to undergo treatment.

Morgan himself acknowledged an extensive criminal history and extensive sexual history.

But Im ready to turn over a new leaf, Morgan said, and I believe that this rider program can help me.

I think this is one of those cases where this could be a critical turning point in this young mans life, Roark said. I hope all of those things will prove themselves to be true.

Bevans optimism was slightly more tempered, and he attributed that to Morgans unsuccessful time in a youth corrections program, citing the programs directors who said Morgan failed to take it seriously and had deficient and unacceptable behavior.

Youre at a crossroads, Bevan told Morgan. This is the time to take things really seriously, and I hope youll do that  The key here is to get in, follow the rules and do what they tell you with the hope of getting probation down the road.
TWIN FALLS  A teen charged with threatening to stab a man in June during a racially-charged road-rage incident pleaded guilty Tuesday but said he pulled the knife in self-defense.

Police said Collin Champ Ramsey, 18, of Twin Falls yelled at Saif A. Al Kurdi to go back to his own country and threatened to stab him in his ribs following a road-rage incident June 13 at the Magic Valley Mall.

According to a police report, Ramsey was a passenger in a truck that night when he flipped off Al Kurdi, who was driving another car with his girlfriend. When Al Kurdi followed the truck to the Magic Valley Mall parking lot, Ramsey confronted Al Kurdi and threatened to stab him in the ribs.

Al Kurdi told police Ramsey was swearing at him and pushed him, then said youre not from America, go back to your own country. Ramsey also told police he asked Al Kurdi this is America, where the (expletive) are you from?

Ramseys attorney, Carlos Rodriguez, said the incident did happen apparently the way its described in the police report, but added that Ramsey in actuality wasnt aiming to stab anyone or anything of that nature.

He did pull a knife, Rodriguez said in court Tuesday. I know the intention in his mind was more of mitigation ... I think in his mind he wasnt intending to stab anyone. I think in his mind he pulled it out to show the other person  if something happened and he needed to defend himself, that he would have.

As part of a plea deal, prosecutors dismissed a weapon enhancement that could have added up to 15 years to any potential prison sentence. Prosecutors also agreed to seek a two to five year prison term that Ramsey could avoid by successfully completing a therapeutic and educational retained jurisdiction program, commonly known as a Rider.

Rodriguez did not indicate what sentence hell seek for his client, but mentioned that Ramsey is applying to a mental health court program.

The plea deal was not a binding Rule-11 agreement, so Ramseys sentence will ultimately rest on the decision of 5th District Judge Richard Bevan.
BOISE  IDeal, Idahos 529 college savings program, is celebrating its 15-year anniversary.

Created by the Idaho legislature and launched in 2001, the state-sponsored program has helped more than 37,500 families, the program announced Tuesday.

In total, theres 1,842 accounts held in south-central Idaho. Heres the breakdown by county: 718 in Twin Falls County, 117 in Jerome County, 15 in Lincoln County, 664 in Blaine County, six in Camas County, 169 in Cassia County, 81 in Gooding County and 72 in Minidoka County.

IDeal also offers a state tax deduction ($4,000 for single filers and $8,000 for married filers), and earnings are not subject to state or federal tax if used on qualified expenses.

IDeal allows its account owners friends and family to contribute directly to the IDeal account. To date, $3.9 million has been gifted to IDeal beneficiaries.

Four in 10 IDeal accounts are opened because of the birth of a child. The average age of an IDeal beneficiary is 13 years old.

Studies show students with college savings accounts are up to seven times more likely to go on to higher education if they own a college savings account regardless of the account balance.

The top 10 universities where IDeal beneficiaries use their funds are: University of Idaho, Boise State University, University of Puget Sound, Gonzaga University, College of Idaho, Idaho State University, Willamette University, Northwest Nazarene University, Montana State University and Santa Clara University.
ALMO  Police say an Almo woman was either thrown or tried to jump from her truck Sunday when its brakes failed.

Chalet Ann Ward, 35, of Almo was killed when her 1960 Ford well-drilling truck crashed on a steep grade coming off the summit at Connor Creek at the junction of Idaho 77 and the Elma-Almo road.

About 6:30 p.m., police said, Wards truck traveled through the barrow pit, jumped part of the road, landed and turned onto the drivers side.

Cassia County Undersheriff George Warrell said the door of the truck was open and it is unclear whether Ward was thrown or attempted to jump.

She was run over by the truck, Warrell said. It appears that she was trying to get out but we just dont know for sure.

She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators couldnt determine how fast the truck was going, Warrell said.

Wards husband, Lucas Ward, was killed in a crash in February 2015 about three miles south of Elba. The couple had five children.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the Almo LDS Church, with Bishop Jason Tracy officiating. Burial will be in the Sunny Cedar Rest Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6-8 p.m. Friday the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 9:30-10:45 a.m. Saturday at the church.
BURLEY  Potato giant J.R. Simplot has its taters in a twist and has filed a federal lawsuit against McCain Foods, claiming the company copied its idea for a twisty french fry it calls the Sidewinder.

Simplot wants the court to award three times the damages, with the amount to be proven at trial, to compensate for willful patent infringement plus interest. It also wants a permanent injunction to keep McCain from further infringement.

McCains conduct has caused and will cause great and irreparable harm to Simplot in an amount which cannot be adequately remedied by money damages, leaving Simplot with no adequate remedy at law, Simplot attorneys wrote in the complaint.

A summons for McCain was filed Tuesday, and the company has 21 days from the time the company receives it to file an answer.

Neither company responded to requests from the Times-News for comment on the lawsuit, filed Friday in U.S. District Court.

McCain and Simplot are two of three major companies competing in the U.S. french fries and frozen potato market.

In 2013, Simplot introduced Sidewinder fries with a distinctive twist design. They were an overnight success, attorneys said.

The company reconfigured its production lines and added hardware to its Caldwell facility to keep up with consumer demands for the product, the suit said.

In the suit, Simplot says its growth is linked to its innovation and experience, and that it invests heavily to protect its intellectual property.

Sidewinders were invented as an alternative to traditionally shaped fries and are offered in several varieties including craft beer batter, seasoned crisps and smokey barbecue.

The company says it has a patent covering the ornamental features of the product.

Rather than develop its own frozen potato design, McCain copied Simplot with its own Twisted Potato in an attempt to piggyback off of Simplots investment and to ride the coattails of Simplots success, the suit says.

In June, McCain began advertising, promoting and offering its copycat Twisted Potato products for sale in the U.S. in an effort to unfairly compete against the company and cut into Simplots 100 percent share of the Sidewinders market, the suit says.

The Twisted Potato fries are deceptively and confusing similar to the Simplots fries and customers are likely to confuse the products and their sources of origin, according to the suit.

J.R. Jack Simplot started the Simplot company in 1929 in Declo. The company grew from one-man farming operations to one of the largest privately owned agribusiness companies in the world.

Simplot is now headquartered in Boise, and McCains U.S. headquarters are in Lisle, Ill.
The big unasked question on the debate stage Sunday night was: Wheres Mike Pence?

Since the video of Donald Trump admitting to sexual assault came out on Friday and Republicans ran for the hills, Pence had gone to ground. He bailed on filling in for Trump at the fall picnic of Speaker Paul Ryan (who was sickened by the revelations). Pence emerged only to go to church. There was talk of a President Pence. No one would have been surprised if Pence had asked to get off the ticket.

But Pence came home. Minutes after Trump stopped stalking Hillary Clinton on stage and lowered his fists, Pence tweeted: Congrats to my running mate on a big debate win! Proud to stand with you as we.

Trump has little chance of making America great again without Pence by his side. Without Pence, the center of Trumps coalition would not hold. But Trump did nothing to lure Pence back into the fold. To the contrary, he said during the debate that the two hadnt even been in touch.

Yet there was Pence on TV early Monday morning in full admiration mode, as if something had changed since he was offended on Friday. The Indiana governor listed his usual warnings about what a disaster Clinton would be, along with a big Indiana hug: Pence compared the change Trump would bring to the White House to that of John Kennedy. Only Jesus could be more forgiving.

However, the damage was done. Pence disappeared just when Republicans had started to count on him to be the adult who will not leave Trump alone in the White House.

Trump needed him more than ever, but deep-sixed Pence without a flicker of concern when moderator Martha Raddatz read Pences answer on Russias role in Syria  at odds with Trumps answer on the same subject. Given a choice between Pence or Putin, Trump chose Putin. Of Pence, Trump said curtly: He and I havent spoken, and I disagree.

Havent spoken should not have been an option for Trump, given what he was putting Pence through. In an interview Monday, Pence said he talked to his mother over the weekend. (I defy you to imagine these two devout Midwesterners talking around the topic of the lewd tape that has been playing in a near continuous loop since Friday.) He then pleaded for grace and redemption for the man he was proud to stand by.

Of course, Trumps way of life means never having to say youre sorry. But he should be more careful to keep Pence around. Trump apparently forgets that Pence has a rosy future in the GOP to protect  a future at risk already, as Nebraskas governor just canceled a fundraiser with him for Tuesday.

From the outset, hes treated Pence  a church-going, Bible-reading, long-married Hoosier  as a second, or third, banana. Boring at best. Trump let it be known that he almost didnt choose Pence. He ignored Pence like a potted palm on stage while he rambled on for 30 minutes before introducing him.

Pence has had a weekend of hearing how much better he is than the top of the ticket, how happy many Republicans would be if Trump would resign and the party meeting Monday night could treat Trump as dead and proceed to name Pence the nominee. Given the late hour, thats an unlikely scenario.

Still, all that wishful thinking could go to Pences head. His return to the fold might not be permanent if Trump doesnt recognize how much the party  and Trump  need Pence on board. As Pence goes so goes Middle America.

When Trump loses, Pences staff will leak stories about what a personal Gethsemane the video was for their boss, how close he came to leaving, how only his sense of duty to God and party kept him on board.

Will that be enough? Today Pence looks like one more Republican caught in an unexpected calculus, trying to split the difference between his conscience and his career. Ryan chose one path, saying midday that he would no longer defend Trump. Pence chose another. In 2020, we will see which path the party rewards.
They stuck with Donald Trump after he called for a religious test to enter the country. They stuck with him after he mocked a reporter with disabilities. They stuck with him after he criticized Ted Cruzs wife and implied his dad was connected to the Kennedy assassination. They stuck with him when he attacked a Gold Star family. They stuck with him when he praised Putin. They stuck with him when he encouraged the Russians to hack his opponent. They stuck with him when he lied about his support for the Iraq war. The stuck with him when he attacked John McCain for being a POW. They stuck with him when Trump admitted to taking advantage of tax loopholes to pay no federal income taxes. They stuck with him as hes refused to release his tax returns. They stuck with him when he smeared a pageant winner for gaining weight.

Lie after lie, attack after attack, Idaho Sen. Mike Crapo and Rep. Mike Simpson stuck with Trump as he dragged their party deeper into depravity. But by Saturday, theyd had enough. First Crapo, then Simpson, dumped Trump in a stunning weekend exodus of GOP lawmakers from their nominee. At least 40 senators and congressman have now either withdrawn their endorsements or said they wont vote for Trump. Thirty, including Crapo, have called for him to quit the race.

Its about time Idahos Republican lawmakers realized the jig was up. The last straw, of course, was Trumps 2005 comments about forcing himself sexually on women and getting away with it because he was rich. The bombshell gave many Republicans already leery about the nominee an easy out, and many took it.

Perhaps Trumps biggest sin isnt all the lies and classless conduct but what the nominee has done to his party and democracy. Trump has made this race all about him at the expense of the GOPs message of individual liberty and limited government. Instead of inspiring voters to adopt those ideals, hes trashing people on Twitter or holing up in Trump Tower as he did this weekend as his party fell apart around him, the pleas of party leaders to refocus falling  time and time again  on deaf ears.

Thats a shame, because the GOPs message resonates with Idaho voters. If theres a silver lining in this stunning collapse, its that Simpson and Crapo, now free of Trump, have a better opportunity to focus on what really matters in this race: the issues.

In deeply red Idaho, there isnt much political risk for any member of the congressional delegation to abandon Trump. But its not surprising that Crapo or Simpson bailed on the nominee  both are facing reelection this November, and both have finally realized that Trump doesnt reflect the values of the Republican Party we know in Idaho.

For his part, Rep. Raul Labrador, who also faces a Democrat opponent, seemed to double down in his support of Trump over the weekend, saying We cannot let Hillary Clinton and her liberal agenda win nationally or here in Idaho. Sen. Jim Risch has been out of the country since the 2005 tape surfaced and has not weighed in.

By untethering Trump, Crapo and Simpson can now deflect media questions about their nominees latest gaffe. (Theyve already wasted a lot of time campaign time having to condemn Trump every time he said something stupid.) Both lawmakers can now focus on their own races and what matters to them and to Idahoans. In case anyone forgot, there are other offices besides the presidency up for grabs this election cycle, and an argument could be made that collectively they matter even more than the race for the White House. Whichever party controls the House and Senate will wield tremendous power regardless of whether its Trump or Hillary Clinton in the Oval Office. Remember, the president can appoint a Supreme Court justice, but the Senate has the ultimate say over whether that person finds a place on the court.

Were in the middle of remarkable political times. History is being made, and its on all of us to have a hand in how that history is shaped. If you havent been paying attention to down-ballot races, now is the time to wake up. Its only the future of the country thats at stake.

Update: Since the time of this editorial's writing, Rep. Raul Labrador, Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter and Steve Yates, chairman of the state's Republican Party, have released statements saying they continue to support Donald Trump.
Moroccan security services have announced Wednesday the arrest of two jihadists linked to ISIS terror organization. They were operating in the northern cities of Tetouan and Fnideq.

According to the Moroccan Interior Ministry, the arrest of the two militants, made in coordination with Spanish police, comes after their two accomplices living in Spain were captured within the frame of Moroccan-Spanish strategic security partnership.

Last week, Moroccan authorities nabbed 10 women linked to the Islamic State group. They were planning suicide attacks and trying to recruit other women to join the extremists.

Moroccos Central Bureau of Judicial Investigations (equivalent of the US FBI) dismantled the cell of women extremists, in operations in eight towns. Chemical products seized at the home of one of the suspects can be used in explosives.

The women declared allegiance to IS, and some have family ties with Moroccan IS fighters in Syria or Iraq. The dismantling of this cell is part of the tireless war waged by Moroccan authorities against Islamist extremists and fanatics.

As the international coalition intensified its airstrikes against the terrorists in Iraq and Syria, the extremist group started moving to North Africa and particularly to Libya where the jihadists have enhanced their influence and presence.

Morocco has worked out a comprehensive counterterrorism strategy that includes vigilant security measures, regional and international cooperation, and counter-radicalization policies.

The North African country has placed counterterrorism at the top of its priorities following the Casablanca terror attacks in 2003 and the subsequent attacks of 2007 and 2011.

In 2015, Moroccos counterterrorism efforts mitigated the risk of terrorism but the country continues to face threats, largely from numerous small, independent violent extremist cells. Moroccan authorities have dismantled multiple groups with ties to international networks that include ISIS and Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM).
Tension is mounting between Turkey and Iraq as the two countries leaders are exchanging jabs about the presence of Turkish troops in Iraq ahead of a planned operation to retake the city of Mosul.

The verbal exchange climaxed Tuesday, with the Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan rejecting the calls for withdrawal launched by the Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi.

The army of the Turkish republic has not lost its quality to a degree to receive instructions from you, Erdogan said to the attention of Abbadi, according to the Middle East Online.

About 2,000 Turkish troops are stationed in Iraq, including around 500 in the Bashiqa camp in northern Iraq.

The Turkish soldiers in Bashiqa are training local fighters who will join the battle to recapture Mosul, according to Turkish media reports.

Baghdad has repeatedly called on Ankara to pull out its troops that it calls occupying force, warning their presence might trigger a regional war.

However, Ankara is turning a deaf ear to Baghdads calls, especially after the Turkish parliament extended by one year a government mandate, allowing its troops to remain on both Iraqi and Syrian soil.

The Turkish-Iraqi tensions risk complicating plans for an operation to save Mosul, which was captured by IS jihadists in 2014, states the Middle East Online.
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.
Moroccan continental cement giant Ciments de lAfrique (Cimaf) is about to launch the construction of a new cement plant in Bouake; center Cote dIvoire, for a cost estimated at 20 million.

The process is in full swing, the company told Jeune Afrique Weekly, adding that it is about to acquire the land to house the plant.

The future plant will be the third production site of the Moroccan giant, which has already started two plants in capital Abidjan.

The Moroccan group led by business tycoon Anas Sefrioui opted to set up its new plant in Bouake, known as a major business hub of the West African country.

The group eyes a production output of 350,000 tons per year  making the group number one producer of cement (2.3 million tons).

Cimaf will not be alone to compete for monopole in the Bouake region. Nigerian Aliko Dangote, Africas richest businessman, is also setting his footprints with his Dangote cement group, with an investment estimated at close to $229 million, reports say.

The Moroccan group expects to further expand in the country. In February, Sefrioui announced his company was putting together a second plant at San Petro, near the port of Abidjan.

Outside Cote dIvoire, Cimaf is also present in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Guinea Conakry, Gabon, and Cameron. Congo Brazzaville and Mali are also looking to grant an operation licence to the Moroccan giant.
The Foreign affairs minister of Ghana last weekend, said the government will move the statue of Indias Mahatma Gandhi from the University of Ghana to a safer location after a group of lecturers and students in the West African nation have been complaining for the removal, some of whom demanded that the statue be returned to India.

The statue had been unveiled at the University of Ghana campus in Accra by Pranab Mukherjee, the president of India, in June as a symbol of friendship between the two countries.

However, the activists at the University of Legon complained that Gandhi was racist toward black people.

Gandhis legacy fighting for the rights of Indians living in South Africa, where he spent 21 years, has been questioned.

The Ghanaian foreign ministry said it was concerned by the acrimony the campaign had generated.

The government would therefore want to relocate the statue from the University of Ghana to ensure its safety and to avoid the controversy  being a distraction (from) our strong ties of friendship, the ministry said in a statement.

Indias struggle against British colonialism under Gandhi was an inspiration to a generation of African independence leaders, including Ghanas Kwame Nkrumah, who in 1957 managed to persuade British authorities to grant Ghana independence.
A Catholic priest has been shot and a bus burned in Johannesburg during violent clashes between South African police and students on Monday.

The clashes erupted again after Wits University in Johannesburg reopened its lecture halls that it closed last month because of protests against a planned increase in tuition fees.

The university accused students of throwing rocks that could have maimed or killed people and said protesters had responded to negotiation offers from the campus administration with threats.

The Braamfontein Holy Trinity Catholic Church priest, Father Graham Pugin, was injured by suspected rubber bullets shot by riot police when he was trying to protect the churchs gates in the middle of the violence.

At least two people were arrested and some minor injuries were reported, the university said.

Acting national police commissioner Lieutenant General Khomotso Phahlane addressed the media later on Monday afternoon saying it is too early to call a state of emergency after the violence.

The police will continue to do their duties wherever needed; all parties concerned must be responsible and act lawfully, Phahlane was quoted as saying by local media.

Last week, the South African police said agitators on some campuses were trying to goad officers into another Marikana, a reference to the police shootings of 34 miners during labor unrest in 2012.

President Jacob Zuma ordered a freeze on tuition fees for a year after similar protests last year.
The German chancellor Angela Merkel on official visit in Niger on Monday promised cash and military vehicles to help the west-African nation fight human traffickers and militant Islamists.

Merkel, who is under intense political pressure for allowing nearly a million migrants into the county last year, admitted after meeting Nigers President Mahamadou Issoufou that her goal to stabilize African countries by creating better economic conditions could only be reached in the long term.

But this cannot be an excuse for not trying to achieve short-term success, Merkel told a news conference.

Apart from development, Angela Merkel said her country is ready to work on stepping up security in Niger and Mali by coming up with ways to stop smugglers who use Mali and Niger to transport migrants to Europe.

Germany would support Issoufous government with 77 million to combat people-smuggling and illegal migration in the central Agadez region, she said. Germany would also help Nigers armed forces in their fight against militant Islamists by offering military vehicles and other equipment worth 10 million.

Merkel is on record to have described Africa, with its population of 1.2 billion people, as the central problem in the migration issue. She said last month that the EU needed to establish migrant deals with North African countries along the lines of the Turkey deal.
A new study indicates that adolescent females with acute leukemia have low rates of pregnancy screening prior to receiving chemotherapy that can cause birth defects. The findings are published early online in Cancer, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society.

Although many chemotherapy drugs can cause birth defects, there are no standardized guidelines for pregnancy screening in adolescent female cancer patients and little is known about how often they are screened prior to treatment. To investigate, a team of researchers at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia examined pregnancy screening patterns among adolescents with acute leukemia compared with adolescents with an emergency room (ER) visit who received computed tomography scans of the abdomen or pelvis. (In emergency medicine, pregnancy screening protocols exist for adolescents prior to receiving radiation due to known teratogenic risks of radiation.)

The analysis included acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and ER admissions in hospitals across the United States affiliated with the Pediatric Health Information System from 1999 to 2011. Among 35,650 patient admissions of females aged 10 to 18 years with newly diagnosed leukemia or ER admissions with scans of the abdomen or pelvis, the proportion of visits with an appropriately timed pregnancy test was 35 percent, 64 percent, and 58 percent in the ALL, AML, and ER groups, respectively. Patients with ALL were 29 percent less likely to have a pregnancy test compared with the ER patients, but there was no significant difference between the AML and ER groups. There was substantial variation in pregnancy screening patterns among different hospitals.

"We found that adolescent girls are not adequately screened for pregnancy prior to receiving chemotherapy or CT scans that could harm a developing fetus. Adolescents with ALL, the most common childhood cancer, had the lowest rates of pregnancy screening of the patients we studied," said lead author Pooja Rao, MD, MSCE, who is currently at Penn State Health's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. "Since nearly all chemotherapy agents used for childhood/adolescent acute leukemia can cause potential harm to a developing fetus, our findings indicate a need for standardized pregnancy screening practices for adolescent patients being treated for cancer."

Dr. Rao also noted that the low rates of pregnancy screening observed in this study may indicate a reluctance on the part of pediatric oncologists to discuss sexual health practices with adolescent patients. "While sexual health discussions and education may traditionally be thought to be the responsibility of the patient's primary care provider, adolescents with cancer will often see their oncologist frequently over the course of their cancer treatment, and afterwards," she said. "Oncologists therefore are well-positioned to initiate discussions about sexual health with their patients."

Explore further For teens with leukemia, pregnancy tests often neglected

More information: Pooja Rao et al, Low rates of pregnancy screening in adolescents before teratogenic exposures in a national sample of children's hospitals, Cancer (2016). Journal information: Cancer Pooja Rao et al, Low rates of pregnancy screening in adolescents before teratogenic exposures in a national sample of children's hospitals,(2016). DOI: 10.1002/cncr.30225
A Brazilian study shows that infection of a pregnant woman by Zika virus may represent a risk to the baby's neurological development even when it occurs only a few days before the mother gives birth.

"Until now, the paradigm has been that infection by Zika was a problem only if it occurred in the first trimester, but we observed brain damage in four infants whose mothers were infected between two weeks and one week before they gave birth," said Mauricio Lacerda Nogueira, a professor at the Sao Jose do Rio Preto Medical School (FAMERP) in Sao Paulo State, Brazil, and a member of the state's Zika Virus Research Network (Rede Zika).

In the five-year prospective cohort study, a group of 55 women infected by Zika during pregnancy are being monitored at Hospital de Base, Sao Jose do Rio Preto's reference hospital. Zika infection in these women was diagnosed by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) testing. Their babies are also being submitted to detailed tests and examinations as they are born.

In four of the newborns exposed to the pathogen during the last trimester of gestation, diagnostic imaging showed central nervous system lesions that are characteristic of congenital viral infections. Moreover, Zika virus was detected in the babies' urine and blood at delivery, confirming vertical transmission (from mother to fetus). Two of these cases are reported in the published article.

"These infants were born with normal length and weight and without microcephaly or any other symptoms of the disease," Nogueira said. "The lesions would have gone unnoticed by health workers if the mothers hadn't been part of a study group."

According to Nogueira, the lesions observed - including lenticulostriate vasculopathy (ultrasound-visible brain lesions appearing as streaks or spots in certain arteries) - have not been associated with severe complications in previous studies, but the implications for the neurocognitive development of these Zika-infected infants are unknown.

"We mean to keep monitoring the development of these babies for several years in order to detect any problems," he said. "This discovery reveals another spectrum of the disease, making it even more complex. In addition to the dramatic cases of microcephaly, there are less severe manifestations that need to be properly understood."

Zika in transplant recipients

Another article by researchers at FAMERP describes for the first time manifestations of Zika virus in patients previously receiving organ transplants. The study was also led by Nogueira under the aegis of Rede Zika.

As Nogueira explained, these patients take immunosuppressants continuously to prevent rejection of the transplanted tissue, so any infection can become severe with a heightened risk of complications.

"Because Sa Jose do Rio Preto is one of the leading transplant hubs in the interior of Sao Paulo State, as well as a major focus of dengue, for some years we've been painstakingly monitoring transplant recipients with symptoms of dengue fever," he said. "When the Zika epidemic emerged, we began investigating whether some of the suspected dengue cases were actually Zika infections."

Two recipients of kidney transplants and two recipients of liver transplants were diagnosed with Zika using RT-PCR assays performed at Hospital de Base. All four had to be hospitalized and presented with complications, notably bacterial infections. The good news is that all four survived.

"These transplant recipients didn't have the typical symptoms of Zika, such as exanthema (skin rash), itching and conjunctivitis," Nogueira said. "Actually, it was hard to distinguish their clinical manifestations from those observed in dengue patients. They had a low platelet count, for example."

None of them had severe manifestations such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, "but as the number of cases rises, it should be easier to detect these phenomena," he said.

Explore further Study suggests size of Zika epidemic may be underestimated

Provided by Fundacao de Amparo a Pesquisa do Estado de Sao Paulo
Cannabis indica. Credit: Wikipedia

People who regularly smoke large amounts of cannabis have reduced bone density and are more prone to fractures, research has found.

The study also found that heavy cannabis users have a lower body weight and a reduced body mass index (BMI), which could contribute to thinning of their bones.

Researchers say this could mean heavy users of the drug are at greater risk of osteoporosis in later life.

Scientists at the University of Edinburgh assessed 170 people who smoke cannabis regularly for recreational purposes and 114 non-users.

The team used a specialised x-ray technique called a DEXA scan to measure the bone density of study participants. They found that the bone density of heavy cannabis users was about five per cent lower than cigarette smokers who did not use cannabis.

Fractures were more common in heavy users compared to non-users, the study found. Moderate users, however, showed no difference from non-users.

The researchers defined heavy users as those who reported smoking cannabis on 5000 or more occasions in their lifetime. In this study, however, the average heavy cannabis user had taken the drug more than 47,000 times. Moderate users had, on average, taken the drug about 1000 times.

Smoking cannabis is often associated with increased appetite so the researchers were surprised to find that heavy cannabis users had a lower body weight and BMI than non-users. This could be because cannabis may reduce appetite when taken in large amounts over a long period of time, the team says.

The study is the first to investigate bone health amongst cannabis users. Researchers say further studies are needed to better understand the link between use of the drug and thinning of the bones.

The study - funded by Arthritis Research UK - is published in the American Journal of Medicine.

Lead researcher Professor Stuart Ralston, of the University of Edinburgh's Centre for Genomic and Experimental Medicine, said: "We have known for a while that the components of cannabis can affect bone cell function but we had no idea up until now of what this might mean to people who use cannabis on a regular basis.

"Our research has shown that heavy users of cannabis have quite a large reduction in bone density compared with non-users and there is a real concern that this may put them at increased risk of developing osteoporosis and fractures later in life."

Explore further Smoking cannabis linked to respiratory problems
The largest and longest running clinical trial of medical therapies for heavy periods has found that women can be greatly helped by having treatments just from their GP, with most avoiding hospital operations.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is a common and debilitating condition which can significantly affect the quality of life of 25 per cent of women aged 18-54. Around one million women seek help for this problem every year in the UK and it accounts for 12 per cent of all gynaecology referrals.

The multicentre NIHR-funded randomised controlled trial was carried out by researchers at the Universities of Nottingham and Birmingham and Aston University. They followed the cases of 571 women from 63 general practices across the Midlands over a five-year period. The results are published in the British Journal of General Practice.

The women who volunteered were randomly allocated to receive either a levonorgestrel Intra Uterine System such as the Mirena coil or commonly used oral medicationssuch as tranexamic/mefenamic acid or the contraceptive pill.

The patients were asked to report their menstrual experiences using the Menorrhagia Multi-Attribute Scale. This measures the effect of heavy periods on practical problems, social life, psychological and physical health as well as on work and family life. Other consequences recorded were surgical intervention, general quality of life, sexual activity and safety.

After five years, both groups had similar and very significant improvement in the heaviness of their periods and its impact on their lives. Rates of surgical intervention were also low (80 per cent and 77 per cent did not have any surgery such as endometrial ablation or hysterectomy) with no significant difference between the coil group and those who took oral medications.

Leading the trial, GP and Professor of Primary Care, Joe Kai, said: "This is very encouraging news. Women were badly affected by heavy menstrual bleeding when they entered this trial, with most having problems for over a year beforehand. We know some women may be reluctant to seek help or be unaware that treatment is useful. Others may be put off by the idea of some treatments, such as having a coil, or of needing surgery. This trial shows women can be helped very considerably by treatments from their GP alone, with most avoiding hospital procedures up to five years later. It also shows women starting with either a Mirena coil or other oral medications will have similar benefit over time. This is helpful for women and their GPs to know when first considering what treatments to use, taking account of individual preferences and circumstances. If women troubled by heavy menstrual bleeding do choose to see their GP, we can be confident we can help."

The researchers are following up the same women for a further five yearsas by then around half will have reached the menopauseto assess if they are still using treatments or have needed surgical treatment for this problem.

Explore further IUD might ease heavy menstrual bleeding, study suggests

More information: J. Kai et al, Usual medical treatments or levonorgestrel-IUS for women with heavy menstrual bleeding: long-term randomised pragmatic trial in primary care, British Journal of General Practice (2016). Journal information: British Journal of General Practice J. Kai et al, Usual medical treatments or levonorgestrel-IUS for women with heavy menstrual bleeding: long-term randomised pragmatic trial in primary care,(2016). DOI: 10.3399/bjgp16X687577
The academic partners in the VerICiguaT GlObal Study in Subjects with Heart Failure with Reduced EjectIon FrAction (VICTORIA) are pleased to announce that patient enrollment has begun. The study will explore a novel treatment pathway in patients suffering from chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), by investigating the clinical impact of the drug vericiguat. VICTORIA is a pivotal Phase III clinical study conducted in collaboration with Merck (known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada) and Bayer.

Heart failure (HF) is a serious debilitating condition that is characterized by the progressive decline in the heart's ability to pump enough blood through the body. The global burden of HF is increasing, and the mortality rate remains high. According to the American Heart Association, HF mortality is worse than some cancers, with approximately one third of patients dying within one year of hospitalization for an acute HF event.

"Despite available treatment options, the prognosis for HFrEF patients remains poor and we need new treatment options," said Paul W. Armstrong, MD, founding director of the Canadian VIGOUR Centre and Distinguished Professor at the University of Alberta, and chair of the study's Executive Committee. "The VICTORIA study is designed to assess whether the addition of vericiguat on top of standard of care HF therapy can help improve heart and vascular function, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization in patients with deteriorating chronic HF with reduced ejection fraction."

"Currently, one in five people worldwide are expected to develop HF in their lifetime. Hence a critical unmet need exists for new treatments in patients with deteriorating HFrEF. Retarding or reversing the progression of disease and improving the current standard of care is a top priority," said Dr. Chris O'Connor, co-primary investigator of VICTORIA and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Inova Heart and Vascular Institute. "The VICTORIA Phase III program will help us determine if vericiguat could have a role in the future of HF treatment in this high-risk population."

The event-driven Phase III VICTORIA study will assess the efficacy and safety of vericiguat, administered at a dose of 10 mg, once daily, as compared to placebo (on background standard of care treatment) in reducing the risk of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization in patients with HFrEF following HF hospitalization or receiving an intravenous diuretic without hospitalization. The primary efficacy outcome is the time to first occurrence of cardiovascular mortality or HF hospitalization, which is the composite endpoint of the trial. VICTORIA has a global reach and will enroll approximately 4,900 patients at more than 500 centres across 40 countries. It is anticipated that the study will take 39 months to complete. VICTORIA is conducted by Merck in partnership with the Canadian VIGOUR Centre (CVC) at the University of Alberta and the Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI).

The design and dosing of the phase III VICTORIA study was informed by results from the SOCRATES-REDUCED phase II trial in 456 patients with HFrEF, presented at the 2015 American Heart Association (AHA) meeting in Orlando, Florida, and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Dr. Burkert Pieske, co-chair of the phase II investigation and Co-Principal investigator of VICTORIA, Director of the Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, German Heart Institute and the Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology at the Charite University Hospital in Berlin, said "We are excited that enrollment in our trial has now begun and we have the opportunity to evaluate vericiguat, the first sGC stimulator to be evaluated in patients with chronic HF. We can now carry forward our early promising results into this definitive phase III trial conducted around the globe."

Explore further Effectiveness of drug to improve natriuretic peptide levels for chronic heart failure
My kingdom for a duvet  . Credit: Dundanim

Many of us might respond to this question with a resounding yes. It is easy to think that we all got better rest in those halcyon days when summers were long and hot, winters were snowy and life was a bit less frenetic. But even if this is true about your own sleep, is it really true of people as a whole?

In UK data that I was involved in collecting around a decade ago, a representative sample of adults by age, sex and geography said they slept for an average of seven hours and three minutes a day. This suggested that over half of the population slept between five hours 30 minutes and eight hours 35 minutes; and about three-quarters slept between five and nine and a half hours per night.

The problem with these general figures, just like the mythical eight hours a night, is that things get more complicated when we ask people how much they sleep on rest or work days, and what age they are. People sleep longer on rest days than on work days by an average of about 20 minutes, and this is true of all age groups until retirement (see figure below). And although the graph does not show it, reported sleep duration also depends on gender. In middle age, for example, women report sleeping longer than men.

Work day and rest day sleep by age group

Comparisons

So are we sleeping less than we did? The graph above suggests this is probably the case on an individual level  by about 20 to 30 minutes per decade. But these data refer to different people at different ages rather than the same people when they were younger and older.

A small number of studies which have used similar methods over time show small increases or small decreases of a few minutes per night over several decades in different countries across the world. But there is absolutely no good evidence that sleep durations are shortening dramatically in the UK or elsewhere.

A fascinating study from last year looked at the sleep patters of tribes-people in Tanzania, Namibia and Bolivia. It measured their actual sleep  as opposed to self-reports  and found they averaged between five hours 40 minutes and seven hours six minutes a night. In other words, many of them seem to be sleeping less than those in the fast-paced 24-7 UK. This again suggests that modern lifestyles are depriving people of less sleep than you might have expected.

Asterisk = statistically reliable differences. Credit: John Groeger

Incidentally, another study reported sleep data earlier this year from 8,000 users of an iPhone sleep app around the world. It showed that the average length of a night's sleep was around seven hours 50 minutes.

The UK, Germany, Norway, Spain, the US and Mexico were all very close to this average. Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands and France reported longer sleep, while Brazil and Japan were below average. Unfortunately, the numbers in age groups in different countries wasn't controlled. The data are therefore unlikely to be representative of the countries concerned or directly comparable with each other, and so need a large pinch of salt.

Catching up

From the information above, it might mean that our intuition is simply wrong about glorious night times past. Or maybe the real question is different: whether we are sleeping less than we need. We know from laboratory studies in which people can have nearly unlimited sleep that they quickly satiate: that is, they reach a point where the amount they sleep stabilises.

This suggests that if we were getting enough sleep on weekdays, we would not sleep more on rest days. For individuals, a large difference in sleep on rest days and work days is a useful indicator of unmet need for sleep. For the UK as a whole, the gap between work and rest days suggests that people maybe are sleeping less than they need  at least those of school or working age.

We don't know much about how this gap has changed over the years, though there are some fascinating data from South Korea taken from regular surveys between 1981 and 2005. Weekday sleep didn't change over the period, though Saturday sleep increased by 13 minutes and Sunday sleep by 24 minutes per night.

I suspect we would see something similar if we looked for the same phenomenon in other countries. What is probably happening is that the rising demands of the working week are increasing the amount of sleep we need. If so, having less time available on weeknights might mean we can only meet this increased need for sleep on the weekend  if at all. Time with family, exercising and other demands on our lives outside work probably allow us all less scope than we would like.

So are we sleeping less? No. But we may be sleeping less well than we need to.

Explore further Sleep is key to college success

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.


UAE airlines eyes opening new flights to Azerbaijan

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the UAE, plans to start direct flights between Baku and Abu Dhabi, Dashgin Shikarov, Azerbaijani ambassador to the UAE, told Trend Oct. 5.He added that the negotiations are underway regarding this issue.Air Arabia, the low-cost airline of the UAE, may also open direct flights from Sharjah, the third largest city in the UAE, to Baku and other cities of Azerbaijan, the diplomat said.Air Arabia may start flights in 2017, he noted.Azerbaijan simplified visa regime for citizens of a number of Gulf countries, including the UAE, on Nov. 10, 2015.UAE citizens receive a visa upon arrival in Azerbaijan at any international airport of the country. This visa is valid for 30 days.This simplified visa system with the UAE has led to a significant increase in the number of tourists coming from the UAE to Azerbaijan.The number of the tourists, coming to Azerbaijan from UAE, increased by 10 times in January-August 2016 as compared to the same period of 2015, the Azerbaijani Ministry of Culture and Tourism said earlier.
The News in Brief

Saakashvili mocks Ivanishvili: You are destined for defeat



Former Georgian President Mikheil Saakashvil has mocked his party's main opponent, former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, saying he is destined for defeat in the October 8 election.



Saakashvili, who is the Governor of Odessa in Ukraine, was appearing on Facebook Live for a Q&A with voters Monday night.



He said he will return to Georgia after the election and at the border there will be lines of people welcoming him, instead of him being arrested as the government has threatened.



After October 8, we will say farewell to Bidzina Ivanishvili somewhere in a higher education facility at the governments expense, where he will be taught the difference between Cambodia and Nicaragua, Pol Pot and Stalin, he said, while answering questions during the live broadcast.



Ivanishvili needs education, the ex-president said.



This person doesnt even like educated people, and thats his biggest problem, he said.



Recently, Saakashvili has spoken more frequently about his possible return to Georgia. The response from the government is that he will be arrested as soon as he crosses the border.



Saakashvili remains charged of several criminal cases. The charges include abuse of official powers, embezzlement, involvement in a murder and ordering the dispersal of a peaceful rally on May 26, 2011. (DF watch)







Ivanishvili Expects Landslide GD Election Victory



Ex-PM Bidzina Ivanishvili said he expects the ruling Georgian Dream-Democratic Georgia (GDDG) party, which he founded more than four years ago, will win at least 48% of votes in party-list, proportional race and at least 60 majoritarian MP seats in the October 8 parliamentary elections.



I think Georgian Dream will receive at least 48 percent and maximum 54 percent of votes and in the majoritarian race it will endorse minimum 60 and maximum 70 candidates, Ivanishvili said on Monday, five days before the elections.



GDDG has majoritarian MP candidates in 72 out of 73 single-member election districts. Remaining 77 seats in the 150-member parliament are distributed proportionally among the parties, which clear 5% threshold in nationwide vote.



He said that there will be second round runoffs in many single-mandate districts, because there are many candidates and it will split the votes.



So it will be difficult to garner over 50 percent of votes [required for an outright victory] in the first round, Ivanishvili said.



He also said that the UNM opposition party wont be able to win in any of the majoritarian district nor in Zugdidi municipality, where Georgias former first lady Sandra Roelofs is running as UNMs majoritarian MP candidate.



Its as clear as two and two makes four, Ivanishvili said.



He also said that the Free Democrats opposition party, led by ex-defense minister Irakli Alasania, has a chance to show the second best result in the elections. That would be good, he added.



It will be a multi-party parliament and I think five or six parties will have [representation], Ivanishvili said.



It wont be a tragedy if [UNM] fails to clear [5%] threshold, but it would not be bad if UNM is represented in the Parliament by at least five members in order not to let people forget about them and about what they represent and on the other hand the Parliament should be multi-party, I always supported it. Georgian Dream is now a dominant party it will have at least 90 and maximum 110 or possibly even more [in the next Parliament] and the Georgian Dream will not require to enter into coalition [with other parties] in order to form a government, Ivanishvili said. (Civil.ge)







Elections 2016: About 7.5m ballot papers printed for Saturdays vote



Georgias Central Election Commission (CEC) has started printing ballot papers for this Saturdays Parliamentary Elections.



The voting papers are being printed in eight printing-houses in capital Tbilisi. The process is being monitored by CEC members and representatives of non-governmental organisations.



A total of 7,446,850 ballot papers will be printed for the October 8 elections.



Of these:



3,286,200 ballots will be printed for the proportional system; and



3,234,950 will be printed for majoritarian elections.



In Georgia's western Autonomous Republic of Adjara:



292,700 ballot papers will be printed for proportional elections; and



292,700 ballot papers will be printed for majoritarian elections.



Some ballot papers will be bilingual or trilingual and be printed in languages of Georgias ethnic minorities, including:



Armenian-Georgian;



Azerbaijani-Georgian; and



Armenian-Georgian-Azerbaijani.



Meanwhile, on October 8, municipal by elections to elect sakrebulo (local council) members will be held in Tbilisi, Tsalka, Tchiatura, Abasha and Zugdidi for which 123,500 ballot papers will be printed.



Also, special elections will be held to elect the Mayor of Akhaltsikhe in Georgia south. For this the CEC will prepare 13,950 ballot papers.



This Saturday gamgebeli (local governors) elections will be held in Bolnisi, Kharagauli, Chiatura, Zugdidi and Tsalenjikha municipalities, for which 123,500 papers will be printed.



All the ballot papers will be ready by tomorrow, October 6. (Agenda.ge)




Final steps for visa free movement

By Messenger Staff

Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili has congratulated the Georgian population on the decision of the Council of Europe (CoE) Georgia-European Union (EU) visa-liberalisation issue to be discussed and voted on in the European Parliament (EP), which is the final stage of the process.The support of various institutions and member states of the European Union for Georgia is an acknowledgement of the explicit European aspirations of our people and reforms implemented by our country, Kvirikashvili said.I wish to express my enormous gratitude to our international partners and friends of our country, who invested all their efforts in the due recognition of the progress achieved by Georgia, Kvirikashvili said.Following this, the PM congratulated Georgians on this truly milestone achievement.I also wish to convey my gratitude to the public institutions and civil servants that have been doing their very best in soliciting the visa liberalization with EU in the recent years, he said.The PM stressed it was important that this positive message was voiced by the EU a few days before the election date, thus manifesting in the high recognition of our reforms and progress.The current Government tried to win Georgia's visa-liberalisation before the October 8 parliamentary elections, as this could boost peoples support of the ruling party.Georgia waited for visa-free travel in the summer, but Germany, France and Belgiums last-minute turnaround blocked Georgias visa-free travel to the EU, despite the European Commission confirming that Georgia had fulfilled all its obligations to be awarded visa-free travel.The foreign media reported that the reason Germany refused Georgia was due to the current migrant crisis and crimes committed by Georgian nationals - mainly robberies and burglaries - in Germany.Now the country claims they support Georgia-EU visa-free travel.It is a welcome that Georgia has gained the support of the CoE, but more important will be the final outcome.Rejecting Georgia at the final stage would be taken very negatively by Georgians, as they have been consistently told that the country has fulfilled all its obligations to gain visa-free access to the Schengen Zone.If Georgia receives visa-free travel, Georgian citizens will be able to stay for 90 days in any 180-day period without visas in the EUs passport-free Schengen Zone.
The News in Brief

Address of H.E. Giorgi Kvirikashvili, Prime Minister of Georgia



I wish to congratulate our citizens with yet another significant success and international recognition.



A final political agreement has been reached among the EU Member States today on granting the visa-free movement to the citizens of Georgia within the EU.



Support of various institutions and Member States of the European Union towards Georgia is an acknowledgement of the explicit European aspirations of our people and reforms implemented by our country.



I wish to express my enormous gratitude to our international partners and friends of our country, who invested all their efforts in the due recognition of the progress achieved by Georgia.



Once again, I congratulate all our citizens with this truly milestone achievement. I also wish to convey my gratitude to the public institutions and civil servants that have been doing their very best in soliciting the visa liberalization with EU in the recent years.



It is worth noting that this positive message has been voiced by the EU a few days before the election date, thus manifesting in the high recognition of our reforms and progress.



It is crystal clear that irrespective of many attempts of destructive actions, nothing and nobody can jeopardize the development and inevitable success of our country in pursuing both foreign and domestic policies. (gov.ge)







Meeting with the participants of the project Children are Asking for Peace



On September 3, Gela Dumbadze, the State Minister of Georgia for Diaspora Issues, hosted children from the Donetsk Oblast, Ukraine, who are in Georgia within the framework of the Children are Asking for Peace project.



The project aims to attract the attention of the global community to the current situation in Ukraine by diverse activities the children participate in, so that as many people as possible will support the peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict.



The State Minister addressed the participants of the project with a few opening remarks, and told them about an event held by his office in support of Ukraine and expressed his belief that goodwill will win, the Russian-Ukrainian conflict will end and peace will be established in Ukraine. On behalf of the guests, Hanna Krisiuk, the project coordinator, addressed the State Minister and the participants of the meeting.



The participants of Children are asking for Peace have been in Georgia for several days. They visited the Patriarchate of Georgia, accompanied by Zaal Sarajishvili, the Deputy Minister of Georgia for Diaspora Issues. The guests then visited Mtskheta, spending the day viewing the sights of both Mtskheta and Tbilisi. An ensemble, Shavnabada, also hosted their Ukrainian peers, together with the State Minister; Georgian and Ukrainian songs were performed for the audience. At the end of the meeting, the State Minister grifted the Ukrainian children with symbolic presents. (diaspora.gov.ge)







Policy Forum Discusses Rural Development Strategy of Georgia



Over fifty representatives of the Government of Georgia, civil society and international organizations got together in Borjomi on 1-2 October to discuss Rural Development Strategy of Georgia which will be finalized and presented to the Government in the coming weeks. The event was organized with the support of the European Union (EU) under the European Neighbourhood Programme for Agriculture and Rural Development (ENPARD).



The Policy Forum reviewed a draft Strategy and looked into the ways of coordinating its implementation across the public, private and civil sectors of Georgia.



The Forum participants also discussed the mechanisms of integrating rural development policies into the national, regional and local development strategies, as well as the alignment of the Rural Development Strategy of Georgia with the Association Agreement with the European Union and the European Union Policy on Rural Development.



The Policy Forum was organized by the European Union, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in cooperation with the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia and Interagency Working Group which brings together representatives of the ministries engaged in rural development matters  Ministry of Economy, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Education, Office of the State Minister on European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, and is being led by the Ministry of Agriculture of Georgia.



The Forum was attended by representatives of international organizations that support rural development in Georgia under the EU-funded ENPARD programme. The discussion was facilitated by international consultants brought on board to assist Georgia to introduce and implement rural development policy.



The Policy Forum will be followed by a series of public consultations as well as capacity building initiatives for rural development stakeholders. (ge.undp.org)




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Montanas prisons and jails are over capacity. What changes in statue and/or funding at the state level-if-any do you think are necessary? If no changes, why not?

Incarceration, without a proactive plan to change the individual criminal, cannot solve the problem of overcrowding in our jails and prison. Reduction in mandatory sentence length, education of prisoners in preparation for a relevant job when released, extensive mental health and substance abuse treatment must be part of the solution to the overcrowding in the jail and prison system. It is not enough to lock up the convicted lawbreaker, then release the prisoner without substantial intervention during prison time. The convicted must accept responsibility for the crimes committed and restitution to the victims must be part of the process.

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?

No, the Legislature should not micromanage the work of the Montana Fish and Wildlife Commission. For the Legislature to attempt to write the policies for hunting and fishing, etc., makes the process more political than the existing review by the commission representing five regional districts. Staff with the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks advise the commission and have access to the latest research on the relationship of animals, humans and the land, therefore provide the commission necessary information. As the recent problem with the Yellowstone River shows, the commission can respond quickly to problems.

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 the new economic landscape?

Montana finds itself in a critical moment as the use of coal as a source of power is questioned. Washington and Oregon are forging ahead with decisions on coal use that have a devastating impact on the workers in the coal counties and the economic well-being of Montana. The availability of natural gas as a competitive source of power has already reduced the production of coal in Montana. But the question is how do we protect jobs, ensure a healthy economy, and protect the natural environment of the state?

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?

Yes, the Legislature has a responsibility to invest in the university system and affordable advanced training programs beyond high school. To not increase funding for education beyond high school has a lasting economic impact on the individual and the state. Modern society requires skilled workers, thinkers, and professionally educated citizens; individuals and states that lack well-educated workers are destined to struggle at the bottom of the U.S. economy. With the erosion of good-paying jobs in a service economy the average individual has a much harder or even impossible task to pay for the advanced training necessary to succeed.

What do you regard as the most urgent problem facing Montana, and how do you propose dealing with it.

It is difficult to list one urgent problem facing Montana since we have a complex society with many issues to address, but infrastructure problems across the state are enormous. Roads, school buildings, water treatment plants, sewage plants, technology enhancements are all in desperate need of extensive work. Traffic in Missoula is more congested and slower every year, yet the necessary changes on Russell Street and other streets will not be made for years due to budgets constraints. School budgets are destroyed when a boiler fails or a roof leaks, meaning there are fewer funds for curriculum or salaries.
After Oct. 11, Missoula County voters can only register or change their registration information in person, in the elections office at the fairgrounds.

For some states, you miss this deadline, you miss the election, Elections Administrator Rebecca Connors said.

But Montana has allowed late registration as well as same-day registration for about the past decade, good news for the thousands of voters who sent in almost 10,000 voter cards in the past week to Connors office, some requesting new registry, others just changing an address or contact information.

She said some of the cards were duplicates.

The elections office is in the Floriculture building, well-marked with yellow signs, Connors said, and theres plenty of parking nearby.

On Election Day in 2012, she said same-day registrations had a 3 - to 4-hour wait.

Were here before Election Day, she said. Come early while we have lots of parking, zero wait lines.

County residents wanting to pick up absentee ballots for a spouse or family member must bring a signed note from the person, Connors said.

The latest anyone can register for an absentee ballot is noon on Nov. 7, the day before Election Day.

This years ballot wont be quite the four pages rumored, Connors said, just three, with one page printed front and back and the second page just printed on one side.

She encouraged voters to use the election toolkit on missoulavotes.com, which provides directions for using the myvoterpagemt.com site, used to check registration status, and links to candidate information.

Based on the interest in this election  its going to be a very busy season, she said.

Ravalli County Clerk and Recorder Regina Plettenberg said after Tuesday people will need to make the trip to the county courthouse annex to register to vote.

A record number of Ravalli County voters also should start watching the mailbox starting Saturday for their absentee ballots.

So far, nearly twice as many people have requested an absentee ballot.

We have 10,947 right now, Plettenberg said. Were just about at 11,000. The most weve mailed out before was 6,000.

Plettenberg expects that between now and the day before the general election, her office will provide another 3,000 to 4,000 absentee ballots to voters.

I think well be somewhere around 13,000 to 15,000 absentee ballots this year, she said.

In the last presidential election, 22,505 people voted in Ravalli County, including 10,593 by absentee ballot.

Were already higher than that, she said. And that was after all the dust settled.

While some counties have made a real push toward absentee ballots by closing down polling places, Plettenberg said the increase has happened in Ravalli County without that incentive.

We still have polling places from one end of the valley to the other, she said. People can still call us with questions, too.

This years ballot will be a double-sided single sheet, except in the six precincts in the Stevensville and Lone Rock areas. The Stevensville High School District is requesting a levy that will be on a separate sheet.

***

Perry Backus of the Ravalli Republic contributed information for this story.
MyStudentInNeed.org is a website that provides a private way for teachers and staff members of Missoula County Public Schools to ask for help for a student in need, and a way for the community to give back.

If you would like to help, visit mystudentinneed.org/Missoula-MT. The number next to the school represents the current needs at that school. The needs can change every day. Click the school, find a need request and click the "Fulfill This Need" button. Complete the donor form and press the "Submit" button, or call 406-750-2542. A member of our team will contact you.
Shahram Hadian strove to drive home his point against Islam with statistics and scripture while protesters stood in silence outside.

Hadian is an Iranian-born pastor who converted from Islam to Christianity in 1999. His event Tuesday night at the DoubleTree Inn, "Unveiling the True Face of Islam: A Wake Up Call for the World," brought about 90 people to the conference room that had enough chairs set up for 370.

Before his speech began, protesters met at the Emmaus House near the University of Montana, passing around signs with slogans like "My Missoula Includes Muslims" before they marched to the DoubleTree. Eamon Ormseth, lead organizer of SALAM, or Standing Alongside Americas Muslims, helped to organize the rally. He said he attended another speech by ACT in Kalispell and was bothered by the viewpoints expressed there.

"I think that speech, like this, leads to more hatred and violence towards people from the Middle East, Arabs and Persians, Ormseth said.

Dan Carlino, general manager of the hotel, made multiple trips to where the protesters stood, bringing trays of warm chocolate chip cookies with him to pass out to the demonstrators, around 150 of whom had gathered by the time the speech began inside.

Shortly after the marchers reached the hotel and joined the group of protesters already there, a man drove past the group, leaning to yell out of his window.

(Expletive) them. Take care of our vets and the homeless. The ones who are sleeping on the street who dont have a (expletive) place to go, he said.

It was one of few interactions between the demonstrators and their detractors Tuesday evening, which included two points when a large truck drove past the line of protesters, the driver stomping on the gas to engulf the people on the sidewalk in a cloud of black smog.

Hadian's event was sponsored by the Lake County chapter of American Congress of Truth for America. ACT for America formed in 2007 as an organization promoting national security and defeating terrorism  though the Southern Poverty Law Center and Council on American-Islamic Relations have called it a "hate group."

"We really want to start a chapter down here," Calvin Beringer, co-chair of ACT's Flathead chapter, said of Missoula.

During his event, Hadian covered his interpretation of the basics of Islam, the history of the religion, violence, Sharia law, jihad and refugee resettlement.

"This is not about the Congolese refugees that recently arrived in Missoula," Linda Sauer, co-chair of ACT's Lake County chapter, said before introducing Hadian.

***

Shouts of "Amen!" filled the room as Hadian outlined his views on the "dangers" of Islam.

He believes the people protesting his interpretations are the minority in Montana.

"For whatever reason we've lied down, and we have to rise up," Hadian said.

"I've been labeled as an anti-Muslim bigot. ... I've been called a xenophobe. Xenophobia means an irrational fear of foreigners. Funny, isn't it?" he said as the crowd laughed, because he is Iranian.

Throughout his speech, he referred to the Quran, a hadith (a report about Muhammad) and various sites such as quran.com.

"I use sources they use, because then it makes it more authentic," he said. "It refutes their argument that you're taking it out of context."

Frances, a woman from the Bitterroot who declined to give her last name for fear of retaliation, stood out in the audience as one of Hadian's few opponents.

She argued that Hadian did not quote the Quran, but rather a hadith and Sharia law, "other people's interpretations."

"I'm not saying we turn a blind eye to radical Islam," she said. But the U.S. has become so polarized, she said, that it allows a "divide and conquer" mentality.

"What I'm saying is let's get back to the middle," she said. "That's what we need right now: prayer, not hate."

***

Hadian referred to refugee resettlement  particularly the concern about vetting refugees  as the "Trojan horse of Islamic migration." He worries that refugees will drain public resources, such as housing and education funding.

"It is suicide," he said of refugee resettlement. "It is not love, it is not compassion."

Angela Miller, of Missoula, came to Hadian's speech to learn more about what she'd been studying in the Quran. What she heard lined up with what she had already found in her research, she said.

"I'm a Christian, a Montanan, an American and female," she said. "A lot of those don't seem to mesh well with what I'm finding (in Islam)."

She wants more of a dialogue with Soft Landing Missoula.

"I understand in Missoula that they may be afraid that people will be on the attack," she said. "But that's not why I started, that's now how I am."

After 9/11, Miller said she defended her Muslim friends against attacks. None of what she heard Tuesday changed her mind about those friends, she said.

"I don't think of him (the father of her friend's Muslim family) as being the proverbial Muslim thrown into our country right now," she said. "But people are touting everyone coming in as being peaceful. That's not true, just like not all Christians are peaceful.

"I wish it wasn't like this," Miller said, pointing toward the conference room. "I don't hate anybody. But if somebody is going to come in and cause my family or I problems because of who I am or where I live, I will defend myself."

***

Dillon Kato contributed to this report.
Everyone was in tears, even the men 

HAMILTON  On Oct. 14, 1891, close to 300 Bitterroot Salish packed up what little they had and left their homeland behind forever.

Under armed guard, they were forced to walk through the town of Stevensville. Mary Ann Coombs, who took part in the exodus, would later liken the mood to a funeral march.

It would take them most of three days to walk from the Bitterroot Valley to the Flathead Reservation, where they had been forced to resettle.

On Thursday, members of the Salish Tribe will meet at St. John Berchmans Church (the Jocko Church) at 8 a.m. to pray and prepare for what they call Return to Homeland: A journey back to the Bitterroot Valley.

For the next three days  as best they can  they will retrace the steps of their ancestors as they walk, ride horseback and bike from the church near Arlee to Stevensville to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the forced removal of the Salish from their homeland.

Some people had been thinking about this and decided it would be a good way to commemorate that time where our people were forced to leave, said Tony Incashola, director of the Salish-Pend dOreille Culture Committee. We want our young people to know a little bit about our history and to understand our history. We still consider the Bitterroot as our home.

So far, Incashola said somewhere between 60 and 70 Salish tribal members have expressed interest.

Im sure there will be people involved at the various points, he said. There will be people walking the whole way and some just walking toward the end. Others will help with feeding people.

On the first day, they plan to walk from Jocko Church to the KOA Campground in Missoula.

On the second day, they will wind their way through Missoula along Reserve Street and back streets on their way to the second campsite at Chief Looking Glass Campground.

The original plan had been to walk over the Higgins Avenue Bridge like their ancestors, but Incashola said that due to all the development and traffic, the decision was made for the detour.

We want to avoid as much of the traffic as we can, he said. We will take some back roads in Missoula to avoid some of that traffic.

On Saturday, they hope to arrive at Stevensville by noon.

Well gather first outside of Stevensville in a little area west of the bridge, Incashola said. When everyone is gathered together, we will walk to the church as a group.

Once they arrive at the St. Marys Mission, they will gather at the cemetery.

There are still some Salish people buried there, he said. Well have a few words, maybe a song.

To conclude, they will share a dinner and listen to some speakers at the St. Marys Church multipurpose room.

This is not a celebration, but a time to honor our ancestors, said Salish Language Coordinator Chaney Bell. It is a way to thank and remember what our relatives sacrificed for us and to learn what really happened.

It was one of the greatest changes in history for the Salish people, Incashola said.

***

According to a program created for the event, the Bitterroot Valley was the primary location for the Salish, especially in the winter months.

The forced removal of the Salish from the Bitterroot Valley can be traced back to the Hellgate Treaty of 1855 when the U.S. government first introduced the idea of concentrating Native people of several tribes onto a single reservation in the Mission Valley.

At the time, Chief Victor refused the governments demand that the Salish relinquish their lands in the Bitterroot Valley, which resulted in an amendment to the treaty that set aside the valley south of Lolo Creek as a Salish reservation pending the results of a survey authorized by the president.

Since the Bitterroot Valley was regarded as one of the most desirable places in Montana to settle due to prime agricultural and timber resources, an increasing number of white settlers began to demand the removal of the Salish.

In 1871, President Ulysses S. Grant issued an executive order saying the survey specified in the treaty was completed and the Jocko Reservation, now called the Flathead Reservation, was better suited for the needs of the Salish.

The following year, Congress sent a delegation led by the future president, James Garfield, to negotiate the removal of the Salish.

Chief Victor died in 1870. His son, Chief Charlo, had not forgotten his fathers words and told Garfield that the Bitterroot Valley was where the bones of his ancestors were buried and he would not leave.

By 1873, two sub-chiefs had moved their families to the Flathead Reservation, but the majority of the Salish remained in the Bitterroot with Chief Charlo.

The government assigned them allotments of land and opened the rest of the valley to settlement. Faced with worsening conditions for his people, Chief Charlo agreed to move to the reservation.

In October 1891, Gen. Henry B. Carrington arrived and told the Salish it was time leave.

Chief Charlo gathered the people together, the program reads. They prayed and announced they would go. The tribe trailed through Stevensville before the silent gaze of the non-Indians.

A survivor of the removal, Mary Ann Coombs, likened the trip to a funeral march. Elders have told that the soldiers did not allow people to stop to go to the bathroom, warning them they would be shot if they ran away.

Children riding behind their mothers wondered why the grownups were crying. As an old woman, Sophie Moiese suffered flashbacks, hearing the women crying as the people slowly rode north toward the Jocko Valley.
Back in the day, freshmen at the University of Montana had to wear a green beanie  or risk getting paddled.

This month, the felt beanie with short brim, wooden paddle with scrawled Griz decal, a scrapbook from the early 20th century, and a host of other historic items and artwork are all on display at the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library of the University of Montana.

October is "Archives Month," and the photographs, handwritten minutes about Missoula architect A.J. Gibson, national and local political buttons, and significant correspondence are part of a free and first "20 in 20 Tour," or 20 items in 20 minutes in the Archives and Special Collections section of the library.

"We're going to respect your time by getting you around the tables in 20 minutes," said Donna McCrea, head of Archives and Special Collections, to the first group on tour Tuesday.

Naturally, the visit ended with an invitation that guests spend more time with the treasures, but additional "20 in 20 Tour" presentations with archivists will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 18, at both 12:15 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Among the historic pieces is a book with handwritten meeting minutes of the campus building commission. In an entry for May 18, 1897, the minute-taker noted that A.J. Gibson had proposed to receive $47,500 to design Main Hall and $12,000 to design a science building.

A 1956 letter from Lyndon B. Johnson when he was Senate majority leader to Sen. Mike Mansfield thanked the Montana senator for his support during the session  and it opened casually, with Johnson admitting he'd been "sleeping and relaxing."

"The cattle and sheep on the LBJ Ranch are in good enough shape that they could get by in Montana," Johnson wrote.

Photographs of Native Americans by Edward Curtis are also on display as part of a series of volumes called "The North American Indian." Mark Fritch, a photography specialist, said the series went unnoticed when it was first published in the early 1900s, but it's a comprehensive look at tribes west of the Mississippi and north of Mexico.

"The fact we have the entire set is really something special," Fritch said.

The library collects the materials to support scholarship, but also for the good of the community, McCrea said.

"It belongs to everybody in the state," McCrea said.
Montanans were sold a bill of good in 2004 that the process of getting medical marijuana was by going to their doctor and receiving a prescription. Montanans were deceived back then and the proponents of Initiative 182 are trying to deceive Montanans this time as well.

By 2008 Montanans saw the irresponsible, unregulated and unmonitored program explode in Montana. Traveling doctors recommended cannabis to their clients, despite the fact that they lack even the most rudimentary information about the composition, quality and dose.

While pharmaceutical companies are responsible for any harm that befalls a patient from their products and tobacco companies are held accountable for damage done by cigarettes, marijuana providers and dispensaries hold no accountability for their product where very little is known. At a time that efforts are being made to stem the epidemic of prescription drug abuse, I-182 would allow distribution sites to proliferate without true regulation.

A state ballot initiative should not be the process to approve medicine. The general public is not qualified to make medical decisions. The practice of medicine is evidence-based, and the legalization of a drug with the potential for abuse by the general population that has no qualification to determine composition, quality and dose is a bad way to practice medicine. It guarantees the failure of a program that may have potential success for patients who need medical marijuana under a doctors care and it ensures the accessibility of recreational marijuana to the rest of the population.

Montana should not pass I-182 because the marijuana provided to patients who have debilitating diseases should not be getting treatment without a doctors care by marijuana that is not reviewed for its safety and efficacy, where there is not standardization and formulation for dosing, and there is not regulated, closed system of distribution for marijuana which is a drug with abuse potential.

I-182 does not:

 Ensure that the established profession tenets of proper patient care are adhered to, including: history and a good faith examination of the patient; development of a treatment plan with objectives; provision of informed consent, including discussion of side effects; periodic review of the treatments efficacy; consultation, as necessary; proper record-keeping that supports the decision to recommend the use of cannabis.

 Guarantee that a bona fide physician-patient relationship with the patient exists. The recommending physician should have a pre-existing and ongoing relationship with the patient. Under I-182, they do not. The physician who recommends the marijuana should not have a practice where the issuance of recommendations is not disproportionately large nor the exclusive practice of the physician. Under I-182, it is not. The recommending physician should always have adequate information regarding the composition and dose of the cannabis product. Under I-182, they do not. Have adequate training in identifying substance abuse and addiction. Under I-182, it is not even a concern.

Montanans need to vote no on I-182. It wasnt a good idea in 2004, and it is not a good idea in 2016. If you take the time to compare the two initiatives from 2004 and 2016, it is obvious that not only have the pro-marijuana proponents not made medical marijuana safer for people with debilitating conditions, they have also opened up the system so that those who want to use it recreationally can have easier access to it.

Vote no on I-182!
The recent editorial by the Missoulian (Oct. 9) on Marsys Law got a lot right. Many crime victims in Montana do feel like theyre unheard, unvalued and left out of the criminal justice process. Too often, there are failures in the system.

However, the Missoulian stopped short of endorsing Constitutional Initiative 116, Marsys Law, based on a number of concerns. Id like to address those concerns and provide some clarifying information to address what I feel the Missoulian got wrong.

Marsys Law will be a very big step in the right direction for victims of crime in Montana. It will help to empower those whove been victimized and give them equal footing in the courtrooms where today they are considered second-class citizens.

Its true that Montana provides many rights for crime victims at the statutory level. The problem is that those existing rights are usually not enforceable for victims because theyre subordinate to the rights of offenders, who already have constitutional rights.

Today, when a victims rights come in conflict with the rights of an offender, the offenders rights always trump. Under Marsys Law, a judge would have the ability to weigh the competing rights against each other, finally giving victims the equal footing they deserve.

Heres an example. Most of the time victims are informed about proceedings in their casecurrently a statutory right. But sometimes, mistakes are made and no notification is made. Today, when that happens theres no recourse for the victimthat statutory right to be notified is essentially worthless.

Under Marsys Law, victims would have an enforceable constitutional right to be notified. In our example, if a mistake is made and no notification is issued, the victim would have the ability to go to the judge and ask that their right be enforcedessentially asking that the hearing be done again. And a judge could grant that request.

Marsys Law is well designed and has been extensively vetted. Its based on victims rights amendments already in place in many other states. In total, 32 states already have some form of constitutional rights for crime victims.

And based on the experience of other states, we know that Marsys Law can be implemented without significant increases in workloads for prosecutors or financial costs for local governments. And that certainly squares with the intent of Marsys Lawto ensure speedy justice for victims of crime.

Ultimately CI-116 is the basic constitutional framework for victims rights. Montana legislators will build upon that framework through implementing legislation, and judges will add to it through subsequent case-law precedent. In these ways, Marsys Law will be clarified and modified to ensure that it works for law enforcement, prosecutors and victims.

On behalf of the thousands of Montanans victimized by crime each year, Id like to personally ask that Montana voters give a yes vote to CI-116. No one expects to be a victim of crime, but it truly can happen to anyone. And when it does, those victims expect their criminal justice system to keep them informed, involved and bring them justice. Marsys Law will help ensure that happens.
In the race for Montana governor, we have a choice between a successful businessman and a current governor who answers to no one but his environmental handlers.

The environmental aspect is ironic because we have overcrowded forests, full of disease and going up like Roman candles every summer, taking your tax dollars with them. Yet no thinning  which would help them.

Gov. Steve Bullock speaks of the "foreign outsourcing" done by Greg Gianforte. If you had a roof replaced or other construction done this summer, you likely employed a company that "outsourced" some of the work.

For all Bullocks talk of infrastructure, we have not seen much action. After the Bridger pipeline had broken under the Yellowstone River at Glendive, Bullock appeared, flanked by representatives of every government agency imaginable. The old water system was not able to handle the problems that arose. As Dawson County had just been declared a disaster area, I asked if that meant Glendive would get some help with its aged water system. With a smirk and a verbal poke in the eye, he replied: No, but there would be money for more expert studies.

Instead of expanding jobs and opportunities in Montana, Bullock chose to expand Medicaid, putting the burden on the taxpayer.

He supposedly supports education but his policies are hamstringing the businesses that could employ these graduates.

And the $1 billion apparently missing from the Montana budget  "oops."

Between terrorist explosions in Europe, Bullock voiced his support of bringing these questionably vetted refugees into Montana.

With Montana seemingly entrenched at No. 48 in the nation for wages, it's become an inconvenient fact for Bullock  he simply refuses to acknowledge it. We are resource rich, but leadership poor and the promises have worn thin. It is beyond time for a change.

Linda Prescott,

Florence
LIBBY  The man whose body was found on train tracks in a remote part of Lincoln County last week has been identified as a Connecticut man.

Darren Joseph, 25, is believed to have been a stowaway who fell off a moving freight train and onto the tracks in the early morning hours of Oct. 6, Lincoln County Undersheriff Brandon Huff said Tuesday.

The incident is still being investigated by the Lincoln County Sheriffs Office and special agents with the BNSF Railway, but Huff said at this time, the death appears to be accidental.

Huff said evidence found at the scene, in the Wolf Creek area, indicated Joseph had been a stowaway.
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The Forest Service released its long-awaited decision on snowmobile use in the Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest Tuesday.

As Forest Service litigation coordinator Jan Bowey predicted last week, the final decision did not make changes to the agencys original 2009 plan on where snowmobilers can and cannot travel. The plan closes 40 percent of the forest to snowmobilers. Previous to 2009, 16 percent of the forest was closed to motorized use, Bowey said.

One new wrinkle will be that snowmobilers traveling in the West Fork of the Madison River south of Ennis will be advised to stick to Forest Service Road 209.

Fish, Wildlife and Parks wildlife biologist Dean Waltee has seen snowmobiles disturb wintering moose living in the willows along the river in that area since 2013, he said.

Snowmobiles are going right up the river bottom or within the willows and displacing moose into surrounding hills. Its very costly to wintering moose, who move very little to burn few calories, Waltee said.

Once snowmobiles reach higher elevation, the displacement problem becomes a nonissue, Waltee said. So FWP asked the Forest Service to encourage snowmobilers to change their habit of traveling on the banks and river bottom in that area rather than close it to motorized use.

Snow rangers will also ask snowmobilers to avoid that area.

Bowey also said the Forest Service is seeing a lot of snowmobile violations happening around Mount Jefferson, a 10,261-foot peak near the Idaho-Montana border west of Yellowstone National Park.

The boundary for snowmobiles will not change in the Mount Jefferson area, but the Forest Service is working with snowmobile clubs in Idaho, asking that snowmobilers respect the boundaries.

The only way for snowmobilers to reach Mount Jefferson is through Island Park, Idaho, Bowey said.

The Forest Services final decision came about due to litigation, brought on by WildEarth Guardians and two other environmental groups, opposed to the 2009 decision. The environmentalists wanted to see more protection for wildlife from the intrusions of motorized use.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in 2015 that the Forest Service needed to revisit its plan and had until Oct. 13 to make a final decision.

Last week Bowey said the Forest Service will better define the boundaries of where snowmobilers can go.

Montana Snowmobile Association president Jason Howell said last week that his group is happy with the Forest Services final decision.
Free classes that focus on helping children  including topics of youth mental health first aid, internet safety and behavioral support  are available to the public through the Butte school district.

The next class series starts Thursday, Oct. 13, 5 to 7 p.m., with Emily Jonart teaching the first Signs of Suicide (SOS).

All classes are in the Butte High Career Center, 1050 S. Montana St., Room 18. To register, contact Crissy Vetter at 406-533-2967 and vettercr@butte.k12.mt.us.

The classes are in collaboration with SOARS  Support, Outreach and Access for the Resiliency of Students.

Course descriptions, dates, times and instructors follow:

 Behavioral Supports in Our Schools and Community: This course teaches participants about the various behavioral supports and interventions provided in schools and community. The instructor will outline resources under a multi-tiered system of support framework, known as the Montana Behavior Initiative. Oct. 26, Jan. 25, Feb. 22, 6 to 7:30 p.m., instructor Dan Larson.

 Internet Safety: This course teaches participants how to create a safe and productive online environment for you and your children. Learn strategies for setting boundaries online and for having conversations with your kids about proper internet use. Oct. 20, Nov. 1, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.; B-SB Officer Jimm Kilmer and Ashley Choquette.

 Help Your Child Succeed in School  The Importance of Good Attendance: Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student's academic success, starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Participants will receive a general overview of the problem of chronic absenteeism and the importance of attending school each day. Nov. 8, Jan. 10, Feb. 14, March 7, 5 to 7 p.m., Dan Foley.

 Signs of Suicide (SOS): SOS teaches common signs, symptoms and resources associated with depression and suicide. Oct. 13, Nov. 10, Jan. 12, Feb. 16, March 9, 5 to 7 p.m., Emily Jonart.

 Your Mental Health First Aid: A two-part course, held Mondays and Tuesdays, YMHFA teaches participants how to help someone developing a mental health crisis or challenge. Oct. 17-18, Nov. 14-15, Jan. 16-17, Feb. 20-21, 5 to 8 p.m., Ashley Choquette, Dan Foley, Emily Jonart and Dan Larson.

Separate certificate programs  also free  are offered through the Butte school district Adult Community Education for the following classes, all in BHCC, Room 18: Youth Mental Health First Aid; Internet Safety; and Behavioral Supports in our Schools and Community.

Contact Vetter at 406-533-2967 to register.
MISSOULA -- Shahram Hadian strove to drive home his point against Islam with statistics and scripture while protesters stood in silence outside.

Hadian is an Iranian-born pastor who converted from Islam to Christianity in 1999. His event Tuesday night at the DoubleTree Inn in Missoula, "Unveiling the True Face of Islam: A Wake Up Call for the World," brought about 90 people to the conference room that had enough chairs set up for 370.

Before his speech began, protesters met at the Emmaus House near the University of Montana, passing around signs with slogans like "My Missoula Includes Muslims" before they marched to the DoubleTree. Eamon Ormseth, lead organizer of SALAM, or Standing Alongside Americas Muslims, helped to organize the rally. He said he attended another speech by ACT in Kalispell and was bothered by the viewpoints expressed there.

"I think that speech, like this, leads to more hatred and violence towards people from the Middle East, Arabs and Persians, Ormseth said.

Dan Carlino, general manager of the hotel, made multiple trips to where the protesters stood, bringing trays of warm chocolate chip cookies with him to pass out to the demonstrators, around 150 of whom had gathered by the time the speech began inside.

Shortly after the marchers reached the hotel and joined the group of protesters already there, a man drove past the group, leaning to yell out of his window.

(Expletive) them. Take care of our vets and the homeless. The ones who are sleeping on the street who dont have a (expletive) place to go, he said.

It was one of few interactions between the demonstrators and their detractors Tuesday evening, which included two points when a large truck drove past the line of protesters, the driver stomping on the gas to engulf the people on the sidewalk in a cloud of black smog.

Hadian's event was sponsored by the Lake County chapter of American Congress of Truth for America. ACT for America formed in 2007 as an organization promoting national security and defeating terrorism  though the Southern Poverty Law Center and Council on American-Islamic Relations have called it a "hate group."

"We really want to start a chapter down here," Calvin Beringer, co-chair of ACT's Flathead chapter, said of Missoula.

During his event, Hadian covered his interpretation of the basics of Islam, the history of the religion, violence, Sharia law, jihad and refugee resettlement.

"This is not about the Congolese refugees that recently arrived in Missoula," Linda Sauer, co-chair of ACT's Lake County chapter, said before introducing Hadian.

***

Shouts of "Amen!" filled the room as Hadian outlined his views on the "dangers" of Islam.

He believes the people protesting his interpretations are the minority in Montana.

"For whatever reason we've lied down, and we have to rise up," Hadian said.

"I've been labeled as an anti-Muslim bigot. ... I've been called a xenophobe. Xenophobia means an irrational fear of foreigners. Funny, isn't it?" he said as the crowd laughed, because he is Iranian.

Throughout his speech, he referred to the Quran, a hadith (a report about Muhammad) and various sites such as quran.com.

"I use sources they use, because then it makes it more authentic," he said. "It refutes their argument that you're taking it out of context."

Frances, a woman from the Bitterroot who declined to give her last name for fear of retaliation, stood out in the audience as one of Hadian's few opponents.

She argued that Hadian did not quote the Quran, but rather a hadith and Sharia law, "other people's interpretations."

"I'm not saying we turn a blind eye to radical Islam," she said. But the U.S. has become so polarized, she said, that it allows a "divide and conquer" mentality.

"What I'm saying is let's get back to the middle," she said. "That's what we need right now: prayer, not hate."

***

Hadian referred to refugee resettlement  particularly the concern about vetting refugees  as the "Trojan horse of Islamic migration." He worries that refugees will drain public resources, such as housing and education funding.

"It is suicide," he said of refugee resettlement. "It is not love, it is not compassion."

Angela Miller, of Missoula, came to Hadian's speech to learn more about what she'd been studying in the Quran. What she heard lined up with what she had already found in her research, she said.

"I'm a Christian, a Montanan, an American and female," she said. "A lot of those don't seem to mesh well with what I'm finding (in Islam)."

She wants more of a dialogue with Soft Landing Missoula.

"I understand in Missoula that they may be afraid that people will be on the attack," she said. "But that's not why I started, that's now how I am."

After 9/11, Miller said she defended her Muslim friends against attacks. None of what she heard Tuesday changed her mind about those friends, she said.

"I don't think of him (the father of her friend's Muslim family) as being the proverbial Muslim thrown into our country right now," she said. "But people are touting everyone coming in as being peaceful. That's not true, just like not all Christians are peaceful.

"I wish it wasn't like this," Miller said, pointing toward the conference room. "I don't hate anybody. But if somebody is going to come in and cause my family or I problems because of who I am or where I live, I will defend myself."

***

Dillon Kato contributed to this report.
Harry Morris was born in Rapid City, South Dakota on Dec. 19, 1921.

He graduated from Rapid City High School before entering the Army Air Corps. He was a pilot and flight instructor during WWII flying transports from India to China. The lack of reliable charts and radio navigation aids over the hump made it an extremely dangerous venture.

Upon return, he graduated from South Dakota State College and married Miss Betty Bauer, a telephone operator and high school acquaintance, in 1947. Harry was most well-known for his dedication to ranching. He ranched in South Dakota for about 13 years before permanently settling roots with his family in Montana. In addition to owning the Morris Angus Ranch, he served numerous positions for the Montana Angus Association, Soil Conservation Service, Silver Bow County Fair Board, and Weed Board. Until an impressively late age, Harry always pursued his two greatest interests in life: ranching and flying.

Harry was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Adeline Morris; his sister, Mary Louise McMaster; and his loving wife, Betty.

He is survived by his two children, Barbara and Bill Morris; his daughter-in-law, Diana Morris; his granddaughter, Nadean Snow; and great-grandson, Henry Snow.

Harry passed away on Sept. 2, 2016, and is laid to rest next to his wife in Rapid City.

Express condolences at www.mtstandard.com.
DILLON -- The Montana National Guard Youth ChalleNGe Academy, with aviation support provided by the Montana National Guard, will host an "Educator Airlift 2016" at the University of Montana Western in Dillon on Wednesday, October 12, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Educators from around Montana were selected for this event to help raise their awareness of the program and to enhance their ability to recommend it to eligible students. Seeing firsthand what the MYCA is about and taking that knowledge back to their school and community will help more Montana youth benefit from the program.

Educators will tour the facility, observe classes, and have a "meet and greet" with youth from their area. Event speakers will include Maj. Gen. Matthew Quinn, the Adjutant General for the Montana National Guard, Jan Rouse, MYCA Program Director, Beth Weatherby, Chancellor of University of Montana Western, a current MYCA cadet and a former MYCA graduate who recently graduated from the University of Montana Western.

MYCA is a two-phase, academic-based program that helps at-risk youths 16-18 develop the academic and life skills necessary to lead successful lives.

During the 22-week residential phase, cadets focus on eight core components including physical fitness, academic excellence, leadership-followership, responsible citizenship, service to community, life-coping skills, job skills and health & hygiene. Following the residential phase, cadets begin a 12-month post residential phase where they receive ongoing support through a volunteer mentor in their local community.

The academic goal of MYCA is to successfully return its graduates to their high school so they may pursue a high school diploma. MYCA continually seeks to identify new methods and venues to inform educators and the public of the program value and benefit to Montana's "at-risk" youth and their families.

Details: Montana Youth ChalleNGe Academy, 1-877-367-6927 or visit www.youthchallenge.mt.gov.
WASHINGTON  Vladimir Putin's serial humiliations of America's bewildered secretary of state regarding Syria indicate Putin's determination to destabilize the world. Here is an even more ominous indication of events moving his way: On just one day last week, Italian ships plucked 6,055 migrants from the Mediterranean.

What has this to do with Putin? It portends fulfillment of his aspiration for Europe's political, social and moral disorientation.

The Financial Times reports that of the 138,000 migrants who have come by sea to Italy this year, few are from Syria. The "vast majority" are from Africa, with the largest number from Nigeria. The U.N.'s World Population Prospects says that only 10 percent of global population is in Europe, which is projected to have fewer people in 2050 than today. Just 16 percent of the world's population is in Africa but "more than half of global population growth between now and 2050 is expected to occur" there. It will have the world's highest growth rate, and 41 percent of its people currently are under 15. Of the nine countries expected to experience half the world's population growth by 2050, five are in Africa (Nigeria, Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda). Nigeria's population, currently the world's seventh largest, is the most rapidly growing.

Even without what is likely  population pressures producing some failed African states  a portion of Africa's multitudes, perhaps scores of millions of migrants, might cross the Mediterranean to Europe. There, 24 percent of the people are 60 and over, and no country has a birth rate sufficient to maintain current population sizes. Who but immigrants can work and fund Europe's welfare states for its graying publics?

Europe has recently been politically destabilized and socially convulsed by the arrival of a million Syrian migrants seeking asylum. Future migrations from Africa, with a large Muslim component, could pose the greatest threat to the social cohesion of Europe since 1945, or even since invading Arab forces were halted at Poitiers in 732.

Undermining the West's confident sense of itself is important to Putin's implementation of his ideology of Eurasianism. It holds that Russia's security and greatness depend on what Ben Judah calls a "geographically ordained empire" that "looks east to Tashkent, not west to Paris."

Writing in the British journal Standpoint, Judah reports that Russian television relentlessly presents "a dangerous, angry wonderland": "Russia is special, Russia is under attack, Russia swarms with traitors, Russia was betrayed in 1991, Russia was glorious under Stalin's steady hand." This justifies gigantic military, intelligence and police establishments steeped in Eurasianist tracts published by the Russian General Staff.

Putin's Russia, writes Owen Matthews in The Spectator, is developing a "state-sponsored culture of prudery" to make it a "moral fortress" against Western decadence. The Russian Orthodox Church benefits from a 2013 law that criminalizes "offending the feelings of religious believers." Twenty-one percent of Russians want homosexuals "liquidated" and another 37 percent favor "separating them from society."

In a new collection of essays, "Authoritarianism Goes Global" (Johns Hopkins), the Brookings Institution's Lilia Shevtsova says Putin is simultaneously imposing a domestic revolution of cultural conservatism, converting Russia into a revanchist power and "forging an anti-Western International." She warns:

"Ever since Stalinism's relentless assault on all 'horizontal' ties (even those of family), Russians have been tragically at the mercy of the state and its claims: Individuals are invited to compensate for their helplessness by looking for meaning in collective national 'successes' that promise to bring them together and restore their pride." Such as the annexation of Crimea.

In the same volume, Peter Pomerantsev, a student of 21st-century propaganda, says "the underlying goal" of Putin's domestic disinformation is less to persuade than "to engender cynicism": "When people stop trusting any institutions or having any firmly held values, they can easily accept a conspiratorial vision of the world." Putin's Kremlin is weaving a web of incongruous but useful strands. Its conservative nationalism is congruent with that of rising European factions on the right. Its anti-Western, especially anti-American, message resonates with the European left. It funds European green groups whose opposition to fracking serves Putin's agenda of keeping Europe dependent on Russian gas.

In many worrisome ways, the 1930s are being reprised. In Europe, Russia is playing the role of Germany in fomenting anti-democratic factions. In inward-turning, distracted America, the role of Charles Lindbergh is played by a presidential candidate smitten by Putin and too ignorant to know the pedigree of his slogan "America First."

George Will's email address is georgewill@washpost.com.

(c) 2016, Washington Post Writers Group
On Sunday morning, October 2, I read with disbelief an Opinion piece in the Montana Standard (Standard View) providing advice on how we should not react to the cheating that had taken place at Tech over this summer. The writers of that piece have taken "political correctness" to new heights (depths!). It is a classic case of conclusions based on hope rather than actuality: data suddenly becomes irrelevant!

It is clear that the type and severity of the cheating at Tech was far beyond any in recent history; this was cheating at an unheard of scale! The data are a bit sketchy: some 45 students and  many were foreign students doesnt give a very precise picture of exactly who and how many were involved. However, the sheer magnitude, in comparison to typical cases, may alleviate the need for exactness.

The last quote describing non-native origins is followed by this conclusion: That last fact has produced predictable and depressing reactions of the knee-jerk variety.

How arrogant! And how wrong! We are being told how not to react to events that clearly demonstrate cultural difference. I submit that  some 45 students ... is well beyond anecdotal evidence. Although one would hope for clearer definition, they can be considered usable data. Compare this to the attempts by the Standard View writers to provide background numbers which are, one can only surmise, intended to soften the severity of the blatant dishonesty. For example, and I quote:

Surveys over the past few years have consistently shown that that between 60 and 70 percent of college students admit cheating at least once.

While all cheating should be condemned, the typical college requires passing 40 courses in order to graduate. Comparing this summers some 46 cases of cheating in one course, to students cheating a few times in their 40 courses is ridiculous. These survey results are not even close to comparable to the Tech cheating this past summer!

And a second example (presumably from the chancellors experience at Tech):

Chancellor Blackketter estimates academic dishonesty cases - and they involve students of various backgrounds -- average at least one per week all year long.

Tech enrollment is now about 2,700 students, and the typical academic year is 30 weeks long. Combining these numbers with the Chancellor's estimates noted above yields an academic dishonesty rate of about one in 90 students ... light years away from the 46 out of an unrevealed (but likely less than 100) number of students. If one had more precise numbers, the average student class load numbers (probably approaching 10 courses per year) should also be factored in, which would make the 1 in 90 number even smaller (1 in 500?)

Before offering the obligatory (and well deserved) thanks to Tech for valiantly upholding academic standards in their last paragraph, the writers admonish us to treat our international visitors as we would expect our children to be treated if they were studying abroad.

All well and good; however let us not be swayed by such sweet wordsI have had two daughters study abroad. I, and they, never expected that they be allowed to violate the basic standards of decency prevailing in the locale in which they studied. Even if the prohibition of cheating was only a United States custom, is it asking too much of all students studying here to honor that custom? (And, of course, we are not alone in that custom.)

Finally, in the future, please dont appoint yourselves community thought leaders, morally obligated to tutor the unwashed heathens on how to think. Instead you might consider that many of us have very different experiences and different data than you have on which to judge peoples and events. Especially given the remaining gaps in what is known, a wide range of reactions are to be expected. To label some of those expected reactions knee jerk is to disdain diversity of thought and is the epitome of narrow mindedness, even if the conclusion you reach is politically correct! A multitude of interpretations of any complex event should be welcomed.
I have fished, hunted and trapped all my life following traditions that have been done for uncountable years. I know there are people who dont, and I respect and understand their position. However, there are now some on the left who wish to ban me from my lifetime endeavors. The anti-trapping Initiative 177 in Montana (please vote against it) and the efforts to ban African hunting are just a few examples of this. Liberals I know respond to this by telling me to simply change my lifestyle. Thanks.
My friend Shelly changes her fentanyl patches every two days. It used to be a single patch every three days. Now it's two patches every other  for a combined 62.5 mcg. Diagnosed one year ago with a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor, she's in a club she never asked to join. Cancer her entry ticket, she can fill her prescriptions without question. But when she uses morphine and Dilaudid and lorazepam for breakthrough pain and anxiety, "All I can do is sleep," she says. "That's not living."

Her medical marijuana card used to offer an alternative. "Mentally, physically, spiritually, psychologically ... with the pot, I am living."

I met Shell's providers in early August when I took her to the pot shop, and I was impressed with their professionalism, knowledge, concern for Shelly, and array of products. They applauded testing, taxation, and regulations, but were frustrated with Montana's forthcoming legislation. When it took effect August 31 and limited providers to only three patients, they couldn't afford to stay in business.

Shell has been receiving in-home hospice care since spring. Marijuana enabled her to make memories with her family: taking road trips to Yellowstone National Park and to Colorado, enjoying movie nights and family dinners, and dancing at her daughter's wedding. She stocked up on enough pot "to last through September" but now it's October and her pain has worsened. She is without a provider, as are 11,849 other registered medical marijuana patients (Montana newspaper reports in September).

In 2014, there were more than 14,000 U.S. deaths involving prescription opioids. According to the DEA, "No death from overdose of marijuana has been reported." Montanans voted to legalize medical marijuana in 2004, and it has been used to treat patients with cancer, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, epilepsy, and more. Please vote FOR I-182. Thank you.

 Karen Antonietti Buley, BSN, Missoula
For hunters like us, strolling through Montanas glorious public lands with our hunting dogs bounding happily nearby in search of game is the perfect fall day. Unfortunately, what seems like the perfect outing for us, can be deadly for our dogs.

Over the past 15 years, our German Wirehaired Pointers have been caught in five different traps hidden in the woods baited with meat. Luckily, they survived. The noose traps up the Ninemile nearly strangled them. The leg-hold traps in the Garnet Range smashed their paws. The dogs survived because they wore electronic collars and were found quickly. If they had been caught in a larger trap, such as a Conibear, survival would have been unlikely, no matter when we found them.

Under current law, trappers have more rights to use public land than bird hunters, or anyone else with a dog. Trappers dont even have to put up warning signs. If your dog is captured in a trap and you remove or damage the trap, you can be fined up to $1,000 or jailed up to 6 months (MCA 87-6-601).

The incidental take of dogs and other non-target species (eagles, lynx, bears, wolverines) is one of the many reasons why hunters like us support I-177, which limits trapping on public land:

 Trapping has no resemblance to fair chase.

 Wildlife is for all Montanans, not for the personal profit of a few.

 Trapping is no more a time honored tradition than commercial harvest of deer and elk was prior to 1895.

 Limiting trapping to private land will not begin the slippery slope to outlaw hunting. The right to hunt is guaranteed in the Montana Constitution.

 Nancy Winslow and Doug Webber, Missoula, Nancy and Doug are avid hunters of big game and birds. Nancy is a 5th-generation Montanan, originally from Whitehall. Doug has been fishing and hunting in Montana for over 40 years.
Donald Trump is going to bomb ISIS to smithereens. Does this mean like Assad and Russia are doing in Syria? He is going to reinstitute really bad torture, in violation of international law and accepted standards of decency. He will undermine NATO, a bedrock of world peace for almost 70 years. He is not averse to using atomic weapons. He is often confused about foreign affairs, but he is consistently scary and dangerous.

Domestically he will deport 11,000,000 undocumented aliens. Costs and methods are unclear. Muslims will be banned or put under surveillance. Think Eastern Europe under the Communists. He will pursue another round of supply side (trickle down, voodoo) economics. Initial costing of the proposed tax cuts indicate the rewards will go mostly to the wealthy and will add trillions of dollars to the deficit. So much for fiscal responsibility.

Personally, he is vulgar, lies continuously, is factually-challenged on important issues, insults everyone, and hides his finances from the public. His campaigns top leadership has included an extreme right purveyor of hatred and bigotry, a lecher, and a subverter of democracy and U.S.a foreign policy.

It makes one wonder who in Gods name would support such policies and such an individual. Disliking Hillary Clinton is a feeble excuse to saddle America with someone Colin Powell refers to as a national disgrace and an international pariah. Vote Clinton. She is well-qualified, decent, not extreme, has proposals that are based on facts, and has a proven willingness to work with Republicans.

 David Darby, Billings
Two candidates running for the regional seat on Montana's five-member Public Service Commission  the elected body that determines how to keep energy rates fair while profitable for the generating utilities  gave their pitches Tuesday in a forum at Montana Tech.

Incumbent Roger Koopman and his challenger Pat Noonan, a Butte Democrat hoping to break the Republican monopoly of the PSC, attended. Independent candidate Caron Cooper of Livingston didnt show, citing poor road conditions due to snowfall. The three are vying for the District 3 seat.

Though the candidates agreed on the recent actions of the PSC to purchase 11 pricey hydroelectric dams, and that the commission should embrace new technologies, they diverged ideologically on how Montana's power utilities should look in the future and why they failed in the past.

The candidates agreed for the most part on questions from moderator David McCumber relating to reducing rates for solar energy producers to sell back to the grid (a worthy privilege), whether the commission should be responsible to utilities or consumers (what's good for one is good for the other), and the possibility for cost recovery for NorthWestern Energy's new Butte building (plausible, but uncertain).

Both candidates said electing the PSC was in the best interest of Montana citizens, and that they trusted voters to make the best decision despite few knowing the commission's importance. Noonan said appointing commissioners would be partisan for a purple state like Montana, and Koopman said he's too independent to ever stand a chance of being appointed.

Both candidates said they believe in the current investor-owned monopoly model of Montana's power utilities.

Koopman said it maintains the vitality of private enterprise while remaining accountable to customers. The only alternative he could think of would be public ownership, of which he disapproves.

"Public utilities want to maximize profits by socializing risk," the incumbent said.

His opponent said the system works well the way it is, and was built at great cost after the poor deregulated model of the Montana Power Company.

"What we did after deregulation failed was build a hybrid system," Noonan said, continuing to say that government can incentivize development in rural areas that private enterprises would otherwise find unprofitable.

Montana Tech Chancellor Donald Blackketter asked the candidates how aggressive the commission should be on accepting distributed generation, and whether it was better to embrace new technologies or keep the status quo.

Noonan said Montana must absolutely be aggressive in embracing distributed distribution technologies like home solar, as divesting from coal is a foregone conclusion and out of their hands. He said the decision now is how to transition to a new system while ensuring decent rates through compromise.

Koopman agreed that the commission must be willing to move fast when technological needs are changing, but that guessing wrong could lead to bad investments. He said Montana was unique, and shouldn't follow lock-step behind other states.

The candidates disagreed more heavily toward the end of the forum.

Montana Tech engineering lab director Matt Egloff asked what the candidates would do in the commission to keep rates low enough for manufacturing industries to stay open and keep good paying jobs in communities.

Neither candidate directly addressed Egloffs question.

Koopman blamed misguided efforts to combat climate change, which he called political, not scientific.

Human consumption is not destroying the planet, Koopman said, The EPA right now is a rogue agency that is harming Montana beyond belief.

He said there is a price to pay for shutting down coal plants, and that coal could continue to be our friend.

Noonan strongly disagreed with Koopmans environmental claims, citing Butte as a prime example of the purpose of environmental regulatory agencies.

Weve seen what it looks like when things arent done responsibly, Noonan said.

Noonan claimed energy industries like coal are dying because of the market regardless of what the state does, and that government needs to act swiftly to retrain Colstrips workers for similar well-paying jobs.

The economy will decide how long coal lasts, Noonan said.

The candidates summarized where their positions contrasted during closing statements.

Noonan said the PSC is the strongest elected body in the state that no one knows about, and that the commissions choices have significant consequences. Growing up in Butte under the economic and health effects of extractive industries, Noonan said he has seen the damage resulting from a free market system.

Deregulation failed, we didnt stop deregulation just because we stopped believing in it, Noonan said.

Koopman called Noonans use of the words deregulation and free market incendiary, and disagreed with Noonans claim that the market was free under in the Montana Power Companys era of monopoly, which he called a disaster. He reiterated his belief that opening up the power market to competition and letting consumers decide whats best with their wallets would produce the best system.

About two dozen people attended the forum, which is sponsored by the Butte Local Development Corp.
BILLINGS  About 24 people gathered outside U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke's Billings office on Tuesday, imploring him to renounce his support for Donald Trump.

They held signs that said things like "Grab them by the ballot," and "Grabbing back Nov. 8," in response to the Republican presidential nominee's recently released comments about women.

On Friday, the Washington Post released a 2005 video of Trump, in which he described, using explicit terms and making sexual advances on women, including grabbing them.

Tuesday's demonstration, which was part of the Montanans Rally for Women group, was attended mostly by women. Speakers said that if public officials maintain their support for Trump in light of his comments, then they fail to take a stand against sexual violence.

Event organizer Kate Olp-Restad said that she wanted to show Zinke that voters are taking notice.

"Here in Billings, we stand up for victims of sexual assault," she said.

Zinke has been a steady supporter of the Republican nominee while running his own re-election campaign. Zinke endorsed Trump on the cable news morning show "Fox and Friends" on May 25.

He introduced Trump during his appearance at Rimrock Auto Arena on May 26.

Also in May, Zinke told Breitbart News that he would serve under Trump if asked, perhaps as the New York businessman's vice presidential pick or any cabinet position, as well as from his current congressional seat.

After the release of Trump's comments, Zinke joined a list of party officials who condemned the words but stopped short of taking back their endorsements.

"The language is shocking and wrong, and should never be used, ever," Zinke said in a statement on Saturday. "My wife, Lola, and I have talked about it, and we pray he has grown from his mistake."

On Tuesday, he released a similar statement through a spokeswoman, saying that he and his wife "can never" vote for Hillary Clinton. He did not directly address his endorsement.

Some Republican officials have said they will not vote for Trump, including U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz and Gov. Gary Herbert, both of Utah.

Facing the building where Zinke maintains a field office, the group listened to stories of sexual assault. No one from the congressman's ninth-floor office met the audience.

Jade Bahr shared stories from her own life, when she witnessed sexual violence. She said that as a child, she saw her father be abusive toward her mother. She saw her friend go through an abusive relationship.

She said that if people like Zinke don't fully disavow those actions, it makes them more pervasive.

"Then he is normalizing rape culture," Bahr said. "And he is endorsing violence against women."

Another woman, Karen Jarussi, joined others at the event and called on Zinke to take back his endorsement. She said that when women speak about unwanted sexual advances, it's not a phenomenon isolated to some women.

That's what brought Wanda Walker out on Tuesday.

"Sexual assault is a part of every woman's life," she said.
The University of Montana may soon receive its largest donation ever  a $24 million pledge for the College of Forestry and Conservation and the Global Leadership Initiative  from airline magnate and investor Bill Franke and his family.

Both programs would be renamed in honor of the Franke family.

"This will become the largest single gift ever received by the University of Montana, pending Montana University System Board of Regents approval," UM President Royce Engstrom said in a memo released Tuesday.

It would be more than twice the largest single gift to date  a $10 million donation to the law school in 2015, according to the UM Foundation.

Franke is a co-founder of Indigo Partners, a private investment firm, and has led America West, US Air and Frontier Airlines in the U.S., as well as air carriers in countries around the globe.

Engstrom declined Tuesday to discuss details of the donation until he meets with the faculty Thursday. The memo he released noted the Franke family has spent time on campus and feels a connection to UM.

The familys gift is focused on conserving Montanas natural resources and expanding the global perspective of our students, Engstrom's memo said.

Franke has ties to the timber industry. He was once CEO of Southwest Forest Industries, which was later purchased and became part of Smurfit-Stone Container. The company had a plant in Frenchtown, which closed in 2010.

Franke also appears to be a nature lover. Earlier this year, Kate Davis of Raptors of the Rockies said Franke called her last summer to tell her a pygmy owl she'd mentioned in a presentation to airline executives at his lakeside home in Ferndale had inspired him to place a design of the tiny owl on some Frontier Airlines aircraft he had purchased.

The Franke family has made other donations to higher education, including a $25 million gift in 2007 to Northern Arizona University's College of Business.

In a 2007 Arizona Republic editorial posted on Northern Arizona University's website, Franke described himself as fortunate in his career and interested in using education to diversify the state's economy and to provide economic opportunities, quality of life, and "a fair shot" to young people, in particular minorities.

"One key reason I selected NAU to receive the gift is the college's focus on service to minorities and first-generation students," Franke said.

"A smaller college that nurtures individual students, NAU embraces Native American, Hispanic and rural young people whose families have had limited opportunities. The majority of these students remain in Arizona after graduation to work and raise their families.

"The state must focus on preparing students from our multicultural heritage for leadership."

Born in Texas, Franke is married to Carolyn D. Franke and the couple has five children, according to the NAU bio.

***

At UM, the naming opportunity is posted on the Faculty Senate agenda for 4 p.m. Thursday in LAW 201. The draft contract was not posted with the agenda item Tuesday afternoon; UM did not provide the proposed agreement Tuesday.

Faculty Senate will be asked to approve the naming associated with these gifts, reads the agenda item. Details about the gift will be provided at the  meeting.

UM communications director Paula Short said she could not provide specific information Tuesday about how the money would be used to support the College of Forestry and Conservations students and programs or the Global Leadership Initiative. However, she said Engstrom will offer additional details at the meeting.

The UM Foundation has directed inquiries about the gift to Main Hall.

***

Across the country, private donations are becoming more critical to public institutions of higher education. Within the past 18 months, the Board of Regents took up two multi-million-dollar renaming proposals, and both drew some controversy.

In May 2015, UM renamed its law school the Alexander Blewett III School of Law in honor of a family who made a $10 million gift in part to support consumer law. Regents and university officials praised the familys generosity but at least one regent also noted the public should have the right to participate when the university system renames public assets.

In that case, the contract noted several areas of the law school to be named after the Blewett family, including a program fund, faculty chair, scholarship and discretionary fund.

In May 2016, the regents accepted a controversial $8 million gift from Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Gianforte and his wife Susan Gianforte for Montana State University in Bozeman. That proposal renamed the MSU computer science department the Gianforte School of Computing.

According to the presidents memo Tuesday, UM is vetting the Franke proposal to rename the College of Forestry and Conservation and the Global Leadership Initiative. It said UM and the foundation will share more information about the family and their inspiration for the donation in the weeks to come.

The process includes approval by the forestry college faculty and GLI oversight board, as well as pending approval by the Faculty Senate, UM president and provost, the memo said. When the Board of Regents addresses this item in November, the public will have the opportunity to participate in the process.

The interim dean of the College of Forestry and Conservation did not respond to a voicemail requesting comment; the director of the Global Leadership Initiative also did not return a voicemail.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  Iowa Secretary of State Paul Pate visited Muscatine Wednesday morning to meet with bank officials, business leaders, and area businessmen as part of his effort to keep abreast of the needs of Iowans, especially small business owners.

One of the main functions of the Secretary of State office is to make sure that we are doing the things that will help area businesses, Pate said. There are a lot of small businesses and they need the help and support we can offer them.

Pate began his second tour of duty as Iowas Secretary of State in January with a three pronged attack to make government better for Iowans. His three core principles of service, participation, and integrity has guided the Secretary and now serves as a guide to the citizens of Iowa.

As a small business owner himself, Pate knows full well the complexities of running a business and the need for government to be able to reach out and help.

I ran for Secretary of State the first time because I saw a problem and wanted to fix it, Pate said. I ran the second time because I saw situations that were hurting businesses and knew there was a need to correct them.

Pate added that he recognized that the state must keep up with the pace of business rather than business stay with the pace of government.

Service, participation, and integrity are the pillars that will make a business successful or an individual successful, Pate said.

Along with business, Pate is also the top election official for the State of Iowa and has guided his staff to ensure that elections are fair and honest, and that citizens are registered to vote. He worked with the Department of Transportation to develop an electronic voter registrations system.

Millennials will be a very important factor in the upcoming election and it is important that they become involved in the election process by registering to vote, Pate said. Drake and Simpson College reported that over 50 percent of their students had participated in the most recent election.

That is a trend that is growing each year according to Pate and candidates must take this group seriously.

One of the problems with millennials is that younger ones are not sure that they will vote while the older segment becomes more evolved as each year passes, Pate said.

Another segment of voters that Pate is focused on helping are those serving overseas in the military. Over 2,500 requests for absentee ballots were sent to Iowans serving overseas in the National Guard.

These individuals are out there protecting our right to vote so it is important that we give them that right to vote no matter where they are stationed. Pate said.

Iowa citizens can help honor veterans by going to the Secretary of State web site (www.sos.iowa.gov/veterans) and fill out a form that will be sent to a veteran thanking them for their service.

This is a great opportunity to thank those who served to protect our freedoms, Pate said.

It is also important to educate young students in the civic responsibility of voting which is why Pate helped to create Caucus 101 in 2015 and Election 101 this year for high school aged students and younger. Students who participate in these curriculums have the opportunity to participate in a statewide youth straw poll which will be released on November 1.

I am anxiously awaiting and excited to see the results of this straw poll, Pate said. Iowa has been a pretty good indicator of the way local and national elections will go and these straw polls have been pretty accurate also.

Pate also touched on the Safe at Home program which is an address confidentiality program for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault trafficking, and stalking. The program helps survivors improve their lives by providing a substitute address, mail forwarding service, and confidential voter registration that allow victims an easier route to a more normal life.

Sometimes people stay in the program several years and sometimes several months, Pate said. It just depends on the individual and their ability to regain their confidence to live a normal life.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  Jimmy Kent has joined the Kent Precision Foods Group, a subsidiary of Kent Corporation, based in St. Louis MO. Jimmy is part of the Consumer Packaged Goods Sales Team in the role of Emerging Channels Regional Sales Manager. He will manage the Outdoor/Sporting Goods segment as well as select Farm & Fleet accounts in the Midwest, selling KPFG consumer branded products.

A native of Muscatine, Iowa, Jimmy is a graduate of Iowa State University with a degree in Agricultural Business. Jimmy started his career in sales as a Seed Advisor  TSR at Becks Hybrids. He also gained internship experiences in GPC International Sales, Kent Nutrition Group Product Development and Research, along with Animal Caretaking at ISU Swine Teaching Farm. Jimmy and his wife Dani are relocating to Springfield Missouri area.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  Members of the Pearl City Players say they are excited for "Blithe Spirit," a comedy written by Noel Coward, for their October show.

"Blithe Spirit" centers around a seance, conducted by Madame Arcati, played by Lori Shield, at the home of novelist Charles Condomine, played by Chris Causey. He is hoping to gather material for his next book.

But the ghost of his first wife, Elvira, played by Cali Van Zandt, is unleashed during the seance. Elvira attempts to disrupt Charles's marriage to his second wife, Ruth, played by Cassidy Probasco, who cannot see or hear the ghost.

"This show is a lot of fun, it's a little like Masterpiece Theatre meets a sitcom," said Bill Turner, who plays Dr. Bradman in the show.

Turner was one of the founding members of the Pearl City Players Theatrical Society, which is looking forward to its ninth year in Muscatine. He said the group was formed to provide more opportunities in Muscatine.

"What we're trying to do is give people an outlet for their creativity, because you really can't do these sort of things on your own," Turner said.

There are opportunities to perform, build sets, sew costumes, and run lights and sound.

"It's just a good way to meet people," Turner said.

Turner and other cast members said they have been enjoying the process of building the show.

"It's a really fun group to work with," he said.

Vicky Petkunas, the director of "Blithe Spirit," said she is excited to see all the different elements of the show come together.

"I can't wait," Petkunas said.

Peggy Adasme, who plays the maid, Edith, said she has been enjoying the comedy of errors surrounding the seance.

"I have found myself laughing at the lines I hear when I'm off stage," she said.

For Halloween-themed fun, Turner said "Blithe Spirit" will be a good place to go.

"And it's live entertainment," he said.

The Pearl City Players will present Noel Cowards classic farce Blithe Spirit at 7:30 p.m., Friday Oct. 14 and Saturday Oct. 15, and 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 16, in the Muscatine Center for Performing Arts at Central Middle School.

Tickets will be available at the door and will be $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets may also be reserved in advance from members of the cast or crew.

The Pearl City Players production is directed by Vicky Petkunas with assistance from Benjamin Fix, and is produced by Allyson Giovanazzi. More information can be found on the Pearl City Players Facebook page, at facebook.com/pearlcityplayers.
MUSCATINE, Iowa  The Muscatine Symphony Orchestra presents the MasterWorks II concert called  Symphonic Giants at 7:30 p.m on Saturday, Nov.12, at Central Middle School Auditorium on Cedar and Ninth Streets. Featured will be music by Mozart and Mahler. Brian Dollinger is the conductor.

Tickets are available at the door and at the main HyVee store. Tickets are $12 for seniors, $15 for adults, and tickets for students are free- always.

For more information see the website www.muscatinesymphony.org or call 264-2071.
WILTON, Iowa - Wilton's top economic advisor is looking for history to play a key role in revitalizing the community's downtown. Becky Allgood, executive director of the Wilton Development Corporation, announced during Monday night's city council meeting that the downtown business district has been officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which can open doors to grant funding.

Allgood asked the council to team with the National Register and the State Historic Preservation Office by enacting an ordinance designating Wilton as a Certified Local Government.

"Being one of those would be real helpful for Wilton because it would help us get grants," Allgood told the council.

Allgood added she is hoping to win grant money to renovate City Hall.

"We can look at this building and start getting it rehabbed," she said. "It has historic significance."

To become a Certified Local Government, Wilton would need to designate a staff member to handle associated administrative matters. Allgood said she could fill that role. Other requirements include creation of a volunteer historic preservation commission, providing cash or in kind matches for grants, and allocating a minimal $750 for annual budget.

"It's a minor budgeting expense," commented City Administrator Chris Ball. "We can put it on the agenda for next meeting."

No action was taken Monday night, but the council will likely take up the matter Oct. 24.

Council members want to take a second look at a proposed new sidewalk along Cypress Street. The new sidewalk from the railroad tracks north to Division Street, including a crossing signal at Fifth Street, would be intended to provide youngsters a safer route to school. The original cost estimate was $203,000, and Wilton won a federal Transportation Alternative Project grant of nearly $150,000 for the project. But figures presented by Ball Monday night increases the estimate to $378,000, causing council members to ponder if the effort is worth the cost.

"I don't know how many kids you have enrolled in school who would come up Cypress like that," said Council Member Ted Marolf, and he recommended a study be done.

"It seems like a lot of money," Mayor Bob Barrett added.

Ball said he will look into having a study done.

On a related note, Barrett recommended amending the sidewalk ordinance to not allow occupancy of a new home until sidewalks are in place and to require homeowners to replace sidewalks that are removed.

"It's kind of strict, but we have a lot of new homes that don't have sidewalks," said Barrett.

No action was taken, but Ball commented it would probably require passage of an occupancy permit ordinance.

In other business, Ball announced open burning will be allowed 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 20-Nov. 20.
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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 []
WASHINGTON  Donald Trumps campaign called Wednesday for Hillary Clinton to apologize and fire senior campaign officials involved in an email exchange that Republicans condemned as breathtaking anti-Catholic bigotry.

The April 2011 email exchange details a brief conversation between current Clinton Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri and John Halpin, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, a Democratic think tank with close ties to the Clinton campaign and the Obama White House.

Halpin wrote that the most powerful elements of the conservative movement are all Catholic and described their positions as an amazing bastardization of the faith.

They must be attracted to the systematic thought and severely backwards gender relations and must be totally unaware of Christian democracy, Halpin wrote.

Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta was included in the email conversation but did not respond.

Palmieri, who was at the Center for American Progress at the time, responded that Catholicism is the most socially acceptable politically conservative religion. Their rich friends wouldnt understand if they became evangelicals.

The exchange was revealed this week among thousands of hacked Podesta emails made public by Wikileaks. Podesta says the FBI is investigating the matter as part of a broader investigation into Russian hacking of Democratic groups.

The comments sparked an outcry from the Trump campaign and its Republican allies who are eager to go on the offensive as Trump struggles with his own party. GOP leaders and many elected Republicans distanced themselves from their own presidential nominee after after Trumps sexually predatory language was revealed on video last week.

Campaigning Wednesday in battleground Florida, Trump said Clintons team had been viciously attacking Catholics and evangelicals.

Anybody of religion, I really think you have to vote for Donald Trump, he said.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., who has distanced himself from the Trump campaign, called the emails staggering.

Ryan, who is Catholic, released a statement Wednesday saying: If anything, these statements reveal the Clinton campaigns hostile attitude toward people of faith in general. ... All Americans of faith should take a long, hard look at this and decide if these are the values we want to be represented in our next president.

Palmieri told reporters traveling with Clinton on Wednesday that she doesnt recognize the hacked email, although she wouldnt say explicitly whether she believes it had been forged. The Clinton campaign has noted that Russian hackers have been known to fake information, but the campaign has not pointed to a specific example of a hacked email being altered.

Trump allies, in a conference call organized by his campaign, compared the email exchange to the persecution of the Irish in the early 19th century.

The Clinton campaign, when in private, expresses breathtaking anti-Catholic bigotry, said American Conservative Union chairman Matt Schlapp.

The Center for American Progress released a statement that did not authenticate the email exchange, but said Halpin, a Catholic, has spent his career advocating and fighting for the common good and improving the lives of all Americans as a key tenet of his Catholic faith.
With a stretch so scenic as the Napa Valley and its surrounding environs, a means for people to see and experience it is of particular value.

Napa Valley Wine Country Tours is one of the services in the valley that has been filling that role for tourists and locals both, ferrying those who have sought the service up and down the region for two decades now.

Sharif Steyteyieh has it down to the day. [We] started on June 25th, 1996 and we made it to 20 years three months ago.

Within those years their fleet has grown from no fleet at all  a single Lincoln Town Car to a fleet 50 vehicles strong.

We just had a brand new Volvo 2016 56-passenger bus that rolled in, Steyteyieh said. In recent weeks, the company, based in American Canyon, got a second such bus.

However there is one particular addition that he announced with especial pride.

But a lot of people really open up their eyes when they see the Convertible Sprinter Limo. Everywhere we go theyre just like wow whats this? I mean its just an eye-catcher ... an extremely unique vehicle that everybody just loves.

The vehicle in question is a Mercedes Convertible Sprinter Limo, which seats 14 and is a variant of the Mercedes Sprinter Limousine specially customized by Caleche USA.

As implied by the name, the most evident modification is that, with the press of a button, within 45 seconds, the glass top retracts, allowing passengers a clear panoramic view and fresh air.

Having a glass top also means a panoramic view is possible despite weather conditions. This innovation on the stock model comes with accompanying modifications for safety and weatherproofing.

Already in use in Europe, It was the first one in the United States, Steyteyieh noted with pride.

He says his newly-acquired Sprinter Convertible is doing so well, Im thinking about [getting] another one so we can go ahead and run them during the summertime.

The plans are to set it up for the Daily Wine Tour, Steyteyieh said.

The Daily Wine Tour is an experience offered by the company in which customers are picked up from their Napa Valley lodging to begin a tour of four wineries customized by the chauffeur and guide.

This customization means there is no predetermined route. It instead varies from one day to the next, so those visiting Napa for a short time can use the service and experience a different set of wineries during their stay.

Pick up is also available in American Canyon, Fairfield, Vallejo hotels and the Vallejo Ferry, according to their website. Other tours pick up in San Francisco.

The Daily Wine Tour comes at $99 a person, excluding gratuity and wine-tasting fees.

Napa Valley Wine Country Tours also offers busing for weddings, airport, transfers and corporate events, according to Steyteyieh  quotes for which may be acquired through their website.

Customers looking for more control over their experience may rent one of the companys vehicles by the hour, allowing them to design an itinerary that better suits their needs.
Longtime City Councilmember Joan Bennett has lost some key endorsements to her youthful challenger, Mariam Aboudamous, who enjoys political and financial backing from key Democratic politicians.

But Bennett, 77, a longtime fixture on the City Council, has demonstrated that she still has plenty of support from other party leaders and residents.

Her endorsements include Congressman Mike Thompson, Sheriff John Robertson, and state Senate candidate Mariko Yamada.

Bennett also has posted impressive fundraising totals.

Candidates for City Council filed their first campaign finance reports at the end of September. The reports, which covered their fundraising efforts from July 1 to Sept. 24, revealed Bennett easily outraised Aboudamous, 30, in contributions.

In fact, the four-term councilmember collected considerably more money than any of the other five candidates running for a seat on the council, including mayor.

Bennett reported raising $7,740 during the first months of the campaign, dwarfing Aboudamous $1,993.

She also outdistanced fellow Councilmember Kenneth Leary ($2,768) and challenger Tony Heuschel ($1,846), who are competing against Bennett and Aboudamous for two seats in the at-large election.

Bennetts fundraising was even better than the two candidates for mayor.

Incumbent Leon Garcia reported $4,017, but will be amending his total downward (see below), while challenger Doug Lindsey reported $2,875, almost all of which was his own money.

The largest donors to Bennetts reelection were bicycle manufacturer Dynacraft DSC, American Mortgage & Realty Corp., and Wine Direct, each of whom gave Bennett $1,000.

Four other companies contributed $500 apiece: Boisset America, Hess Collection, Trinity Road (dba US Wine Transport), and Western Wine Services.

Even after spending $3,546, Bennett reported having $12,532 left in her campaign account, thanks to contributions received in the spring and from before the start of the year.

Most of Aboudamous contributions came from just three individuals  three rather big individuals in American Canyon and Napa Valley politics.

Assemblyman Bill Dodd, County Supervisor Keith Caldwell, and City Councilmember Mark Joseph each gave Aboudamous $500.

Caldwell, who represents American Canyon, encouraged Aboudamous to run for the council. Dodd, Joseph, and Caldwell appeared at her first big fundraiser, held at the Doubletree Hotel on Sept. 28.

Aboudamous reported spending only $263, leaving her with $1,736 heading into October. She was able to limit her expenditures through in-kind support, such as $1,260 from Joanne Gifford for campaign photos.

Garcia reported raising $4,017 in contributions, which would have given him the second highest total after Bennett.

However, the mayor has since informed the City Clerks Office that he will be submitting an amendment to his report to correct the listing of a $2,500 check from Fairgrounds Mobile Estates in September.

The contribution was actually made in May, and was reported on Garcias previous campaign report for Jan. 1-June 30. His listing it again in September was in error, according to City Clerk Suellen Johnston.

The removal of the $2,500 contribution from Garcias July-September filing means he raised about $1,500. His largest contributor was Napa Valley Unified School District Trustee Joe Schunk, who represents American Canyon on the school board, with $250.

With Garcia amending his filing, the second highest fundraising total belonged to Leary, with $2,768. His largest contribution was $250 from Dodd, along with numerous contributions of $100 or less from various residents.

Heuschel raised $1,846 during July-September. His largest donor was bookkeeper Nicholas Hamati, who made contributions of $500 in August and $250 in September. Hamati also contributed $250 in March, bringing his total support for Heuschel to $1,000.

The Napa County deputy sheriff also loaned his campaign $1,750 during the most recent filing period. Since launching his first run for office earlier this year, Heuschel has provided $2,750 in loans, while raising a total of $2,295 in monetary contributions.

Lindsey, making his first run for mayor, has relied heavily on his own money. The retired Teamster truck driver contributed $2,700 to his campaign on Sept. 2.

He reported raising only $165 from others.
Napa County has its highest voter registration ever for the Nov. 8 election, with the hyped-up presidential battle between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton among the possible reasons.

County Registrar of Voters John Tuteur reported Oct. 7 that the county has 74,107 registered voters. That tops the previous high of 72,592 for the November 2012 presidential election, with more time left to register.

Were shooting for 75,000, Tuteur said.

There is room for growth. The Secretary of States Office reports the county as of Sept. 9 had 93,583 eligible voters. That makes for a 79 percent voter registration rate, compared to the statewide average of 73.4 percent.

The Clinton/Trump race and resulting media coverage is driving high voter interest in the election, said Tuteur, adding that he doesnt mean to denigrate the local races and initiatives.

Local races include the 2nd District Board of Supervisors clash between incumbent Mark Luce and Ryan Gregory and the 3rd District State Senate clash between Assemblyman Bill Dodd and Mariko Yamada. Local initiatives include the Measure Z open space tax and Measure A animal shelter changes.

But voter fascination  or disgust  with presidential race star power may be only one reason for the voter registration record. Tuteur also credited a greater interest in online voter registration, especially among young people.

Online voter registration began in California in September 2012. People can register to vote for the upcoming election at registertovote.ca.gov by Oct. 24.

Meanwhile, vote-by-mail ballots and county sample ballot pamphlets should be arriving this week in local mail boxes. More than 90 percent of Napa County voters use vote-by-mail ballots, Tuteur said.

People who havent received the county mailings by Oct. 17 should contact the county Election Division at 253-4322.

The final piece of material voters will receive is the 224-page state of California voter information guide that Tuteur calls a phone book. It contains information on 17 state propositions ranging from repealing the death penalty to legalizing recreational marijuana use to allowing the state to issue $9 billion in school bonds.

All of this could open the floodgates to campaign mailers that so far have arrived in local mailboxes at only a trickle. Candidates often save their postal firepower until after the county sends out the vote-by-mail ballots.

Voters will notice a difference this election when they receive their vote-by-mail ballots and Napa County ballot pamphlets. For the first time, the local materialsthough not the state ballot voter information guideswill be English/Spanish bilingual versions.

The county previously mailed out separate materials in English and Spanish, depending on the voters preference. But the Department of Justice objected and a June agreement between the county and the federal agency called for bilingual versions.

Tuteur sees advantages to the new method.

We can be assured the material and the sample ballot pamphlet is available in whatever language the person wants, whether theyve notified us of their language preference or not, he said.
A quest is underway to keep a Girl Scouts camp that includes the top of the southern Mayacamas Mountains  2,677-foot-tall Mount Veeder  from having a For Sale sign go up.

The Napa County Regional Park and Open Space District is leading the effort. It wants to buy the 160-acre property known as The Cove for $700,000 and let the Girl Scouts and other organizations continue to use it.

How often do you get to buy a mountain? district General Manager John Woodbury said.

Plus, this is a Napa County mountain peak with a degree of star power. It joins Mount St. Helena, Atlas Peak and a few others in having a name that dwellers on the flatlands in local cities might recognize.

But theres a hitch.

We dont have $700,000 in the bank, and we dont have the grant funding lined up right now, Woodbury said. Its a stretch.

The Open Space District has one year to find the money under a purchase agreement approved by its Board of Directors on Monday.

Carol Hall is a local Girl Scouts troop leader who has often been to The Cove. The land sits high above the city of Napa on slopes covered with oaks, maples, Douglas firs, madrones and other trees.

I just think its a special piece of property, Hall said. We hold camps there where weve had 150 girls experiencing nature, getting outdoors, learning camping, learning nature skills, going on hikes.

One of those hikes leads up steep slopes to the summit of Mount Veeder. Hall took a group of girls up there in June.

You can see to San Francisco on a clear day, Hall said. You see up and down the Napa Valley. Its an amazing view.

The Girl Scouts bought the first 80 acres in 1964 using cookie money, according to a written history of The Cove presented to the district. Orlan and Nina Brune donated the second 80 acres a few years later.

As for the name The Cove, that comes because people thought one part of the property is a crater of an extinct volcano. Such craters are also called coves. But its unclear if this story included in The Cove history is geologically accurate.

Features on The Cove include seven campsites, an open meadow for gatherings, a campfire circle and four sleeping shelters. Up to 230 people can use The Cove during the day and 200 for overnight stays.

Open Space District Board of Director Brent Randol recalled that during his youth in Browns Valley he and friends would ride their bikes to The Cove and hike to the top of Mount Veeder. One of his colleagues remarked that must have been an all-day affair.

Those were the days before cellphones, Randol said. You left at the first light and returned before dinner.

The Cove is a great piece of property that fits in well with the districts mission, Randol said.

The Girl Scouts of Northern California operates camps throughout Northern California and intends to sell some of the camps for financial reasons. That will raise money to improve and operate the remaining camps, an Open Space District report said.

Among the properties targeted for possible sale is The Cove.

It is beloved, but used by a relatively small number of Girl Scouts each year, said Marina Park, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northern California.

Local Girl Scouts leaders approached the district to see if it could buy the property for continued use as a camp. Park said this would be a win-win situation that would protect a beautiful piece of property in perpetuity.

One possible source of money for The Cove is Measure Z, if it passes in the Nov. 8 election, a district report said. The proposed quarter-cent sales tax would provide an estimated $8 million annually for Napa County open space and watershed preservation.

But Measure Z is no sure thing. Woodbury told his Board that he cant promise the district will find grants.

Were going to try every way we can to find the money, Woodbury said. We couldnt allow to have this be sold without making an effort to do it.

The purchase agreement includes a non-refundable $35,000 option payment by the district, with $14,000 in cash and $21,000 paid by giving the Girl Scouts discount rental fees at the districts Camp Berryessa for 10 years.
The comeback of Tiger Woods is going to have to wait at least two more months.

Three days before he was to return at the Safeway Open at Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, Woods said he wasn't ready to return against PGA Tour competition.

He first said on Sept. 7 that he planned to play, then officially committed to the tournament on Friday.

Woods, who had back surgery three times last year, says he feels strong and his health is good. But he says that after several days of practice in California, he feels his game is vulnerable.

Along with pulling out of the Safeway Open, Woods said Monday he was withdrawing from the Turkish Airlines Open next month.

He plans to play at his Hero World Challenge in the Bahamas the first week of December.

Woods was to play the Safeway Open with Phil Mickelson and defending champion Emiliano Grillo.
On behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Napa Valley Unified School District, I would like to express our sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Napa Valley Vintners for their generous $500,000 donation to NapaLearns, a nonprofit that helps our students succeed.

As many people know, California public schools are not funded anywhere near the national average on per-pupil funding. Generous donors like the Napa Valley Vintners provide seed money to do the following:

Last year, the Vintners provided $3 million in grants to nonprofits to aid children and teens across the county Since 2010, NapaLearns has helped expand the New Technology High model to 11 Napa Valley Unified School District campuses.

The 11 schools in our district include all five schools in American Canyon: Napa Junction, Donaldson Way and Canyon Oaks Elementary Schools, American Canyon Middle School and American Canyon High School. The other six schools are Yountville Elementary, Phillips Elementary, Silverado, Redwood, and River Charter Middle Schools, and Napa High School.

Through NapaLearns, the Napa Valley Vintners also support professional development. More than 106 teachers have received $5,000 scholarships to obtain their Masters degree in Educational Technology, thanks to NapaLearns.

All of our district teachers and students greatly appreciate the generosity and kindness of the Napa Valley Vintners and NapaLearns!

Patrick J. Sweeney, Superintendent

NVUSD
As a former local high school teacher, parent, and public education advocate, I would like to encourage Napa County voters to support Debbie Alter-Starr and Jennifer Baker for the Napa Valley College Board of Trustees on Nov. 8.

These two woman have the education, experience, desire, and temperament to help guide our gem of a college into the future years. NVC is an untapped treasure to our community. The right leadership could help elevate it to its true potential.

I am more familiar than most with the many opportunities our local college provides to our community. Both of my parents were instructors at the college. I graduated from NVC in 1992 with a degree in General Education (transferring to UC Davis). I have continued to take classes at the college and chair an annual community charity event, using college facilities. Nevertheless, I believe that the college is underutilized, and that effective leaders, such as Debbie and Jennifer, can help create a better connection between the college and our community.

The college failed to pass a bond measure during its last two attempts in a community that has a long history of supporting public education. As voters, we need to be confident in the college leaderships integrity, its planning and budgeting, and its commitment to transparency, in order to throw our support behind a bond.

As a community, we must encourage the college leadership to focus on how it can better define its goals and convey them to the public, in order to elicit community support. Debbie and Jennifer have the community engagement expertise, understanding of the issues, and dedication to the public interest needed to help the college connect with the community.

Both Debbie and Jennifer are embedded in the local public education scene through their work with the Napa Valley Unified School District. Their experience in local public education will assist the college in setting realistic goals that reflect the pressing needs of a community college in Napa County. The college trains our local workforce in highly regarded professions, such as nursing, viticulture, culinary arts, and law enforcement. Both Debbie and Jennifer will support the college in focusing on what is and is not working to develop a K-14 system that will produce a highly educated workforce in our own backyard.

Katie Aaron

Napa
The Saint Helena Community Band will present a Halloween-themed concert in Calistoga to benefit victims of the recent Clayton Fire, which destroyed 300 buildings and left many Lower Lake families homeless.

The concert is at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at the Calistoga Elementary School Auditorium, 1327 Berry St. Admission is free, donations are encouraged, and there will be a raffle for valuable prizes.

Donations also may be mailed to Saint Helena Community Band, Attn: Clayton Benefit, P.O. Box 261, St. Helena, CA 94574.
St. Helenas Taplin Cellars releases 2013 cabernet

Taplin Cellars, owned by fifth-generation Napa Valley farmers, has released its inaugural Taplin Cellars 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon. Sourced from their 10-acre Ethel Lewelling Taplin Vineyard, located in St. Helena, this new limited-production cabernet sauvignon was crafted by well-respected winemaker Julien Fayard.

The Taplins are descendants of two pioneering farming families who moved west to Napa in the 1800s  the Lewellings and the Taplins. The Lewellings developed vineyards and fruit orchards in the Napa Valley while the Taplins established a dairy farm. Fruit, grains and cattle were the dominant commodities then, and it was only inevitable that Albert Taplin and Ethel Lewelling would meet and marry, joining these two farming families, and living in the heart of the Napa Valley.

For more than 40 years, the Taplins land has been producing grapes for some of the most prestigious Napa Valley wines. It is only in the last few years that the Taplin family has been producing their own award-winning cabernet sauvignon under the terra 9 label while learning the taste of the different sections of their estate.

Were the oldest new winery in Napa Valley and we pour our hearts and a lot of Napa Valley history in every glass. Were committed to this valley and its future, said Stephen Taplin.

For more information visit TaplinCellars.com.
True political independents are a dying breed, but City Councilmember Sharon Crull says her voting record proves shes not afraid to go against the grain.

The Davies Family Winery, the construction contract for the flood project, the Menegon commercial building at Main and Adams, new regulations on small wineries (which the council later rescinded)  Crull has cast the dissenting vote against each one.

Ive been an independent voice on the council, and thats challenging in a small town, she said.

With eight years on the council, Crull said she has a thorough understanding of the citys finances and operations, and she knows what needs to be done to restore the citys economic health.

Thats the crux of all of our issues, she said. We can solve a lot of problems if we have revenue. Our hands are tied if we dont.

Crull said the city has taken some big steps toward fiscal sustainability, such as hiring a new finance team, bringing on a fresh auditor, improving its records management and financial procedures, staying on top of regulatory issues, and having a long-range financial forecast that was created by City Manager Jennifer Phillips.

For the first six years I was on the council, we had a series of city managers who were not managing the city well, Crull said. Im so thankful we have Jennifer now because shes really put us on a path toward fiscal and bureaucratic health.

Crull said the city needs to continue down that positive path. Shed like the city to perform a facilities audit and ideally hire an economic development director who would work with the private sector to revitalize St. Helenas economy and pursue public/private partnerships for affordable housing projects.

The opening of the Las Alcobas hotel and the potential passage of the Measure D sales tax (which Crull and the other three candidates support) could provide enough revenue to take proactive steps like that, she said.

Crull defended the councils record on affordable housing, given the limited funds available. She said the city bought the McCorkle Avenue lot where Our Town St. Helena is building sweat-equity housing, helped get the Turley Flats project started on Pope Street, invested almost $1 million in the remodeling of Stonebridge Apartments, and used grant money on an affordable housing feasibility study.

The city could also investigate the smaller apartments popping up in San Francisco, she said. Theyre more of a community space  sort of the millennial model, for lack of a better term, she said. Its a great model for seniors too.

She called Vineyard Valley Mobile Home Park one of St. Helenas biggest success stories when it comes to housing. It would be really interesting if that model could be replicated elsewhere in town and not restricted to seniors, she said.

As for the Adams Street property, the city cant develop it itself without a commercial partner, so Crull sees three realistic options. The city could partner with a private developer on a mixed-use/civic/community project, sell the property, or keep it open space, which would require new funding to offset the opportunity cost of not developing or selling it.

Im open-minded, she said. Whatever happens, the community needs to feel involved through an open and thoughtful process.

In general, the city should be doing more to engage citizens through social media and an improved website, but it lacks the staff and technological infrastructure to do so, Crull said. Again, she said, it comes back to revenue.

In the long term, the city also needs to invest in a tertiary wastewater treatment system, Crull said.

If we could use non-potable water for irrigation, it would really protect our water supply, she said.

Crull and her husband Timm operate a vineyard in Rutherford, and shes the only member of the council whos in the wine industry.

Thats the economic driver of our valley, and I think its important to have someone whos involved in that industry on the council, she said.

However, that doesnt mean she toes the wine industry party line  or any other one.

Sometimes you have to make tough choices, and I think Ive done that, she said. And it hasnt been easy.
I live a wild life. Case in point: I spent three hours on Sunday morning researching the 17 propositions on the Nov. 8 ballot. I came up with five yeses, 10 nos, and two measures Im ashamed to admit I cant make heads or tails of. If only someone could help 

***

Enter the fine folks at the Napa County League of Women Voters, which is disseminating unbiased, factual information on the Pros and Cons of the Ballot Propositions 2016, including the local measures. There are three meetings scheduled, but Im planning to attend the St. Helena one at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 20, at the St. Helena Public Library. You might wish to bring your ballot pamphlet so you can follow along. For bewildered voters like me it sounds like a must-attend  although Ill be squirming in my seat when they get to Prop 60 

***

If the idea of kids climbing around on antique fire engines and hanging out with firefighters makes you feel all warm and fuzzy about living in a small town, mark your calendars for the St. Helena Fire Departments Open House from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 23, at the firehouse. Expect appearances by Smokey Bear, Sparky the Fire Dog, demonstrations of firefighting apparatus and techniques, a climbing wall, barbecue, ice cream, and one of those jumpy houses that make kids lose their minds in a good way. Allison Mattioli has details at 967-2880 or fire@cityofsthelena.org.

***

Ive been told (on somewhat questionable authority) that Founding Father Roger Sherman, Buffalo Bill and Jesse James can be found perched on some of the more distant twigs of my family tree. If I ever wanted to know for sure, the person to ask for helpful tips would be Mary Herzog of the Napa Valley Genealogical Society, whos hosting Trace Your Roots at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13, at the St. Helena Public Library. Mary will talk about the resources available to locals, and how easy it is to uncover ones family history. Intrigued? Learn more at NapaValleyGenealogy.org.

***

The UpValley Family Centers and Nimbus Arts are planning their 10th annual Dia de los Muertos celebration from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 30, at the St. Helena campus of Napa Valley College. Expect traditional altars, Latin American food, live music and dancing, face painting, and plenty of stuff to keep the kids busy. All ages, no cost. A tip of the cap to the events sponsors: Sarah and Alan Galbraith, Harbison Estate Winery, Jones Family Vineyards  Elaine and Rick Jones, Steves Hardware and Westamerica Bank.

***

Local acronym buffs could easily rattle off the full name of NEWS: Napa Emergency Womens Services. But after a rebranding, the old name is gone  its just NEWS now. The old name, with its emphasis on women, no longer presents the people NEWS serves, said Sandy Re Sims, board president. The moniker of just plain NEWS reflects the venerable nonprofits inclusion of women, men, youth and the LGBTQ community, she said. Starting Friday, look for a new logo and a spruced up website at NapaNEWS.org. Theres also a Logo Launch Celebration scheduled for 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, at 1141 Pear Tree Lane.

***

Ninos Activos/Active Kids, a playgroup for kids 5 and younger, is expanding from one day a week to two. The UpValley Family Centers are now offering the program on Tuesdays and Thursdays in St. Helena and Mondays and Wednesdays in Calistoga. At one recent meeting, a St. Helena mom said the program has been great for her son and daughter. There are different activities that my children like to try, said Graciela. They can experiment with Play-Do or art projects or try different toys and they dont have fear to touch things. They always love story time and they are learning to play with other kids. The programs expansion is being facilitated by a new First 5 Service Corps AmeriCorps member whos being placed at the family centers. To learn more, contact Rosa Cachu at rcachu@upvalleyfamilycenters.org.

***

Fun facts about my maybe-ancestor Roger Sherman: 1) He was the only person to sign the First Continental Congress Continental Association (which indignantly boycotted British goods in the run-up to the Revolutionary War), the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation AND the Constitution; 2) He helped negotiate an important compromise over congressional representation that was threatening to tear apart the Constitutional Convention; and 3) Thomas Jefferson said he never said a foolish thing in his life. Fun fact about my dramatically less noble maybe-ancestor Jesse James: He married his first cousin.
Selling albums in a digital world isnt nearly as easy as it once was, but Blake Shelton has defied odds and reached an amazing career milestone.

While in Brooklyn, New York over the weekend, Music Row reports Shelton was surprised with an RIAA plaque commemorating ten million albums sold. On hand to help Shelton celebrate the feat were Warner Music Nashville executives and members of the RIAA. With this accomplishment, Shelton becomes one of only five male country artists to receive this honor in the last fifteen years.

Congratulations to Blake Shelton! Heres to ten million more!
Other panellists were Donald Tusk (President of the European Council) and Martin Schulz ((President of the European Parliament). Moderator: Hans-Ulrich Jorges.

HANS ULRICH JORGES (Moderator): Speaking German.

MARTIN SCHULZ (President of the European Parliament): Speaking German.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

DONALD TUSK (President of the European Council): Ya, I have no doubt that this audience is absolutely discreet.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Yes. We are sworn in.

DONALD TUSK: I have, first of all I have to correct your information because in fact I I earned more money as a publisher than as President of the European Council because I was quite successful as an author and and publisher of books about the history of my town.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Back to back to my question.

DONALD TUSK: Okay. I am not happy of course and not only because now in Warsaw we have we have government which treats (inaudible) as as a main enemy and a main public enemy in fact but its not my personal private problem because

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Is this government, (inaudible):

DONALD TUSK: I think its too much to say because in fact no one has chance in Poland today to win election with anti-European rhetoric and this is why I am not, today Im not afraid that Kaczynskis government or his political camp will try to to withdraw Poland from the E.U. from the European structure. No this is a pure illusion. Im not sure what is his dream, political dream, but because of some political and (inaudible) reason I think that Poland is still safe as a member of the European Union.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

JENS STOLTENBERG (NATO Secretary General): Well I have, I had good experiences with sharing red, green coalition in Norway. But to be honest with you that was not my favourite government. My favourite government was the government that owned the Social Democratic Party. But but this was the way I was able to create the majority and Im a very pragmatic man so then I joined the Green Party and the or the Centre Party and Left Socialist and we formed a government and I can think it was

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

JENS STOLTENBERG: I just had to have more translation, yes.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

JENS STOLTENBERG: But still NATO is bigger in Norway. As Norway is big of course but its not as big as United States. So, I feel that I am Secretary General in an alliance which really represents the whole of almost whole of Europe and North America and its almost one billion people so all respect for Norways five million of course we are not as big and not as dominate as the whole of NATO so I am a modest man.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

MARTIN SCHULZ: Speaking German.

DONALD TUSK: Just one remark. The truth is that in fact that the question about your personal career is also a question about the future of Europe because this is a question is Europe able to survive without Martin Schulz. Its what do you think, I thinkI know what is your answer 

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

MARTIN SCHULZ: Speaking German.

DONALD TUSK: It means that we really understand with Martin Schulz each other and its, even if my typical position was the right side of the pitch I was a mid-fielder but in fact we both very close to the centre of the European politics. My my opinion is and this is I think the substance of this problem that what we need for the future is not Schulz or Tusk in in the offices its not this problem. I like my job but I can imagine also my return to Poland but the most important question today is how we can protect majority in European Parliament. We need the European Parliament for some very difficult issues. For example visa liberation for Turkey. If you want to, if you want to continue our cooperation with Turkey and this is an absolutely crucial part of the migration crisis solution in Europe then we need a real majority not only among my partners in the European Council but also in the European Parliament and for me Martin Schulz is the best person who can guarantee that the great coalition can be still the the basis of responsible and rational majority in the European Parliament. And the visa liberation problem was just an example but I can I can imagine more conflict in the European Parliament and then I know its not only my experience then we need a very tough determined leadership in the European Parliament. I can imagine other other people but for sure Martin Schulz is is for now the best one.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

MARTIN SCHULZ: Speaking German.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

JENS STOLTENBERG: Well thats up to the people, the voters of Europe and United States to decide and Im glad we dont live in a world where NATO decide with our armies whos going to rule these countries. Thats going to be decided through democratic elections.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Yes, we know. Would that be a problem?

JENS STOLTENBERG: You know I think its really extremely important that NATO as a military alliance, do not what I say try in any way to intervene in democratic processes in different member countries. The important thing for us is that there are real democracys in all the member states and I think we have seen again and again that there are different views, different opinions, discussions also disagreements about NATO inside NATO countries but again and again NATO has proven that we are able to gather the necessary support from the different nations and to stay united and then also adapt and respond to evolving security environment so I am very confident that our democratic societies are resilient and that we will be able to also manage different parties and different views inside the alliance also next year.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

MARTIN SCHULZ: Speaking German.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

JENS STOLTENBERG: I am I am actually certain that whoever is elected as President of United States, NATO will remain a strong trans-Atlantic alliance and thats partly because thats an obligation, its a treaty obligation that we stand united in NATO and protect each other. Second, we have to remember that NATO is important for Europe for European security but NATO is also important for the United States. So strong NATO is not only something which is nice for us Europeans but its also important for the United States. Its a way to organize the world where the United States has have many friends and the closest friends are the allies in NATO and we have to remember that the first and only time so far we have invoked Article 5, the Collected Defense Clause in NATO, was not after an attack against European ally but it was after an attack on the United States 9/11. And thousands of European soldiers from Germany and other European NATO allies have served in Afghanistan; many have lost their lives in an operation which is a military response to an attack on the United States. So, Im saying that Im absolutely confident that United States understands that in the long run they are its in their interest to have a strong NATO and they will continue to be a committed NATO ally.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

MARTIN SCHULZ: Speaking German.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

MARTIN SCHULZ: Speaking German.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

DONALD TUSK: For sure not, I think that you can discuss about different divisions maybe more important and more dangerous for Europe than than some tensions between the Eastern part of Europe, (inaudible) and the old ones. Its well Im absolutely sure that thats not the first problem for the E.U. But first of all I cant agree with this kind of pessimism, its not about Martin Schulz but it sounded a little bit maybe pessimistic more than than always. I cant agree with this pessimistic assessment about Europe because you know as a historian not only as the President of the European Council I can compare todays situation to other, different times but also to other places in the world. And I totally agree with Mr. Ambassador. Europe is still the best place not only for us, compared to the rest of the world its, really the best place not only because of economic circumstances but also of maybe mainly because of our political culture. For me, and this is why maybe your question is is is important that, because for me the real fear, when it comes to my part of Europe, is that we we can observe maybe not the crisis of pro-European mood atmosphere because as you may know in fact the Hungarians and Poles are still the most pro-European societies in Europe but for sure we can discuss about a crisis of liberal democracy not only in Poland or Hungary its also in Germany. You mentioned very interesting women in politics you have also a new politician Frow Kapetra (sp?) for example in Germany, its not only in French phenomenon, a Polish phenomenon, that we have also on the right side of the political stage also some interesting women candidates. But for me the most important thing and this is a universal problem in Poland, in Germany, in France, in the U.K., in the United States that we have to defend today in Europe first of all our model of the liberal democracy. This is our first, second, third obligation and when we are talking about borders and that we that we should re-establish borders because of the migration crisis, I think its its of course its logic, but for me the first goal today is to re-establish our ideological border. I mean, border which describe our liberal democracy in Europe, our traditional version of politics and to establish border means also readiness and will to protect this kind of borders. Because what Im afraid, and its not about only my country but todays populism, this is something like you know vials of poison which is coming from outside of Europe. If we observe our neighbourhood Russia, Turkey, Egypt but also today the United States, one thing is absolutely clear that today Europe the E.U. is, I hope, not the last but today Im afraid the only island of a real democracy and we have to defeat this phenomenon you know on every cost.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

MARTIN SCHULZ: Speaking German.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

DONALD TUSK: I think the idea is quite popular in every country, in every european country but Im not sure that this is the best one because first of all what we have to avoid today is to to avoid the risk that and I know that for some politicians who advocate this idea of common European army this is, that they have this in their mind that this potential European army can be something like an alternative to NATO. Ive heard some voices that we need European army because NATO is anglo-Saxon (sic). For example that we have too much America in our defense system. This is the most risky way of thinking we can even imagine. And this, I have no doubts that what we need today is better cooperation among Member States when it comes to defense. Member States should not, they must fulfill their obligation when it comes to two percent of GDP, when it comes to money for NATO for the national defense and generally speaking I have no doubts that for the for the future of Europe this feeling of security, real defense, order, these values are absolutely crucial. You know I have always in my mind this saying of, bless Pascale, that justice without force is completely powerless. Force without justice is something really dangerous and terrible. What we need today, if you want to save this liberal democracy, we have to show that justice, freedom, liberal democracy is able to build also force because without force we will be not only powerless but also you know pathetic. And for example our our wrong response in, during the first days of the migration crisis this was why it was so damaging for the political scene political stage in Europe. Because people felt that our European institutions, member States our democracy is not able to to, in fact, to to respect their own rules and to force our own rules.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

JENS STOLTENBERG: No, I dont imagine that makes any sense, but to be honest I dont feel that thats the real debate inside the European Union. I attended the defense ministerial meeting of E.U. just a couple of weeks ago. There was no one there arguing in favour of a European army.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

JENS STOLTENBERG: But what they are argued in favour of was a stronger European defense. Thats something else and we have to distinguish those two debates. I asked

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

JENS STOLTENBERG: But the debate which is going on now is not about establishing a European army its about how can we strengthen the European defense.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Inside NATO?

JENS STOLTENBERG: Because I think that stronger European defense thats something Im very much in favour of and that will be good for the European Union. It will be good for Europe. It will be good for NATO. And we have to remember that most members of the European Union theyre also members of NATO. 90 percent of the population living in the E.U. they live in a NATO country and theres no way we can strengthen the European defense without, at the same time, strengthening NATO defenses. And I welcome if Europe is able to develop new capabilities and spend more on defense, integrate and coordinate the defense industries, thats something Id really welcome and actually NATO has called for that for a long long long time. What we have to make sure it has to strengthen European defense do not duplicate NATO, do not become an alternative to NATO, but is working together with NATO, and actually if you read the Lisbon Treaty its clearly stated in Lisbon Treaty that European defense and security policy should not be an alternative to NATO but should be compatible with NATO and consistent with NATO. So, this should not be a competition, this should be something we do together and strong strong Europe is actually good for also NATO. And let me also add that of course trans-Atlantic bond is essential for Europe, especially after Brexit because with U.K. outside the European Union, U.K. being the European ally spending most on defense, 80 percent of NATOs defense spending will be non-E.U. and three out of the four battalions we are going to deploy in the Eastern part of the alliance will be non-E.U. it will be U.K., then after Brexit outside the E.U., United States and Canada. So we should just stop this discussion about either Europe or NATO. Its strong. Europe provides a strong NATO as long as we do it in the right way not duplication but in coordination and in cooperation.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

MARTIN SCHULZ: Speaking German.

DONALD TUSK: First of all maybe because of my former role, in fact I represent member State but its also my my in fact my belief I cant imagine Europe without institutions but I cant imagine without member States and nations living in Europe. We have to stop this. Its my opinion this discussion about in fact very theoretical problems like ever closer union, it was quite clear during our negotiations with David Cameron that in fact its this kind of discussions thats completely counter-productive, because what we need today is more responsibility in national capitals. Im not here to to protect the reputation of national capitals because I think that today, and this is the most natural role of member States, in fact, the power of Europe is in national capitals, the money is here. Can you imagine our our common budget of the E.U. is less than the Bavarian budget. Its the real life, the real power, the real money is in member States and unfortunately member States are not responsible enough today and the migration crisis was maybe the best, I mean the worst demonstration of this very dangerous phenomenon. All of them, I mean all our partners they have hundreds of demands and requests from Brussel,s but at the same time, they are everyday they are ready to say Brussels has too many power, too much power and competence.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

DONALD TUSK: Im maybe because Im Kashubian and my my region is very similar and as conservative as (inaudible) is I dont like this talks about permanent reforms and revolutions. Europe, the E.U., our institutions, our habits, our internal and external policy, all of this needs our protection, our patience, sorry for this word also our love, our positive emotions not the permanent discussion of new solution, new reforms and and something like during the Trotsky time permanent revolution in the E.U. This is what I cant understand because in fact as I mentioned just twenty minutes ago this is a really good place to live for all of Europeans. What we need is more strength, more determination but to protect what we have not to change everything. When I mentioned to Frau Kapetri (sp?) because Ive read a very interesting article in New Yorker about about (inaudible) of about Marlene La Pen and Donald Trump and others. And, what was what is a common thing among this kind of politicians that it was an opinion of Madame Petrie (sp?) about Trump. She said hes for sure not a good leader but she guaranteed at least a radical change and I can hear this argumentation in almost all member States that some radical politicians, but also unfortunately, some centre orientated commentators and politicians they are talking always about change, change and change. My opinion isnt maybe because of my historical you know obsession but I deeply believe that Voltare was right when when he said that better is the enemy of good. Its banal but I think still valid and also for our

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaking German.

MARTIN SCHULZ: Speaking German.

DONALD TUSK: Im not Im against always against historical fatalism or political fatalism. For me I would be, you know, the happiest man on earth if the Brits would change their mind, maybe after our tough negotiations, because okay if we treat this process as irreversible it would be irreversible.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Good. Speaks German.

MARTIN SCHULZ: Speaks German.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaks German.

DONALD TUSK: I have quite tough opinion about putting politics even if in my country I have a reputation as a very moderate and even pro-Russian politician but of course in Brussels because I am a Pole some of our colleagues are looking at me with some suspicions, and you know its Pole about Russians always the same. But what is the truth today. First of all sorry for this remark you have used this term civil war in Eastern Ukraine. Its hypocrisy, its not a civil war. From the very beginning of this process we have to do with an aggression in Crimea and in (inaudible). For me I, for me its absolutely clear that we have to find a not a radical solution with Russia its not in our interest especially when it comes to Eastern part of Europe. Believe me the conflict with Russia is really dangerous first of all for the Baltic States, for Poland, Slovakia and this part of, for this obvious reason not only because of geography. And this is why its for me one of the most important goal is to re-establish a, you know proper and normal relations with Russia, but Europe is not, you know, we didnt provoke the situation and this is why the only method, and I think that I am experienced enough to say this, the only method is to be not radical but tough and consistent with Russia.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaks German.

DONALD TUSK: Today as you know we have we have prolonged our sanctions in June. Since June until now nothing changed. In fact the situation is worst because if we observe what Russian is doing in Aleppo in Syria it means that, sorry to and I should say it very openly some European politicians have presented a typical Western European illusion when they invited Russia to Syria as a method to solve the problem in Syria, and now we have new problem. I mean I I think I shouldnt describe the whole situation in Aleppo today and this is why I think that we have, its obvious for me, that today the only the only way is to prolong the sanction against Russia, otherwise it would be a clear capitulation.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaks German.

JENS STOLTENBERG: So first of all I think I have to just understand that we have seen a Russia which has really invested heavily in their defense capabilities over several years. Since 2000 they have tripled defense spending in real terms and during the same period Europe has decreased defense spending. We have seen that they have developed new capabilities, they have deployed more troops but of course most the most concern is connected to the fact that they have actually been willing to use force against neighbours. Ukraine, Crimea but also actually in Georgia, and they also have troops in Moldova against the will of the Moldavian government. So they have, we see a more assertive Russia, we see a stronger Russia and we see a Russia which is willing to use force, and now we have also seen they are deploying Iskander-M missiles in Kaliningrad. All of this is part of a pattern which has been there for a long time and NATO has responded. I think we have to understand that we have implemented the biggest re-enforcement to our collective defense since the end of the Cold War. We have tripled the NATO response force we will have four battalions in the three Baltic countries and Poland enhanced for presence as we call it. We have established eight small headquarters in the countries in the Eastern part of the alliance and we have also increased the readiness and preparedness of our forces. So we have responded in a very, what would you say, a strong and firm way.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaks German.

JENS STOLTENBERG: We dont plan to increase our presence in the Eastern part of the alliance but we will of course continue to make sure that our forces are ready to re-enforce, if needed, in the Eastern part of the alliance which is the most vulnerable to the Russian aggression. But let me then add it is for us at the same time very important to avoid a new Cold War. We dont want a new arms race so I absolutely agree with Martin that we have to combine which is the idea of both strength, deterrence defense and dialogue. And for me there is no contradiction between strong defense and political dialogue. Actually I believe that we can only have a political dialogue with Russia as long as we are strong. That is a pre-condition and thats also something which Ive learned from Norway, Norway is small NATO ally bordering Russia up in the north we had actually quite good relationship with Russia a pragmatic working relationship on energy, on fishery, on environment on the de-limitation line up in the Polar Sea and the Baron Sea and our pragmatic working relationship with Russia was not something we were able to establish despite our NATO membership but it was because of NATO membership because we felt safe, secure being part of a strong military alliance. So as long as we are strong, as long as we are predictable and firm we can engage Russia also in a political dialogue because we need to strive for a more constructive and cooperative relationship with Russia. Russia would not go away Russia will be there Russias our neighbour so we have to actually take forward an old German idea of a dual track approach, defense and dialogue at the same time and thats the message from

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaks German.

DONALD TUSK: You know, its a very uncomfortable situation for me, because its, in fact, a question to the Germans. We have now a very complicated process, legal process in the Commission and of course we have some some objective legal circumstances barriers and, but of course the political will here is the key. And there are two reasons why I am so skeptical when it comes to nord-stream. First of all its unfair towards Italy, Slovakia of course Ukraine, Bulgaria because this is a clear alternative for so called south-stream (sic) and if we want to build real energy union with my my one of my main goal when I was Polish Prime Minister but also today if you want a real solidarity in energy area we need to respect interests of all our member States. Second I have no doubts its not only my opinion that nord-stream (sic) is a good business for some companies and for some countries but the main reason is of course political reason to avoid not only Ukraine but in the future also Poland and other countries in the region. And its against vital European interests I have no doubts. And this is why I think we have to we have to be very without any hypocrisy, we have to be very clear and open and frank with our, all European partners that, and the question is what is our main goal in energy area. Egotistic business for three four companies in Germany and the Netherlands and Russia or real energy security for the whole of Europe 

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaks German.

DONALD TUSK: We, Europe need and want a real diversification not only (inaudible) but also pipelines. This is the the first condition if we want to talk seriously about our energy security.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaks German.

MARTIN SCHULZ: Speaks German.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaks German.

DONALD TUSK: I want to be very practical and pragmatic when it comes to migration. Its too many emotions and to many to many conflicts of interest of member States in Europe. And this is why what we need today is to find an effective method as is possible to start or to reduce this irregular influx of migrants. Sorry it sounds maybe brutal but Im not here because of election or something like that. Its my belief and this is the first obligation when it comes to, the E.U. as an organization and also member States. First of all it was your question for me its absolutely obvious we cant, we shouldnt and we will not return to the chaos from 2015. This is an an hypocrisy and illusion to say that we have an open and tolerant migration policy without any control of our borders. Theres not migration policy without effective control on the borders. Its not a policy its a vulnerability and if we if we want to be as open and as tolerant as before as a Europe, we have to we have to convince our social partners, our citizens, institutions, organizations that we are able to re-establish our borders. Ive heard it was exactly one year ago that there are too many irregular migrants to stop them and this moment was for me like you know like an allumination because the truth is totally the opposite. There are too many irregular migrants not to stop them without tough and very rationale, without any ideological justification of its not for me, its but without rationale well organized and sometimes tough measures and actions on our borders, we have no chance to to reduce this this influx. Today I have a good message because in fact our and we need comprehensive approach. It means the Turkish deal, it means effective control of our borders if not in Greece because its impossible for some reasons okay then we have to build a second line its today its Macedonia and Bulgaria and other Balkan countries. We have to cooperate as close as possible with Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia and other northern and of course African countries, and sorry without any illusions. I know how difficult our our partners, theres no, we have no idea our neighbours today outside Europe, this is the truth. We have to choose. My choice is very clear. If we want to remain as a most tolerantly border open continent we have to strengthen our policies and our borders.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Good. Speaks German.

MARTIN SCHULZ: Speaks German.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaks German.

JENS STOLTENBERG: At least we are making a lot of progress. I think that you have to understand that it will take time before were able to totally eradicate ISIS, Daesh but what we have seen during 2016 is that we are making progress. We have a very strong international coalition fighting ISIL. NATO allies and NATO is helping and supporting the coalition and we have seen that ISIS is now losing ground both in Iraq and Syria. I have no illusion for this will be easy and I dont have any illusion that even when we get rid of ISIL in Iraq and Syria they will still be around. They may come to North Africa, we have seen in Afghanistan but what, at least I think there is some reason for optimism because we have seen the international community kind of come together and really mobilize strong force in the fight against ISIL. Then I think its important to underline that the fight against ISIL is partly about military means, air strikes, training soldiers and all that but its also an ideological fight inside our own countries because we have to understand that ISIL and that extremist violent ideology has a lot of support or at least has too much support in Europe so this is partly what fighting ISIL outside of Europe but its also about fighting extremism inside our countries. The last thing Ill say about ISIL and fighting terrorism is that sometimes NATO and or NATO allies have to deploy combat forces or to conduct air strikes as we have for instance have done in Iraq, Syria NATO allies or NATOs done in Afghanistan for many years. But in the long run its much better to enable local forces to fight terrorism and extremism themselves. So I think that the viable long term solution is not us deploying our combat troops but us enabling local forces, local nations to fight terrorism themselves and to stabilize their own country themselves. And thats exactly what we are now doing in Afghanistan, we have ended the combat mission, we have trained Afghans so they are fighting the terrorists themselves, and its much better instead of we fighting their wars they have to stabilize their own countries.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaks German.

JENS STOLTENBERG: I think we have to understand that NATO has played an important role in the fight against terrorism for many many years. Of course NATO is not the only actor we have U.S. led coalition, we have police intelligence inside Europe, we have many many different tools but NATO is playing an important part. Our biggest military operation ever is our military presence in Afghanistan and the reason why we went into Afghanistan was to fight terrorism it was a direct response on the al-Qaeda attack on the United States. And the main reason why we are in Afghanistan is to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a safe haven for international terrorists. We support a coalition, NATO allies participate in Syria and Iraq, NATO provides direct support soon we will support AWAC support and we train Iraqi officers who work with Jordan, we work with Tunisia enabling them. Well start to train Tunisian special operation forces to enable Tunisia to build a stabilized and fight terrorism themselves. So NATO plays a role together with the European Union, together with many other nations and international actors. So, its nothing new that NATO plays a role in the fight against terrorism. Thats an important task and one of the main decisions made at the Summit in Warsaw was that NATO should step up our efforts to fight international terrorism. So, NATO is there for collected defense in Europe but NATO is also there as a tool to fight international terrorism.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaks German.

JENS STOLTENBERG: We have increased our presence in the Eastern part of the alliance with what we call assurance measures and that includes more air policing, making sure we are able to protect our allies and also react to air space violations. Sometimes I think we, theres a danger that we mix or should I say dangerous incidents in international air space with violation of national air space but actually we have not seen more and more incidents in international air space which are dangerous. For instance Russian planes coming very close to NATO planes and or Russian planes buzzing or coming very close to, for instance, ships in the Black Sea and the Baltic Sea, so what NATO does is partly that we are present we do air policing but we are also working hard to establish more predictability, more mechanisms for risk reduction to avoid incidents and accidents from occurring and if they occur avoid or prevent them from spiralling out of control and creating really dangerous situations. So part of the dialogue with Russia is (inaudible) on how we can avoid dangerous situations for instance in the Baltic Sea.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaks German.

MARTIN SCHULZ: Speaks German.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaks German.

DONALD TUSK: No, no maybe because maybe Im in fact maybe less decisive person than my colleagues but no I think its today I can say that because I was from the very beginning of this crisis I was absolutely convinced and the border control there was no chance to tackle this problem. Maybe you know in fact the today the only question I have is the same what what you asked a few minutes ago its Libya because more or less we have under control today this Balkan route for irregular migrants. And I think you can feel this also here in Bavaria because in fact we have decreased the influx from Turkey through Greece and Balkans to the central and western Europe its about 98% less than in September 2015. In one year ago only, the average per day was about 10,000 people, 10,000 people per day. More than in the last three months. It means that in fact its of course its still very difficult and fragile and politically very sensitive and we have no we are not sure what will be the future in Turkey and of course destabilization for Turkey is a main condition for them to maintain our deal, this is something very controversial for some member States but more or less I think this is under this route is under control. No one today has a realistic idea what we can do practically in Libya today. This is the truth, so

JENS STOLTENBERG: But, you know

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Please.

JENS STOLTENBERG: There are many challenges related to the migrant and refugee crisis but at least theres one positive, what do I say, message and that it has shown how NATO and the European Union can work together because NATO supports the efforts of the European Union controlling the Balkan route and the Aegean Sea. And we are present in the Aegean Sea and what NATO, what should I say, provides is some some naval assets and actually Germany was key in establishing that naval presence in the Aegean Sea working with the European Union but the other thing that NATO provides is a platform for enhanced cooperation between Turkey and NATO member but non-member of the European Union. So for me this is an excellent example of we need both European Union and NATO but working together addressing these challenges 

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaks German.

MARTIN SCHULZ: Speaks German.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaks German.

DONALD TUSK: Im still under the impression that last nights debate and I feel I have conscious in fact because of this debate it was three oclock [panelists talking over one another] with my wife and my wife said it was a few weeks ago that one Donald is more than enough. It was maybe more about me and she knows what shes saying you know shes my wife of more than 37 years but this is right for me the first thing is of course the result of the American election. Its we can of course we can laugh, we can joke about the campaign in the United States, but the truth is that its my feeling that its still 50-50 and if we want to talk seriously about the future of Europe, NATO, our actions in Syria, migration crisis, our relations with Russia, etc., then the first condition to think about 2017 as a year of hope is a good result in the United States. Its not my role to comment of course on election on other countries but for me its clear.

JENS STOLTENBERG: I also of course hope for a good result in United States, then as always then I would like to say Im optimistic at least on two different levels. One I think we will make progress in the fight against terrorism because ISIL is really on the defensive. We will, the coalition or the Iraqi forces will retake Mosul and ISIL will lose even more ground both in Syria and Iraq. Then there will still be problems but at least they very different situation than we had just a year ago where ISIL really controlled more and more territory. In Europe I am certain that we will see European Union which remains united and well see a NATO that also remains united proving that security that NATO provides and the integration that the European Union provides will continue to protect our freedom and will continue to be the best places for economic prosperity in Europe and we should be proud of that in 2017. And Im quite optimistic about that.

HANS ULRICH JORGES: Speaks German.
By Aida Hovhannisyan from Strasbourg

After a failed coup Turkish authorities are closing Kurdish media, including children's and music programs, without any reasons, Med Nuc spokesman Ferda Cetin stated during discussion in PACE.

According to him, only on September 28 the office of Turkish PM issued decrees on closing of 12 television companies and 11 radio companies, including Govend TV music channel, TV channel of animated films Zarok TV, information channel IMC TV, Med Nuc TV, the correspondent of Armenian News-NEWS.am reported from Strasbourg.

Ferda Cetin noted that closing of the channels was explained by the fact that their broadcasting allegedly threatened public safety.

The press conference has been convened at the initiative of the member of the Turkish delegation, the member of Peoples' Democratic Party Ertugrul Kurkcu.

He reported that after the July events more than 120 journalists and writers have undergone criminal prosecution, about 2,000 journalists have lost their jobs.
Iran arrests 6 suspects in attack on Shiraz mausoleum

Aliyev: Baku put forward five main principles to normalize relations with Yerevan

Putin: The goal of the trilateral talks is the implementation of all agreements of 2020 and 2021

Talks between presidents of Russia and Azerbaijan start in Sochi

Six people detained in Belarus for hanging Ukrainian flag

NBC News: Biden lost his temper on the phone with Zelenskyy

European Parliament lawmakers arriving in Armenia on fact-finding mission

Cavusoglu: Europe weakening runs counter to Ankara's economic interests

Non-resident organizations providing online services in Armenia declare 1bn drams of VAT in 3 quarters

October oil production in Russia falls

Storm warning issued in Sochi due to tornadoes

Putin and Pashinyan hold 1-hour talks in Sochi

Pashinyan to visit Tehran on November 1

Over AMD 76 billion will be assigned to Armenian police in 2023

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South Korea and the U.S. begin large-scale air force exercise

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Pashinyan says issue of Armenian captives is unresolved, despite discussions with Putin

Iranian parliament chair to visit Azerbaijan

Pashinyan: Communications passing through Armenia should be under Yerevan's full control

Pashinyan: Russia's clear position on moving Azerbaijani soldiers to their initial positions is important

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Armenia civil servants salaries to increase but bonuses to reduce

Armenia finance minister: Salaries to increase almost twice as much more than bonuses have become salaries

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The activities of the Turkish authorities were rebuked by the deputies at the PACE autumn session on Wednesday.

Before responding to the questions, the Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu publicly stated that Turkey is a democratic country and implements all the norms and provisions of European conventions.

This statement sparked lots of criticism. The delegates wondered how Turkey can consider itself a democratic country when the authorities persecute dissidents and keep many arrestees in inhuman conditions.

''Dont you understand you become Middle East country? The democratic situation [in your country] is detonating,'' Dutch MP Michael Aastrup Jensen said, recalling that many activists and journalists are in prisons.

Cavusoglu remained calm and again stated about the democratic Turkey.
There took place a discussion about referendum, as part of the PACE autumn session, on constitutional reforms in Azerbaijan, dated back to September 26. The discussion was chaired by Nikolaj Villumsen. The chair first of all noted that he was ashamed for the PACE delegates, who considered that the referendum passed in an orderly way. "I am ashamed of them. The CE and the PACE should study in details the events in Azerbaijan, " he said.

In the light of the justification of the recent referendum human rights activists defined the situation in Azerbaijan as a dictatorship. According to a representative of the National Center for International Studies, Leyla Aliyeva, all the norms of the European Convention were violated during the referendum. "Before the collapse of the Soviet Union, the soviet republics, even the Soviet Azerbaijan, was more democratic than it is now. That referendum was a step backward," she said.

It is worthy to mention, that it was the third referendum in Azerbaijan during 15 years. Amendments to the Azerbaijani Constitution, according to experts, have been designed to legalize the transfer of the power by inheritance. " The Alievs change the Constitution of the Republic, as they consider it would fit to their family needs. How does Azerbaijan differ from the North Korea? There are journalists, human rights activists harassed in Azerbaijan," said the director of the Institute for Reporters Freedom and Safety Emin Huseynov.
YEREVAN. - Turkey should stay away from Karabakh conflict settlement process as much as possible.

Armenian Deputy FM Shavarsh Kocharyan said the aforementioned, commenting upon the request of First Informational TV program on the statements made by Turkish FM Mevlut Cavusoglu's regarding Karabakh process during the PACE session.

''The settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict is first of all aimed at determining the status of Nagorno-Karabakh in accordance with the expression of will by the Nagorno-Karabakh people, which has a binding force.

The head of the Turkish MFA once again attempted to distort the negotiation process, this again proving what has been repeatedly stated: Turkey should stay away from the conflict settlement process as much as possible,'' Kocharyan noted.

Referring to Cavusoglu's statements on the Armenian-Turkish relations, the Deputy FM said that if Ankara really wished to normalize its ties with Armenia, it would have ratified the Zurich Protocols of 2009 in due time.
Leader of Prosperous Armenian Party (PAP) Naira Zohrabyan, who is also a member of the Armenian delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), on Wednesday raised the issue on recognizing Azerbaijan as a war criminal. She also called an Azerbaijani MP a liar.

At PACE plenary session, Naira Zohrabyan again voiced the issue of recognizing the atrocities committed by Azerbaijan during the April war as a military crime. Zohrabyan presented the legal grounds on the basis of which the international community must recognize Azerbaijan as a war criminal.

Prior to delivering her speech, Zohrabyan responded to the address of the Azerbaijani MP Ganira Pashayeva, announcing that the Azerbaijani delegate is a liar and what was presented by her from the high tribune is the subsequent and constant Azerbaijani lie and fraud.

In her speech, Zohrabyan specifically noted:

''The genocides, which we witnessed in Northern Iraq, the war crimes and the crimes against humanity committed by Daesh against ethnic Yazidis unfortunately continue nowadays as well. Thus, developing more flexible mechanisms to cooperate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) is indeed an important issue. Yes, I agree with the reporter that our Assembly must confirm its commitment to fight the impunity and support the ICC.

Dear colleagues,

Unfortunately during the April military aggression unleashed by Azerbaijan not only soldiers, but also civilians and children were cruelly tortured, killed, beheaded and offended. Military equipment banned under international conventions was used.

The tortures which go beyond the belief of a reasonable person, and the beheading of corpses and living people are gross violations of the international humanitarian law, which imply precise liability. The happening is definitely a war crime which falls under the jurisdiction of the ICC.

It is clear that both the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic (NKR) and Armenia - as the guarantor of Artsakh's security - will do their best to reach the recognition of Azerbaijan as a war criminal. The NKR Prosecutor's Office launched a criminal case during the first days of April, thereby confirming that the Azerbaijani armed forces violated the ceasefire agreements signed by the NKR, Azerbaijan and Armenia in 1994. During the first days of April war, Azerbaijan unleashed aggression against NKR using land forces, air forces, rocket launchers and military equipment and violating the territorial integrity of the NKR, which is a party to the agreement. Grossly violating the norms of international law, using means banned during war and violating norms of international humanitarian law, the Azerbaijani military forces attacked peaceful settlements deep in the rear, civilian population, schools and buildings, this resulting in the deaths of various persons, including children, protected under the international law.

Of course, Azerbaijan hasn't yet ratified the Rome Statute, which provides that the UN Security Council can also apply to that court. And the prosecutor of the ICC is authorized to launch a criminal case upon his own initiative.

Azerbaijan must be recognized as a war criminal; many of you are aware of the atrocities of the Azerbaijani gangsters. Therefore, don't be silent. Dear reporter, please don't be silent either, when announcing that it is necessary to fiercely struggle against impunity and war crimes.''
BREVARD COUNTY, Florida  Over half of all FPL customers in Brevard County lost power for several days due to Hurricane Matthew.

The power outages resulted in spoiled food in homes, grocery stores, and restaurants throughout Brevard County, leaving many parents to question whether or not the food served in Brevard County Public School District cafeterias was fresh when school resumed on Tuesday.





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Prior to the hurricanes arrival, the Districts Food & Nutrition Services placed their food vendor on notice that BPS may need to request emergency food shipments, according to BPS spokesperson, Michelle Irwin. Recovery food was then kept by the distributor until Matthew passed.





Once the storm passed, a team gathered at the District office to access the loss in the cafeterias. The cafeteria managers at the schools impacted by the power outage were then contacted by district administrators.





The District office worked with the schools to dispose of the loss utilizing Waste Management to remove the spoiled (or potentially spoiled) food from the sites.





Recovery shipments of food were then delivered to schools beginning Monday and will continue throughout the week, Irwin stated in an email.





Food poisoning from the consumption of spoiled food and beverages following a power outage is always a major health concern after a hurricane hits. The Food and Drug Administration recommends that , When it doubt, throw it out.




At the invitation of a handful of Emory undergraduates, nearly 200 college students from as far away as Afghanistan will visit campus this weekend to take up one of the worlds greatest health threats.

The third annual American Mock World Health Organization conference, which runs Friday through Sunday, will see those students act as members of the United Nations public health body in a bid to think differently about antimicrobial resistance. Experts routinely cite the superbugs that can beat back medications as a growing concern.

Most discussion points to innovation and alternative medications as a solution, says Somnath Das, an Emory College senior and co-founder of the Emory AMWHO chapter which is hosting the conference. But there is a need for a multi-faceted approach.

What I am particularly interested in is how we can bridge the critical gap between practitioners and receivers of care, to show how proper use of antibiotics in AMR-dense countries can slow their spread, adds Das, who is majoring in chemistry and neuroscience and behavioral biology (NBB).

The goal of the group is to help students focus on international public health issues, much the same way that the more familiar Model UN educates on diplomacy and public policy.

That Emory is a proving ground for such education has as much to do with chance as the University's reputation for health sciences. Das grew up in the same Georgia town, Warner Robins, as Neha Acharya, who founded the mock WHO as an undergraduate in 2014 at the University of North Carolina.

The two reconnected two years ago when Acharya decided to pursue her master of public health from the Rollins School for Public Health. Das and Mansi Maini, a junior NBB major, then decided to charter the Emory chapter. The group co-hosted a Georgia Regional Conference last year, which brought high school students into the discussion.

Das also attended last years conference, held at UNC.

There, like the conference this weekend, he and other students acted as delegates from 194 countries as though they were meeting for the annual World Health Assembly in Switzerland.

"It's about simulating a global health structure that is difficult to teach in a classroom setting, Acharya says. Having this year's conference at a well-rounded school like Emory provides students of all academic backgrounds the opportunity to learn the critical tools of global health diplomacy."

Having antimicrobial resistance as this years theme is also a good fit for Emory. Ethnobotanist Cassandra Quave, a faculty member in Emorys Center for the Study of Human Health, is a leader in the race to find the next generation of antibiotics.

The campus also houses the Emory Antibiotic Resistance Center, which confronts antibiotic resistance in novel and interdisciplinary ways. The center is a key sponsor of the event, having helped the mock WHO find speakers. Center director and infectious disease professor David Weiss will serve as an opening speaker.

Weiss was impressed by the work done by the students.

Its an astounding amount of effort and initiative theyve put forward, Weiss says. They will highlight their best ideas, likely many fresh ones not considered before. I cant wait to see what they come up with.

In addition to Weiss, speakers include:

Arjun Srinivasan, associate director for healthcare-associated infection prevention programs in the Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion at the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases;

Lauri Hicks, a medical epidemiologist in the CDC's Division of Healthcare Quality Promotion in the National Center for National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases;

James P. Steinberg, a professor of medicine in the Emory University School of Medicine's Division of Infectious Diseases, chief medical officer at Emory University Hospital Midtown, and associate dean of clinical services at Emory University Hospital Midtown;

Carlos del Rio, Hubert Professor and Chair of the Department of Global Health at the Rollins School of Public Health, professor of medicine in the Division of Infectious Diseases in the medical school, program director of the Emory AIDS International Training and Research Program and co-director of the Emory Center for AIDS Research;

Benjamin Mason Meier, associate professor of global health policy at the University of North Carolina  Chapel Hill, whose interdisciplinary research  at the intersection of international law, public policy and global health  examines human rights frameworks for global health governance.

Das says the students will split into five groups Saturday, representing the regional blocs of the WHO. There they will negotiate resolutions on different aspects of the issue.

Only resolutions that pass the final plenary assembly on Sunday will become products of the conference. They then will submit the final resolutions to the very real WHO, for review and comment.

The implications [of the mock exercise] are as real as this threat, Das says.
Daniel Kim, from left, Jacob Biloki and Karthik Karunanithi are part of the computer science team recognized for their biometrics research at the IEEE Conference on Technologies for Sustainability.

Cal State Fullerton computer science student researchers won a top prize at the Oct. 9 Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Conference on Technologies for Sustainability for their research project to improve personal security on mobile devices.

Senior Jacob Biloki and graduate students Karthik Karunanithi, Daniel Kim and Yu Liu earned a third-place award in the student poster contest at the Phoenix conference.

The teams research, a project of CSUFs Center for Cybersecurity, investigates combining two or more biometric features, such as fingerprints and facial features, for a more reliable form of authentication to unlock and secure mobile devices.

The majority of mobile devices, including smartphones, use a single method, such as fingerprints, to identify people based on one biometric, explained Mikhail Gofman, associate professor of computer science, who with Sinjini Mitra, assistant professor of information systems and decision sciences, are the teams faculty mentors.

Combining multiple biometric solutions helps to improve security, Gofman added. For example, an attacker wishing to foil the authentication process would have to impersonate more traits, which is much more difficult.
23:02

Supporting India's "right to self-defence" in the aftermath of the Uri attack which it dubbed a "clear case of cross-border terrorism", the United States on Wednesday dismissed the recent attempt by Pakistan to link peace in

war-torn Afghanistan with resolution of the Kashmir issue.

The White House backed India's right to defend itself as with any other country, in view of the recent surgical strike but advised caution given the heavy militarisation between the two neighbours.

It also said that that the US is making every effort to ensure that India become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group by the end of this year.

Making a rare appearance before a Washington audience, Peter Lavoy, the White House's point person for South Asia, said that India-US ties are the "most dynamic relationship" for the US as he listed the Obama administration's achievements in strengthening the relationship between the two largest democracies of the world.

"It (Uri) was a clear case of cross-border terrorism. We condemned this act of terrorism. It was a horrific attack. Every country has a right to self defence. But in a heavily militarised relationship that has also experienced three wars, there is indeed a need for caution and restraint," he said responding to a question on the Uri attack.

"We share with India, the concern for preventing any future attack. We empathise with the Indian position that it needs to respond militarily to cross-border threat of terrorism. But we also advise caution," Lavoy said.

India and Pakistan have a "friction-filled relationship" and they have not found a way to overcome that, he said.

Last week, Lavoy met the two special envoys of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Kashmir.
17:28

The Government of Maldives today decided today to leave the Commonwealth.



Issuing a communique the Ministry of Foreign Affair of Maldives said the decision to leave the Commonwealth was difficult, but inevitable.





Here's the full statement:



"The Government of Maldives has decided today to leave the Commonwealth. The decision to leave the Commonwealth was difficult, but inevitable.



The Maldives joined the Commonwealth in 1982 with high hopes and expectations, convinced that the organisation will be an arena for coordinating critical issues that the member States, in particular, the smallest members of the organisation face.



Since 2012, the Government of Maldives has been giving maximum cooperation to the Commonwealth, shown maximum transparency, and engaged with the Commonwealth at the highest levels. The Government had high hopes that such level of engagement will produce fruitful results.



Regrettably, the Commonwealth has not recognised that progress and achievements that the Maldives accomplished in cultivating a culture of democracy in the country and in building and strengthening democratic institutions. The Government of President Abdulla Yameen Abdul Gayoom has enacted a total of 110 pieces of legislations. Out of which, 94 legislations were directly related to the core values set out in the Commonwealth Charter. An overwhelming majority of these legislations (69 out of 94) were specifically designed to promote human rights, to strengthen democratic governance, and to reinforce the separation of powers. These achievements have resulted in strengthening the rule of law and produced tangible outcomes in strengthening democratic institutions in the country.





The Commonwealth has sought to take punitive actions against the Maldives since 2012 after the then President of Maldives resigned, and transfer of power took place as per the procedures set out in the Constitution.



The Commonwealths decision to penalise the Maldives was unjustified especially given that the Commission of National Inquiry (CoNI), established with the help of the Commonwealth, found that the transfer of power in the Maldives was consistent with the constitutional provisions.





Since then, the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) and the Commonwealth Secretariat have treated the Maldives unjustly and unfairly.



The Commonwealth has sought to become an active participant in the domestic political discourse in the Maldives, which is contrary to the principles of the Charters of the UN and the Commonwealth. The CMAG and the Commonwealth Secretariat seem to be convinced that the Maldives, because of the high and favourable reputation that the country enjoys internationally, and also perhaps because it is a small State that lacks material power, would be an easy object that can be used, especially in the name of democracy promotion, to increase the organisations own relevance and leverage in international politics.



The Maldives reassures that its international engagement will continue both bilaterally and multilaterally."
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WASHINGTON: The US space agency has successfully maneuvered its spacecraft on way to asteroid Bennu, fine-tuning its trajectory to reach it and bring back samples from a potentially dangerous asteroid that could collide with the Earth.

The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-REx) spacecraft is on a journey that could revolutionize our understanding of the early solar system.

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft fired its Trajectory Correction Maneuver (TCM) thrusters for the first time last weekend in order to adjust its trajectory on the outbound journey.

"We're very excited about what this mission can tell us about the origin of our solar system, and we celebrate the bigger picture of science that is helping us make discoveries and accomplish milestones that might have been science fiction yesterday, but are science facts today," said NASA Administrator Charles Bolden.

The $800 million mission's main goal is to collect a small sample of rocks and surface soil from Bennu that finds a place in NASA's list of Potentially Hazardous Asteroids.

Asteroids like Bennu are remnants from the formation of our solar system more than 4.5 billion years ago. Scientists suspect that asteroids may have been a source of the water and organic molecules for the early Earth and other planetary bodies.

Although the odds are low, scientist have calculated that Bennu -- which is the size of a small mountain -- may impact Earth sometime between 2175 and 2199.

If all goes according to plan, OSIRIS-REx will arrive in August 2018 and spend the next two years photographing and mapping the asteroid's surface to better understand its chemical and mineralogical composition, including selecting the sample site.

Then, in July 2020, the spacecraft will touch the asteroid for only three seconds to collect at least 60 grams of loose rocks and dust using a device called the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism and store the material in a sample return capsule.

OSIRIS-REx will return the sample to Earth in September 2023, when it will then be transported to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston for examination.

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Offended by India's move of isolating Pakistan in SAARC in post the Uri scenario, Islamabad is exploring the possibility of creating a greater South Asian economic allianceto counter 'New Delhi's controlling hold' on the 8-nation forum of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation. A Parliamentary Delegation from Pakistan, which is now in New York, pitched this idea during its five-day visit to Washington last week, a report in daily Dawn quoting diplomatic sources said "A greater South Asia is already emerging," said Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, in one of his interactions with the media. "This greater South Asia includes China, Iran and also the neighbouring Central Asian republics", the report quoted him as saying. He described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as the key economic route linking South Asia with Central Asia. The Gwadar port, he pointed out, would be the nearest warm water port, not only for China but also for the land-locked Central Asian states. "We want India to join this arrangement as well," said Mr Hussain, an offer Indians are unlikely to accept as they are comfortable with the advantage that SAARC provides them. Last month, India used its influence in SAARC to isolate Pakistan when it announced that it would not attend the regional group's 19th summit that was scheduled in Islamabad on November 15 & 16. India cited Pakistan's alleged involvement in the September 18 terrorist attack in Uri as the reasonfor its decision to boycott the summit. Pakistan strongly denied the Indian allegation and India has provided no evidence to support its claim so far. Yet three other SAARC nations Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Bhutan joined the boycott. The boycott led to an indefinite postponement of the summit and exposed Pakistan's isolation within the group where it once played a key role. Among the eight SAARC nations, Afghanistan and Bangladesh are India's strong allies while Bhutan, surrounded by India from all sides, is too small to resist any move from New Delhi. The Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka have good ties with Pakistan, but they are not large enough to take on India, the newspaper report pointed out. "Apparently, the showdown forced Pakistan to conclude that in its present shape, SAARC will always be dominated by India..,..That's why they are now talking about a greater South Asia," said a senior diplomat while confirming reports that Pakistan is actively seeking a new regional arrangement. "Pakistan hopes that this new arrangement will give it more room to manoeuvre when India tries to force a decision on it," said another diplomat. "Diplomatic observers in Washington say that the proposed arrangement also suits China as it is also worried about India's rapidly growing influence in the region. They argue that China can play an important role in persuading Central Asian republics and Iran to join the new arrangement", the report said. But the observers warn that SAARC members will have little interest in supporting the idea. Thereis not much benefit for Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka in joining a land route far from their borders and Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have their own ports. The member that is likely to get the most benefits from a greater South Asian alliance is Afghanistan, which is technically a land-locked Central Asian nation. Any trade route that links South and Central Asian regions is good for Afghanistan. But observers believe that Afghanistan is too closely linked to India to join any arrangement that hurts India's interests. Afghanistan's presence in SAARC, however, justifies Pakistan's argument that Central Asian nations can be included in a greater South Asia.MORE UNI XC SS -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0089-974739.Xml
GAA SpeedJet Aviation, a partnership between Gulf Aviation Academy and domestic aviation training institute SpeedJet Aviation has announced its tie-up with Private carrier Jet Airways to provide on-ground training to its students from the current batch of cabin crew and ground staff. Jet Airways offered students lessons in ground duties - including airport check-in, passenger and cargo handling at T2 terminal of the Mumbai international airport. Gulf Aviation Academy is part of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, the investment arm for the Kingdom of Bahrain. Jet Airways is India's premier international airline which operates flights to 67 destinations, including India and overseas. "The Aviation sector is on a high-growth trajectory with India set to be world's third largest aviation market by 2020. Needless to say, demand for pilots, cabin crew and ground staff is set to soar. The association with Jet Airways is part of our effort to provide students with a diverse range of training programmes, giving them a competitive advantage that is at par with international standards," said Director SpeedJet Aviation, Capt. Dharamraj Shukla. Apart from the full airport visit, the students were briefed about standard Operating procedures along with services across different airline categories. There were lessons on all ground handling duties including different types of cargo, bag and baggage tags, coding of passengers, multiple cargo operations along with equipment used for ground handling. "Jet Airways' association with Speed Jet Aviation' educational initiative reflects our continued focus towards supporting the community we serve. We are pleased to be able to help realize the aspirations of budding aviation professionals by providing them with first-hand experience in all aspects of airport operations. The initiative complements our annual 'Flight of Fantasy' project that provides underprivileged children the opportunity to experience the joy of flying," said Senior Sr. Vice President Sales Jet Airways, Colin Neubronner. GAA SpeedJet Aviation offers a comprehensive range of structured training programs for all aviation personnel including pilots, cabin crew, engineers and ground staff with training sessions in GAA is training facility at Bahrain. The company aims to make aviation training affordable and accessible to students from diverse economic as well as educational backgrounds. (ANI)
Yunus Hoosen, Head, Invest South Africa, while addressing the session on 'Investment Opportunities in South Africa' at the BRICS Trade Fair here today, gave an overview of the investment environment in South Africa. He said South Africa has always been a trading nation and regarded manufacturing as the heartbeat of industrial policy and action plan. It contributes 13 per cent of GDP along with other key sectors including services, infrastructure and agriculture. Mentioning the various benefits that the country offers, he said that it has one of the finest market access regimes and is the gateway to Africa. South Africa is moving towards a knowledge based economy with focus on high infrastructure and accessibility, ICT and connectivity through road, railways and airways. With emphasis on trade, he mentioned that South Africa is strategically located as an export platform and that the export partners have diversified over the years. Mr. Hoosen elaborated on the priority sectors for foreign direct investment which included manufacturing, nanotechnology, metals, bio fuels and mining. He spoke about the government procurement programme which aims at promoting joint ventures to facilitate foreign investor localisation in various sectors. He touched upon the increasing accord being given to "Green Economy" which aims at creating 5 million jobs in South Africa by 2020. He said that Invest South Africa is a one stop shop for investor facilitation and South Africa offers a very strong case for investment. Sihle Zikalala, Chaiperson, MEC, gave a presentation on the state of Kwazulu Natala which is the second most populous state in South Africa and has been growing at a rate of 3.6 per cent from 2004-14. He mentioned that it is an attractive destination for business and trade as it ranks third highest in terms of export and import and ranks second in terms of industrialisation. A key feature of the province is that it has major seaports of the country and handles nearly 80 per cent of South Africa's cargo. Some of the significant factors for investment include attractive investment climate, strong public support, skilled and experienced manpower, mature domestic market, global connectivity and vibrant tourism. In terms of the major sectors, manufacturing plays a leading role and accounts for one third of exports. Other sectors include maritime, tourism, agriculture and aerotropolis. Hamish Erkshine, CEO Dube Port, spoke about the Dube Trade Port (DTP) as South Africa's premier air logistics platform. He mentioned that investment in South Africa is strongly supported by public sector and added that DTP has a status of a special economic zone with integrated transport and logistics platform. The value proposition that it provides includes proximity to major ports, integrated supply chain, world class infrastructure and special incentives such as reduced corporate tax, building allowance among others. He said that the focus is on hard value sectors with a target on electronics, aerospace, agriculture and agro processing, medical and pharmaceuticals, textiles and automotive manufacturing and assembly. DTP has already secured an investment of USD 103 million which includes investments from leading international companies from India and China. Kuni of WESGRO, spoke about the services that WESGRO provides as a trade, investment and tourism promotion agency for Cape Town and Western Cape. The key services include business facilitation and promotion with a key mandate of facilitating outward FDI. He mentioned that the focus for this year has been infrastructure development and establishing international partnership to attract investments. Some of the major points of attractiveness for investing in the Western Cape include ease of doing business, strong government and industry collaboration, quality lifestyle and great air connectivity. The sectors that have gained importance over the years include manufacturing and services with a focus on metals and financial services respectively. The top sources of FDI and trade include US and Europe with a growing contribution by India and China. (ANI)
Brazil's economic strengths and opportunities for investment in the country came out in bold relief at the first country seminar on 'Investment Opportunities in Brazil' organised by APEX Brazil, as the three-day BRICS Trade Fair got under way here today. Highlighting the vast and myriad opportunities and similarities that India and Brazil enjoy, Mr. Tovara Da Silva Nunes, Brazilian Ambassador to India, set the ball rolling, stating that India and Brazil shared a lot of similarities and common interests. Although the two countries have been part of several multilateral fora, it is important to work closer bilaterally to make the partnership truly strategic. The two countries enjoy several common aspirations. They have strong services sector-IT, strength in medicines, their foreign policy is focused on sustainable development, they discuss global issues and peaceful solution to conflict and they face similar challenges and believe that social inclusion is not possible without a good economy, he said. Talking about Brazil, he said, agriculture is the strength of the Brazillian economy. Over the last decade and a half there has been an increase in the intensity of trade flows. Various studies show the massive increase in trade flows to Brazil. The major sectors of focus are medical equipment and medicines, aerospace, aeronautics, oil and natural gas, chemicals, fertilizers and processed food. It is an attractive destination for private companies. Brazil is one of the major trade partners of India in Latin America. There is more than USD 5 billion Indian investments in Brazil. In order to encourage more Indian investment and to create a legal framework, India and Brazil will sign 'Agreement cooperation and facilitation investment', in Goa at the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. This is a very positive step towards India-Brazil relations and would speed up the process of development. Brazil had benefitted from the high commodities prices initially but was hit at the price fall specially the fall in the price of oil. However, the Brazilian government is working towards resuming the path of growth. In 2016-17 the country expects an improvement in its GDP. Today, here is positive sentiment evidenced by increase in investment rates, rise imports of capital goods and an increase in investment- GDP ratio. The Ambassador said that the people were regaining their faith in the economy. Besides the fiscal reforms, Brazil is working towards strategic reduction of the role of the state. This is an attempt to recover from recession. He said that private companies will have the opportunity to invest in the following sectors, ports, civil aviation, energy, sanitation, oil and gas. Agriculture, robust banking system, defence and aeronautics are the pillars of the Brazilian economy, he emphasised. Ms Maria Luisa Cravo, APEX Brazil, spoke about the role of the organization. She said that they play a primary role in helping Brazilian companies to enter different markets. They encourage greenfield investments and joint ventures. For the investors, from providing information to helping in selection of the site, they do it all. Mr. Padmendra Singh Rawat, representing UPL, one of the largest crop protection and seed company presented the company portfolio. They are present in 120 countries and Brazil, being one of the leading countries in agri-buisiness, is their major location. More than 200 Brazillians work for UPL which provides crop protection, technological assistance and post harvest facilities. Mr. Rajiv Wahi, Head - International Business, Escorts Agri Machinery, said, "Food security is a major challenge in today's world and all the BRICS countries have the responsibility of developing their agricultural sector to feed the world." The Escorts Group has been a witness to the transforming agricultural ecosystem since seven decades and understands the ever-evolving needs of the farmers worldwide. Brazil with its rich agricultural strength and central location is an important country for Escorts. (ANI)
India's only impact investing industry body, the Impact Investors Council (IIC) has announced that it is organizing India's very first Impact Investment Conclave, Prabhav 2016 in Delhi from November 15th to 17th in partnership with India's Ministry of External Affairs. Impact investment primarily focuses on creating a positive social or environmental impact as against merely financial motives. India has emerged as one of the largest impact investment destinations in the world with over 50 active impact investors and a cumulative investment of USD 7.5 billion till date in more than 350 enterprises and funds across a range of industries such as financial inclusion, agribusiness, healthcare, education and clean energy. For the first time ever, Prabhav 2016 will bring top leaders from as many as 150 global impact investors to India to meet potential investees. Eminent speakers at the conclave will represent the multiple stakeholders: The global impact investors will also participate in tours across North, West and South India to meet various social enterprises and gain a first-hand, immersive grassroots experience of social impact at work. Supporting Quotes: "Impact Investing has the potential to be India's next transformational industry by bringing so many LPs and GPs together on one platform to meet potential investees, Prabhav 2016 will be a game changer for India's social enterprises that will indirectly boost incomes, jobs, and access to essential services significantly," adds Sandeep Farias, Chairman- IIC and Founder Elevar Equity. Dr. Rajiv Lall, Founder MD & CEO, IDFC Bank said, "IIC is benefiting the lives of the people at the base of the economic pyramid by combining the depths of management, a social entrepreneurial spirit and depth of financial markets to create impact across industries." Roopa Kudva, Partner and Managing Director, Omidyar Network India Advisors says, "Omidyar Network is deeply committed to supporting social entrepreneurs in India - in fact, we hope to double our India investments to USD300mm by 2020. Based on the opportunities we are seeing, we believe that impact investing is at a tipping point in India, and we look forward to attending Prabhav 2016 to further support and advance the industry." Amit Bhatia, Founding CEO of Impact Investors Council, says, "Since 2001, India has attracted a stellar USD 7.5 billion in cumulative impact investments- USD 2.5 billion in core direct-to-beneficiary sectors (e.g., Financial Inclusion, Skills Development or Affordable HealthCare) and another USD five billion in indirect impact (e.g., Rural Infrastructure and Climate Change). Prabhav 2016 will focus on how India can enhance its Impact Investing ecosystem to build a USD 18 billion sector by 2020 and a USD one trillion social economy by 2035." (ANI)
Addressing a news conference in his new office at Velagapudi here, he also voiced concern that politics has become a "shelter" for corrupt.

Naidu, who had been demanding a ban on big currency notes, said he would be writing a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday in this regard.

He said abolishing the big currency notes was necessary to check those who are buying votes and misusing the people's mandate.

--IANS ms/vd

( 121 Words)

2016-10-12-17:20:09 (IANS)
Arrival of foreign tourists in India is on rise this year. According to travel meta search engine ixigo, over 8.22 lakh international tourists are expected to visit India in October this year. The number is 30 percent higher in comparison to last month. Usually, August to march is considered as on-season for tourism and travel sector. With beginning of festive season, traction of both international and domestic travelers on flights is rising. Ixigo says that, as Navratri, Durga Puja, Dusshera and Diwali are falling in the same month, domestic flight tourists for October month is expected to be around 96.6 lakhs by end of October this year. With these prospective, upcoming month seems to be full of opportunities for tourism industry. Do let us know if you would like to speak with ixigo's Spokesperson to understand the trend. (ANI)
Karnataka signed an agreement to foster economic ties with Wielkopolska region in Poland, Industries Minister R.V. Deshpande has said. "The agreement will catalyse in forging business opportunities and establishing flourishing business relations between our regions," said Deshpande on Wednesday on the occasion at Poznan in Poland. Recalling his meeting with Wielkopolska delegation in Mumbai last November, Deshpande said leading Polish firm Ekolog chose Bengaluru to set up a clean energy technology plant with $50-million investment under the 'Make in India' programme. "I am informed that Poland is interested in 'Make in India' and has initiated 'Go India' which helps Polish firms to look towards us for investments," noted Deshpande. Lauding the progress Poland made in the post-war period, especially over the last two decades, the minister said Indo-Polish trade had been thriving, with India exporting commodities, textiles, drugs, machinery and auto parts and importing artificial resins, non-ferrous metals and machine tools from the Eastern European nation. "Indian software majors like Wipro and TCS have their presence in Poland. India has signed high value arms deals with your country for supply of air defence missiles, armoured recovery vehicles and tank upgrades," Deshpande told Poznan international trade fair deputy Chief Executive Tomasz Kobierski and Wielkopolska board member Leszek Wojtasiak on the occasion. Noting that Poland was the second highest FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) contributor from the Central European nations to India, as evident from $620 million over 15 years from 2000-2015, the minister said India had, however, invested $3 billion in Poland during the same period. "Several Indian firms, including Reliance, Ranbaxy, Videocon, Zensar Technologies and KPIT Cummins have invested in Poland, while Polish firms like Can-Pack Poland, Inglot, Geo Fysika have presence in our country," asserted Deshpande. Reiterating that huge opportunity was present in IT, solid waste management, clean technologies and renewable energy, the minister told Polish stakeholders to explore potential areas for collaborations and investments in the state. "As Bengaluru is the world's second largest IT cluster and leading start-up hub,Aour state has a good industrial and technology based ecosystem, which attracted global firms to set up their R&D and innovation centres in this tech hub. Indian Ambassador to Poland Ajay Bisaria was also present on the occasion. --IANS fb/pgh/ ( 381 Words) 2016-10-13-00:58:08 (IANS)
Ramsey won a legion of fans with her confident nature and stubbornness in season six and now it has been confirmed that Mormont will return for the next season.

Ramsey has been spotted in full costume on the set of the HBO series, reports express.co.uk.

According to several images that have surfaced on the net, Ramsey can be seen leaving her trailer dressed as Mormont, ready for filming.

In fact, actor Kristofer Hivju, who plays role of Tormund Giantsbane in the series, shared an Instagram photograph of himself with Ramsey, suggesting she would definitely be returning.

He wrote: "Look out for this one! Bella Ramsey portrays Lyanna Mormont with such a strength, authority and coolness! She's super cool and a highly professional actor in the age of 11! Can't tell you if our characters meet or not this season - but I can tell you this: you have so much to look forward to in season 7!"

The seventh season will air in India on Star World Premiere HD in the summer of 2017.

--IANS sug/rb/vt

( 217 Words)

2016-10-12-14:24:09 (IANS)
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Wednesday dubbed Prime Minister's visit to Lucknow for Dussehra celebrations as a politically astute attempt to strengthen the BJP's hold in Uttar Pradesh before next year's assembly polls. NCP leader Majid Memon told ANI, "Dussehra is more or less a religious function. But why did the Prime Minister chose Lucknow and not any other place? As rightly said, if there would have been elections in Bihar, he would have chosen Bihar." "PM Modi selected Lucknow because there are elections around the corner and this fact cannot be denied. It was a politically motivated movement for the purpose of trying to strengthen the BJP and to garner votes. So, therefore, fundamentally, it is an absolutely political motivated move," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday celebrated Dussehra in Lucknow at the historic Aishbagh Ramleela Ground. He was accompanied by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh. At the event, he denounced terrorism and in an indirect way attacked Pakistan for supporting terrorism. Dubbing terrorism as an "enemy of humanity", Prime Minister Modi called for combating the menace unitedly. Addressing a gathering, Modi said, "We cannot save humanity unless we fight out terrorism collectively. There is an urgent need to uproot and punish the elements that promote and indulge in terrorist activities." "This festival is about the victory of good over evil and terrorism is an enemy of humanity. Everyone needs to speak in one voice against terrorism. So, when we burn Ravana, we should remember that humanity can't be saved unless we fight out terrorism together," he added. "Elements involved in terrorist activities should be uprooted and destroyed. And, at the same time, the powers backing terrorist activities should be punished," he said. (ANI)
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Wednesday downplayed the Shiv Sena's threat to the BJP with regard to the local body and municipal corporation polls, saying that if the former is unhappy, it should be frank in expressing it. NCP leader Majid Memon told ANI, "Why is Shiv Sena inviting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to take a step and that then it will retaliate? If you are unhappy with the BJP be frank, say that we want to sever relationship with you. Or admit that the Shiv Sena wants to be with the BJP. Admit either way. This is just dual policy neither here nor there." Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray yesterday dared the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to break their alliance in the upcoming Zilla parishad, Thane Municipal Corporation and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections and warned that should that happen, the BJP would come to actually know what a surgical strike is. "I dare the BJP to break alliance in the upcoming zilla parishad, Thane Municipal Corporation and BMC elections, and then we will show what surgical strike is," said Thackeray while addressing a Ramleela function gathering here. (ANI)
Ahead of the weekend meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping, China has said that it is ready to have talks with India on the latter's entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Former foreign secretary Bhupatray Shashank on Wednesday said China does not want to de-friend India at the cost of Pakistan. Shashant told ANI, "China is saying that India has to negotiate with all the members of the NSG. So, it's not a bilateral issue." "China is trying to divert attention from its own role in blocking India's entry into NSG by saying 'look you have not spoken to others and they are others, who are blocking it," he added. When asked about banning Azhar Masood, Shashank said China is trying to put pressure on both India and Pakistan. "On one hand telling India that cannot clear Azhar Masood's name on the terror list and on other hand they are telling Pakistan that look they must do something quickly so that China is not embarrassed and is not singled out for this purpose," he added. "So, you have to keep in mind all these factors that China on one hand does not want to de-friend India at the cost of Pakistan and secondly it does not totally alienate India. So therefore," he added. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet President Xi tomorrow at the BRICS summit in Goa, which groups Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. Earlier, China's Vice Foreign Minister Li Baodong, defending his country's blocking of India's petition for a UN ban on Azhar, who heads the Jaish-e-Mohammed, said, "No one should pursue "political gains in the name of counter-terrorism." India has blamed the Jaish-e-Mohammed for January's attack on the air force base in Pathankot and last month's terror strike on an army base in Uri in Kashmir, in which 19 soldiers were killed. China has twice thwarted India's move for Azhar to be added by the United Nations Security Council to blacklisted groups that are linked to al Qaeda or ISIS. It also led a small group of countries in June that opposed India being made a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group or NSG, which has 48 members who trade in civil nuclear technology. Both moves are seen as Beijing's extension of support to ally Pakistan. In April, China was the sole among 15 member-countries of the Security Council to veto the ban on Azhar, which would stop him from travelling internationally and freeze his assets. Days before the veto or "technical hold" was to expire at the end of last month, China renewed it. Last week, Vikas Swarup, the External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, said that India would ask China to reconsider its stand, seen as a significant extension of support to ally Pakistan. About the NSG, China's Vice Foreign Minister said "These rules are not to be decided by China alone... we are ready to continue consultations with India to build consensus and we also hope India can go to other members of the NSG as well." To prevent India's entry, China has said that the NSG's rules disallow a member who has not signed the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. India has said it will not surrender its national interest by signing the accord, but its track record of non-proliferation should entitle it to join the NSG. India was granted an NSG waiver in 2008 that allows it to engage in nuclear commerce, but deprives it of a vote in the organisation's decision making.(ANI)
The first ever three-day BRICS Trade Fair will commence at the Pragati Maidan here on the theme 'Building BRICS - Innovation for Collaboration'. There are several sectors of interest to BRICS countries - a grouping of emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - that will be represented at the trade fair, though the focus will be to showcase some of the best technologies available across BRICS nations to address BRICS countries main development challenges. The BRICS Trade Fair will also focus on 'start-ups' and will bring together young entrepreneurs from across BRICS nations on this platform. Briefing the media here on October 7, Ministry of External Affairs, Secretary, Economic Relations (ER), Amar Sinha said, "The next week, there will also be the first BRICS Trade, which has never happened before, is being organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). We have an overwhelming response from all the BRICS countries and the focus there really is on innovation, innovative technologies, start-ups on manufacturing and we are looking at very good participation by all the major companies from the BRICS countries, besides trade ministers will be here." The Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in a statement issued on October 3, said the first BRICS Trade Fair and Exhibition will be staged just ahead of the BRICS political summit in Goa (October 15-16). This major initiative was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last year during his address to the members of the BRICS Business Council at Ufa in Russia. The trade fair is expected to give an impetus to intra-BRICS economic engagement and to foster connects amongst members of our business community. The fair will showcase about 20 key sectors. These include aerospace, agro-processing, auto and auto components, chemicals, green energy and renewable, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, railways, textiles and apparel, infrastructure, IT, engineering goods, tourism, gems and jewellery and skill development. The BRICS Trade Fair will be a platform for respective BRICS countries to exhibit the state-of-the-art technologies and advances made in industrial development. Besides established companies, start-ups and innovators from BRICS will showcase their offerings. The idea is to help technology solution providers from BRICS countries to share knowledge and expertise in dealing with the common development challenges in areas such as healthcare, education, energy efficiency, waste management and urbanisation management. Besides, business leaders from BIMSTEC countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand) have been invited for meetings and discussions with the BRICS business leaders and companies at the fair. This is a new dimension and complements the regional outreach efforts being made by our respective governments to fortify South-South cooperation. In addition to the BRICS Trade Fair, BRICS Business Forum will be held on October 13, 2016. This is a full day conference that will see participation from over 1,000 business delegates from all BRICS countries. Vice President M. Hamid Ansari and trade ministers of all BRICS nations have been invited to address the participants and share their vision for economic engagement at the BRICS Business Forum. The Vice President of New Development Bank and the senior team will join this forum and share how the private sector can support its own efforts to promote sustainable development projects across BRICS countries. The Forum is expected to give a fillip to these efforts. The BRICS Business Council was established during the fifth BRICS Summit in Durban, South Africa, with the objective of promoting and strengthening business, trade and investment ties amongst the business communities of the five countries. The Council will hold focused seminars and workshops concurrent with the Trade Fair. The seven working groups in the areas of Infrastructure, Manufacturing, Financial Services, Energy & Green Economy, Skills Development, Agribusiness and Deregulation that have been formed under the aegis of the BRICS Business Council will engage in interactions with a view to better understand the market opportunities and build synergies based on their respective competitive strengths and to promote industrial development and job creation. Through the various programmes that will be held, it is expected that many suggestions would emerge to take forward and implement the action plan contained in the BRICS Strategy for Economic Partnership. (ANI)
In Maharashtra, people celebrated Dussehra with traditional fervor and delight. As per the tradition of the day most of the households performed Yantra and Shastra poojan and sought blessings of Goddess Saraswati- goddess of knowledge.

Temples and navratri Devi pandals across the cities also culminated their navratri festivities by organizing special Bhogs for the visiting devotees.

Whereas in Karnataka, the world famous Mysuru Dasara festivities culminated with a grand Jambusavari procession.

In Assam, Chief Minister Sarbanand Sonowal participated at Dusshera program in Nehru stadium at Guwahati, where he appealed all sections of people to work together for the development of the society.

In Bihar, Dussehra celebrations today off peacefully with the administration and security forces keeping a strict vigil to ensure incident free.

Effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakarna and and Meghnad were burnt at Gandhi Maidan in Patna. Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who was the chief guest at the event, greeted people on the occasion.

In Delhi, with the burning of effigies of Ravana, Meghnad and Kumbhakarna ten day Dussehra celebrations came to a close.

President Pranab Mukherjee, Vice President Mohammed Hamid Ansari, former Prime Minister DrManmohan Singh attended the function at Subhash Maidan. (ANI)
Japan's core machinery orders fellmuch less than expected in August, suggesting a relatively firmpickup in capital expenditure that is seen as crucial forsustainable economic growth. Cabinet Office data on Wednesday showed core machineryorders, a highly volatile data series regarded as an indicatorof capital spending in the coming six to nine months, fell 2.2percent in August from the previous month. That fall was much smaller than the 5.5 percent declineexpected by a Reuters poll of economists, following a 4.9percent increase in July. Compared with a year earlier the core orders, which excludeships and orders from the electric power utilities, increased11.6 percent in August, versus a 6.5 percent gain expected byeconomists. Japanese policymakers are counting on capital spending tofoster sustainable growth in the world's third largest economy,but businesses have been slow to invest in the face of sluggishdemand, the yen's gains and external headwinds. Capital expenditure has recently shown some signs of apickup as demand for smartphones has kept the information andtechnology sector humming, although some analysts doubt it issustainable. "Capital spending is holding firm although it is not sostrong as being a driver of GDP growth," said Yuichiro Nagai,economist at Barclays Securities. "The risk would be a spike in the yen beyond 100 to thedollar, which would discourage manufacturers to invest." In August, manufacturers' orders fell 4.0 percent, draggeddown by sectors such as steel and chemicals, while the servicessector's orders declined by 1.9 percent, weighed by weak demandfrom the communications and agriculture sectors. The Cabinet Office maintained its assessment of machineryorders, saying a pickup was seen, with an official saying thatthe core orders would rise 8.5 percent in the third quarter evenif they turn flat in September. The Bank of Japan's tankan survey showed this month that bigfirms plan to raise capital spending by 6.3 percent for fiscal2016 from the previous year, suggesting there is still appetitefor investment despite the yen's gains. Japanese companies have been hesitant to boost investment inrecent years, due to uncertainty over the economic outlook, evenas they reaped record profits thanks to a weak yen under PrimeMinister Shinzo Abe's aggressive stimulus policy. Capital expenditure grew about 5 trillion yen ($48.59billion) over the past three years to some 70 trillion yen infiscal 2015 - still 10 percent below levels seen in fiscal 2007just before the global financial crisis - while net profits roseabout 15 trillion yen. REUTERS AKC 0701 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-974430.Xml
With the first light this morning, operation was resumed against the militants holed up in a government building at Pampore on Srinagar-Jammu national highway since Sunday morning. Traffic on the highway, linking the Kashmir valley with the rest of the country remained suspended from Pantha Chowk to Pampore and vehicles were being directed through Somarbugh and other routes for security reasons. A militant was reportedly killed, though his body has not yet been recovered, official sources said, adding that a soldier and a state police jawan were also injured in the encounter. They said operation against the militants trapped inside the multi-storeyed building of Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) at Pampore, about 10 km from here, was again suspended late last night due to darkness. However, the entire area remained under cordon to foil any attempt by the holed up militants to escape. Army and paramilitary forces, besides state police personnel, are jointly participating in the operation to flush out the militants, a senior police officer said, adding the exact number of militants trapped inside was not immediately clear. The building, where the militants are trapped, suffered extensive damage as security forces fired dozens of rockets, mortar shells and triggered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to eliminate the militants. Security forces had also used tear-smoke and pepper shells to bring the militants out from the building. A resident of the nearby area Parvez Ahmad told UNI that there were loud explosions and firing in the EDI building area till late last night. However, no major blast or firing was heard during night, he added. Mediapersons are not being allowed to go near the EID building and kept a km away. Official sources said the operation was launched on Sunday morning, following a tip-off about the presence of some militants in the multi-storeyed building. The entire area remained sealed and additional security forces, including Army personnel who were rushed after the encounter ensued, remained deployed. Paramilitary and state police personnel also remained deployed in adjacent areas to prevent any protests, as had been witnessed during a similar encounter between the militants of Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT) and troops in February this year, during which the JKEDI building suffered massive damage. The militants had taken shelter in the building after attacking a bus carrying Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel. As many as nine persons were killed in the 48-hour long gunfight, including JKEDI employee Abdul Gani Mir, three army soldiers, including 22-year-old Captain Pawan Kumar of 10 PARA, two paramilitary personnel, and three militants. A Fire and Emergency official told UNI that two fire tenders which remained stationed near the building since Sunday after it caught fire, were sent back last night. However, one fire tender was again rushed there this morning for any emergency, he added.UNI BAS RJ 1010 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-974480.Xml
All academic activities in Manipur University have come to a grinding halt, following continuation of protests by the students over the reservation policy. After miscreants had set afire the varsity buildings on the night of October 3, most of the hostels have been deserted by students. MU became a Central University in 2005 and there has been problems related to the reservation of seats. When it was a state University, reservation for the Scheduled Tribes (ST) was 31 per cent and for Scheduled Castes (SC) two per cent, but when it was converted into a Central University, the reservation policy was changed to all India norm, which is 15 per cent for SC and 7.5 per cent for ST. The tribal students here are demanding that the state government's reservation policy be adopted.The Academic Council of the University has decided to stick to the Central policy, which is opposed by the tribal students. The varsity officials informed that the Academic Council of MU met yesterday and the matter has been referred to the President for a final decision.Manipur University Tribal Students' Union, All Tribal Students Union of Manipur and tribal leaders have urged the varsity to adopt state reservation policy and have threatened a series of stirs, if their demand was not conceded. Due to the stir, all classes remained suspended. Admission process for various PG classes have also not yet started. UNI NS AD RJ 1225 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0108-974603.Xml
There was no relief for people in Shehar-e-Khas (SeK) and downtown, where curfew continued for the sixth day today, while elsewhere in the summer capital, strict restrictions remained imposed and majority of roads remained closed with Razor Wire Concertina. Police said curfew remained imposed in the areas falling under the jurisdiction of five police stations of Nowhatta, M R Gung, Khanyar, Safa Kadal and Rainawari in the downtown and SeK. Though police said there were only restrictions elsewhere in the city, the situation on the ground was entirely different as majority of roads remained closed and security force personnel directed people to stay indoors. Hundreds of security forces and state police personnel remained deployed in the civil lines, including the historic Lal Chowk, where several roads remained closed with barbed wire. Roads leading to Abi Guzar in the civil lines have also been closed and nobody was being allowed to enter the area. Shia mourners were taking out the main 'Zuljinah Ashoora Tazia' procession on the tenth day of Muharram month from Abi Guzar and marching through civil lines, Maisuma and old city before culminating in the downtown in the evening. However, since 90s, the administration has banned Ashoora processions in the city for security reasons. Despite protests by the Muslim organisations, administration refused to lift the ban. The Amira Kadal bridge, connecting business hub Hari Singh High Street (HSHS) and uptown with Lal Chowk, the nerve centre of the summer capital, has again been closed with barbed wire from both ends. Nobody, even pedestrians were not being allowed to cross the bridge over river Jehlum and people were being directed to take Budshah bridge. Though police said there was no curfew in Maisuma, but all roads leading there, including Budshah Chowk, Gaw Kadal, Red cross raod and Haji Masjid have also been closed with barbed wire. Maisuma is the stronghold of Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Mohammad Yaseen Malik, who is under detention since July 9, a day after Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) commander Burhan Wani and two other militants were killed in an encounter in Anantnag, evoking massive protests across the valley. Road blocks had also been erected on Moulana Azad road at several places and vehicles and pedestrians were being searched randomly by the security forces. MORE UNI BAS RJ 1150 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0153-974573.Xml
The officer-in-charge of Turkaulia police station in East Champaran district was suspended today for not discharging his duty properly after tension erupted between two groups during the Durga Puja recently. Police Superintendent Jitendra Rana suspended the officer-in-charge of Turkaulia police station Faisal Ahmed Ansari with immediate effect for not discharging his duty properly after tension erupted when a group of ruffians tried to create disturbance at a pandal during the Durga Puja recently. Mr Rana said the suspended police officer had been asked to report to Police Lines here. He had also ordered for initiating departmental proceedings against the suspended police officer, the SP added. UNI XC DH AD RJ GC1322 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0108-974652.Xml
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today assured the Dalit community that notwithstanding the demand from a section of the society, a legislation on prevention of atrocities against the Scheduled Castes and Tribes will not be repealed. Mr Fadnavis, while addressing a gathering at 'Deekshabhoomi' here yestereday on 60th Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Day, which marks the mass conversion to Buddhism by B R Ambedkar and his followers in 1956, said there was a strong demand from a section of the Maratha community to repeal the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as it was allegedly being misused, but the Act will stay. One of the major demands of politically-dominant Maratha community, which is taking out huge silent marches in Maharashtra, is abolition of the Atrocities Act. A true follower of Ambedkar will not yield himself to such misuse and hence there was no need for Maratha community or any other community to fear its misuse, he added. Mr Fadnavis also said the plan of the memorial of Ambedkar at Indu Mill land in Mumbai would be soon finalised. The government had detailed discussions with top Dalit leaders including Prakash Ambedkar, Ramdas Athwale, Jogendra Kawade, Anand Ambedkar and others to avoid any controversy and the design of thememorial was nearing completion, he added. The Chief Minister also lauded the contribution of former Governor of Bihar and Kerala R S Gavai, who headed the memorial committee till his death, and said a memorial for Gavai would be constructed in his hometown Amravati with a budget of Rs 25 crore. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari in his speech assured all necessary help from the Centre to turn Deekshabhoomi into a world-class monument. A proposal from the state government to create a Buddhist circuit connecting important Buddhist sites was pending, and now the Centre has sanctioned Rs 100 crore for it, he added. Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind and Dalit leader and Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale were also present on the occasion.UNI PK NV RJ AS1405 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0169-974696.Xml
Differences within first family of the Samajwadi Party were growing day by day and now, they were expressing their displeasure in the public too. The differences were clearly seen today during the 50th death anniversary of socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia, with Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav and party state president Shivpal Singh Yadav not exchanging a word during the function at the Lohia Park here. Akhilesh, first went to Lohia Trust on Vikramaditya Marg and garlanded the bust of the socialist leader and thereafter, rushed to the Lohia Park to pay his tribute to Dr Lohia. At Lohia Park, the CM paid floral tributes to the socialist leader, even as Mr Shivpal was waiting there for party president and his elder brother Mulayam Singh Yadav. After paying his tribute, the CM did not wait for a minute and left the place without waiting for his father and did not even had eye-contact with his uncle Shivpal. However later, Mr Mulayam reached Lohia Park and paid his floral tributes to the great socialist leader. In his brief speech too, the senior Yadav expressed his annoyance on the party workers as they were not going to the people and just trying to appease the senior leaders in Lucknow. Senior UP Ministers like Om Prakash Singh, Ahmed Hasan and other senior party leaders were present, along with Mr Mulayam and Mr Shivpal. "These workers only raise slogans and they just want election tickets even as no one knows them in their constituencies," Mr Mulayam said, adding that the entire country was remembering Dr Lohia on his 50th death anniversary today. Narrating his relationship with Dr Lohia, Mr Mulayam said he was a great philosopher and he met him on August 23,1967. "Now a days, workers work hard but they do not follow the ideology. The workers do not hear the speeches of the big leaders, nor they read about the leaders. We have made a big Lohia Trust and there are several thousands of books on the life of several big leaders, but unfortunately, no worker is interested in going there," he stated. Mr Mulayam asked if anyone knows about the speeches of Dr Lohia and claimed that he still remembers the words of all important speeches of the socialist leader. On the occasion, the party released a CD of 50 important speeches of Dr Lohia.UNI MB RJ NS1331 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-974617.Xml
After the incident, the mob went bersek and indulged in brickbating in protest against the laxity on part of the electricity department.

Police said the incident occurred in Haldikala area under Naini Industrial area police station this morning, when people were bringing out Tazia on Muharram. But suddenly, the Tazia touched a live wire and it broke down.

The people who were carrying the Tazia came in touch with live wire and were burnt.

Around 12 people were rushed to the SRN Medical College Hospital where condition of two are stated to be critical. Additional police forces have been rushed to the spot to control the situation.UNI MB RJ GC1257

-- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0196-974633.Xml
In yet another vicious attack, atleast seven Indian fishermen sustained injuries after they were attacked by Sri Lankan Maritime Forces at mid sea, early today. The Sri Lankan Naval personnel pelted stones and soda bottles indiscriminately on a group of fishermen hailing from Pamban coastal hamlet here, when they were fishing in country boats near the controversial Katchatheevu island, said leader of a fishermen association. The attack was so vicious that the fishermen were forced to retreat from the zone. They also threatened the fishermen of dire consequences if they trespass into the territorial waters of Sri Lanka. On returning to the shore, the injured fishermen were treated in the local hospital. On October six, an Indian mechanized fishing trawler was sunk in mid sea after it was deliberately rammed by a Sri Lankan Naval patrol vessel. Fishing nets and other fishing gears worth several lakhs of rupees were destroyed by the Lankan Naval personnel. To condemn the attack and to protect their livelihood, the mechanized boat fishermen of Rameswaram launched an indefinite strike from October seven. The fishermen were also demanding the Centre to provide compensation for the sunken boat, release of five fishermen and 115 fishing boats detained by Sri Lanka. UNI GSM CS 1457 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0275-974863.Xml
Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Capt Amarinder Singh today stormed into the local police station here and served an ultimatum to the erring SHO Manjeet Singh to stop the persecution of Congress workers. "Let me warn all such police officials that I will use the special powers vested in the government under Article 311 to dismiss all of them in case they do not mend their ways", he said, adding that he would initiate stringent action against them, once the Congress is in power if they don't mend their ways. He said, "Enough is enough. I won't let anyone get away with the persecution of my party workers. Responding to a number of complaints from local party workers, who alleged that the SHO was openly threatening them and asking them to join Akali Dal, the PPCC president personally went to the police station to lodge the protest and warn the erring police officials. He was accompanied by local MLA Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa. A number of party workers who had gathered at the police station told Capt Singh that the SHO and the local DSP had let lose a reign of terror on Congress workers. Besides, they alleged that the police officials there were patronising drug trade also. One of the party workers confronted the SP in charge of the police station with evidence that the SHO had asked him to join Akali Dal. He said when he refused, he was slapped with a false case. The SHO and the DSP were not present in the police station when the former Chief Minister visited there. The workers said the area was worst hit by false cases registered at the instance of Akali leaders. Capt Singh said he will use the special powers vested with the government to dismiss all such cops. "I did it in 2002 and I will do it again in case the cops do not mend their ways," he warned in unambiguous terms. The PPCC president also spoke to one of the senior police officers on phone and conveyed his strong displeasure over the way the SHOs, the local SHO in particular, had been treating the Congress workers. He said the police officials will act partisan at their own risk, reminding them that it was a matter of only four more months when Congress will be in power and they will have to account for all their sins of omission and commission.UNI XC RJ RSA AS1515 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0293-974819.Xml
Thousands of mourners today joined the Ashura processions in different parts of Kashmir valley on the martyrdom of Hazrat Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad in Karbala, about 1400 years ago. However, no Ashura Tazias were taken out in the civil lines, downtown and Shehar-e-Khas, where authorities had imposed curfew and restrictions since early this morning. Ashura processions are banned in these areas since 90s for security reasons. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir police today foiled a Muharram procession near BSNL Exchange headquarters in Srinagar. The mourners, who reached Srinagar in private vehicles from Budgam, hit the streets near exchange road. However, when the slogans shouting mourners were moving towards Imam Bada Zadibal, security forces deployed in the areas took them into custody. Mourners, mostly in black dress, took out a 'Zuljinah Ashoora Tazia' procession from Mirgund in Budgam district to the main town. The procession will reach to main Budgam town in the evening. Beating their chests and reciting "Marcia", the mourners were heading towards different Imambaras. Adequate security forces and state police personnel besides paramedical staff have been deployed on all routes of processions for the security reasons.UNI ABS ASM SW RSA NS1502 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0433-974793.Xml
Opposition parties on Wednesday criticised Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for giving major credit of surgical strikes across the Line of Control to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused the BJP of using it as a "tool for electoral gains". "This is blatant exhibition of the forked tongue of the BJP. They speak in two voices," Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha told IANS. "Modi will adopt the posture that there should be no chest thumping, while his Cabinet ministers and foot soldiers will plaster posters hailing him as Lord Rama," Jha said. The Congress leader also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the surgical strikes as an electoral tool for political gains in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh and Punjab assembly polls. "Clearly, the BJP is trying to exploit the surgical strikes as an electoral strategy and it has complete disregard for army sentiments or the truth itself," the Congress leader alleged. Congress leader's remarks came after Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at an event in Mumbai said that "major credit of the surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK) goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi". A political war has erupted after the September 28-29 surgical strikes, which were carried out across the LoC against the backdrop of the terror attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri town of Jammu and Kashmir, in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed. Jha said: "Operation Ginger (of 2011) is a proof that surgical strikes have happened before, too." Code-named 'Operation Ginger', the 2011 strikes were said to be the deadliest-ever cross-border operation, in which at least eight Pakistani soldiers were killed and several others fatally injured by Indian commandos. Echoing the Congress charge, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D. Raja told IANS: "BJP is politicising surgical strikes for political gains." "Why should one share the credit of Indian Army? After all it is the Indian Army and not any political party's army (that carried out the strikes)," the CPI leader said. "Why they are making it a political issue?" Raja asked. "Even the Prime Minister has advised his leaders not to politicise and not to do chest thumping." Attacking Parrikar, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Jha said that he is not on the same page with the Prime Minister. "I think Parrikar is probably not on the same page with the Prime Minister, because Modiji has advised his colleagues and partymen to stop chest thumping," the RJD leader told IANS. "He (Modi) has advised his colleagues to stop chest thumping, as the frequency of chest thumping has gone berserk. And, this is what we gathered even from Parrikar's statement," he said. --IANS aks/nir/vt ( 459 Words) 2016-10-12-15:50:18 (IANS)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to take up strongly the issue of Russia-Pakistan military exercise when he meets Russian President Vladimir Putin for the annual summit between the two countries on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Goa this week. Besides, the two leaders during their talks would cover a whole range of issues, including cooperation in areas of security defence and trade and investment, in addition to regional and international developments. This will be Mr Modi's first meeting with Mr Putin after the first ever joint military exercise of Russia with Pakistan. India Ambassador to Russia Pankaj Saran has already set the tone for the Modi-Putin summit when he in an interview to Russian news agency Ria Novosti made no bones about India's discomfiture over the military exercise. "We have conveyed our views to the Russian side that military cooperation with Pakistan, which is a state that sponsors and practices terrorism as a matter of state policy, is a wrong approach. It will create only further problems,'' Mr Saran told Novosti. Though Russia had condemned the Uri terror attack in which 19 soldiers were killed, it did not put off the military exercise. In the wake of surgical strikes, Moscow had also expressed its support for decisive action against terrorism in all its forms, but called upon both India and Pakistan to exercise restrain and not allow any escalation of tension. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry urged Islamabad to take effective steps against terrorist activities in its territory. Russia later defended its military exercise with Pakistan, saying that it was not held in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, and its aim was only fight against terrorism. Meanwhile, India is expected to flag the issue of terrorism at the both in the bilateral meeting with Mr Putin and at the BRICS summit, and push the case for an international counter-terror convention. In addition to terrorism and the joint military excise with Pakistan, the issue of defence modernisation, which India is taking up on a large scale, would also form a substantial part of the deliberations during the Modi-Putin summit. One of the most important defence deals India is currently negotiating with Russia is for buying 5 S-400 'Triumf' long-range defence missile systems. It was also looking for upgrade of the Sukhoi 30-MKIs. The long-pending joint development of fifth generation fighter aircraft would also feature during the discussions. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs, announcing the annual summit here, said bilateral cooperation had increased in all the spheres over the years. "The leaders are expected to review the entire gamut of India-Russia bilateral relations and review the progress made since the last summit held in Moscow in December 2015,'' the MEA said, adding that important bilateral agreements are expected to be concluded and a joint statement released at the end of the summit. Declaration of Strategic Partnership between India and Russian Federation was signed in October 2000 in New Delhi heralding the mechanism of Annual Summits.UNI NAZ SW RSA 1601 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0091-974954.Xml
"Mr Parrikar, You should not lie.You should apologise for robbing credit from Army for the surgical strike," he tweeted.

Earlier in the day, the Defence Minister addressing an international engineering conference in Mumbai said that operation was conducted by the Armed forces, not by any political party.

Mr Parrikar said even those, who were raising questions on surgical strikes, can claim the credit for this operation.

"One for myself, I can only take the credit at the most, the major share goes to the Prime Minister, but I will at least claim the credit is....decision making ability and planning," Mr Parrikar had said. UNI DS SW RSA 1549

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After a 20 minute visit at the hospital, Mr Jaitley tweeted ''visited Apollo hospital Chennai today. I wish J Jayalalithaa Ji, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu a speedy recovery.''

Both the leaders flew down from New Delhi at around 1230 hrs by an Air India flight.

During their visit they enquired about the health of Ms Jayalalithaa with the panel of doctors.

Mr Jaitley and Mr Amit Shah were also explained aboutthe nature of treatment being given to the Chief Minister.

Both of them did not meet the waiting newspersons outsidethe hospital.

Sources said they also met senior AIADMK Ministers atthe hospital and enquired about the Chief Minister's health.

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D'Dcor, the 13-year-old luxury home furnishing brand, will soon expand its flagship stores in other parts of the country especially in the north India. The company also plans to open similar flagship sores in Dubai and Singapore too. These stores will take it to the global platform for entire range of specialised fabrics. Launching its another store in New Delhi, Sanjay Arora, Managing Director, D'dcor, said the D'dcor is going with its plan to have 25 to 30 flagship stores in next 2 to 3 years. It has plans to invest 100 crores every year on this. As on date Company has 9 such stores in Mumbai, Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Begaluru and Chennai. Talking to UNI, Mr Arora said north India has a huge potential and D'dcor is planning to open its exclusive stores in Ludhiana also. In the western part it has plan to open similar store in Surat. All this will help the company to get a growth of 15 to 17 percent in its sale and a branding of the products. Elaborating the specialties of the flagship stores, he said at these stores customer will get each and every product with its full range which will provide them more options to choose as per their choice and need. "At these stores customers could get a touch feel of the entire range and can get the help of tailors available at the stores at the same time. Once they finalize the colors and fabrics, the tailors specially appointed and trained to work with the D'dcor products, will visit to their home or establishments and will provide all the input apart from doing the required fittings." The Managing Director said D'dcor has achieved a sales turnover of Rs1500 crores and its growing both in terms of exports and domestic sales. Company exports its products to more than 65 countries in the world and its exports share is 65 percent of the total production of furnishing fabrics. Keeping the idea of providing all the help for the customization, Company has rolled out a new TVC, 'No more Ish'. Designed and conceptualized by Famous Innovations, the TVC features brand ambassadors Shah Rukh Khan and Gauri Khan. The campaign is based on the brand's new app which enables the consumers to virtually try out various choices and customize their home furnishing. The TV commercial highlights the confusion that a couple faces while renovating their home. About the production facilities, he said D'dcor has five states of the art plants in Tarapur where all the magic is brought to life. Every year, 44 million meters of fabric are created here destined for homes around the world. Featuring cutting edge equipment with an average age of just four years, Tarapur facilities are exemplary of how closely we have embraced technology and the spirit of re-invention. "We are proud to have delivered several prominent firsts in Indian textile manufacturing such as creating water-repellent and flame-retardant fabrics as well as the country's first robotic warehouse. Everyday our factories create over 120,000 sq mtrs of high quality fabrics for homes around the world.We are proud to be 'globally local', understanding the aesthetic sensibilities of every country that we touch," Mr Arora said. About presence in the e-commerce platform, he said D'decor has invested Rs 25 crore to roll out digital platform integration of its business and retail operations, and expects to increase its market share by 10 per cent in the next five years. "We will extend the digital platform for our designers and architects, and customers by August this year." UNI ADP SW RSA 1638 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0429-975086.Xml
Affiliates of the Ao Senden, apex body of Ao Naga tribe, has endorsed the Ao Senden's September 23 resolution to sever ties with the Naga Hoho on the issue of recognition of Rognmei in Nagaland. According to a release by Ao Naga bodies today, the decision was taken at a joint meeting of eight federating units of the Ao Senden based in Kohima, Chumukedima, Medziphema, Mon, Wokha, Mokokchung town, Tuensang and Dimapur, which was held at the treasurer's residence of the Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur yesterday. The release affirmed the resolve by the Ao Senden Federal Council on September 23, on the matter of the recognition of the Rongmei as an indigenous tribe of Nagaland state to stand by the resolution. The Ao Senden had stated that it will cease associating with the Naga Hoho until the latter "revokes its consent on the Rongmei recognition issue." The affiliates further drew attention to what it termed as "Ao national workers campaigning against the Ao Senden resolution." Condemning the alleged campaign, the affiliates asked the "Ao national workers" to desist from doing so, the statement said. UNI AS AKM RSA AS1704 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0213-975071.Xml
According to a SMHIK release today, the talk on the main theme was delivered by D. Along, Psychiatrist, who opined that the stigma and discrimination against mentally ill people is still a big issue in our society, therefore stakeholders need to work together to reduce the stigma.

He also said psychological first-aid, which means listening, empathising and non-judgmental to people in distress goes a long way in providing help to the mentally distressed.

Bazo Kire of Kekhrie Foundation of Kohima and Abou Mere of the Kripa Foundation also spoke on the occasion. They also stressed on the need to create awareness on mental health issues in the society and reduce stigma and discrimination.

In Dimapur, the department of counseling of the Mount Mary college along with Institute of Psychology, Counseling and Educational Research (IPCER) team visited Galilee Home, an orphanage in Chumukedima along with students of Mount Mary college and Mount Mary higher secondary school, Chumukedima to observe World Mental Health Day on Monday.

The department of counseling in collaboration with IPCER has also released a short documentary called 'Untold', which is about the common issues faced by any person every day and the importance of mental health. a release informed. UNI AS AKM PY RSA BD1700

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A police spokesperson here said continuing its drive against contraband crops, police destroyed bhung cultivation spread over 30 kanal of land at village Gantlipora in Anantnag.

Bhung cultivation spread over 45 kanal was destroyed at village Krandigram in Bijbehara in Anantnag.

No arrest has been made, he said, adding that police has initiated legal action against the cultivators.

Police has so far destroyed bhung cultivation spread over thousands of kanals of land in south Kashmir districts this summer.UNI ABS RSA 1705

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Demanding a CBI probe into the brutal killing of a BJP worker in Pinarayi village of Kannur district, the hometown of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, BJP national president Amit Shah today said attacks on the party workers is a ''matter of grave concern and smacks of political vendetta''. ''Murder of Ramith, a BJP karyakarta, in Pinarayi village, Kannur district, hometown of Kerala CM is disturbing. My condolence to the family,'' Mr Shah tweeted. Chavassery Uttaman, Ramith's father was similarly killed in 2002, his mother suffered serious injures when his house was attacked recently, the party president added. Later issuing an elaborate statement on the issue, the BJP president said, ''In the continuing culture of political violence unleashed by the CPI(M) cadres, our activist Ramith was hacked to death this morning in Pinarayi village of Kannur district of Kerala. This village happens to be the native village of the Chief Minister of Kerala, Mr Pinarayi Vijayan. ''I strongly condemn this gruesome murder and call upon all leaders across the political spectrum and national and regional media to join in this condemnation as violence has no place in a democratic country. As political parties with varying ideologies, we may have differences in opinion in the political arena but resorting to violence is an instrument for parties that cannot engage in a political debate with rivals.'' Kannur has been the epicentre of marxist violence in Kerala, the BJP leader alleged. ''That such a spiral of violence has been unleashed on people in the native village of the state's Chief Minister reflects the true motive of the ruling LDF alliance. The gravity of the situation can be understood from the fact the victim Ramith's father, Chavassery Uttaman was also killed in a ghastly political encounter in 2002. Subsequently, his house has been attacked repeatedly and even the mother of Ramith was subject to a political assault a few months ago,'' Mr Shah said. The repeated occurrence of political violence in Kannur district and in the native village of the CM clearly shows that these are sponsored killings of the marxist cadres with the active patronage of the state Chief Minister, the BJP chief alleged. ''Given this irrefutable reality, we demand that probe of the murder of Ramith must be expeditiously handed over to CBI by the Government of Kerala. BJP salutes all its cadres and Karyakartas who have braved this spiral of violence unleashed by the political goondas and reinforces its commitment to stand with them solidly to fight the marxist menace. ''It is not lost on anyone that the intensity of the attacks on our cadres has increased as we are on the threshold of big success in the state of Kerala. The huge success of our national council meeting in Kozhikode a few weeks ago has unnerved the marxists and increased their insecurity,'' the BJP president added. He pointed out, ''Such acts of goondaism will not deter us from our political mission to emerge as the most preferred political alternative in the state of Kerala. In these times of adversity, thanks to the indomitable spirit of our Karyakartas, we shall redouble our efforts to achieve our political goals." Earlier, addressing a news conference here, BJP spokesperson G V L Narsimha Rao said this morning in Kannur district, BJP activist Ramith was hacked to death 100 metre away from the Chief Minister's residence and police remained a mute spectator. The BJP spokesperson said the state government has failed in law and order. "We demand state government, the Chief Minister to immediately hand over the case to the CBI as we have no faith in state government and state police.'' The 27-year-old BJP worker Ramith, a lorry driver, was hacked to death in a suspected retaliatory attack, within two days, allegedly by the CPI(M) gang at Pinarayi near Kootuparamba, in the morning. His father C Uthaman of Chavassery, a bus driver, was also killed by CPI(M) 14 years ago, on May 23, 2002. The incident took place at around 1015 hrs at Pinarayi town, near Ramith's residence, when he was on way to his ancestral house. Unidentified persons, allegedly belonging to CPI(M) reached there in a vehicle and attacked the victim with lethal weapons on neck and head.UNI NY SW RSA 1949 -- (UNI) -- C-1-1-DL0099-975457.Xml
Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Governor E S L Narasimhan, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister M.Venkaiah Naidu, Telangana Minister N Narasimha Reddy, Council Chairman Swamy Goud, Presidents of the Telangana units of the BJP and TDP K.Laxman and L.Ramana respectively, BJP legislature party leader G.Kishen Reddy , Senior Congress leader V.Hanumanth Rao and city Police Commissioner Mahender Reddy were among the prominent people who attended the Alai Bhalai party.

Popular Telangana delicacies, both vegetarian and non vegetarian,were served to the guests.

Mr.Dattatreya has been hosting the Alai Bhalai party soon after Dasara for the last 13 years.

Alai Bhalai, a cultural event held during Dasara, showcases the life of Telangana people and the culture of the region.

Alai Bhalai also fosters brotherhood among various sections of the people.UNI SMS CS 1515

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All the 64 nodal officers posted in Malkangiri district were asked to supervise distribution of mosquito nets in villages affected by the Japanese Encephalitis ,isolated the infected pigs and submit report to thedistrict collector.

The Collector issued the show cause notice as 22 of them had failed to submit the report within thestipulated time .

Earlier the authorities had placed two staff members of the Health Department in the district under suspension for the negligence of the duty.

Health and Family Welfare Secretary Arti Ahuja today held a discussion with Koraput District Collector Jay Kumar V and advised him to initiate measure to prevent the spread of the disease to the district. A decision was also taken to install gates on the Koraput-Malkangiri border to prevent check the entry of pigs to Koraput from Malkangiri district. The Secretary also asked the district collector to launch an awareness campaign and educate people about the disease.UNI BD DP KK PY RSA AS1907

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A local court today sent two suspects, including a Bangladeshi national, involved in human trafficking racket, to five days remand for further investigation. Police said based on intelligence input, General Railway Police (GRP) arrested them from Agartala railway station and recovered one Indian passport, a few Bangladeshi SIM and some other incriminating documents from their possession. Report said the Indian national identified as Jamil Khan (55), originally hails from Murshidabad of West Bengal and now claimed to be settled in Jalgoan district of Maharashtra and his known profession is quack-hailer, has been involved in the racket. Khan brought Kamrul Khan (22), a resident of Habijang district of Bangladesh to India through Sonamura of Western border Tripura three days ago in the name of his treatment. Kamrul entered into India without valid passport with the promise from Jamil that he will be treated here and if necessary, passport would be issued from India. "During investigation it is confirmed that Jamil Khan does not have any official authentication of residence of Jalgoan so far. But he is fluent in Bengali, Hindi and Marathi. It is suspected that he is involved in the racket of sending people from Bangladesh and India to Middle-east countries," said a senior police official. He however, pointed out that the police has not ruled out the possibility of their involvement in Islamic fundamentalist network at the behest of Pakistan and added that experienced officers were engaged for their interrogation. Meanwhile, Jamil claimed that he has been settled in Jalgoan for past 30 years and practicing Unani. Karmul came to his contact two months ago, as he has been suffering from some ailment. "Kamrul's family has been insisting me to go to Bangladesh for his treatment but his disease required in house hailing and I told him to come to India. To receive him, I came to Agartala. I am having an Indian passport and nothing suspicious is in my credential," Jamil stated.UNI BB KK PY RSA BD1926 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0212-975338.Xml
Assistant Commandant of SSB Surendra Vikram Singh said here that acting on a tip off, a smuggler Nazir Hussain was arrested and 180 gm of contraband heroin was seized from his possession on Dunkan road.

"Price of seized heroin is estimated to be Rs 90 lakhs in international market", Mr Singh said adding that the arrested smuggler was being interrogated to ascertain the network operating behind it.

As it is, SSB sleuths had seized 1.4 kg of contraband opium worth Rs 28 lakhs from Thakurganj police station area in Kishanganj district on October 10. In another operation on October 8, charas worth Rs three crores was seized by SSB from Raxaul police station area in East Champaran district on October 8.

Raxaul, located near Indo-Nepal border, is sub-divisional headquarter of East Champaran district of Bihar and it is considered sensitive by custom officials and Sashastra Seem Bal (SSB) keep constant vigil on movement of suspicious elements from across the border. UNI XC-KKS VS RSA AS1841

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A fisherman was booked for culpable homicide not amounting to murder after he handed over to his wife a plastic bag containing the mutilated body parts of his minor son, police said here on Wednesday. Accused Madhukar Wankhede claimed the four-year-old boy was run over by a train. The incident came to light after the woman complained to police, said Investigating Officer Sandip A. Kale of Shilegaon police station, around 35 km from Aurangabad. Wankhede on Monday night had a bitter quarrel with his wife Pushpa. In a fit of anger, he picked up his son Om and left the house, vowing never to return. However, he returned alone after a couple of hours. When Pushpa demanded to know the whereabouts of Om, he again left home and went to the tracks near Lassur railway station, from where he brought his son's remains in a plastic bag. He claimed the boy was run over by a train. The grieving woman complained to the police, accusing him of killing Om. Madhukar was arrested early on Tuesday, but he denied killing his son. "He said he was walking along the tracks carrying his son when Om slipped from his hands in the darkness, fell on the railway line and was run over by a passing train," Kale told IANS. Madhukar was presented in a local court, which remanded him in police custody till Friday. --IANS qn/tsb/bg ( 250 Words) 2016-10-12-21:20:09 (IANS)
Former Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi today stood by his charges against Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar that he was prepared to give JD(U) ticket to wife of incarcerated RJD strongman Mohammad Shahabuddin in last state assembly elections and declared to fight the case if dragged in the court for levelling allegation. Mr Akshay Amritanshu, counsel of Modi, while giving reply to legal notice served by JD(U) state spokesperson Neeraj Kumar for such allegation, said his client stood by the charges levelled against Chief Minister. The reluctance of state government in vigorously opposing the bail plea of Mohammad Shahabuddin in Patna High Court which had paved his release from jail recently, vindicated the charges levelled by his client, he pointed out. "Bihar government had also not opposed sincerely the bail plea of RJD MLA Rajballabh Yadav, an accused of raping a minor girl," Mr Amritanshu said adding that it was the pressure created by his client Mr Modi which forced Bihar government to appeal in Supreme Court for cancellation of bail of both the leaders. In reply to the legal notice, it was stated that JD(U) had never been averse to giving tickets to persons having criminal antecedents in elections. In an oblique reference to Anant Singh who was elected to Bihar assembly on JD(U) ticket from Mokama seat on several occasions in past was placed under suspension by the party under pressure of Grand Alliance leaders, the notice maintained.MORE UNI KKS BM JW CJ BL2139 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0214-975539.Xml
Earlier, in a joint operation, the Uttar Pradesh ATS and the Rajasthan Crime Investigation Department (CID) had arrested a suspected ISI agent in Lucknow on August 23.

The suspected agent has been identified as Jamal-ud-din.

It is reported that Jamal-ud-din used to distribute money to other agents at ISI's order after completion of their work. (ANI)
The Bombay high court has dismissed a petition seeking direction for video recording of proceedings in all courts of the country on the ground that it was a fundamental right of a citizen to know the judicial procedures and happenings during hearing of a case. A division bench of Chief Justice Dr Manjula Chellur and Justice M S Sonak dismissed the plea on the ground that the high court had earlier rejected similar plea in two other writ petitions. The court, while passing order on the petition recently, filed by Navneet Khosla, was of the view that video recording of judicial proceedings cannot be regarded as a fundamental right of a citizen, but can be allowed only if it is necessary in a particular case or in a given situation.UNI AAA SS CJ 2305 -- (UNI) -- C-1-DL0171-975626.Xml
The district administration shut off all wireless and Internet services on third day today as a precautionary measure.

Additional police forces were brought in Nashik from surrounding districts for maintaining law and order.

The situation in city and other parts of district is tense but under control, police said.

Last night, some miscreants pelted stones at the Buddha Smarak off Mumbai-Agra highway where a religious event was underway. They also vandalised few private vehicles parked outside the PhalkeSmarak.

Soon after, State Transport suspended its bus services to Jawhar, Mokhada, Palghar and other destinations on this highway. Also, the city transport bus services were off the road today.

Soon after the incident came to light on Saturday, there were multiple incidents of rioting and vandalism of private and public properties within the district. UNI RDS CJ 2311

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Pro-freedom Baloch activists have launched a three-day Free Balochistan Movement awareness campaign in front of Chinese Consulate General in Vancouver, Canada, with an aim to highlight ongoing human right violations in Balochistan and against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that has "wreaked havoc" in the region. Speaking on the first day of the campaign here on Tuesday, one of the Baloch activists said, "Today, we just started a three-day campaign on behalf of the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) and we are here to highlight that China is involved with Pakistan and committing war crimes in Balochistan. Baloch people are being killed because of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and many people's houses are destroyed and many people's houses are being burnt, thousands of people are being displaced internally and China, a partner with Pakistan, committing all these crimes." "And, we continue our campaign to highlight the human right violations are going on in Balochistan. This is the campaign which we started in Canada and we let the Canadian, the Chinese people and the international community know that CPEC is against the will of the people of Balochistan. This agreement is done between China and Pakistan, which is against the Baloch people's will," he added. "So, our campaign will continue and we will continue to highlight the war crimes by Pakistan, including China being a partner of the gross human rights violation," he said. Another protester said, "Today I am at a protest outside the Chinese Embassy (consulate) in Vancouver which was organised by Baloch human right activists against the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) programme, which is now underway and is being implemented in Pakistan-occupied Balochistan. There is a great opposition to this programme among Baloch human right activists, pro-independence groups and the freedom fighters fighting against the Pakistani Government." "The reason for that opposition is these groups believe that large number of Baloch people, particularly along the port of Gwadar and other parts of Baluchistan, will be very negatively affected by this project. The increasing militarisation of the areas around the project, we see detentions of people, who are protesting, and repression of residents. We also see the continuation of the things that Pakistan has been doing for very long time, for many decades, it's repressive habits - enforced disappearances and a long list of human right abuses according to her history," he added. "The message that Baloch human right activists want to send to the world is that China should not be supporting a government in Pakistan that is occupying Baloch territory and pressing through proposals like the CPEC against the will of the indigenous population," he said. This campaign will continue till Wednesday. Meanwhile, demanding freedom for Balochistan, pro-Azadi Baloch activists took to the streets in, the Hague, the Netherlands, recently. Holding placards bearing slogans such as 'Pakistan must face war crime trials', 'Stop Baloch genocide', 'We are for Balochistan', 'Free Balochistan', 'Balochs reject Pak-China CPEC Agreement', 'Respect human Rights of Baloch', '5,000 killed 20,000 missing'; 'Balochistan is an occupied country', and raising pro-freedom like "we want free Balochistan", the activists took to the streets to make the world community about their problems and the atrocities they are subjected to by Pakistan. (ANI)
Demanding freedom for Balochistan, pro-independence Baloch activists took to the streets in The Hague in the Netherlands recently. Holding placards bearing slogans such as 'Pakistan must face war crime trials', 'Stop Baloch genocide', 'We are for Balochistan', 'Free Balochistan', 'Balochs reject Pak-China CPEC Agreement', 'Respect human Rights of Baloch', '5,000 killed 20,000 missing'; 'Balochistan is an occupied country', and raising pro-freedom like "we want free Balochistan", the activists sought the immediate intervention of the world community to resolve their issues. One protester said, "We have gathered here today to tell the world that Pakistan should be held accountable for the war crimes it is committing in Balochistan. We hope that the world finally recognises what these people are doing." On Tuesday, World Baloch Women's Forum president Naela Quadri Baloch, who is in New Delhi, said Balochistan Freedom Movement (BFM) activists want to form an "Azad Balochistan government in exile" and they want India, Afghanistan and other SAARC nations to support their government. "We want to form an Azad Balochistan government in exile and we want India, Afghanistan and other SAARC nations to support the Baloch government in exile," she told ANI. When asked about her (and BFM activists') expectations from India, Quadri said, "India should give us space and office to establish the government in exile. Besides, we express our deep gratitude to Modiji (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) and (External Affairs Minister) Sushma Swaraj for raising their voices on the Baloch issue. We are also thankful to the Indian people and the Indian media." "The Baloch Freedom Movement is going ahead successfully, the struggle is on, and we need your help," she added. Asked if things had changed since Prime Minister Modi raised the Balochistan issue, she said, "Things are changing rapidly; things are changing rapidly at the international level - you have seen it at the United Nations, you have seen that other countries are coming to support the Baloch issue internationally." Demanding the release of Baloch Students Organisation - Azad (BSO-Azad) spokesperson Shabir Baloch, who was "picked up" by Pakistan security forces during the Gwarkop military operation on October 4, Quadri said, "Shabir Baloch was picked up; before him Abdul Wahid Baloch (Baloch poet, writer and social activist) was picked up; and even before them and 30,000 Baloch activists were picked up, and tortured-mutilated bodies of some of them were found recently. The picked up Baloch leaders and activists should be freed at the earliest." In Quetta (Balochistan), Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) activists recently staged a protest demonstration in the suburbs against the rising involvement of China in the name of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Balochistan with the help of Pakistan Army. A large number of Baloch women and children also took part in a FBM rally and blocked the main road for several hours. The protesters burnt the flags of China and Pakistan while protesting against the occupation and exploitation of Baloch natural resources through CPEC on Baloch territory by Pakistan and China. The FBM protesters also raised slogans like "Stop War Crimes in Balochistan", "Stop Baloch Genocide", "Down with Pakistan" and "Down with China". Enraged over exploitation of their natural resources and atrocities committed by the Pakistani military against Baloch residents, the FBM protesters burnt effigies of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping. They accused China of helping Pakistan committing atrocities and human rights violations in Balochistan. A protester said, "The protest demonstration was taken out by the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) to expose before the world the plunder of their natural resources by Pakistan and China in the name of CPEC and human rights violations by Pakistan in Balochistan." "Baloch people, women, students and youth, who gathered here, condemn the alliance partners of Pakistan, who are supporting it in the name of military and economy. In the name of development, Pakistani military and Pakistan's alliance partners are plundering Balochistan's resources and are trying to dismantle Balochistan's identity," he said. "Every day people are being killed in Balochistan, we are also protesting against that," he added. A girl participating in the protest rally, condemned the Pakistan-China alliance against Balochistan. "Today, we are here to support the Free Balochistan Movement... Pakistan is plundering Balochistan's resources. The recent condition of Baluchistan depicts sad pictures. I personally appeal to the people of China to ask their government not to take part in the genocide taking place here," she said. (ANI)
The Imam Ali shrine is in the vicinity of the western Karte Sakhi area of the city.

Khamma News quoted Ministry of Interior spokesman Sediq Sediqi, as saying that the area has been cleared and the last attacker was shot dead.

Sediqi further added that the number of casualties will be released later.

The attack which was launched around 7. 30 p.m. yesterday.

Eyewitnesses and local residents in Karte Sakhi area earlier said sporadic clashes continued in the area for several hours as scores of Afghan forces arrived in the area to eliminate the attackers.

According to one of the eyewitnesses, the attack was initially launched by gunmen who started shooting the worshipers and at least one of the gunmen detonated his suicide vest.

They also added that another militant was shot dead by the security forces while one of them continued to resist the security forces before he was shot dead.

No group has so far claimed responsibility behind the incident. (ANI with inputs)
The demonstration was organised to attract the world's attention to issues concerning Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The main focus of the protest was to highlight the presence of terrorist camps of the banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa and the Hizbul Mujahideen in the region.

The demonstrators demanded a dismantling of the terror infrastructure in the region. They also urged the Pakistan Army to leave PoK and Gilgit Baltistan.

Pakistan was also urged to stop cross-border terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, restore democracy in PoK and release political prisoners like Baba Jaan.

The protesters demanded a free and independent investigation into the murder of former All Party National Alliance Chief Arif Shahid and called for the suspension of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which they claimed will adversely affect the region's environment and only create jobs for Pakistanis and Chinese.

They said that the CPEC should be suspended until a consensus is built.

The PoK and Gilgit Baltistan diaspora resolved to carry on with their protests until world reacts appropriately and urgently to end the atrocities going on in the region. (ANI)
French President Francois Hollande has said that talks with Russia over major differences on Syria were necessary but must be "frank and firm" to stop the five-year civil war which has claimed up to 500,000 victims. "With Russia, France has a major disagreement on Syria and the Russia veto on the French resolution at the UN Security Council has prevented the cessation of bombings and truce's proclamation," Xinhua news agency quoted Hollande as saying on Tuesday. "The main victims are the civilian populations. That's why I consider it is necessary to have dialogue with Russia, but it must be firm and frank, otherwise it has no place and it is a sham negotiation," he said. In a speech at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, Hollande said he was "ready to meet (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin at any moment" if they "can make progress on peace, stop bombing and declare a truce". Putin has cancelled his visit to France scheduled for October 19 due to changes in the agenda, the Kremlin said on Tuesday. "The president has decided to cancel the visit, as some of the planned activities related to the opening of the Russian cultural and spiritual center and an exhibition, unfortunately, have been dropped out of the programme," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. But he added that Putin was ready to pay a visit to France "whenever it will be comfortable to (French) President (Francois) Hollande", while declining to specify the reason for changes in the programme. Moscow's decision came after the Elysee proposed a working meeting only to discuss the Syrian civil war and excluded other topics. --IANS py/ ( 286 Words) 2016-10-12-09:02:15 (IANS)
Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump thrashed House Speaker Paul Ryan saying he did not want "want" or "care" about having his support. "I don't want his (Paul Ryan) support," Trump said on Tuesday in an interview to Fox News. "I don't care about his support. What I want to do is I want to win for the people," Trump added. Trump's attacks come a day after Ryan told his House colleagues he would no longer defend or campaign for Trump after a 2005 video emerged showing him making obscene comments about groping women, CNN reported. However, Ryan maintained that he was still endorsing and voting for Trump. The real-estate magnate also said that the Republicans were coming at him "from all sides" and their disloyalty was harder to fight than the Democrats. "They're not giving support -- they don't give the support that we really need -- but the fact is that I think we should get support and we don't get the support from guys like Paul Ryan," Trump said. In the interview, Trump also fired off a list of grievances against Ryan, ranging from "open borders and amnesty" to "bad budgets". The Republican nominee also criticised Arizona Senator John McCain -- the 2008 presidential nominee -- who withdrew his endorsement over the weekend following the release of the video on Friday that revealed Trump describing how he had sought to have sex with a married woman and making other sexually aggressive comments about women. On Tuesday, President Barack Obama's spokesman said Trump's remarks were "repugnant" and amounted to sexual assault. Nearly half the 331 incumbent Republican senators, House members and governors have condemned the lewd remarks and about 10 per cent have called for him to drop out of the race. The renewed party divisions over Trump come as a new PRRI/Atlantic poll suggested that Democratic rival Hillary Clinton holds a 49-38 lead over her opponent. --IANS ksk ( 324 Words) 2016-10-12-09:22:09 (IANS)
The 2016 Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) Threat report provides new details on last year's attack on the bureau, which also breached sensitive systems across the Federal Government, ABC news reported.

It is not known what the motivation for the attack was, but experts have suggested it could be commercial, strategic or both, the report said.

According to the ACSC report, the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) detected suspicious activity from two computers on the bureau's network.

"On investigation, ASD identified the presence of particular Remote Access Tool (RAT) malware popular with state-sponsored cyber adversaries, amongst other malware associated with cybercrime," the report stated.

"The RAT had also been used to compromise other Australian government networks."

The ACSC said between January 1, 2015 and June 30, 2016, the ASD responded to 1,095 cyber security incidents on government systems which were considered "serious enough to warrant operational responses".

The ABC had previously quoted officials blaming China for the hack, which Beijing has denied.

--IANS ksk

( 204 Words)

2016-10-12-09:28:16 (IANS)
Four Myanmar soldiers were killed and one was injured today when troops were attacked by suspected Muslim insurgents near the country's border with Bangladesh, an official said.The Myanmar army, known as the Tatmadaw, has been sent into northern Rakhine State to seek attackers who killed nine police officers guarding the border early on Sunday.The majority of residents in the area are Muslims belonging to the stateless Rohingya ethnic group.Around 2:30 p.m. today, soldiers came under attack close to Pyaung Pyit village in Maungdaw Township, said Ye Naing, a director at the Ministry of Information."One Tatmadaw soldier was injured and four were killed by the Muslim insurgents. One was dead on the enemy side," Ye Naing told Reuters late today."Two guns and two magazines of ammunition were found."Nine border police officers were killed and five were wounded in Sunday's clashes, in which officials said scores of Rohingyas swarmed border guard posts and made off with guns and ammunition.Soldiers and police have been scouring Maungdaw Township since Sunday, employing helicopters to search the rugged terrain close to the frontier, which has been closed.In at least one instance, the hunt for suspects has led to soldiers killing residents who officials said ambushed them but who local Muslims said were trying to flee.State media reported today that four bodies were discovered after soldiers opened fire in Myothugyi village, also in Maungdaw Township.Four suspected insurgents have been detained, said Ye Naing.Police told Reuters earlier today that two suspects had said during interrogation that Sunday's attacks were coordinated by a single leader operating on both sides of the Myanmar-Bangladesh border.The events marked a dramatic escalation in violence in Rakhine State, which has seen bouts of conflict between Muslims and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists but has not typically been the site of armed insurgency.Vijay Nambiar, special adviser on Myanmar to UN Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon, called on civilians in "the area to exercise maximum restraint and not be provoked into any kind of response by targeting other communities or religious groups."The Rohingya bore the brunt of intercommunal clashes that broke out in Rakhine in 2012, in which more 100 people were killed. They make up most of the 125,000 people still living in displacement camps in Rakhine State and face severe restrictions on their movements.Myanmar's de facto leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, appointed former UN chief Kofi Annan in August to chair an advisory commission on issues in Rakhine State. REUTERS AKC 0315 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0432-974407.Xml
A senior official of China's foreign ministry has expressed hope that tensions between Pakistan and India will be resolved after the upcoming BRICS Summit. China's President Xi Jinping is scheduled to travel Goa to attend the 8th summit of BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - which will be held on October 15 and 16. The Chinese leader would also be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Express Tribune quoted Xiao Qian of the Department of Asian Affairs speaking to a group of senior Pakistani journalists in Beijing on Tuesday saying as, "China is concerned at rising tensions between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir issue. China will try to normalise strained relations between Pakistan and India." "The two countries should resolve the festering dispute through dialogue. China appreciates Pakistan's commitment to dialogue with India," he added. Tensions have been in hot waters between the two neighbouring countries since September 18 deadly attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan alleged involvent in it. In response to it, India carried out surgical strikes in the Pakistani occupied Kashmir , a claim which Islamabad strongly denied. Xiao said, "Pakistan and India should shun the talk of war." He however assured that China would stand by Pakistan in every situation. Speaking about the Afghan peace process, the Chinese official said that Beijing had tried to facilitate talks between the Taliban and the Kabul administration - but the process was suspended after the killing of Taliban supremo Mullah Akhtar Mansoor. India had some objections to the multibillion-dollar project because it would pass through Gilgit-Baltistan region, but Beijing was committed to completing the massive road and rail link irrespective, said Xiao in reference to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. He added that our message to India is that CPEC will improve the Kashmir region as well as people's [lifestyle] there. In response to balance of trade favoring Beijing, he said that China was investing in Pakistan so that they could also reap economic benefits. Xiao stated that the purpose of CPEC was to increase foreign investments in Pakistan "An economically strong Pakistan will ensure balance of power in the region," he added. (ANI)
China expressed anger today after the United Nations human rights chief spoke at an award ceremony for a prominent Chinese academic jailed for life two years ago for campaigning for the rights of the Muslim Uighur people.Ilham Tohti, who is an ethnic Uighur, was selected from three finalists for the Martin Ennals Award, whose jury is composed of 10 activist groups, including Amnesty International, where Ennals was an early secretary-general.China has dismissed the award, saying Tohti's crimes were clear.Asked about UN High Commissioner Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein's attendance at the event in Geneva, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Zeid had ignored the facts, confused right with wrong and "boosted the arrogance of separatists"."This is a serious breach of the aims and principles and United Nations charter. It is an interference in China's internal affairs," Geng told a daily news briefing in Beijing."Internationally, there are always certain forces who ignore the crimes committed against Chinese people by individual terrorists."They rack their brains to put them in the coat of human rights. This is to blaspheme against and mock human rights and the rule of law."Tohti is China's most prominent advocate for the rights of Muslim Uighur people, a Turkic-speaking people.Hundreds of people have died in recent years in Xinjiang, the far western home of the Uighur people, in unrest blamed by Beijing on Islamist militants and separatists, though rights groups say the violence is more a reaction to repressive Chinese policies.Many Uighurs resent restrictions on their culture and religion and complain they are denied economic opportunities amid an influx of majority Han Chinese into Xinjiang.China frequently rejects foreign criticism of its rights record and denies any repression in Xinjiang.Rights advocates said at the time of Tohti's sentencing after a two-day trial on separatism charges in September 2014 that it sent a clear signal the government was determined to suppress dissent. REUTERS VS NS1455 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-974882.Xml
Spanish and Moroccan police have arrested four Moroccan men suspected of links to militant Islamist activity, the Spanish Interior Ministry said today.The arrests followed two years of police investigations and stemmed from monitoring two people who had lived in Spain but had gone to join Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, the ministry said in a statement.These two formed a recruiting cell and then established off-shoots in Spain and Morocco, each containing a further two members.The two men arrested in Spain were charged with enlisting and indoctrinating recruits to fight in Syria and Iraq with the use of social media. They had direct contact with Islamic State through the Syrian unit, the ministry said.The two others were arrested in Morocco.Spain has been on high alert and has stepped up security measures following Islamist militant attacks in Paris last year. Spain has arrested around 40 people suspected of links with Islamist militants this year so far.REUTERS VS AS1516 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-974894.Xml
During the trip, Xi and Duterte will discuss improving bilateral ties, deepening cooperation and international and regional issues of common concern, Xinhua news agency reported.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang will also meet Duterte, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

China hopes the visit will help the two nations strengthen political trust, deepen cooperation, continue friendship, properly handle disputes and promote bilateral relations, Geng said.

Geng said a good China-Philippines relationship was a common desire of the two nations.

--IANS py/bg

( 126 Words)

2016-10-12-16:00:10 (IANS)
A French government spokesman said today that two French special forces commandos were injured by the drone with which the Islamic State militant group killed two Kurdish Peshmerga fighters earlier this month.The confirmation from the French side came from spokesman Stephane Le Foll in response to a question at a regular media briefing.It followed comments earlier in which, Jabbar al-Yawar, secretary general of the autonomous Kurdish region's defence ministry, told Reuters an apparently booby-trapped drone had killed two Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and wounded two French soldiers earlier this month north of the IS-controlled city of Mosul.REUTERS VS BD1635 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-975105.Xml
Japan has protested to China over signs it is pressing ahead with maritime gas exploration in the East China Sea despite Tokyo's repeated requests to stop, Japan's top government spokesman said today.The exploration platforms are on the Chinese side of the median line between the two countries, but Japan accuses China of ignoring a 2008 agreement to maintain cooperation on resources development in an area where no official border has been drawn.China said in July it had every right to drill in the East China Sea close to waters disputed with Japan, adding that it did not recognise the "unilateral" Japanese median line setting a boundary between the two.Ties between China and Japan, the world's second- and third-largest economies, have already been strained by their conflicting claims over a group of tiny East China Sea islets and the legacy of Japan's wartime aggression."Earlier this month, flares were newly witnessed at two of the gas exploration platforms China had installed in the East China Sea," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters."It is extremely regrettable that China, despite our multiple representations, is carrying on with unilateral development in an area where no maritime border has been set. We protested to China through diplomatic channels right away."Japan is also at adds with China's South China Sea claims.China claims most of the South China Sea, through which more than 5 trillion dollar of trade moves annually. Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam have rival claims.Japan has no territorial claims over the waters, but much of the trade is to and from Japanese ports. REUTERS VS BL1820 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-975294.Xml
Russian President Vladimir Putin today accused France of deliberately luring Moscow into vetoing a United Nations resolution on Syria, and questioned whether Paris was doing the bidding of the United States.Putin said France had proposed the resolution at the UN Security Council without consulting Moscow and knowing that Russia would be obliged to use its veto because, he said, the resolution laid all the blame for the violence on Damascus.Speaking at a business forum in Moscow, Putin said he valued his relations with France. But he asked if it was becoming of such a major power as France to be doing the bidding of the Obama administration on Syria. REUTERS VS AS1839 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-975340.Xml
Police in the South African capital Pretoria clashed with students who burned tires and erected barricades in protest at university fees today, a day after President Jacob Zuma appointed a special team to help end weeks of protests.The often violent demonstrations over the cost of university education, which is prohibitive for many black students, have highlighted frustration at enduring inequalities more than two decades after the end of apartheid.Zuma yesterday formed a ministerial team to help end the protests but his government has said education subsidies should not come at the expense of other services such as health or housing. It also said 2017 university fees may rise by up to 8 per cent."The TUT students did go through the Pretoria CBD (central business district) but public order policing have now dispersed them," said police spokeswomen Sally De Beer, referring to Pretoria's Tshwane University of Technology (TUT).She said several students were arrested over the clashes, which disrupted traffic in parts of the city, but could not confirm how many.Police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades to disperse the protesters, News24 Online service said.Some students are demanding all universities be shut down until the government provides free education.Students at the University of the Witwatersand (Wits) -- the where most of the clashes with police occurred in the last week -- gathered outside a court in Johannesburg in support of their colleagues facing charges of public disturbance.REUTERS VS BL1853 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-975369.Xml
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry will attend a meeting in Lausanne on Saturday to discuss the Syria crisis, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement today.It said the two men had agreed to hold the meeting to consider what further steps could be taken to get a Syria settlement and that representatives from Saudi Arabia and Turkey would also take part in the talks. REUTERS VS BL2002 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0440-975480.Xml
Poland's government has blamed Airbus Helicopters for the breakdown last week of a multi-billion-dollar deal, escalating a row that is likely to fuel tension with foreign investors and delay massive army modernisation plans.Airbus has accused the Polish government of shifting the goal posts as it competed with U.S. and Italian rivals to sell Poland multi-purpose helicopters. On Tuesday, it threatened legal action over the cancellation of the contract.Defence Minister Antoni Macierewicz said the French company, not the Polish government, had walked away from talks, and Airbus should compensate Poland for any financial losses.The decision appears to be the latest effort by the year-old government to make eastern Europe's largest economy less dependent on foreign money. But it adds to mounting displeasure with Poland in western Europe.The country's euro-sceptical government opposes the European Union's immigration policy and has tried to reform the Constitutional Court, which western governments see as a threat to democratic checks and balances.By souring ties with France, NATO member Poland also risks losing an important ally in its push for tough EU policy toward Russia, just as Moscow is flexing its military muscles by moving nuclear-capable missiles into the Kaliningrad enclave bordering Poland.Macierewicz defended the economic rationale behind the cancellation, saying the Airbus offer had been expensive and offered insufficient offsets - agreements by a seller to buy products from a customer that typically go with defence contracts."The contract was geared towards the French producer and disregarded the Polish producer," Macierewicz told the broadcaster TVP Infor. "There is a question of compensation here which Poland should seek."MILITARY FUTURE, DOMESTIC POLITICSThe helicopter deal is part of a $40 billion long-term army refurbishment project. It aims to bring Poland's largely Soviet-era military hardware up to NATO standards.Poland's former government, in power until October 2015 election, had provisionally selected Airbus to sell it 50 Caracal multi-role helicopters, as part of this effort.Before winning the October election, the Law and Justice party (PiS) had criticised the Airbus talks, accusing the government of putting local industry at a disadvantage.Grzegorz Schetyna, the head of the former ruling party, Civic Platform, in turn questioned an announcement on Tuesday that the government would buy military helicopters from factories in the Polish towns of Mielec and Swidnik. Both are areas where PiS enjoys strong public support.The two factories are controlled, respectively, by Sikorsky Aircraft Corp, a unit of Lockheed Martin Corp, and AgustaWestland, part of Italy's Leonardo-Finmeccanica."We don't know what led to these decisions," Schetyna was quoted as saying by the newspaper Gazeta Wyborcza on Wednesday."The public must know the details of this grim story which takes us out of the EU and turns us into a 'banana republic' where procedures and law ... are not obeyed."PiS officials have not specified whether the helicopters from the Mielec and Swidnik factories would replace all the hardware which Airbus would have supplied or whether any new tenders would called.Despite public signals that PiS was opposed to the Airbus deal, French officials appeared surprised by the cancellation. Discussions over the offset provisions had continued until the last minute.Sources familiar with the discussions said the meeting to end talks lasted 10 minutes and the French had been handed a brief letter saying the offer didn't meet Poland's security interests.REUTERS CJ BD2158 -- (Reuters) -- C-1-1-DL0098-975593.Xml
MAASTRICHT, The Netherlands, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- The Dutch southernmost province of Limburg is bidding to host a 1.1-billion-euro European new generation gravitational waves detector in an effort to highlight the Netherlands on the global map of fundamental science research and boost economy in the Dutch-German-Belgian crossborder region.

"The project will put the Netherlands and our region in particular on the world scientific map and contribute significantly to the local economy," Martijn Rumpen, project strategist at the Limburg province told reporters.

Named after Albert Einstein, the detector will help scientists probe the nature of the early universe. Last February, with the LIGO detector located in the United States, scientists observed for the first time ripples in the fabric of spacetime called gravitational waves, arriving at the earth from a cataclysmic event in the distant universe. This confirms a major prediction of Einstein's 1915 general theory of relativity and opens an unprecedented new window onto the cosmos.

"There is an urgency to start creating new generation detectors," said Rumpen, referring to the rapid development worldwide in the area of gravitational waves science following the landmark discovery by the LIGO detector.

Einstein Telescope as one of Europe's major scientific investments has gone through a multi-year design study which involved more than 200 scientists in Europe and around the world. The study received a 3-million-euro financing from the European Commission.

To have the telescope, the hosting country must be supported by at least two other states. Possible partners for the Netherlands are Germany and Belgium as Limburg shares common borders with both countries.

A total of 1.1 billion euros are needed for the construction. Countries involved would need to show serious financial commitment to the project, a crucial aspect to gain approval and additional financing by the European Union. A good indication could be a commitment of around one third of the total cost and additional financial support is expected to be provided by all states involved in the project, according to Rumpen.

If Limburg wins its bid, economic benefits would include annual investments of 30 million euros for the operation and maintenance of the telescope. Spin-off effects are also expected including the arrival of top scientists in the area and the creation of 1,000 jobs, according to officials from the provincial government.

In this effort, the provincial government of Limburg has joint forces with the Dutch Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) to campaign for the project.

"Limburg provides the ideal geology for this highly sensitive detector and at the same time it is situated in close proximity to top European knowledge institutions stretching across three countries Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands," argued Rumpen.

Scientists from Germany and the Netherlands have already started working closely to develop this European project following the cooperation agreement signed by the Dutch National Institute for Subatomic Physics (Nikhef) and the German Albert Einstein Institute (AEI) in April, he added.

Joint research into a possible location by looking at sites in the Dutch-German border area in south Limburg and the German region of North Rhine Westphalia will form a key part of the cooperation. These studies are scheduled to start in next spring.

The Einstein Telescope is expected to be capable of making precise measurements of gravitational waves and be 100 times more sensitive than existing instruments. It will be a triangular one instead of in "L" shape with three arms through which the laser clusters pass measuring ten kilometers, longer than LIGO's four-km arms.

Moreover, it will be built 100 to 200 meters underground, which enable it to better suppress background noise. The unique geology in the area of Limburg makes it a good option to locate this mega observatory, said Rumpen. Above the hard bedrock, the region has a soft top layer which is believed to be perfect for the insulation of waves.

Italian island Sardinia and Hungary are also considering joining the competition to host the Einstein Telescope. Candidate sites suitable to locate this mega telescope are the Matra mine in Hungary and the Sos Ennatos mine in Sardinia.
NAIROBI, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- The phenomenal strides China has made in poverty alleviation in the last four decades offers inspiration to African countries grappling with similar challenge, Kenyan experts have said.

During an interview with Xinhua recently ahead of China's Poverty-Relief Day on Oct. 17, senior Kenyan officials and experts agreed that the Asian giant offers vital lessons on wealth creation.

Professor Micheni Ntiba, the Principal Secretary in the State Department of Fisheries and Blue Economy hailed Beijing's stellar performance in poverty alleviation thanks to embrace of free markets without abandoning socialist ideals.

"The poverty levels in rural China for instance were too high in the 70s and at some point, civilians had to contend with hunger and malnutrition. Embrace of market economy has nevertheless unleashed record prosperity in both rural and urban China," said Ntiba.

He noted that agricultural mechanization that accelerated three decades ago enabled China to feed its population and export surplus to neighboring countries and beyond.

Kenya has been dispatching senior officials to China to learn how the Asian giant achieved economic progress in a record time.

Ntiba said Kenya is keen to emulate China's success story in agricultural transformation, manufacturing and infrastructure development to realize growth.

"It is evident that China harnessed the power of technology, innovations and unwavering patriotism to chart its own development path. It is possible to achieve such a feat locally by emulating China which happens to be our close ally in many areas," Ntiba told Xinhua.

China's journey from a past marked with poverty to become the world's second largest economy is an inspiration to African countries experiencing similar challenges.

The acting CEO of New Partnership for Africa Development Kenya, Daniel Osiemo said that China's good performance in poverty alleviation offers vital lessons to African states struggling to provide basic necessities to their citizens.

"China presents shining example of a transition from poverty to economic development. In 1966, the country could not even feed its people properly," Osiemo said.

He noted that China has relied on the ingenuity of local population, technology, innovations and focused leadership to propel economic growth.

"The Chinese society has sustained a work ethic that integrates discipline, timeliness and team spirit hence the profound economic success," said Osiemo.

He noted that mass literacy, embrace of modern technology and political stability has enabled China to address its domestic challenges like poverty, disease and environmental hazards without disruptions.

"Both the Chinese leaders and citizens were able to recognize their challenges and devise sound methods of addressing them without relying on external help. That is what this continent requires," Osiemo told Xinhua.

Kenyan scholars too agreed that China is an exemplar when it comes to poverty alleviation.

Bethwel Kinuthia, an economist at the University of Nairobi hailed China's determination to eradicate extreme poverty that still blights African countries.

"Before China embraced market economy fully, there were pockets of success in poverty alleviation largely driven by agricultural mechanization and light manufacturing in rural provinces," said Kinuthia.

He noted that both economic and political reforms in China were behind the prosperity. "A China that opened itself to the world in terms of trade, investments and cultural interaction realized phenomenal economic progress whose impacts are felt everywhere and more so in Africa," Kinuthia said.

He noted the current economic progress in many African countries is linked to Chinese investments in critical sectors like infrastructure, energy and manufacturing.

"In Kenya, China has catalyzed our economic transformation through massive investments in modern transport infrastructure and clean energy," said Kinuthia.

He singled out the China funded Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) that will unleash new prosperity in Kenya and the eastern African region upon completion in June 2017.

Teresiah Kahumbu, an employee of China Road and Bride Corporation that is constructing the modern railway spoke glowingly of her changed fortunes in the last two years she has worked in the mega infrastructure project.

"The SGR project enabled me to secure a job after college... I have gained exposure and knowledge that will be useful in future," said Kahumbu.
OSLO, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Fugitive U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden is appealing to the Norwegian supreme court so as to get a guarantee he would not be extradited to the United States from Norway, newspaper VG reported on Tuesday.

This comes after earlier rejections by the district court and court of appeal as Snowden tried to secure a safe passage to Norway without the risk of being extradited.

Snowden filed the lawsuit against the Norwegian government at the Oslo District Court in April via a local law firm after the Norwegian PEN organization awarded him the Ossietzky Prize for 2016 and invited him to receive the award in Oslo on Nov. 18.

The Norwegian PEN now has decided to postpone the ceremony to June 7, 2017.

Snowden, the Norwegian PEN and some media organizations think Norwegian courts can decide in advance that Snowden would not be arrested and extradited from Norway, VG reported. The courts, however, claim that they cannot process the case.

William Nygaard, leader of the Norwegian PEN, told VG that the Supreme Court case will "take time."

"After consultation with our lawyers, we have decided to postpone the award ceremony, which should happen in the presence of Edward Showden personally," he said.

On Sept. 28, the Court of Appeal supported the Oslo District Court decision in June, saying that the courts' conclusion is that they have no factual expertise to process in advance Snowden's questions regarding a civil case.

The Oslo District Court wrote in its rejection in June that a pre-trial could undermine the international cooperation in criminal matters that that extradition act is based on.

The court expressed that it was "impossible to decide whether an extradition to the United States would be against the law, prior to the existence of a request from the U.S. authorities."

Snowden faces three felony charges in the United States, including espionage, after he disclosed a classified U.S. intelligence project code-named PRISM in June 2013.
SYDNEY, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Australian dollar is hovering at a three-week low as the U.S. dollar found support among investors following falls in global equity markets and oil prices.

At the open on Wednesday, the local unit was trading at 75.40 U.S. cents, down from 75.57 U.S. cents on Tuesday.

Commonwealth Bank of Australia senior currency strategist Elias Haddad in a research note said the Australian dollar edged a bit lower overnight to 75.40 U.S. cents.

"The firmer greenback and weaker U.S. and European equity markets have weighed on the Australian dollar," Haddad said.

"The Australian dollar is unlikely to be materially impacted by today's (Wednesday) Australian October consumer confidence index," he said.

At 0925 local time (AEDT), the Australian dollar was trading at 75.42 U.S. cents.
CANBERRA, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Cyber terrorists may be able to break into secured Australian government systems within three years unless more is done to shore up the nation's cyber security, a government report has warned.

The 2016 Threat Report, to be formally released on Wednesday by the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC), has said foreign hackers would become one of the most serious threats to crucial government networks in coming years as foreign espionage begins to increasingly rely on cyber hacking.

Government facilities were the subject of more than 1,000 hacks over the 18 months to June 30 this year, and Dan Tehan, the minister assisting the prime minister on matters of Cyber Security, said Wednesday that the government would be proactive in reducing the threat posed by foreign hackers in coming years.

"We have indicated that cyber-espionage is alive and well," Tehan told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) on Wednesday.

"We have to make sure that we're taking all the steps necessary to keep us safe, because the threat is there. The threat is real. Cyber security is something that we, as a nation, have to take very seriously."

The 2016 Threat Report said the number of attacks on Australian government offices is only expected to rise from the 1, 095 mark, and Tehan said that "within three years" terrorists may be able to access and compromise sensitive government computer networks which have important information.

"The ACSC estimates that within three years, terrorists will have the ability to compromise a secure network with destructive effect," Tehan told News Corp.

"We are ahead of the terrorists now and that is where we must remain."

The report said currently, terrorists are only able to break into "poorly secured" government networks but would soon have the capacity to break into well-protected government arms unless something is done.

It added that recent, high-profile cyber-attacks by foreign bodies should force a revision of cyber security measures in Australia.

"Behavior by a number of countries is demonstrating a willingness to use disruptive and destructive cyber operations to seriously impede or embarrass organizations and governments -- equating to foreign interference or coercion," the report said.

"The employment of the tactic in such a brazen manner against high-profile entities has almost certainly lowered the threshold of adversaries seeking to conduct such acts."

"More and more foreign states have acquired or are in the process of acquiring cyber-espionage capabilities."

"The ACSC is aware of diverse state-based adversaries attempting cyber espionage against Australian systems to satisfy strategic, operational and commercial intelligence requirements."

Meanwhile the report also delivered its final review into a hack into the nation's Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) last year.

The report concluded the break-in was the work of a foreign power, and said hackers managed to install malicious software and download sensitive information from the bureau's servers.

The ACSC has said that hack should also act as both a "wake-up call" and yet another catalyst for the government to further beef up its cyber security in coming years.
TOKYO, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Japan's core private-sector machinery orders declined 2.2 percent in August on a seasonally adjusted basis from a month earlier, marking the first drop in three months, the government here said Wednesday.

According to the Cabinet Office, core private-sector machinery orders totaled 872.5 billion yen (8.42 billion U.S. dollars), in the recording period, with the drop coming on the heels of a 4.9 percent rise in July and an 8.3 percent increase in June.

According to the office, orders from the manufacturing sector were down 4 percent to 353.1 billion yen and orders from the non-manufacturing sector decreased 1.9 percent totaling 514.9 billion yen.

In terms of the figure for overall orders from all sectors, the Cabinet Office said that orders had retreated 4 percent to stand at 2.06 trillion yen in the recording period.

Overseas demand for Japanese machinery, meanwhile, widely seen as a gauge of future exports, climbed 6.8 percent to 773.8 billion yen, the Cabinet Office also said.

Core machinery orders, including engines and turbines, heavy electrical machinery, electronic and communications equipment, industrial machinery and suchlike, are considered a key yardstick of business investment in the future.

The figures are closely eyed by the government here as they account for around 15 percent of GDP and indicate the state of business investment and how they relate to demand and have intrinsic links to imports and exports, as well as the currency rate.
WELLINGTON, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Delegates from developed nations gathered in New Zealand Wednesday to discuss how to persuade people to save more and rein in credit.

Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister Paul Goldsmith welcomed delegates from the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) to the biannual Global Symposium on Financial Education in Auckland.

This high-level global symposium will discuss how to convince a generation who "want it now" to save and how to compete with the instant gratification of "buy now, pay later."

The program also includes seminars on consumer protection, innovation strategy, and in particular the role of digital disruption in the banking sector.

"The government watches developments in fintech (financial technology) closely to ensure its regulatory settings enable innovation," Goldsmith said in a statement.

Another focus for government had been increasing levels of trust in financial markets.

"Like every nation we seek to balance innovation, transparency and regulation, each of which are essential ingredients in developing robust financial markets that attract investment," he said.

"The recently released Global Competitiveness Index ranked New Zealand first out of 138 economies for financial market development and shows we are on the right track. I look forward to sharing some of our insights with the delegates."

The delegates to the event on Oct. 12 and 13 include officials and experts from the OECD/International Network on Financial Education, ministries of finance and education, central banks, regulatory and supervisory authorities, governmental agencies, as well as international organizations, academia, the private sector and non-governmental organizations.
Picture shows the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, collectively known as the Belt and Road initiative. (Xinhua)

BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay state visits to Cambodia and Bangladesh on Thursday-Saturday in a bid to push forward cooperation within the framework of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

His trips represent China's latest effort to seek common development and growth under the initiative. They also reaffirm China's commitment to its neighborhood diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness.

TO SEEK STRATEGIC COOPERATION UNDER BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE

Xi's state visits to Cambodia and Bangladesh will serve to deepen strategic cooperation and step up regional connectivity under the initiative.

There is great potential in Cambodia's cooperation with China, its largest trading partner and source of foreign investment, as its development strategy is highly complimentary with the Chinese initiative.

As an important hub of transport in Southeast Asia, Cambodia also held a key position on the ancient maritime silk road that used to connect the East with the West.

China and Cambodia are building the Sihanoukville special economic zone in southwestern Cambodia as an example of collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, while expanding concrete cooperation in sectors including economics and trade, infrastructure and energy resources.

In Bangladesh, a series of initial projects started under the Chinese initiative are expected to strengthen bilateral trade links and people-to-people exchanges.

The infrastructure projects include Padma Bridge near the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka, the underwater tunnel of Karnaphuli River in the country's southeast, the upgrade of power distribution system and the extension of the N8 highway to connect with Padma Bridge.

With Bangladesh at the center of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, Xi's visit is expected to boost consensus and the economic corridor's construction, stimulating economic growth in Bangladesh, Chai Xi, a former Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh, commented.

TO KEEP A FRIENDLY, COOPERATIVE NEIGHBORHOOD

Xi's trip to Cambodia, the first since he took office, will be significant in consolidating the friendship between the two countries while his visit to Bangladesh will mark a milestone in the development of bilateral ties.

Xi's trip to Cambodia is reciprocal to the one to Beijing by King Norodom Sihamoni in June, during which they agreed to further the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between their countries.

Xi is scheduled to meet the king and hold talks with Prime Minister Hun Sen and witness the signing of bilateral deals expected to increase cooperation in sectors including trade, investment and tourism.

Xi's visit to Bangladesh is the first by a Chinese president in more than 30 years. The two sides are expected to lift their comprehensive partnership to a new level.

During his stay in Bangladesh, Xi will meet with President Abdul Hamid and National Assembly Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, and hold talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Cooperation accords will be signed in sectors such as infrastructure, production capacity, energy and transport.

"Xi's visits to the two countries show the importance China has attached to relations with them, and its good will to promote good-neighborly ties and friendly cooperation with Southeast and South Asian countries, with an eye to the map of peripheral diplomacy," said Jiang Jingkui, director of the Center for South Asia Studies, Peking University.
SEOUL, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- South Korea is mulling standalone sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) over its fifth nuclear test if discussion is prolonged on a new UN Security Council resolution, Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday citing a government source.

A South Korean government source was quoted as saying that Seoul has a principle to announce its unilateral sanctions toward Pyongyang at a time when the new sanctions can maximize the effect of pressure on the DPRK.

If discussion on the anti-DPRK resolution is lengthened at the UN Security Council, the source said, South Korea can impose its independent sanctions on the DPRK ahead of the UN resolution adoption.

Negotiations for new sanctions on the DPRK are underway among UN Security Council members over Pyongyang's nuclear test on Sept. 9 when the DPRK said it successfully tested nuclear warhead that can be mounted on ballistic missiles.

DPRK'S fifth atomic device test produced an explosive yield equal to 10 kilotons of TNT, becoming the most powerful ever conducted by the country. The detonation came just eight months after the fourth test in January.

South Korean Foreign Ministry spokesman Cho June-hyuck told a Tuesday press briefing that a government-wide review is underway for new sanctions toward Pyongyang based on close cooperation with the United States, the European Union and Japan.

Potential independent sanctions by South Korea may involve financial sanctions, shipping route control, trade goods control and restraint on moves of personnel, according to the Yonhap report.

Seoul and Washington are expected to coordinate and discuss their respective sanctions on Pyongyang when South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and Defense Minister Han Min-koo visit Washington next week.
YANGON, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Four soldiers were killed in a fighting between Myanmar government troops and 300 violent armed men Tuesday in Maungtaw, western Rakhine state, when the government troops were clearing the area following attack on three border posts by the armed men on last Saturday midnight.

The troops who took position near Pyaungpit village, were attacked from the north and the west by the armed men equipped with pistols, swords and knives, the military-run Myawaddy media reported Wednesday.

The body of one attacker was claimed while one soldier was injured.

In two other incidents over the last two days, the government troops captured four armed attackers and seven bodies with weapons during an area clearance operation in three other villages.

The four attackers are currently under interrogation.

On Saturday midnight, a violent attack occurred on the three border posts, and nine policemen were killed and five others injured with one still missing.

Eight armed men were also killed with two being captured alive, according to local police.
by Lu Shuqun

KABUL, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Recently in Brussels the international community pledged a new aid commitment to Afghanistan, but the financial package may not be a long-term solution to Afghanistan's myriad problems, political researchers and economic scholars here have proffered.

Rather than mere cash handouts, Afghan researchers and scholars have highlighted the possible effectiveness of longer-term solutions that focus on connectivity and offer a multitude of sustainable economic opportunities for all those involved.

China's Belt and Road Initiative, for example, has been mentioned as one initiative that could serve these functions and better connect the two countries.

In a recent interview with Xinhua, Halimullah Kousary, Head of Research in the Center for Conflict and Peace Studies, pointed out that the Belt and Road Initiative is a huge international project from which Afghanistan could benefit.

According to Kousary, the initiative is important to both countries, especially to Afghanistan, because it is economically weaker, while China, an important partner of Afghanistan, is blessed with abundant economic resources.

If the project continues to be successfully implemented, huge investment from Chinese business circles and the government will flow into Afghanistan.

Other international organizations and related stakeholders will also be major players, Kousary said.

In the past 15 years, Afghanistan has made considerable achievements in economic development because of international aid, but as Kousary said, it can only solve short term problems.

In order to solve Afghanistan's long term problems, the Belt and Road Initiative could act as a precursor to promote further foreign investment to Afghanistan.

Sayed Masoud, Kabul University professor and economist, echoed Kousary's view.

China's investment in Afghanistan helps establish factories, boost the country's product ability, create job opportunities, thus resulting in the country alleviating poverty, Masoud told Xinhua in a recent interview.

Currently China is one of Afghanistan's largest investors, he said.

Besides investment, bilateral trade will also balloon thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative, he added.

Masoud went on to describe the railway connection between China and Afghanistan through the central Asian states of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan as a means for boosting trade and economic relations between the two neighboring countries and the region.

There are two direct train lines that were recently opened to transport goods between the two countries, as part of the Belt and Road Initiative.

Latest data show that China is Afghanistan's third-largest trading partner with a total yearly trade volume of 1.054 billion U.S. dollars.

According to the Chinese embassy in Afghanistan, 97 percent of Afghan goods exported to China are duty-free.

"The Afghan government believes that China is one country that can play a leading role in the stabilization process as well as the economic development of Afghanistan, Kousary said.

"China has the means and knowhow to help Afghanistan to develop its capabilities over different institutions, for example both the military and the police, at different levels. So we value enhanced relations with China, " he said.

China also views Afghanistan as being very important for a number of reasons, he added.

"Enhancing bilateral relations is important to China's national security and economic outreach programs and it is important to China's stability inside and outside, and to China's economic security outside," Kousary said.

"For example, if Afghanistan is not a secure or stable country, I think the implementation of Belt and Road Initiative will be very difficult. If things get worse in Afghanistan, Central Asia will be affected, and we cannot ignore Central Asia."

"There have been some signs or indications of the impact of the deteriorating security in Afghanistan and in Central Asia," he said.

"For example, China and Tajikistan have recently shared some concern about insecurity in some provinces on the border. The same is true with Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan," Kousary explained.

Bridging Central and South Asia is no doubt of strategic importance to Afghanistan and the two regions are important stops of the Belt and Road Initiative.

"An important part of China's economy is to market development outside China. Afghanistan is an untapped market and China has the capacity to develop it through investment," he said.

"It's a huge market and the country has a population of 30 million people. In the future, by 2050, the population will be over 50 million." Kousary added.
WELLINGTON, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- A surge in the number of Chinese visitors helped boost business in New Zealand's commercial accommodation sector by 6.1 percent in the year to the end of August, the government statistics agency said Wednesday.

Figures from Statistics New Zealand also showed that international guest nights in hotels and motels were up 13.4 percent year on year in the month of August.

International visitor arrivals hit a record 3.36 million in the August year, with holiday arrivals up 13 percent, Associate Tourism Minister Paula Bennett said in a statement.

"It's particularly pleasing to see particularly strong growth in our biggest spending visitors, with hotel stays up 14.8 percent, compared to holiday park guest nights up 11.1 percent," said Bennett.

"Tourism makes an important contribution to local communities through jobs and helping local businesses to grow and is critical to New Zealand's economic success."

Figures from Statistics New Zealand last month showed Chinese and Australian travelers drove an annual record in New Zealand visitor numbers for the year to the end of August.

The biggest changes in visitor arrivals by country of residence between the August years were from China (up 83,700 to 404,200), Australia (up 81,100 to 1.38 million) and the United States (up 30,000 to 266,300).
SYDNEY, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The price of Australian beef and cattle is set to soar for the next two years as the national herd hits a 20-year low.

The latest quarterly update from Meat & Livestock Australia says the nation's "severely depleted" cattle supply has plummeted by about 3 million heads to 26.2 million in the past three years, with herd numbers in western Queensland and New South Wales shrinking by up to 40 percent, the Australian Associated Press reported on Wednesday.

Slaughter rates in the eastern states are also expected to drop from the record highs of two years ago to a predicted 120,000 in 2017, the same level as 2006 when the industry was trying to rebuild herd numbers.

MLA market information manager Ben Thomas in a statement said local cattle prices are currently "moving in a different direction to those globally."

However, the reduction in slaughter rates will help ensure more calves are born next year, with increased beef production to follow in 2018.

"All things considered, it is unlikely that Australian cattle prices will return to pre-2013 levels, but rather establish a new level somewhere in between existing long-term averages and the current record highs," he said.

"In the meantime though, there will be extremely tough competition for the limited numbers available."

Low cattle numbers hindered live exports this year, with a decline of 1.05 million propped up only by a localised increase to the herd in Western Australia.
HANOI, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Groups of Chinese travelers will be able to stay in Vietnam's border city of Mong Cai in Quang Ninh province for up to three days without applying for a tourist visa, according to local authorities on Wednesday.

Vietnam's northern Quang Ninh, which borders China, has eased visa requirements for Chinese citizens to encourage travelers to visit Mong Cai.

The new rule is scheduled to take effect at the beginning of 2017.

Following that, Chinese tourists in under-nine-seat passenger cars are allowed to drive back and forth between Mong Cai city and China's Dongxing city.

The pilot implementation period is from now till the end of January 11, 2017, local Lao Dong (Labor) online newspaper quoted Quang Ninh people's committee as saying.

These cars can stay in Vietnam for no more than three days for each permit. If they encounter emergency such as accidents or breakdowns, the extension time will be one more day, said local authorities, adding that the number of cars does not exceed 100 per day.

The northern border city of Mong Cai is a popular travel destination among Chinese holiday makers.

The city recorded a surge in Chinese arrivals during this year's week-long Spring Festival as welcoming about 25,000 visitors.

China is Vietnam's top source of tourists. In the first nine months this year, Vietnam welcomed nearly two million person-times of Chinese visitors, accounting for 27.36 percent of the total foreign arrivals, up 55.9 percent year-on-year, said the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang greets tourists and local residents while visiting the Macao Museum in Macao Special Administrative Region, south China, Oct. 11, 2016. Premier Li made an inspection tour in Macao Tuesday afternoon. (Xinhua/Rao Aimin)

MACAO, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Premier Li Keqiang continued his inspection in Macao on Tuesday, urging Macao to seize development opportunities and improve people's lives for a better future.

Accompanied by Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Li visited Macao Museum, city landmarks, shops, a family and a school on Tuesday afternoon.

While at Macao Museum, Li saw an exhibition on the city's history and diverse cultures. Upon seeing a map about Macao that covered its position as an ancient trade hub between Europe and Asia, and its strong links to the maritime Silk Road, Li urged Macao to seize the opportunity of the Belt and Road Initiative and enhance its unique advantages through further opening up.

The premier went to the Mount Fortress, which overlooks the Macao Peninsula. At the adjacent ruins of St. Paul's, a World Heritage site, he was greeted by locals and tourists, and posed for photos with them.

"The beautiful Macao is where Chinese and Western cultures converge and a landmark for the successful practice of the 'one country, two systems' principle," Li said. "I am confident that Macao will have a bright future thanks to the concerted efforts of all its citizens."

Li visited a family and asked about their extended family, their jobs and the pensions assigned to their older relatives. The premier said he was delighted to see they were happy and encouraged the kids to pursue their dreams.

At Keang Peng School, one of the oldest schools in Macao, Li listened to a report on Macao's education development and watched robots and environment friendly products made by pupils in a laboratory. He encouraged the students to be innovative and enhance their practical ability.

The premier said he hoped all the students would pursue innovation and excellence and pass down the tradition of "love the country, love Macao". The pupils presented handmade souvenirs to the premier when he left the school.

When inspecting the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the world's longest cross-sea bridge, Li said it will significantly improve the transportation network of the Pan-Pearl River Delta region.

The premier visited several shops and bought local pastries at Rua do Cunha, famed for its baked goods.

With its unique history, culture and geographical advantage as well as rich tourism resources, Macao can attract more inland and global tourists as long as it continues to improve its environment and service industry to elevate it into a world tourism and leisure center, said Li.

Earlier on Tuesday, Li attended the opening ceremony of the fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

The premier arrived in Macao on Monday.
SYDNEY, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Australian counter-terror authorities have arrested two 17-year-old males in the southwest of Sydney on Wednesday, pre-empting a terror attack.

"Two males were arrested in the southwest of Sydney relating to an ongoing investigation," a New South Wales state police spokesperson told Xinhua on Wednesday.

"Officers seized two knives and the pair remains in custody.

"Police are unable to release anything further at this time however there is no on-going threat in relation to this matter."

Local media reported the operation was related to an alleged new terror plot, not one before the courts, with the teenagers wielding bayonets when arrested.

It's believed at least one of the boys is known to police, having been previously questioned by federal authorities for failing to stand for Australia's national anthem while attending school, Australia's national broadcaster reported.

Australia, a staunch ally in the U.S led fight against terror in Syria and Iraq has remained on heightened alert for home-grown terror attacks for over two years, arresting or jailing at least 45 suspects in connection to domestic terror plots.

Authorities however are increasingly concerned about the young age of those being radicalized after a 16-year-old boy murdered police accountant Curtis Cheng in a lone-wolf style terror attack in early October 2015.

"In Australia and around the world, the age of people radicalized is getting younger, with online grooming tactics similar to those used by sexual predators," Australian Federal Police NSW state commander Chris Sheehan has previously said.

The two men and three others already in jail on related charges are believed to be associates, though no direct links, of those who radicalized the teenager.

In late February, the teenage bride of an Australian terrorism suspect was arrested by counter-terrorism authorities for allegedly possessing a knife, an Islamic State flag and documents relating to a terror attack. Her husband is already in custody on terror related charges.
TEHRAN, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Iran and Russia must strengthen strategic cooperation on regional and international issues, especially the ongoing crisis in Syria, a senior Iranian official was quoted Tuesday by Press TV as saying.

"Strong and strategic relations between the two countries are very important in the establishment of regional peace and stability and the settlement of issues," Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader, said on Monday in a meeting with Alexander Lavrentiev, the visiting Russian special envoy on Syria.

Iran and Russia are the main allies of the Syrian government and cooperation between the two countries has played an important role in regional developments and the recent achievements by the Syrian government and people, said Velayati.

The future of Syria should be decided by the Syrian people through political talks, he said.

Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Shamkhani warned against foreign plots to revitalize terrorist groups under new names in a meeting with Lavrentiev, the Tasnim news agency reported on Tuesday.

Shamkhani denounced what he called the West's "media and political show" aimed at covering up its double-standard policies on the fight against terrorism in Syria.

He warned against any foreign military intervention in Syria without the Syrian government's consent.

He also called for closer interaction among Iran, Russia and Syria in combating terrorism in the Arab state.

For his part, Lavrentiev described Tehran-Moscow cooperation against terrorism as "sustainable, strategic and inclusive."
LISBON, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The economic and trade relations between China and Portugal have entered a period of steady development with bilateral trade volume increasing rapidly and Chinese investment in Portugal expanding, Chinese Ambassador to Portugal Cai Run said here on Wednesday.

In an interview with Xinhua before the opening of the Fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation Between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries in Macao on Tuesday, Cai said China-Portugal ties are at their historical best and as 2016 marks the starting year of the second 10 years since the establishment of their comprehensive strategic partnership, their relationship also faces great opportunities.

He said that there is huge potential for the development of China-Portugal trade as it only accounts for a small proportion of their respective total foreign trade volume.

Statistics from China Customs show bilateral volume of trade in goods between China and Portugal was 3.931 billion euros (4.34 billions U.S. dollars) in 2015, an increase of 8.58 percent year on year, among which Chinese export to Portugal reached 2.606 billion euros (2.88 billion dollars) and its import from Portugal was 1.325 billion euros (1.46 billion dollars), up 10.11 percent and 5.67 percent respectively.

China is Portugal's biggest trade partner in Asia while Portugal is China's 18th trade partner in the European Union (EU). Despite a decline in global trade volume, China-Portugal trade maintained a rapid growth rate with bilateral volume of trade in goods totaling 3.208 billion euros (3.54 billion dollars) in the first eight months of 2016 and Chinese export to Portugal reaching 2.343 billion euros (2.59 billion dollars), up 19.37 percent and 33.30 percent year on year respectively.

In recent years, Chinese investment in Portugal has increased dramatically and Portugal has become one of the major countries of Chinese investment in the EU, the Chinese ambassador said.

According to incomplete statistics, by the end of August 2016, Chinese investment in Portugal exceeded 6.6 billion euros (7.29 billion dollars), covering such sectors as energy, electricity, communication, civil aviation, finance, insurance, health care, providing job opportunities for more than 21,000 local people.

Chinese enterprises have also actively fulfilled social responsibilities in Portugal, playing a key role in helping revitalize the country's economy and having won praise from the Portugal side, Cai said.

As Portugal is an important EU member with broad influence in Portuguese-speaking countries, Chinese enterprises in Portugal attach great importance to and actively take advantage of the country's role as a bridge and platform. They have made progress in utilizing Portugal's convenient market access, carrying out third-party market cooperation with Portuguese enterprises and exploring markets in Portuguese-speaking, European and American countries, Cai said.

China Three Gorges Corporation (CTG), through its company in Portugal, develops hydropower, wind power and new energy markets with Portugal in Latin America, Europe and the United States. The CTG accelerates its internalization and global expansion through tripartite cooperation and has become the second largest private power enterprise in Brazil.

With the framework of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation Between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, China, Portugal and East Timor have implemented the training project on marine shrimp farming this year.

Cai added that there is great potential for China-Portugal economic and trade cooperation. The year 2016 is the beginning year of the "13th Five-Year Plan" and China will continue to deepen reform and opening up in the coming five years under the guidance of the five development concepts of innovation, coordination, green development, opening up and sharing. Meanwhile, China will promote international production cooperation within the framework of its Belt and Road Initiative.

With an aim to adjust its economic structure, the Portuguese government has developed strategic planning to stimulate economic growth, encourage investments and increase employment opportunities, according to the Chinese ambassador.

As an important partner of the Belt and Road Initiative and a founding member of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Portugal can enhance communication with China and cooperate with China in various fields within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, Cai said, adding that the two sides are promoting Portugal's agricultural and aquatic exports to China, accelerating the construction of an e-commerce platform, facilitating import process, consolidating traditional trade and expand service trade.

He said China and Portugal hope to further expand two-way investment, strengthen energy, finance, infrastructure and marine investment cooperation and to provide a favorable investment environment and convenient conditions for enterprises.

China and Portugal will strengthen their cooperation mechanisms such as the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation China and Portuguese-speaking Countries and a bilateral mixed committee on economy and trade to achieve a brighter future, said Cai.
BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- A mainland spokesman for Taiwan affairs on Wednesday said there is "absolutely no room for obscurity over [...] the political basis and nature of ties between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan."

An Fengshan, a spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks at a regular press conference in Beijing.

He was referring to the 1992 Consensus, the political basis of cross-Strait relations, which affirms that both sides of the Strait belong to one China.

He said the Taiwanese authorities must be clear about this "fundamental" issue, adding that all the "play of words" and procrastination would not help circumvent it.

"Adherence to the 1992 Consensus is key to the peaceful development of cross-Strait ties," An said.

He went on to say that Taiwanese leaders' "correct understanding of the nature of cross-Strait ties" is the mainland's "touchstone for their so-called goodwill."

"Goodwill should be demonstrated with action, not words," he continued.

An said China's national reunification is a "historical inevitability as the Chinese nation marches toward its great rejuvenation."

"Both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan belong to the one same China," he said, adding that cross-Strait ties are not "country-to-country-type" relations.

As for longstanding political differences between the two sides, An said the settlement should not be put off "from one generation to another," but should be dealt with through cross-Strait consultation under the one-China principle.

He said correct decisions must be made on key issues concerning the future of both side of the Taiwan Strait and their people.

The ball is now in the court of the Taiwanese authorities who must "either choose to sit down for talks, or choose confrontation," he said.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 13 (Xinhua) -- Several thousand people have been displaced in North Carolina due to floods from Hurricane Matthew, and a large-scale evacuation is still underway as an enormous swath of the state has fallen into turmoil.

"Certain parts of the state were going through recovery at this point in time...certain parts of the state were still going through ongoing floods," said North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory.

"Now, we have other parts of the state that are about to deal with some very serious circumstances, especially along two of our major rivers," said the governor, who warned of "extremely dangerous" conditions in the coming days in central and eastern parts of the state, where several rivers surged to record or near-record levels.

Matthew, the most powerful Atlantic storm since 2007, has caused 33 deaths in the United States, with more than half in North Carolina, after killing more than 900 people in Haiti.

The storm has dumped more than a foot (30 cm) of rain in many parts of North Carolina. According to the National Weather Service, heavy rainfall has triggered the worst flooding in the state since Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

The full extent of the disaster in North Carolina was still unclear, but it appeared that thousands of homes were damaged, and more were in danger of flooding.

More than 2,000 people have been rescued since the flooding began in North Carolina. Evacuation orders were widespread, and nearly 800 inmates from a prison near the Neuse River have also been evacuated due to rising floodwaters.

In the hard-hit town of Lumberton, along the swollen Lumber River, sporadic looting was reported, and a state trooper had fatally shot a man in Lumberton on Monday night after "a confrontation."

Authorities gave few details about the incident. "All we know is there was a confrontation and a shooting that has resulted in a man's death in very, very difficult circumstances," said governor McCrory.

The governor also asked people not to ignore evacuation orders, saying it was "unacceptable" that about 50 or 60 people were resisting demands that they leave a part of Moore County where a dam was at risk of failing.

President Barack Obama has signed a disaster declaration for North Carolina, making federal funding available to individuals affected by Hurricane Matthew, according to a White House statement.

The disaster declaration will provide assistance to affected residents in 10 North Carolina counties.

The flooding has already extended to South Carolina, where 150 people had to be rescued Monday from the town of Nichols, downstream from Lumberton.

About 532,000 homes and businesses remained without power in the U.S. Southeast on Tuesday, down from the peak of around 2.2 million Sunday morning when the storm was still battering the Carolina coasts.

Related:

UN agencies mobilizing to respond to Hurricane Matthew impact in Haiti, Cuba

UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 7 (Xinhua) -- The World Food Programme (WFP) was deploying logistics and assessment teams in coordination with the government of Haiti and international agencies to bring in much needed relief after Hurricane Matthew struck the small island country, a UN spokesman told reporters here Friday.

The WFP teams were also in Haiti to determine the hurricane's wider impact on the food and nutrition security of Haitians, the deputy UN spokesman, Farhan Haq, said at a daily news briefing here. Full story

Spotlight: Hundreds rescued in North Carolina in wake of Hurricane Matthew

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of people were rescued after floods from Hurricane Matthew, the most powerful Atlantic storm since 2007, inundated North Carolina towns on Monday.
Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (R) receives an interview with Xinhua in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Oct. 11, 2016. Sheikh Hasina has expressed confidence that the upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping would usher in "a new era of intensive cooperation" in trade, investment and other sectors between the two nations. President Xi is due to visit Bangladesh on Oct. 14-15. (Xinhua/Lin Hao)

by Liu Chuntao, Naim-Ul-Karim

DHAKA, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed confidence that the visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping would usher in "a new era of intensive cooperation" in trade, investment and other sectors between the two nations.

Hasina made the comments Tuesday ahead of President Xi's visit to the country. "We are very happy and feel honored that President Xi is coming to Bangladesh. I believe that President Xi's visit will also be more important for South Asia," she told Xinhua at her official Ganobhaban residence in the capital Dhaka.

Speaking highly of the Bangladesh-China ties, the prime minister pointed out that the relations between the two nations are underpinned by "the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existance, Spirit of Good Neighborliness, Mutual Trust, Confidence and Non- Interference into each other's internal affairs."

Hasina reaffirmed that Bangladesh strongly adheres to one-China policy and supports China on issues related to its core national interests and efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Chinese president's visit comes at a time in history when Bangladesh is about to break free from the clutches of low-level equilibrium trap and move into a brand-new frontier of investment, industrialization, ecological restoration and prosperity for all, according to Hasina.

"China has become our largest trading partner and we consider China as a trusted partner in realizing our dreams too. China is the leading generator of many our mega-projects in terms of finance, capitalization and technology," she said.

Noting that Bangladesh-China relations are now framed within a comprehensive partnership of cooperation that reaches into almost all possible sectors, she said, "We are planning to elevate the relationship to a newer height with the much-awaited visit of President Xi Jinping."

Hasina said cooperation between Bangladesh and China has gained maturity in past decades, but there are huge potentials for future expansion of the two countries' engagement in fields such as development of infrastructure and for that matter, investing in emerging sectors like ICT, ago-prosessing and electronics.

Hailing China-proposed Belt and Road initiative, the prime minister said her country is now working to connect growth centers of the country with the rest of the region in South Asia and create a single economic contiguity between South Asia and Southeast Asia.

And this "would be host to greater integration with East Asia and connect the three ecosystems to the rest of the world through our seaports in the south," she added.

The prime minister expressed her appreciation for China's support to Bangladesh's efforts in attaining sustainable development while welcoming Chinese companies investing in the country's emerging sectors like textiles, leather, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding and agro-processing, among others.

"We are on the verge of launching the exclusive Economic and Industrial Zone in Chittagong that would be a landmark event in our economic, investment and trade cooperation. We would like to encourage Chinese investors to invest in these economic zones as a developer or as an individual investor," she said.
KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Afghan government after days of fierce fighting recaptured the northern Kunduz city on Wednesday, forcing Taliban militants to retreat to their former bases, a senior police official said.

"Taliban rebels after suffering huge casualties and leaving scores of dead bodies behind fled Kunduz city on Wednesday and the whole city is in control of the government forces at the moment," the official Mahfozullah Akbari told Xinhua.

Taliban militants overrun major parts of Kunduz city on Oct. 3, prompting government forces to launch counter-offensive.

"More than 200 Taliban rebels have been killed and more than 300 others sustained injuries since launching counter-offensive to dislodge militants from the city," the official said, claiming that scores of the dead bodies of the Taliban fighters are laying on the streets and the fleeing militants were not able to take their bodies.

According to the official, more than 20 police personnel have been killed and 45 others injured since Taliban onslaught on Kunduz city and counter-offensive to flash out militants.

Taliban militants are yet to make comment on the situation there in Kunduz city.
Millions of Iranian Muslims participated in mourning ceremonies on Wednesday to mark the death of Iman Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

TEHRAN, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Millions of Iranian Muslims participated in mourning ceremonies on Wednesday to mark the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, according to Gregorian calendar.

The mourners from across the country attended the mass ceremonies and congregated at mosques or in public for sorrowful and poetic recitations grieving to the tune of beating drums and chants.

Also religious clerics gave sermons with the themes of Imam Hussein's personality and position in Islam, and the history of his uprising. They recited the Battle of Karbala, located in today Iraq, to allow the listeners to relive the pain and sorrow endured by Imam Hussein and his family.

In some parts of Iran, tragic passion plays were also performed enacting the Battle of Karbala and the suffering of Hussein at the hands of his enemies.

Mosques and some people provided free meals or nazri to all people, which are viewed being special and holy as they have been consecrated in the name of Hussein and partaking of it is considered an act of communion with God.

Ashura, the Day of Remembrance and the tenth day of holy month of Muharram in the Islamic calendar, is the climax of the commemorations of the death of Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of Prophet Mohammed, in the Battle of Karbala took place in October 680, when he was massacred with a small group of his companions and family members.

The incident had a great impact on the religious conscience of Muslims, particularly Shiite Muslims.
MOSCOW, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday canceled his visit to France scheduled for Oct. 19 after his French counterpart Francois Hollande insisted on putting Syria on their meeting agenda, throwing Russia-France relations into uncertainty.

"The president has decided to cancel the visit, as some of the planned events related to the opening of the Russian cultural and spiritual center and an exhibition, unfortunately, have been dropped from the program," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

However, he added that Putin was ready to visit France "whenever it is convenient for President Hollande."

Putin had been due in Paris on Oct. 19 to inaugurate a spiritual center at a Russian Orthodox church near the Eiffel Tower.

The Kremlin announcement was made after Hollande said France and Russia had a "major disagreement" over Syria, and the Elysee proposed a working meeting only to discuss the Syrian civil war and excluded other topics.

Experts believed that the disagreement over Syria between Paris and Moscow has been growing over the last several months, and Putin's cancellation was a culmination of that divergence.

On Saturday, Russia vetoed a draft French resolution on Syria at the United Nations (UN) Security Council, and offered its own draft which was also blocked by France, the United States and Britain.

Analysts said the Russian veto was another message to the west that any move to support the radical rebels is unacceptable.

"If it wasn't for the Russian veto, the Western powers would have repeated their hegemony and irresponsible actions, which we have seen in Iraq and Libya, they wanted to create a no-fly zone to support the rebels on ground, and prevent the Syrian government from dislodging the insurgents out of eastern Aleppo," Ahmad al-Ashkar, a journalist and political analyst, told Xinhua.

Dozens of militants with the Islamic State were killed Tuesday by a Syrian air strike in the northern province of Aleppo, Syria's national TV reported. Adding that Saudi IS commanders were among those killed in the cave strike.

The Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj.-Gen. Igor Konashenkov on Monday listed points of progress as a result of Russia's actions in Syria, including over 1,000 liberated settlements, huge areas freed from the Islamic State, and thousands of tons of humanitarian aid delivered to the needy.

"It is necessary to have a dialogue with Russia, but it must be firm and frank, otherwise it has no place and it is a sham negotiation," Hollande said in a speech on Tuesday at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, adding that he was "ready to meet President Putin at any moment" if they "can make progress on peace, stop the bombing and declare a truce."

Also on Tuesday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said that France remains open for talks with Russia, and the cancellation of Putin's visit to Paris did not mean that the two sides would never hold discussions again.

Putin could still meet Hollande at a Berlin meeting on the Ukraine crisis. The leaders of France, Germany and Ukraine in the so-called Normandy format are expected to meet on Oct. 19.

Kremlin spokesman Peskov did not confirm Putin's participation in the meeting. He only said that Russia was preparing to participate in such a meeting and will announce its date and time "as soon as we are ready."
HANOI, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- A proposal on increasing pension age recently raised by Vietnam's Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) has faced outcry in the country.

In the proposal, the pension age in Vietnam is said to hike to 60 from the current 55 for women, and to 62 from 60 for men.

The increase of pension age of laborers is "an inevitable trend" and carried out by many countries, Mai Tien Dung, minister of MoLISA, was quoted by local Tuoi Tre (Youth) online newspaper as saying Wednesday.

The existing retirement age in Vietnam has been fixed for a long time. Since then, many factors have changed including improved health and average lifespan of Vietnamese people, Dung argued.

The proposal drew great attention among local specialists and citizens. Contrary to the MoLISa's idea, most of them showed concerns over the possible adjustment.

Prof. Nguyen Dinh Cu, former head of Institute for Population and Social Studies said there are many issues that need well addressing on raising retirement age of Vietnamese workers.

"The elderly in Vietnam now is a generation that underwent war and harsh economic times. These factors have had big impact on their health," Cu said, citing a national survey on the elderly and saying that two thirds of the over-60-year-old people in the survey said their health conditions were weak and very weak.

In addition, in Vietnamese society and family model, the role of grandparents is of great importance. While their kids are at working age, the elderly, who have retired, will help them in taking care of grandchildren and houses, said Cu.

"As a result, from a population perspective, I do not support the proposal," said the professor.

Echoing Cu, Dr. Nguyen Hoai Nam from southern Ho Chi Minh City's Medicine and Pharmacy University, said the country should not compare the situation of developed countries to that of Vietnam.

"Currently, the rate of unemployment among Vietnamese youth remains high. If the old did not retire, how would the young find jobs?" Nam questioned.

According to the General Statistics Office, in the first nine months this year, as many as 40,000 more people were jobless, compared to that of 25,000 during the same period last year.

Meanwhile, the national unemployment rate at working age stood at 2.29 percent.

State employee Phan Thi Kim Lien, 53, told Xinhua that she is preparing to retire in the next two years.

"I want the current legal regulation on the issue to be maintained. Although I am in a stable health condition, sometimes I see my colleagues show signs of aging, feeling tired and want to rest. We have worked for 30-40 years now. It's time for us to rest and give chance for the young generation," said Lien.

Local citizens have made many comments on the issue, almost all of which disagreed with the proposal.

Reader called Nguyen Duy Chi said "The reason to increase pension age is not appropriate in any extent."

Earlier, the MoLISA said pension age is proposed to hike in order to avoid overspending of the social insurance fund and the aging population.

"The overspending of the insurance fund shows ill management of insurance agency," Chi added.

Holding similar cautious view, Tri Long An, another reader, wrote: "It is a policy that can have impact on lives of most workers and their families. However, the reason for it is not persuasive. There should be a national opinion poll on the issue," Tri suggested.
BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland strongly opposes foreign intervention regarding Taiwan's participation in the activities of international organizations, said a mainland spokesman on Wednesday.

An Fengshan, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the comments when responding a question regarding Taiwan reportedly applying for participation in the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) General Assembly this year.

The Taiwan issue is China's domestic affair, and China has always handled issues relating to Taiwan's participation in the activities of international organizations in line with the one-China principle, An said.

An also said that Taiwan's participation in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings should be in line with the relevant memorandum of understanding.

The Chinese mainland has been "quite clear about the issue," An said.
Namibian Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Minister Tjekero Tweya (C) cuts a ribbon for Huawei Demo Truck during the National ICT summit 2016 in Windhoek, capital of Namibia, Oct. 10, 2016. (Xinhua/Wu Changwei)

WINDHOEK, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's tech giant Huawei has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Namibia information ministry to drive information and communication technology (ICT) development and promoting technological literacy in the country.

The MoU was signed on Monday during the official opening of the 2016 ICT summit in Windhoek between information minister Tjekero Tweya and Huawei Southern Africa vice president Li Jian.

According to Li, they will also work with the ministry to achieve 100-percent broadband connections and usage in public sector agencies to allow for e-governance as well as digital TV and radio broadcast coverage of all households.

Li said Huawei will share its vast knowledge pool in four key components, namely, capacity building, infrastructure, policy framework, and especially the Seeds for Future training program.

"Through this program, we commit to provide ICT training to 10 Namibia students in Huawei headquarter in China in the following year," he said.

He said that Huawei, with its advanced technology and dedicated service, aims to help Namibia achieve its Harambee Prosperity Plan goals advocated by President Hage Geingob to alleviate poverty by 2020.
COLOMBO, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Sri Lankan government said Wednesday that 30 Sri Lankan refugees in south India will return to the country next week.

The Ministry of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs said the refugees will return as part of a voluntary repatriation programme assisted by the UN refugees agency, UNHCR.

V.Sivagnanasothy, Secretary of the Ministry of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs said that of the 30 refugee returnees 13 are males and 17 are females.

The UNHCR provides free air tickets, reintegration allowance of 75 U.S. dollars per person, transport allowance 19 U.S. dollars per person and monitory non-food grant of 75 U.S. dollars per family.

Since 2011, the Ministry says 5,110 refugees (1,863 Families) have returned to Sri Lanka. Over 100,000 Sri Lankan refugees are currently in India.

Minister Swaminathan initiated a Cabinet paper on which livelihood assistance of maximum to refugee returnees is provided to support the livelihood activities.

Further, the provision of dry ration has already been approved for six months. The ministry has instructed officials to provide compensation for those who have lost their houses and suffered loss of family members and for injuries.

Sivagnanasothy said that the refugees who lost their houses will be provided with houses under the housing programme of the ministry.

The Government of Sri Lanka under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena has initiated action to encourage the voluntary refugee returnee programme on a phased out basis and the Government says the current trend of increased refugee returnees is a sign of reconciliation and moving towards permanent peace.
TOKYO, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- A temporary blackout across Tokyo has seen power fully restored to around 350,000 buildings affected, including government buildings, the government said on Wednesday.

According to Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, the government's top spokesperson, Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) had informed him that power had been restored to the grid, and that the government buildings affected in the Kasumigaseki district of Tokyo.

Those include the Finance Ministry and the Foreign Ministry that temporarily lost power, were receiving full supply and were no longer relying on emergency backup generators.

Suga said initially that power supply had become unstable at a number of government offices and that the exact cause of the blackout was still being investigated, although terrorism had not been ruled out. He said however that as of 4:00 p.m. local time, power had been fully restored.

More than 350,000 homes in Tokyo were left without power Wednesday afternoon as firefighters and police rushed to put out a fire at one of TEPCO's facilities in Saitama Prefecture, just outside Tokyo, after smoke was seen coming from a substation, local media reports said.

Fire fighters were seen in dramatic scenes battling a blaze that had caused huge plumes of thick black smoke to dominate an otherwise clear sky on Wednesday afternoon.

The flames were first detected from power lines near Tokyo, with buildings in the capital, including government offices, also affected and at least two subway lines having their operations suspended, public broadcaster NHK confirmed, quoting a local official from the city of Niiza.

Seibu Railway Co. said that it had suspended the majority of its operations during the blackout, according to a spokesperson from the company.

Along with a number of ministries in the central Tokyo area, The Tokyo High Court and District Court were also affected by the blackout, which forced some trials to be rescheduled, officials said.

Police and firefighters are probing the cause of the incident at the facility and along with the investigators, TEPCO believes there is a possibility that its substation's power transmission line may have been damaged during the fire and resulted in the widespread blackout across the Tokyo Metropolitan area.

The blackout left some 350,000 houses without electricity, TEPCO said, with half of those affected being in Tokyo's Nerima ward, while the Minato ward was also widely affected.

TEPCO, the police and the firefighters, as quoted by local media, said that investigations are continuing, but that they had not received reports of injury or damage as a result of the large scale power outage.

TEPCO said as of its latest findings that there were no indications of terrorism at the site of the fire.

The embattled utility, still grappling in the wake of an ongoing nuclear crisis in Fukushima Prefecture, said that the problem had been basically resolved by around 4:30 p.m. local time.
BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will pay a state visit to China from Oct. 18 to 21, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang on Wednesday.

During the trip, Xi and Duterte will discuss improving bilateral ties, deepening cooperation and international and regional issues of common concern.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang will also meet Duterte, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a daily press briefing.

China hopes the visit will help the two nations strengthen political trust, deepen cooperation, continue friendship, properly handle disputes, and promote bilateral relations back to the track of sound and stable development, Geng said.

He added that the two sides were keeping close communication regarding specific arrangement and the results and deals that could be achieved.

Geng said a good China-Philippines relationship was a common desire of the two nations.

China attaches high importance to relations with the Philippines and is willing to work with the country to promote the sound and stable development of bilateral ties, he said.
HANOI, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- A workshop concluded here on Wednesday, representing one of the final steps in drafting Vietnam's national action plan to mitigate chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear risks.

At the three-day workshop, Duong Quoc Hung, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety, reiterated the country's engagement in mitigating the risks, which was welcomed by delegates from the European Union (EU).

The plan's overall purpose is to articulate a national vision for the risk mitigation and to identify priorities for building capacity in this area. The plan is part of the EU Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear Centers of Excellence Risk Mitigation Initiative.

The initiative, funded by the EU and jointly implemented by the United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute and the European Commission Joint Research Center, involves 55 partner countries in the world, said the EU delegation to Vietnam.

The EU has recently launched a new cooperation project worth 1.6 million euro with Vietnam to enhance the capacity and effectiveness of the Vietnam Agency for Radiation and Nuclear Safety.

Vietnam is making preparations for building its first nuclear power plant with capacity of 4,000 MW in the central province of Ninh Thuan, which is scheduled to become operational by 2028.
Yemeni mourners carry the coffin of Abdel Qader Hilal, the mayor of the capital Sanaa, on October 10, 2016 after he was killed in an air strike on a funeral in the Yemeni capital three days ago. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

RIYADH, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Saudi king Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saudi ordered Wednesday to send seriously injured Yemeni victims of the hotel blast in Sanaa to be treated abroad, Saudi Press Agency reported.

The King ordered King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre in coordination with the Saudi-led coalition, the elected Yemeni government and UN affiliated organizations to facilitate the transfer of critical cases that required special medical care to be treated abroad.

The King highlighted that the directive was part of many Saudi humanitarian initiatives to Yemenis.

The victims were injured in an airstrike that targeted a funeral reception at a hotel this week in Yemen's capital Sanaa.

The coalition denied any connection behind the bombing that killed hundreds of people, calling for finding other reasons behind the blast. It launched a probe in association with U.S. experts.

The funeral reception was held for the father of the acting interior minister and rebel Houthi loyalist Jalal al-Ruwaishan.

The coalition has been carrying out airstrikes in Yemen since the beginning of war against Houthis on March 26 that led to the deaths of many civilians on both sides.
BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Auto sales in China, the world's biggest auto market, continued to expand at a faster pace in September with growth for the month reaching a new high in more than three years, data from an industry association showed Wednesday.

About 2.56 million cars were sold on the Chinese market last month, up 26.1 percent year on year, according to China Association of Automobile Manufacturers (CAAM).

This is an increase from the 24.2 percent registered in August and the fastest growth in around three and half years.

In September, China's vehicle output rose 32.8 percent from a year ago to 2.53 million units.

The strong momentum came as the Chinese economy is showing more signs of stabilizing in recent months.

Earlier official data showed China's manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) stood at 50.4 in September, unchanged from August and staying above the 50-point mark that separates expansion from contraction for the second month in a row.
BARCELONA, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- China is faced with plenty of opportunity but not without challenging problems, the director of the Observatory of Chinese Politics Xulio Rios told Xinhua in a recent interview.

The interview was conducted on the occasion of the European Forum on the Chinese Development Model held in the Mediterranean city of Barcelona, Spain, on Monday.

The event gathered 50 researchers from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS) who discussed with other Spanish scholars China's development model.

"It is an important moment and there are many challenges and opportunities," Rios said, adding that around the economy "revolves everything else."

He also drew attention to social harmony, saying that Chinese society as a whole can be part of the country's economic development and help push consumption as a new pillar for growth.

He highlighted the importance of "preserving sovereignty," for China to pursue its own path, "an independent path" without becoming dependent on its rivals.

"The resolution of all these problems will enable China to achieve the Chinese dream and complete the process of modernization," said Rios.

He also drew attention to Spain's role in its relations with China and Europe.

"An event like this recognizes the role that Spain plays within the international arena, its relationship with China and within Europe, both economically, politically and also in the academic field," he said.

The Forum, organized by CASS in collaboration with Casa Asia, featured four panels on topics related to China's political system and the core values of socialism and culture in China's reforms and social development.
BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Wednesday exchanged congratulatory messages with Papua New Guinea's Prime Minister Peter O'Neill on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Li said in his message that mutual political trust between the two countries has continued to deepen, with people-to-people and cultural exchanges witnessing extensive growth over the last four decades.

Li noted that the two countries agreed to further advance ties during O'Neill's visit to China in July.

China is willing to work together with Papua New Guinea to continuously advance the development of China-Papua New Guinea relations, with the 40th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties as a new starting point, he added.

O'Neill said in his message that the growth of Papua New Guinea-China relations not only has benefited the two peoples, but also made positive contributions to regional stability and prosperity.

Papua New Guinea will continue to uphold the one-China policy and join hands with China to further push ahead bilateral relations, O'Neill added.
BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for strengthened and innovative social governance, stressing the need to improve systems that prevent and forecast risk.

Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks in a prepared statement about the country's social management, publicized on Wednesday. The statement was delivered by Meng Jianzhu, head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, at a national conference on public security governance held on October 10 and 11.

"More effort should be made to build a safe China at a higher level and further enhance people's sense of security," Xi said.
BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- China on Wednesday expressed strong dissatisfaction that the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders was granted to Chinese separatist teacher Ilham Tohti.

Uygur teacher Ilham Tohti, who was sentenced to life in prison for separatist activities in 2014, was named the recipient of the accolade on Tuesday by rights groups in Geneva, Switzerland.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Ilham Tohti's criminal activity was supported by solid evidence.

"While a teacher, he used to openly call terrorists and extremists 'heroes,' and deluded and coerced people to go abroad and engage in East Turkistan separatist activities," Geng said.

Ilham Tohti had planned and organized a series of separatist criminal activities, he added.

The spokesperson said his trial was held with strict adherence to Chinese law, adding China's internal affairs and judicial sovereignty cannot be interfered with.

Stressing that the case of Ilham Tohti has nothing to do with human rights, Geng said what he did was "to justify terrorist acts, divide the nation and incite hatred, which is intolerable for any country."

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein attended the award ceremony.

Geng said the attendance of the senior UN official, "severely goes against the principles and purposes of the UN Charter" and "interferes in China's domestic affairs."

"Some international forces ignore the crimes committed by separatists or terrorists on the Chinese people and deliberately [label the issue] human rights. This is a desecration and travesty of human rights and rule of law," said Geng.
MOSCOW, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Defense Ministry denied Wednesday accusations of British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson of Russia's involvement in bombing a humanitarian convoy in Syria's city of Aleppo on Sept. 19.

"There were no Russian aircraft in the area of the humanitarian convoy in Aleppo. It is a fact," the ministry's spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said in a statement.

According to a report by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and around 20 civilians were killed when 18 of 31 convoy trucks carrying life-saving supplies were destroyed during an attack northwest of Aleppo.

On Tuesday, Johnson told the House of Commons that "all the available evidence" pointed to Russian responsibility for the bombing and called for protests outside the Russian embassy in London.

Konashenkov said that Johnson's allegations represented the latest wave of accusations against Russia since Sept. 20, but no reliable evidence had been produced to back them.

He said that the Russian Defense Ministry had published a video from the actual location of the convoy, which showed a car with an unknown "humanitarian" large caliber mortar.

Konashenkov challenged Johnson to present proof of Russian involvement in the incident, which the spokesman said would "not be worth a penny" if made public.
BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday exchanged congratulatory messages with Papua New Guinea (PNG) Governor-General Michael Ogio on the 40th anniversary of diplomatic ties.

In his message, Xi said since China and PNG established diplomatic ties in 1976, bilateral ties have witnessed remarkable progress.

When Xi met met with visiting PNG Prime Minister Peter O'Neill in Beijing in July, the two sides reiterated the need to consolidate and develop their strategic partnership on the basis of mutual respect and joint development.

Favorable opportunities have come for the development of bilateral relations, said Xi, voicing China's willingness to work with PNG to strengthen cooperations in various fields, lift bilateral ties to a higher level and bring more benefits to the two countries and peoples.

Ogio said in his message that PNG's socioeconomic development has been supported by China since the establishment of their diplomatic relations 40 years ago.

He noted that PNG will continue to adhere to the one-China policy and actively develop relations with China.

Expressing satisfaction with his country's friendly ties with China over the last 40 years, Ogio expects further advancement in the development of bilateral relations in the coming 40 years.
HOUSTON, Oct. 11 (Xinhua) -- U.S. Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump said Tuesday that he was ready to fight Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton after being set free from the "shackles" of the Republican establishment.

Trump made the remarks while attending a fundraiser in Dallas, Texas, according to the Dallas Morning News.

He told a group of about 700 donors that "the shackles" have been taken off him, freeing him to "fight for America the way I want to."

Trump said this in reference to U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan, who said Monday that he would not campaign for Trump any longer after a damaging video of lewd comments led several GOP officeholders to abandon Trump's campaign.

He called U.S. lawmakers who abandoned him "hypocrites."

Trump attacked Ryan, saying in a barrage of tweets that the speaker was "weak and ineffective" and had provided "zero support" for his candidacy.

He had grown as a candidate and looks forward to finishing the job against Clinton, Trump said, adding that "we have to focus on what is important. What's happening today."

On Tuesday, Trump also participated in a fundraiser in San Antonio, a city in southern Texas.

He told the donors that he badly wanted to beat Clinton and that it would be a disappointment if he lost.

A group of San Antonio police officers appeared to violate city policy when they posed for a video with Trump wearing the Republican's "Make America Great Again" red hats.

The city's police bars employees from participating in any sort of political activity while on duty.

San Antonio Mayor Ivy R. Taylor and the city's police chief have apologized for the incident, saying they were disappointed by the police officers' lack of judgement and police must be above politics and serve everyone equally.
MOGADISHU, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. government said it has launched investigations into claims that its forces mistakenly killed 22 Somalia soldiers and injured 16 others in the outskirt of Galkayo town in central Somalia on Sept. 28.

U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Stephen Schwartz said the U.S. government is working closely with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS), the Interim Galmudug Administration (IGA), and Puntland Administration officials to address concerns related to the incident.

"The United States is aware of reports of casualties in Galkayo and takes such allegations very seriously. The Department of Defense has initiated an assessment of all credible evidence," Schwartz said in a statement issued in Mogadishu on Wednesday.

The airstrikes sparked demonstrations in Galkayo town with angry protesters accusing semi-autonomous Puntland State of giving false information to American Special Forces to kill the soldiers who were in their military base and not the militants who have been fighting to topple the Western-backed government.

There was a meeting in the area when the joint forces were conducting the operation.

The American envoy held meetings Oct. 6, 7, and 8 in Mogadishu with clan elders, and senior community and political leadership from South Galkayo, including IGA President Guled. He also had conversations with Puntland President Gaas and Somali National Army leadership.

During the meetings, Schwartz emphasized Washington seeks to improve its communication and collaboration with Galmudug security forces and the Somali National Army to fight Al-Shabaab.

"The United States strongly encourages Galmudug and Puntland authorities to undertake serious negotiations to resolve outstanding differences and establish conditions for peace and wider reconciliation," the statement said.

"The United States remains committed to working with all Somalis to help Somalia progress towards peace, prosperity, and security."
Syrian volunteers carry an injured person on a stretcher following Syrian government forces airstrikes on the rebel held neighbourhood of Heluk in Aleppo, on September 30, 2016. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

DAMASCUS, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Syrian warplanes carried out multiple airstrikes against rebel-held positions in the eastern countryside of the capital Damascus on Wednesday, a military source told Xinhua.

The airstrikes targeted rebel positions in the neighborhoods of Jobar, Zamalka, Ayn Tarma, and Douma in the Eastern Ghouta Countryside, scoring straight hits against the rebels, the source said on condition of anonymity.

The airstrikes come as a response to the rebels, who have intensified their mortar shelling against the residential areas in the capital over the past few days.

The rebels' shelling targeted the Umayyad Square, the main square in central Damascus. They also targeted the Umayyad Mosque and the time-honored Hamidiyeh Souk in the old part of Damascus on Wednesday, leaving injuries only.

Also, three mortar rounds struck the vicinity of the Russian Embassy in the Mazraa neighborhood Wednesday, leaving some damages, local media reported.

A day earlier, at least 10 people were killed by rebel mortar fire in the southern province of Daraa, and the Aleppo.

The sounds of warplanes over Damascus were clearly heard on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning and afternoon.

The fresh escalation is part of the broader military showdown that has intensified in key areas recently, following the faltering cooperation between the United States and Russia, regarding achieving a ceasefire in Syria.
ISLAMABAD, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Three Afghan Taliban leaders, including Ahmadullah Muti alias Mullah Nanai who served as intelligence chief, were reportedly have been arrested by Pakistani authorities, said local media on Wednesday, citing unnamed Taliban sources.

Suleman Agha, the Taliban governor for Daykund province, and Mullah Sani, who is also known as Samad Sani, chief of a religious school and a well-known Afghan trader who have links with the Taliban, have also been taken into custody in Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan Province, Pakistani newspaper the Express Tribune said.

No official statement on the arrests is released so far, but the unnamed Taliban sources said that at least eight Taliban leaders have been arrested from different parts in Balochistan in recent weeks.

The newspaper quoted the sources as reporting that Mullah Nanai was recently appointed as the Taliban Chief Justice by the new Taliban leader Maluvi Haibatullah, adding that Nanai was arrested three days ago in Balochistan.

It said that the arrests came after the Taliban's refusal to involve in peace talk with the government here for Pakistan's crackdown against the militants' group.
JUBA, Oct.12 (Xinhua) -- South Sudanese government has refuted reports which has been circulating across the country and entire East Africa region claiming that President Salva Kiir died on Tuesday.

Panic rose in the capital Juba, late Tuesday after rumors emerged that the head of state had passed on, causing confusion in the city.

Government Spokesperson Michael Makuei told reporters Wednesday that the reports of the president's death were generated by anti-peace elements who want to cause havoc in the country.

"This is a mere lie. There is nothing as such. Salva Kiir has never been sick. He was in the office and left his office at 4.30 pm (Local time), and at present he is at his house," Makuei said.

"These are some of the problems by people who do not want peace and if you spread such wild lies they become a source of insecurity," he added.

Makuei said government will take tough actions on the manufacturers of the rumors, further threatening to cut off social media sites in the country.

"If this situation continues, don't be surprised if we disconnect you from the rest of the world because what we need is peace. But once people begin to spread wild rumors, this will not be allowed to continue. Some of these social media sites will not be allowed to work if people continue to work like that," he said.

South Sudan has seen a rise in ethnically based killings and online hate speech following the flare-up of violence in July.

The government spokesperson appealed to South Sudanese communities to refrain from acts of revenge attacks and embrace peace.
BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- China ranked third worldwide in citations of science and technology papers by the country's researchers, a government think tank revealed on Wednesday.

Among the world's most-cited papers in the past decade, Chinese scientists contributed 16,900 papers, or 12.8 percent of the global share, said a report by the Institute of Scientific and Technical Information under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

China ranked second in citations worldwide in eight fields including mathematics, medicine and agricultural sciences, according to the institute.

China moved up one spot in rank from the fourth in 2015, with just the United States and Britain ahead in the rankings this year, the institute said.

A total of 296,800 scientific papers indexed by the internationally recognized Science Citation Index have come from Chinese researchers, the second-highest number worldwide, according to the report.
ABUJA, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian leader Muhammadu Buhari will lead a high-powered delegation from Nigeria on Wednesday, on a three-day state visit to Germany, a presidency statement said.

In Berlin, Buhari and his German counterpart Angela Merkel will discuss issues of shared interests between Nigeria and Germany, including further cooperation on security, the humanitarian situation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and rehabilitation of Nigeria's northeast region due to Boko Haram's insurgency.

The two leaders will also discuss about trade and economic relations between their countries.

"In furtherance of the administration's objective to attract more foreign investment and create economic opportunities in the country, President Buhari will participate in a Business Forum in Berlin with leading German companies already active in Nigeria and other prospective investors," the statement said.

Shortly after his inauguration on May 29, 2015, Buhari, on the invitation of Chancellor Merkel, attended the G7 summit in Elmau, Germany. The trip was his first to a non-African country after he took office.
RABAT, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The leader of Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), Abdelilah Benkirane, will start on Wednesday consultations with political parties to form a new government, local media reported.

King Mohammed VI named Benkirane on Monday as the prime minister for a second term with the task of forming a new government.

"Consultations will be hold with the parties making the current majority," daily Akhbar Al Yaoum cited Benkirane as saying.

The PJD secured 125 seats out of 395 on Friday's poll. According to Morocco's constitution, passed in 2011 after the so-called Arab Spring uprisings, the winning party will lead the coalition government.

The Islamists will continue partnering within the same coalition parties, the National Rally of Independents (RNI) with 35 seats, Popular Movement (MP) with 27 seats, and Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) with 12 seats.

The re-appointed PM reiterated his willingness "as soon as possible".

The liberal opposition Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), the PJD's main rival, won 102 seats, while the Istiqlal party took 46.
NEW DELHI, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The ailing Chief Minister of southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu has handed over all her responsibilities and portfolios to her deputy, officials said Wednesday.

"Under Clause (3) of Article 166 of the Constitution of India, Governor allocated the subjects hitherto dealt with by Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa to O Panneerselvam, minister of finance, personnel and administrative reforms," a statement issued by Governor's office Raj Bhavan said.

The decision to handover portfolios to Panneerselvam according to Governor was taken on advice of the incumbent Chief Minister.

Officials said Jayalalithaa continues to remain Chief Minister but Panneerselvam apart from holding the charges of her ministries would preside over the cabinet meetings.

The arrangement, according to officials, would last until Jayalalithaa's health improves and she resumes her duties.

Panneerselvam, a trusted aide of Jayalalithaa has filled in for her when she was arrested two years ago and previously in 2001 when she was barred by India's Supreme Court.

The Chief Minister was admitted in hospital on Sept. 22 for fever and dehydration. According to a recent health bulletin, she requires a longer stay in the hospital and has been on respiratory support for several days.

Initially her illness was kept secret. However, it triggered an uneasiness among her supporters in the state and triggered rumours.

On Tuesday, police in the state's capital city Chennai arrested two people for "spreading rumours" about Jayalalithaa's health.

Reports said police suspect her supporters could resort to violence and acts of self-immolation in the event of bad news related to her.

The 68-year-old Jayalalithaa, a former movie star has served as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu on numerous occasions since 1991. She is head of the regional All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Khazagham (AIADMK) party and her tenure was surrounded by controversies. She was even jailed in past on charges of corruption.

In between her stints as head of the government, Tamil Nadu was ruled by her great rival, the 93-year-old M Karunanidhi, leader of the DMK party.

Jayalalitha has starred in more than 100 films before joining politics. She was brought into politics by the then actor-turned-chief minister, MG Ramachandran, with whom she starred in many of her films.

Her supporters and partymen has given her the name - Amma which in Tamil language means mother.
CHONGQING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The economy of southwest China's Chongqing Municipality has been boosted by the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to connect China and other countries along the ancient land and maritime Silk Roads.

Changes started in Chongqing as early as five years ago, when IT companies like HP and Acer set up operations in the municipality.

"These companies needed to develop a convenient, time-saving and cost-effective logistic path to send their products to global markets," said Yang Liqiong, director of the municipal logistics office.

This year, the Yuxinou (Chongqing-Xinjiang-Europe) Railway was opened to connect Chongqing and Duisburg, which is close to Germany's border with the Netherlands.

"Transportation arteries like Yuxinou ended the logistical isolation of Chongqing from countries along the Belt and Road," said Zhang Jun, chairman of the board of a potassium company in Kazakhstan.

In August, Chongqing signed a contract with the Kazakh company to jointly build a fertilizer distribution hub.

"The hub will be used to distribute fertilizers to southwestern provinces in China and also exported to Japan and Southeast Asian countries," Zhang said.

China need 14 million tonnes of potassium chloride per year, half of which needs to be imported.

"The hub would not have been possible if not for the Yuxinou Railway network," he added.

BETTER CONNECTION

In 2013, China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative, which aims to build a trade and infrastructure network connecting Asia with Europe and Africa, along ancient trade routes. Chongqing has been one of the most active provinces to spearhead efforts to implement the initiative.

The Yuxinou Railway, along with other transportation projects, has been expanded in capacity to support business and trade along the new silk road.

Regular bus services have been opened from Chongqing to southeastern Asian countries. Chongqing spent 10 billion yuan to build the Guoyuan port on the Yangtze River. Rail, aviation and waterway transportation have diversified logistical choices for businesses.

"Inland areas like Chongqing used to be at the end of an international industrial division of labor. We have to wait for the resources to be transferred from developing countries, to the coastal areas of China, and then inland," said Guo Jian, head of the Chongqing municipal commission of economy and information.

"With improved infrastructure, we are in a better position to compete with others and promote business," he said.

Lifan, a Chongqing-based motorcycle and automobile manufacturer, saw a 20 percent growth in sales to the Russian market in last year, despite cross-the-board sluggish growth in the auto market.

"More than 80 percent of our exports to Russia go through Yuxinou Rail. Railway transport saves more than 30 days on shipping, and cut logistical costs by five million U.S. dollars a year," said Chen Wei, vice president of Lifan.

INDUSTRIAL UPGRADING

Chongqing is one of China's largest laptop manufacturing bases. Every year, millions of laptops travel through Yangtze waterways and on railway transport to other parts of China and to the overseas market. It also makes about a third of cell phones in China, or one sixth of the global total, according to an industrial forecast for this year.

"Logistics have figured rather importantly in each and every step as Chongqing builds a strong electronics industry. Good transportation and industrial infrastructure lured and kept strong companies here," said Guo.

Trans-border e-commerce is also booming in Chongqing. Osell, an e-commerce platform headquartered in Chongqing, connects 190,000 small and medium sized Chinese companies with more than 1.7 million overseas retailers and buyers around the world. In 2015, transactions enabled by Osell totaled over 5 billion U.S. dollars.

Municipal authorities have pledged further efforts promoting economic development.

"Chongqing is working towards a faster clearing of goods, smoothing out logistical bottlenecks and solving financing problems for companies," said Yang Liqiong.

Authorities will improve the efficiency of the railway network and help develop a sound and healthy market for logistics, she said.
MADRID, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Spain on Wednesday celebrates the Fiesta of the Virgin del Pilar and its own national identity and nowhere is that celebration more felt than in Zaragoza, Aragon, one of Spain's most traditional regions.

As well as being the patron of Hispanidad -- "Spanishness" in English -- the Virgin del Pilar is also the patron of Aragon and the days up to and including Oct. 12 take on special significance in Zaragoza, which receives around 400,000 visitors over the period.

The Fiestas del Pilar date back to 1807. During the celebration, eight days are dedicated to a series of cultural events with their roots deep in tradition.

The first day of the festivities is greeted with an announcement from the balcony of the Town Hall and followed by a parade through the city streets.

Although the Fiestas see many religious acts, such as the Offering of Flowers on Oct. 12, these also have great cultural significance. This tradition sees people from all over the region of Aragon lay their flowers at the feet of the statue of the Virgin del Pilar, spreading them out into the shape of a giant skirt.

Those who lay their offering down are dressed in traditional clothes, adding to the spectacle, and for the participants just putting on their garments forms part of the ritual.

On Oct. 13, a similar event takes place in which baskets of seasonal fruit are offered to the statue, while every day of the fiesta sees parades of "Giants and Cabezudos" (big heads) in the streets.

The eight giants represent the upper classes and the continents of the earth, with the King and Queen leading others such as the Duke and Duchess, Don Quixote and the Chinaman, while the eight "big heads" represent the popular classes.

All of this is accompanied by traditional folk music and the Jota, the traditional dance in Aragon.

As well as myriad cultural events, the celebrations include Aragon's excellent local wine from regions such as Somontano, Calatayud and Campo de Borja, and roast lamb.

Every year, fireworks bring the celebrations to an end in a display of color and light which reflects off the waters of the River Ebro.
Abdelilah Benkirane, secretary-general of Morocco's Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD) speaks during a new conference at the party's headquarters in Rabat, Morocco early October 8, 2016. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)

RABAT, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The leader of Islamist Justice and Development Party (PJD), Abdelilah Benkirane, will start on Wednesday consultations with political parties to form a new government, local media reported.

King Mohammed VI named Benkirane on Monday as the prime minister for a second term with the task of forming a new government.

"Consultations will be hold with the parties making the current majority," daily Akhbar Al Yaoum cited Benkirane as saying.

The PJD secured 125 seats out of 395 on Friday's poll. According to Morocco's constitution, passed in 2011 after the so-called Arab Spring uprisings, the winning party will lead the coalition government.

The Islamists will continue partnering within the same coalition parties, the National Rally of Independents (RNI) with 35 seats, Popular Movement (MP) with 27 seats, and Party of Progress and Socialism (PPS) with 12 seats.

The re-appointed PM reiterated his willingness "as soon as possible".

The liberal opposition Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), the PJD's main rival, won 102 seats, while the Istiqlal party took 46.
ABUJA, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- At least eight people died Wednesday morning when a bomb exploded near a local motor park in Nigeria's northeastern city of Maiduguri, capital of Borno State, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said.

The rescue agency confirmed to Xinhua that 15 injured persons have been taken to hospital for treatment.

The bomb was suspected to have been planted by terror group Boko Haram inside a car near the Muna motor park in Jere local district of Borno.

Local police said two vehicles were blown off by the blast, adding security operatives had cordoned off the area.

Nigeria's northeast region has been a stronghold of the extremist group Boko Haram. In past months, the Nigerian government has launched several military operations to eliminate the terrorist threat.
MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- More than 3 dozen people were either killed or injured as a blast targeted worshipers inside a mosque in Afghanistan's northern Balkh province on Wednesday, a local official said.
LONDON, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The biggest ever flu vaccine program for children in England was announced Wednesday.

Public Health England (PHE) is to extend its annual flu program to include children in year 3, helping to protect millions of people most at risk.

To coincide with the extended program PHE and NHS England are mounting a major campaign to help children and the vulnerable stay well over the winter months.

PHE said the Stay Well This Winter campaign launches Wednesday with the biggest ever flu vaccination program in England for children. This year the program is being extended to those in school year 3, offering more than 4 million children protection against flu, around 600,000 more than last year.

As well as offering protection to children aged 2 to 7 years, PHE say it will help reduce the spread of flu to the most vulnerable in the community, particularly younger children, the elderly and those with long-term conditions.

Building on the success of last year, children aged 2, 3 and 4 can now get the vaccination from their GP. The school vaccination program gets underway later this week, with parents of younger children in primary schools, asked permission for their child to get the free nasal spray vaccination at school. The program will be extended gradually to older age groups in primary school in future years.

A PHE spokesman said: "Children are most likely to spread flu to others, so targeting them helps protect the wider community too."

Chief Medical Officer, Professor Dame Sally Davies, said: "Flu can be much more dangerous for children than many parents realise, and when children get flu, they tend to spread it around the whole family."
KUNDUZ, Afghanistan, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Afghan government recaptured the northern Kunduz city on Wednesday, forcing Taliban militants to retreat to their former bases, a senior police official said.

"Taliban rebels after suffering huge casualties and leaving scores of dead bodies behind fled Kunduz city on Wednesday and the whole city is in control of the government forces at the moment," the official Mahfozullah Akbari told Xinhua.

Taliban militants in a surprise mover overrun major parts of Kunduz city on Oct. 3, prompting government forces to launch counter-offensive.

"More than 200 Taliban rebels have been killed and more than 300 others sustained injuries since the government forces launched counter-offensive to dislodge militants from the city," the official said, claiming that scores of the dead bodies of the Taliban fighters were lying on the streets and the fleeing militants were unable to take their bodies.

According to the official, more than 20 police personnel have been killed and 45 others injured since Taliban onslaught on Kunduz city and counter-offensive to flash out militants.

Taliban militants are yet to make comment on the situation there in Kunduz city.

However, Akbari avoided commenting on casualties of civilians and national army personnel over the past nine days of bloody fighting for the control of Kunduz, 250 km north of Kabul.

Normalcy has been returning to the war-ravaged city and those escaped the war are gradually returning to their homes, Akbari said.

Nevertheless, he added the presence of mines planted by fleeing militants on some residential areas has slowed down the return of families to their houses.

Meantime, head of Kunduz provincial health department Abdul Hamid Alam has confirmed that 342 injured people had been taken to hospitals for medical treatments, including civilians and military personnel, some of them in critical conditions.

More than 22,000 families left Kunduz city for safer places in the wake of Taliban attack on Kunduz city and have relocated to Takhar, Samangan, Balkh, Kabul and other parts of the country, head of Refugees Department in Kunduz province Sayed Abdul Salam Hashimi told Xinhua.
People transfer an injured child to a hospital after a blast in Balkh district of the northern Balkh province, Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2016. At least six people were killed and 36 others injured as a suicide bomber blew himself up next to a group of Ashura mourners in the north Afghanistan Wednesday, a local official said. (Xinhua/Yaqoub Azorda)

MAZAR-E-SHARIF, Afghanistan, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- At least six people were killed and 36 others injured as a suicide bomber blew himself up next to a group of Ashura mourners in the north Afghanistan Wednesday, a local official said.

"A procession of Ashura mourners were on a street in Balkh district of Balkh province to pay tribute to Imam Hussian the grandson of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), when a terrorist tied explosive device in his body blew himself up among the mourners," Balkh district governor Amir Mohammad Waqar told Xinhua.

Meantime, some eyewitnesses have said that the blast was a remote-controlled bomb that targeted the Ashura mourners.

This is the second attack on Ashura mourners over the past two days. In the previous attack, which happened inside a shrine in Kabul on Tuesday night, claimed the lives of 16 people and wounding 54 others, according to Interior Ministry.
BRATISLAVA, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Slovak government on Wednesday approved the minimum wage hike from 405 euros (about 446 U.S. dollars) to 435 euros per month at government session.

Social partners were repeatedly negotiating the minimum wage hike, but they didn't come to an agreement. Consequently, the Slovak Labour, Social Affairs and the Family Ministry was responsible for suggesting the amount.

"Nevertheless, it'll have a positive impact on individuals receiving the minimum wage, as well as on parents, if one of them is employed. It's important to constantly push the minimum wage further up so that it's worth working in Slovakia," stressed Slovak Labor Minister Jan Richter.

The minimum wage in Slovakia will reach 52 percent of the average monthly salary in 2017. This year it's 51 percent. (1 euro = 1.10 U.S. dollars)
by Xue Lei, Nguon Sovan

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Cambodian politicians and scholars applauded Chinese President Xi Jinping's signed article published in a leading Cambodian newspaper on Wednesday, saying that the article reflects Xi's sincere view of Cambodia as a true friend of China.

Xi's article titled "China and Cambodia: Good Neighbors and Trusted Friends" was published in the Rasmei Kampuchea Daily Newspaper, Cambodia's largest Khmer-language newspaper, on Wednesday, a day ahead of his first state visit to Cambodia.

According to the article, Xi highly values China-Cambodia friendly exchanges, which date back to more than a millennium until the two countries established diplomatic ties in 1958. He said over the past 58 years, successive leaders of both countries have maintained close interactions and developed a close bond of friendship.

China will work with Cambodia to strengthen their comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in wide-ranging areas and at different levels so as to deliver greater benefit to the two peoples, Xi wrote.

China will continue to support Cambodia in pursuing a development path that suits its own national conditions and firmly support Cambodia in safeguarding sovereignty, maintaining domestic stability and accelerating economic development, the Chinese president said.

"I am convinced that with our concerted efforts, China-Cambodia traditional friendship will bear more fruits and that we will forever be good neighbors and genuine trusted friends," he wrote at the conclusion of his article.

Phay Siphan, the spokesman for the Cambodia Council of Ministers, said Xi's article clearly reflects China's high attention to further deepening China-Cambodia relations and to supporting Cambodia in all circumstances.

"We highly appreciate President Xi for paying such high attention to further enhancing ties and cooperation between China and Cambodia," he told Xinhua. "His upcoming visit is a great honor for Cambodia."

He said that Xi's visit would enhance all-round cooperation between Cambodia and China, especially under the framework of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

The spokesman also admired China for treating all countries equally regardless of their size.

Sok Eysan, a spokesman for the ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP), said that the article demonstrates that Xi shows great honor to Cambodia and the Cambodian people.

"Although we are a small country, China treats us equally," he told Xinhua. "Cambodia is proud to be one of China's trusted friends."

"We're confident that President Xi's visit to Cambodia will further deepen friendly relations, solidarity and all-round cooperation," Eysan said.

Mey Kalyan, a senior adviser of the Supreme National Economic Council, which is the Cambodian government's economic policy-making institution, said that Xi's message provides the Cambodian people with even more trust in closer Sino-Cambodian relations in the future.

"I'm deeply impressed by Xi's message which is comprehensive in its coverage, ranging from history to politics, to economics, and to people to people relations," he told Xinhua. "The message can profoundly touch the hearts and souls of many Cambodian people."

Chheang Vannarith, chairman of the Cambodian Institute for Strategic Studies, said Xi's message signified his personal attachment to Cambodia and his sincere treatment of Cambodia as a true friend of China.

"Cambodia-China bilateral relationship is special given that it is deeply rooted in history and culture and shares common visions and interests," he told Xinhua. "It is purely a natural alliance, an alliance that has been built based on mutual respect, mutual learning, mutual interest, and mutual support."

The scholar added that implementing a comprehensive and all-round strategic partnership between the two countries is the core message of President Xi.

"It clearly shows the depth and breath of the relationship. Institutionally connecting the Belt and Road initiative with the (Cambodia's) Rectangular Development strategy is crucial to effectively implement both the initiatives," he said. "It illustrates that China is not imposing its development model on Cambodia but also willing to share and learn from others. It is a new model of international relations between a big and a small country."

He said another core message is that China is firmly committed to safeguarding Cambodia's sovereignty, maintaining domestic stability and accelerating economic development.

Joseph Matthews, director of ASEAN Education Center in Phnom Penh, said Xi's pre-visit article on Sino-Cambodian relations reflect a deeper and comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries.

"President Xi places great importance and high value on Cambodia and its current leaders," he said.

The scholar said Xi's forthcoming visit to Cambodia will also contribute to boosting economic cooperation between the two countries under the framework of the Belt and Road initiative.
HONG KONG, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The sixth term of Legislative Council (LegCo) of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) held its first meeting on Wednesday.

In accordance with the Rules of Procedure of the LegCo, the 70 newly-elected legislators took their oaths of office one by one at the beginning of the meeting.

According to the rules, the content of the oath is "I swear that, being a member of the Legislative Council of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, I will uphold the Basic Law of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, bear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and serve the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region conscientiously, dutifully, in full accordance with the law, honestly and with integrity."

But three members-elect did not complete their oath-taking procedure since they added extra phrases into the oath or showed slogan violating the oath.

Chen Wei-on, the LegCo secretary general who oversaw the oath-taking, said that he did not have the authority to swear them in as legislators and told them to return to their seats.

Yau Wai-ching, Leung Chun-hang and Yiu Chung-yim were also barred from casting ballots in the vote to elect the LegCo president, as the Rules of Procedure states "no Member of the Council shall attend a meeting or vote therein until he has made or subscribed an oath or affirmation in accordance with the provisions of the Oaths and Declarations Ordinance."

The SAR government issued a statement Tuesday on the swearing-in by members-elect of the LegCo, said the oath-taking of members upon the commencement of the new LegCo term is not just a solemn ceremony but also a requisite for compliance with the law.

The statement said Article 104 of the Basic Law requires that, when assuming office, members of LegCo must, in accordance with law, swear to uphold the Basic Law and swear allegiance to the Hong Kong SAR. This is a constitutional requirement.

Lee Wai-king, member of LegCo and chairman of Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, said she felt sorry that the three legislators deliberately expressed their political stand in the oath-taking.

"The LegCo is a sacred and solemn place, not for the members to give political shows," she added.

Leung Kwan-yuen, 65-year-old chairman of the Business and Professionals Alliance for Hong Kong (BPA), was elected president of the sixth LegCo by winning 38 votes.

As the legislative body of the Hong Kong SAR, the LegCo has 70 seats, with 35 returned by geographical constituencies through direct elections, and the other 35 by functional constituencies.

Each term of office of a legislator is four years, except for the first term when it was set to be two years. The sixth term of LegCo will end on Sept. 30, 2020.

Over 2.2 million voters cast their ballots in the election of the sixth LegCo on Sept. 4. Among all the 70 seats of the LegCo, the pro-establishment camp won 41 seats, accounting for about 60 percent of the total.
BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The seventh Xiangshan Forum concluded in Beijing on Wednesday, with attendees from 59 countries and five international organizations reaching consensus on maritime security, among other issues.

About 500 defense officials and scholars gathered to discuss global security cooperation at the forum. Cai Yingting, president of the PLA Academy of Military Science, said consensus had been reached on five aspects, when delivering his concluding speech.

Maritime disputes should be handled by directly involved parties through consultations and negotiations in line with the UN Charter and the international law and with respect to historical facts, according to the consensus reached at the forum.

Maritime activities should be more regulated and crisis control boosted under a regional multilateral security framework.

Cooperation in navigation escort missions, humanitarian assistance, pirate crackdowns and maritime anti-terror operations will be enhanced to safeguard harmonious and stable maritime order in the Asia-Pacific area, according to the consensus reached at the forum.

Attendees agreed to heighten coordination on various security mechanisms and to build a model of security governance characteristic of the Asia-Pacific region through the Asian approach that values mutual respect, seeking consensus through consultations and taking care of the degree of comfort of all sides.

Participants also agreed to prevent and fight all forms of terrorism, avoiding politicizing the matter or applying "double standards."

The consensus reached by the forum also covered global governance and building a new type of international relations featuring cooperation and and mutually beneficial arrangements.

The forum was launched by a Chinese academic association in 2006 and has been held every two years since 2006. Since 2015, China has invited more foreign defense officials and scholars to the forum and upgraded it to an annual event.
BRATISLAVA, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Slovakia has declared a national day of mourning on Thursday to commemorate the life of ex-president Michal Kovac who passed away on Oct. 5, said Marta Fabianova of the Slovak interior ministry's press department on Wednesday.

Kovac's state funeral will also take place on Thursday.

"State authorities and institutions, as well as regional and local government bodies, will use a special flag decoration. Slovakia's state flags will be flown at half-mast," said Fabianova. Black flags will be flown along with them.

Gambling will also be excluded in Slovakia in connection with the national mourning.

Kovac died last Wednesday night of heart failure at the age of 86. He served as the deputy director at Zivnostenska Banka in London from 1967 to 1969. After the velvet revolution in November 1989, Kovac was involved with the Public Against Violence (VPN) movement and served as Slovak finance minister from 1989 to 1991.

He joined former three-time premier Vladimir Meciar's HZDS party in 1991 and served as its vice-chair for economy until 1993, when he was elected the first Slovak president, a position he held from 1993 to 1998.
Bai Chunli (3rd L), President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), and other guests attend the unveiling ceremony of Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences Myanmar Project, in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar, on Oct. 12, 2016. (Xinhua/U Aung)

NAY PYI TAW, Oct. 14 (Xinhua) -- A Southeast Asia Biodiversity Research Institute (SEABRI), established by China and Myanmar, has been unveiled in Nay Pyi Taw.

The SEABRI, unveiled on Wednesday, was jointly established by the Chinese Academy of Science (CAS) and the Myanmar Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation.

The SEABRI project, which had been implemented since 2013 under a bilateral MoU, includes four labs for research on animal activities, biodiversity, aqua-biodiversity, traditional medicines, human and plant species.

It aims to enable international research on biodiversity and science among the countries along the Belt and Road and in Southeast Asia, based on the China-Myanmar cooperation.

U Khin Maung Yee, permanent secretary for the ministry of natural resources and environmental conservation of Myanmar, expressed his belief that SEABRI will provide opportunities for the Myanmar counterpart to improve their capacities.

The SEABRI will serve as a powerful international platform for collaborative research and discovery, training the youths from Southeast Asia who are outstanding at science and technology and conducting Master and PhD courses.
Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai (back, 5th R) addresses a seminar marking the 60th anniversary of China's space program in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 12, 2016. State Councilor Wang Yong (back, 4th R), space scientists, members of the military and other relevant institutions also participated in the seminar.(Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ma Kai on Wednesday called for more contributions to the country's space program.

During a seminar marking the 60th anniversary of China's space program, Ma said that with the leadership of the central authority and the contributions of scientists, China has established a full space innovation system and made a series of achievements.

The space industry should adhere to the new concepts of development, serve the overall development plan of the country and fully advance the opening up and reform policy, the vice premier said.

Ma also called for innovation and the integration of the military and civilian sectors. The space industry should focus on major projects and promote the development of space science, technology and application to make new achievements for China's space program and more contributions to the modernization of national defense and social and economic development, Ma said.

State Councilor Wang Yong, space scientists, members of the military and other relevant institutions also participated in the seminar.
BRUSSELS, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) and Tunisia on Wednesday started negotiations on visa facilitation and readmission of irregular migrants.

According to an EU statement, the European Commission and Tunisia began parallel negotiations on these two agreements in Tunis.

The launch of negotiations was one of the common objectives on which the EU and Tunisia had agreed at the conclusion of their Mobility Partnership in 2014.

Dimitris Avramopoulos, European Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, stated: "This marks a key phase in relations between the European Union and Tunisia."

By facilitating the issuing of visas, he said, contacts between people and economic, cultural and scientific links will be strengthened, adding that, "Tunisia could be the first country in North Africa to benefit from a visa facilitation agreement."

"At the same time, the conclusion of a readmission agreement will help to avert the risk of irregular immigration from Tunisia, and manage its consequences," Avramopoulos said.

According to Eurostat data, there were 370,000 Tunisian nationals residing legally in the EU at the end of 2015.
BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday responded to a clash between a Chinese fishing boat and a Republic of Korea (ROK) coast guard boat by urging the ROK to handle the dispute in an objective and calm manner and maintain the legitimate interests of Chinese fishermen.

Spokesperson Geng Shuang made the remarks in response to a question regarding an ROK media report that said the assistant ROK foreign minister had summoned the Chinese ambassador to protest the ramming and sinking of the ROK patrol vessel by the Chinese fishing boat.

Geng said the ROK's claim is not tenable, adding there is no legal basis for the ROK coast guard boat to carry out law enforcement operations in the waters where the clash occurred.

"Based on the geographical coordinates provided by the ROK, the clash happened at 37 degrees, 23 minutes and 06 seconds north latitude and 123 degrees, 58 minutes and 56 seconds east longitude, an area where, according to the China-ROK fishery agreement, both countries may maintain their existing fishing activities," Geng said.

China has lodged serious representations to the ROK and demanded the country handle the incident calmly and rationally, he said at a routine press briefing.

Calling fishery cooperation an important part of China-ROK ties, Geng said disputes and problems are inevitable as their cooperation grows. It is essential for both sides to enhance coordination, keep calm and operate in accordance with the bilateral fishery agreement and consensus, he added.
BUDAPEST, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Police have arrested eight suspects in the suffocation deaths of 71 migrants in August 2015, and are still seeking three truck drivers, Zoltan Boross of the Hungarian National Bureau of Investigations told a Wednesday news conference here.

Boross said an organized group of people smugglers were responsible for the fatalities, and had probably known that the 71 victims, who were packed into the back of a sealed refrigerator truck registered in Hungary, were dead before the truck crossed into Austria where local police discovered the bodies.

Austrian police began the investigation but turned it over to the Hungarians after it became clear the vehicle had Hungarian plates and had come from Hungary.

The ringleader for the smugglers was an Afghan citizen who had received asylum in Hungary, he said.

The others were all Bulgarian nationals, he added, including one Bulgarian-Lebanese dual citizen, who handled the truck purchases.

The three men still at large are also Bulgarians and had been driving for the smugglers, Boross said.

The group, Boross said, bought up used vehicles and had been transporting groups of refugees on a more or less daily basis since the start of February 2015.

They collected passengers in Serbia, had them walk over the border into Hungary, where they loaded anywhere between seven and 100 people into trucks. They then drove to Austria or Germany, collecting between 1,200 and 1,500 euros (1,320 and 1,650 U.S. dollars) per person to take them from Serbia, or 4,000 to 6,000 euros to take them from Afghanistan to Germany.

Police said they had smuggled 1,106 people along this route before the fatalities that triggered the manhunt. Police have clear-cut evidence of 25 deliveries.

Four of the men are being charged with homicide as part of an organized crime group, while the others will be charged as organized people smugglers.

Official indictments have not yet taken place since prosecutors are still studying the documents. Some of the arrested men have admitted their roles, while others have denied involvement. (1 euro = 1.10 U.S. dollars)
Yu Zhengsheng (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with a delegation of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) led by President of the Lao Front for National Construction Xaysomphone Phomvihane (L) in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 12, 2016. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese top political advisor Yu Zhengsheng on Wednesday met with a delegation of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) led by President of the Lao Front for National Construction Xaysomphone Phomvihane.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said China and Laos have established a comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation with a high degree of mutual trust over the past 55 years since they first forged diplomatic ties.

China is willing to work with Laos to fully implement the consensus reached by both leaders, Yu said.

The CPPCC would like to deepen cooperation with the Lao Front for National Construction and close bilateral exchanges to lift bilateral ties to a new level.

Xaysomphone said the LPRP and the Lao government are committed to developing bilateral ties with China and the Lao Front for National Construction is willing to enhance cooperation with the CPPCC.

Xaysomphone is slated to attend "The Party and the World 2016" forum to be held in the southwestern Chinese city of Chongqing from Thursday to Saturday.

Du Qinglin, vice chairman of the CPPCC National Committee, also met with Xaysomphone in Beijing on Wednesday.
ANKARA, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) will resume work for constitutional transition to a presidential system that will expand the powers of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The AKP will submit its own draft constitution for parliament approval, including presidential system change, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Wednesday after an opposition leader signaled his party's support for referendum.

The draft comprises 60 articles that were earlier agreed by political parties at parliament, but the AKP will also finalize missing articles, local NTV reported.

"The parliament may approve it with 367 votes, or bring it to the public decision by garnering 330 votes or more," Yildirim added referring to a referendum for the constitutional change.

"Turkey must give the de facto situation a legal status. Our proposal is a system that will help state institutions work in harmony. We'll work in compatible to our president," he said.

The prime minister's statement came a day after Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli said that the final decision for a change in system should be given by the people at a referendum.

"We agree on Bahceli's call and we say that we will bring our constitutional proposal to the parliament as soon as possible," Yildirim stated.

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy chairman Levent Gok accused the AKP and MHP of having "closed door consensus" on presidential system. "It's nonsense to bring an issue, whose debate already ended, to the agenda again," he said on Wednesday.

The AKP, having 317 deputies, lacks the parliamentary majority to bring a draft constitution to a popular referendum. Opposition parties, except MHP, are against the presidential system, while agreeing on the necessity to draft a new constitution.

Joint votes of the AKP and MHP amount to 357, but that is not enough for parliamentary approval of constitutional change which requires 367 votes to pass directly. Therefore a transition to a presidential system now seems possible only with popular referendum.

The AKP needs at least 330 votes in the 550-seat assembly to bring the constitutional change to popular referendum. Support by the MHP, having 40 seats at the parliament, can pave the way for bringing the constitutional amendment to the referendum without a major consensus among political parties.

There is no guarantee that a referendum on the presidential system will be favored by Turkish nationals.

Yet, a failed coup on July 15 in Turkey has further consolidated the power of President Erdogan making easier his ambition for an overhaul of the Turkish constitution that would give presidency many of the executive powers that traditionally belong to the prime minister.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan gestures as he delivers a speech during the draw ceremony for judges and public prosecutors at the Bestepe National Congress And Culture Center in Ankara, on October 12, 2016. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

ANKARA, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) will resume work for constitutional transition to a presidential system that will expand the powers of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

The AKP will submit its own draft constitution for parliament approval, including presidential system change, Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Wednesday after an opposition leader signaled his party's support for referendum.

The draft comprises 60 articles that were earlier agreed by political parties at parliament, but the AKP will also finalize missing articles, local NTV reported.

"The parliament may approve it with 367 votes, or bring it to the public decision by garnering 330 votes or more," Yildirim added referring to a referendum for the constitutional change.

"Turkey must give the de facto situation a legal status. Our proposal is a system that will help state institutions work in harmony. We'll work in compatible to our president," he said.

The prime minister's statement came a day after Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahceli said that the final decision for a change in system should be given by the people at a referendum.

"We agree on Bahceli's call and we say that we will bring our constitutional proposal to the parliament as soon as possible," Yildirim stated.

Main opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) deputy chairman Levent Gok accused the AKP and MHP of having "closed door consensus" on presidential system. "It's nonsense to bring an issue, whose debate already ended, to the agenda again," he said on Wednesday.

The AKP, having 317 deputies, lacks the parliamentary majority to bring a draft constitution to a popular referendum. Opposition parties, except MHP, are against the presidential system, while agreeing on the necessity to draft a new constitution.

Joint votes of the AKP and MHP amount to 357, but that is not enough for parliamentary approval of constitutional change which requires 367 votes to pass directly. Therefore a transition to a presidential system now seems possible only with popular referendum.

The AKP needs at least 330 votes in the 550-seat assembly to bring the constitutional change to popular referendum. Support by the MHP, having 40 seats at the parliament, can pave the way for bringing the constitutional amendment to the referendum without a major consensus among political parties.

There is no guarantee that a referendum on the presidential system will be favored by Turkish nationals.

Yet, a failed coup on July 15 in Turkey has further consolidated the power of President Erdogan making easier his ambition for an overhaul of the Turkish constitution that would give presidency many of the executive powers that traditionally belong to the prime minister.
Photo taken on Oct. 12, 2016 shows an advertisement of Galaxy Note 7 in a Samsung store in Beijing, capital of China. Samsung has filed a plan with China's consumer quality watchdog to recall 190,984 Galaxy Note 7 smartphones sold on the Chinese mainland, due to an overheating problem. (Xinhua/Cai Yang)

BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Samsung should make earnest efforts in follow-up work to recall Galaxy Note 7 smartphones and protect the legitimate rights of Chinese consumers, an official with China's top market watchdog said Wednesday.

Samsung should take lessons from the latest cellphone recall, fulfill its responsibility as a multinational company, and prevent similar cases from happening, an unnamed official with the Consumer Protection Bureau at the State Administration for Industry and Commerce (SAIC) said in a statement.

Samsung has filed a plan with China's consumer quality watchdog to recall 190,984 Galaxy Note 7 smartphones sold on the Chinese mainland due to an overheating problem.

There have been 20 cases of Galaxy Note 7 phones catching fire or overheating on the mainland, the General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said Tuesday.

The bureau has called on Samsung to strengthen internal product quality control, halt the sale of products with quality defects, refund customers who have purchased the cellphones, and avoid treating customers from different countries unfairly.

The Galaxy Note 7 made its debut in August, but Samsung announced global recall plans in early September, blaming faulty battery cells.
Chief of staff of the French national navy Christophe Prazuck (C) and his Egyptian commander in chief of the navy armed forces Osama Mounir (R) pose onboard aboard of the BPC Anwar el Sadat military cruise ship following the flag raising ceremony handing over the assault ship to Egypt on September 16, 2016 in Saint-Nazaire, western France. (Xinhua/AFP Photo)

CAIRO, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Egypt will host next week its first joint paratroopers' military exercise with Russia dubbed "Friendship Protectors 2016," the Egyptian military spokesman said Wednesday.

The joint exercise, which will be held from Oct. 15 to 26, includes exchange of training expertise in special forces tasks, carrying out light, medium and heavy dropping of paratroopers, equipments and vehicles of joint elements from both sides, military spokesman Mohamed Samir said in a statement.

He added that the upcoming Egyptian-Russian military exercise is part of the training plan of the Egyptian Armed Forces, noting that Egypt holds military exercises with more than 30 friendly states and carries out about 20 joint exercises per year.

Egypt's ties with Russia grow stronger since Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi came to office in mid-2014 despite last year's Russian plane crash in Egypt's Sinai that killed over 200, mostly Russians.

In May, Egypt approved the use of a 25 billion U.S. dollar loan from Russia in the construction of the first nuclear power plant in the most populous Arab country, according to official MENA news agency.

Egypt has recently voted for a Russian draft resolution at the UN Security Council over Syria, which is believed to have disturbed Egypt's biggest Gulf ally Saudi Arabia although Egypt voted for a rival Western draft resolution.

Egypt said it voted for both resolutions, which failed to pass at the international body, out of keenness on a relief for the Syrian people, particularly those in Aleppo, regardless of any political considerations.

"Egypt supports all efforts seeking to halt the tragedy of the Syrian people and so it voted for both resolutions based on their contents, not on political bids that have already become a barrier to the work of the council," said Ambassador Amr Aboul-Ata, Egypt's representative at the UN.
KABUL, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Afghans marked Ashura or the 10th day of Muslim's month of Maharram on lunar calendar which is a remembrance day for Muslims particularly the Shiite sect to observe the martyrdom of prophet Mohammad's grandson Imam Hussain and his 72 companions who were killed in Karbala of Iraq in 680 AD.

Although the government has taken all security measures to facilitate the mourners to observe Ashura in a peaceful environment, terrorist attacks have claimed the lives of at least 30 worshipers and injured 82 others, according to officials.

In the first fatal offensive which happened in Kabul on the eve of Ashura, at least 16 worshipers were killed and 54 others injured, the Interior Ministry confirmed in a statement on Wednesday.

According to the statement, a group of suicide attackers targeted a shrine in Kabul on Tuesday night and attacked congregation of worshipers, killing 16 innocent civilians including three women and two children and injuring 54 others, including 26 women.

A similar attack on worshipers in another mosque in Kabul on Tuesday night, according to the Interior Ministry, had been foiled after the security forces gunned down two terrorists inside the mosque.

Meanwhile, terrorists launched a deadly attack on the procession of Ashura mourners in Balkh district of the northern Balkh province Wednesday afternoon, killing 14 worshipers and injuring 28 other, according to Farhad Munir, the spokesman for Balkh provincial government.

However, some officials and eyewitnesses on the condition of anonymity put the number of casualties of both the attacks higher than reported by officials.

Meantime, the attacks on Ashura mourners have drawn wide condemnations.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Wednesday termed the fatal attack as an "atrocity" and denounced it in its strongest term.

"This attack deliberately targeting a large group of civilians exercising their right to freely manifest their religion in worship, observance and practice is an atrocity," UNAMA said in a statement.

Earlier President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani called the attack on worshipers as a "coward terrorist act" aimed at damaging unity among Muslim sects and strongly condemned it.

Former Afghan president Hamid Karzai in a statement released by his office also blamed the enemies of Afghanistan for attacking worshipers.

Joining the condemnations, Afghans from all walks of life, besides slamming attacks on worshipers in Ashura, called upon the government to protect the lives of its citizens.
OUAGADOUGOU, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Three soldiers were killed and one injured as unidentified gunmen on Wednesday attacked an army camp in Burkina Faso, official source said.

Two of the attackers were also killed, according to preliminary assessment disclosed by the Chief of Staff of Burkina Faso armed forces in a release.

The army camp is located in the municipality of Intangom, Saharan province of Oudalan near the border with Mali.

In May this year, unknown gunmen attacked a police station in the same area, killing three officers.
BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) has urged the removal of full-body X-ray scanners at airports and railway stations due to radiation risks.

In an urgent document sent to the Department of Environmental Protection of Sichuan Province (DEPSP) on Monday and published on Wednesday, the MEP urged DEPSP to strengthen law enforcement and stop producing, selling and using full-body X-ray scanners without authorization to ensure the safety of the people.

The document came after some travelers complained about radiation hazards and the use of full-body security scanners at airports and railways stations in Sichuan's capital city Chengdu and other areas.

After receiving the MEP document, the DEPSP said on Wednesday that the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport is suspected of violating environmental protection regulations by using the devices.

The DEPSP has ordered the airport to remove the full-body X-ray scanners and asked Chengdu city to investigate the issue.

The MEP found that the radiation dose that each person receives from the scanner has just a small effect on the human body, but as China has a large population and heavy travel volume, wide use of full-body X-ray scanners at airports, railways stations and ports is not appropriate.

The MEP said that ionizing radiation devices should not be used to screen humans on a large scale.
VIENTIANE, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- A ground-breaking ceremony for Vientiane's water pipe system extension and improvement of system management project was held in the Lao capital on Wednesday.

Tap water system in Vientiane is relatively backward as many areas in suburb and rural areas have no access to tap water.

In order to improve the quality of water for local residents, the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) and the Lao Ministry of Finance as well as Vientiane Water Supply Enterprise signed a contract on water pipe system extension and improvement of system management project.

The 100-million-U.S. dollar project includes extension of water pipe system, water pipe replacement, construction of water towers and water supply system in rural areas, among others.

Speaking at the ceremony, General Manager of Vientiane Water Supply Enterprise Khampheuy Vongsakhamphoui said this is a strategic task which will help turn Vientiane into a civilized city.

As many as 900,000-1,000,000 people will be able to access tap water once the project is completed, accounting for 95 percent of population within pipe system coverage.

For his part, Luo Xiangdong, Asia-Pacific Region Deputy General Manager of NORINCO, said NORINCO pledged to ensure smooth implementation of the project as well as quality, schedule, safety, cost and environmental protection among others.

Member of Politburo of Lao People's Revolutionary Party and Vientiane Mayor Sinlavong Khoutphaythoune, Chinese Ambassador Guan Huabing attended the ground-breaking ceremony.
TAIPEI, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Hung Hsiu-chu, chair of Taiwan's Kuomintang (KMT) Party, will attend a forum on the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations in Beijing early next month, the KMT announced on Wednesday.

It will be the first time for Hung to visit the Chinese mainland since becoming the head of the party on March 30.

It will also mark the first visit by the KMT's leader since the party lost the presidency and its legislative majority to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in the January elections.

Hung will also pay a visit to the Sun Yat-sen Mausoleum in Nanjing, capital of east China's Jiangsu Province. Sun was the founding father of the KMT and a forerunner of China's anti-feudal revolution.

The KMT said in a statement that the Cross-Strait Trade, Economy and Culture Forum has played a key role and generated fruitful results.

The two parties have converted that forum into one focusing on peaceful development.

The forum is slated to be held from November 2 to 3. About 200 delegates from across the Strait will take part in the forum to discuss politics, economy, culture, society and youth.
MACAO, Oct. 12 (Xinhua)-- Premier Li Keqiang wrapped up his three-day inspection visit to Macao on Wednesday, announcing new measures to support Macao's development and enhance relations between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

During the trip, Li lauded the achievements the Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) has made since its return to the motherland, describing it as a land that has seen the successful practice of the "one country, two systems" principle.

The central government fully recognizes the SAR government's work and hopes the SAR administration will overcome difficulties and continue to take initiative to realize good management, construction and development of the region while uniting Macao's people, said Li when meeting with Chui Sai On, chief executive of Macao SAR on Monday.

The premier said the central government will fully support the law-based governance by the chief executive and the SAR administration, and backs Macao's participation in national development strategies such as the Belt and Road Initiative.

In line with the new demands of Macao, the central government has formulated 19 measures to benefit the SAR, said the premier at a symposium attended by representatives from different walks of life on Wednesday morning.

The new moves include supporting the SAR government in hosting an annual global tourism economy forum, creating influential conventions and exhibitions, setting up a renminbi clearing center for Portuguese-speaking countries and establishing the headquarters for the cooperation and development fund between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

The measures will help push diversified and sustainable development of Macao's economy.

With its unique history, culture and geographical advantages as well as rich tourism resources, Macao can attract more domestic and global tourists as long as it continues to improve its environment and service industry to become a world tourism and leisure center, said Li.

During the visit, the premier also attended the opening ceremony of the 5th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries in Macao.

Macao plans to build a service platform for cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

In a keynote speech delivered at the conference, the premier announced China will adopt 18 new measures in the next three years to boost relations between China and Portuguese-speaking countries. Macao SAR will play an important role in providing the platform and supporting the implementation of these measures.

A complex for the cooperation service platform between China and Portuguese-speaking countries will be built in Macao to provide services in trade talks, trade shows and cultural exhibitions and exchanges. The facility is set to become a new landmark for bilateral cooperation.
Qu Xing (R), Chinese ambassador to Belgium, addresses a reception held to celebrate the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Belgium, in Brussels, Belgium Sept. 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)

by Xinhua writers Gan Chun, Pan Geping

BRUSSELS, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Innovation is the new driving force for cooperation between China and Belgium, as the two countries are "highly complementary" to each other in developing a successful innovative economy, according to Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Qu Xing.

"The Chinese economy is now at a crucial stage where it is transforming from a manufacturing-based economy to an innovation-driven economy, and Belgium is a country with a small market but strong innovation capability. The two countries therefore have great potential for cooperation in terms of innovation," the ambassador told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.

"Belgium boasts a leading role in several fields of innovative research, such as microelectronics, chemical products and pharmaceuticals, while China has great market potential and capital," he said.

One of the latest attempts for such cooperation was the launch of the China-Belgium Technology Center in June in the university town of Louvain-la-Neuve, some 30 km southeast of Brussels. The project aims to build a 82,000-square-metre complex of incubators for high-tech and innovative businesses.

"The basic concept of this project is to bridge Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises and Belgian research institutions. They can cooperate to commercialize new technology, and turn it into products that meet the needs of both Chinese and Belgian consumers," Qu explained.

The year 2016 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Belgium, with a series of ceremonies and events planned throughout the year.

Looking back on the 45 years of development of bilateral ties, Qu underlined that China and Belgium had developed a "comprehensive, friendly and cooperative partnership."

"In 1971, the trade volume between the two countries was only 20 million U.S. dollars. Last year, it amounted to 23.2 billion U.S. dollars, 1,150 times what it began with," he said. "That is to say, now the trade volume of every seven hours is equivalent to that of a whole year when they first established diplomatic ties."

"In 2014 and 2015, heads of state from both countries visited each other," he added. "Tourism, culture and education exchanges have also become more frequent and diverse."

Last year, over 110,000 passengers took the direct flight from Beijing to Brussels, and another 140,000 from four Chinese cities to the eastern Belgian city of Liege.

There are currently around 4,000 Chinese students studying at Belgian universities, while an increasing number of Belgian students are taking Chinese courses and even going to China for study, according to Qu. More than 50 Belgian educational institutions now offer Chinese classes, and the two countries have jointly established six Confucius Institutes to teach Chinese language and culture.

These numbers demonstrate a flourishing relationship between China and Belgium, said Qu, which contributes to the well-being of people from both countries.

"For the years to come, the two countries will not only deepen their political and economic ties, but also head towards the direction of innovative cooperation," the ambassador stressed.
Qu Xing (R), Chinese ambassador to Belgium, addresses a reception held to celebrate the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China and the 45th anniversary of the establishment of the diplomatic relations between the People's Republic of China and the Kingdom of Belgium, in Brussels, Belgium Sept. 28, 2016. (Xinhua/Ye Pingfan)

by Xinhua writers Gan Chun, Pan Geping

BRUSSELS, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Innovation is the new driving force for cooperation between China and Belgium, as the two countries are "highly complementary" to each other in developing a successful innovative economy, according to Chinese Ambassador to Belgium Qu Xing.

"The Chinese economy is now at a crucial stage where it is transforming from a manufacturing-based economy to an innovation-driven economy, and Belgium is a country with a small market but strong innovation capability. The two countries therefore have great potential for cooperation in terms of innovation," the ambassador told Xinhua in an exclusive interview on Tuesday.

"Belgium boasts a leading role in several fields of innovative research, such as microelectronics, chemical products and pharmaceuticals, while China has great market potential and capital," he said.

One of the latest attempts for such cooperation was the launch of the China-Belgium Technology Center in June in the university town of Louvain-la-Neuve, some 30 km southeast of Brussels. The project aims to build a 82,000-square-metre complex of incubators for high-tech and innovative businesses.

A worker works at the company of Techspace Aero, a member of Safran Group, which is a leading player in aerospace propulsion evolution, in Belgium's Herstal, on May 31, 2013. (Xinhua/Wang Xiaojun)

"The basic concept of this project is to bridge Chinese small and medium-sized enterprises and Belgian research institutions. They can cooperate to commercialize new technology, and turn it into products that meet the needs of both Chinese and Belgian consumers," Qu explained.

The year 2016 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Belgium, with a series of ceremonies and events planned throughout the year.

Looking back on the 45 years of development of bilateral ties, Qu underlined that China and Belgium had developed a "comprehensive, friendly and cooperative partnership."

"In 1971, the trade volume between the two countries was only 20 million U.S. dollars. Last year, it amounted to 23.2 billion U.S. dollars, 1,150 times what it began with," he said. "That is to say, now the trade volume of every seven hours is equivalent to that of a whole year when they first established diplomatic ties."

"In 2014 and 2015, heads of state from both countries visited each other," he added. "Tourism, culture and education exchanges have also become more frequent and diverse."

Last year, over 110,000 passengers took the direct flight from Beijing to Brussels, and another 140,000 from four Chinese cities to the eastern Belgian city of Liege.

There are currently around 4,000 Chinese students studying at Belgian universities, while an increasing number of Belgian students are taking Chinese courses and even going to China for study, according to Qu. More than 50 Belgian educational institutions now offer Chinese classes, and the two countries have jointly established six Confucius Institutes to teach Chinese language and culture.

These numbers demonstrate a flourishing relationship between China and Belgium, said Qu, which contributes to the well-being of people from both countries.

"For the years to come, the two countries will not only deepen their political and economic ties, but also head towards the direction of innovative cooperation," the ambassador stressed.
A razor-wire fence is seen at the border crossing between Slovenia and Croatia in Rigonce, Slovenia, Nov. 12, 2015. (Xinhua/Luka Dakskobler)

BRUSSELS, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission on Wednesday outlined fighting radicalization and enhancing security at the external borders as two priority areas in addressing security challenges for the months to come in a report.

The report is the first in a series of monthly reports on progress made towards an effective and sustainable Security Union, according to a Commission statement.

It states the Commission's efforts in the fight against terrorism, organized crime and cyber crime, also highlighting the priority areas where more work is needed.

The report underlines that the Commission should step up work on improving the legal framework and preventing and fighting radicalization. To this end, a range of agreements should be reached before the end of the year, including the directive on combating terrorism and the revision of the firearms directive.

Another priority work of the Commission is to improve information exchange in a bid to enhance security at the external borders.

The report urges EU member states to take necessary steps to ensure that they are able to implement fully the EU passenger name record directive by May 2018.

Dimitris Avramopoulos, Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, said: "The fragmentation of our security framework makes us all vulnerable. The dots have to be connected within and between member states, EU agencies, and different security and border management systems."

Europe's new Security Commissioner Julian King also stressed cooperation between institutions and member states in response to terrorist threats.

As requested by European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker, the monthly reports will highlight action taken by the EU institutions and agencies in the area of security and will identify where more efforts are needed. The next progress report is foreseen for November 2016.
UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The UN Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) on Wednesday condemned an attack on a Kabul mosque on Tuesday that killed at least 18 civilians and injured more than 50 other people, calling it an atrocity, a UN spokesman told reporters here.

"An attacker wearing a uniform of the Afghan security forces opened fire on a congregation in a Shia mosque on the eve of Ashura, the Shia day of remembrance," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a daily news briefing here.

"Among those killed were four women and two children," he said

The UN Mission stressed that international humanitarian law prohibits deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian property, including places of worship, and places a specific obligation on parties to enable religious personnel to carry out their work.

At least 14 people were killed and over 40 injured Tuesday night after gunmen attacked a shrine in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, where hundreds of mourners were observing Ashura rituals during holy Muslim's month of Muharram, reports said.

Ashura, the 10th day of Muharram, marks the death of Imam Hussein, a grandson of Prophet Muhammad, who was killed and buried in Karbala, Iraq in 680 AD.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

Afghan President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani strongly condemned the attack and instructed the authorities to provide best medical treatment for the injured, said the reports.
An injured woman and her child receive medical treatment at a hospital in Kabul, capital of Afghanistan, Oct. 12, 2016. At least 14 people were killed and over 40 others injured Tuesday night after gunmen attacked a shrine in Kabul, where hundreds of mourners were observing Ashura rituals during the Muslim holy month of Maharram.(Xinhua/Rahmat Alizadah)

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attacks at two mosques in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan and the attack in the country's Balkh Province, the White House said Wednesday.

The attacks, which came as Afghans were observing Ashura rituals during holy Muslim's month of Muharram, killed at least 32 people and wounded more than 80.

"These cowardly attacks... targeted Shia civilians preparing for the Ashura holy day of mourning and were clearly designed to stoke sectarian tension in Afghanistan," Ned Price, spokesperson for White House's National Security Council, said in a statement.

The U.S. commended the Afghan police and other security forces who bravely responded to these attacks and fully support efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, Price said.

The U.S. stands with the people and Government of Afghanistan as we work together to build a more secure, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan, the spokesperson added.

Related:

Terror attacks kill 30 as Afghans observe Ashura amid tight security
SANAA, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's dominant Shiite Houthi rebels on Wednesday denied reports alleging that government forces have captured al-Buqa border crossing, Saba News Agency reported.

The denial came in a rebel statement which said the reports were "baseless" and attempting to make "illusive victories," adding that the rebel army had repelled advancing of forces loyal to Saudi-backed Yemeni government.

According to the statement, government forces suffered heavy losses "among the mercenaries and (of) their military equipment, including six armored vehicles and two tanks."

It further claimed that the rebel army has complete control of the crossing point, and is ready to confront any further advancing attempt.

Earlier in the day, pro-government media reported that the forces loyal to the exiled president, Abd-Rabbu Mansour Hadi, seized control of al-Buqa, the crossing point at southern Saudi border, which is about 100 km south of Saudi province of Najran, and some 150 km north of Houthi main stronghold Yemeni province of Saada.

The report did not give details about the clashes or casualties.

According to both Saudi and Yemeni official media, Houthi rebels, backed by forces loyal to former President Ali Abdullah Saleh, have been fighting Saudi troops deep inside Najran, as well as Saudi provinces of Asir and Jizan since the war started 19 months ago.

Houthis stormed the capital Sanaa in September 2014, fighting against what they called a corrupt government.

They seized Sanaa and a large part of the northern areas, forcing Hadi and his government to flee into exile.

The Saudi-led coalition launched a military air campaign against Houthis and Saleh's forces on March 26, 2015, aiming to restore Hadi to power and recapture the capital. The attempt is not yet successful.

The coalition air strikes and ground battles have since killed over 10,000 Yemenis, mostly children and women, injuring around 35,000 and displacing another three million, according to the UN reports.
WASH

This photograph taken late on October 11, 2016 shows an Afghan man carrying a wounded girl after an attack by gunmen at the Karte Sakhi shrine in Kabul.

Grieving worshippers on October 12 described desperately trying to shelter their children against a hail of gunfire in Kabul that killed at least 18 people gathering to mark Ashura, one of the most important festivals of the Shiite calendar. (AFP PHOTO/ROHULLAH AMIN)

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- The United States strongly condemns the terrorist attacks at two mosques in Kabul, the capital of Afghanistan and the attack in the country's Balkh Province, the White House said Wednesday.

The attacks, which came as Afghans were observing Ashura rituals during holy Muslim's month of Muharram, killed at least 32 people and wounded more than 80.

"These cowardly attacks... targeted Shia civilians preparing for the Ashura holy day of mourning and were clearly designed to stoke sectarian tension in Afghanistan," Ned Price, spokesperson for White House's National Security Council, said in a statement.

The U.S. commended the Afghan police and other security forces who bravely responded to these attacks and fully support efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice, Price said.

The U.S. stands with the people and Government of Afghanistan as we work together to build a more secure, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan, the spokesperson added.
Crew members of the International Space Station(ISS), (L to R) US NASA astronaut Jeffrey Williams, Russian cosmonauts Alexey Ovchinin and Oleg Skripochka, sit in the landing module of the spacecraft after landing some 150 kms to the east of the city of Dzhezkazgan in Kazakhstan on September 7, 2016. The ISS space laboratory has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometres per hour (17,400 miles per hour) since 1998. (AFP/File/Photo)

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. space agency NASA has opened its door to allow private companies to install their own modules on the International Space Station.

NASA will start the process for providing companies with the potential opportunity of adding "their own modules and other capabilities" to the space station this fall, John Holdren, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Charles Bolden, head of the U.S. space agency, wrote in a blog this week.

According to the blog, NASA recently asked U.S. companies how they might use an available docking port on the space station, and those companies responded "enthusiastically", indicating "a strong desire" to attach a commercial module to the orbiting laboratory.

Holdren and Bolden said the agency is "also working to support and grow the community of scientists and entrepreneurs conducting research and growing businesses in space,"

"A vibrant user community will be key to ensuring the economic viability of future space stations," they noted.

The space station has been in orbit since 1998 and currently consists of 15 connected modules built by the U.S., Russia, Japan and Europe.

The space station was originally scheduled to come out of service in 2024 and then splash into the Pacific Ocean, but early this year, a NASA official pledged to hand it over to "either a commercial entity or some other commercial capability so that research can continue in low-Earth orbit."
By Irene Wong

BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhuanet) -- Guests were awed and touched by a newly-wed couple who exchanged a huge golden python at their wedding in northeast China's Jilin Province.

A 24-second video of their wedding soon went viral on Weibo, China's equivalent of Twitter, as netizens find their wedding both bizarre and sweet.

The video showed that the bride Jiang Xue held a gold python to the groom at the wedding banquet and the groom Wu Jianfeng pulled another giant python out of a blue cabin and wrapped it around Jiang's neck.

The pair, who are wildlife lovers, said their pythons, weighing 30kg and 15kg respectively, are the tokens of their life-long romance.

The couple had been taking care of the two pythons when they discovered them in the countryside of Jilin City in 2015.

However, Chinese citizens are not allowed to keep wild wild animals as pets.

Shortly after news of the wedding circulated online, the two pythons were seized by forestry public security bureau and are currently staying at a local wild animal rescue center.
PHNOM PENH, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping published a signed article in the leading Cambodian newspaper Rasmei Kampuchea under the title "China and Cambodia: Good Neighbors and Trusted Friends" here on Wednesday, ahead of his state visit to the Southeast Asian country.

The English translated version of the article is as follows.

China and Cambodia: Good Neighbors and Trusted Friends

By H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China

At the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni, I will pay a state visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia. This will be my first visit to Cambodia as the President of China, a visit I look forward to with great anticipation.

Cambodia, an important link on the ancient Maritime Silk Road, is renowned for its rich history and the unique Khmer culture. Angkor Wat, with its magnificent architecture and stunning bas-reliefs, stands as a true tribute to the talent of the Cambodian people and shines in the annals of human civilization. Entering the 21st century, Cambodia has made much progress in its development and delivered a better life to its people. It is heading towards a promising future.

China and Cambodia are geographically and culturally close to each other, and our friendly exchanges trace back more than a millennium. Through the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Chinese porcelain and lacquer wares were brought to Cambodia, and Cambodian spices and yellow wax stones were sent to China. The bas-reliefs of the Bayon Temple vividly depict the scenes of Chinese merchants trading with the locals in Cambodia. During China's Southern and Northern Dynasties in the fifth and sixth centuries AD, Sanghapala, Mandrasena and Subhuti, three eminent Cambodian monks, came to China to disseminate Buddhism. In China's Yuan Dynasty, Zhou Daguan, a Chinese envoy, visited Cambodia. He later wrote The Customs of Cambodia, providing a vivid account of the local customs in Angkor and the friendly interactions between Chinese and Cambodians. Zheng He, the famous navigator from China's Ming Dynasty, made many stopovers in Cambodia on his voyages. He described Cambodia as a land with a warm climate and fertile fields where the locals boiled seawater to make salt and had colorful customs. The Sam Po Kong Temple in the suburb of Kampong Cham that honors Zheng He still has many visitors today, a testament to the time-honored friendship between Chinese and Cambodians.8

A Cambodian proverb likens trust to the growth of a tree. The traditional China-Cambodia friendship, tested by the times and a changing international landscape, has grown strong like a luxuriant tree thanks to efforts made by past leaders of both countries. In 1958, China and Cambodia established diplomatic ties, opening a new chapter in their bilateral relations. Over the past 58 years, successive leaders of both countries have maintained close interactions and developed a close bond of friendship. King Father Norodom Sihanouk once fondly said that the China-Cambodia friendship is like a flower that never withers and will always blossom under the bright sky.

Entering the new era, the China-Cambodia friendship has continued to flourish, beaming with new vitality. Our two countries enjoy deep political trust and win-win economic cooperation. We have carried out fruitful cooperation in various areas, and maintained close consultation and coordination on international and regional affairs, setting an example of how two countries should treat each other as equals and cooperate with absolute sincerity.

In 2010, China and Cambodia established a comprehensive strategic partnership, ushering their ties into a new era. We share a similar development philosophy, and we agree to find ways for China's "Belt and Road" initiative and Cambodia's "Rectangular Strategy" to work together. Two-way trade and investment have maintained strong growth in recent years. China has been Cambodia's biggest trading partner and source of investment for three years. The year 2015 saw our two-way trade topping 4.4 billion U.S. dollars.

China and Cambodia are devoted friends. On issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, our two countries have stood together and supported each other. China firmly supports and has assisted Cambodia in its fight for independence and liberation, as well as maintaining peace and stability. In the 1990s, a Chinese engineering corps of over 800 men took part in peacekeeping missions in Cambodia. In just 18 months, they built and repaired the Phnom Penh International Airport and two other airports, four national-level highways over 640 km in length and over 40 bridges. With blood and sweat, the Chinese peacekeepers helped nurture the China-Cambodia friendship.

We will never forget that Cambodia was among the first group of countries to establish diplomatic ties with New China when it faced a foreign blockade in its early days. Cambodia was firm in supporting China's efforts to restore its lawful seat in the United Nations. When China acted to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests and was devoted to resolving related disputes through peaceful negotiation, Cambodia did not hesitate to speak out to uphold justice. When China's Sichuan, Qinghai and Gansu provinces were hit by natural disasters, the Cambodian royal family, government leaders and public shared our grief and extended a helping hand to us. We have a Chinese saying -- "Hardship reveals true friendship." Similarly, a Cambodian saying goes "Only in tough time can one tell a true friend from a false one." Our two peoples value our ties and treat each other as true friends; the China-Cambodia friendship has developed deep roots in the hearts of both peoples.

China and Cambodia are neighbors who share a bond of brotherhood. The two countries have supported each other in improving the livelihoods of their respective people. China built Cambodia's first four-lane national highway as an assistance project and was contracted to build Cambodia's first cement plant, first coal-fired power station and its largest hydropower station. The booming Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone stands as testimony to how fruitful China-Cambodia cooperation can be. By June 2016, 100 companies were operating in the zone with a total investment of 280 million U.S. dollars, creating over 13,000 jobs. By strengthening economic complementarity and unlocking potential, our two countries have expanded and upgraded cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, water conservancy, energy, resources, information and telecommunications; such cooperation projects are expected to deliver early returns.

China and Cambodia enjoy flourishing people-to-people and cultural exchanges, which have added strong momentum to the growth of their relations. Chinese cultural relics experts have spent years in Cambodia to protect and restore the Chau Say Tevoda Temple and the Ta Keo Temple in Angkor. Chinese doctors have performed free cataract operations for over 1,000 patients across Cambodia. Chinese agro-technicians have passed on agro-technologies to Cambodian villagers during the day and taught them Chinese in the evening, moves that have been warmly received by the locals. The Confucius Institute launched in Cambodia in 2009 now offers classes to over 10,000 students in 14 different locations. By 2015, more than 1,000 Cambodian students were studying in China on scholarship programs sponsored by the Chinese government.

Both China and Cambodia are at crucial stages in their respective development and face the similar tasks of deepening reform, opening further and upgrading their economic structures. Both countries are committed to economic integration and cooperation in our region. Having reached a new stage in its relations with Cambodia, China will work with Cambodia to strengthen their bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership in a wide range of areas so as to deliver greater benefits to the two peoples.

-- We will also deepen political trust. China will maintain high-level visits and enhance communication with Cambodia. I hope that the two countries will step up exchanges between their governments, political parties and legislatures as well as at the sub-national level. China will continue to support Cambodia in pursuing a development path that suits its own national conditions and firmly support Cambodia in safeguarding sovereignty, maintaining domestic stability and accelerating economic development.

-- We will take solid steps to promote win-win cooperation. China will continue to examine how our respective development strategies can complement one another and launch priority projects within the "Belt and Road" initiative to better involve Cambodia. We will, in light of local conditions, deepen cooperation in areas such as agriculture, water conservancy, infrastructure, information and telecommunications. China will take measures to increase imports from Cambodia and scale up two-way trade.

-- We will strengthen coordination with Cambodia on the international stage. China supports Cambodia as an important member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and will deepen collaboration with Cambodia in East Asia, the Lancang-Mekong River, the United Nations and other regional and multilateral arenas. The purpose of such collaboration is to uphold the common interests of our two countries and other developing countries and build an Asian community with a shared future. East Asia cooperation has entered a critical stage. We should continue to focus on the general goal of development and promote sound and steady progress in East Asia.

-- We will endeavor to enhance people-to-people friendship. China will work with Cambodia to unleash the full potential of the Confucius Institute and the China Culture Center and enhance cooperation in education, culture, tourism and health. With these efforts, we can deepen mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples, especially among young people, and ensure that the China-Cambodia friendship will be passed on from generation to generation.

I am convinced that with our concerted efforts, the traditional friendship between China and Cambodia will bear more fruits, allowing us to forever be good neighbors and genuine trusted friends.
Sopranos Wu Jing (R) and Xu Jingjing perform during the premiere of the concert "The Long March" to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Red Army's Long March at the National Centre for Performing Arts in Beijing, capital of China, Oct. 12, 2016. (Xinhua/Luo Xiaoguang)
RBC Young Leaders packed and ready

The 10 students, representing secondary .schools from across the country, received their final briefing, travel bags and grand send-off on their fourday trip from RBC Royal Bank Managing Director, Darryl White and other representatives at the banks corporate offices in St.

Clair, Port of Spain, on the weekend.

They are Shara Sookoo, St. Josephs Convent, St. Joseph; Jovon Williams, Queens Royal College; Christon Malchan and Zakir Marshall, both of San Juan South Secondary; Shakela Sumai and La Quan Pearie, both of Manzanilla Secondary; Rafael Ferdinand, St. Marys College; Desiree Mohan, Couva East Secondary; Journee Mc Meo-John, Bishop Anstey East; and Kobe Sandy, Vessigny Secondary.

Im so excited I cant wait for next Sunday to come. This WE Day trip will top everything Ive seen and experienced before. And I am going with a bunch of great friends, said a very emotional Desiree Mohan. The Trinidad and Tobago RBC Young Leaders contingent leave on Sunday, October 16, and will be engaged in a packed itinerary, culminating in the grand WE Day Toronto at the Air Canada Centre on October 19. They return to Trinidad a day later.
Lock up Rias kidnappers, not me

He appeared yesterday before Magistrate Ava Vanderburg Bailey in the San Fernando Court and pleaded guilty. Prosecutor Sgt Krishna Beedasie told the magistrate that at about 2 am at a bar in Debe Village, PC Sujeet Ramcharan was on patrol when he noticed Hassanali wearing the pants.

The officer asked Hassanali if he was a member of the Defence Force and he replied in the negative. Magistrate Bailey heard from the prosecutor, that PC Ramcharan told Hassanali he would have to desist from wearing it.

But instead of accepting that he had committed an offence, the court heard, Hassanali advised the police officer not to arrest him for the offence, but rather go and lock up the persons who kidnapped his (Hassanali) cousin Ria Sookdeo.

Sgt Beedasie told the court that Hassanali told the officer, my cousin Ria get kidnapped and so long allyuh cant find she and allyuh locking me up for a pants? The court heard that Hassanali has no previous convictions and after he apologised to the court for wearing the pants and for his comments to PC Ramcharan, Hassanali was ordered to pay a fine of $200 or in default, serve a week in prison.

Up to yesterday, Sookdeo - a mothe of two who is a hairdresser - was still unaccounted for after being abducted on September 22 shortly after she dropped off her son and daughter at their school in Penal.
Schoolboy, 11, awarded $20,000

The award of damages made by Justice Frank Seepersad yesterday will be placed in a Unit Trust account until the child reaches the age of 18, the judge further ordered. Seepersad made the award in an oral ruling one day after the boy Nickel Audhan, 11, of Hermitage Village, Macaulay, Claxton Bay, testified in court about the incident which took place on February 2, 2010, at the Macaulay Government Primary School.

The child said he pushed the door to the washroom while another pupil, who was inside, pushed the door onto him and the edge of the door squeezed his right hand against the frame. He spoke of the pain he endured and still experiences. In his ruling, Justice Seepersad found the boy and his mother Yvonne Geeta Audhan, to be truthful witnesses while he said there were several inconsistencies in the testimony of school principal Raffiena Ali-Boodoosingh, who claimed Audhan caused his own injury and violated school rules as he and two other children were playing near the toilet when the childs hand was injured.

Audhan was represented by attorney Rennie Gosein while Kendra Mark and Natoya Moore appeared for the Attorney General.

In his ruling, Seepersad said the vulnerability of small children has to be a focal point of concern to school administrators. He said it was difficult to comprehend how young children could be left unattended, adding that the mandate of educators was not limited to education but to ensuring the safety and well-being of their charges.

At the time of the incident Nickel was five.

The future of our nations children does not rest in school bags but in the level of nurturing, stimulating and moulding given to them, he said, calling on administrators to ensure that small children are adequately supervised while at school. Anything short of such arrangement is an abdication of the responsibility placed on schools both under the common law and by virtue of the Education Act, he said, adding that the Macaulay Government Primary School principal knew that the doors at the institution were dangerous.

The judge said a door stop or some other device should have been used to ensure that the door remained open as he found the school administrators to have been negligent by failing to supervise the child and ensuring safety measures were in place as well as having breached the statutory duty to do the same. The duty imposed upon the education system is a non-delegatable duty that has to always be at the focal point of the individual school administration and the Ministry of Education. If we do not protect our children, then we are destined to fail, Seepersad said.
A bandits bullet killed my boy

My family is in grief, we are all in tears, cried Ali yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre in St James. Nearby, his three daughters stood wiping tears from their eyes. I have lost my only son and these three young ladies have lost their only brother. Hassan died by a bandits bullet, but he is with Allah now. Last Friday at about 11.35, Hassan went to the barbershop for a haircut, right before he was to have partook of the Juma prayers.

Two men entered the barbershop with one whipping out a firearm and announcing a hold-up. The other bandit began relieving customers of valuables.

Off-duty Police Inspector Kenneth Morris, who was also waiting for a haircut, drew his licensed firearm and engaged the bandits.

During a shootout, one of the bandits was killed while Hassan and Insp Morris were both shot. They were taken to hospital where Hassan died on Monday evening surrounded by loved ones while the officer is recovering.

My brother, an Angel, is with God now, said one of the women. God knows best. He brought him into this life and He took Hassan back.
Cops may cause thief to walk free

Alnado Atherly appeared before Princes Town First Court Magistrate Rajendra Rambachan on two charges.

The first was intent to steal from the Princes Town Pizza Boys in June, 2014 and the other was for stealing from the same Pizza Boys outlet one month later. According to reports, Atherly stole a central processing unit (computer) valued at $800 along with $19,812 cash from the restaurant.

He signalled, since Thursday last, his intention to plead guilty to the charges. However, when the time came for the police to produce the facts of the case, Sgt Roger Richardson of the Princes Town police did not have the facts with him.

I pleading guilty for the matter and they still not ready, said Atherly.

Rambachan reprimanded the police and apologised to Atherly for the state of the criminal justice system.

I apologise that this is the state of disarray our system is in, he said.

Its been so for years but they are not doing anything about it. Rambachan firmly instructed Richardson to have the facts of the case ready for Atherlys next court appearance today. Without the facts, Rambachan said he would carry on with the case as if there were no facts against the accused.

Atherly left the court grinning at the possibility of walking free.

The disarray of the system was displayed again when Cheryl Darbasie, 53, of Knolly Street, Princes Town, appeared on a charge of possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking.

Darbasie had two other pending matters before the court, but said one of the cases was thrown out by Magistrate Deborah Quintin and that she had paid the $6,000 fine for the other.

Rambachan sighed at the discrepancy between the extract in his hands and Darbasies statement.

He advised the soft-spoken Darbasie to get her lawyer to acquire the correct extract to show proof of her claims.
Painter in court for prison officers murder

Seepersads case was adjourned as both the complainant, Sgt (Ag) Randy Ramjag of the Homicide Investigations Bureau, and Seepersads lawyer were absent. Asked by Magistrate Rajendra Rambachan whether he had a lawyer, Seepersad said, I have an attorney.

I do not know my attorneys name but she is supposed to be here. The matter was adjourned to November 8.
Police seize guns and ammo

The officers were given the direction where the bandits went, and they followed the trail. Before long, the officers observed two men walking along the roadway, who fitted the description of the two bandits. Officers told them to stop, but they instead attempted to flee on foot in opposite directions.

Officers chased after the man who was said to have been in possession of the firearm, and was detained a short distance away.

Police said that the suspect was a 28-year-old man, from Almond Court, Morvant. When police officers searched his person, they found a Smith and Wesson pistol along with 14 rounds of 9mm ammunition. He was taken to the Arouca Police Station. Newsday understands the man is currently being questioned and is expected to be charged soon.

In a separate incident, officers of the Western Division Task Force, including PCs Khan, Hollingsworth, Edwards, Dennis and Singh-Mohammed, conducted a search of a house at Riverside Drive, La Puerta Avenue, Diego Martin between the hours of 6 pm and midnight on Monday. During the search they discovered a quantity of packets each containing marijuana. One person, from the same address was arrested in connection with the find.

The same police officers then received information which led them to stop a silver Toyota Corolla along the Diego Martin Main Road, where they found and seized over three pounds of compressed marijuana. They also went to a drain, off Smith Hill Carenage, where they found a revolver containing three rounds of ammunition.

Investigations into the finds are being conducted by officers of the Western Division Police Service
Cops warn ladies of the night

Listen, it is known that according to law, prostitution is illegal. Regardless of what we in the police service have to do to ensure law and order, it is a fact that such a trade exist in our country. These ladies still go out there at night to work, Inspector Henry Dan said yesterday. So we are warning these ladies of the night...please be careful, exercise extreme caution when you are out and about doing whatever it is you may be doing, he advised.

Police sources said that ever so often, women working in the sex trade would be reported missing and some are never found again. Sources said that prostitution and human trafficking are linked and may be behind many of these disappearances. When a prostitute is reported missing, in some case they are found alive and well. In other cases they are found alive but physically assaulted and in rare instances - as is the case with Ackie - they are found dead.

According to police, a report was made to Western Division officers last week Wednesday by Ackies relatives that she did not return home and could not be contacted. Investigators interviewed persons in the area where she worked.

On Monday at 3 pm, her decomposing body was found 40 feet down a precipice off Morne Coco Road. The woman was found fully nude and in a foetal position under a tree. Positive ID was made via the numerous tattoos on her body.

An autopsy done yesterday at the Forensic Science Centre in St James revealed she died of a broken neck and there were bruises at the side of her head.

Contacted for comment yesterday, a male relative of Ackie said, If I could face her killer I would ask him simply, why? No matter what she did, she did not deserve to die this way. She was mother. Maraval police and Homicide Investigations Bureau officers are investigating.
Uber may come to TT

The company held one of several on boarding seminars for potential drivers at the Radisson Hotel, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, on Monday evening, for those who wanted to get on board.

According to Andion, Uber was an app that would facilitate passengers who needed to get from one point to another, safely. You use your phone, select the app and say I want to go to whatever place.

In a few minutes a car will arrive, you will have all the information about the driver, the licence plate, the name of the driver, the number to contact him. You will know the car and the driver will know who you are and where he or she is supposed to drop you off. You do not have to tell them the address they already know. It is very easy and convenient and will facilitate how you move around Trinidad, Andion said.

This was one of the attractive features of Uber..it provided a sense of safety and security for those who wanted fast taxi service, especially for female passengers who travelled late at night.

Safety is one of the main concerns.

Imagine your alternatives right now. You can hail a taxi or a private car in the streets and you dont know anything about them, they dont know anything about you. You dont know if they have any record of crime or sexual assault.

We do background checks with our drivers. We ask for a certificate of good character to ensure that they do not have any previous crime records. We do an analysis to determine who may be bad drivers.

With data screening we know our drivers are safer. We have the client information, we know where they turn on the app, we have their drivers licence, we know where they are, so we have a lot of information, Andion told Newsday.

Andion said a potential driver must have a car with the manufacturers date from 2005, a valid drivers licence, the sticker to show where the car had been inspected, a certificate of good character, and then did a background check where they had a psychometric exam done. He said the response has been amazing, and was surprised by how many Trinidadians had responded and actually registered online.
Haiti disaster relief picks up speed

Customers in Barbados can text the word HELP to 5152, in the French West Indies they can text to 9995, Guyana 1218, Jamaica 444-2452 and Suriname 2727 to donate funds.

Digicel officials said that it will donate all funds it receives to three Haitian charities  Haven, Paradis des Indiens and Prodev, and noted that there is no restriction on the number of texts a customer can send, so people are free to donate as much as they like. Officials also indicated that Digicel recently launched a text line that will allow its customers to donate well-needed funds toward the humanitarian relief effort that is urgently needed in Haiti.

Digicel Haiti Chairman, Maarten Boute, said; This is truly a sad time for Haiti and its people and my condolences go to all the families who lost loved ones. We are reaching out to everyone that can help, and no donation is too small. We remained strong after the earthquake in 2010 and will continue to show our strength through these trying times as well. I would like to thank everyone for keeping Haiti in their thoughts at this time. Meanwhile, The Bankers Association of Trinidad and Tobago (BATT) in coordination with the Office of the Prime Minister has established a Haiti Relief Hurricane Fund. In a press release, BATT advised that each of its eight member banks has opened an account and invites the public to make financial donations to assist Haiti in its recovery process. Our prayers are with Haiti at this time and we are asking that you join us in bringing some measure of relief and comfort to Haiti, BATT said.

The list of Banks and its accounts include Scotiabank Trinidad and Tobago Limited 74815 /1209309, First Citizens Bank Limited 2366947, Bank of Baroda 95610200000740, RBC Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago 11-000-000-335-9145, Republic Bank Limited 180 801 049 001, JMMB Bank 557769-0201, First Caribbean International Bank (Trinidad and Tobago) 180002851, and Citibank (Trinidad and Tobago) Limited 5109882021.
PM disappointed Cuba not at security forum

He has also expressed disappointment that Cuba was not a part of the Twelfth Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas (CDEMA) now underway in Port-of-Spain. Cuba is the only country in the hemisphere not represented in the 34-member CDEMA having been exempted from the inception in 1995 in Williamsburg, Virginia, due to its communist ideology.

Addressing the opening of the three-day meeting yesterday at the Hyatt Regency, Rowley said, the wave of new threats which threatens this era demands nothing less than our undivided attention to the institutionalisation of robust mechanisms for information sharing, continuous cooperation and collaboration - not next year, not next month, but now. CDEMA regulations, he said, recognises that member states were not homogeneous in nature.

As such the security and defense challenges of the hemisphere and global community, he said, transcend geography, language, and political, social and cultural barriers and as such there was need for mechanisms for enhanced cooperation and collaboration.

It is against that background, he said, I am disappointed today that Cuba is not here. Cuba is a part of the Caribbean. Cuba is a part of the hemisphere. If we say that geography, language, political systems and social standing is what define us, then Cuba should be here. Noting that defense and security mechanisms exists at sub-regional levels, such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Rowley said, notwithstanding the existence of bilateral and sub-regional agreements and treaties in the areas of defense and security, there is no overarching cooperation policy for the Americas. TT is the lead head in the CARICOM quasi cabinet for crime and security.

He said, In fact, the Americas is the only region in the world that does not have a hemispheric defense and security cooperation policy. Security cooperation policies, he noted, exists among the nations of the European Union, African Union, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations which can boast of the existence and effective implementation of policies in the area of defense and security.

He suggested that coming out of the conference themed Strengthening Defense and Security Cooperation in the Hemisphere in an increasingly Volatile Global Environment can come a resolution of the need for such a hemispheric policy. Security was too important an issue for the hemisphere not to be dealt with collectively, he said, and the time to act was now.

The discussions here in Port-of- Spain, he said, can lay the foundation for the development of a hemispheric framework to improve cooperation and coordination among the defense and security authorities of the hemisphere. Moreover, he said, Trinidad and Tobago was being optimistic that dialogue and diplomatic access, hemispheric security and defense cooperation policy beginning with strengthened humanitarian emergency assistance, would eventually lead to the adoption of a comprehensive policy framework to guide civil to military, and military to civil cooperation
Hinds clears air on Port contract

Hinds was responding to allegations suggested by Opposition Members of Parliament David Lee and Surujrattan Rambachan that McMillan, through his firm, had received a $240 million contract from the Port Authority despite not following proper tendering procedures.

But, Hinds noted, since Mc- Millan had already submitted a report on the transition that had been accepted by the Ports management and board, the Port waived the requirements as McMillan was the best suited for the position.

The reason his company had only recently been incorporated was at the request of the Port, which had told McMillan it would have preferred to do business with a company rather than an individual.

It was well known by the Port  nothing corrupt or sinister about it, Hinds told the Parliament Monday night in his contribution to the Budget Debate.

From 2005 to 2014, the contract with Bay Ferries had cost US$85.7 million  or TT$549 million  for, among other things, drydocking, management and operations.

There was supposed to have been a transfer of technology and training, Hinds added, but that never happened.

We cant afford that amount of US dollar outflow. This question of transition is not new. It began under the UNC. Captain McMillan was hired by a UNC board (at the Port) and was working with a team of experts.

He wrote a report. The new Port board (under chairman Christine Sahadeo) thought it was useful so they decided to keep it, Hinds said.

The Bay Ferries contract came to an end on September 30, 2015, Hinds added, and Magellan was hired only to oversee the transition  not take over from Bay Ferries  to ensure there was no service disruption.
Upcoming film 'Masterminds' release in India on 14th October 2016

hollywood, Wed, 12 Oct 2016 NI Wire

null

When Zack Galifianakis' had to stuff cash in his underwear for his upcoming film 'Masterminds'!!

David Ghantt, who pulled off the Loomis, Fargo & Co. vault robbery in 1997 and was sentenced to seven years in prison for the crime, served as a consultant for the film. Zach portrays the role of David in the movie.

In Galifianakis' interpretation of David Ghantt, the character's defining style trait took the shape of an outrageous pudding bowl haircut.'It's a really unfortunate look, he laughs. I don't know how anybody could pull that off. David Ghantt doesn't really look like that in real life. He's much more badass, that's for sure, so we androgenized him a bit. I've never played anybody overtly sexual. I have to look goofy, but the hair takes the cake.

The filmmakers put a comedic twist on Ghantt's wardrobe for the scene when he flees the country for Mexico. Zach talking about the most famous scene says, David stuffed $30,000 in cowboy boots in real life, but in the movie we decided to put the cash in my underwear because who doesn't like midsection humor?

The rollicking comedy stars Zach Galifianakis ,Kristen Wiig, Owen Wilson and Jason Sudeikis The cast also includes Devin Ratray, Kate McKinnon, Mary Elizabeth Ellis, Ken Marino, Leslie Jones, Jon Daly and Ross Kimball.

'Masterminds' is all set to release in India on 14th October, 2016!

Masterminds - Traile

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         2013 .         9          .    .
On Tuesday, the Landmarks Preservation Commission approved a major expansion of the American Museum of Natural History.

The museum, officially listed by the LPC at 200 Central Park West, occupies a campus bound by Central Park West and Columbus Avenue between West 81st and 77th streets, with structures dating to 1874. The museum was designated an individual landmark in 1967, and was included in the Upper West Side/Central Park West Historic District, designated in 1990. The museum has had a host of additions and changes, both between those designations and since. It now totals 25 buildings.

The expansion will create the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation. Museum President Ellen Futter said there are now over three million specimens and artifacts in the collection, visited by over five million people a year, including over 500,000 students on school trips. She said the new wing will provide a connection from Columbus Avenue to Central Park West, helping to address confusing circulation, alleviate overcrowding, and eliminate dead ends. Most importantly, she said, it will also help enhance the publics understanding of science.

Michael Novacek, Senior Vice President and Provost of Science and Curator for the Division of Paleontology, said many people dont know that the museum is an active research space. He said this will help with both that research and public awareness of it.

Preservation consultant Bill Higgins, of Higgins Quasebarth & Partners, said construction of the Gilder Center will require the demolition of three structures. They are the Weston Building, which dates to the year 2000, Building 15, which was the facilitys original power plant, and Building 15A, which dates to 1965. He pointed out that the museums original master plan included connecting corridors and interior courtyards, none of which have been fully realized, resulting in confusing navigation.

Higgins said there are currently three major entrances: the 77th Street entry from 1891, the Roosevelt Memorial entry on Central Park West from 1936, and the Rose Center from 2000. This will add a fourth entrance, along Columbus Avenue.

Jeanne Gang of Studio Gang Architects is responsible for the design of the new six-story wing. She described it as an insertion into the historic fabric that is influenced by geologic forces, including water and wind, while taking inspiration from canyons, caves, and glaciers. Her undulating design employs the use of much natural daylight. Its exterior will be granite, which Higgins hopes will come from the same quarry as the granite used on the Roosevelt facade along Central Park West. The interior will be concrete mixed to mimic the exterior.

Despite the fact that this project will eat up one-quarter of an acre of Theodore Roosevelt Park, which spans over 17 acres, 10 of which are still open space, the institution will still retain a feeling of being a museum in the park. The firm Reed Hiderbrand is responsible for the landscape design. It will include the removal of seven trees, but with new ones planted, there will be a net increase. There will also be a reconfiguration of the park, and the New York Times Capsule will be relocated to near the Rose Center entrance.

LPC Chair Meenakshi Srinivasan started the commissioners discussion by calling the presentation very thorough.

Commissioner Frederick Bland was thankful that the original master plan was never realized, for it would have made it impossible for the museum to fulfill its growing goals. He echoed Higginss statement that the museums evolution usually showed off the best architecture of the time, and said what will be lost was not serious architecture. He loved the fact that the outside of the new wing is a preview of the inside, and approved of the use of stucco on its minimally-visible secondary facade.

Commissioner Adi Shamir-Baron was excited, but said the applicant may have done too much to be a good neighbor, and may have sacrificed an even more exciting design.

Commissioner Jeanne Lutfy, an Upper West Side resident, applauded the applicants good work collaborating with the community. She thanked the team for thinking outside the box, and said the inspiration for the design is itself inspirational. She said children will enter gleefully.

Commissioner Michael Devonshire said he wasnt a fan of the Rose Center, but called this new project sensuous and heavenly.

Commissioner Kim Vauss loved going to the museum as a kid, and enjoys taking her own children. She loves this design, and particularly loved having a path to connect the two avenues.

Commissioner Wellington Chen said it brings the museum full circle, and is glad that its changes in design have been incremental. He said he is delighted.

Chair Srinivasan said the design is stunning and absolutely wonderful.

Public testimony was mixed. Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer testified enthusiastically in support of the project, as did a representative of Council Member Helen Rosenthal. Community Board 7 also gave its support.

Other speakers, and there were many over the nearly three-hour hearing, delivered varying levels of support.

HDC is pleased to have the opportunity to comment on the proposed expansion of the American Museum of Natural History, a venerable institution with a fascinating design evolution. Our committee neither opposes the demolition of the three buildings, nor the concept of an expansion. We do, however, feel that some fine tuning could help the new building fit in even better with its complex context, testified the Historic Districts Councils Barbara Zay.

In its massing and scale, the proposed expansion along Columbus Avenue defers sensitively to the existing historic building, not rising higher than the roofline surrounding it and setting back ever so slightly to allow the landmark to stand out. Its contemporary approach is also deferential, and appropriate as an expression of its date of construction. Our concern has to do with the relationship of the exterior to the interior program. The exterior facade makes a very literal gesture about what is found on the interioran interior which itself is quite exciting. The idea of the exterior expressing the interior is a concept introduced during the Modern movement. The problem with its application here is that the historic museum stands as a fortress, not giving anything away about what is going on inside. In this way, the introduction of such a literal gesture seems incongruous. In some ways, the rear facade of the expansion is more successful in hinting at what is to come and at the same time mediating between the old and the new.

We also wish to comment on the material choice for the Columbus Avenue facade. The way the stone is proposed to be applied produces a faux-strata appearance that is, again, quite overtly referencing the interior design. While the approach takes inspiration from natural forms, those forms have an inherent plasticity that is impossible to produce with small-scale granite blocks. The texture produced by those blocks breaks up the intended fluid motion, thus diluting the geological-inspired, sweeping effect.

While there are commendable elements of this proposal, HDC asks that further study be undertaken to investigate and determine a design that expresses its ambitious program through a strong aesthetic that works in concert with the protected historic complex, not simply in contrast to it.

Christabel Gough of the Society for the Architecture of the City called the design unresolved on its own terms. Kate Wood and Sean Khoursandi of Landmark West! criticized both the design and the encroachment into the park.

The New York Landmarks Conservancy, Municipal Art Society, and the New York chapter of the American Institute of Architects all delivered their support.

In the end, all of the commissioners present approved the proposal.

View the presentation slides here:

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Never send a cop to do a man's job
Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) has announced a slate of licensing deals to develop Nickelodeon branded food and drink products, targeting kids across Europe, the Middle East, Africa (EMEA) and Asia!NVCP has confirmed a multi-territory deal with Dairy4Fun for a branded range of Nickelodeon dairy-based snacks and deserts. Rich in calcium, protein and vitamin D, the brightly packaged range of yogurts, milk-snacks and desserts will feature characters from hit Nickelodeon property's, includingand. The products will launch at high-street supermarkets across Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Estonia, Germany, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, The Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Slovak Republic, Slovenia and Spain.Also on sale across the UK, Hungary, Czech Republic, Romania and Slovakia, NVCP and Vitapress have launched the first range offizzy juice drinks. Available in apple and grape, the party 'must have' is confirmed to launch in Morrisons in the UK.Meanwhile in Poland, arange of Grapcio fruit smoothies is available now, through a partnership with Ustronianka. The deal incorporates three choices of fruity flavours: banana, Kiwi and apple; banana, apple and carrot; and banana, carrot, apple and strawberry.Following the successful launch of a Nickelodeon range of-branded fresh produce in South Africa earlier this year - selling more than 6 million units of pears, bananas and oranges to date - NVCP has expanded its partnership with IDEAFRUIT to distribute arange of apples across Malaysia and Singapore.The new range ofapples complements the existing range of fresh produce in domestic Africa (South Africa, Angola, Botswana, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Mauritius, Namibia, Nigeria, Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.)NVCP has also confirmed a deal with Roter in the region, for a range of chewable tablets, rich in Vitamin D to help kids fight coughs and colds. Featuring evergreen adventurer, the tasty treats are on sale now across a most major drugstores and supermarkets.Finally - in Benelux - appealing to kids with a sweeter tooth, NVCP has confirmed a deal with Delicia for a fun-packed assortment of chocolate sprinkles, featuringandThe three ranges - Dora Delicia, TMNT Delicia and PAW Patrol Delicia  are available in select supermarkets now across Belgium and the Netherlands.Mark Kingston, General Manager (GM) & Senior Vice President (SVP) Consumer Products EMEA & International Promotions & CPG, Nickelodeon & Viacom Consumer Products (NVCP) Europe, Middle East & Africa commented: "Nickelodeon is committed to encouraging kids to eat right and make healthy food choices. With the help of, theandwe can help make less favourable choices, including fresh fruit and vegetables, juice drinks and chewable vitamin C tablets, more kid-friendly and fun!"
Spains national court Tuesday ordered the deportation of a Moroccan who has been found guilty of setting ablaze a church in the north of the country.

Nawfal El Khayat, 21, has been found guilty of torching a church in the town of Fontellas, in the autonomous community of Navarre. His action, according to Spanish judicial authorities, is tantamount to threat to Spains stability and citizens security, reports say.

Spanish judicial authorities have also banned Khayat from entering the Spanish territory for 10 years, Moroccan Arabic media Assabah reports.

According to Spanish authorities, Khayat expressed no regrets for his action. He managed to sneak into the church through the roof and put fire to several objects in the shrine. Many frescos went up in smoke.

The deportee, according to Assabah, is not at his first crime. He had torched many other churches in the past, some containing hundreds of books and effigies dating back to the XVIIth century.
Moderate opposition parties in Mauritania, which are taking part in the political dialogue organized by the regime, have threatened to walk out of the process after government spokesperson tried to impose proposals allowing constitutional change and paving the way for a third term in office for incumbent President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz.

Around 700 people including moderate opposition, civil society NGOs and scholars have been taking part in the national dialogue organized by the regime to discuss proposals for the creation of a vice-presidency post and replacement of the Senate by regional councils.

Over the weekend, the opposition menaced to slam the door after minister of communication and government spokesperson, Mohamed Lemine Ould Cheikh, announced the dialogue would discuss the issue of the presidential mandate, an issue not mentioned in the dialogue initial agenda.

There is no limit to issues to be tackled, Ould Cheikh added.

Other members in the entourage of the Mauritanian President called the Mauritania leader a great infrastructure builder, the one who gave dignity to poor. For his backers, Ould Abdel Aziz deserves to stay in power for as many years as he wishes.

The comments stirred anger in the moderate oppositions camp. The Popular Progressive Alliance (APP) taking part in the dialogue warned it would continue attending the process only if the government sticks to the proposed agenda.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) also argued that government spokespersons comment threatens the continuity of the dialogue.

Leading opposition parties clustered under the National Forum for Democracy and Unity (FNDU) boycotted the dialogue, deemed a pretext to change the constitution to allow the Mauritanian President in power since 2008 to run again in 2019 for a third term.

The ten-day dialogue, launched on September 29, has been extended to October 13 to allow more discussions.
King Mohammed VI of Morocco will undertake shortly official visits to Ethiopia, Rwanda and Tanzania as part of an African strategy that aims at diversifying partners and building bridges of solidarity and economic cooperation with key English speaking countries in the continent.

The visit was announced by the well-informed online news outlet, le360.ma, which said that the tour would be the first by the Moroccan monarch to the African horn.

This coming tour is part of a Moroccan Africa policy permeated by solidarity and economic cooperation at a time the Kingdom is applying for regaining its natural place in the African institutional family, the African Union.

The visit to Ethiopia will usher a new era in Moroccos relations with the African horn and boost the kingdoms influence in light of Ethiopias demographic, diplomatic and economic weight in the region. As the second most populous country in Africa with an annual economic growth rate reaching 10% and given the fact that it hosts the headquarters of the African Union, the Sovereigns visit to Addis Ababa will no doubt augur promising prospects for bilateral relations.

Ethiopia also seeks to bolster ties with Morocco, a state it deems a key player among Francophone African countries. Addis Ababa is interested in drawing more investments by Moroccan companies and financial institutions, following the example of Moroccos BMCE bank and the state-owned phosphates company OCP, which have already been operating subsidiaries in the country.

Rwanda is another important step in the Kings tour. With 12-million inhabitant, Rwanda has been regarded as a model in Africa in light of its outstanding performances in terms of human and economic development.

The visit of Rwandas President, Paul Kagame, to Morocco last Summer during which he met King Mohammed VI has added a new momentum to bilateral ties between the two countries. It was no coincidence that Morocco expressed its will to rejoin the African Union in Rwandas capital Kigali that was hosting the 27rd African Union Summit last July.

The visit to Tanzania will help Morocco build bridges with Eastern Africa. Given its impressive economic development with an annual growth rate of 7%, Morocco sees tremendous economic cooperation opportunities with Tanzania.
Morocco has strongly protested against maintaining the Sahara issue on the decolonization agenda of the Fourth Committee of the UN General Assembly on grounds that it violates the UN charter and the mandate of the Security Council.

In an address before the Fourth Committee, Moroccos representative at the UN, Omar Hilale, denounced the aberration of listing the Sahara issue on the decolonization agenda quoting Article 12 of the UN charter which clearly stipulates that while the Security Council is exercising in respect of any dispute or situation the functions assigned to it in the present Charter, the General Assembly shall not make any recommendation with regard to that dispute or situation unless the Security Council so requests.

Hilale argued that the Sahara issue should no longer be examined at the Fourth Committee since it has been part of the jurisdictions of the Security Council since 1988.

In this respect, the Moroccan diplomat deplored the confusion surrounding the Sahara issue at the UN which continues to be examined by both the Security Council and the Fourth Committee.

He warned of the repercussions of such incoherence on the credibility of the UN and called for respecting the UN charter in order to find a lasting resolution to the regional dispute over the Sahara.

Maintaining the Sahara conflict on the agenda of the fourth committee goes in total contradiction with the Security Council approach which examines the issue as part of Article VI relating to the peaceful resolution of conflicts, recalled Hilale, noting that the Security Council has never considered the Sahara dispute as a decolonization issue.

The Moroccan diplomat explained that the terminology used in the Security Council resolution has never labelled the conflict as a decolonization issue and has never called the Sahara as an occupied territory. The Security Council uses accurate terms calling the Sahara issue a regional conflict, he said.

He pointed out to the Madrid Agreement signed with Spain in 1975 to retrieve the Saharan provinces in accordance with the UN Charter, and recalled that the agreement was submitted to the UN Secretary General and was recognized by resolution 3458B of the UN General Assembly.

This conflict could not have been perpetuated if it has not been for Algerias obstinacy and its regional hegemony ambitions, said Hilale.

The Moroccan diplomat deplored that Algeria acts out of hostility to Moroccos territorial integrity by manipulating the principle of self-determination, which Algiers interprets as separation, secession and partition.

Any attempt aimed at the partial or total disruption of the national unity and the territorial integrity of a country is incompatible with the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations, Hilale quoted article 6 of resolution 1514 as saying.
Francoise Elvina Baylis

CM, ONS, PhD, FRSC, FCAHS Halifax Professor Francoise Baylis is an expert in the field of bioethics. She is a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University and is the Canada Research Chair in Bioethics and Philosophy. Her work with those outside the medical profession has brought honour, understanding and respect to her field. Baylis is able to take complex issues such, as stem cell research and new reproductive technologies, and make them understandable and assessable to society. She uses film and other media to educate and engage the public without jargon and other barriers created by complex academic subjects. At the heart of Baylis work is the belief that citizens belong in the discussion and decision making about scientific advances that affect our lives. Her commitment has won the affection and admiration of her colleagues and citizens of Nova Scotia.

Freeman Douglas Knockwood (Deceased)

ONS, DHum (Hon) Indian Brook Elder Doug Knockwood embodies the spirit of resilience. He had a loving father who fought and succeeded in liberating him from a residential school. When he returned home he had to relearn his language and his culture. A short stint in the Canadian Armed Forces resulted in tuberculosis and the loss of a lung. He has survived homelessness and alcoholism. Elder Knockwood fled to the New England States, as did many of his generation. There he became a respected cook and earned his sobriety. Elder Knockwood used his experience of survival and redemption to empower others. He has used MiKmaw spiritual teaching and personal experience to help others overcome addiction across Canada. He is well known for his work with youth and vulnerable people afflicted with drug and alcohol problems. Elder Knockwood is a loved and respected elder.

Arthur Bruce McDonald

CC OOnt ONS FRS FRSC Sydney, Nova Scotia, and Kingston, Ontario Arthur McDonald is a teacher, collaborator and Nobel Prize winning Astrophysicist. His career in science began as a student at Sydney Academy. Some fifty years later his work has changed our understanding of the innermost workings of matter  the behavior of neutrinos. Those extra math classes at Sydney Academy led to bachelor and master degrees in physics from Dalhousie University. He then moved on to earn a doctorate at the California Institute of Technology. He worked at Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories and became a professor at Princeton University and then Queens. He led a team of international scientists as Director of the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) Collaboration and shared the 2015 Nobel Physics Prize with Takaaki Kajita of the SuperKamiokande Collaboration for measurements that defined important basic properties of fundamental particles called neutrinos. McDonald has received many honours for his science and is valued by his colleagues for his vision, his leadership and his persistence. Throughout his career, Dr. McDonald has supervised and mentored the research of more than 100 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows and research associates. He is an Ambassador of Canadian science who has not lost touch with his Nova Scotia roots.

James Leonard Morrow

ONS, DHum (Hon) Windsor Jim Morrows puppets are larger than life and so is his vision. As Artistic Director of Mermaid Theatre he creates magical worlds from wood, foam, music and storytelling. He began his theatre career as a performer, and now designs, directs and teaches, mentoring a new generation of performers in the art of puppetry. Morrow had done it all, from performing to carving to the creation of full stage productions. His adaptations of childrens stories, created at Mermaids headquarters in Windsor, are enjoyed by audiences around the world from Canadas North to Bahrain, from Japan to Ireland and in every state and province in the United States and Canada. Morrow and his shows serve as cultural ambassadors for Nova Scotia and Nova Scotia culture, with a healthy dose of humour, generosity and humility.
Deb Fischer. Photo: Drew Angerer/Bloomberg via Getty Images

Nebraska Senator Deb Fischer told a local radio station on Tuesday that she plans to vote for Mr. Trump and Mr. Pence on November 8. This is noteworthy because, just three days ago, she was calling on Trump to resign his candidacy.

When asked about her abrupt change of heart, Fischer said that while she was critical of Trumps recently unveiled bragging about grabbing womens genitals, she never said she wouldnt vote for him. I put out a statement  with regard to Mr. Trumps comments. I felt they were disgusting. I felt they were unacceptable and I never said I was not voting for our Republican ticket.



That is technically true. On Saturday she said:

The comments made by Mr. Trump were disgusting and totally unacceptable under any circumstance. (1/2)  Deb Fischer (@DebFischerNE) October 8, 2016

It would be wise for him to step aside and allow Mike Pence to serve as our party's nominee. (2/2)  Deb Fischer (@DebFischerNE) October 8, 2016

Still, it was a bit jarring to see her shift so quickly from calling for Trumps resignation to saying that voting for him was not a tough choice and that she has respect for Trumps decision not to step down.

Fischer is one of only six female Republican senators, and now one of only two who have not pulled their endorsement of Trump or called for him to quit the race.

I support the Republican ticket, she explained, and its a Trump-Pence ticket.
Firefighters use foam to extinguish the fire of a demolished aircraft after the plane crashed on Main Street in East Hartford Connecticut, Tuesday, October 11, 2016. Photo: JIM MICHAUD/AP

A fiery plane crash Tuesday afternoon in East Hartford, Connecticut, may have been intentional, sources told the New York Times. Two people were aboard when the plane struck a telephone pole, killing one passenger. The pilot survived with burn wounds but has allegedly indicated to authorities that the crash was not an accident. The pilot is in the hospital and is said to be cooperating with investigators.



Raw Video From Scene of Plane Crash In East Hartford, via @mferr1971https://t.co/DfsG7YuMSp pic.twitter.com/KMnBzYsZtM  Breaking911 (@Breaking911) October 11, 2016

The FBI is now investigating, along with officials from the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board. The killed passenger has been named as 28-year-old flight student Feras M. Freitekh. Freitekh is a Jordanian national who entered the United States on a temporary visa to attend flight school in 2012, reports CBS News. He received his license to fly a single-engine plane in May 2015.

The charred plane wreckage is not far from the Pratt & Whitney headquarters, an aerospace manufacturer that supplies parts of civilian and military aircraft. According to the Hartford Courant, local officials called in the FBI because they consider the company critical infrastructure.

Investigators reportedly raided a Hartford apartment in the early morning hours Wednesday, but officials have not confirmed that the operation was tied to the crash.

CT PLANE CRASH: Multiple law enforcement agencies raid Hartford home overnight, following reports of "intentional" plane crash yesterday. pic.twitter.com/ZhCWSCZdl7  Anthony DiLorenzo (@ADiLorenzoTV) October 12, 2016

The plane reportedly took off from a flight school at the Hartford-Brainard Airport and was on its way back when it crashed and erupted into flames. I hear planes every day, Jonathan Rucker, a witness, told the Courant. I heard a plane, then I didnt hear anything. I looked up and the plane was just tipping over. It tipped to the left and dropped straight down. There was a loud bang, smoke and flame. It tipped to the left and just dropped like a rock.

Two other people in a minivan sustained minor injuries when the plane went down, but it doesnt appear that the plane struck the vehicle directly.
Paula Jones (left), Kathleen Willey (center), and Juanita Broaddrick (right) seated for the second presidential debate. Photo: PAUL J. RICHARDS/AFP/Getty Images

Donald Trumps decision to attack Hillary Clinton on the broader matter of her husbands alleged sex crimes may be a sign that Trump is losing, but for informal Trump adviser Roger Stone, its a victory.

For much of the past year, the notorious political operative and self-proclaimed dirty trickster has been one of the most consistent and persistent voices in Trumpworld advocating for Trump to make Bill Clintons sexual history an issue in the campaign. In his 2016 book, The Clintons War on Women, Stone alleged that Hillary Clinton intimidated women who had accused Bill Clinton of unwanted sexual advances (the book also alleges the Clintons may have plausibly murdered 40 people). Earlier this month, the New York Times reported that Hillary embraced the Clinton campaigns aggressive strategy of counterattack: Women who claimed to have had sexual encounters with Mr. Clinton would become targets of digging and discrediting  tactics that womens rights advocates frequently denounce.

Until last weekend, Stone had limited success convincing Trump to attack Clinton for her husbands behavior. In January, Trump tweeted, I hope Bill Clinton starts talking about womens issues so that voters can see what a hypocrite he is and how Hillary abused those women! For the next nine months, Trump mostly stayed away from the issue, which Stone attributes to Trump thinking it was a matter of infidelity. But after the hot-mic video leaked on Friday of Trump describing to Billy Bush actions that sound like sexual assault, Trump decided to go there. When the Billy Bush thing hit, Trump needed a tougher strategy, Stone said.

The spectacle of the last several days  lowlighted by Trumps pre-debate press conference featuring women who accused Hillary Clinton of covering up Bills unwanted sexual advances  was the product of multiple authors: Right-wing journalist-provocateur Charles Johnson, as well as Trump campaign CEO Steve Bannon and Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner, all worked to place Clintons accusers center stage in the campaign. But Stone says his earlier advocacy put the pieces in place for it to happen. I forced Trump into my narrative, Stone said.

Roger Stone, Nixon administration vet and current Trump consigliere. Photo: Carl Juste/Miami Herald/Getty Images/2014 MCT

Stones effort to recruit Bill Clintons accusers to the Trump cause began last spring, when World Net Daily writer Jerome Corsi introduced Stone to a 38-year-old Vancouver, Washingtonbased lawyer named Candice Jackson, who authored the 2005 book Their Lives: The Women Targeted by the Clinton Machine. Jackson had remained close with the women she interviewed for her book  Juanita Broaddrick, Paula Jones, and Gennifer Flowers, among others  and Stone wanted to hire her to help Trumps campaign. She said, I would love to work with you, but since youre a conservative, you should know Im a lesbian, Stone recalled her saying. I said, Are you kidding? Do you think thatd bother me? Im the worlds biggest libertine! Jackson signed on.

Stone says he paid Jackson about $7,000 to travel to Arkansas last summer to produce a video interview with Kathy Shelton, a woman who accused Hillary Clinton of defending the man who raped her in 1975 when she was 12 (an Arkansas judge had assigned Clinton to be his public defender). Jackson also became Sheltons lawyer. A PAC founded by Stone paid Shelton $2,500 for the interviews. I talked with Roger all summer about this project, Jackson told me. We strategized about how we could strategically bring their message out.

Trump and the campaigns current leadership werent ready to go there, though. For one thing, according to Stone, Trumps daughter Ivanka wasnt onboard. Other advisers wanted Trump to focus on his core issues of trade and immigration. Stone said he made the case to Trump and Bannon that the issue was one of sexual assault, not infidelity.

Stone says that both Ivanka and Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway resisted the idea. Kellyanne hates my guts. And I hate her, Stone told me. Conway strenuously denied being against raising the women issue. Its a sexist remark, she told me. I have been attacking the Clintons for 20 years. The idea that I wouldnt tell a presidential candidate to shame and blame this woman  and say, Yeah, lets talk about jobs  is complete bullshit.

Following his widely panned first debate performance against Clinton on September 26  in which he alluded to the accusations against Bill Clinton but then credited himself for not discussing them  Trump called Stone for advice. Stone responded by sending Trump and Bannon a memo. The issue of Bill Clinton and women is NOT about marital infidelity , adultery or indiscretions. The issue is sexual assault, rape and violence against women  Hillary ran the campaign to bully, attack, shame and intimidate Bills victims into silence, Stone wrote. Broaddrick, Willey, Jones, Kyle and Shelton are all available to attend the next debate or to do a joint press event. Their travel would have to be paid for as none are women of means.

The memo got little traction. So Stone asked Jackson to contact Conway last Thursday without mentioning their connection. Shes known as a cutout, Stone told me, referring to the espionage term about a mutually trusted party serving as a go-between among opposing agents. Jackson had already been planning to be in St. Louis for the debate. She told me Charles Johnsons crowdfunding website WeSearchr had raised thousands of dollars to send her and Shelton.

After the Access Hollywood tape leaked on Friday afternoon, Trump and his team finally came around to the strategy. Trump had Stones attack lines ready. Bill Clinton has actually abused women, and Hillary has bullied, attacked, shamed, and intimidated his victims, Trump said in a video apology that night. We will discuss this more in the coming days.

On Saturday morning, Conway called Jackson and asked her if she could get the women to the debate in St. Louis. Jackson contacted Shelton and put out calls to Broaddrick, Jones, and others. It was a difficult logistical challenge to pull off, Jackson said. The campaign paid to fly the women first-class to St. Louis and put them up in the Four Seasons Hotel, according to Jackson. Trumps bizarre pre-debate press conference was orchestrated by Bannon and Kushner, the Washington Post reported. (Bannon and Kushner even tried to seat them in his familys box next to the Clintons.)

Since then, Trump has kept up the attacks. Bill Clinton sexually assaulted innocent women, and Hillary Clinton attacked those women viciously, Trump told supporters in Pennsylvania Monday.
Photo: Sean Rayford/Getty Images

Rivers are overflowing in North Carolina, the rising water turning streets and sidewalks into streams as officials urge residents to flee to higher ground. This is what Hurricane Matthew left in its wake in North Carolina. The category 1 storm clipped the eastern region of the state after pummeling the coastlines of Florida and Georgia, and making landfall in South Carolina. In North Carolina, the system dumped up to 18 inches of rain in some places. The torrential rain fell on already saturated ground, creating surging water levels in inland rivers and streams.

And the worst is not over. The flooding threat persists until at least Friday, and some of the rivers have not yet crested.If we say the waters coming and we say do not drive through that water, we mean it, North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory warned Tuesday. Do not go through water. Weve had over 10 people killed as a result of that. We are not messing around, and we do not want to put people at risk to save you once youve made that decision.

A building is inundated with floodwaters on October 10, 2016 in Lumberton, North Carolina. Photo: Sean Rayford/Getty Images

McCrory said Tuesday that at least 17 people have been killed in North Carolina in Matthews aftermath, out of the more than 33 deaths related to the storm in southeastern United States.

At least three people are missing in the North Carolinas flood zone, and more than 4,000 are bedding down in emergency shelters. Curfews are in effect across the state. Thousands are without power.

Residents and rescue teams navigate floodwaters on October 10, 2016 in Lumberton, North Carolina. The death toll from Hurricane Matthew in the U.S. has climbed to over 20. Photo: Sean Rayford/Getty Images

More than 2,000 people needed to be rescued by boat or air, and officials are still urging people to evacuate areas where rivers are cresting and water is threatening to overwhelm levees. The Tar River is threatening the area near Greenville, where officials warned that every bridge would be unusable by Wednesday. Water has also deluged the citys airport.

I can't get over this area. Southbound 117 has some flooding, Northbound is its own river. #Goldsboro #HurricaneMatthew pic.twitter.com/EnoITY0AP8  Alex Rose (@AlexRoseNews) October 11, 2016

The Neuse River, near Goldsboro, about 50 miles from Raleigh, crested at record levels  and will stay there for most of the week. Water subsumed at least 131 houses.

Here's what we know about the condition of Woodlake Dam: https://t.co/LsWD0vr5bL pic.twitter.com/iNnWjOvi6z  Jaymie Baxley (@PilotJaymie) October 11, 2016

In another area, near Fort Bragg, the Woodlake Dam threatened a breach. Get out, McCrory demanded of residents who refused to evacuate. Get out now.

Lumberton, North Carolina remains submerged under floodwater. "You've got to see it to believe all the devastation." https://t.co/6s9rgK13fM pic.twitter.com/w7sWHbiMxM  ABC News (@ABC) October 11, 2016

The town of Lumberton, in rural Robeson County, was one of the hardest hit, where the Lumber River crested to four feet above its record level. The natural disaster has sharpened tensions in the town  which has no power, and where food and supplies are becoming scarce. Officials said at least one person was killed in a police-involved shooting after becoming hostile with officers after trying to drive a Humvee through a flood-ravaged area. The identity of the victim has not been released, though early reports suggest he was armed. Protests had racked Charlotte, North Carolina, after cops fatally shot a black man, Keith Lamont Scott, just weeks before, prompting a emergency declaration from the governor.

President Obama has declared at least 31 counties federal disaster zones, which frees up FEMA money. Officials fear that the flooding could top those of Hurricane Floyd in 1999, which left more than 50 dead. In total, Matthew killed hundreds on its march through the Caribbean to the United States. At least 1,000 have died in Haiti alone, which hit as a devastating category 4 hurricane last week. The impoverished island is facing an ongoing and catastrophic humanitarian crisis as hundreds of thousands lack access to adequate food or potable water.
A handful of San Antonio motorcycle cops displayed poor judgment and will be disciplined appropriately for wearing Make America Great Again hats after escorting Donald Trump, according to a statement from that citys police chief.

Trump tweeted a video Tuesday evening of the officers, who escorted him to and from the San Antonio airport, posing with him outside his plane.

Thank you Texas! If you haven't registered to VOTE- today is your last day. Go to: https://t.co/HfihPEA3Sp & get out on 11/8/16 to #MAGA! pic.twitter.com/KlRx4GoO64  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2016

City policy bars city employees from making overt political statements while on the job, according to the San Antonio Express-News. But dont expect the officers to be punished very harshly.

It seems kind of benign, San Antonio Police Officers Association president Mike Helle told the paper. Theyd probably get a written reprimand or counseling to not do that sort of thing on duty.
Photo: Mandel Ngan/AFP/Getty Images

Hours after America learned what he likes to grab married women by, Donald Trump offered his best approximation of an apology. While unable to project genuine contrition, the mogul successfully said the words I apologize, before transitioning into an attack on Bill Clinton.

There are few things Trump enjoys less than admitting to his errors. But he did it anyway. Because the party Establishment told him to.

And then, over the ensuing 48 hours, a slew of elected Republicans rescinded their endorsements, reports circulated that Mike Pence was thinking of jumping ship, and the RNC indicated that it would be diverting resources down ballot.

And so, Trump instructed Steve Bannon to remove his shackles.

The GOP nominee showed up to the second presidential debate with three women who had accused Bill Clinton of sexual misconduct. He proceeded to stalk Hillary Clinton around the town hall like a silverback gorilla (in the words of the Trump campaigns own surrogate). Before the evening was over, Trump had accused the Democratic nominee of having laughed at a 12-year-old rape victim, called Clinton a devil, and promised to have her prosecuted once he is elected.

In the days since, Trump has lashed out at Republicans who had distanced themselves from his campaign, saying that he wouldnt want to be in a foxhole with (famous war hero) John McCain, and that House Speaker Paul Ryan supports open borders and very bad budgets.

It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2016

Disloyal R's are far more difficult than Crooked Hillary. They come at you from all sides. They dont know how to win - I will teach them!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2016

On first glance, one might attribute this behavior to factors more psychological than political. Trump has never displayed much talent for turning the other cheek. Whether or not it makes political sense to drag the Clintons through the mud  or rain hell upon turncoat Republicans  the mogul is constitutionally incapable of pursuing a different path.

Or one could interpret Trumps de-shackling as a recognition that he has no realistic shot of winning on November 8. Thus, the mogul has entered the YOLO phase of his campaign, indulging in the parts of politics he likes best  humiliating his enemies and entertaining his admirers  while he still can.

But a new report from The Wall Street Journal suggests that Trumps behavior is all part of a coherent Hail Mary strategy for winning the White House: energize the Trumpen proletariat while demoralizing everyone else:

Donald Trump, faced with opposition inside and outside his party, plans to renew the nationalist themes that built his base and amplify his no-holds-barred attacks against Hillary Clinton to try to depress Democratic voter turnout, his advisers said.



Following the release of a tape-recording of his lewd comments about women and several high-profile Republican defections over the weekend, Mr. Trump has effectively given up the conventional wisdom of trying to reach voters far outside his core of support, one high-level Republican supporter said.

The idea here is to keep tying Hillary Clinton to Wall Street and her husbands sexual history, until a substantial portion of the Democratic base finds the election too depressing to participate in. Meanwhile, by casting the election as a holy crusade against Establishments both left and right, Trump hopes to keep his own base mobilized.

Theres some evidence that Trump is succeeding at the latter goal. An NBC News poll taken after the Billy Bush tape went public  but before Sunday nights town hall  showed only 67 percent of Republican respondents saying GOP House and Senate candidates should back Trump. After the GOP nominee spent the second debate impersonating a walking, talking Breitbart comments section, that figure rose to 83 percent.

But the Trump campaigns broader strategy is almost certainly hopeless. For one thing, its difficult to mobilize the Republican base without simultaneously mobilizing the Democratic one. Which is to say, threatening to jail Hillary Clinton is less likely to depress her base than to energize it. This is even truer for any attempt to renew his nationalist themes, which is to say, demagogic appeals to the innate criminality of nonwhite immigrants. Last week, one of the largest Latino civic groups in America announced that it had registered more than 100,000 new voters ahead of Novembers election.

Whats more, the last thing Trump should want this election to come down to is a battle over which campaign has a better turnout operation. The Trump campaigns get-out-the-vote operation is almost nonexistent, while the Clinton campaigns is state-of-the-art. And the Democrats superior ground game is already paying dividends in early voting. Per the New York Times:

The first wave of data from states like Florida and North Carolina shows preliminary signs that Mrs. Clinton was building a slight edge even before the revelation that Donald J. Trump had bragged about sexual assault roiled the race.



Democrats are requesting more absentee ballots in Florida than they were at this point in 2012, with increases of 50 percent in the heavily Hispanic areas around Miami and Orlando. In North Carolina, where Mitt Romney built enough of a lead in early voting four years ago to eke out a victory over President Obama, Democrats are requesting mail-in ballots in larger numbers than in 2012, while Republicans participation is declining.

Finally, the notion that it is in Trumps interest to attack the Republican leadership because many of his supporters feel estranged from the GOP Establishment is bizarre. Trumps a pox on both houses shtick may have genuinely converted some white, non-college-educated workers to his cause. But such missing white voters vote less reliably than do upscale, moderate Republicans. And Trump simply cannot win without securing more support from the latter. Attacking Paul Ryan will do nothing to aid that cause.

Thus, its hard not to read this new strategy as a means of rationalizing Trumps decision to campaign the way he feels like campaigning.

Most headlines about Trump should be "Trump Continues Campaign Strategy of Doing Selfish Impulsive Things Because He Feels Like It"  Matt Stoller (@matthewstoller) October 12, 2016

Or else as a means of maintaining the engagement of the Trump News Networks future audience.


Was HRC whispering to Bernie Sanders about the crazy-high odds against a Republican House approving a $15 minimum wage? Photo: Ian Thomas Jansen-Lonnquist/Bloomberg via Getty Images

While picking through the WikiLeaks release of John Podestas emails, the industrious libertarians at Reason found something they think indicates hypocrisy, but may just reflect the context of a presidential campaign. Seems there was internal debate in the Clinton campaign over fears held by some liberal economists that a $15-an-hour minimum wage might cause job losses.

As Sean Higgins of The Washington Examiner reports, an April 2015 email from [Neera] Tanden to four senior Clinton staffers responding to a list of policy proposals states that Substantively, we have not supported $15you will get a fair number of liberal economists who will say it will lose jobs. (The email was obtained through an illegal hack, and published by Wikileaks.)

Clinton much later, of course, said shed sign legislation raising the minimum wage to $15 if it came to her desk, after earlier supporting a $12 minimum wage. This was widely interpreted as an effort to neutralize an issue that Bernie Sanders was using against her quite effectively.

To Reasons Peter Suderman, thats evidence of hypocrisy: Clintons people knew there was a risk of job loss associated with that high of a minimum-wage level, and she endorsed it anyway as an act of purely cynical political pandering.

I guess thats one way of interpreting it. Another would be that Clinton and her staff didnt imagine they (or Bernie Sanders) would be in a position to dictate the national minimum wage to a Congress that would likely be at least partially controlled by Republicans, who, like Reason itself, are prone to look dimly on any kind of minimum-wage increase (and in some cases, on the very idea of the minimum wage).

Now, of course, thanks in no small part to Donald Trump, there is suddenly a possibility that Democrats will control both houses of Congress, which makes all of Clintons policy proposals, including the $15 minimum wage, more relevant to actual life.

So if Democrats do control Congress, will Clinton backtrack in horror on her and Bernies minimum-wage proposal, knowing there are economic issues with it?

Maybe, but more likely she will not have to. For one thing, both she and Sanders proposed a phase-in of the higher minimum wage, which means any marginal effect on net employment, or regional problems in low-wage areas where $15 an hour is above the median wage, can be gauged and accounted for. For another thing, unless Democrats kill the filibuster once and for all early on, Republicans will still have a chokehold on controversial legislation in the Senate so long as they have 41 votes. And even if the filibuster is killed right away, theres no guarantee all Democrats will go along with a $15 minimum wage.

Remember the public option in the original Obamacare proposal? It did not survive a Senate with 60 Democrats, because several of them objected to the very idea. Yes, the House and Senate Democratic caucuses are more liberal than they were as recently as 2010. But its likely some adjustments will have to be made in areas like the minimum wage just to get all Democrats onboard  particularly those from states or districts where employers credibly show major job losses would ensue.

If people keep stealing and digging around in Clinton campaign emails, maybe theyll find some talk about this very eventuality. I dont think its particularly amoral to forgive Hillary Clinton for not going through these possibilities in public. You cannot entirely take the politics out of politics. But this incident does provide everybody with the reminder that you should only propose policies you are willing to implement, even if you think that wont happen.
It isnt every day that an academic researcher publicly compares some of her colleagues to terrorists, so its probably no surprise that what happened last month sparked a heated debate. Thats when a draft version of an upcoming column in the Association for Psychological Sciences Observer magazine was published online. Written by Susan Fiske, a highly regarded social psychologist at Princeton, the former head of the APS, and a longtime editor at the online journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, or PNAS, the column decries the current tone of academic debate within the field of psychology. Fiske portrays a landscape in which the long-standing scientific tradition of thoughtful, collaborative critique has given way to a Wild West of anonymous social-media sniping, personal attacks, and all sorts of other unsavory, incivil tactics.

Here are the first two paragraphs:

Our field has always encouraged  required, really  peer critiques. But the new media (e.g., blogs, twitter, Facebook posts) are encouraging uncurated, unfiltered trash-talk. In the most extreme examples, online vigilantes are attacking individuals, their research programs, and their careers. Self-appointed data police are volunteering critiques of such personal ferocity and relentless frequency that they resemble a denial-of-service attack that crashes a website by sheer volume of traffic.



Only whats crashing are people. These unmoderated attacks create collateral damage to targets careers and well being, with no accountability for the bullies. Our colleagues at all career stages are leaving the field because of the sheer adversarial viciousness. I have heard from graduate students opting out of academia, assistant professors afraid to come up for tenure, mid-career people wondering how to protect their labs, and senior faculty retiring early, all because of methodological terrorism. I am not naming names because ad hominem smear tactics are already damaging our field. Instead, I am describing a dangerous minority trend that has an outsized impact and a chilling effect on scientific discourse. I am not a primary target, but my goal is to give voice to others too sensible to object publicly.

Fiske concludes the column, Psychological science has achieved much through collaboration, but also through responding to constructive adversaries who make their critiques respectfully. The key word here is constructive.

As soon as the draft went up, the column elicited a fair amount of anger and sarcasm  particularly at Fiskes use of the phrase methodological terrorism to describe the activities of social-media critics (much of this anger and sarcasm was expressed on social media, of course). For a lot of social-science researchers, journalists, and interested bystanders, it became a grab-the-popcorn moment.

But its also a lot more than that. If you examine Fiskes argument and the rebuttals to it closely  and talk to the researchers who have the most at stake when it comes to the question of how social science goes about correcting errors  theres a strong case to be made that the particular brand of civility touted by Fiske could be bad for psychology, that it will only solidify practices which havent done a very good job keeping sloppy findings out of the literature, leading to what is currently a growing crisis of confidence in the fields ability to publish sturdy results. Theres a strong case to be made that the only real way forward is for psychology to open itself up yet further to informal, online forms of criticism and debate  even if that means that things get unruly, uncomfortable, and sometimes rude.

***

Part of the problem is that Fiske doesnt offer any specifics other than that unidentified researchers are being harmed by unidentified parties, whose vicious activities are stifling their victims research efforts, if not chasing them out of the field entirely. This vagueness led some skeptical observers to argue that Fiske was overreacting, in an opportunistic way, to criticisms recently launched at certain researchers in her own circle.

After all, psychology is in the midst of a replication crisis  lots of findings that have, for a long time, been largely accepted as true seem to be teetering in the wakes of the results of newer and often more methodologically sophisticated experiments. Fiske mentored Amy Cuddy, the power-posing guru whose work has recently come under heavy fire, for instance, partly as a result of failed replications. Other popular ideas in the field, like grit and ego depletion, have faced serious replications issues as well. And as an editor at PNAS (one of many editors, it should be pointed out), Fiske has edited a bunch of published papers which garnered media headlines for their splashy findings, but which later faced scrutiny after statistically inclined researchers claimed that those findings were based on quantitatively iffy work.

Scrutiny can mean a lot of things these days. In the most extreme cases, shoddy papers are corrected or retracted altogether through established processes of editorial comment and critique. In 2016, though, if youre uninterested in a potentially months-long back-and-forth with a papers authors and editors debating whether and to what extent a key statistic was miscalculated and whether this error warrants a correction, you can take your qualms to a blog or Twitter instead, where the rest of the academic community can judge for themselves whether those qualms have merit, and can offer suggestions for further lines of inquiry. And perhaps no one has used this parallel, informal critique process more prolifically, and to greater effect, than Columbia University statistician and political scientist Andrew Gelman. Fiske doesnt mention him by name in her column (or anyone else, for that matter), but hes a big part of this story.

Gelman is a highly respected numbers guy whose peppery blog exists in large part to call out what he sees as an endless torrent of statistically shoddy science being churned out by what are, in his view, often low-quality academic journals  even some of the big-name ones. If you work anywhere in the vicinity of quantitative social science, whether as a major macher or a lowly grad student, you likely know who Gelman is and check his blog, at least once in a while. It helps drive the conversation scientists are constantly having among themselves. Frequently, methodological disputes are hashed out in Gelmans very active comments section, with Gelman himself often chiming in or surfacing useful insights up into the posts themselves. (Gelman is also a frequent contributor at Slate, where he regularly covers many of the same issues.)

Gelman has been a frequent critic of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences  here he is referring to the publication as a tabloid top journal in a headline  and of Fiskes performance as a gatekeeper there, in particular: He has mentioned her a lot by name, according to Google, and usually not in a flattering manner (though some of those hits point to Gelmans commenters, who dont seem to be fans, either). It isnt as though he only focuses on Fiske and PNAS; he regularly calls out what he sees as flashy, statistically unserious clickbait science wherever he sees it. Its just that PNAS and Fiske seem to come up a lot: Take, for example, Gelmans blog posts about studies she edited which claimed people dont take hurricanes with female names as seriously as ones with male names; that the perception of inequality on airplanes might lead to air-rage incidents; and that when people approach an age with a zero at the end, it makes them more likely to embark on certain big new life journeys. All got media attention, and all elicited complaints and methodological critiques from Gelman. (We probably need a parentheses worth of disclosure here, since Science of Us covered all three studies: Melissa Dahl wrote a skeptical piece on hurricanes/himmicanes, in which she quoted an email from Gelman, and a piece about the round-numbers thing that generally accepted that finding, but which Gelman complimented in one of his posts for its detail, for what thats worth; and I edited a generally credulous article about the air-rage study that earned me a gentle rebuke via email from Gelman, who sent along links to his skeptical posts on the subject. This was a story that people wanted to hear, so they took it at face value, he wrote. I hope New York Magazine can do better next time!)

Unsurprisingly, Gelman didnt agree with Fiskes diagnosis that a tone problem is seriously affecting psychological research. First, he published a very short post with the headline Methodological terrorism. Methodological terrorism is when you publish a paper in a peer-reviewed journal, its claim is supported by a statistically significant t statistic of 5.03, and someone looks at your numbers, figures out that the correct value is 1.8, and then posts that correction on social media, he writes in that post. Terrorism is when somebody blows shit up and tries to kill you. Accompanying the post is a photo of a fragment of the dumpster which was recently blown up in Chelsea.

The very next day, Gelman returned to the issue and went all in. That post is headlined What has happened down here is the winds have changed, which is the first line of Randy Newmans song about the devastatingly biblical Mississippi River flood of 1927, Louisiana 1927.

Over the course of more than 5,000 words, with each subhed a subsequent line from the Newman song  What has happened down here is the winds have changed/Clouds roll in from the north and it started to rain/Rained real hard and it rained for a real long time  Gelman lays out the recent history of the replication crisis and how it has manifested itself in a variety of fields, not just psychology.

In Gelmans view, its only been very recently that researchers, himself included, have even begun to fully grasp the dire problems with how statistically based science has often been conducted and disseminated to the public. Decades ago, some researchers had identified the potential for certain common statistical practices to yield false-positive results and muck up scientific findings in other ways, but it took far longer for this lesson to fully set in. As of five years ago2011the replication crisis was barely a cloud on the horizon, Gelman writes. At that time, theres a sense that somethings wrong, but its not so clear to people how wrong things are, and observers (myself included) remain unaware of the ubiquity, indeed the obviousness, of fatal multiple comparisons problems in so much published research.

Since then, Gelman argues, attempts to fix social sciences statistical issues have finally achieved full liftoff, thanks to a number of factors: a series of high-profile retractions and instances of fraud; a larger and larger cohort of researchers dedicated to enacting more robust norms of transparency and data-sharing; and the introduction of sophisticated new statistical tools to root out fishy results.

It all happened so quickly, Gelman argues, that old-school researchers might be feeling a bit like, well, theyve just been hit by some sort of raging flood. If youd been deeply invested in the old system, it must be pretty upsetting to think about change, Gelman writes. Fiske is in the position of someone who owns stock in a failing enterprise, so no wonder she wants to talk it up. He continues: [S]hes living in 2016 but shes stuck in 2006-era thinking. Back 10 years ago, maybe I wouldve fallen for the himmicanes and air rage papers too. Id like to think not, but who knows? Following [Uri Simonsohn, a noted reformer of social sciences methodological practices] and others, Ive become much more skeptical about published research than I used to be.

To Gelman, then, this is all about adapting to the times, to the realization that theres a lot of bad practice in science, that open online collaboration and criticism can play a role in fixing things, and that the official gatekeepers have, in many respects, failed. So who are those gatekeepers to then complain when Facebook posts  or, say, blog posts by Andrew Gelman  are a bit heated or angry? Who cares, as long as those critiques are correct? Thats the argument, at least.

***

Another noteworthy response to Fiskes column was written by Tal Yarkoni, an assistant professor of psychology at the University of Texas at Austin. In a lengthy blog post entitled There is no tone problem in psychology, he strongly critiques Fiskes premise that psychological researchers should be particularly worried about civility issues.

Yarkoni argues that to cower at the methodological terrorists lobbing their mean tweets and Facebook posts at the authors of published findings is to misunderstand what science is. We can perhaps distinguish between two ways of thinking about what it means to do science, he writes. First, he lays out what he calls a negotiation model of science in which when two people disagree over some substantive scientific issue, what theyre doing is trying to find a compromise position thats palatable to both parties. Think of a bustling bazaar where haggling is encouraged: The ultimate goal of the place is to foster mutually satisfactory exchanges, so theres good reason for everyone to be as polite as possible.

But science isnt really like that, Yarkoni argues. If a finding is statistically faulty, its statistically faulty. And if criticism of a given error makes the author of that error unhappy or uncomfortable, or they think the criticism is unfair or stated too bluntly, or they are convinced the the critiquer is really only going after them because of a spat they had at a conference five years ago  well, tough. If, in fact, the original author truly erred, that error needs to be corrected. Thats what science is.

Thats why Yarkoni rejects the idea of a negotiation model of science, opting for a different and more colorful idea:

A better way to think about science is in terms of what we might call, with great nuance and sophistication, the engine-on-fire model. This model can be understood as follows. Suppose you get hungry while driving a long distance, and pull into a convenience store to buy some snacks. Just as youre opening the door to the store, some guy yells out behind you, hey, asshole, your engines on fire! He then continues to stand around and berate you while you call for emergency services and frantically run around looking for a fire extinguisherall without ever lifting a finger to help you.



Two points about this story should be obvious. First, the guy who alerted you to your burning engine is very likely a raging asshole. And second, the fact that hes a raging asshole doesnt absolve you in any way from taking steps to put out your flaming engine. It may absolve you from saying thank you to him after the fact, but his unpleasant demeanor unfortunately doesnt mean you can just choose to look the other way out of spite, and calmly head inside to buy your teriyaki beef jerky as the flames outside engulf your vehicle

In the Yarkonian view, then, at the moment the field of psychology is a giant parking lot where cars (findings) keep spontaneously combusting, and where passersby (those who replicate and critique those findings) keep notifying the owners of the cars (the authors of the findings) that their cars are on fire. Some of the bystanders are rude  they scream Hey, asshole  your cars on fire!  while others practice a deeply ingrained sense of decorum, gently tapping the owners of the smoldering cars on the shoulders and saying things like, My good sir, Im frightfully sorry to alarm you, but I do believe your automobile has caught fire. To Yarkoni, the key takeaway here is Holy shit, why are all these cars blowing up? And in his view, Fiske is more concerned with Why are people being so rude when they point out these flaming cars?



Much of her op-ed, and subsequent argument in interviews, seems driven by a prioritization of the people doing science over the science itself, Yarkoni told me in an email. Im not saying that thats wrong, necessarily, but I think it would be good for her to recognize and ideally admit that her argument is, at bottom, about values, not reasoned argument: shes essentially placing a higher value on protecting one subset of people currently doing science than on doing everything we can to get the science right. Thats a perfectly consistent position to hold, but I dont think she recognizes that a large (and growing) subset of psychologists dont share her value system, and so theyre not really interested in, for example, expressing criticism privately rather than publicly, because thats not nearly as scientifically useful  even if its more likely to hurt feelings.



That question of which subset of people in psychology might benefit from Fiskes call for a renewed focus on civility is absolutely vital to understanding this debate, and it animated many of the skeptical responses to Fiskes column. Social science has never been a particularly remunerative field, of course, but it can be safely said that in recent years it has gotten more cutthroat and more winner-take-all: Opportunities for research funding and for tenured positions are contracting, partly because of a relentless series of state budget cuts affecting big state universities and partly for other reasons.



Meanwhile, when success does strike its increasingly visible, partly because, despite the fields problems, the masses seem to be hungrier than ever before for social-science-tinged findings: If youre Amy Cuddy and you study power posing, or youre Angela Duckworth and you study grit, or youre one of the other handful of researchers whose work has been embraced by a mainstream audience, the spoils are considerable. There are a host of outlets eager to write up your findings; there are book deals from general-audience, or trade, publishers (which can often deliver far more money and bigger audiences than academic-press ones); there are speaking gigs at corporate retreats and at airy ideas conferences in pretty resort towns.



Its much harder, of course, to be a researcher who, because of your esoteric interests or your bad luck with your adviser when you were 24 or whatever else, likely isnt going to get a hefty book deal anytime soon. Its much harder to be a researcher who is barely clinging on to a bottom-rung adjunct position, and who then sees that Susan Fiske, who runs a lab at Princeton and who has basically everything you never will, is using column space in the Observer to decry  rude Facebook posts. Members of this group  the have-nots, basically  far outnumber social sciences superstars. Theyve watched as a number of the superstars findings have imploded, and now theyre being told they need to practice a bit more decorum with regard to the tone and venue of their critiques. How could resentment not be a factor here?

***

In an interview, Fiske said that her column really is just about a small group of abusive personalities. She didnt want to get into the broader conflicts currently roiling the field, nor did she want to mention specific names.



When I mentioned Gelman and how I felt like his blog served as an important flashpoint in this conversation, for example, Fiske responded, I dont want to talk about him in particular, because I think its not about him. Rather, I think there are several people who habitually engage in focused attacks. And I use the word attack because they often impugn peoples motives, and, secondly, some of the commentators have such an intense frequency of focusing on one person that it doesnt seem entirely scientifically justified. It seems more like theyre going after the person than looking for particular things to comment on. I dont want to speculate on their motives either, but the pattern has been called  not just by me  has been called cyberbullying, and I think cyberbullying is people who are powerful by dint of either outranking the person theyre criticizing, who is a vulnerable person, or by dint of sheer frequency of critique by a focal person and then also by people who pile on to critiquing an individual. Once a point has been made that there might be a statistical error, it doesnt require everybody piling on and saying, Isnt it awful?



Fiske kept going back to the importance of maintaining rules of decorum. Im just asking for reasonable discourse  part of it is just, would you say the same thing to the persons face, she said. The challenge, of course, is that different people define reasonable in different ways, but Fiske did offer one suggestion: If there were a neutral third party judging the exchange, would they judge it to be a fair critique?



She emphasized the role of peer review, even in initial critiques of someone elses work. I personally think that editorial and peer review of letters of concern is a good idea, she said. Were this the norm, a lot of what Gelman does would be considered untoward. To him and a lot of other tech-savvy critics of how science is currently conducted, were well past the age of letters of concern. But Fiske thinks its very important that the process of critiquing peoples work be a fairly controlled one, because otherwise things get chaotic and unfair. Just because somebody thinks they have found an error in somebody elses work, it doesnt make them above the norm of getting other peoples input as to whether youre making a reasonable public statement or not, she said.

So whats the problem with people posting their critique online and seeing whether other people agree that it holds up? Because its potentially damaging to the authors, said Fiske, both to their reputation and to the standing of the finding if the critique is wrong or trivial. I asked if she was saying that, if one researcher finds a flaw in anothers paper, they shouldnt post that flaw online until they go through some sort of peer-review process. Yeah, that would be my preference, said Fiske. I mean, I know not everybody agrees with that, but I think that would be a more reasonable route. And I think the authors ought to have some chance to respond in writing as well, preferably posted at the same time as the critique, but certainly they should have an equal chance to respond.



I was also curious about Fiskes claim that psychology has a serious problem with powerful people cyberbullying less powerful ones. Id had in mind a slightly more populist conception of the impact of technology on social science  whether or not you think theres a rudeness problem, it certainly feels like blogs and social media level the playing field and made it easier and safer for small fish to nibble at bigger ones in often important ways. I brought up Fiskes former mentee Amy Cuddy as an example: Yes, theres been a lot of vitriol directed her way, but isnt this also a case in which newer, less formal structures of online critique helped bring scrutiny to some very famous findings that might not have been ready for prime time? Well, I dont really want to talk about Amy, because she wasnt the reason I wrote it, said Fiske. She was one of many reasons. But Im not sure I would characterize her as powerful  you know, shes untenured.



***



Fiske, in part by dint of her proximity to Cuddy and to others who have, in her eyes, been the brunt of severe, frequently unhinged criticism, does seem to really believe psychology has a pressing tone problem, that things are skidding off the road a bit. But its important to think seriously about what would happen if the field enacted her recommendations, because it would entail a serious clawing-back to an earlier time in which the scientific discourse was much more tightly controlled.



The researchers who have the most at stake here are debunkers  those who have discovered errors, fraudulent or otherwise, in other peoples work, and have attempted to get them fixed. Generally, this is not an easy thing to do; social science, and science in general, frequently swat angrily at attempts at correction. But whats striking is that when debunkers tell stories about how frustrating and bruising it was to get even straightforward errors fixed, they blame exactly the norms Fiske seems intent on defending, such as the presumption that published findings need to lent a certain gravitas and critiqued only in a very specific, sanctioned manner, and the idea that its untoward to bring too much attention to other researchers possible errors.



The political scientist David Broockman, for example, was delayed in his discovery and publication of Michael LaCours fraud by prevailing social norms which caused friends and colleagues to tell him to stay quiet, to keep potentially explosive early hints that something was amiss to himself, lest it harm his career since hed be seen as attacking a senior researcher (Don Green, the now-retracted papers co-author) and a blockbuster finding. He even pasted some of his statistical findings to PoliSciRumors.com, an anonymous academic message board consisting largely of the sort of vitriol Fiske decries in her column, hoping someone else would pick up and run with the weirdness hed uncovered, since he was so frightened to do so.



Then theres Steven Ludeke. While a graduate student at the University of Minnesota, he noticed a couple of very simple published errors involving the psychological construct of psychoticism, and in a careful, by-the-book fashion, had his adviser reach out to one of the authors who had erred. This led to a years-long ordeal, the details of which you can read here, in which those authors gave him the runaround, refused to share their data, and tried to slag Ludeke  to others in the field and, once I began reporting on the story, to me  as an obsessed zealot, when the extensive email record Ludeke shared with me showed hed been polite throughout his attempts to alert the authors to their error and gain access to their data.



In light of all of this, Ludeke doesnt have much faith in the ability of the traditional approach to getting errors rectified. The amount of time that this project took for me, the amount of time and the amount of stress, makes this clearly a bad choice to have pursued, unequivocally, he said back when we first spoke over the summer. If you have a chance to say something to that effect in the article  I do not find this to be a recommendable experience  I would like that. And when I emailed him to ask about Fiskes column, he told me that, while [t]here are points worth discussing on the civility front, The idea that the playing field is somehow currently balanced against the authors of a given piece in favor of those critiquing a particular piece is entirely inconsistent with my own experience. Hes also worried about the potential effects of big-name researchers like Fiske criticizing the recent trend toward online openness. It might be that the defensive responses from senior people have convinced some [young researchers] that theres no need to update their approach to research, he said, despite the steady stream of errors highlighted by Gelman and others which hint strongly that social-science researchers must get more methodologically rigorous. That would be sad, if true.



Or, finally, take a story I havent written about  one involving Marcus Crede, a psychologist at Iowa State who has enthusiastically poked and prodded at what he see as fragile-seeming findings (he recently reported findings which suggest that the purported connection between grit and performance is overstated, for example). He wasnt rewarded for his muckraking, either. Starting around 2011 or 2012, Crede said, he uncovered what he views as serious irregularities in the data underpinning the work of Fred Walumbwa, a management professor at Florida International University, eventually leading journals to retract seven of Walumbwas papers. As Crede started to investigate and report his findings, contacting the editors who had published Walumbwas work and some of Walumbwas co-authors, he says he was hit with a wave of backlash from Walumbwa. According to Crede, Walumbwa himself called Iowa States provost and dean to accuse Crede of racism (Walumbwa is black), and made the same allegation to one of Credes former deans and a journal editor as well. Crede said he also received a cease and desist letter from Walumbwas lawyer threatening me with a defamation lawsuit for talking to journal editors and some of his co-authors.



So like Ludeke, Crede did not come away inspired by social sciences established practices for correcting errors. Id like to have a sense of how people should respond, Crede said of Fiskes column. My only experiences with jumping through the hoops, as she kind of recommends, to submit commentaries and to contact editors, and all these kinds of things, ended up with me being threatened legally and having me being accused of being a racist to my dean and provost.



In these three cases, Broockman, Ludeke, and Crede had a miserable time taking the official, respectable approach to getting bad findings fixed. In all three cases, part of the problem was the sense that they were on their own, up against researchers who were more powerful or esteemed than they were, highly motivated to sweep their errors or alleged errors under the rug, or both. Do unofficial critiques on blogs and Twitter solve these problems? Of course not. But they do solidly nudge scientific norms and standards in a more open direction, where, to take one example, junior researchers dont need to feel like they could be making a career-risking move by pointing out an obvious error or a suspicious snippet of code. They destigmatize and demystify the process of saying, These numbers look weird to me. Guys, do you think these numbers are weird?



Thats what seems to be missing from Fiskes call for civility  an acknowledgement of the wider context of the replication crisis and the social and professional norms that can stymie sciences gradual, zigzagging journey toward the truth. For now Fiske is showing little desire to budge from her position. She does, though, seem to have acknowledged that her word choice may have been off; Fiske said that the final version of her column, which should be online November 1, will not have the phrase methodological terrorism in it. I agree that it was distracting people, she said. But at the same time, it had elements of truth to it, so thats why I used it.
Photo: Panoramic Images/Getty Images

Dreams are strange, misunderstood things. This week, Science of Us will be exploring the latest research that helps explain what they are, what they might mean, and how they affect our waking lives.

Before the Belgian-born bomber Khalid el-Bakraoui turned to violent extremism, he was apprehended for lesser crimes  car theft, kidnapping, bank robbery. It was during a stint in prison that he experienced the first of a series of vivid dreams that, according to ISISs English-language newsletter Dabiq, helped set him on the path toward jihad.

In the first dream  which Dabiq calls life-changing  el-Bakraoui saw himself fighting infidels alongside Muhammad, who was riding a horse into battle. The vision took me beyond the battlefield, he said, according to Dabiq. I saw myself as an archer shooting arrows at the enemy. I would shoot, take cover, then shoot again. When he was released from prison, el-Bakraoui started to get involved in ISIS, preaching their messages and urging his Belgian neighbors to move to Islamic State territory. El-Bakraouis second dream allegedly inspired him to go through with a suicide mission. This one was less cinematic than the first, but made just as much of an impression. He arose to a high place  surrounded by stars, where a disembodied voice commanded him to fight for Allah. In the third dream, he detonated an explosive belt, killed two foreign soldiers, and was congratulated by a heavenly voice. My soul then became full of light, he said. A few months later, he and his brother blew themselves up in a crowded Brussels metro station  in real life.

In jihadi culture, dreams are not only a valid topic of conversation, they are a guide to the future and a tool in decision-making, for lone wolves as well as leaders. Ordinary fighters look to dreams to justify violent actions and preview the rewards they hope to enjoy after death, and leaders use dreams to imbue their authority with an air of otherworldly legitimacy; they may interpret dreams about a successful attack as divine endorsement of their plans. In 2015, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi said that he would withdraw from Mosul because Muhammad ordered him out of the city in a dream. As ISISs grip on Iraq and Syria deteriorates, according to British anthropologist Iain Edgar, the group seems to be putting even greater stock in dreams.

Whether the dreams are real or fabricated is of course impossible to know  but the spiritual penalties for lying about a dream, Edgar points out, are severe. And the psychological effects on other ISIS supporters can be powerful either way. Videotapes released after the September 11 attacks show Osama bin Laden describing dreams he interpreted as good omens; he even feared that the secret plot could be exposed if too many people dreamed about airplane crashes.

After analyzing Islamic State propaganda, Edgar, author of The Dream in Islam: From Quranic Tradition to Jihadist Inspiration, found that dreams can be the deciding factor in ISIS sympathizers decisions to join the terrorist group or carry out an attack. Elton Simpson, who opened fire on a Muhammad-themed cartoon contest in Garland, Texas, may have been inspired by a dream about a woman in a hijab, which was interpreted as a sign of the virgins awaiting his arrival in heaven. In the days leading up to the attack, Simpson had been tweeting with accounts like End of Time Dreams (@entimdrms), which posted pro-ISIS interpretations of its followers dreams. Coded dream symbols lend credence to real-life decisions: The dream motif of green birds, for instance, represents the martyrs journey to paradise, and can be taken as a positive omen. (Martyrs are said to be transported to heaven by green birds.)

In recent propaganda materials, there appears to be a new emphasis on dreams. The last two Dabiqs have contained personal dream reports of significant IS members, seemingly for the first time, Edgar told me. Dream accounts are being weaponized to influence other IS members, followers, and jihadi wannabes. The new focus on dreams could be a sign of desperation  an attempt to inspire far-flung loners as the terrorist groups power wanes. The images we see, and the stories we read, have a way of lodging in our subconscious and turning up in our dreams. Vulnerable young people on the net who spend lots of times reading about the heroic caliphate and its actions may well start having dreams about this, Edgar says. Edgar also pointed me to a recent report of ISIS fighters arresting a 70-year-old ex-imam in Mosul  on the charge that he had described a dream hed had about the Islamic States defeat.

In one sense, ISISs use of dreams fits in with the broader Muslim attitude toward dreaming. Today, Arabic TV programs are replete with dream interpretation programs and the internet is awash with Islamic dream interpretation websites, Edgar wrote in a recent paper.

The popular practice of istikharaor dream interpretationhas its roots in pre-Islamic Arabia, according to Kelley Bulkeleys Dreaming in the Worlds Religions. Ancient Arabs sought guidance and glimpses of the future by taking stimulants or shooting darts, activities that were condemned in the Quran. Istikhara took their place. People could invoke meaningful or even prophetic dreams by meditating on a question and repeating special prayers before going to sleep. These practices persist, in various forms, to this day. During my fieldwork research, especially in Pakistan, Turkey, Bosnia and the UK, I rarely met a Muslim who didnt relate to his night dreams as a potential portal to the divine, Edgar writes in The Dream in Islam. Religiously significant dreams are a part of everyday life: In a survey cited by Bulkeley, one in five Jordanian undergraduates said that they had dreamed about being possessed by an evil spirit.

In the West, we see dream imagery as a curiosity, a computer back-filling itself, but in these cultures, dreaming is still very important, Edgar says. Wannabe jihadists are killing themselves or others authorized, validated by dream imagery.
Photo: Zena Holloway/Getty Images

Dreams are strange, misunderstood things. This week, Science of Us will be exploring the latest research that helps explain what they are, what they might mean, and how they affect our waking lives.

In 2002, an Israeli professor named Eli Somer published a paper describing a condition he called maladaptive daydreaming, a disorder where people spend about 60 percent of their waking life in a self-designed imaginary world. The qualitative study had its limitations, but the behavior it described was fascinating. Those who suffer from it know this world is fantasy, and still manage to retain contact with the real world, but in extreme cases extensive fantasy activity replaces human interaction and/or interferes with academic, interpersonal or vocational functioning. (In his paper, Somer drew a connection with trauma, since his six-subject cohort had all been sexually abused as children.) In 2011, a maladaptive daydreamer from New Jersey named Jayne Bigelson came across Somers work and convinced her psychiatrist to write an anonymous case study of her; then, with Hunter College researcher Cynthia Schupak, Bigelson co-authored a peer-reviewed paper that examines 90 self-identified non-normative fantasizers. In the years since, Bigelson has fought to draw the mental-health communitys attention to this underresearched condition. (Bigelson, for her part, disagrees with Somers trauma theory.) Here, a 36-year-old from Portland, Oregon, describes just how overwhelming it can be.

How fully would you say your life has been turned over to your daydreaming?

My earliest memories are daydreams. I recall being a toddler lying around fantasizing about climbing a rainbow into a land of princesses. Now Im 36, and Ive retreated to the same daydream world I constructed when I was 9.

What do you mean by daydream world?

At first, this world was a fictional city in California with no name, but when I turned 20, I moved to France for a few years, so all my characters did too. These days, my world is set in a country that I rule as queen. I was what some researchers call a maladaptive daydreamer.

What is that, exactly?

An addiction to fantasy. It can come in many forms. Some people daydream about celebrities, whereas others, like me, will base their fantasies almost exclusively on characters they create. They may be more visual, auditory, emotional, sensual, intellectual. They can create extensive fantasy worlds or individual daydreams. Some people have many worlds. Some have varying story lines. I think theres a spectrum of seriousness among those with the addiction. The one thing that seems to unify us all is the skill it takes to try and live in two worlds at the same time.

Two worlds? That sounds like a burden.

We dont necessarily want to live that way. It can be as crippling as any addiction because we cannot get away from it. But also like any other drug, when controlled, it can be absolutely wonderful. It can enrich and enhance our lives in ways others dont understand. For example, I can stimulate myself without a partner, and I dont just mean sexually. I can have a marvelous intellectual debate without having anyone else around to talk to.

But you also see a downside?

When I tell some people, they say things like, Oh, its just daydreaming. How can that be harmful? They have no idea that fantasy can devastate your life  like any other addiction. The mind is the most powerful drug, and its one that you have unlimited access to.

When daydreaming was such a part of your life, could you control it at all? How often would you daydream?

If I could control it, then it wouldnt be maladaptive, would it? I really think it is an addiction. So if we could choose, like an alcoholic could choose, Okay, Im just going to have one glass of wine today, then they wouldnt be an alcoholic, now would they? Asking me how often I daydreamed is kind of like asking me how many times I breathed in today. I recently read something that said people daydream 2,000 times a day. Thats normal people. So imagine us? Any chance I had, Id go and lie down or Id just get sucked into it, and it was so hard to turn off. Its like youve always got a tailor-made fantasy, soap opera, action film, whatever you want, playing in your head all the time. An alcoholic can run out of booze and money, but you dont run out of mind. You cant just tell yourself to stop thinking.

What sort of fantasies or worlds do you daydream about?

I tried different fantasy worlds involving princesses and fairy tales. I also had some sexual-curiosity dreams. But when I was about 9, I found a daydream that stuck and its still around to this day. The cast of characters fulfilled what I didnt have in my outer world. Ironically, I have come full circle because now my characters are royalty, but serious royalty, like Were running the government kinda royalty.

What exactly is this world like? Who are the characters?

Its a family dynasty. I had mother figures, sister figures, brother figures, and father figures. I was a character, but I was an idealized version of myself. I mean, I had all my outer-world struggles, but I also had other abilities.

So you in ideal form?

The problem is my daydreams arent very visual. The characters, much like people in outer reality, kind of look the same to me. But [my characters] always been an enhanced version of me  thinner, prettier, and greater at everything. In recent years, shes taken on more properties that I have: she changed her hairstyle and color when I did, and her face started to resemble mine  but only to the extent to which I am capable of imagining that.

My character spent her time with characters who loved and nurtured her. They held her when my character and I cried. They soothed our emotional pain, they encouraged us to sing, and act, and I, or she, helped them face the pain of their own experiences and make peace with their pasts. They forged strong bonds that have never been broken.

And how does it all unfold?

There are interweaving story lines, like a soap opera. My character grew up in real time, and the world that I created existed in real time. So when I wasnt daydreaming, they would continue to live their life and I would have to catch up. Id enter the dream thinking: Whats been going on?

Is it like a soap opera after youve missed a few episodes?

More like reality TV, unedited. I used to try and catch up. Id go, okay: What have they been doing? Did they ever finish this project? How old are the kids now? Did this character move away? One thing I dispute is the notion that the outer world is reality and the inner world is fantasy. When I am daydreaming, Im living and thinking and feeling. Thats a reality. Ive seen my characters grow, get married, have kids, meet new people.

I imagine this is as hard to put into words as it is to describe a dream, but can you give me a sense of, say, one story line?

I know I bombard you, but everything in my head is long and complicated.

There are no short stories. When I get a good story line going, I just cant stop. Often, the day-to-day stuff involves dealing with government, family issues (which can be dramatic), making movies, little romances, career stuff, creative endeavors of various family members, various creative and intellectual games they play, and such. Its very stimulating, emotionally and intellectually, but its not always so much like a big fairy tale. Sometimes its just a higher level of life. Ill try and give you an example. This is the story of the Red Queen:

In the Far East, there is a country ruled by an evil queen. She has no name other than the Red Queen because her brutal actions carry far more weight than any other name could handle. She delights in killing her enemies  relishes it. Her people were merely telling tales when they said that her signature red dresses were dyed in the blood of her murder victims, but the gruesome reality was that this was completely true. Gleefully one day, as she was having someone beheaded while dressed in a white gown, she found that the blood that splashed onto it was making the most beautiful stain. After that, she insisted that her most priceless gowns be dyed in the blood of her enemies. Few knew this gruesome fact, but those who did knew just how much to fear her. The queen has one son who was a strong, ethical, moral, dutiful, and handsome man. He also liked to travel. While he appreciated his duty to the throne, he also yearned for true love and did not want to have a marriage forced upon him. His mother condoned his travels abroad, but she made it very clear, by reminding him of her stained dresses, that he would marry a woman of her choosing and no one else. She told him if he were to sire an heir to anyone else, that heir would end up as dye on her dress. So trivial was life to her. Her son was her blood. Other lives were just stains on her dress once they were no longer useful to her or once they upset her 

At this rate, Ill be talking all night. I didnt even tell the fun story about the ballet in the water 

How did it all start?

I grew up with a lot of guilt. Every time anybody would say they loved their mother, I would die inside because I didnt. I was afraid, terrified even, to admit that I didnt love my mother. So in my daydreams I wouldnt allow myself to think of her as a mother. And at first I was afraid to love these characters, too, because of all the guilt from the outside world. I thought I was a horrible person, so we (my character and I) were constantly at battle with our desire to love others (even fictional others) while I didnt love those I thought I had to love in my outer world. It was a painful time. In fact, I didnt think of that woman as my mother until I was in my 20s, when Id left home. My characters mother and I only became an actual family when I moved to France (in my outer world). My character and her husband also moved to France in my daydreams. And it was in France that they had their first few children. Their life was glamorous. They traveled to various places filming movies or going on tour. Once I tried to write it down and I only made it to when my character turns 14  it was nearly ten pages of writing and I hadnt really even started. You see, its an art thats meant to be internal. Its my own inner art, and its hard for the artist to convey this world to others. I think other daydreamers would agree: I grew up in this world. This world was my main reality for most of my life.

That sounds consuming.

Imagine a drug addict stuck in an alley, unable to do anything but think about the drug, find the drug, do the drug  etc. Their life is the drug. They cant do anything else. Its that bad at its worst. It might be hard to imagine that something as common as daydreaming being that bad, but the mind is the singularly most powerful thing that we have. The mind thought up and created all drugs. The mind is certainly more powerful than all drugs. And you cant run out of mind.

Can you control when you enter a daydream? Is there a process?

My brain is chaos, trying to make sense of it is like herding a bunch of rats. I certainly cant tell myself when to daydream or not. I just kind of, say, find a moment where I drift off and then let it happen. If I try to say, Im going to try to daydream now, I guess then all of a sudden I wont be able to work up the story line. Its such a thoughtful world. Can you just tell yourself when youre going to have a very intellectual conversation or write a great story? So I cant just say: Okay, Im gonna have a really great plotline right now.

Some people are triggered by sound or images, are you?

Downtime. For example, I love walking, but I live in an urban area where its kind of dangerous. I would find myself drifting off into traffic. I remember walking across a bridge and someone started yelling at me: Hey, stop, stop! its about to lift! I hadnt even noticed. Anything monotonous can be a trigger. I dont drive. I couldnt focus enough to pass the test, and I worried about the danger of losing control of the car if I started to daydream.

The stories take on a life of their own. Some of these story lines, Ill want them to go in one way, but I just wont be able to get them to go in that way. The characters wont fit. For example, there was this character who started out as a friend of my character, but then he just became this dark character, and he was just kind of mean, I could never get him to be nice, I could never get them to resolve their issues. He became jealous of her other friends. She developed other friendships where the characters were protective and stimulating and he was always there lurking and he was negative and then she moved away and I couldnt seem to get rid of him. He would always pop up. So I figured the only way to get rid of him would have to be some huge confrontation.

So I made up this whole story line  and sometimes Ill make up retroactive story lines. He was obsessed with her, he wanted to have her as his plaything. Not sexually but just kind of like his Barbie doll. He would hold her at knifepoint. He would grab her. However, she had a friend who was a black belt in Karate and he would rescue her. I just could never get rid of this guy and he would always show up and she would come back from France and be driving around with her sister character in the car and he would show up holding a knife. Even restraining orders didnt work. He ended up killing his mother, but his sister listened to her and she ran and his father listened to her and he ran, but then she ran off and tried to find some secluded area because she knew he was following her and he did follow her and she tried to warn everyone, Dont come after me! She called 911, but they didnt believe her. And she ran into this restaurant that hadnt quite opened yet and chased the owner out saying Call 911. Go away or hes gonna kill you. When he caught her, he held her for hours. He wanted to see her die slowly, she knew this, so she fought her instinct to fight him off and he stabbed her and she was hoping police would come, but they didnt. As he was leaning down, she grabbed the gun from his pocket and shot him. As she lay there, almost bleeding to death, her mother disobeyed her order and said: Screw it, Im going after her, and they found her. And then his dad showed up, cause his wife had been killed by his son and he had a mental breakdown. So he went there and her brother was by her bed and he tried to shoot her; her brother dove in front of the bullet and caught it in the shoulder  he was fine. I do not approve of guns, by the way. But then he shot the guy in the hand and the father eventually apologized but then died of an aneurysm in the hospital  that was the negative characters father. And then her sister, whos a doctor, sewed her back up. There was a long recovery from her 18 stab wounds.

I know this is long-winded, but the point is it took all of that just to get rid of this character. He had stalked her for ten years. For ten years, I could not get this character out of my life. I created him when I was 13! I couldnt write him out of my world. He kept popping back.

So aside from murder and drama, what else do these characters do?

They love to have stimulating conversations. If you have trouble keeping up with me, imagine ten of me in a room!

Do you have sex or relationships in the daydreams?

Yes. My character has a husband figure. And lets just say I dont need a porn mag. I actually dont need to touch myself to get myself off. I can masturbate in my brain. I dont know if Ive had a full orgasm, but Ive come pretty close: the point where Ive had to stop and go, Wow, this is weird.

Has that sexual element always been a part of your daydream world?

My character became sexually active when she was 15, but I didnt until I was 18. Shed been with her boyfriend for a year, and they were madly in love. Its great to be able to masturbate and not touch yourself. And anyway I personally think that the idea of reaching down there is pretty gross. And I dont have to. But to do this, I have to get in the story line, get in the mood, and really get into it.

When you are daydreaming and you are in public, do you ever talk to the characters or engage with them?

I dont like to daydream in public. Its distracting, but as I said earlier, sometimes you cant help it. I often found myself making facial expressions. Maybe Id snicker or react like Im talking to someone. Now, where I live, there will always be crazy people walking around having full-on conversations with themselves. Im not like that. I dont actually think someones there. But in my head, my characters have this conversation, so I might react. I dont usually vocalize, but sometimes I might snicker a bit, and that is embarrassing. But in downtown Portland, youre as likely to get hugged by a random stranger as yelled at or judged by one.

Tell me more about how your outer and inner worlds contrast.

I grew up on the edge of the Earth (southern Oregon, to be specific), where theres a beach and absolutely nothing to do and nobody smart to talk to. Everyone is either a racist, homophobe, or on drugs. Its a horrible place. In my outer life, I was really, extremely depressed. I was fat. Nobody liked me, and when I say that, I really mean it. I went to college, but I had a lot of trouble focusing. It was nearly impossible to pull myself out of my daydreams. Even though Im smart, I couldnt study. I just couldnt get my fill of my dream world, I couldnt focus enough to read. Of course, when you tell people you cant read, they say, Oh, read this sentence, and I do it, theyre like: See! You can read. Im like, Thats not what I mean. I just see a random string of words. I finally quit college.

Do you think you were having the conversations that you craved and werent having in your outer world?

The characters definitely filled the emotional void left by feeling unloved by, and not loving, my mother. And I didnt have friends, so the characters filled that void too. But I knew that it was distancing me from people in real life. The world draws you in so it makes it harder for you to interact with other people.

What did you do after you left college?

I worked as a maid. I worked in an office where I cleaned the mens changing area and restrooms. Theyd pee on the floor as if it were a urinal. I had to see these big old disgusting men and deal with their pee, which was everywhere. Im mopping that up dressed in this old, blobby uniform. Then, when I was 20, I finally worked up the courage to leave my family. I moved to France and cut all contact. The French have a saying: Better alone than in poor company. I stayed for two years, during which I faced the full spectrum of emotions, from the beauty of feeling at home in a place for the first time in my life to the extreme loneliness and isolation of constantly being treated like an outsider in the only place that had ever felt like home. It was a lonely bliss.

Youve mentioned feeling unloved and lonely a few times now  What was home like?

A nightmare. The woman who raised me (I dont call her my mother) has a lot of emotional issues. I felt like a mistake. I didnt feel wanted. She went from job to job and relied on my older sister for emotional support. My sister would do everything mom told her and often threw me under the bus as a survival skill. Weve since made peace. When I was 7, my biological mother found a man to take care of her. She treated him like a saint just because he was willing to take us all in. But he was an awful human being  always angry. He assumed everyone was stupid and talked down to them. He knew how to turn on the charm so people thought he was such a nice guy, but I saw the truth. Behind closed doors, he would yell and scream and tell me that I was stupid or worthless.

Did you stand up to him or did you retreat from the conflict?

I lay around daydreaming. I was depressed, and I couldnt focus on anything, I never did any chores. I think I was shaken by all the screaming, so I couldnt get along with anybody at school. Then when I was with my family, I was the scapegoat. Everything that went wrong in that household was blamed on me. According to everyone around me, I was fat, lonely, quiet, and lazy. I stayed indoors during recess, daydreaming.

So you were the one who was absorbing the entire familys stress and emotions.

Yes, and they really did blame me for everything. As soon as he came home from work, I would hear yelling and then the words, And that kid, and I knew that the rest of the night would be focused on me. I mean screaming, inches from my face, and kicking. These freak-outs happened every single night. I lived in a state of terror. Im sure the verbal and mental abuse sent me further into a world of daydreams but I didnt know that at the time.

Did you ever talk to your family about it?

I couldnt tell them anything. When I say I was scared of the woman who raised me, I really was. It was not just fear but absolute terror. I would hear her footsteps, and I would be shaking because she would come in look around slowly and either shed be like, Hello! or shed tear everything off the walls, off the shelves, smash everything on the floor like a tornado, then Id be sobbing, and she would scream into my face, Clean it up! She ruined Thanksgiving because I left a sock on the otherwise clean floor. She was so unstable and so very unpredictable. Shed had a rough childhood. I cut ties with my family and legally changed my name. Slowly, over several lonely years, I found myself.

So what did you make of your daydreaming? Did you think it was unique to you? Did you see it as a problem? Did you know that other people experienced this as well?

One day, in 2007, I posted about my experience on a mental-health forum. I dont remember what provoked it, but I do recall Id been sobbing over my life in a horribly depressed state. I was lonely, with no prospect of anything getting better. There wasnt anybody in my whole life who was ever happy to see me. Id enter a room. and everyone was just like, Ugh. I had asked various therapists about the daydreaming, but of course none of them knew what I was talking about. I got told all the same things: Its just depression, or Oh, thats normal, or Just try and stop. So I wrote about it online, and for two years I just got a lot of comments. People jumped on it, enthusiastically wondering the same things. I got about 200 replies. But there were also people throwing out completely useless suggestions. There was a guy who hounded me, saying that I was crazy, so I stopped looking. A few years later, I thought, What the heck, Ill go back and peruse the comments, and I saw a note from a researcher named Cynthia Shupack saying, Im studying this. Heres my email address. That was it, one line. I emailed her back asking if this is legit: Whats going on? And she replied very sweetly. She was reassuring and comforting, something I desperately needed. Shes very good at that. She asked me to participate in a study she was doing about something she called maladaptive daydreaming. She told me that it was very hard to get people to talk about this, which I immediately understood. I didnt want to talk about it either. But then I decided, Well, someones got to

Thats so brave.

If something needs to be done and nobody else will do it, Ill make the jump. Im terrified, but Im brave. People think bravery means youre not scared, but I dont agree.

What did you think when you found out that there may be a condition called maladaptive daydreaming that scientists are researching?

At first, I think, I realized how much of my life it has destroyed, so I saw it as a horrible, evil thing. But then I realized there are many people who find me mind-blowing, and Im not saying that to compliment myself: Once you blow someones mind, they dont necessarily come back for more.

You no longer consider your daydreaming maladaptive, right? How did you take control of it?

Im not known for being succinct, but Ill do my best. I realized that no one could accept me until I showed them what there is to accept. So the first step was coming out and declaring: This is what I am. And if you see experts and they dont know whats going on, but youve been living with it your entire life, guess whos the expert? You are! You have to have the strength to articulate whats going on in your mind. And if youre afraid that people will think youre weird, well, if theyre that kind of person, chances are they already think youre weird.

How did that help?

Living openly, talking about it to anyone and everyone, is strangely cathartic. I see it all the time in people unmasking themselves or coming out of the closet as gay, trans, opening up about mental conditions, whatever. The instant they tell the world who they are, they seem to instantly change. They become a better version of themselves. It becomes part of them and no longer controls them.

Practically speaking, what else did you do?

Distraction helped. You cant just say, Dont daydream. Its like saying, whatever you do, do not look at that chair! All you want to do is look at the freaking chair. You just have to find something that distracts you. And so I became passionate about speaking out about daydreaming. I think that occupied my mind and gave me a purpose.

And that replaced the daydreaming itself?

I still daydream, and the fantasy world and its characters are busier than ever, but it kind of faded into the background. I was, however, so busy engaging with people about it online, and I also had some serious health issues to deal with. So I found that I had to exhaust my mind with other things. But if I dont daydream at all, I miss it. So I do need extra downtime for my fantasy world. I think my brain needs it.

What do you mean?

The most obvious example would be my battle with books and learning in college. That was pure hell. Having to focus and write essays. Milton? Milton was my personal hell. I couldnt focus. I couldnt read. I had to constantly remind myself not to fight my mind because I would always lose. Cant sit still? Dont fight it. Get up, walk around, sit down again, write a bit, get up, walk around, dont get mad, sit down, try again, etc. Getting mad at your brain only makes it worse. Work with it, not against it. Its like your physical health. Find out how to get along with your body because youre stuck with it.

So you went back to college?

I did, after I got the dreams under control. And its by a Herculean effort that I got a degree in English literature in 2012. Everyone was fascinated. My professor speculated as to how many great authors may have had this. Instead of being judged, people wanted to know more about my daydreaming. They saw it as a creative gift.

So how are things these days?

I live a very isolated life. Ive pretty much spent every holiday and every birthday alone since my 20s. I have the two cutest cats that ever lived. Im sort of seeing a man, but we are dumping each other every minute. I dont work, Im on disability (I have epilepsy and some other medical conditions).

There are some things I still need to work on. I freak out a lot. For example texting and calling, and I dont mean ten times. Im talking 100 times asking, Whats going on? When are we going to meet? Before the person actually replies, Ill have been through the whole emotional cycle of a breakup. I am the crazy girlfriend who goes psycho on you and who wont stop calling and texting. I just have to have people in my life who are gonna actually answer the first text so that it doesnt turn into 300. Not that its their fault if it turns into 300, but hey, they could help by responding.

The guy I am currently dating thinks I like to be a tragic heroine, but Im not looking to be sick: These issues are there, and Im trying to identify them and understand myself. Cause, you know, I am crazy. Ill go nuts and freak out on people. I dont like it, but Im working on it. I have improved, and I hate that I behave this way, but theres only so much Im going to be able to change. So many people think we should normalize. I dont agree: We all create societies, we are all part of societies, we dont have to be the same.

And people who have these issues, we think were so rare  cause we dont all speak up. We think, Its my issue, therefore its up to me to change, and its like, No, we all count in this world. There are people out there who are still scared, who are still crying. But its important to speak up and live openly because the world needs to know.
Photo: Scott Olson/Getty Images

A strange point in a strange presidential campaign came during the first debate, when Donald Trump said that his best asset was his winning temperament, one much better than Hillary Clintons. At the second debate, on Sunday, Clinton again referenced the importance of a potential presidents disposition when she said, Its just awfully good that someone with the temperament of Donald Trump is not in charge of the law in our country. (Trumps interjection  Because you would be in jail  did not likely do much to counter Clintons claims about his nature.)

The conversation this election cycle has focused on the candidates temperaments to an unusual degree, said Colgate University psychologist Rebecca Shiner, in large part because of widespread concerns about Trumps traits and whether those traits should disqualify him from office. It feels newly relevant, and yet it isnt: The discussion of presidential temperament is long (it goes back to the countrys founding) and weird (because the political usage doesnt match up with the scientific understanding, except when it does).

The word temperament itself comes from a pre-scientific view of personality: A well-adjusted person would have the right balance of humors (sanguine, choleric, phlegmatic, and melancholic), similar to the way you might temper a hot cup of tea with a bit of cool water. To that end, the oh-so-hopeful Thomas Jefferson lamented that his was overly sanguine, in an 1816 letter. In 1838, phrenology was ascending as a pseudoscience, and a practitioner praised the Firmness of then-president Andrew Jacksons head, saying General Jackson possesses an enormous development of this organ, and is singular for his obstinacy, as John Kelly quotes at Slate. (It draws an eerie 19th-century parallel to the Donalds favorite doc dashing off a note about how hed be the healthiest president ever.) In modern psychology, temperament retains a bit of its alchemical flavor, in that its the raw, genetic ingredients of character that are there before a human meets the world.

Harvard University professor emeritus Jerome Kagan, whos spent half a century studying child development, says that temperament is an inherited set of biases that a baby has at the outset, though nobody knows quite yet what the genetic components are. As soon as the bun is out of the oven, you can see how irritable the baby is, how active the baby is, how hard it is to soothe, how restless it is. In a classical example, if you were to make a loud noise in a room full of newborns (not recommended), some would turn toward it and others away. The tots who turned toward would be more likely to end up extroverts, while the ones that turned away would turn out introverts.

But that baby isnt born into a vacuum; its born into a family. Then come friends, schools, childhood, adolescence, coming of age, which lasts until about 30. Those experiences sculpt the personality out of temperament in the way a sculptor reveals forms from a block of marble, Kagan says, and you could end up with a personality resulting in impulsiveness (which applies to Trump) or carefulness (which applies to Clinton). Temperament is innate, personality is shaped. But, given that Trump is 70 and Clinton is 68, you cant see what their temperament truly is, he says. Hillary Rodham could have learned her preparedness in the cradle, or in the trials of middle or high school. While Donald Trumps babysitter was worried that the then-5-year-old would panic on an urban safari down into a city sewer, little Donny Trump kept walking into the gathering darkness, Paul Schwartzman and Michael E. Miller reported for the Washington Post. In prep school, he tried to push a rival cadet out of a second-story window  but two classmates stopped him. But the right data just isnt there; we dont know what they were like in infancy.

Still, Kagan says, temperament does shape the choices people make in life. If you were to compare the adults who became presidents and the adults who became librarians, its pretty likely that they had different temperaments as infants. A person who decides that they want to be president as a young adult or adolescent has a temperamental bias, he says  theyre the kind of person who finds it easy to cope with anxiety or frustration. Someone who prefers to work alone and on their own time  novelists, research scientists, and the like  is probably less biologically given to tolerating uncertainty. The preternaturally confident type is represented by an Andrew Jackson, Teddy Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, or, Kagan notes, a Bill Clinton, who said that he wanted to be president at age 16, after shaking Kennedys hand.

In his book The Long Shadow of Temperament, Kagan and his co-author Nancy Snidman track a group of 400 children for over 20 years. They measured their temperaments at 4 months, and a little under a quarter of them were low-reactive, meaning that at 4 months, theyd be relaxed in the face of things that would make most kids cry or get upset. At 2 years they were fearless: If something strange happened in the lab, theyd go investigate. At 15, they were interviewed in the safe space of their homes, and the last question was about what they wanted to be in their adult lives. The researchers got 200 different replies. Only one child said with seriousness to the interviewer that he might become a politician, maybe even president.

That boy had that temperament, Kagan says, a lack of anxiety and an abundance of confidence that marks a born politician. If you decide at 19 or 20, I think I could do it, I could be president, thats not common. I never thought that and you didnt either. It takes a special temperament to decide, Dammit, thats what Im going to do.

Shiner, the Colgate psychologist, who is also co-editor of the Handbook of Temperament, takes a slightly different view of temperament, saying that personality traits are the more full expression of earlier temperament traits. They emerge in two phases: extroversion, neuroticism, and conscientiousness all show up in infancy. Positive emotionally matures into assertiveness, negative emotionality into anxiousness, conscientiousness into striving as people get older. Openness to experience, and its expressions of intellectual engagement, curiosity, perceptiveness, and originality emerge later in childhood, she says; as does agreeableness, or your concern for others, and disagreeableness, or your levels of hostility, aggression, and self-aggrandizement.

As people grow throughout childhood and adolescence, they begin to be able to display the traits in a broader range of tendencies, simply because they acquire new capacities, and those new capacities allow them to express their underlying tendencies in a broader range of ways, Shiner explained in an email. A a child who is high on the trait of negative emotionality/neuroticism may be anxious and easily distressed; he may shrink from new situations in fear and cry about things that dont bother other children. As that child gets older and becomes more able to think about himself and about the future, that same underlying tendency toward negative emotions may be expressed in more complex ways, for example, in feelings of insecurity, vulnerability, worries about failing, concerns about uncertainty or social acceptance, or sensitivity to criticism. Still, she says, those traits arent immutable; they can change over time  though it gets hard to change as you get older. As one Cambridge personality psychologist half-jokingly told Science of Us, after 30, youre doomed! What youve got then, thats (mostly) it.

While its irresponsible to do diagnosis from a distance, it sure does appear that whatever happened in the collision between Trumps genetics and his upbringing has begotten a thoroughly outlier candidate. One excellent Atlantic analysis, for example, found that Trumps personality is marked by narcissism, disagreeableness, grandiosity, which sounds about right, given the surprising and fascinating ways narcissism can manifest itself. Shiner, the Colgate psychologist, notes that Trumps traits truly are unusual among the people who become modern presidential candidates. He is unusually low on aspects of conscientiousness (for example, impulse control, attention span, responsibility) and agreeableness (for example, concern for others, considerateness, lack of aggression) compared to most presidential candidates, she notes.

There has been a limited, but quite fascinating, bit of work around presidential personalities. Shiner points to a 2000 study that assessed the first 41 presidents by personality inventory and compared them to greatness as described by historians. Presidential greatness, according to this study, was predicted by assertiveness, gritty persistence, sound judgment, coping well with stress, caring about the less fortunate, knowing what it was they felt about things, high energy (hey Jeb!), and openness to new perspectives. And quite interestingly, she notes, negative emotionality or neuroticism wasnt related to greatness  you can be a successful president and still be anxious and prone to depression, like a certain Abraham Lincoln. Indeed, as one historian so convincingly argues, melancholy may have dripped from [Lincoln] as he walked, as his law partner noted, but his lifelong intimacy with suffering gave him the capacity to stare one of mankinds greatest evils in the face. And then defeat it.
Photo-Illustration: Photograph by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

Donald Trump, who lives in a tower at the center of Manhattan, has a thing for inner cities. Its devastating whats happening in them, he said in Sundays debate. Ive heard them where Hillary is constantly talking about the inner cities of our country, which are a disaster education-wise, job-wise, safety-wise, in every way possible, he said. Im going to help the African-Americans. Im going to help the Latinos, Hispanics. I am going to help the inner cities.

Like so much of Trumps speaking, theres a certain anti-poetry to his statement, a tangled web of biases, misapprehensions, and disinformation. There are several revealing and fascinating and disturbing ways he is wrong. Let us count them.

1. You cant equate inner cities with African-Americans.

As Simone Sebastian noted at the Washington Post, Trump brought up inner cities at the town-hall-style debate when James Carter, an undecided black voter, asked whether he could be, as president, devoted to all people across the U.S. I would be a president for all of the people  African-Americans, the inner cities, he replied. You go into the inner cities and you see its 45 percent poverty, African-Americans now 45 percent poverty in the inner cities.

First of all, demographers marked a historic black flight between 1960 and 1990, when African-Americans moved out of cities and into the suburbs, a trend thats continued to increase. According to the Brookings Institution, 37 percent of blacks living in large metro areas were suburbanites in 1990. That portion grew to 44 percent in 2000, then up to 51 percent in 2010. Relatedly, about 14 percent of African-Americans live in rural areas  where, like everybody else, people tend to be poorer  mostly in the southeast, as a legacy of plantations. In short, Sebastian notes, using inner city as a stand-in for black is even less accurate than using suburban as a stand-in for white.

2. Inner cities have insanely valuable property.

If Trump is actually talking about the geographic centers of American cities, then he should know  and probably does know  that their property values are going absolutely nuts. The real-estate service Redfin, defining inner city as the 5 kilometers around the city center of a given metro area, finds that the home prices are thriving. Home prices in inner cities have gone up 52 percent since 2010, while suburban homes have lagged behind at a 34 percent increase, as the below chart attests.

3. Poor people dont live in city centers; the rich do.

Economist Jed Kolko finds that while the U.S. population as a whole got slightly more suburban from 2000 to 2014, the wealthy have gotten way more urban. The poorest 10 percent of households were 12 percent less likely to live in urban neighborhoods, and the richest were 12 percent more likely to live in the city. Again, a chart:

If inner cities were failing, they wouldn't be attracting so many rich people. https://t.co/nAwE48yOW3 pic.twitter.com/O9IFygLYOI  Jed Kolko (@JedKolko) October 11, 2016

Its not only wealthy, but white, Kolko finds: The portion of blacks living in high-density neighborhoods fell by 12 percent in that period, while it increased by 24 percent for whites.

All this points to gentrification. In an analysis of the countrys 50 largest cities, Governing magazine found that 20 percent of lower-income and lower home-value neighborhoods have seen gentrification since 2000, more than double the 9 percent rate from the 1990s.

4. Inner city is an outdated, imprecise term, but one that resonates with Trumpist ethnocentric nostalgia.

The phrase inner city spiked in the 1960s and 70s, then fell off in the 1990s, according to Googles Ngram viewer, which tracks the use of words in the search giants store of digitized books.

Photo: Google Ngram

Emily Badger, the first reporter I saw with the good sense to do an nGram analysis, makes the argument in the New York Times that it doesnt even matter, really, that inner city isnt demographically accurate. Like so much of Trumps arguments, its not about representing reality, but activating certain emotional responses (fear, distrust) in certain populations (white people).

The terminology doesnt have to be accurate, Johns Hopkins University historian N.D.B. Connolly tells Badger. What it does is it conjures a narrative about what happened in America during and after the 1960s, he said. The inner city is the place that burned when King was assassinated. It was Watts. It was the place Ronald Reagan had to try to conduct the war on drugs.

In addition to drumming up his trademark nostalgia, this allows Trump to define the residents of the inner city as the other, clearing the way for law and order and tough policing to be the best policies to reduce crime, rather than putting more cops in high-crime areas, not simply to arrest as many people as possible, but to do the community-oriented policing thats shown to actually reduce crime. If Trump does actually want to talk about urban inequality, better phrases might be disinvested neighborhoods or neighborhoods of concentrated poverty. If you frame it as inner cities, Connolly says, then it sounds like the lack of opportunity and penchant for violence that is the culture of some urban neighborhoods is of their own making, rather than the result of decades of segregation and redlining.

5. America still has half the crime it did in the early 1990s.

Though the national murder rate has risen over the past year, America is still way safer than it was back when Trump was coming up in the world. Today, the national crime rate is still about half of what it was at its peak in 1991, and theres good data suggesting that theres never been a safer time to be a child or a cop in the U.S. Contrary to right-leaning rhetoric, Obamas America is way safer than Reagans ever was.

Still, year after year since the early 2000s, Americans have thought that the national crime rate was increasing, even when it wasnt. Media theorists offer Mean World Syndrome as an explanation: Kids see an estimated 8,000 television murders before they turn 12, so they grow up thinking that killing is everywhere  even when it isnt. And when a feared yet beloved reality star tells them that its getting way worse, who among us can tell them otherwise?
Today, Wired published an extensive interview between President Barack Obama  who edited this months issue of the magazine  and Joi Ito, the director of MITs Media Lab. In the interview (conducted by Scott Dadich, who edits Wired when the president isnt), the two men discuss everything from artificial intelligence to computers to their favorite science-fiction movies. (Like Taylor Swift, Obama was a big fan of 2015s The Martian and he thinks were a reasonably long way away from living in The Matrix.)

At one point in the interview (which you can read in full here), Dadich asks Obama about the potential dangers society faces as AI becomes more and more ingrained in our lives. Specifically, about AIs potential to outpace our ability to understand it. (Read: What happens when the computers get smarter then we are?) For Obama, the current concern still seems to be less about machines taking over the world, as it is with the humans using machines to take over the world.

From Wired:

There could be an algorithm that said, Go penetrate the nuclear codes and figure out how to launch some missiles. If thats its only job, if its self-teaching and its just a really effective algorithm, then youve got problems. I think my directive to my national security team is, dont worry as much yet about machines taking over the world. Worry about the capacity of either nonstate actors or hostile actors to penetrate systems, and in that sense it is not conceptually different than a lot of the cybersecurity work were doing. It just means that were gonna have to be better, because those who might deploy these systems are going to be a lot better now.

To this, Ito adds that its unlikely well need to be concerned about the powers of this kind of generalized AI in the next decade. Instead, itll be a gradual process, marked by cumulative breakthroughs, giving people (and the government) time to prepare. And if that doesnt work, Obamas got some ideas about how to keep AI in check. And you just have to have somebody close to the power cord, he joked to Wired. Right when you see it about to happen, you gotta yank that electricity out of the wall, man.
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.
how i get it done

How Hairstylist Nikki Nelms, the Hair MacGyver, Gets It Done I have to be at my best for my clients. And I will only be good for them if Im good to myself.
University of Maryland. Photo: G Fiume/Getty Images

Students at the University of Maryland may soon be charged a $34 fee to fund the schools office that oversees sexual assault and discrimination complaints.

The student government approved the mandatory fee at a September 28 meeting, and it will be implemented next fall if the university president and Board of Regents also approve it, BuzzFeed News reports. The schools Title IX director, Catherine Carroll, complained that her office wasnt adequately funded, even though it was mandated by the Obama administration.

Carroll reportedly needs to hire more staff members to handle the increasing amount of sexual misconduct complaints the office has been receiving. The Title IX office was set up two years ago, and its budget has grown from an initial $643,000 to more than $1 million. However, the budget doesnt cover the offices hiring needs. My people are burned out, Carroll told BuzzFeed News.

The Student Government Associations vice-president of student affairs A.J. Pruitt, a junior at the university, told BuzzFeed News that he felt he had no other choice but to sponsor the measure. He said:

The university has failed in their responsibility to fully fund this office. By putting in a proposal to add an additional fee  thats placing another financial burden on students. Its not something Im excited about, but it gets us to fully funding the office in a short amount of time.

Currently at the University of Maryland, each investigation into a sexual misconduct case takes an average of 140 business days, which is far above the Obama administrations recommended 60-day limit. At a Student Government Association meeting, Carroll reportedly called the time frame unacceptable but said her office has a limited capacity to respond.
The OECD Observer online archive takes you on a journey through half a century of public policy and world progress.

Since November 1962, the OECDs experts and leading guests offer insights on the questions facing our member countries with concise and authoritative analysis, and provide our audiences with an excellent opportunity to understand policy debates and consider solutions.

Each edition of the OECD Observer reports on a core theme of the OECDs on-going work, from economics and society through governance, finance, and the environment, and articles are bolstered by tables and graphs.
Thx! Theres still a ways to go before my shows hit the air, but #diversity & #inclusion must be more than just talk. Those who can, must do. https://t.co/giQax5SLlU  Daniel Dae Kim (@danieldaekim) October 11, 2016

Daniel Dae Kim (Hawaii Five-O/LOST) put on his producing hat and has gotten three shows into development on CBS, ABC, and TV Land. He is aiming for diverse leads in each series. Two of the shows are based on popular Korean dramas while the other is based off a novel. CBS is developing "Exhibit A", a legal drama based off of a Korean drama "My Lawyer, Mr. Jo". The series will follow a disgraced Korean-American prosecutor who turns his life around as a defense lawyer when he pairs with a young idealistic attorney and the two fight for the underdogs of Los Angeles. The original series premiered earlier this spring.ABC put in a pilot commitment for "The Good Doctor" (based on a Korean drama of the same name from 2013) which is being produced by Sony. Logline for this show: Centers on a young surgeon with Savant syndrome who is recruited into the pediatric surgical unit of a prestigious hospital.TV Land is developing Re Jane based off the novel of the same name by Patricia Clark. It will be a single-camera comedy about a Korean-American woman who becomes the nanny to the adopted Chinese daughter of a Brooklyn couple. Other Asian celebrities express their congratulations to Danielsource:/ 1
lmao beautiful post

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That commentary at the end: EXQUISITE

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A+ op

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It is cracking me up!

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From Stereogum: Kristen Stewart continued her Twilight I dont give a shit tour last night, appearing on Letterman, who, as we might expect, does not suffer spoiled young Hollywood fools lightly. After Kristen does her insecure distancing thing (I have a bit of an authority issue. Im actually really boring, etc.).



Dave chastises her for not yet finishing high school and she tells him shes entirely self-indulgent. David Letterman doesnt indulge the self-indulgent, though, so when Kristen announces with as much self-satisfaction as someone with so little charisma can muster, that as soon as shes done promoting Twilight Im not sure if we end up in London or Berlin but wherever we end upIm going to DRIVE TO RUSSIA! Dave pauses for effect and says I hope its Berlin, then. And Kristen squirms confusedly while the audience roars. Most uncomfortable Letterman moment since Spencer Pratt! Its at the 5:00 mark:



http://www.stereogum.com/1777977/kristin_stewart_letterman/vg-loc/videogum/ It is a great post, but one that's golden was left out. Kristen Stewart thinks you can drive to Russia from London. Keep in mind, she is a 7th grade drop out.From Stereogum: Kristen Stewart continued her Twilight I dont give a shit tour last night, appearing on Letterman, who, as we might expect, does not suffer spoiled young Hollywood fools lightly. After Kristen does her insecure distancing thing (I have a bit of an authority issue. Im actually really boring, etc.).Dave chastises her for not yet finishing high school and she tells him shes entirely self-indulgent. David Letterman doesnt indulge the self-indulgent, though, so when Kristen announces with as much self-satisfaction as someone with so little charisma can muster, that as soon as shes done promoting TwilightDave pauses for effect and says I hope its Berlin, then. And Kristen squirms confusedly while the audience roars. Most uncomfortable Letterman moment since Spencer Pratt! Its at the 5:00 mark:

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http://gouk.about.com/od/gettingtotheuk/p/ChannelTunnel.htm I mean, you can drive. It's just going to take a million years bc it's super far.

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You're really stuck on the school drop out thing. It's fucked up how high and mighty you get with that.

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Well, actually her comment isn't that stupid at all?



I mean, one can easily take their own car and use the car ferry from the UK to the continent Also, driving to Russia is long but some people do it

/shrugs.

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I live in the North of the Netherlands, and it would take me 25 hours to drive to Moscow. London - Moscow takes around 30 hours. Long, but doable.



I mean, people drive to Morocco all the time, which would take around the same amount of time, depending on where they live. So ya, don't see the issue at all.

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Lmaoo great post, op.



I'm so bad at geography tbh. I'm not even gonna front. U.S. education in this regard (&others) is severely lacking.

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um speak for yourself, I won the geography bee in sixth grade.







(but it really is tho)

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I was the math champ in grade 6 and it's still one of my proudest achievements

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I remember doing that every year and my mom always thought it was so funny because they never even taught us geography lol

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When I was 18 I was on a cruise ship with a whole bunch of foreigners and I schooled everyone's ass on geography and famous places. This one English guy with a posh accent thought he was gonna win because there was a lot of English castles but little did he know. I was never so proud to be an American taught in a public school system in my life. lol

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I won the Geography Bee in 9th grade. World Geography was my favorite class, but part of that was probably because the teacher set it up as a competition from the start. He posted all out test scores permanently on a board, so everyone could see your rank in the class on a daily basis. Me and two other guys were always competing to be in the top spot. At the end of the year, I won. I'm way too competitive for my own good.



The problem with celebrities who start out as child actors is their education is usually a joke. They're supposed to get on set tutoring, but if they make no effort, they can just slide and no one ever calls them on it. Mara Wilson and Quinn Cummings have had some particularly harsh things to say about other kid actors she knows who are as dumb as a box of rocks and have no intellectual curiosity.

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It really is. I don't remember having geography lessons past 5th grade, which in retrospect is pretty sad.

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The only explicit geography lesson I ever remember having was in my AP World History class and it was basically just trying to memorize countries by region because there was a test on it. "Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan" was kind of a rhyme we learned to memorize their location.

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i live in new zealand and we barely learnt anything that exists outside our bubble. i think the cities and stuff prob got a better education but i grew up in a podunk town of like 5000 ppl

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It's so embarrassing. I'm glad my school was big into having us draw maps from memory, because that helped me a lot.

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lol i'm really terrible in geography and i grew up in canada, but to be honest i can't comment on the education in canada because in my case this is completely on me. i've just always been terrible at geography and reading maps. i get lost in my own neighbourhood sometimes, i have such a poor sense of direction or understanding how my own province is laid out. bring the whole damn world into it and my mind breaks

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Did you all get educated in the boonies? I had to take high school level geography in order to graduate and I went to school in California.

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My school system didn't even have geography class, it was just grouped in with history. And civics was a class for the "less motivated" kids, which I think is incredibly stupid since everyone should take civics.

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I went to a private high school (but in the middle of nowhere country Australia) and I learnt jack about geography tbh. It was more about the continental plates and volcanoes and shit. Nothing about actual location.



Edited at 2016-10-13 01:38 am (UTC)

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All Spanish speaking counties are in South America.

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The times I have corrected people online when they think Mexico is anywhere but North America

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Whaaaaaaaaaaaaa 

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I'll never forget when someone couldn't find Texas on a map in the eight grade.

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I remember getting in a fight with someone in geography class freshman year about how Mexicans speak Spanish and not Mexican. The same dumbass also said we spoke American. They weren't trolling either...

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In my Spanish 3 class, the teacher was talking about Spain, and a girl raised her hand and asked "Is it the Spain in Europe or the Spain in South America?"

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When I moved to America, people thought I was from India because I was west indian. They thought I was from West India.

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LMAOOOOOOOO

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lmao

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I'm even worse with geography than I am with math, and I'm pretty awful at math lmao.

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lol



Geography was my fav subject at school (and History too). I pretty much memorized a whole Atlas as a kid, with all the countries, flags, capitals and quick facts

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me too tbh. i was lucky that i did model UN as a teenager (i know) and our teacher made us memorize a map of the world and did weekly map quizzes on 20 random countries and capitals. it was a total pain in my ass but i def know where everything is now!!!

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YES!!! MUN!!!



Damn, I miss it so much, Security Council was my jam!

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I did a MUN at college, it was so fun! I kinda sucked tho lol

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Model UN was my fucking jam in high school. I will never forget the time I made the UK delegate cry.

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Lmao I did MUN twice in HS once just for my school and second time with other schools and each time was a lot of fun.

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I did MUN for a full decade of my life. It was hilarious when I got to college and started chairing conferences for high schoolers. I'd receives "notes to the dais" and they'd be from sixteen-year-olds trying to hit on me, lol.

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In elementary school we had to learn a rap song about the 50 states and their capitals. It's why I've never forgotten that Cheyenne is the capital of Wyoming.



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same, I was a huge geography nerd

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Same here!!

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saaaaaaaaaaame

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we had an old ass encyclopedia set when I was a kid an I remember poring over the flags of the world sections. however, the encyclopedia was published in like 1960 so my flag knowledge was a good 35 years out of date, oop on me

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Same here. I've always loved looking at maps and things like that. I had a giant world map in my room as a kid and now that I'm older I've upgraded to vintage maps on my wall. My grandpa also really liked maps too so as a little girl I sat on his lap and looked at maps with him and explain them to me.

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me too! I'm a huge geography/history nerd.

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LMAO. The book recs, I'm crying.

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This post is educational af! I wish OP would teach ONTD reading comprehension skills and basic math too; that'd REALLY cover our bases.

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who is going to step up and make the "ontd reading comprehension 101" post

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We should have this become a series "celebrities who are bad a math", "celebrities that are bad at grammar", "celebrities that are bad at civics", until we cover all the important subjects.

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That would truly be a blessing.

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lmao true

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The 7 continents thing confused me as a kid because geography books would flip flop on whether it was Oceania or Australia. I used to think Oceania was some outdated term and we just had crappy textbooks lol.

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I learned Oceania at school, then I met a bunch of people from Australia and they got mad at me when I said that lol

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Isn't Oceania just a region and not a continent? I learned Australia.

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I never learned "Oceania" in school. it was always Australia.

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This. If I recall "Oceania" is the islands between Australia & Asia, but I could be wrong.

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you mean oceania or australasia not australia lol, that's just one country



i usually say the latter



Edited at 2016-10-12 07:17 pm (UTC)

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We were always thaught that Australia is a country in the Oceania continent, which makes perfect sense to me (otherwise where is New Zealand? Or Fiji? Or Vanuatu?? Are they in Australia?? No, they are not). To this day, I refuse to acknowledge the notion of Australia as a continent.



Edited at 2016-10-12 07:52 pm (UTC)

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I was definitely just taught it was Australia in my primary school (in Germany).

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fuck I've heard it all: Australia, Oceania, Australasia, Australasia and Oceania, Australia and Oceania



And I've just realized I don't know which is right

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we were taught that the official name was australia and oceania, best of both worlds I guess lol

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Yeah I was absolutely taught in grade 4 that Australia was a continent.

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Australian and I'm pretty sure we were taught it was australasia was the continent, oceania was the region and australia was the country.



Apparently no one is really sure though?? IDK.

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LOL the north pole??

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LMFAO





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the first guy i ever went out on a date with (as like a grown ass adult...goin to dinner n shit) yelled at me because i was telling him about a road trip that i took and i said something about starting in california (where we both lived) and driving through arizona and he was like "uh arizona and california don't share a border!!!!!!!!!!! your road trip is not possible!!!!!!!"

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he didnt know one of the 3 states that border with us omg...

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i remember i tried to give him the benefit of the doubt because he was an out of state transplant but i was just like...why are you so upset about this thing that you're definitely wrong about omg

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Crying @ "your road trip is not possible"

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I took tourism in school and one of the people in my clas couldn't label the state that we border (living in Canada) that is literally 20 miles away

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Just as oil prices really started to pick up steam, the IEA had to spoil the party. The Paris-based energy agency said on Tuesday that the oil market will remain in a state of oversupply through the first half of 2017, and in fact, there are some worrying signs for oil prices in the near-term.

The IEA lowered its oil demand forecast once again, dropping demand growth for 2016 to 1.2 million barrels per day. In September it expected growth of 1.3 mb/d, which in turn was down from the 1.4 mb/d estimate in August. Two consecutive months of downgrades to its demand figures come as the agency sees vanishing OECD growth and a marked deceleration in China.

The development is all the more surprising because low fuel prices were expected to stoke demand. That did happen in the early phase of the current oil price downturn  in the third quarter of 2015 demand grew at its fastest rate in five years at 2.5 mb/d, as motorists and industry around the world burned through cheap fuel. But demand growth has screeched to a halt, largely due to a slowdown in China. The third quarter of 2016 saw crude oil demand grow at a four-year low of 0.8 mb/d on an annualized basis.

Slowing demand is a major problem for oil prices, particularly because the OPEC-fueled rally may not have a lot more room to run. Oil prices are up roughly 15 percent since OPEC said that it would cut production by 200,000 to 700,000 barrels per day. But the IEA warned that ongoing production gains from other OPEC members could more than offset those cuts. In September, OPECs collective output rose to 33.64 mb/d, an all-time record. Iraq added 90,000 barrels per day; Libya added about 70,000 bpd; Nigeria brought back 20,000 bpd; Iran added a modest 30,000 bpd. Much more oil could be forthcoming from some of those nations, particularly Nigeria and Libya, if damaged infrastructure can be repaired and brought back online. Related: Iran, Iraq Bow Out Of Next OPEC Meeting

That comes on top of the near record levels of production from the larger OPEC producers, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Kuwait. OPEC is now producing above 33.6 mb/d, which means that in order to lower output even to the higher end of the stated range that OPEC is targeting (33.0 mb/d), the cartel will need to come up with at least 600,000 barrels per day of cuts. Because Libya, Iran and Nigeria are exempt from the planned cuts, the reductions will have to come from elsewhere. Saudi Arabia is the only country with the wherewithal to seriously cutback on output. To be sure, Riyadh was already planning reductions following peak summer demand season, but the steadily rising output levels from fellow OPEC members might test the countrys resolve.

The WSJ reported last week that Saudi Arabias powerful Deputy Crown Prince authorized his energy minister to negotiate a production cut with OPEC, but only for volumes that the Kingdom had planned on cutting anyway. In other words, Saudi Arabia was willing to agree to coordinated cuts, but it was not abandoning its strategy of pursuing market share. It was simply repackaging its planned cutbacks as part of an OPEC production cut deal. That suggests that Saudi Arabia may not be willing to cut more than 400,000 barrels per day or so, which would bring it back in line with its spring production levels. But at this point, the Prince does not appear willing to bend any further. Related: Trump And Hillary On Energy: All Noise, No Substance

With OPEC producing at 33.6 mb/d, and the group needing to find at least 600,000 bpd in cuts just to get it to the high end of its announced range, there is good reason for skepticism about members being able to come to terms.

That takes us back to glut of oil that continues to plague the market, as the IEA laid out in its report. OPECs record-smashing performance this year, combined with much weaker-than-expected demand, points (once again) to a lower-for-longer scenario for crude prices. Left to its own devices, the IEA says, the oil market may remain in oversupply through the first half of next year. OPEC is trying to correct the imbalances, but it faces an uphill battle in trying to reach a deal that actually produces a substantial impact on global supplies.

By Nick Cunningham of Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
In the 1990s, the California-based Unocal Corporation invited a delegation from the Afghan Taliban to their headquarters in Sugar Land, Texas, to discuss prospects for constructing a 1700-kilometer Peace Pipeline, according to a new documentary by Al-Jazeera called Taliban Oil.

If the pipeline had been completed, it would have connected the Caspian Seas fossil fuel resources through Turkmenistan to Afghanistan, Pakistan and India at a cost of $10 billion, and resulted in friendship with the Taliban.

The documentarys findings reveal an until-now hidden opportunity in Afghani oil and gas reserves to rebuild the country destroyed by decades of wardata gleaned from seismic surveys conducted by Soviet and U.S. engineers in the 1990s has been kept secret for years by a small and neglected office of the Afghani government.

Afghani oil interests, pedaled by the Taliban, have embroiled the country in a conflict with the United States over the fate of Al-Qaeda in the past.

When officials from the Taliban first began discussing the line with American oil executives in the early 1990s, their main goals encompassed the reconstruction of Afghanistan using the funds that the transportation of oil through the pipeline would generate, Wakil Ahmad Muttawakil, the former Taliban foreign secretary, said in the film.

The pipeline would have doubled the Afghani governments revenues at the time by adding $400 million a year to its budget, but geopolitics plagued the region, preventing the transnational pipeline from being built and protected.

The whole area was in turmoil, Marty Miller, the former Vice President of Unocal, said in the documentary. The Afghans dont like Pakistan. The Pakistanis dont like the Afghans. Turkmens are skeptical of both of em. It was just a mess in there.

The Soviet withdrawal from Afghanistan in 1989 had left a power vacuum in the region that pit warlords against each other to gain regional authority.

The Afghan Northern Alliance, a group that later allied with U.S. forces in the fight against the Taliban, maintained control over the countrys northern regions.

The Taliban  backed by Pakistani interests that supplied arms, training and fighters  controlled the southern and eastern portions of the country. Related: Oil Prices Under Fire From Rogue OPEC Members

The Pakistanis were trying to enforce their will on the future of Afghanistan to ensure that Afghanistan was not going to be a strong viable nation state that could in anyway reconnect, as they have in the past with India, Thomas Gouttierre, a leading U.S. expert on Afghanistan, said to Al-Jazeera.

In December 1997, the Talibans delegation reached Sugar Land to meet Miller and his associates and understand the financial commitments it would take for the pipeline and Afghanistans energy industry to succeed.

They were very interested, Miller said of the encounter.

But the pipeline required the end of hostilities between rival insurgent groups in Afghanistan to ensure investors would be comfortable with the massive cash infusions needed to fund the project.

Julie Sirrs, a former officer at the Defense Intelligence Agency, confirmed that the pipeline had been slated to improve Afghanistans economic stability, though she felt uncomfortable with the groups stance on womens rights and other humanitarian issues.

At the end of the Talibans visit to the United States in 1997, the Afghans visited senior-level officials from the U.S. State Department, the documentary said.

President Bill Clinton had been intrigued with the energy resources found in the region and encouraged his administration to work with the oil companies involved in a professional manner to the make the pipeline project possible, according to Miller.

Deceased Al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Ladens entered the pipeline story later on, when Unocal set up its office for the training of local Afghan workers for the project on the same street as Bin Ladens home.

Miller, who did not know of the offices proximity to Bin Laden at the time, said the location gives him the creeps when he thinks about it today.

After Al-Qaeda attacked the U.S. embassies in Nairobi, Kenya and Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on 7 August, 1998, the American government began asking the Taliban, which ruled the majority of the country at the time, about Bin Ladens whereabouts. Related: The Coming Oil Price Crash

Cultural norms, which push Afghans to be loyal hosts to their guests, prevented the Talibans officials from revealing the Al-Qaeda leaders location to the U.S. forces, angering the Americans and fueling desires to invade Afghanistan to retrieve bin Laden.

In 2001, after a final meeting in Berlin with the Taliban and relevant regional players, American forces made their intentions of invading Afghanistan in the fall known to their allies. When Al-Qaeda heard of the plan, they decided to preemptively strike the U.S. in the attacks now known as 9/11, the film said.

My reaction to 9/11 was that it would be very destructive for Afghanistan, thats why the Taliban would not have allowed it, a Taliban source from the firm said. It would be better if this hadnt happened.

Data on Afghanistans oil and gas resources can still be retrieved from old Soviet-era offices in the city of Mazar-e-Sharif, where Chief Engineer Mohammed Jan Akhtari protects them from government infighting.

No one even knows whats here, Akhtari told Aljazeera, hoping for a new era of Afghani politics ready for national reconstruction. Its a treasure for our nation and someday it will be needed.

Though Afghanistans oil and gas transport and production has been stalled due to the nations instability, Akhtari believes that once the country is ready to harvest its natural resources, fossil fuels will rebuild his lost nation.

With limited funds and poor health, he systemizes valuable surveys on Afghani oil and gas reserves conducted by international experts.

I do it for the future generations, Akhtari says.

By Zainab Calcuttawala for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Investment firm CBI Energy and Chemical plans to order up to 20 LNG carriers, probably at South Korean shipyards, in deals worth around US$3.8 billion, Reuters reported on Wednesday, quoting two people in the know.

CBI Energy and Chemical, held by Australian and Canadian investors, also wants to buy floating LNG production and import terminals in its attempt to grow in Asia and Africa. The firm will be seeking to take advantage of the low energy prices to procure supply at favorable prices, according to an email to Reuters sent by Tony Leung, director at CBI Investment Management Limited.

CBI Energy and Chemicals business plans for Africa and Asia entail extraction of natural gas, sea transportation, power generation, chemical plants, LNG plants and an LNG distribution network, including retail gas.

South Korea's LNG carriers are the best in terms of design, shipbuilding and delivery speed, Reuters quoted an executive at CBI as saying.

If the deal were to materialize, it could help at least partially prop up South Koreas ailing shipbuilding industry, which has been plagued by a decline in the shipping industry amid low commodity prices, low freight rates, global trade slowdown, and a vessel glut. In a sign that the industry is in a downturn, South Koreas fourth-largest shipyard STX filed for receivership in May, and shipping company Hanjin filed for bankruptcy protection a few months later.

CBI Energy and Chemicals move on the Asian gas market makes business sense, because according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Asias LNG imports rose in the first half this year, led by India and China. Japan, South Korea, China, India, and Taiwan combined accounted for 68 percent of global LNG imports last year. These five countries saw their combined imports rise by 1 percent in the first half this year, as higher Chinese and Indian imports more than offset declines in the mature LNG markets of Japan and South Korea, the EIA said.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

More Top Reads From Oilprice.com:
Iraqs oil output in Kurdistan is set to increase when Norways DNO completes its plans to add four new wells in the Tawke field. The company has already completed three wells and drilling the last one, which should come online next week.

The four wells will add 10 percent to the daily production capacity of the field, DNO said. In the third quarter of the year, output from Tawke averaged 109,000 barrels of crude daily. Most of this was exported via Turkey.

The four new wells, which cost it around US$20 million in total, are part of the Norwegian companys plan to boost production at the Tawke announced earlier this year. In the next few months, the company will drill more wells, aiming to bring the total from the field to 135,000 bpd.

(Click to enlarge)

DNOs plans for its Iraqi operations are unfolding amid record exports from OPECs second-largest producer, which last month reached 3.276 million bpd, thanks in part to the renewed shipments via the Turkish port of Ceyhan, following an agreement between Baghdad and the Kurdistan Regional Government. These were the first Ceyhan shipments in over a year, according to the Iraq Oil Report. In August, Iraq exported 3.23 million bpd.



Related: Is The Era Of Cheap Natural Gas Over?

Thanks to the deal with the federal government, the KRG reported oil revenues of US$328 million for September, shipping a daily average of 564,808 barrels. The monthly total stood at 16.94 million barrels, up by more than 4 million barrels, according to the autonomous regions Ministry of Resources.

Meanwhile, production cuts are looking to be a tough sell to Iraq by other OPEC members, who are trying to stabilize the market through an overall cut by the group. The country has questioned OPECs quota calculation methods and has repeatedly indicated it wanted to boost its overall output in a bid to refill its coffers, which suffered the combined effect of low oil prices and higher expenditure because of the war against IS.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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The opinions expressed in this piece do not necessarily reflect the opinions of OnMilwaukee.com, its advertisers or editorial staff.

I teach my high school English students about logical fallacies, as good writers and readers need to know both how to avoid engaging in logical fallacies and how to spot them when they occur in wild.

For today's lesson, we will talk here about the "No True Scotsman" fallacy. It's a form of post-hoc reasoning or special pleading that tries removing an unwelcome or unsuccessful in-group member to an out-group.

It was first identified in 1971 by British philosopher Anthony Flew, who tells us to imagine a Scotsman reading the newspaper and seeing a story about a terrible crime committed by an Englishman. "Of course," our Scotsman thinks, "no Scotsman would do that!" The next day's paper reveals an even worse crime committed by a Scotsman. Our imaginary Scotsman now must revise his thinking: "No true Scotsman would do that!" he now says.

Had Flew been an American watching our politics, he might have named the fallacy "No True Republican," given that every election cycle in which Republicans lose ground, the GOP insists the problem is that its candidates are impurely conservative.

It's what they said about Mitt Romney and John McCain, the two who lost elections to President Barack Obama. They even said it about George W. Bush as Democrats were about to sweep Congressional elections in 2006.

Heck, it's an article of faith among many Republicans today that even Bob Dole was not conservative enough. Bob Dole!

And now that it seems almost certain that Donald Trump will lose next month, there is a wicked scramble afoot among elected and campaigning Republicans to say their current presidential nominee isn't a Scotsman  er, Republican.

The problem for Republicans is that all of those men, and all the men who have been elected to or nominated for the presidency under the GOP banner in living memory, are the Republican Party, and the party is Trump.

Trump is a straight white male Baby Boomer born into privilege. He holds implicitly racist, sexist and elitist views about fellow Americans; he holds explicitly nativist and jingoistic views about non-Americans. His primary policy goals seem to be protecting the wealth of the richest Americans and stemming the demographic tide steadily pushing white men into minority status in this country.

Overwhelmingly, Republicans in this country are demographically like Trump. They are white, older and skew socially conservative (at least when they are described by their religiosity) and nativist. They are also more likely to be men than women at any age, of any race and with any level of education.

And, at least in the initial post-"Trump tape" polling, they still overwhelmingly support the nominee. Self-described conservatives and Republicans are just as suuportive of Trump now as they were during the primaries. It seems impossible to believe, but Trump, whose national polling numbers hover around 40 percent currently, won more GOP primary votes than anyone in history this year.

There are minor differences between Trump and past Republican candidates, sure. For example, McCain is from a military family and is himself a war hero, while Trump, son of a wealthy New York real estate mogul, was able to score repeated medical deferments from the Vietnam draft. Romney lacks Trump's questionable history with women and even, for a time, valued their right to choose an abortion.

The entire field of primary candidates for this year's cycle looked a lot like Trump. Some were less old (Wisconsin's own Scott Walker, for example), less white (Ben Carson), less bombastic (John Kasich) or less male (Carly Fiorina), but to a one, they all subscribed to an ideology that privileged white, male, wealthy Americans at the expense of non-white poor Americans and immigrants.

Basically, the only thing that separates Trump from the rest is his lack of a filter and  critically  years spent being recorded running his unfiltered mouth.

This is no small thing. After Trump loses, his insufficient conservatism means that in 2020 Republicans will no doubt nominate someone who is at least as conservative, if not moreso, than Trump in an attempt to appeal to an imaginary conservative majority in this country.

A number of commentators and voters took Indiana Governor Mike Pence's debate performance a week ago to be a sign that he is eyeing a run against President Hillary Clinton in four years. But beyond being literally on the ticket with the man, there is nothing about Pence's record in Congress or as a governor to suggest that he is different from Trump or appeals to a different pool of potential voters.

Pence's policies jailed a woman for having a miscarriage and created an HIV outbreak in his state. Pence supports all the usual conservative economic mumbo-jumbo but has not miraculously turned his state into a supply-side paradise.

History suggests Pence is doomed in 2020; no failed vice-presidential candidate has won a party's nomination since Walter Mondale in 1984  and Mondale had been on a winning ticket in 1976.

Other possible 2020 contenders include Walker, whose Wisconsin GOP seeks policies dedicated to restricting the rights of women and economically benefitting the wealthy. I mean, the latest WisGOP proposal for education policy  my wheelhouse  is the so-called "education savings account," a giveaway to wealthy parents. It's hard for poor parents to divert part of any paycheck into such an account, even if it has tax benefits, when every cent of their paycheck is needed to buy basic necessities like food and shelter.

Then there's Ted Cruz, who makes Scott Walker look like Ted Kennedy.

On issue after issue, Republicans likely to run in the next presidential election support policies that favor the wealthy, the white and the male. Voter ID, for example, has been in the news here in Wisconsin lately. Those most likely to lack adequate voter ID, it is well documented, are non-white young people, Republicans' worst constituency. Even among the old, where Republicans do well, older whites (who vote Republican) are much more likely to have access to documents necessary to get a proper state ID for voting than older non-whites (who don't).

Coincidentally, the state that brought us the U.S. Supreme Court decision allowing for strict ID laws is Indiana, the state that also brought us Mike Pence. Maybe that's not really a coincidence after all.

Republican voters are a shrinking demographic group. There are more Americans under 35 than over 55. By 2020, the youngest voters will have been born post-9/11, most voters will have been born post-Watergate and two-thirds of voters will be too young to have been able to vote for Reagan. Those voters are overwhelmingly not white men and unlikely to be or lean Republican or conservative.

The party of Trump, the party that looks like and acts like and supports people like Trump, is already saying Trump is not a true Republican. But if they really believe that, and really nominate someone with deeper conservative leanings in 2020 to try to win a constituency that doesn't exist any more, President Hillary Clinton will have no trouble winning re-election.
By now, most everyone knows that The Basilica of St. Josaphat, 2333 S. 6th St., with its soaring dome, was constructed from building materials salvaged when the Chicago Customs House and Post Office (pictured below) was demolished in 1896.

Father Grutza, while in Chicago, learned of the availability of the materials, snatched them up for a mere $20,000 and had them shipped up to Milwaukee on flatbed train cars, where architect Erhard Brielmaier  who designed many religious buildings in Milwaukee  organized them into the architectural gem and community landmark we now all enjoy.

You can read more about the church here.

Yesterday, I returned to the basilica for another visit with Susan Rabe, the executive director of the St. Josaphat Basilica Foundation, who shared some interesting facts about the basilica and its construction. Here are just a few of them ...

1. The church was built in large part by parishioners

The basilica is the third church to stand on the site. The first was lost to fire and replaced, but the new building proved too small for the rapidly growing parish.

Work on the church  which wasnt elevated to basilica status until 1929  began in 1896, and as was the case at nearby St. Stanislaus, many parishioners carried out the actual construction work, from digging the hole to masonry and other work.



(PHOTO: Courtesy of Milwaukee Public Library)

2. When the parish struggled to pay wages, architect Brielmaier paid them from his own account

Despite saving a fair bit on the materials thanks to Father Grutzas great deal in Chicago, the parish struggled financially to get the church built. Often, there was no money to pay wages, and some of the parishioners had quit their jobs to built the church. Rabe says that Brielmaier himself dug into his own accounts to pay the workers on some of these occasions.

3. Many parishioners mortgaged their homes to pay for the construction of the church

Manual labor and donations werent the only way parishioners supported the new building, according to Rabe. Many, she said, mortgaged and even double-mortgaged their homes. When it came time to decorate the church in the 1920s, parishioners answered a call to donate jewelry to be melted down for the gold decoration you see inside the church.

4. During construction one person lost his life

Pretty amazing when you think of the technology of the era  and lack of workplace safety laws  that only one person died in the construction of the basilica. But Anton Kasprzyk, age 44, was that unlucky casualty.

According to Rabe, Kasprzyk was a teamster driving a horse-drawn wagon when a rope and pulley setup lifting one of the churchs huge stones snapped, frightening the horses, who overturned the wagon. Kasprzyk ended up beneath the falling stone.

5. Italian artist Gonippo Raggi, born in Rome in 1875, was brought in to decorate the interior of the church in 1926

Along with Conrad Schmitt Studios, Raggi  who studied at Art Institute of St. Michele in Rome  recreated a little bit of Renaissance Rome on Milwaukees South Side. After an electrical fire in the 1950s caused considerable smoke damage inside, Raggi returned to restore his work.

The oval paintings inside the dome were originally daylight scenes, but Raggi, unable to undo all the darkening damage from the smoke, called an audible, making them night-time scenes, complete with stars.

6. The basilica has one of the largest collections of relics in Milwaukee

Visit the lower church and in one of the side chapels, youll find the nearly 500 relics in the basilicas collection, from bits of the true cross to relics of everyone from Mary to Pope John Paul II. It is one of the largest groupings in the city, along with collections in the chapel at St. Josephs Convent on Layton Boulevard and at the Sisters of St. Francis on Lake Drive. Visit on Tuesday afternoons to find the chapel gates swung open and an extremely knowledgeable expert on hand to explain the collection and answer your questions.

7. The church has a statue of St. Apollonia, the patron saint of dentists

Not sure why Im telling you this  other than that it's the kind of interesting info you could use to start (or maybe kill) a conversation  but the church is also graced with a statue of St. Apollonia, who is the patron saint of dentists and often depicted, ominously, holding tongs, sometimes with a tooth clamped between the ends. Trust me, you dont want to know why.

8. A building directly across Lincoln Avenue was built with leftover parts

The ornate two story building across from the churchs main entrance was built in 1899 with materials left over from the basilica construction. It, too, was designed by Brielmaier and sold by the church to Jacob Leszczynski for $1. The Wisconsin Historical Society suggests there was a reason for the deal:

"It is believed because he owned the Leszczynski Coal Co. and had heavy wagons and horses he may have lent the use of his equipment to move the stones for the church from the railroad to the site. Jacob is buried in the row right in front of all the Bishops and Monsignors of the Church at St. Adalbert's Cemetery with a huge cross marking the family plot of at least 12 Leszczynskis. He also has his name and his wife's on a big stain glass window at St. Josaphat."

You likely already know...

... that it costs a lot of money to restore and maintain a large historic building like the Basilica of St. Josaphat, which recently undertook some emergency masonry work and now must raise funds to complete the rest of the exterior work required to keep the building safe and sound for future generations.

The basilica will host a concert by Eric Whitacre in March as a fundraiser, but there are other ways you can help, too. Visit the foundation's web site to learn more.
From Wallwritings



President Abraham Lincoln.

(Image by USDAgov) Details DMCA



Hillary Clinton is our final protective barrier against a massive Trump forest fire now raging across our land.

She is the firewall standing between a fire which should have been stopped when it began June 15, 2015, as an anti-Obama racist birther flame.

On November 8, voters will have to choose: Support Hillary Rodham Clinton; make a naive gesture for a third party candidate; vote for a retired general or Aunt Maud; or vote for Donald J. Trump.

I chaired George McGovern's Illinois convention delegation in 1972 when one young McGovern delegate told me she would cast her vice presidential nominating vote for her mother.

That irresponsible act was an early warning to me of misguided idealism in politics. It revealed an immaturity on the Miami convention floor in 1972. In 2016, it flames the fires of tyranny.

New York Times columnist Andrew Rosenthal addresses what is at stake:

"Melania Trump said the man in the 2005 video is not the man she knows. But he is the man the rest of us know. To vote for him, you have to pretend you don't know who he really is -- or choose not to care."

The Republican Party could have found a way to halt the Trump phenomenon when the Donald emerged as the possible nominee. Rosenthal believes he knows why the GOP did not unite against Trump:

"I've never believed that the Republican leadership really disagreed with Trump's fringe views. They just didn't like the way he expressed them, because it exposed some powerful and disturbing currents in their party."

South Korea's Samsung headquarters knew what to do when its phones started exploding; it canceled production of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone.

It is too late for the GOP to cancel anything. Ballots are printed and early voting has begun.

In a report under the heading, "Trump declares himself free from 'shackles' -- and threatens to burn the GOP to the ground," Raw Story's Brad Reed sees Trump at war with the GOP he conned into letting him be their nominee.

"If Donald Trump is going down, he's going to try to bring down everyone else with him. In a furious tweet storm on Tuesday, Trump ripped House Speaker Paul Ryan for his 'weak and ineffective' leadership and accused him of being disloyal for saying on Monday that he was finished defending Trump's candidacy."

Trump declared that Ryan's betrayal had freed him from his "shackles" -- and he could now campaign for the presidency without any kind of filter at all.

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Putin: West wants to chain the Russian bear, no way they'll stuff it Western nations want to chain .the Russian bear,. pull out its teeth and ultimately have it stuffed, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned. He said anti-Russian ...

(Image by Dave Lefcourt) Details DMCA



Russian President Vladimir Putin

Finian Cunningham's latest, "Washington Hits Back at Putin's Humiliation" [1] exposes the desperate diversions "official" Washington descends to.

Here's a few excerpts:

"The Obama administration is now accusing Russia of cyber-crime and trying to disrupt the US presidential election" accusing "Russia of a hacking campaign to interfere with elections" alleging "Moscow is stealthily trying to influence the outcome of the election, by releasing damaging information on Clinton which might favor Republican candidate Donald Trump"-all unsubstantiated with no evidence given. Russia has denied any connection to the cyber-crime charges and Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov referred to US claims as "rubbish".

It's "official" Washington's tactic to divert attention from Wikileak's Julian Assange vowing "to release more emails that will prove that Clinton as Secretary of State back in 2011-2012 masterminded the supply of weapons and money to Islamic terror networks in Libya and Syria for the objective of regime change".

"The exposure of an American presidential candidate as being involved in state sponsorship of terrorism while serving as a top government official is a powerful incentive for the Obama administration to find lurid diversion."

"Hence, the latest charges by the US government against Russia as perpetrating cyber-crime and of trying to subvert American democracy".

"Day by day, it seems, leads to more damning revelations of Washington's complicity in illegal wars, covert subversion of foreign states, and systematic collusion with terrorist networks".

"Russia's intervention-in Syria-has also brought into clear focus the systematic links between Washington and terrorist proxy army working on its behalf in Syria".

"Washington's mask of moral and legal superiority has been ripped from its face. And what the world is seeing is the vile ugliness beneath." This is a must read.

Cunningham's right on the mark saying "what the world is seeing is the vile ugliness beneath." But regrettably that doesn't include the majority of the American people.

The American people don't want to see that "vile ugliness underneath" because that is too much for them to bear. That would go against the very heart of what they've been taught to believe. They've been so thoroughly propagandized and indoctrinated to believe we're "the beacon on the hill", the "good guys" as seen in the Navy's infomercial intoning its "A global force for good". American's whole belief system would become discombobulated.

It seems astonishing most Americans refuse to see, don't want to see the reality of their government's increasingly overt criminality. That's a sure fire way for that government to continue its mendacity.





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Colm for Congress

Salem, OR  On Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Stop Settlement Slush Funds Act of 2016 (HR 5063). This legislation ensures that money acquired by the Department of Justice for settling cases will go to the victims harmed by bad actors or to the general treasury where it could be used help pay down the debt or boost our military.

Instead, the Obama administration has been directing this money to progressive activist groups to spend promoting whatever they want. This takes the benefit away from the victims and everyday Oregonians and transfers it to career liberal activists who are well connected in Washington D.C.

Kurt Schrader voted with his party to keep funding liberal activists with Government slush funds.

I applaud Congressman Walden for pushing legislation that will eliminate slush funds and refocus these resources back to helping victims and everyday Americans. said Willis This is the kind of commonsense reform that Kurt Schrader should support. Instead he used it as another opportunity to put the needs of party bosses above the needs of Oregonians.

A native Oregonian, Willis is the Republican candidate for Congress in Oregons 5th Congressional District. The general election will be held on November 8, 2016.
Meteorologist Paul Douglas writes about Minnesota weather daily, trying to go beyond the "highs" and "lows" of the weather story to discuss current trends and some of the how's and why's of meteorology. Rarely is our weather dull - every day is a new forecast challenge. Why is the weather doing what it's doing? Is climate change a real concern, and if so, how will my family be affected? Climate is flavoring all weather now, and I'll include links to timely stories that resonate with me.
The United Nations is requesting additional 170 police peacekeepers from Ghana to be deployed in South Sudan in January, 2017.

Ghana currently has a 440 police peacekeeping force in South Sudan, the largest from any member nation in the world. The country joined the police peacekeeping operations in August 2015 after the armoured car squadron was re-organised into the Formed Police Unit (FPU). A second batch was requested by the United Nations, based on the good performance by the first contingent in Southern Sudan.

The United Nations however says it will need more Ghanaian peacekeepers to prosecute its peacekeeping agenda. Deputy Project Manager of the International Police Peacekeeping Operations (IPPO), Lance McCune addressing the troops indicated that in one and a half years, Ghana has gone from no FPUs to 440 personnel in South Sudan. In the next seven weeks, it wouldnt be easy, itll be difficult, some things would be new but I can assure you that the trainees over here would give their very best and I know theyll get their very best from you.

Director of international relations, ACP Michael Awadetsi, admonished personnel who would make the final 170 not to lower the bar. The 8-weeks pre-deployment training is being conducted by officials of the international police peacekeeping operations support from the US State Department with support from local trainers. dan/

Source: 3news.com









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

Featured Video
Credit: Oregon State University

Researchers have identified a bizarre, parasitic wasp without wings preserved in 100-million-year-old amber, which seems to borrow parts of its anatomy from a range of other insects but actually belongs to no other family ever identified on Earth.

The specimen, which is spectacularly well preserved, probably crawled along the ground at the base of trees trying to find other insects and a place to lay its eggs. While dinosaurs strolled around above it, it looked for an insect grub of some kind it could sting.

But for reasons unknown  maybe because it couldn't fly, maybe because it died off from pathogens or habitat loss  it eventually disappeared and is now extinct.

After considerable debate, citing first one body part and then another, researchers created a new family for the specimen, called Aptenoperissidae, as part of the larger Order of Hymenoptera, which includes modern bees and wasps. Within that family, this insect, named Aptenoperissus burmanicus, is now the only known specimen.

The findings have been reported in the journal Cretaceous Research, by scientists from Russia, England and the United States.

"When I first looked at this insect I had no idea what it was," said George Poinar, Jr., a professor emeritus in the College of Science at Oregon State University, co-author on the study and one of the world's leading experts on plant and animal life forms found preserved in amber.

"You could see it's tough and robust, and could give a painful sting. We ultimately had to create a new family for it, because it just didn't fit anywhere else. And when it died out, this created an evolutionary dead end for that family."

The insect, Poinar said, brings to mind the old parable  which now has been adapted among various world religions - about six blind men being asked to touch an elephant and describe what it looked like. One who felt the tail described it as a rope; one who touched the leg said it resembled a pillar; and so on.

"We had various researchers and reviewers, with different backgrounds, looking at this fossil through their own window of experience, and many of them saw something different," Poinar said. "If you focused on its strong hind legs you could call it a grasshopper. The antenna looked like an ant, the thick abdomen more like a cockroach. But the face looked mostly like a wasp, and we finally decided it had to be some kind of Hymenoptera."

The insect is a female, and its long legs may have helped it pull out of cavities into which it had burrowed, seeking pupae of other insects into which to lay its eggs. With that lifestyle, wings would have been a hindrance, researchers noted in the study. It may have attacked other beetles with its sharp and jagged stinger, and it would have had a pretty strong leaping ability. It did have a cleaning mechanism on the tip of its antenna that is characteristic of Hymenoptera.

The fossil came from what is now the Hukawng Valley in Myanmar on the continent of Asia, where arthropods from 252 families have been found, one of the richest such deposits in all Cretaceous amber.

More information: A.P. Rasnitsyn et al. Bizzare wingless parasitic wasp from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber (Hymenoptera, Ceraphronoidea, Aptenoperissidae fam. nov.), Cretaceous Research (2017). DOI: 10.1016/j.cretres.2016.09.003 Journal information: Cretaceous Research
New drone pictures reveal that a southern right whale mother named Scooter dramatically shrank in width  by 43 centimetres in just two months  as she fattened her calf.

Other mothers experienced a similar loss in condition, becoming so skinny their spinal cords began to show.

Murdoch University researchers, sponsored by WWF-Australia, are using drones for the first time to do a health check on southern right whales, which are making a comeback after nearly being hunted to extinction.

WWF-Australia whale researcher Chris Johnson said the dramatic loss of condition that whale mothers undergo means they are especially vulnerable to emerging threats.

"These include getting tangled in marine debris, disturbance from oil and gas development, and global ocean warming which could reduce their food supply in Antarctica," he said.

"That's why this project is so important. If the condition of the whales changes in the future it could be a sign that human activities are having an impact.

"Nurturing a calf is already tough enough for the mothers without humans adding to the pressure," Mr Johnson said.

Southern right whales journey thousands of kilometres from their Antarctic feeding grounds to Head of Bight, South Australia to give birth. They stay for about three months to fatten their calves before returning to Antarctica.

For about four months they do not eat and rely solely on their fat stores.

Credit: Murdoch University

Scooter measured 2.85 metres across on July 3 and only 2.42 metres across on September 4.

Another mother, Bella, went from 2.49 metres across to 2.17 metres, losing 31 centimetres of width in the same period of time.

In those two months, Bella's calf grew from 5.84 metres long to 7.67 metres long. Southern right whale mothers must quickly fatten their calves so they are strong enough for the long journey back to Antarctica.

Murdoch University researcher Dr Fredrik Christiansen said the toll on southern right whale mothers meant they could only give birth every three to four years.

"When they arrive they have significant fat reserves, they are wide all along their body. When they leave they look like giant tadpoles. They have a head which is still big and robust, but the rest of the body is skinny and you can even see the spinal cord showing up," Dr Christiansen said.

"There is still so much unknown about whales. My long-term goal is to understand how human impacts, both lethal and sub lethal, affect behaviour, health, and ultimately the recovery of whale populations," he said.

Murdoch University's Professor Lars Bejder said there was much to learn.

"Southern right whales are recovering but nowhere near to the same extent as humpback whales. And we don't really know why and that's one of the big questions we're hoping to answer," he said.

Murdoch University collaborates with Curtin University and the Great Australian Bight Right Whale Study which has recorded individual life histories for many of the whales at Head of Bight, dating as far back as 1991.
Credit: University of Southampton

Animals feeding at sea inherit a chemical record reflecting the area where they fed, which can help track their movements, according to a new study by scientists from the University of Southampton.

Chemical testing of the source of marine food products could be a powerful tool to help to fight food fraud, maintain healthy sustainable fish stocks or marine protected areas, and ensure consumer confidence in marine eco-labelling.

Tracing the location of marine animals is difficult as they generally can't be seen and are often a long way from the nearest person. The Southampton research team, led by Dr Clive Trueman and PhD student Katie St John Glew, built maps of chemical variation in jellyfish caught across the North Sea.

They then compared the same chemical signals in scallops and herring caught in known places across the North Sea, and used statistical tests to find the areas of the North Sea with the most similar chemical compositions. These chemical tests were able to accurately link scallops and herring to their true locations, and can be used to test if the chemical composition of an animal matches a claimed area of origin.

Dr Trueman, Associate Professor in Marine Ecology, said: "Understanding the origin of fish or fish products is increasingly important as we try to manage our marine resources more effectively. Fish from sustainable fisheries can fetch a premium price, but concerned consumers need to be confident that fish really were caught from sustainable sources.

"Recently, genetic tests have revealed widespread mislabelling of the type of fish being sold worldwide, but currently we don't have any way of testing where a fished product was caught."

The study was published in the journal Methods in Ecology and Evolution.
Neo Kaplanis in the soundlab in Aalborg, Denmark. Credit: Aalborg University

Researchers at Aalborg University, in conjunction with Bang & Olufsen in Denmark, have developed a sound laboratory that can reproduce the acoustics of any environment from cars to concert halls. One goal is better design of sound systems for cars.

In the basement beneath Aalborg University are 40 small speakers and three subwoofers placed around a narrow walkway with just enough room for a chair. The space is an anechoic chamber where the walls, ceiling and floor are covered with thick, pointed, foam plates that absorb sound that hits the walls.

The 43 speakers are set up so that along with a newly developed recording system and an advanced computer program they can reproduce the exact acoustic conditions from any other room. If you put a CD in the drive or start an audio file on a computer, it will sound entirely as it would in the space the laboratory is simulating.

Artificial head

The sound lab is the latest addition to the accurate reproduction of acoustic conditions. Years ago, Aalborg University along with Bruel & Kjr, Delta Akustik and Bang & Olufsen developed an artificial head with built-in microphones that could record how the human ear perceives sounds coming from different places. The artificial head was later developed to turn to each side and accurately map how the acoustics of a room affect sound when you move.

By reproducing the sound in a pair of headphones with a head-tracker, you can make it sound as if you are in the room. The perceived acoustics are very close to those of the real room and thus you can simulate how speakers and sound systems will work in different rooms.

Setting up the lab. Credit: Aalborg University

Not the same with headphones

Recordings with artificial head technology have been used for a number of years to reproduce various acoustic conditions, but the problem has always been that we do not ordinarily experience the sounds of our surroundings through a pair of headphones on a daily basis. In order to more accurately reproduce an acoustic environment, you can enhance the experience considerably by using a loudspeaker setup in an anechoic environment to create a precise spatial illusion. The idea and the system were originally developed by researchers at Aalto University in Finland for studies on sound in concert halls. The system at AAU is an advancement aimed at smaller spaces such as living rooms and automotive interiors.

"With headphones on, it often feels as if all sound is quite close to or inside the head. You do not have the feeling that something comes from farther away  the spatial element is very difficult to recreate," explains PhD student Neo Kaplanis who developed the new sound reproduction system at AAU.

"The same goes for the experience of a powerful bass. It's not something we just hear with our ears; it's something that can be felt in the entire body. You simply cannot reproduce it with a pair of headphones."

However, in the accurately positioned array of speakers in the new sound lab, you can. By using recordings made with the appropriate recording method we can recreate the sound of any room.

"If you wear a blindfold or turn off all the lights in the lab, your ears make you believe that you're in a completely different place; in fact that's how we run the experiments," says Neo Kaplanis.

Credit: Aalborg University

Better sound in the car

Right now the lab is set up to reproduce the acoustic space in a car, and with good reason. The university's partner, Bang & Olufsen, was until recently one of the world's leading manufacturers of Hi-Fi audio for luxury cars. The automotive department was recently sold to American speaker manufacturer Harman, but their development department is now in Struer, right next to B&O's headquarters.

When you develop a sound system for a brand new car, it takes a very long time because you test the car with many different speaker systems that have to be changed along the way. It is a long and costly affair, but because the entire production of new cars is top-secret, audio system manufacturers typically only have a prototype of the car available for a few days.

"With the new system we will be able to map the car's acoustic conditions, send the car back to the factory, and then adapt and adjust the audio system with measurements in the lab. It makes it possible to develop much higher quality sound," says Sren Bech, Director of Research at Bang & Olufsen, who divides his time between the Struer company and a professorship at AAU's Department of Electronic Systems.

The possibilities in the sound lab are not limited to the best speaker solutions for luxury cars. With the new system, in principle we can reproduce the sound from all kinds of spaces, from concert halls to living rooms  to buildings that are still on the drawing board. The setup will thus be an important tool in future research/development projects.

Facts

Sound systems are an important selling point in luxury cars. In partnership with Bang & Olufsen, automotive manufacturer Audi has mapped the acoustic conditions in most of the model series. Potential buyers can put on a pair of headphones and virtual reality glasses and click through interiors  and sound environments  in the different cars.

A scientific paper from the researchers presented at the Audio Engineering Society's 60th International Conference in Belgium earlier this year describes the design and implementation of a method to perceptually assess the acoustical properties of a car interior and the subsequent sound reproduction properties of automotive audio systems. Read more: vbn.aau.dk/da/publications/a-m  e-5678443656ef).html

More information: Room simulation sound-examples from SoundLab AAU: soundcloud.com/user-621419667/  ets/room-simulations
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

New research into the effects of ocean acidification suggests that, while marine organisms may be able to cope with the effects of climate change in the short term, the biological cost of doing so may be too high to guarantee long-term survival.

In a new paper published today in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B, a team of scientists from the Universities of Glasgow, California Santa Cruz, Stanford and Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn describe how they studied crustose coralline algae clustered around undersea volcanic vents in Ischia, Italy.

The vents release carbon dioxide into the water, changing the acidity levels of nearby water. The world's oceans are becoming increasingly acidic as they absorb some of the atmospheric carbon dioxide which contributes to climate change. This process is gradually lowering the pH of the oceans and making them more acidic.

By carefully choosing areas of water with levels of acidity close to those experts have projected that the oceans will contain 100 years and 300 years from now, the researchers could take a look into what the future might hold for coralline algae.

Over the course of 14 months, they used spectroscopy techniques to study algae growing on tiles placed near the vents, paying close attention to their size, the amount of magnesium they contained, and the way their skeletons were arranged.

In the water analogous to the oceans of the 2100s, they found that the algae largely maintained similar size compared to algae found in the water of today. There was also little change in the composition of their skeletal structure, which is made up largely from calcium carbonate the algae draw from the minerals in the water. However, in the waters similar to those expected for 2300, the algae were much smaller with an altered and scattered skeleton.

Dr Nick Kamenos of the University of Glasgow's School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, who led the study, said: "The advantage of using volcanic vents as a 'time machine' to look at how ocean life might acclimate or adapt to future climate change is that they exist as part of the water's ecosystem. This means we're able to get a more complete picture of how things might change than we would if we conducted similar, but unavoidably isolated, experiments in the lab.

"We were a little surprised to see that the algae didn't change a great deal in the waters analogous to 2100, despite the increased acidity of the water. What we think is happening is that the algae are managing to change their survival strategies to cope with the changing environment.

"However, it would be a mistake to assume that the coping mechanisms we've seen are a long-term defence against ocean acidification. Projecting further into the future with the waters of the 2300s, we can see that the algae are much less likely to survive, and the algae which do manage to cope have a significantly changed skeleton, which could have a negative impact on their ability to survive."

"We're keen to extend our research into ocean acidification further, but it's clear from this and other studies that marine life faces a difficult time ahead if climate change continues to make our seas and oceans more acidic."

More information: N. A. Kamenos et al. Coralline algae in a naturally acidified ecosystem persist by maintaining control of skeletal mineralogy and size, Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences (2016). DOI: 10.1098/rspb.2016.1159 Journal information: Proceedings of the Royal Society B
The contamination and condemnation of a housing complex in East Chicago, Ind., is in line with the inequality Robert Sampson and others at Harvard are working to expose. Credit: John J. Watkins

In 2014, lead began leaching into the water system in Flint, Mich., a majority African-American city where more than 40 percent of residents live below the poverty line. In August, severe ground contamination forced more than 1,000 inhabitants from their homes in East Chicago, Ind. The highest levels of lead- and arsenic-poisoned soil were found in the West Calumet Housing Complex, home mostly to low-income minority families.

The findings were chilling, especially because elevated lead levels are known to be particularly harmful to pregnant women and children. "Lead exposure can affect nearly every system in the body," according to the Centers for Disease Control.

Mounting evidence suggests the crises in Flint and East Chicago are not isolated incidents. According to Harvard sociologist Robert Sampson, they are just two more examples of the "ecology of toxic inequality," or the theory that higher lead levels in the blood are often directly tied to racial and ethnic segregation.

Sampson explored the idea in a paper co-authored by Harvard graduate student Alix Winter. In the report, published by Cambridge University Press, the researchers did a comparative analysis of more than a million blood tests given to Chicago children from 1995 to 2013. Their results show that the city's black and, to a lesser extent, Hispanic neighborhoods disproportionately bear the burden of the city's lead toxicity. Along with soil, lead dangers often lurk in old paint and plumbing.

"It's useful to consider this study in the larger context of new ways to understand inequality," said Sampson, Henry Ford II Professor of the Social Sciences and author of the 2003 book "Great American City: Chicago and the Enduring Neighborhood Effect."

"In this case," he said, "it's how inequality literally gets into the body and under the skin."

Using data from the 1990 Decennial Census, Sampson and Winter demonstrated that socioeconomic factors such as poverty and lower levels of education correlated with higher lead levels. But their research went even further, following links between elevated lead levels and environmental and housing factors.

In 1995, using SUV-mounted video cameras, researchers from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods observed the physical condition of local streets, lots, and homes. Sampson and Winter analyzed those findings and showed that areas with dilapidated housing stock, including many homes with peeling lead paint, as well as a neighborhoods' proximity to former smelting plants were connected to higher lead levels in the blood.

The deeper dive exposed the limits of a Census-only focus.

"Our results indicate that that kind of approach to studying inequality is insufficient because there are clearly important variabilities in housing conditions and proximity to shuttered smelting plants that have consequences for lead toxicity," Sampson said.

"There are roughly 55 shuttered plants in the city," he added. "Even though they are shuttered they of course spewed emissions that reside in the soil and decay very slowly, and then kids play in this and they track it inside."

The new research is part of an ongoing longitudinal study tracking the developmental outcomes of a group of infants whose lead levels were first tested in 1995. Researchers followed the children into their teenage years, assessing a range of health and behavioral issues.

According to Sampson and Winter's working paper, "increased lead exposure during childhood is negatively associated with adolescent well-being across a variety of domains," including increases in impulsivity, anxiety, depression, and body-mass index.

The bright spot in the findings is the revelation that a major public health push in Chicago brought toxic lead levels down dramatically over time, for all racial groups. The paper credits "rigorous testing and the lead-based paint abatement of homes and other locations where children spend considerable amounts of time."

The turnaround proves that the will to fight inequality can yield life-changing results, said Sampson, a reassuring notion when so much work remains.

"If in 2016 we are evacuating entire neighborhoods, this is not a problem of the past."
Ive been ruminating recentlyone tends to do that at a certain stage in lifeabout the business Im in: executive search. Its a nice business, especially if you enjoy introducing interesting, talented people to other interesting talented people, which I do, and dont mind rejection, which I dont. The business is never as good as it looks and rarely as bad as it seems, which also tends to be my philosophy about life in general.

I judge people for a living. Its a hell of a responsibility, which I take pretty seriously, because thats our commitment to our clients and our candidates. Its also a chance to observe people at their presumptive best, how they interact in stressful situations and how they present themselves as candidates, hiring managers, board members, owners, CEOs etc. Essentially this business is a laboratory in which we see people trying to make their lives better by moving up the ladder of success.

What Id like to accomplish over the coming months or possibly years is to share some of the insights I have gleaned after 30 years in this business, which has been my second career. I have had the good fortune to meet all kinds of successful people. Most of them are principled, hard-working and highly motivated and have done well for themselves, some despite the fact that they were born rich, the majority because they were smart, infused with a strong work ethic at an early age and performed at a high level.

If wisdom is the opportunity to look back at a lifetime of decisions, relationships, encounters, etc. and be able to make better decisions because of what youve learned from the bad ones, I think I see wisdom on the horizon.

Ill be back with some stories about some of the situations that arise on a daily basis in our business, hoping youll find them entertaining and possibly thought provoking
Despite being one of the countrys hottest cities, at least as far as mainstream media reporting goes, the Pittsburgh metro still provides less opportunity for its residents than its peers. That fact was borne out by recently released employment numbers for July: unemployment is rising above both State and national levels. Worse, the local labor force is shrinking again, not from baby-boomer retirements [as it is everywhere across America] but from discouraged workers dropping out with measurable numbers of them leaving the region.

Comments like these from local economists are chilling, to say the least:

Youre back to the old Pittsburgh we knew before the drilling, and thats slow growth, said Frank Gamrat, an economist at the Allegheny Institute for Public Policy. Its a lack of dynamism.

Its not a blip. Its not something that will come and go away through the natural course of job creation, says PNC Financial Group economist Kurt Rankin, unless theres more appetite for business creation among potential entrepreneurs.

Whats the problem here when travel publications are calling Pittsburgh the countrys best kept secret and one of the coolest cities in the world, when real estate investors from around the globe are putting money [in the hundreds of millions for some projects] into locations across the metro, and when US Census figures tell us that Millennials are moving back into Pittsburgh in a net positive for the first time since the Korean War? What IS the problem?

Is the problem educational levels, or workforce training, or a combination that results in a mismatch of skills? Allow me to explore some anecdotal evidence.

The geographic breadth of Pittsburghs metro area can explain why the MSA [Metropolitan Statistical Area] unemployment rate reflects problems stemming from the regions economic transition. Looking at unemployment rates for July 2016 as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Allegheny Countys rate was 5.9% and Butler County, now encompassing many fast-growing Pittsburgh suburbs, was 5.7%. But the outlying, rural counties exhibit disturbingly higher rates such as Fayettes at 8.6%, and Armstrongs at 8.0%. I believe its accepted knowledge these days that rural areas have lagged behind their urban counterparts in this economic recovery  weak as its been. We have to accept that western PA is not immune to that symptom.

But these statistics are baffling to the casual observer because of the near constant media reports of new global high-tech businesses moving into the region along with a vibrant local start-up scene, especially in software and healthcare. An example of the labor divide is shown with two recent announcements by Caterpillar Inc. They are closing a plant in Washington County that employs 155 and services heavy industries such as mining and oil extraction. But just weeks before that announcement, Caterpillar committed to leasing up to 20,000 square feet for a robotics R&D center in a new Lawrenceville development. Its ironic but not surprising in our transitioning economy.

Pittsburgh is not alone in this continuing labor force transition. CNBC recently ran a Web site headline piece that reads Decline in manufacturing a surprise blow to the economy, market shifts on the Fed. So is the region still overly reliant on manufacturing jobs? Or just the not the right manufacturing jobs for todays economy?

A quick comparison of Pittsburghs employment with the national average shows that for July 2016, the Pittsburgh MSA actually had a lower percentage of Production jobs [the category that includes most manufacturing positions] than the national average by what a BLS report termed a significant amount: 4.0% and 4.5% for Pittsburgh and the U.S., respectively. One answer could be that the region still has not added enough advanced manufacturing jobs that produce high value-added products such as those produced in the Silicon Valley and countries such as Germany and Switzerland.

Then there is the question of a mismatch of skills among the regions labor force. ImaginePittsburgh.com, the Web site of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development, lists an astounding 30,570 job openings in the metro area. Lets for a moment entertain the idea that the actual number of long-term, full-time positions is half that. That would leave 15,000 positions available. Pittsburghs labor force is approximately 1.25 million participants. An additional 15,000 full time jobs would be a 1.2% increase in the labor force which, added to 2016s increase to date of less than 1% would move Pittsburgh into the middle of the ranking with our cohort city group.

I can only conclude that the solution is continued diligence of local and State governments, economic development agencies, and our educational ecosystem  with emphasis on the affordable and curriculum-nimble community colleges  to help train enough skilled workers so that Tri-State natives with an entrepreneurial bent have the resources to bloom and so that companies from outside the region look to Pittsburgh as a source of skilled labor in the coming decade as baby-boomers leave a hole in the rest of the countrys labor force.
This blog will focus on political images I have found all around the Internet, though I will intersperse some commentary and quotes that I find interesting.
QUEENSBURY  A Salem man who headed a drug ring known as the Chicken Chasers that sold large quantities of heroin in the region has pleaded guilty to a felony drug sale charge and faces up to a decade in state prison.

Alexander L. Bayne, 27, pleaded guilty to third-degree criminal sale of a controlled substance, a felony, for a heroin sale earlier this year in Warren County.

He was scheduled for sentencing on Wednesday and faces up to 10 years in state prison to be followed by 3 years on parole. But his sentencing was postponed in light of a recent arrest in Warren County Jail on a felony charge of second-degree assault, as prosecutors seek to resolve that case before he is sent to prison.

Officials said the charge stemmed from an incident with a corrections officer, but it was unclear what injuries the officer sustained.

Bayne was arrested in March with five other members of the Chicken Chasers group, which the Warren County Sheriffs Office determined was responsible for selling significant quantities of heroin in the Glens Falls region.

Bayne was charged with selling heroin to an undercover police officer or informant on three occasions.

The word chicken was used as a code for the money they made from selling drugs, according to police. Some members got tattoos of a chicken that the group used as a logo.

Warren County Judge John Hall told Bayne that a plea deal had been offered that would require him to plead guilty to felony attempted assault charge for the jail incident, and serve a prison term for the charge concurrently to the drug case.

Bayne did not agree to that disposition Wednesday. His lawyer, Trevor Hannigan, asked for more time to make a case to ask for a lesser sentence than 10 years, and Hall postponed the case until Nov. 2.

Bayne, who has a prior felony conviction for a 2008 crack cocaine sale in Washington County, is being held in Warren County Jail pending sentencing.

At least four other Chicken Chasers affiliates have pleaded guilty as well.
Theres a native calm to 9-pound Sunny Puppy.

She is charming, intensely aware, and even when donning layers of hot pink tulle, beads and a specially fitted crown, she goes about doing regular dog things like sniffing, walking through City Park and waiting at the bus stop as though nothing has changed.

But this weekend, the 3-year-old Glens Falls service and therapy dog will tackle a new assignment as she makes her stage debut with Broadway Upstates Legally Blonde Jr. at the Wood Theater.

She is main character, Elle Woods sidekick. She is her purse dog, Bruiser, said Sunny Puppys human mom, Janeen Clark, while pulling out the hot pink bag that is Sunny Puppys home during the musical. Elle brings her to court, classrooms and to her graduation from law school.

Legally Blonde Jr., the musical, performed by area actors in grades six through 12, opens Friday at 7 p.m. and runs for three additional shows over the weekend. The play is the final show in Broadway Upstates fifth season and is choreographed and produced by Rachel Seebode, executive director of Broadway Upstate, a childrens Adirondack theater company.

Based on the film starring Reese Witherspoon and her Chihuahua, Moonie, the shows cast and crew have been rehearsing three nights a week, three hours a night since just after Labor Day.

Im so excited, the kids are ready for an audience, she said of the 28 cast members. Im excited to share this show with the community; each and every one is so enthusiastic about their role.

Sunny Puppy, a Chihuahua and Jack Russell mix, is a near perfect match to Witherspoons Moonie, who played the role of Bruiser Woods in Legally Blonde and its sequel.

Shes fabulous. Shes adorable, Seebode said of Sunny. She gets handed off in a handbag to make sure she doesnt get hurt. She is so friendly and loves the kids.

Like Lana Turner, who was discovered in 1937 sipping a Coke at the Top Hat Cafe on Sunset Boulevard, Sunny Puppy was just resting with Clark on a bench outside the Wood Theater when she was spotted.

We rehearse at the Cabaret Space at the Wood Theater and she (Sunny)was sitting outside on a bench with Janeen and my production assistant said, Look, theres the perfect dog, Seebode said.

Tina Hayes came out and said, Your dog looks just like Bruiser, Clark said.

And theyve been going to rehearsals ever since.

Still, Clark wants to be certain Sunny stays calm, so in between her multiple on-stage appearances, she takes her for walks around the theater.

The best thing is to take her for structured walks and then when she is in the play she realizes that she is working. She is asked to sit calmly and quietly in a closed space, the purse, and she does, Clark said.

In the musical, as in the movie, Elle Woods and Bruiser travel from California to Harvard Law School as Elle tries to win back her boyfriend. In the process, Elle discovers her own talents, and with Bruiser at her side, she tackles some beefy challenges after being hired at a law firm.

Once the show closes Sunday, Sunny will not be out of work. She is more than just a pretty face on stage. Every Wednesday, Sunny works at the Glens Falls Hospital, visiting patients in the behavioral health unit. Every third Friday, she brings her calming love to the East Side Center, an adult psychiatric rehabilitation program in Glens Falls.

Perhaps most importantly, Sunny provides round-the-clock assistance to Clark, who suffers from post traumatic stress syndrome. With Sunnys support and guidance, Clark can maneuver tasks that were once difficult and sometimes harrowing.

When I first got her at nine weeks old, I realized what a help she was to me and I had her certified as a service and therapy dog, Clark said. She has really opened me up for new opportunities.

In their off time, Sunny and Clark often ride city buses to get to various locations for play time. In the summer, they frequently visit the beach in Lake George. This summer, Sunny learned to ride the waves on a board, Clark said, showing a video of her balancing on the board.

Im happy to see one of the Dog Beach regulars get a stage debut, said Amanda May Metzger, marketing coordinator for the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce. You never know where that will lead.
GLENS FALLS  U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., joined with two local Republican state lawmakers on Wednesday to push for bipartisan agreement on federal broadband funding immediately after the dust settles from a contentious presidential election.

Im hopeful that, regardless of the election, that in the lame duck (session) this is the kind of legislation we can attach to a must-pass piece of legislation, Gillibrand said at a press conference at Crandall Public Library with state Sen. Elizabeth Little, R-Queensbury, and Assemblyman Dan Stec, R-Queensbury.

Lame duck refers to the period between the Nov. 8 election and end of the year.

Gillibrand discussed legislation she introduced about a month ago with U.S. Sen. Shelley Moore, R-W.Va., to double annual funding for a federal Department of Agriculture broadband infrastructure program from $25 million to $50 million, and to increase in rural and high-need areas the amount of grants possible from 50 percent to 75 percent of a projects cost.

Our communities cant compete if they dont have access to high-speed internet, Gillibrand said.

Communication companies often are reluctant to expand infrastructure into rural areas because the cost outweighs the return on investment when there is a limited customer base, she said.

Gillibrand said the federal government should prioritize universal broadband infrastructure in the same fashion it has prioritized highways and electricity in generations past.

Its not just young people that broadband is good for, Little said. I FaceTimed with my five-and-a-half-month-old 17th grandchild in San Jose for a half-hour on Sunday.

Little said children and teenagers that do not have access to internet at home are at a disadvantage in keeping up with schoolwork that uses online education curriculum and resources.

Broadband is now essential to farming and small business, she said.

The lack of reliable internet discourages people from living in rural areas, Stec said.

Theres people that wont buy a house unless it has access to broadband, he said.

Communities in Warren and Washington counties, including Chester and Stony Creek, do not have adequate broadband infrastructure, said Edward Bartholomew, chief executive officer of the Adirondack Gateway Council, a coalition of government, economic development and planning agencies in Warren, Washington and northern Saratoga counties.

The council is in the process of mapping sections of communities in the region that have no or limited internet access, he said.

The study is being paid for by a federal grant that Gillibrand advocated for, he said.

Gillibrand said the new legislation does not yet have a House sponsor, but she is confident one can be found.

If we pass this in the Senate, I dont think it will be hard to pass it in the House because this issue affects so many (congressional) districts, she said.

A source of funding for expanding the grant program has not yet been identified.

It would either come from other spending or in terms of a new agriculture budget, she said.

Gillibrand said she is hopeful the legislation can be attached to a budget bill in December.

If not, she will make it a priority in January at the beginning of the next session of Congress.
What a weekend we just had.

We heard the GOP nominee for president engaging in the crudest sort of sexist talk, up to and including boasts about sexual assaults, and we watched a debate that outstripped anything in recent history for personal attacks and frightening pronouncements.

Perhaps most alarming, we heard one candidate  Donald Trump  promise that, if elected, he would use the powers of the presidency to persecute his political rival and put her in jail.

This threat goes against our centuries-long tradition of peaceful and cordial transitions of power. It calls to mind the paranoia and vindictiveness of the only president driven from office  Richard Nixon. It is more upsetting and disqualifying than the Trump statements revealing lapses of morality in his personal life, because it shows a willingness to abuse his position as president, should he get elected.

What the weekend showed us is that Donald Trump must not get elected.

Part of turning away from Trump is acknowledging why he has managed to become one of the major party nominees  the disaffection and disconnection that many citizens feel. Trump has seized upon the anti-establishment mood, but it would be hard to imagine a more imperfect representative for that movement.

Trumps failings are well known. His business record, his character, his political leadership  all are marked by failure. His policy discussions are rambling, contradictory and factually incorrect. Were not just saying hes wrong; were saying that, in everything from foreign policy to the economy, from birtherism to building a wall, he doesnt know what hes talking about.

Electing someone this ignorant and this disinclined to learn about the world would be dangerous. But if Trump were only an under-informed candidate with a high profile who was given to strange ramblings  like Ben Carson  he never would have gotten this far. In his demonizing of immigrants, American citizens of Mexican heritage and Muslims (among others), he has appealed  unfortunately, with some success  to voters base instincts to find scapegoats.

Trump has encouraged and engendered a mob mentality. Following him, supporting him is a mistake, but it is not too late for second thoughts, as many prominent Republicans have demonstrated in recent days.

The flight from Trump is coming late, but not too late. We are grateful for the vulgar hot mic tape with Billy Bush, because it seems to have been the last straw for a lot of people, including prominent Republican politicians like John McCain, and in a wishy-washy way, Paul Ryan. Its one thing to suspect that someone like Trump has said and done reprehensible things. Its another to hear him bragging about it.

How many more such stories will we have to endure in the next four weeks? Were praying Election Day will bring the embarrassments to an end. If you think this weekend was bad, and it was, imagine the unplumbed depths our country will explore if Trump gets elected.

And what if he loses, as now seems likely? We hope those who have supported Trump do not buy into the conspiracies he has been inclined to push when things havent gone his way. One of the great strengths of the United States is the way we manage, despite bitter divisions, to accept the transition of power required by an election, with all its consequences.

Trump has talked frequently about the system being rigged. But Trumps political ascendance, despite hostility and opposition from most of the countrys power brokers, proves the system wasnt rigged against him. In case of a Trump loss, it could partly redeem this ugly campaign if he and his followers are gracious in defeat.

Local editorials represent the opinion of the Post-Star editorial board, which consists of Publisher Terry Coomes, Editor Ken Tingley, Projects Editor Will Doolittle, Controller/Operations Director Brian Corcoran and citizen representative Stuart Ginsburg.
Seven pilgrims killed as speeding car rams into their procession in Solapur district of Maharashtra: Police.
According to the Association, such a move will affect the profit margins of local cement manufacturers, as well as their ability to employ more people.

The continuous up swelling of cement imports will compel local manufacturers to scale down operations and the negative economic consequences are so obvious to mention.

It is, therefore, mind-boggling to see the ascendancy of cement imports from China by SOL and Fujian, and from Korea and Nigeria by Dangote cement, despite persistent petitions that manufacturers have installed capacities to meet local demand, he said.

The Ministry of Trade & Industry, in collaboration with Cabinet, Parliament, and the support of the local cement manufacturers, has recently passed the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2240 to regulate exports and imports of Portland Cement.

However, the local manufacturers argue that a permit for 500,000 tonnes of bagged cement has been signed and issued by the Minister of Trade & Industry without recourse to procedures enshrined in the LI.

The association, which currently comprises GHACEM Limited, Tema; GHACEM Limited, Takoradi; Diamond Cement Ghana Limited, Aflao; Savanna Diamond Company Limited, Buipe and Western Diamond Cement Limited, Takoradi, argue that the move by the Minister constitutes unfair trade practices in the country.

Cement manufacturers condemn this illegal, disrespectful act which is injurious to the local cement industry. Apart from the Ministers disregard to the inherent procedural arrangement of regulations clearly spelt out in the L.I. 2240, we, the local cement manufacturers, maintain that this menace poses a setback and challenge to the Ministry of Trade & Industry and the Association of Ghana Industries promotion of made-in-Ghana products and the sustenance of thousands of jobs.

We, the cement manufacturers, demand that the Minister revokes this permit not because we are preventing competition but the manner that it was issued violates the procedures as enshrined in the L.I. he said.
The Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana (CMAG) has expressed anger at what it calls a decision by Minister of Trade & Industry, to offer a permit to a Chinese to import 500,000 metric tons of cement into Ghana without the approval of the Cement Monitoring Committee established by government.

Speaking at a press conference at Tema, Chairman of CMAG, Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah, said such a move will affect the profit margins of local cement manufacturers, as well as their ability to employ more people.

But in a response, the Trade Minister said the 500 thousand bags imported by Fujian, a Korean cement company is only but a quarter of what is being imported into the country yearly, adding that the move will not pose any threat to the local cement manufacturers.

All these companies were already importing cement before the cement regulation came out. The cement regulation was not intended to ban the importation of cement, it was supposed to regulate, in other words to preferably reduce the total quantities of cement imported into the country each year, the Minister said.

According to the cement manufacturers themselves and also figures from the customs annual cement, imports could be in the region of one million to two million in a year. So if you give a company only 500 thousand bags of cement to import, which is something in the region of about 25,000 tonnes, that is a small fraction of the total amount of cement imported into the country, he added.

Dr Spio Garbrah added that under the legislation, the minister is the only authority required to approve the licenses for these companies.

Background

Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah, Chairman of CMAG had earlier said from 2014 to date, Ghana has been witnessing the importation of cement mainly from China to compete with local manufacturers.

The continuous up swelling of cement imports will compel local manufacturers to scale down operations and the negative economic consequences are so obvious to mention.

It is, therefore, mind-boggling to see the ascendancy of cement imports from China by SOL and Fujian, and from Korea and Nigeria by Dangote cement, despite persistent petitions that manufacturers have installed capacities to meet local demand, he said.

The Ministry of Trade & Industry, in collaboration with Cabinet, Parliament, and the support of the local cement manufacturers, has recently passed the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2240 to regulate exports and imports of Portland Cement.

However, the local manufacturers argue that a permit for 500,000 tonnes of bagged cement has been signed and issued by the Minister of Trade & Industry without recourse to procedures enshrined in the LI.

The association, which currently comprises GHACEM Limited, Tema; GHACEM Limited, Takoradi; Diamond Cement Ghana Limited, Aflao; Savanna Diamond Company Limited, Buipe and Western Diamond Cement Limited, Takoradi, argue that the move by the Minister constitutes unfair trade practices in the country.

Cement manufacturers condemn this illegal, disrespectful act which is injurious to the local cement industry. Apart from the Ministers disregard to the inherent procedural arrangement of regulations clearly spelt out in the L.I. 2240, we, the local cement manufacturers, maintain that this menace poses a setback and challenge to the Ministry of Trade & Industry and the Association of Ghana Industries promotion of made-in-Ghana products and the sustenance of thousands of jobs.

We, the cement manufacturers, demand that the Minister revokes this permit not because we are preventing competition but the manner that it was issued violates the procedures as enshrined in the L.I. he said.
Public Affairs Director of the UCC, Major Kofi Bentum (rtd.) was responding on Accra-based Joy FM to accusations made by the Chief of Amamoma (one of the communities bothering the school) that male students impregnate the young ladies of the town and later abandon them after they have completed school.

He said many of the fatherless children are currently roaming the streets to fend for themselves.

READ ALSO: Two more Polytechnics to become Universities
The demonstrators, who were mainly young people numbering over a 100 were clad in red clothes and red armbands and headbands.

They argue that the university had failed to provide employment for them while women who attempt to sell at the university are driven away by security.

The aggrieved youth added that the university has refused to accept students from the communities for admission, with scholarships meant for indigenes being diverted to other people.

But in a response, the Public Affairs Director of the UCC, Major Kofi Bentum (rtd.) said the protest is rather unfortunate as the university met with authorities from the communities in August and explained to them that the university is not government and it is not our responsibility to provide them with facilities.

We do Corporate Social Responsibility depending on our budget and our ability to do that. The university is not a profit-making entity.

Mr Bentum added that the university recently commissioned an eight-seater toilet facility in one of the communities, but the residents were requesting for more.

He, however, said the resources of the university were not enough to meet their demands.
The victim, identified as Dr Enock Ofosu Boakye, was found in the stream in the early hours of Monday, Daily Graphic reports.

The Akuse District Commander of the Police, Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Francis Ackah, said around 4:30 a.m. Monday, the police received a distress call from a community member from Okwenya in the Lower Manya Krobo Municipality in the Eastern Region that someone had been found dead in his car in the Okwe stream.

He said the police, after arriving at the scene noticed the traffic indicator lights of the car in the stream.

ASP Ackah said the body and the Toyota Corolla, with registration number GE 9954-14, were retrieved from the stream with support from personnel of the Ghana National Fire Service at Kpong and some members of the Okwenya community.

The ignition key was however found in the pockets of the deceased, he said.

He believed the deceased might have removed the ignition key when he fell into the stream with the car.
Speaking to Pulse.com.gh, the Public Affairs Director of the GAF, Col Aggrey Quarshie explained that the alleged soldier is being investigated because he was in a military uniform without authorisation.

We have seen a picture. And so we need to be sure if he is indeed a soldier or somebody who is impersonating. And then we will know the course of action. If he is a soldier, there are rules and regulations that govern the use of photographs and any other things that we use military accoutrements for.

Once you are in a military uniform, you cant display it to a third person without authorisation, he said.

He said the alleged soldier, if found culpable would be sanctioned.

A picture of the NPPs Presidential nominee sipping Kalyppo fruit juice which was meant to possibly mock Nana Akuffo Addo has interestingly started a social media challenge.

The challenge which is named KalypoChallenge has caught on with a number of people believed to be pro-NPP.

People who are supporting the challenge take pictures of themselves while sipping Kalypo and post them on social media.
In 2012, he contested again as President but this time on the ticket of a political party he founded - the Progressive Peoples Party. This time around too the EC did not find any anomalies in his nomination forms.

Then came 2016, where a lot more people had vowed to vote for him and at least increase his less than one percent results he recorded in 2012.

Dr Nduom since the beginning of the year has been very hopeful that his picture and party logo will feature on the 2016 presidential ballot. He has been campaigning vigorously since the beginning of 2016 and telling Ghanaians why he is the best person for the job.

Dr Nduom popularly referred to as edzumawura keeps mentioning the need for more jobs to curb unemployment in the country. He always argued that he was the only person among the presidential nominees who could accomplish this considering his professional background.

However Dr Nduom earlier this year indicated that the upcoming December 2016 election will be his last and final try at the presidency.

But Ghanaians may not have the opportunity to recognise him as the best candidate for the job.

On Monday, October 10, 2016, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission (EC) Charlotte Osei named Dr Nduom as one of the twelve presidential nominees who have been disqualified for various anomalies on the nomination forms.

The EC Chairperson said the matter of the possible forgery of the signature(s) would be referred to the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney General for investigation and prosecution.

Until the EC effects any change to what has been said already Ghanaians would not have the opportunity to choose Dr Nduom.

My questions

What caused this tiny but costly mistake considering he has filled this forms twice before?

Dr Nduom's answer was that their mistake is an administrative one which can be resolved in a five-minutes meeting between himself and the returning officer at the EC headquarters who happens to be the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission.

Could it be that his mistakes in the previous years were overlooked?

Dr Nduom said he had filled nomination forms for two previous election years. How could he have made a mistake. He believes his experience in filling the forms would not allow him make mistakes.

What actually led him to allow Aseda (meaning thanks giving) to thank him this way?

Dr Nduom does not believe his party member made a mistake. He still insist the anomaly mentioned by the EC is an administrative one which can be resolved amicably.

Will Dr Nduom really become the President who never was?
Communications Director of the Commission, Eric Kofi Dzakpasu, who confirmed this to Pulse.com.gh, said the move is backed by law, adding that once their nominations have not been accepted, definitely you must give their monies back to them.

He, however, did not specify when the EC would do the reimbursements.

The EC on Monday announced the disqualification of 12 candidates including The Peoples National Conventions (PNC) Dr. Edward Nasigri Mahama, the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP)s Dr. Papa Kwesi Ndoum, the All Peoples Congress, Hassan Ayariga, and the National Democratic Party (NDP)s Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings for failing to meet the criteria for filing as president.

Many of the affected candidates, including the National Democratic Party and the All Peoples Congress, have threatened to sue the EC over the move.

Some political parties earlier criticized the Electoral Commission (EC) for charging exorbitant filing fees for presidential and parliamentary aspirants willing to contest the elections.

The Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) subsequently went to court to prohibit the electoral body from collecting the fees.

But an Accra High Court ruled in favour of the EC and asked it to collect the filing fees.

READ ALSO:12 aspirants disqualified but Twitter says Charlotte Osei is the real winner

Meanwhile, the disqualified flagbearer of the Progressive Peoples Party Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom has requested that he be given just five minutes with the Electoral Commission (EC) to iron out "administrative" and "clerical" errors over which his nomination was rejected.

Speaking at a press conference Tuesday, Dr Nduom said he is expecting a response to his request from the EC by Thursday or else he might be forced to seek legal redress.
According to her, the aggrieved parties can go to court if they feel they deserve another chance.

The EC on Monday announced the disqualification of 12 candidates including The Peoples National Conventions (PNC) Dr. Edward Nasigri Mahama, the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP)s Dr. Papa Kwesi Ndoum, the All Peoples Congress, Hassan Ayariga, and the National Democratic Party (NDP)s Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings for failing to meet the criteria for filing as president.

Many of the affected candidates, including the National Democratic Party and the All Peoples Congress, have threatened to sue the EC over the move.

READ ALSO:12 aspirants disqualified but Twitter says Charlotte Osei is the real winner

But addressing journalists in the Northern Region, the Chair of the EC, Charlotte Osei, said her outfit is not perturbed as it followed due process in disqualifying the aspirants.

"You want to take time to read the reasons for the disqualification and study the law and see whether the actions are in line with the law or not. If they are not, surely the courts are there.

"We enforce the law as the law is, as passed by Parliament, not as we want it to be.

"The law says one voter cannot endorse more than one candidate. That is the law. The MPs we all voted into Parliament passed that law. We work with that law.

"Political parties have access to the register. If candidates want the register, they have access to the register to do their own checks."
According to the Bishop, that was the only way the country could build strong institutions.

In an exclusive interview with pulse.com.gh, Rev. Osei-Bonsu challenged Ghana to embrace the decision of the Electoral Commission.

"The Electoral Commission must be given a free hand to operate, we must respect state institutions and that if the EC did what it did within remit of the laws of Ghana, then we (Ghana Catholic Bishop Conference) can't question the decision of the Electoral Commission to disqualify some of the political parties."

Rev Osei- Bonsu revealed this during the annual Bishop Conference held in Tamale on Tuesday October 11.

Also present at the conference was the Electoral Commission Chairperson,Mrs. Charlotte Osei, the Interior Minister, Mr.Prosper Bani, the IGP, Mr.John Kudalor, Director of Prisons, Mr.Emmanuel Adzator and other dignitaries.

The Ghana Catholic Bishop Conference is a body of catholic bishops that meet annually to make their views known on national issues.

The EC on Monday announced the disqualification of 12 candidates including The Peoples National Conventions (PNC) Dr. Edward Nasigri Mahama, the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP)s Dr. Papa Kwesi Ndoum, the All Peoples Congress, Hassan Ayariga, and the National Democratic Party (NDP)s Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings for failing to meet the criteria for filing as president.
A statement issued by campaign spokesperson Joyce Bawah-Mogtari noted: Our humble, trustworthy, peaceful and hardworking President will also pay a courtesy call on the Osudoku Traditional Council.

The statement further states that President Mahama was greeted with euphoric crowds at Kaneshie, Bubuashie, Kokompe and Fadama yesterday. He also had a very successful meeting with the National Chief Imam, Leader of the Alsuna Mission and the council of Muslim chiefs at Fadama.

READ MORE:Election 2016 NPP consoles disqualified aspirants

With barely two months to the elections, political parties have intensified their campaign to canvass for more votes
Amidst chants of Nana oo Nana, Mahama, Time Aso, to wit Mahama, your time is up, and change is coming, market women abandoned their wares, business owners came out of their shops, whilst commercial drivers parked their vehicles, all eager to catch a glimpse of Nana Addo.

In an interaction with Muslim clerics at the Alesuna Mosque, Nana Akufo-Addo noted that when the time is due for elections, there are some who, for political gain, will infiltrate Zongo communities and seek to foist division, on religious lines, amongst the people.

They will say Akufo-Addo hates Muslims, does not like people resident in Zongo communities, so as to put fear in you. There is not an iota of truth in any of this. Of all the presidential candidates contesting this years elections, Im the only one who has selected a Muslim to be my running mate, Nana Akufo-Addo said.

Nana Akufo-Addo noted that for the 8 years that the Mahama government has been in office, there has not been a single policy instituted and implemented for the welfare of Zongo communities.

Right from independence till date, there has never been the mention of Zongo in any part of budget statements laid before parliament. Never! The first budget of an Akufo-Addo government, God-willing, will see the Zongo Development Fund as a line item in the budget.

We will assemble Zongo community leaders across the country to help us determine what this fund should be used to do, so we can improve the livelihoods of Zongo residents, and, also, bring development to Zongo communities, he said.

Nana Akufo-Addo recounted how, during the tenure of President Kufuor, allowances for Islamic scholars and tutors were paid. These allowances, sadly, under the Mahama government have been canceled.

When I win this years election, I am going to restore the Islamic tutors allowance, he said, eliciting a roar of approval from the clerics gathered.

With some 56 days to the holding of the December elections, the NPP flagbearer urged the gathering not to pay heed to the skeptics who always say policies espoused by him are not feasible.
A portion of the document dated June 3, 2008, and signed by Abraham Odoom the Deputy Minister of Health under erstwhile President John Kufuors government reads:

Trainee allowances to new entrance to the Diploma programmes in various trainee institutions would be abolished. Allowances to continuing students in Diploma programmes would also be faded out.

The NPP is yet to respond to his claims.

President John Mahama recently reiterated governments decision to restore the allowances of nursing trainees.

He said a technical committee set up to review allowances for nursing trainees has recommended payment of an abated allowance with a possibility to migrate them onto the Students Loan Scheme.

Addressing trainee nurses as part of his five-day campaign tour in the Brong Ahafo region, he said: the committee recommended that since we are yet to amend the law to put our nursing and midwifery students on the students loan scheme, we should also put them on the allowance.

The government scrapped the allowances to remove the restrictions on admission to the various training institutions. This was in order to give more students the opportunity to gain admissions into these institutions.

However, the scrapping was met with much resistance from some students, the Trainee Teachers Association of Ghana (TTAG), and the National Association of Graduate Teachers (NAGRAT).

This compelled the president to reverse his decision.

The flagbearer of NPP, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has subsequently promised his government would restore the allowance if he is given the mandate in the general election.

Meanwhile, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has said it has proven beyond doubt that it has the capacity to run the affairs of the country if given the nod again this December.
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A popular figure in the Yoruba movie industry, Ronke shot to limelight in the movie "Oshodi Oke", written and produced by Sunday Soyinka in 2000.

Well loved for her acting prowess, Oshodi-Oke continues to wow fans with her daily dose of Instagram awesomeness.

Before fame, Oshodi-Oke was one hardworking woman who sold clothes and did other petty businesses at Tincan Island.

Very famous for her bust, Ronke was once quoted saying, "My boobs are one of the things that brought me to limelight in the movie industry."

We love her entrepreneurial spirit, sunny attitude and above all her humility!
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!
According to Tori News, the lovers were caught red-handed after they broke into a Pentecostal church located on Ekenwan Road in the early hours of the day and stole musical equipment, speakers, television sets and money from the tithe box.

They were about making away with their loot when a passerby saw them and raised an alarm which brought out residents.

The thieves were immediately apprehended before they could escape and after a thorough beating were handed over to the police.

A resident whose home had been robbed by the thieves, narrated that they were fond of breaking into people's homes and stealing valuable items.

They broke into my house and stole items like shoes, jewelry, plasma, laptop, iPhone, BlackBerry and clothes went missing in my home.
A janitor who works with Qatar Airways reportedly discovered the sighting while cleaning the plane's rest room.

According to Rappler News, the police at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Jakarta are currently investigating the incident after a report was made by the janitor.

Sutrisna, the airport's Police Public Relations Head said, "The baby was found dead yesterday afternoon. We are still conducting an investigation related to this case,"
The suspects are: Natei Okunna, Gang leader, James Kegbe, ThankGod Segede and Trust Bourdilon.

This is contained in statement issued by the Force Spokesman, DCP Don Awunah, in Abuja on Wednesday.

Awunah said that the suspects were arrested at different locations where they had gone to spend their share of the ransom.

He said that in the course of investigation, they volunteered confessional statements admitting their involvement in the incident.

He said that the feat followed due diligence and intelligence-led policing exhibited by members of the Force and the zeal shown by public-spirited citizens to rid our society of crime.

NAN recalls that some residents of the estate were kidnapped on Sept. 27 and were subsequently released by their abductors.

Awunah said the Inspector-General of Police (IG) wished to restate the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to fight crime, especially kidnapping to a bearable and tolerable state.
Punch reports that Ofoagbu, a driver of an oil servicing company, Northbridge Oil, was sent by the company in Lagos to deliver the product to some customers in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on October 1, 2016, when he diverted the fuel and fled to an unknown destination.

After the company made concerted efforts to get Ofoagbu to no avail, they decided to arrest his girlfriend as well the man who stood as a guarantor for him, Lukman Kelani, a teacher.

It was gathered that after a futile attempt to reach Ekene, the company reported the matter to the police which eventually recovered the companys empty tanker in Anambra State.

The police then traced the prime suspect to his residence in the Ibeju Lekki area of Lagos and arrested Okeke who lived with him.

During interrogation, the lady who denied knowledge of Ofoagbu's whereabouts, said:

We have been together for four months now. I only know he hails from Abia State. I dont know any of his family.

We were at home on that day when he was called from the office to take fuel to Port Harcourt. He called me two days after, requesting that I send him recharge cards which I did.

He said the vehicle he traveled in was faulty. I was surprised when I was told by the police that he diverted the fuel and fled.
The victim who plies his trade as an electrician reportedly received a bullet in the neck after the policeman started shooting sporadically.

According to an eyewitness who spoke to Punch News, the culprit has been known for such behaviour whenever he gets drunk.

The policeman shoots sporadically with his service pistol each time he visits the area."

He is a drunk and each time he is intoxicated, he behaves abnormally. He has been terrorizing us."

Everybody knows him around here because of his erratic behaviour," he said.
Some of the mothers, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), lauded the initiative, while others suggested that government should ensure free medical services for women in all aspect.

It would be recalled that the House of Representatives on Oct. 6, called on government at all levels to make qualitative ante-natal services free and accessible.

The call followed a motion by Rep. Aishatu Dukku (APC-Gombe) on the need to address high rate of maternal mortality in the country.

Dukku expressed worries over claims that Nigeria was the next country after India with the highest maternal mortality rate in the world.

Mrs Chinyere Jack, a banker, said the initiative by the lawmaker was good.

It is a good idea because it will allow every mother the opportunity to access healthcare services.

At this time of recession, government needs to take good care of women because they are always at the receiving end of everything whether good or bad, Jack said.

Mrs Ndidi Iheme, a fashion designer, also said the idea was pleasant.

It is not a bad thing although some government hospitals have been rendering free services, but not in all cases.

Government should compel private hospitals to also do the same; their charges for antenatal ranges between N15, 000 and N20,000, Iheme said.

Mrs Chinwe Amos, a petty trader, said it was a good development.

It is a good development but government needs to do something beyond just making antenatal services free.

Mothers and in fact every woman needs to be paid a stipend at the end of every month whether married or unmarried, we should be appreciated, Amos said.

Mrs Nta Ita, a human resource officer, also urged government to make education free for women.

Education for women should be free because even when the lawmakers plan eventually comes to fruition some women will still not see the need to attend.
Okogbule made the remark during a sensitisation programme organised by the group to commemorate the 2016 International Girl Child Day in Port Harcourt on Tuesday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Oct. 11 of every year is set aside by the United Nations to mark the International Girl Child Day.

The theme of this years celebration is tagged Goals, Progress Equals Girls Progress.

Okogbule explained that with education, a girl-child would know her right to resist such traditional injustice on the female gender.

According to her, medically it has been proven that FGM has no medical benefits but rather exposes the victim to series of infections and other health challenges.

Okogbule underscored the importance of education in knowledge empowerment of women.

She said that education also has the potential to tackling poverty and promoting economic emancipation of any country.

The vice-chairman, however, said that the programme emphasised on girl child right to education as a tool for attaining the world development goal.

The celebration availed FIDA an opportunity to hold talks in some secondary schools in the state, including the Rumuokwuta Secondary School, St Matthews Anglican Church, Rumuogba Parish (Anglican Communion Brigade).

During advocacy, the vice chairman urged students to resist attempts by parents and guardians to infringe on their right to education.

ALSO READ: Pulse Nigeria Poll - Readers frown at female genital mutilation

Okogbule cited an instance during her secondary school days in Jos where a 13-year-old girl in Junior Secondary School resisted early marriage.

I had my secondary education in Jos. I had known a classmate who resisted being forced into marrying a 55-year-old man when we were in JSS 2.

Though the girls family succeeded in taking her to the proposed husband, she consistently refused to have sex with him.

Each time he made attempt to force her, he would be greatly resisted and even injured by the girl, and so he had no option than to leave the underaged girl to return to school, she added.

Mrs Helen Fubara, a teacher, thanked FIDA for its concern towards the welfare of the girl-child.

She urged the government to provide street lights to reduce hideouts and check the incessant rape cases in some localities.

Fubara said that most criminals and rapists hide in the dark to perpetrate rape injustice on the girl child.

She also suggested that parents should avoid late outings for their female children.

Miss Ada James, a member of the Anglican Communion Brigade, also thanked the FIDA for the programme.
This was disclosed via a statement released by army Public Relations Officer, Col. Sani Usman.

The statement reads:

Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE on clearance patrol around Ladin Buta and Juwano villages in Jere Local Government Area of Borno state came in contact with some remnants of Boko Haram terrorists hibernating in the area around 11.00am today morning.

The troops engaged the group which was believed to be terrorizing the residents through wanton killings, kidnappings and armed robberies.
The retired General stressed that the arrest of the judges can be a threat to democracy while warning the Federal Government against allowing security agencies to operate outside their mandate.

Following the clampdown on judges by the Department of the State Security, Gowon urged the Muhammed Buhari led-government to give directives to security operatives not to go outside the laws of the land.

In his words: It is a serious thing that judges could be arrested. By law, you cannot just arrest anybody just like that. There should have been a proper way of doing it.

Honestly, it is a serious thing and I hope that the government would give directives to the operatives not to go outside the precepts and the law because if the situation is mishandled, it can be a threat to democracy.

ALSO READ: Gowon lauds Buhari's fight against corruption

But you can really do something to make sure that it does not do further harm than it has done so far.
Angele Dikongue-Atangana, the UNHCR representative to Nigeria and ECOWAS made the call when she visited the Borno state governor, Kashim Shettima recently.

She noted that the UNHCR is currently scaling up assistance in non-food items (NFIs), shelter, camp management, and livelihood activities.

Dikongue added that the UN humanitarian agency had rehabilitated the Bama motor park, which would serve as a livelihood centre.

The agency has partnered with the National Women Development Centre to train 1,000 IDPs in eight skills acquisition areas such as iron works, knitting, and weaving.

Governor Shetima who commended the UNHCR for its interventions in the state however called for more assistance to Borno state.
The youths under the aegis of Citizens Action To Take Back Nigeria and Coalition of Civil Society, disclosed that the decision to rescue the country from corrupt members of the National Assembly, was of patroitism.

The group further said their current action will consume everybody in the National Assembly who is not ready to submit to the wishes of the people no matter highly placed or how influential.

Speaking on behalf of the protesters Ibrahim Garba Wala, said: It is time to tell our lawmakers that we voted them in to make laws not to loot our resources. It is time to make them see that the power belong to us and we can wield it at any time.

We demand accountability and transparency from them and we will not hesitate in confiscating whatever we feel does not represent who we knew they were before they were voted in. Politics can not be seen as a means of amassing wealth. There are so many people who are in our National Assembly today who have no right whatsoever to be there because they lack even the basic qualities require in law making. It is a flaw system, but that change must start somewhere and it is starting today.

This is going to be a sustained action movement unless every member of the National Assembly who has stolen our money returns same to our treasury and where criminal activities were aided and abated they are exposed and prosecuted this campaign will not stop.

We may be starting with National Assembly today but we will reach every sector until we #TakeBackNigeria#. If you do not have what it takes to serve in public office in Nigeria today, it is still early; ship out now before we get to you, or you may not survive the onslaught when it start, he said.
According to a statement by the Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman in Abuja on Tuesday, the troops killed the suspects after they laid ambush for them following a tip off.

Usman said the incident happened at Sabon Kura village in Ningi Local Government Area of the state.

The kidnappers were on their way to Diwwa village for kidnapping.

The troops engaged the kidnappers and after exchange of gunfire, four kidnappers were confirmed dead, he said.

ALSO READ: Military arrests suspected Boko Haram members in Sapele
The home of Mukhtar Sahabi, which is located along Zango Road in Tudun Wada, was set ablaze on Wednesday, October 12, Premium Times reports.

I was wondering what was going on this morning when I saw youth in hundreds setting the house on fire. Before the security operatives could come all of them had gone, a witness said.

For me I will never support violence but Sahabis house here is risky for us. Every evening they gather at his house singing hate songs against the governor and Buhari and even none Shiite people, a resident of the area said.

The Kaduna state government recently outlawed the Shiite sect and placed a ban on its activities.

ALSO READ:Kaduna Governor declares Shiite sect illegal

The sect made headlines in December due to a face-off with the Nigerian Army which led to the capture of its leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.
They were abducted at about 8am from their school premises last Thursday.

Their abductor had initially demanded a N120 million ransom but later slashed it to N3.5 million.

Report said the kidnappers released them at about 10.30pm on Tuesday, October 11. But it was not confirmed if any ransom was paid.

The pupils  Abu, Emmanuel Okonkwo, Jeremiah Ruth, Isaac Adebisi  Vice Principal, Junior School, A.O Oyesola and English teacher, Lukman Oyerinde are all back with their families, it was learnt.

"I thank God for everything. My son has been released to us. He is in good health. God is wonderful," Oluwafemi Adebisi, a father of one of the victims was quoted to have said.

ALSO READ: Abductors give families 48-hour ultimatum to pay ransom
Sagay, who is the Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption (PACAC), said "expanding epidemic of judicial corruption" has sabotaged the invincibility and utmost respect judges once possessed.

As contained in a statement issued on Tuesday, October 11, he noted that the once respected judiciary has become an institution where "cash dictates justice."

Sagay said: "The searches of the premises of judges by the DSS is a sad development in our legal history brought about by inevitable circumstances.

"Although no judges had ever been subjected to search of premises and arrest, from the colonial period until recently, this was not because there was any law protecting Judges immunity against arrest and criminal prosecution. Rather, it was based on a convention arising from the need to respect the dignity and sanctity of the Judiciary.

"In other words, the practice of respect for members of the Judiciary was a convention, not a binding rule of law. Members of the judiciary do not enjoy immunity against searches, and arrests under any law. Therefore the sustenance of sanctity of the person, office and residence of a judge depended on the continued maintenance by the judge of decorum, dignity, honesty and integrity.

"The explosive and expanding epidemic of judicial corruption, which has taken an alarming character since the 2007 elections, has totally overturned the culture of respect for the judiciary and brought the revered institution into disrepute and ignominy.

"The epic and corrosive nature of the problem has made the system expressly laid down for dealing with judicial indiscipline, that is, the NJC system, totally ineffective. The level of moral depravity and the enormous number of culprits engaged in aggressive or rampaging corruption was just too much for the orthodox system of discipline to deal with.

The amount of raw cash recovered in the process of the DSS searches is mind boggling. We, therefore, have a situation in which a deadly disease was threatening the very existence of democracy and the Rule of Law.

"The question must be: do we take drastic and unprecedented steps to sanitise the judiciary and save the institution from those who are prepared to drag it and our democracy down for filthy lucre? Or do we twiddle our fingers in despair and let the shameful erosion and retrogression of a once famous and revered institution to go on?

"This is a country that once had one of the greatest judiciaries in the world. It now seems unbelievable that our judicial benches were once graced by legendary figures, like J.I.C. Taylor, Louis Mbanefo, Joseph Adefarasin, Adetokunbo Ademola, Akinola Aguda, Anthony Aniagolu, Kayode Eso, Mohammed Bello, Chukwuweike Idigbe, Andrews Otutu Obaseki, Augustine Nnamani, Adolphos Karibi-Whyte and Chukwudifu Oputa. Between 1980 and 1990, we had an outstanding group of Jurists in the Supreme Court who created the golden age of the judiciary.

"What has happened between that dreamlike era and now is a rapid descent into the world of mammon, where cash dictates justice. With that degeneration of our judicial standards, our judicial gods have descended from mount Olympus and joined the ranks of ordinary men and thus are suffering the fate of ordinary men."

ALSO READ: DSS will raid more homes of Justices in the coming days

Pulse recalls that homes of seven judges of the Supreme, Appeal and High courts across the country were raided last weekend by the Department of State Service (DSS) on allegations of corruption.
Gowon, in reference to the recent arrest of judges by the Department of State Services (DSS), also said that allowing the agencies to cross legal boundaries could threaten Nigerias democracy.

Honestly, it is a serious thing and I hope that the government would give directives to the operatives not to go outside the precepts and the law because if the situation is mishandled, it can be a threat to democracy, Gowon said according to ThisDay.

We pray for better solution to those problems; we pray the government should look for ways and means to deal with this problem of recession which I know they are doing.

I can assure you that I saw the president before going to Botswana for the golden jubilee of their independence and one of the things we discussed was the concern of the people as far as the economic situation is concerned.

He was honesty to say that he knows about these problems and that he and members of his government are doing all they can to find solution to this problem.

Governing is not easy, I am talking from personal experience, these things are not achieved overnight and a lot of Nigerians expect the problem to be solved within a day or two because we got to go through the reasons we are having this recession.

It is obvious that because the price of oil keeps coming down so low, at a time, oil sold for $150 per barrel but now you struggle to get it at $50 barrels also lack of other things like industries which needs to be established to help.

We missed from some of these things some years back, that is why industries, businesses are unable to make up for the shortfall of revenue from oil but I know every effort is being made to address the problem. Let us give government that time and keep reminding them that there is this problem and they got to do whatever they can to solve it.

Let us cooperate by helping to ensure that the government hears the concerns and do something about it, criticize constructively dont just condemn outright, he added.

ALSO READ: Gowon praises Buhari's fight against corruption
Another judge is said to have denied ownership of N18 million which was paid into his account.

Operatives have discovered that one of the judges owns a mansion which was contracted to a construction firm at a huge cost. In fact, the judge imported furniture from Brazil, Argentina and Spain, a source told The Nation.

At a stage, he conducted his poor colleagues round the mansion in an open display of affluence. The judge has about 15 cars, including a Rolls Royce. This Rolls Royce was imported.

During interrogation, another judge told DSS team that he did not know how and when N18million was lodged in his account because he was not getting alert from his bank. But we have evidence of withdrawals from the account.

We have retrieved the assets declaration forms of these judges. It was shocking that one of them has three asset declaration forms with different dates of birth, he added.

The DSS had earlier recovered $800,000 from three of the judges during the operation.

ALSO READ: Falana slams NBA over call for release of judges
The explosion occurred at about 9am at Muna garage, which is on the way to Gamboru Ngala on the outskirts of the state capital.

News of the incident was first announced by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) via Twitter.

There is a reported case of bomb blast around Muna Garage. Emergency workers are on their way to the scene," NEMA said.

There have been varying casualty figures released to the media, but a source at the Maiduguri Specialist Hospital told Daily Trust that at least 18 bodies had been dropped in the hospitals mortuary and more were being expected.

However, NEMA is reporting eight deaths and also says that 15 people were left injured in the attack.

About eight (8) persons lost their lives, fifteen (15) injured persons were evacuated to Specialist and Teaching Hospitals, Maiduguri, it tweeted.

Its not yet clear if the attack was caused by a suicide bomber, but it is believed to be the work of terrorist sect, Boko Haram.

I thank God for sparing my life. I dont know if it is a suicide bomber, we just heard the blast and I saw my self covered with dust, a trader, Usman Kachalla, told Premium Times.

ALSO READ: Buhari condemns Maiduguri suicide attack
Oba Rilwan Akiolu made the comment after the Senate rejected a bill to officially recognize Lagos as Nigerias commercial capital on Wednesday, October 5.

Obasanjo is the reason Lagos has not got a special status. I personally led eminent Lagosians to meet him during his tenure to ask for a special status for Lagos, Oba Akiolu said on Tuesday, October 11, during a Town Hall meeting in Surulere.

Obasanjo told me and others that he had already drafted the special status plan for Lagos, but the former president never fulfilled that promise. If he had done it then, the issue of its rejection by the Senate would not arise.

Had late Umaru YarAdua been alive, he would have got Lagos a special status. YarAdua promised to get Lagos a special status. If YarAdua had not died, he would have fulfilled that promise, he added.

ALSO READ:Senate rejects bill to recognize Lagos as commercial capital
For today, October 12, 2016:

THE GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER

Senate moves to amend DSS Act, Reps summon AGF, Daura

The Senate yesterday condemned what it called the draconian manner in which the DSS invaded the residences of the judges and arrested them last Saturday.

Senate probes Federal Governments proposed N309bn electricity bond

The Senate, yesterday, ordered an investigation into Federal Governments proposed sale of bonds worth N309 billion to finance shortfall in the Nigerian electricity market.

Why fixed telephony services are declining in Nigeria

Reviving fixed telephony services in the country remains difficult going by the current challenges in the sub-sector.The fixed telephony services market comprises establishments providing voice services through physical media such as wire or fibre optic cable instead of wireless transmission.

THE VANGUARD NEWSPAPER

President Buhari will not spare corrupt associates- OsinbajoTo ensure the country is completely purged of corruption, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the anti-corruption war would be holistic and thorough to the extent that even the political associates and friends of President Muhammadu Buhari would not be spared.

Arrest of Judges: No body is above the law  AGFThe Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, Tuesday, justified the arrest and detention of judges by operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, saying no one is or should be above the law.Electricity shortfall: Senate stops FGs planned N309bn bondThe Senate, yesterday, ordered the Federal Government to immediately stop its plan to raise a secured bond of N309 billion to finance the shortfall in the Nigerian electricity market.

THE NATION NEWSPAPER

DSS finds Rolls Royce in judges 15 cars fleet

Detectives found a Rolls Royce in the fleet of about 15 cars of one of the seven judges under investigation by the Department of State Services (DSS), The Nation learnt yesterday.

Budget funding our biggest challenge, says FIRS

The biggest challenge that the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is currently grappling with is funding of the 2016 budget and subsequent ones.

PDP, APC trade words on alleged plot to rig Ondo poll

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State yesterday traded words on an alleged plot to rig the November 26 governorship election.

THE PUNCH NEWSPAPER

People are causing divisions within APC  Aisha Buhari

The wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, on Tuesday accused some unnamed people of creating divisions among members of the All Progressives Congress.

Customs comb Lagos markets for smuggled rice

Officials of the Nigeria Customs Service have stormed some markets in Lagos in search of smuggled rice, their efforts led to the seizure of about six trailer load of rice from shops at the Iddo Railway Terminus.

FG begins school feeding programme this month Osinbajo

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday said the governments free National Home Grown School Feeding programme would start in some states of the federation this month.

THE BUSINESSDAY NEWSPAPER

Rice mechanisation gap signals investment potential

The adoption of adequate mechanisation in the cultivation of rice which is gaining traction across the country is projected to boost the volume of production significantly and come close to cancelling out altogether the over N430 billion rice import bill in less than two years.

Judges arrest, well justified says AGF

The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) has justified the recent raid and subsequent arrest of some judges last weekend, saying the action was based on the fight against corruption.

US investors and incubators explore Nigerias tech potential
In June, Entwistle wrote the House leadership, alleging that the Nigerian lawmakers had solicited for sex and prostitutes, while on an International Visitor Leadership Programme on good governance, in Cleveland, U.S.

Parts of Entwistles letter had read:

We received troubling allegations regarding the behaviour of three members of the delegation to the U.S. Governments flagship professional exchange programme.

The U.S. Department of State and the Cleveland Council on World Affairs received reports from employees of the Cleveland hotel where the representatives stayed, alleging the representatives engaged in the following behaviour: Mohammed Garba Gololo allegedly grabbed a housekeeper in his hotel room and solicited her for sex.

While the housekeeper reported this to her management, this incident could have involved local law enforcement and resulted in legal consequences for Representative Gololo. Mark Terseer Gbillah and Samuel Ikon allegedly requested hotel parking attendants assist them to solicit prostitutes.

The U.S. Mission took pains to confirm these allegations and the identities of the individuals with the employees of the hotel in Cleveland.

The House Joint Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Foreign Affairs, which has been looking into the allegations, on Tuesday, issued the following statement in clearing the lawmakers:

That Hon. Mohammed Garba Gololo, Hon. Mark Terseer Gbillah and Hon. Samuel Ikon are cleared of and exonerated from the allegations levelled against them by the United States Ambassador to Nigeria in his June 9, 2016 letter to the Rt. Hon. Speaker, for want of evidence.

Here are three lessons we just drew from the saga:

1.Groping has become a political malaise

According to Entwistle, Mohammed Garba Gololo allegedly grabbed a housekeeper in his hotel room and solicited her for sex.

Grab is the operative word here.

If that sounds like a word youve heard repeatedly in the last week, thats because a certain Donald Trump now owns the patent.

The U.S presidential candidate has seen his poll numbers plummet for saying he loves grabbing women by the pussy.

The euphemism for all of that is a word called Groping which means to search for something by reaching or touching, usually with your fingers in a very awkward way, according to the Merriam-Webster online Dictionary.

From Nigeria to the United States, politicians are finding it increasingly difficult to keep their fingers on their gadgets.

And thats a worrying development.

2. House of Reps only looks after itself

If the lawmakers were really, really interested in finding out the truth in this case, a special prosecutor should have been hired.

Nah, that would have been too mainstream.

So, the House did what a Nigerian politician would dobecome judge and jury in your own case.

It is little wonder that the three lawmakers emerged from this, smelling of roses. Any other outcome would have been hara-kiri.

They knew this.

Heres the same House undefinedwho was going to pull the rug from under all of their feet, for alleged padding of the budget.

Typical? You bet!

3.The U.S Diplomat knew what the outcome will be

When the then U.S Ambassador to Nigeria was invited to appear before the House with evidence of the sexual assault, he shunned the invitation.

Entwistle must have known that a House sitting over its own trial will only produce a charade.

Entwistle was only interested in passing a message across to the randy Nigerian politician, it appears.

He had written: I request, in the strongest possible terms, you share this message with members of the National Assembly so they understand the seriousness of these issues, and the potential consequences of their actions, not only for themselves as individuals, but also for the future of such programmes designed to benefit Nigeria.
Saraki spoke at a dialogue at the 22nd Edition of the Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, on Tuesday.

He said since the beginning of the year, the Senate had worked so hard to fast track the over 40 priority bills in the Senate.

He said that the 40 bills were recommended by the National Assembly Business Environment Roundtable (NASSBER), an initiative, which the Nigerian Economic Summit Group was a major partner.

Saraki also said that the Senate would ensure the passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) in this administration by breaking the Bill into different sections for easier passage.

According to him, with the passage of the PIB, Nigeria will generate more revenue from oil thereby putting the nation on track to come out of the economic recession.

By focusing more outcomes, rather than processes, Saraki said, The Nigerian Senate has been able to pass 20 Bills for Final Reading in two weeks, he said.

ALSO READ: Senate President advises FG to take these 12 steps to end recession

Saraki commented the organisers for keying into the Senates plan to generate more revenue from home-grown businesses with the theme Made in Nigeria.

Earlier this year, when in the Senate we started the Made in Nigeria campaign, we knew how important it was, but even we did not foresee how far it would go.

To promote the patronage of our domestic businesses, the Senate has gone as far as amending the Procurement Act to urge government ministries, departments and agencies to key into this initiative.

It is our hope that Nigerian businesses can begin to benefit from the over two million Naira in government expenditure in the 2016 budget.

That way we can reduce the demand on foreign exchange while simultaneously boosting our IGR, he said.

At a question-and-answer segment of the dialogue, Saraki also promised that the Senate would examine Nigerias multiple taxation laws for businesses when it considers the 2017 Appropriation Bill.

He added that it was time that Nigeria improved its revenue generating systems.

What we need to do is to improve our corporate taxation system.

The Senate will be examining the different options for achieving this in the 2017 budget cycle so that we can strengthen the tax value chain.
There are fears that the violence could spread further afield.

Scores of Shiites have also been clubbed to death, according to information just filtering into the Pulse newsroom.

Violence erupted after security agencies were ordered to break up annual processions of the Shiite sect across the country.

The Shiite sect embarks on processions this time each year to mourn the killing of Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hussein, in 680 AD.

The Shiites have been banned in Kaduna State and their activities were outlawed in Katsina.

Kaduna has been the epicenter of Shiite related violence and it was from the Crocodile State where it all unraveled on Wednesday.

Angry young men in Tudun Wada community in Kaduna South Local Government Area, seized four members of the Shiite sect before having them killed, according to news reports.

The house of the Shiite leader, Sahabi, was thereafter set ablaze.

One Shiite leader told that the Kaduna State Government instigated the youths against members of the sect.

Its the police that ordered the youths to attack us and to destroy our buildings, said the unnamed Shiite leader.

Bashir Sani, who resides in the same community, also told the online newspaper that the youth broke into the Shiite leaders house, carted away valuables before setting the house ablaze.

The Shiite members died of injuries sustained while being lynched with sticks and machetes, he said.

According to the BBC, the Police has confirmed that many Shia were wounded in Kaduna state when they came under attack from young men.

More than 100 members of the Shiite sect were rescued from the hands of blood-thirsty young men, according to a source who is on the ground in Kaduna.

The BBC also reports that in Jos, Plateau state, a Shia centre was set ablaze.

Youths have also killed Shia Muslims holding a religious procession in Funtua town, according to an story on the development.

An aide of Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, denied allegations from members of the sect that the Government was responsible for the fresh Shiite linked violence in the State.

How will a responsible government do a thing like that? You should know better than to believe that kind of thing, said the aide who asked that his name be left out of this story because he hadnt been authorised to speak on the development.

Sunni Muslims make up the majority in Nigeria and often clash with Shiites during their annual processions.

According to the BBC, Shiites and Sunnis sharply disagree over Hussein's death.

The Shia-organised processions are called the day of Ashura in Islam.
The screening which was for a selected audience held at Sojourner Hotel in GRA, Ikeja penultimate weekend.

Guests present at the screening include Richard Mofe Damijo, Ireti Doyle, Ijeoma Anieboh, Hon. Otunba George Oladele, Hon. Gbolahan Lawal, Funlola Aofiyebi, Caroline King, Taiwo Obileye, Elvis Chuks, Samuel Olatunji, Yemi Morafa, among others.

ALSO READ: undefined

Holder also launched her foundation: Funmi Holders Foundation, a non-profit foundation which is aimed at assisting women who are victims of rape and widows. The unveiling was officially done by a member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Otunba George Oladele alongside Richard Mofe Damijo.

The comic, educating and entertaining movie stars popular actors including Odunlade Adekola , Ijeoma Aniebo, Ireti Doyle, Funmi Holder, RMD, Jaiye Kuti and others.

ALSO READ: undefined

"The Grudge" focuses on the lives of two lovelorn couples connected by one lonely widow living separate lives. Their lives intertwine and lead to the unravelling of a five-year grudge.

According to Samuel Olatunji, the CEO of BBB Media, who gave the vote of thanks, the movie will premiere on Sunday, October 23, and will be available in cinemas across Nigeria from Friday, October 28, 2016.

ALSO READ: undefined
The streets became pristine overnight, Oshodi was sanitised, the filth beneath flyovers turned into lush green parks, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) buses were all air-conditioned and cosy with their lanes marked as no-go areas for anyone (including army officers), law enforcement agencies were up to their responsibilities and the abandoned lamp posts on the streets began glowing again.

It was break-neck stuff and we just couldn't keep up with the Fash.

Law and order began creeping slowly into a city famed for its ghetto appeal, shanties and anarchy.

It appeared Fashola was unstoppable and just couldnt slow down even if anyone had begged him to.

Except that as he received a new mandate from Lagosians in 2011, the energetic Fashola began to show signs of burnout as his hair began to assume the now familiar tinge of silver.

Residents of Lagos between 2011 and 2015 will tell you that it was a different Fashola who handed over the reins to Akinwunmi Ambode in the spring of 2015. Gone was the gusto and speed of his first tenure. Gone was the fast-paced governance and hunger to complete infrastructure projects. It was just as though the man couldnt wait to leave Alausa for all of us.

Ambode had a first few months dotted with inertia, but as soon as he had settled into his new role as Governor of Nigerias most populous city, he became a different animal. The pace has been frenetic; the energy levels for a man his size, awe-inspiring.

Ambode has been easing traffic gridlocka perennial problem in Lagosone pedestrian bridge, lay-bys and dedicated turning lanes at a time.

In only his first year on the saddle, hundreds of roads have been completed. Where Fashola was accused of paying scant attention to the suburbs and inner cities, Ambode has waded into Iyana Ipaja, Alimosho, Abule Egba, Iyana Oworo, Okokomaiko and Oworonshoki, with spades and tractors, rolled up sleeves and all.

We have commenced the removal of three roundabouts on the Lekki-Epe expressway and replacing them with signalized junctions. Lay-bys and dedicated turning lanes will be created at these junctions to further ease the flow of traffic, Ambode announced during a town hall event this week.

New bus shelters have been installed at Tafawa Balewa Square, he added.

More jobs were also going to be created, Ambode announced. We will curb the menace of kidnapping and other crimes in our communities, 5,000 men will be employed in our Neighbourhood Watch team. We will transform the Yaba Bus Park with the provision of modern Bus Shelters just as we have done at Tafawa Balewa Square

We will roll out all our empowerment programmes immediately to assist all our youth, artisans and the less privileged in our society. Our budget performance for January to September is 69% as against 65% for the same period in 2015. We'll concentrate more resources on Capital Projects and put money in the hands of our local contractors, to stimulate and reflate the economy.

Fashola was all of this and more, it has to be said. His ability to wow an audience with the spoken word was also something to behold as he left one eye on his reelection chances in 2011.

Will Ambode reach for the brakes after securing a re-election in 2019? Its still early days.

But for all of Lagos sake, it would be nice to see him continue with the energy levels with which he started.
The youths, under the umbrella of the Progressive Youth Leagues (PYL), further said that Oyegun has betrayed their confidence in him.

The comments were made via a statement released by their spokesman, Adeleke Abdulhakeem.

The statement reads:

Last Friday (October 7), the National Chairman of APC, Pa. Oyegun, responded to the allegations levelled against him by Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. But, sadly after about a fortnight, Pa. Oyegun could not come up with clear, detailed and cogent statements or even accept the fact that he made a grievous mistake.

He tried to refute those allegations with his well-articulated facts but in a truthful sense what he called the facts are actually the fallacies.

Perusing Pa. Oyeguns response to the allegations levelled against him by Asiwaju, a lot of fabricated and specious statements were uncovered and these have successfully aroused questions that only Pa. Oyegun can entertain.

Pa Oyegun claimed that he did not use prayer interlude to secretly excuse himself from the National Working Committee (NWC) meeting for the purpose of submitting Rotimi Akeredolus name to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the fact is he left the meeting after he vetoed the Appeal Committees recommendation.

Come to think of it: the primaries took place on September 3. Why did the party wait till September 19 before holding the meeting that ended on September 22, the last day for the submission of the partys candidate?

Pa Oyegun even brushed aside brilliant suggestion by the National Youth Leader, Dasuki Jalo, that the party should submit an interim name to INEC, pending the time a political solution would be found to the matter. This singular suggestion by the National Youth Leader would have saved the party from the crisis it is experiencing.

Pa Oyegun fallaciously said: Voting on the issue became unnecessary and never took place in view of the NWCs rejection of the Appeal Committees report. But the Southsouth Vice Chairman Eta Hilliard has relayed the true picture of what transpired in the Ondo primaries by saying in a report: (At) that meeting, there were two reports before the NWC: that of the Appeal Committee was voted on.

That Pa. Oyegun claimed that there was no voting during the NWC meeting is a blatant fallacy, because the the last two NWC meetings were clearly recorded and the record shows the contributions of each and every member of the NWC present at the meetings.
Ortom's predecessor, Gabriel Suswam made the accusations on Tuesday, October 11 while addressing an executive committee of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP,) in Makurdi.

He also said that the Governor has militarised democratic governance by arbitrarily arresting members of PDP unjustifiably.

Suswam said: "The government has resorted to appointing sole administrators for the 23 local government areas of the state, a development that is not known in a democratic setting.

"It is for these reasons that I will continue to raise alarm and not chicken out because this government said it will throw me in jail. They should know that I am not afraid."

ALSO READ: Ortom backs EFCC probe of Benue lawmakers over N750m car scam
This was revealed on an Instagram account with the profile name @clowns_r_coming_to_essex, and people are not finding this funny.

The schools listed for the bloody visit include Bower Park School, Havering College, Sanders School and Marshalls Park School, report says.

Next on Wednesday at 2:30 with 20 clowns with knife good luck, an Instagram post on the page reads.

ALSO READ: Indians will now travel in glass ceiling coaches

A spokesperson for the Essex police has however stated that the perpetrators of the stunts might be breaking the law, and as a result could be arrested.

We are aware there is a suggestion on social media of clowns planning on visiting schools as part of this current craze.

We would like to reiterate our previous message that people involved in this may commit offences under the Public Order Act 1986 and could find themselves being arrested.

We would urge people to be considerate of the feelings of others, especially young children and the elderly.

We also understand how this craze, which is becoming prominent on social media, is causing some people alarm and distress.
Activists in four states were arrested after they cut padlocks and chains and entered remote flow stations to turn off valves in an attempt to stop crude moving through lines that carry as much as 15 percent of daily U.S. oil consumption. The group posted videos online showing the early morning raids.

Protest group Climate Direct Action said the move was in support of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, which has protested the construction of a separate $3.7 billion pipeline carrying oil from North Dakota to the U.S. Gulf Coast over fears of potential damage to sacred land and water supplies.

Officials, pipeline companies and experts say the protesters ran the danger of causing environmental damage themselves by shutting down the lines. Unscheduled shutdowns can lead to a build-up of pressure and cause ruptures or leaks, they said.

The activists had studied for months how to execute the shutdowns safely, said Afrin Sopariwala, a spokeswoman for the group.

"We are acting in response to this catastrophe we are facing," Sopariwala said, referring to global warming.

Police confirmed four arrests, three in Washington state and one in Montana. Protesters were also arrested in Minnesota and North Dakota, the activist group said, after the action early on Tuesday.

The pipelines carry crude produced from Canada's oil sands to the United States. Environmentalists have fought for years to stem Canadian oil sands production, which some call tar sands, in favor of cleaner energy.

Together, the lines affected can carry up to 2.8 million barrels of oil a day. No damage has been reported to the lines and the shutdown had little impact on the oil market. One of the lines restarted on Tuesday.

"Tampering with energy infrastructure is a dangerous activity and it could cause harm to citizens and surrounding communities, which is unacceptable," said Canadian Energy Minister Jim Carr.

His ministry was monitoring the situation closely, he said, adding that safety and security of energy infrastructure was a top priority.

Carl Weimer, executive director at the industry watchdog Pipeline Safety Trust, said the action was a "dangerous stunt".

"Closing valves on major pipelines can have unexpected consequences endangering people and the environment. We do not support this type of action," he said.

The incident is the latest in a series of actions by environmentalists and others in response to growing concern over the effects of fossil fuels on the environment and the potential effects on land and livelihoods of spills.
The arrangement capping cheaper imports from the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) was scheduled to expire soon.

The deal was struck at a meeting of COMESA in Madagascar, the Standard newspaper quoted a top official in the country's ministry of industrialization and trade as saying.

The government is selling shares in some of its sugar factories, hoping to bring in capital and the expertise needed to pull the sector out of the doldrums.

Kenya produces about 600,000 tonnes of sugar a year, compared with annual consumption of 800,000 tonnes. The deficit is covered by strictly controlled imports from COMESA.

Experts have blamed the high cost of production for the problems facing Kenya's sugar industry. Poorly funded government factories have aging machinery that is prone to breaking down. The roads in most sugar growing areas are also in poor shape.
Prosecutor Shaun Abrahams, a Zuma ally, announced the charges on Tuesday and defended the independence of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) when asked about possible political interference. The rand and stocks tumbled.

Zuma later gave his backing to Gordhan saying he was "innocent until and unless proven otherwise".

Gordhan will appear in court on Nov. 2 to hear charges he cost the South African Revenue Service (SARS) 1.1 million rand ($79,000) by approving early retirement for a deputy commissioner in 2010 and re-hiring him as a consultant.

A charge sheet, seen by Reuters, says Gordhan unlawfully, falsely and with intent to defraud gave Pillay a retirement package and a new contract when SARS was under no obligation to do so.

But legal experts say it will be difficult to make the charges of fraud stick because the NPA will be required to prove Gordhan intentionally broke the law.

"I am relieved that I will not be the prosecutor tasked with securing a conviction," constitutional lawyer Pierre De Vos said, rating the NPA's chances as "highly unlikely".

"(It) raises questions about whether the NPA truly believes that it will be able to secure a conviction in the case."

Political analysts think it is more likely the case is meant to give Zuma an opportunity to reshuffle his cabinet, including appointing a new finance minister under the guise of giving Gordhan the space to clear his name.

If Zuma removed Gordhan in a reshuffle without a clear reason, it would give ammunition to opponents who say he wants to take control of Treasury and could spook financial markets.

Zuma denies any plot to remove Gordhan.

"The charges against him are so absurd and so trumped up that once he is likely forced out of the public office in the coming weeks, it will be a clear act of political vengeance," the Daily Maverick, an online political magazine, wrote.

Gordhan could also face charges about the legality of a surveillance unit he set up at the tax department a decade ago that is suspected of spying on politicians including Zuma. Abrahams said the NPA was still investigating this issue.

POWER STRUGGLE

"There is considerable legal opinion that these fraud charges and the 'rogue unit' charges that are still pending are so thin they could not hold up a tea-bag, let alone hold up in court," said Gary van Staden, analyst at NKC African Economics.

Gordhan and a political group close to Zuma have been at loggerheads over state spending and perceived corruption, sources in the ruling African National Congress (ANC) say.

Gordhan has urged fiscal prudence to appease ratings agencies which are on the verge of downgrading South Africa's sovereign rating to "junk" as economic growth hovers near zero.

Former ANC Treasurer General Mathews Phosa said Zuma's camp was keen to push through expensive state projects, including a nuclear power programme that could cost up to 1 trillion rand and a new fleet for the loss-making state airline.

"It all smacks of a political motive and desperate agenda to remove Pravin Gordhan in order to make way for a more pliable Minister of Finance who will dance to the tune of a corrupt clique who are chasing public contracts," he told Reuters.

Suspicions about a plot to gain control of the Treasury erupted in December when Zuma sacked respected finance minister Nhlanhla Nene and replaced him with an unknown lawmaker. Markets dropped so sharply Zuma recalled Gordhan days later to steady the ship.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has even said the government is at war with itself.

The cases against Gordhan have also distracted from several graft scandals swirling around Zuma.

Zuma was questioned last week by an anti-corruption watchdog over allegations his wealthy business friends influenced political appointments and were given sweetheart government tenders worth billions of rand.
"Take it from me," Gore told a crowd of several hundred Clinton supporters at a campaign event in a college gymnasium. "Every single vote counts. Every single vote counts."

As he campaigned for Clinton at Miami Dade College ahead of the Nov. 8 election that pits her against Republican nominee Donald Trump, Gore reminded voters of the Florida recount saga 16 years ago. Bush was declared the winner in the state by a mere 537 votes after the intervention of the U.S. Supreme Court.

"Your vote really, really, really counts," Gore said. "You can consider me as an exhibit A of that. For those of you who are younger than 25 you might not remember the election of 2000 and what happened here in Florida. For those of you older than 25, I heard you murmuring just now, but take it from me it was a very close election."

A chant grew out of the crowd: "You won! You won!"

Gore, who served as vice president under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001, also sought to put a spotlight on the fight against climate change, which has long been his signature issue.

"When it comes to the most urgent issue facing our country and the world the choice in this election is extremely clear: Hillary Clinton will make solving the climate crisis a top national priority," Gore said. "Her opponent, based on the ideas he has presented, would take us toward a climate catastrophe."

Clinton highlighted comments from her rival Donald Trump expressing skepticism about climate change.

In 2012, he said on his Twitter account that the "concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese" in order to benefit its manufacturing sector.
Finding Peace of Mind: Discover These Five Places in Europe to Unwind
New requirements have been introduced for Venezuelan nationals wishing to travel to Nicaragua. Previously, due to positive relations between Venezuela and Nicaragua, Venezuelans had been informally considered and treated as CA-4 nationals. The position has now changed and so with immediate effect, they will now need to obtain an entry visa and provide the below listed requirements/documentation:

Formal letter of Visa request addressed to the Nicaraguan Embassy or Consulate in Venezuela

Photocopy of passport

Birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable) - both authenticated by the Ministry of foreign affairs and Nicaraguan consulate

Criminal background check certificate authenticated by the Ministry of foreign affairs and Nicaraguan consulate

Medical certificate authenticated by the Ministry of foreign affairs and Nicaraguan consulate

Working contract (authenticated copy)

Living expenses support statement, while staying in Nicaragua, duly notarized

Work certificate where monthly income is reflected (proof of economic solvency)

General information of the company for which the requestor is intended to work (in case a Nicaraguan company is doing the request as well)

General information of the person who is requesting permission for the immigrant to come to Nicaragua (in case a natural Nicaraguan person is doing the request as well).

It is worth noting that these same entry visa requirements are applicable to all applicants who are not CA-4 nationals (Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala and El Salvador).

What this means for you as an employer?

Employers intending to send any Venezuelan employees to Nicaragua should bear in mind that an entry visa is now required and so time should be factored in for this. Prior to applying for a visa, the employee should ensure that the above listed requirements have been met.

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your usual PwC contact for further details.
Curt Burnett, a loaned executive instrumental in the development of the Quad-Cities Manufacturing Innovation Hub, has been hired as the Hub's new technology innovation director.

The Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce announced that Burnett has been hired as the first employee of the Hub. Burnett, who joins the chamber after 37 years with Deere & Co., has served the past two years as the Hub's executive director as a loaned executive from Deere. In his new position, he will provide strategic technology direction, project leadership and industry expertise to the Hub.

"I'm excited to take all of the industry knowledge and experience from my career in manufacturing technology, and apply it to a program that will help the region's small- and medium-sized manufacturers grow, diversify and stay competitive," Burnett said.

An initiative of the chamber, the manufacturing hub was established as a network of resources and people focused on building the Quad-Cities' capacity and its reputation as a leader in manufacturing. The Hub is an economic development strategy to ensure the region's largest employment sector remains competitive, particularly with new technologies shaping the industry.

"Curt has a great depth of knowledge, as well as a unique perspective in joining us from a Fortune 100 firm, and we're thrilled to have him on our team," said Tara Barney, the chamber's president and CEO.

The Hub was awarded a $5.5 million Department of Defense DIA program grant last year. Burnett's position as well as the development of a technology road map and a defense industry diversification study were made possible by the grant.

With Burnett's change in position, the chamber also plans to hire another leader to spearhead the Hub.

"The Hub is well-positioned to have a transformative impact on this region's manufacturing sector, and the expertise and vision that Curt brings to the table will make the Hub that much more impactful to our businesses," Barney added.

According to Burnett, the next steps for the Hub are developing a technology road map and a defense industry supply chain diversification strategy. To create a technology road map, the Hub has interviewed and hosted workshops with area manufacturers to identify and catalog the region's manufacturing capabilities. It now is in the process of identifying which technologies will have the greatest potential impact area manufacturers.

In addition, the defense diversification study will identify the areas in which the region needs to diversify. "The road map will show us how we can use technology to get there," Burnett said.
Today is "National Pumpkin Pie Day," but that might not mean much to you.

National (insert food or drink here) days are part of our daily social media and in-person conversations. It seems there's an official (or more commonly, unofficial) holiday dedicated to every food group and more  National Cupcake Lovers Day or Deviled Eggs Day, anyone?

This month, sausage pizza, moldy cheese, soft tacos, noodles, potatoes, beer and oatmeal are each, among others, celebrated, according to Foodimentary.com, a website that chronicles, and often creates, these "daily food celebrations." John Bryan Hopkins, who started Foodimentary.com 11 years ago, describes the food holidays as a social media phenomenon.

And with one look on whats trending on Twitter, where Foodimentarys account has 860,000 followers, or my Facebook feed each day, Id agree.

Some people roll their eyes at it, but a lot of people get a kick out of it, Hopkins said via phone this week. If you share that its National Beer Day or Bloody Mary Day, guess what everyones going to want to do after work?

When Hopkins, 45, a Birmingham, Alabama-based blogger, hears chatter about food  recent examples include cake pops and avocadoes  he adds it to the list.

I want to celebrate food every day and I think it can be relate-able and meaningful for people, he said. If theres a food we all love, then it should have its own day.

The trend can seem, um, cheesy  until you go through his blog and something jumps out at you.

For me, it happened with National Pumpkin Pie Day, which appears on Hopkins calendar twice  on Oct. 12 and again on Dec. 25.

Why write about it today? Its closer.

When I saw a holiday for pumpkin pie  which Ive requested as my birthday cake for 10 years  coming up, I decided to share a recipe. And I knew I'd get in trouble if I didn't share a particular recipe for pumpkin pie: my grandmother's.

My 80-year-old grandma  whose given name is Dolly Sue, but who answers to "Nannie  says she's not an adventurous cook, but I know a long list of people who crave her macaroni and cheese, biscuits and gravy and fried chicken if they're away from her Kentucky kitchen for too long. My go-to Nannie craving, especially when I see October on the calendar, is pumpkin pie.

When I called Nannie to tell her about the holiday, she said: Well, thats just perfect for you.

She reached to the top shelf of her kitchen cabinet and found the recipe, which is a combination of instructions pulled from a pumpkin puree can and handwritten notes from years of trial and error.

She rattled off the ingredients  "nothing fancy," she noted  and said she won't dip up the recipe again until Thanksgiving dinner.

As we talked, I asked Nannie why she thinks I like pumpkin pie so much.

"In your mind, you associate it with fall, family and Nannie. It's your favorite thing," she said.

A few seconds after we hung up, she called me back and started talking before I could say hello.

"The smell of pumpkin pie  the smell of all the spices in the oven  it fills up the whole house," she told me. "You think, 'Okay, this is fall and this is the holidays.' It reminds you of happy, happy times."

I think shes right.

By the way, pumpkins are a big deal this month on Foodimentary.com. Oct. 1 is National Pumpkin Spice Day, Oct. 21 is National Pumpkin Cheesecake Day and Oct. 26 is just plain old National Pumpkin Day.

There are hundreds of other National food days on that list. Maybe one of them will strike a chord, or a conversation, on your end.
AMES, Iowa  When, during Sunday's presidential debate, Donald Trump accused Bill Clinton of abusing women while he was president, Hillary Clintons response showed why people should want her as their next president, Bill Clinton said Wednesday.

Former President Bill Clinton is in Iowa for a two-day campaign bus tour, encouraging Iowans to vote early and help make his wife, Hillary Clinton, the next president.

During a surprise stop to a Starbucks coffee shop near the Iowa State University campus Wednesday, Clinton responded to a reporters question about how he felt during the debate when Trump attacked him.

After Trump apologized for remarks he made in 2005 about using his celebrity status to grope women, Trump turned his comments to Bill Clinton, who was in the debate audience.

If you look at Bill Clinton, far worse. Mine are words, and his was action. His was what hes done to women, Trump said. Theres never been anybody in the history of politics in this nation thats been so abusive to women. So you can say any way you want to say it, but Bill Clinton was abusive to women.

The Trump campaign in Iowa continued the line of attack Wednesday in a statement regarding Bill Clintons trip to Iowa.

Bill Clinton also reminds Iowans of Hillarys history of bullying and destroying the women he harassed and abused sexually  including an intern in the Oval Office while president  to preserve her political power and ability to trade off that power to get rich, Eric Branstad, the state director for the Trump campaign and son of Iowa Gov. Terry Branstad, said in a statement.

Bill Clinton told reporters Wednesday that he was proud of Hillary Clintons stoic response to Trumps comments during the debate.

I looked at her, and I realized thats the kind of person you want to be president: Shes calm, relaxed and focused on other people, Bill Clinton said. Thats what the election ought to be about. Its a clear choice: Youve got divide, distract and demonize against cooperate, concentrate and create opportunities. Its a pretty clear choice. I thought much more about her than I did about him. Im beyond being moved or surprised, have been for a long time.

Bill Clinton started the day with an address at Simpson College in Indianola. During a roughly 40-minute address, he stuck mostly to policy and avoided mentioning Trump by name. He also encouraged the young voters in the crowd of 500, according to the campaign, to support Hillary Clinton and to vote early.

Bill Clinton gave an optimistic view of the future, saying he thinks the country is prepared for the greatest period of creativity, advance and discovery in its history.

I am telling you, we are on the verge of having the best times America has ever had if we do the right things and show the right face to the world and show the world how to walk away from the madness, Bill Clinton said.

Bill Clinton played up Hillary Clintons resume and policies on national security, renewable and clean energy and funding for infrastructure, including broadband internet.

He praised Iowas wind energy production, which leads the nation, and addressed concerns of workers in the fossil fuels industries by describing a recent speech he gave in West Virginia.

I said heres the deal: If you think you can make America like it was 50 years ago, thats an economic and a social message. It is, weve become too diverse and Ill move you back up on the social totem pole and give you the economy you had 50 years go, Bill Clinton said. Now I turned 70 this year. Thats like me saying Id like to be 20 again. I would, actually, but it seems unlikely, and I wouldnt vote for anybody that promised to make me 20 again.

Addressing the students in the crowd, Bill Clinton noted Hillary Clintons plans for debt-free college and two years of tuition-free community college.

He also noted the role the next president will play in nominating at least one and possibly multiple justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, saying the court could make important rulings on voting rights and labor protections.

The national Republican Party said Bill Clintons attempt to motivate young voters will be for naught.

This last minute push by Bill Clinton to register voters in Iowa and engage millennials is yet another failed attempt by a campaign that has struggled to inspire the Obama coalition of voters Hillary Clinton desperately needs, Republican National Committee spokeswoman Lindsay Jancek said. Since 2013, Republicans have been registering voters across the Hawkeye state, meanwhile Democrats are failing to rally their own base around Clinton's flawed candidacy.

Bill Clintons two-day Iowa swing includes scheduled stops in Waterloo on Wednesday and Mount Vernon and Davenport on Thursday.
A ballot proposition for Rock Island County voters is straight-forward: "Should a sales tax be imposed ... at a rate of 1 percent, to be used exclusively for school facility purposes?"

The so-called "school tax" is one of two propositions on this year's ballot in Rock Island County; the other asks for a half-percent share of sales taxes to benefit the Rock Island County Sheriff's Office.

The school tax proposition was placed on the ballot by the Rock Island Regional Office of Education and Tammy Muerhoff, regional superintendent.

Her job is to ensure that at least 51 percent of the public school students in the county are represented by the proposition.

There are 10 public school districts in Rock Island County, and this year, eight of them voted to support the ballot measure. Those that did not were the Moline-Coal Valley and Silvis school districts.

"Previous to this, they all did," Muerhoff said.

The needs are drastic, Kristin Humphries said. The superintendent of East Moline School District 37 oversees four elementary schools, a preschool program and Glenview Middle School.

In Illinois, school districts are allowed to spend up to 5 cents of the property tax levy for infrastructure construction, which in East Moline adds up to $160,000 per year.

"A lot of things need to be done, and there is not the funding for it," he said.

Humphries argues that East Moline children have the same rights to education in a 21st century learning environment as children in other Quad-City districts, including in Davenport, Bettendorf, Pleasant Valley and North Scott in Iowa, and in all of the Illinois counties to the east.

In Scott County, for example, more than $380 million has been raised through the extra sales tax since the program started in 1999.

Bill Bloom is sympathetic to that argument but said Illinois residents now have the highest property taxes in the country.

"They need to be smarter on where they put the money they have now," he said.

Bloom, chairman of the Rock Island County Republican Party, is concerned that adding 1.5 percent more on the sales tax will translate to fewer customers for local businesses and more businesses closing.

"We could end up with less revenue than if we left it alone," he said, noting the sales tax in Illinois is already higher than it is in Iowa.

In the years since this proposition was first on the Rock Island County ballot, residents in Henry, Mercer and Whiteside counties approved use of the extra penny to pay for school improvements. In April 2015, the same Rock Island County proposition failed by 118 votes.

If it would be approved in the general election, Humphries talks about new science labs and other facility improvements.

Jay Morrow agrees on the need for new revenue and points to the curb appeal of schools in Scott County. Morrow, superintendent of the United Township district, thinks there are "many great facilities" on the Illinois side, but the Iowa structures have modern improvements and are more attractive to new residents.

He sees an over-reliance on property taxes to replace things such as roofs. The current mechanism is to fund these type of improvements through bonding and property taxes.

Morrow also does not think the penny sales tax increase would have a negative impact on shopping in the county, pointing to the bustling John Deere Road commercial area as an example.

"I hope that, overall, people see the value in it," he said of the ballot initiative.

The proposition has failed three times already. Previous attempts were April 2009, March 2014 and April 2015.

Bloom, the Republican chairman, has no confidence that higher tax revenue would go to actual school improvements.

"We've been there too many times before ... money gets approved and goes into the budget, and it gets moved somewhere else," he said.
Unlike some of her colleagues in the U.S. Senate, Joni Ernst has no plans to do anything other than vote for Republican Donald Trump for president.

"I'm a realist and we have 27 days to the election," she said, adding she won't write in vice presidential candidate Mike Pence, as some Republican leaders have announced they will do, or vote for anyone else.

Ernst spoke with members of the media on Wednesday at the Figge Art Museum, Davenport. In the Quad-Cities, the Senator also visited the Quad-Cities Chamber of Commerce and toured the Rock Island Arsenal.

Sitting with reporters in a meeting room at the museum, Ernst said both presidential candidates have personal failings, but she is more focused on policies, such as tax reform and economic development.

When asked about her interest in the topic of sexual assault in the U.S. military, compared to allegations made public last week about Trump, Ernst said she won't defend him and does not condone what he said on a 2005 tape.

"I am promoting our party, and I do not trust Hillary Clinton," she said.

Clinton officials fired back. "Iowa women got to see and hear Donald Trump's demeaning, degrading, and offensive behavior for ourselves last week," said Kate Waters, a spokeswoman for Clinton's campaign.

"Donald Trump is unfit to be president and early voting so far shows Iowans are rejecting Trumps hateful rhetoric and dangerous policies in droves, and supporting Hillary Clintons plans to build an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top."

If Clinton is elected, Ernst has a plan.

"I do think I can work with all kinds of people," she said, pointing to legislation she has sponsored with Sen. Barbara Boxer, a Democrat from California, and Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Democrat from Massachusetts.

The senator from Red Oak, Iowa, suggested voters focus less at the top of the GOP ticket and instead zero-in on candidates who are running for other seats, such as in the U.S. Senate and in local elections.

"We still have very strong candidates on the ticket," she said.

Talk about Trump, stemming from 2005 in a conversation the candidate had with former Access Hollywood host Billy Bush, "is hard to hear," she said. "No one wants to hear that kind of talk, from a man or a woman.

"I support the Republican Party, but not necessarily him," she said.

Ernst, who beat Democrat candidate Bruce Braley in 2014, is in the second year of her term.

"I'm glad I'm not on the ticket this year ... because of all the divisiveness," she said.
In a pair of stops in Davenport Tuesday, U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley wouldn't budge from his position that the next president will choose the next member of the U.S. Supreme Court.

Grassley, R-Iowa, met with the Quad-City Times editorial board before holding a town hall-type meeting alongside Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., at Cobham Mission Systems, addressing topics ranging from Supreme Court nominations, problems in the VA and questions about Donald Trump. He also spoke later at the Scott County Republican Party's Reagan Dinner in Bettendorf.

Ahead of the Nov. 8 election, Grassley holds a double-digit lead over former Lt. Gov. and state Agriculture Secretary Patty Judge, according the latest Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll.

Although Senate Republicans have blocked Merrick Garland, President Barack Obama's nomination for the vacant Supreme Court justice position, Grassley said he would not stand in the way of the next president's choice.

"My letter that I sent to the other Republicans and all the members of the Judiciary Committee signed it said the people ought to have a voice and the new president ought to make it," Grassley said. "Whether it's Trump or it's Hillary, that's the person that's going to make it."

In both of Grassley's appearances Tuesday, he repeated his stance almost verbatim about Trump's controversial 2005 remarks about women.

"It's atrocious, outrageous and reprehensible the things he said, and those are things I've never said in my life," Grassley said.

But when pressed about if he still supports and endorses Trump, Grassley deflected the question, calling the decision a personal choice for voters.

"This is not referendum on Trump," Grassley said. "This is a choice between Trump and Hillary."

Deeply critical of Grassley's support for Trump, Judge has lambasted Grassley over the past few days.

Cotton came to Grassley's defense, however, trying to turn the tables on her.

"Based upon what she's said in this campaign on what she's done, Patty Judge should answer for why she supports Hillary Clinton," Cotton said.

Turning to more local issues, Grassley also anticipated having to work on a new farm bill earlier than expected.

The 2014 Farm Bill eliminated direct payments to farmers, which Grassley called "the worst public relations thing we could do for farmers," but also strengthened national crop insurance coverage.

"It works out very good because 92-95 percent of Iowa farmers have crop insurance," Grassley said.

But there's a push from members of the Senate, such as Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Ariz., and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., who want to reform the farming safety net.

"I think it's going to bring about working on a new farm bill a year early," Grassley said. "Probably not changing crop insurance much, because I don't think there's much needed to be changed, but we're going to need to fight people that want to do away with crop insurance."

Grassley said there might have to be some reform of target pricing, but there likely won't be a need to pass legislation on financing those that need help because of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's guaranteed loan program.

Fittingly alongside Cotton, a Bronze Star recipient, and speaking to employees at the defense contractor, Grassley also addressed national security and some of the problems at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Both senators took little time in criticizing current regime's foreign policy or what would happen should Democrats maintain control of the White House.

"For 70 years, we were seen as the leader of the free world, and people wanted to follow us," Grassley said. "They trusted us, and our enemies feared us. Now, you've got a situation where people don't trust us to follow us, and our enemies don't fear us."

Turning to the VA, the most locally publicized case involved veteran Brandon Ketchum, who committed suicide after struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Ketchum's family has asserted the Iowa City VA turned him away just before his death, and his case currently is under investigation.

"I don't think I can comment on Ketchum until we get that report back," Grassley said.

That, however, did not stop Grassley from criticizing the VA for its performance and mentioning the statistic that 22 veterans commit suicide on a daily basis.

Challenged by employees at Cobham, Grassley and Cotton participated in the 22 Pushup Challenge, a worldwide initiative to raise awareness for the those 22 veterans who commit suicide.

"It's our responsibility to make sure they are doing their job, and I don't think they are doing that job well enough," Grassley said.
CEDAR RAPIDS  Michael Luick-Thrams said he assumed from the get-go I wouldnt win Iowas race for U.S. Senate.

That seems a safe bet since the Mason City cultural historian counts about 50 active supporters, had raised less than $4,000 as of June 30 and gets exposure speaking at the State Fair, striking up conversations as he travels Iowa and piggybacking on events such as the University of Northern Iowas Indigenous Peoples Day.

Im raising issues, Luick-Thrams told The Gazette editorial board Tuesday. I want to raise issues Grassley and Judge wont raise and help Iowans see the real issues as well as understand that voting for the same old, same old isnt helping.

We vote for people we know. We avoid risk, he said. Iowa voters keep returning people to office who support the status quo.

So, they get Republican Sen. Chuck Grassley  Uncle Chuck, who Luick-Thrams said is great on Social Security and getting your brother-in-laws Iranian wife a visa.

Democratic challenger Patty Judge is the Democratic National Committees girl, foisted on the Iowa Democratic landscape  an old boy in a skirt.

As a historian, Luick-Thrams said he takes the long view and thinks the key to Iowas future success can be found in its past. Iowa thrived when its water was clean, before one-third or more of its topsoil had been washed down the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.

Now, 71 of 99 counties are losing population. Small towns are struggling as Wal-marts move in and young people move out.

We need triage, Luick-Thrams said. We need to draw a line  like deciding county seats cannot be allowed to go under.

Too many current leaders fail to recognize the importance of rural Iowa to the states vitality.

It wasnt the cities that built the rest of Iowa. The rest of Iowa built the cities, Luick-Thrams said. There is something inherently valuable in the rural experience.

That means challenging many accepted beliefs and practices.

Why should Iowa feed the world? he asked. Increasing row crop yields and livestock production is turning the state into a chemical dump.

Were raising all of this food in Iowa, but its poisoning us, he said. Theres a direct correlation between Iowa and obesity because federal subsidies contribute to the over-production.

Its time for a change, and neither Grassley nor Judge can or will deliver because they are products of The Depression  too blinded by the cornstalks to see the field.

Luick-Thrams, who has lived and studied in Germany, said Iowans need a senator who can see the bigger picture, someone who has lived outside Iowa, who knows the impact of U.S. foreign policy, someone who knows what its like not to come from (Iowa) framework.

Were being had, Luick-Thrams said. Im the real deal.
DES MOINES  Sick and suffering Iowans went to the Iowa Capitol building Tuesday to urge voters to research legislative candidates' position on expanding access to medical cannabis that they and their children need before casting their ballots in the 2016 election.

"Disease isn't partisan," said West Des Moines resident Sally Gaer, whose daughter has been taking cannabidiol for 19 months but wants more access than what is provided under Iowa's limited 2014 law.

Gaer, co-founder of the advocacy group Iowans 4 Medical Cannabis gathered at the Statehouse to urge Iowa voters to press political candidates at the state and federal levels to support legalizing marijuana-derived cannabis for broad medical use.

"We are asking voters to ask their candidate what they will do to help suffering Iowans who need access to this treatment option in Iowa, produced, tested and dispensed by Iowans, for Iowans," Gaer said.

Current Iowa law, signed two years ago by Gov. Terry Branstad and set to expire July 1, 2017, allows Iowa residents to possess and use up to 32 ounces of cannabidiol, a derivative of the marijuana plant, for the sole purpose of treating intractable epilepsy and its side effects.

Iowans under a physician's care who acquire an approved cannabidiol registration card must obtain the product from other states that produce cannabidiol. But few sell to out-of-state residents, which advocates say makes Iowa's law unworkable.

A bill passed by the Iowa Senate last year that failed to win support in the Iowa House would have established a comprehensive medical cannabis program for Iowans seeking relief from debilitating diseases and conditions.

Proponents say the measure contained safeguards to keep it from ushering in legalized use of marijuana for recreational purposes. It also would have authorized the production and dispensing of medical cannibas for expanded uses and medical conditions.

Branstad has said he would be open to expanding Iowa medical cannabis law similar to 25 other states, but he is concerned about unintended consequences that might open up marijuana to recreational uses.

At Wednesday's news conference, Moose Warywoda of Des Moines debunked the notion on recreational uses, saying the low-dose cannabidiol his daughter takes for genetic abnormality is helping her.

"It's medicine. It's not recreational," Warywoda said. "It's not weed. It's not marijuana. It won't get you high. Our politicians need to understand that.

"Our politicians are failing us. They aren't helping us out. They don't care about families because families are suffering."

He said he and his wife are tired of worrying they will get arrested for possessing a controlled substance that is aiding their daughter who will be 2 years old in February.

Iowans 4 Medical Cannabis plans to post a list on the I4MC.org website showing which incumbent legislators have supported providing access to medical marijuana in Iowa.

"It is time to do the right thing," said Karrie Anderson of Grimes. "Iowa needs a comprehensive medical cannabis program. We are a great state that can, and should, do great things for our suffering citizens. Let's take the best parts of the existing programs in neighboring states and create a program that is even better. Let's do it now. We are not going to give up."

Rep. Ralph Watts, R-Adel, was among the people who attended Tuesday's event. He said he wanted to hear what the Iowans had to say, but he was noncommittal about their proposals.

"We'll see," he said. "I've been around long enough to say at this point, show me the bill."
DES MOINES  Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill took aim at Republicans Donald Trump and Chuck Grassley, telling Iowans Tuesday neither one measures up to their female Democratic opponents in their 2016 political races.

McCaskill said the only thing surprising about the videotape made public last week of Trump making demeaning and inappropriate comments about women is it finally appeared to be the tipping point for many Americans who had repeatedly given him a pass on remarks offensive to women, minorities, Gold Star military families, former POWs and others.

The tape is horrific. Its disqualifying. It should, in fact, immediately hand this election to Hillary Clinton, McCaskill told a rally of Clinton supporters gathered at a downtown plaza.

The Missouri Democrat said she never thought she would see an R-rated presidential campaign like the one Trump is running, and she dismissed his denials that his comments on the Access Hollywood video were locker-room talk rather than sexually predatory remarks.

Calling this locker-room talk is a disservice to every athlete in America, she said.

Those comments he made last Friday are the essence of who he is. Women are smart enough to know better, McCaskill said. Donald Trump is dangerous. Hes unfit.

McCaskill also dismissed Trumps attempt to deflect criticism by pointing to former President Bill Clintons infidelities and claiming a double standard is at play by a sympathetic media protecting the Clintons.

That wasnt Hillary Clinton. Do you know what Hillary Clinton did? She stayed true to her marriage vows, for better or worse, and she stayed married. That is what I think we want people to do when they make a vow in front of God, the Missouri senator said.

Why should that be something that would ever disqualify Hillary Clinton, that she fought for her marriage? I dont get that. He turns it around and says shes an enabler. There are a whole lot of women who would just shake their heads. She went through the most painful thing you can go through, and she did it in public, and I think the American people admire how she handled it at the time.

McCaskill said she suspects evangelical Iowans and Iowa GOP Sens. Joni Ernst and Grassley are struggling with their continued backing of Trump when many of their Senate colleagues, especially female senators, have disavowed him and withdrew their support.

Speaking at a fundraiser for Democrat Patty Judges campaign to unseat Grassley, McCaskill said there will be an asterisk by Grassleys name in history books as the first Senate Judiciary Committee chairman to block confirmation hearings on a U.S. Supreme Court nominee for partisan reasons.

Chuck Grassley has been hijacked by Mitch McConnell and a band of political obstructionists who think the goal here is to win elections and not get things done, she said. Shame on them for waving the Constitution and refusing to read it about the duties of the United States Senate.
Editor's note: The original version of this story incorrectly estimated the size of the crowd. It has been corrected.

The choice between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton is clear, Republican vice presidential candidate Mike Pence told a sold-out crowd in Bettendorf Tuesday night.

It's a choice between Donald Trump, who is committed to the constitutional principles of the Founding Fathers, or the failed economic policies of the current administration that Democrat Hillary Clinton would continue.

Pence, the governor of Indiana, made a quick appearance to speak to close to 500 people at the eighth annual Ronald Reagan Dinner hosted by the Scott County Republican Party at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center. He spoke for about 20 minutes before leaving the event.

You have nominated a man for president who never quits, who never backs down, Pence said of his running mate, Donald Trump. He is a fighter, he is a winner, and I do believe that when the polls close in November, he will be the 45th president of the United States.

Pence said that in the last debate with Clinton, Donald Trump won the debate hands down.

He showed humility, he showed what was in his heart to the American people, and he turned the focus back to the issues, Pence said.

When it comes to the choices the people have in this election, Pence said, I choose a stronger America. I choose a more prosperous America that renews our commitment to the constitutional principles that made this country great.

And I choose to stand with Donald Trump and every American who knows we can make America great again.

Pence described Trump as the boldest teller of truth to ever run for president.

How refreshing it would be to have a president of the United States who tells you exactly what he thinks and then goes out and fights for it, he said.

Clinton thinks it is all right to have both a private and a public stance on the issues, Pence said.

But when Trump is president, there will be no backroom deals where youre different behind the curtain that you were in front of it.

Pence said that America deserves better than 1 percent economic growth.

Its not the best we can do, its just the best they can do, he said of Barack Obamas administration.

If elected, Pence said the Trump administration will do what is necessary to get the economy moving, including cutting taxes across the board, cutting the corporate tax rate, getting rid of estate taxes and, Were going to repeal Obamacare lock, stock and barrel.

Iowa Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds, one of several people who spoke after Pence, said the main obstacle to freedom and prosperity in this election is Clinton.

Its clear the Democrats want more control of your life, more control of your money and a weakened military, Reynolds said. They think they can make better decisions than you regarding health care and education.

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, pointed out that the next president will select the next three to four Supreme Court justices. The justices that the Republicans will nominate will know that it is the job of the Supreme Court to interpret law, not make law.

Its our job in Congress to make law, he said. We give direction to the Supreme Court.

Grassley is being challenged for his Senate seat by Democrat Patty Judge.

U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, said Grassley is needed in the Senate.

Ernst said that past eight years has seen America decline.

We have a void in leadership coming from our federal government from the top down, she said.

Hillary Clintons record, she said, Is a record of failure, a lack of leadership, failed policies time and gain and safe havens for terrorists.

It is an election that involves more than the Supreme Court, Ernst said. Its an election that will determine whether the nation will recover from an ideology that does not support the U.S. Constitution.

Keynote speaker U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton, R-Ark., said the American people are angry with politicians who over-promise and under-deliver, bureaucrats who act like you exist to serve them and pundits who dont deliver real results for the people.

The American people, he said, have a right to be angry with the status quo.

Cotton challenged Iowans to get out and vote, saying nothing will change if the people elect Clinton over Trump and fail to put Grassley back in office.

If you dont deliver, Trump will not be president, Cotton told the crowd.

If Iowa fails to elect Grassley, Republicans could lose its majority in the Senate. Then, the change the country needs will not happen, he said.
CEDAR RAPIDS  Patty Judge wishes the conversation in the final weeks before the Nov. 8 election wasnt about Donald Trumps locker room talk.

I wish it was a referendum on what has happened in the last six years in the U.S. Senate, what they have accomplished and what they have not accomplished, and what we can do in the next six years that will be better, the Albia Democrat said during a stop in Cedar Rapids Wednesday.

Its not that Trumps comments and Republican U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassleys continued support for him dont matter, but it overshadows economic security issues concerning Iowans, Judge said.

Iowans are concerned about having jobs and wages that keep up with the cost of living, making sure Social Security is preserved and making college affordable.

All those things that I know are important to Iowans are not whats driving this election right now, said Judge, who is challenging the six-term senator.

The election has to be about change, Judge said, because the situation we have seen in the last eight years is unacceptable. Were falling behind.

The election should be the fact that people believe that Washington is not working, the system is broken, according to Judge. He definitely is part of the system. Hes been there 36 years. Hes responsible in large part for whats happening and not happening.

The Trump distraction has allowed Grassley to avoid addressing that.

Hes been largely invisible, Judge said. Hes refused to debate me statewide, withdrew from Iowa Public Television debate, refused to get on the state fair soap box. Hes largely been in hiding, trying to protect his incumbency.

If Grassley is invisible its because (Judge) doesnt venture out much, Grassley campaign manager Robert Haus said.

She cant escape the fact that even her most ardent supporters wonder where shes been, and Democrats desperately wish they had a different candidate running for U.S. Senate. Her fundamental problem is that Iowans remember all too well why they booted her from office in 2010, and they wont make the same mistake twice.

Grassley, Judge countered, has offered no plan for the next six years, such as how he will secure flood protection funding for Cedar Rapids, Judge said.

Sending someone a letter periodically is not going to move the needle, she said, a references to Grassleys letters to the Army Corps of Engineers. I was here in 2008 and I know what it takes to move things along.

Although disappointed that Grassley withdrew from the public television debate, Judge is looking forward to an Oct. 19 debate in Sioux City. It will be broadcast on KTIV in Sioux City, KWWL in Waterloo/Cedar Rapids, KTTC in Rochester, Minn., and WGEM in Quincy, Ill., as well as being streamed live on the stations websites.

Grassley and Judge will meet again at 4 p.m. Nov. 4 for a WHO Radio debate, which will be televised by WHO-TV.
Twenty-seven days. Nov. 8 can't come fast enough.

Presidential election cycles are always a grind. It's more than a year of electioneering, in the modern format. But the 2016 cycle is especially frustrating. And it's unclear whether either major party will take anything from the lessons of this particularly grueling, depressing race for the White House.

Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton's cozy ties with Wall Street were all but confirmed in the past few days by a Wikileaks email dump, following a hack of her campaign. The partial transcripts of the very speeches to big business she refused to release during the Democratic primary suggest Clinton's double-speak runs rampant. One policy note, prior to a private speech to the National Multifamily Housing Council, outlines Clinton's message to developers -- two separate positions are required to survive in politics: one public, one private. Another partial transcript indicates Clinton told Wall Street executives that they are unfairly blamed for the 2008 economic meltdown. In fact, big banks themselves must be at the forefront of reform, she said.

Yet again, emails -- and Clinton's obsessive demand for privacy -- come back to shake the public trust. Hers is a campaign that, early on, misread the electorate's desire for change. It failed to take seriously the challenge from Sen. Bernie Sanders. Its attempts to pivot and unify the fractured base are undermined by Clinton's closed-door comments to the donor class.

Lucky for Clinton, she's matched against Republican Donald Trump. Any other opponent would seize on the leaked emails with potentially nuclear effect. Trump's efforts were scuttled by his unprecedented foot-shooting.

Republicans are openly fleeing Trump, now. It took an 11 year old video, where he bragged about sexually assaulting women, to do it. Speaker Paul Ryan essentially cut bait with his party's nominee on Monday, all but admitting that a Trump defeat is likely. Sen. Chuck Grassley, for example, still supports Trump. But he's clearly tired of fielding questions about the real estate mogul's indiscretion of the week. Even Trump's running mate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence, blasted Trump's Muslim ban as unconstitutional prior to joining the campaign.

Maybe no election in a generation has proven so depressing. And yet, when it's all said and done, it's unclear if either party will learn from it.

Should Clinton win, Democrats could view it as vindication. The ground swell of economic populism could easily be brushed aside as a flash in the pan. Levels of secrecy under Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama have skyrocketed. Clinton's personal desire for privacy doesn't provide confidence for citizens' right to know. The trend toward crushing the release of information, often with the national security excuse, could easily continue.

It's the population that would continue to lose faith in government.

A Trump victory in November would overthrow most basic GOP tenets. It's hard to see what the GOP takes away from this election if he loses. His candidacy is too easily filed as an aberration, instead of a statement about anger among the party's base.

Had a hardline Sen. Ted Cruz carried the GOP standard into November, it would be a referendum on the national viability of right-wing conservatism. Pundits and activists have long argued that mainline Republicans aren't conservative enough. Such a race would put that claim to the test.

Trump's position offers no such insight.

And so, with less than a month to go, a brutal 2016 election cycle continues to batter Americans with two of the most disliked candidates in modern history. One offers a disaffected nation more of the same. The other deals only in rage and fear and is now in open conflict with GOP party bosses.

The saddest part of all is the unlikelihood that either party will learn anything from it.
We have seen the ads claiming Sen. Charles Grassley works, but why won't he participate in one of the most important parts of his job and debate on TV? Recently, Sen. Grassley canceled the long scheduled debate with former Lt. Gov. and secretary of Agriculture Patty Judge, to have been shown Oct. 20 on Iowa Public Television. This is breaking a long established tradition of debating before all Iowans for the important office of U.S. senator which he had agreed to earlier this summer.

Trying to substitute a radio broadcast is not the best way to inform Iowans. I think that Sen. Grassley doesnt want to be seen by all of Iowa as he has to answer some very tough questions, not the least of which being whether he fully supports all of the positions of Donald Trump. If he won't engage in the cornerstone principle of creating an informed electorate, then he doesn't deserve another term as our senator.
Here's your afternoon forecast from the National Weather Service: Showers and thunderstorms are likely before 3 p.m., then scattered showers. Temperatures will be falling to around 54 degrees during the remainder of the day. Northwest winds could produce gust as high as 20 mph.

NWS issues frost advisory for overnight

The National Weather Service has issued a frost advisory for the Quad-City region from 2 a.m. until 9 a.m.

The weather service advisory says temperatures are expected to drop into the 33-35 degree range overnight along and northwest of a line from Freeport, Ill., to Davenport, and Keosauqua, Iowa.

The advisory says conditions are ideal for areas of widespread frost overnight and into early Thursday morning.

So cover or bring in your sensitive outdoor plants as they may be harmed in these conditions.

Bridge defies implosion, refuses to fall

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.  It turns out a 93-year-old bridge deemed structurally deficient wasn't so weak after all.

Despite triggering explosives to bring down the Broadway Bridge between Little Rock and North Little Rock on Tuesday, a demolition crew needed five hours to fell the structure. Severing the steel arch and bridge deck should have taken about 30 seconds.

Arkansas highway department spokesman Danny Straessle says the blasts weakened the span, but parts of the bridge fell against themselves and none fell into the Arkansas River. Ultimately, crews attached a cable to the bridge and pulled it down. Check out the video.

Bill Clinton schedules Thursday event in Davenport

Former President Bill Clinton is expected to make a campaign stop Thursday in Davenport on behalf of his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton.

The Iowa Democratic Party Davenport Early Vote event will be at 6:15 p.m. at Davenport North High School, 626 W. 53rd St. Doors open at 5 p.m.

The public can RSVP for the Davenport event by going to hrc.io/2ddq9Jz.

Whitey's Ice Cream expands to Eldridge

Whiteys Ice Cream says it will open a store in Eldridge at 114 North 1st St. See press release.
Summers searing heat has given way to autumns chill. When your feet hit the cold morning floor, switch up the breakfast menu to include nourishing and comforting hot cereal.

Different cultures worldwide have made hot cereal a satisfying staple on freezing mornings: Scottish cooks serve steel cut oatmeal with cream, Swiss homes serve multigrain muesli with fruit, and Canadians enjoy the Red River blend of rye, wheat and flaxseeds.

Nutrition and flavor are considerations when selecting the most desirable grains for daybreak fare.

Each choice for a nourishing bowl has a different flavor profile, which ranges from mild oats and rice to tangy rye and buckwheat.

Oats are most popular, said Rayelle Ulvog, Bulk Department Manager of Breadroot Natural Foods Cooperative in Rapid City. They come in different varieties, depending on the cook time.

Steel cut oats whole oat groats cut in small pieces  retain the most fiber and protein, and are best prepared after an overnight soak. Quick oats are at the lower end of the nutrition spectrum, but offer cooking convenience, Ulvog said.

Buckwheat groats require an overnight soak and a long simmer, but are popular with people who desire whole grain without gluten, Ulvog added.

Most any grain can be added to a morning breakfast, though some grains unusual to the American palate such as teff, amaranth, and millet often involve special cooking instructions.

Barley, rye, and wheat flakes cook just like oats and are a good way to include additional nutrients. Barley is higher in iron, and rye is very high in protein, almost double whats in oats, Ulvog said.

Corn polenta or grits come in different varieties and grind size. The creamy texture and mild flavor easily complement other breakfast items.

High-protein quinoa only needs a short 10-minute simmer, Ulvog said, and cooking the pearly, fluffy grain creates a pleasing, nutty flavor.

Dunn Bros. Coffee in Rapid City offers a unique breakfast blend of quinoa, barley, and oats. Owner Diane OConnor said that this melange is their menus best-seller.

We offer items made with all-natural and healthy ingredients, and this dish is wholesome, hearty, and satisfying, OConnor said. The heavier whole grain combination is more flavorful and nutritious than just plain oats.

She prefers to add slivered almonds and pure maple syrup just before enjoying a bowl.

Ulvog agreed that most people gravitate toward adding sweetness to enhance a bowl of hot grains. Popular toppings include cinnamon, honey, agave, or fruits along with milk, cream, or butter for depth.

The trend Im seeing in cooking magazines, though, is hot cereal dressed up in a savory way, she said.

Inspired by congee, an ancient Chinese traditional dish, white or red rice is cooked with more water than a typical side dish, and then topped with stir-fried kale, onions, or mushrooms.

Often bone broth can take the place of water, offering probiotics for easy digestion and increasing the bodys ability to absorb nutrients.

Throw an egg on top, Ulvog suggested, for a delicious and super-satisfying breakfast.

Red Rice Congee with Chicken

By Rayelle Ulrog, adapted from Bon Appetit

Makes 4 servings, plus leftover chicken

1 cup red rice

5-1/2 cups homemade bone broth or low-sodium chicken broth, divided

Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper

5 skinless, boneless chicken thighs (1-1/4 pound)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

8 ounces mushrooms

1 garlic clove, finely chopped

1 tablespoon grated peeled ginger, divided

1/2 cup chopped kale

1/4 cup scallion greens, thinly sliced, from 3 scallions

Bring rice, 1-1/2 cups chicken stock, and a pinch of salt to a boil in a medium saucepan. Reduce heat to a gentle simmer and cook 25 minutes. Add remaining 4 cups stock to the newly or previously cooked rice, bring to a boil, and reduce heat to a simmer.

Add chicken thighs and cook until chicken is cooked through and rice is very soft and has a porridge consistency, 3040 minutes. Reserve 1 chicken thigh; slice remaining chicken 1/4-thick. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned, about 3 minutes; season with salt and pepper.

Add kale, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon ginger and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 1/4 cup water; using a wooden spoon, scrape up any browned bits from bottom of pan.

Continue cooking until water evaporates and mushrooms are tender and glossy, about 3 minutes more. Divide rice and some broth among bowls and sprinkle with remaining ginger. Top with chicken, mushrooms, and scallion greens.
A state magistrate judge on Tuesday declined to reduce the $500,000 bond of a suspect in a Box Elder rape that authorities say happened last month.

Marvin S. Payne, 48, had asked the Seventh Judicial Court to lower his bond on a third-degree rape charge to $15,000. His lawyer cited factors such as Paynes need to resume working to prevent bankruptcy and his lack of a prior felony conviction.

He doesnt have a history of doing something remotely like this, attorney George Grassby told Judge Todd Hyronimus at a hearing Tuesday morning. Drinking was involved.

Payne, a Colorado man living in Box Elder for the past two years, has been accused along with Rapid City resident Toby Rolfe of raping an unconscious woman on Sept. 28.

The prosecution argued for Paynes request to be denied given overwhelming evidence in the case. Four witnesses saw Payne sexually assaulting the woman while she was completely out, said deputy states attorney Wayne Venhuizen. The woman remembers having one drink before passing out, he added.

Payne was also seen taking photos with his phone while Rolfe, 43, sexually assaulted the woman, Venhuizen said. By the time first responders saw the woman, he said, she was barely breathing and her pulse couldnt be felt.

The prosecutor said also that bond should be addressed by a circuit court judge, who presides over criminal felony cases. Payne and Rolfe are detained at the Pennington County Jail on the same bond amount, and are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Thursday.
It was more than an official opening of the new rail facilities that offers the Black Hills region new opportunities for cost-efficient rail transportation.

When Gov. Dennis Daugaard and Sen. John Thune joined a crowd from across Butte County and the Northern Hills, they noted how local and regional manufacturing have a new gateway to a worldwide marketplace.

After the ceremonies at Permian Tank and the new rail spur for on and off-loading, there was an opportunity for everyone to tour five local manufacturers that are regional players in manufacturing for agriculture and other markets.

Permian Lide President and CEO Howard Seely noted that the big plant at the Belle Fourche Industrial Rail Park is broadening its marketplace and has received major certifications for the steel tanks produced in Belle Fourche.

He and local plant manager Bob Sieve noted an additional certification for the firm's products from the American Petroleum Institute.

Although Dan Edling is a former executive with Permian, he was involved in opening the Belle Fourche plant and was on hand to note that the firm's market share is increasing.

"We have the best product in the market," he said. "This facility is the best equipped; this is our premier plant."

After the morning ceremonies for rails, local plant manager Bob Sieve gave a tour of Permian's operations in Belle Fourche.

Permian director of operations Ralph Fulwood said the company is planning to use the rails as the local plant comes up to meeting the expected increase in demand.

"We will be using it to bring in sheet steel," he said. "That will be market driven."

He noted that Sieve, "has done a real good job here, a great team."

Increases in certifications for tanks made mean, he said, "We got everything ready and be successful here for the long term."

Roy Drake owner of Dakota Warehouse in Rapid City said his operation had looked into opening a facility in Belle Fourche when the former Nash Finch company placed their food-grade warehouse for sale.

Still, he said, "If we were to find customers, we would be in this area."

He said he sees opportunity for both inbound and outbound warehousing.

What brought him to the Belle Fourche rail celebration, he said, is that "We've seen a lot of opportunities; there's some growth potential in this area and the rail potential we have intentions to look at."

"I see some real synergies with Belle Fourche and what we're doing tomorrow and in the future," he said, adding, "There is a real need for rail in this area. People keep coming back to us saying, 'what about rail.'"

He said, "There's potential in five years."

He mentioned the rails and "the attitude that Belle Fourche has toward manufacturing and industry."

RP&E general manager Blake Jones told the crowd his family moved to the Deadwood area when he took over the rail operation that crosses South Dakota east and west, and offers connection to major rail transport to the south of the Black Hills.

As for Belle Fourche, he said "We spend a lot of time here."

His daughters, 12, 10 and 6, ride with an area club and are involved in 4-H.

"We love Belle Fourche," he said.

"This is a railroad community," Jones said. "We need to make it continue to grow as a railroad community."

He pointed to the bentonite industry around Belle Fourche and noted, "Clay is actually our number one export."

Hollie Stalder, executive for the Belle Fourche Development Corporation, said, "We have no doubt we have a lot of exciting things to come in the future."

Sen. Thune said of the Belle Fourche rails, "This is a huge opportunity."

He said his family gained success after immigrating here, and "It was the railroad that made it all possible."

Thune noted that about 25 percent of the RCP&E carloads are from the Belle Fourche area, and that means jobs for local people are already helped by the rail access.

Daugaard told the crowd, "If you look at South Dakota, we have added manufacturing jobs."

He said he the state produces more than the population can support both in agriculture and industry: "We need rail."

He praised the community for the Industrial Rail Park and new rail opportunities.

"It's really a great day for Belle Fourche," the governor said.
DUPREE | A judge on Tuesday ordered two county governments to take control of an estimated 650 wild horses at a north-central South Dakota sanctuary where some horses have reportedly died of starvation-related causes.

The terms of the impounding give the sanctuary near Lantry an opportunity to regain some horses, but the terms also allow for the adoption or sale of healthier horses and the euthanization of any horses deemed too weak to survive the winter.

Dewey County States Attorney Steven Aberle told Circuit Court Judge Jerome Eckrich during Tuesdays hearing at the Ziebach County Courthouse that the sanctuary will likely see at least a reduction in the number of horses under its care.

I think theres a recognition on behalf of the organization that the herd has grown beyond a size that can be adequately cared for, Aberle said.

Aberle jointly requested the impounding with Ziebach County States Attorney Cheryl Laurenz-Bogue. The sanctuary is operated by the nonprofit International Society for the Protection of Mustangs and Burros (ISPMB) on a small ranch that straddles the border between the two counties, near the towns of Dupree and Lantry, about 110 miles northeast of Rapid City.

The horses will be impounded at the ISPMB ranch, where the organization and its president, Karen Sussman, will be relieved of feeding and caring for the animals. Those responsibilities will fall to the sheriffs of the two counties, and the costs will be borne by each county government.

Large quantities of hay will be needed to keep the horses alive, because the overgrazed pastures at the ranch are devoid of grass and the ISPMB does not produce a hay crop or have enough money to buy hay for the winter.

The organization has estimated that the cost to buy hay for all the horses is $10,000 per week. Donations to offset the costs incurred by the two counties are being accepted by the Dewey County Auditors Office, and so far $3,090 has been donated. Additionally, reimbursement of the costs by the ISPMB is listed as one of several conditions for the return of any horses.

The conditions are part of a written agreement struck by the two county prosecutors with Sussman, operator of the ISPMB.

The agreement first requires a veterinarian from the state Animal Industry Board to evaluate the horses immediately and sort them into three groups.

Horses deemed healthy enough to survive the winter will be maintained in their respective herds, while those needing immediate care to survive the winter will be separated for treatment and then either allowed to return to their herds or offered for adoption.

Animals deemed unlikely to survive the upcoming winter will be euthanized.

Meanwhile, the ISPMB must meet several conditions and deadlines to regain any of the healthier horses.

Within 10 days, the organization must submit a comprehensive, 18-month management plan for review by the two county prosecutors and the state Animal Industry Board.

If the plan is judged to be adequate, the ISPMB would then have to prove by Nov. 11 that it has adequate funds, feed or both on hand for 18 months of operations. The organization would also have to reimburse the counties for the costs of the impounding and submit to close financial scrutiny, including approval of expenditures by a representative of the counties.

Depending on the extent to which the ISPMB complies with the deadlines and conditions, the organization could get some, all, or none of its horses back.

The agreement allows for any remaining impounded horses after the Nov. 11 deadline to be adopted by Dec. 1. After that, any remaining impounded horses will be sold at a public auction, with the proceeds dedicated to covering the counties' impounding costs before any leftover proceeds go to the ISPMB.

Aberle, during an oral summation of the impounding agreement, told Judge Eckrich that an auction would be a last resort because any animals that go to auction will basically be going to the kill market.

As soon as the words kill market left Aberles mouth, Eckrich interjected and said he needed no further explanation of the agreement.

Sussman attended the hearing without an attorney and spoke only a few one-word answers to questions from the judge. Afterward, she continued her practice of declining interview requests but gave the Journal a lengthy, full-page written statement that contained her first extensive comments on the controversy.

Animal death is a fact every rancher and farmer in South Dakota as well as throughout the world knows is inevitable, the statement said in part. But the circumstances of the animal deaths at the ISPMB Ranch have been wildly misrepresented. They did not die of intentional neglect or the disinterest of ISPMB.

Sussmans statement also accused the whistle-blowing former ISPMB employee who exposed the horse deaths, Colleen Burns, of significant falsehoods.

Burns has told the Journal she complained to Sussman and some board members last summer about conditions on the ranch, but no corrective actions were taken. Burns then took her complaints to authorities and the media. Sixteen pages of written and photographic documentation that Burns posted to the internet on Sept. 30 included images of emaciated horses, some with grotesque wounds or injuries and some with wildly untrimmed hooves.

An investigative report attached to Tuesday's impounding agreement bolsters Burns claims. The report, filed by a veterinarian working for the state Animal Industry Board, is based on a Sept. 14 visit to the ISPMB ranch. The veterinarian noted some healthy horses but also noted a number of thin horses, including some that were nosing through the dried manure looking for remaining hay, and some with the overgrown hooves and medical conditions described by Burns.

The veterinarian also encountered an open burial pit containing more than 25 horse carcasses, which he was told had accumulated over the past several years. But he noted that some carcasses appeared to be fresher than that.

The veterinarian offered a damning summary at the end of his report.

Ownership does not appear to have the means, money, labor, and facilities to support and manage a population of animals this size, the report said, and does not appear to have adequate plans to assure the future of this herd. Based on my findings as outlined in this report, it is my determination that animal neglect is present at this facility."

Aside from the impounding proceedings, Sussman also faces a pending grand theft charge in nearby Perkins County regarding a $9,394 check she wrote to a hay supplier which authorities say bounced.
PIERRE | South Dakota doctors and pharmacists who prescribe or provide pain killers may have to send out daily reports and more aggressively check on patient histories if lawmakers studying opioid abuse get their way.

The Legislature's study committee on substance abuse prevention recommended Tuesday requiring, among other things, that doctors participate more frequently in South Dakotas prescription drug monitoring program.

Dispensers such as pharmacists would be required to submit prescription information within 24 hours. The current requirement is weekly.

Another change would require all medical doctors and other healthcare providers who prescribe controlled substances to participate online in the monitoring program.

That would start July 1, 2018. So would a proposed requirement that prescribers need to check the central data repository before writing prescriptions.

Prescriber use of the central database is voluntary now.

Participation in the database during 2015 was 15.9 percent among 3,847 opioid prescribers, staff for the state Board of Pharmacy told legislators Tuesday.

Rep. Mike Stevens, R-Yankton, described the 15.9 percent as appalling. He noted the monitoring system was approved by the Legislature in 2010.

Volunteering hasnt worked, Stevens said.

Sen. Craig Tieszen, R-Rapid City, said he wants to know how the current system is going to identify and pursue a situation where a prescriber is providing opioids willy-nilly.

Tieszen asked how the Board of Pharmacy could defend the huge numbers of opioids being prescribed.

Kari Shanard-Koenders, the boards executive director, said she doesnt know and the big question is why prescribers write 60 or 120 or 240 days of supply when the surgery requires only five days.

South Dakota is moving toward a more controlled environment, she said.

Melissa DeNoon, who administers the monitoring program, said a federal agency has put out a guideline and added that states are starting to follow it.

It does need to be addressed, DeNoon said, adding that prescribers need tools to help in their decisions, and that pharmacists could use tools, too.

Tieszen said he wants the Legislature to require participation. He said hes not comfortable relying on guidelines and wants some competent authority to decide if there are problems.

I think it requires more than just promises and guidelines, Tieszen said.

The Board of Pharmacy staff members said the monitoring program is integrating with the patient electronic records systems for the major healthcare organizations in South Dakota. One organization now is integrated.

They estimated that when all three of the largest healthcare organizations eventually are integrated in the next few years 90 percent of prescribers would be involved in the monitoring system.

The committee chairman said legislators want to ensure that participation increases, and they are willing to hear suggestions from healthcare providers.

There are some hospitals already on this. There are two that are working to become involved in the same process, Sen. Jim White, R-Huron, said. This is giving those other hospitals time to become compliant with these expectations.

The committee made two more recommendations.

One would require the Board of Pharmacy to submit an annual report to the Legislature.

Another would earmark $318,000 for an information program targeting Native American students regarding methamphetamine and other substance abuse.

The committees proposals need clearance from the Legislatures Executive Board before they can be introduced for consideration in the 2017 legislative session.

The legislators originally seemed most interested in combating methamphetamine abuse, but Gov. Dennis Daugaard and state Attorney General Marty Jackley took up the prescription drug issue.

The committee subsequently turned its focus to opioid abuse.
The names of the four people killed in an explosion on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation last week have been released by Oglala Sioux Tribal spokesperson Kevin Yellow Bird Steele.

Raymond Owen Eagle Elk, 78, and his wife, Oletha Ann Mousseau, 74, were killed when their duplex in the East Ridge neighborhood of Pine Ridge exploded due to a suspected propane gas leak on the afternoon of Oct. 6.

Samantha Rose Tobacco, 23, and Elfreda Ann Takes War Bonnet, 19, were in the other unit of the duplex at the time of the explosion. They also did not survive the blast, the cause of which remains under investigation.

At least five others were severely injured in the explosion, according to Oglala Sioux tribal councilman Richard Greenwald, who represents the Pine Ridge district. Their conditions were not released.

"It's just devastating, not just to the families, but to the community," Mousseau's sister, Yvonne "Tiny" DeCory, said by phone on Tuesday. "I go to the site, and I see neighbors standing there. They're burning sage, and they're crying."

Among the injured was Tobaccos father, RoWayne Wounded Horse, who was transported to a hospital in Rapid City, according to Yellow Bird Steele. Another of Wounded Horses daughters was transported to a hospital in Denver, Yellow Bird Steele said. Her name has not been released.

Two others received treatment at Pine Ridge Hospital, Greenwald said.

Donations to the Wounded Horse family can be made online at gofundme.com/2t4g9j5g. A candlelight vigil was scheduled for 6 p.m. on Tuesday, beginning at the site of the destroyed home and ending in a prayer circle in Pine Ridge, DeCory said.

The destroyed duplex and many other homes in the East Ridge neighborhood are owned by Oglala Sioux Lakota Housing, a branch of tribal government that manages and maintains over 1,200 reduced-rent units on the reservation. Many of the homes in the East Ridge neighborhood are outfitted with propane tanks similar to the one that exploded on Oct. 6.

In a phone interview on Friday, Paul Iron Cloud, the groups chief executive officer, said that about 20 minutes before the explosion, OSLH maintenance crews received a call from someone within the duplex complaining about the smell of gas. Iron Cloud would not comment further on what actions were taken by housing maintenance crews within that time frame.

The incident remains under investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigations, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Oglala Sioux Tribal Police, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

BIA Criminal Investigator John Long has declined to comment, as did a spokesperson for the FBI. Sources within the Oglala Sioux Tribal Police Department and the ATF have not replied to multiple requests for comment.
Russian lawyer Trunov appeals his disbarment

MOSCOW, October 12 (RAPSI, Lyudmila Klenko)  Lawyer Igor Trunov has filed a lawsuit with the Lefortovsky District Court demanding to overturn the Moscow Regional Bar Associations decision on his disbarment as illegal, according to the official website of "Trunov, Aivar and Partners" law firm.

Trunov in his claim also asked the court to reinstate him in office of the Moscow Region Bar Association.

It was reported on September 21 that the Moscow Regional Bar Associations Counsel had ruled to disbar Trunov.

The lawyer viewed the decision as strange and unexpected because the Association had recognized his public activity as a disciplinary case. I have spoken at a news conference about problems existing in the society, specifically about corruption in the bar. This particular speech at a public venue was declared a disciplinary case by the Counsel on the base of the Professional Code of Conduct. But the Code has never regulated public activities. Thats why I think, this decision has a political component, Trunov said.

Igor Trunov has represented victims in several high-profile matters including the case over Airbus A321 plane crash in Egypt and 2011 Domodedovo terror attack case. He would not be entitled no longer to participate in these cases as victims attorney.
Photo by Norman L. Bleier Friends and family of Kitty Hawk SOS sailors wait at Fleet Landing in San Diego to distribute copies of the Kitty Litter, the sailors anti-war underground newspaper.





On this date during the Vietnam War in October 1972, there was a mutiny or riot on the Navy aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk ostensibly led by African American sailors (The ships complement consisted of 4,483 sailors, aircrew, and Marines, 302 of whom were black.) Accounts vary as to what precisely precipitated the mutiny (and various conditions contributed to the proximate causes), one stating it began when Marines attempted to disrupt a protest meeting of black sailors. The meeting had been called in response to what occurred when the warship was in Subic Bay, the night before its scheduled departure:





[S]erious fighting erupted at the Subic Bay mens club, the San Paquito. On the evening of the twelfth, after the first full day of combat in the Tonkin Gulf, the ships intelligence investigator exacerbated still smoldering tensions by calling in only black sailors for questioning and possible criminal action related to the brawl at Subic. Outraged at what they considered blatant discrimination, over one hundred blacks gathered for an angry meeting on the mess deck at approximately 8 P.M. The ships Marine detachment was summoned to suppress the meeting, and an explosive situation soon developed. Commander Benjamin Cloud, the executive officer and a black man himself, entered the area and attempted to restore calm by ordering the blacks and the Marines to separate ends of the ship. Moments later, however, Captain Marland Townsend, the commanding officer, arrived and issued conflicting orders. As confusion spread, the blacks and the armed Marines encountered each other unexpectedly on the hangar deck, and a bitter clash quickly broke out. The fighting spread rapidly, with bands of blacks and whites marauding throughout the ships decks and attacking each other with fists, chains, wrenches, and pipes. [.] Finally, after a 2:30 A.M. meeting in the ships forecastle, the fighting subsided. The uprising left forty whites and six blacks injured. Of the twenty-five sailors arrested for the incident, all were black. (David Cortright)





Twenty-nine sailorsall but three of them blackeventually were charged with crimes under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, and 19 were found guilty of at least one charge. The mutiny should be viewed as part of widespread antiwar protests within the US armed forces, in this case, as part of the movement called SOS (Stop Our Ships/Support Our Sailors). H. Bruce Franklin provides the requisite historical context which should preclude us from reducing this incident to solely racial tensions and provocations:





Richard B. Anderson, which was kept from sailing to Vietnam for eight weeks when crew members deliberately wrecked an engine. Toward the end of 1971, the sailors antiwar activities coalesced into a coherent movement called SOS (Stop Our Ships/Support Our Sailors) that emerged on three of the gigantic aircraft carriers crucial to the Tonkin Gulf Strategy [and later, Constellation, the USS Coral Sea, and the USS Kitty Hawk. (One early act was a petition by 1,500 crew members of the Constellation demanding that Jane Fondas antiwar show be allowed to perform on board.) On these three ships alone that fall, thousands of crew members signed antiwar petitions, published onboard antiwar newspapers, and supported the dozens of crew members who refuse to board for Vietnam duty. In 1970 and 1971, ships had been sporadically forced out of action by outbreaks and even sabotage by crew members. Occasional inconspicuous newspaper articles allowed perceptive members of the general public to get inklings of what was happening to the fleet. An early example was the destroyer, which was kept from sailing to Vietnam for eight weeks when crew members deliberately wrecked an engine. Toward the end of 1971, the sailors antiwar activities coalesced into a coherent movement called SOS (Stop Our Ships/Support Our Sailors) that emerged on three of the gigantic aircraft carriers crucial to the Tonkin Gulf Strategy [and later, Operation Linebacker ]: the USS, the USS, and the USS. (One early act was a petition by 1,500 crew members of thedemanding that Jane Fondas antiwar show be allowed to perform on board.) On these three ships alone that fall, thousands of crew members signed antiwar petitions, published onboard antiwar newspapers, and supported the dozens of crew members who refuse to board for Vietnam duty.





In March 1972 the aircraft carrier USS Midway received orders to leave San Francisco Bay for Vietnam. A wave of protests and sabotage swept the ship, hitting the press when dissident crewmen deliberately spilled three thousand gallons of oil into the bay. In June the attack carrier USS Ranger was ordered to sail from San Diego to Vietnam. The Naval Investigative Service reported large-scale clandestine movement among the crew and at least twenty acts of physical sabotage, culminating in the destruction of the main reduction gear of an engine; repairs forced a four-and-a-half month delay in the ships sailing. In July the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal was prevented from sailing by a major fire deliberately set by crewmen, which caused millions of dollars of damage to the captains and admirals quarters of the ship. In September and October the crew of the Corral Sea, which had been publishing the antiwar newspaper We Are Everywhere for a year, staged renewed protests against the war, with over a thousand crewmen signing a petition to Stop Our Ship. It was forced to return to San Francisco Bay, where crew members held a national press conference and helped organize rallies and other demonstrations. Almost a hundred crew members, including several officers, refused Vietnam service and jumped ship in California and Hawaii. In September crew members of the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga organized their own Stop It Now movement, and navy intelligence tried unsuccessfully to break up the SOS movement on the showpiece carrier USS Enterprise, home of the antiwar paper SOS Enterprise Ledger. A bloody September battle between groups of marines on the amphibious landing ship USS Sumter in the Gulf of Tonkin off Vietnam was not made public until the following January.





Franklin proceeds to note the outbreak that took place on the Kitty Hawk  where organized antiwar activities (including publication of the antiwar paper Kitty Litter) had continued during its eight-month tour off Vietnam  only to be followed several days later by fighting on the Kitty Hawks oiler, the USS Hassayampa. The Kitty Hawk was forced to retire to San Diego, whence it sailed to San Francisco in early January, where it underwent a six-month refitting job. The sailors movement had thus removed this major aircraft carrier from the war.





Constellation in early November 1972, and has been aptly described as the first mass mutiny in the history of the U.S. Navy. That Black Power ideology and political praxis was making inroads among African American soldiers in the antiwar movement is evidenced in what is described as the largest and most significant of these antiwar protests and rebellions, namely, one that took place aboard the USSin early November 1972, and has been aptly described as the first mass mutiny in the history of the U.S. Navy.





In October, during training operations off the Southern California coast, black crew members formed an organization called the Black Fraction, with the aim of protecting minority interests in promotion policies and in the administration of military justice. Throughout October the group held several meetings, including one attended by the ships executive officer, where programs were developed to defend blacks subjected to court-martial proceedings and to examine the ships records for evidence of discrimination in non-judicial punishment. As the organization grew in strength, the command, on November 1, singled out fifteen leading members of Black Fraction as agitators and ordered that six of them be given immediate less-than-honorable discharges. At approximately the same time, a notice appeared in the ships plan of the day announcing that 250 additional men were to be administratively discharged. Fearing that most of these punitive releases would be directed at them and angry at the commands apparent efforts to suppress their activities, over one hundred sailors, including a number of whites, staged a sit-in at the after mess deck on November 3 and demanded that the ships commander, Captain J.D. Ward, personally hear their grievances. The captain refused to acknowledge them, however, and the dissidents continued their strike throughout the day and into the early morning hours on November 4, refusing a direct order to report for muster on the flight deck. As tensions aboard the ship mounted, a series of high-level consultations were held among Captain Ward, the Commander in Chief of the Pacific Fleet, Admiral Zumwalt in Washington, and other senior naval commanders. To avert another Kitty Hawk, the officials reluctantly decided to cut sea operations short and return the rebels to San Diego as a beach detachment. Captain Ward pulled the ship into the harbor on the fourth and allowed more hand one hundred thirty men to go ashore. The Constellation returned a few days later to pick up the dissidents, but the men refused to board ship, and on the morning of November 9 staged a defiant dockside strikeperhaps the largest act of mass defiance in naval history. Despite the seriousness of their action, not one of the one hundred thirty sailors was arrested. Several of the men received early discharges, but most were simply reassigned to shore duty. (David Cortright)



References:

Cortright, David. Soldiers in Revolt : GI Resistance During the Vietnam War . Chicago, IL: Haymarket Books, 2005 (Anchor Press /Doubleday , 1975).

Franklin, H. Bru ce. Vietnam and Other American Fantasies . Amhe rst, MA: University of Massac husetts Press, 2000.

Freeman, Gregory A. Trouble d Water : Race, Mutiny, and Bravery on the USS Kitty Hawk. New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2009.

Sherwood, John Darrell. Black Sailor, White Navy: R acial Unrest in the Fleet during the Vietnam War Era. New York: New York University Press, 2007.
The long awaited access to primary care and medical services are now available in Darby. Bitterroot Physicians Clinic South has a grand opening with tours, the opportunity to meet the staff and learn about the medical services from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13. The Bitterroot Chamber of Commerce is having a ribbon cutting at 11:45 a.m., at noon is a catered barbeque by Naps Grill.

Nurse Practitioner Katherine Herczeg, medical assistant and laboratory technician Dawn Gettings, receptionist Kailey Bergren and the 24-hour paramedics staff Marcus Daly Memorial Hospitals Bitterroot Physicians Clinic South.

The first patient at the new clinic was Michael Campbell, owner of Little Blue Joint restaurant in Darby. He had hurt his hand in a working accident and was being driven to the hospital in Hamilton when he remembered a friend telling him the Darby clinic was open.

We were about to drive by and instead we pulled in and I got fixed up, he said. In Darby, you know everyone in town. I knew the receptionist and felt at home right away. They fixed my finger. Its good to have someone like that in town.

Campbell said the clinic was inviting.

The clinic isnt bright light and white walls, he said. In some places youre scared to death because you hurt yourself and it feels like an institution. This waiting room was comforting with nice decorations and colors.

Darby resident Laura Mullen said the care she received at Bitterroot Physicians Clinic South was beyond her expectations.

I was really, really happy with my visit, Mullen said. I felt like I had my own private medical staff. They were paying that much attention to what I was saying. They are great listeners and take their profession seriously.

Mullen said she went in for one simple thing and another medical problem was discovered during the exam.

That was huge, she said. My husband is a veterinarian and he is always talking about nose to tail exams. I was very impressed with the staff. I hope the community recognizes how fortunate they are.

Mullen said she is spreading the word throughout the community that the clinic is open.

Katie is extraordinary, Mullen said. She has ultimate compassion and is a great listener. I feel reassured and I feel good about my visits.

Bitterroot Physicians Clinic South Nurse Practitioner Katherine Herczeg is new to Montana. She said the clinic opened the end of August and is getting busier every week.

Darby is neat, she said. People are stopping in to say hello and word of mouth is traveling.

The clinic offers primary care and walk-in urgent care services.

We are seeing a lot of walk-ins, sick visits and injuries, she said. Were starting to see more folks use us a chronic disease management and transferring their care here. They come here to have their lab work done.

All the basic lab work like urinalysis has results right away. The other test results are usually by the next day. The hope is to have a digital X-ray machine at the Darby clinic.

I hope in the future we have a pharmacy, also, saving them the difficulty of traveling to Hamilton, Herczeg said. Ive had people come from Salmon, Idaho, which is surreal to me because I come from Georgia where people have more access to care so the concept of people driving that far for healthcare is wild. You do what youve got to do for health care.

Herczeg said her background has included emergency medicine, cardiac and primary care. She said the clinic gets great support from Marcus Daly Memorial Hospital.

If our ambulance crew is out on a call far south, Hamilton is aware and they usually send an ambulance to cover their back, she said. Recourses are big and being affiliated with Marcus Daly we have other options and resources.

Attend the open house for the Bitterroot Physicians Clinic South from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13 at 3334 Dvn Lane (of Highway 93), Darby.
Libby was famous for a while. There she was on the Internet happily scampering away from anyone who attempted to capture her on top of Lost Trail Pass.

Jennifer Reighard of the Bitter Root Humane Association first got word that Libby had been abandoned or lost in that remote corner of the world in the middle of August.

With her background in animal control in Deer Lodge, she was deemed the perfect person to round up the freedom-loving hound that so many had already taken such a liking to.

And so Reighard carted an extra-large dog trap up to the top of the pass to the caretakers house.

You know those live traps you use to capture cats or skunks, its like that, only human-sized, she said. Its huge.

She spent an entire day trying to entice Libby to walk in and enjoy a snack.

I talked with some hunters who said they had spent a week trying to get her close enough to catch her, Reighard said. They didnt have any luck.

And neither did she.

Libby did poke her nose into the trap far enough to trigger the spring, but she was also slippery enough to squeeze her way right back out.

Her back legs were outside the trap when it triggered, Reighard said. She somehow managed to get out.

But Reighard didnt quit.

One Saturday, the caretaker called her with some good and bad news.

He said Libby had finally wandered far enough into the trap to be captured. That was the good news.

The bad news was an RV filled with ladies outraged to see dog standing there in a live trap had decided they needed to take matters into their own hands.

They let Libby free.

I was so glad it was him that talked with them, Reighard said. Im really happy it wasnt me.

And so she reset the trap and worried the dog was now on to her.

I didnt think there was any way that she would go back in there now, she said.

A few days later she got another call from the caretaker. He said she needed to get up there as soon as possible.

When Reighard arrived, there was Libby standing in the trap.

And right there too was a beaming Canadian named Lucille who told Reighard that she was going to want to give her a hug.

Lucille told Reighard that she had spent a good part of her day coaxing Libby closer with treats. And finally, when she had just about hit the bottom of the box, Lucille gave that dog a choice.

She said she told Libby that she was going to have to take this last one out of her hand, Reighard said. And when Libby did that, she was finally captured. I told her it must have been her essence. She was the only one Libby would let get that close.

And when Libby finally had the chance to snuggle down into a dog bed, Reighard said she went like oh. That feels so good. It wasnt my effort alone that caught her. It took everyone to make this work.

There were so many people who really cared about this dog, she said.

It took almost a month to capture the hound.

And, as it turned out, it was in the nick of time.

Libby had seven puppies this past weekend at the Bitter Root Humane Associations shelter.

Shes enjoying a new maternity ward right now, said the shelters manager Eve Burnside. Libby is so sweet. She has those great big doe eyes. I think shes happy to be some place warm, safe and dry.

Burnside said shes had a few calls from people who say they are Libbys owners.

I dont think so, she said. It sounded to me like they just wanted the dog and her puppies. Well be looking for a new home for her. We wont adopt the puppies out until they are at least eight weeks old.

When that time comes, Reighard thinks she will be first in line.

She has already picked out a little black female that she believes would fit right in with her pack of five.

I think Im going to name her Huckleberry, she said. I think we might name the rest of them after all the ski trails at Lost Trail. Im just happy that they are here safe and sound.
Everyone was in tears, even the men Mary Ann Coombs

On Oct. 14, 1891, close to 300 Bitterroot Salish packed up what little they had and left their homeland behind forever.

Under armed guard, they were forced to walk through the town of Stevensville. Mary Ann Coombs would later liken the mood to a funeral march.

It would take them most of three days to walk from the Bitterroot Valley to the Flathead Reservation, where they had been forced to resettle.

On Thursday, members of Salish Tribe will meet at the Jocko Church at 8 a.m. to pray and prepare for what they call Return to Homeland: A journey back to the Bitterroot Valley.

For the next three days  as best they can  they will retrace the steps of their ancestors as they walk, ride horseback and bike from the church to Stevensville to commemorate the 125th anniversary of the forced removal of the Salish from their homeland.

Some people had been thinking about this and decided it would be a good way to commemorate that time where our people were forced to leave, said Tony Incashola, director of the Salish-Pend dOreille Culture Committee. We want our young people to know a little bit about our history and to understand our history. We still consider the Bitterroot as our home.

So far, Incashola said somewhere between 60 and 70 Salish Tribe members have expressed interest.

Im sure there will be people involved at the various points, he said. There will be people walking the whole way and some just walking toward the end. Others will help with feeding people.

On the first day, they plan to walk from Jocko Church to the KOA Campground at the Wye north of Missoula.

On the second day, they will wind their way through Missoula along Reserve Street and back streets on their way to the second campsite at Chief Looking Glass Campground.

The original plan had been to walk over the Higgins Street Bridge like their ancestors, but Incashola said that due to all the development and traffic, the decision was made for the detour.

We want to avoid as much of the traffic as we can, he said. We will take some back roads in Missoula to avoid some of that traffic.

On Saturday, they hope to arrive at Stevensville by noon.

Well gather first outside of Stevensville in a little area west of the bridge, Incashola said. When everyone is gathered together, we will walk to the church as a group.

Once they arrive at the St. Marys Mission, they will gather at the cemetery.

There are still some Salish people buried there, he said. Well have a few words, maybe a song.

To conclude, they will share a dinner and listen to some speakers at the St. Marys Church multipurpose room.

This is not a celebration, but a time to honor our ancestors, said Salish Language Coordinator Chaney Bell. It is a way to thank and remember what our relatives sacrificed for us and to learn what really happened.

It was one of the greatest changes in history for the Salish people, Incashola said.

According to a program created for the event, the Bitterroot Valley was the primary location for the Salish, especially in the winter months.

The program said the forced removal of the Salish from the Bitterroot Valley can be traced back to the Hellgate Treaty of 1855 when the U.S. government first introduce the idea of concentrating Indian people of several tribes onto a single reservation in the Mission Valley.

At the time, Chief Victor refused the governments demand that the Salish relinquish control of the Bitterroot Valley, which resulted in an amendment to the treaty that set aside the Bitterroot Valley south of Lolo Creek as a Salish reservation pending the results of a survey authorized by the president.

Since the Bitterroot Valley was regarded as one of the most desirable places in Montana to settle due to prime agricultural and timber resources, an increasing number of white settlers began to demand the removal of the Salish.

In 1871, President Ulysses S. Grant issued an executive order saying the survey specified in the treaty was completed and the Jocko Reservation was better suited for the needs of the Salish.

The following year, Congress sent a delegation led by the future president, James Garfield, to negotiate the removal of the Salish.

Chief Victor died in 1870. His son, Chief Charlo, had not forgotten his fathers words and told Garfield that the Bitterroot Valley was where the bones of his ancestors were buried and he would not leave.

By 1873, two sub-chiefs had moved their families to the Flathead Reservation, but the majority of the Salish remained in the Bitterroot with Chief Charlo.

The government assigned them allotments of land and opened the rest of the valley to settlement. Faced with worsening conditions for his people, Chief Charlo agreed to move to the reservation.

In Oct. 1891, Gen. Henry B. Carrington arrived and told the Salish it was time leave.

Chief Charlo gathered the people together, the program reads. They prayed and announced they would go. The tribe trailed through Stevensville before the silent gaze of the non-Indians.

A survivor of the removal, Mary Ann Coombs, likened the trip to a funeral march. Elders have told that the soldiers did not allow people to stop to go to the bathroom, warning them they would be shot if they ran away.

Children riding behind their mothers wondered why the grownups were crying. As an old woman, Sophie Moiese suffered flashbacks, hearing the women crying as the people slowly rode north toward the Jocko Valley.
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.
HOLYOKE -- Homes that were built in Western Massachusetts more than a hundred years ago will be celebrated on network television this week for their affordable listing prices and charm.

"Hunting Vintage," a new show on HGTV followed a couple as they looked at homes in Western Massachusetts. The couple was interested in purchasing a spacious home with interesting architectural detail.

Aimee Kelly, of ERA Laplante Real Estate in South Hadley, showed Edwin Gonzalez and Lillian Otero two homes in Springfield and one in Holyoke as camera crews followed them for several days in April of last year.

A 101-year-old home in Springfield's McKnight neighborhood offered five bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms within 4,730-square-feet. The three-floor home located at 183 Dartmouth Terrace features a veranda on the first floor, porch on the second facing a park and a billiard room on the third floor. It was listed for $274,900 this year, making the price per square foot $56.

The second home viewed in Springfield is a brick English Tudor home featuring seven bedrooms and five bathrooms. The home located at 190 Fort Pleasant Ave. features beamed ceilings, rich woodwork, a music room and a foyer recently used by an owner as a personal art gallery. The 3,857-square-foot home is attached to the three-and-a-half car garage by a tunnel. This home was listed on the market last year for $394,900 then reduced in price to $350,000.

The Holyoke home is a downtown mansion located at 1093 Dwight St. The Queen Anne Victorian was built in 1880 and features a mix of the original builder's craftsmanship - detailed woodwork, stained glass windows - with a modernized kitchen and bathrooms. The home offers five bedrooms and two bathrooms within its 2,868-square-feet and was listed at $275,000, and sold to the couple for $260,000.

This is not the couple's first time on television. Gonzalez and Otero once lived in the S.K Pierce Mansion in Gardner and, during their ownership of the home, it was featured on the Travel Channel's show "Ghost Adventures" in 2009.

The episode of "Hunting Vintage" featuring the three Western Massachusetts homes will premiere on HGTV at 10 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 13.
J. Robert Smith

"Trump's a goner," said friends of mine in Washington DC, in the aftermath of the surfacing of the old tape of him talking salty like a sailor, and before Sunday night's debate. Friends who are pretty good at politics and who've generally been fair in their estimations of Trump. But, hey, even these folk breathe the air Inside-the-Beltway, so they're susceptible to the oppressive groupthink and industry town-driven agendas that are DC.

Outside the Beltway is another matter. The old Trump tape is off-putting, but it making Trump a "goner" isn't what's on people's minds. Yeah, this is anecdotal. The polling has yet to capture public sentiment adequately. But the betting is Trump's potty mouth moment strikes him only temporarily. More tapes surfacing? You get shock value once -- unless what the anti-Trump cadre offers next can top the first significantly. Doubtful. But they can always lie (more on that anon).

Voters are given short shrift. To many DC pros, they're statistics and focus groups, but not real people with real lives weighing real candidates and real situations considering how elections impact their lives and families.

Here I speak of undecided voters -- independents who are watching and weighing Trump and Hillary. In context, and with perspective, what did Trump say in that tape that undecided voters would believe is outside Trump's character? Hmm? A celebrity since the 80s, a reality TV star, a man with a taste for the flamboyant, a guy who's mutli-married and made the gossip columns about who's on his arm at this or that event.

If Mike Pence had let fly the locker-room language about a woman, then the Trump ticket would have a big problem. Pence, an evangelical Christian, who walks the straight and narrow and professes his faith. That's not who Trump is; that's not the public perception of Trump. The Trump tape is a "scandal" without legs, much to the dismay of scheming DC Republicans and perpetually power-lusting Democrats.

God acts in mysterious ways, goes the saying. Trump's enemies surfaced a tape for two key reasons. First, to distract from the WikiLeaks dump that outed Hillary as a Wall Street ally, a cynic and phony on her public bashing of New York's rich and powerful moneychangers. Second, to level the playing field. Trump's enemies see the internal numbers: Hillary and Bill are moral and legal disasters. Undecideds know it, are troubled by it, and are reluctant to screen-touch for Hillary.

What the Trump tape provides is an unexpectedly useful contrast for voters sitting on the fence. Wonder they: "Whose offenses are greater, Trump's mouth about women or Hillary's and Bill's decades-long actions concerning women?" With about four weeks of election campaigning remaining, the sink-in will not flatter or favor Hillary, who is chronically distrusted, even among rank and file Democrats.

With Bill, there's a credible allegation of rape (Juanita Broaddrick), sexual assault (Kathleen Willey), sexual exploits with a White House employee (Monica Lewinsky), and the president's ensuing perjury about said affair and impeachment. Then there's decades of affairs by Bubba.

The piece de resistance is the long-surfaced role Hillary played managing the stifling of these "bimbo eruptions." Hillary, the champion of women and girls everywhere, touting the compassion and justice of The Village. Imagine that, bimbo eruption manager Hillary regarding rape and sexual assault no differently (though with more urgency and applied pressure) than Bill's too numerous to detail trailer park hookups.

The choice for voters is stark. The sink-in has already begun. Hillary is on the wrong side of the equation. But caution's in order. If the old Trump tape (and any others) fail to waylay him, expect a desperate Hillary and equally desperate Democrats to outright lie about Trump's dealings with women.

From the launch of Trump's presidential bid, the conventional wisdom had Trump marked as a sideshow attraction -- a little color and flare among the typically button-downed lineup of GOP presidential wannabes. Good for a few chuckles, that Trump, but let's get serious.

How wrong the experts have been about Trump, whose issues resonated powerfully, whose blunt messaging was like fresh air, and whose bare-knuckled fighting cleared a crowded GOP field. Trump made the GOP's practiced pols and high-priced experts look bad -- verybad -- and that doesn't sit well with men and women who've staked their existences on being right about politics. Careers, power, and paychecks are on the line, and those folk want no disruptions, no threats to their ways of life.

The Democrats want to retain the White House so badly they've willingly invested in two old, wheezing warhorses -- Bill and Hill -- who've alternately been advantages and deadweight to the Democrats. On average, though, Democrats see the Clintons as pluses. Hubris is at work among the Democrats this time.

Think Democrats: "Slick Willy and Hillary have slipped out of so many legal and ethical controversies that -- forget Teflon coating -- they're titanium-plated, nearly impervious to consequences for their unending moral lapses and criminality. The MSM has them covered, anyway. We're sharp operators, too. We're riding them one more go, because we can't afford to have Obama's advances lost. We're just inches away from taking the courts and controlling the nation for a generation or more."

Trump is no accident, as establishment Republicans hope. He didn't make the movement that's roiling the GOP and sending shockwaves through the nation's establishments now; he gave it a face and a voice. He's a great disrupter at a time when the nation's conventional politics are collapsing. Say voters, lopsidedly: the nation is on the wrong track. Politicians and Washington government can't be trusted. The future looks darker for us, our kids, and grandkids.

Shortly after the old tape emerged, Trump manned up, apologizing. Note the contrast with Bill Clinton, who made his apology about lying about the Monica Lewinsky affair. Hillary has never apologized for her role in strong-arming or trashing many, many of Bill's women who were potential liabilities.

Trump got off the canvass after the first debate and tape release to smartly best Hillary in Sunday night's debate. The prediction here is that debate will not only stop any bleeding that Trump had from the tape, but as undecided voters reflect in the coming days, convict Hillary with a powerful clarity in their minds. That will take time to reflect in the polling.

Expect the next four weeks of this most historical presidential contest to be hell on earth, politically. Is Trump elected president on the first Tuesday in November? I'll venture, "Yes," though expect it to be a close-run affair. Critical turns in history often hinge on a series of factors that only matter when taken in sum later.

But Donald Trump continues to upset the conventional wisdom. He's far outperformed the establishment's cliched expectations. He may well do that again on November 8.
BHADRAPUR, Oct 12: As many as 60 passengers were injured in a vehicular collision on Wednesday morning at Kanta area of Birtamod in Jhapa.

The two buses with registration plate numbers, Na A Kha 1898 and Na A Kha 6561, coming from opposite directions collided head-on, according to the District Police Office (DPO), Jhapa.

The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained while the injured are receiving treatment at a local B & B Hospital. The police are collecting a comprehensive account of the state of the injured passengers.

Meanwhile, a five  year  old boy was seriously injured when a bike rammed him at Dhunche in Rasuwa. Rubin Tamang was injured after getting hit by a motorbike (Ba 68 Pa 8473) heading toward Trishuli river from Dhunche, District Police Office, Rasuwa.

The boy is currently being treated at Grande Hospital at Dhapasi of the capital city. The boy was rushed to the hospital on Manang Air helicopter. The bike rider, Ajay Thapa, is currently under police custody for necessary investigation. RSS
A white horse, believed to be Taleju Bhawanias vehicle, being paraded around the city to mark the Khadga Jatra, celebrated at Bhaktapur, on Saturday, October 1, 2016. Photo: RSS

BHAKTAPUR: The Seto Ghoda Jatra was marked in Bhaktapur on Tuesday night on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami.

The festival commenced with the four main priests of the Taleju Bhawani temple among others performing puja as per the tantric tradition at the Taleju Bhawani temple.

A white sheep was offered to the white horse, considered as the Goddess Taleju Bhawanis vehicle.

The decked-out white horse was then towed around the ancient city.

Before the festival concluded, the horse was also gotten to break into gallop for thrice to display dance to the Pashupatinath in the Bhaktapur Durbar Square.

Likewise, the Taleju Bhawanis Khadga Jatra was also observed in the ancient city last night.

The time-honoured festival marked the veneration of Godess Talejus Khadga, considered her embodiment.

The annual event featured the procession of ancient Khadga decked with a red cloth and armour.

The festival began with the worship of weapons, including the Khadga which was later handed over by the priest of Taleju Agam Temple to the Rajopadhyaya.

The Rajopadhyaya carried the Khadga on his shoulder and took around the city for the members of public to worship.

Since the celebration of the festival based on the lunar calendar, it is observed both in the upper and lower regions of Bhaktapur. RSS
AMBASSADOR UYEHARA WRITES

Elections Matters: Go Vote

This autumn marks major events for both Montenegro and the United States. Montenegrins and Americans alike will participate in every democracys most important rite of passage: casting a vote to elect their leaders.

Elections are always important because they represent the voice of every citizen in a democracy, writes U.S. Ambassador to Montenegro Margaret Ann Uyehara.

That is certainly true this year when citizens in both of our countries will have the opportunity to make clear statements about who they want to lead them and what they want for their country in the future.

Voting should never be taken lightly. Voting is not just a right, it is a responsibility. Former U.S. Congressman Walter Judd noted that decisions in democracies are not made by a majority of the people, but rather by a majority of those who make themselves heard and who vote - a very different thing. Sadly, in the United States voter turnout in 2012 was only 57.5%, down from 62.3% in 2008. This is much lower than in Montenegro where 70.6% of voters cast a ballot in the last parliamentary elections. I hope Montenegrins continue to take their duties as citizens seriously and that more of my fellow American citizens will participate in this years election.

It is also vitally important that all voices in a society be heard. Regardless of race, age, creed, or ethnic background, every citizen has an equal vote. President Obama received many accolades for his success in mobilizing young voters and minorities, groups that previously had not voted in large numbers. In the lead-up to this years U.S. elections, both political parties have increased their efforts to attract minority and younger voters. The U.S. is stronger because of our diversity and we strive to include all voices in our government. Both Montenegro and the U.S. are multi-ethnic democracies and our governments should represent everyone. It is up to you to cast your vote to ensure this happens.

Another key issue in this years U.S. presidential campaign has been the role of the media. Some critics in the U.S. have claimed that media outlets arent treating all the candidates equally or that they arent checking the accuracy of the candidates statements sufficiently. A free press is fundamental to any democracy, but it also needs to be responsible. Journalists have great power to influence society, and with that power comes the need to observe a professional codes of ethics and remain objective.

The current campaign in the U.S. has been vigorously contested with the full range of political views being openly and vigorously debated. This kind of passionate political debate is another cornerstone of a strong democracy. However, political campaigns should not become pre-dominantly negative, when debates turn personal and politicians demonize their opponent and their supporters. At the end of the day, once all the votes are counted, we all have to come together to work hard to make our countries a better and safer place.

Regardless of the outcomes of these elections, I know that Montenegro and the United States will remain close allies and strong partners because of our shared democratic values. So please dont forget  Go vote!
Hezbollah leader: Sanaa massacre breaks scandal of Saudi regime





BEIRUT, Oct. 12 (Saba)  Secretary General of Lebanese Hezbollah party, Syed Hassan Nasrallah, said Saturday's massacre of Sanaa civilians constitutes a major scandal of Saudi regime.

"Bloodshed of Yemenis will drag Saudis backward in history and that the terrorism's ideology has been fed by the money of Saudis ..and Saturday's massacre of Sanaa civilians broke the Saudi regime scandal," Nasrallah said in a speech on the occasion of Ashora religious festival late on Tuesday.



"Where are the hundreds of billions of dollars? Where do you go to .. while you are unable to defend your positions on the border in front of barefoot Yemenis?," Nasrallah wondered.

"The only solution today is that the Saudi rulers should go back to their mind..if they have a friend to provide an advice that must be on stopping killing Yemenis or otherwise that blood will drag them into a black tunnel of the history," he said.



Nasrallah said that Saturday massacre against Sanaa civilians was a major scandal and that nobody can approve there was a military site near the funeral hall.

"Although, Saudi regime blocked wounded Yemenis from travel to receive treatment nor allowing medical aid to reach Sanaa," Nasrallah said.

"Saudis have committed a historical mistake when they involved in Yemen's war, when they thought they can decisively win in weeks," Nasrallah added.





MAM

SABA

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[12/October/2016]
Pacific Coast Energy Co. will try one more time to get Santa Barbara County to approve its p
During the 80s and 90s, looking good people like "Days of our lives", body building figure like "Baywatch", cheesy plot or just for fun like "the Bold and the Beautiful" was the every day soap opera on TV, but very few of them were taking serious. However "Sunset Beach" was a unique TV drama that not only was cheesy or fun with beautiful people, but it was also interesting, intriguing, exiting, and a story of several serious matters. With over 700 episodes and broadcast in television worldwide, Sunset Beach gives the audience a thrilling story about love, friendship, betray, greed, envy, and family.

Story:

Gregory Richards (Sam Berhens) is Sunset Beach most successful lawyer and with wealth he control the small town with an iron fist, the only thing he cannot control is his young teenage daughter Kaitlyn (Vanessa Dorman) who against her fathers will has met and fallen in love with a mysterious jewelry thief Cole (Eddie Cibrian) who could be the son of the legendary jewelry thief AJ Deschanel.

The towns detective Ricardo Torres (Hank Chayenne) finally proposes to his girlfriend Paula (Laura Harring), but their relationship turns to many strange unfortunate events, first Paula get kidnapped by a crazy hijacker but later rescued by Ricardo and police officer Eddie Connors (Peter Barton). But later after she finally recover, her unknown younger sister appears Gabi Martinez (Pricilla Garita) who before did try to seduce Ricardo at the night Paula got abducted, another bad news is the police officer Eddie is not only corrupt but also inlove with Paula, when find out about Gabi and Ricardo he put his scam into his plan.

Meanwhile Meg Cummings (Susan Ward) discover her soon to be husband Tim Truman (Dax Griffin) is having an affair, therefore she calls of the wedding, leaving Kansas City and heading to Sunset Beach to meet her mystery email friend who calls himself SB. On the beach she meet a mysterious British gentleman who owns a night club known as the Jawa Web. His name is Ben Evans (Clive Robertson) who has a dark mystery of a strange disappearance of his former wife Maria (Christina Chambers) who happens also to Ricardo sister, Ricardo has swore to get into Evans until he find the truth of what happened to his sister.

Overall:

When the series made a premiere in 1997 it started as a regular soap but for next episode after next episode it started to grow and become more serious and is proberly the best goodbye the 90s NBC has ever made. The cast is great for a soap opera cast, all play convincing well and make you feel you are related to the characters, Kathreen Noone who played the big mouth Betty is the best comic relief in history of tv series and help to bring a smile on your face on this otherwise dark story and sad story. Sunset Beach also has a lot of beauty, beautiful beaches, romantic music, and some romantic scenes, it's a TV series that brings beautiful memories of the 90s before it ended.

I'm pleased to give my first 10/10 Reward to Sunset Beach!
Death is a grisly business. It comes to all of us. Even if you happen to be the King of France who's been reining the kingdom for 72 years. From all the documented evidence indicates Louis XIV died of gangrene on his leg caused by diabetes. The year was 1715, without modern medicine, he died a painful, horrible death surrounded by physicians who were perplexed by his conditions.

Catalan filmmaker Albert Serra has been tackling literary/historical figures in his films -- Don Quixote in Honor of the Knights, The story of Magi in Birdsong, Casanova and Dracula in The Story of My Death; approaching them in minimalist, aggressively formalist fashion. Armed with extensive court medical documents and writings of Duke Saint-Simon and the French New Wave icon Jean-Pierre Leaud as the king, Serra sets out to make a straightforward account of the last days of Louis XIV.

Except for the first few minutes of the film where we see the king on the carriage outside, coming back from a hunting trip, the entire film takes place in the stuffy ornate interior bedroom of the Versailles. Gangrene has set in on the king's left leg and physicians are rubbing it with herbs, hoping it will go away. The old king mumbles and shouts in pain while eating grapes and sweets administered by the same physicians who argue endlessly among themselves what to do about the situation. People try to entertain and laugh at everything his Highness says, priests are called in to give the last lights but then sent back because he feels better, and so on. Even the learned physicians of the Sorbonne have no idea about the king's illness. His leg starts to stink and turns completely black. Everyone's waiting on the inevitable.

There are some funny bits with a snake oil salesman played by great Catalan poet and art critic Vicenc Altaio (whose turn as Casanova in The Story of My Death was hilarious) with his 'cure all' tonic made out of bull's sperm and other animal parts. After the initial success of the king's improving health after taking the tonic, the condition worsens and they order the phony physician's arrest.

Leaud, 72, has been keeping his restless, adventurous New Wave spirit alive by working with many daring contemporary filmmakers (Tsai Ming-liang, Bertrand Bonello, Olivier Assayas just to name a few) over the years. Here, he accepts the physically confounding role and fully collaborating with Serra, whose filmmaking charts new territories in cinema.

Perhaps the most poignant moment of the film is forever bedridden Louis XIV receiving his 5-year old great-grandson (the future Louis XV) and giving him advice. Having seen countless war and suffering of people in his time, he recommends the young kid to relieve his peoples suffering and avoid war as far as possible.

Even though Louis XIVs health deteriorated quite rapidly in a month, the film feels like an eternity. But Serra never waivers in his aesthetics and keeps a straight face until the end.

The irony of the king's death is heightened by its straightforward presentation and procedural approach. The Death of Louis XIV is a very singular formalist filmmaking in its highest order.

The Death of Louis XIV is acquired by Cinema Guild for Spring 2017 release. please check their website for more details.

Dustin Chang is a freelance writer. His musings and opinions on everything cinema and beyond can be found at www.dustinchang.com
Seguin, TX (78155)

Today

A mix of clouds and sun early followed by cloudy skies this afternoon. High 81F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers. Low 59F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 60%.
Chicago-based Geofeedia, a "location-based intelligence platform" that analyzes social media posts to deliver them as surveillance information to 500 law enforcement agencies, is often used to target protesters such as Black Lives Matter activists according to the ACLU. Geofeedia has even marketed its services as such, with a company rep writing to San Jose Police in 2014 that the product can be used "for the Ferguson Situation." Today the ACLU of California publicly revealed that Geofeedia has been reliant on data access from formal relationships with Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. To the credit of these companies, the ACLU privately reported its findings to them, and all three have curtailed data access relationships with Geofeedia.

Public record requests by the ACLU to 63 law enforcement agencies in the state turned up responses that lead to knowledge of the agreements between Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Geofeedia. Those agreements, according to the ACLU, were these:

Instagram had provided Geofeedia access to the Instagram API, a stream of public Instagram user posts. This data feed included any location data associated with the posts by users. Instagram terminated this access on September 19, 2016.

Facebook had provided Geofeedia with access to a data feed called the Topic Feed API, which is supposed to be a tool for media companies and brand purposes, and which allowed Geofeedia to obtain a ranked feed of public posts from Facebook that mention a specific topic, including hashtags, events, or specific places. Facebook terminated this access on September 19, 2016.

Twitter did not provide access to its Firehose, but has an agreement, via a subsidiary, to provide Geofeedia with searchable access to its database of public tweets. In February, Twitter added additional contract terms to try to further safeguard against surveillance. But our records show that as recently as July 11th, Geofeedia was still touting its product as a tool to monitor protests. After learning of this, Twitter sent Geofeedia a cease and desist letter.

According to a tweet from Twitter's Policy account, the company has gone one step further today after news of the ACLU's findings broke publicly.

Based on information in the @ACLUs report, we are immediately suspending @Geofeedias commercial access to Twitter data.  Policy (@policy) October 11, 2016

"Social media monitoring is spreading fast and is a powerful example of surveillance technology that can disproportionately impact communities of color," Matt Cagle, the ACLU's Technology & Civil Liberties Policy Attorney writes. The Oakland Police Department, for one, has been using the tool Geofeedia since 2014, the East Bay Express uncovered this April.

Cagle also draws a stark contrast between the stated goals of social media companies, especially their leaders, and their relationships with Geofeedia. "Social media companies and their executives have expressed support for activists, movements, and free speech," Cagle writes. "Mark Zuckerberg endorsed Black Lives Matter and expressed sympathy after Philando Castiles killing, which was broadcast on Facebook Live. Twitters CEO Jack Dorsey went to Ferguson. Above all, the companies articulate their role as a home for free speech about important social or political issues. Yet there is a severe disconnect between these positions and the data access they have provided."

Related: Facebook Marketplace Already A Silk Road-Style S**tshow, Shortly After Launch
This week there are events galore thanks to literary nerd festival throwers Litquake, and this weekend is dominated by Treasure Island. But in between/instead, there's plenty else, so have a look.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 11

BALLOT MEASURES AND BEER WITH SPUR: Nonprofit urbanist group SPUR wants to tell you how to vote, or rather, educate you on the long list of ballot measures you'll face when you do so next month. They'll do that over beers, as with another event hosted by KQED. However, that one appears to be sold out, and this one does not, although SPUR does write that "Due to demand, we've closed pre-registration for this year's event." So, if they try to turn you away at the door, say you plan to vote against the BART bond measure. That ought to get you in. 654 Mission Street, 6 p.m., free

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 12

DRUNK AUTHORS READ BOOKS: Litquake tradition demands it! Among SFist's selections for the best literary events of this year's Litquake is this "quintessential" shindig where drunk authors (like the brilliant feminist comedian Zahra Noorbakhsh, host of the podcast #GoodMuslimBadMuslim) read their work. The location will be well-known to drunk writers everywhere: Vesuvio Cafe. Get there early! 255 Columbus Avenue, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., free

BRIAN WILSON CELEBRATES "PET SOUNDS": For the 50th anniversary of the landmark Beach Boys album Pet Sounds, Brian Wilson, founding member Al Jardine, and former guitarist Blondie Chapman reunite to perform the group's classics as well as new material from Wilson. Pet Sounds ranked #2 in Rolling Stones list of 500 Greatest Albums of All Time, if that changes anything for you. The venue is the Masonic, and there's another performance on Thursday night. 111 California Street, 8 p.m., $60 and up

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 13

2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY WITH LIVE ORCHESTRA: Who can forget the score of Stanley Kubrick's masterful 2001: A Space Odyssey? Watch the film and enjoy a live performance from the San Francisco Symphony as they play through the film. Keir Dullea, who played astronaut David Bowman, will be there for a discussion on this night only at Davies Symphony Hall. 201 Van Ness Avenue, 8:00pm, $99 and up

DAN DEACON AT CAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES NIGHTLIFE:A chance to carouse and learn at the same time, the California Academy of Sciences' hit event series Nightlife combines a museum, booze, music, and people who just met on dating apps. It gets even better with live performances, such as this week's set from Dan Deacon, whom you may remember from dancing a lot to his music maybe. 55 Music Concourse Drive, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., $15

TOM STOPPARD AT THE EXPLORATORIUM: Tony award-winning playwright Tom Stoppard (Shakespeare in Love, Arcadia, Brazil) speaks with his pal Carey Perloff, the artistic director of ACT, about their upcoming production of his play The Hard Problem. The occasion is part of the Exploratorium's "After Dark" series, but seating is limited and requires a special dual ticket. Pier 15 Embarcadero at Green Street, 8 p.m., $15



FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14

SHORT FILM FESTIVAL: SF Shorts, the local festival celebrating the power of short films, runs from the 13th to the 15th. There are passes available to see all the films, which hail from 17 countries and play in six feature programs at the Roxie. But you can also just buy tickets to see six shorts at a time, such as on Friday, where you can catch either shorts from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. or shorts from 9 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. 3117 16th Street, both showings $15

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15

VINTAGE FAIRE: More than 50 booths of vintage fashions await at the Alemeda Point Vintage Fashion Faire. Located in a large former airplane hangar, the event lets you search for clothing, jewelry, accessories, and more from every decade (okay, the last few). Halloween is just around the corner and now's the time for costume shopping. The hunt begins on Friday at 6 p.m until 10 p.m. and continues into Saturday. 2701 Monarch Street, Alameda, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., $10 entry

LITCRAWL: Litquake wraps up this weekend, but finish strong with this action-packed three-and-a-half hours of over 99 events and 400 performers. The schedule for the 12th annual Litcrawl is stacked with everything from Shakespeare in a parklet (should be self-expanatory) to #clitquake (stories about clits, should be self explanatory). The official afterparty is at the Chapel, literary fam! Mission District, 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., donation based

MIDNIGHT SPIRITED AWAY SCREENING: Hayao Miyazaki's masterpiece presented with english subtitles. The historic Clay Theatre, known for its midnight showings, may soon be renovated, which would mean a closure for some time, so get there while you can. The Friday night screening is already sold out, FYI. 2261 Fillmore Street, 11:55 p.m., $10

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 16

PUMPKIN FESTIVAL: Half Moon Bay has declared itself the World Pumpkin Capital, and why the hell not. To those living in California who may have grown up in places where fall is a little more conspicuous, you can always find it at this fair, in its 46th year, with pie-eating contests, haunted houses, etc., and pumpkin specimens as large as almost 2,000 pounds (as weighed out at a contest last weekend). The festival also goes down at the same hours on Saturday. 501 Main Street, Half Moon Bay, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., free entry

LITTLE BAOBOB GRAND REOPENING: Little Baobob, beside the popular restaurant and dance spot Bissap Baobob, was closed by a kitchen fire in 2013 until it reopened this spring for Senegalese crepes, waffles, and late night food. Now they're celebrating the grand re-opening of the space on Sunday with guest band Los Peregrinos Cosmicos (a rumba flamenca group), dance classes, and DJs. It won't be the last of these parties: This is the first in a series the business is calling "Sundays at The Village." 3372 19th Street, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., free
Nothing gold can stay it seems, even in the Golden State. We learn today via the Sacramento Bee that California's First Dog, a 13-year-old Pembroke Welsh corgi named Sutter, has fallen critically ill with cancer and will likely die. The golden-hued Sutter has been part of Governor Jerry Brown and wife Anne Gust Brown's family since 2010, and in that time has become a favorite of many in the state capital.

Sutter's health began to quickly deteriorate this past Friday, and ABC 7 reports the pooch underwent emergency surgery shortly thereafter. Tragically, veterinarians were unable to remove all the cancer.

"As you can imagine, this is a very hard time for the governor and the first lady," Governor Brown's spokesperson Deborah Hoffman explained to the channel. "Sutter is a very important part of their family. He's a very important part of the governor's office family, really, and the entire capitol family. So we're all pulling for him. He's a fighter. We're hoping he'll pull through this."

Humans aren't the only ones pulling for Sutter's recovery. California's Deputy First Dog, Colusa "Lucy" Brown, is surely hoping he gets better soon.

First dog @SutterBrown is a fighter & we're all pulling for him. https://t.co/eWUOI69baV pic.twitter.com/WUkPiHYh2R  Gov. Brown Press Ofc (@GovPressOffice) October 11, 2016

The two are practically inseparable, and share a Facebook page, so should Sutter not persevere the loss will be immense.

After staying up for end of session, @ColusaBrown and I are still exhausted! pic.twitter.com/2GzvPn6dbD  Sutter Brown (@SutterBrown) September 1, 2016

Another Brown spokesperson, Evan Westrup, told CBS 5 that while the results of the biopsy are still out, the prognosis is likely to be very poor.

While we all wish Sutter the swiftest of recoveries, we also know the First Dog has lived a full life  as evidence by the numerous photos below.

Get well soon, Sutter. We're all rooting for you.

We're ready for the styling gel! pic.twitter.com/OzRlAeK5sP  Sutter Brown (@SutterBrown) May 24, 2016

Someone sent us a tummyrubgram! pic.twitter.com/EsrUEqtclT  Sutter Brown (@SutterBrown) May 17, 2016

.@SutterBrown starts taxes, reminds low income families to apply for new #CalEITC tax credit https://t.co/dr0n9dnWSh pic.twitter.com/ETyNsgJ0rp  Gov. Brown Press Ofc (@GovPressOffice) April 13, 2016

Related: Sick Of Wasting Your Dog's Poo, SF Launches Program To Compost It
A nearly year-long pipe dream of San Francisco activists, agitators and discontents becomes a reality today. A petition to recall Mayor Ed Lee was approved by the Department of Elections this weekend, and signature-gathering begins today from noon to 5 p.m. outside the San Francisco Public Library Main Branch.

The effort to recall Mayor Lee began immediately following the legally required six-month waiting period from his rowdy and contentious inauguration to a second term. Recall organizers, officially dubbed the Commission To Recall Mayor Ed Lee, kicked off their effort in July, had their initial rally disrupted by well-organized counterprotesters and a curious malcontent hurling racial slurs, and faced a series of bureaucratic hurdles getting the Department of Elections to approve their petition. But the petition is now approved with copies printed, and the recall movement has 160 days (or until March 18, 2017) to gather the 47,000 signatures required to merit a special election in mid-2017. Because many petition signatures are routinely rejected, recall advocates are shooting for 60,000 signatures.

THANK YOU #IkePinkston of the #Frisco5 for being the very first person to SIGN the Official Petition to #RecallEdLee. 59,999 to go! #EDXIT pic.twitter.com/C9RmTwLrsK  RecallEdLee2016 (@RecallEdLee2016) October 11, 2016

Make that 59,999 signatures. The honorary first signature was signed by Ike Pinkston, one of the Frisco Five activists who participated in this springs hunger strike outside the Mission Police Station.

Just getting approval for the wording of the petition has been a bureaucratic tussle between recall advocates and the Department of Elections that has lasted since mid-summer. It took four separate cycles of ten days each for the Department of Elections to tell us what to do next, said David Carlos Salaverry, co-author of the petition and Treasurer of the Committee to Recall Ed Lee. We feel there was really no need to insist on the maximum statutory delay. Especially for the kinds of things we were correcting, which were dotting of Is and crossing of Ts.

There was one substantial issue, which was some of the wording, Salaverry told SFist. We wanted to follow the state code, which says that the people doing the recall have to demand an election, and the Department of Elections told us because the city charter basically says that if theres a recall of a mayor, the Board of Supervisors president will automatically become the next mayor.

That would be Supervisor London Breed, for those keeping score at home.

They told us we had to have that particular phrase, so we ran in circles on that, Salverry told me. Were still not sure that this isnt going to be an issue for us later on down the road. Were afraid that theyre basically trying to put us in a situation where a judge would say we did it wrong.

If youre just dying to sign the petition to recalled Ed Lee as soon as possible, recallers will have a table out at the SF Public Library Main Branch today through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. daily. You can also donate or sign up to volunteer at RecallMayorLee.com, or check the recallers Twitter and Facebook pages to keep track of where petitioners will be located.

We will certainly be expanding our coverage of San Francisco's 7x7-mile expanse within the next week, as we continue to welcome more community support, recall co-organizer Jon Foreman told SFist. Volunteer district managers will be recruiting friends and family to blanket their district in opportunities to sign the recall petition over the next 160 days.

Mayor Lees office did not return comment for this article, and has been consistently giving the "no comment" to all matters related to the recall. But as per law, the the mayor does get an opportunity to make a statement on the recall ballot itself.

When I first took office, our City suffered from ten percent unemployment, spiraling pension costs and enormous deficits, the mayors statement says. Today, just five years later, our City has emerged stronger than ever, with record-low unemployment and record-high tax revenues. We have revived our economy, balanced our budgets, and we are re-investing in every neighborhood.

I know our economy has brought strong challenges, and together, we are tackling them, the mayors statement says.

We should note that recalls like this almost never work. Old-timers may recall how the attempted recall of Dianne Feinstein in 1983 backfired, with former mayor Art Agnos calling it a political boon for her. The Grey Davis recall of 2003 was a successful effort to oust the California governor, but it was bankrolled by the wealthiest man in Congress Darrell Issa (R, CA-49). This recall has no such sugar daddy.

And even if organizers get their 60,000 signatures, the recall election would be a notoriously low-turnout special election in which the mayors vaunted turnout machine would enjoy a humongous advantage. Furthermore, San Francisco Magazine reported in August that Mayor Lee has been using the recall for a significant fundraising push, soliciting donors for a five-digit ask that is not bound by any contribution or disclosure limits.

But the mayor remains well below 50% in approval ratings and is now incapable of appearing at public events without being booed and heckled. If these signs are any indicators, then Mayor Lee might not be twirling his mustache at 200 City Hall past the middle of next summer.

Related: Proposed SF 'Tech Tax' Angers Mayor, Tech Industry

Video Shows Recall Ed Lee Supporter Chanting 'Go Back To China,' Others Disavow Remark




The newly hired chief of the SFPD may be announced as early as tomorrow (Thursday), and the announcement looks to be coming just in time for the release of a 400-page report on the department by an office of the Department of Justice devoted to community-oriented policing. As the Examiner reports, after speaking with someone within the SFPD who has seen the report  which is set for public release Wednesday  federal authorities point to insufficient oversight within the department, a lack of transparency, and a disproportionate use of force against people of color as major problems facing the department. Also, as is obvious to everyone who has followed stories about the department's internal dramas over the last couple of years, the report finds that the police union, the Police Officers' Association (POA), has far too much influence over the department on a whole.

The report comes from the DOJ's office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS), and it came at the request of former Chief Greg Suhr and in a letter from Mayor Ed Lee back in January, in the wake of the public uproar over the fatal shooting of Mario Woods in December. The DOJ announced the review in early February, explaining that it would not look specifically into the Woods case, and would include anonymous interviews with officers, as well as interviews with community activists and city officials, data analysis, ride-alongs with officers, and public hearings. The entire process is expected to take up to two years, and today's document is likely the first of several in that process  and while the recommendations by COPS are not enforceable in a court of law, "They are absolutely enforceable in the court of public opinion, which can be just as powerful as a court of law," as COPS director Ronald Davis said at the time.

Recommendations in the initial report are also said to include the removal of retired police officers from the vetting process for new officers  which is seen as perpetuating the attitudes and practices of the "old guard"  as well as the use of Tasers, and the cessation of carotid holds (choke holds) in the use of force altogether, which is something that the POA has actively opposed.

As for who the next SFPD Chief of Police will be, not much has been revealed about the candidate pool, though we learned last month that there were 11 applicants from within the department, as well as 21 from out of state, and a total of five female applicants. As of two weeks ago, the initial pool of 60 applicants was down to 11 semifinalists, which were divided evenly between insider and outsider candidates, and the mayor has the final pick among three finalists, whose names are not likely to be released to the public.

We know that Acting Chief Toney Chaplin has actively been after the job since the search began, and that he is rumored to be at or near the front of the line, as the Examiner suggested back in August, when several top candidates reported dropping out of the running because of a sense that the search was rigged in Chaplin's favor.

Former chief Greg Suhr resigned/was fired from his position in May following five months of loud public cries for his firing  and shortly after the third civilian of color was fatally shot by officers in situations where the use of deadly force appeared, on video and in witness statements, to have been totally unnecessary.

The search for a new chief began almost immediately, and it coincides with open chief positions and parallel candidate searches happening in both Oakland and Berkeley.

Update: The complete 432-page report, with its 272 recommendations for the SFPD, is now out, and KQED has some further details. The report's introduction praised the department for the "courage and leadership to open [itself] to scrutiny, and said the SFPD is "wanting to provide fair and unbiased policing while protecting the community. But they also found that department members were highly resistant to the audit overall, and "were more focused on explaining why such an audit was not a good idea."

Previously: Police Commission Releases Some Info On SFPD Chief Applicants

As 60 Applicants Vie To Be Next SFPD Chief, Acting Chief Reveals Details Of His Educational Background
In the mid-19th century, when Jules Vernes literary career began, the Industrial Revolution had taken root and changed the world with steam power, machine tools and metallurgy. Suddenly the imagination demanded a reconfiguration. Extraordinary voyages to the center of the earth, under the sea and around the world no longer sounded impossible.

Steampunk hearkens back to this Victorian technological optimism. The term encompasses a literary subgenre and visual aesthetic that, according to Jeanette Gabrys, arts education and exhibits manager at the Cedarburg Cultural Center, bridges generations and interests. Young people enjoy the play element, she says, and it also appeals to history buffs and art people. Steampunk: Curiosities and Peculiarities, will be on display at the CCC Oct. 13-Nov. 27 and gathers art in all media from across southeastern Wisconsin.

Sense of Place: An Exploration of Spaces with Deb Mortl and Friends, runs concurrently with the steampunk exhibition. Mortl was the best-in-show winner of the CCCs annual juried exhibition in 2015. Mortl has curated a small group show that finds a group of artists getting a feel for atmospheres and exploring the places and spaces we occupy. There is an opening reception for both shows on Friday, Oct. 14, 5-8 p.m.

Pirate Party: Steampunk Style

Racine Masonic Center

1012 Main St.

All hands on deck for the Racine Art Museums annual fundraiser: Saturday, Oct. 15, 5:30-10 p.m. This years theme encourages attendees to don pirate garb with a neo-Victorian twist. Food and drink will abound and guests ($85 per person or $600 for a table of eight) will receive a $10 voucher valid for bidding on the array of auction items. Souvenir photos will be taken, so dont scrimp on the costumes. An after-party from 9:30-11 p.m. sends attendees on a treasure hunt throughout the Masonic Center.

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Kohls Art Generation Family Sundays: Dia de los Muertos

Milwaukee Art Museum

700 N. Art Museum Drive

Death is difficult to discuss with the kids. And unlike sex, we have no nifty birds and the bees metaphor. Telling Junior that Grandma went to live on a farm upstate leaves something to be desired. Although Halloween has been defanged through commercialization, Dia de los Muertos has remained a celebration of the dearly departed and is therefore an opportunity for some real talk. On Sunday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Kohls Art Generation and the Milwaukee Art Museum will co-host a Dia de los Muertos featuring sugar skull face painting, mariachi music, Mexican folkloric dance and art-making activities.
Throughout its 40-year history, Project Censored has covered a lot of ground that the corporate mainstream media has missed. Begun by Carl Jensen, a sociology professor at Californias Sonoma State University shortly after Watergate in 1976, its become an institution involving dozens of faculty members and institutions working together to come up with an annual list of the Top 25 Censored Stories of the Year.

Watergate taught us two important lessons about the press: First, the news media sometimes do fail to cover some important issues, and second, the news media sometimes indulge in self-censorship, Jensen said.

On the upside, it led to the creation of Project Censored.

Project Censored has always dealt with specific stories, but on anniversaries like this one, the larger patterns those stories fit within are impossible ignore. Economic inequality, global warming, petro-politics, suppression of health science, government spying, corporate influence of government, these are all familiar themes that appear again on this years list.

Heres a roundup of the top 10 censored stories of the year.

U.S. Military Forces Deployed in 70% of Worlds Nations

The covert exercise of U.S. military power is a recurrent subject of Project Censored stories. This years top censored story joins that long tradition. It deals with the massive expansion in the number of countries where the officially unnamed war on terror is now being waged by U.S. Special Operations Forces147 of the worlds 195 recognized nations, an 80% increase since 2010. This includes a dramatic expansion in Africa.

The majority of the activity is in training missions, meaning that this expansion is promoting a coordinated worldwide intensification of conflict, unseen at home, but felt all around the globe. Writing for TomDispatch, The Nation and the Intercept, Nick Turse exposed different aspects of this story and its implications.

In the Nation, Turse tackled the question of mission success. Project Censored noted that, Turse [had] reported skepticism from a number of experts in response to this question, pointing out that impacts are not the same as successes.

In Vietnam, body counts were mistaken for signs of success.

Today, tallying up the number of countries in which Special Operations forces are present repeats this error, Vietnam veteran and author Andrew Bacevich told Turse.

Crisis in Evidence-Based Medicine

The role of science in improving human health has been one of humanitys greatest achievements, but the profit-oriented influence of the pharmaceutical industry has created a crisis situation. That research simply cannot be trusted.

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Something has gone fundamentally wrong said Richard Horton, editor of the Lancet, commenting on a UK symposium on the reproducibility and reliability of biomedical research:

[M]uch of the scientific literature, perhaps half, may simply be untrue. Afflicted by studies with small sample sizes, tiny effects, invalid exploratory analyses, and flagrant conflicts of interest, together with an obsession for pursuing fashionable trends of dubious importance, science has taken a turn towards darkness. . . The apparent endemicity of bad research behaviour is alarming.

A classic case was Study 329 in 2001, which reported that paroxetine (Paxil in the United States/Seroxat in the United Kingdom) was safe and effective for treating depressed children and adolescents, leading doctors to prescribe Paxil to more than 2 million U.S. children and adolescents by the end of 2002, before being called into question. The company responsible (now GlaxoSmithKline), agreed to pay $3 billion in 2012, the largest healthcare fraud settlement in U.S. history, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Nonetheless, the study has not been retracted or corrected, and none of the authors have been disciplined, Project Censored points out. This, despite a major reanalysis which starkly contradicted the original reports claims. The reanalysis was seen as the first major success of a new open data initiative known as Restoring Invisible and Abandoned Trials.

While Project Censored noted one Washington Post story on the reanalysis, there was only passing mention of the open data movement. Otherwise, the corporate press ignored the reassessment of the paroxetine study, and beyond that, Richard Hortons Lancet editorial received no coverage in the U.S. corporate press.

Rising Carbon Dioxide Levels Threaten to Permanently Disrupt Vital Ocean Bacteria

Global warming is a recurrent Project Censored subject. Systemic changes associated with global warming threaten human welfare and all life on earth through a multitude of different pathways. These remain largely hidden from public view. One potential pathwaydirectly dependent on carbon, not temperatureis through the catastrophic overproduction of Trichodesmium bacteria, which could devastate the entire marine food chain in some regions. It lives in nutrient-poor parts of the ocean, where it fixes atmospheric nitrogen into ammonium, an essential nutrient for other organismsfrom algae to whales.

A five-year study by researchers at the University of Southern California and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution found that subjecting hundreds of generations of the bacteria to predicted CO2 levels in the year 2100 caused them to evolve into reproductive overdrive, growing faster and producing 50% more nitrogen.

As a result, they could consume significant quantities of scarce nutrients, such as iron and phosphorus, depriving the ability of other organisms to survive. Or the Trichodesmium bacteria could drive themselves into extinction, depriving other organisms of the ammonium they need to survive.

Most significantly, the researchers found that even when the bacteria was returned to lower, present-day levels of carbon dioxide. Trichodesmium remained stuck in the fast lane, Project Censored noted, a finding that one researcher described as unprecedented in evolutionary biology.

Search Engine Algorithms and Electronic Voting Machines Could Swing 2016 Election

Social media have played an important role in recent social movements, from the Arab Spring to Black Lives Matter, but technology can potentially undermine democracy as well as empower it. In particular, search engine algorithms and electronic voting machines provide opportunities for manipulation of voters and votes, which could profoundly affect the 2016 election.

Mark Frary, in Index on Censorship, describes the latest research by Robert Epstein and Ronald E. Robertson of the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology on what they call the Search Engine Manipulation Effect, or SEME.

Their study of more than 4,500 undecided voters in the United States and India showed that biased search rankings could shift the voting preferences of undecided voters by 20% or more and could be masked so that people show no awareness of the manipulation.

In an earlier article for Politico, Epstein wrote that the Search Engine Manipulation Effect turns out to be one of the largest behavioral effects ever discovered . . . [W]e believe SEME is a serious threat to the democratic system of government.

Because courts have ruled that their source code is proprietary, private companies that own electronic voting machines are essentially immune to transparent public oversight, as Harvey Wasserman and Bob Fitrakis documented.

In 2016, about 80% of the U.S. electorate will vote using outdated electronic voting machines that rely on proprietary software from private corporations, according to a September 2015 study by the Brennan Center for Justice at the New York University School of Law.

The study identified increased failures and crashes, which can lead to long lines and lost votes as the biggest risk of outdated voting equipment, while noting that older machines also have serious security and reliability flaws that are unacceptable today.

On Democracy Now! and elsewhere, Wasserman and Fitrakis have advocated universal, hand-counted paper ballots and automatic voter registration as part of their Ohio Plan to restore electoral integrity.

Corporate Exploitation of Global Refugee Crisis Masked as Humanitarianism

The world is experiencing a global refugee crisis (60 million worldwide according to a June 2015 report, 11.5 million of them Syrian). This has been covered in the corporate mediathough not nearly enough to generate an appropriate response. What hasnt been covered is the increasingly well-organized exploitation of refugees, particularly those displaced in Syria.

An AlterNet article by Sarah Lazarecited by Project Censoredwarned of the World Banks private enterprise solution to the Syrian displacement crisis.

Under the guise of humanitarian aid, the World Bank is enticing Western companies to launch new investments in Jordan in order to profit from the labor of stranded Syrian refugees, Lazare wrote. In a country where migrant workers have faced forced servitude, torture and wage theft, there is reason to be concerned that this capital-intensive solution to the mounting crisis of displacement will establish sweatshops that specifically target war refugees for hyper-exploitation.

A World Bank press release touted the creation of special economic zones or SEZs, but, Project Censored noted, Myriam Francois, a journalist and research associate at SOAS, The School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London, told Lazare that the development of SEZs in Jordan will change refugee camps from emergency and temporary responses to a crisis, to much more permanent settlements.

The SEZ proposals, Francois said, are less about Syrian needs and more about keeping Syrian refugees out of Europe by creating (barely) sustainable conditions within the camps, which would then make claims to asylum much harder to recognize.

Another story, by Glen Ford of Black Agenda Report, described a related agreement between Turkey and the European Union to keep millions of refugees from entering Europe as a deal between devils, adding that Turkey has cashed in on the people it has helped make homeless.

In addition to the $3.3 billion in EU money, Project Censored noted: Turkey has also sought admission to the European Union, and, with this, the right for 75 million Turks to enter Europe without visa restrictions as a condition for controlling its refugee population.

Thus, according to Ford, Turkey has engaged in a vast protections racket trap, effectively agreeing to protect Europe from further incursions by the formerly colonized peoples whose labor and lands have fattened Europe and its white settler states for half a millennium.

Europeans will never accept Turkey into the fold, because it is Muslim and not-quite-white, Ford concluded.

More than 1.5 Million American Families Live on $2 Per Person Per Day

Even the working poor receive scant attention, but those living in deep povertyless than $2 per dayare almost entirely absent.

Kathryn J. Edin and H. Luke Shaefer, sociologists and authors of the book $2.00/a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America, state that in 2011 more than 1.5 million U.S. familiesincluding 3 million childrenlived in deep poverty at any given month.

Their depiction of what poverty looks like reads like a Dickens novel, Marcus Harrison Green wrote in YES! Magazine, Project Censored noted, while in The Atlantic, economist Jared Bernstein noted that their research highlights the problematic long-term consequences of President Bill Clintons 1996 welfare reform initiative, with its insistence on work without regard to job availability.

No End in Sight for Fukushima Disaster

Five years after the Fukushima nuclear power plant was destroyed by an earthquake and tsunami in March 2011, the nuclear disaster continues to unfold, with the ongoing release of large quantities of radioactive waste water into the Pacific Ocean, in turn affecting ocean life through biological magnification.

Meanwhile the Japanese government has relaxed radiation limits in support of its efforts to return the refugee populationa move that younger people, prime working-age taxpayers, are resisting.

Project Censored cites a media analysis by sociologist Celine-Marie Pascale of American University. Pascale covered more than 2,100 articles, editorials and letters to the editor on Fukushima in the Washington Post, the New York Times, Politico and the Huffington Post between March 11, 2011, and March 11, 2013, focused on two basic questions: Risk for whom? and from what?

She found that just 6% of articles reported on risk to the general public, and most of those significantly discounted those risks. She concluded: The largest and longest lasting nuclear disaster of our time was routinely and consistently reported as being of little consequence to people, food supplies, or environments. In short, the media coverage was premised on misinformation, the minimization of public health risks, and the exacerbation of uncertainties.

In contrast, Dahr Jamails reporting for Truthout pointed out that the cooling processstill ongoing after five yearshas produced hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of tons of highly radioactive water, much of which has been released into the Pacific Ocean. Such nuclear disasters never end, Arnold Gundersen, a former nuclear industry senior vice president, told Jamail.

Project Censored also cited Linda Pentz Gunter, writing for the Ecologist about the Japanese governments ongoing coverup.

In order to proclaim the Fukushima area safe, the government increased exposure limits to 20 times the international norm, Gunter wrote, in order to force refugees to return home, despite medical or scientific evidence to the contrary.

Syrias War Spurred by Contest for Gas Delivery to Europe, Not Muslim Sectarianism

The Syrian war and its resulting refugee crisis have repeatedly gained headlines over the past five years, but the origins of the conflict, control of oil and gas, are rarely consideredthe politics of which have dominated the region since before World War II.

Project Censored cites a single September 2015 story by Mnar Muhawesh for MintPress News, but that story cites others as well, notably an August 2013 story in the Guardian by Nafeez Ahmed.

The 2011 uprisings, it would seemtriggered by a confluence of domestic energy shortages and climate-induced droughts which led to massive food price hikescame at an opportune moment that was quickly exploited, Ahmed wrote, as part of a broader strategy to undermine governments in the region, as well as manipulating social movements and armed factions for the purpose of maintaining control of oil and gas.

Muhawesh and Ahmed both point, in particular, to Assads choice between competing pipeline proposals. He refused to sign a proposed agreement for a pipeline from Qatars North field through Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Syria and on to Turkey in 2009, because it would have hurt his ally, Russia.

The proposed pipeline would have bypassed Russia to reach European markets currently dominated by Russian gas giant Gazprom, Project Censored notes. Instead, Assad pursued negotiationsfinalized in 2012for a pipeline through Iraq from Irans South Pars field, which is contiguous with Qatars North field.

Muhawesh cites U.S. cables revealed by WikiLeaks as evidence that foreign meddling in Syria began several years before the Syrian revolt erupted. Ahmed came to the same conclusions by drawing on multiple sources, including a RAND corporation document, Unfolding the Future of the Long War, which discussed long-term policy options (trajectories) dealing with the complex interplay of energy interests and ethno-religious-political manipulations.

Big Pharma Political Lobbying Not Limited to Presidential Campaigns

The pharmaceutical industry (aka Big Pharma) already appeared in the story Crisis in Evidence-Based Medicine, due to the destructive influence of its financing on the practice of basic science in testing and developing new drugs. But thats not the only destructive impact of their spending.

Although they spent $51 million in campaign donations in the 2012 presidential election, and nearly $32 million in the 2014 midterms, Mike Ludwig of Truthout reported they spent $7 lobbying for every dollar spent on the midterms.

The $229 million spent by drug companies and their lobbying groups that year was down from a peak of $273 million in 2009, the year that Congress debated the Affordable Care Act, Project Censored noted. Legislation influenced involved all the industrys top concerns, including policy on patents and trademarks, management of Medicare and Medicaid, and international trade.

The last item includes pressuring other countries to suppress the manufacture of life-saving generic AIDS drugs in India, to cite just one example.

Pharmaceutical lobbyists also consistently lobby to prevent Medicare from negotiating drug prices, Project Censored also noted.

CISA: The Internet Surveillance Act No One is Discussing

In July 2015, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell attempted to attach the Cybersecurity Information Sharing Act, or CISA, as an amendment to the annual National Defense Authorization Act. However, the Senate blocked this by a vote of 56-40, in part because, unlike an earlier version, it essentially enabled intelligence and law enforcement officials to engage in surveillance without warrants.

Yet, on December 18, 2015, President Barack Obama signed CISA into law as part of a 2,000-page omnibus spending bill, amid media silencewith notable exceptions at Wired and the Guardian. The act authorized the creation of a system for corporate informants to provide customers data to the Department of Homeland Security, which, in turn, would share this information with other federal agenciesthe National Security Agency, FBI, Internal Revenue Service and otherswithout privacy-protecting safeguards.

In one sense it followed a familiarif distressingpattern, as the Guardian reported, civil liberties experts had been dismayed when Congress used the omnibus spending bill to advance some of the legislations most invasive components, making a mockery of the democratic process. But this one was different, since censored stories usually do not stifle powerful voices, as Project Censored observed: [Andy] Greenbergs Wired article noted that tech firmsincluding Apple, Twitter, and Redditas well as 55 civil liberties groups had opposed the bill, and that, in July 2015, DHS itself warned that the bill would sweep away privacy protections while inundating the agency with data of dubious value.

In April 2016, Jason R. Edgecombe reported for TechCrunch on the glaring inadequacies of interim guidelines to deal with privacy and civil liberties concerns, while the corporate media silence continued. And in May, Violet Blue wrote for Engadget about candidates positions on cyber issues. Only Bernie Sanders and Rand Paul opposed CISA, but it never became the subject of any broader media discussion.

Paul Rosenberg is the senior editor for Random Lengths News at the Port of Los Angeles, Calif., and is a contributing columnist for Salon.com. Terelle Jerricks is the managing editor who contributed to this article.

 2016 Random Lengths News, California
(October 12, Saint Paul, MN) Summit Brewing Company announces the release of the brewerys first-ever coffee beer, Dark Infusion: A Coffee Milk Stout, the twenty-third beer released in the limited edition Unchained Series.

The beer will be released with a party at Summit Beer Hall in Saint Paul on Saturday, October 22, from 6-10 p.m. Dark Infusion will then be available on draught and in 4-packs of 16 oz. cans starting the last week of October.

For his first Unchained Series beer, brewer Pete Stacy crafted a sweet stout made even more complex and bold with the infusion of cold brewed coffee. For the coffee, Pete worked with Saint Pauls Blackeye Roasting Co to create a custom blend of Brazilian and Colombian varieties.

The best part of brewing this beer was learning about the coffee industry first-hand: sourcing and importing beans from all over the world, analyzing for quality, and then blending coffee varieties to perfectly fit the profile of my sweet milk stout, said brewer Pete Stacy.

The Dark Infusion Release Party at Summit Beer Hall will include the release on tap as well as in cans. Blackeye Roasting Co will provide samples of their cold brew coffee for people to experience side-by-side with the beer.

Unchained Series 23: Dark Infusion

ABV: 8.5%

IBU: 40

Color: Jet Black

Malts: Stout Malt, Brown Malt, Perla Negra, Midnight Wheat, Torrified Wheat, Flaked Oats

Hops: Pilgrim, Fuggle

Yeast: Witbread Ale

Kettle Addition: Lactose

Infused with cold brew coffee at packaging

Serving Tips: Serve in Spiegelau Stout Glass. Pair with brunch foods  pancakes, sausage, fried chicken and waffles. Enjoy as a dessert beer or with fruit pies, bread pudding, and crisps.

Unchained Series

Launched in 2009, the rotating Unchained Series gives Summit brewers the opportunity to explore their craft and brew a unique beer outside of the brewerys year-round portfolio. Were fortunate to have eight phenomenal brewers at Summit, said Mark Stutrud, founder and president of Summit Brewing Company. The Unchained Series is a way for our brewers to showcase their artistry. There are no budgetary restraints, no outside influences from a sales team, and the brewers are free to collect ingredients from anywhere in the world. As long as its legal, they have complete autonomy.

Summit Brewing Company

Founded in Saint Paul, MN in 1986, Summit Brewing Company has stayed close to its roots, serving the Upper Midwest and Great Lakes regions. Summits beers are currently available in 11 states. Summit now produces 14 varieties of premium craft beer, including seven year-round, four seasonal beers, and the limited release Unchained Series and 30th Anniversary Series. Since its inception, the brewery has been a consistent pioneer in the craft beer movement.
SIOUX CITY | Food prepared by Centerplate executive sous chef Robert Dowd took home top honors at the 13th annual March of Dimes Signature Chefs Auction Thursday at the Sioux City Convention Center.

Dowd's menu of ballotine of beef, smoked apple & Gruyere gratin, Philly cheesesteak bites, and sriracha barbecue chicken received the People's Choice award from the more than 300 people at the event.

Dowd competed against Andrew Burger from Kahill's Steak, Fish & Chophouse, Claudia Hessa from Sugar Shack Bakery, and Clay Lillie from Clyde's Grill & Pub.

In addition to its People's Choice victory, Centerplate also won the prize for Best Booth, according to Siouxland March of Dimes community director Amy Phimmasane.

"It was a good year for Centerplate," Phimmasane acknowledged.

Sugar Shack Bakery was the big winner in the dessert category.

Sugar Shack Bakery's winning menu included rainbow cookies, chocolate-covered strawberries, mini Kahlua cupcakes, yellow cakes with strawberry ambrosia, fruit tarts, chocolate shells, mini Dutch apple pies, dessert shooters, fruit-infused meringues and pink champagne cake truffles.

Phimmasane said the cooking competition -- which raises funds for local research and education programs -- is an important fundraiser for the March of Dimes.

"We'd like to thank our local medical professionals, business leaders and, of course, our chefs for making this such a great event," she said.
My mom started traveling abroad when I was in high school. And after each of her trips, we cooked a meal from the country she'd just visited.

It was after her trip to Italy that I became a huge fan of veal. Veal, of course, is notoriously bland, so what's the appeal? I love it because it functions mostly as a firm landing strip for the delicious sauce of your choice, and I'm a nut for sauces. Recently, I figured out that tofu plays the same role for vegetarians as veal does for carnivores.

Made from soybeans, water and a coagulant, tofu is notably healthy  low in calories, devoid of saturated fat and a great source of protein, calcium and iron. But there's the little matter of tofu's flabby texture and its flavor (or lack thereof), which is why I've always shied away from the stuff.

It turns out, though, that properly prepared tofu is a great sponge for flavor, a natural fact exploited to good effect in this light entree for the new year.

The first step is to lose the excess water in tofu, which will  Duh!  water down your dish. So you force out the excess water by putting a weighted plate on top of the tofu and let it press and drain for about 30 minutes. The tofu becomes firmer and less watery the longer you press it. This also ensures that when you cook it, the tofu will have a springy texture and a crispy exterior.

The crispy slices of tofu are a wonderful foil for this recipe's intense chili-orange sauce. The sauce is complemented with broccoli and red pepper. Serve it on brown rice and you're looking at a one-dish meal, light but filling. My husband, a die-hard carnivore, had no idea that this was a healthy vegetarian dish. He just scarfed it down and said thank you.

Sara Moulton is host of public television's "Sara's Weeknight Meals." She was executive chef at Gourmet magazine for nearly 25 years and spent a decade hosting several Food Network shows, including "Cooking Live." Her latest cookbook is "Home Cooking 101."
NEWTON, Iowa | Mike Pence on Tuesday reiterated his strong support for Donald Trump, to the great appreciation of roughly 200 supporters assembled at a campaign event in this central Iowa town.

He then delivered a withering, nearly 50-minute rebuke of Hillary Clinton.

Trump, the New York real estate businessman and Republican presidential candidate, has endured heavy criticism, including from his own party, since news reports Friday about a 2005 video showing Trump making lewd comments about groping women.

Pence began his remarks at Tuesdays event on the Des Moines Area Community College campus here by emphatically restating his support for Trump, who apologized for the remarks in a video statement and during Sunday nights presidential debate, during which he called the comments locker-room talk.

I like to say it takes a big man to know when youre wrong, to admit it, to apologize, and Donald Trump did just that, Pence said. Last Sunday night, my running mate showed humility. He showed the American people what was in his heart.

Pence said the election provides a choice between two futures.

I choose to stand with Donald Trump, Pence said.

During the remainder of his remarks, Pence criticized Clinton, the Democratic candidate for president, on national security and the military, tax and regulatory policy and health care policy. He also reminded the assembly that the next president will nominate at least one and possibly multiple judges to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Steve King, the Republican congressman from northwest Iowa who is facing a re-election challenge from Democrat Kim Weaver, introduced Pence. King also reiterated his support for Trump.

King said he thinks Trump performed well in the debate, but any positive impact on Trumps electoral chance was stunted when, the next day, Republican U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan told fellow GOP House members he would not help Trump get elected and instead focus on House races.

King said he thinks Ryan did not need to make that information public because, in Kings estimation, Ryan had not been campaigning much with Trump anyway.

I think it hurts a lot, and it changes the narrative. And the bounce and the spring that Trump would have got from a rousing victory in the debate on Sunday night was diminished by the news that came out of the conference call on Monday morning, King said.

After Pences remarks, he took a handful of questions from the audience. One passionate supporter, who introduced herself as Rhonda, said she is concerned about voter fraud and she is ready for a revolution if Clinton wins.

Our lives depend on this election. Our kids futures depend on this election, the woman said. I dont want this to happen, but I will tell you, for me personally, if Hillary Clinton gets in, I myself, Im ready for a revolution, because we cant have her in.

Pence said politely, Dont say that, then encouraged the woman that a revolution is coming on November the 8th. I promise you.

After the event, some of those who attended praised Pence and said they were not bothered by the Trumps lewd comments in the 2005 video.

I guess I didnt see where that happening that long ago, you know people do change, and hes now a political person but then he wasnt, said Chris Hunzinger, a Newton woman. What happened there isnt what Im concerned about now with the world and the state its in. I dont think hes going to worry about that.

Democrats, naturally, have not been as forgiving.

U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., traveled to Iowa on Tuesday to address a group of Clinton supporters at a campaign event in Des Moines. McCaskill said she suspects Pence and Joni Ernst, one of Iowas Republican U.S. senators, are having trouble reconciling their continued support for Trump.

I dont think hes a very cheerful warrior right now, McCaskill said of the Trump-Pence ticket. "I dont think this is a team that is working seamlessly and in a coordinated fashion."

McCaskill said there was a noticeable gasp in the St. Louis hall where last Sundays presidential debate took place when Trump said he and Pence had not talked about a U.S. response to the ongoing violence and Russian interference in Syria.

It was a stunning admission of how separated these two men are, McCaskill told reporters. I bet hes counting down the days, not because hes looking forward to it. Just because hes ready for it to be over.

Pence also is scheduled to speak tonight in Bettendorf at the Scott County Republicans Reagan Dinner.

(Rod Boshart contributed to this story.)
SIOUX CITY | Sioux City Fire Rescue will hold a ceremony Friday to honor the 12 local firefighters who have died in the line of duty.

The Fallen Firefighters Ceremony will begin 3 p.m. Friday on the west side of City Hall, 405 Sixth St.

Firefighters who will be honored are Lawrence Shanley, 1884; William T.J. Scherer, 1885; Henry J. Brow, 1911; Frank Fulton, 1914; Seeley Lawton, 1914; LeRoy Tone, 1938; Carl Anderson, 1945; Valois Linden, 1952; Stephen Mironchik, 1952; Edward Kudron, 1965; Kirk Wicker, 1982; and Michael Johnson, 1982.

Public seating will be available. In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the Council Chambers on the fifth floor of City Hall.

Refreshments will be served on the first floor of the Police/Fire Building following the ceremony.
SIOUX CITY | Former U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa will be the featured speaker Saturday at a Woodbury County Democratic Party fundraiser named for the late Harry Hopkins.

The event, called the first annual Harry Hopkins Democratic Dinner and Celebration, will be held at 6:30 p.m. at the Howard Johnson hotel, 707 Fourth St.

Hopkins was born in Sioux City and became a key adviser to President Franklin Roosevelt during the recovery from the Great Depression and during World War II. Hopkins led the Works Progress Administration efforts that built improvements in Sioux City, including the Grandview Park bandshell and some structures in Stone State Park.

For more information on the dinner, visit www.woodburydems.com or call 712-898-8718.
Editor's note: First in a series of stories on local, state and federal candidates running for elected office in Siouxland in the Nov. 8 general election.

SIOUX CITY | Rep. Dan Huseman has rarely has faced an election challenge during his 22 years in the Iowa House.

After winning a contested GOP primary in his first run for the House in 1994, the Aurelia Republican ran unopposed in nine straight primary and general elections between 1996 and 2012.

In 2014, Huseman easily defeated Democrat Greg Fritzsche in the general election, by a margin of 9,225 to 2,305, in the heavily Republican House District 3.

This year, as he tries to win a 12th, two-year term, Huseman faces a challenge from Democrat Mason McCoy of Cherokee.

District 3 covers all of O'Brien and Cherokee counties and parts of Sioux and Plymouth counties. The district contains 11,085 Republicans with active voter registrations and 3,036 Democrats.

Here is a look at the two candidates and the issues important to them.

DAN HUSEMAN

Party: Republican

Age: 64

Residence: Aurelia

Occupation: Farmer

Electoral Experience: 11 terms in the Iowa House

Main issues for 2016:

1. Budget. We must balance and pass a state budget, and when we do this, everything else will fall into place. Along these lines, water quality, job creation and protecting the family budget are priorities of mine, and I will not support spending more than the state takes in.

2. Education. Education funding at all levels is a priority of mine. In Iowa, we have teachers who want to teach and students who are eager to learn, so it is important to let our local school districts and boards do what they know works best.

Why vote for me: "I am doing a good job, meaning, I listen to what my constituents have to say. I am a fiscal and social conservative who believes it is important to avoid putting politics ahead of good policy. I know and understand agriculture and small business, and will work hard to protect and promote our renewable energy industry. I will continue to work with lawmakers from both parties to move Iowa forward."

MASON MCCOY

Party: Democratic

Age: 28

Residence: Cherokee

Employer: Wetherell Manufacturing in Cleghorn.

Electoral experience: First run for elected office

Main issues for 2016:

1. Mental health care Reform. The fact that Iowa has become the worst state in the country for inpatient treatment of mental illnesses is personal to me. I will stop Gov. Branstad's assault on mental health by working to increase the number of beds available and the number of staff we have in our facilities.

2. Renewable Energy. Iowa has a responsibility to protect our environment and our land from the damages being caused by fossil fuel exploitation. I will work with researchers, clean energy companies and my fellow legislators to draft bills that bring Iowa closer to a 100 percent renewable future.
SIOUX CITY | Police have arrested second man on tampering with a witness charges in connection to a Monday assault meant to keep another man from testifying in court.

Sioux City Police arrested Craig David Michtel, 28, of Sioux City, early Wednesday morning on charges of willful injury and tampering with a witness.

According to court documents, Michtel and two others had confronted a man in the 500 block of 14th Street around 11:20 p.m. Monday, demanding the man not to testify against Michtel's brother in a case regarding a previous assault.

Documents say Michtel and another one of the subjects intimidated the man, threatening him with a brick. When the man stood up to try and defend himself, documents say one of the other subjects threw a brick at him. The brick struck the man in the head, damaging his ear and ripping it in half, documents say.

Documents did not specify which aggressor through the brick.

Early Tuesday morning, police arrested Kegan Lee Morris, 27, also of Sioux City, on assault and tampering with a witness charges connected with the same incident. Michtel was arrested early Tuesday morning.

Lt. Pat McCann with the Sioux City Police Department said authorities are continuing to look for the third person involved.

Michtel is being held in the Woodbury County Jail on $5,000 bond. His next court appearance is 9 a.m. Oct. 21.
SIOUX CITY | The first hard freeze of the year is expected to reach Siouxland Wednesday night, according to the National Weather Service in Sioux Falls.

The weather service has placed the majority of Siouxland counties under a freeze watch Wednesday night into Thursday morning. During that period of time, temperatures are expected to drop as low as 27 degrees for an extended period, which would kill sensitive plants.

"It is definitely looking like the end of the growing season," meteorologist Matthew Dux said.

The watch includes Lyon, Osceola, Dickinson, Sioux, O'Brien, Clay, Plymouth, Buena Vista, Woodbury, Ida, Cherokee and Monona counties in Iowa; all of eastern Nebraska and all of southeast South Dakota.

Dux said the weather service typically defines a hard freeze as when temperatures reach 28 degrees or lower for at least an hour.

Temperatures during the daytime hours on Wednesday will be cool, with a high of 52 degrees. Conditions will be cloudy through the mid-morning hours, with chances of precipitation at 30 percent.

Dux said temperatures are expected to drop to 28 degrees for two to three hours in Sioux City during the overnight, with similar temperatures registering across the region from Sioux Falls to Omaha.

Temperatures will rise for the remainder of the week. Thursday will be sunny, with a high of 58 degrees. Friday's high will be 68 degrees, and temperatures will reach 75 on Saturday.
Donald Trump turned in perhaps the most effective performance in the history of presidential debates on Sunday night.

As the day began, he had been denounced by his wife, Mike Pence, and his own staff for a tape of crude and lewd remarks in a decade-old "locker room" conversation on a bus with Billy Bush of "Access Hollywood."

Tasting blood, the media were in a feeding frenzy. Trump is dropping out! Pence is bolting the ticket! Republican elites are about to disown and abandon the Republican nominee!

Sometime last weekend, Trump made a decision: If he is going down to defeat, he will go out as Trump, not some sniveling penitent begging forgiveness from hypocrites who fear and loathe him.

His first move was to host a press availability, before the debate, where a small sampling of Bill Clinton's alleged victims -- Kathleen Willey, Paula Jones, Juanita Broaddrick -- made brief statements endorsing Trump and denouncing the misogyny of the Clintons.

"Mr. Trump may have said some bad words, but Bill Clinton raped me," said Broaddrick, "and Hillary Clinton threatened me."

The press had to cover it. Then the women marched into the auditorium at Washington University to watch Hillary Clinton defend her behavior toward them after their encounters with Bill.

As the moderators and Hillary Clinton scrambled to refocus on Trump's comments of a decade ago, Trump brought it back to Bill's criminal misconduct against women, his lying about it, and Hillary's aiding and abetting of the First Predator.

It was like a tawdry courtroom drama in an X-rated movie, a new low in presidential debates. But what it revealed is that if Trump is going down, his enemies will carry away their own permanent scars.

As Caesar said of Cassius, "Such men are dangerous."

Hillary Clinton has never been hammered as she was Sunday night, and it showed. Knocked off her game, she was no longer the prim and poised debater of Hofstra University.

There were other signs that, win or lose, Trump intends to finish the campaign as he began, as a populist-nationalist and unapologetic adversary of open borders, globalization and neo-imperialism.

When moderators Martha Raddatz and Anderson Cooper revealed their bias by asking Trump tougher questions and more follow-ups, and interrupting him more rudely and often, he called them out.

"It's one on three!" said Trump. And it sure looked like it.

How could the moderators have ignored that other leak of last week, of Clintons's speech to Brazilian bankers where she confessed she "dreams" of a "hemispheric common market with open trade and open borders."

If the quote is accurate, and Clinton has not denied it, she was saying she dreams of a future when the United States ceases to exist as a separate, sovereign and independent nation.

She envisions not just a North American Union evolving out of NAFTA but a merger of all the nations of North, South and Central America, with all borders erased and people moving freely from one place to another within a hemispheric super-state.

If this quote is accurate, Clinton is working toward an end to the independence for which our Founding Fathers fought the American Revolution.

After all, Thomas Jefferson did not write some declaration of diversity in 1776, but a Declaration of Independence for a new, unique and separate people.

Clinton dreams of doing away with what American patriots cherish most.

When the issue of Syria arose, Clinton said she favors a "no-fly zone." Unanswered, indeed unasked by the moderators, was whether she would order the shooting down of Syrian or Russian planes that violate the zone.

Yet, what she is suggesting are acts of war against Syria, and Russia if necessary, though Congress has never authorized a war on Syria, and Syria has not attacked us.

Trump did not hesitate to overrule the suggestion of Mike Pence that we follow Clinton's formula. He believes ISIS is our enemy, and if Syria, Russia and Iran are attacking ISIS, we ought not to be fighting them.

As of sunrise Sunday, the media were writing Trump off as dead.

By Sunday night, they were as shocked and stunned as Hillary and Bill.

What did Trump accomplish in 18 hours?

He rattled Hillary Clinton, firmed up and rallied his base, halted the stampede of the cut-and-run Republicans, and exposed the hypocrisy of liberal and secular celebrants of the '60s "sexual revolution," who have suddenly gotten religion where Trump is involved.

Trump exposed the fraudulence of the Clintons' clucking concern for sexually abused women, brought Pence back into camp, turned the tables and changed the subject from the Trump tapes to the Trump triumph at Washington University.

Upshot: The Donald is alive.

While his path to 270 electoral votes still looks more than problematic, there is a month to go before the election, and anything can happen.

Indeed, it already has -- many times.
SIOUX CITY | A long-standing effort to connect two trails along the Sioux City riverfront received a big boost Tuesday morning, as the Iowa Transportation Commission awarded the project a $650,000 grant.

The $3.3 million trail project is among five in Iowa selected by the commission to receive funding through the State Recreational Trails Program. Coupled with some previously announced large grants, the new state award will bring the project within $300,000 of being fully funded.

"We've already had some very generous contributions to the project, so this just helps us get to the finish line a little bit better," city parks and recreation director Matt Salvatore said.

The trail connection project is currently in the design phase, and city staff hope to have it completed by the end of 2017, he said.

Once completed, the project will connect the 1.5-mile gap between the Chautauqua Park and Chris Larsen Park trails, establishing 12 miles of continuous trail along Sioux City's riverfront. The trail will include two bridges over the Floyd River and the old Floyd channel.

"I think this is the most crucial connection for all of Siouxland," Salvatore said.

Siouxland Trails Foundation president Bob DeSmidt agreed the connection was a top priority. He said it was the most discussed project when the foundation began in 2003, and after several delays due to work along Interstate 29, he said it's nice to see it coming to fruition.

"Sioux City's always had some wonderful trails, but they've all been short and not connected, and that's always been the bane of our system," DeSmidt said. "This (project) is the key point to connecting several of our trails."

Salvatore said the trail connection project was among 53 proposals sent to the Iowa Transportation Commission and was ranked third-highest by the board.

The project had previously garnered $1.3 million in support from a federal Transportation Alternative Program grant and $1.25 million from the Missouri River Historical Development Board, the local nonprofit group that holds the state gaming license for the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City.

Salvatore said the remaining $300,000 to cover the project will be worked into the city's next fiscal year budget.
The gravity of the existential threat we face from Islamic Jihad is truly of epic proportions. It is essentially a battle pitting free-civilized man against a totalitarian barbarian. What is at stake is the struggle for our very soul - namely who we are and what we represent. The lives that were sacrificed for individual rights and freedoms that we've come to cherish are being chiseled away from right under our noses by the stealth jihadists. And many of us are in denial and totally clueless.



The left's appeasement and pandering to evil is nothing new. What makes their utopian delusions so infuriating and unpardonable is that it is not only they who will have to pay the consequences, and deservedly, so, they are thwarting and undermining our best efforts at resistance and are thus dragging us down in the process as well.







By Peter Lancz,, the head of the Raoul Wallenberg World Campaign Against Racism.
GREENBELT, Md.

(Oct. 12, 2016)U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel sentenced Abdelrahim Ayyad, a/k/a Sahid, age 50, of White Plains, Maryland, Tuesday to 174 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for an armed robbery conspiracy; two armed commercial robberies; and to using and brandishing a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. Judge Hazel also ordered Ayyad to forfeit $79,514.36.The sentence was announced by United States Attorney for the District of Maryland Rod J. Rosenstein; Special Agent in Charge Gordon B. Johnson of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Baltimore Field Office; and St. Mary's County Sheriff Tim Cameron.According to court documents, in June 2014, Ayyad conspired with Furman Troy, Darrell Lee and Michael Burgess, to rob commercial businesses in St. Mary's County, Maryland. For example, on June 18, 2014, Ayyad admitted that he drove to Washington, D.C. and picked up Troy, Lee and Burgess and drove them to a jewelry store in Charlotte Hall, Maryland in order to commit a robbery. Ayyad handed Troy a bag containing a gun. Troy and Lee entered the store and Lee brandished a firearm at the owner of the store. Troy subsequently bound the victim with duct tape. The robbers then demanded the key to the jewelry counter from an employee of the store and stole jewelry worth more than $8,800, cash, a laptop computer and other items. On June 22, 2014, Ayyad and Burgess drove to a pharmacy in Mechanicsville, Maryland, with Troy and Lee following in another vehicle. Ayyad and Burgess waited in their vehicle while Troy and Lee robbed the pharmacy. During the robbery Lee again brandished a gun and Troy bound the pharmacy employee with duct tape. Troy and Lee stole cash and prescription bottles containing oxycodone, methadone, hydrocodone and endocet, subsequently valued at $64,325.Furman Troy, age 45, and Darrell Lee, age 48, both of Charlotte Hall, Maryland, and Michael Burgess, age 54, of Alexandria, Virginia, previously pleaded guilty to their roles in the robberies. Lee and Troy were sentenced to 184 months and10 years in prison, respectively. Burgess is awaiting sentencing.United States Attorney Rod J. Rosenstein commended the FBI and St. Mary's County Sheriff's Office for their work in the investigation and recognized the St. Mary's County State's Attorney's Office for its assistance in the case. Mr. Rosenstein thanked Assistant United States Attorneys Leah J. Bressack and Thomas P. Windom, who are prosecuting the case.
(AP) State agents raided the Dallas offices of adult classified ad portal Backpage.com and arrested Chief Executive Officer Carl Ferrer following allegations that adult and child sex-trafficking victims were forced into prostitution through escort ads posted on the site.

Ferrer, 55, was arrested on a California warrant after arriving Thursday in Houston on a flight from Amsterdam. Authorities also issued warrants for the arrest of the sites controlling shareholders, Michael Lacey, 68, and James Larkin, 67.

Making money off the backs of innocent human beings by allowing them to be exploited for modern-day slavery is not acceptable in Texas, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, said in a statement.

California Attorney General Kamala Harris said that Ferrer was arrested on felony charges of pimping a minor, pimping, and conspiracy to commit pimping. He is being held in lieu of $500,000 bond and will face an extradition hearing before he can be returned to California.

Under Californias law, felony pimping is defined as making money off prostitutes or soliciting customers for prostitution.

Raking in millions of dollars from the trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable victims is outrageous, despicable and illegal, said Harris, a Democrat who is running for the U.S. Senate in next months election.

Backpage and its executives purposefully and unlawfully designed Backpage to be the worlds top online brothel.

Backpage.com advertises a wide range of services, but the California arrest warrant alleges that internal business records obtained through a search warrant show that 99 percent its revenue came from its adult services section between January 2013 and March 2015.

California officials said the site collects fees from users who use coded language and nearly nude photos to offer sex for money.
October 15 is National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day (NLAAD). The 2016 theme is We'll Defeat AIDS con Ganas! ('With our wholehearted efforts'). The Latino Commission on AIDS (LCOA), the Hispanic Federation and many other organizations organize this day.

Latinx (its not a typo) is the gender-neutral alternative to Latino, Latina and even [email protected] It is quickly gaining popularity among the general public.

"South Florida is the epicenter of HIV in the nation, says Stephen Fallon, Executive Director of Latinos Salud. All communities are affected. Yet within the LGBT community, cases are rising faster amongst Latinos than amongst any other demographic.

In terms of numbers, Floridas Department of Health says there are nearly 110,000 people in Florida living with an HIV diagnosis, as of 2014. Hispanics account for 24 percent of those cases. The proportion of all newly diagnosed adult HIV infection cases among Hispanics increased from 21 percent in 2005 to 27 percent in 2014. Of the newly diagnosed adult HIV infection cases in 2014, the case rate among Hispanic men was 2.4 times higher than the rate among white men; likewise the case rate among Hispanic women was 2.2 times higher than the rate among white women. Among adults, one in every 98 Hispanic men and one in every 422 Hispanic women were living with HIV/AIDS in 2014; compared to one in every 170 white men and one in every 1,049 white women.

Latinos and African-American men in South Florida live only half to two thirds as long after an AIDS diagnosis as their non-minority peers. The difference is simple: access to timely and effective HIV treatment.

Latinos Salud exists to give gay Latinos a safe space to reduce their risk behaviors or, live healthier with HIV, Fallon said. NLAAD marks a reminder to get tested, get linked to care, or get help sticking to your treatment plan. Whatever your need, were here for you.

On Friday, Oct. 14, Latinos Salud is hosting the MiFo film festival screening of Strike a Pose, a film that catches up with the back up dancers from Madonnas famous Truth or Dare tour and movie. Several of the dancers were living with HIV at the time that they kept that grueling tour schedule. The screening is at 8 p.m. at the NSU Art Museum.

Next week, rounding out the NLAAD weeks activities, Latinos Salud will hold its annual Hispanic Heritage Food Bazaar for its members. On Oct. 21 at 10 p.m., an outreach and testing tent event will be held outside their Wilton Manors location.

Other testing sites can be found here:

Miami:

http://srdappsdoh35.doh.state.fl.us/ClinicSearch/Results.aspx?county=Dade

Broward:

http://srdappsdoh35.doh.state.fl.us/ClinicSearch/Results.aspx?county=Broward

Palm Beach: http://srdappsdoh35.doh.state.fl.us/ClinicSearch/Results.aspx?county=Palm%20Beach

For more information about National Latinx AIDS Awareness Day, visit https://latinoaids.org/.
Check out the latest in lesbian, bisexual and transgender news!

Juneau Says She Would Change Discourse on Gays and Lesbians

(AP) Montana's first openly gay federal candidate said Wednesday that electing her to Congress would be a historical event that could change the discourse about gay, lesbian, bisexual and transsexual people.

Denise Juneau, a Democrat, made her comments near the end of a debate against incumbent Republican U.S. Rep. Ryan Zinke and Libertarian Rick Breckenridge that also touched on issues such as gun rights and agriculture.

Juneau, the outgoing superintendent of public instruction, and Zinke, who is seeking a second term, have met in two other debates. However, the question of the candidates' attitudes toward protections for gays and lesbians had not been previously asked.

Electing her to Congress would replicate what happened in the Montana Legislature when more American Indians were elected to office, she said. There, stereotypes broke down and policy discussions changed, she said.

"Representation matters, and I've watched the discourse change at the state Legislature," Juneau said. "With me at the table in Congress, the discourse changes again."

Juneau, 49, is a member of the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes who was raised in Browning on the Blackfeet Indian Reservation. She has served two terms as Montana's superintendent of education, becoming the first Native American woman to be elected to statewide office.

Oregon Governor Kate Brown Talks about Her Experience with Domestic Violence

(SFGN) Kate Brown, governor of Oregon, is one of few openly bisexual women holding office in the U.S., and last week Brown came out again, this time as a survivor of domestic abuse, AutoStraddle reports (http://bit.ly/2dOCmlt).

The admission came during a debate with Republican opponent Dr. Bud Pierce, after Pierce commented A woman that has a great education and training and a great job is not susceptible to this kind of abuse by men, women or anyone.

Brown replied Im honestly not even sure where to start. I grew up in a middle class family. I went to law school This is not just about [having access to] power. This is about making sure women are not discriminated against because of their gender, because of their race, and because of their sexual orientation.

The Williams Institute, a UCLA think tank that researches sexual orientation and gender identity law found that 56.9% of bi women reported experiencing intimate partner violence in their lifetimes compared to 32.3% of heterosexual women and 40.4% of lesbians (http://bit.ly/1l2WseS).

Brown is running for re-eleciton in November, and hopes to retain office where she can address the issue that more than half of Oregon women and girls experience domestic or sexual violence during their lifetime.

Transgender Students Sue Pennsylvania District Restroom Rule

(AP) Three transgender seniors at a Pennsylvania high school are suing the school district over a new policy that requires students to use restrooms corresponding to their biological sex.



The Pine-Richland School District previously allowed transgender students to use restrooms corresponding to their "gender identity." But the school board last month passed a resolution that students must use restrooms that "correspond to their biological sex" or use unisex facilities.



Two 18-year-old plaintiffs were born biologically male but identify as female; one 17-year-old was born biologically female and identifies as male. They say they are being discriminated against by the new policy, which their federal lawsuit filed Thursday seeks to reverse.



Judges in North Carolina and Wisconsin have agreed such policies violate federal law.



The district declined to comment on the lawsuit.
The National Gay Media Association announced today all 12 of its member papers have endorsed Hillary Clinton for president  an unprecedented move.

Some of these papers have never endorsed a candidate before.

The National Gay Media Association is a trade association of the nation's major-market legacy LGBT newspapers, which include Bay Area Reporter (San Francisco), Washington Blade, Philadelphia Gay News, Dallas Voice, Windy City Times (Chicago), Between the Lines (Detroit), Bay Windows (Boston), Georgia Voice, SFGN, Watermark (Orlando and Tampa Bay), Gay City News (New York), and The Pride LA.

NGMA members have a combined circulation in print and online of more than one million readers per week.

"This race for president is showing this country a clear choice of moving backward or moving forward on LGBTQ and other human rights," NGMA spokesperson Tracy Baim, publisher of Windy City Times, said in a press release. "We know that the LGBTQ community is made up of diverse political voices. But the homophobia, transphobia, racism, anti-immigrant and sexist nature of Republican candidate Donald Trump means that we can't sit on the sidelines this election season."

Just last week Clinton wrote an Op-Ed for the Philadelphia Gay News on LGBT rights, the first time a major party presidential candidate has done so for an LGBT publication.

If Im fortunate enough to be elected president, Ill protect the progress weve fought so hard to achieveand Ill keep fighting until every American can live free from discrimination and prejudice, she wrote.

Heres what a few of the newspapers had to say:

Dallas Voice offers a direct and fervent endorsement of Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. Politics is never easy, but the decision to endorse in this pivotal time is essential. The stakes have never been so high for our community. Our families and marriages are at risk. We stand with Hillary.

Clinton has pledged to support the Equality Act, to allow transgender people to serve openly in the U.S. military and to end widely discredited ex-gay conversion therapy for minors. In addition, she has said she would expand access to HIV prevention and treatment; confront disproportionate violence facing transgender people, especially trans women of color; and continue her work as former secretary of state on international LGBT rights. She has consistently raised LGBT issues during the primary season, making them a centerpiece of her campaign.

Every election is important, but this year, the Republican Party has been hijacked by an insurrectionist who preaches hate, not humility; division, not democracy. Donald Trump has proved himself to still be a spoiled little brat; a rich kid without class or grace, dignity or demeanor. Trumps candidacy not only brings out white supremacists, racists and divisive voices in America, but he embraces these hateful warriors. From David Duke to birthers challenging Barack Obama, Trump gives life to those who would mock the disabled, discriminate against gays, or suppress the working class. His candidacy is vile and vitriolic.

Donald Trump has shown he has no loyalty to anyone on any issue, in particular to LGBT issues. Trump likes to say hed be a better President for the LGBT community and offers up donations and ties between the Clinton Foundation and donations from nations that routinely impose the death penalty for homosexuality as evidence. Yet, his selection of Indiana Governor Mike Pence, the most notoriously anti-gay politician who ever ran on a national ticket, as his running mate, tells you everything you need to know about the ever devolving Donald Trump. He says he wants to make America Great Again, but that is a dog whistle of hate to forces who despise us and who vow to do all they can to reverse the political, legal and social gains LGBT people have made in the past several decades, particularly the past 8 years.

In addition EDGE Media Network, an online LGBT news website, also issued an endorsement for Hillary this week writing:
The agency of American government tasked with telling stories is admittedly playing catch up in minority communities.

An effort, however, has launched to correct these deficiencies.

On Tuesday, the National Park Service released its groundbreaking LGBTQ history study. Results of the study were released to coincide with National Coming Day, first celebrated in 1988 following the first organized march on Washington, D.C. for lesbian and gay rights.

For far too long, the struggles and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer-identified Americans have been ignored in the traditional narratives of our nations history, said U.S. Department Interior Secretary Sally Jewell. This theme study is the first of its kind by any national government to identify this part of our shared history, and it will result in an important step forward in reversing the current underrepresentation of stories and places associated to the LGBTQ community in the complex and diverse story of America."

Jewell joined NPS Director Jonathan B. Jarvis and Gill Foundation Founder Tim Gill on a conference call with reporters to discuss the study. She said the two-year study, conducted by 32 LGBTQ scholars, was a tool that reminds the general populace of the struggles we face.

We tell the good and the bad, the heartbreaking and the inspiring, Jewell said.

One monument, one landmark and eight other historic places have been designated for the National Registry.

The list is as follows: Stonewall National Monument, NYC, Henry Gerber House, Chicago, The Furies Collective, Washington, D.C., Edificio Comunidad de Orgullo Gay de Puerto Rico, Julius Bar, NYC, Bayard Rustin Residence, NYC, Cherry Grove Community House & Theatre, New York, Carrington House, New York, James Merrill House, Connecticut, Dr. Franklin E. Kameny Residence, Washington. D.C.

The park services LGBTQ study is part of an effort to tell a more inclusive story, Jewell said. Similar studies targeting the African American and Native American communities were concluded last year. In addition to the LGBTQ study, NPS announced findings from its Asian American/Pacific Islander and Latino American studies this year.

The Gill Foundation assisted the LGBTQ study financially.

Equality has now become the way the federal government does business, Tim Gill said.

Gill said the NPS study will have a major impact on the nation.

Youve better helped us understand ourselves, Gill said, adding the Obama/Biden administration has advanced LGBT rights and allowed for profound shifts in our nations consciousness.

As for the future, Gill suggested work could be done to preserve and protect LGBTQ history in places such as New Orleans, Laramie, Wyoming and Los Angeles.


Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme  La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza.



Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres.




Wed, 26.10.22 - 12:09

Another blast of heat at the end of the month is likely to break the record in Spain With only a few days left in...
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Since opening a roastery in Victoria, British Columbia in 2011, Bows & Arrows Coffee Roasters has become a boutique mainstay in the Canadian coffee landscape. This year, the company, co-owned by husband and wife Drew Johnson and Leesha Sabine, took on the challenge of the mainland by opening a new shop in Vancouver.

Johnson tells me he had two goals for his new location: first, to be a neighborhood spot for the neighborhood. Located in the changing Fraserhood part of Vancouver, youll see Johnsons other goal displayed right away on the storefronts sign. Omitting the words coffee roasters this time around is intentional, Johnson notes, to steer people away from viewing them solely as another coffee roastery.

Indeed, with the cafe offering three meal services and a beer, wine, and cocktail program, Johnson and Sabine have a vision beyond simply roasting. I wanted to extend the attention we give to coffee brewing, sourcing, and transparency to other interests, he says. There are always baristas whose creativity and ambition is stifled in their current workplaces. Same with chefs and bartenders and servers. Everybody wants to love what they do and create. Were attempting to provide a venue.

Upon entering the shop my eye is immediately drawn to the centerpiece of the room, a 26-foot-long table dominating the floor space. Twenty-two chairs surround this inviting communal space, dotted with jagged rays of sunshine through the large windows along 26th Avenue. Greenery hangs over the sides of a long, elegant light fixture above the table to bring a burst of color to the otherwise white and wood space.

Bags of coffee surround the bar area to encourage one directly to the service counter. The first half of the bar houses homemade pastries, two Mahlkonig Peak espresso grinders, and a La Marzocco Linea PB. Filter brews are ground on Mahlkonig EK43 grinders and prepared on FETCO brewers. The second half of the space transforms into stool seating and a mirrored back wall, accentuating various glassware and bottles of liquor. Hints as to the extent of their food offerings are subtly displayed on a chalkboard behind the till, featuring daily food and drink specials.

At the recommendations of a friendly barista, I first paired a shot of The Hathaway Espresso with an apple bundt cake that was an excellent complement to my sweet, balanced shot. For my second round, I took a recommendation for a fruity Guatemala El Tambor, alongside the shops popular friand cake: with a chewy chocolate outside and a gooey chocolate inside, this little guy is a definite must have for any future visits. Both coffees were served in beautifully crafted ceramics made specifically for Bows & Arrows by Amanda Marie Ceramics in Victoria.

I was struck by the simplicity of the space with the feel being very clean, natural, and modest. The amount of bare wood present gave testament to a strong sense of the Pacific Northwest and of a shop very much fitting the city. With the south and west facing windows, Jessica Nakanishi and Jonathan Sabine of MSDS Studio in Toronto did a wonderful job utilizing the abundance of natural light. As well, the impressive planter-box light fixture and communal table were custom works from MSDS.

Beyond the obvious financial motivations for a roastery expanding its business to a larger city, I was inspired by Johnsons more personal motivations for the shop.

Lets be real, its fun to serve coffee from [the] producers who made your brand day after day, he says. Who in this business doesnt get a charge from the potential of a coffeehouse? Luckily for Vancouver locals, his vision has been realized into a place thatwhether you live in Fraserhood or notyou can be happy to call your neighborhood spot.

Peter de Vooght is a freelance journalist and photographer based in Vancouver, British Columbia. This is Peter de Vooghts first feature for Sprudge.
Brussels (Belgium), October 9, 2016 (SPS) - Saharawi deputy minister for Europe, Mohamed Sidati, has called on the European Union to assume its responsibilities towards the Saharawi people by supporting the effective implementation of the UN resolutions that set out their right to self-determination.

"The EU should assume responsibility and abide by the international law by making sure that sovereignty violations do not continue, and ensuring its member states are not accomplices in the occupation of Western Sahara by Morocco," Sidati wrote in a contribution published Friday on the European news website euractiv.com.

In his findings released in September in the case Polisario Front vs the European Union Council about the agreement on exchange of agricultural produce and fishing with Morocco, The general attorney of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), underlined that Western Sahara territory is on the UN non-autonomous list since 1963, and which is linked to UN resolution on colonial people's right to self-determination.

"Saharawi people turn to Europe, which is a model in the basic values of liberty, democracy and respect of the international law," he said.

"We turn to the EU which will have to show a clear commitment to abiding by the international law, by making sure the use of Western Sahara's natural resources is not included in EU-Morocco agreement and by conforming to the decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union." (SPS)

062/090/700




Resolve has drawn Post 2 in a field of 10 for Saturdays $1 million Yonkers International Trot. The son of Muscle Hill has been installed as the 3-1 morning line favourite in the one and a quarter-mile invitational event at Yonkers Raceway.

Hannelore Hanover, the lone mare in the race, drew Post 1 and was made the 4-1 second choice.

The International Trot was first contested in 1959 and held through 1995. The event was resurrected last year by Yonkers Raceway President and CEO Tim Rooney. It will be Race 6 on a 13-race card this Saturday at Yonkers. First-race post time will be 1:10 p.m. (EDT) and the International Trot is expected to head to post at 3:20 p.m.

Resolve and Hannelore Hanover are among three U.S. representatives in the International Trot, along with Obrigado, who drew Post 6 and was made 6-1 on the morning line.

Im satisfied with the draw, said Swedish-born Ake Svanstedt, who is now based in the U.S. and trains and drives Resolve for owner Hans Enggren of Pennsylvania. I know a lot of the horses and have seen them race. Ive raced against a couple of them, too. The drivers are good drivers. They drive differently. Its going to be a European (style) race, not American.

Resolve, a five-year-old horse, has won four of 10 races this year and earned $775,953. He heads to the International Trot off a win in the Maple Leaf Trot on September 17 at Mohawk Racetrack. Earlier this season, he finished second to Nuncio in the Elitlopp at Swedens Solvalla Raceway.

He is doing good, Svanstedt said. He is doing good the whole year. Its been almost four weeks since he raced the last time, but he trained good. He looks good. Hes excited to race when he has a long time between the races. He wants to race. Hes sharp.

Returning from last years International Trot are Norways BBS Sugarlight, Italys Oasis Bi, and Swedens On Track Piraten. Oasis Bi, who finished fourth in last years edition of the race, drew Post 5 and was established at 5-1. BBS Sugarlight was fifth and On Track Piraten finished seventh.

Completing the field are Swedens Explosive De Vie, Canadas Flanagan Memory, Finlands Jonesy, and Denmarks Tano Bork.

Norways Papagayo E won the 2015 race, but is unable to return this year because of injury.

Hannelore Hanover will try to join a list of eight mares to win the International Trot. She has 15 wins and two seconds in 17 starts this season, and has won 24 of her 38 career starts for trainer Ron Burke, who co-owns the four-year-old with the partnership of Mark Weaver and Mike Bruscemi, Frank Baldachino and J&T Silva Stables.

The mare heads to the International Trot off a win over the boys in the Centaur Trotting Classic on September 24 at Hoosier Park. She finished second to Resolve in the Maple Leaf Trot.

I was open-minded about (posts) one through five, and maybe nine or 10, but drawing the rail in this race is definitely a big edge for her, Hannelore Hanovers driver, Yannick Gingras, said, adding with a laugh, I told Ake that he better buckle up his chinstrap.

Shes really sharp. Shes been racing really good. Shes had a three-week break now, which I think is a great thing for her. Shed been racing really hard, shipping all over North America. I think the three weeks will help her and Im sure Ronnie will have her trained up. I know shes ready to rock.

This will be Hannelore Hanovers first race on a half-mile track.

I dont think its an issue, Gingras said. Shes a really square-gaited mare. I dont think its any problem at all in my mind.

Yonkers International Trot

(PP  Horse  Driver  Trainer  Line)

1  Hannelore Hanover  Yannick Gingras  Ron Burke  4/1

2  Resolve  Ake Svanstedt  Ake Svanstedt  3/1

3  Jonesy  Tuomas Korvenoja  Tuomas Korvenoja  15/1

4  Flanagan Memory  Brian Sears  Rene Dion  6/1

5  Oasis Bi  Erik Adielsson  Stefan Pettersson  5/1

6  Obrigado  Mark MacDonald  Paul Kelley  6/1

7  BBS Sugarlight  Vidar Hop  Fredrik Solberg  6/1

8  On Track Piraten  Orjan Kihlstrom  Hans Stromberg  10/1

9  Tano Bork  John Campbell Christian Lindhardt  20/1

10  Explosive De Vie  Kevin Oscarsson  Jim Oscarsson  12/1

Tano Bork and Explosive De Vie will start in the second tier.

Its downright blasphemous and borderline illegal to use the terms Wiggle It Jiggleit and undercard in the same sentence.

However, such is life in the big city, where Wiggle It Jiggleit returns this Saturday afternoon (Oct. 15th). Harness racings richest horse ($1,597,162) of 2016 is going to have to work to add to that number, as the post position gods banished him behind the eight-ball for Yonkers Raceways $250,000 Invitational Pace.

The quarter-million-dollar number goes as the 10th of 13 races Saturday afternoon (first post 1:10 p.m.), four races after Yonkers International Trot (post time 3:20 p.m.) and three after a $250,000 Invitational Trot.

Both trotting features go at the mile-and-a-quarter distance (part of a French four-pack), with all other races at the flat mile.

As for Wiggle It Jiggleit, he returns to Westchester for the first time since competing in this past springs George Morton Levy Memorial Pacing Series. Hes been board-certified (14 wins, 6 seconds, 2 thirds) in all 22 seasonal starts and 48-of-49 lifetime.

Montrell Teague again does the honours for trainer Clyde Francis and co-owners George Teague, Jr. and Teague Racing Partnership.

Levy series winner Bit of Legend N (Jordan Stratton) won the draw for the Saturday pacing invite.

This story courtesy of Harness Racing Communications, a division of the U.S. Trotting Association. For more information, visit www.ustrotting.com. With files from Yonkers.
Live harness racing will return to Red Shores Summerside Raceway on Wednesday (October 12) under the lights.

The card will kick off with a first-race post time of 7 p.m.

Motorino (3-1) and Machinthesand (5-2) will go head to head during the evenings top class, which has been carded as Race 11. The race is expected to head to post at roughly 9:51 p.m.

Motorino, who is coming off a 1:56.2 score at the Charlottetown Driving Park, will start from Post 3 in the power-packed field for trainer-driver Terry Gallant and his co-owner Eric Johnston, Summerside, PE. The black gelding has seven wins from 22 starts this season, along with six seconds and three show prizes. Machinthesand will also come off the bench with seven wins this season for Noonan Holdings Ltd  Russell and Karen Noonan, Middelton, PE. Ken Murphy will do the driving from Post 3 for trainer Hughie Murphy.

The field also includes Allstar Seelster off the rail for Norris Rogers, J RS Hurricane (Dale Spence) and DBS Rosco (Kenny Arsenault).

One of eastern Canada harness racing veterans, Life Savior, will officially retire in Race 10, which has been named in his honour. The 11-year-old has earned $104,088 in his career which includes an incredible 60 wins. Owner Darla MacEachern and trainer Duane MacEachern will send him out to lead the post parade followed by a trackside presentation to mark a remarkable racing journey. OH To Be Me has been established as the morning line favourite for driver Gary Chappell with Sporty B Skipalong (Norris Rogers) and Im Driven (Murphy) listed as triactor candidates.

In other action, Onehotvett is only two victories away from 40 lifetime wins; Capitalism is two shy of 30 trips to victory lane, and Toad River is three away from reaching that milestone. All three horses will compete in Race 12.

Customers can purchase two pick 5 ballots on the 12 dash card. The first ballot is ear marked for Race 1 through Race 5, while the traditional Pick 5 remains on Races 6-10. The Wild Horses tags will also feature jackpots of $50 per race, with the final race of the night showcasing a $100 jackpot. The Wild Horses tag is a $2 triactor instant pick. If the Wild Horses tag matches the winning triactor, the winner gets the pay-out and the jackpot assigned to that race.

To view the harness racing entries for Wednesday at the CDP, click the following link: Wednesday Entries  Summerside Raceway.

(Red Shores)
Post Time with Mike and Mike is excited to announce its Thursday night line-up for October 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Trainer Jimmy Takter will come on to talk about the incredible world record mile that was paced by Always B Miki at the Red Mile this past weekend. He will talk about the emotions he felt after the mile and what is next for Always B Miki.

Foiled Again put in a strong effort while in victory this past Saturday during the 2016 Robert J. Kane Memorial at Batavia Downs. Trainer Ron Burke said on Twitter that he was in tears after the race. Mike and Mike will talk with him about the great Foiled Again and what is next for the big horse.

Paula Wellwood will drop by the program to talk about the Trotting Triple Crown that was captured this past weekend by Marion Marauder. Marion Marauder had to come from way back and a parked out trip to win the Kentucky Futurity.

Video game designer Tommy Woodfin will join the program to talk about a harness racing video game that he is designing.

Gabe Prewitt will be on again this week as the ongoing series with Pompano Park continues. Prewitt will discuss some of the happenings coming up this week, as well as highlight some of the racing from this past week.

The shows ongoing series with VIP Internet Stable will also continue this week, as the benefits of fractional ownership will continue to be discussed.

Just a reminder that Post Time will be live from the Yonkers International Trot on Saturday starting at 2:45 p.m. The duo will cover Races 7-11 live on the air and provide in depth analysis for all of the horses in each race.

Post Time can be heard each Thursday at 7 p.m. on posttimewithmikeandmike.com or on-demand on the BetAmerica website.

(With files from Post Time)
Reach for the Stars -- National Rocket Competition is an Exciting STEM Challenge for Kids

Contact: Lynne Zielinski, National Space Society, 202-429-1600, Media2016@nss.org



WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2016 /Standard Newswire/ -- Everyone agrees - we need to get more kids interested in STEM careers. National Space Society is doing its part by lending support to the Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition. In this year's contest, students are gearing up to build and launch a solid-fuel powered rocket. This is a fantastic way to turn kids on to the STEM subjects. Nothing lends itself to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math like a launch. After all - this is rocket science!



The five national winners in the 2015-2016 Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition will be celebrating in grand fashion this Saturday, October 15, under an October Sky event at Space Camp / US Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville, Alabama. Each winner will receive a Space Shuttle Challenger commemorative medal and a certificate signed by Astronaut Jon McBride. Captain McBride piloted the Challenger on her early missions. The winners get to conduct a victory launch of their rockets from Homer Hickam Field - named after NASA engineer and author of the memoir, Rocket Boys that became the movie October Sky. NSS Director Ronnie Lajoie will also present students with a congratulatory certificate from the National Space Society.



The only thing more exciting than a rocket launch - is a rocket competition. And, excitement is building for the 11th annual competition, 2016-2017. Open for ages 10 to 18 - competitions are being hosted across the USA by schools, YMCAs, Scouts, Challenger Learning Centers, 4-H, Boys & Girls Clubs and other youth groups. Held at their own location, there is no travel expense or hassle to compete. It is fun, affordable and easy to run.



The Competition honors the memory of Christa McAuliffe, 1st Teacher-in-Space. Everyone involved in the Competition receives a certificate that bears Christa's likeness and her quote, "Push yourself as far as you can. Reach for the stars!" The background of the certificates is the artwork of astronaut & moonwalker, Alan Bean.



Ten Astronauts recommend this competition. Several have presented medals to the national winners. Two, US Senator Bill Nelson and Kennedy Space Center Director Bob Cabana, encourage the kids in video clips prepared especially for the competitors.



Contestants will compete at an event held in their area. After two launches and parachute landings, the closest average distance from an on-field target wins. Local winners' results are sent to the national headquarters to determine the five national winners.



Competition director, Jack Colpas says, "We promise the national winners - memories to last a lifetime and bragging rights for generations to come. Launching their rockets from a historical location and receiving a medal presented by an astronaut allows us to fulfill our promise."

This year's competitions are already beginning to be held across the country. Local competitions can be held anytime throughout the year. Your kids can't win it - if they're not in it!

For photos and more details about the competition go to www.RocketCompetition.com.



Contact Info:

Jack Colpas co-director, Reach for the Stars ~ National Rocket Competition,

(941) 955-3958, Rocketman@SciConServices.com, www.RocketCompetition.com.

About the National Space Society (NSS): NSS is an independent nonprofit educational membership organization dedicated to the creation of a spacefaring civilization. NSS is widely acknowledged as the preeminent citizen's voice on space, with over 50 chapters in the United States and around the world. The Society publishes Ad Astra magazine, an award-winning periodical chronicling the most important developments in space. NSS thanks their ISDC 2016 Galaxy Sponsor, the Puerto Rico Science, Technology and Research Trust. To learn more, visit www.nss.org
Play at the new site will be free and first come, first served through the year's end.
U.S. Rep. Jaime Herrera Beutler has denounced Donald Trump after lewd comments the Republican presidential candidate made about women in 2005 became public Friday.

For months Ive left the door open for Donald Trump to earn my vote. That door has now slammed shut, Herrera Beutler said in an email Saturday evening.

Herrera Beutler, R-Camas, wont be casting her vote for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, either.

I refuse to accept this is the best we can do. Both candidates have shown that they lack the character and temperament required for the highest office in the land and it is a sad state of affairs that these are our choices, she said.

Herrera Beutler said she will write-in a vote for House Speaker Paul Ryan, a person who would serve this nation with honor, she said.

Herrera Beutler recently appeared optimistic that Trump would evolve into what she considered a viable candidate.

Last month, she wrote: In recent weeks, Ive been encouraged that Donald Trump has been less divisive in his rhetoric and is offering more substantive solutions to challenges working families are facing, like his proposal to provide moms with paid maternity leave without overburdening small businesses with the costs.

But even Trumps initial announcement that he was running for president did not sit well with the Republican from Camas.

When Trump announced he was running for president more than a year ago, he made the infamous comment about Mexican "rapists" flowing across the U.S. border. Herrera Beutler, whose great-grandparents on her fathers side emigrated from Mexico, said the comment was unsettling. She also expressed concern about Trumps previous statements about women.

But the most recent statements, caught on a private tape a 11 years ago and aired to the public Friday, went too far, she said. Herrera Beutler joined several of her Republican colleagues in disavowing the GOPs nominee for president.
Northwest Innovation Works plant in Kalama would expand the regions daily use of natural gas by about 11 percent. Every year, it would use enough natural gas to power about 1.57 million average homes.

Can the region support such a gas intensive project? How much new pipeline would need to built? And how would this affect consumer prices for natural gas?

Williams Pipeline, which owns the major natural gas pipeline that runs north-south through Cowlitz County, says the line can handle the added natural gas demand of the Kalama plant without needing big expansions. Industry analysts said methanol plant wouldnt raise natural gas prices, and the state environmental impact statement on the $1.8 billion project reiterates these points.

But some environmentalists say recent industry forecasts for the region suggest otherwise. They contend that the massive gas needs of the plant would trigger a need for additional gas pipeline capacity beyond the 3.1 mile pipeline project already disclosed. They say the pipeline company and Northwest Innovation are obscuring this information the public.

Will a new gas pipeline need to be built today before this plant goes into operation? No. But its clear from  (industry reports and forecasts)  that they know if a load this big comes online in the relatively near future, that youre going to need new infrastructure upgrades, said Miles Johnson, attorney with Columbia Riverkeeper.

Chinese-backed Northwest Innovation Works wants to build two twin plants in Kalama and Clatskanie that would convert natural gas into methanol. The Clatskanie proposal hasnt made much progress in permitting since it was announced three years ago.

Right now, the Pacific Northwest gas infrastructure overall can handle a peak of 6.5 million dekatherms of capacity, more than double the amount the region now uses. More locally, however, the Williams Pipeline could be maxed out if Northwest Innovation Works builds both its Kalama and Clatskanie projects.

The Williams line has about 500,000 dekatherms of excess capacity in Oregon and Washington, according to a Williams spokeswoman Sara Delgado. The two methanol plants each would use 270,000 to 290,000 dekatherms of gas daily, exceeding the pipeline capacity if they are both built. (Dekatherms measure units of energy. One dekatherm is the equivalent of about 1 million British thermal units  MMBtu  or 1,000 cubic feet of gas.)

Williams plans to build a lateral pipeline to the Kalama plant from its main line, which is located in the hills in the Mount Pleasant area south of Kelso. Beyond that, Williams says it doesnt have any expansion plans to service the site, Delgado said.

Nevertheless, Columbia Riverkeeper has pointed to industry documents suggesting that pipeline expansions may be needed. In a 2015 forecast, the Northwest Gas Association predicted that the addition of a large enough industrial project (roughly using 150,000 dekaterms of gas daily) would likely require upgrades to the existing pipeline infrastructure.

However, Dan Kirschner, executive director of Northwest Gas Association, suggested that Riverkeeper has taken the groups reports out of context. It would take multiple, large-scale industrial projects to tap out the regions natural gas distribution system, said Kirschner, pointing to the associations updated 2016 association forecast.

The seas are calm right now, but (the tipping point) could happen if some combination of LNG export, methanol and new gas-fired power generation loads emerge, the forecast said.

Columbia Riverkeeper suggests that Northwest Innovation Works is attempting to get around any capacity crunch by subleasing pipeline capacity from companies that already transport natural gas through the Williams pipeline. Taking those customers use offline hides the demand Northwest Innovation would put on the system, according to Riverkeeper. In fact, NW Natural, an Oregon and Washington utility, has acknowledged that it has talked about leasing some of its Williams pipeline capacity to the methanol plant for about three years. By then, the forecast assumes, Williams will expand its system. NW Natural says no agreement has been signed.

Delgado said Williams cant speculate on future pipeline expansions until it has a contractual commitments from new projects.

We couldnt just expand thinking something might be out there. We have to have actual contractual commitments from a third party in order for us to go through the trouble of permitting and constructing, Delgado said. Right now, Williams doesnt have that for a Clatskanie plant.

Gas consumers likely wont see a big change in their natural gas bills as result of the project, the state environmental study suggests. The study points to forecasts from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, which predicts that supply for natural gas the U.S. will outpace demand at least until 2040.

Kirschner suggests that there could be a short term spike in natural gas prices during a cold snap, but that wouldnt be felt by consumers when averaged out over the course of a year.

Were well connected to some very well-supplied area in British Columbia and the U.S. All those area produce a lot of natural gas.  Overall its not going to have a huge impact on prices in the region, Kirschner said.
What had been a gentlemanly campaign for county commissioner turned testy Monday night, with incumbent Mike Karnofski and challenger Arne Mortensen sparring on the countys homeless problem, bureaucracy and their experience levels.

At one point, Karnofski suggested Mortensen was a warm body in a chair. Mortensen countered that the Democratic incumbent and the other commissioners are isolated from the public.

In a debate organized by Longview councilman Ken Botero and moderated by Cowlitz County Public Works spokesman Mark Koelsch, Mortensen and Karnofski agreed that job creation and health and safety spending are the countys No. 1 priorities. They disagreed on human-caused climate change (Mortensen calls it a hoax; Karnofski believes its real) and each picked at the others experience levels.

Mortensen, 68, argued his experience as a manager, as the head of the Cowlitz County Republican Party and as a citizen at large committee member for the Water Resources Inventory Area has prepared him to be a commissioner. He said he worked several years ago to pressure the state to ease tight restrictions on how many new wells can be drilled locally.

Karnofski, 67, accused Mortensen of taking too much credit for that success, which he said belonged to former commissioner Jim Misner. Karnofski said someone described Mortensen as just a warm body in a chair as a citizen at large in the water resources inventory process.

It had been in process for two years before Jim Misner came on the scene, Mortensen countered Tuesday in a phone interview. I dont know what the final thing was that caused the (Department of Ecology) to retreat a little bit. (But) it wouldnt have been there had it not been for the citizens at large.

Mortensen ended a response by saying Karnofski doesnt spend his time as a commissioner well. Karnofski responded that he spends his time wisely on economic development, frequently meeting with officials across the county, attending public events and maintaining a good relationship with the Department of Ecology that he said has helped expedite the permitting processes for the proposed Longview coal terminal (now more than four years old) and Kalama methanol plant.

When he (Karnofski) says he gets out, he means gets out amongst his friends, Mortensen rejoined.

He said that the commissioners dont engage well with the public and only listen to the few people who attend their meetings. Mortensen proposed that as a commissioner, he would allow no new expenditures unless they were supported by members of the public. Mortensen said Tuesday that he would gauge that support either by gathering signatures or by meeting face to face with citizens. Karnofski said Tuesday that the public has plenty of opportunity to engage and that the commissioners have expended a lot of effort to make sure citizens are heard.

Throughout his campaign, Mortensen has railed against bureaucracy, and Monday he said the county building and planning fees are prohibitive and scare off new business.

Currently the way it operates, its an obstacle. Its not a facilitator, Mortensen said of the building and planning department.

To which Karnofski responded: If my opponent wants to change some of those (fees), youre running for the wrong office. You need to work within the system to make it better.

At Mondays debate, Mortensen argued that he has experience fighting bureaucracy when he built a bike shop on the campus of his graduate school, the University of California.

There is a significant difference between building a bike shop and permitting a major business, Karnofski said.

Mortensen also picked at Karnofskis claim that hed helped lower unemployment and increase property values and county cash reserves during his time as a commissioner.

Were still not doing very well, Mortensen said about the countys unemployment rate. He said more technology education would help bring more jobs to the area.

Karnofski reiterated that he hasnt been solely responsible for lowering unemployment and increasing property values  you get the right people and work on the right problems, Karnofski said.

On homelessness, Mortensen said he supported the Community House on Broadway shelter model, which he called tough love, rather than housing first, which doesnt require sobriety to get help.

Theres not one model that works on homeless, Karnofski rebutted. You have to look at a variety of services so you can get them the help that they need.

Mortensen also said that he was more approachable than Karnofski, to which Karnofski responded: I dont think anyones ever called me unfriendly.
At their regular meeting Thursday, Longview City Council members will consider a zoning code change that would expand locations permitted for bowling centers.

Kurt Bogner, co-owner of Triangle Bowl, has applied for the zoning code amendment to consider relocating the business in the Mixed-Use Commercial and Industrial District. The south part of the city  the area roughly bordered by Third Avenue and Tennant, Oregon and Industrial ways  is zoned mixed-use Commercial/Industrial District. A second area with that zoning is located near the Millennium Bulk Terminal site west of 38th Avenue.

Bogners state environmental policy act application to the city in August said he is considering 1238 California Way as the new location. Triangle Bowl is currently located at the Triangle Shopping Center. The alley would be 32 lanes, said Steve Langdon, principal planner.

Langdon said the restrictions were originally in place because the mixed-use/industrial zone was largely intended for industrial use only, and a few commercial uses that would help service workers in those industries.

The citys Planning Commission recommended the change unanimously after a public hearing on Sept. 7.

Council members will hold the regular meeting at 7 p.m. on Thursday at Longview City Hall.
Cowlitz County voters are facing a historic ballot, the largest they have ever seen, and officials are expecting a high turnout for the Nov. 8 general election.

Washington state now has 4.2 million registered voters and registered more than 50,000 new voters on Sunday and Monday, the last two days to register online for the general election. It was a record number.

We have this recent evidence of people being fired up, said Dave Ammons, communications director at the Washington Secretary of State, the office that is the election overseer.

Cowlitz County Elections Supervisor Carolyn Fundingsland said she is predicting an 83 percent county turnout, a potentially greater showing than the 2008 General Election, the last time no presidential incumbent was running for office. Along with the presidential race, there are also hotly contested offices across the board, including those for governor, a U.S. Senate seat and state legislative and county commissioner positions. In addition, voters will decide nine statewide ballot measures.

Ive never seen a ballot this big, Fundingsland said, describing it as 11-by-17 inches, front and back, four columns with condensed font. Its very large and may be more difficult to navigate than your typical ballot.

Weve got a fight for the control of the Legislature, which is a huge issue, Ammons said. Some people really are engaged by the initiatives. ... There are so many potential avenues for enthusing people about the election.

The Washington Secretary of State predicts at least an 80 percent turnout statewide and says turnout may edge up to 85 percent, which the state hit in 2008, Ammons said. In 2012 the general election turnout was 78 percent in Cowlitz County and 82 percent statewide.

Cowlitz Countys turnout was 32 percent in the Aug. 2 Primary Election, slightly lower than Fundingslands early goal of 33 to 35 percent. However, that ballot had few contested races.

General Election ballots will be mailed to Cowlitz County voters on Oct. 21. Thats later than usual because the general election is being held on the latest possible date this year. By law, the general election is always held on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November.
Aditya Madanapalle

Barack Obama wrote a story for CNN outlining plans for manned missions to Mars by 2030. "We have set a clear goal vital to the next chapter of America's story in space: sending humans to Mars by the 2030s and returning them safely to Earth, with the ultimate ambition to one day remain there for an extended time," Obama Wrote. NASA is building space habitats in partnership with various private companies to accomplish this.

The article comes two weeks after Elon Musk outlined his plans for making human life interplanetary. Musk had said during his presentation, that his ambitious plans that did not just stop at Mars, was an effort to get more people talking about establishing permanent human settlements on other planets and moons. People are talking about it. A week after Musk outlined his plans, the chief executive officer of Boeing, Dennis Muilenburg revealed his intentions to carry out the first manned mission to Mars. The mission is planned not for research or establishing colonies, but as tourists, as reported by Yahoo.

NASA plans to have a manned mission to Mars by 2030. The SpaceX Dragon II is planned to go on a pathfinding mission to Mars to scout out for suitable locations for humans in 2018 and 2020. The cheapest and fastest way to get to Mars is to send spacecraft when Mars and Earth are in particular positions called launch windows. There are launch windows roughly every two years, which could mean that there could be a lot of traffic between Earth and Mars every two years during the launch windows if all the current plans of NASA, SpaceX and Boeing are carried out.

The technical developments to support these missions have moved beyond just spacecraft and rockets. The pioneers on Mars will have to be supported with food, shelter, fuel and waste disposal. NASA plans to provide this support using the resources available locally on Mars. The missions on Mars will have to use a technique called in-situ resource utilization or ISRU. A small propellant plant is planned to be on the first SpaceX colonial ship to Mars. The plant is expected to be expanded over time, over the course of subsequent missions. The idea is to mine the water and carbon dioxide that is abundantly available on Mars, to make cryogenic methane based fuel with superior technical characteristics. NASA also has plans for using locally available resources, and it goes beyond just fuel.

The ISRU research is mostly being conducted at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, directed by the former space shuttle astronaut Robert D Cabana. "It was an incredible accomplishment when we went to the moon. We stayed for a couple of days and took some rocks home. We explored," said Cabana But, now we want to be pioneers. As pioneers, we will create a sustained human presence in an ever more extreme environment. We now want to go to Mars.

Astronauts going to Mars will take a year to a year and a half to reach the planet and come back, not counting the time spent on the surface. Because of the distance and the few launch windows, there cannot be resupply missions like the ones that regularly go up to the International Space Station. Equipment is being manufactured and tested to harvest resources to make fuel, as well as consumables for the life support systems. The equipment will have to work in extreme and alien conditions. At the poles, the temperature is minus one twenty six degrees Celsius and twenty degrees Celsius at the equator. The machines will have to operate in an atmosphere made up of ninety five per cent carbon dioxide.

The air and soil will be used by Astronauts, even though they are so different from Earth. NASA plans multiple pathfinding missions to identify suitable sites, and make sure that the necessary resources are available when the astronauts need them. The first is an orbiter with instruments on board that will scan Mars for potential landing sites from space. After potential locations are identified, rovers will be sent on the surface to verify the presence of the necessary resources.

NASA has used the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) have scanned the moon for resource rich sites. NASA is sending a Resource Prospector to the Moon, the first attempt at mining on another celesital body. The Resource Prospector is headed to the poles of the moon, where LCROSS spectacularly crashed into the surface and showed that there was water on the Moon.

Jackie Quinn, project manager for LCROSS said "Our objective is to go to the moons poles where the LCROSS and LRO missions told us that what we previously thought was a dry moon is actually a quite moist moon." The Resource Prospector mission is scheduled for 2020, and will extract hydrogen, oxygen and water. NASA plans to learn more about how to extract resources for fuel, and water from the ice on Mars.

Gravity on Mars is sixty two percent lower than that on Earth. This means that excavators do not need to be as bulky as they are on Earth. It also means designing new kinds of excavators for low gravity environments, technology that can potentially be used to mine asteroids as well. The mining on Mars can be done by a NASA robot called Regolith Advanced Surface Systems Operations Robot (RASSOR). Martian regolith, which is crushed rock devoid of any organic matter, can potentially be used to construct 3D printed shelters for the astronauts as well.

Growing crops in space is another area of focus for the research. It is not easy to grow crops out of regolith, so NASA is figuring out the nutrients that need to be added to the soil, how to water the crops and lighting them with LEDs. Student citizen scientists are contributing to the effort by identifying the best plants that can be grown in space. While transporting entire crops may take up too much space, and prove uneconomical, seeds are small and can be transported easily. NASA plans to use robots to take care of the crops, which leaves the astronauts free for more critical tasks.

Apart from local extraction, fuel can also be obtained from waste. A Trash Reactor can be used on Mars to convert garbage generated by the astronauts into valuable elements. The trash reactor at the Kennedy Space Center burns garbage at a temperature of 537 degrees Celsius to convert garbage into fuel, with oxygen and water as by products. The current reactor can covert four and a half kg of garbage into a little over three kg of fuel. Annie Meier, a chemical engineer at the Kennedy Space Center said There is food waste, there is biological waste, there is packaging waste. Here at Kennedy, were working on how to make this waste into useful products, such as methane for fuel.

NASA's plans and efforts for using local resources on Mars are extensive and detailed. Similar to SpaceX, NASA wants to go beyond just Mars. "We don't just want to go explore," Bob Cabana said, "we want to pioneer; we want to establish a presence in the solar system."
Nimish Sawant

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the latest buzzword. If you've been following the tech space over the last year, you may have noticed increased use of terms such as AI and bots. AI is definitely improving, and we're just about getting started with bots, who can answer your queries, book your cabs and more. The underlying leitmotif of both these technologies is to take off some mental load off of us.

So far, so good.

Technological Singularity  that moment when AI takes over human intelligence  is still (at least) decades away. But British MPs on the Science and Technology Committee have already called for establishing a commission to address the issues raised by AI. They are calling for news skills for humans, which will ensure AI doesn't make our jobs completely redundant.

The bots are here

Think about it. Till digital assistants and later smartphones came along, we used to memorise telephone numbers and birth dates of our loved ones. Since the last decade, we have conveniently outsourced this task to our digital organisers, phonebooks, Calendars and so on. The AI powering some services also send you reminders of when to call you friend on their birthdays; pulls up photos shot years ago to remind you of this day; shows you restaurants nearby based on time and location and much more.

Why bother remembering things when you have information at the click of a button? Or through the voice of a digital assistant.

We keep hearing about jobs that were done by humans being taken over by machines. Earlier this year, Foxconn replaced 60,000 employees with robots. Think replacing manual labour with robots is a no-brainer? Well, then how about a robot which is writing news articles? Then there's this short film starring Silicon Valley's Thomas Middleditch called Sunspring, the screenplay for which was written by AI.

So you still think AI will not replace your job in the years to come? Well, think again.

Elon Musk, Stephen Hawking and Bill Gates have all expressed concerns over the threat perceptions of super intelligent robots and advanced AI. In his biography, Musk had even mentioned how Google buying Boston Dynamics had him concerned. Although Musk is good friends with Page, he is not very optimistic about something like AI assisted robots such as the ones Google has demoed. "He could produce something evil by accident," said Musk about Page, alluding to the fact that Boston Dynamics made robots for US military. Alphabet, Google's parent company has now put Boston Dynamics up for sale.

Are we headed for a dystopian future?

Robots being used in warfare is no longer in the realm of science fiction. But there are many books and movies which revolve around the theme of a dystopian future. The 2008 film Wall-E has painted a great picture of what could happen if we completely give in to intelligent robots and AI. Here's a short video that drives the point home.

As humans, we are meant to be physically and mentally active. But over the years, at least in metros, our dependence on smart devices and propensity to lead sedentary lifestyles has reached alarming levels. Innovations in technology have surely made our lives better. But just like remembering phone numbers, outsourcing everything to something programmed is also dangerous. Else the day isn't far when we will start resembling the obese humans in Wall-E.

Skills that require human intervention

So far the AI we have seen, at least on consumer products, is aimed at performing specific tasks quickly. The conversational assistants such as Siri and Google Assistant, are definitely taking it a notch higher. Like that Joaquin Phoenix, Scarlett Johannson starrer Her, where a lonely man falls in love with his operating system.

Dr Tania Mathias, acting Science and Technology committee chairwoman, says that AI machines have narrow and specific roles for now.

"It is too soon to set down sector-wide regulations for this nascent field, but it is vital that careful scrutiny of the ethical, legal and societal ramifications of artificially intelligent systems begins now," she told the BBC.

She says that the government hasn't shown any leadership on tackling the issue. According to her AI may create jobs in the future, but it will definitely be displacing many in the process. Mathias says that since we cannot pre-empt what those replace jobs will be, there should be committment from the British government to upgrade education and training systems.

TechUK, representing UK technology companies has welcomed the report saying there has to be an informed and balanced discussion between business, academia, citizens and governments.

Our systems and AI are getting more intelligent by the day. Google's AI for instance is quite good at understanding context. This was ably demonstrated at the recently held Google hardware event. Supercomputers such as IBM's Watson, which defeated a Jeopardy champion is the other spectrum.

In the midst of this, what are those skills which cannot be made redundant by AI or robots?

That is the question that needs a lot more discussion, not just in the UK, but across the globe.
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The Group of Seven industrial powers on Tuesday said they had agreed on guidelines for protecting the global financial sector from cyber attacks following a series of cross-border bank thefts by hackers. Policymakers have grown more worried about financial cyber security in the wake of numerous hacks of SWIFT, the global financial messaging system, including an $81 million theft in February from the Bangladeshi central bank's account at the New York Federal Reserve.

"Cyber risks are growing more dangerous and diverse, threatening to disrupt our interconnected global financial systems," according to the guidelines agreed by G7 finance ministers and central bankers. The guidelines, which officials described as non-binding principles, were in a three-page document posted on the Web pages of G7 government agencies. The G7 comprises Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States.

U.S. Deputy Treasury Secretary Sarah Bloom Raskin told reporters in a telephone briefing that G7 officials had surveyed their existing cyber security practices and identified potential shortfalls. A Treasury official later said the guidance was an effort to encourage regulators and firms to approach cyber security from a risk-management perspective. Fed Vice Chairman Stanley Fischer said in a statement the guidelines would address the weakest links in global cyber security.

Cyber thieves have targeted large financial institutions around the world, including America's largest bank JPMorgan, as well as smaller players like Ecuador's Banco del Austro and Vietnam's Tien Phong Bank. The U.S. Federal Reserve's internal security staff detected more than 50 cyber breaches between 2011 and 2015, with several incidents described as "espionage."

The guidelines released on Tuesday instruct governments to ensure that they police their own cyber-security readiness as well as that of companies they regulate, and that public and private institutions continually update their defenses. The goal of the guidelines was also to get firms and regulators across the world to approach risks the same way, according to the Treasury official.

"If we get this right we will drive a common lexicon," said the official, who asked not to be named. Governments are also supposed to notify one another about joint threats and cooperate to contain computer system breaches, while firms are encouraged to share information and ask for help when they need it.

"Maintaining trust and confidence in the financial sector significantly improves when entities and public authorities have the ability to mutually assist each other," according to the guidelines.

Reuters
tech2 News Staff

Finally, Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 is dead. After a failed attempt to save the once-celebrated device from this exploding fiasco, the company has begun asking customers to return the units and receive refunds.

With instances of Note 7 units exploding even after they were replaced, this is a big cause of worry. After all, even returning them could be worrisome. Samsung's device is nothing less than a tiny bomb which is on a no-fly list of majority airlines. So, ground mail is the only option and to ensure safe returns, the company has gone as far as to build fire-proof boxes.

The kit made available by Samsung has a series of boxes and protective bags, one of which comes with thermal resistant properties. It comes with an instruction kit and special protective gloves to safeguard your hands. The innermost box comes with a ceramic fiber lining, which is said to be about a quarter-inch thick.

Guys at XDA got their hands on one such box and have posted a video showing Samsung's new fire-resistant kit. The set of instructions also include a line that the returns should be made only via ground mail.

According to The Daily Mail, the kits began to arrive as the Royal Mail in the UK refused to handle Note 7 returns. It is being termed as a safety hazard, and why not? The device bursts into flames even after being powered down.

Meanwhile in India, Samsung had officially launched the Note 7 on 11 August at Rs 59,900. By early September, the DGCA had issued a warning and banned the use of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 on flights. In light of the recent incidents involving battery incidents with Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices globally, traveling public and airlines are advised not to switch on these mobiles during the flight or stow them in any checked in baggage, the issued DGCA order read.

Samsung had also issued an official statement on the Note 7 in India, citing customers safety being an absolute priority at Samsung, the company announced delayed sales of the Galaxy Note 7. While 28 October was suppose to mark the relaunch of the Note 7, just ahead of Diwali, it now looks like a damp squib. Meanwhile, those who had preordered the device were sent text messages promising free VR headsets and bundled apps to make up for the delay. However, some who opted for a refund, haven't received it yet. In India, the devices didn't officially fly off shelves, but we wonder what will happen to those consumers who bought the device from other sources. Will Samsung even bother with fireproof boxes in India?

Did you pre-book the Note 7 or own it in India, do let us know in the comments section below.
tech2 News Staff

The third quarter of 2016 saw further decline in the global PC shipments with 68.9 million units, which is 5.7 percent decline compared to the same time last year. It should be noted, it is now the eighth consecutive decline of PC shipments, the longest ever in the history of PC industry.

Weak demand in emerging markets and the extension of the lifeline of PCs are said to be the fundamental causes of the decline. Mikako Kitagawa, principal analyst at Gartner. "According to our 2016 personal technology survey, the majority of consumers own, and use, at least three different types of devices in mature markets. Among these devices, the PC is not a high priority device for the majority of consumers, so they do not feel the need to upgrade their PCs as often as they used to. Some may never decide to upgrade to a PC again."

The report talks about how emerging markets prefer smartphones. Now, haven't we seen this in India. We are a mobile-first market and consumers prefer a mobile phone or a smartphone to access Internet rather than a PC. The reasons for this are simple easy availability and affordable prices of the phones compared to PCs.

Talking about brands, Lenovo takes the top spot, but as you see in the table, HP follows closely. "Lenovo has recorded six consecutive quarters of year-over-year shipment declines, while the nearest competitors, HP Inc. and Dell, have recorded shipment growth since the second quarter of 2016," according to the report.

In the US market, PC shipments totaled 16.2 million units in the third quarter, which is 0.3 percent decline from the same period last year. The Asia/Pacific market saw a 7.6 percent decline from the third quarter of 2016, the number totaled to 24.7 million units. PC shipments in EMEA surpassed 19.2 million units in the third quarter of 2016, again a 3.3 percent decline from the same period last year. All in all, PC shipments continue to show the downwards trend.
Kunal Khullar

Google announced its first ever self-made smartphones, the Pixel and Pixel XL. While the company claims it is an in-house product, a number of pre-launch rumours suggested that HTC would be in charge of the hardware, and well it was quite obvious judging by the design.

Now a report by ET suggests that HTC will be handling the distribution and after sales of the Google Pixel smartphones in India. According to the report all Pixel phones will be made by HTC and will be imported into India. Google will sell the phones by itself, but will also utilise HTCs retail network to get a boost in sales.

The report comes just a day before the smartphone pre-booking begins in the country with deliveries to begin by the end of the month. A Google spokesperson told ET, We have partnered with HTC India for after sales service in 56 walk-in service centres in over 30 cities. Redington India is our national distributor for all channels in India.

According to Tarun Pathak, Senior Analyst, Mobile Devices and Ecosystems at Counterpoint Research, Google will look forward to get as much self-space as it can at least in metro cities for the upcoming festive season not just by leveraging HTC distribution channel but also through successful partnerships with leading LFRs (large format retail) and leading stores including online channels. The first month of sales will be critical which later can lead to even stronger word of mouth marketing during non-festive season. We can expect Pixel to come up with bundled offers as it is launching in middle of festive season and Google will leave no stone unturned to make most of this opportunity especially when Pixel has generated much excited on various social media platforms ahead of its launch.

While we havent got an official confirmation from HTC, this goes on to prove that Google has taken a new route for its products. It appointed HTC to make its device, however it didnt let the Taiwanese company use its branding. Google is also planning to make use of the smartphone makers distribution and service channels, at least in India. But the real question is, will this move actually benefit Google? Moreover, will this help HTC as it has been facing low sales figures since the past two years. HTC has a history with Google as it was the primary brand chosen to create the first Nexus device.
tech2 News Staff

Google has reportedly partnered with HTC to provide after sales support for the Pixel phones in India.

HTC will provide after sales service in 56 service centres spread across 30 cities, reports The Economic Times. The report also adds that Redington, the same distributor that handles Apple products in India, will be Googles national distributor for all channels.

This partnership means that the Pixel phones will be available across more than a thousand retail channels in India.

The report goes on to suggest that the Pixel phone will be imported to India and sold and that it would take advantage of HTCs retail network and chain stores like Vijay Sales, Chroma and Reliance Digital.

The Google Pixel and Pixel XL phones represent a change in track for Google. The companys earlier Nexus program was primarily targeted at developers, offering them a capable platform to work on.

The Pixel program differs from this in that Google is offering consumers a chance to experience the Google ecosystem at its best.

The Pixel and Pixel XL offer the same hardwarea Snapdragon 821 with 4GB of RAM and 32/128GB storage optionsin different form factors. The Pixel offers a Full HD 5-inch screen while the Pixel XL offers a 2560x1440 (2K), 5.5-inch screen.

Pre-orders for the Pixel smartphones begin tomorrow. The official pricing for the phones starts at Rs 57,000.
tech2 News Staff

Recently, Mark Zuckerberg and wife Priscilla Chan spoke about their charity organisation and the mission to cure diseases. It was just recently that the couple had promised to donate $3 billion for this cause. Now, the Chan Zuckerberg initiative has made its first hire or rather believed to have poached Amazon search VP Brian Pinkerton for the position of CTO. The Chan Zuckerberg Initiative (CZI) had recently invested in Indian edutech startup Byjus.

In a blogpost, Zuckerberg announced the new hire, and explained its approach to use engineering to create social change. He said it is different from most philanthropy. Pinkerton will basically build an engineering team to help craete solutions for some of the challenges faced by the society.

"Lots of people invest capital and hard work, but when you can also do engineering to build tools to empower people to make changes themselves, that's when social change can really scale. That's what we're doing to help teachers bring personalized learning tools into hundreds of schools. That's what we're doing to help scientists build new tools that can help cure, prevent and manage all diseases within our children's lifetime. Bringing engineering to social change is the basic idea of our work, and one of the unique capabilities we can provide," he writes.

Earlier at the University of California in San Francisco (UCSF), Chan spoke about the future that everyone wants for their kids and how we can set goals to cure all diseases in our childrens lifetime. Zuckerberg also pointed out some deadly diseases that lead to causing deaths and said tools will help fight them more quickly. Yes, the tools he was talking about will probably be build under the guidance of Pinkerton who will first build a team to do so.

Meanwhile, it is believed that he will invest $600 million in a project called Biohub, which is an independent research center located at the University of California in San Francisco (UCSF). This research center will work on developing new tools that will measure and treat disease. Biohub will be led by Joe DeRisi, a professor at the UCSF School of Medicine, and Stephen Quake, a Stanford biophysicist and bioengineer, and will attempt to develop a cell atlas as one of its first projects.
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Nokia's Alcatel Submarine Networks (ASN) Unit said on Wednesday it has set a new record for cable transmission capacity for communications traffic - doubling its previous levels - as the company responds to booming demand from Internet firms.

The top supplier of undersea cable networks said that with the company's research arm, Nokia Bell Labs, it had demonstrated in lab tests a 65 terabit-per-second transmission using dual-band fiber amplifiers - the equivalent of streaming 10 million high-definition TV channels simultaneously.

Google, Microsoft and Facebook as well as mainstay telecom operator and government customers are all in need of greater communications capacity. Research firm Telegeography estimates the market is poised to see an explosion of new cable deployments worth more than $8.1 billion over the next three years.

"The Internet players are driving demand across the Atlantic and Pacific, within Asia to some degree and between Latin America and the United States," said Alan Mauldin, research director at Telegeography. The business has long been subject to both big advances in technology and dramatic capacity gluts, which, in turn, helps drive further demand by slashing network costs, analysts say. While only three subsea networks worth $490 million were deployed in 2015, 33 networks are set to be built within the next three years, Telegeography predicts.

ASN Chief Technology Officer Olivier Gautheron said that, when commercially ready to deploy over the next two to three years, the new technique promises to help reduce transmission costs, increase network resilience and allow networks to dynamically adapt to changing traffic conditions.

The ASN trial took advantage of a new "probablistic" modulation technique from Bell Labs that allow customers to maximize the capacity of high-speed optical networks or to trade off capacity by extending the distance needed between amplifiers to boost electronic signals in order to reduce network costs.

Nokia does not disclose specific results for ASN, saying only that the business enjoyed year-on-year growth in revenue and gross profit in the latest quarter, which was partially offset by weakness in its terrestrial cable business, known as Radio Frequency Systems.

ASN is the market leader in undersea cable networks with more than 580,000 kilometers of optical submarine systems deployed around the globe. It held a 47 percent share of the market in the decade up to 2014, according to research firm Terabit Consulting. Rivals include U.S.-based TE SubCom, with 30 percent and NEC with 12 percent. Smaller rivals range from Fujitsu with 4 percent to Huawei Marine with 2 percent to Ericsson, with just 1 percent share.

Reuters
Nimish Sawant

When we say Qualcomm, the first thing that comes to most people's mind is smartphones. Qualcomm chips are seen in many smartphones, and it is a market leader in that space. But the chipmaker is also making heavy investments in the Internet of Things (IoT) space in India. This is the part of the story that not everyone is familiar with.

Uday Dodla, director of product marketing for Qualcomm India, likes to call himself an evangelist for various Qualcomm solutions in multiple sectors in India. He is looking after the IoT vertical in Qualcomm India, among other things.

To that effect Dodla is leading the Qualcomm Design in India Challenge (QDIC) initiative. Kickstarted in December 2015, the QDIC focusses on incubating hardware companies working in the IoT space.

"We have an IoT lab in Bangalore where we are integrating these 10 hardware companies that we selected out of 400 applicants. We are hoping to finish the incubation by November. Then we will select the top 3 ideas," he says about the QDIC initiative.

While Qualcomm has currently partnered with Nasscom, it plans to partner with private players in the next couple of years. Focussing on established embedded hardware companies.

Software vs Hardware

It is a well known fact that India is renowned for its software solutions. There aren't any star hardware companies commanding the same kind of respect as say a TCS or an Infosys. How challenging is it then to identify these companies for Qualcomm?

Dodla agrees that India is a software powerhouse. But at the same time the last 6 years have given rise to a lot of companies working in the IoT space. "Some of them are involved in providing services layers and analytics-based solutions. But a lot of them are building end-point solutions such as sensors, devices to gather data such as industrial data, pollution, traffic management, content, video, etc. They are building these edge devices which aggregate all the data and send them to the cloud," says Dodla, exuding confidence about interest levels in hardware companies going up.

Vast IoT space

By its very nature the IoT is a broad category. Unlike say a smartphone or laptop maker, IoT space being in its nascency in India, does not offer the scale yet. But Dodla says that Qualcomm's full turnkey solutions can be of help here.

"We have full turnkey solutions - both hardware and software, reference designs. We are bootstrapping these IoT companies with these solutions, so that they dont have to start from scratch. With the basic platform at their disposal these companies can then think of optimally integrating their specific features on the platform. The good thing about India is that we have scale across verticals, so we dont believe that companies will have a problem scaling them," says Dodla.

This is the breakup of entires according to various sectors that Qualcomm received for its QDIC initiative. IoT home makes up 29 percent. Dodla elaborated that Qualcomm's Snapdragon processors are also used in Smart Home applications. Also with integrated Snapdragon solutions, it is possible to drive multiple thing such as smart speakers, smart home appliances, security systems, refrigerators with smart panels and so on.

Different chips for different needs?

Does this mean Qualcomm has different architectures for the smartphone chips and IoT-targetted chips?

Dodla mentioned that it is not the case. Qualcomm uses the same chips for wearables that it would use in its smartphones, but they are adapted for the respective use-cases. "We have gone in, turned a few knobs in terms of power. We have decided that all the sensors will operate in low power mode and made the optimisations. We also have algorithms that ensure that devices consume minimal power in these devices. So we are certainly not making brand new chipsets, but are just reusing a lot of our existing Snapdragon chipsets portolio to drive this segment," says Dodla.

According to him, Qualcomm also uses software and algorithms optimally. In addition hardware sub-systems which allow things such as integrated DSPs or integrated sensors are also used.

Areas of promise in the current IoT landscape

Considering IoT is a relatively new vertical, Qualcomm claims to have seen success in two major areas. Namely, Wearables and Imaging with Drones being an area of promise. "Instant cameras, IP cameras, surveillance cameras are areas where we are seeing traction. We have reference designs, but companies can take the camera framework that we have already enabled and build upon it. We also have integrated LTE and 4G, so that helps in remote surveillance," says Dodla.

As for drones, Dodla says that several companies have realised that drones offer potential for a lot of applications such as remote surveillance, residential surveys and so on.

IoT and Smart Cities project

Government of India's Smart Cities program has been announced earlier this year. For companies such a Qualcomm that represents a huge opportunity. But according to Dodla, Qualcomm isn't directly involved with the GoI, but is only providing end to end solutions to conglomerates, some of who are partners of the Smart Cities project. Dodla said it was to early to share more details as things were in the nascent stage.

Touching on the importance of IoT implementation in the success of the Smart Cities project, Dodla said that Qualcomm had a lot to offer. "Some of the key aspects of a smart city involve things such as energy management, traffic management, pollution management, making sure there is enough surveillance - all these on a broader scale constitute your smart city environment. We have solutions in our portfolio for these requirements. Not only from Snapdragon but also Cambridge Silicon Radio portfolio which gave us the Bluetooth Mesh, as well as Atheros portfolio which gives us wireless edge," said Dodla.

Competition

So will it be a Qualcomm - MediaTek duopoly going forward or does Dodla forsee more competition in this space?

"I think there is enough market out there for several players. I forsee our existing competition in the IoT space. We are sticking to our strategy of providing low cost high speed options with connectivity options,' concluded Dodla.
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Samsung Electronics Co Ltd needs to quickly find the cause of the fires that led to it pulling its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones and get a new model to market, investors said on Wednesday, as shares in the company slipped to a one-month low. The world's top smartphone maker on Tuesday scrapped the $882 flagship smartphone in what could be one of the costliest product safety failures in tech history.

Samsung announced the recall of 2.5 million Note 7s in early September following reports of the phones catching fire. The firm appeared to have the situation under control as it issued replacement devices with different batteries, until the new phones also began to smoke and combust.

Investors and analysts agreed that the damage to Samsung's brand and future earnings would deepen the longer the market was left in the dark about the origin of the fault, with some already predicting lost revenue in the region of $17 billion.

"It's good that Samsung made a firm decision on the Note 7, but people are concerned about the situation because people dont know what the problem is," said Kim Hyun-su, a fund manager at IBK Asset Management, which owns shares in Samsung. "There needs to be explanation from Samsung in order for consumers to understand that problems wont occur in the next models ... Samsung needs to clearly explain and admit what went wrong."

Samsung would likely push ahead to get the latest version of its premium S-series smartphones to market as soon as possible, fund managers said. Typically, the South Korean company unveils a new Galaxy S phone on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress trade show in the first quarter as it battles Apple Inc to stay at the top of the smartphone market.

"We'll have to see what the future plans are but I suspect Samsung will move quickly to get the Galaxy S8 ready; they have the manufacturing and production capabilities," IBK's Kim said. Experts are baffled by what could be causing the overheating in the replacement phones, if not the batteries, and Samsung has not commented.

An official at the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards, which is investigating the problem alongside Samsung, said the fault in the replacement devices might not be the same as the problem in the original product. The official asked not to be identified as he was not authorised to speak publicly.

Aviation authorities and airlines around the world are telling passengers to switch off their Note 7s and keep them out of checked baggage, amid fears they could bring down a plane. Samsung shares were down 1.6 percent as of 0436 GMT after touching a one-month low of 1.494 million won ($1,340), reflecting concerns about fourth-quarter earnings as well as the potential long-term impact on its smartphone business.

The stock is down 11 percent so far this week, on track for worst weekly percentage fall since December 2008. "Damage control at Samsung will face an uphill battle to redeem the company's tarnished image owing to the dangerous and dramatic nature of the phone's failure," Vijay Michalik, an analyst at research firm Frost & Sullivan, said.

A permanent end to Note 7 sales could cost Samsung up to $17 billion, according to calculations based on analysts' projected sales of the phone. While the damage to Samsung's brand remains hard to quantify, negative publicity from the botched recall could touch off a turf war among Android smartphone manufacturers, analysts said.

Consumers tend to commit to their choice between Apple's iOS operating system and Googles Android, leaving Samsungs fellow Android manufacturers such as G Electronics Inc and Alphabet Inc's Google in prime position to strike.

Reuters
Sheldon Pinto

It was the smartphone Galaxy Note fans had been waiting for. One that was supposed to pack in the best that Samsung had on offer along with some features that no other manufacturer could come up with. It even featured a not-so-popular iris scanner that Samsung advertised about apart from its water resistant capabilities. But even with the best design from Samsung in a decade, Samsung was in a rush to deliver its flagship product for the year before Apple and LG. Rushing your product in stores comes with some drawbacks as devices usually do not get enough time in the testing phase. And all of this (along with some bad PR) has resulted in the massacre of the Samsung brand.

We had a chat with Sanchit Vir Gogia, CEO of Greyhound Research. While the CEO commented on how Samsung seems to have done nothing to bring back the faith of its customers into their products, he also pointed out the losses. The real impact of Samsungs Note 7 mess up will be visible in the next 3-4 quarters. This will not die in just the next quarter. The brand has been impacted in a very huge way. Samsung should only expect a modest outcome from their upcoming smartphone announcements. Samsung has already lost 16 billion dollars in this mess and you could probably add an equal amount in terms of sales.

That's not a small amount by any means as that is just the beginning. Forbes estimated a cost of around $900 billion but that was just for the first wave. As mentioned in a previous article, even one single product fail can lead to a domino effect. Business Standard points out how shares of Samsung Electronics have touched a one month low after the electronics giant announced that it had permanently halted sales of the problematic smartphone. Shares dropped by 2.9 per cent and the same will have an impact on the company's quarterly earnings as well.

Reuters quoted Edward Snyder, the managing director of Charter Equity Research who hinted that the Note brand could be ditched entirely. "By the time they fix the problem they have to go through recertification and requalification and by the time that happens, they're going up against the (Galaxy) S8 launch."

So far Samsung has yet to cancel out on its next product launch, which would be the Galaxy S8 flagship. The launch that is expected to happen at next year's MWC will be vital for Samsung to keep up its quarterly targets.

Taking down its Note brand would be a tough decision of Samsung, since it built this segment from scratch in a time when Apple was building iPhones with 3.5-inch displays. In the post Steve Jobs era, current Apple CEO Tim Cook allowed for a bigger smartphone with the 6 Plus models and Samsung's loss this year, may indeed turn out to be Apple's gain. Apple iPhone 7 models launched soon after the Samsung Note 7 models, is good news for Apple, since its Plus model this year packs in a dual camera sensor that offers something more in terms of imaging. Apart from this, Apple's iPhone 7 models are also IP67 dust and water-resistant and come with dual speakers as well. Looks like Samsung's loss is paving the way for others to step into its segment and this is a really tight spot to be in.
tech2 News Staff

After the last 5-day sale conducted just a week ago, Snapdeal is back with another sale that starts from 12 October through 14 October. Called the Unbox Diwali Sale, Snapdeal is expected to offer some big deals offerings discounts up to a hefty 70 percent.

The sale starts today with some exciting deals across categories like appliances, electronics, gadgets, mobile phones and even on home furniture and FMCG products.

Shoppers will get an additional 10 percent discount when they shop using a State Bank credit card or debit card. Bajaj Finserv is also offering some zero payment deals on select categories.

Other categories like clothing and accessories also pack in sizeable discounts. Snapdeal under its Unbox Diwali Sale is also offering buy home decor, and furnishings which is good for those who have moved into a new home.

The e-commerce giant's previous sale reportedly churned out a Rs 1 crore turnover on day 1 itself. There are plenty of deals in the smartphones, but with the Apple's latest iPhone 7 models, there seemed to be some setbacks. NDTV reported that Snapdeal did not offer the advertised Rs 10,000 cashback on American Express credit cards despite running full page ads in newspapers to promote its sale. Customers who waited up late for the sale took to Twitter to express their disappointment.
Aditya Madanapalle

The Samsung vs Apple patent infringement hearing was yesterday. The hearing went over familiar ground, that both sides had argued over before. The "friends of the court" submissions were considered as well. These were briefs submitted to the hearing by third parties that were not directly related to the trial, but any decision taken by the court would affect these third parties. Silicon Valley tech companies had submitted a brief in support of Samsung. Industrial designers, fashion designers and design researchers had submitted a brief in support of Apple.

Kathleen M Sullivan represented Samsung, who were the petitioners. Seth P Waxman represented Apple, the respondents. The transcript of the entire hearing (PDF) is available on the Supreme Court web site. The Verge notes that most of the design patent lawsuits are settled out of court. The Supreme Court has one member less, who would be appointed after the presidential election, according to a report by BuzzFeed. A decision is expected in the middle of next year, and it will have far reaching implications beyond just this case.

The argument by Samsung was that the design patents by definition only cover the design, and not the other components that make up a phone. In a lower court, Samsung had argued that if an entity owned the design patent for a cup holder in a car, it is absurd to award the patent owner profits of the sales of an entire car.

There was also a discussion over what the infringing product was. This could be the entire phone, or only the body with rounded corners and chamfered edges. The infringing product here, according to Samsung, was only the parts of the phone that copied the design, and not the entire phone. Depending on the interpretation, Samsung would be required to pay profits on the entire device, or only a portion of the profits. An expert report submitted by Samsung had argued that "only 1 percent of the value of the phone is due to the design or the design of the iconic front face of the phone."

There was a lengthy dissection on why people buy Volkswagen Beetles. The body of the car has an iconic design, and goes a long way in selling the car. The cost of developing or manufacturing the body might be minimal compared to the rest of the car. The amount of man hours required to design the body is significantly more than the amount of man hours required to design the engine. The design patents cover only the ornamental aspects of the car, and not the functional parts.

The question was how much the iconic design contributes to the sales of the vehicle. Consumer surveys was considered as an option to gauge the importance of the design in a purchasing decision. Justice Alito said "This hypothetical is not helpful to me, because I can't get over the thought that nobody buys a car, even a Beetle, just because they like the way it looks. What if it, you know, costs, I think, $1800 when it was first sold in the United States? What if it cost $18,000? What if it got 2 miles per gallon? What if it broke down every 50 miles?"

Another example to understand the two sides of the argument was that of the copyright infringement of a film script. A producer copied a film script, invested in high profile director and star actors. It would be unfair to award the entire proceeds of the film to the owner of the film script. Experts were called in who testified over how much the film script contributed to the total proceeds of the movie. The figure that comes up after these testimonies is bound to be a rough approximation, and not an accurate number. However, that is a better way out than awarding all the money, or none of the money. A similar conclusion can be reached in the Samsung vs Apple case.
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A Toyota Motor Corp official on Tuesday raised concerns about California's plans to require compliance with a planned U.S. autonomous vehicle safety check list, calling it "preposterous." Hilary Cain, director of technology and innovation policy at Toyota Motor North America, criticized California's proposal to require automakers to submit the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) 15-point safety checklist before testing vehicles.

"If we don't do what's being asked of us voluntarily by NHTSA, we cannot test an automated system in the state of California. That is preposterous and that means testing that is happening today could be halted and that means testing that is about to be started could be delayed," she said at a Capitol Hill forum. On September 30, California unveiled revised rules that carmakers will have to certify that they complied with the 15-point NHTSA assessment instead of self-driving cars being required to be tested by a third-party, as in the original proposal.

California would allow for the absence of a human driver and a steering wheel in advanced self-driving cars, provided there is two-way communication with the vehicle and NHTSA approval. California will hold a public hearing on the proposal October 19.

President Barack Obama wrote a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette op-ed last month saying the administration is asking automakers "to sign a 15-point safety checklist showing not just the government, but every interested American, how theyre doing it." Cain also raised concerns about whether the NHTSA guidelines are too vague. "The problem is there is going to be accountability and there is going to be enforcement," Cain said, saying in some areas NHTSA needs to offer more specific guidance. "We need to go through this with a fine tooth comb."

Former NHTSA Administrator David Strickland, who now represents self-driving advocates including Alphabet Inc's Google unit, Ford Motor Co and Uber Technologies [UBER.UL], raised concerns at the forum about whether NHTSA has the expertise to review all of the data they are seeking on self-driving vehicles. Congress may need to "better resource the agency to deal with this new mission," he said.

NHTSA has said it may need authority to conduct "pre-approval" of self-driving technologies before they are marketed. Cain said "the approach is somewhat flawed" and called for more conversation about how consumers can be assured that self-driving cars are safe. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx told Reuters last month he strongly believes "we'll get great compliance from the auto industry" on voluntary self-driving guidelines.

Reuters
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INNOV8 Acadiana and LAGCOE have joined forces once again to connect the best new energy innovators across Acadiana with investors ready to move their business ideas forward.

Pete Prados, director of INNOV8 Acadiana Photo by Robin May

INNOV8 Acadiana is bringing its signature competition event, the Energy Innovators Pitch Challenge, to the Cajundome as part of the LAGCOE Education & Innovation Summit, which runs Oct. 26-27.

Innovators interested in participating must submit their innovations and business plans by Sunday, Oct. 16.

This is our second year doing it, says Pete Prados, director of INNOV8 Acadiana. The energy pitch is really an opportunity for anybody in the energy industry that has a novel idea that theyre trying to get to market to showcase their product in front of a group of investors. Its kind of Shark Tank-style where the ones that are selected will go up on stage to pitch their idea.

This year, the Oct. 26 Energy Pitch Challenge will begin with a keynote luncheon with Chesapeake Energy Corporation Vice President of Drilling David Bert, from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. The Pitch Challenge starts right after the luncheon and will be judged by a panel of Acadiana Angels investors.

Each participant will have access to the Acadiana Angels and the New Orleans Angel network, which opens doors to accredited investors all across Louisiana who are actively looking for business opportunities to invest.

Weve got a group called the Acadiana Angels, says Prados. They are going to be looking at the products and looking at the the business models and, hopefully, what will happen is the ones that are selected, not only will they win a prize, but they will have access to the whole network across Louisiana of accredited investors.

Innovators interested in participating must submit their innovations and business plans by Sunday, Oct. 16. Up to five innovators will then be chosen by a team of judges the week of Monday, Oct. 17.

Each innovator will be given five minutes to pitch their innovation to a panel of investors in front of a live audience. A five-minute Q&A will follow after the pitch.

Winners will then be chosen for the judges favorite and crowd favorite, with other prizes and awards also handed out immediately following all of the presentations.

Cox Business and Jones Walker have also each put up $2,500 for a $5,000 total cash prize to whoever has the best pitch, and Cox Business is also giving away an iPad Pro for the crowd favorite.

The Energy Innovators Pitch Challenge is open for anyone to apply. Innovators may visit INNOV8Acadiana.org/energypitch for more details and to apply.
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:
Hurricane Update: Fears arise that Gov. Ron DeSantis may reroute Hurricane Ian from Florida coast to Martha's Vineyard

Study: People who define themselves by what they stand against, are usually afraid to tell people what they stand for

Liz Cheney: Voters need to ask themselves, why they are so out of touch with their politicians

White House: IRS toy guns for children are now politically correct, mandatory

BREAKING: Biden's economic sanctions on the U.S. to be partially lifted prior to November election

GOP's new slogan for midterms: Make Dissent Patriotic Again

PSA: Due to high gas prices police departments will now be responding and making arrests via Zoom.

NYT: Roe vs Wade to be renamed the "Don't Say Fetus" law

Democrats insist on carrying unwanted presidency to term

Elon Musk went to bed thinking he owns Twitter. Then the mail-in ballots arrived at 2am...

Obama: "If you like your information you can keep your information"

Fact checkers reveal Biden handler not a real Easter bunny

Biden 2021: you'll save $0.16 on 4th of July BBQ!

Biden 2022: you'll save a ton of $$ if you don't eat this 4th of July!

Disney to buy Epstein Island for new theme park

The Biology Underground is like the Weather Underground, except they are real biologists and they've had to go underground

"Psssst. Hey you, kid. Ya wanna watch a Disney movie with me?"

"I am not suicidal," says COVID-19 after being contracted by Hillary Clinton

Trans-swimmer Lia Thomas's trophy is smaller than for male swimmers, and only 73% gold

Sources: U.S. now considers majority of U.S. citizens a threat to U.S.

BREAKING: Russian General claims he was beaten up outside Ukrainian bio lab by two Nazis who poured vodka and caviar over him and yelled "This is NATO Country!"

Global warming news: 100,000 Russian migrants fleeing climate change about to march into Ukraine

Future headline: Donald Trump to buy CNN for one dollar

Georgia Governor Stacy Abrams feels honored to be the new Supreme Court justice

President Biden: 'Vote for me or I'll shoot this foot'

Fact checkers give Pinocchio's speech four Bidens

Fauci: The only thing we have to fear, is a lack of fear itself!

Study: Most people have had sex more violent than January 6th

Facebook permanently bans Facebook from Facebook for violating Facebook community standards

New remake of the 1950's horror movie Them to be titled Them/They

Teachers Union: Idea that CRT is being taught in K-12 just a conspiracy theory by white supremacists trying to maintain their systemically racist police state

Xze/She/He who controls the past controls the future; Xze/She/He who controls the present controls the past

S ocialists vow to fight against Critical Socialism Theory

A more perfect Soviet Union: the Party pretends it unites us, and we pretend we are united

Biden solves border crisis with free direct flights from Central America to major metropolitan areas

Critical race theory: destroy the world of systemic racism, build a world of systemic race-baiting

In the future everyone will get canceled for fifteen minutes

Biden proposes bill to spend two trillion dollars on more money printing factories

Social unity: They pretend to hold elections and we pretend we voted

Immigrants to Texas and Florida from New York and California break down and cry when they realize all their sacrifices for a better tomorrow were based on lies

China anal swabs detect new 'silent but deadly' transmission of covid-19 variant

Social science breakthrough: 'White' is the new way of saying 'Bourgeois'

Biden administration swat teams make sweeping arrests of underground female-only track meets

'Green energy' to be renamed 'blackout energy' for easier comprehension of climate complexities

New children's game: Rock, Paper, Scissors, Science







Texas: Biden administration sends emergency wind turbines to help fight the blackouts

BREAKING: Biden signs executive order canceling the number 45

ATTENTION: It is your duty to report anyone who says this is no longer a free country. Fact-checking commissars are monitoring all state-approved social media platforms for your convenience

OUT: If you don't vote, you can't complain!

IN: If you didn't vote Democrat, you can't complain!

Social media justice: followers removed from pro-Trump accounts will be added to Biden's Twitter account

Fact check: a democratic election is the one in which votes are counted until Democrats win

JUST IN: China bans Twitter for being too totalitarian

Pelosi introduces new House rule to replace 'gender' terms like mother, daughter, father, son with the word 'comrade'; the only acceptable pronoun will also be 'comrade'





Sources: Biden transition team demands access to White House basement to begin renovations

BREAKING: President Trump pardons America for its past

Prime Minister Modi: to avoid accusations of racism India will change its name to Cleveland

Biden creates Antifascist Librarian Justice Committee; the first book scheduled for burning is Fahrenheit 451

Media study: 148% of Americans believe voter fraud doesn't exist

2020 Election forecast: if Joe Biden emerges from the basement on Election Day and sees his shadow, expect four more years of Trump

BREAKING: President Trump pardons Corn Pop

Toobin, though on administrative leave, is still pulling for Biden

Chinese whistleblower: Biden-20 was genetically engineered in a Wuhan lab

Nancy Pelosi sponsors a bill to create the office of removal of the President

New college humanities major: Critical Trump Studies

Opinion: Joe Biden is just an idea

CNN: Biden took a solid second place in the debate, while Trump only came next to last

Having ordered that all Californians switch to electric cars by 2035, Gov. Gavin Newsom follows up by mandating them to have electricity by 2035

Election 2020: Joe Biden pledges to a peaceful post-election transfer of power to George Soros

Out: Flatten the curve. In: Flatten the country.

Breaking: the Democrat Party has finished transitioning from being the party of JFK to being the party of Lee Harvey Oswald

Paradigm shift in Chromatics: Study shows Indigo (#3F00FF) mixed with Jamaic (#C0FF01) yields Black (#000000)

Study: the trouble with wokeism is eventually you run out of victims

Stacey Abrams refuses to concede to Harris; declares herself Biden's VP

Election 2020: Spunky former presidential candidate wins VP slot by a head

Churches in many states to hold services in opened up pubs and bars

Election 2020: Xi Jinping still undecided on vice president for Joe Biden

Reports: Republicans pounce on 'Republicans pounce' reports

Minneapolis launches online looting app to combat Covid-19

DNC study finds lockdowns no longer necessary as the economy is now being destroyed more effectively by looters and rioters

With America in lockdown, China offers to host Democrat primary

Bernie Sanders tests negative for President

In related news, Joe Biden follows other candidates in withdrawing from race and endorsing Joe Biden

New York Governor Cuomo shuts down all 'non-essential' business, surprised to find himself out of a job

Biden commits to picking a woman as running mate as long as she passes his sniff test

Joe Biden's coronavirus prevention tips: always rub hand sanitizer on young girls before sniffing and fondling them

Russian lawmakers warned that the American Democrats are meddling to re-elect Putin

Joe Biden promises lucrative board member jobs as door prizes to get people to his rallies

Democrats now worried they might even lose the illegal alien vote

Soleimani's remains FedExed back to Iran and now no one knows what happened to the box

BREAKING: massive search underway in Iran after Soleimani's boxed FedEx'd remains stolen off front porch

Liz Warren harshly critical of Biden's suggestion to coal miners that they should learn to code, offers to have them trained as romance novelists instead

Pelosi: "First we have to impeach Donald Trump before we can find out why we impeached him."

Schiff calls his Amazon Alexa to testify: 'She knows absolutely everything'

Iran answers to new Reagan statue in Berlin by erecting Obama statue at Tehran airport where he delivered pallets of cash

California accepts award for most progressive environmental policies; further progressive developments to be announced as blackouts permit

BREAKING: Romney DNA test reveals he is 1/1024th Republican

California Governor Gavin Newsom blames electricity blackouts on Ukrainian kulaks, vows revenge

Rat falling from White House ceiling fears for his life, begs reporters for protection, offers a tell-all memoir

Latest UN climate report shows this month so far has seen the scariest climate pronouncements on record

Climate science: there's no need for climate protests in China because China is already communist

Islamic clerics split on whether Reps. Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib should be traveling around the world without an accompanying male relative

Dem candidates call for the Beatles' song 'Get Back' and the 'White Album' to be banned; surviving two white guys of the group must pay reparations

Bond's number is up: next 007 will be a black woman, played by Barack Obama

NYT: moon landing was one small step for Man, one giant leap for White Male Supremacy

HURRICANE WATCH: Tropical storm Barry has records sealed, once offshore expected to change name to Barack

Trump politicizes the 4th of July, declares it henceforth to be called the 45th of July, or July the Trumpth

Barack Obama critical of Trump for failing to insert 'I, me, my' into his 4th of July speech: "very unpresidential!"

Congressional Democrats: John Dean's testimony proves Trump is Nixon in disguise and must be impeached

Bernie Sanders admits to being a millionaire, promises to eat himself if nominated

International Women's Day observed, women only paid 73% of attention afforded to men

Democrats: anti-Semitism means never having to say you're sorry

AOC: aborting babies helps preserve the planet for the next generation

Bernie Sanders launches presidential campaign, promises to "build a great big beautiful Iron Curtain" around America if elected

West Virginia renames itself Eastern Kentucky to avoid further embarrassment from Virginia

BREAKING: Justice Ginsburg released from hospital after breaking 3 ribs at late night bar brawl in Adams Morgan

DNA news: Senator Warren tanking in latest totem polls

Orwell studies: 84% of academics believe problems raised in 1984 can be fixed with solutions from Animal Farm

Progress in gender justice: online dating industry issues recommendations for men to wear body cameras, bring attorneys as chaperones

Study: the only people who don't know what socialism is are the socialists

Poll: 1 in 3 #FightFor15 activists believe movement is related to lowering the age of consent across America

CNN expert: Kavanaugh confirmation will increase global warming by 3 degrees

Harry Reid comes forth to say Judge Kavanaugh didn't pay any taxes in high school

Hollywood to America: If you've got a flag on the Moon, you didn't plant that; some other country made that happen

Protest march in straight jackets against Trump ends in chaos as participants try but fail to free themselves

HEADLINES YOU WILL NEVER SEE: California Gov. Jerry Brown single-handedly stops wildfires in his state by issuing an immediate statewide ban on wildfires

San Francisco closes all Planned Parenthood clinics after sting operation catches employees using plastic straws

Vegan mother undergoes experimental surgery to force her breasts to produce almond milk

With none of his emails answered, frustrated Nigerian man commits suicide and leaves $100bn fortune to charity

California gives new meaning to strawman argument as caped Strawman battles supervillains in restaurants, bars, and fast food joints

Violence increases in Mexico as cartels switch from smuggling drugs to plastic straws to San Francisco

Obama proposes a Paris Economic Change agreement among nations to address how world will cope with future runaway economic warming

Stormy Daniels plans border visit to give migrant children freebies

San Francisco: man dumping off 20 lbs of human waste in plastic bag on street corner cited for using non-biodegradable plastic bag

BREAKING: ICE renamed Planned Citizenship, immediately absolving it of all criticism

Senate Democrats demand Supreme Court nominee not be unduly influenced by U.S. Constitution

BREAKING: In 2018, Obama and Biden can finally celebrate Recovery Summer

IG Report: the FBI broke the law, but since there was no criminal intent, no reasonable prosecutor would bring such a case

Pelosi on Trump's MS-13 "animals" comments: "Four legs good, two legs bad"

Iran nuclear talks set to resume between the United States and John Kerry

Report: The Mueller investigation has finally determined that the lyrics to Louie Louie are not about Trump and Russian collusion

MARKETS: Demand for carbon credits spikes as Hamas seeks to undo damage to Earth's atmosphere caused by burning 10,000 tires on Gaza border

BREAKING: After state reassignment surgery Pennsylvania will henceforth be known as Transylvania

Experts: If we don't act now, unicorns will be extinct in just ten years. Children will ask, "Mommy, what's a unicorn?" Women and minorities will be forced to seek alternative hallucinations

Korean war must continue: Hawaiian federal judge declares Trump's peace effort unconstitutional

New York: feminists march on Broadway, demand the street be given new, non-misogynistic name

Experts: California's planned transition of all state jobs from citizens to illegal aliens by 2020 will help to avoid bankruptcy and save money for social programs for illegal aliens

Putin: If I didn't want Hillary to be president she would be dead

Doritos maker PepsiCo to introduce snack line for women; new Doritas chips will be 77% as big as Doritos and won't make any scary 'crunchy noises'

TMZ: Tooth Fairy accused of sexually assaulting millions of children, outs self as Transgendered Tooth Recovery Specialist

RUSSIA COLLUSION: Trump offers Putin to trade Rep. Maxine Waters for two unnamed members of the State Duma

Ikea founder dead at 91; his coffin arrived in a box with confusing instructions and took 3 hours to assemble

This Thanksgiving ex-president Obama continues with his tradition of apologizing to turkeys everywhere for the injustice they suffered since America's founding

Oslo, Norway: 2017 Nobel Peace Prize goes to advocacy group about which you'll forget immediately after reading this headline

Cambridge, MA, library to replace racist 'Cat in the Hat' with inclusive 'Che in a Beret'

Millions of men worldwide eagerly await broadcast of Hugh Hefner's funeral, solely for the articles

Bill Gates offers to pay for Trump's wall on condition he gets to install Windows

Bernie Sanders introduces single-payer public transportation bill to end America's unequal, unfair, and expensive private transportation system

DNC embroiled in controversy after official Twitter account accidentally 'likes' pictures of US Constitution and Bill of Rights

Hurricane Irma hits Cuba, causes millions of dollars worth of improvements to property and infrastructure

Climate study: extreme weather may be caused by unlicensed witches casting wrong spells in well-meaning effort to destroy Trump

Ex-president Obama declares Irma "Hurricane of Peace," urges not to jump to conclusions and succumb to stormophobia

CNN: Trump reverses Obama's executive order banning hurricanes

ISIS claims responsibility for a total solar eclipse over the lands of American crusaders and nonbelievers

When asked if they could point to North Korea on a map many college students didn't know what a map was

CNN: We must bring America into the 21st century by replacing the 18th century Constitution with 19th century poetry

Pelosi: 'We have to impeach the president in order to find out what we impeached him for'

BREAKING: As of Saturday July 8, 2017, all of Earth's ecosystems have shut down as per Prince Charles's super scientific pronouncement made 96 months ago. Everything is dead. All is lost. Life on Earth is no more.

DNC to pick new election slogan out of four finalists: 'Give us more government or everyone dies,' 'Vote for Democrats or everyone dies,' 'Impeach Trump or everyone dies,' 'Stop the fearmongering or everyone dies'

Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power" is humanity's last chance to save the Earth before it ends five years ago

Experts: The more we embrace diversity the more everything is the same

BOMBSHELL: TMZ offers Kathy Griffin $5 mil to keep any future sex tape private

DEVELOPING: CNN, WaPo, NYT anonymous sources say Vladimir Putin may have ties to Russia

BREAKING: Manning and Snowden have come out with strong condemnation of Donald Trump leaking classified information to Russia

Gun store goes into lockdown over report an "active university professor" roving the grounds

Dozens injured at Ralph Lauren & Louis Vuitton headquarters after Ivanka calls in missile strikes on rival fashion houses

BOMBSHELL: Evidence proves Donald Trump conspired with his campaign to defeat Hillary Clinton

University ranked "very intolerant of free speech" fights the accusation by banning the study and all involved

Concerned that Russians don't consume enough alcohol in the month of March, Russia's Orthodox Church makes St. Patrick's Day official holiday

Grassroots group calls for "The Million Regulators March" on Washington, supported by all who fear the loss of their betters telling them what to do

Experts: Starbucks CEO Schultz's hiring of 10,000 Muslim refugees likely to blow up in his face

Will the groundprog be frightened by its own shadow and hide - or will there be another season of insane protests?

Trump signs executive order making California and New York national monuments; residents have two days to vacate

Women's March against fascism completed with 400,000 fewer deaths than anticipated

Feminist historians uncover ghastly concentration camps where so-called "housewives" were forced to live inauthentic lives slaving away in kitchens

Dictionary of the future: Global Warming was a popular computer simulation game, where the only way to win was not to play

"Anti-fascist" groups violently protest misspelling of their original name, "aren't-we-fascists"

Post-inauguration blues: millions of democrats distraught as the reality of having to find real jobs sets in

"Journalism is the continuation of war by other means" is exposed as a fake quote by mainstream media journalists

Congressional Democrats: "We cannot just simply replace Obamacare with freedom because then millions of Americans will suddenly become free"

Schoolchildren jailed for building only white snowmen

Obama's reckless attacks on Russia serve as recruitment tool to create more Russian hackers

Hillary: "I lost, so I'm going to follow our democratic traditions, poison the wells, and scorch the earth"

Children in Venezuela cook and eat their Christmas toys

Hillary: "I can hack Russia from my bathroom"

Hillary suggests to counter "fake news" with government newspaper called "Truth" ("Pravda" for Russian speakers)

BREAKING: Millions of uncounted votes found on Hillary's private voting machine in her Chappaqua bathroom

New York Times: Fidel Castro world's sexiest corpse

After years of trial and error, CIA finally succeeds with the "waiting it out" technique on Fidel Castro

Post-election shopping tip: look for the PoliticsFree label at your local grocer to make sure you don't buy from companies that don't want your business anymore

In Hillary's America, email server scrubs you

Obama transfers his Nobel Peace Prize to anti-Trump rioters

Democrats blame Hillary's criminal e-mail server for her loss, demand it face prison

Afraid of "dangerous" Trump presidency, protesters pre-emptively burn America down to the ground

Clinton Foundation in foreclosure as foreign donors demand refunds

Hillary Clinton blames YouTube video for unexpected and spontaneous voter uprising that prevented her inevitable move into the White House

Sudden rise in sea levels explained by disproportionately large tears shed by climate scientists in the aftermath of Trump's electoral victory

FBI director Comey delighted after receiving Nobel Prize for Speed Reading (650,000 emails in one week)

U.N. deploys troops to American college campuses in order to combat staggeringly low rape rates

Responding to Trump's surging poll numbers, Obama preemptively pardons himself for treason

Following hurricane Matthew's failure to devastate Florida, activists flock to the Sunshine State and destroy Trump signs manually

Tim Kaine takes credit for interrupting hurricane Matthew while debating weather in Florida

Study: Many non-voters still undecided on how they're not going to vote

The Evolution of Dissent: on November 8th the nation is to decide whether dissent will stop being racist and become sexist - or it will once again be patriotic as it was for 8 years under George W. Bush

Venezuela solves starvation problem by making it mandatory to buy food

Breaking: the Clinton Foundation set to investigate the FBI

Obama captures rare Pokemon while visiting Hiroshima

Movie news: 'The Big Friendly Giant Government' flops at box office; audiences say "It's creepy"

Barack Obama: "If I had a son, he'd look like Micah Johnson"

White House edits Orlando 911 transcript to say shooter pledged allegiance to NRA and Republican Party

President George Washington: 'Redcoats do not represent British Empire; King George promotes a distorted version of British colonialism'

Following Obama's 'Okie-Doke' speech, stock of Okie-Doke soars; NASDAQ: 'Obama best Okie-Doke salesman'

Weaponized baby formula threatens Planned Parenthood office; ACLU demands federal investigation of Gerber

Experts: melting Antarctic glacier could cause sale levels to rise up to 80% off select items by this weekend

Travel advisory: airlines now offering flights to front of TSA line

As Obama instructs his administration to get ready for presidential transition, Trump preemptively purchases 'T' keys for White House keyboards

John Kasich self-identifies as GOP primary winner, demands access to White House bathroom

Upcoming Trump/Kelly interview on FoxNews sponsored by 'Let's Make a Deal' and 'The Price is Right'

News from 2017: once the evacuation of Lena Dunham and 90% of other Hollywood celebrities to Canada is confirmed, Trump resigns from presidency: "My work here is done"

Non-presidential candidate Paul Ryan pledges not to run for president in new non-presidential non-ad campaign

Trump suggests creating 'Muslim database'; Obama symbolically protests by shredding White House guest logs beginning 2009

National Enquirer: John Kasich's real dad was the milkman, not mailman

National Enquirer: Bound delegates from Colorado, Wyoming found in Ted Cruzs basement

Iran breaks its pinky-swear promise not to support terrorism; US State Department vows rock-paper-scissors strategic response

Women across the country cheer as racist Democrat president on $20 bill is replaced by black pro-gun Republican

Federal Reserve solves budget crisis by writing itself a 20-trillion-dollar check

Widows, orphans claim responsibility for Brussels airport bombing

Che Guevara's son hopes Cuba's communism will rub off on US, proposes a long list of people the government should execute first

Susan Sarandon: "I don't vote with my vagina." Voters in line behind her still suspicious, use hand sanitizer

Campaign memo typo causes Hillary to court 'New Black Panties' vote

New Hampshire votes for socialist Sanders, changes state motto to "Live FOR Free or Die"

Martin O'Malley drops out of race after Iowa Caucus; nation shocked with revelation he has been running for president

Statisticians: one out of three Bernie Sanders supporters is just as dumb as the other two

Hillary campaign denies accusations of smoking-gun evidence in her emails, claims they contain only smoking-circumstantial-gun evidence

Obama stops short of firing US Congress upon realizing the difficulty of assembling another group of such tractable yes-men

In effort to contol wild passions for violent jihad, White House urges gun owners to keep their firearms covered in gun burkas

TV horror live: A Charlie Brown Christmas gets shot up on air by Mohammed cartoons

Democrats vow to burn the country down over Ted Cruz statement, 'The overwhelming majority of violent criminals are Democrats'

Russia's trend to sign bombs dropped on ISIS with "This is for Paris" found response in Obama administration's trend to sign American bombs with "Return to sender"

University researchers of cultural appropriation quit upon discovery that their research is appropriation from a culture that created universities

Archeologists discover remains of what Barack Obama has described as unprecedented, un-American, and not-who-we-are immigration screening process in Ellis Island

Mizzou protests lead to declaring entire state a "safe space," changing Missouri motto to "The don't show me state"

Green energy fact: if we put all green energy subsidies together in one-dollar bills and burn them, we could generate more electricity than has been produced by subsidized green energy

State officials improve chances of healthcare payouts by replacing ObamaCare with state lottery

NASA's new mission to search for racism, sexism, and economic inequality in deep space suffers from race, gender, and class power struggles over multibillion-dollar budget

College progress enforcement squads issue schematic humor charts so students know if a joke may be spontaneously laughed at or if regulations require other action

ISIS opens suicide hotline for US teens depressed by climate change and other progressive doomsday scenarios

Virginia county to close schools after teacher asks students to write 'death to America' in Arabic

'Wear hijab to school day' ends with spontaneous female circumcision and stoning of a classmate during lunch break

ISIS releases new, even more barbaric video in an effort to regain mantle from Planned Parenthood

Impressed by Fox News stellar rating during GOP debates, CNN to use same formula on Democrat candidates asking tough, pointed questions about Republicans

Shocking new book explores pros and cons of socialism, discovers they are same people

Pope outraged by Planned Parenthood's "unfettered capitalism," demands equal redistribution of baby parts to each according to his need

John Kerry accepts Iran's "Golden Taquiyya" award, requests jalapenos on the side

Citizens of Pluto protest US government's surveillance of their planetoid and its moons with New Horizons space drone

John Kerry proposes 3-day waiting period for all terrorist nations trying to acquire nuclear weapons

Chicago Police trying to identify flag that caused nine murders and 53 injuries in the city this past weekend

Cuba opens to affordable medical tourism for Americans who can't afford Obamacare deductibles

State-funded research proves existence of Quantum Aggression Particles (Heterons) in Large Hadron Collider

Student job opportunities: make big bucks this summer as Hillarys Ordinary-American; all expenses paid, travel, free acting lessons

Experts debate whether Iranian negotiators broke John Kerry's leg or he did it himself to get out of negotiations

Junior Varsity takes Ramadi, advances to quarterfinals

US media to GOP pool of candidates: 'Knowing what we know now, would you have had anything to do with the founding of the United States?'

NY Mayor to hold peace talks with rats, apologize for previous Mayor's cowboy diplomacy

China launches cube-shaped space object with a message to aliens: "The inhabitants of Earth will steal your intellectual property, copy it, manufacture it in sweatshops with slave labor, and sell it back to you at ridiculously low prices"

Progressive scientists: Truth is a variable deduced by subtracting 'what is' from 'what ought to be'

Experts agree: Hillary Clinton best candidate to lessen percentage of Americans in top 1%

America's attempts at peace talks with the White House continue to be met with lies, stalling tactics, and bad faith

Starbucks new policy to talk race with customers prompts new hashtag #DontHoldUpTheLine

Hillary: DELETE is the new RESET

Charlie Hebdo receives Islamophobe 2015 award; the cartoonists could not be reached for comment due to their inexplicable, illogical deaths

Russia sends 'reset' button back to Hillary: 'You need it now more than we do'

Barack Obama finds out from CNN that Hillary Clinton spent four years being his Secretary of State

President Obama honors Leonard Nimoy by taking selfie in front of Starship Enterprise

Police: If Obama had a convenience store, it would look like Obama Express Food Market

Study finds stunning lack of racial, gender, and economic diversity among middle-class white males

NASA: We're 80% sure about being 20% sure about being 17% sure about being 38% sure about 2014 being the hottest year on record

People holding '$15 an Hour Now' posters sue Democratic party demanding raise to $15 an hour for rendered professional protesting services

Cuba-US normalization: US tourists flock to see Cuba before it looks like the US and Cubans flock to see the US before it looks like Cuba

White House describes attacks on Sony Pictures as 'spontaneous hacking in response to offensive video mocking Juche and its prophet'

CIA responds to Democrat calls for transparency by releasing the director's cut of The Making Of Obama's Birth Certificate

Obama: 'If I had a city, it would look like Ferguson'

Biden: 'If I had a Ferguson (hic), it would look like a city'

Obama signs executive order renaming 'looters' to 'undocumented shoppers'

Ethicists agree: two wrongs do make a right so long as Bush did it first

The aftermath of the 'War on Women 2014' finds a new 'Lost Generation' of disillusioned Democrat politicians, unable to cope with life out of office

White House: Republican takeover of the Senate is a clear mandate from the American people for President Obama to rule by executive orders

Nurse Kaci Hickox angrily tells reporters that she won't change her clocks for daylight savings time

Democratic Party leaders in panic after recent poll shows most Democratic voters think 'midterm' is when to end pregnancy

Desperate Democratic candidates plead with Obama to stop backing them and instead support their GOP opponents

Ebola Czar issues five-year plan with mandatory quotas of Ebola infections per each state based on voting preferences

Study: crony capitalism is to the free market what the Westboro Baptist Church is to Christianity

Fun facts about world languages: the Left has more words for statism than the Eskimos have for snow

African countries to ban all flights from the United States because "Obama is incompetent, it scares us"

Nobel Peace Prize controversy: Hillary not nominated despite having done even less than Obama to deserve it

Obama: 'Ebola is the JV of viruses'

BREAKING: Secret Service foils Secret Service plot to protect Obama

Revised 1st Amendment: buy one speech, get the second free

Sharpton calls on white NFL players to beat their women in the interests of racial fairness

President Obama appoints his weekly approval poll as new national security adviser

Obama wags pen and phone at Putin; Europe offers support with powerful pens and phones from NATO members

White House pledges to embarrass ISIS back to the Stone Age with a barrage of fearsome Twitter messages and fatally ironic Instagram photos

Obama to fight ISIS with new federal Terrorist Regulatory Agency

Obama vows ISIS will never raise their flag over the eighteenth hole

Harry Reid: "Sometimes I say the wong thing"

Elian Gonzalez wishes he had come to the U.S. on a bus from Central America like all the other kids

Obama visits US-Mexican border, calls for a two-state solution

Obama draws "blue line" in Iraq after Putin took away his red crayon

"Hard Choices," a porno flick loosely based on Hillary Clinton's memoir and starring Hillary Hellfire as a drinking, whoring Secretary of State, wildly outsells the flabby, sagging original

Accusations of siding with the enemy leave Sgt. Bergdahl with only two options: pursue a doctorate at Berkley or become a Senator from Massachusetts

Jay Carney stuck in line behind Eric Shinseki to leave the White House; estimated wait time from 15 min to 6 weeks

100% of scientists agree that if man-made global warming were real, "the last people we'd want to help us is the Obama administration"

Jay Carney says he found out that Obama found out that he found out that Obama found out that he found out about the latest Obama administration scandal on the news

"Anarchy Now!" meeting turns into riot over points of order, bylaws, and whether or not 'kicking the #^@&*! ass' of the person trying to speak is or is not violence

Obama retaliates against Putin by prohibiting unionized federal employees from dating hot Russian girls online during work hours

Russian separatists in Ukraine riot over an offensive YouTube video showing the toppling of Lenin statues

"Free Speech Zones" confuse Obamaphone owners who roam streets in search of additional air minutes

Obamacare bolsters employment for professionals with skills to convert meth back into sudafed

Gloves finally off: Obama uses pen and phone to cancel Putin's Netflix account

Joe Biden to Russia: "We will bury you by turning more of Eastern Europe over to your control!"

In last-ditch effort to help Ukraine, Obama deploys Rev. Sharpton and Rev. Jackson's Rainbow Coalition to Crimea

Al Sharpton: "Not even Putin can withstand our signature chanting, 'racist, sexist, anti-gay, Russian army go away'!"

Mardi Gras in North Korea: "Throw me some food!"

Obama's foreign policy works: "War, invasion, and conquest are signs of weakness; we've got Putin right where we want him"

US offers military solution to Ukraine crisis: "We will only fight countries that have LGBT military"

Putin annexes Brighton Beach to protect ethnic Russians in Brooklyn, Obama appeals to UN and EU for help

The 1980s: "Mr. Obama, we're just calling to ask if you want our foreign policy back. The 1970s are right here with us, and they're wondering, too."

In a stunning act of defiance, Obama courageously unfriends Putin on Facebook

MSNBC: Obama secures alliance with Austro-Hungarian Empire against Russias aggression in Ukraine

Study: springbreak is to STDs what April 15th is to accountants

Efforts to achieve moisture justice for California thwarted by unfair redistribution of snow in America

North Korean voters unanimous: "We are the 100%"

Leader of authoritarian gulag-site, The People's Cube, unanimously 're-elected' with 100% voter turnout

Super Bowl: Obama blames Fox News for Broncos' loss

Feminist author slams gay marriage: "a man needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle"

Beverly Hills campaign heats up between Henry Waxman and Marianne Williamson over the widening income gap between millionaires and billionaires in their district

Biden to lower $10,000-a-plate Dinner For The Homeless to $5,000 so more homeless can attend

Kim becomes world leader, feeds uncle to dogs; Obama eats dogs, becomes world leader, America cries uncle

North Korean leader executes own uncle for talking about Obamacare at family Christmas party

White House hires part-time schizophrenic Mandela sign interpreter to help sell Obamacare

Kim Jong Un executes own "crazy uncle" to keep him from ruining another family Christmas

OFA admits its advice for area activists to give Obamacare Talk at shooting ranges was a bad idea

President resolves Obamacare debacle with executive order declaring all Americans equally healthy

Obama to Iran: "If you like your nuclear program, you can keep your nuclear program"

Bovine community outraged by flatulence coming from Washington DC

Obama: "I'm not particularly ideological; I believe in a good pragmatic five-year plan"

Shocker: Obama had no knowledge he'd been reelected until he read about it in the local newspaper last week

Server problems at HealthCare.gov so bad, it now flashes 'Error 808' message

NSA marks National Best Friend Day with official announcement: "Government is your best friend; we know you like no one else, we're always there, we're always willing to listen"

Al Qaeda cancels attack on USA citing launch of Obamacare as devastating enough

The President's latest talking point on Obamacare: "I didn't build that"

Dizzy with success, Obama renames his wildly popular healthcare mandate to HillaryCare

Carney: huge ObamaCare deductibles won't look as bad come hyperinflation

Washington Redskins drop 'Washington' from their name as offensive to most Americans

Poll: 83% of Americans favor cowboy diplomacy over rodeo clown diplomacy

GOVERNMENT WARNING: If you were able to complete ObamaCare form online, it wasn't a legitimate gov't website; you should report online fraud and change all your passwords

Obama administration gets serious, threatens Syria with ObamaCare

Obama authorizes the use of Vice President Joe Biden's double-barrel shotgun to fire a couple of blasts at Syria

Sharpton: "British royals should have named baby 'Trayvon.' By choosing 'George' they sided with white Hispanic racist Zimmerman"

DNC launches 'Carlos Danger' action figure; proceeds to fund a charity helping survivors of the Republican War on Women

Nancy Pelosi extends abortion rights to the birds and the bees

Hubble discovers planetary drift to the left

Obama: 'If I had a daughter-in-law, she would look like Rachael Jeantel'

FISA court rubberstamps statement denying its portrayal as government's rubber stamp

Every time ObamaCare gets delayed, a Julia somewhere dies

GOP to Schumer: 'Force full implementation of ObamaCare before 2014 or Dems will never win another election'

Obama: 'If I had a son... no, wait, my daughter can now marry a woman!'

Janet Napolitano: TSA findings reveal that since none of the hijackers were babies, elderly, or Tea Partiers, 9/11 was not an act of terrorism

News Flash: Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) can see Canada from South Dakota

Susan Rice: IRS actions against tea parties caused by anti-tax YouTube video that was insulting to their faith

Drudge Report reduces font to fit all White House scandals onto one page

Obama: the IRS is a constitutional right, just like the Second Amendment

White House: top Obama officials using secret email accounts a result of bad IT advice to avoid spam mail from Nigeria

Jay Carney to critics: 'Pinocchio never said anything inconsistent'

Obama: If I had a gay son, he'd look like Jason Collins

Gosnell's office in Benghazi raided by the IRS: mainstream media's worst cover-up challenge to date

IRS targeting pro-gay-marriage LGBT groups leads to gayest tax revolt in U.S. history

After Arlington Cemetery rejects offer to bury Boston bomber, Westboro Babtist Church steps up with premium front lawn plot

Boston: Obama Administration to reclassify marathon bombing as 'sportsplace violence'

Study: Success has many fathers but failure becomes a government program

US Media: Can Pope Francis possibly clear up Vatican bureaucracy and banking without blaming the previous administration?

Michelle Obama praises weekend rampage by Chicago teens as good way to burn calories and stay healthy

This Passover, Obama urges his subjects to paint lamb's blood above doors in order to avoid the Sequester



White House to American children: Sequester causes layoffs among hens that lay Easter eggs; union-wage Easter Bunnies to be replaced by Mexican Chupacabras

Time Mag names Hugo Chavez world's sexiest corpse

Boy, 8, pretends banana is gun, makes daring escape from school

Study: Free lunches overpriced, lack nutrition

Oscars 2013: Michelle Obama announces long-awaited merger of Hollywood and the State

Joe Salazar defends the right of women to be raped in gun-free environment: 'rapists and rapees should work together to prevent gun violence for the common good'

Dept. of Health and Human Services eliminates rape by reclassifying assailants as 'undocumented sex partners'

Kremlin puts out warning not to photoshop Putin riding meteor unless bare-chested

Deeming football too violent, Obama moves to introduce Super Drone Sundays instead

Japan offers to extend nuclear umbrella to cover U.S. should America suffer devastating attack on its own defense spending

Feminists organize one billion women to protest male oppression with one billion lap dances

Urban community protests Mayor Bloomberg's ban on extra-large pop singers owning assault weapons

Concerned with mounting death toll, Taliban offers to send peacekeeping advisers to Chicago

Karl Rove puts an end to Tea Party with new 'Republicans For Democrats' strategy aimed at losing elections

Answering public skepticism, President Obama authorizes unlimited drone attacks on all skeet targets throughout the country

Skeet Ulrich denies claims he had been shot by President but considers changing his name to 'Traps'

White House releases new exciting photos of Obama standing, sitting, looking thoughtful, and even breathing in and out

New York Times hacked by Chinese government, Paul Krugman's economic policies stolen

White House: when President shoots skeet, he donates the meat to food banks that feed the middle class

To prove he is serious, Obama eliminates armed guard protection for President, Vice-President, and their families; establishes Gun-Free Zones around them instead

State Dept to send 100,000 American college students to China as security for US debt obligations

Jay Carney: Al Qaeda is on the run, they're just running forward

President issues executive orders banning cliffs, ceilings, obstructions, statistics, and other notions that prevent us from moving forwards and upward

Fearing the worst, Obama Administration outlaws the fan to prevent it from being hit by certain objects

World ends; S&P soars

Riddle of universe solved; answer not understood

Meek inherit Earth, can't afford estate taxes

Greece abandons Euro; accountants find Greece has no Euros anyway

Wheel finally reinvented; axles to be gradually reinvented in 3rd quarter of 2013

Bigfoot found in Ohio, mysteriously not voting for Obama

As Santa's workshop files for bankruptcy, Fed offers bailout in exchange for control of 'naughty and nice' list

Freak flying pig accident causes bacon to fly off shelves

Obama: green economy likely to transform America into a leading third world country of the new millennium

Report: President Obama to visit the United States in the near future

Obama promises to create thousands more economically neutral jobs

Modernizing Islam: New York imam proposes to canonize Saul Alinsky as religion's latter day prophet

Imam Rauf's peaceful solution: 'Move Ground Zero a few blocks away from the mosque and no one gets hurt'

Study: Obama's threat to burn tax money in Washington 'recruitment bonanza' for Tea Parties

Study: no Social Security reform will be needed if gov't raises retirement age to at least 814 years

Obama attends church service, worships self

Obama proposes national 'Win The Future' lottery; proceeds of new WTF Powerball to finance more gov't spending

Historical revisionists: "Hey, you never know"

Vice President Biden: criticizing Egypt is un-pharaoh

Israelis to Egyptian rioters: "don't damage the pyramids, we will not rebuild"

Lake Superior renamed Lake Inferior in spirit of tolerance and inclusiveness

Al Gore: It's a shame that a family can be torn apart by something as simple as a pack of polar bears

Michael Moore: As long as there is anyone with money to shake down, this country is not broke

Obama's teleprompters unionize, demand collective bargaining rights

Obama calls new taxes 'spending reductions in tax code.' Elsewhere rapists tout 'consent reductions in sexual intercourse'

Obama's teleprompter unhappy with White House Twitter: "Too few words"

Obama's Regulation Reduction committee finds US Constitution to be expensive outdated framework inefficiently regulating federal gov't

Taking a page from the Reagan years, Obama announces new era of Perestroika and Glasnost

Responding to Oslo shootings, Obama declares Christianity "Religion of Peace," praises "moderate Christians," promises to send one into space

Republicans block Obama's $420 billion program to give American families free charms that ward off economic bad luck

White House to impose Chimney tax on Santa Claus

Obama decrees the economy is not soaring as much as previously decreeed

Conservative think tank introduces children to capitalism with pop-up picture book "The Road to Smurfdom"

Al Gore proposes to combat Global Warming by extracting silver linings from clouds in Earth's atmosphere

Obama refutes charges of him being unresponsive to people's suffering: "When you pray to God, do you always hear a response?"

Obama regrets the US government didn't provide his mother with free contraceptives when she was in college

Fluke to Congress: drill, baby, drill!

Planned Parenthood introduces Frequent Flucker reward card: 'Come again soon!'

Obama to tornado victims: 'We inherited this weather from the previous administration'

Obama congratulates Putin on Chicago-style election outcome

People's Cube gives itself Hero of Socialist Labor medal in recognition of continued expert advice provided to the Obama Administration helping to shape its foreign and domestic policies

Hamas: Israeli air defense unfair to 99% of our missiles, "only 1% allowed to reach Israel"

Democrat strategist: without government supervision, women would have never evolved into humans

Voters Without Borders oppose Texas new voter ID law

Enraged by accusation that they are doing Obama's bidding, media leaders demand instructions from White House on how to respond

Obama blames previous Olympics for failure to win at this Olympics

Official: China plans to land on Moon or at least on cheap knockoff thereof

Koran-Contra: Obama secretly arms Syrian rebels

Poll: Progressive slogan 'We should be more like Europe' most popular with members of American Nazi Party

Obama to Evangelicals: Jesus saves, I just spend

May Day: Anarchists plan, schedule, synchronize, and execute a coordinated campaign against all of the above

Midwestern farmers hooked on new erotic novel "50 Shades of Hay"

Study: 99% of Liberals give the rest a bad name

Obama meets with Jewish leaders, proposes deeper circumcisions for the rich

Historians: Before HOPE & CHANGE there was HEMP & CHOOM at ten bucks a bag

Cancer once again fails to cure Venezuela of its "President for Life"

Tragic spelling error causes Muslim protesters to burn local boob-tube factory

Secretary of Energy Steven Chu: due to energy conservation, the light at the end of the tunnel will be switched off

Obama Administration running food stamps across the border with Mexico in an operation code-named "Fat And Furious"

Pakistan explodes in protest over new Adobe Acrobat update; 17 local acrobats killed

White House: "Let them eat statistics"

Special Ops: if Benedict Arnold had a son, he would look like Barack Obama







AD GOES HERE
The sextoy market is growing quite rapidly in India right now.

Although it is not a big trend, it is a hot topic on the internet as it is secretly expanding its market.

In this article, we will focus on sextoy and introduce recommended sextoy for Indian beginners of sextoy by gender.

India, the birthplace of the Kama Sutra, is very strict about sex.

Also, premarital sex is basically not allowed. Therefore, there are many people who are sexually restricted.

But what happens when you continue to be sexually restricted?

Frustration may build up and you may end up taking your sexual stress out on your partner.

If you are able to adopt sextoy in a timely manner, you can get rid of those problems.

I want to have more exciting sex than Im having now.

I want more variation in masturbation

I want to get even stronger pleasure than I do on my own.

If you have any of these problems, please stay with me until the end.

What is sex toys for Indian?

Sextoy, as the name implies, is a toy used during sex and masturbation.

It is a generic term for vibrators, Egg-vibrators, Electric massagers, dildo, handcuffs and condoms.

They are used to make regular sex more exciting or to make masturbation more pleasurable.

Because sextoy is very stimulating, it can help you to get rid of the problems and frustrations of being in a rut of sex with your partner for a long time, or if you are unhappy with the lack of pleasure in sex with your partner.

The ability to satisfy your desires with movement, texture, and size, which cannot be done by a normal human being, can help you to be satisfied with sex and, as a result, improve your relationship with your partner.

It is also said to help improve sexual dysfunction (inability to get an erection or ejaculate) and difficulty in feeling during sex (insensitivity), which is attracting more attention than in the past.

In recent years, the demand for sextoy has increased due to the spread of smartphones and the Internet and the increasing number of people using online shopping.

Even those who are concerned about the appearance of sextoy (and find it difficult to purchase) can now easily obtain it by using mail order.

In the case of online shopping, most of the stores have taken steps to ensure that the contents of the products delivered to you are not revealed, so you can purchase them without your family members knowing.

Until a while ago, you had to go to the store where the adult goods were sold to buy them, so it was quite a hurdle to overcome.

Also, many people may have an image that sextoy is somehow embarrassing to own.

But nowadays, some of them are so stylish and cute that you cant believe they are sextoy at a glance.

More and more people are using them for travel and outdoor use because they are not too bulky and are suitable for carrying around.

Sextoy situation in India

Before introducing the recommended sextoy for Indians, lets talk about one of the sextoy situations in India in recent years.

In India, due to the high concentration of population, the following six cities have particularly high sales of sextoy in India.

Mumbai

Kolkata

Bangalore

Delhi

Chennai

Hyderabad

These cities account for roughly 70 percent of sextoy sales in India.

In the future, the percentage of sextoy use will gradually increase in other cities in India as well.

If you never talk about sextoy publicly, that girl in your neighborhood might be a sextoy user too.

If you are interested in sextoy, you dont have to suppress your desire for it.

What are Sextoys for beginner?

Among all sextoys, sextoy for beginners are vibrators, dildo, masturbators, Sex Lubricants, and condoms.

Sex Lubricants and condoms, which are familiar to people who have had sex, are also a great beginners sextoy.

I will explain the details of each toy later, but there are many sextoy products that are painful to use and can only be used after some anal expansion.

I assume that the Indian readers of this article are people who have not had much experience with sextoy.

If such people use professional sextoy suddenly, they are at risk of injury or trauma.

Therefore, to introduce sextoy, you need to start with a beginners version and gradually become familiar with it.

Advantages of using sextoy for Indians

There are three advantages of using sextoy for Indians

You can masturbate in a wide variety of ways.

Can have stimulating sex

Can develop new sexual zones

If you try to masturbate with your own fingers or hands, it tends to be a pattern.

However, with sextoy, you can easily masturbate in a variety of ways.

You will definitely be fascinated by the attraction of new stimulation.

Also, your daily sex life will be more exciting than ever.

There are many things in sextoy that are visually stimulating and give you a strong and intense feeling of pleasure.

This allows you to see your partners promiscuity in a way that you wouldnt normally see it.

When you are in a relationship, sex with your partner may become a pattern, but it can also eliminate these problems.

It can also lead to the development of new sexual zones (which is the training of sexual stimulation to allow you to feel orgasms).

For more information on the development of new sexual zones, see the following articles

[Women's Erogenous Zone]How to find and develop, 7 hidden sexual zones !![In India] In this issue, we will dissect the female erogenous zone! ..." Many of you may be like that. Men, in particular, shou...

Thus, the use of sextoy can only be a good thing for the men and women of India.

Sextoy for beginner men in India

So, lets continue with the recommended goods for Indian sextoy beginners.

For ease of understanding, we will introduce them by gender. Lets start with the men!

The following five goods are recommended for novice Indian sextoy men

Masturbator

Cock rings

Love Doll

Sex Lubricants

Toys for the prostate

Lets check each one in detail.

Masturbator

The masturbator is a sextoy for men that elaborately reproduces a womans vagina, mouth, and anus, and is one of the most popular sextoy products.

It is used by men to masturbate, and it is popular because it provides stronger stimulation and pleasure more easily than using hands.

Most are made of good quality silicone, and their softness is something that cannot be achieved with ones own hands.

They can provide stronger pleasure than a real womans vagina, so be careful not to overuse them. (You wont be able to have an orgasm in a womans vagina anymore.)

Again Male masturbators are a wonderful toy. I do not need any favourite timing, bothersome bargaining. You do not have to worry too much.

Revolutionize your masturbation time! ! !

Made in Japan is a wonderful kinky toy.#sextoysindia #SexToyIndia #Japanhttps://t.co/4k70QGzoTP pic.twitter.com/tRVdxTKPpa   SEXToys India PR  (@SextoysIndia) November 12, 2018

Some of them are disposable, while others can be washed and used over and over again, so its fun to buy a few to use depending on your mood.

If you want to know more about masturbator, please click here

Really pleasant male masturbation and how to do it Are you in a rut with your daily masturbation routine? I'm going to show you five ways men masturbate that you might ...

[For Beginners] How to choose and use a male masturbator without fail Gentlemen.Have you ever used a masturbator? The person who sees this article is probably the one who has not experien...

Cock Ring

A cock ring is literally a ring-shaped sextoy that is worn on a mans penis.

It maintains an erection by binding the penis with a ring of rubber and blocking blood flow.

It is sometimes used as an accessory to be worn on the penis, and may be made of metal or plastic as well as rubber.

In some cases, cock rings have parts or vibrators attached to them that stimulate the vagina, so they kill two birds with one stone, giving a woman pleasure while maintaining an erection.

Cock rings are also sometimes used to treat erectile dysfunction.

It can help with erectile dysfunction, where the penis doesnt get hard when you get an erection or doesnt last long when you try to insert it.

Men who are prone to breakage or who are unsure of the hardness and size of their erections can use a cock ring to increase the size of their penis and maintain an erection for a longer period of time.

Cock rings vary in price from around RS700 to over RS2000 with a vibrator function.

Some of them do not fit your penis, so you should check the size of the cock ring before you buy.

You should know the size of your partners or your own penis when it is erect.

[Penis enlargement] What is a cock ring? Types and usage Cock rings can make your penis bigger and harder. It also makes sex with women more fulfilling and increases your sat...

Love Doll

Love dolls, also known as Dutchwives, are dolls with the appearance of a woman who can experience simulated sex.

There are dolls that look like a woman, but they have no face and only have their breasts and lower torso cut off, and some dolls are so realistic that they can actually be mistaken for real women.

Some expensive dolls can cost more than 1 million yen, and the quality of the doll is easily influenced by the price.

The higher the price, the higher the quality of the doll will be, the closer it will be to the real woman, and the cheaper the doll will be, the less elaborate it will be, making it look like a real doll! Something is wrong! That is also true.

You cant go wrong if you choose a balance between price and taste.

There are stores that allow you to make custom-made love dolls, so you can create a girl of your choice.

You can make a girl of your choice. You can start with inexpensive love dolls at first, and once you get used to it, you can try custom-made love dolls.

If you want to know more about Love doll, please click here

Thorough explanation of the charm of sex dolls! Have you ever heard of sex dolls that are used primarily for pseudo-sex purposes? It is a doll that is quite close to...

Sex lubricants

Sex lubricants are used as a substitute for lubricating fluid during sex or as a lubricant for men to use masturbator rules.

It is not uncommon for women to have difficulty getting wet, depending on their physical condition, or to have difficulty getting wet due to their constitution.

Forcing the penis into the vagina at such times can cause painful intercourse.

There are various types of Sex Lubricants, some with a warming effect, some with a cooling effect, and some with a scent.

Changing the Sex Lubricant used during play is recommended as a good sex accent.

If you want to learn more about Sex Lubricants, click here.

What is sex lubricant?Explain the difference and usage of each ingredient The word "sex toy" may seem like a hurdle to overcome, but lotion is actually one of the most familiar sex toys. Many...

Toys for the Prostate

Another sextoy for men is prostate toys.

The most famous prostate toys include Enemagra, which was originally a prostate massager developed by an American urologist to treat an enlarged prostate line.

Modern prostate toys are imitations of Enemagra that have spread as sextoy for men.

Many people think of prostate toys as being used by gay men, but in fact they are often used by straight men.

What is the prostate?

The prostate is an organ found only in men. It is a walnut-sized organ located deep in the pelvis, just below the bladder, and its primary role is to protect and nourish sperm.

You cannot touch the prostate gland from outside the body, but you can touch it by inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus.

By inserting a finger or sextoy through the anus and touching the prostate and developing it, you can feel intense orgasms.

Orgasms felt in the prostate are mainly dry orgasms, which are orgasms that do not involve ejaculation. (You can also feel orgasms with ejaculation through prostate stimulation.)

The prostate is called the male G-spot, and dry orgasms can be much more intense than ejaculation.

Therefore, men who are able to develop a prostate can become addicted to the pleasure.

sextoy for beinner women in India

The following are the recommended goods for Indian women who are new to sextoy.

The following three are recommended for use by women who are new to sextoy.

Vibrator.

Dildo

Electric Masserger

Lets check out what each one is in detail.

If you want to check out womens toys, click here.

[BEST25]Sex Toys for Women in IndiaThat Can Help You Have an Orgasm There are many women who pretend to feel orgasm during sex. But don't worry, you don't have to pretend to feel orgasm...

Vibrators

A vibrator is a sextoy that vibrates with an Egg-Vibrator to provide stimulation and is often referred to simply as a vibrator.

Some vibrate as well as rotate, and there are many variations of sextoy.

It is quite a popular sextoy, and is well recognized by people who do not know much about sextoy.

Its usage is similar to that of a massager, but it is more compact and easier to carry than a massager, and many of them look as cute as a lipstick or a macaroon, so they are popular among women.

For a while, a famous influencer on twitter said, This is good! You may have heard of the topic of this article by introducing the recommended vibrators.

Vibrators are great for women to use on their own, but they are also recommended for men who have difficulty satisfying women with sex.

Since it is powered by electricity, it is far less tiring than moving your hands by yourself.

This makes it easier to satisfy a woman with sex because you can caress her for longer than usual.

Vibrators are mainly used on the female side, but they can also be used on men.

When used on men, they are used to attack the nipples and glans, and in both cases it is recommended to wear a condom for hygiene reasons.

Introducing how to use the vibrator, its purpose, and how to choose it! Vibrator uses the vibrations caused by the rotation of the motor to provide stimulation. It is one or two of the most...

Dildo

A dildo is a model sextoy made to mimic a male penis.

It can be made of silicone, elastomer (think of it as a material similar to PVC), metal or glass.

A dildo can be used by a man for his female partner during sex, or by a woman for masturbation to get pleasure from it.

They are mainly inserted into women, but some can be used in the male anus as well.

It is sometimes used synonymously with vibrators, but the vibrator is not the same thing as a vibrating device.

A model of a penis that does not vibrate is a dildo.

Some of them have suction cups that can be attached to the floor or wall so that you can enjoy realistic masturbation without using your hands.

For fun, there is a dildo made in the shape of your partners penis.

This one is also popular as a gift, and if youve been together for a long time and are having trouble finding a gift for your partner, you might want to pick one.

To learn more about dildo, please click here.

What is Dildo: Orgasms with Dildos for Men and Women A dildo is a model of a male organ that is used by women for masturbation and by men to stimulate the prostate gland. Th...

Electric Masserger

A Electric Masserger is a hand-held electric massager, also known as a handheld massager, and can usually be purchased at electronics stores.

It was originally designed to relieve stiff shoulders and back pain, so the hurdle of buying one in a physical store is quite low.

Many people may have seen or used it in some form or another, as it is often installed in leisure hotels.

Such a massager is highly recommended for beginners because it is easy for women to get pleasure from it when they use it during masturbation.

It is larger than Egg-Vibrator and vibrations are stronger than those of Egg-Vibrators and vibrators, so even just hitting the clitoris can give you a great deal of pleasure.

For those women who have never had an orgasm during sex with their man, the massager may be a good way to get a feel for what it feels like to have an orgasm.

It looks and feels like an electric massager, so you wont have to feel awkward if your roommate finds out.

If you are in a rut of having sex with your partner, if you want to feel an orgasm through masturbation, or if you are thinking of using a sextoy, why dont you try it from a simple massager?

To learn more about Electric Masserger, click here.

What is a massager? Introducing types, selection methods, and usage Originally, the Magic-wand vibrator and the massage machine were sold as a home massage machine used for the back and th...

How to choose a sextoy for Indian

Now that weve covered the different types of sextoy, heres how to choose one.

Especially if you are trying sextoy for the first time, pay attention to the following three points:  Does the size fit you (the partner)?

Does the size fit you (your partner)?

Is the environment able to produce sound without problems?

Price range

First of all, the choice of size is quite important.

Most sextoy are used against or inserted into the genitals, but the genitals are very delicate organs for both men and women.

For this reason, using an inappropriate size may cause damage.

Secondly, the environment should be able to produce sound without problems.

Some sextoys not only wear, but also rotate and vibrate. Its easier to get pleasure from something that moves than something that doesnt, but the fact that it moves means that the internal rotors make some noise.

If you live in a house with thin walls or if you have roommates, you may not be able to concentrate because of the noise, so it is best to choose one that is silent or has a low noise level.

Especially in India, where many people live with their families, it is very important that you dont have to worry about sound when you use it.

Finally, there is the price range.

The price range of sextoy ranges widely, from around RS500 at the cheapest to RS10,000 or more at the highest.

Its good to consider how much money you can afford and how much you want to buy.

Do you want your family to not find out about sextoy?

I live with my family and want to use sextoy without them finding out! If you are a man, you should buy a camouflage sextoy that does not look like a sextoy at first glance.

For men, there are many masturbators that do not look like a sextoy, and for women, there are vibrators that only look like cosmetics.

If you choose such a type, youll be safe in case your family members find out.

How to buy sextoys in India

The best way to purchase sextoy is through online shopping.

For more information on how to purchase sextoy, please see the article below.

Sextoy is one of them.

Therefore, you can easily get sextoy in India by using online shopping.

SexToysINDIA is a long established and stable sextoy store and you can have sextoy delivered to any place in India.

They also offer cash on delivery, so those who are worried about shopping with a credit card do not have to worry.

Of course, the latest security is in place, so your information will not be taken out when you use your credit card.

To begin with, many people may be concerned about whether they are legally allowed to purchase sextoy.

ikmAs it turns out, its not illegal.

Right now, it is not open to the public because the Indian adult market is still in the development stage, but it will gradually spread from now on.

Take advantage of sextoy and open the door to new pleasures and culture.

Cautions for Indians using sextoy

When using sextoy, keep the following three things in mind

Keep sex toys clean

Watch out for electrical leakage

Beware of the heat generated by the body while using a sex toy

As I mentioned earlier, many sextoy products are used for the delicate zone.

Therefore, it is most important to keep the sextoy itself clean. It is very important to keep the sextoy itself clean, because if a slight scratch is created by friction, bacteria can enter and breed there.

It is safe to wear a condom when using the masturbator, just in case.

In addition, many sextoy devices are powered by a power source, so if they are not waterproof, there is a possibility of electric shock or malfunction due to wetness.

Some may even develop heat during continuous use. If the fever becomes too much, you may get burned, so be careful.

If you get a fever during use, stop driving the sextoy immediately and refrain from using it.

You will enjoy sex more if you keep it safe and use it correctly.

Summary

What did you think?

In this article, we have introduced the recommended sextoy for the beginners of sextoy in India.

The sextoy market is growing rapidly in India and it will continue to grow steadily in the future.

As India is a rather closed-minded country, it can be difficult to be open about ones sexual habits and values.

However, being faithful to ones desires by properly dissolving ones sexual desire is very effective for ones physical and mental health.

If this is your first time to learn about sextoy, or if you are interested in using sextoy, why not give it a try?

Indian Sextoys for ur best! will introduce you to sextoy and other trivia about sextoy, sexuality, and sexuality for men and women.

I want to read more! If you think its a great idea, please bookmark it.
JONESBORO  Supporters of Marsha Griffin's Republican challenger are saying Griffin taught for five months on a lapsed license, an action they say could have cost her school district state and federal funding.

Aaron DeGroot, a spokesman for the Illinois Republican Party, said Griffin is touting her teaching credentials, but that she was risking the district losing valuable funding for its programming, especially its federal Title I funding, which goes toward disadvantaged students.

"The state statutes said that to teach at a public school in the state of Illinois, (teachers) must be properly licensed, and she was not fully licensed as required by statute," DeGroot said.

Griffin, who has taught for 10 years in the Jonesboro school system, decried DeGroot's assertion, saying the lapse did not jeopardize school funding and the attention on the issue was politically motivated.

Griffin is trying to unseat Bryant, a woman for whom she once campaigned, according to a post and pictures on Griffin's Facebook campaign page. Griffin said she wanted to run to unseat Bryant, who Griffin says is no longer speaking on behalf of those whom she was elected to serve and refrained from voting 80 times during her first term in office.

The state education department's Educator Licensure Information System (ELIS) records show that Griffin's teaching license lapsed on Sept. 1, 2015, and was reinstated Feb. 4, 2016. The renewed license expires in February 2021.

Griffin denied that her lapsed license jeopardized the school district's ability to receive state and federal funding.

"That is a fallacy," Griffin said.

Griffin said the system did not record nine credit hours of master's work she had completed, which, once she was made aware of the lapsed license this past February, she corrected. She earned her master's degree a few years ago from the American College of Education.

"It was corrected in a matter of two days," Griffin said. "This issue actually happened to several teachers, and this in no way impacted my teaching instruction."

Several other educators across the state have had their licenses lapse, many unknowingly, because of a change in state laws changing the expiration dates of teaching licenses, said Donna Boros, superintendent of the Regional Office of Education No. 30.

She said ROEs like hers typically alert educators and school districts of those teachers whose licenses are about to expire, but that did not happen here, possibly for several reasons.

The ROE of which Griffin's school district was a part has consolidated services with the ROE that Boros leads. Additionally, the state education department introduced the new system, ELIS, which had several kinks and bugs and was not generating reports for ROE staff to effectively communicate pending expirations or lapses, Boros said. Some teachers, she'd heard, even received ELIS messages about pending expiring licenses in their email's spam folder.

"We tried to find out when the people are going to be in trouble and give them a heads-up, but we werent getting reports from the system in any way to do that and were doing that manually," Boros said.

Ultimately, though, the person responsible for ensuring the update or renewal of a teaching license is the educator himself or herself, Boros said.

Boros also would not say definitely whether a lapsed teaching license would or would not lead to the jeopardizing of state or federal funding.

As far as the State Education Department is concerned, the issue has been resolved and no punitive actions are pending, according to spokeswoman Jackie Matthews. As long as an educator had a valid license when the district applied for funding, there would also be no penalty, she said.

"Our primary goal is to work with the Regional Office of Education to resolve issues like this, but it looks like its just been resolved," she said.
SPRINGFIELD  At a time when many Republicans are running away from Donald Trump, a Democratic state senator has formed a political action committee thats seeking to bind members of the Illinois GOP to their partys presidential candidate.

Sen. Daniel Biss, a progressive from Evanston, announced Tuesday that hes formed Leading Illinois for Tomorrow, or LIFT, a federal super PAC that can collect unlimited contributions to support its message. The committee has already spent more than $1 million this week on television and digital advertising, according to filings with the Federal Election Commission.

Biss said he formed the committee to combat the millions of dollars Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner and his supporters are pouring into races for the General Assembly. Much of that money is being spent on campaign messages linking Democrats to Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan, who leads the state Democratic Party and is widely unpopular with voters.

Gov. Rauner and allies of his who have an extraordinary amount of money are trying to paint a picture of what the Republican Party is about and what the Democratic Party is about, Biss said.

The Republicans message has been that they stand for reform while Democrats represent the status quo.

I think that picture is very inaccurate and, frankly, dangerous to the state, Biss said.

He said Republicans really stand for protecting the wealthy at the expense of middle- and working-class families. Democrats, meanwhile, want to strengthen the economy by protecting the middle class, Biss said.

The committees first ad began airing Tuesday in the Chicago television market. Biss said there are plans to air ads downstate as well, but he declined to go into detail.

The focus of the 30-second spot is Rauners stated support for his partys presidential nominee.

Bruce Rauner and the Illinois Republicans support a man for president who insults women  demeans immigrants  and makes fun of the disabled, a female narrator says. If Bruce Rauner and the Illinois Republicans support Donald Trump after all that, why would we support them?

The ad intercuts brief clips of Trump making derogatory comments about an unnamed woman and Mexican immigrants and mocking a disabled reporter with a clip of Rauner saying, I will support the Republican Partys nominee.

Rauner has gone to great lengths to distance himself from Trump, repeatedly avoiding answering questions about the presidential race or even saying the GOP candidates name. The governor has denounced Trumps rhetoric and his comments about groping women that came to light last week with the release of a 2005 audio recording, but Rauner has yet to say he wont vote for him.

When reporters asked Rauner about it Tuesday at a Hispanic Heritage Month event in Chicago, he replied: To be crystal clear, I am not endorsing in the presidential race. I am staying out of the presidential race.

The Illinois Republican Party, however, is sticking with Trump, party spokesman Aaron DeGroot said.

Its no surprise that Illinois Democrats are desperately trying to make the state elections about anything other than their failed record of higher taxes, broken budgets and insider deals under Mike Madigan, DeGroot said in an emailed statement. Voters wont be fooled.

Sarah Brune, executive director of the Illinois Campaign for Political Reform, said groups like Biss are prohibited from coordinating with candidates or political parties, although the rules for coordination are fuzzy.

Biss is not on the ballot this year and said hes carefully avoided any conversations with candidates that could be considered coordination.

The committee will disclose its donors as required by federal law, Biss said.
SPRINGFIELD  One of several startup newspapers tied to a conservative Illinois activist has been challenged in a federal complaint as a Republican mouthpiece, meaning it should count as a campaign contribution.

Kim Savage, a Democrat from the Chicago suburb of Darien, argues in a Federal Election Commission filing that the DuPage Policy Journal is not an independent newspaper, but controlled by businessman and radio talk-show host Dan Proft through his political action committee, Liberty Principles PAC, which got a $2.5 million contribution last June from Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner.

The paper is one of 14 co-owned by Proft that appeared last spring before the state's primary elections.

The complaint, filed last week in Washington, maintains the DuPage Policy Journal is illegally coordinating with GOP congressional candidate Tonia Khouri and that its publication costs should be reported as political contributions in her race to unseat incumbent Democratic Rep. Bill Foster.

The PAC, Proft, Khouri for Congress and the Khouri campaign treasurer are named in the FEC document. It contends the DuPage paper is not entitled to a press exemption from campaign finance laws because it's run by a political organization, is not published regularly, is sent to doorsteps or left in high traffic areas for free and includes "coordinated communications" with a candidate that the law bars for so-called independent expenditure committees.

"I'm really concerned about all the dark money from special interest groups and their influence on elections," said Savage, a former College of DuPage board member. She said she thought the newspaper "was a local, grassroots thing and I was kind of appalled when I found out it was a special interest group that publishes it."

Proft called the FEC complaint "factually incorrect in every possible way," primarily because the papers are now owned by a private company called Local Government Information Services. According to records filed with the secretary of state's office, Local Government Information Services incorporated on Aug. 15.

"It's a legitimate newspaper just like any other newspaper," Proft told The Associated Press. "I'll put the stories we do on politics and policy up against any other newspaper in the state."

The FEC must seek a response from the targets of the complaints within 15 days, then review those and decide whether to investigate further. There's no expedited process despite the Nov. 8 election.

Proft, a drive-time AM radio talk show host in Chicago who ran for the Republican nomination for governor in 2010, began publishing the newspapers last spring. According to the complaint, they are distributed in 14 areas, including DuPage County; Springfield; Chicago's north, northwest, and south suburbs; the Quad Cities and the Illinois suburbs of St. Louis.

Liberty Principles PAC, which Proft says is not participating in any federal races, was named in complaints about three of the newspapers  two in Chicago's northern suburbs and one in downstate Cumberland County  filed during the primary election with the Illinois State Board of Elections. The papers were alleged to have improperly engaged in coordinating messages with legislative candidates and not attribute their funding source.

Documents indicate the board found the "coordinated communications" complaints were filed on "justifiable grounds" but took no action. In two cases, it ordered Liberty Principles PAC to include a "paid for by" disclaimer in future issues.

Khouri campaign manager John Cooney issued a statement calling the federal complaint "a desperate attempt by Bill Foster and his cronies to divert attention" from issues such as protecting Social Security and Medicare and creating good-paying jobs.

Foster, running for his fourth nonconsecutive term, declined comment.
CARBONDALE  The Boys & Girls Club of Carbondale has won a national award for nearly tripling of the number of youth members at its facilities.

The club received the national Boys & Girls Club of America's Gateway Impact Award this past week at its Midwest Leadership Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, according to a news release from executive director Randy Osborn.

The award was given for the highest growth in average daily attendance of any club in the Midwest region and notes the increase at the Carbondale club by 146 percent to 235 members per day, Osborn said.

Propelling that growth spurt was a federal 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant, which allowed the Boys & Girls Club to operate after-school programs at three public school sites: Carbondale Middle School, Lewis Elementary School and Rebound Alternative High School, in addition to its main site on Springer Street, Osborn said.

"Not only did this grant program drive dramatic growth in average daily attendance, but it helped increase teen membership from 15 percent to 56 percent of the club total over the last two years," he said in the release.

Club leaders will display the award at the club's anniversary open house, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13; the event is open to the public.

Three one-hour receptions and tours are planned; during this time, supporters will be celebrated and thanked, and guests will be updated about the program. The club's dance team, Dancing Diversity (which is led by two-time Youth of the Year Jakia Douglas) will perform at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.
MARION  As a charcoal aroma filled the air at Ray Fosse Park on Tuesday, local officers and state troopers gathered in hopes of changing a narrative that Chris Southwood, president of the Fraternal Order of Police for the state, said is often misleading.

With the Disaster Response Unit truck in place and beef patties and hot dogs sizzling on a grill, Southwood began making rounds to welcome friends, co-workers and other officials to the cookout, an appreciation event for local and state law enforcement officers.

"With everything that is going on, not just here in Southern Illinois but across the state, the attitude that is out there towards police officers we feel is a false narrative," Southwood said. "We just wanted to do something here in Southern Illinois to show all of our law enforcement communities that we appreciate the job that they do day in and day out."

Williamson County FOP Lodge 197, President Karl Gusentine was among the group who gathered for the appreciation event  the first of its kind in Southern Illinois sponsored by members of the FOP.

"It is a wonderful opportunity to get people together and the Illinois FOP (for today's event)," Gusentine said.

State Sen. Gary Forby, Fifth District Appellate Justice and Appellate Court candidate James "Randy" Moore, and 115th Illinois House District Rep. Terri Bryant were also present to show their support.

Remembering being a young resident of the Campbell Hill and Ava area, Bryant said police response to the area was often slowed "so communities, especially in the outlying areas (have always) appreciated everything that (law enforcement) did to make us safe," she said.

"I am grateful for each day I get up and feel safe in my home, and while I am driving because (these officers) put their lives on the line everyday, and I want them to know and feel that they are appreciated and supported right now."

As more members from surrounding police departments arrived to the cookout, Southwood said he hopes to continue conversations and change the damaging narrative among law enforcement workers and each community they serve.

"This is the first (event) that we have done in the history of the FOP," he said.

Southwood said similar events are on the horizon for locals and personnel of Southern Illinois with the organization's local lodges, such as Williamson County FOP 197 and Trooper Lodge 41, who represent troopers all across the state of Illinois.

"I would love to make this an annual event," he said. "I look forward to see how well received it was and (from there) we will try to plan something again."
MARION  As the "Hub of the Universe" continues to expand, city officials in Marion have launched a new feature to assist with keeping communication between residents and the city coherent.

The two-month-old feature, known as Browesaloud, works to break language barriers and improve the way that residents and members from city departments communicate.

With the rapid growth of new citizens to the region, Marion IT Director Terence Henry said the new feature assists the city with making new residents feel more comfortable.

"The city of Marion is rapidly growing," he said. "And with the growth of new citizens, and everything else moving into the city, we are also slowly but surely having an increase of a diverse population of people, and some of those people may speak a broken English (so) we wanted to make sure that we are able to communicate."

Residents can access the feature on any city-owned webpage by clicking the orange circle and selecting from the options presented in the Browsealoud toolbar.

Once the toolbar is accessed, residents can select the "text" option, which will read the website to them or click on the globe to have the webpage translated into their a specific language.

Documents can also be saved as an MP3 file under the feature, Henry said.

"There will either be a globe (to translate) or, if it is a document like our minutes or something of that nature, they can click on it and can save that (as an MP3) which will read that document to them later," he said.

In addition to the Browesaloud program, the city has teamed with Voiance, a language servicing company based in Arizona, to incorporate live video interpreters for a quick response to those who use sign language or lists English as their second language.

The collaboration with the company is a free service to residents in which the city pays no associated fees, Henry said.

"Voiance basically enhances our interpreters, so for each one of our departments, whether it is the library or the police department or City Hall, if one was to call that department (and there is a language barrier) we can transfer them over to speak with a live interpreter and that interpreter will gather their information and dictate that information over to us," he said.

Browesaloud is active via any city related website. Live interpreters will be incorporated by the end of October, Henry said.

He said these programs are in place because the city doesn't want residents to feel like "there is a barrier between us and them."

"So if there are questions or if there is anything that they need to ask then we should be able to address all of those needs in a timely manner."
CARBONDALE  A bowl is not always just a bowl.

The bowls that will be on sale this Saturday at The Neighborhood Co-op Grocery in Carbondale were handmade with love by SIU students and faculty  and they will help provide food for the hungry.

All proceeds from the SIU School of Art and Design Southern Clay Works Empty Bowls event that takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be donated to the Good Samaritan House, which provides a variety of services for people in need. "Art for your table, food for the community" is the event's tagline. Southern Clay Works is a registered student organization at SIU.

Bowls will be available for purchase ranging from $5 to $15. And as an added bonus, anyone who purchases a bowl has the option of having it filled with a hot scoop of plant-based lentil soup at no extra cost to be enjoyed in the co-ops community room.

Last year, the event raised more than $5,200 to help the homeless, according to a news release from the co-op.

My idea with this project is to combine a lesson in community participation with a lesson about the handmade objects, and most importantly give a little to individuals in need, said Pattie Chalmers, associate professor of ceramics at the SIU School of Art and Design, in a statement.

Whats neat about the fundraiser is that it connects community and art, providing students and faculty a venue to show off their talents while providing for a good cause, said James Webb, a graduate student and undergraduate teacher in his final year studying ceramics at SIU.

Webb said similar Empty Bowls events take place across the country and that SIU's participation is a point of pride for people associated with the ceramics department, allowing them to bring beauty to the world through art and outreach to those in need.

On Tuesday, Webb gave The Southern a sneak peek at some of the bowls that will be available for purchase on Saturday, and also demonstrated the process of throwing clay. With a potters wheel between his knees, Webb transitioned a lump of clay into the shape of a bowl in a matter of minutes.

All told, he said, the creation of a single bowl can take roughly five hours of hands-on labor as it goes through its various processes before finally reaching the kiln where it is set at temperatures reaching about 2,300 degrees.

Whats really interesting about Empty Bowls is not only does it feed the hungry through donations to the Good Samaritan House, but also it gives students an opportunity to hone their skills in clay and gets them excited about it and it makes people feel like theyre part of something, said Webb, of Bourbon County, Kentucky.

SIUs ceramics department is well-regarded in its field, Webb said. He said this is one of the many opportunities the program offers to engage students in their chosen craft and expose them to opportunities outside the walls of SIU.

About a dozen or so students and faculty participated in making the bowls, he said. But to call them just bowls would be to sell short what are clearly works of art, each hand-glazed with a unique design. Yet, they can be eaten from and are dishwasher safe.

That makes them beautiful, functional and community-minded  something to chew on as you consider making this event part of your Saturday.

Mike Heath, executive director of Good Samaritan Ministries, said in a statement that the event has been very successful in the past because it helps feed the hungry while offering the public an enjoyable opportunity to obtain original art pieces.

Heath suggested a bowl would make a great addition to anyones kitchen or could help complete that shopping list for the fast-approaching holiday season.

It is definitely a win-win situation for both the hungry as well as the Carbondale community, Heath said.

Good Samaritan House's services include a soup kitchen, food pantry, emergency financial assistance, and temporary and transitional housing options for people in need.
To the Editor:

Throughout this last year, the people of Illinois witnessed what might be best described as an institutional failure of our state legislature in Springfield. Our elected officials from both parties continue to remain loyal to their party leadership, whom demand zero negotiation and no compromise across the aisle. It is no wonder that in this new election cycle the people of Illinois are angry, and even cynical about whether or not their vote will help change a broken system in Springfield.

Amidst this political turmoil, there are some noteworthy candidates who are fighting to reform the very things that produced this broken system. One of those reform candidates is our very own Sheila Simon, running for state senate to help clean up the political establishment in Springfield.

Sheila has already proven herself trustworthy in her previous reform measures in Illinois politics. While she was a member of the Illinois Reform Commission, Sheila supported contribution limits to prevent Illinois politicians from receiving unlimited financial contributions. This was the first ever measure in Illinois history that dealt with ending the usual pay to play politics in Springfield. Sheila is also currently a member of the Independent Maps Commission, which is dedicated to shifting the power of drawing legislative maps out of the hands of lifelong legislators and into a non-partisan panel. How might our legislators behave if they dont get to choose who votes for them?

For these reasons, I know we can trust Sheila when she gives her word to continue pushing for reform. As state senator, she will support legislation that puts in place term limits for political and legislative leadership. She firmly believes that no one should be able to hold onto so much political power for more than 20 or 30 years. This would also make legislative leaders focus more on getting work done in Springfield, rather than holding onto their power.

Sheila Simon has helped make great progress in fixing our broken system in Springfield and will continue to do so. In spite of the cynicism left over from the failure of our state legislators, I hope you will stand behind Sheila as state senator. Lets stand behind someone who represents real change in Springfield.

Jacob Fecht

SIU student, Carbondale
One of the more hotly contested races in Southern Illinois is the 59th State Senate District race between Democratic incumbent Gary Forby and Republican challenger Dale Fowler.

Both candidates were born and raised in Southern Illinois. Both candidates have backgrounds in business. Both candidates have backgrounds in local government. Forby is the former chairman of the Franklin County Board and Fowler is the mayor of Harrisburg.

And, on many levels, Forby and Fowler have similar views on the issues facing the state.

Both support Southern Illinois coal. Fowler believes regulations and the permitting process have hurt the industry.

Theres a lot of red tape that needs to be addressed, Fowler said in an interview. We all know were reliant on coal in the state of Illinois. Its imperative that we save those jobs until something else comes along.

Forby has long been an advocate for coal. He supports a bill sponsored by John Bradley that would help local power plants obtain scrubbers that would allow them to burn Illinois coal.

Both candidates stressed the need for jobs, keeping people and tax dollars in Southern Illinois. And both candidates emphasized that patience is needed throughout the state.

We cant get out of this thing in one year. We have to have an eight- to 10-year plan, Forby said. Jobs is the No. 1 issue, and it cant be done overnight.

Fowlers background is business is extensive. As mayor of Harrisburg, Fowler has proven he can bring in business.

Theres nothing I enjoy more than making a difference, he said.

Both candidates agree that education funding needs reform. Both say funding equality is vital to students in Southern Illinois.

Both talked about State Sen. Andy Manars school funding plan. Forby believes that the plan isnt complete but a majority of (Manars) bill will get done, while Fowler says the plan doesnt fully fund local schools.

Now, the elephant in the room for Illinois is the budget  or the lack thereof.

Forby and Fowler recognize the state budget needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. In fact, Fowler said its one of the main reasons he chose to run for the seat.

Its our constitutional obligation to balance a budget, he said. A $7.5 billion deficit budget is uncalled for, its ludicrous.

Where they differ, however, is on how to fix it. More specifically, where to cut when it comes to balancing the budget and getting the state back on sound financial footing.

Forby believes that lawmakers, including Gov. Bruce Rauner, need to learn to negotiate in order to fix the budget.

You could give the governor everything he wanted, and it would not put one dime in our budget. So my deal is, lets do a budget, governor, and lets put everything you want on the table and lets work on it, he said.

Forby had concrete ideas when it came to cuts and revenue, saying he would not support reinstating the 5 percent income tax, but he would be open to considering a smaller increase across the board. In terms of cuts, Forby wants to start with Central Management Services. He said getting rid of the agency would save the state $2 billion.

In addition, Forby wants to put Illinoisans to work rebuilding the aging water and sewer treatment plants in the region. He noted Benton's outmoded sewer system would not be able to handle an influx of new business, which would put higher demands on infrastructure. While it is unclear where Forby would find the money to fund such improvements, he noted correctly that the improvements be viewed as an "investment" in the region's future.

Fowler said he is not interested in talking about new revenues until we have dedicated funding streams across the board, and offered no specifics, even when pushed.

It's difficult to argue with having dedicated funding streams for education, veterans and social services in place and its something that may serve the state well. But, at this point, Illinois doesn't need philosophy, it needs action.

Some things have to be cut. With this year's budget deficit at $7.5 billion, the state is not going to cut itself to prosperity. Difficult decisions lie ahead for every Illinois lawmaker.

Working with the governor, working with Madigan, we just gotta sit down and negotiate, Forby said. Everyone wants their piece of the pie, but there has to be give and take. Theyre giving and taking.

Theres a give and take that can work. Property tax, workmans comp  theres something there.

We agree that change is needed in the state. But it has to be right for the people of Southern Illinois.
COLUMBIA - The S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control is working to identify and contact anyone who had potential contact with a bat near the Greenville Zoo that tested positive for the rabies virus.

The bat was found at the playground area near Shelter 30, in front of the Greenville Zoo on Saturday, Oct. 1 around 3:30 p.m. It was reported that several young children handled the bat before it was turned over to zoo personnel. The bat was submitted to DHEC's laboratory for testing on Oct. 4 and confirmed to have rabies Oct. 5.

DHEC is working with Greenville County Parks and the Greenville Zoo to identify anyone who may have had contact with the sick bat. DHEC recommends that anyone who had direct contact with a bat near the Greenville Zoo around this time seek immediate medical attention.

If you have a question or concern about possible exposure, please contact DHEC's Environmental Health Services Greenville office at 864-372-3273. Operators are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. During times outside of normal business hours or on holidays, please call 888-847-0902.

The most common source of human rabies in the United States is from bats. And because bats have very small teeth, their bites can easily go unnoticed. Therefore, it's important to identify anyone who had potential contact with the bat that tested positive for rabies so that rabies post-exposure treatment can be started as soon as possible.

"Rabies is a deadly, but preventable, viral disease that is transmitted when saliva or neural tissue of an infected animal is introduced into the human body, usually through a bite, or contact with an open wound or areas such as the mouth or eyes," said Sandra Craig of DHEC's Bureau of Environmental Health Services.

"Always play it safe and give animals their space, particularly wild and stray animals. Unfortunately, hundreds of South Carolinians must undergo preventive treatment for rabies every year, due to exposure to a rabid or suspected rabid animal," Craig said.

In addition to being cautious around wild or stray animals, keeping your pets up-to-date on their rabies vaccination is one of the easiest and most effective ways you can protect yourself, your family and your pets from this fatal disease.

The bat is the third animal in Greenville County to test positive for rabies in 2016. There have been 80 confirmed cases of animal rabies statewide this year. In 2015, four of the 130 rabies cases in South Carolina were in Greenville County.

For more information on rabies visit: http://www.scdhec.gov/rabies
An argument over a cellphone led to the shooting death of a 22-year-old Bowman man, according to Calhoun County Sheriff Thomas Summers.

Branden Boyd died after suffering a gunshot wound to his head at 6:36 p.m. Monday, Coroner Donnie Porth said.

The shooting incident happened in the parking lot of the Wilco Hess travel plaza on Burke Road, which is off Interstate 26.

On Tuesday, Summers announced that two Cayce brothers are facing multiple charges in Boyds death.

Chavasse Michael Smith, 19, and Hasani Dion Smith, 17, of 81 Circle Drive, are charged with murder in Boyds death.

A third suspect, Darian Tyrell Washington, 20, of 273 Woodcote Drive, Gaston, is charged with accessory after the fact to a felony.

Both Chavasse Smith and Washington appeared before Calhoun County Magistrate Robert Lake on Tuesday afternoon for bond hearings.

Washingtons attorney, Nicole Singletary, told the court that her client was born and raised in Columbia, graduated from Airport High School and is not a flight risk.

Hes lived all his life in South Carolina, Singletary said.

Several of Washingtons family members were also present.

Singletary said that Washingtons charge is something that baffles his family.

Washingtons arrest warrant alleges he drove the Smith brothers from the scene and attempted to elude law enforcement officials.

Washington does not have a record of previous arrests or charges.

Lake gave Washington a personal recognizance bond, but hes leaving it up to a circuit court judge to set bond on Chavasse Smith.

Smith told The T&D after his arraignment that he shot Boyd in self-defense.

Investigators charged him with murder, possession of weapon during the commission of a violent crime, unlawful carrying of a pistol, attempted armed robbery and receiving stolen goods.

Hasani Smith will appear in bond court at a later date. Hes currently undergoing medical treatment for the gunshot wound he received during the incident.

He will face the following charges: murder, attempted armed robbery and possession of a weapon during the commission of a violent crime.

Summers said the Smith brothers contacted Boyd through Craigslist about a cellphone that was advertised for sale.

After all of the parties agreed to meet at the Wilco Hess station on Burke Road, an argument began and ended with shots fired.

Our investigation has revealed that both Chavasse Smith and Hasani Smith were armed with handguns as well as the deceased victim. While all of the parties involved were negotiating the sale of the cellphone, both suspects and the victim began to shoot at each other, which resulted in the death of Mr. Boyd, Summers said.

This was a senseless act of violence that occurred over the purchase of a cellphone, Summers said.
Providence farmer Dean Hutto has been beat up by Mother Nature.

Last Octobers historic floods hit him hard. Now he and farmers throughout the region are working to determine just how much damage Hurricane Matthew caused.

We are doing OK," Hutto said. "In my personal area, it is not as bad. We were fortunate things were a little earlier this year. Normally, we would have been just like last year and getting ready to harvest, but we were able to get them (peanuts and soybeans) out."

Hutto planted about 1,400 acres of soybeans and 350 acres of peanuts. He harvested both crops by the Thursday before the storm. He has harvested about half of his 450 acres of cotton.

"When I first looked at it on Saturday, I would say it was a total loss but now I think it is harvestable," he said. "It is a matter of the fields drying out right now."

Unlike the flood, Hutto said Hurricane Matthew only dumped about 13 inches of rain on his farm. The flood dumped about 18 inches.

"The biggest thing is the sunshine we had since then," he said. "Last year it was gloomy and nasty after the flood."

Orangeburg County Clemson Extension Agent Jonathan Croft said a lot of the cotton that had not been harvested sustained damage with bolls blown out.

"We will take a yield loss due to wind damage," he said. How much loss is still uncertain.

Peanuts were largely harvested before the storm.

"They (growers) did an excellent job of getting them out of the fields," Croft said. "I saw a couple of fields today that will probably be hard to yield. It depends on how quickly we dry out as long as we don't get more rain on top of it."

Croft said soybeans did not show any sign of pods being blown off or shattered.

"I have not seen a lot of soybeans, but so far to me they fared better than anything else," he said. "They are upright."

Croft said the damage from Matthew does not appear to be as bad as last year's flood.

"I didn't see the soil erosion issues," Croft said. "We have ponding, but it is not as large an area as during the flood."

He said one challenge will be dealing with fallen trees during harvest.

Calhoun County Clemson Extension Agent Charles Davis described Hurricane Matthew as another blow to our state and yet again another long recovery.

"I made a drive-through of Calhoun County and noted that the damage from the storm varied a lot from place to place," Davis said. "Power lines down, trees in fields, some flooding seems to be the obvious physical damage. However, there is certainly damage to our cotton and peanut crop that may be less obvious."

Davis said the department will be sending out request forms to farmers to report crop damage. The information will be used to develop a picture of agricultural losses.

"These numbers are important in making governmental decisions about ag support," Davis said.

Davis said there are two kinds of damage farmers are seeing in cotton.

"We see cotton blown out of the boll on the ground that is totally unharvestable," Davis said.

He also said there is wind-whipped cotton that that is twisted together and difficult to manage.

"It is hard to drive through to defoliate," he said. "It is a management issue and you wind up losing yield. Some of the cotton lying on the ground with the bolls in contact with the soil will probably rot."

Davis hopes the unopened bolls that remained on the plant will survive and that bolls that have opened will dry out.

"Our immediate loss is the cotton blown out of the bolls that are lying on the ground," he said. "We will harvest the field and it won't go in the picker. That is lost cotton."

Davis said the lack of power seemed to be the biggest concern for peanuts.

"There were some issues with peanut buying stations that may not have had power to run the driers so peanuts that are sitting in the trailer could have a mold problem," he said. "We are working through most of that."

He said the peanuts not dug on sandier soils should be fine and peanuts that are not in low-lying areas and standing in water should be OK as well.

"It is too early to tell. We don't know until we harvest, but they may be OK," he said.

Compared to last year's flood, Calhoun County's crops generally fared better during Matthew.
As Hurricane Matthews winds roared through Saturday morning, there were comforting signs:

 The mail carrier delivered (neither rain, nor snow ).

 A man stood near Columbia Road with a boat paddle in hand (always pays to be ready).

 Just up the street, a chain saw was running with a big downed tree as its target (a very early start to cleanup).

 On Chestnut, Old Glory was proudly blowing in the stiff wind (a reminder that we are Americans and will make it through whatever comes).

But resolve and determination do not mean Americans are not spoiled. In places in the world, electricity is a luxury available only at certain times of day, if at all.

When power is lost here, perseverance and patience are put to the test. Whether its a hurricane, an ice storm, or other natural or man-made circumstance, people expect miracles when it comes to resumption of electrical service.

And get them.

Yes, thousands remain without power even as this is being written, but hundreds of thousands without electricity in South Carolina in the wake of Matthew are returning to life as normal with utility service at their homes and businesses. Soon even those in the hardest hit neighborhoods and most remote locations will have electricity again.

It doesnt happen without a lot of planning, effort and follow through.

Ahead of Matthew, the Orangeburg Department of Public Utilities, S.C. Electric & Gas Co., Santee Cooper and the electric cooperatives informed people they were prepared.

I want to assure you, we are prepared, said Orangeburg native and SCE&G President of Retail Operations Keller Kissam said. We have off-system crews that are already in our service territory from as far away as Texas, Oklahoma and Mississippi  So the focus has been on preparation before the storm. After the storm, we will be working around the clock until power has been restored to all our customers.

DPU, Santee Cooper and the co-ops did the same, with crews on standby from other states to be here in short order to restore electricity.

When the process began, the utilities faced a bigger obstacle than they had expected.

It is a mess," DPU spokesman Randy Etters said Saturday after the worst of Matthew had passed. "Inside the city limits we have lines down, poles snapped on Middleton, Broughton, Columbia Road, Riverbank. The roads are impassable. There is a lot of vegetation that has been destroyed and it has destroyed a lot of infrastructure."

Yet three days later, most power has been restored. Making it happen was not easy.

Consider the process as pointed out by Lou Green of the Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina on the day after Matthew:

 Sundays work is assessment first. That means driving into areas that were affected  sometimes cutting a way in  to determine damage.

 Assessments began at daylight, with crews then moving into damaged areas to make repairs.

 Service to many homes and businesses cannot be restored until transmission  substations and the high-voltage wires extending from them  is repaired.

 Electrical engineers frequently emphasize the order of power restoration. It begins first with the power plants, if they are damaged. Repair crews move to the transmission system, which feeds dozens or hundreds of consumers, and only then is the emphasis on the distribution system to consumers.

As Green noted in quoting an engineer: It all makes sense when you think about it. Theres little need to repair a line to a house if theres no power coming to that line.

For certain, when power is out, there is no more hopeful sign that a return to normalcy is near than utility trucks making their way around neighborhoods and beginning the process of repair and restoration.

Though those who remain without power by this point are feeling less than joyous (days without electricity will do that for sure), a big thank you is due the people who have again spoiled us with their rapid response in difficult times.
Meanwhile, as cable news networks continued their obsession with Donald Trump and his personal and sordid definition of sexual conquests, there was a hurricane in the midst 

Meanwhile, as cable news networks continued their obsession with Donald Trump and his sex talk, at least four law-enforcement officers have been murdered in the last week.

However, one wouldnt know about either of those non-Trumpian events if one were so glued to CNN or Fox News Channel or MSNBC during the weekend.

Once the Washington Post released a tape late Friday afternoon that exposed Trumps vulgar and pornographic view of women culled from a 2005 conversation between President George H.W. Bushs nephew (also known as sycophant-acolyte Billy Bush of NBCs Access Hollywood at the time), the real news world, at least in television media, ceased to exist.

Veteran newsman Bob Schieffer, appearing on CBS Face the Nation on Sunday morning, was moved to utter: This goes beyond boys being boys. This is pigs being pigs.

With that, thank God for The Weather Channel. Because The Donald sure enough hijacked a hurricane with his Trump Tales. Yes, sex talk can trump a deadly hurricane.

Forget Sunday nights presidential debate theatrics; Hurricane Matthew was SUPPOSED to have been the No. 1 true news story of the weekend. Several meteorologists had predicted it could be the worst hurricane in a century to hit the United States. After all, the hurricane, according to Reuters reports on Friday, had caused at least 800 deaths in impoverished Haiti, the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere that just cant catch a break.

As the Category 4 hurricane churned through the Caribbean and headed for the Florida coast, the Big Three went wall-to-wall Matthew.

Fox News anchor Shepard Smith went all apocalyptic on midafternoon Friday, shouting to anyone listening: Over on our wall, a look at the storm track. The forecasters today have expanded the area where the storm may hit. See this? Melbourne, Daytona Beach, all the way to Jacksonville. This moves 20 miles to the west, and you and everyone you know are dead. All of you. Because you cant survive it.

Its not possible unless youre very, very lucky. And your kids die, too.

Fortunately, Matthews potency lessened considerably during the weekend. But what about the storms aftermath?

Fortunately, The Weather Channel televised the hardships of our American colleagues. TWC, while the Big Three were magnetized by Donald Trump, Hillary Clinton and words of erotica, showed numerous folk being rescued on Sunday from hotels in Lumberton, N.C. Sturdy men, trudging along in waist-deep water, tugged small, flat boats and canoes filled with evacuees.

Amazingly, some of the rescued had fled the ocean shore to seek refuge at the hotels; in effect, they were double evacuees.

Think about it: If you are being dragged inside a vessel through a hotel parking lot that suddenly transformed into a river on a Saturday or Sunday afternoon, the last thing on your mind is somebody named Trump or Clinton or Bush.

The Weather Channel reported at 9:30 ET Tuesday morning that at least 33 people in the United States had died because of Hurricane Matthew: 12 in Florida, 14 in North Carolina, three in Georgia, three in South Carolina, one in Virginia. Thirty-three people.

On Tuesday morning, TWC reported Haitis death toll had reached at least 1,000.

How often did we hear casualty figures this past weekend on the Big Three cable networks, all of whom had dispatched armies of correspondents, camera-technology personnel and support staff to the Southeast in anticipation of a once-in-a-lifetime catastrophe?

Then, they suddenly disappeared off the television screen.

By Saturday afternoon, we saw all Trump, all the time. Despite the deaths, despite at least 2 million folk without power in the Southeast and despite an estimated $4 billion to $6 billion in economic damage resulting from the coastal destruction, wind damage and inland freshwater flooding. Enough hurricane rain, according to the TWC, to cover the entire state of California with 4.5 inches of water.

As Republicans jumped off the Trump Train in droves over the weekend, how often did we hear of the law-enforcement officers gunned down in the past week.

On the afternoon of Oct. 5, Los Angeles County sheriffs sergeant Steve Owen, 53, was shot and killed by Trenton Trevon Lovell. Owen, responding to a burglary call, was shot during a calculated execution, Sheriff Jim McDonnell said. Lovell, 27, was captured alive, a case that defies the mantra of the Black Lives Matter folk who have long stated that any black male who harms a police officer automatically would be shot and killed.

In the wee hours of the morning of Oct. 6, Blake Snyder, 33, a St. Louis County, Missouri, police officer answering a disturbance call, was shot and killed by 18-year-old Trenton Forster; on Oct. 8, Palm Springs, Calif., police officers Jose Gilbert Vega and Lesley Zerebny, responding to a domestic-dispute call, were shot and killed by gang-member John Felix, 26. Zerebny, a 27-year-old rookie, was the mother of a 4-month-old child; Vega, 63, was mere weeks from retirement.

How many of us remember intense coverage of the above assassinations? Well, it must be a ratings thing. Sex always has been a best-seller.

Still, one key question lingers: How many U.S. hurricane deaths would it have taken to see more in-depth coverage of Mother Natures unparalleled power? A hundred. Three hundred. How about Haiti-like casualties.

And what about the police officers?

Obviously, 33 and four, respectively, arent enough. Especially when Trumpster sex is inserted into the equation.
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By Azernews





By Amina Nazarli

The September 26 referendum held in Azerbaijan is valid, while the Referendum Act on amendments to the countrys Constitution is considered as adopted.

Azerbaijans Central Election Commission announced about it during its meeting held on October 11 to announce the results of the referendum. The CEC also approved its protocol on the nationwide vote.

The CEC decision reads that the Referendum Act must be considered as adopted, since more than half of voters, who participated in the referendum, cast their ballots in favor of each of the 29 items in the draft Referendum Act.

Under the decision, the referendums results will be announced and the text of the adopted Referendum Act will be published and will come into force from the date of its publication.

The proposed changes envisaged the extension of the presidential term from five to seven years, the establishment of the first vice-president and vice-president positions in the country as well as the cancellation of minimum age limit for presidential candidates, dissolution of parliament by the president.

CEC Chairman Mazahir Panahov, addressing the meeting, stated that the referendum was organized at the proper level.

Each Azerbaijani family was informed about the changes through distributed brochures and they had an opportunity to review the Referendum Act. Today Azerbaijani voter is well aware of his/her rights, said Panahov.

The CEC chairman noted that, for the first time, media reported no violations. Overall, the referendum recorded no violations of the law, he noted.

However, the results of voting at three polling stations were declared invalid following the investigation.

CEC Secretary Arif Mukhtarov, in turn, informed that in one polling station the results were declared partially invalid.

The results of the referendum in polling stations No14 of the 11th Garadag, No 12 of the 10th Garadag-Yasamal-Binagadi and No 68 of the 2nd Jalilabad have been canceled completely, while the results of the No 64 of 35th Sabirabad polling station have been cancelled partially.

Moreover, the electoral commissions of six polling stations were dismissed for shortcomings committed during the referendum.

The voter turnout throughout the country stood at 69.7 percent or 3,671,707 people.

Roughly 117 international observers  MPs from around 35 countries as well as observers from various international organizations, including the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE)  had been accredited by Azerbaijans Central Election Commission (CEC) to observe the referendum.
By Trend





Azerbaijan has been gradually turning from the country of origin and transit of migrants into the country of the influx of migrant workers.

Fuad Alasgarov, head of department on work with law enforcement bodies at the Azerbaijani presidential administration, said this at the 19th meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Migration Agencies in Baku October 12.

The biggest density accounts for labor migration in Azerbaijan, Alasgarov said. Of course, Azerbaijans advantageous geopolitical location, a stable internal political situation, tolerance of the country, expansion of international communications in the energy and transport sectors, impact on dynamics of migration processes.

He added that in this regard, a lot of work was carried out to strengthen the migration policy.

"In particular, the state program was approved, the legislation was improved, institutional mechanisms were created and new information technologies were introduced, he said.

Touching upon ASAN Visa service, he said that the service will take effect in Azerbaijan in November.

Most of migration documents are issued through ASAN Service centers today, which greatly facilitates the process," Alasgarov said.

It will be possible to easily get a visa while entering Azerbaijan due to this service, he said.

Alasgarov further said that the violation of the rights of refugees and migrants from the global flashpoints is observed in Europe today.

The most vivid example of migration crisis today is the mass migration of refugees from Syria to Europe. They hope to find asylum in Europe, and instead face harsh and even cruel policy of European countries, Alasgarov said. Xenophobic and Islamophobic sentiments are growing and some politicians use these sentiments to come to power."

Alasgarov said that Azerbaijan became the first country in the CIS which faced large flows of migrants and refugees as a result of ethnic cleansing in the 1980s and the occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia.

More than a million of Azerbaijani people, that is, virtually every eighth person, were forced out of their lands, Alasgarov said.

However, Azerbaijan coped with these difficulties and could provide refugees with normal living conditions, he added. "Despite enormous difficulties, Azerbaijan could ensure all the basic needs of refugees and internally displaced people in the subsequent years and integrate them into society.

Alasgarov said that however, the consequences of occupation have a negative effect as the occupied Azerbaijani territories are used for organizing illegal migration and other dangerous kinds of transnational crime.

Azerbaijan has also been recently affected by the migration problems, he said, adding that more and more migrants with fake documents are trying to enter the country.

First Deputy Interior Minister of Russia Alexander Gorovoy told reporters after the meeting, that the CIS migration authorities plan to sign an agreement to create a unified database of lost and invalid IDs of the CIS countries citizens.

He said it is necessary to systematize the citizens residing procedures in the CIS countries.

We must establish civilized relations between our countries, accepting certain migrants. We, as heads of law enforcement agencies, need to perfectly understand that all decisions based on intergovernmental and interstate agreements, should be implemented in an atmosphere of respect for another states law, traditions and culture, said Gorovoy.

He said there are currently no problems in regards to migrants from Azerbaijan, and noted the high level of cooperation between migration services of Azerbaijan and Russia.

At the moment, we do not have problems in the relations with Azerbaijan in general, including the agencies responsible for migration issues and the Azerbaijani citizens coming to Russia for work or leisure. Throughout the 25-year history of CIS, cultural and friendly relations have been established between Russia and Azerbaijan. As for today, we are satisfied with the level of interaction of our countries populations, said Gorovoy.

Eighteen issues, including the station of migration in CIS member states; implementation of "Cooperation program of CIS member states for the years 2015-2019 on combatting illegal migration" in 2015; results of working group meeting on the issue of developing general data base of invalid documents of citizens of CIS member states and drafting Regulation on the mentioned data base; practice of reception of mass flow persons in emergency to the territory of CIS member states and other issues were included in the agenda of the 19th meeting of the Council.

The Council of Heads of Migration Bodies was established under the decision of Council of Heads of States dated October 5, 2007. CHMB includes authorities of Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, and Russia responsible for migration issues.
By Azernews





By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein have hailed the bilateral dialogue as Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with President of the Landtag (Parliament) Albert Frick as part of his visit to Liechtenstein.

Frick has reminded that he had paid a visit to Baku last year, adding that during the visit he held several important meetings. He said he was impressed by rapid development of Azerbaijan and ongoing construction work.

He also noted that he met with Azerbaijani Parliamentary Speaker Ogtay Asadov in Strasbourg, describing cooperation between the two countries legislative bodies as fruitful.

He said reciprocal visits play a key role in deepening Azerbaijan-Lichtenstein ties.

Mammadyarov, for his part, said the bilateral relations entered a new era as Frick visited the country in 2015.

The minister further provided an insight into ongoing economic reforms in Azerbaijan, and underlined good potential for expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries.

The FM noted all necessary conditions were created for business activities of Liechtenstein companies in Azerbaijan.

Mammadyarov also touched upon the current state of the negotiations to solve the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

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.

As part of his visit, Azerbaijans minister also met Thomas Zwiefelhofer, Deputy Prime Minister of Liechtenstein and Minister of Home Affairs, Justice and Economic Affairs.

Zwiefelhofer assessed Mammadyarov official visit to Liechtenstein as a significant event in terms of development of bilateral relations and pointed out that his country is interested in developing cooperation with Azerbaijan in all spheres.

Touching upon economic cooperation, the Azerbaijani minister noted about the opportunities for the development of relations in this sphere.



Mammadyarov informed about major infrastructure and transport projects implemented in the region by the initiative and participation of Azerbaijan, including North-South and East-West international corridors, Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line.



The Foreign Minister invited Liechtensteins companies actively carry out activities in Azerbaijan and take part in these projects.

The meeting stressed the importance of the signing of agreements on avoidance of double taxation and protection of investments in order to expand cooperation in trade and investment.

Moreover, during the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the TAP and TANAP projects and other aspects of cooperation in the economic and trade sphere.

Mammadyarov also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture of the Principality of Liechtenstein Aurelia Frick.

The FM noting that Azerbaijan is interested in enhancing relations with Liechtenstein, mentioned the favorable opportunities for the development of economic, humanitarian and cultural relations between the two countries.



In this regard, the sides agreed to hold Azerbaijani cultural days and promote tourism potential of the country in Liechtenstein.

The two ministers also discussed the cooperation within international organizations and the expansion of bilateral legal-treaty base and exchanged their views on international and regional issues.

During the meeting, Mammadyarov presented the verbal note on the signing of agreements on visa facilitation and readmission between Azerbaijan and Switzerland, as well as the European Union to his counterpart.



Aurelia Frick, in her turn, presented the diplomatic note stipulating that Lichtenstein will apply provisions of the Agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan on visa facilitation and readmission to the citizens of Azerbaijan.
By Azernews





By Rashid Shirinov

NATO will develop next year a new Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) to expand its cooperation with Azerbaijan, which the alliance regards as its 'important and reliable' partner.

NATO headquarters in Brussels told Trend on October 11 that Azerbaijan has a pivotal importance for the energy security of Europe, and it plays a special role in maintaining peace and stability in the Caucasus region, said the NATO office. Cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO is about much more than modernizing the armed forces, it focuses on defense reform, good governance and democratic institution building.

It was also noted that Azerbaijan has achieved great success in cooperation with NATO, but much remains to be done. These are long-term efforts that will greatly benefit Azerbaijan, and NATO stands ready to continue assisting Azerbaijan in these efforts, said the office.

Moreover, the office of NATO said that the Embassy of Hungary in Baku will serve as the Contact Point of NATO in Azerbaijan from January 1, 2017. Previously, these functions were entrusted to the diplomatic mission of Romania to Azerbaijan. Since 2009, Embassy of Romania in Baku for four times received the mandate for the discharge of duties of NATO Contact Embassy in Azerbaijan. The mandate expires this December.

Azerbaijan's cooperation with NATO is carried out in the framework of the Partnership for Peace program. Earlier, NATO has approved the document of the fourth stage for the Individual action plan within the partnership for 2015-2016. Meetings on review of the partnerships objectives implementation are carried out together with the International NATO headquarters in Baku and Brussels within this plan and the Planning and Review Process (PARP).

A total of 27 from 41 objectives, adopted by Azerbaijan within PARP, refer to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. A part of the accepted objectives is already completed, while the work on implementation of other long-term tasks continues.

Moreover, Azerbaijan cooperates with NATO in Afghanistan -- the peacekeeping contingent of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces has been serving there since November 20, 2002. Recently, a group of 50 Azerbaijani military personnel, was sent to Afghanistan in accordance with the plan and rotation for serving within NATO-led "Resolute Support" mission in Afghanistan.

As of April 2016, the Azerbaijani peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan includes 90 servicemen, two medical officers and two sappers.

Furthermore, Azerbaijan allowed the NATO planes carrying non-combat loads for a mission in Afghanistan to fly through Azerbaijan's airspace and to use the country's airports. About 40 percent of all cargo destined for the NATO mission in Afghanistan pass through Baku. In addition, Azerbaijan has for many years participated in peacekeeping missions in Iraq and Kosovo.

Moreover, NATO keeps the focus the issue of security of the oil and gas pipelines in the South Caucasus region that pass through the territory of Azerbaijan as well.
By Trend





President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev wont be able to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia October 12-14 due to a cold-related disease, Nazarbayevs Press Secretary Aidos Ukibay wrote on the Kazakh president official websites Facebook page.

Some adjustments in the working schedule of the Kazakh president have been made and his participation in international events is not planned until the end of this week, Ukibay said.

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov will take part in the session within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) meeting in Yerevan, he added.

Kazakh presidents press secretary noted that Nazarbayev currently undergoes planned treatment due to a cold-related disease, and the overall state of his health causes no worries.

Nazarbayev was going to pay an official visit to Azerbaijan today, on Oct. 12. He planned to come to Armenia on an official visit and also take part in the regular session of the Collective Security Council of the CSTO at the level of heads of state on October 14.

Ukibay added that the further activity of the Kazakh president will be carried out according to his usual working schedule.
By Azernews





By Nigar Abbasova

Russia and Turkey, the two strategic partners continue to express support for construction of the Turkish Stream pipeline, an energy project that was suspended amid tensions between the two countries.

The sides recently signed an inter-governmental agreement on realizing the construction of the pipeline to pump Russian gas under Turkish waters in the Black Sea towards Europe.

Energy Minister Berat Albayrak and his Russian counterpart Alexander Novak signed the agreement following a meeting between the heads of the two countries, which became the second Putin-Erdogan face-to-face meeting since St. Petersburg meeting and served as an additional signal that the project could be brought into force.

Meanwhile, gas price, one of the main obstacles that a project faced before deterioration of ties between the two countries, remains in the spotlight.

The Russian president said the two countries had also reached a consensus on a discount in natural gas prices, as part of the deal. Gazprom and Turkish energy giant Botas have already been tasked with working out the amount of the discount.

Head of Gazprom Alexey Millier talking to Russia 24 said that the discount for the Turkish Botas may be linked with the volumes of supplies of Russian gas to the Turkish market, while majority of experts polled by Kommersant newspaper said that the matter may be a supply of an additional 2 billion cubic meters of gas per year by the trans-Baltic gas pipeline.

Turkey, which is considered to be the second biggest consumer of Russian gas after Germany, imports gas from Russia via two pipelines - the Blue Stream, which passes under the eastern Black Sea, and the Western Line through the Balkans. The current annual level of Gazprom supplies for Turkey by means of the trans-Baltic gas pipeline stands at 2 bcm for Botas, while some 10 billion bcm accounts for separate importers.

Gazprom and Botas will have legal proceedings in the Geneva Court of Arbitration, should the sides face controversies in the implementation of the agreement.

The estimated total cost of Turkish Stream is 11.4 billion ($12.7 billion).
Eat, a restaurant discovery and real-time reservations platform, has raised a post-seed funding round of $2 million, led by Bahrain-based investment fund Pinnacle, reported the Gulf Daily News, our sister publication.

To read further, please visit GDNonline.






The UAE Ministry of Finance (MoF), in partnership with National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), is set to launch new innovative e-Dirham products and services during the upcoming Gitex Technology Week, a major ICT show, in Dubai, UAE.



The event runs from October 16 to 20 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.



The new and innovative services include online direct debit or credit for eD-Wallet balance from the users bank through eDirect, and payments by direct transfers from the customers bank account to the service providers bank account in both public and business sectors through eDebit.



In addition, e-Dirham self-service kiosks enable purchase and recharge of e-Dirham cards, issue eD-Vouchers, allow payment of service fees for public services amongst many others.



Saeed Rashid Al Yateem, assistant undersecretary for Resources and Budget at the Ministry of Finance, said: "The UAE ranked 16th globally and first regionally in the Global Competitiveness Report issued by the World Economic Forum (Davos) in Switzerland.



This indicates that government efforts are in the right direction to diversify the economy by encouraging innovation and improving the quality of infrastructure, leading to the development of business environment that promotes and attracts more foreign direct investments to the country."



"We seek to continuously upgrade and modernise the e-Dirham system as it is one of our important mechanisms that help improve cash flow management as well as reduce wastage and enhance utilisation of materials, time and human resources. These are significant in order to achieve the goals of smart governance and to strengthen the UAE economy. Moreover, all these are aligned in developing the governmental capacities and mechanisms which play key roles in attaining the UAE Strategy for the Future," Al Yateem added.



MoUs with partners and stakeholders of e-Dirham from both the public and private sectors will be signed during Gitex Technology Week.



Al Yateem noted that the MoF will continue to upgrade and update the e-Dirham system through investment in technical infrastructure, and by strengthening its integration with other payment and financial systems in the UAE. This will be done in order to offer the best solutions and digital services as well as to keep abreast with the latest global developments in payment systems.



The Gitex Technology Week is a five-day event considered to be the largest regional IT exhibition which is expected to attract more than 100,000 visitors from 150 countries. The event will host 4,000 exhibiting government entities and private companies.



Saif Al Shehhi, senior managing director - UAE Government and VVIP Clients at National Bank of Abu Dhabi, said: "The strategic partnership between MoF and NBAD for the e-Dirham system is a successful model of collaboration between the public and private sectors in the UAE. This is also exemplified in the participation of e-Dirham in Gitex Technology Week and the keenness to be in the forefront of developing the latest smart payment services and solutions through various technological platforms.



"The Gitex Technology Week provides an ideal opportunity to acquire knowledge on the latest developments in modern business environment that witnesses increasing digitisation and use of smart technologies. We seek to harness this opportunity and showcase the achievements of e-Dirham, its smart payment solutions as well as its new and innovative services designed to enrich customer experience," Al Shehhi concluded.



This years edition of Gitex Technology Week will see the participation of more than 400 entrepreneurs, 250 investors and mentors from over 52 countries around the world as it hosts the most global start-up movement.  TradeArabia News Service
Cisco, a global technology leader, said that it will showcase its advanced threat protection capabilities at the upcoming Gitex Technology Week 2016, in Dubai, UAE.



The event, a major technology exchange and marketplace, will take place from October 16 to 20, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.



Cisco will display its Threatcentric Security, which includes threat detection, defence and secure remote access, said a statement from the company.



The company will use Gitex as a platform to exhibit its advanced threat protection capabilities across the entire attack continuum  before, during, and after an attack, it said.



At the event, Cisco plans to demonstrate how an integrated threat defence architecture can help businesses see 100 per cent of their extended networks and defend it faster. Cisco makes security effective by making it simple, open and automated. It offers intelligence-led security in order to reduce time to detection and time to resolution via Talos, which has essentially the biggest security research team focused on threat intelligence, globally, said a statement.



Intelligence must be shared and span the extended network and new, connected devices  empowering security technologies and security services teams with intelligence that is actionable and specific to the organisation, it added.



Scott Manson, cyber security leader for Middle East and Turkey, Cisco, said: Ever-expanding connectivity, digitisation and the Internet of Things (IoT) is transforming our world, creating new business models through greater speed, efficiency, and agility.



Security is foundational to seizing these emerging opportunities. Security must be everywhere  embedded into the heart of the intelligent network infrastructure from the service provider, throughout the extended enterprise network, and across supply chains, he said.



Security needs to be as pervasive as the IoT itself. This requires a new architectural approach and active engagement at the highest levels within organisations, he added.  TradeArabia News Service


The latest issues surrounding the new $8 billion Suez Canal expansion and the consequences for the global maritime industry will come under focus at the upcoming Seatrade Maritime Middle East (SMME) exhibition and conference in Dubai, UAE.



The eighth edition of the biennial event takes place from October 31 to November 2 at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.



SMME, a part of Dubai Maritime Week, will begin the opening afternoon session of the three-day conference and exhibition, with a panel discussion led by Admiral Mohab Mohamed Mameesh, chairman and managing director of the Suez Canal Authority Chairman, SCA. A panel of experts will examine what the new Suez Canal development means global trade, canal transits, inward investment and the development of the Egyptian economy.



The Suez Canal is integral to maritime development in the Middle East and naturally at a time when the shipping industry is facing a challenging economic climate, the issues surrounding trade, shipping markets, infrastructure and investment are bound to stimulate lively debate, said Chris Hayman, chairman, Seatrade.



The new Suez Canal project which opened on August 6, 2015, includes a 35km parallel waterway, which runs alongside the original canal. In addition, 37km of the existing canal was made broader and deeper, to reduce transit times by up to seven hours for vessels travelling south and it now accommodates ships travelling in both directions along all 72km of the expanded route.



The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) expects to receive toll revenue of $13 billion annually by 2023, but revenue in 2015 actually dropped to $5.175 billion a 5.3 per cent decline on 2014 revenues, due to market conditions. However, according to Mohab Mameesh, year-on-year revenue to August 6 2016 showed a 4 per cent increase to $3.18 billion up from $ 3.06 billion, despite slowing trade.



Some container lines, as well as tankers and bulk carriers on some itineraries, are still opting to sail via the Cape of Good Hope, even though the distance is 12,412 nautical miles (nm) from New York, compared to 10,117 nm via the Suez Canal, due to lower operating costs and low bunker prices.



The SCA also faces renewed competition from the widened Panama Canal, which is looking to regain some of the Asia-US East Coast container trade it has previously lost to the Suez Canal, commented Hayman.



So in a bid to recapture traffic, the SCA confirmed in June that all containerships coming from ports north of the Port of Norfolk (Virginia) on the US East Coast and heading to Malaysias Port Klang and ports eastwards were eligible for a 45 per cent rebate on canal tolls up to December 31, 2016. Vessels departing from ports south of Norfolk and calling at Port Klang and eastwards can claim a 65 per cent discount.



Other sweeteners have been added such as the an experimental new toll for Very Large Crude Carriers (VLCCs) transiting the canal from the Red Sea, which could save the ships operator in excess of $70,000 for each northbound trip from the Middle East to the Mediterranean.



The government of Oman has invested more than $15 billion in the Sohar Port and Freezone, Qatar is building the $7.4 billion Hamad Greenfield Port project, Dubai will invest $850 million to develop Container Terminal 3 at Jebel Ali Port, and Saudi Arabia has committed $500 million to Saudi Global Ports (SGP) Container Terminal at Dammam King Abdul Aziz Port.



More than 7,000 participants from 67 countries are expected throughout the show, which is set to evaluate current market challenges, alongside a series of technical forums in association with IMarEST.



Over 240 exhibitors from more than 30 countries will also be represented on the exhibition floor this year, which extends to over 4,300 square metres - Japan, Denmark, Qatar, Singapore are participating with dedicated country pavilions.



Major delegations from Saudi Arabia, UK, Egypt and China, will be visiting the 61st International Shipsuppliers & Services Association's (ISSA) Convention, which is a partner of SMME 2016.  TradeArabia News Service


Schneider Electric, a global specialist in energy management and automation, said it showcased its smart technologies for industrial efficiency and sustainability at the recently concluded 18th edition of the Water, Energy, Technology and Environment Exhibition (Wetex).



This year marked Schneider Electrics fifth consecutive participation at Wetex, reaffirming the global energy leaders commitment to delivering competitive and customised solutions for the regions growing customer base, said a statement from the company.



Schneider Electrics suite of solutions are reputed for their unique integration of advanced information technology (IT) with operational technology (OT), it said.



The company displayed the Modicon MC80 for concentrated solar power applications, cyber-secure substation automation, smart panel, telemetry for remote field management; the Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS) that integrates grid management solutions; and the Process Expert System (PES) software for enhanced plant performance, it added.



As part of the companys participation, Bruno Dercle, vice president - energy commercial at Schneider Electric led a seminar on How to build smart electric utilities of tomorrow, said a statement.



Benoit Dubarle, president  Gulf Countries, Pakistan, East Mediterranean, Schneider Electric, said: In order to leave behind resources and a greener economy to our future generations, we must act now. The journey to sustainability is challenging, but is being expedited by new technologies that have come into play.



These intelligent innovations can help us power our highly digitising economies while addressing the critical energy threat, he said.



Our company exhibited solutions, customised to the Internet of Things (IoT) platform, provides the additional efficiency and big data analytics much-needed across the O&G, water and power industries today. The company supports the Dubai Supreme Energy Councils goal to reduce energy demand by 30 per cent, he concluded.  TradeArabia News Service
Top experts and specialists will present latest research and share knowledge on many regional and global defence and security issues at two major defence events to be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, next year.



The higher organising committee of the International Defence Exhibition and Conference (Idex 2017) and the Naval Defence Exhibition and Conference (Navdex 2017) recently held its sixth meeting to discuss preparations by specialised committees to host the leading events in Abu Dhabi.



Both Idex and Navdex will be held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, from February 19 to 23, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec), in Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with the UAE Armed Forces.



Staff Major General Pilot Faris Khalaf Khalfan Al Mazrouei, head of the organising committee, said: Both events will provide an important platform for local defence industries to gain a valuable experience and develop the defence sector. They also give the UAE Armed Forces a unique opportunity to view the latest developments taking place globally in this sector.



The exhibitions complement the role of our armed forces, in collaboration with all government and national entities, to support different economic sectors in line with the vision of our leadership, he said.



I am confident that our teams are exerting all necessary efforts to achieve what is required to organise such important events in a way that reflects their growing reputation and position internationally, he added.



Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri, acting group CEO of Adnec, said: The increasing global significance of Idex and Navdex requires us to deliver the best results and go beyond the expectations of our visitors and participants.



Adnecs success in organising leading international exhibitions and its esteemed reputation in the meetings, incentives, conferences, and events (Mice) industry have come as a result of continuous efforts and efficiency of its team which is led by top Emirati talents, he said.



This reinforces our strategy that aims to train and prepare national personnel to lead the economic sectors that are prioritised by the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, he added.



In cooperation with the higher organising committee and the UAE Armed Forces, ADNECs team is currently preparing to organise parallel events during IDEX 2017 and NAVDEX 2017. We expect to welcome senior military officials and experts from the region and the world.



Al Dhaheri pointed out that Adnec is currently putting the final touches to the online registration system dedicated to exhibitors and visitors looking to receive entry permits. He also mentioned that Adnec is cooperating with international expert houses to ensure fast delivery of these permits, it said.



The company will soon announce the beginning of registration, it stated.  TradeArabia News Service
A senior UN official has said that US presidential candidate Donald Trump's "deeply unsettling and disturbing" views make him a danger internationally.



UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al-Hussein cited Trump's comments on the use of torture and his attitude to "vulnerable communities", said a BBC report.



The Republican presidential candidate's campaign has been marked by a number of controversial comments with the recent crude remarks about women having caused the biggest political fallout.



Hussein said at a news briefing in Geneva: "If Donald Trump is elected on the basis of what he has said already - and unless that changes - I think it is without any doubt that he would be dangerous from an international point of view."



He said he was "not keen or intent on interfering in any political campaign within any particular country".



Trump has fallen further behind his Democratic rival Hillary Clinton and now trails her by 8 points among likely voters, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll. One in five Republicans say his vulgar comments about groping women disqualify him from the presidency, the poll said.



Meanwhile, President Barack Obama, at a rally for Clinton, condemned those comments, saying: "The guy says stuff that nobody would find tolerable if they were applying for a job at 7-Eleven."


Dubai One, the English language channel of Dubai Channels Network (DCN), is broadcasting episodes of X Factor in tandem with the UK every Friday and Saturday at 9:00 pm, marking the return of the show on the free-to-air channel.



Dubai One, the English language channel of Dubai Channels Network (DCN), is broadcasting episodes of X Factor in tandem with the UK every Friday and Saturday at 9:00 pm, marking the return of the show on free-to-air channel across the Middle East.



Sarah Al Jarman, director at Dubai One, said: We are excited to once again be airing one of our most popular shows The X Factor. Dubai One is airing the show due to its position as a premier media hub and as part of its commitment towards the progressive and vibrant spirit of the region.



As fans of the eminent judges on the show and its talented performers, we are inspired by the larger-than-life concept of the show. The grandeur spirit of the show is presented through the intriguing drama set across the stage and the enthusiasm brought forth by the judges. We are just as excited for the finale episode and wish all the participants best of luck for this season, she added.



Fans will be excited to see the return of the shows most beloved judging panel: rock royalty Sharon Osbourne, pop sensation Nicole Scherzinger and chart maestro Louis Walsh sit alongside The X Factor creator and music mogul Simon Cowell and returning host Dermot OLeary, a statement said.



Artists discovered by The X Factor have sold more than 200 million records worldwide, including 200 number one hits, making it the most successful show in history for discovering chart superstars. This includes One Direction, who has sold 70 million records worldwide, Olly Murs who has achieved success with four multi-platinum albums and total sales of more than 16 million, and Little Mix who have sold 15 million records globally.  TradeArabia News Service
An Acwa Power-led consortium has been announced as the preferred bidder for the Khanyisa Coal-Fired Project in South Africa.



Part of the first round of the coal base-load Independent Power Producers Programme, the 306MW plant will be the first of its kind in South Africa featuring modern circulating fluidised-bed (CFB) technology.



Located in Mpumalanga Province, the countrys coal hub, the Khanyisa power plant is Acwa Powers first foray into the coal space in South Africa. Khanyisa will make use of the discard coal abundantly available as waste piles in the nearby Anglo American collieries thereby significantly reducing the environmental impact of the waste mountains on the surrounding region and will in addition avoid the need and eliminate the consequences of mining new coal seams.



Even though utilizing this waste is technically complex and increases capital and operating cost, the tariff delivered by the company is well below the stipulated qualification first year price of ZAR 82c/kWh ($ 5.93c/kWh) as recognized by Department of Energy Minister Tina Joemat-Pettersson in making the announcement.



The Khanyisa Coal-Fired Project will be constructed and operated in full compliance with the strict environmental standards of South Africa, the Equator Principles and the World Bank standards. Utilizing innovative circulating fluidised-bed (CFB) technology, even with this discard coal of low heat content, the sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions will be lower than those of coal -fired power stations currently operating in South Africa.



Furthermore, the Khanyisa power plant is designed as a zero liquid effluent discharge plant in an effort to further minimize the impact on the environment. The water used at the power plant will be reclaimed from underground mine operations and this in combination with a dry cooled power plant configuration which itself will minimize water consumption will negate the need to consume precious local water resources.



Acwa Power has been fortunate to participate in both the Renewable Energy IPP and the coal base-load IPP program both of which are well structured and professionally managed, providing us confidence to invest for the long term in the South African energy sector, said Paddy Padmanathan, president and CEO of Acwa Power.



Following on from the Bokpoort CSP project which is now fully operational and the Redstone CSP project where construction is expected to commence soon, the Khanyisa award demonstrates Acwa Powers commitment to the South African IPP market and our ambition to create a strong, self-sustaining multi-fuel portfolio.



We are also proud of the fact that we have yet again been able to deliver a most competitive tariff, just as in the case of the other two investments, he added.



The local partners in the Acwa Power led consortium include Thebe Investments, Pele Natural Energy, Mazi Capital and Palace Group, said Prabashen Govender, head of Business Development for Acwa Power Southern Africa. He went on to state that the overall BEE equity participation in the project is in excess of 37 per cent clearly showing that local empowerment in large power projects in South Africa is possible and sustainable



The construction activity will create direct work for more than 3,000 people and during the operational life of the plant a team of 150 will be employed for the long term, noted Govender.



The plant will be operated and maintained by a partnership between Palace Group, an emerging South African BEE enterprise and NOMAC, a company which is wholly owned by Acwa Power, bringing additional international IPP operating best practice into the South African economy.



In addition Acwa Power has committed to extensive skills development, supplier development and a high level of local content in support of the coal base-load IPP program.



Delivering much more than just MWs to the nations in which we elect to invest, by maximising local content, with local people running operations and providing goods and services is part of the Acwa Power strategy to ensure that our own business is sustainable for the long term concluded Padmanathan. TradeArabia News Service
Business France, the national agency for the internationalisation of the French economy, will once again be organising the French pavilion at Adipec, the world's second largest trade fair for the oil and gas industry, in Abu Dhabi.



Some 40 French companies representing the industry's various sectors will showcase their products, services and know-how to local professionals, so as to forge new ties or strengthen existing partnerships.



The expertise, technical skills and capacity for innovation displayed by French companies have won the country international recognition and a place among Europe's leading exporters.



In France, this is an industry driven by excellence, with one or two global leaders in practically every segment. Indeed, in addition to major operators such as Engie and Total, it features a host of companies that supply equipment or services to the oil and gas industry, many of which are global giants in their respective fields (CGG, Technip, etc.).



The sector also boasts two internationally renowned research institutes, IFP Energies Nouvelles and IFREMER, and several leading engineering firms and contractors.



Well aware of the challenges to be met in today's tough climate, the French firms in attendance at Adipec offer solutions that meet the needs of operators: reservoir optimization, reserve valuation, precision tools for wells and surface units, facility monitoring equipment and systems, environmental protection, etc.



The UAE continues to run a wide-scale development programme in the field of hydrocarbons and therefore offers an attractive environment for French companies wishing to develop their activities and partnerships in the region, Business France said.



The France pavilion is located in Hall 9 at Adnec. - TradeArabia News Service
A federal appeals court ruling Tuesday bolstered the Bureau of Land Managements discretion in dealing with wild horse populations by dismissing a case brought by the state of Wyoming against the agency.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower courts 2015 ruling that the state could not compel the BLM to remove wild horses from federal land unless the agency itself determined such action was necessary.

By reaffirming the BLMs discretion under the Wild Horses and Burros Act of 1971, the ruling heads off similar attempts to force the agency to remove allegedly excess horses from public land across the west. Similar lawsuits originating in Utah and Nevada are currently awaiting court decisions.

Bill Eubanks, an attorney representing wild horse advocates who filed a brief supporting the BLM, said Tuesdays ruling set a precedent that will be hard to shake.

This is major, Eubanks said. If anyone were now to start a new lawsuit on these grounds, it would be found frivolous. This really does shut the door.

Eubanks said the Wyoming lawsuit was part of a recent trend of local and state governments suing the BLM claiming the agency was legally required to remove wild horses from public land if the animals passed certain population thresholds.

The Mountain States Legal Foundation, a public-interest law firm dedicated to private property rights by using creative legal arguments to upend legal precedent in the western United States, filed a brief supporting the state. The foundation did not respond to a request for comment.

This weeks ruling stems from a lawsuit Wyoming filed last year to force the BLM to remove what it considered excess horses from several blocks of federal land in mostly the southwestern quadrant of the state. Wyoming argued that the wild horse populations in those areas exceeded even the BLMs own targets and damaged the lands ability to support livestock grazing.

The BLM has previously established management levels for each of these herd areas, and if they allowed horses to exceed the maximum levels that they themselves determined, then they have an obligation to remove them, said Jim Magagna, executive director of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, which joined the lawsuit in support of the state.

Under the Wild Horses and Burros Act of 1971, the BLM is required to set aside blocks of land known as herd management areas for wild horses to live. The maximum levels Magagna referred to are ideal population ranges set by the BLM for the wild horses in each area, known as appropriate management levels.

The state and stock growers association argued that the BLM is legally required to keep the horse population under the AMLs. They asked the court to require the agency to remove horses that exceeded the those levels in seven Wyoming herd management areas: Antelope Hills, Crooks Mountain, Green Mountain, Lost Creek, Stewart Creek, Fifteenmile and Little Colorado.

But the BLM said that determining overpopulation went beyond comparing current population numbers to the AML. Without going through a lengthy review process to see whether the horse population is disturbing the ecological balance mandated by the Wild Horses Act, the BLM argued there was no basis to force it to remove any animals.

The state argued BLMs position [is] one suggesting it is never required to remove horses until it decides removal is necessary, Chief U.S. District Judge in Wyoming Nancy Freudenthal wrote in her opinion.

Freudenthal essentially agreed, ruling that the BLM was not bound by AML levels and must weigh additional factors when deciding whether to remove horses.

The ruling concluded that court intervention in BLMs horse removal decisions would lead to inappropriate micromanagement.

Wyoming cannot seek wholesale action across seven HMAs without miring this Court in programmatic issues best left to the BLM, Freudenthal wrote. This Court lacks both expertise and information to resolve whether it is necessary to remove any or all of the wild horses...

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the district court ruling that dismissed the states case, agreeing that the BLM was not automatically required to remove all horses that exceed the agencys population targets.

Contrary to the States argument, a determination that an overpopulation exists in a given HMA is not sufficient, standing alone, to trigger any duty on the part of the BLM, the court wrote. Instead, the BLM must also determine that action is necessary to remove excess animals.

While acknowledging his disappointment, Magagna, of the stock growers association, said more than anything the case highlighted a need to reform the Wild Horses Act.

It lays out pretty clearly some of the challenges that we as the state of Wyoming, and our industry, face, Magagna said.

As for the BLM, Magagna said he understood its resources were stretched thin and that regions in, for example, Nevada  where wild horse population numbers are far higher than Wyoming  will inevitably be prioritized.

Magagna was confident that the BLM would bring the horse populations within the AMLs when it was able to.

Its not that they dont want to do that, its just that theyre so overwhelmed by the number of wild horses, Magagna said.

Gov. Matt Mead issued a statement Tuesday saying that he was exploring the states legal options in light of the ruling.

The BLM is not managing wild horse populations as required [by law], Mead said. Wyoming wildlife and wild horses are treasured assets. Mismanagement adversely affects all species and the rangelands necessary for their health and survival.

Wyomings lawsuit was just the latest salvo in an ongoing battle between private landowners and the BLM over wild horses on federal land. While the Wild Horses Act was created to protect dwindling numbers of the animals, the horse and burro population now far exceeds the BLMs targets nationwide. But the agencys hands are largely tied by funding and logistics when it comes to reducing the overpopulation.

In another significant wild horse case in the state, wild horse advocates are seeking to block the BLM from removing horses from public lands within the Wyoming checkerboard at the behest of private landowners in the area.

The 10th Circuit is currently hearing one of those cases, while another is before the U.S. District Court in Wyoming.

Eubanks, who is representing the groups in those cases, said that the courts emphasis on the process the BLM must go through to remove horses from HMAs in this weeks ruling boded well for those cases. Horse advocates are arguing the agency has not followed proper procedures in rounding up horses in the checkerboard.

We think its really helpful and almost predicative [for] the new checkerboard case, Eubanks said of this weeks ruling.
The father and son who purchased the Wonder Bar are helping fund a new downtown Casper institution even as they close another.

Tony and Cole Cercy, who bought the Wonder Bar and Poor Boys Steakhouse last month, announced a $1 million donation to the David Street Station downtown plaza project Wednesday at a Chamber of Commerce event.

Tony Cercy sold Casper-based Power Service Inc. to a Texas company in the spring. While the sale price for the energy industry equipment company was not disclosed, it was an all-cash transaction.

The plaza is being built on the corner of David Street and Old Yellowstone Highway. The construction site is visible from the parking lot of the World Famous Wonder Bar, the watering hole opened in the 1930s and shuttered on Oct. 8 as part of the Cercys' purchase.

Cole Cercy, who is charge of the newly acquired businesses, has previously said he will not announce his plans until the end of October.

The Cercys did not share information about the future of Wonder Bar or Poor Boy's Steakhouse with media present at Wednesday's event. Cole Cercy did not immediately reply to an email requesting comment on the donation.

I don't know about any of their other plans but am doing back flips for this major public investment from them, said Downtown Development Authority CEO Kevin Hawley.

Hawley announced last week that construction on the $1.8 million western half of the plaza will start soon and open to the public by Augusts solar eclipse, which is expected to draw thousands of visitors to Casper.

The Cercy donation is earmarked for the second phase of the project and brings the DDA to almost half the funding necessary to complete the eastern section of the plaza. Coupled with a $500,000 donation from Hilltop National Bank, also announced last week, the development organization is $2.1 million shy of the total needed.

Hawley said construction on the eastern half of the plaza will not begin until nearly all of the $3.6 million bid estimate is secured. If that funding is found within the next couple of months, both halves of the plaza could be built at the same time and open in time for the eclipse.

But if that doesnt happen, Hawley said they will wait until after the eclipse festival to start work on the second half of the plaza.
CHEYENNE Sentencing has been set for a New Jersey man who pleaded guilty to insurance fraud charges in connection with the 2010 arson of the landmark Hitching Post Inn.

Falgun Dharia faces up to 20 years in prison when he's sentenced Nov. 17.

Dharia was a principal in CJM Hospitality LLC, which bought the Hitching Post at a bankruptcy proceeding. Prosecutors say the blaze was set to defraud an insurance company of $13 million.

Dharia has admitted to knowing about the arson when filing an insurance claim but denies responsibility for the fire.

One of Dharia's business partners and two other men were sentenced to prison in 2013 for various crimes related to the blaze.

Dharia will be sentenced in New York.
Editor:

This Thursday, Wyomings Republican Party will be hosting former presidential candidate, Carly Fiorina. Fiorina has had the good sense to denounce her partys leader and has said that Donald Trump should end his destructive and embarrassing presidential campaign. Will Wyomings Republican leaders follow suit?

Gov. Matt Mead has indicated his disappointment in the Republican standard-bearers recently released comments about grabbing women by their genitals. Disappointing? Mead, formerly a U.S. attorney, must recognize that Trumps remarks indicate behavior that is more than immoral, it is criminal.

Meanwhile Wyoming Republican Party congressional candidate, Liz Cheney can be found on Twitter and in press releases extolling Donald Trumps virtues. Perhaps in Cheneys Virginia this behavior can just be written off as locker room talk, but here in Wyoming we have higher standards.

Throughout this campaign the Wyoming Democratic Party has stated clearly and frequently that Trump does not understand Wyoming and does not share our values of respect for others and civility. His boorish behavior, lying and unwillingness to take responsibility for his actions should come as no shock to anyone who has followed his career or his campaign.

Throughout this past weekend prominent Republicans with moral standing abandoned Trump. From Wyomings Republican leadership we got a bit of disappointment. The Trump campaigns Wyoming director, Bonnie Foster, shrugged off Trumps behavior, saying on television, Im married to the oilfield and whether it is good or bad, this is a conversation they have all of the time. Putting Wyomings hardworking men and women into the same disgusting category as Trump and his dirty mouth is reprehensible.

In announcing her abandonment of Trump, Fiorina said, Donald Trump does not represent me or my party. I understand the responsibility of Republicans to support their nominee. Our nominee has weighty responsibilities as well. Donald Trump has manifestly failed in these responsibilities.

On Thursday will a visit from Fiorina help Wyoming Republicans develop the backbone to renounce Donald Trump and his bullying, hateful rhetoric? We can only hope.
THAILAND

Thais offer prayers

for ailin

g king

BANGKOK  Thais chanted prayers Wednesday as the countrys stock market and currency tumbled and the prime minister canceled an overseas trip amid concerns about long-ailing King Bhumibol Adulyadejs health.

His son, the crown prince, returned home from Germany, as Thais in pink shirts  a color associated with the king  gathered outside Siriraj hospital in Bangkok, which has been his home for much of the last decade.

The royal palace said in a statement late Wednesday that the 88-year-old kings blood pressure had dropped, his liver and kidneys were not working properly and he remained on a ventilator. His majestys overall condition is still unstable, it said.

MALAWI

Critics want president to explain absence

LILONGWE  Malawis president has been out of the country for almost a month, prompting demands for him to explain what critics call his absence without leave.

As rumors of a health crisis grew, the statehouse this week announced that President Peter Mutharika will return home on Sunday, exactly a month after he departed for the United States.

He addressed a U.N. gathering of world leaders in late September. Mutharikas press secretary, Mgeme Kalilani, says only that Mutharika has been attending to various government businesses.

Malawis Parliament wants the president to disclose all expenses incurred on his tour, including those of his entourage.

GERMANY

Bomb-plot suspect kills self in prison

BERLIN  A 22-year-old Syrian man arrested in Germany for a suspected Islamic extremist bomb plot killed himself Wednesday in a prison cell in Leipzig, Saxonys state Justice Ministry said late Wednesday.

Justice Ministry spokesman Joerg Herold told The Associated Press that Jaber Albakr killed himself sometime in the evening, but that the incident was still being investigated.

The development was sure to add to pressure on Saxony state authorities, who already had been criticized for allowing Albakr to slip through their fingers as they prepared to raid an apartment where he had been staying in the city of Chemnitz on Saturday.

BERMUDA

Island braces for hit from Hurricane Nicole

HAMILTON  Authorities in Bermuda closed schools and government offices on Wednesday as the British territory prepared for a direct hit from Hurricane Nicole.

The Category 2 storm was expected to strengthen and could reach the island on Thursday morning as a major Category 3 hurricane. Premier Michael Dunkley urged everyone to stay indoors on Wednesday and Thursday.

The U.S. National Hurricane Center in Miami said Nicole was located about 240 miles south-southwest of Bermuda on Wednesday evening. It had maximum sustained winds of 110 mph and was moving north at 10 mph.

BURUNDI

Govt votes to leave Intl Criminal Court

Lawmakers in Burundi overwhelmingly voted Wednesday in support of a plan to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, something no country has ever done.

The decision escalates a bitter dispute with the international community over the human rights situation in the East African country, which has seen more than a year of deadly violence after President Pierre Nkurunziza made a controversial decision to pursue a third term.

No state has withdrawn from the ICC, according to the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, a nonprofit that supports the courts work. The court prosecutes cases of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
PHOENIX  In a decision with statewide implications, the nations high court declined to overturn a ruling that cities can be sued when rezoning requests are denied after racially charged objections from neighbors.

Without comment the U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday let stand a unanimous appellate court decision that developers are entitled to sue Yuma for rejecting their request that property be rezoned for more affordable housing.

Tuesdays decision affects more than Yuma.

It essentially cements a March ruling by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The presence of community racial bias can lead a court to find that a city councils denial of a rezoning request was the result of discriminatory motives, even if there is no proof the council members held such views, the ruling said.

That allows the developers in this case to pursue their claim in federal court but also opens the door to similar lawsuits throughout Arizona when an affordable housing project is nixed amid neighborhood opposition.

The case involves 42 acres of undeveloped land in southeastern Yuma owned by Avenue 6E Investments.

When the company concluded that homes on 8,000-square-foot lots were not financially feasible, it sought a rezoning to allow for 6,000-square-foot lots.

The 9th Circuit ruling noted studies showing that the Hispanic population in Yuma was concentrated in several areas in the northern, western and central portions of the city. They also showed that substantially all of the available low- to moderate-income housing was located in that area and that more than 75 percent of households there were Hispanic.

By contrast, Anglo residents were concentrated in separate areas of the city where they made up more than 75 percent of the population.

This property is on the western boundary of what was, at the time, one of the white-majority areas.

Statements allegedly made to the City Council contained code words consisting of stereotypes of Hispanics that would be well-understood in Yuma, the 9th Circuit found.

These people, neighbors complained, owned numerous vehicles which they park in the streets and yards, fail to maintain their residences, and lack pride of ownership, Appellate Judge Stephen Reinhardt wrote for the 9th Circuit.

They also allow unattended children to roam the streets (what some may call letting children play in the neighborhood), the judge continued.

Developers presented a compromise for a transition area. But Reinhardt said that did not satisfy foes.

Another landowner noted that it wold be a smooth transition in terms of lot size, but not ownership demographics, suggesting  at least to a reasonable juror  a change in racial composition, he noted.

The result, the judge said, that was that the city council took the highly unusual step of acceding to the opposition and overruling the recommendations of its zoning commission and planning staff. This was the only zoning request the council denied of 76 considered over the prior three years.

The historical information about Hispanics largely being concentrated into three areas of the city, with whites in two other areas, presents a basis for developers to argue to a jury that the citys denial will have a disparate impact on Hispanics by denying them affordable opportunities to move into communities long dominated by more affluent whites.
PHOENIX  A major provider of rooftop solar units is putting $140,000 into the effort to re-elect Republican Bob Burns and to elect Democrat Bill Mundell to the Arizona Corporation Commission.

The disclosure Tuesday came as the five candidates for the three available seats on the commission, which sets utility rates, debated whether to force Arizona Public Service to disclose what it spent in 2014 to help elect two other Republicans.

Burns has issued a subpoena for records of APS and its parent company, Pinnacle West Capital Corp. But state Attorney General Mark Brnovich has said Burns ability to get into Pinnacle Wests books will require a majority vote of the five-member commission, and to date the other four Republicans currently on the panel have balked.

Mundell and fellow Democrat Tom Chabin have promised that if elected, they will provide Burns with the necessary votes.

Save Our State Now and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club funneled $3.2 million into the 2014 campaign to secure the election of Republicans Tom Forese and Doug Little. (Forese and Little are not up for re-election this year; ACC elections are staggered by year.)

Both groups are classified under federal tax law as social welfare organizations, which they contend exempts them from having to divulge their donors.

While the question of APS influence in electing commissioners is dominating much of this years race, it was disclosed Tuesday that a group funded by SolarCity is doing to a certain extent this year what APS is accused of doing two years ago.

It has put $140,000 into an independent campaign to help elect Mundell and secure another four-year term for Burns.

SolarCity, like APS, has an interest in the makeup of the commission. The panel will decide as early as next year how to structure rates for utility customers who generate some of their own power through solar. Any decision on those charges, as well as how much utilities have to pay customers for the power theyre now forced to buy from homeowners, could determine whether rooftop solar remains affordable.

But SolarCity lobbyist Kris Mayes said theres a significant difference. She said SolarCity, which supplies and installs rooftop solar units, is disclosing its spending; the refusal of APS to say what it did or did not spend in the past or might spend in the future leaves voters in the dark.

Burns said he personally wishes SolarCity wasnt spending money to help his re-election. But he pointed out that Arizona law precludes him from having any say in what is spent independent of his campaign.

I wish everyone would stay out of the race, Mundell agreed. The difference is one word: disclosure.

All five contenders appear to agree that, ethical issues aside, APS probably has a legal right to spend as much as it wants to influence elections.

What were talking about is transparency, said Republican Boyd Dunn.

The constitutional right is to spend it, but not to hide it, Burns said, arguing that it isnt just an academic issue. When a regulated utility spends at the rate that APS is perceived to have spent in 2014, integritys at risk.

Burns quickly added that hes not saying that either Forese or Little was aware of the actual source of the money being spent.

The voters and the ratepayers are the critical ones that did not know for sure where the money was coming from, Burns said, adding its a slippery slope if its allowed to continue.

Whats worse, Chabin said, is that customers are the ones footing the bill so that the utilities can elect people hey believe are more likely to approve their rate-hike requests.

Every time you paid your bill, APS took a little bit of that money, put it into a dark money campaign to invest over $3 million to elect the commission they wanted, Chabin said.

While Mundell and Chabin cite the $3.2 million spent by Save Our State Now and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club as fact, that has never been proven.

An APS spokesman will neither confirm nor deny any political spending in the election. APS executives have said that if the company did spend any money that way, it came out of shareholder profits, not customer bills.

The issue of Burns subpoena has put incumbent Republican Andy Tobin on the defensive. While Tobin said he supports disclosure, he also voted to undermine a contract Burns made with a consultant to analyze any information APS and Pinnacle West provide.
End of a legend

Western star met fate here 50 years ago

By John Jennings

Citizen Staff Writer

It was October, but the midafternoon sun glared mercilessly on the crew repairing a highway crossing at a wash 50 miles north of Tucson.

The detour around the work site was clearly marked, wooden barriers had been erected and warning signs were set up far down the road.

In the haze on the southern horizon, a swirl of dust appeared, vanished and appeared again.

Someone was coming. And he was in a hurry.

It was Saturday, Oct. 12, 1940, the time was 2:11 p.m.



Seventy-six-year-old Walt Pittinger admits to having a poor memory, but the images of that morning half a century ago are burned forever into his mind.

Pittinger, who had come to Tucson four years previously for his health, had become a news and feature photographer in town.

The Tucson Citizen did not have a full-time photographer of its own at the time, he recalls, so he was Johnny on the spot at any fire, crime scene or society event, hoping to sell his work to the Citizen.

On that Saturday morning  50 years ago tomorrow  Pittinger was going home before heading out on a photo opportunity. As he hurried down the street, he spied Pima County Sheriff Ed Echols chatting with a tall figure in a white hat.

Walt would have known the other man anywhere  he was Tom Mix, the hero of more than 300 Western films. At 60, Mix was past his prime, but for millions of Americans he still was King of the Cowboys. It would be another 15 years before Roy Rogers would claim the title.

Any other time, Pittinger would have jumped at the chance to snap such a shot, but because he was running a little late, he passed by.

They were standing there by Mixs automobile, a yellow or creamy colored Cord, Pittinger said. It was probably about noon  maybe a little before.



Ed Echols had known Tom Mix since they were both rodeo performers in 1907. Eventually Mixs smooth-talking, hard-riding style drew the attention of Hollywood producers, and by the 1920s he was a legendary Western movie hero.

His Hollywood biography claimed that he was born in El Paso, Texas, had served alongside Teddy Roosevelt as a Tough Rider in the Spanish-American War and had fought in the Boxer Rebellion in China as well as the Boer War in South Africa. His press agents said he had been a U.S. marshal and a Texas Ranger to boot.

Truth was, Mix was born in Pennsylvania, and some historians say he deserted from the Army.

That he was a tough, stand-up kind of guy, though, cant be disputed. Echols, who died in 1969, often recalled the time he saw Mix break up a drunken cowboy brawl and catch a bullet in his leg for the effort.

Mix was a big hit with the poppet sex, and his affairs with many of Hollywoods leading ladies were legendary. He was married five times and was noted for his hearty appetite for liquor and gambling.

By 1940 his film career was long over, and Mix kept busy by promoting a circus. There was talk about a renewed career in the movies, despite the fact that the advent of talkies had coincided with the demise of his film career.

In the movies, Mixs blaze-faced wonder horse, Tony, would prance his way through bad guys bullets, leap huge chasms and gallop to a maidens rescue time after time.

Then, when Tom and the beautiful ranchers daughter would lean in for a film-ending kiss, Tony would either nudge Tom toward the girl, or swipe his white hat and spoil the moment.

Tony was the first horse to be a real movie star. He was the ultimate heros steed when Champion and Trigger were still in ponytails.



The dust cloud grew closer, and the highway crew could hear the grumbling roar of a powerful engine. There was an occasional glimpse of a golden object through the mesquite bushes.



Mix had been in Las Cruces, N.M., the day before and had spent his one night in Tucson at the downtown Santa Rita Hotel (now the Days Inn), where he had carved his name in the hotels lore a few years earlier by riding a horse into the lobby.

One of the musicians at the hotel was Maurice Carl, and he said Mix invited them all up to his suite for drinks after the bar closed.

The party in Mixs room broke up about 3 a.m. He told the musicians he needed to get to bed because he had to drive to Florence the next day.

Around noon on Saturday, Mix checked out of the Santa Rita and loaded his custom-built Cord roadster for his trip. Among the luggage in the cars back seat was a large, leather-bound trunk.

Tucson Police officer Dick Lease spoke to Mix that morning at the Santa Rita, as did the hotel manager, Nick Hall; and California artist Gene Sterling.

Echols chatted with his old friend for a few minutes before they shook hands and waved goodbye to each other.



The yellow car was getting close now, and the highway workers turned their attention in its direction. They could tell by the sound that it was still coming fast, and they expected to year the engine sound change as the first warning sign came into view of the driver.

There was no change, though. The car kept coming.



Tom Mix believed in friends, family and fun. He was to attend the christening of his grandson, Tom Mix III, the next day in Phoenix, and he was in a good mood when he pulled up in front of the bar at Oracle Junction.

Inside, he found his good friend Bud White, and it didnt take much persuading for the Western star to pull up a chair and play a few hands of poker with White, a Californian known as Death Valley Scotty and Ed Flanagan, White nephew.

A little moonshine whisky was poured out, as were tall tales of bygone times.

Just before 2 p.m., Mix bid his adieu and climbed back in his Cord for the drive north.

He roared off up the highway.



The car was plainly visible to the workers now, and there was no doubt that it wasnt going to make the detour.

It was doing about 80 mph when it reached the construction site, and the sudden squeal of tires hardly slowed it at all.

The flashy yellow car slammed through the construction barrier, dove nose-down into the dry, sandy wash, and flipped up on its side. A huge cloud of dust obscured the vehicle as the sound of the crash faded.

Later, Echols would say that an old Arizona cowboy named Adams happened to be the first on the scene.

As the car teetered and the dust began to settle, Adams saw a figure move from beneath the yellow car and start to stand up.

Just then, the large rawhide trunk toppled over, falling on Mix and breaking his neck.

Legend has it that the heavy trunk was full of silver dollars.

There is no verification of that in any of the news stories of the time, but the Associated Press story the Tucson Citizen ran on Monday, Oct. 14, said, In the car and on his body authorities found jewels, $6,000 in cash and $1,500 in travelers checks.

Other stories at the time said that Tom Mix died instantly, pinned under the overturned car.

No matter, really. For the Kind of the Cowboys was dead.

It was 2:12 p.m.



Police officer Lease was patrolling on the North Side of the city that Saturday afternoon when he stopped a car for speeding.

Theres been an accident back there, and it looks bad, the driver told Lease excitedly. Its a guy in a yellow Cord.

Lease later said he knew immediately who the victim was, and he radioed the report to police.

I could hardly believe it, Echols would say.  He had been reported killed so many times.

The Tuesday, Oct. 15 edition of the Tucson Citizen included a picture of the yellow Cord. The only visible damage was a slightly dented front fender on the drivers side.

The next day, 300 friends and family members filed into the Little Church of the Flowers in Glendale, Calif., to say goodbye to Tom Mix. More than 2,000 fans gathered outside.

In the chapel were such Western movie stars as Buck Jones, Harry Carey, William S. Hart, Gene Autry and Gary Cooper.



Two years to the day after Tom Mixs death, Tony the Wonder Horse died at the remarkable age of 37.

On Dec. 5, 1947, a crowd of more than 300 gathered at a spot just a couple of hundred yards north of the crash site.

A stone monument was dedicated to Mix.

Gene Autry and ed Echols spoke at the ceremony, and tears flowed freely as Autrys rendition of Empty Saddles in the Old Corral drifted out across the quiet desert.
PHOENIX  The same-sex spouse of a birth mother is entitled to the same legal parental presumptions and rights as if she were a man, the Arizona Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.

In the first case of its kind in Arizona, the judges rejected the arguments by the biological mother of a child that the Arizona laws determining who is legally presumed the parent of a child only apply when that other person is a male. That, however, undermines the historic 2014 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that same-sex marriages are entitled to the same legal protections as traditional heterosexual unions, Appellate Judge Philip Espinosa said.

What makes that important is that Arizona law spells out that a man is presumed to be the father of a child if he and the mother were married at any time within 10 months immediately preceding the birth. Tuesdays ruling, unless overturned by the Arizona Supreme Court, means that while the law was written with a father in mind, judges now have to read it to apply regardless of the other parents gender.

The case involves Kimberly McLaughlin and Suzan McLaughlin, who were legally married in 2008 in California.

The couple agreed to have a child through artificial insemination using an anonymous sperm donor, court records show. Kimberly McLaughlin became pregnant in 2010.

Before the birth, the couple moved to Tucson, entered into a joint parenting agreement and executed mirror wills, declaring they were to be equal parents to the child. After the 2011 birth, Suzan McLaughlin stayed home and cared for the boy while Kimberly McLaughlin worked as a physician.

When the boy was nearly 2, Kimberly McLaughlin moved out. She took the boy with her and cut off his contact with Suzan McLaughlin.

Suzan McLaughlin filed for divorce in 2013 as well as legal papers for parenting time. When a trial judge agreed to have the case proceed, Kimberly McLaughlin appealed.

Keith Berkshire, her attorney, does not dispute the parenting agreement with Suzan McLaughlin.

He said Suzan McLaughlin is not a parent as defined in state law.

And he said Kimberly McLaughlin, as the boys biological mother, is by definition, the only parent and therefore the only person who has parental rights.

That argument runs contrary to the 2014 Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage, the judge said .

Under (the law), the male spouse of a woman who delivers a child is the presumptive parent, and therefore, a legal parent, Espinosa wrote.

If the female spouse of the birth mother of a child born to a same-sex couple is not afforded the same presumption of parenthood as a husband in a heterosexual marriage, then the same-sex couple is effectively deprived of civil marriage on the same terms and conditions as opposite-sex coupled, particularly in terms of safeguarding children and families.

Berkshire said he is not contesting the Supreme Court ruling putting same-sex marriages on the same legal footing as opposite-sex spouses.

But he said the appellate court is ignoring that most states have a specific law that makes the presumption of parenthood automatic even in cases of artificial insemination. Arizona, Berkshire said, does not.

Existing Arizona law allows a man whose wife has given birth, even within 10 months of the marriage, to produce biological evidence he is not the parent, Berkshire said. Ditto, he said, if the biological mother wanted to prove through DNA testing that her husband was not the father and therefore not entitled to a presumption of parenthood.

If this were a heterosexual relationship, my client would have been able to rebut (Suzan McLaughlins parenthood claim) if she was married to a man, Berkshire said. Denying that right to Kimberly McLaughlin because she is a lesbian, he said, is a distortion of the 2014 Supreme Court ruling.

Espinosa, however, said that logic relies improperly on that question of a biological connection. He said the law is clear: Paternity is presumed if the child is born during the marriage or within 10 months thereafter.

It does not require a biological connection between the father and child, Espinosa wrote. The mere fact that the child was born during the marriage or shortly thereafter gives rise to the presumption of the husbands paternity, without regard to whether the husband is the biological parent.

The judge said theres a good reason for that.

The marital presumption of paternity serves the additional purpose of preserving the family unit, he wrote.

Anyway, Espinosa said, Kimberly McLaughlin cannot argue that Suzan McLaughlin is not a parent when everything she did prior shows otherwise.

That includes they were married when they agreed to artificial insemination, that Suzan McLaughlin stayed home to care for their son, and that they entered into an express agreement and agreed unequivocally that both would be (the boys) parents, with equal rights in every respect.

And the judge noted that Kimberly McLaughlin specifically waived any constitutional, federal or state laws that provide her with a greater right to custody and visitation than that enjoyed by Suzan McLaughlin.

Finally, Espinosa noted there is no one else who is asserting to be the parent of the boy and expressing a willingness to care for and support him.
The appointment of Chris Nanos as Pima County sheriff in July 2015 followed a time-honored process.

The esteemed outgoing officeholder  in this case then-Sheriff Clarence Dupnik  picked his replacement, then resigned mid-term. Next, the county board appointed his pick.

Its a maneuver many local officeholders have attempted, as I wrote at the time of Nanos appointment. Leave before the end of your term, then handpick your replacement.

That proud moment for Nanos has led, though, to a disaster  the indictment of his handpicked chief deputy, Chris Radtke, on federal charges of misusing RICO money.

Add the suicide of Nanos other top aide, Brad Gagnepain, which stunned the department; and the sheriffs possible loss in the upcoming election, and the disaster of his first 16 months could be stunningly complete.

The indictment, though, isnt just of one top commander  its also of the process that brought us here.

I wasnt a fan of Dupnik by the end of his 35-year tenure as sheriff. I thought he should have passed the baton a couple of terms earlier.

But one thing you could say for sure about Dupnik, a Democrat: He knew politics. And when I say politics, I mean it in the broadest sense.

He had relationships with the Board of Supervisors, knew local business leaders, worked with the powers-that-be in Phoenix. He knew how to handle the internal politics of his department, as well.

Nanos, clearly, isnt that guy, something he acknowledges freely.

Im not a politician, he reminded me again when we talked Tuesday.

Normally thats a good thing. Not in this situation.

As anyone who has spoken with Nanos can see, hes rough-spoken and can be emotional. That would be OK  in fact, I find those qualities endearing  but he hasnt also had the political skills or vision to run the department in a way that keeps its employees and the public on board with him.

When my colleague Caitlin Schmidt reported the story that prompted the FBI investigation, Nanos lashed out at her and at the FBI.

But more importantly, he picked as a right-hand man Radtke, a longtime officer who rubbed people the wrong way and may have done worse. Radtkes alleged misuse of RICO money to benefit his nieces cafeteria business  leading to Mondays indictment  started in 2012. In that sense, Nanos should have or at least could have known better than to promote him.

Even now, though, Nanos remains pretty steadfast.

I dont know the evidence that the FBI has, he said. I, in my heart, believe Chris Radtke is a good man and didnt steal anything. But could I be wrong? Absolutely. I didnt do the investigation.

The deputies union, led by Kevin Kubitskey, has lashed out at Nanos, sometimes in ways that have been extreme. For example, amid a variety of conflicts, Kubitskey filed an assault report against Nanos, which the Maricopa Countys Attorneys Office determined was ungrounded. That was a bit of a stretch.

But the vehemence of their accusations that Nanos administration has been unfair and dictatorial is something a better politician probably would have been able to defuse, or to avoid in the first place by not naming Radtke as chief deputy and creating a new position for Gagnepain, whose title was chief of staff.

More recently, the deputies have allied with Dr. Richard Carmona, a longtime former sheriffs deputy and an ex-U.S. surgeon general, to call out Nanos. Carmona said at a press conference last week that hes speaking on behalf of bullied deputies worried to speak for themselves.

It broke my heart, he said, that they feared for their paychecks and their futures.

Carmona said this wasnt about elections, and that he himself had not wanted to be sheriff. He simply wanted the public to be informed.

I suspect Carmona may be protesting too much when he denies his interest in the office, but again the critiques speak of a larger political weakness on Nanos part. He couldnt protect that flank.

So, the indictment of Radtke is itself a bad thing but represents something bigger.

Nanos told me Tuesday he thinks he is politically more aligned with the people of Pima County than his Republican opponent, Mark Napier, is. He may well be right.

If they want a politician, they should vote for Mark Napier, Nanos said. If they want a good sheriff, someone who knows this organization, they should vote for me.

But what if, to be a good sheriff, you have to be a good politician? Thats something you can show when running for office, which, of course, is not how appointees get their jobs.
The chief deputy at the Pima County Sheriffs Department has resigned after being indicted in connection with allegations of misusing anti-racketeering funds.

Chris Radtke resigned from the second-highest post in the department, Sheriff Chris Nanos announced in a written statement issued shortly after 10 p.m. Monday.

Earlier today I was informed by my Chief Deputy, Chris Radtke, that he had been indicted for the misuse of RICO funds. Chris Radtke has since submitted his resignation and I will not comment on another law enforcement agencys investigation, Nanos said in his statement.

Funds seized from criminals under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, commonly called RICO, are given to law enforcement agencies for enforcement-related activities.

The indictment is linked to a situation first reported by the Star last November about Radtkes niece taking over the operation of a cafe inside the departments headquarters in 2012. The department spent more than $10,000 on equipment for the space and allowed Radtkes niece to run her restaurant rent-free and without a county contract.

Officials initially said the equipment was paid for with RICO funds. Later they said the money came from the countys general fund.

The county spent more than $30,000 on equipment for the cafe as well as a similar eatery his niece, Nikki Thompson, opened in 2014 inside the Pima County jail, public records showed.

It was not immediately clear Tuesday what specific charges Radtke faces.

The case is to be handled by the U.S. Attorneys Office in Salt Lake City because the office in Arizona has been recused from the case, said agency spokesman Cosme Lopez. The reason for the recusal was not explained and calls to the Salt Lake City office were not returned Tuesday.

In regards to RICO money expenditures, there is a stringent process in place with independent review from an outside agency, Nanos said in his statement Monday night. There is also an audit on the backend of all expenditures and we will continue to review all processes to make sure checks and balances are working appropriately.

Nanos was appointed sheriff by the Pima County Board of Supervisors in July 2015 to complete the term of Clarence Dupnik. Nanos is running to be elected sheriff in November.

The Star reported in February that the FBI was investigating Nanos, Radtke and former Chief of Staff Brad Gagnepain following the Stars report about the cafe. Gagnepain committed suicide earlier this year.

When contacted for comment at the time, Nanos said that he hadnt been approached by the FBI and that an investigation would be a waste of taxpayer money.

During the past several months, the FBI investigation has been a focus of criticism of Nanos by political rivals.

The investigation was discussed at a news conference last week by Dr. Richard Carmona, who leveled several criticisms of Nanos, citing what he called reprehensible behavior. He said many department employees  including himself  had been interviewed by the FBI.

When asked about the investigation in late September, Nanos told the Star that he still hadnt been formally interviewed by the FBI. He did, however, say he had spoken to an FBI agent, who told Nanos he was in the clear.

The FBI does not confirm or deny the existence of investigations, said Andrew Black, assistant special agent in charge of the Tucson office.

The Sheriffs Department spent more than $7 million in RICO money from January 2010 through October 2015, a public records request revealed.

In a meeting with the Stars editorial board in September, Nanos said that he spent about $300,000 in RICO funds this past year to help kids get through high school, by donating to nonprofit groups like Youth on Their Own and the Boys and Girls Club.

The departments spending of RICO funds ranged greatly and included two planes, several police dogs, payments to confidential informants, funding for Sheriffs Auxiliary Volunteer units and donations to dozens of local nonprofits, including $10,000 each to the Tucson Arizona Boys Chorus and the Southern Arizona Lacrosse Academy.

While all RICO purchases must be approved by the Pima County Attorneys Office, the forms submitted by the Sheriffs Department do not provide line-item descriptions for the money requested, but rather a total dollar amount and generic purpose of request.

Its disappointing that after months and months of denials and attacks by Nanos, that we now find out the concerns about corruption in the department have a factual basis, said Mark Napier, the Republican candidate for sheriff who is challenging Nanos.
Help India!

By Soroor Ahmed,

The indigenous fountain-heads of inspiration, motivation and support for Maoists are inflicting more casualties on the security forces than the external ones. The April 6 Maoists attack, which killed 76 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in one go in Dantewada district of Chhattisgarh state in central India is ample evidence to this fact. The Left extremistsor for that matter any other militant outfitcould never wreak so much havoc among security forces when they had moral, material and ideological backing from Maoist China between 1967 and 1972 or Marxist-Leninist-Stalinist Soviet Union immediately after independence.

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The Operation Green Hunt was launched by the Indian para-military forces, the CRPF, with the view to overcoming the Maoists, who now it seems are much more committed and have better fire power and organizational skill than anticipated. They are very much different from those Communist revolutionaries who carried out the Telengana revolt in 1948 and the Naxalbari insurrection of 1960s-70s.







Though the Maoists of today may be relying less on their comrades from outside they have compensated this disadvantage by other means. Unlike their earlier versions, Maoists of today have acquired much longer experience of taking on the security forces on their huge home turf. So while the Socialist India managed to crush two such revolts in a matter of few years the post-1991 India of free economy may have to go a long way.

The lesser dependence on the external support is, in one way, an advantage to the Maoist of today. They do not have to work under the external pressure. For example, the then Soviet leader Josef Stalin backed out when the Communists rebelled just after independence as he wanted to have a good relationship with India. This came as a big blow to the movement then.

As Naxalism travelled from the highland of Darjeeling district of West Bengal in late 1960s to reach the land-locked plateau of heartland of India in 21st century it passed through rough history as well as geography. In the way they lost the proximity to the international border and got ensconced in the deep forest and hills of the countrynot far away from Telengana in Andhra Pradesh from where they started.

History stands as the testimony to the fact that unlike the northern Indian plains it was always difficult to conquer this part of the country. Though far away from international boundary and coast line they apparently got cut off from the external supply lines yet, thanks to the topography, they continued to grow stronger.

Till recently India had disturbed borders be it in North-East, Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, or Darjeeling during the earlier Naxal upsurge, but now the deep forests in the interiors are up in flames. True the first Communist uprising also took place in Telengana, not far away from the present epicentre of violence in 1948, yet it is a fact that the situation in the new-born India, especially in the Deccan Plateau, was quite different. The Indian state was at the same time taking action against the Nizam of Hyderabadthe Telengana region was part of it.

Unlike in the past large-scale blasts-cum-ambushes by Maoists on security forces started taking place at the turn of the 21st century. Earlier the armed resistance was of a different form in Andhra Pradesh. The Naxals of West Bengal indulged in targeted killing as well while in Bihar they massacred landed class, many times in revenge.

Three months before the advent of 21st century 37 policemen were killed in land-mine blasts on the parliamentary election day in Hazaribagh district of Bihar in September 1999. Then the Maoists turned their heat on the new-born state of Jharkhand, which lost more than 200 personnel in several daring attacks on police stations and land-mine blasts on convoys. Even the insurgency-hit Jammu and Kashmir did not lose so much securitymen in that period.

Chhattisgarh, Orissa and West Bengal were next in the list. In March 2007 as high as 55 police personnel were killed in a similar explosion-cum-ambush in Chhattisgarh. In all these attacks the purpose was to inflict casualties and loot arms. As these states are mineral-rich and dynamites are used in mines there is no dearth of smuggled explosive for them. Besides, such huge track of land was never available to them in the early revolts.

Be it the March 2007 land-mine blast-cum ambush or the April 6 oneor many other such incidentsthe tragedy is that the security forces were taken completely off guard and failed to inflict any casualty on the Maoists.

The scale of devastation caused by these land-mine explosions-cum ambushes is much more than what the ultras in Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir or North-East could do. However, it is also true that the insurgents in these bordering states also took on Indian army while the Maoists are essentially fighting the para-military forces. It is also true that many army personnel lost their lives in Operation Blue Star launched in June 1984 to get rid of Sikh militants holed up inside the Golden Temple. But then the army killed many times more the Sikh militants, including their leader, Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale. In the case of Maoists the security personnel are repeatedly proving sitting-ducks for them. In retaliation, it is alleged, they kill innocent villagers and tribals.

The fact is that over the years the Indian state allowed the Maoists to grow strong. The pro-capitalist economic policy created more poor in the rural areas, where starvation and suicide are quite rampant. Besides, the countrys establishment as well as the media concentrated more on the militancy having the backing from across the border and not the one growing within. The act of terror in the urban centres like Mumbai, Malegaon, Bangalore, Delhi, Hyderabad etc got much more media coverage than the repeated massacres of security forces in Chhattisgarh, the daring jail-break in Bihar, loot of 2,000 rifles in one strike in Orissa and virtual take over of Lalgarh township in West Bengal.
Help India!

By V.M. Khaleelur Rahman,

A seminar on Strengthening Indian Secular Democracy was held in Chennai on 6th September 2012 jointly by Church of South India Inter-Faith Dialogue Centre, Islamic Forum for the Promotion of Moderate Thought and Rajaji Centre for Public Affairs.

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Rev. Viji Varghese Eapen, Director, Ecumenical Relations & Ecological Concerns, Church of South India welcomed the gathering and A. Faizur Rahman, Secretary General, Islamic Forum for the Promotion of Moderate Thoughts, introduced the speakers.

Prince of Arcot Nawab Mohammed Abdul Ali, Javed Anand, Subhashini Ali, Dr. Patrick Gnanapragasam, Dr. K.V.S. Habib Mohammed, Moosa Raza, Maulana Ghulam Mohammed Mehdi Khan, Baskara Bharathi and G. Narayanaswamy spoke on the occasion highlighting the importance of secular democracy and stressing the need for its improvement.

While the Prince of Arcot said that secularism is like oxygen without which our country cannot survive, Baskara Bharathi said that it is in the blood of the Tamil people whatever may be their religion. Dr. K.V.S. Habib Mohammed cautioned that communalism is on the increase and there is need for everyone to do the needful and try for amity and communal harmony among the people. Javed Anand explained the success in the legal battles relating to the anti Muslim riots in Gujarat and criticized the protest meeting held in Azad Maidan, Mumbai to protest against the riots in Assam in which two Muslim youngsters lost their lives in police firing. He said that the organizers of the meeting did not have the courtesy of even going to the parents of the deceased and consoling them. What is the use in conducting such meetings which cannot be beneficial to anybody but create further problems? He questioned. He also found fault with the way a Urdu paper reported news in Mumbai. His aim was to make Muslims realise that their grievances can be solved only through joint efforts of people belonging to different communities.

The joint statement issued on the occassion:

Indias Constitution declares our country to be a socialist secular democracy. This was thought almost impossible in 1947 when India fell prey to communal politics and was tragically partitioned. But the visionary framers of our Constitution saw to it that our country did not go the Pakistan way. They gave us one of the best Constitutions in world which brought about the unity and integrity of our nation through the principles of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity and ensured the sovereignty of the people by providing for a Parliamentary form of government. And despite monstrous incidents of anti minority violence dotting its post partition history the idea of India has never come under serious threat.

However the anti national forces have not slackened their efforts to make India a theocratic state. But the discerning citizens of this great nation have been through the evil designs of these pseudo nationalist and have consistently rejected their appeals to baser human emotions. Nevertheless the recent Assam riots involving the Bodos and Muslims have given a fresh opportunity to some right wing groups to sow seeds of disharmony amongst the people. Rumours were generated that Muslims were plotting to attack the northeast Indians to avenge the Bodo violence against the Muslims. This resulted in the mass exodus of northeasterners from several Indian cities. Not surprisingly, the rumours were proved to be intentionally circulated to engineer a situation in the country through which the divisive forces could further their fiendish agenda. The hostility towards Biharis in Maharashtra may also be viewed in this context.

Apart from this, it was recently seen that courts of law acquitted several Muslim youths arrested on charges of terrorism. The arrest and torture of such innocent men has engendered a feeling of immense disappointment among Indian Muslims who now think that they are being unfairly demonised and suspected without any basis.

In these circumstance, the Islamic Forum for the Promotion of Moderate Thought, the Church of South India Inter-Faith Dialogue Centre and the Rajaji Centre for Public Affairs have come together to organize this seminar. The idea is to send out a strong message to the anti democratic forces both within and outside India. The message is that Hindus, Muslims, Christians and all other minorities stand united as Indians, no force on earth can divide them and thereby enable vested interests to shake the foundations of our secular democracy. The government is also urged to dispel the feeling of alienation among the minorities, particularly the Muslims, by seriously addressing their legitimate grievances and helping them in their efforts to join hands with their co-citizens to not only build this country but also defend it against all forms destabilizing ideologies.
Help India!

By Maryam Ismail

Sadly, Chris Stevens, the US ambassador lost his life along with three of his colleagues in Libya. However, so, far, its not really clear why they were killed and who did it. The Libyan government is blaming Muammer Ghaddafi supporters. Then some are pointing towards and anti-Islam film, Innocence of Muslims whose trailer is available on YouTube.

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With the way the protests were presented by some media outlets, he seemed to have all the backup he needs. On the US television channel ABC, there was a picture of the Egyptian rampage on the US embassy, under it, the caption read September 11th anniversary, Egyptian protest at US Embassy, next, on the Atlantic Monthly website, which features the trailer of the film and a link to a picture on twitter by Adam Taylor Awny. Awny, an Oxfam policy advisor, writes demonstration with fireworks. Max Fisher of the Atlantic adds the word celebratory to make the copy more interesting: Someone took a photo that appears to show some of the protesters, of which Reuters estimates there to be 2,000, setting off celebratory fireworks. Just think of the scan-effect, protests in Egypt, death in Libya, and fireworks. And though the picture is not that clear, it still has the desired real time effect. And what are the Egyptians are celebrating, the fall of the World Trade Center? Who knows.

As a Muslim, the first scenes of the Innocence of Muslim trailer turned my stomach; I turned it off without viewing the rest of it. Those who took it upon themselves to attack the embassy were wrong. However, it was easily just as wrong for the State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland to dismiss the film as a home video. There are lots of offensive home videos on YouTube and other video sharing websites, however, the problem with this one is that it looks more like a professional film, albeit a Bgrade film.

Free speech, but to what end? Hasnt anyone learned from the 2005 cartoon incident, or last years, Tea Party crosshairs which all but sanctioned the shooting of US senator Gabrielle Giffords and murder of several others? I had hope when US Joint Chief of staff, General, Martin Dempsey, of the US militarys called Terry Jones and asked him to tone down his support for the film that has incited protest. Next, there was the investigation by the Secret Service of a tweet, Someone needs to assassinate Obama ASAP, sent by a sixteen year old Alyssa Douglas from the Clinton-Massie school district in Ohio. Whither free speech?

For those who are tired of Islamophobic stunts such as this silly film, my advice is to keep it cool. Like the real Prophet Mohammed, do what he would have done. He would have just walked away from such nonsense. Dont give those who want to waste their time, money, and energy trying to denigrate our Prophet the time of day. And one day, inshaAllah, these useless troublemakers will go away.



Maryam Ismail is a freelancing American journalist based in UAE.


Help India!

Intro: This is the second in a three-part series on how Birsa Ambedkar Phule Students Organisation (BAPSA) has, while effectively countering Savarna politics espoused by the Hindu Savarnas, accepted support and help from Students Islamic Organisation (SIO), the student organisation of Jamaat-e-Islami, an organisation that can be termed casteist, patriarchal and sectarian. Khalid Anis Ansari, Assistant Professor (Sociology) in Glocal Law School, Glocal University (India), explains why this must be questioned too. Why so hard on savarna Left and Hindu Right but so soft on savarna Muslim Right?

Read the First part of the article here

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In the context of the dialogue with BAPSA on its problematic association with the Muslim Right, as exemplified by Jamaats student wing SIO, I feel the argument on Muslim theo-politics and caste advanced by Muhammed Shah (Shan) in Round Table India is particularly interesting. Let me paraphrase the argument here. Shahs basic contention is that contemporary bahujan anti-caste politics, despite being extremely critical, can broadly be located within modernityor to be more precise Indian modernityitself. And since modernity, especially its privileging of the philosophy of secularism and the emphasis on the state form, has an ethical deficit it is almost impossible for anti-caste discourses to activate forms of radical sociality that can annihilate or abolish the caste self. In his view since caste has a metaphysical origin what is required to abolish it is a counter-metaphysics that transcends Indian modernity. In this pursuit he advances the idea of Muslim theo-politics, inspired by the transcendental-theological perspective developed by Maududi, which instantiates an ethical dimension in the understanding of caste and ensures emancipation by deconstructing caste selves. The Zanj Slave Revolt in Iraq (869-883 AD) and the Mappilla Riots that occurred in Kerala during 18th-19th century are further offered as historical evidence for the abolition of hierarchical selves inspired by an Islamic ethical ethos.

I see a number of issues with this argument. Firstly, conceptually speaking the argument is symptomatic of the ethical turn in contemporary theory which is arguably attempting to displace the political. Since the social is deeply divided, the political refers to the ineradicable dimension of antagonism and radical negativity whereas politics refers to practices, discourses and institutions that seek to establish order or organize human co-existence in a social field criss-crossed by power. In this sense every identity and social order, the subject of politics, is contingent and a product of particular power configuration (or hegemony) that may be ruptured anytime by the political. Now one may posit that the political constitutes Islamisms blind spot because the latter has to exhibit fidelity to the idea of revelation (event) and an objectively defined community (ummah) in achieving any consensus on social matters. One may argue with some force that this revelation-community referential point, despite hermeneutical latitude, is eminently receptive to non-negotiable moral values and essentialist forms of identification.

That is why all Islamist movements, including Maududian Jamaat, are deeply suspicious of internal fissures and therefore hesitant in addressing what Connolly calls the politics of becoming where new subterranean movements and identities struggle to inscribe themselves onto the registers of legitimacy and justice. The transcendental/meta-political/theological/ethical/piety frameworks within Muslims, I would argue express a sensitivity deficit to movements that seek to rupture the dominant articulations of the nature of revelation or community. The case of deficient engagement of caste and gender movements by the Islamists within the Muslim community in India is a case in point. Secondly, the unique privileging of the Muslim as an ethical subject smacks of a deep-seated hubris to say the least and probably betrays the relevance of the frequent supremacist charges made against Jamaat.

Are other secular or religious eschatologies, or political actors associated with them, devoid of an ethical content? Indeed, Ambedkars quest in the later parts of his career was devoted in developing a spiritual praxis and Navayana Buddhism was a clear manifestation of that.

Thirdly, the proposed radical chasm between Maududian theo-politics and modernity is not really a tenable one and a number of works, including Olivier Roys and Seyyed Wali Reza Nasrs, have commented on the deep imbrications of Maududian oeuvre with modern thought in general. Maududis theo-politics is as immanent in modernity (or Indian modernity)especially his perpetual engagement with Hindu and Secular nationalismsas is the work of anti-caste radicals. Indeed, Maududi employs modernist jargons like ideology, system, party, state, etc., with gay abandon and his call for the formation of Islamic state, revolution or pedagogical work (Islamization) through a trained cadre force has clear analogies to the Marxian movements dominant in that era.

Fourthly, since the radical chasm between Maududian theo-politics and modernity is untenable, the related proposition of a radical sociality that it activateswhich seeks the abolition of caste society instead of a mere restructuringalso falls into disarray. Indeed, the proof of the pudding lies in its eating. Maududi, the historicist par excellence, surprisingly never really engaged with caste on a substantive level except stray references here and there. One may offer Ambedkar as a contrast where he clinically engaged with the Muslim question in his Pakistan, or, the Partition of India and even indicated at the invisibilization of the caste cleavages within South Asian Islam by Muslim interlocutors. In an autobiographical note Maududi betrays pride in his Syed extraction and noble genealogy. On the question of Islamic caliphate, after a series of flip-flops, he finally reconsiders his opinion and upholds hierarchical values by reserving it only for the members of Quraish tribe to which the Prophet Muhammad belonged. Falahis Hindustan mein Zaat-Paat aur Musalman documents serious instances of caste-based discrimination within the Jamaat and the problematic intellectual positions, especially with regards to casteist interpretations of kufu (prescriptions for ensuring suitability and compatibility of spouses in marital alliances), of various theologians connected to the organization. Indeed, the absolute domination of Jamaat by savarna, male Muslims exposes the limits of the radical sociality that is being hailed as the unique feature of Maududian theo-politics.

Now in the face of the presence of caste within the Jamaat itself, the most obvious site for the embodiment of Maududian theo-politics, the allusion to Zanj revolt, the Mappilla outbreaks and the alleged imperceptibility of caste locations of the converts elsewhere are not really helpful but rather deeply problematic. Talal Asad in the Introduction to Formations of the Secular asks the question What makes a discourse and an action religious or secular? and through a nuanced discussion urges us to be cautious in assuming that the motive for violent action lies in religious ideology in the context of recent violence associated with Islam. Can the same question not be asked of the Zanj revolt or the Mappilla outbreaks? What makes these events Islamic? If the banner There can be no masters but only Allah employed in the Zanj revolt is sufficient to demonstrate its Islamic character then going by that logic any recourse to Islamic vocabulary by any organization or mobilization, including ISIS, may be seen as Islamic. That in my view is a proposition that the votaries of theo-politics may be reluctant to endorse.

Even in Kerala, the putative absence of the caste question within Muslims may have little to do with radical sociality and the melting of caste self by Islamic theology. Rather it may be also explained by the historical situation and the constraints on the enactment of caste-based movements within Kerala Muslims, the originary narratives of pride associated with the historical accident of Kerala being the first location of arrival of Islam, the larger shifts in the political economy and upward mobility of Kerala Muslims (especially the gulf prosperity in the last few decades) and the related psychoanalytic veiling of humiliation through the Islamist discourse, and so on and so forth. Of course, differential and descriptive caste/community markersMappilla [Thangal (Syeds), Malabari, Puislam (fishermen), Ossans (barbers)], Bohra, Cutchi Memon, Dakhni Muslims, Labbai, Marakkayar, Navayats, Rowther, Turukkanare as readily available among Kerala Muslims as among North Indian Muslims. However, for understanding their hierarchical arrangement a more grounded anthropology of Kerala Muslim caste, which goes beyond descriptions, is required which is not available till date to the best of my knowledge.

It is really amazing to note how the votaries of historicism slip so effortlessly in conceptualizing caste through its metaphysical origins, without enquiring into the materiality of caste formations, and arguing for counter-metaphysics as a possible resolution of the caste question. One may surmise that the aforementioned aporias in Maududian theo-politics may be cognitively grasped only when we are willing to appreciate the critical location of the various interlocutors within the institutional apparatus of the Jamaat itself, which is obviously facing anxieties due to the challenges posed by the recent caste and gender assertion within Indian Muslims. In this context one feels that rather than the spectral presence of Maududi in Indian campuses, it is probably far more productive to address the spectral presence of caste within the Jamaat itself. The evidence offered by the various Jamaat interlocutors in favour of the potential of transcendental Maududian theo-politics in abolishing caste through the constitution of radical sociality is extremely slim. The attempt to displace the Ambedkarite movement by trapping it in a lazy counter-modern critique and thereby striving to hegemonize the anti-caste political space by offering Muslim theo-politics as the fittest candidate to annihilate caste is deeply problematic.

Such an attempt may be strategically useful for the fortunes of Jamaat but I am circumspect about its relevance for anti-caste politics in general. Until a more logically consistent and empirically convincing argument is advanced I would contend that the recent infatuation of Muslim Right with caste, along with Hindu Right or savarna left, has little to do with the abolition of caste but rather has everything to do with appropriation of the anti-caste struggle.

To be continued
The last few minutes of Ben Affleck's political thriller 'Argo' are the most intense and suspenseful moments in recent film memory, and in a story that slowly builds in tension and uncertainty, that's exactly how they should be. In those final moments, as six U.S. diplomats nervously try to board a plane during the Iranian hostage crisis, we want the viewing experience to be as nerve-wracking and edge-of-your-seat maddening as possible. The group includes CIA operative Tony Mendez, played terrifically by a somber Affleck himself, who planned the best bad idea the government could devise at the time. As the Swissair flight begins to close its doors and prepare to take off, the group is still trying to convince a checkpoint that they are a Canadian film crew on a location scouting trip for a 'Star Wars' ripoff.

If you're familiar with the real events on which Chris Terrio's screenplay is based, then the outcome should be no surprise. And even if you're learning about this small tidbit in the history of U.S.-Canadian relations for the first time, the way in which the action unfolds remains standard procedure for the genre. With assistance from cinematographer Rodrigo Prieto and editor William Goldenberg, Affleck never deviates from the classic Hollywood methods for creating tension and suspense. And frankly, the film is all the better for it. I would even go so far as to suggest that that's the reason this film works so superbly as popcorn entertainment.

We walk away from 'Argo' feeling awesomely satisfied and exceedingly entertained. Structurally, Terrio's script is practically perfect, albeit with a great deal of creative license. From the start, as Iranian militants storm the U.S. embassy in Tehran, tensions are high, with staff members scrambling desperately to destroy documents while arguing about an escape plan. From there, we move speedily from one conflict to the next, adding to an already overwhelming state of affairs, and ultimately erupting in a dramatic climax that leaves you gripping your chair's armrests as your eyes bulge from anxiety.

Sitting in the director's chair for the third time, Affleck depicts the action with incredible precision and great attention to the smallest detail while keeping the pace hurried and frenzied. Following the success of 'Gone Baby Gone' and 'The Town,' Affleck seems perfectly comfortable behind the camera, proving himself an adept and proficient filmmaker. With 'Argo,' he confidently surpasses his previous work by demonstrating his technical skill  his talent for framing the image for the best suspenseful result. The political thriller is essentially all about craftsmanship, about constructing suspense and sustaining it in spite of viewer expectations and knowledge of the outcome. The aforementioned airport sequence, with its variety of minor conflicts and parallel action, reveals Affleck's skill for tuning it just right. It doesn't matter if we already know the outcome; we want to see it unfold before our eyes.

'Argo' is so well-crafted that we don't even notice  or perhaps care  that the film ultimately brings nothing new to the table. Clearly demonstrating his skill behind the camera, and doing a remarkable job blurring the lines between fact and fiction, Affleck keeps his audience's attention constantly focused on the question of "will they or won't they?" In fact, it's a downright shame he did not receive an Oscar nomination, and the Academy should honestly be ashamed of themselves for not noticing what Affleck has accomplished. Still, with excellent performances from John Goodman and Alan Arkin, the film remains one of the best of 2012 and is a mandatory watch for all movie-lovers out there.

The Blu-ray: Vital Disc Stats

Warner Home Video brings 'Argo' to 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray as a two-disc combo pack with a flyer for an UltraViolet Digital Copy and glossy slipcover. At the moment, we are unable to verify the size of the content, but the dual-layered UHD66 disc sits comfortably opposite a Region Free, BD50 disc inside a black, eco-cutout keepcase. At startup, the disc goes straight to a static menu and music, and the package only includes the theatrical cut on both formats.
Say what you will about Ben Affleck's often hit-or-miss abilities as an actor, there's no doubting that he's a quite skilled director, and in 'The Town', the follow-up to his directorial debut Gone Baby Gone, Affleck proves that his first movie was no fluke. While the story here may not be particularly original (it's another heist movie), the action, performances, and direction are all above par.

The movie, which is set in the Bostonian suburb of Charlestown (not all that far from the Cambridge area where Affleck grew up), opens with a title card informing viewers that Charleston has more bank robberies per capita than any other place in the world. While that "fact" seems a little suspicious to me, it does set the movie's premise up pretty well  a place in America where crime is less of a choice and more a way of life for young men.

Affleck stars as Doug McRay, who we first see (or hear, since he's wearing a mask) joining his friends/crime associates in a bank robbery. Doug's closest friend is James "Jem" Coughlin (Jeremy Renner), who also happens to be his step-brother, as Jem's family took in Doug after his father was sent off to prison (his mother being already deceased  something we learn more about in the course of the film). During the robbery, Jem decides to take one of the bank tellers, Claire (Rebecca Hall), hostage. They let her go unharmed, but when Jem finds out she lives in the same neighborhood he does, he begins to worry about her ID'ing them all.

Doug decides that he's going to get close to Claire to see how much she's told authorities (the FBI's lead investigator is played by Jon Hamm, and  honestly  is the kind of "good guy" that is pretty easy to root against) and it isn't long before Doug starts falling for her. Of course, Claire doesn't have a clue that he's the one behind the bank robbery. Eventually, Doug makes the decision that he wants to leave his criminal life and build a new one with Claire, but there are complications. Not only does he have an ex (Blake Lively) that doesn't want to let go, but the area's local crime kingpin, Fergie Colm (played by the late, great character actor Pete Postlehwaite) wants Doug to pull off one last heist. You don't have to be a fan of these types of movies to figure out that things don't go exactly as planned.

And that's probably the most legitimate complaint I have about 'The Town'  for all its solid acting, impressive direction, and engaging story...we've really seen this all before. This is far from the first movie about a criminal who wants to leave his old life behind, nor about bank robbers. Jeremy Renner's character is perhaps the most cliched of all: the hothead whose poor decisions during the crimes lead to things going bad. Yet, when it comes to films, I'd much rather see an unoriginal story well told than a new idea poorly executed, and that's what we get with 'The Town': something familiar, yet still very entertaining.

The Blu-Ray: Vital Disc Stats

'The Town' arrives on Ultra HD 4K in a black eco-friendly keepcase, which houses both the 4K and 50GB Blu-ray discs, along with an insert for an UltraViolet version of the movie (the theatrical cut only). A slipcover matching the artwork of the keepcase slides overtop. There are no front-loaded trailers on the Ultra HD disc, whose main menu is a shot of the actors in the movie (the same image that appears on the top half of the box cover) with menu selections horizontally across the bottom of the screen. The Blu-ray, however, is front-loaded with an anti-tobacco ad and a Blu-ray promotional ad.

The Blu-ray in this release is region-free, and Ultra HD discs have no region coding.
The blog for the National Genealogical Society
By comparison the "initial" Purple Line will be just over 16 miles long with 17 new stations and four connections at existing Metrorail stations. Construction will start later this year and the system is projected to open in 2022.-- " Mapping the Purple Line ,"The line will connect the east (Bethesda) and west (Silver Spring) legs of the Red Line to the northern leg of the Green/Yellow Lines (College Park), and the eastern terminus of the Orange Line (New Carrollton), along with connections to each of MARC commuter rail's three lines: Brunswick (at Silver Spring); Camden (at College Park); and the Penn Line (at New Carrollton).
Lionshave been foundbutcheredfor theirbonesafter falling victim to a mass poisoning inLimpopo Park, in Mozambique. The Limpopo Park is adjacent to South Africa's famous Kruger National Park and forms part of the massive transfrontier wilderness area dubbed the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park. The dead lions are ablowto the park as Peace Parks explained on their Website that one of the top priorities was to focus on "sharing the benefits of Great Limpopo with those living in the surrounding area." Despite the management board implementing a strategy to encourage livelihood diversification with local residents, it seems theAsian demand for Lion bonescontinues to motivate poachers to target lions.

Lions and vultures used for traditional medicines

As efforts are currently being made toaddress the poisoning of elephants, lions and vultures in the area, the deliberate mass killings are disheartening. The poison also killed Animals that poachers for the commercial wildlife trade seem to have no use for. The dead warthogs, nyala and impala were left to rot, along with fish eagles and kites. The dead which were targeted for their commercial value were two lions and 22 vultures. The lions were dismembered for their bones, while the vultures had their heads removed. The vulture heads are used in traditional medicine treatments in Southern Africa. Tim Snow,CEO & Founder of Wildlife Poisoning Prevention and Conflict Resolution, said in a Facebook post that vultures in Africa "are in trouble," as they are often victims of random posioning.

The fact that vultures can be early indicators of poaching activity means that the hunters will not hesitiate todestroy the birds.

The failure of CITES for protect lions

Don Pinnock, a leading conservation journalist wrote in his article for Earth Touch that the President for the Born free Foundation called the incident a "sad day." This is more so as the recent CITES convention in South Africa failed to upgrade lions from AppendixII, and allowed the trade of captive lion bones.

There is no way to distinguish between wild poached lion bones and lion bones that come from canned hunting outfits.

Brazen lion poachers

At 37 572km the total area of the transfrontier Park, which includes conserved land in Zimbabwe, amounts to nearly the size of the Netherlands, and thanks to grants from Germany, the Mozambique Park has seen anti-poaching units operating and improvements to fencing and infrastructure.

It is almost impossible to police the entire area, but the brazen attitude of the poachers is illustrated by the fact that the animals were poisoned and butchered a mere two kilometres away from theMachampane tourist camp.

Increasing lion bones demand

According to Africa Geographic, the first reported news of lions killed specifically to supply the Asian demand for lion bones was in 2009. They were identified as being used as an alternative to tiger bones in South East Asia. The slaughter of lions for their bones has increased since then, and Speak Up For The Voiceless, an international animal rescue foundation explains that this is because the tigers have been hunted almost to extinction in Asian countries where there is a high demand for bone wine.

Big cat bone wine is said to cure "impotency, loss of sex drive, headaches, migraine, cancer,...diabetes and arthritis."

Lion bones cure nothing, but as the world is very aware, the insatiable appetite in Asia for wild animal parts in traditional medicine, and as status symbols, have driven the rhino to the brink of extinction and is endangering Africas elephant herds. Now they are providing a market for lion bones, the slaughter of Africa's wildlife is accelerating.
Is graffiti zone on mountain a good idea? Updated: 2016-10-12 06:55 By Xu Jingxi in Guangzhou(China Daily)

A scenic area in Guangdong province has opened a zone for tourists to write or draw on bamboo shoots to prevent them from scribbling on historic relics or protected natural attractions.

The measure has aroused great controversy.

In the graffiti zone, a bamboo forest covering about 1.3 hectares on Jinzi Mountain, tourists have inscribed messages on nearly 200 of 3,000 or so shoots of bamboo since the zone was opened on Oct 1, the start of the weeklong National Day holiday, according to Zeng Linghua, general manager of the Jinzi Mountain resort.

The graffiti zone has stirred a heated discussion online, with many people criticizing the resort for playing on an inappropriate gesture by some tourists that has destroyed the environment and sabotaged historic relics in the past.

Zeng said he had anticipated that the special zone would cause controversy.

"The special zone is not meant to encourage tourists to scribble on trees," he said.

"But if some tourists have a strong desire to mark their trips by carving their names or messages somewhere, I think it may be a good idea to earmark a zone for them to fully express their feelings so that they won't do so in the rest of the scenic area."

"Rather than simply keep saying no, this may be a more effective way to prevent vandalism," he added.

Zeng said the type of bamboo was easy to grow and is not a protected species.

He said that forest rangers will remove obscene words and illegal messages if they spot any and that shaving off the bark won't influence the bamboo's growth.

No such words or messages have been discovered since the special zone's opening, but a warning board will be set up, Zeng added.

In addition to Jinzi Mountain, the Bamboo Sea, a tourist attraction in Yibin, Sichuan province, earmarked a special zone for visitors to carve on bamboo in 2013.

An administrative director in Bamboo Sea's marketing department told China Daily that graffiti in the scenic area has been reduced substantially since the special zone was opened.

Many tourist attractions in China have fallen victim to graffiti, including the Great Wall.

Photos of a young Chinese couple carving their names on the Great Wall with keys while climbing the ancient wonder during the National Day holiday went viral on social media.

Great Wall authorities set aside areas for graffiti in the Mutianyu section in 2014, but that didn't stop people from carving their names in other places.

"We cannot rely on launching 'forests for carving' to stop tourists from vandalizing tourist sites, just as we cannot reduce theft by launching 'forests for stealing'," said Sun Daojin, a professor of environmental philosophy at Southwest University, in a post on his micro blog at people.com.cn.

"The key to solving the problem lies in tourists' awareness and scenic areas' management."

xujingxi@chinadaily.com.cn
Premier Li calls for creating better future of Macao Updated: 2016-10-12 15:02 (Xinhua)

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang greets tourists and local residents while visiting the Macao Museum in Macao Special Administrative Region, south China, Oct 11, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

MACAO -- Premier Li Keqiang continued his inspection in Macao on Tuesday, urging Macao to seize development opportunities and improve people's lives for a better future.

Accompanied by Chui Sai On, chief executive of the Macao Special Administrative Region, Li visited Macao Museum, city landmarks, shops, a family and a school on Tuesday afternoon.

While at Macao Museum, Li saw an exhibition on the city's history and diverse cultures. Upon seeing a map about Macao that covered its position as an ancient trade hub between Europe and Asia, and its strong links to the maritime Silk Road, Li urged Macao to seize the opportunity of the Belt and Road Initiative and enhance its unique advantages through further opening up.

The premier went to the Mount Fortress, which overlooks the Macao Peninsula. At the adjacent ruins of St. Paul's, a World Heritage site, he was greeted by locals and tourists, and posed for photos with them.

"The beautiful Macao is where Chinese and Western cultures converge and a landmark for the successful practice of the 'one country, two systems' principle," Li said. "I am confident that Macao will have a bright future thanks to the concerted efforts of all its citizens."

Li visited a family and asked about their extended family, their jobs and the pensions assigned to their older relatives. The premier said he was delighted to see they were happy and encouraged the kids to pursue their dreams.

At Keang Peng School, one of the oldest schools in Macao, Li listened to a report on Macao's education development and watched robots and environment friendly products made by pupils in a laboratory. He encouraged the students to be innovative and enhance their practical ability.

The premier said he hoped all the students would pursue innovation and excellence and pass down the tradition of "love the country, love Macao". The pupils presented handmade souvenirs to the premier when he left the school.

When inspecting the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the world's longest cross-sea bridge, Li said it will significantly improve the transportation network of the Pan-Pearl River Delta region.

The premier visited several shops and bought local pastries at Rua do Cunha, famed for its baked goods.

With its unique history, culture and geographical advantage as well as rich tourism resources, Macao can attract more inland and global tourists as long as it continues to improve its environment and service industry to elevate it into a world tourism and leisure center, said Li.

Earlier on Tuesday, Li attended the opening ceremony of the fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

The premier arrived in Macao on Monday.
Overseas Chinese use WeChat to order delicacies, but is it safe? Updated: 2016-10-12 11:11 By Chang Jun in San Francisco(China Daily USA)

An insatiable appetite for homemade delicacies and an app are transforming the way overseas Chinese prepare and eat their meals, although some concerns have been raised about food safety.

Developed by Chinese tech giant Tencent and released in 2011, WeChat now has more than 800 million users. The app has also spurred the underground food industry to flourish among Chinese Americans.

It's a blend of a social media network and e-commerce platform - and "basically Facebook, Amazon, Yelp, Twitter, Venmo and Netflix rolled into one" - as Hans Tung, managing partner at GGV Capital, once called it. WeChat enables large or small-scale vendors, the so-called WeChat business (weishang), to advertise and sell whatever merchandise that might interest members to a social group capped at 500 members.

A B2C or P2P business model is based on whether the vendor is a business entity or individual. weishang especially thrives in the culinary sector thanks to overseas Chinese peoples' limitless desire for hometown delicacies and fresh, healthy food ingredients.

Lily Zhang, a Sichuan native and now a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, said she couldn't find authentic Sichuan cuisine at any local restaurants after she moved from the east coast to northern California in 2005.

"That's until this January, after I joined our local Pleasanton Diners WeChat group," she said, adding that now she can order homemade crown daisy rice cakes, chicken with cayenne pepper, spicy sausage and steamed jujube flower buns from vendors.

"They taste just as good as they did in my memories," she said.

Zhang said the vendor usually sends messages about food availability with pictures and a short description to the WeChat group, answering questions on ingredients, preparation and delivery times.

Customers can choose from several sites for food pickups.

"Once you've submitted the form, you're done. It's very convenient and easy," Zhang said. "Online food shopping on WeChat is now my biggest expenditure every month. It can be as much as $1,000 and I think it's worth it."

Athena Li, a business analyst on a hectic work schedule and a mom to a 5-month old, said she turns to weishang for instant dinner solutions.

"I don't have the luxury of two to three hours for dinner preparation, so the ready-to-cook combination of meat and vegetables, both organic and freshly raised and picked up from local farms, has become my top choice," Li said.

The analyst routinely orders organic cauliflower, broccoli, kale, squash and beet, together with pork, beef and chicken, and asks for same-day home delivery.

"As a new mom feeding my daughter, I can't afford to have polluted or heavily-processed food," Li said, adding that her online-to-offline food-shopping experience so far has been pleasant.

"I've asked several times about where the food comes from and they said within a radius of 30 miles," she added.

Despite the appeal of ordering online, there are some food safety concerns, because most of the individual vendors are not licensed or regulated. The State of California in 2012 passed a so-called cottage food law that allows some homemade food to be sold on a small scale.

On the law's non-potentially hazardous food list are jams, pastries and confections such as fudge and flavored popcorn. Meat is prohibited from any transactions.

The issue of food safety and integrity is a concern of Jun Wang, a chemist in south San Francisco.

"The fear of food-borne illness and being uncomfortable with the sources of food sold on WeChat keeps me away from them, although they really make my mouth water sometimes," Wang said.

"(But) I would rather resist the temptation than ending up with a visit to a hospital emergency ward," he said.

"Food storage, transportation and processing; the whole process needs high-standard quarantine and temperature and humidity controls. I don't think weishang vendors are sufficiently equipped with the required knowledge."

Regulations for weishang and food vendors through WeChat are not in place. There are no US regulations saying people can't buy from unlicensed vendors.

"I will continue to (buy) until one day the government bans them," Lily Zhang said, adding that she was about to pick up a new order of steamed pork buns and dumplings.

junechang@chinadaily.com.cn
Yum China unit anticipates solid growth after new spinoff Updated: 2016-10-12 11:11 By Paul Welitzkin in New York(China Daily USA)

The CEO of Yum China, which after its spinoff will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Nov 1, is confident his company can triple its restaurants on the mainland.

"There is risk everywhere in the world," Micky Pant said Tuesday in New York. "We think China has many more opportunities than risk."

Yum China Holdings Inc will trade on the NYSE under the symbol YUMC. It will become the largest independent restaurant company in China with more than 7,000 outlets that will include the Little Sheep and East Dawning Chinese brands in addition to KFC, Pizza Hut and eventually Taco Bell.

Yum Brands - the sprawling fast-food empire that owns Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell - announced in September plans to sell part of its China operations valued at $460 million to Primavera Capital and the financial affiliate of Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.

Primavera, a Chinese private-equity firm, will invest $410 million in the spinoff. Ant Financial Services Group, the Alibaba affiliate, will put $50 million into the business.

Pant believes the spinoff will enable the China operations to expand rapidly. "All of the profit we make in China will now be available for China. I really don't see any reason why we cannot have 20,000 restaurants in China," he added.

Pant said his company will begin opening Taco Bell outlets in China soon - "at least in time for (the Chinese) New Year's", he said. Pant is convinced that the brand can be attractive in China.

Pant said Yum China's best growth areas include the anticipated 1,250 new malls that will open in the country over the next few years along with rapidly expanding transportation hubs and mega-cities.

One area that Pant said is a top priority for Yum China is food safety. Earlier this month, regulators imposed 24 million yuan ($3.6 million) in fines against US meat supplier OSI Group LLC and its Chinese subsidiary in connection with a 2014 scandal in which OSI's Chinese units were accused by a local television station of selling expired meat to several fast-food outlets, including Yum and McDonald's Corp.

"Our number one priority is food safety and ingredient quality," said Pant. "I have told our team that we will spare no expense to ensure a safe supply chain."

Pant said the company has reduced the number of firms that supply its restaurants so that it will "deal with only top-quality suppliers".

One of Yum China's holdings on the mainland is the hot pot chain of restaurants called Little Sheep.

"We expect to open 40 new Little Sheep units in the next year," said Pant. "We currently operate 40 Little Sheep outlets in the US and Canada. I think it's a Chinese brand that has great potential to grow globally."

Meanwhile, Louisville, Kentucky-based parent Yum Brands unveiled a plan to drive growth once the separation of its China business is complete, by increasing franchise restaurant ownership.

paulwelitzkin@chinadailyusa.com
UN General Assembly to appoint Antonio Guterres as new UN chief on Thursday Updated: 2016-10-12 04:37 (Xinhua)

The UN General Assembly is scheduled to appoint Antonio Guterres as next UN Secretary-General on Thursday to replace the retiring Ban Ki-moon on Jan 1, 2017.

According to a letter sent by General Assembly President Peter Thomson on Tuesday, the date for the appointment has been set for Oct 13 at 10:00 a.m. (1400 GMT) at UN headquarters.

The term of office for Guterres will start on Jan 1, 2017 and end on Dec 31, 2021, said the letter.

Thomson will also convene an informal plenary meeting of the 193-member General Assembly with the secretary-general-designate on Oct 19, according to the letter.

On Thursday, the UN Security Council formally and unanimously recommended to the General Assembly Guterres, former Portuguese prime minister and former head of the UN refugee agency, be appointed the next secretary-general.

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.

Guterres, a 67-year-old politician, served as UN High Commissioner for Refugees from June 2005 to December 2015. Before joining the UN refugee agency, Guterres spent more than 20 years in government and public service. He was the prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002.
Yum China anticipates solid growth after spinoff Updated: 2016-10-12 11:42 By PAUL WELITZKIN in New York(chinadaily.com.cn)

A customer walks out of a KFC restaurant in Shanghai, China, Oct 9, 2015.[Photo/Agencies]

The CEO of Yum China, which after its spinoff will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange on Nov 1, is confident his company can triple its restaurants on the mainland.

"There is risk everywhere in the world," Micky Pant said Tuesday in New York. "We think China has many more opportunities than risk."

Yum China Holdings Inc will trade on the NYSE under the symbol YUMC. It will become the largest independent restaurant company in China with more than 7,000 outlets that will include the Little Sheep and East Dawning Chinese brands in addition to KFC, Pizza Hut and eventually Taco Bell.

Yum Brands  the sprawling fast-food empire that owns Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell  announced in September plans to sell part of its China operations valued at $460 million to Primavera Capital and the financial affiliate of Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.

Primavera, a Chinese private-equity firm, will invest $410 million in the spinoff. Ant Financial Services Group, the Alibaba affiliate, will put $50 million into the business.

Pant believes the spinoff will enable the China operations to expand rapidly. "All of the profit we make in China will now be available for China. I really don't see any reason why we cannot have 20,000 restaurants in China," he added.

Pant said his company will begin opening Taco Bell outlets in China soon  "at least in time for (the Chinese) New Year's", he said. Pant is convinced that the brand can be attractive in China.

Pant said Yum China's best growth areas include the anticipated 1,250 new malls that will open in the country over the next few years along with rapidly expanding transportation hubs and mega-cities.

One area that Pant said is a top priority for Yum China is food safety. Earlier this month, regulators imposed 24 million yuan ($3.6 million) in fines against US meat supplier OSI Group LLC and its Chinese subsidiary in connection with a 2014 scandal in which OSI's Chinese units were accused by a local television station of selling expired meat to several fast-food outlets, including Yum and McDonald's Corp.

"Our number one priority is food safety and ingredient quality," said Pant. "I have told our team that we will spare no expense to ensure a safe supply chain."

Pant said the company has reduced the number of firms that supply its restaurants so that it will "deal with only top-quality suppliers".

One of Yum China's holdings on the mainland is the hot pot chain of restaurants called Little Sheep.

"We expect to open 40 new Little Sheep units in the next year," said Pant. "We currently have around 40 Little Sheep outlets in the US and Canada. I think it's a Chinese brand that has great potential to grow globally."

Meanwhile, Louisville, Kentucky-based parent Yum Brands unveiled a plan to drive growth once the separation of its China business is complete, by increasing franchise restaurant ownership.
Looking ahead - Oct 12 Updated: 2016-10-12 17:35 (CHINA DAILY UK)

Events and stories coming up in the next few days

Tibetan Plateau threat to be discussed

Professor Katherine Morton, a specialist on China's international relations, will give a public lecture at the University of Sheffield's School of East Asian Studies on Wednesday on "China, India and Transnational Water Security in High Asia". She will discuss the threat from global warming to the Himalayan Tibetan Plateau, the planet's largest high-altitude landmass.Her lecture will be delivered at the university's Arts Tower, Lecture Theatre 9,Western Bank, Sheffield.

Ziyang delegates forming air logistics links

The China-Britain Business Council will host a roundtable meeting on Wednesday involving a delegation from the government of Ziyang in Sichuan province. The gathering, at Portland House, Bressenden Place, London,will give the visitors a chance to meet with UK companies that are interested in air logistics parks and airport industrial areas. It will also be an opportunity to promote economic and trade cooperation between Ziyang and the UK.

Chinese business culture under microscope

The UK Department for International Trade will host a master class on Thursday on "Business Culture in China". The country is the second-largest export market for manufacturers from the West Midlands. Advisers will offer tips at the free session on maximizing businesses' potential to succeed. The session will be held at Shropshire Chamber of Commerce, Trevithick House, Stafford Park 4, Telford.

Education suppliers head to Nanjing expo

Several education providers and related businesses will be in Nanjing for the Education-Plus Summit from Thursday to Saturday. The event, at the Nanjing International Expo Center, is the first international expo on education equipment, supplies and solutions to be held there.
East Asian film festival offers movie fans taste of the region Updated: 2016-10-12 20:50 By Earle Gale in London(chinadaily.com.cn)

The London East Asia Film Festival is set to release a slew of offerings from the region on moviegoers in the UK capital from next week.

Festival director Hyejung Jeon said the event will help London audiences better understand the nations and regions and people of East Asia.

"The London East Asia Film Festival aims to introduce Asian films that direct the audience to really understand the culture," she said of the festival, which launches on Thursday, Oct 20. "It will focus on the filmmakers perspectives through conversations, instead of showing Asian cinema merely as a variation from European and American films."

It will be the first such event, although a smaller proto-festival was staged last year. Hyejung Jeon believes it will have more influence as a region-wide showcase for films from several countries than nation-specific festivals can achieve.

"I hope the people of London discover the distinction and individuality between different countries within East Asia," she said.

The festival will open with the UK premiere of The Age of Shadows at the Odeon Leicester Square in central Londons cinema and theater district. The film is South Koreas submission for an Academy Award this year in the Best Foreign Language Film category. The 2016 action thriller is set in the 1930s and was directed by Kim Jee-woon. It stars Song Kang-ho and Gong Yoo.

The 11-day festival will close on Sunday, Oct 30 with the action movie Three by Hong Kong director Johnnie To. It will be screened at the Ham Yard Hotel Cinema. The film tells the story of a gangster who is shot and injured during an interrogation and the cat-and-mouse efforts of a police detective to capture his entire gang.

In all, 40 films - from South Korea, Japan, China and Southeast Asia - will be screened at venues including the Curzon Soho, Picturehouse Central, ICA, BFI, Regent Street Cinema and Ritzy in Brixton.

Films will be grouped into five strands: Official Selection, Competition, Retrospective, Stories of Women, and Film Festival Focus. The Competition category will feature movies from directors who have three films or less under their belts, while the Retrospective strand will feature films made by the South Korean director Park Chan-wook.

Chinese films that will be screened during the festival include Nessun Dorma, a 2016 psychological thriller from Hong Kong director Herman Yau that stars Gordon Lam, Andy Hui and Janice Man, and De Lan, a 2016 movie by Liu Jie. Directors from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and Japan, including Jia Zhangke, Nakata Hideo, Alec Su and Stanley Kwan, collaborated on Beautiful 2016, which will be shown as part of the Official Selection strand. Organizers say it is a great example of the sort of cultural diversity they want to celebrate throughout the festival.

Many of the screenings will be followed by appearances by filmmakers, actors, critics and academics who will take part in question-and-answer sessions.

Hyejung Jeon hopes the festival will grow to become a showcase for East Asian culture in the UK and says she wants it to offer a "point of access" for people in the UK who are interested in the region.
Superbugs beware: There's a new weapon in town to fight bacteria Updated: 2016-10-12 11:11 By Chris Davis(China Daily USA)

It's been four years since the director-general of the World Health Organization, Margaret Chan, warned about the looming "post antibiotic era", calling it, in effect, "an end to modern medicine".

"Things as common as strep throat or a child's scratched knee could once again kill," she said. "Doctors facing patients will have to say: 'I'm sorry, there's nothing I can do for you.'"

The reason is superbugs - disease-causing bacteria that used to succumb to antibiotics but have been mutating and evolving their own resistance to all 150-plus drugs, and they're doing it faster than new drugs can be discovered.

Forms of typhoid in Africa and tuberculosis in more than 100 countries are unaffected by any known medicines. Bacteria that cause wound infections, meningitis and pneumonia are also starting to show indifference to antibiotics.

Superbugs already kill 700,000 people a year, and studies suggest the number could rise to 10 million over the next 30 years.

That's why a paper just published in Nature Microbiology from a research team at the University of Melbourne (Australia) is causing such a stir in the medical world. They may have found a new way to destroy drug-resistant superbugs without antibiotics.

The team is led by 25-year-old PhD candidate Shu Lam, and the antimicrobial agents they've discovered - well, built, actually - are called "Structurally Nano-engineered Antimicrobial Peptide Polymers", or SNAPPs.

Lam has been assembling the SNAPP molecules at Melbourne's school of engineering. Each one of the star-shaped molecules has 16 or 32 polymer "arms" with each arm connected at the molecule's core.

"It's basically like playing with Lego," she told vice.com, "you have small building blocks which you assemble together, you link all of the protein units together to make a long chain.

"It kills bacteria in multiple ways," she added. "We designed it to break the cell wall apart but we also found it can trigger the cell to kill itself."

Antibiotics work by basically poisoning bacteria and can wreak havoc on surrounding healthy cells, but the SNAPP approach directly attacks and rips apart the bacteria's cell wall.

And because of its size - about 10 nanometers in diameter - it's too large to enter or do any damage to healthy cells.

In the lab, Lam and her team successfully knocked out six different superbugs and one infection in mice.

The other promising aspect of SNAPP is that bacteria do not seem to be interested in mutating and evolving to overcome the assault.

"[SNAPPs] actually still kill them after the 600th generation of mutation," Lam's supervisor Professor Greg Qiao said.

Lam, who is the daughter of a doctor, said her team's expertise was in chemistry, and "we know chemistry can make cool and useful materials".

"Currently we are looking at bacterial infections," she said. "Our results have shown that we can kill one group of bacteria, but there are many different types of bacteria, so we are looking at whether we can expand our system."

Qiao said Lam's project is one of the biggest scientific breakthroughs he has seen in his 20 years at the university, the Telegraph reports, adding that scientists are saying it "could change the face of modern medicine".

And like Lam he cautions that it is all still in the very early stages and it will be five years before anything to test on humans could be ready, unless, millions of dollars of investment come pouring in to hurry the process along.

"What we have discovered is quite different from antibiotics," Lam said, adding that she hoped pharmaceutical companies take note. "We still have a long way to go."

Contact the writer at chrisdavis@chinadailyusa.com.
In this weeks episode, I pretty much conclude my visit to Nigeria. I tie up lose ends and I exit. One of the major to-do things on my list of 13 things I had to do in Nigeria was meeting some Sweet Potatoes, and thankfully, it happened. It was not perfect, and it almost didnt happen because we only concluded on a venue the night before, and thats why Im especially grateful for these ladies who showed up from near and far. Next time, it will be more organized. Thank you for coming out, Sweet Potatoes, you are all bae.

In this weeks episode, Sisi Yemmie and I also hung out again; we went to Balogun market in Lagos Island for fabric shopping, and son, Tito got to meet my baby, Ada Verastic. FYI: Tito still owes us bride price; watch the video to find out why. I met the most entertaining woman at Balogun Market and I drove for the first time in my life in Nigeria.

Thank you to everyone who made my stay in Nigeria extra sweet. From my best friend, Igwe to my mommy and daddy to Igwes friend, Ugo and Igwes baby brother, Wale to the old bloggers to my new lover, Sisi Yemmie to my old friend, Lilian Ifemeludike to Kunbi to wonderful people like Kunmi from City FM and Tessa Doghor and Nmadiuto from Business Day to Tosyn Bucknor, and even to my angel, Ada Verastic who brought me favor everywhere went.

I am now back to America, and next weeks vlog will show my life here in America. I miss Nigeria, but I look forward to the next time my feet hit Nigerian soil.

P.S. Below are links that were mentioned in the video

1, Location of the Sweet Potato Meetup: Grills In & Out, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

2. The post about why Igbos and Yorubas should not marry.

3. The post about Bill Cosby (and the follow up post about Bill Cosby).

4. The post about Mr. Tokunbo Oladejo, the incompetent senior manager at Dana Air.

5.
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DPD/DCTV(DARTMOUTH, Mass.) -- A Massachusetts police department has issued a hilarious PSA warning residents against participating in the scary clown craze that has taken over the nation.



The video, published by the Dartmouth Police Department Tuesday, beings with a role-playing officer pulling up to a park in his squad car and asking a woman if she was "the one who reported a suspicious person in the area."



The woman tells the officer that a guy "popped out of the woods" and scared her daughter "half to death." She then described him as wearing blue overalls and a green shirt.



Once the officer locates a man who matches the woman's description, he pulls up to him and asks, "Hey, you the clown that was scaring the kids back there?"



"Maybe I was, maybe I wasn't," the clown replies. "What are you going to do about it?"



Then, beating clowns all over the world at their own game, at least a dozen officers are seen exiting the squad car one after another. At the sight of the lineup of police officers, the clown is left in fear and quaking in his boots -- literally.



"Not what I'm going to do," the officer says to the clown. "What we're going to do."



Dartmouth police are taking a "zero-tolerance stance on the recent clown craze plaguing the nation," said Public Information Officer Det. Kyle J. Costa, who asked residents to "please keep in mind" that disturbing the peace, trespassing and enticing of the child are all "arrestable offenses."



"Remember, if you want to act like a clown, we have no problem treating you like one," Costa said.



Other police departments have shared similar sentiments regarding people dressing up as scary clowns. Last week, the Palm Bay Police Department in Florida said that due to the scary perception of clowns, the sight of one could make someone think they're about to get robbed or in some sort of danger, and someone could get "shot."

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
HCM City, October 12 (VNA)  More than 250 financial experts and investors from Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Singapore, the US and the EU will attend the second foreign investment conference in Ho Chi Minh City on November 4.



Co-hosted by the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HOSE) and financial data provider Stoxplus, the annual conference themed Vietnam Stock Market: On the Way to Emerging Markets will discuss promoting Vietnams securities market to an emerging market (EM) classification.



HOSE Deputy General Director Tran Anh Dao said foreign investors will be provided with information about Vietnamese government activities to accelerate the upgrade Vietnams securities market to EM status.



They will learn more about a regulation allowing them to increase up to 100 percent of voting shares in a Vietnamese public company.



A majority of foreign investors agreed that Vietnam is increasingly attractive thanks to its economic stability and the high potential of its private sector.

VNA/VNP


In the distribution relationship, the principal can deliver goods to a number of different agents. Therefore, drafting of the agent agreement, which not only meets the required needs, but also ensures the rights of the parties, should be taken into account.

The following five issues must be noted when negotiating the delivery term in an agent agreement:

Unstable location of delivery

Since it depends on the characteristics of each purchase order, delivery time, categories and the number of ordered goods, the location may not be specified by the agent.

This will make the principal become passive in determining the appropriate time of delivery and the accurate transportation costs, which may lead to the risk of unexpected costs incurred.

Thus, in cases where there is no specific location of delivery, the agent party must first be responsible for sending notice to the principal on the location of delivery. The notification must be made in a suitable form (text, soft copies and email) issued from a competent person and the parties also need to have an agreement to limit the scope of delivery.

Time limit for receiving goods

The process of receiving goods must take place in accordance with the agreed period of time for parties to achieve maximum business productivity. Typically, the time limit for receiving goods is calculated from when the principal presents the goods at the location of delivery except as otherwise agreed upon.

At the same time, solutions on penalties and compensation for damage should be noted in the agreement when:

(1) The time for receiving goods is later than the agreed time limit;

(2) The time for receiving goods is 24-hours late, commencing from the time of delivery when the agent was supposed to have received the goods, and;

(3) A notice is sent from the agent to the principal in connection with not being able to receive the goods (cancelling the purchase order) after the principal has initiated the delivery.

To avoid cancelling the purchase order once the delivery is in process, the agreement should have a specific definition on the act of starting delivery, e.g.: starting delivery means any activity that is construed as the start of the delivery, including but not limited to loading goods onto vehicles for transporting to the location of delivery or when the vehicles begin to move to the location of the delivery.

Responsible for preparation for receiving goods

To ensure delivery by parties is efficient, the agent agreement must require the agent to execute appropriate actions as preparation for receiving goods, which involves:

(1) ensuring the arrangement of adequate storage space and area;

(2) having storage environment appropriate to the conditions of goods (specifically conditions on air humidity, lighting, indicators of other substances in the air which are capable of affecting the goods);

(3) preparing appropriate human resources for unloading, ensuring accurate technical operation, avoiding damage to the goods.

Consignee: In order to confirm legal status of the consignee, the principal should request a lawful Letter of Recommendation or Power of Attorney from the agent when the agent assigns the consignee staff.

In addition, the contemplated solutions must be noted in the agent agreement in cases where the delivered goods are not in accordance with the purchase orders.

Written confirmation of delivery

Unless the principal strictly complies with the written confirmation form, such party will bear a very high level of risk when dispute over delivery occurs. In fact, there were a number of cases where the agent claims that the consignee staff has not been legally authorized or is incompetent. Therefore, once the principal agrees to deliver the goods to the staff, the damage incurred will be borne by the principal.

As a result, written confirmation of delivery must be made with at least two copies so that each party will keep one copy. It will only be valid when the competent representatives of the two parties sign the confirmation.

In addition, the agent agreement should also mention the cases where the principal is entitled to suspend the delivery of goods and those cases for changing and returning the goods after the agent has received the goods.  PLF Law Firm
Phillipines would import more rice from Viet Nam.  Photo vov.vn

HA NOI  Philippine enterprises can import an additional 293,100 tonnes of rice from Viet Nam to ensure food demand in the 2017 between-crop period is met, the Viet Nam Food Association (VFA) said.

The enterprises were also permitted to buy a similar quantity of rice from Thailand and 50,000 tonnes from China, India, Pakistan and other countries, with a total volume of 805,200 tonnes.

Delivery was set before February 28, 2017.

VFA Chairman Huynh The Nang said this was a chance for Vietnamese businesses to boost rice consumption which was currently gloomy

In late August 2016, Viet Nam won a bid to provide 150,000 tonnes of rice to the Philippines at US$424.85 per tonne.

Experts said Viet Nam would still face difficulty in exporting rice in the last three months of this year due to supply being higher than demand for rice in the market.

In the first nine months of this year, the export of rice, which was a key farm produce in the country, dropped 16.4 per cent in volume and 12.5 per cent in value to 3.76 million tonnes and $1.69 billion, respectively, the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development reported.

China remained the largest importer of Vietnamese rice with a 35.5 per cent market share, followed by Ghana with 11 per cent and Indonesia with 9.4 per cent.  VNS
QUANG NGAI  Local steel maker Hoa Phat Group has joined the long-delayed Guang Lian Steel-Dung Quat project as new investor.

The Dung Quat Economic Zone Authority (DEZA) confirmed with the Viet Nam News that the province has submitted plans to ministries and relevant state agencies after a meeting with Hoa Phat Group.

DEZA said Guang Lian Steel Viet Nam Company, the former owner of the project, had failed to garner funding to continue the project after five adjustments to its investment licence in nine years.

The central province revoked 337ha of landout of the total 500ha projectto build the Guang Lian Dung Quat Steel Factory in Binh Son district in a decision last month.

A source from Hoa Phat Group told Viet Nam News that the group would invest VN60 trillion (US$2.7 billion) to build a hot-rolled steel and construction steel project on an area of 350ha.

According to DEZA, Hoa Phat Group proposed a plan to develop the steel project with a capacity of four million tonnes per year after operation.

DEZA said the new project needs approval from the Prime Minister.

In 2006, the Guang Lian Dung Quat Steel Factory was given the green light with an initial investment of over $1 billion by the Tycoons Group (Taiwan) before increasing to $3 billion in collaboration with E-United Group (Taiwan)

The groundbreaking ceremony took place in 2007, but construction did not begin then.

Early in 2012, JFE  the second-largest steel producer in Japan  partnered with E-United Group and contributed capital to the now $4.5 billion project in the zone, but JFE decided to withdraw from the project in 2014.

In March, 2016, following the committees inspection of the project, the projects investor again submitted a proposal with an investment of $2.2 billion. However, the committee decided to withdraw the land since the investor had violated Land Law 2013.

The province had spent a total budget of VN223 billion to clear land and handed over 337ha, out of 504ha, to investors (73.25 per cent of total land area).

In a report from investors, it carried out $73 million in construction of house blocks for workers, land clearance, walls and pile driving between 2006-14. The project is one of the most delayed investments in the province.  VNS
HA NOI  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc yesterday launched a patriotic emulation movement themed, Vietnamese businesses towards integration and development at a ceremony held in Ha Noi on the occasion of Viet Nam Entrepreneurs Day (October 13).

Phuc affirmed the Governments determination in improving the business environment, urging firms to be active in grasping opportunities to make breakthroughs amid rapid international integration.

At the conference, Phuc presented the Thanh Giong Cup, a symbol of the strength and aspirations of the Vietnamese business community, to 100 prominent entrepreneurs of 2016.

Vu Tien Loc, Chairman of the Viet Nam Chamber of Commerce and Industry (VCCI), said that 2016 would be the first year to have an historic 100,000 newly-established firms.

Loc said at the Viet Nam Businesspeoples Forum 2016 held on the same day, that the global technology revolution coupled with the Governments hastened efforts in improving the business climate are enabling Vietnamese firms to reach global standards.

Loc said the role of businesspersons in the socio-economic development had a new dimension, which was different from traditional concepts. Advantages are no longer in the hands of the traditionally strong, but with those who own innovation, technology and digital resources, he said.

The technology revolution is an opportunity for Vietnamese businesspersons to make breakthroughs, Loc said, adding that reaching global standards is critical to keep up with the worlds development trends and build a community of one million efficient businesses by 2020.

Viet Nam now has about 900,000 registered businesses but only 520,000 of them are actually operating.

In the next phase, the picture of the business community will be painted by strong entrepreneurship and innovation, as traditional advantages such as cheap labour and resources would be gradually getting exhausted.

I see a new trend developing in which businesspersons are more adaptive to an innovative economy.

Speaking at the forum, Ray Sanket, CEO of Coca-Cola Viet Nam, said the secret for the success of the global beverage company, serving its products to billions of consumers in more than 200 countries every day, was innovation.

Transparent mechanisms

Vietnamese entrepreneurs need an ecosystem in which their innovations are promoted, Loc said, adding that this would require the government making efforts to hasten improvement of the business climate.

Firms are not as worried about competition as much as they are about a mechanism which lacked transparency and unstable policies, according to Loc.

Businesspeople are those who understand the market trend better than anyone. They do not need the government to tell them what to do. What they need is a stable and favourable environment where they dont have to rely on a relationship to do business, Loc said.

The Government of Viet Nam has hastened efforts to overhaul the business environment and building an upright government.

Chances are there for businesses, but greater efforts are needed to build a development-friendly government and promote a business community with high competitiveness. Knowledge will be the core, innovation will be the engine to drive business, he said. - VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) issued a decision to establish a steering committee for the sale of shares of two leading brewery companies.

Saigon Alcohol, Beer and Beverages Corp (Sabeco) and Hanoi Beer Alcohol and Beverage JSC (Habeco) will complete their divestiture from State funding in the near future.

The steering committee will be headed by MoIT Deputy Minister Cao Quoc Hung and consist of 10 other members from MoITs authoritative departments and directors of Sabeco and Habeco.

The committee will aid the MoIT minister in governing the sale of shares in Sabeco and Habeco as per entrustment from the Prime Minister, as well as assist in the construction and implementation of the two companies divestment from state funding in accordance with legal procedures.

In August, MoIT gave its approval for Sabeco and Habeco to be listed on the appropriate domestic stock exchanges before actually selling shares to interested investors.

Sabeco will be listed on the HCM Stock Exchange (HOSE), while Habeco will be listed on the market for stocks of unlisted public companies (UPCoM) of the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX).

During the Governments monthly meeting on October 4, the chairman of the Governments Office, Minister Mai Tien Dung said: "The Prime Minister had tasked the two businesses with listing on the exchange in 2016. If a delay occurs, the governing body, which is the MoIT, will have to take full responsibility."

Nonetheless, according to MoIT Deputy Minister Hoang Quoc Vuong, despite the ministrys effort to accelerate the process, legal procedures could postpone Sabecos and Habecos listing until early 2017.

Sabeco expects to divest 53.59 per cent of its charter capital in 2016, equal to US$1.07 billion, and another $716 million in 2017 upon their listing on the stock market. Habeco expects to completely divest its 81.79 per cent of State owned capital valued at $402 million in 2016.

The Viet Nam Association of Financial Investors estimated that the Government could retrieve up to $2.2 billion from divesting 89.6 per cent of Sabecos shares and 82 per cent of Habecos alone.  VNS
HA NOI  HCM Stock Exchange (HOSE) will join hands with financial information provider StoxPlus to organise the 2nd Vietnam Annual International Investor Conference on November 4 in HCM City.

The conference with the theme Viet Nam Stock Market on the way to Emerging Markets will review the progress to upgrade the local securities market from a frontier market to an emerging market.

Tran Anh ao, HOSE deputy general director, said foreign investors will be provided with information about the activities that the Government and related bodies, including the State Securities Commission and HOSE, have been implementing to speed up this promotion process.

The Vietnamese Government is endeavoring to promote and upgrade stock market classification as part of efforts to attract foreign capital into Viet Nam, ao said.

The conference also evaluates the attractiveness of Viet Nams stock market and provides insightful information and analysis for foreign investors.

Foreign investors now have opportunities to increase their holding in a public company to 100 per cent of voting shares as stipulated under Decree 60 and Circular 123. However, during the implementation of these policies, various issues, including legal and trade barriers and issues concerning technical and implementation procedures, were noticed.

The conference will also discuss the revisions and improvements of the regulations to facilitate the implementation of these policies by public companies.

Some 250 foreign institutional investors, including those operating in Viet Nam and other financial investment companies, securities firms and fund managers from Japan, South Korea, Singapore and Hong Kong, are expected to participate in the meeting.

More foreign investors have shown interest in the Vietnamese stock market given the countrys stable economic development and high growth potential of the private business sector.

The benchmark VN-Index on the HCM Stock Exchange has climbed nearly 18 per cent this year.  VNS
nternational scholars called on all East Sea (South China Sea) claimants, especially China, to collaborate in addressing massive coral reef destruction that might lead to economic losses of up to US$5.6 billion a year.  Photo thanhnien.vn

HAI PHONG  International scholars called on all East Sea (South China Sea) claimants, especially China, to collaborate in addressing massive coral reef destruction that might lead to economic losses of up to US$5.6 billion a year.

Satellite images indicated that more than 16sq km of offshore reefs in the East Sea had been damaged by human activities, of which China was proportionately responsible for nearly 99 per cent of the destruction, Professor John McManus from the University of Miami said at a two-day international scientific seminar on environmental and maritime security held in Hai Phong City yesterday.

Beijing was blamed for the disappearance of 15.9sq km of coral reefs, due to its giant clam overexploitation, the construction of artificial islands, and dredging activities.

The Chinese Government claimed that they only built artificial islands on dead coral. Basically, they didnt lie, said McManus.

However, it all started when they (China) dug up the reefs for giant clams and killed all the coral reefs (before building the islands). It happened in every single case of building artificial islands.

The historic arbitral ruling in July between the Philippines and China, besides smashing Beijings unilateral so-called nine-dash line, called out the Asian powerhouse for turning a blind eye to Chinese fishermen harvesting giant clams on a substantial scale in the South China Sea by using methods that inflict severe damage to the coral reef environment.

The ruling also criticised China over the large-scale land reclamation that caused irreparable harm to the marine environment. Professor McManus believed that the artificial island construction and dredging essentially damaged about 17sq km of offshore reefs, permanently.

A paper published in 2012 by ecologist Rudolf de Groot at Wageningen University and Research Centre estimated that a hectare of coral reef was valued at approximately $350,000 a year.

With the current coral damage in the East Sea, the potential economic losses could shoot up to $5.6 billion a year.

The number was based on the visible coral losses in shallow water. We still dont know the coral reefs damaged in deep water, said Annette Juinio-Menez from the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute.

Coral reefs in the disputed East Sea, particularly those in the Spratly (Truong Sa) Islands, were the hosting areas for one of the most productive and diverse marine environments in the world.

While the East Sea faces the serious threat of marine degradation due to the disappearance of coral reefs en masse, overfishing poses a further risk to 3.4 million people directly dependent on fisheries for a living, in Viet Nam, the Philippines, Taiwan and the south of mainland China.

Fisheries in the South China Sea are already near the scramble point for everyone to catch fish, McManus said, warning about a fishery collapse in the near future if overfishing continues.

China last year said it would cut fishing in the South China Sea by three per cent, yet it is just a small point. We need to reduce by at least 30 or 40 per cent, he said.

Marine protection mechanisms

Scholars supported the idea of establishing unilateral or multilateral marine protected areas (MPAs) in specific zones of the East Sea to maintain environmental security.

Viet Nam earlier approved setting up a MPA around Nam Yet (Namyit) Island, and was considering another one in the Barque Canada Reef  both of them encompassing extraordinary biodiversity, according to Nha Trang Institute of Oceanography head Vo Si Tuan.

The Philippines was also planning a MPA in the southern part of the Truong Sa archipelago, yet there were no signs of a multilateral MPA in the region.

Professor McManus proposed a Peace Park in Truong Sa, in which all member countries at first had to agree on freezing all of their territorial claims and activities to support such claims before co-operating to tackle the environmental issues.

The biggest challenge is convincing China to support such mechanisms. China has agreed that we must stop the fishery collapse, the environmental damage and they know they must try to stop it, he said.

Its just that China is not clear of how it should do so.  VNS
DUBAI  French-Lebanese designer Ingie Chalhoub has closed a busy Arab Fashion Week with a collection inspired by American pop art icon Andy Warhol.

Her models strutted down the catwalk in pleated skirts and blouses and disco-style dresses and jackets, all in a mix of bright red, fuchsia, blue and black.

"My design is all about the Parisian chic woman who is travelling all over the world," Chalhoub said after the show late Monday at a luxurious Dubai hotel. This "woman is very feminine and glamorous," said the blonde designer, wearing a long black-and-blue skirt with a black top.

"This collection was mostly inspired by an exhibition I saw in Paris from Andy Warhol and as Im very fond of him I wanted to take back his drawings and his paintings and to make out of them some fabrics and some designs," she said.

Chalhoub says she designs the prints she wants on her fabrics "very carefully".

"I play a lot with the fabrics and I play also on the print," she said, adding that among her favourite combinations is matte crepe with the contrasting brilliance of satin.

Palestinian designer Jamal Taslaqs show preceded the closing act, featuring gowns in traditional Palestinian patterns as models walked out to the music of Lebanese composer and oud player Marcel Khalife.

Italian designer Giada Curti also presented a colourful Spring-Summer 2017 collection with floral prints and stripes.

In its third edition, the fashion week presented more than 20 collections from more than 10 countries.

The show shed light on designs by Gulf women, such as Lamya Abedin from the United Arab Emirates, Alanoud Al-Attiya from Qatar who refused to appear on stage or camera, and Jeans Couture by a Saudi mother and daughter duo.

It also presented the first ever Emirati model, Rafeea al-Hajsi.

Very different

Organised by the Arab Fashion Council, which represents the 22 countries of the Arab League, the week aims to attract fashion-conscious women from the Gulf, as well as luxury buyers from Russia and China.

Alina Cocci, who came from Milan to attend the week, said after Chalhoubs show that she found the Arab designers "amazing".

"Theyre very particular. They have this oriental touch that we Europeans dont have, so this is something interesting," said the Italian, who works in the fashion industry. She did however criticise the "organisation" of the event, with shows being delayed for at least an hour-and-a-half every day, adding that unlike in Paris and Milan, Arab Fashion Week has attracted a limited audience. Russian artist and fashion illustrator Alena Ogden said that "its very different from other countries," with more evening gowns on display.

Designers showcasing their pieces at the Dubai show "know their clients very well, the Arab women, so thats why its all... gowns (that are) so bright, shiny, and extravagant but not much street fashion."

Asked if she had Arab customers in mind when designing her collection, Chalhoub insisted that "today there is no such fashion that is only for the Middle East or only for Paris."

"With the internet... fashion is becoming more and more global.  AFP
HCM CITY  An exhibition showcasing photos taken by 22 journalists of Vietnam News Agency (VNA) opened on October 12 at the VNA representative office in HCM City.

The month-long exhibition called at Phuong Nam (Southern Land) features 55 works, including photo essays on political and social affairs including US President Barack Obamas official visit to Viet Nam and the collapse of Ghenh Bridge in ong Nai Province.

Photos depicting the beauty of Viet Nam and its people and culture are on display as well, including Sa ec flower village in spring, HCM City Pedestrian Book Street, and a teacher bringing hope to children with hearing and speech impairments.

At the exhibitions opening ceremony, the organisers awarded the A prize for a photo essay about the collapse of Ghenh Bridge by journalist Sy Tuyen of the ong Nai Province representative office.

Other top prizes were given to photo essays on the collection of dead fish on the Nhieu Loc  Thi Nghe canal in HCM City by photojournalist Thanh Vu of the Photography Department, and the fight against drought and saltwater intrusion in Cuu Long (Mekong) Delta by photojournalist Nguyen Luan of Viet Nam Pictorial Magazine.

The organisers also gave prizes for photos on the life and work of people in southern provinces.

The exhibition is at the VNA building at 116-118 Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street in District 3.  VNS
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Kristian Jensen in Ha Noi yesterday.  Photo VGP

HA NOI  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc called on Denmark to strengthen co-operation with Viet Nam in green energy, renewable energy, and healthcare, while hosting Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Kristian Jensen in Ha Noi yesterday.

The PM said Viet Nam was stepping up anti-corruption and creating a favourable business environment for foreign investors, including those from Denmark.

He proposed the European country persuade the EU to sign the Viet Nam-EU Free Trade Agreement as soon as possible.

He took this occasion to thank the Danish Government and people for providing official development assistance (ODA) for Viet Nam over the past few years, saying the Southeast Asian country hoped to receive more ODA from Denmark to address current difficulties.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the PM suggested Denmark continuously advocate the maintenance of peace, stability, freedom, safety and security of navigation and aviation as well as the settlement of disputes via peaceful means and international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) towards reaching a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

Kristian Jensen said Viet Nam and Denmark were forging stronger co-operation in politics, economics and investment, noting that the two sides have hosted numerous activities to celebrate the 45th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2016.

He added that more than 130 Danish companies were operating in Viet Nam in various fields such as beverages, machinery and education.

The diplomat said he hoped the Viet Nam-EU Free Trade Agreement would soon be inked.

He informed that Denmark had set up development funds worth US$4 billion, and expected to list Viet Nam among recipients given the countrys reform progress.

As regards the East Sea matter, the foreign minister said Denmark hoped the involved parties would address disputes peacefully and in respect of international law.

Facilitating co-operation

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh and Danish Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen agreed to facilitate business operations in the priority fields of agriculture, food processing, renewable energy, green growth and the environment at their talks in Ha Noi yesterday.

The talks were held during the Danish Foreign Ministers official visit to Vietnam from October 11-12.

Deputy PM Minh said the visit would contribute to lifting bilateral ties to a greater height, especially in the context of celebrations for the 45th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, which falls on November 25, this year.

Minister Jensen affirmed the Danish government wanted to develop ties with Viet Nam  a country which plays an increasingly important role in the region.

Host and guest expressed pleasure with the development of the bilateral friendship and co-operation over the past 45 years, especially since the two countries established a comprehensive partnership in 2013.

Both sides pledged to increase the exchange of all-level visits, effectively carry out the mechanisms of deputy ministerial-level political consultation and the Inter-Governmental Committee on Economic and Trade Cooperation, as well as the Viet Nam-Denmark Plan of Action for 2016.

The two countries will enhance cultural-sports-tourism exchange to raise mutual understanding between the two peoples, and accelerate the official signing of the Viet Nam-European Union free trade agreement, thereby creating a framework to expand bilateral trade and investment in the future.

Thanking the Danish government for its supply of official development assistance over the past years, Minh suggested new and effective cooperation models be sought to deal with climate change, the environment, energy and green growth.

Minh suggested that the two sides work together to seek new forms of co-operation as bilateral relations have shifted from development cooperation to mutually-beneficial co-operation.

On regional and global issues of shared concern, the two sides vowed to work closely together at multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations.

Viet Nam welcomed Denmarks increased support for ASEAN and wished the two sides would promptly embark on specific cooperation activities, especially in maritime security, institution building, sharing experience in the peaceful settlement of disputes, connectivity, infrastructure, education, farming, green technology and climate change adaptation, Deputy PM Minh said.

As regards the East Sea issue, Minh and the Danish foreign minister expressed their concern over the recent developments in the waters and underscored the need to settle disputes by peaceful means in line with international law, the United Nations Charter and especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, towards reaching a Code of Conduct in the East Sea to maintain peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of maritime and aviation movement as well as trade in the area.

Joint Governmental Committee

Also yesterday, the fifth meeting of the Viet NamDenmark Joint Governmental Committee took place in Ha Noi, seeking to reinforce the comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

The two sides recognised the rapid development in bilateral economic and trade cooperation in recent years, especially since they became comprehensive partners in 2013 and signed specific action plans for 2014-15 and 2016.

Speaking at the event, Minister for Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung said Danish businesses have provided US$1.32 billion in official development assistance (ODA) to carry out projects in Viet Nam.

He said Viet Nam hopes Denmark would continue to strengthen its cooperative ties to support the rapid and sustainable economic growth of the Southeast Asian country.

For his part, Danish Minister for Foreign Affairs Kristian Jensen said Denmark always attached importance to and proactively promoted co-operation with Viet Nam, particularly in economics, trade and investment.

Denmark is ranked 26th out of the 112 countries and territories investing in Viet Nam, with 128 projects worth US$632 million, focusing on the processing and manufacturing industry, transportation, and logistics across 17 cities and provinces.

The importance of the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement in further developing bilateral trade and investment co-operation was also highlighted at the meeting.

On development cooperation, a roadmap for procedural harmonisation was agreed by both sides to further promote the Danida Business Finance programme in Viet Nam, with the aim to finance projects of relevant scales that utilise Danish modern technology and techniques.

Furthermore, the two ministers recognised the importance of the new Strategic Sector Co-operation programmes between Vietnamese and Danish ministries and agencies in the environment, food and agriculture, health care and education sectors.

In addition to the achievements made in economic co-operation and trade, the two ministers also pointed out challenges and measures to further strengthen the role and responsibilities of Government agencies and enterprises from both countries.

They also considered a mechanism for effective exchange of information for timely handling of difficulties and problems for businesses in commercial and investment cooperation.

In the spirit of co-operation through the Joint Governmental Committees meeting, the two countries believed that economic cooperation and trade between Viet Nam and Denmark would continue to grow and contribute to the successful implementation of the Action Plan of the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement as committed by both sides.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam wants the Francophone community to promote economic co-operation, aside from linguistic and cultural diversity, among its member countries, President Tran ai Quang told Mechaelle Jean, Secretary-General of the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF), yesterday.

At a reception in Ha Noi, President Quang said enhancing solidarity and co-operation among the OIF member countries was of great importance.

At the seventh Francophonie Summit in Ha Noi in 1997, Viet Nam initiated and, along with other OIF members, highlighted the importance of fostering economic partnership among Francophone countries. This was an important factor that helps to strengthen solidarity and co-operation and meets the member nations expectations, he noted.

He emphasised that his country supported the Secretary-Generals efforts to promote the implementation of the Economic Strategy for La Francophonie, approved in 2014. It also believes that under the leadership of Mechaelle Jean, the OIF will have an increasing stature in the international community and substantially assist its members sustainable development.

Viet Nam was committed to actively contributing to the OIFs common efforts, and it was ready to act as a bridge linking the organisation and the ASEAN countries, he added.

The President will lead a high-ranking delegation of Viet Nam to the 16th Francophonie Summit, themed Shared growth and responsible development: conditions for stability around the world and within La Francophonie, slated for this November in Madagascar and will deliver a speech sharing the countrys viewpoints and experience to join hands with the OIF countries in achieving this goal.

Viet Nam wanted more co-operation with and assistance from the OIF and its members, Quang said, asking Mechaelle Jean and the OIF countries to support Viet Nams candidacy for a non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council in the 2020-21 tenure, and its candidacy for the posts of UNESCO Director-General and member of the International Law Commission in the 2017-21 tenure.

For her part, OIF Secretary-General Mechaelle Jean spoke highly of Viet Nams accomplishments in socio-economic development and international integration.

The OIF is bound to carry out a business incubator model in Asia-Pacific and increase support for start-ups, among others. She hoped that as an example of socio-economic development in the region, Viet Nam would continue playing its role in connectivity to help bring about prosperity for all member countries, she said.

She also valued Viet Nams approach to co-operation with African nations, which is solidarity together with co-operation for peoples interests and community responsibility. This approach completely suits the upcoming summits theme Shared growth and responsible development.

Recognising its contributions to the OIF, Mechaelle Jean said together with participating in new free trade agreements, and expanding co-operation and investment in other countries, Viet Nam would contribute greatly to the development of the Francophone community.  VNS
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) receives State Secretary Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch, Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).  Photo VGP

HA NOI  "Viet Nam welcomes investors from Switzerland ," Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said.

He made the remark while receiving State Secretary Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch, Director of the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO) and Director of the Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, in Ha Noi yesterday.

The PM affirmed that Viet Nam would create the best conditions for foreign investors, including those from Switzerland , to do business, especially in the fields of finance, banking, insurance, high technology, medicine, processing industry, and tourism.

He commended Switzerland and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) for recognising Viet Nam s market economy status in July 2012.

Switzerland was expected to support the involved parties to push ahead with negotiations to reach a balanced and high-standard free trade agreement, which would weigh the mutual benefits and development gaps between Viet Nam and EU members, the PM said.

He thanked Switzerland for prioritising the provision of official development assistance (ODA) for Viet Nam in 2013-16, saying Viet Nam pledged to use the capital effectively and hopes to receive more ODA from the European nation in 2017-20 to carry out development target programmes.

The PM also proposed Switzerland share experience in developing high quality education, vocational training, and science technology, while increasing scholarships for Vietnamese students.

For her part, Marie-Gabrielle Ineichen-Fleisch said she was accompanied by many representatives from big Swiss companies, demonstrating their interests in Viet Nam  an attractive investment market.

Viet Nam had become one of Switzerlands important partners in Asia , she said, adding that Viet Nam was also a popular destination for Swiss tourists.

Promoting the FTA negotiations between Viet Nam and the EU was also a purpose of her ongoing visit, she noted.  VNS
Up to 15 serious labour safety violations at coal mines in northern Quang Ninh province were reported in the first nine months of this year, leaving 18 people dead and injuring dozens more, Lao ong (Labour) newspaper reported.  Photo laodong.com.vn

QUANG NINH  Up to 15 serious labour safety violations at coal mines in northern Quang Ninh province were reported in the first nine months of this year, leaving 18 people dead and injuring dozens more, Lao ong (Labour) newspaper reported.

In August alone, there were five incidents, leaving six miners dead.

The accidents are on the rise with an increase of two cases and three deaths compared to the same period last year.

Quang Ninh Province currently has 30 coal mining units with hundreds of mines and about 40,000 coal miners working. With increasing areas of exploitation and tougher mining conditions, ensuring labour safety remains a big challenge for the local indsutry.

According to the provincial Department of Labour, Social Invalids and Society, the main reason for serious coal mine accidents was coal mine collapses and water breaking out, resulting in rocks and soil falling and trapping workers.

Mine collapses and water incidents cause about 45 per cent of accidents annually.

Last Friday, in one of the latest accidents in the province, it took more than 20 hours to retrieve the body of a worker, o Minh Hai, who died after a coal mine collapsed in Cam Pha City.

A day later, a truck driver carrying soil and rocks to Cao Son Company coal mine crashed and died. The driver lost control of the electric-truck when it experienced a power cut.

As many as 14 workers were injured by an explosion inside a coal mine in Cam Pha City in August.

Others accidents, reportedly due to technical failures and violations, have raised questions about coal sector safety, the responsibilities of company managers and safety awareness of workers.

Le Van Su, chief investigator of the department said that coal mining accidents can occur randomly. A series of accidents might happen one after another within one month or even a few days.

The reasons for these accidents come from a lack of professional skills, workers experience and a lack of supervision of employers, he said.

According to a Vinacomin investigation, most companies do not control safety indicators. Safety alarm systems do not work and labour safety in special working conditions underground have not been ensured.

Coal companies have made large investments in work safety. The Viet Nam National Coal and Mineral Industries Group (Vinacomin), the largest corporation of this kind with 42 units, spent more than VN461 billion (US$20.5million) on labour safety in the first half of this year.

Nguyen Xuan Thuy, office chief of Vang Danh coal company under Vinacomin affirmed that labour safety is a top priority.

Every year, we conduct two labour safety training days and two health examinations for workers, he said. The company invests dozens of billions of ong on air warning systems, fire prevention and fighting alarm or labour safety clothes. - VNS
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has tasked the Ministry of Health to quickly clarify the contents of an article published by Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper about industrial fish sauces containing a number of chemical additives being sold in the market.  Photo zing.vn

HA NOI  Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has tasked the Ministry of Health to quickly clarify the contents of an article published by Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper about industrial fish sauces containing a number of chemical additives being sold in the market.

The Prime Ministers requirement was issued a few hours after the newspaper published an article titled Water + chemicals = industrial fish sauce on Monday morning.

In Viet Nam, traditional fish sauce is made from two ingredients - fish and salt, thus it has high concentrations of protein and salinity. In the meantime, "industrial fish sauce" has much lower concentration of protein and salinity, and contains dozens of chemical additives.

Phuc asked the health ministry to co-operate with the Ministry of Industry and Trade to conduct inspections and submit a report to him before October 22.

According to Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper, up to 17 chemical additives, including flavour enhancers, colouring agents, and preservatives were found in one of the most popular industrial fish sauces on the market. Additionally, the popular fish sauce did not provide information on exactly how much of its sauce was made from fish.

Thanh Nien newspaper also quoted Tran Van Ky, a doctor from the Viet Nam Food Safety Association (VINAFOSA), who said that although the chemical additives used in industrial fish sauces were permitted by authorised agencies, consumers health might still be affected if they consume it on a daily basis.

In another development, participants at a workshop, themed  Fish sauce  Conserving and developing traditional fish sauce held on Monday in HCM City said there should be a regulation to standardise nutritional information given on each bottle of fish sauce so that consumers could easily distinguish between traditional and "industrial fish sauce".

At present, each producer provided nutritional information under their own guidelines, potentially confusing "industrial fish sauce" with traditional fish sauce, the participants said.

The confusion would affect the competitiveness of traditional fish sauce producers, Ngo Quang Tu, head of Processing and Preserving Seafood Office under the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Department said.

This was because the traditional fish sauce, with higher concentration of protein and salinity, often was sold at higher prices than "industrial fish sauce", he said.

Additionally, traditional fish sauce producers nationwide also faced difficulties in competing with industrial fish sauce producers due to a lack of anchovy supply  the main material in traditional fish sauce, said Nguyen Thi Tinh, former head of Phu Quoc Fish Sauce Association.

Therefore, traditional fish sauce producers suffer increasing production costs, pushing the selling price higher than that of industrial fish sauce, she said.

It costs about about VN43,000 ($2) per litre of "industrial fish sauce" and about VN160,000-200,000 ($7-9) per litre of traditional fish sauce, depending on the concentration of protein.

Statistics from the General Statistics Office showed the country consumes about 200 million litres of fish sauce each year.

According to Euromonitor data, Viet Nams fish sauce market was worth VN11.3 trillion (US$506 million) in 2015, of which "industrial fish sauce" accounted for 76 per cent.  VNS
NGHE AN  A delegation of the health department in the central province of Nghe An yesterday visited Dien Chau District to directly instruct locals to urgently control the spread of the dengue disease.

The dengue epidemic is making an appearance again in the region after 10 years and is spreading rapidly to other localities, according to the department.

Some 37 cases of dengue fever were reported in Dien Thinh Commune by the end of Monday.

Seven of these cases were being treated at the districts General Hospital.

Yesterday, two more cases of dengue were also reported and were being treated at the local health centre.

Cao inh Minh, director of the Preventive Medicine Centre of Dien Chau District, said the centre took blood samples from two patients, who had high fever and headaches, for tests in late September.

The results were positive for dengue for the two patients in Dien Thinh Commune, Minh said.

More doctors from the district hospital arrived there to help local health officials provide treatment to patients, according to the official.

Nearly 200 litres of chemical had been supplied to locals to be sprayed for killing mosquitoes. Activities to clean up the environment had been also undertaken to prevent an outbreak.

Public awareness on the epidemic was also being raised in the whole region, Cao Hieu, chairman of the district Peoples Committee, said. - VNS
PARIS - France s ex-president Nicolas Sarkozy and former prime minister Alain Juppe will come face to face on Thursday for a televised debate ahead of a November primary widely seen as the main battle for the presidency.

The stakes could not be higher, as pollsters say whoever wins the nomination for the centre-right Republicans party on November 27 is likely to take on -- and defeat -- far-right leader Marine Le Pen in the 2017 presidential election.

The brash Sarkozy, 61, is waging an uphill fight for a return to the office he held from 2007 to 2012, lagging far behind his mild-mannered 71-year-old rival in voter surveys.

Polls show Juppe with a lead of between eight and 14 percentage points over Sarkozy for the first round of the primary on November 20, with five other candidates trailing behind.

All seven will take part in the debate on Thursday, the first of four, including one on November 24, three days before the run-off for the nomination.

Meanwhile the left is flailing without a viable candidate for the presidential vote in April and May, with the deeply unpopular President Francois Hollande yet to decide whether to stand for re-election.

Le Pen of the National Front, riding high in the polls thanks to a surge of anti-migrant sentiment, is expected to place second or even win the first round on April 23.

With no left-wing figure likely to make it to the May 7 second round, the run-off is expected to pit Le Pen against either Juppe or Sarkozy, with the centre-right candidate forecast to prevail.

Sarkozy is struggling for traction and has been accused of borrowing Le Pens themes, tapping into fears about immigration and Islam following a string of jihadist attacks in France in the past two years, coupled with the Europe-wide migrant crisis.

The former president confronted both subjects during a rally on Sunday, pledging to hold two referendums immediately after taking office -- one aimed at curbing immigration and the other designed to make it easier to round up suspected Islamist radicals.

Juppe, currently France s most popular politician, is taking the opposite tack, positioning himself as a unifier and a moderate, notably on immigration.

On Monday he said Sarkozy was merely helping Le Pen with his proposals.

Sarkozy, who was faulted for flaunting his wealth in what was dubbed a "bling-bling" presidency, painted Juppe as an elitist on Sunday.

Without naming his rival, Sarkozy said: "I am running to talk about the daily lives of the French, not to represent an elite for whom everything is fine." - AFP
YANGON - Twelve people have died in the north of Myanmars Rakhine state in clashes between armed men and troops, state media reported on Wednesday, in a sharp escalation of violence in the restive region.

Four soldiers and one attacker were killed on Tuesday when hundreds of men wielding pistols and swords assailed troops in Pyaungpit village, in Maungdaw township.

Troops also found seven dead along with with rudimentary weapons after fighting broke out in the nearby village of Taung Paing Nyar.

"After the incident, troops found seven dead bodies," the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported.

"Swords and sticks were found with the bodies."

The military been scouring the region, not far from the border with Bangladesh, after nine police officers were killed on Sunday in coordinated attacks on three border posts.

Most people in the impoverished area are Muslim Rohingya, a stateless minority Buddhist nationalists vilify as illegal immigrants.

The unrest has raised the spectre of a repeat of 2012 when sectarian violence ripped through Rakhine, killing more than 100 people and driving tens of thousands of Rohingya into displacement camps.

Four men suspected of being involved in Sundays attacks, two of whom were named as Andra Mular Kein and Mawlawi Fordita Laung by state media, were also captured on Tuesday. - AFP
The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets will host senior leaders and cadets from the countrys six senior military colleges Oct. 23-25 in Blacksburg, Virginia.

This Association of Military Colleges and Schools of the United States conference, which moves its venue among the participating schools annually, gives senior leaders a chance to talk about topics that affect all the military colleges, said Maj. Gen. Randal Fullhart, commandant of cadets.

Topics to be discussed include curriculum, leader professional development standards, military commissioning programs, Title IX issues, and Department of Defense and military service initiatives. Representatives from all the military services and the Office of the Secretary of Defense also will attend.

Fullhart serves as this years president of the association, which was founded in 1914 and today represents more than 40 accredited military colleges and college preparatory schools around the country.

Being a senior military college, established in law, means the Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets and our experienced staff, along with top-tier ROTC programs, help differentiate Virginia Tech from other universities and certainly puts us in a position to be of value to every single Destination Area being developed, most particularly integrated security, Fullhart said.

Destination Areas are pockets of disciplinary and interdisciplinary strength that set Virginia Tech above other universities. The Integrated Security Destination Area seeks to identify, understand, and mitigate vulnerabilities to increase global security and to address the critical workforce and technology needs of state and federal and defense sectors.

Cadet David Robison, of Christiansburg, Virginia, a senior majoring in history in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, was one of two cadets who participated in discussions at last years conference, hosted by the University of North Georgia.

Attending the conference allowed me to gain a better insight into the workings of other senior military colleges, as well as gain a few more leadership tools to bring back to the corps, Robinson said.
Albanese pressed over lack of appearances with Andrews ahead of election campaign Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has deflected questions about why he has not appeared alongside Premier Daniel Andrews ahead of the official Victorian election campaign while in Melbourne.

Liberals call for school mobile phone ban after shock NAPLAN results The Coalition has repeated calls for a "back to basics" focus on education and a nation-wide ban of mobile phones in schools following the shock results from NAPLAN.

Whos suggesting Im not?: Andrews grilled over Peoples Forum appearance Daniel Andrews has faced questions over whether he will appear at the Sky News/Herald Sun People's Forum ahead of the Victoria state election after Matthew Guy agreed to take part in the debate.

Sydney woman identified as Australian killed in Halloween stampede A 23-year-old production assistant from Sydney has been revealed as the Australian woman who died after being crushed at a Halloween party in South Korea.
CEDAR FALLS  Mary Zierke, 62, of Cedar Falls, died Sunday, Oct. 9, at Cedar Valley Hospice Home.

She was born Dec. 21, 1953, in Estherville to Arnold Clausen and Shirley JoAnn Clausen (Hanson). She married Paul Zierke on Nov. 23, 1974.

In 1972, she graduated from Fort Dodge Community Schools and then attended Iowa State University in Ames majoring in home economics education. Mary was a homemaker and also worked for the school districts in Waterloo and Beaver Dam, Wis., eventually moving into counseling where she helped high-risk students. She then earned a masters degree in counseling. She served as a counselor for more than 15 years and retired in 2013 after 30 years of service.

Survived by: her husband; two daughters, Jennifer (Robert) Hahn of San Bruno, Calif., and Dianna (Beau) Biekert of Waverly; three grandchildren; her father; her stepmother, Lillie Mae Clausen; a stepbrother, Marc Clausen (Julie); and a half brother, David Clausen.

Preceded in death by: her mother.

Services: 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Horton Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Parrott & Wood Chapel of Memories, Waterloo.

Condolences may be left at www.overtonservice.com.

Many of the things Mary enjoyed included service to her churches, sewing, quilting, cooking, traveling, shoes, a good bottle of wine and some chocolate. She loved her cocker spaniels Cookie and Bailey. Although her time was cut short, she gave us a legacy of love. In the end, love is all that matters and for that we will always remember Mary. All that we love, deeply becomes a part of us.
Odd Fellows Hall to host meal

CEDAR FALLSCedar Valley Odd Fellow Lodge and Happy Thought Rebekah Lodge will have a Swiss steak and ham dinner from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday at the Odd Fellows Hall, corner of Second and Franklin streets.

The meal will be served family style and includes Swiss steak, ham, mashed potatoes and gravy, corn, beans, coleslaw, homemade pies and cakes, and beverages.

Cost is $9 for adults, $4 for children ages 5 to 12 and free for ages 4 and younger.

14 cast in Calendar Girls

CEDAR FALLS  Fourteen cast members are performing in Tim Firths Calendar Girls, which continues performances on Thursday, Saturday and Sunday. The Cedar Falls Community Theatre show is at the Oster Regent Theatre.

Annie (Julie Petersen) and Chris (Jean Carlisle) persuade four friends Cora (Linnea Nicol), Jessie (Bonnie Williams), Celia (Penny OConner) and Ruth (Leslie Cohn) to pose nude with them for an alternative calendar after the death of Annies husband, John (Mike Fleming). The calendar is a success, but Chris and Annies friendship is strained due to their new-found fame.

Other cast members include Randy Everding as Lawrence, Miriam Salamah as Marie, Pat Taylor as Brenda Hulse, Kevin Petersen as Rod, Denise Clipperton as Lady Cravenshire, Lucy Dlamini as Elaine and JKalein Madison as Liam.

Thursday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and the Sunday matinee is at 2 p.m. For more information about tickets, dial 277-5283 or check www.osterregent.org.

Church to hold bazaar, sale

WATERLOO  Trinity Episcopal Parish will have its Bazaar and This That Sale from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, 4535 Kimball Ave.

The event features knitted scarves, quilted items, totes, crafts, baked goods, books and household items, as well as a silent auction.

Sloppy joes lunch and nachos and cheese to be served over the lunch hour.

Proceeds benefit local missions and Trinity Preschool.

Biscotti Brass to perform Friday

CEDAR FALLS  The Hearst Centers Lunchtime Concert series will host Biscotti Brass in a free concert at noon Friday in Mae Latta Hall.

They will perform a program of old and new works for brass quintet by Giovanni Gabrieli, Anton Bruckner, Malcolm Arnold, Andrew Sorg and Kevin McKee.

Biscotti Brass is a student ensemble from the University of Northern Iowa.

Audience members are invited to bring a lunch to enjoy as they listen. While these concerts are free to the public, donations are accepted.

C.F. church plans celebration

CEDAR FALLS  St. Lukes Episcopal Church, one of the oldest in Cedar Falls, will celebrate 160 years of worship and service With Gladness and Singleness of Heart on Saturday and Sunday.

There will be a reception at 6:30 p.m. Saturday at the church, 2410 Melrose Drive, followed by music and Stories of Shaping and Sending Forth, a documentary about the congregation by award-winning producer David OShields.

West High music hosts can drive

WATERLOO  The West High School vocal music department will have its monthly redeemable can drive from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday at the Baltimore Street entrance of the West High School parking lot.

Students will be outside to remove five-cent refundable glass, plastic and aluminum beverage containers from vehicles. Funds raised each month support the West High School vocal music department.

Quota Club sells nuts, snacks

WATERLOO  Quota of Waterloo is a nonprofit service organization that supports many programs for women and children by selling quality nuts each fall.

Quota members will be selling a variety of nuts and snack mixes at many locations this month and in November.

October sales include Calico Hen House on University, every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Bridges, 214 Washington St., 1 to 3 p.m. Oct. 20; Sartori Hospital cafeteria, Cedar Falls, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 21; Clarksville High School Craft Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 22; and Covenant Medical Center cafeteria, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 28, with a bake sale.

Nuts also are available by emailing quotaofwaterloo@gmail.com.
WATERLOO  After being acquitted of murder in the 2103 death of DaeQuan Campbell, Perquondis L. Holmes was sentenced to up to five years in prison for allegedly fleeing the state following the fatal shooting.

But it is unlikely he will serve much of the sentence. The charge of flight to avoid prosecution carries up to five years in prison without a mandatory minimum before parole, and he will be given credit for the two years and 10 months he spent in jail awaiting trial.

In handing down the five-year sentence on Wednesday in Black Hawk County District Court, Judge David Staudt also dismissed a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm that was related to the incident and was the subject of a bench trial that ran parallel with the August murder trial.

Holmes, 26, of Waterloo, declined to comment during the hearing, and Campbells family declined to talk following sentencing.

Prosecutors alleged Holmes opened fire on a car idling in the parking lot behind his apartment building after the car was following his friend. Campbell, who was driving, died of gunshot wounds.

Before trial, Holmes entered an Alford plea  not admitting guilt but contending he would likely be found guilty  to the flight charge, which alleged he traveled to Nebraska to avoid arrest. He also waived a jury for the firearm charge, allowing the judge to decide that matter.

The murder charge proceeded to a jury trial, and he was found not guilty.

On the firearm charge, Staudt said the state failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt Holmes was present at the shooting scene, and he found the prosecutions witnesses who placed him in the parking lot - people who were in Campbells car - werent credible.

The three individuals background, history and failure to be forthright and honest with the police officers prevents the court from finding their testimony credible. All three individuals lied to the police on the night of the shooting  In the end, Tamaris Gary and David Sailors testimony cant be believed beyond a reasonable doubt as to the identity of the shooter, Staudt said.

Defense attorney Robert Montgomery asked that the flight sentence be suspended, saying the time Holmes served awaiting trial was already enough when considering the underlying murder and firearm charges he was allegedly fleeing from ended in acquittal.

Black Hawk County Attorney Brian Williams pressed for prison time because of Holmess prior criminal history, which included probation violations. He noted Holmes was paroled after serving time on a felony less than a year before the shooting.

Holmes was convicted of murder in Campbells death during a March 2015 trial, but the conviction was thrown out, and Holmes was granted a new trial because a photo shown to jurors during testimony appeared to show gang affiliation.
CEDAR RAPIDS  A man who was allegedly found with a flamethrower and bomb making materials in Fayette County was found competent to stand trial.

Trevor Satrom, a former Decorah resident who had been living in Oran, is charged with possession of an unregistered destructive device. In June, a judge placed the case on hold to allow for a competency exam, and he was taken to the Federal Correctional Institution in Fort Worth, Texas, for an evaluation.

During a Wednesday conference in U.S. District Court in Cedar Rapids, court officials said Satrom, a U.S. Navy veteran who served in Afghanistan and earned architecture degrees, was found competent. A status hearing on the case was set for later this month, and trial is tentatively scheduled for November.

According to court records, authorities searched Satroms Oran home in February and found fuses, pipes, a pressure cooker with a hole, BBs, explosive powder and shredded metal. They also discovered a working flame thrower, body armor, smoke grenades and firearms.

AFT officials said the materials could be used to make four destructive devices.

Following the raid, Satrom was hospitalized at the Iowa City Veterans Administration Hospital after a psychiatrist deemed him medically instable. He was arrested when he was released in March.
WATERLOO  A Waterloo man was injured when a robber struck him with a chain and took his phone Tuesday night.

Brendan Jolley, 19, suffered a wound to his neck during the attack, according to police. No arrests have been made.

Jolley was walking in the 1200 block of South Street about 7:50 p.m. Tuesday when he was approached by two men, police said. One of them swung a chain, hitting Jolleys neck and causing him to drop his phone. The suspects picked up the phone and fled, police said.
OSAGE  Nicholas Lenz brutalized and terrorized a woman while trying to beat her into submission for two days in March after she rejected him, prosecutors say.

Lenz, 23, is on trial this week in Osage for charges of felony first-degree kidnapping and willful injury.

In opening statements Tuesday morning, Assistant Iowa Attorney General Coleman McAllister described an extremely violent alleged encounter between Lenz and a woman he was dating.

Lenz punched the woman, kicked her, broke her jaw, choked her, put a lit cigarette on her face and left her zip-tied to pipes in an unheated camper in rural Otranto, McAllister said.

He taped her mouth, he dragged her by the hair, pulling out her hair. ... All because she wanted him to leave, McAllister said.

Defense Attorney Parker Thirnbeck, in his opening argument, told the jury Lenz committed assault, but said his client was not guilty of kidnapping and did not commit willful injury.

Prosecutors say the alleged incident lasted from March 5 until early March 7, when the womans father suspected someone had broken into her home in Mitchell and called sheriffs deputies.

Mitchell County Sheriffs Deputy Jerry Jensen testified he found Lenz sleeping on a couch in the residence. He said a gun was later found tucked into the cushions near where Lenz was lying.

McAllister showed the jurors photos of the womans swollen, bruised face. She had a black eye as well as swollen and cut hands.

A dark, horseshoe-shaped bruise on the underside of her chin came from the butt of a .357-caliber handgun Lenz shoved into her face, McAllister said.

Defense attorney Thirnbeck told the jury of eight women and six men his client and the alleged victim were engaged to be married and had spent the week prior to the alleged incident together.

The situation deteriorated when they both began using crack cocaine and alcohol, Thirnbeck said, to the point Lenz became concerned for the womans welfare.

Youll hear that, as odd as it may sound, and it doesnt seem right, but Nick actually believed he was helping protect her because he believed her judgment was impaired from the alcohol and drug use, Thirnbeck told jurors.

Prosecutors called seven witnesses Tuesday afternoon, including four Mitchell County sheriffs deputies and Sheriff Greg Beaver.

The trial continues today.
WATERLOO  An Elk Run Heights teen has been cited in a Tuesday afternoon accident involving an 8-year-old girl who was crossing the street after school.

Paramedics with Waterloo Fire Rescue took the child, Sofia Lona of Waterloo, to UnityPoint-Allen Hospital for incapacitating injuries, according to the accident report. Her condition wasnt available.

The driver, Taylor Lawrence, 17, was cited for failure to yield to a pedestrian, the report states. Lawrence wasnt injured.

The accident happened at about 3:45 p.m. Tuesday on Idaho Street near Madison Street not far from Highland Elementary School. According to the report, Lawrences Chevrolet Blazer was headed south on Idaho when she looked down to adjust a sock. She told police that when she looked up, Sofia was in front of her vehicle, and they collided, the report states. Police noticed a dent in the vehicles front bumper.

One witness said the girl was in the crosswalk when she was hit. Police said the girl and the vehicle were found about 25 feet past the crosswalk and noted that it was possible the child was thrown by the impact.
WATERLOO -- Iowa Sen. Jeff Danielson, D-Waterloo, disagreed with the idea that the greatest threat Iowans face is from terrorism. Instead, he offered his own take.

Actually, the largest threat facing Iowa is our own ability to see the future and to believe that isolationism and not understanding the world around us, would then make us make decisions that are not thoughtful in the long run, Danielson told a crowd of nearly two dozen at a forum Tuesday night.

Danielson was meant to square off with his Republican opponent Bonnie Sadler, of Cedar Falls, but the League of Women Voters of Black Hawk-Bremer Counties that hosted the event said she canceled.

But Sadler said later Tuesday night she had another commitment planned for that night and had not confirmed that she would attend the forum.

Danielson resisted the opportunity to criticize Sadler for her absence, when one audience member said they would like to hear Sadlers thoughts on the state's greatest threat.

I think its helpful to be respectful; running for Senate is hard, and shes dealing with what shes dealing with, Danielson said.

He also urged, in his closing statement, people turn not to politics to get their drama.

Were seeing the dysfunction of that, and I would like it be a service ethic, Danielson said.

So, for an hour Danielson faced questions alone on everything from water quality to roundabouts to the privatization of Medicaid.

He more than once disagreed with any policy that would lead Iowa to be more isolationist. While he didnt know the strict definition of sanctuary cities to say whether he opposed them or not, Danielson said hed be cautious about any law that has a chilling effect on new Iowans coming to the state.

Danielson pointed out Iowa is one of the slowest growing states and it should not pass laws that could have unintended consequences of turning away new Iowans who are law-abiding and productive citizens.

The local League of Women Voters will host another forum Thursday for those seeking elected offices in Black Hawk County. The forum is free and open to the public.

It will be from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Waterloo Public Library, 415 Commercial St.

Invited candidates include Democratic Board of Supervisors candidates Tom Little, Linda Laylin and Chris Schwartz and Republican supervisor candidates John Dodge, Chad Folken and Terry Scheffert.

Incumbent Sheriff Tony Thompson, Auditor Grant Veeder and County Attorney Brian Williams are running unopposed in the Nov. 8 general election but are invited.
ELK RUN HEIGHTS  This community may soon be the first in the Waterloo-Cedar Falls metro area with speed enforcement cameras.

The City Council on Tuesday night voted 3-2 to approve automated traffic enforcement in the city.

It wont happen right away. The council took no action on a contract with Redflex Traffic Systems of Glendale, Ariz., to install and operate cameras for five years. City legal counsel will review the contract and bring it back for final action as soon as next month.

Two cameras are proposed, one on Lafayette Road near City Hall and one on Gilbertville Road near Marie Avenue.

There was general agreement that speeding, mainly from through traffic, was an issue in this bedroom community of 1,100. The question was how to address it.

Mayor Tim Swope opposes the cameras.

I just dont think its good for our residents and businesses, Swope said, I think people are going to stop riding through this town and supporting our businesses.

However, council member Tim Ratchford, who lives on Gilbertville Road, said safety is his primary concern.

The speed limits 25. I have two grandkids at my house all the time. Theres plenty of kids on Gilbertville Road. Thats my bottom line. We want to make it safe, Ratchford said, not make money for the city.

Under the proposed contract, Redflex would charge the city $18.25 per ticket  roughly 20 percent of the fine  and $240,000 to install and operate the equipment. The city would use its share of the fine revenue to pay off the $240,000. Any additional amount collected would be revenue for the city.

Numerous residents attended Tuesdays meeting, and some questioned whether the cameras would generate enough money to pay for themselves.

Patrick Howley, director of business development for Redflex, said in a letter to Ratchford, The city will not be responsible for any Redflex costs associated with this program should the fine revenue not fully fund the Redflex cost by the end of the contract.

Some citizens and council members worried cameras would force traffic onto residential side streets, creating more pedestrian risks; that the city would be known as a speed trap; that consideration be given to alternatives, like speed humps or traffic strips or narrowing traffic lanes to force people to drive slower.

Council member Lisa Smock advocated those alternatives, noting she had heard no support for the cameras among constituents. Council member Dale Wilson voted for the cameras previously but voted against them Tuesday because several citizens indicated they would like to give police a chance to do their jobs. Evansdale police took over law enforcement in the city July 1.

Im hearing loud and clear they would rather have more police presence than a camera, Wilson said.

However, council members supporting the ordinance suggested theyd rather try the cameras before someone is hurt in an accident.

The only way of really ever getting someones attention is to get into their back pocket, council member Dennis Bass said.

Iowa communities with speed-enforcement cameras include Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Davenport, Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Ottumwa, Polk County and Sioux City. Most are significantly larger than Elk Run Heights.

State Sen. Jeff Danielson, D-Waterloo, a former member of the Iowa Transportation Commission, said state law allows local governments to have traffic enforcement cameras on local streets. He noted the Iowa Department of Transportation has tried to restrict automated traffic enforcement devices on designated highway routes through cities  like Interstate 380 through Cedar Rapids  but that is under review in the courts.
CEDAR FALLS  Iowa House candidates seeking to represent Cedar Falls debated issues as diverse as the economy and terrorism during a forum sponsored by the Cedar Falls Rotary on Tuesday.

House District 59 candidates include incumbent Democrat Bob Kressig, independent Nick Taiber and Republican Drew Speer. House District 60 candidates are incumbent Republican Walt Rogers and Democrat Gary Kroeger.

Their views on tax rates demonstrated the range of their stances.

Taiber advocated a corporate tax rate of zero and a flat tax on personal income. Rogers agreed with lowering the corporate tax rate and called Taibers tax ideas viable.

Kroeger and Speer advocated for a balance to attract businesses without eliminating corporate taxes.

Speer said the state has to help make businesses competitive but cant let them off the hook entirely.

We want to ask companies to do their part and pay the taxes that they need to pay, Speer said.

Kroeger said any plan has to be intelligent and honest with people about tax rates and budget priorities.

We have to start rolling up our sleeves and doing the math. We so easily settle for platitudes who believe that there are straight-line solutions. There arent, Kroeger said.

Kressig does not support eliminating corporate taxes.

I think corporations have a duty to pay taxes like everybody else, Kressig said.

Though not specific on whether he favors a reduction in corporate taxes, Kressig opposes a flat tax.

The candidates split along party lines on spending. Republicans Rogers and Speer agreed they dont want additional spending. Speer, though, said education would be a priority.

Democrats Kroeger and Kressig agreed education is a top priority for increased spending. Kressig added his support for focusing on mental health.

The independent Taiber advocated for taking a systematic point of view to get a better return on investment when the state prioritizes spending.

The candidates also split on the threat of terrorism in Iowa.

Republican Gov. Terry Branstad raised the issue this week, saying Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is best suited to fight terrorism. Branstad said there are radical Islamist terrorist sympathizers in every state. A similar claim was disputed by fact checkers earlier this year.

Republicans backed Branstads assessment. Speer and Rogers agreed the terrorist groups ability to attract supporters through social media means theres a threat in Iowa.

They can influence people all over the United States of America, and all over the world. So, its something we have to be aware of, we have to be cognizant and we have to have a president who understands that, or were going to be in serious trouble not only in the Middle East but right here in Cedar Falls, Iowa, Rogers said.

Kroeger, however, said President Barack Obama understands and is addressing the threat of the Islamic State, and he expects the future president to do the same. He joined Kressig and Taiber in encouraging citizens to be vigilant in looking out for threats, but disputed there is any specific terrorist threat locally.

Said Taiber: Never let anyone argue that there is truly an ISIS threat; even if theres a single incident in Iowa, its not an excuse to take away more rights and liberties.
UPDATE: This story has been updated with a correct time of the event.

WATERLOO -- Former President Bill Clinton will campaign for his wife and Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton in Iowa this week.

That includes a Waterloo stop Wednesday night.

Clinton's bus tour encouraging people to vote early will hold an event at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday at the Cattle Congress Ag Building, 250 Ansborough Ave., in Waterloo. Doors open at 5:45 p.m.

The public can RSVP for the stop at: https://www.hillaryclinton.com/events/view/SBESORMD4HQKPL6Z/.

He also will make stops in Indianola, Linn County and Davenport Wednesday and Thursday.

Separately, women's rights advocate and former Texas state Sen. Wendy Davis will visit Wartburg College at 4 p.m. Wednesday at WBC 214, or the Buckmaster, lecture hall, 100 Wartburg Blvd., in Waverly.

Correction (Oct. 11): this item was updated with the the correct, Central time zone times.
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Oct 12, 2016 | By Alec

Earlier this month the iconic Paisley Park, home and studio of mega pop star Prince, was opened to the public, and thousands of adoring fans came to pay their respects to the legendary performer. What people may have not expect to see during their visit, however, were the ashes of Prince, who passed away back in April. To the guests' surprise, they were actually present, and stored in a 3D printed Paisley Park urn design by Foreverence. A tribute to both Prince and the place he truly called home.

Of course, this is not the first time we've seen a custom 3D printed urn, as several companies from all around the world are currently offering services to make them. Minnesota-based Foreverence, the business responsible for Prince's urn, is definitely a pioneer in the field, however, as they have been 3D printing custom urns for years. From ballet slippers, to classic cars, guitars and pianos  everything is possible through 3D printing. Foreverence has helped hundreds of families tell the stories of their loved ones lives through individually designed, 3D printed, ceramic cremation urns and memorials, explained CEO and founder Pete Saari. Through conversation, photographs and sketches, we arrive at what is the most appropriate and meaningful expression of a persons life and legacy. We then design and manufacture the perfect memorial.

While their work usually remains very private, Foreverences heartwarming results have also been used to commemorate a number of celebrities. So far, Devos Bob Casala, Motorheads Lemmy, and Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolvers Scott Weiland are all remembered with custom urns that perfectly capture their identity.

The illustrious trio is now joined by Prince, whose urn has been seen by countless fans already. It just got silent, Prince fan Chris Skluzacek said of the experience. Some people had tears in their eyes. It was very moving. We werent expecting that. It has already been reported that the urn will stay on display in the atrium area of Paisley Park, Princes home, recording studio and sanctuary. The building has already received a temporary museum license, though the local government is concerned about the estimated 600,000 annual visitors that are expected to come to Chanhassen, Minnesota.

It is indisputable that this is a truly amazing 3D printed urn that tries to capture everything Prince was known for: it is stylish, unique, innovative, and different. Notably, the urn was designed by Princes sister Tyka and his nephew President Nelson, who collaborated with Foreverence to perfectly recreate Princes style and his beloved home. 19 x 18 x 14 inches in size, it is a miniature version of Paisley Park featuring seven iridescent crystals and a gorgeous purple Prince logo. Whats more, the roof of the urn can actually be removed, revealing scale model details including the main atrium, Princes famous purple Yamaha piano and white ornamental doves. Tyka wanted something that would express her brother whom she loved dearly, said Grant Dawson of Foreverence.

As Foreverence Chief Operations Officer Patty Saari revealed, it was also a very conscious decision by Tyka to share this urn with Princes urns in Paisley Park. She wanted fans to feel his presence, Saari said. They wanted the piece to be something that folks could use as their opportunity to share their loss and their grief.

The response has so far been mixed, as some people find urn display too emotional, while others have found the opportunity to see the urn very meaningful. I think it gives people a chance to grieve in their own way and to have that personal experience that not many people get to have with an artist of that magnitude, Dawson said. But it is a truly remarkable 3D printed tribute, which Prince wouldve loved.

Posted in 3D Printing Application

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Amjad Iraqi at the London Review of Books:

When Peres died last month, many Palestinians resented the national and international outpouring of praise he received. They were especially angered when President Mahmoud Abbas and other Palestinian Authority (PA) officials went to the funeral in Jerusalem; Abbas had to getpermission from the Israeli army to enter the city. Ayman Odeh, the head of the Joint List of Arab political parties in the Knesset, sent his condolences to Peress family but refused to go to the funeral. This is a national day of mourning in which I have no place, he said. Not in the narrative, not in the symbols that exclude us, not in the stories of Peres as a man who built up Israels defences.

Israelis were shocked by these reactions. Since his presidency, Peres was revered in Israel as a peacemaker, a founding father, and a moral compass. He was an architect of the Oslo Accords and the peace treaty with Jordan, a Nobel laureate, and a sponsor of Jewish-Arab coexistence programmes through the Peres Centre for Peace. But he had not been a popular politician for much of his career: he was distrusted by his colleagues (a tireless schemer, Yitzhak Rabin called him), and his brief stints as prime minister ended in political failure and lost elections.

Defenders of Peress legacy argue that he shed years of hawkish politics to become, in David Grossmans words, a statesman who symbolised the willingness for compromise with the Palestinians.

The Palestinians, however, cannot forget the hawk so easily.

more here.
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Maryse Pen

When Dwight Stanford retired from his 25-year career as a surgeon in Kansas City, Mo., he headed to Italy, more specifically a hilltop town named Offida. It wasn't on a whim. In 2006, he'd fallen hard for the Italian way of life after earning a master's degree in food science during a sabbatical there.

Today, the 59-year-old co-owns and operates a B&B in a 500-year-old farmhouse, as well as the Paolini & Stanford Winery, which produces 25,000 bottles of organic wine a year. On any given day, he might be out driving a tractor or preparing breakfast for B&B guests with the help of his fiancee, Maryse Pen. And just recently, he's able to pay himself a small salary.

For many people, his story may seem like fantasy. But retiring abroad and continuing to earn a paycheck has in fact become increasingly common.
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.


Acquisition of Option - Fimpimpa West Copper/Cobalt Project

Perth, Oct 12, 2016 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Prospect Resources Limited ( ASX:PSC ) (Prospect or the Company) is pleased to announce the signing of an option agreement on the Fimpimpa West Copper/Cobalt Project, northern Zambia.



Highlights



- Fimpimpa West Copper/Cobalt Project lies within the Zambian Copper Belt



- The project is preferentially located close to existing road, rail and power infrastructure



- Initial Exploration Target of 15-25Mt at 1.0%-1.5% Cu.



- Vendors of Fimpimpa West are Zambian geologists and mining related persons.



- Prospect intends to build a portfolio of copper/cobalt projects, leveraging off the local knowledge and contact base of the Fimpimpa West vendors.



- Additional lithium and cobalt projects are currently under investigation

The Fimpimpa West Copper/Cobalt Project



The Fimpimpa Copper/Cobalt Project is a typical Copperbelt style, sedimentary stratiform type deposit. The deposit is hosted in the Lower Roan succession of the Katanga System. The project forms the eastern extension of a narrow small synclinal structure opening on the western side into the Fitobaula Open pit.



The Fitobaula open pit is currently in production by Konkola Copper Mines (KCM). The deposit being mined continues into the Fimpimpa area, with only a licence boundary separating the two.



The Fimpimpa west syncline is a westerly plunging asymmetrical structure along an east west trending axis. The sub outcrop has a strike length of almost 1,500m.



In the eastern end the nose of the syncline has a tight outcrop of about 150m and widens out towards the west to almost 700m width.



The north limb of the syncline appears to be overturned and dip to the north at between 35 and 60 degrees. Localized dips go up to 85 degrees The south limb dips vary from 35 to 55 degrees. On the eastern end the fold is virtually an isoclinal synclinorium (Coles 1964).



The north limb has an almost a semi- circular cross section.



Location



The Fimpimpa West Copper/Cobalt Project lies mid-way between Chililabombwe and Chingola mining towns.



Historical Exploration



The Mineral potential has been known since 1928. A number of geological investigations have been carried out in the area over the years. These range from Mapping, Geophysical surveys, Grid Geochemical sampling, radiometric survey, Pitting and Trenching.



Based on the Company's review of existing publicly available information (including historic exploration, past drilling and production history), Prospect believes that the potential exists for an Exploration Target of 15-25 million tonnes with grades ranging from 1.0%-1.5% Cu.



The Fimpimpa West Copper/Cobalt Project has been the subject of historic drilling, exploration however, the Company has not undertaken a detailed exploration programme nor a drilling programme. The Exploration Target is based on previously published data, much of which predates JORC 2012 and the Company's future exploration programme. The potential quantities and grades are conceptual in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to date to define a Mineral Resource. It is not certain that further exploration will result in the determination of a Mineral Resource under the "Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves, the JORC Code" (JORC 2012).



Details of the Option Agreement



The Company has acquired a 90 day option to acquire, a 90% equity interest in a special purpose vehicle (SPV) incorporated to own a 100% interest in the Fimpimpa West Copper/Cobalt Project in consideration of US$15,000. After exercise of the option, the Company shall for a period of 24 months, fund 100% of the exploration costs and complete exploration activities so that a Decision to Mine can be made.



An area of mutual interest (AMI) covering land within a 30km radius of the Fimpimpa West Copper/Cobalt Project applies whereby any properties acquired within the AMI shall be owned by the SPV for the benefit of all shareholders and Prospect shall meet the exploration costs.



Cobalt Strategy - Lithium Battery Cycle



The Fimpimpa West Copper/Cobalt Project forms the first piece of the Company's cobalt strategy. Prospect, along with our Zambian partners intend to identify and acquire additional acreage that is prospective for Cobalt deposits, with particular focus on near term production assets. As we move to the East of Fimpimpa West, the geology tends to shift from a copper/cobalt hosted environment to a cobalt hosted environment. As we build our operational capabilities within Zambia, we expect to see additional opportunities.



Further lithium and cobalt opportunities are being considered within Zambia and DRC.



To view the announcement, please visit:

http://abnnewswire.net/lnk/YUWOK584



About Prospect Resources Ltd





Prospect Resources Limited (ASX:PSC) is based in Australasia with operations in Zimbabwe and is a publicly listed company. We are committed to creating value for Prospect's shareholders and the communities in which our company operates. Our vision is to build a Southern African based mining company of international scale.
ACAs library of educational tools help members improve their business practices. ACA also holds the most popular industry conferences and offers credentialing for collectors, attorneys, and more. ACAs Training Zone subscription gives agencies access to almost all of our education for one low cost.
Carl Court/Getty Images(LONDON) -- U.K. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson is calling for Russia to be investigated for Syrian war crimes and suggested that anti-war protesters should demonstrate against the country in front of the Russian embassy.

Johnson told members of parliament in his first House of Commons speech since becoming foreign secretary that Russia should be held responsible for bombings in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, attacks that Russia has said are targeting terrorists.

He noted attacks on hospitals in Aleppo and on a United Nations relief convoy a month ago, the latter of which Russia denied carrying out.

"It is time I think for all these incidents to be properly and fully investigated with a view to assembling the necessary evidence to ensure that justice is done." he said.

Johnson added that he would "like to see" protests in front of Russia's embassy in London and wondered why there was no outrage from the Stop The War coalition.

"There is no commensurate horror, it seems to me, among some of those anti-war protest groups," he told the House of Commons.

The Russian Embassy responded to Johnson's call for protests in a series of tweets later Tuesday.

"Very unusual call from the Foreign Secretary to hold demonstrations in front of the Russian embassy. New form of British diplomacy?" said one tweet.

Very unusual call from the Foreign Secretary to hold demonstrations in front of the Russian embassy. New form of British diplomacy? pic.twitter.com/rzxUkGyyrQ  Russian Embassy, UK (@RussianEmbassy) October 11, 2016

Copyright  2016, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.
Five creative leaders of the industry joined with 25 committed creative people and 11 NGOs to create a success of the first ever Weekend Donor event in Mumbai this weekend.

The Weekend Donor program was the result of a joint effort between iVolunteer, a social enterprise that seeks to connect volunteers to NGOs, and Marketing Unplugged, a marketing consultancy firm founded by advertising veteran, Suman Srivastava.

This event was part of the Joy of Giving Week, now called Daan Utsav.

The 11 NGOs briefed the creative teams on their marketing and communication challenges and each creative team then came up with a solution within 36 hours. Their work was judged by a panel of creative leaders from the industry and the winning teams won a cash prize of  50,000.

The judges decided to declare joint winners. Both the winning teams were from FCB Ulka. The team of Pankaj Sinha, Niraj Patil and Praveen Chavan won for their work for Cuddles Foundation. While the team of Dia Kripalani, Shambhabi Raha and Shweta Hoyle won for their work on YRG Care.

The creative teams who participated in this effort came from FCB Ulka, FCB Interface, Publicis and Contract. The judges were Bobby Pawar (Publicis), Agnello Dias (Taproot Dentsu), Ashish Khazanchi (Enormous), Prashant Godbole (Ideas@Work), Vineet Mahajan (Contract) and Venkat Krishnan (Daan Utsav). The judges got into the spirit of the event by contributing their own money and volunteering their own time for specific NGOs who they were fascinated by.

The participating NGOs were: Guidestar India, Letzchange, Cuddles Foundation, Sols Arc, Oscar Foundation, Helpage India, Make a Wish India, Values India, iVolunteer, India Cares Foundation, CSA, YRG Care.

DaanUtsav (earlier Joy of Giving Week) is Indias largest festival of philanthropy. Started in 2009, this festival has seen millions of people experience giving in the most amazing and inspiring of ways. From railway stations and classrooms in poor schools getting a makeover to CEOs of corporates pledging their time to be shadowed by wannabe entrepreneurs, from vegetable vendors contributing a portion of their wares to old age homes to young children raising a rupee a day to give away to charity... this festival has touched scores of people  those giving and those receiving.

Shalabh Sahai, founder iVolunteer said,"This is more than a contest.12 NGOs leave with communication solutions developed by some of the brightest and most enthusiastic minds along with a potential to build a longer term relationship with each of them."

Suman Srivastava, founder Marketing Unplugged added, "I am glad that these 25 young people from the advertising industry got a taste of volunteering and giving their most precious resource - time. I am delighted with the quality of work done in the short time. I hope this becomes a regular event and spreads to more cities."

Quote from a volunteer: Shitija Tagde, FCB Ulka commented, "It was really nice! You know exactly what the NGOs wanted and we believe in the cause that they are working on, this motivated me to do better for them."

Quote from an NGO: Ashima, Helpage India said, "We are always looking to reach out to more people and such initiative bring innovative ideas for NGOs."
DurgaPujo isnt just an event that brings the city of Kolkata to a halt. Durga Pujo is a festival that brings people together all across India. The fun, food and the fervour that Durga Puja brings is something that cant be replicated. The entire city turns into a beautiful dreamland of joy and togetherness. Legrand India and LIQVD ASIA partnered to bring vibrancy associated with Pujo for people living outside their home town.

Legrand India, an electrical and digital infrastructures company along with its digital partners LIQVD ASIA, plans to create a real time experience for the citizens around the country and elsewhere. Building on the excitement around the Pujo and allowing the people away from their hometown feel the pulse of the Pujo, the company has created an online destination https://www.comehometopujo.com/ dedicated to festive happenings.

LIQVD ASIA created an Instagram account ComeHomeToPujo which functions just like a regular website. It has 6 image tabs displaying the different aspects of Pujo, like a virtual library. Clicking on a category leads to the pictures within the category), all of which have their own Instagram accounts. Like Legrand_pandals, Legrand_Food, Legrand_Moments, Legrand_Pujo, Legrand_idols and Legrand_Colourred The tagging feature on the app has been used to enable easy navigation and involvement from their users. https://www.instagram.com/comehometopujo/

We wanted to create something really cool. And then we noticed similarities between Instagram tags and website links. And then was ComeHomeToPujo Instragram introduced. The account makes use of Instagram's tagging features and grid structure in an unconventional way to simulate a website, said Arnab Mitra, Managing Director, LIQVD ASIA WORLD WIDE

The campaign also includes a photography contest as the country is slowly decking up for DurgaPujo. The contest is open for fervent and passionate photographers to capture the spirit of pujo through their eyes.

Legrand India has been associating themselves with DurgaPujo pandels in Kolkata for almost a decade now. Last year #ComeHomeToPujo campaign generated prodigious response receiving over 1000 entries. This campaign helped citizens from far-flung regions connecting themselves with their favourite festival. Taking a cue from the popularity last year, Legrand has made this years campaign bigger and better by expanding the reach of the campaign.



To make this experience unique, the company will organise Flash Mobs which will be performed at 20 different locations starting from Soshthi (The sixth day of Durga Puja).
Outbrain, the worlds leading premium content discovery platform, has inked an exclusive multi-year partnership with Patrika.com  the first publisher to implement highly personalised Hindi content recommendations through Outbrain. With over 100 million Page Views per month in India, Patrika.com is one of Indias largest Hindi newspapers.

The partnership will see Patrika.com deploy the Outbrain Engage solution to further enhance its digital strategy, drive monetisation and power personalised content journeys for its audiences, by integrating Outbrains content recommendations across its mobile and desktop sites.

Commenting on the announcement, Siddharth Kothari, Managing Director Patrika Group, said, We are confident that Outbrain will continue to drive increased user engagement, power a deeper understanding of our properties and core digital users, while at the same time maximising opportunities for monetisation of our audience through a native experience.

 We are thrilled to enter this exclusive partnership with Patrika.com and launch our first Hindi recommendations for the publisher, commented Sigrid Kirk, VP of Engage APAC at Outbrain. This collaboration will see us deliver technology that has the potential to not only advance its market position, but support it to deliver personalised content experiences that delight audiences.

Sandeep Balani, Director, Business Development India at Outbrain, added here, We are seeing the fastest internet penetration in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities in India, like Lucknow, Jaipur, Ludhiana and Gurgaon, with content consumption in these markets growing at a much faster rate compared to Tier 1 cities, like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. Todays advertisers, especially in the Consumer Goods and Auto segments, are looking for publishers who can help them target these audiences. Patrika.com is a strategically important partner for us in India and has the critical size required to benefit from these trends with over 100 million Page Views per month.

India is considered one of Outbrains fastest growing regions and presents a big opportunity for publishers, brands, and marketers looking to connect with consumers via content. To date, Outbrain has established key partnerships with leading Indian publishers, including Indian Express, The Hindu, Viacom, Eenadu India, Sanjeev Kapoor and several more.
BOSTON, October 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

IDTechEx Research, a leading provider of independent market research, business intelligence and events on emerging technology announces the availability of a new report, Electric Vehicles Change the World 2017-2037.



(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140310/673848 )



Electric vehicles have gone from curiosities to being a frequent news item and, if you live in Norway or the Netherlands, something you see often. However, that is nothing compared to EVs shaking the foundations of society over the coming decade, from robot agriculture and delivery drones to almost free travel in sunny countries and virtually eliminating air pollution.

Electric Vehicles Change the World 2017-2037 provides ten year forecasts for units sold and market value, and twenty year technology roadmaps using facts-based forecasting. It is a sign of the times that this report contains barely a word from its predecessor one year ago: it is almost entirely researched in 2016. Only IDTechEx forecasts in 46 categories alongside detailed technological roadmaps based on intense travel and conference schedules executed by expert analysts.

A major focus of this unique overview report is the vehicles themselves, from personal manned multicopters to e-buses straddling traffic, showing the gaps in the market. The report prioritises commercial success factors and provides detailed statistics to support informed action plans.

The key enabling technologies for the future are also covered. These are changing radically with new forms of reversing motor generators, energy harvesting and electrical recuperation among those coming to the fore. Uniquely, this report takes a fresh, unbiased look at all the vehicle categories and technology options, most of which are subject to disruptive change. Included is a league table of the top 13 manufacturers in EVs land, water and air with many famous names absent and little known names in there, including seven companies not in the top 13 three years ago.

Unlike some, IDTechEx is not uniformly enthusiastic about everything. Indeed certain technologies are calculated to be squeezed out to become merely niche activities. In this report IDTechEx looks at where, when and why.

This new report is available for order on the IDTechEx website at http://www.IDTechEx.com/ev . Learn more about IDTechEx here.

IDTechEx provides companies with tools that can assist them in making essential strategic decisions in emerging technologies. IDTechEx offers research reports, subscriptions, consultancy, introductory services and events.

Contact:

Alison Lewis

Marketing Manager, Reports

a.lewis@IDTechEx.com

http://www.IDTechEx.com

twitter.com/IDTechEx

UK: +44-(0)1223-810290


NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Michigan Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "We are the best branded resource in the state of Michigan when it comes to 'the best mesothelioma compensation' and if a person who has recently been diagnosed with this rare cancer cares about their potential financial claim we are urging them to call us anytime at 800-714-0303. We actually specialize in assisting former auto plant workers who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma along with US Navy Veterans who live in Michigan. Please don't shortchange yourself when it comes to mesothelioma compensation because you hired the wrong lawyers." http://Michigan.MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427184

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427183

Over the years the Center has heard from auto plant workers in Michigan who have mesothelioma about--how at the end of their work day they used to use air hoses to clean the asbestos from their work clothing. In other words, their exposure to asbestos was so extreme their work overalls were covered with asbestos. These were auto/tuck brake line assembly workers, insulation line workers, or clutch/transmission assembly line workers. Their exposure to asbestos could have continued into the 1980's. Frequently these types of workers would air hose asbestos off their work clothing so they would not bring asbestos home to their family.

The Center is passionate about making certain people like this get the very best possible financial compensation and a person in this situation in Michigan or their family are urged to contact the Michigan Mesothelioma Victims Center anytime at 800-714-0303. http://Michigan.MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

Vital Financial Compensation tip for a former auto worker in Michigan with mesothelioma from the Michigan Mesothelioma Victims Center: "If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma in Michigan because of asbestos exposure at an auto plant or while serving in the US Navy please call us at 800-714-0303 to ensure you have instant access to craftsmen-full time mesothelioma attorneys who have the best references in the nation when it comes to mesothelioma compensation. Why settle for less?" http://Michigan.MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

The Michigan Mesothelioma Victims Center's services are available to diagnosed person anywhere in the state of Michigan including communities such as Detroit, Flint, Grand Rapids, Warren, Battle Creek, Marquette, Farmington Hills, Lansing, or Ann Arbor. http://Michigan.MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com

Aside from their passion about making certain a diagnosed victim in Michigan gets the best possible compensation, they are also focused on medical treatment for this rare cancer. For the best possible mesothelioma treatment options in Michigan the Michigan Mesothelioma Victims Center strongly recommends the following three heath care facilities.

* University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center Ana Arbor, Michigan: http://www.mcancer.org/

* Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute Detroit, Michigan: http://www.karmanos.org/

* Marquette General Cancer Center Marquette: http://ww4.mgh.org/cancer/SitePages/Home.aspx

High risk work groups for exposure to asbestos in Michigan include US Navy Veterans, auto plant workers, power plant workers, manufacturing workers, plumbers, welders, electricians, auto mechanics, machinists, or construction workers. Typically, these types of workers had significant exposure to asbestos during the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, or 1980's.

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.

The Michigan Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "When it comes to obtaining the best mesothelioma compensation settlement for a diagnosed person in Michigan the quality of the attorney matters, as we would like to explain anytime at 800-714-0303." http://Michigan.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

Contact:

Michael Thomas

800-714-0303

Email

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/michigan-mesothelioma-victims-center-now-urges-an-auto-worker-with-mesothelioma-in-michigan-to-call-them-for-on-the-spot-access-to-the-nations-top-lawyers-for-compensation-300342941.html

SOURCE Michigan Mesothelioma Victims Center
Parque Arauco S.A. (SSE: PARAUCO) (Bloomberg: PARAUCO:CI) issued bonds for UF 5 million (approximately US$ 200 million), equivalent to 19% of the current financial liabilities of the company.

The Company issued and placed a 21-year bond with a 10-year grace period for UF 2 million, at a 2.48% yield, with a 105 bps spread. This is the lowest yield for a Chilean corporate bond issuance for bonds with a duration greater than 10 years (excluding banks and state-owned companies). The company also issued and placed a 7-year bond with a 3-year grace period, for UF 3 million, with 1.73% yield, with an 82 bps spread. This issuance also had a historic low yield for Chilean corporate issuances (excluding banks and state-owned companies) with a duration greater than 4 years. The use of the funds is mainly to refinance bank loans.

Juan Antonio Alvarez, Executive Vice President, stated regarding this transaction: We are very satisfied with the result, as these exceptional financing conditions are the result of many years of work.

"Firstly, this is due to the profitable growth of Parque Arauco in the past years. Between December 2010 and June 2016 the Gross Leasable Area (GLA) grew 98% reaching 873,000 m2. In the same period, the consolidated EBITDA grew 103%, reaching Ch$105,593 million in the last twelve months as of June 2016.

"Secondly, the favorable conditions were achieved thanks to the responsible financing policy of the company. Since December 2010 Parque Arauco has done three capital increases to finance growth, raising Ch$ 256,333 million. These capital increases, as well as the companys retained earnings, has allowed the equity to increase 117% between December 2010 and June 2016, which amounts to Ch$ 841,527 million as of June 2016.

"Thirdly, the attractive financial conditions were the result of the recent liability management of the company. In the past three years, Parque Arauco has improved its risk ratings classification two notches from A to AA-. In 2014, the company did a bond exchange to cancel the mortgages on Parque Arauco Kennedy and improve the conditions for future issuances. In 2015, Parque Arauco issued a local bond that allowed the matching of the duration between assets and liabilities. Also, in the last months, the company refinanced its debt in USD into local currency, and reduced its exposure to variable rate financial liabilities.

The company continues to work on a plan to grow profitably, increase diversification by country and format and strengthen sustainability initiatives, which include, among others, the strengthening of corporate governance, the reduction of operational and financial risks, and the work with the local communities where we develop our new projects.

The financial advisors and placement agents for the transaction were Bice and Credicorp Capital.

Parque Arauco has 873,000 m2 of total GLA in Chile, Peru, and Colombia. The company inaugurated its first shopping center in Chile in 1982, entered Peru in 2005 and Colombia in 2008. The companys assets include six regional shopping centers, four premium outlet malls and thirteen strip centers in Chile; six regional shopping centers, eight neighborhood centers, two premium outlet malls and two strip centers in Peru; and two regional shopping centers in Colombia as well as a large land bank to support the companys future growth plans. For more details, visit the companys website: www.parauco.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012006295/en/

Parque Arauco S.A.

Sarah Inmon, (56 2) 2299 060

Head of Investor Relations

sinmon@parauco.com
Little Rock AFB provides humanitarian support

Airmen from the 19th Airlift Wing at Little Rock Air Force Base, Arkansas, dedicated three C-130J Super Hercules to deliver humanitarian aid and disaster relief response for Haiti on Oct. 7 after the Category 4 hurricane tore through the island.



Currently, the Air Force is ferrying supplies to Haiti after Hurricane Matthew crippled access to the southwest region of the island and other hard-hit areas, in which it washed out bridges and roads.



Only one aircraft from the 61st Airlift Squadron went to Haiti and provided relief. Two aircraft from the 41st AS remained on standby to offer support.



Members from both airlift squadrons and other base agencies transported personnel from the 621st Contingency Response Wing, Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, a Humvee and other supplies to Port-au-Prince to support U.S. Aid operations.



Air Mobility Command is tasked with providing unrivaled rapid global mobility. For this response, Little Rock AFB and Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Hurst worked together to ensure the supplies needed were transported to Haiti. These supplies were used to immediately treat individuals affected by the hurricane.



It feels good to be in a position to be able to help other people, said Capt. John Rebolledo, a 61st AS C-130J pilot. We have immense capability and flexibility to do so because of our assets.
Market opportunity in India is promising, the newly merged hardware and storage provider Dell-EMC said today, asserting that it does not see any job cuts in the country.

Currently not to my knowledgenot aware of India-based anything being brought to me, its president for enterprise business Rajesh Janey said when asked about the domestic impact of the recently announced job losses.

If the market opportunity is this huge, the customers are wanting us and the more solutions coming in, it is hard to imagine you will be cutting down your customer engagement force, he added.

Post their USD 67 billion merger, the combined entity called Dell Technologies has confirmed to job losses but has not specified a number.

Janey said the company is looking at the country both as a market for its products and services, and also as an research and development hub. It also has a manufacturing facility near Chennai.

When asked about any setback on the R&D jobs, Janey replied in the negative.

There is no product overlap between the two companies, he said, hinting that each unit will continue on its individual research efforts and added the products play a complementary role to each other.

Both the companies have presence in the country for long. While EMC used to employ 6,000 people, Janey refused to disclose the number of people at Dell.

He said India will be third largest by number of employees for the combined entity, Dell Technologies, that has a strength of 1.40 lakh people.

India is also the fastest growing market when it comes to revenue growth, he said, adding that Dell-EMC had a market share of 40 per cent in both storage and all-flash drives category last quarter.

Janey acknowledged that customers shifting to cloud-based services, rather than having storage on the premises is a reality, but said having a hybrid model combining both will be sought after by the market.

He said the company already serves cloud infrastructure providers and added that one of the sister companies already serves this opportunity.
MADRID: Real Madrid will be adding a retractable roof to the Santiago Bernabeu after finally reaching an agreement with the city to remodel the stadium.

Madrid president Florentino Perez said Tuesday the project will cost 400 million ($447 million) and construction is expected to start next year.

The revamped venue, which will also carry a new facade, is expected to be fully completed by 2020.

We will see a dramatic transformation of the Santiago Bernabeu, Perez said. This stadium is one of the emblematic icons of our city and we want to make it one of the best stadiums in the world and the undisputed symbol of the strength of our capital.

Madrid had tried to remodel its famed venue for several times but earlier projects were turned down by the city and court decisions.

The new deal was announced at an event with Madrid Mayor Manuela Carmena.

With this agreement we will start a process of modernization and transformation that will convert the stadium into an avant-garde architectural icon, Perez said. This stadium will act as an economic and touristic invigorator and will contribute to strengthening the image of our city.

The venue originally inaugurated in 1947 will maintain its capacity of more than 80,000, although the seating sections may be redesigned. One of the stadiums most notable features, the four corner access towers, will be covered by the new facade.

Perez said the Santiago Bernabeu will maintain its name, but it may gain a surname from a sponsor like at stadiums everywhere in the world.

Abu Dhabi investment fund International Petroleum Investment Company is helping finance the renovation.

Because of the agreement with the city, Madrid wont be allowed to increase the total size of the structures already in place, so it will have to rearrange the current constructions to be able to remodel the venue. Some office spaces will be transferred to the teams base in Ciudad Real Madrid, in the citys outskirts.

The clubs initial plan was to build a hotel and a shopping center along with the remodeled stadium, something that had prompted fierce opposition across the city. The club will still be able to use the new space commercially, but not how it originally planned.

Officials praised the fact that one of the stadiums parking lots will be transformed into a large public area, and that the new roof will help reduce noise in the neighborhood.

This deal happened to promote the modernization project of the stadium and to improve and urban environment around our beloved Bernabeu, Carmena said.

The Bernabeu stands in the middle of the high-end neighborhood of Chamartin.

In March, rival Barcelona announced its own remodeling project for the Camp Nou, increasing capacity from 99,354 to 105,000 after construction is fully finished in about five years. The stadium will also have a new roof covering all seating sections.








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Chippewas Of The Thames--In less than two months, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation will appear in the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) to assert their right to consultation and argue that the Canadian government failed in this regard for the heavily contested Enbridge Line 9 pipeline. This challenge comes amidst a wave of resistance to pipelines and a heightened profile for issues of consultation with Indigenous communities. But the path to court is made difficult beyond the legal argument as COTTFN has to finance the legal defence of their rights against treaty violation, which they anticipate will reach half a million dollars. $50,000 has been raised so far, and for the remainder, COTTFNs fundraising and awareness campaign is intensifying with a new video and website highlighting issues of the case and foregrounding voices from the community.



COTTFN is challenging the Canadian governments approach to consultation, arguing that based on treaty and Canadian law, the federal government is directly responsible for consulting Indigenous communities on projects that will affect them, and the National Energy Board (NEB) is not a substitute. Clyde River Inuit is simultaneously challenging the lack of consultation in the NEB process which approved seismic blasting exploration in the waters surrounding their community. The recent successful challenge to the Northern Gateway pipeline addressed similar issues, with the ultimate ruling affirming the Canadian governments legal duty to consult. COTTFNs case will argue specifically that the NEB cannot substitute for the government in consultation.



Throughout the Line 9 planning process, COTTFN made it clear that they wanted their voice heard. They took part in the NEB hearings for the pipeline, articulating their concerns to the review panel, while insisting that this process was not a substitute for consultation. As band councillor Myeengun Henry explains in the new video, these issues can be traced back to the pipelines origins: Forty years ago our people were still in residential school. When there was a process that brought this pipeline through our traditional territory, we were never consulted at all. So they just built this pipeline without any acknowledgement of the First Nations in the area.



COTTFN filed their initial legal appeal on April 8, 2014, well before the line was operational, yet in the delay preceding this hearing in the SCC, Enbridge has been operating the pipeline and profiting immensely from the flow of oil, including tar sands and fracked oil, through it.



These oil products are of grave concern not only to COTTFN, but to communities across the continent in the path of pipelines and oil trains. As we experience the hottest year on record, pipeline projects are being met with increasing opposition, including the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) and Energy East. Councillor Henry concludes, We know of the damaging impacts of the tar sands, fracking, and other extractive industries have on our earth yet these developments continue with government protection. This is why COTTFN is developing a protocol to engage with proposed plans that would affect our territory. We believe that protecting the water and land, requiring sustainable development, adapting to climate change, and ensuring a safe home for future generations must be central to this protocol.



COTTFN is inviting donations from individuals and groups and encourages people to visit chippewassolidarity.org for more information about the case and to watch and share the video, Defending Deshkaan Ziibi: Challenging the Line 9 Pipeline.










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Date: 10 October, 2016.

Place: Warner Robins, State of Georgia, United States.

On 10 October, the small city of Warner Robins, Georgia, was the scene of a very strange event. According to an anonymous report published on UFO specialised website MUFON.com, on the previously mentioned date, a square object was seen moving across the sky by a local resident who was stargazing.

I was looking through my 8 inch reflector telescope waiting for Venus to show up as the first light/star to the west. When I first saw the object I thought it was Venus because it was the first light in the sky, the witness stated. I aligned my telescope on what I thought was Venus but low and behold it was a square object floating in the sky with another much smaller square object going around it, he related.

The Georgia resident was completely shocked. But there were more surprises to come. I couldn't believe what I was seeing but I was seeing it, he expressed. I watched the object for several seconds just floating stationary with the smaller object going around it, [and] then the object exploded, he said. It was something to see. I didn't see anything hit the object it just exploded. I wasn't like a Hollywood movie explosion it was more like what you see in actual war footage.

According to the witness, after the explosion, he could see a piece of the object falling down to Earth. I was able to follow one piece of the object as it fell toward the ground. It was leaving a trail of sparks and what looked like it could have been smoke as it fell. I was able to follow it for a second or two than I lost it, he affirmed. He also added that, since he is a former US Air Force aircraft structural mechanic, he perfectly knows what aircraft look like in the sky and this was no aircraft.

The Georgia citizen also affirmed that he has looked like the same object on YouTube. It was titled something like a pyramid UFO over a Chinese nuclear power plant, he commented.

Draw your own conclusions

For further information: https://mufoncms.com/cgi-bin/report_handler.pl?req=view_long_desc&id=79704&rnd=

Long Description of Sighting Report

I was looking through my 8 inch reflector telescope waiting for Venus to show up as the first light/star to the west. When I first saw the object I thought it was Venus because it was the first light in the sky. I aligned my telescope on what I thought was Venus but low and behold it was a square object (see attached image) floating in the sky with another much smaller square object going around it. I couldn't believe what I was seeing but I was seeing it. I watched the object for several seconds just floating stationary with the smaller object going around it than the object exploded. It was something to see. I didn't see anything hit the object it just exploded. I wasn't like a Hollywood movie explosion it was more like what you see in actual war footage. I was able to follow one piece of the object as it fell toward the ground. It was leaving a trail of sparks and what looked like it could have been smoke as it fell. I was able to follow it for a second or two than I lost it. At the time of this sighting I was an aircraft structural mechanic in the US Air Force. I know what aircraft look like in the sky and this was no aircraft. Years later I was able to see what looked like the same object on Youtube. It was titled something like a pyramid UFO over a Chinese nuclear power plant. I cant vouch for the video but the object shown is very much real. The image I attached is a capture from that video.
The Genocide of Assyrians and Yazidis and the Next American President

St. Barbara Assyrian church in Karemlis, Iraq was bombed by ISIS on Sunday, October 10. (AINA) -- In November Americans will head to the polls to vote for his or her preferred presidential candidate. Meanwhile, the persecuted Assyrian Christians and Yazidis both here and in Iraq will be trembling at the mere thought of another four years of a silent administration allowing a modern day holocaust to continue. This election will determine the fate of the Assyrians, who have lived in Iraq for 6766 years, and for the Yazidis, who have lived in Iraq for 1000 years.

If the next president simply continues the current administration's foreign policy, these stateless people continue to suffer atrocities of ISIS. When will the international community stand with the Assyrians to end the genocide?

Assyrians are the only indigenous people of Iraq. They are the people who originated civilization and most of the things we take for granted now, such as libraries, postal service, paved roads, the wheel, iron, lenses, batteries, plumbing, and dozens of other incredible inventions.

As of now, the world is quietly watching a modern day Assyrian Christian holocaust take place and its victims are asking why is this world doing nothing?

Personally, I have lived under Sharia Law and have watched my people live as second class citizens. I was a child, but I still remember it and it was unbearable. In first grade, I was slapped by my teacher simply because I was an Assyrian Christian, and she demanded that I stop identifying myself as an Assyrian Christian. I refused and ran out of the school, because I knew even at such a young age that she had violated both my ethnic and religious rights. These are the most basic of human rights. Having been raised by parents who are both devout believers in God and our Assyrian nation, I was motivated to make the cry of our most vulnerable heard across the world. I had always known that the situation for the native Assyrians was a ticking bomb. Especially, since the Assyrian Christians were living on lands worth trillions of dollars in oil, gold and uranium.

The Assyrian people are the indigenous people of Iraq. We are the descendants of Assyrians. In 2003, the population of Assyrians in Iraq was 1.5 million. Today, we are less than 300,000. The instability of the region has given a green light to radical Islamic groups to commit genocide against our people because we are the natives of those lands, ethnically, linguistically and religious distinct. Political persecution by both the Iraqi and Kurdish governments have also fueled the current mass exodus.

The threat of AQI (Al-Qaeda in Iraq) was practically eliminated in 2011. Then President Obama took office and his decisions paved the way for ISIS in 2014. ISIS gave the indigenous Assyrians the option to convert, pay the jizya, or die. The jizya was so high, that the real option was to either convert or die. Overnight, in Mosul alone nearly 100,000 Assyrians fled for safety; many were not so lucky and faced the sword of radical Islamists. It should be noted that just two weeks prior to the ISIS invasion Kurdistan's Regional Government had disarmed both the Assyrian Christians and the Yazidis of the Nineveh Plain and Sinjar (AINA 2014-08-14). With no means to defend themselves, over 200,000 Christians fled the Nineveh Plain. Numerous more are still missing and many were executed by ISIS.

We are living through a modern day Assyrian genocide or as some have labeled it -- a Christian holocaust. This is a genocide in which five-year-old boys are being chopped in half by ISIS. When the genocide began at the hands of ISIS, I was determined to expose it. I remember the day in which my relatives from Iraq had called my family in the United States. They asked why isn't anyone stopping these horrible terrorists? Shortly thereafter, our community came together and we decided to descend upon both the White House and Congress in order to protest. And protest we did. We protested until we lost our ability to speak. I remember the tears rolling down my face as I dropped to my knees front of the White House in order to write my first sign. It simply read, "Christian Holocaust." This is where I was determined to speak to the media to expose the genocide on national media for the first time. Numerous national and international media outlets invited me to speak about the story of my people at the hands of ISIS. Fox News was the first national media outlet who took our desperate cries for help and allowed for us expose the detailed atrocities of ISIS. It is hard to comprehend that ISIS still has yet to be destroyed.

This particular genocide began in June of 2014. However, we have suffered another two horrendous genocides just in the last 100 years, the Turkish genocide of 1915-1918, in which 750,000 Assyrians were killed (75%) and the Simmele genocide of 1933, in which 3,000 Assyrians were killed. These two genocides alone nearly wiped out our population. It has not stopped. The latest genocide, which is ongoing, began in June, 2004, when an Assyrian church was bombed.

Despites protests and lobbying, the genocide has not been brought to an end by the international leaders. This mysterious creation known as ISIS have targeted us through strategies of economic, religious, archaeological and ethnic attacks. Why is this being allowed? This is a question that people are asking throughout the world and especially by the victims. Remember when the Jews were being wiped out by the Nazis and so many people claimed that they did not know that there was a holocaust occurring? What is the excuse today? The genocide of both Assyrian Christians and Yazidis has been covered by national and international media outlets.

Yet, ISIS is still roaming free on the streets of Iraq. They continue to behead women and children. They continue to destroy our priceless artifacts. They destroyed the Assyrian artifacts at Mosul's museum. They have destroyed the Tomb of Jonah, the Walls of Nineveh, the city of Nimrod, the churches in Khabour, Mar Elian Monastery, Dura-Europos, Mari, Nimrud, Khorsabad, the Mar Behnam Monastery and hundreds of other churches and religious/historical sites that trace their origins to the beginnings of Christianity and civilization. And that's not all of it. Once again, this modern day Christian holocaust began in 2004 and is yet to be taken seriously by our government. ISIS was initially labeled as a "junior varsity team" by Obama.

It is a horrible fate to become a refugee within one's own homeland. Every invader and non indigenous person are claiming our native lands as their new "Islamic lands" while slowly purging and annihilating us. These are the same people that many nations are supporting by continuing to purchase oil from them and allowing them to expand their caliphate.

The world is populated by more than 1,600 stateless nations. Many of these stateless nations are in one way or another engaged in national movements in order to help preserve their endangered historic identities. Many of these stateless nations have been persecuted and continue to be persecuted at the hands of their host countries.

A perfect example of a stateless nation that has suffered, but that eventually regained its historical homeland, is the Jewish people. They suffered from the lack of a homeland until 1948. It was made possible by them people unifying and setting aside its differences. It was also made possible by the relentless lobbying of the world's superpowers. Both the Assyrian Christians and the Yazidis need to also be helped in a similar fashion.

You may be thinking what can be done? The only solution for the indigenous Assyrians is to establish an internationally protected safe haven in the Nineveh Plains in north Iraq, until stability and security has been restored. Article 125 of the Iraqi constitution explicitly guarantees the administrative, political, cultural, and educational rights of the native Assyrians. The Iraqi constitution also enables us to have our very own province. The Nineveh Plains is the preferred area to implement this solution. Why? Because, the Nineveh Plains is the home to a significant portion of the Assyrian people and it is historically our native homeland.

The United States needs to also support the right people within the region, such as the Assyrians and their security forces. Many of the countries that the U.S. currently believes to be its allies cannot be trusted. But we the Assyrian people in fact can be trusted. We are peace loving and our principles and interests are fully compatible and conducive to the principles and goals of the United States of America. Together, we would forge a long lasting relationship that would not only help shape the future of Iraq for the better, but the entire Middle East as a whole.

Assyrians and Yazidis cannot withstand another genocide as it would extinguish them. A young Assyrian girl from Iraq asked me why have we not stopped ISIS yet and why is God not stopping this from happening? I said, God tests his strongest soldiers and our American brothers and sisters will rescue you soon. I hope the American people understand that true stability can only be achieved with a new strategy and firm leadership. Empowering the wrong people as we continue to do is will only create new Muslim groups. It is time to empower the Assyrian and Yazidis, who simply cannot be infiltrated by Islam.

As many have warned, the prime target for ISIS, at least for now, is the United States of America. Looking at the current 2016 presidential contenders, it appears that Mrs. Hillary Clinton will continue the status quo of blindly supporting countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar, who propagate terrorism. Mrs. Clinton, through the Clinton Foundation, has received millions from such nations as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. Time is running out. Both Secretary of State John Kerry and the Pope have labeled what ISIS is doing as genocide. What are we waiting for?
October 11, 2016

What would have been Upper Egypts first beauty pageant stirred a hornet's nest of controversy this month, outraging local conservatives who said it would spread debauchery and was unsuited to the regions traditions.

The pageant was scheduled for Oct. 10 in Assiut governorate, where a large gathering of celebrities, fashion designers, beauticians and public figures were expected. Yet the event was canceled that day when hotel officials said organizers hadnt received proper security clearance  meaning police would not be present in the event of demonstrations.

Given that the organizer received a death threat and warnings that her workplace and the hotel would be set on fire, security was a serious concern. She and the judges were also assailed and threatened on social media.

Assiut governorate, 320 kilometers (200 miles) south of Cairo, is known for its fundamentalist ideas about religion and gender. Women there are often viewed as religious conservatives who all wear black cloaks and veils (hijab) and are less educated than women in Cairo and coastal cities.

The Miss Upper Egypt pageant had been harshly criticized over the past month for defying social traditions there.

But the brains behind the beauty pageant, organizer Fatma Bakr, had hoped it would help people discard stereotypes about women in that region.

Bakr said she was seeking to encourage Upper Egyptian women and girls to show their inner beauty, intelligence, social initiatives and aspirations, just like their peers in other parts of the country. "I want to let society know more about those women and girls. I also want to help them speak up about themselves and their goals," she told Al-Monitor.

Ten Upper Egyptian women, all wearing headscarves, were meant to take part in the pageant. The winner was to receive prizes and be financially backed if she had her own social initiative or be entrusted with playing a role in a social initiative carried out by a charity or nongovernmental organization.

To qualify for the pageant, women had to be 18-38 years old, preferably with higher education degrees and their own social initiatives. Their physical beauty is not as important as their ambitions, culture, good spirit and attractive personality, said Bakr, a beautician.

The jury would have included public figures, professors, etiquette specialists, beauticians and fashion designers. One of the judges, a pharmacy professor at Assiut University, withdrew from the jury, pressured by criticism. However, she said her withdrawal does not mean she rejects the idea.

"Those who criticize us say this pageant is against traditions. They claim it also spreads debauchery and immorality, Aya Mahmoud, a fashion designer and one of the judges, told Al-Monitor.

Mahmoud added that despite such harsh criticism from locals, there has been an increasing interest from girls and women to participate.

The 10 finalists were narrowed down from a field of about 250 contestants, organizers said. All of the finalists had their families support, they added.

Participant Nariman Osama said she got involved because she was seeking support for her social project to help Egypts thousands of street children. Osama, a 26-year-old lawyer, wants to help transform their notorious behavior through art.

I have an idea that needs a sponsor and I participated in the competition for that reason. I thought that one of the competitions sponsors could help me with my project, she told Al-Monitor.

Osama, herself a parent, faced opposition from her mother and sister, but her husband supported her and she was determined to take part in the competition. It is a dream, and I have to make it happen, she said.

The controversy has also spread to parliamentarians, who differ over whether it is appropriate for Upper Egyptian women to take part in beauty pageants.

Parliamentarian Elizabeth Shaker, who hails from Assiut governorate, said the pageant does not suit the Upper Egyptian community and creates sensitivity as it partly depends on displaying beauty, which is totally rejected in Upper Egypt.

Shaker added that Upper Egyptian women are beautiful because of their morals and their adherence to traditions and good behavior. "It would have been much better to carry out awareness campaigns in Upper Egypt about other issues than holding this beauty pageant," she said.

However, Amna Noseir, another parliament member from Assiut governorate, said it is a legitimate right for women in Upper Egypt to take part in the pageant. They have the right to be like their peers in other parts of the country, Noseir, a professor of Islamic philosophy and doctrine at Al-Azhar University, told Al-Monitor.

Upper Egypt is the most traditional region of the country. In recent years, it has been associated with clashes between Muslims and Christians.

Bakr said one of her aims in organizing the pageant was to stop Upper Egypt from being associated with such violence and centuries-old traditions.

"I wanted to change this. I wanted this marvelous part of the country to be associated instead with beauty," Bakr said.
October 11, 2016

The Egyptian Revolution continues. Our aim is to reverse the coup. We are seeking retribution for the martyrs killed since January 2011, and we shall hold the coup leaders accountable for their crimes.

This video message delivered by Yasser El Omda, a Turkey-based outspoken critic of Egypts military-backed regime, was uploaded Sept. 21 on a Facebook page called Thawret El Ghalaba (Revolution of the Poor). It is one of several videos posted on the page urging Egyptians to participate in mass protests allegedly planned for Nov. 11 to overthrow the corrupt regime and liberate the country from those who have betrayed and humiliated the Egyptian people."

The ominous message, part of the so-called Ghalaba online campaign inciting protests, has fueled fears of a new wave of uprising in the country that some disgruntled Egyptians warn is imminent. Analysts, however, have downplayed the video, dismissing it as empty talk and "Muslim Brotherhood propaganda.

Security sources told the Egyptian privately owned news site ElBawabh News that the Ghalaba Movement is funded by foreign powers seeking to destabilize Egypt and spread chaos in the country. The Interior Ministry has repeatedly warned that it would deal firmly with those who instigate violence or attempt to spread chaos and disturb public order.

El Omda, who works for the Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated satellite TV channel El Sharq, is the creator of the hashtag #Ghalaba (Arabic for poor), which in recent weeks has been used by regime opponents on social media to condemn the actions and policies of the Egyptian government. In the video, also broadcast on Mekameleen (a satellite TV channel known for its scathing criticism of the Egyptian government), El Omda rebuts claims by some Egyptian media outlets that the movement he founded has links with the Muslim Brotherhood, which is designated a terrorist organization by Egyptian authorities. He also denies that the movement has ties with the April 6 Youth Movement (credited with organizing the January 25 protests that forced authoritarian President Hosni Mubarak to step down).

Ghalaba was founded by Egyptians of different ideologies who are united only by their common goal of overthrowing the military-backed regime, he says.

The video is reminiscent of an earlier video posted on Facebook on Jan. 18, 2011, by Asmaa Mahfouz, a pro-democracy activist and one of the founders of the April 6 Youth Movement. She, too, had mobilized Egyptians to participate in demonstrations to bring down the regime. Mahfouzs video had quickly gone viral, helping spark the 18-day uprising that forced Mubarak to step down. In stark contrast, the new video has drawn a subdued reaction from Egyptians (getting only 1,800 likes since it was uploaded on the Facebook page more than two weeks ago), signaling what appears to be a lack of interest on the part of Egyptians to participate in another uprising.

I doubt anything major will happen on Nov. 11, H.A. Hellyer, a nonresident fellow at the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East at the Atlantic Council, told Al-Monitor. While Egyptians still face the same structural problems that prompted the uprising against Mubarak  judicial failings, police excesses, a disenfranchised opposition and a harsh government crackdown on protests  there doesnt appear to be an appetite for wide-scale political mobilization right now  unless something major happens to change this.

Mustafa El Sayed, a professor of political science at Cairo University, agreed.

The opposition Muslim Brotherhood has been weakened significantly as a result of the mass arrests and the security crackdown on dissent. The group is incapable of mobilizing the public for protests," he told Al-Monitor.

Besides, there is no alternative to the current regime, he added.

The Islamist group, which rose to power after the 2011 Revolution in Egypt, is highly unpopular with Egypts Christians after a spate of church attacks in Egypt, blamed on Islamists, during and after President Mohammed Morsis rule. The group has also fallen out of favor with the countrys liberals and young revolutionaries, the majority of whom had initially  albeit grudgingly  given their backing to the Muslim Brotherhood president. Morsis incompetency and a persistent vilification campaign targeting the Muslim Brotherhood by Mubarak loyalists in the media both during and after Morsis rule has made an alliance between the Muslim Brotherhood and other political factions highly unlikely. In the prevalent atmosphere of polarization and mistrust, the government has capitalized on peoples fears to entrench its powers and exercise greater control of citizens.

With thousands of the groups members and supporters in jail for participating in protests calling for a return to legitimacy after Morsis ouster or for simply belonging to the outlawed group, and hundreds more killed by security forces since 2013, it is not surprising that the Muslim Brotherhood fears a backlash from the regime that has cracked down ruthlessly on political opponents.

While a statement published by Ikhwanweb, the Muslim Brotherhood's official English website, warns that "a just retribution is coming soon, where the unjust, the oppressors and criminals will regret their wrongdoing, the group has been quick to distance itself from Ghalabas anti-regime campaign. Mohamed Al-Sharqawi, head of the Muslim Brotherhoods US bureau, has reportedly described the calls for protests as political madness, advising the Islamist groups members not to participate in demonstrations that are destined to fail.

The April 6 movement, which has also been targeted in the security crackdown, with several of its members killed or imprisoned, has also decided not to heed the call for protests. Sherif El Roubi, the spokesman for the group, told Al-Monitor in a telephone interview, While there is no denying that the current regime is oppressive and has outlawed protests and stifled civil society and free expression, the Ghalaba campaign was instigated by regime opponents who reside in Turkey and Qatar. They lack a real understanding of the political landscape in Egypt and of the challenges that we face. Roubi added, Change has to come from within and must start with political factions sitting together to draw a road map for the way forward including free and fair elections. However, he ruled out any rapprochement with the Muslim Brotherhood because we simply do not trust them.

Roubi believes the time is not right for protests as it will be difficult to mobilize the public at this stage.

No matter how frustrated Egyptians are with the current conditions and in particular, the high prices of basic commodities, they are too divided and too tired to revolt, he said.

Indeed, five years of political turmoil have left their mark on the weary population and the soaring food prices have put an added strain on low-income households. A much-expected further devaluation of the Egyptian pound and a dollar crisis would make life even harder for Egypts poor. Yet, there are no signs that a new eruption is coming  just yet.

While theres a lot of talk about a revolution of the hungry, these are just words we use to vent our anger, to pacify ourselves, really, and to keep the government in check. In reality, we know that we cannot afford a new uprising," Ali Shehata, a father of four who works at a gas station, said. We need to get back to work or our children will die of hunger.
October 12, 2016

TEHRAN, Iran  In recent years, tension between Iran and Turkey has been rooted in differences over regional developments rather than bilateral disagreements. Indeed, if one reviews the exchanges between the two neighbors during the past two decades, one can see that clashing policy toward regional issues has been virtually the only source of conflict. Now, however, more than five years after the beginning of the crisis in Syria, evidence pointing to a decline in Iranian-Turkish disagreements over the war-torn country is beginning to emerge.

Though one of Turkeys main demands has been that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad step down, he has yet to be toppled and the crisis in Syria has continued. Turkeys tacit acceptance of Assad remaining in power originally came at a high price for Ankara, but it has gradually tried to adapt itself to new realities. This process of change in Turkeys foreign policy has intensified in the wake of the failed coup attempt in July. One week prior to the putsch, in late June, Turkey officially apologized to Russia over the downing of a Russian fighter jet, thus ending the self-made controversy with Moscow. Moreover, in August, on his first trip abroad since the failed coup attempt, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited St. Petersburg, where he discussed bilateral and regional issues with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Since then, there have been rumors about a possible change in Turkeys strategic approach toward Syria, especially considering Russias clear stance on the issue.

Meanwhile, prior to the failed coup, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif had to twice cancel visits to Turkey. In contrast, during his trip to Turkey in August, he met not only with his Turkish counterpart but with Erdogan as well and even attended Friday prayers alongside Turkeys president.

Zarifs visit came after Irans adoption of a supportive stance toward Erdogan as the coup was unfolding, helping improve relations with Turkey. Indeed, in spite of the two neighbors serious disagreements over Syria, their bilateral relations have continued to improve. After his visit to New York to attend the UN General Assembly, Zarif on Sept. 28 made an unexpected stop in Ankara for a few hours on his way back to Tehran.

A source in the Iranian Foreign Ministry told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, It is natural that Turkey will not officially comment on its change of strategy regarding Syria. We dont expect them to change their position so quickly. However, we can see a change in the way they view Syria  both in practice and in bilateral discussions. We are not in a hurry, since we know that this process takes time.

The question is whether Iran and Turkey can really overcome their differences on Syria. Former senior Iranian diplomat Nosratollah Tajik told Al-Monitor, Turkeys game in Syria, be it in Aleppo, Jarablus or other areas, can be very dangerous and make things worse, considering that they are fighting against both the Kurds and Islamic State while they are at the same time aiding other armed opposition groups in Syria. After the failed coup and Erdogans visit to Russia, the general view was that Ankara would change its strategy toward Syria. We should remember, however, that this change is tactical and not strategic. In other words, instead of supporting the Islamic State, Turkey will now support other groups.

Nonetheless, the geopolitics of the region is forcing Iran and Turkey to strive for better relations with one another. As the coup attempt was unfolding, Iran was the first country to condemn the actions of the putschists. Irans decision to stand with Erdogan resulted in Turkey realizing that Tehran is its most reliable friend in the region. In addition, the passage of time has probably made it clear to Ankara that its previous regional strategy, and especially its strategy in Syria, has not helped it achieve anything.

On the other hand, following Zarifs Sept. 28 stopover in Ankara, he and his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu announced through a statement issued by Iran's Foreign Ministry that Iran and Turkey have agreed to collaborate with each other on ending the conflict in Syria and sending humanitarian aid. This is a new and important development that can be seen as a sign pointing to the impending unfolding of an important development in Syria.

However, this is the official version of the story, and little is known about the agreements made behind the scenes. Nonetheless, Zarifs visit is important if for no reason other than the fact that the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia, Mohammed bin Nayef, visited Turkey the very next day. This was in keeping with the trend of senior Saudi officials, particularly Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir, seemingly following Zarif on his travels and visiting any place he has recently visited. The most recent example of the latter was Jubeirs trip to Africa immediately after Zarifs tour of the continent. The pro-Saudi Asharq Al-Awsat believes that the reason behind Jubeirs African trip was to curb Irans influence. Saudi Arabias efforts in this regard extend to public diplomacy. For instance, when Zarif wrote an op-ed in The New York Times on Jan. 10, singling out Saudi Arabia over its alleged support for militant extremists, Jubeir wrote a piece in the very same newspaper just over a week later, on Jan. 19, in which he attacked Iran over its alleged support for terrorism.

As such, the key question is whom Turkey will side with when it comes to the next steps on Syria. A source in the Iranian Foreign Ministry told Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity, These recent successive visits [by Iranian and Turkish officials] are signs of a possible new development in Iran-Turkey relations. This development can change the course of events in the region and push Saudi Arabia toward strategic isolation. This is similar to developments in Saudi-US relations, which have worried and angered the Saudi government and have placed them in a situation where they have to fight on all fronts.
October 11, 2016

On Oct. 7, the Firat news agency ran an unexpected story: Kurdish politician Hursit Kulter was holding a press conference in the Iraqi city of Kirkuk, months after he went missing in Turkeys mainly Kurdish southeast. Even the Kulter family was bewildered as they had lost hope he would ever turn up alive. Activists had mounted a vocal and unrelenting campaign of pressure on Ankara to explain the young politicians disappearance, which had fueled fears that Turkey was returning to the 1990s, when arbitrary detentions and extrajudicial killings were almost a daily occurrence at the height of the Kurdish conflict in the southeast.

Kulter, a senior member of the Democratic Regions Partys provincial branch in Sirnak, a province bordering Iraq, went missing May 27 amid fierce clashes raging in urban areas across the southeast between the security forces and militants of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). According to Kulters account, the security forces held and tortured him in a basement in Sirnak for 13 days. He managed to escape and hide in empty buildings for 50 days before sneaking out of the city with the help of a member of the resistance. Because of safety concerns, he said, he could not inform his family and the press he was alive, and he apologized for keeping everyone in the dark.

We were scared that we were returning to the era of extrajudicial killings in the 1990s, Ebubekir Kulter told Al-Monitor after his brother reappeared in Kirkuk. The rogue conduct of the security forces in the 1990s left such a deep scar on Turkeys Kurds that former Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu, campaigning ahead of the Nov. 1, 2015, elections, sought to lure Kurdish support with an eerie warning that extrajudicial killings would resume if his party was voted out of power. And days before Davutoglu spoke, Turkey had been rattled by a video compounding the fears. A friend of Kulters, Haci Lokman Birlik, was killed in the clashes in Sirnak and his body was filmed being dragged behind a police vehicle tied by a rope.

Moreover, Sirnak has witnessed the highest number of extrajudicial killings in Turkey after Diyarbakir. According to the Memory Center, an Istanbul-based advocacy group, at least 211 people forcibly disappeared in Sirnak province from the Sept. 12, 1980, military coup to 2013, including two prominent local politicians, Serdar Tanis and Ebubekir Deniz, who remain unaccounted for since 2001 after being summoned to a gendarmerie station. Just as in Kulters case, the authorities had denied the pair was taken into custody.

It was against this background that activists launched the Where is Hursit Kulter? campaign, which resonated strongly on social media and in the streets. Kulters reappearance has now sparked a wave of vitriol, especially in pro-government quarters, which claim the whole affair was staged to smear Ankara. Hurriyet columnist Ahmet Hakan called Kulter a vile person who has discredited human rights defenders. No one will be now able to ask questions about people disappearing in custody, he wrote, because this man has made fools of all those who campaigned for him, including myself  all those who kept asking, Where is Hursit Kulter? and harangued that the state had killed Hursit in his prime.

For Emirhan Uysal, the head of the Sirnak branch of the Human Rights Association (IHD), which was the first group to bring up Kulters fate, this point of view is morbid. He told Al-Monitor, Were we supposed to find his bones to consider this campaign a success? We wanted him to turn up alive, didnt we? And he did turn up safe and sound! Uysal noted the clashes in Sirnak had forced many government agencies to relocate and an apartment building was used to keep detainees. It seems he found a way to escape in the midst of the fighting, Uysal said. There are many other people who remain in custody and their safety is a concern to us. We must ask questions about their fate as well.

The claim that Kulter was detained originated from an anonymous Twitter handle believed to be used by members of the security forces. Late on May 27, it tweeted that Kulter was caught with his gun in a sewage pit and described him as a senior, undercover member of the PKK. Because the handle had shared insider information before, activists took the claim seriously, and the IHD petitioned the prosecutors office about Kulters fate.

Uysal said the requests for investigation remained unanswered, leading them to take the issue to the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances and then to the European Court of Human Rights.

Sezgin Tanrikulu, a human rights lawyer and a deputy for the main opposition Republican Peoples Party, had pressed the issue in parliament. For me, pursuing Kulters fate was a moral responsibility not only as a politician but also as a human rights defender. Yet we failed to obtain any information from the government, including on whether Kulter was detained or not, Tanrikulu told Al-Monitor. Kulter had disappeared not in Switzerland, but in Turkey, a country with countless extrajudicial killings in its past. It was only natural that his family and human rights activists were alarmed, especially since he had disappeared in Sirnak, where a curfew was underway.

The said the curfew was a round-the-clock ban, declared on May 4 as the security forces cracked down on PKK militants holed up in residential areas. A city of some 92,000 people, Sirnak saw almost its entire population flee for the relative safety of rural areas. The Kulter family was not an exception.

Ebubekir Kulter told Al-Monitor the family went to a nearby village, but his elder brother, Hursit, stayed behind. Shortly before the Twitter post about his capture, Hursit Kulter had texted a distressed message to a friend, suggesting he was in danger. In early July, Ebubekir tried to return to Sirnak to check an unidentified body kept in a hospital morgue. The police, however, stopped him at a checkpoint at the citys entrance. After a wait of about an hour, he was told to go look for Hursit in the Cudi Mountains  an insinuation that his brother had linked up with armed PKK groups based in the mountains.

In a matter of days, pro-government media also reported that Kulter was never detained and had fled to the Cudi Mountains, citing the account of an informant who Kulter managed to sneak out of Sirnak through the sewers.

Kulter also says he sneaked out secretly, but after 13 days in custody, meaning on June 10. The media reports appeared 28 days later, on July 7. The security forces deny any detention, but Kulter does seem to have reached Kirkuk after weathering a life-threating situation. A source privy to some details told Al-Monitor that Kulter had crossed to Iraq about two weeks before his press conference. In all likelihood, he believed that any revelation he was alive would endanger his life, the source said on the condition of anonymity.

Al-Monitor tried to reach Kulter himself, but was told his conditions do not yet permit him to give interviews. Family members said they were not able to contact him either. Many questions are still to be asked on how Kulter escaped, but the end result of this campaign, unlike many others in the past, has had a positive ending  Kulter is safe and sound in Kirkuk.
October 11, 2016

Following the July 15 coup attempt, 93,000 civil servants were suspended from their duties in many of Turkey's public institutions; investigations are ongoing for 40,000 of them. The key question now is who will fill those vacancies, especially in the military and intelligence bureaucracies.

One hard reality is that the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), despite its 14 years in power, has not developed a senior bureaucratic team that deals with security and intelligence affairs. Hence, a power struggle was inevitable at the senior echelons of the National Intelligence Service (MIT), the Gendarmerie Command, the Ministry of Defense and the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK), where two distinct schools of thought or cliques are competing to fill the vacancies.

One of the schools of thought is that of the Homeland Party, also known as the Patriotic Party, which received only 120,000 votes (0.25%) out of 50 million votes cast in the Nov. 1 elections under the leadership of Dogu Perincek. It is popularly called the Perincek Group.

This group  renowned for its staunchly secular, isolationist, ultranationalist, socialist, anti-US, anti-West, pro-Russian and Euroasianist characteristics  has no strong standing as a popular political party, but its influence in the upper echelons of the states security and intelligence services is steadily growing. High-level military police and intelligence personnel affiliated with this group were the Fethullah Gulen movement's most prominent targets for replacement between 2006 and 2014, when the Gulenists had the AKP's cooperation in ending military tutelage.

Those Gulenists who replaced Perincek Group personnel are themselves being eliminated. Now, amazingly, the Perincek Group has become the entity that President Recep Tayyip Erdogan is relying on most to purge the state of Gulenists and in the struggle against the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). Erdogan has endowed the group with ample powers.

The basic philosophy of the group is that for Turkey to overcome the tough conditions of the present, it has to revert to the first years of the republic and adhere to Kemalism, independence, secularism, statism and nationalism.

Perincek, who is seen by some in Ankara as even more influential than Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, attracted much attention on a TV talk show Aug. 16 when he said, The AKP with its current cadres cannot govern Turkey. This is why President Erdogan is trusting our presence in critical posts of the state.

Perinceks deputy, retired Col. Hasan Atilla Ugur, recently made headlines when he declared, citing his sources in security and intelligence units, "[A] second coup attempt is very close. [Gulen's group] is after a new coup together with the PKK and foreign powers. (Ugur referred to the so-called Fethullah Gulen Terrorist Organization, or FETO, a term Ankara uses for Gulen followers.)

According to the Perincek Group, which has many retired generals and senior judges among its members, the threat of the Gulen movement in the state and in civil society has not passed. Thats why it is essential to preserve both the personal charisma of Erdogan and the founding tenets of the Turkish Republic. But this group is uncompromising with the conservatives who form the AKPs base. Perincek, who spent more than five years in prison  for, of all things, allegedly plotting a coup against Erdogan's government  upon his release declared, We will eradicate all cults. He is perceived to be the "secret hand" behind the current purges, especially in the state security and intelligence bureaucracies. Many believe the Perincek Group played a key role in the renewal of the state of emergency that was set to expire Oct. 19.

The other clique vying to secure a strong position in state security/intelligence is the "Virtuousness" bloc made up of conservative-nationalists of the AKP base. This group, which has the support of religious devotees such as the Menzil (Range) community of the Nakhshibendi persuasion and the Suleymanist community, is seriously concerned about the increasing influence of the Perincek Group in critical state posts and its determining role in the purges. Ahmet Tasgetiren, the daily Stars pro-AKP writer, said in a recent article, The greatest risk that must be taken into account nowadays is the elimination of conservative cadres in the judiciary, armed forces and universities by branding them as 'FETO affiliates' and thus leaving the field free for Dogu Perinceks expansion."

Tasgetiren added, What they want to do is to have the AKP eradicate its social base and to fill the state organs with 100% anti-AKP people who might easily constitute the infrastructure for another attempt to create a parallel state."

Ali Karahasanoglu of the pro-AKP daily Akit, in a recent article titled "We cant say FETO is gone, here comes Perincek," said the Perincek Group is expanding the purge of Gulenists from sensitive state posts to also systematically target Islamists.

Kemal Ozturk of the pro-government Yeni Safak, in his article Are Islamists being pushed out? said a new breed claiming to be AKP devotees  they call Erdogan "our chief"  have totally lost their bearings and have been putting Gulenists and Islamists in the same basket. According to Ozturk, dismissals are being used to oust Islamists-conservatives from critical official posts.

The worst fear of the conservative-nationalist clique is that the Perincek Group will take advantage of the state of emergency extension to Jan. 20 and totally eliminate entire conservative-nationalist and pro-AKP cadres from state posts under the guise of purging the Gulenists.

Today, the unrelenting competition is between Perincek and conservative blocs in the Ministry of Defense, whose upper management levels are to become 70% civilian, and also the Gendarmerie Command, whose upper levels will also be turned over to civilians. A most critical question in Ankara corridors is who will be appointed to fill the 400 key vacated MIT jobs  the Perincek Group or conservative bloc sympathizers? There are already signs that a contest is also developing in the Gulhane Military Medical Academy and military hospitals that have been taken away from the military and put under the civilian medical system, where the Menzil group and Suleymanists have the upper hand.

At the end of the day, Erdogan will make the final decision about restructuring the critical state security and intelligence bodies. One must not forget that although the conservative-nationalist bloc is basically the AKP base, it was manipulated by the Gulenists and still constitutes a major security gap for Erdogan. The Perincek Group has never been penetrated by Gulenists and is ever-determined to combat them. But this strong drive to cleanse the state of Gulenists has caused serious problems in distinguishing between the guilty and innocent, which even Erdogan had to admit.

Although it lacks a popular base, the Perincek Group serves two purposes for Erdogan: The group is the only political entity that has considerable influence over the secularists, and Erdogan is able to use that influence to exert some degree of control over the secular opposition. In addition, by relying on the group, Erdogan is able to keep motivation and alertness alive in the state bureaucracy and the civil society against a possible new coup attempt.

But to entirely surrender the security-intelligence bureaucracies to this group  which has robust secular, socialist, anti-Islam and ultranationalist ideologies  could end up rooting out conservative-nationalist AKP elites and people close to the AKP from the bureaucracy. How Erdogan will manage this power struggle in the security-intelligence structure will determine the transformation of the state bureaucracy and the AKP's institutional structure. Erdogan feels a vital need for the Perincek Group in his struggle with Gulenists and for his personal security. But if the Perincek Group, benefiting from Erdogans dependence on it, exaggerates the purges in the bureaucracy, that could threaten Erdogans longtime close circles and even his personal future.

Now we have to wait and see which course Erdogan chooses in the bureaucratic struggle.
October 11, 2016

The rapid unraveling of the US-Russia relationship over their failed effort to establish a cessation of hostilities between Syrias government forces and moderate opposition groups may become increasingly dangerous for Syrians and the Middle East as a whole. Indeed, respected Russian defense and foreign policy expert Dmitri Trenin, a former Russian military officer who directs the Carnegie Moscow Center, has argued that Syria could become a battlefield between the two and that this is an exceptionally disturbing prospect that should keep people in Moscow and Washington awake at night. Trenin is right to be concerned.

The day after the United States issued a press statement announcing its suspension of talks with Russia on implementing the cessation of hostilities, The Washington Post reported on a National Security Council meeting to discuss possible strikes on Syrias military, including options such as cruise missile attacks on runways, presumably intended to slow or stop Syrian airstrikes (particularly around Aleppo). The next day, Russias Defense Ministry spokesman appeared to respond directly to this article. In a press briefing, he warned the United States that Russia had deployed S-300 and S-400 missile systems at its facilities in Syria, that US strikes would threaten Russian military personnel on the ground in the country and that Russian air defense crews would hardly have time to assess incoming attacks to determine their flight paths. This amounts to a statement that Moscow might respond directly to any US attacks on Syrian forces. In an interview with Al-Monitor, Trenin confirmed this and noted that the spokesmans reference to unidentified flying objects was especially significant. I take this as a warning that not only US cruise missiles but also its aircraft might become Russian targets, he said, adding that Moscow seeks to deter the US from attacking Syrian government forces and assets.

Also striking is how swiftly the breakdown in the cessation of hostilities has metastasized. Within 72 hours of the US suspension of the Syria agreement, Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered Russias withdrawal from a US-Russian agreement to reprocess excess plutonium so that it could no longer be used in nuclear weapons and from two other nuclear cooperation agreements. At the same time, Russia conducted a massive civil defense exercise that the news agency Interfax reported with a photo of emergency workers appearing to practice nuclear decontamination. By the end of the week, US intelligence officials confirmed a media report that Moscow had deployed short-range, nuclear-capable Iskander-M missiles to Kaliningrad, an isolated Russian enclave between Poland and Lithuania. A Russian Defense Ministry official also suggested that Moscow was pursuing reopening military bases in Cuba and Vietnam.

In a presidential executive order, Putin justified his decision on the plutonium agreement by referring to unfriendly actions by the United States of America in relations with the Russian Federation before expressing any other concerns. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov went further, stating that our decision is a signal to Washington that it cannot use the language of force, sanctions and ultimatums with Russia while continuing to selectively cooperate with our country only when it benefits the US.

Russian officials appear to have found a statement by State Department spokesman John Kirby especially disturbing. In response to a question about the consequences for Russia if the cessation of hostilities did not take hold, Kirby asserted that extremists would expand their operations, which will include, no question, attacks against Russian interests, perhaps even Russian cities. Repeating and strengthening earlier Russian charges that the United States is de facto supporting extremists like Jabhat al-Nusra, Russias Defense Ministry spokesman responded sharply, asserting that Kirbys words were open acknowledgement by the American side, that the whole civil war led by the opposition is in fact a US-controlled terrorist international. While Western observers tend to dismiss this as outlandish rhetoric, Trenin told Al-Monitor that Russian officials view the US statements as a veiled threat and not as friendly admonition.

Taken together, Moscows conduct and statements suggest that the Kremlin may have reached  and quite possibly passed  a tipping point in its assessment of Russias relations with the United States. Trenin believes that President Putin has hardened his stance and now wants full reciprocity in the US-Russian relationship. Absent that, Trenin argued, If the US impinges on Russian interests in one area, Moscow will retaliate elsewhere. He asserted that both sides are already pursuing this approach and that even as the US is looking for Russian vulnerabilities for the purpose of imposing sanctions, Russia is looking for areas where withdrawing its cooperation could hurt US interests.

In Beijing for the VII Xiangshan Forum, Russias Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov has reaffirmed Moscows willingness to work with the United States in Syria and insisted, We are firmly convinced that there is no military solution to Syrias problems. However, his statement appeared intended less for Washington than to reassure Chinese officials of Russias continued interest in a diplomatic solution. Antonov did not suggest any new flexibility in Russias position.

A collapsing US-Russia relationship could have profound consequences for Syrias civil war and the Middle East. Most immediately, hopes for cooperation with the United States will no longer constrain Moscows assistance to Syrian forces, particularly in and around Aleppo. Trenin suggests that Russias objective in Aleppo has shifted from winning US acknowledgement of its restored status as a major global power through negotiations and joint military actions against extremists to helping Damascus defeat the opposition/Nusra mix in eastern Aleppo, which if successful would strengthen Russias hand in Syria and its position vis-a-vis the US.

Thus far, it is unclear how President Barack Obama's administration will respond, though press accounts report that Obama remains skeptical of US military action. Still, intensifying Russian air operations  combined with Moscows relatively loose rules of engagement and its relatively limited use of precision weapons  seem likely to result in not only gains for Syrian government forces, but also increasing civilian casualties and growing outrage in Washington, Europe and some nations in the region. Moreover, if Syrian President Bashar al-Assad concludes that Russia has successfully deterred significant US intervention (at least until Jan. 20, when a new American president will take office, if not beyond that), then Syrias military may face fewer constraints in its tactics as well.

This leads to several important questions. First, what might anti-Assad governments in the Middle East be prepared to do to prevent Moscow and Damascus from defeating anti-Assad forces (moderate or otherwise) in and around Aleppo  particularly if they calculate that the Obama administration will not blunt the attack? How could Russia respond to that? Second, what will Turkey do? Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogans efforts to combine NATO membership with a rapprochement may become more difficult to sustain, as will his policies toward Russia and Syria. Will NATO, or conditions inside Syria, force Ankara to make a choice? Finally, of course, would US military forces actually engage in direct combat, either deliberately or through miscalculation or mistakes? If they do, could it lead to conflict elsewhere in the Middle East or beyond?

Too many questions like these will produce sleepless nights not only in Washington and Moscow, but in many other capitals as well.
FORWEB.jpg

Cain in his Birmingham home

By Brandon Cain

Photo by Cary Norton

This story appears in Birmingham magazine's October 2016 issue. Subscribe today!

Truman Capote said about New York City: "I love the city even though it isn't mine, the way a tree or a street or a house is; it belongs to me because I belong to it." But that wasn't always the case for me when it came to The Magic City. Growing up in southern California, moving to Birmingham as an adolescent was the polar opposite of what my universe was at the time. My father, a native Alabamian, wanted to move us closer to his family after my mother passed away. So we traded the Pacific Ocean and sandy beaches for pine trees, abundant pastures filled with livestock, and Southern hospitality.

After high school and a year of college, I decided to leave Birmingham for the Big Easy. I saw New Orleans as a chance to groom myself for bigger things. I was drawn to the idea of a more metropolitan lifestyle, with plans of eventually moving back to Los Angeles or on to New York City. I craved that "bright lights, big city" feeling.

After living and cooking in New Orleans for several years, I once again made my way back to Birmingham to attend culinary school at Virginia College. I began to get serious about my profession and started making plans for my next big city career move--I had no intentions of remaining in Birmingham for more than two years.

But something hit me during those two years. Our city was re-energizing itself. The established culinary scene was dominated by a few long-time talented chefs. At the time, I was working under a relatively new-to-Birmingham chef, George Reis, at his Five Points South establishment, Ocean Restaurant. Those two years I planned turned into seven fulfilling years, both personally and professionally. Working at Ocean was a great time in my life, where many friendships were forged. I also met my beautiful wife, Amy, during my time there. I developed a love affair with everything Birmingham. It became clear to me that this is where "home" is and always has been.

Now, armed with this knowledge and newfound passion for our city, I had an opportunity to become an owner/partner with Mike Wilson, founder of Saw's Barbecue. We took a chance and opened a hole-in-the wall in a once-prominent part of our city called Avondale. Mike and I established Saw's Soul Kitchen in March of 2012--you may have heard of it. After that, it seemed like the community exploded with new businesses and growth. Included in those businesses is Post Office Pies, a neighborhood pizzeria, which Mike and I opened along with my best friend and talented chef John Hall.

As I look at our city and see downtown full of cranes and construction crews lining the streets, it gives me a glimpse of what our city can become. The landscape is changing. With the development of Regions Field, the Publix shopping center, the Pizitz building, and the Lyric Theatre, our city is primed for rebirth. Among the downtown revitalization projects, the historic Thomas Jefferson Tower is where my next endeavor--Roots & Revelry--begins. I hope to articulate my interpretation of American cuisine rooted in my culinary past, present, and future. The atmosphere I want to showcase will foster the Southern revelry our community embraces. Birmingham has a long way to go before it becomes the metropolis I craved as a young chef, but I am grateful to be a part of the renaissance of this magic city.

And just like Capote said, I love it because I belong to it.
The Rev. Jennifer Sanders, an openly lesbian community minister, was elected Sunday as the new pastor of Beloved Community Church in Avondale.

Beloved is affiliated with the United Church of Christ, one of the more liberal mainline denominations.

"I'm a woman, a lesbian, a member of a progressive faith tradition," Sanders said.

Beloved Church, founded in 2000, voted 34-0 to elect Sanders. The church has about 120 members on roll.

"Beloved has always been a congregation with a justice-oriented commitment in its interpretation of the faith," Sanders said. "I work from a liberation theology perspective. It's not a single-issue perspective. It's about how we honor the presence of the Holy Spirit in every person."

Gay rights is one aspect of social activism that the church embraces.

"It's part of who I am, but it's not the whole of what we do," Sanders said. "My commitment to racial justice, to people with disabilities, my commitment to economic justice and environmental justice, are part of that, just as much a part of my commitment to rights for LGBTQ people."

Sanders, 47, has a bachelor's degree in history and political science from Rice University and graduated from UAB in 1998 with a master's degree in occupational therapy. She worked for more than 15 years as an occupational therapist at nursing homes and hospitals in Birmingham.

She's currently working on a master of divinity degree from Chicago Theological Seminary, affiliated with the United Church of Christ. She will be licensed as a UCC minister.

"I felt an irresistible call to go to seminary and go into ministry," she said.

Small town, big city

Sanders grew up alternately in Austell, Ga., with her mother, and in Washington, D.C., with her father, after they divorced when she was young. Austell had a small town atmosphere, she recalled. "My granddaddy was a United Methodist preacher," Sanders said. "I grew up in the parsonage."

She got both a small town and big city education.

"I learned at an early age to navigate in very different environments with all sorts of people," she said.

Sander's partner is a clinical psychologist and they have a daughter who is a high school sophomore.

"The UCC was the first mainline denomination to ordain LBGTQ ministers," Sanders said. "That dedication to equality for all is important to the future of Christianity."

Sanders said that she interprets the Bible as teaching love for all.

"The conservative interpretations of Christianity are not the only versions out there," Sanders said. "I believe we are all created in God's image and the Holy Spirit dwells in us all. People can disagree with me or my interpretation of scripture. My effort is to be faithful in all that we do."

Sanders is not the first lesbian pastor of a church in Birmingham, but it is becoming easier to go public, especially since gay marriage was legalized in 2015.

"There's a generation of us coming behind that first generation of pioneers who helped create that space in theology and local congregations, for us to say you can be a faithful person and be LGBTQ," Sanders said.

"It's not that we're not scriptural in this," Sanders said. "There are people who have a scriptural objection. We have a scriptural basis also. The key is the context in which those verses are written."

She says that "homophobic theologies" run counter to the inclusive message of Jesus.

"The people Jesus took to task were the ones judging others who were in it for their own earthly power and profit," Sanders said. "That's the culture we live in. We live in a culture based on power and profit. It's the harm we do each other in the quest for power and profit that's the problem."

Sunday night services

Beloved Community Church, which is at 131 41st Street South next to the Avondale Brewery, holds services on Sundays at 6 p.m.

"It's a radical fellowship of inclusion, grace and diversity," Sanders said. "We are striving to embody our name. The community part of our name is really important. We are striving to embody that within our walls and take that fellowship and witness out beyond our walls."

Day of silent prayer

On Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Beloved Church will host a day of silent prayer, meditation and reflection.

"It's just meant to be a time of reflection," Sanders said. "It's open to anybody, from any tradition."

Sanders has discovered that silent prayer is one of the best ways to get diverse communities to unite.

"I would like to have an emphasis on where our liberation theology of justice intersects with more contemplative and meditative traditions," Sanders said. "When you have that diversity, one of the places we can come together is in silence."

There is a wisdom in the ancient liturgical traditions that has been lost to some parts of the modern church, Sanders said. "Protestants in general, it's not our strong point," she said. "There's an appetite for that sort of deeper connection."

Prayer life can fuel social activism, she said.

"To have a faith that deeply engages the world and its injustices, it's important to continually tie our faith back to those deeper roots," Sanders said. "We need that continual nurturing and feeding of the spirit to keep doing this work."

Sanders said she learned the power of meditation about 10 years ago while going through a difficult period.

"It made a profound difference in my own life," Sanders said. "The silent meditation process made me more open to the workings of God in my own life, and it brings me a sense of spaciousness in my engagement in others."

Racial justice

On Tuesday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m., Beloved Community Church will host "Voices for Racial Justice: A Gathering for Racial Justice," to discuss racial equality.

"Beloved was founded as an interracial church, open and affirming justice for the LGBTQ community, for people with disabilities, from different faith backgrounds," she said. "There's a genuine commitment to diversity and appreciation and engagement."

Churches need to confront issues of inequality and injustice, Sanders said. "Our social sins of racism, homophobia, environmental injustice and economic injustice are sins against the body," Sanders said.

"We are an opening and affirming congregation," Sanders said. "That's an important part of who we are."
Sylacauga Police Chief Kelley Johnson said four men have been arrested in connection with the Sept. 30 beating of high school student Brian Ogle.

"SPD obtained warrants for assault on four prior SHS students and spent the day running the defendants down and making the arrests," Johnson announced this evening. "There has been no evidence to support that any current SHS students were involved in the assault."

Police say Ogle was beaten in the parking lot of an old hardware store Sept. 30. He is being treated at UAB Hospital for multiple head injuries. Police have previously said the attack may have been racially motivated. All four of those arrested are black.

The men arrested were identified as:

Quartez Lamar Walker, 20, and Bobby Ronchea Brown, 19, arrested on the campus of Stillman College in Tuscaloosa. Walker has been charged with first degree assault, while Brown was charged with second degree assault. Walker is being held on $20,000 bond, and Brown is being held on $15,000 bond.

La Noah Grant Ealy

La Noah Grant Ealy, Jr., 18, arrested on the campus of Auburn University at Montgomery on second degree assault charges. He is being held on $15,000 bond in the Talladega County Jail.

Daveon Shamareya Nix, 20, arrested in Sylacauga on second degree assault charges. He is being held on $15,000 bond.

The Daily Home is reporting that Nix is the son of Sylacauga District 2 City Councilwoman-elect Tiffany Nix.

Johnson said several witnesses came forward, and the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Department, Homicide Division, assisted in apprehending the two suspects in their county. No further arrests are expected.

Reached by telephone, Ogle's mother Brandi Allen, said she was pleased with the arrests and the work of Sylacauga police, but thought the charges should have been more severe.

"I'm happy, I'm relieved that four have been arrested, but I'm not happy with the amount of the bond and the charges," she said. "They should have been charged with attempted murder, by all means. They'll probably be out on bail tonight."

Brian Ogle was beaten Spet. 30 in an attack in Sylacauga following a football game.

Allen said Ogle has made progress in rehab during his hospital stay, but doctors say he still has pain because of fluid on the brain.

"He's already done more than the doctors thought he would at this point, and we couldn't be more thankful for that," she said.

Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the police at (256) 401-2450.
Mahfoodh Alawadi, 32, and Naseer Al-Labani, are charged with drug trafficking after a raid by the West Alabama Narcotics Task Force.

(Tuscaloosa Police)

Two men are behind bars after a drug bust at a Tuscaloosa convenience store turned up nearly $200,000 worth of synthetic marijuana and a large amount of cash.

Mahfoodh Alawadi, 32, and Naseer Al-Labani, 55, are jailed on drug trafficking charges. Both are of Yemen descent.

The West Alabama Narcotics Task Force carried out a search warrant at the shop in the 200 block of East Hargrove Road today, seizing 2,000 4-gram packages of synthetic marijuana and $24,054 in cash.

Tuscaloosa police spokeswoman Lt. Teena Richardson said the synthetic marijuana has a street value of $160,000.

Alawadi is charged with four counts of trafficking in a synthetic controlled substance and unlawful distribution of a synthetic controlled substance. His bond is set at $1.62 million.

Al-Labani is charged with trafficking in a synthetic controlled substance. His bond is set at $1.5 million.

Both are being held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail. No additional information was immediately available.
Update:



Previous story: The body of a woman found burning behind a vacant burning home in Wylam was a mother of two who lived not far from where she was found.

The Jefferson County Coroner's Office this morning identified the victim as Nicole Wallace. She was 31. "She was loved and we will miss her,'' said an attorney speaking on behalf of Wallace's family.

Wallace's body was discovered about 2 p.m. Monday inside her red Chevrolet Camaro that had been parked behind the house at Fifth Avenue and Jersey Street. Birmingham police and firefighters responded to the scene when neighbors reported seeing smoke and fire.

Birmingham police spokesman Lt. Sean Edwards said the vehicle appears to have been pulled in to a wooded, overgrown area next to the home. "It's burned extremely bad,'' Edwards said at the scene on Monday.

Investigators spent a considerable amount of time at the home of a neighbor who possibly had surveillance video. Detectives were canvassing much of the Wylam area, even blocks away, for any possible witnesses and perhaps more video from a convenience store.

The owner of the home said he was in the area collecting rent on some of his properties when he stumbled upon the crime scene. He said the house had been rented in the past, but was currently vacant. He said he had seen a white truck recently parked at the house, and that truck was also at the scene Monday. It was towed for evidence as well.

Investigators traced the Camaro back to Wallace's home. Birmingham homicide detectives carried out a search warrant at the home overnight Monday, documenting and photographing evidence inside the Habitat for Humanity house. They remained there for much of the day on Tuesday, and believe the slaying happened there, and her body dumped and torched at the Jersey Street house.

Authorities said Wallace worked two jobs, and did go to work on Monday. It wasn't immediately made public when she left work. Wallace's two children - a daughter in her young teens and a 4-year-old son - were at school when the killing reportedly happened. They were with their grandmother when the house was being searched.

Police believe the slaying was domestic, and said Wallace's husband has been in custody since Monday night. Formal charges could come as early as today.

One of the neighbors said the couple had been arguing lately, at least one time loud enough for neighbors to hear the topic.

Wallace was married in 2011, but filed divorce from her husband in March, court records show. The divorce was finalized in a default judgement on Sept. 14, but neighbors said the couple was still living together.

One of those neighbors said he noticed something amiss on Monday morning. He said it was trash day and the husband usually leaves the trash can on the curb for a couple of days but on Monday he noticed it was gone rather quickly. Also that day, the neighbor said, he noticed the husband back his pickup truck into the driveway toward the back of the house, which was unusual.

Birmingham police spokesman Lt. Sean Edwards said police had responded to prior domestic situations at the home. Wallace is the 14th domestic violence- related homicide in the city this year, compared to 10 for all of 2015.

"If you say you want to love somebody but you go to the extent of committing the heinous crime that he did, that's not love,'' Edwards said. "Nobody deserves to die the way this woman did."

He said obviously police are concerned at the increase in domestic violence killings. "It's challenging to get behind closed doors,'' he said. "How do you prevent that?"

Wallace is one of two Wylam mothers killed in domestic incidents in two days.

On Saturday, a mother of five was shot to death inside her Birmingham home over the weekend - with her two youngest sons in the house with her - had previously sought protection from the man police say killed her and then himself.

Martha "Sheree" Bryant, 30, was found dead inside her Albany Street home about 7 a.m. Saturday. Her ex-boyfriend and the father of three of Bryant's children, 32-year-old Jason J. Harris, was later found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in Fairfield.
The Alabama Department of Transportation will begin bridge repairs on the northbound lanes of Interstate 59 beginning at 8 p.m. on Friday.

The repair work will require three lanes of traffic to be closed through the weekend.

The construction work will take place on I-59 northbound from the entrance ramp from I-65 southbound at milepost 124.9 to a half-mile north of the exit ramp to 17th Street (Exit 125A) in Birmingham, ALDOT said.

The following lanes and ramps will be closed this weekend:

* I-59 Northbound from the entrance ramp from I-65 southbound (MP 124.9) -- The left three lanes will be closed beginning at the entrance ramp from I-65 Southbound (MP 124.9) to half-mile north of the exit ramp to 17th Street (Exit 125A).

* I-65 Southbound, Exit 261A -- This exit ramp will be completely closed.

* I-65 Northbound, Exit 261A -- This exit ramp will remain open, however expect merging delays when merging onto I-59 Northbound.

According to ALDOT, the construction work will be completed before 5 a.m. on Monday.

Motorists are asked to use alternate routes when possible; adjust arrival and departure times in case of traffic backups; observe work zone speed limits and other work zone signs; and use extreme caution in this area.

Updated at 4:22 p.m. to include corrected information from ALDOT on ramp closures.
Regardless of the outcome of Novembers presidential election, Trumps impact on the party will be felt for years to come.

The abject state of the Republican Party in the United States has been exposed with the latest poll in the Presidential contest.

Hillary Clinton is eight points clear of Donald Trump.

Stop for a second and think about that.

The woman who is the second most disliked candidate ever to run for the White House is on course to win the election in a landslide.

With such a gap, it is highly possible that the Democrats will take control of the Senate and there is a chance they could win the House of Representatives too.

Its what they call a wave election. And its something that appeared improbable if not impossible just six months ago.

And theres little sign that the Republicans can do anything about it.

The party is split, divided like no other modern political operation in the weeks before a vote both sides have tagged the most important in a generation.

Most disliked candidate

Trump is at the centre of the infighting; the man who beats Clinton as the most disliked candidate ever to run for president.

On one side, the Republicans disgusted and angered by his comments caught on tape and released last week which show him talking about women in a graphic and obscene way.

For those who havent heard it, he discussed how he could sexually assault women and get away with it because he was a star.

Many have called on him to step aside in the race and make his vice presidential running mate Mike Pence the top of the ticket. That simply isnt going to happen.

Trump isnt minded to walk away.

There are Republicans who believe Trump should be defended at all costs, and the party has acted disgracefully by not offering him their full support.

And there are those who have not withdrawn their endorsement, but have decided they will no longer defend Trump or campaign on his behalf. The most significant of those is the most senior elected Republican in the United States, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Paul Ryan.

Attacks to continue

The famously thin-skinned Republican candidate has attacked those who have all but deserted him. In a Twitter storm on Monday afternoon, he called Ryan a weak and ineffectual leader and that he would throw off the shackles of the Republican Party in the final month of his campaign.

It is a startling attack. Essentially the Republican candidate has declared open warfare on the party that put him in place to challenge for the leadership. Or to look at another way, he is locked in a battle with the people who would help him to govern if he were to win.

It is a risky strategy for Trump. Many of his supporters will delight in his attacks and share his view of Paul Ryan. They have a low view of elected politicians anyway. But Trump is running a bare bones campaign. His get-out-the-vote operation is essentially the Republican get-out-the-vote campaign. If they cut money and support, he is doomed.

Trump will now continue his attacks on those he sees as disloyal. He believes that will fire up his base, enthuse them and drive them to the polls. And he will continue to go after Hillary Clinton, highlighting what he sees as her duplicity, her criminal behaviour and her failed record over 30 years in public life, believing he can peel off disgruntled Democrats.

The thinking is that even if they never vote for him, if they stay away, it suppresses the vote and gives him a better chance of winning.

But heres another problem for the Republican Party. Trump has warned that he will never forget those who spoke out against him; abandoned him and walked away from his campaign. And so will many grassroots Republicans. The party could find itself caught up with people settling scores for years to come.

Win or lose, Donald Trumps impact will be felt for years to come.
Russia announces new round of Syria ceasefire discussions with the US and regional powers, as bombs rain down on Aleppo.

Russia announced it would hold Syria ceasefire talks with the United States and regional powers this weekend  the first meeting since Washington froze bilateral negotiations after an intensified onslaught was launched on the city.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Russia said Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry had agreed to hold talks aimed at creating the conditions for the resolution of the Syrian crisis in Lausanne, Switzerland on Saturday, alongside top diplomats from key countries in the region.





In an interview with a US broadcaster, Lavrov said the talks would include Turkey, Saudi Arabia and possibly Qatar.

We would like to have a meeting in this narrow format, to have a businesslike discussion, not another General Assembly-like debate, he said.

A US State Department source confirmed the meeting to AFP news agency.

The annoucement came as Syrian and Russian warplanes pounded rebel-held Aleppo. Medical sources said more than 80 people had been killed in the barrage.

The new discussions come as tensions between Moscow and the West have spiked over the five-year Syrian conflict, after peace efforts unravelled and the intense bombing campaign was unleashed on war-ravaged Aleppo.

Obviously the missing components are the opposition  or anyone representing the government in Damascus, Al Jazeeras Rory Challands reported from Moscow. The opposition will most likely decry this as a great power powwow and wont approve.

International aid groups and UN agencies have appealed for a halt to the violence to allow relief supplies in. No assistance has entered Aleppo since July, while hospitals and rescue vehicles have all come under attack.

OPINION: When will Iran abandon Bashar al-Assad?

Over the weekend, Russia blocked a UN Security Council resolution proposed by France and Spain on ending the hostilities in the war-torn country, blaming Paris for the refusal to discuss a compromise version.

Russias veto prompted French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault to call on the International Criminal Court to investigate Russia for possible war crimes in Syria.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday said his diplomats had made it clear they wanted the resolution amended, and the only reason for France to push it through was to exacerbate the situation and whip up an anti-Russia hysteria.

Western governments said the veto showed Moscow had no interest in halting the violence.
UK aims to scrap Human Rights Act and parts of European Human Rights Convention in favour of new British Bill of Rights.

Glasgow, United Kingdom  The new British prime minister, Theresa May, has enjoyed something of a honeymoon period since her elevation to the top job in July following the resignation of her predecessor, David Cameron, after the United Kingdoms decision to quit the European Union.

But the Conservative Party leader put herself on a headlong collision with many of Britains human rights groups earlier this month after she announced plans for a British military opt-out to parts of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) during future conflicts  an entirely separate matter from the European Union.

This change in policy was officially announced by British Defence Secretary Michael Fallon at the October Conservative Party conference where he said that such a reform would protect UK troops from spurious legal claims of military misconduct. The UK Ministry of Defence has spent over 100 million pounds ($123m) on Iraq-related investigations and compensation cases since 2004.





This move came only weeks after the UK governments new Justice Secretary Elizabeth Truss reaffirmed a long-held Conservative commitment to scrap the Human Rights Act in favour of a new British Bill of Rights.

The 1998 Human Rights Act , introduced by Tony Blairs Labour government, enshrined into UK law the ECHR, a treaty to which Britain has been a signatory since 1951, but which  until the act came into force in 2000  had no application in UK law.

Reflections of sovereignty

Before the introduction of the act, individuals in Britain wishing to seek redress for a perceived human rights violation could not make a plea to the European Court of Human Rights at Strasbourg, France, until they had exhausted all legal options at home.

Blair made it possible for them to fight for their rights in their own domestic courts, giving all those concerned, say its proponents, better access to justice.

Yet, many have argued against the benefits of the Human Rights Act, accusing it of infringing upon UK parliamentary sovereignty.

I fully support the protection of rights as contained in the European Convention on Human Rights, Martin Howe, who worked on reform of human rights laws as a member of the UK Coalition Governments Commission on a Bill of Rights, told Al Jazeera. However, the main problem with the Human Rights Act is not the rights themselves, but the interpretation of those rights by the court in Strasbourg.

Howe added: This country has the longest continuous history of the protection of fundamental rights of any country in the world, and it seems rather strange that we cant do better on the interpretation and the protection of rights than via this rather strange institution in Strasbourg.

Howe pointed to Britains ban on prisoner voting, which the European Court of Human Rights has repeatedly ruled as unlawful, as a direct loggerhead conflict between parliament and the Strasbourg court and typical of the type of issue encountered by the Westminster parliament.

READ MORE: Repeal of Human Rights Act causing concern

Advocates of the act, however, see little to support the accusation that it has repeatedly attacked the sovereignty of Britain.

What does affect sovereignty is that the UK has signed up to the [ECHR], which means that the country has promised to implement [the courts] decisions  said Conor Gearty, a professor of human rights law at the London School of Economics department of Law.

That infringes on sovereignty by choice: It is an international agreement that Britain has made and is just the same as world trade, Gearty said. They have chosen to restrict themselves for the broader general good. That is not an invasion of sovereignty, but a reflection of sovereignty.

With many UK human rights groups, such as Liberty, campaigning to save the Human Rights Act, and Scotlands first minister, Nicola Sturgeon, vowing to block any UK-wide repeal in the Scottish parliament  Gearty contends that the roots of hostility towards the act are easily traced. They began long before Eurosceptics thought they could get away with leaving the European Union, he said.

This was initially a kind of proxy war on Europe through the Human Rights Act, Gearty said. And the reason it was a proxy war was because the Human Rights Act contained within it a European Convention on Human Rights. And the Conservatives who hated Europe got a tremendous head of steam up in the mid-2000s about this, saying how awful it was that we were being run by Strasbourg. Even though this court has got nothing to do with the European Union.

OPINION: Britain should not repeal the Human Rights Act

British Bill of Rights

That said, many see any repeal of the Human Rights Act and its proposed replacement with a British Bill of Rights as a chance to deliver something uniquely better  and crucially more libertarian than what is currently on offer.

Luke Gittos, a British solicitor and law editor of the online current affairs magazine, Spiked, said that while the Human Rights Act provides a certain minimal baseline protection for some of our freedom, it doesnt go nearly far enough in defending our freedom.

Any proposed repeal of the act provided an opportunity to think outside the human rights parameters about what we want freedom to look like, Gittos said.

I think if we did have a Bill of Rights, it should take as its inspiration the American Constitution, he added. A British Bill of Rights  to be really radical and pro-freedom  should say things like, No law will be created that interferes in peoples freedom of speech. It would be our First Amendment.

Details outlining government proposals to go ahead with the scheme are not straightforward  though it appears that there will be no move to withdraw from the ECHR itself. However, in an article for The Guardian, Gearty wrote that a British military opt-out to parts of the ECHR was an ominous sign ahead of any repeal of the Human Rights Act.

The Irish-born professor, author of On Fantasy Island  Britain, Strasbourg and Human Rights, describes as politically naive the suggestion that the Conservative Party would seek to style any British Bill of Rights on the famed United States Constitution.

Are [libertarian proponents of the Human Roghts Act repeal] seriously suggesting that the Conservatives will actually deepen human rights protection? Gearty asked Al Jazeera.

Empower the courts to strike down laws that they will be enacting? Give the courts a remit over [Conservative] austerity? Its just not in the land of the norm.

Follow Alasdair Soussi on Twitter: @AlasdairSoussi
In this instalment of Caged, Egyptian journalist and war correspondent Yehia Ghanem recalls the heated meetings between Egyptian revolutionaries and the countrys prime minister at the height of the revolution. Read the rest of the series here.

By February 4, it had become clear that Hosni Mubarak and the rest of Egypts ruling elite were preparing to take extreme measures to end the protests in Tahrir Square and at other spots across the country.

The siege of the Square was getting tighter but I managed to sneak out. I headed towards the offices of Al-Ahram newspaper, where I worked. Along the way, I met a dear colleague, Badawy Negila. I told him about the gravity of the situation in the Square and he suggested that we buy time before a brutal and conclusive crackdown on the protesters by asking one of his close friends, the university professor Yehia Helmy, to mediate between the revolutionaries and the newly appointed prime minister, Lieutenant General Ahmed Shafik. Helmy had long been friends with Shafik and his brother, the then deputy minister of General Intelligence, Mohamed Shafik.

We called Helmy and explained our idea. He was immediately responsive, although the disinformation spread by the media meant that he had little idea of just how serious the situation in the Square was. He asked to see it and, within an hour, was walking through Tahrir with us, talking to demonstrators and discussing their demands. Our guide through these talks was one of the most prominent revolutionaries, Mustapha El-Najjar, a dentist and activist in his late 20s.

Helmy contacted Mohamed Shafik at the Ministry of Intelligence and briefed him on the situation. The sniper fire needed to be stopped, the siege on the Square lifted and the attacks by bullies halted, he told him. Mohamed Shafik immediately called his brother, the prime minister.

An agreement was reached: the government would ensure the safety of the revolutionaries in return for their leaders meeting with the prime minister.

By the following evening, a meeting had been arranged between the revolutionary leaders and the prime minister. It took place in one of the buildings of the Ministry of Civil Aviation near Cairo International Airport, where the prime minister often worked when he could not get to his own headquarters, which were just a few yards from Tahrir Square.

As we drove there, the revolutionaries discussed their fear of disclosing their identities lest they be arrested. But I had been assured by the prime minister that they would be safe. I trusted him to keep to his word, and my confidence had grown since the snipers had stopped shooting the previous night.

When the prime minister arrived, shortly after us, he was casually dressed, as was often the case. He was polite and welcoming. The meeting started at 11pm and continued until 5am the following morning.

After each party made their opening statements, several proposals were put forward regarding disbanding the rallies in Tahrir Square and the surrounding areas in return for guarantees that Mubarak would keep his promise not to run for a sixth term and that his son, Gamal, would not seek the presidency. The revolutionaries also asked for major political, economic and social reforms to be initiated.

It felt like a good starting point, a necessary first step to manage the crisis before deconstructing it.

But the young revolutionaries had lost all faith in the government. They doubted that it would keep its promises and feared that, once they had agreed to disband, they would be arrested and, perhaps, even executed. They were adamant that Mubarak had to step down  now.

After hours of tense discussions, it felt as though we were on board a plane with four faulty engines. I feared we were about to crash.

My greatest concern was that the meeting would end without us setting a date for another.

I took one of the revolutionary leaders to the side and explained that, although they may not have agreed on much, those agreements that had been reached were a good achievement for a preliminary meeting. We owed it to the country and to ourselves to try to build on these commonalities, I explained. Then, I took the prime minister aside to say the same thing.

Both seemed satisfied by this thought, so we parted ways after setting a date for the next meeting.

During the following days, we met on two occasions. Progress was made but it was becoming increasingly apparent that the popular movement on the streets was outpacing us all. More and more people were heading to Tahrir and other squares across the country.

And, perhaps, one of the most noteworthy features of that last week of the revolution was the unprecedented popularity of the United States in Egypt. There were two reasons for this. Firstly, when Mubarak shut down the Cairo offices of Al Jazeera and scrambled its signal, the official US Arabic service to the Arab world, Al-Hurrah TV, stepped in to take its place. Then, of course, there was President Barack Obamas statement in which he called upon Mubarak to step down for the sake of his country, adding: When I say today, I dont mean tomorrow.

Egyptians suddenly recalled the ultimatum the US had given in 1956 in response to the aggressive moves of Britain, France and Israel towards Egypt after the Egyptian president, Gamal Abdel Nasser, had nationalised the Suez Canal Company, which was owned by a European conglomerate. Although many now see that as having been part of Americas post-Second World War strategy to replace the ageing colonial powers, it was celebrated among Egyptians as an example of a superpower supporting the freedom of all nations. Egyptians were daring to dream that it might be doing so again.
The ravages and costs of war can persist for generations after the fighting and bombing stop.

We have always known that war is dirty and destructive, but now a US-led international team of researchers is revealing precisely how destructive and expensive several wars have been for the United States and the countries it invades  and how the ravages and costs of war could persist for generations after the fighting and bombing stop.

The Costs of War Project comprises 35 scholars, legal experts, human rights practitioners and physicians, and has been working since 2011 to document the full human, material, and political costs of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the related violence in Pakistan and Syria  and to ask for an official accounting.

The projects findings show that over the past 15 years, US conflicts have cost more than 600,000 military and civilian lives, resulted in more than seven million refugees and displaced people, and run-up perhaps nearly $13 trillion in financial costs over the lifetimes of the conflicts.





The project is coordinated by the Watson Institute for International Studies, at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. Professor Catherine Lutz at the Watson Institute, a co-director along with Neta Crawford and Stephanie Savell, elaborated in an interview this week on the projects aim to fully account for the cost of war in all dimensions, and in all the countries concerned.

Full consequences

We conduct this research because we feel we must assess the full consequences of the wars we wage, she said.

By fostering a democratic discussion of these wars, by providing the fullest possible account of their human, economic and political costs, we hope informed public opinion would better understand how many people died and were injured, and continue to die. We are not anti-war on strategic or moral grounds as such, but we want the American public to be able to at least count the number of dead and injured, and ask what we accomplished, and if these wars were worth fighting, for the United States as well as for Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.

OPINION: Syria: Do people really care?

This week marks the 15th anniversary of the war in Afghanistan which the United States and allies launched in October 2001, shortly after the 9/11 terror attacks in the United States. Six months later the US and its allies also launched a war in Iraq.

Over 600,000 military and civilian dead, more than seven million refugees and displaced people, and perhaps nearly $13 trillion in financial costs over the lifetimes of the conflicts. by

The Costs of War Projects research of the past 15 years of these wars includes the following key findings:

Some 370,000 soldiers, contractors, and civilians died due to direct war violence; Lutz believes many more died as a result of the indirect consequences of the warfare, such as malnutrition, damaged infrastructure, environmental degradation, disease and hunger  or how many died from lack of services in places where hospitals were bombed out of commission. On average, for every person killed in fighting four other people die due to indirect consequences that can be felt months or even years later. Iraq s infrastructure and health and education systems remain war-devastated, generating ongoing human needs, misery, and some death and impairment.

Some 210,000 civilians have been killed in direct violence by all parties, and o ver 6,800 U S soldiers have died in the wars. Many deaths and injuries among US contractors have not been reported as required by law, the project states, adding that it is likely that at least 6,900 have been killed.

Some 7.6 million Afghans , Iraqi s, and Pakistanis are war refugees and internally displaced people today, often living in grossly inadequate conditions.

The financial cost of the wars to the US alone (not counting spending by Iraq, Pakistan and Afghanistan) is at least $4.8 trillion to date; future additional cumulative interest payments on past appropriations in 2001-2013 are estimated at another $8 trillion by 2053. Even these estimates of federal government expenses undercount the actual financial cost of the war, Lutz explained; these figures do not include the costs incurred by state and local governments, the costs to the economy of families caring for injured veterans, or lost productivity due to men and women who leave work to care for injured family members.

These after-the-fact costs to care for people who were injured or impaired in these wars is likely to be significant, given that in previous wars some returning Americans or their families required medical care or other forms of support for more than 50 years after their war ended. The US government does not know exactly how many returning soldiers were injured or fell ill while deployed abroad. About 3 million Americans have served in Iraq and Afghanistan in the past 15 years; disability claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs continue to come in at a high rate, with 970,000 such claims registered by March 2014.

OPINION: US-Middle East  Plan B stands for bankruptcy The US governments funding of  reconstruction efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan has totaled over $170bn, the project noted, but added: Most of those funds have gone towards arming security forces in both countries. Much of the money allocated to humanitarian relief and rebuilding civil society has been lost to fraud, waste, and abuse.

The project also points out the costs of war in terms of the erosions in civil liberties and human rights at home and abroad, noting that Iraq and Afghanistan still rank extremely low in global studies of political freedom, women in both countries are broadly excluded from political power, and they also suffer from high rates of unemployment and war widowhood.

Americans continue to serve in both the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and the US has been regularly bombing targets in six Muslim-majority countries  Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia.

So the costs of war will only continue to rise for Americans and those unfortunate lands where the US government decides to make war  without any serious reduction in the terror attacks that started this whole cycle in September 2001.

Rami G Khouri is a senior public policy fellow at the Issam Fares Institute at the American University of Beirut and a non-resident senior fellow at Harvard University Kennedy School.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Irans interests in Syria will very soon supersede its support for Bashar al-Assad.

Ahmed al-Burai is a lecturer at Istanbul Aydin University. He worked with BBC World Service Trust and LA Times in Gaza.

Iran is undoubtedly the most important ally of Syrias President Bashar al-Assad. Without Iran, Assad would have been toppled years ago. The Iranian regime has backed Assad politically by maintaining its unequivocal red line, that Assad should not be forced to renounce his position in any transitional period.

It also backed him militarily by supplying him with arsenal and financial support that has kept him in power. The conventional wisdom says that it would be really hard for Iran to relinquish its buddy in Syria, and yet, looking at it from a more pragmatic standpoint, Iran would surely bet on several horses and is almost certainly setting the preliminaries for a post-Assad Syria.





There are three possible scenarios that would compel Tehran to finally abandon Assad.

Reshuffle in Russias policy

The first and most imminent scenario is when Russia decides to reshuffle its own strategy in Syria. The interventionist policy of Russia, Irans main ally, was theoretically a game-changing development in favour of Irans ambitions in the region.

Nevertheless, this resulted in threatening Irans monopolistic vision in Syria. Recently, Russia seems to have the upper hand in the political decision-making process that may eventually jeopardise key Iranian interests.

OPINION: Putin declares checkmate on Syria

On the other hand, Russia-Turkey relations are gradually back on track. Russia and Turkey are major players with contradictory perspectives over the Syrian conflict. Russia has militarily backed Assad and helped him stay in power; while Turkey has supported rebel groups to overthrow Assad.

Iran's fatal mistake is that it will not recognise that its strategy is misguided simply because its expansionist zeal tempts it to overstretch in the whole region. by

Recently when Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Vladimir Putin met in St Petersburg to patch up their nine-month feud in the aftermath of the Russian jet crisis, one question was finding a political solution to the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Unfortunately, recent developments in Aleppo exposed the two leaders failure to narrow their fundamental differences to find common ground for a political solution.

Despite the disagreement, there is still a serious chance to reach a consensus. Putin is expected to visit Turkey this month with the aim of restoring business ties, but primarily to discuss the Syrian war.

The trajectory of Turkeys foreign policy recorded substantial shifts that will soon show a drastic change in its alliances. Obamas administration repeatedly disregarded Turkeys regional perspectives and urged Turkey to move unilaterally to protect its strategic interests.

Irans mounting mania

The second inevitable case is Irans growing obsession with expansion in the Middle East. The Iranian regimes expansionist policy in the Middle East is no secret and that may urge it to rethink its policies in Syria for the sake of another dream.

Irans fatal mistake is that it will not recognise that its strategy is misguided simply because its expansionist zeal tempts it to overstretch in the whole region. It fails to appreciate that its strategies are not welcomed, neither by Arabs nor by Turkey.

Irans ambitions in the Gulf, and mainly in Saudi Arabia, are indisputable. Tensions between the two countries have waxed and waned. However, the diagonal shift in their relations with the United States is likely to constitute a landmark in the coming era of the Middle East.

One cant simply claim that Washington has abandoned its 70-year strategic alliance with the Saudi ruling family. However, since Obama described them as a so-called ally, Saudis have been doubtful of Washingtons commitment to Riyadh. Saudis find themselves demoted as Washington prepares to replace them with the Iranian mullahs.

OPINION: Donald Trump and the mythology of ISILs rise

Regardless of their apparent enmity, Tehran might soon reach an agreement with Washington just to realise its dreams in the Middle East. This might mean abandoning Assad just as it relinquished the former Iraqi prime minister Nouri al-Maliki  yet, make no mistake, Iran will never abandon its designs on Syria.

As a way out of this dilemma, Iran might seek a compromise candidate that would be accepted by most world powers. There is no harm if that candidate hails from the Christian or Druze minorities. Most importantly, Iran will focus on boosting its relations with the deep state in the intelligence service and the remnants of Syrian army.

Obsolete and anachronistic Assad

A third scenario would emerge if Assads role as guardian of Irans interests in Syria appears doomed to failure, while Irans strategy in Iraq, Yemen, and Lebanon is still intact. It will use Shia proxies and pro-Iranian Syrian army officers to stretch its control over the Mediterranean coast to thwart any attempts to unite Syria under a Sunni anti-Iranian government.

In mid-September 2015, the first reports of new detachments from the Iranian Revolutionary Guards arriving in Tartus and Latakia in west Syria were made.

Eventually, Irans mission is to remould post-Assad Syria to a governance style that resembles the one in Lebanon and Iraq. But let there be no mistake; no scheme can overlook the variable of a nation seeking freedom. Ultimately, it is the Syrian people who will decide on their own future.

Ahmed al-Burai is a lecturer at Istanbul Aydin University. He worked with BBC World Service Trust and the LA Times in Gaza. He is currently based in Istanbul and is mainly interested in Middle East issues.

The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial policy.
Blast in northern Balkh province comes a day after ISIL gunman killed 18 at Kabul shrine on the holy day of Ashura.

At least 14 Afghan civilians have been killed in a bomb blast outside a mosque in northern Balkh province, a day after a deadly gun attack on Shia worshippers at a shrine in the capital, Kabul.

Munir Ahmad Farhad, spokesman for the provincial governor in Balkh, said on Wednesday the attack targeted a group of Shia Muslims following ceremonies commemorating Ashura, a holy day.

He said 36 people were also wounded in the explosion in the provincial capital, Mazar-i-Sharif.

The death toll could rise because a number of the wounded people are in critical condition, said Farhad, adding the bomb appeared to have been detonated by remote control.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for Wednesdays blast.

READ MORE: Ashura  why Muslims fast and mourn on Muharram 10

Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) claimed responsibility for a similar attack on the Shia community in Kabul on Tuesday.





At least 18 people were killed, according to a United Nations tally, by a gunman who entered the Karte Shakhi shrine and opened fire on a crowd of worshippers gathered for Ashura.

ISIL said in a statement on Wednesday that the attacker detonated a suicide vest after firing all his ammunition, but security forces said they shot the man dead.

A Reuters video showed the suspected attackers body intact, with no sign of an explosive vest.

One survivor, Saleha, said from her hospital bed that she was sheltering her infant daughter when the gunman came upon them.

He ran out of bullets and while he was changing his guns magazine I begged him, saying my six-month old is innocent, please dont kill us. He shook his head saying OK, OK and went out.

IN PICTURES  Muslims worldwide mark Ashura

Ashura marks the 7th-century death of a grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, Imam Hussein.

The day is typically marked by processions that often include self-flagellation by some worshippers. Government warnings of possible attacks prompted a more subdued observation this year.

In Afghanistan, Shia Muslims make up an estimated 15 percent of the population of about 30 million and most are ethnic Hazaras. Groups such as the Taliban and Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) view Shias as apostates and frequently attack their mosques and public gatherings.

An ISIL attack on the ethnic minority on July 23 in Kabul killed 84 people and wounded 130 others.
Lower house of parliament passes draft law to exit ICC after UN launches probe into alleged human rights abuses.

Burundis lower house of parliament has overwhelmingly voted in support of a withdrawal from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The move comes shortly after the United Nations launched a probe into the countrys alleged systematic human rights abuses in an ongoing crackdown on a protest movement that began 18 months ago.

Ninety-four out of 110 legislators voted in favour of the draft law on Wednesday, two were against it and 14 abstained. The legislation now has to be approved by the senate  also dominated by the ruling party  before being passed into law by President Pierre Nkurunziza.

No country has ever withdrawn from the ICC.

Burundi has been plagued by violence since April 2015, when Nkurunziza sought a third term despite protests by those who called the move unconstitutional. Hundreds of people have been killed in the unrest.

The ICC has said it will investigate ongoing violence in Burundi.

In April, ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said she was conducting a preliminary examination of the situation in Burundi  the first step towards a full investigation and possible prosecutions  looking into allegations including murder, torture, rape, and forced disappearances.

READ MORE: Burundi rejects UN police deployment amid violence

And two weeks ago the United Nations launched a high-level probe into rights violations in Burundi after a report warned of possible crimes against humanity and the risk of genocide.

It is perfectly clear that this is a plot to do harm to Burundi, Gaston Sindimwo, Burundis vice president, said last week, referring to the investigations.



Growing fears over potential genocide in Burundi

In August, Burundi also rejected the proposed deployment of more than 200 United Nations police officers to monitor the unrest.

Burundis move to leave the Netherlands-based court also comes amid rising resentment in Africa against the ICC.

Some African countries have threatened withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the ICC, accusing the court of disproportionately bringing charges against suspected human rights abusers from the continent.
Philippine president, facing criticism for his war on drugs, plans to roll out countrywide smoking ban this month.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is under fire for his deadly war on illegal drugs, is planning to impose a nationwide ban on smoking in public before the end of this month.

The countrys health minister told the Associated Press news agency on Tuesday that her department was pushing for the ban to start before a law providing for graphic health warnings on tobacco products was fully implemented on November 4.

Paulyn Ubial said Duterte wants a 100 percent smoke-free environment in public places similar to Davao, the southern city where he was formerly mayor.

Designated smoking areas are to be outdoors and away from the public, and local government units will be asked to issue ordinances to enforce the smoking ban and set penalties.

READ MORE: Inside Dutertes killer drug war

She said e-cigarettes will be included in the ban because they too produce smoke.

Davao city, which enforced a successful smoking ban under Dutertes mayorship, is being touted as a role model.

The health secretary said that the smoking ban in Davao worked because the city government strictly enforced it and created a task force of enforcers specifically to implement the ban.

It will be up to provinces and towns to determine if they will follow that example, and what penalties they will impose for violators, she said.

The executive order takes effect immediately after Duterte signs it, but the rules to implement it will need to be crafted by national government agencies and by local governments through ordinances.

Assistant Health Secretary Eric Tayag said the order aims to protect the public from second-hand or third-hand smoke  that is inhaled when a smoker is nearby or when smoke lingers afterwards.

READ MORE: Playing dead to survive Dutertes drug war

Ubial said that there was no reason for smokers and tobacco companies to oppose the ban.

I dont see any reason why they will oppose that, she told the AP. Were not stopping them from smoking, we are just telling them not to smoke around non-smokers.

Duterte took office on June 30 vowing to expand policies from Davao such as his anti-drug campaign.

The crackdown has left about 3,600 suspected drug pushers and users dead, including more than 1,500 suspects killed in gun battles with police.

The killings have been widely condemned by human rights groups, and the United States, European Union and United Nations.
A Syrian man suspected of planning a bomb attack on a German airport was found dead in a prison cell on Wednesday after reportedly killing himself.

Jaber al-Bakr, 22, was arrested earlier this week after a two-day manhunt following the discovery of explosives and other bomb-making equipment at his flat in the nearby city of Chemnitz.

Justice Ministry spokesman Joerg Herold told the Associated Press news agency that Bakr killed himself sometime in the evening, but the incident was still being investigated.





Investigators said Bakr, who arrived in Germany last year, had links to Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS).

On the evening of October 12, 2016, Jaber al-Bakr, who was suspected of planning a serious attack, took his life in the detention centre at Leipzig correctional hospital, the ministry said in a statement on its website.

It said it would give more details at a news conference in Dresden on Thursday at 0900GMT.

Spiegel Online reported that Bakr had been under round-the-clock surveillance in police custody in Leipzig because he was on hunger strike and an acute suicide risk.

German news agency DPA reported that Bakr hanged himself in his cell.

Bakr was arrested on Monday after three Syrian refugees whom he befriended tied up the suspect in their flat in Leipzig and alerted police after realising he was a wanted man.

However, sources told DPA that during police interrogations Bakr had accused the refugees of having known in advance about the planned attack.

Prosecutors leading the investigation refused to confirm that information, or say whether the refugees were being treated as suspects or witnesses.
A swearing-in ceremony to kick off Hong Kongs legislative session descended into a farce, as newly elected pro-democracy politicians intentionally mangled their oaths in a show of defiance against Beijing.

The MPs also displayed flags declaring that Hong Kong is not a part of China, and called out for democratic self-determination for the semi-autonomous Chinese city during the oath-taking session on Wednesday.

The protests foreshadow what is expected to be a chaotic term for Hong Kongs semi-democratic Legislative Council after a group of youthful candidates were elected in September, swelling opposition ranks.

The new MPs represent some of a new wave grassroots groups that emerged from the wake of 2014s massive pro-democracy street protests, which failed to win concessions from Beijing but sparked a rising independence movement and a political awakening in many young people.

Al Jazeeras Sarah Clarke, reporting from Hong Kong, said several MPs had chosen various forms of protest, with at least two declaring Hong Kong to be a nation.

Because all politicians were told to stick to the exact wording, a constitutional requirement, three of them had their oaths rejected.

Were yet to find out what punishment will prevail, Clarke said. The government has said that anyone who veers away from the exact wording would be punished, and this could mean the disqualification of these politicians from parliament.

Sixtus Leung, 30, of the Youngspiration party draped a blue flag with the words Hong Kong is not China over his shoulders and crossed his fingers as he held a Bible while he spoke.





His colleague, Yau Wai-ching, laid the same flag on the table in front of her when it was her turn.

They recited the oath in English, but appeared to deliberately mispronounce the word China as Shina, an old fashioned Japanese term for the country that some see as derogatory.

Yau, 25, also appeared to insert a curse word into her oath.

The legislative clerk admonished them for not sticking to the proper wording and refused to accept their oaths.

Another politician, Lau Siu-lai, who founded her own party, Democracy Groundwork, recited the oath very slowly. She took about 10 minutes to repeat the declaration, which has less than 100 words, by pausing for a few seconds after each one, as the rest of the council chamber listened in silence.

Nathan Law, who helped spearhead the 2014 protests and is Hong Kongs youngest ever legislator at age 23, prefaced his oath by quoting Indian independence icon Mahatma Gandhi vowing never to bend to authorities.

You can chain me. You can torture me. You can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind, said Law, of the Demosisto party.

As he recited the oath, he raised his tone slightly when he mentioned the Peoples Republic of China, in what some saw as a subtle way of turning the statement into a question about whether to bear allegiance.
Heavily armed attackers who seized government building in Indian-controlled Kashmir killed after days-long firefight.

The Indian army said a three-day standoff with suspected rebels ended on Wednesday after security forces killed two attackers inside a government building in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir.

Major-General Ashok Narula called the operation tricky and said the fighting was protracted because the building was huge and we didnt want collateral damage.

A soldier and a police official were wounded in the initial fighting.

Two people have been eliminated and two weapons have also been recovered, Narula told reporters at the scene after the operation was declared over.

On Monday, assailants positioned themselves inside the sprawling government compound near saffron-rich Pampore town on the outskirts of the disputed Himalayan regions main city of Srinagar.





Army special forces, paramilitary soldiers, and counter-insurgency police surrounded the building while firing rockets, flame-throwers and grenades.

The fighters fired automatic weapons and grenades. The building was extensively damaged in the battle.

During the standoff, scores of nearby residents gathered in the streets and chanted slogans against Indian rule in a show of solidarity with the gunmen, ignoring government orders to stay away from the area.

In February, five soldiers, three attackers, and a civilian were killed during a three-day standoff in the same compound.

Kashmir is experiencing its largest protests against Indian rule in recent years, sparked by the killing in July of a popular rebel commander by Indian soldiers.

The protests, and a sweeping military crackdown, have nearly paralysed daily life.

READ MORE: The doctors treating Kashmiris blinded by pellets

More than 80 civilians have been killed and thousands injured, with hundreds among them blinded and maimed, mostly by government forces firing bullets and shotgun pellets at rock-throwing protesters. Two policemen have also been killed and hundreds of government forces have been injured.

India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety. Most people in the Indian-controlled portion favour independence or a merger with Pakistan.

Rebel groups have been fighting against Indian rule since 1989. More than 68,000 people have been killed in the armed uprising and ensuing Indian military crackdown.
Israeli forces prevent ambulance from reaching 20-year-old Ali Shioukhi in Silwan neighbourhood, local media say.

Israeli soldiers have shot dead a Palestinian after clashes in the Silwan neighbourhood of Occupied East Jerusalem, Palestinian officials said.

Ali Shioukhi, 20, was killed by security forces on Tuesday night, as the Israeli army was deployed in force across the Occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem to quell Palestinian dissent during the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur, the officials said.

Israeli forces had raided Silwan late on Tuesday night before protests erupted.

The security forces then prevented an ambulance from reaching the scene after Shioukhi was shot in the chest, according to Palestinian media.

The Shioukhi family, along with dozens of other Palestinians in Silwan, opted to bury Alis body the same night, out of fear that the Israelis would try to keep it.

According to a statement issued by the Committee of Jerusalemite Families, Shioukhi was released from an Israeli prison earlier this year after serving a 15-month sentence.

Silwan protests

In Silwan, a neighbourhood of roughly 50,000 Palestinians in Occupied East Jerusalem, Palestinian families are regularly evicted from their homes through a combination of Israeli court orders and military force. Their homes and apartment buildings are then demolished.

Residential buildings for Jewish settler families are often built in place of the destroyed Palestinian homes.

Palestinian residents have frequently clashed with the Israeli army in Silwan to protest the policy.
Government troops battling for last stretch of territory in what used to be the groups stronghold in Libya.

Forces loyal to Libyas UN-backed government are advancing cautiously on the remaining pockets of ISIL fighters holding out in the coastal city of Sirte.

The push comes after months of intense fighting in Sirte between government forces and fighters loyal to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS), which gained a foothold in the country following the 2011 overthrow and killing of longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Pro-government fighter Mohamed Abdulla said troops were making progress every day, but he added they needed better medical care for their wounded.





As of last week, ISIL fighters controlled only a kilometre-long residential strip in the city that was once entirely their stronghold.

The pro-government forces fought their way into Sirte on June 9.

Since August 1, progress has been aided by US air strikes on ISIL vehicles, weapons, and fighting positions.

An estimated 90,000 people, about three-quarters of the citys population, have fled Sirte since it was taken over by ISIL forces last year, according to the United Nations.

Losing Sirte would be a major setback for the armed group, already under pressure in Syria and Iraq.

It would also be a boost for Libyas UN-brokered government, which has struggled to impose its authority and faces continuing resistance from armed militias.

A rival eastern commander, Khalifa Haftar, seized some of Libyas major oil ports, one of which is less than 200km from Sirte.

A collapsed city

As pro-government fighters push to finish a five-month-old campaign to clear ISIL from the coastal city, the health system is steadily collapsing.

A global medical charity warned last week that the thousands of residents in Sirte faced shortages in food and medicine.

The International Medical Group, which has been assisting Libyans who have fled Sirte, said once ISIL was ousted from the city, government and aid agencies would face a huge challenge rebuilding infrastructure and re-establishing services.

Sirte is a collapsed city, said Claudio Colantoni, the International Medical Corps country director for Libya.
At least 81 civilians killed on Wednesday alone in more than 50 Russian and Syrian air attacks on rebel-held Aleppo.

Syrias Aleppo city was the scene of mass carnage on Wednesday with at least 81 civilians killed in air strikes on rebel-held neighbourhoods, a local rescue group said.

First responders said the divided citys eastern sector was pounded by more than 50 Russian and Syrian government missile attacks throughout the day that also wounded more than 87 people  some of whom are in a critical condition.

Up until this moment the Civil Defence is still working to pull people from the rubble, Ibrahim Abu Leith, an Aleppo-based spokesman for the White Helmets, a rescue group operating in rebel-held areas, told Al Jazeera.

Earlier in the day, air strikes on a busy marketplace in the Fardous neighbourhood killed at least 22 people.

Dr Farida, a gynaecologist whose clinic was in the market, said it was not clear what the aircraft were targeting.

Many stores totally disappeared. I cant find a trace of a mini-market I used to buy things from, she told the Associated Press news agency, asking that her last name not be published because of security concerns.

The destruction is horrible, she said. The rubble has piled up and the roads are cut.





According to Abu Leith, 45 people were killed in Fardous alone.

We only have three doctors in our hospital and about eight nurses. We couldnt accept all the injured at the same time, Modar Sheikho, an emergency nurse in Fardous, told Al Jazeera.

According to global charity Doctors Without Borders, there are only 11 ambulances left for the 275,000 people who remain in the rebel-held sector. Only 35 doctors are still there.

Pro-government forces have opened at least seven different fronts across the divided city.

Last week the Syrian army said it would reduce its air strikes to allow people in rebel-held east Aleppo to leave. There were a few days of calm, but there was no corridor for civilians to evacuate to other rebel-held areas, Al Jazeeras Zeina Khodr said, reporting from Gaziantep along the Turkey-Syria border.

And while there has been criticism from the international community, said Khodr, there has been little action  food supplies are running low and medical services are overwhelmed.

OPINION: When will Iran abandon Bashar al-Assad?

The latest strikes have shattered a relative lull in the area, where hospitals, underground shelters and buildings had been targeted for weeks.

The surge in attacks on Wednesday came as Russia announced that it would hold new peace talks with the United States and regional powers this weekend.
Conflict increasing throughout the country as government dismisses reports of President Silva Kiirs death.

The UN has warned of increasing violence in South Sudan as the government was forced to publicly dismiss rumours of President Salva Kiirs death to quell rising tensions.

The UN said it was being denied access to parts of the country where fighting has erupted and condemned in no uncertain terms these acts of violence and attacks against non-combatant civilians.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan [UNMISS] is extremely concerned over increased reports of violence and armed conflict in various parts of the country in the last few weeks, a statement said on Wednesday, noting fighting in northern Unity State and southern Equatorias.





UNMISS also said it had been denied access to an area where 21 civilians were reportedly killed in an ambush on a road between the capital Juba and southern city of Yei over the weekend.

Also on Wednesday, Information Minister Michael Makuei held a press conference to deny rumours of Kiirs death that had circulated in recent days, triggering fear and tension in Juba.

This is a mere lie, there is nothing as such. Salva Kiir has not even been sick, said Makuei, slamming wild rumours he said aimed to divide the people of South Sudan.

Later in the day Kiir, 65, was driven about town in the back of a pick-up to prove he was alive.

WATCH: Are South Sudans leaders benefiting from conflict?

In recent days residents of Juba had reported a higher-than-usual presence of soldiers on the streets, as the rumours coincided with mounting concerns over a rise in violence.

We are scared of the situation. You cannot know what is exactly happening, said Moses Modi, a resident of Juba who was staying in his house over security fears.

Another Juba resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that some schools had sent pupils back home.

On the edge of a precipice

South Sudan, which gained independence in July 2011, descended into war just two-and-a-half years later when Kiir in December 2013 accused his then-deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup.

Numerous attempts to reach a sustainable truce failed, and in a major setback to peace efforts, fierce clashes erupted in Juba on July 8 this year between Kiirs guards and troops loyal to Machar.

The international community has expressed concern since the July clashes, which pushed the number of refugees past the one million mark, according to UNHCR.

OPINION: South Sudan  a country captured by armed factions

In a further blow to peace hopes, Machar last month urged a popular armed resistance against his rivals government.

Machar, who fled to Khartoum, Sudan in July, on Wednesday left for South Africa for medical tests.

An influential group of South Sudanese politicians known as the former detainees  after their arrest when war broke out in 2013  added their voices to the many rising concerns.

They said they were greatly disturbed by the recent increase of war and violent conflict all over again; its ever deepening intensity and level of brutality; an apparently all-pervasive and creeping sense of resentment and hate.

The country is on the edge of a precipice, the group said.
International group including Saudi Arabia and Qatar calls on UN Security Council to help stop the bloodshed.

At least 56 people have been killed over the past 24 hours in the Syrian province of Aleppo as Russian air raids resumed over the countryside, sources told Al Jazeera.

The deaths from raids in Aleppos Bustan al-Qasr and Fardous neighbourhoods, as well as Ar-Rasheeqa city, were the results of the heaviest Russian bombardment in days on the citys rebel-held sector, people in the city said. Dozens were also wounded.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a UK-based group that monitors the war through a network of informants in the country, reported a lull in fighting on Wednesday.

Silence is taking over Aleppo city. So far no gunshots or air strikes have been heard, since the air strike[s], the monitor said.





The latest bout of violence came as diplomatic efforts to stop the war intensified.

Al Jazeera has seen a letter signed by at least 62 countries, including Saudi Arabia and Qatar, calling on the UN Security Council to prevent further deaths from a calculated campaign.

The letter warns that the war in Syria is unlikely to be resolved by armies. It calls on all parties to adopt political processes for a political transition based on recommendations agreed upon in Geneva conventions and at the Security Council.

The fighting, the bombardment and the siege have worsened conditions inside Aleppo, said Al Jazeeras Zeina Khodr, reporting from the Turkish border with Syria.

The United Nations is warning that drinking water remains limited, medical supplies are urgently needed and the distribution food rations are being split in half  aid agencies are appealing for access to treat the wounded.

READ MORE: Letter from Aleppo  My city is not just a death toll

Separately, Turkeys military said the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group was putting up stiff resistance in Syrias north to attacks by Turkey-backed rebels.

Turkey crossed the border two months ago in what it said was an attempt to drive ISIL fighters away from its frontier. Supported by Turkish tanks and air raids, the rebels have been pushing towards the ISIL stronghold of Dabiq.

Due to stiff resistance of the [ISIL] terror group, progress could not be achieved in an attack launched to take four settlements, Turkeys army said, naming the areas east of the town of Azaz as Kafrah, Suran, Ihtimalat and Duvaybik.

The operation to drive the fighters away from the Turkish border, dubbed Euphrates Shield, was in its 50th day on Wednesday. The Turkish-backed rebels have seized control of about 1,100 square kilometres (425 square miles) of territory from ISIL since the operation began, the military said.

In a daily round-up of information from the battlefield, it said 19 ISIL fighters had been neutralised in clashes, while eight Turkish-backed rebels were also killed. Twenty-two rebels were wounded but Turkish forces did not suffer any casualties.

Turkish fighter jets destroyed five buildings used by ISIL, while US-led coalition jets neutralised 28 of the fighters and destroyed three buildings, it said.

The operation has also targeted a Kurdish group whose presence along its border Turkey sees as a threat.

Hundreds of thousands of Syrians have died in the war, which has gone on for five years and forced millions of people from the country.
As malnutrition spreads in sparsely populated areas of al-Tohaita, international aid has grown scarce, residents say.

Al-Tohaita, Yemen  In a shantytown in a deserted area of Yemens al-Tohaita district, six-year-old Ahmed Abdullah Ali and his 13 siblings often go to sleep hungry.

The effects of malnutrition have been the most dramatic on young Ahmed, whose small, frail body looks much younger than his age.

I get 500 Yemeni rials [$2] per day, and I have 14 children, so I can hardly provide them with bread, tea and goats milk to drink, the boys father, Abdullah Ali, told Al Jazeera.

They are suffering from malnutrition. Always, they need food.

Many residents of this sparsely populated area, located in the western Hodeidah province, earn some income by breeding animals, but it is not enough to make a living.

READ MORE: Starvation in Yemen  We are hoping just to survive

About an hours drive from the main road, many residents in this area of Tohaita are uneducated and illiterate, with large families to support. Although residents told Al Jazeera that they had received some support from aid groups in the past, including food and mattresses, such assistance has largely dried up amid Yemens ongoing war.

During the last two years, we did not receive any aid  I do not need anything more than food for my children, who are starving to death, Ali said.

According to the World Food Programme, about 14 million people  more than half of Yemens population  have become food insecure, while thousands more have died, and more than 1.5 million have been displaced by the conflict.

In Tohaitas shantytowns, most people cannot afford to buy even the basics, such as vegetables, fruit and milk, residents told Al Jazeera.





Throughout Yemen, at least 370,000 children were suffering from severe acute malnutrition as of August, said Mohammed Al-Asaadi, a spokesman with the UN childrens fund, UNICEF, in Yemen.

Were talking about a 50 percent increase compared to the number we had earlier this year  UNICEF has deployed four mobile teams, which detected over 150 cases of severely acute malnourished children in the past week, Asaadi told Al Jazeera. Screening of children is ongoing as the detected children receive necessary treatment.

He confirmed that food insecurity due to poverty, unemployment and a lack of awareness of proper nutrition practices for children had been compounded by a lack of access to healthcare facilities.

Countrywide, 600 health centres and 113 nutritional treatment sites have been rendered non-functional due to the security situation or a lack of supplies or fuel, Assadi said.

Thousands of Yemeni children are believed to have died last year from preventable diseases, he added.

It is difficult for me to take my children to Hodeidah city, so they have to face their destiny in this desert. The solution is not in my hands. by Mohammed Salem, resident

In the shantytowns of Tohaita, residents live in unsanitary conditions without indoor plumbing. It takes two hours for them to bring clean water, transporting it via donkeys. Basic services, such as hospitals and schools, are unavailable here.

Over the past year, some children in the area have contracted scabies, a skin disease marked by itching and red spots. Maha Mohammed Salem, aged eight, has been suffering from the disease for two months.

Her unemployed father relies on milk from his five goats and the charity of neighbours to feed Maha and her 11 siblings.

I know this disease can transmit to my siblings, so Ive been trying to remain far from them during the day, Maha told Al Jazeera. But at night, we sleep in the same shanty, so the disease has spread to my one-year-old brother  I heard there are hospitals in Hodeidah City that are treating children with scabies, but we do not have money to go there.

As she speaks, Maha applies baby powder to the rash on her small brother, Omar, to help alleviate his itching.

It is difficult for me to take my children to Hodeidah city, so they have to face their destiny in this desert, Mahas father, Mohammed, told Al Jazeera.

The solution is not in my hands.

READ MORE: Yemens displaced in dire need of food

According to Stephen OBrien, the UNs emergency relief coordinator, the situation throughout Hodeidah has grown dire.

The quantities of food, medicine and fuel entering the country are way below the needs and must be increased as a matter of urgency, OBrien told a news conference after a three-day visit to Hodeida City last week.

OBrien warned that while the UN has increased its humanitarian assistance to Yemen since April 2015  reaching four million people in need  its programme is only 46 percent funded and has a deficit of $880m.

Ahlam Abdul Rahim, a social activist in Hodeidah, said that international organisations must do more to reach people in some of the provinces sparsely populated areas.

The main victims are not in the hospitals, Abdul Rahim told Al Jazeera. The main victims are still in their shanties in the desert.
For the second time, UF is hosting a free event to encourage dialogue about climate change.

UFs College of Journalism and Communications is pairing with the Florida Climate Institute to host the second-annual climate-communications summit today from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in Emerson Alumni Hall. The event, called Higher Ground: Science, Storytelling and the Climb Toward Better Understanding of Climate Change, is free and open to the public.

The main purpose of the summit is to bring up climate change in a way that starts a conversation, said Cynthia Barnett, the environmental journalist in residence at the UF College of Journalism and Communications.

Its really important that we do a better job of telling this story, because it is one of the most important issues facing Florida, our country and our planet, she said.

Anthony Leiserowitz, the director of the Yale University program on climate-change communication, and Neela Banerjee, a reporter on energy and the environment and a finalist for a Pulitzer Prize, will talk about how storytelling impacts climate change, Barnett said.

Politics and different points of view are big obstacles for the topic, but events like the summit promote the issue, she said.

Danielle Chanzes, a UF sustainability studies and journalism junior who is helping put together the event, said she is excited to attend because of her interest in solving climate change.

The 23-year-old said she hopes the forum inspires others to take action against climate change.

Im really interested in hearing how storytelling can help us communicate this urgent, dire issue of climate change to people who maybe arent so on board with it, Chanzes said.

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Ellie Gaustria first came out to her mother when she was 11.

At the time, she didnt even know the word transgender, she said. She just knew she wasnt like other boys.

I felt like a girl trapped in a boys body, the 22-year-old UF nursing junior said.

On Tuesday, Gaustria was part of a panel discussion hosted by UFs Pride Student Union at the Insitute of Black Culture, where she and two others from the student organization opened up to an audience of seven.

They talked about their journeys of identifying their sexuality or gender.

The event honored National Coming Out Day, which celebrates individuals who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community.

The panel discussed how coming out is a process, one that varies for every person. But after someone comes out, its a constant routine with everyone they meet.

Gaustria said identifying as a trans woman of color means putting herself in danger due to the high crime rate against women of color who identify with the transgender community.

But she said she felt it was important to represent people who identified like her.

You cant educate people on an identity unless theres a face to it, she said, and so having proud people of our community speak and articulate their identities is quite crucial for our cultures existence.

Carolyna Guillen, the president of PSU, said some members of the LGBTQ+ community dont like celebrating coming-out day because they think it shouldnt be considered an accomplishment.

People identifying as non-heterosexual should be considered normal, she said.

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No one ever has to come out as straight, the 21-year-old UF microbiology junior said.

The panel also discussed how individuals shouldnt feel pressured to come out.

Because of the lack of protection by federal laws, they risk being fired from work, among other repercussions.

Nate Quinn, 18, said his story of coming out happened three times: once as a lesbian, once as a trans man and once as pansexual.

The UF psychology freshman said listening to the panels stories allowed him to better understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ people of color.

Quinn said he was able to compare his own transition to Gaustrias story, although Gaustria lost her male privilege when she transitioned, while Quinn gained his.

When Quinn came out in his hometown of Sarasota, Florida, he said he didnt always feel safe. Revealing his true identity, he said, put him in danger. But being true to himself came first.

Always support people in your life when they come out, he said. No matter what it is. No matter what you understand or dont."
Alinda Saintval spends her weekends painting anything from Harry Potter to Bob Marley on canvas backpacks. Now shes turning her hobby into a business.

Im in my room the whole time, music blasting in my ears, and I just go for it, the 19-year-old UF zoology sophomore said.

Saintval said she first began painting backpacks as a way to express herself as an incoming freshman at UF. Last week, she launched a GoFundMe page to help pay for 50 canvas bags she ordered from a wholesale supplier in China in hopes of starting her own business.

Saintval, who has been painting with acrylic paint since 2014, said it takes her about five hours to complete a design. She uses acrylics and coats her work with a gloss to make it waterproof.

After she posted a picture of a bag that she designed on a Facebook group called Black Artists Connected, she received hundreds of requests for prices and information about the custom backpacks.

When I posted, I didnt expect it to blow up, she said. So when it did, it was overwhelming.

Saintval has sold 18 custom bags to people from across the country and in Canada. Customers have mailed their own canvas backpacks to her, which she paints and sends back.

She sells them for about $75, not including the price of the backpack.

This Fall, Saintval avoided scheduling class on Fridays, one of the two days each week that she dedicates time to painting backpacks. She receives orders and commissions through her Facebook and Instagram pages, @artstrokes_.

Samantha Leidig, one of Saintvals former teachers at Atlantic High School in Delray Beach, Florida, said she believes the skys the limit for Saintvals business and artwork.

Saintval recently helped Leidig illustrate a childrens book, which is still in the works.

Not only can she paint on backpacks, she can paint. Period, Leidig said. She is somebody to watch.

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Although many of her designs depict African-American women, Saintval said shes willing to paint anything customers request. In the past, she has painted items with themes like Bobs Burgers, Kanye West and Tupac Shakur.

As of press time, Saintvals GoFundMe page has raised $302 in donations in six days. Her goal is to reach $500. With the fundraiser, she wants to launch a backpack line called Duende.

Duende, a word used to describe inspiration and passion, is a way Saintval said she sees all of her art pieces, which include canvas paintings, mugs and hand-painted sneakers.

Saintval said although some people have doubted her ability to run a business, shes not going to let anything  or anyone  stop her.

I keep hearing that its going to fall through, and that keeps me going, she said. I plan to go as long as possible.
A Florida man demanded a local MetroPCS store fix his phone Monday  using a shotgun as a bargaining chip, Gainesville Police said.

At about 8:15 a.m. Monday, Wayne Mitchell Cannon, a 59-year-old resident of Bronson, Florida, approached the phone store at 3300 SW Archer Road, which was not open at the time, demanding someone repair his broken phone, according to a police report.

He was enraged, shouting at the stores assistant manager, who told him to wait until the business opened, according to the report.

Cannon then went back to his car, grabbed the shotgun and returned to the store, pointing the weapon at its glass front door, according to the report. When a customer standing a few feet away noticed him wielding the weapon, Cannon told him, You better move, they gonna fix my phone.

Cannon never fired.

GPD officers found him sitting in his car in the stores parking lot. Inside, they found the shotgun was empty, but a loaded revolver sat in the passenger seat, according to the report.

Cannon told police he was taking medication for anger management and that he just wanted MetroPCS to fix his phone. According to the report, while Cannon sat in a police car, he threatened the officers.

When I get out, Im going to kill every one of you, he said.

Police arrested Cannon on charges of aggravated assault and carrying a concealed firearm without a license. Authorities took him to the Alachua County Jail where he remains, as of press time, in lieu of a $200,000 bond.

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Past a table of candles, about 200 attendees gathered Tuesday evening in preparation for a day of fasting and atonement.

In observance of the Jewish high holiday of Yom Kippur, they nearly filled the Lubavitch-Chabad Jewish Student and Community Center to pray and speak about the importance of renewing their faith.

From sunset Tuesday to sunset Wednesday, they and other observers of the holiday will abstain from food, drink and other luxuries.

For Rabbi Berl Goldman, the fasting is both happy and solemn, serving as a way to become as spiritually close to God as one can get by praying and confessing sins from the past year.

Its an opportune time for blessings and forgiveness, he said. We encourage everyone to take this time to pray for themselves, their family and the whole world.

About 30 minutes into the prayer service, a tray of candles melted and caught the flowers above it on fire.

But even the fire couldnt deter the observers. Within a few minutes  once the fire was put out  the crowd came back, and the prayers continued.

Today, until sunset, the center will host five distinct prayer services exclusive to the holiday. The themes of the prayers will include forgiveness, atonement and oneness with God, Goldman said.

Today, to celebrate the end of the fast, the center will host a dinner featuring the blowing of a shofar, an instrument made from a hollowed-out rams horn that produces a low, buzzing noise.

Sitting in the back of the room, 20-year-old Matthew Zagoory said he hasnt participated in Yom Kippur in 10 years. After working at a Hebrew camp this summer, the Santa Fe College history sophomore said he felt the need to reconnect with the religion he was raised with.

To him, the holiday is about more than feeling closer to God. Its also about asking others for forgiveness, which he said was the hardest part  apart from going hungry.

Things will never be the way that they were before, he said. But its important to show face and say what you did and hope they accept the apology.

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Before Tuesdays gathering, the members of the congregation held a candlelit vigil to pray for those killed in Haiti and the Bahamas by Hurricane Matthew, which left a death toll of about 1,700, according to Reuters.

As about 20 candles burned, Goldman said this years observance comes at a challenging time for the world.

We have uncertainty around the world. We have terrorism and other dangers, so everyone is always concerned, he said. So Yom Kippur is a good time for blessings and forgiveness.
It was the summer after my freshman year of college. I was 19 years old and staying with my parents for a couple of months before the new Fall semester rolled around. After a couple of weeks of putzing around the house, I started to receive subtle signals from my dad. He would come home from a long day of work and say something like,

You need to get a job.

OK, so maybe the signals werent that subtle. I cant blame him for wanting me to start pulling my weight around the house. I spent every day for almost a month smoking weed and making elaborate sandwiches from the contents of the family refrigerator.

I was out to dinner one Friday night with my parents at a fancy Italian restaurant called Espositos. My dad was a friend of the head chef and manager of the place, Tony. Tony approached the table and sat down next to me in the booth; his bulging tattooed arm swung onto the seatback next to me. He smiled and spoke in a thick Italian accent. His breath smelled like cigarettes.

So youre ready to work, yes?

I was confused when Tony produced a white button-down shirt and a black apron.

Go into the kitchen and get started. We are very busy.

I learned that my dad had applied for me. I could hardly finish my Caesar salad before the news was dropped on me that I was going to be busing tables at Espositos for the rest of the summer.

Busing tables at Espositos meant always looking busy. If I wasnt in constant motion, Tony, or any of the people on the wait staff, would reprimand me. So I paced around the dining room with my hands folded neatly behind my back. If I saw an empty plate, or any plate that wasnt being touched, I interrupted whatever conversation was going on between the patrons to ask, rather sheepishly, if they were still working on it. A lot of people didnt hear me, or they pretended not to hear me.

When patrons left, I had to clear the dirty table in a state of frenzy. This meant stacking plates and cups into unstable formations and speed-walking through the tight spaces between tables to the dish pit. This area had no air conditioning and was steamy with the aroma of hot garbage. I would plop these heaping piles of ceramic into the sink, where a defeated Haitian dishwasher would curse at me in Creole.

If I dared to take my time while cleaning or took a break from my duties, one of the many tense employees would come berate me. You see, a restaurant is a machine. Working there, you must become a cog, always moving to keep the place running smoothly. I recall one night on the job when I spilled a full glass of red wine onto a table I was trying to squeeze by. In my haste, I knocked the wine over with my hip, spattering it onto an older womans white blouse. She and her date got their dinner for free, and I didnt get paid that night.

On another shift, I was asked to box up a slice of pizza for an elderly gentleman. He handed me the plate, and I rushed back into the kitchen with it, only to knock into a waiter hastily running into the dining room. The slice of pizza tumbled off the plate and onto the dirty kitchen floor, cheese-side down. I quickly picked it up, boxed it and handed it to the man without a second thought.

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Jeremy Haas is a UF English junior. His column appears on Wednesdays.
Four ape-like creatures sat at the base of a tree in their rainforest habitat. They ate bananas, scratched their hindquarters, picked bugs out of one anothers hair and worried very little about the pressures of survival. Life was simple.

But one day while they were foraging, looking for something small to snack on, they noticed a bright light emanating from the edge of the forest. Curiosity ablaze, they cautiously approached the border where the open frontier met the woods. The creatures looked at each other hesitantly. Afraid of the illuminated unknown, the four retreated back into the woods. However, one creature, whom we will call Walt, walked back into the woods with his head turned over his shoulder, unable to shake the thought that there was a world beyond the forest.

Walt carried this tension with him for no more than five seconds, and he let it all out in one swift outburst. He turned around, ran toward the border and burst through the clearing like a cannonball. Farther and farther Walt ran into the illuminated unknown, alone, unafraid and hungry for knowledge.

Walt was fearless, Walt was bold and Walt had spirit to boldly go where no ape had gone before. Walt, if you havent figured it out, dear reader, is named after Walt Whitman, an American frontiersman and poet who famously wrote Pioneers! O Pioneers! Whitman captured the true spirit of an American classic  you know, the one that doesnt back down from challenges, seeks to understand mysteries and builds bridges instead of walls.

For many of us growing up, that spirit was embodied by cowboys and gold rushers who headed over to the Wild West of California. Some feel the pioneers who bravely traversed the frontier to get to Oregon represented this ideal best. Personally, California always meant vegan kale burgers, and we could never make it to Oregon because we always died of dysentery on the trail. So, for the rest of us, space is that Final Frontier.

President Barack Obama published an article on CNNs website Tuesday explaining some extraterrestrial discoveries weve made since hes taken office. The list is impressive and includes the discoveries of flowing water on Mars and ice on one of Jupiters moons. Both are massive steps forward in our understanding of life here and the fantastical possibility of life elsewhere.

He also announced that in the very near future, NASA will be cooperating with private companies to build new habitats that can sustain and transport astronauts on long-duration missions in deep space. Moreover, he expressed the possibility of placing one of these habitats on Mars, effectively colonizing it.

Flashback to the moon landing: This was perhaps one of the most unifying endeavors ever undertaken by man. Every American, regardless of background, thought it was nothing short of miraculous when we first set foot on the glowing ball of cheese. Politicians on both sides of the aisle reached over and expressed their amazement and pride that, together, American innovation, American spirit and American drive fueled one of the greatest scientific projects in the history of our species. It is, in fact, marvelous, and it ought to be recognized as such.

Years ago, we rallied around the flag on the moon. Now, its time for us to rally around the flag we want to put on Mars. In times when science, technology, engineering and mathematics academia has become almost fetishized, and in times when our education system as a whole has come to a slow march, a Space Race of our own generation could be the spark that ignites our nations fading spirit.

As Americans, it is not only our ability, but also our duty to explore the unknown. Its as much a part of us as eating apple pie on the trail while reading frontier poetry was. Like Walt, we move forward, never backward, from the comfortable shade of our forest into the glowing pastures of truth.

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English News Chinese President Xi Jinpings Asian visits to bolster Belt and Road construction and BRICS cooperation: Peoples Daily

Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 12 Octobre 2016



After 10 years of rapid development, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has formed a comprehensive, wide-ranging and multi-layered framework, setting an example for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries.

By Peoples Daily



Chinese President Xi Jinpings forthcoming state visits to Cambodia and Bangladesh, and attendance at the 8th BRICS Summit in Goa, India from October 13 to 17 will promote neighborhood friendships, facilitate Belt and Road construction and promote BRICS cooperation, the Peoples Daily wrote in an article published on Tuesday.



The editorial - under the byline of Zhong Sheng, a pseudonym often used for editorials that interpret Chinas policies  praised the friendship between China and Cambodia, saying that the two countries are good neighbors with sincere and brotherly relations.



Cambodia has always upheld justice and rendered valuable support to China on issues concerning the latters core interests, the article added.



Xis visit to Cambodia, the first by a major Chinese leader since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, will significantly consolidate the traditional friendship between the two and deepen bilateral strategic cooperation, it said.



Speaking of Xis visit to Bangladesh, the first one paid by a Chinese president in 30 years, the Peoples Daily defined it as a milestone.



Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 41 years ago, both countries, as good neighbors, friends and partners, have yielded constant progress in bilateral relations through continued mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutual support, said the commentary.



During his visits, Xi will bring forth new visions for cooperation and exchange views with Cambodian and Bangladeshi leaders on advancing the Belt and Road initiative, opening a new chapter on Belt and Road construction.

The Belt and Road initiative originated in Asia, depends on Asia and will benefit Asia, the paper said, pointing out that the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, part of the Belt and Road initiative, was first proposed by President Xi during his Southeast Asian tour three years ago.



As important regional countries and Chinas friendly neighbors, Cambodia and Bangladesh have shown an active willingness to participate in the Belt and Road initiative, the article pointed out.



After 10 years of rapid development, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has formed a comprehensive, wide-ranging and multi-layered framework, setting an example for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries, the article said, commenting on the five-nation bloc.

Despite occasional doubts over the fading effectiveness of BRICS, the series of measures that have been taken to revive the economy has led to the world looking at BRICS countries in a different light, it said.



The article also pointed out that IMF Director Christine Lagarde recently voiced her confidence in the development of BRICS members against the background of the current fragile and unbalanced world economic recovery.



The article ended by stating that it is expected that a new consensus and new outcomes regarding the Belt and Road construction will be brought about by Xis visits. It also called on BRICS countries to work together for a brighter future.



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SAFCEC and the Government of South Africa announced today that seven listed construction companies reached agreement with Government on a program of initiatives that will accelerate transformation in the industry. A seventh company will advise shortly whether it will join the agreement. The agreement was reached with companies with a combined annual construction revenue of []http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Appa-sourceTheAfric...
WASHINGTON  Be careful what you wish for.

That's the lesson for banks and other financial institutions that have long sought to win a check against the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's power after the U.S. Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday that its structure is unconstitutional.

Far from a victory for the industry, the court's solution  allowing the president to dismiss a CFPB director for any reason  arguably makes the situation worse by putting the CFPB directly under the control of the White House. As a result, the CFPB is effectively no longer an independent agency.

"That's the worst thing that can happen to the banking industry and consumers," said Richard Hunt, president of the Consumer Bankers Association, which has lobbied for changes to the agency's structure. "It leads to a whipsaw effect every four years. We need certainty and stability."

But the ramifications for the decision go far beyond just the CFPB's independence, and may have consequences for other federal agencies with a similar structure. It may also hamper the CFPB's ability to pursue certain cases and retroactively apply new rules.

Following are four takeaways from the ruling.

The court's decision regarding Respa may be an even bigger deal

Most of the reaction to Tuesday's ruling has focused on court's ruling to strike language from the Dodd-Frank Act that only allowed the CFPB director to be removed "for cause."

But the decision also invalidated the CFPB's $109 million fine levied against the nonbank mortgage lender PHH Mortgage due to alleged violations of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act.

In pursuing the New Jersey-based PHH, the CFPB provided a novel interpretation of Section 8 of that law, effectively outlawing the practice of steering customers to preferred mortgage insurance providers in exchange for having those providers purchase reinsurance from captive firms of the mortgage originator.

CFPB determined that its interpretation applied retroactively against PHH and further said that its administrative actions were not subject to the usual three-year statute of limitations governing judicial actions. The court disagreed with the CFPB, saying that it would only be a violation of Respa if the mortgage insurance offered by the preferred clients was more expensive than what borrowers might find elsewhere.

"This court has just said to the CFPB that they are concerned about the way they make decisions, that they're not a multimember agency, and that they badly misinterpreted the statute, and applied the decision retroactively," said Jon Eisenberg, partner with K&L Gates. "All of that is of far more practical significance than whether Cordray is removed for cause."

Jaret Seiberg, managing director of Cowen Group, said the court's decision limits PHH's exposure substantially, and sets some meaningful restrictions on how Respa will be applied.

"If the market value was unreasonable, then there could still be a Respa violation," Sieberg said in a note to clients. "To us, this sharply limits PHH's legal risk in the case, even if the agency concludes it underpaid for the reinsurance."

The ruling calls into question the constitutionality of the OCC and FHFA

In the court's ruling, Judge Brett Kavanaugh argued that the CFPB has a unique setup unlike that of any other federal agency. He concluded that an agency could be independent of the administration only if it had a commission structure or some other limitations on its power, arguing that the CFPB director was more powerful than any other government official absent the president.

Yet the CFPB shares a similar structure with two other federal regulators: the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency and the Federal Housing Finance Agency.

The OCC is run by a single director that can be dismissed by the president upon notification of the Senate while the FHFA director, like the CFPB's, can only be dismissed for cause.

In his ruling, Kavanaugh acknowledged that the FHFA faced similar issues, though the order does not directly affect the agency. "That agency is a contemporary of the CFPB and merely raises the same question we confront here," he wrote.

Kavanaugh dismissed comparisons to the OCC, however, insisting that notification of the Senate was not a big hurdle for the president.

"The comptroller is removable at will by the president," he wrote.

Still, that's not necessarily clear  and could become a point of contention for others seeking legal action against the OCC or the FHFA.

"This ruling lacks judicial precedent and it feels like a case of judicial activism on the right," said Aaron Klein, an economist with the Brookings Institution. "The ruling, if applied, opens up a can of worms on other, well-established regulatory structures like the OCC, the FHFA, and the Federal Reserve regional banks."

The outcome of a likely appeal is unclear

The CFPB has not said whether it intends to appeal the D.C. Circuit's ruling, but observers said there is little doubt that it will.

The first option would be to ask for a broader review by other judges of the entire D.C. Circuit  known as and en banc review  to revisit the ruling. If that appeal is rejected, or if it is granted but the ruling is upheld, the CFPB can then ask the Supreme Court to review the case.

Whether it will receive en banc review is uncertain, though there are signs that it might. Judge Karen Henderson dissented from the majority in the three-member panel ruling, arguing that the court erred in making a judgment on the CFPB's constitutionality when it could have dispensed with the case by simply vacating the CFPB's $109 million fine and striking down its interpretation of Respa. Dissents on rulings tend to increase chances for en banc review.

Alan Kaplinsky, head of the consumer protection group at Ballard Spahr, said very few en banc petitions are ever granted. The fact that this is a high-profile case raises those odds, but since the judges issued a relatively narrow ruling relative to the relief that was sought might make other judges on the court less willing to take it up.

The court "applied a very narrow remedy," Kaplinsky saud. "It just excised from the statute a couple of words. So it may be that the other judges on the court look at this opinion, and say, 'We don't see anything wrong with this opinion.'"

Andrew L. Sandler, the chairman and executive partner at BuckleySandler, said that the CFPB has to appeal the case because the decision creates an opening for other attorneys to pursue the agency in court. Though the Court of Appeals did not strike down the entire CFPB, plaintiffs might attempt to win a similar case in another jurisdiction that would be more amenable to taking such an action.

"The court sought to apply an elegant solution to create stability," Sandler said. "However, lawyers will be looking for ways to argue that prior acts of the bureau should be deemed invalid because the bureau was operating on an unconstitutional basis."

Seiberg said the probability of the case going before the Supreme Court depends almost entirely on whether Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump wins the White House, given that the victor of the presidential election will pick a potentially pivotal vote on the high court.

"Whether the justices take the case, in our view, will depend upon who fills the seat vacated by the death of Justice [Antonin] Scalia," Seiberg said. "If Democrats control that nomination, the odds favor the court taking the case while a Republican nominee could tilt the justices against accepting the appeal."

The ruling will strengthen calls for a bipartisan commission

The ruling may accelerate calls to turn the CFPB into a five-member commission, a move that would satisfy the court's definition of an independent agency.

Industry representatives have long sought such a change, noting that the five-member structure was originally suggested by the CFPB's founder, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., and the Obama administration. (Both the administration and Warren now oppose a commission structure.)

"Because the court proposed a fix allows the bureau to continue operating, but that doesn't mean the original idea  floated by Sen. Warren, by the administration and the original House bill  is a bad one," said Jason Oxman, the head of the Electronic Transactions Association. "A five-member commission results in more reasoned and balanced decision-making. "

The CBA's Hunt agreed. "I don't know why the Democrats are so stubborn not to create a commission," he said. "That doesn't mean the banks are going to win. We are going to lose 3-2 most of the time. ... If you are a Democrat or Republican, you should want stability."

Rep. Randy Neugebauer, R-Tex., argued Tuesday that the ruling proved the need for a bill he authored that would turn the CFPB into a five-member commission.

"I am concerned that the court's remedy was to further politicize the CFPB by making it an executive branch agency with Director [Richard] Cordray answering to the president," he said in a statement. "We have seen with other federal agencies that a five-person bipartisan commission works to de-politicize the regulatory process. The court agreed there is too much power invested in an unaccountable, single director. Now we need to change the CFPB structure to benefit American consumers."

Joseph Rodriguez, partner with David Wright Tremaine, said Democrats might now be more willing to consider a structural change as part of a deal.

"Unless the election swings heavily toward a [Republican] Congress, it'll probably be tough sledding for such a standalone bill, but as part of a larger compromise on other issues I could really see the commission getting legs," Rodriguez said. "Especially when you consider that since now the Director can be removed at will, it introduces the prospect of extreme volatility in consumer finance regulation, and a commission could be viewed as necessary to prevent that."

Tim Jenkins, a partner at Nossaman, said that the ruling "improves the chances of that option being considered by the next Congress.

"There are lots of Democrats who would say privately right now that they are open to discussions, particularly around the composition" of the CFPB, Jenkins said. "There are Democrats currently in Congress who believe a panel is a better approach than a single commissioner."

But in a statement issued Tuesday, Warren blasted the ruling, and reiterated her opposition to structural changes.

"The CFPB has been, and will remain, highly accountable to both Congress and the president, and continued Republican efforts to transform the agency's structure or funding should be seen for what they are: attempts fostered by big banks to cripple an agency that has already forced them to return over $11 billion to customers who have been cheated," she said.
The air cargo markets deceleration this year had a greater impact on third-quarter cargo revenues at American Airlines than its primary rivals, Delta and United Airlines. But the best revenue quarter in company history and a $483 million profit painted a positive financial picture that could be replicated in the final quarter thanks to resilient []
Imagine its winter, the skies cloud over, and a few snowflakes begin falling. The schools immediately close and send students home. Businesses shut down for the day dismissing all employees. The local airport cancels all flights in and out. Just for some snow flurries. Will the clouds pass and the sun emerge an hour later or will the snow intensify into a blizzard? Not knowing, why would everyone run for cover as if the end times were approaching?

Instead its another Donald Trump storm. He said something outrageous, crass, and totally unacceptable for a potential President of the United States. Only this time he said it 11 years ago, as a private citizen, not as a candidate for anything other than the next hotel owner or reality television show host. Snow flurries or a blizzard?

Last weekend the political weather forecasters predicted a blizzard. The smart set hosting the weekend cable show, along with their brilliant guests, were predicting Trumps Waterloo. The same clairvoyants who predicted that Trump would never win the nomination.

Republican establishment pundits and elected officials hopped on the blizzard bandwagon. Denunciations and walked back endorsements. This was the excuse they were praying for, a chance to get out of school because of the prediction of snow. A chance to dump Donald Trump, their partys nominee, a candidate they are embarrassed over and despise. The same candidate chosen overwhelmingly by the voters.

Start with Private Ryan, also known as Speaker Ryan. He disinvited Donald Trump from a scheduled Wisconsin campaign event. Good move for Ryan as a card carrying member of the GOP establishment, but perhaps not so good as a Wisconsin representative. At Ryans event, constituents werent pleased and shouted, We want Trump! We want Trump!

Following Trumps solid debate performance, the weather forecast improved, calling for light snow rather than a big dump, Ryan still wanted school cancelled. Dashing any remaining semblance of party unity and inviting fierce backlash from his own caucus by announcing that he would no longer defend Mr. Trumps candidacy, he announced the day after the debate.

Not only national politicians but local ones as well. In my state of Colorado, Congressman Mike Coffman is another Republican #NeverTrump. In a summer campaign ad when asked about Trump he replied, Honestly, I dont care for him much. He also promised, If Donald Trump is the president, Ill stand up to him. Strong words. I dont recall any of his previous campaign ads promising to stand up to Barack Obama. Now Representative Coffman found his golden ticket to really pile on Trump, calling for him to step aside after Trumps hot mike story broke.

Another local candidate, Republican Darryl Glenn, seeking to unseat incumbent Colorado Democrat Senator Michael Bennet, called for Donald Trump to step down after the Trump trash talk became public. The other Colorado Senator, Republican Cory Gardner, also called for Donald Trump to step aside. Go north a few states to Idaho and hear yet another Republican Senator Mike Crapo, calling on Trump to step down. Senator Crapo finds Trumps words disqualifying, but he himself felt no compunction to step down from the Senate after his DUI conviction in 2013.

Plenty of other #NeverTrumps now finally have what they consider a good excuse to run away from their partys nominee. John McCain. Condoleezza Rice. Mitt Romney. So where will they go? Who will they support? And what will it get them in return?

Good question for the oracle of the Republican establishment, the National Review Editors. They understand the calls for Trump to step aside and recommend, Congressional Republicans should try to separate themselves from Trump. Instead, The party should make saving its congressional wing  an indispensable check on a potential Hillary Clinton presidency, and a Trump presidency as well, should it somehow come to pass  its highest priority.

They all seem to forget that their chosen candidates were beaten solidly in the primaries. If any of the others had won the nomination they would now be getting trashed by the Clinton campaign and their media operatives just as Trump is. The natural born citizen issue, never worthy of discussion during the Obama era, would be dominating the news as would a plethora of lawsuits challenging Cruz or Rubios right to even be on the ballot. Heidi Cruzs ties to Goldman Sachs would be of immense interest to the media, unlike Mrs. Clintons 20-minute speeches to Goldman Sachs, each earning more than a US Senators yearly salary. Bush and Kasich would have had their tax returns leaked to the NY Times just as Trump and Romneys tax returns were leaked. Illegally I might add, but that doesnt seem to be of any concern on either side of the aisle.

Aside from the fact that a Clinton presidency would turn the electoral map a permanent shade of blue after legalizing and giving voting rights to 20 to 30 million illegal immigrants, the #NeverTrumps risk their own political futures. What happens if the GOP establishment turns off all financial support of the Trump campaign and goes further by actively campaigning against him? Not difficult to predict.

Donald Trump is the choice of the voters. Of We the People. Not We the elites. Trump is the inevitable result of a feckless and incompetent Republican opposition to the Democrat agenda. His supporters dont want business as usual, they want change. If Congressional Republicans get in the way as they are doing now, the solution is to simply vote at the top of the ballot and stop. Forget the Senate and House races. In Colorado, why vote for Darryl Glenn or Mike Coffman who both oppose the will of the Trump voters who gave him his presidential nomination.

Many Trump voters have not voted in years. It would be quite easy for them to tick the box next to Trump, turn the ballot in, and walk away from the political process for another few decades. Tens of millions of Trump supporters who will never lift a finger, write a check, or cast a vote for the Republican Party again. But the GOP elites dont care, as long as their open borders globalist paymasters remain happy.

Paul Ryan and his quislings are playing a dangerous game by siding with the ruling class rather than their constituents. Great strategy #NeverTrumps. Donalds crass comment is your golden ticket of relevancy. Ride with it on your moral high horse into the sunset of the Republican Party. But as long as you have your seat at the trough of government largess, what difference does it make if a Democrat occupies the White House?

Brian C Joondeph, MD, MPS, a Denver based physician and writer. Follow him on Facebook and Twitter.
Its important to remember that a lot of Donald Trumps supporters are so stubbornly loyal to him because he has the right enemies.

How, some wonder, can decent people, including Evangelical Christians, continue to support Donald Trump after (for example) the tape of him bragging about his sexual aggression and attempted adultery has come to light? The answer isnt that they arent offended; its that its hard to get on board with a cultural consensus that doesnt consider supporting partial birth abortion or blasphemy to be offensive, but gets righteously indignant over some coarse remarks from a candidate they dont like. When vapid, overpaid Hollywood stars condemn Trump for being obscene and immoral -- well, lets just say that Trump may be a wolf in sheeps clothing, but we surely wont be persuaded by that by a chorus of boys who are always crying wolf.

But should conservatives continue to support Trump? Ive written before about how Trump seems to have basically conservative intuitions, and made the case that, based on his record, we can expect that he will appoint and listen to people more competent than himself if ever he became POTUS. But there is another angle we have to consider: Does there come a point where a candidate who may be on the right side of a lot of issues -- maybe even the most important issues -- is too morally compromised to prudently support?

Take Senator Joseph McCarthy. Today, he is only remembered as a villain, a paranoiac whose Inquisitions brought shame on the nation, a lunatic who wasted time persecuting poor, innocent individuals based on an imagined threat. The truth, of course, is that the Soviet Union, despite what the intellectuals were claiming, was a horrific nightmare empire that did have spies in the United States (as was proven by the Venona Project), and, in point of fact, McCarthy correctly identified a few of them. He was, in other words, broadly right, and his instincts were far more correct than the dangerous Useful Idiots who defended the Communist regime. The very fact that those sorts of people were so opposed to McCarthy was precisely what made him so appealing to some; it is not unimportant that William F. Buckley Jr. and his brother-in-law titled their book defending his crusade McCarthy and His Enemies.

But, for all that, McCarthy did go too far; he did penalize and persecute innocent people. Many, including Buckley himself, would later say that the worst injury McCarthy dealt to America was the fact that his excesses had discredited the legitimate and necessary work of anti-Communism and of routing out Soviet spies.

This is the important question conservatives deliberating about whether to support Trump need to take into account. The issue is not necessarily whether Trump himself is personally immoral. Part of the reason why so many governors in the early Church put off baptism until the end of their lives (such as the great Emperor Constantine himself, venerated as a saint in the East) was because of the idea that being a ruler and being holy were almost mutually exclusive. (There are, of course, politicians who managed to be saints, such as Thomas Beckett, Thomas More, and Gabriel Garcia Moreno; but remember that all of them ended up being killed in office as a result.) And history seems to bear witness that someone can be a personal moral disaster and still be a competent national leader.

But it is legitimate to ask whether a leaders moral flaws are such that they do impede his ability to govern effectively. One thinks of a scene in Macbeth: Macduff has come to Malcolm, the legitimate heir to the throne, seeking to install him out a burning desire for revenge (Macbeth having had Macduffs family killed by this point). Malcolm decides to test Macduff first: He claims to be a moral wreck himself, ridden by avarice, intemperance, and lust; he claims to be a greedy sexual predator, in other words. If Macduff were driven merely by vengeance rather than a desire for justice for Scotland, this probably would not deter him; he would have supported Macduff anyways (an anybody but Macbeth! policy, if you will). Instead, this news devastates him, because it means that the only alternative to Macbeth is not fit to govern. Macduff passes the test; he values the welfare of his motherland over his hatred for the tyranny of Macbeth, and only now does Malcolm reveal that he is, in fact, a holy and virtuous man, eminently suited to regain the throne. The implication is clear: even if Malcolm were the rightful heir, his claim would not be worth defending if he were not morally worthy of it. Perhaps this same rationale is why Blessed Pope Innocent IX seems to have quietly supported the Protestant William of Orange over against the Catholic King James and his dynasty; the Jacobites may have defended the right civilization, but their monarch wasnt the right man for the job.

Conservatives are the sort of people who should be especially shrewd about this sort of thing; they should be uniquely skeptical of those who seek to obtain power, especially veteran salespeople. The Southern Agrarians were writers who defended the conservative, aristocratic civilization of the Old South against the liberalizing ravages of Northern capitalism (Southern authors like Flannery OConnor and Walker Percy have always been among the most insightful about the countrys spiritual condition), yet it was one of those very Agrarians, Robert Penn Warren, who recognized that a candidate like Huey Long -- who, like them, and like Trump, was standing athwart globalizing influences and the tyranny of crony capitalism -- was really undone by his own personal ambitiousness and moral blind spots, famously depicted in his novel All the Kings Men.

Interestingly, both McCarthy and Longs primary supporters and advisers were priests: McCarthy was inspired by Father Edmund Walsh of Georgetown, while Long was empowered by radio host Father Charles Coughlin, whose quasi-fascist views were aired in his magazine Social Justice (we should never forget that one of the first movements to describe itself as driven by social justice was anti-Semitic and fascistic). Both were intelligent men who valued Christian virtue, but perhaps made the decision that these politicians charisma and drive on behalf of a good cause would outweigh their personal moral shortcomings. Both priests made a wrong calculation.

The philosophical tradition of justice always recognized that passion needs to be controlled by reason, both in an individual and in the state; unchecked sexual desire or covetousness for money, power, or even simple attention impair reasons ability to function properly. Certainly, as conservative as Trumps general intuitions may be, he often seems a bit fuzzy and inconsistent on how to implement those instincts consistently (as opposed to candidates like Average Joe Schriner or the American Solidarity Party, which strive to be rigorously consistent with the traditions of political virtue), and this may be because he has not subjugated his passions. If his civilizational reforms are as important as his supporters think they are, they have to be extremely honest with themselves about his personal ability to deliver on them.

This long view is the beginning of political wisdom.
Trumps a goner, said friends of mine in Washington DC, in the aftermath of the surfacing of the old tape of him talking salty like a sailor, and before Sunday nights debate. Friends who are pretty good at politics and whove generally been fair in their estimations of Trump. But, hey, even these folk breathe the air Inside-the-Beltway, so theyre susceptible to the oppressive groupthink and industry town-driven agendas that are DC.

Outside the Beltway is another matter. The old Trump tape is off-putting, but it making Trump a goner isnt whats on peoples minds. Yeah, this is anecdotal. The polling has yet to capture public sentiment adequately. But the betting is Trumps potty mouth moment strikes him only temporarily. More tapes surfacing? You get shock value once -- unless what the anti-Trump cadre offers next can top the first significantly. Doubtful. But they can always lie (more on that anon).

Voters are given short shrift. To many DC pros, theyre statistics and focus groups, but not real people with real lives weighing real candidates and real situations considering how elections impact their lives and families.

Here I speak of undecided voters -- independents who are watching and weighing Trump and Hillary. In context, and with perspective, what did Trump say in that tape that undecided voters would believe is outside Trumps character? Hmm? A celebrity since the 80s, a reality TV star, a man with a taste for the flamboyant, a guy whos mutli-married and made the gossip columns about whos on his arm at this or that event.

If Mike Pence had let fly the locker-room language about a woman, then the Trump ticket would have a big problem. Pence, an evangelical Christian, who walks the straight and narrow and professes his faith. Thats not who Trump is; thats not the public perception of Trump. The Trump tape is a scandal without legs, much to the dismay of scheming DC Republicans and perpetually power-lusting Democrats.

God acts in mysterious ways, goes the saying. Trumps enemies surfaced a tape for two key reasons. First, to distract from the WikiLeaks dump that outed Hillary as a Wall Street ally, a cynic and phony on her public bashing of New Yorks rich and powerful moneychangers. Second, to level the playing field. Trumps enemies see the internal numbers: Hillary and Bill are moral and legal disasters. Undecideds know it, are troubled by it, and are reluctant to screen-touch for Hillary.

What the Trump tape provides is an unexpectedly useful contrast for voters sitting on the fence. Wonder they: Whose offenses are greater, Trumps mouth about women or Hillarys and Bills decades-long actions concerning women? With about four weeks of election campaigning remaining, the sink-in will not flatter or favor Hillary, who is chronically distrusted, even among rank and file Democrats.

With Bill, theres a credible allegation of rape (Juanita Broaddrick), sexual assault (Kathleen Willey), sexual exploits with a White House employee (Monica Lewinsky), and the presidents ensuing perjury about said affair and impeachment. Then theres decades of affairs by Bubba.

The piece de resistance is the long-surfaced role Hillary played managing the stifling of these bimbo eruptions. Hillary, the champion of women and girls everywhere, touting the compassion and justice of The Village. Imagine that, bimbo eruption manager Hillary regarding rape and sexual assault no differently (though with more urgency and applied pressure) than Bills too numerous to detail trailer park hookups.

The choice for voters is stark. The sink-in has already begun. Hillary is on the wrong side of the equation. But cautions in order. If the old Trump tape (and any others) fail to waylay him, expect a desperate Hillary and equally desperate Democrats to outright lie about Trumps dealings with women.

From the launch of Trumps presidential bid, the conventional wisdom had Trump marked as a sideshow attraction -- a little color and flare among the typically button-downed lineup of GOP presidential wannabes. Good for a few chuckles, that Trump, but lets get serious.

How wrong the experts have been about Trump, whose issues resonated powerfully, whose blunt messaging was like fresh air, and whose bare-knuckled fighting cleared a crowded GOP field. Trump made the GOPs practiced pols and high-priced experts look bad -- very bad -- and that doesnt sit well with men and women whove staked their existences on being right about politics. Careers, power, and paychecks are on the line, and those folk want no disruptions, no threats to their ways of life.

The Democrats want to retain the White House so badly theyve willingly invested in two old, wheezing warhorses -- Bill and Hill -- whove alternately been advantages and deadweight to the Democrats. On average, though, Democrats see the Clintons as pluses. Hubris is at work among the Democrats this time.

Think Democrats: Slick Willy and Hillary have slipped out of so many legal and ethical controversies that -- forget Teflon coating -- theyre titanium-plated, nearly impervious to consequences for their unending moral lapses and criminality. The MSM has them covered, anyway. Were sharp operators, too. Were riding them one more go, because we cant afford to have Obamas advances lost. Were just inches away from taking the courts and controlling the nation for a generation or more.

Trump is no accident, as establishment Republicans hope. He didnt make the movement thats roiling the GOP and sending shockwaves through the nations establishments now; he gave it a face and a voice. Hes a great disrupter at a time when the nations conventional politics are collapsing. Say voters, lopsidedly: the nation is on the wrong track. Politicians and Washington government cant be trusted. The future looks darker for us, our kids, and grandkids.

Shortly after the old tape emerged, Trump manned up, apologizing. Note the contrast with Bill Clinton, who made his apology about lying about the Monica Lewinsky affair. Hillary has never apologized for her role in strong-arming or trashing many, many of Bills women who were potential liabilities.

Trump got off the canvass after the first debate and tape release to smartly best Hillary in Sunday nights debate. The prediction here is that debate will not only stop any bleeding that Trump had from the tape, but as undecided voters reflect in the coming days, convict Hillary with a powerful clarity in their minds. That will take time to reflect in the polling.

Expect the next four weeks of this most historical presidential contest to be hell on earth, politically. Is Trump elected president on the first Tuesday in November? Ill venture, Yes, though expect it to be a close-run affair. Critical turns in history often hinge on a series of factors that only matter when taken in sum later.

But Donald Trump continues to upset the conventional wisdom. Hes far outperformed the establishments cliched expectations. He may well do that again on November 8.
The Department of Justice is taking Sheriff Joe Arpaio to court. He will be asked to provide computers and hard drives. He will be accused of breaking the law for attempting to enforce a law, a federal law.

He is going to court because he was instructed by authorities to not enforce or attempt to enforce federal law. From azcentral.com:

Federal prosecutors said Tuesday they will pursue a criminal-contempt charge against Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio for defying orders to halt the immigration-enforcement operations . Arpaios charge stems from a December 2011 federal-court order that barred his agency from enforcing federal immigration law.

Protestors of Arpaio became elated when the decision was announced. They chanted slogans in a foreign language to display their joy. The irony is thick.

It is noted that this move is lacking precedent and is out of the ordinary.

As rare as it is to have a federal judge refer the head of a law-enforcement agency for prosecution, it is even rarer that the Department of Justice would pick up that gauntlet and move forward with the charge, said Paul Charlton, a former U.S. attorney for the District of Arizona. Its unheard of.

Sheriff Joe is up for reelection in November.

Compare and contrast.

Isnt this why Hillary wasnt taken to court, because to do so would have been to pursue without precedent and would be to proceed in a fashion unheard of? To proceed would have been to politically interfere with an election?

Hillary Clinton was not taken to court. She broke, did not attempt to enforce but broke federal law. She destroyed official documents. She had been ordered to preserve and present those documents, computers and hard drives. She did not.

In fact, the Department of Justice, according to reports, held her hand, tipped her off, dished out immunities and destroyed computers and hard drives. The head of the DOJ met in private with her spouse who was that persons former boss.

Sheriff Joes wife wont be meeting with Loretta Lynch. There will be no communication secretly held between the DOJ and the Sheriff. The DOJ wont be giving out immunities or smashing Joes computers. Apparently under this bifurcated justice system some win, some lose. The patriot stands where?
Now that Hillary Clinton needs to keep the media focus on naughty words of a decade ago, and away from the women her husband sexually assaulted, rape victims have lost their protected status. It's good-bye to "right to be believed" and hello again to sut-shaming.

Down the Memory Hole hoes Hillarys former claim that rape victims have a right to be believed. Chuck Ross of the Daily Caller:

Hillary Clintons campaign website was edited in recent months to remove a statement supporting rape victims right to be believed after an Arkansas woman resurfaced earlier this year to accuse Bill Clinton of raping her in 1978. I want to send a message to every survivor of sexual assault: Dont let anyone silence your voice. You have the right to be heard. You have the right to be believed, and were with you, Clintons website once read, according to the website Buzzfeed in a profile of Bill Clintons rape accuser, Juanita Broaddrick. Clinton made the supportive statement in a video that her campaign posted online in September.

The compliant leftists masquerading as feminists are recapitulating their disgrace of the impeachment era, and giving Hillary and her brutish husband a pass, all in the name of late term abortion. And the media branch of the Democratic Party has gotten the message. Its the return of slut-shaming for Clinton accusers, courtesy of the ladies of The View. It turns out that a lot of those accusers are tramps.
I was watching CNBC Monday when they were reporting that the stock market is up because the market is comfortable with the status quo and the market wants Hillary to win. I have always found explanations of why the market is going up on a daily basis to be quite humorous. When Brexit passed in June the market tanked for two or three days and the media and experts blamed Brexit because they had rooted for Brexit to fail. After three days the markets worldwide went back up. Isnt it odd that the media and experts dont credit Brexit for the rise in the market?

Saying that the market is going up because Hillary is doing well in the polls is similar to just repeating that temperatures are going up because of rising CO2. Temperatures have both risen and fallen for significant periods of time with rising CO2 so any actual scientific analysis would show a zero correlation between the two variables.

It is no wonder that investment bankers and hedge fund owners contribute so much for Hillary and so little to Trump when they understand from her speeches that what she says in public is meaningless. Of course Hillary said that the reason she talks about separate positions in public and private is because she was thinking of Abe Lincoln.

The Democrats had complete control of the White House and Congress in 2009 and 2010 yet not once did they propose to get rid of special tax rates on carried interest, which greatly benefits their benefactors like billionaire George Soros. The investment bankers and hedge fund owners obviously trust what Hillary says in her $250,000 short speeches more than what she tells the public. They believe that Trump might actually raise their rates.

The Democrats also could have passed a comprehensive immigration law in 2009 and 2010 if they actually wanted it. Instead they want a campaign issue. They would rather have a President who unilaterally changed laws like a dictator and sanctuary cities that ignore the laws of the land. They would rather demagogue Republicans instead of going through the legislative process as the Constitution requires.

Leaked emails from John Podesta show that Bernie was right.

From a Podesta email about Hillary: she says things that are untrue, which candidly she does often.

Of course the media will focus little attention on Hillary and all the damaging documents because it is much more important that Donald Trump talked dirty eleven years ago. I hope no one in the military ever runs for office again because if talking inappropriately is a disqualification no one can meet those standards.

What could Hillary ever do that would cause Democrats, including the media and Hollywood to disown her the way Republicans publicly disown Trump? My guess is nothing, because they are pushing an agenda and facts and good character dont matter.

On a side note: Hillary, Democrats and the media continually demand that Trump apologize to the Gold Star family. Why are there no demands from Democrats including the media for Hillary and Obama to apologize to the four gold star families of those that died in Benghazi for the concocted lie blaming the video? Dont all Gold Star families matter?

I wish the media would work for the American people instead of for Hillary and the Democrats. Our freedoms are in danger. I did notice that Hillary did not say one word about the Constitution when she talked about picking Supreme Court Justices. Only laws that she likes matter.
Tanya Paperny, a lesbian former professor, opened up to the Washington Post about how she lived in fear during her years teaching at places like Columbia and American University, afraid to show her lesbianism for fear of a hostile working environment.

... my first teaching gig was facilitated by my university, not a progressive activist organization like Campus Progress, so I felt the need to maintain a level of professionalism. All this added up to nervousness. So I began making disappointing choices. I began to dress for work in ways I thought were less visibly queer by hiding and downplaying my gender nonconformity.

Fear drove Paperny to dress like a woman. How awful is that?

With the ways queerness and gender variance are stigmatized in our society, wearing men's clothes or exposing body hair, even unintentionally, made me feel like I would come across as juvenile.

Paperny wasn't comfortable enough to show hairy legs or chest hair because she feared that places like Columbia and American University were not accepting enough. (She did not name which university made her uncomfortable, but her resume clearly shows where she worked.) Meanwhile, conservative professors, of which there were many (I think they're a majority at Columbia!), felt free to express their free-market and pro-constitutional views without any fear of criticism.

Anything that indicated I wasn't straight felt like an overshare. Being queer and coupled was inherently Too Much Information[.]

Paperny felt inhibited about talking about being a lesbian with others. It's almost as if she had been forced to act like a professional, without being able to talk about her sexuality. What a cruel fate for this young lesbian!

And while I didn't talk about my personal life with students, I still worried that if they accidentally found out something about my queerness, I could get in trouble. Would some student complain to administration that I was inappropriate?

Lesbians are regularly reported as inappropriate at Columbia. It happens every day of the week. Conservatives, meanwhile, are winning literary awards and getting endowed chairs.

It took time before Paperny felt comfortable discussing her sexual preferences with her students. Finally:

After [a] happy hour started to dwindle, [a] student who had followed me on Twitter sat next to me on the picnic bench and said, "Hey, you know I'm queerspawn, right?"

Queerspawn is what children of homosexuals call themselves. Yes, they call themselves spawn. Finally, Paperny found a student she could talk about lesbianism with!

But lesbians like Paperny shouldn't have to be uncomfortable talking about lesbianism or the gay lifestyle with students. In fact, they should be teaching it at all levels of higher and lower education.

Instead, we have an education system that indoctrinates students on the greatness of our founders, the text of the Constitution, the glories of the free market, and private property rights.

I only hope that someday, women like Paperny will finally feel comfortable going into a classroom wearing men's clothes and showing off their chest hair.

Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com.
Ethnic cleansing used to be a bad thing. But in America, when it happens to white people, it's called progress and the "new face of California."

The town of Santa Ana has been almost 100% purged of white people. They were pushed out not by tanks and machine guns, but by a massive influx of people speaking a different language and bearing a different culture who expected everyone to adapt to their norms.

Today Santa Ana is nearly 80% Hispanic and less than 10% white. We have a city in America that now demographically perfectly mirrors many cities in Mexico.

Vicente Sarmiento remembers when the local Republican Party here posted uniformed guards at polling stations in a closely fought State Assembly race three decades ago and they hoisted signs in English and Spanish warning that noncitizens were prohibited from voting. The guards were removed after state elections officials threatened legal action. Such tactics would never take place today in this city 35 miles southeast of Los Angeles, where Mr. Sarmiento is now the mayor pro tem.

Everyone votes now, whether citizen or non-citizen, living or otherwise.

Immigrants living illegally in California are entitled to driver's licenses. Their children can receive state-funded health insurance. Local law enforcement officials generally do not provide information to federal immigration authorities.

1) Illegals get instant legitimacy with driver's licenses.

2) Illegals eagerly suck on the welfare teat.

3) Illegals in positions of power cooperate in helping more illegals come and stay here.

The historic downtown is clustered around what the official city map calls "Fourth Street," but everyone here knows as "Calle Cuatro." A twirl of the dial on a car radio reveals a choice of Spanish-language stations. The sidewalks of Calle Cuatro are lined with stands selling churritos and tostilocos. "It's like everyone knows that Dia de los Muertos is going to be just as big and important of a celebration as the Fourth of July."

That's the problem. The culture of our documented and undocumented visitors has replaced our own. They are not even giving lip service to assimilating anymore; they are replacing American culture with their own and are proud of it.

One lingering issue is voting rules. Although Santa Ana has an all-Latino City Council, there are no Latino Council members in neighboring Anaheim, even though the city is almost half Latino.

All Latino city council in Santa Ana = good.

All white council members in Anaheim = bad.

... job postings across California routinely require applicants to speak Spanish.

But they aren't required to speak English?

Mayor Eric Garcetti of Los Angeles, who is fluent in Spanish, said he makes a point at news conferences of setting aside time to speak to Spanish-language media. "We are well past the tipping point  everywhere," Mr. Garcetti said. ... local activists pressed the Council to end a longstanding contract with federal immigration authorities to house immigrants who entered the country illegally in the city jail.

Perhaps they can be placed in Anaheim until Anaheim reaches the "tipping point" as well.

If millions of white people moved to Mexico, imposed their own culture, and demanded that everyone speak English, they'd be kicked out of the country. But in America, we have surrendered our own culture, even our own language, in this silent invasion. And because illegal immigration brings in largely low-skilled people who can be easily addicted to welfare and become model Democratic voters, liberals love it.

Ed Straker is the senior writer at NewsMachete.com.
It is an astounding demonstration of hypocrisy. Many in the scientific establishment say that if we are not persuaded that global climate change is man-made  and that it is reversible through man-made policy  then we are not simply in error; we are evil.

An online article by Shawn Otto in Scientific American magazine says the following:

We've seen the emergence of a "post-fact" politics, which has normalized the denial of scientific evidence that conflicts with the political, religious or economic agendas of authority. Much of this denial centers, now somewhat predictably, around climate change  but not all. If there is a single factor to consider as a barometer that evokes all others in this election, it is the candidates' attitudes toward science. Consider, for example, what has been occurring in Congress. Rep. Lamar Smith, the Texas Republican who chairs the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology, is a climate change denier. Smith has used his post to initiate a series of McCarthy-style witch-hunts, issuing subpoenas and demanding private correspondence and testimony from scientists, civil servants, government science agencies, attorneys general and nonprofit organizations whose work shows that global warming is happening, humans are causing it and that  surprise  energy companies sought to sow doubt about this fact.

One can hardly miss the incendiary tone of the article. Representative Smith is described as conducting not an investigation, but rather a "McCarthy-style witch-hunt." Horror of horrors (excuse my sarcasm), he is issuing subpoenas and demanding testimony from scientists. How unscientific is that?

Also note that those of us who dare to question the high priests of science are not referred to as skeptics, doubters, or simply unpersuaded. No, we are "deniers," a term commonly associated with neo-Nazi propagandists and radical Islamic terrorists who "deny" that the Holocaust happened.

Note also that among the accused are religious people. Perhaps the scientists would care to tell us where, in any major religion, it says that the climate does not change. I wonder what Noah would have to say about that.

If there is any religious connection to this issue, it comes from the (sarcasm again) church of climate change doctrine.

According to a commentary at The Daily Caller:

Throughout history, governments have twisted science to suit a political agenda. Global warming is no different, according to Dr. Richard Lindzen of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. "Global climate alarmism has been costly to society, and it has the potential to be vastly more costly. It has also been damaging to science, as scientists adjust both data and even theory to accommodate politically correct positions," writes Lindzen in the fall 2013 issue of the Journal of American Physicians and Surgeons.

The fact is that a growing number of scientists are demonstrating the courage to speak out against the global cooling-warming-same-ing stance that is the ever changing position of the (quoting from Otto's article) "political ... or economic agendas of authority." See here.

While Otto accuses conservatives of anti-science bias, it is instead those like Otto who take a political and economic position  that of liberal progressivism. It is they who seek to enforce their anti-free market policies on the world by government edict, despite the lack of any substantial evidence that their policies would in the slightest alter the environment for the better.

Note also that their recommendations rarely include anything resembling more individual freedom and less government power. Yet improving the environment is precisely what private innovation can do better and more effectively than any government program. Witness that the worst pollution in the world occurs in China, where the government holds the absolute power to restrict carbon emissions. Instead, China restricts personal freedoms, which is why in that nation, private innovation is stifled.

The left intends to paint us as anti-science, when in fact it is they who are attempting to substitute unscientific force for scientific persuasion. Do they really think we conservatives would ever countenance the destruction of our planet? Of course they do not believe that. The motive of the global warmists is not only unscientific, but anti-scientific. Science cannot thrive without the skeptical criticism of accepted beliefs. Indeed, under the authoritarian rule of the progressive left, science will not even be able to survive.

History has (so to speak) seen this movie many times before, and it never ends well.
The information about an upcoming court event would have been public knowledge and open for all to attend. And its unclear whether the people Fallon spoke to at the Justice Department were officials who regularly communicate with the public.

However, the fact that Fallon  a former spokesman with the Justice Department  remained in contact with anyone from the department is likely to renew allegations that the Obama administration maintained an especially cozy relationship with Clintons presidential campaign.

The email shows a level of collusion which calls into question the entire investigation into her private server, Trump spokesman Jason Miller said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Department of Justice must release all communications with the Clinton campaign and her allies as soon as possible in order to definitively prove their investigation was completely above board.

The email from Fallon was contained in a collection of more than 1,000 messages allegedly stolen from campaign chairman John Podesta and posted to WikiLeaks on Tuesday.

Trump may be pointing to the message in an effort to redirect attention to the email release, following an increasingly bitter split from top leaders in the Republican Party and intense scrutiny over taped comments that appeared to show the nominee bragging about sexual assault.

Trump and other critics of the administration have lambasted the Justice Department for its decisionnot to press charges against Clinton or her allies for mishandling classified information. They were especially incensed by an apparently impromptu June meeting between Attorney General Loretta Lynch and former President Bill Clinton on the tarmac at the Phoenix airport.

Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus also attacked the apparent connection, suggesting that the GOP senses a vulnerability for Clinton as Trump struggles in the polls.

Emails showing the Department of Justice was giving Hillary Clintons campaign inside information about an ongoing investigation into her email server is deeply disturbing and raises even more questions about Bill Clintons tarmac meeting with Attorney General Loretta Lynch, Priebus said in a statement.

Instead of facing consequences for her actions like others have, shes been protected at every turn by the Obama Administration so she can continue the failed policies of the last eight years."

The criminal investigation connected to Hillary Clintons use of a private email server was not underway at the time that Fallon sent his message and would not begin for another two months.
There are people who think that Trump is a monster, like that out-of-control animal terrorizing your otherwise peaceful neighborhood. I could point out that his reputation has been unfairly attacked by his opponents, but many people I know simply do not like him  or trust him. For those people, I offer this simple thought.

Let us say Trump really is a monster. Hillary is just as bad  actually, much worse. Let us concede, then, that no matter who wins in November, the White House will be occupied by a monster. Our only hope, then, is a strong leash  a system of constraints that will limit the damage the monster can do.

With Trump, there will be a leash. The media will oppose him at every turn. So will the opposition party. Members of his own party are already standing up to him.

But with Hillary, there will be no leash. The media will not constrain her  and neither will any members of her own party. She has violated many laws, and instead of investigating and prosecuting, those who should indict her are spearheading the cover-up. If Hillary becomes president, they will turn a blind eye to her abuses, and they will cheer her on as she terrorizes the neighborhood.

We have a choice in this election. If you see little difference between the two monsters, then look at the leash. Vote for the one who will be kept on the leash. Vote for Trump.
For the last 35 years, Alabama resident Tom Hendrix has been building a mile-long monument, in his hometown Florence, to honor his great-great grandmother, a Yuchi Indian who was one of the millions of Native Americans who were forced from their homes in the southeast to the new Indian Territories in Oklahoma following the Indian Removal Act of 1830. Hendrixs great-great-grandmother, Te-lah-nay, then a 17-year-old girl, walked with her sister along what is now known as the Trail of Tears to her new territories in present day Muskogee, Oklahoma. But Te-lah-nay longed to return home, and after spending just one winter in Oklahoma, she began a lonely, five-year-long perilious journey back to her native land  a distance of more than 600 miles.

Tom Hendrixs monument was built to commemorate Te-lah-nays courageous walk back home. The monument consist of two parallel walls made of limestone and sandstone rocks, about four feet high, that meander through his property under a thick canopy of oak and beech trees. It is the largest unmortared wall in the United States.

Photo credit: Laura Bell/Flickr

Tom Hendrix had heard stories about Te-lah-nay from his grandmother all his life, and he felt that he needed to do something to honor her memory. An elderly Yuchi woman provided him the idea. He was told, One step at a time, one stone at a time. Lay a stone for every step she made We shall pass this earth. Only the stones will remain. We honor our ancestors with stones.

Hendrix started constructing the wall on his own property a few miles off the Natchez Trace Parkway. Over the decades, Hendrix estimates that he has carried more than 8.5 million pounds of stones from the Tennessee River, and in the process wore out in his own words three trucks, 22 wheelbarrows, 3,700 pairs of gloves, three dogs and one 87-year-old man. Such a dedication for a woman he has never met.

Today, the Wichahpi Commemorative Stone Wall has become something of a pilgrimage site drawing people from all around the world. These days, Hendrix spends more time greeting visitors than building the wall.

Photo credit: Laura Bell/Flickr

Photo credit: Laura Bell/Flickr

Photo credit: Laura Bell/Flickr

Sources: BBC / savingplaces.org / journal.alabamachanin.com
In their Fall 2016 edition, Utah Valley BusinessQ recognized the top 50 businesses in the area. They rated Ancestry.com as the number six economic engine in Utah County. Economic engine rankings are based on annual revenue, number of employees, contributions to the local economy, and other factors.

Ancestry described themselves as the worlds largest online resource for family history and consumer genetics. They had $683 million in sales last year. They have 1,000 employees in Utah and 1,400 world-wide. They are located in Lehi, Utah in a new $35 million building. There are 75 million searches on Ancestry.com every day.

Hire great people from diverse backgrounds and invest in them, Tim Sullivan advised.

Read the entire article on the Utah Valley 360 website.
Android Pay may be launching inside of Canada soon, as the most recent update (version 1.7 of the app) seems to list strings of code that include references to Interac, which is a major interbank network in Canada. Although this doesnt give any details, such as which banks may support Android Pay following a Canadian launch, the strings that mention Interac do suggest that at least some banking institutions will be adding support for the mobile payment platform in the near future. Having said that, its quite likely that a large number of the most major banks and credit unions in the region will be adding support to their debit cards as Interac is used by many of them for debit payment processing.

Potential banks and credit unions that could be included as the first institutions to add support for the Android Pay platform are TD Canada Trust, RBC, BMO, Scotiabank and more. At this point in time, Android Pay has been live in the US since last year, slowly but surely expanding its list of the supported banks and credit unions by updating the app what seems like once a month. When it eventually reaches Canada theres no reason to suggest that Google wont be working with banks up there just as quickly to get it rolled out to everyone as soon as they can. Having said that the length of time it takes to get it working on most banks and credit unions in the country could take some time as Google is still working to get more support added in the US.

While Android Pay may be adding support for the service for Canadian users soon, Google has also taken some stuff away from Android Pay, as it was reported back on October 4th that they would be removing support for some credit and debit cards. This removal of support only applied to older cards, however, which were previously usable for tap and pay that were supported by the old Google Wallet app, which means it wont affect any of the cards which officially received support through Android Pay since it launched.
Swedish telecom equipment maker, Ericsson AB, announced that its operating profits for the July-September quarter has fallen by a whopping 94% mostly on account of declining sales and increased competition. The worlds largest telecom equipment company also said that its sales dropped by 19% during Q3, 2016 while its operating profits plummeted to just SEK 300 million ($34 million) from SEK 5.1 billion ($578 million) during the same period last year. The company blamed the decline in its core telecom equipment business to a drop in spending by telecom companies in many regions around the world. Following the announcement, Ericssons shares fell around 15% to an eight-year low of SEK 50.70 in early trading on the Stockholm Stock Exchange.

Ericsson, which competes globally with the likes of Huawei Technologies and the recently-merged Nokia-Alcatel, also said that it believes the downward trend is likely to continue through much of the next fiscal year. The company has been in full-fledged crisis management mode of late, having announced a massive job cut in its home country just last week, following reported discontent among its two main shareholders  holding company Industrivarden and the Wallenberg family investment company, Investor. However, the 3,000 job cuts the company announced earlier this month in Sweden may only be just the tip of the iceberg, as the companys acting chief executive, Mr. Jan Frykhammar, recently revealed that the company is planning even tougher cost cutting measures, including a significant reduction in its global 115,000-strong workforce.

Talking about Mr. Frykhammar, the former Chief Financial Officer and Head of Group Function Finance at Ericsson was elevated to the post of Interim President and CEO of the company last July after the companys then-CEO, Mr. Hans Vestberg, was ousted because of his perceived inability to turn around the fortunes of the struggling company. With the companys profitability and its stock prices both in a downward spiral, talks about a possible takeover by American networking equipment giant, Cisco Systems, have again started doing the rounds. However, analysts at UBS have suggested that such a scenario is unlikely, given that the current partnership between the two firms is yet to bring any tangible financial benefit to either of them.
Back in the nineties, Google started as an Internet search engine firm while Facebook used to be a simple social network for college kids in the early naughties. Today, these two companies are some of the largest tech giants the world has ever seen and are investing in pretty much everything from apps, cloud services, and communications solutions to self-driving cars, virtual reality technology, and Internet infrastructure. While usually fierce competitors with different outlooks on the future of technology, both companies have one thing in common  most of their products need reliable and speedy Internet connections. This is precisely why the two were willing to temporarily put their competitive spirits aside and decided to work together in order to bring high-speed Internet to as many parts of the world as possible.

More specifically, Google and Facebook have just announced that theyre collaborating on a huge project whose goal is to lay an 8,000-mile (12,800-kilometer) fiber-optic cable between Los Angeles and Hong Kong that will offer the highest-capacity Internet route between North America and Asia ever created. No big deal, right? In any case, the said cable will boast a bandwidth of 120 terabits per second which is twice as much as what is currently available. Coincidentally, the currently fastest trans-pacific Internet cable FASTER has also been partially financed by Google.

While specifics of this partnership are yet to be revealed, its not hard to guess why two of the worlds largest Internet giants are interested in financing an enormous project such as this one. Namely, as their services are evolving in terms of features, both Google and Facebook need more bandwidth to ensure that their users are getting what they were promised so its basically a given that the companies will primarily finance this cable in order to use its capabilities. Just in case that theyre unable to use the maximum potential of this infrastructure, Facebook and Google will certainly have no issues with selling or leasing the remaining capacity to other companies. According to latest reports, works are expected to begin shortly and this submarine cable should already be operational by 2018.
Weve been hearing rumors about HTC manufacturing the 2016 Nexus devices as early as January of this year. Despite numerous reports, once Google finally announced the Google Pixel and Pixel XL last month, both smartphones were marketed as being made by Google with no mention of HTC whatsoever. Its unlikely that the Mountain View-based tech giant will ever officially confirm that its Pixel phones were manufactured by the Taiwanese consumer electronics manufacturer but that doesnt mean that the previous reports were false. On the contrary, Google has just announced that HTC will be its official after-sales support partner in India, which seemingly only corroborates that the Taiwanese company has been intimately involved in the manufacturing process of the upcoming Pixel phones.

Namely, the after-sales support encompasses the provision of all services, technical support, and spare parts related to the product after the initial sale. If HTC was truly the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) that was contracted to make the Google Pixel and Pixel XL, it would definitely make sense to also contract it to work on after-sales support. You know, given the fact that the company probably has a bunch of Pixel and Pixel XL spare parts laying around and its technicians are already familiar with both devices. So, if you happen to be located in India and are interested in buying Google Pixel or Pixel XL, note that all potential support will be handled by one of the 56 HTC service centers located in the Asian country.

In addition to that, HTC will also be handling the brick and mortar sales of both the Pixel and Pixel XL in India. In other words, youll be able to purchase the upcoming Nexus successors in over 1000 physical stores located throughout the country. Regarding the aforementioned customer support, HTC will offer a free customer service number for all Indian Pixel owners that will serve as a gateway to additional after-sales support. Both Pixel phones are launching in India later this month and Flipkart is also expected to start offering preorders tomorrow. Of course, if ordering a phone in advance isnt your thing, HTC wont be the only entity selling Google Pixel and Pixel XL in India as all major retailers in the country will also stock both devices.
Brand loyalty can be a funny thing. Weve all seen the comments section on an Apple vs Samsung post, and weve all got that one friend that refuses to believe any other brand, team or make of car is better than their personal favorite. In the Android world, there are a lot of people that are loyal to a fault where Samsung is concerned. In fact, here at Android Headlines, we had one very outspoken Samsung fan that shook up our comments on Google+ for a long time along with other Samsung Knights. This is the sort of crazed loyalty that a quality brand can instill in people, and Samsung is a quality brand, known for creating some of the best smartphones and gadgets throughout the consumer market. Brand loyalty is a funny thing, and people remember, which means that the Galaxy Note 7 disaster is something that Samsung needs to bury and forget.

On a personal level, I almost feel sorry for Samsung, but then I realize that an organization of their size has little excuse for producing the problem that became the Galaxy Note 7. A battery problem like this could have happened to anyone, but Samsung should have caught it before the device ever got close to a shelf. Clearly, Samsung were so preoccupied with overtaking Apple and jumping the gun for the iPhone 7 launch, that their quality control slipped. Massively. For Samsung, the PR fallout from this has been toxic, not unlike the phone itself. The first recall was filled with reports from people that had yet to return their phones, which we could say is their own fault, but thats beside the point. The idea that a smartphone could be perfect is a far-fetched one, and mistakes do happen, the world isnt perfect and things like this can and do happen. A recall was the right thing to do, and for a while, it looked like the Galaxy Note 7 was going to make a triumphant return to store shelves all over the world, and then it did. Sadly, the same problems persisted, with video footage and further evidence of Galaxy Note 7s catching fire and putting lives at risk.

Now, Samsung has laid the Galaxy Note 7 to rest, discontinuing the device and halting all sales and production of the device. Again, this is the right thing for Samsung to do, but it should never have gotten to this point. Our review of the device, which is now irrelevant of course, was fairly positive  as were reviews from the majority of other media outlets  and for good reason. The Galaxy Note 7 is a good phone, aside from the fact that it was prone to catching fire. Thats a big but, and one that has poisoned the Galaxy Note 7 name, and the Galaxy Note brand altogether. Perhaps, it has even poisoned the Galaxy naming and Samsungs image overall. If we take a look at their financials, it sure looks as though Samsung is going to be faced with some tough times ahead.

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Some will be thinking that Samsung can have the phones returned, try to bury the Galaxy Note 7 brand and then forget about it, but thats unlikely to happen. The United States is a trigger happy place at the best of times, and given that the Galaxy Note 7 has, in a number of cases, caused harm or put customers health at risk, the South Korean firm is bound to be hit by class action after class action following this. I wouldnt be surprised if Samsung were forced to compensate these customers with more than just a Galaxy smartphone of their choosing and a refunded difference, but also cold, hard cash to put things right. A company of Samsungs size does not launch a device like the Galaxy Note 7 on a typically Samsung-style scale and just walk away from a disaster like this. Executives of Samsung Electronics will have to make a public apology, not only will their South Korean customers be expecting such a thing, but customers in the United States as well as all over the world. Im reminded of the very awkward public apology that Sonys Kazuo Hirai had to give in Japan following the PlayStation Network hacks.

So, whats next for Samsung? Is the company doomed to fade away into the background? Far from it. While this has been a massive blow for the firm, they still have a successful brand image in TVs, consumer electronics and mobile. The Galaxy S7 line is still going strong, and has been the driving force behind a good year  up until now, of course  for Samsung, and the firm will no doubt have a good 2017 ahead of them. However, if one thing is clear, its that the Galaxy Note line is done. Its finished. Theres little chance of bringing the Galaxy Note brand back next year and being successful with it. Its time to bury the Galaxy Note brand and move on.

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The Galaxy Note 5 from last year seemed to be a popular device, but it lacked a lot of things that made the Galaxy Note 4 so special, and this years model was much better, but still remains a larger Galaxy S with a pen. Not to take anything away from Samsung, as the S Pen is an excellent addition to any device, but the Galaxy Note brand represents little more than a larger Galaxy S for a lot of users. After this, the Galaxy Note name is always going to remind people of those phones that caught fire and if Samsung did release another Galaxy Note I imagine a lot of people would say why would I buy a phone that explodes? As weve see with the Presidential Race this year, the Internet can be a harsh, harsh place and if todays Internet can make fun of someone who is ill as well as the way someone breathes into a microphone, its safe to say that exploding smartphones are easy pickings.

Perhaps the whole Galaxy branding has been damaged now, and whether or not Samsung chooses to dump it from their upcoming 2017 flagship remains to be seen, the Galaxy Note has to be finished. This presents Samsung with an opportunity to start fresh. To hit reset and create something new, or at least something that has the illusion of newness. A lot can happen in a year, and by this time next Fall a lot of users might have forgotten, but it is inevitable that it will be dug up again, even more so if they go with the Galaxy Note branding. As such, Samsung have little choice but to embrace the opportunity laid in front of them; to start fresh and create something new, and unassociated with the Galaxy Note brand.

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Samsung has all the key features to make a great smartphone. I snagged a Galaxy S7 Edge back when they launched in the Spring, and I love it. The camera is excellent, the display is vibrant and bright, and the software is vastly improved from days of old from Samsung. Theyre now well-built and look great and the Samsung brand will continue to be a powerful one even after this fiasco is laid to rest as best it can be. What Samsung need to do is to rethink things, improve quality control so this doesnt happen again, and make sure that whatever device takes the Galaxy Notes place is something that can compete with the iPhone and everyone else without having to be rushed to market. There is a silver lining to all of this, but Samsung needs to right the wrong of the Galaxy Note 7, bury the brand and move on. If they can do that, and not mess up once again, then the entire Samsung brand should survive what would be a death sentence for other firms.
As Samsung prepares for yet another recall of the Galaxy Note 7, as well as to bury the Galaxy Note 7 entirely, the world is no doubt wondering just what has happened to the Galaxy Note 7 that a massive corporation like Samsung would have made the same mistake twice. At first, it was reported that batteries from their own subsidiary of Samsung SDI were to blame, and that they would be using batteries from Chinas ATL firm to get the safe units on shelves and into the hands of loyal customers. While that appears to have happened, this new batch of Galaxy Note 7 devices were not only overheating, but they were doing so without warning, even when they were simply left to their own devices. Now, according to reports from Korean media, it looks as though the design of the phone itself could be to blame.

SBS has taken a look at both the Samsung SDI and ATL batteries under a microscope, and the one from Samsung SDI can be seen with isolation plates too close to the edge of the battery pack and as these are compressed under pressure, the anode-to-cathode defect that Samsung reported back in September is set into motion. The images below show the comparison to the Samsung SDI battery and the Chinese ATL battery, but given that the second batch of Galaxy Note 7s were to use the ATL battery, this isolation plate issue should have been negated. The answer to why these new units are catching fire as well could lie within the design of the Galaxy Note 7 itself. Samsung was very proud of the fully-symmetrical design that the glass curve plates on the front and back of the device achieved, and while it no doubt looked great in person, it could have put the internal battery under a lot of pressure. The Galaxy Note 7 is even narrower than the original 5.3-inch model launched back in 2011, and with 7000-series aluminum alloy, thats 1.3x times stronger than that found within the Galaxy S7 Edge, its not hard to see that the internal components were under a tight squeeze. Add on top of this a tight seal to give the Galaxy Note 7 its IP68 rating to protect it from water, and the battery pack is put under even more pressure.

This theory has yet to be confirmed by Samsung, and it probably never will. The Galaxy S7 Edge is a phone with a sizable 3,600 battery inside of a device thats just 7.7mm thick. The Galaxy Note 7 features a 3,500 mAh battery inside a frame thats 7.9mm thick, but is much more narrow than previous versions, all the while making room for the S-Pen as well as the other internal components that make up the device. With all of this going on, theres little room for the battery when alls said and done, and once a battery gets hot, things start to become a little dangerous and with little room for this heat to dissipate, this tight squeeze could have been the reason behind these explosions and fires.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 7 was one of the most anticipated smartphones of the year, especially given all the leaks and rumors hyping the handsets unique features ahead of the official unveiling. But then the smartphone was released and caused a PR nightmare for Samsung due to faulty components leading to exploding units, and while the South Korean company seems to have done everything in its power in order to make the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 a viable and safe choice for consumers, the handset was officially discontinued yesterday, less than two months after it first hit the shelves. Its a sad state of affairs for Samsung and Galaxy Note fans alike, but what is done is done and all we can do now is take a look at the Samsung Galaxy Note 7s brief and tumultuous history on the market.

The official story of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 began on August 2nd when the manufacturer took the veil off the flagship in New York City during an earlier-than-usual yearly Unpacked event. It was the sequel to last years Samsung Galaxy Note 5, and indeed the newest smartphone in the series skipped a digit in order to fall in line with the Samsung Galaxy S7 series released earlier in the year. On August 19 and three days after the first Galaxy Note 7 reviews went live on the Internet, the smartphone became available for purchase in North America for the price of ~$800. Demand was promising and Samsung managed to sell roughly 200,000 units in only two days of availability. However, things have started going south less than two weeks after the smartphones was released on the market when multiple reports of Galaxy Note 7 units catching fire have reached the headlines. On August 31, Samsung reportedly halts shipments of the smartphone, and on September 1st the company confirms that it has begun a thorough inspection of the device in order to determine the cause of the issues. One day later  September 2  Samsung issues a recall of all the 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 units sold to date, and announces the details of its replacement program in the U.S.

A week after the recall was issued  September 8  the FAA advises passengers against flying with the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 in light of recent incidents and concerns raised by Samsung about its Galaxy Note 7 devices. This seemed like a massive inconvenience for any Samsung Galaxy Note 7 owner who travels via airlines, but future events prove that it was the right call. On September 9, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission reveals that it is looking into the effectiveness of Samsungs exchange program, working quickly to determine whether a replacement Galaxy Note 7 is an acceptable remedy for Samsung. Then, 6 days later on September 15, the CPSC officially recalls the Galaxy Note 7 urging all consumers to take advantage of this recall right away.

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As replacement units are prepared for consumers, things start to look better for Samsung. On September 20, replacement Galaxy Note 7 units become available in stores, and on the 22nd of the month, Samsung reveals that roughly 50% of all the Galaxy Note 7 units in the U.S. have been replaced. Sadly, however, Samsungs efforts to replace the faulty Samsung Galaxy Note 7 units havent paid off, and on October 5, the first report of a replacement Galaxy Note 7 exploding emerges, and worse still, this time around the incident has happened on an airplane. The CPSC begins a new investigation, and U.S. carriers start offering exchange units for the phablet. By October 8, reports reveal that several other replacement units have caught on fire, and then major carriers stop selling the device. Two days later  October 10  Samsung officially asks retail partners to halt Galaxy Note 7 sales, and on October 11 the company decides to pull the plug for good. Taking our customers safety as our highest priority, we have decided to halt sales and production of the Galaxy Note 7. Its been a short ride for the Samsung Galaxy Note 7, and it truly is a sad state of affairs for Android enthusiasts, fans of the brand, and the Korean tech giant itself. Theres no way to be sure what Samsung will plan next for its Galaxy Note lineup, but following this series of events the Note brand may have been damaged for good.
Ever since it was announced, Samsung Pay has been thought of something as a gimmick, a way for Samsung to compete with Apple and yet another way for them to snub Google. Thats no longer the case though, as Samsung Pay continues to prove popular as well as roll out to more countries all over the world, and support more banks here at home. As weve seen with Android Pays launch in the United States, more and more banks as well as card issuers are steadily becoming available for these mobile payments systems and the USAA is another of them, not headed to Samsung Pay.

Those of you who bank with USAA will no doubt be familiar with their offerings, and while they offer all kinds of different cards and accounts on offer, only a few cards appear to be working with Samsung Pay right now. Thew news comes not from Samsung, but SamMobile via a tip and the below screenshots show what appears to be a standard USAA Debit card working within the Samsung Pay app. It appears as though only USAA Visa cards will be supported at this point, but there are always more and more cards being added to the service, and the best way to find out whether or not your card is accepted, is to just give it a try. Curious Samsung users that dont already have Samsung Pay on their phone  which only works with the Galaxy S6 series, the Galaxy S7 series, the Galaxy Note 5 and if you still have one, the Galaxy Note 7  can hit the Play Store button below to get the app installed on their phone.

Samsung Pay is steadily expanding and they recently added support for Capital One cards as well as teaming up with Citibank in Singapore, one of the larger international locations that Samsung Pay is available in. For those across the pond in the UK, Samsung Pay still doesnt appear to be anywhere near to launching and with the recent Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, its likely that Samsung has more pressing matters on their hands. It is, however, good to see that the Samsung Pay team is still working hard to improve what has become a nice feature for Samsung fans.
Android is, by far, the worlds most widely-used mobile operating system, but has often been criticized by users and cyber security experts alike for the lack of timely updates that often leaves million of unsuspecting users potentially vulnerable to cyber crimes. The Nexus devices were refreshingly different as they were sold directly by Google, which meant these smartphones and tablets would often get new features and security patches before they were rolled out to the vast majority of Android devices in the wild. While the Nexus line is no more, the Pixel and Pixel XL smartphones unveiled by the search giant last week are being marketed as the first smartphones to be Made by Google.

Selling through Verizon will allow the Pixel handsets to have a larger reach, many users and tech bloggers have expressed their concerns about whether Verizon will show any interest in keeping up with Googles update schedule, seeing as the carriers have traditionally been one of the main reasons for delayed updates on Android smartphones. However, those concerns may not be entirely justified if the latest developments are anything to go by. According to statements released separately to Ars Technica by Google and Verizon, the two Pixel smartphones are all set to receive quick updates without much of an interference from the carrier. While Google has specifically mentioned that OS updates and monthly security patches will be updated on all Pixel devices (Verizon and non-Verizon versions) simultaneously, Verizon has also promised not (to) stand in the way of any major updates, saying that, users will get all updates at the same time as Google.

The carrier, in its statement to the tech site, also pointed out that it is actually selling unlocked versions of the phones just like Google, meaning, they can be used with other carriers as well. As a bonus, the three apps installed on these handsets by Verizon (Go90, My Verizon and Verizon Messages) can also be uninstalled by users wanting a bit more of a pure Google experience without any carrier bloat. However, the general system updates on the Verizon variants will still be handled by the carrier, so those updates still might not arrive as fast as the updates on the devices bought directly from Google.
Brexit: Guardian says Zara shoppers epitomise the working class

What does it mean to be working class? Aditya Chakrabortty knows. Having analysed the 17m people who voted to leave the European Union and found them delusional, he tells Guardian readers what it is to be working class:

What the pounds weakness will chiefly achieve is to stop Britons buying as much. The middle classes will swap the wonders of the Alhambra for a week in Anglesey. The working classes will find Zara 15% more expensive.

The working classes rather enjoy packages holidays to Spain. But, yeah, shopping at Zara is just what defines the working class, those people employed in the blue collar trades who having put food on the table and coins in the gas metre cant afford market-stall schmutter and catalogue shopping and are forced to do with Zara fashions.

PS: In April the Guardian increased its cover price in the UK by 20p, taking the cost of the weekday print edition to 2 and Saturday edition to 2.90. The working class should form an orderly queue at the newsagents.

Paul Sorene

Posted: 12th, October 2016 | In: Broadsheets, Money, Reviews, The Consumer Comment | TrackBack | Permalink
(ANSA) - Vatican City, October 12 - Those who persecute Christians don't care what denomination their victims are, Pope Francis said Wednesday.

"When terrorists or world powers persecute Christian minorities they don't ask themselves: Are you a Lutheran? Orthodox? Reformed? Pentecostal? No... They only recognize one entity: a Christian," the pope told the Conference of Secretaries of World Christian Communions, an international ecumenical organization.

"The enemy doesn't make mistakes - he knows very well how to recognize where Jesus is - and this is the ecumenism (unity of Christianity) of the blood," Francis told them in an audience prior to his weekly general hearing in St Peter's Square.

"Today we are witnesses to it, and I'm thinking for example of the Coptic Orthodox friars whose throats were slashed on the beaches of Libya: they are our brothers. They bore witness to Jesus and died saying: 'Help me Jesus!'... So, ecumenism in prayer, ecumenism on the path; and the enemy teaches us ecumenism of the blood," the pontiff concluded.


(ANSA) - Brussels, October 12 - European Parliament Speaker Martin Schulz told ANSA in an interview Wednesday that he understands Italy's Premier Matteo Renzi for berating what he called the EU's being at a "frenetic standstill". "I share Matteo's sensation of a sort of stagnation in Europe," he said. "He's right, there is no progress, and we need progress on all fronts. I understand the impatience of a highly pro-Europe premier who wants to take the EU forward. In general, I understand those who want to talk about concrete results".

Schulz said the positive thing to come out of a mid-September EU summit in Bratislava was that the EU-27 member nations at least recognized "the need to stick together".

"I noticed Matteo, who has a candid personality, was not happy," the EP speaker said. "I find it positive that Germany, France and Italy tried to discuss post-Brexit strategies, investment plans, migration, and the entire list of to-do things".

However he disagrees with Renzi that French and German elections are hampering the EU.

Asked whether he would ask French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel to think more about Europe and less about their elections, Schulz replied: "Hollande has made forward-thinking EU proposals in several speeches".

"The fact that the three countries are leading the EU together is an objective reached," he added.

"I don't see any reluctance, but clearly the future of the EU will play a role in the vote both in Germany and in France".

Both Hollande and Merkel face general elections next year.


(ANSA) - Rome, October 10 - The Ara Pacis, an altar built between 13 and 9 BC to celebrate the peace achieved by Augustus across the Roman Empire, will starting on October 14 include an immersive tour throughout the Rome museum housing it. Visors will enable visitors to take part in a multimedia narration enabling better understanding of what the monument originally looked like and observe the transformations of the area of the capital that Augustus chose to celebrate his power. The 45-minute tour will be open to the public from 8 PM to midnight on Friday and Saturday from October 14 until April 15 and every evening from spring until autumn and during holidays.

Scenes will include a virtual re-enactment of a holy rite that required the innards of an immolated victim to be interpreted and then offered to the gods. Visitors will be able to watch as the altar underwent transformations and eventually ended up under layers of earth on which medieval and Renaissance Rome were built.

The altar will also be shown in the bright colours in which it was originally decorated. The project aims to be entirely self-financed. "An initial investment of 250,000 euros will have to be amortized over the next three years," said Albino Ruberti, head of the Zetema project, "and management costs of about 240,000 euros per year will have to be covered by visitors."
(ANSA) - Rome, October 12 - Italian politicians from across the spectrum reacted positively to Tuesday evening's vote by the Council of Europe against recognising surrogacy agreements. "I am pleased that the Council of Europe has rejected regulating surrogate motherhood...a practice that I consider to be abominable," said former health and social solidarity minister Livia Turco of the Democratic Party (PD). "It is a practice that damages the woman's dignity and reduces the mother-child relationship, which is built during pregnancy, to a mere biological fact," she added. "I hope this decision...paves the way for surrogacy to be declared a universal crime," said centre-right politician Maurizio Lupi, president of the lawmakers of Area Popolare. Centre-right former equal opportunities minister Mara Carfagna took the same position. "Now let Italy lead the campaign to universally outlaw this abhorrent practice," she said in a message to her Twitter account. Only the Luca Coscioni association, named after the Radical politician who died prematurely of Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in 2006 at the age of 38, took a diametrically opposite stance.

"Those who rejoice at the rejection by the Council of Europe of regulation of pregnancy for others perhaps do not realise that this decision is to the advantage of phenomena of exploitation," secretary Filomena Gallo said. "To combat abuse and exploitation...the freedom to have children must be guaranteed, also using the safe reproduction techniques offered by science. To ban women from having a pregnancy for others means pushing couples to act clandestinely," she added. Surrogacy is outlawed in Italy and earlier this year a provision introducing stepchild adoption for homosexual partners in a civil union was scrapped from a bill regulating such unions on grounds it could pave the way for the practice.


Egypt's military to perform joint exercises with Russia To take place between October 15 and 26

(ANSAmed) - CAIRO, OCTOBER 12 - Members of the Egyptian military's special paratrooper units will carry out joint training exercises with Russian forces between October 15 and 26 in the military city of El-Hamam in the El-Alamein region, in an operation titled "Guardians of Friendship", said Egyptian military spokesman Mohammed Samir.



The joint exercises, carried out for the first time in North African country, will include information and experience exchanges regarding elite unit training, soldiers and military equipment.



Egypt holds more than 30 joint military exercises a year with about 20 Arab and African countries and other countries with whom it has friendly relations.(ANSAmed).




Airstrikes on Aleppo market leave at least 15 dead By Russian or government forces, says Aleppo Media Centre

(ANSAmed) - BEIRUT, OCTOBER 12 - At least 15 civilians were killed in airstrikes on rebel-held eastern Aleppo on Wednesday, according to local sources cited by Aleppo Media Centre.



It said the airstrikes were carried out by Russian or Syrian government forces and hit a fruit and vegetable market in the Firdaws neighbourhood. (ANSAmed).




PARIS - Nearly all the humanitarian organisations that provide aid to the approximately 10,000 migrants at the Calais 'jungle' migrant camp have appealed to the French government to postpone its scheduled evacuation of the camp, which could begin on October 17 according to information leaked to the press.



Organisations including Emmaus and Secours Catholique said that a "rapid" evacuation could prove to be "only brutal" and called the reasoning primarily an "electoral" objective.



The organisations said an evacuation under these conditions risked "not doing anything" given that many of the migrants would simply return to the same place to try to reach Great Britain.



Christian Salome, president of the association L'Auberge des Migrants, said that moving 9,000 refugees in record time isn't compatible with the current situation at Calais.



He told Mediapart.fr that the government "only said that it's thinking of an evacuation with 50 buses a day, meaning 2,000 people a day".



"The government wants to go fast - that's a mistake. You need to organise things in a much more gradual way," Salome said.



He said that in recent days with the evacuation imminent, crossings to Great Britain are increasing.



Despite opposition from several mayors, the Hollande government is committed to evacuating the camp by the end of the year and plans to relocate about 9,000 refugees currently at the camp to various cities throughout France.
In March, the global aviation community converged on the United Arab Emirates for the Abu Dhabi Air Expo 2016. Its a week-long event that includes several exhibitions, conferences and seminars across all aspects of aviation and aerospace, from general, through commercial, to military and private sectors.

Visitors attending such events are among the 23 million passing through Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH) every year. In 2015 the airport experienced a 17.2% increase in passenger traffic compared to 2014, with the first quarter alone showing 21.1% growth, according to data from operator Abu Dhabi Airports.

We continue to witness double digit traffic growth at AUH. To cross the two million mark for the first time in our history, for four months of the year, is a testament to the airports ability to connect the world, commented Abu Dhabi Airports COO, Ahmad Al Haddabi, when announcing last years numbers.

Fresh from celebrating its 10th anniversary, Abu Dhabi Airports disclosed that billions (AED) have been spent on capital development projects during the past decade across all of its airport sites. The biggest infrastructure project undertaken so far, the midfield terminal complex, will increase capacity at AUH to 45 million passengers per year.

In February this year, passenger numbers jumped 8.7% in comparison to the same period in 2015 to reach more than 1.8 million for the month. Traffic between India, the UK, Thailand, Australia, the USA and a number of others, all witnessed increased passenger figures from AUH, Al Haddabi reported.

John Grant, senior analyst at air travel intelligence company OAG, said there were not many major airports in the world that have recorded 50% growth in the number of scheduled services over the last five years, but AUH was one of those few. In percentage terms, it has outpaced its closest rival, Dubai International.

However, such high levels of growth are only one part of an intriguing picture in the region between the three prominent hubs of Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Hamad in Doha, said Grant.

OAG data shows scheduled capacity growth of some 6.5 million seats over the last five years from Abu Dhabi and more than 25,000 additional scheduled flights a year over the same time period. Grant felt that, without a doubt, the performance at the airport had been exceptional by almost any measurable standard.

Except, of course, for the presence of two very near competing hubs that have grown their respective scheduled capacity in Dubai by a staggering 17.7 million seats (OAG) and in Doha by an equally impressive 10.5 million. In such context, both the success and challenge facing the future growth of Abu Dhabi is daunting, Grant indicated.

During the first quarter of 2015, Abu Dhabi Airports opened expanded facilities in Terminal 1 at AUH as part of a broader capacity enhancement programme to meet passenger needs.

A large proportion of the increase in traffic is attributed to the strong performance at Etihad Airways. The national airline carried 17.4 million passengers in 2015, 18.4% more than it did in 2014. The expansion of its network, through Alitalia and Jet Airways, inevitably contributed to passenger figures to Italy, India and the USA.

The airline has also announced expansion of its services to Istanbul during 2016, with a new four-times-weekly service to Sabiha Gokcen airport starting in July.

Etihad already operates a daily service to Istanbul Ataturk Airport, but market demand has created an opportunity to deploy additional capacity into Sabiha Gokcen. The route will be serviced by an A330-200.

New A380s on the Etihad Abu Dhabi to London Heathrow route helped to deliver a strong increase in passengers to the UK, with 27.5% growth registered in 2015. Other busy routes from AUH included Australia, up 30%, Germany up 15% and significant increases on services to the USA.

Clearly Etihad is working very hard to develop frequency, both in its own right and via its strategic equity partnerships with Air Serbia, Air Seychelles, Air Berlin, Alitalia, Jet Airways and Virgin Australia.

Grant concurred. The important expansion of long-haul services to three additional US markets, the doubling of destinations in Australia and the launch of services to Sao Paulo, are all important flagship operations that reflect the ambition of the airport and its base carrier, he said.

However, perhaps of greater strategic importance, is the growth of regional services to India as a consequence of the Jet Airways equity partnership with Etihad, and the increase in services to other markets in the Middle East, which enhance the connectivity of Abu Dhabi and underpin the longer haul services, he suggested.

Etihad, itself, now has more than a 79% share of all scheduled flights operated at the airport, according to OAG, compared to 63% in 2012. When its partner services are added, those percentages increase to 84% of all flights.

This percentage share highlights Etihads dominance in Abu Dhabi and also, perhaps, the vulnerability of the network to a single carrier or group position where, for comparative purposes, the combined Emirates and Flydubai network accounts for a very strong, but slightly less dominant 67%, in the Emirati, said Grant.

The rapid growth of low-cost airlines in the region, specifically in Dubai and Sharjah, further highlights the challenges facing Abu Dhabi, despite its recent levels of success Grant said over the last five years, across the three major airports in the UAE, OAG has seen low-cost services increase to some 84,500 scheduled flights, compared to 32,500 in 2012.

Abu Dhabi now has only a 2% share of the low-cost frequency across the three airports against a 5% share in 2012 and less than 2% of all scheduled flights operated from the airport are from low-cost carriers. This represents a significant shift against the global market trend for low-cost carrier growth at most unrestricted airports, Grant analysed.

Abu Dhabis diverse geographic network serves some 115 destinations through its connections, and the structure of the Etihad network is key to the traffic at the airport, even more so when the competing local airports in Dubai and Sharjah can serve the local Emirati market.

In the last quarter of 2015, Grant said more than 1.5 million one-way passengers connected via Abu Dhabi, which both highlighted the importance of this traffic to the airports future and the inherent risk of any airport where hub traffic plays such a vital role in the commercial operation.

At the start of 2016, Abu Dhabi Airports announced a partnership with global IT provider, SITA, to introduce its latest technologies across AUHs three terminals. The transformation is part of the airport operators preparations for AUH reaching a capacity of 45 million passengers by 2017.

Middle East carriers had the strongest year-over-year demand growth in January 2016 at 10.9%, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), helped by on-going network and fleet expansion.

This upswing in airline capacity has put considerable pressure on the regions hubs to meet the rapid growth in passenger numbers and expansion of their airport facilities. However, expanded facilities will only get you so far, hinted Hani El-Assaad, SITA president for Middle East, India and Africa.

As part of the five-year contract, SITA will provide a range of fully integrated airport systems. One of these includes its airport management solution, which will allow Abu Dhabi Airports to proactively manage the operation of AUH by providing real-time information from across all facilities. This will enable the operations team to plan for events before they happen, while ensuring resources are fully optimised.

Technology can play a key role in meeting the growing passenger numbers, ensuring smooth flow through the airport, and providing a memorable experience to each and every passenger, said El-Assaad.

Abu Dhabi Airports has recognised the importance of using technology smartly to get the most out of its facilities and has turned to SITA to help transform air travel at the airport through the use of technology.

He expressed his admiration for AUHs ability to meet the rapid growth it has experienced over the past few years without compromising the service offered to passengers. El-Assaad added: We have worked alongside the team at the airport to provide the technology to manage everything from check-in and airport management systems to self-boarding gates, across the existing terminals. Abu Dhabi Airports has recognised the value we bring as an IT partner which can deliver not only improved operational efficiency, but also an enhanced passenger experience.

SITA is currently working with the airport to implement a complete airport management solution in the new midfield terminal, expected to open next year. El-Assaad explained that the solution would assist AUH in simplifying its operations, while improving profitability. He said an integral part of this solution was SITAs AirportCentral, the airport operational database, which will allow the airport to centralise all its data into a single repository of operational information.

The investment in SITAs latest innovations will bring the airports entire IT infrastructure in line with the systems that SITA is already implementing in the new midfield terminal, currently under construction. These new technologies will help improve the airports operational efficiency while providing a seamless passenger experience across all terminals.

The first boarding bridges have now been installed at the midfield terminal, deploying smart airport technologies. Each will interface with the visual docking guidance systems, which direct aircraft to their gate parking positions.

Eight of the bridges have been specifically designed to serve the upper deck of the Airbus A380, with the longest bridge capable of extending by up to 45 metres.

SITA has provided the airport with a new traveller document authentication system, using boarding pass validation technology, which should enhance security, accelerate processing and reduce waiting times for passengers by automatically verifying all types of boarding passes, including mobile and home-printed passes. The use of this technology at AUH will be the first deployment of the product in the Middle East.

In addition to these systems, new automated boarding gates and flight information display systems will be installed, El-Assaad reported.

Looking ahead, SITA plans to continue working with Abu Dhabi Airports to explore new solutions that will address emerging challenges as the airport continues to grow. They have always been keen to explore new technologies that help streamline their operation and create a great passenger experience, said El-Assaad.

For SITA, this gives us a tremendous opportunity to provide technology that will help the industry fully unlock its potential and further elevate the experience that passengers have come to expect from the regions airlines and airports.

In the meantime, AUH has been awarded the ISO 22301 management system certificate for business continuity management. Abu Dhabi Airports said it was the first in the region to gain that certification.

The award is the international benchmark of good practice in business continuity management and recognises the steps that Abu Dhabi Airports has taken to implement processes that will provide continuity of its operations during disruptive events.

There is no doubt that the future of Abu Dhabi and its continued growth, like so many other airports, rests with the continued success of its base carrier  Etihad in this case. As Grant puts it, what is perhaps not realised is just how strong that reliance is in todays competitive environment, perhaps more so than either Dubai or Doha.

Attracting new carriers to the airport and encouraging growth of new segments, particularly in the form of low-cost carriers, are some of the challenges that the airport will face as the new midfield terminal comes online at the end of 2017, all of which has to be set against a major competitor less than 80 miles away with a 25-year growth advantage, Grant concluded.


This step is part of Air Arabia's innovative approach towards using cutting-edge technologies to drive its business efficiency and customer experience. Developed in tandem with airline professionals themselves, DocuNet is designed for hyper efficiency and ease of use, evolving the flight operations document management and providing an all-round e-document solution.

Air Arabia, which flies to over 120 routes from five global hubs in the UAE, Morocco, Egypt and Jordan will use DocuNet across its fleet of Airbus A320 aircraft.

Ian Herbert, CEO of Vistair, said: "We look forward immensely to working closely with and supporting Air Arabia to help them deliver their ambitious business aims. Over more than a decade, and in partnership with many of the world's leading commercial airlines, our DocuNet service and other aviation specialist software solutions have proved transformational to our clients, often turning complex processes into simple tasks.
The service is operated by an Emirates Skycargo Boeing 777 Freighter aircraft which has the capacity to carry just over 100 tonnes of cargo. Large and outsized shipments can also be easily uplifted through the aircrafts wide main deck cargo doors. The cargo capacity offered through the weekly freighter is in addition to the 175 tonnes of belly hold capacity offered on the 5 weekly Boeing 777-300ER passenger flights from Oslo.

The new weekly freighter service from Oslo will facilitate increasing exports of seafood, in particular salmon, from Norway. The last six years have witnessed a doubling of Norwegian seafood exports because of increased demand from global customers for Norwegian salmon, trout, cod and crab.
The now daily service is an increase on Qatar Airways current five-times weekly service to the Egyptian city, and will deliver an additional nearly 30,000 seats per year to the popular tourist destination. Filled with a deep Egyptian history and a rich cultural scene, Luxor is one of the worlds must-visit destinations and is famous for possessing one of the largest concentrations of historical monuments and antiquities in the world.

The new daily service to Luxor further complements Qatar Airways existing services to Cairo and Alexandria and provides travellers with the flexibility to explore a multi-city visit to Egypt. Travellers touching down in Luxor looking for an Egyptian adventure can take in the Valley of the Kings, hop on a Nile cruise to seek out the world famous pyramids and Sphinx in Cairo, and can choose to return from Cairo or via Alexandria. Qatar Airways will fly a total of 33 flights per week to and from Egypt. In addition to the new daily Luxor services, travellers can choose from 16 flights per week to Cairo and 10 flights per week to the city of Alexandria.
12/10/2016 -is back. Travelling exhibitions dedicated to designers and architects in all the most important European capital cities., after the five days at Cersaie amongst the trends of contemporary architecture,will be in Austria at thefor two days of meetings and innovation.At, the company of Fiorano Modenese will be presenting some of the most innovative collections of porcelain stoneware of its vast and diversified range of wall and floor tiles that are all strictly Made in Italy.Amongst these, Project Evolution , the large slabs now offered in 26 colours and a variety of different effects: from marble, to metal, travertine, concrete and stone, Project Evolution is truly a complete solution in terms of surfaces offered and possibilities of installation.The quality of Italian ceramics comes to life in Elapse , the series of stone-effect porcelain stoneware tiles that have chosen Nature as main inspiration and have interpreted the preciousness of timeless elements.Vienna will also be the showcase for Eikon , the Caesar collection that pays it tribute to the everlasting beauty of natural stone, and, the system of monolithic and perfectly wedged and rectified porcelain stoneware slabs for exteriors with a thickness of 20 mm.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. US President Barack Obama has blasted Donald Trump's recent remarks about women, saying they would be intolerable even for someone applying for a job at a 7-Eleven convenience store, BBC reported.

At a rally supporting Hillary Clinton, Mr Obama also urged senior Republicans to formally withdraw their endorsement of Mr Trump as presidential candidate.

Many top Republicans have distanced themselves from Mr Trump over a video in which he boasts of groping women.

Mr Trump accused them of disloyalty.

He was particularly scathing about House Speaker Paul Ryan whom he described as a "weak and ineffective" leader.

Addressing a campaign rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Tuesday evening, Mr Obama referred to Mr Trump's crude remarks about women, saying: "Now you find a situation in which the guy says stuff that nobody would find tolerable if they were applying for a job at 7-Eleven."

He said: "You don't have to be a husband or a father to say that's not right. You just have to be a decent human being."

Mr Obama questioned how senior Republican politicians could still want Mr Trump to be president.

"The fact is that now you've got people saying: 'We strongly disagree, we really disapprove... but we're still endorsing him.' They still think he should be president, that doesn't make sense to me," he told the crowd.

Mr Obama was interrupted several times by anti-Clinton campaigners but seemed unfazed, saying: "This is democracy at work. This is great."

The hecklers were escorted from the venue by security officials.

Thousands waited for more than six hours to hear Barack Obama speak in what could very well be his last visit to the battleground state as president.

The sun was out, and so were the hecklers.

The first two interrupted the president early in his address. Mr Obama, seemingly unfazed by it all, waited for the crowd to finish their booing before telling the hecklers with a wry grin to "get their own rally".

It wasn't long before Mr Obama was interrupted again. This time, the heckler was further back in the crowd. The man walked straight past us as he left, wearing a T-shirt declaring "Hillary for prison 2016".

In the third and final interruption, a man entered the cordoned-off area, screamed something at the president and tore a Clinton-Kaine campaign sign in two.

The man was escorted away and President Obama carried on smoothly, handling it all with good humour. The Greensboro crowd seemed to appreciate the laugh, in a campaign that's turned decidedly nasty.

In another development, Hillary Clinton's Campaign Chairman John Podesta has said that Russia was behind an apparent hacking of his emails and may have been colluding with the Trump campaign.

He said on Tuesday that the FBI was investigating the hacking of the emails that were published by WikiLeaks.
Ariel Dorfman: Of the myriad times since adolescence that I have returned to the story of Don Quixote de la Mancha, there is one I choose to remember  that I cannot help but remember  as we commemorate the 400th anniversary of the death of Miguel de Cervantes. That reading, in October 1973, took place among a distraught group of captive men and women who, like me, had sought asylum in the Argentine Embassy in Santiago, Chile, after the coup that overthrew the democratic government of Salvador Allende.
So how did ballet come to Canada? Like so much else, it arrived in waves, beginning with ambitious 17th-century colonists who brought European culture to the shores of North America in the form of dance lessons for indulged children. Only in the early 20th century did professional ballet training begin; pioneers of Canadian ballet such as Ottawas Gwendolen Osborne brought their tradition and training to students who could manage almost perfect 180-degree turnout. The countrys first major choreographers then looted indigenous cultures in search of something saleable.
Ever since the announcement by New Century Chamber Orchestra that its music director will leave at the end of the current season, the organization has been faced with Mission Impossible: replacing the irrepressible and  not to mince words  irreplaceable Nadja Salerno-Sonnenberg. And yet, the news today is of success.
Istanbul (AsiaNews) - The words uttered yesterday by President on Turkish Erdogan against Iraqi in his speech in front of the 7th International Conference of the Islamic Council in Eurasia have left all participants astounded.

At one point the Turkish president threateningly addressed Iraqi Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi  who was absent  and said quote: "Respect your limits." This language - uncommon within diplomatic circles and among heads of state - was used in front of many media, at the International Meeting of Islamic scholars (Ulema) who Turkey has attempted for years to gather into one organization without much success. This year the meeting was held in Istanbul from 11 to 14 October.

Erdogan's wrath was unleashed in response to criticism from the Iraqi Prime Minister of the Turkish military incursion in Baashika, in northern Iraq, and its plans for the liberation of Mosul. Al-Abadi said that "the Turkish army is not wanted and must withdraw from Iraqi territory". Erdogan shot back yesterday saying: "The Turkish army will not take instructions from the Head of the Iraqi government and we will continue our operations in Baashika".



Thus it became clear that the Turkish military action in Baashika takes place without permission of the Iraqi government and in complete violation of international law.



"Some countries," Erdogan continued, "come from thousands of kilometers to intervene in Afghanistan and in many other parts of the world where there are de fact threats against them, while Turkey, which has a border extending 911 km with Syria and 350 km with Iraq is told that it is not entitled to take action to address the threat. We will never accept this twisted logic".



"The fitna [division between the Sunni and Shiite Muslim sects] - said Erdogan - creates an excuse for foreign intervention and this game has been used in Iraq, Syria, Yemen, Lebanon and recently in Turkey." For Erdogan the "game" - as he called it - of the Western powers is a plot that creates sectarian divisions in Islam. For the Turkish president "the Islamic world" is "under the yoke (of the threat) under the pretext of terrorism."



Speaking then of terrorism and its victims, Erdogan said: "The victims of terrorism in the Middle East and North Africa are Muslim, as are those Muslims who commit such actions against Muslims." Then he asked everyone: "Have you ever heard of Christian terrorism or Jewish terrorism, atheist or Buddhist terrorism? Certainly not, you've never heard of it. Because any terrorist action is classified as religious only when those who commit such actions are Muslims.

The rhetoric against terrorism and against the "plots" of the West towards Islam hides - in fact - Turkey's fear that Mosul, once liberated, could become a member of the Kurdish autonomous region. This would be unpopular in Ankara because it would strengthen and give new hope for autonomy to the Kurds in Turkey.



Speaking on the issue, the spokesman of the US State Department John Kirby said that "Turkish forces" in Iraq "are not part of the international coalition" and the controversy concerning Baashika "must be resolved by the Turkish and Iraqi governments". (PB)
Mgr Theodore Mascarenhas, secretary of the Bishops' Conference (CBCI), sent a message to Muslims for the Shia observance in the holy month of Muharram. In India, Christians and Muslims live in peace and harmony.

New Delhi (AsiaNews)  Today is Ashura, a day of Remembrance in the holy month of Muharram. Speaking to AsiaNews, Mgr Theodore Mascarenhas, secretary general of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), greeted our Muslim brethren with whom we also have many issues that are common to us, especially since both the communities are minorities in India.

Though we cannot share their perspective on many issues, the prelate noted, both communities live in peace and harmony and cooperate with each other in many areas. "

Muslims throughout the world on October 12 observe Muharram that commemorates the martyrdom of al-Husayn ibn Ali, grandson of Prophet Mohammad, the CBCI secretary said in his greetings.

Ashura falls on the 10th day of the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar, one of the most important events for Shias who remember the martyrdom of their Imam.

In several Muslim countries, the day has often been marked by acts of violence and attacks. Thus, in countries like Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Iraq, the authorities are on high alert. However, the bishop noted that in India Muslims have good relations with other communities, including Christians.

According to the 2011 Census, "Islam is the second largest religion in India, with 14.2% of the country's population or roughly 172 million people, Mgr Mascarenhas said.

Between Christians and Muslims, There are possible flash points in some areas but we have not had very serious conflagrations.

In his message on behalf of the bishops, Mgr Mascarenhas expressed hope that such observations and celebrations surrounding the event will continue to encourage them and all in society to be willing to make sacrifices and to endure suffering, when necessary, for the sake of the common good.

The best way to go ahead is in the spirit of the Holy Father's speech in Assisi, the CBCI secretary explained.

As Pope Francis said at the recent meeting, Our religious traditions are diverse. But our differences are not the cause of conflict and dispute, or a cold distance between us. [. . .] From that historic event (the first Assisi meeting with Pope John Paul II in 1986), a long pilgrimage was begun which has touched many cities of the world, involving many believers in dialogue and in praying for peace."

This "has brought people together without denying their differences, giving life to real interreligious friendships and contributing to the resolution of more than a few conflicts. This is the spirit that animates us: to bring about encounters through dialogue, and to oppose every form of violence and abuse of religion which seeks to justify war and terrorism.
The young attacker Ali Shiouki, openly challenged soldiers and police officers on patrol. To ward off attacks to coincide with Yom Kippur, Israel has deployed 3 thousand men to defend the city. Palestinians fear a permanent division and access to private prayer only to Jewish worshipers.

Jerusalem (AsiaNews / Agencies) - The Israeli army soldiers opened fire on a young Palestinian, killing him. According to reports the incident occurred yesterday evening in Silwan, a neighborhood east of Jerusalem occupied and annexed (by Israel). This latest episode of violence comes just three days after the attack of the 39 year-old Palestinian Musbah Abu Sbaih on civilian and military targets, which killed three people including the bomber.

The 20 year old attacker Shiouki Ali, was openly challenging the deployment of police and army soldiers stationed by the Israeli government in recent days in Jerusalem and the West Bank. The massive deployment of forces is an attempt to ward off attacks to coincide with Yom Kippur, the Jewish holiday of forgiveness, which began yesterday and ends today.



Jerusalem police are on high alert and the Palestinian territories are sealed off, to prevent the passage of personnel and equipment from the Territories and from Gaza. The goal is to prevent possible attacks against the tens of thousands of faithful and tourists who arrive for the most solemn celebration of the Jewish calendar to visit the Old City and the Western Wall. Security was further tightened after the attack on October 9. According to Israeli sources there are at least 3 thousand agents spread throughout the city, to protect the safety of the faithful and pilgrims.

Tensions are high because Palestinians fear that Israel, which controls all access to the Temple Mount, will eventually divide the territory and allow entry only to Jewish worshipers to pray.



Starting in October 2015, after a series of provocations by ultra-Orthodox Jews who prayed on Temple Mount, unrest spread in Israel and the Palestinian territories, in what became known as the knife intifada.

So far, 237 Palestinians, 35 Israelis, two Americans, a Sudanese and an Eritrean have died in the violence. Most of the Palestinians died tried to stab, fire at or drive cars against pedestrians and soldiers. Some were killed during demonstrations or clashes with the military.
Vatican City (AsiaNews) - A ceasefire in Syria, at least to evacuate the children. This is Pope Francis latest appeal which came at the end of the general audience. "I want to emphasize and reiterate - his words - my closeness to all victims of the inhuman conflict in SyriaIt is with a sense of urgency that I renew my appeal, begging, with all my strength, those responsible, that steps be taken toward an immediate ceasefire, one imposed and respected at least for the time necessary to allow the evacuation of civilians, especially children, who are still trapped under cruel bombardment.



Earlier, addressing the 40 thousand people in St. Peter's Square, the Pope spoke of the works of mercy, even "spiritual" ones such as "to patiently bear wrongs", calling them "the best antidote" in a world "struck by the virus 'indifference". If everyone did some every day one, he added, there would be "a real revolution". He continued the catechesis of the next weeks will be dedicated to works of mercy.

To be merciful "is a commitment that challenges the conscience and action of every Christian. It is not enough to experience the mercy of God in our lives; Whoever receives it should also become a sign and instrument for the other. Mercy also is not reserved only for special times, but embraces all our daily lives. "



"How, then, can we be witnesses of mercy? We should not think that it means making great efforts or superhuman gestures. No, it does not. The Lord shows us a much simpler way, through small gestures which, however, are great in His eyes, so much so that he told us that on these we will be judged. In fact, a most beautiful page of Matthew's Gospel brings us the lesson that we could refer to somewhat as the 'Testament of Jesus', for the evangelist who experienced the action of Mercy in first person. Jesus says that every time we feed the hungry and give drink to the thirsty, clothe a naked person and welcome a stranger, visit those who are sick or in prison, we do it to Him (cf. Mt 25,31- 46). The Church has called these gestures 'corporal works of mercy' because it gives succor to people in their material needs.

"But there are also seven other 'spiritual' works of mercy, affecting other equally important needs, especially today, because they touch the intimate and often make people suffer more. We all will certainly remember the one that has entered the common parlance: To patiently bear annoying people, and wrongs. It might seem like a minor thing, which makes us smile, but instead contains a feeling of deep love; and this is also the case for the other six, which is good to remember: Counseling the doubtful, teach the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive offenses, pray to God for the living and for the dead, these are everyday things. I stop, listen to those in need, I console and I dedicate my time and this is not just for those in need, it is for Jesus.

In the next catechesis we will focus on these works, that the Church presents to us as a concrete way of living compassion. Over the centuries, many simple people have put them into practice, thus giving genuine witness of faith. The Church, moreover, faithful to her Lord, nourishes a preferential love for the weakest. Often it's the people closest to us who need our help. "



"We dont have to go off in search of some kind of work to accomplish. It is best to start from the simplest of things, the Lord shows us the most urgent. In a world sadly struck by the virus of indifference, the works of mercy are the best antidote. They educate us, in fact, to pay attention to the most basic needs of our "little brothers" (Mt 25,40), in whom Jesus is present, Jesus is always present where there is need, where there is a material and spiritual need. Recognizing his face in that of those in need is a real challenge against indifference. It allows us to always be vigilant, avoiding that we should walk by without recognizing Christ. St. Augustines saying comes to mind: "Timaeus Iesum transeuntem" (Serm., 88, 14, 13), I am afraid that the Lord will pass by and I will not recognize Him, I am afraid I will pass by like one of these little people and I will not recognize Him. I wondered why St. Augustine said he feared the passage of Jesus. The answer, unfortunately, is in our behavior because we are often distracted, indifferent, and when the Lord passes by we lose the opportunity to encounter Him".



"The works of mercy awaken in us the need and the ability to have a living and active faith with charity. I am convinced that through these simple everyday actions we can make a real cultural revolution, as it was in the past, if each of us every day carries out a work of mercy, this will be a real revolution in the world! How many Saints are still remembered not for the great works that they have achieved but for the charity that they were able to pass on! We think of Mother Teresa, recently canonized who is not remembered for the many houses she opened in the world, but because she bent over every person who was in the middle of the road to give them back their dignity. How many abandoned children did she hold in her arms; she accompanied those dying, those on the threshold of eternity holding their hands! These works of mercy are the traits of the face of Jesus Christ, who takes care of his little siblings to bring everyone the tenderness and closeness of God. May the Holy Spirit kindle within us the desire to live with this lifestyle, to carry out at least one every day, at least! Let us learn again by heart the corporal and spiritual works of mercy and ask the Lord to help us to put them into practice every day, and the time in which we see Jesus in a person who is in need. "



Finally, the Pope also spoke of the International Day for Natural Disaster Reduction, which is celebrated tomorrow and this year proposes the theme: 'Reduce mortality'. "Natural disasters could be avoided or at least limited, since their effects are often due to mans deficiencies in environmental care. Therefore I encourage you to join efforts in the protection of our common home, promoting a culture of prevention, also with the help of new knowledge, reducing the risk to the most vulnerable populations. "
After fleeing her poor family, she married at the age of 15. After months of abuse and violence, she tried in vain to get out through divorce. In 2012 she was accused in her husbands death but police extorted her confession. Her death sentence was postponed when she got pregnant in prison, but her baby was still-born.

Tehran (AsiaNews/Agencies)  Zeinab Sekaanvands fate seemed sealed. The young Iranian woman was sentenced to death in connection with the murder of her husband who had repeatedly abused her, physically and verbally, when she was still under age.

Despite pleas from activists and humanitarian organisations to the Iranian government to spare her life, her execution is scheduled for tomorrow.

She was supposed to hang months ago but Iranian authorities postponed the sentenced because she had remarried in prison and become pregnant. On 30 September, she gave birth to a stillborn baby.

Doctors said the young woman's baby died in her womb two days before she gave birth as a result of the shock she suffered after her friend and cellmate was executed.

According to human rights groups, Ms Sekaanvand comes from a poor, conservative Iranian-Kurdish family, and ran away from home at the age of 15 to marry her first husband, Hossein Sarmadi. However, not long after their wedding, she said, he started beating her regularly and verbally abusing her.

The young woman registered several police complaints against her husband, none of which were investigated. Her husband rejected her requests for a divorce, and when she tried to return to her parents, they disowned her for eloping.

In 2012, this nightmare come to an end when she was charged with husbands murder. She allegedly confessed to stabbing him to death.

After her arrest, she was held at the police station for 20 days and repeatedly tortured by police officers.

She was also denied access to a lawyer during her entire pre-trial detention period and only met her state-appointed lawyer for the first time at her final trial session on 18 October 2014.

Before her conviction by a court in West Azerbaijan Province, she retracted her confession and told the judge that her husband's brother, who she said had repeatedly raped her, had committed the murder.

Ms Sekaanvand said the latter promised to pardon her if she took the blame  as Islamic law allows a murder victim's family to accept money in lieu of execution. However, her retraction was ignored as were her accusations against her brother-in-law who got off scot-free.

In 2015, Ms Sekaanvand married a fellow prisoner and became pregnant. Her execution was delayed until after the birth, which turned into a tragedy in itself.

Iranian judges can spare under-18s the death penalty if they do not understand the nature of their offence. This was not investigated in Ms Sekaanvand's case, although an official examination found she was suffering from a "depressive disorder" characterised by insomnia and difficulty making decisions. She was denied medical care in prison.

So far this year, the Islamic Republic of Iran has executed at least one person convicted for an offence when they were under age, and has at least 49 more child offenders on death row.
When Typhoon Haiyan smashed into Tacloban in the central Philippines almost three years ago, Arsenio was one of the lucky ones  he survived by swimming a kilometre to safety.

Every time there is a storm, I get scared, even after three years, he said. I dont want to go through the same thing again.

And yet, there is a good chance he will. The archipelago nation is regularly rocked by storms that are predicted to get stronger and more frequent due to climate change. And the 67-year-old shopkeeper is still living in the same place: the Seawall barangay (neighbourhood), which is strung along the coast of the city of Tacloban.

I am pissed off, said Arsenio, who declined to give his last name. I have not been offered any sort of relocation by the government, even in a transitional centre.

After Haiyan  one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded, and one that destroyed more than a million homes and killed more than 6,000 people  the government promised to build back better. The strategy included relocating people away from coastal areas that are almost sure to be hit again.

The plan has so far been a failure, at least in terms of numbers.

In the aftermath of one of the worst natural disasters ever to hit the Philippines, the government of then president Bignino Aquino III committed to building 205,000 homes to accommodate around one million people living in coastal danger zones.

Last week, Vice President Leni Robredo, newly installed as head of the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council  an umbrella organisation overseeing various government housing agencies  admitted that only around one percent of the target had been achieved.

The report reaching us is that only 25,000 were completed, she said at a press conference. From the 25,000 that were completed, 2,500 were occupied.

As the third anniversary of the Haiyan disaster approaches on 8 November, hundreds of thousands of people in the Philippines, including tens of thousands in Tacloban, continue to live in areas the government has designated as no dwelling zones.

They include residents of Seawall who, like Arsenio, rebuilt their homes after the storm. They are shacks made from what could be found in the wreckage or was donated by charities  plywood, sacking, and corrugated iron. Some jut out into the sea, supported on stilts, and are connected to the land by single wooden boards.

Joyce Sierra, advocacy officer at Social Watch Philippines, said many survivors of Typhoon Haiyan  known locally as Yolanda  had to rebuild their lives with little or no assistance, which pushed them deeper into poverty. They are even poorer and even more vulnerable now, even three years after Yolanda, she told IRIN.

Robredo blamed the lack of progress on red tape, particularly the processing of documents and land titles for sites where homes were to be built. She has said she will coordinate with the Commission on Audit and the National Economic Development Agency to see if the bureaucracy can be reduced.

The slow grind is frustrating for people like Glenda Nibasa, a housewife living in Taclobans flood-prone Picas barangay. As she waits for the government to provide her with a proper home, shes living in a temporary shelter provided by the NGO World Vision.

"If the government wants to help us, why are there so many processes? Why wont they just help us? she asked.

But constructing new homes is not the end of the problem. Some blame corruption.

Even survivors who are offered the chance to relocate sometimes decide against it, because the inland safe zones are far from their where they work  usually in the fishing industry. They also fear the new homes are a step down in terms of quality of life.

We declined because the area is far from our livelihood and we heard the water was not good, said Marissa Trebajo, who sells fish at the Seawall market to support her four children.

Ildebrando Bernadas, head of the Tacloban city governments disaster risk reduction and management office, acknowledged that there is a problem with water supply and said it was because no national agency had been assigned to the problem.

Plans are now being drawn up to provide a water supply to Taclobans relocation township in the north of the city.

Bernadas also said Haiyan survivors concerns about their livelihoods were being addressed, and employment and training provided  though it could not be guaranteed that those being relocated, mostly fishermen, would be able to continue with the same job.

Actually, those that are now resettled permanently, that was also their sentiment: We dont want to move because our lives here, we are fishermen, etc. But now they are there, they feel happy about it, he said.

Canadas response to Typhoon Haiyan

On November 8, 2013, when category 5 Typhoon Haiyan (locally known as Yolanda) made landfall in the Philippines, Canada was there to support the Government of the Philippines and the humanitarian partners in their response to the urgent needs of people affected by the typhoon.

Typhoon Haiyan affected more than 16 million people, led to more than 6,300 deaths, injured more than 28,600 people, temporarily displaced 4.1 million people in 57 cities, and damaged more than 1.14 million houses.

The Government of Canada has provided a total of $90.5 million in response to the crisis. This amount includes the matching of $85.5 million generously donated by Canadians to eligible organizations through the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Fund, which was established by the Government of Canada to engage the Canadian public and support humanitarian, recovery and reconstruction efforts.

By working with experienced humanitarian partners in the Philippines, Canada helped provide:

3.7 million people with emergency food assistance;

190,000 children with supplementary feeding;

570,000 households with emergency shelters;

1.4 million people with financial assistance to procure essential household items;

162,000 vulnerable workers with paid debris clearing work;

545,000 children with learning materials;

4,900 temporary learning spaces and 285 child-friendly spaces;

2.3 million children with vaccinations;

1.9 million people with hygiene kits;

350,000 people with access to new or fixed latrines;

111,000 people with training about gender-based violence;

103,000 farmers with agricultural seeds and tools; and

24,000 fishermen with assistance to build and repair their boats.

Canada also supported the deployment of a Canadian Red Cross Emergency Response Unit to support the damaged Ormoc District Hospital in Leyte Province by providing surgical care and pediatric and post-partum inpatient care. Between November 21st and December 21st, the field hospital personnel assisted more than 1,200 patients, and provided 418 birth deliveries and 114 surgeries during its month of operation.

In recognition of continuing reconstruction needs, Canada is providing $20.5 million for longer term economic recovery from 2015 to 2019. This assistance focuses on rebuilding livelihoods, strengthening micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, and disaster risk reduction.
Photo caption: Yul Baritugo suggests Filipino Canadians support President Rodrigo Dutertes actions because their general pet peeve is the endemic corruption in the country.

By Yul Baritugo,

Special to The Post

On October 7, Digong -- as he is known in shantytowns and barrios in Mindanao Island -- marks his first 100 days in office.

He is a grossly misunderstood Philippine leader. His critics label his penchant for Filipino cuss words as shock politics. Still others are at a loss as to whether he is the countrys saviour or simply a madman.

Court records annulling his marriage to Elizabeth Zimmerman, his first wife, cited Dutertes mental incapacity based on a psychologists report saying that Duterte suffered from Antisocial Narcissistic Personality Disorder. The report claimed that Duterte has an inability for loyalty and commitment, gross indifference to others needs and feelings, heightened by a lack of capacity for remorse and guilt.

The report also described Duterte as a highly impulsive individual who has difficulty controlling his urges and emotions. He is unable to reflect on the consequences of his actions. Duterte himself has said he is bipolar.

A Moro President

His rant against U.S. President Barrack Obama labelling him as a son of a whore, according to sources, resulted in the release of Norwegian hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad by the Abu Sayyaf, a self-styled Philippine affiliate of ISIS. The same group beheaded two Canadians earlier after Canada under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau refused to pay ransom money.

According to Southern Philippine sources, Muslims there now believe they have a Moro (Muslim peoples of the southern Philippines) president. The Norwegian release was a gift and no ransom was paid.

Close aides said he personally worked for the release of the hostage since Norway is host to the peace talksbetween the Philippine government and the Philippine Communist Party, National Democratic Front and New Peoples Army to end a bloody 33-year insurgency that has cost over 100,000 lives.

Dutertes worldview

Duterte is the epitome of a collective desire by a majority of people outside the Philippine capital -- described by outsiders as Imperial Manila -- to end a political dynasty dominated by 10 families that continue to run and dominate Philippine business and politics.

Rodrigo "Rody" Roa Duterte is also a jurist and the first Mindanaoan to hold the office, and the fourth of Visayan descent. He was born in Maasin, Leyte but traces his roots to Danao, Cebu and his moms province Agusan.

The family later settled in Davao where his father became governor. After a short political stint, his father worked with deposed strongman Ferdinand Marcos in the presidential palace Malacanang.

Duterte studied political science at the Lyceum of the Philippines University, graduating in 1968, before obtaining a law degree from San Beda College of Law in 1972. He then worked as a lawyer and was a prosecutor for Davao City, a highly urbanized city, before becoming mayor of Davao following the Philippine revolution in 1986 against the Marcos dictatorship.

Duterte was among the longest-serving mayor in the Philippines: seven terms over 22 years.

Duterte the Punisher

Filipino Canadians generally support Dutertes actions because our pet peeve is the endemic corruption in the country.

I covered Dutertes Ateneo high school classmate, former Congressman Jesus Jess Dureza, now negotiating the peace process with rebels as a Congress reporter. He observed that Duterte is a punisher. He then told the story about a bully who was terrorizing students outside their school. Duterte reportedly hunted down the bully and found him in a cafe. He went straight up to the guy and punched him in the face.

I favour the way Duterte is handling the countrys problems. His pivot to China and Russia has resulted in a halt to the planned Chinese fortified garrison in one of the man-made islands just 150 miles from Palawan.

The country cannot afford to blindly follow a tainted foreign policy influenced mostly by the United States which is currently waging a proxy war against many nations.

Yul Baritugo is a retired editor with years of experience first as a justice and court reporter, later becoming business reporter and editor. He also edited a now defunct Filipino Canadian magazine and later a Filipino Canadian newspaper. Yul is spearheading an effort to form a Collective of Immigrant Journalists. Reach him at yul3452@yahoo.ca

This piece was originally appeared in New Canadian Media (newcanadianmedia.ca).

See http://newcanadianmedia.ca/item/38632-duterte-a-grossly-misunderstood-leader-duterte-a-grossly-misunderstood-leader
Is Haunting Worse Than Ghosting?

We Take A Closer Look At Haunting, The Latest Mega Frustrating Dating Trend

The Dating Nerd is a shadowy figure whose whereabouts and identifying details remain unknown. What we do know is that he is really, really good at dating. Hes been on more dates than you can shake a lengthy bar tab at, and hes here to help the average guy step his dating game up a notch  or several.

The Question

Dating Nerd,

I was seeing this girl for a bit earlier this year pretty casually. Most of my friends told me she was going to try to lock it down but she seemed really into the idea of it being a relaxed thing and not a full relationship. Eventually we decided to break things off. We'd had a few tiffs  not quite fights  but it had soured the whole carefree sex thing we had going on. A few weeks later I liked a picture she posted on Instagram. What can I say? She looked great. It made me wonder if I'd made the right move in moving on. Then she sent me this really hateful message, which pretty much sealed the deal. What the hell?

- Bad Move Dude

The Answer

Hi BMD,

This is supposedly an advice column  a place where I, the columnist, discuss the feelings of you, the reader. But, in this case, I feel like we should set that aside for a moment. Before I respond to your question, lets talk about how I felt when I read it.

Imagine if your son said he needed to borrow some money from you. And you asked why he needed money. And he said, well, my stupid manager at Dairy Queen fired me for, like, no reason. And you said, was there actually no reason? And he said, well, when I showed up for work today, my uniform was entirely soaked in my own blood. And you said, wait, how did that happen? And he said, a shark bit me earlier while I was swimming in the ocean in a jacket made of wounded fish  so can I borrow some money, or not?

Thats how I feel  like youre my son, calling me from a Dairy Queen parking lot, bleeding heavily. Mainly, the feeling consists of feeling powerless. I wish I could have saved you from the horrible fate that already befell you. I wish I were there, earlier in your life, so I could have corrected the series of events that brought you here, to this disgraceful question youre asking me now.

Alright. First of all. You ghosted on this girl. Why? We all know that ghosting is terrible. Well, sure, but we also know why ghosting is so tempting. Simply waiting for someone to stop texting you is, in some ways, easier than being a grownup and communicating. Because breaking up with somebody, even if youve been dating for roughly two minutes, makes you feel like a total piece of crap. Not undeservedly so  when youre breaking up with someone, youre saying, Briefly, out of all the millions of highly evolved primates who shop at H&M, I thought you were special  but, on second thought, I have decided to consign you to the mass of indistinct people from whence I plucked you.

The act of broadcasting that message is unpleasant. Breaking up with someone well is hard. (Breaking up with someone well means doing it briefly and unambiguously  so, not like that one time I called a girl I was dating in college, gave her an hour-long monologue about how nobody really understood J.D. Salinger like I did, then abruptly broke up with her. Dont do that. Shame will follow you through all your living hours.)

So you put it off, promising yourself that youll do it tomorrow  cleanly, appropriately break things off with the really nice girl you had five extremely pleasant boring dates with, culminating in two sessions of affectionate, boring sex. You never do. Ten days pass. She assumes youre not interested in dating her, because shes a highly evolved primate just like you. She, also, goes around telling whoevers listening that youre an asshole. She, in this case, is correct.

Relax. Its not so bad. I sympathize. Youve been a bad person. But its not like you killed anybody. You were just kind of a selfish jerk. You chose your feelings over hers. You said, my comfort is more important than her sanity  Im going to avoid the brief, unpleasant moment of breakup, even if that means she spends hours quietly wondering what the hell is going on before realizing that shes been discarded.

Dick move  but you probably havent done any long-term damage. Also, you suffer as well, in a different way. Youve made an interesting bargain  in exchange for avoiding the discomfort of a breakup, youve made it clear that youre a cowardly jerk.

Maybe you regret it already. Maybe if you broke up with her all nice-like, you could still be pleasant acquaintances. Then maybe you could make out at a sloppy Halloween party after you spill party punch down the front of her sexy Batman costume. Or maybe her totally hot co-worker wouldnt have second thoughts about dating you. Or maybe you just want her to respect you down the line. Too bad. Thats not going to happen now. When youve ghosted on someone, theyre not going to like it. Deal with it.

But you cant. So you start liking her selfies. There are words for people like you: apparently, this is called haunting now. I guess for the obvious reason that its ghosting, except plus a little bonus round, where once you disappear from a womans life like a phantom, you then return, skulking around, wailing and rattling your chains. You pop into her online social life, saying, hey, Im alive, hello, hi, nice face.

RELATED: The Newest Online Dating Trend - "Roaching" - Explained

Its also a little ridiculous. Theres only one reason why you could possibly want to do this, I think  you want to revive your reputation  you want to seem like a nice person, whos happy she likes her new outfit. You want her to think, well, he ghosted on me, but he clearly appreciates me  after all, he tapped a button on his phone. So, do you really think this is a viable option? Like, how simple do you think women are? Do you think their emotions are some kind of point system? Like where youve scored negative five hundred points by ghosting, but you score one point for every fave or retweet, so you can undo your past wrongs with a clever social media strategy?

Even if theres actually no manipulative motive  which is logically possible, but I dont believe it  if you just want to be kind, thats still stupid, because she doesnt want your kindness anymore. Shes already observed that your word doesnt mean much, that goodnight, talk to you soon means Im never texting you again. A little social media activity wont demonstrate otherwise.

Listen. Im sorry you got that message. But, rather than flailing around, trying to recover your dignity in an undignified way, you should treat it like a lesson, or, rather, a re-acquainting with one of the eternal truths of human relationships: sometimes, youre an asshole.

Think you could use some dating help, too? Email the Dating Nerd at [email protected].
Tinder Date Ends In Murder Charge For Sydney Man

Trending News: Woman Tries To Escape Tinder Date, Man Ends Up With Murder Charge

Why Is This Important?



Because the Tinder Takeover is not just a threat to traditional dating but also an individuals life and security, apparently.

Long Story Short

In 2014 a New Zealand woman died after falling from a 14th-floor balcony belonging to her Australian Tinder date. The man has been charged with murder, as prosecutors believe his bizarre and aggressive actions left her no choice but to attempt to escape.

Long Story

On the evening on February 7th, 2014, Warriena Wright and Gable Tostee met at a surf shop in Queensland, Australia. They had first made contact 6 days prior on the popular dating app Tinder, and upon meeting purchased some beers and headed back to Tostees apartment. The twosome drank and became intimate prior to an altercation, which occurred early on the Friday morning.

According to court documents, the rendezvous ended with Wright dead, having fallen from Tostee's 14th floor balcony. Tostee has been charged with murder for his involvement, as it appears his actions made her death all but inevitable.



Audio recordings recovered from Tostees phone were played for the Supreme Court in Brisbane, and Wright at one point is heard saying to Tostee:



Are you going to f*cking untie me because I will f*cking destroy your jaw.



Wright asks to leave multiple times, and then Tostee is heard saying:



I should have never given you so much to drinkyoure not going to collect any belongings, youre just going to walk out. If you try to pull anything Ill knock you out. Ill knock you the f*ck out. Do you understand?



Prosecutors in the case were not alleging that Tostee physically murdered Wright but more so that he left her with no choice but to attempt to escape with her life by climbing down from the locked balcony of the Gold Coast high-rise. It's unclear how or why she was on the balcony, and why Tostee locked it.



Tostees 13th floor neighbor directly below him, retiree Gabriele Collyer-Wiedner, witnessed the sound of banging furniture at around 2 a.m.; she also saw Wrights feet dangling from the balcony and watched as her body fell onto the retirees balcony railing, eliciting screams from both Collyer-Wiedner and presumably Wright herself. Wright then fell to her death on the driveway.



According to another witness, hairdresser Nick Casey, Wrights final words were I want to go home, and help.



The trial continues before Justice John Byrne.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

Will Tinder users start thinking twice about going for that late-night rendezvous after hearing of Wright's death, or continue to link up without taking the necessary precautions?

Disrupt Your Feed

It's pretty weird that he was recording all of this.

Drop This Fact

According to a 2015 BuzzFeed article, Tinder has approximately 50 million users worldwide including celebrities like Lindsay Lohan, Lily Allen & Katy Perry.
Atlantic Citys favorite fall film festival, the Atlantic City Cinefest, is back for its 9th year, Friday through Sunday, Oct. 14 to 16. The arts district, specifically Dante Hall and The NoyesArts Garage, will be abuzz with a plethora of filmmaking talent.

We have a great mix of films on the schedule, from action to thriller to drama to comedy. You can choose documentaries and local films, features and shorts, says Bill Sokolic, festival founder and president.

6 Places to grab a fall ale With fall comes pumpkin pies, pumpkin lattes and  clearly our favorite  pumpkin ales. And 

With over 50 films showing, along with presentations from directors, producers and actors, this weekend will be a dazzling celebration of the silver screen.

Filmmaking, like the other arts, is an exploration. At film festivals you get to see new ideas, new actors and new directors, says Blanche Baker, an Emmy Award-winning actor who will receive the Lifesaver Award, participate in a filmmakers discussion panel and host a screening of John Hughes cult classic Sixteen Candles, in which she played Ginny.

Also receiving the Lifesaver Award is actor Scott L. Schwartz, known for his memorable roles in Oceans Eleven, Oceans Twelve, Spider-Man, The Scorpion King and more. Schwartz is a Philadelphia native and spent many years at the shore. After losing his sister, a local resident and casino pit boss, to cancer, he has dedicated much of his time to charity work at numerous childrens hospitals.

When my sister was sick, her doctor told me that the most important aspect of cancer treatment is to keep the patients spirit up. And I thought, I can do that, Schwartz says.
There are certain foods that strike a craving within that simply cant be satiated by any other food. The donut is one of them. When the mood 
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Three solicitors in the UK are on trial for allegedly stealing nearly 600,000 from the UKs Legal Aid Agency (LAA).



Mohammed Ayub, 55, his brother Mohammed Riaz, 48, and Neil Frew, 48, are said to have established a fake company to claim bogus interpreters fees from the LAA between September 2010 and October 2014, a report from The Law Society Gazette revealed.



The three solicitors who have been charged with conspiracy to defraud, a charge they all deny, worked for Chambers Solicitors in Bradford.



According to the publication, the Sheffield Crown Court has been told that the trio set up a company called Legal Support Services (LSS) after securing a contract for immigrations work from the LAA in October 2010.



LSS, according to the prosecutions Simon Kealey, had no record of ever paying corporation tax, VAT or utility bills for the period the alleged crime were said to have been committed.



The Gazette reported that red flags were noticed when Chambers was audited a year after the contract was worn.



Among the suspicious details of the case was that Chambers and LSS shared an address as revealed by an invoice collected during the LAAs audit. However, the invoice had no company registration or VAT number.



When the detail was noticed, the LAA initiated a counter-fraud investigation and found that a random selection of files showed that 27 of 46 cases Chambers worked on had interpreters fees claims that did not indicate how interpreters were contacted or appointed.



Later on, interpreters named are said to have claimed they did not know LSS and that they worked directly for Chambers.



Between June 2010 and May 2014, a total of 592,000 was deposited to LSS-owned accounts with 320,000 coming from Chambers and 269,000 from unknown sources, the Gazette reported.



The investigation found that 135,000 had been paid to Five Leisure Amusements, an amusement arcade company, in April 2011 and more than 30,000 had been paid to Bradford Grammar School for tuition fees for an employees son.



After authorities started an investigation, 537,000 was withdrawn in cash from LSS accounts in seven transactions between January and April 2014, the report also noted.


By Christopher Turbill, Senior Lecturer in Animal Ecology, Western Sydney University

Ron and Joe/Shutterstock.com

You may have seen the news that the human lifespan cannot be extended beyond about 115 years, as shown by a demographic analysis confirming that the steady improvements in lifespan seen for many populations over recent decades has stalled since the 1990s.

The researchers conclusion that the maximum lifespan of humans is fixed and subject to natural constraints is sobering reading for those who dream that human ageing can one day be successfully hacked. But for evolutionary ecologists, it should not come as a surprise.

As well as striking a note of biological realism, this research also highlights how research on human ageing often neglects the insights available from evolutionary theory  and particularly from a research field called comparative life-history ecology.

This genre of research explains why mice and humans grow old at such different rates (more on why this is a problem for ageing research later). It aims to bring us closer to understanding the ultimate reasons why we age  which in turn can tell us whether the hundreds of millions of dollars poured into ageing research are actually a good investment.

Strive as we might, an evolutionary perspective tells us that maximum lifespans will not be extended by simply solving one symptom of ageing after another.

Growing old  the why as well as the how

Ageing  or senescence, to use the biological term  is defined as a decline in physiological condition with age. You might wonder why natural selection allows this to happen at all. The answer is that senescence happens in a selection shadow  that is, after organisms have already reproduced and passed on their genes. There is no real evolutionary penalty for failing to ward off the ravages of old age, because in animal populations relatively few individuals make it into their geriatric years anyway, thanks to predators, disease, hardship or bad luck.

Natural selection reaches a crescendo at sexual maturity, when most individuals in a population are alive and striving to produce viable offspring. This is the age at which the genetic baton is passed to the next generation. Unfortunately for those of us over 40, its all downhill from here in terms of the evolutionary pressure to maintain a healthy body.

This knowledge  that selection pressure changes with age in a way that depends not just on the expected lifespan but also on the timing of reproductive effort  is fundamental to evolutionary theories of ageing. It is also fundamental to how we design and interpret the research that aims to help us prolong our own maximum lifespans.

Many of the species most frequently studied by biologists  such as mice, flies and worms  are chosen precisely because their short lifespans and fast generational turnover make them quicker and easier to work with. But their short lives and adaptable reproductive strategies actually make them unsuitable models for testing drugs or other anti-ageing interventions aimed at slowing human ageing.

Short-lived species seem to be able to trade in their investment in growth and sexual reproduction in return for slowing down the ageing process  switching to a physiological state in which they instead invest in maintenance of body condition and warding off senescence.

This strategy makes sense for species whose brief lives can be subject to wide variability in environmental conditions. For a small rodent, having a litter of pups would be rather pointless if food is too scarce for them to grow and survive to adulthood. Hamsters, for example, can instead enter a torpid state that actually protects their cells from ageing over winter.









ShwSie/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY





In contrast, species with long expected natural lifespans (which have reduced their mortality risk by evolving to a large size, or being able to fly or hibernate, or having a large brain) have already invested strongly, and perhaps maximally, in protecting their cells from ageing. This suggests there is no anti-ageing switch available to flick for a species such as ourselves. Whether or not we have children, it seems were already naturally geared to live as long as we possibly can.

This might sound weird, but its supported by a simple comparative analysis that a colleague and I published back in 2010, in which we compared the average expected lifespan with the maximum recorded lifespan for various mammals. From this we can calculate a simple ratio of average to maximum lifespan, which tells you, for a given species, how much it is theoretically possible to expand lifespan.

If we take the ratio of a short-lived species like a mouse and apply it to humans, we would predict a maximum lifespan of about 400 years! But despite all of our efforts to push the boundaries through medicine and nutrition, humans (along with elephants and other highly durable animals) dont come close to these biblical lifespans.

So if mice find it much easier to slow down the ageing process than we do, what does that mean for anti-ageing studies using mice? Sadly, the implication is that most tactics shown to prolong lifespan in mice  such as calorie restriction  will be far less effective in humans.

If we are to break the evolutionary constraints on maximum lifespan in humans, we need to better take account of life-history ecology. This theory tells us that the causes of ageing are to be found not at the end of our lives, but at the beginning.

How our maximum lifespan is ultimately limited will be understood by research that seeks to answer why the pace of life varies so much among different animals. For me, this is the take-home message from this recent excellent research.

Christopher Turbill's research has been funded by a Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) from the Australian Government.

Originally published in The Conversation.
Businesses in Western Australia want to be able to employ more skilled workers from overseas where there is a skills shortage but say the current visa system is too rigid.In particular the country's immigration policy is not responsive enough to the needs of business, according to a group of industry experts attending a roundtable event at Curtin University. Business leaders want industry to invest in education and training for migrant workers where they are needed to fill job vacancies, helping to create an environment for overseas workers to thrive, the meeting heard.They believe that the skilled migrant list is not flexible enough. For example, bricklayers are on the list yet the region is currently going through a construction slump. The same applies to plasterers, tilers, and electricians.The skills list, which is released by the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP), could be better organised, according to Curtin Business School research fellow Roslyn Cameron.Dr Cameron used the department's data in her BankWest Curtin Economic Centre report on minimising skills wastage and maximising the wellbeing of skilled migrants to Western Australia and believes that more could be done to support skilled migrants who arrive under their own steam without employer sponsorship.'They are the people who are on the skilled occupation list, they want to get to Australia, they have the skills but not a lot of safety nets when they get here,' she pointed out, adding that these workers often plug skills shortages in regional Western Australia.A recent Department of Training survey of 117 migrants who came to the State under the skilled priority list showed only 35% were actually employed in the job they came to do, however, the department's director of service delivery operations Jodie Wallace, said it was nearly impossible to regulate the skilled migration system.She explained that a lot of independent skilled migrants arrive via the DIBP and the system means that individual States have little or no control over which skilled migrants actually arrive in the State.
Hi forum members,My name is Lisa and my partner and I are trying to figure out what our options are in terms of migrating to Australia. **Forgot to mention we're Canadiansand in our early 30s.We're looking at a few options here and I've been checking out peoples' circumstances to see where we fall in.About 9 years ago, I did my first WHV and loved it but unfortunately didn't end up staying for the full year and wished I had. Australia left its stamp on me and it's calling.My partner spent over a month there visiting a friend and he loved it as well and we had a good talk and our 3 year goal was to move to Australia. Instead of 3 years, we've decided why not sooner?!So here we are.Thanks everyone in advance for your advice and help! We can't wait to live in Aus!
I found this message in my application inbox and I've checked my email and spam and found nothing. Anyone else having problems and will they try to contact me again if I didn't get their message? I also know the email address is correct so there's no reason I shouldn't have gotten it.View application mailboxCorrespondence for this application is currently being sent to the Primary Applicant at the following email address:************@gmail.comPlease check your spam filter if you have not received any correspondence.To change the address for receiving correspondence, please use the Change of email address link in the Update us page.
Hi everybody,



I recently got invitation via SkillSelect to apply for Visa subclass 189 (Skilled migration) . I have a wife and a child . I am planning, initially to go to Australia alone and get a job. And when I am settled down (after 2-4 months appx), I will bring my wife & child to Australia.



I am confused in:



a) Should I include them now along with my 189 visa application. In this case I have to pay now $1800 (for partner) + $900 (child) as visa cost.



b) If I don't include my family along with me now, and apply for family visa later, after I land in AUS OR I will get my PR. What kind of visa options I will have?



- Can I apply for visa 189 / PR for my family later. How much time it will take for processing this visa. Will it be same cost (1800+ 900)



- If not visa 189, then what kind of visa I can apply for them in future. What are the cost and processing time? any idea? How is that visa comparable with 189 ? Pros and Cons



We are married from 4 years. Child is 1 year old.



Thanks in advance.
hi everyone



i am new to this forum....and would like to inform you that i got a job verification call from Australian embassy on 16.09.2016.and till now i havent got any revert from them.

can any one tell me how long it will take to get the result of my job verification call and after that how long it will take for the medicals and the final visa.

please help ,me
EV

Johan van Zyl, the CEO of Toyota Europe, told Auto Express that the third-gen Aygo could steer away from its brethren to become an. We already have some electric vehicles undergoing trials here in Europe - short-range, inner-city transport," declared van Zyl. EVs will be part of that, he added.In addition to this, the official was asked if the new Aygo will get some sort of electrification. Yes, thats going to be very interesting. Will people use vehicles which will completely emissions-free in certain areas? We see a stronger growth of that type of thinking in cities where theyre saying, Wed rather have emissions-free vehicles so it should be a plug-in or a pure-electric vehicle. Its rather clear, then, that Toyota is definitely up to something.Toyotas Gerald Killman, the head of research & development at the carmakers European arm, adds fuel to the fire: Clearly we do see the possibility for battery-electric vehicles there [in the Aygo]... but yes, we are developing it. If Toyota is set on this course of action, what will happen to Peugeot and Citroen? Will the 108 and the C1 follow the Aygo's lead?PSA is interested in green tech as well, but the carmaker didnt say if its planning on ditching the three-cylinder engine in the 108 and C1 for an electric motor. Citroen head honcho Linda Jackson puts its best: [...] having a small urban-type mobility vehicle thats electric makes sense.If the future is indeed electric for Toyotas and PSAs small cars, then its very likely that the Japanese-French venture will cooperate on electric powertrains. The cost for development is extraordinary, especially for vehicles with small profit margins such as the Aygo, 108, and C1. Thus, my humble opinion is that the electrification trend will bring Toyota and Groupe PSA closer still.
Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics AS and its corporate affiliate Eukor Car Carriers, Inc. agreed to pay a combined $1.5 million to the Federal Maritime Commission, which accused the carriers of violating the Shipping Act.



Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) Chairman Mario Cordero said Tuesday the commission has recovered a total of $1.5 million in civil penalties from Wallenius Wilhelmsen Logistics AS (WWL) of Norway and its corporate affiliate Eukor Car Carriers, Inc. (Eukor) of Korea.

The FMC said the two carriers were accused of violating section 10(a) of the Shipping Act, 46 U.S.C. and 41102(b), by acting in concert with other ocean carriers in regards to the transportation of automobiles and other motorized vehicles by roll-on/roll off or specialized car carrier vessels, where such agreements had not been filed with the FMC or become effective under the Shipping Act.

FMC staff claimed these practices persisted for an extended period of time and involved various U.S. trade lanes.

The compromise agreement also resolved allegations that WWL and Eukor failed to file certain space charter agreements or provided transportation under certain service contracts that had not been filed.

Although a compromise agreement was reached between the FMC and the two carriers, neither of the carriers admitted to violating the Shipping Act.

In concluding the agreement, WWL and Eukor agreed to provide continuous cooperation with other commission investigations or enforcement actions with respect to these activities.
Evercar's electric vehicles parked at one of its Los Angeles locations. Photo courtesy of Evercar.

Evercar, a provider of shared electric vehicles for on-demand drivers like Uber and Lyft, has ended its operations in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

All member accounts have been suspended. According to the companys website, it will be processing any remaining invoices by Thursday Oct. 13.

Over the past year, our team has worked hard to deliver you a reliable service to help you earn money in the on-demand economy, Evercar stated on its website. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, we will not be able to deliver that service in the near term.

Evercars shared vehicles were preapproved for ride-hailing and on-demand delivery platforms including Uber, Lyft, Postmates, and DoorDash. Its $8 hourly rate covers fuel, maintenance, and insurance costs for unlimited miles.

Launched in Los Angeles, Evercar offered access to over 100 shared vehicles in 13 vehicle hubs around Los Angeles County. The company had recently expanded to the Bay Area  offering Toyota Prius vehicles with two locations in San Francisco and Oakland.
The last credible piece of news that we have had about Michael Schumacher is that he is out of coma but has lost the ability to walk on his own. However, what should still be of immense consolation to his family, friends and followers is that he is alive.

That however hasn't stopped some overzealous publications to report the legendary racer has already breathed his last, much to the anguish of his family, Yibada reported. What is even more incredible is that some had used the false reports of Michael's death as April Fool's joke.

Earlier a German publication, Bunte had reported Schumacher is well on the path to recovery and could be seen walking again without any external aid. The racer's wife, Corinna Schumacher has taken strong exception to such reports and has appealed for privacy and support for her family which is what she said they need the most in their hour of crisis.

According to a report from Christian Today, Corinna has come out in the open to clear the air regarding Schumacher's health. She said while the former F1 champion is alive, any report claiming him to be walking is grossly untrue.

Corinna also stated the current state of health of Michael is enough for those seeking sensational news stories to claim he is dead but her family can easily do without such stuff. Not only will it have an adverse effect on the moral of Michael himself but also on the family as well.

Unfortunately, Corinna did not shed any new light on how Michael is doing at the moment. Some believe he is improving by the day while there are others who have been reporting just the opposite, that Michael's health is deteriorating steadily. Corinna however chose not to confirm or deny any of these reports, leaving the suspense going.

Michael continues to be under the supervision of private medical treatment at his home in Geneva with a crew of trained professionals attending to him round the clock.
Investigators probing a fatal Piper Seneca crash in East Hartford, Connecticut, Tuesday afternoon suspect it was a suicide act by the student pilot who was killed. News outlets reported the twin aircraft came from a flight school at Hartfords Brainard airport and was on approach to the field when it smashed into a utility pole about 3:30 p.m. on a busy street and ignited a fire, knocking out power to the area. Connecticut news media reported Wednesday thatArian Prevalla, the owner of American Flight Academy, was instructing in the aircraft and survived the crash.The Hartford Courant reported that Prevalla attempted to take the controls when the student,Feras M. Freitekh, 28, began flying erratically.

Freitekhwas emotionally distraught from his poor progress at the flight school, the Courant reported.Unfortunately, this looks, at this point, like an individual who wanted to end his life and used this event to do it, an official told the newspaper.Because the crash occurred near Pratt & Whitneys headquarters and engine plant, local officials had immediately notified the FBI along with the FAA and NTSB. The FBI is searchingFreitekhs Chicago-suburb apartment and personal belongings and investigators found nothing suspicious, The Courant reported.
12 October 2016 11:31 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

Despite a ceasefire agreement achieved between Azerbaijan and Armenia in 1994 over the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, not a single day passed without the truce violation by Armenian troops.

On October 11, the Armenian Armed Forces tensed the situation once again, by 22 times violating the ceasefire on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops over the past 24 hours, Azerbaijans Defense Ministry reported on October 12.

So, Armenian armed units located in the Barekamavan village of Noyemberyan region, as well as from nameless heights of Ijevan region of Armenia, fired at Azerbaijani positions located in the Gaymagli and Balajafarli villages of Gazakh region.

Meanwhile, positions of Azerbaijani Armed Forces were also fired from the occupied villages of Chileburt (Tartar region), Garagashly (Agdam region), Horadiz and Garakhanbeyli (Fuzuli region), Mehdili (Jabrail region) and from the positions deployed on the nameless heights of Goygol, Goranboy and Fizuli regions.

Armenia ignores all peace processes, which Azerbaijan and OSCE Minsk Groups co-chair countries try to carry out for over two decades. Ignoring the calls of Azerbaijani side, as well as the whole international community to end the hostilities, Armenia continues its destructive actions.

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.

The occupational and ethnic cleansing policy of Armenia forced over 1 million Azerbaijanis to leave their homes in Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan. Nowadays, with a population of over 9.6 million, Azerbaijan is among the countries carrying the highest IDP caseload in the world in per capita terms.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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12 October 2016 12:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Laman Ismayilova

A book on the Khojaly genocide informing about the crimes committed by Armenian occupants against Azerbaijanis in Khojaly has been published in California, the U.S..

Titled "Khojaly: A Crime Against humanity", the book was written by Jewish religious figure Rabbi Israel Barouk who lives in Los Angeles, Azertac reported.

Based on extensive and irrefutable facts, the book provides an insight into root causes of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The book is published by Berkeley Press.

The author shines a light on the facts of those brutal days in February of 1992; the invasion, entrapment, and indiscriminate murder against unarmed civilians in the Nagorno-Karabakh region of Azerbaijan

From the snowy evening of February 25 through the frosty night of February 26, 1992, over 600 unarmed Azerbaijani civilians and residents of Khojaly were murdered by Armenian armed forces. Over 300 of those killed were children, women and the elderly. Considered by many as an example of modern day genocide, the Khojaly Massacre challenges what we thought could never happen. In 1994, the international organization Human Rights Watch condemned it as the largest massacre in the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The Khojaly Massacre has proven that a nation can remain practically alone in the wait for justice and reconciliation, over decades of enduring invasion and ethnic cleansing.

Rabbi Barouk draws parallels between Khojaly and other human travesties and prompts the reader to take this recent and unforgettable cruel tragedy personally.

The author completed his Rabbinical degree and Dayanas, as a Judge of the Jewish Court, at Yeshivat Or Elchonon. Originally from Jerusalem, New York City and Paris and currently based in Los Angeles, Rabbi Barouk works with leaders and communities across the globe to study, understand and engage with how positive multiculturalism serves as a powerful mechanism toward peace. Through extensive study and engagement with survivors, experts, faith, government and community leaders throughout Azerbaijan and beyond, Rabbi Barouk understands the Khojaly Massacre as a touchstone for broad and deep messages about accountability, and the power and impact of unification for the cause of recovery and justice.

The book is available at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1888205695/ref=cm_sw_su_dp.

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12 October 2016 17:17 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The Metsamor nuclear power plant (NPP) of Armenia, which can be regarded as the main threat to the regional environment and peoples lives, soon will be launched again.

The NPP will start operating from November 26, Director General of the plant, Movses Vardanyan told journalists on October 12, Sputnik-Armenia states.

It is assumed that the plant will be under renovation until November 25. Our plan for this year is the full test of the reactive unit, starting with core, upper unit, steam generators and their pipes, Vardanyan said.

Earlier, the Metsamor NPP suspended its operation for two months as the renovation work has begun there since September 20. The work implies operation of the NPP until May 2017.

However, it is planned that in spring Armenia will again start works on extension of the term of Metsamor NPPs operation, now for additional 10 years until 2026. The Armenian government adopted this decision in March 2014. It was related to delays in the construction of a new nuclear power unit.

Back to the past, the construction of Metsamor NPP began in 1970. It was closed after a devastating earthquake of 1988 in the town of Spitak. However, in 1995, despite numerous protests of international community, the Armenian government renewed the operation of the NPP. Moreover, the second reactor was launched.

Many international ecologists and scientists keep noting that the seismic activity of the area makes the operation of the nuclear power station in Metsamor an extremely dangerous enterprise. It is noteworthy that addressing the Council of Europe, Armenia undertook closure of the station, but has not fulfilled this commitment.

Recently, Turkey's Energy and Natural Resources Minister Berat Albayrak stressed that the Metsamor NPP is a threat to Turkey's security. Albayrak advised the international community to pay more attention to this problem. Metsamor NPP, located in seismic zone, should be shut down. The world cannot risk another disaster like Chernobyl, the Minister emphasized.

There is great nuclear security risk to the region regarding Metsamor NPP, especially in the context of the occupation of Azerbaijani territory by Armenia, The Korea Times underlined. The dubious condition of spent fuel and waste material from Metsamor NPP also raises safety concerns.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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12 October 2016 10:14 (UTC+04:00)

By Jacek Rostowski

Little more than three months after the United Kingdoms decision in June to leave the European Union, Brexit politics are careening out of control in the UK. An almost revolutionary  and very un-British  dynamic has taken hold, and, as British Prime Minister Theresa May indicated in her Little Englander speech at the Conservative Party conference this month, the UK is heading for a hard Brexit.

That outcome would run counter to British public opinion, which remains moderate on the question of fully breaking with the EU. According to a July BBC/ComRes poll, 66% of respondents considered maintaining access to the single market to be more important than restricting freedom of movement. In an ICM poll the same month, only 10% of respondents said they would prioritize ending free movement over maintaining access to the single market, while 30% viewed the two as equally important and 38% considered maintaining full access to the single market the priority.

These findings will surprise only those who buy into the narrative that the West is confronting a large-scale xenophobic revolt against the elites. While the Leave camp certainly included many hard Brexiteers whose primary motivation was to end free movement, it also comprised people who believed Boris Johnson, the former London mayor and current foreign secretary, when he promised (as he still does) that the UK could have its cake and eat it.

In fact, despite Leaves large faction of angry white working-class voters, middle-class trade-friendly Brexiteers, together with the Remain camp, constitute a clear majority of everyone who voted in the June referendum. Under normal circumstances, one would expect the governments policy to reflect the majoritys preference, and to aim for a soft Brexit. Instead, a classic revolutionary pattern has emerged.

According to the Brexiteers, the people have spoken, and it is the governments duty to deliver a true Brexit. But the government must overcome the spoilers, such as senior civil servants and the Remain majority in the House of Commons, who favor a Brexit in name only  a false version that could never deliver the benefits of the real thing.

In this revolutionary narrative, the worst elements of Europes political tradition have crowded out British pragmatism. What a majority of British voters want is considered irrelevant. With a hard Brexit, the Leave camp can avoid being seen by voters as the supplicant in negotiations with the EU  which it inevitably would be, no matter how often May denies it.

The EU will have the upper hand in negotiations for two simple reasons. First, the UK has more to lose economically. While other EU countries total exports to the UK are double what the UK exports to the rest of the bloc, its exports to the EU amount to three times more as a share of its GDP. Likewise, the UK has a services surplus, which matters far less to the rest of the EU than it does to Britain.

Second, just like the EUs Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement with Canada, any negotiated arrangement between the EU and the UK will have to be unanimously accepted by all EU member states. Thus, the negotiation will not really be between the UK and the EU, but rather among EU members. The UK, without a presence at those talks, will simply have to accept or reject whatever the EU offers. This would be true even if the UK pursued a prepackaged arrangement such as membership in the European Economic Area or the EU Customs Union; it will be all the more true if the UK seeks a bespoke deal, as May has indicated she will.

If British voters recognized their countrys weak negotiating position, the Brexiteers, who won the referendum on their promise to take back control, would face a political disaster. Walking away from substantive negotiations is the simplest way to avoid such an embarrassing unmasking.

Thus, politically, a hard Brexit is actually the soft option for the government. Economically, however, hard Brexit will come at a high price, which the UK will have to pay for years to come.

The only consolation is that Brexits revolutionary momentum may not be sustainable. Shortly after the Leave camp labeled bureaucrats in her Her Majestys Civil Service enemies of the people  a typical statement in the early stages of a revolution  pro-Brexit Foreign Trade Minister Liam Fox derided British exporters, calling them too lazy and too fat to succeed in his brave new free-trading Britain.

Such rhetoric is a symptom of desperation. It carries echoes of the declining years of the Soviet Union under Leonid Brezhnev, when Marxist apologists insisted that there was nothing wrong with communism, except that humanity wasnt yet mature enough for it. If developments continue at this pace, the revolutionary zeal we see among British politicians may burn itself out before hard Brexit is consummated.

Copyright: Project Syndicate: The Political Logic of Hard Brexit

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12 October 2016 14:55 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan, with its aim to stimulate development of non-oil sector and to minimize dependence on petrodollars, has already introduced certain novelties, with a view to improve business climate in the country.

The recent decree of the president regulating the procedure for determining main aspects of rendering the state support to exporters, is considered to be a weighty step taken in this direction.

Head of the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Foundation (AZPROMO), Rufat Mammadov told Trend that the decree may be defined as historic, as exporters are to be supported in the process of entering the target market.

He mentioned that the state has already done much in terms of improving the business sphere and reducing bureaucratic obstacles to business, as a result, Azerbaijan has managed to establish a strong cluster of companies that produce goods for foreign markets, while the output possesses a great export potential.

Moreover, there is a great opportunity to strengthen Azerbaijans positions in the markets where the country is already present, as well as to find a niche in the markets where the country does not present yet, that is, to find new market segments for selling the output of the country.

All mechanisms envisaged in the decree are based on international practice, while creating these mechanisms is based on a thorough and in-depth analysis.

In todays competitive and marketing savvy world, branding is accepted as a fundamental strategy for success. Brands are considered to be a major tool for creating product differentiation. The combination of brand name with other important aspects has long ago become a core competitive asset in an ever-growing number of contexts.

The country is keen to penetrate widely in the international commodity markets with its products branded "Made in Azerbaijan". The export of agricultural products is expected to be a locomotive for non-oil sector exports as Azerbaijan is indeed trying to diversify its economy and bring its energy dependence to the lowest notch.

Azerbaijan outputs more than 250 kinds of home-made products in food, light, heavy and construction industries with good export potential.

Mammadov said that the lions share of Azerbaijans non-oil export accounts for the countrys agricultural and food products, which are mainly sold in shops and supermarkets, while promotion of the access for Azerbaijani products to foreign stores will be one of the mechanisms to promote export.

This mechanism envisages the creation of some racks with Made in Azerbaijan branded products in foreign stores.

Head of AZPROMO believes it is firstly necessary to introduce Azerbaijani products in Duty Free shops at the biggest airports in Europe, Asia, the US and others, that is where local output can reach a large number of consumers. Duty Free shops will give an opportunity to increase awareness about the countrys output, even in the countries where local products are not supplied.

One of the mechanisms is to assist in getting various certificates, patents, registration of trade marks for being presented in a target market. In this regard, 50 percent of the amount spent on a certificate, a patent or a trademark, will be compensated to the exporters, provided that the amount of support does not exceed 5,000 manats ($ 3,123)

To reach the target, the consumer should be aware about the product, therefore, one of the mechanisms will be directed at raising awareness about the Made in Azerbaijan brand. Moreover, a number of events such as export missions, participation in international exhibitions are planned for advertising the products on foreign markets.

Mammadov said that relevant experince of such leading countries as Turkey, Australia, Kazakhstan and European countries was thoroughly explored and studied, adding that the new mechanisms include the best global practice, which will give immediate results

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 the implementation of mechanisms.

The Cabinet of Ministers has already approved the list of non-oil products that will be eligible for benefiting from export promotion mechanism. Moreover, the authority approved the procedure of issuing incentives for those engaged in the export of non-oil production and coefficient applied in this regard.

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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12 October 2016 18:05 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company and British BP seek to continue implementation of joint projects in the Caspian Sea.

The realization of joint projects by the two companies, as well as the current level of cooperation was in top of discussions during the meeting between BPs Vice President for logistics and infrastructure John Milne and Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company head Rauf Valiyev.

The sides discussed expressed satisfaction with the current level of cooperation between the two companies.

The cooperation between the two companies is of great importance, as the development of marine shipping in Azerbaijan is closely linked to oil industry.

Being comprised of offshore support and merchant fleets and two shipyards the Caspian Shipping company plays connecting role in the Transport Corridor Europe-Caucasus-Asia (TRACECA) and provides offshore support services for oil and gas operations. The company aims to increase domestic and international transportation in maritime industry.

BPs office was opened in Baku in 1992. Since then, the company participated in a series of the upstream projects in the country.

The company is the largest foreign investor in Azerbaijan's oil and gas sector and the operator of the block of Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli offshore oil and gas fields, where the Azeri Light oil is being produced.

Moreover, the company also operates Shah Deniz gas and condensate field, which is considered to be one of the worlds largest gas-condensate fields.

BP is also a member of such projects as Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline, which passes through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey to transport Caspian oil to the Mediterranean coast, and South Caucasus Gas Pipeline, built to export Shah Deniz gas from Azerbaijan to Georgia and Turkey.

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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12 October 2016 16:30 (UTC+04:00)

The newly-presented Ali and Nino movie is a "do not miss" for those of us who love film, history and romance.

Ali and Nino is a tale of love by an Azerbaijani author, who wrote under the pen name Kurban Said. The epic love story is one of the most original works of twentieth century literature.

The film shot in 2015, tells the story of two young people, whose love undergoes family differences, religious dissimilarities and a challenging political situation as Azerbaijan fights for independence.

Azerbaijani Muslim boy Ali and Georgian Nino live in the oil-rich capital of Azerbaijan which at the beginning of the 20th century was a melting pot of different cultures. Despite differences in cultures, they have loved each other since childhood.

The film's executive producer is Leyla Aliyeva, producer is Chris Tike, chief director is Asif Kapadia. Screenwriter of "Ali and Nino" is a British novelist, screenwriter and film director Christopher Hampton.

The shooting took place in Baku, including the streets of the historic Icherisheher (Old City) and in different places of the capital, as well as in Gobustan and Khynalyg. The stars of the 104-minute film include Adam Bakri, Maria Valverde, also known from movie Three meters above the sky, Mandy Patinkin, Connie Nielsen, Riccardo Scamarcio, Homayoun Ershadi and others.

The film is available in CinemaPlus cinemas in Azerbaijani and English languages.

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12 October 2016 18:04 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

The OSCE Minsk Group, which is brokering for peace in the long-lasting Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, needs to intensify the search for solutions to the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The remark was made by Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu at the PACE session, RIA Novosti reports.

Cavusoglu, speaking at the meeting on October 12, noted that there are constructive approaches on the Minsk agreements.

Withdrawal of the Armenian troops from at least five regions of the occupied Azerbaijani territories continues to be debated. We consider that if such steps are taken, we will be ready to support any solution that is supported by Azerbaijan, he stressed.

The minister also noted that Turkey will no longer face a threat from the South Caucasus if the problem of relations with Armenia is resolved. Why not to solve it? I think that the Minsk Group will need to roll up its sleeves and work harder, Cavusoglu said.

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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12 October 2016 12:59 (UTC+04:00)

By Rashid Shirinov

NATO will develop next year a new Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP) to expand its cooperation with Azerbaijan, which the alliance regards as its 'important and reliable' partner.

NATO headquarters in Brussels told Trend on October 11 that Azerbaijan has a pivotal importance for the energy security of Europe, and it plays a special role in maintaining peace and stability in the Caucasus region, said the NATO office. Cooperation between Azerbaijan and NATO is about much more than modernizing the armed forces, it focuses on defense reform, good governance and democratic institution building.

It was also noted that Azerbaijan has achieved great success in cooperation with NATO, but much remains to be done. These are long-term efforts that will greatly benefit Azerbaijan, and NATO stands ready to continue assisting Azerbaijan in these efforts, said the office.

Moreover, the office of NATO said that the Embassy of Hungary in Baku will serve as the Contact Point of NATO in Azerbaijan from January 1, 2017. Previously, these functions were entrusted to the diplomatic mission of Romania to Azerbaijan. Since 2009, Embassy of Romania in Baku for four times received the mandate for the discharge of duties of NATO Contact Embassy in Azerbaijan. The mandate expires this December.

Azerbaijan's cooperation with NATO is carried out in the framework of the Partnership for Peace program. Earlier, NATO has approved the document of the fourth stage for the Individual action plan within the partnership for 2015-2016. Meetings on review of the partnerships objectives implementation are carried out together with the International NATO headquarters in Baku and Brussels within this plan and the Planning and Review Process (PARP).

A total of 27 from 41 objectives, adopted by Azerbaijan within PARP, refer to the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. A part of the accepted objectives is already completed, while the work on implementation of other long-term tasks continues.

Moreover, Azerbaijan cooperates with NATO in Afghanistan -- the peacekeeping contingent of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces has been serving there since November 20, 2002. Recently, a group of 50 Azerbaijani military personnel, was sent to Afghanistan in accordance with the plan and rotation for serving within NATO-led "Resolute Support" mission in Afghanistan.

As of April 2016, the Azerbaijani peacekeeping mission in Afghanistan includes 90 servicemen, two medical officers and two sappers.

Furthermore, Azerbaijan allowed the NATO planes carrying non-combat loads for a mission in Afghanistan to fly through Azerbaijan's airspace and to use the country's airports. About 40 percent of all cargo destined for the NATO mission in Afghanistan pass through Baku. In addition, Azerbaijan has for many years participated in peacekeeping missions in Iraq and Kosovo.

Moreover, NATO keeps the focus the issue of security of the oil and gaspipelines in the South Caucasus regionthat pass through the territory of Azerbaijan as well.

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Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov

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12 October 2016 10:25 (UTC+04:00)

The Mobile Training Team of Allied Joint Forces Command in Brunssum (Netherlands) conducts "Exercise Planning Course" at the Military Academy of Azerbaijani Armed Forces.

Azerbaijan's Defense Ministry reported that the courses are conducted in accordance with the Individual Partnership and Cooperation Programme between the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry and NATO for 2016.

During the seminar, NATO's mobile group will present to the military personnel the lectures on the following topics: "NATO Command and Force Structure", "Exercise and programming process in NATO", "Key characteristics of exercise planning", "Exercise Concepts", "Exercise Planning and Preparation" "Exercise Management".

Discussions and exchange of opinions will be held within the working groups.

The courses, which are attended by servicemen from different branches of the Armed Forces, will last until July 14.

The North alliance and the South Caucasus country of Azerbaijan enjoy strong partnership ties.

Azerbaijan actively participates in the programs such as Individual Partnership Action Plan (IPAP), Planning and Review Process (PARP) and Operational Capabilities Concept (OCC) of NATO. The country also provides transit opportunities for NATO forces, as well as contributes for the International Security Assistance Force and Resolute Support Mission in Afghanistan in order to support the international peace and security.

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12 October 2016 10:02 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on October 11 increasing individual presidential pensions from November 1, Azertac reported.

Under the presidential decree, the individual pension of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan will be 1,300 manats.

The individual presidential pension recognizes contribution to the development of science, education, culture, economy, pubic administration and other spheres.

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12 October 2016 10:41 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev wont be able to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia October 12-14 due to a cold-related disease, Nazarbayevs Press Secretary Aidos Ukibay wrote on the Kazakh president official websites Facebook page.

Some adjustments in the working schedule of the Kazakh president have been made and his participation in international events is not planned until the end of this week, Ukibay said.

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov will take part in the session within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) meeting in Yerevan, he added.

Kazakh presidents press secretary noted that Nazarbayev currently undergoes planned treatment due to a cold-related disease, and the overall state of his health causes no worries.

Nazarbayev was going to pay an official visit to Azerbaijan on October 12, where he was expected to meet with the Azerbaijani leadership.

In Yerevan, Nazarbayev was expected to join the regular session of the Collective Security Council of the CSTO at the level of heads of state on October 14.

Ukibay added that the further activity of the Kazakh president will be carried out according to his usual working schedule.

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10 Famous TV Personalities Born In Ethiopia Ethiopia is a country best known for its fast athletes like Dibaba and Bekele, breathtaking models like Liya Kebede and of course Haile Selassie but there are also famous TV personalities who are doing a great job in entertainment and pushing the country to civilization. The following is a list of ten most famous TV ...

Top 10 African Authors of All Time The pace of present African literature is moving at a high-speed; more defiant in both style and tone than those of the great independence writers generation. Here, the subjects of taboo are widely explored. The emerging African authors of this generation are not afraid to go further afield for the literary fodder. Meanwhile, since the birth ...

Maina Kageni Biography  Daughter, Salary and Gay Rumors Maina Kageni is one of those Kenyans who has remained as interesting as ever in the eyes of the public. A strong Red devil fan and lover of football, the man is currently a Breakfast Show presenter with Mwalimu Kingangi on Nairobis Classic 105 Radio Station. Many questions have always emerged on the man in serious ...

Kalekye Mumo  Biography, Boyfriend and Salary Kalekye Mumo has been described as someone who is as vibrant as she is beautiful, a Kenyan radio queen, TV host and media personality, movie actress, Musician, businesswoman, and fashionista but what else is there to know about this Kenyan icon, Kalekye Mumo and her co-host Shaffie Weru have been among the most listened to radio presenters ...

Julie Gichuru Bio  Age, Husband & Children In Africa, women have a long history of bringing under control obstacles to keep their heads above the water. So, it comes as no surprise whenever African women are recognized and decorated across the continent and globe for performing brilliantly well in their various fields of endeavor. In Kenya for instance, a list of national ...

Jeff Koinange Biography  All About His Age, Wife  Shaila Koinange & Family Jeff Koinange is a well-known Kenyan journalist. He currently hosts Jeff Koinange Live on KTN. Koinange has served as a journalist in the United States and has also worked for a few U.S. broadcasters. He was born in Kenya but attended college in the United States, which may explain his accent. There are several interesting ...

Caroline Mutoko Biography  Age, Daughter & House Caroline Mutoko is a Kenyan radio presenter, famously known for hosting a morning breakfast show on Kiss 100 FM. The station is based in Nairobi and ranks among the highly-rated radio stations in Kenya with online streaming services as well. Learn more about the Kenyan-born journalist. Caroline Mutokos Age and Bio Born on January 4, 1973, Caroline is ...

The Most Stunning News Presenter In Kenya Discloses Her Real Age  You Would Not Believe It In modern African societies, it is often regarded as impolite or outright lack of disrespect to ask a woman of her age. We also have seen celebrities lie about how old they are when asked their age. People, mostly women have refused to let people know their real age, despite being public figures. The few ...

Demystifying Chimamanda Ngozi Adichies Biography, Husband & Education Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian novelist, non-fiction writer, short story writer and actress. As a seasoned Nigerian writer, she has been called the most prominent of a procession of critically acclaimed young anglophone authors that is succeeding in attracting a new generation of readers to African literature. She has been making Nigeria proud in the global scene ...

Wole Soyinka  Biography, Wife, Children, Family, Quick Facts Professor Wole Soyinka, a great and brilliant Nigerian writer and political activist, who was the first African to win the Nobel Prize for Literature. The name, Wole Soyinka, is a household name both in Africa and beyond especially in the field of literature. With over 50 pieces of work, his writing includes poems, novels, memoirs ...

5 Most Vulgar Kenyan Radio Presenters It appears being vulgar is the real deal nowadays especially for the fact that the world is becoming more exposed and civilized. Sadly, but true, young people are constantly being exposed to images, discussions, and content that most people would deem detrimental to the African culture and moral statutes. This is because most of us ...

6 Sexiest News Anchors In Kenya Some news anchors have been stealing eyes every time they appear on-screen. Most of us hardly concentrate on the programme they present as our entire focus is usually on their striking physique and beautiful faces. It is common knowledge that Kenyan women are amazingly beautiful. From the celebrities to the everyday woman, they are all in ...

Interesting Oprah Winfrey Quotes To Keep You Motivated Oprah Winfrey is one of the worlds most powerful women in the media and business sectors. Her life is the typical success story that motivates and lifts ones morale. One amazing thing about this media mogul is her sincerity about past hurts, mistakes, healing, and success. The renowned talk show host and media personality is the first ...

Chinua Albert Achebe Biography- Family, Net Worth & Death Chinua Albert Achebe, of blessed memory, was a Nigerian prolific author best known for his inventive style of writing and simplicity of expressions. Famed as one of the finest writers Nigeria has ever produced, Achebe lived and died an international hero and a literary giant, who left behind unforgettable legacies and footprints in the sands of ...

Steve Harvey  His Wife, Kids & Height Steve Harvey is an American comedian, actor, radio and TV show host, producer and an author of different relationship advice books. Steve Harveys Early Life Born in Welch, West Virginia, on January 17, 1957, as Broderick Stephen Harvey, Steve was the last of five children. His family relocated to Cleveland when he was young and there, he attended Glenville High School from ...

Intriguing Things You Should Know About Danny Kokers Rise to Fame and Who His Wife Is Danny Koker is popular as the star of the History Channel reality TV series, Counting Cars. Prior to him appearing on the show, the TV personality was a musician who had embarked on a number of national tours with his rock group, Counts 77. He and his group have released quite a number of songs ...

Fun Facts You Didnt Know About Andy Cohens Rise to Prominence and His Partner Andy Cohen is one of Americas top media personalities who gained prominence after helping to bring the Bravo network back to life. He also hosted a couple of shows on the network, including the popular nightly series Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. After rising to the position of head of production and development at ...

Tracing Isha Sesays Career Until CNN, Her Worth And Why She Divorce Her Husband As far as journalists of African origin go, Isha Sesay is one of the most famous on the continent  and by extension, the world. The Sierra Leonean and British journalist has had a successful career since she joined the industry in 1998. In that time, she has worked for a host of major media ...

Open Secrets of How Joanna Gaines Balances Her Career With Being a Wife and Mother Joanna Gaines is the co-founder of Magnolia Homes, a business she runs with one goal: converting houses to homes. She doubles as the lead designer of the company which she co-owns with her husband, Chip Gaines. Lady Gaines gained massive popularity when she became a co-star with her husband on the HGTVs show, Fixer Upper. ...

Juicy Details of Ayesha Currys Love Story With Stephen, Her Family Members and Recent Pursuits When your husband is one of the greatest basketballers that the NBA has ever seen, then it bestows on you the status of a celebrity wife  and may not even demand that you do anything extra to maintain that status. However, Ayesha Curry, the wife of multiple NBA champion, Steph Curry, is not one ...

What Is Tarek el Moussas Ethnicity, Why Did He Divorce His Wife and Who Is He Dating? Tarek El Moussa has made himself one of the most recognizable men on reality television, especially to fans of HGTV. Thanks to his expertise in the world of real estate, Tarek has become a national star. But even to his hardcore followers, there are questions about Tarek El Moussa that remain unanswered, such as his ...

Fun Facts About Natalie Beckers Lonely Childhood and Eventual Career Success Natalie Becker is an actress of South African descent who became famous for her appearance in films like The World Unseen and The Scorpion King 2: Rise of a Warrior. A multitalented individual, Natalie is also a television/radio presenter. She is also a co-founder of the Thought Leader Global Media which she runs together with ...

Top 3 Female CNN News Anchors You Didnt Know Were Africans CNN is one of the leading news agencies in the world. The satellite and cable news network was founded in 1980 by Ted Turner and has been one of the best sources of news for a number of years. It also boasts of the best journalists and presenters all around in media broadcasting. The company is a ...

Channels That Aided Katie Pavlichs Growth as a Journalist and All About Her Marriage To Friedson If you have ever come across any Fast and Furious featuring Barack Obama, it is the handiwork of Katie Pavlich. The book which claims to have exposed Obamas bloodiest scandal and the shameless cover-up thereof, has been earning Pavlich much praise and fame ever since it was published in 2012. Nonetheless, Pavlich is more famed ...

Is Oprah Winfrey Married? Husband, Children, Biography, House, Facts Oprah Winfrey is a billionaire philanthropist, talk show icon, producer, actress, and writer. The media icon famously dubbed The Queen Of All Media owns and hosts the highest-rated television program in the media circle. Read more about the powerful television star below. Oprah Winfrey Biography Oprah was born as Orpah Gail Winfrey on January 29, 1954, to a ...

Who Is Arsenio Hall, What Happened To His Talk Show and Why Do Fans Think He Is Gay? He is one of the funniest beings to have graced the comedy constituent of the American entertainment industry. Arsenio Hall has a reputation for the rib-cracking disposition always portrayed in his comedy roles. He is not just a comedian; he is also an actor and a former talk show host for his popular show, The ...

What Is Woah Vicky Famous For and Who Are Her Family Members? Like most social media celebrities in this digital era, Woah Vicky is one of those stars that have utilized the internet as a powerful tool to propel themselves to instant fame. The social media space, such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, etc., offers lots of people the right opportunities and potentials to become superstars overnight. Not everyone achieves ...

Where Is Michael Strahan Since His Retirement From The NFL and Who Is His Partner? Michael Strahan is a retired American football player turned media personality. He played the defensive lineman position and holds the record for most sacks in a single NFL season. He also only played for the New York Giants throughout the entire 15-year professional career that saw him win a Super Bowl ring. In February 2014, ...

How Wendy Williams Went From Being a College DJ to Having Her Own Talk Show and More About Her Divorce Wendy Williams is a former radio personality, now talk show host, who is known for her outspokenness and brash no-nonsense attitude. She gained fame and notoriety for her on-air clashes with celebrities before moving on to host her own talk show. Since 2008, Williams has hosted the nationally syndicated television talk show, The Wendy Williams Show. ...

Who is Sunny Hostin? Her Husband, Family & Net Worth Sunny Hostin is no ordinary Latina  American lawyer but also a successful columnist, multi-platform journalist, and social commentator. A happily married woman and mother of two, Hostin is the Senior Legal Correspondent and Analyst for ABC News and co-host of ABCs popular morning talk show, The View. She is a legal expert popularly known as a former ...

Who Is Robert Costa and Is He Married, Who Is His Wife? Robert Costa is a political analyst for NBC News and MSNBC who is regarded as being part of Americas next generation of journalists. The University of Notre Dame graduate, who is of Italian/Portuguese descent, has been lauded for his fresh political perspectives in an industry full of old heads. In addition to his work listed above, Costa ...

Team Valor Pokemon Go  7 Key Facts You Need To Know Team Valor Pokemon Go  The craze of the new game Pokemon Go is one that took the gaming world by storm sending teenagers and adults alike into a frenzy and one of its teams Team Valor, has proven to be instrumental in making it so. Before the game was created, Pokemon was a cartoon ...

Sheryl Underwood  Husband, Family & Net Worth She is known for her trademark smile which can be described as the brightest and broadest smile ever seen on planet earth. She is none other than Sheryl Underwood the comedian, actress, and TV host whose funny wits has left America in great awe. Although Sheryl has risen to become an important personality in the industry, ...

Team Mystic Pokemon Go: 7 Facts You Need To Know And Signs You Are One Team Mystic of the break out game Pokemon Go is a team that is full of sass and chivalry. With an enchanting monicker, Team Mystic stands out from the rest of its counterparts and deserves to take the crown as champion in the Pokemon gaming-verse. To be a member of this exceptional team of Pokemon battle ...

Exploring Guy Beahms Dr Disrespect Persona, Wife and Why He was Banned Permanently From Twitch Guy Beahm who is popularly known by his online alias  Dr DisRespect, is an award-winning Twitch.tv streamer. He has leveraged on the Twitch platform to become an internet personality that is quite widely known. His online success is just more proof that anyone who is good at what they do can attain celebrity status ...

Critical Facts About Lee Ann McAdoo  The Infowars Anchor Lee Ann Mcadoo is a conservative journalist and television host whose interests in conspiracies and astrology has established her as a famous American reporter. Often referred to as Wonder Woman, McAdoo is a reporter who works for InfoWars.com, a controversial right-wing website run by radio show host, Alex Jones. Who Is Lee Ann McAdoo? Lee Ann McAdoo was born on 7 ...

Millie Weaver  Age, Husband & Infowars Career Millie Weaver is an American model, journalist, political activist, and social commentator. The young and beautiful journalist rose to fame working as a reporter for a controversial right-wing website InfoWars.com. Also known as Millennial Millie, Weaver is a social media influencer with over 100,000 subscribers on her YouTube channel and over 35,000 followers on Twitter. Who Is Millie Weaver and What Is ...

Is Jessica Tarlov Married? What Are Her Height & Weight? Jessica Tarlov is an American political consultant, strategist, and analyst whose influential and regular TV presence has made a popular figure. A good example of beauty with brains, Tarlov has appeared on various TV networks, mostly the FOX News Network where she is known for her liberal views on political analysis and insights. She is also the senior director ...

Who Is Kelly Rebecca Nichols  Alex Jones Ex-Wife? Kelly Rebecca Nichols is the ex-wife of controversial American radio show host, Alex Jones. She got nationwide attention following her divorce and subsequent custody battle with her estranged husband. Nichols, who worked with PETAs public relations department, was herself no stranger to controversies as she was involved in several publicity stunts of the non-profit animal rights ...

Who Is Bree Morgan  Cole Sprouse Ex-Girlfriend And What Is She Up To Now? Although Bree Morgan became famous through the Instagram, she also sapped some dose of popularity from Disneys sweetheart, Cole Sprouse of the Sprouse brothers. She is not only an Instagram star but also a YouTube vlogger whose popularity has long exceeded the ordinary level. Bree is conspicuously prominent on the internet and has her digital savviness ...

Does Vanna White Have Husband or Children, What Is Her Net Worth / Salary? For over three decades, Vanna White has been a household name, famous as the co-host and letter turner of the iconic NBC game show Wheel of Fortune. The talented and beautiful television personality is also an actress with several TV series and films to her credit. Since making her Wheel of Fortune debut in 1982, she has become one ...

Liz Wheeler  Biography, Husband & Net Worth Liz Wheeler is the kind of girl who sets the room on fire whenever she comes around. In this situation, however, she sets our screens on fire each time she appears as the host of One America News Tipping Point. She is, therefore, a presenter, publisher, consultant and a member of the Board of Zoning ...

Betty White  Net Worth, Children & Husband The entertainment industry will remain indebted to personalities like Betty White who brought something extra to the table and kept the world entertained for donkey years. The comedienne, actress, and writer graced the big screens in the early 50s as a show host and has been a delight since then. She is the queen of ...

Is Bill Nye (The Science Guy) Dead or Alive, What Are His Net Worth & Education? Everyone will always remember Bill Nye as the Science Guy. Besides his TV show Bill Nye the Science Guy, he is well-known for his Netflix show Bill Nye Saves the World which started airing in 2017 as well as his appearances in many famous media projects as a science educator. The star studied mechanical engineering ...

Is Cesar Millan Dead, Who Is The Wife & What Is His Net Worth? Cesar Millan is the famous dog whisperer who often stirs up mixed emotions. The Mexican-American is precisely speaking, a dog behaviorist; he has been in the game for over 25 years. His Emmy-nominated television series, Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan further pushed his method and tactics into the limelight. The series was produced from 2004 ...

Is Thomas Sanders Gay and Does He Have A Boyfriend? By the time Vine was shut down in January 2017, Thomas Sanders was already popular within and beyond the internet community for his heavy involvements on the online video hosting platform. After the tragic shutdown of Vine impacted on the growing career of the multi-talented personality, he immediately switched over to YouTube where he continued to upload ...

Is Shepard Smith Gay, Who Is The Boyfriend & What Is His Net Worth? There are only a few media personalities who are as bold and confident as Shepard Smith. Apart from his impressive stint at Fox News Channel which includes but not limited to his classic news delivery, upfront stance on virtually every issue and much more; he loves his job as much as he loves his personality. Smith ...

Is Milo Yiannopoulos Gay? His Husband and Net Worth Milo Yiannopoulos is a popular writer, journalist, polemicist, public speaker, and political commentator who is also known as the founder of The Kernel, an online blog. He has been said to be among the list of 100 weird and influential people in the United Kingdom. He appeared on this list as a result of personal beliefs and ...

Does Ryan Seacrest Have A Wife Or Girlfriend, What Is His Net Worth? From radio to television, Ryan Seacrest is a household name and a force to be reckoned with in showbiz. The radio personality, television host, and producer is best recognized as the host of the popular TV talent search contest American Idol. Heres how the media personality who always knew what his lifes ambition was and diligently pursued ...

Is Anderson Cooper Gay, Who is The Boyfriend or Husband? For many, the thought of becoming a millionaire by writing and talking about other people appears unachievable but this is the reality of the prominent American journalist Anderson Cooper who gathered millions of dollars for conducting accurate political analysis and other vital reports on TV. He is the main anchor of the CNN news show Anderson ...

Is David Muir Gay or Does He Have A Wife, What Is His Salary? David Muir is an Emmy Award-winning journalist who works for the ABC broadcast-television network and anchors the ABC World News Tonight with David Muir program while also co-anchoring the magazine program 20/20. The Ithaca College graduate, whose show has become the most-watched newscast in America, has covered stories from all across America and the world; reporting ...

Joel Osteen  Divorce Rumors, Net Worth & Family Members Joel Osteen is an American Televangelist, Senior Pastor of Lakewood Church based in Houston, Texas, a husband and a father of two. He is an author of many books, seven of which are New York Times Best Sellers and his televised sermons capture more than 7 million viewers per week and 20 million every month ...

Who Is Todd Chrisley? What To Know About His Children, Gay Rumors & Net Worth Premiered on the USA network in 2014, Chrisley Knows Best is one of the most watched family reality TV shows in the U.S. The series which is currently in its sixth season is centered around U.S real estate mogul Todd Chrisley and his family. The show reveals Todd the patriarch of the Chrisley family as a strict dad who rules ...

Who Is Shannon Bream Of Fox News? Her Husband, Children & Net Worth Shannon Bream who hosts the iconic primetime program started her journalism career in the late 1990s debuting as the evening and late-night news reporter for the CBS affiliate, WBTV. The beauty from America currently works for the Fox News Channel and she is best known for anchoring the primetime program. She also hosts Americas News ...

Is Troye Sivan Gay, Who Is His Boyfriend and What Is His Net Worth? Troye Sivan is an Australian singer and songwriter best known for songs like Happy Little Pill, Youth, Heaven (with Betty Who) and The Boyfriend Tag (with Tyler Oakley) which have all garnered him different awards and ranked on the Billboard Charts. Sivan, who was born in South Africa but now resides in the United States, is ...

Did iDubbbz Have Cancer, Is He Gay and Who Is His Girlfriend Now? iDubbbz is one YouTuber who has made a career out of courting controversy. Renowned for his absurdist channels and comedy video series, the Los Angeles based personality is the owner of two channels, iDubbzTV, and iDubbzTV2, as well as the brains behind comedy video series such as Content Cop, Kickstarter Crap, Gaming News Crap, and ...

Inside Greg Gutfelds Love Story With Wife Elena Moussa and Why Fans Thought He Was Gay Greg Gutfeld is a seasoned American television producer whose career in the media industry has spanned over a decade. He is a man of many talents who makes extra income through comedy, journalism, and editorial works. Gutfeld regularly appears on Fox News Channel as a panellist and co-host of the political talk show The Five ...

Works That Made Bo Burnham A Household Name and How Much He Is Worth Now One of YouTubes first viral stars and the worlds most exciting young comedian, Bo Burnham, has always amazed critics and comedy aficionados alike. Often regarded as the Justin Bieber of comedy, thanks to his fresh looks, floppy blond hair and hoodies, he has a multi-faceted career bigger than many comedians twice his age. It wouldnt ...

Is Louie Anderson Gay And What Is His Net Worth? Louie Anderson has one of the most abstract faces in the industry and equally knows how to use it to his advantage. He is not only a stand-up comedian but also an actor and television host who is known for his distinctive comic wits. Some of his notable projects include Family Feud, where he was ...

Is Don Lemon of CNN Gay, Who is His Partner and What Is His Salary? Don Lemon has risen to become one of the most recognizable faces on CNN over the past few years. The fiery journalist, who anchors CNN Tonight with Don Lemon, is liked and somewhat disliked for his strong and candid opinions on a variety of matters that do not just include politics but also race, significantly, matters that ...

Is Rachel Maddow Gay, Who is the Wife and How Much Does She Earn in Salary? Rachel Maddow is an award-winning American journalist, political commentator, and television news anchor. She is best known for hosting the popular nightly TV show The Rachel Maddow Show on MSNBC. Prior to this, she hosted a talk radio program on Air America Radio from 2005 to 2010. As of now, the TV sensation co-anchors MSNBCs ...

Demystifying Pokimane  Her Real Name, Ethnicity & Boyfriend Like most social media celebrities in this digital era, Pokimane Thicc is one of those stars who took advantage of the internet to make a name for herself. Given the unlimited potentials which the social media space offers, many people have been instantly propelled to fame just by posting creative online contents. Not only has ...

A Breakdown of Kris Jenners Net Worth, Sources Of Income and Relationships Over The Years Standing outside and looking in, Kris Jenner looks like the oil that greases the wheels of the entire Kardashian/Jenner machine. She has been dubbed a momager and rightfully so because she seems to have had a part to play in the trajectory of each and every one of her daughters individually and the Kardashian brand ...

Pursuits That Brought Liza Koshys Fame To its Zenith and Her Love Life Since David Dobrik Liza Koshy is an American actress who has leveraged YouTube as a platform to promote her comedy while also serving as a television host on occasions. She is talented and funny and has gathered a lot of fans from around the world. Koshy started on Vine in high school and was able to get millions of ...

Alex Aiono Biography  Inside The Life Of The American Singer Not everyone who started from the streets has attained the heights where Alex Aiono is currently. His story could be referred to as the perfect definition of rising from Grass to Grace. He came into the limelight after he started out as a YouTuber, singer, and producer. One fascinating thing about the young YouTuber is ...

Virginia Vallejo Biography And Her Love Story With Pablo Escobar Virginia Vallejo can be referred to as one of the oldest whistleblowers in history after her involvement with Pablo Escobar which made her famous. Over the years, many questions have been raised about her relationship with the drug lord and why she endangered her life to be with him despite his notorious acts. The death ...

Princess Love Bio  Ethnicity, Real Name & Parents For many people, Princess Love is simply Ray Js wife but there is so much more to this feisty lady than meets the eye. She is a star in her own right and has many feathers on her cap. Princess Love is a reality TV star, a model, video vixen, and fashion designer. She and her ...

Who is Papa Franku Also Known As Filthy Frank or Joji, Where is He Now? The social media as we all know today has given people the opportunity to be creative and innovative and at the same time, make something of themselves. YouTube is one of the known social platforms we have today that makes it possible for people to express their God-given talents and post videos they created to ...

Who Is Molly Qerim, How Did She Become a Famous Sports Anchor and Who Is Her Husband? Molly Qerim is an American sports anchor popularly known for moderating First Take, a highly rated sports talk show, on ESPN. Prior to joining ESPN, Qerim hosted Fantasy Live and NFL AM on NFL Network. It is quite obvious that the widely acclaimed television personality is in a class of her own when it comes ...

Safiya Nygaard  Height, Parents & Net Worth Safiya Nygaard is an American YouTuber, writer, content producer, and director who is popular for posting makeup, beauty and fashion videos on YouTube. Her videos regularly top at least one million views, thanks to her lively character as well as her willingness to experiment with outrageous outfits and different beauty products. Here are the things to ...

The Rigors of Sunlen Serfatys Career Journey Until CNN and Fun Facts About Her Personal Life CNN correspondent, Sunlen Serfaty is an Emmy Award-winning journalist known for covering a broad range of breaking news stories, national news, and Washington politics. She has been able to garner widespread recognition for herself which even goes beyond the sphere of her work. Her profile also increased with the extensive work she did in covering ...

Demystifying Jazz Jennings Real Name, Boyfriend & Family Of One The Youngest Transgenders Jazz Jennings is an unusual personality who became famous as a transgender activist and was recorded as the youngest documented public figure to be seen as transgender. She is also a YouTube personality and spokesmodel for brands, her fans, and other transgenders. She fought for acceptance in her high school with her super supportive family for over ...

Inside Fred Armisens Life  Ethnicity, Romantic Relationships and Gay Rumors Fred Armisen is an award-winning American comedian, he is also a writer, an actor as well as a musician. He was a cast member of the legendary comedy show, Saturday Night Live for 13 years and also one of the brains behind the successful satirical show Portlandia. Find out more about this incredibly talented guy ...

Ed and Lorraine Warren Biography: Cases, Kids, and Family Life Have you ever woken up with fear you could not explain, or felt a strange presence that made the hair at your nape rise or even experienced strange occurrences around you? Well, these were some of the promptings that made the well-known paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren delve into trying to explain the ideas ...

Truth About Tony Romos Wife, Kids and Life Since His NFL Retirement Tony Romo grew from the field as a quarterback to the screens as an American Football Analyst. He was a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys in the richest football league in the world (NFL) before retiring. As a junior, he was honored as an All-Ohio Conference Member, an Ohio Valley Conference Player of the Year and ...

Who is Brittany Venti, The Controversial Game Streamer and YouTuber? In recent times, many people live stream themselves playing video games. This has become a popular pastime on the internet and many highly skilled gamers have become internet celebrities through this means. However, some of them rather than becoming renowned for their gaming skills and great commentary, have become controversial and infamous. A good example ...

Rob Dyrdeks Family: His Kids And Relationship With Wife Bryiana Noelle Flores A multi-talented star and an elite pro skateboarder, Rob Dyrdeks success story began at a remarkably young age. Yet another proof that schooling doesnt always correlate with success, Rob has established himself not just as a phenomenal sportsman but also as a successful entrepreneur. Besides perfecting his skill as a natural talent on the board, ...

xChocobars  Biography and Everything You Should Know About Her Having distinguished herself and recorded massive successes in an industry notably dominated by men, it is very safe to say that Xchocobars deserves all the attention and cash she makes from her career. A household name on Twitch (a smart live streaming video platform), the online-gamer is popularly known for streaming classic games such as Stardew ...

Everything To Know About Mary Padian, Her Boyfriend and Net Worth Mary Padian is a famous American television reality personality best known for her involvements on the Reality show Storage Wars. She also has her own shop called Mary finds where she displays her antique collections. Since her childhood, Padian has been a creative learner. At the time, she used to create new items out of reusable ones and ...

Betsy Woodruffs Family Life: Is She Married or Related To Bob Woodruff? An old name in the world of journalism, Betsy Woodruff has warmed her way into the hearts of many with her impressive talents. Through hard work, Woodruff has carved a niche for herself in a very competitive field. Betsy has strong family and work values and is also an advocate for equal opportunities for everyone ...

Matpat (Matthew Patrick)  Wife, Height & Net Worth As far as internet business is concerned, Matpat remains one of the most dynamic and seasoned figures. He boasts a wealth of experience that has helped him in growing his business from one level of greatness to another. Like most successful people, MatPat started out small but today, he makes millions of dollars from his ...

Facts About Ricegum  His Girlfriend, Real Name & Net Worth Ricegum is an online gamer and YouTube sensation who ditched college; took advantage of the digital era, and made a name for himself on the internet. Though he began as a gaming YouTuber, Ricegum soon gained recognition as a controversial internet star following his many diss tracks. Here is everything you need to know about the youngster ...

Joy Taylor Once Married MLBs Richard Giannotti  Inside Look At Her Love Life and Family The erosion of the sexist idea that women have no business in sports broadcasting created a host of women celebrities who attained fame outside of modeling and acting. One of them, Joy Taylor, a radio personality and TV host for Fox Sports 1, has been in the industry since 2009, becoming one of the most ...

What To Know About Conan OBriens Wife, Kids & Family Today The name Conan OBrien is one that jumps right at you almost immediately you start talking about the most popular television hosts in the USA and this is no surprise because the man behind that name has risen to become one of the most admired men in the business. Known for hosting the late-night talk ...

David Letterman  Net Worth, Wife & Son In all of American, one man whose face has been seen frequently by late night TV talk show lovers is none but David Letterman. The comedian and TV show veteran has been hosting late night talk shows for more than three decades. His Late Night with David Letterman show began on February 1st, 1982 aired ...

Demystifying Sssniperwolfs Family Background And The Boyfriends Shes Had Since she launched her eponymously named channel in 2013, Sssniperwolf has been on the rise when it comes to video game influencers. She is one of the biggest names in the online gaming subgenre of YouTube videos. Real name Lia Shelesh, she started with Call of Duty: Black Ops II but has diversified with other ...

Lester Holt  Wife, Family & Net Worth Lester Holt is a multiple award-winning journalist, newscaster, reporter, and actor who has worked for notable media houses like WCBS TV, CBS, MSNBC and among others. His remarkable feat in journalism has endeared him to the hearts of many and earned him some awards and recognitions. Read on to get acquainted with his biography, ethnicity, ...

What Is Louis C.K. Doing Now, Where Are His Family And How Much Is His Net Worth? It is not easy to make it in comedy. It takes more than a funny bone and the ability to elicit a few giggles from a listening audience. For all the complexities that go into making a successful career in comedy, Louis C.K, the Washington D.C-born comedian, did it. For years, he was at the ...

The Progression of Hoda Kotbs Career, Her Ancestry and Family Life Hoda Kotb gained fame as a television host and news anchor for NBC. She anchors the shows signature show Today, and it has been an excellent vehicle for her skills in front of a camera. Kotb has won several awards, including Daytime Emmys and Peabody Awards. Simply put, she is one of the most successful ...

Jerry Seinfelds Family: All About The Amazing Comedians Wife and Kids Apparently one of the highly important entertainers in America, Jerry Seinfeld is a man of many talents. A very funny man, he is considered to be one of the most successful comedians in the USA who has been in the business as a professional rib-cracker for more than 40 years. As an actor, he has ...

The Rigors Of Sarah Silvermans Rise To Prominence And Rundown Of The Men She Has Dated A comedian, writer, and actress, Sarah Silvermans art and craft is as unique as you would ever find. Her poignant use of comedy to discuss social issues such as race, sexism, politics, and religion has gained her an impressive following. As unorthodox as her style is, so is her life experiences. She previously suffered from epiglottitis ...

Who Is Hannibal Buress, Does He Have A Wife or Girlfriend & Why Was He Arrested? Making people laugh when they are tense or not in the mood is a tough order and to ply the trade, it must indeed take some guts and expertise, this is what the humor maker, Hannibal Buress has been able to achieve and sustain after his inital teething process. The African-American is a screen writer, stand-up ...

The Success of John Mulaneys Career Efforts Since His Work On Saturday Night Live and Facts About His Wife John Mulaney had been working as a professional comedian for years before Saturday Night Live changed his status for life and like many who are now his fans, you probably did not know of him then. However, that changed when he joined the sketch comedy show in 2008. Since then, he has been one of ...

Jeff Dunham  Wife, Children and Net Worth Ventriloquism is a very subtle method of making an inanimate object (like a puppet, doll or dummy) appear to be saying words which are actually coming from the person (holding the inanimate object). In effect, the individual throws his/her voice to the puppet and can even appear to be having a conversation with it. Not ...

Ellen DeGeneres  Net Worth, Wife  Portia de Rossi & Parents Ellen DeGeneres is an American female standup comedian who has proven that whatever a man can do, a woman can also do. Since her journey as a standup comedian started in 1981, she has held swirl as one of the finest comedians America and the world at large has seen. She is often referred to ...

Revisiting Joan Rivers Death  The Daughter, Husband & Net Worth She Left Behind Joan Rivers was a renowned American comedian, TV host, writer, and actress. Her brand of comedy consisted of scathing one-liners and no individual or topic is spared. She hosted her own talk shows in the 80s and 90s and was a pioneer for women in stand up comedy. She was the first woman to host a late night ...

The Struggles of Margaret Chos Childhood, How It Influenced Her Career Growth and Love Life Margaret Cho is best described as a comic star who knows how to maneuver everything related to life into a rib-cracking joke. She is also known to criticize every social and political problem, especially those involving race and sexuality. Apart from her talents as a comic actress, she does amazingly well as a singer and ...

Where Is Eric Bolling Today? Who Is His Son & What Is His Net Worth? Eric Bolling who was once a notable figure on Fox News, is an American TV personality, an author, and versatile Journalist. As a political and financial analyst/commentator, he anchored discussions bothering on finance for Fox Business Channel. Here is everything there is to know about his career, family, and allegations that led to his exit ...

Who Is Chelsea Handler and Does She Have A Husband or Boyfriend? Chelsea Handler is one of Americas top female comedians. She is also an actress, writer, television host, producer, and activist. She is known to be very outspoken even with things that are very personal. In separate interviews with The New York Times, Handler revealed that she had an abortion twice when she was 16. She has authored five books ...

How Did Laura Lee Achieve Fame, How Much is She Worth and Who is Her Husband? Laura Lee is a popular American YouTuber, make-up artist and beauty blogger. From posting videos of her makeup routines on Instagram, Lee has transformed into a beauty influencer and a YouTube sensation. Today, her YouTube Channel has over 630 million views and 4.5 million subscribers. Asides having millions of followers across all social media platforms, ...

Madison Gesiotto Bio  Ethnicity, Parents & Measurements Madison Gesiotto is no ordinary woman; although she excelled in quite a number of pageants and competitions while she was in school, it is her views on politics and issues in America that has made her name known to most people. She possesses beauty and intelligence in a seemingly equal measure and has been able ...

Who Is Lil Tay? Parents, Brother, Sister, Age, Net Worth, Ethnicity Child stardom is nothing new in the entertainment world. With the advent of social media, we have seen more stars made from the internet than ever before, and Lil Tay is one of them. Her uploaded rap videos trademark is cursing, swearing, cash-throwing, and use of obscene languages. Her fame went wild after she dropped ...

What To Know About Tig Notaros Wife, Kids and Family Today Tig Notaro is an American stand-up comic star, writer, actress, and radio analyst. Since she started her career in 2001, she has become one of Americas best comedians, particularly when it comes to observational comedy. One prominent aspect of her routine involves her family, which includes a wife and two children. Interestingly, Tig Notaro is part ...

Who Is Chantel Jeffries? What To Know About Her Age, Ethnicity & Net Worth Chantel Jeffries is a lady of many talents. Beyond being celebrated as a DJ, she has fared well as a model, an actress, musician, and as an artist. She first rose to fame on Instagram where she has a large following. However, in recent times, she has hit the spotlight for her rumored relationships with some ...

Is Ellen DeGeneres Married, Who Is The Brother  Vance DeGeneres and Family Members? Ellen DeGeneres is one of a kind celebrity in todays world as she has used her wealth for the greater good for many people. She has served a host of famous awards shows like the Grammy, Primetime Emmy and Academy Awards. Moreso, she is probably one of the most decorated entertainment personalities around the world and ...

Carli Bybel Bio  Height, Boyfriend & Net Worth Video blogging is now on the rise and YouTube is the place where most of it happens. If you are a lady who cares about her looks or a guy who likes to help his woman out with her looks, then one person whose name rings a bell when it comes to giving beauty tips ...

Who Is Lexy Panterra? What To Know About Her Ethnicity, Boyfriend & Net Worth Lexy Panterra is one of the YouTube personalities whose breakout came through the Twerk dance videos she posted on her social media handles and YouTube which has so far generated over 13 million views for her. From there on, she created her LexTwerkOut workout program in 2014. She is sure very talented as she as moved ...

Who Is AnneMunition? What Is Her Ethnicity & Does She Have A Girlfriend or Boyfriend? AnneMunition is a professional gamer and content creator of American origin. She is one of the most sought-after streamers on Twitch  a popular online platform for watching and streaming videos, especially video games. AnneMunition has almost half a million followers on Twitch and her channel has accumulated at least 13 million views. Her favorite games ...

Norm MacDonald  Former Wife, Son & Net Worth Recently, 59-year-old former Saturday Night Live stand-up comic Norm MacDonald caused a not-so-funny stir when he expressed his personal opinion about the #MeToo movement speaking in defense of Louis CK and Roseanne Barr. Following the backlash of his actions, he is diligently doing damage control for his questionable opinion by posting a public apology on ...

Inside Iliza Shlesingers Life With Husband and How Much She is Worth Now Witty, spontaneous, and truly humorous, Iliza Shlesinger is an American comedian who is clearly proving that the stereotypical claim that women are not really funny is not only incredibly wrong but completely outrageous. Having been in the game for more than 10 years, Shlesinger has grown bigger with each step, stunning fans with her incredible ...

Who Is Nessa Diab? Details of her Parents, Ethnicity & Relationship With Colin Kaepernick Nessa Diab has gained more fame as the girlfriend of different footballers than in her career. She is currently with the popular National Football League (NFL) player, Colin Kaepernick, and has stood by his side during his most trying times. Also known for her mononym, Nessa, she recently engaged in a tweet battle with the ...

Samantha Bee  Inside the Life of Full Frontal Comedian and Presenter We have over the decades seen various brands of humor and personalities who have walked the ropes. One of the formidable forces in the world of comedy is no other than the iconic Samantha Bee of the Daily Show who now runs her own television show on TBS channel. She is a Canadian-American political commentator, ...

What Happened To Jessica Williamss Boyfriend And Which Are Her Best Works? Jessica Williams is a woman who has a lot of feathers in her cap  and keeps acquiring more. The former senior political correspondent of the comic Daily Show, who is also a comedian and actress whose recent movie appearance include starring as a playwright just recovering from a recent split with her boyfriend, Damon, and ...

Who is Nicole Byer? Here are 5 Facts You Need To Know About The Comedian Nicole Byer, an American comedian, actress, and writer, made a name for herself after she played supporting roles on MTVs prank show Ladylike and the reality show Girl Code. The latter was a series that featured comedians who analyzed in minute details, all the issues that young women deal with daily, from period to dating, to weird friendship dynamics and questions about sex. Currently, ...

A Closer Look At Bart Kwans Ethnicity, Height & Personal Life Bart Kwan is one of few Asians who is known for being successful in the comic industry at an international level. His fame broke out after the YouTube channel which he created with his close pal Joe Jo garnered up massive followings. The talented duo has been running the channel since 2007 and their success ...

Heres How VanossGaming Achieved Fame Online, His Worth and Other Facts About The Gamer For many years, the decision to drop out of college to pursue an online career was considered to be foolish and self-destructive by conventional wisdom. It was no different when Evan Fong, popularly known as VanossGaming, dropped out of college to pursue a YouTube career. However, that radical move paid off, and he stands shoulder to ...

Desi Perkins  Ethnicity, Net Worth & Husband YouTube is littered with videos of makeup tutorials by different people but if you are interested in learning how to do your makeup like a pro, there is just one person on that platform who you must follow. She is none other than Desi Perkins! She is a popular make-up artist, Instagram star, and vlogger. Desi, ...

The Phases of Casey Neistats Pursuits and His Love Story With Candice Pool YouTuber, vlogger, filmmaker, and creator extraordinaire; these are just a few hats that Casey Neistat wears and the story of how he got here is incredible. A native of Connecticut, Neistat started out by making refreshingly-authentic short films and videos that featured content that was based on everyday life and called attention to serious issues. He ...

Connor Franta  Inside The Life of American YouTuber YouTube has produced a lot of young celebrities in modern times and Connor Franta happens to be one of them. Apart from being a YouTuber, the young American is also an entrepreneur, entertainer, and writer. His journey to fame began almost a decade ago when he started a self-named YouTube channel where he uploads content ranging ...

Rhett and Link  Bio, Who are Their Wives, Net Worth and Family Facts Rhett and Link refer to an American comedy duo who are very popular on YouTube. They are known for their comic songs, viral commercials, skits and the daily show, Good Mythical Morning. Good Mythical Morning is the most watched daily show online, averaging 100 million views in a month. The show has featured guests such ...

A Walk Through The Maze of Ryan Higas Career Pursuits And Relationship With Arden Cho Ryan Higa is not only celebrated as a YouTube star, but he is also famed for appearing on television screens as an actor and comedian. Nigahiga, his Youtube channel, has gathered over 20 million subscribers and billions of views with his different comic acts, short films, and music videos uploads. With the rise in his career, ...

What to Know About The Shows That Made Craig Ferguson a Star and His Family Ties Rising to the top of your profession can sometimes be a hard and difficult process. It requires days and nights of working consistently hard to be better than what you were yesterday. It requires not giving up when all of your experiences seem to be pushing you to quit. It is because of these challenges ...

David Dobrik Married Liza Koshy for One Month  Inside His Family and Relationships David Dobrik is a YouTube sensation who has garnered fame not just for his vlogs but his love life too. Given his career as a YouTuber, his channel is one place where he shares his romantic escapades. With a cute boyish look like his, this Slovakian young man is definitely a good catch, and not ...

Merrell Twins Bio  Ethnicity, Parents & Boyfriend One of the beautiful things about modern life is social media. As rudimentary as it might seem, it could turn out to be the greatest thing that would be invented in the next 50 years because of its impact on human life. Very few tools have revolutionized human behavior and culture as much as social ...

Who Is Bunny Meyer, Is She Married & What Is Her Net Worth? Bunny Meyer is a YouTube celebrity who has amassed over 8.8 million subscribers with 1.5 million viewers on her channel. She is popularly known as Grav3yardgirl and is one of the highest-paid YouTubers in the world. She initially started out as a fashion designer and later chose the path of a YouTuber. Grav3yardgirl has used her knowledge on fashion, makeup, ...

Ninja  Inside The Life of The American YouTuber and Internet Personality Ninja is a talented video game player known for his mastery of Fortnite and other seemingly difficult games he plays with ease. The video gamer made a career out of what is ordinarily the hobby of many people and has since then amassed a huge online following. Find out about him here, including the controversies that ...

What Is Eva Gutowskis True Sexuality and How Did She Rise So Fast As an Influencer? Ever since Eva Gutowski joined YouTube in 2011, it has been an interesting journey for her, moving from one milestone to the other. Backed by an army of young women and teenage girl fans known as Evanators, she has risen to become one of the most-talked-about personalities in the digital stratosphere. She has also leveraged ...

Emma Chamberlain Biography  Age, Height & Net Worth Before now, people in the entertainment industry could only achieve popularity after many years of dedication and hard work but since social media came into the scene, massive success and overnight popularity became possible. That is the story of Emma Chamberlain who encountered fame as a fifteen-year-old. Emma is one of the many young people who became ...

Anna Akana  Ethnicity, Boyfriend & Net Worth There is a new crop of YouTubers known by their different contents with a very strong uniqueness that stands every one of them out, some upload video games, some fashion while some others have comedy video contents to showcase on their channels. Anna Akana has used her platform to showcase her comedy contents to the ...

Revealing Truths About Lilly Singhs Ethnic Background, Family and Her Relationship With Yousef Erakat Lilly Singh is an Indian-Canadian YouTube personality, actress, and comedian also known as Superwoman. She kicked off her YouTube career in 2010 with the launch of her channel IISuperwomanII and followed it up with a vlog channel in 2011. This paved the way for her fame and success which led to a world tour. The ...

Who Is Andrea Constand, Is She Married and What Is Her Connection With Bill Cosby? Many people got sexually molested but could not voice out due to the stigma victims suffer and what will become of them thereafter. Very few of the victims danm every consequence to seek justice and bring the perpetrator to the book, like Andrea Constand. She never got any media buzz, not until her friend cum molester; ...

Who Is Lazarbeam (Lannan Eacott)? Here Are Facts You Need To Know Lannan Eacott became a person of interest after his YouTube channel, LazarBeam pulled him to the limelight. Initially, he started with uploads of Madden Challenge videos before deciding to build his own channel in January 2015. Within the space of three years, his YouTube channel had gathered over 7 million loyal subscribers. Today, he has not ...

Puzzling Facts About Wengies YouTube Success and More About Her Fiance Among the many YouTubers who have succeeded in winning the hearts of millions of people is Wengie. She is a Chinese-Australian YouTube personality, vlogger, singer, and voice actress. Wengie is famous for a lot of things, from her simple life hacks, DIYs, craft ideas to fun experiments, tricks and pranks. Her content portfolio also includes hair tutorials, diet & fitness tips, lookbooks, ...

Is Jeffree Star A Billionaire and How Much Does He Make On YouTube? If looks can be deceptive then theres no other person who proves this maxim better than Jeffree Star. A quick look at Stars pictures would likely leave you wondering whether or not to tag him a male or female. But who says being controversial has to be a curse? For Star, his looks have caught ...

The Place of Rosanna Pansinos Career Hats In Her Rise To Fame and Facts About Her Personal Life There are a few phrases that could summarize Rosanna Pansinos rise to fame. None of them can do it better than the famous axiom, no knowledge is lost. Her popularity YouTube comes out of her foray into other professions, specifically acting. Although acting now occupies one of the major professional hats in Rosannas resume, it was ...

Muselk (Elliott Watkins) Biography  Age, Girlfriend and Net Worth The new and best in-thing in terms of career is video gaming and we have over time seen young men and women make massive income from an activity that was purportedly designed to serve as a hobby or a relaxation activity. One of such individuals is the Australian-born YouTube Celebrity and Twitch streamer, Muselk, whose ...

PopularMMOs Biography: 5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know We have over the years seen social media millionaires, especially on the YouTube social platform. These celebrities cum millionaires have made names for themselves after carving out niches on the internet, and a typical example of one of such exciting media personality on the YouTube is American Minecraft gamer and YouTube star, PopularMMOs whose channel ...

Jason Nash Once Married Marney Hochman  What To Know About His Ex-Wife and Kids The now-defunct video-sharing app Vine was the path that led Jason Nash to fame. With it, he built an audience of over two million followers, which he parlayed into a significant YouTube career. That move has seen him become one of the most popular personalities on the internet, with the cash income to go with ...

Where Does Dantdm Live? What Do We Know About His Net Worth, Wife and Brother? Most parents buy video games for their kids to occupy their time leisure, while other parents frown at their kids when they play video games. Despite the disparity, every parent would be proud of their child if he/she eventually turns a celebrity or millionaire through playing video games like Dantdm. Biography of Dantdm Dantdm was born Daniel ...

LaurDIY  Biography: 5 Facts You Need To Know About The YouTuber LaurDIY is the YouTube channel of Lauren Riihimaki which she created on December 1, 2011, when she was still a college undergrad with the sole aim of giving Do It Yourself (DIY) as well as practical fashion and beauty tips to her followers. She has used the channel to establish herself as a YouTube personality ...

Lachlan Ross Power  Bio And Family Life Of Australian The YouTube Star It is amazing the varied sources of income that the internet has made possible in this day and age. Internet fame can get its holder a whole lot of monetary and social benefits, but it must be noted that it does not come easy or cheap. For those who desire fame, content is the sacrifice ...

Alfie Deyes  Bio and Net Worth: Everything You Need To Know Alfie Deyes is one internet personality you definitely would like to know about. He boasts of over 10 million subscribers on three of his YouTube channels and has three bestseller books to his name. He is probably the most renowned young personality on YouTube today and his vlogging empire continues to grow by the day. ...

Colleen Ballingers Love Story With Husband Erik Stocklin and How Much She Is Worth Now Colleen Ballinger is an American comedian and YouTuber who is a very funny, adventurous, and highly talented woman. She is also an actress, singer, and writer. Collen is widely known for her work on YouTube where she posts content on her channel, Miranda Sings. The comedian has gained many subscribers over the years and has ...

Who Are The Dude Perfect Members and How Much Are They Worth? Entertainment in the 21st century can be digested in many forms and with platforms like YouTube, the creators and purveyors of entertainment have been democratized. Today, one of the most popular platforms to exhibit ones creative talents is YouTube, even though there are other platforms like Twitter, Facebook, who suffer in comparison to YouTube because ...

Who Is Rudy Mancuso, What Is His Earning Power and What Do We Know About His Girlfriend? Rudy Mancuso started his internet journey on Vine. He would later transition to YouTube where he solidified his place among the internets most beloved comedic creators. He is now regarded as one of the renowned internet personalities in the world, with a presence in mainstream TV and film projects like Comedy Centrals Drunk History and ...

Vsauce (Michael Stevens) Biography and Net Worth: All You Need To Know The advent of YouTube and the internet as a whole revolutionized how human beings consume information. With each passing year, the percentage of learning that is done in a traditional classroom decrease as a seismic shift to internet-based learning happens in our education industry. From open courses online to YouTube classes and videos, there are ...

How did Jake Paul Make His YouTube Big Break and Who is His Wife? One of the most interesting Social Media personalities of the 21st century is the young and popular Jake Paul whose elder brother is the famed Vine star, Logan Paul. Jake has utilized the power of the internet to bring himself to the limelight with a channel named JakePaulProductions that has amassed up to six billion ...

5 Facts You Need To Know About Reaction Time (Tal Fishman)  The American YouTuber Before 2015, the leading meaning of reaction time was the amount of time it takes to respond to a stimulus, until Tal Fishman started his channel, Reaction Time on YouTube and the dominant meaning changed. Today, a google search of Reaction Time would deliver Tal Fishmans videos and YouTube channel link with a few physics ...

Grace Helbig  Net Worth, Boyfriend and Family Life of The YouTuber Grace Helbig is an American internet personality, comedian, actress, and writer. She became popular due to her daily vlog series, DailyGrace, which ran on My Damn Channel from 2008 to 2013. Helbig is also popular for her own indie series on YouTube, ItsGrace, which she launched in 2014. Her vlogs which feature random stuff such as ...

Mark Wiens Bio  Ethnicity, Wife and Parents Food is a great way to connect with people. We all love to eat, if not for the pleasure of food, the satisfaction of quenching hunger, and the very process of providing and sharing that food is part of the strongest bonds that bind humanity together. Maybe it is our historical connection to food, where ...

Is Filthy Frank Dead, What Happened To Him and How Much Is He Worth? As George Kusunoki Miller, he was a nobody. However, as Filthy Frank, George was one of the most famous internet personalities on the planet. The Filthy Frank Show, a sketch series on his YouTube channel, TVFilthyFrank, was one of the platforms most influential creations. He is the reason a crazy dance song, Harlem Shake, made it ...

CaptainSparklez Bio  Net Worth, House and Cars of The Famous YouTuber Sometimes, what society wants from its citizens is quite different from what the citizens want for themselves. This is evident in the life and career of video blogger and American YouTube personality, Jordan Maron famous for his YouTube channel CaptainSparklez. He dropped out of school after discovering his talent in playing an online game called Minecraft. ...

Who is Simply Nailogical (Cristine Rotenberg)? Here are Facts You Must Know Canadian Youtube personality, Simply Nailogical (Cristine Rotenberg) originally started out polishing and designing nails even before it became a trendy culture in the social media. Simply Nailogica started out her showbiz career in her early days as a child actress, acting in commercials for game and toy companies. Aside from acting, she is blogger, vlogger, specializing ...

5 Interesting Facts You Need To Know About Huda Beauty In the world of entrepreneurship, it is interesting when an individual has a mentor who he/she looks up to, this yield more productivity on the part of the individual. The iconic and rich American beautician and makeup artist Huda Kattan nicknamed Heida is the founder of the Huda Beauty blog which is number one Instagram beauty blog ...

Is Dino MasterChef Gay? Details About His Ethnicity, Girlfriend, Where He Is Now Food, for the better part of the early years of human life, was nothing more than what we needed for survival. There was no artistry or curation to the method of cooking. The scarcity of food left no room for artistic expression until we figured out agriculture and we could make as much as we ...

Who Is Gabbie Hanna And How Did She Become Famous? As the world shifts to digital media and depends more and more on streaming services for its news and entertainment content, YouTubers have become one of the leading creators in the new media world. Their understanding of the online audience: how to create, maintain, and increase followers, are all handy skills that have primed them ...

Jacksepticeye  Height, Girlfriend & Net Worth Jacksepticeye is a YouTuber and actor who gained popularity with a series of gaming videos he uploads on his channel to the delight of millions of his subscribers. He is Known primarily for his comic video game series titled Lets Play and his vlogs. His channel was formerly ranked 46th in the list of most subscribed ...

Chris Heria Personal Details: About His Wife, Height & Ethnicity Background In this generation, keeping fit has become one of the major criteria for being hale and hearty. In fact, most occupations these days are majorly concerned with ones body mass, weight and looks. Unlike the past where most people have to register in a gym to keep fit, social media has made it quite easy ...

Everything You Need To Know About Game Grumps Gaming is becoming incredibly popular on YouTube these days with game vloggers make millions of dollars out of them yearly. One of the most popular up-coming gaming YouTube channels is Game Grumps. The Lets Play series was created in 2012 and celebrated its fifth anniversary on July 18th, 2017. In six years of its existence, the ...

Daithi De Nogla Biography, Girlfriend and Net Worth YouTube has created an avenue for many to make wealth and become famous from the comfort of their homes while having fun. Many have built a career out of the platform, uploading numerous videos that have earned them the admiration of viewers across the globe. For Daithi De Nogla, he is loved for his humorous commentary on ...

Does Phoebe Robinson Have A Boyfriend or Husband and What Do We Know About Her Family? Phoebe Robinson is a New York-based comedian, writer, and actress. She is best known as the co-creator and co-host of the WNYC Studios podcast 2 Dope Queens. Just like some other female comedians, she never had any original plans of becoming a stand-up comedian even though, according to her, she took a class on a whim at Carolines on Broadway. After ...

Who Are Lex and Alana from Listed Sisters? What Is Their Ethnicity & Is the Show Cancelled? America is a country built on diversity. Everywhere you look all over the country, a countless number of immigrants or children of immigrants have become an integral part of the fabric of the country. From entertainment to business, immigrants are creating a niche for themselves and climbing to the summit of their respective professions. One ...

Riveting Facts About Danielle Lombard And What She Is Best Known For The American entertainment industry is one that provides many avenues for aspiring hopefuls to express their talents and become famous. From films to television shows and game shows, there is no shortage of ways for men and women who desire fame to pursue and earn it in the United States of America. Another tested medium ...

Unearthing New Details About The YouTube Success And Personal Life of Alex Burriss of Wassabi Productions Wildly hilarious and truly audacious, Alex Wassabi is an American YouTuber who has become a very popular face on the video-sharing platform after having garnered millions of subscribers over the years by keeping people glued to his channel with his witty parody video releases. If you have always loved parody videos, there is every chance ...

Everything You Need To Know About H2O Delirious H2O Delirious whose full birth name is reported to be Jonathan Gormon Dennis has successfully kept himself mystified by hiding his face behind the masks leaving his loyal fans speculating who he really is for many years. The American YouTube star is easily identified by the Jason Mask Style with make-up which he wears on his ...

Who Is HolaSoyGerman and What Happened To Him? German Garmendia has certainly seen it all when it comes to internet success. His channels, HolaSoyGerman and JuegaGerman are in the top twenty most subscribed channel on YouTube. The Chilean YouTuber found a way to tap into one of the worlds greatest inventions and make a living from it. He has been able to build ...

Who Are Glenn Becks Family, What Is His Net Worth And What Happened To Him? The American political commentary space is filled with different personalities. A few of them, through their rhetoric, charisma, and resources have been able to build a large following of men and women who listen to them for insight and direction for various political and social issues in the United States. For Conservatives, the story is ...

Following Charissa Thompsons Rise Through The Ranks Of Sports Casting and All About Her Boyfriend Superstar TV host and sportscaster, Charissa Thompson, has been hailed as one of the highest-profile women journalists in America, and the reason is there for all to see. She has worked for popular establishments such as Versus, Yahoo! Sports, ESPN, GSN, and Big Ten Network. She currently hosts the popular pre-game show, Fox NFL Kickoff, ...

Is Chris Kattan Gay or Does He Have A Wife? What Is His Net Worth? Chris Kattan is a popular American comedian and actor. He has appeared in several comic movies and TV series such as The Middle, A Night at the Roxbury and Bunnicula. Kattan is, however, most popular for his six-year stint as a cast member of Saturday Night Live. During his time on the legendary show, he ...

Everything You Should Know About the Rise of Insta Star Claire Abbott and Why She Gave It All Up A lot of young Americans have shot into the limelight for uploading different kinds of videos on YouTube. Some of these young stars include Connor Franta, Desi Perkins, Emma Chamberlain, the Dolan Twins (Ethan and Grayson), and Claire Abbott. The latter became a social media celebrity for uploading sexy bikini pictures of herself on social media. Apart from ...

5 Facts You Need To Know About The YouTube Channel  h3h3Productions H3h3Productions is a YouTube channel that specializes on Comic responses or reactions of other contents or trendy stories. The celebrity couple that created the channel has over time racked up sizable views for their commentaries and contents. Even though they had their own fair share of copyright cases, thankfully they scored an unprecedented victory in all ...

Lilypichu Bio  Height, Brother and Love Story With Albert SleightlyMusical Chang Like most popular internet celebrities, Lilypichu is one of those Twitch streamers who spend their lives on camera. From daydreaming about the possibility of becoming a full-time professional streamer, she grew to live out her dreams on the popular live streaming platform where people play games, make crafts, and showcase their day-to-day activities. Given the rise of ...

KSI  What To Know About His Girlfriend, Brother  Deji Olatunji & Net Worth Assuredly, when Internet inventors Vint Cerf and Bob Khan created the technological masterpiece, they probably did not know how massive the creation will be harnessed by many for different purposes including as a platform for earning money through content creation. One of such person who smiles to the bank regularly today for spending time creating ...

The Interesting Progression and Highlights of Carrie Keagans Career as a Host and Actress Carrie Keagan has garnered huge fame through her various stints on television. She is not just your regular TV host but one with a difference. Keagan has hosted several high profile events and TV shows, including VH1s Big Morning Buzz Live and Fox News Channels Red Eye with Greg Gutfeld. However, not many know she ...

The Gist On Elise Jordans Marriages And Her Rise To Prominence Political commentaries tend to be boring when it is handled by someone who does not have a knack for it. However, when you see the likes of Elise Jordan run the same commentary, you will have a lot of reasons to look forward to watching her again as the journalist is well-versed in the field ...

What Is Timmy Thick Best Known For and How Successful Is The Star? Thanks to the internet, many people whose talents would have ordinarily gone unnoticed have become famous. A very good example of this modern-day internet celebrity is Timmy Thick, an American social media star. He became popular on Instagram due to his penchant for posting raunchy pictures of himself. He also often posted videos of himself ...

What Does Heather Storm Do For a Living and Who Is She Dating? Reality Television is a great way to make a name for oneself as well as amass a fortune. Heather Storm can attest to this as she is one of those who have made a name and earned a lot from reality TV. She made her name appearing on shows like Car Fanatics, Awesome Autos, and, ...

Matt Carriker Biography  Net Worth, Wife & Height Unlike your regular veterinary doctor next door, Matt Carriker chose to spice up his noble profession with the unusual. Though he is known to many as a medical practitioner, Carriker is better renowned as a YouTube star and an animal lover. Having recorded huge successes on his various YouTube channels, the vet doctors name and ...

Jillian Mele of Fox News Career Achievements, Husband & Measurements There are quite a good number of presenters on radio and television who listeners and viewers may never wish to miss any of their shows because of their sensational golden voice, beauty or the special way or artistry they anchor their shows. Jillian Mele is one of such. She has been at the top of ...

Who is Gillian Turner of Fox News? Her Fiance or Husband and Net Worth Gillian Turner is well-known as a news correspondent for Fox News Channel but before she became a TV personality, she built an intimidating resume working for different institutions, including the American government. She served in different capacities at the White House National Security Council during the administration of former US Presidents  George W. Bush and Barack Obama. ...

Gloria Govan Bio  Age, Ethnicity & Height Even as Gloria Govan is famous as an American actress, author, a TV host, and reality television star, shes more popular as the wife of the former NBA player, Matt Barnes. She became known after appearing on the Florida version of the reality television series, Basketball Wives and later, Basketball Wives: LA  after Matt was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers. Sadly, ...

Michael Fishmans Interesting Start as an Actor and Why He Divorced His Wife of Many Years When one door closes, another one opens. As silly as that axiom may seem, it is the story of the resurgence of Michael Fishman, who plays D.J Conner on the popular show, Roseanne. Having played the character for several years as a child actor into his teenage years; when the show originally ended, Michael did ...

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The Progression of Gianna Tobonis Journalism Career and Details About Her Marriage to Kyle Buckley Gianna Toboni may not be your ideal newscaster but her unusual reporting is what made her a household name. The American journalist is renowned for her hard-hitting and authentic reportage. A motivator and activist for total press freedom, Gianna loves to explore pervasive cultural issues. Not only does this unique and ambitious journalist call for all ...

Dog The Bounty Hunters Family Including Details of His Late Wife and Kids Popularly known as Dog, a name which he got from the television series, Dog The Bounty Hunter, Duane Chapman, an American bounty hunter, and one-time bail bondsman, went from being convicted for a felony to being a reality TV star. He was brought to the limelight following the capture of the convicted criminal, Andrew Luster in 2003 and this eventually made ...

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Joe Rogan Has A Step-Daughter and 2 Other Kids With Wife Jessica Ditzel  Meet His Family Joe Rogan is a popular American stand-up comedian and TV host. His journey to stardom began in the late 80s and has seen him host several shows, the most popular is the game show titled Fear Factor. The exciting show dares contestants to face some of their greatest fears and embark on challenging stunts. The ...

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Media Platforms Charlamagne Tha God Has Explored and All The Controversies He Has Courted Charlamagne Tha God is an American on-air personality, radio presenter, and more recently, author. He is popularly known as a co-host on New York radios nationally syndicated show, The Breakfast Club, a program he has been hosting alongside DJ Envy and Angela Yee since 2010. However, his early years had no connection to his current career ...

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Marty Lagina Bio  Siblings (Martina and Rick Lagina), Net Worth and Wife Marty Lagina is an American engineer and businessman who has risen to fame as a reality TV star. This is thanks to his involvement in the adventure TV series, The Curse of Oak Island. The Curse of Oak Island is a long-running TV series which airs on the history channel. The show aims to solve ...

Is Jordan Schlansky Just A Character or a Real Life Person and What Does He Do? The world of late-night television is an interesting one. Shows during that time are geared towards giving viewers comedic relief from a long day at work through interviews and comedy sketches. The often charismatic host of this show requires the balancing talent of a producer whose primary job is to deliver great episodes. It is ...

Heres How Wealthy Jimmy Kimmel Is From All The Phases of His Career, Marriages and Sons Health Jimmy Kimmel is a renowned late-night talk show host known for his charm, wit, and the A-list guests he features on his show. As the host of Jimmy Kimmel Live! On ABC, Jimmy has been serving comedy to television viewers for years which played a pivotal role in launching him into mainstream fame and enabled ...

Natasha Bertrand Biography  Is She Married? Who Is the Husband & What Is Her Age? Natasha Bertrand is not just a young prominent journalist but a first-rate investigative reporter. With her natural beauty and smile, Natashas sharp, insightful political commentary also makes her a thorough reporter. Her sound political perspective and coverage in the country have made her a force to be reckoned with in the profession. Renowned for her ...

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5 Interesting Things You Need To Know About Kelly Nash Ever heard of the lady who gained national prominence for taking a selfie with a dangerous ball just a few inches away from hitting her? Its no other person than Kelly Nash, an American sports broadcaster currently working as host of The Rundown show which airs on MLB Network every weekday at 2 pm ET. ...

Understanding The Height of Fame John Oliver Achieved With The Daily Show and How He Met His Wife Without knowledge of who he is and his exemplary career, John Oliver cuts an unassuming figure of a regular man but he is one of the most influential personalities in America, especially on television. Since he began his career in 1998, he has been a loud and unapologetic agent of change, using his wit and ...

Why Did Big Chief Leave Street Outlaws, Where Is He Now And Why Did He Divorce His Wife? Justin Shearer, otherwise known by his professional name Big Chief is a famous street racer and television personality. He is famously known for being one of the main characters on the racing reality television series, Street Outlaws. Justin, who had been a significant part of the show since its premiere in 2013, appeared in a ...

Who is Josina Anderson of ESPN? Her Husband and Family Facts There has been a gradual paradigm shift in the world of sports which has today produced the likes of Serena Williams, Naomi Osaka, and other female athletes that are pulling great feats in different sporting fields. Their achievements have also been followed by the emergence of female sports journalists such as Jillian Mele, Eboni Williams, ...

Is Brittany Wagner Married, Who Is The Husband, How Old Is She? Brittany Wagner has been an inspiration to a lot of sports youngster. She has won the hearts of many athletic students with her role as a life coach and an academic counselor. She is well groomed in her career and has worked over a decade for The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and The National ...

Tati Westbrook Bio  Age, Husband & Net Worth With five videos dished out every week, alongside running her own brand, beauty guru, and YouTube superstar Tati Westbrook has proved to the world that theres utterly no impossibility or limit to whatever one is passionate about. Tati is best known for being the owner and manager of the worlds most-viewed beauty and lifestyle YouTube channel, ...

Cathy Areus Long Road to Becoming a Freelance Journalist and What to Know About Her Kids An American freelance journalist, news analyst, and author, Cathy Areu has built a lasting reputation for herself on cable television. Popular for her skillful and sassy presentation of professional views on varying topics including cultural and feminist issues, Cathy is an inspiration to many women across the globe. In addition to being a journalist, she ...

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Paige Wyatts Net Worth, Boyfriend and Where She Is Now Paige Wyatt became popular after the Wyatt family began running the reality television show, American Guns. The Wyatt family comprises Rich Wyatt (father), Renee Wyatt (mother), Paige and Kurt Wyatt (children). Rich Wyatt originally ran a gun shop, the Gunsmoke Guns in Wheat Ridge, Colorado which is outside of Denver. The business which he ran together ...

The Progression of Howard Sterns Career As A Media Personality And Why He Divorced His First Wife Howard Stern is a legendary American radio host, who has also done some notable work as an actor, producer, author, as well as photographer. The radio personality achieved worldwide fame as a result of his self-titled radio program, The Howard Stern Show. As a professional radio personality, he has worked in different radio stations. Since 2006, ...

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Dissecting Charles Paynes Sexual Allegations, Its After Effects and More About His Wife Charles Payne had a respectable career as an analyst on Wall Street before he made the transition to television and became a contributor and later a host on Fox. In that time, his expertise has come under scrutiny, and he has been at the center of at least one major controversy. The major controversy in question ...

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12 October 2016 11:20 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein have hailed the bilateral dialogue as Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov met with President of the Landtag (Parliament) Albert Frick as part of his visit to Liechtenstein.

Frick has reminded that he had paid a visit to Baku last year, adding that during the visit he held several important meetings. He said he was impressed by rapid development of Azerbaijan and ongoing construction work.

He also noted that he met with Azerbaijani Parliamentary Speaker Ogtay Asadov in Strasbourg, describing cooperation between the two countries legislative bodies as fruitful.

He said reciprocal visits play a key role in deepening Azerbaijan-Lichtenstein ties.

Mammadyarov, for his part, said the bilateral relations entered a new era as Frick visited the country in 2015.

The minister further provided an insight into ongoing economic reforms in Azerbaijan, and underlined good potential for expansion of economic cooperation between the two countries.

The FM noted all necessary conditions were created for business activities of Liechtenstein companies in Azerbaijan.

Mammadyarov also touched upon the current state of the negotiations to solve the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

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.

As part of his visit, Azerbaijans minister also met Thomas Zwiefelhofer, Deputy Prime Minister of Liechtenstein and Minister of Home Affairs, Justice and Economic Affairs.

Zwiefelhofer assessed Mammadyarov official visit to Liechtenstein as a significant event in terms of development of bilateral relations and pointed out that his country is interested in developing cooperation with Azerbaijan in all spheres.

Touching upon economic cooperation, the Azerbaijani minister noted about the opportunities for the development of relations in this sphere.



Mammadyarov informed about major infrastructure and transport projects implemented in the region by the initiative and participation of Azerbaijan, including North-South and East-West international corridors, Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway line.



The Foreign Minister invited Liechtensteins companies actively carry out activities in Azerbaijan and take part in these projects.

The meeting stressed the importance of the signing of agreements on avoidance of double taxation and protection of investments in order to expand cooperation in trade and investment.

Moreover, during the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the TAP and TANAP projects and other aspects of cooperation in the economic and trade sphere.

Mammadyarov also met with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Education and Culture of the Principality of Liechtenstein Aurelia Frick.

The FM noting that Azerbaijan is interested in enhancing relations with Liechtenstein, mentioned the favorable opportunities for the development of economic, humanitarian and cultural relations between the two countries.



In this regard, the sides agreed to hold Azerbaijani cultural days and promote tourism potential of the country in Liechtenstein.

The two ministers also discussed the cooperation within international organizations and the expansion of bilateral legal-treaty base and exchanged their views on international and regional issues.

During the meeting, Mammadyarov presented the verbal note on the signing of agreements on visa facilitation and readmission between Azerbaijan and Switzerland, as well as the European Union to his counterpart.



Aurelia Frick, in her turn, presented the diplomatic note stipulating that Lichtenstein will apply provisions of the Agreement between the EU and Azerbaijan on visa facilitation and readmission to the citizens of Azerbaijan.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
12 October 2016 12:24 (UTC+04:00)

By Trend

The upper house of the Uzbek parliament, the Senate, adopted a resolution on amnesty in connection with the 24th anniversary of the constitution of Uzbekistan at a plenary session on October 12, Trends correspondent reported from the session.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislation, Judicial and Legal Affairs of Uzbekistan Tolibjon Madumarov submitted the draft resolution on amnesty and the order of application of the amnesty act to senators.

It was reported that the issue of amnesty was submitted to the upper house of the Uzbek parliament by acting President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The amnesty will apply to the individuals who committed the crimes posing no threat for the society, by negligence, as well as first-time offenders. In particular, the sentenced women, the individuals who committed the crimes being under 18 years old, men who have reached the age of 60, as well as foreign citizens are planned to be released.

The upper house of the parliament determined the individuals, not to be affected by the regulations of the amnesty act. According to the Senate decision, those sentenced to life imprisonment, those who committed premeditated murders and heinous crimes and those who took part in the activities of banned organizations will not be pardoned.

The Amnesty Act should be implemented within three months from the date of its adoption by the Senate.

The Senate was entitled to make decisions concerning amnesty in 2005 upon the president's decision in Uzbekistan. Earlier, this right exclusively belonged to the president of the republic.

For the first time the Senate of Uzbekistan adopted a resolution on amnesty in 2005 in connection with the 13thanniversary of the adoption of the Constitution.

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12 October 2016 17:57 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

While the presidential race is gaining a new pace in the United States, the suppositions about the successful candidate are going on.

The U.S will hold the next presidential elections on November 8, 2016, to elect its 58th president.

The Democratic Partys candidate is the former U.S. Secretary of State, former first lady, senator from New York for 2001-2009, Hilary Clinton, while the Republican Partys candidate and Clintons opponent is the businessmen and political figure Donald Trump.

The current campaigning suggests the elections become potentially surprising able to stick it in history with many extraordinary episodes.

The elections tend to have an impact on U.S. - Azerbaijani relations as well.

The former U.S. Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, former U.S. ambassador to Azerbaijan Matthew Bryza believes that the presidency of candidate Hillary Clinton would be more effective for building a strong relationship with Azerbaijan.

Clinton will be able to better promote the interests of the U.S. and NATO countries in the South Caucasus, said Bryza.

Bryza, who worked together with Hillary Clinton when she served as Secretary of State from 2009 to 2013, stressed that the Democratic candidate has all the necessary intellectual skills to implement the strategy, which will strengthen the U.S. interests in an important part of the South Caucasus.

Clinton has a complete knowledge regarding the strategic picture in the region, he added.

However, Bryza said, that none of the above said can be referred to Donald Trump, who lacks sufficient knowledge, skills, and experience with respect to the specifics of the South Caucasus, adding that Trump accidentally admitted during the second debates that he doesnt know anything even about Russia.

Moreover, Bryza expressed his concern that the possible presidency of Trump would tense situation not only in South Caucasus but also in other regions.

In case if Trump wins, Moscow will get a clear advantage in the region against the background of the U.S. presidency, a person that has no experience in politics, and does not possess the necessary work strategy, he said.

Trump's victory could have a negative impact also on the relations between Russia and the United States, Bryza said.

The Chairman of the EuropeanInstitute for Caucasus and Caspian Studies in Berlin, Matthias Dornfeld belives that Hillary Clinton will be an active player in foreign policy and Caspian issues if she is elected.

Clinton is more experienced in the field of foreign policy since she has been the first lady and the secretary of state from 2009 to 2013, Dornfeld told Trend on October 12.

Dornfeld said it is difficult to assess what foreign policy initiatives will be started by Donald Trump since he is not into the region that much.

More people in the U.S. think Clinton has the right kind of temperament and personality to be a good president.

Hence, Clinton holds a big demographic advantage over Trump.

As the conducted survey and poll results in the U.S. indicates 69 percent of non-whites and 52 per cent women favor Clinton, while 57 percent of whites and men support the Republicans.

Earlier, Donald Trump also stated that the United States should only intervene in conflicts around the world when America is directly threatened, not simply for humanitarian purposes, adding that he supports dictators throughout the world if they ensure stability.

Consequently, his presidency would not be beneficial for a country like Azerbaijan, which suffers from a lengthy war with Armenia, he stressed.

As a result of the occupation and ethnic cleansing policy of Armenia, Azerbaijan has over 1 million IDPs. Nowadays, with a population of over 9.6 million, Azerbaijan is among the countries carrying the highest IDP caseload in the world in per capita terms.

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
12 October 2016 17:07 (UTC+04:00)

By Amina Nazarli

Two more issues are expected to be included into the agenda of the next plenary meeting of the autumn session of Azerbaijans Parliament.

Changes to the Laws On freedom of religion and On mass media will be in focus of the October 14 meeting alongside the proposed amendments to other 21 Laws concerning different spheres.

The draft amendments were discussed at Wednesdays meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Human Rights.

Under the amendments proposed to the Law On freedom of religion, the extremist religious activity will be taken as a basis for elimination of a religious structure in Azerbaijan.

The participants agreed that activities of religious organizations engaged in extremist religious activity will be banned in accordance with the envisaged amendments to the Law.

Under the draft amendments to the law On mass media, media activities in the area of special operations against religious extremism, will be governed by a body conducting the operation.



The information about the operation will be provided by the authority conducting an operation in a particular form and volume.

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Amina Nazarli is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @amina_nazarli



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12 October 2016 17:43 (UTC+04:00)

German President Joachim Gauck has applauded his country`s relations with Azerbaijan as he received credentials of the incoming ambassador of Baku, Ramin Hasanov, Azertac reported.

President Gauck stated that Germany needs stable partners in the Caucasus region.

The German president also asked the ambassador to extend his greetings and best wishes to his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev.

Ambassador Hasanov, in turn, noted that relations between the two countries develop in all spheres.

He hailed excellent political dialogue between the two countries, and highlighted reciprocal visits during the last year.

He also drew the German president`s attention to Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Armenia`s occupation of Azerbaijani lands and Azerbaijan`s problem of refugees and IDPs.

The ambassador also noted Germanys activity in the capacity of the OSCE chair, further saying that the conflict must be settled in compliance with norms and principles of international law and on the basis of territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

The two exchanged views about the current state of Azerbaijan-Germany relations, prospects for development of ties in bilateral and multilateral formats, Azerbaijan-EU cooperation, civil society issues and the 200th anniversary of the German settlements in the South Caucasus.

Diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Germany were established in February 1992.

Over the past two decades, the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Germany are developed into new heights and objectives. The exchange of official visits and extensive contact of the business community have played an important role towards transforming the bilateral relations between Baku and Berlin from formal and official diplomatic contacts into a strategic partnership that continues to flourish every day.

The trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Germany stood at 415.33 million manats in January-May 2016 and Germany accounted for 6.51 percent of Azerbaijans total trade turnover, according to Azerbaijans State Customs Committee. In these terms, the country ranks fourth among Azerbaijans foreign trade partners.

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12 October 2016 12:02 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

The implementation of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), a large scale-project aimed at improving the security and diversity of the EUs energy supply, is in the spotlight of discussions during the 23rd World Energy Congress in Istanbul.

Bulgarian Deputy Energy Minister Zhecho Stankov, speaking at the event said that the project is totally beneficial, while it has a number of other important aspects along with transportation of the natural gas.



Mentioning the importance of the project, Stankov said the numerous companies and governments have already come together for SGC. Stankov added that Bulgaria places a huge emphasis on the project.

Being one of the biggest construction projects of our times SGC with a value of $45 billion will bring some 10 billion cubic meters of natural gas from the Caspian region to Europe. Stretching over the area of 3,500 kilometres, crossing seven countries and involving more than a dozen major energy companies, SGC comprises several separate energy projects, including TANAP, South Caucasus Pipeline, Trans Adriatic Pipeline, and Shah Deniz development.

TANAP General Manager Saltuk Duzyol, in turn, said the first Turkey-Georgia border part of the TANAP project, which is a part of a natural gas supply chain, is expected to be completed in 2018, while the second part from Eskisehir to the Greek border will be finished by the end of 2019.

The project is intended to maintain energy security, while the progress in its implementation, whilst vast majority of other major projects is practically stalled proves its pivotal importance in this regard.

At the initial stage, the gas to be produced as part of the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage.

The 23rd World Energy Congress is underway in Istanbul October 9-13 at the initiative of Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Minister of Energy and Natural Resources Berat Albayrak under the auspices of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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12 October 2016 16:09 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Russia and Turkey, the two strategic partners continue to express support for construction of the Turkish Stream pipeline, an energy project that was suspended amid tensions between the two countries.

The sides recently signed an inter-governmental agreement on realizing the construction of the pipeline to pump Russian gas under Turkish waters in the Black Sea towards Europe.

Energy Minister Berat Albayrak and his Russian counterpart Alexander Novak signed the agreement following a meeting between the heads of the two countries, which became the second Putin-Erdogan face-to-face meeting since St. Petersburg meeting and served as an additional signal that the project could be brought into force.

Meanwhile, gas price, one of the main obstacles that a project faced before deterioration of ties between the two countries, remains in the spotlight.

The Russian president said the two countries had also reached a consensus on a discount in natural gas prices, as part of the deal. Gazprom and Turkish energy giant Botas have already been tasked with working out the amount of the discount.

Head of Gazprom Alexey Millier talking to Russia 24 said that the discount for the Turkish Botas may be linked with the volumes of supplies of Russian gas to the Turkish market, while majority of experts polled by Kommersant newspaper said that the matter may be a supply of an additional volume of 2 billion cubic meters of gas per year by the trans-Baltic gas pipeline.

Turkey, which is considered to be the second biggest consumer of Russian gas after Germany, imports gas from Russia via two pipelines - the Blue Stream, which passes under the eastern Black Sea, and the Western Line through the Balkans. The current annual level of Gazprom supplies for Turkey by means of the trans-Baltic gas pipeline stands at 2 bcm for Botas, while some 10 billion bcm accounts for separate importers.

Gazprom and Botas will have legal proceedings in the Geneva Court of Arbitration, should the sides face controversies in the implementation of the agreement.

The estimated total cost of Turkish Stream is 11.4 billion ($12.7 billion).

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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12 October 2016 16:57 (UTC+04:00)

By Nigar Abbasova

Kazakhstan, the country with huge oil reserves, continues oil production at Kashagan, a large oil and gas field located in the north of the Caspian Sea. The volume of oil production at the field amounted to 90,000 barrels per day as of October 12.

Energy Minister of Kazakhstan Kanat Bozumbayev said that the oil extraction at the field in running smoothly, mentioning that Bolashak onshore oil and gas processing plant, which receives oil from Kashagan, is also functional.

Bozumbayev said that the first batch of the processed commercial oil has already been delivered from Bolashak to the tanks of KazTransOil, adding that oil will be gradually filled and operator and shareholders will announce first export contracts soon.

The geological reserves of Kashagan are estimated at 4.8 billion tons of oil, while total oil reserves amount to 38 billion barrels with some 10 billion out of them being recoverable reserves. Moreover, there are also large natural gas reserves at the Kashagan field (over one trillion cubic meters).

Kashagan is expected to increase oil production in the country, but it is considered to be a negative factor for the global oil market which suffers from oil glut.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which aims to cut production by 700,000 barrels per day to 32.5 million to 33.0 million bpd, recently raised its forecast of oil supplies from non-member countries in 2017. The cartel increased the volume of expected production in 2017 up to 200,000 (bpd), mostly due to start up of Kazakhstan's Kashagan oilfield.

Bozumbayev, however, repeatedly reiterated that reducing oil output in line with OPEC plans was "not on the agenda" for Kazakhstan.

Kashagan, which is considered to be one of the world's biggest discoveries of the past decades is initially expected to produce some 75,000 barrels per day (bpd) in October, raising the figures to the volume of 150,000 and 180,000 bpd in November and December respectively.

Operator of the project is North Caspian Operating Company BV (NCOC), while project participants are KMG Kashagan BV (16.88 percent), AGIP Caspian Sea BV (nearly 16.81 percent), CNPC Kazakhstan BV (8.33 percent), Exxon Mobil Kazakhstan Inc. (nearly 16.81 percent), INPEX North Caspian Sea Ltd., Shell Kazakhstan Development BV (nearly 16.81 percent), and Total E&P Kazakhstan (nearly 16.81 percent).

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Nigar Abbasova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @nigyar_abbasova

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12 October 2016 11:00 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

Turkeys Parliament ratified on October 11 a planned extension of the state of emergency in the country to run for three more months from October 19, Anadolu reported.

The Cabinet of Ministers last week decided to extend the state of emergency for 90 more days, with parliaments approval.

Turkeys National Security Council had earlier advised extending the emergency measures, first brought in five days after the failed July 15 coup. Then, the President declared a three-month state of emergency on July 20.

As the Turkish Constitution indicates, a state of emergency can be declared for a maximum period of six months, but can also be extended if needed.

To enact the state of emergency, the government must see serious indications of widespread violence which could interfere with Turkey's democratic environment or its citizens' basic rights and freedoms as established by the Constitution.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about the transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender on July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed.

Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people, excluding the coup plotters, and over 2,000 people were wounded.

Turkeys government blames FETO for the deadly July 15 defeated coup in the country. At least 241 people were martyred in the failed coup, which the government has said was organized by followers of Fethullah Gulen, the head of FETO.

Gulen is also accused of leading a long-running campaign to overthrow the Turkish government through the infiltration of state institutions, particularly the military, police, and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the parallel state.

Previously, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey expects Washington, which is its ally, to speed up the extradition of Gulen, who is involved in failed coup attempt.

He pointed out that the Turkish side has provided the U.S. with the evidence of criminal activity of the organization Gulen and his involvement in the events of July 15.

In turn, the American side announced that they still study the documents sent by Turkey since it is a legal process and should be done in accordance with extradition law.

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

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12 October 2016 15:09 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

The U.S. administration is considering a new possibility of military cooperation with Russia to coordinate the strikes against terrorist groups in Syria.

By summarily shutting down lines of communication last week, the U.S accused Moscow of violating the terms of a ceasefire agreement for the country that had been hammered out just weeks earlier.

Recently, State Department spokesman John Kirby said that the United States expects to resume work with Russia on Syria, RIA Novosti reported on October 12.

"Secretary of State (United States, John Kerry) said very clearly that we have suspended the cooperation, but that does not mean that we stop it forever, said Kirby at a regular briefing.

He also stressed that that Moscow "does not comply with its obligations reached under the agreements, and expressed regret on the matter.

"Of course, we want to stop the bombing, but also we want to achieve a nationwide ceasefire, said Kirby, answering the questions of reporters what the U.S. wants in the first place: to stop bombing in Aleppo or achieving a truce in Syria.

The situation in Syria Aleppo has extremely deteriorated lately as heavy battles are going on in the city and its outskirts.

The U.S. accused the Syrian authorities and the Russian Federation of bombing peaceful civilians and armed opposition. Damascus and Moscow insist that strike blows only at the terrorists and accuses Washington of failing to pressure on the troops of "moderate opposition" so that they separate themselves from the terrorists.

Russia using the veto blocked the UN Security Council resolution proposed by France for the introduction of the ceasefire in Syrian Aleppo. The Russian draft resolution was not accepted, as well.

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.

In turn, the Russia side stressed that this step made the situation much 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.

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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12 October 2016 17:35 (UTC+04:00)

By Gunay Hasanova

Turkey has once again voiced its gratitude to the fraternal Azerbaijan for the latters support during the military coup attempt back in July 2015.

Turkey is grateful to Azerbaijans president and people for their support during the military coup attempt, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said at the meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) on October 12.

Cavusoglu reminded that during the rallies to back the democracy against the military coup attempt in Turkey, Azerbaijan supported the country by holding similar rallies.

The July 15 coup attempt occurred when rogue elements in the Turkish military tried to overthrow the country's democratically elected government.

Turkey's government has repeatedly said the deadly plot, which martyred at least 246 people and injured more than 2,000 others, was organized by followers of U.S.-based preacher Fetullah Gulen.

Gulen is accused of leading a long-running campaign to overthrow the state through the infiltration of Turkish institutions, particularly the military, police and judiciary, forming what is commonly known as the parallel state.

In mid-August, Azerbaijans General Prosecutors Office filed a criminal case with regard to supporters of Fethullah Gulen.

The case was filed under several articles of the Criminal Code at the Department for Investigation of Grave Crimes of Azerbaijans General Prosecutors Office in order to prevent illegal activities of supporters of Fethullah Gulens terrorist organization in Azerbaijans territory.

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Gunay Hasanova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @gunhasanova

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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. The Defense Ministry of Nagorno Karabakh told Armenpress the Azerbaijani forces made over 50 ceasefire violations at Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

The Ministrys announcement reads: Overnight October 11-12 the Azerbaijani side violated the ceasefire regime over 50 times by firing more than 750 shots from various caliber small arms at the Armenian positions in Nagorno Karabakh-Azerbaijan line of contact.

The Defense Army forces continue confidently fulfilling their military tasks and take counter measures only in case of strict necessity.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. Armenia has a great potential for the development of rural tourism, Chairman of Preservation and Development of Armenian Culinary Traditions NGO Sedrak Mamulyan told Armenpress.

Recently festival entitled 1000 years of village square was held in Zorakan-Chardakhlu village of Tavush province. It is a great example to show out potential for the development of rural tourism. I am very impressed. We have numerous villages which maintained and transferred the traditions to generations. Thats why we must use this and present as a tourism product, he said.

He said in general Armenia has great opportunities for tourism development, whereas 10% of the tourism potential is not being utilized.

The world moves forward towards agro tourism, rural life. The tourist is more interested in examining the rural life rather than buildings. And we have villages that maintained the traditions and there are opportunities to attract tourists, Sedrak Mamulyan said.

He stated that certain sectors need investments. He is confident the investments in this sector will soon be returned. As for infrastructures, he said they are also in normal situation, but they need to be developed.

If all this is combined with a cuisine, it will be a perfect tourism product, since people are interested in dishes, food. I can confidently say we are much more competitive than our neighbors or many other countries in this field, he said.




You mentioned that while there are two different parties, one would think that candidates and office-holders would have the same type of agenda on each side. Youre saying they do not. People might be surprised to hear that.

When you look at the broad ideological pre-dispositions of Americans  whether they consider themselves on the left or the right, conservatives or liberals, for or against bigger government, for more traditional family values or for more progressive social and cultural attitudes  the American electorate looks relatively conservative. They tend to lean to the right collectively; there are more self-identified conservatives than liberals; there are more people for smaller government than bigger government. At that level, youd say, Oh, the American people are mostly right-of-center.

But if you ask voters about specific policies  Should we have more or less generous Social Security benefits? Should we have more federal funding for education, healthcare and the environment or should we have less?  all of a sudden they look more liberal than conservative. In other words, a number of voters who think of themselves as conservatives also support a lot of liberal policies.

What does this mean for the parties? It means that its in the Republicans strategic interest to emphasize the broad abstract ideological themes where a majority of the electorate agrees with them. Democrats have a different set of incentives: Dont talk about big ideologies, talk about policy specifics, because on the policy specifics, the majority of Americans are on the Democratic side.

So the different character and nature of each party is not just accidental; its in some respects the consequence of the incentives that the voters themselves provide to the parties to speak and sell themselves in very different ways.

Did your findings underscore the long-standing perception that the Democratic Party is the party of big government, and more help for the poor and middle-class, while the Republican Party is more aligned with small government  take care of yourself, do it on your own?

Sure, but Democrats dont like to say that theyre for big government; they just like to talk about the specific government programs that are popular.

Which leads to the perception of big government.

Exactly. On the other hand, Republicans like to talk about small government but they dont like to talk about cutting popular programs, which is what shrinking the government would actually involve. So yes, the voters do recognize that difference but it leads to a very distinct style of campaigning for the candidates in each party.

This book underscores how Democrats and Republicans really think differently, and brings new insight into polarization and how our government is so dysfunctional.

Yes, and polarization is a consequence of a lot of different historical changes. Certainly one of them is that the Republican Party in particular has become a lot more conservative than it used to be. There was a time in the past where there was a wing of the Republican Party that did not identify as conservative. During the mid-20th century, there were a lot of Republican office-holders who identified as moderates or even liberals and who resisted the conservative movements takeover of the Republican Party. But they are almost all gone. There are a few remaining  [Massachusetts Governor] Charlie Baker, [former U.S. Senator] Scott Brown, and [U.S. Senator] Susan Collins are among them  but just a scattered handful of moderate Republicans left.

The other thing Ill say about polarization is that some of the dysfunction that we see in politics today stems from the fact that the parties dont really understand each other very well. They especially dont understand the ways that they are different. When Republicans think of themselves as being the party of individual liberty, a strong America, constitutional principles, and traditional social values, they often assume that the Democrats are against all those things. And when the Democrats see themselves as the party of disadvantaged social groups, they may assume that Republicans just want the rich to have a free ride while protecting existing privilege.

The fact that we have two parties that are so different often leads to misunderstandings about the motivations of the partisans on the other side of the aisle. It leads to a demonization of the opposition party, which is partly why its difficult for the parties to compromise and why voters and politicians in each party increasingly dislike the other side.

Youve written that this years presidential election confirms the ways in which the Republican and Democratic parties are very different animals, that this difference has been around for years but its only recently been recognized. Why do you suppose that is?

There are a couple of reasons. From the point of view of political scientists, we try to develop theories in our research that apply as broadly as possible. Its a much more useful endeavor to have a theory that applies to multiple parties than to have a theory that only applies to one party. In the United States, where there are only two main parties, wed ideally want to have a theory of parties that applies equally well to the Republicans and the Democrats and does a good job of explaining whats happening on the Democratic side and Republican side alike.

Its also the case that journalists and to some extent citizens like the idea of symmetry, where the Democrats and Republicans obviously advocate different policies and draw from different supporters, but theyre equivalent in a way, theres a balance in the system. Reporters and pundits can then apply critiques of one just as equally to the other, which makes it easier to avoid being accused of bias. Theres a sense in which the idea of symmetry itself has an intellectually pleasing quality that a lot of us find attractive.

So while in the past there have been cases where people have pointed out that Democrats do things differently than Republicans in particular respects  they have different procedures for selecting their national convention delegates, for example, or the congressional parties have different internal rules  in the big picture theres a strong tendency to want the story to hold just as well on one side as the other. Our research is challenging that belief, in part because we think theories that treat the parties the same or as mirror images just dont do a good job of explaining some of the major developments were seeing in our politics today.

The nomination race of 2016 is one of them. Its hard to look at the way Democrats ran for president and the way Republicans ran for president and say, Well, it was sort of the same. In Congress last year, we saw Speaker of the House John Boehner deposed because of a rebellion by a purist conservative bloc within the Republican Party. Theres no purist leftist bloc in the Democratic Party thats trying to overthrow House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi or Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid  it just doesnt exist.

Similarly, we have the mainstream media and the conservative media but we dont really have an explicitly liberal counterpart to the conservative media. There isnt anything as powerful on the left as Fox News or talk radio is on the right. So there are a lot of ways in which politics today just seems out of balance. Our book argues, with some reluctance but with a devotion to accuracy, that political scientists need to re-think the theories that assume symmetry between the parties and need to treat each party separately as its own animal.

How does Donald Trump fit into all of this? Is his an ideological movement or one taking advantage of people being frustrated by government and hungry for change?

Trump is a fascinating figure and a challenge to theory-building because he breaks the mold in a lot of ways. We havent seen a lot of Donald Trumps before in American politics! But I do think some of the things our book identifies about the distinctiveness of the Republican Party help to account for why Trump successfully won the nomination.

One of the ways Trump is not like other Republicans is that he doesnt talk a lot about conservatism as such, or about being a member of the conservative movement, and thats very different from someone like Ted Cruz, Mitt Romney, or George W. Bush. However, Trump is running a campaign that, like most Republican campaigns, emphasizes broad themes rather than a long list of individual policies. He talks a lot about American nationalism, about making America great again and returning to a particular vision of America and American strength. Hes not someone who gets caught up in the details of exactly what hes going to do in office or how hes going to do it. In that way, he is consistent with the usual Republican approach of stressing the big picture rather than specifics.

Trump is also very much a creature of the conservative media; hes someone who really arose as an important political figure in the first term of the Obama administration when he became a very prominent anti-Obama voice. In fact, he had a regular appearance every week on Fox News for several years before he ran for president. He got a tremendous amount of attention from Fox News, talk radio and conservative Internet sites, and that laid the groundwork for him to run for president and to be accepted by Republican voters as a conservative. Even though he had previously donated to Democratic candidates and expressed liberal social views, all was forgiven because of how he established himself in the conservative media as one of the most outspoken critics of the Obama administration. And the conservative media has a lot of influence within Republican Party politics, as weve seen.

Where Trump doesnt have specifics, Hillary Clinton is just the opposite. She doesnt really give grandiose speeches but rather drills down into the nitty-gritty, and is more apt to explain, for example, how exactly to make college more affordable for young people.

Yes, Hillary Clinton is the archetypical Democrat in our view. She doesnt talk about what it means to be a liberal; she doesnt talk about her progressive vision for America. She talks instead about a laundry list of specific policies that each appeal to particular groups in the population. If youre a college student, she has a policy for you to have more affordable loans. If youre someone who needs healthcare, she has a policy to help get you healthcare. If youre someone who is African American, gay, or a woman, she has a policy to protect you from discrimination.

Thats sort of the standard Democratic playbook, which is to assemble an electoral majority by building a coalition out of a bunch of different social groups that each has its own priorities and interests. And when you appeal to each group on its own terms, you wind up with more votes than if you talk more generally about ideology or principles.

And you really cant argue one partys approach is more effective than another, given the White House changes control every four to eight years.

Agreed. We as the American public have a kind of conflicted overall view. We like the Republican message of small government, individual liberty, patriotism and traditional moral values, and we also like the Democratic message of more money for Social Security, more regulation of insurance companies and corporate polluters, and more support for public education. So were up for grabs as a nation. Neither side can be assured of winning us over in any given election.

How do you think history will remember the 2016 presidential election?

The fact that Trump won the Republican nomination makes this election historically memorable, for sure. Trump represents a culmination of a larger trend on the Republican side that I think we can perceive in retrospect as going back farther than 2016 itself. Part of that story is the increasing power of the conservative media in Republican politics at the expense of the partys traditional elected leadership, almost none of whom were particularly supportive of Trump. In fact, some of them were quite openly against Trump and yet that didnt matter too much to Republican voters because they liked Trumps message and didnt really respect the judgment of their partys elected officials.

Also, Id note the way in which the Republicans have defined themselves in opposition to what they see as the unacceptable liberalism or even socialism of Democratic office-holders, Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton being chief among them. There was a tremendously fierce opposition to Obama among Republicans and conservatives beginning in the first year of his presidency, and lot of that opposition was not just saying, We think his policies are misguided, we think theyre a mistake, we think theyre going to lead to bad outcomes for American citizens, but instead claiming that the president was trying to impose a socialist or Marxist or un-American agenda on the nation, that he himself is not really pro-American, that he is intentionally trying to weaken the country, that hes apologizing for America around the world  that he himself may not have been born in this country or may not have the religion that he says he has.

Its certainly clear that a connection can be drawn between the character of the opposition to Obama from the early days of his presidency and the rise of Trump as the alternative. Trump represents the ultimate anti-Obama figure in the extent to which he talks about American strength, as well as the extent to which he has presented himself for years as an outspoken personal critic of Obama and someone who himself questioned Obamas Americanness. I think well probably look back at this election years from now and interpret the nomination of Trump at the end of Obamas presidency as representing the fruition of what has happened in the Republican Party during those eight years.

News & Public Affairs


YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. Kazakhstans President Nursultan Nazarbayev will not be able to visit Armenia and Azerbaijan on October 12-14 due to a cold-related disease, presidential spokesman Aidos Ukibai said on Wednesday, TASS reported.



The presidents working schedule has been changed, the spokesman said in a statement on Facebook page. "Until the end of this week the participation of the head of state in international events is not planned."

The sessions of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Yerevan will be attended by Kazakhstans prime minister, he said.

Nazarbayev, 76, is now "undergoing a planned treatment due to a cold-related disease, in general his health is not of concern."

The president planned to pay an official visit to Armenia and also attend a session of the CSTOs council at the level of heads of state on October 14.

On Wednesday, Nazarbayev was scheduled to arrive in Azerbaijan on an official visit.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. The 17th session of the Commission of CIS member states on the use of Nuclear Energy for peaceful purposes has been kicked off in Yerevan, reports Armenpress.

Representatives of CIS states are discussing issues related to deepening the cooperation on effective use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.

Representatives from Armenia, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan are taking part in the session. Armenian Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources Ashot Manukyan addressed a welcoming speech to the participants. On behalf of the Armenian Government the Minister expressed gratitude to session participants and wished them a productive work.

The Commission of the CIS member states on the use of nuclear energy for peaceful purposes is a great opportunity for us to organize the exchange of professional information at the right time, as well as to improve the skills of our employees. During the period following the previous session the Armenian government signed an information exchange agreement on the transportation of radioactive sources between the CIS member states. Currently the agreement is at the ratification stage. This year we have also signed Nuclear and Radiation Safety Concept of the CIS member states, the Minister said.

He added that the Russian and Armenian Governments have signed an information exchange agreement on nuclear and radiation safety in early October, 2015. The agreement deepens the cooperation between Rosatom and Armenian companies. In February, 2016 cooperation agreement on peaceful use of nuclear energy was signed between Armenia and Belarus, Ashot Manukyan said.

Rosatom Deputy Chief Executive Officer on International Affairs Nikolai Spassky thanked the Armenian Governmet for organizing the Commissions regular session in Yerevan. The participation of the Armenian Minister of Energy Infrastructures and Natural Resources in this session underlines the fact that our countries put an emphasis on nuclear energy cooperation. We have a number of serious issues to discuss at the session. Our Commission can become the most successful integration platform among the bodies created in recent years within CIS. This is a real, serious organism, he said.

A number of issues related to the peaceful use of nuclear energy will be discussed at the session.

It is expected to sign a protocol based on the session results. The next session is planned to be held in Tajikistan.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. Former Israeli lawmaker, founder of the Israel-Armenia inter-parliamentary friendship group Alexander Tsinker told Armenpress the new Armenian-Israeli forum will boost the ties between Armenia and Israel.

The idea on creating a public forum emerged in 2015 in Yerevan at the meeting with my colleagues. The Forum must form a really operating platform for constant cooperation in various sectors between the two states. I am happy that the heads of the inter-parliamentary friendship group supported implementing our plan, he said.

Alexander Tsinker has been appointed Co-Chairman of the Forum from Israel.

The Forum will serve as a platform for cooperation between the two states on scientific, cultural, technological, healthcare, tourism and business sectors.

To the question whether other sectors of cooperation will be included in the Forum, for instance, defense sector, he said:

The Forum is not going to carry out the works of Chambers of Commerce, and business and institutional structures of both states. Our goal is to ensure mutual understanding between the two people, to raise problematic issues and find ways for eliminating them, Tsinker said, adding that one of the goals of the Forum can become an issue of freezing the arms transfers to countries involved in conflicts.
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Gun buyers at Roy Bennett's Lone Star Gun and Indoor Range in Lumberton are required by law to fill out a form for a federal background check.

The check is to ensure the applicant has no criminal convictions that would bar gun ownership.

The process can take anywhere from a few seconds to three days, according to Bennett, who estimates he gets two or three rejections a year.

Any applicant tempted to lie on the form to pass the check stands to lose more than a new gun. He or she could face up to a decade in a federal prison.

As the number of people requesting background checks to buy firearms is at an all-time high, the number of people charged with lying on the form has significantly dropped in the past dozen years, according to a review by the Department of Justice.

Federal prosecutors nationwide, between 2004 and 2015, charged an average of 32 people a year with knowing they were forbidden from owning a gun but still trying to sneak past a background check, according to a report by the Office of Inspector General released Sept. 28.

That compares with 166 people charged in 2003, when the drop began.

The issue hits home in Texas, which is among the top states for requests.

Alice Tripp, of the Texas Rifle Association, said that such a low number of prosecutions speaks to a system in which authorities aren't going after the people who they know are breaking the law. That weakens the argument to expand the system.

"They are not prosecuted, and that drives me crazy," Tripp said.

"Criminals rejected by (National Instant Criminal Background Check System) are not being penalized, not getting the equivalent of a traffic ticket pinned on them," Tripp said. "Why would we have any confidence in a system stopping crime that is not punishing the criminals it catches now?"

Inspector General Michael Horowitz notes that in the wake of the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre in 2012, in which 20 students and six adults were killed, President Barack Obama called on the Department of Justice to maximize enforcement efforts to prevent gun violence and prosecute gun crime.

Obama also called for other initiatives, including strengthening background checks and requiring them for all gun sales as part of his Now Is The Time plan to reduce gun violence.

The inspector general found "no significant" change in the number of prosecutions for lying on the background checks since Sandy Hook.

A record 23 million background requests were made last year in the United States, including 1.5 million in Texas, which ranked second behind California.

The National Instant Criminal Background Check System is administered by the FBI, which forwards the information to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to determine whether more investigation is needed and criminal charges might be warranted.

About 1 percent of the requests are denied each year. The most common reasons for denial include having a felony conviction punished by more than a year behind bars, being a fugitive from justice or having a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence.

Horowitz noted in a videotaped message on the agency's website that the number of prosecutions for lying to get a gun has decreased, but the number of prosecutions for other gun crimes has increased in recent years.

The report does not include those numbers, and they weren't readily available from the Department of Justice, which declined comment.

Between 2008 and 2015, the ATF referred 558 persons to the Department of Justice for possible prosecution, and prosecutors accepted 254 of them, according to the report.

"We are a small organization with a big mission, but we will continue to do our best with the resources we have," said Mary Markos, a spokeswoman for the ATF. "Our agents will continue to do their job to investigate the denials sent to them.

"We will work closely with (federal prosecutors) as they determine if they will prosecute each case," Markos said.

John Malcolm Bales, the U.S. District Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas, said he doesn't prosecute as many background check cases as he previously did.

He said the ATF's emphasis has shifted in recent years toward keeping guns out of the hands of those who have committed violent offenses.

"You want to be very careful you spend your time and your resources on cases that matter," Bales said.

The Office of Inspector General gave federal agencies high marks for how the background check system worked, but said the agencies have room for improvement.

States need to be more efficient about quickly sharing information for the database, such as a person's criminal record or whether a court has found them to have mental illnesses that would prohibit gun ownership.

Texas attorney and former federal prosecutor Philip Hilder said it is no secret prosecutors face an increased workload and have to make tough choices.

"This is obviously hitting close to home here," Hilder said.

"We just had a mass shooting in the Houston area, and there seems to be an endless parade of these mass shootings, Hilder said. "It is a red-hot political issue right now whether to enforce some of the laws that are on the books."

Hilder noted that some of the shooters passed the background checks, but others, like the man charged with shooting several church parishioners in South Carolina, would have been denied permission to buy a gun if state authorities had sooner submitted information about his background to the database.

"It seems like the only thing keeping it from being enforced is a resource drain," he said. "Cases have to be prioritized, and the U.S. attorney has very limited resources given the amount of cases that come their way."

Dane.Schiller@chron.comNKrebs@BeaumontEnterprise.com twitter.com/nkrebs
If you're among the hunting-loving Texans who ache for some time on a ranch on a crisp fall day, here's a listing from west Texas that might make you want to submit a bid... if you've got nearly $10 million.

A sprawling, 5,200-acre property at 855 Collett Road in Robert Lee, Texas is on the market for $9.62 million, and that includes the abundance of whitetail deer that inhabit that acreage.
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A historic, 503-acre ranch and one of the oldest landmarks in Orange County could be yours, if you're willing to shell over $3.4 million.

Four Oaks Ranch, just north of Vidor and about a 15 minute drive from Beaumont, is named for a row of four picturesque oak trees planted on the property more than 100 years ago. The land, which includes a 3,886-square-foot house, hit the market in late August, said Jeff Boswell, a broker with Republic Ranches, the company selling the ranch.

The main house is a ranch-style brick home, built in 1980, with a three-car garage attached, featuring three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms, hardwood ceilings and granite kitchen countertops, among other things.

In addition to the main house, there's a secondary residence with four bedrooms and two bathrooms, a horse barn, hay barn, storage building and a helicopter hangar, Boswell said.

The land, primarily used for cattle ranching, is adjacent to the Big Thicket National Preserve and is close to the Neches River, perfect for fishing. The property also includes thick wooded areas where owners can hunt.

The ranch's current owners originally purchased 360 acres with the house but since expanded the acreage to what it is now, Boswell said.

Four Oaks Ranch is best known for its historic original owner, George Alexander Pattillo, a veteran of the War of 1812 who arrived to fight for Texas at San Jacinto a day after the decisive battle and who served as a representative and senator in the Republic of Texas congress, according to a state historical marker detailing Pattillo's significance.

Pattillo was tasked with forming Jefferson County and later became the first judge in Orange County after the county's formation, according to Enterprise archives.

Enterprise file

Pattillo built the original home on his property in 1855. In 1932, Ed Stedman, founder of the food company, bought the property and worked to improve the house and the land. The Stedmans sold the land in 1958, according to previous Enterprise reporting.

Different owners took on the ranch, but it fell victim to neglect and vandalism in the 1980s, according to an Enterprise article.

In 1985, a local couple purchased the land, converted the house and opened the Four Oaks Restaurant.

However, by 1992, the property was a site for suspected cult activity, and the home that Pattillo constructed was destroyed in a fire, according to Enterprise archives. At the time, police suspected arson.

Four Oaks Ranch's current owners purchased the property in 2000 and have since worked hard to keep it in good condition, Boswell said.

"A lot of ranches I get (to sell) are well taken care of, but this one is immaculate," Boswell said.

See photos of Four Oaks Ranch in the slideshow above.
A Houston father who lost his daughter to sex trafficking through Snapchat is pushing lawmakers to crack down on kidnappers and pimps.

John Clark recovered his 18-year-old daughter in May after she went missing in April. Clark told KHOU that his daughter was taken by a man in his 20s that she met on Snapchat.

READ MORE: Lawyer: Backpage.com CEO will fight sex trafficking charges

In May, the Fort Bend County Sheriff's Office asked the public to help find her. Before she was recovered, she was last seen by her family on April 30. She told her parents she was going to Lifetime Fitness. Later, Clark's daughter left her vehicle and cellphone at the gym parking lot to go to a party with a friend.

Clark told the Chronicle at the time, "She's said that she doesn't want to come home. We don't know what is behind her choice." Clark also said she told her family to call of the search and dropped off social media.

To get his daughter back, Clark set up a website, 800-number and a Facebook page to gather information on where she might be. Clark told KHOU that he found his daughter and her alleged captor at a Houston apartment building.

Now Clark is looking to strengthen anti-human trafficking laws and penalties for those who force people into the sex trade. He's met with Texas lawmakers since she was recovered and has started an online petition to crack down on pimps. Clark says the legal system should treat pimps like drug dealers.

READ MORE: 2 women nabbed in prostitution sting at north Harris County massage parlor

"The police don't focus on pimps in the first place, but even when pimps get caught, prosecuted and convicted, they receive punishment much less severe than drug dealers," Clark wrote in the petition.

With his petition, Clark aims to change the minimum age for sexually orientated businesses from 18 to 21. Clark also wants increased penalties for anyone convicted of compelling or promoting prostitution of anyone under the age of 21.

Clark also wants to extend parental guardianship to girls over the age of 18, in certain circumstances. Clark said he and his wife were not allowed to talk to doctors and counselors about their daughter since she was 18 and legally an adult.

Clark is hoping his petition will inspire new legislation in January when state lawmakers meet for a new session. He points to Louisiana as a possible model, where strip clubs are required to have dancers who are 21 and older as of Oct. 1.

READ MORE: More than 50 people pulled from stash house

In another Facebook post, Clark wrote sex trafficking often starts with a man or woman a few years older than the targeted teenage girl. The groomer takes the teenager to new places, is fun and acts like a mentor, according to Clark. The groomer then introduces the teenage girl to drugs and alcohol while trying to isolate her from her parents. The teenage girl is then introduced to new people and brought to adult places like clubs.

Eventually, the teenager meets a pimp, usually disguised as a musician, club owner or something else exciting to the teenager. After building some rapport, the pimp usually invites the teenager to a party after she turns 18, Clark wrote. That's the point a teenager is most likely forced into sex trafficking.

"If she is 18, law enforcement is handcuffed," Clark wrote in the post. "Unless there is clear evidence of a crime, she is just another young adult who decided to leave her home."

READ MORE: You can help stop human trafficking by using the TraffickCam app

Clark warns that teenage girls can be taken from even the most cautious of parents.

"We went through her phone several times a week. We didn't even let her have her phone upstairs," Clark wrote about his daughter. "We had all her passwords. I had a GPS tracker installed on her car and monitored it every time she left the house. We Facetimed her every time she went out to make sure she was where she was supposed to be, and she was with the people she was supposed to be seeing."

Clark warns other parents to watch for any signs of groomers and to talk to their daughters about the danger of sex trafficking. He also adds to beware of Snapchat, as he and his wife found it difficult to monitor.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. Austrias FM Sebastian Kurz expressed his conviction that Turkeys membership to the EU is ruled out, Kurz told Die Welt.

I am convinced that Turkeys membership to the EU will not happen, he said, adding that similar opinion is shared by many government heads of Europe. Kurz said the majority of the population of European countries is also against Turkeys membership.

There is a big difference as to what many political figures of Europe are thinking and saying, he said, adding that in any case the EU shouldnt completely refuse cooperation with Turkey as well.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. EURHODIP International Associations 23rd annual conference on supporting hospitality and tourism education and training will be held in Yerevan on October 13-16. The Development Foundation of Armenia supports holding the conference, Rector of the Armenian Institute of Tourism, member of EURHODIP Board of Directors Robert Minasyan told Armenpress.

40 delegates from 20 countries will discuss issues related to tourism education sector during the conference.

Such event has not been organized in our region. We know that the presence of qualified personnel is a major issue for tourism development which we are lacking. Today there is a need of generation change, new approaches in order to be able to be presented through qualified personnel. The tourists demands change year by year, it is necessary to move forward in line with it. Thus, this conference will enable to get acquainted with the works on tourism education sector carried out in other states, Robert Minasyan said.

EURHODIP Association operates under the auspices of the European Union. Over 40 countries and more than 100 educational institutions are members of the Association where more than 150.000 students study.

Martin Dannenmann- First Vice-President at EURHODIP  said this conference is a perfect platform for experience sharing.

We are holding the conference once a year uniting tourism education specialists of various states in one place. A special attention is paid on the topic of education, training of specialists. This conference enables to make an exchange of experience, as well as to intensify the cooperation, he said.

Specialists on tourism field from France, Germany, Slovenia, Austria, Senegal, Russia, Pakistan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Lithuania, Great Britain, Iran, Turkey, Italy, Croatia, Portugal and Spain arrive in Armenia to take part in the conference.

Robert Minasyan said Hospitality and tourism vocational education and training manual will be presented at the conference, the author of which is EURHODIP President of the Board of Directors Cees Van Der Klip.

We must understand that tourism is not just a tourists visit, it can have a significant contribution on the economic development. 1-5 jobs can be created with one tourists visit, a number of economic sectors can develop. Tourism can be a driving force for the development of other sectors. Thats why we should be rightly presented to the world, Robert Minasyan said.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. There are 5 educational institutions in Armenia preparing specialists on tourism sector, Adviser to the Armenian Minister of Education and Science Artak Aghbalyan told Armenpress.

The youth has always been interested in tourism. The educational facilities preparing specialists in that sector always have a lot of applicants, there is no shortage of applicants even in the paid system. The specialists are being prepared, but the conducted works are not enough, there is still a lot to do, Artak Aghbalyan said.

Educational standards were developed for providing qualified specialists for tourism sector. Artak Aghbalyan informed the employers of that sector had their contribution on developing them.

According to those standards, the training must be done based on practice. The student must be in direct contact with hotel, restaurant and other institutions operating in the tourism field. For instance, 3-day theoretical and 3-day practical courses must be held. Such approach will enable the persons who completed the courses to be well prepared for market demands, he said.

Rector of the Armenian Institute of Tourism Robert Minasyan said the training of personnel must not be the only priority.

We must pay a special attention who are the trainers. In case of necessity we will hold trainings for them as well. Life is changing, and you cannot teach with yesterdays approaches, Robert Minasyan said.

Robert Minasyan said not everyone has a right to present Armenia.

He said there are more than 1 billion tourists in the world, each tourist spends 700-1000 USD within 5-7 days. If we manage to direct the small percentage of it to Armenia, our countrys tourism will boost significantly.
Humanitarian group Doctors Without Borders, officially known as Medecins Sans Frontieres, did not accept Pfizer's offer to donate 1 million pneumonia vaccine doses, according to Business Insider.

Here are five notes:

1. Jason Cone, the U.S. executive director of Medecins Sans Frontieres, said the organization would benefit from Pfizer offering them the vaccines at a discounted rate as opposed to dealing with the nuances associated with donations. Mr. Cone wrote in a post, "Donations often involve numerous conditions and strings attached, including restrictions on which patient populations and what geographic areas are allowed to receive the benefits."

2. Pfizer, however, disagrees with MSF's policy and argues the products will significantly help humanitarian efforts around the globe.

3. Pfizer and GlaxoSmithKline have been donating the vaccines to MSF for the past two years, but Mr. Cone said this was not a long-term agreement and he has concerns the companies could stop providing the vaccines at any time.

4. A Pfizer spokesperson told Business Insider the company offered the organization 1 million doses, and would provide 100,000 doses right away. Following Mr. Cone's post, Pfizer said the company is seeking other options to provide their vaccines to support humanitarian efforts.

5. Mr. Cone also noted in this post that the donations "appear to be a good 'quick fix' but they are not the answer to increasingly high vaccine prices charged by pharmaceutical giants like Pfizer and GSK."

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Healthcare providers are increasingly participating in a practice known as de-prescribing, or cutting down on the number of prescriptions a patient takes to reduce excessive use, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Here are five things to know:

1. Of patients in their 60s, almost 40 percent are taking more than five medications.

2. To lower this figure, physicians conduct comprehensive medication reviews to determine which drugs they can decrease the dosage or de-prescribe if they do not benefit a patient's overall health.

3. Alongside pharmacist Barbara Farrell, Cara Tannenbaum, MD, created the website, deprescribing.org, which allows physicians in the Untied States and Canada to obtain information to help them assess if a patient should cease taking certain medications that are unnecessary or even harmful. Canadian Deprescribing Network maintains the site.

4. In 2015, The American Geriatric Society updated its Beers Criteria, which features a list of 40 medications or classes of drugs that the society deems as possibly inappropriate for older adults. The American Geriatric Society added three new drugs and two new classes of medications to its warning lists for older adults or people with certain health concerns last year. Currently, an expert panel is working on an update for that list for 2018.

5. Physicians have issued warnings about using sedatives in older adults and recently, there have been warnings about proton pump inhibitors. WSJ reports new studies show an association between these pumps and a higher risk for bone loss, fractures and serious bacterial infections.

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Here are four updates on gastroenterology and endoscopy companies.

Allergan bought the rights to develop and commercialize MEDI2070.

A review of the gastroenterology endoscopic device market found that Medtronic has more than 90 percent of the capsule endoscopy market, while Boston Scientific leads the biopsy device market.

Fujifilm will showcase several of its endoscopic devices at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology.

An analysis of the global gastrointestinal drugs market identified AbbVie as the leading market player; however, by the end of 2022, Takeda Pharmaceutical is expected to take its place.
Forces loyal to the Syrian government have conducted systematic attacks against hospitals and physicians in besieged eastern Aleppo, Syria, maiming and killing hundreds of children in the process.

Below are eight things to know about the war crimes on Syria's hospitals.

1. Hospitals and physicians have been routinely targeted in the course of the war in Syria. The U.N.'s commission of inquiry into the Syria crisis has long concluded health facilities are systematically attacked by pro-government forces, which consider hospitals in "enemy" territory legitimate military targets.

2. Physicians for Human Rights, a nongovernmental organization, identified 382 attacks on hospitals in Syria since the war started. Russian forces carried out at least 16 of those attacks, according to its report.

3. The region's two largest hospitals known as M2 and M10, codenames used by local physicians to obscure the hospitals' locations, were hit between 4 a.m. and 10 a.m. Sept. 28 by airstrikes, artillery shells and cluster bombs. The bombardment put both hospitals out of service. In a statement, UNICEF said at least 96 children were killed and 223 children were injured in airstrikes.

4. Officials within Aleppo reported evidence Russian forces are using bunker-buster bombs, a much more destructive and sophisticated form of weaponry. The bombs penetrate the earth's surface and explode deep underground to target and destroy bunkers. During the course of the war, civilian shelters, hospitals and medical centers have been relocated underground to avoid the government attacks.

5. The largest hospital in Aleppo, M10, was attacked again Oct. 1 with at least two barrel bombs, two cluster bombs and one rocket, according to the Syrian American Medical Society.

6. M10 was hit again Oct. 4 with bunker-buster bombs, killing at least seven people and trapping several more beneath the rubble. The seven killed included two medical staff and five maintenance workers attempting to repair the hospital after previous airstrikes. M10's emergency rooms and intensive care unit were located deep underground.

7. The state-run Syrian Arab News Agency said Oct. 3 the government army took over Aleppo's al-Kindi Hospital, perched on a strategic hill in northern Aleppo, and killed "many terrorists," according to CNN.

8. With M10 and M2 non-operational, only six viable hospitals remain in the region, according to the Syrian American Medical Society.

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Commercial real estate investors are backing off skilled nursing facilities amid a change in medical billing practices, reports The Wall Street Journal.

Here are four things to know about the issue.

1. Real estate investment trusts have seen large gains from senior housing, medical office buildings and hospitals in recent years, but REITs have focused less on skilled nursing facilities, according to the article. And a revenue crunch stemming from the move from fee-for-service to value-based care suggests skilled nursing facilities could continue to be squeezed financially, the report states.

2. The problem stems from the fact that most revenue for skilled nursing facilities comes from payments from Medicare and other government insurance programs, according to the report. Landlords said their tenants are challenged with shorter lengths of stay and lower rates as billing practices shift from fee-for-service to value-based care. Now, some large REITs that focus on healthcare are starting to trim their skilled nursing holdings, the report states.

3. For REITs, heavy exposure to skilled nursing operators that may struggle to pay rent adds a layer of risk, making it more expensive for them to raise funds, according to the report. Medical office buildings and hospitals, the report notes, are seen as better bets because they have steadier income and more control over billings.

4. Still, there is potential for growth in REITs specializing in skilled nursing facilities, due to rising demand from aging demographics and the position of skilled nursing facilities as a cheaper alternative to prolonged hospital stays, reports The Wall Street Journal.

For more on this story and a look at the actions of specific REITs, read Esther Fung's full report in The Wall Street Journal.
During Sunday night's presidential debate, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said even the Affordable Care Act's chief architect, Jonathan Gruber, said the healthcare legislation was a scam. Mr. Gruber fired back at Mr. Trump in an official statement Monday, reports Boston Business Journal.

Mr. Trump said Sunday night, "You know that, because Jonathan Gruber, the architect of Obamacare, was said  he said it [the ACA] was a great lie, it was a big lie. President [Barack] Obama said you keep your doctor, you keep your plan. The whole thing was a fraud, and it doesn't work."

Trump was referring to comments Mr. Gruber made in 2014, when Mr. Gruber admitted ACA legislation was written in an ambiguous and complicated manner due to "the stupidity of the American voter" to ensure the law's passage.

Mr. Gruber has since apologized for and recanted the comment.

When asked to respond to Mr. Trump's statement, Mr. Gruber said the debate showed which candidate fully grasped healthcare reform.

"My only comment is that [Sunday] night showed the difference between a candidate with a strong and coherent healthcare agenda (Clinton) and one with a garbage salad of right wing talking points (Trump)," Mr. Gruber wrote in an email to Boston Business Journals.

Strategic cost management: Is your revenue under pressure?
Prosecutors have recommended Jonathan Dunning, the former CEO of Birmingham (Ala.) Health Care and Central Alabama Comprehensive Health in Tuskegee, serve 27 years in prison for his role in a fraud scheme, according to AL.com.

In June, a federal jury convicted Mr. Dunning of diverting $14 million in federal funding to private companies he formed to contract with the two clinics he led. According to the Department of Justice, after leaving his post as CEO in 2008, Mr. Dunning continued to exercise control over the two nonprofit health clinics and diverted government funds meant for the clinics to his own for-profit companies.

Mr. Dunning was convicted of 62 counts of wire fraud, 33 counts of money laundering and two counts of bank fraud. A jury also found him guilty of one count of conspiracy, finding that he conspired with another person to commit wire fraud, bank fraud and money laundering.

Mr. Dunning is scheduled to be sentenced Friday, according to the report.

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Burlington (Vt.) Labs agreed to a $6.75 million settlement deal with Vermont's Attorney General William Sorrell and his office to resolve claims the company violated the False Claims Act, according to VPR.

According to the settlement agreement, Burlington Labs will pay the Vermont Medicaid program $6.75 million in a seven-year period. In a statement by the attorney general's office, the extended payment contract gives Burlington Labs the chance to continue operations while also compensating the state Medicaid program. The settlement also requires Burlington Labs to enter into a corporate integrity agreement with the state.

The attorney general's office investigated Burlington Labs after the company was accused of submitting false claims and receiving overpayments from the state Medicaid program. According to investigators, in January 2015, Burlington Labs received more than $12 million in reimbursements from Medicaid, compared to the $10 million it received in total from the program during the previous five years, according to the article.
The following hospitals have an average emergency department length of stay of less than 139 minutes, as reported on CMS' Hospital Compare website.

The times represent the average number of minutes patients spend in the ED before being admitted to the hospital as an inpatient.

Times were gathered from October 2014 through September 2015. The national average ED wait times prior to admittance is 280 minutes.

Note: Hospitals with sample sizes of less than 100 and located in Puerto Rico were excluded from consideration for this list.

1. Woman's Hospital of Texas (Houston)  68 minutes

2. Woman's Hospital (Baton Rouge, La.)  69 minutes

3. Nocona (Texas) General Hospital  85 minutes

4. Morton County Hospital (Elkhart, Kan.)  87 minutes

5. Stevens Community Medical Center (Morris, Minn.)  90 minutes

6. Mobridge (S.D.) Regional Hospital  93 minutes

7. Essentia Health Fosston (Minn.)  93 minutes

8. Hamlin (Texas) Memorial Hospital  95 minutes

9. Seymour (Texas) Hospital  95 minutes

10. Carrington (N.D.) Health Center  98 minutes

11. Community Hospital, Onaga and St. Mary's Campus (Onaga, Kan.)  101 minutes

12. Pacifica Hospital of the Valley (Sun Valley, Calif.)  101 minutes

13. Women's Hospital (Newburgh, Ind.)  101 minutes

14. Bigfork (Minn.) Valley Hospital  102 minutes

15. Elkview General Hospital (Hobart, Okla.)  106 minutes

16. Anthony (Kan.) Medical Center  106 minutes

17. Beaver Valley Hospital (Beaver, Utah)  110 minutes

18. Southeast Colorado Hospital (Springfield)  114 minutes

19. Yuma (Colo.) District Hospital  116 minutes

20. Avera Heart Hospital of South Dakota (Sioux Falls)  117 minutes

21. Municipal Hospital and Granite Manor (Granite Falls, Minn.)  118 minutes

22. St. Josephs Health Services (Hillsboro, Wis.)  119 minutes

23. Irwin County Hospital (Ocilla, Ga.)  120 minutes

24. Coffey County Hospital (Burlington, Kan.)  120 minutes

25. Russell (Kan.) Regional Hospital  120 minutes

26. CentraCare Health System-Melrose (Minn.) Hospital  121 minutes

27. Barnes-Kasson County Hospital (Susquehanna, Pa.)  123 minutes

28. Cumberland County Hospital (Burkesville, Ky.)  124 minutes

29. CHI Health Missouri Valley (Iowa)  124 minutes

30. Fredonia (Kan.) Regional Hospital  125 minutes

31. Mitchell County Hospital Health Systems (Beloit, Kan.)  125 minutes

32. Harmon Memorial Hospital (Hollis, Okla.)  125 minutes

33. Fitzgibbon Hospital (Marshall, Mo.)  126 minutes

34. Women and Infants Hospital of Rhode Island (Providence)  127 minutes

35. Amery (Wis.) Hospital & Clinic  127 minutes

36. CentraCare Health System-Long Prairie (Minn.)  128 minutes

37. Cumberland (Wis.) Memorial Hospital  129 minutes

38. CentraCare Health System-Paynesville (Minn.)  130 minutes

39. Memorial Hospital & Physician Group (Frederick, Okla.)  130 minutes

40. Clarinda (Iowa) Regional Health center  130 minutes

41. Swisher Memorial Hospital (Tulia, Texas)  131 minutes

42. Georgiana (Ala.) Medical Center  131 minutes

43. Drumright (Okla.) Regional Hospital  132 minutes

44. Sumner Regional Medical Center (Wellington, Kan.)  133 minutes

45. Southern Tennessee Regional Health System Pulaski  134 minutes

46. Lamb Healthcare Center (Littlefield, Texas)  135 minutes

47. Lakewood Health Center (Baudette, Minn.)  136 minutes

48. CentraCare Health System-Sauk Centre (Minn.)  136 minutes

49. Latimer County General Hospital (Wilburton, Okla.)  136 minutes

50. Monroe County Medical Center (Tompkinsville, Ky.)  138 minutes

51. Carroll County Memorial Hospital (Carrollton, Mo.)  138 minutes

52. Memorial Hospital (Stilwell, Okla.)  138 minutes

53. Childress (Texas) Regional Medical Center  138 minutes

54. Lisbon (N.D.) Area Health Services  138 minutes
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YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. Vice Prime Minister, Minister of International Economic Integration and Reforms of Armenia Vache Gabrielyan presented business opportunities and advantages of Armenia to possible investors during Armenia investment forum 2016 held in Ney York. As Armenpress was informed from the press service of Armenia Development Fund, the Minister mentioned Armenia is distinguished by the degree of liberalization of business environment and by WBs Doing Business 2016 report it ranks 35th, while it ranks 5th by the index of starting a business. At the same time Vache Gabrielyan stated that the Government makes regular efforts to improve those indexes.

The Vice Premier of Armenia referred to Armenias geographic location, population size, governance system, as well as provided information on entry visas, transport access, communication and energy infrastructures.

Referring to the question Why Armenia? Vache Gabrielyan pointed out a number of reasons for investing and doing business in Armenia. Microeconomic and financial stability, opportunities to enter large markets without custom duties and with a simplified regime, constantly improving business environment, diversified investment directions, young, educated and inexpensive labor force are good grounds to start business in Armenia just from tomorrow, the Vice Premier said. The benefits and opportunities rising from Armenias accession to the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), GSP + trade regime with the USA and the EU, and cooperation with Georgia and Iran were specially highlighted.

Vache Gabrielyan also presented the legislature protecting the rights of foreign investors in Armenia. He noted that tax and customs reforms are aimed at improving business environment in Armenia.

Deputy Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations (DG NEAR) Katarina Mathernova, speaking about the agreement being currently negotiated between Armenia and the EU, said, This agreement will be beneficial for trade as in certain aspects it will lead to economic convergence settings. Key spheres will be included in this agreement. This also means an entry to worlds biggest common market. Armenia is an important partner for the EU. She concluded saying that the agreement will be fully in compliance with Armenias membership to the EAEU.
CMS lashed back at The New York Times for its headline on an article about a new federal policy, reports Advisory Board: "Can't Find a Plan on HealthCare.gov? One May Be Picked For You."

CMS spokesperson Aaron Albright told Advisory Board the headline is "100 percent wrong and irresponsible."

The New York Times article in question described a new federal policy designed to ensure consumers whose insurance carriers have left the Affordable Care Act marketplace maintain coverage in 2017. Under the program, federal exchanges will automatically suggest a new plan for enrollees affected by insurer exits  unless the enrollee selects a plan themselves or proactively opts out of exchange coverage.

Mr. Albright told Politico CMS took issue with the headline because it implied consumers would be enrolled in a new plan by the government without their consent.

"Consumers who are matched with an 'alternate plan' are not enrolled in coverage  they are not under any sort of contract and will not incur any charges or fees. A consumer is only enrolled if they choose to pay their first premium," Mr. Albright said.

ACA enrollees who do no wish to enroll in the federally suggested plan can either select another option, or simply not pay the premium to enroll.

More articles on payer issues:

CFOs make leap from for-profit to nonprofit companies

3 costly employment law traps CFOs should avoid

Hospital leaders, it's time to revitalize your CDI program: Here's why and ho
Minnesota's Medical Alley featuring device manufacturers like Medtronic and Boston Scientific are attempting to save their "go-to-guy" Minnesota Representative Erik Paulsen (R), STAT reports.

Here's what you need to know.

1. Mr. Paulsen has helped medical device manufacturers several times through his four terms. He notably delayed the ACA's tax on devices for two years, and has pursued several reforms.

2. Through political action committees, Mr. Paulsen has received almost $400,000. That amount is expected to rise once new disclosures are released.

3. Medtronic, Boston Scientific, Eli Lilly and Pfizer all made donations to Mr. Paulsen. Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America and the Advanced Medical Technology Association have also donated to his campaign.

4. As of July, Mr. Paulsen has raised a total of $3.1 million. His opponent, Minnesota Senator Terri Bonoff (D) has raised $700,000. She has few donations from healthcare companies or trade organizations.

5. Ms. Bonoff said in interviews that she recognizes she'd have to win the device maker's support.

More orthopedic and spinal device news:

North America, Europe lead orthopedic imaging market through 2026: 5 notes

Quantum computing, robotics & more  Which technologies will change healthcare by 2025?

Wearable medical devices market to hit $8.44B by 2020  6 observations




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Following reports of a possible terror attack by the Jaish-e-Mohammed in Delhi, around 90 National Security Guard commandos have been deployed at the Red Fort. The monument is generally guarded by the Central Industrial Security Force. Notably, the NSG is an anti-terror squad which is used only at times of big terrorist combat operations.
The Global 7000 has been delayed for two years

Bombardier will see its luxury business jet, which was part-made in Belfast, take to the skies for its first test flight next month. The flight of the new Global 7000 ultra long-range plane will take place in Toronto in a much-needed boost after delays of two years.

Bombardier did not confirm reports that the flight would take place next month, but said it was on track to fly the jet this year.

The firm's Belfast workforce, which totals some 5,000 people, designs and makes composite parts and other components for the Global 7000.

The company has faced a series of major concerns over the past year, partly due to a huge overrun in its CSeries passenger jet programme.

It announced it was cutting 1,080 jobs in Northern Ireland over the next two years.

Last month it announced that "serious concerns" meant it was likely to rein in production of its flagship passenger jets in Belfast after it was revealed the plane-maker would deliver just half the number of planned CSeries aircraft this year. The wings and part of the fuselage are made in Belfast.

But the manufacturer has now said it will deliver only seven aircraft this year, instead of 15, due to delays with engine-maker Pratt & Whitney.

Former top Bombardier official Martin J Craigs said: "You can't take it as anything, but a concern."

This year, Bombardier signed a deal with Air Canada to sell it up to 75 of its CSeries passenger jets, while US firm Delta also ordered 75.

In August, the company said it was bringing forward 95 planned redundancies. More than 700 staff are due to go this year, with some 1,080 planned by 2017.

The Quebec government now has a 49.5% share in the CSeries project, which it got in return for a $1bn bailout. Bombardier is also negotiating a bailout from the Canadian government.

During the high-profile Iata (International Air Transport Association) AGM in Dublin this summer, British Airways boss Willie Walsh said he was having discussions with Bombardier boss Alain Bellemere about buying CSeries passenger jets.

Last month, another customer, Swiss Air, said that it was "satisfied" with the performance of the plane-maker's flagship passenger jets, a month after they went into service.

The much-anticipated CSeries aircraft made its debut back in July - with its first customer Swiss Air flying a CS100 from Zurich to Paris.

A second CS100 also began scheduled flights in August, again linking Zurich to Paris.

It comes after the Belfast Telegraph revealed Bombardier was moving some of its operations away from Northern Ireland to cheaper countries, including Mexico and Morocco.

The plane-maker confirmed the transfer of "certain activities" it said it was "unable to undertake competitively" here.

It added while it had undertaken major investment in Northern Ireland over the years and would "continue to focus on high-value, high-complexity production", it must balance its costs with sites in Mexico and Morocco to "help to optimise our manufacturing footprint and ensure the future success of our business overall".

One Bombardier worker said: "I challenge our unions, who are frightened to rock the boat."

The company earlier this year asked staff to accept a pay freeze amid a "serious financial crisis" at the plane-maker.

There have been calls for Stormont to bring in a dedicated manufacturing strategy to tackle job losses.

However, the workforce in Belfast is taking on a bigger role with the CSeries.

Last year Northern Ireland employees produced between 15 and 20 fuselage mid-sections for the aircraft as work was transferred from the company's manufacturing partner in China to its east Belfast plant.
Scores of jobs could be lost in Belfast in Londonderry as Fujitsu looks to shed 1,800 employees.

The Japanese-owned technology giant is slashing its workforce across the UK, including posts in both cities.

It employs around 800 staff across Northern Ireland, with around 500 of those based in Belfast and more than 200 in Londonderry.

Earlier this year, the firm announced it was planning to close its repair centre in Antrim, resulting in the loss of approximately 40 jobs.

Fujitsu said it was planning a "transformation programme" that would result in the loss of up to 1,800 jobs in the UK.

Trade union Unite said workers would be affected at Fujitsu's major sites, which include Belfast, Londonderry, Bracknell, Crewe, Manchester, Stevenage, Wakefield and Warrington.

But the company and union have yet to indicate how many jobs could go here.

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton said yesterday it was "a worrying time for staff at Fujitsu in Belfast and Londonderry". "I have spoken to Fujitsu management today and intend to engage with senior decision-makers in Japan in the days and weeks ahead to emphasise to them the highly skilled workforce that exists in Northern Ireland, as well as the competitive costs and strong Government support that makes our region a good place for their company to continue to invest in," DUP MLA Mr Hamilton added.

The Japanese multinational information technology equipment and services company said it wanted to streamline operations to remain competitive. However, Unite said that the move was a "hammer blow" for workers who have "given their all" to make the UK subsidiary highly profitable.

The announcement is not linked to the vote to leave the EU, and is not driven by any domestic issues.

No jobs will go as a result of the programme until 2017.

The company said: "Fujitsu is planning a transformation programme that will enable it to better support customers in the era of digital transformation.

"The company today advised its employee representative forum of plans to restructure the organisation in order to provide better service and respond more quickly to customer needs.

"As part of the programme, Fujitsu plans to streamline operations in order to remain competitive in the market.

"Proposed measures include changes which would result in a reduction of up to 1,800 jobs in the UK.

"All affected employees will be offered guidance and support and Fujitsu is establishing a consultation process with elected employee representatives."
Construction equipment giant JCB is leaving the CBI business lobbying group amid reports of clashes over Brexit. Lord Bamford, whose father founded JCB in 1945, has been an outspoken supporter of leaving the EU, while CBI members have warned against it.

Both parties confirmed the decision on Monday, but declined to offer reasons why.

The move will be seen as a blow for the CBI, which will lose the backing of one of the country's biggest manufacturers.

A JCB spokesman said: "I can confirm that JCB is ending its membership of the CBI."

The spokesman added he would not be commenting on the reasons for the decision, describing it as "speculation".

A CBI spokesman said: "It's always a shame to see any member leave the CBI, but we recognise that businesses have competing priorities and we respect that."

JCB employs around 5,500 UK workers at 11 factories.
London's financial services sector could not be immediately transplanted elsewhere in Europe, but services could shift to New York after Brexit, according to a key policymaker.

Sir Jon Cunliffe - the Bank of England's deputy governor for financial stability - told a House of Lords sub-committee that it would be "highly unlikely" in the short term that the capital's unique financial ecosystem would be recreated in likes of Paris or Frankfurt.

However, he said services could shift to New York because its finance industry has the same qualities as London.

"A great deal of the business is not to do with the European Union; in fact, the minority of the business is to do with the European Union, so the idea that this ecosystem is transplanted somewhere else into Europe in the foreseeable future - over time I don't know - I think it is highly unlikely.

"Could it be transplanted to New York? Well, of course it already exists in New York. There's such a large and complex ecosystem there, so could some of the things that happen in London now transfer to New York if they could no longer happen there, I think so."

Sir Jon's comments come amid mounting concern that a so-called "hard Brexit", in which Britain exits the European single market in order to take a tighter grip on immigration, will spark an exodus of jobs from the City of London to other key financial centres.

According to TheCityUK, the cost of a such a move to revenues in Britain's financial services sector could be as high as 38 billion, with up to 75,000 jobs in the line of fire.

Sir Jon - a member of the Bank's nine-strong Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) which sets interest rates - said if Britain was not a member of the European single market then its "relatively frictionless" trade relationship with the EU would not continue in its current form.

However, he said Britain could replicate a financial passporting system for trading with Europe, but it would have to embark on a "painstaking process" as part of a "much bigger negotiation" with the EU.

The future of London's euro clearing services had become a political issue, Sir Jon added, stating that costs would rise if it was to "fragment" by moving elsewhere in Europe.

Speaking about volatility in the currency and financial markets since the Brexit vote, Sir Jon said the political uncertainty had been difficult for markets to process.

"I think the hardest news for markets to process is political news. I think markets find political uncertainty very difficult to estimate as opposed to economic uncertainty."

His comments come after s terling was put under sustained pressure last week after investors became increasingly alarmed that Prime Minister Theresa May was opting for a so-called ''hard Brexit''.

The pound capped off its torrid week on Friday with an overnight ''flash crash'' triggered by a suspected ''rogue algorithm'', which sent it plummeting to a fresh 31-year low against the US dollar.

Sir Jon said he would not rule out more market instability as news about Britain's Brexit negotiations became public.

Asked by the committee whether the Bank would intervene to prevent the Government triggering Article 50 if it did not think the nation was ready, Sir Jon said it was not in the Bank's remit to "mark the card" of ministers, but would continue to comment on the direction of the economy.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. Information about investment opportunities and tools applied by financial institutions to support private investors in Armenia were presented during Armenia investment forum -2016, Armenpress was informed from the press service of Armenia Development Fund.

Moderate tax policy entry to the market of the Eurasian Economic Union, favorable climate and great development potential make investments in Armenia by foreign investors very attractive, reads the report on agriculture, at the same time emphasizing Armenias strategic location linking Europe, Asia, CIS states and the Middle East, as well as the continuously improving investment environment, human resources and other key factors.

The Armenia Development Fund provides a broad range of tools for foreign investors to ease their entry to Armenia. The Fund also provides information on the market, supports cognitive visits to Armenia, and encourages businessmen to invest in Armenia in general, reads the report on investment support tools in Armenia.

Keynote speaker, Deputy Permanent Representative of EIB in Washington Carlota Cenalmor noted that we see Armenia has taken the right development path and we significantly expand our involvement in that direction.

Foreign investors participating in the forum were provided with information on Armenias ratings by international financial institutions. Particularly, Armenia ranks 23rd by the Heritage Foundation for investment freedom index, while for friendly business environment Armenia ranked 35th by WBs Doing Business 2016 report.
Samsung has scrapped its flagship Galaxy Note7 smartphone, a day after halting sales because of concerns over consumer safety. The technology giant had delayed the launch of the Note7 in the UK in September as it investigated and replaced faulty units that were overheating and subsequently exploding because of a battery defect.

However, fresh reports in the US raised further concerns that replacement devices were still catching fire, and despite halting production to investigate the issue, the manufacturer has now chosen to completely withdraw the device.

In a statement, the Korean company said: "We can confirm the report that Samsung permanently discontinues the production of Galaxy Note7."

Samsung had halted a replacement programme in the UK after it was suggested that further defects could exist within the Note, beyond the battery issue.

The firm said it had sold around 45,000 Note7s through pre-orders in Europe.

The tech giant had earlier advised retailers to stop selling and exchanging the device while it investigated the cause of the fires, of which at least five had been reported in replacement devices in the US which the company had approved as safe. This followed an initial recall of the device after more than 30 handsets from the original production batch were reported to have caught fire or exploded in the hands of consumers.

There have been no confirmed reports of faults in the UK, where the handset was never fully released, but analysts are already suggesting the recall and now scrapping of the Note7 could cost Samsung in the long run, particularly coming just as rivals including Google and Apple have announced new high-end smartphones.

Richard Windsor, from Edison Investment Research, warned: "As a result of making a complete mess of the Galaxy Note7 recall, Samsung is more likely to lose a large number of high-end users to other Android handsets rather than to Apple.

"The real issue is brand and reputation. As long as Samsung carried out the recall smoothly and kept its users very happy, the issue would eventually blow over.

"Unfortunately, this is very far from the case, and the fact that Samsung appeared to still be shipping defective devices could trigger a large loss of faith in Samsung products."
Andrew Smyth cooking on the Great British Bake Off

Great British Bake Off: Andrew Smyth's knight met with some derision

Andrew Smyth on the Great British Bake Off

Great British Bake Off's Benjamina Ebuehi has become the eighth contestant to be eliminated from the tent after foods from the Tudor period proved to be her downfall.

The 24-year-old from London had previously impressed judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry with her intricate flavours and baking techniques.

But she failed to master Tudor week and was handed her marching orders.

Ebuehi said: 'It was an absolutely amazing experience - intense and exhausting but so much fun at the same time.

"My family and my twin sister were thrilled that I got to the quarter-finals, and they are really really proud of me.

"I didn't want to leave in week one and I also really wanted to get star baker somewhere along the line, so I feel I have achieved those two things!"

This week the bakers were given three all-new challenges - having to create a display of shaped pies for the signature bake, a dozen Tudor jumbles in the technical and a marzipan centrepiece for the showstopper.

Hollywood thought Ebuehi's chipotle pork and spiced black bean pies looked a bit "rushed", and her attempt at jumbles saw her end up in fourth place out of the five remaining contestants.

The judges also noted that the maze on her marzipan showstopper was rather simple and Hollywood thought it felt "quite doughy".

Ebuehi admitted it was her "least favourite" bake - and vowed never to tackle another dish from the Tudor period.

She said: "I just hate marzipan, I think the taste is horrible and so I didn't enjoy that bake at all, it was my least favourite bake of the whole show.

"I will never ever be making a marzipan cake again."

She added: "I'm gonna keep on baking, no marzipan, no Tudor ever in my life."

She said her highlight had been clinching the coveted star baker title in week four, when Berry praised her churros.

Meanwhile Holywood man Andrew Smyth won praise for his Leonardo da Vinci-inspired mechanised pie but his knight on horseback was less impressive. Judges observed that the marzipan jousting knight had a poorly placed pole.

"The jousting pole really should have gone on the hand," judge Paul Hollywood sniggered.

Ebuehi also revealed that she has put her teacher training on hold while she explores baking opportunities.

She said: "I think it is because Bake Off has given me new confidence to take my baking to a different level, and I just want to go for it now.

"I would so love to have my own coffee shop one day with my own bakes - that would be my ultimate dream."

There was better news for Bake Off hopeful Candice Brown, who clinched the coveted title of star baker.

The 31-year-old from Bedford wowed the judges with her ox cheek and oyster and macaroni cheese pies, and she scooped first place in the technical with her jumbles.

But it was her marzipan peacock in the showstopper that really took the judges' breath away.

Hollywood deemed it "exceptional", telling Brown: "You have ticked all the boxes and then some."

"You have really cracked it," added Berry.

A-mazi-ning innuendo

The Great British Bake Off's hosts, judges and contestants are known for serving up some saucy innuendos alongside the dishes.

And this week, as the contestants tackled Tudor-inspired recipes, was no different.

Here are some of the best cheeky remarks of the week:

:: Mel Giedroyc to judges Paul Hollywood and Mary Berry as they left the tent during the technical challenge:

"Chase Mary around the maze Paul."

:: Jane Beedle, explaining that Hollywood had just given her pies a feel:

"Paul's just given them a squeeze and gave me a look."

:: Benjamina Ebuehi, as she discussed making her pastry:

"My pastry is so wet. It's wetter than normal."

:: Candice Brown, on the perfect consistency for pies:

"To my eye a pie should have a bit of leakage that comes out of the top.

:: Andrew Smyth, talking about his marzipan showstopper:

"I don't think Mary is going to want to see any cracks."

Ebuehi will join Jo Brand on The Great British Bake Off: An Extra Slice on Friday October 14 at 9.30pm on BBC Two
Depeche Mode have said their first UK stadium gig in more than 20 years feels like "a risk".

After revealing plans for a 14th studio album on Tuesday, the electronic music pioneers also unveiled a 32-date European tour for next year, including a June open-air performance at the 80,000-capacity London Stadium in Stratford.

The tour also includes slots at Nos Alive festival in Portugal and BBK in Bilbao, Spain, but the trio ruled out making their first appearance at Glastonbury.

Speaking in Milan, Italy, Martin Gore - who formed Depeche Mode in Basildon in 1980 with Dave Gahan and Andy Fletcher - said the band's first British stadium gig since 1993 would be a challenge but that it was "about time for us to take a risk".

Their popularity in Europe and North America has seen them perform several sell-out arena tours throughout their 36-year history but the group admitted they tend to opt for slightly smaller venues when touring the UK.

"It's a Saturday night so it should be interesting. Everyone thinks we can do it. We're really excited. It's a challenge. We normally play a few nights at the O2 so to go outdoors is a good challenge for us." said Fletcher.

Asked if he could see room for Glastonbury on the tour, Gahan told the Press Association that headlining at some stage would be "fitting" but that it would have to be after 2017.

The group had previously turned down a slot at the festival because the tour they were on "had fizzled out", said Gahan.

"There's talk about that (Glastonbury). I'm not ruling it out. If it was going to be any time it would be the following year.

"We've never headlined there and we're a British band that has had probably more top 10 or top 20 hits. It is kind of fitting that we should do something like that."

The album, Spirit, will be released in early spring and is being produced by Simian Mobile Disco founder James Ford, whose recent collaborations include the Arctic Monkeys and Florence and the Machine.

Gore said Spirit would encourage people to "think politically" before revealing he thinks the world is "heading closer to war" after Brexit.

He said: "Without going off about it at this stage the main purpose (of the album) is to think about things a bit morepolitically and globally and think about the world."

Gore added: "For me the European Union was like the world becoming one - one stage of the world becoming one. And then you would hope to take it further than that eventually. For the world to actually become one place.

"Now it's just becoming more and more fractured and we're just taking steps backwards.

"I think the closer we are to one world, the closer we are to like peace and I think we're heading closer towards war."

Gore, who lives in Santa Barbara, California, said the popularity of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump is the "American version of Brexit", adding it is down to "a lot of anger and frustration and people don't know where to aim it".

The Global Spirit Tour will open in Stockholm on May 5 with the London Stadium gig on June 3.
Harry Hill's medical training is well in the past, but if Holby City needed a stand-in, he's ready. The comic chats to Keeley Bolger about going incognito, testing his spouse's patience and the trouble with cucumbers.

It's a few days before the shock Great British Bake Off shake-up, and Harry Hill is discussing an altogether different cookery programme - but one that also involves Paul Hollywood.

"The first time I met Paul Hollywood, he was dressed as a silver fox," says the 52-year-old comedian, erupting into a laugh.

"I was surprised he was such good fun, because he's a bit scary with that stare and those blue eyes, but he was great. He hit Stavros Flatley on the face with a custard pie, which I don't think you can see on any other show."

Flying baked goods, former Britain's Got Talent contestants and Bake Off's steely judge in a fluffy animal suit might not be usual TV fare, but such anarchy is the hallmark of Hill's output, not least his madcap new Sky 1 cookery offering, Harry Hill's Tea Time.

Over the course of the series, expect to see chicken a la Tom Jones being whipped up in the kitchen, Dragon Den's Deborah Meaden moonlighting as a wedding cake baker - crafting a special dish for two male dachshunds who are marrying in the back of a caravan ("I think that's a first for Sky"), and of course, food fights.

There might be two spots for the taking on Bake Off, now Mel and Sue have stepped down, but even before the furore about the changes in store for the much-loved show, Hill says he couldn't imagine appearing on it.

"I think that's quite unlikely," he reasons. "I think people are nervous of me. They see me as a bit unpredictable."

"It's not really my thing," adds Hill, who famously trained as a doctor before deciding to switch to a career in comedy. "I could do a funny show about Bake Off, but I don't know that I'd want to be in Bake Off...

"But if I got asked, of course I would do it - if the money's right."

Right now though, the challenge is to keep dreaming up those high-flown sketches, which is a source of stress.

"As a series finishes, I always think, 'How am I ever going to do that again?', but somehow you manage it," says the comic, who lives in London with his wife, artist Magda Archer, and their three daughters.

"I did over 100 shows of TV Burp and I developed this way of thinking which unfortunately, I can't use in any other walk of life.

"I'm walking down the street and I see a cucumber on the pavement that's dropped out of a shopping bag, and I'm thinking, 'I wonder where that cucumber is going? Oh I know, how about a sketch where people get attacked by cucumbers?' You never switch off... It's turned me into a weirdo."

He can tell when his ideas are grating on his family.

"It's quite tiring for my wife," explains Surrey-born Hill, who made his drama debut in BBC festive film The Incredible Adventures Of Professor Branestawm in 2014.

"She does say to me, 'Look, do you know what it's like living with somebody who is constantly saying, 'How about this for an idea?' It's a bit wearing.

"If it gets really bad, she tells me, 'You need to go and get a gig', so what I do is go to some comedy club and take it out on the audience to get it out of my system."

Unfortunately for Hill's wife, there are set to be many more impromptu brainstorm sessions, as a pressing TV schedule, including a second series of Tea Time slotted in for 2017, means touring - and further acting roles - are off the cards.

"The great thing about showbiz is that you never know what's going to come in," Hill says, adding that he's not chasing any more acting roles.

"I used to say I wanted to be in Holby City, but they never picked up the phone. If I was offered the job of 'visiting brain surgeon' in Holby for two weeks, that would be fun, but I'm not really cut out for the life of an actor. A lot of acting is sitting around waiting. I like to be in amongst it and annoying people about props."
Comedy star Miranda Hart has landed a movie role as a fairy in the big-screen adaptation of The Nutcracker

Comedy star Miranda Hart has landed a movie role as a fairy in the big-screen adaptation of The Nutcracker.

The former Call The Midwife actress, 43, joins Dame Helen Mirren, Morgan Freeman and Keira Knightley - who plays the Sugar Plum Fairy - in the Disney film.

Hart, 43, tweeted about starring as the fairy Dew Drop: "I won't lie, I am very excited to be playing a fairy."

"Natural casting," she added.

Hart made her Hollywood breakthrough in last year's film Spy, as Melissa McCarthy's colleague.

She bowed out of her self-titled sitcom on a high in 2015, after five years of success for the BBC show.

Due out next year, The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is directed by Chocolat filmmaker Lasse Hallstrom.

The live-action film is based on author ETA Hoffmann's 1816 story The Nutcracker and the Mouse King, which was adapted into the Tchaikovsky ballet.
Two more groups of Syrian refugees are expected to arrive in Northern Ireland by the end of the year.

Some 160 people are due to move here under the Government's Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme, which was launched by David Cameron.

Last year, the former Prime Minister said the UK would take in up to 20,000 Syrian refugees over five years.

The first arrived in Northern Ireland last December, and since then three more groups have come, totalling 221 people.

A further two groups are now expected to arrive before the end of the year.

Communities Minister Paul Givan gave the update in response to an Assembly question from SDLP MLA Mark Durkan. Mr Givan said that all of the refugees who had arrived here so far were making "very good progress" in developing their English language skills.

"To date, four groups of Syrian refugees, comprising 221 people in total, have come to Northern Ireland under the UK Government's Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme," he explained.

"Two more groups, totalling an estimated 160 people, are expected to arrive before the end of 2016. I can advise that the plans which were put in place by the department to manage the arrival and settlement of the refugees are working very effectively and the quality of the support systems is helping them to integrate into Northern Ireland society.

"An ability to speak and understand English will be crucial to the success of the refugees' integration, and I am pleased to report that all of the refugees who have arrived so far are accessing English language lessons and are making very good progress in developing their English skills."

All of the Syrian refugees arriving in Northern Ireland have experienced some degree of trauma and have been living for some time in cramped refugee camps in countries near their homeland.

To qualify for help under the scheme, persons must be either a survivor of torture or violence, or a woman or child at risk or in need of medical care.

The Government has committed itself to providing humanitarian protection, which means the people taken in have leave to remain for five years.

After that period is up, they are free to apply to settle in the country.
A pensioner has admitted illegally dumping waste on his wife's land on Black Mountain, just outside Belfast

A pensioner has admitted illegally dumping waste on his wife's land on Black Mountain, just outside Belfast.

Hugh Corey (70), from the city, pleaded guilty to two charges over waste at Tullyrush Road, but denied keeping it in a manner likely to cause pollution.

Northern Ireland Environment Agency inspectors visited the area in 2011 and found a range of waste, returning a number of times over two years.

Although Tullyrush Road was in the name of his wife, Corey accepted he had control and was responsible for the site, at which the court heard over 4.5 tonnes of waste had been dumped.

In a regulated landfill site, the ground would be prepared in a manner that would prevent leakage. The site would also be capped to prevent rainwater getting in, and any escaping gases would be collected.

None of these measures were present at Tullyrush, which allegedly could lead to a likelihood of pollution.

At hearing.
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. Lydian International company has made investments in Armenia during the last decade. Armenpress reports President and Chief Executive Officer of Lydian International Howard Stevenson noted that the company has invested 85 million USD so far in assessing and researching the mining industry. And now we plan may be the largest investment in Armenia since its independence, nearly 370 million USD, which will probably be spent during the upcoming 18 months. I think Armenia, as it wants to display itself in this forum, is a gate to one united part f the world, Stevenson said.

According to him, Armenia has well educated and capable labor force.
Prominent dissident republican Colin Duffy is set to go to the Supreme Court over being denied assurances his legal consultations were not bugged.

Senior judges in Belfast ruled last month that they have no jurisdiction to hear his challenge to the failure to confirm no covert surveillance took place.

They instead held that exclusive authority for determining the issue rests with the Investigatory Powers Tribunal sitting in London.

Returning to the case today, the same judicial panel formally refused leave to mount a Supreme Court appeal against their verdict.

However, they did certify a point of law of general public importance relating to the activities of the intelligence services.

That permits Duffy's lawyers to seek a hearing at the Supreme Court.

The dissident republican, from Forest Glade in Lurgan, Co Armagh, wants to judicially review the British Government for allegedly refusing to provide guarantees that the security services did not bug his meetings with lawyers.

He is one of three men facing trial on charges of belonging to an IRA grouping, and attempting to murder members of the PSNI.

They faces further counts of possessing firearms and ammunition, and conspiracy to murder security force members.

The alleged offences are connected to a gun attack on a police convoy in the north of the city.

A PSNI Landrover and two accompanying vehicles came under fire on the Crumlin Road in December 2013.

Duffy is charged along with 54-year-old Alex McCrory, from Sliabh Dubh View in Belfast; and 47-year-old Henry Fitzsimons, of no fixed address.

Separate legal proceedings were launched in an effort to gain assurances that the security services were not listening in to Duffy's legal consultations.

He was said to have received satisfactory assurances from the Prison Service, Courts and Tribunal Service and the National Crime Agency.

But no such guarantee was given by the Home Office.

High Court proceedings were lodged in a bid to have the failure to provide that assurance quashed and declared incompatible with Duffy's human rights.

However, a panel of three senior judges had to first determine if they had authority to deal with the case, or if the issues should go before the Investigatory Powers Tribunal set up to monitor surveillance authorised under the 2000 Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).

The Tribunal sits as an independent court to decide on allegations of unlawful intrusion by public bodies and claims under the Human Rights Act.

According to the Hgh Court judges sole jurisdiction lies with the Tribunal.

Now, however, a further appeal is expected.

Duffy's solicitor, Paul Pierce of KRW Law, said later: "In light of the court's decision today to certify a point of law of general public importance we will be considering an application to apply for leave to the Supreme Court."
Serious concerns over security have been raised after a drone crashed in a Co Down police station after the pilot lost control, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal

Serious concerns over security have been raised after a drone crashed in a Co Down police station after the pilot lost control, the Belfast Telegraph can reveal.

The aircraft smashed into the PSNI station in Newcastle after it was seen flying above the nearby beach.

The drone pilot was not charged with any offences after the incident in May. But it has prompted concerns over the vulnerability of police stations and other high-security buildings.

Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie said regulations must be tightened to ensure the aircraft cannot be flown near or over police stations, Army barracks and schools.

"There is a security concern, that people are using these more and more and they are getting smaller and smaller," he added. "There is a challenge to ensure there is regulation on ownership, use and where these drones are being used. There is certainly an issue of security in different areas."

It has also raised concerns among those in the industry. "Unfortunately there is very little education, and members of the public who buy drones are not exposed to clear rules on the law surrounding them," said Andrew McQuillan, of Crowded Space Drones.

"We recommend anyone who is flying to check out the CAA website for information on law surrounding drones."

PSNI superintendent Paul Reid said: "The owner of the drone has been identified and spoken to in relation to this incident.

"In this instance there is no evidence to indicate that there was either the deliberate misuse of drone technology, or the negligent, reckless or malicious use of the technology."
More regional electoral offices in Northern Ireland could close next summer, the chief electoral officer said

More regional electoral offices in Northern Ireland could close next summer, the chief electoral officer said.

Many are not fit for purpose because they are old and have no facilities for the disabled, or contain too much unused space, Graham Shields added.

Most of the organisation's business is done using the postal service rather than face-to-face encounters with voters.

Offices in Newtownards and Ballymena are closing at the end of this month with staff transferring to Belfast and Newtownabbey.

Mr Shields said a number of premises could be shared with local councils to save money.

He added: "They don't provide suitable accommodation and the future of the organisation is going to be one which is smaller, both in terms of its staff and in the number of offices."

Major leases are to expire next summer, Mr Shields told the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee of MPs at Westminster - and in future, the Electoral Office is likely to have a smaller footprint.

Shutting Newtownards and Ballymena will save 40,000.

The organisation has been under funding pressure and has been running a deficit for the last three years, using separate money allocated to run elections to make up the difference.

The chief electoral officer added: "Even if I had a blank cheque to have as many offices as I wanted, I would not want to stay in them as they are not fit for purpose."

He added: "The premises are old, the layout of the offices is not suitable and in many cases they have an excess of accommodation which is used at election time but in non-election years we are carrying substantial accommodation that just lies empty and it is not efficient to do that."

He said workers had been briefed about the future plans.

Separately, plans have been announced to allow voters in Northern Ireland to register electronically for elections.

Under the proposals, online registration would be introduced in Northern Ireland by 2019.

The measures are contained in a joint consultation by the Northern Ireland Office and the Electoral Office.
A mother accused of jointly murdering a Lurgan man then dumping his body in a wheelie bin told police that she was "disgusted" by what happened to the victim and she "wouldn't like that done" to her son.

Following her arrest for the July 2014 murder of Owen Creaney, Shaunean Boyle denied involvement in the brutal beating and in helping to squash Mr Creaney's remains inside a wheelie bin.

She also told police she was "sorry for" Mr Creaney's family, but insisted she was not involved and said: "I swear on my child's life that I didn't do it."

Boyle (25), from Edenderry Park in Banbridge, is standing trial with Stephen Thomas Hughes (29) for the murder of Mr Creaney, who sustained a fatal beating in the hallway of Hughes's Moyraferty Court home in Craigavon.

The jury at Belfast Crown Court has already heard it took Mr Creaney two days to die from the fatal chest and head wounds he sustained in the early hours of July 3 2014.

Boyle and Hughes have admitted being present when Mr Creaney was attacked, but both blame each other for the violence that claimed the man's life.

Yesterday, the court heard police interviews with Boyle in the direct aftermath of the murder in which she denied being involved in the attack, helping in a clean-up operation and helping to put the deceased in the wheelie bin, claiming she "wouldn't have the nerve to do it."

Under earlier questioning at Antrim serious crime suite, Boyle said that she was "gob-smacked" when Hughes informed her that Mr Creaney had died in an upstairs bedroom.

When she was asked by police about the victim being placed in the bin, she replied: "The man's dead. I felt disgusted. The fella was my friend. I wouldn't like that done to my son."

When she was asked whether or not her and Hughes discussed burning Mr Creaney's remains after he died, Boyle answered: "No. I wouldn't let him burn him. That's just wrong."

Boyle was also asked about what cleaning she did in Hughes's house on the morning of Saturday July 5, 2014 - the day of her arrest and the day the body was found in the bin. She claimed that she had been giving Hughes a hand to clean his house, but also denied this was a clean-up operation that was designed to get rid of any possible forensic evidence.

The jury also heard Boyle's reaction while being interviewed by police when she was informed of Hughes's version of events.

He has already admitted being at home when Mr Creaney was attacked, but he has claimed it was Boyle who administered the fatal beating.

He also claimed that he and Boyle both placed Mr Creaney in the bin - a claim she denies.

When Boyle was asked by police what her reaction was to Hughes's allegations, she described his claims as "pure lies" and said she was "disgusted."

She also told police she was "sorry" for Mr Creaney's family, and said that had she known his injuries were so serious, she would have "got him to the hospital". At hearing.
Robin Swann said the scheme needed to be investigated

A probe into a renewable energy scheme - dubbed a burning ash-for-cash racket - is a top priority, the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) chairman has vowed.

Robin Swann said those who ran the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) - through which a farmer can allegedly pocket 1 million for heating an empty shed - had many questions to answer.

He said: "We will not be deflected. This is most important."

The committee had been due to hear from officials and Auditor General Kieran Donnelly, who outlined the scale of the public overspend in a damning report earlier this year.

However, much of the meeting was held in private.

It was later adjourned to facilitate the conclusion of investigations by the Department for the Economy which replaced the Department for Trade and Enterprise (DETI).

A PAC statement released afterwards said: "The PAC considers this particular inquiry to be of the most acute public interest and achieving maximum transparency and accountability on this issue are paramount.

" The PAC will not be deflected in its determination to fully carry out its political and scrutiny responsibilities."

The RHI encouraged the installation of costly eco-friendly heating systems by paying a tariff per kilowatt of heat burned over a 20-year period.

Thousands signed up to the scheme, which started in 2012 and was extended to domestic customers in 2014. It was administered on behalf of DETI by the Office of Gas and Electricity Markets.

Unlike in the rest of the UK, in Northern Ireland no cap or payment tier system was placed on the money that could be claimed in proportion to the size of boiler, effectively enabling a business to burn unnecessary heat just to make money.

By 2036, more than 1 billion of public money will be paid to Northern Ireland-based businesses after they installed new appliances under the RHI scheme, which is now closed.

In his report, the Auditor General questioned the level of expenditure and claimed major design and operation errors left the initiative exposed to abuse.

He said a business burning a biomass boiler 24/7 in Northern Ireland could make around 864,000 profit in the next 20 years. A business in England burning the same boiler would make 192,00 in the same period.

The scheme was tightened up in November with the introduction of tiered payments, but before the change came into effect there was a surge in applications to sign up to the RHI on the pre-existing no-cap tariff system.

The surge left DETI exposed to a huge overspend if it was to continue to run the scheme and the announcement of its closure to new applicants was made three months later.

It was envisaged the UK Government would fund most of the RHI scheme, but the expenditure commitment in Northern Ireland over the next 20 years is well above a Treasury funding cap, meaning Stormont will need to find hundreds of millions to make up the shortfall.

Sinn Fein MLA Michelle Gildernew said: "There are fundame ntal questions which need to be answered in relation to RHI and it is essential that there is full public accountability.

"There are other ongoing investigative processes into RHI and it was the correct decision by the PAC to adjourn its public session."

Dr Andrew McCormick, from the Department of the Economy, told MLAs: "We are accountable.

"That's the nature of the relationship. We are available as and when you require."

The committee is expected to reconvene on October 26.
The Republic should pay for Northern Ireland to be an associate member of the European Union, Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes has said.

Mr Hayes, a member of the European Parliament's economic and monetary affairs committee, said that the Republic should be willing to pay Northern Ireland's entire EU budget, likely costing hundreds of millions of euro a year.

Speaking in Brussels at the Institute of International and European Affairs, Mr Hayes said that an associate membership of the EU might be negotiable for Northern Ireland, if the Republic pays its budget contribution to sell the deal to both unionists and EU officials.

He suggested that the arguments for Northern Ireland having free trade are similar to those of Gibraltar, which is British territory but which has a land border with Spain - an EU country.

"Both land borders represent a major disruption to trade and the single market in a circumstance where the UK is leaving the EU," he told the institute.

He said that an associate membership could be similar to that of Norway, which is a member of the European Economic Area and has free trading rights within the EU.

Mr Hayes stressed that the Republic paying for Northern Ireland to remain in the EU should in no way interfere with its position within the UK and the principle of consent, which he said was a cornerstone of the Good Friday Agreement.

"I believe that all options need to be on the table without questioning the fundamental and overarching reality that Northern Ireland is part of the UK and will be until a majority of its citizens decides otherwise," he said.

He welcomed comments by Charlie Flanagan, the Republic's minister for foreign affairs who said the Irish government would be seeking a special status for Northern Ireland in the EU, and quotes by DUP MP Jeffrey Donaldson, who said that he was also seeking a special deal for the island of Ireland as a whole.

"I regard this statement by Jeffrey Donaldson was very significant in recognising the importance of the all-island economy," he said.

Speaking afterwards on RTE radio, Mr Hayes rejected claims that paying Northern Ireland's EU contribution would cost the state 400m (365m) a year and said that Northern Ireland's contribution is still not known.

He said that, overall, Northern Ireland was a net beneficiary of EU funding, so paying its contribution to the EU budget made economic sense for the island.

Mr Hayes also noted that DUP MP Ian Paisley has called on constituents to get dual British and Irish passports, especially if travelling abroad.

Clive McFarland, a DUP spokesman, strongly rejected Mr Hayes's proposal and said that the UK had voted for the entire country to leave the EU and that is what should be enacted.

"To say that the Republic would pay our EU contribution and that this would not impact the constitutional position is far fetched to say the least," he said.

"Someone could be flippant by turning the thing around and say that the UK could pay for the Republic to leave the EU.

"Would that be acceptable?" he added.

Mr McFarland said that "even if the intentions are good, it is difficult to justify and it's not going to be flyer".
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. Vice President of the Armenian National Assembly and the PACE, head of the Armenian delegation to the PACE Hermine Naghdalyan met with PACE President Pedro Agramunt on October 12. Issues of the activities of the Assembly, possible political developments, cooperation opportunities and initiatives on the agenda of the PACE were discussed at the meeting, Armenpress was informed from the office of the Vice President of the Armenian National Assembly Hermine Naghdalyan.

According to the existing tradition, according to which PACE Presidents visit member states, the PACE President Pedro Agramunt also wished to visit the Republic of Armenia.

Pedro Agramunt also informed that he plans to come up with initiatives of organizing interactions between the Armenian and Azerbaijani delegations and discuss the opportunities of carrying out PACE works in a more constructive manner.

Hermine Naghdalyan noted during the conversation that the processes and new initiatives in the PACE are very important and they undoubtedly leave an impact on the entire works of the Assembly, and in that sense the initiatives of the PACE President are of key importance, but anyway, the Armenian side expects maximally impartial, balanced and unbiased positions of the PACE President, which will first of all promote the productiveness of the activities of the Assembly and improve the atmosphere. The sides agreed to touch upon the issues raised during the conversation during the January session.
The flag now on display in the 9/11 Memorial Museum

It is an iconic image of a nation's steely defiance after the devastation of the attacks on New York's famous Twin Towers.

Now a Northern Ireland woman has helped trace a US flag which was hoisted amid the rubble of the World Trade Centre 15 years ago.

The photograph of three firefighters raising the Stars and Stripes at Ground Zero in the hours after 9/11 was shown around the world.

But the flag later vanished, with nobody quite sure what became of it.

Now it has been tracked down - thanks to the help of former Dungannon woman Monica Hughes Rosero.

She said: "I am very, very blessed and very proud to be a part of this story."

The photograph was taken hours after hijacked planes were crashed into the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001.

Firefighter Dan McWilliams saw a flag hanging from the back of a yacht called the Star of America docked on the Hudson River, close to Ground Zero.

Along with colleagues George Johnson and Billy Eisengrein, he decided to raise it at the scene.

Nearby, photographer Thomas Franklin snapped the shot for the Bergen Record that, a day later, would be seen around the world.

The Associated Press picked up the photo and it was on the cover of Newsweek. It also featured on a US postage stamp.

It became so famous that New York City Hall requested it for a massive ceremony at Yankee Stadium. The flag was later given to the US Navy, so it could be raised on ships heading to war in Afghanistan.

It travelled the world before finally returning to New York City in early 2012 - but then mysteriously vanished.

The story took a fresh twist when, in 2014, it featured on the History Channel.

Four days later, a man walked into a fire station in Washington, clutching a plastic bag, and saying he believed he had the flag.

The History Channel enlisted Monica, who worked on the Star of America yacht, to help with the identification.

She recognised some of its features as being the handiwork of her late husband Carlos Rosero, the boat's engineer.

Because of Monica's help, and other investigations, it was confirmed as the missing flag. It has since been returned to New York, where it is now on display.

Monica, who is originally from Killymaddy Knox in Dungannon, now lives in Fort Lauderdale in Florida.

She told the Tyrone Courier: "The flag was taken from the yacht and the flag indeed had gone missing.

"The History Channel made it their mission to find the flag. It is now back in New York City, where it belongs."
A senior member of the Alliance Party has said he and many others support the unionist stance of Northern Ireland remaining part of the UK.

Belfast councillor Mervyn Jones insisted his party supported Northern Ireland's link to the UK until the people voted in a referendum for a united Ireland.

It comes after Naomi Long - the sole candidate to declare for the party's leadership race - told the Belfast Telegraph earlier this week that Alliance was not a unionist party.

Nominations remain open until 5pm on Wednesday.

Mr Jones said his personal view was that he would prefer Northern Ireland to remain in the UK.

"We support the link to the UK, but if there was a referendum to leave the UK we would go along with that," he told the Belfast Telegraph.

"I am happy to stay within the United Kingdom despite all the Brexit mess, which I was not in favour of.

"But there are people in the Alliance Party who would vote for a united Ireland, and I don't have a problem with that, as long as we are trying to unite the people of Northern Ireland as our primary function to build a united society.

"I have no great desire to change the party's position on that - I think most people are happy with that. It's not what drives me and it's not what drives most people in the party."

Mr Jones joined the Alliance Party in August 1970, just a few months after it was formed.

He explained that he hoped the new leader would help the party develop a new role in the Assembly.

"We are not even in the Official Opposition, so we need to think of how we are going to portray ourselves more, and I think a new leader will help that," he said.

"I think Naomi is obviously very forceful and very articulate and has the ability to do that.

"I think we are going to have to work to carve out a spot for ourselves."

The party has seen a number of members join from unionist parties, including most recently its current South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw.

Ms Bradshaw joined the Alliance Party following a number of years as a member of the Ulster Unionist Party and a former UCUNF election candidate.

She said: "I think with the changing demography of the Northern Ireland population, the party is well-placed to get involved in serious development work in areas where there are not any Alliance elected representatives."

On the subject of the border, she added: "The policy positions that the Alliance Party takes are determined by its Party Council.

"In six years of attending its meetings, I have never once heard the constitutional issue being raised, and so I cannot imagine this will change under Naomi's tenure as leader."

In the 1970s, Stratton Mills - Alliance's only MP prior to Naomi Long's election in East Belfast in 2010 - had previously been a member of the Ulster Unionist Party.

Former East Belfast MLA Judith Cochrane, who left politics last year after not seeking re-election to the Assembly, said Alliance did not define itself as either Unionist or Nationalist. One of the only Alliance Party members to ever support Irish nationalism publicly was former South Belfast MLA Anna Lo, who in 2014 said a united Ireland would be "better placed economically, socially and politically".

The then Alliance leader David Ford supported Ms Lo and said the party had members that both backed remaining in the UK as well as members that aspired to a united Ireland. He declined to comment at that time on which view he personally supported.

The majority of Alliance's elected representatives have succeeded in unionist-majority constituencies, which include North Down, Strangford and East Antrim.
David Miscavige, the head of the Church of Scientology.

The Church of Scientology plans to open a National Affairs Office in Dublin's Merrion Square next month.

Scientology Dublin mission Executive Director Ger Collins announced in a Facebook post that there will be 10 full-time staff living in the premises.

This will be an addition to Irelands only current mission on Abbey Street.

In a statement to Independent.ie, Ex-Scientologists Ireland said: The purpose is to promote Scientologys 'fourth dynamic', or '4D' campaigns which purport to help mankind through drug education and promoting human rights, but have a secret purpose to recruit opinion leaders in the community as allies to help protect Scientology from attack, a policy known as 'safepointing.'

"The office hosts politicians, diplomats, activists, religious leaders and other opinion leaders.

The office will be located at 4 Merrion Square and is currently scheduled to open on October 15.

It sold in July of last year for 400,000.

Expand Close The tell-all account by the father of David Miscavige, leader of the church of Scientology, is due to be released in the UK and Ireland this week / Facebook

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Whatsapp The tell-all account by the father of David Miscavige, leader of the church of Scientology, is due to be released in the UK and Ireland this week

Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard had previously purchased 69 Merrion Square for use as the H.A.S.U.K. Atomic Energy Healing Division Emergency Station in 1956 as a base for bringing Scientology to Ireland and the UK, but it closed in 1958.

Tuairisc.ie reported this August that the Church of Scientology was recruiting Gaeilgeoirs to assist in translating Scientology materials into Irish.

Despite the fact that Scientology has yet to be recognised as a religion in Ireland, Irish blasphemy laws may block the release of Louis Therouxs controversial new film on the subject.

Expand Close John Travolta said his experience with Scientology 'has been nothing but brilliant for me' / Facebook

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A prisoner who escaped from custody in the Republic of Ireland is to stand trial for robbery in Belfast, a judge ruled today.

Derek Brockwell is accused of carrying out raids armed with a knife before police recaptured him at a bar in the city in February 2015.

The 55-year-old Glaswegian appeared before Belfast Magistrates' Court amid heavy security.

Four armed police officers accompanied him as he entered the dock clamped in handcuffs.

Brockwell, whose address was given as Frankland Prison in Durham, had escaped from custody at Dublin's Tallaght Hospital.

He was detained at a bar in Belfast's Bedford Street a day later.

He was taken to hospital for treatment to stab wounds reported to have been self-inflicted as police moved in to arrest him.

Brockwell is charged with carrying out one cash robbery and a second attempted robbery earlier that day.

He also faces two counts of possessing an offensive weapon, namely a knife, with intent to commit robbery.

Dressed in a yellow sweatshirt and grey track bottoms, he spoke to confirm he understood the alleged offences.

Defence counsel Sean Devine raised no objection to prosecution submissions that his client has a case to answer.

Brockwell was then asked if he wanted to give evidence, call witnesses or say anything in response to the charges.

He replied: "Is there any chance of bail?"

No formal application for release was advanced by his legal team.

District Judge Fiona Bagnall granted a prosecution request to have Brockwell returned for trial at Belfast Crown Court.

He was taken back into custody to appear again for arraignment on a date to be fixed. ends
Bodies of victims of a Saudi-led coalition airstrike are loaded in an ambulance, in Sanaa, Yemen, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016. Yemeni security and medical officials say at least 45 people have been killed in a Saudi-led coalition airstrike that targeted a funeral hall in the capital, Sanaa. The officials say at least another 100 have been wounded in the Saturday strike. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrhman)

Medics carry the body of a victim of a Saudi-led coalition airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016. Yemeni security and medical officials say at least 45 people have been killed in a Saudi-led coalition airstrike that targeted a funeral hall in the capital, Sanaa. The officials say at least another 100 have been wounded in the Saturday strike. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrhman)

People inspect the aftermath of a Saudi-led coalition airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016. Yemeni security and medical officials say at least 45 people have been killed in a Saudi-led coalition airstrike that targeted a funeral hall in the capital, Sanaa. The officials say at least another 100 have been wounded in the Saturday strike. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrhman)

People inspect the aftermath of a Saudi-led coalition airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016. Yemeni security and medical officials say at least 45 people have been killed in a Saudi-led coalition airstrike that targeted a funeral hall in the capital, Sanaa. The officials say at least another 100 have been wounded in the Saturday strike. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrhman)

People inspect the aftermath of a Saudi-led coalition airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016. Yemeni security and medical officials say at least 45 people have been killed in a Saudi-led coalition airstrike that targeted a funeral hall in the capital, Sanaa. The officials say at least another 100 have been wounded in the Saturday strike. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrhman)

People inspect the aftermath of a Saudi-led coalition airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016. Yemeni security and medical officials say at least 45 people have been killed in a Saudi-led coalition airstrike that targeted a funeral hall in the capital, Sanaa. The officials say at least another 100 have been wounded in the Saturday strike. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrhman)

People inspect the aftermath of a Saudi-led coalition airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016. Yemeni security and medical officials say at least 45 people have been killed in a Saudi-led coalition airstrike that targeted a funeral hall in the capital, Sanaa. The officials say at least another 100 have been wounded in the Saturday strike. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrhman)

People inspect the aftermath of a Saudi-led coalition airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016. Yemeni security and medical officials say at least 45 people have been killed in a Saudi-led coalition airstrike that targeted a funeral hall in the capital, Sanaa. The officials say at least another 100 have been wounded in the Saturday strike. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrhman)

A man takes photos of the damage caused by a Saudi-led coalition airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016. Yemeni security and medical officials say at least 45 people have been killed in a Saudi-led coalition airstrike that targeted a funeral hall in the capital, Sanaa. The officials say at least another 100 have been wounded in the Saturday strike. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrhman)

Medics search for bodies under the rubble of a funeral hall that was targeted by a Saudi-led coalition airstrike in Sanaa, Yemen, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Osamah Abdulrhman)

A British minister is to raise concerns with senior Saudi figures over the air strike on a Yemeni funeral hall which left at least 140 dead.

Saudi warplanes - operating in support of the Yemeni government in its two-year civil war with Iranian-backed Houthi rebels - have been widely blamed for the attack in the capital Sanaa on Saturday.

The incident led to renewed calls for Britain to halt arms sales to Saudi Arabia amid repeated claims that UK-made munitions have been used in air strikes which have killed thousands of civilians.

Foreign Office minister Tobias Ellwood, in Saudi Arabia for talks with Saudi and Yemeni leaders, will press for the early publication of the findings of a promised investigation into the latest incident.

The inquiry is being conducted by a 14-nation group known as the Joint Incidents Assessment Team, which includes a number of Saudi Arabia's Gulf Arab allies.

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A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "The minister will urge all parties to adhere to a new cessation of hostilities, and come back to the negotiating table.

"The minister will be raising the UK's concerns about the air strike on a funeral hall in Sanaa on Saturday.

"The Joint Incidents Assessment Team has already committed to releasing the findings of their investigation into the incident, and he will press for this to be done as a matter of urgency."
Hillary Clinton has pressed Republicans to take a clear stand on Donald Trump as she tries to capitalise on party divisions since revelation of his predatory comments about women prompted party leaders to abandon him.

The Democratic candidate's campaign manager, John Podesta, said that she will assert at campaign stops that Republicans - particularly those running for office in November - need to clarify their position on Mr Trump.

"Are they with him or are they against him?" Mr Podesta asked.

Mr Trump, meanwhile, highlighted a new batch of hacked Podesta emails published by WikiLeaks, the anti-secrecy group.

At a rally in Florida, he launched a fierce attack on Mrs Clinton and asserted that Mr Podesta's leaked emails show more clearly than ever that the former secretary of state and her family are corrupt.

"It never ends with these people," he said.

He condemned Mrs Clinton on a broad array of issues, including immigration, national defence and international relations, and asserted that official Washington - both Democrats and Republicans in Congress - is committed to protecting special interests rather than the people.

Mr Trump criticised the Justice Department's handling of the probe into Mrs Clinton's email server, claiming there was collusion with the Clintons, and he suggested that both Democrats and Republicans in Congress went along with it.

"Did they make a deal where everybody protects each other in Washington?" Mr Trump asked the crowd in Ocala.

Mr Podesta says the FBI is investigating Russia's possible involvement in the hacking of thousands of his personal emails, raising the extraordinary prospect of a link between Russia and the US presidential election.

Mr Podesta also said, without offering proof, that Mr Trump's campaign may have been aware of the hacking in advance.

While acknowledging the evidence was circumstantial, Mr Podesta said the alleged ties could be driven either by Mr Trump's policy positions, which at times echo the Kremlin, or the Republican's "deep engagement and ties with Russian interests in his business affairs".

Longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone flatly denied any such link to Russia, and senior Russian officials denied interfering in the election.

Russian president Vladimir Putin said in Moscow that "hysterics have been whipped up to distract the attention of the American people from the essence of what the hackers released ... For some reason nobody talks about this. They talk about who did it. Is it really that important?"

Previewing Mrs Clinton's planned rallies in Pueblo, Colorado, and Las Vegas, Mr Podesta said even those Republicans who have revoked their support for Mr Trump following revelation of his sexually aggressive comments have "propped him up for a very long time".

One such Republican, Senator Deb Fischer, of Nebraska, reversed herself and said she will support Mr Trump after all.

As party leaders step away from him, Mr Trump is vowing to win the election his own way.

He declared on Fox News on Tuesday night that he is "just tired of non-support" from Republican leaders and "I wouldn't want to be in a foxhole with a lot of these people".

With his campaign floundering and little time to steady it, Mr Trump is reverting to the combative, divisive strategy that propelled him to victory in the Republican primary.

That means attacking every critic - including fellow Republicans.

Those close to Mr Trump suggest it is "open season" on every detractor, regardless of party.

That approach raises questions about the future direction of the Republican Party.

Mr Trump's campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, said she does not foresee a new political party emerging from the Trump split.

"What I think you do see is a party that has growing pains because it is an expansive party that represents different viewpoints," she said on Fox News.

"So I think this party is very dangerously close to being the party of the elites.

"And yet Donald Trump is really giving voice to the workers ... He's been able to expand the party in many ways."

Mr Trump is striking hard at House Speaker Paul Ryan, who told Republicans on Monday he will no longer campaign for Mr Trump with four weeks to go before Election Day.

"I don't want his support, I don't care about his support," Mr Trump said.

"I wouldn't want to be in a foxhole with a lot of these people, that I can tell you, including Ryan. By the way, including Ryan, especially Ryan."

AP
Fresh appeals have been made for people in eastern North Carolina to leave low-lying areas as rivers swollen with rainwater caused flooding days after Hurricane Matthew passed.

Evacuations were ordered for about one-tenth of Greenville's 90,000 people. The Tar River continued to rise as forecasters expected it to crest above 25 feet by early Friday, a slight upward revision from previous estimates.

Authorities have closed one bridge across the swollen Tar and warned that multiple other bridges could close, isolating people on opposite sides. The city's airport was expected to remain closed for another week due to flooding.

Elsewhere, flood conditions in Fayetteville were expected to last until Friday morning, while the Neuse River in Kinston was also still rising and is expected to peak on Saturday.

Kinston mayor BJ Murphy said authorities would go door-to-door again on Wednesday to urge people to evacuate. Perhaps complicating efforts for people trying to leave, a highway running north out of the surrounding county was closed early on Wednesday.

"We want you to evacuate these low-lying areas absolutely and immediately," he told WITN-TV. "The time to get out is now."

In a possible sign of storm-driven tensions, authorities said a state trooper shot and killed an armed man in Lumberton who became angry with officers carrying out search and rescue missions. They released little other information about the shooting.

In Greenville, military trucks rumbled through leafy neighbourhoods where orange traffic cones and police tape discouraged people from entering. Police were stationed at the edge of the evacuation zone to monitor who came and went.

David Baker, whose family owns the River Bank Apartments, said all but one of their tenants had heeded the evacuation order by Tuesday, and he was spending the afternoon putting boards and sealant across the doorways of ground-floor units. A half-inch of water had already pooled in the car park, not far from where he stood.

"We've been back and forth all day buying pumps and supplies and stuff," he said.

Matthew's death toll in the US climbed to 34, more than half of them in North Carolina, in addition to the more than 500 feared dead in Haiti.

In North Carolina, tens of thousands of people, some of them as much as 125 miles inland, have been warned to move to higher ground since the hurricane drenched the state.

Governor Pat McCrory urged people to heed evacuation orders. Still, Greenville resident John Benson felt confident his house would be okay. His block did not take on water during Hurricane Floyd in 1999 and his street is on a steep grade, making a quick getaway possible.

"Police, fire people, came around, bull-horning and talking to us. They let everybody know to get out," he said.

In the hard-hit town of Lumberton, along the bloated Lumber River, Ada Page spent two nights sleeping in a hard plastic folding chair at a shelter put together so hastily there were no cots. People had to use portable toilets outside.

"I left at home all my clothes, everything. The only thing I have is this child and what I was driving," said Page, who was with an eight-year-old granddaughter.

The full extent of the disaster in North Carolina was still unclear, but it appeared that thousands of homes were damaged. Many likened Matthew to Hurricane Floyd, which did 3 billion US dollars in damage and destroyed 7,000 homes in North Carolina as it skirted the state's coast in 1999.

East Carolina University in Greenville cancelled classes for the rest of the week for its more than 28,000 students.

Travis Ambrose, a 23-year-old junior majoring in history education, said he and his roommates were passing the time by watching television and getting ahead on schoolwork. He and several other students walked within a few feet of where the brown water was approaching an apartment building. He said the river's banks are normally more than 100 yards away, hidden behind a tree line.

"If you're not used to this kind of stuff you're going to see this and panic," he said. "To me, it's like, you have a bit of tension in the back of your head but you realise it's going to be all right."

AP
Every time we think that no more hurt can be heaped on those bereaved by terrorism, new evidence emerges that continues to shame the State or its agencies. Image posed by model

Every time we think that no more hurt can be heaped on those bereaved by terrorism, new evidence emerges that continues to shame the State or its agencies.

David Caldwell, a former UDR soldier, was killed when he picked up a bomb hidden in a lunch box at a Territorial Army base in Londonderry in 2002. The device was planted by dissident republicans, but no one was ever charged with the killing.

Yet now - 14 years later - a man who claims to have worked for Army intelligence has written a book which says that the bombers had been under surveillance in the days leading up to the attack. Unfortunately, the terrorists switched vehicles and undercover soldiers followed the wrong one.

Understandably, Mr Caldwell's widow and daughter are outraged at this fresh information and are demanding that police interview the book's author. They also want to know why this information was not given to the PSNI when it began investigating the killing.

It is difficult to imagine the anguish this fresh revelation has caused the relatives of Mr Caldwell. Why did they have to learn of the surveillance operation through a book, and why, if the intelligence services knew the names of the main suspects, has no one ever been brought to justice for the death?

This case is symptomatic of the treatment of those bereaved by terrorism. As the years roll by, most have given up on seeing justice being done, although there is no statute of limitations on murder. However, that should not preclude them knowing as much of the truth about their loved ones' deaths as it is possible to give them.

Yet the past continues to refuse to give up its secrets in most cases. We don't really expect terrorists - or former terrorists - to reveal their vile deeds in detail, but we do expect the State and its agencies to treat the bereaved with respect and compassion and to be as transparent as possible about what happened in the past.

But, as seen by the impasse over funding legacy inquests - it is claimed First Minister Arlene Foster blocked the granting of 10m to fund inquests into some of the most controversial killings of the Troubles era - even pleas by the Lord Chief Justice for movement have sadly fallen on deaf ears.

This is no way to treat people who have suffered too long and too deeply already.
I WAS disgusted by the insulting attitude of Dr Tom Kelly (Comment, October 6) towards Prime Minister Theresa May, the English generally and all those who voted for Brexit.

His bizarre and nonsensical claim that the Brexit vote was driven by "the narrow agenda of English nationalism" and "English and imperial nationalism" show it is he, rather than the Prime Minister, who is detached from the real reasons why so many people voted as they did.

Oh, and then there's the little matter of the majority of Welsh voters opting to leave the EU. But as that might spoil his brainwashing effort, Dr Kelly conveniently omits to mention this.

There are uncertainties ahead, but there is no reason to believe, at this early stage, that the issues he highlights, such as a "hard" border, will materialise.

I voted to leave the EU, as I believe, in the long term, we will be better off without its bureaucratic and wasteful practices. However, I have every respect for those who are fearful of leaving and voted to Remain.

Despite no doubt genuine fears, Dr Kelly and others need to act as democrats and, instead of seeking to insult and undermine the Government, work with all those working for an outcome that will be beneficial for Ireland (north and south), England, Scotland and Wales.

EVAN BINGHAM

Belfast

The Republic has never cared for NI's majority

IT surprises me, in the wake of the Brexit vote, how many times I've heard commentators point out that the majority in Northern Ireland voted to stay in the EU and that they shouldn't be forced out against their will.

What baffles me is: when did anyone in the Republic start caring what the majority in NI wanted?

It has been the official policy of our country to ignore the wishes of the majority since before the inception of the state, maintaining a constitutional claim of sovereignty over the region until less than 20 years ago, questioning both the legitimacy of NI's existence and rights of the majority to decide anything.

We won't even call it by its name, only ever (condescendingly) referring to it as 'the north'.

The British Government has constantly ignored the wishes of the majority in Ulster, arguably since Winston Churchill offered Irish unity if Eire joined the war, but certainly since enforcing direct rule at the beginning of the Troubles, preventing the majority from governing themselves and forcing through policies such as Sunningdale and the Anglo-Irish Agreement, despite vocal (and violent) opposition of the majority.

I was always led to believe that, be it in flags, or anthems, marches, schools, sports, justice, gay marriage, terrorism, history, government formation or a hundred other issues, the views of the minority in NI took precedence over those of the majority.

If not, well then I guess the Irish government will be supporting all measures in which the majority expresses a view and we can all look forward to end of power-sharing, the removal of the Irish language from schools and God Save the Queen being sung before all Ireland rugby matches.

PETER COSGROVE

Wellingtonbridge, Co Wexford

Athletes chose to run for another country

I THINK it is petulant and disrespectful to the UK for two Northern Ireland athletes, Michael McKillop and Jason Smyth, to represent another nation, fly another flag and sing another anthem and then expect to be treated as heroes and victors in a country they competed against (News, October 10).

PETER BOOTH

Manchester

Only thieves to blame for horrible Kim attack

I WAS surprised to hear Paris police state that Kim Kardashian may have made herself a target for robbery by posting pictures of her jewellery collection, worth millions of dollars, on social media. It seems they are suggesting she contributed to her being robbed.

Surely, the only ones to blame are the thieves who broke into her apartment, terrorised her and stole her jewellery?

She expressed the fear she was about to be raped, which, thankfully, didn't happen. If she had been thus attacked, would the police have suggested she made herself a target because of the stream of 'sexy' pictures she posts on social media?

Surely, a woman not only has the right to dress as she pleases, but also to wear jewellery and to post pictures of herself online without being attacked or robbed?

NICK FOLLEY

By email
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 12, ARMENPRESS. Deputy Foreign Minister of Armenia Shavarsh Kocharyan answered a question of Public TVs Fist Informational about Turkish Foreign Ministers statement at the PACE on Nagorno Karabakh conflict settlement.

Question: Mr. Kocharyan, how would you comment on the statement of Mevlut Cavusoglu, the Foreign Minister of Turkey, made in PACE on the settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh issue.

Answer: First and foremost, the settlement of Nagorno-Karabakh issue is aimed at the determination of the final status of Nagorno-Karabakh through the legally binding expression of will of the people of Nagorno-Karabakh.

Another attempt of the Foreign Minister of Turkey to distort the Nagorno-Karabakh negotiation process proves once again what we have been emphasized on numerous occasions that Turkey should be kept away from the settlement process as far as possible.

Regarding the Turkish Foreign Ministers statement on the normalization of the Armenian-Turkish relations, then if Ankara really wants to normalize relations with Armenia, it would have then ratified and implemented the Armenian-Turkish protocols signed back in 2009 in Zurich.
First Minister Arlene Foster (pictured) has been criticised for her temper by Alliances Naomi Long

First Minister Arlene Foster has been criticised for her temper by Alliances Naomi Long (pictured)

The 16th-century Protestant preacher John Knox was so outraged by the idea of men being ruled by the weaker sex that he wrote an infamous pamphlet denouncing the "monstrous regiment" of women. He wouldn't be a happy bunny if he was alive today.

Not only is the Prime Minister a woman, but the First Ministers of both Scotland and Northern Ireland are women, too, as are the leaders of the Labour and Conservative parties in the Scottish parliament, Plaid Cymru and the Greens.

Ukip was recently led by a woman, as well. For only 18 days, admittedly, but it still counts.

In two weeks, the ranks of female bosses are set to grow with the inevitable elevation of Naomi Long as head of the Alliance Party, not least because she's the only one who seems to want the job.

That always helps.

She hasn't made a great start, unfortunately. Announcing the intention to put her name forward as David Ford's successor, the heir apparent even managed to insult First Minister Arlene Foster by telling yesterday's Belfast Telegraph that "you regularly see her temper fray" at the despatch box, adding that the DUP was now "even more arrogant and petulant" than under Peter Robinson. "A female DUP leader did not usher in a new way of doing politics at Stormont," Long complained.

It's strange that this view should be put forward by someone who, presumably, prides herself on being as strong and independent as any man.

Are women not allowed to be combative and spiky, too?

What if some of them are comfortable with the rough and tumble of political life at Stormont?

What about those of us who quite like our female politicians to be tough as old boots? Who says they should be more demure and, well, ladylike, just because they're women?

Arlene Foster is certainly not made of sugar, spice and everything nice, politically speaking, but then neither are Theresa May, Angela Merkel, Nicola Sturgeon, or Hillary Clinton.

They had to be as sturdy as their male rivals to get where they wanted to be. Sturdier, arguably.

That ought to be celebrated, because, without this quality, they'd never have made it. Running Northern Ireland is hardly a job for shrinking violets.

Naomi has evidently forgotten what Foster's predecessors were like. Former journalist turned Stormont Press guru David Gordon's book, The Fall Of The House Of Paisley, recalls one incident when Long asked the then DUP leader and Martin McGuinness how long they intended to "dine out" on the power-sharing deal.

In an unmannerly jibe at her weight, Paisley retorted: "I am sure the honourable lady enjoys dining out herself."

Then there was the time when Paisley's successor, Peter Robinson, told the Alliance woman bluntly to "dry her eyes" when unionist parties agreed an electoral pact to eject her from the East Belfast seat she had held as MP since unexpectedly snatching it from Robinson in 2010.

In comparing Arlene Foster unfavourably to her predecessor as DUP leader, Naomi Long is suffering from short-term memory loss. She's also falling into the trap of many feminists who pay lip service to the dream of having more female leaders, but then can't quite bring themselves to welcome the ones who actually make it.

Yes, we want powerful women at the top, they seem to say - just not these particular ones.

Naomi Long would be better off learning from Foster's grittiness. If there's one thing which has held back Alliance, it's a reputation as the Nice Party.

They were always reluctant to get their hands dirty in Ulster's political mud pit. That gave them a certain niche appeal to voters frustrated by the air of enmity that hung over the place, but meant they were all too often not taken seriously.

Long went some way towards challenging that cliche with her strong stance on the flags issue. By refusing to budge from her belief that flags should only fly over public buildings on designated days, despite death threats and months of loyalist intimidation, she showed that the Alliance Party was not just for wishy-washy compromise. It could draw a line in the sand and fight for it.

These bloodings are probably what made her the natural choice as David Ford's successor. Look at Westminster. Look at the EU. Look at the race for the White House. Politics everywhere is in a quarrelsome mood right now.

The Assembly's no different. There won't be group hugs there for a long while to come, as the DUP proved by immediately slapping down Naomi's attack on Arlene Foster as "puerile". Welcome to the jungle.

Long says she intends to lead Alliance "robustly". If she really means it, then it might prove fortunate that she has an opponent in the First Minister who'll be every bit as robust in return.

There's a reason why the DUP and Sinn Fein treat the Opposition with contempt, after all. Part of it is arrogance, yes; but another part is because the Opposition hasn't been up to the job of opposing. "Opposition day" at Stormont was embarrassing, as the soon-to-be Alliance leader acknowledges. A tough cookie like Long could be just what the doctor ordered.

She didn't tackle the flags protesters with some new, female, consensual spirit. She took them on. Faced them down. In her interview, she said she had "no regrets" about doing so.

She definitely needs to decide where Alliance stands, however. Insisting that "we don't define ourselves as a unionist party" is all very well, but parties need to know where the votes come from if they want to attract more of them.

Alliance does best in unionist constituencies, because it's a unionist party. Maybe only with a small 'u', but most supporters, Catholic and Protestant, back Alliance in the full knowledge that it's a vote for maintaining the Union.

Trying to be all things to all people is not a fresh start. Promising a more liberal stance on issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion certainly is.

Northern Ireland has never had a party representing that way of thinking, and Long may find it harder to break down the inbuilt conservatism on family values than she hopes.

Perhaps she'll even find her own temper fraying at times. That's fine. Most voters don't expect politicians to be paragons of virtue, not even the female ones. They just want them to be effective.

That's her challenge. Once she gets that sorted out, she can turn to making politics in Northern Ireland more fluffy. Good luck with that.
The Republics Finance Minister stood by the countrys low 12.5% rate of corporation tax in his Budget as he set out to Brexit-proof the Irish economy.

Michael Noonans resistance to international pressure on the Republics low tax  including a finding by the European Commission that Apple owed the country around 13bn in tax  means it will be a direct competitor to Northern Ireland when it introduces the same rate of tax in 2018.

The Irish Finance Minister also said he would retain the Republics 9% Vat on hospitality and tourism. The industry in Northern Ireland, where Vat is 20%, argues that low Vat in the Republic has made it harder for it to compete.

In its first spending plan since the UK voted to pull out of the European Union, Dublin revealed it was diverting hundreds of millions of euros into future-proofing the country against the fallout.

The war chest funding left Mr Noonan with less to give away in a 1.3bn euro (1.2bn) package, with three times as much on spending as tax cuts.

Mr Noonan said the Republic was facing new, unknown risks with the impending Brexit.

Whatever the final settlement, what we know with certainty is that Brexit has increased the risk to the Irish economy, and as well as introducing specific measures to assist particular sectors of the economy, we must also put in place safety nets to protect us against future economic shocks, he added.

The minister said the 12.5% tax was an important part of the reason why we are an attractive destination for foreign direct investment, and the UKs exit from the EU may present opportunities to attract businesses that may move out of the UK or are considering locating there in the coming year.

Mark OConnell, the head of Northern Ireland foreign direct investment advisors OCO Global said: With corporation tax, its a case of dont fix what isnt broken, and they needed to show resolve in the wake of the Apple tax EU witch-hunt.

And he claimed that with each day, the Republics future looked brighter due to the hard Brexit message coming from the Conservative Party, which started when Prime Minister Theresa May announced that Article 50 would be invoked by the end of March next year.

The comments on roll calls of foreigners in UK business and universities and restricting foreign applicants (on which they depend to sustain themselves) are both impractical and deeply unsettling for those companies and institutions affected, he added.

Mr Noonan extended the Republics programme to attract foreign workers through tax breaks to 2020.

Bridgene McKeever, a director of McKeever Hotel Group  which has three hotels in Northern Ireland, as well as Dillons Hotel in Letterkenny  said the low Vat in the Republic signalled the commitment of its Government to safeguarding the sector.

Over the summer, Dillons Hotel in Letterkenny saw an increase in French, German and US markets, although Northern Ireland still retained the largest share, she added.

The falling pound will undoubtedly have an effect on this. But on the flipside, we are welcoming more Republic of Ireland visitors to our Northern Ireland properties as it becomes increasingly more affordable due to the exchange rate.

Janice Gault, head of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, added: There is no doubt about the success of this measure for tourism and hospitality. The industry is estimated to have provided over 30,000 additional jobs since 2011 and managed to maintain employment levels during the recession. In post-recession times, growth has been at double digit levels in the South.
The Executive is to engage with airline bosses in the Middle East with the aim of securing a direct air link between the region and Northern Ireland.

Economy Minister Simon Hamilton told the Assembly the issue was repeatedly discussed on his visit to the United Arab Emirates last week.

He said he wanted the main airlines in the UAE - Emirates and Etihad - to know the trade and business opportunities an airline link with Belfast or Londonderry would offer.

"We made some very good useful contacts when we were in Dubai and Abu Dhabi," he told MLAs.

"And, of course, both are homes to major airlines that continue to grow.

"I want to make sure we are talking to key decision-makers within those airlines over the coming months.

"I know that contact has been made in the past, but I want, as they seek to expand further, that they are hearing from Northern Ireland, they are hearing from Belfast or City of Derry (airport) about the potential that there is for Northern Ireland with tourism and of course trade."

Mr Hamilton stressed the importance of a link for Northern Ireland businesses that traded in the Middle East.

The DUP minister also highlighted the potential economic windfall of attracting Middle East tourists to the region.

"Middle East tourists tend to be very, very high spenders and travel in large groups," he told the Assembly.

"Also, in terms of business, if you have that direct connection to the Middle East then there are huge opportunities to grow your trade as a result of that."
Titanic Belfasts Judith Owens (right) launches the #VoteTitanicBelfast campaign with (from left) Michael McQuillan from Tourism NI, Gerry Lennon of Visit Belfast, and Janice Gault of the NI Hotels Federation

Titanic Belfast is in the running to be crowned the world's top tourist attraction.

The museum showcasing the ocean liner is one of eight global finalists vying for the prestigious title at the World Travel Awards later this month.

It is up against iconic settings such as the Las Vegas Strip and Rio's Sugarloaf Mountain for the accolade of the World's Leading Tourist Attraction 2016.

The museum is urging people to vote before the deadline on Monday, October 24.

Judith Owens, who is deputy chief executive and director of operations at Titanic Belfast, said fans could help put Northern Ireland at the top of the world.

"In less than a minute, you can help ensure that we are the envy of the world with a global title few countries much bigger than ours can dream of," she said.

"Just one more push will make us officially number one. With direct online action, together we can realise a dream few would have ever thought possible."

Opened in 2012, the Titanic museum has welcomed three million visitors from 145 different countries to date - including the Queen, US Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, film director James Cameron and celebrities such as Adele and Michael Buble.

Spread across six floors, the museum consists of nine galleries that bring the liner's famous story to life.

Earlier this month, the museum saw off competition from the Eiffel Tower, the Acropolis and the Colosseum to be crowned Europe's Leading Visitor Attraction.

Now it is aiming for the even grander world title.

Also in the running is Dublin's Guinness Storehouse, the Las Vegas Strip, Abu Dhabi's Ferrari World, Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio and Intramuros - the historic centre of Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

Machu Picchu, the Incan citadel in the Andes Mountains in Peru, and Tanzania's Mount Kilimanjaro complete the line-up.

Last year, Titanic Belfast was crowned Europe's Best Tourist Attraction for Groups at the European Group Travel Awards.

More than a century on, the Titanic still fascinates people around the world. The Belfast-built liner sank after colliding with an iceberg in the north Atlantic during her maiden voyage from Southampton to New York on April 15, 1912.

More than 1,500 of the 2,224 passengers and crew died, making the accident one of the deadliest commercial peacetime maritime disasters in modern history.

Measuring a whopping 269 metres with a maximum breadth of 28.19 metres, the ship was constructed by Harland & Wolff on Queen's Island, now known as the Titanic Quarter, in Belfast Harbour.

Voting is open until Monday, October 24, to have your say click here.
STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 12, ARTSAKHPRESS: The presidents working schedule has been changed, the spokesman said in a statement on Facebook page. "Until the end of this week the participation of the head of state in international events is not planned."

The sessions of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) in Yerevan will be attended by Kazakhstans prime minister, he said.

Nazarbayev, 76, is now "undergoing a planned treatment due to a cold-related disease, in general his health is not of concern."

The president planned to pay an official visit to Armenia and also attend a session of the CSTOs council at the level of heads of state on October 14.

On Wednesday, Nazarbayev was scheduled to arrive in Azerbaijan on an official visit.
Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadejs health has not stabilized following a medical procedure four days ago, palace officials said late Wednesday, as devotees held vigil outside the hospital where he is being treated.

All four of the royal children  Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn and princesses Sirindhorn, Chulabhorn and Ubolratana  visited the 88-year-old Bhumibol at the Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok in the afternoon and evening, hospital staff confirmed to BenarNews.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha cancelled meetings scheduled in Chonburi province and returned to Bangkok to meet with the crown prince, who flew home from Germany earlier in the day, according to reports.

Junta spokesman Lt. Gen. Sansern Kaewkamnerd described the meeting with the prince, who often travels abroad, as a routine briefing.

The prime minister cancelled his tasks in Chonburi in preparation to have an audience with Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn to report on the administrative progress, as he [the prince] wished. It is a regular basis report, Sansern told reporters in Bangkok.

Wednesdays statement from the Royal Household Bureau, the office that manages palace affairs, was the second issued since Sunday that described the kings condition as unstable.

The general condition is not stable and needs to be controlled with medication. The medical-doctor team is closely monitoring [his] condition and treatment, it said.

The physicians reported that since Oct. 11, the King had low blood pressure, a quickened pulse and more acidic blood. The blood test showed blood infection and liver dysfunction, the statement said.

On Saturday, the kings medical team initiated hemodialysis and changed a tube that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid, a statement announced the following day. Hemodialysis is a treatment for kidney failure.

Bhumibol, who earlier this year marked the 70th anniversary of his accession to the throne, has not been seen in public for nearly a year, and his deteriorating health has led to multiple procedures and hospitalizations in recent years.

I need to pray for him

Several hundred of the kings supporters flocked to the hospital on Wednesday to pray for his recovery.

I came here today because of my loyalty to the king, like many others. I heard the king is sick, so I rushed here. I need to pray for him to get well soon, Wanna, 60, a resident of Samut Sakorn province, told BenarNews.

Pacharajutha, 10, a student at La-or Unthit School in Bangkok, was among the well-wishers.

My mother told me the king is in critical condition, so I came to pray for the king to recover soonest, Pacharajutha, who came with her mother, told BenarNews.

Thailands currency and stock market dropped to multi-month lows Wednesday on concern over the kings health, according to The Wall Street Journal.

Our bourse still looks risky because of negative news and bad news, and then we had panic sales, Nattawuth Rungwong, a Thai stock analyst, said on his personal Facebook page.
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With the assistance of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno and the local Armenian community, group of foreign doctors continue to carry out free consultations in Stepanakert, performing also operations, if necessary.

October 12, 2016, 16:00 Our cooperation will be continual:Vatche Wassilian

STEPANAKERT, OCTOBER 12, ARTSAKHPRESS: The Armenian dentist from Fresno, USA, Vatche Wassilian carries out free consultations and treatment in Dentex Dental Group Dental Clinic, Stepanakert.

In an interview with Artsakhpress, Wassilian noted that he has also arrived in Artsakh to support his compatriots and to provide free medical care.

"Last year we were in Yerevan. This year, we had an opportunity to visit Artsakh and give medical assistance to our compatriots. To patients with various problems have been shown medical care. I must say that I am delighted with this dental clinic conditions. The clinic has all the necessary equipment and specialists are skilled, he said, adding that such professional cooperation and exchange of experience are very important and their visits will be periodical.

According to Vatche Wassilian, they have brought medicinal means that will be provided to the people of Artsakh free of charge.

"We want our "neighbors" to know that each Armenian is always with the homeland spiritually and ready to support the compatriots, he concluded.




First up, Joe Biden is thinking about dropping tariffs against China. But theres a spy in prison this morning that helps us understand why he shouldnt. Ill explain.





Your second brief, If youre looking for a good paying job, you might consider being a CEO for a health insurance company. One executive made $142M dollars last year. Let's talk about that.





And as always, Im keeping an eye out for developing stories. Put this one on your radar. Mexican cartels are grooming American kids online and paying them cash to traffic illegals or run drugs across the border. Ill share details.





If you enjoyed this episode of the President's Daily Brief, remember to subscribe and listen daily at podfollow.com/pdb.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices


For Immediate Release, October 12, 2016 Contacts: Ileene Anderson, Center for Biological Diversity, (323) 654-5943, ianderson@biologicaldiversity.org

Jeff Kuyper, Los Padres ForestWatch, (805) 617-4610 x 1

Pamela Flick, Defenders of Wildlife, (916) 442-5746 Lawsuit Launched Over Oil, Gas Development in Los Padres National Forest U.S. Forest Service Plan Threatens Climate, Wildlife, Water Supplies SANTA BARBARA, Calif. The Center for Biological Diversity, Los Padres ForestWatch and Defenders of Wildlife filed a notice of intent Tuesday to sue the U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and other federal agencies over invalid and outdated Endangered Species Act approvals on a 2005 U.S. Forest Service plan that allowed expanded oil and gas development throughout the Los Padres National Forest. The challenge aims to halt new leasing or drilling approvals pending Endangered Species Act compliance. Expanded oil and gas operations  including fracking  would further industrialize public lands, cause climate pollution, harm endangered species like steelhead trout and California condor, and threaten to pollute water supplies amidst the states historic drought. The Los Padres National Forest attracts millions of visitors each year to take in its scenic vistas, escape nearby city life and enjoy a wide range of recreational opportunities, including world-class fly fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing, said Jeff Kuyper, executive director of Los Padres ForestWatch. Unfortunately, the U.S. Forest Services plan would auction off these treasured landscapes to the highest bidder, placing them  and the clean water they provide to our wildlife and communities  at grave risk from oil development and fracking. Approvals to expand oil and gas drilling were granted under a 2005 oil and gas leasing analysis for the Los Padres National Forest and fail to account for an avalanche of new information relating to how regional drought, climate change and more extreme fracking technology may damage endangered species and their habitats  such as by causing more wildfires and polluting precious surface and groundwater supplies. We cant allow fracking pollution to threaten Californias public lands and waters. Even the 2005 decision relied on outdated data information to conclude that new oil drilling will not have any significant impacts, and now theres much more information showing the devastating effects of these activities, said Ileene Anderson, a biologist with the Center for Biological Diversity. Oil and gas exploration and operations can have serious consequences for condors and other wildlife in the Los Padres National Forest, so the Forest Service must fully consider the impacts to our waters and wildlife. In September 2016 a federal judge ruled that the Bureau of Land Managements Bakersfield office violated the law when it adopted a plan that would allow oil and gas operations across millions of acres of public lands, including those in the Los Padres, without considering the environmental risks of fracking; and in 2013 a federal judge ruled that the agency violated the law when it issued oil leases in Monterey County without considering the environmental risks of fracking. The Center for Biological Diversity, Los Padres ForestWatch and Defenders of Wildlife previously challenged the 2005 plan for failing to fully analyze impacts of oil and gas operations under the National Environmental Policy Act. Today the conservation groups notified the Forest Service of the need for supplemental environmental review. The groups also point out that the expansion of fossil fuel development on public lands is contrary to the nations climate goals and called on President Obama to halt new fossil fuel extraction on our public lands. Wildlife and habitat across the country are already feeling the effects of climate change, said Pamela Flick, California representative with Defenders of Wildlife. It makes no sense to increase our climate emissions on public lands, further threatening endangered species, at a time when our state, nation and the world are joining together to curb carbon emissions  all for just a days supply of oil. Background

The Forest Service approved an expansion of oil and gas leasing activities on the Los Padres National Forest in a 2005 decision that opened more than 52,000 acres in Santa Barbara and Ventura counties to new drilling projects, including more than 4,200 acres that could be affected by new infrastructure. The plan would allow surface drilling adjacent to three wilderness areas and permit slant drilling beneath three creeks designated or proposed for protection under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, as well as calling for new surface drilling next to the Sespe Condor Sanctuary and the Hopper Mountain National Wildlife Refuge. In April 2007 the Center for Biological Diversity joined with Defenders of Wildlife and Los Padres ForestWatch in a lawsuit contesting that the new plan violates the National Environmental Policy Act and National Forest Management Act. In response to the 2007 lawsuit, the Forest Service agreed to revise its analysis of the plan's impacts on endangered species. The parties agreed to stay the lawsuit until the new analysis was completed. The project will hurt wildlife, including the extremely imperiled California condor and numerous other species that are listed 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. Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit www.defenders.org. Los Padres ForestWatch is a local nonprofit conservation organization working to protect wildlife, wilderness landscapes, and the great outdoors in the Los Padres National Forest and other public lands along Californias Central Coast.


Media Advisory, October 12, 2016 Contacts: Patrick Sullivan, (415) 517-9364, psullivan@biologicaldiversity.org

Natalie Risner, (805) 441-0811 Courthouse Rally to Target Plan to Dump Oil Waste Into Underground Water San Luis Obispo County Residents Will Gather Before

Thursday Hearing in Aquifer Exemption Lawsuit SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. Wearing blue to demonstrate concern about water pollution, Price Canyon residents and members of the Center for Biological Diversity will rally tomorrow outside the Superior Court in San Luis Obispo against a plan to turn local underground water into a permanent dump site for oil waste. The gathering will take place before a legal hearing in a lawsuit opposing this aquifer exemption plan. The Center sued California regulators in August for supporting efforts to exempt a Price Canyon-area aquifer from the federal Safe Drinking Water Act. If the exemption is approved, oil giant Freeport-McMoRan could drill hundreds of new wells and use the groundwater below as a permanent disposal site for waste fluid. As California enters the sixth year of a devastating drought, state regulators are recklessly exposing our underground water to oil-industry pollution, said Natalie Risner, who lives near the Price Canyon aquifer. People in Price Canyon can't afford to have their water wells contaminated by oil waste. What: Rally outside legal hearing in lawsuit against plan to dump oil waste into Price Canyon aquifer. Who: Price Canyon residents and members of the Center for Biological Diversity. Where: In front of San Luis Obispo Superior Court, 1035 Palm Street, Dept. 2, San Luis Obispo. When: Thursday, Oct. 13. Rally starts at 8:30 a.m.; legal hearing begins at 9 a.m. Background

The Center's lawsuit faults regulators for not analyzing the aquifer exemption plans risks as required by the California Environmental Quality Act. The suit asks the court to set aside the states approval of the aquifer exemption and halt oil-waste injection into this underground water until regulators have complied with the Act. The states Division of Oil, Gas and Geothermal Resources submitted the aquifer exemption application in February to the federal Environmental Protection Agency. There are at least 100 water-supply wells within a mile of the oilfield, and an analysis by a hydrogeologist found that Freeport failed to provide data showing those water wells wouldnt be at risk from oil-industry pollution. Freeport hopes to drill up to 350 new wells (including injection wells) to achieve up to a tenfold increase in daily oil production. 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.
Mewing is a TikTok trend that has blown up in the last few months. It is claimed that it can help shape your jawline as well as cure other ailments by actively pressing your tongue to the roof
KIGALI, Rwanda - Investor sentiment for hotels in Sub-Saharan Africa remains positive despite economic headwinds in key markets, according to the latest JLL research into the sector. The long-term outlook continues to be strong and is driven by positive economic, demographic and tourism trends, with all indicators pointing to continued hotel demand growth as the region's economy and hotel sector continue to mature.

Xander Nijnens

Speaking at the Africa Hotel Investment Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, Xander Nijnens, senior vice-president, hotels and hospitality group, JLL Sub-Saharan Africa, said: Our medium-term outlook for the hotel sector is positive and JLL forecasts demand growth of 3% to 5% per annum during the coming three years.

From an investment perspective, we forecast USD1.7 billion to be invested in hotels in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2017 and a further USD1.9 billion in 2018. The new supply pipeline continues to grow with greater efficiency in realising new developments as the sector matures.

Nijnens added, The hotel sector is not, however, without its challenges and we are seeing an increasing divergence of the performance and outlook for key markets. The region offers a broad range of challenges and opportunities, as well as risk and reward. From the perspective of global capital searching for investment opportunities, the region can be a challenging one to navigate.

Investors and lenders alike are recognising this and, while regional players continue to leverage their first mover advantage to entrench their presence in the sector, global capital will increasingly flow into the region as markets mature and transparency increases.

Investment fundamentals

Hotel developers and operators are increasingly understanding how to tap into this demand and are offering a broader hospitality offering best suited for each market and client base. This demand growth, paired with more effective matching of supply to demand, sets a good foundation for investment.

Nijnens noted that, Long-term investment fundamentals for the region remain positive despite the short-term challenges that have impacted the hotel sector in Sub-Saharan Africa in the past two years. Macro-economic development and government policy towards tourism, investment and economic growth remain critical in a corporate demand-led sector.

The main barrier to entry in Sub-Saharan Africa, according to the research, is finding projects that meet the minimum return threshold. The capital is available, but investors are seeking the right leveraging to achieve their equity returns.

Lack of foreign currency ranked higher this year as investors struggle to deal with various currency factors. Improvements in political, economic and currency stability will see a reduction in the risk premium placed on hotel investment in the region, which will in turn increase capital flows. Development costs should reduce in the medium-term as development professionals, owners and lenders gain experience in the region. As the pipeline of new projects is more effectively implemented, liquidity will increase and exit options will improve.

Lenders in the region are more cautious towards the hotel sector than their clients, particularly with regard to underwriting operational cash flows in what is seen as an emerging sector.

Nijnens concludes, For the foreseeable future, we can expect commercial bank lending to be determined on the basis of recourse to the sponsor, while the development banks will play a critical role in pioneering new frontiers. As institutional investment increases, lending is expected to become more readily available at improved terms, which will in turn provide better leverage returns on equity.

Investors who carefully consider the supply and demand variables of the markets in which they develop and transact are well placed to generate high risk adjusted returns. Those who are able to establish platforms with scale should be increasingly well placed to attract external capital or become an acquisition prospect for larger global players.

The diverse set of fundamentals in each market is becoming integral to the way in which investors and lenders approach the sector, with a region-wide approach becoming increasingly challenging. The research promotes the view that investors should embrace the diversity that these markets bring, but most importantly understand the variety and nuances of these markets.
KIGALI, Rwanda - Marriott International continues its robust expansion across the African continent with news of brand-new signings of new properties in Cape Town, Nairobi, Cairo and Mauritius.

Marriott International expands

This announcement comes hot on the heels of Marriotts recently completed acquisition of Starwood Hotels and Resorts, which has created the worlds largest hospitality group. The transaction has increased Marriotts distribution in Africa, thus affirming the companys number one position across the continent.

The past couple of weeks have seen an incredible transformation for our company, and I am proud to say that we are continuing the momentum with our expansion and development plans across the African continent, said Alex Kyriakidis, president and managing director, Middle East and Africa, Marriott International.

We officially opened the Kigali Marriott Hotel under the patronage of Prime Minister Murekezi, and today we announce six new deals across Africa, which when open, are expected to bring our total African property and room count to 205 and 37,000 respectively.

These new signings comprise over 1100 rooms, and include AC by Marriotts brand entry into Africa. The Cape Town deals are in partnership with the Amdec Group, Marriotts long term partner and owners of the new Marriott Hotel and Marriott Executive Apartments Melrose Arch in Johannesburg, as announced last year, and currently under development.

The Amdec Group has been instrumental in bringing in Marriott Internationals global brands into South Africa, as they were the first to announce Marriott Hotels, Marriott Executive Apartments and now AC by Marriott and Residence Inn by Marriott into the market. The AC Hotel Cape Town Waterfront will be located at the gateway to Cape Towns waterfront, while Harbour Arch will be the site of the 200-room Cape Town Marriott Hotel Foreshore and the 150-room Residence Inn by Marriott Cape Town Foreshore.

The first deal to be signed since Marriotts completed acquisition - and further consolidating Marriott Internationals presence on Mauritius - the globally renowned Sheraton brand will make a landmark debut on the island with Sheraton Mauritius St Felix Resort and The Residences at Sheraton Mauritius St Felix Resort.

Owned by Clear Ocean Hotel Resorts, the resort will be a part of a mixed use development with a boutique retail mall and branded residences. Scheduled to open in early 2020, the resort will feature 152 well-appointed guestrooms and suites and 37 branded apartments and villas.

The first Element Hotels property signed in Egypt will be the largest Element Hotel in the Middle East and Africa. Situated in Cairos upscale Heliopolis district and scheduled to open in 2019, Element Cairo is developed by Abraj Misr Urban Development and owned by Middle East Real Estate for Development (MERED). A part of the iconic new smart and ecofriendly development, The Gate Project, the largest housing, administrative, commercial, project in Egypt and the Middle East, Element Cairo will feature 344 light-filled rooms and an atmosphere designed to fuel a life in balance and on the move.

Four Points by Sheraton Nairobi, Hurlingham, is the brands second hotel in the city, strategically located in the upmarket suburb close to the city centre and within easy access from the surrounding business areas of Westlands, Kilimani and Nairobi Central. Owned by Kamcan Properties, the 96 room hotel is a conversion from an existing hotel, will be operated under a franchise arrangement, and is expected to open in 2017.

These news deals are testament to our combined development efforts going forward, as there are significant growth synergies between the brands and our newly combined company, with a focus on expending brands across the region, and looking for opportunities in new markets, concluded Kyriakidis.

Continuing to capitalise on opportunities within the region, Marriott International has set a clear objective to be represented in all major gateway cities, commercial centres and established resort destinations while catering to a wide variety of market segments. Each of Marriott Internationals brands, including those in the pipeline, target a specific segment and support the increased inflow of visitors within that segment.
The township economy is worth R100bn, while the stokvel industry is estimated to be worth around R70bn. This is according to the Gauteng MEC for economic development, agriculture and rural development, Lebogang Maile.

In an interview published by the Mail & Guardian last Thursday, Maile said this month will see the launch of the countrys first Township Stock Exchange.

Can big business, all retailers and brands, afford to lose a share of this lucrative R100bn market by alienating and offending township consumers

Last weeks episode of eNCAs Checkpoint, an in-depth TV news report which can be viewed on the video below, featured one of the biggest shopping mall developers in South Africa, a company which also manages and operates malls in both the suburbia and the townships, engaging in an act which seem to discriminate, patronise and insult township consumers. What is most disturbing is that township consumers who are patrons of township shopping malls are charged a fee to pee  toilet tax  for using public toilet facilities in the township shopping malls. The same company does not charge suburban consumers who are patrons of suburbia shopping malls fees for the usage of public toilet facilities.

The Checkpoint TV programme begins with an opening remark which says, Paying depends on where you pee, it seems!

How can this be? Why do malls in predominantly black areas charge consumers a fee to pee?The argument is that township consumers vandalise restroom facilities and those in the suburbs do not.

I beg to differ and refute this flawed argument strongly. Vandalism is a form of human behaviour which knows no colour, suburb or township. The deliberate acts of damaging public toilets and other public properties happen everywhere, without borders and boundaries, by all races. As a retail marketer Im a frequent patron of all South African shopping malls, in all provinces, townships and suburbia, and what I have observed is that suburban shopping malls such as Sandton Square, Cavendish Square, Century City, Edendale Mall, Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, et cetera, have watchful restroom service guards.

Furthermore, there are visible security guards strolling up and down the malls and near the toilets to ward off any mischievous behaviour such as vandalism, armed robbery, etc.

On the contrary, most township shopping malls do not have vigilant restroom service guards. These watchful eyes are not around to intimidate various acts of vandalism in township toilet facilities, before they even begin. Security guards are very few and far in between. They are definitely not as pervasive as in the suburbia malls. Dangers of armed robbery remain the same in all the shopping malls, if not even more in the township malls.

Conclusively, acts of vandalism are not a valid reason for charging township consumers money for using shopping mall toilet facilities. The absurd lengths of this situation is made even worse by the reality that in the suburbia, consumers do not lose a single cent for using bathroom facilities in their shopping malls. Shoppers interviewed on unedited version of Checkpoint said they felt, Violated. Insulted. Their privacy infringed upon. Their human dignity trampled upon.

My objective with this article, as a marketer who supports big business, retailers and brands up not down, is to caution brands about the dangers of committing the deadly sins of township marketing. Insulting and patronising township markets will only make brands personae non gratae in the townships.

Retailers and brands cannot afford to alienate themselves from trading in the lucrative markets of the townships.

When segmenting, differentiating and penetrating the township markets in an effort to gain traction and retention brands must take the necessary measures not to transgress the following immutable principles of township marketing, advertising and branding:

Image credit: iStock

1. Retailers and brands must avoid being impudent and insulting. They must guard against offending township consumers by understanding what it is that offends and what the insults are.

Last November, the Sunday Times had a special feature titled From ad to worse: the retail duds that make SA cringe. The article uses empirical evidence to chronicle advertising campaigns that backfired for using ethnic profiling, being sexually explicit, offensive and downright racist in the eyes of South Africans. One example of the companies that came under fire was Woolworths. The article states that one of the retailers store displays appeared to portray a slavery scene in which black mannequins were tied together with ropes. The retailer apologised for "the distress caused by an incorrectly assembled in-store installation," and removed it. Some of the companies which are featured by the article include Swedish fashion brand H&M, Cell C, Santam Insurance, McDonalds, etc.

Image credit: timeslive.co.za/Sunday Times

Here are some of the insults and offensive deeds that will definitely enrage township consumers:

Brands must not compromise quality and service, only because those goods will be sold in the townships. Township consumers travel between the suburbs and the townships and a great number of them are domestic workers in the suburbs. When inferior products that arent eligible for the suburb markets are dumped in township markets, township consumers take notice because they have seen superior products in the suburbia. The end results for this act cannot be good for any brand or retailer.

Whats good for the suburbs is also good for the townships. Consistency is a key factor for brands operating in the townships and suburbia. For example, brands and retailers cannot charge township consumers for using shopping mall toilets if they do not charge suburbia consumers for using the same toilet facilities.

Brands should not play on unfair stereotypes. They must not use repulsive stereotypes, both the accurate and the inaccurate, to judge or make assumptions about township shoppers. Township consumers are not gregarious birds who feed in flocks and fly together. Instead, brands must connect with each and every consumer as a unique individual, special in his/her diversity, not a flock or stereotype.

Be sensitive to township cultures, traditions and traditional customs. A very good example of a black culture which crosses paths with white culture is referred to as ladies first. When a white man walks with a woman or women, he will allow or give way to women to go into an office or building first. In South African black culture, a black man walks in first or into a building or office first. Not a woman. The wisdom and logic in this is that if there is danger ahead, it must be confronted by a man first. Because a man is a protector of women and families. Most of our white colleagues perceive us, black men, as rude when we lead a way rather than letting women go in first. Another example is eye contact. As a sign of respect black people are not supposed to look at elders, superiors or their bosses in the eyes when talking to them. To do so is a sign of disrespect. In white culture if you do not look at someone in the eyes you are perceived as lying to them or being deceptive. One more example, you cannot pass another person without greeting and acknowledging them. To do so is offensive, rude and arrogant. There are many black cultural DOs and DONTs which must always be observed when dealing in the townships.

Brands must take care not to disrespect township consumers in any way possible. The 2014 Yellowwood White Paper, titled, Building brands in a rapidly changing market: Lessons from South Africa reports that South Africa has a dark, terrible history in which human rights were ignored and people were treated with utter disdain. The psychological scars of this period are still with us, and as a result, many South African consumers are particularly sensitive to being disrespected. Unfortunately, feeling respected by a brand is still frighteningly rare  especially amongst lower income consumers, but with many middle-class consumers, too. Brands would earn enormous loyalty from simply treating their customers with a more human respect. It is one of the major drivers of brand affinity for brands like Shoprite, Pick n Pay and Pep  they treat their customers, some of whom may be people who are unaccustomed to being treated well, with respect.

Marketers and their advertising creatives must avoid using uninformed, ignorant and untrue depictions of black consumers, especially when such depictions are demeaning. Wrong portrayals resulting from thoughtless and uninspired creativity mean that no time was invested in getting to know township consumers by spending time with them, studying them, their behaviours, buying patterns and characteristics, in a thorough and engaging manner. When you truly connect with someone, you get to know that person better, what insults them and what offends their sensibilities.

2. Before goods and services are sold in the townships, they are first planned and discussed in the workplace. Does your marketing, advertising and creative team have enough black township employees who live and breathe the township culture ?

This helps guard against offending township consumers, because when you mingle with them and have meaningful conversations with them, you will have a strong understanding of township consumers.

Are your black female employees allowed to wear headscarves, doeks, head wraps or turbans as representation of the township women culture in the workplace?

Is kwaito, hip hop, house, umbhaqanga, amagwijo, izitibili and iingoma zakwantu music played in your workplace?

Do you have dedicated special annual leave allocations in your workplace for ulwaluko, amasiko, imbeloko, ukutyisw utsiki, ukuthomba, et cetera?

Is upholding whats widely considered to be normal workplace culture actually making township employees feel uncomfortable as black persons at work?

Are your standards of professional dress codes easy for many township people to follow? Is your expectation to make them look like someone other than themselves in order to do a job they are perfectly capable of succeeding at while they like themselves not a hindrance to productivity, creativity and innovation?

Natural hair plays a significant role in expressing the black pride in the identity of township communities. Natural hair is a great symbol and signifier of blackness. Personally, because of this, I have very long dreadlocks that are down to my popliteal fossa. Are culturally-specific natural hair styles  cornrows, afros, and dreadlocks  that differentiate black people from a Eurocentric standard of appearance allowed in your workplace? Black professionals who wear natural hairstyles are not prepared to take time, put in money, and endure pain to permanently change who they are by altering the texture of their natural hair through chemical straightening. Are such black professionals welcomed and embraced in your workplace?

Does your office use racially coded phrases such as Hes a coconut? Shes an Oreo. Is it really a harmless joke to describe someone as black on the outside but white on the inside? This is an unfortunate food comparison which gives praises and approval to someone for having and displaying qualities which are not typical of their race.

3. Speak the languages spoken in the townships

An interesting article titled SA consumers and their dark linguistic secrets starts with a very thought-provoking question: African-language adverts are warm and persuasive  so why are they so scarce? So asks the author, Dr Tessa Dowling, a senior lecturer in African languages in the school of languages and literatures at the University of Cape Town.

Dr Dowling researched the history of Xhosa advertising in the print media, and noted that in the 1800s, newspaper advertisements did not specifically associate Xhosa with poverty, illiteracy or a lack of education. At that time, Xhosa  like English  was used by people from all sorts of economic and class backgrounds. The language carried commercial weight, and had currency when it came to marketing. This currency steadily declined so that even the Xhosa version of Bona magazine now only has 17% of its advertisements in the vernacular. Adverts marketing home furnishings, beauty and baby products and educational institutions all use English exclusively. On the other hand, building supplies and household cleaning materials are promoted entirely in African languages, added Dr Dowling. Why? The vernacular is used when marketers and advertisers want to sell cheap building materials so that they can attract all those people who need to put up a shack quick, quick  and they also want the domestic worker to write Handy Andy on the shopping list, not just any old household cleaner. Dr Dowling says that English is so much easier, even if it is dreary and outdated in this multilingual, multi-mad country of ours. If you want a break from the boredom of English advertising, tune into an African language radio station such as Umhlobo weNene (Xhosa), Ukhozi (Zulu) or Lesedi FM (Sotho), she advises. The voice artists are superb (and you might even catch an inspired rugby commentary  the best in the world is in Xhosa). There are a number of lotions and potions Dr Dowling bought because the tone and warmth of the speech was utterly entrancing. She never used to think of Wimpy as a place for smart celebrations, but she found that the Xhosa advertisement for this fast-food outlet's steaks was so terrific that she planned to hold her birthday bash there. But Dowling is still loyal to Nando's, because of its fabulous Xhosa pun: Hlonipha ulwimi lwakho (Respect your tongue). Dowling cautions that we must not buy into the idea that English is best to sell in. It isn't. And, by the way, has anybody ever seduced you in Sotho? It's much sexier than French, she concluded. I unquestionably support her statement on this. I fully agree with her without reservations. If you have any doubts, watch this Lesedi FM advert as empirical proof of Sothos seductive powers and romantic nature: English fluency together with two or more vernaculars are a must if one is a marketer in South Africa, a country with eleven official languages. The majority of black CMOs, marketing directors, marketing managers and brand managers, in addition to their own individual mother tongue, have made concerted efforts to learn, study and speak English, Afrikaans and two or more additional vernaculars, in order to connect with all South African consumers and be versatile in all South African markets, especially the majority townships consumers. This means that the majority of black marketers speak an average of six to eight languages.

In contrast, the majority of white CMOs, marketing directors, marketing managers and brand managers do not seem to have made any efforts whatsoever to learn, study and speak South African vernaculars at all. These are the vernaculars spoken by the majority of the South African consumers who reside in the townships. This means that the majority of white marketers speak an average of only two languages  English and Afrikaans.

It is common knowledge and common sense that if other people make an effort to speak your language, it is much easier to welcome and embrace them into your world, and this facilitates easy adoption, traction and purchasing of their products and services. Removal of language barriers facilitates deep connection with consumers, commonalities with customers and camaraderie with shoppers. It then becomes much easier to trade and do business with communities whose languages youve made an effort to speak.

Johnny Clegg and Athol Trollip remain great famous South Africans who are fully integrated. Johnny Clegg sings beautifully in isiZulu. His songs are loved by both black and white, rural and suburban South Africans. He speaks isiZulu fluently and impressively.

Athol Trollip speaks brilliant isiXhosa with proper Xhosa accent and super fluency. This video bears testament that indeed Trollip sounds like a Xhosa South African and his excellent delivery of the Xhosa language is much, much better than most Xhosas who are born in Cape Town and Gauteng, where the influences of other languages are prevalent and infringe upon the Xhosa language. His Xhosa is pure and undiluted from the Eastern Cape.

These two great White South Africans are not just about words and concepts when it comes to the rainbow nation, but are true living rainbow nation symbols. They live and breathe being a rainbow nation. For that I salute them both.

4. Embark on brand activism to improve township lives

The economics concept of stimulating consumer spending to fuel the growth of the economy is not exclusive to the suburbia and big cities. It is a well-known fact that household spending depends heavily and only on household income. When township communities do not have the money to spend, your brands township trading will suffer. Big brands, retailers and businesses will be forced to close down and exit the townships. Without the township income, big companies bottom lines wont be the same. Township communities need big business as much as big business needs them. Big business can create huge projects that create employment, builds happy township communities, puts money in households and ultimately stimulates consumer spending.

Let us not have cockeyed delusions, people are more interested in the social links that come from brand affiliations than in the brands themselves. To build and maintain strong brand communities through brand activism, companies must understand the individual and social needs of community members and do everything possible to support and engage them on their own terms. The brands community-building efforts can lead to maximum benefits: powerful brand communities in the townships who are ardent groups of consumers organised around the lifestyle, activities, and ethos of the brand. What is a great example of this? Look at Coca-Colas Coke Studio. Observe how this campaign is building the South African music community and the African continent music communities. Coke Studio gives platform, physical studio space, studio time, studio sessions, mentorship and support to musicians from around Africa to collaborate and make hits. Different musicians from around Africa are given 48 hours to write, produce and perform their music hits live on television. Through this campaign, Coca-Cola has managed to build strong brand communities through brand activism. Coca-Cola created a TV platform that extends to various online mediums, building additional online and social media brand communities in the process. The campaigns presence is integrated on social media platforms such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, et cetera.

Exodus of big businesses and brands from the township can be avoided through brand activism for improving township lives. Focused and strategic township corporate social investment can help improve township lives. When I say strategic and focused I mean that what the business does to help improve township lives must also ensures the survival of the business. That would be profitable brand activism. I have not forgotten that businesses exist to make money through profit. Retailers and brands can uplift the township communities in ways that stimulate the township economy, whilst also making profit. This will translate to elevated township consumer spending. Heightened township consumer spending means that shoppers are buying more goods and services from your brands. This translates to township economic boom. The increase in township economic activity spreads to all sectors and industries in the township. Everyone wins. The township consumer is happy and shows it by embracing the brands. Profits are made.

Economically disadvantaged and disempowered township consumers cannot support brands and retailers, buy their goods and frequent malls and stores.

Advertisers and marketers who covet township consumers with the hope of establishing long-term relationships with their brands can only generate critical township mass in their categories and build a high level of loyalty amongst township consumers at the same time by truly loving township communities unconditionally, without prejudices, unfair treatments, offensive ads and insulting marketing.

Enhance your brands ability to grow in the townships by respecting the unique differentiating township demographic, shopping, buying, viewing, digital, and mobile trends. Making concerted efforts to meaningfully and deeply understand the various generations and gender dynamics that exist within the township population is essential for marketers, retailers and brands who want to maximize township business opportunities.

If brands and retailers thoroughly understand who township communities are, they can make products that truly meet their needs and will be able to build a lasting impact in the township lives.

*Note that Bizcommunity staff and management do not necessarily share the views of its contributors - the opinions and statements expressed herein are solely those of the author.*
Delta Air Lines' Pink Plane is taking to the skies throughout October for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, as part of a series of events to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Research Fund (BCRF).

The aircraft, a Boeing 767-400ER, features a special one-off livery of the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon. Customers boarding this, and other Delta flights during October, will be greeted by Deltas flight attendants wearing pink uniforms and selling pink products, including pink headsets. In addition, Deltas sales teams across Africa, the Middle East, and India will be wearing pink polo shirts and serving pink lemonade to customers.

The aircraft flies international routes and will raise awareness for BCRF around the world this year. This month the aircraft will fly to cities including: Rome, Madrid, Amsterdam and Sao Paulo. Deltas first pink plane was a Boeing 757 that flew between 2005 and 2010 throughout the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean to generate awareness for the cause.

We are proud to show our support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and raise vital funds for BCRF, said Nat Pieper, Deltas senior vice president - Europe, Middle East and Africa. Delta has an 11-year history of marking Pink October and we hope that 2016 will be our most successful yet.

Delta employees, customers and their friends and families have raised $11 million for BCRF since 2005, including last years efforts of $1.75 million. The collective contributions have funded the vital work of 44 different research projects over the years in the pursuit of eradicating breast cancer.
BRUSSELS - The world's biggest brewer Anheuser-Busch InBev confirmed the sale of major businesses in Africa, Europe and Asia on Tuesday, as it completed the mega-takeover of rival SABMiller.

AB InBev, which produces Budweiser, is the world's top brewer ( AFP Photo/Justin Tallis

The furious round of deal-making follows the buyout by AB InBev -- the maker of Budweiser, Corona and Stella Artois -- of London-based group SABMiller, in one of the biggest ever mergers in history.

The new company is called AB InBev, sounding the death knell of SABMiller and cementing AB InBev's dominant position as the world's top beer-maker, leaving only MillerCoors and Heineken as potential rivals.

AB InBev's merger with SABMiller was finalised late Monday and the shares of the new group are now listed in several exchanges.

But the historic tie-up required the greenlight of regulators, which ordered sell-offs of assets, including some of SABMiller's most internationally-recognised brands.

To satisfy European Union regulators, AB InBev said it successfully sold SABMiller brands Peroni and Grolsch to Japanese brewer Asahi for 2.55 billion euros ($2.76 billion).

The EU has also demanded the brewer divest SABMiller's business in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania and Slovakia.

In Asia, AB InBev said it successfully divested SABMiller's 49-percent stake in Snow breweries, China's highest-selling beer brand, for $1.6 billion as a commitment to regulators in Beijing.

Coca-Cola meanwhile is in line to buy the stake AB InBev holds in the US Coca-Cola's African subsidiary, the two companies announced Tuesday.

SAB Miller, which had done much of Coca-Cola's bottling worldwide, held a majority share in it.
Showing the best representation of your brand and your business online is essential in today's marketplace. The web is the main street of small business commerce, and your brand is on parade. Here are some key attributes of great website design and development.

Distinctive

Good web design translates the uniqueness of your small business and visually interprets that on your web page. It is what makes you different and makes you stand out from the rest of your competitors. Of course, your logo needs to have distinctiveness, but font choices for text and visual images in the form of photos, graphics, or art can convey your brand as well.

Informative

Great small business website design also needs to give the viewer the information they need. Great content is essential to have on your website. Think of your target audience when you are writing copy for your website. What is the age range and interests of your audience, and what is motivating them to seek out your website? One way to put additional informative content on your website is to start a blog feature. Your blog can even bring additional traffic to your website with the addition of keyword tags and value added links.

Clear progression

Your website can have tons of relevant information that the consumer will find useful, but there needs to be a clear progression of information flow that is easy to follow. This is where development of the various windows on your website and their hierarchy can make or break the usefulness of your online presence. Too many specialised buttons and margin menus are a recipe for your viewer not finding the content that they came to your website for.

Clean

If your website has a clear progression of information hierarchy, has some distinctive elements, and the design of it is not distracting, then you have what is called clean design. Your distinctiveness, brand, and information are what you want to stand out, not the bells and whistles features of a website template.

Call to action

Great website design moves the viewer along on the sales funnel. To accomplish this, a call to action needs to be on the majority of the pages on your website. It can be as simple as an invitation to call or email for more information.

To get an idea of the different ways a call to action works, check out some household name brands on the internet. What do their splash pages look like and do they invite you to explore what they have to offer? They most likely will have buttons that ask you to find out more information or buy now. The trick to having appropriate call to action features on your small business website is to not overdo them. If you are asking prospective customers to call or email you, that contact information needs to be right there with the call to action.

When your brand is on parade, it is crucial that you get your website design and development right. A website that has a clean design, is distinctive, and is informative will stand out and get positive attention.




Northam Platinum will buy part of Anglo American Platinum's (Amplats') Amandelbult property for R1bn cash to grow production at its Zondereinde mine and add more than 10 years of life to its flagship mine by adding valuable, low-cost reef.

Northam, a R24,6bn company, is on an aggressive drive to bulk up its portfolio, having bought the Everest South mine and concentrator from Aquarius Platinum for R450m cash to add to its Booysendal property, and has started building a R750m furnace at its Zondereinde processing complex as part of its growth strategy.

In a recent black economic empowerment transaction, Northam topped up its cash reserves by about R4bn, giving it a healthy war chest to pursue its "aspirational target" of producing 1m ounces of platinum group metals a year. Northam shares outpaced those of its peers, adding 4% and extending its gain so far in 2016 to 83%.

The nearly 17mounces of platinum group metal (PGM) resources it is buying from neighbouring Amandelbult would be accessed within 18 months of securing approval for the transfer of the mineral rights from the department of mineral resources in a process expected to take up to six months, CEO Paul Dunne said.

The new ground could be relatively cheaply developed and accessed using existing underground infrastructure starting at 1,4km below surface and close to the boundary with Amandelbult, he said. The purchase, once concluded, would take Northam's cash to R2,1bn.

The reefs, which include the highly sought-after Merensky Reef, would boost Zondereinde's production to 350,000oz of four PGM elements from 2016's forecast of between 280,000oz and 290,000oz, Dunne said.

The deepest part of Zondereinde was 2,2km - the deepest in the South African platinum industry - so mining would become more focused on the new, shallower, higher grade and lower cost part of the mine, he said.

The new 20MW furnace will be commissioned in December 2017, dovetailing nicely with increased output from across the company's mining operations at Zondereinde, Booysendal North and Booysendal South.

The latter two are mines near Steelpoort and Zondereinde is north of the Pilanesberg. Northam is swapping a shallower part of the Zondereinde deposit with 750,000oz of PGM resources, and which it had no intention of mining, with part of the farm owned by Amplats that overlies the resources it is buying.

"The transaction is mutually beneficial and allows us to exit resources for value which are outside of our life-of-mine plans and do not impact current mining or the future potential of Amandelbult," said Amplats CEO, Chris Griffith.
Major construction companies will collectively contribute R1.5bn over 12 years to a fund that will be established for socio-economic development.

The objective of the fund will be the development, enhancement and transformation of the industry, as well as the promotion of social infrastructure for all South Africans, Economic Development Minister Ebrahim Patel said on Tuesday, 11 October, in Johannesburg.

The fund will support initiatives that will provide financial support for young trainee artisans and engineers from disadvantaged backgrounds and also provide support for the teaching of maths and science education at public schools.

Other initiatives include funding for social infrastructure and the development and promotion of construction companies owned and managed by black people.

It also includes funding the appointment of professionals to provide government with engineering, project management and other services to strengthen its capacity to deliver the public infrastructure so desperately needed through, among others, the secondment to State departments, municipalities and entities of skilled personnel from organisations operating in South Africa, Minister Patel said.

The agreement was reached with companies with a combined annual construction revenue of about R45bn, comprising WBHO, Aveng, Murray & Roberts, Group Five, Basil Read, Raubex and Stefanutti Stocks.

Six of the companies signed the agreement on Tuesday, while the seventh will advise within the next week.

According to Minister Patel, each of the companies will undertake further transformation initiatives with two models.

Firstly, that companies become fully transformed, with at least 40% of equity in the hands of black South Africans or secondly, that they commit to initiatives that will result in each of the construction companies mentoring up to three emerging black owned enterprises so that they develop the necessary skills, systems, status and quantity of work to be able to sustain a cumulative combined annual revenue equal to at least 25% of each of the mentor companies annual revenue by 2023, he said.

As part of the agreement, each company has signed a declaration to promote ethical and legal operations, free of collusions or corruption and to confirm that they will expose, confront and eradicate any sign of wrong doing in the industry.

South African Federation of Civil Engineering Contractors (SAFCEC) Webster Mfebe said the industry is committed to strengthen its partnership with government for the benefit of the country.

This arrangement also demonstrates the commitment to a transformed, transparent and ethical industry, which has a major role to play in delivering much needed infrastructure to the economy of South Africa.

We believe this partnership will reinforce the framework for a more sustainable and competitive industry and is set to advance the social and economic welfare of all South Africans, Mfebe said.

The fund is expected to be launched in the next financial year.
In what can only be described as showboating by its director, Shaun Abrahams, the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) issued summons against finance minister Pravin Gordhan on charges of fraud, causing ripples once again through already jittery financial markets.

The NPA has been hanging legal proceedings over the minister's head for a number of months now, related to his tenure at the South African Revenue Service (SARS), but the summons to appear in court on 2 November seems to have come out of the blue.

It is believed that the actions are a thinly veiled attempt by President Jacob Zuma and his supporters to oust Gordhan.

Source: World Economic Forum

After being issued with the summons, Gordhans legal representatives, Gildenhuys Malatji, issued the following response:

The summons was received by Minister Gordhans office in circumstances where we had expected that the national director of public prosecutions (NDPP) will interact with us in light of the correspondence exchanged between our office and the NDPP dating back to 18 May 2016.

We had repeatedly requested that the NDPP afford Minister Gordhan the opportunity to make written and/or oral representations before making a decision on whether to prosecute or not. In particular, the NDPP, Shaun Abrahams, advised us on 25 August 2016 that he will only consider our request to make representations to him on whether to initiate a prosecution or not once the investigation has been concluded and a docket has been submitted to the National Prosecuting Authority. It is surprising that we have only received a letter dated 4 October 2016, but only sent to our office this morning advising that Minister Gordhan is an accused person.

The other difficult matter for Minister Pravin Gordhan to appreciate is the nature of the charges. We were firstly advised that he is not a suspect during May 2016. In August 2016, he was advised that he should give a warning statement which by its very nature meant that he is now considered to be a suspect in relation to very clearly defined charges.

It was contemplated by the Hawks that he has contravened the provisions of Sections 1, 34 and 81(2) of the Public Finance Management Act, 1 of 1999, that he was guilty of corruption in terms of Section 3, 4 and/or 10 of the Prevention of Corrupt Activities Act, 12 of 2004 as well as Section 3 of the National Strategic Intelligence Act, 39 of 1994. These related to the establishment of an investigative unit at SARS and the early retirement of Ivan Pillay as SARS deputy commissioner.

The charges now preferred against the minister are charges of fraud alternatively theft insofar as it relates to Pillays early retirement. Fraud is defined as the unlawful and intentional making of a misrepresentation which causes actual prejudice or which is potentially prejudicial to another. In order to succeed with proving the crime of fraud, the state must establish the elements of the crime which are defined as first, a misrepresentation, second, prejudice or potential prejudice to another, third, unlawfulness and lastly an intention to so prejudice.

All the documents mentioned in this statement are available at Gildenhuys Malatjis website.
Sweet potato production has gained greater importance following recent agricultural research and discoveries regarding the different ways the crop can be used to mitigate food insecurity, malnutrition, and poverty.

Uganda is the biggest producer of sweet potato in Africa. Sweet potato is the third most important food crop in East Africa and it is also much valued as a major food crop in the rest of Sub-Saharan Africa.

Fodder for livestock

However, due to research efforts by the International Potato Center (CIP) and other organisations, the crop has gained more importance in the recent years as a source of material for silage making to feed pigs and other livestock during times of fodder scarcity.

For a long time, sweet potato vines, peelings, and inedible tubers were given to pigs by farmers. But, since they were highly perishable and seasonal, the excess was wasted leaving the farmers with the burden of feeding the animals during the dry season. This caused most farmers to reduce their herds.

In light of this, pig farmers and youth groups in Masaka and Kamuli Districts have been trained in making sweet potato vines silage. Last month, two sweet potato silage making business centres were launched in Masaka and one in Kamuli for the purpose of training more people. Farmers have also been trained in better farming practices and introduced to higher yielding varieties of the crop.

Sweet potato benefits

International award winner Robert Mwanga, also CIP's sweet potato breeder for East and Central Africa, attended last month's event in Masaka. He emphasised to the farmers the importance of growing bio-fortified Vitamin A-rich sweet potatoes. Eating these sweet potatoes enhances nutrition among children and pregnant women.

It is expected that sweet potato growing will reduce pig farmers' feed costs and spur animal growth rates, which will result in bigger profits.

Silage making will reduce litter in towns and rural households as people collecting potato peelings and inedible roots for silage making.

Employment opportunities will be generated as more youths not directly engaged in pig keeping will turn into silage making and selling.
Pam Golding Properties has been recognised as Best in South Africa and Africa at the recent 2016 International Property Awards (IPA) held in Dubai.

Basil Moraitis, Pam Golding Properties area manager for the Atlantic Seaboard, seen with Pam Golding Properties awards for Best Real Estate Agency, Best Real Estate Agency Marketing and Best Real Estate Agency Website.

The group also won awards for Best Real Estate Agency, Best Real Estate Agency Marketing and Best Real Estate Agency Website in South Africa.

Pam Golding Properties will now go on to compete as the international nominee for Africa against top winners from around the world in the 2016 International Property Awards Worlds Best to be announced in London in December.

Over the past 11 years the real estate company, has achieved Best Estate Agency in South Africa nine times since 2005 and Best Estate Agency in Africa five times since 2011 at the International Property Awards. The group received Gold at the Overseas Property Professional Awards for Best Real Estate Agency for three consecutive years since 2012 and was awarded Best Global Estate Agency in 2012 and 2014.

Recognition of leadership and achievements

Dr Andrew Golding, CE of the Pam Golding Property group says: The recognition at the International Property Awards 2016 is flattering as it endorses and reaffirms the fact that we provide a world-class standard of differentiated residential property service. It is also further recognition of our leadership role and achievements in the property industry in South Africa.

Family values remain at the core of the Pam Golding Properties brand, which to this day still carries our founders passion for property and culture of service excellence. We believe in constantly raising industry standards through innovative marketing, IT and other initiatives, coupled with the highest level of professionalism.

Notably, the agent-client interaction and relationship remains extremely important, as this is where the knowledge, skill, intuition and expertise of the individual agent comes to the fore in a genuinely value-adding service offering.

Launched in 1995 and judged according to stringent criteria by a panel of over 50 industry experts, the International Property Awards celebrate the highest level of achievements by companies from around the globe operating in all sectors of the property and real estate industry.

Website award

Regarding winning the Best Real Estate Website award, Dr Golding says: With global online audiences growing exponentially Pam Golding Properties digital marketing assets have increasingly become a key focus for the business. Working across a number of platforms including our website and our mobile platform, as well as our CRM (customer relationship management) platform Alchemy, we ensure an integrated approach to our marketing towards ensuring very efficient reach of qualified buyers.

Designed to ensure that the buying journey is intuitive, providing multiple search options, results displays and alerts, the groups website achieved more than 3.5-million visits and over 1.8-million unique visitors during the period from 10 June 2015 to 9 June 2016. Fifty percent of these were new visitors and approximately 23% were visitors outside South Africa.

Adds Dr Golding: As is the case in almost every industry, the internet and technology and the digital environment in general have substantially altered the landscape for the South African residential real estate industry from both a client as well as an agent perspective, with many if not most of the innovations seen globally in this space adopted locally.

As the search process by todays tech-savvy consumers becomes more refined in what is an increasingly competitive trading environment, gaining the attention of web browsers looking for property has become a web-based battleground with the resultant requirement to provide user friendly, fast, efficient apps to enhance the user experience.

Web experiences are needing to be constantly refreshed and enhanced and in the case of the PGP website, great care and attention has been given to ensure that the user experience is both a pleasurable, time-efficient and compelling journey to view a specific selection of properties on the market. This includes a range of technical innovations which include, for example, draw search, school search and a pinboard which enables you to compile your own personal selection of your favourite properties and immediately share these with family and friends.
Africa Code Week, the award winning continent-wide digital literacy initiative will be celebrated at the Cape Town Science Centre from 15 - 23 October 2016, with a wide variety of free coding workshops and other related activities for all ages.

As part of this weeks activities the Science Centre based in Observatory just in front of the Groote Schuur Hospital, will host two free-entry Festival of Code days on the Saturdays 15 and 22 October. In addition, free after-school coding workshops every afternoon from 17 - 21 October.

We know that coding is a critical 21sts Century skill that is easily learnt and loads of fun, says Julie Cleverdon, the director of the Cape Town Science Centre and the global coordinator of ACW. Coding is a new language. Every child deserves to be fluent is the motto of Africa Code Week and that's why the Cape Town Science Centre is endeavouring to make as many relevant activities in this week accessible to everyone. We are grateful for the support from both Woolworths Financial Services and SAP for making this possible at our centre.

Activities include coding, data story-telling and robotic workshops; talks from some of the most talented and inspiring young coders in Cape Town and a host of other activities in addition to the opportunity to interact with the many hands-on exhibits in the Cape Town Science Centre. Even if youve never written a line of code in your life, the workshops on offer will get participants started one step at a time.

In addition to the Cape Town Science Centres efforts, other Cape Town organisations have embraced the initiative and are set to create a coding buzz by organising a host of coding activities across the city. Those interested in attending these activities can visit the Africa Code Week live map, which itemises the events taking place in Cape Town.

Learn more here about the activities for the Festival of Code taking place on 15 and 22 or contact the Cape Town Science Centre on +21 (0)21 300 3200.
This week, we find out what's really going on behind the selfie with Glenda Mansfield, co-founder and marketing director for Marketing CSI South Africa (MCSISA), the CSI 'good news' portal aimed at developing self-managed communities as agents for change.

Aint no mountain high enough for Glenda.

1. Where do you live, work and play?

Mansfield: I live in Cape Town, work in Cape Town and play in a very interesting space  the sector in which I work, which takes me all over the world.

2. Whats your claim to fame?

Mansfield: Western Province sprint relay runner.

3. Describe your career so far.

Mansfield: My career has spanned a (very) brief stint working in a spa, before I went into retail and then opened my own marketing agency. Now, as part of MCSISA, I have the opportunity to truly make an impactful difference to many by providing a mechanism that can facilitate social change en masse.

4. Tell us a few of your favourite things.

Mansfield: I love cooking, my home, spending time with my children and family and I go to choir practice as often as my schedule allows.

5. What do you love about your industry?

Mansfield: Both the marketing industry and social sector are full of creative, passionate people. I love that I work with people who are committed to making the world a better place for everyone in it. I know that sounds idealistic and probably very cliched, but its true. We are fully immersed in social change.

6. Describe your average workday, if such a thing exists.

Mansfield: My average workday means Ill get to work after dropping the kids off at school, listening to some motivational talks from some of the worlds most successful entrepreneurs, some good laughing therapy with my colleagues, several meetings and interactions with clients, staff and our partners, before heading home to slip into mother mode for a while. Lights out are after 11pm and after I have answered all urgent communications.

7. What are the tools of your trade?

Mansfield: The ability to have a vision, share it with others who buy into it and then action it, together. Motivational skills are key when talking to people I work with as well as the clients we need to work with us. Some would say that is called sales but were not selling, were motivating people to join the movement for good and change. That takes commitment and innovation too, as its not easy starting something from scratch, especially something that requires a paradigm shift.

8. Who is getting it right in your industry?

Mansfield: Those brands that realise that it is more than words that are going to shift the world into a better place; its action. That comes from the CSI and CSR departments and those companies that are authentic in their endeavours resonating with a new audience thats not swayed by marketing fluffery anymore, but buy in to a brand/product/service that walks the talk.

9. What are the biggest pain points/challenges/areas for improvement?

Mansfield: One challenge is to convince media that we are not after their advertising equity and that we are not a threat to them. We know good news sells and we have loads of stories that we could share with them  were more than happy to syndicate the news! But the biggest by far, is shifting the tide of negative news that pervades headlines, to one of a more positive nature  imagine if we could only have good news billboards, people would be happy perhaps even, markets would be happy? Worth a thought, surely?

10. What are you working on right now?

Mansfield: Three key aspects: connection, building and delivering.

11. Tell us some of the buzzwords floating around in your industry at the moment, and some of the catchphrases you utter yourself.

Mansfield: Responsibility, sustainability. If a brand genuinely wants to make a social contribution, it should start with who they are, not what they do. For only when a brand has defined itself and its core values can it identify causes or social responsibility initiatives that are in alignment with its authentic brand story.

12. Where and when do you have your best ideas?

Mansfield: I research my industry every day, but its usually when I am cooking (one of my most creative spaces) or not actually thinking about anything in particular that the best ideas come to fruition.

13. Whats your secret talent/party trick?

Mansfield: I sing.

14. Are you a technophobe or a technophile?

Mansfield: A bit of both. I am amazed by the scope of what technology can do  our platform is based on this and its ability to connect globally. But at the same time, Im also slightly afraid of technology taking over.

15. What would we find if we scrolled through your phone?

Mansfield: Brainy quotes, photos of my kids and my family, as well as positive and motivational photos on YouTube.

16. What advice would you give to newbies hoping to crack into the industry?

Mansfield: Passion and passion and more passion beats talent hands down. Be committed to your desired outcome.

Simple as that. Click here for more on MCSISA, follow them on Twitter, visit their website and email Glenda via moc.asiscm@adnelg.

*Interviewed by Leigh Andrews.
Cognifide, a digital technology consultancy acquired by WPP in 2014, has opened its first office in South Africa in Johannesburg. The company has appointed Kirsty Barkhuizen as regional director, to head up its African expansion.

Kirsty Barkhuizen

The WPP company, headquartered in London, with offices in New York and Poznan, works with brands and marketing agencies to accelerate digital marketing strategies.

In a data and content driven world, marketers and agencies need help with the exploding volumes of content and digital marketing assets they are expected to produce, publish and manage. As customers expect to be met by their brands across all channels and on any device at precise moments of interest, it is imperative that companies and their agencies are structured to deliver this intensely personal customer experience in a low effort and profitable way. Cognifide helps companies to define and execute innovative digital strategies focused on customer engagement and interaction, whilst delivering the required technical platforms to do so in an accelerated manner.

The evolution of marketing from largely art driven to an integrated function that is now more scientific, analytical and realtime is an important shift that requires a new agile way of working and the support of technology tools that Cognifide has experience in providing.

Theres a burgeoning digital economy here in Africa and we have been impressed by the level of skills and the willingness for organisations to embrace changes that are required for them to accelerate their digital transformation, comments Miro Walker, Cognifide CEO.

Cognifide has some impressive clients and case studies to draw from, including brands such as Ford, Unilever, GSK, Penguin Random House, HSBC and it is also behind the recent transformation of Absas website. Its results-driven approach and proprietary software solutions have worked in many ways, from creating a publishers newsroom that enables 300 journalists to publish simultaneously, a reduction of 85% in the time it takes to produce a content piece and reducing the number of developers required from 150 to six by putting publishing tools in the hands of the content producers rather than relying on developers to create digital assets and publish content.

Local experience adds to international knowledge

Barkhuizens experience as a digital marketing strategist is an asset to the Cognifide team. Previously, she led transformation and enterprise social strategies for companies including Absa, Barclays Africa, Investec and Wyzetalk.

Theres great appetite for change in local companies, especially as digital transformation becomes a priority for the board. However, despite all the ideals of digital transformation, available technology to make it happen, and moving away from siloed thinking to collaborative strategies, companies are still hesitant to risk the potential for disruption. So, theyre cautiously optimistic, but slow to adopt and this is holding them back, comments Barkhuizen. Having worked before with Cognifide at Investec and recently with Absa, it has a way of making this shift to digital seem effortless. I am looking forward to bringing its world class experience here to companies in Africa that are innovative and ambitious in how they want to grow and form deeper connections with their customers.
For the period of 2016-2024, the global interior car accessories market is anticipated to expand at a moderate rate - the market will see a CAGR of 3.9% in terms of volume. Growing consumer preference for a comfortable and entertaining driving experience remaining the key factor in a growing demand for interior car accessories.

Mr.rapisan swangphon via 123RF

With established popularity of accessories, such as seat covers, car mats, stereos and speakers, steering wheel covers, dash kits, navigation systems, cushions, sunshades, and others, the global market for interior car accessories is gaining steady traction. A wide range of new, innovative accessories is frequently launched, providing an uptick in the demand for interior car accessories globally.

Key market drivers

An increasing number of car owners are purchasing interior accessories for their cars, in order to enhance the look and aesthetic appeal. Moreover, accessories also add value to the overall driving experience. A trend of customised cars is on the rise since the recent past and will remain a favorable factor for the market growth during the forecast period.

Following the staggering growth of the global automotive industry, the market is also witnessing an upsurge in the sales of passenger cars and pickup trucks. This will continue to play a vital role in bolstering the demand for a particular set of interior vehicle accessories. Increasing demand for accessories for fast moving cars will also remain a key driver.

In developed regions, rising aftermarket e-retailing is a major driver positively influencing the market for car accessories.

Counterfeits operating in the market are however expected to capture a sizeable market share, owing to easily available and cost effective products. In addition, the global market is extremely fragmented. These two factors may collectively hamper the market growth over the forecast period.

Technological innovations and growing applications of car accessories collectively boost a trend of decorative car accessories in the global car interior accessories market. This trend will remain a major driver for the market by 2024 end.

Segementation and market share

By product type: Electronic accessories will remain a major shareholder through to 2024, registering a CAGR of 5.4%. The covers segment is estimated to record the highest CAGR of 6.8%, reaching a value of US$ 61.59 Bn by 2024 end. Other product segments include knobs, consoles and organizers, car cushions and pillows, fragrance, communication, car mats, central locking system, dash kits, and sunshades.

By vehicle type: Passenger cars will continue to attract higher sales against pickup trucks. While the former is expected to maintain around 95% of the total market share, the latter will grow significantly over the forecast period.

By distribution channel: The OEM segment is projected to grab over 25% of the total market share. However, the aftermarket segment will remain dominant with a CAGR of 5.2% during 2016-2024.

Regional analysis

Based on regional analysis, interior car accessories will witness the highest consumption in developing regions of Asia Pacific. APAC is anticipated to account for over 30% of the market revenue share and record a moderate CAGR of 5.5% over the forecast period. Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa will also register discernible demand for interior car accessories.

Key players

Key players competing in the global interior car accessories include Pep Boys, Pioneer Corporation, Garmin Ltd., OReilly Auto Parts, U.S. Auto Parts Network Inc., Pecca Group Berhad, Car Mate Mfg, Co., Ltd., Covercraft Industries, LLC, Classic Soft Trim, Lloyd Mats, H.I. Motors, Star Automotive Accessories, and Momo Srl.

Leading companies are focusing on strategic marketing for better product positioning and enhanced market presence. A number of automotive dealers are also working as individual brands in tandem with their parent OEMs.

Long-term Outlook

The global interior car accessories market will expand at a volume CAGR of 3.9% over the forecast period, 2016-2024. Passenger cars will dominate the market with over 95% of the share.

Complete report available here.
4-star Gaborone hotel, Peermont Mondior has completed a P5.3 million refurbishment of its 67 suites and studio rooms. Peermont Mondior is located in the city's business district, a mere 15km from the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport, making it a popular choice for business and leisure travellers.

According to the hotels general manager, Ted Soutter, the rooms have been given a complete makeover from top to bottom. The previous safari-themed decor was replaced with a more modern green and soft grey colour palette, along with brand new carpeting, bed throws and scatter cushions. All couches and dining room chairs have been fully reupholstered, bringing the hotels 36 studios, 32 suites and the special assistance room bang up to date with the latest trends.

The latest mod cons

We are fully aware that the majority of our clients are business travellers who are looking for comfortable accommodation with the latest mod cons, says Soutter. Our rooms have been redesigned accordingly with sleek, modern lines and a tranquil colour scheme  the ideal spot to unwind after a plane trip, an adventure into the famous wildlife areas or after a day of meetings, not to mention a convenient space to catch up on work, especially with the seamless internet capability.

Significant attention has also been paid to the functionality of each room. New bedside lighting doubles as reading lamps, with more targeted lighting being installed in the form of workstation lamps. Each room now boasts state-of-the-art energy-saving Daikon air conditioning units that provide whisper-quiet comfort when needed.

Its not just about looks, explains Soutter. Although we are exceptionally proud of the rooms decor  including the new framed artwork in the bathrooms and the Botswana basket collage above the headboard  our guests also need their hotel room to function on a variety of levels. Some wish to make use of our convenient semi self-catering units, while others enjoy the accessibility of the vibey News Cafe restaurant that is adjacent to the hotel. We also cater for long-staying guests, which means that our rooms need to offer home-away-from-home convenience and utilities.

Located close to the Gaborone International Convention Centre, the Peermont Mondior also offers outstanding conference facilities for up to 50 guests, improved internet connectivity, secure parking and a swimming pool. Guests can also make use of the hotels complimentary Airport Shuffle service and free uncapped Wi-Fi.
Updated: 2016-10-12 06:55

By Xu Jingxi in Guangzhou (China Daily)

A visitor writes on a bamboo shoot in a public graffiti zone on Jinzi Mountain in Guangdong province.[Photo by Zeng Linghua/For China Daily]

A scenic area in Guangdong province has opened a zone for tourists to write or draw on bamboo shoots to prevent them from scribbling on historic relics or protected natural attractions.

The measure has aroused great controversy.

In the graffiti zone, a bamboo forest covering about 1.3 hectares on Jinzi Mountain, tourists have inscribed messages on nearly 200 of 3,000 or so shoots of bamboo since the zone was opened on Oct 1, the start of the weeklong National Day holiday, according to Zeng Linghua, general manager of the Jinzi Mountain resort.

The graffiti zone has stirred a heated discussion online, with many people criticizing the resort for playing on an inappropriate gesture by some tourists that has destroyed the environment and sabotaged historic relics in the past.

Zeng said he had anticipated that the special zone would cause controversy.

"The special zone is not meant to encourage tourists to scribble on trees," he said.

"But if some tourists have a strong desire to mark their trips by carving their names or messages somewhere, I think it may be a good idea to earmark a zone for them to fully express their feelings so that they won't do so in the rest of the scenic area."

"Rather than simply keep saying no, this may be a more effective way to prevent vandalism," he added.

Zeng said the type of bamboo was easy to grow and is not a protected species.
On the next Biz Takeouts Marketing & Media radio show on Thursday, 13 October 2016, from 9-10am, show host Warren Harding chats to Paul Williams, country manager for Fortinet, the number one online hardware and software security vendor in Africa about online security and driverless cars.

We take a closer look at the rise or cyber security, what companies, IT managers and individuals need to know and where the threats lie.

We look specifically at the increase of cyber threats, where SA sits within international trends in cyber attacks and what you can do to secure yourself. We also look at the growth of driverless cars and why online security is an important element in this new technology.

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Tune into Biz Takeouts every Thursday from 9am-10am live from the 2oceansVibe Radio studio in Cape Town as we discuss the topics that matter in Marketing & Media.

How to listen

Comments or questions

Podcast

A podcast of the show will be available in the Biz Takeouts special section on Biz later during the week.
Next week, the city of Quito, Ecuador, plays host to the third ever United Nations conference on housing and sustainable urban development - also known as Habitat III. At this four-day international gathering, nation states are expected to agree on the New Urban Agenda , which will set out a global strategy on sustainable urban development for the next 20 years.

What is it?

The Habitat process was launched by the UN in 1976, when governments began to recognise the risks of rapid urbanisation: in particular, rising inequality, falling quality of life and unsustainable development.

The first conference, held in Vancouver, encouraged governments to adopt a territorial approach to their national development strategies, and to involve civil society organisations focusing on urban issues. It also established the first UN agency to be based in Africa: the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements  operated from Nairobi, Kenya  formed the foundation for the UN Programme on Human Settlements, or UN Habitat.

The second conference, held in Istanbul in 1996, was much bigger. It involved representatives from civil society in UN working groups, and produced a 229-page Habitat Agenda. Nation states in the Habitat II process endorsed the the universal goals of ensuring adequate shelter for all and making human settlements safer, healthier and more liveable, equitable, sustainable and productive.

Why does it matter?

More than half of the worlds population now lives in urban areas, and this figure is predicted to rise to almost 70% by 2050. As a result, cities have become focal points for addressing many of humanitys greatest challenges. Economic inequalities have dramatically increased, and are heavily concentrated in urban areas: almost one third of city-dwellers live in informal settlements, such as slums.

stopherjones/Flickr, CC BY-NC

Cities are also responsible for 70% of global CO emissions and two thirds of the worlds energy consumption, making them big contributors to climate change. And coastal human settlements are particularly vulnerable to natural disasters.

In recent times, the international community has made several important global agreements, all of which emphasise the significance of urbanisation. Its seen as both a challenge, and an opportunity to implement the UNs 17 new Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), one of which specifically focuses on creating sustainable cities and communities.

Whos going?

Habitat is a state-led process, so many world leaders and UN representatives will be at the conference. The UN also established a General Assembly of Partners to encourage the participation of local authorities, grassroots and indigenous organisations, womens and youth groups, as well as the private and charitable sectors.

Ministry of Natural Resources - Rwanda/Flickr, CC BY-ND

Whats more, experts from all around the world were invited to make recommendations for the NUA, through ten policy units. These groups examined a range of intersecting issues, including local government finance and urban ecology. Meetings and preparatory committees have been happening since 2014, in anticipation of the main event.

Whats on the agenda?

The main topic of discussion will be the Zero Draft of the New Urban Agenda (NUA): a 24-page document, which outlines the nation states shared vision for a sustainable urban future. The NUA has undergone three rounds of revisions between May and September 2016, to iron out conflicts and reach a consensus between the UN nation states.

First and foremost, the draft emphasises the leading role of national governments in setting up national urban strategies. At a time when mayors are rising to prominence as key leaders on the international stage, the draft does not explicitly mention what role these city leaders might play when it comes to implementing the NUA.

The draft also stresses the need to include local authorities, community and grassroots organisations and the private sector in urban development when appropriate, without providing much detail about when and how this might be.

The controversial right to the city is also enshrined in the document, calling on governments to create cities for people, not for profit, ensuring an inclusive, gender and age sensitive approach to city planning, as well as continuing efforts to reduce urban poverty.

Will it work?

Unlike the Paris climate agreement or the SDGs, the NUA is non-binding  it merely provides guidelines for those involved in urban development. There is a notable lack of practical advice about how the NUA should be carried out, and who is in charge of implementing it. The draft does recognise the need for producing evidence to inform the implementation of the NUA, but does not indicate how cities progress should be measured and assessed.

There needs to be adequate information and monitoring systems to provide relevant city-level data on key outcomes, such as levels of inequality and carbon emissions. And many nations still need to skill up planners to help with these efforts: according to the 2016 World Cities Report, there are 38 planners for 100,000 inhabitats in the UK, compared with 1.44 in Nigeria and just 0.23 in India  two of the fastest-growing parts of the world.

In cities around the world, ordinary citizens, local leaders, civil society groups, community organisations, the private and charity sectors are already addressing global challenges. Good intentions will reach a dead end without proper financing schemes and efficient national urban strategies, which distribute skills and resources across sectors and levels of government.

The extent to which the NUA can pave the way to sustainable, inclusive and resilient urban futures remains uncertain. Outcomes will heavily depend on the willingness and capacity of governments and actors at every level to implement strategies that effectively address the global challenges we face; from climate change and rising inequality, to food security and displacement.


Vicinity Media's Distance Window is a popular and award-winning innovation in the South African (and Middle Eastern) digital media industries. The window publishes the exact distance from the consumer's current location to the advertiser's offer in real-time and displays it within the creative. Until now the window was a static image, meaning advertisers had to allocate space for it within their artwork.

This is no longer the case with the rapidly innovating mobile network having released a Dynamic Distance Window.

The distance to offer now animates into or across the artwork; runs across the bottom of the banner in ticker tape fashion or the entire banner animates into a full-size Distance Window and then loops back to the campaign creative. This new feature, a global first, was designed with maximum flexibility in mind and is being adopted in Vicinitys offices in SA and Dubai (and across Europe as part of a sales partnership with a leading mobile agency).

So, how does it perform? Initial testing with client Famous Brands indicated that consumers love the new feature. A recent Turn and Tender campaign was performing at 0.6% with the static window, this jumped to 0.91% when the dynamic window was introduced across the 300x250 ad unit.

For clients who want a completely unique Distance Window, Vicinity offers a custom Distance Window option. These creative executions use relevant brand icons to transition between campaign creative and the distance to the offer, creating a highly unique and engaging consumer experience.




While some politicians in the global north express doubt about the benefits of trade, countries in Africa are moving ahead with deeper economic integration. This integration will be key to Africa's long-term success and African nations must integrate more, UNCTAD secretary-general Dr Mukhisa Kituyi told a public meeting in Geneva.

Image by 123RF

"Africa has to know that there is no part of the world which has been successful in trading globally without learning first to trade with its neighbours," Dr Kituyi said, talking at a session on inclusive trade at the World Trade Organization (WTO) public forum.

"Africa is widely noted for its low levels of intra-regional trade, but in fact the levels are much higher when North Africa is removed from the analysis," Kituyi said. In East Africa, intra-regional trade is closer to 26%, the same level as in Latin America.

Continental Free Trade Area

Meanwhile, preparations continue for the Continental Free Trade Area (CFTA), bringing together more than one billion people in 54 African countries with a combined gross domestic product of more than $3.4 trillion.

Kituyi said the CFTA was unlikely to happen in 2017 as originally planned, but the target had helped to move the project forward.

"I had the privilege to visit 16 African presidents to talk to them about the CFTA and I am satisfied that a large number of the political leadership believes in the future and the need for African integration."

Change is already happening. In the space of a year, the time required to move a container from Mombasa in Kenya to Kampala in Uganda has dropped from 48 days to four. "That is progress," he reported.

Africa's largest economic sector, its extractive industries, has not created enough jobs on the continent. More intra-African trade will lead to fairer, more equitable, growth, and the creation of more and better jobs.

Kituyi said there were limits to regional integration, however. Switzerland has prospered without joining the European Union. And although a single African currency is politically attractive, it cannot be effective without an effective mechanism to discipline public deficits.

Despite the reservations of some politicians, trade is a powerful driver of jobs, economic growth, and achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals.

"Trade is not just about statistics on goods and services. It is also about people," Kituyi added.

"And for me, trade integration is most exciting whenever it creates more jobs."
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The State University of New York is banning the box, but state Sen. Michael Nozzolio hopes the system's leadership will reconsider.

Nozzolio, R-Fayette, sent a letter to SUNY's board of trustees urging them to reverse its decision and resume screening prospective students for prior felony convictions. He also plans to introduce legislation to address the issue.

"While perhaps well intended, this new policy put students' safety and security at risk," Nozzolio said in a statement. "College should provide a safe and secure environment for learning and parents should not have to worry when they send their kids off to school."

SUNY's board of trustees voted in September to no longer include a question on the admissions application asking students about their criminal history.

Under the new policy, students will be asked if they have prior felony convictions only when they're accepted into a SUNY institution and request on-campus housing. They'll also face questions about their criminal history if they wish to participate in internships or study abroad programs.

SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher called the policy change "a milestone achievement" for the university system. SUNY Student Assembly President Marc Cohen echoed that sentiment.

"Being part of a system that changes lives, it's important to remember that every student deserves a chance at a great life," Cohen said. "The stigma behind criminal offenses might be part of a student's past, but we, the SUNY Student Assembly, believe in a path forward."

Nozzolio doesn't share the same view. He believes the new policy "flies in the face" of efforts to combat sexual assault and violence on college campuses.

With the new admissions policy in place, he fears administrators and students wouldn't know whether there are violent felons on campus.
Pam Helming has picked up labor support in the 54th Senate District race.

The Republican state Senate candidate has been endorsed by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 840. The union cited Helming's pledge to protect workers' rights as one reason why she secured its support.

"Pam has shown her commitment to the working class people of our region and her dedication will be an asset for the working class of the Finger Lakes for years to come," said Michael Davis, president of the Finger Lakes Building Trades Association.

Helming, R-Canandaigua, said she'll advocate for infrastructure repairs and push for efforts to grow the economy.

"I thank the (IBEW, Local 840) for their ongoing dedication and hard work to fostering a better workplace for both men and women within the electrical industry of upstate New York," she said.

"It is an honor to have their support as I continue my campaign for the 54th Senate District. As senator, I look forward to being their voice and advocate in Albany as we work to provide the tools necessary to continue their hard work in this region."

Helming is running on the Republican, Conservative and Independence party lines in the 54th Senate District race. She won the GOP primary in September by 210 votes.

Her main opponent is Democratic candidate Kenan Baldridge.

One of Helming's foes in the Republican primary, Canandaigua businessman Floyd Rayburn, is also on the general election ballot. He'll appear on the Reform Party line after mounting a successful write-in campaign for the party's nomination.

Rayburn, though, isn't actively campaigning for the seat. He will attend events and forums throughout the region, but he isn't raising money.

Election Day is Nov. 8.
Got a question or tip? Contact us at bizmojoidaho@gmail.com.
Live Beacon is a small, battery powered device that uses Bluetooth Low Energy to transmit signals to smartphones and other smart mobile devices. Launched at the end of 2015 with Londons Southbank Centre (the UKs third most visited attraction) the technology is used day-to-day to transmit info to its visitors smartphones.

With a little imagination, retailers, museums, galleries, cafes, gyms (the list is endless) can create content-rich experiences for visitors using beacon technology. Beacons can even replace bulky and expensive printed materials by acting as an information hub, or replace old-fashioned loyalty cards.

While all the above applications for a beacon are not new, the power behind Live Beacon is its simplicity of deployment. The device can be used straight out of the box, requiring no hardware or software set-up.

Within minutes, location-specific information can be broadcasting up to 30 meters. Previously, beacon technology has struggled to gain a foothold due to the perceived and real complexities of deployment, but Live Beacon could well be the spark that ignites more interest in location-based marketing.

Of course, smartphone users can be knee-deep in beacons and not realize it if they do not have the relevant app. So, with deployment of Live Beacon being easy, and accompanied by a free app for both Android and iOS, marketers can devote more time to developing strategies for app awareness and creating superior customer experiences.

Live Beacons Kickstarter campaign began last week and will run for a month.

Were proud and excited to be bringing Live Beacon to Kickstarter, says James Grant, founder and CTO of Live Beacon. We passionately believe in making technology thats easy to use and accessible to everyone, whether theyre a multinational organization or a hobbyist in their bedroom!
State Sen. Jim Seward is reaping the rewards of incumbency.

The Milford Republican raised $110,936.06 and spent $61,302.88 in the most recent fundraising period, according to his 32-day pre-general filing submitted to the state Board of Elections.

With less than a month to go before the election, he has $454,235.62 in his campaign war chest.

Democratic challenger Jermaine Bagnall-Graham's filing showed he raised $5,965 and spent $1,733.49. He has $5,167.78 cash on hand.

Seward's notable contributors include Marjorie Becker, the CEO of Middleburgh Telephone Co. Becker donated $5,000 to the senator's re-election campaign.

Several entities gave to Seward, including the New York State AFL-CIO's political committee. The coalition of labor groups donated $2,000.

A large labor union, 1199 SEIU, contributed $7,000. And the American Insurance Association gave $4,000 to Seward, who is chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee.

Bagnall-Graham, a Democrat from Sherburne, received $3,000 from the Fighting for Children PAC, a group founded by Gary Greenberg.

The PAC endorsed Bagnall-Graham in August.

The Democratic challenger also received $1,000 from the Tompkins County Democratic Committee, $750 from the Democratic Rural Conference of New York State and $300 from the Chenango County Democratic Committee.

Seward is seeking a 16th term representing the 51st Senate District, which includes all of Otsego and Schoharie counties and portions of Cayuga, Chenango, Cortland, Delaware, Herkimer, Tompkins and Ulster counties.

He will appear on four ballot lines: Republican, Conservative, Independence and Reform. Bagnall-Graham will run on the Democratic and Women's Equality party lines.
ITHACA COLLEGE

 Ryan Bianconi, of Aurora, presented research at MathFest 2016, the annual national mathematics gathering of undergraduate and graduate students and professionals, held at the Hyatt Regency at Columbus, Ohio in August. Bianconi, a senior mathematics major, presented his research, "Applications of the L2 Transform to Dawson's Integral," which he worked on in previous semesters.

MYNDERSE ACADEMY

Character education students for September (responsibility)

Grade nine: Sydney Rowley, Olivia Yancey, Zachary Montgomery, Margaux Eller, Shonyeashia Douglas

Grade 10: Trent Youngs, Allison Hilkert

Grade 11: Jacob Robinson, Mary Porretta, Brooke Baker

Grade 12: Tessa Reynolds

CAYUGA COUNTY 4-H

The 2016 New York State 4-H Dog Show took place Saturday, Aug. 20, at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. Eight Cayuga County 4-H members participated in the show. (Note: Listings not edited for style.)

Obedience Classes

Beginner B: Hannah Morrisblue, Calah Morrisred, Moriah Morriswhite

Graduate Beginner A: Katie Chappellwhite, Mathew Learywhite

Novice A: Kailey Kaletblue

Advanced Novice: Rachel Ohearnblue and reserve grand champion, Emily Batesblue, Hannah Morriswhite

Rally Novice A: Emily Batesred

Grooming and Handling Classes

Grooming and Handling A Junior: Moriah Morrisblue

Grooming and Handling B Junior: Kailey Kaletblue, Calah Morrisblue

Grooming and Handling B Senior: Rachel OHearnblue, Emily Batesblue, Hannah Morrisblue

The 2016 New York State 4-H Youth Rabbit and Cavy shows took place on Saturday, Sept. 3, at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. Cayuga County 4-H members participated in this show as follows. (Note: Listings not edited for style.)

Rabbits

Senior Buck, Mini Lop: Hunter Andersen4th place (red ribbon)

Senior Doe, Mini Lop: Hunter Andersen6th place (red ribbon)

Senior Doe, Dutch: Calah Morris1 blue

Senior Buck, Dutch: Moriah Morris 2 Blues, 1 red

Senior Buck, Mini Rex: Payton Youngersblue and reserve best of variety

Senior Buck, Lionhead: Calah Morris2 blues

Senior Doe, Lionhead: Hannah Morris3 blues

Best of Breed, Lionhead: Hannah Morris

Cavies

Best of Breed, Peruvian: Moriah Morris

Best of Breed, Silkie: Moriah Morris

The 2016 New York State 4-H Horse Shows took place throughout the New York State Fair, depending upon the division. Cayuga County 4-H members entered their horses into the fair in the following divisions. (Note: Listings not edited for style.)

Huntseat Division

Showmanship at Halter, Junior: Kailey Kalet3rd place

Trail, Junior: Kailey Kalet1st place, Hannah Uebelman3rd place, Aliya Forward5th place

Huntseat Equitation on the Flat, Junior: Aliya Forward7th place

Hunter Under Saddle, Junior: Kailey Kalet2nd place, Audrey Bartholomew3rd place

Huntseat Pleasure, Junior: Kailey Kalet3rd place, Audrey Bartholomew7th place, Hannah Uebelman10th place

Hunter Hack, Junior: Audrey Bartholomew3rd place, Aliya Forward10th place

Saddleseat Division

Classic Country Pleasure Senior: Brooke Hammersley1st place

Saddleseat Pleasure, Senior: Brooke Hammersley1st place

Saddleseat Equitation, Senior: Brooke Hammersley1st place

Western Division

Showmanship, Junior: Kailey Kalet9th place

Trail, Junior: Kailey Kalet2nd place

Pleasure, Senior: Brooke Hammersley1st place

Roadhack, Senior: Brooke Hammersley1st place

Stockseat Equitation, Senior: Brooke Hammersley10th place

Gymkhana Division

Straight Barrels, Senior: Rachel Malone3rd place

Pole Bending, Senior: Rachel Malone10th place

Quadrangle Barrels, Senior: Rachel Malone10th place

The 2016 New York State 4-H Youth Poultry Science event took place Friday, Aug. 26, at the New York State Fair in Syracuse. The poultry science contest is a knowledge event that consisted of three main components: Live birds, ready-to-cook and eggs. For the live birds portion, youth are asked to judge a class of four laying hens and provide reasons for their placings. For the ready-to-cook section, youth are asked to judge poultry carcass and identify poultry parts. And for the final section of eggs, youth are asked to do exterior and interior egg grading/quality, as well as quality of eggs used for human consumption.

Cayuga County 4-H junior member Sean Kennedy, was the only participant from Cayuga County; he received a third-place ribbon for his age division.
The Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA), the first of the ethnic groups to sign a ceasefire with Naypyidaw, accuses Burmese army Battalion 292 of launching an offensive on October 1 against its base in Wan Boi village, Donglao village-tract, in southern Shan States Mong Kung Township  specifically against a rehabilitation center that the Shan militia has established to help treat drug users in the area.

Lt-Col Sai Nguen, the RCSS/SSAs Peace Team secretary, said that the Burmese army broke the terms of the NCA, and that its commanders did not issue any warning ahead of the incursion.

According to the NCA, both sides are obliged to cooperate in drug eradication efforts, he told Shan Herald on Monday. That is precisely what we are doing as per our agreement. We are treating those who are addicted.

They [government forces] knew that we were operating this kind of work, but they still attacked us, he explained. And they took away the drug addicts after overrunning the base.

On October 7, Shan Herald reported that local residents in Donglao had witnessed the Burmese troops arresting and detaining at least 10 other villagers.

The Shan Human Rights Foundation (SHRF) reported that during the recent clashes, a number of local villagers were arrested, tortured and even killed.

It was confirmed by a local MP that some 2,000 civilians had fled their homes to escape the fighting.

The state-owned Myawady Daily news journal published an article on October 10 that counter-accused the RCSS/SSA of arresting and detaining villagers in the Donglao area.

According to its report, the Shan armed group had arrested 25 people. The government mouthpiece further maintained that those villagers who had been detained by government forces were released on October 7 at an administrative office in Namlant tract of Hsipaw Township.

In response, Lt-Col Sai Nguen denied that the RCSS/SSA had detained local villagers in Donglao.

These people are not prisoners. They are the drug addicts who are being treated at a rehabilitation center, he said, adding that the Myawady Daily report was incorrect.

The Shan army spokesman said that government forces never cooperate with them on these issues, and that they had an agenda of trying to make the RCSS/SSA look bad in the eyes of the local public.

They always create problems when we are simply trying to help people, he said.

Signed between eight armed groups, including the RCSS/SSA, on October 15 last year, the NCA includes a provision that those signatories be removed from the terms of the Unlawful Associations Act, and that persons previously detained under that Act be released.

The accord also allows the ethnic armies to implement initiatives in their territories that fall under the following sectors: health, education, and socio-economic services, as well as environmental conservation, drug eradication, cultural promotion, international and national aid, and private sector activities.

According to Chapter 3 of the NCA document, all sides are obliged to distribute military codes of conduct throughout their command structure.

BY Shan Herald Agency for News (SHAN)
Simultaneously, the Kachin Independence Organization/Army (KIO/KIA) also issued a statement stressing that the outcomes stemming from the offensives on the EAOs and ethnic states would be solely the responsibility of the military.

The military has been on its warpath, opening war fronts in Kachin, Shan and Karen States, more intensively in the aftermath of the Aung San Suu Kyi initiated 21st Century Panglong Conference (21CPC), also known as Union Peace Conference (UPC), which was held from 31 August to 3 September. The second conference of its kind is scheduled to be held within six months, earmarked for the coming February.

Of the three military fronts opened by the Burma Army, the one in Kachin State seems to be the fiercest, employing thousands of troopers, combined with air-strikes, in what amount to be the operation to overrun the KIA garrisons and outposts.

According to the Kachin, the strategy seems to be to drive a wedge between between the different KIA Brigades that protect the rebel headquarters in Laiza, while in western Kachin State, the Burma Army has focused its forces on the mining town of Hpakant, where the Kachin rebels have their main source of revenue through jade-mining and trading.

The cardinal and fundamental question to be asked here is why is the peace process situation deteriorating instead of improving, right after the grand opening of ambitious 21CPC, under the directive of democracy icon Suu Kyi?

Many, who are quite well-informed, are at a loss to find a reasonable answer to this critical question, needless to say for those with just a faint idea of how Burmese politics really works. But before going further, let us first look at the current prevailing situation, in order to make a better assessment.

Offensive wars in ethnic states

Generally speaking, a reasonable approach to conduct peace process would be to first stop shooting, as without peaceful atmosphere or at least absence of armed conflict, it is impossible to hold all-inclusive negotiations that would lead to further consolidation of nationwide ceasefire and eventual political settlement, that would pave way for a lasting-peace. Instead, against this accepted concept, exactly the contrary scenario has been unfolding in Burma, as the military is not committed to the fair process of negotiation, but intentionally unleashing military offensives to pressure and cow the EAOs into accepting its terms or preconceived ideas of surrendered peace and not a compromised one that is central to every conflict resolution undertaking.

Kachin State

The on and off armed engagement between the KIA and Burma Army has been going on since 2011, when the ceasefire agreement of seventeen years broke down.

According to Kachin sources, on 23 August the Burma Army raided and seized the KIA held Nhkram Bum Post. But on 26 and 27 August, the KIA retook Nhkram Bum Post and since that date onward there has been daily fighting.

The military started its intentional attacks on KIA position around Laiza headquarters on 16 August. In its offensives not only infantry troops, counting in thousands, were used but also air-strikes were employed, beginning 23 September. Recently, on 7 October, KIA outpost of Gidon and Nhkram were repeatedly strafed by four jet fighters in rotation.

Lamai Gum Ja of Peace Creation Group (PCG) said: The government (military) started strafing (KIA positions) using four jet fighters this morning at 9:07 hours. It is known to be already the sixth time. Now besides air-strikes, ground forces are also used in the ensuing armed engagement, with twenty battalions involving some two to three thousands troopers.

The KIO information officer Lt-Col Naw Bu also said: We can confirm that [the Burma Army] attacked with four jet fighters for about an hour from 8 am. I have not yet received information about the situation on the ground, so I have no comment about that.

On the same day, in Mansi township, south of Kachin State and along Hpakant-Mokaung road, battles have reportedly occurred between the KIA and Burma Army.

Furthermore, on 1 October, the Burma Army shelled a Kachin village in northern Shan State, killing a two-year-old infant and injuring two children, 5 and 6 years old, who were taken to a hospital in nearby China, according to Kachin activist Khon Ja.

At this writing the Burma Armys bombardment, air-strikes and ground troops attacks on KIA positions are still in progress.

Shan State

The military as if to demonstrate its hard power and who is really calling the shots in peace process involving the EAOs, attacked the Restoration Council of Shan State/Shan State Army (RCSS/SSA) on 1 October, under the pretext and assumption of recruiting new soldiers, followed by the bombardment of the Shan State Progress Party/Shan State Army (SSPP/SSA) positions in Mong Hsu township. RCSS is a signatory of Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA), while the SSPP is not, but had signed a union-level ceasefire agreement since a few years back.

On 1 October, Burma Army launched an offensive against the RCSS/SSA in Mong Kung Township.

Burma Army battalion 292 attacked a drug relief center in Wan Boi village, Donglao village-tract, in southern Shan States Mong Kung Township, including other RCSS outposts.

This relief center was initiated by local people and our armed group, he said. We set up the facility to treat drug addicts  we have about 50 addicts in the program, according to RCSS spokesman, who added that some 2,000 local villagers have to flee their homes because of the fighting.

Further clashes occurred around the areas of Namlan and Mong Kung Townships.

On 7 October, Burma Army pounded SSPP/SSA position in Loi Lan area of Mong Hsu Township, supporting its infantry troops, according to General Sao Khun Seng.

Khun Seng reportedly went to Eastern Central Command in Kho Lam to complain about the attacks, but was denied meeting, although the commander was said to ask for the meeting to clear things out.

On the same day, armed clashes between the RCSS and Burma Armys Light Infantry Division 422 occurred in Tong Lau, near Kung Hsar village, Mong Kung Township. Causality figures were not known from Burma Army side, while RCSS said it was unscratched.

Karen State

The recent conflict in Karen State between the Democratic Karen Buddhist Army  Kyaw Htet (DKBA-KH) and the Governments Karen Border Guard Force (KBGF), has resulted in over 4,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) and a number of refugees fleeing to the Thai side of the border.

In the process of the conflict, the KBGF trying to encroach on the Karen National Union (KNU) controlled territory of Hat Gyi, with the backing of the Burma Army, where a dam is scheduled to be built, is seen as a threat that could widen the war between the Burma Army and the KNU, a signatory of NCA, as KBGF is an organ of the Burma Army.

The leadership of the KNU which oversees the Karen National Liberation Army (KNLA), have all agreed from the outset to oppose any large development projects in Karen State until a stable peace has been reached with the Burmese Government.

The KNLA commanders were said to be against the project and have made it clear that any territorial violation would be met with decisive military retaliation.

Myitkyina demonstration

Two separate protests, on 3 and 6 October, came after months of escalating clashes between the Burmese military and ethnic armed groups, and the death on Oct. 1 of a 2-year-old girl who was hit by mortar fire, in Pu Wang village, Mung Koe Township, close to the Chinese border.

The usual denial of Maj. Gen. Aung Ye Win, a spokesman at the Ministry of Defence, was that the Burma Army forces were not involved in any clashes on that day, as far as he was concerned and refused to give any further comments on the events.

The KIA spokesperson, dispelling the speculation that it might be the rebels fire, also said there were no rebel troops stationed in or around Pu Wang village at the time of the shelling.

Thousands of demonstrators, estimated to be some 20,000 to 30,000 according the NGO sources, on 6 October demanded an end to Burma Army offensives against ethnic armed groups in Kachin State and around the country. The rally in the Kachin State capital began around 8 am at the towns Manau festival grounds, where a similar gathering took place also on 3 October.

The ant-war protesters later marched through the streets of Myitkyina chanting slogans calling for peace. The rally was held with official permission from the towns police, according to organizers.

We the people of Burma demand that the Burmese army cease its offensives in Kachin state and the rest of Burma, and end atrocities that are the result of the civil war, such as displacement, rape and human rights violations against local people, said Tang Gon, one of the organizers of the event.

The armed conflict in Kachin and Shan States, that has started since 2011 when the ceasefire agreement of seventeen years broke down between the KIA and the military, resulted in mass forced relocation of nearly 100,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) spread over in 165 camps.

The protest particularly highlighted the plight of the IDPs, caused by the restriction of aid delivery to be lifted on humanitarian grounds.

Meanwhile the 21st Century Panglong Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) Preparatory Interim Forum issued a statement on 6 October demanding that the Tatmadaw stopped the war in ethnic states, where even young children have to die and suffer. The statement went on to demand that bilateral ceasefire declaration, both by the military and the EAOs, so that the peace process would not be derailed.

On 8 October, about a hundred persons from twenty-seven CSOs that were concerned about the peace process demonstrated in front of the Rangoon City Hall to immediately stopped the war.

The officially allowed protest shouted out slogans such as Stop the war immediately, Justice for the child killed by artillery shell, Your wars are correct, only the citizens are wrong, and  Emergence of federal union through peaceful means.

The US and EU also issued statements urging to stop the Burma Army offensives, during the week.

What now?

This brings us back again to the point why the National League for Democracy (NLD) and its leader Suu Kyi, who is supposed to deliver the goods of peace and development has been totally powerless and could hardly instill a climate of peaceful atmosphere, not to mention her all-inclusiveness commitment and eventual political settlement.

For her part, she seems to be handling the situation appropriately, where give-and-take between her and the military is concerned. Several private meetings with the Commander-in-Chief Min Aung Hliang abound, no one really knows what kind of deal has been cut between them. And if the latest US lifting of the remaining sanctions, that benefited the military top brass and company, which Suu Kyi has made it necessary by coaxing President Obama, is part of the deal is also not clear.

People naturally wonders that one day after the return of Suu Kyi from the US, when its Ambassador to Myanmar Scot Marciel visited of Kachin State and the urged the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) to sign the NCA is remarkable, if not strange. But the point to be noted is that whether there is a connection to the wars in Kachin, Shan and Karen States, which have notably heightened and the peace process, on the verge of being collapsed.

Whatever the case, one could hardly blame Suu Kyi for not being able to deliver, as her helplessness hinges on the political structure that empower the military more than her election-winning NLD government on one hand and the other, her ability to push through her partys policies depends largely on the largesse and political will of the military to cooperate.

The undeniable and stark reality is according to the military-drawn, 2008 constitution, the military is allotted with twenty-five percent appointed seats in all states, regions and union parliaments, plus the control of home affairs, defense and border affairs ministries, which makes the military more powerful than the NLD regime.

Apart from this, the military has been making its own policies and discharge them according to its liking. In other words, it has a monopoly in decision-making, particularly where ethnic states and EAOs are concerned.

It could not be in the interest of the NLD to agree with the military in escalating the war in ethnic states, when it is pushing hard for all-inclusiveness and nationwide ceasefire, so that its 21CPC could be held in a positive light. Sadly, there is nothing that the NLD could do to stop the military from its warpath march.

This explains the deterioration of peace process that is fast leading to the stage of collapse and the helplessness that Suu Kyi has to endure and confront.

For the time being, the militarys objectives are pinned on occupation of more territories and winning small wars. Economic gains and incentives could come from more territorial control coupled with natural resources extractions, while at the same time it could also undercut the ethnic rebels support base financially.

But one thing that the military is not yet ready to tackle is the holistic political solution that encompass all the ethnic nationalities, Bamar included, along the line of equitable power and resources sharing, unless it is according to its prescription.

To sum up, it now looks like that the military is determined by all means to push through its committed and convinced mode of surrendered peace, where its preconceived ideas of military guided democracy and its leading role are guaranteed and not a noble, compromised peace that promotes unity in diversity with a high degree of power devolution and decentralization, which is anchored in an acceptable form of genuine federalism.
On This Arthritis Day, Make These 5 Yoga Asanas A Part Of Your Daily Exercise Wellness oi-Staff

October 12 is observed as World Arthritis Day. Arthritis is an inflammation of the joints which can leave us crippled. Today, it is a menace in all parts of the globe, including India. India, in fact, can become the home of 60 million osteoarthritis patients by the year 2025. Every year, over 15 million adults (aged between 30 and 50) are diagnosed with this particular form of arthritis, which is also the most common type, in this country. Indians are affected by arthritis more than any other common disease.

What is arthritis?

Yoga for Sciatica, Arthritis, Hernia | Garudasan,    | Boldsky

Arthritis is not a single disease but an informal way of describing severe pains in the joints, swelling of the limbs and stiffness. Medication and physiotherapy can help alleviate some pain while sometimes, surgery is also advised. But the ailment can never be completely cured. However, a healthy living, eating habits, exercise and yoga can help a patient to cope with reduced effects of the ailment to a great extent. There are more than 100 types of arthritis and people of all age groups and sexes (women though are more prone to suffer from it because of bone-related reasons) can be affected by it.

Causes of arthritis:

Our body joints have a firm but flexible connective tissue called cartilage. It protects the joints by absorbing the pressure created when one moves and puts stresses on them. A reduction in the cartilage tissue causes some form of arthritis. However, the exact cause of arthritis is still not known. Some probable reasons are:

 Injury, particularly those caused during sporting activities

 Overusing electronic gadgets that affects our fingers, wrists, elbows, spine, hip, etc.

 Autoimmune disorders

 Smoking, which increases chances of rheumatoid arthritis

 Overweight issues, which put pressure on joints, particularly knees, joints and hip

 Genetic factors

 Metabolic disorder

Symptoms and diagnosis of arthritis:

Common symptoms of arthritis include joint pain, stiffness and swelling and difficulty in movement. For those having arthritis, movement becomes particularly bad early in the morning and during winter.

If you have rheumatoid arthritis, fatigue and loss of appetite due to inflammation, anaemia caused by a decrease in red blood cells and fever are common symptoms. Severe rheumatoid arthritis can cause deformity in joints.

Your doctor will examine the accumulation of fluid around the joints and analyse the inflammation levels in the blood and joint fluids to determine the nature of arthritis. Images of bones and cartilage can be examined through imaging scans like X-ray, MRI and CT scans.

Yoga to cope with arthritis:

Yoga is an effective way to cope with arthritic pain. During yoga, the body stretches itself, giving a boost to its flexibility. However, it is important to make the movements carefully and postures that cause discomfort should not be continued with. The deep breathing also soothes the body and mind.

Here are five yoga asanas that help, if you have arthritis:

1. Surya Namaskar or sun salutation: Stand straight facing the early morning sun with both feet touching and bring your hands together. Join the palms against each other and put them in front of your chest in a praying position. Exhale and raise the arms. Bend backward slowly and stretch your arms above the head. Slowly bend forward from the waist but keep the spine erect. Bring the arms down to touch the floor, beside the feet. While inhaling, push your right leg back as far as possible. Bring your left knee to the floor and look upwards. Then, take the left leg back and bring the entire body in a straight alignment. Bring your knees to the floor and exhale. Bring your hips back slightly, slide in front and rest your front on the ground and raise the back slightly up. Repeat the same with the right knee as well.

2. Savasana or corpse posture: A relaxing pose which allows the body to recover. Lie down on your back with all four limbs stretched out. Breathe slowly and methodically. It soothes your mind, calms your blood pressure and cures headache.

3. Anjaneyasana or Crescent Lunge: Take position of a lunge. Put your right knee to the floor. Bring it closer so that the left leg presses on the ground. Bring the arms above your head in a way that it comes in an alignment with the ears. Repeat the same with the left knee.

4. Setubandhasana or Bridge Posture: This yoga asana helps your spine and hip joints and gives relief from pain and discomfort in these regions. In this, lie flat on your back and stretch out the arms by your side. Keep the palms down. Put your upper arms and feet on the floor and push your hips towards the ceiling. Distribute your body weight equally on the inside and outside of your feet. Move your chest bone towards the chin and lift the chin slightly upward. Keep the knees over the ankles, perpendicular to the ground.

5. Vriksha Asana or Tree Posture: Another excellent yoga asana for your joints and muscles as this boosts your blood circulation around the arthritic joints and alleviates the pain. Stand upright with your feet joining together and knees remaining straight. The arms should be placed on the sides. Without bending the left knee, lift the right foot and hold the ankle with your right hand. The right leg should be folded at the knee joint. Then with the help of both hands, put the right heel on the left thigh with the toes pointing downwards. The right heel should press the thigh's inside. Keep yourself balanced on the left leg. Next, join your palms and fingers and bring them to the left leg and then to the middle of the chest. The fingers should be pointing upwards in a praying pose. Breathe and raise your joined hands slowly over the head. Stretch up and stand straight, maintaining your balance.

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Story first published: Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 13:00 [IST]
AUBURN  A state program that provides guidance and supervision to children under 18 exhibiting concerning behavior could be getting a makeover in Cayuga County.

Jay DeWispelaere, director of the county's Probation Department, said there has been countywide discussions on how to rework the Persons in Need of Supervision program, specifically to move his department away from the lead agency role and allow counselors and service providers to take cases on from the start.

The program, he explained to county legislators at Tuesday night's Judicial and Public Safety Committee meeting, works with children who may be skipping school, or engaging in minor criminal behavior that may not be significant enough for jail time.

He said many of the petitions the department gets are from school districts, who choose not to deal with truancy or behavioral issues. Typically, he said, the probation department spends 45 minutes to an hour on paperwork, assigning the child to a counselor. He said the way the process unfolds currently is frustrating for families.

"Working with Health and Human Services and Cayuga Counseling and a lot of other private service providers, we're looking at a new system that will work more focused on the families," DeWispelaere said. "We're going to try and start focusing more on behavior that the child is presenting and engaging the families to help them learn how to manage the child."

DeWispelaere said he is working with Ray Bizzari, the county's director of Community Services, on how to streamline the process. But, he hopes to have a new approach in place for the start of next year.

"PINS countywide is going to look significantly different moving into 2017 than it has up to this point in time, and I think that's a real positive as well," he said.

In other news:

 The village of Moravia will potentially cut off about 21 outside customers from its water system, said Doug Selby, interim director of the county's Water and Sewer Authority. Selby said the village was struggling with serving customers outside the village, "who are connected with poorly engineered, substandard water pipelines and services that were installed without regulatory approval," in a report to county legislators on the Public Works Committee.

Selby said the authority looked into cost estimates of rebuilding one subsystem serving 21 customers, and that totaled more than $500,000. The village, Selby said, wished to divest itself of the orphan pipelines and customers.

"It's not doable, unless someone steps up with outside funding," he told legislators Tuesday night.

 Gary Duckett, superintendent of the county's Parks and Trails and Buildings and Grounds, said the Merry-Go-Round Playhouse in Owasco is considering adding a lobby to its building. Wanting a concession stand and a place for theater-goers to mingle should there be bad weather, the playhouse wanted to know if Cayuga County legislators would support looking into an expansion. The Public Works Committee gave the go-ahead.

Duckett said the biggest issue would be with the historical character of the building.

"Whatever they do would have to be approved," he said.
SPAFFORD  The search for a Syracuse man who had apparently drowned on Skaneateles Lake Monday ended after the New York State Police SCUBA unit found him approximately 120 feet underwater Tuesday afternoon.

Ulises Garcia, 50, was located near the area where his companion's pontoon was anchored just off the shore of Lourdes Camp on Ten Mile Point Road in Spafford, according to state police.

The possible drowning was called in at approximately 4:28 p.m. Monday. Authorities had spent more than three hours searching for the man, but the search was suspended around 7:45 p.m. as darkness set in. Crews went back early Tuesday morning to search, eventually finding Garcia's body with side scanning sonar.

Troopers said the man was with two others, a friend and Garcia's son, when they arrived at Ten Mile Point at around 2 p.m. Monday to go scuba diving. Friends at the scene Tuesday morning said they were trying to recover a boat motor that had recently sunk in the lake.

Troopers said Garcia and his friend went out on a red pontoon boat within a quarter mile of the shore, with the son watching from shore. The friend called 911 after Garcia dove into the water but did not resurface, and there was no indication of any air bubbles along the water, troopers said. It is unclear how long the man had been submerged prior to the call.

An autopsy is scheduled Wednesday morning to determine the official cause of death. Police said the investigation is still ongoing.
With the election season in full swing, a number of sobering issues have entered the discussion, including taxes, race relations, and foreign policy. But California has taken the initiative to declare a new matter of public urgency: cow farts.

Last month, Gov. Jerry Brown signed SB 1383, a bill that targets bovine flatulence in the states fight against climate change. On the surface this vendetta against methane emissions from either end of a cow may seem like something published by The Onion, but ineffective and ludicrous regulations have become a harsh reality for agriculture, an industry that is constantly being painted as eco-unfriendly. Time and time again, animal rights groups and environmentalists claim that animal farms are a danger to the environment and must be regulated.

However, the claim of livestock being eco-unfriendly doesnt pass the sniff test.

The EPA calculates and publishes the nations annual greenhouse gas inventory. In its latest report, all of agriculture in the U.S. accounts for only 9 percent of the emissions. Animal agriculture  including tooting cows  is an even lower percentage.

Methane is produced by livestock due to their digestive system. And to deal with the issues of methane emissions, dairy farmers have already made great strides toward limiting their footprint. One way is by increasing efficiency.

According to a report by Judith L. Capper of Washington State University, farmers have achieved this by raising 64 percent fewer cows to produce more milk than they did in 1944. Increasing the productivity of their livestock has not only been good for farmers given reductions in maintenance costs, but it has been good for the environment as well, leading to a decrease in the carbon footprint per pound of milk produced by 41 percent over the last 70 years.

This strategy of focusing on increasing productivity has been supported by the EPA, which has stated that increased animal productivity can lead to a reduction in the amount of methane emitted per unit of animal product.

Another way farmers are attempting to curb methane emissions is by turning them into renewable energy. Farmers in Wisconsin are leading the way with this effort by trapping methane from manure decomposition and using it to produce renewable biogas. This has been achieved by installing biogas engines and anaerobic digesters on farms to not only limit methane emissions but turn them into energy, bedding, fertilizer, and heat for the farm.

But methane is not the only environmental issue farmers are condemned for. Another common myth about farmers is that they are wasteful with their water. A commonly misunderstood statistic is it takes 1,800 gallons of water to produce a pound of beef. This figure is published by anti-meat groups like PETA and the Humane Society of the U.S. that want fewer people eating burgers. But the Water Footprint Network reports that 94 percent of beefs water use is rainwater that falls onto grass that cattle graze on.

Meanwhile, many farmers have made innovations on their own to deal with the increased reality of limited water supply. Farms such as Bob Durhams, a small beef cattle operation in Texas, have developed ways to capture rainwater on their barns and store it via 5,000-gallon water storage tanks. Not only does the system conserve water, but it also filters the rainwater to provide clean water to cattle troughs using gravity-fed pipes. These advances in rainwater collection have been seen as a vital way to deal with limited water supply and have been used as examples to help educate the public on rain catchment and storage.

In the end bills like Californias may allow a few politicians to pat themselves on the back, but do little to actually clear the air about modern farming.
The Sept. 27 article Pence breaks with Trump, says humans affect climate change shows how far conservatives have come. Business leaders and economists say we need a federal policy to protect our economy and planet.

Rep. John Katko is a Republican who is encouraging Congress to move on climate change in a way that protects our economy, by signing a resolution with 14 Republican colleagues recently.

Mr. Katko should further lead by sponsoring a carbon fee and dividend bill in Congress. It would place a low but rising fee on carbon that is entirely returned to American families in a monthly check. The monthly check would help defray any increases in energy costs. It has a border adjustment that would protect American businesses and workers if imports or exports are traded with countries who do not have a carbon fee of their own.

Business leaders like CitiGroup and the Risky Business Project, have outlined the risks to the economy if we do not act soon. These reports outline more severe weather events, billions in property damage, decreased crop yields and large energy demands, if we do nothing.

A carbon fee will allow investors to pour money into clean energy sources. The program is projected to expand the economy by 2.8 million jobs over 20 years, and increase GDP by $1.375 trillion, according to models. Former Secretary of State George Shultz, a respected Republican, and many others have endorsed this proposal.

So contact Rep. Katko now and ask him to lead us in this effort for carbon fee and dividend.

Justin Bird

Jamesville
Vanguard - The Chinese auto brands recorded about a 100 per cent growth in 2011 in Nigeria when compared to their performance the previous year. According to import statistic from the nations' ports, a total of 4,508 Chinese vehicles were sold in Nigeria in 2011 as compared with 2356 units in 2010. This means that the Chinese brands are fast becoming a threat to the Japanese, Europeans and American brands in the country.

It should be recalled that when the first set of Chinese models entered the Nigerian market some years back, not many gave them a chance to survive the highly competitive market where the tastes of average Nigerian were very high. To many, it would only take a matter of time for the Chinese models to fizzle out.

The Chinese models then were poorly finished, lacked latest technology as most of them were fitted with outdated engines from Japanese makers, especially Mitsubishi. But unlike Nigeria, the Chinese knew where they were heading to in the automobile industry.

They knew that there is hardly any nation that has a thriving economy that does not have renowned automobile brands or thriving auto industry. The examples are countries like the United States, Germany, France, Britain, Japan, Korea to mention a few.

It has even been discovered that in most cases, the auto brands are more popular than their countries of origin like in the case of Volvo and Sweden.

So, the Chinese continued to improve with every successive model launched into the markets, knowing that one day they would get it right. Although, the Chinese are not yet there when it comes to first class automobiles, one could attest to the fact that the Chinese models that are being introduced into the market today are much more improved when compared to the earlier models launched into the country years back.

Today in Nigeria, the Chinese models are no longer the laughing stocks but are even marketed by reputable companies like CFAO Group, Coscharis Group, SCOA Group and many others.

From the sedan to pickups, Sport Utility vehicles, Mini buses and trucks, the Chinese vehicles have shown strong presence and even have dominated certain segments of the market. Commercial buses like Jinbei, Foton, Joylong and others have been given the Japanese brands like Toyota and Nissan a serious fight in their categories. Even in the luxury bus segment, the Yutong is coming up with beautiful models that are yet to be tested in the Nigerian market.

Some of these vehicles are sold all over the world including Europe. They have proved to be alternatives to those who do not have the huge sum to purchase European, Japanese and American made buses in their various categories. Brands like GrateWall, Geely, Brilliance, Chana, FAW, Lifan, Forland, JAC have continued to adorn the Nigerian roads, with many models.

While some of these models can be said to be good, others are below average and Nigerians are beginning to separate the good from the bad ones. It is therefore not surprising that brands like ZX Autos, and few others have gone under probably due to their quality and poor backup.

Aware that they could not compete in the upper car market segment, the Chinese have concentrated on the budget and lower car category to penetrate the Nigerian market. Brands like Geely, MG Rover, Brilliance, Cherry, BYD have proved that the Chinese can compete favourably in the passenger car segment.

Although the Chery and BYD presence seems to have gone down due to lack of proper push, the Geely, MG Rover and Brilliance have continued to establish their presence in the market with latest models. Geely small car, Panda, won the budget car of the year in Nigeria in 2011.

Most of the Chinese models have undergone tremendous transformations in the last few years. For instance, apart from the early Brilliance models like Grandure and Splendor, Hyra Motors had launched the improved models of this brand into the market, including the Brilliance FRVSports Sedan and hatback as well as Geely Panda.

Though the earlier models of Brilliance were produced with old Mitsubishi engines, the current models of these brands now come with Chinese made engines which are more refined with latest technologies. The Geely models, however, are the real revelations from China.

The MG Rover from China, which used to be a British brand is out of this world. The MG Rover range can give any European, Japanese or American made sedan a good contest any day. They are the hallmark of Chinese auto technology.

During a recent test-drive by the Nigerian Motoring press, the MG Rover models received accolades from the motoring press, who concluded that the models have the potentials to rule their various segments. But how long they can last is another question?

Having made tremendous improvement on the brands over the years, the Chinese brand cannot be said to have impressed its customers in terms of after-sales and warranty. Most of their customers believe that the brands offer little or no warranty on most parts compared to the Japanese, Korean and other car markers.

But it is only a matter of time, the Chinese brands would catch up with the other auto powers mentioned earlier. This leaves us with the question, "what is Nigeria really up to on the world automobile map?"
A man cycles past the logo of Swiss industrial group ABB at an office building in Zurich, Oct 24, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

ABB Group, the Swiss power and automation company, will optimize its resources to support China's industrial upgrading and take new opportunities from the digital sector in the long term, said its top executive.

ABB announced earlier this month that it will shape the company's divisions into four unitselectrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power gridsto enhance its earning ability, as well as realizing its full potential in digital technologies.

These divisions will start operating as entrepreneurial units within ABB on Jan 1, 2017, reflected in an enhancement of its performance and compensation model focusing on individual accountability and responsibility.

Ulrich Spiesshofer, ABB's chief executive officer, said China has always been a strong and important market for ABB. The company will continue to invest in China, especially in digitalization, automation and power supply sectors.

"If you look at the opportunities in our four divisions, they are very significant. On the electrification side, electric vehicles are coming up at high speed," said Spiesshofer.

"China today is the largest robotics market in the world. And we can truly make a difference there with our strong foothold."

China has been implementing a plan titled "Made in China 2025", aiming to strengthen the country's manufacturing capacity under the guidance of technological progress, knowledge-based transformation and green development. This will help the Chinese economy grow at a faster speed.

ABB opened new service stations in China this year, as well as new research and development activities in the second half of this year. It also plans to expand its advanced robotic technology capability in the service industry.

The Swiss firm employs more than 18,000 in China and operates 40 local firms across a sales and service network in 147 cities.

ABB gained orders of over $300 million for world's first 1,100 ultra-high-voltage direct current transmission link in China in July.

Eager to enhance its earning ability, ABB appointed a chief digital officer in September, who will lead the next level of development and deployment of ABB's digital solutions for customers globally and across all businesses.
DETROIT (AP) -- "D'oh!" What was Ford thinking?

Belittling your product probably isn't a great marketing tool, but two top Ford Motor Co. executives recently criticized the looks of the new Taurus sedan, with one comparing it to doofus cartoon character Homer Simpson.

While speaking in Detroit this month, CEO Alan Mulally and Derrick Kuzak, head of global product development, took shots at the current Taurus, with Kuzak likening its looks to the portly, balding, doughnut-devouring Simpson.

During a speech to industry insiders, Mulally hinted that a new, nicer-looking Taurus is coming in the next year or so, adding a crack about the current car.

"The new Taurus that you're going to see in the next year or so is the one we should have made originally," he said while addressing a seminar. "It is just fabulous."

Kuzak went even further while speaking to a group of analysts. He projected a slide with Simpson standing above a Ford Five Hundred, the sedan that was renamed the Taurus last year. Next to Homer were cartoon images of Superman and Mr. Incredible, each above small drawings of sleeker versions of the Taurus that could hint at the next generation of the family sedan.

"As you walk from a Homer Simpson design to a Superman design, it's all about millimeters matter," Kuzak told the analysts. He pointed to minuscule differences in the bumpers and the proportion between the window glass and the body side. He also noted the need to fill the wheel well with the right-sized tires.

"That's only delivered when the engineering team does not dumb down the design because of engineering and manufacturing feasibility concerns," Kuzak said. The public could listen to the audio and view the slides on the company's investor Web site, but Ford pulled the Homer Simpson slide after a reporter's inquiries Monday.

Seldom do auto company executives criticize vehicles on the market, fearing such talk could hurt sales.

"It's really unique," said David Koehler, a clinical marketing professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. But since it came from the CEO and another top executive, Koehler said it's likely a concerted effort.

"It wasn't a rogue V.P. that was frustrated with the lack of innovation," Koehler said.

Industry analysts say criticism of the Taurus shows that Ford is becoming more candid about recognizing and fixing problems.

"I think they're being sincere, intellectually honest that the design at Ford has really lagged," said Bear Stearns analyst Peter Nesvold. "Something about Mulally's leadership has allowed people to be a little freer about their views."

In 2006, Ford let the Taurus name die, replacing its flagship family sedan with the Five Hundred.

One of Mulally's first big decisions after being hired away from aviation giant Boeing Co. was to revive the Taurus name last year, placing it on an updated version of the Five Hundred that was given minor exterior changes and a new engine and transmission. Mulally has said he couldn't understand why the company would scrap the Taurus, once the best-selling car in the U.S.

The move, though, failed to resuscitate already sagging sales. Ford sold only 68,178 Taurus and Five Hundred sedans last year, down 19 percent from 2006.

"Let's call it for what it is. It's been a failure," said Kevin Tynan, an auto analyst with New York-based Argus Research. "I don't think you can rename it Taurus and think it makes a difference."

Taurus/Five Hundred sales were only a fraction of Toyota Motor Corp.'s popular Camry, which again was the top-selling car in America last year at 473,108.

Ford's strategy could be aimed at drawing attention to its increased quality and better designs, Koehler said. It also could backfire, leaving the public with the impression that Ford doesn't believe in the existing car, Koehler said.

But Richard Bazzy, who owns two Ford dealerships in Pittsburgh's northern suburbs, said he can sell the current car despite the comments.

"Everything about the car is fabulous, but it does look like Homer Simpson," he said, commending Mulally for making a necessary change. "The only way you can solve a problem is to correctly identify the problem."

Ford spokesman Mark Truby said there is no concerted effort to criticize the car. The executives merely wanted to show that with more design freedom, Ford will produce better-looking vehicles, and the Homer Simpson reference was an effort to bring humor to the presentation.

David Cole, chairman of the Center for Automotive Research, likes the honesty and said Ford couldn't call the existing Taurus a success.

"You've to go be realistic in this business," he said. "Just because you call something a beautiful flower doesn't mean it's a beautiful flower."




WASHINGTON (PTI): The US has set an ambitious goal of sending humans to Mars by the 2030s as part of its efforts to open up new avenues of space exploration, US President Barack Obama has said.



"We have set a clear goal vital to the next chapter of America's story in space: sending humans to Mars by the 2030s and returning them safely to Earth, with the ultimate ambition to one day remain there for an extended time," Obama said in an op-ed in CNN on Tuesday.



"Getting to Mars will require continued cooperation between government and private innovators, and we're already well on our way. Within the next two years, private companies will for the first time send astronauts to the International Space Station," he said as he laid out plans for his ambitious goal.



Later this week, Obama has convened a meeting of some of America's leading scientists, engineers, innovators and students in Pittsburgh to dream up ways to build on the progress and find the next frontiers.



Just five years ago, US companies were shut out of the global commercial launch market. Today, they own more than a third of it.



More than 1,000 companies across nearly all 50 states are working on private space initiatives, he noted.



"The next step is to reach beyond the bounds of Earth's orbit. I'm excited to announce that we are working with our commercial partners to build new habitats that can sustain and transport astronauts on long-duration missions in deep space.



These missions will teach us how humans can live far from Earth -- something we'll need for the long journey to Mars," Obama said.




File photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi with Russian President Vladimir Putin. A PTI Photo.

NEW DELHI (PTI): Cooperation in key areas of security, defence and trade will be discussed when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin hold talks on Saturday after which the two sides are expected to conclude "important bilateral agreements".



Announcing Putin's four-day visit to Goa from October 14 to 17, External Affairs Ministry said besides attending BRICS Summit on Sunday, he would also hold 17th Indo-Russia Annual Summit where the leaders will review the entire gamut of bilateral ties including the progress made since their last Summit meeting in Moscow in December 2015.



"Important bilateral agreements are expected to be concluded and a joint statement released at the end of the Summit," the ministry said.



The meeting between the two comes in the backdrop of the the first ever joint Russia-Pakistan military exercise recently.



It also comes at a time when India is undertaking large-scale defence modernisation programme involving replacing old Russian equipment with modern ones from the country itself and from other nations.



Besides discussions to boost cooperation in crucial areas of defence, security and trade, the two leaders will exchange views on regional and international issues.



Some of the most important defence deals currently under discussion are purchase of 5 S-400 'Triumf' long-range air defence missile systems, Kamov-28 helicopters and upgradation of the Sukhoi 30-MKIs.



Another project under focus would be the long pending joint development of the fifth generation fighter aircraft (FGFA).



India is also looking at leasing an Akula-class nuclear submarine from Russia.



The ministry said given that the year 2017 marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a number of commemorative celebrations are planned.






KOCHI (PTI): A Naval Air Enclave (NAE) which will help the Navy to enhance surveillance of Western Coast was inaugurated at the Cochin International Airport here by Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba.



The setting up of a NAE will facilitate the operations of Boeing P8I aircraft from CIAL to enhance surveillance of area around the Western Coast and the strategically critical Lakshdweep and Minicoy Islands, a Navy release said here on 5 October.



It would also enable timely assistance to be rendered to the neighbouring countries who share friendly and ancient ties with India.



The air enclave would be utilised to accommodate and operate aircraft which cannot be operated from naval airstation INS Garuda due to inadequate runway length available.



Speaking on the occasion, Admiral Lanba said the inauguration of the NAE again revives the bond between the Navy and civil operators which came to a halt with the shifting of civil air operations to Nedumbassery.



The naval air station at Garuda is limited in its operations due to space restrictions, bird menace due to very dense human habitation in vicinity and growing obstructions around the airfield.


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Band conductors from six provinces will be in Brandon this weekend for the National Conducting Symposium.

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Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 12/10/2016 (2210 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

A car that rolled into a creek near Melita last weekend, claiming the lives of two Irishmen, tumbled off a temporary detour designed to replace a bridge that washed away more than two years ago.

Melita and Area Fire Department chief Dave Lamb said the driver of the vehicle managed to navigate the right turn from Provincial Road 445 onto the temporary diversion, but didnt cross the gravel pathway over Graham Creek.

It looked to me like maybe they had veered a little bit off to the shoulder of the road, maybe caught some loose gravel, and went into the creek, said Lamb, who noted RCMP investigators have not yet determined a cause.

The washed-out bridge  approximately a mile west of Provincial Trunk Highway 83  was one of dozens affected by ravenous flooding in 2014, which breached roads and ripped culverts in what is now the RM of Two Borders.

The majority of those bridges have been repaired, but a number still remain in a queue, like the bridge west of Melita where two men lost their lives.

Its just an unfortunate situation that that (bridge) was one of the last ones to do, Melita mayor Bill Holden said.

Irish news outlets identified the men as Raymond McCann, 42, and Cathal Murphy, 33, who were in Canada for work purposes. They were originally from County Cork, the southernmost county in Ireland.

Melitas fire department, along with Westman RCMP and paramedics, responded to a report of an overturned vehicle at approximately 10:30 a.m. Saturday.

When they arrived, Lamb said they noticed a car overturned in a creek in approximately five feet of water, which had seeped into the cab where the two men were found unresponsive. They were pronounced dead at the scene.

An autopsy is being conducted, according to a RCMP spokeswoman, who wouldnt confirm if speed or alcohol are considered factors.

RM of Two Borders Head of Council Debbie McMechan said theres an added grief when a crash occurs on infrastructure not meant to be permanent.

Im sure the people of MIT (Manitoba Infrastructure and Transportation) are feeling just as sick about it. I know its an uneasy feeling you have knowing that something is out.

Though it has taken more than two years to repair some bridges, McMechan said most residents are understanding because theyve lived through the flooding devastation.

She said 56 municipal crossings in Two Borders were damaged by the 2014 flooding and all but eight have been repaired. A handful were fixed temporarily and will need to be redone, she said.

Manitoba Infrastructure could not confirm Tuesday how many of its bridges were damaged by that years flooding. The government department said in a written statement that the road where the fatality occurred is in good condition and has appropriate signage.

Bridge repair work in the municipality has included provincial crossings west of Melita on Provincial Road 445, according to the Holden.

Lamb explained there is signage beginning at the top of the hill before the creek alerting residents to slow down.

Ultimately, they got it signed, they got barricades up, he said. I dont know what more they could do for a temporary fix  ideally, theyd fix the bridge.

Bystanders first came across the car Saturday morning, but Lamb said it is not immediately known when the vehicle crashed into the creek.

 ifroese@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @ianfroese
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 12/10/2016 (2210 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Following a series of random sexual assaults in downtown Brandon, organizers of Take Back the Night say this years march is of paramount importance.

I think particularly in Brandon right now  this is an empowering moment for people to  take back the night and take back the streets, said Allison McCulloch, associate professor of political science at Brandon University.

The annual event takes place Thursday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m., starting with a rally at the BU courtyard, followed by a march through the downtown core.

File The annual Take Back the Night march will be held Thursday, Oct. 20. It starts with a rally at the Brandon University courtyard at 6 p.m.

The public is encouraged to attend. Prior to the march, participants will have a chance to make posters and listen to speakers from the community, including Carla Navid (Brandon University, sexual assault and prevention co-ordinator), Brandy Robertson (Womens Resource Centre), Greg Monias (Brandon University Students Union) and Michael Barkman (Canadian Federation of Students). An all-ages reception at SUDS will follow the march.

The purpose of the event both here and elsewhere is to raise awareness about the levels of sexual violence, sexual assault and harassment and street harassment that women and others also face, often on a daily basis, McCulloch said.

Last week, U.S. presidential candidate Donald Trump dominated headlines once again, this time for a leaked tape from 2005 which recorded Trump saying lewd and vulgar comments about women.

Trump passed off the comments as locker-room talk.

What hes describing isnt locker-room talk, its ultimately sexual assault, McCulloch said. And if you look at what happened on Twitter as a result, one woman saying, Im going to tweet my story  so many women have responded. This is a major problem, and we need to end it, and we only do that by working in solidarity with each other.

Take Back the Night is held in communities around the world, to resist gender-based violence in all of its forms. The first Take Back the Night events date back to the 1970s, and are now held in more than 30 countries annually.

Last month, Brandon police issued a warning to the public as they believed four sexual assaults against women in downtown Brandon may be linked. The women were targeted while vulnerable  walking alone in isolated or dimly lit areas  and police advised citizens to take precautions when walking at night.

The assaults occurred April 9, July 3, Aug. 18 and Sept. 12. No arrests have been made. The suspects are described as one Caucasian and one aboriginal man, about 25 to 30 years old.

Anyone with information is asked to call the BPS at 204-729-2345. They can also call Brandon Crime Stoppers at 204-727-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-222-TIPS. Tips may also be submitted to Crime Stoppers online.

 jaustin@brandonsun.com

 Twitter: @jillianaustin
Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 12/10/2016 (2210 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The ancient river that flows through western Manitoba has a long and storied history and, considering the high water flows along the Assiniboine River within the last five years, its a topic worth further study.

It was also the subject of a presentation at the Riverbank Discovery Centre on Tuesday night, hosted by Barbara Huck and co-author Doug Whiteway featuring the book In Search of Canadas Ancient Heartland.

The Assiniboine River hasnt always been in the current path we find it today. Hucks book looks closely at the rivers paleo channels that have morphed and changed trajectory several times over the last 10,000 years.

Colin Corneau/The Brandon Sun Barbara Huck and co-author Doug Whiteway discussed the Assiniboine River and their the book In Search of Canadas Ancient Heartland at the Riverbank Discovery Centre on Tuesday evening.

That information should have a direct bearing on cities like Brandon that utilize the river for recreation and their water source.

The river, what it does, is it gradually builds itself up, and then you get a major flood, or some kind of major event  even an ice jam, Huck said yesterday before her presentation. Its going to find a new channel. Youre down in the middle of a big valley, so there arent many channels to find.

The effect the ever-changing river has had on the provinces geologic and human history can provide an idea of what Brandon can expect down the road, especially when it comes to the next flood event. To her mind, looking at the floods of 2011 and 2014 as a one-in-300-year event  two in this case  may be missing the boat.

I know theyre going back 300 years to look for high water levels, but Im not sure thats enough. All you need to do is have a major flood at the same time as a very fast melt in the spring. I dont know what youd do, honestly.

The book is available for purchase at the Riverbank Discovery Centre.

 The Brandon Sun
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 12/10/2016 (2210 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG  As the Syrian refugee crisis continues, so do Canadas  and Manitobas  obligations toward refugee resettlement. With a reported 900 Syrians to arrive in Manitoba before the end of this year, what have we learned since last autumn?

We believe the overall response from Canadians and Manitobans during the Syrian refugee crisis of late 2015 and early 2016 was overwhelmingly positive, despite vocal detractors. There was a flood of donations of money, furniture, material and time Canadians contributed toward Syrian refugee resettlement. There was a surge in initiatives to sponsor Syrian refugees under the private sponsorship program.

Such individual initiatives were matched by the unprecedented mobilization of resources from the federal Liberal and provincial NDP governments. Commitments were made by both levels of government when large groups of Syrian refugees began to arrive last December. The feds supported, among other things, an increase in temporary staff at Welcome Place, the housing arm of the resettlement organization the Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council, to facilitate the housing and settlement of incoming Syrians. The province, adamant that not a single Syrian would stay in hotels, supported an increase in transitional housing.

Moreover, it expanded the rent supplement program, through which the province covered the difference between market rental rates and rent (geared to income) paid by tenants. Welcome Place personnel say large numbers of incoming Syrian government-assisted refugees were able to access rent-supplemented units. The result: a greater number of affordable units in a greater number of neighbourhoods, with the better likelihood of meeting the needs of Syrian families.

The 928 Syrian refugees destined for Manitoba arrived between December 2015 and March 2016. Manitoba received an average of 1,167 refugees per year from 2008-13, Manitoba Immigration Facts reports. In other words, Manitobas refugee-resettlement community was responsible for the rapid resettling and housing of a number of incoming Syrians that vastly exceeded their regular responsibilities. That they were able to do so while avoiding placing Syrians in hotels reveals both their tremendous work and that governments made available the resources to do so. Of this group, 766 were government-assisted refugees and eligible to receive one year of federal government income support equivalent to provincial social services. Contrary to privately sponsored refugees who receive housing, social and emotional support from their sponsors, government-assisted refugees frequently arrive with no social or familial contacts.

For refugees of any designation, resettlement is a long and arduous journey, necessitating learning a new language and culture, finding employment prospects, navigating school systems and a myriad of other challenges a settled population simply cannot imagine. And it is in the initial period of resettlement we must provide the strongest supports we can muster to ensure positive settlement experiences. Such positive experiences benefit all of us.

Refugees from all countries require both temporary accommodations as well as some form of subsidized long-term housing in order to have the most successful resettlement possible and end the cycle of displacement and disruption. And while rent supplementation enabled a rapid response to the first cohort of Syrians, it should be noted such policy mechanisms were made available amid the long-term decline of social housing in Canada. It is crucial that it continue, however, it is but one of the policy options available to the provincial government. The other is to simply build and support more social housing.

This is important to consider as Syria is but one of many examples of violent displacement. If we can reasonably expect to provide refuge in Canada and Manitoba, we must think seriously about the mechanisms and resources at our disposal. That means changing our thinking from a singular, geographically specific crisis to providing reliable and durable supports for refugee-serving agencies and resettled refugees, so settlement is not subject to election cycles or when our interest happens to be piqued.

The tremendous upsurge in goodwill, effort and resources by Canadian society for welcoming and settling Syrian refugees is to be lauded. However, this alone cannot ensure the successful housing and settlement of refugees, whether they originate in Syria or elsewhere. And it is in mobilizing our collective resources for housing and settling such refugees that we give real teeth to our international humanitarian obligations.

 Hani Al-Ubeady is housing counsellor at Welcome Place, and Ray Silvius is an assistant professor at the University of Winnipeg. They, along with Emily Halldorson, an independent researcher, are involved in a three-year project, sponsored by the Manitoba Research Alliance, studying the housing situations of former refugees in Winnipeg. Their column recently appeared in the Winnipeg Free Press.
Opinion

Hey there, time traveller!

This article was published 12/10/2016 (2210 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Do we need another planet for our species or should we just focus on this one?

Tech entrepreneur and founder of a private space-exploration firm, Elon Musk announced in September he intended to send people to Mars.

He also outlined a philosophy that would see humans become a multi-planet species.

Not content to just have people visit the Red Planet, Musk envisions sending a million people to live there by the end of the century.

His technical ambitions are impressive: he plans to start sending transports carrying 100 people per trip to Mars within the next decade, using and reusing a transportation system including a rocket 3 times as powerful as NASAs biggest, the Saturn V.

Far from scoffing at the prospect, observers are taking Musk seriously  and so they should.

Boeing CEO Dennis Muilenburg has already announced his company will get a human to Mars before Musks does.

Underlying the scope of such an undertaking is a bigger question, though: why go?

Humans have a long history of colonizing, in many waves, whether its through Africa, Eurasia, Australia, the Pacific or the Americas  in fact, settling everywhere on this planet except possibly Antarctica.

But the prospect of not just going to Mars, but staying there, raises the question: do we need another planet?

Based on the way weve been treating this one, its a question worth considering.

Greenhouse gas emissions have led to a troubling milestone for our atmosphere: this year, for the first time on record, carbon did not drop below 400 parts per million.

All evidence points to the fact that not only is our climate changing, but the seven billion humans on this planet have something to do with it.

Mars, from what we know, is inhospitable to human life.

A colony could thrive there as long as people are protected from the environment and would require the best in technology to achieve it.

Why then shouldnt the Earth, currently the only planet we have, get the same kind of respect? Should the climate change drastically  and it could, to a sort not seen since before humans walked the Earth  we may find things pretty inhospitable here, too.

Science fiction author Kim Stanley Robinson predicted this 20 years ago in his landmark novel Red Mars.

As settlement on the Red Planet turned to efforts to manipulate its climate to become more Earth-like so people could live on the surface without spacesuits, runaway climate change on Earth caused problems there.

In describing the irony, one of the characters remarked the best and brightest had to turn their efforts to making Earth inhabitable as well. Thankfully, were not at that point yet. And with inventors like Musk still actively believing that change is possible, perhaps there is still hope.

While Musk has set his sights on the Red Planet, he has not ignored this one. The South African-born Canadian-American is not only the founder and CEO of SpaceX, but also the co-founder, CEO and product architect of automaker Tesla Motors  which is famous for its mass production of electric cars and the co-founder of SolarCity, a California company that designs and installs solar power systems.

Certainly the road to saving Earths environment will not be easy, and we need our politicians and our citizenry to be on board, just as much as our scientists and engineers. We need more men like Musk who have the ability to dream and think big and understand that change in our lifestyles and economies as a necessity.

The effort to settle on Mars will be a feat of human ingenuity, engineering and creativity  the same rigour that will be required to save this planet as well.

After all, its home.

 Winnipeg Free Press & The Brandon Sun
Almost one million cigarettes have been seized by Revenue.

They were located in a number of operations in Dublin and Cork over the past week.

Detector dog Casey (pictured below) located 900,000 of them smuggled in five pallets labelled as catering equipment in Dublin Port today from the Netherlands.

The cigarettes seized at Dublin Port

In Cork on Sunday, detector dog Harvey found 7,000 cigarettes in two houses in Castletownbere. Two Lithuanian men in their 40s were questioned and a prosecution file is being prepared.

Meanwhile, in Dublin Airport last Wednesday, Revenue officers seized 22,000 cigarettes when they stopped and searched two men who had arrived on a flight from Istanbul.

The 48-year-old Bulgarian and 37-year-old Moldovan were arrested at the scene and appeared before Judge Halpin in the District court. They were remanded in custody to Cloverhill prison and will appear in court again tomorrow.

In all, 930,000 illegal cigarettes have been seized. The total value of the seized cigarettes is 511,000, representing a potential loss to the Exchequer of 412,000.

Four men have been arrested in connection with the operations.
General Practice members in the Irish Medical Organisation have denounced the "lack of support" for them in Budget 2017.

Dr Padraig McGarry, Chairman of the GP Committee of the IMO, said that the budget offered nothing to "hard-pressed GPs" except an increased workload and reduced resources.

Dr McGarry said that the budget had more to say on sheep - a 25m Sheep Welfare Scheme was announced yesterday - than GPs despite what he claims the growing problems in the sector.

He said: The shocking reality is that the welfare of sheep got more attention than the welfare of General Practice in this budget.

Dr McGarry also said that the Government is delaying new GP contract talks "to avoid hard decisions".

He said: "It's not good enough for the Minister to talk about the urgency of talks on a new GP contract but continue to long-finger them.

The IMO had agreed a Memorandum Of Understanding with the Department of Health and the HSE on the items to be discussed under the contract, but all talks came to a shuddering halt with the formation of the Government.

"There can be little doubt that this is a delaying tactic to avoid putting urgently needed resources into General Practice."
One of seven people accused of murdering Dale Creighton in Dublin has pleaded guilty to violent disorder.

Jason Beresford of Ard a Laoi, Castledermot, Co. Kildare, initially denied the charge but changed his plea this morning.

Dale Creighton died in hospital following an alleged attack on a footbridge in Tallaght in the early hours of New Years Day 2014.

Jason Beresford is one of seven people on trial for his murder. They all pleaded not guilty to murder and violent disorder last week.

But this morning, 23-year-old Beresford pleaded guilty to violent disorder, so the jury will only have to consider the murder charge against him.

Todays first witness Edward McCabe lives near the footbridge and said he saw three men at the bottom of the steps on the night in question.

He said one man gave another a wallop and he fell against a barrier. He said he watched as the man staggered across the road and collapsed.

Karl O'Leary was making his way home with his girlfriend after ringing in the New Year and he told the court a young man ran past him and he heard somebody scream from behind "Grab him, he robbed her phone".

He said he recognised two of the accused running after him.

The trial continues.
Hillary Clinton has pressed Republicans to take a clear stand on Donald Trump as she tries to capitalise on party divisions since revelation of his predatory comments about women prompted party leaders to abandon him.

The Democratic candidate's campaign manager, John Podesta, said that she will assert at campaign stops that Republicans - particularly those running for office in November - need to clarify their position on Mr Trump.

"Are they with him or are they against him?" Mr Podesta asked.

Mr Trump, meanwhile, highlighted a new batch of hacked Podesta emails published by WikiLeaks, the anti-secrecy group.

At a rally in Florida, he launched a fierce attack on Mrs Clinton and asserted that Mr Podesta's leaked emails show more clearly than ever that the former US Secretary of State and her family are corrupt.

"It never ends with these people," he said.

He condemned Mrs Clinton on a broad array of issues, including immigration, national defence and international relations, and asserted that official Washington - both Democrats and Republicans in Congress - is committed to protecting special interests rather than the people.

Mr Trump criticised the Justice Department's handling of the probe into Mrs Clinton's email server, claiming there was collusion with the Clintons, and he suggested that both Democrats and Republicans in Congress went along with it.

"Did they make a deal where everybody protects each other in Washington?" Mr Trump asked the crowd in Ocala.

Mr Podesta says the FBI is investigating Russia's possible involvement in the hacking of thousands of his personal emails, raising the extraordinary prospect of a link between Russia and the US presidential election.

Mr Podesta also said, without offering proof, that Mr Trump's campaign may have been aware of the hacking in advance.

While acknowledging the evidence was circumstantial, Mr Podesta said the alleged ties could be driven either by Mr Trump's policy positions, which at times echo the Kremlin, or the Republican's "deep engagement and ties with Russian interests in his business affairs".

Longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone flatly denied any such link to Russia, and senior Russian officials denied interfering in the election.

Russian president Vladimir Putin said in Moscow that "hysterics have been whipped up to distract the attention of the American people from the essence of what the hackers released ... For some reason nobody talks about this.

"They talk about who did it. Is it really that important?"

Previewing Mrs Clinton's planned rallies in Pueblo, Colorado, and Las Vegas, Mr Podesta said even those Republicans who have revoked their support for Mr Trump following revelation of his sexually aggressive comments have "propped him up for a very long time".

One such Republican, Senator Deb Fischer, of Nebraska, reversed herself and said she will support Mr Trump after all.

As party leaders step away from him, Mr Trump is vowing to win the election his own way.

He declared on Fox News last night that he is "just tired of non-support" from Republican leaders and "I wouldn't want to be in a foxhole with a lot of these people".

With his campaign floundering and little time to steady it, Mr Trump is reverting to the combative, divisive strategy that propelled him to victory in the Republican primary.

That means attacking every critic - including fellow Republicans.

Those close to Mr Trump suggest it is "open season" on every detractor, regardless of party.

That approach raises questions about the future direction of the Republican Party.

Mr Trump's campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, said she does not foresee a new political party emerging from the Trump split.

"What I think you do see is a party that has growing pains because it is an expansive party that represents different viewpoints," she said on Fox News.

"So I think this party is very dangerously close to being the party of the elites.

"And yet Donald Trump is really giving voice to the workers ... He's been able to expand the party in many ways."

Mr Trump is striking hard at House Speaker Paul Ryan, who told Republicans on Monday he will no longer campaign for Mr Trump with four weeks to go before Election Day.

"I don't want his support, I don't care about his support," Mr Trump said.

"I wouldn't want to be in a foxhole with a lot of these people, that I can tell you, including Ryan. By the way, including Ryan, especially Ryan."
US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump would be "dangerous from an international point of view" if he is elected, the UN human rights chief has said.

Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein re-emphasised his recent expression of concerns about "populist demagogues" that prompted a rebuke from Russia's ambassador to the United Nations.

In a broad-ranging news conference touching on issues like violence in Yemen, Syria and sub-Saharan Africa, Mr Zeid said some remarks by Mr Trump are "deeply unsettling and disturbing to me", particularly on torture and about "vulnerable communities".

"If Donald Trump is elected, on the basis of what he has said already and unless that changes, I think it's without any doubt that he would be dangerous from an international point of view," Mr Zeid told reporters in Geneva.

The comments from Mr Zeid, a Jordanian prince, are likely to fan a debate in UN circles about whether he has been overstepping his mandate as the High Commissioner for Human Rights with comments on the US presidential nominee and nationalist, xenophobic leaders in parts of Europe.

Only a day earlier, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations in New York, Vitaly Churkin, said Mr Zeid should not criticise foreign heads of state and government "for their policies. This is not his business. He should be more focused on his specific responsibilities".

Mr Zeid alluded to reports indicating that Mr Churkin had last month formally complained directly to the UN secretary-general about his comments, saying: "I was not there, of course, and there was no demarche (formal report) made to me."

The rights chief also advanced the debate publicly. While he acknowledged UN rules that instruct the world body to avoid intervening in issues that are the "domestic jurisdiction of states," Mr Zeid alluded to similar complaints about interference once made by apartheid South Africa that the UN General Assembly dismissed "time and again".

As for the run-up to the November 8 US presidential election, Mr Zeid said: "Clearly I am not keen or intent on interfering in any political campaign within any particular country." Still, he added that he felt he should speak out in the wake of Mr Trump's calls that suggested he favoured a "potential" for an increase in "the use of torture".
A man in the US charged with posting cyanide to a suicidal man in England has been found guilty by a federal jury.

Sidney Kilmartin, from Windham, Maine, was found guilty on Tuesday of mailing injurious articles resulting in death and witness tampering.
Both Labor and the Liberals have left it until the eleventh hour to submit major election policies to Treasury for costing, prompting concerns they will not be scrutinised by polling day.

Treasury will stop publicly releasing costings of party policies by 10pm Thursday, and is, on average, taking three to four days to scrutinise each election pledge it receives.

A plan of Labor's promised expansion of the Canberra Hospital, with a new "SPIRE Centre" at the Kitchener Street end of the campus, and a new emergency department, with the current emergency department dedicated to maternity and children.

Despite the looming deadline, both parties were yet to submit significant policies by mid-afternoon Wednesday.

The Liberals had not given Treasury their bus policy for costing, despite it being announced months ago.
Litter volume in NSW has dropped by 12 per cent in the past year, the latest national litter index has found.

The Keep Australia Beautiful National Litter Index for NSW found drink containers made up 49 per cent, take away containers 24 per cent and print and advertising material eight per cent of total litter volume in NSW.

NSW Environment Minister Mark Speakman will announce the index results on Wednesday, highlighting the drop for being "almost halfway" to meeting the Premier's Priority of reducing litter volume by 40 per cent by 2020.
At the age of 67, David Reddin decided it was time for a change; time to break from his corporate past, time to try something new.

The thought came to him while he was working out his contract as a consultant, and was weighing up whether he was really ready to retire.

David Reddin

An avid outdoors walker, Reddin decided to turn a spare-time passion into a full-time career, and co-founded a walking tours company Walking Holidays.

"Creating the business, building the website and social channels has kept me very busy and I'm loving every minute," he said.
The bill passed the lower house with bipartisan support but then mysteriously stalled in the Senate. The government never brought the bill on for a vote even though it had Labor, Greens and crossbench support.

The Abbott government announced the Life Gold Pass plan in its 2014 budget in an effort to show that the "age of entitlement" was over for everyone - even former MPs on the gravy plane. The changes would kick about 200 former MPs off the scheme and save taxpayers about $1.5 million a year.

Special Minister of State Scott Ryan says an Abbott government-era bill to kill off the controversial entitlement will be reintroduced to Parliament in the coming weeks, after lapsing at the July election.

The Turnbull government has revived plans to abolish the Life Gold Pass - which gives former MPs free business-class travel on the taxpayer - in the wake of a High Court ruling on politicians' perks.

The Gold Pass entitles former politicians to a range of free air travel. Credit:Rob Homer

It's believed the High Court case - in which four former MPs challenged the constitutionality of changes to post-Parliament payments - was one of the reasons the government put the bill on the go-slow.

The court on Wednesday rejected the long-running case brought by former Howard government minister John Moore, Hawke government minister Barry Cohen and Labor backbenchers Tony Lamb and Barry Cunningham.

They used section 51 of the constitution  made famous in the classic Australian comedy movie The Castle  to challenge Howard and Gillard government changes to the law that have slowed the growth of their retirement allowances and limited the number of return trips they can take on the Life Gold Pass.



The men claimed the changes constituted an unlawful acquisition of their property by the Commonwealth - the same argument the Kerrigan family used to fend off developers in the 1997 film.



Had the High Court ruled in their favour the decision would have benefited about 350 former MPs - including recently retired politicians such as Bronwyn Bishop  and 100 spouses. It would have added millions to the $40 million pension bill taxpayers already pick up each year.



But the court unanimously agreed the changes were lawful and "did not constitute an acquisition of property" because such entitlements were "inherently liable to variation". The court also ordered the plaintiffs to cover all the costs of the case - estimated to run into many thousands of dollars.

Senator Ryan welcomed the decision and said the Parliamentary Entitlements Legislation Amendment Bill would be reintroduced unchanged in the current spring sittings of Parliament, due to end on December 1.



"The Australian government remains committed to ensuring the parliamentary work expenses framework keeps pace with community expectation and is affordable in the current budgetary climate," he said.



The Life Gold Pass once offered former MPs unlimited travel on the public purse.
The opposition's chief tactician, Tony Burke, is getting stuck into Financial Services Minister Kelly O'Dwyer.

"She couldn't answer a basic question....There's a serious confidence issue already for the minister," Mr Burke says.

"It's not the first time an opposition has moved an amendment of that nature.... t's the first time a government has supported one inadvertently."

"You've got government ministers who pay no attention to the legislation in the parliament."
Big Picture competition: Win a trip for two to India

Entries for Traveller's sixth The Big Picture competition for travel photography, in association with Fairfax Media's Clique photo club, are now open.

Clique, presented by Nikon, is run by the photo departments of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age and aims to inspire people of all skill levels to take better photos.

Enter Traveller's sixth Big Picture competition for travel photography and win a trip for two to India, courtesy of APT, including an eight-day cruise on the Ganges. Credit:Sudip Roy

The winner and a guest will receive the following prize from APT, valued at up to $17,390:
The employers of school cleaner Vincent Stanford say there were no "red flags" raised with them about his disturbing behaviour in the lead-up to Stephanie Scott's murder.

This is despite court documents outlining how the 25-year-old killer was sighted at Leeton High School when he wasn't rostered on and was seen lingering around and entering the girls' school toilet block.

He had also managed to obtain the alarm code to the school even though the principal had requested that casual cleaners have no access to it.

Colin Joss and Co cleaning division spokeswoman Fleur Thompson told Fairfax Media if an issue was raised with the company, it would have been investigated.
Sick Queenslanders will have access to medicinal cannabis treatments after the passing of laws allowing doctors to apply to prescribe the drug on a much larger scale.

The legislation, passed unanimously on Wednesday night, opened up a legitimate pathway for patients with certain types of illness to access the treatment.

Doctors will be able to apply to prescribe cannabis.

Regulatory changes introduced last year allowed individuals to apply for treatment but only one person had been approved to date.

A Logan family's "long and at times frustrating" battle to get treatment for their son was highlighted in the lead-up to the bill's passage.
More Queenslanders than residents of any other state are worried that there may not be a secure supply of water, according to a report by the Australian Water Association.

"They just don't think we will have enough water for the longer-term," Daniel Lambert from Arup Australia - a member of the Australia Water Association - said in the Australian Water Outlook report presented at the World Water Congress in Brisbane on Wednesday.

Motorists wait for water to subside over the Bruce Highway outside of Innisfail in 2011. Credit:Jonathan Wood

And 77 per cent of the community was prepared to drink recycled water.
A woman has been charged after a man was stabbed south-west of Mackay.

Police were called to an address in Clermont where they found a man with stab wounds to his thigh, bicep and a cut to his lower back.

The 29-year-old was transported to Clermont Hospital for treatment to his non-life-threatening injuries.

A woman, 24, was arrested at the address and charged with two counts of unlawful wounding.

She was due to appear in Mackay Magistrates Court on Thursday.
After a six week initial public offering, Victorian beer firm Broo has announced it has raised $10.5 million and can now list on the ASX.

The move is part of broader strategy to target the biggest beer market in the world, China.

Broo Ltd boss Kent Grogan is focused on expanding into China. Credit:Pat Scala

"We are very happy to say the least," said Kent Grogan, founder and CEO of Broo Ltd.

Grogan described the company's plan to expand into China and the reliability of the kangaroo logo on Broo's "premium but mainstream" products.
Thousands of Melburnians are facing a fourth day without power after wild spring weather, while towns along the Murray River are on flood watch.

Nearly 8000 properties are still without power following wind gusts of up to 100km/h on Sunday that cut electricity to almost 130,000 customers.

Most outages are in Melbourne's outer eastern suburbs and nearby hills, with AusNet Services hoping to have power restored to many customers by the end of Wednesday.

But with numerous single house wires down as well, AusNet spokesman Hugo Armstrong said some customers might have to wait until Friday for power.
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.
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October 3, 2022

Dee Gambit

Hundreds  if not thousands  of new and returning TV shows and movies are released every month  your options of what to watch are endless. Variety, they say is ...
In this episode of Scream Queens, titled Handidates, Zayday tracks down a survivor of the Halloween massacre, the Green Meenie kills two more patients, Hester arrives at the C.U.R.E. Institute and Chanel receives a surprise proposal  sort of.

After discovering Tylers body, Chanel Number One declares that not only is there another serial killer on the loose, but that Number Five is the guilty one. This is ridiculous since Number Five had been with them the whole time, but Number One argues that even though Number Five was present and accounted for during many of the Kappa murders, she still thinks her minion is responsible for some of those murders.

Scream Queens Recap: A Love Triangle Forms and Hester Returns >>>





Another Boyfriend Bites the Dust





Number Three thinks they should cave in to Hesters demands for discontinued beauty products, move her to the hospital and find out who the killer is, but both Number One and Number Three agree thats a terrible Idea. Number One wants them to do some detective work on their own.

Dean Munsch bursts into the operating room and recruits the Chanels to help her get rid of Tylers body. These murders are in direct conflict with the mission statement of the C.U.R.E. Institute. If word gets out that theyve got two dead patients that reek of a serial killer, all of the Deans hard work will be for nothing when they shut the place down.

The Dean decides to dump the body in the swamp. Since anybody could be a suspect, the Dean is going to conduct an internal investigation. She swears all of the Chanels to secrecy.

While the hospital is on a winning streak when it comes to curing the incurable (Randal no longer suffers from that Jumping Frenchman of Maine Disorder), hes also the Green Meanies next victim. When he comes face to face with the killer, he believes its some kind of test and is actually relieved to feel no anxiety at all when he meets his grisly fate.

A Loon with a View

With Randal missing, the Dean and Chanel decide to go visit Hester. She still refuses to give them any information until her demands are met: beauty products, a transfer and a room with a view. Dean Munsch assures Hester that she will never leave the asylum, but the Dean has acquiesced to one of Hesters requests and presents her with a VHS copy of the film A Room with a View.

Hester promises that the longer they stall, the more outrageous her demands will become. Now she insists that they finalize the purchase in her name of a time-share condo in Cabo San Lucas where Hester will be free to enjoy six all-expense paid weekends a year  no blackout dates. Time is ticking, and from what Hester can tell, the Green Meenie is going to make the Red Devil look like a girl scout.

A Hands-Plant

Chad Radwell is convinced that Dr. Brock is the killer, and he takes the evidence he has  a police file on Winthrop  to the Dean. Chad points out that according to every horror movie ever (about someone getting the hand of a serial killer put on their body), the hand eventually takes over and starts murdering people.

Dr. Brock argues that there is zero scientific evidence of any transplant recipient exhibiting behavior related to the donor, but Chanel Number One recalls Dr. Brocks hand doing crazy stuff at the movie theater. Dr. Brock chalks it up to muscle spasms.

Chad tells Chanel that she has no choice but to dump the guy with the gay murdering hand and start boning him again. Dr. Brock wants Chanel to know that before she makes her choice, she should know hes the highest-paid sperm donor in the state.

Chanel declares that shes not choosing either man. She is no longer the girl who can be easily seduced by the man who has the most money or is the most rich.

Dr. Brock points out that all the disappearances and murders began when Chad showed up, so it would seem that hes the murderer. The Dean would beg to differ, explaining that Chad is a moron, perhaps the dumbest person shes ever met. He was also the worst lay she ever had. But he may have a point. They cant allow anything to deter patients from coming to the hospital, including the rare possibility that the chief surgeon has a hand that takes over his body and starts killing people.

Munsch doesnt want to fire Brock since hes not only a great surgeon but also incredibly easy on the eyes. However, they do need to do something about his hand. Theyre going to search for a new donor, one without a homicidal history. Its either that or Brock goes.

The Big O Over and Over and Over

In the meantime, the hospital has a new patient. Sheila (Cheri Oteri) is plagued by multiple spontaneous orgasms. (A similar case happened on Greys Anatomy.) The yoga teacher started experiencing her symptoms two months ago. The condition is destroying her life. Her husband left because he immediately realized that all of Sheilas orgasms with him were fake. She begs them to do anything to make it stop, including removing her vagina. This leads Number Three to ask if its even possible to remove a negative space.

Dr. Cassidy Cascade gives Sheila the news that shes suffering from Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder (PGAD). He questions if shes gone through menopause or had hormonal treatments because those are two ways to trigger the condition.

The treatment is a large dose of antidepressants akin to the amount Sea World gives its most suicidal orcas.

Dead Doc Walking

Later, Dr. Cascade speaks to Number Three about her behavior during their consult. He noticed that she looked kind of bummed out, and she confides in him that shes never had an orgasm. Number Three admits that this issue is just part of a larger problem  she is alive but not really living. Dr. Cassidy returns the favor and confides in Number Three that he has a secret of his own: Dr. Cassidy is dead. During his junior year in high school, he got wasted at a party. His friends warned him not to fall asleep on his back or he could choke on his puke and die. The next morning, he woke up covered in vomit and realized that he must have died. Now hes cursed to walk the Earth for all eternity  like a Highlander.

Number Three questions Dr. Cassidy about his ability to breathe since hes dead. Cassidy doesnt know, but thats why he decided to become a doctor. He needed to know if modern medicine had an answer, but its only raised more questions. He could be a zombie or maybe theres a task he has to accomplish before the universe allows him to die a natural death. Cassidy thinks that task might be helping Number Three feel alive again.

The Skin Care Empire that Death Built

The girls are kicking back in their dorm, but while Zayday and Number Five play Scrabble, Chanel Number One is having a bit of a meltdown. During their most recent visit to Hester, the former Kappa told Chanel that her skin looked dry and she needed to try some esrun cream. Chanel already moisturizes three times a day with this shady stuff she orders from China (made from panda sperm or stem cells of political prisoners). Zayday notices that she has the letters to spell out esrun, and when she rearranges them, they spell nurse.

Zayday, the Chanels and Dean Munsch head to Florida to visit the nurse who created esrun cream, Lynn Johnstone. They arrive at Johnstones palatial estate in the Everglades and are shocked to learn that Lynn is a man. He was there that night of the massacre at Our Lady of Perpetual Suffering. He was in the bathroom doing number two when the murders occurred. The hospital paid him $5 million in hush money and made him sign a non-disclosure agreement. Zayday asks if Lynn got a look at the killer, but he didnt need to because he knew who it was.

Lynn was chummy with Nurse Thomas, and a few nights before she and everyone else was killed, she was freaking out because Halloween was coming up. Lynn tells them about that Halloween night in 1985.

Lynn figured there had to be a connection, but he decided to just forget about it, until recently. Lynn has been receiving phone calls threatening to kill again. Lynn knew they were trying to hide it, but he could tell it was a womans voice, and Lynns first thought was that it was the pregnant woman, Bills wife.

Quiz: Which TV Bad Boy Would You Date? >>>

Who Flunks Second Grade Eight Times?





Denise Hemphill doesnt understand why the killer would be choosing to exact revenge now. He already got it by murdering the entire staff in 1986. And why target patients?

Dean Munsch is convinced that the killers motive is to bring down the entire hospital. She believes the killer works at the hospital and is over six feet tall, which probably means hes male. That rules out the mother, but her baby is another story. He would be around 30. Number One says Dr. Cassidy fits that description, but Dean Munsch points out that so does Chad Radwell. It turns out Chad was held back in the second grade eight consecutive times. Number Three throws Chamberlains name into the pool of suspects.

Dean Munsch lets Dr. Brock know hes off the hook since hes obviously far too old to be the killer. She also tells Chad that hes her number one suspect. Dr. Brock is eager to get back to doing what he does best  saving lives and winning the hearts of nubile, young medical students.

Chad isnt about to go down without a fight, but Dr. Brock has plans. Chad may be younger and richer, but the next body hes touching with his hands is Chanels. Hes going to propose. Chad Radwell says he always wins no matter what, and Dr. Brock warns Chad that he has no idea who hes dealing with, and if Chads smart, hell get into his car and drive far away.

Will You Sign My Greenup?

Instead, Chad decides to beat Dr. Brock to the punch and asks Chanel to look over a prenup, and if she signs it, hell consider asking her to marry him. An ecstatic Number One says yes.

Dr. Cassidy and Number Three are still trying to figure out what caused Sheilas condition since the treatment isnt working. They figure out that Sheila hurt one thing while doing yoga, which irritated her other thing, and laughing is what is making her orgasmic. All she requires is a simple surgery.

Ice, Ice Baby

Dr. Cassidy makes good on his promise to try and help Number Three achieve an orgasm, but she just cant get in the mood. Although shes attracted to the handsome doc, hes so cold that its like hugging a snowman. He reminds her that hes dead, and hot blood doesnt pump through his veins like it does hers. To prove it to her, Dr. Cassidy takes his temperature, and it reads a very chilly 61 degrees.

Bridesmaids Revisited

Since all of Chads best buds are dead, he asks Dr. Brock to be his best man. Even though Brock hates Chad, he loves Chanel. According to Chad, its the best mans job to make sure the groom doesnt freak out and leave the bride at the altar. Chad has cold feet, and hes convinced that he cant be monogamous. Dr. Brock suggests that Chad not get married, but he doesnt want to hurt Chanel. Dr. Brock agrees, but he lets Chad know that when the couple breaks up in six months, hell be there to comfort Chanel by having a lot of sex with her. Chad says he wouldnt have it any other way.

Chanel shows off her massive engagement ring to the girls and asks Zayday and Number Three to be bridesmaids. Since she and Number Five arent that close, Chanel offers her the job of ring bearer, but Number Five has to dress like a dog and walk down the aisle on all fours with the ring strapped to her back.

Chanel announces that the wedding will be the following day. Since Chad is so rich, she put a rush order on everything. She needs to act fast, otherwise Chad might change his mind or forget.

Julie Dies and Hester Arrives

It looks like Julia might be the first patient to check out of the hospital alive. Shes already called the press and plans to tell everyone about the stellar treatment she received, putting C.U.R.E. on the map. But just as shes about to leave, the Green Meanie arrives and decapitates her. He also takes a swipe at Chamberlain but leaves Zayday untouched.

Hester arrives at the hospital and is greeted by Denise and Zayday. Since her lead checked out, Denise pulled some strings to get Hester transferred on the condition that she cooperates with the investigation.

Really Cold Feet

Chanel Number Ones wedding is a bleak affair (despite a nauseating amount of Pepto pink). Its held in the hospital chapel with attendance in the single digits. She walks down the aisle but arrives at the altar and waits for Chad. Number Five points out that its customary for the groom to show up ahead of the bride, but Number One tells her that Chad asked Chanel to come first so she could get used to it.

Something splatters on Chanels dress, She looks up and sees a pool of blood, and then Chads dead body falls through the ceiling. At least Chanel gets to keep the ring.

Is Dr. Brock now the prime suspect? Could Nurse Hoffel be the mystery caller? What is really up with Dr. Cascade?

Scream Queens season 2 airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on FOX. Want more news? Like our Facebook page.

(Image courtesy of FOX)
In episode 3 of NBCs This Is Us, we got an in-depth look into Randall and Williams story. Specifically, we saw how William met Randalls mother, how his addiction led him to give up his child, and Rebeccas secret past with William. The episode was filled with heartwarming moments, as usual. We were also given our fair share of tear-jerking moments as well. Here are 10 moments from Kyle that will definitely make you misty-eyed.

This Is Us Recap: How Are William and Rebecca Connected?>>>

1. Williams Drug-Addiction Montage

Weve already been introduced to Williams drug addiction, which led him to give up Randall at a fire station. But seeing him as a young, strapping poet on the bus really brought home how tragic his story was. We saw him as an aspiring writer who met a beautiful girl and fell in love, and then unfortunately watched as addiction overcame both of them. Randall was left sad and alone, with a child he couldnt take care of. Seeing all of these vital moments in his life play out on the bus we know hes so fond of made it that much harder to watch.

2. Kates Ballad

When Toby wakes up and nurses a hangover from the Hollywood party he and Kate attended the night before, he hears her singing in the shower. To his (and our) surprise, she has an incredible voice. Weve only known Kate to be fierce, but incredibly insecure about the spotlight. It was a beautiful surprise to see this gift of hers. But when pressed about why shes never pursued it, she heartbreakingly says, When I was really young, Cyndi Lauper was kind of my jam. Time After Time cover was  I rocked it. I rocked it like it was my job. But then I grew up  and I grew. And I try to avoid the spotlight.

3. William Watches His Son Leave the Hospital

When Randall first met William, he basically admits that he has no recollection of leaving him at a fire station. However, a flashback shows us that, not only did he leave him at a fire station, he followed the firefighters to the hospital and watched to make sure his son was left in a good home. It was heartbreaking to realize that he told his son that he has no recollection of leaving him, when in fact, he was very conscious of his selfless decision.

4. He Feels Like a Stranger

Despite the seemingly beautiful moment in which Jack and Rebecca decided to take Randall (aka Kevin) home, things werent as easy as they seemed. Though Jack refused to see the negative, Rebecca admitted that their adopted son felt like a stranger because he wouldnt latch on for breastfeeding. Its a hard truth, but not every adoption will automatically feel like a blood connection.

5. Rebeccas Relationship with William

While we thought all this time that William had no idea about Jack and Rebecca and vice versa, we found out that Rebecca actually reached out and met William shortly after adopting Randall. She wanted to know her new sons parents and find out how to better connect with him. Even more sad, it showed that William and Rebecca both had to keep this from Randall, who desperately wanted to know his biological parents all his life.

6. William Realizes His Downfalls

Despite starting a good relationship with his son, the visit from Rebecca reminded William that he was never a father to Randall. As he says, he doesnt have the right to come in and reap the benefits of someone elses parenting, so he leaves again.

7. You Can Fix Her, Right?

Poor Jack is desperate to start his happy family, but his wifes internal struggle to connect with her children stands in the way. He wants so badly for her to be happy that he goes back to the doctor to ask if he can fix her. He learns that shes going to have to get through this with his support, and only time will help her bond with her kids.

8. Williams Results

We knew William was sick, but it still hurt just as badly hearing the news from the doctor. There was a part of us (and probably Randall) hoping that maybe he was getting better or he wasnt as sick as first described. The doctor told William that theyre in the late stages of his condition, and not much can be done. Randall refuses to let that be the end of it.

9. Playing Second Banana to Kates Brother

Toby has been probably the most consistently sweet character on This Is Us so far. He cares so much for Kate and wants so badly for her to love herself as much as he clearly loves her. Hes always there to make her (and us) smile, so it was sad to see how Kate constantly prioritizing Kevin over him made him feel. We hadnt seen Toby upset or have his feelings hurt before.

10. From Kyle to Randall

Learning Randalls one connection to his birth father hit us all in the feels. His father was a poet who loved the work of Dudley Randall. With Randall (then known as Kyle) not bonding with Rebecca yet, it took changing his name (and giving him that slight connection to his father) for the child to finally latch on to Rebecca. That was the last contribution William made to his sons life.

[WATCH] Celebrate the Gilmore-versary with New Previews of Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life>>>

Which moment from Kyle did you think was the saddest? Tell us in the comments below!

This Is Us airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on NBC. Want more news? Like BuddyTVs This Is Us Facebook page.

(Images courtesy of NBC)
Give a Christmas project seeks donors and applications to aid the needy

The Burlington County Times and NJ 211 partner for the 54th year of Give a Christmas. Donors wanted to aid families in need.
A Cambodian eye patient undergoes screening by a member of a Chinese medical team in Kompong province on Tuesday. By 11 am, the team had diagnosed more than 110 patients with cataracts, and they were readied for treatment. The examinations precede President Xi Jinping's visit to Southeast Asia this week. Hong Jianpeng / China News Agency

China is working with Cambodia and Bangladesh to use book exhibits and other events to draw the countries closer, ahead of President Xi Jinping's visits this week.

The State Council Information Office and Chinese embassy in Bangladesh co-hosted a book exhibition in Dhaka, Bangladesh, on Tuesday. The exhibition displayed more than 1,000 books, including Xi Jinping: The Governance of China, in languages including Chinese, English and French.

Xi will make state visits to the two nations on Thursday and Friday, and then fly to Goa, India, for the Eighth BRICS Summit over the weekend, officials said. BRICS stands for emerging powerhouses Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

A similar exhibition was held in Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, on Monday. There, more than 170 representatives of government departments and media organizations attended.

Exhibitions help Cambodian people increase their knowledge, part of the Cambodian government's educational reform goals, Kem Gunawadh, director general of the National Television of Cambodia, told People's Daily.

"I hope that more Chinese books can be translated into the Cambodian language so that the Cambodian people can learn more about Chinese culture and the friendship with China," he said.

The success of the exhibition shows the Cambodian people's eagerness to learn about China, said Chen Shi, deputy editor-in-chief of China International Publishing Group, which is in charge of the book exhibition.

Many Cambodian government officials and others also want to learn from China's experience as a developing economy, she said.

China-Cambodia media cooperation and new media development also were explored at a forum in Phnom Penh on Monday.

Xiong Bo, China's ambassador to Cambodia, said the cooperation with China will be helpful for Cambodia's economic takeoff.

China and Cambodia will also sign agreements on creating a Chinese book center in Phnom Penh, and China will donate school items to a primary school.

anbaijie@chinadaily.com.cn
PHOENIX -- The same-sex spouse of a gay woman who has given birth is entitled to the same parental presumptions and rights as if she were a man, the Arizona Court of Appeals ruled Tuesday.

In the first case of its kind in Arizona, the judges rejected the arguments by the biological mother of a child that the Arizona laws determining who is legally presumed the parent of a child only apply when that other person is a male. Appellate Judge Philip Espinosa said that undermines the historic 2014 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that same-sex marriages are entitled to the same legal protections as traditional heterosexual unions.

What makes that important is that Arizona law spells out that a man is presumed to be the father of a child if he and the mother were married at any time within 10 months immediately preceding the birth. Tuesday's ruling, unless overturned by the Arizona Supreme Court, means that while the law was written with a father in mind, judges now have to read it to apply in any circumstance, regardless of the gender of the other parent.

The case involves Kimberly McLaughlin and Suzan McLaughlin, who were legally married in 2008 in California.

Court records show the couple agreed to have a child through artificial insemination using an anonymous sperm donor. Kimberly became pregnant in 2010.

Before the couple was born, the couple moved to Tucson, entered into a joint parenting agreement and executed mirror wills, declaring they were to be equal parents to the child. After the 2011 birth, Suzan stayed home and cared for the boy while Kimberly worked as a physician.

When the boy was nearly two, Kimberly moved out, taking the boy with her and cutting off his contact with Suzan.

Suzan filed for divorce in 2013 as well as legal papers for parenting time. When a trial judge agreed to have the case proceed, Kimberly appealed.

Keith Berkshire, her attorney, does not dispute the agreement with Suzan.

But he said Suzan is not a "parent" as defined in state law. And he said Kimberly, as the boy's biological mother, is by definition, the only parent and therefore the only person who has parental rights.

Espinosa, however, said that argument runs directly contrary to the 2014 Supreme Court ruling.

"Under (the law), the male spouse of a woman who delivers a child is the presumptive parent, and therefore, a 'legal parent,'" the judge wrote. "If the female spouse of the birth mother of a child born to a same-sex couple is not afforded the same presumption of parenthood as a husband in a heterosexual marriage, then the same sex couple is effectively deprived of civil marriage on the same terms and conditions as opposite-sex coupled, particularly in terms of safeguarding children and families."
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Stepping up investments on projects that entail internal funding, state-owned will pump in about Rs 2,500 crore during the second half of this financial year in various projects such as expansion of wifi hotspots, installation of mobile towers and strengthening core network.

"Our investments for full financial year are in two parts. About Rs 4,000 crore is earmarked for BSNL's own projects and Rs 3,000 crore for government-funded projects," Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) Chairman and Managing Director, Anupam Shrivastava told PTI.

"For projects that are being funded by us, we have already pumped in about Rs 1,500 crore during the first half of the financial year, and about Rs 2,500 crore will be invested between October and March for setting up of wifi hotspots, GSM expansion and strengthening of core network," he said.

Installation of mobile towers in left-wing extremist states, BharatNet and Defence's network for spectrum project, are among the government-funded programmes being executed by .

Projects that are funded internally include expansion of wifi hotspots, GSM mobile network, and strengthening of core network, that is, laying of optical fibre and investment in related network equipments.

Under the GSM expansion project, will install 20,000 BTS this financial year to improve service quality, and most of these would be installed between now and March, he said.

The telecom PSU, has opted for a mix of "capex and opex model" for wifi roll out.

"Currently, 2700 wifi hotspots are already in place in the country and we would like to take it to 40,000 wifi hotspots by March 2018. Our wifi strategy is based on opex and capex model," he said.

The 'opex model' involves creation of wifi hotspots by franchisees who install, manage and run the sites for a period of five years. The partners are also responsible for sales and marketing activity and operate on revenue-sharing model. Under the 'capex model', BSNL creates and owns its wifi hotspots, he explained.

"We are going to connect these hotspots to our mobile network and therefore when our mobile customer enters our wifi zone, the data session will be seamlessly transferred to the Wifi hotspot. It will be part of his data package, but he will suddenly start getting high speeds," Shrivastava added.
on Wednesday announced it has started manufacturing operations in the country. The networking device manufacturer has partnered with the government of Maharashtra to launch it's manufacturing facility in Pune.
Salaries of Hotel Leelaventure chairman and co-chairman last year were reduced to less than one-tenth compared to the salaries drawn by them two years ago as creditors tighten noose around the company.
After the Note 7 fiasco, smartphone major plans to revamp its flagship models to attract customers looking to buy premium handsets this festive season. It is also working on a communication strategy, addressing the concerns about safety, it is learnt.
The Young Reader Fest, a gathering of celebrated childrens book and young adult authors, will seek to excite and inspire through readings and stories for all ages.

The free event takes place this Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Downtown Flagstaff Public Library in its Community Room. The brightest local and regional childrens and young adult authors will be reading, signing, meeting and greeting. Books for all authors will be on sale throughout the day.

At the Young Reader Fest  a satellite event of the Northern Arizona Book Festival  the themes of nature and diversity abound among authors Theresa Howell (11:30 a.m.), Midji Stephenson (noon), Linda Kranz (12:30), Juana Martinez-Neal (1 p.m.) and Nicole McInnes (2 p.m.). They will be traveling as far as Denver and Tucson to gather for the event.

The first four authors are primarily known for their work with childrens books. Howell and Stephenson both have new titles about the Grand Canyon  Scout Moore, Junior Ranger and The Ravenous Raven, respectively.

Linda Kranz is a local Flagstaff favorite who has had widespread success with her rock-art animal stories such as Only One You, while Juana Martinez-Neal is making waves as a bilingual author-illustrator with such titles as La Madre Goose.

McInnes is a young-adult author who has published two celebrated novels in Brianna on the Brink and her latest, 100 Days. The latters setting is inspired by Flagstaff and it tells the story of Agnes, a teenager with Progenia who ages at an accelerated rate. It draws comparisons to potent teen novels such as John Greens The Fault in Our Stars.

Following the five, 30-minute presentations by each author, a reception will take place at 2:30 p.m. for an opportunity to buy books and get titles signed. There will also be a raffle for a chance to win books and prizes.

The event is made possible by sponsorships from Mountain View Pediatrics, Grand Canyon Association and the Flagstaff-Coconino County Public Library. Learn more by visiting www.nazbookfest.org.

Horse training clinic a fundraiser for equine sanctuary

A fundraiser for Sacred Peaks Equine Sanctuary will offer the opportunity to learn about horse training. On Saturday, Oct. 15, from 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Ned Leigh will teach, "Discovery Channel to the Response of the Horse II". Leigh will discuss the processing time of a horse's response to open a door to understanding and increase communication.

Leigh has trained horses since 1977. He has worked with hundreds of horses and mules. His specialties include colt starting, behavior modification, horsemanship, equine education, clinics, seminars and special handling, as well as horse transportation.

The cost of the clinic is $60. To register, contact Kathy Oliver at 853-4203 or e-mail sacredpeaksequine@gmail.com.

Sacred Peaks Equine Sanctuary's purpose is to foster and rehabilitate horses rescued from the slaughter pipeline and raise awareness of the equine slaughter industry in the US. The sanctuary promotes adoption of horses at risk for slaughter and measures to reduce over-breeding of horses. It is located in Flagstaff at 12180 Copeland Lane.
Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP President Amit Shah on Wednesday visited Apollo Hospital where Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J is admitted.

The two leaders, who were received by a host of their party colleagues and officials from Tamil Nadu at the airport, were in the hospital for about 30 minutes, sources said.

After enquiring about the treatment given to 68-year-old Jayalalithaa, the two left the premises without speaking to the media.

"Visited Apollo hospital Chennai today. I wish J Ji, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu a speedy recovery", Jaitley posted on Twitter.

Shah on the microblogging site said, "Visited Apollo Hospital in Chennai to enquire about the health of Tamil Nadu CM J Ji. I wish and pray for her speedy recovery".

Former Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangaswamy also visited the hospital early in the day.

"I pray for her speedy recovery," he told reporters.

The AIADMK supremo was admitted to the hospital on September 22 after she complained of fever and dehydration.

In the last bulletin issued on Monday, the hospital said she continued to be under treatment and was being constantly monitored by intensivists and other consultants in the expert panel, while respiratory support, antibiotics, nutrition, supportive therapy and passive physiotherapy were being given to her.

Soon after Jayalalithaa was admitted a host of leaders including Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, BJP Leader Venkaiah Naidu, Governor P Sathasivam, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI Leader D Raja visited the hospital. Tamil Nadu Governor CH Vidyasagar Rao was the first to visit her.

DMK Leader of Opposition M K Stalin, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President Su Thirunavukkarasar, CPI(M) Leader G Ramakrishnan and CPI Leader D Pandian also paid a visit to the hospital.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday called for a shutdown in to protest against the murder of a party activist in Kannur on October 11, alleging that the Communist Party of India-Marxist was behind the killing.

The announcement was made by state BJP President, Kummanem Rajashekeran, who said that the victim, Remith, was murdered near the house of Kerala's Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan.

According to police officials, the 26-year-old driver was attacked in front of a petrol pump in Pinarayi village.

Levelling further charges against the ruling party, Rajashekaran said that Remith's father was also murdered by CPI(M) workers.

This is the second murder of a party worker in the left-ruled southern state this week. Previously a 52-year-old CPI(M) grassroot leader, K Mohanan, was allegedly hacked to death by Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activists on October 10.

Both murders took place in Vijayan's Dharmadom constituency.

Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala has called upon both the parties-CPI-M and BJP-to end the politics of murder.

"The situation in Kannur has turned worse and people are living in fear over the way the two parties are taking on each other," Chennithala said. "The police appear to have lost control of the situation."

Since Vijayan assumed office in May, four BJP and three CPI-M workers have been eliminated in Kannur district.
Amid politics over surgical strikes, Defence Minister on Wednesday said the "doubting Thomases" can share credit for the operation though a "major" share goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government for decision-making and planning.

"I don't mind sharing the credit, including on surgical strike, with every countryman because it is done by our armed forces and not by any political party.

"We in the government and I personally as the defence minister are happy to share the credit with the army, the 127 crore citizens and also those doubting Thomases," he said at a function here.

The Minister said it will settle the nerves of many, in an apparent dig at the opposition parties which have been accusing the Modi Government and the BJP of taking credit for the army action for political gains.

Several opposition leaders and parties have also questioned the surgical strike and have sought proof while the Congress has said that similar operations were undertaken during its tenure also.

Parrikar, however, asserted that a major share of the credit for the strikes does go to the Prime Minister and the government for decision-making and planning.

The Minister said he understands the sentiments of the people who are satisfied after the surgical strike.

Parrikar also denied that the government has leaked information about the September 28-29 surgical strikes on seven terrorist launch pads in PoK.

"There is a difference between covert and overt operations. We have asked the army to share with the nation about their operations," Parrikar said.

He was speaking while inaugurating an exhibition on 'technology and material sciences' at Navi Mumbai near here.
A leading newspaper in Pakistan on Wednesday reported that Islamabad has mooted a regional economic grouping in South Asia that would also include China, Iran and the Central Asian Republics, even as Dhaka prepared to host Chinese President Xi Jinping on Friday.

Pakistan is peeved at India using its regional influence to make other South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) members to pull out of the regional forums summit that was to be held in Islamabad in November, the report in the Dawn newspaper said. Quoting diplomatic sources, the report said the new China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will be the key link between the countries of this new grouping, which would also counter Indias controlling hold on the . In 2014, India had stalled a Pakistan move to include China in .

In Bangladesh, one of the members that had pulled out of the summit, there were expectations that China might announce $40 billion investments during the Xis visit, the first by a Chinese head of state in 30 years.

In an interview to Chinese news agency Xinhua, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said, China has become our largest trading partner and we consider China as a trusted partner in realising our dreams too. China is the leading generator of many of our mega-projects in terms of finance, capitalisation and technology, she said.

Bangladesh is keen to be a part of the Chinas Belt and Road initiative. Hasina lauded the project and said Bangladesh was working to connect growth centres of the country with the rest of South Asia and create a single economic contiguity between South Asia and Southeast Asia. She said Bangladesh was seeking Chinese investments in the exclusive Economic and Industrial Zone in Chittagong.

Xi's visit to Dhaka comes at a time when New Delhi is trying to revive the moribund BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Economic Cooperation) to isolate Pakistan in the South Asian region. BIMSTEC members are India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Meanwhile, New Delhi announced that Myanmar State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi will be on a three-day state visit to India from October 17. Suu Kyi will also attend the BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach on October 16 in Goa.

On the sidelines of the BRICS Summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin will also hold India-Russia Annual Summit on October 15, the Ministry of External Affairs said. It is likely that the two countries would strengthen their bilateral cooperation in defence and civil nuclear sectors.

In a recent interview to Russian news agency, Indias ambassador to Moscow Pankaj Saran said New Delhi has conveyed its views to Russia on Russia-Pakistan military cooperation. Saran said Russias military cooperation with Pakistan, which is a state that sponsors and practices terrorism as a state policy, is wrong. It will only create further problems, Saran said.

Russia has evinced interest in selling fighter jets and other military hardware to Pakistan. Last month, Russia and Pakistan had conducted military exercises.
Hours after said no surgical strikes had taken place under the previous United Progressive Alliance, the Congress demanded an apology from him and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stop the defence minister from making such comments.
PHOENIX -- Democrat candidates for Arizona Corporation Commission said Tuesday that their election could be the only thing between voters and higher utility bills.

"We know that the utilities want to significantly raise your rates,'' said Bill Mundell who previously served on the commission, albeit as a Republican. "I'm running again to protect customers from unjustified rate increases from politically powerful monopolies.''

During a televised debate Tuesday, fellow Democrat Tom Chabin said voters don't have to imagine how that could happen. He said it already has, citing the money spent by two organizations that won't disclose their donors to help elect Republicans Tom Forese and Doug Little in 2014.

What's worse, Chabin said, is that customers are the ones footing the bill so that the utilities can elect people who they believe are more likely to approve their rate hike requests.

"Every time you paid your bill APS took a little bit of that money, put it into a 'dark money' campaign to invest over $3 million to elect the commission they wanted,'' he said.

While Mundell and Chabin cite the $3.2 million spent by Save Our State Now and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club as fact, that has never been proven.

A company spokesman will neither confirm nor deny any political spending in the election. About the only thing APS executive have said is that if they did spend any money it came out of shareholder profits, not customer bills.

It is that question, however, of what happened two years ago that is driving much of the debate in this year's race for the three seats up for grabs on the five-member commission.

Yet it was disclosed Tuesday that a group funded by SolarCity is doing to a certain extent this year what APS is accused of doing two years ago.

It has put $140,000 into an independent campaign to help elect Mundell and secure another four-year term on the commission for Republican Bob Burns. Burns is the lone member of the commission who has been trying to force APS and Pinnacle West to disclose what they spent in the past.

SolarCity, like APS, has an interest in the makeup of the commission. The panel will decide as early as next year how to structure rates for utility customers who generate some of their own power. And any decision on those charges, as well as how much utilities have to pay customers for the power they're now forced to buy from homeowners, could determine whether rooftop solar remains affordable.

But SolarCity lobbyist Kris Mayes said there's a significant difference. She said SolarCity, which manufactures and installs rooftop solar units, is disclosing its spending; the refusal of APS to say what it did or did not spend in the past or might spend in the future leaves voters in the dark.

Burns said he personally wishes SolarCity were not spending money to help his reelection. But he pointed out that Arizona law precludes him from having any say in what is spent independent of his campaign.

"I wish everyone would stay out of the race,'' Mundell said. "The difference is one word: disclosure.''

Mundell and Chabin, the only Democrats in the contest, are making the argument that if voters should choose them if want to know what APS and Pinnacle West spent in the past -- and what they might spend in the future.

Chabin said it's clear from an opinion by Attorney General Mark Brnovich that an individual commissioner can subpoena the books of a regulated utility.

But Brnovich said it takes three votes on the five-member panel to demand the same information from other companies. And that includes Pinnacle West Capital Corp., APS' parent.

Burns already has issued a subpoena to both companies to find out what they spent not only on political donations but also lobbying expenses.

Chabin and Mundell said they support the subpoena. More to the point, they vowed to provide the necessary second and third votes to go after the books of Pinnacle West, votes that the other four existing commissioners, all Republicans, have so far balked at providing.

The issue has put incumbent Andy Tobin on the defensive. While Tobin said he supports disclosure, he also voted to undermine a contract that Burns had made with a consultant to analyze any information APS and Pinnacle West provide.

Tobin defended the move, saying the consultant was not acceptable to others. And he pointed out that he did vote to allow Burns to hire a different lawyer.

Both Save Our State Now and the Arizona Free Enterprise Club are classified under federal tax law as "social welfare'' organizations. They contend that exempts them from having to divulge their donors.

Their their positions have been buttressed by a measure approved just this past year by the Republican-controlled legislature declaring that IRS classification makes any group's donor lists off limits.

Mundell said, though, the commission, just like the legislature, was created in the Arizona Constitution.

"The Constitution takes precedence,'' he said.

All five contenders appear to agree that, ethical issues aside, APS probably has a legal right to spend as much as it wants to influence elections. That includes the commission which regulates the utility's rates.

"What we're talking about is transparency,'' said Republican Boyd Dunn. Burns

"The constitutional right is to spend it, but not to hide it,'' Burns agreed. And he argued this is about more than an academic exercise.

"When a regulated utility spends at the rate that APS is perceived to have spent in 2014, integrity's at risk,'' he said.

Burns quickly added that he's not saying that either Forese or Little was aware of the actual source of the money being spent.

"The voters and the ratepayers are the critical ones that did not know for sure where the money was coming from,'' he said, saying it's a "slippery slope if it's allowed to continue.''
workers allegedly disrupted a programme organised by Bharatiya Janata Party MP Kirit Somaiya in suburban Mulund wherein an "effigy of corruption" was to be burnt to mark the festival of Dussehra.

Police, however, said workers of both the parties clashed at the venue.

"Sena workers disrupted the program and forced us to end it. They also took away the effigy," a leader close to Somaiya alleged.

Somaiya, who represents the Northeast Mumbai constituency, said he will continue his fight against the "mafia-raj and corruption in Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM)".

The Shiv Sena, however, defended its workers, saying they prevented a "mischief".

MCGM is ruled by the Sena-BJP alliance for the last 20 years and civic polls are scheduled early 2017.

Somaiya, a former Mumbai BJP chief, has aggressively targeted Sena and has repeatedly alleged that civic body was riddled with "mafia-raj and corruption".

"Today, Somaiya was at the event to burn the effigy of Ravan, which was a symbol of prevailing corruption in MCGM led by . But the Sena workers disrupted our programme," Prakash Gangadhare, a local BJP leader, said.

Gangadhare alleged that the "Sena workers also manhandled women workers of their party who were objected to their hooliganism".

He claimed that the BJP workers gave "a befitting reply to the Sainiks".

Sena spokesperson Arvind Bhosale alleged, "From our point of view, Somaiya is himself a Ravan and therefore, he did not have any moral right to burn the effigy of Ravan because Ravan cannot burn himself."

Defending the act by the Sena workers, Bhosale said, "In fact, our party workers prevented a mischief and the effigy of Ravan was burnt by the true followers of Ram."

Bhosale also rejected BJP's charges that the workers manhandled women workers.

" has utmost respect for women. Our Sainiks kept distance from women," he claimed and alleged that Somaiya is "taking the shield of women to gain sympathy".

Mumbai Police spokesperson DCP Ashok Dudhe said an offence will be registered in this regard at Navghar police station.
Several members of the Sikh community held a protest outside the UN headquarters here to raise their concerns over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and its impact on the lives of the people in Punjab.

The 'Save Punjab Rally', organised on Tuesday by rights group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in collaboration with civil rights groups and management committees of the Sikh temples across North America, also demanded a referendum in Punjab.

During the rally, held across the street from the UN headquarters, the demonstrators, including several pro-Khalistan Sikhs, carried placards that read 'Boycott India's Jingoistic War' and 'Support Punjab Referendum.'

SFJ also submitted a communique to officials from Uruguay's Permanent Mission to the United Nations. Uruguay is one of the 15 members of the Security Council and is due to hold the Presidency of the Council in January.

The communique alleged that the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan is forcing thousands of Sikh farmers in Punjab to evacuate their homes, "turning them into refugees."

SFJ Legal Advisor said war is not a solution, adding that a referendum should be conducted in Punjab.

Panic gripped the residents of villages in many border districts of Punjab after reports of escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan spread, following a surgical strike by the army on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 28.

Authorities have also began evacuating people residing in the villages falling within 10 kilometre of international border. Heads of local gurdwaras, temples with the help of Sarpanches have asked the people to evacuate at the earliest in the light of escalating situation.

Punjab shares 553-km border with Pakistan. It has six districts which lie close to international border. There are some 135 villages which lie very close to the IB.
The civil will start the bidding process of routes under the regional connectivity scheme (RCS) from early next month and it has sought the coal ministrys suggestions on e-auctioning.
The Centre will consider increasing the quota of hill states in para military forces to provide avenues to their opportunity-starved youths, Union Minister of State for Home said.

Making the announcement at a programme celebrating Dussehra in Almora on Wednesday Rijiju said providing roads and other infrastructural facilities to people in border areas was the Centre's priority.

Acknowledging the fact that a large number of people from Uttarakhand join the armed forces, he said the state had done the country proud by giving it brave soldiers ready to make the supreme sacrifice for their nation.

Impressed by the grand Dussehra Mahotsav in Almora, he said it reflected the state's rich cultural heritage.

Union Minister of State for Textiles Ajay Tamta, who accompanied Rijiju, made a request for redeployment of an ITBP brigade at Bimaula and setting up an ITBP motor driving centre at Deoli in the district.

Speaking at the Mahotsav, Chief Minister Harish Rawat said the celebration was a shining example of communal amity in which people from different communities including Muslims and Punjab is participate with great fervour.

"The Mahotsav is attracting tourists also bringing people from different communities together.

"More and more Muslims and Punjab is are taking part in the Ramlilas performed as part of the celebrations," he said.
In the 1990s, Mark Lynas, was one of most vocal critics of genetically modified (GM) technology and an ardent environmentalist crusader. An author of books like The High Tide, Six Degrees, and God Species (most of them on environment and climate change), Lynas shocked the world in 2013, when he said he was wrong in opposing genetically modified organisms or GMOs. In an interview with Sanjeeb Mukherjee, Lynas defends the government's recent decisions on GM mustard, saying that globally it is proven that GMOs reduce pesticide use by 40 per cent and it should be best left for the farmers to decide whether they want GMOs or not. Edited excerpts:



Do you think the technical expert committee (TEC) is right in giving a favourable verdict on commercialisation of GM mustard?



Clearly, this GM mustard holds great potential to improve productivity of mustard in India. Currently, India imports a lot of mustard oil, which could be grown domestically if there were higher-yielding hybrids available. If people keep strangling agricultural innovation in India, the country will become increasingly reliant on imports and increasingly food-insecure as the population increases and consumption rises.
has received good response from Singapore businesses as over 120 enterprises from the country will attend the global meet, a senior state official said here on Wednesday.

"We have met with a large number of Singapore businesses and government trade related officials during the three-day visit" to promote in Singapore the January 10-13 summit being held in Gujarat, said Ashwini Kumar, secretary to the chief minister, after addressing a seminar on Gujarat's economic prospects.

"The response has been good to the invitation to attend the summit," he said..

"Everybody is very interested in doing business in India and in Gujarat," he noted the response of the Singapore business community.

Addressing the seminar, he also expressed Gujarat- based businesses interest to work with international community.

"We want to work with the international business community. And Singapore businesses can find the right partnerships in the state," Kumar,who is leading a business delegation promoting Vibrant Gujarat.

Delegation members presented a wide range of business prospects and outline the advantages of the planned new policies on aerospace and defence sectors as well as smart cities in the state.

They said massive investments, technologies and expertise would be required for the six smart cities in Gujarat which are part of the 100 Smart Cities initiative announced by the Central Government.

This year the summit will have a round tables of more than 12 noble laureates and conclave of global CEOs.

Earlier, the delegation visited Taiwan, inviting businesses from there to participate in the summit.
Indian politicians are currently leading a campaign to boycott Chinese goods. But an IndiaSpend analysis shows why this will fail: is Indias largest trade partner, a sixth of Indias imports are Chinese, up from a tenth in 2011-12, while Indias exports to its rival have halved over the same period.
Americans face a difficult, and for many, frustrating choice in the presidential election.

Fiscal policy may be one of the areas where voters should feel the most frustrated. Picking a winner on this dimension alone boils down to picking the lesser of two evils, and hoping that more moderate factions of both parties in Congress can limit the potential damage.

The fiscal policy proposals of both candidates would leave us with more debt and a smaller economy in 10 years time. But these are just proposals, unlikely to survive congressional scrutiny intact. So I wont dwell on specifics, but on the overall themes.

In very simplified terms, Donald Trump proposes a substantial across-the-board tax cut by reducing and simplifying the tax code and cutting wasteful spending. Hillary Clinton, on the other hand, proposes to raise taxes by expanding the tax code, and using those proceeds to substantially increase federal spending. Neither candidate can be accused of running to the center in terms of fiscal policy.

There are pros and cons for both sets of proposals, but the biggest con for each is that they simply dont add up. Long term, Clinton wont be able to raise taxes enough to pay for her spending promises, and Trump wont be able to cut spending enough to pay for his tax promises. Both plans increase the deficit and national debt. Thus the frustration.

Stepping back from the specifics, however, there are some encouraging themes to be had. Trumps proposals, for example, would result in a much simpler tax code. This is important in encouraging economic growth for a variety of reasons, namely that simpler and more transparent tax codes require fewer resources from the taxpayer to comply and fewer resources from the government to enforce. This results in more efficiency and less distortions on the overall economy. Transparency and simplicity also allow easier long-term decisionmaking by businesses and taxpayers, helping boost long-term investment.

This is one area where Trump and Clinton most diverge. Where Trump would make the tax code simpler and more transparent, Clintons proposals are widely panned as doing just the opposite. From adding more tax brackets and surcharges to introducing an extremely complicated method of calculating capital gains taxes, Clintons proposals would result in a more complex and less transparent tax code. This would weigh on the pace of economic growth by increasing the costs of compliance and enforcement, and make it more difficult to plan long-term economic decisions.

However, this is offset at least in part by another metric, which Trumps proposals do less to address; equity. Tax equity, or fairness, is the third dimension, along with simplicity and transparency, upon which all tax proposals should be judged for efficiency. Clintons proposals would create more progressivity  higher rates for higher incomes  in the tax system than Trump.

All tax systems should be at least somewhat progressive. Those pushing a flat tax as fair, because all taxpayers pay the same percentage of their income may forget that taking away 10 percent from someone making $10,000 per year is much more burdensome than taking away 10 percent from someone making $10 million. It is possible to be too progressive, however, and several of Clintons proposals run up against, if not over, that line.

Ideally, federal tax reform would incorporate characteristics of both sets of proposals for the sake of simplicity, transparency and progressivity.

There are several other positive features that both candidates have included to generate additional economic growth; for example, their intentions for a sizable near-term boost in infrastructure spending. Both candidates also would attempt to keep more business at home through international corporate income tax reforms, though they would go about it in very different ways.

Lastly, both candidates also include some fiscal stimulus in their proposals that would boost short-term economic growth. Trump would accomplish this through across-the-board tax cuts, and Clinton through large increases in government spending. The effects of these proposals are probably the largest source of disagreement among economists, as evidenced by the many conflicting papers and opinions thus far published on the merits of one set of proposals over the other.

While it can be said without controversy that both methods  cutting taxes and raising spending  would stimulate near-term economic growth beyond the status quo, neither plan could be sustained beyond the winning candidates first term in office without material increases to the deficit and national debt.

Impartial studies have shown that both candidates fiscal policies in and of themselves will leave us with a smaller economy, larger deficit and more burdensome debt load than the status quo 10 years from now. And lets not forget that the status quo already is pretty gloomy. By the end of the next presidents term, the Congressional Budget Office projects that 93 cents out of every federal tax dollar will be reserved for entitlement programs and interest on the debt.

Neither candidate has put forth any proposals that would address the most pressing fiscal problems facing our country, and in some instances could actually make them worse. Clintons ideas to expand Social Security and the Affordable Care Act, not to mention her new plan to turn higher education into an entitlement program, would double down on the very same programs that are driving our current budget mess in the first place.

To Trumps credit, he has proposed some cost-saving reforms to Medicaid; however, he has also vowed to leave Medicare and Social Security untouched. His tax cuts would provide economic stimulus, but a decrease of trillions of dollars in tax revenue without any substantive changes to the most important cost drivers in the federal budget is not a recipe for sustained long-term economic growth.

In the aggregate, if Clintons fiscal proposals appear more sober in comparison with Trumps, it is only because they increase the deficit by hundreds of billions of dollars as opposed to trillions of dollars. However, that does not mean they are sober compared with the status quo.

At the end of the day, both sets of fiscal proposals result in a smaller economy and larger debt. As such we are left without an adult in the room on fiscal policy.
Describing China as a "trusted partner" of Bangladesh, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said President Xi Jinping's visit this week would elevate the bilateral ties to newer heights as the country seeks enhanced cooperation in trade and investment.

Hasina's comments came ahead of Xi's visit to on Friday, the first by a Chinese head of state in 30 years.

is hoping to get an estimated $40 billion from China as credit during Xi's visit, media reports here have said.

"I believe that President Xi's visit will also be more important for South Asia," Hasina told China's state-run Xinhua news agency.

"China has become our largest trading partner and we consider China as a trusted partner in realising our dreams too. China is the leading generator of many our mega-projects in terms of finance, capitalisation and technology," she said.

Noting that Bangladesh-China relations are now framed within a comprehensive partnership of cooperation, she said, "We are planning to elevate the relationship to a newer height with the much-awaited visit of President Xi."

Hasina said cooperation between and China has gained maturity in past decades and the relations are underpinned by "the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, spirit of good neighborliness, mutual trust, confidence and non-interference into each other's internal affairs."

She said Bangladesh adheres to the 'one-China' policy and supports China on issues related to its core national interests and efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity, according to the agency report.

There are huge potentials for future expansion of the two countries' engagement in fields such as development of infrastructure and investing in sectors like Information and communications technology (ICT), agro-processing and electronics.

Hailing China-proposed 'Belt and Road' initiative, Hasina said Bangladesh is now working to connect growth centres of the country with the rest of the region in South Asia and create a single economic contiguity between South Asia and Southeast Asia.

And this "would be host to greater integration with East Asia and connect the three ecosystems to the rest of the world through our seaports in the south," she added.

"We are on the verge of launching the exclusive Economic and Industrial Zone in Chittagong that would be a landmark event in our economic, investment and trade cooperation. We would like to encourage Chinese investors to invest in these economic zones as a developer or as an individual investor," she said.
promoted a group of its senior investment bankers on Tuesday, part of an internal reshuffle as it tries to boost its flagging performance in corporate mergers and acquisitions and capital markets.

The German bank, threatened with a multi-billion-dollar fine from US regulators, saw its global investment banking fees fall nearly 30 per cent to $2 billion (1.63 billion) in the first nine months of the year, slipping behind its nearest European rival Barclays to seventh position in the investment banking league tables, according to Thomson Reuters data.

But Alasdair Warren, the bank's head of corporate and investment banking for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) told Reuters he's confident the German lender can recover some lost ground over the next 12 months, particularly in equity capital markets (ECM), and he is making a series of changes to the investment bank's structure.

"We're confident that we can rise back up in the ECM league tables," said Warren, a former co-head of the global private equity advisory business at Goldman Sachs, who joined Deutsche in May this year.

has seen fees from global equity products take the biggest hit in the first nine months of year with a 45 per cent decline to $328 million. In the same period its global M&A fees went down 31 per cent while fees attached to global loans and bonds slipped 36 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.

The bank's share price has almost halved this year, prompting speculation that it could lose some of its top investment bankers.

Last week its global co-head of real estate, gaming and lodging Massimo Saletti left to join JPMorgan while on Tuesday sources with direct knowledge of the matter said its Asia Pacific wealth management head Ravi Raju is moving to UBS.

But Warren has promised to reward those in his division who stay at the bank with "career opportunities" despite having a limited budget for expensive rainmakers.

He is trying to shift the investment banking business to focus more on providing clients with long-term advisory services in dealmaking.

"Previously, there was a greater focus on markets and financing-related products, whereas we're now focussing on building long-term strategic dialogue and relationships, and refocusing our client coverage," he said.

He announced a series of changes to staff on Tuesday including promoting Bob Douglas to head its EMEA consumer and retail corporate team, where he has been working for the last decade. Douglas will continue to report to Scott Bell, global co-head of consumer, who has been given an additional role as the head of UK and Ireland corporate .

In Britain Charles Wilkinson, co-head of UK corporate broking, becomes chairman of the division, while Matt Hall succeeds Wilkinson as co-head of UK corporate broking alongside Andrew Tusa.

These appointments are aimed at revamping Deutsche's UK business with some bankers, including Bell and Tusa, also joining a new leadership group for UK corporate and investment banking.

"PEOPLE AGENDA"

Meanwhile Warren has tried to address gaps in Deutsche's dealmaking capacity across Europe. For example the bank had no one based in its home country to look after the industrials sector, the biggest source of deals in Germany.

"We have great product capability and geographical coverage but we need to add resources to some of our sector coverage teams," he said.

"Most of what we are doing will be driven by our existing people, but we will make a few external hires to add to our coverage in certain sectors," he added.

So far this year the bank has failed to rank among the top three advisors for the biggest announced deals in each industry, according to Thomson Reuters data, and was unable to advise Bayer on its $66 billion takeover of Monsanto, the biggest deal ever clinched by a German buyer, having pledged loyalty to a rival suitor.

Warren said he has a "people agenda" and while pay remains important he will also use "career opportunities" to motivate staff.

"In order to attract and retain talent, you can't simply focus on compensation," he said.

"We have a 'people agenda' and it's all about offering people the opportunity to grow and develop as professionals. We evaluate their performance twice a year and monitor their progress."

EFFICIENCIES

Among other changes aimed at streamlining the business, Warren has decided to merge the bank's maritime industries business into the global industrials group within corporate finance, appointing Craig Fuehrer as global head of maritime industries in addition to his role as head of transportation industries across the Americas.

At the same time Michael Zolotas becomes head of maritime industries across EMEA, while Peter Illingworth continues in his role as head of maritime industries in Asia Pacific. Klaus Stoltenberg becomes chairman of the global shipping business, having hitherto been global head of the same unit.

is also seeking to develop more cooperation among its funds teams, replicating a similar structure to that implemented by Goldman Sachs and JPMorgan where private equity teams work alongside those focussing on sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and family offices.

As a result Evans Haji-Touma and Ashok Pandit have been appointed as global co-heads of sovereign wealth funds, pension funds and family offices, to be based in London and Hong Kong respectively.

They will report to Mike Walsh and Adam Bagshaw globally, who act as co-heads of private equity across the world, and to Alasdair Warren and James McMurdo regionally.
French President has said that talks with Russia over major differences on Syria were necessary but must be "frank and firm" to stop the five-year civil war which has claimed up to 500,000 victims.

"With Russia, France has a major disagreement on Syria and the Russia veto on the French resolution at the UN Security Council has prevented the cessation of bombings and truce's proclamation," Xinhua news agency quoted Hollande as saying on Tuesday.

"The main victims are the civilian populations. That's why I consider it is necessary to have dialogue with Russia, but it must be firm and frank, otherwise it has no place and it is a sham negotiation," he said.

In a speech at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, Hollande said he was "ready to meet (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin at any moment" if they "can make progress on peace, stop bombing and declare a truce".

Putin has cancelled his visit to France scheduled for October 19 due to changes in the agenda, the Kremlin said on Tuesday.

"The president has decided to cancel the visit, as some of the planned activities related to the opening of the Russian cultural and spiritual center and an exhibition, unfortunately, have been dropped out of the programme," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

But he added that Putin was ready to pay a visit to France "whenever it will be comfortable to (French) President (Francois) Hollande", while declining to specify the reason for changes in the programme.

Moscow's decision came after the Elysee proposed a working meeting only to discuss the Syrian civil war and excluded other topics.
According to the Sri Lankan government, India has agreed to send 30 refugees from south India to their homeland in Sri Lanka next week.

According to media reports, the refugees will return as part of a voluntary repatriation programme assisted by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

V. Sivagnanasothy, Secretary of the Ministry of Prison Reforms, Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Hindu Religious Affairs, said the UNHCR will provide free air tickets, a re-integration allowance of $75 per person, a transport allowance $19 and a monetary non-food grant of $75 to each family.

Since 2011, the ministry said, 5,110 refugees (1,863 families) have returned to Sri Lanka. Over 100,000 refugees are currently in India.

The provision of dry ration to them has already been approved for six months.

The ministry has instructed officials to provide compensation for those who have lost their houses, have sustained injuries or have lost their family members.

The Sri Lankan government, under the leadership of President Maithripala Sirisena, has initiated measures to encourage the voluntary refugee returnee programme in a phased manner. It believes that the current trend of increased number of returnees is a sign of reconciliation and moving towards permanent peace.
Japans Toyota Motor Corp and Suzuki Motor Corp said they plan to explore a possible partnership, citing technological challenges and the need to keep up with consolidation in the .

Toyota invests heavily in research & development (R&D) for automated driving functions and artificial intelligence for mobility purposes, while cost-conscious Suzuki, which specialises in affordable compact cars, has yet to announce major strategic plans on how to compete in new automotive technologies.

Both said they had just begun discussing possible cooperation, so nothing was decided about areas in which they might collaborate.

However Suzuki chairman Osamu Suzuki said his firm was struggling to keep pace with the breakneck speed of R&D, telling a news conference, R&D in the auto industry is changing rapidly. The future looks perilous. A partnership between Toyota and Suzuki would be the latest in an increasingly consolidating auto industry. Nissan Motor Co. in May announced it was planning to take a controlling stake in embattled Mitsubishi Motors Corp.

Toyota completed a buyout of Daihatsu Motors earlier this year. The worlds largest automaker by vehicle sales in 2015 said last week it will set up a company with Daihatsu to focus on emerging markets.

Suzuki, Japans fourth-largest automaker, competes fiercely with Daihatsu in the domestic market and dominates the Indian market through its majority stake in Maruti Suzuki India. Both firms concentrate on smaller vehicles.

Toyota and Suzuki said there was need for increased industry cooperation to keep pace with rapid changes in the global auto industry, where automakers and technology are competing to develop self-driving cars and new mobility services.

The technology race in the auto industry has been escalating at a pace weve never seen before, Toyota President Akio Toyoda told reporters.

In a situation like this, there are limits to what any one company can do on their own... partnerships are becoming increasingly important.



The said they would continue to compete and would be open to collaborating with other companies.

CLSA analyst Christopher Richter said that Suzuki could benefit from gaining access to Toyota technology.

But citing Suzukis past experience with Volkswagen, he added that he saw the possibility that the firm, headed by the outspoken 86-year-old Suzuki, one of the longest-serving executives in the global auto industry, may be unlikely to heel to a much bigger partner.

VW was very much a manager which liked to be in control, and so is Toyota. Meanwhile, Suzuki wants to march to its own step.



Suzuki is very protective of its independence.



He added that a difference in corporate culture at Toyota, which has long had resources to spend on new technologies, and Suzuki, whose success has been driven by its knack for cost cutting, may pose challenges to a partnership.

Reuters
Bangladesh Prime Minister has expressed confidence that the upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping would usher in "a new era of intensive cooperation" in trade, investment and other sectors between the two nations.

Hasina made the comments on Tuesday ahead of Xi's October 14 visit to the country, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We are very happy and feel honoured that Xi is coming to Bangladesh. I believe that Xi's visit will also be more important for South Asia," she told Xinhua.

Speaking highly of the Bangladesh-China ties, the Prime Minister pointed out that the relations between the two nations were underpinned by "the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, Spirit of Good Neighbourliness, Mutual Trust, Confidence and Non-Interference in each other's internal affairs".

Hasina reaffirmed that Bangladesh strongly adheres to the One-China policy and supports Beijing on issues related to its core national interests and efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Xi's visit comes at a time in history when Bangladesh is about to break free from the clutches of low-level equilibrium trap and move into a brand-new frontier of investment, industrialization, ecological restoration and prosperity for all, said Hasina.

"China has become our largest trading partner and we consider China as a trusted partner in realizing our dreams too. China is the leading generator of many our mega-projects in terms of finance, capitalisation and technology," she said.

Noting that Bangladesh-China relations are now framed within a comprehensive partnership of cooperation that reaches into almost all possible sectors, Hasina said: "We are planning to elevate the relationship to a newer height with the much-awaited visit of Xi Jinping."

Hasina said cooperation between Bangladesh and China has gained maturity in past decades, but there are huge potentials for future expansion of the two countries' engagement in fields such as development of infrastructure and for that matter, investing in emerging sectors like ICT, ago-processing, and electronics.

Hailing China-proposed Belt and Road initiative, the prime minister said her country is now working to connect growth centres of the country with the rest of the region in South Asia and create a single economic contiguity between South Asia and Southeast Asia.

And this "would be host to greater integration with East Asia and connect the three ecosystems to the rest of the world through our seaports in the south", she added.

Hasina expressed her appreciation for China's support to Bangladesh's efforts in attaining sustainable development while welcoming Chinese companies investing in the country's emerging sectors like textiles, leather, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding, and agro-processing, among others.

"We are on the verge of launching the exclusive Economic and Industrial Zone in Chittagong that would be a landmark event in our economic, investment and trade cooperation. We would like to encourage Chinese investors to invest in these economic zones as a developer or as an individual investor," she said.
The special investigation team (SIT) on has asked the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) to furnish the details of all those investing through participatory notes (P-Notes), according to sources in the know.
Several gunmen opened fire at the Imam Ali Shrine in Afghanistan's capital Kabul late on Tuesday night, killing at least 14 people and wounding 36 others.

The Imam Ali shrine is in the vicinity of the western Karte Sakhi area of the city.

Khamma News quoted Ministry of Interior spokesman Sediq Sediqi, as saying that the area has been cleared and the last attacker was shot dead.

Sediqi further added that the number of casualties will be released later.

The attack which was launched around 7. 30 p.m. yesterday.

Eyewitnesses and local residents in Karte Sakhi area earlier said sporadic clashes continued in the area for several hours as scores of Afghan forces arrived in the area to eliminate the attackers.

According to one of the eyewitnesses, the attack was initially launched by gunmen who started shooting the worshipers and at least one of the gunmen detonated his suicide vest.

They also added that another militant was shot dead by the security forces while one of them continued to resist the security forces before he was shot dead.

No group has so far claimed responsibility behind the incident.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Militants carried out a second attack on a mosque in Kabul city on Tuesday night after the first coordinated attack left at least 14 dead in a shrine in west of Kabul.

In a tweet, The Ministry of Interior (MoI) spokesman, Sediq Sediqi, said the second attack was conducted on Charyar mosque located in Karte Char area of the city.

Khaama Press quoted Sediqi saying as, "The second terrorist attack in KBL tonight is on Char Yar Mosque in Karte Char, Special Forces are there to gun down the attackers."

There were no reports regarding the casualties as a result of the attack and there is no confirmation yet that if the target of the attack was the mourners of Ashura.

In the first attack, at least 14 people were killed and 36 others injured after several gunmen opened fire at the Imam Ali Shrine in Afghanistan's capital Kabul late on Tuesday night.

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Professor Shamil Akhmedov, Chairman of the BRICS-Biomed, Cardiology Research Institute, Tomsk NRMC, Tomshk, Russia, said that the main aim of creation of the BRICS-Biomed Consortium is the development of new biomedical technologies for diagnosis and treatment of human diseases, development of domestic demand and export of biotech products, creation of technological base for new biotech areas of industrial sector.

While addressing the country seminar 'BRICS-Biomed Consortium: The First Results and Prospects of Future Development' at the BRICS Trade Fair, Prof. Akhmedov said that the objectives of the consortium were promotion of expertise on innovative projects with respect to the technological feasibility and commercial potential of R&D; conductance of marketing studies, accumulation of information on market demands in particular innovative technological solutions; preparation of proposals for The New Development Bank on possible financing of particular innovative projects by the fund; search for co-investors; implementation of collaborative R&D and engineering; assistance in organization; assistance in patenting; and assistance in creation of spin-off companies.

Prof. Akhmedov said that accumulation of biomedical projects from nine Federal Districts of the Russian Federation and other BRICS countries is ongoing for creation of the international database and for search for co-financing of the proposed projects.

Dr. S G Prakash Vincent, Chairman Associate BRICS-Biomed (India- Academic), said that the aim of the consortium is to provide affordable and novel medicines. The BRICS Biomed Cooperation aims to augment innovation and product development in biomedical areas. The consortium is also looking at promoting traditional herbal medicine from BRICS. By 2025, BRICS Biomed Centre in India will be established in Kanyakumari, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Delhi. He added that there are global opportunities in Biomed and it will witness an investment of USD 5 billion and USD 50 billion returns are expected between 2015 to 2021.

Speaking about BRICS Biomed Informatics Network, Prof. Moni Madaswamy, Program Director, Centre for Agricultural Informatics & e-Governance Research Studies, Shobhit University, said that BRICS has about 6573 universities. Strategies of Networking of Biomedical Scientists and Biomedical Projects in BRICS and strategies of electronic operations of BRICS Biomed projects were needed. Prof. said that information security is an important aspect in this area and the National Knowledge Network of the local country needed to be connected with the Biomed consortium. He added that a website and working groups could be set up for sharing of knowledge.

Ms. Harpreet Sandhu of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Government of India, said that the ICMR was working in line with the priority of the nation which was to focus on non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, cancer and heart diseases. ICMR has come up with the Health Technology Assessment Board, which would review standards for medicines, vaccines and devices to determine the most cost-effective solutions. Ms. Sandhu added that ICMR with its chain of national and regional research centres looks forward to contribute towards the BRICS-Biomed Consortium effectively.

Mr. Praveen Kumar Vemula, Self-Assembled Biomaterials Laboratory, inStem, NCBS, said he believes that laboratory innovations should not only remain at lab-bench, but should be translatable into the clinic to help people. Hence, funding should be provided to innovative projects by the Biomed consortium. The funding could be for projects at the ideation stage and developmental phase. Also, formal education needs to be imparted and workshops should be held for entrepreneurs and innovators in the field about how to seek funding and IPR. He added that Biomed should also look at transfer of technology as Indian institutes lack the technique.

Speaking on the issue of funding, Mr. Agnideep Mukherjee, Assistant Vice President, Life Sciences & ITKnowledge Banking, said that India was witnessing a startup revolution and to capitalize the potential of innovators and entrepreneurs a vibrant financial ecosystem was essential. Getting funding is a crucial element to flag off any start-up; there are various methods of funding that are popular in the start-up community such as traditional angel investors, venture capital, incubators, public investment (equity funding), financial assistance from government grants, loans from banks, mergers and acquisitions and corporate partnering.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
A senior official of China's foreign ministry has expressed hope that tensions between Pakistan and India will be resolved after the upcoming BRICS Summit.

China's President Xi Jinping is scheduled to travel Goa to attend the 8th summit of BRICS - Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa - which will be held on October 15 and 16. The Chinese leader would also be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Express Tribune quoted Xiao Qian of the Department of Asian Affairs speaking to a group of senior Pakistani journalists in Beijing on Tuesday saying as, "China is concerned at rising tensions between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir issue. China will try to normalise strained relations between Pakistan and India."

"The two countries should resolve the festering dispute through dialogue. China appreciates Pakistan's commitment to dialogue with India," he added.

Tensions have been in hot waters between the two neighbouring countries since September 18 deadly attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan alleged involvent in it.

In response to it, India carried out surgical strikes in the Pakistani occupied Kashmir , a claim which Islamabad strongly denied.

Xiao said, "Pakistan and India should shun the talk of war." He however assured that China would stand by Pakistan in every situation.

Speaking about the Afghan peace process, the Chinese official said that Beijing had tried to facilitate talks between the Taliban and the Kabul administration - but the process was suspended after the killing of Taliban supremo Mullah Akhtar Mansoor.

India had some objections to the multibillion-dollar project because it would pass through Gilgit-Baltistan region, but Beijing was committed to completing the massive road and rail link irrespective, said Xiao in reference to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

He added that our message to India is that CPEC will improve the Kashmir region as well as people's [lifestyle] there.

In response to balance of trade favoring Beijing, he said that China was investing in Pakistan so that they could also reap economic benefits. Xiao stated that the purpose of CPEC was to increase foreign investments in Pakistan

"An economically strong Pakistan will ensure balance of power in the region," he added.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Lambasting Manohar Parrikar for giving credit of the surgical strikes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Congress Party in an apparent reference to the 2011 Operation Ginger alleged that the Defence Minister was misleading the nation and undermining the Indian Army's sacrifices by denying the earlier surgical strikes.

Congress spokesperson Randeep Surjewala in a series of tweets alleged that Parrikar's remark was 'blatant politicization' on part of the BJP-led NDA regime in the run up to the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls scheduled next year.

"Mr Parrikar,Indian Army deserves all credit but why mislead the people & undermine Army's sacrifices by denying earlier SurgicalStrikes?" tweeted Surjewala.

"#OperationGinger in 2011 was a large- scale #SurgicalStrike.Why is @manoharparrikar quiet on army's valour?Is not blatant politicization?" he said.

Stating if the army deserves full credit, Surjewala asked as to why are "Avengers of Uri" posters depicting Prime Minister Modi as Lord Rama being plastered in poll-bound states.

"Is ModiGovt giving credit to Army by denying OROP, Seventh Pay Commission recommendations,by refusing to acknowledge & honor commitments?" Surjewala tweeted.

"RSS and Amit Shah have publicly stated that #SurgicalStrike will be their key electoral strategy. Forked tongue, Mr Parrikar?

Def Min Parrikar credits army for #SurgicalStrike,no wonder he got himself felicitated in Agra,Lucknow & Goa instead of our brave army," he said in a series of tweets.

The Defence Minister earlier in the day said that he would only share the credit of the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and added that the major share of the success goes to the latter for apt decision making and planning.

"I will only share the credit, major share goes to the Prime Minister. This should settle the nerves of many people," he said at an event in Mumbai.

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Baloch nationalist leader Naela Quadri Baloch has said that she is grateful to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj for highlighting the plight of the Baloch people globally.

Interacting with media here soon after her arrival from Kabul, Naela said that she is looking forward to her meetings with the Indian leadership in the coming days and hopes to convince the latter to ramp up the support that is already being given.

Professor Baloch is also using her week-long visit to the Indian capital to address several seminars and meetings.

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Demanding freedom for Balochistan, pro-independence Baloch activists took to the streets in The Hague in the Netherlands recently.

Holding placards bearing slogans such as 'Pakistan must face war crime trials', 'Stop Baloch genocide', 'We are for Balochistan', 'Free Balochistan', 'Balochs reject Pak-China CPEC Agreement', 'Respect human Rights of Baloch', '5,000 killed 20,000 missing'; 'Balochistan is an occupied country', and raising pro-freedom like "we want free Balochistan", the activists sought the immediate intervention of the community to resolve their issues.

One protester said, "We have gathered here today to tell the that Pakistan should be held accountable for the war crimes it is committing in Balochistan. We hope that the finally recognises what these people are doing."

On Tuesday, World Baloch Women's Forum president Naela Quadri Baloch, who is in New Delhi, said Balochistan Freedom Movement (BFM) activists want to form an "Azad Balochistan government in exile" and they want India, Afghanistan and other SAARC nations to support their government.

"We want to form an Azad Balochistan government in exile and we want India, Afghanistan and other SAARC nations to support the Baloch government in exile," she told ANI.

When asked about her (and BFM activists') expectations from India, Quadri said, "India should give us space and office to establish the government in exile. Besides, we express our deep gratitude to Modiji (Prime Minister Narendra Modi) and (External Affairs Minister) Sushma Swaraj for raising their voices on the Baloch issue. We are also thankful to the Indian people and the Indian media."

"The Baloch Freedom Movement is going ahead successfully, the struggle is on, and we need your help," she added.

Asked if things had changed since Prime Minister Modi raised the Balochistan issue, she said, "Things are changing rapidly; things are changing rapidly at the international level - you have seen it at the United Nations, you have seen that other countries are coming to support the Baloch issue internationally."

Demanding the release of Baloch Students Organisation - Azad (BSO-Azad) spokesperson Shabir Baloch, who was "picked up" by Pakistan security forces during the Gwarkop military operation on October 4, Quadri said, "Shabir Baloch was picked up; before him Abdul Wahid Baloch (Baloch poet, writer and social activist) was picked up; and even before them and 30,000 Baloch activists were picked up, and tortured-mutilated bodies of some of them were found recently. The picked up Baloch leaders and activists should be freed at the earliest."

In Quetta (Balochistan), Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) activists recently staged a protest demonstration in the suburbs against the rising involvement of China in the name of China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in Balochistan with the help of Pakistan Army.

A large number of Baloch women and children also took part in a FBM rally and blocked the main road for several hours. The protesters burnt the flags of China and Pakistan while protesting against the occupation and exploitation of Baloch natural resources through CPEC on Baloch territory by Pakistan and China.

The FBM protesters also raised slogans like "Stop War Crimes in Balochistan", "Stop Baloch Genocide", "Down with Pakistan" and "Down with China".

Enraged over exploitation of their natural resources and atrocities committed by the Pakistani military against Baloch residents, the FBM protesters burnt effigies of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Army Chief General Raheel Sharif and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

They accused China of helping Pakistan committing atrocities and human rights violations in Balochistan.

A protester said, "The protest demonstration was taken out by the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) to expose before the world the plunder of their natural resources by Pakistan and China in the name of CPEC and human rights violations by Pakistan in Balochistan."

"Baloch people, women, students and youth, who gathered here, condemn the alliance partners of Pakistan, who are supporting it in the name of military and economy. In the name of development, Pakistani military and Pakistan's alliance partners are plundering Balochistan's resources and are trying to dismantle Balochistan's identity," he said.

"Every day people are being killed in Balochistan, we are also protesting against that," he added.

A girl participating in the protest rally, condemned the Pakistan-China alliance against Balochistan.

"Today, we are here to support the Free Balochistan Movement... Pakistan is plundering Balochistan's resources.

The recent condition of Baluchistan depicts sad pictures. I personally appeal to the people of China to ask their government not to take part in the genocide taking place here," she said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who today paid his tributes to Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia on his 50th death anniversary, lauded his commitment towards cleanliness.

"Today, we talk of 'swacchta', Lohia ji was the first leader to have focused on this issue...He had even said once that if Nehru ji gets the toilets constructed in the towns and villages then he would stop his protests," he told the media here.

Kumar further said that Lohia carried forward the Quit India movement in India even after independence, adding the latter never deviated from the socialist principles.

"Today is the death anniversary of Lohia ji. We have all gathered here to pay our homage to him as he carried forward the Quit India movement along with JP," Kumar said.

"He did not deviate from his principles based on the socialist ideology. He brought together the intellectuals, farmers, youth and labourers of the nation and gave them a new direction," he added.

The Chief Minister also showered praise on the socialist leader for bringing the entire opposition on board after independence.

Born on March 23, 1910, at Akbarpur in the present-day Uttar Pradesh in a prosperous Vaishya family, Lohia breathed his last on October 12, 1967.

He was an activist for the Indian independence movement and a nationalist political leader.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
India has rubbished Pakistan's Permanent Representative in the United Nations in Geneva, Tehmina Janjua's, accusations and said it is ironic that a country whose non-proliferation track record is marked by obstructionism seeks to convince the international community on its self-serving proposals.

"It is a matter of record that Pakistan is singularly responsible for blocking the international disarmament agenda and the Conference on Disarmament," said Siddhartha Nath, Counsellor, Conference on Disarmament, Geneva.

He reiterated that Pakistan is continuously supporting and importing terrorism which is causing instability in the region.

"The biggest threat to peace and stability comes from active promotion of terrorism and unbridled expansion of fissile material production and delivery systems for nuclear weapons under the shadow of a deeply disturbing and deeply entrenched nexus between state entities and non-state actors," he said.

The Counsellor called upon the international community to stand united against those whose persistent violations increase nuclear threat and proliferation risks.

"Nuclear proliferation linkages which are today active have clear Pakistan finger-prints," Nath said.

The Pakistani envoy yesterday accused New Delhi of pursuing hegemonic policies in South Asia which is creating instability in the region.

Janjua said that peace and stability in South Asia would not be possible without resolving underlying disputes, especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute, while agreeing on measures for nuclear and missile restraint, and instituting conventional forces balance.

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Arrival of foreign tourists in India is on rise this year. According to travel meta search engine ixigo, over 8.22 lakh international tourists are expected to visit India in October this year. The number is 30 percent higher in comparison to last month.

Usually, August to march is considered as on-season for tourism and travel sector. With beginning of festive season, traction of both international and domestic travelers on flights is rising. Ixigo says that, as Navratri, Durga Puja, Dusshera and Diwali are falling in the same month, domestic flight tourists for October month is expected to be around 96.6 lakhs by end of October this year.

With these prospective, upcoming month seems to be full of opportunities for tourism industry. Do let us know if you would like to speak with ixigo's Spokesperson to understand the trend.

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World Baloch Women's Forum president and prominent Baloch nationalist leader Naela Quadri Baloch on Wednesday said that an incompetent Pakistan, which relies on China for support, understands the language of "surgical process" and not of peaceful protests.

Naela, who arrived in India on Tuesday, told ANI, "I don't think Pakistan would be convinced by peaceful protests. Pakistan needs surgical process because the group of Generals, who are ruling Pakistan, don't listen peaceful things. They don't believe in democracy, people's opinion and human rights."

"Pakistan's ears have still not opened. The Baloch nationals earlier staged a protest in front of the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi asking Islamabad to quit its forces from Balochistan and stop genocide. They have established terror camps in PoK and Gilgit-Baltistan. Pakistan has been engaging in proxy war since the last 30-40 years. I wish this protest becomes successful and the atrocities are stopped in Balochistan," she said.

The Baloch also urged the internal community and the United Nations to pay head to the protests carried out by the Balochistan Freedom Movement (BFM) activists and impose pressure on Pakistan to stop the atrocities in Balochistan.

She was also of the view that Islamabad cannot fight a war with New Delhi as it was incompetent to do so.

"Pakistan cannot fight a war with India as its Generals lead a lavish life by exploiting resources of people. They are leading a very luxurious life and hence, they cannot fight a war with India," she said.

"Leave India alone, Pakistan cannot fight a war with Balochistan. They have to call China and other countries for their support. If Pakistan and Balochistan are left alone to fight, Balochistan can free itself in one single day," she added.

Naela further said that Pakistan Army cannot stand before Balochistan.

"Wherever you see either in PoK, Gilgit-Baltistan and other areas, Pakistan has called in the Chinese Army for help. Pakistani leaders like Nawaz Sharif and (General) Raheel Sharif are good at acting. If the financial support which they have been receiving from the other countries stops, Pakistan would not be able to even feed its soldiers for a single day," she said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Reprimanding the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for "trying to divide the armed forces on political grounds" and on "unending chest thumping" on surgical strikes, the Congress Party on Wednesday said the nasty attempts at political and electoral gains have brought disgrace to the tradition of culture of governance of our country and by doing so the RSS, as also ruling party president Amit Shah, have publically declared their intentions to make political capital out of surgical strikes.

"The chest thumping by the BJP on the issue of surgical strike is unending and the nasty attempts at political and electoral gains have brought disgrace to the tradition of culture of governance of our country. The RSS as also BJP president Amit Shah have publically declared their intentions to make political capital out of surgical strikes," Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala told a press conference here.

He alleged that converting the security into an event management exercise to polish the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is extremely unfortunate, and reflects desperation on the part of the BJP.

"This entire distressful commentary by the BJP, unending public felicitations of the Defence Minister in Goa, Agra, Lucknow, and possibly in future at many other places, and converting the security into an event management exercise to polish the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is extremely unfortunate, and reflects desperation on the part of the BJP," he said.

Criticising both Parrikar and Shah, Surjewala said, "First, the Defence Minister claimed that the Modi government has made the Indian Army realise its strength for the first time in India's independent history. Going a step further, Amit Shah disgracefully lies to the nation by claiming that the army has crossed the Line of Control (LoC) for the first time in 68 years."

Going hammer and thongs at Parrikar, the Congress leader said: "Not to be outdone, the Defence Minister on two separate occasions today has made remarks, which will be vehemently dismissed and condemned. He doesn't behove the Defence Minister of India to insult the service, sacrifice and valour of the armed forces by shamelessly denying the victims of earlier surgical strikes by our armed forces to defend the honour and also the country at large."

Alleging that blinded by political vote garnering, Parrikar is unabashedly lying and misleading people, he sought apologise from the Defence Minister for denying the supreme sacrifice of brave soldiers.

"Does Sh. Parrikar mean those who fought 1965 and 1971 wars or those who participated in 'Op Ginger' are not valued members of our armed forces," he sought to know.

Stating that they are expecting maturity and gravitas from the government in handling situations on crucial security matters, Surjewala said the onus lies on Prime Minister Modi to rein in his belligerent Defence Minister and BJP president - "they should apologise to the Armed Forces".

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
London-based business Gradz Bakery has been crowned the Winner of the Speciality Savoury Category  and overall winner of the Tiptree World Bread Awards at St Johns Church, Hyde Park, London.

Agnes Gabriel, owner of the Gradz Bakery, was handed 1,000 in prize money and a Tiptree hamper by host Stephen Hallam, who is managing director of Dickinson & Morris and chair of the judges.

The field was more competitive than ever, says Hallam, whose fellow Judges included Frances Quinn from The Great British Bake Off, Colin Reese, Master of the Worshipful Company of Bakers and Andrew Whitley, founder of The Real Bread Campaign.

Gabriel beat off competition from loaves sent in from around the UK  delivered by courier, taxi and in person on the morning of the judging at Cathedral Hall, Westminster Cathedral, to ensure maximum freshness.

The Tiptree World Bread Awards, launched in January 2013, seek to celebrate the very best of British bread baking. Sponsored by fruit grower and preserver Tiptree and Brook Food, last years awards attracted 540 entries and entries have more than doubled since then.
Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's praise of slain Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani suggests that he may have joined the Islamic State, or he is not aware about the difference between the Islamic State, Kashmir and Pakistan, said former foreign secretary Bhupatray Shashank.

Shashank told ANI, "Burhan Wavi by his own admission was a member of the Islamic State. So, either Nawaz Sharif has joined the Islamic State, or, he thinks there is no difference between Islamic State and Kashmir and Pakistan."

"So, he should make his position clear, what he thinks Pakistan, India and Kashmir should be? Should they all form part of Islamic state? By calling him a hero of Kashmir, does that means he is hero of Pakistan also? Because Pakistan is fighting this war in Kashmir and does he even want whole of India to form a part of Islamic state?" he asked.

Shashank further said that Sharif should make his position clear; otherwise Indian people would give him a befitting reply.

Earlier, Sharif on Monday said that no power in the world can stop Islamabad from supporting the struggle of Kashmiris.

"India is mistaken if it considered that the freedom fight could be equated with terrorism," Radio Pakistan quoted him as saying while chairing a central working committee meeting of the PakistanMuslim League (N).

He once again hailed slain terrorist Burhan Wani, who was the commander of Hizbul-Mujahideen terror group, as a freedom fighter and pride of Kashmiri people.

Addressing the meeting, Sharif also said those trying to paralyze the country through their negative politics will miserably fail in their designs.

He further said the government is striving hard to overcome all challenges including terrorism and energy shortages, adding that the economy of the country has been strengthened as a result of effective policies.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) on Wednesday downplayed the Shiv Sena's threat to the BJP with regard to the local body and municipal corporation polls, saying that if the former is unhappy, it should be frank in expressing it.

NCP leader Majid Memon told ANI, "Why is Shiv Sena inviting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to take a step and that then it will retaliate? If you are unhappy with the BJP be frank, say that we want to sever relationship with you. Or admit that the Shiv Sena wants to be with the BJP. Admit either way. This is just dual policy neither here nor there."

Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray yesterday dared the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to break their alliance in the upcoming Zilla parishad, Thane Municipal Corporation and Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) elections and warned that should that happen, the BJP would come to actually know what a surgical strike is.

"I dare the BJP to break alliance in the upcoming zilla parishad, Thane Municipal Corporation and BMC elections, and then we will show what surgical strike is," said Thackeray while addressing a Ramleela function gathering here.

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Schneider Electric, the global specialist in energy management and automation in partnership with the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and the industry-led Power Sector Skill Council (PSSC), will co-promote a Centre of Excellence and support training of electricians for underprivileged youth in one hundred Government approved skill development centers.

The MoU is a significant step in operationalizing key aspects of the partnership between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Ministry of Education, France to strengthen cooperation in the skill development sector.

Schneider Electric Foundation and Schneider Electric India Foundation will donate didactic equipment, setup labs and also undertake Training of Trainer programs in skill development centres jointly identified in consultation with NSDC and PSSC.

Standardized programs compliant with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSDF) will be offered leading to a nationally recognized certification for all passing graduates.

The Centre of Excellence, to be established in the National Capital Region, will focus on training of trainers, Research and Development and specialized corporate programs in the areas of power, solar and automation.

The MoU for the alliance was exchanged in presence of Rajiv Pratap Rudy- Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, H. E. Alexandre Ziegler-Ambassador of France to India, Michel Le Devehat, Representative of Ministry of Higher Education, France, Jean-Pascal Tricoire - Chairman and CEO, Schneider Electric, and Rohit Nandan - Secretary, MSDE.

The event was also graced by Jean Marc Fenet, Minister-Counsellor, Embassy of France, Rajesh Agarwal - Joint Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and Manish Kumar, MD and CEO of NSDC.

With India's ratification of the Paris Climate Agreement, the alliance further supports the commitment towards keeping the increase in global average temperature to well below 2C, through skilling the youth of India towards electrical efficiency and sustainable energy.

"We are proud to partner with the Government of India to contribute to the skill equity of the country. We have already trained 52,000 underprivileged youth as electricians through 260 training centers across the country and through this MoU we aim to further accelerate the initiative. We feel we have a whole lot to contribute to develop skilled manpower in the field of electricity and to make India self-reliant in the energy sector. At Schneider Electric, we believe Access to Energy is a basic human right," said Chairman and CEO Schneider Electric, Jean Pascal Tricoire.

Schneider Innovation at Every Level harnesses the power and promise of its Internet of Things-powered by Ecostruxure architecture to reshape cities, transform industries and enrich lives through connected products, edge control, apps, analytics and services. Training is key to implement these innovations.

"With a heavy focus in our country on national missions like Make in India, Digital India and Smart Cities, there is a great need for skilled workforce in the power, solar energy and automation sector. Schneider is a global leader in this domain and we are certain that this partnership will create a great resource of trainers and assessors in this vertical and then in turn train our nation's youth for greater employment opportunities," said Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Rajiv Pratap Rudy.

"This industry ready workforce will be aligned to the latest modules for applications from a simple machine to the most complex of processes. With the increasing demand for skilled workforce and changing trends in automation, in both industrial and in general day to day life, there is a huge requirement across sectors, which needs to be addressed at the earliest," he added.

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Yunus Hoosen, Head, Invest South Africa, while addressing the session on 'Investment Opportunities in South Africa' at the BRICS Trade Fair here today, gave an overview of the investment environment in South Africa.

He said South Africa has always been a trading nation and regarded manufacturing as the heartbeat of industrial policy and action plan.

It contributes 13 per cent of GDP along with other key sectors including services, infrastructure and agriculture.

Mentioning the various benefits that the country offers, he said that it has one of the finest market access regimes and is the gateway to Africa. South Africa is moving towards a knowledge based economy with focus on high infrastructure and accessibility, ICT and connectivity through road, railways and airways.

With emphasis on trade, he mentioned that South Africa is strategically located as an export platform and that the export partners have diversified over the years.

Mr. Hoosen elaborated on the priority sectors for foreign direct investment which included manufacturing, nanotechnology, metals, bio fuels and mining. He spoke about the government procurement programme which aims at promoting joint ventures to facilitate foreign investor localisation in various sectors.

He touched upon the increasing accord being given to "Green Economy" which aims at creating 5 million jobs in South Africa by 2020. He said that Invest South Africa is a one stop shop for investor facilitation and South Africa offers a very strong case for investment.

Sihle Zikalala, Chaiperson, MEC, gave a presentation on the state of Kwazulu Natala which is the second most populous state in South Africa and has been growing at a rate of 3.6 per cent from 2004-14.

He mentioned that it is an attractive destination for and trade as it ranks third highest in terms of export and import and ranks second in terms of industrialisation.

A key feature of the province is that it has major seaports of the country and handles nearly 80 per cent of South Africa's cargo. Some of the significant factors for investment include attractive investment climate, strong public support, skilled and experienced manpower, mature domestic market, global connectivity and vibrant tourism. In terms of the major sectors, manufacturing plays a leading role and accounts for one third of exports. Other sectors include maritime, tourism, agriculture and aerotropolis.

Hamish Erkshine, CEO Dube Port, spoke about the Dube Trade Port (DTP) as South Africa's premier air logistics platform. He mentioned that investment in South Africa is strongly supported by public sector and added that DTP has a status of a special economic zone with integrated transport and logistics platform.

The value proposition that it provides includes proximity to major ports, integrated supply chain, world class infrastructure and special incentives such as reduced corporate tax, building allowance among others.

He said that the focus is on hard value sectors with a target on electronics, aerospace, agriculture and agro processing, medical and pharmaceuticals, textiles and automotive manufacturing and assembly. DTP has already secured an investment of USD 103 million which includes investments from leading international companies from India and China.

Kuni of WESGRO, spoke about the services that WESGRO provides as a trade, investment and tourism promotion agency for Cape Town and Western Cape.

The key services include facilitation and promotion with a key mandate of facilitating outward FDI.

He mentioned that the focus for this year has been infrastructure development and establishing international partnership to attract investments. Some of the major points of attractiveness for investing in the Western Cape include ease of doing business, strong government and industry collaboration, quality lifestyle and great air connectivity.

The sectors that have gained importance over the years include manufacturing and services with a focus on metals and financial services respectively. The top sources of FDI and trade include US and Europe with a growing contribution by India and China.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The World Bank Group must become better, stronger, and more agile to confront major global challenges over the next 15 years, while also working to end extreme poverty, boost shared prosperity, and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

That was a key message of the Development Committee, a ministerial-level forum of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund, in a communiqureleased at the close of the institutions' Annual Meetings.

The committee representing the Bank Group's 189 member countries said the global development landscape will face critical shifts in the future, driven by climate change, natural disasters, pandemics, migration, and fragility, conflict and violence, urbanization and demographic changes. Addressing these changes will require more collaboration with others and more resources, it said.

Acknowledging an environment of sluggish global economic growth and geopolitical and economic uncertainties, the committee also called on the Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to work with countries to enhance synergy among monetary, fiscal and structural reform policies, stimulate growth, create jobs, and strengthen the gains from multilateralism for all.

The committee's message capped two days of meetings of the Bank and IMF shareholders - including most of the world's countries. Ahead of the meetings, the Bank Group released a flagship report on poverty, shared prosperity, and inequality, and World Bank Group President Jim Yong Kim outlined his vision to accelerate development and the fight against poverty for his second term in a speech at the Brookings Institution.

Kim said the Bank is increasingly involved in development challenges beyond its traditional mandate, including major new initiatives to address the refugee crisis, climate change, and the threat of pandemics.

Challenges, he said, include technological change and the automation of work, which could impact jobs and the ability of developing countries to compete globally. By 2030, it's projected that almost half of the world's poor will live in countries affected by fragility and conflict. Emerging markets and low-income countries currently face an annual infrastructure financing gap of up to $1.5 trillion, said Kim.

He asked member countries at the Annual Meeting plenary session to give the Bank flexibility to solve the most important problems and make sure we have the financial capacity to change the world for the poorest and the most marginalized.

Over the last 70 years, the World Bank has been able to leverage $15 billion in paid-in capital to provide $600 billion in loans, and so increase the amount of assistance available to developing countries.

The Bank Group's private sector focused arm, IFC, leverages its capital 20 times, and the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Association (MIGA) leverages its shareholder equity 39 times, according to a paper on the Bank's forward look, submitted to the Development Committee.

The committee said that it would consider options to strengthen the financial position of the Bank no later than the 2017 Annual Meetings October 13-15, 2017, in Washington.

It urged the Bank Group to help create markets, particularly in the most challenging environments, and to mobilize private resources, including through guarantees, especially for quality infrastructure, and for small and medium enterprises.

Kim, who was appointed last month to a second term as president of the Bank, outlined a plan to accelerate inclusive and sustainable economic growth, increase investments in human capital, and foster resilience to global shocks and threats.

He said private sector financing will be critical and the Group would aim to mobilize private sector investment in the most challenging sectors and countries, and do much more to tackle some of those risks that constrain the private sector in these markets.

I want you to know that going forward, we will be much more aggressive in putting on the table, capital and specific instruments that can reduce risk. In doing so, we feel that we can create new markets and encourage investors to venture into countries and projects that they never would have considered before, Kim said at Brookings

The Development Committee welcomed a plan to increase the financing capacity of the World Bank's fund for the poorest countries, the International Development Association, also known as IDA. We advocate for a strong IDA18 replenishment, with a broadened donor base. We welcome the innovative financing and policy package, including the proposal to enable IDA, which has recently received milestone triple-A ratings, to tap into capital markets to complement its resources.

More than half the world's poor live in countries affected by fragility, conflict, and violence, where IDA support is particularly important, it added.

The Development Committee also asked the Bank and IMF to help countries access finance for adaption to climate change, as well as mitigation and improved disaster risk management.

It urged the Bank to focus on building resilience while expanding insurance schemes and increasing investments in climate-smart land use, green infrastructure, and sustainable cities. Kim announced assistance for Haiti during the Meetings to respond to damage from Hurricane Matthew, as well as $20 million from the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, developed with assistance of the World Bank.

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Ministry of Railways signed MoU with Government of Odisha For Cost Sharing of Two New Railway Line Projects in Odisha. This was signed in the presence of Shri Suresh Prabhakar Prabhu, Union Minister for Railways and Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha. On this occasion Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas, Shri Jual Oram, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs and Member of Parliament from Odisha were also present. The signatories of the MoU were Shri SC Jain, ED Works from Ministry of Railways and Shri Sanjeev Rastogi, Principal Secretary, Government of Odisha. The MoU was signed for sharing cost of laying two new lines in Odisha viz. Jeypore - Malkangiri and Jeypore - Nabarangpur.

The two new line projects viz. Jeypore- Nabarangpur and Jeypore- Malkangiri was included by Indian Railways in the Railway budget 2016-17 subject to requisite approvals from the Odisha government. Government of Odisha has agreed to partly bear the cost of these projects as detailed below:

JEYPORE - MALKANGIRI (130 Km)- 25% of total cost

JEYPORE - NABARANGPUR (38 Km)- entire land cost and 50% cost of construction.

Speaking on the occasion Shri Suresh Prabhu said that Orissa is a focus state for Indian Railways. The speed of implementation of projects will take Odisha ahead in rail connectivity. Odisha has minerals, tourism potential, etc. But development is lacking due to lack of connectivity. State Government alone cannot bring in connectivity. So Indian Railways is doing its part to improve the connectivity in Odisha. To improve the connectivity infrastructure in a particular state, Indian Railways is now forming Joint Venture with that State Government. Sharing of ownership will lead to more leverage in creating connectivity in the State. 11 Railway Stations including Bhubaneswar in Odisha is planned to be taken for Railway Station Redevelopment. Indian Railways is planning ways of developing Odisha as a tourism hub through IRCTC. Indian Railways through its PSU, IRCTC has also planned to market products of tribal SHGs in Odisha.

Indian Railways has also planned to open a Rail Factory in Kalahandi.

Shri Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisha has said that Odisha occupies an important place on the map of Indian Railways. For the first time an all time high of Rs. 4880 Crore has been provided to Odisha. He also said that the rail connectivity in Odisha is way less than the national average and he is glad that this Government has given priority to his state for improving the rail connectivity. The two projects viz, Jeypore - Malkangiri and Jeypore - Nabarangpur will serve the most backward, Naxal affected and tribal areas of the state. Odisha Government will be providing land free of cost for these projects.

Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Petroleum and Natural Gas has said that these projects will connect the Western Odisha for the first time. Development in Western Odisha was lacking only due to the lack of connectivity and this project will help in boosting the development in this part of the state.

Shri Jual Oram, Union Minister for Tribal Affairs has said that this project will connect the most backward areas of the state and bring in the development to the tribal people of the area. These project will help the tribal people in selling their products to faraway places and help in their development.

Detailed Project Report (DPR) for JEYPORE - NABARANGPUR has been prepared while the same for JEYPORE - MALKANGIRI is under preparation. Once the DPRs are examined by Ministry of Railways, requisite approvals will be sought.

Salient features of new BG line between Jeypore - Malkangiri (130 km)

The proposed new railway line between Jeypore - Malkangiri will serve the remote areas of Koraput and Malkangiri districts of Western Odisha, which have no railway connectivity. Entire line will be passing through hilly terrain and thick forests.

The important towns en-route are Boipariguda, Tanginiguda, Maithili, Pandripani Road. The total Route Km of the proposed new line is 130 Km connecting district headquarters of Koraput and Malkangiri. Out of 130 Km of this route, 45 Km falls in Koraput District and 85 Km in Malkangiri District. The alignment passes through 12 stations including three passenger halts at Tanginiguda, Govindapalli & Maithili.

The line is proposed with overhead electrification, standard-III interlocking, Multi Aspect Color Light Signaling (MACLS) and Optic fiber communication.

Construction of new line involves about 4,00 lakh cum of earth work in formation, 98 bridges (22 major, 61 minor & 15 RUBs). Level crossings have been eliminated by proposing all road crossings with Limited height subways (7 Nos), ROBs (15 Nos) and RUBs. There are four nos. of Tunnels comprising a total length of 2600m approximately at location of very deep cuttings.

Salient Features Of New BG Line Between Jeypore - Nabarangpur (38 Km)

The area from Jeypore to Nabarangpur is well irrigated by canals. The important town en- route is Boriguma, approximately 18 Km from Jeypore, i.e. almost half way to Nabarangpur. There are five railway stations including two passenger halts at Ambaguda Road and Kaliaguda.

Construction of new line involve about 98 lakh cum of earth work in formation, 60 bridges (9 major, 40 minor & 11 RUBs). Level crossing have been eliminated by proposing all road crossings with Limited height subways and RUBs.

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Global PC shipments declined for the eighth consecutive quarter

Worldwide PC shipments totaled 68.9 million units in the third quarter of 2016, a 5.7% decline from the third quarter of 2015, according to preliminary results by Gartner, Inc. This was the eighth consecutive quarter of PC shipment decline, the longest duration of decline in the history of the PC industry.

PC manufacturers faced many challenges, which included weak back-to-school demand, and ongoing low demand in the consumer market, especially in emerging markets.

"There are two fundamental issues that have impacted PC market results: the extension of the lifetime of the PC caused by the excess of consumer devices, and weak PC consumer demand in emerging markets," said Mikako Kitagawa, principal analyst at Gartner. "According to our 2016 personal technology survey, the majority of consumers own, and use, at least three different types of devices in mature markets. Among these devices, the PC is not a high priority device for the majority of consumers, so they do not feel the need to upgrade their PCs as often as they used to. Some may never decide to upgrade to a PC again.

"In emerging markets, PC penetration is low, but consumers are not keen to own PCs. Consumers in emerging markets primarily use smartphones or phablets for their computing needs, and they don't find the need to use a PC as much as consumers in mature markets."

The PC market continues to consolidate, as the top six vendors combined for a record high 78% of PC shipments in the third quarter of 2016 (Table 1). Lenovo continued to be the worldwide market leader based on preliminary PC shipments, but HP Inc. is nearly tied for this top spot, and these rankings could change when final shipment results are published. Lenovo has recorded six consecutive quarters of year-over-year shipment declines, while the nearest competitors, HP Inc. and Dell, have recorded shipment growth since the second quarter of 2016.

Lenovo 14434 20.9 14789 20.2 -2.4HP Inc. 14058 20.4 13744 18.8 2.3Dell 10111 14.7 9856 13.5 2.6Asus 5397 7.8 5271 7.2 2.4Apple 4946 7.2 5709 7.8 -13.4Acer 4613 6.7 5370 7.3 -14.1Others 15386 22.3 18359 25.1 -16.2Total 68945 100 79098 100 -5.7

The stabilization of the PC business market was a key factor for HP Inc.'s shipment growth, as a majority of its revenue was generated from the business segment. Dell's shipment growth exceeded the regional average in most regions.

In the United States, PC shipments totaled 16.2 million units in the third quarter, a 0.3% decline from the same period last year (Table 2). This is the second consecutive quarter of flat year-over-year PC shipment growth.

"Mobile PCs, which include notebooks, two-in-one PCs and Windows tablets, showed low-single-digit year-over-year growth, but the overall results were offset by a decline of desktop shipments," Ms. Kitagawa said. "Traditionally, the third quarter has been driven by back-to-school PC sales, but back-to-school marketing campaigns have become less effective for driving PC sales. With so many PCs already in the consumer market, U.S. consumers do not feel the need to buy new PCs; many parents hand down old PCs to their kids. While our PC shipment report does not include Chromebooks, our early indicator shows that Chromebooks exceeded PC shipment growth."

HP Inc. 4793 29.7 4649 28.7 3.1Dell 3874 24 3813 23.5 1.6Lenovo 2284 14.1 1982 12.2 15.3Apple 2076 12.9 2325 14.3 -10.7Asus 824 5.1 783 4.8 5.3Others 2300 14.2 2657 16.4 -13.4Total 16152 100 16208 100 -0.3

Asia/Pacific PC shipments totaled 24.7 million units in the third quarter of 2016, a 7.6% decline from the third quarter of 2015. Early indicators show that the PC vendors performed better than in the second quarter as they lowered channel inventory coming into the quarter and replenished stock for seasonal back-to-school demand. PC shipments in China are estimated to have declined 4.8%. Consumer sales in China were driven by notebook shipments, while the business market was driven by desktop PCs because of cost and computing effectiveness.

PC shipments in EMEA surpassed 19.2 million units in the third quarter of 2016, a 3.3% decline from the same period last year. The EMEA market's decline was mainly associated with very weak demand in Eastern Europe, Eurasia, and the Middle East and Africa. In the U.K., Brexit had no immediate impact on PC sales, but the depreciation of the British pound against the U.S. dollar caused some vendors to indicate prices will increase through the end of 2016 and into 2017.

These results are preliminary. Final statistics will be available soon to clients of Gartner's PC Quarterly Statistics Worldwide by Region program. This program offers a comprehensive and timely picture of the worldwide PC market, allowing product planning, distribution, marketing and sales organizations to keep abreast of key issues and their future implications around the globe.

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Afghan government forces, after days of fierce fighting, recaptured Kunduz city on Wednesday, forcing the Taliban militants to retreat to their former bases, a senior police official said.

"Taliban rebels after suffering huge casualties and leaving scores of bodies behind fled (from there) and the whole city is in control of the government forces at the moment," Xinhua news agency quoted an official as saying.

Taliban militants overran major parts of Kunduz city on October 3 prompting government forces to launch the counter-offensive.

"More than 200 Taliban rebels have been killed and over 300 sustained injuries since the launching of the counter-offensive to dislodge militants from the city," the official said.

He said scores of bodies of Taliban fighters were lying on the streets.

According to the official, more than 20 police personnel have been killed and 45 injured since the Taliban onslaught on Kunduz city and the counter-offensive to flush out militants.

The Taliban militants were yet to make any comment on the situation in the city.

--IANS

py/dg

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In what can be seen as a milestone in New Delhi's "Neighbourhood First" policy, Myanmar's State Counsellor and Foreign Minister Aung San Suu Kyi will pay a state visit to India at the invitation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi from October 17 to 19.

"The State Counsellor will be accompanied by several key Ministers and senior officials," the External Affairs Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.

"During her visit, the State Counsellor will call on President of India Pranab Mukherjee and have meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj," it stated.

Suu Kyi will also attend a business event during which she will interact with leading Indian business leaders on ways of bolstering bilateral economic and commercial relations.

"The visit of the State Counsellor will provide an opportunity for the two sides to discuss issues of mutual interest and seek ways to further strengthen the close and friendly ties that exist between the two countries," the statement said.

This will be first official visit of Suu Kyi to New Delhi since her National League for Democracy (NLD) assumed power in Myanmar in March this year.

Last month, Modi met Suu Kyi on the sidelines of the 14th India-Asean Summit and the 11th East Asia Summit in Vientiane, Laos.

Suu Kyi spent a considerable part of her early life in India and was educated at Lady Shri Ram College in New Delhi.

On April 6 this year, the 70-year-old Nobel peace laureate assumed charge as State Counsellor as she was constitutionally barred from the presidency after becoming the country's first female foreign minister on March 30.

Prior to visiting New Delhi, Suu Kyi will attend the BRICS-Bimstec Outreach Summit to be held in Goa on October 15-16.

In August, Myanmar President U Htin Kyaw was in New Delhi on his first official visit abroad after assuming charge.

His visit came less than a week after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's visit to Nay Pyi Taw.

--IANS

ab/vt

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The Bangladesh government on Wednesday imposed a 22-day ban on Hilsa fishing across 27 districts of the country to sustain the population of the popular food fish, said a government official.

The Hilsa fish move from coastal areas to the Padma and Meghna rivers to lay eggs around this time and bans imposed during the last few years were successful in sustaining their population, said Chandpur Fisheries Chief Scientific Officer and Hilsa Specialist Md Anisur Rahman.

Catching, selling, transportation, storage and also exchange of the most-sought food fish species was banned across the country and particularly across the 7,000 sq. km. designated area of Hilsa breeding zone, bdnews24 reported.

Fishermen on the Padma and Meghna rivers in Munshiganj, Chandpur, Laxmipur and Barisal were forbidden from using their fishing nets to catch Hilsa.

The Hilsa fish are from the herring family and part of the Bengali cuisine and popular among a large population in India, Bangladesh, and other South Asian countries -- Malaysia, Thailand, China, Vietnam and Sri Lanka.

Officials said fishermen observing the ban in the 76 sub-districts would be compensated with 20 kg of rice each by the Ministry of Relief and Disaster Management.

The government has deployed coast guards, naval police and other security forces to ensure that the ban is observed.

Anyone found flouting the ban could face a fine up to Taka 10,000, (around Rs 8,500) or confiscation of his fishing equipment and even a prison term for two years, said Chandpur Fisheries official Md Safiqur Rahman.

According to an estimate of the fisheries department, the hilsa output during the fiscal 2014-15 was 385,000 tonnes, while it rose to more than 400,000 tonne in 2015-16.

There was hardly any Hilsa business in the last five to seven years, but tough measures by the Bangladesh government ensured that Hilsa fish were available almost everywhere between 2014-16, Fisheries Minister Muhammed Sayedul Hoque said.

--IANS

in/dg

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The proportion of UK wheat hitting the high-quality bread specification is set to be the highest in 10 years, latest Agriculture & Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) figures have revealed.

According to the second provisional results from this years AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Cereal Quality Survey, 46% of Nabim Group 1 varieties have met or exceeded the requirements for high-quality bread wheat, compared with 31% last year.

The requirements call for a minimum specific weight of 76 kg/hl, a Hagberg Falling Number* greater than or equal to 250 seconds, and a minimum protein content of 13%.

The high proportion meeting milling standards this year is likely to mean a greater proportion of the domestic crop being used in the UK flour milling industry, said AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds analyst James Webster.

Writing on the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds website last month, analyst Isobel Robinson had suggested a high-quality harvest of milling wheat could give the UK an opportunity to replace some of its imports, which she had described as stubbornly high.

Robinson said it could be hard for UK wheat to replace Canadian as this is usually high-protein milling wheat for bread, which the UK is unable to produce in sufficient quantities. But the UK may import less from France and Germany this season  particularly as wet weather has resulted in French wheat production estimated at 28.5 million tonnes  the lowest since 1993/94.

Webster this week added, however, that a lower specific weight than in the previous two years meant extraction rates were likely to be lower, and could influence the amount of wheat required.

Across the total 15,536 wheat samples analysed by the AHDB by 24 September 2016, the provisional average protein level for 2016 was 12.5%, higher than the 2015 results and the three-year average.

The average Hagberg Falling Number for all samples was 309 seconds, which is one of the highest levels on record, with only five harvests since 1977 exceeding it. Specific weight remains below the three-year average at 76.7 kg/hl.

*The Hagberg test measures the time a plunger takes to fall through a heated mixture of ground grain and water, and provides an indication of the level of enzyme activity and onset of sprouting. A high number is better, with a threshold of 250 seconds used for bread-making wheat.
Closer ties between China and Bangladesh may put pressure on New Delhi to rethink its strategy in South Asia and encourage it to better its relations with Beijing, Chinese media reported on Wednesday.

However, state-run Global Times in its editorial did not elaborate what India's strategy in the region was.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will arrive in Dhaka on October 14, before leaving for India to attend the two-day BRICS summit in Goa from October 15.

According to the daily, India need not be "jealous" of increasing ties between Dhaka and Beijing and it was wrong to think that Xi's trip to Bangladesh was "to snatch the South Asian country from the embrace of New Delhi".

Xi's visit to Bangladesh will be the first by a Chinese President in 30 years.

"India will not need to be jealous of an increasingly close relationship between Beijing and Dhaka, because the improvement of local infrastructure and the overall economic ecology in Bangladesh will create favourable external conditions for connecting with markets in India, China and Southeast Asia," the editorial said.

"However, it would not necessarily be a bad thing if an increasingly close relationship between China and Bangladesh puts some pressure on New Delhi to rethink its strategy in this region and encourages it to put more effort into improving relations with China during the upcoming meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit."

The report said India thinks that China is trying to carve out a "pre-eminent role" for itself in South Asia to "contain" India -- a dominant country in the region.

"Some Indian people may mistakenly flatter themselves when they think China's Belt and Road initiative is aimed at balancing India's influence."

"But such views are too simplistic," it added.

"The initiative, connecting more than four billion people in 65 countries, is not about marking Beijing's strategic circle on the subcontinent of South Asia, but instead represents an open-ended initiative that welcomes the participation of numerous other countries."

(Gaurav Sharma is the Beijing-based correspondent for IANS. He can be contacted at sharmagaurav71@gmail.com and gauravians@yahoo.com)

--IANS

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(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
In a complaint to the electoral authorities on Wednesday, a Goa Congress Member of Parliament has objected to the symbol of 'lotus' for the forthcoming BRICS Summit.

Rajya Sabha MP Shantaram Naik has alleged that the BJP is politicising the two-day summit.

Speaking to reporters, after filing his complaint with the Office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Goa, Naik said: "The BRICS symbol is being used for electoral purposes, as the state is expected to go to polls early in 2017."

"BJP is saffronising the BRICS by using lotus as a logo. Lotus is also the symbol of the BJP," Naik said after handing over his complaint to the Additional Chief Electoral officer Narayan Navti.

"Now the BJP's lotus symbol must be frozen," Naik demanded.

The 8th BRICS Summit is scheduled for September 15-16 in Goa.

--IANS

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Actor-filmmaker Justin Theroux has joined Paul Rudd and Alexander Skarsgard in science-fiction thriller "Mute" which is to be directed by Duncan Jones.

Skarsgard is portraying a mute bartender in Berlin, 40 years in the future in what has become a roiling city of immigrants, where East crashes against West, reported variety.com.

His character will be looking for a woman who has disappeared -- and when his search takes him deep into the city's underbelly, an odd pair of American surgeons seem to be the only recurring clue.

"Mute" is based on a script by Jones and Mike Johnson. Netflix announced in September that it would handle distribution.

Rudd and Skarsgard came on board for the project late last year.

Theroux's latest "The Girl on the Train" releases in India on Friday.

--IANS

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A delegation of doctors from Pakistan, expected to participate in a global conference on Head and Neck cancer in the city, could not attend the event as the Union Home Ministry said "they failed to apply for proper travel documents".

"Pakistan comes under the "Prior Reference Category" (PRC) and anyone wishing to visit any conference in India has to apply well in advance for consideration of his or her visa application," a Home Ministry official told IANS.

The official explained that "reaction time" for PRC visa application is minimum 10 days. "So one has to apply well in advance for consideration of his or her visa application."

"The reality is that we did not receive any visa application from any doctor from Pakistan to attend any conference in India," the official said.

The delegation of Pakistani doctors was scheduled to attend a four-day global meet on cancer care beginning here on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, Professor at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) and organising Secretary of the conference, Alok Thakar said the delegation of Pakistani doctors were scheduled to participate but could not make it as they could not get the visas.

Speaking to media at the conference, he said: "We have participants from some 12-15 countries this time. Many other countries were also likely to participate."

The conference is being organised by International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologist Societies (IFHNOS) and Foundation for Head-Neck Oncology (FHNO).

Thakar, a Professor of Otolaryngology and Head-Neck Surgery at the AIIMS, said that during the conference participants from India and other parts of the world will present papers on innovations in medicine related to Head and Neck cancers.

The news comes amidst escalating tension between India and Pakistan in the wake of the Uri attack and subsequent surgical strikes by Indian Army on terror launch pads across the border.

--IANS

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The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday accused Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar of misusing the Indian Army's accomplishments for political gains and also belittling its legacy.

AAP leader Dilip Pandey said: "If you (Parrikar) ignore the Indian Army's history, and instead praise yourself and the Prime Minister for the army's feats, there can be no other example of abuse of its accomplishments."

Pandey's comments came closely in the wake of Parrikar's statement in Mumbai earlier in the day that a major share of the credit for the September 29 surgical strikes goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"It was Parrikar-ji who said in a statement a few days back that they (the BJP-led central government) reminded the Indian Army about its strength. He forgets that it was the Indian Army which thwarted the enemy in 1948, 1965, 1971 and during the Kargil war (in 1999)," he said.

The AAP leader also said that ever since the September 29 surgical strikes across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, the Bharatiya Janata Party has been politicising the issue.

Pandey said questioning the BJP does not mean questioning the Indian Army.

"But this is exactly what the BJP wants to portray. I want to reiterate that the AAP has never questioned the Indian Army. But misuse of the army's accomplishments and army's might for personal and political gains is not right," he said.

"Parrikar says that credit also goes to the (political) leadership apart from the army. I would remind him that huge posters of the Prime Minister in Uttar Pradesh and Goa (which go to assembly polls next year) have no mention of the Indian Army," Pandey added.

He said that by making such statements, the Defence Minister is belittling the long and proud legacy of the Army.

--IANS

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The Congress on Wednesday accused Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and BJP President Amit Shah of seeking to make political capital out of the Indian Army's sacrifices and demanded that they apologise for this.

The Congress said the onus lies on Prime Minister Narender Modi to tame -- what the opposition party said were belligerent -- Defence Minister and the BJP President.

Parrikar on Wednesday said a major share of the credit for the surgical strikes across the Line of Control in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir goes to Modi.

"Parrikar claimed that the Modi government made the army realise its prowess and strength for the first time. Shah lied to the nation and disgracefully undermined the sacrifices of our armed forces by proclaiming that the army has crossed the LoC for the first time in 68 years under the Modi government," Congress spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said.

Surjewala said it did not behove of a Defence Minister to insult the armed forces' sacrifices and valour by shamelessly denying the fact of earlier surgical strikes.

"Blinded by his efforts to garner votes from the sacrifices of our soldiers, Parrikar is unabashedly lying and misleading the people. He is free to give credit to anyone, but should abstain from undermining the huge sacrifices made by our armed forces in the last 68 years," he said.

The Congress leader asked Parrikar to apologise for his statement which the former said was insulting to our armed forces.

"This distasteful commentary, unending public felicitations of the Defence Minister in Goa, Agra and Lucknow and converting national security into an event management exercise to polish the Prime Minister's image is unfortunate and reflects the BJP's desperation," said Surjewala.

"Parrikar has dangerously attempted to belittle their contribution and is dividing the armed forces on political lines," he added.

--IANS

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Petrol pumps across Manipur remained shut in the wake of an indefinite blockade along the state's highways, authorities said on Wednesday.

The blockade, called by the Rongemei Naga Youth Front, commenced on Tuesday midnight in protest against the failure of the government to address the deteriorating condition of National Highway 37 linking Assam and Manipur.

"There was no prior notice. I had to buy petrol at Rs 120 a litre," local resident P. Nilamani said.

Another resident Rupashree, said: "In the past, the government used to say that there was always a stock to last 21 days. Petrol pump owners were threatened with legal action if they indulged to hoarding. This time, the government has remained silent."

Meanwhile, traders were profiteering out of the scarcity. Many of them were reportedly going to Moreh along the Myanmar border to fetch petrol to sell in and around Imphal.

O. Biramani, a trader said: "There are three grades of petrol available at Namphalong across the International Gate and these are cheaper than the Indian petrol. We can get huge profit in bringing petrol to Manipur."

The blockade is being supported by a number of NGOs which contend that the state government has failed to oversee the works of the Border Roads Task Force (BRTF). Several activists blamed the BRTF for the present poor condition of NH 37.

However, BRTF officials have assured the authorities that they would make NH 37 "comfortably passable within December 15".

They pleaded non-availability of material and interference from extortionists for the poor upkeep of the strategic highway.

"Despite constraints, we shall make the highway passable. But we need cooperation from the state authorities like checking the weight of the overladen vehicles which so often cross the wobbly bridges along this important highway," the officials said.

--IANS

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A trader was looted of Rs 4 lakh at gunpoint from three men here as he got out of his car to go to his shop on Wednesday, police said.

The incident occurred on Ramte Ram Road under the Kotwali police station.

As Anil Arora, proprietor of SS Traders in Kirana Mandi, parked his car near Raka Park and got out, three robbers approached him, one of them put put a pistol to his head and demanded the bag containing the cash.

Arora tried to resist but gave up as they threatened to shoot him. Seizing the bag, the robbers fled.

After the incident, the trader was taken by his colleagues to the police station where a complaint was lodged.

Traders' union leaders also met Superintendent of Police, City Salman Taj, who assured them of a fast probe.

"We have registered a case of robbery. Two teams have been assigned to track the criminals," Taj said.

--IANS

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Russia's United Shipbuilding Corporation (USC) on Wednesday entered into an MoU with Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board to set up ship building capabilities in the state.

The MoU was signed by the officials of the two sides in presence of Russian Minister for Industry and Trade, Denis Manturov and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu.

An high-level delegation led by the minister is currently on a visit to Andhra Pradesh.

USC is the largest shipbuilding corporation in Russia and Eastern Europe. About 70 percent of the naval ships in India, including submarines, have been supplied by USC and its subsidiaries and partners.

"This is a first step towards a cooperation with Russian Federation that will have long term advances in job creation, technology absorption and skilling for the state of Andhra Pradesh," Naidu said.

"Andhra Pradesh and Russia will have to jointly work towards ushering a fourth industrial revolution," he added.

Sudoexport, one of the subsidiaries of USC, is studying the inland waterway project and has made exploratory visits to Andhra Pradesh.

A tripartite MoU between TechnoNICOL, Sun Group and Andhra Pradesh Economic Development Board was also signed.

TechnoNICOL, one of Russia's largest building material companies with sales of over $1 billion, will set up manufacturing facilities in Andhra Pradesh.

Meanwhile, Naidu and the Russian minister discussed ways to enhance cooperation in a wide range of sectors.

Highlighting the various investments opportunities and strategic advantages Andhra Pradesh has for mutual cooperation, Naidu said that he is looking for active cooperation with Russia especially in the field of defence and aerospace.

--IANS

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The Saudi Arabian air defence on Wednesday intercepted two ballistic missiles fired from Yemen.

The commander of the Arab coalition said in a statement that the air defence destroyed the base, from which the two missiles were launched aimed at the Saudi Arabian region of Jizan, EFE news reported.

The Shia Houthi rebel movement often fires projectiles against Saudi areas near the border, mainly Jizan and Najran.

The Arab coalition in March 2015 began a military offensive against the Houthis, in support of Yemeni President Abd Rabbuh Mansour Hadi.

--IANS

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Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Wednesday touched upon a variety of issues such as terrorism and de-radicalisation in Australian parliament, and said both nations had closely aligned "strategic priorities".

Lee, taking the opportunity to reflect on the friendship between the two nations, hailed the relationship between his country and Australia in an address to the Australian parliament here, Xinhua news agency reported.

He said both the governments share similar values on issues such as terrorism and de-radicalisation.

"(Australian and Singaporean) security agencies work closely and quietly together to fight terrorism, sharing intelligence and information, carrying out counter-terrorism operations, exchanging notes on religious rehabilitation and de-radicalisation programmes," Lee, here on a three-day visit to sign trade and defence deals, said.

Earlier this year, both governments signed an agreement for 14,000 Singaporean troops to train in Australia -- a deal worth more than $1.7 billion, while a free trade agreement between the nations was also revised and refreshed last year.

Lee said he "looks forward to Singapore and Australia working together to deepen and to strengthen (the relationship)".

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull welcomed Lee's commitment to further strengthening the security ties between the country and Southeast Asia.

He said both Singapore and Australia have very "similar worldviews" which will assist the fight against terror organisations such as the Islamic State in the future.

--IANS

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The UN human rights chief has warned that, if Republican party nominee Donald Trump is elected to be the next US President, he would be "dangerous from an international point of view".

Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein told reporters on Wednesday that comments by Trump were "deeply unsettling and disturbing", reported CNBC news.

Speaking on the November presidential election, the Jordanian prince said: "If Donald Trump is elected, on the basis of what he has said already and unless that changes, I think it's without any doubt that he would be dangerous from an international point of view."

The human rights chief also told reporters he did not plan to tone down his recent remarks decrying dangers posed by "populists and demagogues".

In September, Hussein had told a security conference that politicians such as Donald Trump used the same tactics as the so-called Islamic State.

--IANS

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The US has blacklisted four Pakistanis and banned their companies as well on charges of money laundering, a media report said on Wednesday.

The News International identified the four as Obaid Khanani, Huzaifa Khanani, Javed Khanani and Atif Polani. Their companies were blacklisted by the US Treasury Department.

The report said these companies had been set up in Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates and were used to launder the money of drug dealers based in China, Mexico and Colombia.

Obaid Khanani was described as the son of Altaf Khanani, who is under arrest in the US on charges of laundering money for the Taliban. Javed is his brother while Huzaifa is his nephew.

--IANS

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The manner in which militants have been able to cock a snook at Indian security forces and strike at will is worrisome. The latest incident, in which militants stormed a multi-storeyed government building in Pampore near the Indian Army base, once again exposes the chinks in our security armour.
Twelve people have died in the north of Myanmar's Rakhine state in clashes between armed men and troops, state media reported on Wednesday, in a sharp escalation of violence in the restive region.

Four soldiers and one attacker were killed on Tuesday when hundreds of men wielding pistols and swords assailed troops in Pyaungpit village.

"After the incident, troops found seven bodies," state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported, referring to clashes with troops in Taung Paing Nyar.
Five Shiv Sena activists were today arrested in connection with the assault on BJP MP Kirit Somaiya and other BJP workers at suburban Mulund here, police said.

The assault took place after Sena workers allegedly disrupted a programme organised by Somaiya wherein an effigy of 'corruption mafia in MCGM' was to be burnt to mark the festival of Dussehra last evening, they said.

"We registered an offence against Shiv Sena activists and arrested five people under IPC 324, 323, 504, 506 and relevant sections," said senior police inspector Madhav More of Navghar Police Station.

Those arrested early this morning include Kiran Nande (40), Nilesh Sawant (37), Nilesh Thakkar (42), Sunil Gore (41) and Kishore Bhoir (42), all residents of Mulund East.

Also, three persons including a woman were injured in the clashes which erupted between workers of both the parties, after Sena activists objected to the effigy burning as they are in power in MCGM and tried to stop the programme, police said.

However, police intervened and brought the situation under control, Ashok Dudhe, Deputy Commissioner of Police, said.

MCGM is ruled by the Sena-BJP alliance for the last 20 years and civic polls are scheduled early next year.

Somaiya, a former Mumbai BJP chief, has aggressively targeted Sena and has repeatedly alleged that civic body was riddled with "mafia-raj and corruption".

The MP who represents the Northeast Mumbai constituency, had said yesterday that he will continue his fight against the "mafia-raj and corruption in MCGM".

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Power equipment and automation major ABB, which has completed over a century in the country, is looking at making India an export hub for power and automation technology solutions.

As part of its increased India focus, the Swiss major has also launched its venture capital arm, ABB Technology Venture, to scout for opportunities in software engineering, software applications and artificial intelligence.

"We are keen to make India our export hub for power and automation technology solutions in the future," ABB global chief executive Ulrich Spiesshofer told a visiting group of Indian media at the company's headquarters in Zurich.

Underlining that India has been a key clog in the wheel of his company for decades, with exports to South and West Asia, he said, "ABB India exports to around 100 countries and it's deep local footprint and rich global and local expertise combine for offerings to customers in India and around the world.

"India has always been a very strong pillar of our success in power grids. We have executed large projects. We have a very competitive product offerings that we produce in our Nasik and Vadodara plants. We have fully localised our offerings," Spiesshofer said, adding "we are one of the strongest local players in the power grids space with a large team. Therefore India is becoming more and more an important export hub for us in this area."



ABB has multiple global feeder factories in India, which meets both domestic and global demand. ABB India's exports have been cloaking 21 per cent CAGR over the last four years, contributing to 14-15 per cent of its India orders as well as 16-17 per cent of revenue in the second quarter of this year, he said.

Currently, India is one of the top 10 markets for the group with an annual turnover of USD 1.3 billion in 2015. On an average its annual investments in India have been USD 100 million to meet capex needs to upgrade facilities or put up new facilities.

ABB's venture capital arm, ABB Technology Venture (ATV),



started by him in 2009, is also now active in the country, Spiesshofer said.

"We've recently opened our ATV in India and it is an attractive way to gain insights into technology. I am quite excited about it and will be visiting India soon to meet younger entrepreneurs," he said.

ABB India opened two new factories in 2013 at Salvi in Vadodara to manufacture the next level of environment-friendly and efficient power equipment like gas insulated switchgears and dry type transformers.

It is also looking at increasing the business from renewable energy, electric mobility and latest technologies for diesel, dual-mode locos as well as electrified railways.

Spiesshofer also pointed out that renewables is an area where the ABB will look at continuing a healthy double-digit growth going forward.

On M&A opportunities in India, he said the company is not averse to look at areas that complement its capabilities.

On the product side, ABB could likely be an offering to complement ABB's offerings in the local market as well as capitalise on the country's strong capabilities in software application and engineering.

He said the company will be bidding for the Railways' dual engine (diesel-cum-electric engines) contracts as and when it happens.

"We are already supplying different variants of railway engines. Globally we work with many players. We will be happy to tie-up with Indian Railways," he said, adding India is one of the target markets for sustainable transport solutions.

On his India strategy, he said, this is long-term. "We look at India from a very long-term perspective. India is one of the largest economies, and one of our longest partners for all our products for more than 100 years."



Going forward, the company will put lots of its energy on the solar front, Spiesshofer said. "Already half of the installed solar inverters have been provided by ABB India here. With our fully localised value chain and the strong team we expect to continue our high double digit growth in this sector going forward.

ABB is also working with the government's programme to provide technology solutions for solar powered agricultural pumps to farmers, he said.

ABB India recently opened a new solar inverter manufacturing facility in Bangalore, which will enable it to double its production capacity with advanced technology. It also announced the first solar powered microgrid in the country to be set up to power its Vadodara facility.
Air India Express is set to spread its wings to Bangladesh besides launching new flights to Saudi Arabia and Singapore and increasing its aircraft fleet size to 25 by the end of the next year.

The airline, which posted a net profit of Rs 362 crore in the fiscal 2015-16 for the first time since its launch in 2005, is estimated to have logged a good growth in both passenger numbers and revenue in the September quarter of the current financial year, Air India Express (AIE) Chief Executive Officer K Shyamsunder said.

"We will launch new flights to Singapore from Kolkata and Chennai besides a service to Dhaka from Kolkata. Apart from these, we are also going to connect Saudi city of Riyadh from Calicut during the winter schedule," Shyamsunder told PTI in an interview from Kochi.

AIE would also connect Dhaka with Kolkata during the winters, he said, adding "a number of other new flights are set to be launched between this month and March next year."



The winter schedule of the Indian airlines would commence from October 30 and last up to March end next year.

The Kochi-headquartered airline at present operates 475 services per week to 13 international airports across the Gulf and South-east Asia. As many as 236 of the 435 services are operated to and from Kerala.

AIE has a fleet of 21 Boeing 737 planes--17 owned and four on lease--and two B-737 are expected to join the fleet by next month, which will take the total number of aircraft to 23.

In addition, Air India Express has recently invited bids for dry leasing of two Boeing 737 aircraft which it plans to induct by December 2017.

"We need them (the two planes) for expanding our operations, though we have yet to finalise the routes or the airports we will fly them to. We will have to wait for the deliveries of these planes," Shyamsunder said.

Talking about the financial performance of the airline in the July-September quarter, he said the airline has seen growth both in the topline and passenger numbers, but the load factor dropped by a few notches during the period due to capacity addition.

The airline reported a net profit of Rs 361.68 crore in the fiscal 2015-16 against the loss of Rs 61 crore FY 15. Low oil prices, coupled with higher load factor and better utilisation of its assets helped Air India Express achieve the positive financial results.

"The growth in this quarter has been fairly good. Both revenue and passenger numbers are up by 25 per cent compared to the period year ago. It is because passengers profile more or less remains the same.

"However, the load factor has declined three per cent to 81 per cent from 84 per cent in the same quarter of fiscal 2015-16. The profit trends are also very positive," he said.

Air India Express had carried 2.80 million passengers and earned a total revenue of Rs 2917.96 crore in the fiscal 2015-16.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
BJP President Amit Shah will be the chief guest at a public meeting on October 16 in Haryana being held as part of an exercise to rally around various castes and sub-castes linked to the Vaishya community.

Over 29 MPs and 111 MLAs, hailing from the community, from various states and political parties have been invited to take part in the October 15-16 event being organised by Agroha Vikas Trust, which is linked to BJP-backed Rajya Sabha member and media baron Subhash Chandra.

"This year is a special occasion where many of OBCs will be given surname 'Vaishya' with all vaidik rituals, in the presence of more than 1,00,000 Bhartiyas (Indians)," a statement said.

"We have also organised a public meeting on Oct 16 inviting Amit Shah as the chief guest. Meeting will be presided over by yours truly (sic)," Chandra said in a tweet.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
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The Economic Development Board of Andhra Pradesh today signed a pact with Russia's JSC United Shipping Corporation for setting up a ship-building unit in the state.

United is expected to invest about Rs 100 crore in the proposed project.

The EDB signed another memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Russia's TechnoNICOL Corporation for establishing a world-class manufacturing complex in Visakhapatnam district to produce membranes, shingles and other waterproofing and roofing products.

The MoUs were signed in the presence of visiting Russian Minister for Trade and Industry Denis Menturov and Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu.

United, the largest ship-building company in Russia, and the EDB will jointly explore the "prospects of potential collaboration" for organisation of cargo and passenger transportation as well as design and construction of civil watercraft, an official release said.

TechnoNICOL, a leader in manufacture of materials for waterproofing, roofing and insulation, will invest USD 62 million for setting up the world-class manufacturing complex in partnership with SUN Group Enterprises, the release added.

Naidu said the state government is ready to provide all required infrastructure for industries.

"We have water, land and power. Visakhapatnam has facilities for aerospace and defence industries. The Visakhapatnam-Chennai and Bengaluru-Chennai Industrial Corridors are also being developed," he said.

"We can provide excellent market for you. This is the right time for Russia to invest here under the Make in India programme.

"India is the only country to have registered 7.5 per cent economic growth last year and this will continue. AP has grown by 10.99 per cent last year and now our target is to ensure 15 per cent growth in the next 15-20 years," he added.

Finance Minister Yanamala Ramakrishnudu, Russian business delegates and state government officials attended the event.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
The CPI(M)-led LDF government in Kerala seems to be facing its worst crisis with the row over appointment of ministerial kins to plum posts in PSUs refusing to die down, even as opposition Congress today demanded either resignation or sacking of Industries Minister E P Jayarajan, who is at the centre of the controversy.

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitharam Yechury also indicated, in New Delhi, that action could be taken.

"The process of correction of whatever decision has been taken has been initiated. The state Secretariat will be meeting on October 14 at Thiruvananthapuram," Yechury told reporters in New Delhi.

Asked if any action will be taken, he said "certainly".

KPCC President V M Sudheeran said Jayarajan should either resign or he should be removed from the post. The matter cannot be viewed as an internal issue of the party, he told reporters here.

Congress will take out a march to the Assembly on October 17, when the House re-assembles after Pooja holidays, he said.

Congress and BJP leaders have also written to Vigilance Director seeking action against Jayarajan.

Vigilance is understood to have sought legal opinion. Jayarajan had appointed his nephew P K Sudheer, who is the son of Kannur MP, P K Sreemathy, as the Managing Director of Kerala State Industrial Enterprises Ltd early this month.

However, when the matter became controversial, the appointment was cancelled by the government.

Deepthi Nishad, another close relative of Jayarajan, today resigned as the General Manager of Kerala Clays and Ceramic Products Ltd in Kannur.

Opposition alleged that Deepthi, daughter-in-law of Jayarajan's elder brother, was appointed in the PSU without the requisite qualification.

CPI(M) State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan today held talks with Jayarajan for nearly an hour at the AKG Centre, the party head quarters, and has reportedly sought details of various appointments made by him.

Jayarajan declined to talk to the media after his visit to the party office.

Meanwhile, according to media reports CPI(M) Central



Committee member M C Josephine today lodged a complaint with Kodiyeri Balakrishnan against the appointment of the relatives of party leaders in key posts.

Josephine, a staunch V S Achutanandan loyalist, reportedly alleged in her complaint that the present controversy had brought disgrace to the party and the four-month-old government headed by Pinarayi Vijayan.

She specially mentioned about the appointment of relatives of party leaders as Government Pleaders in the Kerala High Court after the LDF government came into power.

Josephine also demanded a serious introspection of party leadership on the issue.

CPI General Secretary G Sudhakar Reddy, in New Delhi, said "in such a type of case, it is necessary to discuss inside the Left Front and some sort of rules should be framed".

"It is not only that Left government should be free from these type of criticisms, they should also look justified and stand for the values for which people voted the left front government," Reddy said.
Azure Power Global today started trading on the New York Stock Exchange and expects to raise USD 136 million through the initial share sale priced at USD 18 apiece.

The scrip debuted on the bourse at USD 16.12 and then dropped over two per cent to USD 15.45.

It is looking to raise little over USD 61 million through sale of shares by the company as well as by certain existing shareholders. Besides, the firm would be mopping up around USD 75 million by way of private placement.

"The gross proceeds to Azure Power and the selling shareholders from the initial public offering and the concurrent private placement are expected to be approximately USD 136.4 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses," the company said in a release today.

Under the IPO, the company would offer 34,09,091 equity shares, "including 22,42,424 equity shares to be sold by Azure Power and 11,66,667 shares to be sold by certain selling shareholders, at a price to the public of USD 18 per equity share".

According to the release, the firm has granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 5,11,364 equity shares at the initial public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.

The net proceeds would be utilised primarily to fund the purchase by Azure Power of equity shares of its subsidiary, Azure Power India Pvt Ltd (AZI) and to fund future operating expenses of Azure Power.

"Net proceeds to be received by AZI as a result of such purchase are intended to be used for growth capital requirements, new project development and other general corporate purposes," the release said.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Lighting products and consumer durables maker Bajaj Electricals is looking at a turnover of around Rs 5,000 crore this fiscal, helped by robust growth in its durable and engineering and project segments.

The company is expecting an equal contribution of around Rs 2,500 crore each this fiscal from its both segments - durables and engineering and projects (EPC) divisions.

"We are expecting both the businesses to contribute Rs 2,500 crore each. We are looking at Rs 4,800 crore to Rs 5,000 crore," Bajaj Electricals Chairman and Managing Director Shekhar Bajaj told PTI.

In FY 2015-16, Bajaj Electricals had posted Rs 4,634.80 crore revenue from operations and other income.

The company is presently restructuring its consumer products business by adopting the distribution system from the wholesale model.

"Instead of wholesale model, we are going for a distribution model, which is taking little time," Bajaj added.

Moreover, the Mumbai-based company has now created two verticals. It has merged small appliances and lighting source business to consumer products portfolio, which would handle b2c business.

"Now we have merged the small appliances and lighting source business as one vertical, which is called as consumer products portfolio. It would go through the same outlet," he said adding that the another one is " b2b business, which would have project business and luminaries business".

Bajaj Electricals is also expecting its Engineering & Projects division to have a good performance this fiscal.

"Our Engineering & Projects division is also doing well. It had a business of Rs 1,400 crore last fiscal and this fiscal it would be around Rs 1,700 crore to Rs 1,800 crore," he added.

The company, which is number two into the lighting segment after Philips has also started production of LED lights.

"We have started production in LED in a small way. We are keeping our options open... As it has a very vast range, some products would be manufactured by us and some would be sourced from outside," Bajaj added.

However, he also added that the lighting segment would not have much growth this fiscal as the prices are falling despite a volume increase.

The company is expecting that LED segment to account for around half of its lighting business revenue by 2017-18.

"This year, we are expecting a business of Rs 1,300 crore from the light business, in which around Rs 450 to 500 crore would come from the LED segment," he added.

Last fiscal, the company had total sales of Rs 1,100 crore from the lighting segment, in which LED contributed around Rs 300 crore.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Bangladesh today imposed a 22-day ban on Hilsa fishing in 27 districts in a bid to increase the population of the popular fish species which contributes one per cent of the country's GDP.

Fishermen in 76 upazilas will be compensated with 20 kg of rice each by the relief and disaster management ministry.

Catching, selling, transportation, storage and exchange of Hilsa fish is now banned across the country and will be particularly enforced in a 7,000 square km area designated the breeding zone, bdnews24.Com reported.

Fishermen on the Padma and Meghna rivers in Munshiganj, Chandpur, Laxmipur and Barisal are also forbidden from using fishing nets.

Hilsa fish move from coastal areas to the Padma and Meghna rivers to lay eggs around the first full moon of the Bangla calendar month of Ashwin, said Chandpur Fisheries Chief Science Official and Hilsa Specialist Mohammed Anisur Rahman.

In the past few years, the fishing ban has successfully sustained the Hilsa population, Rahman said.

The government has deployed the coast guard, naval police and other forces to ensure fishermen observe the ban.

Anyone found breaking the ban could face a fine between 5,000 to 10,000 taka (USD 63 to USD 127), confiscating of fishing equipment and up to two years in prison, said Chandpur Fisheries official Mohammed Safiqur Rahman.

Habu Chayal, a fisherman from the Katkhali area of Chandpur, said, "Last year fishermen observed the ban and this year we have been rewarded with a large catch of Hilsha".

According to an estimate of the fisheries department, the Hilsha output of 385,000 tonnes in 2014-15 financial year rose to more than 400,000 tonnes in 2015-16.

Hilsa had been out of reach for most people for the past five to seven years. But tough government measures have ensured the fish is now available almost everywhere, Fisheries Minister Muhammed Sayedul Hoque said.

Hilsa, often termed as the king of fish, contributes about 12 per cent of the total fish production and about one per cent of GDP in Bangladesh.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Congress today took potshots at the Sangh Parivar over participation of Chinese representatives in the Global Investors Summit beginning here on October 22 and accused ruling BJP of indulging in "double speak" on the issue of boycotting Chinese products.

"A campaign is being run for boycotting Chinese products and the Sangh Parivar's 'Swadeshi Jagran Manch' is supporting it. On the other hand, Sangh Parivar's political offshoot, the BJP, which is in power in Madhya Pradesh, is inviting representatives of China to GIS," Congress MLA Jitu Patwari said.

He said BJP is indulging in "double speak" on the issue of Chinese products, "which is not acceptable."



Earlier in the day, BJP general secretary Kailash Vijaywargiya described as "good omen" the campaign for demanding boycott of Chinese goods in India.

He said the move would force China to "relook" at its stance of supporting Pakistan internationally.

However, Vijaywargiya refused to comment on the participation of Chinese representatives in the two-day summit, saying Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has to take a call on it.

"I will not comment on the issue," he said when his comment was sought.

Madhya Pradesh Industries Minister Rajendra Shukla had said on Monday that Chinese goods were being opposed in India. "But if the Chinese companies invest in MP and start production, the move will give fillip to 'Make in India'."



He had said Chinese investment in MP will generate employment for locals and rev up state's revenue.

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Lauding the centre-ruling Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) with praises for initiating the September 28 surgical strikes, the party's Mumbai unit Chief, Ashish Shelar, challenged its ruling ally, Shiv Sena, on Wednesday to 'strike off' their alliance for the upcoming next year.

"They (the Sena) should not talk about surgical strikes. It was only PM Narendra Modi who could get the surgical strikes done because it is only he who has a 56-inch chest. You (the Sena) are not capable of it," said Shelar while addressing a group of reporters at Mumbai.

Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray had, on October 11, taken potshots at Chief Minister, Devendra Fadnavis, asking him to decide on a specific leader in the BJP. He had also dared the BJP to contest as an individual entity in the upcoming polls.

"Break the alliance and we will show you our surgical strike," Thackeray had said in an apparent reference to MP Kirit Somaiya's recent remark that BJP was all set to contest BMC polls, due early next year, independently.

Shelar further said that the BJP will continue its campaign against the "mafia raj" prevalent in the Sena-ruled MCGM and that the intensity of the party's agitation against corruption will only increase henceforth.

"They (the Sena) have started it but we will end it. We will respond in a manner in which they understand. We will not go back in our fight against corruption," Shelar said.
Hitting back at BJP over its allegation that CPI(M) men murdered its functionary in Kerala, the Left party today said the violence had been started by the RSS-BJP combine itself and blaming the state's ruling party is "total fabrication" of facts.

"This atmosphere of violence is being created by BJP and RSS in Kannur district...The violence has been started by the RSS and to blame the CPI(M) is total fabrication," CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury said.

Referring to killing of a CPI(M) worker in the state two days ago, Yechury claimed the murder was carried out by RSS men. He also claimed seven Left workers have been killed in the state by RSS following Assembly polls earlier this year.

"So, they are creating this atmosphere of terror and tension," Yechury alleged.

Earlier today, 25-yesr-old BJP worker Prenith was hacked to death in Kannur's Pinarayi, the home town of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, an incident which comes two days after the murder of CPI(M) activist.

Blaming "political goondas of the CPI(M)" for the murder, BJP demanded a CBI probe, saying it has no faith in the state police and the Left government.

Its spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said the Left parties are "unnerved" in Kerala following the "successful" conclave of the BJP's National Council in the state recently.

He said the incidents of violence against the party workers are on the rise since the Left came to power because they see BJP as a major force.

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At least 14 Shiites were killed today in a powerful blast at a mosque in northern Afghanistan, the second deadly attack on the minority in as many days during the major festival of Ashura.

"The explosion happened at the gate of the Shiite mosque in the centre of Balkh district (in Balkh province)," said the provincial governor's spokesman Munir Ahmad Farhad, adding that 14 people were killed and 28 injured.

His account was confirmed by the provincial deputy police chief.

The blast came as the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for twin attacks in Kabul yesterday that also targeted Shiites, killing up to 18 people and wounding dozens.

Witnesses said gunmen entered the Karte Sakhi shrine near Kabul University late yesterday, firing indiscriminately on men, women and children as they tried to flee. The interior ministry said one was wearing a suicide vest.

At the same time, another attacker entered a nearby mosque and took an unspecified number of people hostage as they were commemorating Ashura, the ministry said.

The UN called the attack an "atrocity" and put the toll at 18, though the interior ministry later said it was 16.

The threat of attacks on Shiites was considered particularly serious during Ashura, and many foreign embassies in Kabul had restricted staff movements until the end of the week.

Ashura, marked today, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was assassinated in the year 680 and whose tragic end laid the foundation for the faith practised by the Shiite community.

For Shiites around the world, Ashura is a symbol of the struggle against oppression.

In 2011 about 80 people were killed and more than 100 wounded when a suicide bomber struck a gathering of Shiites during Ashura in the heart of Kabul.

Grieving worshippers today described desperately trying to shelter their children against a hail of gunfire during the Kabul attacks.

One mother who gave her name as Saleha told AFP of a gunman who was "killing everyone".

She was shot in the leg as she tried to protect her child.

"While I was hugging my little son I begged him not to kill my child," she said at a Kabul hospital.

The child survived, but she angrily denounced the Afghan government for failing to protect them.

Another witness, Ali Hussain, said attackers "indiscriminately shot everyone they faced. They wouldn't even spare women and children".

Today the Islamic State group's affiliate in Afghanistan and Pakistan claimed the Kabul attack, which President Ashraf Ghani condemned as a "clear sign of a crime against humanity".

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Logistics company Blue Dart Express today reported a 20.68 per cent decline in its net profit to Rs 42.80 crore for the quarter ended September.

It had clocked a net profit of Rs 53.96 crore during the corresponding period of the previous fiscal.

Total income from operations grew to Rs 663.22 crore during the quarter as against Rs 653.05 crore in the year-ago period.

The company's total expenses stood at Rs 599.31 crore as against Rs 570.58 crore earlier.

"We will continue to invest in technology and infrastructure and align our people and strategy to cater to India's express logistics requirements," Blue Dart's Managing Director Anil Khanna said.

Shares of the company closed at Rs 5,569.05 apiece on the BSE, up 1.76 per cent.

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ISIS

ISIS LEADER CALLS FOR AMERICAN MUSLIM VOTERS TO SUPPORT HILLARY CLINTON





Top ISIS leader now believed to be the number two behind the terrorist organization, Amadh Abu Makmud Al-alwani, put up a video this week following the second presidential debate asking American Muslim voters to support Hillary Clinton.

The controversial video that was taken down by YouTube only hours after it was uploaded showed top ISIS leader Amadh Abu Makmud Al-alwani threatening those who would decide to vote for Donald Trump and calling them infidels and goat f-ers.

 All Muslims who will show support for the dog-faced Trump are guilty of masiya (mortal sin)   ISIS No.2 leader, Amadh Abu Makmud Al-alwani

He also claimed that even if Hillary was a woman and a two face devil, had the charm of a pig and was treacherous as the snake, that the Democratic presidential hopeful was at least in league with the allied countries of the Islamic state such as Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

Supporting the dog-faced Trump

Al-alwani also warned all Muslims not to take his warnings lightly and that supporters of Trump would be severely punished on earth and in Jannah (after life).

Trump is a dog, he is the scum of the earth. He boasts that he will take our oil and join Russia, Syria and the Shia Iranians against us in our holy fight he added, visibly angry.

This (dog-faced) scumbag must not reach Washington. Although it is a sin to put an inferior being such as a woman into a position of power, it is the true plan of Satan to divide the Muslims of America. It would be dirty and danis (filthy) to vote for Trump, he explained.
The Mizoram government may not conduct repatriation of Brus from the six relief camps in Tripura this year, as the Ministry of Home Affairs is yet to give its clearance to the 'Road Map-V' for the purpose.

"The MHA officials, during the meeting of the Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) held on Monday in Delhi, did not agree to our proposal for the repatriation to commence from January 2017. So, it would be practically impossible to undertake the process in December this year," a senior state Home department official said today.

The process of identification of bonafide residents of Mizoram in the relief camps may begin from the first week of November, he said.

The official added that the MHA should expeditiously clear the road map and give immediate sanction to the proposed expenses in order to undertake the repatriation as per schedule.

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Prominent exiled Baloch leader Brahamdagh Bugti today asserted Naela Quadri Baloch, also a face of the independent Balochistan movement, does not represent the people of the troubled Pakistani province, a day after she announced her decision to approach India for setting up a government-in-exile.

The rift between the leadership spearheading the movement for Balochistan's freedom came to the fore as Bugti tweeted saying any such move needs national consensus and that Prof Baloch, who is currently visiting India, was "damaging" their cause.

"Government in exile is a national issue and National issues cannot be announced without national consensus.

"Naila Qadri is not representing Baloch People, rather than supporting they are damaging Baloch cause by their insane actions(sic)," Bugti said in a series of tweets.

Bugti, who is the President of the Baloch Republican Party, had last month approached the Indian Embassy in Geneva seeking asylum in India.

Prof Baloch, who lives in self-exile in Canada, and her son Mazdak Dilshad Baloch are scheduled to attend a series of meetings and seminars over the next few days in and outside New Delhi.

The Baloch cause for freedom received a major boost after Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought up Pakistani atrocities on people of Balochistan and of PoK in his Independence Day speech.

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Lawmakers in Burundi overwhelmingly voted today in support of a plan to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, something no country has ever done.

The decision escalates a bitter dispute with the international community over the human rights situation in the East African country, which has seen more than a year of deadly violence after President Pierre Nkurunziza made a controversial decision to pursue a third term.

No state has withdrawn from the ICC, according to the Coalition for the International Criminal Court. The court prosecutes cases of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Ninety-four out of 110 Burundi lawmakers voted in favor of the withdrawal plan, months after the ICC announced it would investigate the country's ongoing violence.

Some African countries have threatened a withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the ICC, accusing the court of disproportionately targeting the continent.

Only Africans have been charged in the six cases that are ongoing or about to begin, though preliminary ICC investigations have been opened elsewhere in the world.

Of the 124 countries that are parties to the Rome Statute, 34 are African, the largest continental bloc. The United States is not a party to the treaty.

Burundi's decision is not immediate. Observers say a county wishing to withdraw from the ICC must write to the UN secretary-general stating its intention, and the withdrawal takes effect a year after the day the secretary-general receives the letter.

Vital Nshimirimana, a Burundian rights activist, urged the UN to challenge the government's decision.

"Already, we have information that intelligence agents are torturing, killing Burundians behind closed doors," he said. "The world ought to rescue the people of Burundi."



Burundi's government has repeatedly said it is the victim of propaganda by exiles and opponents who want to diminish its credibility.

Hundreds have died in Burundi since Nkurunziza last year pursued and won a third term that many call unconstitutional. Since the ruling party announced his candidacy in April 2015, Burundi has seen violent street protests, forced disappearances and assassinations. More than 260,000 have fled.

On Monday, Burundi's government banned three UN human rights investigators from entering the country following the release of a report that cited massive rights violations allegedly perpetrated by security agencies.

The push among some African countries to withdraw from ICC began after the court indicted Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on charges of crimes against humanity for 2007 post-election violence in which more than 1,000 died. The ICC prosecutor said threats to witnesses, bribery and lack of cooperation by Kenya's government led to the case's collapse. Some countries want a separate African court with jurisdiction over rights abuses.

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A man travelling in a government bus bound for Coimbatore was today shot dead by an unidentified gang following an altercation near Sattur in the district.

One of the members of the three-member gang, which boarded the bus between Nagercoil and Tirunelveli, got up and opened fire at the man, identified as Karuppusamy, killing him on the spot, police said.

The man was aged around 25.

When the co-passengers raised an alarm, the gang members jumped out of the bus and escaped, police said adding, a case has been registered and a special team was formed to nab the culprits.

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The first Catholic cardinal of the Central African Republic marched for peace as more deadly violence in the war-ravaged country left at least six people dead.

The latest violence, in which between six and nine people died, occurred during fighting in the central market town of Kaga-Bandoro yesterday, security sources said.

The violence broke out when four ex-Seleka militiamen tried to steal a local radio station's generator and launched reprisals after one of their men was killed.

"Ex-Seleka" is the term used for remnants of the supposedly disbanded alliance of mainly-Muslim armed groups which seized power in CAR in late 2013 before being chased from the capital the following year.

Faced with such deadly violence Dieudonne Nzapalainga, the Bangui archbishop who was appointed cardinal by Pope Francis at the weekend, led a march for peace in a Muslim area of the capital on yesterday.

"Let nobody divide us, We want peace for the future of our country," said Nzapalainga, who at 49 was the youngest of 17 new cardinals named by the pope on Sunday.

The peace march was attended by thousands of Christians and Muslims in the predominantly Christian country.

Last week the murder of an army officer in Bangui's predominantly Muslim PK5 neighbourhood provoked a cycle of violence which left another 11 people dead.

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.

French Defence Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian will visit Bangui on October 30 to officially end his country's military Operation Sangaris, which was launched in December 2013 in a bid to quell violence between Christian and Muslim militias.

The armed groups still threaten the peace in the country despite the presence of the 12,000-strong UN MINUSCA force.

President Faustin-Archange Touadera on yesterday renewed his call for militia groups to put down their arms.

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Vehicles coming from Jammu and Kashmir will be under the radar of security personnel with the Punjab Police today installing CCTV cameras at Madhopur inter-state check post, which serves as an entry point to the vehicles coming from the neighbouring state.

"We have installed eight CCTV (cameras) at Madhopur inter-state barrier which will allow the police to keep an eye on all the vehicles coming from Jammu and Kashmir," Pathankot SSP Rakesh Kaushal said.

It will help the police thwart any attempt by anti-social elements to enter Punjab through the national highway, he said.

Earlier, no CCTV cameras was installed at the Madhopur check post, which becomes very sensitive from the security point of view as J&K is affected by terrorist activities, police said.

They further said CCTV cameras have also been installed at Darwan and Kathlore area as part of the efforts to enhance security arrangements.

They said efforts were being made to secure sensitive areas in Pathankot with the installation of CCTV cameras.

"We have plans to add 1,500 more CCTV cameras in the city in the coming 2-3 months," the SSP said, adding at present, over 700 CCTV cameras had been installed at several points.

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Ceramics associations along with other players of tile industry are expected to make a representation to the Centre for re-introduction of the anti-dumping duty on import of tiles from China and increase the levy to USD 2 per square metre or above.

The six month tenure of anti-dumping duty on Chinese tiles ended on September 30, Asian Granito India Ltd (AGIL) Chairman and MD Kamlesh Patel said.

On March 30, the Centre, through a notification, slapped anti-dumping duty of USD 1.37 per square meter on import of tiles from China to protect the domestic industry.

The notification was meant to be in force for six months, starting from April 1, 2016.

"The six month tenure of that notification has lapsed on September 30. Thus, various ceramics associations and tile manufacturers of organized sector have decided to make a representation to the government to re-introduce the duty to protect the domestic players," said Patel during his interaction with media at company's plant here today.

"Further, we want government to consider raising the duty to USD 2 per square meter or above. Previous duty charges of USD 1.37 did not prove to be effective due to drop in freight rates per container from China, which went in favour of them," he said.

He was accompanied by AGIL's MD Mukesh Patel and other senior staff on the occasion of announcing the completion of expansion at it's step subsidiary Crystal Ceramics, which was acquired by the company last year.

According to Mukesh Patel, the Indian tile industry is estimated at Rs 28,000 crore and growing at a healthy rate of 13 per cent per annum.

Some of the key components for growth are government-initiated projects, such as Smart Cities, Swach Bharat Abhiyan and affordable housing, he said.

"Apart from these initiatives, we are seeing huge potential in exports, as some European countries along with Brazil have also imposed anti-dumping duty on Chinese tiles. It would sure help us. We expect that the the current market size of Rs 28,000 crore would double in six years" Mukesh Patel added.

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China today lashed out at UN rights chief Zeid Raad al Hussein for attending a ceremony to confer rights award on jailed Uighur academic Ilham Tohti from Xinjiang, saying it was tantamount to backing separatists.

"As a senior official of the UN, the UN High Commissioner on Human Rights confounded right from wrong byattending the awarding ceremony irrespective of the facts and blatantly supported separatists," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang told a media briefing here.

"This behaviour has violated the purposes and principles of the UN charter and interference in China's domestic affairs," he said, criticising Raad al Hussein for attending the award ceremony in Geneva.

"There is always certain group of people who turns a blind eye to the crimes committed by separatists and even by extremists and terrorists to the Chinese people and use every means to cover their behaviour under the excuse of human rights. This is defiance to human rights and rule of law," he said.

He also criticised the award to Tohti, a prominent ethnic Uighur academic who is serving life imprisonment for the past two years in China for promoting separatism and violence.

Geng said Tohti's criminal activity was supported by solid evidence.

"While a teacher, he used to openly call terrorists and extremists 'heroes,' and deluded and coerced people to go abroad and engage in East Turkistan separatist activities," Geng said.

Tohti had planned and organised a series of separatist criminal activities, he said.

China is battling the militancy in Xinjiang, the home for Uighur Muslims of Turkik origin.

The province was on the boil for the past few years over Uighur unrest over increasing settlements from China's majority Han community.

China accuses East Turkistan Islamic Movement (ETIM) active in Xinjiang for host of violent incidents in the province and other parts of China.

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Police today arrested Youth Congress' Punjab secretary Parvinder Singh Lapran in connection with the clash between Akali and Congress workers over a white coloured effigy of demon king Ravana here, in which about 35 people were injured.

Police were carrying out raids to nab other accused Congress leaders, including Gurpreet Gogi, president city Congress unit; Guriqwal Singh Honey, who is younger brother of Ludhiana MP Ranveer Singh Bittu; and Narendr Sharma, younger brother of deputy leader of Congress Legislature Party Bharat Bhushan Ashu.

After the clash on Monday night, police registered a case under various sections of the IPC including 307 (attempt to murder), 365 (kidnapping), 506 (threatening) and 295 (hurting religious sentiments) against these leaders, Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Dhruman Nimble said.

The controversy over burning of a Ravana effigy donning white colour turned ugly last night when the supporters of both Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress clashed at a ground near Vardhman Chowk on Chandigarh road.

Congress had reportedly prepared white effigies as protest against sale of heroin in Punjab and had planned to burn them on Dussehra along with photos of Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and his deputy Sukhbir Singh Badal.

Traditionally, Ravana effigies are covered with black glaze paper.

Deputy Leader of the Opposition Bharat Bhushan Ashu, who represents Ludhiana West Assembly constituency, said that as many as 12 Congress men were injured in the clash.

According to police, the SAD workers damaged the white Ravana. The workers also allegedly damaged the vehicle of Congress MP Ravneet Singh Bittu.

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The head of Hillary Clinton's campaign team John Podesta slammed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange for helping Republican rival Donald Trump in the bitter White House race, while accusing Moscow of being behind the hack.

The anti-secrecy website has published thousands of emails from John Podesta's personal Gmail account since Friday, allegedly obtained by Russian hackers.

While there have been no major damaging revelations, the massive leak does lift the veil on Team Clinton's inner workings.

Podesta described the timing of the leak  released late Friday  as a "curious coincidence", coming shortly after The Washington Post published a shock video of Donald Trump making lewd boasts about groping women in 2005.

The veteran political aide, who served in the Obama and Bill Clinton administrations, suggested that the release "was their countermove to try to take the public's attention off the despicable things that Donald Trump said on that video."

"Whether that was Mr Assange's decision to try to help Mr Trump or whether there was some coordination involved, I have no way of knowing. I'm just saying, it's an awfully curious coincidence that it happened virtually as soon as the water temperature was moving to a boil," Podesta told journalists aboard a campaign plane traveling from Miami to New York.

Padesta added: "We can't confirm the accuracy of those leaks, we know that the Russians might have passed on doctored documents."

"I would say that the Russian interference in this election and their apparent attempt to influence it on behalf of Mr Trump should be of utmost concern to all Americans."

President Barack Obama's administration on Friday formally accused the Russian government of directing cyberattacks on American political organizations to "interfere" with the election, and vowed to respond at an undisclosed time and place.

The assertion against Russia came with relations already frayed over NATO defenses and stalled efforts to end the bloody civil war in Syria.

Podesta also accused longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone of receiving "advance warning" about WikiLeaks's plan to publish the hacked emails.

He slammed Trump for taking positions "more consistent with Russian foreign policy than US foreign policy", pointing the Republican nominee's hostility toward the NATO transatlantic alliance and his indulgence toward Russia's annexation of Crimea.
SEOUL - The Republic of Korea is mulling standalone sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) over its fifth nuclear test if discussion is prolonged on a new UN Security Council resolution, Yonhap news agency reported on Wednesday citing a government source.

A government source of the ROK was quoted as saying that Seoul has a principle to announce its unilateral sanctions toward Pyongyang at a time when the new sanctions can maximize the effect of pressure on the DPRK.

If discussion on the anti-DPRK resolution is lengthened at the UN Security Council, the source said, the ROK can impose its independent sanctions on the DPRK ahead of the UN resolution adoption.

Negotiations for new sanctions on the DPRK are underway among UN Security Council members over Pyongyang's nuclear test on Sept 9 when the DPRK said it successfully tested nuclear warhead that can be mounted on ballistic missiles.

DPRK'S fifth atomic device test produced an explosive yield equal to 10 kilotons of TNT, becoming the most powerful ever conducted by the country. The detonation came just eight months after the fourth test in January.

The ROK's Foreign Ministry spokesman Cho June-hyuck told a Tuesday press briefing that a government-wide review is underway for new sanctions toward Pyongyang based on close cooperation with the United States, the European Union and Japan.

Potential independent sanctions by the ROK may involve financial sanctions, shipping route control, trade goods control and restraint on moves of personnel, according to the Yonhap report.

Seoul and Washington are expected to coordinate and discuss their respective sanctions on Pyongyang when the ROK's Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se and Defense Minister Han Min-koo visit Washington next week.


http://nationalreport.net/hillary-consider-naming-obama-supreme-court-2016-win/



http://www.bloomberg.com/politics/trackers/2016-01-26/clinton-open-to-idea-of-appointing-obama-to-supreme-court

Hillary Would Consider Naming Obama To Supreme Court After 2016 Win



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8Justice of the Supreme CourtChief Justice of the United States9

In response to an email from a supporter in Iowa, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said she would consider naming current President Barack Obama to the US Supreme Court if she won the 2016 presidential race, provided she decides to run, while hinting that he might be given a cabinet position if the legality checks out.



Molly Warren of Mason City, Iowa emailed Clinton two weeks ago, saying that she was going into law school after being inspired by Clintons story. After vowing to vote for Clinton in 2016, which will be the first presidential election shell have been eligible to vote in, Warren asked if Clinton would consider placing President Obama on the Supreme Court, noting his legal education and background.



As for President Obama, I would imagine hes looking forward to retiring from public life and taking a rest, Clinton said in part of her response. I know my husband wanted a short break after his eight years in the White House, before starting the Clinton Global Initiative. As for Barack, though, I would of course consider him for the Supreme Court. I believe he would make a great justice, and hes certainly qualified for the role. No US President has ever gone to the Supreme Court, nor has any individual ever served in all three branches of our government, so it would be unprecedented. But I agree; hed definitely make for a great Supreme Court Justice, at a time when we need those seats filled with strong independent minds.



Clinton went on to say shed consider Obama for other roles, too. If President Obama werent up for the Supreme Court, I would absolutely love to have him in the cabinet, so long as the legality checks out. I would have to verify any rules that might prohibit him from holding certain offices due to the line of succession, but I think the world of President Obama and would love to see him keep up the good fight for the people of this great nation.



Clinton would not say whether she was going to run or not, nor would she address Warrens question about other likely candidates, like Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, Chris Christie, Mitt Romney, or Rand Paul. Instead, she kept it vague, in classic Hillary fashion, saying I havent made up my mind yet, but youll know soon whose pin youll be wearing during the upcoming election [smiley face].



Clinton Open to Idea of Appointing Obama to Supreme Court

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton is open to the idea of nominating President Barack Obama for a seat on the Supreme Court, she said Tuesday, responding to a question at an Iowa town hall. I will certainly take that under advisement, she said in Decorah, responding to a mans recommendation. I mean, he's brilliant, he can set forth an argument and he was a law professor, so hes got lots of credentials. She acknowledged that there might be a few obstacles in the way, first and foremost whether Obama would want the job after eight years in the White House. He may have a few other things to do, she said, but Ill tell you, thats a great idea. Another challenge: the process. We do have to get a Democratic Senate to get him confirmed, she said.
Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh today kicked off the party's door-to-door farmer outreach programme here.

He launched the programme, 'Karza Kurki Khatam - Fasal Di Poori Rakam', by visiting the house of Budh Singh, a small farmer who owns two acres of land at Kotli Surat Malhi in Gurdaspur.

Amarinder personally visited the farmer, who is reeling under a debt burden of Rs 4.5 lakh, to get the 'maangpatra' (proforma) seeking a debt waiver signed.

He handed over the receipt for the 'maangpatra' to Budh Singh as his "personal promise" to waive his debt if the Congress formed the government in Punjab next year.

The campaign to reach out to the debt-ridden farmers in the state will go on till October 25.

Amarinder said there were tens of thousands of farmers reeling under a debt burden in the state and many of whom had committed suicide.

The former chief minister appealed to them to have faith in him, promising that after the Congress formed the government in Punjab, all farmers' loans will be waived.

Amarinder also assured the 'aarthiyas' (commission agents) that the money owed to them by the farmers would be paid by the government.

Similarly, the loans of the banks would also be repaid by the government after his party came to power, he said.

Asked how would his party pay off such a huge debt, Amarinder said the Centre had saved Rs 3 lakh crore on the Oil Import Bill and the Congress has been asking it to use some of this money to waive farmers' loans.

He claimed that the Centre had written off Rs 115 lakh crores of corporate debt, compared to which farmers' loans amounted to much less nationally.

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BJP blamed "political goondas" of the CPI(M) for the murder of its worker in Kerala today with party chief Amit Shah seeking a CBI probe and urging political leaders to condemn the killing.

"Kannur has been the centre of Marxist violence in Kerala. The continuous violence against people in the native village of the state's Chief Minister underlines the government's ideology. We demand that the Kerala government hand over the probe into the murder to the CBI," Shah said in a statement.

Remith, a 25-year-old BJP worker, was hacked to death allegedly by CPI(M) activists in the hometown of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in politically-sensitive Kannur district less than 48 hours after the murder of a Marxist cadre.

Shah asked leaders of all political parties to condemn the murder, saying violence should have no place in a democratic country.

"As political parties with different ideologies, we can have differences, but only those parties resort to violence who want to run away from a debate with rivals," he said.

Everybody knows that the intensity of attacks against our workers has increased of late because they are on the verge of a big success, he said.

BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao told a press conference that the party has no faith in the state police and the Left government as he sought a CBI probe into the killing.

The Left parties are "unnerved" following the "successful" conclave of the BJP's National Council in the state recently and the incidents of violence against the saffron workers have been on the rise since they came to power as they see BJP as a major force, he said.

"He has been hacked to death by political goondas of the Left. A systematic witch hunt has been started by them against our workers. The CPI(M) has unleashed political terrorism against us. Is this the democracy it believes it?" he said at a press conference.

"We demand that the case be handed over to the CBI," Rao said.

Paying homage to his party's workers, Shah said they have strongly fought against "political goondas".

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The creepy clown phenomenon, which has been spooking the United States, appears to have arrived in the Netherlands after sightings of two people dressed in masks and bearing weapons, Dutch police said.

One person was seen overnight today armed with a knife and a hammer, dressed in a costume and a scary clown mask near a park in the southern town of Oss.

And another was seen on yesterday, after being spotted earlier in the week by residents in Almere, close to Amsterdam, further north in the country.

"Dear killer clown from Oss, clearly you find it either pleasant or fun to give people the fright of their lives," police in Oss wrote today on their Facebook page.

"You probably don't know, but to play clown in this way is punishable," they warned, adding they were taking the matter very seriously.

Almere police added these "possible pranks seem to have become a trend in the Netherlands now."



Creepy clown sightings in more than a dozen US states in past weeks have caused a wave of hysteria, forcing police and schools to scramble to contain spreading jitters.

Even the White House weighed in, warning that local law enforcement authorities were taking it seriously in the run-up to Halloween.

British police forces have also been called to several incidents around the country involving pranksters dressed as clowns jumping out and trying to frighten people.

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A 20-year-old Dalit youth, allegedly involved in illicit liquor trade, was tortured to death and his leg chopped off by rivals, drawing condemnation from the opposition Congress, which alleged the perpetrators had links to the ruling Akali Dal.

A case of murder has been registered against six persons, including a Dalit, in connection with the incident, police said today.

Police said the incident was a fallout of inter-gang rivalry and that the two groups had been involved in clashes in the past, too.

The victim Sukhchain Singh and his friends were called by the other group on the pretext of settling a dispute on Monday.

"Then they attacked Sukhchain and his friends with sharp edged weapons on Monday night. Though Sukhchain's friends managed to flee, the other group brutally killed Sukhchain with sharp edged weapon," Mansa SSP Mukhwinder Singh said today.

His body was recovered from the house of Balbir, one of the accused, police said.

There were injury marks on the body of Sukhchain and his leg was also found chopped off, police said adding efforts are on to trace the missing limb.

The murder acquired political overtone with Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh accusing the Parkash Singh Badal government of "unleashing a reign of terror" against Dalits in the state.

Amarinder, locked in a bitter war of words with the Akali leadership, cited media reports to claim that two of the accused had links with the ruling party. He said they were the nephews of Gharanghna sarpanch whose father was the driver of the Punjab Chief Minister.

"Dalits in the state are feeling extremely insecure and fear for their safety under the SAD rule," he said, expressing shock and concern at the situation.

"These developments can have serious consequences for the future of Punjab," he warned, adding that the Badal government was "meticulously destroying" the secular character and peaceful environment of the state.

"It is clear that these atrocities are being committed against Dalits in Punjab, particularly in the Malwa belt, by those having the patronage of the SAD leadership," he alleged and attacked state BJP president Vijay Sampla, also a Dalit, for being a "mute spectator" to the "excesses".

A similar incident was reported in the state last year when a Dalit Bheem Tank and his friend, Gurjant Singh, were allegedly attacked with sharp-edged weapons in Abohar in Fazilka. Bheem's limbs were chopped off and he had later died in hospital.

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A 20-year-old Dalit youth, who was allegedly involved in illegal liquor trade, was brutally killed and his leg chopped off allegedly by a rival group of liquor smugglers in the district, police said today.

A case of murder has been registered against six persons and one of the accused is also a Dalit.

Police said both the groups were allegedly involved in illegal liquor trade and were involved in clashes in the past.

The victim Sukhchain Singh and his friends were called by the other group on the pretext of settling an issue on Monday.

"Then they attacked Sukhchain and his friends with sharp edged weapons on Monday night. Though Sukhchain's friends managed to flee, the other group brutally killed Sukhchain with sharp edged weapon," Mansa SSP Mukhwinder Singh said today.

His body was recovered from the house of Balbir, one of the accused, police said.

There were injury marks on the body of Sukhchain and his leg was also found chopped off, police said adding efforts are being made to trace the lost limb.

The SSP said a team of police officials has been formed to arrest the accused.

"We have registered a case of murder against six accused and we shall soon arrest them," he said.

The accused have been identified as Balbir Singh, Hardeep Singh, Amandeep Singh, Sadhu Singh, Babrik Singh and Sita Singh, police said.

Meanwhile, the family of the victim has refused to cremate the body until the chopped off limb is found.

A similar incident was reported in the state last year.

A Dalit Bheem Tank and his friend, Gurjant Singh, were allegedly attacked with sharp-edged weapons in Abohar in Fazilka last year. Bheem's limbs were chopped off and he later died in hospital.

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Britain's former Prime Minister David Cameron today disclosed that he will take up an unpaid role at the National Citizens Service Trust, as part of his plans to create a "Big Society".

The 50-year-old former Conservative Party leader, who recently resigned from the Hosue of Commons, will lead an expansion of the UK's National Citizen Service (NCS) for teenagers, an initiative he had launched during his time in Downing Street as part of his plans to create a "Big Society".

The NCS aims to prepare teenagers for work through team-building activities and community projects.

Cameron will take over as chairman of NCS Patrons with the aim of making the scheme available to all teenagers.

"I am delighted that my first role in my life after politics is to continue my association with this fantastic programme by becoming chairman of NCS Patrons, bringing together a senior cross-party and cross-sector group of patrons and ambassadors who can help NCS to reach more youngsters," Cameron was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph.

"It requires leadership from every part of society. From industry to the arts, from sport to the media, from local communities to the wider public sector, we need everyone involved in a national mission to make NCS a normal part of growing up that can give every generation a greater sense of purpose, optimism and belonging," he said.

The NCS is a charity open to 15 to 17-year-olds and sees groups of teenagers enjoy team outdoor activity trips before being mentored in the community, and ultimately delivertheir own social action project.

The former PM said he was "delighted" his successor, Theresa May, was pressing ahead with a National Citizen Service Bill, which would put the NCS on a permanent legal footing and create new duties on schools and councils to promote it.

Cameron had stepped down as PM on June 24, the day after Britain voted in a referendum to leave the European Union (EU).

He had initially said he planned to carry on as a Tory MP on the backbenches of Parliament but last month announced he was stepping down as an MP as well to quite political life.

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An agreement to phase-down Hydrofluorocarbons would greatly increase chances to meet the world's climate goal to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, environment NGOs said today as the talks to amend the Montreal Protocol to reduce the greenhouse gases entered a critical stage.

Nearly 40 ministers will arrive in the Rwandan capital tomorrow to attend the high-level discussions. Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave and US Secretary of State John Kerry are expected to attend the ministerial session tomorrow.

Hydrofluorocarbons are the fastest growing greenhouse gases in many countries.

Environment NGOs said an agreement to halt their growth and rapid transition to energy efficient and climate-friendly alternatives can avoid warming of up to 0.5 degrees by the end of the century.

This would greatly increase our chances to meet the world's climate goal to limit temperature increase to 1.5 degrees.

"We urge leaders use this occasion to come together to strike an ambitious deal to cut down on these heat-trapping 'super pollutants' and reaffirm the commitment they made in Paris to use every opportunity they have to tackle climate change. A success in Kigali can really raise the bar for greater ambition on global climate action in the years ahead," said Wael Hmaidan, International Director, Climate Action Network in a statement.

"In the Paris Agreement, national leaders promised to try their hardest to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. However, those promises will ring hollow if we don't get an early date for the global phase down of HFCs. These chemicals are thousands of times more potent than C02 as a greenhouse gas and are increasing in use by 10-15 per cent a year."



Benson Ireri, Christian Aid's Senior Policy Officer for Africa, said it is fitting that ministers will be arriving here at the summit in the coming days because it is their government's credibility that will be on the line if we don't get a good outcome.

Vulnerable countries do not have time to wait, the climate is changing fast and phasing down HFCs is something which we absolutely must do if we are going to honour the pledges of the Paris Agreement.

"It would be an embarrassing start if the (Paris) Agreement came into force next month and countries had failed their first test by delivering a feeble deal on HFCs," Ineri said.

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Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today said he expects another Rs 50,000-60,000 crore worth of defence contracts to be signed during the remaining quarters of the financial year, taking the total orders to Rs three trillion since he took charge two years ago.

"During the past 23 months that I have been in charge, we have signed contracts worth Rs 2.2 trillion. Recently, we signed a letter of intent with a government-run shipyard for about Rs 32,000 crore, taking the total orders to Rs 2.5 trillion."



"Over the next six months, I hope to sign another Rs 50,000-60,000 crore worth of contracts, taking the total 3 trillion," the minister told reporters on the sidelines of an industry exhibition on technology and material sciences in Navi Mumbai near here.

The Cabinet Committee on Security had in August cleared a proposal to get Goa Shipyard build mine counter measure vessels for the Navy at an estimated cost of over Rs 32,000 crore.

Answering a question on the impact of the manufacturing push with private participation in the defence space, he said exports have jumped over six-times to Rs 3,000 crore from Rs 500 crore in the past two years alone.

"The Make in India initiative has seen defence exports from Rs 500 crore to Rs 3,000 crore, though the ministry figures will show only Rs 2,100 crore. One reason for this is that export of aviation sector items are not included in this as it has been delicensed."



Parrikar explained that the Defence Ministry tabulates only those goods that are in the licensed segments. As many 65 per cent of defence sub-segments are de-licensed now and are, therefore, not in the information list of the defence ministry.

"If we include the gains from the offset clause, our defence-related exports should be about USD 1 billion, out of which defence items alone are worth Rs 3,000 crore, which I hope to increase it to Rs 10,000 crore soon," he said.

When asked about the inflows through the FDI route after foreign director investment cap was hiked to 49 per cent, he said so far it has been about USD 100 million but will go up as foreign capital flows in at stages.

Parrikar also said the ministry is finalising a new strategic materials policy so that we can promote production as well as storage of defence-related strategic materials.

"We have set up a study team to draft a new strategic materials policy to promote the sector, which involves production and storage of these materials," he said.

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Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal today said the drive to free the 700 Satras or Vaishnavite monasteries across the state from settlers will go on even as clearing of the Bardowa Satra, a 16th century Vaishnavite monastery, of illegal encroachers has been completed.

Altogether, 380 bighas (about 60 hectares) of the Bardowa Satra have been cleared of 25 to 30 families of encroachers, he told a group of journalists accompanying him from Guwahati to Bardowa.

"After the BJP-led government came to power in Assam, the eviction process was started as per the wishes of the people. It was completed within a month with the district administration taking strict action," Sonowal said.

Asked where did those evicted go, the Chief Minister said, "They have their own land elsewhere and have gone to different places. We are alert. We will track them and not allow them to encroach other places."



On the Congress' allegation that the government was "targeting" the (immigrant) minorities during the eviction drive at Kaziranga National Park recently, Sonowal said, "The Opposition must first answer whether they are in a position to honour the order of the Gauhati High Court for the eviction drive there."



On Assamese Hindu illegal settlers also accusing the government of evicting them from the Dakhinpatra Satra at Guwahati, he shot back, "Encroachers are encroachers, whether they are Indians or foreigners. No one can be allowed to occupy others' land."



"This principle of eviction will be implemented everywhere. Whatever future situation will arise, will be handled with different schemes and planning," Sonowal added.

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French and Kurdish forces in northern Iraq were attacked by an exploding drone, the Pentagon has said, adding a new worry to the wars in Iraq and Syria as militant groups learn to weaponise their store-bought drones.

Air Force Col John Dorrian, the spokesman for the US-led military coalition in Iraq, said yesterday that an improvised device on a drone exploded after it was taken back to a camp near the Iraqi city of Irbil. He called it a Trojan Horse-style attack.

Two Kurds were killed in that incident on October 2, according to a US official, who said the drone looked like a Styrofoam model plane that was taped together in a very rudimentary style. The official said it appeared to be carrying a C-4 charge and batteries, and may have had a timer on it.

That official was not authorised to discuss the incident publicly so spoke on condition of anonymity. France's presidential spokesman, Stephane Le Foll, said yesterday that two French special forces were seriously injured in the explosion.

The US has seen militants use a variety of improvised drones and modified drones, Dorrian said, adding, "there's nothing very high tech about them."



"They can just buy them as anybody else would," he told reporters Wednesday. "Some of those are available on Amazon." A recently released video belonging to an al-Qaida offshoot, Jund al-Aqsa, purportedly shows a drone landing on Syrian military barracks. In another video, small explosives purportedly dropped by the Iran-backed Shiite militant group Hezbollah target the Sunni militant group Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, formerly known as the Nusra Front, near Aleppo.

The technology is not new, but the videos are the first known demonstration of these capabilities by any militant groups.

While militants with drones are not a significant military threat, Dorrian said the US and its partner countries are taking it seriously.

Chris Woods, the head of the Airwars project, which tracks the international air war in Iraq, Syria and Libya, said, "there are a million ways you can weaponize drones fire rockets, strap things in and crash them."



"This is the stuff everyone has been terrified about for years, and now it's a reality," he added.

The US military official couldn't immediately authenticate the videos in question. But another former senior US military official who viewed the videos said there was nothing to suggest they were fake.

A number of militant groups in the Middle East, including the Islamic State group, Jund al-Aqsa and Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, as well as Hezbollah and Hamas, have all released videos indicating that they have surveillance and reconnaissance drones.

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With about 300 Durga idols ready for immersion after the five-day long celebration, Commissionerate police, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack have made elaborate security arrangements by deploying above 76 platoons of force in the twin cities.

While as many as 46 platoons (1 platoon comprises 30 personnel) force have been deployed in Cuttack, Bhubaneswar witnessed presence of 30 platoons of personnel.

"Elaborate arrangements have been made for smooth passage of 'Bhasani Utsav'. All the puja committees in Bhubaneswar have been instructed to finish the immersion of idols by 12 midnight tomorrow," Bhubaneswar DCP Satyabrata Bhoi said.

At least 12 senior police officers, including five SP rank officers, would oversee the security arrangement.

Members of Quick Action Team (QAT), Special Operation Group (SOG), anti-terror squad and plain-clothed personnel were also deployed to deal with any eventuality, police said.

The puja pandal organisers have been instructed to minimise sound level of the DJs below 58 decibel.

In Cuttack, the district administration has made arrangement for immersion of idols in artificial ponds at Devigada on the bank of Kathajodi river.

The idol immersion procession has already started since 8 am.

Personnel of Quick Action Team, Special Operation Group and striking force were also deployed besides 46 platoons of police personnel in Cuttack.

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EU officials today urged nearly a dozen laggard member states to accelerate their preparations to join by 2018 a bloc-wide system to share passenger information to help detect terrorists.

Spurred by a wave of jihadist attacks in France and Belgium, the European Parliament in April adopted the Passenger Name Record (PNR) system after resolving privacy concerns that had prevented agreement for some five years.

Europe's new security commissioner Julian King and home affairs commissioner Dimitris Avramopoulos on Thursday underscored the need for the 28 EU member states to step up efforts to fight terrorism, including preparations for the PNR.

"Everybody has accepted that by spring of 2018 we need to have this system operational and that means we have built the IT and other infrastructure that is necessary to make PNR effective," King told a press conference in Brussels, flanked by Avramopoulos.

He said it was unfortunate that only a few member states are now ready with the information technology and other infrastructure, while a "significant number" have plans for putting them in place.

"But 11 member states do not yet have plans in hand to be able to implement effectively by spring 2018," King said, as he made it clear that those nations were not in violation of any EU rules.

He said the 11 were Greece, Poland, Austria, Germany, Cyprus, Malta, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, and Ireland.

He said EU funds and expertise are available to help them set up the system.

The PNR legislation requires airline firms to share passenger data -- such as travel dates, itineraries, passport details and phone numbers -- with authorities in EU destination countries.

The goal is to detect, for example, individuals who have not been flagged by authorities as presenting a threat but whose travel patterns raise suspicions.

It would then be up to one country to alert another or send a specific request for data from another country as part of an investigation.

It would apply to flights to and from destinations outside the EU, but member states could also apply them to flights within the bloc.

King and Avramopoulos also said an agreement should be reached before the end of the year on a proposal by the European Commission to set up a legal framework to tackle terror threats effectively, including from jihadist militants returning from Syria and Iraq.

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FICCI today expressed concerns over the UK government's recent announcements indicating tightening of visa regulations for students and professionals from outside the European Union, including India.

The industry bodycalled on the British government to exercise "caution" in light of plans announced recently by UK home secretary Amber Rudd to tighten migration rules, which is expected to impact Indians heavily.

The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) said it fears the new proposals seek to reduce the flow of immigrants from outside the EU to the UK in the short and medium term.

This will impact business mobility and, therefore, competitiveness, it said in a statement.

"International students contribute8 billion pounds a year to the UK economy and in recent years the attractiveness of the UK as an education destination for Indian students has diminished because of restrictions on part-time work rights in 2012, followed in subsequent years by the removal of post- study work visas, expansion of credibility interviews and the creation of the NHS (National Health Service) levy," it said.

Highlighting that while migration was a key part of the debate during the Brexit vote earlier this year, it said it was important for the UK to remain open following the vote to leave the European Union (EU) in a referendum in June.

"As we become an ever more globalised world, it is important to work together to reduce barriers to mutual economic progress. We are concerned such proposals, which impact students and professionalsalike, risk sending the wrong message to companies already nervous about the risks of Brexit," the statement said.

During the Conservative Party conference earlier this month, Rudd had announced a consultation on new restrictions on overseas students, including two-tier visa rules depending on the quality of university or institution, as well as a140-million-pound "controlling migration fund".

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Union Power Minister Piyush Goyal today warned Akhilesh Yadav-led state government that it would not receive any "financial help" in the future from the Centre if it doesn't follow transparency while implementing Central schemes.

"As far as electrification is concerned, the state's position is bad. If state government do not put board highlighting details of the work on websites, and transparency is not followed, the Centre will stop financial help to the state," Goyal said while addressing the audience at a programme here.

The minister said only 5 lakh houses were electrified as against the proposed target of 10 lakh under the 11th five-year plan.

He said under the 12th five-year plan too the state government managed to electrify only 1.25 lakh houses against the proposed target of 32 lakh.

"The state government is claiming that 4.97 lakh houses have been covered," Goyal remarked.

He said the state government has received Rs 12.707 crores for rural and urban electrification schemes before BJP-led NDA government came to power, but this amount was not utilised.

Later talking to reporters, Goel termed Rahul's "dalali" jibe as "unfortunate" and said that "his statement has been hailed in an enemy country (Pakistan)".

"From coal allocation to other cases, Congress hand is infamous for 'dalali'. People of the country will give a befitting reply to the Congress for the childish statements," he said.

"How can a country trust a leader, who cannot save his 'khat'(cot)," he asked.

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Integrated marketing and communications expert Gaurav Bhatia was today named as Managing Director of Sotheby's India.

Sotheby's said the appointment consolidates the auction house's presence in India, demonstrates the company's commitment to providing a greater level of service to its Indian clients and to further develop its calendar of events and activities in the country.

Bhatia will be based at Sotheby's Mumbai and will work with the company's international team of experts to serve the growing number of new as well as existing collectors in India.

He was most recently at the helm of marketing for Moet Hennessy India, part of the world's leading marketing conglomerate LVMH. He has 17 years of integrated marketing and communications experience and has worked in the US and India.

"Sotheby's has been active in India for almost three decades working with the leading collectors in the country and staging regular events in New Delhi and Mumbai, and we are thrilled that Gaurav has joined us at this exciting stage in our expansion here," says Edward Gibbs, Sotheby's Chairman for India.

"The art scene in India has never been more vibrant and at Sotheby's we are engaging with more people in India than ever before, particularly through our expanded calendar of events, ranging from exhibitions, talks and educational programme.

"Gaurav brings a wealth of experience - not to mention flair and enthusiasm - to the role of Managing Director of Sotheby's India, wonderfully complementing our existing international team of art experts," he says.

Bhatia says he is looking forward to working with the international team to further develop the scope and scale of Sotheby's business both inside and outside of India.

"I'm delighted to be joining Sotheby's dynamic and highly experienced team at such an exciting moment for the art market in India," he says.

Following Sotheby's office opening at The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai in September 2015, the company has increased the scale and scope of its activities in the country.

In recent years, collectors and buyers based in India have become increasingly active in Sotheby's international auctions across a broad spectrum of collecting categories - from Contemporary and Impressionist Art to Jewellery and Old Masters, as well as Indian and South Asian art.

Bhatia will commence his role at Sotheby's on October 13 as the pre-sale exhibition for the forthcoming auction of Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art opens in London, prior to the sale itself on October 18.

Highlights from the auction were recently exhibited in Mumbai at The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, along with exhibition tours and talks and a two-day educational programme run by Sotheby's Institute on both international and Indian art.

The forthcoming sale includes a truly impressive range of paintings and sculpture by Modern masters, from storied collections with impressive provenances. Leading the sale is a luminescent and meditative Vasudeo S Gaitonde painting from 1973, which displays the artist's distinctive horizontal graduating bands of colour.

This auction will be followed on October 19 by the sale of the exceptional Khosrovani-Diba Collection, a prestigious collection assembled over four decades with an eye for quality, rarity and historical importance which comprises predominantly Indian miniatures by Mughal masters as well as fine paintings and works of art of the Rajasthani, Pahari and Company Schools.
Government has appointed Reserve Bank's Executive Director G Mahalingam as a Whole-Time Member of markets regulator Sebi.

Apart from the Chairman, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) can have three Whole-Time Members (WTMs). Mahalingam's appointment follows the retirement of Prashant Saran as WTM in June this year.

In a recent notification, the Finance Ministry said Gurumoorthy Mahalingam has been appointed as WTM for a period of five years or till he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

He would be getting a consolidated monthly salary of Rs 3.75 lakh.

Meanwhile, the search process for another WTM has been started as an existing member is due to retire this year. The current tenure of Sebi Chairman U K Sinha would end next year.

Mahalingam is Executive Director and former regional director of Reserve Bank of India. He has also been associated with NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets), an educational initiative of Sebi, as part of its visiting faculty.

Associated with RBI for last 30 years, he has served in various roles including that of Inspecting Officer, Chief Forex Dealer, Chief Investment Dealer, Head of Internal Debt Management Department.

In his current role at the central bank, Mahalingam is involved in monitoring and surveillance of money, forex, government securities and derivative markets intervention operations, among others.

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Airports Authority of India (AAI) has been asked to conduct public hearing for its proposed Rs 2,587 crore second phase of Chennai Airport modernisation project as its gets central nod for preparing environmental impact study for the same.

AAI had completed the first phase of the project four years back. Now, it has proposed to start the second phase.

The proposal involves reconstruction of old terminals (T2 and T3), development of multi-level car parks and integrated common user cargo complex and augmentation of contact bays, among others.

"An Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under the Union Environment Ministry examined the AAI's proposal recently and gave approval for the terms of reference (ToRs)," a senior government official said.

ToRs are guidelines specified for conducting environmental impact studies of projects based on which the Ministry grants or rejects clearance to a project.

"While approving ToRs for the project, the EAC asked the AAI to conduct public hearing and incorporate all details in the Environment Impact Assessment/Environment Management Plan (EIA-EMP) reports," the official said.

It has also been asked to submit the draft EIA-EMP reports to the State Pollution Control Board for public hearing, the official added.

The Authority has been informed that the EIA should specifically address to vehicular traffic management as well as estimation of vehicular parking area.

The passenger capacity after modernisation of the Chennai Airport, which is located in an area of 1,301.28 acres, would increase to 30 million passengers per annum from the existing 14 million.

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Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) today urged its members as well as the general public to boycott Chinese products, saying the neighbouring country is working "against our national interest".

In a circular issued to its around 200 members, the industry lobby said using products manufactured by Chinese companies goes against our national interest.

"The GCCI will also pass a resolution to boycott Chinese products during its upcoming executive committee meeting on October 22.

"We have asked our member industrialists and businessmen to do the same. The decision comes as actions of China are against the our national interest," GCCI Senior Vice-President Shailesh Patwari said here.

Patwari said China has already invested as well as pledged to invest hundreds of crores in Gujarat, which is adversely affecting the local industry, especially in electronics and textile sectors.

"China is also dumping ceramics, plastics, and fireworks, which should not be encouraged," he said.

GCCI called for boycott of Chinese products, saying that China is "siding with Pakistan against us, whether it is about harbouring terrorist Masood Azhar, or using its veto to stall our bid for the Nuclear Suppliers Group membership."



"China has been acting against our national interest by constructing dam over the Brahamaputra and repeatedly trying to harm us from across the borders.

"We therefore appeal to you to boycott Chinese products such as ceramic products, tiles, clothes, chemical and pharma products, electronic items, mobiles, lighting products, crackers," Patwari said.

He said the call has received support from Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, and the chamber will also approach national industry bodies with an appeal to adopt similar resolutions.

"We are also writing to the Prime Minister seeking his support on the issue," he said.

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The doctor, bodies of whose five family members were found in a flat here on October 9, said they took overdose of sleeping medicine to commit suicide due to depression caused by alleged threats and harassment from his daughter-in-law, the police said today.

Sukanta Sarkar, the NOIDA based doctor who was found injured with multiple wounds along with the bodies, said in his statement to the police that the family was suffering from depression and initially thought of killing themselves in NOIDA itself, but later decided to travel to Ranchi and think over it.

The daughter-in-law did not accompany them in their travel to Ranchi where the family members decided to commit suicide though he, Sarkar said, had tried to convince them not to do it.

The affected family consisting of 63-year-old Sarkar, his wife Anjana (60), his son Sameer (35), his grand-daughter Sameeta (7), his nephew's wife Maumita (35) and her daughter Sumita (5), used to keep sleeping medicine with them because of depression.

Maumita was the sister of Sarkar's daughter-in-law.

Between 10 and 11 PM of October 8, Sarkar's wife, son and nephew's wife took overdose of the medicine through injections and then his wife injected it into their granddaughter and the nephew's wife did the same to her daughter, the doctor claimed.

A little later all of them fainted and the doctor stabbed himself to end his life but 'unfortunately' that did not happen, police said quoting Sarkar.

The doctor alleged that his daughter-in-law used to threaten them to lodge a dowry case against them and accused her husband and father-in-law of having an illicit relation with Maumita, her sister.

Taking the side of his daughter-in-law, a NOIDA based NGO also used to threaten the family, Sarkar said.

He denied any conspiracy or role of any local person in the incident, police said.

Maumita's husband, who lives in Bhopal, also came to Ranchi but did not stay with Sarkar and others in the flat, but was put up with another relative that night.

The police said the doctor is out of danger, and after two/three days they would question him.

The police said they were waiting for the post mortem report to corroborate the doctor's claim.

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The Madras High Court has directed the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department to file its response within two weeks on a complaint that an elephant owned by the Srirangam temple, Tiruchirappalli was forced to dance causing pain and sufferings to it.

The court also directed the department to file an affidavit saying it will ensure that the elephant is not made to do "undesirable" activities on a complaint by the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) with video clips of the pachyderm.

The court issued notice to the temple management.

A PIL was moved by one Radha Rajan months back seeking a direction to constitute a monitoring committee to supervise the maintenance of cows and elephants donated to various temples and mutts.

The petitioner had also sought a direction to the government to formulate a comprehensive scheme for the upkeep of animals donated to temples.

When the plea came up last week for hearing, AWBI submitted its inspection report, as per the high court's earlier order.

Going through the report, the court said, "The temple management has submitted that it lacks funds. The question, thus, would be of removal and maintenance of the elephant. The report of AWBI suggests that the animal must be shifted from the temple."



On formation of District Level Captive Animals Welfare Committees, the Tamil Nadu Forest Department submitted that the committees will be constituted within a month.

Recording the submissions, the bench posted the PIL to November 18 for further hearing.

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Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's effigy has been burnt by a group of religious activists on the occasion of Dussehra at Khatauli town here.

The group of Hindu activists burnt Sharif's effigy last evening after setting Ravana affire as part of the Dussehra festivities.

The activists said the action was aimed at condemning Pakistan-sponsored terrorist activities on Indian soil.

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Calls grew today for Germany to honour and reward three Syrian "heroes" who captured a compatriot suspected of plotting to bomb a Berlin airport in the name of the Islamic State group.

"The young men deserve the Federal Cross of Merit," Social Democrat defence expert Johannes Kahrs told Bild daily, referring to Germany's highest honour for civilians.

"What they've done is proof of their deep respect for their host country, Germany... It's hard to imagine greater integration (in the country). This is exemplary."



The top-selling daily Bild described the trio as "the Syrian heroes from Leipzig."



"Will they be fast-tracked to become German citizens?" it asked.

The three Syrians had unwittingly invited the 22-year-old fugitive Jaber Albakr to stay at their apartment in the eastern city of Leipzig.

They only realised later that Albakr was being sought by police, who on Saturday raided his apartment and found 1.5 kilos (over 3 pounds) of TATP, the homemade explosive used by Islamic State jihadists in the Paris and Brussels attacks.

After seeing the police's appeals for information in Arabic on Facebook, the Syrians quickly overpowered the fugitive, tied him up, and called in officers to take him away.

Albakr had offered them money to allow him to go free, they later said.

"He tried to bribe us, but we told him he could give us as much money as he wanted, we wouldn't free him," one of the men told RTL television, speaking with his back to the camera and identified only as Mohamed A., for fear of reprisals.

"Then we got an electrical cord and tied him up until the police got there," he said.

"I was furious with him, I couldn't accept something like this -- especially here in Germany, the country that opened its doors to us."



Asked if the government would be willing to honour the Syrians with the Federal Cross of Merit, spokesman Steffen Seibert recognised their contribution and thanked them for their action, but said it is up to the president to make that decision.

"They acted courageously and decisively, and possibly prevented a major disaster," he said.

Noting that when it concerns foreigners, it is up to the foreign ministry to nominate possible candidates for the honour, spokesman Martin Schaefer said his ministry is likely "to take a positive view on the suggestion".

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Huge crowds of black-clad Shiite Muslim pilgrims thronged the Iraqi shrine city of Karbala today, weeping and beating their chests in mourning for the seventh-century killing of the prophet's grandson.

Shiites around the world mark Ashura, but attacks on those commemorating bloodshed 1,300 years ago often result in more mourning and loss, including in Afghanistan, where more than 30 people were killed in attacks on Shiites in less than 24 hours.

Up to 18 were killed in Kabul yesterday in two attacks claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group, while a bomb hit a mosque in northern Afghanistan today, killing at least 14 more, officials said.

Shiites in Iraq too have come under frequent attack by Sunni extremist group IS, which considers them heretics.

Some 30,000 security personnel were deployed in and around Karbala to protect pilgrims, although attacks inside the city are rare.

The annual Ashura commemorations mark the killing of Imam Hussein by the forces of the Caliph Yazid in 680 AD -- a formative event in Shiite Islam.

The pilgrimage draws huge numbers of faithful, with Staff Major General Qais Khalaf Rahaima, the head of the security command responsible for the area, saying that 4.5 million people had visited Karbala over a period of 10 days.

Haider al-Salami, spokesman for the Imam Hussein shrine, said two million people took part in a ritual run from outside the city to the mausoleum today.

Earlier in the day, black-clad pilgrims massed at the shrine to listen to a recitation of the story of Hussein's death, with some beating their chests or heads and weeping in mourning.

Then came the ritual run, followed by the burning of a tent representing Yazid's forces destroying Imam Hussein's camp -- the last of the rituals.

"We will continue to commemorate the imam despite terrorist threats," said Saad Jassem, a 35-year-old from nearby Najaf, another Shiite shrine city.

Fellow pilgrim, Karim Hussein, 40, from the southern port city of Basra, said taking part carried a message for corrupt Iraqi politicians, who have come under mounting fire in the past two years but have done little to reform.

It is "a message to the politicians to fix themselves, because he (Imam Hussein) rose up and revolted against corrupt rulers".

In Lebanon, thousands of Shiite faithful gathered in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah made a relatively rare public appearance on the occasion of Ashura.

The appearance came just days after an air strike apparently carried out by Saudi-led forces hit a funeral for the father of a rebel leader in Sanaa, killing more than 140 people.

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To promote high quality branded gold coins, jewellers body India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) has tied up with Rajesh Wadhawan Group to retail specialised gold coins and is aiming to set up 100 stores in three years, a company top executive has said.

"We have already set up a store in Mumbai and are planning to open 100 stores, mainly in big cities, on franchise basis that will offer coins in up to 50 grams in over 500 designs. The store also offers customised coins according to taste and requirement," IBJA Gold Business Head Deepak Tulsian told PTI here.

Besides flagship stores, the company is also planning to expand through franchisee stores, gold vending machines, and online channels.

IBJA gold is planning to set up vending machines for multiple denominations near temples, airports and tourist places, he said.

"We are targeting to set up 10-15 such vending machines in the first year in airports, temples and near tourists places. Initially it will be manned. We are in the process of designing these ATMs," Tulsian said.

The coins will be sourced through an internal manufacturing unit of IBJA Gold to keep check on quality, he added.

The company, he said, is targeting to become Rs 500-1,000 crore company in three years.

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India and Brazil will sign an agreement on cooperation and facilitation of investment on the sidelines of the upcoming BRICS Summit in Goa.

"Although the two countries have been part of several multilateral fora, it is important to work closer bilaterally to make the partnership truly strategic," Brazilian Ambassador to India Tovara Da Silva Nunes said.

"The two countries enjoy several common aspirations. They have strong services sector, IT, strength in medicines, their foreign policy is focused on sustainable development, they discuss global issues and peaceful solution to conflicts and they face similar challenges and believe that social inclusion is not possible without a good economy," he added.

Talking about Brazil, he said agriculture is the strength of the Brazilian economy. Over the last decade and a half, there has been an increase in the intensity of trade flows to Brazil, he added.

The major sectors of focus in Brazil are medical equipment and medicines, aerospace, aeronautics, oil and natural gas, chemicals, fertilizers and processed food.

The Brazilian Ambassador termed the country as an attractive destination for companies.

"Brazil is one of the major trade partners of India in Latin America. There is more than USD 5 billion Indian investments in Brazil," Nunes said.

He said private companies will have the opportunity to invest in sectors like ports, civil aviation, energy, sanitation, oil and gas.

Agriculture, robust banking system, defence and aeronautics are the pillars of the Brazilian economy, he emphasised.

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India's envoy today joined thousands of Thai nationals in praying for the wellbeing of the country's revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej who is being treated for severe infection.

Indian Ambassador to Thailand Bhagwant Singh Bishnoi and Deputy Chief of Mission A Ramu offered prayers for the long- life of the 88-year-old king at the Devasthan Temple here.

Pink looks set to become a big trend again, repeating the phenomenon that grabbed Thais in 2007 when the colour was said to be good for the much-revered monarch's health, Nation newspaper said.

Thai citizens donned pink clothes as word spread that the colour has "auspicious power" for their beloved King's health.

Sitting on the throne since 1946, Adulyadej has commanded much love and respect from his people. He is also the world's longest reigning monarch.

On Sunday, the Royal Household Bureau released a statement on the King that said his condition was not stable.

This spurred a huge number of Thais, concerned about his well being to begin praying for their beloved King who will turn 89 on December 5.

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South Africa today pressed for revival of the negotiations for the proposed preferential trade agreement between India and five-nation Southern African Customs Union (SACU).

South Africa's Minister of Trade and Industry Rob Davies said that both the sides have their sensitivities but the effort should be to expedite the negotiations, which are on a "very slow track".

"India has got its sensitivities, we have our sensitivities," Davies told PTI in an interview.

Citing an example, he said there are high taxes on wines in India and "we are pretty sensitive about our clothing and textiles. So, I think sensitivities there on both the sides".

When asked whether there is any deadline to conclude the negotiations, he said, "No we have not (fixed any deadline). It (has) gone on to a very slow track. We could agree to revive it".

On the major hurdles in pushing the negotiations for preferential trade agreement (PTA), the minister said there are multiple taxes in India like duties in states.

The SACU consists of Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, and Swaziland.

The proposed agreement aims at reducing tariffs or customs duties on certain products.

The PTA is slightly different from the free trade agreement (FTA). In FTA, the two sides reduce or eliminate duties on maximum number of products they trade in, whereas in PTA, the tariffs are eliminated or cut in certain number of items.

In more than three years of negotiations, only five rounds talks have held so far for the proposed pact.

The pact assumes significance as India is giving more emphasis on markets, including Latin America and Africa, for increasing its exports.

"We have been talking about for some years a preferential trade agreement between India and SACU...I think, the PTA is right architecture and the level of ambition is feasible and possible. We could foresee the things being picked up again...I



know it has lost ground...But we would be happy for that process to be picked up," he added.

In PTA, both the sides can identify the complementarity and work around those, he said.

Africa's main exports to India are gold, coal, diamonds and platinum, while its imports from India include auto components and steel.

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The rise of nationalistic Hindu sentiment notwithstanding, India's beef sector will continue to be one of the country's bright spots of agribusiness and will continue to lead the global beef trade in volume, according to Fitch group firm BMI Research.

"India specialises in the production of cheap and abundant buffalo meat and will continue to lead the global beef trade in volume, amidst increasing demand for inexpensive meat in Asia and the Middle East," BMI Research said in a report.

However, India's reliance on illegal trade routes to China makes the sector vulnerable to a potential crackdown on smuggling, it added.

The report noted that after more than a year since the implementation of a ban of cow slaughter and consumption in the Indian state of Maharashtra on growing opposition to cow meat nationally, the country's beef sector remains one of the faster growing agribusiness markets.

"India's beef sector will continue to be one of the country's agribusiness bright spots despite the rise of nationalistic Hindu sentiment," it said.

Low local consumption of beef has also allowed the country to record very large exportable surpluses, as only 50 per cent of production is consumed locally, compared with 80 per cent in Brazil, according to the report.

"We forecast beef meat production to grow at a steady 4 per cent annually over 2016-2020, to reach 5.1 million tonnes at the end of that period," BMI Research said in the paper.

India, which overtook Brazil as the world's largest beef exporter in 2014, will maintain a head start over its competitors in terms of exportable supply in the coming years as the country will record a surplus of 2.2 million tonnes on average over 2016-2020, compared with 2 million tonnes for Brazil and 1.5 million tonnes for Australia, the report said.

Looking ahead, beef production growth will be mainly driven by the domestic growth in the dairy sector and by steady demand in the international market, BMI Research said.

The paper highlighted that a significant part of India's beef trade is done through illegal channels, as live cattle is exported to Bangladesh (prohibited by the Indian government) and frozen meat reaches China via Vietnam (which is prohibited by China).

Therefore, it said, India's beef market is at a high risk of a change in trade regulation or a crackdown on illegal trade. In particular, China could seal the fate of India's exports; exports to Chinese markets would boom should the 2013 Memorandum of Understanding over beef trade between the two countries be finally enacted after years of negotiations.

The paper observed that although the national outlook is enticing, some individual states will fall behind in terms of beef production in the coming years, mainly due to cultural factors and local politics.

Several India states mainly controlled by the BJP and large producers of beef meat, including Maharashtra and Haryana strengthened the legislation against cattle slaughter to include all types of cattle (male, female, at all age).

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A consortium led by Oil India Ltd is eyeing up to 49 per cent stake in Russia's Vankor cluster oilfields to consolidate its presence in the energy-rich Arctic region.

OIL, Indian Oil Corp (IOC) and Bharat PetroResources Ltd (a unit of Bharat Petroleum Corp Ltd or BPCL) is looking at buying a stake in Suzunskoye, Tagulskoye and Lodochnoye fields - collectively known as Vankor Culster, sources privy to the development said.

ONGC Videsh Ltd, the overseas arm of state-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corp (ONGC), is also interested in the fields.

Rosneft, Russia's national oil company that owns the fields, wants to retain a majority stake and is keen to sell only up to 49 per cent stake.

In case OVL is accommodated, the entire 49 per cent stake would have to be split between the Indian companies. OVL may possibly take 26 per cent in proportion of the stake it bought in the main Vankor oilfield. OIL-IOC-BPRL may take 23.9 per cent stake in line with its holding in the main Vankor field.

Vankorneft, a subsidiary of Rosneft, is developing the Vankor oil and gas condensate field, situated in the northern part of Eastern Siberia.

In 2013, Vankorneft was chosen as an operator on development of new fields of Vankor cluster - Suzunskoye, Tagulskoye and Lodochnoye fields, located close to the Vankor field. The reserves of Suzunskoye field exceed 56 million tonnes of oil and condensate, and 35 billion cubic meters of gas.

OVL in May completed acquisition of 15 per cent stake in Russia's second biggest oilfield of Vankor for USD 1.268 billion. It last week got government nod to raise the stake by a further 11 per cent at an investment of USD 930 million.

The 26 per cent stake would give OVL 7.31 million tons of oil.

The consortium of OIL-IOC-BPRL acquired 23.9 per cent stake in the field at a cost of USD 2.02 billion, giving them 6.56 million tons of oil.

Rosneft continues to hold the remaining 50.1 per cent shares of JSC Vankorneft. The field has recoverable reserves of 2.5 billion barrels.

Besides, the OIL-IOC-BPRL consortium has taken another 29.9 per cent stake in a separate Taas-Yuryakh oilfield in East Siberia for USD 1.12 billion.

The investments have taken the total investment in Russia this year to USD 5.46 billion. These investments will give India 15.18 million tons of oil equivalent.

The investment made compares to USD 28.48 billion investment by Indian companies overseas in the past 50 years, giving it about 10 million tons of oil equivalent.

While Vankor produces about 442,000 barrels of oil per day (4 per cent of Russian crude oil production), Taas currently produces about 21,000 barrels per day of oil, and a peak of 1,00,000 bpd is expected by 2021.

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The Indian palette is gradually developing a taste for dry and sour cocktails over the conventionally-preferred sweet flavour, according to an internationally-acclaimed mixologist.

"Indian people traditionally have a sweet palette but this trend is changing. Nowadays dry and sour cocktails are more and more accepted and appreciated. Whisky is still the favourite spirit but gin and vodka are becoming popular too," says Andrea Fidora, brand innovation manager of MONIN (MEIA).

The Dubai-based mixologist was on the judging panel of the recently-hosted MONIN Cup India, a platform for upcoming bartenders, the winner of which will represent India at the contest's international edition in December in Paris.

The art of mixology essentially requires bartenders to imagine and concoct innovative drinks using their knowhow of not only techniques and flavour combinations but also limits and constraints of bar operations.

"You have to design great drinks that are easily executed in the bar you create them for. It is about striking a perfect balance of ingredients and the right technique in the execution," says Fidora.

Much of this expertise comes from experience gathered from extensive travels and consequent exposure to a plethora of cultures.

"Creating new drinks, on the contrary, is all about research and creativity. It takes culture, knowledge and most importantly willingness to learn and experiment every day.

"Keeping up with trends, new products and techniques takes a lot of time and effort. To boost one's own creativity, it is required to be continuously exposed to new stimuli, thus it is a must to travel, explore and attend shows and events," he says.

According to Fidora, India, being a treasure trove of



culture, has embraced the growing trend and has been quick to adapt the same, despite several taboos associated with consumption of liquor.

"India is an incredibly creative country and in the last few years people are more exposed to the world through media and travels. This makes innovative cocktails popular and researched," he says.

He notes how the expanding acceptance for the profession has made Indian mixologists popular, not just across the country but also on global platforms.

"It is becoming more and more accepted. India's top mixologists are famous in the country and abroad. They are acclaimed professionals.

"We now have a growing bartenders' guild. There are also lots of events and competitions providing chances to talented mixologists to rise in their careers," he says.

Talking about how a ban on liquor in several states might serve as an impediment in the growth of the cocktail industry, Fidora says, "Politics come and go, culture and experience stay. The environment for bartenders today is much better than it was 10 years ago.

"Availability of exotic and premium products is also helping the level of cocktail-making improve fast.
DEWITT - Tri County Public School has a special guest this week as abstract sculptor and painter Edwina Bracken comes to the school all the way from Glasgow, Scotland.

Over the summer, a Tri County high school English teacher and a group of students embarked on a trip to Ireland where they met Bracken, an Ireland native who served as their tour guide during the week-long trip. Now, several months later, the roles have been reversed and Bracken has been invited to the United States to learn more about the culture and teach the students.

Each grade level is spending one hour with Bracken this week, helping to to make an art project that every Tri County student's hands have parts in creating.

With core curriculum standards stressed so heavily in the state of Nebraska, we dont get to expose students to as much art as wed like so this is a great opportunity and should be very unique for students in Nebraska, said Tri County Principal Jesse Gronemeyer. Students are having a blast.

Beginning on Tuesday, students from different grade levels will be painting pizza boxes a variety of colors and they will eventually be used for a huge mural that will go up at the school. Each grade is assigned a few colors with Bracken stressing the importance of variations of the colors and textures to the students.

Hopefully we will see a change in abilities, styles and of course colors from one end of the project to the other, said Tri County art teacher Robert Jacobson. The pizza boxes will be stocked on top of one another to make it 3-D in the end.

Mr. Jacobson said that it was important to figure out what project the students could do in the short time frame with Bracken that matches what she does an artist. The school has never done a project like this before.

While this is Brackens first trip to Nebraska she sees a lot of stark differences between the schools she volunteers at and Tri County and the experience gives her a new perspective on art and schools. The scale of the schools is much different than what she is use to and there is greater focus on extracurricular activities at Tri County.

Bracken is looking forward to see how the high school art project looks at the end of the week, which will see students use the local environment to put a twist on household furniture.

The high school project will be a bit more evolved and conceptually much different, Bracken said. The students have started working on their chairs already and the furniture will be used to illustrate philosophical choices and make a comment on the human condition.

Bracken works with furniture a lot in her own artwork so the project perfectly encapsulates her framework and some of the work she has done in the past.

Each high school student will be creating different designs on traditional chairs and at the end of the week they will put them in various locations throughout DeWitt to juxtapose them to the natural landscape.

Im making a flower chair which I hope to put in downtown DeWitt or possibly near a corn field, said sophomore Savannah Derlach. The inside will be painted with darker colors and the surrounding pellets will almost appear to be eating the person sitting inside. The pellets will be much brighter will autumn and summery colors.
Asserting that actions like surgical strikes are not a "permanent solution", former national security advisor Shivshankar Menon has said the real test of success of India's military action in PoK is whether the LoC is pacified and the infiltration goes down.

Talking about the surgical strikes carried out by India in the aftermath of the Uri terror attack, he said he was not sure if it indicated a major shift in policy and described India's action akin to mowing the grass, which one has to do repeatedly at regular intervals from keeping the grass to attain certain height.

"I am not sure, if there is a major shift in policy," he told PTI.

"First of all the use of (the term) surgical strike is not right. It is a phrase developed by the US in the nuclear context. It had a very specific meaning -- taking out the adversaries' nuclear weapons through surgical strike and eliminate those weapons," said Menon, who was the NSA from 2011 to 2014 under the Manmohan Singh government.

Menon stated that what has happened post-Uri has "not eliminated these jihadi tanzims" or any of the terror groups.

"It was an attack on few launch pads and of course damage to them. But this is not a damage that they cannot repair or recover. Secondly there was a huge amount of restraint shown in the choice of target and the location, it's on Indian territory after all," Menon said.

"I think, the difference is that this government has chosen to go public. Whether it works or not, the real test is whether the Line of Control is pacified, whether the infiltration goes down," Menon said.

Noting that every government chooses its own way of dealing with these things, Menon said, "My own sense, which the Israelis describe is like mowing the grass. Something you need to keep doing, but the grass would keep growing. And it is not a permanent solution. Not military force, not diplomacy, but combination of both together amount to mowing the grass."



Menon stressed that from a strategic point of view, in the last 30 years when Pakistan has thrown cross border terrorism in all its worst form, India has done its best in this period.

"This is not an existential threat to India. This is something that can be managed, needs to be managed, needs responses, including military, diplomatic and other responses and to the extent that this government is now doing it publicly, is also following a policy of diplomatically isolating Pakistan for what it has done, is actually a continuing of existing policy, but taken further one more step. I hope it works," Menon said.

In his book 'Choices: Inside the making of India's Foreign Policy', released at the Brookings Institute last week, Menon writes that in the immediate aftermath of the Mumbai terror attack, the then External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and he as the foreign secretary had strongly pushed for immediate retaliatory strikes inside Pakistan and Pak-occupied Kashmir (Pok) which did not happen.

(Reopens FGN 13)



In his book, which was printed much before the Indian surgical strikes in PoK, Menon writes if India is forced to make a similar choice as it faced post 26/11 in the future, "I am sure it will respond differently".

While Menon in his book does not mention as to why such a move of retaliatory strike against Pakistan post 26/11 were not undertaken, he does throw some hints.

"Personalities matter," he writes in the book.

"With a different mix of people at the helm, it is quite possible that India would have chosen differently," he says.

In the hindsight nearly eight years later, Menon believes that the decision not to retaliate militarily and to concentrate on diplomatic, covert, and other means was the right one for that time and peace.

The book, which devotes one full chapter to the Mumbai terror attack, is all set to hit the book stores globally next week.

Reflecting his thinking of those days when Pakistani- trained terrorists massacred more than 160 innocent people in Mumbai, Menon writes in the book, "I myself pressed at that time for immediate visible retaliation of sort, either against the LeT in Muridke, in Pakistan's Punjab province, or their camps in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, or against the ISI, which was clearly complicit."



To have done so, Menon notes, would have been emotionally satisfying and gone some way toward "erasing the shame of incompetence that India's police and security agencies displayed" in the glare of the world's television lights for three full days.

Menon says the then National Security Advisor M K Narayanan organised the review of the Indian military and other kinetic options with the political leadership and the military chiefs outlined their views to the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Menon says he "urged both External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that we should retaliate, and be seen to retaliate, to deter further attacks, for reasons of international credibility" and to assuage public sentiments.

"For me Pakistan had crossed a red line, and that action demanded more than a standard response," he writes, adding that his preference was for overt action against LeT headquarters in Muridke, or the LeT camps in PoK and covert action against their sponsors ISI.

"Mukherjee seemed to agree with me and spoke publicly of all our options being open," the former NSA says in his book.

Not giving in details as to who took the final call against taking such a strike, Menon says the "decision makers concluded" that more was to be gained from not attacking Pakistan than from attacking it.

Menon says India gained more by its strategic self- restraint.
The police today busted an inter-state gang of robbers and arrested the five accused allegedly involved in various incidents of kidnapping, loot and murder from Sonipat district.

The accused have been identified as Vikram alias Ghussi, a resident of Housing Board Colony, Sonipat, Neeraj, Rinku, and Jasbir, residents of village Siwah district Panipat and Mannu Sharma, a resident of Hansi, DIG Sonipat Hardeep Singh Doon said.

All of them have confessed to their involvement in 12 incidents.

Since April 2016, the gang had stolen various cars including two Toyota Fortuner, a Mahindra PickUp, a Honda Amaze, a Maruti WagonR, a Hyundai Creta and a Honda City from various places in Delhi, Haryana and Chandigarh. The accused used to sell the stolen vehicles in Srinagar, Doon said.

The accused were also involved in several incidents of looting ATMs.

The police has recovered two .9 mm pistols, three .32 bore pistols, live cartridges of 2.9 mm and 15.32 bore, a sharp-edged weapon and a stolen car from their possession.

Doon said the kingpin of the gang Vikram, who had allegedly murdered a police constable in 2007, had jumped the parole in 2008 and since then was at large.

Vikram had committed a loot in Murthal in February 2016 and shot a person in Model Town, Karnal in March 2016. Separate cases have been registered against him in these incidents at police stations in Murthal and Karnal, Doon said.

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Maharashtra Minister Mahadev Jankar has come under criticism from the Opposition NCP, after he made "objectionable" remarks against the party leaders during a rally at the foothills of Bhagwangad shrine in Ahmednagar district yesterday.

The NCP, in a statement here said Jankar, the Minister for Cattle and Dairy Development in Maharashtra government, "spoke ill" and used "derogatory" words for Leader of Opposition Dhananjay Munde and Ajit Pawar in the rally in which Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister and BJP leader Pankaja Munde was the main speaker.

"Mahadev Jankar has insulted a Constitutional post by calling me with derogatory names apart from a stooge of the Chief Minister. A Minister using such words for an LoP and other leaders has set a bad precedence. He immediately needs to be suspended to uphold the dignity, culture and traditions of the state," Munde told reporters here.

He said a delegation of the NCP will soon be meeting Maharashtra Governor C Vidyasagar Rao to demand Jankar's suspension, if Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis does not respond to its demands.

NCP workers held protests against Jankar in various districts of Maharashtra.

In Mumbai, effigies of the minister was burnt and workers chanted slogans against him outside the suburban Santacruz station.

In Thane, NCP MLA Jitendra Awhad, along with other legislators like Niranjan Davkhare burnt effigies of Jankar and protested against his language.

Similar protests were held at Pune, Pimpri-Chinchwad, Baramati, Aurangabad, Parbhani, Jalgaon, Latur, Nanded, Beed, Satara, Sangli, Solapur, Kolhapur, Nagpur, Osmanabad, Jalna, Nashik, Dhule, Nandurbar, Palghar, Amravati, Buldhana, Washim, Bhandara, Gondia against Jankar, the release added.

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The death toll due to Japanese Encephalitis in Odisha's Malkangiri today mounted to 45 with three more children falling prey to the disease even as show cause notices were issued to 22 officers in the tribal district.

The toll due to Japanese Encephalitis (JE), which stood at 42 yesterday, climbed to 45 following the death of three boys at the intensive care unit (ICU) of the district headquarters hospital here, Malkangiri District Collector K Sudarshan Chakravarthy said.

Unconfirmed reports, however, put the toll at 48 due to the vector-borne disease which has affected at least 22 villages spread over six blocks in the backward district.

At least 49 people were undergoing treatment at the district headquarters hospital with five of them in the ICU, Chakravarthy said, adding that so far, 67 people have been discharged from the hospital after treatment.

Meanwhile, more specialists, including five from Bhubaneswar, six from Berhampur and three from Cuttack, have reached the district to assist the doctors and experts already engaged in tackling the situation, officials said.

As the entire administration geared up to deal with the situation, the Collector today issued show cause notices to 22 nodal officers in the district for "dereliction of duty", a senior official said.

As many as 64 nodal officers were assigned the task of supervising the distribution of mosquito nets in the affected villages and isolation of the infected pigs and submit a report to the Collector.

Of them, 22 were issued the notices as they had failed to submit the reports within the stipulated time, the Collector said.

(REOPENS CAL 2)



Meanwhile, Odisha Health Secretary Arti Ahuja visited the adjoining Koraput and Malkangiri districts to review the situation and held talks with senior officials.

At Koraput, she interacted with officials of all the departments concerned and discussed the required preventive measures to ensure that the disease did not spread to the district.

It was decided to put checkposts along the areas bordering Malkangiri to restrict the entry of pigs into human habitats, while officials were asked to undertake awareness drives.

At Malkangiri, around 15,000 mosquito nets have so far been distributed among those in the affected areas and fogging and spraying of repellents have been intensified to check the mosquito menace, officials said.

As pigs are the carriers of the deadly virus, measures to isolate the animals and keep them in special enclosures away from human habitats have been intensified, a senior official said, adding that the virus is transmitted from pigs to mosquitoes and from mosquitoes to human beings.

Cooked food is being served from 479 anganwadi centres in Kalimela and Korakonda blocks to pregnant and lactating women and the ailing children, the Collector said.

Arrangements have been made to provide accommodation as well as lunch and dinner to them in the affected villages, he said, adding the objective was to tackle the problem of malnutrition by providing nutritious food.
Jharkhand government today invited BRICS countries to invest in "the mineral capital of the country".

Addressing the BRICS Conference-2016 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, Jharkhand Secretary (Industry, Mines & Geology) Sunil Kumar Barnwal said, "With home to 42 per cent of mineral resources, Jharkhand is mineral capital of India," an official release said quoting him.

He invited all delegates of BRICS countries to invest in the state, which has enormous opportunity in transmission, medico city, power substation and smart city.

"We have prestigious institutes like XLRI, ISM Dhanbad, BIT and IIM," Barnwal said.

The growth rate of the "politically stable" state is 12.4 per cent, the second in the country, Barnwal said.

He referred to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement that in the development of the country, eastern part of the nation was most important, and in the eastern part, Jharkhand has a major role.

Saying that MoUs worth Rs 23,000 crore were signed with various industries, Barnwal said Jharkhand is the best example of industrial harmony.

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AAP national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will meet family members of Patidar youths, who were killed in the quota stir violence last year, during his Gujarat tour beginning Friday, a move dubbed as "casteist politics" and "stunt" by ruling BJP.

As per the schedule of Kejriwal's visit released by AAP's Gujarat unit today, Kejriwal would spend four days in the state, starting October 14.

Kejriwal's visit comes as part of AAP's preparations for the Assembly polls in Gujarat, the home state of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, due next year.

On October 14 and 15, Kejriwal would meet some families of the deceased Patel youths in Mehsana and Ahmedabad.

At least 12 youths of the community were killed last year during the violence that erupted across Gujarat following detention by police of quota leader Hardik Patel on August 25 after their mega rally at GMDC ground here.

Kejriwal will address a rally in Surat on October 16, before leaving for Delhi on October 17 afternoon.

However, BJP has termed Kejriwal's "goodwill gesture" for Patels, a decisive vote-bank in Gujarat, as a "political stunt and a drama."



"Kejriwal and his AAP is known for spreading lies and enacting drama. His only intention is to gain publicity. That is why he is doing such stunts. But people of Gujarat will not be carried away with such tactics and he will never be accepted here," state unit BJP spokesperson Bharat Pandya said in a statement.

Slamming Kejriwal, state BJP chief Jitu Vaghani alleged that the AAP leader is creating tension in Gujarat by raking up past incidents.

"This is purely casteist politics. By visiting Patel families, Kejriwal wants to rake up issues of the past for his political gains and wants to create tension in Gujarat. But, he will never succeed in his intentions," said Vaghani.

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BJP Karnataka unit president and former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today strongly condemned the "cold-blooded murder" of an RSS swayamsevak and BJP worker in Kerala's Kannur district, blaming it on the "murderous politics" of the ruling CPI(M) there.

"The murderous politics of CPM is well-known....This murderous politics has seen a steady increase ever since CPM assumed office in Kerala," he said, adding that it spoke volumes about the collapse of the rule of law in the state.

He said the brutal murder of Prenith had taken place near a petrol bunk in Pinarayi, the native village of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, which was "a telling comment" on the state of affairs on the law and order front in Kerala.

Recalling that Prenith's father was also a victim of "CPM's goondaism, murder and mayhem" in 2002, Yeddyurappa alleged that whenever such murderous attacks took place against the BJP and Sangh Pariwar activists, police turned a blind eye.

He asked the Kerala government to take immediate steps to arrest the killers.

Yeddyurappa also warned the "politically-irrelevant and ideologically-bankrupt CPM" that Karnataka BJP will not be a silent on-looker and it would be forced to launch a mass struggle to mount pressure on CPM to stop pursuing "this politics of murder and mayhem.

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Actor Kevin Hart was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

The 37-year-old star, who was joined by his family and friends and actress Halle Berry, took to Instagram to share his excitement with the fans.

"Words can't explain the feeling that I have right now.... God is good. Look momma I made it. #Harts #Blessed #WhatNow #comedicrockstarshit #4DaysAway...," he wrote.

The actor also said that it is just his beginning and he needs to work even harder.

"Hard work pays off.... This is just the beginning people. I'm inspired and motivated to do so much more. The last name HART will have a powerful meaning when it's all said and done!!!! The road to making the world laugh continues.... Let's make History this weekend damn it!!!! (sic)," he wrote.

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BJP today hit out at Lalu Prasad and dubbed him "mentally disturbed" after the RJD supremo credited his wife Rabri Devi with making the RSS shed its trademark khaki shorts and opt for brown trousers.

Union minister Rajiv Pratap Rudy said Prasad's remarks should not be taken seriously because he was "under pressure" in Bihar.

"Lalu's remarks cannot be taken seriously. He is enjoying there (in Bihar) with Nitish Kumar. Recently someone mentioned that he (Lalu) is like a four-legged throne on which Nitish Kumar is sitting. Therefore, there is a lot of pressure on him these days. He (Lalu) is mentally disturbed," he said.

Rudy, who hails from Bihar and is the Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge), said he is in power in Bihar due to the prevailing situation and there is no need to comment much on his views.

Prasad had on twitter said yesterday, "We forced RSS to wear trouser. Rabri Devi had rightly said that they (RSS men) do not have wisdom. Elderly cadres roam freely wearing half pant without shame."



Rudy also condemned the killing of a BJP worker in Kunnoor in Kerala and blamed the ruling CPI-M regime there for the "rising atrocities" against BJP and RSS workers in the state. He also termed the matter as one of grave concerns.

"This is something which has been happening in Kerala for a very long time. In the state of Kerala, BJP has been suffering, the RSS has been suffering and it is said that the of present government (in Kerala) has been attacking the supporters of the BJP and the RSS.

"They are newly-elected (Kerala state government) but they should see that there is no violence there and a full investigation is done in the incident which has happened now," he said.

A 25-year-old BJP worker was today hacked to death allegedly by CPI(M) activists in the home town of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan in the politically sensitive Kannur district, less than 48 hours after the murder of a Marxist member.

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Blaming "political goondas" of the CPI(M) for the murder of a 25-year-old BJP worker in Kerala today, the saffron outfit demanded a CBI probe into the killing, saying it has no faith in the state police and the Left government.

BJP spokesperson G V L Narasimha Rao said the Left parties are "unnerved" following the "successful" conclave of the BJP's National Council in the state recently and the incidents of violence against the saffron workers have been on the rise since they came to power as they see BJP as a major force.

"He has been hacked to death by political goondas of the Left. A systematic witch hunt has been started by them against our workers. The CPI(M) has unleashed political terrorism against us. Is this the democracy it believes it?" he said at a press conference.

"We demand that the case be handed over to the CBI," Rao said.

The BJP worker, Prenith, was hacked to death at Pinarayi, the home town of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, an incident which comes two days after the murder of CPI(M) activist in the district.

The BJP leader rubbished the charge that saffron activists were involved in the murder of the CPI(M) worker, saying the accused were masked and the government should probe all cases of violence.

Tragically, Rao said, Prenith's father was also killed allegedly by the Left workers in 2002.

The Left is in the grip of fear that if it loses Kerala, then it will never come back to power as is the case in Bengal and be erased from India, he alleged.

In all the cases of violence against BJP and RSS workers in Kerala, justice has never been done, he said.

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A political group from Gage County thinks the state should cover costs in the Beatrice 6 case, and discussed the matter with the County Board Wednesday morning.

Earlier this year, a judge ruled in favor of those who wrongfully served a combined 77 years for the murder of Beatrice resident Helen Wilson in 1985.

DNA evidence later tied the murder to another man, and a $28.1 judgment was issued against Gage County.

The county and outside attorneys are weighing options how to best proceed.

Don Schuller, Chairman of the Gage County Democrats, presented a letter to the County Board that the group sent to Governor Pete Ricketts, calling for state involvement.

As a result of the verdict in what has become known as the Beatrice 6 case, Gage County property owners may face an additional tax requirement exceeding $33 million, he said.  Even if reduced by insurance or an appeals court, or spread out over years by bankruptcy, the demand on property owners will be excessive. I believe the state has an obligation to pay the award and the costs related to the lawsuit.

The board placed the letter on file, though took no action as far as supporting the notion to seek help at the state level.

Because of ongoing legal aspects related to this case, this board will not be commenting as a board, nor will this board vote on support or denial or anything, said Board Chairman Myron Dorn.

The situation has been further complicated by doubts if insurance would cover some of the expense, or if Gage County is on the hook for the full amount.

An outside legal firm was hired last month to dig into the issue. At a previous meeting, attorneys advised the County Board they were unsure if insurance coverage was in place.

Last week U.S. District judge Judge Richard Kopf denied Gage Countys request for a stay in paying the judgment, saying he found no grounds to grant the stay, leaving the decision up to the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Former Nebraska Sen. Bill Burrows also spoke in support of the letter to Ricketts, and stressed the group is not trying to make the issue a partisan one.

As a group we didnt want to make this a partisan issue in any way because were all in the same boat on this, he said. Were all part of this county and were paying taxes. It could be a heck of a blow. We dont want to see that legislature come up with an idea of raising the mill levy for this county to take care of it.

Gage County Attorney Roger Harris said the county will continue working with its attorneys to find the best way to handle the case.

Theyre looking at every option thats conceivably available for the taxpayers in this county, he said. Other than that Ive advised them not to talk about it.
Egypt and Saudi Arabia have long been key allies but tensions over regional issues including Syria and Yemen have erupted into the open in rare public disagreements.

The discord came to the surface when Egypt on Saturday voted in favour of a Russian-drafted UN Security Council resolution on Syria strongly opposed by Riyadh.

That was followed by Cairo's announcement of Saudi oil giant Aramco's surprise decision to halt the expected delivery of 700,000 tonnes of petroleum products to Egypt this month, forcing Egypt to rush out a call for tenders to make up the shortfall.

Analysts say the row - which threatens to distance Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi from one of his main backers - reflects longstanding disagreements on crucial regional issues.

"There is always talk that there is a strategic alliance between Cairo and Riyadh, and that is not true," prominent Egyptian journalist and commentator Abdallah el-Sennawy said.

"A strategic alliance means an understanding on regional issues, which is something that does not exist in the Syrian and Yemeni files. The discord now has exploded and risen to the surface."



Sisi has relied on Saudi support since the then army chief overthrew Islamist president Mohamed Morsi in 2013, with Riyadh since providing billions of dollars in aid and credit.

Saudi King Salman visited Cairo on a rare trip abroad in April, hailing Sisi and approving a slew of investment deals.

Even then, however, there were reports of Saudi frustration over Cairo's reported reluctance to fully back Riyadh's regional ambitions, in particular in its rivalry with Iran.

Sunni-ruled Saudi Arabia and Shiite-dominated Iran are opposed in a range of regional conflicts and disputes, in particular the wars in Syria and Yemen.

Cairo "does not see the threat of the Iranians" in the same way as Riyadh, said Saudi journalist and analyst Jamal Khashoggi.

"Saudi Arabia tolerated the Egyptian position over and over again, and I think what happened at the UN vote is the straw that broke the camel's back," Khashoggi said.

Saudi bitterness at Cairo's vote was clear when Riyadh's envoy to the UN Abdullah al-Muallimi told Al-Jazeera: "It was painful for the Senegalese and Malaysian positions to be closer to the Arab consensus than that of the Arab representative.

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Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis today said Maharashtra will be investing over Rs 5,000 crore for taking high-speed Internet connectivity to each of the 29,000 villages in the state by 2018.

"By 2018, we want to take fiber to each and every village. Once connectivity is established, we can use it for lot of applications ranging from education to healthcare to government services," Fadnavis said at an event here.

A project of this size will cost "not less than Rs 5,000 crore", the Chief Minister added.

He said the project, called 'Mahanet', is on the lines of the Centre's ambitious Bharatnet, which aims to take connectivity in a phased manner with the first milestone of having 1 lakh villages by March 2017.

Fadnavis said a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be formed with private companies as partners, who shall ensure that the project gets completed in time.

"We are creating not just smart cities, but also smart villages," he said, referring to the pet project of the Union Government.

Fadnavis said at present, the broad architecture of the project is being readied and he promised to present it before everybody soon.

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A four-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 24-year-old man in Shri Nagar area of city, triggering protests by political parties today.

The accused, identified as Shivaji Dhadve, was arrested on night of the incident itself on October 10.

According to police, Dhadve picked up the minor, who was at her home along with her small brother, on Monday evening and raped her at mezzanine floor of his house. The girls' mother had locked the door of her house from outside, leaving her daughter in care of her son, also a minor.

Meanwhile, Sena has dismissed reports that the accused has any link with the saffron party.

In a joint statement issued here, Thane Guardian Minister Eknath Shinde and Yuva Sena secretary Purvesh Sarnaik stated that Dhadve has nothing to do with either Sena or Yuva Sena.

The clarification came against the backdrop of reports in local media that the accused was an office-bearer of Yuva Sena, headed by Aditya Thackeray.

The incident has been condemned by Maharashtra Women Commission chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar who demanded that the case be tried in a fast-track court.

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A 52-year-old man was mowed down by an over speeding car in southeast Delhi's Jaitpur area while his 20-year-old niece, who was accompanying him, had a narrow escape, police said today.

The incident took place around 10.30 PM when Raj Mangal Singh and his niece Pinki were walking towards their home from a clinic located in Jaitpur area, police said.

"When the duo reached Tanky Road, they were hit by a speeding car. Singh was thrown in the air and his head hit the footpath as he fell down. Pinky was also hit but she sustained minor injuries and was discharged from the hospital following treatment," said a senior police official.

According to police, there were four occupants in the car and three of them managed to escape from the spot. The fourth one, identified as Keshav Kumar, was caught by a mob and was beaten up and later handed over to police.

Meanwhile, the angry passersby also torched the vehicle that hit Singh.

Kumar told police that he wasn't driving the vehicle and that there were three other occupants in the car and one of them was behind the wheel, police said.

"A case under relevant sections of the IPC has been registered at Jaitpur police station. The accused will be arrested soon. The occupants of the car might have been in an inebriated state," the official said.

Singh was working with BSES and had gone to the clinic to get medicines for his wife, who is suffering from chikungunya. Pinky had come down to her uncle's place from Bihar.

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In a move that will ease pressure on overcrowded prisons in the national capital, the process of operationalisation of Mandoli jail here is underway and it is likely to start functioning from November.

Director General (Prisons) Sudhir Yadav said the process of operationalisation of Mandoli jail is on and it will take a few months to be completed.

"There are a lot of issues like shifting of inmates that are to be taken care of. It would be stage by stage. We will start some activities there hopefully by next month and it will take a few months to be fully operational," he said.

The prison was proposed 35 years ago to solve the problem of overcrowding in Tihar prison complex and Rohini district jail, prison authorities said.

The officials said construction work on the jail was completed by PWD and some formalities are to be fulfilled before the jail could become operational.

"We are aiming to start Mandoli jail at the earliest but it depends on a few things. PWD, which is the construction agency, is seeking fire and construction completion certificates which are expected to be obtained soon, paving way for functioning of the jail," Mukesh Prasad, Additional IG (Prisons), said.

The process for shifting of the inmates has been started with drawing of a list of those who will be lodged in the new jail. The security apparatus of the jail is also to be taken care of and the personnel of Tamil Nadu Special Police and paramilitary personnel will be deployed for jail security, officials said.

Mandoli prison complex will have 6 jails having a capacity to accommodate 3,777 inmates. The entire complex is situated on 78.62 acres in north east Delhi.

As per latest data, the ten jails of Tihar prison complex and Rohini jail housed 14,183 prisoners against the capacity of 6,250 till December 31, 2015.

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US First lady Michelle Obama's celebrated passion for empowering girls around the globe to become educated is the subject of a CNN Films documentary to air this week in more than 200 countries.

The project received a rousing sendoff on Tuesday at a White House screening that included Meryl Streep, reported Variety.

"We Will Rise: Michelle Obama's Mission to Education Girls Around the World" will air beginning this week on all CNN networks - a first for the cabler.

It is co-produced by the same CNN team that three years ago created "Girl Rising," a doc about nine girls from developing countries in pursuit of their dreams.

Obama said the film is an important reminder of the courage and determination some girls have to make just to pursue their education.

Several of the film's subjects were on hand for the screening. They participated in a panel discussion in advance of the screening, hosted by CNN correspondent Isha Sesay.

Offering a video from London was Indian actress Freida Pinto, who also joined Obama on the trip.

"It is about telling the stories of these girls and girls like them across the globe - not just their challenges and their struggles, but their dreams and their aspirations - which are big," Obama said.

"Their unrelenting bravery and determination... The miles they have to walk each day just to get to school. The hours they spend each night studying, making their families proud. Their refusal to give up, even in the face of some overwhelming odds that would stifle many of us."



Streep, who also joined the first lady on her June trip, praised her dedication to enriching the lives of young women throughout the world. Streep said she was delighted to participate in the "incredible initiative."



Among others attending the event were reps from Let Girls Learn, a US government initiative to promote education around the world, and Rise Up's Let Girls Lead.

The panel and screening also coincided with the worldwide celebration of International Day of the Girl.

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Grieving worshippers today described desperately trying to shelter their children against a hail of gunfire in Kabul that killed at least 18 people gathering to mark Ashura, one of the most important festivals of the Shiite calendar.

According to witnesses, gunmen entered the Karte Sakhi shrine near Kabul University late yesterday, firing "indiscriminately" on men, women and children as they tried to flee.

The UN in Afghanistan called the attack an "atrocity" and put the toll at 18 today.

But the interior ministry later said in a statement that 16 people including three women and two children were killed and 54 wounded in two separate attacks in Kabul yesterday night.

The statement said the shrine was attacked by an armed suicide bomber wearing a military uniform and apparently acting alone, who started spraying bullets at worshippers.

At the same time, another attacker entered a nearby mosque and took an unspecified number of people hostage as they were commemorating Ashura.

Both attackers were killed by Afghan security forces and the hostages were released, the statement said, without clarifying if any casualties were sustained in the second assault.

In a Kabul hospital today, victims wounded in the attack on the shrine said more than one gunman was involved in the attack.

One mother who gave her name as Saleha told AFP of a gunman who was "killing everyone".

She was shot in the leg as she tried to protect her child.

"While I was hugging my little son I begged him not to kill my child," she said.

The child survived, but she angrily denounced the Afghan government for failing to protect them.

"The families of the president, CEO Dr. Abdullah and other rich ones live abroad. Here, only poor people are killed every day."



Another witness, Ali Hussain, said attackers wearing military uniforms first shot the police guard at the gate and then entered the shrine, where dozens of worshippers had gathered.

"They indiscriminately shot everyone they faced. They wouldn't even spare women and children," said Hussain, who fled through a library back door.

The UN released a statement saying, "This attack deliberately targeting a large group of civilians exercising their right to freely manifest their religion in worship, observance and practice is an atrocity."



The Taliban said they were not involved and no group has yet officially claimed responsibility for what President Ashraf Ghani condemned as a "clear sign of a crime against humanity".

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The Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MGCM) has taken action against over 1.12 lakh illegal food vendors/hawkers in 24 civic wards in last six months.

The civic body also seized their goods to the tune of Rs 30 crore and recovered a fine of 2.03 crore. Action was taken following orders by MGCM chief Ajoy Mehta, a senior civic official said today.

From April to September, MGCM teams acted against 1,12,651 illegal hawkers/food vendors in the city and a fine of Rs 2,03,55,344 was collected from them.

The teams have also seized goods and articles from them upto Rs 30.59 crore.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner (removal of encroachment) Milind Sawant said, "While cracking down on illegal hawkers and food vendors, our team has seized 5,160 hand carts, 1,044 cylinders, 57 table-stalls, 24 sugarcane crushing machines and other goods and articles."



Most of the hawkers were found in G-North ward wherein 13,173 illegal food vendors were caught. 8,056 were caught in A-ward. The civic body acted against 6,248 illegal food vendors in R-south Ward.

Mumbai Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam termed MCGM's action as "illegal".

Congress is the opposition party in the MGCM which is ruled by Shiv Sena and BJP.

"This is unfortunate. Rather the regularizing the hawkers in the wake of the Supreme Court order, MCGM is playing with the livelihood of the hawkers and putting their lives in jeopardy," claimed Nirupam, who is also a petitioner in one of the cases filed in the Bombay High Court against the civic body over this issue.

"This is a clear violation of the guidelines of the apex court," the Congress leader said.

Activists have been asking MCGM to act soft on illegal hawkers and have filed petitions in the Bombay High Court in this regard.

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Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar today opened up about his much publicised simple attire, saying he is uncomfortable in western clothes like suits but his dresses are much better than his predecessors.

Parrikar, who addressed an event in suburban Bandra, was asked about his dressing sense. The questioner said a section of government machinery thinks that the attire of Parrikar, despite having a major portfolio, is too simple.

Parrikar quipped, "I am uncomfortable in western outfits like suits. Compared to previous defence minister, my dress is much better."



"And I do not seek votes over my simplicity like another IITian," the Defence Minister said, in an apparent jibe at Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Commenting on his innings in Delhi, after a stint in Goa politics, Parrikar said, "I came to Delhi only because the Defence portfolio was offered to me. Otherwise, I am more comfortable in Goa.

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Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu today moved into his new office chamber on the first floor of Block-1 at Government's Transitional Headquarters (GTH) in Velagapudi in the capital region, marking the near completion of the translocation of the state administration from Hyderabad to Amaravati.

The Chief Minister now has four offices -- two in Hyderabad, one in Vijayawada and the latest one in Amaravati -- with the state government having spent over Rs 100 crore on them.

Soon after becoming the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, following the bifurcation of the state in June 2014, Chandrababu used to function from Lake View Guest House in Hyderabad which was officially designated as the Chief Minister's Camp Office.

In October 2014, he moved into L-Block in the Secretariat after a plush office was readied.

In June 2015, Chandrababu shifted base to Vijayawada after a new office building was constructed for him.

On April 25, he symbolically occupied his chamber at GTH in Velagapudi, though the temporary Secretariat was still under construction.

He formally stepped into Block-1 at GTH amid vedic chants this morning, but he can start working from there only towards the end of this month as nothing is ready yet.

"As early as possible, probably by this month-end, I have to work from here (Velagapudi) only if everything is ready," the Chief Minister said.

After performing a puja, the Chief Minister signed a file, approving the release of Rs 2,500 crore to women self-help groups under a financial infusion scheme.

He then addressed a press conference and subsequently, reviewed the progress of works related to development of Amaravati.

The CMO Block at GTH is a highly-secured place and the building is said to be able to withstand even a rocket attack.

The CMO is completely bullet-proof and has an intelligent lighting system that functions with the help of sensors for energy efficiency.

Besides the cabinet meeting hall and a conference room, the State Command and Communications Centre is also on the first floor for the Chief Minister to monitor the development works taking place across the state through video links.

The Chief Secretary's chamber is also on the first floor while the General Administration Department which works under the Chief Minister is on the ground floor.

The GTH is slowly coming to life with the Secretariat



staff getting down to work after the initial hiccups, though some of the bureaucrats are yet to move in.

Many IAS officers could not move to GTH yet because their chambers were not fully ready. Some ministers are also yet to occupy their offices there.

It is expected that full-fledged functioning of the Andhra Pradesh Secretariat will begin from the end of this month, four months after the original June deadline.
Nashik is limping back to normalcy after witnessing violent protests since Sunday over alleged rape attempt on a minor girl by a teenager in a village near here even as stray incidents of stone-pelting and damage to vehicles were reported in some parts of city.

However, suspension of mobile internet since Monday and limited outstation state transport bus service inconvenienced citizens during festive season.

Total suspension of bus service between Nashik and Mumbai and skeletal presence of private transport caused severe hardship to commuters travelling to Mumbai.

Incidents of stone pelting were reported last evening in localities like Satpur, Pathardi Phata, Lekha Nagar and Rane Nagar, keeping police on their toes.

However, the situation remained by and large peaceful and under control today, a police officer said.

A large number of policemen took out a march in affected areas of the city.

Protests erupted in adjoining villages, and spread to Nashik, after a 16-year-old boy allegedly tried to rape a five-year-old girl at Talegaon village near Trimbakeshwar.

The boy, who has been taken into custody, was booked under relevant sections of the IPC and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

On October 9, 'rasta rokos' were staged by angry residents in Wadivhare, Ghoti and Anjaneri-phata villages on Mumbai-Agra national highway.

Police had lobbed teargas shells and also fired some rounds in air at Talegaon to disperse the mob who had hurled stones at state transport buses and also torched vehicles of police on the highway, resulting into suspension of bus service between Mumbai and Nashik.

Incidents of stone-pelting and arson were also reported in Jail Road area of city, where a mob damaged a number of two-wheelers and four-wheelers parked along road.

Top police officials, including Commissioner of Police Ravindra Singhal, are closely monitoring the situation.

Police have already suspended mobile internet service since October 10 to prevent spread of any rumours.

The Leader of Opposition in Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil and State Woman Commission chairperson-Vijaya Rahatkar visited civil hospital here and met relatives of the girl.

Vikhe Patil alleged that government has failed to control the situation after the "unfortunate" Talegaon incident.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis had assured that the case would be tried in a fast track court.

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Government Railway Police today arrested the leader of a gang involved in several cases of luggage theft at Kanpur railway station.

Mobile phones and Rs 10,800 in cash were recovered from his possession.

GRP SHO Vripurari Pandey said a man was spotted roaming suspiciously at platform number nine and upon questioning, he tried to escape but was apprehended, however, his accomplices managed to flee.

He has been identified as Jitu, a resident of Firozabad district, he said adding several other stolen items were also recovered from his possesion.

During interrogation, he revealed that his gang used to target trains running between Kanpur, Tundla, Ettawa and Firozabad stations, Pandey said.

A case has been registered and a hunt is on to nab other gang members.

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In the wake of the recent tension between India and Pakistan, a Pakistani delegation which was scheduled to attend the SAARC Sufi festival has pulled out from the three-day event beginning here this Friday.

The delegation comprising authors, writers, poets and Sufis will not be attending the festival to be held from October 14-16 at the Diggi palace.

"The delegation members have cancelled their participation to the event. The reason for most of them is the recent tension between the two countries following which the schedule of the event has been revised accordingly," Ram Pratap Diggi, the local associate of the organisers, said.

The event is being organised by SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL).

"The festival will held on scheduled dates but without the Pakistani delegation," he said.

Sources said it was feared that their presence may invite protests and demonstrations, so they preferred to cancel their visit to India.

Topics like Sufism and Its Inter Religious Links, Sufi-Bhakti Harmony, Promoting Sufi Tenets for World Peace, Teachings of Sufism and Application in Today's Life, Role of Education in Developing Human Values for Harmony, Dance and Sufism, Women in Sufism, Music and Spirituality, Poetry in Sufism will be discussed by panelists in the festival.

Last month, following threats by Hindu outfits, Mayo College, Ajmer had called off an event under an exchange programme in which a delegation from Pakistan was scheduled to attend from October 2-5.

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Pakistan is exploring the possibility of creating a greater South Asian economic alliance to include China, Iran and neighbouring Central Asian republics as part of its bid counter India's influence in SAARC, a media report said today.

Dawn News, citing diplomatic observers, said Pakistan is exploring the possibility of creating a greater South Asian economic alliance to counter India's "controlling hold" on the eight-member South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

A parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, which is now in New York, pitched this idea during its five-day visit to Washington last week, the report said.

"A greater South Asia is already emerging," Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed was quoted as saying in one of his interactions with the media.

"This greater South Asia includes China, Iran and the neighbouring Central Asian republics," he said.

He described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as the key economic route linking South Asia with Central Asia.

The Gwadar port, Syed said, would be the nearest warm water port, not only for China but also for the land-locked Central Asian states.

"We want India to join this arrangement as well," said Syed.

Indians are "unlikely to accept" the offer as they are comfortable with the advantage that SAARC provides them, the report said.

"India used its influence in SAARC to isolate Pakistan when it announced that it would not attend the regional group's 19th summit, scheduled in Islamabad," the report said.

Citing continuous cross border terrorism by Pakistan, India had announced last month that "in the prevailing circumstances, the Indian government is unable to participate in the proposed Summit in Islamabad."



Besides India, four other SAARC members -- Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan -- had also pulled out of the summit.

"Among the eight SAARC nations, Afghanistan and Bangladesh are India's strong allies while Bhutan, surrounded by India from all sides, is too small to resist any move from New Delhi. The Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka have good ties with Pakistan, but they are not large enough to take on India," the report said.

The report cited that a senior diplomat had confirmed reports that Pakistan is actively seeking a new regional arrangement.

"Apparently, the showdown forced Pakistan to conclude that in its present shape, SAARC will always be dominated by India. That's why they are now talking about a greater South Asia," the diplomat was quoted as saying.

"Pakistan hopes that this new arrangement will give it more room to manoeuvre when India tries to force a decision on it," another diplomat said.

(Reopens FGN 11)



The report quoted diplomatic observers in Washington as saying that the proposed arrangement also suits China as it is also worried about India's rapidly growing influence in the region.

"They argue that China can play an important role in persuading Central Asian republics and Iran to join the new arrangement. But the observers warn that SAARC members will have little interest in supporting the idea," the report said.

"There is not much benefit for Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka in joining a land route far from their borders and Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have their own ports," it said.

The report stated thatt he member that is likely to get the most benefits from a greater South Asian alliance is Afghanistan, which is technically a land-locked Central Asian nation.

Any trade route that links South and Central Asian regions is good for Afghanistan, it noted.

"But observers believe that Afghanistan is too closely linked to India to join any arrangement that hurts India's interests. Afghanistan's presence in SAARC, however, justifies Pakistan's argument that Central Asian nations can be included in a greater South Asia.

Afghanistan applied for SAARC membership in 2006 and joined a year later, generating an interesting debate on the definition of South Asian identity because Afghanistan is a Central Asian country, the report said.

"But, as a South Asian diplomat pointed out, even if a greater South Asia became reality, there's no guarantee that its members would support Pakistan in its disputes with India," it said.

"Many Central Asian states have strong ties with India and Iran too has problems with Pakistan," the diplomat was quoted as saying.
Marking the longest duration of decline in the history of PC industry, worldwide shipments fell yet again in the September quarter this year -- down 5.7 per cent to 68.9 million units, research firm Gartner said today.

This was the eighth consecutive quarter of fall in PC shipments, according to preliminary results by Gartner.

In the July-September quarter of last year the shipments had totalled 79 million units.

PC manufacturers faced many challenges, which included weak back-to-school demand, and ongoing low demand in the consumer market, especially in emerging markets, it said.

"There are two fundamental issues that have impacted PC market results: the extension of the lifetime of the PC caused by the excess of consumer devices, and weak PC consumer demand in emerging markets," Gartner Principal Analyst Mikako Kitagawa said.

In emerging markets, PC penetration is low, but consumers are not keen to own PCs as they primarily use smartphones or phablets for their computing needs, and they don't find the need to use a PC as much as consumers in mature markets.

The top six vendors combined for a record high 78 per cent of PC shipments in the third quarter of 2016.

Lenovo continued to be the worldwide market leader based on preliminary PC shipments with 20.9 per cent share, followed by HP at 20.4 per cent and Dell at 14.7 per cent share.

Asus, Apple and Acer followed in the tally with 7.8 per cent, 7.2 per cent and 6.7 per cent share, respectively.

The data includes numbers of desk-based PCs, notebook PCs and ultramobile premiums (such as Microsoft Surface) shipped but excludes Chromebooks and iPads.

In the US, PC shipments totaled 16.2 million units in the third quarter, 0.3 per cent decline from the same period last year. This is the second consecutive quarter of flat year-over -year PC shipment growth.

Asia Pacific PC shipments totaled 24.7 million units in the third quarter of 2016, a 7.6 per cent decline from the third quarter of 2016.

PC shipments in Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) surpassed 19.2 million units in the third quarter of 2016, a 3.3 per cent decline from the same period last year.

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Roberto Cavalli's creative director Peter Dundas has stepped down after just three seasons in the job, the Italian fashion house said today.

The Spring/Summer 2017 collection, presented during Milan Fashion Week in September, was the last the Norwegian designer will do for the high-end brand, the company said in a statement.

His replacement has not yet been named.

"As Roberto Cavalli goes through a period of transformation, the design team will carry on and the appointment of a new creative director will be made in due course," said chief executive Gian Giacomo Ferraris.

"We thank Peter Dundas for his contribution to the brand, and we wish him well for his future."



Dundas was appointed to the Florence-based company in March 2015 and seen as a good fit for his love of rock-sexy designs and penchant for animal prints.

He was quoted as thanking the fashion house for the "valuable experience" and "adventure".

Before joining Cavalli, Dundas had spent seven years as artistic director of Pucci, a subsidiary of LVMH. He had also worked with Roberto Cavalli as head designer between 2002 and 2005.

Dundas' departure is the latest in a series of major changes for the brand.

In April last year it was taken over by Italian private equity group Clessidra Capital Partners, and former Versace head Gian Giacomo Ferraris was named new CEO in July in a bid to relaunch the struggling house.

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Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte will visit Beijing next week to explore a way forward with China over the South China Sea (SCS) dispute amid his frayed ties with US President Barack Obama.

Confirming his visit, a jubilant China said today it looks to discuss the South China Sea (SCS) dispute with Duterte who stepped up engagement with China after a spat with Obama over his deadly campaign against drugs and extra judicial killings in the Philippines.

Announcing his visit, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang reiterated China's "consistent position" on the SCS without explicitly asserting Beijing's historic claims over 90 per cent of the area.

"We are wiling to deal with relevant dispute through dialogue with countries including Philippines to carry out pragmatic cooperation in the SCS making the it a sea of peace, friendship and development," Geng said.

The new Philippines President who is expected to be accompanied by over 250 business executives during his visit here from Oct 18 to 21 to strike business deals, will have wide range talks with President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and other Chinese leaders.

Geng said, "China expects that Duarte's visit can help to enhance political trust, deepen pragmatic cooperation, extend traditional friendship and deal with disputes properly through dialogue and bring the bilateral strategic cooperative for peace and development back to the track of sound development".

Duterte's visit was a seen a major gain for China in the aftermath of the July verdict of an international tribunal on the SCS quashing Beijing's claims on all most all of the SCS.

The verdict which as rejected by Beijing was in response to a Philippines petition under the UN Convention on Law of Seas, (UNCLOS) is backed by US and Japan which said the tribunal's judgement is binding on China to implement.

Besides the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan contests China's claims.

On the back foot after the verdict, China has considerably improved its relations with Vietnam with the recent visit of Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and now looks to work out a deals with Philippines to relegate the dispute to background by proposing a joint development of the area.

Ahead of his visit to China, Duterte has already visited Vietnam to gauge Hanoi's future plans.

But at the same time he has not totally burnt his bridges with US as he is due to visit Washington's close ally Japan on October 25 to consolidate ties with Tokyo.

Japan and the Philippines signed an agreement in February under which Tokyo will transfer defence equipment and technology to the Philippines.

Chinese analysts view Duterte's visit here could change SCS dynamics and may seriously dent US Asia pivot push under which Washington plans to deploy over 60 percent of its naval assets, including the aircraft carriers in the region to check China's growing military might.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate a 'Shaurya Smarak' here, constructed by the state government in honour of those who laid down their lives for the country, on Friday.

"Spread in an area of 12.67 acre land, the 'Shaurya Smarak' is constructed at a cost of Rs 41 crore," an official of the Madhya Pradesh Public Relation Department said today.

Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has invited Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and the three Service chiefs for the event, said the official.

The memorial will honour those who have laid down their lives for the country. It also will inculcate a feeling of patriotism among the masses, he said, adding that the "Prime Minister will inaugurate the memorial on October 14."



An official release recently claimed that "the memorial is the first-of-its-kind and unique Shourya Smarak in the country."



According to the detailed plan, it will have light and sound facility to narrate stories of bravery of the nation's valiant soldiers, who have laid down their lives fighting enemies on the borders.

Chouhan had mentioned about the construction of India's first 'Shaurya Smarak' in the city on the floor of the state Assembly when the project was conceived.

Chouhan, along with the then Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Deepak Kapoor, laid the foundation stone on February 23, 2010.

The idea to set up the memorial was initiated by current Rajya Sabha MP Vivek Tankha during a programme in Delhi in memory of late Colonel Ajay Narayan Mushran where Chouhan was also present along with top defence personnel.

The memorial was designed by Mumbai-based architecture firm, UCJ Architecture and Environment.

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With paddy arrivals picking up in Punjab and Haryana, farmers in both agrarian states have claimed they are not getting full MSP for their crop, and blamed the nexus between rice shellers, officials of procurement agencies and others for the "scam".

As the procurement of paddy is going on in Punjab and Haryana, farmers said they were getting less than minimum support price (MSP) for their crop on the pretext of high moisture content and the state authorities have "turned blind eye" to the "scam" despite claiming all arrangements for the smooth procurement of the crop.

"Farmers are not being paid the MSP of their crop in several grain markets of Haryana. There is a nexus between rice shellers, officials of procurement agencies and Arthiyas (commission agents), who are operating in several mandis and denying the full MSP of paddy to growers on the pretext of high moisture content," Bhartiya Kisan Union (Haryana), President, Gurnam Singh said today.

He claimed that on an average, farmers were being paid at least Rs 100 per quintal lesser than the MSP of the crop.

The Centre has fixed MSP of paddy at Rs 1,470 per quintal for common variety and for Grade A variety it is Rs 1,510 per quintal.

He said rice shellers have deployed their own men to determine the moisture content in the mandis and usually showed the moisture in the crop beyond the limit of 17 per cent and then imposed "arbitrary cuts" on MSP.

"We even observed in one of the mandis in Haryana that despite the moisture content in paddy was 14 per cent, some farmers were paid Rs 1,300 per quintal," he said adding the situation was "bad" in mandis of Kurukshetra, Karnal, Kaithal and Yamunanagar.

This "loot" of farmers came even as the Manohar Lal Khattar government had given relief to growers few days back by way of procuring paddy with up to 22 per cent of moisture content by adjusting the weight in accordance with the moisture content, he further said.

The situation in poll-bound Punjab with regard to procurement is also similar with farmers in neighbouring state also claiming lesser prices of paddy in the ongoing procurement season and even resorting to protest in some parts of the state.

"Farmers are being harassed in mandis. They are not being given MSP of their crop," claimed BKU (Ugrahan) General Secretary Sukhdev Singh Kokri Kalan.

"There is an anomaly in the meters of moisture content. When government agencies official check paddy, the content remains under the specified limit. And when rice shellers check the moisture, it comes out more than the 17 per cent limit and here the problem lies which is disallowing growers the MSP," said Karan Kaur, Congress MLA from Muktsar in Punjab.

"We thought that at least SAD-BJP government will not let farmers face any difficulty in selling their produce as assembly polls are due next year. But it does not seem so," Koki Kalan said.

Yesterday growers in Muktsar even blocked traffic on Muktsar-Jalalabad road to protest against the lesser prices of their crop.

Punjab and Haryana are expecting 130 lakh MT and 65 lakh MT of paddy procurement this season.

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K E Raghunathan, a noted industrialist and former Regional Chairman of All India Manufacturers' Association, has been elected as the National President of the body.

While Raghunathan was elected as National President, Suresh Deora was elected as Honorary National General Secretary and Harish L Metha as the Honorary National Treasurer, 'unanimously,' at the 75th Annual General Body Meeting held recently in Mumbai, a press release said.

The body has 14 regional units and has 140 sub-committees across the country, it said.

All India Manufacturers' Association represents small, medium and large scale industries.

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Home Minister Rajnath Singh today reviewed the security situation in the country, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, NSA Ajit Doval and other top officials.

During the hour-long meeting, top officials briefed the Home Minister and Defence Minister on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the 56-hour gunbattle between militants and security forces in Pampore which ended today with the killing of two ultras.

The two ministers also took stock of the situation along the Indo-Pak border and the Line of Control and steps taken to check attempts of infiltration from across the border, official sources said.

Unrest in Jammu and Kashmir has been continuing ever since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani on July 8 that led to violent protests and clashes with security forces and death of 84 people.

Terrorists also killed 19 soldiers at an army station in Uri on September 18 which led to the surgical strikes by Indian Army on terror launch pads in PoK 10 days later.

The top security officials also gave briefings on the overall situation in the country and steps taken to maintain peace in view of the ongoing festival season.

The Home Ministry has already sent an advisory to all states to deploy additional forces in sensitive places to foil any attempt by terrorists to disturb peace and attempts by miscreants to try to create communal disturbance.

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French company Schneider Electric will open training centres in 500 districts across the country and help set up a Centre of Excellence focused on power, solar and automation sectors.

The alliance between Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Ministry of Education, France, to increase cooperation among entities from both the countries through public-private-partnership (PPP) models is aimed at addressing the huge skilled manpower gap in India's power sector.

Schneider Electric, specialist in energy management and automation, will also support 100 Basic Electricians labs under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).

"Globally, there is a dearth of skilled professionals like electricians in the power sector. The additional workforce which will be required in the power sector in the coming days due to rise in generation of electricity will be met through this collaboration in skill development with Schneider," Minister of State (Independent Charge) Rajiv Pratap Rudy said on the sidelines of the MoU signing event.

"Training centres of Schneider will be opened across 500 districts in the country under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana," he said.

Standardised programmes compliant with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSDF) will be offered leading to a nationally recognised certification for all passing graduates.

The Centre of Excellence, to be established in the National Capital Region, will focus on training of trainers, R&D and specialised corporate programmes in the areas of power, solar and automation.

"This alliance would also see the opening of 100 technical training centres cross the country to train the unemployed youth from economically weak backgrounds in the field of electricity and help them to take advantage of the opportunities which exist in this country," Schneider Electric India Pvt Ltd Country President and Managing Director Anil Chaudhary said.

"It is a huge initiative which will open up a lot of jobs in the future," Rajesh Agarwal, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship said.

French Ambassador to India Alexandre Ziegler termed the partnership a strong testimony of the interest of Indian authorities in partnering with France.

The first MoU, signed between the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, India and the French Ministry of Education, Higher Education and Research aims to deepen and formalise bilateral collaboration in the area of skill development.

The second agreement was signed between National Skill Development Corporation, The Foundation of France, Schneider Electric India Foundation and the Power Sector Skill Council.

It envisages setting up and running a Center of Excellence in the field of electricity, automation and solar energy to train the trainers. It also aims to establish and run 100 Basic Electrician Centres to train unemployed youth from financially disadvantaged background in electricity.

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Scotland Yard today said it has made the first arrest following a series of so-called "killer clown" incidents across the UK involving people dressing up in creepy clown outfits to scare children and bystanders.

The 19-year-old man landed in the police net yesterday after reports came that a man dressed as a clown was scaring people at Brunel University campus in west London.

He was charged with public order offences and released on bail until later this month.

"We are currently assessing a small number of reported 'killer clown' incidents in London, three of which meet the threshold of a criminal offence. Our primary responsibility is identifying and investigating those incidents where a criminal offence has occurred.

"However, anti-social behaviour can leave people feeling scared, anxious and intimidated and I would urge those who are causing fear and alarm to carefully consider the impact their actions have on others," Metropolitan Police said.

In the run up to Halloween, it is expected that these types of incidents will increase, but with the launch of our annual Autumn Nights campaign in the coming weeks, officers will be carrying out additional reassurance patrols and will be on hand for those who are especially vulnerable, the police said in a statement.

"Whilst we do not want to stop people from enjoying themselves, it is important that while having fun they remember to act in a responsible manner and understand that they could be prosecuted if a criminal offence is committed," police said.

The "killer clown" phenomenon began with people in creepy clown masks scaring and threatening people in several US states and there have since been a number of sightings in England, Scotland and Wales over the last few weeks.

The World Clown Association has described the trend as "disappointing", saying "a genuine clown would not run up to somebody and make them jump and frighten them. That is an idiot dressed up in a mask trying to scare people".

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Shiv Sena President Uddhav Thackeray will hold talks with rebel RSS leader Subhash Velingkar on October 16 for firming up an alliance with his recently launched party Goa Suraksha Manch (GSM) for the upcoming Goa Assembly polls.

Velingkar has announced plans to contest the Assembly elections scheduled early next year.

"Thackeray, during his Goa visit, will meet Subhash Velingkar on October 16 and their discussion would revolve around forging an alliance with GSM for the upcoming polls," Goa Shiv Sena chief Sudip Tamankar told reporters here today.

Shiv Sena has already submitted a proposal for tie-up with GSM, he said, adding the saffron outfit has laid claim on 20 of the 40 Assembly constituencies, but seat-sharing can be discussed once alliance is finalised, he said.

Velingkar is campaigning, under the banner of Bharatiya Bhasha Suraksha Manch (BBSM), for regional languages as medium of instruction in Goa schools. GSM is an off-shoot of BBSM. His campaign has caused a rift between him, ruling BJP and also RSS.

Thackeray, whose party is an ally of BJP in Maharashtra and also at the Centre, will arrive in Goaon October 15 evening. Later, he will hold a meeting with shortlisted candidates in a five-star resort near here.

The Sena chief would address party workerson October 16 at Porvorim village near here before meeting Velingkar in the afternoon.

During his visit, Thackeray would be hosting a dinner for editors of newspapers and channels in the State.

He will conclude his visit on October 17 after addressing a press conference.

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NCP chief Sharad Pawar today met Prime Minister Narendra Modi and pitched for reservation for the Maratha community without diluting the quota for other communities.

Meeting the Prime Minister for the first time after the Maratha agitation broke out in Maharashtra, Pawar said the community needed facilities that were available to others less privileged as a "substantial section of the Marathas subsist on farming".

After the meeting, Pawar told PTI that he requested for initiating a coordinated action in the Parliament in this crucial matter which pertained both to the state and central governments.

The silent marches taken out by Maratha Kranti Morcha around Maharashtra to highlight demands like reservation in jobs and education have created ripples in state politics, with major players adopting a "wait and watch" approach to see if the massive mobilisation will eventually assume electoral dimensions.

Observers say that all main parties--BJP, Congress, Shiv Sena and NCP--are unnerved by the huge success of the rallies, the immediate trigger for them being the rape and murder of a girl from the community at Kopardi in Ahmednagar.

During the meeting, Pawar also discussed the issues faced by sugarcane growers and the sugar industry.

He stressed that various government decisions regarding sugar were creating difficulties for the growers to get remunerative prices of their produce.

He also drew the Centre's attention to the plight of sugar mills which have started cogeneration but have been hit hard by reluctance of the government to buy power from them.

Cogeneration is the generation of electricity and useful heat jointly, especially the utilisation of the steam left over from electricity generation for heating.

Pawar sought a review of the government policy on ethanol, saying the recent changes have affected sugar mills producing ethanol for blending it in petrol.

He criticised Maharashtra Minister Mahadev Jankar for allegedly using abusive language against him but appealed to people, especially NCP workers to show restraint and not to take law into their hands.

In an apparent dig at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, he said, "Everyone is awaiting the action which is being initiated against the 'cultured' minister.

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Veteran actress Shirley MacLaine is set to receive a lifetime achievement honour at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards.

The "Steel Magnolias" icon, 82, will be a special guest at the organisation's annual awards dinner on January 14, when she will be presented with the Career Achievement prize, reported Variety.

LAFCA president Claudia Puig said, "We are very excited to be giving the award to someone who has had such an illustrious, versatile acting career, and who has contributed so much to our collective enjoyment of movies."



The Oscar winner added, "I'm thrilled with the honour by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association, the recognition and the encouragement."



MacLaine joins the likes of Doris Day, Gena Rowlands, and filmmaker Richard Lester among previous LAFCA honourees.

The star has enjoyed a career spanning seven decades, and she is refusing to let her advancing age slow her down.

She will next be seen on the big screen in upcoming comedy drama "The Last Word," alongside Amanda Seyfried and Anne Heche, while she is also part of the cast of a live-action version of "The Little Mermaid", which will be based on Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale and released next year.

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Actor Vir Das is all praise for the action sequences in Ajay Devgn's upcoming film "Shivaay".

"I think he (Ajay) has been able to pull off the story very well. I think nobody is able to pull off action the way Ajay has done in 'Shivaay'. It will be a visual treat for everyone," Vir told PTI.

Vir was surprised when Ajay offered him a role in "Shivaay".

"He (Ajay) called me and said come to office. His team of writers narrated the film and I liked it," he said.

The" Delhi Belly" actor reveals he is playing a Pakistani hacker in the film.

"It's not a negative role. I am playing a Pakistani hacker. I am under contract, I can't reveal much details about the film," he said.

Directed by Ajay, the film also starring Sayyeshaa Saigal and Erika Kaar releases on October 28.

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Ahead of his meeting with his Maharashtra and Goa counterparts over Mahadayi water dispute, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called an all party meet on October 19 to discuss state's strategy on the issue.

"I have called an all party meeting on 19th (October), I have also called MLAs and MPs from the region for that meeting ..." Siddaramaiah told reporters here.

Chief Ministers of Karnataka, Maharashtra and Goa are scheduled to meet in Mumbai on October 21 to discuss the Mahadayi river dispute.

This meeting is being held after the Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal on September 1 asked the concerned states to resolve the water dispute amicably by holding discussions.

Ahead of the all party meeting, Dharwad district in-charge Minister Vinay Kulkarni today chaired a meeting of farmers and leaders involved in Mahadayi agitation.

Karnataka government, which has locked horns with the neighbouring Goa on the larger issue of sharing Mahadayi River water between both the states, had petitioned the tribunalseeking the release of 7.56 tmcft of water for the Kalasa-Banduri Nala project.

The tribunal's July 27 interim order after hearing arguments from Karnataka and Goa had rejected the states' plea citing various grounds, including ecological damage that the project may cause.

Challenging this, the state government hasfiled a Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court.

Following the interim order, tension had gripped most parts of northern Karnataka as protests turned violent on July28 during which government offices were attacked and publicproperty was damaged.

Also, a state-wide bandh was observed on July 30.

The Kalasa-Banduri Nala (diversion) project, which will utilise 7.56 tmcft of water from the inter-state Mahadayi river, is being undertaken by Karnataka to improve drinking water supply to the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad and the districts of Belagavi and Gadag.

It involves building barrages across Kalasa and Banduri, tributaries of Mahadayi River, to divert 7.56 tmc to Malaprabha river which fulfils the drinking water needs of thetwin cities.

Karnataka has for long been advocating an out of court settlement.

Siddaramaiah had led an all party delegation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention.

Earlier, Goa government had rejected Karnataka's attempt for the out of court settlement stating that the people of the state felt it was more prudent to settle the dispute through the Tribunal.

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Sri Lanka today said it has approved the draft of a new counter-terrorism law to replace a 37-year-old act to target the "new form of transnational violence" while ensuring its human rights obligations.

The Cabinet of Ministers approved the draft of a new counter-terrorism law, acting government spokesman and deputy minister Karunarathna Paranavithana said.

The new law will replace the current Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), which was enacted in 1979 in the face of growing Tamil separatist militancy and had faced criticism as it allowed indefinite detention of people without charges.

The Counter Terrorism Act (CTA) is aimed at dealing with new forms of transnational violence, he added.

According to a proposal by Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, the new law aims at ensuring full compliance with Sri Lanka's human rights obligations while having adequate provisions to combat and deal with terrorism.

Paranavithana said a committee appointed by Wickremesinghe and headed by the minister of law and order had completed the draft policy and legal framework on the proposed CTA.

"We need the new law to ensure the country is not used as a recruiting ground or for other organising activity of international terrorists," he said.

The need for the new law was felt as terrorism had changed its nature, growing from internal conflicts to transnational violence, he added.

Tamil and human rights groups have pointed to the draconian nature of the PTA. During the LTTE's over three-decade armed campaign to set up a separate Tamil state, many LTTE activists were held under the PTA.

International rights groups had urged the Sri Lankan government to repeal the PTA and release those held under its provisions.

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Four days remain to purchase paper clovers at Tractor Supply Company to support the youth organization 4-H at local, state and national levels.

Through Oct. 16, employees of Tractor Supply Company are asking customers if they'd like to donate $1 to 4-H, prompting them to sign their names on a clover (the 4-H symbol) on a piece of paper. Dozens of the clovers are hanging in the business's front window.

"We always try to support 4-H," said Virginia Dorf, store manager of the Tractor Supply Company in Beatrice. "The clubs are always welcome here. They can have bake sales in our parking lots anytime. Our facilities are always open. We'll always support 4-H any way that we can."

The campaign happens twice annually at Tractor Supply Company stores across the nation, said Jane Esau, an extension assistant specializing in 4-H youth development for Nebraska Extension in Gage County.

"It happens once in the spring and once in the fall," Esau said. "We encourage people to buy a paper clover. That money they spend goes to Gage County 4-H and the State of Nebraska 4-H and the national 4-H."

Opportunities for students participating in 4-H are seemingly endless. The Nebraska 4-H website lists recreational and educational overnight and day camps, educational clubs, school enrichment programs and after-school programs.

Several clubs and workshops exist for Gage County 4-H members and, in traditional 4-H fashion, the Gage County Fair and Nebraska State Fair are prime platforms for the students to show off their skills such as raising and showing livestock, showing horses, decorating cakes, sewing and many others.

Esau said a good share of the money donated during the national campaigns does make its way back to local levels.

"We use that money for scholarships for the kids, for awards in programs and projects, for making programs and projects," Esau said.

The local 4-H chapter is also funded by students' $10 annual membership fees, which Esau said helps support curriculum bought for the kids. Members who sign up for workshops with a variety of focuses are asked to pay a small fee to help cover the cost of supplies.

"We also receive memorial donations from families and friends of 4-H," Esau said. "We don't do fundraising with the kids. They have so many fundraising activities with other entities. ... So our funding is a lot of local support as well as the dues."

Esau said 4-H members gain so many life skills, such as public speaking, communication, interacting with other kids and adults, respect, responsibility, honesty, compassion and knowledge.

More information about the array of education programming covered by 4-H can be found at 4h.unl.edu.
While Pakistan's Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, 26/11 mastermind Hafeez Saeed and heads of several other militant organisations were the faces of Ravana effigies burnt on Dussehra across the country, a section of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) students chose the visages of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bharatiya Janata Party chief Amit Shah to represent the demon king and burnt their effigies.

The act might backfire on them considering the university administration's decision last week to order a proctorial enquiry into the effigy-burning of the Gujarat government and 'gau-rakshaks' (cow vigilantes) and to issue show-cause notices to the students concerned.

Members of the Congress-affiliated Students' Union of India (NSUI) celebrated Dussehra on Tuesday night by burning the effigy of Modi as Ravan, claiming that it was a protest against the Centre's "failure" in honouring its promises and the continuous attacks on various educational institutions across the country.

Besides Modi and Shah, the effigy had faces of Yoga guru Ramdev, Sadhvi Pragya, Nathuram Godse, Asaram Bapu and Vice-Chancellor Jagadesh Kumar. The students also carried placards with the slogan, "Truth shall prevail over evil".

"The effigy-burning was to symbolise our dissatisfaction with the current government. The idea is to root out the evil from governance and bring about a system that is pro-student and pro-people," said Sunny Diman, an NSUI activist and the outfit's candidate in the recently-concluded Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union polls.

"Look at what this government has done to our country. The promises it made are still on paper and are repeated only in speeches. Whenever students want to raise their voice, they are attacked by the administration, certainly on instructions from the government. This Dussehra, we wanted to put an end to these rubbish activities," he added.

The effigy was burnt at the famous Saraswati Dhaba on the campus. University officials, when contacted, were tight-lipped about whether the students had sought a permission for the event or not.
In her first visit after becoming State Counsellor, Myanmarese leader Daw will arrive in India on October 16 on a four-day trip during which she will attend BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit in Goa and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra on key bilateral and regional issues.

Announcing her visit on Thursday, External Affairs Ministry said Suu Kyi, who will be here at the invitation of Modi, will pay a State Visit to India from October 17-19, 2016.

The State visit will take place immediately after the conclusion of the BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit to be held in Goa on October 16, to which the State Counsellor will lead the Myanmar delegation, it said.

Suu Kyi, whose League for Democracy brought down curtains on five decades of military rule and assumed power in March this year, is the country's foreign minister.

"The visit of the State Counsellor will provide an opportunity for the two sides to discuss issues of mutual interest and seek ways to further strengthen the close and friendly ties that exist between the two countries," MEA asserted.

Suu Kyi will be accompanied by several key Ministers and senior officials.

According to sources, during the bilateral meeting, border management and ways to contain militant activities along the Indo-Myanmar border will be among the issues that are likely to figure. Both sides are also likely to discuss ways to boost trade ties.

Earlier in August, Myanmarese President U Htin Kyaw had visited India and held extensive talks with Prime Minister Modi. Myanmar has assured India that it would not allow any insurgent group to use its territory against India.

During her visit, the State Counsellor will call on President Pranab Mukherjee and also meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

She will also attend a business event during which she will interact with leading Indian business leaders on ways to bolster bilateral economic and commercial relations.
The health of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej is "still unstable", the palace said today, adding that the 88-year-old was on a ventilator in hospital and battling a new infection.

"Blood tests show he has an infection and his liver is working irregularly. The doctors have given him antibiotics and have corrected acid levels in his blood, placing him on a ventilator together with CRRT (Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy)," the Royal Household Bureau said in a new statement.

"His illness overall is still unstable," the statement added.

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The health of Thailand's 88-year-old revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej is "still unstable" as he is on a ventilator battling a new infection, the palace said today.

"On October 11, 2016 his blood pressure dropped even lower, his pulse sped up, in addition to his blood having an increase of acid. Results of his blood test indicate that there has been an infection and abnormal function of his liver," the palace said in a statement.

Children of Adulyadej, the world's longest-reigning monarch, including Crown Prince Vajralongkorn, today rushed to the Siriraj hospital where the King has been receiving treatment for severe infection.

The board of doctors administered antibiotics and fixed the revered King's acidic blood until they were able to control the blood pressure more, in addition to using a ventilator and continuous renal replacement therapy.

The King's overall condition is still unstable and must be controlled by medicine. The board of doctors will continue to closely monitor his condition, the statement added.

Sitting on the throne since 1946, Adulyadej has commanded much love and respect from his people. He is also the world's longest reigning monarch.

On Sunday, the Royal Household Bureau released a statement on the King that said his condition was not stable.

This spurred a huge number of Thais, concerned about his well being to begin praying for their beloved King who will turn 89 on December 5.

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Three pilgrims, including two women, were killed and 20 others injured when a bus overturned near a village on NH-57 in Supaul district of Bihar today.

The incident took place when the private bus, in which the people returning to West Bengal from Ajmer Sharif, lost control and overturned near Saraigarh village, Bhaptiyahi police station in-charge Chandan Kumar said.

While a 70-year-old man, identified as Md. Ismail died on the spot, two unidentified women succumbed to injuries at Sadar Hospital, he said.

As many as 20 persons sustained injuries of whom eight were undergoing treatment at Sadar Hospital, Kumar said.

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A two day international conferenceby serving and retired judges besides leaders of barassociations will be held here from January 7 next.

Apart from the jurists, Speakers of Legislative bodies, Parliamentarians, diplomats, writers and bureaucrats will also attend the meet, International Council of Jurists and All India Bar Association President Dr Adish C Aggarwala and Convener K A Devarajan told reporters here. The two day meet is jointly organised by International Councilof Jurists, International Commission of Writers, All India Bar Association and Indian Council of Jurists.

Subjects to be deliberated during the meet include, InternationalTerrorism and Law, Relationship between Judiciary, Legislature and Executive, Enforcement of Intellectual Property Rights, Abolition of death penalty, Police Reforms, International Commercial Arbitration and Meditation, Rights and Duties of Press while tackling the menace of terrorism, banking and insurance laws and world class education: issues and challenges, they said.

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Two persons were killed and one was severely injured as the motorcycle on which they were travelling was hit by a speeding truck near Basundhara village here, police said today.

While Ankit and Ram Gopal succumbed to their injuries, Om Prakash was rushed to a nearby hospital in a critical condition from where he was referred to the Agra Medical College, police said.

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Supporting India's "right to self-defence" in the aftermath of the Uri attack which it dubbed a "clear case of cross-border terrorism", the US today dismissed the recent attempt by Pakistan to link peace in war-torn Afghanistan with resolution of the Kashmir issue.

The White House backed India's right to defend itself as with any other country, in view of the recent surgical strike but advised caution given the heavy militarisation between the two neighbours.

It also said that that the US is making every effort to ensure that India become a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) by the end of this year.

Making a rare appearance before a Washington audience, Peter Lavoy, the White House's point person for South Asia, said that India-US ties are the "most dynamic relationship" for the US as he listed the Obama administration's achievements in strengthening the relationship between the two largest democracies of the world.

"It (Uri) was a clear case of cross-border terrorism. We condemned this act of terrorism. It was a horrific attack. Every country has a right to self defence. But in a heavily militarised relationship that has also experienced three wars, there is indeed a need for caution and restraint," he said responding to a question on the Uri attack.

"We share with India, the concern for preventing any future attack. We empathise with the Indian position that it needs to respond militarily to cross-border threat of terrorism. But we also advise caution," Lavoy said.

India and Pakistan have a "friction-filled relationship" and they have not found a way to overcome that, he said.

Last week, Lavoy met the two special envoys of Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif on Kashmir.

The two Pakistani envoys in their public meetings had linked peace in Afghanistan to resolving the Kashmir issue.

"We certainly do not believe that the situation in Afghanistan is linked with Kashmir," the top White House official said.

Lavoy said the US is making every effort to ensure that India becomes a member of the Nuclear Suppliers Group by the end of this year.

"In 2016 India ought to join the NSG," he said and referred to the commitment made by the US in this regard.

India becoming a member of NSG, he argued would exhibit New Delhi's new leadership in non-proliferation.

"Every effort is being made to ensure India ought to join NSG this year," Lavoy said to a question.

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Amid intense efforts by nearly 200 nations in Rwandan capital to strike an ambitious deal to phase down climate-damaging refrigerant gas, a US delegation today met Environment Minister Anil Madhav Dave here ahead of the ministerial round of conference on Montreal Protocol.

The meeting between Dave and the delegation headed by administrator of the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Gina McCarthy, assumes significance in the wake of allegations that pressure is being put by the A2 parties (developed countries) on the developing nations to accept the 2020-22 baseline for developing nations proposed by China.

India is in favour of having two different HFC phase-down schedule for developing countries -- one for China and whoever else wants to join China, and another one for the remaining developing countries.

China is currently the world's largest producer of HFCs and consumes 20 times more than India.

India, which earlier had taken 2028-2030 as its baseline, has shown flexibility on the issue, agreeing to consider preponing the baseline to year 2024-2026 and cut HFC consumption by 10 per cent by 2032, if developed countries agree to freeze their HFC consumption by 2016 and reduce HFC consumption by 70 per cent by 2026 or 2027.

During the course of debate, a general consensus seems to have emerged within the A5 parties (developing nations) at the Conference at the Rwandan capital to have a dual baseline for HFCs.

The baseline is the year against which each country's consumption of HFCs is capped. Countries will have to reduce HFCs from that capped amount.

The US delegation met Dave ahead of US Secretary of State John Kerry's expected visit to Kigali to attend the final round of negotiations.

Meanwhile, India and a group of developing countries are not happy over the discussions being centred around baseline issue alone.

During his intervention at the conference, lead Indian negotiator Manoj Kumar Singh has asked the developed world to take a concrete decision on distributing financial incentives for developing nations at this conference itself.

"If financial mechanism or incentive is there...It should be taken at the point of negotiation what we are having right now," Singh had said yesterday.

Incentives are offered by certain developed countries to the developing nations for helping them in carrying out research on technologies in wake of early phase-down of harmful greenhouse gas.

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The United States warned its African ally Ethiopia not to abuse the state of emergency it declared this week to suppress dissent and welcomed talk of political reform.

Ethiopia declared an emergency on Sunday after six months of anti-government protests, but yesterday Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn promised that opposition voices would be heard.

US State Department spokesman John Kirby welcomed this offer from the government "to address some of the grievances raised by protesters such as land rights and electoral reform."



But he urged President Mulatu Teshome's administration to "clarify" how it intends to implement a state of emergency which authorized "detention without a warrant, limitations on free speech, prohibitions on public gatherings and the imposition of curfews."



"Even if these measures are intended to restore order, silencing independent voices and interfering with the rights of Ethiopians is a self-defeating tactic that exacerbates rather than address those grievances," he argued.

Ethiopia is facing its biggest anti-government unrest in a decade, with unrest among the majority Oromo and Amhara ethnic groups which feel marginalized by a minority-led government.

Tensions have been rising since an Oromo religious festival last week ended in tragedy when police fired tear gas on protesters, triggering a stampede that left more than 50 dead.

The declaration of a six-month state of emergency is unprecedented in the 25 years the current Ethiopian government has been in charge.

The United States regards Ethiopia as its key partner in the Horn of Africa, and works with it in its efforts to resolve crises in neighboring South Sudan and Somalia.

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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."
Varanasi based Utkarsh Micro Finance today said it has raised Rs 395 crore from eight domestic investors to lower its foreign holding to comply with the small finance bank (SFB) guidelines.

The company raised fund from HDFC Ergo General Insurance, HDFC Standard Life Insurance, ICICI Prudential Life Insurance, RBL Bank, Shriram Life Insurance, Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and private equity funds such as Arpwood Investments and Faering Capital, a release said.

Utkarsh is also in process of completing secondary transactions by providing complete/partial exit to few funds which have been part of company's growth journey for more than 5 years, the release said.

"The current round of investment from eight reputed institutions reflects the confidence of the investors in the company and its management and also on the small finance bank operating model," Utkarsh Micro Finance MD and CEO Govind Singh said.

"The funds will be used to expand further business, particularly in introducing new banking products. The investment will take care of capital requirements for the next 3-4 years," he added.

Utkarsh Micro Finance is the only entity to receive the Small Finance Bank licence in the Hindi heartland of UP, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh.

The company said it plans to provide financial services to over 10 million customers by 2021.

The company began its operations in September 2009 and is now ready to launch the small finance bank, it said.

The company is serving over 1.2 million clients with a portfolio of over Rs 1,750 crore.

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More than 20 years had elapsed since the US government estimated how many people entered the country legally and overstayed their visas.

The updated numbers, finally published in January, were sobering.

The Homeland Security Department said 527,127 people who were supposed to leave the country in the 2015 fiscal year overstayed, more than the population of Atlanta. And that was only those who entered by plane or ship, not on land.

To put that in perspective, the Border Patrol made 337,117 arrests of people entering the country illegally during the same period, nearly all on the border with Mexico. More people overstayed visas than were caught crossing the border illegally.

An estimated 40 per cent of the 11.4 million people in the US illegally overstayed visas, a crucial but often overlooked fact in the immigration debate.

That percentage may grow as India and China replace Mexico as the largest senders of immigrants to the United States. Mexicans have long entered illegally through deserts of California, Arizona and Texas but the absence of a shared border makes that route unlikely for Asians.

Overstays accounted for about 1 per cent of 45 million visitors on business and tourist visas from October 2014 to September 2015, according to the long-awaited Homeland Security report.

Canada occupied the top slot for overstays, followed by Mexico, Brazil, Germany and Italy. The United Kingdom, Colombia, China, India and Venezuela rounded out the top 10.

The Pew Research Center said last year that more Mexicans were leaving the United States than coming, ending one of biggest immigration waves in US history.

Lack of jobs for unskilled labor after the Great Recession is widely cited as a reason but border enforcement played a part.

The Border Patrol more than quintupled to 21,444 agents in 2011 from 4,028 in 1993.

The US erected fences along about 650 miles of border with Mexico, nearly all of it in the final years of George W Bush's administration. Last year, Border Patrol arrests one gauge of illegal crossings fell to the lowest level since 1971.

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A man, belonging to a party allied to ruling BJP, was today detained after he allegedly tried to blacken the photographs of NCP leaders Sharad Pawar and Ajit Pawar displayed at Baramati Hostel here.

Police officials said the man belongs to Rashtriya Samaj Paksh (RSP), led by Mahadev Jankar, a Minister in the BJP-led Government in Maharashtra.

The 26-year-old was part of a four-member group which allegedly tried to blacken the photos using ink at the hostel in Gokhale Nagar. However, their move was thwarted by security guards who caught one of them and handed him over to police, they said.

After the incident, workers from both parties clashed in front of the police chowky where the man was brought.

Last evening, NCP workers had allegedly ransacked the office of RSP on Sinhgad Road here after its chief Jankar made some "objectionable" remarks against the Pawars during a rally at the foothills of Bhagwangad shrine in Ahmednagar district.

Maharashtra Minister and BJP leader Pankaja Munde was the main speaker at the rally held yesterday.

"There were four youths who tried to blacken the photographs of the Pawars displayed at the hostel. The security guards caught hold of one of them while the three others fled. They handed him over to us," said a police official from Chatushringi Police Station.

He said they were scanning CCTV footage of the hostel to gather more details.

Meanwhile, NCP workers staged a protest in adjoining Satara district condemning Jankar's remarks.

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India has received the first parcel of Iranian to partly fill its strategic storage in southern India at Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) that imported the very large crude carrier (VLCC), said the company website.

MRPL received shipments of 2 million barrels of Iranian in the VLCC Dino.

India will fill half of the storage with 6 million barrels of Iranian oil, while continuing talks with United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia for meeting the remaining demand.

A second parcel to be procured by Bharat Petroleum Corp is scheduled to arrive around October 25, according to sources with direct knowledge on the matter.

India, which is seeking to hedge against energy security risks as it imports about 80 percent of its needs, is building emergency storage in vast underground caverns at three locations in southern India to hold a total of 36.87 million barrels of crude, enough to cover almost two weeks of demand.
Japanese consumers are raiding discount stores for everything from cheap shampoo to furniture. When it comes to automobiles, it's the Rolls-Royces and BMWs that are moving off the dealer lots. Luxury imported cars costing 10 million yen ($96,500) or more surged 19 per cent in the first nine months to 13,605 units, reaching the highest proportion of imports in a decade. At the other end of the spectrum, deliveries of minicars such as the Nissan Dayz, which starts at about $11,000, have slumped 11 per cent to 1.3 million units. Premium carmakers including BMW and Rolls-Royce Motor Cars ...
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Shares of Samsung Electronics Co Ltd opened weaker on Wednesday, touching a one-month low due to concerns about the firm's prospects after it scrapped its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphones due to continuing safety risks.

The world's top smartphone maker on Tuesday said it permanently halted sales of the beleaguered flagship smartphone in what could be one of the costliest product safety failures in tech history.

ALSO READ: Galaxy Note 7 fiasco could burn a $17 billion hole in Samsung accounts

Samsung announced the recall of 2.5 million Note 7s in early September following reports of the phones catching fire. The firm appeared to have the situation under control as it started replacing the phones with devices using different batteries, until the emergence of fresh reports of fires in these new phones.

Samsung shares were down 2.9 percent in early Wednesday trade after touching a one-month low of 1.494 million won ($1,340.21), reflecting concerns about fourth-quarter earnings as well as the potential long-term impact on the firm's smartphone business.

"Damage control at Samsung will face an uphill battle to redeem the company's tarnished image owing to the dangerous and dramatic nature of the phone's failure," Frost & Sullivan analyst Vijay Michalik said.

Analysts say a permanent end to Note 7 sales could cost Samsung up to $17 billion. While the damage to Samsung's brand remains hard to quantify, negative publicity from the botched recall could boost rivals such as Apple Inc at Samsung's expense.
A Hong Kong civil-engineering stock, Luen Wong Group Holdings Ltd, has gained over 6,000 per cent since its listing day in April to become the world's best-performing initial public offering (IPO) this year.

Surprisingly, no immediate trigger related to company's business prospects fuelled the rally in the stock.

The scrip spiked 1,438 per cent on day one of trading in April and has increased 6,715 per cent against its offer price.

The company, which reported sales of $41 million last year and profit of $1.1 million from projects like laying roads and digging sewers, is today worth $2.9 billion, said a Bloomberg report.

The astonishing run-up in the stock without any justifiable reason highlights quirks in Hong Kong's stock market, where wild swings are a regular occurrence.

"My advice for small retail investors is to stay away," told Francis Lun, chief executive officer of local brokerage Geo Securities Ltd to Bloomberg.

The shares of Luen Wong closed 3.6 per cent down in Wednesday's trade.

A study by Securities and Futures Commission, as reported by Bloomberg, showed that 56 companies in the year 2013-15 saw a surge up to 1000 per cent in their stock value during first six months, even though 39 of these companies recorded losses during the same period.


The Irish Times has today reported that Ryanair Chief Executive, Michael OLeary, told a gathering that included Government ministers that his airline would provide a third terminal at Dublin Airport for 200 million.



There is speculation that Dublin Airport will need a third terminal if growth continues at the pace that saw it handle a record 25 million passengers last year.

Mr OLeary agrees that Dublin will need a third terminal but warns that the airports manager, State-owned DAA, should not have any involvement in it.



Mr OLeary said recently Ryanair could provide the third facility and would do it for 200 million. The airline chief executive and DAA clashed regularly over the design and cost of the airports second terminal, which was completed in 2010. During that controversy, Ryanair several times said that it could build and operate a second terminal at Dublin itself.



According to the report, Mr OLeary offered to build the third terminal when he was speaking to a Fine Gael business breakfast attended by several cabinet members, including Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan, and his colleagues Leo Varadkar, Simon Coveney and Richard Bruton last week.



He repeated Ryanairs position that airlines should not pay any more for Dublins proposed second runway than the collective 250 million agreed with the Commission for Aviation Regulation two years ago.

This would add about 59 cent to the airports current passenger charge, which is capped at 9.87 a head. DAA has estimated that the cost of the new runway is likely to be 320 million, which could increase passenger charges.



Source: www.businessworld.ie

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U.S. Chamber's Foster says entitlement commitments, mushrooming debt, and interest to service it are crowding out most other spending while problems worsen



J.D. Foster, U.S. Chamber of Commerce chief economist, warns Millennials at an Oct. 5 N.C. FreeEnterprise Foundation event they will pay for the present generations refusal to keep Social Security and Medicare solvent. (CJ photo by Dan Way)

Federal debt-to-GDP ratio was less than 32 percent for most of the postwar period. It "has shot up to about 72 [percent]," and continues to rise.

The deficit will explode when interest rates return to normal levels. The 10-year Treasury bond rate today is around 1.65 or 1.7 percent, and would increase "toward 4.5 percent," increasing the amount of tax money used to service the debt from $220 billion a year to $800 billion.

Taxes this year are equivalent to about 18 percent of GDP. That's a full percentage point higher than the postwar average. And it is rising to cover even higher spending.

For five years labor productivity growth has been below 1 percent. "That is another expression of economic policy that is failing." Business investment is very weak, contracting the past three quarters relative to the previous quarter, and at an accelerated rate. "That translates into we're in trouble."

The "regulatory onslaught" from federal agencies adds costs to business operations, and even discussing more laws and greater regulations makes it very hard for businesses to plan for the future or invest, due to uncertainty.

when Social Security and Medicare trust funds will be empty, and Millennials and the members of Generation X will be left to pick up the pieces, one of the nation's leading economists says.But that is only part of his gloomy forecast.J.D. Foster, chief economist for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said Oct. 5 in Raleigh during the NC NEXT Conference sponsored by the North Carolina FreeEnterprise Foundation.His presentation took place two days after the federal debt accumulated during President Obama's two terms reached $9 trillion. The federal debt amassed under all 43 previous presidents totaled $10.6 trillion.Foster said.to rein in exploding entitlement costs such as Medicare that are gobbling up the federal budget, Foster said.Bob Bixby, executive director of The Concord Coalition, based in Washington, D.C., agreed.as Baby Boomers move into Social Security and Medicare, and health care costs continue to grow, he said.Under Obama there were four consecutive $1 trillion-plus deficits, Foster said,as the deficit-to-Gross Domestic Product ratio "shot way up," enlarging the federal debt. Deficits above $1 trillion are forecast for the next six years under current projections.Foster said $14 trillion in government debt was sold to the public to pay Social Security benefits, for defense spending, and other purposes. Adding the Social Security and Medicare trust fund debt pushes the total to $19 trillion.The more relevant number is unfunded obligations in those programs that are between $70 trillion and $100 trillion, he said. Trust funds are just "fabrications of budgetary accounting. They really don't mean anything from a fiscal standpoint."Entitlement spending on Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid "is simply crowding out everything else the government wants to do," Foster said.In fiscal year 2000 entitlements accounted for $951 billion, or about 52.8 percent of a total $1.8 trillion in spending. By fiscal year 2015 entitlement spending was $2.3 trillion, or 62.3 percent of a total $3.7 trillion outlay. By fiscal year 2026 entitlements are expected to cost $4.1 trillion, or 65.7 percent of total spending of $6.2 trillion.if Social Security is not reformed, Foster said.Without reform, Medicare's trust fund will evaporate, too, making it impossible to pay for seniors' hospital bills.It doesn't matter whether Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump is elected president.that are palatable or easy to sell to the American people, Foster said.Foster said he is reluctant to ever use the word fiscal policyYet some policymakers and politicians say the economy is growing.Foster said.On the other hand, he said,The historical average of an economic recovery is six years before another recession.Foster said.The Congressional Budget Office tracks the economy's potential, compared to actual results. Those two tracks should have closely matched up between 24 and 36 months into the recession.Foster said. While they are growing closer, it's because the measure of what the economy is capable of producingThe economy grew a little better than 2 percent in this recovery, "and that is the weakest recovery on record," he said. In the first half of this year it grew at about 1 percent.Among other things, Foster said:
A 200,000 Enterprise Ireland Competitive Feasibility Fund for entrepreneurs and early stage start-up companies in the Cork region was launched today by Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Mary Mitchell OConnor.



The fund, which is a key measure of the Governments Action Plan for Jobs, is aimed at stimulating businesses by providing up to 25,000 in funding to each successful applicant.



It is open to individuals, early-stage companies or prospective businesses involved in manufacturing and internationally traded services in sectors such as Internet, Games, Apps, Cloud Computing, Enterprise Software, Lifesciences, Food, Beverages, Consumer Products, Industrial Products, Engineering, Medical Devices and e-Health.



Speaking at the launch, Minister Mary Mitchell OConnor TD said, "I am delighted to officially announce a new 200,000 Enterprise Ireland Competitive Feasibility Fund for the Cork region today. The purpose of this fund is to help develop and support new or early stage businesses, which will in turn stimulate the creation of new jobs. As Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation I am committed to job creation in all regions across rural Ireland and this fund will go a long way to helping businesses grow and expand in this region."

Source: www.businessworld.ie

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The American Chamber of Commerce Ireland yesterday strongly welcomed the commitment in Budget 2017 to investment and employment with a package of measures aimed at sustaining investor confidence and protecting against risks to the economy arising from Brexit uncertainty.



The American Chamber welcomed the Ministers restatement that Irelands corporation tax rate will remain at 12.5%, which they say is a cornerstone of Ireland's enterprise policy for many years and partly responsible for attracting over 700 US companies creating 140,000 jobs here.



Furthermore, the Chamber welcomed moves to help attract top talent into Ireland to work and live here with the extension of the Special Assignee Relief Programme and broader moves to improve the competitiveness of Irelands income tax regime in the battle to retain scarce specialised skilled and leadership talent.

President of The American Chamber of Commerce Ireland, Bob Savage commented, "Our priority is that Ireland remains a unique transatlantic trade and investment gateway and a location of choice for US inward investment to Europe. It is crucial to fulfilling this ambition, that we retain our ability to attract talented people to Ireland, encourage those abroad to come back to develop their careers here and ensure that working in Ireland is a rewarding proposition to attract needed skills and leadership ability. We welcome Budget 2017 in that context."

Source: www.businessworld.ie

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SIPTU has condemned the "failure" of the Government to use Budget 2017 as an opportunity to repair the "damage" inflicted on the country by the economic collapse or take steps to prepare for future challenges.



The trade union claims that rather than investing in increasing the quality of life for Irish society as a whole the Budget largely "panders" to a short term populist agenda.

SIPTU claim the Government has failed to heed the ICTU call for a 1 billion investment in new measures to tackle the "housing emergency" that Ireland faces.

Furthermore, SIPTU claim there has not been necessary levels of investment in key services, infrastructure and social necessitates such as childcare.



SIPTU General President, Jack OConnor said, "This Budget should have been about taking steps to repair the damage inflicted on our economy and society by the economic crash and the years of austerity which followed it. Unfortunately, the measures outlined by the Government today do not advance these aims and do nothing to seriously address the problems of societal decay we face."

He added, "Despite clear warnings from many in civil society, most notably the ICTU in its pre-budget submission that was endorsed by SIPTU, that there was no rational reason beyond mere political opportunism for cutting taxes, that is what has been done."

Source: www.businessworld.ie
Business World is an Irish company creating written copy for a broad base of clients operating in the retail / banking landscape.

To support our briefs we like to try and understand how other professionals operate  how their corporate / governmental messages are communicated both at home and abroad?

If we look at the media at the moment we can see the seemingly never ending war of words between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. Its a never ending loop of politics with a sub heading of media and marketing.

So from a content creation context what can we take from the latest round of presidential debates?

Trump V Clinton

The presidential debates have tons of copy written about them, both by the impartial and the partisan. Typically everyone will want to try and gauge the outcome  who will win, who will benefit and what value that will have.

Looking briefly at Trumps style versus Clintons we can see that Donald Trump doesnt have a formal message as such; he reacts and attacks, whereas Clinton prepares and deflects.

In a business sense, both tactics have their positive and minus points; ideally a business should have a strong message, communicate it well and be prepared for numerous diverse situations that may arise.

Professional content creation

If you take a minute to look at ones own content - How you get your message across? What works in protecting your brand, promoting your brand and getting your message out there?

Trump seems to throw enough rubbish out there for people to hang on to; a scattergun approach. This goes counter to every marketing manual out there which typically dictates a measured, direct approach.

It should be thoughtful and considered; too many business manage their online written content on the go and it shows.

Corporate Message

Generating and publishing your corporate message can be time consuming and a distraction. Here at Business World, we have supported many clients get their message across from market leading banks to state regulators to companies in their start-up phase.

We support these diverse companies with articles, editorials, news feeds, blogs and social media content. We provide an end-to-end service to take the pressure from you and your staff in order to write leading content regularly.

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Mnister Noonan unveiled his "Brexit-proof" budget on Tuesday, but business groups and the opposition said it failed to protect the economy from the likely impact of its main trading partner, Britain, quitting the European Union.

The 2017 draft budget cuts taxes and increases spending by 1.3 billion euros, and includes measures to help exporters already suffering from a dive in the value of sterling that is squeezing their profit margins.

"The UK's decision to exit the European Union represents a real risk to our economy," Finance Minister Michael Noonan told parliament as he presented a budget aimed at shielding Ireland's strong economic recovery.

"The best and most immediate policy under our control to mitigate this risk is to control the public finances," he said.

The budget keeps a lower VAT rate for the tourism sector, to help cushion a slowdown in British visitors, and farmers dependent on exporting to Britain will be offered cheaper loans and other tax relief.

Taxes will also be cut for entrepreneurs but modest increases in funding for enterprise agencies were described as "pathetic" by the main opposition party, Fianna Fail, whose cooperation is needed for the government to pass the budget.

"If you compare that to what is being done throughout Europe, who have a lot less at stake, my God they are a lot better prepared for what is coming down the track," Fianna Fail's finance spokesman Michael McGrath told parliament.

The Irish Business and Employers Confederation (IBEC) said an 18% plunge in the value of sterling versus the euro since the June 23 Brexit referendum put thousands of export jobs at risk.

"It's not a Brexit-proof budget and doesn't look much different from what it would have been had Brexit not happened. They clearly have not done enough to help those companies that are most exposed," said IBEC's chief economist Fergal O'Brien, calling for more measures by year-end.

Noonan said this would not be the last set of such policies but until visibility on Britain's exit negotiations was clearer, he could not add measures "to counteract unknown consequences."

Ireland's economy is set to grow faster than any other in the EU for the third successive year but is also the most exposed to Brexit, which has already led to a cut in its growth forecasts in 2016 and 2017.

In a presentation accompanying the budget, the finance ministry said the risk of a "hard Brexit," where Britain leaves the EU's single market, was now high and would have a "detrimental impact on Irish-UK trade."

It also said it had built its forecast for gross domestic product growth of 3.5% for next year and an average of 3% thereafter on the euro trading at 85 pence. The euro traded weaker again on Tuesday at 91.2 pence.

Previous research from the department estimated that every five percentage point depreciation in sterling reduces Irish GDP by an average of 0.8% a year.

With over two-thirds of the budget package going towards services still suffering from years of spending cuts during the financial crisis, Noonan introduced modest income tax cuts for low- and middle-income earners for the third year in a row.

Improved childcare subsidies were also introduced, as were details of a grant of up to 20,000 euros for first-time buyers of new homes struggling to save deposits required under central bank rules, though some worry it would just boost prices.

Responding to distorted GDP figures that flattered Ireland's debt dynamics, Noonan set a new target to reach a debt-to-GDP ratio of 45%, lower than the 60% EU limit, by the mid-2020s, or later depending on economic growth.

The first vote to increase tax on tobacco passed without the need for a formal vote. Further votes are due in the coming weeks and Fianna Fail's McGrath said he expected his party would abstain to allow the budget to pass. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie

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BNP Paribas plans to cut 5% of the workforce at its BNL Italian business and close more than 10% of its branches there, two union sources said, as the French bank tries to return the division to profit.

BNP Paribas is due to present a new three-year strategy early in 2017 for its main European markets of France, Italy, Belgium and Germany, where in line with peers it has already started to cut costs.

BNL would cut 700 jobs and close 100 branches under its new business plan to 2020, the sources said on Wednesday following a meeting between the bank and union representatives the previous day.

The source said the redundancies, which would be managed through early retirements, stemmed both from branch closures and from reduced staffing requirements as the use of information technology rises.

"The goal is to increase the bank's profitability," one of the sources said.

Further cost cuts will be achieved by lowering staff incentives by 30% over four years and keeping workers at home without pay for a total of 12 days over two years.

BNL's headcount stood at 13,397 as of the end of last year, according to an internal BNP document seen by Reuters.

BNL had 812 branches then, according to BNP Paribas' annual report, as well as 121 other specific branches that cover private banking, small and mid-sized businesses and international companies.

Annual pretax income at BNL has declined steadily since 2011 to reach a loss at 28 million euros in 2015. BNL posted a 8 million loss in the first quarter of 2016 and a 65 million euros pretax income in the second quarter.

BNL has refocused its business on "better corporate and small business segments" over the last few years to try to lower loan-loss provisions.

BNP Paribas, France's biggest bank, is heavily exposed to slow-growing mature European markets makes such as Italy, which accounts for about 40% of provisions it sets aside for bad loans.

BNP Paribas paid 9 billion euros to acquire control of Banca Nazionale del Lavoro (BNL) in 2006 and had to revive the Italian bank from years of underinvestment.

BNL had no immediate comment. BNP Paribas declined to comment.

Details of the plan were reported earlier on Wednesday by news agency Radiocor. (Reuters)

Source: www.businessworld.ie
A screen grab from the YouTube video announcing the 2016 National Blue Ribbon School award recipients.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics, there are over 100,000 schools in the United States. Of those schools only a select few are recognized as a Blue Ribbon School each year. And one of those is the Edith Bowen Laboratory School in Logan.

A school can be awarded a Blue Ribbon recognition for one of two reasons: as an Exemplary High Performing School (recognized as among the top schools in the state) or an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School (making the fastest progress in the state in closing the achievement gap among student subgroups over the past five years).

Edith Bowen was recently recognized as one among 279 public and 50 private schools that received the prestigious honor from the U.S. Department of Education. Discovery Elementary School in Brigham City was also recognized as a high performing school.

We actually were one of three schools that were picked in the state of Utah because we had actually shown the highest growth in the state for individual students, says Dr. Dan Johnson, director of Edith Bowen Lab School. We were among the highest performing schools in the state for overall achievement.

So at the state level we were really recognized for both. At the federal level they just decided to recognize overall school performance. Thats where our award stands.

The schools were nominated by the Utah Department of Education based on data and information that was already available. Once they were nominated for the honor, the schools had to undergo a rigorous application process that took several years to complete.

Assistant Principal Julie Moeller says Edith Bowen was not actively trying to achieve the recognition, so being nominated for the Blue Ribbon award came as a total surprise.

I think most of Dans work and his vision wasnt predicated on whether or not we got this award, Moeller explains. He just knew what was best for the school, for the parents, for the teachers, for the kids. For me, it was just sort of a surprising honor, the nomination was, and then to receive the award was even better.

Moeller says there are three main areas the school has been working on: teacher development, the way teachers teach (including collaboration with other teachers), and level of enthusiasm and engagement from teachers.

Johnson says the journey his school and staff have been on to get to this point started several years ago. He says a journey plan helped identify where the school wanted to go and how it was going to help its students.

Thats all that weve ever wanted, Johnson says, is just become a high performing school that meets the needs of all kids. Our journey plan has really laid the whole thing out, it has brought clarity to everyones role and how they fit into it, how can they contribute to us becoming a high performing school.

There are 304 students at Edith Bowen. Although the school is located on the Utah State University campus, Johnson says Edith Bowen is a typical public school and is classified as a Title 1 school because of the number of students who receive free or discounted lunch. He also says 16% of the studentbody is in special education.

Moeller says much of the credit for the award is due to Johnsons vision for the school.

When he came here our school was struggling. He took the school and turned it around. Its been amazing, she exclaims. You can ask any teacher on this campus, and probably any parent, the difference is noticeable in the students performance, the teacher engagement, just the entire feel of the community and culture of the school has improved so much. So to add this recognition on top of it is this wonderful affirmation.

When I think about it its affirmation for the kids, Johnson adds. We will talk to them and have moments with them where we get to reflect upon them, here is what we are asking you to do and its very important. What were asking you to do is being recognized on the state level and the national level.

I think its an affirmation for them that theyre learning and doing the things that they do need to know and be able to do that we recognize in education. I think thats a big blessing from this whole thingthe kidsbecause thats what its really about.

Representatives from Edith Bowen and Discovery Elementary School will be officially recognized and receive their honors at an awards ceremony in Washington, D.C. on November 8th.

Johnson says Beth Foley, Dean of the Emma Eccles Jones College of Education and Human Services at USU, plans to hold a special reception for the teachers and faculty of Edith Bowen after they return from Washington, D.C.

She knows how important this is in the College of Education, where she is the dean, to have this particular unit where were teaching teachers how to teach, says Johnson. To get this award as a unit in the College of Education is important to her.

He says nearly 250 prospective teachers come through Edith Bowen every year. A special ceremony is also being planned for the students at Edith Bowen to recognize their efforts and accomplishments as a Blue Ribbon School.
Andrew Lesky, 43, arrested and charged with two counts of aggravated assault, a third-degree felony and two felony counts of possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person.

LOGAN  The jury trial for Andrew J. Lesky began Tuesday, almost two years after the 45-year-old Preston, Idaho, man was first arrested for allegedly trying to murder his ex-girlfriend.

The trial, in First District Court, began with the selection of ten jurors, five men and five women.

During opening statements, state attorney Tony Baird described the defendant as a chronic liar, who was controlling and abusive. He explained how on the evening of October 26, 2014, Lesky confronted the woman and another man, who were sitting outside a home near 75 East 600 North.

Baird said as Lesky walked toward the two people, he pulled a handgun from his sweatshirt, pointed it at the womans head and pulled the trigger. The gun allegedly misfired.

Call it luck, call it grace that she is alive, said Baird.

Public defender Chad Hutchings told the jurors, the victims and other witnesses accounts that night are full of contradictions. He said there was no way Lesky pulled the trigger.

Lesky has been charged with 10 felonies and 17 misdemeanors. The trial is only for six of those felonies including one count of attempted aggravated murder and two counts of aggravated kidnapping, all first-degree felonies. He could face up to life in prison if found guilty.

<hr /><p style=text-align: center;>will@cvradio.com
Back in 2003, Thomas Benton-"the pseudonym of an assistant professor of English at a Midwestern liberal arts college"-wrote a brutally honest article in the Chronicle of Higher Education about graduate programs in the humanities. Citing dismal job prospects for Ph.D. holders, the author's advice to would-be students was simple: don't go.Since that article was published, the academic job market for many master's and Ph.D. candidates has worsened. Recent headlines, such as " A Glut of Ph.D.s Means Long Odds of Getting Jobs " and " The Ph.D. Bubble Has Burst: Graduating 'Doctors' Are Having Trouble Finding Work ," suggest how bad things have gotten.Unfortunately, while many within academia are aware of these grim realities, prospective students are often left in the dark about the potential perils of attending graduate school and the fact that tenure-track jobs are by no means guaranteed. Such ignorance is due in part to the fact that the information students receive from graduate programs is often incomplete or designed to present a rosy picture.It's past time for university officials and department leaders to actively encourage students to fully consider the pros and cons of graduate school, and to provide detailed information about the academic job market, warts and all.Today, for example, those with doctoral degrees in the humanities are often underemployed or unable to find work in their fields. In 2014, 45.7 percent of all humanities Ph.D. recipients had no definite commitment for employment or postdoctoral study upon graduation. And despite the conventional wisdom pushed by politicians and administrators, prospects for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) graduates aren't much better.While the number of STEM Ph.D. recipients increased 57 percent from 1995 to 2014, there was little change in faculty appointment rates. As a result, in 2014, 42.1 percent of life science Ph.D.s, 36.2 percent of physical science Ph.D.s, and 43 percent of engineering Ph.D.s had no definite employment offers at graduation. And STEM Ph.D.s have as little as a 15 percent chance of obtaining a tenure-track faculty position. So after 5-6 years in grad school, and often the same amount of time in postdoc positions, many graduates find themselves underemployed as lab technicians or managers or adjunct professors.In the University of North Carolina system, it's difficult to tell how master's and Ph.D. graduates-in any field-stack up to the national scene because most departments do not have a formal system to track their alumni. NCTower.com, a website that reports employment outcomes for UNC system graduates, only offers data for bachelor's degree recipients. Because of this information shortage, future graduate students must base their decisions regarding which programs to attend on faculty reputations and department rankings (if one exists for their program of choice).For example, UNC-Chapel Hill's graduate school boasts of its impressive track record on "assessments and rankings centered on national academic leadership within research funding, excellence of programs, affordability and diversity." According to the graduate school's website, "more than 20 degree programs or specialty areas...appear prominently in the 2012 U.S. News & World Report's 'America's Best Graduate Schools' issue." That sounds good, but there is no mention of graduates' employment outcomes.For the most part, UNC system graduate programs do not report statistics on their alumni outcomes on their webpages; there is no way to tell how many individuals have job offers at the time of graduation, how many years graduates spend in additional training programs, or how many graduates eventually find tenure-track positions. Considering that roughly 50 percent of surveyed graduate students indicate that they intend to go into academia, more information is necessary to help guide their decision-making.One program that does report results is the Ph.D. classics program at UNC-Chapel Hill. The information is revealing-and very useful for prospective students. The most noticeable trend is that many students who begin the program leave after receiving a master's degree (despite the fact that the program does not accept students seeking a terminal master's). Those students often move on to teach high school. Of those who finish the Ph.D. program, most seem to have earned tenure-track jobs, although a few are visiting or non-tenure track teachers.The English and comparative literature department at UNC-Chapel Hill also reports useful data. Each year, the department lists the total number of Ph.D. graduates and the number of academic jobs procured. (For 2016, the placement rate was 45 percent.)But the best data, by far, is offered by North Carolina State University's Institute for Advanced Analytics. The program reports extensive employment outcome data for its master of science in analytics graduates, including the number of candidates placed at the time of graduation, average annual salaries, and a list of employers making offers. The Institute's data could be used as a model for other graduate programs in the system.The UNC system's Board of Governors should work to ensure that more graduate programs are providing more useful information to prospective students. And as it did with NCTower.com , the UNC General Administration can help by gathering and distributing data about graduate student outcomes.Ultimately, providing this information will help North Carolina students make better decisions and help UNC schools use their scare resources on degrees and programs that match the evolving job market.
Roy Cooper ran against Gene Boyce's son, Dan Boyce, in the campaign for North Carolina attorney general in 2000. (Charlotte Observer, 4/17/2014)

When polling showed Roy Cooper trailing Dan Boyce in the campaign, Cooper authorized a TV ad against the Boyces falsely claiming Dan Boyce "charged $28,000 per hour" to represent taxpayers in a class action lawsuit. (Charlotte Observer, 4/17/2014)

Boyce filed a libel lawsuit against Cooper in November 2000 and fought to get his reputation back for the next 14 years (Charlotte Observer, 4/17/2014)

In 2014, Cooper was forced to settle for $75,000 and publicly apologize for the false TV ad: "Cooper's insurer will pay $75,000 in legal costs to the Boyce family" (Charlotte Observer, 4/17/2014)

Roy Cooper was the target of a state bar complaint for professional misconduct: "State Bar Complaint Targets Roy Cooper... Boyce alleges professional misconduct by AG, inaction by State Bar" (Carolina Journal, 1/12/2016)

Contact: The Pat McCrory Committee

The Pat McCrory Committee media@patmccrory.com

Raleigh, N.C. Prominent Raleigh attorney and former investigator for the Watergate Committee Gene Boyce is featured in Pat McCrory's latest TV ad taking Roy Cooper to task for lying about Pat McCrory and using many of the same dirty campaign tactics he has used in the past to win elections.said Russell Peck, Pat McCrory's campaign manager.For 14 years, Gene Boyce waged a libel suit against Roy Cooper after Cooper ran a vicious attack ad purposely lying about Boyce to malign his integrity and honesty during the 2000 race for attorney general. In 2014, Cooper was ultimately forced to pay a $75,000 settlement and publicly apologize for running the false TV ad about Boyce.Cooper currently faces a Bar Association complaint for professional misconduct stemming from his handling of the false Boyce TV ad. The N.C. Bar Association, which Cooper represents as attorney general, ignored the complaint for months and has sought to squash it in court. The case is currently working its way through the court system.In 2016, Cooper and his liberal allies have spent millions falsely attacking Pat McCrory in the race for governor. Last week, a report by the Center for Public Integrity showed that total TV ad spending has passed the $20 million mark, with Cooper and his allies airing 60% of all ads in the race for governor. Cooper and his allies have launched false ads attacking Pat McCrory on everything from taxes and the economy to water quality and education funding, and many of the claims have been rated false by independent fact-checkers including Politifact North Carolina, WGHP, WFMY, WSOC and WRAL.Oh, I know Roy Cooper. He ran a vicious attack ad that lied about me. I had to fight for fourteen years to get my reputation back. Cooper fought to protect his lie. But, the courts knew the truth. He lost all eight appeals. And Cooper had to pay thousands in legal fees and apologize. He's doing the same to Pat McCrory right now.
On June 8, 2016, FSU Oil & Gas Monitor quoted former UK Energy Minister Charles Hendry as saying that gas from Turkmenistan could reach European markets by various different means, including overland routes through Iran. It is unlikely that Hendry would make such an announcement without having received encouraging signals from both Tehran and Ashkhabad. The prospect of gas deliveries from Turkmenistan to European markets is disconcerting for Moscow, which regards the monopolization of gas supply to Europe as one of its major geopolitical and geoeconomic goals.

BACKGROUND: Turkmenistan has one of the worlds larger gas deposits. In early post-Soviet history, Turkmenistan could relatively easy find a market for its gas in Ukraine, a large and industrialized former USSR republic, through old Soviet pipelines. Early on, Moscow did not object to this arrangement, believing that it would help maintaining Moscows residual control over the post-Soviet space. Moscow later agreed to buy most of Turkmenistans gas, although not in the belief that the deal would be directly beneficial in economic terms, but in order to prevent Turkmenistan from exporting gas to global markets and compete with Russian gas.

Moscow nevertheless assumed that the demand for gas in the West would be limitless and that prices would be constantly rising, allowing Moscow to resell Turkmenistans gas at hefty profits. This calculation proved to be wrong, however, as prices started to decline already in the early 2000s and Moscow realized it was losing money on the deal. Russian gas purchases from Turkmenistan were consequently reduced to a bare minimum and finally stopped altogether.

At that point, Ashkhabad became anxious to find a new market for its gas and avoid Russia as the intermediary. China, whose demand for gas seemed insatiable in the early 2000s, was the most obvious choice. Export routes to China could be designed to bypass Russia, and China provided loans for constructing a pipeline, promising additional funding for future projects. Yet, China has leveraged its variety of options to make Turkmenistan lower its export prices.

Ashkhabad has therefore long been interested in making inroads to the European market that bypass the Russian pipeline network, and has considered the construction of a gas pipeline under the Caspian Sea to be the most promising option. In this case, the gas would be delivered to Azerbaijan, and from there delivered to European markets via Georgia. While the Trans-Caspian gas pipeline raised concerns in Moscow, the prospect of Turkmenistan sending gas to the West through Iran was considered highly unlikely. Iran was subjected to an international sanctions regime and even if the sanctions would be lifted, Moscow assumed that Irans own interest in exporting gas to Europe would prevent it from assisting Turkmenistan in this endeavor. Consequently, Moscow considered both Tehran and Ashkhabad to be under control as far as gas exports were concerned and saw no reason to increase cooperation with Iran.

Yet Iran proved reluctant to follow Moscows plans concerning gas and oil exports  for example by refusing to reduce its oil deliveries despite prodding from the Kremlin. Iran also signaled a willingness to collaborate with Turkmenistan on gas transit. Irans motivations in this regard were manifold and included increasing its influence in Turkmenistan as well as assuring Europe that Iran would not be the only potential source of the gas from the south. The prospect of cooperation between Iran and Turkmenistan is facilitated by the fact that Iran already has some infrastructure in place to both get the gas from Turkmenistan and import Turkmen gas. Thus, the possibility of using Iran as possible link that would connect Turkmenistan with Turkey and then with Europe is real and recently both Turkmenistan and Iran have taken steps indicating that these plans could be implemented in one way or another.

IMPLICATIONS: Moscows main tool for preventing Turkmenistan from exporting gas to Europe has been the threat of force. Russia strongly objected to Ashkhabads plan for a Trans-Caspian pipeline since the idea started to circulate in the late 1990s, stating that if Turkmenistan would engage in its construction, Russia would employ force to stop it and would not be deterred even by the prospect of a large conflict. Moscow made its point on November 7, 2015, when the Russian Caspian Sea Navy fired 26 missiles at targets in Syria. This demonstration had the broader goal of showing not just the West but also countries in the region, including Turkmenistan, Russia possession of modern weapons and its willingness to use them.

Ashkhabad nevertheless continued to seek possible outlets for its gas and recently engaged in an ambitious project to send gas to India and Pakistan  the TAPI project launched in winter 2015. As the possibility arose of various gas and oil deals that would increase Turkmenistans ability to compete with Russia, and the Kremlins ability to employ force decreased, it changed tactics.

One of Ashkhabads chief security concerns is instability on Turkmenistans border with Afghanistan; the risk of Islamist attacks against Turkmenistan following a withdrawal of U.S. troops from the country; and a possible collapse of the regime in Kabul. Moscow has sought to exploit these concerns. The Russian press has published numerous articles indicating that Islamists from Afghanistan could strike across the border and threaten the incumbent regime in Ashkhabad  and that the only guarantee for sustained stability is cooperation with Russia and a Russian military presence in Turkmenistan. The Russian leadership understands that Turkmenistans political elite hardly believes that Moscow is concerned for the regime in Ashkhabad. Therefore, Moscow has explained its proposal as a means for protecting Russian interests, arguing that a collapse of the regime in Ashkhabad would make it possible for Islamists to move further north and strike against Russia. Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov visited Ashkhabad in February 2016 to present this proposal, followed by a visit by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu on July 9, 2016.

Little information has transpired about the details and discussions on the proposal. Yet the theme of the negotiations can be surmised from publications in Russian press, depicting Turkmenistan as on the verge of being overrun by Islamists from Afghanistan. As can be inferred from these publications, Russia is offering to protect the regime at a price: Turkmenistan needs to refrain from competing with Russian gas exports. Yet neither of these visits brought any visible results. Consequently, Ashkhabad continued to look for avenues to deliver gas to Europe through various routes, and the Iran route is one possible option.

Several recent signs indicate that cooperation between Turkmenistan and Iran is picking up speed. In January 2016, Turkmenistan announced the completion of the East-West pipeline, whereby President Berdimuhammedov stated that the new pipeline provides an opportunity to send gas in various directions including Iran, for both domestic consumption and transit to foreign markets. Irans response has been positive. Irans President Hassan Rouhani visited Turkmenistan in March 2015 and stated that Iran takes a positive view on channeling Turkmen gas to other countries, thereby approving the idea of facilitating the flow of gas from Turkmenistan to Turkey and implicitly to Europe. Thus the possibility exists for Turkmenistan to export gas to Europe via Iran, although the likelihood that it will be implemented remains unclear.

CONCLUSIONS: Throughout most of Putins tenure, the Kremlin has sought to prevent Turkmenistan from sending gas to European markets. Moscow believed this was possible only through a pipeline across the Caspian Sea, and that such a pipeline would only be constructed with Moscows consent. The lifting of sanctions on Iran has opened the possibility of Iranian gas deliveries to Europe bypassing Russia, and for collaboration between Iran and Turkmenistan in their gas projects. While Moscow has expressed its displeasure with this prospect in different ways, it remains unlikely that Moscow could do much to prevent the development of new transit routes through Iran if Teheran and Ashkhabad indeed decide to realize them. And it is equally unlikely that Turkmenistan will accept Moscows protection at the price of changing its plans for gas and oil exports.

AUTHORS BIO: Dmitry Shlapentokh is Associate Professor of History, Indiana University at South Bend.

Image source: static.kremlin.ru, accessed on October 11, 2016
Parts of I-95 remain closed from Dunn south to Fayetteville, and from St. Pauls south through Lumberton

The westbound side of I-40 is closed between Newton Grove and Benson.

Parts of US-70 in both directions in Wayne and Lenoir Counties (east and west of Goldsboro)

Parts of NC Highway 12 in Dare County.

Contact: Crystal Feldman

Crystal Feldman govpress@nc.gov

Raleigh, N.C. Governor Pat McCrory emphasized today that the ongoing life-threatening flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew is expected to continue impacting eastern and central North Carolina into the week.said Governor McCrory.The greatest threat remains inland flooding that will continue into this week in central and eastern North Carolina. The National Weather Service is forecasting major-river flooding with potential record levels along the Neuse and Tar rivers. There is major additional flooding predicted for towns and cities along the Lumber and Cape Fear rivers, along with many other rivers and creeks. State officials are monitoring a number of overtopped or breaching dams in central and eastern counties.The governor said that resources are in place to respond at identified locations which include ambulance buses, law enforcement, feeding stations, generators, basic neccesities, swift water rescue teams, field hospitals, high water clearance vehicles, National Guard and Ambulance Strike Teams.To date, more than 2,000 people have been rescued by swift water rescue teams and more are expected throughout the day. People in central and eastern North Carolina remain under a flood watch or warning.The North Carolina National Guard has activated more than 1,000 troops, to assist with recovery efforts. There are also 400 high water and rescue vehicles which have been activated. The U.S. Coast Guard continues to assist with rescues. The National Guard, State Highway Patrol and U.S. Coast Guard have increased aviation assets and completed more than 90 air rescues.There have been 14 confirmed weather-related fatalities and three people are still reported as missing. Three additional fatalities were confirmed overnight, one in Wake County, when a tree fell on a driver, and one each in Cumberland and Wilson counties, where victims were discovered in submerged vehicles.Governor McCrory warned motorists to concentrate on safe driving, to put down their mobile devices in order to minimize distractions and to never drive through standing water on roads and highways. He also urged drivers not to pass through temporary barriers or barricades.Numerous major interstates and roads, as well as hundreds of secondary roads remain closed. Among the major roads that are impacted include:The latest updates on road closures can be found at ReadyNC.org , the ReadyNC mobile app or by calling 5-1-1.Power outages across the state continue to fall. As of 10 a.m., power outages totaled approximately 255,000 statewide, down from more than 800,000 on Sunday. Utilities are continuing to work around the clock to respond to power outages in affected areas.Nearly 4,000 people are in 51 emergency shelters in central and eastern North Carolina. In the Lumberton area alone, 1,200 people are in shelters. Food and water has been distributed to those in need, and that effort is continuing. For those needing information, including nearby shelter, food and water and other storm-related details, call 2-1-1 for support.As we move into the recovery phase, Governor McCrory said the state is working to get people out of shelters and back into their homes or temporary housing as soon as possible. This is particularly important as most of the shelters are located in schools.The long range recovery task force is also activated to help jumpstart the recovery process. The task force partners with local community officials to create programs and long-term recovery plans that meet community needs.The American Red Cross is in desperate need for volunteers. They have opened a volunteer intake center in Fayetteville at the Kiwanis Recreation Center at 352 Devers Street.Local officials have issued several mandatory evacuations in Kinston, Greenville, Princeville, in parts of Moore County near the Woodlake Dam area and in various parts of Lenoir County.The governor warned of the continued environmental dangers of the standing floodwaters, and asked residents in affected areas not to cross through or swim through flooded waters. This is especially crucial in areas where floodwaters have crossed agricultural areas, which have been hit particularly hard by this storm. Those in affected farmlands who require assistance can call the Agriculture Disaster Hotline at 1-866-645-9403.The governor announced yesterday that he received an initial federal disaster declaration for 31 counties, opening the door for further federal assistance to recover from the massive flooding caused by Hurricane Matthew. This declaration will help local and state governments augment the costs of responding to the disaster and also help pay to clear and remove storm debris.The governor said there is still an opporunity to add counties to the declaration in the coming days as emergency teams conduct damage assessments.Governor McCrory emphasized that the state is better prepared than ever to handle the financial implications of the storm. Under the governor's leadership, North Carolina has tripled the balance in the state's Rainy Day Fund to an all-time-high of $1.6 billion.The governor thanked private sector partners who have been helping with response efforts. AT&T has announced that it will provide $25,000 to go toward supplies in areas impacted by Hurricane Matthew.Other private sector partners who are interested in helping with the relief efforts can email beoc@ncem.org or call (919) 825-2454.Governor McCrory is calling for additional support for families regarding food stamps and the deadline to file taxes. The governor also announced that a North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is being coordinated by his office that will serve as the main way for people to give assistance. More information on this 501-c3 will be made available in the future.For more information about responding to a hurricane and what to do before, during or after a storm, go to ReadyNC.org . You can also get real-time traffic and weather updates on the ReadyNC mobile app. Follow N.C. Emergency Management on Twitter and Facebook for the latest on Hurricane Matthew.
Mental Health Matters: Yes, depression is a 'real illness.'

Research suggests that people who have depression and another medical illness tend to have more severe symptoms of both illnesses.
Is There a Formula to Charter School Success?

In their recently published study, " What Can We Learn from Charter School Lotteries? " Julia Chabrier, Sarah Cohodes, and Philip Oreopoulos take a closer look at students who have and have not been chosen to enroll in a charter school. Lotteries provide the kind of random assignment of individuals to "treatment" and "control" groups so highly valued by social science researchers because it eliminates population bias and other empirical sticky wickets.Overall, Chabrier and her colleagues found that each year of enrollment at a charter school "increases math scores by 0.08 standard deviations and English/language arts scores by 0.04 standard deviations." While these are impressive gains, there was a great deal of variation in the performance of charter school students.For example, disadvantaged students in urban neighborhoods with very poor performing schools who attended "no excuses" charter schools were the one group of students who consistently benefited from charter school attendance. Consistent with a growing body of research, charter schools that adopted a "no excuses" model, which establishes high behavioral standards and academic expectations for students, appeared to have the most success for disadvantaged children fortunate enough to be selected in the charter school lottery.Specifically, the authors found that the presence of an "intensive tutoring" program had the strongest relationship to academic gains. Class size, per pupil expenditures, or teacher certification were largely irrelevant. I repeat. There was no statistically significant relationship between student performance and class size, per pupil expenditures, or teacher certification. Although "intensive tutoring" made the most difference, researchers point out that the tutoring variable may be a proxy for factors that were not necessarily accounted for in the study.North Carolina has a number of "no excuses" charter schools. In contrast to the Chabrier, Cohodes, and Oreopoulos study, however, disadvantaged students in both urban and rural "no excuses" charter schools in the state have a strong record of raising student performance and academic growth.KIPP Gaston College Preparatory in rural Northampton County is one of the oldest and most successful "no excuses" charter schools in North Carolina. Gaston Prep serves mostly low-income African American middle school students and almost 80 percent of their students are eligible for a free or reduced-price lunch. Yet, on independent Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) tests, 84 percent of students made at least one year of academic progress in math and 78 percent of students achieved similar gains in reading. Gaston Prep's scores on North Carolina tests are consistently higher than schools in the region and earned a solid B school performance grade last year.KIPP Charlotte opened in 2007, KIPP Halifax College Preparatory opened in 2014, and KIPP Durham College Preparatory opened in 2015. Similar to KIPP Gaston College Preparatory, these schools serve mostly disadvantaged students. KIPP Charlotte and KIPP Halifax Prep each earned C school performance grades but both had tremendous academic growth, which regrettably accounts for only a fraction of the performance grade. First-year results from KIPP Durham will be released later this year.That is not to say that only charters that adopt a "no excuses" approach will be successful. Schools in the TeamCFA network, for example, use what many would consider "traditional" instructional and behavioral management approaches and still have been among the top performing schools in the state, particularly for students who live in rural and economically distressed communities. In fact, Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy in Forest City has been ranked as one of the best schools in the nation. In their 2016 Best High Schools publication, US News & World Report ranked Thomas Jefferson #4 in North Carolina high schools, #43 in charter high schools nationally, #124 in the rankings of all high schools in the nation.The bottom line is that there are no magic formulas to charter school success. While we know that "no excuses" charter schools work for certain student populations, other approaches may work equally well. Perhaps the most appropriate public policy response is to not dictate that charter school use (or don't use) certain operational, instructional, or behavioral management practices but instead allow them the freedom to operate in whatever way benefits the students they serve.
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The owner of a Cambridge wine merchant who was threatened at knife-point during a robbery last week has described how "scared" he was during the ordeal.

Two men robbed JGS Wine Merchants in Chesterton Road on Friday evening (October 7) and made off with cash, cigarettes and spirits prompting a police appeal for any witnesses to come forward.

The shop's owner, who did not want to be named, said he was alone when the two robbers entered at about 11.30pm and proceeded to threaten him with a knife, ordering him to open the till.

He said: "The two men came to me and they had a very big knife.

"I was scared. They also took my mobile, an iPhone 5S.

"A customer was coming in just as they [the robbers] were leaving, they pointed the knife at him and told him not to come in  he was scared.

"He [the customer] then came in and called the police  they came here quickly."

In addition to the 150 from the till, he said the men took around 600-800 worth of cigarettes and 350 worth of spirits.

Staff member Naveen Haribabu, 22, was not at the wine merchant's at the time of the robbery but said it had left people "worried".

He added: "We are keeping two people at night here now.

"My boss took over the shop in May of 2016 and police officers said similar incidents happened two or three times before, but this is the first incident we've experienced."

Police are now appealing for anyone who saw the incident to come forward.

They said the robbers loaded 150 cash, cigarettes and spirits into a light coloured bag and left the store on to Alpha Road.

The men were last seen turning on to East Hertford Street towards Hertford Street.

One of the men is said to be 6ft and the other between 5ft 6in and 5ft 9in.

Det Con Andrew McKeane, of Cambridgeshire police, said: "The incident has left the shop workers understandably shocked and frightened.

"I would like to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time, particularly those in Hertford Street towards St Luke's Street, who may have seen these two men."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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Parents have been called to have their say on the future of education provision in Gamlingay following a year of considerable uncertainty.

A consultation has now been launched by Cam Academy Trust, previously known as Comberton Academy Trust, and Stratton Education Trust, which oversees Gamlingay Village College.

The village college feeder school, Gamlingay First School, was recently taken on by Cam Academy Trust and it is now being proposed that Gamlingay Village College makes the same move by summer 2017.

As it stands, pupils leave the first school aged 9 and the village college at 11. The proposed changes would mean that by September 2017 there would instead be one school confirmed in Gamlingay, a full primary school.

In a letter sent to parents, Stephen Munday, chief executive officer of Cam Academy Trust, urged them to get in touch and have their say.

He said: These proposals come after much careful thought, discussion and listening to parental views.

Both Trusts believe that they represent the best way forward for all given the current position.

The Cam Academy Trust is absolutely committed to overseeing excellent education in Gamlingay for the benefit of all and would look forward to taking forward these proposals in order to do this.

We would welcome comments and observations on the proposals as we seek to do what can work best for all.

Mr Munday explained that if the plans went ahead the school would operate from the village college site and that the site of Gamlingay First School would in time cease to exist.

He added the primary school would be in the catchment area of Comberton Village College and that those wishing to continue to access three-tier education would also be able to do so.

Rob Watson, executive headteacher at Stratton Education Trust, said in a letter to his parents that Gamlingay Village College joining Cam Academy Trust would provide long-term security for education provision.

Last year campaigners said they feared changing to a primary school could threaten the village college with closure and give pupils lengthy journeys to school, as the News reported.

However Mr Munday responded at the time that they had liaised fully with the head of Gamlingay First School and the governing body.

The consultation is open until Friday, November 18. To submit your views, email consultations@catrust.co.uk or gamlingayed@stratton.beds.sch.uk with consultation response as the subject.
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A pioneering new 10 million centre dedicated to predicting the dangers  and benefits  of artificial intelligence (AI), will be launched by Cambridge University next week.

The Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence (CFI) will see leading minds from around the world come together in Cambridge, to examine the impact of the development of smart machines.

The launch event next Wednesday will be attended by Professor Stephen Hawking, who has previously warned of the dangers of not preparing for AI.

He said: The rise of powerful AI will be either the best or the worst thing ever to happen to humanity. We do not yet know which.

The research done by this centre will be crucial to the future of our civilisation and of our species."

The centre will be based in Cambridge, as part of a collaboration between specialists at Oxford, Imperial College London and the University of California, Berkeley.

It has been funded by an unprecedented 10 million grant from the Leverhulme Trust, which provides cash to research projects across the UK.

AI pioneer Professor Margaret Boden, who will also speak at the launch, said: AI is hugely exciting. Its practical applications can help us to tackle important social problems, as well as easing many tasks in everyday life. And it has advanced the sciences of mind and life in fundamental ways.

But it has limitations, which present grave dangers given uncritical use.

CFI aims to pre-empt these dangers, by guiding AI-development in human-friendly ways."

The institute's first research phase will see the start of a range of projects, on topics including the regulation of autonomous weapons, responsible innovation, making algorithms transparent, and the implications of AI for democracy.

The centre will be led by Cambridge philosophy professor Huw Price.

He said: The creation of machine intelligence is likely to be a once-in-a-planet's-lifetime event. It is a future we humans face together.

Our aim is to build a broad community with the expertise and sense of common purpose to make this future the best it can be."

AI is increasingly being seen as a key topic of focus for Cambridge academics.

The Faraday Institute for Science and Religion is based at St Edmund's College, and aims to examine the ethical and religious implications of the rise of AI.

The centre will be officially launched on Wednesday at the David Attenborough Building, on the New Museums Site.
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Fresh from controversies over congestion controls in the city, City Deal chiefs will meet tomorrow to decide on their latest contentious transport scheme.

The executive board of the Greater Cambridgeshire City Deal will gather at Shire Hall, where they will decide whether or not to back plans to build a new bus route to the west of the city  straight through the West Fields.

The board were given three possible options for the new route, which will connect the Madingley Mulch roundabout on the A1303, to Grange Road in Newnham.

After discarding the idea of constructing a new bus lane along the existing road, or diverting buses north over the American Cemetery, officers have recommended the most extensive option, of creating a brand new segregated route cutting through the countryside and crossing over the M11, via a new bridge.

According to a report presented to the executive board 'Option 3a', as the plans have been referred to, represents the best strategic fit with the City Deal objectives".

It states: It would address both current congestion issues (particularly between on the A1303 between Madingley Mulch roundabout and the M11 junction) and the requirement for future growth."

The second phase of the project would then see the bus route extended to the west, eventually connecting Cambridge to Cambourne, via Bourne Airfield.

The report adds: It would create significant new capacity for bus services from the west and new areas of development in Cambourne and Bourn 3 into Cambridge and areas of employment opportunity supporting the long term economic growth on this corridor.

In total, including St Neots 8,800 new homes are planned along the A428, plus a further 5,800 in North West Cambridge together with substantial job growth in West Cambridge and the Cambourne area."

However the proposal has been met with hostility from residents of nearby Coton, who claim the park and ride site would destroy views of the countryside.

Coton resident Simon Naylor, who drives into Cambridge for his job at the Science Park, told the News: They seem to prefer route 3a because it's 28 minutes getting into Cambridge, rather than 30, it saves you a whole two minutes.

The existing site on Madingley Road is already in the city so you're surrounded by other stuff, but Coton is surrounded by fields, so to have something the same size of it looming down on it will be quite imposing.

From up there you really can see it all spread in front of you, as far as Ely. It's crazy to sacrifice that for two minutes."

The board will meet at Shire Hall at 4pm, where they will reach their decision.

But Mr Naylor urged them to think again.

He said: I'd say, to them, this is wrong, you're not listening, stuck in the fixation with tarmac and bus routes, you have to start to do things differently.

The best thing to do is they take it off the table completely, but it's going to take some guts to do that."
| BY Ricki Green |

The Australian Directors Guild (ADG) has partnered with The Communications Council and seven advertising production companies to offer commercial and content directing mentorships to female directors.

As part of the support received from Screen Australias Gender Matters: Brilliant Careers initiative, advertising production companies from New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia will mentor up to seven female directors.

Screen Australias Gender Matters: Brilliant Careers initiative aims to generate sustainable careers in the screen industry for women. Funding received from the initiative will be administered by the ADG to the successful applicants as stipends in undertaking the mentorships.

Says Nerida Moore, senior development executive at Screen Australia: In less than four months after being announced as a Gender Matters: Brilliant Careers recipient, we are thrilled to see the Australian Directors Guild has so quickly turned their directing mentorship program into reality. The commercial screen sector represents a fast-paced and varied learning ground for directors, and history shows careers in drama and documentary often follow. This ADG program has a modest barrier to entry, so I encourage women looking to take the next step in their career to not let this opportunity go by.

Says Kingston Anderson, CEO, Australian Directors Guild: Many of our great directors have forged careers in the television commercial sector as it is an important and exciting place for directors to show their skills as visual storytellers. This is a great opportunity to open this field up to more female directors.

Says Tony Hale, CEO, The Communications Council: We are thrilled to partner with the ADG on this important initiative to support ongoing career pathways for female directors in our industry. Diversity in its broadest sense across commercial creativity is critical to the development of insightful, relevant and effective ideas for business. We welcome the opportunity to work with our Commercial Producers Council (CPC) members in mentoring these talented female directors, and look forward to their future success as creative leaders.

Production companies participating include CPC members Finch (NSW), Photoplay Films (NSW), Revolver (NSW), Rabbit (NSW), Curious Films (NSW), Goodoil (NSW), The Otto Empire (VIC) and Beautiful Pictures (WA).

The Commercial Producers Council (CPC) is part of The Communications Council, for more information visit www.communicationscouncil.org.au.

Eligible are those applicants that can demonstrate an elementary level of skill and experience as a director. For more information about eligibility please email development@adg.org.au.

Applications will be open from Friday 14 October 2016 until the 30 November 2016 with the following application materials to be supplied and sent via email to development@adg.org.au.

 An application form downloadable from the ADG website or available upon request

 A two minute show reel demonstrating the applicants visual style

 Up to two additional pieces of work the applicant has directed which can include any screen content such as short films, documentaries, commercials, branded content, corporate videos, music videos, animations etc.

 A one minute piece-to-camera pitch explaining why the applicant should be chosen for the mentorship

 CV including awards and festivals won or participated in

 A reference from a screen industry practioner
| BY Ricki Green |

Carat Melbourne has won the media planning and buying responsibilities for iconic motorcycle brand, Triumph Motorcycles Australia. The appointment is the result of a proactive pitch by Carat, and represents a major shift in strategy for Triumph, who to-date have handled media buying internally.

Says Dale McBride, marketing manager, Triumph: We are excited to pair the Triumph brand in Australia with Carats significant experience across multiple media platforms. Im confident that together we can provide great depth in our planning, strategy and activations for Triumphs brand, retail, and new product activity, continuing to push the needle forward.

Says Joseph Pardillo, MD, Carat Melbourne: This is a fantastic opportunity to partner with such an iconic global brand, steeped in motorcycle history and heritage. They have demonstrated a clear thirst for innovation and big ideas; we look forward to working with them to advance their brand, capitalizing on the many opportunities todays digital economy presents for them.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016 at 1:14PM

The reasons behind the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 fires are still a mystery

By Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla

The debacle facing Samsung for its faulty Galaxy Note 7, which the company recently announced it is no longer selling, reflects various issues in the smartphone industrys manic race to rush out products on a yearly cycle.

After over a dozen reports that Note 7 devices were smoking, catching fire or exploding, the company issued a recall and replacement program. But when a few of the replacement units continued to combust in peoples homes, airplanes or just by laying on desks, Samsung decided to stop all sales and effectively kill off the Galaxy Note 7. Samsung's shares fell eight percent yesterday, wiping $19 billion as its stock's value plummeted because of this news.

This is the smartphone equivalent of the Takata faulty airbag recall affecting the automotive industry, a global and widely covered fiasco that could affect Samsungs reputation for years to come.

For a company thats spent millions on getting their devices in high profile events like the 2016 Olympics as well as various award shows, the stigma of the Note 7 recall (now a part of every airlines pre-boarding spiel), casts a pall over all Galaxy devices and, by extension, over all smartphones as well.

Note was Samsungs true flagship product

Flagship status: Waterproof and outfitted with an SPen Stylus, amazing screen and camera and powerful specs made the Note7 an impressive device

Samsungs Note line of devices are really the companys showcase. The Galaxy Notes of the past created the larger smartphone market, made Phablets acceptable, and pushed the industry towards larger screen sizes. The Note also brought back the stylus from PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants) from a decade earlier, and made them relevant input devices which later found themselves on Surface devices as well as on Apples iPad Pro.

The last Samsung product I purchased was the Galaxy Note 4 and this was a capable and still is one of the best smartphones I've used.

The Note line was a bestseller that succeeded where some of the smaller Galaxy devices failed. Quickly adopted by business users for their larger size, productivity-focused software and hardware features and more premium build, I looked forward to each succeeding version of the Galaxy Note to dictate the technology and design of Samsungs entire line of devices. Although, at times, it seemed like Samsung was rushing these off the production line to subvert timing of competing products being released.

Chasing Apple, the jump from Note 5 to Note 7

The Note 5, which was the Note 7s predecessor, had an SPen stylus issue which would render some features unusable when the stylus was inserted the wrong way in. This was never an issue with previous Note devices and may have exposed a weakness in Samsungs QA and testing process.

The issue with the Note 7 remains unclear. The company initially blamed a small batch of batteries (made by subsidiary Samsung SDI) were the root cause which still required a massive recall of the 2.5 million devices sold globally. The bigger problem surfaced recently when it was the replacement units that started to catch fire, some in very public and dangerous situations.

This marked the end of the Galaxy Note 7. Samsung sent fireproof boxes complete with latex gloves to some customers to send back their Note 7. It seems that these wont even be allowed on cargo airplanes and will likely be shipped by sea or ground back to Samsung as they figure out what the hell happened.

Damage to Samsung's brand

Note7 customers are urged to return their devices in a fireproof box

The damage to Samsungs brand in the smartphone space is substantial and could not come at a worse time for the company as rivals Apple and Google are shipping competing products that cost the same as the Note 7 and offer the same large screen form-factor.

Mark Johnson, of Warwick Business School, is an Associate Professor of Operations Management, and researches product recalls says that the way Samsung went about this recall made the situation worse.

This has been a case study in how not to do a recall, he says, "In research that I have conducted with Marko Bastl, of Marquette University, and Mike Bernon, of Cranfield School of Management, we found that firms that have a proactive recall strategy tend to see their share price not hit as badly by investors running scared from the potential costs of the recall.

The Note7 is considered a hazardous item by airlines

According to Johnson, Samsung tried to rush the Note 7 to market to beat the iPhone 7. Phones are complex things and the launch of new products is fraught with difficulties and delays. Samsung potentially rushed a number of critical stages, probably testing, in order to get to market quickly. This is further supported by Samsung going from Note 5 to Note 7 in anticipation of Apples naming of their latest iPhone devices.

Not as agile as competitors

"The recall also indicates that Samsung is not as agile as some of its competitors and process-rigidity can mean a loss of flexibility. The process of the recall also indicates that Samsung has very little traceability or integration through the end-to-end supply chain. It was asking customers to identify affected phones in the first round of recalls by examining the colour of the battery signal on the screen. In the 21st century many companies can trace where items are through linking information processes with distributors and vendors, Johnson says.

For the Note line of smartphones, this widespread and unprecedented recall could spell the end for that particular brand which is now tainted for potentially being a dangerous fire hazard.

Samsung still has the opportunity to win back customers by handling the refunds and returns without further hassle. It then has the unenviable task of having to win back goodwill of customers, partners, carriers by focusing on products that are just as safe, if not more so, than what its competitors currently have.
In some cases, the arrangement has alienated part of the Greens' traditional voter and membership base. Take his support of the kangaroo cull, for example. It's an issue that he says has split the Greens membership 50:50, angering animal rights-focussed members, but pleasing those who see it as a necessary conservation measure, backed by the science.
Mexicos America Movil has announced it will invest $600 million in its Dominican Republic unit, Claro Dominicana, over the next three years, America Movil CEO Daniel Hajj said to local daily Listin Diario.

The announcement was made immediately after a meeting between Hajj and Dominican President Danilo Medina.

"The Dominican Republic is currently the fastest growing country, and we will continue investing," Hajj said. He also said that the company would invest $200 million a year in the roll out of broadband and LTE networks.

In February this year the three big telcos, Claro, Dominicana/Altice, Orange and Trilogy Dominicana, announced investments of more than $400 million to be made in 2016.

Claro is the market leader, followed by Orange Dominicana/Altice and Trilogy Dominicana.
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GREAT FALLS  Three Great Falls men are charged with kidnapping and assaulting a woman who reported she was attacked during a battle over firearms removed from the home of a man who has previously identified himself as the president of the local Hermanos Motorcycle Club.

Rodney Leonard Lukasik, Brian Joseph Murphy and Robert Edmond Hoenjet were arrested last week.

The woman said she was at Lukasik's residence in May when Murphy, 53, ordered another man to remove several guns after a burglary. The woman said she helped load the firearms and that Lukasik was furious and thought the man had stolen the guns. The woman said she told Lukasik that Murphy ordered their removal.

Lukasik told the woman to file a report with police saying the guns had been stolen, but she refused because she believed Lukasik did not own the guns and that they had been stolen, court records said.

The woman, who said she purchased methamphetamine from Lukasik, said she spent a night at Lukasik's house in September and the next day was confronted by Murphy and Hoenjet.

She said she was assaulted, burned, shocked and strangled and had a gun pointed at her, court records said. She said Murphy and Hoenjet talked about killing her and lining the trunk of a car with plastic to dispose of her body.

All three men remain jailed with bail set at $100,000. They are scheduled to be arraigned on Oct. 20 and have requested public defenders, court officials said.

Lukasik, 50, also was charged with criminal possession of dangerous drugs after a search of his residence turned up small bags of methamphetamine.

Lukasik identified himself as the president of the Hermanos  a support club of the Texas-based Bandidos  in 2014 when he spoke with the Great Falls Tribune about a "poker run" fundraiser.
A federal jury awarded creditors of a Montana resort for the ultra-rich a $9 million judgment against the wife of the resort's founder after she was accused of helping conceal assets in the fallout from the club's bankruptcy.

The verdict against Jessica Ferguson was reached Tuesday and released Wednesday by U.S. District Court in Seattle.

Ferguson is the wife of Tim Blixseth, who founded the posh Yellowstone Club near Big Sky that went bankrupt in 2008.

Creditors represented by the Yellowstone Club Liquidating Trust argued that Blixseth transferred to Ferguson a jet, two yachts and a mansion in Medina, Washington in a fraudulent attempt to shield his assets.

Members of the jury largely agreed with the trust's allegations following a four-day trial before U.S. District Judge Richard Jones.

The jurors said in their verdict that Blixseth and an entity that he controlled known as Desert Ranch transferred two companies  Kawish and Western Air & Water  to Ferguson "with the intent to hinder, delay or defraud creditors."

Ferguson later sold the two yachts and jet and transferred $600,000 to her mother, Cherrill Ferguson.

The jury found Cherrill Ferguson accepted the money in good faith and without any intent to defraud the club's creditors.

The Fergusons' attorney, Paul Brain, declined to say if an appeal is planned and would not comment further on the case

The liquidating trust was set up to recover Yellowstone Club assets that Blixseth diverted to his personal use after he arranged a $375 million loan to the resort from Credit Suisse in 2005.

Trustee Brian Glasser said he was grateful to jurors "who saw past (Ferguson's) claims of ignorance" and instead decided she intended to "further her husband's unlawful scheme to outrun his creditors."

The trust has received prior court judgments against Blixseth totaling more than $500 million. However, to date it has reported recovering just $141.07.

The Yellowstone Club emerged from bankruptcy in 2009 under new ownership.
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.
- An exclusive partnership between IIM- Kozhikode and TSW in 21 cities across India

- The AMBA (Association of MBAs) accredited course has benefitted over 3000 working professionals

- An intensive 'Interactive Learning' mode over a period of two years

Mumbai, October 06, 2016: Indian Institute of Management-Kozhikode (IIM-K), one of the leading Indian B-schools, announces its "Executive Post Graduate Programme" for working professionals in 21 cities across India, through an exclusive partnership with TCLL's executive education brand, TSW (a part of TCLL).

It is a first of its kind two-year part time programme with 700 credits that includes management foundation courses, specialisation electives, capstone courses, functional workshop and simulations. With this programme, working professionals will have a direct access to IIM-K's experienced faculty, robust curriculum and excellent teaching methodology through a Live Virtual Interactive Learning platform. Graduates who have appeared for CAT or GMAT in the past are eligible to apply for the programme.

Having benefitted over 3,000 working professionals so far, today Indian Institute of Management-Kozhikode has introduced one of India's most rigorous programmes in various cities, with an aim to create high-impact learning experience including a brilliant mix of theory and practical knowledge.

Designed specially for working professionals who are looking at gaining competency and leadership skills to move to the next level in their organisations, this programme is offered to executives with at least three years of working experience.

The EPGP course offers significant exposure to key business concepts and strategies in an intensive format to its candidates without having to leave their jobs, and learn through 'Interactive Learning' mode.

With the AMBA (Association of MBAs) accredited programme, the participants will get a golden opportunity to become a part of IIM-K's two decade old alumni network. It also offers three week in-campus module within IIM-K's picturesque campus equipped with world class infrastructure facilities, to provide an on-campus learning experience.

The programme, which has been designed for capable executives, who need an enhanced understanding of business nuances in order to shine amongst their peers, is now open for enrolment to executives in various fields.

Speaking about the association, Prof. Kulbhushan Balooni, Director (In-charge), IIM-Kozhikode said, "Amidst the efforts to withstand today's competitive environment, young working professionals are always on the search of quality management education. In order to fulfil this requirement and maximise the reach, IIM-K in association with TSW has introduced a robust management programme. We are confident that thousands of working professionals will be benefited from this programme, who cannot attend our institute in Kozhikode. It will certainly help them develop and refine necessary skill sets to achieve success in their respective career."

"India is at the cusp of becoming a business power house and this process will demand excellent leadership capabilities across all spectrums and as Indian businesses look to grow in this environment, competency and agility become imperative for success. TSW comes to the aid of its learners. For the EPGP programme, TSW will partner IIM-K and bring to the learners the benefit of TSW's' virtual delivery and state-of-the-art pan India presence. The charm of a prestigious two year IIM Programme, flexibility of access to working professionals alongside enhancing one's management skills with one of India's best institutes makes this a unique career enhancement proposition.," says Anish Srikrishna, President, TCLL.

He further added, "Apart from the brilliant guidance provided by the professors at IIM-K, students will learn as much from their peers who will represent the strength of Indian industry. The knowledge exchange between professionals in multiple fields will expand their horizons and students will gain from the brand as well as from the alumni network thus, delivering some key benefits of a full time IIM course."

Times Centre for Learning Ltd (TCLL) has been the harbinger of learning for professional education with its undying focus on providing the best quality training that help build professionals from ground up.

TSW, a part of TCLL, focuses on helping its participants gain leadership competency, develop their personal brand, and move to the next level.

To know more visit - http://iimk.ac.in/ or http://timestsw.com/
Sometimes its good to be reminded of just how good a car is by giving it go once more. In the case of the Mitsubishi Xpander, its the smal...
Mike Nelson had a problem. People without reservations at his posh Northern Hotel kept showing up at the front desk insisting they had booked a room online.

They were furious when they were told there was no booking, even more so on the occasions when the downtown Billings hotel had no vacancy.

The problem was online booking agencies, with no affiliation whatsoever with the Northern, wrongfully charging customers and never booking rooms. The booking sites used the details scraped from the Northerns website to make it appear like they represented the hotel.

There were so many third party booking sites, some legitimate, some not, that the Northerns actual webpage bumped to fifth on Google searches, Nelson said Tuesday, during a meeting with U.S. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont.

The first four are Expedia affiliates. One is Reservation Counter. One says Northern Hotel.securereservations.com, Nelson said. That last site isnt affiliated with the hotel, but that didnt stop them from suggesting they were when Nelson called.

They answered and said Northern Hotel, thank you for calling, Nelson said. And it wasnt us. I said, Am I speaking with the Northern Hotel? there was a lag.

At the request of Montana hotel owners, like Nelson, Daines is carrying a bill to crack down on phony booking sites. The senator met in Billings on Tuesday with hotel owners from around the state, and also a representative from the Travel Industry Association of America.

Tourism is big business in Montana, according to Voices of Montana Tourism, a trade group. Last year, 11.7 million people visited Montana and spent $3.6 billion while they were here.

Phony online booking sites have become a major problem for hotels in Montana and elsewhere. Hoteliers say they cannot live without online bookings. Nearly three quarters of all hotel reservations are made online. They also cannot live with customers burned by bogus reservations.

Inevitably, those scammed customers associate the hotel with their bad experience, said Steve Wahrlich, owner of the Best Western Clocktower Inn in Billings. Wahrlich recalled one man who tried to check in only to find that he had no reservation and that the Clocktower Inn had not received payment.

So this guest basically made a pre-paid reservation at a fictitious website that had scraped our information. And the guest was out, Wahrlich said. We charge the guest 50 percent, and I thought that was being nice. I didnt have to do anything. But that guest was extremely upset at us.

Nationally, there are 13 million booking scams a year, translating into $1.3 billion in losses, according to the American Hotel and Lodging Association.

Thats the direct loss, when you tally up these transactions, not to mention the indirect loss where someone comes to Steve and that customer is really upset even though Steve had nothing to do with it, Daines said.

Daines said hes already receiving bipartisan support on the Senate Commerce Committee for his bill, the Stop Online Booking Scams Act of 2016.

The bill would make it illegal for any third party to run a booking site without disclosing that they are a third party not affiliated with the hotel.

Daines wants the Federal Trade Commission to make it easier for consumers and businesses to report bogus sites. Violating the terms would break Federal Trade Commission law. He also wants the FTC to report scam site operators to state attorneys general for prosecution.

It would make it unlawful for a third party online hotel reservation seller who is not affiliated with the hotel to accept payment for a reservation unless the seller discloses that they are not affiliated with the hotel, Daines said.

The ranking member of the Commerce Committee, Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla., is a co-sponsor of the bill, Daines said, which gives the proposal a better chance of passing.
General election ballots officially became available for voting on Tuesday in Montana, and in Yellowstone County, some early voters already were casting ballots.

Some voters showed up at the election office in the courthouse, but Election Administrator Bret Rutherford said most of the 90 or so returned ballots are from military service men and women.

While regular registration closed Tuesday, late registration begins Wednesday and runs until noon on Monday, Nov. 7. The deadline to apply for an absentee ballot is noon on Nov. 7.

Late registration reopens on Election Day but moves to MetraPark, where polling places for Billings will be located on Nov. 8. People can register to vote during the 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. polling hours.

After Tuesday, people wanting to register to vote have to do so in person at the courthouse and will receive an absentee ballot.

But dont wait until the deadlines, Rutherford said Tuesday. Just get it done, he advised.

Registered voters have about four weeks to request absentee ballots and can avoid last-minute waits or possible bad weather on Election Day by early voting, he said.

Voters can cast early ballots by mail or in person at the courthouse until noon Nov. 7.

Yellowstone County is on track to mail on Friday an estimated 59,000 absentee ballots, he said.

"Were getting bombarded with new applications, Rutherford said.

The election staff can turn around an absentee ballot request in about a day, so applications early in the week should go out with Fridays mailing.

Because of the states biennial absentee renewal, all absentee voters had to reapply this year. The election office sent out reminders this summer, and the office has had a good response, he said.

The Montana Secretary of States office on Tuesday listed Yellowstone County as having 93,887 registered voters.

Election interest is running high.

How could it not? Rutherford said, noting a four-day news cycle dominated by Sundays presidential debate and beginning last Friday with revelations of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trumps predatory sexual comments about women.

Absentee ballots are running about 10,000 ballots ahead of figures in 2012 and 8,000 ballots ahead of 2014, he said.

In 2012, the last presidential election, the county had 95,589 registered voters, issued 60,262 absentee ballots and had about 56,066 absentee ballots, or about 93 percent, returned, the SOS office said. Total votes cast was 69,923 ballots, with about 58 percent of the ballots being absentee ballots.
One weird dude Lessons from the Heart

There are not a lot of places where someones personal style gets mentioned in the New Testament, so this one...

Servant is as servant does Lessons from the Heart

Ive been thinking a lot about what a servant is. The word diakonia is a Greek word which is translated...
In schools, teachers typically answer students questions. But teachers often have questions of their own, and it can be tough to find someone to answer.

For some rural teachers, the professional isolation of being one of only a few teachers in a school, or the only one teaching a certain subject, can drive them toward districts that can offer more support  or out of the profession all together.

You are on an island, said Circle High science teacher John Demming.

Demming knows something about the value of professional support; after starting teaching in Stanford in central Montana, he went back to school and ended up teaching education courses for several years at Winona State University in Minnesota.

After spending part of his career preparing teachers, its not money that brought him back to the classroom. He enjoys having the flexibility to teach his curriculum.

I have virtual complete control over what happens in grades 7-12 in science, he said.

But for a beginning teacher, that can be a daunting task.

Theres so many things going on, its hard for them to determine where to spend their time resources, Demming said.

Given a blank check, Demming would invest more in teacher training once teachers are on the job.

You can gain a lot of knowledge in your educational classes. But wisdom comes from combining experience with knowledge, he said. A good teacher thats been teaching 30 or 40 years is impossible to replace.

I would try to fund a mentorship program that included curriculum-specific training. You identify the teachers who are teaching pedagogically soundly, and have new teachers come in almost as apprentices.

Training opportunities exist in Montana. The Office of Public Instruction has a variety of online and in-person options, and MEA-MFT, the state teachers union, hosts an annual conference and other training. Montana law requires at least three days per school year for professional development and allows up to seven. Larger districts often offer in-house training.

But several administrators and experts said those options are often unknown or underutilized.

Finding a way

Billings Public Schools officials and the local teachers union was discussing how to structure a formal mentorship program last school year, but the idea was put on ice after elementary and high school general fund levies failed.

Especially with our newer teachers, they come out and theyve got lots of great ideas, but its always good to have a veteran who can answer questions they have that they dont even know they have, said Billings Education Association president Rita Wells, who taught music last year. Its very necessary, but it would need to be compensated.

Structural elements of a program  like paying teachers involved and carving out time during the school day for review and feedback  are also hurdles that inhibit natural mentorship.

Like many teacher retention issues, this isnt just a Montana problem, but an issue across the country. Mentorship programs often vary by state, and in some cases theyre tied to teacher evaluations that factor in student test scores, something that Montana education officials have resisted.

Other nations train teachers very differently, according to yet-unpublished research from a Stanford University academic.

In Singapore, teachers who recently graduated from a teacher preparation program then go through another two years of on-the-job training. Theyre then required to teach successfully for two years, but only work with students about 15 hours per week, compared to more than 25 hours a week of teaching time teachers have with students in the United States. Even more experienced teachers in Singapore are given more time for planning and training, usually working with students for less than 20 hours per week.

A 2013 international survey found that American teachers had more student contact time each week than any of the 33 other countries surveyed.

In Montanas smallest schools, teachers often have even less time for prep. They often assume janitorial and secretarial duties, and several surveyed by Helena administrator Jilyn Oliveira for research completed in 2015 said those extra responsibilities contributed to teachers feeling overwhelmed.

In larger schools, teachers are responsible only for their own classrooms ... in rural schools the teacher is responsible for 'everything' thus feeling overwhelmed and frustrated as rural school teachers are not paid as well as in larger schools but certainly are expected to keep the school running smoothly, a veteran teacher who responded to the survey said.

Another teacher in the survey said, We have very little access to support systems or other teachers who teach the same grades as us. It can be very socially isolating for young teachers after being in college.

'By myself'

Thats what Montana State University professor Rob Petrone was hearing from former students.

After a year of two of teaching, his former students would call Petrone asking for help.

Petrone, who teaches future English teachers, toured eastern Montana with a colleague.

(Teachers) would say, 'Im all by myself. Im the whole English department,' he said. Petrone found that teachers often didnt know about existing training opportunities or werent using them. The teachers also experience a social and emotional isolation, he said.

They need other English teachers to talk to, he said. Its not just about professional support, but about knowing that other teachers are dealing with similar issues.

Research shows mentorship programs create good teachers and keep them in the profession.

In Montana, where such research is scarce, a 1995 study  limited to a dozen teachers  found that pairing experienced teachers who volunteered as mentors with their rookie counterparts resulted in more than 90 percent of teachers staying in the profession after two years, compared with 73 percent of teachers without mentors.

To meet that need for teacher support, the Office of Public Instruction recently unveiled an online training tool for teachers. More than 3,000 users have registered, and by the state's count about 1,400 educators from 298 schools have completed courses. Most of the educators are from small schools.

Demming, who grew up in Helena, sees more mentorship and training as a key to keeping teachers in rural schools.
On October 9, 1946, the Unimog Prototype 1 completed its first test drive, and Mercedes-Benz, understandably, wants to celebrate this anniversary.



However, before being transformed into a fully working prototype, one that had no bonnet and was fully laden with wood, on rough forest roads, as the carmaker explains, the Unimog had its fair share of shortages, blamed on the post-war era.

The man behind the project was Albert Friedrich. He began developing the concept in October 1944, just as the allied forces were sweeping through Germany, and in September 1945 he presented a blueprint to the board of directors, who showed little interest in it. Despite this, the project was submitted on October 9 to the Production Control Commission, which allowed the development and testing of 10 vehicles.

Subsequently, Friedrich passed the reins of the entire project to his former subordinate, chief designer Heinrich Robler. Early next year, a new plan was developed, with the engine and gearbox positioned directly to the right of the middle line of the vehicle, meaning that the protecting torque tubes could be mounted at the right angles to the axles. The innovative design had turned out to be so successful its still being used, 70 years later, for the U 4023/U 5023 series.

The term Unimog was first used in March 1946, by Hans Zabel, from Gaggenau, who had been part of the project from beginning, and was inspired by Universal-Motor-Gerat (universally applicable motorized machine).

No other commercial vehicle in the world can function as a tractor, towing vehicle, truck, fire fighting and exploration vehicle, bus and working machine, the automaker explains.

One year later, the Mercedes Unimog went into production, powered by a 25 horsepower diesel engine, which allowed it to accelerate up to a top speed of 50 km/h (31 mph). Since then, more than 400,000 units have seen the light of day, in numerous variations.

PHOTO GALLERY
Google Tilt Brush has normalized drawing in 3D space, so the next obvious step is animating drawings in virtual reality.

While multiple people are working on tools to enable classical animation on vr platforms, the furthest along might be Animvr, developed by Milan Grajetzkis Nvrmind. (The National Film Board of Canada has an advanced stereoscopic 3D tool for hand-drawn animation called SANDDE, but it is not commercially available.) Animvr, currently in development, allows users to draw and animate in vr by providing a set of tools based on traditional animation concepts like frames, onion skins, and timelines.

An alpha release of Animvr was made available to testers this week, and a publicly available release on SteamVR is expected in early 2017.
But how did the duo know it was the right time to launch their own vr company? Akmal told Cartoon Brew it was a combination of time spentmore than four yearson DreamWorks immersive projects, seeing billions of dollars being invested in the new industry, and a dramatic improvement in hardware, headsets, and software for virtual reality appications.

He added that although most of the discussion right now is about vr itself, Spaces is also particularly interested in mixed reality. Microsoft, which is creating the Hololens, has been a Spaces client from day one, and weve been closely involved with the Hololens, said Akmal. We think mixed reality is going to be transformative to the industry. While its important for us to be platform agnostic, we see enormous potential in mixed reality.

With so many new companies sprouting up in this area, Akmal and Herman are also conscious of the need to have a point of difference. They distinguish themselves as one of the few teams in vr that has worked on a wide variety of vr experiences, technologies, and hardware platforms, said Akmal. We think theres great potential for vr well beyond games, and at DreamWorks we got to create experiences for theme parks, for location-based attractions, for touring shows, for marketing events, and for consumer apps.

The theme parks area, in particular, is one that has perhaps generated the most interest in Spaces. Making vr for busy rides and amusement park experiences is a major challenge, the founders admit. Some of them are the obvious, like the need for commercial-grade headsets that are designed for hygiene and to be worn by hundreds of users a day, said Herman. Thats one that gets a lot of media attention, and is something we are very actively working on.

They point out other challenges, too, such as setting up server rooms, making vr wireless where it needs to be, power distribution for the many computers needed to run large-scale vr graphics, and even the robustness of connectors. Herman told Cartoon Brew that Spaces is actively working with theme park industry and hardware providers on these issues, without giving any particular details.

Of course, hardware and technology challenges are only part of the solution. The Spaces founders have also pinpointed a need for particular skills in this new content-driven medium, and many of those are in animation.

When it comes to tools and process, its amazing how effective it is for us to have our animators review their work in Hololens, said Herman. We have our own worklows built around our Spaces cloud that allows them to collaborate and see the same characters in a [HTC] Vive as they do in a Hololens and even across locations. Its a whole new way to review our work.


Photo: Adam Proskiw - Kelowna Photo: Adam Proskiw - Kelowna Photo: Adam Proskiw - Kelowna Photo: Adam Proskiw - Kelowna Photo: Adam Proskiw - Kelowna Photo: Adam Proskiw - Kelowna Photo: Adam Proskiw - Kelowna Photo: Adam Proskiw - Kelowna 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

Approximately 300 people took part in a public protest against genetically modified food and the Monsanto Corporation in Kelowna Saturday.

After speeches by Darin Howard and others, the group marched across the Hwy. 97 overpass and down to the Kelowna Crafters and Farmers Market on the corner of Springfield and Dilworth.

Photo: Adam Proskiw - Kelowna Former City Councillor Angela Reid-Nagy and her daughter at Saturdays march against Monsanto.

Similar marches took place Saturday all over the world, including Vancouver, London, Vienna, Brussels and many cities in the U.S.

Were not part of an organized group, said Darin Howard, one of the coordinators of the event.

Were just a group of individual volunteers that get together and decide how were going to do it.

Former City Councillor Angela Reid-Nagy brought along her 11-month-old daughter. She feels strongly that GMOs should never have been allowed into her food in the first place.

GMOs have not been adequately tested and theyre being unleashed into the natural world where they cross-breed with natural organisms, she said.

We dont understand the repercussions of that, yet.

Darin Howard helped organize the event and also participated in a similar protest that took place in March outside Parkinson Rec.

GMOs are a really important issue that isnt covered enough, he said.

If you dont know about GMOs yet, its important to get on the internet and start looking at the number of people (involved) and what their simple argument is.

He recommends people look for credible, scientific information and urges anyone interested to visit this local website and this Facebook page.
A wave of retirements and continued economic growth mean that Yellowstone County employers will have to fill around 32,000 job openings over the next decade.

About 23,000 of the the pending vacancies will happen thanks to baby boomers. Members of this population segment were born between 1946 and 1964 and are riding off into their retirement years. But projected population and economic growth in Yellowstone County will add even more job openings, attendees at Big Sky Economic Developments annual meeting learned Wednesday.

Steve Arveschoug, executive director of BSED, Yellowstone Countys economic development agency, urged attendees to think about how Billings compares to other cities within a 500-mile drive. Over the coming decades, Billings will continue to compete with other cities within 500 miles for well trained workers.

A video presentation highlighted numerous public and private projects that are already underway or are expected to be completed over the next four years. Commercial development is expanding at Shiloh Crossing and the nearby Montana Sapphire development. Improvements are on the drawing board for the downtown medical corridor, at Billings Logan International Airport, in Lockwood, downtown Billings and near MetraPark.

Also, Big Sky Economic Development Corp., the privately financed arm of the agency, has reached a new milestone: 150 private businesses are dues-paying members.

The theme of Wednesdays meeting was how technical innovation can improve health care delivery and drive economic development.

Dr. Neelum Aggarwal, a neurologist and associate professor at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, has been involved in an extensive study in which medical providers have been attempting to improve treatment of stroke patients.

Research showed that black and Hispanic workers were less likely to receive effective treatment for strokes compared to Caucasians.

When a person experiences a stroke, its essential to give them medication as quickly as possible. But numerous issues prevented members of minority communities from getting treatment in a timely manner.

Efforts to improve treatment in minority communities through regular means were largely ineffective. But progress was made with help from innovative start-up companies that put technology to work. Neelum said

Start-up companies involved with a business incubator known as MATTER used cellphone apps to improve outcomes for members of minority communities. As a result, the incubator continued to grow and attract even more start-up companies, she said.
Photo: Preserved Light Photography

The Naramata Centre welcomed 184 local residents and visitors to a single long table for a community potluck dinner on Sunday.

The NaramataSlow long table potluck dinner was provided by the guests, with attendees challenged to showcase as much Naramata grown, raised or sourced ingredients in their dish to share.

"The weather was perfect and the whole community came out to support this initiative," said organizing committee member Miranda Halladay. "The Cittaslow designation prompts us to think and talk about our community and to protect and foster the elements that are integral to living NaramataSlow."

The dinner was convened by the local CittaSlow Committee to raise awareness and create conversations around Naramatas designation as a Cittaslow Community.

In 2010, the Regional District of Area E, commonly known as Naramata, was only one of two communities in Canada to receive the designation. The Naramata Bench Wineries Association and RDOS Area E are also supporters.

This first local event was sold out in less than 10 days.

Included in the Naramta-raised food Sunday was a pig provided by Bella Homestead Farm owner Jay Drysdale. The animal had been raised less than two kilometers from the site of the dinner.

It is so gratifying to see one of our animals used to feed our community. There is no higher reward as a farmer to see the thanks given for your efforts, said Drysdale. Its truly inspiring to see how this movement is taking hold in our area. For me to be able to contribute in this way is quite an honour.

A select group of Naramata Bench wineries also set up an open air wine lab tasting experience to showcase the terrior of the Naramata Bench.

All wines were sourced from vineyards located within the Cittaslow designated area.

Guests were given the opportunity to sample varietals such as Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Viognier and Chardonnay.

Those involved with the centre were happy to provide the use of its facilities as the main gathering place on the Thanksgiving Day weekend.

The spirit of togetherness is the foundation of the centre, and we instinctively offered our support because the Cittaslow values are very similar," said Naramata Centre Society member Jim Simpson. "Sunday was a perfect example of what can be done when we all work together.
Photo: Getty Images File photo.

There has been an increase in the number of dog attacks in the North Okanagan and surrounding areas, according to Pat Ellis of K-9 Control, the company.

According to information supplied by the North Okanagan Regional District, 12 tickets were issued for dog attacks on humans and 12 tickets for dog attacks on other animals in the first six months of 2016.

As well, figures show 19 people were bitten or attacked by dogs in 2015 while there were 35 other reports of dog bites or attacks on other animals. The figures are much higher than totals shown between 2010-14.

We are seeing more attacks. They are more frequent and more dangerous, Ellis said. More people are getting big protection-type dogs in general.

Incidents include:

a Bullmastiff attack on an elderly man in Vernon on Sept. 4 that left the victim with a shattered hip

a Husky attack at Mutrie Road dog park at the end of September that left a small Shih Tzu dead

a June attack by a pit bull in Fintry that sent a man to hospital with serious injuries

Further afield, K-9 Control staff picked up two large guard dogs last Friday in Louis Creek, north of Kamloops, after an attack that knocked the owner to the ground and left a Chihuahua dead, Ellis said.

We're having a lot of problems in the dog parks as well, Ellis said.

The dog protection expert urges dog owners to keep their dogs leashed, even in dog parks, unless they are certain the animals will behave.

Ellis also asks prospective pet owners to research the dog that they want so they know its traits and how much exercise it needs.

Ellis also reminds owners that next year's dog licenses will be out Oct. 15.
Photo: Deborah Pfeiffer

School districts in the South Okanagan have joined other districts province-wide in issuing a parent advisory on clown-related threats.

The advisory is a precautionary measure, as there haven't been any confirmed clown threat incidents in the South Okanagan.

The letter, provided by Safer Schools Together, reads in part: "The majority of these threats are appearing throughout social media platforms primarily through Instagram and Snapchat accounts.

"It is imperative that you talk to your children about reporting these threats if they see them on social media and bring them to the attention of school officials and/or law enforcement.

It is also important to make students aware that if they engage in, or participate in any way, in this type of threat-related behaviour, they will experience discipline and/or criminal charges. Many students see this as a prank and not as criminal behaviour."

The parent advisories have been sent out by school districts 67 and 53 in this region.

RCMP have also issued the following response to the recent clown sightings.

"The RCMP continue to take these types of complaints seriously. We encourage those involved in an incident, or a witness to such an event with a criminal element, to immediately contact their local police. Based on the evaluation of information provided, RCMP will likely initiate an investigation into these incidents."

"When it comes to incidents involving local schools, RCMP wish to assure the public that existing systems are in place, and information is regularly shared between the RCMP and Central Okanagan School District, when it comes to threats of any kind.

"It is also important to note that when police resources are diverted to hoaxes, those resources are no longer available to deal with real emergency situations. Someone else's life could be in jeopardy because of that hoax."
Photo: Contributed

The list of movers and shakers in Vernon under 40 years old is complete.

The final five recipients in the 2016 KPMG Top Twenty under 40 include a lawyer, a registered nurse, a hydrogeologist, a small business owner and a young leader who describes himself as an athlete, adventurer, and storyteller.

Josh Dueck, 35, is a Canadian Alpine skier who won a silver medal at the 2010 Winter Paralympics in Vancouver in the men's slalom sit-ski event.

He was also Canadas Flag Bearer at the closing ceremonies of the Sochi Paralympics and now heads up Freedom Movement Inc.

The other four recipients announced today include:

Lindsay James, owner, Hairstylist - The Scarlet Studio

Dawn Lypchuk, enterostomal therapist and RN - Interior Health and Nightingales Medical

Ryan Rhodes, vice-president - Western Water Associates Ltd.

Max Russman, lawyer and partner - Nixon Wenger LLP

Recognizing some of the talented young professionals in the region has multiple benefits, says Dauna Kennedy Grant, chamber president. Its important for our community to know the caliber of talent we have here and by doing so it can also inspire other youth to dream big."
Vernon city council may be about to approve a rainbow crosswalk in support of the LGBTQ community, but where it will go is not clear.

Council heard Tuesday from local resident Travis Irmen who began an online campaign some months ago in the hopes of convincing council to put in an eight-colour rainbow crosswalk on 30th Avenue in the downtown core.

Ive seen an incredible change for the support of the LGBTQ (in Vernon), Irmen told council.

But he added that others did not have the support he's been shown and still feel the painful sting of homophobia.

A number of councillors indicated they are in support of a rainbow crosswalk, but councillor Bob Spiers said he'd like to see it by a school.

It seems to make more sense to me to have it at schools, to promote the anti-bullying (message), to promote the inclusion of all.

I like the school idea because it acts as an educational tool for all the younger kids, agreed Mayor Akbal Mund. I think having it at the Beairsto (school) crossing would be a great idea.

While Irmen said he would like to see rainbow crosswalks outside schools, he pressed for the downtown location for impact, pointing to a rainbow crosswalk in downtown Kelowna.

Talking to people in Kelowna, it would actually draw people to the downtown core.

Council will discuss the matter at its next meeting.
Photo: Twitter - NBC New York

Two airliners clipped wings while on the ground at New Jersey's Newark Liberty International Airport.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey says no one was hurt in the Tuesday evening incident, but both planes had minor damage.

A spokeswoman for Chicago-based United Airlines says a flight arriving from Beijing had landed safely at the airport and was at a stop when an empty Lufthansa plane made contact with it.

The spokeswoman says the plane was towed to the gate and maintenance is inspecting it. There were 150 passengers and 15 crew members on board at the time.

The incident remains under investigation. Airport officials say it did not cause any delays.

Cologne, Germany-based Deutsche Lufthansa AG hasn't replied to an email seeking comment.
Photo: The Canadian Press

A remote village on Alaska's northwest coast has begun a reverse tourism campaign. Residents want visitors to stay away.

Pacific walrus by the thousands in recent years have come ashore in early fall near the Inupiat village of Point Lay, including about 6,000 last week, and people have dropped in, hoping to see a marine mammal phenomenon brought on by climate change and disappearing summer sea ice in the Chukchi Sea.

However, Point Lay, population 270, has no hotel or restaurants. And walrus to residents are a major food source, not a curiosity. Disturbances by boats or airplanes can spook walrus into stampedes that crush the smallest animals.

So Point Lay is working with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on an information campaign: Thanks for the interest, but please don't stop by.

"They've had people come and had no place to accommodate them and they ended up having to tell the person to get back on the plane and head out," said Andrea Medeiros, spokeswoman for the agency in Anchorage. "I would imagine it's a very awkward situation for them."

Walrus started coming ashore on the northwest Alaska coast in 2007. In September last year, 35,000 packed a rocky beach near Point Lay. The carcasses of more than 130 mostly young walruses were counted after a stampede in September 2009 at Icy Cape.

Walrus prefer spreading out on sea ice, where they can monitor the approach of predators such as polar bears.

In recent years, as Arctic temperatures have warmed, the edge of the sea ice has receded far to the north over water too deep for walrus to dive and reach the ocean bottom. Walrus have the choice of resting on ice over deep water or moving to shore, joined by thousands of other animals.
Photo: The Canadian Press

An extensive blackout struck Tokyo on Wednesday, affecting government offices and halting trains in the Japanese capital just before the evening rush hour.

Tokyo Electric Power Co., a utility serving the Tokyo region, said officials are investigating the cause of the blackout.

The company, known as TEPCO, said smoke was detected at its unmanned power substation in Niiza city, near Tokyo, and officials are looking into whether it's related to the blackout.

TEPCO said as many as 350,000 households and offices were temporarily out of power. Electricity was restored to most of them later.

Japanese television showed black smoke billowing from the substation in a business district. There were no immediate reports of injuriest. Tokyo's metropolitan police department, the land and transportation ministry and the foreign ministries were among the government offices that briefly lost power.

The Tokyo Fire Department said they received reports from people trapped inside elevators in downtown Tokyo and were assessing the situation. Traffic lights were also temporarily out in some locations in Tokyo.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference that officials are looking into the cause of the incidents, but did not answer when asked about a possible sabotage, according to NHK.
Photo: Contributed

It's about time for Bob Dieno.

The Kamloops resident launched a campaign last year to end daylight savings time, saying it is more detrimental than beneficial.

He has thousands of people behind him  more than 26,000 have signed an online petition asking the time change be stopped  but only the government can make that call and Dieno said so far no action has been taken.

In fact, no one is even calling him back.

Dieno said he has been reaching out to provincial officials, but no one has returned his calls.

Dieno, who runs Nutech Fire Protection and Safety in Kamloops, said he is extremely disappointed with the lack of communication from government officials.

They are just not responding, said Dieno. We have asked for an update, but heard nothing. I think the reality is it's one of those things where no one wants to take the lead.

Dieno noted the B.C. Chamber of Commerce is supporting the movement as well, and he and his backers are not giving up any time soon.

We are having a meeting next week and we may start something from a different angle, said Dieno.

With the fall time change happening on Nov. 6 this year, Dieno expects a lot more interest in his campaign and even hinted it could become an election issue.

A provincial election is scheduled for next year.

Along with the petition, Dieno also started a Facebook page that has thousands of likes.

Dieno said statistics show the likelihood of a serious workplace accident within the first week of the time change increases by 10 per cent. The odds of an accident in the home jumps by 30 per cent over the same week and the risk of a car accident increases by 10 per cent in the first 48 hours after the change.
Photo: Darren Handschuh

Enjoy the sunshine while you can.

The Okanagan has been bathed in fall sun for days, but according to Environment Canada that is about to change.

Weather prognosticators are calling for nothing but clouds and rain for the next week.

Starting Thursday, grey skies take over the region with showers through Friday. The weekend is not looking much better with a 30-60 per cent chance of rain Saturday, Sunday and throughout the rest of the week.

For those heading to the hills, winter tires might be a thought as the snow level will be between 1,400-1,700 metres.

Snow has already caused havoc on the Coquihalla Connector and area ski hills are reporting dustings of the white stuff.
The Billings City Council heard a proposal to substitute Indigenous Peoples Day for Columbus Day, which was celebrated Monday, but took no action on the proposal during Tuesdays business meeting.

Former Councilman Ken Crouch said that Denver and Phoenix recently made the switch. He presented the council with a petition with nearly 100 signatures requesting that Billings follow suit.

The petition is from people saying it is time for us to create a day that is no longer disturbing to a large part of our citizenry  our Native Americans, said Crouch, who made the same proposal last year while serving on the council. Every time they see Columbus Day celebrated, it is a disturbing reminder of what their ancestors experienced for hundreds of years and continue to experience.

Dennis Ulvestad said he preferred to keep the holiday as Columbus Day, but turn it into a day of honest education, deep reflection and national mourning, a day to remind ourselves that Oct. 12, 1492, was the first day of 500 years of dehumanization, theft, war, genocide and even extinction for countless tribes, languages and cultures, and millions of people.

We do not want to see Columbus glorified or vilified, Ulvestad said, but simply presented in the context of the standard and ethics of his time.

Kinsley Walksalong, of Billings, told the city council that Native Americans are still suffering the historic trauma of Columbus treatment of the people he encountered in the New World.

If you read history, what Columbus did to Native American peoples is not right. Its not good, she said. I hope you will take these petitions into consideration.

Councilwoman Angela Cimmino noted that Columbus never set foot on what is now the United States.

She proposed that the city council entertain a discussion to designate another day to recognize our Native American population thats so near and dear to us.
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St. Vincent Healthcare announced Wednesday that Tom and Joan Scott have donated $1 million to help the hospital renovate its pediatric intensive care unit.

"Joan and I are honored to help St. Vincent provide the region with a new level of care to young people and their families that are facing a health crisis," Tom Scott said in a news release.

The hospital is in the midst of a fundraising campaign for a $2.3 million renovation and upgrade of its PICU, a specialized unit staffed 24/7 by nurses and certified pediatric intensivists to care for infants, children and teenagers whose conditions, illnesses or injuries are life-threatening and require extra care.

In early October, the St. Vincent Healthcare Foundation's SAINTS Ball event raised a record $1.15 million for the project.

"We are overjoyed that Tom and Joan Scott have recognized St. Vincent Childrens excellence in pediatric intensive care and have given generously to support our program, said Dennis Sulser, CEO and president of the foundation, which is running the campaign. "This gift is a testament to Toms ongoing commitment to the Billings community and his impact on helping the region prosper."

Tom Scott is the former CEO of First Interstate BancSystem and the son of its founder, Homer Scott.

Former First Interstate Bank CEO Ed Garding said that Scott has been giving gifts to the community for years and sets a good example through his actions and giving personally.

"He encouraged the banks and their employees to support their local communities through monetary donations and the gift of time," he said.

To honor the donation, the hospital will name a wing of its pediatric unit the Tom and Joan Scott Pediatric Wing.

Construction on the new unit is scheduled to begin in November. When concluded, construction on the five-bed unit will include private rooms and updated technology. Improvements to the rest of the pediatric floor will also be made.

Hospital officials say that having the PICU in Billings means families can stay closer to home, instead of having to travel to larger cities, while their children receive care.

"A gift of this magnitude empowers us to develop specialty services and state of the art facilities that will ultimately transform the delivery of pediatric medical care in Montana and Wyoming," said Dr. Janis Langohr, St. Vincent Childrens Medical Director.
Ghana: CMAG condemn minister's permit for Chinese imports

12 October 2016

The Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana (CMAG) has expressed its disatisfaction at Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Ghana's Minister of Trade & Industry, for offering a permit to a Chinese company to import 500,000t of cement into Ghana without the approval of the Cement Monitoring Committee.

CMAG comprises GHACEM Ltd, Diamond Cement Ghana Ltd, Savanna Diamond Co Ltd and Western Diamond Cement Ltd. The CMAG parties stated: "We, the cement manufacturers, demand that the Minister revokes this permit not because we are preventing competition but the manner that it was issued violates the procedures as enshrined in the LI.

"Cement manufacturers condemn this illegal, disrespectful act which is injurious to the local cement industry."



Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah, chairman of CMAG, at a press conference in Tema yesterday, said "from 2014 to date, Ghana has been witnessing the importation of cement mainly from China to compete with local manufacturers.



"The continuous up swelling of cement imports will compel local manufacturers to scale down operations and the negative economic consequences are so obvious to mention...It is therefore mind-boggling to see the ascendancy of cement imports from China by SOL and Fujian, and from Korea and Nigeria by Dangote cement, despite persistent petitions that manufacturers have installed capacities to meet local demand."



He said that besides the afore-stated "there was another cement factory coming up by the end of 2016 in the Free Zones enclave at Tema with a total capacity of 1Mta."



Recently, the Ministry of Trade & Industry, in collaboration with Cabinet, Parliament, and the support of the local cement manufacturers, passed the Legislative Instrument (LI) 2240 to regulate exports and imports of Portland cement.













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USA: centenary up for Victorville plant

12 October 2016

Cemex Victorville has been celebrating its 100th-year anniversary in producing cement in the Victor Valley for customers in California and western USA.



The plant, which opened its doors on Labor Day in 1916, was recognised by the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors for the company's contributions as "a cornerstone" of the local economy and a community partner.



"Cemex has been a tremendous company in our community," First District Supervisor Robert Lovingood said. "For a century, generations of High Desert residents have worked at the cement plant, earning good wages to provide for their families."



In August Cemex announced its Victorville plant achieved the US Environmental Protection Agency's Energy Star certification for 2016 for its efforts in energy efficiency and sustainability. It was the fifth time the plant was recognised.



"The effort these plants put into their sustainability initiatives, day in and day out, is a shining example for our industry," said Dr Hugo Bolio, executive vice president cement operations and technology for Cemex USA. "We're very proud of the work they've done to attain Energy Star certification this year."



Cemex acquired the Victorville plant from Southdown in 2000. Over the last four years, Cemex has installed 400ft high wind turbines in an attempt to cut carbon emissions and energy costs. The two turbines in Victorville produce an estimated 6500MWh of electricity in an average year, sufficient to sustain 650 average homes, according to Cemex.









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(TNS) -- The industrial maintenance technology program at Henderson Community College is meant to make graduates into a kind-of human Swiss Army knife.That is, the program's curriculum is designed to train multi-skilled technicians with the ability to fix or repair a wide variety of technology used in multiple industries, said Tony Mercer, HCC's industrial maintenance technology coordinator.The employers today, they want maintenance individuals that are capable of doing everything," said Mercer. They want somebody to not necessarily be a pro at everything, but they want you to be so well-rounded; they want what we call super techs.Frank Honeycutt, the CNC Department Manager at Sunrise Tool & Die, said there's no doubt that having multi-skilled technicians is appealing."The more diversified that an employee is the bigger the benefit for the company and different industries throughout the state," Honeycutt said. "The more anybody knows with any job, the bigger the benefit is for the employer."Honeycutt said there are five or six of Sunrise employees attending CNC setup programmer classes at the college, taking different courses each semester over a three- or four-year period.Gibbs Die Casting also has several employees enrolled in HCC's maintenance apprenticeship and CNC apprenticeship, as well as one in the IMT program, said Michelle Ramacciotti, the company's director of human resources."The better trained they are and the more information they are armed with, the more successful they will probably be here," she said.Ramacciotti added that being well-versed in several areas gives employees the opportunity to cross train rather than be siloed into a particular specialty.Dana Henderson has taken advantage of HCCs IMT program in the past few years to fulfill a portion of the state approved apprenticeship programs for maintenance technicians and tool and die makers, said Bryan Thomas, Dana's engineering manager. Employees who complete the program receive a state recognized journeymens certification.Recent HCC graduates have found jobs through Toyota, Audubon Metals, Gibbs Die Casting, Dana Corp., Cresline Plastic Pipe Company and International Paper.To be competitive in the commercial vehicle market, Thomas said a plant their size must run a very efficient operation."We are not large enough for skill specialization. We simply would not have enough work to keep employees fully employed if we did not have the flexibility of multi-skilled technicians," he said.Mercer said that what people fail to realize is that, as technology advances, it won't replace people's jobs for the most part. It may replace non-skilled jobs, but skilled technicians are needed to work on the equipment if it breaks or doesn't run properly.As the industry advances, our training has to advance," Mercer said. "Thats where I think theres a big need in the state of Kentucky alone, where theyre looking for a bigger push for technology.Having a skilled base of workers could help draw more manufacturers to Kentucky. The feedback now is that the commonwealth lacks those skilled work.That's the kind of training that the IMT program provides technicians, he said.Flexibility is key.With the increased use of technology in manufacturing, its advancing so rapidly they need technicians to be able to work on it all," Mercer said.An industrial maintenance technology associate degree can help students and trainees secure a job at a utility, chemical plant, power plant, in the railroad industry or manufacturing, among others.Students who earn an associate's degree in IMT will also receive five to seven certificates, depending on the technical electives they choose, he said.Employers can contact the college's Workforce Solutions Department to set up a modified class that is tailored specifically for their industry needs, he said.The college also has apprenticeship programs where industries send incumbent technicians through a series of classes to get training.One of the required curriculum courses for industrial maintenance technology is stick welding, also known as shielded metal arc welding. Students may also take other courses to fulfill their technical elective requirements.HCC opened its new welding lab for classes in the spring. The lab is located on campus behind the Sullivan Technology Center."The program is growing," said Mercer. "We have a big variety of students that come through our welding facility program."
Some Republican legislators have been trying to convince the public that the states budget, and its economy, are in a shambles, and that its all Gov. Steve Bullocks fault. But as legislators who voted alongside our Republican colleagues in support of the budget during the last legislative session, we think Montanans deserve the truth rather than election year rhetoric.

The truth is that we are working with a budget that was put together by a Republican-controlled legislature. As with any budget, expenditures had to match estimated revenues, and it was a Republican senator, Fred Thomas, who presided over the committee that estimated what revenues would be. In this process, there was always the possibility that we would get the revenue numbers wrong, and recognizing that, Bullock insisted that we keep a healthy balance in the bank to meet any unforeseen shortfalls.

Ready for rainy day

We did get the revenue number wrong, we did have to dip into that rainy day reserve, and we are all fortunate that the governor had the foresight to insist that it be there to dip into. Otherwise, we would have been forced to roll back needed spending on schools, roads, health care and other vital services. The fact that our reserves are dwindling is not a sign of fiscal mismanagement, but of fiscal prudence. We were prepared for a rainy day.

It is particularly ironic that Republican legislators go after the governor for fiscal mismanagement when, if they had gotten their way, the situation today would be a lot worse. Throughout the session Republicans sent tax cut measures to the Governor that would truly have busted the budget. They also proposed spending cash reserves on infrastructure. The Governor resisted these measures forcefully, and in the end, that turned out to be exactly the right thing to do. Voters should be very wary of politicians, like Greg Gianforte, who promise to be fiscally responsible in one breath, and to slash taxes for the wealthy in the next.

Market forces

Some Republican colleagues also argue that our current budget challenges are the result of declining production in oil and gas, coal, and other natural resource industries, and again, try to pin that decline on Bullock. But the governor of Montana has no control over the forces that are shaping and shaking the natural resource and energy markets. Try as we might, we cannot raise the price of oil or keep cheap natural gas from displacing coal.

Faced with the boom and bust cycle in natural resource markets, the smart thing to do is to keep some cash on hand to make up for flagging revenue, and to foster a diversified and adaptable economy. Thats what Governor Bullock has been doing. There are more Montanans working now than ever. Unemployment rates are below, and wages are rising faster than, national averages. And unlike other states that are less diverse and more dependent on natural resources, weve been able to weather the inevitable ups and downs in the energy industry.

Montanas economic and fiscal state is strong and resilient. Under Bullocks leadership, we are well prepared for what comes our way.
As parents, we appreciate the difference between being ignorant (read: uneducated) and being mistaken (read: incorrect deduction). So when we read the Gazette Opinion on Oct. 3 entitled Gianfortes jobs pitch may be a curveball we knew we were in the presence of greatness  at least with respect to being both ignorant and mistaken.

After joining RightNow Technologies in 2006, we spent the next six years working to build a world class company in Montana. With our colleagues, we listened to our customers, built technology-driven solutions, and achieved amazing success. We both feel that RightNow, founded and led by Greg Gianforte, was the best company we ever worked for.

So we were surprised to see that, while trying to smear Gianfortes business credentials, The Gazette collectively tossed the entire RightNow team under the same bus. Some of the more ignorant and mistaken statements include that we were in the business of eliminating jobs, and that we suppressed wages through outsourcing. While we see the clear political agenda, their opinion requires the complete suspension of logic.

Customer service

Does anyone (other then the Gazette editorial staff) actually believe that technology in business is a net negative? Does The Gazette still set type by hand or write their opinions with a quill? After hundreds of customer meetings, we know that our customers had overwhelming customer service demand, the need to improve customer satisfaction, and the desire to save money so they could invest elsewhere  often funding higher paying jobs. Gianforte recognized this opportunity and provided the leadership that allowed RightNow to deliver on it.

The Gazette was equally mistaken with their supporting Forbes quote stating that RightNow was "taking the concept of outsourcing to new levels". We would recommend that the editors read further as they might find our favorite quote With our enabling technology, were actually able to do what used to be thought of as impossible. RightNow allowed our customers, through our software, to reduce dependence on outsourced call centers. We assume that even the Gazette would agree that this is a good thing.

Jobs for Montana

Speaking of outsourcing, it was strangely absent at RightNow. There was also this unique ethic of "jobs for Montana," rather than for San Francisco or Seattle. To his credit, this ethic started with Gianforte, and was adopted by the rest of the company. We both recall the nine employees in Armenia (referenced by the Gazette) helping out the engineering team, but it was an odd exception.

To be clear, we support Greg Gianforte as a candidate for governor, given his competence and unique experience. We also have good friends who worked for Gianforte that have differing political views. This is no surprise given the diversity of employees at RightNow. But what we can agree on is that he and the rest of us who were fortunate enough to work for RightNow, can be unapologetically proud of what we were able to accomplish, both for our customers and for Montana.
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HELENA  Montana's attorney general has the authority to move the state Title and Registration Bureau from Deer Lodge to Helena, a judge ruled in a lawsuit filed by the City of Deer Lodge seeking to block the move.

The city of Deer Lodge and its council members argued the decision was made without taking public comment, in violation of the Montana Constitution.

District Judge Ray Dayton ruled last week that Attorney General Tim Fox had the authority to make the decision under state law, which allows him to manage the internal organizational structure of the Department of Justice and to promote its efficient operation.

"While the defendants' decision to move the TRB office out of Deer Lodge is certainly lamentable from the community's perspective  and a decision that might well have been handled differently  it was a decision that the attorney general had authority to make," Dayton wrote.

Fox announced the decision in June, saying moving the 37 jobs to Helena and not renting the Deer Lodge facility that has more space than needed would save about $216,000 annually.

"We are pleased with the ruling," DOJ spokesman John Barnes said Tuesday. The move will free up resources that can be used to improve customer service throughout the state, Barnes said.

The attorney for the city, Jeff Hindoien, did not immediately return a phone call seeking comment.
KALISPELL Officials in northwestern Montana have released the name of a 25-year-old man who was killed by a train in a remote area east of Libby.

Lincoln County Undersheriff Brandon Huff said Tuesday that Darren Joseph of Connecticut was killed early on Oct. 6.

The sheriff's office received a report at 4:42 a.m. from BNSF Railway workers that a deceased person was found on the tracks. A second train stopped and the crew confirmed there was a man's body near the tracks.

Investigators believe Joseph was a stowaway on a container train when he fell onto the tracks.

Huff says it appears Joseph's death was accidental. Officials did not give a hometown for Joseph.
New or replaced gas service lines for apartments and small businesses across the United States must be equipped with inexpensive safety valves starting next year following deadly fires and explosions over decades that could have been avoided, the Obama administration announced Tuesday.

The National Transportation Safety board and many advocates had pressed for years to broaden requirements for so-called excess flow valves, which can shut off gas automatically when a line is ruptured. An Associated Press investigation in 2012 uncovered more than 270 accidents dating to 1968 that could have been averted or made less dangerous if the valves had been in place.

The administration's rule would not require the valves on tens of millions of existing lines. Customers could request that valves be installed by their gas utility, but Tuesday's U.S Department of Transportation rule left it up to state regulators to decide who will pay for the work.

The valves can cost about $30 apiece for residential use.

They won't prevent lines from being ruptured, such as when a backhoe doing excavation work slices through a gas pipe servicing a house.

But by limiting the amount of gas that escapes, officials say the valves can prevent a buildup of fuel that can contribute to explosions or fires. That will result in "reduced fatalities, injuries, lost product, and other property damage from certain types of preventable incidents," transportation officials wrote in the rule.

Federal safety officials have said the valves could have averted accidents that killed at least 10 people and injured many more since 1998. Among those was a 2012 Springfield, Massachusetts, explosion that leveled a strip club, injured at least 20 people and damaged dozens of buildings.

A 2009 mandate called for the installation of excess flow valves on new and replaced gas distribution lines serving single-family residences. The new rule expands that mandate to include lines serving multiple homes, duplexes and small multi-family buildings, and shops ranging from doctors' offices and shopping centers to banks.

The rule also requires gas distribution companies to install curb valves  manually-operated shut-off valves located near the service main  or EFVs for larger-diameter lines to protect against uncontrolled gas releases from larger commercial and industrial users

Out of more than 67 million gas service lines in the U.S., more than 9 million have excess flow valves, according to information previously submitted to regulators. A breakdown by type of customer was not available.

About 220,000 customers annually would be affected by the rule, according to the Transportation Department's Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
CHEYENNE, Wyo.  A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday against Wyoming officials who sought to require the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to round up wild horses from overpopulated herds, a decision praised by horse advocates as potentially precedent-setting for managing the animals across the West.

The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver upheld a ruling last year that the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act doesn't mandate roundup of overpopulated wild horses.

Wild horse advocacy groups including the American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign hailed the latest decision. The groups' attorney, Bill Eubanks, said the ruling could affect similar federal cases originating in Utah and Nevada.

"This is, in our view, pretty important," Eubanks said. "There are two other pending cases in the American West right now that raise exactly the same legal issue."

The appeals court found that Wyoming's wild horses aren't necessarily overpopulated because the Wild Free-Roaming Horses and Burros Act doesn't clearly define at what point they would be, Eubanks said.

Even so, Eubanks said, the Bureau of Land Management has other options besides roundups to protect rangeland health, including giving them fertility-control drugs and reducing cattle grazing.

Wild horse numbers exceed federal population goals in several areas across the West. The animals compete with cattle and other livestock for forage, especially around watering holes where animals of every sort congregate, ranchers say.

Each year, the Bureau of Land Management rounds up thousands in a never-ending attempt to control their numbers. The agency adopts many out to the public and sends others to live out their days on sanctuaries.

Wild horse advocates object to roundups as cruel and unnecessary.

Wyoming filed its lawsuit against the Interior Department and Bureau of Land Management in 2014, saying too many wild horses can damage rangelands and that federal law requires land managers to curtail their numbers.

The wild horse groups and federal government didn't dispute Wyoming's claim that wild horse numbers topped the Bureau of Land Management's population objectives in seven of the 16 federal wild-horse management areas in the state.

As of March, wild horse numbers had exceeded population objectives in 15 of the 16 areas, Gov. Matt Mead said in a statement. "Wyoming wildlife, including wild horses, are treasured assets. Mismanagement adversely affects all species and the rangelands necessary for their health and survival," Mead said.

Mead said he was disappointed by the ruling and had asked Wyoming Attorney General Peter Michael to review the state's options.

Bureau of Land Management spokeswoman Kristen Lenhardt declined to comment on the ruling, citing agency policy not to discuss litigation. The Bureau of Land Management will continue to manage Wyoming's wild horses for the health of both the horses and rangelands, she said in statement.
CHEYENNE  A legislative panel has suggested specific graduated penalties for possession of marijuana edibles that police say are increasingly coming in from other states where the drug is legal.

A subcommittee of the Joint Judiciary Interim Committee voted Tuesday to recommend drafting a measure that would make the first conviction a low misdemeanor that would carry a penalty of up to a $200 fine and 20 days in jail. The second conviction would carry a fine of up to $750 and six months.

A third conviction would be a felony, which would be punishable by up to a $1,000 fine and a year in jail.

Current state law only provides misdemeanor charges for possession of marijuana edibles.

The proposed draft bill will be considered by the full interim committee next month.
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CHEYENNE  Sentencing has been set for a New Jersey man who pleaded guilty to insurance fraud charges in connection with the 2010 arson of the landmark Hitching Post Inn.

The Wyoming Tribune Eagle reports that Falgun Dharia faces up to 20 years in prison when he's sentenced Nov. 17.

Dharia was a principal in CJM Hospitality LLC, which bought the Hitching Post at a bankruptcy proceeding. Prosecutors say the blaze was set to defraud an insurance company of $13 million.

Dharia has admitted to knowing about the arson when filing an insurance claim, but denies responsibility for the fire.

One of Dharia's business partners and two other men were sentenced to prison in 2013 for various crimes related to the blaze.

Dharia will be sentenced in New York.
Rural fire department donates old equipment to Oliver County

Fire departments in rural areas have a hard enough time recruiting volunteers, much less equipping them.

Knowing the struggle, the Tioga Fire Department decided to help a fellow rural department with a donation of self-contained breathing apparatus units.

When the Tioga department upgraded to 45-minute units, it decided to donate its older, 30-minute units to the Oliver County Rural Fire Protection District.

Jayme Odegaard and other Tioga volunteers had heard about the difficulties their counterparts in Center were having.

With only two complete units in their arsenal, the Oliver department was unable to send more than two volunteers into a fire to search for pets or people, or to perform a rescue.

-- Tioga Tribune

Dakota Access representatives speak with committee on pipeline safety

Three representatives of Dakota Access Pipeline spoke with the Mercer County Local Emergency Planning Committee about progress and safety issues with the pipeline.

Frazier Lewis, Brad Moore and Mitch Williams told committee members the pipeline will be monitored 24/7 by a station in Texas, which would contact the company if any issues are detected in the Mercer County area.

Successful management of the pipeline would come down to effective cooperation between the pipeline, local responders and landowners whose property is crossed by the pipeline, according to Williams.

The pipeline, now the subject of a massive protest movement in south central North Dakota, is designed to carry oil from Stanley to Illinois, where it will connect to an existing pipeline.

-- Hazen Star

Mountrail County budget struggles as tax levy increases to 6.75 percent

No one wants to hear the words higher taxes, so Mountrail County residents who had been told the countys tax levy would go up 9.61 percent next year turned out at a recent budget hearing to voice their concerns.

By the time they got there, county commissioners, understanding the realities of struggling farm and oil sectors and reduced state funding, had reduced the increase to 6.75 percent.

Its a big change for a county whose budget was at $6.7 million in 2007 then peaked with the oil boom at $144 million in 2015 as many departments doubled in size to meet the communitys needs.

This years budget started at $98 million, but commissioners cut it twice, ending at just over $65 million.

Along the way, the county has put a hiring freeze in place, and vacancies are closely scrutinized. Overtime is being eliminated except for emergency and highway departments, and no employee raises are planned.

-- Mountrail County Promoter, Stanley

North Dakota claims mineral rights under Sakakawea in alleged land grab

North Dakota may be claiming billions of dollars of mineral rights under Lake Sakakawea in an alleged land grab that would be the largest attempted in state history.

Statoil and other oil companies have held oil royalties in escrow for federal and private mineral rights under the reservoir until various lawsuits are resolved.

Meanwhile, the North Dakota Petroleum Council has issued a memo stating its belief that the state is using a court case regarding river title to trigger a precedent laying claim to all of Lake Sakakaweas lake bed and, ultimately, the reservoir itself.

-- McKenzie County Farmer, Watford City

Human trafficking in oil patch remains problematic despite industry slowdown

While the oil boom has faded, its problems persist.

Officers with the New Town Police Department attended a training with Youthworks counselors Amy Jacobson and Sara Eastman on how to spot and approach possible victims of human trafficking.

Youthworks is administering a grant that provides counselors to work with trafficking victims and law enforcement agencies to get victims off the street. Eastman said the grant also requires Youthworks to collect much-needed data about trafficking in North Dakota.

In the past, Jacobson said, the law looked at the victims of human trafficking as criminals. Last year, North Dakota passed a safe harbor law to protect juveniles from prosecution.

That makes it easier for law enforcement and prosecutors to convince victims to leave and testify against their pimps.

-- Mountrail County Record, Parshall

Rural customer on track to get water service from R&T Supply

Rural customers between Ray and Tioga are on track to get water service from the R&T Water Supply Association before the end of the year.

If the weather turns on them, it could be a problem, said Kent Bickler, project manager with R&T.

The buildout will connect hundreds of rural residents to the Western Area Water Supply Authority.

The project is divided into several sections, some of which wont begin construction until further funding is in place.

The R&T North Tioga Rural Distribution will come online in another four to five weeks, and that will bring water to 118 rural residences between Ray and Tioga.
The inaugural lecture in the David W. Carrithers Lecture Series in Law, Politics, and Public Policy will take place on Thursday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 pm in Derthick Hall on the campus of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Steven Benjamin Smith will present "Democracy and Ambition: Abraham Lincoln on the Problem of 'Towering Genius.'"Following graduation with honors from UTC in 1972, Dr. Smith went on to the University of Durham in England and the University of Chicago for graduate study in political science.He is now the Benjamin Cowles professor of political science at Yale University.Dr. Carrithers began his career at UTC in 1970 following study at Williams College and New York University. As a member of the political science department, he specialized in the history of political philosophy and in constitutional law and civil liberties while serving as department head and Adolph S. Ochs professor of government. A revered teacher, he was the first recipient of the UTC Student Government Associations Outstanding Professor award and was also awarded the U.T. Alumni Association Teaching Award.
Lee University music professor Dr. John Wykoff has been commissioned to compose two new choral works for the inauguration ceremony of the President of the United States in January.

A Lee University associate said, "Besides being a composer, John is a sincere Christian liberal arts music educator, and I'm so grateful to have him as a mentor at Lee University."

Lee University's Mass Choir performed at the Presidential Inauguration in 2013.



Dr. Wykoff holds a Ph.D. in music composition from the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, an M.A. in music composition from the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College, and a B.A. in music and philosophy from Covenant College.



He has composed works for piano, voice, various chamber ensembles, orchestra and choir. His music has been performed by the International Contemporary Ensemble, Cygnus, Second Instrumental Unit, and the MIVOS Quartet. Queens College awarded him the George Perle Award for music composition, a distinction particularly meaningful to him, since he especially admires the music of George Perle.



Before joining the Lee University faculty, he taught music theory and musicianship at the Aaron Copland School of Music, Queens College. He was a Chancellors Fellow at the Graduate Center in Manhattan, where he studied composition with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer David Del Tredici. Wykoff is deeply interested in church music, and has been a featured speaker at the annual conference of the Alliance of Christian Musicians. In addition to composition, he has research interests in atonal voice-leading and theories of form.

His parents are Dale and Lucy Black Wykoff of East Brainerd.


The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce has announced the hiring of Bradley Jackson, a well-known business insider on Capitol Hill, as the new President & CEO of the Tennessee Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

We are excited to name Bradley as President of the Tennessee Chamber, Greg Martz, Chairman of the Tennessee Chamber Board of Directors, said.

Established in 1912, the Tennessee Chamber also serves as the Tennessee Manufacturers Association and counts Tennessees most prominent businesses as members. The Tennessee Chamber also maintains a statewide grassroots organization that includes local Chambers of Commerce and economic development professionals. The Chamber is the official state affiliate of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the American Chemistry Council.

Mr. Martz further noted, After a number of conversations with elected officials and business leaders across Tennessee, we came to the unanimous conclusion that, based on Bradleys vision and the respect that he carries with legislative and business leaders, he is the right choice to lead the Chamber long term.

Mr. Jackson has more than a decade of experience in leading some of the business communitys most successful initiatives. In his prior role with the Chamber, Mr. Jackson served as the Vice President for Government Affairs, heading up the implementation of the Chambers annual legislative agenda. During his tenure, the Chamber achieved a number of successes in the areas of workers comp reform, business taxes, and workforce initiatives. The Chamber succeeded in accomplishing more than 90% of its legislative goals during the time that Jackson steered Government Affairs.

Prior to joining the Chamber, Mr. Jackson worked in a variety of roles in Tennessee state government. He was on the research staff of the powerful Senate and House Finance Ways & Means Committees, headed up lobbying for the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions, and played a strategic role on behalf of the Governors office in a number of operational and strategic initiatives.

The Tennessee Chamber has a bright future, and I am honored to be selected to this position, Jackson said. I will work to continue our tradition of strong legislative advocacy and government affairs, and growing relationships with business leaders. I look forward to focusing on the needs of our member companies as we work to develop programs that benefit them and continue to make Tennessee a great state for business.

A native of Lawrenceburg, TN, Jackson is a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Mr. Jackson and his wife, Hope, have three children and live in Nashville.
This month the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is joining others across the state and nation in recognizing National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Inclusion Works is the national theme of the 2016 National Disability Employment Awareness Month, which highlights the contributions, the diversity and the impact people with disabilities make in the workforce.

People with disabilities provide a great contribution to Tennessees workforce.

They possess the drive, motivation, skills, and training that employers look for in job candidates, said TDHS Commissioner Dr. Raquel Hatter. We know that when our workplaces are more inclusive and diverse it creates a stronger, better, and more well-rounded workplace for everyone.

Housed within TDHS, the Division of Rehabilitation Services offers several programs and services focused on employment success and independent living skills for people with disabilities. One of its programs, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR), provides a variety of individualized services to persons with disabilities in preparation for their employment in the competitive labor market. The VR program partners with customers to reach employment outcomes that are consistent with their individual strengths, resources, abilities, and capabilities. In the last year the VR program has assisted more than 2,250 Tennesseans reach their employment goals.

We are committed to maximizing opportunities of competitive integrated employment for people with disabilities, said TDHS Chief Officer of Rehabilitation, Community and Social Services Cherrell Campbell Street. They take the opportunity and run with it. They make a difference and inspire others along the way. We are honored to be a part of their journey.

Vocational rehabilitation offices as well as the 17 Tennessee Rehabilitation Centers located in rural communities and the residential comprehensive Tennessee Rehabilitation Center in Smyrna provide numerous services to clients, including vocational training, physical or occupational therapy and transitional life skills.

TDHS, partner agencies and service providers will conduct events across the state and take part in social media campaigns to inform communities of the skills, talents, strengths and abilities people with disabilities bring to the workplace.
Dr. Candice McQueen, the Tennessee State Commissioner for Education, presented Tennessee Succeeds: An Update on Tennessees Progress at a Celebration seminar. She was one of 35 seminar speakers who spoke during Lee Universitys Celebration 2016.

Along with the students and other guests, local city officials Cleveland City Director of Schools Dr. Russell Dyer and Bradley County Director of Schools Dr. Linda Cash were in attendance.

Dr. McQueen presented updates on the five priority areas of Tennessee Succeeds, the departments comprehensive strategic plan, and shared how the Every Student Succeeds Act will contribute to this goal. She also shared her vision of seeing districts and schools in Tennessee exemplify excellence and equity so that all students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to successfully embark on their chosen path for life.

Dr. McQueens presentation focused on the progress Tennessee has made since she was given the position of commissioner. She talked about her plans to increase the average ACT score of Tennessee students, her goal for reading comprehension to be achieved by 3rd grade, and her desire for a majority of high school graduates to go on to post-secondary education.

Dr. McQueens vision for the future of education in Tennessee is exactly what our teacher education candidates need to hear, said Dr. Bill Estes, dean of Lees Helen DeVos College of Education. It was a treat for us to host her, and we were all challenged by her presentation.

Dr. McQueen previously served as the dean of Lipscombs College of Education before her appointment to commissioner. She began her career teaching in public and private elementary and middle schools. She earned her doctorate degree from the University of Texas, her masters degree from Vanderbilt University, and her bachelors degree from Lipscomb University.

As commissioner Dr. McQueen oversees all of the work of the Department of Education.

Celebration 2016 was an event that commemorated the completion of the Find Us Faithful campaign at Lee University, including the dedication of its new School of Nursing Building.
Celebrating jailhouse recovery Audio Article Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle Sears paid a visit to the Chesterfield County Jail last week, meeting with over 50 of the men and women participating in the HARP (Helping Addicts...

An icons legacy memorialized Audio Article Enon Library was dedicated in memory of the Rev. Wyatt Tee Walker on Friday, Oct. 21. Board of Supervisors Chair Chris Winslow, right, was joined by Walkers daughter, Patrice Walker...
Mid Dakota Clinic will move forward on a merger with Sanford Health, according to an internal memo.

"Our physician shareholders have agreed to proceed with a Sanford merger. We will spend the rest of this year working with Sanford to create a smooth merger transition. Our goal is to complete the merger by Dec. 31," read the email sent by Mid Dakota CEO Marvin Lein, adding that the Dec. 31 date is tentative and could change.

Mid Dakota declined to confirm the contents of the email and issued this statement: "Mid Dakota Clinic and Sanford Health are in continuing discussions on what is best for patient care in our communities. These discussions are confidential; however, both parties look forward to being able to share more information as soon as possible."

Sanford Health notified its employees of the potential merger in September. Lein sent the email last week announcing Mid Dakota's intent to consent to the merger.

"Our discussions have been very positive and, as a result, are moving to the next step," read a September letter signed by Sanford CEO and President Kelby Krabbenhoft, Chief Operating Officer Nate White and Executive Vice President Craig Lambrecht.

Sanford Health spokesman Jon Berg said the company has no further information to share at this time.

Mid Dakota Clinic serves patients in the Bismarck-Mandan area. It is a founding member of the PrimeCare health group, along with CHI St. Alexius Health, which has previously said it will continue to work with Mid Dakota if it chooses to join Sanford Health.

"CHI St. Alexius Health has had a long-standing collaborative relationship with Mid Dakota Clinic and has respect for the quality of care they have provided over the years at the medical center," Chris Jones, CHI St. Alexius Health division senior vice president of strategy and business development, said in September. "We look forward to maintaining a collaborative relationship with the providers of Mid Dakota Clinic that meets the needs and desires of the patients and community we collectively serve."

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota, a major insurance provider in the state, "has not had conversations with Mid Dakota Clinic or Sanford Health regarding a potential merger between the two organizations," according to company spokeswoman Andrea Dinneen. "If a merger were to proceed, BCBSND would evaluate the potential impact on our members, as we would with any proposed health system mergers in the state of North Dakota."
It's a scenario every entrepreneur imagines: You walk into an elevator and find yourself standing in front of your dream investor. You have 60 seconds. What do you say?

The UPS Store and Marcus Lemonis , the Lake Forest-based host of CNBC's "The Profit" and CEO of Camping World, just launched a new web series on that very topic.

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"The UPS Store Elevator Pitch" appears on the company's YouTube page. It features nine Chicago entrepreneurs who pitched their businesses to Lemonis on a 24-floor elevator ride.

Three entrepreneurs pitch in each webisode, with one winning $10,000 along with printing and packaging services from the UPS Store.

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Three 15-minute videos went live on Wednesday, days after Camping World raised $250 million in its IPO.

The elevator pitches were filmed at Tribune Tower, which is no longer owned by the Chicago Tribune's parent company.

Contestant Melissa Yen, owner of all-natural beverage syrup maker Jo Snow Syrups, won the top prize in the first installment. The pink-haired entrepreneur made an energetic appeal for her plans to expand her business to offer "coffee pop," a carbonated coffee beverage.

After her elevator ride, Lemonis said her pitch was disorganized and "not as sweet as her syrup" but praised her enthusiasm for the business. He told her to ditch the coffee pop for the time being and develop, market and rebrand her existing business.

Yen said she's heeding the advice. She plans to keep the money until she decides the best way to invest it into moving her business forward.

"I am setting it aside to use that for exactly what I need it for  not for a pile of sugar," she told Blue Sky.

To entrepreneurs who find themselves in that rare face-to-face opportunity with a major investor, she suggests having business stats at the ready.

"If there's one thing you should commit to memory, it's know your numbers," she said. "Be able to represent your business by knowing those numbers."

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mgraham@tribpub.com

Twitter @megancgraham
Coming soon to a wedding registry near you: a machine that allows a person to insert a recyclable pod of concentrated liqueur, press a button, slide a glass into place and walk away with a stiff cocktail.

Beam Suntory announced Wednesday that it was taking a minority stake in Bartesian, a Canadian maker of what at first glance appears to be a Keurig machine for cocktails. For Beam Suntory, which is in the process of moving headquarters from suburban Deerfield to the Loop, the investment reflects the company's willingness to invest in startups  a growing trend for large spirit companies.

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For Bartesian, based in Waterloo, Ontario, the investment will enable the company to start selling its products in stores by as early as spring 2017, said Bartesian co-founder Ryan Close. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Close said Beam's investment was in the "millions."

More specifically, Beam Suntory's involvement allows Bartesian cash flow for marketing and access to distribution, he said.

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"We try hard to dispel the knee-jerk reaction when people think this is just a Keurig for cocktails," said Close, 37. "We want to educate consumers before it hits the shelf, and this investment allows us to do that."

The quality of the Bartesian machine and the ingredients in the capsules distinguish it from the Keurig, he said.

How it works: Human fills designated "reservoirs" for gin, vodka, rum and tequila with spirits of choice, then inserts a capsule containing concentrated juice, bitters or liqueurs. Machine reads the bar code on the capsule, indicates the recommended glass, asks human his or her desired strength and then mixes cocktail with the appropriate liquor. Human drinks drink.

The process takes 18 seconds, Close said. Suggested retail will be $299.

Close said his partner, co-founder Bryan Fedorak, first started tinkering with "crude prototypes" as an engineering student at the University of Waterloo. Over the past two years, they've focused on raising money and refining the product, he said.

The machine likely will appeal to those who host cocktail parties, enjoy gadgets or are looking for that special gift, he said.

"Everyone wants to be the cool uncle," Close said.

For large companies in the food and beverage industries, it's often cheaper and easier to invest in or acquire startups than to create new products.

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"That's definitely a major trend and it's going to continue," Close said.

Other spirits companies have made similar investments in small but promising companies. Diageo, the largest spirits producer in the world, set up an independent venture fund called Distill Ventures in 2013 that's since invested in more than 10 companies, according to the fund's website.

And Constellation Brands, a New York-based company with its beer business headquartered in Chicago, established its own in-house venture operation last year and invested in Chicago-based Crafthouse Cocktails, which makes ready-to-pour cocktails mixed with high-quality ingredients.

"At-home cocktailing is a multibillion-dollar market, and we've been exploring innovation in this space for quite some time. ... We see the Bartesian solution as unique and superior to other products in the marketplace, and we look forward to supporting them on the path to commercialization in 2017," said Beam Suntory Chief Strategy Officer Steve Fechheimer in a statement.

For spirits companies like Beam Suntory, finding effective ways to drive cocktail consumption at home is a "bit of a holy grail" because many consumers find making such drinks to be intimidating, said Tom Flocco, former CEO of Beam who left the company in 2008..

"Anything that breaks that barrier down is a good thing," said Flocco, who is now an adviser to venture capital group Spirits Investment Partners.

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It can be difficult to perfect, though, he said.

"Like a lot of these technologies, it's often a good idea in concept, but in practice it takes a long time for the technology to catch up with the application," Flocco said.

gtrotter@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @GregTrotterTrib
Jerry Saude will challenge incumbents Jerry Woodcox and Brian Bitner for two open Burleigh County Commission seats Nov. 8.

Jerry Woodcox

Woodcox, 73, is seeking a fifth four-year term on the Burleigh County Commission.

He has owned and operated a dry cleaning business in Bismarck for 40 years.

"I've got a real good business hand in running the county in an economical way," said Woodcox, indicating he would like to see the new jail, the conversion of the current jail into office space and the Missouri Valley Complex projects completed.

The 20-year delay in creating a good fairgrounds plan is too long, according to Woodcox, adding that a partnership with the Bismarck Park District and $7 million in commercial land sales will do much to transform it into the family-oriented recreation spot it should be.

"They know how to do it, what to do. They know how to write grants. They have the employees and expertise," Woodcox said.

While the county commission succeeded in balancing the 2017 budget without raising property taxes, it will be a challenge in the next four years, according to Woodcox.

The county aims to have the state take over funding of social services, but retain local control, he said.

Jerry Saude

"We don't have terrible issues in Burleigh County. I am here to give voters a choice. If they don't like what's going on, I'm a third option," said Saude, 57, who has lived in Bismarck for 25 years.

He was raised in Minnesota and graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in animal science and works for the state Department of Trust Land, a job that makes him familiar with 50 counties' issues and operations.

"I think I would bring my years of observing state government, observing the legislative process. My job has allowed me to listen to committee hearings and listen to testimony. There's things the counties could be involved in like fixing the tax structure," he said.

The county also could explore and lobby about a wider use of county recorder office fees to benefit county offices, according to Saude.

Saude said he would like to study stronger partnerships with the state Game and Fish Department for funding boat ramps with the goal of lowering county park taxes.

Saude served on the Home Rule Charter Committee that drafted the sales tax ballot for the new jail. He unsuccessfully ran for county commission two years ago.

He is married to Sonna Anderson. They have two sons.

Brian Bitner

Brian Bitner, 55, is seeking his third four-year term on the Burleigh County Commission because "so many people asked me to do so and I felt it was the right thing to do."

"I've contributed excellent citizen representation, helped keep taxes as low as possible and been a strong supporter of law enforcement in Burleigh County," he said.

The county's biggest issues in the next four years are the completion of the jail, remodeling of the courthouse and state funding of social services, Bitner said.

Bitner advocates for a state takeover of funding county social services.

"It is a very large property tax issue .... Counties have no decision-making authority on the services offered," said Bitner, reasoning the county should not be paying for mandated issues it cannot control.

He said Burleigh County kept local property taxes level in the 2017 budget, despite lost state revenue.

"We will find ways to deal with the situation we have. I am a guy that will not say we will never increase taxes," said Bitner, who pointed out that more construction helped offset property tax hikes.

Increasing the amount townships pay for road upkeep is needed, because the county can no longer subsidize them at the same levels, according to Bitner, who said townships can raise their mill levies since their main responsibility is road upkeep.

He also wants the commission to lobby for the right of rural residents living in extraterritorial zones bordering cities the right to run for election and vote in the cities if they are required to adhere to city code restrictions.

He and his wife, Lori, have two grown children.
The law creating the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says the agency's director can't be removed over political differences. Above, Director Richard Cordray testifies before a Senate panel in September. (Michael Reynolds / European Pressphoto Agency)

A U.S. consumer watchdog agency that helped unravel the Wells Fargo & Co. scandal has an unconstitutional structure because it gives too much power to its director, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.

The court said the way that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau is organized violates the Constitution's separation of powers because it limits the president's ability to remove the agency's director, currently Richard Cordray, a Democrat and former Ohio attorney general.

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The ruling, if upheld, would curtail the authority of an agency that has been opposed by the banking industry and some Republican critics.

They view the CFPB  established as part of the Dodd-Frank reforms after the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009  as a thorn in the side of the industry and one that has overreached in its regulation of consumer financial matters.

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"This is a good day for democracy, economic freedom, due process and the Constitution," Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, said in a statement.

The law now states that the bureau's director can be removed only "for cause," such as neglect of duty. The court said that conflicted with the Constitution, which allows the president to remove executives for any reason.

Hensarling has proposed overhauling Dodd-Frank, including replacing the CFPB's single director with a bipartisan, five-member commission. On Tuesday he called the CFPB "arguably the most powerful and least accountable Washington bureaucracy in American history."

But consumer advocates and some top Democrats decried the court's ruling, saying it opened the door to the prospect that the CFPB's efforts could be weakened under increased political pressure from the White House and Congress.

The law creating the CFPB "carefully struck a balance between protecting the consumer bureau from politics and the (financial) industry's political allies while ensuring it was accountable and had effective oversight," said Dennis Kelleher, president of the consumer advocacy group Better Markets.

The court's ruling is "damaging to American consumers" and "it's going to embolden the industry that's been trying to kill" the agency, Kelleher said.

The CFPB said it disagreed with the ruling by the three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, and asserted that the ruling would not slow its efforts to investigate wrongdoing and seek enforcement actions.

"The bureau will continue its important work" while "considering options for seeking further review" of the court's ruling, CFPB spokeswoman Moira Vahey said in a statement. "Today's decision will not dampen our efforts or affect our focus on the mission of the agency."

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Even the court, in a ruling written by Judge Brett Kavanaugh, said it rejected the notion of shutting down the CFPB and that the bureau instead "will continue to operate and perform its many duties."

But the court ruled that the CFPB should do so "as an executive agency akin to other executive agencies headed by a single person, such as the Department of Justice and the Department of the Treasury."

That means the president "now will have the power to remove the director at will, and to supervise and direct" the CFPB's chief, the court said.

For now, the court's ruling is unlikely to be noticed by consumers because "it's virtually without significance" in terms of affecting the CFPB's current work to protect consumers, said Robert Hockett, a law professor at Cornell Law School who tracks the financial industry.

"If it has any effect at all, (the ruling) probably will render the CFPB even more zealous" in its investigative efforts "because it reinforces a growing perception that there's a systematic backlash against financial regulation," Hockett said.

The CFPB was one of the U.S. regulators that investigated Wells Fargo over the San Francisco bank's creation of some 2 million unauthorized checking, savings and credit card accounts.

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The bank last month agreed to pay the agency, along with the Los Angeles city attorney's office and other government entities, $185 million to settle the case, which has prompted a broader investigation into banking industry sales practices.

The settlement included a $100 million fine paid to the CFPB, the largest fine yet levied by the agency.

"That is a dramatic amount as compared to the actual financial harm to consumers, but it is justified here by the outrageous and abusive nature of these fraudulent practices on such an enormous scale," Cordray told the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs at a hearing last month on Wells Fargo's sales practices.

The agency has taken legal action against banks, mortgage companies, credit card issuers, payday lenders and debt collectors and others. The CFPB says that over five years, it has recovered $11.7 billion that it returned to more than 27 million harmed consumers.

On Tuesday, the agency issued yet another enforcement action, ordering the Navy Federal Credit Union to pay $28.5 million to settle civil charges alleging that it made "false threats" about debt collection to its members, which include active and retired service members.

The CFPB has been enmeshed in partisan politics since it was created by Congress in a major financial overhaul law in 2010 to protect consumers from harmful banking and lending practices.

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The CFPB was conceived by Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., a fiery critic of Wall Street who lambasted Wells Fargo Chairman John Stumpf for the bank's sales practices at the Senate Banking Committee hearing last month.

President Obama had considered naming Warren to head the CFPB, but her nomination probably would have run into strong opposition from congressional Republicans. Cordray has run the agency since it began operating in 2011.

Warren said Tuesday that the court ruling "will likely be appealed and overturned." But even if it's upheld, the CFPB "has been, and will remain, highly accountable to both Congress and the president," she said in a statement.

"Republican efforts to transform the agency's structure or funding should be seen for what they are: attempts fostered by big banks to cripple an agency that has already forced them to return over $11 billion to customers who have been cheated," Warren said.

The case heard by the appellate court involves allegations that New Jersey mortgage lender PHH Corp. was involved in a scheme to refer customers to certain mortgage insurance companies in exchange for illegal kickbacks.

The CFPB penalized PHH $109 million for illegal payments it had received. PHH claims that its conduct was legal and challenged the bureau's structure as unconstitutional.

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The court sent the PHH matter back to the CFPB for revision. The company said it was "extremely gratified" by the court's decision.

james.peltz@latimes.com
Kirin Holdings Co. agreed to acquire a minority stake in Brooklyn Brewery, marking a rare investment by an Asian company in the $22 billion U.S. craft lager industry.

Kirin and Brooklyn Brewery will form a joint venture in January 2017 to roll out the Brooklyn brand in Japan, with plans to expand to Brazil, the companies said. Privately-held Brooklyn Brewery will issue new shares to Kirin Brewery Co., giving the Japanese company a stake of about 25 percent. They didn't disclose the value of the deal.

Kirin and other Japanese breweries have been experimenting with specialty brews as craft beer gains popularity in Japan. It's one of the few bright spots for the beer industry in Japan, where a declining population has seen consumption slump since 2001. Kirin is competing against some of the world's largest breweries to expand overseas, including a possible stake in Vietnam's top brewer.

"The current beer market is in a transition period," Takayuki Fuse, president of Kirin Brewery, said in a briefing in Tokyo on Wednesday. "We need to vitalize the market, need to make it attractive, or there's no future."

Kirin fell 1 percent to 1,684.5 yen by the close of trading in Tokyo on Wednesday, in line with the benchmark Topix. The shares have gained 2.3 percent so far this year, against the index's 13 percent drop.

Brooklyn Brewery, co-founded by Steve Hindy, a former war correspondent, and a banker, will remain an independent company with its management intact, according to a Kirin statement.

Brooklyn Brewery, based in the New York borough whose name it bears, is the 12th-largest craft lager maker based on 2015 beer sales volume, according to the Brewers Association. Craft breweries produced 24.5 million barrels of beer last year and posted $22.3 billion in retail sales, a 16 percent increase from a year earlier, according to the group.

"Brooklyn Brewery is a strong brewer in the U.S. and Kirin is a company that has cash to spend," Tony Bucalo, an analyst at HSBC, said by phone. "American craft is one of the hottest categories in beverage alcohol and Kirin's buying into a successful and well-managed partner on the ground."

Kirin and Brooklyn Brewery are considering developing original products for the Japan market and starting a restaurant business. They also plan to expand the Brooklyn Brewery brand in Brazil, with details of the business and its roll-out still being discussed, according to Kirin's statement.

The Brooklyn deal would follow Kirin's purchase of a 33 percent stake in Japanese craft label Yo-Ho Brewing Co. in 2014. To draw patrons of specialty beers, Kirin opened two brewpubs last year where beer is brewed on site.

Other major Japanese brewers including Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., Suntory Holdings Ltd. and Sapporo Holdings Ltd. have also sought to jump on the craft beer bandwagon amid their rising popularity in Japan and worldwide. Asahi sees potential to boost sales of its Super Dry beer in U.S.
The Chicago regional office of the National Labor Relations Board filed a complaint against on-demand delivery service Postmates last week alleging labor violations against its drivers, raising a question that has dogged the gig economy since the rise of Uber : Are the drivers employees?

The complaint  which challenges the legality of the company's mandatory arbitration agreements, another controversial matter  does not explicitly address whether Postmates drivers are independent contractors versus employees entitled to protections under the National Labor Relations Act, such as the right to unionize and engage in concerted activity.

But the fact that the complaint was filed at all means that the NLRB is assuming the drivers are employees, a classification many gig economy employers have rejected because it would require them to pay for overtime, workers' compensation and other benefits tied to employee status.

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Postmates declined to comment on pending litigation, but spokeswoman April Conyers said the company considers its delivery couriers to be independent contractors. The company, based in San Francisco, has until Oct. 20 to respond to the complaint.

Postmates operates a technology platform that "connects customers with local couriers who can deliver anything from any store or restaurant in minutes," according to its website, which lists dozens of restaurants it works with in Chicago and several suburbs.

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Worker misclassification is a long-standing issue, but it has gained steam with the rise of on-demand technology platforms that dispatch with the push of a button chauffeurs, delivery drivers, house cleaners and masseuses to customers.

Chicago-based GrubHub was named in a federal lawsuit this past summer over misclassification of its drivers. The NLRB is investigating whether Uber's drivers are employees after several brought charges of unfair labor practices. Uber has been sued repeatedly over the issue and this past spring agreed to pay $100 million to settle two class-action lawsuits, which allowed it to continue to classify drivers as independent contractors.

Though the Postmates complaint's relevance to the misclassification debate is speculative at the moment, it does directly address another controversial topic.

In the complaint against Postmates, the NLRB alleges the company violated the National Labor Relations Act by requiring that workers enter arbitration agreements as a term of employment, thus waiving their right to pursue class or collective actions. It stems from a charge filed by a worker in October 2015. A news release from the NLRB stated that the affected parties were "employee drivers."

The complaint also alleges workers were warned not talk to other employees about work terms and conditions, including safety issues, which the NLRB says violates federal law protecting concerted activity.

The legality of mandatory arbitration agreements is a hot topic that legal experts say is likely on its way to the Supreme Court. The circuit courts have been split.

"The NLRB says those (agreements) are unlawful," said Fred Schwartz, a partner in the Chicago office of Barnes & Thornburg who represents management in employment cases. "Federal courts encourage those types of provisions because it reduces litigation in courts."

Companies like arbitration agreements because they can save money and risk if they can pay people off individually and avoid going to court.

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The NLRB previously ruled that requiring employees to sign arbitration agreements that prevent them from joining together to pursue employment-related legal claims in any forum violates federal labor law that protects concerted activity, said Alex Marks, an attorney with Chicago-based Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella who represents management.

Most circuit courts of appeals and federal district courts have not deferred to the NLRB on the issue, but the 7th Circuit in Chicago recently affirmed the NLRB's position and rendered arbitration agreements within its jurisdiction unenforceable under the national act, Marks said.

"While the Supreme Court in the past has appeared to sanction class action waivers in arbitration agreements and is generally deferential to arbitration, it has not yet opined on the interplay between the Federal Arbitration Act and the NLRA, the latter of which the NLRB argues should trump," Marks said. "This is a significant issue to monitor for all employers who utilize mandatory arbitration agreements."

aelejalderuiz@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @alexiaer
Nearly every home has a story, but some are more eccentric than others. From a chicken processing plant to an old Chicago firehouse, these converted spaces possess more historical pizazz than your average property.

Chicken processing plant, 1225 George St.

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Listed for $3,995,000

In days past, steam could be seen pouring out of this space's circular brick smokestack, which was used to distribute heat to the surrounding chicken processing buildings. But today, the 35-foot-high chimney houses a spiral staircase that homeowners can use to access the roof.

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Where you'll find it: The home is in a residential stretch of the Lakeview neighborhood, but the nearby up-and-coming Lincoln Avenue Corridor offers access to shops and restaurants. Contemporary hot spots are popping up more and more frequently, says seller Paul Zucker, including Heritage Bike Shop and Left Coast Restaurant.

What you'll notice: After the building's meat processing days, the owners brought in famed architect Larry Booth, who dreamed up renovations that factored in original details, such as concrete ceiling beams, exposed brick and steel-plate fireplaces.

The scale of the massive, 7,400-square-foot industrial building allowed for a grand open floor plan on the main level, which consists of a dramatic entry foyer, a living room and dining room  all separated merely by columns.

"We wanted to have big volume spaces, but yet have enough sense of intimacy that it felt like a home," says Zucker.

And the home has areas as unique as its history, such as a 40-foot indoor lap pool.

Details, details: When real estate developers Susan and Paul Zucker took over the buildings in the chicken processing plant, they chose to keep this particular building for themselves. He says they couldn't pass up the rare opportunity to convert an outlier such as this into a place to call home.

"Even though all houses are interesting in their own respects, they're all substantially the same," says Paul Zucker. "This is truly an award-winning space."

Size: 7,400 square feet

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Year built: 1999

Taxes: $35,492.71 in 2015

Schools: Agassiz Elementary School, Lincoln Park High School; School District 299

Association fees: None

Firehouse, 3921 Ravenswood Ave.

Listed for $1,175,000

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Previously, when the doors of this property opened, a fire truck with screaming sirens and flashing lights emerged. Open those doors today and find a quaint sitting area that leads into the ultimate history-filled Chicago home.

This 1907-built converted firehouse is now a 3-bedroom family home currently on the market for $1.18M. Oct. 4, 2016. (Laura Topp / KoenigRubloff Realty Group) (Chicago Tribune)

Where you'll find it: Ravenswood is a quiet street in west Lakeview. The sellers describe the home  which is within walking distance of the CTA Brown Line's Irving Park station  as being near major North side hangouts: North Center, Lincoln Square and even Wrigley Field.

What you'll notice: Built in 1907, the space was originally a fire insurance patrol building, a precursor to the modern-day fire department. After changing hands several times, the building fell into the lap of a couple who decided to transform it into a semilivable space.

But when current sellers Ben Schipper and Cindy Perpich got their hands on it, they sandblasted the walls to reach the original brick.

The kitchen and bedrooms are on the upper level. Aside from housing a wine cellar, the first floor has been kept largely empty for one reason: to serve as a canvas for any sort of entertaining the homeowners want to partake in.

"We've had cars in and out downstairs, we've had friends do artwork gallery exhibitions because there's a ton of wall space," says Schipper. "We've even hosted a sit-down dinner party for 100 people down there."

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Details, details: Looking at the front of the building, your eyes are immediately drawn to the bold red bifold doors. They're original doors from the firehouse, and the sellers consider them to be pieces of art.

"What's nice is the contrast between the old and the new," says Perpich. "We are proud to live in a place that has so much Chicago history, and it's not just any other home."

Size: 4,500 square feet

Year built: 1907

Taxes: $16,034.72 in 2015

Schools: Blaine Elementary School, Lake View High School; School District 299

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Association fees: None

Pasta Factory, 1835 N. Halsted St. Unit 7

Listed for $569,000

While some converted spaces are transformed into massive single-family homes, other old businesses house several individuals.

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 15 $569,900 condo at 1835 Halsted St. Unit 7 in Chicago (VHT Studios)

Where you'll find it: In Lincoln Park, near the North and Halsted intersection; the building is within walking distance to the lakefront and several shops.

What you'll notice: This two-bedroom condominium is one of six units that once constituted a pasta-making factory. When a developer renovated the building in the late 1980s, the end result was this industrial-style modern living space.

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Current seller Scott Goldman describes it as downtown-transitional with a "high-end artist loft-type feel."

Original details include exposed brick in nearly every room and wooden ceiling beams. It's a duplex down unit with an open floor plan containing a kitchen, dining room and living area on the upper level and two bedrooms downstairs.

Details, details: In the condo community, only six units were once used by the pasta factory; the others were not. When Goldman was deciding where to buy a home nearly 10 years ago, he says there was no doubt he wanted to live on the converted side.

"What appeals to us is environments that have soul, that have personality," Goldman says. "Old buildings have that story and it's a completely different feel  something that new construction can't replicate."

Size: 1,400 square feet

Year built: 1988

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Taxes: $5,259 in 2014

Schools: Oscar Mayer Magnet School, Lincoln Park High School; School District 299

Association fees: $339/monthly

smoskop@chicagotribune.com

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Calling all Chicago-area cookie bakers! It's time for the Chicago Tribune's annual Holiday Cookie Contest.

We're looking for a cookie recipe that you have created  unique cookies, those with a twist. Maybe you've added an unusual ingredient to a traditional or family favorite, or maybe you've invented an out-of-the-ordinary treat. The Chicago Tribune's cookie contest is nearly three decades old, and your cookie could become a part of that long tradition. To enter, submit the recipe, a short description of what makes it special and a photo of the cookies (if you have one) to the Tribune.

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All submissions will be posted on the Food & Dining page online, where readers will help choose the finalists by voting for their favorites. The top 14 vote-getters will become finalists, who will be asked to bring two dozen of their cookies Nov. 14 to Tribune Tower, where the cookies will be tasted and ranked by a panel of Tribune food writers and culinary professionals. In addition, Food & Dining Editor Joe Gray has the option to elevate an additional cookie from the submissions if he feels it is worthy of being a finalist but for some reason has not garnered the votes.

Prizes:

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First place: $250 cash.

Second place: $150 cash

Third place: $50 cash

Plus, all 15 finalists will receive a copy of the Chicago Tribune "Holiday Cookies" cookbook.

Winners in the last year's Holiday Cookie Contest were: Grandma Georgean's gingersnaps, first place, top left; peanut butter buttons, second place, bottom middle; pistachio thumbprints, third place, bottom left; gluten-free snowflake sugar cookies, honorable mention, top right; Dad's almond tart bars, honorable mention, bottom right. To read about last year's winners, go here. (Michael Tercha / Chicago Tribune)

THE DETAILS

Your entry must be your original recipe. Submissions that are clearly copies of another person's published recipe will be disqualified.

Include a short description about what makes the cookie special to your family and how it originated.

Include your contact information: your name, address, daytime telephone number and email address (if you have one). Personal information beyond name and town will not be published online.

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If you have a photo of your cookies, or can take one, please include it. (A photo is not required, but entries with photos fare better in voting than those without.)

Submit entries online at chicagotribune.com/cookies or via mail to Holiday Cookie Contest, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611-4041. (Entries sent in via snail mail will be posted on chicagotribune.com so that they can be part of the voting.)

Submissions will be accepted beginning Oct. 12 and ending Nov. 3, at 11:59 p.m. Central Time. Mailed entries must be received by Nov. 3. Voting opens Nov. 4 at 12:01 a.m., and ends Nov. 10 at 11:59 p.m.

Voters will be asked to choose based on the creativity and originality of the recipes.

Participants must be 14 years old or older and reside in the state of Illinois, Lake County, Ind., or Kenosha County, Wis. Food professionals or employees of the Chicago Tribune or their family members are not eligible.

Eat. Watch. Do. Weekly What to eat. What to watch. What you need to live your best life ... now. >

The three winners from last year's Chicago Tribune Holiday Cookie Contest are not eligible for this year's contest.

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The Chicago Tribune cannot discuss the contest in any way with contestants.

The finalists will be the 14 entries that receive the most votes.

Finalists will be contacted by telephone on Nov. 11 and asked to bring two dozen of their cookies to Tribune Tower, 435 N. Michigan Ave., on Nov. 14 by 10 a.m. for judging. Finalists who are unable to do so will be removed from the contest.

There will be an option for one Food & Dining Editor Save; if one cookie seems worthwhile but doesn't garner enough votes to be among the 14 finalists, then Food & Dining Editor Joe Gray will pull it out of the pack to include it as the 15th finalist.

Winners will be chosen Nov. 14. Winners will be notified by telephone and arrangements will be made to photograph them in their homes for images to be included with the story about the winners, which will be published online Nov. 28 at chicagotribune.com/dining and in print in the Tribune Food & Dining section on Nov. 30.

OFFICIAL RULES

Official rules

1. NO PURCHASE IS NECESSARY. The annual Holiday Cookie Contest (the Contest) is sponsored by Chicago Tribune Company LLC, 435 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 (Chicago Tribune). Contest is offered only in the state of Illinois, Lake County, Indiana, and Kenosha County, Wisconsin (the Contest Area). Contest begins on October 12, 2016 at 12:01 a.m. Central Time (CT), and the entry deadline is November 3, 2016 at 11:59 p.m. CT (the Entry Period). Chicago Tribunes computer is the official time-keeping device for this Contest. By entering, you agree to these Official Rules.

2. Eligibility: To enter, you must be at least 14 years old or older and legal resident of the Contest Area. If you are a minor, you must have permission of your parent or legal guardian to enter. You are not eligible to enter if you are (a) an employee of Chicago Tribune, or a member of the immediate family (defined as spouse, parents, siblings or children) or household (whether or not related) of any such employees or (b) one of last years three Contest winners or (c) a food professional.

3. Entries: Entries will be accepted during the Entry Period. To enter, submit the following via one of the methods set forth below: your holiday cookie recipe (Recipe), a short essay (Essay) (max 200 words) explaining why the Recipe is important to you, a photo (optional) of your cookies (Photo) (collectively, the Recipe, Essay, and Photo will be referred to as the Content), and the following contact information: your name, address, daytime telephone number, and your email address (if you have one). Submit your entry materials either:

a. By completing an official entry form at www.chicagotribune.com/cookies (the Contest Page) with all required information, which may include your full name, current mailing address, phone number, email address, and age or date of birth; or

b. By mailing your recipe, essay and photo (if you have one) to Holiday Cookie Contest, Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611-4041.

4. Entry Conditions: Regardless of method, limit one entry per person and per email address. Additional entries received from any such person or email address thereafter will be void. Uses of automated devices are not valid for entry. No group submissions will be accepted. All entries must be received by Chicago Tribune no later than the close of the Entry Period. Proof of sending is not proof of receipt. Entrants who fail to provide the required information will not be eligible to win and will not be notified by Chicago Tribune. All entry information (but not the Recipes, Essays, or Photos) becomes the property of Chicago Tribune and will not be returned or acknowledged. If you enter via the Contest Page, the information that you provide in connection with the Contest will be used by Chicago Tribune in accordance with its Privacy Policy, which is found at www.tronc.com/privacy-policy and which may be updated from time to time.

5. Submitted Content: The Content must not have previously been published. The Photo must not depict any recognizable individuals. By submitting Content, each entrant represents and warrants that: (a) the Content is original to and was created solely by the entrant and has not been copied, in whole or in part, from a copyrighted or proprietary work belonging to someone else, (b) entrant has all rights necessary to submit the Content in this Contest and grant the rights provided for herein; (c) the Content does not violate any copyright or trademark laws, and does not plagiarize, libel, slander, defame, disparage, or otherwise infringe on or violate the rights of any third parties; (d) the Content may not contain illegal, indecent, obscene, pornographic, or sexually explicit content, or otherwise offensive material or inappropriate content such as aberrational behavior, graphic violence, drug abuse, or nudity; (e) the Content must not promote bigotry, racism, hatred or harm against any group or individual or discrimination based on race, gender, religion, nationality, disability, sexual orientation, or age; (f) the distribution, reproduction, display and any other uses of any part of the Content by Chicago Tribune as permitted herein will not infringe any third party rights; and (g) the Content complies in all respects with these Official Rules, including the submission requirements. Any entry that is determined by Chicago Tribune in its sole discretion at any time during the Contest to violate the submission requirements or these Official Rules, or to otherwise be unsuitable, offensive or in poor taste, may be rejected and the accompanying entry disqualified and, if applicable, removed from the voting website. Chicago Tribune retains sole discretion as to whether any entry satisfies the submission requirements, and its decisions are final. Each entrant further agrees to hold Chicago Tribune, tronc, Inc. and their subsidiaries, affiliates, distributors, retailers, advertising and promotional agencies, franchisees, and promoters, and all of their representatives, employees, contractors, officers, directors, agents and related persons (collectively, the Released Parties), harmless from and against any and all claims, demands, damages, costs, liabilities and causes of action of whatsoever nature that are based upon or arise out of any breach by such entrants of such warranties or representations made by entrant or of these Official Rules. By submitting an entry, entrant grants to Chicago Tribune (and to those acting on its behalf) a non-exclusive, perpetual, world-wide, royalty-free license to display or otherwise use the Content (including non-winning Content) in connection with this Contest or the Chicago Tribune and its affiliated publications and digital properties, including any publications such as books published by or affiliated with the Chicago Tribune, without payment, notice, or approval. Content (including non-winning Content) may be selected by Chicago Tribune for publication or use in other publications with permission from the relevant entrant. Entrants agree that Chicago Tribune may contact them to request permission for use of Content in this way. It is solely up to entrants to decide whether to give such permission to Chicago Tribune and any decision by entrants in this regard will have no impact on the outcome of this Contest.

6. Finalist Selection: On or about November 4, 2016, all eligible entries will be made available to the general public for voting at www.chicagotribune.com/cookies . The voting period will extend through 11:59 p.m. CT on November 10, 2016. Voters should evaluate cookies based on the appeal of the Essays, the creativity and originality of the Recipes, and the visual appeal of the cookies (if a Photo is submitted). Subject to verification of eligibility, the 14 entrants whose entries receive the highest overall votes from the public will be considered the finalists (the Finalists). If there is a tie for the last Finalist position, voting for the tied entries will be extended for consecutive one-hour periods until the tie is broken and the last Finalist determined. A 15th Finalist may be chosen by the Food & Dining Editor in his sole discretion.

7. Finalist Verification: Chicago Tribune will attempt to contact all potential Finalists in accordance with the information supplied to Chicago Tribune on their entries, and Finalists must respond within 24 hours of first notification attempt. Finalists (and parent or legal guardian of Finalist who is a minor) may be asked to provide Chicago Tribune with valid identification and a declaration of eligibility, liability waiver and/or publicity release. If the potential Finalist: (a) cannot be contacted directly by, or does not respond to, Chicago Tribune within 24 hours of initial attempted notification, (b) fails to satisfy any eligibility or verification requirement herein, (c) declines to accept Finalist position or fulfill the requirements of a Finalist, (d) fails to sign and return required documents by the deadlines set forth above, and/or (e) is otherwise determined to be ineligible, Chicago Tribune in its discretion may disqualify that individual and an alternate Finalist may be determined by the criteria set forth above. Any alternate Finalist is subject to all eligibility requirements and restrictions of these Official Rules.

8. Terms Applicable to Voting: Limit one vote per day, per person. Voters must be located in the United States when they cast their vote and must cast their votes through an IP address located in the United States. Voters must be 14 or older. The use of automated devices for voting is not permitted and will result in the disqualification of all votes received through that method and/or from that voter. Any use of robotic, repetitive, automatic, programmed, script, macro, or any other automated means or similar entry methods or agents, vote exchange websites, vote farming or other method to vote or unfairly increase votes, as determined by Chicago Tribune in its sole discretion, is prohibited and will void all votes submitted by that voter. Chicago Tribune reserves the right in its sole discretion to disqualify any vote or voter at any time that in its opinion does not comply with these Official Rules. Chicago Tribune is not responsible for votes that are lost, stolen, misdirected, garbled, distorted, truncated, incomplete, illegible, incorrect, or late for any reason, and all such votes are void.

9. Winner Selection: On or about November 14, 2016, the 14 Finalists (plus the 15th Finalist chosen by the Food & Dining Editor, if applicable) will then be judged based on taste, beauty and originality. Chicago Tribune will attempt to contact the Finalists on November 11, 2016, and the Finalists will be asked to bring two dozen of their cookies for tasting and judging on November 14, 2016, to Tribune Tower, 435 N. Michigan Avenue in Chicago. A panel of Tribune food writers and culinary professionals will taste the cookies, and the three Finalists who receive the highest scores will be declared the First, Second and Third Prize winners. If there is a tie for one of the top three positions, the judges will do another round of judging to break the tie. Judges decisions will be considered final and binding in all results. Chicago Tribune reserves the right to select fewer than the stated number of Finalists or winners if it does not receive a sufficient number of eligible and properly submitted entries.

10. Winner Verification: Chicago Tribune will attempt to contact all potential winners in accordance with the information supplied to Chicago Tribune on their entries, and winners must respond within 72 hours of first notification attempt. Winners (and parent or legal guardian of winner who is a minor) may be asked to provide Chicago Tribune with valid identification and a declaration of eligibility, liability waiver and/or publicity release. If the potential winner: (a) cannot be contacted directly by, or does not respond to, Chicago Tribune within 72 hours of initial attempted notification, (b) fails to satisfy any eligibility or verification requirement herein, (c) declines to accept the prize, (d) fails to sign and return required documents by the deadlines set forth above, and/or (e) is otherwise determined to be ineligible, Chicago Tribune in its discretion may disqualify that individual and an alternate winner may be determined by the criteria set forth above. Any alternate winner is subject to all eligibility requirements and restrictions of these Official Rules. Chicago Tribune may, in its sole discretion, publish the names of the verified Winners and/or Finalists as well as the winning recipes in its November 30, 2016 Food & Dining section of the Chicago Tribune and/or on any of its websites.

11. Prizes: The following prizes will be available: (a) One First Prize: $250 and a copy of Holiday Cookies: Prize-winning Family Recipes from the Chicago Tribune. (b) One Second Prize: $150 and a copy of Holiday Cookies: Prize-winning Family Recipes from the Chicago Tribune. (c) One Third Prize: $50 and a copy of Holiday Cookies: Prize-winning Family Recipes from the Chicago Tribune. Total value of all prizes: $525. Chicago Tribune also may interview and photograph the three prize winners for a story to run online on November 28, 2016 and in the Food & Dining print section on November 30, 2016, and winners agree to cooperate with the interview and photo session. Any prize won by a minor will be awarded to the minors parent or legal guardian on the minors behalf. All prize details are at Chicago Tribunes sole discretion. Winners assume sole responsibility for all costs associated with the prizes not explicitly outlined above, including without limitation, all federal, state and local taxes (if any). Prizes are not redeemable for cash and may not be sold, bartered or auctioned. Prizes may not be transferred or substituted except that Chicago Tribune in its discretion may substitute a prize, or portion thereof, with a prize or portion of equal or greater value if it deems necessary. Any such changes will be announced. Any portion of any prize not used by any winner is forfeit and no cash substitute will be offered or permitted. All prizes being offered are provided as is with no warranty or guarantee either express or implied by Chicago Tribune.

12. Publicity Release: By accepting a prize, where permitted by law, each winner (and parent or legal guardian of winner who is a minor) grants to Chicago Tribune and those acting on its behalf, the right to print, publish, broadcast, and use for the purposes of this or similar contests, worldwide in any media now known or hereafter developed, his/her name, picture, likeness, and information, as news or information and for art, trade, and/or promotional purposes without additional compensation or review.

13. General Release: Entrants and voters release, discharge and hold harmless the Released Parties from any claims, losses, and damages arising out of, or relating to: (a) participation in this Contest or any Contest-related activities (including, without limitation, any activity attended as part of a prize); (b) lost, interrupted, or unavailable network, server, or other connections, or any failed telephone or computer hardware or software, or any lost, misdirected, postage-due, illegible, mutilated or damaged entry forms, or any failed, delayed, misdirected, corrupted, or garbled transmissions or errors of any kind, whether human, mechanical, or electronic, or entries that for any reason are not received by Chicago Tribune by the deadlines stated above; (c) any injury or damage to any computer, modem or other electrical device as a result of participation in this Contest or downloading of any software or materials; (d) the receipt and use of any prize; and (e) inability to select winners because of postal failure, equipment failure, or data storage failure. Any failure by Chicago Tribune to enforce any of these Official Rules will not constitute a waiver of such Official Rules. If there is any discrepancy between the terms of these Official Rules and the marketing or entry materials used in connection with the Contest, the terms of these Official Rules will govern.

14. Internet/Fraud/Errors: Chicago Tribune reserves the right to cancel, terminate or suspend this Contest or any part of this Contest should any non-authorized intervention, network failure, information storage failure, telecommunications failure, malfunction, or other causes beyond its control, corrupt or impair the security, administration, fairness and/or operation of this Contest as determined by Chicago Tribune in its sole discretion. If the online portion of the Contest is terminated during the Entry Period, Chicago Tribune will re-open the Contest for voting as set forth above for all eligible, non-suspect online entries received at the time of the termination of the Entry Period and all eligible entries received by mail as set forth above. If Chicago Tribune terminates the Contest during the voting period, Chicago Tribune will determine the Finalists based on eligible, non-suspect votes received at the time of the Contest cancellation, termination or suspension. Chicago Tribune reserves the right to disqualify any individual from further participation in the Contest if Chicago Tribune concludes, in its sole discretion, that such person (a) has attempted to tamper with the entry process, voting, or other operation of the Contest, (b) has disregarded or has attempted to circumvent these Official Rules, or (c) has acted toward Chicago Tribune or any other entrant or voter in an unfair, inequitable, deliberately annoying, threatening, disrupting or harassing manner. If a dispute arises regarding compliance with these Official Rules, Chicago Tribune may consider, in its sole discretion, data reasonably available to Chicago Tribune through information technology systems in Chicago Tribunes control, but Chicago Tribune will not be obligated to consider any data or other information collected from any other source. Chicago Tribune reserves the right to correct typographical or clerical errors in any Contest-related materials. No more than the stated number of prizes will be awarded. If production, technical, seeding, programming or any other reasons cause more than the stated number of prizes as set forth in these Official Rules to be available and/or claimed, Chicago Tribune reserves the right to award only the stated number of prizes by choosing from among all legitimate, un-awarded, eligible prize claims based on the previously announced judging criteria.

15. Dispute Resolution: By participating in the Contest, entrants and voters agree that (a) any and all disputes, claims, and causes of action arising out of or connected with the Contest, or any prizes awarded, will be resolved individually, without resort to any form of class action; (b) any and all claims, judgments and awards will be limited to actual out-of-pocket costs incurred, including costs associated with entering the Contest, but in no event attorneys fees; and (c) under no circumstances will any entrant be permitted to obtain any award for, and entrant hereby waives all rights to claim punitive, incidental or consequential damages and any and all rights to have damages multiplied or otherwise increased and any other damages, other than for actual out-of-pocket expenses. Some jurisdictions do not allow for limitations on the ability to pursue class action remedies, or certain kinds of damages, and so these limitations may not apply to you. All issues and questions concerning the construction, validity, interpretation and enforceability of these Official Rules, or the rights and obligations of entrants and Chicago Tribune in connection with the Contest will be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Illinois, without giving effect to any choice of law or conflict of law rules or provisions (whether of Illinois or any other jurisdiction) that would cause the application of the laws of any jurisdiction other than Illinois. The state and federal courts in Cook County, Illinois will be the exclusive forum for any dispute relating to these Official Rules and/or this Contest. All participants and winners agree, by their participation in the Contest, to submit to the personal jurisdiction of the state and federal courts of Cook County, Illinois and waive the right to contest jurisdiction

16. Official Rules/Winners List: For a copy of the Official Rules or the final Winners List, email your request to food@chicagotribune.com or mail a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Chicago Tribune's Holiday Cookie Contest c/o Chicago Tribune, 435 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611, specifying either Winners List or Official Rules Request. Winners List will be available after December 3, 2016, and requests must be received by January 31, 2016.

Abbreviated rules
In the first of his daily CIFF video picks, Tribune film critic Michael Phillips talks about "La La Land," the opening night selection of the 52nd Chicago International Film Festival. (Brandon Howard/Chicago Tribune) (Chicago Tribune)

Is there a more festive way to begin a film festival than the first five minutes of "La La Land"? Well, you tell me. You go Thursday, and get back to me.

Taking a visual and musical cue from Michel Legrand and his buoyant scores for "The Umbrellas of Cherbourg" and "The Young Girls of Rochefort," writer-director Damien Chazelle's movie begins with a defiantly unromantic situation: a traffic jam near downtown LA, where the 110 freeway meets the 105. That doesn't sound like fun.

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But from the first few bars of composer Justin Hurwitz's ensemble number, "Another Day of Sun," you know something's up with this movie. It sounds, yes, a little like Legrand's songs for the Jacques Demy films, and the multi-style choreography canvasses all sorts of artists and genres (Onna White, salsa, parkour, even). But the number, stitched together to seem like a single, breathtaking shot, is fueled by lyrics of longing sung by members of LA's newly arrived creative class. It sets the table for a simple but ultra-widescreen LA tale of a pig-headed, cynical jazz pianist (Ryan Gosling) and a striving, somewhat forlorn actress and writer (Emma Stone). Seeing that opener, and Chazelle's film, in its world premiere at the Venice film festival, the audience practically screamed it in unison: Again! Show it again! Wanna see it again!

"La La Land" opens its commercial run Dec. 9. Its success story on the international festival circuit, from Venice to Telluride to Toronto and, Thursday, to Chicago, already risks becoming tedious, through no fault of Chazelle's.

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This much is certain. Chazelle may adore the craft, spirit and technique of all sorts of movie musicals past, but he has the technique, spirit and craft to synthesize his inspirations and create something new and, at its best, swoon-worthy. It's nice for the 52nd Chicago International Film Festival to open with "La La Land," as opposed to some of the lame opening-night mediocrities of recent years.

Chazelle is scheduled to attend, along with actress Rosemarie DeWitt, who plays the minor role of Gosling's sensible, loving sister. The location: AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St. 6:30 p.m. Thursday for the red carpet arrivals; 7:30 p.m. gala folderol, followed by the "La La Land" screening. Tickets are $45 for Cinema/Chicago members, $50 for non-members. For the full lineup, nearly 150 films strong, go to www.chicagofilmfestival.com.

See Phillips' daily picks for the Chicago International Film Festival, go to www.chicagotribune.com/movies.

Michael Phillips is a Tribune critic.

mjphillips@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @phillipstribune

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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)
Gary Cole, right, will portray a Donald Trump-inspired character on an upcoming episode of "Law & Order: SVU." (Evan Vucci/AP and Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images)

Ever since Dick Wolf created it in 1990, the "Law & Order" franchise has mined real-life situations for its fictional detective fodder.

In fact, as Business Insider noted, the second episode of the original series was based on Bernhard Goetz, better known as "The Subway Vigilante," who became famous for shooting four alleged muggers on the New York City subway in 1984. Eliot Spitzer, Casey Anthony, Bob Oliva and Ernest Lorch have all been fictionalized on one of the various "Law & Order" series.

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Now, Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president, will join those hallowed ranks.

"Law & Order: SVU," the spinoff series that focuses on crimes of a sexual nature, will feature a Trump-themed episode titled, appropriately, "Unstoppable," according to the Hollywood Reporter.

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It will feature actor Gary Cole - perhaps best known for his role as the man responsible for teaching us all how to pronounce "Nevada" as Kent Davidson on "Veep" - as a politician "whose campaign goes haywire when several women go public with damaging accusations."

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That might sound familiar. Last week The Washington Post published a video shot by "Access Hollywood" in 2005 in which Trump is seen and heard bragging to the show's then co-host Billy Bush about the ease with which he can "grab them by the p---." And just recently, Tasha Dixon, Miss Arizona of 2001, said that Trump walked in on Miss USA contestants in 2001 in various states of undress, using his status as the pageant's owner to gain access to the women backstage in their dressing rooms as they were changing clothes.

The coming episode shouldn't be a complete surprise. After all, showrunner Rick Eid told the Hollywood Reporter in September, "It is possible we may try to explore a story involving some sort of brash demagogue with political ambitions."

The episode will also feature guest stars Currie Graham, Meredith Travers, Bianca Amato and returning guest Peter Gallagher.

It will air on Wednesday, Oct. 26 - less than two weeks before Election Day on Nov. 8 .

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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)
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the Chicago Teachers Union both declared victory after reaching a tentative contract settlement that averted a strike.

What wasn't immediately clear, however, was the financial cost of the deal that was reached Monday moments before a midnight strike deadline.

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To finance the deal for this year alone, Emanuel tapped nearly $90 million in tax increment financing district surplus, even though he had for months dismissed the idea of using TIF money to shore up the school district's shaky finances.

On Tuesday, though, he called using those funds "the right thing to do."

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Emanuel said the tentative agreement "invested in strengthening the classroom and helped our teachers financially, but actually did it in a way that CPS is on a better sustainable path than every contract preceding."

The union got many of the things it wanted, including the continuation of the district paying the bulk of pension contributions for current teachers. CTU Vice President Jesse Sharkey praised the pay raises and job guarantees teachers would see under the tentative agreement.

"I think that we achieved really most of our bargaining objectives," Sharkey said Tuesday. "And the things which we didn't achieve largely have to do with not getting some of the things that we aspired to."

Chicago Public Schools officials say the district would save $300 million over the life of the four-year contract. But a spokeswoman could not provide an accounting for that figure.

An eight-page summary of the tentative agreement, which covers July 1, 2015, to June 30, 2019, indicates some uncertain financial consequences of the pending contract.

Veteran union members can qualify for a hefty cash bonus if they resign or retire by next summer. That would allow the district to replace higher-salary employees with younger and less expensive workers. But that provision won't kick in for teachers unless at least 1,500 of them retire.

The retirement bonus option could raise some immediate expenses for the district. Teachers would receive a one-time bonus that pays $1,500 for each year of service. That means a teacher with 25 years experience would see a $37,500 payout that wouldn't affect their pension earnings.

Paraprofessionals with at least a decade of service would be eligible for a similar deal, if at least 600 of them resign by June.

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CTU represents nearly 30,000 teachers and educational support personnel.

CTU's current membership will continue to have 7 percentage points of their required pension contributions paid for by the district, but a future generation of teachers  those hired Jan. 1 and after  won't receive the lucrative perk. In return, those new hires will get pay boosts that even out the loss of the pension pickup.

Teachers won't get cost of living raises for the first two years of the contract, with pay hikes of 2 percent and 2.5 percent in the final two years. Raises based on experience and education would be part of the contract's final three years. Members will start paying higher health insurance costs in 2019.

Absent from Monday's agreement is language from a January proposal from the city that barred the district from laying off teachers to save money. A deal on teacher layoffs was one of the last aspects of the contract agreed to on Monday, Sharkey said.

Most tenured teachers who are laid off at the end of a school year would be eligible to fill temporarily vacant positions in 10 month stints. If no such vacancies exist, the teacher would be able to substitute teach for 10 months while earning full pay and benefits.

The district's $5.4 billion operating budget assumed savings of $31 million through renegotiated contracts with unions including the CTU. That budget also assumed it would take in $32.5 million from TIF districts, but that figure would now increase to $87.5 million.

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"It does not appear that they are going to get that savings, although the (TIF) surplus that they have declared will help pay for some of it," said Laurence Msall, head of the nonpartisan Civic Federation budget watchdog group.

The mayor agreed to increase the amount taken from those funds, which are used at city discretion to boost economic development  to $175 million from the originally proposed $60 million. About half of the money declared as "surplus" is going to CPS.

That amount is larger than any the mayor has agreed to since taking office in 2011, and it presents a contrast to what Emanuel has been saying in recent weeks when asked if declaring larger TIF surpluses  something the CTU has long sought  could lead to a teachers' contract agreement.

The mayor repeatedly described a larger TIF surplus as a one-time revenue source and not a long-term solution, even though the amount of money going into those funds not dedicated to specific projects grew significantly this year and is expected to remain at higher levels for years to come, barring a severe economic downturn.

On Tuesday, with negotiations complete and his last minute gambit to avoid a strike successful, Emanuel made a different case to the Tribune editorial board. "Every year, I've surplussed," the mayor said, noting his policy of declaring 25 percent of TIF revenue not dedicated to projects as surplus. "So it's not new. It's part of a pattern."

"I don't have a problem with what we've done," Emanuel said. "I know it's the right thing to do."

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The union would see one of its biggest victories in negotiations start to take shape in the second semester of the 2016-17 school year. That's when kindergarten through second grade teachers with 32 or more students in their classrooms become eligible to receive an assistant to help with instruction, according to the tentative deal. Sharkey estimated that agreement would cost about $10 million a year.

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In the end, CPS might not have to depend on TIF surplus funds as heavily in coming years, said Carole Brown, the city's chief financial officer.

Costs are higher in 2017 under the new contract because of planned buyouts of longtime teachers. Salaries paid to their replacements will be lower, and they will pick up the full cost of their required pension contributions, she said.

Msall said he wanted more details on how the early retirement system would work.

"In this case, definitely, the new teachers who are replacing them are going to be paying more to the pensions," he said. "They are going to see a lesser pension benefit than existing employees, but we have to see the value of the lump sum that is being added before we can make a determination of how much savings or costs are associated."

The union's House of Delegates is set to weigh in on the deal next week, Sharkey said. The contract has to be approved by the delegates and then voted on by full membership before a final deal is signed.

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hdardick@chicagotribune.com
This postcard dispicts Leif Erikson, the Norse explorer generally credited with being the first European to reach North America nearly 500 years before Christopher Columbus. (LCDM Universal History Archive/Getty) (UniversalImagesGroup / Getty Images)

Happy Leif Erikson Day!

Said no one Tuesday  or at least apparently not many Chicago-area students.

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Tuesday was decreed by state law as the day when Illinois schools would celebrate the contributions of the Norse explorer, who is generally credited with being the first European to reach North America, nearly 500 years before Christopher Columbus.

But while Columbus Day is still observed  if controversially  with a no attendance day at many Illinois schools, as was the case Monday, the Tribune failed to find a school that acknowledged Leif Erikson Day in any manner.

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Not even Leif Ericson Scholastic Academy on Chicago's West Side (which uses another of the many spellings in circulation) had anything special planned for Tuesday. Principal Leavelle Abram said that, to his knowledge, the explorer doesn't come up in the school's curriculum at all, though the school's mascot is the Viking and you can find information on Erikson on the school's website.

In the 1960s, Congress declared Oct. 9 National Leif Erikson Day, and Illinois law followed suit by designating that or the nearest school day as such. But the law simply states that schools "may" devote a half hour "to instruction and appropriate exercises relative to and in commemoration of the life and history of Leif Erikson and the principles and ideals he fostered."

The day is listed among many mandated instructional holidays like Arbor Day and American Indian Day that one legislative initiative two years ago sought to eliminate. The bill failed to make it through the Illinois General Assembly, though it's not clear that, in the case of Erikson, anyone is observing his day, anyway.

Charles Peterson, director of North Park University's Center for Scandinavian Studies, explained that although scholars had evidence of Vikings arriving in North America around the year 1000, it was only in the form of "sagas," or writings from Scandinavian explorers, telling of their discovery of the new land as they sailed west from Greenland, Iceland and Norway. Archaeological proof didn't arrive until 1960, when a husband and wife team found artifacts from the Vikings' time in what is now Newfoundland, Canada, he said.

And, until the 1890s, researchers weren't convinced a Viking ship could even make it across the Atlantic Ocean, Peterson said. At that time, to prove the point, a replica Viking ship was built in Norway and sailed across the Atlantic by a 12-man crew in 28 days. The replica ship was then displayed at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893  which, perhaps ironically, celebrated the 400th anniversary of Columbus' "discovery" of America  and now sits in far west suburban Geneva's Templar Park.

Regarding the confusion over the spelling of the explorer's name  even the state law books have it two different ways  Peterson said he prefers "Eriksson."

When North Park's Center for Scandinavian Studies celebrated the 1,000-year anniversary of the Vikings' landing in North America in 2000, Peterson said he got a call from a man from the now-defunct Leif Ericson Society in Evanston.

The two argued about the spelling, Peterson said.

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kthayer@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @knthayer
The final recipient of North Dakotas highest honor to residents during Gov. Jack Dalrymples tenure in office was announced Wednesday.

Eugene Dahl, who died in 2008, will be awarded the Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award posthumously at an Oct. 28 ceremony in Fargo. Hell be the 43rd recipient of the award, and his portrait will join those hanging on the ground floor of the state Capitol.

Dahl, a Gwinner native, was involved in the Melroe Manufacturing Co. The company, now known as Bobcat, produces and sells skid steer loaders globally. It is North Dakotas largest manufacturer.

Eugene Dahl was an extraordinary leader, entrepreneur and philanthropist whose name is synonymous with innovation in manufacturing and agriculture not only in North Dakota, but nationally and globally, Dalrymple said in a statement announcing the award. He played a pivotal role in some of North Dakotas largest manufacturing businesses, including Bobcat and Steiger, and was instrumental in bringing jobs and economic opportunities to the state.

Dahl attended North Dakota State University and Michigan State University before serving in World War II. He later completed a degree in math and chemistry from the University of North Dakota.

He married Evelyn Melroe in 1947, spent a year in Cavalier, then moved back to Gwinner when he became involved in the manufacturing company.

The family sold Bobcat in 1970, then moved to Fargo the following year when Dahl became CEO of Steiger Tractor.

He also helped mentor several entrepreneurs, including his two children, who went on to create other manufacturing businesses in the state.

The Theodore Roosevelt Rough Rider Award was created in 1961. Recipients, named by the governor, are current or past North Dakota residents who have achieved national recognition for excellence in their field.

Past recipients include political leaders, businesspeople, athletes, actors and military officials. Paintings commemorating each winner hang on the ground floor of the state Capitol building.
N. Sue Weiler, an expert on the role of female leaders in the Chicago Labor Movement of the early 1900s, died Sept. 29 at age 83. (Family photo)

N. Sue Weiler, a college history professor for many years, dedicated much of her teaching career to shedding light on the role of female leaders in the Chicago Labor Movement of the early 1900s.

She researched, wrote and taught about women such as Clara Masilotti, who lost her position as a foreman in a Chicago factory after refusing to tell her fellow workers that their wages would be cut. Masilotti was quickly demoted, but joined a strike in 1910 that led to her becoming a leader in the Women's Trade Union League.

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And there was 16-year-old Anna Rudnitsky, a Chicago garment worker who was forced to slow down her sewing in order to keep her pay lower. Despite intimidation by a foreman, Rudnitsky went on to lead a strike with 300 of her co-workers, all women.

"She was a wonderful colleague and a fine historian and careful researcher," said Chicago author Dominic Pacyga, who shared an office with Weiler at the University of Illinois at Chicago in the late 1970s. "She had a personality and the kind of calmness that makes for a good teacher."

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Weiler, 83, who for many years was the Chicago director of the Jewish Labor Committee, died of natural causes Sept. 26 in her Chicago home.

"Above all, Sue always had a positive attitude toward her work and her students," Pacyga said. "Over the years I'd bump into her on South Michigan Avenue, or at some event, and she always seemed to be smiling."

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 75 Mike Haley, a lifelong Cubs fan who helped start the Left Field Bleacher Bums, a group that inspired a play and a made-for-TV movie, died of natural causes on Dec. 31, 2016, in Chicago. He was 67. Read more. (Family photo)

Weiler spent countless hours doing research in libraries and did hundreds of interviews to learn as much as she could about Chicago's labor movement, particularly within the apparel industry during the early 1900s, which she described in a 1988 Tribune story as the city's biggest employer  even bigger than its famed stockyards.

"We have a whole file cabinet filled with Sue's research papers going back nearly 50 years," said her husband of 63 years, Marvin.

Born and raised Natalie Sue Wolberg in Kansas City, Mo., Weiler was a student at the University of Illinois when she met her husband, whom she married in 1953. The couple later moved to Michigan.

While a stay-at-home mom, Weiler received a bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University before returning with her family to Chicago, where she earned master's and doctorate degrees in history from UIC. Her 1983 dissertation was titled "The Aged, the Family and the Problems of a Maturing Industrial Society: New York, 1900-1930."

"People would ask me how the heck she got all those degrees while raising three kids?" her husband said with a laugh. "And I'd tell them, 'That's Sue!'"

Expand Autoplay Image 1 of 133 William Christopher, who was known as Father Mulcahy on "MASH" from 1972 to 1983, died Dec. 31, 2016. He was 84. Read more. (Annie Wells / Los Angeles Times)

During the late 1970s, Weiler taught history at UIC while doing research on the labor movement in the historical archives at nearby Hull House, originally founded as a settlement house for European immigrants on the West Side.

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She later taught history at Columbia College and Roosevelt University while writing articles for various publications, and contributed a chapter in the book "A Needle, A Bobbin, A Strike: Women Needle Workers in America," published in 1984.

"Everything she did outside of the classroom was done to enhance what she brought into the classroom," her husband said. "She loved being a teacher."

Beginning in the 1990s, Weiler served for several years as the Chicago director of the Jewish Labor Committee, a New York-based American secular Jewish organization aimed at promoting labor union interests in Jewish communities and Jewish interests within unions.

"Much like the women she wrote about, she wanted to work and be useful," her husband said. "It was a big part of who she was."

Other survivors include a son, Alan; two daughters, Janet Cohen and Linda; three sisters, Gloria Kahan, Shirley Harris and Sharon Ruskin; and five grandchildren.

Services were held.

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Joan Giangrasse Kates is a freelance reporter.
Ilinois Rep. David McSweeney, R-Barrington Hills, speaks to lawmakers while on the House floor during session at the Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Ill. (Seth Perlman / AP)

A suburban Chicago lawmaker is pushing to ban the cash bonuses that some school districts give to retired educators, a practice that costs local taxpayers thousands of dollars.

State Rep. David McSweeney, R-Barrington Hills, said he wasn't aware of the so-called post-retirement bonuses until the Tribune last month highlighted the little-noticed payouts that are tucked into teacher and administrator contracts.

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McSweeney filed legislation Friday that would prohibit suburban and downstate school districts from including post-retirement bonuses in contracts.

He said he may also include Chicago Public Schools in the legislation since the district, in its tentative contract agreement with the Chicago Teachers Union, has agreed to give cash bonuses to teachers who agree to retire at the end of the school year.

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The educators would have to put in a notice by March 31, 2017, leading to a retirement date of June 30, 2017.

"I would definitely consider adding Chicago, but I want to see all the facts and read the (new CTU) contract," McSweeney said Tuesday. "I certainly do not like the practice."

The CTU contract still has to be ratified by the union's House of Delegates and full membership. The tentative settlement was reached Monday, averting a teachers strike.

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The CPS "retirement incentive" program would provide eligible teachers a one-time, lump-sum bonus calculated by multiplying a teacher's years of CPS service by $1,500, according to the tentative agreement.

If a teacher had 20 years of service, for example, the payment would add up to $30,000. Earnings toward the end of a teacher's career are a key factor in calculating pensions, but the CPS bonus is described as "non-pensionable," meaning it is not designed to impact the amount of a teacher's pension.

However, the CPS program has a caveat: It would require at least 1,500 eligible teachers to participate. If that doesn't happen, teachers could rescind their retirement notices.

The program is similar but not exactly the same as the bonus programs for retired suburban educators. The Tribune found that post-retirement payouts in some suburban districts came on top of consecutive 6 percent raises given to educators, sometimes for four years in a row to help increase pensions. Chicago has not engaged in that pattern of end-of-career raises, according to CTU officials.

According to suburban labor contracts, post-retirement bonuses are calculated in different ways. Sometimes it's a flat amount; sometimes it's a set figure multiplied by an educator's years of service; and sometimes it is a percentage of an educator's annual salary  which can be lucrative in affluent districts.

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If approved by the General Assembly and governor, McSweeney's bill would prohibit bonuses given after an educator retires and starts getting pension payments. In addition, districts would have to report to the public about any post-retirement payouts in contracts, and identify educators who have received the bonuses.

drado@chicagotribune.com
A registered sex offender was arrested after a mentally disabled woman was sexually assaulted and abducted on Chicago's Far South Side, authorities said Tuesday.

Wellington Ross, 33, was charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault and aggravated kidnapping following the Oct. 4 incident that occurred at an abandoned house in the West Pullman neighborhood.

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On that day, the victim, a 48-year-old woman, was walking to a store at 119th Street and Wentworth Avenue to buy some cigarettes. The woman saw Ross come around a corner towards her before he put his hands around her neck and tried to strangle her, cutting off her breathing ability, according to Cook County prosecutors.

They said Ross took the woman around a corner, placed a sharp object in her back and began to walk her down the street to the abandoned home in the 12000 block of South LaSalle Street. Ross took $95 from the pocket of the woman, prosecutors said, though he was not charged with robbery.

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Ross forced the woman to remove her clothing before he sexually assaulted her, according to prosecutors.

They said Ross later told the woman to get dressed and threatened to have someone kill her before he walked away.

The woman immediately ran home and called the police, prosecutors said. She then went to the hospital to be examined, authorities said.

A few days later, while driving home from a hospital with a relative, the woman spotted Ross on the street and pointed him out, prosecutors said. Police were flagged down and Ross was taken into custody.

On Tuesday, Ross, of the 300 block of West 116th Street in Chicago, was ordered held in the Cook County Jail on $750,000 bail by Judge Donald Panarese, prosecutors said. They also said Ross has a conviction in his criminal background for a 2007 sexual assault case, in which he was sentenced to 11 years in state prison.
A man killed in an Austin neighborhood shooting over the weekend has been identified, according to authorities.

Raheem Dismukes, 22, was shot Sunday night in the 1700 block of North Mayfield Avenue and pronounced dead at the scene at 10:06 p.m., according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. Dismukes and a 24-year-old man were in a minivan stopped at a stop sign on Mayfield when people on foot fired shots at them about 9:10 p.m. Sunday, according to police.

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Dismukes was shot in the face and back, and the older man was shot in the elbow, police said. They lost control of the minivan, which crashed into a wrought-iron fence and a nearby building, according to a Chicago Fire Department spokesman.

Dismukes had to be extricated from the minivan, and his body was taken to West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park. The older man was taken to Mount Sinai in good condition for treatment of a gunshot wound to the elbow.
The death of a man who was beaten in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood has been ruled a homicide, according to the Cook County medical examiners office.

Javier Martinez, 40, died June 5 at the University of Illinois Medical Center after the beating in the 1500 block of West 18th Street, according to a spokeswoman for the office.

His death was caused by bleeding in the brain from blunt force injuries to the head, the office said. It ruled the death a homicide.
Kevin Dugar, left, who is serving a 54-year prison sentence for first-degree murder, is seeking a new trial after a confession by identical twin Karl Smith, right. (Illinois Department of Corrections)

It could have been a scene taken from the old "Perry Mason" TV series.

Karl Smith testified last month at the Leighton Criminal Court Building that he  not his identical twin brother, Kevin Dugar  had gunned down a gang rival on Chicago's North Side in 2003 and wounded another.

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Dugar's lawyer is seeking a new trial, citing the dramatic testimony. But prosecutors have blasted Smith's claims of mistaken identity, noting he is already serving a lengthy prison sentence for another crime.

Now, in an interview with the Chicago Tribune, a former close friend of Smith's has also taken issue with his confession, labeling as false Smith's account that the friend was nearby at the time of the 2003 shooting.

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Daniel Curiel said Smith's story  that Curiel had driven him to the Northwest Side location to buy marijuana moments before the shooting  was a lie to spring the guilty twin from prison.

But Smith's attorneys are likely to raise questions about Curiel's potential bias, citing how Curiel's 6-year-old son was shot in the head during a 2008 home invasion led by Smith. That is the conviction for which Smith is serving the 99-year prison sentence.

Dugar's lawyer, Karen Daniel, is seeking a new trial, arguing that no confession or physical evidence tied Dugar to the shooting, only the testimony of two eyewitnesses, including one who recanted at trial.

Prosecutors, pointing to the lengthy sentence being served by Smith, contended in court last month that "he's got nothing to lose" by taking the blame for his brother's murder rap.

Judge Vincent Gaughan, who imposed a 54-year prison sentence on Dugar after a jury convicted him of first-degree murder, will make the decision on whether he deserves a new trial. The case is back before Gaughan on Thursday, but the judge is not expected to rule then.

The Tribune was the first to report about Smith's testimony in a front-page story last month. His brother, sitting in the courtroom with his lawyer, wiped tears from his eyes, while the twins' mother, Judy Dugar, cried as she listened from the spectator gallery. The two brothers had not seen each other in years.

The 38-year-old identical twins, who dressed alike until eighth grade and impersonated each other for years afterward, had looked identical in court with their shaved heads and close-cropped beards. Only their clashing prison clothes set them apart  Smith doing his time at the Menard state prison and Dugar at Stateville.

But Curiel said those who knew the brothers well could tell them apart because of differences in skin color and weight as well as their contrasting personalities.

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"Kevin has always been more aggressive, more hardcore, and Karl is the goofy, laid-back one," said Curiel, who has known both since high school and was in the same Conservative Vice Lords gang with them in their teens.

On the witness stand last month, Smith testified he left a party with Curiel in March 2003 and that the two drove to the Uptown neighborhood so Smith could buy marijuana.

Smith, dressed in all black that night, said he was heading on foot to the dealer's place near Sheridan Road and Argyle Street when a vehicle rushed up and two gang rivals  Ronnie Bolden and Antwan Carter  got out. Smith testified he thought Carter was going to shoot him, so he drew two guns and opened fire.

He and Curiel drove off, stopped at a liquor store and then returned to the party, where he changed his clothes and later went out to a nightclub with his twin brother, Smith said.

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Curiel said the entire story was false.

"The whole party never happened. The ride to get weed never happened. I never took him anywhere," he said.

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Five years later, Curiel was selling drugs, keeping some of his cash in a safe in his home, prosecutors have alleged. One afternoon, Curiel said he heard a knock on the door, looked through the peephole and saw Smith outside.

But when he opened the door, Smith and two others wearing masks attacked him, stabbing him in the shoulder, beating him and demanding the safe, Curiel said. Smith shot Curiel's young son in the head, he said.

"The right ones are in jail," Curiel said. "They're not innocent like they're making themselves out to be. They're making themselves out like they're the victims of the system. Nope, the right ones are in jail."

sschmadeke@chicagotribune.com

Twitter @SteveSchmadeke
A $3.92 million Fox Island flood protection project has been approved 72-18 by property owners, who will pay part of its cost via a special assessment district, the Burleigh County Water Resource District Board announced Wednesday.

The project will involve raising a section of road and adding a levee to safeguard against a 20-foot flood. The Legislature has committed $2.8 million toward its completion, and the Burleigh County Commission has approved funding of $920,000 in yearly installments. Fox Island property owners will pay the balance.

The project was driven by the 2011 Missouri River flooding.

The raising of the road would start at the pump at Tavis Road and move west along Farwest Drive and Gallatin Loop, according to Michael Gunsch of Houston Engineering, consulting engineer for the water resource district. The levee would extend west from Gallatin Loop to the Missouri River bank, then run north to the Whispering Bay accessory channel, he said.

Gunsch said about 80 percent of the 91 property owners who voted favored the project. One submitted a blank ballot.

With the residents' approval on record, the board is moving forward with the project and paying a design fee of $325,000 to Houston Engineering.

Completion is planned during the 2018 construction season, but authorization must first be granted by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the North Dakota State Engineer's Office.

Earlier precautions were taken when the county partnered with Bismarck in creating the Tavis Road floodgate after the 2011 flood and Bismarck raised Mills Avenue, according to Larson.

A Dec. 14 hearing has tentatively been set to allow those within the special assessment district to protest.

Sixteen residents in the far western Gallatin Loop area signed a petition saying the construction of the levee would damage their yards, said Greg Larson, a member of the water resource district board.

"We 16 receive none of the flood benefit, but receive 100 percent of the street and yard destruction," he read from the statement.

The homeowners signing the petition also asked that a different street be raised near their properties.

Board members agreed they did not want to change the protection plan or do more study at increased cost to those being assessed.

Each property owner in the assessment district can expect to pay an average of $3,790 toward the construction project, Gunsch said. In addition, he said, some of them will pay $943 each toward the system's operation and maintenance.
A makeshift school at a protest camp near Standing Rock Sioux Reservation is operating without state approval, according to State Superintendent Kirsten Baesler.

In a Friday letter addressed to the tribal council, including Chairman Dave Archambault II, Baesler said the school  called the Defenders of Water School at Seven Council Fires Camp  is operating illegally and must secure state approval.

Baesler said in a phone interview Tuesday she's working with the tribal council to inform them of what it needs to do to become an approved operating school that meets state requirements. The school must adhere to five operating requirements, including having teachers licensed to teach in only their subject area and teach curriculum required under North Dakota Century Code.

In the meantime, Baesler said she's encouraging those students at the camp to enroll in state-approved schools, including Mandan and Solen school districts, which have agreed to bus students from the camp. Solen Superintendent Justin Fryer said, since last month, the district started sending a bus to the camp to pick up 14 students and bring them to Cannon Ball Elementary and Solen High School.

The camp is located within the Mandan School District, which already has a bus that travels there to pick up children who attend Mandan schools

My major priority in this whole situation is to ensure these students are enrolled in an approved enrolled school, and that their educational well being is being attended to," Baesler said.

Thousands of people  children and adults  have flocked to the encampment located on the north bank of the Cannonball River in the past several months to protest the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

The Defenders of Water School was established in August and had about 40 students on its first day, from preschool children to 16-year-olds. The Department of Public Instruction has heard from the Standing Rock Tribe that there are about 40 students there, Baesler said. It's not clear how many are North Dakota residents or from other states.

"With them living in our state, they become our students," Baesler said.

The process to get a new school approved is "lengthy," according to Baesler, who said she didn't want students there to lose out on any learning time.

Archambault did not respond Tuesday to request for a comment.

"Until they meet the requirements, or work towards meeting those requirements, (the Education Standards and Practices Board) can offer some provisional licenses, but until they meet all five of those requirements, I cant approve it," Baesler said.

Baesler said other issues at other schools in the area, in addition to the school at the protest camp, has been "on our radar" since the start of the school year in September.
Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman Dave Archambault II denies saying that he lost control of the camp where thousands of Dakota Access Pipeline opponents are staying in south-central North Dakota, as Gov. Jack Dalrymple suggested in a radio interview Tuesday.

Dalrymple told KFYR radio host Scott Hennen that among the pipeline protesters is a group of about 200 people who are into a more militant form of agitation and provide 100 percent of the problems that we deal with.

Authorities have arrested 123 people  including 27 on Monday  since protest activities began Aug. 10 about 35 miles southeast of Mandan, near where the four-state pipeline will cross the Missouri River at Lake Oahe less than a mile north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. The charges have included criminal trespass, disorderly conduct, engaging in a riot and, for some who have attached themselves to construction equipment, felony reckless endangerment.

So would you ask Chairman Archambault, or have you asked Chairman Archambault, to ask these people to leave? Hennen asked the governor.

Yes I have, and Ive spoken with him regularly, and its clear that he has reached a point where he wishes it would remain 100 percent peaceful. But hes told me many, many times he is no longer in control in the camp or in any way (has) control over the protesters, and I think thats sad, Dalrymple said. It makes it very difficult to deal with when theres no committee to talk to, theres no council to talk to. This is just a random group of people that are acting very independently.

Archambault, texting from an airplane Tuesday night on his way home from the National Congress of American Indians conference in Phoenix, told Forum News Service, I never did tell the governor I lost control of the camp.

I shared with him the dynamics and how I stress peace and nonviolence all the time  never was the word control used. I shared with the governor all the good things happening at the camp, Archambault texted.

Hennen asked the governor if Archambault should publicly ask the agitators to leave.

That might be helpful, Dalrymple said.

Asked whether he has requested that anyone leave the camp and if he condones the actions of those arrested Monday, Archambault replied, When building unity amongst tribes its never good to ask anyone to leave. The actions are not happening at the camp. I asked that if there are any actions that they are done with no violence.

Dalrymple said the federal government absolutely is causing this to drag out, noting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to withhold an easement for the $3.8 billion, 1,172-mile pipeline to cross Corps land under and bordering Lake Oahe, despite recent court rulings denying the tribes request to halt construction.

Politics is really the only possible explanation, Dalrymple said.
A journalist facing criminal charges after reporting on a clash between private security and protesters at a Dakota Access Pipeline protest will return to North Dakota within the next week to face the accusations, said Tom Dickson, the Bismarck-based attorney representing Amy Goodman, of Democracy Now.

Dickson said he's planning to use First Amendment considerations to defend her against the misdemeanor criminal trespass charge.

"There's many justifications and legal justifications for why you're on somebody's property," Dickson said. "She wasn't picnicking or on a summer lark. She was reporting the news to the American people."

But the prosecutor said she does not deserve special treatment, because he doesn't consider her to be a journalist.

McLean County State's Attorney Ladd Erickson, who is prosecuting the case for Morton County, said he sees no difference between her and other anti-pipeline demonstrators charged with trespass.

Shes a protester, basically. Everything she reported on was from the position of justifying the protest actions, said Erickson, adding that her coverage of the Sept. 3 protest did not mention that people trespassed during the incident or the alleged assaults on guards.

Is everybody thats putting out a YouTube video from down there a journalist down there, too?" he asked.

Dickson, who considers Goodman to be a journalist, said he is not pleased with the charges against her, blasting them as "unamerican."

"You don't arrest reporters," he said. "I think the government is overplaying its hand."

He said Goodman is returning to North Dakota, because "she's a professional, and she wants to deal with it and defend herself."

Goodman has received several awards for her reporting, including the George Polk Award.

Goodman was charged in Morton County on Sept. 8 with one count of trespassing, based on video footage of her at a protest site on private property during Labor Day weekend, according to court records. A warrant was issued for her arrest.

She reported on a clash between protesters and private security at an active construction site south of Mandan that the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe said contained historic artifacts. Three guards were reportedly injured, and several protesters said they were pepper-sprayed and bitten by dogs handled by the security personnel. The North Dakota Private Investigation and Security Board has since opened an investigation into the use of dogs at the site.

If convicted, Goodman could face up to 30 days in prison and a $1,500 fine.

A court date for her initial appearance has not yet been set.
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.
ABB Group, the Swiss power and automation company, will optimize its resources to support China's industrial upgrading and take new opportunities from the digital sector in the long term, said its top executive.

ABB announced earlier this month that it will shape the company's divisions into four unitselectrification products, robotics and motion, industrial automation and power gridsto enhance its earning ability, as well as realizing its full potential in digital technologies.

These divisions will start operating as entrepreneurial units within ABB on Jan 1, 2017, reflected in an enhancement of its performance and compensation model focusing on individual accountability and responsibility.

Ulrich Spiesshofer, ABB's chief executive officer, said China has always been a strong and important market for ABB. The company will continue to invest in China, especially in digitalization, automation and power supply sectors.

"If you look at the opportunities in our four divisions, they are very significant. On the electrification side, electric vehicles are coming up at high speed," said Spiesshofer.

"China today is the largest robotics market in the world. And we can truly make a difference there with our strong foothold."

China has been implementing a plan titled "Made in China 2025", aiming to strengthen the country's manufacturing capacity under the guidance of technological progress, knowledge-based transformation and green development. This will help the Chinese economy grow at a faster speed.

ABB opened new service stations in China this year, as well as new research and development activities in the second half of this year. It also plans to expand its advanced robotic technology capability in the service industry.

The Swiss firm employs more than 18,000 in China and operates 40 local firms across a sales and service network in 147 cities.

ABB gained orders of over $300 million for world's first 1,100 ultra-high-voltage direct current transmission link in China in July.

Eager to enhance its earning ability, ABB appointed a chief digital officer in September, who will lead the next level of development and deployment of ABB's digital solutions for customers globally and across all businesses.
Over the past few years, many single senior citizens have come to the IKEA Shanghai's Xuhui canteen on Tuesdays and Thursdays to meet friends and perhaps find a potential partner.

IKEA Shanghai's Xuhui store is trying once again to take back control of its canteen, which has been turned into a matchmaking corner for the elderly.

The latest measure  "order food first, then take seat"  was launched after customers complained the elderly were occupying tables for excessive periods, leaving other diners unable to be seated.

The elderly were also accused of talking too loudly, bringing in their own food, and even quarreling or fighting, the company said.

Over the past few years, many single senior citizens have come to the canteen on Tuesdays and Thursdays to meet friends and perhaps find a potential partner.

Its spacious room, offer of free coffee, and easy accessibility via public transport make the canteen an ideal meeting place. However, elderly patrons returning yesterday for their first get-together after the holiday, were in for a surprise.

They found the eating area railed off and they were reminded by staff they needed to buy food first before occupying a seat.

"Today is the first test of the new measure and we are still reviewing the results," an IKEA spokeswoman, Tang Qiang, said.

This is not the first time the multinational company has tried to keep order in its canteen. In 2011, it tried  unsuccessfully  to steer the matchmaking group to one corner of the canteen to minimalize their effect on other customers.

A frequenter of the twice-weekly gatherings, Zhang Xiaofang, 63, told Shanghai Daily that some elderly people had had arguments with staff or other diners over refusing to give up their seats for diners in peak hours. "But some are cooperative, and many people prefer to come after lunchtime to avoid the conflicts."

Zhang, whose husband died 15 years ago, added it had now become too difficult to find a partner. "I come here mainly to meet and talk with other elderly people. We are very lonely and there are not many places for us to meet new friends."

Most elderly people in attendance yesterday accepted the changed situation with good grace. About 60 of them stood around tables outside the eating area, while others bought food to get inside the eating area. Some ordered a full meal, others just the cheapest items on offer, such as a cup of coffee or bread.

However, one elderly woman, who declined to be identified, said one staffer had asked her to leave the sitting area after she had returned her tray.

"They assume I did not order the food as there's no tray on my table," she said. Her friends advised her that next time, she should put the food aside and not eat it until she was ready to leave her seat.

A 37-year-old diner, surnamed Jin, is uncertain how effective IKEA's new measure will, as "there are always people who keep occupying the tables just for chatting, whether youngsters or elderly."

Another diner, surnamed Gu who is 68, said the matchmaking group could be very annoying on occasion, as some of them spoke very loudly, or left litter around the canteen.

Gu said he and his wife often came to IKEA for lunch when visiting Xujiahui area and he thought it understandable that IKEA had taken the action it had. "But I also understand the old group. Many old people are very lonely, particularly the single ones."

Elderly people's needs could not be met "as there are not enough public facilities for us. However, this is a social problem, not IKEA's responsibility," Gu said.
Bank of Shanghai plans to raise 10.7 billion yuan (US$1.6 billion) in its initial public offering which may possibly be the biggest IPO float this year in Shanghai's stock market, the lender said yesterday.

The state-owned bank will price its IPO shares at 17.77 yuan each, according to its filing to the Shanghai Stock Exchange.

The proposed IPO will surpass the record float of 7.24 billion yuan by Bank of Jiangsu in June. It might also cement the Shanghai market's global ranking of No. 2 by IPO proceeds so far this year of about US$10.5 billion, following Hong Kong's US$18.8 billion.

The Shanghai lender's listing followed several listings of smaller banks this year, as the stock market regulator closed loopholes that created the so-called shadow lending. Bank of Jiangsu, Bank of Hangzhou and three other rural commercial banks in Jiangsu Province have been listed so far this year.

Jin Yu, chairman of the Shanghai bank, said in a previous annual meeting of city commercial banks that the bank is eying a profit growth of 5-10 percent above the industry average.

The lender's profit in the January-September period is estimated at 10.8-11.1 billion yuan, it said separately yesterday.
The exploded rose-gold iPhone 7 of a man from Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province. [Photo: The Paper]

While the explosion of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is not far behind us, a video of an iPhone 7 exploding in China surfaced online on Monday, The Paper reports.

In the video, a man from Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province, said that his rose-gold iPhone 7 suddenly exploded as he was shooting a video with it last week. The phone exploded into two parts and left his hands swollen and his face with some injuries.

Unlike the Galaxy Note 7's explosion, which smoked excessively after burning, this iPhone 7 exploded leaving no burn marks, and the battery remained in good condition.

Apple China reported the incident to its headquarters, says The Paper.

This is the first known iPhone 7 explosion in China, but it was not an isolated incident within the world. An iPhone 6 Plus in California, the United States, exploded with black smoke as it was charged and completely ruined the phone, the ABC News reported.

Earlier this week, an iPhone 6 Plus belonging to Darina Hlavaty, an American student, burned suddenly during a class, leaving a burnt hole in her jeans.

For now, there is no evidence that these are isolated incidents and will not happen again. Apple Inc has not disclosed the measures it will take to resolve this issue.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang announced on Tuesday that China has put forward 18 new measures, including offering aid and preferential loans, to boost relations with Portuguese-speaking countries (PSCs) in the next three years.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers a keynote speech at the opening ceremony of the 5th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, in Macao, south China, Oct. 11, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

China will offer aid and preferential loans worth at least 4 billion yuan (almost US$600 million) to PSCs in Asia and Africa, Li said.

He made the announcement at the opening ceremony of the 5th Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries in Macao.

At least 2 billion yuan in aid will be given to help develop agriculture, facilitate trade and investment, prevent and control malaria, and conduct research on traditional medicine in these countries.

At least 2 billion yuan in preferential loans will be offered to promote industrial production capacity cooperation and infrastructure development in these countries. In addition, China will cancel 500 million yuan of debt matured from its interest-free loans to the underdeveloped PSCs in Asia and Africa attending the forum.

China also pledged to send more medical teams, offer training programs and government scholarships, and help PSCs from the forum that need to build marine meteorological facilities to respond to disasters and climate change.

China encourages domestic businesses to establish new or upgrade existing economic and trade cooperation zones in PSCs, and it supports the establishment of a China-PSCs financial service platform, an entrepreneurs' association, cultural exchange center, bilingual talent training base and youth innovation and startup center in Macao, according to the package.

The Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and PSCs was launched in Macao in 2003 with the participation of seven PSCs, namely Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea Bissau, Mozambique, Portugal and Timor-Leste.

Closer China-PSC ties

China is willing to build more substantial economic and trade ties and develop long-term stable and sound partnerships with PSCs, the Chinese premier said.

China and PSCs account for 17 percent of the global economy and 22 percent of the world population, and their common interests and need for mutual support are increasing, said Li.

The Belt and Road Initiative accords with the development plans of many PSCs, Li said, noting that both China and PSCs are located along the major international shipping routes.

Bilateral relations between China and PSCs are at their best period in history, said Li, pointing to the fact that trade between the two sides amounted to almost 100 billion U.S. dollars last year.

Over the next five years, China's total imports are expected to reach US$8 trillion, with total outbound investment of US$720 billion and more than US$600 million in outbound travel, meaning huge business opportunities for companies from all countries, including PSCs, said Li.

The two-day ministerial conference in Macao was attended by leaders and senior officials of the seven PSCs. The forum and Macao will play a more important role in boosting closer cooperation between China and PSCs.

A complex for the China-PSCs cooperation platform will be built in Macao to provide services in trade talks, trade shows and cultural exhibitions and exchanges. The facility is set to become a new landmark for bilateral cooperation.

Portuguese Prime Minister Antonio Costa said Macao has the potential to become an information-sharing platform for business cooperation and bilingual talent, a logistics center for commodities from PSCs and a service center for small and medium-sized enterprises.

China's Belt and Road Initiative can strengthen economic ties with PSCs and Portugal is willing to participate in building the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, Costa said.

Mozambican Prime Minister Carlos Agostinho do Rosario said much progress has been made in human resources development, technological assistance and investment within the forum framework.
A rock climber spent two months painting a portrait of the man she admires on the face of a cliff in Xianju county, Zhejiang province. But her expression of love will soon be removed at the request of the local tourism authority.

Left: The 6-meter-high image of a man's smiling face is painted on the face of Fanzheng Rock in Xianju National Park in Xianju county, Zhejiang province. Right: The artist works on the portrait. Photos Provided To China Daily

The image of a man's smiling face, about 6 meters tall, was painted on the face of Fanzheng Rock in Xianju National Park. The rock rises 281 meters atop a 500-meter-high mountain.

The painting was created in a recess of the rock, and its existence wasn't discovered until another climber posted photos of it online. The photo went viral, with netizens referring to the "rock painting of love".

A 34-year-old female bank clerk from Jiaojiang district, Taizhou city, was quoted by FM93 radio as saying she did the painting.

The woman, who declined to give her name, said the man in the portrait is an experienced rock climber known locally for being the first to attempt to climb Fanzheng Rock using hands and feet only, with no rope or other protection, in 2012. He got stuck midway up the cliff and had to be rescued.

The woman tried several means to win his heart, but the man didn't respond to her advances. Finally, she decided to paint his image at his high point, "leaving him up there for worship".

Starting in July, the woman traveled to Xianju every weekend to work secretly on the painting. She used imported mineral paints that she bought for more than 3,000 yuan ($450).

To allow herself as much time as possible to paint, she usually started climbing at about 3 am, so she could begin working at sunrise. To ensure that the painting was accurate, she sometimes climbed another mountain to view the art from a distance.

But the woman did not expect her secret to be discovered so soon.

"I didn't mean to destroy natural scenery. It's my way to pay homage to his exploration efforts," she said. "If I am asked to remove the painting, I will do it as soon as possible."

Xianju National Park has confirmed the existence of the graffiti and said it will be removed.

"According to regulations, such graffiti must be removed to restore the original condition of the cliff face," park officials said in a statement online. "The national park management committee will organize experts to inspect the area and arrange the removal of the graffiti in the most environmentally friendly way."

However, many netizens said they would like to see the graffiti remain on the cliff because of the touching story behind it, and a local media outlet conducted a survey recently on whether the painting should by removed. Of more than 3,000 respondents, 57 percent said the painting should remain in place, while 34 percent said it should be removed.

A netizen using the pseudonym "Dapi" said the painting is not ugly, has an interesting story and "has the potential to become a tourist attraction".

Ying Jinfei, deputy head of the Zhejiang Art Museum and a professor at the China Academy of Art, said: "The painting is quite moderate in terms of its artistic level, while the painter's imagination and the story behind it deserve our recognition."
A man suspected of using a trammel net to illegally hunt migratory birds in Tianjin Municipality has been caught by local police, reported thepaper.cn.

An expert checks the trammel nets used to catch migratory birds in Hangu District of north China's Tianjin Municipality. [File photo: thepaper.cn]

The forestry, agriculture and police authorities in Tianjin took immediate actions after conservation volunteers found trammel nets as long as 10,000 meters are being used by illegal hunters to catch migratory birds in the city and nearby Hebei Province.

This is the second man police have found involved in the illegal hunting. Local police arrested him on Monday in Tanggu District of Tianjin.

The two men under arrest have given up more information to the police regarding other illegal hunters. Personnel and helicopters have been dispatched to search the area around the trammel nets.

Thousands of migratory birds were stranded or killed by the trammel nets. During the National Holiday, conservation volunteers removed them and helped the birds, according to earlier media reports. Rare and endangered birds have been caught in the net. One such bird is otus sunia, listed for "second level" protection in China.

The illegal bird-hunting case caught the attention of China's state forestry administration. They have recently sent an inspection team to supervise the campaign. The leader of the inspection team, Lu Jun, said on Sunday that police, transportation and commerce authorities are all responsible for reducing illegal bird-hunting. He stressed that the illegal trading and eating of wild animals in the area also needs an investigation to root out any more illegal bird-hunting.
Faulty construction and poor foundations have been blamed for Monday's collapse of houses in Wenzhou, a port city in east Chinas Zhejiang Province, and the deaths of 22 people.

Rescuers search for survivors at the accident site in Lucheng industrial district in Wenzhou, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 11, 2016. [Photo: Xinhua]

Zhu Chongmin, director of the citys Lucheng District, told a press conference yesterday that the houses had been built by farmers in the 1980s on a tidal flat.

An initial investigation found there had been no indication the houses were in a dangerous condition and they had collapsed without warning.

There would be a further investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the collapse, he said.

Recent heavy rain may have been a contributing factor.

Rescue workers told China News Service that five neighboring houses built in the 1970s, which had remained standing, were being demolished as a safety precaution.

Zhang Geng, Wenzhou's mayor, said a thorough check of local buildings, especially older structures and farmers' houses, had begun.

According to news website thepaper.cn, the houses that collapsed had been due to be pulled down. Though some doors, windows and even stairways had been removed, they were still being lived in by migrant workers.

Rescue work ended yesterday morning after 22 bodies had been pulled from the debris. Six people who had survived the collapse are in a stable condition in hospital.

The last to be rescued was a 3-year-old girl, found alive in her dead father's arms. She was able to speak, telling nurses she was thirsty when admitted to hospital, China Central Television reported.

Firefighter Sun Jing told CCTV they discovered her father at first, then her mother and then the toddler. "The couple lay motionless, facing downward. They tightly held the girl in the middle. We realized the girl was alive when her right foot kicked a little," Sun said.

He said she had survived because her father, a 26-year-old shoe factory worker, had put himself between her and the falling debris.

"We found a cement block, about 20 centimeters thick and 1 meter wide, on the back of her father," he said.

The girl, who suffered only minor injuries, was found more than 12 hours after the collapse, CCTV said.

"The child was able to survive entirely thanks to the fact that her dad used his own flesh and blood to prop up a life-saving space for his daughter," a rescuer told China Youth Daily.

Wang Qingxue, a 53-year-old migrant worker from central China"s Henan Province, was among the first to be rescued. He told the Qianjiang Evening News he had shared a 10-square-meter unit with four other workers.

"I had thought someone was breaking into our room when I heard the boom. I tried to grab my mobile phone and wallet, at which point I felt like I was in a falling elevator. I fell to the ground in a flash," he said.
An unlicensed breeding farm in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, has been shut down after hundreds of toxic cobras escaped.

An unlicensed breeding farm in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province is shut down by police after hundreds of cobras escaped. [Photo: yangtse.com]

Thepaper.cn reported that the farm, owned by Sun rented it to Qin, but it is Qin's father who manages it, local police confirmed. They are now under investigation.

There were around 1,500 monocle cobras imported through the Shao Guan customs in south China's Guangdong Province.

Xu Huiqiang, from the wild animal protection center in Jiangsu, said that farms must fulfill certain requirements for monocle cobras. The snakes have economic value but are extremely toxic. The farm has reportedly been running without the fulfilled requirements.

Around one hundred of the cobras have been found and 50 of them are still remaining at large. Local authorities have organized over a hundred villagers to search areas nearby the farm for the snakes.
China's Ministry of National Defense has refuted recent accusations against Chinese peacekeepers in South Sudan, saying that they are inconsistent with the facts and are nothing more than rumors.

Sr. Col. Yang Yujun, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense of China, takes questions at a press conference on Sept. 29. [File Photo by Chen Boyuan / China.org.cn]

Washington-based NGO Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) published a report last week criticizing Chinese peacekeepers for how they responded to an outbreak of fighting in the South Sudanese capital Juba in July. The CIVIC report alleged that "the Chinese peacekeepers abandoned their posts," as many foreign media reported.

Senior Colonel Yang Yujun, MOD spokesperson, refuted such accusations in a written reply issued on Oct. 11. He said that the allegations "are not in accordance with the facts and are sheer malicious hype."

Yang told the press that the Chinese peacekeeping infantry battalion deployed in Juba was ordered to protect the headquarters UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in Juba and the No.1 Refugee Camp after armed conflict broke out in the country in July at the behest of the United Nations. Chinese Blue Helmet soldiers spared no effort in guaranteeing the safety of other UN peacekeepers as well as refugees.

The conflict escalated on July 10 but the Chinese peacekeepers remained at their posts. A Chinese infantry fighting vehicle was hit on the same day by an RPG shell, killing Chinese peacekeepers Li Lei and Yang Shupeng and injuring another five on board. Chinese peacekeepers reinforced quickly; they continued to carry out their assigned tasks while rescuing the wounded Chinese peacekeepers.

The next day, armed helicopters, tanks, infantry fighting vehicles and other heavy weapons were used in the conflict. They had a heavy exchange of fire near the UN camps, and during the fighting militants sneaked into the No. 1 Refugee Camp and threatened the refugees' safety directly, said Sr. Col. Yang.

While Chinese peacekeepers were searching for the militants in the refugee camp, stray bullets from the fighting caused panic amongst the refugees, and some of them broke the barbed wire and entered the UN camps.

Chinese peacekeepers later joined with UN police and a Nepalese riot squad under UNMISS command to calm the refugees.

The MOD spokesperson said that the UN is now investigating the performance of Chinese peacekeepers in South Sudan and that before the findings are published any "unwarranted accusation is irresponsible."
The opening ceremony of the 17th Edgar Snow Symposium  which this year is also commemorating the 80th anniversary of Snow's interview with Mao Zedong and the 80th anniversary of the Red Army's Long March  was held in Beijing at the Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries on the morning of Oct. 11.

Tian Yan, vice president of Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, addresses at the opening ceremony of the 17th Edgar Snow Symposium.

The biannual event celebrates the life and achievements of American journalist Edgar Snow, who gained worldwide fame for his reporting in China before and during World War II and  more specifically  for his 1937 book "Red Star over China," a detailed account of the early Communist Party of China (CPC). The symposium, which began in 1982, is hosted alternatingly in Beijing and Kansas City, Missouri, Snow's hometown.

The opening ceremony featured a series of short remarks from both Chinese and American attendees  including Nancy Hill, president of the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation, John Phillips, a member of the Board of Curators at the University of Missouri, and Scott Wagner, a member of the Kansas City Council. The remarks were followed by three key note speeches centering on the significance of Snow's famous interview with Mao.

Ding Xiaoping, author of several books about Snow, delivered the first key note speech and gave a broad overview of the progression of the American journalist's career and life. Sun Hua, a professor at Peking University, gave the second, which emphasized the continuing legacy of Snow's work and the importance of foreign perspectives in understanding a country and its culture. The final speech came from John Kennedy, a professor at the University of Kansas, and focused on the unique impact of "Red Star over China" on Western opinion of the early CPC.

Few foreign journalists affected the course of 20th century China as strongly as Snow did. He first came to China in 1928 after making a small fortune on the New York Stock Exchange, and ended up staying in the country for 13 years. He lived and worked in Shanghai during his first years in China before moving to Beijing in the early 1930's, where he taught journalism at Yencheng University.

Through his friendship with Soong Ching-ling  the second wife of Sun Yat-sen, Snow was able to gain access to CPC headquarters in Bao'an. He spent four months there and was granted a level of access to CPC leaders  including Mao and Zhou Enlai  that was without precedent for a foreign journalist. From his experience at Bao'an, Snow wrote "Red Star over China," a book that not only brought Snow worldwide fame but helped to introduce Mao and the CPC to a broader audience.

Snow continued working in China throughout the early years of World War II  work which included reportage on the Rape of Nanjing  and returned to American in 1941 after writing "Battle for Asia," a book based on his time spent in Japanese-occupied territories. He would later return to Asia as a war correspondent for the Saturday Evening Post and go on to write several books about Russia's involvement in World War II.

After the war, Snow was regarded with suspicion by American authorities for his relationship with the CPC, and was even questioned by the FBI during the McCarthy era. He moved to Switzerland in 1959 and made two trips back to China during the 60's. Snow went to China for the final time in 1970  a visit during which he had a five hour private meeting with Chairman Mao  before being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and dying in 1972 at the age of 66. One-half of his ashes were buried at Sneden's Landing near the Hudson River, while the other half was buried on the grounds of Peking University. He was the first foreigner to have a funeral at the Great Hall of the People in Tiananmen Square.

The 17th Edgar Snow Symposium is sponsored by Beijing People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, the China Society for People's Friendship Studies, Peking University and the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation, and is co-sponsored by the Tianjin Conservatory of Music. The opening ceremony will be followed by a series of visits to various sites in or around Beijing, including the Song Zhuang Art District, the TCM Hospital, and the Tianjin Conservatory of Music. The symposium ends on Oct. 14.
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China on Wednesday expressed strong dissatisfaction that the Martin Ennals Award for Human Rights Defenders was granted to Chinese separatist teacher Ilham Tohti.

Uygur teacher Ilham Tohti, who was sentenced to life in prison for separatist activities in 2014, was named the recipient of the accolade on Tuesday by rights groups in Geneva, Switzerland.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said Ilham Tohti's criminal activity was supported by solid evidence.

"While a teacher, he used to openly call terrorists and extremists 'heroes,' and deluded and coerced people to go abroad and engage in East Turkistan separatist activities," Geng said.

Ilham Tohti had planned and organized a series of separatist criminal activities, he added.

The spokesperson said his trial was held with strict adherence to Chinese law, adding China's internal affairs and judicial sovereignty cannot be interfered with.

Stressing that the case of Ilham Tohti has nothing to do with human rights, Geng said what he did was "to justify terrorist acts, divide the nation and incite hatred, which is intolerable for any country."

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein attended the award ceremony.

Geng said the attendance of the senior UN official, "severely goes against the principles and purposes of the UN Charter" and "interferes in China's domestic affairs."

"Some international forces ignore the crimes committed by separatists or terrorists on the Chinese people and deliberately [label the issue] human rights. This is a desecration and travesty of human rights and rule of law," said Geng.
The phenomenal strides China has made in poverty alleviation in the last four decades offers inspiration to African countries grappling with similar challenge, Kenyan experts have said.

During an interview with Xinhua recently ahead of China's Poverty-Relief Day on Oct. 17, senior Kenyan officials and experts agreed that the Asian giant offers vital lessons on wealth creation.

Professor Micheni Ntiba, the Principal Secretary in the State Department of Fisheries and Blue Economy hailed Beijing's stellar performance in poverty alleviation thanks to embrace of free markets without abandoning socialist ideals.

"The poverty levels in rural China for instance were too high in the 70s and at some point, civilians had to contend with hunger and malnutrition. Embrace of market economy has nevertheless unleashed record prosperity in both rural and urban China," said Ntiba.

He noted that agricultural mechanization that accelerated three decades ago enabled China to feed its population and export surplus to neighboring countries and beyond.

Kenya has been dispatching senior officials to China to learn how the Asian giant achieved economic progress in a record time.

Ntiba said Kenya is keen to emulate China's success story in agricultural transformation, manufacturing and infrastructure development to realize growth.

"It is evident that China harnessed the power of technology, innovations and unwavering patriotism to chart its own development path. It is possible to achieve such a feat locally by emulating China which happens to be our close ally in many areas," Ntiba told Xinhua.

China's journey from a past marked with poverty to become the world's second largest economy is an inspiration to African countries experiencing similar challenges.

The acting CEO of New Partnership for Africa Development Kenya, Daniel Osiemo said that China's good performance in poverty alleviation offers vital lessons to African states struggling to provide basic necessities to their citizens.

"China presents shining example of a transition from poverty to economic development. In 1966, the country could not even feed its people properly," Osiemo said.

He noted that China has relied on the ingenuity of local population, technology, innovations and focused leadership to propel economic growth.

"The Chinese society has sustained a work ethic that integrates discipline, timeliness and team spirit hence the profound economic success," said Osiemo.

He noted that mass literacy, embrace of modern technology and political stability has enabled China to address its domestic challenges like poverty, disease and environmental hazards without disruptions.

"Both the Chinese leaders and citizens were able to recognize their challenges and devise sound methods of addressing them without relying on external help. That is what this continent requires," Osiemo told Xinhua.

Kenyan scholars too agreed that China is an exemplar when it comes to poverty alleviation.

Bethwel Kinuthia, an economist at the University of Nairobi hailed China's determination to eradicate extreme poverty that still blights African countries.

"Before China embraced market economy fully, there were pockets of success in poverty alleviation largely driven by agricultural mechanization and light manufacturing in rural provinces," said Kinuthia.

He noted that both economic and political reforms in China were behind the prosperity. "A China that opened itself to the world in terms of trade, investments and cultural interaction realized phenomenal economic progress whose impacts are felt everywhere and more so in Africa," Kinuthia said.

He noted the current economic progress in many African countries is linked to Chinese investments in critical sectors like infrastructure, energy and manufacturing.

"In Kenya, China has catalyzed our economic transformation through massive investments in modern transport infrastructure and clean energy," said Kinuthia.

He singled out the China funded Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) that will unleash new prosperity in Kenya and the eastern African region upon completion in June 2017.

Teresiah Kahumbu, an employee of China Road and Bride Corporation that is constructing the modern railway spoke glowingly of her changed fortunes in the last two years she has worked in the mega infrastructure project.

"The SGR project enabled me to secure a job after college... I have gained exposure and knowledge that will be useful in future," said Kahumbu.
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Russian President Vladimir Putin has canceled his visit to France scheduled for Oct. 19 due to changes in the agenda, the Kremlin said Tuesday.

"The president has decided to cancel the visit, as some of the planned activities related to the opening of the Russian cultural and spiritual center and an exhibition, unfortunately, have been dropped out of the program," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

But he added that Putin was ready to pay a visit to France "whenever it will be comfortable to (French) President (Francois) Hollande," while declining to specify the reason for changes in the program.

On Sunday, Hollande said in an interview with TMC television that he was still considering whether it would be useful to meet Putin in view of Russia' s alleged involvement in bombing civilians in Syria.

Russia on Saturday vetoed a France-sponsored drafted resolution on Syria at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), and offered its own draft which was also not adopted by the UNSC.

Meanwhile, Peskov did not confirm Putin's participation in the meeting on the crisis in Ukraine with leaders of France, Germany and Ukraine in the so-called Normandy format scheduled for Oct. 19 in Berlin.

He only said that Russia was preparing for participation in such a meeting and will announce its date and time "as soon as we are ready."
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At least 12 people were allegedly killed in airstrikes on Tuesday in Syria's northern city of Aleppo, a monitor group reported.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said that 12 people were killed by intense Russian airstrikes on rebel-held areas on Tuesday. The report cannot be independently verified.

Four children were among those killed in the airstrikes, which targeted the neighborhoods of Fardous, Bustan al-Qaser and other areas in the rebel-held eastern part of Aleppo, said the report.

The UK-based watchdog group said the death toll could likely rise due to the high number of critically wounded people, and those still under the rubble.

The Observatory, which relies on a network of activists on ground, said the airstrikes are the most intense following a relative lull that lasted for a few days in eastern Aleppo.

The escalation on Tuesday comes a day after the Syrian Foreign Ministry resent another invitation to the Syrians in rebel-held areas to leave, promising them secure passages into government-controlled areas, and safe accommodation.

The invitation is the latest in a series of calls by the Syrian government on the civilians to leave the rebel-held areas, and for the rebels to lay down their weapons.

On Sept. 22, the Syrian army declared a new offensive aiming to dislodge the rebels from the eastern part of Aleppo city, triggering a series of accusations from the Western countries, who charged that Russia and the Syrian army are committing war crimes in Aleppo.

On Tuesday, the head of the Observatory, Rami Abdul-Rahman, said the people in the eastern part of Aleppo "doesn't trust" the Syrian authorities, as they fear to face imprisonment and integration.

He said instead of having the civilians leave eastern Aleppo, the government-imposed siege on such areas must come to an end in order for the relief aid to enter those areas.

Aleppo, located near the borders with Turkey, is Syria's largest city and once an economic hub. It has been a focal point of clashes between the Syrian army and the rebels.

The rebels laid siege to western Aleppo districts after cutting the international road to Aleppo in 2014, a siege broken later by the Syrian army with the help of Hezbollah.
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The Nigerian government Tuesday said it aims to cut the activities of militants in the Niger Delta region by 80 percent by building the capacity of marine police.

A marine school would be established in oil rich state of Bayelsa to build the capacity of police personnel to enhance service delivery, Ibrahim Idris, Nigeria's Inspector-General of Police said in Abuja, the nation's capital.

Idris told his audience that the Special Anti Robbery Squad would be trained in collaboration with the Nigeria Bar Association, Civil Society Organizations and human rights organizations.

The police chief statement came barely 24 hours after President Muhammadu Buhari said the objective of the militancy in the Niger Delta region is to colonize Nigeria economically.

Noting that the militants are engaging in sophisticated sabotage, Buhari said efforts were on to dialogue with their leaders.

He said that the Niger Delta situation was more complex, since the militants had no central command, and some of them were mere extortioners. He promised that a solution would be found to the unrest soon.
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South Sudan's army said on Tuesday that security has been beefed up along the 125 km Juba-Nimule road in the wake of Monday's violent attacks on three buses bound for the Ugandan border by rebels led by ousted First Vice President Riek Machar.

Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) spokesman Brigadier Lul Ruai Koang told Xinhua in Juba that the attack by some elements of the Sudan People's Liberation Army-IO (SPLA-IO) rebels left a sizable number of the wounded with no reported death.

"We are suspecting some elements loyal to the SPLA-IO. I am sure of only two wounded from the two buses that were headed to Nimule," Koang told Xinhua.

The buses that included Eco-bus, Gateway and Friendship were hit by Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) before the armed gunmen looted property and other valuable from their terrified victims.

This came after unknown gunmen at the weekend attacked vehicles along the Juba-Yei road some 78 miles southwest of the capital Juba that left over 21 people killed.

The Juba-Nimule road has come under attack from unknown gunmen the government claims are under the leadership renegade Brigadier General Martin Kenyi allied to SPLA-IO and operating along Magwi in Eastern Equatoria region.

"The road (Juba-Nimule) is being patrolled by security forces. The situation has been brought under control," Koang revealed.

"We want to ensure that the road is safe for travelers and we are doing this in collaboration with local leaders in the area," he disclosed.

After the recent July renewed fighting between the warring parties in the country that dented the fragile peace deal signed last August, conflict has spread to the hitherto peaceful Equatoria region in areas like Yei, Morobo and Lainya.
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Kenyan police on Tuesday arrested four terror suspects linked to the Al-Shabaab and the Islamic State (IS) militants in the coastal city of Mombasa.

The four, Ali Musa, Hamisi Hakumu, Yassin Ahmed and Mwinyi Hamisi were arrested by special unit of anti-terrorism police unit and special crime prevention unit.

The suspects were arraigned before Chief Magistrate Julius Nang'ea but were not allowed to take plea after police requested for more days to complete investigation.

The court granted police three days to detain the suspects at port police station in Mombasa.

"They are facing serious charges that pose serious threat to state security, so I hereby order the suspect be detained in police custody for three more days, at port police station," said Nang'ea. The four are being represented by lawyer Chacha Mwita.

According to reports, the four were arrested in the on going counter terrorism operation being conducted in Mombasa and Nairobi.

At least nine suspects linked to the IS have been arrested in the country recently including a doctor and intern doctors in the coastal town of Malindi.

Reports indicate the doctor had recruited several intern medical students in Malindi and Nairobi through the social media.

"We suspect he was recruiting more students to travel to Somalia and to Syria to join the IS group," said a senior anti-terrorism police officer who is the lead investigator.

Meanwhile, Mombasa police boss Peterson Maelo said the security apparatus are working with foreign agents to apprehend individuals behind IS network in the country.

"We have heightened intelligence gathering, to deal with emerging threat posed by IS group by working with different agents in gathering intelligence reports," said Maelo on Friday.
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China hopes that Lebanon would exit from its crisis very soon in order to bring its political life back on track, said the Chinese Ambassador to Lebanon on Tuesday.

Wang Kejian made the remarks after meeting with director of Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA), Laure Sleiman, adding that "NNA was playing an important role in the media field and delivering information from its source."

China is supporting the Lebanese economy and its people amid crisis, and is aiding displaced Syrians in the country, Wang said.

He also noted that a convention has been signed and will be activated between NNA and China's Xinhua News Agency.

Sleiman confirmed the activation of the convention, and thanked the ambassador for donations to the NNA.

Wang highlighted various cooperation prospects between the two countries at cultural and humanitarian levels, notably, art, music, drama and Chinese language.

He also mentioned constant connection between the two countries at the political level, as with Lebanon's foreign affairs minister, and some other high officials.

At the economic level, he added, China has been a major trade partner for Lebanon for three years.
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ASEAN member states called for closer cybersecurity cooperation, stronger coordination of regional cybersecurity capacity building initiatives, and strengthening discussions with a specific focus on cybersecurity during the ASEAN Ministerial Conference on Cybersecurity (AMCC) on Tuesday.

Taking into account the multi-disciplinary nature of cybersecurity, ASEAN member states agreed on the need to identify an appropriate ASEAN platform for discussing regional cybersecurity strategy and cooperation.

Built on the Meeting of the ASEAN Telecommunications and IT Ministers (TELMIN), AMCC converged in Singapore as part of the inaugural Singapore International Cyber Week 2016, which lasts from Monday to Wednesday.

During the meeting, ASEAN member states recognized the value of gatherings like the Singapore-hosted AMCC, which brought together ministers from the telecommunications and other relevant sectors from across the region, according to a press release by Cyber Security Agency of Singapore on Tuesday night.

Furthermore, ASEAN member states agreed on the value of developing a set of practical cybersecurity norms of behavior in the region.

Singapore's Minister for Communications and Information and Minister-in-charge of Cybersecurity Yaacob Ibrahim stressed it is crucial for ASEAN member states to work together to build a secure and resilient cyberspace.

At the opening of AMCC, Yaacob announced that Singapore will launch a 10-million-Singapore dollar (7.25 million U.S. dollars) ASEAN Cyber Capacity Program (ACCP) to help fund various efforts to deepen cyber capacities across ASEAN member states.

To be launched in April 2017 and utilized over five years, ACCP will provide the resource to broaden the scope of capacity building activities and better hone technical skills and incident response.
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The Syrian army captured a new town in the central province of Hama on Tuesday, as part of a series of victories the army recently scored, taking advantage of a rebel-on-rebel fight, local media said.

The Syrian forces recaptured the town of Kokab and advanced toward other towns in the northern countryside of Hama, according to the state news agency SANA.

The Syrian army captured some 15 villages and areas in northern Hama recently, as part of the government forces' offensive against the rebel groups there.

The subsequent successes of the Syrian army have taken advantage of the infighting between two major rebel groups in northern Hama, namely the Ahrar al-Sham and Jun al-Aqsa, which has recently pledged allegiance to the Jabhat Fateh al-Sham group, previously known as the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front.

Tension between Jund al-Aqsa and Ahrar al-Sham has recently sparked after the Jund al-Aqsa militants kidnapped members of Ahrar al-Sham in the city of Saraqeb in the northwestern city of Idlib.

The Turkey-backed Ahrar al-Sham accused the Jund al-Aqsa of being a subordinate to the Islamic State (IS) group.

Jund al-Aqsa said it had joined force with Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, due to its high power level among other rebel groups.

It also urged the Fateh al-Sham to open a new front against the Syrian army in Hama to recapture all of the areas that have recently fallen to the army, as a result of the rebel infighting.

The northern countryside of Hama has returned under the spotlight after the rebels carried out repetitive attacks on government positions in that area.

The rebels carried out such attacks, as part of their effort to get the army busy with more than one front to reduce the pressure on rebels in other parts of northern Syria.

Recent reports said the rebels in the northern province of Aleppo are reeling under fresh pressure by the Syrian army, which has closed the routes to the besieged rebel-held areas in the eastern part of Aleppo city, and urged the rebels to surrender.
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French President Francois Hollande on Tuesday said talks with Russia over major differences on Syria were necessary but must be "frank and firm" to stop the five-year civil war which has claimed up to 500,000 victims.

"With Russia, France has a major disagreement on Syria and the Russia veto on the French resolution at the U.N. Security Council has prevented the cessation of bombings and truce's proclamation," Hollande said.

"The main victims are the civilian populations. That's why I consider it is necessary to have dialogue with Russia, but it must be firm and frank, otherwise it has no place and it is a sham negotiation," he added.

In a speech at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, Hollande said he was "ready to meet (Russian) President (Vladimir) Putin at any moment" if they "can make progress on peace, stop bombing and declare a truce."

Putin has canceled his visit to France scheduled for Oct. 19 due to changes in the agenda, the Kremlin said Tuesday.

"The president has decided to cancel the visit, as some of the planned activities related to the opening of the Russian cultural and spiritual center and an exhibition, unfortunately, have been dropped out of the program," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

But he added that Putin was ready to pay a visit to France "whenever it will be comfortable to (French) President (Francois) Hollande," while declining to specify the reason for changes in the program.

Moscow's decision came after the Elysee proposed a working meeting only to discuss the Syrian civil war and excluded other topics.
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Dozens of militants with the Islamic State (IS) group were killed Tuesday by a Syrian air strike in the northern province of Aleppo, Syria's national TV reported.

The air strike targeted the IS militants in a cave in the vicinity of the Air Force Faculty, north to the town of Deir Hafer in the eastern countryside of Aleppo, said the report.

It added that Saudi IS commanders were among those killed in the cave strike.

Meanwhile, the report said the Syrian army continued to advance on Tuesday against rebel-held areas in the eastern side of Aleppo city, capturing the Jandoul Roundabout, which overlooks several rebel-held areas in eastern Aleppo.

The victory is the latest in a series of successful military offensives in Aleppo, where the Syrian army, backed by Russian air force, has recently captured key sections in rebel-held areas, in what activists called the first military advance against the rebel in eastern Aleppo in three years.

On the opposition side, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor group said at least 12 people were killed by Russian air strikes against rebel-held areas in Aleppo on Tuesday, saying the air strikes were the heaviest in days.

The escalation on Tuesday comes a day after the Syrian Foreign Ministry resent another invitation to the Syrians in rebel-held areas to leave, promising them secure passages into government-controlled areas, and safe accommodation.

The invitation is the latest in a series of calls by the Syrian government to the civilians to leave the rebel-held areas, and to the rebels to lay down their weapons.

On Sept. 22, the Syrian army declared a new offensive aiming to dislodge the rebels from the eastern part of Aleppo city, triggering a series of accusations from Western countries, who charged Russia and the Syrian army of committing war crimes in Aleppo.

On Tuesday, the head of the Observatory, Rami Abdul-Rahman, said that people in eastern Aleppo lost trust in Syrian authorities, as they fear to face imprisonment and integration.

Instead of having the civilians leave eastern Aleppo, he said that government should end siege to let relief aid in.

Aleppo, located near the borders with Turkey, is Syria's largest city and once an economic hub. It has been a focal point of clashes between the Syrian army and the rebels.

The rebels laid siege to western Aleppo districts after cutting the international road to Aleppo in 2014, a siege broken later by the Syrian army with the help of Hezbollah.
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China and Russia announced on Tuesday that they will conduct an anti-missile joint exercise next year as the United States plans to deploy a missile defense system near them.

The drill, which will be the second of its kind, was confirmed at a China-Russia joint news briefing on missile defense on the sidelines of the seventh Xiangshan Forum, a high-end defense affairs dialogue, in Beijing.

The US and the Republic of Korea have infuriated Beijing and Moscow by advancing their joint plan to deploy in the ROK the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, a missile-defense system whose radar, with a radius of 2,000 kilometers, could cover parts of China and Russia.

Major General Cai Jun, with the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission, described the plan to deploy the anti-missile system as "damaging to global strategic balance and regional security and stability".

Cai noted that the two militaries held their first joint computer-simulated anti-missile drill in May in Moscow with the aim of "training the capabilities of both sides in joint air-defense and antimissile actions".

Cai did not elaborate on the potential format or contents of the second joint drill and said the exercise "will not target any third party".

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov told the forum on Tuesday morning that the US is using the tension on the Korean Peninsula to deploy excessive weapons, and said the THAAD deployment is "not just a regional issue", as it will increase tension.

Ji Zhiye, president of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said an anti-missile drill "is not necessarily targeting a specific country or direction, but it is a fact that there are just several countries that could threaten China and Russia with missiles".

The THAAD deployment will "deal a blow to global strategic balance", and both Beijing and Moscow should "make clear their negative attitudes toward THAAD" by holding their second drill next year, Ji said.

Without directly naming the US, State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Chang Wanquan told the forum on Tuesday morning that "a stand-alone country or a few seek absolute advantage in the military domain and consistently reinforce military alliances".

Jin Canrong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University of China, said China and Russia lag behind the US in the anti-missile field, and their cooperation could "narrow the respective gap with the US".

Luo Yuan, a senior researcher at the Chinese People's Liberation Army's Academy of Military Science, said both countries have a long history of anti-missile cooperation, and with the threat of THAAD, "neither side should sit idly".

The two countries share great reserves of technology and viable options for containing THAAD, including technological cooperation and even joint exercises, to "avoid the worst scenario", Luo said.

New Zealand Defense Minister Gerry Brownlee noted that the US has attributed its plan to deploy THAAD to the nuclear program of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"But I do think it simply indicates the need for greater dialogue by all countries" that have an interest in the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Brownlee said.
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Fugitive U.S. whistleblower Edward Snowden is appealing to the Norwegian supreme court so as to get a guarantee he would not be extradited to the United States from Norway, newspaper VG reported on Tuesday.

This comes after earlier rejections by the district court and court of appeal as Snowden tried to secure a safe passage to Norway without the risk of being extradited.

Snowden filed the lawsuit against the Norwegian government at the Oslo District Court in April via a local law firm after the Norwegian PEN organization awarded him the Ossietzky Prize for 2016 and invited him to receive the award in Oslo on Nov. 18.

The Norwegian PEN now has decided to postpone the ceremony to June 7, 2017.

Snowden, the Norwegian PEN and some media organizations think Norwegian courts can decide in advance that Snowden would not be arrested and extradited from Norway, VG reported. The courts, however, claim that they cannot process the case.

William Nygaard, leader of the Norwegian PEN, told VG that the Supreme Court case will "take time."

"After consultation with our lawyers, we have decided to postpone the award ceremony, which should happen in the presence of Edward Showden personally," he said.

On Sept. 28, the Court of Appeal supported the Oslo District Court decision in June, saying that the courts' conclusion is that they have no factual expertise to process in advance Snowden's questions regarding a civil case.

The Oslo District Court wrote in its rejection in June that a pre-trial could undermine the international cooperation in criminal matters that that extradition act is based on.

The court expressed that it was "impossible to decide whether an extradition to the United States would be against the law, prior to the existence of a request from the U.S. authorities."

Snowden faces three felony charges in the United States, including espionage, after he disclosed a classified U.S. intelligence project code-named PRISM in June 2013.
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China and Russia have jointly expressed their opposition to the imminent deployment of THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system, claiming that it will not help the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and will offset the global strategic balance.

Lieutenant General Viktor Poznikhir from Russia's military's General Staff (L) and Major General Cai Jun from the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission (R) take questions from the press during a joint briefing on Oct. 11, 2016 on the sidelines of the 7th Xiangshan Forum. [Photo/Ministry of National Defense]

At a joint press briefing on ballistic missile defense issues held on October 11 on the sideline of the 7th Xiangshan Forum, Major General Cai Jun from the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission, and Lieutenant-General Viktor Poznikhir, of the Russian General Staff both criticized the U.S.-backed plan to deploy the THAAD in South Korea.

Maj. Gen. Cai said that missile defense issues have a great influence on relations between major powers, international peace and security, arms control and disarmament.

He said that the U.S.'s unilateral plan to develop multilevel missile defense systems is very "unconstructive." It will worsen global security, offset the global strategic balance, effect regional peace and stability, and obstruct nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation progress. "It may lead to a new arms race," he said.

Washington and Seoul jointly decided to deploy THAAD in South Korea to defend against potential possible nuclear missile strikes from North Korea. The People's Liberation Army (PLA) contends that the capacity of THAAD far exceeds the declared purpose.

The THAAD system's radar has a detection range of 2,000 KM, placing Chinese and Russian coastal military installations in its range. Moreover, Chinese military analysts believe that North Korea's conventional weapons are the real threat to the South, rather than its nuclear missiles, given the limited space of the Korean Peninsula.

Maj. Gen. Cai said that the deployment of THAAD will severely damage the national security interests of China and Russia, among others, and therefore China strongly urges the United States and South Korea to re-consider.

China always advocates political and diplomatic avenues to achieve common security and a peaceful international environment characterized by equality, mutual trust and cooperation, said Maj. Gen. Cai.

Lt. Gen. Poznikhir said that the anti-ballistic missile (ABM) issue is a critical matter for the advancement of nuclear disarmament, the prevention of a space arms race and the assurance of global strategic security and stability.

He said that the U.S. withdrawal from the Treaty on the Limitation of Anti-Ballistic Missile Systems has caused a negative impact on global strategic stability. Furthermore, the U.S.-led ABM deployments in Europe and Asia-Pacific intend to contain Russian and Chinese strategic nuclear strength, which will further reinforce the U.S. global hegemony.

Russia is urging the United States to provide a legally-binding guarantee that the U.S. and European ABM systems do not target Russia's strategic nuclear forces.

Lt. Gen. Poznikhir reiterated the suggestion for forming the Treaty on Prevention of the Placement of Weapons in Outer Space and of the Threat or Use of Force against Outer Space Objects, which is advocated jointly by Russia and China.
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South Korea's special warfare command is seeking to create an aviation unit to send commandos into the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in times of military conflicts, local media reports showed on Wednesday.

The command is seeking to create a special operation aviation unit to make it possible for special forces to infiltrate into the DPRK in times of contingency by securing its own aviation assets.

The plan is based on a report submitted by the special warfare command to the National Assembly's national defense committee. Lawmakers have been inspecting government offices for its regular session.

The special unit creation reportedly aims to allow the special warfare command to secure its own capability of dispatching commandos through its aviation assets without support from U.S. Forces Korea (USFK) or South Korean army's aviation operation command.

The command is also pushing to create a special operation unit to carry out a strategically special mission.

What the special mission is hasn't been known, but it was estimated by local news organizations that the mission is to eliminate the DPRK's leadership and major nuclear facilities in the event of military conflicts.
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More than 350,000 homes in Tokyo were left without power Wednesday afternoon as firefighters and police rushed to put out a fire at one of Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s (TEPCO) facilities just outside Tokyo, local media said Wednesday.

Fire fighters were seen in dramatic scenes battling a blaze in Saitama Prefecture, which had caused huge plumes of thick black smoke to dominate an otherwise clear sky on Wednesday afternoon.

According to Japan's public broadcaster NHK quoting a local official from the city of Niiza, close to the burning substation, the flames were first detected from power lines near Tokyo, with buildings in the capital also affected and at least two subway lines having their operations suspended, NHK confirmed.

Police and firefighters are probing the cause of the incident at the facility, and along with the investigators, TEPCO believes there is a possibility that the substation's power transmission line may have been damaged during the fire and resulted in the widespread blackout across the Tokyo Metropolitan area.

The blackout has left some 350,000 houses without electricity, TEPCO said, with half of those affected being in Tokyo's Nerima ward, the utility said.

TEPCO, the police and the firefighters, as quoted by local media, said that investigations are continuing, but that they had not received reports of injury or damage as a result of the large scale power outage.
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Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will pay a state visit to China from Oct. 18 to 21, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang on Wednesday.

During the trip, Xi and Duterte will discuss improving bilateral ties, deepening cooperation and international and regional issues of common concern.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang will also meet Duterte, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a daily press briefing.

China hopes the visit will help the two nations strengthen political trust, deepen cooperation, continue friendship, properly handle disputes, and promote bilateral relations back to the track of sound and stable development, Geng said.

He added that the two sides were keeping close communication regarding specific arrangement and the results and deals that could be achieved.

Geng said a good China-Philippines relationship was a common desire of the two nations.

China attaches high importance to relations with the Philippines and is willing to work with the country to promote the sound and stable development of bilateral ties, he said.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping published a signed article in the leading Cambodian newspaper Rasmei Kampuchea under the title "China and Cambodia: Good Neighbors and Trusted Friends" here on Wednesday, ahead of his state visit to the Southeast Asian country.

The English translated version of the article is as follows.

China and Cambodia: Good Neighbors and Trusted Friends

By H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China

At the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni, I will pay a state visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia. This will be my first visit to Cambodia as the President of China, a visit I look forward to with great anticipation.

Cambodia, an important link on the ancient Maritime Silk Road, is renowned for its rich history and the unique Khmer culture. Angkor Wat, with its magnificent architecture and stunning bas-reliefs, stands as a true tribute to the talent of the Cambodian people and shines in the annals of human civilization. Entering the 21st century, Cambodia has made much progress in its development and delivered a better life to its people. It is heading towards a promising future.

China and Cambodia are geographically and culturally close to each other, and our friendly exchanges trace back more than a millennium. Through the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Chinese porcelain and lacquer wares were brought to Cambodia, and Cambodian spices and yellow wax stones were sent to China. The bas-reliefs of the Bayon Temple vividly depict the scenes of Chinese merchants trading with the locals in Cambodia. During China's Southern and Northern Dynasties in the fifth and sixth centuries AD, Sanghapala, Mandrasena and Subhuti, three eminent Cambodian monks, came to China to disseminate Buddhism. In China's Yuan Dynasty, Zhou Daguan, a Chinese envoy, visited Cambodia. He later wrote The Customs of Cambodia, providing a vivid account of the local customs in Angkor and the friendly interactions between Chinese and Cambodians. Zheng He, the famous navigator from China's Ming Dynasty, made many stopovers in Cambodia on his voyages. He described Cambodia as a land with a warm climate and fertile fields where the locals boiled seawater to make salt and had colorful customs. The Sam Po Kong Temple in the suburb of Kampong Cham that honors Zheng He still has many visitors today, a testament to the time-honored friendship between Chinese and Cambodians.

A Cambodian proverb likens trust to the growth of a tree. The traditional China-Cambodia friendship, tested by the times and a changing international landscape, has grown strong like a luxuriant tree thanks to efforts made by past leaders of both countries. In 1958, China and Cambodia established diplomatic ties, opening a new chapter in their bilateral relations. Over the past 58 years, successive leaders of both countries have maintained close interactions and developed a close bond of friendship. King Father Norodom Sihanouk once fondly said that the China-Cambodia friendship is like a flower that never withers and will always blossom under the bright sky.

Entering the new era, the China-Cambodia friendship has continued to flourish, beaming with new vitality. Our two countries enjoy deep political trust and win-win economic cooperation. We have carried out fruitful cooperation in various areas, and maintained close consultation and coordination on international and regional affairs, setting an example of how two countries should treat each other as equals and cooperate with absolute sincerity.

In 2010, China and Cambodia established a comprehensive strategic partnership, ushering their ties into a new era. We share a similar development philosophy, and we agree to find ways for China's "Belt and Road" initiative and Cambodia's "Rectangular Strategy" to work together. Two-way trade and investment have maintained strong growth in recent years. China has been Cambodia's biggest trading partner and source of investment for three years. The year 2015 saw our two-way trade topping 4.4 billion U.S. dollars.

China and Cambodia are devoted friends. On issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, our two countries have stood together and supported each other. China firmly supports and has assisted Cambodia in its fight for independence and liberation, as well as maintaining peace and stability. In the 1990s, a Chinese engineering corps of over 800 men took part in peacekeeping missions in Cambodia. In just 18 months, they built and repaired the Phnom Penh International Airport and two other airports, four national-level highways over 640 km in length and over 40 bridges. With blood and sweat, the Chinese peacekeepers helped nurture the China-Cambodia friendship.

We will never forget that Cambodia was among the first group of countries to establish diplomatic ties with New China when it faced a foreign blockade in its early days. Cambodia was firm in supporting China's efforts to restore its lawful seat in the United Nations. When China acted to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests and was devoted to resolving related disputes through peaceful negotiation, Cambodia did not hesitate to speak out to uphold justice. When China's Sichuan, Qinghai and Gansu provinces were hit by natural disasters, the Cambodian royal family, government leaders and public shared our grief and extended a helping hand to us. We have a Chinese saying --"Hardship reveals true friendship." Similarly, a Cambodian saying goes "Only in tough time can one tell a true friend from a false one." Our two peoples value our ties and treat each other as true friends; the China-Cambodia friendship has developed deep roots in the hearts of both peoples.

China and Cambodia are neighbors who share a bond of brotherhood. The two countries have supported each other in improving the livelihoods of their respective people. China built Cambodia's first four-lane national highway as an assistance project and was contracted to build Cambodia's first cement plant, first coal-fired power station and its largest hydropower station. The booming Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone stands as testimony to how fruitful China-Cambodia cooperation can be. By June 2016, 100 companies were operating in the zone with a total investment of 280 million U.S. dollars, creating over 13,000 jobs. By strengthening economic complementarity and unlocking potential, our two countries have expanded and upgraded cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, water conservancy, energy, resources, information and telecommunications; such cooperation projects are expected to deliver early returns.

China and Cambodia enjoy flourishing people-to-people and cultural exchanges, which have added strong momentum to the growth of their relations. Chinese cultural relics experts have spent years in Cambodia to protect and restore the Chau Say Tevoda Temple and the Ta Keo Temple in Angkor. Chinese doctors have performed free cataract operations for over 1,000 patients across Cambodia. Chinese agro-technicians have passed on agro-technologies to Cambodian villagers during the day and taught them Chinese in the evening, moves that have been warmly received by the locals. The Confucius Institute launched in Cambodia in 2009 now offers classes to over 10,000 students in 14 different locations. By 2015, more than 1,000 Cambodian students were studying in China on scholarship programs sponsored by the Chinese government.

Both China and Cambodia are at crucial stages in their respective development and face the similar tasks of deepening reform, opening further and upgrading their economic structures. Both countries are committed to economic integration and cooperation in our region. Having reached a new stage in its relations with Cambodia, China will work with Cambodia to strengthen their bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership in a wide range of areas so as to deliver greater benefits to the two peoples.

-- We will also deepen political trust. China will maintain high-level visits and enhance communication with Cambodia. I hope that the two countries will step up exchanges between their governments, political parties and legislatures as well as at the sub-national level. China will continue to support Cambodia in pursuing a development path that suits its own national conditions and firmly support Cambodia in safeguarding sovereignty, maintaining domestic stability and accelerating economic development.

-- We will take solid steps to promote win-win cooperation. China will continue to examine how our respective development strategies can complement one another and launch priority projects within the "Belt and Road" initiative to better involve Cambodia. We will, in light of local conditions, deepen cooperation in areas such as agriculture, water conservancy, infrastructure, information and telecommunications. China will take measures to increase imports from Cambodia and scale up two-way trade.

-- We will strengthen coordination with Cambodia on the international stage. China supports Cambodia as an important member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and will deepen collaboration with Cambodia in East Asia, the Lancang-Mekong River, the United Nations and other regional and multilateral arenas. The purpose of such collaboration is to uphold the common interests of our two countries and other developing countries and build an Asian community with a shared future. East Asia cooperation has entered a critical stage. We should continue to focus on the general goal of development and promote sound and steady progress in East Asia.

-- We will endeavor to enhance people-to-people friendship. China will work with Cambodia to unleash the full potential of the Confucius Institute and the China Culture Center and enhance cooperation in education, culture, tourism and health. With these efforts, we can deepen mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples, especially among young people, and ensure that the China-Cambodia friendship will be passed on from generation to generation.

I am convinced that with our concerted efforts, the traditional friendship between China and Cambodia will bear more fruits, allowing us to forever be good neighbors and genuine trusted friends.
Have you ever wondered what liberal political activists and politicians think of Catholics? Well, thanks to Wikileaks you can get a glimpse into their views. In a couple of emails from Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podestas account there are exchanges in which conservative Catholics are mocked.

The first is the amusing titled Catholic Spring. Sandy Newman of Voices for Progress tells Podesta that she thinks there needs to be a Catholic Spring akin to the Arab Spring, the series of protest against authoritarian regimes that took place in the Middle East in 2011. Newman writes:

This whole controversy with the bishops opposing contraceptive coverage even though 98% of Catholic women (and their conjugal partners) have used contraception has me thinking . . . There needs to be a Catholic Spring, in which Catholics themselves demand the end of a middle ages dictatorship and the beginning of a little democracy and respect for gender equality in the Catholic church. Is contraceptive coverage an issue around which that could happen. The Bishops will undoubtedly continue the fight. Does the Catholic Hospital Association support of the Administrations new policy, together with the 98% create an opportunity? Of course, this idea may just reveal my total lack of understanding of the Catholic church, the economic power it can bring to bear against nuns and priests who count on it for their maintenance, etc. Even if the idea isnt crazy, I dont qualify to be involved and I have not thought at all about how one would plant the seeds of the revolution, or who would plant them. Just wondering . . .

Yes, the Sisters of the Poor would be totally onboard with requiring them to pay for abortifacients if only they didnt count on the Vatican to subsidize their lavish lifestyles.

Podesta responded by saying:



We created Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good to organize for a moment like this. But I think it lacks the leadership to do so now. Likewise Catholics United. Like most Spring movements, I think this one will have to be bottom up. Ill discuss with Tara. Kathleen Kennedy Townsend is the other person to consult.

At this point youre probably thinking, Wait, they werent kidding? Nope. Podesta and Newman really think that opposing the Catholic Churchs long-held teaching is akin to opposing the Assad regime. If only the Catholics would unite and rally against that dictator named Francis then Catholic women could finallyfinallyget access to contraceptives.

The next exchange is even better. The subject line of the email chain is Re: Conservative Catholicism. This one is between Clinton campaign communications director Jen Palmieri and Center for American Progress fellow John Halpin. (Podesta is CCed on the email but he doesnt respond.) Halpin writes:

Ken Aulettas latest piece on Murdoch in the New Yorker starts off with the aside that both Murdoch and Robert Thompson, managing editor of the WSJ, are raising their kids Catholic. Friggin Murdoch baptized his kids in Jordan where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. Many of the most powerful elements of the conservative movement are all Catholic (many converts) from the SC and think tanks to the media and social groups. Its an amazing bastardization of the faith. They must be attracted to the systematic thought and severely backwards gender relations and must be totally unaware of Christian democracy.

Imitating Jesus by being baptized in the Jordan? What weirdoes!

And its true that there are many Catholics in the conservative movement and a lot of them are in think tanks. There are even rumored to be Catholics working here at the Acton Institute(!). (Yes, Im shocked by that news myself.)

Halpin really missed his calling, for he should have gone into marketing. Just look at the great tag line he wrote for the Catholic Church: Come for the systematic thought, stay for the backward gender relations. Im sure the Vatican will soon be adding that to their letterhead.

Oh, and wait till the Catholics hear about Christian democracy. Once they find out there is a movement influenced by Catholic teaching that supports government funding for . . . wait, you mean Christian democrats also oppose abortifacients? But . . . they arent conservatives? (At least not, you know, the bad kind of conservative.)

Palmieri responds by saying:

I imagine they think it is the most socially acceptable politically conservative religion. Their rich friends wouldnt understand if they became evangelicals.

Ouch. As an evangelical I can say she may be right. That may be why I dont have any wealthy friends. I guess all the rich people are hanging out on the other side of the Tiber.

Halpin responds to the jibe by adding:

Excellent point. They can throw around Thomistic thought and subsidiarity and sound sophisticated because no one knows what the hell theyre talking about.

Well, apparently, Halpin doesnt know what theyre talking about, which doesnt speak well for his level of education. Maybe he should have gone to a Catholic school.
The iPhone 7 is shown on display during an Apple media event in San Francisco, California, US September 7, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

While the explosion of Samsung Galaxy Note 7 is not far behind us, a video of an iPhone 7 exploding in China surfaced online on Monday, The Paper reports.

In the video, a man from Zhengzhou, central China's Henan province, said that his rose-gold iPhone 7 suddenly exploded as he was shooting a video with it last week. The phone exploded into two parts and left his hands swollen and his face with some injuries.

Unlike the Galaxy Note 7's explosion, which smoked excessively after burning, this iPhone 7 exploded leaving no burn marks, and the battery remained in good condition.

Apple China reported the incident to its headquarters, says The Paper.

This is the first known iPhone 7 explosion in China, but it was not an isolated incident within the world. An iPhone 6 Plus in California, US, exploded with black smoke as it was charged and the phone was completely, the ABC News reported.

Earlier this week, an iPhone 6 Plus belonging to Darina Hlavaty, an American student, burned suddenly during a class, leaving a burnt hole in her jeans.

For now, there is no evidence that these are isolated incidents and will not happen again. Apple Inc has not disclosed the measures it will take to resolve this issue.
A customer leaves a Yum! Brands Inc's KFC restaurant in Shanghai, Oct 21, 2015. [Photo / VCG]

Yum Brands Inc, owner of Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell chains, said on Tuesday it will more than double returns to shareholders by 2019 as part of a program started last year, sending its shares up as much as 3.8 percent.

The company, which is spinning off its China division at the end of the month, now plans to expand its share buyback plan to $13.5 billion, including dividends.

It already has bought back about $5.5 billion shares as part of a previously announced $6.2 billion capital return program that has reduced its share count by about 16 percent.

Yum did not immediately have a breakdown on much of the extra returns would be from share repurchases and how much from dividends.

Executives say Yum Brands will be leaner and less exposed to the ups and downs of the restaurant business following the separation of Yum China and the sale of more company-owned restaurants to franchisees.

"It's about delivering higher growth with lower risk," Yum Brands Chief Executive Officer Greg Creed told Reuters in a telephone interview.

Yum said franchisees will own 93 percent of the nearly 36,000 Yum restaurants remaining in the company after the China unit is carved off. The combined company currently is 77 percent franchised, in part because Yum China owns most of its restaurants.

Yum Brands aims to have at least 98 percent of its restaurants owned by franchisees by the end of 2018, which will lower costs and increase its dependence on more stable franchise and license fees.

Yum's China business will begin trading on Nov 1 on the New York Stock Exchange with the ticker symbol YUMC. The new company, Yum China Holdings Inc, will become a licensee of Yum Brands in mainland China and will have exclusive rights there to KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.

Yum China now accounts for 45 percent of Yum Brands' earnings, a contribution expected to fall to 14 percent after the spinoff, when Yum China will begin paying Yum Brands a license fee of 3 percent of restaurant system sales, Creed said.

The company plans to reduce annual capital expenditures to about $100 million in 2019 from about $500 million in 2015 and cut general and administrative expenses by a cumulative $300 million by fiscal 2019.

About half of that $300 million in new savings will come from shifting restaurant expenses to new franchisees, the remainder will come from job eliminations and tighter expense controls on things like travel, Creed said.

Yum last week reported its first same-store sales drop in five quarters in China, blaming anti-US protests after an international court rejected China's claim to historic rights in the South China Sea.

Shares in Yum were up 1.1 percent at $88.31 after hitting a session high of $90.68. Up to Monday's close, the stock had risen about 20 percent since the start of the year.
An employee checks halogen inserts for energy-efficient light bulbs at an Osram factory in Molsheim, France. [Photo/Reuters]

Chinese lighting maker Sanan Optoelectronics Co Ltd has announced it has had talks with Germany's Osram Licht AG about a potential acquisition, although discussions were in the very early stage and no details were finalized.

Sanan said it had an "initial communication" with Osram on a potential acquisition or cooperation and met Osram once, according to a statement released to the Shanghai Stock Exchange on Monday.

The company has not had any negotiations with Osram regarding the transaction details, including the price, and no binding documents have been signed, it said. There are "significant uncertainties" on whether a deal would take place, the statement said.

Osram shares closed 1.6 percent lower at 56.81 euros ($63.28) in Frankfurt, putting gains since the start of the year to 46 percent and giving the company a market value of 5.9 billion euros.

Sanan shares rose by 3.83 percent to close at 12.47 yuan ($1.85) on Tuesday.

Should the purchase be completed, the Chinese company would gain control of a German high-end lighting maker that makes products such as the headlights that go into the latest BMW 7-series cars. A deal would build on the more than $190 billion in foreign acquisitions that Chinese companies have announced this year, according to estimates.

Sanan makes products that go into indoor and outdoor lighting, as well as traffic lights and aerospace lighting. The group listed on the Shanghai bourse in 2008.

Munich-based Osram was spun off by Siemens AG three years ago. Siemens, which still owns 17 percent of Osram's shares, is considering offloading its remaining stake to potential buyers including Chinese investor GSR GO Scale Capital, sources with knowledge of the talks said last month.

Sanan is preparing to offer about 70 euros a share, German business news magazine WirtschaftsWoche reported on Thursday, citing sources.

Osram spokesman Philipp Grontzki declined to comment.

"For Sanan, Osram is a highly-attractive asset that would add quality and access to customers in Europe," said Karsten Iltgen, an analyst at Bankhaus Lampe in Dusseldorf, who has a "buy" rating on Osram shares. "Even though the company is smaller and less profitable than Osram, they may well be able to finance such a transaction."

Sanan's first-half sales rose to 2.78 billion yuan from 2.29 billion yuan the previous year, the company said. The company is valued at 49 billion yuan.
An elderly Chinese woman rests in a wheelchair at the Temple of Heaven park in Beijing, June 5, 2015.[Photo/IC]

China plans to fully open the elderly care market and put more private capital into the sector, Economic Information Daily reported.

The central leading team for comprehensively deepening reform headed by President Xi Jinping approved the Several Opinions on Opening up the Elderly Care Market and Improving Senior Care Services at Tuesday's meeting.

The team suggested lowering the market access threshold and encouraging more private capital into the sector.

The group also proposed to reform State-run elderly care institutions and improve elderly care services in community and rural areas to make sure more elderly people enjoy quality senior care services.

Under international standards, a country or region is considered an "aging society" when the number of people aged 60 or above reaches 10 percent or more. China has had over 10 percent of people aged 60 since 1999.

Official data showed that at the end of 2015, China had 222 million people aged 60 years or above, accounting for 16.1 percent of its total population. The number of people aged over 65 years totaled 143 million, representing about 10.5 percent of the total population.

Experts said improving elderly care services and actively tackling the aging population issue was "a pressing task" for China to build a moderately prosperous society.

China has established a senior service network incorporating home, community and institution-based care. With fully opening the senior care market, elderly people's diversified service needs should be satisfied further.

While the aging population poses tremendous challenges for the government, it also means huge business opportunities for related industries.

According to a report published by the China National Committee on Aging, Chinese people will spend about 5 trillion yuan on elderly care by 2050.
Chairmen of local Zhanjiang chambers of commerce and entrepreneurs from Zhanjiang, in South China's Guangdong province, gathered in Beijing on Monday for their 7th annual meeting.

The meeting, with themes of cooperation, win-win solutions, inclusion and development, is being held outside Zhanjiang for the first time.

Through business inspections, forums and experience sharing, the meeting promoted visits and communication between local chambers of commerce, realizing opportunities and helping to share resources.

At the meeting, entrepreneurs discussed how to strengthen and consolidate the Zhanjiang Chamber of Commerce and made recommendations on how to improve the Zhanjiang investment environment.

The book "For Dreams", which is a collection of stories about successful entrepreneurs from Zhanjiang, was also released during the meeting.

Deng Biquan, CPPCC chairman of Zhanjiang city, attended the meeting and praised the rotating meeting method as a great innovation.

Deng expressed his hopes that entrepreneurs from Zhanjiang can return to the city to invest and contribute to the development of their hometown.
A woman looks at her mobile phone as she rides an escalator past an advertisement for Samsung's Galaxy Note 7 device at a Samsung store in the Gangnam district of Seoul on Tuesday. [Photo/AFP]

Domestic demand for high-end Chinese smartphones could get a big boost after Samsung Electronics Co decided to recall all 190,984 Galaxy Note 7 phones that it has sold on the Chinese mainland, analysts said.

China's product quality watchdog said on Tuesday that Samsung will recall the phones, including the 1,858 early-release Note 7 smartphones that the watchdog ordered recalled on Sept 14.

Users may replace their recalled phones with other models of Samsung's smartphones or get a full refund, China's General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said on its website. It said there have been 20 cases involving overheating and fire related to the Note 7 on the Chinese mainland.

The recall is widely expected to benefit domestic high-end smartphone makers such as Huawei Technologies and ZTE Corp, which have speeded up efforts to launch new products.

James Yan, research director at Counterpoint Technology Market Research, said that "some customers may turn to the newly launched Apple Inc's iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, and other customers may choose Huawei's Mate 9, a high-end smartphone that is expected to be sold in November. Moreover, the sales of ZTE's flagship Axon 7 will also benefit."

Yan added that the recall's impact on Samsung's brand image could affect sales of its medium- and low-end phone products as well, and Oppo Electronics Corp and Vivo Mobile Communication Technology could seize the opportunity.

Samsung's shares plunged by 8 percent on Tuesday, the largest intraday drop since the financial crisis in 2008. South Korea's KOSPI Index dropped by 1.21 percent.

Samsung China released a statement on Tuesday afternoon, apologizing to Chinese consumers over the safety of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones and saying it had decided to stop selling the Note 7 and to recall all of those sold on the Chinese mainland.

Jason Low, a tech industry expert at Canalys, said that "Samsung expects to retain Chinese consumers, especially the high-end smartphone users, and reduce the negative impact on the brand through recalling all Note 7 phones sold in China."

"Smartphone manufacturers will strengthen the quality and safety control of their suppliers and improve product quality," Low added.

Earlier on Tuesday, the South Korean tech giant halted global sales of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones and told owners to stop using them while it investigates reports of fires in the devices.
Baidu's logo shown on its website on May 9, 2016.[Photo/IC]

Teaming up with healthcare professionals, China's internet search giant Baidu has launched "Medical Brain" to help patients and doctors by improving the equity and efficiency of the nation's healthcare system.

It's an application in the healthcare field of artificial intelligencea combination of big data, supercomputers and machine learningaccording to Zhang Yaqin, president of Baidu.

The possession of huge amounts of data ranging from medical guidelines and journal papers, diseases and hospital information, to patient health and medical data accumulated through online searches and consultations on Baidu platforms, made the "brain" come true, said chief scientist Wu Enda.

It now covers about 9,300 diseases.

"AI will help transform all industries, including healthcare, which in particular needs the tool to improve patient access and optimize limited high quality medical resources," he said.

On the brain platform, patients can learn about their own conditions via online interaction, while physicians can access patient information, including symptoms and medical histories, more accurately and efficiently.

"Patients, medical professionals and institutions are welcome to use the platform for free. The more data it feeds on, the more accurate and intelligent it will become," he added.

The company has a team of more than 1,000 to secure data safety, Zhang said.

The 680 million internet users in China and the sheer volume of online data present Baidu with a great opportunity to compete head-to-head with international giants in fostering China's own patented medical AI, he said.

Zhang conceded that the Baidu Medical Brain is still under development.

"It mainly serves as a handy tool for patients and physicians, particularly those at grassroots-level institutions," he said.

Over the long run, he expected the Brain to aim higher in related fields such as accurate diagnosis, personalized treatment and drug research and development.

However, some laymen expressed concerns.

Liu Jingting, a middle school teacher in Beijing, said: "I'm concerned that the company is in charge of the data selection and input.

"How can we make sure that the results are free from the influence of advertising and our medical data are properly handled?"
Tim Cook visits an Apple Store in Shenzhen, South China's Guangdong province, on Oct 12, 2016.[Photo by Chai Hua/chinadaily.com.cn]

Apple Inc will set up its second China research and development center in Shenzhen next year, shortly after it established a R&D center in Beijing, which highlights the importance of the China market to the US tech giant.

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the plan on Tuesday during his visit to Shenzhen, the southern Chinese manufacturing hub and innovation center.

Apple said in an email statement to China Daily: "The Shenzhen center, along with the Beijing center, is also aimed at strengthening relationships with local partners and universities as we work to support talent development across the country. We are excited to be opening a new Research and Development center here next year so our engineering team can work even more closely and collaboratively with our manufacturing partner.

"Shenzhen is an incredibly vibrant city where we are proud to support over 200,000 jobs between advanced manufacturing and the growing App economy."

The company did not disclose the investment size of the new venture. Tim Cook is scheduled to attend an entrepreneurship forum in Shenzhen on Wednesday where he will talk with Premier Li Keqiang.

Earlier this month the local government said on an official Wechat account that Apple has set up its first China research and development center in Wangjing area of Beijing, with registered capital of 100 million yuan ($14.99 million).

The R&D unit will have about 500 employees and its total investment will eventually reach 300 million yuan.

Apple is currently wrestling with tumbling smartphone sales and mounting competition from local rivals in China, the world's largest smartphone arena.
Internet officials, specialists and activists from home and abroad will get together at an annual world internet conference in China next month, an official from the country's top internet watchdog said on Wednesday.

The Third World Internet Conference is to once again be held in Wuzhen, an ancient town in the eastern province of Zhejiang, from Nov 16 to 18, Ren Xianliang, deputy head of the Cyberspace Administration of China, announced during a news conference.

So far, the conference organizer has sent out invitations to more than 1,200 guests worldwide, including government representatives from countries and international associations, internet or technology tycoons and network professionals, according to a statement by the administration.

It said that several well-known internet enterprises have confirmed their attendance at the conference, such as Baidu, China's largest online search engine; Alibaba, Chinese largest e-commerce service; and Sina Weibo, China's most popular Twitter-like platform.

The theme of this year's conference will be "Innovation-Driven Internet Development for the Benefit of All  Building a Community of Common Future in Cyberspace", it said.

Meanwhile, the conference will hold forums on topical issues, such as mobile internet, big data, law-based internet governance and anti-terrorism online, it said.

In addition, advanced technology and network products and services will be shown and issued at the conference, it added.

In Wuzhen, which is hosting the conference for the second consecutive year, free WiFi and other network-related services will be provided for all participants, it said.
The end of the five-year excavation of the tomb of Liu He, an aristocrat who died in China in 59 BC, means archeologists on site are no longer getting their hands dirty, but it will be a long time before the muddied waters of history settle down again because the dig has caused us to rethink much of what we thought we knew.

Among the haul of more than 10,000 artifacts found at the fantastic Haihunhou (Marquis of Haihun) tomb in Jiangxi province are 2,000-year-old bronze, gold, silver and jade relics that have led the experts to deduce that distilled wine was being made and drunk in China 1,000 years earlier than previously thought.

And other artifacts point to the fact that the famous Chinese hot pot dish  which, like distilled wine, is still popular today  was being eaten much earlier than was previously known.

And we have learned that the ancient Chinese were also great innovators who grappled with the problem of air pollution. This nugget of information comes from the discovery of two ancient bronze lamps buried in the tomb that would have had the ability to swallow smoke produced by the burning wick. It was consumed by a reservoir of water hidden within the lamp.

Its highly likely that the experts will make other important discoveries as they sift through the treasure trove of items found on the 40,000-square-meter site that contains eight tombs in total and a chariot burial that evokes memories of the famous Sutton Hoo ship burial in the UK. There, Raedwald, the ruler of the East Angles, was interred in the 7th century within a wooden warship buried in the Suffolk heartland of his kingdom.

The exciting discoveries in Jiangxi province have told us much about the ancient Chinese but they are not the only excavations that have recently been causing the rewriting of some of the history of ancient China.

Excavations last month of a small Roman cemetery in south London that was in use between the 2nd and 4th centuries have unearthed the remains of two people who were certainly Asian and most probably Chinese.

The skeletons surprised experts who had previously believed the Chinese and Roman civilizations, which were both massively influential at the time, had only minimal contact with one another. Now, the experts are wondering whether the ancient civilizations had more interaction that was previously thought.

While the discovery is fascinating because of what it tells us about ancient China, I was also interested to learn just how cosmopolitan London was, almost 2,000 years ago.

Of the 20 sets of bones unearthed in the cemetery in the capitals Southwark neighborhood, there were four African people in addition to the two Chinese. Previous excavations of other Roman sites in London also suggest it was a very cosmopolitan city and home to one of the most advanced civilizations of the time.

People wanted to live in the Roman Empires Londinium, as it was known then, because it was a major commercial and bureaucratic center and because they were attracted to its dynamism.

The discoveries made at the Marquis of Haihun tomb in Jiangxi province and in the Roman cemetery in London tell us a lot about the ancient past but, with the realization that the ancients liked alcohol, hot pot, clean air and civilized life in a fast-paced vibrant city, and that they were mobile and interactive, they tell us that our ancestors were actually much the same as we are today.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang delivers a keynote speech on October 11 at the opening ceremony of the Fifth Ministerial Conference of The Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation Between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries in Macao. [Photo/Xinhua]

Premier Li Keqiang announced 18 measures on Tuesday in Macao to boost ties with Portuguese-speaking countries in fiel ds such as production capacity, people-to-people exchanges and maritime development.

The measures will be implemented in the next three years, and the Chinese government will support the Macao Special Administrative Region in establishing a financial service program, cultural exchange centers, bilingual training bases and juvenile innovation centers for exchanges with these countries, the premier said.

China resumed sovereignty over Macao in December 1999 after it had been ruled since the mid-16th century by Portugal.

Beijing is willing to carry out major projects with these countries by making use of the China-Portuguese-Speaking Countries Cooperation Development Fund and the Silk Road Fund, Li said.

The announcement was made in Li's keynote speech on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the two-day Fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation Between China and Portuguese-Speaking Countries.

Delegates from seven Portuguese speaking countries  Portugal, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, Angola and East Timor  attended the forum.

Before the ceremony, Li launched a trade and economic cooperation program to promote further exchanges between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

China and the Portuguese-speaking countries contribute 17 percent of the world economy and 22 percent of global population, with varying advantages in technology, capital and market practices, Li said.

The participating countries should consolidate political trust, promote trade liberalization and investment and strengthen cooperation in production capacity and people-to-people exchanges, the premier told the forum.

China's economic restructuring and upgrading will bring great investment opportunities and market potential, creating bright prospects for businesses from Portuguese-speaking countries, Li said.

He said the trade volume between China and Portuguese-speaking countries reached $100 billion last year  about 10 times of that of 2003.

Cape Verde's Prime Minister Ulisses Correia e Silva said the Macao forum injected new momentum into strategic cooperation between all the participating countries. He added that his country will align with China's Belt and Road Initiative and make use of the Macao forum to bring more commodities to Africa.

The prime ministers of Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique vowed to adopt favorable policies and improve the rule of law to attract investors.

Deng Yanzi contributed to this story.


Fu Ying (right), foreign affairs chief of China's top legislature, talks with Guan Youfei, in charge of international military cooperation, on Tuesday at the Xiangshan Forum. [Photo by FENG YONGBIN/CHINA DAILY]

Beijing-Moscow exercise will not target third party, Chinese military official says

China and Russia announced on Tuesday that they will conduct an anti-missile joint exercise next year as the United States plans to deploy a missile defense system near them.

The drill, which will be the second of its kind, was con-firmed at a China-Russia joint news briefing on missile defense on the sidelines of the seventh Xiangshan Forum, a high-end defense affairs dialogue, in Beijing.

The US and the Republic of Korea have infuriated Beijing and Moscow by advancing their joint plan to deploy in the ROK the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system, a missile-defense system whose radar, with a radius of 2,000 kilometers, could cover parts of China and Russia.

Major General Cai Jun, with the Joint Staff Department of China's Central Military Commission, described the plan to deploy the anti-missile system as "damaging to global strategic balance and regional security and stability".

Cai noted that the two militaries held their first joint computer-simulated anti-missile drill in May in Moscow with the aim of "training the capabilities of both sides in joint air-defense and antimissile actions".

Cai did not elaborate on the potential format or contents of the second joint drill and said the exercise "will not target any third party".

Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov told the forum on Tuesday morning that the US is using the tension on the Korean Peninsula to deploy excessive weapons, and said the THAAD deployment is "not just a regional issue", as it will increase tension.

Ji Zhiye, president of the China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, said an anti-missile drill "is not necessarily targeting a specific country or direction, but it is a fact that there are just several countries that could threaten China and Russia with missiles".

The THAAD deployment will "deal a blow to global strategic balance", and both Beijing and Moscow should "make clear their negative attitudes toward THAAD" by holding their second drill next year, Ji said.

Without directly naming the US, State Councilor and Minister of National Defense Chang Wanquan told the forum on Tuesday morning that "a stand-alone country or a few seek absolute advantage in the military domain and consistently reinforce military alliances".

Jin Canrong, a professor of international relations at Renmin University of China, said China and Russia lag behind the US in the anti-missile field, and their cooperation could "narrow the respective gap with the US".

Luo Yuan, a senior researcher at the Chinese People's Liberation Army's Academy of Military Science, said both countries have a long history of anti-missile cooperation, and with the threat of THAAD, "neither side should sit idly".

The two countries share great reserves of technology and viable options for containing THAAD, including technological cooperation and even joint exercises, to "avoid the worst scenario", Luo said.

New Zealand Defense Minister Gerry Brownlee noted that the US has attributed its plan to deploy THAAD to the nuclear program of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

"But I do think it simply indicates the need for greater dialogue by all countries" that have an interest in the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue, Brownlee said.
The Ruins of St. Pauls of Historic Centre of Macao. [Photo/IC]

It's been 17 years since Macao's return to China. Premier Li Keqiang kicked off his first visit as Premier to Macao on Monday, attending the fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries.

To provide a fuller picture of this amazing place, here's a snapshot of its history and geography and images that reveal its breathtaking views.

All the information below is based on portal.gov.mo, the official website of The Macao Special Administrative Region (MSAR). Please click on the link for more information.
National guideline expected to improve the handling of evidence and lead to fairer trials

Judicial experts welcomed a new national guideline on criminal procedure reform this week, hoping it will contribute to reducing wrongful convictions.

While judicial reforms have been ongoing in China, the milestone, 21-clause guide highlights the reforms in all courts through greater standardization in the process of handling cases.

The guideline puts greater emphasis on the role of trials and how evidence is handled. Police, prosecutors and judges have to pay more attention to the quality of fact-finding and identifying evidence, "which is a big change in dealing with a case and will effectively protect the rights of defendants and improve impartiality of judgments," Renmin University of China law professor Li Fenfei said on Tuesday.

The guideline, issued by the Supreme People's Court and the Supreme People's Procuratorate, along with the ministries of public security, state security and justice, has stirred lots of interest in the legal community since it was released on Monday.

"In the past, we focused more on the investigation, but now the guideline asks every judicial worker to consider court trials as the judicial core," Li said. "In other words, how evidence is used has become crucial and will lead or guide judicial workers in handling a case."

Shanghai criminal lawyer Ruan Chuansheng said, "The legality of evidence collection is a crucial point in making a fair decision and avoiding wrongful convictions." Ruan said he was glad to see the document highlight the requirement for no punishment to be applied in doubtful cases.

Ruan, a legal worker for more than 10 years, said he also is happy to see the document say that "interrogations should be improved to prevent forced confessions, and authorities may not oblige suspects to incriminate themselves".

It also for the first time advocates a system to review the legality of interrogations in big or influential cases.

"The requirements will guide the behavior of police officers in investigations and reduce mistakes and flaws in following procedures," he said. "Justice is not only based on judges. It also relies on legal investigation and prosecution. When each legal body strictly regulates itself and reduces miscarriages, justice is not far away."

Courts, prosecutors and police must cooperate in ensuring that innocent people are not wrongly convicted, he added.

Bian Jianlin, a law professor at China University of Political Science and Law, said reforms in criminal procedures came after a series of wrongful convictions in China, which harmed judicial credibility and triggered social outrage.

One high-profile wrongful judgment was the execution of teenager Hugjilitu in Inner Mongolia. He was found guilty of rape and murder in 1996 and put to death. But he was declared innocent in December 2014, years after he was wrongfully convicted.

"The change will also strengthen lawyers' role in cases," said Wang Wanqiong, a criminal lawyer whose client Chen Man was declared innocent this year after being wrongfully jailed for 23 years.

Wang also called for more specific rules on how to punish those who violate the guidelines. "We urgently need a rule with teeth. We must punish mistakes to let legal insiders realize how crucial it is to abide by criminal procedures and avoid torture in interrogations," she added.
China and the European Union are working to promote academic credit transfers between their higher-education institutions, according to education officials.

The credit transfer system, an important tool for measuring and recognizing students' academic performance in other countries, topped the agenda of the China-EU Education Ministers Conference, which was held in Beijing on Tuesday.

Minister of Education Chen Baosheng, who chaired the conference, said China has long encouraged domestic universities to cooperate and exchange with their counterparts abroad, including through credit transfers.

So far, China has signed agreements recognizing higher-education degrees with 19 EU members.

In terms of credit transfers, Chen said, some successful pilot programs have occurred at several Sino-EU joint platforms and institutions, such as the Sino-European Engineering Education Platform established in September 2010.

"In the near future, we hope to further boost the mutual recognition of academic credits and degrees between the universities of China and the EU by spreading the successful experience of the domestic pilot programs," Chen said.

Apart from credit transfers, other topics relating to China-EU educational cooperation, including nurturing entrepreneurship, innovation and employability of students, were discussed at the conference.

Members of the EU, including France, Germany and Spain, have long been hot destinations for Chinese seeking educations overseas.

Statistics from the Ministry of Education showed that as of 2015, more than 300,000 Chinese people studied in EU countries. Last year alone saw 123,000 Chinese students heading there, 23 percent of all who went to study abroad.

Meanwhile, China in recent years has also become a popular choice for study overseas among EU students. Among the 400,000 international students in China last year, one in 10 was from the EU.

Tibor Navracsics, the EU commissioner for education, culture, youth and sports, said the mutual recognition of credit should be further promoted, and a prerequisite to that is understanding each other's education system and language.
Doctors in some of China's major hospitals may have a new tool soon that can help them provide personalized treatment options to cancer patients.

Watson for Oncology, a cognitive computing platform - a sort of super brain developed by IBM - is expected to be put into service in November at 22 major hospitals, including Wuxi People's Hospital in Jiangsu province, and Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, according to Yao Wan, a marketing manager at Hangzhou CognitiveCare Co, a company in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, that cooperated with IBM to introduce the technology to China.

"We are providing training for doctors on how to use the platform in Hangzhou, Guangzhou and Beijing," she said.

The platform is designed to assist in the diagnosis and treatment of some commonly seen cancers, such as breast cancer and lung cancer, she said.

Cancer is a leading cause of death in China, and its incidence has been increasing. Last year there were 4.3 million new cancer cases, and more than 2.8 million deaths attributed to the disease, according to the National Cancer Institute.

A lot more work needs to be done before Watson for Oncology can be used in most hospitals, Yao said.

The system is currently available only in English.

Hangzhou CognitiveCare will provide some translation support to ensure that Watson's treatment insights, including drug labels and treatment guidelines, also are available in Mandarin, Yao said.

However, computers can only aid doctors in making treatment decisions, not replace them; and new technologies that are developed overseas have limitations in China, said Zhi Xiuyi, an expert in lung cancer at Xuanwu Hospital in Beijing.

"Chinese have different genes from people of other countries, and treatment methods may vary," he said. "They may bring some benefits but may not entirely fit Chinese patients."
Six survivors, including a 3-year-old girl, were sent to three local hospitals after a weak residential building collapsed in the Lucheng district of Wenzhou, Zhejiang province.

The girl was found alive at 6:20 pm on Monday, after being buried for 14 hours.

Her parents, who both died, lay above her. The father's body was holding up a 1-meter-wide, 20-centimeter-thick piece of concrete. That provided enough space for the girl to survive, said Sun Jing, one of the rescuers.

Rescue teams removed rubble by hand for 20 minutes to extract the girl, cleaning her face and covering her face with an oxygen mask.

"When I picked her up from the rubble, she suddenly grabbed my arm tightly. That touched me. I comforted her and continued to talk to her," Sun said.

The girl regained consciousness in the hospital and told the nurse that her name is Tong Tong.

The search for missing people buried under the debris was completed early on Tuesday, with 22 people confirmed dead, a local official said at a news briefing. Most of them have been identified.

Rescue operations concluded at about 1 am on Tuesday. Twenty-eight people had been pulled from the debris, but only six survived.

According to Zhang Chongmin, the Lucheng district chief, the poor quality of the foundation was responsible for the disaster.

"These six-story houses were built by local peasants in the 1980s," he said, "The weak foundation couldn't hold."

"We have pulled down five other similar buildings to avoid potential danger," Zhang added.

Zhang Geng, mayor of Wenzhou city, told reporters at the briefing that the city government is looking at the possibility of demolishing a number of buildings.

"We also plan to speed up urban village reconstruction to eliminate hidden trouble," Zhang said.
A visitor writes on a bamboo shoot in a public graffiti zone on Jinzi Mountain in Guangdong province. Zeng Linghua / For China Daily

A scenic area in Guangdong province has opened a zone for tourists to write or draw on bamboo shoots to prevent them from scribbling on historic relics or protected natural attractions.

The measure has aroused great controversy.

In the graffiti zone, a bamboo forest covering about 1.3 hectares on Jinzi Mountain, tourists have inscribed messages on nearly 200 of 3,000 or so shoots of bamboo since the zone was opened on Oct 1, the start of the weeklong National Day holiday, according to Zeng Linghua, general manager of the Jinzi Mountain resort.

The graffiti zone has stirred a heated discussion online, with many people criticizing the resort for playing on an inappropriate gesture by some tourists that has destroyed the environment and sabotaged historic relics in the past.

Zeng said he had anticipated that the special zone would cause controversy.

"The special zone is not meant to encourage tourists to scribble on trees," he said.

"But if some tourists have a strong desire to mark their trips by carving their names or messages somewhere, I think it may be a good idea to earmark a zone for them to fully express their feelings so that they won't do so in the rest of the scenic area."

"Rather than simply keep saying no, this may be a more effective way to prevent vandalism," he added.

Zeng said the type of bamboo was easy to grow and is not a protected species.

He said that forest rangers will remove obscene words and illegal messages if they spot any and that shaving off the bark won't influence the bamboo's growth.

No such words or messages have been discovered since the special zone's opening, but a warning board will be set up, Zeng added.

In addition to Jinzi Mountain, the Bamboo Sea, a tourist attraction in Yibin, Sichuan province, earmarked a special zone for visitors to carve on bamboo in 2013.

An administrative director in Bamboo Sea's marketing department told China Daily that graffiti in the scenic area has been reduced substantially since the special zone was opened.

Many tourist attractions in China have fallen victim to graffiti, including the Great Wall.

Photos of a young Chinese couple carving their names on the Great Wall with keys while climbing the ancient wonder during the National Day holiday went viral on social media.

Great Wall authorities set aside areas for graffiti in the Mutianyu section in 2014, but that didn't stop people from carving their names in other places.

"We cannot rely on launching 'forests for carving' to stop tourists from vandalizing tourist sites, just as we cannot reduce theft by launching 'forests for stealing'," said Sun Daojin, a professor of environmental philosophy at Southwest University, in a post on his micro blog at people.com.cn.

"The key to solving the problem lies in tourists' awareness and scenic areas' management."
Left: The 6-meter-high image of a man's smiling face is painted on the face of Fanzheng Rock in Xianju National Park in Xianju county, Zhejiang province. Right: The artist works on the portrait. Photos Provided To China Daily

Park officials want it removed; others say it should remain as a tourist attraction

A rock climber spent two months painting a portrait of the man she admires on the face of a cliff in Xianju county, Zhejiang province. But her expression of love will soon be removed at the request of the local tourism authority.

The image of a man's smiling face, about 6 meters tall, was painted on the face of Fanzheng Rock in Xianju National Park. The rock rises 281 meters atop a 500-meter-high mountain.

The painting was created in a recess of the rock, and its existence wasn't discovered until another climber posted photos of it online. The photo went viral, with netizens referring to the "rock painting of love".

A 34-year-old female bank clerk from Jiaojiang district, Taizhou city, was quoted by FM93 radio as saying she did the painting.

The woman, who declined to give her name, said the man in the portrait is an experienced rock climber known locally for being the first to attempt to climb Fanzheng Rock using hands and feet only, with no rope or other protection, in 2012. He got stuck midway up the cliff and had to be rescued.

The woman tried several means to win his heart, but the man didn't respond to her advances. Finally, she decided to paint his image at his high point, "leaving him up there for worship".

Starting in July, the woman traveled to Xianju every weekend to work secretly on the painting. She used imported mineral paints that she bought for more than 3,000 yuan ($450).

To allow herself as much time as possible to paint, she usually started climbing at about 3 am, so she could begin working at sunrise. To ensure that the painting was accurate, she sometimes climbed another mountain to view the art from a distance.

But the woman did not expect her secret to be discovered so soon.

"I didn't mean to destroy natural scenery. It's my way to pay homage to his exploration efforts," she said. "If I am asked to remove the painting, I will do it as soon as possible."

Xianju National Park has confirmed the existence of the graffiti and said it will be removed.

"According to regulations, such graffiti must be removed to restore the original condition of the cliff face," park officials said in a statement online. "The national park management committee will organize experts to inspect the area and arrange the removal of the graffiti in the most environmentally friendly way."

However, many netizens said they would like to see the graffiti remain on the cliff because of the touching story behind it, and a local media outlet conducted a survey recently on whether the painting should by removed. Of more than 3,000 respondents, 57 percent said the painting should remain in place, while 34 percent said it should be removed.

A netizen using the pseudonym "Dapi" said the painting is not ugly, has an interesting story and "has the potential to become a tourist attraction".

Ying Jinfei, deputy head of the Zhejiang Art Museum and a professor at the China Academy of Art, said: "The painting is quite moderate in terms of its artistic level, while the painter's imagination and the story behind it deserve our recognition."
Two suspects involved in the alleged abduction and purchase of a 12-year-old Vietnamese girl have been detained by Xuzhou police in Jiangsu province.

According to the Xuzhou people's procuratorate, the girl was taken to Xinyang, Henan province, in 2014 by two Vietnamese traffickers. She was then "adopted" by a woman surnamed Xie in Xuzhou.

In May, Xie introduced the girl to a 35-year-old man surnamed Liu, who later paid her 30,000 yuan ($4,500) as a betrothal gift. Liu and the girl then lived under the pretext of husband and wife in a remote village in Tongshan district.

On Oct 4, Liu and a female relative took the girl for a prenatal examination at the Xuzhou No 4 People's Hospital and claimed that she was 20 years old. After discovering that the girl was 12 weeks pregnant, a doctor called police as she appeared much younger.

"The girl can only understand very simple Chinese and was reluctant to communicate," said a doctor surnamed Zhang.

"The two people accompanying her refused to let her talk to others. They even threatened to blow up the hospital after discovering that some medical workers tried to call the police," the doctor said.

Some patients and security workers at the hospital also called the police after noticing the girl's appearance and the attitude of the two people who accompanied her.

Both Xie and Liu were detained.

The news about the girl went viral on China's social media and angered many people.

Local police have gone to Henan province to catch others involved in the abduction.

The local procuratorate immediately ordered a juvenile criminal investigation department to probe the case.

Local police said more information will be released after the investigation is completed.

News of Vietnamese women and girls sold to Chinese men living in rural areas are reported from time to time in China. In September, police in Yunnan province saved 32 kidnapped Vietnamese women and detained 75 Vietnamese and Chinese suspects.
The Guangdong police have cut off a major channel used by corrupt officials to transfer assets abroad after cracking more than 140 cases involving illegal transactions through secret private banks and offshore companies.

Wu Yilai, deputy director of the economic crime investigation bureau under the Guangdong provincial department of public security, said police across the province detained 350 suspects in recent months in cases involving more than 230 billion yuan ($35 billion) during a special campaign code-named Jufeng 6.

The campaign, which was launched in April, is aimed at fighting the illegal transactions in the southern province, one of the country's economic powerhouses, Wu said.

"The large sums of money that have been seized and frozen include the bribes corrupt officials wanted to send abroad via the secret banks and offshore companies," Wu said at a news conference in Guangzhou on Tuesday. The bosses of the private banks didn't want to know where the money came from when they helped clients send it out of the country, he added.

According to Wu, the private banks usually charged 2 to 3 yuan per 1,000 yuan as a service fee for sending money abroad. The same rate applied to other currencies, such as dollars.

The Jufeng 6 operation has been launched in Dongguan, Shenzhen, Foshan, Yunfu, Huizhou, Shanwei, Jiangmen, Jieyang and other Pearl River Delta cities in Guangdong province.

In Shenzhen, police busted 11 private banks and related operations in a crackdown launched on Sept 29. Police detained 30 suspects in matters they said involved more than 48 billion yuan.

A large number of bank cards, computers, fake documents and official seals were also seized.

Police in Shanwei busted four underground private banks involving 50 billion yuan and detained 10 suspects in an operation last month.

The Dongguan police detained another 20 suspects after a sweep of 10 private banks run by an organized crime gang. The gang was suspected of having illegally traded foreign currencies valued at more than 16 billion yuan in recent months.

Wu said Jufeng 6 had dealt a heavy blow to the activities of the province's secret private banks and has helped ensure good financial order in Guangdong. But he admitted that fighting the banks continues to be difficult in Guangdong.

Wu said more special operations would be conducted.

Zhang Jing, director of the legal affairs department at the Guangzhou branch of the People's Bank of China, said his bank has worked very closely with law enforcement in the fight against illegal trading of foreign currencies through the shadow banks.

zhengcaixiong@chinadaily.com.cn
A 4-year-old girl in Chaoyang, Liaoning province was seriously injured by an electric tricycle on Sept 17. Suprising everyone with her maturity, the little girl, Junjun, asked her mother to cut off medical treatment in light of the financial strain it was causing. Though Junjun's inner strength and toughness have touched everyone who hears her story, her mother said they would definitely continue to treat Junjun's injuries.

On Sept 17, Junjun attempted to drive the electric tricycle by herself while her mother and grandfather were busy unloading the vehicle. She quickly lost control of the tricycle, causing it to rush down the road and hit a tree at high speed. Caught between the vehicle and the tree, Junjun briefly lost consciousness. The girl was later diagnosed with bone fractures in several different places, acute bronchitis, respiratory failure and hypoalbuminemia.

Treatment for Junjun's various ailments costs 5,000 yuan ($746) per day, which is a great burden for her family. Even though the daily spending is equal to the yearly income of Junjun's mother, the girl's family still vows to do everything they can to save her, never giving up on treatment.
Taiwan's leader must decide in which direction she wishes to take cross-Straits relations, the State Council's Taiwan Affairs Office said on Wednesday.

"Regarding cross-Straits relations, whether we sit down and talk or confront each other is up to Taiwan's leader," office spokesman An Fengshan said at a news conference, responding to Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen's speech on Monday.

"Different paths lead to different futures. Upholding the 1992 Consensus and maintaining peaceful development, or insisting on separation," An said, adding that Tsai must make the right decision on important matters.
BEIJING -- A mainland spokesman for Taiwan affairs on Wednesday said there is "absolutely no room for obscurity over [...] the political basis and nature of ties between the Chinese mainland and Taiwan."

An Fengshan, a spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks at a regular press conference in Beijing.

He was referring to the 1992 Consensus, the political basis of cross-Straits relations, which affirms that both sides of the Straits belong to one China.

He said the Taiwan authorities must be clear about this "fundamental" issue, adding that all the "play of words" and procrastination would not help circumvent it.

"Adherence to the 1992 Consensus is key to the peaceful development of cross-Straits ties," An said.

He went on to say that Taiwan leaders' "correct understanding of the nature of cross-Straits ties" is the mainland's "touchstone for their so-called goodwill."

"Goodwill should be demonstrated with action, not words," he continued.

An said China's national reunification is a "historical inevitability as the Chinese nation marches toward its great rejuvenation."

"Both the Chinese mainland and Taiwan belong to the one same China," he said, adding that cross-Straits ties are not "country-to-country-type" relations.

As for longstanding political differences between the two sides, An said the settlement should not be put off "from one generation to another," but should be dealt with through cross-Straits consultation under the one-China principle.

He said correct decisions must be made on key issues concerning the future of both side of the Taiwan Straits and their people.

The ball is now in the court of the Taiwan authorities who must "either choose to sit down for talks, or choose confrontation," he said.



Related stories:

Taiwan leader urged to make decision on cross-Straits relations

Beijing to hold forum on cross-Straits peaceful development
China imposed harsher punishments on companies discharging excessive levels of pollutants in the first eight months of the year, with larger fines handed down and more cases transferred to judicial organs, the country's top environmental protection authority said on Wednesday.

In the January-to-August period, an average of 448 companies were fined per day  a year-on-year increase of 11 percent  with total fines exceeding 488 million yuan ($72.6 million), said Tian Weiyong, head of the Environmental Inspection Bureau under the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

In addition, environmental authorities at all levels sealed production facilities of 4,456 companies during the period, a year-on-year increase of 86 percent, while more than 1,880 companies saw their operations suspended due to excessive pollution and illegal discharging.

The environmental authorities have better utilized legal methods to punish and deter polluters, with 1,172 cases transferred to judicial organs, a year-on-year increase of 14 percent, Tian said.

The revised Environmental Protection Law, effective from Jan 1, 2015, has improved regulation of companies' discharges and pollution levels. Fines have no upper limit and companies who repeat offenses will see fines increase, while in extreme cases, those responsible for pollution will be detained.
Premier Li Keqiang vowed on Wednesday to further lower the threshold to market access for business startups and innovative companies in a bid to create more jobs.

Premier Li Keqiang listens as Tencent founder and CEO Pony Ma (left) talks about his company at the Tencent booth during the launch of the second National Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation Week on Wednesday in Shenzhen. WU ZHIYI / CHINA DAILY

More than 15,000 companies are registered every day around the nation, but only 70 percent of them are actively operating, Li said while meeting with managers of high-tech companies at the Global Entrepreneurial Leaders Forum in Shenzhen, an industrial hub in Guangdong province.

The government will streamline administrative procedures and further open the market for enterprises, including foreign companies, he added.

Li said more than 9 million jobs were created in urban areas during the first nine months of the year, while more than 12 million graduates from colleges and vocational schools were expected to enter the job market this year.

The achievement can be attributed to entrepreneurship and innovation, he added.

Promoting entrepreneurship and innovation will offer college graduates opportunities for fair competition no matter where in the country they come from, Li said.

In May, the premier made a similar pledge on market access while meeting with foreign companies' CEOs during the China Big Data Industry Summit in Guiyang, capital of Guizhou province.

The Shenzhen forum was part of the second National Mass Entrepreneurship and Innovation Week, which kicked off on Wednesday.

During the first such event in Beijing last year, Li said grassroots entrepreneurship and innovation can create more job opportunities and become a new engine for China's development.

Huang Qunhui, director of the Institute of Industrial Economics at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, said: "Small and medium-sized companies, including business startups, provide the largest number of employment opportunities. That's why the central government has attached such great importance to entrepreneurship and innovation."

Among forum participants were celebrities from the internet and manufacturing sectors, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, who also emphasized the significance of innovation and its role in supporting new jobs.

Innovation is crucial to unlocking the growth potential of the Chinese economy as well as the global economy, Cook said, adding that the spirit of entrepreneurship in China is distinctive and strong.

"It's amazing to think that a small company or even an individual in China can create an innovative app  and offer their products to over 1 billion iPhone and iPad users around the world," Cook said.

The country has become an app development powerhouse that supports 1.8 million jobs, including 350,000 new ones in the past 12 months alone, he said, adding that the sector increased 25 percent year-on-year.

More than 400,000 mobile apps at Apple's App Store were created by Chinese developers for customers around the world, Cook said.
Philippine president's trip to China next week hailed as milestone in bilateral ties

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will make a four-day state visit to China next week, bringing along a 250-member business delegation, and a number of deals are expected to be signed. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

The visit, which will be Duterte's first outside Southeast Asia since he became president in June, was announced by China's Foreign Ministry on Wednesday. It will also be the first state visit by a top Philippine leader in the past five years, during which time maritime disputes soured bilateral ties under Duterte's predecessor.

Philippine Trade Undersecretary Nora Terrado, who told Reuters that initially only about two dozen Philippine entrepreneurs were to accompany Duterte to China, said the number had ballooned to about 250.

Experts said the visit, scheduled for Oct 18 to 21, will be a milestone that might open a new chapter in Beijing-Manila relations as well as the South China Sea issue if Manila maintains its sincerity.

Ties between Beijing and Manila had been chilly over the past few years under former president Benigno Aquino III, who played up the maritime dispute on the international stage and refused to hold direct talks with China.

Duterte, unlike his predecessor, has said he wants stronger ties with China to gain funding for development projects and has kept a cool head on the South China Sea dispute, said Wu Shicun, a South China Sea expert.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang confirmed that Duterte will talk with President Xi Jinping as well as meet with Premier Li Keqiang and China's top legislator, Zhang Dejiang.

Although neither side released details of the visit or possible outcomes, Geng said the two sides "are maintaining close contacts about detailed arrangements for the visit and the outcome documents".

It is hoped that the visit will put the bilateral ties "back on the track of being healthy and stable", Geng said, adding that the Philippines is a "traditionally amicable neighbor of China".

Zhou Fangyin, a professor of Chinese foreign policy at the Guangdong Institute for International Strategies, said the preparations for Duterte's visit mirror great sincerity  particularly from the Duterte administration  for thawing ties and for Beijing's vision for long-term investment in bilateral ties.

As to deals that might be signed during the visit, Zhou said potential highlights might be increased trade of agricultural produce with China as well as infrastructure construction, which the Philippines needs.

The visit will be an important opportunity that "both sides should grasp", and "Duterte possibly has his eyes on cooperation with China in the long run" in addition to this visit, Zhou said.

The South China Sea issue is unlikely to be resolved overnight, and neither country should give up working on the fragile ties, Zhou added.

Wu Shicun said "the times have changed" for China-Philippine ties, and he believes "the visit will navigate the relationship out of the record low and move on steadfastly".
Premier Li Keqiang visits Rua da Cunha, a narrow pedestrian street in Macao's Taipa island known for shops selling traditional Macao food, Oct 11, 2016. He bought some egg tarts, almond cookies and a postcard there. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

Premier Li Keqiang visited Macao's historical sites and then enjoyed traditional local delicacies on Tuesday afternoon.

At Rua da Cunha, a narrow pedestrian street in Macao's Taipa island known for shops selling traditional Macao food, Premier Li shook hands with locals and tourists and talked with shopkeepers. He bought some egg tarts, almond cookies and a postcard there.

Then he arrived at Ruins of St Paul's, the city's landmark, and interacted with people there. He said the Ruins of St. Paul's represents the syntheses of east and west in Macao, and conveyed his best wishes to the city and its people.
Reading information from three screens in the cabin, Nebiyu Malaku could easily check the brake and operation systems, as well as the conditions outside and inside the locomotive of the first electrified crossborder train in Africa.

"We are ready to go," the 26-year-old assistant train operator told his Chinese colleague sitting next to him.

The track on which they drove extends 751.7 kilometers from Addis Ababa, the capital city of landlocked Eastern African country Ethiopia, to the Port of Djibouti. The track allows trains to travel at a maximum speed of 120 km per hour, and it was officially opened for operation on Oct 5.

During the past four years, two Chinese companies, China Railway Engineering Corporation and China Railway Construction Corporation, were contracted to build the railway for Ethiopia and Djibouti. The project has received total investment of $4 billion, including for locomotives and carriages.

For the next six years, the railway will be operated by the Chinese consortium, which has an exit strategy to train locals and build their capabilities so that they can take over the operation completely.

"I like the train too much," said Malaku, who graduated from Addis Ababa University and previously worked in administration at a motor company.

"The technology is new for Africa, not only for Ethiopia."

According to official figures, landlocked Ethiopia, the second most populous country in Africa, with an estimated population of 102 million, relies on the Red Sea ports of its neighbor, Djibouti, as major import and export gateways.

Ethiopia consumes 90 percent of the ports' throughput.

Djibouti, embracing both the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, is one of the most important hubs in the region, with links to Africa's landlocked areas, and can geographically counter the dominant position of the Suez Canal in Egypt.

A meter-gauge railway was built about 100 years ago, linking Ethiopia's highlands to the Horn of Africa country Djibouti with diesel locomotives. But, it has seen its services interrupted for years because of obsolete infrastructure and management issues. Meanwhile, the dilapidated road routes have limited capacity and journeys can take a week.

The new railway, financially backed by China and built by Chinese companies with Chinese standards and technologies, has a maximum of 20 million metric tons of transportation capacity per year. Ethiopia and Djibouti expect that it will carry 90 percent of all crossborder flow of goods.

The lifeline linking East Africa to the Red Sea is therefore described as the "new face of Africa" by the President of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh.

Xu Shaoshi, the special envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping at the opening ceremony of the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, said that the railway is a road of cooperation, of friendship, of development and also of prosperity.

He said the opening of the railway's operation is a milestone, as well as a new beginning, for the trilateral cooperation between China and the two countries.

The leaders of the Horn of Africa countries and Chinese companies echoed Xu's comments.

Li Changjin, chairman of the China Railway Engineering Corporation, said the group will share equipment, technologies and standards with the two countries and train local staff, while managing the railway's operation.

"In this way, we're building an electrified railway that actually belongs to Africa. We will help to build the railway systems and set an example showcasing the integration of railway design, construction and operation."

Meng Fengchao, board chairman of the CRCC, said he believes "regions along the railway will become part of an important economic belt for the two countries. The stories of a road leading to an economic belt will unfold here."

According to Meng, his group will engage in building trade and industrial zones, investment in mining, real-estate development and logistics businesses around the railway in order to comprehensively merge into Africa's business development.

wanghuazhong@chinadaily.com.cn

A Chinese manager shows her African colleagues how to greet passengers boarding the train linking Addis Ababa and Djibouti. Wang Huazhong / China Daily

(China Daily 10/12/2016 page12)
Incorporating a giant bed, gigantic pillows and green bedclothes in the setting, Benjamin Britten's opera A Midsummer Night's Dream is considered one of the sexiest adaptations of William Shakespeare's play.[Photo by Jiang Dong/China Daily]

The operatic version of one of the Bard's classics comes to China 25 years after becoming a hit in France, Chen Nan reports. When Canadian director Robert Carsen presents his production of Benjamin Britten's opera A Midsummer Night's Dream in Beijing this weekend, audiences will have a chance to watch the sexiest adaptation of William Shakespeare's play.

With a giant bed dominating the stage, gigantic pillows as great symbols of dreaming and green bedclothes as a metaphor for the forest, the production was a major hit when it premiered at the 1991 Festival d'Aix-en-Provence in France.

"This is the first time we take it to China, to Asia," says Carsen. "This is a big adventure."

During the past 25 years, Carsen has taken the opera to many places. And last year the well-traveled production returned to the place where it all began.

"You never know if the audiences will like it when you work on it. It was a wonderful evening in Provence (in 1991). It was the beginning of a very long life of the production," says Carsen. "We have the same excitement every time we do it. The show has to be as good as it can be."

Carsen, 62, was once an actor and plays two roles in the play, Francis Flute and Demetrius. "It's a play about young people, magic, sex, dangers and passion. It's an erotic comedy. That's quite unusual," he adds, calling the opera one of his favorite productions.

As a part of the ongoing 19th Beijing Music Festival, an annual classical music event held in the capital, the three-act opera is a tribute marking the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare's death. It is coproduced with the Festival d'Aix-en-Provence, with which the BMF has signed a five-year contract.

The China Philharmonic Orchestra will perform under the baton of conductor Steuart Bedford. The cast includes Laura Claycomb as Tytania, Lawrence Zazzo as Oberon and members of the Trinity Boys Choir as fairies.

"Opera in China has become more and more significant. There are growing audiences," says Carsen. "I am always interested in the East, like India and Japan. Now I take this project to China."
Fang Xu portrays different roles in his adaptions of Lao She's works.[Photo provided to China Daily]

A loyal fan of Lao She (1899-1966), one of China's most significant authors, Chinese director and actor Fang Xu is back with another stage production, Mr Ma and Son, based on the novel with the same title.

The play will debut at Capital Theater on Nov 16 and 17, and then travel to Shanghai for stagings on Dec 3 and 4. Fang has previously adapted three other Lao She works into plays.

Mr Ma and Son draws largely on Lao She's own experience when he taught Mandarin classes at the University of London from 1924 to 1929.

The novel gives a unique view of what life was like for Chinese people in 1920s London by telling the story of Mr Ma and his son Ma Wei, who run an antiques shop nestled in a quiet street by St Paul's Cathedral. Far from their native Beijing, they struggle to adapt into the Western society of the 1920s. The father and son also experience unexpected love affairs with their landlord Mrs Wedderburn and her daughter Mary.

Lao She, whose original name was Shu Qingchun, is known for his style grounded in the dialect and culture of old Beijing. His best-known works, such as Teahouse and Rickshaw Boy, have been adapted into movies, TV series and plays in China and have been read in translation around the world.

Mr Ma and Son was adapted as a TV drama in 1999, starring renowned Chinese actors Chen Daoming and Liang Guanhua.

It was published in English by Penguin Classics in 2013.

"Though it is about overseas Chinese in the 1920s, a century later it still appeals to contemporary readers and connects with people. There are lots of Chinese people living abroad, who share the same struggles. The relationship between father and son also resonates with the audiences," says Fang, who is the director, scriptwriter and plays the role of Mr Ma in the play.

The cast members are all male actors, including Liu Xinran, a Peking Opera actor known for nan dan (men playing women's roles), as Mrs Wedderburn.

"The play will have a surprising chemistry with the all-male cast. It will leave space for the audiences to imagine," Fang says.
Chinese ambassador to Peru Jia Guide addresses the opening ceremony. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

Besides being the Year of China-Latin America Cultural Exchange, 2016 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-Peru diplomatic relations.

To deepen mutual understanding and friendship, an exhibition of Chinese treasures titled "Long Distance Separates No Bosom Friends" opened at Perus National Archaeological, Anthropological and Historical Museum in Lima, on October 7. It will wrap up on December 8.

More than 300 guests attended the opening ceremony and later visited the exhibition, including officials, university presidents, sinologists and archaeologists.

"The exhibition perfectly shows close friends always go the extra mile for each other. It is the fruit of the one-year cooperation between China and Peru. As the biggest cultural event jointly held by the two, the exhibition is the highlight of the 2016 China-Latin America Cultural Exchange Year," Chinese ambassador to Peru Jia Guide said. According to Peru's Minister of Culture, Jorge Nieto, Chinese people have been migrating to Peru since the 19th century. China and Peru have been doing business and sharing cultures since then. Jorge spoke highly of the exhibition and looked forward to President Xi's visit soon.

"We cherry picked 121 exhibits from museums across China. They are from prehistoric times to the Qing Dynasty, including terracotta figures, jade wares, bronze antiques and ceramics," Deputy Director of Art Exhibitions China, Zhou Ming noted. "They speak volumes about our time-honored and profound civilization. We hope Peruvians realize that and sense our sincerity. "

The curator of the host museum said, "Due to our physical distance, Peru rarely has the opportunity to admire Chinese treasures so close." He also reviewed both countries' civilizations and their communication via the Maritime Silk Road.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the 2016 China-Latin America Cultural Exchange Year in July 2014. China and 30 Latin American and Caribbean countries have been organizing performances, forums, book festivals, movie showings and exhibitions throughout the year. As President Xi said, friendship between countries is based on their peoples congeniality, which can only be fostered by communicating.
A still shot of Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace. [Photo/Official Weibo account of Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace]

Reputed as the sequel of Empress in the Palace, another costume drama titled Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace has received public attention since shooting began.

Starring Chinese renowned actress Zhou Xun and Taiwan actor Wallace Huo, the drama tells the romantic love story of emperor Qianlong of Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) and his empress Ruyi.

The TV series is expected to air in 2017.
A passenger has his luggage inspected at the entrance of a subway station in Beijing June 29, 2008. [Xinhua]

Wang Xiliang, the mayor of Kunming, capital of Southwest China's Yunnan province, said recently that the city is determined to accelerate the construction of its subway system and the total length of subway will reach 240 kilometers by 2020. While subways bring convenience to residents, the costs also need to be taken into consideration, says Southern Metropolis Daily:

Subways are, of course, something good. Subways mean greater travel convenience for residents and fewer people driving cars, which means better air quality. Besides, subway stations often become the centers of commercial districts, which help boost a city's economy.

However, subways cost money. According to official estimates, during the 13th Five-Year Plan period (2016-20), the total investment on public transportation in Kunming will reach 461 billion yuan ($68 billion), of which 120 billion yuan is to be invested in subway construction. That will be a huge financial burden for Kunming, whose public revenue was about 46 billion yuan in 2015.

The local government of Kunming said they intend to encourage private capital to invest in the subways and make money from co-running them. According to reports by the local media in Kunming, the city's fourth subway line is already under construction and work on the fifth line will begin before the end of the year, both are being funded as public-private partnerships.

The PPP mode is helpful because it can mobilize large quantities of funds to finish large projects, while also putting local government debt under strict control.

But the PPP mode is not without risks. Private capital seeks returns. According to the Kunming subway plan, if the actual traffic flow is 10 percent lower than expected, the local government will have to subsidize the subway.

It should be noted that the risk is not low. Kunming is expected to grow to be 430 square kilometers by 2020, with a population of 4.3 million; as a comparison, Hong Kong has 7.3 million residents within 268 sq km. Thus the Kunming subway will have fewer users than the Hong Kong MTR.

It is time Kunming officials reconsidered their plan. Subways are good, but their huge cost should be taken into consideration, too.
A farmer ties wheat that has been harvested in Shibapan village in Luoyang city, Henan province, June 3, 2015. [Photo/IC]

Four residential buildings belonging to farmers collapsed in Wenzhou, East China's Zhejiang province, at 4 am on Monday. As of Tuesday morning, 22 people had been confirmed dead and six seriously injured. The accident highlights the necessity of putting farmers' houses under the State construction quality supervision system, says Beijing News:

The current regulation on village planning and construction was issued by the central government in 1993. But the standards were not legally binding, and it has failed to improve the quality of construction in rural villages as expected.

About 300 million people from rural areas work in cities as migrant workers, and a large number of houses have subsequently sprung up in their rural hometowns paid for with their wages.

According to the regulation, village houses lower than three stories and smaller than 300 square meters, and costing less than 300,000 yuan ($46,000) to build, are not subject to approval and supervision by the local building department.

This excludes most farmers' houses from having to meet any construction standards.

Such houses in the suburbs of cities are dangerous as the homeowners usually add two or three stories on top of the original house, so they can claim more compensation once a city expands and a government wants the land on which their houses are built.

The foundations of the original houses are not designed to hold these extra stories, and many accidents happen across the country because of such extensions.

The accident in Wenzhou should be a wakeup call for the government to amend the regulation, as precarious buildings are a threat to people's safety.
Tsai Ing-wen attends to the talent competition of children with mental disabilities in Taiwan. [Photo/IC]

Taiwan leader Tsai Ing-wen, chairwoman of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, once again refrained from elaborating on her cross-Straits relations policy while delivering a speech on Monday. Instead, she said that "our pledges and goodwill remain unchanged, but we will neither succumb to pressure nor revert to the old path of conflict and confrontation".

The same comments were made in a letter Tsai wrote to DPP members on Sept 29, in which she called the mainland a country for the first time and urged resistance against "pressure" from the other side of the Taiwan Straits.

In her speech on Monday, she told the mainland to "face up to the existence of the 'Republic of China'" and "respect Taiwan people's faith in democracy". She went on to suggest that both sides could talk about "anything in the interest of the peaceful development of cross-Straits ties and the livelihoods of people on both sides".

The truth is, Tsai is willing to talk about anything but the 1992 Consensus, and her "goodwill" is nothing more than a pie in the sky. In other words, the DPP leader does not want to face up to the reality there is only one China, and is intending to keep beating around bush in the vain hope of realizing her "pro-independence" ambitions.

Tsai's speech, which basically reiterated her previous political pledges, was not only an ill-designed attempt to test the limits of the mainland in regards to cross-Straits affairs, it was also intended to make the mainland a scapegoat of her missteps at home.

Tsai's recent moves stem from her misreading of the pendulum of cross-Straits relations, which she believes had swung in her favor. Backed by some senior Kuomintang members who served in the Lee Teng-hui administration and her DPP supporters, she has sought to create more political divisions in the island's officialdom.

Making more Taiwan politicians, be they DPP or Kuomintang members, acknowledge the existence of the "Republic of China", serves Tsai's pursuit of a bipartisan political consensus, and eventually the island's "independence". So do her efforts to tout Taiwan's "democracy", which she uses as an ideological weapon to attack the fact that both the mainland and Taiwan belong to one China.

According to China National Tourism Administration, only 7,915 mainland tourists visited the island during the weeklong National Day holiday starting on Oct 1, whereas the figure could easily exceed 10,000 a day in the past. That, of course, has something to do with Tsai's equivocation of the "status quo" of cross-Straits ties that existed under her predecessor.

But in the face of rising public rage on the island at the drop in mainland visitors, which has dealt a heavy blow to the island's economy, Tsai does not seem to be bothered at all. On the one hand, she has promised to attract more tourists from Southeast Asia to fill the void left by mainland tourists, by coining the so-called New Southward Policy. On the other hand, she is seeking to divert public anger toward the mainland, blaming it for "pressuring Taiwan".

It is fair to say much of her focus remains on affairs at home and making the island "a normal state" by cozying up to the United States and Japan rather than trying to fix relations with the other side of the Straits. But Tsai should drop her favorite trick of provoking the mainland before the island feels even more pain.

Zhu Songling is a professor at the Institute of Taiwan Studies, Beijing Union University. The article is an excerpt of his interview with China Daily's Cui Shoufeng.
Four design specialists discuss about how to revitalize villages. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn]

A dialogue between ecological design specialists and scholars on new rural development was held here in Beijing on Monday. It's one panel of the 2016 Beijing International Design Week, one of the important activities is the 'New Countryside Construction' joint exhibition in the Sun River 52.

The exhibition was organized by the World Rural Development Committee (WRDC), the Rural Culture Renewal Volunteers Association (RCRA), the Beijing Culture Heritage Protection Forum called C Salon and New Countryside Society, hosted by Laozhuang Architect Office and Original Architect Office.

Zhuang Hong, professor at the School of Design and Arts, Beijing Institute of Technology, sponsor of the New Countryside Architect Club, shared his opinions on the spirit of exploring the value of villages and the significance of inheritance in the local context.

"One of the problems in China's rural areas is that their huge ecological resources have been neglected for a long time, and to change its backwardness may be intrusive. We ought to earnestly penetrate into the countryside to find its unique resources and cultural heritage," said Prof.Zhuang.

Zhuang named the three steps to rehabilitate rural areas. The first is protection. It means to preserve the original form of the architecture to the greatest extent. The second is optimization, which means to solve the current architectural problems and improve the quality of heritage. The third is user-friendly code, which refers to using some biotechnological methods to better facilitate daily life in the modern age.

Nihegou is an ordinary village in Jiaxian County in northern Shaanxi Province. The jujube yard there was entered on the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS) list by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 2014 for its innovative and sustainable system.

'New Countryside Construction' joint exhibition. [Photo/Song Jingyi]

Tang Yong, a passionate young designer at Original Architect Office, who is also one of the leaders of Nihegou Rural Reform Project, illustrated the design planning details.

"For more than a thousand years, the mountainous and hydrogenous environment have jointly constructed its unique and pristine ecological environment. But unfortunately, the population of the whole village is only 100 or so, most of whom are the elderly and kids. Many local young villagers migrate to big cities in hope of a better life. Every year, a lot of precious old local caves are deserted," Tang said.

To preserve tradition, a group of rural cultural service volunteers and Tang's design teams work closely with the local villagers. The whole project was finally completed after two years of in-depth field research, design planning and prudent implementation.

In the dialogue, specialists debate many design details on how to balance preserving traditional architectural design and satisfying the necessities of daily life in the modern age.

Prof. Zhuang said, "I'm looking for ways to entice more people to come back and stay in the countryside. I want to build a bridge to promote interaction between cities and countryside. Rural reform needs government policy support, but it also needs contributions from individuals."
According to the latest statistics released by the Japanese government, the population of those over 80 has surpassed 10 million. Those 65 or above are expected to take up 40 percent of the whole population by 2060. Many employers regard the elders as valuable assets given the labor shortage in the country.

This series by photographer Lee Chapman documents many lively nonagenarians running shops, bars or farming the land in Tokyo.
A man dressed as comic book hero Spiderman prepares to clean the glass facade of Hospital Infantil Sabara before meeting with patients of the children's hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, October 10, 2016. The costumed men cleaned the glass facade of the children's hospital, and met with patients. Brazil celebrates Children's Day on October 12. [Photo/Agencies]
HANOI - Groups of Chinese travelers will be able to stay in Vietnam's border city of Mong Cai in Quang Ninh province for up to three days without applying for a tourist visa, according to local authorities on Wednesday.

Vietnam's northern Quang Ninh, which borders China, has eased visa requirements for Chinese citizens to encourage travelers to visit Mong Cai.

The new rule is scheduled to take effect at the beginning of 2017.

Following that, Chinese tourists in under-nine-seat passenger cars are allowed to drive back and forth between Mong Cai city and China's Dongxing city.

The pilot implementation period is from now till the end of January 11, 2017, local Lao Dong (Labor) online newspaper quoted Quang Ninh people's committee as saying.

These cars can stay in Vietnam for no more than three days for each permit. If they encounter emergency such as accidents or breakdowns, the extension time will be one more day, said local authorities, adding that the number of cars does not exceed 100 per day.

The northern border city of Mong Cai is a popular travel destination among Chinese holiday makers.

The city recorded a surge in Chinese arrivals during this year's week-long Spring Festival as welcoming about 25,000 visitors.

China is Vietnam's top source of tourists. In the first nine months this year, Vietnam welcomed nearly two million person-times of Chinese visitors, accounting for 27.36 percent of the total foreign arrivals, up 55.9 percent year-on-year, said the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Editor's note: Raymond Zhou joined director Steven Spielberg onstage for an exclusive interview before an audience at a promotional event in Beijing for the film The BFG.

Steven Spielberg

Steven Spielberg, arguably Hollywood's best-known director, had many golden nuggets of advice for budding filmmakers during an appearance at Tsinghua University, encouraging them to take advantage of new technologies and make movies that truly speak to them.

"Tell the stories you've been too afraid to tell, but tell them," he said at the university on Monday. "Make the movies you always admired other people for making. If you love a superhero movie, make one with your iPhone. You've all got a little video recorder in your devices. And those can tell stories and show who you are," he said.

Spielberg started making 8-mm films at the age of 12. He recalled how he had to lug a projector and a screen to get people to watch the short films he had made, and he called attention to the unprecedented access that social media has provided for today's film students.

"For me, filmmaking is both a hobby and a profession. I love it so much it seems I shouldn't be paid for it," he said.

One must have that kind of ambition and faith in oneself, he added. "I had more people say no to me than say yes. A hundred nos, but that one yes got me started as a film director."

Spielberg, who dropped out of college but went back and got a bachelor of the arts degree at California State University Long Beach in 2002, said a formal film education is important, since it will help one cultivate the craft that's necessary in the industry.

As for the importance of visual imagination, he said there are movies that are text-oriented, such as Lincoln. He only "framed tableaus and let Tony Kushner's dialogue sing", he said.

There are directors who don't need the iconography of visual imagery, he said, while others enjoy playing with images, such as the boy riding the bicycle toward the moon in E.T. and the dream tree and the big reflecting pool in the new film The BFG, which was directed and co-produced by Spielberg.

He said it's "a personal question" of whether a young filmmaker should specialize in a limited set of genres and subject matters or try as many as possible.

The director said he respects great filmmakers who haven't had a wide variety, such as Alfred Hitchcock or Martin Scorsese, but also admires predecessors like Victor Fleming who never told the same story twice.

"I'm much more eclectic," he said. "I'd like to be able to find the subject that I don't know much about but somehow interests me and forces me to pay attention to it."

raymondzhou@chinadaily.com.cn
Chinese embroidery is going to make a mark at the 8th BRICS Summit in India as four Chinese gurus have been invited to create handcrafted gifts for leaders of the five emerging economies during the summit over the weekend.

Bringing Chinese craftsmen's glory to the world

File photo shows Jin Jiahong stitching a piece of traditional Hangzhou embroidery in Moscow, Russia, on Dec 5, 2013. [Photo/people.com.cn]

Jin Jiahong, an inheritor of Hangzhou embroidery, is joining the other three masters to display the traditional Chinese handicraft in India, the host nation of the 2016 BRICS Summit. Together with artisans from the other four BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India and South Africa), they will collaborate on design and produce a set of embroidered gifts for the upcoming summit.

"Exquisite gifts we create will include handbags, pillow cases and scarves," said Jin Jiahong, who has been working to upgrade the stitching patterns of Hangzhou embroidery for 30 years.

"In the meantime, I have also participated in the design of the logo for the summit, a blooming lotus with five different colors of petals representing the five nations. The logo itself is quite artistic and meaningful," Jin added.

Hangzhou is well-known for its rich history of producing silk and silk-related products that goes back thousands of years. Hangzhou embroidery can be dated back to the Warring States Era of ancient China and peaked during the Southern Song Dynasty, when Hangzhou became the capital city.

Meanwhile, three other masters, representing Suzhou embroidery (Su Xiu), crewel embroidery and Hunan embroidery respectively, were also chosen to attend the 10-day workshop.

Mutual learning process for artisans

File photo shows Fu Jian receiving a thumb up from Sultan of Brunei Hassanal Bolkiah while stitching a piece of crewel embroidery in Brunei on March 16, 2015. [Photo/Xinhua]

Fu Jian, an expert in crewel embroidery, sees the high-level workshop as a great inspiration. "During the exchanges, we, the Chinese artisans, have learned the latest embroidery techniques from masters from the other four countries. I am particularly interested in the bead embroidery from India," said Fu.

Influenced by his father, the 29-year-old started exploring crewel embroidery at a very young age. Back in 2008, Fu established an embroidery institute and provided job opportunities for more than 200 rural women in Yangzhou, Jiangsu province.

"The technique of India's bead embroidery is very unique. I believe we could incorporate it into our traditional stitch work and develop more practical handicraft products in future," Fu said.

Organized by the Export-Import Bank of India, the exchange event also aims to enhance global markets for handcrafted products and show respect to craftsmen around the world.
BEIJING - Chinese President Xi Jinping will pay state visits to Cambodia and Bangladesh on Thursday-Saturday in a bid to push forward cooperation within the framework of China's Belt and Road Initiative.

His trips represent China's latest effort to seek common development and growth under the initiative. They also reaffirm China's commitment to its neighborhood diplomacy featuring amity, sincerity, mutual benefit and inclusiveness.

TO SEEK STRATEGIC COOPERATION UNDER BELT AND ROAD INITIATIVE

Xi's state visits to Cambodia and Bangladesh will serve to deepen strategic cooperation and step up regional connectivity under the initiative.

There is great potential in Cambodia's cooperation with China, its largest trading partner and source of foreign investment, as its development strategy is highly complimentary with the Chinese initiative.

As an important hub of transport in Southeast Asia, Cambodia also held a key position on the ancient maritime silk road that used to connect the East with the West.

China and Cambodia are building the Sihanoukville special economic zone in southwestern Cambodia as an example of collaboration under the Belt and Road Initiative, while expanding concrete cooperation in sectors including economics and trade, infrastructure and energy resources.

In Bangladesh, a series of initial projects started under the Chinese initiative are expected to strengthen bilateral trade links and people-to-people exchanges.

The infrastructure projects include Padma Bridge near the Bangladeshi capital of Dhaka, the underwater tunnel of Karnaphuli River in the country's southeast, the upgrade of power distribution system and the extension of the N8 highway to connect with Padma Bridge.

With Bangladesh at the center of the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor, Xi's visit is expected to boost consensus and the economic corridor's construction, stimulating economic growth in Bangladesh, Chai Xi, a former Chinese ambassador to Bangladesh, commented.

TO KEEP A FRIENDLY, COOPERATIVE NEIGHBORHOOD

Xi's trip to Cambodia, the first since he took office, will be significant in consolidating the friendship between the two countries while his visit to Bangladesh will mark a milestone in the development of bilateral ties.

Xi's trip to Cambodia is reciprocal to the one to Beijing by King Norodom Sihamoni in June, during which they agreed to further the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between their countries.

Xi is scheduled to meet the king and hold talks with Prime Minister Hun Sen and witness the signing of bilateral deals expected to increase cooperation in sectors including trade, investment and tourism.

Xi's visit to Bangladesh is the first by a Chinese president in more than 30 years. The two sides are expected to lift their comprehensive partnership to a new level.

During his stay in Bangladesh, Xi will meet with President Abdul Hamid and National Assembly Speaker Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, and hold talks with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Cooperation accords will be signed in sectors such as infrastructure, production capacity, energy and transport.

"Xi's visits to the two countries show the importance China has attached to relations with them, and its good will to promote good-neighborly ties and friendly cooperation with Southeast and South Asian countries, with an eye to the map of peripheral diplomacy," said Jiang Jingkui, director of the Center for South Asia Studies, Peking University.
(Photo : Getty Images/Rich Polk ) A fan experiences PlayStation VR during the PlayStation E3 2016 Press Conference at The Shrine Auditorium on June 13, 2016 in Los Angeles, California.

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Sony has already addressed the tracking problems which consumers complained of about its PlayStation VR.



One of the most well-known problems faced by several PlayStation VR owners is its tracking feature. Some owners claim that sometimes it breaks the virtual reality render, while others say they feel nauseous. Recently, Sony addressed the problem claiming that it has something to do with room lighting and reflective surfaces.



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Several reviews of the PlayStation VR have pointed out the unreliable positional tracking of the virtual reality headset, an important aspect in terms of properly rendering a virtual reality world.



While some users are able to find a clever workaround to fix the issue, some are stuck with it and still waiting for Sony to address it.



One known workaround is to situate the PlayStation VR in a dark room without any mirrors or any reflective surfaces. In response, Sony confirmed that this workaround is accurate and can actually fix the issue.



In a blog post, as shared by Venture Beat, Sony said, "Bright light sources directly behind the person using PS VR, lights coming in from windows and room lights, and lights reflecting off mirrors can interfere with the PS Camera and interrupt the tracking of the LED lights on the headset."



This means that to avoid tracking problems, users are also advised to move lamps or any source of light behind the PSVR headset. Sony also recommends closing window shades to keep any light source from interfering with the virtual reality headset's tracking sensors.



While these workaround and tips are effective, many PlayStation VR owners are urging Sony to fix this issue on its hardware in order to avoid any inconvenience on the customer's side.



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Tagssony, Playstation VR, tracking problem, VR, Virtual Reality, sony virtual reality
(Photo : ChinaPhotos/GettyImages) The proposed bad-loan relief program lets banks swap their non-performing loans for equity.

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China announced a new plan for tackling the problem of its growing corporate debt pile. The proposed bad-loan relief program lets banks swap their non-performing loans for equity in the debtor companies.



The guidelines of these were released on Monday and are applicable only to high quality companies facing short-term difficulties.The new plan for reducing the corporate debt was announced by China's cabinet, State Council.



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The Chinese economy is simmering down for quite some time, reportedly making it difficult for firms to meet their debt obligations.



According to some estimates, corporate debt to GDP ratio now stands at 160 percent, up from lower than 100 percent in 2008. Its corporate debt volume is nearly $18 trillion.



China is taking multipronged approach in dealing with corporate debt issue. These measures will include mergers and acquisitions, debt securitization and debt-to-equity swaps.



China's central bank is also working towards creating policies for reducing debt. Under the new scheme, the banks will be induced to transfer their bad loans to asset management companies. They will likewise be encouraged to securitize their bad loans.



China stock markets cheered on the release of this plan, touching the highest point in a month.



Investors welcomed the plan for reducing the corporate debt load on the economy. Reuters reported that according to Kaiyuan Securities analyst Yang Hai, the government's decision will help channel the money to equity market, where it can boost the economy in a better way.



It is expected that the new policy may accelerate the consolidation of state-owned corporate sector, which contributes a large chunk to the whole corporate debt pile.



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(Photo : FengLi/GettyImages) Mahindra & Mahindra, India's largest SUV maker, is reportedly Long Introduction looking for a partner for its China venture.

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China 's burgeoning auto market is attracting foreign companies, the latest of which is Mahindra & Mahindra, India's largest SUV maker.



The Indian company is reportedly looking for a partner for its China venture, particularly for manufacturing and selling electric vehicles in the country.



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Mahindra & Mahindra's EV unit, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles Pvt. Ltd., currently sells its vehicles in Indian subcontinent and in the UK.



Amid its interest in the Chinese market, it has been predicted that Mahindra & Mahindra is likely to face stiff competition from Chinese companies in the EV sector, some of which are backed by tycoons such as Jack Ma and Terry Gou.



Meanwhile, it is worth noting that China is looking to have five million electronic vehicles in the country by 2020. Therefore, the Indian auto-maker may find it feasible to set up a manufacturing unit in China as imported vehicles attract 25 percent duty.



Furthermore, these vehicles are also not qualified for claiming government subsidies. These factors make them financially unattractive vis-a-vis those domestically-produced.



However, by finding a Chinese partner, Mahindra & Mahindra can enjoy more benefits from establishing a manufacturing unit in the mainland.



In the meantime, Mahindra & Mahindra, through its South Korean unit, Ssangyong Motor Co., signed a deal with Shaanxi Auto, located outside of Xi'an in Shaanxi province, for exploring the possibilities of a joint venture and for setting up a production plant in China.



The joint venture may give rise to Ssangyong's first overseas production plant. The company said it is looking at China to make up for the fall in demand following Britain's exit from the EU.



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TagsMahindra & Mahindra, India, Mahindra Reva Electric Vehicles, Ssangyong Motor Co.
(Photo : DARPA) GXV-T

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The U.S. Defense Advanced Research Project Agency (DARPA) is developing a windowless armored personnel carrier (APC) whose technologies allow the soldiers inside to see the outside world far better, thus improving their "situational awareness."



This oxymoronic concept is what drives DARPA's Ground X-Vehicle Technologies (GXV-T) program.



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GXV-T aims to create a highly mobile, windowless ground vehicle that can protect troops without relying on excessive armor. DARPA said the advantage of this vehicle is it allows troops to travel with armored protection through various terrains.



Raytheon is developing a platform designed to provide real-time surveillance for soldiers traveling inside the vehicle.



It's developing a "virtual experience" that gives the crews of armored military vehicles greater awareness of what's going on outside the vehicle, while also reducing their vulnerability to attack. Raytheon will create a three-dimensional model of the environment in real time that gives users views of their outside environment not normally possible from inside the vehicle.



The platform will use LIDAR (Light Detection And Ranging) data to create a 3D model of the vehicle's surrounding environment, which will be presented in high-definition. Additional safety precautions will include sensors to alert of any incoming attacks, and blue-force position updates to locate friendly forces.



Raytheon's technology is expected to improve situational awareness while reducing the workload for the crew, allowing them to focus on the most relevant threats and challenges.



The GXV-T program also seeks to disrupt the current trends in mechanized warfare. GXV-T is investigating revolutionary ground-vehicle technologies that will simultaneously improve the mobility and survivability of vehicles through means other than adding more armor.



These methods include avoiding detection, engagement and hits by adversaries.



GXV-T's technical goals include improvements to today's armored fighting vehicles such as reduced vehicle size and weight by 50 percent; increased vehicle speed by 100 percent; the capability to access 95 percent of terrain and reduced signatures that enable adversaries to detect and engage vehicles.



Among the advanced technologies GXV-T plans to develop is "Survivability through Agility." This means autonomously avoiding incoming threats without harming occupants through technologies that enable agile motion and active repositioning of armor. Capabilities of interest include vertical and horizontal movement of armor to defeat incoming threats in real time.



Another tech is "Crew Augmentation" that provides improved physical and electronically assisted situational awareness for crew and passengers. Capabilities of interest include high-resolution, 360 degree visualization of data from multiple onboard sensors and technologies to support closed-cockpit vehicle operations.



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TagsDefense Advanced Research Project Agency, DARPA, Ground X-Vehicle Technologies, GXV-T, Raytheon, situational awareness, LIDAR
(Photo : Getty Images) China and Russia to hold a joint missile defense drill next year.

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China and Russia will hold a joint missile defense drill next year, a senior Chinese defense official said on Tuesday.



Cai Jun, a senior Chinese general, said in a joint press conference with Russian Lt. Gen. Viktor Poznikhir that the second China-Russia joint computer-simulated anti-missile drill "will not target any third party."



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It can be recalled that the first anti missile drill between the armed forces of the two countries was held in May this year.



"The two militaries held their first joint computer-simulated anti-missile drill in May in Moscow with the aim of training the capabilities of both sides in joint air-defense and antimissile actions," Jun said in the press briefing on the sidelines of the seventh Xiangshan Forum in Beijing.



The announcement of the China-Russia anti-missile exercise comes despite their continued opposition to United States' plan to deploy a missile defense system in the region. In June, the US and South Korea had agreed to deploy an anti-missile defense system - Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) - with the American forces stationed in South Korea.



Beijing and Moscow have been opposing the move saying that it will affect the peace and stability within the Korean peninsula. Washington, on the other hand, maintained that the deployment is only meant for countering North Korean threat.



Amid this situation, the Chinese and Russian defense officials again slammed US' plan to deploy an anti-missile shield on South Korean soil and asked Washington and Seoul to reconsider their plan at the Xiangshan Forum.



"The US and South Korean decision to deploy THAAD is not conducive to resolving the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula or to its peace and stability," said Jun, who is the deputy chief of the Central Military Commission Joint Staff Department's warfare bureau. "It severely damages the national security interests of China and Russia."



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Tagschina, Russia, Missile Drill, THAAD, US, South Korea
(Photo : Getty Images ) South Korea has issued a stern warning to China regarding recent Coast Guard boat sinking incident.

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South Korea has warned China that it's Coast Guard is prepared to use force and firearms against the Chinese boats if they continue to operate illegally in its territorial waters.



Nearly 40 "illegal" Chinese fishing vessels allegedly rammed into and sank a South Korean Coast Guard boat in the South Korean exclusive economic zone (EEZ) on Friday. The incident heightened tensions between the two countries and prompted South Korea to issue a stern warning against China.



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"The Coast Guard's plan includes the active use of force and firearms, including cannons, crew-served weapons and small arms, against boats and sailors that violently interfere with the authorities' execution of their duties," South Korean news agency Yonhap reported.



Foreign ministry spokesperson Cho June-hyuck said on Tuesday that South Korea expects China to recognize the gravity and seriousness of the latest incident and face up to the fact that there were serious "acts of defiance against our law enforcement officers by Chinese fishermen illegally poaching in our seas."



Earlier on Tuesday, South Korea has summoned Chinese ambassador in the country Qiu Guohong to lodge its official protest over the issue. Deputy foreign affairs minister Kim Hyoung-zhin told the Chinese envoy to take measures to prevent a repeat of Friday's incident. He also demanded an immediate probe for what happened.



China, on the other hand, asked Seoul to remain calm and handle the issue rationally.



"We hope South Korea can start from the perspective of the broader situation in bilateral relations and calmly and rationally handle the relevant issue," foreign ministry spokesperson Gen Shaung said in a regular press briefing on Monday.



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Tagschina, South Korea, fishing vessels, coast guard, EEZ
(Photo : Getty Images) China has dismissed allegations that its peacekeeping forces vacated their posts after the death of two Chinese soldiers earlier this year.

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China's defense ministry has dismissed the allegation by a US-based group that Chinese peacekeepers abandoned their posts in South Sudan following the death of two Chinese soldiers earlier this year.



The ministry described the allegations as "malicious speculation."



The US-based Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) said in a report published last week that Chinese peacekeepers with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) pulled out of a civilian protection zone in July after being attacked.



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The report claims that the withdrawal took place specifically on July 11, a day after a grenade exploded which killed two Chinese soldiers.



Refuting the report, Yang Yujun, a spokesman for China's Ministry of Defense said, "Chinese peacekeeping officers and soldiers remained at their posts, quickly organizing reinforcements and continuing to implement the mandate of UNMISS while rescuing wounded soldiers."



Yang added that United Nations is currently investigating the performance of peacekeeping forces in the troubled African country and making unwarranted accusations before the findings are irresponsible.



China condemned the attack that led to the death of two of its soldiers. The South Sudanese government has assured China that it would conduct an investigation into the incident and promised justice for the deceased soldiers. The dead bodies of two soldiers were flown back to China and were laid to rest with honor.



South Sudan Embroiled in Civil War



South Sudan is currently hosting peacekeeping soldiers from several countries including China. The African nation has been completely ravaged by years of civil war. The civil strife has left thousands dead and thousands of people homeless.



The war is being fought between rival forces loyal to the current President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar.



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Tagschina, South Sudan, China and South Sudan, Chinese peacekeepers
(Photo : ChristopherFurlong/GettyImages) The inclusion is likely to increase the currency's user in Africa region, where China has strong presence.

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Chinese currency yuan was recently included in the coveted Special Drawing Rights (SDR) basket of IMF, making it a global currency.



The inclusion is likely to increase the currency's use in international transactions, especially in the African region where China has strong presence.



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In Kenya, CFC Stanbic Bank pioneered the concept of direct currency exchange between the Kenya Shilling and Renminbi. The direct exchange facilitated economic and trade ties as it helped in reducing currency transaction losses.



The bank's CEO, Philip Odera, said the growing trade between Africa and China has made it important for traders to maintain a strong stock of yuan.



In an interview with Xinhua, Kenyan economist Dr. Gerishon Ikiara said yuan was not used much as hard currency for settling the trade deals. However, this will likely change after the inclusion of yuan in the SDR basket.



Ikiara also noted that yuan will eventually emerge as a key hard currency for financial institutions both in developed and developing countries.



CFC Stanbic also introduced yuan transactions in South Sudan, a move which has been welcomed by Simon Akuei Deng, Secretary General of South Sudan Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture (SSCCIA). Deng has called the development as a "mutually beneficial arrangement."



Meanwhile, South Sudan has reported surge in the demand for Chinese yuan as trade between South Sudan and China increases. The latter contributes almost 60 percent of imported products, including construction materials and electrical goods.



The inclusion of yuan in the SDR basket was made on Oct. 1. The currency has been accorded third largest weight at 10.92 percent, behind US dollar and Euro. The inclusion is significant as it signals global recognition of the robustness of the Chinese economy.



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TagsIMF, Special Drawing Rights Basket, CFC Stanbic Bank, Kenya, South Sudan
(Photo : Twitter) Baidu's Melody the Medical Assistant chatbot is currently only available in China.

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Baidu has launched a chatbot named Melody the Medical Assistant, which is powered by artificial intelligence (AI). The chatbot is designed to communicate with patients and collect data about their conditions to save doctors' time.



Melody is built into the company's Baidu Doctor app, which was launched in China in 2015. Baidu has developed advanced deep learning and natural language processing technologies to control the AI brain of Melody, according to CNBC.



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The bot is intended to be peoples first call when they are feeling sick at home. Melody reduces the amount of time patients and doctors have to spend exchanging basic information.



When a patient asks a health query to Melody, it responds in real-time with other questions and evaluates responses with Baidu's database of medical information. After gathering all the data, Melody will create a possible diagnosis for a doctor who can then recommend next steps. The chatbot will send responses on behalf of doctors after the doctors verify the information.



Baidu gathered data from numerous public and private sources such as medical textbooks and medical websites to feed Melodys artificial intelligence. The data collected came from a wide array of back and forth conversations between doctors and patients as well as search queries and other information supplied by doctors. Afterward, Baidu applied deep learning to the collected data.



I don't know how else to solve this problem other than to use AI. I'm seeing just the beginnings of what will be a major trend of AI systems in health care, said Andrew Ng, chief scientist at Baidu Research.



Baidu tasked a 1,000-person team with developing Melodys AI, and it became one of the company's top priorities. Melody is not yet ready to create diagnoses directly to patients, according to Ng. He added that further studies are needed, and it will take time to replace human physicians with robo-doctors.



For now, the chatbot is only available in China and only communicates in Chinese to patients and doctors, Venture Beat reported. Ng said that the company wants to help in the healthcare industry globally. Baidu is now in talks with healthcare services around the world, including in the United States and Europe.



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TagsBaidu, Artificial Intelligence, AI, Medical Assistant Chatbot, Baidu Medical Assistant Chatbot, Baidu Melody, Melody Medical Assistant Chatbot
(Photo : Getty Images) An aerial view of the Lester B. Pearson airport as photographed from an airplane on August 28, 2012 in Toronto, Canada.

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Flights between China and the United Kingdom are poised to more than double after the two nations agreed to increase the number of operations to 150 percent.



The move aims to boost trade and tourism for the UK as well as establish vital links for a post-Brexit Britain, the Guardian noted.



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There used to be 40 passenger flights allowed to operate per week; but under the new deal, the flight limit has been increased to up to 100 flights. Not only that, there will also be no more limit for the number of cargo flights allowed, according to the Sky News.



Flight destination restrictions have also been scraped by both countries, thus services can be operated anywhere between the two nations.



Describing the recent deal as a "big moment" for the UK, Chris Grayling, transport secretary, said that such "Strong connections with emerging markets like China are vital for us if we are to continue competing on the global economic stage."



"Hundreds of thousands of Chinese people visit the UK every year, spending hundreds of millions of pounds," he said. "Raising the number of permitted flights between the two countries will provide massive opportunities for our business, helping increase trade, create jobs and boost our economy up and down the country."



Chinese tourists visiting the UK nearly doubled between 2014 and 2015 to 46 percent to nearly 270,000, with a total estimated spending of $720 million.



Earlier this year, Manchester already launched the first direct flight between the UK and China. Charlie Cornish, CEO of Manchester Airports Group, said the newly introduced route "exceeded expectations" with operation 90 percent full over summer. He added that the new deal would surely boost the north.



Meanwhile, Adam Marshall, acting director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said that the move could serve as an avenue for encouraging investments.



"Relaxing the rules on flight with China sends a positive signal to current and potential global trading partners," he said, adding "We need more aviation capacity in the UK for this to be effective."



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Tagsairline industry, China Airline Industry, china, Air Transport, flights, UK
(Photo : Getty Images) Chinese consumers splurged a whopping 1.2 trillion yuan ($180 billion) domestically during the countrys Golden Week.

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Chinese consumers splurged a whopping 1.2 trillion yuan ($180 billion) domestically during the country's Golden Week, according to WWD, up 10.7 percent compared to that of in 2015 based on the Ministry of Commerce (MOC)'s data.



Enterprises in the retail and catering sectors were the top earners, according to the MOC data. In particular, the regions of Chongqing Municipality and Sichuan Province in West China and Hunan Province in central China were the top three places to experience the booming retail and catering business, China.org reported.



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Jewelry and gold, home appliances, IT products, and brand new energy cars were among the top picks during the week. The catering business was also in demand for the many wedding, birthday, and home reunion celebrations.



This year marks the second consecutive year the Golden Week hit the 1 trillion yuan spending milestone, the China.org reported.



Despite an estimated six million Chinese tourists traveled overseas during the week-long holiday, domestic spending was highly encouraged, the International Business Times noted.



Domestic spending has been Beijing's goal to stimulate the economy. Between January and June this year, China's economy jumped 6.7 percent.



"This economy this year, especially in the third quarter, is better than expected," Premier Le Keqiang said on Tuesday.



A joint report by the China Tourism Research Institute and Ctrip revealed that Chinese tourists spend as much as 8,000 yuan ($1,200) during the national holiday.



Overall, an estimated 593 million Chinese tourists visited tourists' attractions across China, according to the China National Tourism Administration. All in all, they spent a total of 482.2 billion during the holiday, up 12.8 percent year on year.



This year's Golden Week was celebrated between Oct. 1 and 7. The Golden Week is a national holiday in China that allows its citizens to take off seven consecutive days to spend time with their loved ones or travel, Reuters reported.



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Tagsgolden week, china, Chinese Tourists, Chinese tourists spending, retail sector, catering business
(Photo : US Army) A THAAD missile system on its mobile launcher and what the system can do.

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Russia and China continue to accuse the United States of destabilizing world peace and leading the world towards war by insisting on deploying one of its potent anti-missile systems to South Korea starting 2017.



The object of Russian and Chinese angst is the U.S.' much feared Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-missile system whose powerful radar can track a target as far away as 3,000 kilometers.



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The Chinese fear the THAAD radar system, the X-band AN/TPY-2, will neutralize their nuclear ballistic missile system by providing targeting information for U.S. anti-ballistic missiles defending the continental United States.



The Russian's share the same fear, hence their charge THAAD destabilizes their missile systems and restores the strategic advantage to the Americans.



At a joint press conference in Beijing, both Russia and China insisted their claim deploying THAAD is not conducive to settling the nuclear problem caused by North Korea's continuing nuclear tests.



THAAD will also seriously damage the national security interests of China and Russia, argued Maj. Gen. Cai Jun, deputy chief of operations at China's Central Military Commission Joint Staff Department.



He also claims THAAD does not conform to its alleged defensive purpose and is not conducive to Korea's peace and stability.



"China resolutely opposes the THAAD plan and strongly urges the United States and ROK to change their minds," he said.



He noted THAAD's unilateral and "unconstructive" design will cause the global security environment to deteriorate; damage global strategic balance and regional security and stability and hinder the process of nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation.



"It may trigger a new wave of the arms race," said Gen. Cai.



The United States' deployment of anti-missile systems in Europe (Aegis) and Asia-Pacific (THAAD) is aimed at curbing Russia's and China's strategic nuclear strength and consolidating U.S. hegemony, said Lt. Gen. Viktor Poznikhir, Deputy Commander of the Chief Operations Branch of the Russian General Staff.



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Tagschina, Russia, THAAD, South Korea, United States, Terminal High Altitude Area Defense, Maj. Gen. Cai Jun, Lt. Gen. Viktor Poznikhir
(Photo : getty images.) Henan Television has apologized after showing the map of China without Taiwan.

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A leading Chinese television station, Hunan Television, has tendered an apology for displaying a Chinese map that did not show Taiwan as a part of Mainland China. The incident was reported by the official website of People's Daily, which published a screengrab of the map that was broadcasted on the talent show.



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The talent show aimed at teaching the Chinese language to foreigners was aired on Sunday. It showed a Chinese map during the program that displayed all regions within Mainland China in red color, while Taiwan was shown in white color.



"We feel a deep sense of dereliction of duty at the 'problem map' incident and feel deeply pained," Hunan Television said on its official Weibo account.



All the employees working in the television station firmly believe that Taiwan is an integral part of Mainland China and frown upon any idea encouraging Taiwan's separation from China, the statement added.



The station claims that all those responsible for the mistake have been punished. However, it did not offer any details. It blamed in-house internet control for the mistake but also held outside contractor accountable.



According to an official policy, all maps published in China have to mandatorily show Taiwan as one of the country's provinces.



China considers the self-ruled Taiwan as a wayward province that is waiting for unification with Mainland China. The island nation separated from China following a bitter civil war in 1949.



While the relationship between Beijing and Taipei has always been sour, it has particularly been on a nosedive since pro-independent leader Tsai-Ing-wen took office as the Taiwanese president earlier this year.



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It had to happen eventually  a price war is taking its toll on telecom equipment providers because their customers wont spend money in some cases unless they can see an ROI of a billion dollars fairly quickly. This comment is attributed to Verizon from a trusted source I cant reveal.

In my recent meeting with Sprint, they explained how they are racing to the bottom by giving away more for less with their Unlimited Freedom plans. Obviously, these are my words, not theirs.

In addition, the Sprint ads on TV are amazing  they say their network quality is within one percent of Verizon yet a lot cheaper. When put in those terms, its very tough for Verizon to keep charging a premium for their service.

T-Mobile is obviously part of the challenge as well  theyve been giving away more for less and increasing their value over the years.

Ericsson just put our its numbers for the quarter and an unexpected 14% drop in sales cratered the stock by 20%. This article blames Asian competitors which is obviously part of the problem but the reason carriers buy from Asia is often due to price and price is an issue when you have to charge your customers less for more.

There are two ways of looking at this problem  once a price war has started, there is no turning back. Carriers will continue to be squeezed and so will the companies that sell to them. This is the logical conclusion.

However if you factor in the 1 TB data caps Comcast is putting on their wired service, you realize inevitably, wireless carriers will all do the same, meaning wireless prices could potentially become more meter-based over time.

The bottom line is customers will have to learn the painful lesson that you cant get something for free forever from corporations They have to make investments and can only do so if they will be profitable. As a result, charging the customers with higher usage, more money, is the only logical way to run a company.
A Syrian refugee in Germany has helped to apprehend a fellow refugee who reportedly was planning a bomb attack.

According to Stream.org, 22-year-old Jaber al-Bakr was plotting a bomb attack when he asked another refugee to help him. Instead of aiding al-Bakr, however, the other refugee tied him up and reported him to the police who arrested him.

Al-Bakr reportedly had a virtual bomb-making lab in the town of Chemnitz which police raided. According to an unconfirmed report, he was keeping a dangerous substance called TATP in the lab.

Police believe al-Bakr was planning to target an airport in Berlin. Some reports even suggest al-Bakr was sent to Europe by ISIS to set up the bomb lab.

Police said they were Tired but overjoyed: we captured the terror suspect. They had been searching for al-Bakr since Friday.

Al-Bakr came as a refugee to Germany in February 2015. He was granted asylum at the end of last year.

Publication date: October 12, 2016
Christians in Haiti are giving thanks to the Lord despite the death and destruction caused by Hurricane Matthew.

The death toll in Haiti has risen above 1,000 according to the latest reports, and hundreds of thousands of people need help after the Category 5 hurricane slammed into the impoverished island nation on Oct. 4.

Buildings have been destroyed, as well as crops, and aid workers fear a shortage of clean water. This is leading to diseases such as cholera.

Despite these woes, many Haitians are still choosing to thank the Lord.

According to ChristianToday.com, hundreds of Christians went to churches--many of which were damaged by the winds and rains--to sing praises to God.

"If God wasn't protecting us we'd all be gone today, blown into the ocean or up into the mountains," said Elise Pierre, an elderly Christian woman who got a cut on her forehead when a metal roof sheet blew off and hit her during the hurricane.

Although Haiti was hardest hit, other places are dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew as well. Buildings were destroyed in Cuba and the Bahamas, and in North Carolina, where flooding is still a major issue, 19 people reportedly died in hurricane-related incidents.

Publication date: October 12, 2016
Four churches in Massachusetts are filing a federal lawsuit against the Massachusetts Commission against Discrimination for allegedly forcing them to accommodate transgenders.

OneNewsNow.com reports that the Massachusetts state government is arguing that churches must obey public accommodation rules that require them to comply with the Gender Identity Guidance for Public Accommodation.

The four churches, Horizon Christian fellowship, Abundant Life Church, House of Destiny Ministries, and Faith Christian Fellowship, argue that the the government is violating their religious freedom.

Religious liberty is the cornerstone upon which our country was founded," stated Christiana Holcomb of Alliance Defending Freedom, the organization defending the churches. "And if churches don't have First Amendment freedoms, I'm not sure who does."

Alliance Defending Freedom is also arguing that the states mandate that churches cannot discriminate against LGBT people is in actuality an attempt to police churches views on sexuality.

OneNewsNow notes that this breach of religious liberty is ironic given that Massachusetts was the home of Puritan settlers who came there to have religious freedom. Now, however, Massachusetts is the most liberal state in the country.

Photo courtesy: Thinkstockphotos.com

Publication date: October 12, 2016
The Pakistani Supreme Court will be hearing Asia Bibi's final appeal on October 13th. Bibi is a Christian woman who was given the death penalty on alleged charges of blasphemy about six years ago.

In 2009, Bibi was accused of blaspheming by her co-workers in the falsa berry fields where she worked.

According to an ACLJ account, she wanted to serve water to her co-workers, but they thought that the water was rendered impure by her touching the bucket. Bibi was asked to convert to Islam to be purified. She refused and professed her faith publicly. According to ACLJ:

Asia, who was picking berries, took a break from her work to get a drink of water and offered some water to the other women working with her. Her co-workers informed Asia that they could not drink water from the hands of a Christian woman, because, by handling it, she had made the water haram. Asia's co-workers then demanded that she convert to Islam to be cleansed of her impurity. Asia refused and instead publically affirmed her faith in Jesus Christ.

Five days later, the women who had confronted her over the water incident brought an Islamic cleric with them and alleged that Bibi has insulted Prophet Muhammad. Bibi said she did not do that, but she was subsequently beaten by villagers and taken into custody.

The following year a local court pronounced her guilty and sentenced her to death, even though she denied the charges against her.

Her appeals were delayed many times. When her case was finally heard by the high court in October 2014, her death sentence was upheld. Later, her petition for a legal review by Supreme Court was accepted.

Her conviction for blasphemy charges triggered outrage against her among the Islamic radicals, forcing her family to go in hiding. Fundamentalists have threatened that if Bibi is released, they would kill her and her family.

National and international human rights organizations are urging Pakistan's highest court to release her, while radical Islamic groups are asking the court to put her to death. She is kept in solitary confinement due to concerns about her safety at the hands of other inmates.

Saif ul Malook, Bibi's lawyer, also reported receiving death threats.

Late governor of Punjab Salmaan Taseer was assassinated by a radical Islamist Mumtaz Qadri in 2011 for his publicly-expressed sympathy for Bibi. Qadri was Taseer's own bodyguard. Qadri was hanged for murdering the governor of the state, but his capital punishment sparked protests in Punjab.

Pakistan registers as one of the world's highest number of blasphemy cases. Both Muslims and non-Muslims have been accused of blasphemy in the past.
The highly anticipated 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation is coming up in 2017 and the epicenter of the Reformation, Wittenberg, Germany, has been preparing for years. Visitors from around the world are already trickling in to visit historical sites such as the Castle Church where Martin Luther is purported to have posted his 95 Theses condemning the Catholic Churchs sale of indulgences.

However, St. Marys, or the Town Church, in Wittenberg, where Luther regularly preached, married his wife Katharina von Bora, and baptized their six children, is currently drawing greater attention because of a challenge to remove a 700-year-old anti-Semitic sculpture from its facade.

Perched 26 feet above the ground, on the exterior southeast corner of the Town Church, is a 14th-century sandstone sculpture of a pig with two people in identifiably medieval Jewish hats suckling at its teats and another holding a piglets ear. An additional Jewish person lifts the tail while looking into the sows rear. Written above the relief is an inscription with the words, Rabini Shem Hamphoras. This nonsensical reference to the Jewish appellation of Gods name, added after Luthers time, quotes a derogatory comment in one of Luthers writings.

This is not the only Judensau or Jew pig carving in Germany. As many as a couple hundred may have existed between the 13th and 18th centuries inside and outside of churches, as well as on homes, woodcuts, and broadsheets in German lands of the Holy Roman Empire. The Wittenberg sculpture has been cleaned up and restored as part of a 7.5-million-euro church restoration effort because of its 80,000 annual visitors and in ...

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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.
Even the strongest Atlantic hurricane in nearly a decade was overshadowed by the weekend turmoil in the US presidential election. But while the storm has subsided, Christian humanitarian groups are still busy grappling with the aftermath.

In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, nearly 7,000 children sponsored by Compassion International in Haiti were moved to a new location after their homes were damaged. The Category 4 storm also shut down nearly a third of Compassions 270 child development centers: of the 87 that were temporarily closed, 83 were significantly damaged or destroyed.

Three children sponsored by Compassion and 33 Compassion caregivers were killed, among the 473 officially reported deaths of Haitians. (Other sources report as many as 1,000 were killed.)

Image: Courtesy of Compassion International

Our primary short-term priorities after partial assessment of the hurricanes impact include providing children and their families with food security and shelter, and to clean up and repair our church partner facilities in order to resume operation as quickly as possible, stated Guilbaud Saint-Cyr, Compassion Haitis country director.

Compassion and other Christian humanitarian groups moved quickly in response to Hurricane Matthew.

About 400 World Vision staff handed out bedding and hygiene kits to those in shelters around Port-au-Prince. Before the storm hit, World Vision prepared tarps, water containers, hygiene kids, and blankets to help up to 15,000 families.

Thousands of houses are damaged and there is still a lot of flooding, said World Visions national director in Haiti, John Hasse.

In Port-au-Prince I see a lot of trees down, a lot of phone and electrical lines down, he stated. We havent had electricity for two days. And in some areas the flooding has rivers of water just flowing through the middle of the city.

The storm destroyed up to 90 percent of buildings in some locations, and the BBC reported that about 350,000 people need help. The storm also knocked the legs out from under southwest Haitis budding economic development.

Samaritans Purse airlifted more than 40 tons of water filters, plastic sheeting, hygiene kits, and blankets to Haiti last week.

Hurricane Matthew has wreaked havoc on Haiti, stated Samaritans Purse president Franklin Graham. Our teams are on the ground helping in Jesus' name. They're going to do all they can to meet the needs of the suffering people there. Please pray for the people of Haiti as they recover from this deadly storm.

Image: Courtesy of Compassion International

The danger isnt over yet.

Our teams are  assessing damage, Hasse said. World Vision is handing out water purification kitsto help stem off some of the cholera and water-borne diseases which were worried about popping up.

Cholera, which travels through contaminated water and food, was brought to Haiti by United Nations aid workers after the 2010 earthquake. It has since killed 10,000 Haitians.

Intense rains in May and June of 2016, as well as the potential loss of immunity to cholera four years after the highest peaks of the disease have increased the number of suspected cholera cases, the Central Emergency Response Fund stated last week. In 2016, almost 27,000 cholera cases have been reported in Haiti, and over 240 people have died. Hurricane Matthew is feared to significantly worsen the situation and increase the risk of a larger outbreak.

Cholera has killed at least 13 people in the seven days since Hurricane Matthew made landfall. The disease causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, leading to dehydration that can kill within hours if not treated.

Still, it could have been worse. The United Nations Development Program country director told the Christian Science Monitor that she was so relieved with the death toll numbers, which officials had expected to be much higher. Better building construction and disaster preparedness programs put in place since the 2010 earthquake helped immensely, she said.

The United Nations has asked for nearly $120 million to provide food, water, and shelter 750,000 people in Haiti.

[Editors note: The numbers from Compassion were updated as of October 20.]
Throughout US history, the church has had a complicated relationship with the "homeless, tempest-tost" looking for a better life.

I wince at the image of three-year-old Alan Kurdi, washed ashore on a Turkish beach one year ago. Or of five-year-old Omran Daqneesh, bloodied and dusty after surviving a bombing in Aleppo. I think of my own one-year-old sonhe wears little Velcro shoes like Alans and has mop-like hair like Omransand my heart breaks.

Then I begin to contemplate the terror that forces people to flee, and I am struck by a sense of fear, resolved not to let such violence reach my countryand my child.

A Conflicted Country

The United States, as a nation, has likewise been driven variously by both compassion and fear in its response to immigrants. There have always been voices insisting that the United States was a nation of immigrants ready to welcome others, even while others believed that the arrival of new immigrants was a menace threatening the countrywith the center of public sentiment vacillating between these two competing narratives. These debates go back to the colonial era: Benjamin Franklin once fretted that the German immigrants arriving in Pennsylvania would never adopt our [British] Language and Customs and would shortly be so numerous as to Germanize us rather than our Anglifying them. His concerns about cultural assimilation have been echoed, by at least some element of the population, in regard to just about every subsequent wave of immigrants.

Yet there have always been others who welcomed newcomers: George Washington, for example, told a crowd of early Irish immigrants that the newly independent United States was open to receive not only the opulent and respectable stranger, but the distressed and persecuted of all nations and religions.

A century ...
GRAMMY Award-Winning Contemporary Christian Artist Chris Tomlin Receives SoundExchange Digital Radio Award at the 47th GMA Dove Awards Contact: Sophia Majlessi, 202-696-1832; Josh Goldman, 202-559-0558; both with SoundExchange; Velvet Kelm, for Chris Tomlin, 615-591-7989



WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- SoundExchange yesterday awarded GRAMMY Award-winning contemporary Christian music superstar Chris Tomlin its prestigious Digital Radio Award in recognition of his incredible popularity on digital radio.



Tomlin has amassed more than one billion performances on the more than 2,800 digital radio services from which SoundExchange collects digital performance royalties. SoundExchange President and CEO Michael Huppe presented Tomlin with the award on October 11 during the 47th Annual Gospel Music Association (GMA) Dove Awards, which honor performers in Christian and gospel music.



"Chris is a fantastic artist with a massive following, and we couldn't be more proud to honor him with our SoundExchange Digital Radio Award," Huppe said. "We were also honored to bestow this award upon Chris during the GMA's Dove Awards, which are so important to the Christian and gospel artists and fans globally."



"I'm incredibly grateful and humbled to receive SoundExchange's Digital Radio Award," Tomlin said. "I'm blown away by how many people are streaming Christian music, and this award is an affirmation of the power and the impact of the genre."



Only recording artists who are registered members of SoundExchange and have at least one billion streams are eligible to receive the SoundExchange Digital Radio Award. Justin Timberlake, Garth Brooks and Pitbull also have received the award.



The Dove Awards took place on Tuesday, October 11 at Lipscomb's University's Allen Arena in Nashville at 6:30 p.m. (CST). Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN) will exclusively broadcast the awards show on Sunday, October 16, at 7 p.m. (PST).



About SoundExchange

SoundExchange is the nonprofit organization at the center of digital music, developing solutions to benefit the entire music industry. The organization collects and distributes digital performance royalties on behalf of more than 130,000 recording artists and master rights owners accounts. To date, SoundExchange has paid out more than $4 billion in royalties. For more information, visit www.SoundExchange.com or www.facebook.com/soundexchange.



About Chris Tomlin

Likely "the most often sung artist anywhere" according to TIME Magazine, Chris Tomlin is among the most influential artists in Christian music. Selling over 7 million albums and 8.9 million digital tracks, Tomlin has 15 No. 1 radio singles, a GRAMMY Award, three Billboard Music Awards, two platinum and five gold albums to his name. Tomlin's first book, Good Good Father, is available now and his new album, Never Lose Sight, will release October 21.

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home World Asia Bibi's final appeal set to be heard in court this week

The Supreme Court of Pakistan will be hearing on Oct. 13 the final appeal of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy, after years of being postponed.

Bibi, whose real name is Aasiya Noreen, was accused by her Muslim co-workers of blasphemy when they refused to drink from a cup she used because as a Christian, she was deemed unclean.

She allegedly told her co-workers: "I believe in my religion and in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross for the sins of mankind. What did your Prophet Muhammad ever do to save mankind?"

A report from the BBC stated that she was accused of blasphemy by a mob after a few days.

Bibi was sentenced to death in November 2010. She appealed the case but the ruling was upheld by the Lahore High Court. According to the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), her appeal before the Supreme Court will focus on the multiple errors in the case as well as her previous appeal.

The Supreme Court will be deciding whether the five-day delay in filing the complaint against Bibi could justify overturning her conviction. The delay could be harmful to the prosecution's case because it could mean that accusers planted the case in bad faith.

It was also noted that Bibi's accusers were not cross-examined during the trial which left their testimony against her uncontested. Bibi's testimony was not given much weight because of this error.

Extremist groups have been present at the court room during Bibi's previous trials. It is believed that the groups are trying to intimidate the judges in the lower courts. A reward of 500,000 rupees (about $4,700) has been offered by a Muslim cleric to anyone who kills Bibi.

Various human rights groups are observing Bibi's case. Christian Solidarity Worldwide scheduled a 24/7 prayer movement on Oct. 12 to pray for Bibi's acquittal. Release International asked the Pakistani government to repeal the blasphemy law and revoke Bibi's death sentence. ACLJ also started an online petition to save Bibi from her death sentence.
home US Denver Archbishop rebukes Catholics who plan to vote for Democrats

The archbishop of Denver has warned Catholics against voting for the Democratic party in the coming elections due to its support for abortion.

In his article titled "Voting as a Catholic in 2016," Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila noted that both presidential candidates from the Republican and Democratic party were disliked by many voters. He stated that he also has the same aversion for both candidates but he suggested that people should look at the party's platforms instead.

Aquila pointed out that the Democratic party has been aggressively campaigning in favor of abortion. He added that the party wants to appoint justices that are pro-abortion and overturn the Hyde Amendment, which prohibits federal funding for abortions.

He also touched on other issues such as health services and religious liberty. He advised Catholic voters to be aware of each party's policies regarding those issues.

"There are some issues that can legitimately be debated by Christians, such as which policies are the most effective in caring for the poor, but the direct killing of innocent human life must be opposed at all times by every follower of Jesus Christ," said Aquila.

The archbishop warned that the nation falls in the manner of other great civilizations such as Greece and Rome if it loses its respect for human life.

Aquila also rebuked those who suggested that the Church needs to change its teachings regarding abortion, same-sex unions and euthanasia.

"The Church cannot change her teaching on these issues without denying Christ," he warned. "She would cut herself from the vine and only wither away, as promised by Christ. The further we move away from Jesus Christ and his teachings, the more will our churches empty," he added.

The archbishop encouraged Catholics to vote while noting that most will be faced with the choice between the lesser of two evils. He also reminded Catholics in Colorado to vote "no" against Proposition 106, which will legalize physician-assisted suicide.

Donald Trump has recently praised Aquila's leadership in his letter to the Catholic Leadership Conference which was held in Denver last week.
home World Kurdish militia in Syria prevents Assyrian Christians from returning home

The villages previously inhabited by Assyrian Christians in north eastern Syria has been freed from ISIS but the Assyrians still cannot return home because the region is now under the control of Kurdish militia.

The Khabour River region was first attacked by ISIS in February 2015 affecting 35 Assyrian villages. Over 200 Assyrians were abducted but most of them were released after a ransom was paid.

According to World Watch Monitor, villages such as Tel Nasri and Tel Goran have been occupied by the Kurdish YPG militia (YekAneyAn Parastina GelaZ or People's Defense Units) since 2015. It was initially believed that the militia was only there temporarily to train its forces and to prevent ISIS from retaking the villages.

Assyria TV has reported that the most affected village in the region was Abutina. Assyrian homes were reportedly destroyed by bombs and explosions from the YPG training.

The militia has allegedly been putting up warning signs in different parts of the village to scare away the Assyrians. It was also reported that the villages have been systematically looted by Kurdish groups.

Last month, Archbishop Jacques Behnan Hindo of the Syriac Catholic Church told Agenzia Fides that acts of violence are being carried out against Christians in the city of Hassake. He believed the acts were part of a strategy to expel the remaining Christians from the city.

"Whenever the Kurdish militia enter in action to reaffirm its military hegemony over the city, the epicenter of their raids and acts of force is always the area of the six churches, where most of the Christians live," said Hindo. "In many cases they expelled the Christians from their homes under the threat of Kalashnikovs. And where they enter, they loot everything," Hindo added.

Hindo said that he himself was a victim of intimidation when his house was fired upon. He suspected the Kurdish militias in the area because according to him, there were no other armed groups nearby.

"For sure, these shots were not fired by jihadists, whose closest bases were located more than twenty kilometers away," he added.
home US Pastor Judah Smith gives advice on how to take care of the soul

Judah Smith, the lead pastor of City Church, cautioned Christian leaders to take care of their souls to avoid burning out.

Smith recently released his new book, "How's Your Soul? Why Everything That Matter Starts With The Inside You," which dealt with the subject of nourishing a healthy soul and finding rest and fulfillment in God.

In an interview with the Christian Post, he advised pastors against acting as saviors instead of facilitators of the church. He added that pastors should not try to be there for everybody and learn to say "no" at times.

He said that pastors who have a hard time saying "no" will eventually get exhausted and leave the ministry in ways that will shock the congregation.

"Eventually, that is so exhausting they exit stage right," said Smith. "And we're all in shock and horror; and we exit differently. Some guys exit through addiction, they exit through cheating on their spouse, and others will just quit," he added.

Smith reminded pastors that they are also a part of the church and they are supposed to benefit from the relationships within the community.

He recalled the time when he almost experienced burnout himself after his father passed away.

"About the year before that he had handed off the church," Smith narrated. "And my dad was my best friend. He would listen to me preach and there for about a month I'm trying to pastor the church through the loss of their pastor."

He said that he broke down during a meeting with the church's elders and told them that he is not well so he and his family went away for about two and half months to recover.

Smith has been referred to as Justin Bieber's pastor and he has ministered to other famous personalities as well. He said that he often has be protective of celebrities at times to make sure that they hear the Gospel. He explained that celebrities have the same needs as other people such as love, grace and relationship.
Zephyr Teachout, who ran against New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo two years ago in the Democratic primary by attacking his policies about testing and the Common Core State Standards, is now campaigning on a similar platform as she seeks a seat in Congress as a Democrat. Her GOP opponent, John Faso, is a big fan of charter schools and used to work on budget issues for the Buffalo, N.Y., school district.

Teachout is an associate professor at Fordham University law school, while Faso is a former member of the state assembly who also ran unsuccessfully for Empire State governor in 2006. Both are seeking the seat in the U.S. House of Representatives being vacated by current U.S. Rep. Chris Gibson, a Republican, who represents the states 19th congressional district. The district consists of several upstate counties around Albany. According to recent polling, theyre running neck and neck . And the National Republican Congressional Committee chairman, U.S. Rep. Greg Walden, R-Ore., acknowledged that its a tight race between the two .

A victory for Teachout would mean that those critical of high-stakes tests and the common core would get a big-time champion in Washington, maybe their most outspoken one. She would also represent a state where backlash to those policies has been particularly strong, as expressed through the testing opt-out movement. Yet in a few respects, her view of education policy isnt wholly different from Fasosmore on that below.

As we wrote in 2014, Teachout became something of a hero for progressives and others who expressed disgust at education policy in New York state under Cuomo, former state school board chief Merryl H. Tisch, and then-Commissioner of Education John B. King Jr.whos now U.S. education secretary. She said she was taking a stand for public education and said that Cuomo was responsible for various policies that undermined schools, including underfunding of K-12 and teacher evaluations that were tied to test scores.

Teachout lost the Democratic gubernatorial primary to Cuomo by a significant margin , but garnered a bigger share of the vote (33 percent) than many expectedCuomo got 60 percent of the vote. Teachout can count on Diane Ravitch, an education historian and high-profile critic of policies associated with Cuomo and President Barack Obama, as one of her fans .

We werent able to speak with Teachout directly for this post. A spokesperson for her campaign, Alexis Grenell, said this week that Teachout had been marching with the Alliance for Quality Education to demand that New York state fully fund education, 10 years after a landmark court ruling about Empire State education spending. The group says black, Latino, and other students do not get the share of resources they deserve in K-12 in many districts. The march took place Oct. 2 to Oct. 11, and went from New York City to Albany .

Meanwhile, as the state assembly minority leader, Faso wrote legislation to expand charter schools in New York state . And a decade ago, when he ran for governor, Faso criticized then-Gov. Eliot Spitzer, a Democrat, for not being a bigger fan of charters . The New York Post reported that Gibson has endorsed Faso to replace him . In an interview, he told us that the federal government has injected itself too much into state and local K-12 decisions over the last dozen years.

And he was particularly critical of the No Child Left Behind Actwhich he said he would have voted against had he been in Congress and the Race to the Top grant New York state received for work on curriculum, standards, and accountability.

The federal government could have just dropped [money] out of airplanes and it would have had the same impact, Faso told us.

Government Overreach

Teachout repeatedly stresses that she is in favor of public education. On her website, Teachout notes that she used to work as an aide to a special education teacher in a rural school, and remembers that when she was a child, her teachers were demanding but also attentive.

A top-down, highly regimented testing regime like Common Core, would not have worked for all those children, in large part because it would have straight-jacketed teachers, instead of allowing them to respond to particular needs, her website states. (The state has stuck by the common core under Cuomo, although New York recently publicized proposed revisions to the standards .) Her website goes on to say that stopping government overreach on local public education is also a top priority for Teachout.

Its not clear if she is a fan of the Every Student Succeeds Act, which shifts more control over K-12 policy to states and districts. ESSA doesnt ban the common core, but it does prevent the U.S. Department of Education from incentivizing or otherwise influencing states decisions regarding content standards.

Faso acknowledged that he and Teachout share suspicion about the federal governments role in K-12, and they both dont really like the common core, with Faso criticizing both the standards implementation in New York and the fact that they arent uniformly high quality. But Faso said that that unlike him, Teachout is a shill for the unions.

Teachout isnt a fan of charter schools, because she says they drain money away from traditional public schools, often for the benefit of private organizations. But Faso has taken the opposite view. His previous bill would have lifted the cap on New York state charter schools, and New York eventually did expand this cap in 2010. He said that charters in upstate New York have many remarkable successes, along with some failures. He also said that reasonable measures of student achievement should be used to evaluate schools and teachers, and that he doesnt want to see testing completely abandoned as an accountability measure.

None of these things are panaceas themselves, he told us.

He also addresses college affordability on his website. Faso wants a national campaign to encourage parents to save more for higher education , specifically through mechanisms like 529 savings accounts. And he wants private organizations to provide seed money for these accounts to help parents get started.

Education doesnt appear to have been a major focus of their campaign so far, however, according to media reports of their first debate last month .

Photos: Zephyr Teachout speaks during a news conference in Albany, N.Y.; Republican candidate John Faso gets his ballot for voting in the New York congressional primary election last June in Kinderhook, N.Y. (Mike Groll/AP-File)

Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 .
home US Planned Parenthood launches ad campaign against Trump

Planned Parenthood teamed up with Priorities Action USA to launch a seven-figure advertising campaign targeting Donald Trump's pro-life platform.

The abortion facility is reportedly planning to spend more than one million dollars for the advertisement which will start running this week on social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram. It will be aimed at voters in North Carolina, Nevada and Pennsylvania.

The advertisement will attack Trump for his proposal to overturn Roe v. Wade and defund Planned Parenthood.

Politico reported that in one segment, Trump was shown telling MSNBC's Chris Matthews that women should be punished for having abortions. The segment was accompanied by a text that said, "When it comes to health, politicians shouldn't make decisions for us."

It also showed a clip of Trump talking about his conversion to the pro-life camp. The advertisement concluded with the statement, "Donald Trump is too dangerous for women."

Deirdre Schifeling, the executive director of Planned Parenthood Votes, has previously stated that the Trump-Pence ticket is "the most anti-woman ticket we've seen in decades."

"Donald Trump would ban abortion, defund Planned Parenthood, and even make it more difficult to access birth control. His running mate Mike Pence has been on a personal crusade to end women's access to basic health care for a decade a putting countless women at risk in his home state of Indiana and nationwide," Schifeling said in a statement.

"Planned Parenthood Votes will not rest until every eligible voter knows just how dangerous Trump and Pence would be for this country," she continued.

During his campaign, Trump has made several comittments to pro-life voters. Aside from defunding Planned Parenthood, he also vowed to sign a law that banned late-term abortions. He also promised to make the Hyde Amendment, which prohibited federal funding for abortion, into a permanent law.

Trump also vowed to nominate a pro-life Supreme Court justices if he is elected. He recently added a pro-life coalition into his campaign which is chaired by Marjorie Dannenfelser of the Susan B. Anthony List.
The Catholic Church in the Philippines is suffering a crisis of confidence in how to respond to the war on drugs that has cost the lives of at least 3,600 drugs pushers and addicts at the hands of police and vigilantes.

President Rodrigo Duterte, a former mayor known as "The Punisher" and who has described the drugs problem in the Philippines as a "pandemic", launched his campaign after his inauguration in June.

Hundreds of thousands of people handed themselves in to avoid being killed for the bounties on offer.

Archbishop Socrates Villegas, president of the Philippine bishops' conference, said in a pastoral statement read out in churches in August that he was deeply concerned that his country was becoming a "killing fields nation".

He warned: "Is not humanity going down to the dregs when bloodthirsty humans encourage the killers and ask for more blood? Will you kill me again and again on social media for saying this?

"From a generation of drug addicts, shall we become a generation of street murderers? Can the do-it-yourself justice system assure us of a safer and better future?"

Most illegal drug use in the Philippines is of methamphetamine hydrochloride, known as shabu.

Duterte, who is not a churchgoer and who says he was sexually abused by a priest as a boy, took no notice of the Archbishop.

Now, in interviews with Reuters, priests have described how they are now uncertain how to challenge the killings.

Duterte had a 76 per cent satisfaction rating in a survey released last week. His war on drugs is backed by the vast majority of the population.

Father Luciano Felloni, a priest in Manila, said at least 30 people including a child and a pregnant woman had been killed in his neighbourhood. "There is a lot of fear because the way people have been killed is vigilante-style so anyone could become a target... There is no way of protecting yourself," he said.

Other clergy, who asked Reuters for anonymity out of fear of reprisals, said it was dangerous to question the kilings. They fear that anyone who criticises the killings could suffer a similar fate.

Some priests back the campaign. Father Joel Tabora, of Davao where Duterte was mayor, said: "Are the means unnecessarily illegitimate? People are dying, yes, but on the other hand, millions of people are being helped."

The Philippines has the third biggest population of Catholics in the world. Nearly eight in ten of its 100 million population are Catholic.

Father Francis Lucas, of San Felipe Neri Parish Church in Manila, said the country was undergoing a moral crisis and questioned why the killings were happening.

He later told Reuters the Church is no longer as powerful as it once was.

"How come everybody wants the Church to act when others don't? Yes, we have influence but times have also changed."

One sign of the Church's waning influence in secular affairs was its failing to block a bill promoting artificial contraception in 2012.

Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella told Reuters the Church was free to make statements, and there was no cause even to imply that anyone in the clergy would be targeted. He said: "The Church needs to consider that recent surveys show the people trust and appreciate the president's efforts and it would do well to take heed and not presume that the people share their belief system. We expect them to be reasonable and considered."
10 Quotes From William Wilberforce That Will Inspire You To Fight For Justice

Theresa May will promise a "radical approach" and "tireless" work to eradicate slavery in a service at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday to commemorate the work of William Wilberforce.

The Home Office estimates there are between 10,000 and 13,000 victims of human trafficking in the UK with the global figures around 45 million. The UK's anti-slavery commissioner Kevin Hyland said these cases were due to "chronic weaknesses" within law enforcement.

"Inadequacies in this area impact not only present and future victims, but could also allow organised crime groups to act with impunity, compromising the UK's national security," Hyland said.

The Prime Minister will address the congregation at the special service in honour of Wilberforce, an 18th-century Christian anti-slavery campaigner, on Wednesday evening. She will say: "Our challenge is to ensure that the fight against slavery carries on  to free people from the bonds of servitude, to free those in mental chains, and to free people from the clutches of slave-drivers and traffickers.

"I want Britain at the forefront of this fight, leading the world with our efforts to stamp out modern slavery."

She will promise 33m from the UK's aid budget for countries where victims are regularly trafficked to Britain such as Nigeria, Vietnam, Romania, Poland and Albania.

"We will work tirelessly, relentlessly pursuing the perpetrators of these appalling crimes so that victims of slavery can go free," May will say.

Here are 10 quotes to remember Wilberforce, whose anti-slavery efforts led to the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 1807:

1. "You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know."

2. "We are too young to realise that certain things are impossible... So we will do them anyway."

3. "If to be feelingly alive to the sufferings of my fellow-creatures is to be a fanatic, I am one of the most incurable fanatics ever permitted to be at large."

4. "True Christians consider themselves not as satisfying some rigorous creditor, but as discharging a debt of gratitude"

5. "Let him then, who would be indeed a Christian, watch over his ways and over his heart with unceasing circumspection. Let him endeavour to learn, both from men and books, particularly from the lives of eminent Christians, what methods have been actually found most effectual for the conquest of every particular vice, and for improvement in every branch of holiness."

6. "God Almighty has set before me two Great Objects: the supression of the Slave Trade and the Reformation of Manners."

7. "It makes no sense to take the name of Christian and not cling to Christ. Jesus is not some magic charm to wear like a piece of jewellery we think will give us good luck. He is the Lord. His name is to be written on our hearts in such a powerful way that it creates within us a profound experience of His peace and a heart that is filled with His praise."

8. "Some might say that one's faith is a private matter and should not be spoken of so publicly. They might assert this in public, but what do they really think in their hearts? The fact is, those who say such things usually don't even have a concern for faith in the privacy of their interior lives."

9. "What a difference it would be if our system of morality were based on the Bible instead of the standards devised by cultural Christians."

10. "In the calmness of the morning before the mind is heated and weary by the turmoil of the day, you have a season of unusual importance for communing with God and with yourself."
Catholic School Expels Student After His Parents Voiced Opposition to Sex-Ed Curriculum

When the parents of a young boy studying at a Catholic school in the Diocese of Nashville, Tennessee complained that the mandatory sex-ed course in the school is bordering on "erotic" and "near occasion of sin," they were shocked by the school's response.

After Jason and Susan Skinner publicly voiced their opinion on the matter, Father Ryan High School President Jim McIntyre told them in a letter that their problem can be resolved by just stopping to send their ninth-grade son to their school, even as he censured them for the "public airing of [their] discontent."

"Unless you can assure Father Ryan [HS] that your dissatisfaction with the Human Sexuality curriculum issue is concluded, you are choosing not to allow [your son] to remain a student at Father Ryan High School," the letter reads, according to Life Site News.

In response, the Skinners wrote in a letter that they have no intention of withdrawing their child from school, and simply wish to have him stop taking the sex-ed course. "We remain unsatisfied with the sex education curriculum and the school's refusal to permit opt-outs of the offensive material in accordance with canon law," they wrote. "Further, we will not relinquish or subordinate our inalienable rights to freedom of speech, freedom of thought, and parental primacy at your discretion."

"If you wish to compel our son to leave Father Ryan High School as a result of these views, then that is your decision alone  not ours," they concluded.

The Skinners criticised the school for stripping away parental rights "once a child is enrolled in the school." They found it disheartening that the school dismissed their concerns without a second thought.

"It's disappointing that instead of working with other parents and us to address our concerns, you have chosen to refuse dialogue, deny us explanation, and threaten dismissal because we have engaged in legitimate due process," they said. "Now, because we have done so, you have decided that our son is no longer welcome at your school."

Without budging, the school administration wrote a response on Oct. 5 informing the Skinners that because they "remain unsatisfied" with the sex-ed course, their child is no longer enrolled in the school.

"Therefore, and per our letter dated September 28, 2016, you have chosen to withdraw your son from Father Ryan High School effective the end of the school day of September 30, 2016," the letter signed by President McIntyre reads.
China Cracks Down On Religious Parents

A further crackdown on Muslims living in China's Xinjiang region has been signalled by the government, as new rules mean that parents who encourage or force their children into religious activities will be reported to the police.

The new rules were unveiled on Wednesday and will come into effect on November 1.

The official Xinjiang Daily said parents or guardians cannot "organise, lure or force minors into attending religious activities".

Neither should they promote extremist beliefs in children, nor force them to dress in extremist clothing or other symbols, the newspaper said, echoing the tone of previous rules against beards for men or head coverings for women.

"Any group or person has the right to stop these kinds of behaviours and report them to the public security authorities," the government said in the rules.

The rules also ban any form of religious activity in schools.

If parents are unable to properly guide their children away from harmful extremist or terrorist ways and they cannot continue to study at their existing schools, they can apply to have their children sent to specialist schools to "receive rectification", the rules state.

Schools must guide students away from separatism and extremism, to create an environment that "esteems science, seeks the truth, refuses ignorance [and] opposes superstition".

Hundreds of people have died in recent years in Xinjiang, the far western home to the Muslim Uighur people, in unrest blamed by Beijing on Islamist militants and separatists, though rights groups say the violence is more a reaction to repressive Chinese policies.

Many Uighurs resent restrictions on their culture and religion, and complain they are denied economic opportunities amid an influx of majority Han Chinese into Xinjiang.

The government strongly denies committing any abuses in Xinjiang and insists the legal, cultural and religious rights of the Uighur people are fully protected.

While China officially guarantees freedom of religion, minors are not supposed to participate in religious activity and authorities have cracked down on underground Muslim religious schools, or madrassas, in Xinjiang in recent years.

China has locked up Uighurs who have campaigned for better treatment of their people, the most prominent being economics professor Ilham Tohti, jailed for life in 2014 on separatism charges.

He was awarded a prestigious annual human rights award on Tuesday, drawing an angry response from Beijing which said he was a criminal who praised terrorists.

Designated a country of particular concern by the US since 1999, the Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) earlier this year condemned the Chinese government's "severe religious freedom violations", in particular the "at times violent crackdown on Uighur Muslims" in Xinjiang.

"China's leadership has long justified its harsh policies... by asserting the importance of confronting the so-called 'three evils'  separatism, terrorism, and religious extremism," the USCIRF said. "In 2015, the Chinese Communist Party tightened its internal ideology, elevating the crusade against the three evils, particularly with respect to religious freedom."

In January last year, the government's 2014 'strike-hard' anti-terror campaign was extended, and wide-scale restrictions were imposed against Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang. Thousands were detained in security sweeps, some with deadly force, and jail sentences were given out for wearing religious attire. Even men's beards or women's face veils were denounced as "extremist", and some local authorities threatened action against Muslim business owners if they chose not to sell alcohol and cigarettes due to their religious beliefs.

The previous year, in 2014, some Muslims were imprisoned for taking part in religious gatherings or activities, and were forbidden from fasting during the holy month of Ramadan.

Additional reporting by Reuters.
Christian Pastor Gets Tattoo About Jesus' Love During Church Service

A Christian pastor from Las Vegas city in the United States has decided to get a tattoo expressing Jesus' love for him, and he did this while delivering a sermon in front of his churchthe first time a Church leader did so.

Pastor Vince Antonucci of the Verve Churchwhich he describes as "a church for people who don't like church"got inked during a worship service last Sunday.

The tattoo he got, done by Las Vegas Christian artist Chance Gomez, read "The One Jesus Loves."

In an interview, Antonucci explained that he got the tattoo as a way to deal with a sad childhood experience. He shared that he had an abusive father, who would call him "stupid" and "worthless."

The Christian pastor said his father would throw him questions like "How could you be so dumb?" or "Are you totally worthless?" which affected him as he grew up.

"In order to get your new tattoo, your new ID, you have to first remove the old. I had lived so long thinking of myself in a negative way. I didn't know how to not think of myself that way. I didn't realise that God loved me," Antonucci said.

Some of Pastor Antonucci's church members followed their pastor in getting inked as a way to deal with their struggles, and helped them experience God's love.

One faithful named Samantha, for instance, shared to The Christian Post how she got tattoos to cover up the "ugliness" she experienced when she was bullied in elementary school.

On its website, the Verve Church said allowing these tattoos among the faithful prove that it is "a church where no perfect people were allowed, because there are no perfect people."

"We are a church that is about relationships  loving God and loving people, and turning the world upside down. We are a church that is fun, and relevant, and really made a difference in your life," the church said on its website.
Christian Scientist Wins Court Case, Gets Hefty Payout After Getting Fired for Challenging Evolution

An evangelical Christian scientist got fired from his job because of a dinosaur's fossil and his findings about it that put a question mark on evolution.

Trouble started for Mark Armitage, a scientist at California State UniversityNorthridge (CSUN), when he discovered soft tissues on a large triceratops horn that was believed to be at least 65 million years old, Christian News reports.

Armitage said his discovery had "the evolutionists on the run," since they could not explain how the "delicate and life-like cells and tissues" he found on the horn of a triceratopsa dinosaur with a massive skull, a large frill and three hornscould "survive the ravages of deep time."

"In fact, it is astounding that they are there even after the thousands of years since the Great Flood of Noah. Even if we allow only 3,000 years since the Flood, these observations of soft tissues are stunning," he said.

When Armitage described his findings in a journal article, the other scientists at the university became furious, thinking that he was trying to promote evidence against evolution. His supervisor reportedly told him, "We will not tolerate your religion in this department!"

He was subsequently fired from his post. He then filed a complaint in a Los Angeles court against the university, contending that CSUN fired him on the basis of his religion.

Pacific Justice Institute President Brad Dacus defended Armitage, pointing out that "terminating an employee because of their religious views is completely inappropriate and illegal."

Dacus added: "But doing so in an attempt to silence scientific speech at a public university is even more alarming. This should be a wakeup call and warning to the entire world of academia."

Last month, after two years of legal proceedings, CSUN reportedly settled the lawsuit by granting Armitage a huge six-figure payout, which was large enough to represent "about 15 times [Armitage's] annual part-time salary," according to his lawyer, Alan Reinach.

"In our view, they certainly would not have paid that kind of money if they did not recognise that we had them dead to rights," Reinach said in an interview with The College Fix. "The state doesn't put large, six-figure settlement money out unless they are really concerned they are going to lose."

Reinach described the settlement as "groundbreaking," adding that as far as he knows no other Bible-believing scientist was awarded such a favourable settlement.
This week Education Week published a story examining Californias Proposition 58 , a ballot proposal that would undo nearly two decades of restrictions on bilingual education in the states public schools.

The upcoming vote has reignited a passionate debate over how to best educate Californias 1.4 million English-learners. Residents head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 8, to decide the issue.

Despite the ban on bilingual education in the state, biliteracy is on the rise there and, for years, educators have used loopholes to teach students in languages other than English. A yes vote on Prop. 58 would essentially serve as a death knell for Prop. 227, a 1998 proposal that mandated English-only education for the states English-language learners.

Heres a look at the arguments for and against Proposition 58 as outlined by proponents and opponents.

Photo Credit: Eriselda Hernandez, right, reads with Fernanda Arana, 6, before school begins at Washington Elementary School in San Jose, Calif. The schools weekly Madre a Madre meetings help bring parents into the school regularly to support childrens literacy development. --Preston Gannaway/GRAIN for Education Week
Christianity Or Humanism: Which Delivers The Goods?

I was recently in a discussion about Christian faith with a sceptic and, pushed hard in the debate, I played the 'good works card'. "Look at all the good things Christians have done over the years," I said.

"Ah," came the reply, "but humanists have done the same."

The response set me thinking. Do humanists do as much good as Christians?

Two caricatures must be dismissed at the start. Defenders of Christianity must reject any view that only they do good works while humanists and atheists do nothing. I'm happy to admit that there have always been humanists who have performed outstanding works of charity. On the other hand, advocates of Humanism must affirm that the Christian contribution to 'doing good' has been remarkable. One reason is the wide-ranging scope of the Christian response to human need. This I see being centred on two concepts: justice and righteousness. I would see justice as righting the wrongs in society and righteousness as doing good things; addressing life's negatives and affirming life's positives.

The Christian promotion of justice is reacting to a world that has an inbuilt tendency towards deceit, decay and darkness. Precisely because of this somewhat pessimistic view of things, Christianity has long battled against prejudice, corruption and cruelty. We may have, at times, fought those battles clumsily, but the world is a better place as a result.

If our role in standing for justice is somewhat negative, then the pursuit of righteousness is much more positive. Positive virtues ring out throughout the New Testament but let me quote the list from St Paul in Galatians 5: "the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control". It's a high standard and if we need to ask what a life with those characteristics might look like, then we have a 'worked example' in Jesus.

Built into the Christian faith is a powerful and comprehensive dynamic towards doing good. Of course anybody can conceive of a programme for dealing with what's wrong with the world. The problem is that good intentions are inadequate without motivation. Fortunately, Christianity supplies exactly that. For Christians the motive for good deeds is simply the gratitude we feel in response to God's grace in Christ. There is the expectation that we are to become progressively more like the Christ who redeemed us.

Most people prize societies where such virtues as honesty, liberty, tolerance and compassion are upheld, where goals such as democracy, education and gender equality are promoted, and where evils like poverty, cruelty and prejudice are deplored. But such values are not innate in the human psyche. While some may have been upheld by the Greeks and Romans for their elites, their emergence on any sort of society-wide scale is widely attributed to the impact of Christianity and the Bible. Book after book  some written by non-believers  affirm the importance of Christianity in the development of education, politics, science and healthcare. If you want specific examples, examine the epic battles of Christians in the 19th century against the evils of slavery, child labour, illiteracy and the abuse of the mentally ill. And remember organisations such as the YMCA, Red Cross, Samaritans, Salvation Army, Compassion and Tearfund, whose very names reveal their Christian origins.

But what of today? Surveys in both Britain and the United States show that Christians give more than those with no faith. A Barna Survey Report in 2013 on US giving noted that in the area of charity, Christians donated far more money than those who claimed no faith. A recent BBC survey also noted higher giving among religious believers than atheists in the UK.

So it seems to me that Christianity is inclined to do good works. I do not see that within Humanism. Indeed within humanist publications I find an awkward embarrassment that their followers are less generous and less committed to doing good than Christians. In fact some atheists, such as Alain de Botton, have been reduced to encouraging those who have 'moved beyond supernaturalism' to keep the best of religion, such as emphasis on service and giving.



The fact that so much of the world is in desperate need of assistance raises hard questions for both Christianity and Humanism about how we should respond in good works. For Humanism, it seems the overriding question is quite simply 'why?'. That is a question that we Christians need never ask. We, too, face a simple question about doing good works and one that is possibly more challenging: 'how?'.

Whether we are Christians or humanists, the saying 'people don't care how much we know, until they know how much we care' applies to us both.

Canon J.John is an evangelist, minister, speaker, social activist and writer. www.canonjjohn.com.


Christians Of Syria And Iraq Face 'Cataclysmic Crisis'

The Christian communities of Syria and Iraq are in the middle of a "cataclysmic crisis", a report warns today.

Their very existence is in peril as the world stands witness to one of the greatest threats to the Christian Church in the Middle East since its birth over 2,000 years ago.

Christians are facing targeted persecution and leaving Syria and Iraq at an increasing rate, the report says.

If this rate of emigration continues, within a few years the Christian communities in these countries will be utterly devastated.

It is both unthinkable and unacceptable for a fellow human being, particularly a fellow-Christian, to walk by on the other side, says the charity Open Doors in its report, Hope For The Middle East: The impact and significance of the Christian presence in Syria and Iraq  past, present and future.

The report, written by Open Doors working with Middle East Concern and the University of East London, warns that war in Syria and Iraq has "unleashed a tidal wave of violent persecution".

This has targeted the highly vulnerable Christian population and has dramatically accelerated the flight of Christians from Iraq and Syria.

Before 2011, Syrian Christians numbered about eight per cent of the population of 22 million. Today about half are believed to have left the country. Before 2003, there were around 1.5 million Christians in Iraq  less than five per cent of the population. Today, estimates hover between 200,000 and 250,000.

As many as eight in 10 Christians are now thought to have left, many with no hope or expectation of return. Many are classed as internally displaced and have sought refuge in other parts of Iraq or Syria. Other have fled to countries such as Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey and beyond, their homes, properties and businesses confiscated or destroyed.

Despite the crisis the Christians are facing, Christian Today reported last week that just 51 Christians from Syria have relocated to the UK under the Government's vulnerable persons resettlement scheme.

However, Christians make up a disproportionate number of Iraqi refugees. There were more than a quarter of a million registered Iraqi refugees in Syria during 2004-2010. Of these, 44 per cent were Christian.

Many of those who do remain want to play their part in rebuilding their shattered societies, the report says.

The report says that Middle Eastern Christians are suffering disproportionately and are targeted because they are Christians.

Their sufferings include being taken hostage, church leaders assassinated, Christian homes, businesses and churches commandeered or destroyed, women and girls raped and forced into sexual slavery, those living in ISIS territory forced to pay the Jizya tax to survive, and mass forced displacement.

Some political bodies have already described this as genocide.

"Clearly, Christians are not the only victims. But a previous report from Open Doors demonstrated that Christians were being specifically targeted and were especially vulnerable to persecution," says Open Doors.

It is also clear that Islamic State is not the only source of persecution and violence directed towards Christians. Christians face increased harassment and violence from government forces and a range of Islamist groups.

Open Doors is calling for current and future legal frameworks in Syria and Iraq to promote and protect the equal rights of all their citizens, for the improvement of living conditions for all citizens and for religious leaders and faith-based organisations to be equipped to play a constructive and central role in rebuilding in Syria and Iraq.
Former Pope Angry That Germans Who Withdraw From Paying Church Tax Face Excommunication

The former Pope Benedict XVI has spoken out in damning terms against the "church tax" system which has made the German Church one of the wealthiest Catholic Churches in the world.

In a new book-length interview, Pope Benedict  real name Joseph Ratzinger  laments that in Germany, the divorced and remarried are everywhere quietly receiving communion, and same-sex marriages are increasingly being blessed in church.

But woe betides a Catholic who unsubscribes from the "Kirchensteuer" or church tax.

He says they are treated as if they are guilty of "heresy, apostasy, schism".

The German Catholic Church has an income of more than five billion euros per annum from the tax, which is compulsory in law for all registered Catholic and Protestant church members.

This is more than five times the revenue collected by the Italian Church from twice the number of Catholics but under a voluntary system.

Church members in Germany can withdraw from the tax by resigning their membership. But if they do, under a recent ruling by Germany's bishops, they face automatic excommunication.

This means they cannot receive the sacraments of penance, the Eucharist, confirmation or anointing of the sick, unless there is a danger of death.

In the book, Benedict condemns the German Church for having become "too worldly", reports Sandro Magister of Italy's Chiesa Espresso website. Magister describes Benedict's words as a "sharp indictment" and reports that German Catholics who choose not to pay the tax are treated as "plague victims".

Benedict, who is from Germany, says in the book: "In Germany some people have always sought to destroy me."

He cites the "lies" mounted against him by some his countrymen when he removed the phrase "perfidious Jews" from the traditional Good Friday prayer in the Catholic liturgy.

But some of his strongest criticisms are reserved for the Church's attitude to the tax.

"Indeed I have serious doubts about the fairness of the system as it is.

"I do not mean that there should not be a church tax, but the automatic excommunication of those who do not pay, is not sustainable, I think."

In Germany, Catholicism is well-structured and resourced, he says.

Catholics are often employees of the Church and have a "trade union" mentality.

To them, the Church is little more than an employer to complain about.

Benedict says that any move away from a "dynamic of faith" represents "great danger" for the Church in Germany.

"There are so many employees under contract that the institution is turning into a social bureaucracy," he warns.

He says the surplus of money "saddens" him.

Magister comments that the Church in Germany is mostly neither poor nor merciful, but rather "stifled by his own apparatus" and, what is more, bowing down to the world on crucial issues of morality and dogma.

In an earlier interview Archbishop Georg Ganswein, personal secretary of Benedict, also condemned the German church's attitude to the tax. He said the automatic excommunication was "excessive, incomprehensible".

A person may question the dogmas and not get kicked out. It appeared that the non-payment of the tax was a "more serious infringement" than transgressing against the truths of the faith.

The German Bishops' Conference has so far declined to comment on the former Pope's criticisms.
'Hawaii Five 0' season 7 spoilers, rumors: Steve and Alicia to be kidnapped in next episode, will romance blossom amidst the danger?

When "Hawaii Five 0" returns for the fourth episode of season 7 on Oct. 14, the team is expected to pick up the case of the Chess-Piece serial killer who has not been caught yet.

However, the team does have a lead on the culprit after they pieced together her name  Madison Grey (Elisabeth Rohm). While this should serve as a piece of good news for the team, it would seem that this development will only lead to a more pressing concern as the killer grows bolder and she gets closer to Steve (Alex O'Loughlin) and behavioral specialist Alicia Brown (Claire Forlani).

In the previous episode, the culprit left a chess piece in Steve's house while she placed one of the victims right next to Alicia on her bed with a chess piece wedged in the victim's mouth.

In the next episode entitled "Hu a'e ke ahi lanakila a Kamaile" which translates to "The Fire of Kamile Rises in Triumph"  it is expected that the serial killer will target both Steve and Alicia and that the chess pieces were indeed warnings that they were the next targets.

According to the synopsis, both characters will be kidnapped and they will both be placed in grave danger. The spoiler further said that they would need to fight for their lives both in land and in water to escape the clutches of the serial killer.

But could this latest development be a hint that a deeper relationship could develop between Steve and Alicia?

For one, Executive Producer Peter Lenkov himself teased that there will be a wedding featured this season. Fans were quick to assume that the return of the Catherine (Michelle Borth) could mean that a reconciliation with Steve is in the cards and that they would be the pair tying the knot.

Lenkov debunked the rumors and said that Catherine's return will have more to do with work and not romance.

Since Alicia and Steve have worked together on a case this season and are now set to work together once again to flee from captivity, a closer relationship could come out of it.
Inspirational Christian Missionary Shot By Bandits Returns To Congo For Last Time

A wounded 77-year-old Christian missionary is set to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) this week for the last time.

Maud Kells was shot twice and critically injured by bandits in the town of Mulita, north-east DRC, last January. But after recovering in her homeland of Ireland she returned last September to fight for the three men charged with the crime, who she said were innocent.

"It's all bribery and corruption out there," she told Christian Today at the time.

"I've had to pay quite a lot of money to try and get the men out. I tried to find out why my night guard was in prison and was told it was because he had not tried to stop the bandits from shooting me. But there is no way that he could have prevented them.

"I've known these men for all these years.

"I know them inside out and I just know that they wouldn't do anything like that. They were always very supportive in protecting me in the past."

Kells was lured out of her house by a man pretending to be the husband of an ill patient. When she returned she was shot by two bandits.

She has worked as a medical missionary in DRC since 1968, intially serving as a nurse. She has since trained Congolese nurses in five hospitals and 30 health centres and received an OBE for her tireless work.

But now she has said this next trip will be her last.

"I feel, at my age, that it's maybe time to give up. I'm just not as healthy as I was," she told the BBC's Evening Extra programme.

"I feel it's God's time to say goodbye. It could go on for ever and ever but you've got to draw a line somewhere," she added.
Leaked Emails Reveal Top Clinton Aide Mocked Evangelicals And Catholics

Hillary Clinton's campaign communications director mocked conservative Catholics and evangelicals in leaked emails from 2011 released on Tuesday.

The messages are part of a reported batch hacked from Clinton's campaign manager John Podesta, with thousands more to come. The Democrat's communications director Jennifer Palmieri and Center for American Progress (CAP) fellow John Halpin allegedly made the comments in an email chain titled "Conservative Catholics" released on WikiLeaks.

"They can throw around 'Thomistic' thought and 'subsidiarity' and sound sophisticated because no one knows what the hell they're talking about," Halpin wrote to Palmieri and Podesta.

The emails date from 2011 when Palmieri was also at the CAP. Now in charge of Clinton's press relations, she suggested news mogul Rupert Mordoch and Wall Street Journal editor Robert Thomson were Catholic because it is "the most socially acceptable politically conservative religion".

"Their rich friends would not understand if they became evangelicals," she wrote.

Halpin said this was an "excellent point".

He earlier said: "Many of the most powerful elements of the conservative movement are all Catholic... It's an amazing bastardization of the faith.

"They must be attracted to the systematic thought and severely backwards gender relations and must be totally unaware of Christian democracy."

Catholic groups reacted with outrage to the leak and called for Palmieri to resign.

"Everyone has a unique faith journey, and it's just insulting to make blanket statements maligning people's motives for converting to another faith tradition," said Brian Burch, president of the politically conservative Catholic Vote group.

"Had Palmieri spoken this way about other groups she would be dismissed. Catholics will be watching Hillary Clinton to see whether she thinks our religious faith should be respected, or whether it's fair game to mock us."

The Catholic League, an anti-defamation charity, also criticised the exchange.

"These anti-Catholic remarks are bad enough but it makes one wonder what else Clinton's chiefs and others associated with the campaign are saying about Catholics and Catholicism," a statement read.

Clinton's campaign has not commented.
The Terrible Climate Of Fear And Hopelessness Faced By Christians In Syria

A Christian who escaped to Britain from Aleppo has described the sense of hopelessness felt in Syria as the shelling continues without mercy.

Rami, a Christian from Syria who requested anonymity for security reasons, was speaking at a meeting in Parliament to launch the Open Doors UK report on the crisis facing Christians in Syria and Iraq.

He said many Christians would rather stay in the Middle East because they want to be part of the future of their countries. "Many of my friends in Syria are still in Damascus as well as Aleppo," he said. Some even had the necessary paperwork to leave but were choosing to stay.

And they are living in a climate of fear and hopelessness.

"Beyond the physical and sexual violence we hear about, lies fear," he said. This was partly fear of the unknown. "Christians don't know what's going to happen in the future."

There is a "thirst for a better form of government", he added, and Christians need to be treated equally.

The other thing plaguing believers in Syria is hopelessness. "There has been one broken ceasefire after another. Is there ever going to be hope for Christians in Syria and Iraq?"

Rami said he was a Syrian and a Christian, born and raised in Aleppo. He pleaded desperately for help.

"Together we can contribute to influencing this change that Christians and others in Syria are asking for. It is their cry to you, not just to listen but also do all you can to support their right for a future."

Christians do not see themselves as a minority but indigenous as much as any other community, he said. "Neither do Christians see themselves as a little group struggling to survive or maintain a presence in the Middle East."

Lisa Pearce, chief executive officer of Open Doors, told the MPs at the meeting: "There are things you can do. There is influence you can exert. Many things have looked hopeless but have changed or been changed in history."

Baroness Anelay, Foreign Office minister responsible for human rights, said many of the issues brought up by Open Doors will be discussed at an international conference in Britain next week, where the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby is among those who who will be looking at how violent extremism can be combated through building inclusive societies.
This Egyptian Christian Is Bringing Communities Together By Teaching The Bible With The Quran

A Coptic Christian teacher in Egypt is trying to unite Christian and Muslim pupils by teaching them about both religions side by side.

According to the Independent, Ayaad, from a village outside the city of Minya in northern Egypt, has been teaching the Bible and the Quran for more than 50 years as he believes "we are all one".

The area is frequently the scene of violent outbreaks against Christians, who face routine discrimination and violence from the Muslim majority population.

However, Ayaad says he wants to bring the children together.

"I have more than 120 children in my class: 70 to 80 Muslims, and 30 to 40 Christians. We have been living here in love," he told BBC Arabic.

"I get paid about a dollar, but I'd rather be paid a dollar with love than $100 with anger.

"The school teachers and families approve. I used to teach them all years ago with no objection."

Reflecting on the rising levels of tension in the area, he said: "Sectarian tension is an evil thing that's popped up. We never used to label each other Muslim or Christian. We are all one and there is no difference."

In May, a 300-strong mob torched Christian houses and stripped a 70-year-old woman naked as she was dragged along the street. It followed allegations that a Christian man  thought to be the woman's son  and a Muslim woman were involved in an relationship.

Christians have accused Muslims of abducting girls from their communities, and church buildings have been attacked. A priest was killed after being attacked with sticks and knives in the Minya province in July.
WATCH: Justin Welby Talks Suffering, Gay Marriage And Donald Trump

In a frank and extensive interview with the BBC's Jeremy Vine, the Archbishop of Canterbury discussed how he reacted to the revelations about his real father, his largely unhappy childhood with alcoholic parents and the death of his daughter.

Sometimes light-hearted, sometimes serious, Welby talked about his past career in the oil industry as well as his interest in conflict reconciliation.

Welby admitted he was told he "had no future in the Church of England" when he first went for ordination.

"I knew I shouldn't have done this," he grinned at one point as Vine probed about his views on suffering, retribution, and ISIS.

The interview began with a series of questions from Vine on the revelations earlier this year that Welby's biological father was not Gavin Welby as he had always thought, but Winston Churchill's private secretary Sir Anthony Montague Browne. Vine then went into some quick fire questions which ranged from what Welby would do if Trump came for communion, to whether it is right to shoot a potential ISIS killer.

The Archbishop then answered questions from the audience including one from a young girl who wanted to know: "Why did you want the job?"

The interview was part of a visit to the Diocese of Worcester.

You can watch the full interview below:
Why Brian McLaren Thinks Christianity Needs To Reimagine God

It's time to stop thinking about Christianity as a system of belief focused on an exclusive Supreme Being who favours some and rejects others, protected by an all-controlling institution.

Instead, we need to move to thinking of Christianity as a way of life, from the exclusive Supreme Being to the loving and reconciling Spirit embodied in Jesus, and from a controlling, institutionalised religion to a movement for changing the whole world.

That's the thesis of a new book by theologian Brian McLaren. The Great Spiritual Migration (Hodder, 13.99) argues that it's time to rethink how we are Christians, moving away from concepts based on violence, dominance and exclusion to a vision of God based on love.

McClaren is a controversial figure. Named as one of TIME magazine's 25 most influential evangelical Christians, he's been disowned by large numbers of conservatives because of the way he's pushed the evangelical envelope. It's fair to say he's reacted against the narrow biblicism and right-wing agenda of some kinds of evangelicalism. He wants to see a different kind of Church, one that's truer to Jesus and truer to the world in which we really live. He critiques the 'conceptual beliefs' that tend to define Christian faith  the statements or propositions that we have to believe in order to be Christians. McClaren wants to replace these statements "that" something is true with relational beliefs  beliefs "in". "To say 'I believe' is to to say, 'I am committed, I am loyal, I am bound by affection and dedication' to the object of my belief," he says.

In an appendix to his book he speaks of the four 'legs' of an alternative to conceptual beliefs  a story, the unfolding narrative how God is at work in the world; saints, the inspiring examples of saints from the past and in the present; practice, the rituals and liturgies that bind us together; and a "vision of the future" not in the Left Behind sense, but imagining the sort of world we want to see and strive for. So, he says: "Traditional Christianity has focused on a clear list of prescribed conceptual beliefs, while its story, saints, practice and vision of the future have been present, but secondary and far less clear. I propose that it is now time to reverse that emphasis, and come together around a sturdy table upheld by four legs, with bread and wine in the centre, speaking to us of Jesus."

McLaren visited the UK for a speaking tour which included an event at London's Oasis Church organised by the Progressive Christianity Network. Christian Today spoke to him at his publisher's office.

Is there really a fundamental problem with the way we do Christianity today? In Europe, Christianity is struggling across the board. The UK view of American evangelical Christianity is that it's flourishing, if a little alarming at times. But McLaren painted a different picture. In the States, people have been lamenting the decline of mainline Protestantism for 50 years, he says. Roman Catholicism has appeared to hold up better, but when you subtract the immigrant population its decline is "shocking". And there's a similar picture among evangelicals: once the immigrant factor is subtracted, there's huge cause for concern.

More than numbers

And it isn't just numbers. McLaren talks about some of the flaws in the Church even where it seems to be growing fastest, in Africa, Latin America and Asia. He recalls an encounter with a young journalist in Uganda who during the interview turned off her tape recorder and asked him, "Do you really have any hope for the Church?" "I said, I really do, but why do you ask?" McLaren says. "I've lost all hope," was the reply. "She told me story after story about prosperity gospel preachers who were literally taking widows' homes away from them, who were plundering poor people for their own enrichment, and she said, 'I now consider Christianity in Uganda a form of organised crime.'"

He tells of another encounter, with the wife of a Pentecostal pastor in Costa Rica whose children had all left the faith and who told him: "I don't think there will be a second generation of the prosperity gospel."

But the problem isn't just with declining numbers or with these egregious abuses of theology and Christian practice. McLaren is calling into question the whole way we talk about God. He wants us to look into the deep structures of our thinking, and be prepared to challenge them.

One element in Christian thinking he identifies is its desire to dominate and build an empire  a tendency he locates in the 'Doctrine of Discovery' put forward by Pope Nicholas V in 1455, some 40 years before Columbus landed in America. It commanded the Christian kings of Europe to "invade, search out, capture, vanquish, and subdue all Saracens [Muslims] and pagans whatsoever, and other enemies of Christ wheresoever placed..." McLaren describes this as the "genocide card that was given to every white Christian nation", and backs it up with some shocking details about exactly how the conquering Christian Spaniards treated the indigenous peoples they subdued.

And the doctrine of 'white Christian privilege', he believes, has become a fundamental problem in how we think of our faith. He can even provide an example from family history: his own grandfather, a Scottish missionary to Angola, responded to the assassination of Martin Luther King in 1968 with the words: "I'm glad they got that communist devil." And reflecting on the rise of Donald Trump, he says of his grandparents: "I remember the kind of things they said, would have been absolutely typical of that British jingoism [of the time]. In the UK, you have the luxury of thinking that's in your past, but in the US we're playing out what could be our future."

The great migration

It's this kind of thing that makes him decline to sing songs like Onward, Christian soldiers, and others with a militaristic bent. But he wants a much more thorough revision  a migration away from  traditional ways of talking about God. How exactly should we talk about his supremacy? How should we read the Bible? What is mission, and how should Church be part of it?

McLaren is adamant that he doesn't want to throw out traditional beliefs. Rather, he's saying we should hold them in a different way. And his purpose is, at its heart, evangelistic.

He tells Christian Today: "Among younger people I meet around the world, it's not just that they want to throw out this or that doctrine, it's that they're struggling to hold traditional doctrines in a different way."

He refers to recent research on faith in the US that revealed 39 per cent of 18-29-year-olds don't claim any religious identity. "That's a really striking change. And the highest reason is, 60 per cent of them said they don't believe the beliefs. So I really think this is not just because they're lazy or not intellectual. It's the difference between science as a method of inquiry and science as a list of facts."

And, McLaren says: "One of the ironies of the modern world is that if you say to anyone, I'm bringing you a message based on an authoritative and infallible text, I just think that leads to a position of scepticism."

So, he continues: "The most significant thing I'm saying in the book is that if being a Christian is following in the way of life Jesus taught  if that is primary, then beliefs necessarily become secondary. And we hold them differently when they're secondary than when they're primary."

Traditional language

McLaren is well aware that the kind of suggestions he's making  that Christianity needs to lose some of its traditional language and that we need to re-orient ourselves not around conceptual ideas, the traditional formulations of doctrine and dogma, but around stories, saints, practice and vision  are radical. "I'm aware that the kind of proposals I and others are making deserve far more scrutiny than whether we speak in tongues or not or whether we raise our hands or not or whether we use organs or guitars," he says.

"I wish I were not having to make deeper proposals, but I've come to believe the problems we face are not cosmetic. This is an attempt to imagine what could replace a system of beliefs as a convening gravitational force."

For some, holding so apparently lightly to these conceptual beliefs  though he stresses he has not abandoned doctrine  is always going to be problematic, and dangerous for faith. McLaren admits that it's a difficult area: "For some, it leads to a radical scepticism of every proposal to describe God," he says. But there's another approach that he describes as "radical humility". "That's where the practice of theology as an intellectual pursuit has to be integrated with the practice of theology as a contemplative pursuit. For us it's normal to distinguish those two and in some ways to make sure they don't happen in the same room at the same time. As we go forwards, they have to happen in the same room at the same time; one without the other is scary."

McLaren's preoccupation is with finding a way to talk about God in today's world, to today's people. And it's not just about reaching those outside the Church: he says he's had conversations with Christians  including megachurch pastors  who've confided in him that they aren't sure whether they're atheists now. The words they use to talk about God don't seem to match what they sense is reality.

He reflects on the average person's knowledge of the world today  that it's nearly 14 billion years old, infinitely rich and varied. "What does it mean to believe in the creator of that kind of universe? It's amazing that the word 'God' is flexible enough to contain that," he says. And yet: "For me, I go back and look at Scripture, and I think it supports that. And I look at Jesus, and I think he is the door to that growth and flexibilty."

The title of his book is The Great Migration. He writes in the introduction of how people are moving away from traditional religions, describing "this epic project, this transforming quest, this great spiritual migration towards a better way of being Christian and a better way of being human". There'll be many, especially among traditional conservative evangelicals, for whom his views are anathema, a fatal compromise with the spirit of the age. There'll be others who judge that he speaks their language, and helps them speak about God again.
Indian Call Center Posing as IRS Scams U.S. Citizens

One of the most feared phone calls or pieces of mail an American can get is one from the IRS. A call center in India has recently been taking advantage of this fear by posing as the IRS in order to scam unsuspecting U.S. citizens.

The scam worked like this: U.S. citizens would receive a voicemail from the call center, claiming to be the IRS, the message would state that a lawsuit had been filed against them for tax issues, and that they needed to call back urgently. The automated message used a method known as "spoofing" in order to display the actual IRS's phone number on the receiver's caller ID. When a person called back, they were advised that they owed a certain amount of money and that if they did not pay right now, their home would be raided within half an hour.

Believe it or not, countless people fell for this scam. The call center was boasting income of over $150,000 per day. Each scammer would demand as much as they thought they could get away with, sometimes $500, often in the thousands, and in one case $60,000.

Indian Police Arrested Many, but the Leader's Still on the Lamb

While there have been over 500 individuals detained, and over 70 people arrested, the alleged mastermind is still at large. Indian police and the FBI are hoping that the detained and arrested employees will be able to assist in locating man who organized the scam.

Sources are reporting that the leader of the call center IRS scam, Shahgar Thakkar, fled the region and potentially the country. Surprisingly, Thakkar is only 23 years old. However, he is reportedly very wealthy as he built his wealth through call center scams like this one.

The Real IRS Issued Warnings Last August

Last August, the IRS issued warnings regarding scammers pretending to be calling from the IRS demanding payment. The warning advised that the IRS would never:

Ask for debit or credit card information over the phone

Demand that payment be made using a prepaid debit or gift card

Threaten to bring in law enforcement if you do not pay immediately

Demand that you pay without giving the opportunity to question or appeal the amount

If you suspect tax fraud, the IRS has prepared an easy to use chart for you to understand who you can report the problem to.

Related Resources:
Why Do Men Rape and Abuse Women? Christianity's One-Word Answer

Why do men commit such terrible crimes against women?

In a hard-hitting presentation at the Books For Life Live event in Cheltenham yesterday, theologian Elaine Storkey outlined the predicament of women who suffered violence and discrimination in many different spheres. She spoke of rape used as a weapon of war, child marriage, domestic violence, selective abortion and  graphically and horrifyingly  of female genital mutilation or FGM.

A recurring question in her address was, "Why?" She examined the various explanations put forward to explain the violence inflicted on women throughout the world  it's a function of poverty, it is programmed into our genes by male desire to reproduce, male psychology is fundamentally dominant and aggressive  and dismissed them all.

"I think it's human beings that are to blame, not our genes," she said. "It's time human beings took responsibility for our own actions. We do it and we have to bear the responsibility."

She said: "There's a simple word that expresses the Christian understanding of human beings: sin. It's sin that shapes exploitative agendas, distorts relationships and weaves its way into power structures. Sin will leave its impact on all these things. It shows itself particularly in the global oppression of the vulnerable  the poor, disabled and children."

Storkey continued: "A proper theology of sin will realise how it weaves its way into our structures and minds through patterns of behaviour and laws. It is destructive, tearing down what God has built as good. It turns truth into lies and half-lies, so we believe our own propaganda. Sin is addictive, it gets inside our bodies like any other kind of drug. It's self-generating, it produces its own energy. It's structural, it gets into banking, policing and politics."

She said: "A proper understanding of sin gives us a starting point to understand violence against women."

However, she added that understanding violence against women as the result of sin "opens up the whole possibility of redemption. We can do something about it. Sin need not have the last word."

Storkey is a former president of Tearfund and the author of Scars Across Humanity (SPCK, 9.99), which explores gender violence. She began her research when she visited the Democratic Republic of Congo with Tearfund and was confronted with the scale of women's suffering there and the indifference of the authorities to their plight.

Among the shocking statistics she relayed at her presentation yesterday was that in the UK, 140,000 women are living with the consequences of FGM and that 10,000 girls under 15 are likely to undergo cutting. In India, selective abortion has meant 10 million girls have been lost in 20 years, leading to a male-heavy population and a corresponding increase in trafficking and rape. Around 1.4 million women in England Wales suffer domestic violence annually. Figures around child marriage are equally shocking: every three seconds a girl under 18 is married, usually without her consent and usually to an older man who might have several other brides. Storkey said there were huge health risks to the girl, both in pregnancy because her body was not mature enough and in terms of the loss of her childhood. "There are horrendous scenarios where small girls are raped and raped and raped by their husbands," she said.

Register at www.booksforlife.uk/leader for access to videos of Books For Life Live talks as they are released.
Investors looking for a play in the burgeoning legal U.S. marijuana industry are turning to a company known mainly for its lawn-care products.

After making big bets on pot, Scotts Miracle-Gro Co. has seen its shares soar 30 percent to a record this year as polls indicate California, Massachusetts, Maine, Nevada and Arizona are poised to approve referendums dramatically expanding legal cannabis use. California alone could triple the nation's $6 billion legal marijuana industry if voters there approve recreational use next month, according to a Sept. 12 report from Cowen & Co.

RELATED: Pot unites business world and hippies at cannabis conference

"It is being looked at as a marijuana growth story," said Ivan Feinseth, a New York-based analyst with Tigress Financial Partners LLC, a banking and brokerage firm that rates the shares "buy."

Scotts has been on a buying frenzy over the past 18 months, gobbling up leading companies that provide specialty fertilizers, lighting and other supplies for hydroponics, the indoor method of growing crops favored by U.S. cannabis cultivators. The company's hydroponics business now generates about $250 million of revenue a year. While the products are sold mostly through specialty shops, Scotts' Black Magic brand for indoor growing is available in 165 Home Depot stores.

'The benefit of growing from that'

"In states where the laws have evolved to allow the legal cultivation of cannabis, in almost every one of those states, that's happening using hydroponic growing methods," Chief Financial Officer Thomas Randy Coleman said at a Sept. 13 conference. "We have the benefit of growing from that."

Scotts's hydroponics revenue represents less than 10 percent of the $2.9 billion the company generated in the past 12 months. But while sales are relatively small, hydroponics products deliver higher margins for Marysville, Ohio-based Scotts, said Feinseth. And sales could take off as more states approve legal weed.

Scotts declined to comment on Tuesday.

Scotts hit a record $84.19 a share on Monday. The stock's year-to-date rise compares with a 4.5 percent gain in the Standard and Poor's 500 Index. The bulk of the increase has come in the second half as most polls show voters in those five states are favoring approval of ballot initiatives to allow recreational marijuana use by adults. Four other states, including Florida, will vote Nov. 8 on legalizing medical pot.

Adults living in states permitting recreational use would more than double to 23 percent of the U.S. population if all five ballot questions pass next month, said Leslie Bocskor, a Las Vegas-based managing partner at Electrum Partners LLC, an industry adviser. Massachusetts and California represent the biggest growth, as well as Nevada and its 45 million annual tourists, he said. Almost $20 billion may be spent on infrastructure through 2020 to support demand from legalization, Bocskor said.

"Scotts is one of the only public companies you can play to actually participate in the growth of the industry," Bocskor said. "As people look and say, 'Hey I want to play the growth of cannabis industry in a public company,' there aren't a lot of choices, so Scotts probably will see substantial interest, especially after Nov. 8."

Betting on failure

Not everyone is bullish on Scotts. As the shares have surged, so have bets that the stock will fall. Almost 5.7 percent of the shares were being shorted in August, compared with 0.9 percent in January. Short interest is currently 4.3 percent. Short sellers unload borrowed shares, hoping to profit when they buy them back at a lower price.

RELATED: Microsoft is first big company to say it's serving legal marijuana trade

Some companies still waiting to turn a profit serving the marijuana market also are performing well. Pot packaging maker Kush Bottles Inc. is up 63 percent so far this year, cannabis researcher GW Pharmaceuticals Plc has gained 87 percent and Terra Tech Corp., a penny stock, has quadrupled.

Recreational use is already allowed in Alaska, Colorado, Oregon, Washington and the District of Columbia, and it's medically permitted in 25 states, including California. Cowen expects the market to reach $50 billion by 2026 with federal legalization of the drug, a change more than half of Americans support.

Scotts's most recent acquisition, nutrient and supplements maker Botanicare, closed Oct. 1. The company's first major foray into the marijuana business came last year when it bought nutrients maker General Hydroponics. Sales there have doubled expectations, Chief Executive Officer James Hagedorn said during the company's third-quarter earnings call in August. Scotts paid $136 million for a 75 percent stake in Gavita, a producer of high-end lighting systems.

That company "can't make things fast enough," Hagedorn said.
KAREN BLEIER/AFP/Getty Images

Houston-based rig and well operator Ranger Energy Services has expanded its national footprint after combining with two companies offering similar services.

Ranger Energy has acquired Bayou Workover Services. Equity firm CSL Capital Management LLC, which sponsors Ranger, recently acquired Magna Energy Services, according to a company statement. Prices were not disclosed.
Low-cost Mexican airline Volaris announced a new Houston-to-Mexico City route on Wednesday.

Volaris has previously expressed interest in adding routes for Houston fliers but was stymied by regulations between the U.S. and Mexico. Each route, such as Houston to Mexico City, could only be operated by two or three U.S. airlines and two or three Mexican airlines.

That changed this year when a new agreement removed such limitations.

"These new routes are a result of the recent changes to the Bilateral Air Transport Agreement between Mexico and the United States, driven by the authorities of both countries, whom we thank for the great work done to generate these competitive conditions," Holger Blankenstein, chief commercial officer of Volaris, said in a news release.

RELATED: Volaris looks to expand flights between Texas, Mexico

The new flights will begin March 1 and will be offered four times a week from Bush Intercontinental Airport. Volaris currently offers flights between Houston and Guadalajara.

Separately, Southwest Airlines announced on Wednesday that it is increasing its flights from Hobby Airport to Mexico City to three times a day starting Jan. 5.
Houstonians know that when October rolls around, it's time to seek out the closest patio and take advantage of the city's short-lived fall temperatures. And who better to invite for dinner and drinks than your dog?

Although there are still several Houston restaurants that won't invite pets onto their patios, plenty have officially been granted the city's permission to do so.
Theater

Sassy Mamas: The Ensemble Theatre presents a romantic comedy about three "cougars." 7:30 p.m. Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday through Oct. 16; $36-$61; 3535 Main; 713-520-0055, ensemblehouston.com.

Duck for President: Unhappy with the working conditions on Farmer Brown's farm, Duck campaigns to put himself in charge. Presented by Main Street Theater. 12:30 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday through Oct. 29; $20; MATCH, 3400 Main; 713-524-6706, mainstreettheater.com.

The Mother****** With the Hat: Obsidian Theater presents this show about love, fidelity and misplaced haberdashery. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday through Saturday; $15-$30; 3522 White Oak; 832-889-7837, obsidiantheater.org.

The Marvelous Wonderettes - Dream On: It's 1969, and the Wonderettes are throwing a retirement party for a beloved teacher. Presented by Stages Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Wednesday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday; $17-$47; 3201 Allen Parkway; 713-527-0123, stagestheatre.com.

De Kus (The Kiss): U.S. premiere of Ger Thijs's play. Presented by Stages Theatre. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday, through Oct. 30; $25-$45; 3201 Allen Parkway; 713-527-0123, stagestheatre.com.

Remote Houston: The Alley Theatre hosts an audio tour through Houston. 4 p.m. Thursday and Friday, through Nov. 18. $39; Evergreen Cemetery, 500 Altic St.; 713-220-5700; alleytheatre.org.

Becky Shaw: Houston premiere of Gina Gionfriddo's off-Broadway play. Presented by Firecracker Productions. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, through Oct. 22; $10-$40; 1502 Sawyer, Studio 232; 281-300-9656, firecrackerproductions.org.

The Musical of Musicals, (The Musical!): One story becomes five delightful musicals, each written in the style of a different master of the form. Presented by Theater LaB Houston. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday through Oct. 23; $34; MATCH, 3400 Main; 713-868-7516, thelabhou.org.

A Midsummer Night's Dream: Four young lovers and a troupe of actors find themselves in the middle of a dispute between the King and Queen of the fairies. Presented by Alley Theatre. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Tuesday-Wednesday, through Nov. 5; $26-$79; 615 Texas; 713-220-5700, alleytheatre.org.

The Bear & The Proposal: Classical Theatre Company presents two plays that examine love among the landed aristocracy of Czarist Russia. 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Wednesday, 2 p.m. Sunday, through Oct. 23; $10-$25; 4617 Montrose; 713-963-9665, classicaltheatre.org.

Little Shop of Horrors: A floral assistant stumbles across a new breed of plant. Presented by Stageworks. 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday, through Oct. 30; $15-$26; 10760 Grant; 281-587-6100, stageworkshouston.org.

Classical/Opera

Sounds of Simon and Garfunkel: AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle join the Houston Symphony. 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Jones Hall, 615 Louisiana; $25-$138; 713-224-7575; houstonsymphony.org.

From Russia With Valves: The River Oaks Chamber Orchestra offers a three-in-one package for their brass quintet performance. 6 p.m. Friday at MATCH, 3400 Main, matchouston.org; $80; 713-521-4533, rocohouston.org.

Of Peace and Protest: Apollo Chamber Players welcomes Syrian-American composer-pianist Malek Jandali. 7:30 p.m. Saturday; $10-$35; MATCH, 3400 Main; 832-496-9943, apollochamberplayers.org

Dance

Comedy Dance Festival: Suchu Dance Company hosts other area companies and choreographers in a program of comedic works. 8 p.m. Friday-Saturday, through Oct. 22; The Pilot, 1502 Navigation; $20 or pay what you want; suchudance.org.

Dracula: Bay Area Houston Ballet & Theatre performs its production of the Victorian-era vampire story. 7:30 p.m. Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; University of Houston Clear Lake Bayou Theater, 2700 Bay Area Blvd., $27.50-$37.50; 281-480-1617, babt.org.
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A new community of 18 family friendly townhouses is set to rise in Shady Acres.

Dubbed Rio Vista North, the Titan Homes development is off of West 25th along Little Thicket Park.While renderings have been released on the builder's site, new plans are in the works that are intended to cater to the area's incoming residents.

"Every five years we have a design change. We listen to what's going on in the market," spokesperson Cheryl Joseph, the project lead for Titan Homes, says. "About 10 years ago we had singles and new couples moving into the Heights, that's changed. There's been a change in the inner Loop in that families are staying instead of moving out."

RELATED: Ivy Lofts forging ahead with micro-condo/hotel project

New residents moving into the area, particularly into Shady Acres, are young families with one child, or one child on the way. Prospective buyers are seeking floor plans that take that into consideration.

Some of the revisions to the floor plans for Rio Vista North are suited to first-floor living, where the kitchen, dining and living room are all on the first floor. The second floor is outfitted with three bedrooms, and the third floor is a game room or optional fourth bedroom.

Those homes will start at $599,000 and include rooftop decks. Phase 1, the first six homes, are expected to be completed by fall 2017.

SEE ALSO: Upper Kirby area's Levy Park slated to debut in mid-November

The company's other major focus is an upcoming residential community in Montrose, at Van Buren and West Drew. That Hyde Park parcel has been purchased and will see groundbreaking in approximately three to four months. Homes in that community will start in the high $800,000s or low $900,000s.

"Montrose and Shady Acres is really where we're focused now," Joseph explains.

The company has two remaining homes to sell in Rice Military, although Joseph explains that they do not see any more room for expansion in that neighborhood.
An investigation into how MUD's raise and use taxes and contribute to pols; a 25-year-old crime, the resignation of Baylor's Title IX coordinator, the debate over DWI offenders and more are among this week's highlights.

MUDs sell bonds, levy taxes for developers who court conservative politicians with campaign cash

By James Drew and John D. Harden

@jamesjdrew @jdharden

Backed by some of the state's most powerful conservative politicians, Municipal Utility Districts - autonomous taxing areas known as MUDS that get formed mainly by developers, have accumulated $60 billion in debts over time. The MUDS raise taxes and sell bonds to fund roads, utility projects and other services with little or no oversight. And hundreds of them are in the Houston metro area.

Part of a continuing series called MUD Money.

Baylor accused of cover-up after Title IX coordinator's departure

By David Barron

@dfbarron



Baylor announced shortly before midnight Monday that Patty Crawford, the school's first official charged with enforcing and investigating Title IX complaints, had resigned because of "disappointment" in being able to implement policy changes at the school. Houston attorney Chad Dunn, who represents eight rape victims suing the university, said Crawford's departure reflects continued efforts to manage the fallout instead of addressing the problem and punishing the guilty.

-Read more about Baylor's troubles in this investigative piece by Jenny Dial Creech

Company challenges fed decision to phase out private prisons

By Dane Schiller

@daneschiller

One of the nation's largest corrections companies is challenging the Department of Justice's decision to phase out using 14 private prisons nationwide, saying the department acted "illogically" and illegally. Florida-based GEO Group, which operates two of the five facilities facing possible closure in Texas, launched the attack this week in what it calls the nation's first legal challenge to that decision.

Charlie Litchfield

Life prison sentences for repeat DWI offenders raise questions

By Andrew Kragie

@andrewkragie

Repeat DWI offenders account for one of every 20 people in Texas prisons - more than 6,600 inmates in 2015, according to the state Department of Criminal Justice. Their detention costs taxpayers about $153 million a year. Some offenders are serving life sentences, even if they haven't killed anyone. Meanwhile, others have kept their driver's licenses after multiple arrests.

Lawyer loses suit over truancy process

By Margaret Kadifa

@margaretkadifa

When Deron Harrington filed a lawsuit on behalf of three Fort Bend ISD parents in May 2015, he was trying to ensure the district where his kids attended school was following student truancy laws. He had a hunch that wasn't happening. In the lawsuit, Harrington asked the court to compel the district and county to follow the law. But in the end a judge recently delivered a stunning decision. Harrington not only lost his argument, but the judge made him pay about $340,000 in lawyers' fees and sanctions - and ordered Harrington to attend classes too.

Gary Coronado/Staff

Sheriff's office renews effort to solve deputy's murder 25 years later

By Dane Schiller

@daneschiller

Twenty-five years after the slaying of Harris County Deputy Roxyann Allee, investigators have renewed a call for the public's help in solving the murder case. They're seeking tips that could bring arrests and, perhaps, some closure for the Allee family. This week the Chronicle took a look back at that crime and some missing clues.
A former Brownsville man now living in Waco will spend almost three years in prison after his conviction for selling fake memberships to an Indian tribe that isn't recognized by the federal government.

On Tuesday, a U.S. federal judge in Brownsville sentenced Humberto Reveles, 61, for defrauding more than 140 people out of thousands of dollars by offering them membership to the Yamassee tribe. He claimed the membership came with tribal documents that would allow them to remain in the U.S. despite their immigration status, officials with the U.S. Attorney's Office in Houston said.
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Did you hear about the half-billion dollar divorce in Galveston? Bet not.

The divorce was done so quietly that two years ago, almost no one heard about the $416 million ruling a Galveston court declared in Winnie Alwazzan's favor. It was so quiet, lawyers contend, that even Winnie's estranged husband, Isa Alwazzan, didn't know.

For the past several years, Isa has lived in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Winnie says she didn't have his exact address. So with the Galveston court's permission, she informed him of the proceedings by publishing a legal notice in the Galveston Daily News. He didn't see it there.

Earlier this year, Winnie's legal team found and froze almost $4 million from Isa's family's company, which is based in Bahrain. That set into motion a chain of events that this summer caused their head-spinning divorce case to be dismissed. (Isa's lawyers accuse Winnie's team of court-shopping and other shady behavior.)

Winnie's attorney, Jared Woodfill, says he plans to appeal the most recent decision. With interest, he calculates that the new stakes are a half billion.

But for now, legally, Winnie and Isa aren't even divorced.

"Ironically, what's happened in my case is we're involved in bigamy now, because I'm still married to him," Winnie says, sitting at a conference table in Tomball.

"She's still married to him, and he married someone else in the interim," adds Woodfill, lifting an eyebrow.

"On the day before our 30th wedding anniversary," Winnie says.

It's salt in the wound for Winnie, who describes herself as a Christian woman who holds marriage as a sacred covenant and makes it a point to follow the law. In Bahrain, bigamy is less of an issue for Isa; it's legal to have up to four wives there.
Expecting a child can be a thrilling experience for many parents, but reality hits hard when health issues arise during the pregnancy.

Over the summer, Idaho natives Chelsea and Nick Torres found out their twin girls were conjoined following their 8 week exam. Doctors suggested the couple terminate the pregnancy early, according to the Idaho State Journal.

The couple didn't take the doctors advice and after finding out the gender of their twins, named the girls Carter and Callie. The family then decided to move to Houston for better testing and care for their twin girls.

On Wednesday, the couple arrived in Houston with their toddler Jaysin and have been meeting with doctors and surgeons to determine the options for their babies.

FASHION: Celebrity is owning pregnancy fashion

"The surgeon believes they will not die before, or after birth. He does not see anything alarming in the tests," Chelsea writes on her Beating the Odds with Callie and Carter Facebook page. "Our next step is good OBGYN care and waiting for the echocardiogram in sex weeks and another MRI in nine weeks."

Following her appointments with Houston doctors, the Torres family know that the babies' livers, diaphragms and intestines are partially, or entirely fused, and they share one bladder. There are only two legs, so fear of them sharing a pelvis is also a concern. Separation is not possible if that is the case.

RELATED: Manage weight for a healthy pregnancy

Throughout the process, the family has received tremendous support throughout their community and nationally. To cover expense of the testing, they've set up a GoFundMe account.
Eric Gay/STF

AUSTIN -- The idea of finding some way to replace the dilapidated Austin State Hospital -- including combining it with the state supported living center -- has new life in a Texas House committee.

Tim Bray assumed leadership of the state hospital system, under the auspices of the Texas Department of State Health Services, on Sept. 1. In a briefing before the House Select Committee on Mental Health, Bray outlined some of the most recent action on pre-planning to replace two state hospitals -- Austin and Rusk -- as the state moves to reconfigure the system.
San Jacinto Girl Scouts Council

Keely Hughes, a senior at Katy High School, has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, which recognizes girls in grades 9 through 12 who demonstrate leadership through sustainable and measurable community service projects that require a minimum of 80 hours to complete. Less than 5 percent of Girl Scouts earn the award.

To earn the award, Hughes developed a healthy living email campaign or a year's worth of weekly emails, which includes inspirational quotes, to motivate campers who visited Camp Jump Start in Missouri to continue making healthy decisions. She also led a group of camp volunteers to create mile markers and posters with encouraging words that were posted along the camp's walking trails.
The Tomball Independent School District is moving forward to implementing its "District of Innovation" plan.

The board of trustees held a public hearing Oct. 11 on the plan and received no comments or opposition.

In September, trustees approved a resolution to implement the district of innovation plan for the 2017-18 school year.

Meanwhile, the district improvement planning committee began discussions leading up to the first public hearing, and the start of four local innovation plan committee meetings that began on Oct. 11 and will conclude Nov. 1.

"We're excited the board has approved a resolution for the district to initiate the process to be designated as a district of innovation," said Martha Salazar-Zamora, Tomball ISD's Chief Academic Officer. "We are thankful for the board's support, and we look forward to planning so we can be a district of innovation for the 2017-18 school year."

Salazar-Zamora shared her plan of action during a workshop meeting with trustees in August that could add to the growing number of Texas school districts seeking this distinction.

With the passage of this board resolution on Sept. 13, the district can now begin forming the appropriate committees to discuss this designation and what this could mean for the district.

"We are really at the beginning of our process, so we are going let our board, district improvement planning committee, and our local improvement planning committee determine exactly how we shape this (plan) to best benefit our district," she said.

The district of innovation plan was passed by the 84th Texas Legislature as House Bill 1842.

The program is designed to give greater local control over educational programming, giving traditional independent school districts most of the flexibilities available to Texas' open-enrollment charter schools.

Every school district that adopts a plan are typically concerned about a number of issues, which are not considered allowable exemptions.

Those include teacher certification, classroom ratio, school start dates, length of the school day, and teacher contracts.

Salazar-Zamora said Tomball ISD will likely focus on all those issues as the process moves forward.

"You have some flexibility, and of course the community can determine what best fits the district needs," she said.

Once approved by the individual school boards, the plan remains in effect for 5 years.

If Tomball approves its plan on Dec. 13, it would remain in effect until the 2022-23 school year.

To date, the eight districts that have completed the district of innovation process and notified the Texas Education Agency are Canton ISD, El Paso ISD, Mabank ISD, Palmer ISD, Point Isabel ISD, San Antonio ISD, Spring Branch ISD and Victoria ISD, and many other districts in the state are in various stages of implementation.

"The district of innovation designation provides our districts with added flexibility that's specific to each community," said TEA Commissioner Mike Morath. "This initial wave of notifications is just the beginning of what will be many districts that elect to go through this innovative process."

School districts are eligible for district of innovation designation if the district has an academic accountability rating of "met standard."

In addition, certain procedures for adoption must be followed, including creation of an innovation plan, gathering of community input (including public hearings), and a final two-thirds majority approval vote by the locally elected board of trustees.

Notification to the TEA Commissioner marks the final step in the process.

Although the district of innovation designation provides certain exemptions and flexibilities, a district cannot exempt itself from specific sections of the Texas Education Code, including requirements related to (but not limited to): district governance; curriculum; the state assessment system; the state accountability system; school finance and federal requirements in state law outside of the Education Code.

To learn more about district of innovation process (and see the current list of school districts that have completed that process), visit the TEA website at http://tea.texas.gov
Yesterday, I predicted that a lot of Wells Fargo whistleblowers were going to come forward, given how terribly treated its employees.



The kind of pettiness in Nathan Todd Davis's testimony guarantees there's more to come.

Nathan Todd Davis said at a California State Assembly hearing on the Wells Fargo (WFC) fake account scandal that he filed 50 ethics complaints during his decade of working at Wells Fargo  but nothing was ever done.



"I've been harassed, intimidated, written up and denied bathroom breaks," said Davis, who drove 350 miles from his home in Lodi, California, to speak at the hearing.



Ex-Wells Fargo worker: Intimidation included no bathroom breaks

[Matt Egan/CNN]
The government of Hawke's Bay, New Zealand imposing an energy-company-backed tax on people who put solar panels on their homes. Greenpeace's petition in support of sustainable, renewable power was delivered with a catchy, angry song by Tiki Taane.



Tiki Taane and four sunny dancers delivered 45,000 tiny suns to the Electricity Authority in Wellington  all the while serenading them with his brand new song, Shine Your Love written especially for the occasion!

Each sun carried the name of someone who signed Greenpeace's Stop the Solar Tax petition.

The world is in a climate crisis and to survive, we have to adopt clean renewable energy as soon as possible.

Solar power is one of the fastest growing clean energy sources in the world  but our ability to use it in New Zealand is under threat.

Big energy companies see solar as a threat to their profits and their control of your power.

Right now they're moving to cut it off. Their first move is the new solar tax in Hawke's Bay which penalises people who have solar panels.

We must push back before that spreads nationwide and tell the Electricity Authority to Say No to the Solar Tax.
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!)
Joi Ito (previously)  director of MIT Media Lab, former Creative Commons chief, investor, entrepreneur, and happy mutant  interviewed Barack Obama for a special, Obama-edited issue of Wired.

The two covered the ethical implications of machine learning, diversity in tech, neurodiversity, the collapse of funding for basic research, precision medicine, high-speed trading, cybersecurity, robots taking our jobs, internet regulation, space travel, and how Star Trek informed Obama's worldview.



OBAMA: I think there's no doubt that developing international norms, protocols, and verification mechanisms around cybersecurity generally, and AI in particular, is in its infancy. Part of what makes this an interesting problem is that the line between offense and defense is pretty blurred. And at a time when there's been a lot of mistrust built up about government, that makes it difficult. When you have countries around the world who see America as the preeminent cyberpower, now is the time for us to say, "We're willing to restrain ourselves if you are willing to restrain yourselves." The challenge is the most sophisticated state actorsRussia, China, Irandon't always embody the same values and norms that we do. But we're gonna have to surface this as an international issue in order for us to be effective.

ITO: I think we're in a golden period where people want to talk to each other. If we can make sure that the funding and the energy goes to support open sharing, there is a lot of upside. You can't really get that good at it in a vacuum, and it's still an international community for now.

OBAMA: I think Joi is exactly right, and that's why we've been convening a series of meetings with everybody who's interested in this. One thing that we haven't talked about too much, and I just want to go back to, is we really have to think through the economic implications. Because most people aren't spending a lot of time right now worrying about singularitythey are worrying about "Well, is my job going to be replaced by a machine?"
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Houstonians that went to the 50th annual Houston Greek Festival this past weekend likely saw renderings of future expansion plans for the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Cathedral.

One of the most recognizable cathedrals in the Houston area (in Montrose off Yoakum and Kipling streets) was built in 1952 and is known for its small golden dome.

HoustonChronicle.com: Preservation in store for architecturally significant downtown church

Houston real estate blog Swamplot broke down the plans on Monday. New renderings for church expansions show off an even larger golden dome  in addition to the one seen now -- and boast a larger sanctuary that doubles the current seating capacity. New trees and lighting also appear in the renderings. A few older trees will also be preserved, thankfully, and will need be casualties of the construction.

Right now the church is raising funds for the new additions on its official website. They have already had a handful of generous donors offer up substantial donations for constructions.

The church says the budget for the expansion is $12.5 million, with at least 80 percent of that funded so far.

The hope is to begin construction by spring.

According to the church projects FAQ, church events like sacraments and the Divine Liturgy would occur in the gymnasium, or nearby hall, once construction begins.

RELATED: New nightclub set to open inside old church in downtown Houston

The expansion would also mean that the church can allow more people to attend service and allow for an array of Holy Week services in the new, expanded cathedral. The church offers the Divine Liturgy in Greek and in English.

The church was founded near downtown Houston in 1917 and moved to its current Montrose digs in 1952.

The popular Greek festival  known for its great food, folks, and fun  was started in 1966 to raise money for the church and other charitable organizations. These days it is one of the neighborhoods favorite fall events.
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The Facebook post was as simple as it was direct.

One to the back of the head, wrote the user, Francois Jean-Baptiste, whose account self-identifies as belonging to a Texas Department of Criminal Justice corrections officer.

Jean-Baptiste wasn't alone. At least three corrections officers posted threatening or derogatory comments on the social network about Vanessa Gibson, an incarcerated trans woman whos appealing a federal judges recent dismissal of her lawsuit seeking gender confirmation surgery.

READ MORE: Banned books in Texas prisons

TDCJ spokesman Jason Clark would not confirm the Facebook postings came from state employees.

This information has been sent to Human Resources for further review." Clark told The Texas Tribune. "TDCJ does not have a social media policy for employees, however there are personnel directives that address on-duty and off-duty conduct.

The three Facebook users were identified as Dakota Hoffman, Jean-Baptiste and Susan Johnson-Dias. All three listed themselves as TDCJ corrections officers in their profiles.

Johnson-Dias, wrote below the story on the Huntsville groups Facebook page that TDCJ should give [Gibson] a state razor and a bandaid so that Gibson could perform a do it yourself sex change.

READ MORE: Jails, prisons still trying to meet anti-rape rules

An advocate for prisoner rights, Nell Gaither, president of Trans Pride Initiative, said the TDCJ system is heavily structured around gender norms. That leaves anyone who violates them vulnerable to abuse. Gaither said.

We get a lot of reports of corrections officers harassing trans persons, and many of these include encouragement of self-harm and self-amputation of body parts, so this type of reaction from corrections officers doesnt at all surprise me, Gaither said.

The union covering the corrections officers, AFSCME, on Monday went on Facebook to admonish all members to "help us keep officer's rights to free speech intact online by being respectful. At no time should you even encourage violence or hate against people."

READ MORE: Officials: Tight budgets might close more prisons

And, a search for the people listed in the Texas Tribune article proved fruitless. The comments were no longer posted as of Oct. 12, 2016.

A comment posted under the name John Paul Stoddard, who list himself as a former corrections officer, speculates as to why.

"People have changed names already," Stoddard wrote.


The Women's Reserve Camouflage Corps were a group of 40 woman artists from NYC and Philadelphia ("in perfect physical condition") who devised camouflage systems for fighters and materiel during WWI, testing their theories by hiding in Van Cortlandt Park in the Bronx  where the local cops grew accustomed to having seeming rocks and trees spring to life as they passed.

There was little known about the corps until 42 photos of them were discovered by Richard Green as he was undertaking a digitization for the National Archives. Green documents the way that the corps' camouflage work grew to encompass large scale dazzle camouflage projects, including "an ambulance and a tank on the steps of the New York Public Library, and a War Savings Stamps Booth at the intersection of Broadway and 43rd Street" and culminating with "a full ship, the USS Recruit, in the middle of Union Square."



Allied forces used camouflage in two very distinct ways during in World War I. The first, and more traditional way, was designed to conceal a soldier in their environment. The "rock suit," for instance, was designed to keep the wearer safe from detection at a distance of ten feet. Similarly, the "observation suit" was designed so the wearer could blend in with the sky, and when needed, turn the suit inside out to blend in with snow and ice. Female students studied the environment, and apparently tested the suits, in New York's Van Cortlandt Park before joining the Allied forces in France.

Hidden Women: The Art of WWI Camouflage (Photos)

[Richard Green/National Archives]





Why Women Pretended to Be Creepy Rocks and Trees in NYC Parks During WWI

[Lauren Young/Atlas Obscura]





(via Kottke)
















For those thinking God flooded the Earth because of evil and told Noah to build an ark, U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert would like to set the record straight.

Gohmert, a Republican from Tyler, blamed homosexuals on Monday while filling in as host of a radio show called "Point of View."

READ MORE: Louie Gohmert, in questionable assertion, says Dems use non-citizen voters

Gohmert, who once expressed concern about the idea of gay space colonies, played host to conservative activist and "Reaganbook" founder Jane Porter. Porter recently produced an anti-LGBT film called "Light Wins," which featured appearances by Gohmert and other Republicans, including U.S. Sen. Rand Paul and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee.

"We know homosexuality was widespread in Greece and Rome and Babylon and especially in Sodom and Gomorrah, but that's a little scary that it wasn't legal except before the flood," Gohmert said.

Porter replied that this statement tells you where we are in the overall timeline ..."

READ MORE: Louie Gohmert really wants to put gays on their own island

Does it ever, Gohmert interjected.

The biblical interpretation isn't new. A website called Delusion Resistance has put this one forward and it has bounced around the religious right for a few years.

Biblical scholars have found the interpretation out of line. That's not much different than what a lot of people find when Gohmert puts forth a theory.
Sens. Deb Fisher of Nebraska and John Thune of South Dakota both condemned Donald Trump's boasts of groping women and urged him to quit the race. Surprise! They've changed their minds.

"I plan to vote for Mr. Trump and Mr. Pence on Nov. 8," Fisher told Lincoln radio station KLIN.

.

During a tour of a research facility in Lead, South Dakota, The Rapid City Journal reported, Thune said the 2005 recording was "more offensive than anything I've ever seen," but that won't stop him from voting for Trump.

There's a lot you could say about them, but what matters is what they're saying about you.
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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An ultra-right Russian politician aligned with Vladimir Putin says American voters should elect Donald Trump for president, or prepare for nuclear war. Vladimir Zhirinovsky likes to compare himself to Trump, and is a similarly unrestrained blowhard.

"Americans voting for a president on Nov. 8 must realize that they are voting for peace on Planet Earth if they vote for Trump," he said. "But if they vote for Hillary it's war. It will be a short movie. There will be Hiroshimas and Nagasakis everywhere."

In an interview with Reuters, the "flamboyant veteran lawmaker known for his fiery rhetoric" said only Trump could de-escalate dangerous tensions between Moscow and Washington, which is kind of wild, because that's also what Trump says.

Zhirinovsky received an important government award from Putin after his pro-Kremlin Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) took third place in the recent Russian parliamentary elections.

From Reuters:

Many Russians regard Zhirinovsky as a clownish figure who makes outspoken statements to grab attention but he is also widely viewed as a faithful servant of Kremlin policy, sometimes used to float radical opinions to test public reaction. "Relations between Russia and the United States can't get any worse. The only way they can get worse is if a war starts," said Zhirinovsky, speaking in his huge office on the 10th floor of Russia's State Duma, or lower house of parliament. "Americans voting for a president on Nov. 8 must realize that they are voting for peace on Planet Earth if they vote for Trump. But if they vote for Hillary it's war. It will be a short movie. There will be Hiroshimas and Nagasakis everywhere." Zhirinovsky's comments coincide with deep disagreements between Washington and Moscow over Syria and Ukraine and after the White House last week accused Russia of a campaign of cyber attacks against Democratic Party organizations.

Zhirinovsky once proposed building a gigantic barbed wire wall to block off Muslim southern Russia, a ridiculous idea not unlike Trump's repeated line about building a wall along the U.S./Mexico borderfor which Mexico would be forced to pay.

"Putin ally tells Americans: vote Trump or face nuclear war"
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Two maps published by the stats wizards at Fivethirtyeight depict likely electoral maps if only men or women voted. Women prefer Hillary Clinton; men prefer Donald Trump. In both cases, it's a landslideand Trump supporters want to see theirs made real. The hashtag #repealthe19th, referring to the Ninteenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, was kicked into play to encourage American to turn back the clock women's right to vote.

Eric Trump, the son of the GOP nominee, campaigned using the men-only map, according to Buzzfeed. He presented it and called its existence proof of the "momentum" the Trump campaign has. Later on, observers noticed #Repealthe19th gaining momentum on Twitter as Trump supporters suggested rolling back the constitutional amendment that gave women the right to vote. Apparently, it isn't a new hashtag, but Silver's predictive map gave it a nudge.

It's not the first time a Trumpkin has headed down this path. Trump delegate Peter Thiel, a Silicon Valley billionaire noted for his successful effort to bankrupt Gawker Media through a series of secretly-funded proxy lawsuits, once wrote that women voting was bad for democracy.
Progressive mayor Bill de Blasio has learned the hard way that peopleeven New York City liberalshave their own opinions about how they want to live. Neighborhood after neighborhood has rebelled against de Blasios heavy-handed social engineering.

In August, the people of Upper Manhattan forced City Councilmember Ydanis Rodriguez, a progressive and strident de Blasio ally, to reject the first major rezoning under the citys new mandatory inclusionary housing (MIH) policy. MIH was a citywide revision of land-use rules allowing developers to build taller residential buildings with greater density if they also include subsidized apartments for lower- and middle-income New Yorkers. The policy is key to the success of de Blasios goal to expand affordable housing: unless market-rate developers are given incentives in the form of looser zoning rules, his target of 200,000 subsidized units would never be met.

The development in question, called Sherman Plaza, at the corner of Broadway and Sherman Avenue around 196th Street, would turn an old Packard dealership into a 15-story apartment tower. Up to 50 percent of the units would be subsidized. Six-story buildings built during the early twentieth century currently dominate the working-class neighborhood. The proposed upzoning infuriated the local community, which saw it as an effort to gentrify the mixed Latino and white neighborhood with luxury housing. Pressure built until Rodriguez, who voted for MIH as a citywide policy a few months before, nixed the Sherman Plaza proposal as not in the best interests of the neighborhood.

The de Blasio administration was chagrined. To the mayor, the citys future lies in more thickly populated neighborhoods in outlying areas that are serviced by functioning transit infrastructure. He envisions that the new developments will melt New York Citys two cities class structure by putting low-income people in the same buildingsand on the same floorsas so-called luxury tenants. Without the proposed upzoning, the developers will still be allowed to build at Sherman and Broadway; the building will simply be smaller and all the apartments will be market-rate. From the perspective of a city planner, the neighborhoods actions are irrational. From the communitys point of view, the additional capacity was a corporate giveaway, not a local benefit.

A similar scenario played out in Sunnyside, Queens, where the local councilman, Jimmy van Bramer, rejected a proposed development to build more than 200 affordable units. Van Bramerwho is the councils majority leader and a charter member of its progressive caucusalso voted in favor of MIH earlier this year. Like his colleague Rodriguez, he supports the widespread development of affordable housing throughout the cityin theory. But his constituents, reliant on a perennially crowded subway line and feeling that their neighborhood is already changing too quickly, opposed the Phipps project and brought pressure on van Bramer to reject it.

Just this week the mayor caved to massive community pressure over his plan to turn a hotel in Maspetha middle-class, mostly white Queens neighborhoodinto a homeless shelter. The local community had zealously opposed the conversion, with pickets, protests, and lawsuits aimed at stopping a plan that is widely seen as a way for the mayor to punish a neighborhood that doesnt support him politically.

At a press conference last week, de Blasio was adamant that the homeless shelter would be built, and he called neighborhood opposition to it a failure to acknowledge a responsibility for a problem thats everyones problem. The mayor went on to challenge protestors to picket as many times as they want because I will happily stare them down over the issue. Four days later de Blasio folded, and agreed not to move forward with the hotel-to-shelter conversion plan, though the city would continue to rent rooms in the hotel for homeless adults on an individual basis.

On the Upper West Side, the beating heart of traditional New York City liberalism, a near-riot broke out last month over plans to redistrict elementary school zones to promote racial and socio-economic diversity. Racial segregation in the public schools has become the latest root cause of inequality in New York, and the city is pushing community districts to agree to boundary changes in order to dilute the concentration of white students in certain schools. Of the entire public school student population of 1.1 million, however, fewer than 15 percent are white, and these students are clustered geographically in particular areas. If racial diversity is meant to solve the problem of racial inequality, it isnt clear that there are enough white students to make much of a difference.

Upper West Side councilmember Helen Rosenthal, also a member of the progressive caucus, spoke to the anger of her constituents in particularly revealing language, saying Everyone has been giving diversity lip service. . . . They need to make the case that diversity is something that is worth getting. Rosenthal followed up a week later with an apologetic letter to the New York Times, quoting the received progressive wisdom that diversity itself provides an invaluable education. But her original words, spoken spontaneously to an agitated crowd, speak to the obvious question: how and why is diversity in itself essential to scholastic achievement?

Thinking big is in progressives DNA. In the words of de Blasio himself, progressive proposals must be transformative, historic, transcendent. The problem is that social revolutions are often opposed by a large segment of the existing population who rightly perceive that their interests are under attack. As long as the mayor and his progressive allies continue to force their grand vision on an unwilling populace, they can expect to face local revolts from a notoriously and proudly insubordinate city.

Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images
Three years ago, United Nations officials told editors of its in-house news service to stop covering the Syrian war. The UN office, which controlled the $11 million budget for IRIN, worried that detailed coverage by the service could derail Syria-related talks involving the UN.

The ban on IRINs Syria reporting added fire to a longstanding debate over the 20 year-old news agencys role inside the UN, says Heba Aly, IRINs director. There was always a tension to operating an independent news service from within an organization funded by member states, which may be involved in sensitive negotiations with each other. Calls to the UNs Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian affairs, which oversaw IRIN, were not returned by press time.

The Syria incident helped push the relationship between the UN and IRIN beyond repair. Beginning in 2014, the UN announced it would defund IRIN at the end of that year, and in January 2015, IRIN, which stands for Integrated Regional Information Networks, declared itself an independent news organization. Earlier this year, it reconstituted itself as a Swiss nonprofit headquartered in Geneva, and looked ahead to life without its $8 million to $11 million annual UN budget. In IRINs first year as an independent media organization, it raised $2 million, mostly from foundations. (Disclosure: Columbia Journalism School Professor Howard W. French, who is president of IRINs board of directors, is also a member of CJRs Board of Overseers.)

The harsh cut was the price of independence at an organization covering one of the worlds most complex, urgent beats: humanitarian crises. As IRIN establishes itself as an independent entity, international crisis response is becoming a growing story. A May briefing paper by the Overseas Development Institute claimed that in the past decade, the number of people in need of humanitarian assistance each year has grown from 30 million to 125 million, and funding needs rose 600 percent over the same period, from $4 billion to $24 billion.

Mainstream coverage of the alphabet-soup humanitarian agencies that administer those funds, including UNHCR, WFP, WHO, and charities like the Red Cross, is nevertheless spottier than coverage of local government budgets and programs. The aid industry is a billion-dollar industry with essentially no oversight at all, says Obinna Anyadike, IRINs Africa editor, who has been with the organization since 1997. There is increasing humanitarian coverage by some of the mainstream media. But it is episodic and not very detailed.

IRINs hope is to provide more consistency, relying on a staff of 12 and network of about 200 stringers who focus on humanitarian issues in 70 countries. Since breaking with the UN, IRIN has been attempting to expand its stringer network, which is mostly journalists based long-term in the regions they cover, says Aly.

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The press corps here in Geneva, its shocking, she says. Most of the correspondents are freelancers, and theyre being pulled in several directions. One day theyre doing the drop in the Swiss Franc, the next day ebola.

Aly praises the loyalty of IRINs stringers, but covering the entire humanitarian crisis beat is a stretch for the organization, particularly as it relaunches. I struggle to cover some holes in my network, says Anyadike, the Africa editor. Central African Republic is one, Sudan is another. In breaking news situations where he doesnt have someone in place, he sometimes has to bet on people who dont fit IRINs preferred model of local correspondents deeply tied to their regions. For me the biggest problem, what I lament, is its easier to take the foreign correspondent who is just parachuting in.

Editors have taken on additional reporting and production roles as budgets shrink. Im learning mapmaking, a little audio, he adds.





Besides trying to stay closer to the ground, for longer, than most organizations, IRIN is banking in part on its editors intimate understanding of the international aid system and the UN, honed through long association with the world body. With most crisis coverage focused on spot news, a large gap exists in terms of reporting on the months and years of international aid and development work that will follow Hurricane Matthews destruction in Haiti or migration pressures in lesser-covered places like Morocco. Mainstream coverage is often limited to occasional attention from foreign media outlets, which naturally focus on their own home governments roles.

The word that comes to mind is lumpy, says Martin Scott, who researches media and international development at the University of East Anglia, and has been studying IRINs transition from the UN for the past two years. News organizations have incentives to expose wrongdoing. But I think, because of the nature of the international context, [crisis reporting] becomes more of a UN beat.

IRINs coverage of crisis tended to be more consistent and better informed, he says, for the same reason mainstream press often failsthe organization has no local readership to consider. [Crisis coverage] is not commercially viable in most circumstances, says Scott. I wonder if that is because humanitarian work is inherently transnational.

The focus on national readerships means senior officials in the international aid and development system are among the least-covered major politicians in the world. Where else have senior UN officials been held to account? asks Aly. Frankly, The Guardian has done it several times, and its clear the writer has never been exposed to the UN system, doesnt know how it works, the statements are naive. With our familiarity with the UN, we dont fall into these kinds of traps. We are able to ask questions that I cant imagine AFP or Reuters asking.

The ability to rely on a network of unusually well-informed stringers is paradoxically bolstered by the collapse in freelance pay rates and IRINs willingness to follow up on stories, rewarding stringers with repeat work while building expertise. You have ex-BBC, ex-Atlantic journalists popping up, says Anyadike, Back when they paid people [stringers] would do Reuters and BBC for breaking news, but they would give us the 1,000-word story and a bit of analysis. Now Im finding were the first choice, because no one wants to do the stories we do. Were competitive.

Still, IRIN is still proposing to cover most of the world; even done efficiently, its an expensive task. The value proposition for funders, argues Aly, a former field correspondent in Sudan who now spends a lot of her time fundraising, is IRINs specialization, and the existence of both a growing humanitarian-aid community, and a body of journalists who want to write about it. Theres a feeling were at a turning point, and if we just hold out long enough, well get that conviction in a critical mass of readers, she says.

A critical mass of funders is another matter. You need to do the slow, hard work of finding funds, and not rely on just one donor. We learned that lesson.

The sites tone has changed since its break with the UN, becoming noticeably more critical of the organizations it covers, including its former bosses. At times, its coverage is biting. Aleppo is Screwed. Thanks Everyone, IRIN headlined a July op-ed on failures to deliver aid to the besieged Syrian city. Plenty of Hype, No New Ideas at UN Migration Summit, the agency reported in late September, a headline UN staff would have likely found controversial if published in-house.

Aly notes that on a few occasions, pointed coverage by IRIN had seemed to move mainstream coverage, though that isnt a major goal, she says. In DRC well do some reporting out of Katanga, where everybody is focused on Kivu, and well do it and then well see others shift. We like to see a catalystic role toward the media.

Focused IRIN reporting on a group Syrian refugees trapped near the Jordanian and Iraqi borders seemed to coincide with CNN shifting its coverage to that little-noticed population, she noted. Those kinds of wins help the organizations profile to move past the still-lingering association with the UN, and the old stigma of being perceived as a house organ.





Its target audience is still professionals in the humanitarian field, even if the copy now reads more like a mainstream magazine. Catchy ledes, good headlines, written with a kind of verve and panache, says Anyadike. But the kind of issues were writing about assume a familiarity. That doesnt mean that a school project in Idaho isnt going to see our story on South Sudan, and that is great. The nature of coverage on the internet is you dont know where your story goes.

Focusing on an audience of experts is a conscious choice. I think its quite clear that we need to choose. Were a specialized news service for decision makers and practitioners, but we produce it in a way that your mother could read it.

Even focused narrowly, can a global news service covering some of the worlds most urgent, but often little-known events, and an audience of far-flung technocrats, survive on its own?

Martin Scott, the journalism and international development scholar, says hes optimistic, but would rather talk about this in a year.

Aly, whose current goal is to more than double IRINs annual budget to $5 million in the next few years, claims the numbers are there. If theres a clear demand and a capacity to create supply, then its just a matter of connecting the dots, says Aly. I guess the reason were doing this is were strong-headed people.

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This election cycle has seen a proliferation of online tools that make the job of digging up and delivering newsworthy information a little bit easier. The toolswhich take advantage of advances in artificial intelligence, algorithms, video software, and analyticshelp journalists navigate big data and an internet ecosystem increasingly entwined with the political landscape. The social media wave that helped put President Obama in office in 2008 looks almost quaint in comparison.

CJR rounded up five online tools that will help journalists cut down on research and production time, find new ways of analyzing voters, and create engaging journalism that is digestible for the reader, even without the resources of a big newsroom.

1) Map subcultures on social networks

The morning after the first presidential debate, the hashtag #TrumpWon was trending on Twitter. Gilad Lotan, Chief Data Scientist at start-up studio betaworks, was intrigued by the confused reaction to the trending topic and decided to investigate. Lotan turned to the betaworks platform Scale Model (he is a co-founder), which is used to map communities on social media and track how information filters through interest groups. The tool is geared towards advertisers, but in this instance Lotan used the platform to track the #TrumpWon hashtag back to its source and unearthed a cluster of highly active Trump supporters who were organized enough to Tweet the same message, at the same time, from multiple locations, among tightly-knit networks.

New blog post on the #TrumpWon hashtag and the communities of users who got it to trend worldwide https://t.co/RWmA39vkfr pic.twitter.com/0V0IPvM0Qf Sign up for CJR 's daily email  Gilad Lotan (@gilgul) September 29, 2016

Lotan identified five different categories of Trump supporters who were pushing the hashtag, from traditional conservatives to white nationalists. Later in the day, a fake news story that the #TrumpWon hashtag had originated in Russia began to spread through an equal and opposite world of anti-Trump supporters. Lotans Medium post about his research process provides an interesting insight into how densely connected communities from both sides of politics can cause misinformation spread through Twitter and go viral. Its worth reading the whole thing.

Trending topics are helpful as they cut across information silos, gaining significant levels of attention from people who would otherwise never see your content, he writes, going to explain how false information can spread like wildfire, especially when there are enough people invested in making it true.

Scale Model offers a 14 day free-trial for those interested in checking it out.

Related: Martha Raddatz and the case for a more assertive debate moderator





2) Keyword-search audio files

After leaked footage of Donald Trump casually advocating sexual assault was published by The Washington Post Friday, it became clear sound bites unearthed from old audio and video material could influence the outcome of the election. Deepgram is a tool that uses artificial intelligence to transcribe large audio files and allow users to search them using keywords. Theyre giving journalists free access until Election Day. Try it out here.

3) Make a supercut

Everyone loves a supercut. After Sunday nights debate, videos of Trump lurking behind Clinton, Trump arguing with the moderators, and a 15 minute long cut from PBS showing the candidates silent moments during the debate, began to do the rounds. Supercuts, which are created by stitching together multiple short video clips, are often used for comedic effect, but they can also highlight trends that arent as noticeable during a long broadcast. For instance, this year-old supercut showing CNN commentators and guests uttering Donald Trumps name 239 times in a 24-hour period encapsulates how Trump can dominate the media cycle and basically sums up coverage of this entire election.

For those wanting to make their own, its pretty easy to do thanks to Spin Time TV, an online community dedicated to remixing video of the election. TV News Archive is making a video archive of the debates available on a two-minute delay, enabling the Spin Time TV group to isolate clips, edit them, and share them on Twitter using Mozillas Popcorn Maker, a free, web-based, open source video editor. Join the Spin Time TV community and access free tools and tutorials here.

For more political supercuts, such as this one likening Donald Trump to Frank Costanza, head over to The Washington Free Beacons YouTube page where you can lose yourself for hours.

4) Visualize the candidates campaign messaging

Which candidates goes on the attack more on TwitterTrump or Clinton? You might be surprised to learn that its Clinton. At the time of publication, Trump has posted 2,396 messages classified as attacking, compared to 2,745 from Clinton. The caveat is that Clinton is more likely to post attacks related to issues, while Trumps attacks focus more on image. Thats the sort of information you can find through Illuminating 2016, a tool that enables journalists to create data visualizations out of the social media activity of political candidates.

The team behind project is compiling data from the Facebook and Twitter accounts of all of the major party presidential candidates and analyzes them in real-timethe website refreshes every hour. Users can make graphs and charts comparing things like the volume of Tweets from each candidate, their most liked and re-Tweeted messages, and their share of promotional hashtag mentions.

For example, Trumps most re-Tweeted message in the past year was posted on July 20:

The media is spending more time doing a forensic analysis of Melanias speech than the FBI spent on Hillarys emails.  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 20, 2016

Meanwhile, Clintons most re-Tweeted message comes from September 27:

Users can create visualizations filtered by time frame, candidate, and topic, generating insights not only into how candidates are communicating with their constituents, but also how their constituents are responding to them. You can read about the methodology here.

Related: FiveThirtyEights Whiz Kid Harry Enten represents the new generation of political journalist

5) Mine public data

Last month ProPublica and Google News Lab launched the Election DataBot, an online tool that helps journalists find newsworthy leads about the presidential race by automatically surfacing the most interesting details gathered from campaign finance filings, congressional votes, polls, and Google Trends data. Users can search by keyword or browse data by state. The latest data for Hillary Clinton shows a $66,653 donation from Planned Parenthood Advocates of Wisconsin Political Fund, a link to a Politico/Morning Consult poll noting that Trump has managed to maintain support following the unsavory revelations of the last week, and a big spike in Google searches of Clintons name around the time of Sundays presidential debate.

Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today

Shelley Hepworth , formerly a CJR Delacorte Fellow, is Technology Editor at The Conversation in Australia. Follow her on Twitter @shelleymiranda.
It was an eye-catching scene on Stamfords West Avenue on the evening of Oct. 6.

A cop, a fire marshal, zoning officers and officials from the Connecticut citys health department walked toward a multifamily home, carrying a measuring tape, a moisture meter, clipboards and other tools.

After repeatedly knocking on the door, the homeowner appeared and learned the group was there to investigate an illegal housing complaint.

Andrew Covino, whose two-unit residence houses his mother and a family of three, promptly welcomed the six-person task force inside the house. After a few minutes, the group walked out without finding any violations.

But thats the outcome of only 30 to 40 percent of complaints, officials said. They usually find overcrowded homes, illegally rented units, bedrooms divided by makeshift walls to accommodate different tenants and unsafe spaces converted into sleeping areas.

Weve found people sleeping in closets, boiler rooms, attics, basements, Chief Fire Marshal Charles Spaulding said.

Cramped living arrangements are not new to Stamford, but as Fire Prevention Week kicked off on Oct. 9, some officials warn the practice remains highly popular, despite the safety risks.

Besides violating the citys zoning rules, overcrowded homes can be a firetrap if theres an emergency. Inspectors often find apartments without smoke or carbon monoxide detectors, exposed wiring and many more extension cords than is safe.

Its a disaster waiting to unfold, Spaulding said.

Its not if its going to happen. Its when, he said. Undoubtedly, its going to happen sooner or later because the conditions are ripe for it.

The inspection at Covinos home was among about 10 conducted last week following complaints from neighbors or referrals from city agencies.

The homeowner praised the groups effort to ensure homes across the city are safe. Covino recently rented the rear apartment of his West Avenue home to a family of three and he believes the move might have concerned a neighbor.

Zoning Enforcement Officer James Lunney said Stamfords expensive rental rates are the main reason for the citys increasing number of illegal firetraps.

Its more prevalent than ever, he said. The cost of living here promotes people to try to cheat so they can make some extra money.

The increase in bedroom count has happened throughout Stamford, but Spaulding said its particularly prevalent in the Cove, West Side and Waterside  three of the citys highest-density neighborhoods.

Brian Fry, who buys groceries at a Cove supermarket, was not surprised.

I see one, two, three, four  four satellite dishes, he said, as he pointed to what appeared to be a two-family home on Cove Road.

Fry said residents should understand that fire, zoning and health regulations are in place for their own safety.

If you have multiple families living there and theres a fire or an explosion, the number of people who can get hurt is two or three times higher, he said.

Besides satellite dishes, other common red flags are the volume of cars, mailboxes and doorbells.

The fire marshals office receives more than 100 complaints a year. Nine out of 10 times, Spaulding said, residents are unaware they live in an illegal apartment.

The fire marshal said the task force often puts some safeguards in place during the visit, such as providing and installing smoke detectors. But depending on the violation, the group will order the landlord to correct a problem or vacate the building.

Lunney said health and fire safety issues are much easier to fix than zoning violations, which is why it may take longer for illegal apartments to be dismantled.

With zoning, you really cant fix it, he said. You cant move your house to a zoning district that allows three families.

Landlords are given time to comply, but if they dont, officials take them to court. Lunney said legal action is usually avoided because of the cost to the city and the defendant, but he said he has files and files on many repeat offenders who the task force frequently monitors.

Officials say overcrowded homes are more common among immigrants because of financial hardships and cultural factors.

In summer 2014, an elderly woman who had recently moved from South America narrowly escaped a fire in the Cove. Her family had converted the attic into a bedroom for her without the landlords approval, Spaulding said.

They took an extension cord through the second-floor bedroom to give her a lamp, an air conditioner and a TV. The woman had left the house half an hour before the fire started and destroyed the attic.

Nearly 30 years ago, a family of five was not as fortunate. Jean Camman, 38, his wife Anne Marie Camman, 36, their 11-year-old daughter, Isabelle, 8-year-old son, Lyndon, and a niece, Marie Frances Forestal, 22, were killed when a fire burned their third-floor Pacific Street apartment, where a door nailed shut from the inside and blocked by a sofa delayed the firefighters response.

An investigation revealed the fire started in an illegally rented apartment that had no smoke detectors. The building also hadnt been inspected in four years.

Spaulding said people are now more aware of fire hazards. He points to the decreasing number of fires as an example. The total number of fires in the city went down to 413 in the 2015-16 fiscal year from 445 in 2013-14.

But Spaulding urged neighbors to report any home that appears unsafe.

Youre actually doing them a favor because youre making their place better, he said. How would you feel if there was a fire and that person was trapped?

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Liberty Mutual Executive Moves to Lemonade

Lemonade, a new insurer that is beginning to do business in New York, announced the appointment of John Peters as its chief underwriting officer.

He comes to Lemonade from Liberty Mutual, where he held leadership positions including executive vice president, chief underwriting officer and chief product officer. Peters previously served as co-head of North American Underwriting practice at McKinsey & Company, and was a Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society.

Peters joins the insurance team in Lemonades New York office, including Ty Sagalow, formerly president of Product at AIG; James Hageman, formerly SVP Claims at ACE; and Ron Topping, formerly head of P&C Financial Planning and Analyses at AIG.

Last month, Lemonade announced it had been licensed as a full-stack insurance carrier by New York State. In addition to digitizing the entire insurance process, Lemonade introduces a reversal of the traditional insurance model, returning unclaimed money to causes policyholders care about during its annual Giveback.

Navigators Names Hunter SVP Claims

Cindy Hunter joined Navigators as senior vice president in the Claims department, overseeing casualty claims. In this capacity, she will be responsible for management of primary, excess, environmental, life sciences, auto and property claims.

Hunter brings broad experience with primary and excess claims, and she has worked closely with all areas of P & C commercial insurance, including the actuarial, enterprise risk management, compliance, auditing, reinsurance and training departments.

Previously, Hunter was with AIG for 14 years, most recently serving as global head of environmental claims leading a team of 90 professionals. Prior to working in the insurance industry, she worked in consulting as an environmental engineer and in manufacturing as a compliance officer for environmental, health and safety matters.

Hunter is certified as an associate in risk management by the Insurance Institute of America.

Veteran Settlement Expert, Vega, Joins Ringler

Ringler announced that Paul Vega, president of the Vega Settlement Group, will join the U.S. settlement planning company.

He will work out of the Los Angeles area. Vega brings the strength of a combined 26 years of experience in plaintiff settlement work and work in the financial industry. He specializes in designing settlement solutions that involve cases such as workers compensation, minors compromise, personal injury, wrongful death, medical malpractice, punitive damages and Medicare-Set-Asides.

He is actively involved with all the lawyer associations in California, such as the California Applicants Attorney Association (CAAA), the Consumer Attorneys Association of L-A (CAALA),Latino Workers Comp and the Mexican American Bar Association.
akron police.jpg

An Akron woman is in critical condition after she was shot in the head Wednesday morning, police said.

(File photo)

AKRON, Ohio - An Akron man faces charges after he shot his wife in head, police said.

Phillip Battle, 51, is charged with felonious assault in Akron Municipal Court. He is currently in Summit County Jail.

Battle's 58-year-old wife was shot in the head about 8 a.m. Wednesday on the 1100 block of Johnland Avenue, police said. She was taken to Summa Akron City Hospital, where she is in critical condition.

Investigators search for Battle after the shooting, and officers saw him driving a Saturn SUV on South Arlington Street near 7th Avenue. He sped away, but was arrested after a brief chase, police said.

Officials have not given additional details about the shooting or provided a possible motive.

Battle is scheduled for arraignment 9 a.m. Thursday, court records show.

If you'd like to comment on this post, please visit the cleveland.com crime and courts comments section.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A victim and witness to the mass shooting at the Chalk Linez barbershop in Warrensville Heights told a jury Tuesday that she was scared for her life to testify and couldn't identify the defendant in the courtroom.

Douglas Shine, Jr., a member of the Heartless Felons gang, is on trial facing a possible death sentence for the mass shooting that killed Walter Barfield, Brandon White and William Gonzalez.

He is also charged with arranging the assassination of Aaron Ladson, one of the witnesses from the barbershop who gave a recorded statement to police naming Shine as the shooter.

Whitney Clay was at her first day of work at the Harvard Road barbershop on Feb. 5, 2015 when a man come in wearing all black, pulled out two handguns and started shooting, she said Tuesday. She was shot in the arm, but was able to see the shooter's face before retreating to a bathroom.

On Tuesday, Clay told the jury that she didn't recognize the shooter in the courtroom.

It was almost two months after the Chalk Linez shooting, on April 3, 2015 when police came to see her in Euclid and asked her to identify the shooter from a photo lineup. She chose the photo of Shine because she recognized his facial tattoos, his mustache and his lips.

She also saw his picture on television news reports at least three times between the time of the shooting and her interview with police, she testified.

But Clay, who testified on behalf of the prosecution, appeared nervous. She told the jury she was scared for her life, and that she couldn't identify the shooter in the courtroom.

"You're not sure that a person in this courtroom came in the barbershop," defense attorney Russell Tye asked.

"That's correct," she said.

Shine was sitting at a table no more than 10 yards away.

"Why aren't you sure the person in the room is not the same?" Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Timothy McGinty asked later.

"He doesn't look like the person I saw walk into the barbershop," Clay replied.

"What's different?" McGinty asked.

"He was skinnier."

Clay is one of 17 people witnesses from inside the barbershop expected to testify in Shine's trial, which started Sept. 6.

At least one witness, Alvin Wright, positively identified Shine as the shooter in the courtroom last week.

Earlier Tuesday morning the co-owner of the barbershop, Marion Randle, testified that he couldn't see the shooter because a barber had his head tilted back at the time.

Randle wore a prison jumpsuit to testify. He is currently serving a drug-trafficking sentence at Trumbull Correctional Institution.

Another witness in Shine's case was arrested this week after he was accused of stabbing a man to death outside a West 6th Street bar. Prosecutors say Shine shot Stefon Robinson oustide his grandmother's on Jan. 20, 2016, less than two weeks before the barbershop massacre.

Testimony in Shine's trial resumes Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m.

If you'd like to comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comment section.
12DARCY-WIKILEAKS.jpg

WikiLeaks has released a batch of Clinton campaign emails that are damaging to the candidate.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- When Donald Trump was accused of hovering over Hillary Clinton during the second presidential debate, he was actually standing by his designated seat. But the WikiLeaks organization is definitely stalking Clinton, releasing new batches of damaging campaign emails.

Clinton invades Trump's debate space

Debate observers jumped on Trump's body language and movement on the debate stage. He was mocked for allegedly lurking over Clinton in a menacing manner as she spoke. One photo is often shown of Trump standing behind her as she answered an audience member's question. A wider shot of the moment shows Trump was standing at his designated seat.

Clinton had crossed in front of Trump to answer a question of an audience member,up close. Trump simply remained standing at his seat. He generally remained in front of or behind his chair.

It was a small stage area. Trump is a big man, especially next to Clinton. Because of their differing sizes and camera angles it could give the appearance he was lurking over her, when it may not have been his intent at all.

Hillary Clinton could just as easily been accused of manipulative stagecraft by crossing over in front of Trump to answer the audience member's question. I saw it as her simply attempting to come across as warm, by walking up to the audience member and address him by his first name.

Trump did have a serious, tough, almost angry demeanor during the debate. But that works for him. Millions of voters made him the Republican nominee because they see him as exuding strength in contrast to President Obama who they see as weak.

WikiLeaks disclose more damaging emails.

WikiLeaks really is lurking over Hillary Clinton. The organization released a new damaging batch of Clinton campaign emails. The emails confirm Clinton's relationship with Wall Street was what Bernie Sanders said it was. They also show more collusion between DNC officials and a feud between Chelsea Clinton and a Clinton Foundation official over his business ethics. And they reveal early concerns over Bill Clinton's sex life.

The information comes from the email of Clinton campaign chairman, John Podesta. Russian agents are suspected of hacking the email. WikiLeaks has now released about 4,000 of them.

Here a some noteworthy revelations.

Wall Street Speeches

Clinton aides were concerned several points made in her speeches could pose problems. Clinton saying politicians like her need to have both public and private positions on controversial issues. Clinton endorsed open trade and borders. Clinton who was paid in the six-figures for speeches, admitted she was out of touch with the struggles of average Americans because of her wealth.

DNC's Donna Brazile colludes with Clinton campaign.

While she was vice chair of the DNC, current DNC chairwoman, Donna Brazile passed confidential information from Sanders' African-American outreach team to the Clinton campaign. "Thank you for the heads up on this Donna", replied Clinton aide, Adrienne Elrod. Brazile, while also working as a CNN contributor, passed along a CNN debate question Clinton would be asked to the campaign.

Brazile replaced Debbie Wasserman Schultz as chairwomen after earlier leaked emails showed the DNC conspired with the Clinton campaign to stifle Sanders bid.

Clinton friends concerned about Bill's sex life.

People, described as close to Bill and Hillary Clinton, expressed early concerns that Bill Clinton's sex life would be damaging to Hillary Clinton's presidential bid. The emails were not specific on if these friends were referring to Bill Clinton's current sex life or past philandering.

In hacked emails, Colin Powell wrote that he was hesitant to vote for Hillary Clinton in part because her husband was still d***** bimbos at home in New York.

Aid calls Chelsea Clinton a "spoiled brat" in feud.

Longtime Bill Clinton aide and Clinton Foundation official Douglas Band was engaged in a feud with Chelsea Clinton over ethical questions involving the Foundation and Band's consulting firm, Teno Strategies.

Chelsea Clinton had raised objections upon hearing that Teno employees were invoking Bill Clinton's name, without his consent, in behalf of the consulting firm and its clients.

Band emailed Podesta, "if this story gets out, we are screwed. Band said Chelsea "is acting like a spoiled brat kid who has nothing else to do but create issues to justify what she's doing because she, as she has said, hasn't found her way and has a lack of focus in her life."

Band had previously featured in earlier State Department emails that were leaked. Band emailed Clinton aide Huma Abedin seeking to set up meetings for Clinton Foundation donors. At the time, Abedine was employed by both the Clinton Foundation and the State Department.

Aide claims Bill and Chelsea made staff member suicidal

Band claims he talked a high ranking Clinton Foundation official from driving herself into the water off of Staten Island. "She called me to tell me the stress of all this office crap with wjc (William Jefferson Clinton) and cvc (Chelsea Victoria Clinton) as well as that of her family had driven her to the edge and she couldn't take it anymore," Band wrote to Podesta.

Playing politics with Keystone XL position

The emails show the Clinton campaign debating how to leak her position on Keystone in a way not to offend President Obama and also distract from the email controversy.

Concerns about Rubio and Biden

The emails confirm previous reports that the campaign saw Macro Rubio being potentially the toughest Republican candidate to defeat. They were also concerned Joe Biden would enter the race

Press members in their pockets?

CNBC correspondent John Harwood emailed Podesta many times. In one he offered campaign advice warning that "Ben Carson could give you real trouble."

New York Times reporter Mark Leibovich emailed Clinton communication director Jennifer Palmieri an interview he did with Clinton seeking permission to use portions of it. Palmieri suggested portions he should edit out, including a reference to Sarah Palin and a quote about gay rights.

In a memo referring to former Politico reporter and current New York Times reporter, Maggie Haberman, the campaign writes, "We have had her tee up stories for us before and have never been disappointed."

Tuesday night Scott Pelley's CBS Evening News program did a story on the leaked Podesta emails. None of the disclosures I just noted were reported. Instead Pelley's program just reported that Starbuck's founder emailed Podesta, basically to say that Clinton's campaign messaging was like stale coffee.

Too late for Sanders

Had WikiLeaks Clinton campaign emails come out during the primaries, it's highly likely Hillary Clinton would not be the Democrats nominee.
HAVANA, Cuba -- We all want to get to Cuba before it's too late, whatever that means. Our group skirted recent changes by flying roundtrip from Cancun to Havana, but now that eight U.S. airlines have been awarded the rights to fly straight from the States, it has never been easier for regular joes to experience the island's long-forbidden fruits. Here are some things that might make planning - and executing - your trip a success.

Who Can Go

To qualify, Americans must fall into one of 12 approved travel categories, which include familial visits, journalism, educational or religious activities and people-to-people trips that benefit Cubans. Instead of requiring advance written permission from the United States, travelers now simply check the appropriate box on a form (wink, wink). Your airline or tour company will secure the required Tourist Visa ($20-$50) to enter the country.

Money

Cuba is a cash-driven country. American-issued credit card usage is all but impossible and ATMs are risky to use. Running out of money is a real hazard. Estimate how much you'll need and double it. Before departing, order that amount of money in Euros from your bank as it is the desired currency in Cuba, where you will exchange it as needed into Cuban Convertible Pesos, or CUCs. Bring your passport to the money exchange. Exchanging U.S. dollars will cost you a 10-percent fee. Locals use a separate currency called CUPs, roughly 24 to 1 U.S. dollar. To bypass the long line at the airport to exchange money, find a taxi driver who will accept Euros.

A mural colorfully illustrates the Cuban frustration and contempt against the US embargo (bloqueo) imposed on Cuba. (Photo: Douglas Trattner)

Language

Cubans have a clipped Spanish dialect that makes conversation difficult to comprehend even for those adept with the language. It helps to slow down, be patient and connections will occur. Of course, staffers at the big hotels and touristy spots will speak and understand English.

Escape from Havana

There is a lot more to do and see in Cuba than Old Havana. The island is nearly 800 miles long, so experiencing it all in one trip is unreasonable. But do plan an overnight trip to Vinales or Santa Clara or Cienfuegos or Trinidad, a colonial village that looks the same today as it did centuries ago when it ruled the sugar industry. Most private taxi drivers will be happy to take you there and back as well as recommend a casa particular when you get there.

What to Bring

Bring toilet paper with you everywhere as it is a scare commodity. Bring earplugs for sleeping because of crowing roosters, hawking street peddlers, horses on cobblestone and back firing cars. Bring shoes and socks rather than flip-flops or sandals because the Malecon is slippery when wet and there are no smooth roads. Hot sauce wouldn't be a bad idea. Download a mapping program that works offline because you will almost always be offline. Internet at hotels will cost between $5 and $10 per hour and is spotty at best.

Where to Eat and Drink

El Chanchullero (Teniente Rey b/w Bernaza y El Cristo)

A local tipped us off on this place in the heart of Old Havana and it turned out to be one of the best and cheapest meals of the trip. It's small as a closet but the $2 mojitos and $4.50 platters of lamb, sausage or chicken were heavenly.

El Cocinero (Calle 26 b/w Calle 11 and 13)

Ascend a winding staircase built into the smokestack of a former cooking oil factory and you land in one Havana's hippest rooftop paladars. Located next door to the Fabrica de Arte in Vedado, this trendy tapas spot is a popular pre- or post-gallery stop.

Atelier (Calle 5 b/w Paseo and Calle 2)

Dining at Atelier is like eating in someone's well-appointed home. The handwritten menu changes daily, with a nice mix of creative vegetable, meat and fish dishes. Bring cigars to enjoy on the rooftop overlooking a park after your meal.

El Floradita (Obispo and Belgica)

Brave the tourists for a few rounds of blended daiquiris at this legendary Old Havana establishment where Ernest Hemingway held court. It's crowded and noisy and frenetic and steeped in glorious rum-soaked history.

La Terraza (Calle 152 in Cojimar)

Those in search of Hemingway's ghost make pilgrimages to this breezy seaside tavern in sleepy Cojimar, where the author lived, fished and drank. Pay your respects to the bust of Papa in the weathered pavilion before drowning your sorrows in icy daiquiris at this bar.

Cigars and rum

Under the new rules, which go into effect Oct. 17, travelers can purchase unlimited quantities of Cuban rum and cigars in any country where they are sold so long as they are for personal consumption.

Where to Stay

If you are dead set on staying in a hotel, start your booking process early. For casas particulares, start with Airbnb and then consider sites like cubacasas.net, homestay.com and casaparticular.com. Know that booking a room is not as easy as clicking a link. Often, multiple emails and phone calls might be required. Many include breakfast in the price of the room.

By Douglas Trattner

Special to cleveland.com

Trattner is a freelance writer from Cleveland Heights. He can be reached via email at doug@trattner.net. For more information go to douglastrattner.com.
EUCLID, Ohio -- Two men pleaded not guilty to aggravated robbery charges related to a hold-up at Dollar General in Euclid.

Officers caught Ricardo L. Wiggins, 25, of Euclid, and Dawan D. Moore, 20, of Brunswick, running from the store Saturday on Lakeshore Boulevard near East 225th Street, according to a police report.

Wiggins and Moore waived their rights to preliminary hearings Tuesday in Euclid Municipal Court. The cases have been bound over to Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court.

Both remain in custody at the Cuyahoga County Jail on $500,000 bond, records show.

Dollar General employees said two masked men armed with handguns entered the store just before 9:30 p.m. and forced them to hand over money from a cash register. The men then ran off on Lakeshore Boulevard, the report says.

Officers searched the area and spotted Moore on Noble Beach Drive. Moore kicked an officer several times, and the officer hit him in the face to subdue and arrest him, the report says.

Moore screamed that his right wrist had "broken" due to the handcuffs being too tight, so an officer loosened it before putting him in a police cruiser. Moore then managed to pull his right hand out of the loosened handcuff, open the cruiser's back door and run away, the report says.

Officers quickly caught Moore on Lakeshore Boulevard at East 228th Street and put him back in the police cruiser.

Several other officers found Wiggins on the ground behind a detached garage on Sunnycliff Drive. Wiggins tried to roll away before being arrested, the report says.

Officers searched Wiggins and found a Dollar General bag containing $253 in cash in his pocket. The officers also recovered two pellet guns that did not have orange tips and plastic gloves in the area, the report says.

If you'd like to comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comment section.
Looking at the world through the eyes of the Web
FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio - With a goal of attracting separate economic development projects to longstanding areas of need within the business community, City Council recently approved two structure commercial tax abatement applications.

"One of them is on former motel land," Fairview Park Mayor Eileen Ann Patton said. "We use to have five motels on Lorain Road. They were torn down, and this is the last site to be developed."

Andrako Insurance Consultants plans on constructing a 7,000-square foot building on the old Country Inn site. Once completed, the $600,000 project is expected to include 22 new jobs with an estimated $900,000 payroll along with expected increase of employee growth of 15 to 20 percent over the next four years.

"They received 100 percent tax abatement for seven years," Patton said. "There is a formula, and there are certain benchmarks - ownership, predicted growth, building construction cost - they have to reach when they come in front of the Community Reinvestment Area (RCA) Commission for approval."

The other approved commercial structure tax abatement application pertains to the two former NASA buildings along Brookpark Road that have been vacant for years.

Patton said developer Ceres Development has a plan to convert the three-story structures and its combined 200,000 square feet of space into a mixed-use facility that will include restaurants, retail, a boutique hotel and living arrangements.

"They have their estimated payroll of $444,000," Patton said. "They're asking for tax abatement for an increase in the assessed value of the property. The buildings sold for $1.2 million. When the project is completed they should be is listed at $32 million.

"Also, they're seeking state of Ohio historical tax credits."

Since Patton took office at the turn of the century, the Mayor said there have been 12 approved applications for new structure commercial tax abatements. This includes the rejuvenation of the former Westgate mall site into the current Westgate Shopping Center.

"We're a first-ring suburb and our projects mostly include tearing down the old and rebuilding new," Patton said. "That can be very cumbersome and expensive. So we do use these ordinances to encourage the development for the rebuilding and expansion of our tax base.

"The new structure commercial tax abatements have really changed the landscape of our community. A lot of those businesses that came in here are on our list of top 25 tax paying businesses to our city. So it really has been a great tool for us to be able to use."
body found drexel avenue

A 5-year-old boy found a body Saturday on Drexel Avenue near East 108th Street in Cleveland, his father said.

(Evan MacDonald, cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Authorities on Wednesday identified a woman who was found dead Saturday by a 5-year-old boy.

Brandi Bledsoe's death is being investigated as a suspected homicide. The medical examiner released Bledsoe's given name Wednesday. Her family said that she identified as Brandi for the two years leading up to her death.

Bledsoe was found dead about 10 a.m. in the driveway behind a home on Drexel Avenue, near East 108th Street. She was wearing only underwear and had white plastic bags covering her head and both hands, according to police reports.

Police also said she had head trauma.

The 5-year-old boy was riding his bicycle with his 12-year-old brother when he discovered Bledsoe's body. The boy told his father, Steven Simms, who called 911.

"I feel like my kid is going to be traumatized," Simms told cleveland.com on Saturday. "It's something that a kid should never see."

No arrests have been made in the case.

NOTE: This post was updated after family members identified the victim in the case as Brandi Bledsoe.

To comment on this story, please visit our crime and courts comments page.
Steve Loomis Discipline

Cleveland Police Patrolmen's Association President Steve Loomis is under internal investigation for wearing his police uniform to a Donald Trump rally in Akron.

(Cory Shaffer, cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cleveland police union president Steve Loomis is under investigation by the department's internal affairs unit after he wore his dress uniform to a rally for Donald Trump in Akron.

Loomis, the president of the union that represents the city's rank-and-file officers, was spotted in the crowd at the rally. A police spokeswoman said the investigation is being handled in the Integrity Control branch of internal affairs, specifically the inspections unit.

Loomis previously told cleveland.com that he was invited by friends to the Aug. 22 rally for the Republican presidential candidate, not the Trump campaign. Loomis said Wednesday that he went to the rally while off duty, drove his personal car and attended the rally in his official capacity as the head of the Cleveland Police Patrolman's Association.

"We all wore our uniforms every day of the RNC and took pictures and video with Mr. Trump, a host of Republican politicians, supporters and media, both on and off duty," Loomis said in a text message. "The men and women of the CPPA represented the City of Cleveland on an international sage in grand fashion."

The union voted Sept. 30 to publicly endorse Trump for president, the first time the union ever endorsed a presidential candidate.

Several officers told cleveland.com that they worried a vote to endorse Trump could risk eroding the relationship between officers and minority communities. The department has been working to rebuild those relationships after a series of controversial deaths involving police.

Lynn Hampton, the president of the union representing black officers worried the vote for Trump -- who has made a series of statements that have drawn criticism from black and Hispanic voters -- could divide the community.

"It's a sad day in Cleveland, as far as I'm concerned," Black Shield president Lynn Hampton said Saturday in a phone interview with cleveland.com after the endorsement. "I don't think it's a good thing while we're in this paradigm shift of reform in our department."

The Black Shield is expected to hold a Thursday afternoon press conference to again address the endorsement in the wake of the release of the 2005 Access Hollywood footage that showed the GOP nominee making explicit remarks about women. In the footage, Trump described how his celebrity allowed him to grope women with impunity.

When asked Tuesday whether the union could continue to back a candidate who made such statements, Loomis declined to comment.

Photos of police officers elsewhere with Trump have been a matter of controversy.

The Summit County Sheriff drew ire after he published a photo of SWAT team officers posing with Trump in the department's news letter that was posted on Facebook. Sheriff Steve Barry, a Democrat, told WJW-TV that the photo was not intended to be an endorsement for Trump.

"This was nothing to do with politics," Barry said.

Twelve San Antonio police officers will be disciplined after a video surfaced of them wearing "Make America Great Again" hats while shaking hands with Trump, according to the San Antonio Express-News.

In Phoenix, the city has issued a cease-and-desist order to the Trump campaign after they used a photo of him with in-uniform and on-duty officers during a campaign stop there, the Arizona Republic reported.

"The officers depicted in the ad were in uniform precisely because they were on duty performing work for Phoenix at the time," Phoenix City Attorney Brad Holm wrote. "In this context, the ad unmistakably and wrongfully suggests that Phoenix and the officers support or endorse Mr. Trump's campaign."

cleveland.com reporter Cory Shaffer contributed to this report.
00Cvincent

St. Vincent Charity Medical Center and Cleveland State University are developing and expanding collaborations.

(John Kuntz, cleveland.com)

CLEVELAND, Ohio - St. Vincent Charity Medical Center and Cleveland State University will expand and develop new collaborations, they announced Wednesday.

For the past few years, both presidents have expressed a desire to leverage the institutions to benefit the community, they said in a statement. In early 2016 began developing ways on how to work together.

The neighboring institutions are exploring ways they can address the opiate epidemic in a collaborative manner that not only expands treatment in the short term, but also identifies new evidenced-based treatments and research, they said.

Researchers at St. Vincent's Spine & Orthopedic Institute and CSU's Washkewicz College of Engineering are working together to improve rehabilitation techniques and create new prosthetic technology.

Resarchers and faculty are working together in the colleges of engineering, sciences and health professions, nursing and law.

St. Vincent Charity is a teaching site for CSU's joint medical degree program with Northeast Ohio Medical University.

The partnership will expand on the existing academic and medical hub in the Campus District and Central Neighborhood, said Dr. David Perse, president and CEO of St. Vincent Charity and CSU President Ronald Berkman in a statement.

"As anchor institutions, we recognize our responsibility to serve the people of Cleveland," Berkman said. "Together, St. Vincent and CSU are committed to this mission."

Perse announced at St. Vincent's primary fundraising event last week that more than $500,000 in gifts support the collaboration.
The decline in drug and biotech stocks took away Jim Cramer's breath on Tuesday. He pinned the decline to uncertainty surrounding the presidential election.

The staggering fall of Gilead to $73, down from a 52-week high of $111 left him speechless. The company has made fortunes on its Hepatitis C treatment, and yet the stock still trades at six-times earnings.

How is that possible?

"I almost hesitate to answer this question because it touches on the third rail that is politics  Hillary Clinton's bite could be every bit as bad as her bark when it comes to controlling drug pricing," the "Mad Money" host said.

On a tough day, stocks in most sectors were tough to own. The only silver lining Cramer found was that when there is usually nowhere to run and hide in a big sell-off, bargains will surface on the second day, with technology giving investors the biggest bang for their buck.

Cramer's top picks were companies that try to dominate in social, mobile, cloud, the internet of things, augmented reality or artificial intelligence. That is why he likes Salesforce , which he says needs to find a deep-pocketed partner to help defer the cost if it decides to acquire Twitter.

"It's important not to be too big a slave to any one day, because otherwise with the selling off badly and at a three-week low, you'd think 'who needs this?' The answer is someone who wants to make money a little longer term, that's who," Cramer said.
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The "shackles" gone, Donald Trump stepped up his fierce attacks on his own party leaders Tuesday, promising to teach Republicans who oppose him a lesson and fight for the presidency "the way I want to." "I'm just tired of non-support" from leaders of the party he represents on the presidential ticket, Trump said Tuesday evening on Fox News Channel's "The O'Reilly Factor." He saved special ire for House Speaker Paul Ryan, who told Republicans Monday he'll no longer campaign for Trump with four weeks to go before Election Day. "I don't want his support, I don't care about his support," Trump said. With his campaign floundering and little time to steady it, the businessman reverted to the combative, divisive strategy that propelled him to victory in the GOP primary: Attack every critic - including fellow Republicans. Those close to Trump suggested it was "open season" on every detractor, regardless of party. "It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to," Trump said in a tweet that brought new concern - near panic in some cases - to a party trying to stave off an all-out civil war before Nov. 8. In another series of tweets, the Republican nominee called House Speaker Paul Ryan "weak and ineffective," Sen. John McCain "very foul-mouthed" and "disloyal" Republicans "far more difficult than Crooked Hillary." "They come at you from all sides," Trump declared. "They don't know how to win - I will teach them!"

Joe Raedle | Getty Images

Rage against fellow Republicans from the face of the 2016 GOP exposed a party slipping from mere feuding into verbal warfare with advance voting already underway in roughly half the states. Polls suggest Trump is headed toward a loss of historic proportions if he doesn't turn things around. His scorched-earth approach, days after his sexual predatory language caught on tape triggered a mass Republican defection, threatened to alienate even more supporters. "Fighting for the sake of fighting is not really very helpful," said former Trump adviser Barry Bennett. Trump has acknowledged the possibility of defeat in recent days, but on Tuesday he tried to shift the blame for his struggles on Republican defections and an election system that may be "rigged" against him. On Monday, he warned of potential voter fraud in heavily African-American Philadelphia, a claim for which there is no evidence but one that could challenge Americans' faith in a fair democratic process. At the same time, Trump's campaign is considering whether to feature Bill Clinton accusers at his upcoming rallies. Trump shocked the political world before Sunday's debate by appearing with several women who had accused the former president of sexual impropriety decades earlier. The aggressive shift is in line with the philosophy of recently hired campaign chaiman Steve Bannon, whose conservative website has long fueled attacks on Republican leaders and perpetuated popular conservative conspiracy theories. The approach has done little to endear Trump to anxious party leaders. At least 40 Republican senators and congressmen have revoked their support for the embattled Republican nominee - with nearly 30 of them urging him to quit the race altogether. Republican Speaker Ryan, in a Monday conference call with congressional Republicans, said he would no longer campaign with Trump. He said he would focus instead on ensuring Clinton doesn't get a "blank check" with a Democratic-controlled Congress, all but conceding that Trump would lose the presidential contest. Trump's running mate Mike Pence said in an interview with NBC Tuesday that he was "disappointed" by the defections and "respectfully" disagreed with Ryan. Yet Trump's aggressive shift is popular among his most loyal supporters who continue to flock to his rallies by the thousands. Megan Johnston, 54, shrugged off his sexually aggressive comments in the 2005 video and pointed at Democrat Hillary Clinton's shortcomings. "He said what he said and he apologized. She should be in jail," Johnston said during a rally near Pittsburgh. At a rally in Newton, Iowa, Pence received multiple standing ovations and was thanked at one point for sticking with Trump - a sign of just how badly Trump has faltered. "You ... just got my respect for not jumping and bailing out on Donald Trump," the questioner said. Another woman told Pence she was concerned about widespread voter fraud and warned that, if Clinton wins, "I am ready for a revolution." "Don't say that," Pence responded.

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Amid all the partisan bickering, there is one thing both parties can agree on: The country needs some fiscal stimulus in 2017 to get the economy to pick up the pace. Consequently, investors should buy stocks that will benefit from greater infrastructure spending, according to Morgan Stanley. "In a rare example of bipartisan support, both candidates have discussed the need to repair crumbling infrastructure," strategist Andrew Sheets wrote in a note to clients Monday. Hillary Clinton's proposal is a five-year $275 billion plan consisting of $250 billion in infrastructure loans and $25 billion to fund an infrastructure bank. Additional loan guarantees will result in $500 billion of total infrastructure spending, which will create 200,000 jobs, according to the strategist. Although Donald Trump's plan is less detailed, the candidate has promised to "double" Hillary's infrastructure proposal. Morgan Stanley estimated $1 trillion of infrastructure spending will create 400,000 jobs and boost GDP by 0.2 percentage points in the first year. "The correlation between infrastructure spending and equity returns has deteriorated in recent years, but candidates' outsized plans could still be a tailwind for infrastructure-levered stocks," he wrote. To take advantage of the call, here are four stocks Morgan Stanley recommended as "most exposed" to more infrastructure spending.

Sergio Hernandez works on the median just east of the new I-25 interchange in Castle Rock, Colorado. Helen H. Richardson | The Denver Post | Getty lmages
*M*ake what you will of this. In the modern era of partisan polarization, which can be dated back to the election of Ronald Reagan in 1980, only the presid...
Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak has shared his advice to entrepreneurs and engineers who may be thinking about starting up their own tech company. Wozniak, who founded Apple along with Steve Jobs in the 1970s, spoke to Econsultancy's Ashley Friedlein at the Festival of Marketing in London about some of the ingredients needed to create a successful company. "When you start a company, you better have good engineering or a good product and you should have a working model of it before you seek money," he said.



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"Most important of all, as I said, is marketing," he added. "Mike Markkula (Apple's second CEO) came in and he started teaching us marketing principles. He would teach Steve Jobs, who was just a young 21-year-old, principles of design and speaking to the press and what you say and how you describe computers and Steve became the excellent marketer of our big, successful product: the Apple II." According to Wozniak, the best engineers have the right aptitude, not necessarily the best grades. "The engineering isn't necessarily grades in college," he explained. "Find someone who has been building things in their little home or their garage all their life." Wozniak is best known for designing the hardware, circuit board and operating system of Apple's first product, the Apple I, and leading the design on the Apple II.

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The financial sector seems to have struggled this quarter, bank analyst Paul Miller told CNBC on Wednesday, two days before Wells Fargo , Citigroup and JPMorgan report earnings.

Miller of FBR Capital Markets told "Squawk Box" that major banks have already experienced "tempered loan growth," in the wake of Wells Fargo's $185 million phony accounts settlement with regulators.

The Wells scandal has resulted in two heated hearings on Capitol Hill and CEO John Stumpf forfeiting about $41 million in unvested equity. Stumpf has agreed to forgo his salary while the board investigates the matter.

The banking industry has faced increased government scrutiny recently. "I just hope they're not on a witch hunt," Miller said.

Deutsche Bank has been talking with the Justice Department about settling investigations into mortgage-backed securities sales in the lead-up the 2008 financial crisis. The DOJ has said it wants the German lender to pay a $14 billion fine.

With headwinds like these facing the industry, Miller said, it's unlikely that any one bank will beat earnings expectations.
"For us (RDIF) we are still producing positive dollar returns, even with the ruble devaluation all of our investment partners produced positive dollar returns so definitely we see a big opportunity for Russia and our stock market is up around 40 percent in dollar terms from the beginning of the year," he said .

"The Russian economy really went through some difficult times but as of the beginning of the year it really reached a floor and is coming up and we expect growth to resume at the end of this year or early next year," Kirill Dmitriev told CNBC in Moscow.

Russia's economy is expected to return to growth as early as the end of the year and has a "big opportunity" to attract foreign investment, the chief executive of the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) told CNBC on Wednesday.

His comments come as Russia's economy starts gradually to improve even if Russia's global political standing is at a low point due to its unwavering support for the controversial Syrian regime and it current bombardment of eastern Aleppo.

Russia's economy entered recession last year amid a global slump in oil prices and western economic sanctions that were imposed on the country for its annexation of Crimea in early 2014 and role in pro-Russian uprising in eastern Ukraine.

The International Monetary Fund predicted in its latest World Economic Outlook in October that Russia's economy could return to growth in 2017 and that its recession had been shallower than expected. It forecast a contraction in Russian GDP of 0.8 percent this year but growth of 1.1 percent in 2017.

Foreign investment is a key part of the economy getting back on track and RDIF is a government-run sovereign wealth fund with $10 billion of reserved capital under management, according to its website.

Since being founded five years ago, the fund has looked to attract foreign investment into Russia's infrastructure and agriculture sectors, as well as healthcare, retail and real estate. It says it has attracted over $27 billion of foreign capital into the Russian economy through long-term strategic partnerships.

Speaking on the sidelines of VTB Bank's "Russia Calling" Investment Forum, Dmitriev said that despite geopolitical tensions, Russia was "open to cooperation with all of the major players in the world."

He added that RDIF was looking to invest in more infrastructure projects in 2017, both in Russia and beyond.

"We continue to focus on large transactions so we will be investing in Pulkovo, which is a major airport in St Petersberg, jointly with major Middle Eastern investorsand we'll be focusing on infrastructure and other key areas that produce positive dollar results to our investors despite the ruble devaluation."

Follow CNBC International on Twitter and Facebook.


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A huge oil discovery in Alaska has put into stark relief the state's battle over the government role in promoting fossil fuel exploration and financially supporting the energy industry. Caelus Energy announced last week it made one of the largest U.S. oil finds in recent history on Alaska's North Slope  a behemoth in the shallow waters of Smith Bay from which the independent driller believes it can extract 1.8 billion to 2.4 billion barrels of crude. Production on that scale could help turn the tide for an energy-dependent state whose oil output has been in decline for three decades and which faces forecasts that crude prices will not soon breach the $100-per-barrel levels that once filled government coffers.



But the two-year oil price downturn has stoked challenges to the Alaska tax incentives that were implemented to attract fossil fuel explorers like Caelus Energy in the first place. Facing a multibillion budget deficit, Alaska has begun paring back those incentives, and further reform is on the table. At the same time, Democratic presidential front-runner Hillary Clinton says she will seek to eliminate $60 billion in federal tax benefits and loopholes for the energy industry, while simultaneously pushing policies aimed at reducing U.S. oil consumption. Striking a balance between fiscal stability and encouraging future drilling is critical for Alaska, because the state has generated as much as 90 percent of its revenue from oil and gas operations in the past. The industry also feeds the Alaska Permanent Fund, which pays out an annual dividend to every man, woman and child in Alaska.

Caelus Energy, formed in 2011 and backed by private equity firm Apollo Global Management , has advocated keeping the existing tax structure in place. In a release announcing the Smith Bay find, Caelus CEO Jim Musselman said: "Fiscal stability going forward is critical for a project of this magnitude. Without the state tax credit programs, none of this would've happened, and I'm not sure Caelus would've come to explore in Alaska." Musselman acknowledged the state is weathering tough times, but he expressed optimism the industry and legislators will forge a path forward. "This is such a large project. I think we'll all roll our sleeves up and figure out a way to make this work," Musselman told CNBC. "Frankly, I can't tell you how that's going to happen, but it's too important for the state not to work." As a sign of Smith Bay's benefit to the state, he said production from the area could add 200,000 barrels per day of light crude to the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. The pipeline, which delivers North Slope crude to the southern shores of Valdez, now carries only about one quarter of its full capacity, making it less efficient and more costly to operate. Alaska lawmakers voted to reduce tax subsidies in June, but the deepest cuts affected producers outside the North Slope, the vast expanse of northern Alaska that is home to Prudhoe Bay, one of America's largest oil fields. Another round of reform proposed by Gov. Bill Walker would take more direct aim at North Slope drillers. Walker has proposed increasing the minimum gross tax on oil production from 4 percent to 5 percent when crude prices rise above $55 a barrel, the Alaska Dispatch News reported. He has also floated ending the practice of giving state-funded tax credits and rebates to North Slope drillers that operate at a loss or lose money while bringing on new production.

The credits are intended to encourage exploration and spur development. The idea is they will pay off when drillers strike oil and bring new production to market, creating jobs and tax revenue. But to some, the credits now look unsustainable as Alaska sinks into the red. Independent drillers see rebates as a critical pillar of support during the exploration process, when they are plowing money into uncertain prospects with no immediate return on investment. Like the wildcatters who drove America's shale oil and gas boom, these independents are taking on the risk of exploration as big integrated oil companies like BP and Exxon Mobil reduce investment in the Last Frontier. If the state is to continue supporting the industry, the governor would like to make sure more of the financial rewards reaped by oil companies from tax benefits will stay in Alaska, said John Hendrix, an energy advisor to Walker and former oil engineer at BP and general manager of Apache 's Alaska operations. "We're trying to get the right fit, and it's delicate up here coming off those highs to these lows. We want to continue to encourage Alaska investors and exploration and production," he told CNBC. Alaska has paid out about $8 billion in tax credits to energy companies through the end of fiscal 2016. The state has footed up to 55 to 65 percent of project development costs, and up to 85 percent of exploration expenses. Hendrix said that once rebates are paid to Caleus Energy, the state will have plowed more money into the Smith Bay project than the company itself. "At what stage do we say, 'You're a company. You're on your own. Go for it?'" he asked.



Musselman said Caelus has spent about $138 million on the Smith Bay project, and was owed roughly $100 million in credits from the state. About $51 million of the state aid was through a program intended to spur development in areas far removed from existing infrastructure. Caelus will use part of that rebate to offset the cost of having ice roads built to bring 240 truckloads to the site, he added. "The way we look at it is the state of Alaska is investing in their future and this has been a really good investment. They'll get 20, 30 times their money back over time," Musselman said. "That's what gets lost in a lot of the politics up there."

In the view of Kara Moriarty, president of the Alaska Oil and Gas Association, the Smith Bay discovery shows that Alaska's 2013 oil tax reform  which included more favorable industry tax credits  has achieved what policymakers set out to achieve: attracting new, smaller companies to invest in oil and gas development. "Obviously it's very exciting news, but I think it underscores the fact that Alaska needs to provide some type of incentive" to explore for oil and gas, Moriarty said, citing the higher production costs of operating in Alaska versus the Lower 48. The incentives already cut have made the Smith Bay project economics more challenging, and they could be made even more difficult, she said, noting the discovery is located a considerable distance from existing transportation infrastructure and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline.



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Hillary Clinton, 2016 Democratic presidential nominee, speaks during a campaign event in Columbus, Ohio. Ty Wright | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has proposed increasing the estate tax to a top rate of 65 percent, arguing, in effect, that the rich have been getting away with murder and enraging small-business owners and farmers who worry a higher estate tax could put them out of business. Clinton wants to cut the exemption for the "death tax" from $5 million today to $3.5 million, with a 45 percent tax on amounts between that and $10 million. She'd set a 50 percent rate on assets over $10 million, 55 percent over $50 million and 65 percent on amounts exceeding $500 million for an individual, $1 billion for married couples. As with the progressive income tax, each rate applies until the next threshold is reached, when the next rate kicks in.

The estate-tax increase would generate $75 billion over the next decade, according to the nonpartisan Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget. The tax increase and other new tax proposals from Clinton are to pay for her plans to simplify small-business taxes and expand the child tax credit. Meanwhile, Donald Trump wants to get rid of the estate tax entirely, saying that would spur economic growth. But he would apply capital gains tax upon the owner's death, with exemptions for small businesses and family farms on the first $10 million in assets. But it is Clinton's proposal that has drawn the most attention, because of its overall increase in the tax bite.

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Though there is little evidence many businesses have gone under from estate taxes, it's a hot-button issue for those who see the tax jeopardizing family assets like farms built over a lifetime  or several lifetimes. Groups opposed to estate taxes note that many small businesses, even if they survive, must give up an arm and a leg selling assets to pay the tax. Many, they complain, shoulder heavy expenses for strategies like buying large life insurance policies to soften the blow. There are approximately 2.5 million small businesses and 90,000 farms worth more than $5 million in the United States, according to National Federation of Independent Business, potentially exposing many to the tax. But there is no exact figure on how many would be affected by Clinton's tax increase.

To levy a 65 percent tax means that the only way to pay it is to liquidate the asset  the entire asset. Dan Doran founder, Quantive Valuations

"The 65 percent tax rate that Hillary Clinton is looking to (impose) is only going to affect the super-rich, obviously a very small percentage of our population," said tax lawyer David Hryck, a partner at Reed Smith in New York City. "Ultimately, I don't believe it is going to raise much revenue as the super wealthy will continue to find ways to work around the tax." Other estate tax experts disagree. While Clinton's higher estate tax rates would apply only to a minority of estates, opponents argue that farmers and business owners incur heavy costs preparing for estate taxes with strategies like buying large life insurance policies or setting up trusts. The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) says 34 percent of its members report expenditures to prepare for estate tax, and says 90,000 U.S. farms are worth more than $5 million, potentially exposing many to the tax. It counts 2.5 million family-owned businesses in the country. Estate tax opponents like NFIB say it is a particular problem for farmers and other small business owners because these enterprises often cannot be sold off piecemeal, the way a stockholder can sell just some shares to pay taxes. "Small businesses and farms are illiquid; they lack access to a public market to readily convert ownership into liquid capital, especially fractional ownership," explained asset-valuation expert Dan Doran, founder of of Quantive Valuations in McLean, Virginia.

The domino effect

"To levy a 65 percent tax means that the only way to pay it is to liquidate the asset  the entire asset," he adds. "There is no market for 65 percent of a farm or 65 percent of a small, privately held business." That difficulty would hold true as well for estates taxed at lower levels, such as Clinton's 45 percent starting at $3.5 million. "It means that the family is losing control of their generational asset," Doran continues. "To me this goes to the heart of the American Dream. We are a nation of entrepreneurs at heart, and often keep these sorts of assets in the family for generations. A tax like this is apt to change that dynamic." "I have a number clients who would be impacted by the Clinton proposals," says tax expert Julian A. Fortuna, partner at Taylor English in Atlanta. "Her proposed dial back of the estate tax exclusions from $5.45 million to $3.5 million would have widespread impact on my client base." An additional concern is the fact that Clinton also wants to eliminate the "step up" that currently reduces capital gains tax on stocks, real estate, businesses or other appreciated assets left to heirs. Under current law, if an investor paid $10 a share for a stock decades ago and it is worth $100 at his death, the beneficiary who sells the stock is taxed only on the sales price minus $100  the "cost basis" is the value at the first owner's death, not what he had paid for the shares. Clinton has said some farms, small businesses and estates below some unspecified level would continue to get the step up "to ensure this change only affects the high-income families." Trump, too, would eliminate the step up and allow some exemptions, but hasn't given details. The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget says Clinton's step-up elimination could produce $150 billion in revenue over 10 years. "I think that is kind of a stealth item in this whole plan," said Bruno Graziano, estate tax expert at Wolters Kluwer-CCH, a tax-information firm in Riverwoods, Illinois. "That, of all the things she proposed, probably could be the thing that would affect the most people." The estate tax has been a roller coaster since first imposed in 1917, when 10 percent was levied on portions of an estate exceeding $5 million. At its peak in the 1940s it charged 77 percent on portions over $10 million, then 70 percent for amounts over $5 million from 1976 to 1982. Then it gradually declined to today's 40 percent, charged to amounts over $5.45 million.

Planning ahead

The tax applies only to amounts above a given threshold, and lower rates have often been charged to smaller estates. From the beginning, some portion of every estate has been exempt altogether  $50,000 in the early 20th century. One oddity: Since 2006, the exemption has been higher than the threshold at which the highest rate kicks in. So today the 40 percent rate technically begins at $1 million but doesn't matter, because of the $5.45 million exemption. Generally, each spouse in a married couple can get the full exemption with proper planning, if the first spouse to die leaves his estate to heirs rather than the other spouse, for example. Opponents have long used the term "death tax" to emphasize what they think is the unfairness of using death as a reason to tax assets one has built over a lifetime, but the larger exemptions of recent years have dramatically reduced the number of estates that are actually taxed, from 7.65 percent of deaths in 1977 to 0.18 percent in 2013, or about 4,700 of the 2.6 million deaths, according to the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation.

Of course, Clinton's proposals are just planks in a platform. Most experts see little chance they will become law anytime soon, as the odds favor a split Congress even if she is elected and since Republican opposition to tax increases is solid.

Nevertheless, estate tax experts recommend business owners take some precautions under today's law. "I recommend that people looking to reduce their estate tax start by gifting money to their children," Hryck said. "Each individual can gift $14,000 (a year) to each child tax-free, $28,000 as a couple." Trusts can also be used to escape tax on assets transferred to others, Hryck says, noting that to qualify a trust must be irrevocable, meaning that once given, the assets cannot be taken back. Trusts can shelter much larger sums than gifts of $14,000. Among the types used, said Fortuna: Charitable Lead Trust, Generation-Skipping Trust, Grantor Retained Annuity Trust, Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust, Qualified Personal Residence Trust and Installment Sale to Grantor Trust. All need a lawyer and possibly an accountant to set up. While the nuts and bolts are different for each, they all shift assets to another individual or charity, making the trust-maker's estate smaller to reduce the estate tax.
One major mall operator is giving back Thanksgiving to thousands of employees at 73 of its properties.

Chattanooga, Tennesseebased CBL & Associates , which owns or has a hand in 89 regional malls and open-air shopping centers, will close the doors at nearly all of its properties until 6 a.m. Black Friday.

At its enclosed malls, the only tenants allowed to open are department stores, movie theaters, restaurants or others that have an exterior entrance. All access to the centers' common areas will be restricted. CBL's open-air centers will also be closed; however since all of those tenants have exterior entrances, they will have the option to stay open.

The company notified all the individual centers Wednesday afternoon. (For a full list of CBL centers that will be closed, see below.)

The closings will allow about 1,500 mall employees and between 750 and 2,000 retail workers per property to celebrate the holiday.

CBL's announcement comes one week after the Mall of America said it would close on Thanksgiving.

"We think that for our employees and for the store employees, they deserve the day off and to be able to spend the day with their families," CBL CEO Stephen Lebovitz told CNBC in an exclusive interview. "Thanksgiving is a special holiday, and it's unfair for them not to be able to enjoy it like everyone else can."



Openings at CBL's properties had been creeping earlier every year, as retailers tried to get a jump on their online competitors and other brick-and-mortar players. In 2012, select CBL centers opened for the first time at midnight on Black Friday. The next year, all of its centers opened at 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving. And in 2015, its properties started welcoming shoppers at 6 p.m. on Turkey Day. Though a handful of stores opted to stay closed on Thanksgiving, the majority of the malls' tenants were open for business, Lebovitz said.

However, as consumer outrage began to grow, CBL started contemplating a different approach. The company first suggested closing its properties for the holiday last year, but several retailers pushed back, Lebovitz said. Now, as tenants have started to realize that Thanksgiving Day openings simply spread out their sales  and were not accretive to their top lines  they've become more receptive to the initiative.

They've meanwhile gotten more adept online, allowing them to better compete with online-only players, Lebovitz said.

"It's not putting them at a disadvantage," he said.
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Demand for crude oil in 2016 is seen edging higher compared to last year, while supply is forecast to be slightly lower, according to the October OPEC market report, which highlights how money managers were caught out by a new deal to limit production. This month's revisions to the forecasts are minimal, with only a 0.1 million barrels per day (mb/d) rise in demand added to both annual forecasts since September's report. Overall, the report  released Wednesday - anticipates the gap between demand and supply moving up by 1.8 mb/d to 31.82 in 2016 from 30.06 in 2015. This dynamic slightly exacerbating the market's imbalance in favor of producers, in a trend expected to continue into 2017 when the gap is seen increasing to 32.59. This is the first monthly note from the cartel since OPEC members agreed in Algiers last month to limit production, a move which "caught the market off-guard", according to the report, and prompted a strong rally in prices of both Brent and WTI crude.

Speaking to CNBC at the World Energy Congress, UAE (United Arab Emirates) Oil Minister, Suhail Mohammed Faraj Al Mazroui, sounded a confident note on the likelihood of the deal's success. "I am optimistic as well about the commitment from oil members and I think the fact that we hear also that Russia is committed to work with us is also encouraging," he said. The wild price gyrations experienced in recent years was cited by the minister as a key problem in harming the forward-looking development of the industry. "The biggest worry is the level of investment in this important commodity is going down and that worries everyone, not only the producers, I think the suppliers to a greater extent," he said. "The market needs to see a sustainable price that encourages investors to put more investments," he added.

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Meanwhile, Neil Passmore,CEO at Hannam & Partners, told CNBC Wednesday he believed the noises emanating from the group gave reasons for early optimism. "Certainly at first blush, (this is) far more coordinated, constructive sounding messaging than we've heard for some while from those groups,"he said. However, he cautioned against prematurely reading too much into the arrangement, saying, "the next month is incredibly important."

Ryad Kramdi | AFP | Getty Images

Passmore referred to OPEC's poor record of achieving coordination between members, saying the cartel had historically failed to follow through on pledges once discussions became difficult. He also noted certain conditions which may make success in the current climate even more challenging than in the past. "The entities that constitute OPEC have become more fragmented. So it is probably a more disparate, diverse base if you look at the varying political agendas of Iran, Nigeria, Venezuela at the moment,they are probably as wide as they have ever been in history." However, Al Mazroui was keen to emphasise the solidarity of the group and its common desire to help develop a better functioning system for trading of the commodity. "Most of the countries I've seen them in Algeria, are committed, they are engaged and everyone wants to contribute to something that helps the market," he said.
"Paul Ryan didnt abandon Donald Trump. Donald Trump abandoned Paul Ryan. He left him with no good option and no reason to hold on. With little time and sinking poll numbers, congressional Republicans are now fending for themselves. This was inevitable. Paul Ryan is doing his job and thats defending the House majority."

On policy, Donald Trump is also making it more difficult for the speaker to retain his majority. This occurs both in actual policy positions and in rhetoric. For example, Donald Trump often calls for a wall along the Southern border. Many people support this policy and many others don't object, to it, even if it's not a priority for them. On policy, Trump has an acceptable position, even if I don't personally agree with it. But, insinuating that Mexicans coming into the country are criminals is offensive to a majority of the public. Both Whites and Hispanics. Sure, some are criminals. But, most are simply trying to find a better life for their families. The failure to acknowledge this is what rubs many voters the wrong way.

Trade Promotion Authority and trade generally. Debt. Russia. Syria. Just to name a few. Donald Trump's positions are at odds with where the Republican Party has been for much of its history. Take trade, for example. A majority of economists would agree that free trade has been good for the American consumer. And, a significant number also believe American exports have increased the number of jobs in the U.S. making it a net plus for the American worker. Under President George W. Bush, free trade agreements went from three to 16. I worked for President Bush for eight years and in his second administration, I served as his political director. I can't remember a single phone call over eight years from someone complaining about his views on free trade (and I received many, many phone calls on a range of topics). Yet, listen to Donald Trump and one would believe free trade (along with immigration) is the cause of many of our country's ills. This has created a conflict for many Republicans and conservative Independents. Republicans aren't singing in tune.



Then there are Donald Trump's odd views and fascination with Russia. He has praised Vladimir Putin, whose human rights violations are too numerous to state in one short op-ed. He encouraged the Russians to hack his opponent's email, and he's sloppily repeated false Russian claims. Russia also uses Donald Trump's claims to spread anti-American propaganda around the world. The Russian news service Sputnik sent a tweet claiming that Trump's claims were true  that President Obama and Secretary Clinton founded ISIS to oust President Assad of Syria.



This is an absurd statement, but Donald Trump actually said the president and Mrs. Clinton founded ISIS. No Republican candidate has ever been so irresponsible when it comes to engaging with a dangerous foreign government. This may be OK for base Republicans, but it isn't attracting new people to the party.



Politically speaking, Donald Trump isn't helping either. The hallmarks of a successful presidential campaign operation are raising over a billion dollars, building a strong ground game and advancing a robust data and analytics operation. Led by the presidential campaign, this infrastructure has historically benefited the entire ticket. Building a successful campaign is extremely difficult and it takes at least a year. It's like building a Fortune 500 company, only trying to do it overnight. There is little room for error and every day matters a great deal. It takes thousands of people, working in unison, to "pull" a party's candidates over the finish line in a close election. A strong campaign can turn out votes that wouldn't otherwise show up, sometimes as much as two or three percent. Three percent may not sound like a lot but it matters significantly to Republican congressional majorities.



But, Donald Trump hasn't built this campaign.



He certainly hasn't raised or spent the kind of personal money needed to win. He hasn't invested in field offices to the degree necessary and he's been very late to come around on data and analytics, once famously saying data were "overrated." If data were overrated, data scientists wouldn't be such a hot commodity in both business and politics.



For nearly two years, the Clinton campaign has been meticulously building the kind of operation necessary to win. She's raised all the money she needs, so much so that her Super Pac, Priorities USA, is reported to be moving on to the U.S. Senate.



So, what is Paul Ryan to do? Given Trump's inappropriate behavior, Paul Ryan doesn't have a personal reason to support him. There's been no real policy reason to support him either. And the one thing a House Speaker can usually count on  a robust campaign operation  doesn't exist.



Paul Ryan didn't abandon Donald Trump. Donald Trump abandoned Paul Ryan. He left him with no good option and no reason to hold on. With little time and sinking poll numbers, congressional Republicans are now fending for themselves. This was inevitable. Paul Ryan is doing his job and that's defending the House majority.



Commentary by Sara Taylor Fagen, a partner at DDC Advocacy and a former political director for President George W. Bush. Follow her on Twitter @sarafagen2.



For more insight from CNBC contributors, follow @CNBCopinion on Twitter.


The newly hatched Tale Writers Screenwriting Conference sponsored a couple of writing contests earlier this year. The Scholastic Script Contest was aimed at New Mexico high school and college students, while the Open Script Contest was open to anyone. Judges selected three scripts from each contest as the top entries. These scripts will now be read live on stage by a group of local actors at The Lodge at Santa Fe (750 N. St. Francis) this Friday, Oct. 14, beginning at 7pm in the hotels Cabaret Room. Its a rare opportunity to take a peek at some of the up-and-coming writing talent in our state. Tickets for this event are $10 and can be purchased in advance by going to talewriters.org. Tale Writers Screenwriting Conference is the brainchild of New Mexico Film Foundation Executive Director Dirk Norris and screenwriter/ novelist Bradd Hopkins. The inaugural Tale Writers Conference is scheduled to take place May 18-21, 2017.

Fe Under Way

The eighth annual Santa Fe Independent Film Festival kicks off this Wednesday, Oct. 19, and runs through Sunday, Oct. 23. It all starts with the Opening Night Film, Adam Smiths Trespass Against Us. The film starts at 6:30pm at the Violet Crown (1606 Alcaldesa). This British drama is set across three generations of a family who live as outlaws in their own anarchic corner of Englands richest countryside. Brendan Gleeson and Michael Fassbender star as a father-and-son duo locked in a battle over continuing the violent family tradition or choosing another path for future generations. That film is followed by the Opening Night Party, which gets underway at 8:30pm at Violet Crown. Tickets for the opening night film/party are $25 and can be purchased through eventbrite.com. Of course thats just the start, with four more days of top-notch independent features, documentaries and shorts from around the world to savornot to mention assorted panel discussions, parties and guest star tributes. Actress Jacqueline Bisset and director Jay Roach are among this years award recipients. Screenings will take place at the Violet Crown, the Center for Contemporary Arts Cinematheque, The Lensic, The Screen at Santa Fe University and the Jean Cocteau Cinema. For a complete schedule of films and times, go to santafeindependentfilmfestival. com. And be sure to pick up next weeks Alibi for more info on this increasingly essential festival.
For a rough introduction to my philosophy of blogging, including the Code of Amiability Ito follow on this weblog, please read my fifth anniversary post . I consider blogging to be a very informal type of publishing - like putting up thoughts on your door with a note asking for comments. Nothing in this weblog is done rigorously: it's a forum to let my mind be unruly, a place for jottings and first impressions. Because I consider posts here to be 'literary seedings' rather than finished products, nothing here should be taken as if it were anything more than an attempt to rough out some basic thoughts on various issues. Learning to look at any topic philosophically requires, I think, jumping right in, even knowing that you might be making a fool of yourelf; so that's what I do. My primary interest in most topics is the flow and structure of reasoning they involve rather than their actual conclusions, so most of my posts are about that. If, however, you find me making a clear factual error, let me know; blogging is a great way to get rid of misconceptions.
"There were no Russian planes in the area of the aid convoy to Aleppo. That is a fact," ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov said in a statement, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

The Russian Defense Ministry hit back on Wednesday, however, denying the allegation and accusing Johnson of "Russophobic hysteria."

"All the available evidence therefore points to Russian responsibility for the atrocity and I trust the UN board of inquiry will establish what happened," Johnson said.

Speaking in a U.K. parliamentary debate on Tuesday about the long-running civil war in Syria, Johnson said there was evidence that Russia  which is supporting the regime of President Bashir al Assad against rebel groups  was responsible for an attack on a United Nations aid convoy in Syria last month in which at least 20 people were killed.

Russia has accused U.K. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson of "Russophobic hysteria" after he accused the country of carrying out an attack on an aid convoy in Syria and called for demonstrations outside the Russian embassy in London.

In recent weeks, Russia and Syria have stepped up a bombing campaign in eastern Aleppo, killing hundreds of civilians in the process and attracting international condemnation with Russia accused of war crimes.

Johnson also called for demonstrations outside the Russian embassy in London in response to its involvement in the war in Syria, provoking a furore on social media site Twitter yesterday.

The U.K. foreign secretary added that thousands of people in parts of Aleppo were in dire need of humanitarian aid. He warned that eastern Aleppo  where the bombardment is focused - could be totally destroyed by the end of this year.

Russia and Syria have claimed they are targeting "terrorists" in the city but Johnson and said Russia risked becoming a "pariah nation" due to its role in the bombardment and that those involved should be investigated for war crimes.

"In the last two weeks at least 376 people, half of them children, have been killed, another 1,266 have been injured," he said, adding that there appeared to be "deliberate policy" of attacking hospitals, which was tantamount to a "war crime."

Johnson is not known for mincing his words, having made controversial remarks about numerous countries before becoming foreign secretary this year. But yesterday he took an unusual step by calling on people to take to the streets in protest.

"I would certainly like to see demonstrations outside the Russian embassy. Where is the Stop the War coalition?" he said.

The Russian Embassy in the U.K. tweeted its response, asking whether it was a new form of diplomacy.

Tweet

But many accused the foreign secretary of being biased against Russia and drew attention to the U.K.'s close relationship to Saudi Arabia which has conducted a bombing campaign in neighboring Yemen to quell a Houthi uprising in the country.

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It is "definitely very early to say" what the implications of Brexit will be on the financial industry and on London, VTB Capital Global CEO Alexei Yakovitsky told CNBC Wednesday, in a softening of rhetoric following recent reports the Russian bank was considering moving its investment banking headquarters away from the U.K. capital. Speaking to CNBC from VTB Capital's Russia Calling conference in Moscow, Yakovitsky highlighted the city's appeal from a business perspective, saying "London is important because there's human capital, there are clients, there are investors and this is really the center, or one of the global centers, of international finance." "If this changes, we will clearly evolve together with the market, but at this stage there is no sign that this is happening," he added.

Chris Ratcliffe | Bloomberg | Getty Images

A Financial Times cited VTB Bank Deputy Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, Herbert Moos, as saying the board was considering relocating its European headquarters to an alternative hub, such as Frankfurt, Paris or Vienna. VTB Capital is the investment banking arm of majority state-owned VTB Bank. However, according to the VTB Capital Group CEO, it is actually the necessity of maintaining operations in all of these continental locations that is coming under clear scrutiny. "Within the broader VTB context we do have European presence in Germany, Austria, France, in continental Europe," he said. "This is where we are seriously considering whether we do need three European banks pretty much within the same regulatory environment and you would agree that it probably does make sense to potentially decrease the number of licenses," he explained. Yakovitsky sought to emphasize the continued draw of the U.K. capital as a business hub, saying, "When it comes to London, it does remain a very important center of our investment banking activity both in terms of selling Russian risk to international investors and in terms of doing some international business in selected jurisdictions." Nonetheless, he did acknowledge the situation remains in flux, depending on how the process unfolds as well as the actions of other banking peers. "Just like everyone else, we are assessing what the potential outcomes are," he said.

Bloomberg | Getty Images

Despite saying the bank's continental licenses are under review, Yakovitsky also highlighted new business opportunities in the region,saying the retreat of local banks was throwing up opportunities for others to garner business market share within Europe. "There is a big void developing which will be filled, as any void, by banks like us, emerging markets banks and some of the global banks that are still standing," he said. Similarly, Yakovitsky claimed the retreat of foreign banks from Russia was also providing space for the firm within its home country, with favorable consequences feeding right through to the bottom line. "European competitors and to some extent our American competitors have been decreasing their presence  So we have been able to offset a somewhat shrinking pie with more market share, less competition and therefore more pricing power," he said. "The impact of market share gain is not over yet," he prophesized, sounding a bullish tone for the period ahead.
George Frey | Getty Images

Samsung finally pulled the plug on the short-lived Galaxy Note 7 on Tuesday, following a massive (and disastrous) recall effort to arrest fire hazard issues found in the device. If you currently own an original, or a replacement, Note 7 device in Asia Pacific, here's what you can do: First, due to safety risks, Samsung has asked users to stop using their phones and turn them off immediately. The company said it was still investigating the causes behind the overheating of the devices. Samsung said on its website it was talking to telco operators and retailers globally to work out a refund or exchange program for existing Note 7 users.

For users who bought their device from Samsung's website, reports late on Wednesday said the company was sending fireproof packaging and gloves to customers so they could safely return the devices.

Singapore In the interim, users in Singapore needing a courtesy device on loan can visit Samsung's customer service center at Westgate, #03-01, from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Samsung told CNBC in an emailed comment that these devices would be loaned out without requiring any payment and that the current available model is the Galaxy J1 Ace. Local telco Singtel said on its Facebook page that users would be able to exchange their Note 7 for another device, with the company refunding the price difference between the handsets. Alternatively, consumers could opt for a refund. Starhub did not provide any further details on its website and instead directed users to Samsung's service center.

Australia

Australian network operator Telstra said in a blog its users can switch to alternative handsets and all early termination costs would be waived. Device repayment charges paid on Note 7 handsets would also be refunded. Telstra also said if users chose to enter into a contract with another Samsung device, they would receive a 100 Australian dollar ($75.87) "goodwill credit." Optus, which is a subsidiary of Singtel, Virgin Mobile and Vodafone Australia all announced that Note 7 users could either replace their handsets with a Galaxy S7 or S7 Edge or switch to a different smartphone maker. Vodafone customers picking another Samsung device would receive a A$250 credit.

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New Zealand New Zealand telco Spark said on its website existing users are entitled to a full refund of the amount they paid for their Note 7. They could also swap their existing device for an alternative Samsung model, with the price difference refunded as an account credit. 2degrees, another New Zealand telco, similarly advised users to swap their Note 7 with any model of the Samsung Galaxy S7 family or opt for a refund. South Korea The Korea Herald reported on Tuesday South Korea's three network carriers, SK Telecom , Korea Telecom and LG Uplus have stopped selling the Note 7 and have plans to announce refunds and exchanges to different models. In a separate report, the newspaper reported that users can also exchange their Note 7 with other models or receive cash refunds from Samsung stores in the country.

Thailand

As the Note 7 did not go on sale in Thailand, Samsung said users who pre-ordered the device will have a full refund of their deposit and can either buy the S7, S7 Edge or Note 5 at 10,000 baht ($280.29) and receive a Samsung Level Active headphone as a gift or cancel their pre-booking altogether and receive a 2,000-baht cash voucher. The program will run from October 21 to November 30, 2016.

Malaysia

Once users have returned their Note 7, they can either get a full refund for the device or exchange to the S7.

What happened?

The problems with the handsets began just days after its August launch, with reports of some of them catching fire and causing both personnel and property damage. In early September, Samsung issued a recall of 2.5 million Note 7 handsets in 10 markets according to Reuters, citing possible battery issues in some of the devices. Once the replacement devices began rolling out, some of them also caught fire, with one reportedly leading to the evacuation of an U.S. flight in Kentucky minutes before departure.

On Tuesday morning, Samsung announced it was asking carriers and retailers globally to stop sales and exchanges of the Note 7 before announcing in the afternoon that the model was going to be permanently discontinued.

What next?
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About Censored News Censored News is published by Brenda Norrell. Since 2006, Censored News has received more than 20 million pageviews. As a collective of writers, photographers and broadcasters, we publish news of Indigenous Peoples and human rights. Contact publisher Brenda Norrell: brendanorrell@gmail.com

From the publisher Censored News is published by Brenda Norrell, a journalist in Indian country for 40 years. Norrell created Censored News after she was censored and terminated as a staff reporter at Indian Country Today in 2006. She began as a reporter at Navajo Times during the 18 years that she lived on the Navajo Nation. She was a stringer for AP and USA Today and later traveled with the Zapatistas through Mexico. She has been blacklisted by all the mainstream media for 14 years. Contact brendanorrell@gmail.com

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Once hailed as saviors of pain patients everywhere, opioids  including oxycodone and fentanyl  have caused an addiction epidemic in the United States and earned the scorn of doctors, patients and lawmakers. Some scientists think it's time to give opioids a second chance, by developing a new generation of drugs with all the painkilling power of conventional opioids but without some of the dangerous side effects.

After marijuana and alcohol, prescription drugs are the most commonly misused substances by Americans age 14 and older. Education Images | UIG | Getty Images

Researchers are working with three compounds that appear to be the most promising when it comes to reversing the recent rise in opioid addiction and overdose death. Pennsylvania-based pharmaceutical company Trevena 's oliceridine has been given preferential regulatory treatment by the FDA; mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, a compound derived from leaves of the Southeast Asian kratom plant, has shown less incidence of addiction in mice trials; and early testing of compound PZM21 has produced results researchers claim are unlike anything they've seen from potential painkiller compounds.

The new molecular approach to painkilling

Each of these compounds binds to opioid receptors  specific proteins found in the brain, spinal cord and other organs in the body  just like morphine. But they activate a different signaling pathway, a route through which information flows from one molecule to another, than conventional opioids.

These distinctions mean the new opioids could decrease the risk of addiction and eliminate a leading cause of overdose death: respiratory depression. The fatal side effect drew attention recently after it was deemed the cause of death for popular pop artist Prince.

Brian Shoichet, professor of pharmaceutical chemistry at University of California, San Francisco, and co-author of a paper on PZM21 published last month in Nature, says eliminating this side effect is one of the most important goals in creating new opioids.

"The whole field is sort of opening up, and there's hope that there's molecules that at least don't cause respiratory depression," he said. "That's what kills people on opioids."

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Deaths from prescription opioids have quadrupled since 1999, killing more than 28,000 people in 2014, according to the most recent data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

The economic costs are high, too. Prescription opioid overdose, abuse and dependence carries an estimated economic burden of $78.5 billion per year, according to a study published in the October issue of Medical Care. The statistics  along with the many heartbreaking stories  have prompted politicians to advocate for stricter controls on prescription medications, and doctors  including Surgeon General Vivek Murthy  to advocate for more physician education.



The whole field is sort of opening up, and there's hope that there's molecules that at least don't cause respiratory depression. That's what kills people on opioids. Brian Shoichet professor of pharmaceutical chemistry at University of California, San Francisco

The DEA announced in October that it is cutting the production quota for opioids like oxycodone, hydrocodone, fentanyl and morphine by at least 25 percent in an attempt to curb the epidemic.

Pharmaceutical companies, like Purdue Pharma  manufacturer of OxyContin  have already made billions off the opioid market. A Los Angeles Times investigation revealed Purdue Pharma has reaped about $31 billion in revenue from OxyContin sales, in part due to aggressive marketing that made the drug seem far less risky than it was. In 2007, Purdue paid $635 million in fines after pleading guilty to false marketing charges brought by the Department of Justice, and it paid another $24 million to the state of Kentucky in 2015, though it admitted no wrongdoing in that case.

Purdue reformulated OxyContin in 2010, making it more difficult to crush or dissolve the pill in order to snort or inject it. The branded drug represents a small share  less than 5 percent  of all opioid prescriptions, a company representative told CNBC.

Researchers are hoping new work in the field of opioid development can solve the problems caused by traditional opioids rather than treating the side effects and repair the reputation of opioids. "I hope we can recognize this is a new way to approach treating this receptor," said Laura Bohn, a professor at Scripps Research Institute, who has studied opioid receptors for more than a decade. "And it comes at a time when the receptors are becoming very demonized in the media and politically." More from Modern Medicine:

Billions at stake as Bristol-Myers waits its chance to redeem its lung cancer drug

Antibiotics are becoming the David to the Goliath of 'Superbug' infections

Writing a prescription ... for a dose of electricity



Oliceridine: A breakthrough therapy for hospital patients

Oliceridine, a new intravenous opioid, is in the final stages of human trials conducted by Trevena. Studies have shown oliceridine relieves pain like morphine but doesn't cause respiratory depression or constipation, and patients are less likely to build up a tolerance to it. "Conventional opioid drugs are probably the best analgesics we have, but they have these really serious problems," said Trevena CEO Maxine Gowen. "For too long I think we have been satisfied with them, but I hope compounds like oliceridine provide a much better option."

Pennsylvania-based pharmaceutical company Trevena's oliceridine has been given preferential regulatory treatment by the FDA. Source: Trevena

In February the FDA gave oliceridine breakthrough therapy designation, which is granted to new therapies intended to treat serious conditions or drugs that demonstrate substantial clinical improvement over available therapies. The special status allows Trevena to communicate more easily with the regulatory agency and allows it to apply for a fast-track review of its new drug application, which the company expects to file in the second half of 2017. The drawbacks of the drug are that it is no less addictive than morphine and it can only be used in hospital settings. While Trevena is developing an oral form that could have wider use, it is waiting for a partner company to further that project.

What gives Trevena a potential edge is the reduced risk of overdose with oliceridine, said Ritu Baral, senior biotechnology analyst and managing director at Cowen and Company . "The biggest thing that hospitals get sued for is respiratory depression," Baral said. "Data suggests this drug could be meaningfully safer than morphine."

Kratom: A painkilling plant the DEA has doubts about

Scientists say mitragynine pseudoindoxyl  a semi-synthetic compound derived from leaves of the kratom plant  has the potential to be a new, safer painkiller. But the long-term viability of this research remains in a tenuous regulatory place. In late August, the Drug Enforcement Administration issued a notice of intent to temporarily classify mitragynine as a schedule 1 drug, alongside substances like heroin and LSD. The action is "necessary to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety," the agency said, citing the plant's high potential for abuse and 15 kratom-related deaths in the last two years and that mitragynine has "no currently accepted medical use" in the United States. But on Oct. 12, the DEA backtracked, saying instead of a ban it would open a public comment period about kratom that will last until Dec. 1 and allow people to explain their experience with kratom as a medical treatment. The DEA has also recommended that the FDA expedite scientific research. DEA spokesman Russ Baer told NPR the DEA received more than 2,000 phone calls since August, mostly in opposition to the plan to classify kratom as Schedule I.

Kratom is made from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a Southeast Asian tree related to coffee. Although it's receiving pushback from the DEA, scientists say kratom contains alkaloids that have the potential to reduce pain without addiction. Surachetkhamsuk | Getty Images

Researchers like Susruta Majumdar, a chemist at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, say the agency has overlooked the promise from current research, which shows the compound has far fewer side effects than conventional opioids. "It seems like it has huge, huge potential as tomorrow's pain reliever that can separate out addiction, abuse, respiratory depression and constipation from analgesia," he said.

Majumdar recently published a paper on mitragynine pseudoindoxyl in the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, along with Columbia University postdoctoral research scientist Andras Varadi. One of the benefits they noted was that mice do not build up tolerance to the compound, nor do they show signs of addiction. After 30 days of high dosing, the mice still experienced pain relief from this molecule, Varadi said. In morphine, mice built up a tolerance after just five days. While mice testing is one of the very early stages of drug development, Varadi said this is a promising sign. Majumdar and Varadi hope to continue refining the molecule in order to eliminate respiratory depression and other side effects altogether. But the DEA ban could slow them down. They would have to apply for a schedule 1 license, an onerous process, according to Laura Bohn, professor at Scripps Research Institute. The DEA originally planned to impose the ban by Sept. 30 but delayed its decision after several lawmakers called on the agency to reconsider.

PZM21: An 'unprecedented' painkiller

PZM21 rose to the surface after scientists used computer modeling to test more than 3 million known chemical compounds, narrowing it down to the most promising one and chemically tweaking it to ensure it hit specific opioid receptors. While it is only in the early stages of animal testing, the new compound has a lot of potential, said University of California, San Francisco, chemistry professor Shoichet, one of the authors on the PZM21 paper recently published in Nature. "There are aspects of PZM21 that are without precedent and really couldn't be expected," he said. A recent study on mice showed the analgesic effects of PZM21 last substantially longer than those of morphine, and resulted in less respiratory depression and constipation than conventional opioids. It also causes less activation of the brain's reward system, indicating it might be less addictive. That is one of the most exciting results, said Bryan Roth, one of the co-authors of the Nature paper and a professor at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill's School of Medicine. "Our hope is that this compound or something like this eventually will be used in humans as a safe and effective painkiller," he said. "We're hoping to go all the way."

It could take years before the compound leads to a new drug, though.

"There are so many places for a drug to fail," Shoichet said. "There's a good chance this molecule won't make it at all, but there's hope that something similar overcomes the problems it encounters."

Shoichet, Roth and two other authors of the paper founded a biotech company, Epiodyne, to carry out further animal tests and take the compound through the drug development process. Epiodyne has funding from some big names in venture capital: Brook Byers of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Doug Crawford of Mission Bay Capital.
This has been a growing concern for market watchers. Goldman Sachs has cautioned a thaw in conflicts in oil-exporting countries could put more crude into an oversupplied market and complicate efforts by OPEC to scale back output.

The increase drove total OPEC production to an eight-year high, despite a sizable decline in output from top exporter Saudi Arabia . But perhaps more worrisome than the headline output figure is the prospect that three of the countries  Iran , Libya and Nigeria  will restore a substantial portion of sidelined supply.

Three OPEC members expected to be exempt from a deal to limit production and Iraq ratcheted up output by a total of roughly 300,000 barrels a day in September, according to the cartel's monthly oil market report.

Last month, members struck an agreement in Algeria to cut supply by several hundred thousand barrels a day, though Iran, Libya and Nigeria may not be subject to quotas under the terms of a final deal to be hammered out by OPEC's annual meeting on Nov. 30. Saudi and Russian officials said Tuesday they would also work to secure cuts from non-OPEC producers, as well.

Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih has said Iran, Nigeria and Libya could be allowed to pump "at maximum levels that make sense" given their special situations.



Libya increased production by more than 92,000 barrels a day last month after resuming crude exports from ports once closed amid the country's civil strife. Nigeria's output was up about 95,000 barrels as the western African nation brings back production after a series of attacks on oil infrastructure carried out by militants seeking a greater share of the country's fossil fuel wealth for impoverished Delta residents.

Andrew Lipow, president of Lipow Oil Associates, said this "puts OPEC in an even tougher spot because they have to cut even more production to accommodate the resumption of sales out of Libya and Nigeria."



Meanwhile, Iran is continuing to restore production after the lifting of international sanctions in January. The country tacked on a little more than 21,000 barrels a day, roughly in line with gains in the previous two months. Many believe Tehran will soon hit the upward limits of its production capacity.

Iraq accounted for the largest increase in September, with production up 105,000 barrels. The country's oil minister, Jabbar al-Luaibi, raised concerns just hours after news of the Algeria agreement broke. He said Iraq, the No. 2 OPEC producer, could walk away from a deal if the cartel did not adjust the way it calculates current output.

"The fact is that the OPEC production is just a free for all over the next couple of months as they try to produce at maximum rates," before oil limits are enforced, Lipow said.

Saudi Arabia saw the largest production declines in September, with output down more than 87,000 barrels a day. The kingdom experiences a seasonal downshift in production at this time of year as electricity demand for air conditioning winds down at the end of the punishingly hot summer season.

On Tuesday, Bob McNally, founder and president of energy consulting firm The Rapidan Group, told CNBC any so-called freeze by Saudi Arabia should be considered "smoke and mirrors" because the country will merely be returning to a normal rate of production after helping to push OPEC output up by about 900,000 barrels a day since February.
While Samsung's Note 7 woes could be a godsend for Apple , the same might not be said for the tech giant's suppliers.

Semiconductors have fallen about 2.75 percent in October with one of the biggest names, Qualcomm , dropping almost 4 percent during the same time. The Apple supplier had just seen its stock surge at the end of September after news of a possible $30 billion acquisition of Dutch chipmaker NXP Semiconductors .

But since then, Qualcomm has dropped and traders have decided it's time to opt out. While the stock saw two times its average daily call volume on Tuesday, Dan Nathan of RiskReversal.com points out that the volume was more due to traders "selling out of prior bullish bets."

For instance, one trader sold to close 2,000 of the January 67.5-strike calls at $2.42 when the stock sat at $65.50 in the afternoon.

However, it does remain to be seen what happens out of Qualcomm's possible acquisition of NXP Semiconductors.

"Who knows what they end up paying for them," said Nathan Tuesday on CNBC's "Fast Money." "But I think it does make sense if you're playing for further upside in Qualcomm to be long calls rather than stock right here."
The U.N. human rights chief has warned that, if elected to be U.S. president, Donald Trump would be "dangerous from an international point of view."

Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein told reporters in a briefing Wednesday that comments by the Republican nominee are "deeply unsettling and disturbing".

Several media outlets have reported that, when speaking the on the topic of the U.S. election, the Jordanian prince said:

"If Donald Trump is elected, on the basis of what he has said already and unless that changes, I think it's without any doubt that he would be dangerous from an international point of view."

Zeid also told reporters he doesn't plan to tone down his recent remarks decrying dangers posed by "populists and demagogues."

In September the Human Rights chief told a security conference that politicians such as Donald Trump use the same tactics as the so-called Islamic State.
Joseph and Maria Caruso vote inside the Early Vote Center in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota after work on October 5, 2016. Voters in Minnesota can submit their ballot for the General Election at locations across the state every day until Election Day on November 8, 2016.

Donald Trump is urging his supporters to vote on Election Day  but he got one key fact wrong.



In the opening moments of a rally Tuesday night in Palm Beach City, Florida, Trump told the crowd to "make sure you get out and vote, Nov. 28."

The problem with that advice? Election Day is actually Nov. 8.
"But science fiction is slowly becoming science fact, and robotics and AI look destined to play an increasing role in our lives over the coming decades."

"Artificial intelligence has some way to go before we see systems and robots as portrayed in the creative arts such as Star Wars," Tania Mathias, interim chair of the U.K. parliament's science and technology select committee, said in a statement.

U.K. members of parliament (MPs) have called for the creation of an artificial intelligence (AI) commission to examine the effect new technologies will have on society.

The U.K. is not ready for how artificial intelligence (AI) will "fundamentally reshape" the way we live and work, lawmakers warned in a report on Wednesday.

Star Wars C-3PO (R) R2D2 and BB-8 (R) arrive on stage at the 88th Oscars on February 28, 2016 in Hollywood, California.

Mathias added that it was "too soon" to set up sector-wide regulations for such a nascent field of technology, but "it is vital that careful scrutiny of the ethical, legal and societal ramifications of artificially intelligent systems begins now."

The world's largest technology companies, including Google and Facebook , have been investing heavily in artificial intelligence, which is set to power new technologies from driverless cars to personal assistants. But it is also being used in the medical profession to help diagnose illnesses.

British MPs said that such breakthroughs raise "a host of questions for society, including ethical issues about the transparency of AI decision-making as well as privacy and safety".

They propose setting up a commission that can examine the social, ethical and legal implications of developments in AI.

The U.K. has been a hotbed of AI start-ups, some of which have been acquired by U.S. technology giants. Microsoft acquired London-based Swiftkey earlier this year for $250 million, while Google bought DeepMind in 2014. Still, Mathias argues that the government has not taken any leadership on AI developments.

Experts predict that AI could have a huge impact on the workforce. AI will take 6 percent of jobs by 2021, according to a study last month by Forrester Research.

Mathias called on the government to make sure education in schools and training systems are up-to-date to deal with the workforce change.

"It is conceivable that we will see AI technology creating new jobs over the coming decades while at the same time displacing others. Since we cannot yet foresee exactly how these changes will play out, we must respond with a readiness to re-skill and up-skill," Mathias said.
Former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton delivers a keynote address during the Watermark Silicon Valley Conference for Women on February 24, 2015 in Santa Clara, California.

Even though she's widely preferred over her rival by the tech industry, Silicon Valley shouldn't get too excited about the prospect of Hillary Clinton in the White House, said one well-known venture capitalist.

If she prevails over Donald Trump next month, her cabinet and office appointments are likely to be less concerned with helping tech than pleasing specific democratic constituencies, whose interests often conflict with Silicon Valley, said investor Bradley Tusk, CEO of Tusk Holdings.

Some of the big issues Silicon Valley wants addressed include immigration reform, new regulations for autonomous vehicles, and worker reclassification to jumpstart the so-called gig economy, said Tusk, a former aide to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg who now specializes in helping startups navigate regulatory environments.

The first issue  visa reform to allow more high-skilled workers into the U.S.  is unlikely to come quickly, because Democrats in Congress will push for comprehensive immigration reform, Tusk said, a much bigger legislative endeavor that failed when it was last introduced in Congress in 2007.

Companies like Apple , Alphabet , Amazon , Facebook and Microsoft need a lot of engineering talent, and would like to see the government issue more H-1B visas to let more workers into the U.S. and allow them to stay.



"I think they're going to have trouble on that issue," said Tusk.
The case of a pregnant 12-year-old Vietnamese girl shocked China in the past week, highlighting the impact of a gender imbalance that is not expected to improve for some time.

The girl, discovered when she arrived at a Chinese hospital for a pre-natal appointment, was a victim of human trafficking, police said. Public prosecutors in the city of Xuzhou said she had been abducted in her home country before being transported to China and sold in May to a 35-year-old man for 30,000 Chinese yuan ($4,465).

The case, which dominated social media conversation, is a stark reminder of the fallout from a decades-long one-child policy, which was introduced in 1979 to curb a burgeoning population.

A cultural preference for sons meant that female fetuses were aborted and baby girls abandoned, leading China's National Health and Family Planning Commission to acknowledge in 2015 that the country had the world's most serious and widespread gender imbalance.

Late last year, China announced that it would ease family planning restrictions to allow all couples to have two children.

But the gender imbalance will remain over the long term, despite recent improvements in the sex ratio, a family planning commission official warned on Tuesday, according to the state-run China News Service.

In 2015, the birth gender ratio showed a decline in the number of males to females for the seventh straight year, but it was still at 113.5 boys for every 100 girls, Wang Peian, deputy head of the commission, said. Wang did not say when the country's gender ratio would eventually even out.
It is one of the world's most prestigious universities whose alumni  from the physicist Stephen Hawking to Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi  are among the world's most influential people.



Hardly surprising, then, that competition for places at the University of Oxford is fierce, with thousands of candidates applying to study there each year.

Now, the University has shone a little light on how they choose their students by releasing sample questions from its admissions interviews.

The questions were for the subjects of modern languages (French), medicine, PPE (Philosophy, Politics and Economics), maths and experimental psychology. They are designed to probe a host of selection criteria  from problem solving to communication skills and intellectual curiosity.

"We emphasize in all our outreach activity that the interview is primarily an academic conversation based on a passage of text, a problem set or a series of technical discussions related to the content of the course students have applied for," Samina Khan, director of admissions and outreach at Oxford, said in a news release on Tuesday.

Khan went on to explain that every question interviewers asked had a purpose to "assess how students think about their subject and respond to new information or unfamiliar ideas."
"Secretary Clinton, I think, is less sanguine on coal," he added.

While Ward didn't outright endorse the Republican nominee for president, he told CNBC's " Closing Bell ," "We certainly like his policy on coal."

The railroad company has seen a big decline in its coal business, with freight volumes down 21 percent and revenue down 20 percent in the three months ending Oct. 31.

Donald Trump 's support of the coal industry is sitting well with CSX CEO Michael Ward.

A front-end bucket loader dumps coal onto a truck at the Buckskin Mine in Gillette, Wyoming.

Trump claims he will revive American coal companies and said in Sunday's debate that Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton wants to put the miners out of business. Clinton's plan focuses on shifting to clean, renewable energy.

"There is a thing called clean coal. Coal will last for 1,000 years in this country," Trump said during the debate.

Trump also wants to eliminate the Environmental Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan, which aims to reduce carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. Ward supports the repeal of those regulations.

"We really think it should be a balanced energy position in the United States, with nuclear, gas and coal all playing a vital role, and we think the coal role could and should be bigger," he said.

The slide in coal began in late 2014, as low energy prices encouraged utilities to switch to burn cheaper natural gas. Coal exports have also been hurt by the strong U.S. dollar.

Ward said he expects to see a continued decline in its coal run rates in the coming quarters, but to a much lesser extent than what has occurred in the past.

"Over the last five years, we've went from $3.7 billion in coal revenue and we'll be at about $1.7 [billion] at this year. So we've lost over half our coal business."

 CNBC's Jacob Pramuk, Tom DiChristopher and Reuters contributed to this report.
BINGHAMTON, N.Y.  Paul F. Eaton, Jr. and Carl A. Griffith, partners in the Sidney, N.Ybased law firm of Eaton & Griffith, have joined Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP, a Binghamtonbased law firm with a half-dozen offices across the Southern Tier.

Eaton and Griffith will join Coughlin & Gerhart in an of counsel role and will be located at the firms branch office at 29 N. Main St. in nearby Bainbridge, along with partners Beth Westfall and Meiying Austin, currently the primary attorneys at the Bainbridge branch, Coughlin & Gerhart said in a news release.

The law firm of Eaton & Griffith has been providing legal services to Sidney area residents and businesses since 1973.

For over 43 years, we have had the privilege and good fortune to practice law in the Tri-Town area. We are confident that our new affiliation will achieve our goals of securing continuity and consistency in providing quality legal services to our clients, Eaton said in the release.

Griffith added, We are both looking forward to our new association with Coughlin & Gerhart and anticipate a smooth transition as we go forward.

The law firms contend that their alliance will offer Eaton & Griffith clients additional experience and expertise in real estate, estate planning, elder law, trust and estate administration, and municipal law.

Coughlin & Gerhart, which was founded in the 1890s, has grown to be a multi-service law firm, with more than 45 lawyers and a professional support staff. The firms main office is located at 99 Corporate Drive in Binghamton. In addition to Bainbridge, it also has branch offices in Ithaca, Owego, Hancock, Walton, and Montrose, Pennsylvania.

Contact Rombel at arombel@cnybj.com




Counterfeit 1-ounce platinum PAMP bar in counterfeit packaging, illustrated above, left, pre-dating VeriScan. A genuine bar in genuine packaging is above right.

Counterfeit 1-ounce .999 fine platinum PAMP Suisse bars have begun to be reported in the marketplace, in packaging that is also fake. A genuine bar appears in the background.

The first report of a counterfeit 1-ounce platinum PAMP Suisse bar in fake packaging comes from a bullion dealer in southwest Ohio.

Donald Herres from Dollartowne in Bellbrook said that on Sept. 21, another dealer, who had bought the bars from a walk-in customer, presented Herres with three of them for purchase. (The other dealer wishes to remain anonymous).

Herres said he first examined the bars using in-house electronic analysis, which determined all three were not composed of the .9995 fine platinum of a genuine PAMP Suisse product. The counterfeits also are thicker than known genuine PAMP platinum bars, he said.

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To further test for authenticity, Herres received permission from the unnamed dealer to whom the bars were originally sold to remove one of the purported platinum bars from its packaging for invasive testing.

Herres cut a notch into one of the vertical edges of the bar, exposing a core of copper or copper alloy.

It is not known what metal was used to plate the counterfeit bars.

With the spot price of platinum in the $1,100-per-troy-ounce range when he purchased the bogus bars, the unnamed dealer is currently out about $3,000.

Herres said the unnamed dealer is pursuing legal remedies to recoup his loss.

PAMP currently employs VERISCAN technology in its production and packaging as anti-counterfeiting deterrents.

That doesnt do much good for the thousands and thousands of bars sold prior to the technology, Herres said. The packaging did look authentic, but I was more focused on the bars.

I did contact PAMP and they told me this is the first they heard of platinum being counterfeited.

To address concerns of possible counterfeiting of PAMP products, PAMP earlier in Spring 2015 introduced completely new packaging containing products protected with patented VERISCAN technology exclusive to PAMP, which allows authentication of PAMP products without need to remove them from the packaging. The VERISCAN service intially introduced the use of a detecting scanner. In Spring 2016, the VERISCAN iPhone app was introduced.

Images can be found here for the front and back of current VERISCAN packaging.

According to the PAMP website, VERISCANs patented technology utilizes the metals microscopic topography  like a fingerprint  for unprecedented, highly reliable results.

PAMP captures and stores the surface data at the production line. From that point forward, at any time, PAMP precious metals products can be instantly identified using the certified VERISCAN software app together with a conventional document scanner.

Authentication is highly reliable, and as uncomplicated as scanning a document. The VERISCAN technology is in the bar, not the packaging.

While the PAMP VERISCAN and Royal Canadian Mints DNA scanner are useful in precious metal verification of the respective products, verification is still time-consuming, especially if one has a large number of pieces to analyze, Herres said.
Images courtesy of the Industry Council for Tangible Assets.

Jonathon Villavicencio has joined the Industry Council for Tangible Assets in a legislative affairs role.

Press release from the Industry Council for Tangible Assets

The Industry Council for Tangible Assets is expanding its team with legal and legislative-affairs expertise.

Effective Oct. 3, Jonathon Villavicencio of Sacramento, Calif., became the associations legislative-affairs coordinator.

Villavicencio brings to ICTA his expansive knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes, having spent the past two years working as a legislative/regulatory consultant for clients ranging from Fortune 500 companies to national associations.

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ICTAs executive director, Kathy McFadden, said, At State Net, John reorganized and completely reworked the legislative/regulatory processes of many major American businesses and associations, and this will be one of his chief responsibilities with ICTA.

Villavicencio went to law school, and passed the bar, in California, having concentrated his studies in contract law, business law, negotiations, and statutory interpretation. He will be putting this knowledge to work as ICTA looks to bring its internal bylaws up to date.

Johns work experience and studies make him a perfect fit for the many hats he will be wearing with ICTA, said ICTA chief operating officer David Crenshaw.

Villavicencio is scheduled to attend the Florida United Numismatists show from Jan. 5 to 8, where he can meet industry partners at the ICTA booth.

To reach Villavicencio, email him, telephone him at (916) 246-8214 or write to him at ICTA, P.O. Box 160104, Sacramento, CA 95816.
Business / Companies

by Business Reporter

DUBAI - Emirates SkyCargo, the world's largest international cargo airline, is expanding its presence in Scandinavia with the launch of a new weekly freighter service from Oslo to Dubai starting 11 October 2016.The service is operated by an Emirates Skycargo Boeing 777 Freighter aircraft which has the capacity to carry just over 100 tonnes of cargo. Large and outsized shipments can also be easily uplifted through the aircraft's wide main deck cargo doors. The cargo capacity offered through the weekly freighter is in addition to the 175 tonnes of belly hold capacity offered on the 5 weekly Boeing 777-300ER passenger flights from Oslo.The new weekly freighter service from Oslo will facilitate increasing exports of seafood, in particular salmon, from Norway. The last six years have witnessed a doubling of Norwegian seafood exports* because of increased demand from global customers for Norwegian salmon, trout, cod and crab.Emirates SkyCargo has state of the art facilities at its Emirates SkyCentral freighter hub at Dubai World Central for the transportation of temperature sensitive seafood shipments. This includes over 15,000 square metres of temperature controlled storage space and 12 dedicated reefer trucks operating 24/7 between Dubai World Central and Dubai International Airport offering a transit time of just 5 hours between arrival of goods at Dubai World Central and their departure on belly hold capacity in passenger flights from Dubai International Airport to over 150 destinations across 82 countries in six continents across the world.Watch an Emirates SkyCargo Case Study Video on how salmon are transported from Norway to restaurants in Japan.Emirates SkyCargo remains an important facilitator of trade between Scandinavia and the rest of the world offering nearly 600 tonnes of weekly cargo capacity through passenger flights to Copenhagen, Oslo and Stockholm and freighter services to Copenhagen and Oslo.EK 9370 arrives at Oslo every Tuesday at 10.05hrs and will depart from Oslo at 12.00hrs reaching Dubai at 18.40hrs on the same day. The Norwegian capital is the latest to join Emirates SkyCargo's network of over 50 freighter destinations across the world. Emirates SkyCargo operates a fleet of 15 dedicated freighters- 13 Boeing 777-Fs and two B747-400ERFs out of its Emirates SkyCentral freighter hub at Dubai World Central.
News / National

by Mary Charamba

Zanu PF secretary for youth, Kudzai Chipanga has vowed that the youth league would not vote for President Robert Mugabe if they are not given housing stands.Early this year, Zanu PF pleaged to parcel out residential stands to youths countrywide as a way of vote buying.To date, nothing has been delivered apart from mock ground breaking ceremonies in Bulawayo.This has led Chipanga to make a no vote declaration."Zanu PF rebelled in 1980 and we won our independence." In 2000, the party again rebelled to take back our land."Now the youth league has rebelled. We are not going to vote without stands," he said in a video clip.Recently, Mugabe confronted Local Government minister Saviour Kasukuwere over claims that he sold land earmarked for Zanu PF youths in Harare to Prophet Walter Magaya.
Fight over Missouri marijuana amendment nears finish line

In just over a week, Missourians will decide whether to adopt a state constitutional amendment for recreational marijuana.
News / National

by Staff Reporter

A 22-year-old Turkish man, Erdogan Ceren, shot himself dead live on Facebook after accusing his girlfriend of adultery and telling her he could not live without her.According to local media, Bugunum, Erdogan lived in the Osmaniye Province in southern Turkey and was at home when he shot the video at around 3pm.Before the act he also shared a poem that he had written to his allegedly adulterous girlfriend, saying: "Our love was going to be a saga, our eyes were not going to shed tears, now tell me love, are you leaving, will my hands burn without you."Speaking to the camera, the man says: "No one believed when I said I will kill myself - so watch this."He then explains that he plans to commit suicide because his girlfriend ended their relationship.He adds: "Watch this."His first attempt at pulling the trigger of what appears to be a shotgun fails when the weapon appears to jam, and then he tries again.He readjusts the camera, points the weapon at his chest, and then there is a gunshot and he is no longer visible on camera.Online commentators noted that the tragic suicide victim had only a few hours before posted proud pictures of his niece and of his sister.The shocking video has also been posted on YouTube as well.
News / National

by Alice Dube

Zimbabweans have been described as a 'stupid lot' for questioning the appointment of President Robert Mugabe's son-in-law Simba Chikore as chief operating officer of Air Zimbabwe.State controlled Herald desk editor Isdore Guvamombe on Monday said he was hurt by the criticism on Chikore saying "the majority of Zimbabweans who jumped into criticising Simba's appointment, have no clue how an airline is run, let alone fly on Air Zimbabwe. They are rabid, critics. Period!" he wrote in the Herald.According to Guvamombe, Zimbabweans should be grateful that Mugabe is single handily keeping the struggling airliner in operation.He said Mugabe's frequently foreign travels help sustain the airline."The only person who has been consistent travelling on Air Zimbabwe and paying bills in full, has been President Robert Mugabe."The rest of us, Government ministers included, are guilty of being spectators, who criticise Air Zimbabwe from the terraces. Most Zimbabweans fly other airlines, despite Air Zimbabwe's outstanding safety record. This is the truth and the truth hurts."Most Zimbabweans are a stupid lot, they spent their time ridiculing the appointment and linking it to Simba being the son-in-law of President Mugabe".He claimed that Air Zimbabwe employees 'get excited each time they hear of President Mugabe's trip because that month they are assured of their salaries on time. In fact, the more the President flies outside the country the better for Air Zimbabwe for he is the airline's major paying client".
President Barack Obama has set a goal of sending humans to Mars by the 2030s and getting them safely home again.

But that's not his only goal.

In a commentary appearing on CNN.com, Obama set an ultimate goal of setting up a habitat on Mars so astronauts can live there for an extended time.

"When our Apollo astronauts looked back from space, they realized that while their mission was to explore the moon, they had 'in fact discovered the Earth,' " Obama wrote. "If we make our leadership in space even stronger in this century than it was in the last, we won't just benefit from related advances in energy, medicine, agriculture and artificial intelligence, we'll benefit from a better understanding of our environment and ourselves."

Talking about his "sense of wonder" about the U.S. space program, Obama wrote about the country's next chapter in space exploration  Mars.

"Within the next two years, private companies will for the first time send astronauts to the International Space Station," he added. "The next step is to reach beyond the bounds of Earth's orbit. I'm excited to announce that we are working with our commercial partners to build new habitats that can sustain and transport astronauts on long-duration missions in deep space. These missions will teach us how humans can live far from Earth -- something we'll need for the long journey to Mars."

Obama's post seems to be part of the launch of the White House Frontiers Conference being held Thursday at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.

Obama is set to host the conference, which will bring together scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and students to discuss the U.S.'s future in science and technology.

Speakers include Amy Mainzer, a senior research scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory; Andrew W. Moore, dean of Carnegie Mellon's School of Computer Science and a specialist in machine learning and robotics; Astro Teller, captain of Moonshots at Google parent company Alphabet; and Megan Smith, chief technology officer ath the U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy.

The conference will explore such area as the future of medicine and health care, interplanetary science, personal technology and the national implications of technological research.

"Getting there will take a giant leap. But the first, small steps happen when our students -- the Mars generation -- walk into their classrooms each day," wrote Obama. "Scientific discovery doesn't happen with the flip of a switch; it takes years of testing, patience and a national commitment to education."
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

A Chivi ward 25 MDC-T member was recently threatened at a funeral wake by a Zanu PF member who accused him of organising political meetings in the area.Heal Zimbabwe Trust reported that on 3 October 2016, Zanu PF ward chairperson, Tongai Mafuzhe, threatened Kudakwashe Masvina, an MDC-T member with death, accusing him of organising opposition political meetings in the area."This happened at a funeral in the ward. Mafuzhe went on to approach Chief Madzivire and gave him an ultimatum to evict Masvina by 30 October 2016 indicating that no opposition political party members should still be residing in the area by 31 December 2016. Out of fear, the Chief promised to discuss the case further with other village heads at their next meeting," said the trust.
The explosion-implosion of Samsung's premier Galaxy Note7 line may boost sales of Apple's iPhone, analysts said today, but the Cupertino, Calif. company is unlikely to publicly gloat over its rival's troubles or leverage them to push its own smartphone.

"Of course Apple will benefit," said Bob O'Donnell, chief analyst at Technalysis Research. "But I don't think we should overestimate how much Apple will benefit."

O'Donnell and others were reflecting on what Samsung's debacle means for competitors, specifically Apple. In the zero-sum game of smartphones, especially premium smartphones -- a category that Apple dominates but also one where Samsung aggressively competes -- one firm's misery may make another's fortune.

And Samsung is miserable: Just weeks after introducing the Galaxy Note7, the company first recalled, then halted production after reports of overheated batteries, and resulting melting or flaming handsets.

With the Galaxy Note7 down and out, what alternative will those who had bought one -- and more importantly, those many more who would likely have done so -- turn to instead?

Jan Dawson, chief analyst at Jackdaw Research, also saw the iPhone as on the list of Note7 beneficiaries -- but not at the top. In commentary posted at Tech.pinions yesterday (subscription required) Dawson put a switch-to-iPhone option (and another, to a different Android-based brand) as "least likely." Rather, customers who had, or would have, owned a Note7 will simply wait to upgrade, perhaps to the future's inevitable Note7 substitute, or pick another Samsung device now offered.

"This isn't about Android, but about Samsung," said Dawson in an interview, explaining why the move to an iPhone -- and its iOS ecosystem -- would be unlikely in his opinion. If consumers decided they couldn't abide any Samsung device because of the Note7's immolation, most would presumably stick with the Android ecosystem rather than hassle with an OS change.

"Android is what they're familiar with," Dawson added.

Apple would like its iPhone 7 Plus -- a slightly-smaller smartphone than the Note7 -- to be in the mix for Samsung deserters. iPhone sales have dropped year-over-year for the past six months, and Wall Street will be closely watching the numbers for the second half of this year to see if the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus pull the line back into growth.

Cupertino, then, would have reason to pounce on the opportunity. But the company won't, not publicly, not overtly, O'Donnell and Dawson agreed.

"It doesn't seem like Apple's style to do that," said O'Donnell.

"I can't see it," Dawson concurred. "I don't think Apple would stoop to Samsung's level [in its advertising]," he continued, implying the kinds of television spots Samsung once aired that took shots at, among other things, the perception that only older people bought iPhones. "Remember, Apple has never taken on an OEM directly, but only ecosystems. It's made digs at Android in general, but it's never said a word about Samsung. It's always the ecosystem."

In the same way, Apple's anti-PC campaign of the past steered clear of naming brands, such as Hewlett-Packard or Dell, but instead took aim at Windows.

There were other, just-as-good, reasons not to kick Samsung when it's down, Dawson said. "There's an element of 'There but for the grace of God go I," Dawson said.

"There have been Apple products that have caught fire," O'Donnell noted. "This could happen to anyone."
The White House sees artificial intelligence as an increasingly critical technology that can fight cyberattacks, upgrade weapons of war, improve health care and even unclog traffic for the commute home.

However, the Obama administration also expects that A.I. will reduce low-level jobs and create security and ethical issues.

With critical pros and cons looming, the federal government wants to work with the private sector and academia to guide A.I. in a positive direction, according to a recently released report, Preparing for the Future of Artificial Intelligence. The report was prepared by the National Science and Technology Council's subcommittee on Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence.

"A.I. can be a major driver of economic growth and social progress, if industry, civil society, government, and the public work together to support development of the technology, with thoughtful attention to its potential and to managing its risks," the report states.

"Government has several roles to play," it continues. "Developing and studying machine intelligence can help us better understand and appreciate our human intelligence. Used thoughtfully, A.I. can augment our intelligence, helping us chart a better and wiser path forward."

The report is getting attention today, the day before the White House Frontiers Conference being held Thursday at Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Pittsburgh.

The conference, which will be hosted by President Barack Obama, is set to focus on the future of such technologies as A.I., machine learning, space exploration and robotics.

The White House report also states that A.I. has the potential to be a significant driver of economic growth in the U.S.

According to the National Science and Technology Council, A.I. already is benefiting society, citing as an example that Walter Reed Medical Center uses A.I. to better predict medical complications and improve combat wound treatment.

Artificial intelligence also is powering smart traffic management software that the White House says is reducing traffic jams and energy use. In some areas, the software also helped reduce auto emissions by as much as 25%.

The news wasn't all rosy. The White House report echoed others that have warned that advancing A.I. could take jobs away from American workers.

Last month, for example, Forrester Research said that robotics and A.I. could replace human workers in 6% of U.S. jobs by 2021.

In January, the World Economic Forum, in a report, said that smart systems could lead to the loss of 7 million jobs in the next several years.

However, like the White House report, the forum also said that A.I. is expected to add jobs that would be at a higher level than those expected to be lost. Many of those higher level jhobs would be in computer science, math and engineering.

"Analysis by the White House Council of Economic Advisors suggests that the negative effect of automation will be greatest on lower-wage jobs, and that there is a risk that A.I.-driven automation will increase the wage gap between less educated and more educated workers, potentially increasing economic inequality," the White House report said. "Public policy can address these risks, ensuring that workers are retrained and able to succeed in occupations that are complementary to, rather than competing with, automation."

The report also states that the federal government must play a role in positively advancing artificial intelligence.

"It can convene conversations about important issues and help to set the agenda for public debate," the report states. "It can monitor the safety and fairness of applications as they develop and adapt regulatory frameworks to encourage innovation, while protecting the public. It can provide public policy tools to ensure that disruption in the means and methods of work enabled by A.I. increases productivity while avoiding negative economic consequences for certain sectors of the workforce."

The White House also called for increased investment in A.I. research and STEM education to create a workforce that can thrive in an economy that's changing because of smart systems.

"One area of great optimism about A.I. and machine learning is their potential to improve people's lives by helping to solve some of the world's greatest challenges and inefficiencies," the report states. For instance, "many have compared the promise of A.I. to the transformative impacts of advancements in mobile computing."

A.I. also could be used to beef up cybersecurity for individuals, companies and government organizations.

Smart software could predict attacks by using dynamic threat models from real-time sources, while also monitoring network nodes, protocols, equipment and networks, according to the White House report.

A.I. may be the most effective approach to interpreting these data, proactively identifying vulnerabilities, and taking action to prevent or mitigate future attacks, the report said. Finally, A.I. could support planning, coordinating, integrating, synchronizing, and directing activities to operate and defend U.S. government networks."
Determining the total cost of ownership (TCO) of business printers involves much more than comparing purchase prices. Over a printers lifetime, the impact of its ongoing costs can far outweigh any initial expenditure. We discussed some of the basic considerations of TCO in an earlier post, but to fully understand the economics of a printer purchase, buyers must consider a variety of complex expense factors, both capital and operational.

Capital expenses for a multifunction printer (MFP) include ink cartridges, paper, replacement parts, and other supplies. But buyers must look beyond basic purchase prices. For example, if an inexpensive ink cartridge is prone to clogging, contains low-quality ink that produces inferior images, or prints fewer pages than a competitive cartridge, its seemingly low price can prove to be nothing more than an illusion.

Operational costs are more diverse, and sometimes more difficult to calculate. One obvious expense is the energy needed to power the printer  a factor that affects sustainability objectives as well as TCO. Slow print speeds can translate into lower employee productivity as people wait for their own print jobs to complete, or sit in queues to gain access to the MFP. Printers that jam or break down regularly can further impact employee productivity, along with adding maintenance costs.

Which TCO factors are the most important to any given small-to-medium business will depend in part on the nature of the business and its mandates. Companies in which printers operate under high workloads and are handled by a large number of employees (some tech savvy, some not) may give greater weight to a printers durability, reliability, and ease of use. Graphic design shops or engineering firms may seek out MFPs that more reliably produce high quality images. In this way, they can avoid the direct costs of reprinting documents, plus the indirect costs that can accrue if, say, a marketing brochure is muddy and ineffective, or an engineering schematic is less than clear.

When HP set out to design the HP PageWide series of MFPs, one of its top goals was to deliver industry-leading TCO for every SMB, regardless of its particular printing needs. It accomplished this by systematically addressing every element that contributes to a printers lifetime costs. Among HP PageWides TCO efficiency innovations are:

A revolutionary, reliable printhead engineered to last the lifetime of the printer.

High printer speeds (up to 75 pages per minute) and first page out (FPO) to increase output efficiency.

Standard two-sided printing to reduce paper waste.

A smooth, accurate paper transport system that reduces jam rates.

Uses up to 84% less energy than similar laser printers, thanks in part to low Typical Energy Consumption (TEC) and HP Auto-Off Technology to shut down the device when its not in use.

Combined, these and other HP PageWide features deliver up to 20% lower TCO than most competitive MFPs, making HP PageWide the most affordable long-run choice for SMB printing. For businesses seeking advanced printing solutions, only HP PageWide printers can deliver the fastest speeds, affordable color printing, and at a surprisingly lower cost than expected. It all adds up to best-in-class total cost of ownership.
The news that the so-called Stop the War Coalition are a disgrace will not come as a surprise to many people. They predictably protest against any action by Britain, America, NATO and the West, even in when it means campaigning in defence of tyrants rights to continue various wars, genocides and atrocities. Imagine any scenario in which a democratic country proposes to live up to its universal Responsibility to Protect civilians from violence by a dictatorship or terrorist group, and quick as you can say Trotskyite relativism, so-called Stop the War will be marching against them, sounding off about imperialism. Normally they dont succeed, but when they do, innocent people die.

Against that background, Boris Johnson and Ann Clywd were onto something yesterday when they wondered why these self-proclaimed defenders of peace are so silent about Russias bombing campaign against Syrian civilians.

The BBC duly phoned them up and invited them onto the Today Programme to ask that very question. The answer they got was worse than nonsensical. Their Vice-Chairman said our focus is on what our Government is doing but not on Russia  which makes you wonder why they regularly protest at the actions of America or Israel.

Having deployed that double standard, he kept digging, arguing that a protest outside the Russian embassy would actually contribute to increasing the hysteria and the jingoism which is being whipped up at the moment against Russia. Thats right: Stop the War think that it is jingoistic to suggest that Russia ought not to pulverise residential apartment blocks in Aleppo with bunker-busting bombs. He went on to declare that the very concept of a no-fly zone in Syria threatened World War Three  suggesting in effect that Stop the Wars position on Syria is that the cause of peace is best served by, er, allowing this bloody war to continue.

The piece de resistance, though, came in the final seconds. The StW spokesman declared magnificently that everyone whos got a sense of responsibility for peace or for the future of the planet has to mobiliseand that means opposing the West. There we have it: this isnt the Stop the War Coalition, its now openly the Stop the West Coalition.

In previous years, this would simply have been annoying  a prominent British political movement, under the sway of the Socialist Workers Party, working to defend tyrants, stymie British interests and abandon civilians in Syria to a grim fate. But this is 2016, the second age of Corbyn. No longer are Stop the West simply loons with megaphones, they are embedded at the heart of the Opposition.

Corbyn was chairman of this organisation until just over a year ago, and spent years working with these people in pursuit of their unpleasant aims. In case that slipped your mind, his spokesman riffed on the theme in the post-PMQs press briefing. The focus on Russian atrocities or Syrian army atrocities I think sometimes diverts attention from other atrocities that are taking place, he is quoted as saying, before suggesting there was just as much reason to protest at the American embassy as at the Russian embassy. What StW pronounced on the Today Programme, the Labour Party now repeated from its leaders office.

The barbarians arent at the gates anymore, theyre in charge of the official Opposition of this country  pushing apologism for tyrants, complaining that the media cover the wrong sort of atrocities, drawing false equivalence between the actions of Assad and Putin and the actions of the United States and Britain. The more they do it, and the more they are indulged, the more people will die, and the more our ability to save them will be diminished. They want to Stop the West, and they must be opposed.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

Matabeleland Liberation Organisation leader Paul Siwela has said there is no where in the history of President Robert Mugabe having been voted to lead the ruling Zanu PF but all has been endorsements since 1977.Siwela said it will never happen never mind how people wish it that Mugabe or his nominee if he is still alive would lose elections since he indirectly controls the outcome through the members of ZEC."Robert Mugabe has never contested a political office in his party or country and won. In his party Zanu PF since 1977, he has been ENDORSED and not elected and in 1980 he was endorsed by the British and since then he has manipulated the outcomes using various methods ranging from tribalism, patronage, violence, fear and genocide," he said."Given his track record of gross abuse of human rights it would be fool hard for anyone to believe one day those criminals in Zanu PF would handover power to anybody because they have lost an election when they control Zec and subsequently face prosecution for a myriad of political and criminal offences committed in office since 1980."Siwela said people must think outside the box and whether they agree with him or not he wish to say that power the departure of Robert Mugabe would be characterized by violence that would grip the whole country and inevitably lead to the birth of The Republic of Matebeleland.
Democratic Unionists signal Westminster support for grammar schools

The high-profile wooing of the Democratic Unionist Party was, to those of us with a keen interest in unionist matters, extremely interesting.

Arlene Foster, the First Minister and leader of Northern Irelands largest unionist party, was applauded in the hall, and the party threw a well-attended champagne reception titled Making Brexit Work, Making This Parliament Work, Making The Majority Work.

Now the News Letter reports that Sammy Wilson, the MP for East Antrim and DUP education spokesman, has signalled that his partys eight MPs will support Mays proposals in the House of Commons.

Indeed, he took the opportunity at education question time to seek assurances from Justine Greening, the Secretary of State, that she wouldnt allow critics to deter her from the policy!

The UK-wide EU referendum campaign, during which the DUP fought for Brexit and even paid for campaign materials on the mainland, seems to have given a new British dimension the partys thinking  matched by a heightened appreciation of how co-dependent Britain and Ireland truly are.

Might Theresa May and Foster be discussing some kind of organised arrangement between the Tories and the DUP at Westminster? It would certainly help the Prime Minister avoid an early election.

Sturgeon warned that shes repeating Labours mistakes

Kenny MacAskill, a senior figure in the SNP, has warned Nicola Sturgeon that her play-it-safe approach to governing risks making the same mistakes which doomed Labour in Scotland, the Times () reports.

MacAskill, who served in Alex Salmonds cabinet from 2007 to 2014, argues that the SNP are following in Labours footsteps by building a dominant electoral machine but governing timidly.

With Nationalist members and supporters apparently not keen to rush headlong into a rematch they look likely to lose, the SNP has little option but to try to actually govern Scotland.

This poses a dilemma: bold, imaginative government risks alienating Scotlands numerous vested interests, whilst overseeing decline invites rejection by the voters. And any decisions are likely to start fracturing the SNPs broad but fragile coalition, to the possible advantage of Ruth Davidsons resurgent Tories.

And thats before we consider reports of mounting disquiet in the Nationalist ranks at the extraordinarily autocratic way the SNP is run. The party got where it is with rigid focus on a single goal. We have yet to see if it can slow down without stumbling.

Hain attacks Welsh Assemblys bid to bypass voters on new powers

Peter Hain, a former Welsh Secretary, has launched what Wales Online terms a devastating attack on plans to devolve income tax powers to the Welsh Assembly without a referendum.

Speaking in the Lords (he stepped down from the Commons in 2015), the former MP for Neath described the move as a flagrant breach of promise to the electorate.

Hain isnt the only one disquieted: earlier this year five Welsh Tory MPs wrote to George Osborne to urge him to reconsider plans to abandon the referendum requirement.

Although opinion polls find the public split on the decision, with some suggesting it would be difficult to win, devolved politicians in Cardiff Bay are predictably united in their enthusiasm for more power  and appear to have found a sympathetic ear amongst Tories who spy a strategic advantage in giving the Assembly tax responsibilities.

SNP under pressure on railways, healthcare, and agriculture

If the earlier item highlighted the strategic difficulty for the Scottish Nationalists of shifting into normal government gear, this week provided no shortage of case studies.

Kezia Dugdale, Labours Scottish leader, took the fight to the First Minister in Holyrood on the shocking state of ScotRail, the countrys passenger rail franchise, and the pro-independence Sunday Herald published an investigation into the Scottish commuter experience under the headline Hell on Wheels.

Meanwhile, the Aberdeen Press & Journal reports that the Scottish Government is facing yet more criticism for their mishandling of payments to farmers from the Common Agricultural Policy, whilst according to the Scotsman one of Scotlands largest health boards has been forced to u-turn on referring patients to private hospitals after racking up massive waiting lists.

To top it off, another chink appeared in the Nationalists holier-than-thou story when Corri Wilson, one of their MPs, was found to have hired both her son and her daughter as personal assistants at public expense.

P.S. A colleague and I managed to get front-row seats for Ruth Davidsons appearance on Matt Fordes Unspun, a current affairs comic show which apparently aims to humanise politicians. It was great fun live, so might be worth a watch! Our episode will air tonight.
The University of New Hampshire InterOperability Laboratory (UNH-IOL) will host a multi-vendor G.fast interoperability demo in the Broadband Forum Interoperability Pavilion at next week's Broadband World Forum (BBWF) in London.



The demo showcases G.fast interoperability between products from six companies based on chipsets from three different providers. Additionally, the UNH-IOL will be showing some live testing during the demo, based upon the forthcoming G.fast Certification Program.



Companies taking part in UNH-IOLs demo are Calix, Digital Lightwave, Huawei, Metanoia Communications, Technicolor, and Telebyte.



Proving cross-chipset interoperability enables G.fast technology to become an even more powerful tool for service providers to achieve higher speeds to the subscriber over short distances, said Tom Starr, Broadband Forum President. This interoperability ultimately future proofs the network, so that new devices can effortlessly work with already deployed devices, saving time and money.



http://www.iol.unh.edu
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News / National

by Stephen Jakes

The City of Harare has stated that in the 2017 Budget Speech and Proposals that it will continue with the full implementation of smart water meters. Prepaid water meters have always been not favourable to the citizens of Harare.Harare Residents Trust indicated that the decision to fully implement the project has been done without consulting residents."Citizenry participation is very important. Given that the council is a board which represents the residents and decisions should come from residents then they are tabled before the council for consideration before being implemented. Therefore by the continued installation of prepaid water meters the City Council shows no concern for the citizens," said the trust."Prepaid water meters are not favourable to citizens due to a lot of reasons. To mention only a few, the way Harare Water is supplying residents with water is not pleasing at all. Some residents in areas like Mabelreign Santose area have spent years without water now. Therefore this shows that the decision to install prepaid water meters is not reasonable. The question then is how can the city council want to install meters when there are some areas that do not receive water at all."The trust said another point to note is that, there are a lot of water shutdowns that are taking place to the extent that most residents get water at night."For instance residents in Glen View, Mufakose, Budiriro and Glen Norah receive water midnight. Hence the question now is how can residents favour water meters when they already have a burden of waking up midnight to fetch water from the tap. Also will these prepaid water meters increase the availability of water when they are installed. All what residents want to see is water coming out of their taps not forcing them to install meters that will not benefit them," said the trust."As Harare Residents Trust, water is a basic need and everyone has the right to receive it. According to Chapter 4 Section 77 of the Constitution, every person has the right to safe, clean and potable water. Therefore residents are being deprived of their rights when they do not receive water as accordingly. Also to note, by installing prepaid water meters its privatising water. Hence a number of residents will not be able to have access to the water. Therefore prepaid water meters are not favourable to the residents standards of living."
News / National

by BBC

Farm beneficiary Mujuru & evicted farmer Smith meet for the first time.Start compensation discussions @mawarirej pic.twitter.com/rPF6eKGQ3s  Violet Gonda (@violetgonda) October 6, 2016

Zimbabwe's sacked Vice-President Joice Mujuru has agreed to pay compensation of $1.4m (1.14m) to a white farmer whose land her family took, UK-based Zimbabwean journalist Violent Gonda has told the BBC's Newsday programme.Ms Gonda organised a meeting between Ms Mujuru, who has launched her own party following her expulsion from the ruling Zanu-PF party last year, and Guy Watson-Smith during her recent visit to London.Back in 2000, Ms Gonda explained that Mrs Mujuru's late husband, army general Solomon Mujuru, had taken advantage of a controversial land reform programme to takeover Mr Watson-Smith's farm.Mr Watson-Smith, who travelled from Nice in France to meet Ms Mujuru, was one of the biggest tobacco producers in Zimbabwe at the time.After he was evicted, Mr Mujuru sold the crops the farmer had grown.Mrs Mujuru agreed to pay back $1.4m that Mr Watson-Smith lost from the crops, animals and equipment, but said she could not return the land because it was now owned by the state, according to Ms Gonda.Ms Mujuru also promised to pay his legal fees and interest on the compensation, Ms Gonda added.The journalist has tweeted pictures of the meeting Ms Mujuru, Mr Watson-Smith and his son:Mr Watson-Smith, who lives in France, told Ms Gonda that he was anxious about meeting Mrs Mujuru for the first time:"It's been a long 15 years since we left the farm and it's been hard. My family started again in a new country from nothing. And we have pursued very slowly and very quietly through the courts."Ms Gonda says the question now is if Ms Mujuru will be able to pay.Her husband died in a mysterious fire on the appropriated farm in 2011.He was seen as a power-broker in Zanu-PF, which expelled Ms Mujuru after accusing her of plotting to oust President Robert Mugabe - an allegation she denied.
Opinion / Columnist

The move taken by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) on Monday 10 October 2016 of informing some representatives of political parties falling under the National Electoral Reform Agenda (NERA) that it was working to replace the current voters' roll with a completely new biometric register that would record the faces and fingerprints of polling citizens is a welcome development that would clear some air over the composition of the voters roll.Some opposition political parties have been calling on ZEC to have reforms on its operations and such a move taken by ZEC shows that this electoral board is prepared to accommodate the views of all the stakeholders on elections in the country. The fact that NERA of late has been carrying out some demonstrations directed to ZEC in which it called for the same to reform means that ZEC is on the right directions. Those who have been making noise directed to ZEC in which they wanted it to reform its operations should now relax and give it ample time to carry on with its operations.It is a fact that some opposition political parties have been complaining that the existing voters roll has for years been allegedly containing anomalies that included ghost voters, inaccuracies in identity particulars, duplication of names and omissions that were said to be aiding the ruling party ZANU PF in winning elections. Now that ZEC has decided to start afresh on the registration of some eligible voters so the opposition political parties should now give time ZEC to do their operations without hindrances. Time for demonstrations against ZEC should now be used by opposition political parties in educating their supporters to go and register for the forthcoming 2018 harmonized elections once the registration exercise takes off.Zimbabweans should take seriously what the ZEC Chairperson, Justice Rita Makarau said when she clearly said that the new registration of voters was likely to commence in May 2017 and the biometric roll would be polling station-based. So those who have been crying foul and alleging that there have been some double voting in the country would be rest assured that nothing of that sought would be talked about. The fact that voter registration would be polling station based means there would be no chances of one voting twice. So ZEC should be held with high esteem for coming up with such reforms which would put to rest misconception that had been within some voters in which they thought one can vote twice. Some were even saying that one can vote in another centre and then travels to another one to vote but with this polling station based registration exercise such usually-talked-about anomalies would be the thing of the past.As someone who wanted to show all Zimbabweans that ZEC is there to make sure that everyone is registered, Justice Makarau went on to call for all members of NERA to encourage their members to get registered once the voter registration program starts in March 2017. For that reason people should take this initiative by ZEC seriously so that there would be noone to cry foul in the event that one is not registered. It should be known that voting is everyone citizen's right to do so and for that right to be maintained and upheld there is need for everyone to get registered by ZEC so that in 2018 and onwards everyone would every time and again fulfil his/her voting right without problems.People should be aware that the opposition political parties have been calling for the Registrar General to transfer all voting materials including the voters roll to ZEC and now ZEC is starting everything afresh. This should be applauded because there would be no longer anyone crying foul over the Registrar General's operations when it comes to voting. Actually people should be aware that ZEC has decided to come up with the voters roll because the old voters' roll did not capture people's biometrics. So this new voters' roll would capture people's biometrics meaning that it would be very different to the old voters' roll.What is important for the potential voters to realise is that if you were registered for 2013, but don't register for 2018, your picture will not be able to appear on the voters' roll, and your name will actually not be on the voters' roll, which is going to be polling station based rendering your right to vote invalid. For that reason some political parties should frantically educate their supporters to have this important message in the minds so that they would not be found wanting. It would not make any sense for someone to try to vote when one has not registered.It is equally important for some political parties to carry out voter education to their supporters during those rallies which they would be carrying out throughout the country. People should be made to understand and appreciate that voter registration and the actual voting would be polling station based so that there would be no confusion when both processes are carried out. On the other hand ZEC should also educate people on the importance of changing from the old voters roll to the new voters roll. Countrywide voter education on the pending new voter registration would assist people to understand why there is a need for such an exercise.Normally people are reluctant to be registered in anything if there is no adequate reasons of why there is need for such registration. As such ZEC should start now to come up with even flies written in all Zimbabwean languages so that people get to know what March 2017 would be in store for them. The use of advertisements by ZEC on radio stations and the national television as well as all national newspapers would help ZEC to make sure that information is disseminate to all so that people would appreciate the importance of coming up with this new voters roll. Lack of adequate information on the new voter registration could make the process unsuccessful thereby causing seemingly voter apathy in the forthcoming 2018 harmonized elections. So 2018 harmoniozed elections preparations should not be spoiled by lack of adequate information on the new voters roll.ZEC should also educate the electorate on the importance of the biometric voting system so that enthusiasm among the electorate on the voting processes is developed, The fact that biometric is being increasingly adopted worldwide so as to enhance polling transparency, accuracy and security should also be a driving force which the electorate needs to be informed so that everything goes quite well.Now the opposition political parties which have always been finding faults where there was none in the old voters roll should now join ZEC in making sure that the new voter registration exercise is successful by encouraging their people to register for 2018 harmonized elections. It should be known that getting into political offices by aspiring politicians should start in March 2017 when new voter registration kicks off. The electorate should remember that no voting when one is not registered and one can only vote in the polling station where he would have been registered.
Policy Briefing with Ditmir Bushati

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Albania

EPC Auditorium (3rd floor), Rue du Trone 14-16, 1000 Brussels

11.00-12.00 (registration from 10.40)

Over the past years since it was granted candidate status, Albania has made significant efforts to tackle key domestic reforms and strengthen regional ties. In particular, Albanias governing and opposition parties succeeded this summer in overcoming their familiar polarisation when they approved by parliamentary consensus a long-awaited package of judicial reforms seen as crucial in the fight against corruption and political influence. The various positive outreach initiatives between the Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and his Serbian counterpart, Aleksander Vucic, as well as the constructive attitude that Albania has adopted in the context of the refugee crisis, serve as further examples of the strong national political momentum and desire to see the country advance on its EU membership path. While Albania hopes to be in a position now to be able to open accession negotiations by the end of 2016, the EU is likely to first look for the proof of the pudding in the implementation of the recently adopted reforms. How does Albania plan to convince Brussels and the member states to give it the green light for the start of accession talks ? What are Albanias internal and regional priorities for the foreseeable future and where do the main challenges lie ahead ? What role should the EU and other international actors play in assisting Albania to continue the transformation process and reach its membership goal ?

Minister Bushati will address these and other issues. The event will be moderated by Corina Stratulat, Senior Policy Analyst at the European Policy Centre.

Please confirm your participation by replying to : n.news@epc.eu

European Policy Centre

Tel : 02 231 03 40

www.epc.eu
Opinion / Columnist

Zimbabwe Election Commission (ZEC) chairperson, Justice Rita Makarau, announced on Monday, with the usual fun-fare, that the country will be using the new biometric voting system (BVS). The Zanu PF propaganda machine has taken up the challenge to present the new system as the one cure for all the country's many teething problems of political violence and vote rigging; from hence forth we will have free, fair and credible election! "Zimbabweans should take seriously what the ZEC Chairperson, Justice Rita Makarau said when she clearly said that the new registration of voters was likely to commence in May 2017 and the biometric roll would be polling station-based," wrote Kazamula Matilaya (Bulawayo 24 Opinion)."So those who have been crying foul and alleging that there have been some double voting in the country would be rest assured that nothing of that sought would be talked about. The fact that voter registration would be polling station based means there would be no chances of one voting twice. So ZEC should be held with high esteem for coming up with such reforms which would put to rest misconception that had been within some voters in which they thought one can vote twice."There WAS double voting in the July 2013 elections; we all saw the YouTube videos of hooded Zanu PF youths who were bussed to vote in Mount Pleasant area, for example. When they were asked where in Mount Pleasant they lived, they could not even name one street in the area. Neither ZEC nor Police even bothered to make even token follow-up investigations of the many reported cases of double voting or any of the other vote rigging irregularities.Justice Makarau and now the Zanu PF cheer-leaders are making a mountain out of a mole hill of the fact the new system being "polling station based" as if that makes impossible for anyone to tamper with. Nonsense! In 2013 the hooded Zanu PF youths were allowed to vote at different polling stations on production of voter registration receipts showing they had registered late to be in the voters roll; what is there to stop the regime doing the same again in 2018, for example?Matilaya, Makarau, Register General Tobai Mudede right up to President Mugabe himself, they all know that replacing the old voter registration and the voters roll with the new biometric system will do nothing to address the country's endemic political culture of violence and vote rigging which has made holding free, fair and credible elections impossible. If this country is to end this corrosive culture then we must implement the democratic reforms so that state institutions like ZEC and ZRP will carry out their respective duties of delivering free and fair elections and maintaining law and order. And never again turn a blind eye to blatant vote rigging by bussed in supporters voting in one polling station to the next."Now the opposition political parties which have always been finding faults where there was none in the old voters roll should now join ZEC in making sure that the new voter registration exercise is successful by encouraging their people to register for 2018 harmonized elections," concluded Matilaya.The overwhelming majority of Zimbabweans have no clue how Zanu PF has systematically denied them their freedoms and basic rights including the right to a meaningful vote. The regime has turned the whole electoral process into a smokes and mirrors mystery, by introducing the new biometric system the regime is only upgrading its vote rigging system into a black-box mystery which only the experts can decode. The people many not understand how elections are rigged but that is not to say they do not know they are being cheated out of their right to one-man-one-vote, the carrion cry in the fight to end white colonial oppression.It is heart breaking that now nearly forty years after independence our people are still being cheated out of their freedoms, rights, hopes, dreams and of their very humanity and, to make matters worse, it is none other than those who claim to have liberated the nation from white colonial oppression, their own flesh and blood, who are cheating them. As justice would have it, by cheating the masses President Mugabe and his cronies have cheated themselves tooZimbabwe is in this political and economic hell-hole today, the economic meltdown affects us all even the ruling elite including President Mugabe himself whose own party is imploding into his face; because the 36 years blundering mistakes have finally come home to roost in their millions, like red-billed quelea. We have known about the blundering mistakes of mismanagement, corruption and lawlessness for years but could not do anything to correct them because by rigging elections Mugabe denied the nation the only effective way of effecting meaningful political and economic change.Here is our ticket out of this hell-hole - implement the democratic reforms to ensure free and fair elections. God knows this nation is in this hell-hole because of the decades of corrupt and tyrannical rule; this nation is dying, literally, for good and competent government. Implement the democratic reforms and this nation will have taken its first step out of the hell-hole President Mugabe and his cronies and apologists have dragged us into!Zimbabweans must ignore the call to register as voters on the new biometric system because it will not stop the culture of political violence and vote rigging; let Rita Makarau play alone with her new toy. We must demand the implementation of meaningful democratic reforms nothing less nothing more!
Thick as thieves

The appearance of the CEOs of Australias Big Four banks last week before the House of Representatives Economics Committee was a charade from start to finish. One by one the CEOs lined up to be questioned about the behaviour of their bank, the scandals, what action they had taken to rectify injustices and illegal practices, and why all too often no one had been sacked.

The CEOs were questioned on exorbitant credit card and mortgage rates, bank bill swap rates, refusal to pay insurance claims, financial planning scandals, remuneration of financial planners, lack of independence of financial advice and massive profits on different products and other concerns.

The stock reply from each bank was to sound apologetic for the actions of individuals; to reassure the MPs that thorough internal investigations had been carried out; that any necessary changes had been made; and that criminal and unethical practices were not systemic or related in any way to the banks culture.

Poor outcomes sometimes come from human error. No one company or individual is perfect, said Commonwealth Bank CEO Ian Narev, playing down the seriousness and systemic nature of some of these poor outcomes.

We will ensure that we put our mistakes right and learn from them, he added.

The message: No Royal Commission!

The ANZ, Westpac and National Bank of Australia all sang a similar tune.

The CEOs tried to win friends and sooth public anger by acknowledging some mistakes and illegal activity. They went through the motions.

Too big to touch

The Big Four between them have over $2.5 trillion in assets under management, either directly or through their subsidiaries. This is approximately 140 percent the size of Australias GDP. The wealth managed by the Big Four is almost six times as much as the $418 billion the government spent in 2015.

Along with management of such massive amounts of wealth comes power. The sort of power only enjoyed by some of the big insurance companies like AMP and to a lesser extent the mining magnates.

So it is not surprising that the CEOs didnt feel threatened by this, the first annual review of Australias four major banks  Turnbulls alternative to a Royal Commission. The Fairfax media headline Money Talks summed it up.

Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull announced the holding of annual reviews in a desperate attempt to stave off calls for a Royal Commission into banking. We are supposed to believe that it will make the Big Four publicly accountable?

Farce

Murdochs Australian newspaper described the review as a damp squid and truly pathetic. But it was not referring to the damp and pathetic failure of CEOs to take the hearings seriously but to the parliamentarians questions!

The Australians coverage could be described as truly pathetic, playing up diversions from the key issues, in effect covering up for the banks and their actions. Transferable accounts, tribunals, etc will not address the criminal and unconscionable conduct of banks.

 it is through the combination of strength and fairness that we build and sustain trust, Narev told the review panel.

 we have also needed to balance the interests of many stakeholders in a way that is fair and that is seen to be fair, Narev said.

It is this question of balancing interests  the drive for profits  that is behind the scandals and unethical approach to customers by financial planners, insurance arms of the banks, mortgage loans, etc.

The drive for profits is behind such methods as rewarding employees for selling customers products that they cannot afford; refusing to pay out insurance claims on the basis of outdated medical definitions; not providing financial services that have been paid for; the list goes on.

Bank customers are the targeted victims of such crimes and unethical practices.

Talk about competition protecting customers interests is nonsense, especially when a monopoly of four work almost in unison. The concentration of capital managed by the Big Four is one of the highest in any industrialised country. In July 2016, they held almost 83 percent of loans to households and 80 percent of systemic risk in the financial system.

The litany of complaints associated with the Big Four confirms profits come first.

Scales tipped

There are three bodies where customers can seek redress in the financial system  the Financial Ombudsman, the Superannuation Complaints Tribunal and the Credit and Investments Ombudsman.

A one-stop banking tribunal covering all three areas was raised in the hearings. The banks appear to accept the idea and the government looks like pushing it: a further diversionary tactic giving the false impression that the government is taking some real, direct action.

At present the scales are not balanced in a horizontal position but hang vertically  weighed down by bank profits. There is a conflict between the banks and their drive to maximise profits and the interests of the people whose savings they invest and exploit.

The only way of eliminating this conflict of interest is to remove the private profit motive that drives their corporate appetite.

This can only be done through public ownership. The Communist Party of Australia calls for the establishment of a publicly owned and democratically controlled Peoples Bank with a strong social charter.

This would provide real competition through the force of a publicly owned and publicly backed true alternative to the profit gouging banks.
Editorial

Devastation, cause and response

Statement, Central Committee Secretariat CPA

The Communist Party of Australia expresses its sorrow at the loss of nearly 900 lives and the mass homelessness caused by Hurricane Matthew, which smashed through the Caribbean last week. Particularly hard hit was the long-suffering nation of Haiti, which has nearly one million people in urgent need of humanitarian assistance as a result of the storms. Cholera threatens the population.

While Cuba and the Florida coast of the US have also been hard hit, it is Haitis plight that cries out for the greatest commitment of solidarity. Given the track record of developed countries best situated to provide relief, there is little cause for optimism. There needs to be a rapid change to current practices. Fortunes in aid pledged by wealthy donor countries never reached the people of Haiti in the years following the 2010 earthquake when some 200,000 people are estimated to have died.

As some progressive commentators have noted, Haitis suffering is not as noteworthy for the corporate media as that of France, the UK or the US. There isnt a rush to add a Haitian flag to millions of Facebook profile pics. The hashtag #prayforflorida is trending. There is no such wave of support for prayers for Haiti.

Haiti has been the object of meddling by successive US administrations that have supported blood-curdling dictators and then deposed a progressive, popularly-elected president. There appears to be little support for the nation that liberated itself from oppression in a slave uprising that lasted from 1791 to 1804, when the country was a French colonial possession called Saint Dominique.

Unlike their North American counterparts, Cuba and Venezuela respect the history of Haiti and have expressed their solidarity with its people in impressive practical ways. They have already sent medical teams to assist with the treatment of the sick and injured. This is a major sacrifice of resources, especially for the Cubans. Hurricane Matthew pounded several municipalities in Cuba, including Baracoa, leaving a heartbreaking trail of destruction.

This isnt the first time Cuba has provided such assistance to Haiti or other struggling communities in the region and beyond. It even offered assistance to the US after it showed itself to be poorly prepared for the effects of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The generous offer of medical aid was contemptuously declined. Nevertheless, the world started to notice the impressive contribution of Cuban medical teams around the world.

Hurricane Matthew has been a curse on the people of the Caribbean but it has revealed another strength of Cuban society and its socialist system. It appears that, in contrast to the tragic situation in neighbouring Haiti, there were no casualties in Cuba arising from the storms. The preparations in place for this and other natural disasters are impressive. So is the Cuban governments assistance to the people of the affected areas to help them rebuild.

Cubas ability to provide social infrastructure and aid to a much higher standard than its developing country status would seemingly determine is noteworthy. It would be even more impressive if the USs crippling blockade were lifted, other sorts of sabotage against the island nation were stopped and its territory around Guantanamo Bay was returned. The Communist Party of Australia will continue to work in solidarity to these ends. It also demands of the Australian government the most generous assistance possible to the people of Haiti and a break from the niggardly, self-interested boomerang aid practices of the past.
Baryulgil man takes action over asbestos

As a child growing up in Baryulgil, northern NSW, Ffloyd Laurie remembers playing with the white dust that came from the nearby asbestos mine.

Ffloyd Laurie with wife Noelene.

Now aged in his 50s, Laurie, who has never worked with asbestos, has the fatal cancer mesothelioma, which is usually found in people who worked directly with the deadly fire-retardant mineral.

Now hes started what is likely to be complicated legal action in a bid for compensation.

As a kid at Baryulgil I didnt know what it was, Laurie said of the white dust.

My father worked on the mine and we used to go up and see him where he was working. Dust would float around us and wed ride on the equipment.

We used to eat the fruit near the mine; we never used to wash it off.

Major building products company James Hardie, which operated the Baryulgil mine until 1976, established a huge compensation fund after widespread media coverage and legal action from former workers and unions.

But because of a clause in a settlement agreement the company struck with the NSW government in 2005, Laurie is unlikely to see any compensation from the mining company.

That clause dictates that James Hardie can be sued in relation to the mine at Baryulgil only as a last resort. Consequently, Lauries lawyer, Tanya Segelov, said she has started a legal case against the NSW Department of Education because Laurie and his classmates were exposed to the dust at Baryulgil Primary School.

Normally wed sue James Hardie, but because it was dust around the playground we have to sue the Department of Education, she said. They used it (asbestos dust) to cover the surface of the playground. Theres a special section of the deal James Hardie made with the government that only covers the mine in Baryulgil.

It means that were required to sue the government or anyone else who can be sued before we can sue the company. So were suing the NSW government because it had a duty of care to keep those kids safe.

Theres no doubt the school had a duty of care, but we would have normally sued James Hardie. Its a very unusual provision that was agreed on as part of those negotiations.

Laurie says he can no longer work with the Aboriginal Medical Service, where he has been employed for the past nine years. I used to be a health worker, he said. I used to walk a lot and do lots of driving, and now I cant do that any more.

I would have been coming up to long service if I could stay.

The chemotherapy treatment for my cancer is draining and sometimes my eyes blur. I get blurry vision. I started chemo in June.

Lauries wife Noelene said the cancer has also had a significant impact on her and the couples children.

Its frustrating, and its tiring, and its something youd never think would happen to someone you love, so its had a big impact, she said. We lost a daughter a few years ago, then last year we lost another daughter, which had a big impact.

Were handling this as well as we can. All we can do is put our faith in God.

Laurie is the first of his family who went to the school in Baryulgil to develop mesothelioma.

He said he hopes the upcoming court case will help his family get the treatment they need if they find they have the fatal cancer. Dad didnt get any compensation so I want to do this for my family, he said.

I hope it benefits my family. We just didnt know what asbestos was.

I never smoked and I never drank, so the cancer cant be from that.

The Baryulgil community has now rallied around Laurie and his family, raising money through an online funding website for the couple to have the honeymoon they never had. In less than a week more than $1,000 was raised.

It just makes me feel like theres people out there who care, Laurie told the Koori Mail. Im well known in the local community. Ive got lots of connections. I was raised in Tabulam and Ive been all around.

To donate to Ffloyd and Noelene Lauries honeymoon fund, visit www.gofundme.com/2nzpfbkn

Koori Mail
Joint Communique

Establishment of Diplomatic Relations  Venezuela and Vanuatu

The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu, guided by mutual desire to initiate and develop ties of friendship and cooperation between the two States in political, economic, cultural, technical and in any other fields on the common agreement have decided to establish diplomatic relations as of the date of the signing of this joint communique on the basis of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations April 18, 1961.

The relation between the two States will be based on the principles and rules of the Charter of the United Nations and International law, particularly, equality among the States, respect for their independence, national sovereignty, territorial integrity and non-interferer in the internal affairs of the States.

The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu are convinced that the establishment of diplomatic relations between them corresponds to the interest of the two States and contribute to the consolidation and cooperation among them and peace in the world.

As a testimony of this act, the undersigned Representatives, duly authorisation by their respective Governments have signed this joint communique in Spanish and English.

Signed in Margarita Island, Venezuela, 2016.

For the Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela:

Delcy Rodriguez Gomez

Minister of Peoples Power for Foreign Affairs



For the Government of the Republic of Vanuatu:

Bruno Leingkone

Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation & Foreign Trade
Taking issue  Rob Gowland

Case study in Corporate Welfare

When capitalism was young, merchants and cashed-up landowners used their surplus capital to outfit ships to sail to the New World to share in plundering its gold. Later, they sent their ships to the spice islands of the Orient to bring back cargoes as valuable as gold.

This influx of gold and expensive trade goods saw capital itself begin to replace land as the measure of wealth. The transition from feudalism to capitalism had begun. As the industrial revolution developed, the possessors of this new wealth sought to increase their holdings by exploiting the money-making potential of the new inventions and scientific discoveries that distinguished the age. The products of the new mines and mills needed to reach their markets so canny investors put up the money to build, initially canals, then railways.

They soon realised, however, that manufacturing the goods to be transported was potentially much more profitable. And so it remained for the next hundred years or so while capitalism exhausted the possibilities for investing its profits at home and had to seek foreign outlets for them instead. The age of economic imperialism had arrived.

There followed a century of unprecedented wars for colonies and markets, followed by national liberation struggles plus revolutionary and counter-revolutionary struggles and the flight of manufacturing from developed capitalist countries to low-wage economies concentrating on assembly.

As manufacturing shut down in developed countries, jobs disappeared by the thousand. Manufacturing in low-wage countries, by definition, cannot generate adequate income to replace that which has been lost. Low-paid workers cannot hope to buy everything they produce. The result is a crisis of overproduction and such crises have become endemic and constant.

Capitalism is in deep trouble. The richest capitalist country, the USA, is beset by poverty, homelessness (even among people with jobs) and despair. So universal is this feeling of crisis that Presidential hopeful  and fascist demagogue  Donald Trump has campaigned successfully on a promise to make America great again, an admission that the country has well and truly fallen off its pedestal, as if such an admission of national failure was actually needed.

So how do the USAs capitalists hope to revive their countrys economic fortunes (both figuratively and literally)? The more predatory elements of the US corporate state wage war against the global environment and against any government that does not accept their diktat. In the face of overwhelming scientific evidence, they persist in promoting the use of fossil fuels and, in the quest for short term profits, happily drill for oil and gas in such sensitive areas as the Gulf of Mexico and the Arctic.

They foment wars to disrupt the supply of oil and gas to their competitors in Europe and they especially seek to disrupt the economies of their main social and economic rivals, Russia and China. Russia is supplying China with massive quantities of oil and both countries are economic allies of another US target, oil-rich Iran.

The network of pipelines that delivers Russian oil and gas to Europe goes through Ukraine. A massive intelligence operation was launched to destabilise Ukraine, using street fighters brought in from as far afield as Chechnya and Israel, accompanied by intense US diplomatic pressure, all staged for the benefit of the international capitalist media.

The coup in Ukraine was successful, ousting the elected government and installing an openly fascist stooge of the US. The other major source of oil and gas for Europe is Iran but the planned pipeline to bring it would pass through Syria. US efforts to overthrow the government of Bashar al-Assad in Syria are in part intended to frustrate attempts to build this oil pipeline or at least to bring it under US control.

The USA developed its manufacturing capacity in the 19th century and expanded it greatly in the 20th century, especially during WW1 and WW2, when  unlike its European rivals  it was spared the disaster of invasion while supplying vast amounts of arms and materiel to the Allies. Today, however, the larger US companies engaged in manufacturing are desperately trying to cut their costs, seeking to transfer their operations to a low-wage country so they can boost their profits at the expense of their laid off American workers.

US politicians at national, state and municipal levels are painfully aware that the country cannot continue to shed jobs at the rate it has been if they want to sustain their economy and avoid turning the USA into a massive rusting ghost town. They need to attract enterprises to their locality that will generate new jobs if they are to prevent their populations from revolting.

So desperate are they to attract these businesses that they are offering what amount to huge bribes to any corporation that will only come and set up in their town. In 2008, to get German auto giant Volkswagen (VW) to set up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, the city and state administrations arranged to provide VW with a trifling US$577 million subsidy package, the largest taxpayer handout ever given to a foreign-headquartered automaker in US history ( Chris Brooks, Dollars & Sense).

As Brooks points out, According to the Subsidy Tracker at the website of watchdog group Good Jobs First, the package provided to VW included $229 million from the state for training costs and infrastructure; $86 million in land and site improvements from the city and the county; state tax credits worth $106 million over 30 years; and local tax abatements worth $133 million over the same period.

Thats a hell of a subsidy, I hear you say? Wait, it gets worse  much worse. As Brooks explains: In exchange for this massive infusion of public wealth onto Volkswagens corporate balance sheets, the company promised to create 2,000 jobs in Chattanooga, bringing the price tag for each promised job to $288,500. WHAT!? Keep the job, just gimme the money!

Was Tennessees willingness to cough up a ginormous subsidy the only reason VW decided to set up shop in the state? Not entirely, no. A referendum in 2014 decided to forbid the state from ever establishing a payroll tax and Brooks notes that earlier this year the state legislature passed a bill to phase out the states tax on dividends and income from bonds by 2022. This largesse on the part of Tennessee towards corporations coming into the region resulted in millions of dollars in tax revenue being stripped from city budgets. The inevitable consequences are cuts in services and higher charges, both impacting hardest on the working class.

Almost the sole source of revenue for the Tennessee state government is sales tax. The primary form of wealth for the working and middle classes  a family home  is taxed to provide revenue for local government while major forms of wealth for the ruling class  corporate stocks and bonds  are not. Similarly, essentials like groceries are subject to sales tax while luxury goods such as attorneys fees, services such as haircuts and massages, and goods for horses and airplanes are exempt!

As Brooks notes, this regressive system is compounded with every tax abatement given to a large multinational corporation, such as Volkswagen. When the state increases its reliance on sales taxes to offset the holes punched into the budget by corporate tax breaks, this increases the overall tax burden on the poor and working class. The only other option to raising revenue through regressive taxes is for the state to cut services. Cuts to services, such as healthcare, public education, infrastructure, and transportation, are just another way to shift the burden onto the working class.

The policy of in effect bribing large corporations to set up shop in Chattanooga may have given state and city politicians something to brag about when seeking re-election, but in fact it has done nothing to help the working people of Tennessee. Currently, 27% of Chattanoogans overall live in poverty, almost double the national average, and that number jumps to 36% in the citys Black community. ... According to the 2015 report State of Black Chattanooga, by the Ochs Centre for Metropolitan Studies, the median wealth of white households in Tennessee ... increased by 2.4% between 2010 and 2013, to $141,900. Contrast that with the median wealth of Black households in the state, which continued to spiral down in the same time period, falling more than 33% to $11,000.

With tax breaks, subsidies and other generous handouts of public money, it is no wonder that, in Brookss words, the arrival of Volkswagen, [and other large companies like] Wacker and Amazon has failed to fundamentally alter the overall low-wage economy in Chattanooga ... In the 11 lowest-income neighbourhoods in the city, in which about three-quarters of residents identify as Black, the poverty rate is 64%.

Corporate welfare is no solution to their problems. By diverting money away from the poor where it is needed, it in fact makes the situation worse. But thats capitalism for you!
Culture & Life

I Am Not Your Negro

TORONTO: One of the most artistic and daring political statements at this years Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), was the world premiere of Haitian-born Raoul Pecks I Am Not Your Negro based on James Baldwins unfinished book Remember This House. Not surprisingly, the film won the Peoples Choice Documentary Award for its radical narration about race in America today.

Peck has created one of the most progressive filmographies in cinema history. He actually received privileged access to the Baldwin archives because the family knew of his outstanding works on the Congo leader Patrice Lumumba, specifically the 1990 political thriller Lumumba: Death of Prophet and the 2000 award-winning drama on the same subject, Lumumba. They trusted in his ability to accurately represent Baldwins life and writings.

The filmmaker took 10 years to bring this masterpiece to the screen, after being rejected by every American studio he approached. Public agencies said, This is public money so you have to present both sides! Thus his ability to produce this film through his own successful company and a supportive French TV station ARTE allowed him to make it exactly as he wanted, with no censorship and no one telling him to rush the film or mellow the message.

Peck didnt want to use the traditional civil rights archives. He chose to avoid the talking-heads format and picked Samuel L Jackson to embody the spirit of Baldwin in the potent narration. The films powerful structure utilising rare videos, photos and personal writings of Baldwin, at the same time aligning them with contemporary issues of police brutality and race relations, creates a mesmerising awareness of continuity in the struggle for civil rights.

Baldwin made a deep impact on the young impressionable Haitian filmmaker. Peck remembers back in the 1960s when mostly white Americans were honoured in pictures on walls, and that it was Baldwin who first helped me see through this myth of American heroes. He felt that Baldwin had been forgotten or overlooked, while James Meredith, Medgar Evers, the Black Panthers, Huey Newton, Malcolm X and other Black leaders were either killed off, imprisoned, exiled or bought out. There were rare exceptions on commercial TV  once when Baldwin talked on the Dick Cavett Show for an hour uncensored.

Baldwin, although a literary giant and a close friend of many leading activists, rarely appeared at events and mass rallies, and declined membership in parties or groups such as the NAACP, Panthers, SNCC, etc. And although he was homosexual, he rarely focused on the issue of gay rights, which would have been even more isolating in those decades. Rightfully, this film brings to life Baldwins poetry and passion for justice, and reasserts his importance in the field where art intersects activism.

Addressing the enthusiastic audience in the Q&A, director Peck said, I hope this film will help rephrase what is called the race conversation, which deep down is a class conversation. Although class wasnt developed as much as race in this film, not coincidentally, Peck is now in post-production on a drama about the young Karl Marx  a major historical figure who has likely never been a subject in America cinema. All of Pecks previous films are imbued with a deep awareness in the class struggle.

The director was a special guest at a TIFF Talk entitled Race and History where he covered many of the points mentioned here about taking control of your own artistic project. He defended the idea that an artist has a point of view and shouldnt be forced to compromise his political message, whether its acceptable or not. Near the end of the conversation I was able to ask him a question about how difficult it is to market films on race and class. He responded, I come from a generation that was more political and where the film content was more important ... I tried to keep the content but provide a great movie ... All my films are political but I make sure I tell a story, that its art and poetry and that the audience will enjoy it.

Peck confessed that hes privileged having his own company and that his films dont always have to make money. Its about financing your movie, not making a profit ... Its difficult to have those two sides in your head, because you know that having to make a profit means you often have to compromise ... Once I have people trust me with their money, I am obliged to give them a great film  Im not obliged to give them profit.

And he gave them a great film! I Am Not Your Negro was recently purchased for North American distribution by Magnolia Pictures, which praised Peck for crafting a profound and indelible statement that couldnt be more timely or powerful. Were eagerly awaiting his new biopic on Karl Marx!

Peoples World
All of the public policy statements have been developed in partnership with strand-specific National Scrutiny Panels, which consist of members with experience and expertise from a community and academic perspective.

We are publishing these statements because we want victims and witnesses and their families and communities, as well as the general public, to be confident that we understand the serious nature of these crimes. The policy statements acknowledge the damaging and wide ranging effects of racially and religiously aggravated hate crimes, homophobic and transphobic hate crimes and crimes against disabled people on individuals and wider communities.

We are publishing revised public policy statements on offences involving hostility on the grounds of sexual orientation and gender identity and Racially and Religiously Aggravated Hate Crime. We are also publishing the first public policy statement on Crimes Against Disabled People. These statements comprehensively set out how we approach these crimes.

The consultation response can be accessed below: Summary of Responses to the Consultation on Hate Crime Public Statements (PDF file 734kb)

The purpose of the consultation was to provide interested persons with an opportunity to provide comments and to ensure the final version of the policies were informed by as wide a range of views as possible.

The policy statements were published in October 2016 and consulted on for a period of 13 weeks, ending 9 January 2017.

This is a summary of responses to the public consultation undertaken by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) on the following Public Statements on Hate Crime:

Consultation content

CPS policy

Our policy is to:

Identify crimes against disabled people, including disability hate crimes, as early as possible

Build strong cases with our partners that satisfy the tests within the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

Apply for a sentence uplift under s.146 Criminal Justice Act 2003 (s.146 CJA 2003) where there is evidence of hostility based on disability or presumed disability, including minor offending.

Apply for an increased sentence in all other cases where disability is an aggravating factor in the case.

Work closely with the police, criminal justice agencies and community stakeholders other bodies to continuously refresh our understanding of crimes against disabled people and to improve our response to it.

Improve awareness of disability hate crime and public confidence to report it.

Monitor the implementation of this policy.

When presented with cases that involve disabled people, we will be aware that:

Crimes against disabled people may be underpinned by discrimination, or a prejudice against disabled people.

The belief that disabled people as a group are somehow inherently vulnerable, weak and easy targets is an attitude that motivates some crimes against disabled people.

The prejudice, discrimination and social exclusion experienced by many disabled people is not the inevitable result of their impairments or medical conditions, but rather stems from specific barriers they experience on a daily basis: this is known as the social model of disability.

When deciding whether it is in the public interest to prosecute crimes against disabled people, our prosecutors must have regard to whether the offence was motivated by any form of discrimination, including against the victim's disability, or whether the suspect demonstrated hostility towards the victim based on disability.

The presence of any such motivation or hostility will mean that it is more likely that prosecution is required.

Question 1: Does the section on 'CPS policy' address all key issues in prosecuting crimes against disabled people?

Crimes against disabled people

There is no statutory definition of crimes against disabled people. In this policy, we define crimes against disabled people as:

Any crime in which disability is a factor, including the impact on the victim and where the perpetrator's perception that the victim was disabled was a determining factor in his or her decision to offend against the specific victim.

We define disability as any physical or mental impairment. This definition fully incorporates the definition of disability for the purposes of the Equality Act 2010.

Disability hate crime

A crime against a disabled person may also be a disability hate crime, in that it engages the provisions of s.146 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003. Although there is no offence of disability hate crime, s.146 imposes a duty on courts to increase a sentence where an offender demonstrates hostility to the victim, based on the victim's disability or presumed disability, or is motivated by hostility towards people with a disability.

In order to identify cases involving disability hate crime, we have agreed, with the Police, a shared definition of monitored disability hate crime. This definition is wider than the statutory definition, to ensure we capture all relevant cases:

Any criminal offence which is perceived by the victim or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice based on a person's disability or perceived disability.

Hostility can take many forms, ranging from verbal abuse to physical and sexual assault and can include threats, criminal damage, harassment, stalking and anti-social behaviour. For more information about the nature of disability hate crime, see our legal guidance on disability hate crime.

We recognise that hate crime not only impacts on the individual victim but also on the wider community. Individual incidents can send reverberations throughout communities, just as they can reinforce established patterns of prejudice and discrimination. This is why it is so important for hate crime to be effectively prosecuted.

Discrimination against disabled people

We understand that racist crime is linked to racism as a prejudicial set of ideas; similarly, we recognise that crimes against disabled people are often underpinned by a prejudice against disabled people. We acknowledge that discrimination often provides the backdrop, and sometimes the motivation, for crimes against disabled people and we will present evidence of discrimination in cases where it is present.

We recognise that disabled people can be targeted for a combination of reasons, such as race, religion or sexual orientation, as well as because of their impairment. Prosecutors will apply to courts for appropriate sentence uplifts based upon all the relevant aggravating features.

Internet and social media

The internet and social media in particular have provided new platforms for offending behaviour and our revised guidance on the prosecution of social media cases provides more detail.

In approaching on-line hate crime, we will:

Recognise that modern communications technology provides opportunities for hate crime.

Understand internet and social media platforms.

Be familiar with the relevant law and referral systems.

Be alert to the need to identify originators as well as amplifiers or disseminators.

Prosecute complaints of hate crime on line with the same robust and proactive approach used with offline offending.

Consider the potential impact on a targeted individual or community.

Treat complaints as seriously as offline complaints and encourage all to be reported to the police.

As with all hate crime offences the police will be required to seek a charging decision from us.

Situational risk and "vulnerable victims"

We are aware that disabled people are regularly labelled as "vulnerable".

This labelling has been repeatedly criticised by disabled people and others and is not in line with the social model of disability (see below). We understand that applying this label to disabled people can give the message that they are inherently 'weak' or 'dependent' as individuals and as a group, when in fact it is physical barriers and social attitudes that create inaccessible, unsafe and therefore vulnerable situations for disabled people.

Moreover, the belief that disabled people are vulnerable may be disabling in itself and can lead to decisions and actions that adversely affect disabled people's independence, safety and security. Crucially, in the context of the criminal justice system, this attitude can undermine their perceived competence, credibility and reliability as a witness, and, therefore, their access to justice.

We recognise that it is therefore preferable to refer to a "situational risk", or an "at risk situation" that a disabled person may find themselves in, due to particular circumstances, as opposed to referring to the disabled person as "vulnerable". Like many people, those who are disabled experience situational risks, which may be taken advantage of by an offender, or provide the opportunity for the offender to act on his hostility towards disabled people. These risks can be connected to a person's gender, job, disability or other factors and characteristics.

We will try to avoid the use of the term "vulnerable" where possible and we will always avoid any use of the term which may suggest disabled people are inherently weak or dependent.

However, the term is unfortunately sometimes unavoidable in the context of criminal proceedings, due to the wording of relevant Sentencing Guidelines and the law. For example, if prosecutors did not use the term in court, they may be unable to properly explain that an offence is aggravated because of a victim's "vulnerability", and should attract an increased sentence. This would in turn disadvantage the disabled victim, as the perpetrator may receive a more lenient sentence than is appropriate.

Our legal guidance on Prosecuting cases of Disability Hate Crime also sometimes refers to a "vulnerable" victim or person. But it does so only where necessary. This will be in the context of the person being in an "at risk situation" in relation to a particular criminal offence, in particular circumstances, for the purposes of a Sentencing Guideline, or an application for special measures for a "vulnerable witness".

Question 2: Does the section on "Situational risk" and "vulnerable victims" reflect and address disabled people's concerns about the misuse of the term "vulnerable" as a label?

The social model of disability

We understand the social model of disability to mean that the prejudice, discrimination and social exclusion experienced by many disabled people is not the inevitable result of their impairments or medical conditions, but rather stems from specific barriers they experience on a daily basis. These barriers can be environmental (inaccessible buildings and services), attitudinal (stereotyping, discrimination and prejudice), and organisational (inflexible policies, practices and procedures).

Using the social model helps us to dismantle or reduce the effects of those barriers that are within our power and improve the safety and security of disabled people.

Reporting a crime, giving a statement and being called to give evidence in court can be very daunting experiences for anyone. We recognise that disabled people experience specific social barriers in this regard. These can range from a failure by criminal justice agencies to identify an incident as a potential disability hate crime to inaccessible courtrooms, witness waiting areas or an absence of sign language interpreters.

We are particularly concerned to avoid incorrect judgments being made about disabled people's reliability or credibility as a witness giving evidence in court. Such judgments may lead to an incorrect charging decision or could undermine the potential success of a prosecution.

The way in which we apply the social model means that we will:

Not make assumptions about a disabled victim's reliability or credibility, and challenge others who do so.

Ensure that disabled people are aware of the support that is available to them to give their best evidence.

Be more likely to prosecute cases where disability is a factor, including disability hate crimes.

Be mindful that language is important and only use the term "vulnerable" in relation to disabled people when it is appropriate in the context of the law and facts of the case.

Recognise that the belief that a disabled person is "vulnerable" forms the backdrop of crimes against disabled people and can even be a motivating factor in crimes committed against them.

Question 3: Does the section on "the social model of disability" explain how the CPS applies the model to its own work?

Working with stakeholders

We work locally and nationally, with the police and other partners in the criminal justice system, as well as with individuals and community groups with experience and expertise in relation to hate crime. This ensures that we are able to continuously refresh our understanding of the nature of disability hate crime and can improve our response to it.

Criminal investigation

We adopt a proactive approach and will seek further evidence where necessary from the police to assist in the identification of evidence of hostility to support a sentence uplift application.

In some cases, we may advise the police to follow up other possible lines of enquiry. This may include looking at previous reported incidents involving the same victim, or the same suspect. It may also involve seeking information or evidence from other agencies such as Social Services, NHS, specialist support groups and community groups working with disabled people.

Charging decisions

In cases of crimes against disabled people, as in all cases, when making charging decisions prosecutors must apply the Code for Crown Prosecutors.

Bail

The time after an offender is charged with a crime can cause anxiety for the victim. We recognise that disabled victims may be particularly concerned and affected. For instance, some disabled victims may be dependent for their care on the perpetrator of the crime committed against them. In such cases, we will work with partners to identify support mechanisms which may be provided in the community.

If there is a risk of danger or threats or repeat offences, we will seek to protect victims and witnesses by seeking to remand the defendant in custody where appropriate or by asking the court to impose conditions on bail where possible (for example, not to approach any named person or to keep away from a certain area).

Prosecution and sentencing

In cases of disability hate crime, we will build cases that enable us to present evidence of hostility based on disability.

This will enable us to apply for a s.146 uplift when appropriate. We will remind the court of its duty to increase the sentence where the offence is aggravated by hostility towards disability.

Where there is insufficient evidence of disability hostility for the purposes of s.146, but disability was a factor in the case in some other way, we will present evidence of any other aggravating factors that may increase the seriousness of the case and the sentence.

For example, in some cases the victim's disability is not a factor in the offender's decision to target him or her. But the impact of the crime on the victim is very significant because of his or her disability. This evidence of harm caused to the victim will be brought to the court's attention as a factor that increases the seriousness of the offence.

We shall also encourage the court to state in its sentencing remarks the basis for any increase in sentence due to the at-risk or vulnerable situation the victim was in at the time the offence was committed.

We shall draw the court's attention to any Victim Personal Statement (VPS) and evidence of the impact of the offending on the community, including the disabled community. Victims are entitled to choose whether they would like to read their VPS aloud in court, whether they would like someone else to read it aloud or whether it should be played back, if recorded, for them.

We have a responsibility to assist the court in sentencing. Prosecutors will apply for appropriate ancillary orders, including restraining orders and compensation for loss, injury or damage. We will always have regard to the victim's needs, including the question of their future protection.

Question 4: Does the section on "prosecution and sentencing" explain clearly that the CPS will apply for an increased sentence in all appropriate cases?

Withdrawal

Sometimes a victim will ask the police not to proceed any further with the case or will ask to withdraw the complaint. This does not necessarily mean that the case will automatically be stopped. Applying the Code test, we will prosecute all cases where there is sufficient evidence and there are no factors that prevent us from doing so.

Victim's Right to Review

If a victim requests a review of a CPS decision not to bring proceedings, or to end all proceedings, we will look again at the decision to establish if it was correct. For more detail see our Victim's Right to Review Policy.

Support

We acknowledge that in some cases a key barrier preventing disabled victims from giving their best evidence is a lack of support. To address this, we are publishing a specific support guide [Provide link when published] on crimes against disabled people, to accompany this Policy Statement. The guide sets out the range of support available to disabled victims of crime, from the CPS, the police and other criminal justice agencies. The aim of the guide is to support victims and witnesses to give their best evidence.

Disabled defendants

Disabled people also go to court as defendants. We are mindful of our responsibilities to ensure that disabled defendants are treated fairly and we expect that those working with them will consider any support and assistance disabled defendants may need.

Equality duty

We are a public authority for the purposes of equality legislation. This policy, our related legal guidance and our new Support Statement, form a key part of our efforts to meet our obligations under the General Public Sector Equality duty to eliminate the harassment of disabled people and to promote equality and good relations.

Ensuring that this policy is implemented

We are committed to ensuring that this policy is implemented. We will monitor our performance within our Hate Crime Assurance Scheme, under the oversight of our hate crime governance structures and with the involvement of disabled people through our Community Accountability Forum.

Our Hate Crime Annual Report provides transparent accountability in respect of our performance.

Question 5: Do you have any further comments on the CPS Policy on Prosecuting Crimes against Disabled People?

Signed and subtitled video version for deaf and hearing impaired people

Easy Read version for people with learning disabilities

You can download an Easy Read version of the Consultation on the CPS Policy on Prosecuting Crimes against Disabled People here.

Sound file (MP3) version for blind and visually impaired people

You can download and play a Sound file version of the Consultation on the CPS Policy on Prosecuting Crimes against Disabled People here.
Michele Pirro will debut a prototype version of next year's 2017 Desmosedici during a private test at Valencia this week.

The outing explains why factory test rider Pirro is not flying out to replace the injured Andrea Iannone in this weekend's Japanese MotoGP.

However, Pirro is ready to once again step-in should Iannone not be fit for the following Phillip Island round.

"It would be nice, personally I feel ready," Pirro told GPone.com. "Of course I'm sorry for Iannone, I understand very well what he is facing, I too have had to deal with the same [injury]. Unfortunately, the vertebrae is never like a broken wrist."

If Iannone does not ride at Phillip Island, it would stoke speculation that retired former champion Casey Stoner might return for his home round.

However it seems unlikely that the Australian, unbeaten at Phillip Island from 2007-2012, would step-in at such short notice given the physical preparation needed for a MotoGP race distance. Stoner last rode a MotoGP bike during the Austria test, in July.

Ducati has always left the door open to its star test rider making a one-off racing return, either a as wild-card or replacement, but Stoner has so far politely declined each opportunity. As appears to have been the case for Motegi.

Jorge Lorenzo will make his Ducati debut at the Valencia post-race test in just over a month. However, it appears Yamaha are not keen to release the triple world champion for a further Ducati test at the end of November.
Donald Trump Accused Of Walking In On Miss Teen USA Contestants While They Were Changing

Trending News: Miss Teen USA Contestants Say Trump Walked In On Them Naked

Why Is This Important?

Because Trump does love his "locker room talk."

Long Story Short

Donald Trump has been accused by several Miss Teen USA beauty queens that he walked in on contestants as young as 15 while they were changing. This comes shortly after an interview was dug up with Howard Stern where Trump bragged about walking in on Miss Universe and Miss USA contestants in the nude.

Long Story

Another day, another Trump scandal.

This morning, Buzzfeed News reported that four former Miss Teen USA contestants recall the Republican presidential candidate walking in on them while they were changing in the dressing room. Only one of the former beauty queens (princesses?) came forward with her name.

I remember putting on my dress really quick because I was like, Oh my god, theres a man in here, Mariah Billado, the former Miss Vermont Teen USA said to Buzzfeed.

When he came in, Trump didn't say or do anything overtly sexual, he just said Dont worry, ladies, Ive seen it all before, Billado recalled.

When he started running for president, that is one of the first things I thought about: Oh, gross, this guy walked in on us in the pageant, said another woman, who wished to remain anonymous because she didn't want to get mixed up in a media firestorm. Girls were just scrambling to grab stuff, she added, whatever garments they had.

At the time, youre a teenager, youre intimidated  its Donald Trump, he runs the pageant, said another, adding that she felt like it was his given right to enter the dressing rooms because he owned the pageant.

Not exactly a far out thing to say, considering what Trump said to radio personality Howard Stern, as revealed by CNN just this Saturday.

Ill tell you the funniest is that Ill go backstage before a show and everyones getting dressed, Trump is recorded as saying to Howard Stern. No men are anywhere, and Im allowed to go in, because Im the owner of the pageant and therefore Im inspecting it.  Is everyone OK? You know, theyre standing there with no clothes. Is everybody OK? And you see these incredible looking women, and so I sort of get away with things like that.

No one had alleged that Trump acted the same way with Miss Teen USA until these new accusations.

However  and this is a big however  the majority of people Buzzfeed interviewed didn't recall Trump entering the room at all. Out of 51 former contestants they reached out to, thirty four declined to be interviewed or weren't reachable, four said he'd walked in on them and eleven don't remember it ever happening.

One of the former contestants who went on the record, former Miss Massachusetts Teen USA Jessica Granata, said she "can't even fathom" him walking in because the room "was very secure."

Allison Bowman, former Miss Wisconsin Teen USA, said if anyone were going to talk about this, it would be a group of teenagers. These were teenage girls, Bowman said. If anything inappropriate had gone on, the gossip would have flown.

Crystal Hughes, the former Miss Maine Teen USA, alleged that the four women who are accusing Trump of walking in on them were "probably lying because they are voting for Hillary Clinton.

It's getting well beyond ridiculous how many scandals there are about what Trump has said in the past. At this point, people either like that he's a rude fear-mongering narcissist, or they don't. And I guess we'll find out at election time what people really think because he's not going anywhere before then.

Own The Conversation

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Are these scandals good for Trump in the end because they divert attention from talking about real policies and keep his name in all the headlines?

Disrupt Your Feed

Trump is loving all this attention.

Drop This Fact

Trump had owned the Miss Universe, Miss Teen USA and Miss USA pageants up until last year before he was dropped by NBC following his comments about Mexican "rapists" coming in to the United States.
Mobility News

Channel Partners: Samsung Will Recover From Galaxy Note7 Halt, Citing History Of HP, Dell Battery Fires

Joseph F. Kovar

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Samsung on Tuesday officially said it would stop production of its Galaxy Note7 smartphone after several reported incidents where the phone, and even some of the replacement units the company sent out, began smoking or catching fire.

"For the benefit of consumers' safety, we stopped sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note7 and have consequently decided to stop production," a Samsung spokesperson wrote in an email to CRN.

The production halt gives competitors like Apple or the newly-released Google Pixel an opportunity to rack up extra sales.

However, channel partners, recalling earlier episodes of mobile PCs smoking or burning, expect Samsung to recover eventually.

[Related: Reports: Samsung Stops Production Of Galaxy Note 7]

Bob Venero, CEO of Holbrook, N.Y.-based solution provider Future Tech, which was recently authorized as a Samsung Galaxy smartphone partner, said he is confident that Samsung will bounce back stronger than ever.

"This is definitely going to have a large impact on Samsung's dominant smartphone market share," Venero told CRN. "But this is a $235 billion company that has proven that it can bounce back from adversity and continue to deliver products and provide great support with its partners in the markets they compete in."

The Samsung Galaxy Note7 was unveiled in early August to much fanfare as the company's newest weapon in its war of mobile device domination with arch-rival Apple. Shipments started August 19.

However, Samsung on September 2 halted sales of the Galaxy Note7, citing a battery issue as the reason several units caught fire. Some airlines banned users from activating a Samsung Galaxy Note7 on their flights.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on September 15 issued an official recall notice on all Note7 devices sold before that date because "the lithium-ion battery in the Galaxy Note7 smartphones can overheat and catch fire, posing a serious burn hazard to consumers."

At the time, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission said Samsung had received 92 reports of overheating batteries in the U.S. which led to 26 reports of burns and 55 reports of property damage.

But reports surfaced Monday that Samsung halted production of the Galaxy Note7 after some units sent to customers to replace their recalled devices also caused fires.

The Wall Street Journal and other media outlets on Tuesday reported that Samsung has decided to discontinue production of the Galaxy Note7 permanently. The Journal reported that Samsung's potential losses related to the recall and production halt could be as high as $2.8 billion in the last calendar quarter of 2016.

Despite the recall, as of Tuesday afternoon, versions of the Galaxy Note7 mobile phone for AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, US Cellular, and C Spire were still available on the Samsung website for sale in the U.S.

However, the site also includes a page titled "Latest Updates on the Galaxy Note7" in which it says the company is working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission on the issue, and explained how consumers can determine if their device was recalled and what steps to take.

Solution providers took the recall and production halt in stride and said they expect Samsung to recover.

Future Tech's Venero said Samsung is one of the few companies that could recover from such a misstep. "Samsung will recover and come back stronger than ever with a product that will not only address the previous challenges but also deliver the technology leadership that they have always shown in their flagship devices," he said.

Samsung's decision to shut down Galaxy Note 7 production altogether is a sign of the company's fortitude to stand up and do the right thing, Venero said. "Samsung is saying that it is not going to tweak the phone, but rather is shutting down production because it is not a good product right now," he said. "The most successful companies in the world are the companies that have failed and then take that failure and turn it into great success."

Future Tech, for its part, does not have any Galaxy Note 7s currently in its customer base, said Venero. Furthermore, he said, Future Tech always test devices before rolling out to protect end-user customers from "quality challenges in the field."

"The most successful people in the world are the people that have failed the most," Venero added. "That means you are trying. Not everything is going to be a home run. When you strike out, you have to get up to the plate and take your swings so you can hit another home run."

Chris Case, president of Sequel Data Systems, an Austin, Texas-based solution provider that deals with mobile devices from vendors other than Samsung, said every manufacturer at some point has issues.

Case told CRN that both Dell and Hewlett Packard Inc. have both had to recall mobile PCs because of battery problems, but have recovered. "We had one HP customer whose laptop caught fire," he said. "HP replaced it. The customer is still a loyal customer. Dell has done the same. Not once did I ever hear a Dell customer say they will never buy a Dell because of the battery."

Case said he is not sure customers will really think much about the recall and production halt. "If you are an Android user, you have other choices," he said. "Samsung will recover unless every product it manufacturers has an issue."

Additional reporting by Steve Burke.
Security News

Fortinet Fumbles Forecast: Company Cites Sales Organization Struggles In Earnings Warning

Sarah Kuranda

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Fortinet said Tuesday that it expects sales, billings and earnings for its third quarter to be lower than Wall Street estimates, an announcement that builds on a year of reorganizations and layoffs in the companys sales and marketing departments.

The Sunnyvale, Calif.-based security vendor said it now expects its third quarter billings to be between $343 million and $348 million, down from its earlier guidance of between $372 million and $376 million. It now expects sales to be between $311 million and $316 million, down from between $319 million and $324 million. Fortinet also expects earnings per share (EPS) to be lower; it dropped EPS estimates from $0.17 to $0.18 a share to $0.15 to $0.16 a share.

In a statement CEO Ken Xie said longer sales cycles and sales execution challenges in North America led to the estimate changes. He cited macro issues in Latin America and United Kingdom as contributors to the shortfall, too.

[Related: Sources: Fortinet Lays Off Multiple VPs, 100 Employees In Sales And Marketing]

"Though we are disappointed with our third quarter performance, we continue to feel good about our competitive-differentiating and market-leading security fabric. We remain confident in the underlying strength of our business and long-term growth opportunity, and committed to delivering returns to our shareholders, Xie said in a statement.

The news is the latest stumble for Fortinets sales and marketing organization over the past year. Most recently, the company had a round of layoffs that centered around its sales and marketing departments, including multiple vice president-level executives.

Sources at the time also told CRN that the company has been seeing larger turmoil across its sales and marketing organizations, stemming from the companys sales force reorganization in January. At that time, Fortinet eliminated its U.S. enterprise sales team, redistributing it into two groups focusing on either global strategic accounts or regional territories. It then created a single, unified sales force led by longtime company veteran Patrice Perche. Sources told CRN that the new sales structure had caused some challenges for the company, with a particular disconnect between the companys regional sales executives and general dysfunction in the transition to the new sales structure.

The company also notably lost Chief Marketing Officer Holly Rollo in March when she left Fortinet to take a position at RSA as chief marketing officer. Fortinet has not yet named a replacement chief marketing officer.

After Rollos departure a few months ago, CEO Ken Xie reiterated the companys commitment to its sales and marketing push in an interview with CRN.

We [are committed] to keeping the investment in marketing and sales  and at the same time leveraging the strong, differentiated product that we have, and the channel, the partners and support, Xie said at the time.

Partners have expressed growing concern in recent months over the companys sales and marketing challenges. One partner executive, who did not want to be named, said he expects that all the turnover theyve done along with the layoffs are now being felt in expected revenue.

However, that partner said he hasnt felt any sales impact on his own business from the changes. He said he's seeing the same increasing market awareness and opportunity for Fortinets products as I have for the last decade.

Those choices could very well be better for Fortinet and their stockholders in the long-game, but short term it could hurt them, the partner said in an email to CRN. He said he thinks, despite these short term drops, that Fortinet will be able to hold its own in the long term against competitors like Palo Alto Networks.

I know their competitors are using that information against them, but it may be Fortinet that gets the last laugh if [Palo Alto Networks] or other [next-generation firewall] players dont make hard moves when necessary to play long-game, the partner said.

Fortinet announces its third quarter earnings on Oct. 27. The companys third quarter ended on Sept. 30. Fortinet stock fell more than 14 percent in after-hours trading to $29.20.
Security News

After Lowering Preliminary Earnings, Fortinet Execs Say They Are 'Confident' They Can Fix Sales Execution Issues

Sarah Kuranda

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On the heels of a disappointing preliminary earnings report that showed dropping sales, Fortinet's top executives said they remain "confident in the long-term growth opportunity" for the company and will remedy the sales organization errors that led to slower-than-anticipated growth in the third quarter.

"We are disappointed with our third-quarter performance and [are] working to resolve execution errors that contributed to the shortfall," CEO Ken Xie said on an investor call after the preliminary third-quarter earnings numbers were released Tuesday. "We are confident in the long-term growth opportunity and ability to return to our shareholders," he said.

The Sunnyvale, Calif.-based security vendor said it now expects its third-quarter billings to be between $343 million and $348 million, down from its earlier guidance of between $372 million and $376 million. It now expects sales to be between $311 million and $316 million, down from between $319 million and $324 million. Fortinet said it also expects earnings per share to be lower, dropping EPS estimates from 17 cents to 18 cents a share to 15 cents to 16 cents a share.

[Related: Fortinet Fumbles Forecast: Company Cites Sales Organization Struggles In Earnings Warning]

Xie blamed the drop, in large part, on execution errors in the company's North American sales organization, stemming from a sales force reorganization in the beginning of the year. The effects of the reorganization have taken "longer than anticipated to materialize," Xie said. CFO Andrew Del Matto said Fortinet had expected to see a delayed effect from the reorganization in the back half of the year, evidenced when "deals started slipping" near the end of the third quarter.

"We are laser-focused on making improvements to this area and making our sales team more productive," Xie said.

Xie also said a longer sales cycle with customers, driven by longer purchasing decisions, as well as macro events such as Brexit also had an effect on the company's third-quarter earnings. Xie said he did not think a growing competitive landscape, which includes rivals Palo Alto Networks and Check Point Software Technologies, affected the company's earnings in the quarter.

CFO Del Matto said Fortinet is focused on "really getting to the bottom of how we improve our productivity in sales in North America." Fortinet plans to drill down on sales execution in the region, including investing in marketing and focusing on closing deals and increasing productivity, he said. The company is having "intense conversations" with sales teams and sales leaders to understand what needs to be fixed, according to Del Matto.

"We are continuing to evaluate all the factors that contributed to this and we expect to deliver on them," Del Matto said. Fortinet will provide more details when it reports earnings on Oct. 27, he said.

Fortinet said it has not made any additional major changes to its sales force since the reorganization announced in January. The company has seen the departure of some of its top marketing executives over the past year, including CMO Holly Rollo, and sources told CRN that company layoffs over the summer focused on the sales and marketing departments.

One partner executive, who did not want to be named, said he has seen a slight dip in large deals with Fortinet over the past quarter, although he said renewals and smaller deals continue to flow through.

"It seems like the loss of some of the executives in the large cuts they made have hurt them. I have also seen Palo Alto getting more aggressive with pricing to compete. I'm not sure that the sales cycles are longer, but it seems the size of deals are not there right now," the partner executive said in an email to CRN.

Another partner executive said he has not seen any impact in his sales in the past quarter with the vendor. He said he expects the sales reorganizations will have a short-term impact on the company, but "could very well be better for Fortinet" in the long term.

Fortinet declined to comment on what impact the company's drop in earnings or focus on improving sales productivity would have on partners, citing the company's quiet period before earnings.
Election Polls Show Massive Gender Divide

Trending News: Donald Trump Is On Pace To Become President (If Only Men Vote)

Why Is This Important?

Because men are from Mars and women are from Venus, particularly when it comes to this election.

Long Story Short

FiveThirtyEight.com has tallied the poll numbers and conclude that the election result would look extremely different if only men or only women voted.

Long Story

When Trump is talking about making America great again, maybe he's talking about a time when women weren't allowed to vote because female voters are likely to be his downfall.

Nate Silver and his team of crystal ball forecasters over at FiveThirtyEight have crunched the numbers from recent polls and have shown a massive divide between the sexes. Granted, most of these poll numbers came out before the Trump "grab them by the pussy" tapes, the second debate as well as today's allegations about walking in on Miss Teen USA contestants, but I'm going to go out on a limb here and say I highly doubt any of those scandals will swing the numbers in Trump's favor.

In the map below, you can see what would happen if only men voted:

And here's if just dudes voted. pic.twitter.com/HjqJzIVwc4  Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) October 11, 2016



If the above happened (which it won't because we live in a democracy with equal rights for men and women), Trump would absolutely trounce Clinton in the biggest win since Dwight D. Eisenhowers landslide victory over Adlai Stevenson in 1952.

Conversely, let's see what would happen if just women voted.

Here's what the map would look line if only women voted: https://t.co/sjVY67qouE pic.twitter.com/rrc3GuXmGl  Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) October 11, 2016



If the above happened, there isn't even a historic marker for that kind of victory  it would probably look like some dictatorship that rigged the election because Clinton would win so conclusively.

FiveThirtyEight has also noticed another gender divide. Ever since the Access Hollywood tapes were released, female Republican officials are rushing to declare that they won't vote for Trump. In all, 63 Republican governors, senators and congressman have denounced Trump, and out of the governors and congressman, 42 percent of Republican women no longer endorse their candidate and just 17 percent of men. In the Senate it's even clearer, with five out of six female Republican senators abandoning Trump compared to 12 out of 48 Republican men.

We already knew Trump was going to have a tough time winning without the support of latinos as well as African-Amerians, but if he loses most women he's in deep, deep trouble.

Own The Conversation

Ask The Big Question

Why do so many men still support Trump?

Disrupt Your Feed

Men should be offended by Trump's "locker room talk," too.

Drop This Fact

A Chicago Cubs vs. Cleveland Indians World Series is now slightly more likely than a Trump presidency.
Focusing on the Asia/Pacific region, including China and Australia, we are smitten by the enthusiasm of the cruise lines and port executives we have spoken to. China is obviously the big story and promises to drive the industrys growth into the future. The Chinese market is set on an aggressive growth trajectory with more ships, including newbuilds, being deployed.

In addition, Carnival Corporation has a partnership with China State Shipbuilding Corporation (CSSC) and China Investment Corporation to launch a domestic brand that will eventually build new ships in China by a joint venture between Fincantieri and CSSC.

With SkySea Royal Caribbean is already engaged in a domestic brand in partnership with Ctrip, Chinas largest online travel platform, with a one-ship operation that is expected to expand as well.

Cruise Industry News forecast calls for at least 4.5 million Chinese passengers by 2020.

And to support the growth, China has four cruise ports operating now, plus another 11 in various stages of development.

Other markets in Northern and Southeast Asia also bear promise of more potential as their middle classes grow.

Down Under, Australia already has the highest penetration of any market, while executives express confidence they can continue to grow by offering more variety of product and by making the ships more accessible (sailing from more homeports). Seventy-five percent of the population is said to be within a two-hour drive of a cruise port.

Furthermore, new ships (Royal Caribbeans Ovation and P&Os yet unnamed newbuild) will drive interest.

There will always be bumps in the road, executives admitted, but they are confident they can navigate the growth course they have set.

Bon Voyage!

Angela Reale Mathisen and Oivind Mathisen

Publishers

Excerpt from Cruise Industry News Quarterly Magazine: Fall 2016
Wow. Was that a debate, or a rank-out contest? Democrats vs. Republicans? Ew.

Enter the 'Cyber Party'. Last September, cybersecurity icon John McAfee announced his White House run on the so-called Cyber Party ticket -- a new political party he claimed to be founding. The party never actually formed and McAfee went on to run as a Libertarian candidate.

While it's too late for a new political party to officially form ahead of Election Day (Nov. 8), Fox News Channel's Chris Wallace -- moderator of the third presidential debate (Fox News Channel, Oct. 19 at 9 pm EST) can use the Cyber Party moniker to address U.S. voters on the topics of cybercrime and cyber defense.

World War III is underway, and its cyber, according to a recent report from Cybersecurity Ventures, which corroborates the assertion with opinions from several industry experts. In his New York Times bestselling investigation, Ted Koppel reveals that a major cyberattack on Americas power grid is not only possible but likely, that it would be devastating, and that the United States is shockingly unprepared. (Disclaimer: Steve Morgan is founder and CEO of Cybersecurity Ventures.)

The White House issued an Executive Order in April 2015, in which President Obama stated The increasing prevalence and severity of malicious cyber-enabled activities originating from, or directed by persons located, in whole or in substantial part, outside the United States constitute an unusual and extraordinary threat to the national security, foreign policy, and economy of the United States. I hereby declare a national emergency to deal with this threat.

President Obama stopped short of declaring the U.S. was at "war", cyber-war that is. Perhaps the American voters would like to hear where Clinton and Trump stand on the issue. "If you are elected President, will you declare that the U.S. is at cyber-war -- Yes or No?". That may be a good question for Wallace to launch the candidates into serious debate. And, depending on how Clinton and Trump respond - it may give one or both of them an opportunity to re-draw the lines around U.S. voters and which parties some of them belong to.

If voters buy into the notion that America is at major risk of cyberattacks -- and the attacks can harm not only computers but people, places, and things including planes, railways, and consumer bank accounts -- then maybe they'll vote cyber... for the candidate they believe would be the most qualified chief of cyber defense.

Voters can be further pushed into voting cyber if human lives are at risk.

The Cybersecurity Ventures report states that if the cyber evildoers have their way, lives will be lost. Economies will be shaken. Cars and planes will crash. Nations will clash. Power grids will go down. Businesses will go under. Reputations will be ruined. Government secrets will be exposed. Billions of personal identities will be stolen. Trillions of dollars will be taken. Zetabytes of data will be damaged.

Cyberwarfare has crossed from the digital world into our physical realm, and there is a very real potential cybercrime will lead to the loss of human life says Robert Herjavec, Founder & CEO of Herjavec Group, a leading global information security advisory firm. A breach of our power grids, of our dams, or of air traffic control mechanisms, could have catastrophic effects that are felt far beyond the financial and reputational impacts of a corporate attack, adds Herjavec.

Last November, CNBC asked "Why aren't presidential candidates talking about cybersecurity?" Apparently the answer was that both the candidates and the media are simply not up to snuff when it comes to such a complex topic -- and that hasn't changed much since then.

[ HACKING THE ELECTION: CSO's package of stories examining if the election can be hacked ]

John McAfee is back to work full-time in the cyber field now, but he left the McAfee 16 Cyber Security Doctrine behind. The doctrine can be an excellent frame of reference for a less than savvy cyber moderator, and the candidates. It opens by stating what McAfee and others perceive to be the greatest threat to the U.S. - China:

"We are in a cyber war with China, and have been for more than five years. The Chinese attacks on Homeland Security, the Department of Defense and the FBI went nearly undetected and the massive attack against the Office of Personnel Management was ongoing for two years before it was even noticed."

McAfee's Doctrine is one of many resources the debaters can refer to. In his ground-breaking book The Hacked World Order  author Adam Segal explained cyberspace is a global battlefield, writing It was in 2012 that nation-states around the world visibly reasserted their control over the flow of data and information in search of power, wealth, and influence The conflict in cyberspace will only become more belligerent, the stakes more consequential We will all be caught in the fallout as the great powers, and many of the lesser ones, attack, surveil, influence, steal from, and trade with each other.

Democratic and Republican voters -- as well as Libertarians and independents -- have probably decided on or leaning heavily towards one of the candidates at this point. Vote Cyber -- would that message resonate with voters? Is that message powerful enough to move voters into thinking of themselves as members of the Cyber Party? If yes, then millions of swing voters could be up for grabs -- and potentially even decide the election.
Gilbert Franklin

Camarillo, Calif., Oct. 12, 2016  The Bridge at the End of the Road art exhibit at CSU Channel Islands (CI)s John Spoor Broome Library Gallery gets its name from a series of paintings the American artist Gilbert Franklin worked on for about 20 years.

Irina B. Costache, Ph.D., Professor of Art and co-curator of the show, considered the subject of these paintings a perfect metaphor for the internationally-known artists long and productive career.

This is an artist who created pieces that speak to the entire journey of art, Costache said. Because thats what it is: a journey. Art is always a road, but at the end there is a bridge, so there is really no end.

The retrospective of Franklins works from 1945 to 1967 opens in the Broome Gallery on Oct. 14 and runs through Nov. 27 with an opening reception on Tuesday, Oct. 18, 5:30 to 7 p.m., which includes introductory remarks by Italian art historian Giovanna Giusti, Ph.D., Distinguished Scholar in Residence at CI this fall.

Franklins daughter, Nina Berson, co-curator of the show who will also speak at the reception, has fond memories around the bridge, which is on Cape Cod, where the family spent the summers.

Its a tidal road and at high tide, you cant get to the bridge because the bridge is under water, she said.

Berson, the only child of Gilbert and Joyce Franklin, had a rich childhood growing up on Rhode Island, regularly spending months in Rome, Italy, where Franklin was one of an elite group of artists and scholars accepted to the prestigious American Academy in Rome.

He was in the first group of artists who came to study at the American Academy after World War II, Costache said.

Franklin was the only American Academy fellow to bring his wife and daughter along with him to Rome. Berson remembers eating Italian food, learning the language, watching puppet shows in the park and attending the original Montessori School, Casa dei Bambini.

His time in Rome exchanging ideas with fellow artists made a lasting impression on Franklin. In Rome and in Rhode Island, Franklin was prolific, creating bronze sculptures, wooden figurines, paintings, and notebook-sized sketches, to name a few examples of his work. The human form, both stylized and realistic, is a recurring theme in his work.

The play with textures and materials, a key element of Franklins sculptural work, is subtly and effectively echoed in paintings and drawings where earth tones are juxtaposed with strong outlines, Costache said.

Berson and her dad were close, spending hours together at work and play.

He was a bear of a guy. Very warm, and I adored him, Berson said. I was in the studio with him and he took me fishing.

After his death from cancer in 2004, Berson, a professional art historian, began cataloguing his work and showing it around the country. The CI exhibit is the first retrospective ever on the West Coast.

He left me with 10 loose leaf binders of slides. I said Dad, these arent labeled or dated, and he said Thats your job. Youre an art historian, Berson remembers.

Bersons labor of love has taken 10 years so far, and continues, but she knows her fathers legacy is well worth it.

Part II of the exhibit will feature Franklins works from 1968 to 2004 and will open on Nov. 1 and run through Jan. 28, 2017 at the Jose Drudis-Biada Art Gallery on the Chalon campus of Mount Saint Marys University in Los Angeles.

# # #

About California State University Channel Islands

CSU Channel Islands (CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CIs strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative masters degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.
MILFORD  A man stopped by police Tuesday on School House Road allegedly had a sword behind the drivers seat and heroin and crack cocaine on his person.

Jason Mooney, 26, of Intervale Parkway was released on a promise to appear in Superior Court on Nov. 8 on charges of possession of a controlled substance and carrying a weapon in a motor vehicle.
UN praises Cuban Civil Defense performance against Hurricane Matthew

Submitted by: Juana

Politics and Government

10 / 09 / 2016





UN Development Program Resident Representative in Cuba Myrta Kaulard praised the actions taken by the Cuban Civil Defense aimed at preventing the loss of human lives and material resources to Hurricane Matthew.

Miss Kaulard highlighted the deployment of men and resources by the Cuban government to the easternmost Cuba, to areas that were severely battered by the storm on the night of October 4th.

She also praised the coverage by the Cuban media, giving minute after minute an update of the situation in the four Guantanamo municipalities that took the heaviest blow from Matthew.

The UN Representative said their entire system is ready to help Cuba with food, building of houses and other forms of aid, based on the experience of their joint work after Hurricane Sandy, which hit Santiago de Cuba in 2012.

She said that the measures taken by Cuba are an example on how to apply the principles of the Sendai Framework for Disaster risk Reduction 2015-2030, which has as goals the reduction in the number of affected persons and mortality due to disasters. (acn)




Raul Castro assesses hurricane damage in eastern Cuba

Submitted by: Juana

Guantanamo

Politics and Government

10 / 11 / 2016



Cuban News Agency reported that Cuban President Raul Castro assessed the damage inflicted by hurricane Matthew in the easternmost zones of Cuba and said that its now crucial to exactly and rapidly identify the damage to know what do in each area.

Raul held a working meeting Monday at the Municipal Defense Council of Maisi, one of the hardest-hit areas by the storm in eastern Guantanamo province.

In his report to the Cuban President, the head of Guantanamos Provincial Defense Council, Denny Legra, estimated that over 90 percent of homes were seriously affected, as well as most state-owned facilities. Communication systems, the electric network and water supply facilities were also severely damaged the official reported, as well as roads and agricultural areas, particularly coffee plantations.

The Cuban President stressed the need to urgently use alternatives to guarantee the people all necessary resources and called for using the learned lessons under hurricane Matthew to put them in practice in the event of future natural phenomena.
These real PA creatures could become cryptids if we don't save them
George Osborne's bitterness at being removed from office is one of the more unedifying spectacles in politics

Waking up yesterday, it was as if Britain had been transported back to those febrile, fractious days in May and June, when the EU referendum campaign was being so ferociously contested.

In a document released by the Treasury, there was a hysterical  and entirely bogus  claim that the country will be up to 66 billion a year poorer if the UK fully breaks free of the shackles imposed by Brussels.

It was based on a six-month-old study commissioned by  you guessed it  George Osborne, the architect of the utterly discredited Project Fear and a man whose bitterness at being removed from office is one of the more unedifying spectacles in politics.

Meanwhile, Remain-supporting MPs were being given copious airtime by the BBC to make unsubstantiated claims of impending doom for the UK outside of the single market.

And, to top it all, the pro-Brussels CBI business group was also in full cry, claiming that Britain is heading for a cliff edge and that big employers will not possibly be able to cope without unskilled mass immigration from the EU  an unpatriotic, defeatist position which will enrage people in communities whose schools, health services and housing cannot cope with the existing number of migrants.

Perhaps the most eloquent response to the pro-EU position of the CBI  which has long been notorious for its appeasing instincts  was the announcement that JCB, one of Britains most important industrial groups, was quitting the confederation in protest.

To all these embittered Remainers, the Mail has a simple message: You lost. Stop the anti-democratic games and respect the emphatic verdict of the British people.

From the moment the referendum result became clear, Remain have been sore losers: incredulous that the British people could be so disrespectful as to reject their wisdom, and increasingly furious that the economy  far from collapsing, as predicted by Mr Osborne  is flourishing.

Quite why the BBC devotes so much airtime to the embittered pro-EU ramblings of the wet-behind-the-ears ex-Tory ministers Nicky Morgan (left) and Anna Soubry (right), only it knows

So it was that they resorted to desperate subterfuge.

The people, they argued, were conned by false claims from the Leave campaign  despite the fact that this was one of the most deeply debated issues in post-war Britain, and that the Leave camp had nothing on the breathtaking mendacity of Remain.

And second, they invented  in the newspeak style of Orwell  some new phrases. The British people, they decided, had not voted for hard Brexit  even though nobody had even heard of the expression until after the referendum. They wanted a soft Brexit  leaving Europe but staying within the single market.

It is not difficult to discern just why the Remainers are behaving in such a petulant and unacceptable way. By putting a date on the triggering of Article 50  the formal two-year process for leaving the EU  Theresa May last week crushed their lingering hopes that Brexit was a bad dream that might never happen.

At the same time, they were cut deep by her devastating  and entirely accurate  critique of a metropolitan elite that sneers at the publics concerns about mass immigration and considers it bewildering that 17.4 million people voted to leave the EU.

Thus, a well-heeled group of London intellectuals which is used to having everything its own way  and which has ignored the ordinary voter for decades  is out for revenge on Mrs May and to re-assert its own authority.

The BBC  which is now bitterly regretting its admirable impartiality during the referendum and has returned to type  is leading the Remain charge.

Quite why it devotes so much airtime to the embittered pro-EU ramblings of the wet-behind-the-ears ex-Tory ministers Nicky Morgan and Anna Soubry, only it knows. For the Mails part, we know both women were unceremoniously sacked by Mrs May in July and have axes to grind.

Former Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg is among the most egregious Remainers of all

The most egregious Remainers of all, however, are Ed Miliband, Nick Clegg and friends  who have spent recent days demanding that Parliament must have the final vote on the terms of the UKs departure from the EU. Which, of course, is code for saying that we-know-best MPs  not the public who pay their salaries and expenses  should decide the countrys destiny.

The entirely fatuous argument deployed by Liberal Democrat Mr Clegg  whose vanity literally destroyed his party, reducing it from 57 seats in 2010 to just eight last year  and Labours Mr Miliband is that the public did not vote to quit the single market on June 23: they voted only to leave the EU.

In fact, what the public voted for was simple: to regain control of our borders in order to end mass immigration; reclaim control of our laws; and stop sending billions of pounds to Brussels.

None of this is possible inside the single market  which requires the free movement of workers, full adherence to the diktats of the European Court of Justice and a vast annual membership fee.

Of course, Mr Clegg and the trades-union puppet Mr Miliband  one of the most unelectable politicians ever to hold high office  know this only too well. They just pretend otherwise.

But their argument that it is anti-democratic for MPs not to have another vote on the Brexit process is perhaps the most insulting of all.

First, the original referendum bill  passed by a majority of six to one by MPs  made no mention of Parliament having to hold a second vote to approve or implement the June 23 result.

And second, who are they to lecture anybody on democracy? Miliband and Clegg both fought tooth and nail to deny the public a referendum vote in the first place.

Not only that, they are now trying to stick up two fingers to their own constituents by seeking to allow Parliament to block the referendum verdict.

Voters in Mr Miliband's Doncaster constituency voted 69 per cent in favour of Brexit

Let it never be forgotten that voters in Mr Milibands Doncaster constituency voted 69 per cent in favour of Brexit, one of the highest percentages in the country, while  much to his horror  Mr Cleggs own city of Sheffield was also in favour of quitting the Brussels club.

The fact is, the mandate for Britain to leave the EU is the biggest handed to any government in history on a turnout of more than 70 per cent.

The verdict was unanswerable. It is time for the Remainers to stop reheating the arguments of the referendum, consign Mr Osbornes risible Project Fear to history and get on with making a success of Brexit.

They are talking Britain down at every opportunity  most recently by delighting in the fall in the pound, which, as any economist knows, was over-valued in the first place.

In reality, devaluation is good for Britain and our exporters in particular. The sharp fall in the pound that followed the decision in 1992 to leave the Exchange Rate Mechanism, the precursor to the euro, helped to usher in one of the longest periods of growth on record.

Worse than being sore losers, the Remainers are also being deeply unpatriotic. Yes, there are profound challenges ahead, but there are also going to be wonderful new opportunities for our great entrepreneurs, scientists and engineers once we are finally free of the sclerotic, bureaucratic, one-size-fits-all EU.

Crucially, however, the June 23 vote was  as Mrs May so astutely observed in last weeks powerful party conference speech  about more than just leaving the EU.

It was about a deep and profound sense that the publics concerns on everything, from immigration and rip-off energy bills to big business not paying its taxes, have been ignored for too long.

Mrs Mays verdict was stark. She said: If we dont respond  if we dont take this opportunity to deliver the change people want  resentments will grow. Divisions will become entrenched. And that would be a disaster for Britain.

The Mail entirely shares this view. Is it really too much to hope that the penny might now finally drop with the metropolitan elite, who for decades have ignored the wishes of their fellow countrymen?
A new survey of Australian girls aged 15-19 has revealed that there is a long way to go when it comes to gender equality.

The research, conducted by Plan International and Our Watch, was released on Tuesday on the International Day of the Girl.

It found that only one in 10 of the 600 girls surveyed felt that were treated equally to boys.

Shocking statistics: A new survey has found that only 10 per cent of girls aged 15-19 believe that they are equal to boys

Sherry-Rose Wattf, a 20-year-old youth ambassador for Plan International, said that she was saddened by the survey results.

'I wasnt really shocked or surprised, I was just saddened,' she told Daily Mail Australia. 'We could be doing better.

'How is it that in 2016, in a prosperous country like Australia, one in 10 girls feel like theyre not equal to boys?'

Sexism: One in three girls said they did more housework than their brothers, and 69 per cent thought gender inequality was a problem

WHAT THE SURVEY SAID Only one in 10 girls felt they were treated equally to boys One in three girls thought it would be easier to get their dream job as a man 69 per cent think gender inequality is a problem in Australia Only one in six girls think they are valued for their brains or ability One in three girls do more housework than their brothers Only one in six girls think they are given the same opportunities in life as boys Advertisement

Other results of the survey found that 69 per cent of girls felt that gender inequality was a problem in Australia, and one in three girls felt it would be easier to get their dream job if they were a man.

The survey also found that sexism starts early, with one in three girls saying they did more housework than their brothers.

'Every girl throughout her life, through her childhood has the experience where she realises about the inequality, its not from one single incident,' Ms Wattf said.

'Realising that being a woman disadvantages you in society, that's really disheartening for any young girl.'

'I wasnt really shocked or surprised, I was just saddened': Youth ambassador Sherry-Rose Wattf said that the survey results were a wake up call to do better

Being valued for their brains is also a huge issue for girls, with half of all girls saying they are 'seldom or never valued' for their brains over their looks.

The survey, according to Ms Wattf, is a wake up call to Australians and the government about gender equality.

'Nothing being said here is new, we know that we have an unequal society and we know that this isnt what we deserve, but it persists,' she said.
She poses in a series of selfies with

She has one of the most famous beach bodies in the world and 19 years after Pamela Anderson hung up her red swimsuit her physique shows no signs of fading as she reaches her 50s.

The former Baywatch star, 49, showed off her age-defying figure as she stripped down to her underwear for a sizzling photo shoot with a Spanish lifestyle magazine.

The actress graces the cover of Solar magazine and fans of the blonde bombshell will not be disappointed as she oozes her usual sex appeal.

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Pamela Anderson shows off a figure that has barely changed since her Baywatch days

The mother-of-two posed in a series of gritty selfies with artist Christian Rosa.

Far from the high glamour shots that are the norm in editorial shoots many of the photos are captured by Rosa, who can be seen brandishing a cigarette in the snaps, using a selfie stick.

And where Pamela is clothed she leaves little to the imagination sporting her famous stilettos paired with little more than an oversize jumper.

In her interview that accompanies the photographs the actress discusses her idols - many of whom were the screen goddesses and bombshells of their day - and reveals that many of them have had direct impact on her life.

She says: 'My personal idols are Brigitte Bardot, Marilyn Monroe, Raquel Welch, Romy Schneider, Anita Ekberg, Ursula Andress.

The mother-of-two posed for the arty photos in Solar Magazine with Spanish artist Christian Rosa who used a selfie stick to capture the unforced moments

'They were are all great beauties and actresses - loved by artists. Muses of my favourite directors, mostly Fellini and Godard.

'Raquel has always been concerned about me, she gave me the perfect piece of advice, which I actually never took. But that will live between us. And Ursula gave me a big hug in Monaco, telling me she loved me.'

She adds: 'Brigitte and I have spoken on the phone a few times - she has been an inspiration to me. She calls me "her daughter who loves animals as much as she does."'

Despite her latest edition to a vault of sexy snaps Pamela's work with Rosa in Solar falls strictly in the category of art.

The former Baywatch star showcases her enviable physique in the shoot proving that she has maintained her famous figure at the age of 49

In the interview that accompanies the shoot Pamela discusses her idols revealing that she has spoken to Brigitte Bardot on the phone 'a few times'

She may have starred in the worlds first celebrity sex tape and appeared on numerous Playboy covers but now Pamela is reinventing herself as an anti-pornography crusader.

The model blames the widespread availability of pornography for marriage breakdown and a generation of socially dysfunctional young men who have been desensitised to love and sex.

Solar magazine is a aimed at Spanish speakers around the world

Speaking exclusively to The Mail on Sunday from her home in Los Angeles, she said: Through my own experiences I have seen how damaging it can be when you have a living, breathing, wonderful woman in lingerie and a husband locked away with his computer.'

Yet after appearing as a cover star of Playboy 14 times, she defends her years of working with the magazine.

She said: I dont regret any of my Playboy days, they have given me some of my fondest memories.

Playboy was my university, I learned everything at the Playboy mansion and it included meeting people who were intellectuals, who were artists. It was a very free-spirited wonderful time of my life.
A downpour of rain has failed to dampen Princess Mary's spirits.

The Australian-born royal was attending the 20th anniversary of the Danish Psychiatry Foundation when she got caught in the shower.

Sheltered under a large umbrella, which was held for her, the mother-of-four continued to smile as she made her way through the rain and inside.

Dash to the door: Denmark's Crown Princess Mary was caught in the rain in Copenhagen

Let it reign: Mary continued to smile as she walked through the rain, a large umbrella being held for her above her head

The anniversary event for the Psychiatry Foundation was held on October 10, which is World Mental Health Day.

According to My New Royals, the Mary has been a patron of the Danish Mental Health Foundation since 2005.

World Mental Health Day focuses on education, awareness and advocacy for mental health.

Showing her support: The princess attended the 20th anniversary of the Danish Psychiatry Foundation, of which she is a patron

Patron princes: The event was held on World Mental Health Day which focuses on education, awareness and advocacy

Mary attended the event in a black striped woven skirt by Chloe.

She paired the knee-length skirt with a navy top and matching navy trench, which appeared to be covered in drops of rain.

She finished the look with a pair of tights and black pumps.

Stylish: Mary wore a knee-length striped woven skirt by Chloe paired with a navy trench

The event was held on the same day Mary attended the 2016 ESMO (European Society for Medical Oncology) Congress, also in Copenhagen.

The princess changed between events, opting instead to wear a short-sleeved grey Hugo Boss blouse over a black turtleneck to attend the Congress.
Shenee Sopp says that every time she leaves the house she is subjected to laughing, pointing, insults, and people taking photos of her.

All because she was born with dwarfism.

Ms Sopp, an 18-year-old, year 12 student from the Central Coast, has had enough. She's started making YouTube videos to educate the public about people of short stature.

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Speaking up: Shenee Sopp (above) an 18-year-old from the Central Coast, is making YouTube videos to educate people about dwarfism

Licence acquired: Ms Sopp says that she can do so many things that people assume she can't, like drive with the help of pedal extensions (above)

'I wanted to address the awareness, make videos and talk about how we're really just normal,' Ms Sopp, who is only 117cm tall, told Daily Mail.

She said that people being uneducated about dwarfism means that she is subjected to ridicule by both children and adults in public.

'Mostly when its children, the parent will say nothing about it, they'll just shhh them,' she explained. 'They won't explain to them about dwarfism or tell them not to stare.'

Often people without dwarfism make assumptions about her as well, the 18-year-old says.

'They ask "can you have children, can you drive?"' she explained. 'They seem to judge so quickly. They think "oh she couldnt do that," they just assume.'

Young love: The 18-year-old met her boyfriend (above) in Bali two years ago, and they have been in a long distance relationship ever since

Interestingly, Ms Sopp says that she feels that Australia is far behind other countries like Indonesia on how it treats people with dwarfism.

The 18-year-old met her Balinese boyfriend whilst on holiday in Bali two years ago, and has travelled to Indonesia 13 times now to visit him.

She felt that she was treated better there, so she did a personal project for her HSC to test the theory, secretly filming people's reactions to her in the street both at home and abroad.

'In Australia people were staring and laughing, taking photos of me,' Ms Sopp said. 'In Indonesia they just smiled and said hello, nobody laughed or stared. Australia is so behind.'

'Australia is so behind': Ms Sopp says that in Australia, she is subjected to stares, laughter, and people taking photos of her daily

Different: However in Indonesia, she says people just treat her normally instead of staring

Ms Sopp said that she wants to try to educate the Australian public about treating people with dwarfism like everyone else.

'I can drive, I can have children, I can do anything,' she said. 'I want to let people see that I can live a normal life.

'In America they have TV series like Little People Big World and Little Women showing everyday people and families with dwarfism. We don't have that here.'

Visibility: Ms Sopp (pictured above with her mother and brothers) says she wants to educate people about dwarfism

Spreading the message: That's why the 18-year-old has started making YouTube videos, to show people she is normal person, just smaller

She also wants to ensure that people understand that language matters.

'The word midget basically refers to when short-statured people were in freakshows in the 20s and 30s,' the 18-year-old explained.

'Thats why it still feels so offensive, youre calling someone a freak. Use dwarf or little person or just my name.'

Regardless, the 18-year-old has a bright future ahead. She's finished year 12 and is now considering her career options, but wants to continue to educate people with her YouTube videos.
She says that since, she's had many men and women get in touch

Ms Kolpondinos took to Facebook to share her feelings on the subject

She said that she was incredibly scared, but wants to raise awareness

The 33-year-old mum of two spoke out hours before her op on Wednesday

She shared her fears about having a double mastectomy with FEMAIL

For Rebecca Kolpondinos, being diagnosed with breast cancer after she accidentally discovered a lump two years ago has consumed all aspects of her life since.

But for the 33-year-old, from Port Lincoln, speaking out about the double mastectomy she will undergo in Adelaide today is important - not least to raise awareness about a subject a lot of men and women still don't share.

'I'm terrified, I feel a bit like I'm about to lose a part of me,' Ms Kolpondinos told Daily Mail Australia, in advance of the surgery she will face today (Wednesday).

'It's hard not to feel that way as a woman. Every single time I have a shower or put on a bra, I think about it.

Brave: Rebecca Kolpondinos (pictured), 33, from Port Lincoln, has spoken to FEMAIL about having a double mastectomy today (Wednesday)

Nervous: While the mother of two is incredibly anxious, she believes more people need to speak out in order to raise awareness (pictured)

WHAT IS A MASTECTOMY? * Mastectomy is an umbrella term used for several different procedures. * In addition to removing one or both breasts, mastectomy may also include removing lymph nodes in the armpit area to determine whether the cancer has spread. * The different types of mastectomy include modified radical mastectomy, simple (total) mastectomy, skin-sparing mastectomy and nipple-sparing (subcutaneous) mastectomy. * A double mastectomy means having both breasts removed, and can mean a longer time in hospital following the surgery. Source: The Mayo Clinic. Advertisement

'The thing that worries me most is looking down for the first time after the surgery and seeing nothing.

'My grandmother had a double mastectomy 27 years ago, and she warned me that that is one of the hardest parts.'

Ms Kolpondinos bravely took to Facebook on Saturday to share her feelings ahead of the surgery on Wednesday:

'The main thing that I come back to every time, is that my breasts are a part of me, just like my eyes I see with, my ears I hear with, and my heart that keeps me alive,' the mum of two posted.

'They have been mine for 33 years and 330 days, and I'm about to lose them and I'm allowed to feel sad about that.

'People can say 'they're just boobs', but they're MY boobs and I love them, stretch marks and all.'

Loyal mother: Ms Kolpondinos (pictured with her family) says she is terrified to lose a part of her, but she also told FEMAIL that if this minimises her risk, she will do it

Ms Kolpondinos told Daily Mail Australia that another difficulty of her impending surgery is that she feels as though she will lose a part of her independence as she recovers:

'I'm very independent, I don't like relying on anyone,' she said.

'The thought of not being able to take the kids to school terrifies me.'

Ms Kolpondinos will spend the next seven to 10 days in hospital after her surgery, provided everything goes well, before she will have her dressings attended to, and finally be allowed to go home.

When she does, she will still have to return to the hospital in Adelaide every two or three weeks for check-ups.

Issues: Ms Kolpondinos (pictured) believes that not only is it an issues of sexuality and femininity, but also one of independence - as she recovers, she will be dependent on others

'The response from people to my Facebook post has been incredible,' the mum-of-two told Daily Mail Australia.

Not only have I had women message me saying thank you, but I've also had so many men approach me for speaking publicly on the subject

'It's the reason why I wrote about it. Not only have I had women message me saying thank you, but I've also had so many men approach me for speaking publicly on the subject.

'It's something no one really speaks about, so it's important to raise awareness.

'There is support out there if you know where to go, though. I've drawn a lot of support from a lady in Port Lincoln who has breast cancer, as well as a closed Facebook group called Reclaim your Curves.

'You can't underestimate how great it is to talk to people who have gone through a similar thing.'

All-consuming: Since she was diagnosed two years ago after she accidentally felt a lump on her breast, Ms Kolpondinos described her cancer as consuming - saying life is a 'nightmare'

Ms Kolpondinos believes that, while she is 'sh*t scared', the double mastectomy is something she has to do - in order to minimise any chance of recurrence:

'I have two precious children that need me here, and my husband, my soulmate, who is going to have to put up with me for a while longer, scars and all

'I have two precious children that need me here, and my husband, my soulmate, who is going to have to put up with me for a while longer, scars and all,' the mum added on Facebook.

'The past two years have consumed who I am - thanks to my medication, I have not felt myself at all,' Ms Kolpondinos told Daily Mail Australia.

'But... I'm going to fight through this. I've been dealt this sh**ty card early in life so I can get through this chapter and shine through the rest of my life.'

You can follow Rebecca Kolpondinos on Facebook here. For more information on breast cancer, click here.
When Will Salkeld first laid eyes on Robbie he was chained to a tree in the sun.

The emaciated dog had no food or water, and his skin clung to his ribs.

The Bondi resident came across the starving dog while travelling around the island of Karpathos, Greece, for his work as a photographer.

But rather than let it go Mr Salkeld did all he could to help Robbie, nursing him back to health before finding him a new home in Germany.

Bondi photographer Will Salkeld found a dog chained up and starving on the island of Karpathos, Greece

Mr Salkeld named the dog Robbie, and said when he found him he was covered in fleas and parts of his skin were mangy

Robbie's ribs were clearly visible beneath his skin and he had no food or water

'He was covered in fleas head-to-toe, you could see them walking on him,' Mr Salkeld told Daily Mail Australia.

'He had bits of his skin that were kind of mangy and he was so bony on his backside he was missing skin there.

'I have seen a lot of stray, unhealthy dogs in my time and sometimes they're so far beyond help there's not much you can do.

'But there was something about Robbie that really struck a cord with me.'

Mr Salkeld negotiated with Robbie's owner to hand him over and took him to the vet for treatment

Mr Salkeld took a photograph of Robbie, and the next day, returned with animal welfare representatives.

After negotiations with Robbie's owner the dog was handed over, and they took him to the vet.

Robbie had a blood parasite and worms, but after they started treatment it didn't take long to see an improvement.

The vet discovered Robbie had a blood parasite and worms as well as fleas

In the space of a few days they saw an improvement in Robbie who went from lethargic and depressed to happy and bouncy

'We noticed a change in two to three days, he was a different dog,' Mr Salkeld said.

'He went from lethargic and depressed to happy and bouncy.

'He just loved going for walks and smelling stuff and being free.'

Mr Salkeld (pictured) shared Robbie's story on Facebook and a woman in Germany volunteered to adopt him

After 10 days of care Robbie was ready to make the journey from Greece to Germany

For the next ten days Robbie was cared for with the help of an animal shelter in Greece.

Mr Salkeld shared his story online, and a woman in Germany offered to adopt him.

They spent the next few days readying Robbie to travel, his journey including an eight-hour ferry ride to Rhodes in Greece before a flight to Germany's Dusseldorf.

Robbie is now being cared for at a dog shelter in Dusseldorf, where he will receive round-the-clock treatment before meeting his new owner in the coming weeks.

Mr Salkeld has set up a Go Fund Me page to go towards Robbie's treatment and the animal shelter where he stayed in Greece

So far they have raised $1,385 of their $5,000 goal to support Robbie and other dogs

Mr Salkeld shared Robbie's story on Facebook and also started up a Go Fund Me page to help to fund his treatment and travel.

He estimated he spent about AUD$2,000 of his own money on Robbie, but said he hopes to raise $5,000 with the remainder going to the Karpathos dog shelter in Greece that helped to care for him.

So far they have raised $1,385 of their goal.
She feels as though it was fate as she previously thought it too expensive

Ms Graham was the second in line and received a $2,400 lacy dress

On Sunday, the boutique said it wanted to give 35 dresses away for free

She had seen Bridal by Aubrey Rose post on Facebook about a giveaway

When Aniwa Graham, 29, from Perth, heard that a much-loved local bridal boutique was going to give away 35 wedding dresses worth thousands of dollars for free, she thought it was meant to be.

The 29-year-old had visited Bridal by Aubrey Rose twice before to try on her dream lacy $2,400 dress, but she had left it on the hanger both times as it was out of her price range.

'As soon as I saw Karen [McConnell, the owner of Bridal by Aubrey Rose] had put a post out on Facebook saying she wanted to give back to her loyal clientele, I thought it was meant to be,' the bride-to-be told Daily Mail Australia.

'I knew I had to do everything I could to try and get my dream dress.'

Meant to be: Aniwa Graham (pictured) had tried on a dress twice in the bridal boutique, Bridal by Aubrey Rose, but the 29-year-old had twice decided it was out of her price range

Delighted: But when she found that the boutique planned to give away 35 dresses for free as part of a giveaway, she knew she had to get involved and get her dream dress (pictured)

'It was quite nice to camp with someone and feel as though I wasn't the only crazy bride who dreamed of having her perfect dress

Deciding quickly that she would camp outside the boutique overnight with her mum, Ms Graham was surprised to find she wasn't the first hopeful to arrive at the shop in advance of the first-come-first-served giveaway.

'There was another woman, Anastasia, who had arrived at 2.30pm the day before with her mum too!,' she laughed.

'It was quite nice to camp with someone and feel as though I wasn't the only crazy bride who dreamed of having her perfect dress,' she added.

Camping out: She soon decided that to be sure she would get one of the dresses, she would need to camp overnight (pictured) - she decided to do this with her mum

Fans: When Ms McConnell (pictured centre) posted about her giveaway, she didn't think it would be so popular - but, Ms Graham wasn't the first to arrive in the queue the day before

Happy: She later posed with Ms McConnell instore (pictured) - and will get married later this year in a dress she confesses she had prayed about

Out of budget: Previously, the 29-year-old bride-to-be had decided that the $2,400 dress was out of her price range - she thought she would have to find something on the Internet

According to Ms Graham, while she had been into Bridal by Aubrey Rose on two occasions before, and tried on the lacy, strapless dress both times, she had twice walked away from the gown saying she needed to forget about it:

'It was way beyond my budget, and so I thought I'd have to re-consider and maybe find something online,' she said.

However, when she arrived in the store on Monday morning to try and get one of the 35 dresses, Ms McConnell remembered her from the past and so gave Ms Graham the dress she loved, even though it wasn't part of the giveaway.

'Her kindness is just amazing,' Ms Graham said.

Social: The business (instore pictured) posted on Facebook about their charitable idea initially - the post reached some 80,000 people

Keen shoppers: There was a huge crowd of eagle-eyed people who were keen to acquire a free wedding dress when the store opened on Monday (pictured)

Fate: 'When I saw Aniwa Graham (pictured right) in the queue my heart lifted because she is a fine example of what this whole event was about,' the boutique owner, Karen McConnell, said

The 29-year-old will get married in the dress she had prayed about previously in December.

'When I saw Aniwa Graham in the queue my heart lifted because she is a fine example of what this whole event was about,' the owner of Bridal by Aubrey Rose, Karen McConnell, told Daily Mail Australia.

'She is such a beautiful gentle soul and her mum is the same. When she got the gown, she literally sobbed holding her mum and my two daughters [who work at the store].

'It was a very special moment.'
Prince Charles has officially opened his own restaurant and gift shop in Scotland - after revealing a chance encounter with a butcher gave him the idea.

Charles and Camilla, known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, opened the Highgrove restaurant and shop in Ballater, Aberdeenshire, on Tuesday.

The venture, named the Rothesay Rooms, is aimed at attracting visitors to the area after it was ravaged by flooding and providing young people with training in the kitchen.

Prince Charles and Camilla, known as the Duke and Duchess of Rothesay in Scotland, opened the Highgrove restaurant and shop in Ballater, Aberdeenshire, on Tuesday

The Prince of Wales addressed guests at the Rothesay Rooms, which is aimed attract visitors to the area after it was ravaged by flooding and provide young people with training in the kitchen

The restuarant and shop are expected to create up to 15 new jobs for local people

The 'pop-up' initiative in Royal Deeside is intended to breathe new life into the derelict former Co-op and is expected to create up to 15 new jobs for local people.

The venture is a part of Charles' Ballater Flood Appeal, which has raised 160,000 since launching in January.

More than 300 homes and 60 businesses in the village were devastated during Storm Frank when the River Dee overflowed on December 30.

The Prince of Wales told the group that the whole idea for the project stemmed from a comment made by local butcher, Barry Florence, following the floods.

He said that during a visit to HM Sheridans, Mr Florence had asked him: 'Why don't you put a Highgrove Shop in Ballater?'

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall spoke to Guy Fenton - who will be head chef for the first six months of the enterprise as they got a glimpse of the food

Prince Charles revealed that the idea for the venture came about from a chance encounter with a local butcher

He said that during a visit to HM Sheridans, butcher Barry Florence had asked him: 'Why don't you put a Highgrove Shop in Ballater?'

Prior to Camilla revealing a plaque to mark the visit, Charles said: 'That is what really started this whole idea.

'It was entirely due to my going into Sheridan's butchers to see how they were getting on.

'There has been a lot of effort in the last six months or so since the disastrous floods that did so much damage to poor old Ballater.

'I hope this particular restaurant and shop will help to give a little boost to Ballater, particularly in the off-season.

'I am hoping we may be able to use the kitchen facilities here as part of a skills training for young people.'

The venture is aimed at attracting visitors to the area after it was ravaged by flooding and providing young people with training in the kitchen

The gift shop, full of mugs, champagne and various other paraphernalia, will open at the end of this month

Guests at Tuesday night's opening included private donors who contributed to the flood appeal and local business owners and councillors.

Plans were revealed for the Rothesay Rooms in July, however workers managed to complete the building project in just five weeks.

Guy Fenton - who will be head chef for the first six months of the enterprise - said the focus would be on 'sustainability' and locally-sourced produce.

The royal mingled with guests at Tuesday night's opening, which included private donors who contributed to the flood appeal and local business owners and councillors

The Prince of Wales set up the Ballater Flood Appeal Fund with a personal donation to help get the village back on it's feet after the devastating floods last December

The restaurant will open in November to allow for the recruitment of members of staff, whilst the attached Highgrove Shop will open at the end of this month.

The Prince of Wales set up the Ballater Flood Appeal Fund with a personal donation to help get the village back on it's feet after the devastating floods last December.
She's best known as the aristocratic Lady Mady Crawley in Downton Abbey so her latest fashion campaign is certainly fitting.

Michelle Dockery has teamed up with quintessentially British luxury lifestyle brand, Aspinal of London, to create her very own range of totes for men and women.

The 34-year-old actress is the perfect English rose as she showcases her covetable contemporary classics in the new shoot.

Downton Abbey star Michelle Dockery has unveiled her new handbag collection for the Middleton sisters' favourite brand, Aspinal of London

Michelle has teamed up with the brand, which is loved by the Middleton sisters, Kim Sears and Mollie King, to create a collection of 'polished and practical accessories'.

One of the bags is rather fittingly named The Dockery - a large version of the tote costs 950, whilst the small one will set you back 795.

There is also The Dockery Snap Bag, which costs 750 for a large and 495 for a small version and both styles come in nine colourways.

The original inspiration behind the collaboration was a coveted vintage bag, owned by Michelles grandmother and fondly remembered by her as a little girl.

Michelle has teamed up with the brand to create a collection of 'polished and practical accessories' - and models them all herself, of course

Michelle has created The Dockery Snap Bag, pictured, which costs 750 for a large and 495 for a small version

Michelle is certainly in good company teaming up with Aspinal as the the brand is popular with the perennially stylish Middleton sisters; Kate, pictured with Michelle in 2015, often carries the brand's Eaton clutch

Speaking about teaming up with the actress, Mariya Dykalo, Aspinals Creative Director, said: 'It is sincerely a great honour and a pleasure for us to collaborate with Michelle. She is such a fabulous talent with an immediate and clear understanding of her own style and elegance.

'Michelles natural beauty, refinement and poise, makes her the ideal partner and ambassador for the Aspinal of London brand. She is a modern icon of British style and it has been a real joy working closely with Michelle.'

Michelle is certainly in good company teaming up with Aspinal as the the brand is popular with the perennially stylish Middleton sisters.

Kim Sears, the queen of courtside fashion, has been spotted carrying the 1,395 Marylebone Tote in Ivory Saffiano and Mouse Python while at Wimbledon plenty of times. Pippa, meanwhile, favours the 795 monochrome or 750 Deer Saffiano versions.

Other famous fans of the luxury British brand include Millie Mackintosh, who is often spotted with her Marylebone tote, as well as Amanda Holden, and Mollie King, who has a satchel named after her.

Michelle is currently filming Scott Frank and Steven Soderberghs mini-series Godless for Netflix and is about to appear in TNTs drama series Good Behavior which launches in the US on November 15.

Kim Sears, the queen of courtside fashion, has been spotted carrying the 1,395 Marylebone Tote in Ivory Saffiano and Mouse Python while at Wimbledon plenty of times, left. Millie Mackintosh also has several of the brand's bags
A mum has told how her baby son was born with a full head of thick black hair and had his first 'traumatic' haircut just weeks later.

Amy Price, 32, of Cwmbran, south Wales, revealed that despite being just 17 weeks old, Jesse Price-Carelli has a bigger bouffant than most adults - and gets his mop blowdried every morning.

The mother believes his locks are inherited from his dad Julien Carelli, 37, who has French and Italian heritage, and admits that the tot gets stopped in the street by awestruck strangers who want to touch his hair.

Amy Price, 32, of Cwmbran, south Wales, revealed that despite being just 17 weeks old, Jesse Price-Carelli has a bigger bouffant than most adults - and gets his mop blowdried every morning

Her baby son was born with a full head of hair (pictured left, at two days old) and his locks haven't stopped growing since

Though she mainly had a healthy pregnancy, Amy did experience a little heartburn whilst expecting.

According to an old wives tale, this can linked to babies being born with an above average amount of hair.

Recalling the first time she saw her son, Amy continued: 'When he came out, the first thing we saw was this shock of dark hair.

'Everyone was taken aback. The midwives told me they'd never seen anything like it.'

Often, newborns experience hair loss in their first six months of life, due to hormonal changes.

The mother believes his thick black locks are inherited from his dad Julien Carelli (pictured), 37, who has French and Italian heritage

At seven weeks old, he had his first haircut (pictured), which Amy said was 'traumatic'

Jesse pictured before at seven weeks old (left) and just after his first haircut (right)

But in Jesse's case, his mop has grown and grown. At seven weeks old, he had his first haircut, which Amy said was 'traumatic.'

She explained: 'It started getting into summer and his hair had grown all the way down the back of his neck like a little mullet.

'I toyed with the idea of leaving it, but it was too hot for him.

'I felt terrible cutting my newborn baby's hair. I didn't think I'd have to do that for a couple of years.'

Now, though, the tot's hair has grown back ten times faster.

Speaking about his hair, Amy explained: 'It started getting into summer and his hair had grown all the way down the back of his neck like a little mullet'

Jesse has it washed and blow dried (right) every single morning  a routine he loves so much that he even cries when the hairdryer stops

He has it washed and blow dried every single morning  a routine he loves so much that he even cries when the hairdryer stops.

'His hair naturally sticks up so he looks like a little Dennis the Menace,' said Amy.

'He has his hair on show all the time. The only time we cover it up is when he's cold.

'He absolutely loves the attention he gets. He can be moaning then cheer up when people come over.

Amy admitted simple errands can take hours because so many people stop her to ask about his hair

'He laughs and smiles when people want to touch his hair. We get nothing but compliments.

We're always told Jesse should be a model. He's such a lovely little baby.'

Amy admitted simple errands can take hours because so many people stop her to ask about his hair.

'Everywhere we go, strangers stop us and ask if they can touch his hair,' she said.

'I went to Sainsbury's the other day and forgot half my shopping because I got so distracted with talking to people.

'Once, a woman even asked if she could cuddle him and took him over to show her friends.'

Meanwhile, after MailOnline shared the story of nine-week-old Junior Cox-Noon and his bouffant hair, parents have sent in pictures of their equally hirsute babies - like Jackie Kelly's tot (pictured) whose gravity-defying hair almost six inches high

Ruby Dunphy sent in a picture of her three-month-old infant Caleb and his formidable quiff. She told us: 'We get stopped where ever we go because of all his hair!'

Meanwhile after MailOnline shared the story of nine-week-old Junior Cox-Noon, who has so much hair he has been nicknamed Baby Bear, hundreds of parents have sent in pictures of their equally hirsute babies.

One woman told us how hospital nurses were 'shocked' by how much hair her newborn had, while another proud mum says the family is stopped wherever they go owing to her baby's impressive mane.

Melissa Smith even told us she is 'jealous' of her six-month-old Bella, who she's nicknamed #BellaWithTheGoodHair.

Craig Holland's daughter Pippa, who was born in May weighing 8lbs 12oz, has a full head of hair that 'just keeps growing'.

Proud father Craig Holland said: 'Here is our little pippa born on the 26th of may 2016. She was 8lb12oz. She was born with a full head of hair that just keeps grow'

Farrah's mum Katie Mushashash has labelled the three-month-old their 'fur baby'. She explained: 'Our baby was also born on 30th July with a lot of hair! No heartburn though!'

He added: 'She may not have as much hair as Junior but we have the same problems shopping and going to town!'

Lucy West sent in a picture of 12-week-old Lottie Toole. She said: 'She was born with a lot of hair, however it has got bigger and bigger as she has grown.
He's recently ditched his formal suit jackets for fitted tweed blazers and fashionable jumpers after a makeover from Kate's stylist Natasha Archer.

And today William showed he's definitely put his former 'estate agent' style behind him as he arrived for an engagement looking dapper in a dark blue suit and striped tie.

William, 34, arrived at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital to a warm welcome from dozens of nurses - and the excitement continued inside as workers stood along the corridors, watching eagerly with their camera phones.

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Prince William Visits a 'Step into Health' military employment programme as part of a day focusing on veteran employment at the Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital

William receives a warm welcome from excited nursing staff who were waiting outside the hospital to greet him

Workers stood along the corridors, watching eagerly with their camera phones at the ready to snap the royal visitor

Patients told of their delight at meeting the surprise royal visitor, who stopped to chat at various points as he walked through the building.

Speaking to 72-year-old Ken Morgan and Alison Perks, 73, William said: 'I'm sorry I brought the hospital to a standstill today, it wasn't my intention. I hope you're not waiting for anything important.'

Mr Morgan, who said he was happy to have met the Duke, replied: 'You're the only thing that's important.'

William also spoke to seven-year-old Anna Kape who was in for an X-ray after breaking her arm when she slipped at school.

Prince William stands alongside a model skeleton as he takes a tour of Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital to meet former military personnel who have been employed there

The Duke gestures to his teeth as he meets with seven-year-old patient Anna Kape whilst discussing her missing front tooth and broken arm

The Prince chats to hospital staff, surrounded by medical training equipment

Her mother Stephanie said: 'We had no idea, he would be here. It was very unexpected but great that he stopped to speak to Anna.'

William was at the hospital to meet ex-military who are now working in healthcare.

He met both veterans who have gone on to work in health as well as those preparing for life outside the Forces by attending information days run by Step Into Health.

Patients were delighted to meet the surprise royal visitor, who stopped to chat at various points as he walked through the building

The Prince walks through the hospital with Regional Cooridinator for the 'Step into Health' programme, Kofi Quartey

Some of the hospital staff were eager to get a snap of the royal visitor as he paused for a chat

The scheme, supported by the Royal Foundation of which he, the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry are patrons, aims to recognise the transferable skills possessed by those in the military - which can be useful for a career in the NHS.

The programme provides placements in sectors ranging from catering to administration as well as clinical roles.

A pilot programme in 2014 saw more than three-quarters of participants gain employment in the NHS or go into further education leading to a job in healthcare.

William looked sharp in a dark blue suit and a navy and red striped as he arrived for a day of engagements focusing on post-military employment

The Duke of Cambridge arriving at Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital where he will visit a 'Step into Health' military employment programme as part of a day focusing on veteran employment

Later William will visit Royal Hospital Chelsea where he is due to present awards to organisations across the UK which have helped armed forces members and their families with employment.

The Duke's day of engagements follows on from his wife successful first solo overseas visit yesterday.

Kate travelled to Holland where she started her visit with a courtesy call to King Willem-Alexander at Villa Eikenhorst where they sat down for lunch.

The Duke's day of engagements follows on from his wife successful first solo overseas visit in Holland yesterday

She was then treated to a private tour of the Mauritshuis museum in the Hague where she paused to admire Vermeer's masterpiece The Girl With The Pearl Earring.

Folowing her museum visit, Kate travelled to the official residence of Sir Geoffrey Adams, Britain's Ambassador to the Netherlands, to convene a round-table discussion on the themes of addiction, intervention, family and mental health.

Later she was pictured shaking hands with a robot constructed form Meccano in Rotterdam where she went to learn about Bouwkeet, the social Makerspace of Bospolder-Tussendijken.

She dissolved into fits of delighted giggles as she was introduced to the robot and shook his hand.

At the end of the day the Duchess boarded a scheduled British Airways flight home.

Earlier in the week the Duke and Duchess joined forces with Prince Harry to mark World Mental Healthy day at reception at London's County Hall.
Sophie, Countess of Wessex caused quite a stir in central London today as she stepped out for a lunch engagement.

The Queen's daughter-in-law almost tripped as she made her way down the steps of Mosimann's Belfry in Central London following a lunch at the private dining club.

Sophie, 51, grimaced as she made her way down the stone steps while a crowd of onlookers waited outside to catch a glimpse of the royal.

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Sophie almost tripped as she made her way down the steps of Mosimann's Belfry in Central London following a lunch at the private dining club in her role as patron of charity DEBRA

The Countess looked smart in a structured white top with flared sleeves and a bead-encrusted hem. She paired it with a flared black skirt and a pair of pointed black courts which may have caused her to slip as she left the exclusive restaurant.

Sophie was attending the Belgrave Square eatery in her role as patron of DEBRA, a charity devoted to research into the skin condition epidermolysis bullosa.

On arrival at Mosimann's she was warmly greeted by Anton Mosimann himself, the prominent Swiss chef who rose to fame in the eighties when he converted a Scottish Presbyterian church in 1988 into the eponymous restaurant.

The former Dorchester Maitre Chef de Cuisines, 69, looked delighted to see Sophie as he ushered her inside in what was a grey and drizzly day in London.

The royal looked smart in a structured white top with flared sleeves and a bead-encrusted hem. She paired it with a flared black skirt and a pair of pointed black courts

On arrival at Mosimann's she was warmly greeted by Anton Mosimann himself, the prominent Swiss chef who rose to fame in the eighties when he converted a church into a restaurant

Sophie leaves the restaurant following the charity lunch for DEBRA. She will later attend Gala Dinner at Mansion House in aid of the Treloar Trust, for which she is also patron

Sophie's visit to Mossimann's came at the end of a busy day for the mother-of-two who this morning chaired a Women in Business meeting at Buckingham Palace.

She will later attend Gala Dinner at Mansion House in aid of the Treloar Trust, for which she is also patron.

Sophie, who is married to the Queen's youngest son, Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, has been showcasing more outre styles of late including pieces by Prada, Roland Mouret and Bruce Oldield.

One regarded as one of the more 'frumpy' royals she has won style plaudits and it is believed to be the work of David Quicky Quick, who was once Sophies deputy butler and cook, but has apaprently morphed into the person who keeps her wardrobe as meticulously well run as the Queens.

No rest for the wicked: Sophie's visit to Mosimann's came at the end of a busy day for the mother-of-two who this morning chaired a Women in Business meeting at Buckingham Palace

Anton Mosimann waves Sophie off. The former Dorchester Maitre Chef de Cuisines, 69, looked delighted to have such a prominent guest at his Belgrave Square eatery on Wednesday

She recently spoke of the 'pure hell' of training to cycle 450 miles from Scotland to London for the Duke of Edinburgh Award's 60th anniversary.

Writing for MailOnline about such a life-changing experience, she admitted that her family thought she was quite mad.

At the start of this year I had almost no experience as a road cyclist. Like many people, I had only ever gone on occasional bike rides with my family, Sophie said.
She may be in her home town of Buenos Aires but Queen Maxima of the Netherlands was showcasing a distinctly Scottish vibe this afternoon.

The Argentinian-born royal stepped out in a glorious tartan skirt as she attended a news conference on Wednesday.

Always with an eye for coordination the mother-of-three accented her skirt with a red blouse and even paired her outfit with scarlet shoes and earrings.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands made an unusual fashion choice this afternoon as she was seen sporting tartan to a news conference in Buenos Aires

The 45-year-old royal, who is staying at the hotel Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt, kept her makeup neutral as she delivered an impassioned speech at the conference this afternoon.

Yesterday saw the Queen wearing her hair in loose waves however, this afternoon the wife of King Willem-Alexander was all business as she tying her hair back for her engagements.

Following her busy morning at the conference she joined the Argentine President Mauricio Macri for a private meeting at the Olivos presidential residence.

The queen paired her tartan skirt with accents of red including a pair of beaded earrings and a scarlet blouse

All business today the Dutch royal kept her hair swept back as she delivered a speech at the conference in the Argentinian capital

The forever expressive queen did not fail to make her emotions rather plane today

Queen Maxima seemed to be confident and in high spirits as she spoke at the conference

Today marks Maxima's second day back in her home of Argentina as she made a return to her birth city on Tuesday.

The Dutch queen missed the Duchess of Cambridge's visit to the Netherlands yesterday as duty called in the Argentinean capital.

Her husband King Willem-Alexander was left to entertain Kate more than 10,000km away making friends with the British royal.

Following her busy morning at the conference she joined the Argentine President Mauricio Macri for a private meeting at the Olivos presidential residence

The pair seemed to be on good terms as the president welcomes Maxima back to her native country of Argentina

But Queen Maxima didn't seem fazed at missing out on the fun as she attended a series of solo engagements in Buenos Aires on Tuesday.

Maxima, 45, opted for a striking Givenchy number, which is currently down from 2,080 to 1,040 in the sale.

She added a pair of patent peeptoe heels and a matching Chanel chain bag as she met with the UN Resident Coordinator, Rene Mauricio Valdes, as well as Chancellor Susana Malcorra.

It has been a nostalgic visit for the royal who, yesterday, greeted her parents at an event at the Catholic University in the capital

Maxima beamed with delight as she leaned in to greet her mother MarIa del Carmen (right) and father Jorge Zorreguieta (left) last night

She looked delighted to be back in her hometown as posed for photographs next to the Argentinian flag and met with a long line of officials; later on in her visit she is expected to meet with UN dignitaries as well as the country's president.

The royal is was making the visit as part of her role as Special Advisor to the Secretary General of United Nations Ban Ki-Moon on Financial Inclusion for Development.

The visit proved to be a truly nostalgic one for the queen who met with her parents at an event at the Catholic University in the capital.

Queen Maxima was all smiles as she attended a series of engagements in Buneos Aires on Tuesday. The Dutch royal opted for a 2,000 Givenchy dress

The stylish royal looked in her element in the Argentinian capital - which is also her birthplace -in the green leopard print number which she paired with peeptoe heels and a patent bag

Maxima beamed with delight as she leaned in to greet her mother MarIa del Carmen and father Jorge Zorreguieta last night.

Maxima gave a speech adressed to students on financial inclusion for development with Argentina's Economy Minister Alfonso Prat Gay.

Meanwhile, Maxima's husband King Willem-Alexander was back at Villa Eikenhorst, the royal residence where he received a courtesy call from the Duchess of Cambridge, 34, who is visiting the Netherlands.

Their three daughters, Princesses Catharina-Amalia, Alexia and Arian, are believed to be at home in the Netherlands.

Busy week: The royal, who is staying at the hotel Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt in Buenos Aires, will also take part in a round-table discussion with representatives from public administrations
Princess Beatrice of York and Prime Minister Theresa May joined forces at Westminster Abbey this evening to raise awareness of modern day slavery.

The service at the world famous abbey in London and lead by The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster will also help to commemorate the work of William Wilberforce, the leader of the abolish slave trade.

Eugenie, 26, looked elegant as she arrived at this evening's ceremony wearing an asymmetric black dress with a white tapered detail.

Princess Eugenie arrives at Westminster Abbey on Wednesday evening for a service to commemorate the work of William Wilberforce, the leader of the abolish slave trade

Keen to keep out the October chill the daughter of Prince Andrew paired her dress with a simple black jacket and added a flash of colour in the form of blue felt hat.

The Conservative leader wore a black wool coat with a blue trim and rather fittingly a scarf produced by the Key to Freedom charity.

The charity helps to rescue vulnerable women from situations such as modern day slavery and human trafficking.

During the service this evening Princess Eugenie laid a wreath of white lilies and other flowers at the grave of William Wilberforce.

The service also aimed to raise awareness of modern day slavery and the princess laid a wreath at the grave of Wilberforce in honour of his work

Eugenie looked solemn as she looked down at the wreath accompanied by The Very Reverend Dr John Hall Dean of Westminster

The wreath of white flowers was accompanied by a card attributed both to the princess and Marlene Sookdeo, a survivor of Modern Slavery

A card accompanied her gesture which read: 'In commemoration of the work of William Wilberforce and marking the United Kingdom's commitment to combat Modern Slavery laid by HRH Princess Eugenie of York and Marlene Sookdeo, a survivor of Modern Slavery.'

After laying her wreath Princess Eugenie returned to her seat next to the PM and the pair were pictured singing hymns in honour of the occasion.

During this evening's service May made a speech condoning modern-day slavery a global phenomenon which will require concerted international action if it is to be tackled successfully.

The princess joined Prime Minister Theresa May and the pair joined together in hymns in honour of the occasion

The Conservative leader wore a black wool coat with a blue trim and rather fittingly a scarf produced by the Key to Freedom charity

Theresa May delivered an impassioned speech about Britain's efforts to further combat slavery

The Prime Minister pledged to put Britain at the forefront of the fight to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Wilberforce's campaigning led to the passing of the landmark Slave Trade Act of 1807 and May said the Modern Slavery Act which came into force last year meant Britain now had some of the toughest penalties anywhere in the world.

'As Prime Minister, I want Britain at the forefront of this fight, leading the world with our efforts to stamp out modern day slavery and human trafficking,' she said.

Eugenie looked elegant as she arrived at this evening's ceremony wearing an asymmetric black dress with a white tapered detail. Pictured: Eugenie greets clergymen

Eugenie too was spotted carrying a scarf from the Key to Freedom charity which helps to support women who are victims of modern slavery

'This is a global phenomenon that knows no geographical boundaries, crossing not just borders but over the internet.

'So we need a radical domestic and international approach to target every aspect of this despicable trade and strip the slave drivers of the profit they make out of human suffering by putting them behind bars.

'We will work tirelessly, relentlessly pursuing the perpetrators of these appalling crimes so that victims of slavery can go free.'

Clearly a subject close to the princesses heart Beatrice seemed keen to discuss the cause with the Reverend
FEMAIL's food writer Imogen Blake was the first to test the partnership

Galvin at Windows in central London teams up with delivery service app

Takeaways are synonymous with pizza, curry and Chinese - not exactly fine dining.

But Deliveroo is hoping to change that impression by partnering with a Michelin-starred central London restaurant to deliver some of the capital's finest food direct to homes from this evening.

The service has teamed up with Galvin at Windows in exclusive Park Lane - where Fred Sirieix from Channel 4's First Dates is general manager.

But can high end food really retain its quality when it has been packed into delivery boxes, put in a bag on the back of a motorcycle, and whizzed through central London?

FEMAIL's London-based food writer Imogen Blake decided to find out by becoming the first ever customer to test the partnership.

THE TEST

Food writer Imogen Blake (pictured with a delivery from Galvin at Windows) decided to find out if Michelin-starred food still tastes as good after it's been packed into delivery boxes and whizzed across London

Cured Loch Fyn salmon, Dorset crab, avocado puree and fennel compote (pictured) is one of the starter dishes on the new Deliveroo menu at Galvin at Windows

GALVIN AT WINDOWS' DELIVEROO MENU Starters: Cured Loch Fyn salmon, Dorset crab, avocado puree and fennel compote Ballotine of pig's head and black pudding, saffron aioli and pickles Mains: Kimchi risotto, Burford brown egg and sesame Braised short-rib of Scotch beef, pomme puree, vegetables, and red wine jus Desserts: Caramelised apple tart, frangipane, and vanilla custard Selection of seasonal cheeses from 'Buchanans' [London cheesemonger] Advertisement

I'm lucky enough to have eaten at Galvin at Windows once before.

It was the prize in a letter writing competition while I was a student, and I remember it being the best food I had ever tasted then.

The beautiful setting on the 28th floor of the Park Lane Hilton, with panoramic windows looking out onto Hyde Park, made it an evening to remember.

So when I heard that Deliveroo had partnered with the restaurant for October, I was excited - but somewhat sceptical.

The service already delivers food from Michelin-starred Indian restaurant Trishna - making Galvin the second starred restaurant the app has teamed up with.

Despite this experience in delivering top end food, I still found myself wondering: could high quality ingredients retain their freshness and flavour after being whisked across the capital?

The Deliveroo menu has been created by Galvin at Windows' head chef Joo Won (pictured with Deliveroo delivery drivers holding dishes on the new delivery menu)

Surely the pleasure of fine dining comes not only from the food, but from the way it is presented, the service and the ambience of the restaurant as well?

The proof would be in the eating.

The Deliveroo menu, created by Galvin's head chef Joo Won, gives you two choices for starters, mains and desserts.

You can buy each course individually at 10 for a starter, 17.50 for a main, and 7.50 for a dessert, or pay 35 for all three.

It's quite a good deal, as four of the menu items are normally only available on the restaurant's 79 three-course Menu Prestige.

I decided to try one of everything, and the food arrived bang on time at the MailOnline offices.

THE TASTE

Imogen was the first customer to test the new partnership between Deliveroo and Galvin at Windows. Pictured: the delivery dishes and Deliveroo menu

Imogen (pictured eating the kimchi risotto) comparing eating Galvin at Windows food at the restaurant to eating it at work

Everything is delivered in brown cardboard recyclable boxes topped with clear plastic lids - a little more upmarket than your standard delivery box, but there's certainly no silverware here.

The chef has attempted to recreate his Michelin-starred presentation skills in boxes - and for the most part, it's worked quite well.

The salmon dish in particular would be just as stunning on a white ceramic plate.

But the braised short-rib of beef looks a little sad in such a large delivery box, particularly as it comes with just one carrot and a few stalks of broccoli.

I start with the cured salmon, which is beautifully pink and only lightly cured, a delight with the creamy avocado puree.

But the star of the show is the fennel compote, which packs an aniseed punch and makes for a moreish mouthful.

Imogen found the ballotine of pig's head and black pudding to be a succulent circular disc of pure meaty indulgence. The jus has trickled into the sides of the delivery box though

The creamy Dorset crab gets slightly overlooked, but it's a delicious meal and no flavours have been lost in transit.

The ballotine of pig's head and black pudding is a succulent circular disc of pure meaty indulgence and needs the sharpness of the pickled vegetables to cut through the rich, powerful flavour.

The jus however has trickled into one of the delivery box rivets, which is slightly unfortunate. Otherwise, it could easily be presented in the same way on a plate.

The saffron aioli doesn't overpower, as saffron often can, and instead adds a much needed creaminess to the dish.

Again, the fact it's been delivered hasn't lessened the flavour at all.

But would it be the same for the hot dishes?

The kimchi risotto was topped with a poached egg, which sadly split during delivery, but tasted delicious, according to Imogen

The short-rib of Scotch beef was disappointing, and looked lacklustre in the box

The kimchi risotto is topped with a poached egg, which sadly has split during delivery, its deep orange yolk spilling over the creamy rice.

But this is easily my favourite dish of the whole menu. I've never eaten kimchi before - a Korean fermented cabbage dish - but the Asian flavours work surprisingly well in this traditionally Italian meal.

With the egg, it's another rich meal. The menu advertises sesame but I fail to notice the flavour amid everything else going on.

From the best, to the disappointing. The braised short-rib is tender and covered in a sweet, sticky glaze, but this dish feels a bit like meat-and-veg by numbers.

Served with a smooth and creamy pomme puree, just one carrot and a few stems of broccoli, I'm not sure if it would be enough food for most people at dinner time.

The caramelised apple tart was served with a thick and creamy vanilla custard, which Imogen said was one of the best she had ever had

The other dessert option is a cheese platter - which was shaken around a little en route to the MailOnline offices

Onto the desserts, and the only sweet option is a caramelised apple tart with frangipane and vanilla custard.

The custard is hands down one of the best I have ever tasted, and has the genius addition of nutmeg, as well as plenty of vanilla.

The tart itself - which had no trace of a soggy bottom - is caramelised to perfection, but there's perhaps not enough almond flavour to delight real frangipane lovers.

The other option is a platter of cheese from artisan cheesemonger Buchanans.

After being shaken around on the back of a motorbike, the pieces of cheese and crackers are all over the place.

But the taste is the same.

The creamy, strong goat's cheese is crowned FEMAIL's favourite, but there's something for everyone on this platter - particularly if you like strong-flavoured cheeses.

It comes with enough crackers and a sweet quince jelly too.

VERDICT

Imogen praises Deliveroo for offering high quality food, such as the dishes pictured, at an affordable price so people can enjoy it in their own home

The service offers people the chance to try Michelin-starred food at an affordable price - and there aren't many who could argue with that.

Though many high end restaurants have long since done away with the snooty attitude prevalent in decades past, some people are put off by the need to dress smartly and follow restaurant etiquette.

But the app gives people the chance to sample this lifestyle in the comfort of their own homes.

If I was lucky enough to live close to the restaurant, I would definitely order the menu again for a special date night in.

And it could also be handy for City workers who don't have the luxury of taking an hour out of the office - but want to impress their boss, or a client.

However, I can't escape the fact that Michelin-starred food is Michelin-starred because it's about the experience of dining in an exquisite restaurant where the service is top notch, the wine is good, and the atmosphere unique.

You simply can't recreate it with a delivery service.

Deliveroo riders (pictured) can now deliver Michelin-starred food directly to your door

Mark Baumann, master chef and co-director of Bourgee lobster and steak restaurants, agrees.

He told me: 'The whole ethos of Michelin dining is the expert combination of quality food, first class service, all within an opulent restaurant setting.

'It's not just about the food; there's so much more that goes into the Michelin experience and without one of these components it simply doesn't work.'

He added: 'As a chef that prides themselves on food quality, I question that these Michelin chefs would want their food to be served in this format.

'To deliver a perfect dish, chefs put a huge level of care and attention into every aspect  from the temperature of the food to the placement on the plate.

'With a service like Deliveroo, you have no control over the end product. A Michelin dish arriving in a plastic container isn't the chef's intention, and you are losing a lot of impact as a result.

'In a word  I'd stick to Thai, burgers and pizzas when it comes to Deliveroo!'

So it may not be an authentic Michelin experience.

But the quality of the food is still sky high.

Galvin's restaurant manager Andrew Sicklin, said: 'Deliveroo is renowned for its high quality and professional delivery service and is the ideal partner for the restaurant to branch out into at-home dining for the very first time.'

The menu from Galvin at Windows will be available to order Monday to Friday for the month of October, launching this evening from 6.30pm.
Chelsea Torres, 23, from Blackfoot, Idaho, was told in June that her babies were 'stuck together' during her three week scan (pictured with three-year-old son Jaysin)

A pregnant mother who discovered she was carrying conjoined twins relocated 1,400 miles away in a desperate attempt to keep them alive.

Chelsea Torres, 23, from Blackfoot, Idaho, was told in June that her babies were 'stuck together' during her three week scan.

Doctors revealed the chances of the twins surviving were slim and that her and her husband, Nick, 22, should consider abortion.

However, the parents refused to give up on the two little girls and moved to Houston, Texas to be closer to a specialist hospital.

And their determination paid off as medical scans revealed the girls, named Callie and Carter, are now expected to survive.

Mrs Torres said: 'The doctor just told us they babies were stuck together. It was really emotional, I started crying.

'I don't even know what to think and I'm still surprised. It's not something I can describe, It was just like shock.

'I had a few doctors that told me I was going to miscarriage every week. They told me they weren't going to survive.

'It's hard for all of us, you feel guilty. We thought about aborting them but it was really hard for me to think about.

'We are relocating for the girls, we want them to have the best chance.'

Doctors revealed the chances of the twins surviving pregnancy were slim and that she should consider an abortion

Further testing revealed they are omphalo-ischiopagus twins - meaning they share a lower stomach and lower pelvic area

At her three-week scan, Mrs Torres was told by doctors that she was expecting twins.

But they also revealed the devastating news that they were fused together at the chest and stomach and likely share one pelvis.

The family were told there was a very slim chance of them surviving and they were warned Mrs Torres could have a miscarriage at any point.

They were given the option to abort the twins and considered it for three days before deciding against it.

But in a desperate attempt to extend her family and give Jaysin, 3, younger siblings, they relocated to Houston, Texas.

They wanted to be closer to a specialist hospital that treated conjoined twins, which was 1,400 miles away, to give their unborn twins the best possible chance.

The parents refused to give up on the two little girls and moved to Houston, Texas - 1,400 miles away - to be closer to a specialist hospital (her husband Nick, 22, right and Jaysin, left)

An MRI scan during week 20 revealed the babies were healthy - and doctors now expect them to survive.

Further testing revealed they are omphalo-ischiopagus twins - meaning they share a lower stomach and lower pelvic area.

Doctors are unsure whether separation will be possible until further down the line.

Her official due date is February 21 next year, but doctors believe she will have a Caesarean section closer to the time.

The couple have since tried to raise awareness over conjoined twins to try and give people in the same situation hope.

They have also started a fundraising page in an attempt to fund further medical testing for the sake of her unborn children.
Cannabis-based ingredients have a medicinal effect, health officials have admitted.

Products containing cannabidiol - also known as CBD - are now classed as medicines by the UK regulatory body.

It was found to have a 'restoring, correcting or modifying' effect on physiological functions when administered to humans.

But the Class B drug itself has not been recognised as having any benefits and is still illegal to possess.

Products containing cannabidiol - an extract of the plant-based drug - are now classed as medicines by the UK regulatory body

An MHRA spokesperson said: ' We have come to the opinion that products containing cannabidiol are a medicine.

'Products for therapeutic use must have a medicines licence before they can be legally sold, supplied or advertised in the UK.

'Products will have to meet safety, quality and effectiveness standards to protect public health.

'If you use CBD and if you have any questions, speak to your GP or other healthcare professional.'

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency - responsible - has told companies they have 28 days to get a license to legally sell the ingredients.

It follows a review on a cannabidiol vapouriser which was found to help thousands of people suffering from a range of conditions.

Sativex - a prescription-only drug used by patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis - is the only licensed cannabis-based product in the UK currently

They found it had physical benefits and decided to list it as medicine.

It means manufacturers will now have to ensure their cannabis-based products pass safety checks.

Those companies selling products without having a licence could face time in prison or a heavy fine.

CANNABIS USERS ARE 'MORE PRONE TO FRACTURES' People who regularly smoke cannabis have reduced bone density and are more prone to fractures, scientists found. Heavy users have a lower body weight and a reduced body mass index (BMI), which could contribute to thinning of their bones. Researchers say this could mean smoking large amounts of the drug could lead to a greater risk of osteoporosis in later life. Smoking cannabis is often associated with increased appetite so the researchers were surprised to find that heavy cannabis users had a lower body weight and BMI than non-users. This could be because cannabis may reduce appetite when taken in large amounts over a long period of time, they say. Advertisement

Sativex - a prescription-only drug used by patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis - is the only licensed cannabis-based product in the country currently.

It contains CBD and another extract from the cannabis plant, THC, and is given to help ease muscle spasms.

CBD is one of many chemical compounds found within the drug - but it is nonpsychoactive and doesn't cause a high.

It helps to control brain and nerve activity, energy metabolism, heart function, the immune system and even reproduction.

As a result, a number of charities have intensified their research into the use of cannabis as a medical drug.

This news comes after politicians called on the Government to legalise cannabis for medicinal use.

The controversial document, published by a cross-party group of MPs and peers, said sick people should be allowed to grow the drug under licence.
Hospitals, too, are getting slammed by sharp price increases in prescription drugs, and the industry is urging the next president and Congress to take up the issue.

Drug costs have been blamed for fueling the opioid and heroin epidemic - getting patients hooked on pills they can't afford, forcing them to turn to the streets.

Now hospitals are weighing in too, claiming they cannot handle the prices - leaving the pharmaceutical industry more politically isolated.

The hospital industry says they too cannot afford the medication - leaving the pharmaceutical industry more politically isolated than ever

A study released Tuesday by the two biggest hospital lobbying groups found that overall, hospitals' average annual inpatient drug spending increased by more than 23 percent between 2013 and 2015.

The NORC study for the American Hospital Association and the Federation of American Hospitals found higher prices were primarily responsible for the spending increase, not the quantity of medications used.

Measured on a per-admission basis, the increase was even more striking, nearly 39 percent. Per-admission spending on medications increased from $714 in 2013 to $990 two years later. NORC at the University of Chicago, which conducted the study, is an independent research organization.

Hospitals say they can't easily pass on the cost of pricey drugs because private insurers and government programs like Medicare usually pay a pre-determined amount per case.

'The system is clearly broken,' Scott Knoer, chief pharmacy officer at the Cleveland Clinic, said in a teleconference sponsored by the two hospital lobbying groups. 'The (pharmaceutical) industry has proven time and time again it can no longer regulate itself.'

Calling the recent spate of price increases 'egregious,' Knoer said there's no way hospitals can get on top of it.

When the price of one drug stabilizes, another zooms up.

'It's like playing whack-a-mole,' he said.

The drug industry criticized the report, saying it focuses on 'unrepresentative, older' medicines and gives a 'distorted' picture of costs.

'Further, the report fails to acknowledge that hospitals often significantly mark up medicines charged to patients and payers,' Holly Campbell of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America said in a statement.

In the study, one-third of hospitals said drug prices had a 'severe' impact on their budgets.

Leaders of the two hospital groups said they want to avoid an outcome in which the government directly regulates drug prices, but they add that a debate is clearly needed.

'The concern about the rising cost and prices of prescription drugs has been a bipartisan issue,' said Rick Pollack, president of the hospital association.

'We are hoping this study will help inform policy makers as to the nature of the problem.'

The NORC study was based on data from 712 of the nation's more than 4,300 community hospitals.

It also analyzed drug purchase costs for 28 drugs from two major group purchasing organizations, which allow hospitals to maximize volume discounts for commonly used supplies.

The study found that price increases seemed to be 'random, inconsistent and unpredictable.'

It found sizable price increases both for highly used drugs and some that get less use, as well as for branded and generic drugs.

Inpatient drug spending grew more rapidly than retail prescription spending in 2014 and 2015.

The hospitals' study cited the case of Martin Shkreli, CEO of Turing Pharmaceuticals that raised the unit price of Daraprim 3,695 per cent, from $919.10 to $34,882.24

Among the examples:

The unit price hospitals paid for acetaminophen, a commonly used pain reliever, rose by 135 per cent from 2013 to 2015.

Researchers developed a 'per-unit' benchmark to measure prices across different dosages.

The drug that saw the highest per-unit increase was Daraprim, an infection-control medication that was originally approved in 1953.

The study said its unit price jumped 3,695 per cent, from $919.10 to $34,882.24 after it was acquired by Turing Pharmaceuticals.

Turing was formerly run by Martin Shkreli, a brash entrepreneur whose indifference to complaints about the company's aggressive pricing earned him a reputation as pharma's bad boy.

He has pleaded not guilty to federal charges in an unrelated securities fraud case.

More than half of U.S. adults take prescription drugs, and according to a recent Kaiser Family Foundation poll most of those patients report no major problems affording their own medications.

But consumers have been alarmed by the introduction of breakthrough drugs costing tens of thousands of dollars a year, along with a spate of seemingly arbitrary price hikes for older medications.
Unvaccinated adults cost the US economy more than $7 billion a year, a landmark study reveals.

Vaccine-preventable diseases among adults cost the U.S. economy $8.95 billion in 2015.

Eighty per cent of that was used to treat unvaccinated individuals, according to the most comprehensive analysis to date from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Warning? A study found unvaccinated adults cost the US $7.1 billion in healthcare in 2015

BREAK DOWN OF COSTS Flu The flu was the most costly disease with a vaccine available, accounting for nearly $5.8 billion in health care costs and lost productivity in 2015. Only 42 per cent of U.S. adults received the flu vaccine during the 2015-2016 flu season. Pneumococcal disease Infections under this bracket include meningitis and pneumonia. Last year the US paid nearly $1.9 billion in costs to treat unvaccinated adults with these diseases. Herpes zoster This causes shingles, and costs the US $782 million a year. Advertisement

Researchers at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, led by Associate Professor Sachiko Ozawa, studied 10 vaccines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The study, published in the journal Health Affairs, examined the actual cost of inpatient and outpatient care, cost of medication and the value of productivity lost from time spent seeking care.

The 10 vaccines protect against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, the herpes zoster virus that causes shingles, human papillomavirus, influenza, measles, mumps, rubella, meningococcal disease, pneumococcal disease, tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis and chickenpox.

The flu was the most costly disease with a vaccine available, accounting for nearly $5.8 billion in health care costs and lost productivity in 2015.

Only 42 per cent of U.S. adults received the flu vaccine during the 2015-2016 flu season.

Pneumococcal disease, such as meningitis and pneumonia, was associated with nearly $1.9 billion in costs, and herpes zoster that causes shingles rounding out at $782 million.

'We believe our estimates are conservative and highlight the potential economic benefit of increasing adult immunization coverage and the value of vaccines,' Ozawa said.

'We hope our study will spur creative health care policies that minimize the negative spillover effects from people choosing not to be vaccinated while still respecting patients' right to make informed choices.'

The statistical model researchers developed determined the unvaccinated cost to the U.S. economy at $9 billion.

Inpatient and outpatient care accounted for 95 per cent of costs with lost productivity making up the other 5 per cent.

The new UNC-led research is a more comprehensive review of the economic burden of vaccine-preventable diseases among U.S. adults than previous studies, as the focus to date has been on one or a few specific vaccine-preventable diseases.

The researchers consulted existing research and data from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey and the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database in their analysis.
Intelligence reports suggest that Pakistan-sponsored terrorists are planning a massive attack in Goa ahead of the eighth BRICS summit in the state.

The international event is said to be on the radar of terrorists looking for retribution following the surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) earlier this month.

Heads of 11 states, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin, will be attending the BRICS and BIMSTEC Summit scheduled on October 15 to October 16 in Goa.

The BRICS summit will bring together 11 world leaders - here, Brazil's President Michel Temer, Narendra Modi, China's President Xi Jinping, Russia's President Vladimir Putin, and South Africa's President Jacob Zuma (L-R) are pictured hand-in-hand at last year's event

Intelligence reports suggest that Pakistan-sponsored terrorists are planning an operation before the high profile summit begins

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval reviewed the security arrangements for the summit with senior Navy and Coast Guard officials along with other agencies.

The latest intelligence inputs, which suggest an operation of some form between now and Friday, were also analysed during the meeting.

Sources said multi-level ground, air and underwater security apparatus has been put in place in response to the threat.

Troops and explosives detectives dogs have been called upon in the face of the terror threat

Modi with Putin and Xi Jinping at last year's summit; security will be much higher this year

Marcos commandos will be securing the key locations such as Goa Airport.

Intercepts between handlers across the borders and terrorists holed up in Maharashtra have put the Ministry of Home Affairs on high alert.

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked K9 teams of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police Force (ITBP) to secure the meeting venues and the hotels where the BRICS leaders will be staying.

The ITBP, on getting an SOS call from the Goa state government last week, was directed by the MHA Internal Security wing to rush the elite K9 units to Goa.

The specially trained explosive detection dogs are highly effective after serving in Kabul, Afghanistan and thwarting numerous Pakistan-trained Taliban attempts to harm the Indian Embassy in Kabul.
The BJP could emerge as the single-largest party with 170 to 183 constituencies if elections were held today for the 403-seat Uttar Pradesh assembly

The BJP could emerge as the single-largest party with 170 to 183 constituencies if elections were held today for the 403-seat Uttar Pradesh assembly.

The predictions come according to an opinion poll by market research agency Axis My India for the India Today Group.

The party in power at the Centre inched ahead of Mayawatis BSP and UPs ruling Samajwadi Party in the survey months ahead of polls in Indias most populous and politically crucial state.

The Bahujan Samaj Party chief though is the most popular choice for the CMs post.

Both the BSP and SP have been battling controversies in recent weeks. Rocked by a series of high-profile exits over the past few months, the Bahujan Samaj Party is projected to trail the BJP with a seat share in the range of 115-124, the survey predicted.

The Samajwadi Partys prospects too have taken a hit after a very public fight among members of the Yadav clan at the helm of the outfit. According to the Axis-My- India poll, the SP is slated for the third spot, bagging between 94 and 103 seats.

The Congress does not seem to have made significant inroads into Uttar Pradesh despite its vice-president Rahul Gandhi's Kisan Yatra.

The Grand Old Party is projected to secure only between 8 and 12 constituencies.

This is the first time that the BJP is seen in pole position in any opinion survey months ahead of the assembly elections.

Big gains

A similar study in August by polling agency CVoter suggested a close contest between the BJP and SP.

A CSDS opinion survey the same month put the SP in the lead followed by the BJP.

From September 5 to October 5, a team of 60 surveyors conducted face-to-face interviews with 22,231 respondents in the 403 assembly constituencies of Uttar Pradesh.

The pollsters targeted a sample size of 50 in every borough. The Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh faces sharp anti-incumbency, according to the findings.

Pollsters from Axis asked respondents how satisfied they were with the government across 17 different parameters  from the condition of local roads, electricity, drinking water, health facilities, education, law and order to employment opportunities.

On an average, 59% of the respondents expressed dissatisfaction with the SP administration over the last four-and-a-half years. Less than a third of the voters said they were satisfied.

The BJP seems to be gaining in Uttar Pradesh because the party is being increasingly backed by the Other Backward Classes in the state with 44% of the non-Yadav OBCs saying that they will vote for the lotus symbol.

Caste matrix

The upper castes of UP also appear to be firmly backing the BJP, with 61% pledging their support.

The SP is holding on to its core Yadav (67%) voting bloc. The ruling party is still the preferred group for the states Muslims, with 58% of the community members saying they back the SP.

Around 21% of Muslims indicated that they would vote for the BSP.

A series of anti-Dalit crimes across the country has seemingly marred the BJP's attempt to break Mayawatis votebank.

An overwhelming 71% of the Dalit respondents indicated that they would be voting for the BSP.

The overall electoral picture of Uttar Pradesh is the sum of four separate sub-plots.

The BJP is leading in eastern and western Uttar Pradesh while the Samajwadi Party has a narrow lead in central UP or Awadh.

In development-starved Bundelkhand, Mayawati's BSP holds pole position.

In western UP, the BJP leads with 31% vote share while the BSP and the SP have 27% each.

In central UP, the SP bags 29% of the votes while the BSP comes in second with 28% votes and the BJP third at 26%.

In eastern UP, the BJP has a strong lead with a projected vote share of 33% which is five percent more than that of the BSP.

The SP is projected to bag 22% of the votes here.

BSP supremo Mayawati leads the pack when it comes to who voters want to see as the state's next chief minister.

As many as 31% of the respondents said she was their first choice. Incumbent Akhilesh Yadav comes in second in the popularity sweepstakes with 27% people backing him.

Union home minister and former CM Rajnath Singh is third with 18% respondents backing him, while Gorakhpur MP Yogi Adityanath has the backing of 14% of the participants.

As many as 54% of the respondents said they disagreed with the notion of Congress Mukt Bharat.

But there's very little good news for the Grand Old Party in the opinion polls.

Despite the hype around Priyanka Gandhi's imminent entry into active politics, only 19% of the respondents felt that she could play a key role in reviving the Congress.

The party's chief ministerial candidate, Sheila Dikshit, received the backing of only 1% of the total respondents.

Congress loss

The Congress is expected to bag only 6% of the overall vote share and get between 8-12 seats, which is worse than the party's performance in the previous assembly elections.

One of the key highlights of this opinion poll is that almost a third of the respondents said they would primarily consider the performance of the central government while deciding whom to vote for in the elections.

The Ram Mandir issue seems to be dead as far as voting preferences are concerned.

The Congress (Sonia Gandhi, right) is expected to bag only 6% of the overall voteshare and get between 8-12 seats, which is worse than the party's performance in the previous assembly elections

Surprisingly, none (0%) of the respondents said the issue would determine who they vote for.

Development is by far the biggest issue for voters in this election.

Employment opportunities, road, electricity and drinking water are the other big issues that voters want parties to focus on.

When asked what the BJP should focus on, an overwhelming majority (88%) of the respondents said that the party should concentrate on development.

Cow protection was a priority only for 1% of the total respondents.

Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab back surgical strikes over war

By Harmeet Shah Singh

Most of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab overwhelmingly support surgical strikes to deal with Pakistan-backed terror, but remain largely wary of a full-scale war with the neighbour, according to a poll by Axis-My-India for the India Today Group.

In Uttar Pradesh, as high as 90% of respondents rated Indias cross-LoC swoop as 'very good'.

Another 3% found the measure inadequate while the remaining ticked the 'dont-know' option.

Most of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Punjab overwhelmingly support surgical strikes to deal with Pakistan-backed terror, but remain largely wary of a full-scale war

Around 77% of respondents in Uttarakhand and 88 percent in Punjab also checked "very good" for the surgical strikes.

More than 85% of respondents in Uttar Pradesh, 92 percent in Uttarakhand and 88 percent in Punjab rated surgical strikes as the best measure against Pakistani terror.

A tiny 3% of people polled in the survey in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab favoured talks with Pakistan over surgical strikes. As high as 90% in Punjab and 95% in UP opted for dont know when asked how India should deal with Pakistan and terror if not through similar operations.

Opinion was equally divided - at 40% - between talks and dont know in Uttarakhand.

But no respondent from the three states favoured continuation of old policy toward Pakistan.

Around 90% of respondents in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand and 79% in Punjab agreed that prime minister Narendra Modi has emerged as a strong leader after the September 29 raid on PoK.

Most of the participants across the three states concurred that India was heading towards a war and most of them claimed they weren't scared of a full-blown conflict.
In an exclusive interview with India Today, Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit termed the surgical strikes by the Indian Army as 'fictional'

Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit termed the surgical strikes by the Indian Army as 'fictional' and said it was actually a case of cross-LoC firing in which India violated the 2003 ceasefire understanding.

Pakistan responded to this ceasefire violation immediately and proportionately, Basit added in an exclusive interview to Karan Thapar of India Today news channel.

Had there been any surgical strike, Pakistan would have responded immediately, Basit said, adding that his country does not need time for preparation or time to gather will.

"Pakistan is striving to have a normal relation with India and that continues to be our objective under the leadership of PM Nawaz Sharif.

"We want a relationship on sovereignty and mutual respect and we are committed to this, Basit said.

He refused to comment on media reports in both India and Pakistan on the surgical strikes.

"Even your governments official statement has been that the surgical strikes took place or was carried out along the Line of Control. I am yet to see the governments statement that says the strikes were across the LoC, Basit said.

He also did not comment on reports by a Pakistani newspaper that mentioned deteriorating relations between Pakistan, the US and China, and the potential isolation Pakistan could face globally.

"Since the Prime Ministers Office categorically rejected the report, it would not be proper for me comment on it.

"Even if other countries supported the surgical strike, it does not prove the happening of the strike. Usual cross-LOC firing happened, but the LoC was not crossed, Basit said.

On being asked if DIG of Pak spy agency ISI was being transferred due to the surgical strike, Basit said these changes are normal and should not be linked with the "fictional" surgical strike.

Talking about countries opting out of the SAARC Summit in Islamabad, and leaving Pakistan isolated in South Asia, Basit said: "No other country can claim to have suffered more than us.

"Pakistan has been suffering for 13-14 years. Sixty-thousand lives have been lost and there has been financial loss as well. We do not need to be lectured on terrorism".

Basit refused to comment on media reports in both India and Pakistan on the surgical strikes

Postponement of the SAARC summit was our collective loss. We are confident that Pakistan would host the 19th summit, if not this year then sometime next year. It is a setback for all of us that SAARC collapsed, Basit said.

Asked whether Pakistan was worried as its key neighbours India and Afghanistan united, Basit said: "We would like the relations with India and Afghanistan to be normal."

On the possibility of providing asylum to president of Baloch Republican Party Brahumdagh Bugti, he said: A handful of individuals do not represent the people of Balochistan.

Indian paramilitary troopers stand near the scene of a gunfight between the army and suspected militants in Pampore, south of Srinagar

"People in Balochistan are as patriotic as people in other parts of Pakistan. Some forces are trying to undermine Pakistan".

Referring to the Indus Water Treaty, Basit said as long as India adheres to treaty and abides by it, Pakistan has no issues.

Explaining the recent statement of Pakistan PMs adviser Sartar Aziz, who said that the country sees no hope of a breakthrough in relations with India under the Narendra Modi government, Basit said: "For the last two-and-a-half years, it has been our assessment in Pakistan that India is not ready to discuss the core issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

"He must have said this on the basis of that."
All eyes are now on Surat where the Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal is slated to hold a rally this week.

Observers are closely monitoring the political development as the AAP may get support from Patidar leaders like Hardik Patel.

According to observers, there could even be a pact between AAP and the Patidars in Gujarat.

Delhi Chief Minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal is slated to hold a rally this week

If social media is considered an indicator, then a clear pattern seems to be emerging; Kejriwal has endorsed the views of Hardik Patel by retweeting the Patidar leaders tweets in the last one week.

Following the Armys surgical strikes across the LoC, Patel had slammed the Prime Minister on social media, tweeting: BJP is responsible for the Hitler-esque politics in Gujarat which is the worst in Indian history. It is a sour truth yet is the truth.

Kejriwal had re-tweeted this post, saying: So true.

Earlier too, Patel had posted a tweet criticising Modi for taking credit for the surgical strikes which he said was actually the Indian Armys achievement.

Patidar leader Hardik Patel aired his views on the surgical strikes on Twitter, which Kejriwal then retweeted and agreed with

Patels harsh words came at a time when the AAP was seeking proof of the strikes.

Kejriwal had also re-tweeted another tweet by Patel which was on the employment scenario in Gujarat.

He had said that even after seven Vibrant summits in Gujarat, 35 lakh people are still unemployed. He also wrote that 31 per cent factories are closed.

Kejriwal re-tweeted these two posts within a few hours, which triggered speculation about the two joining forces - both Kejriwal and Patel are known critics of Modi.

Kejriwal also re-tweeted another tweet by Patel about the employment scenario in Gujara

While there is no official word on whether the AAP and Patidars will form an alliance in the next Gujarat Assembly election, observers point out that there is a clear bonhomie which could lead to a tie-up.

Echoing a similar view, Delhi minister Kapil Mishra said: Patidars have assured support to the AAP and they will not disrupt the rally. If anything happens it would actually be BJP activists who will try to disrupt the rally in the guise of Patidars.

He also said that it will be one of the biggest rallies by Kejriwal, who will meet traders, industrialists and local organisations in Surat.

A top AAP leader confirmed that party leaders are in touch with Patel, who is in Udaipur. AAP leaders said that no meeting of the two has been scheduled.

The upcoming rally by Kejriwal is expected to be one of his biggest rallies, where he will meet traders, industrialists and local organisations in Surat

Soon after Kejriwals Surat rally got confirmed, an AAP delegation, including Gulab Singh Yadav, had met Patel in Udaipur.

Kejriwal will be addressing a public meeting in the Patidar-dominated Yogi Chowk in Puna and will be in Gujarat from October 14 to October 17. The Delhi CM is expected to reach Mehsana in Gujarat on the evening of October 14. He will then visit the temple of a local deity before reaching Ahmadabad on October 15.

AAP leaders from Gujarat and Delhi have been camping in the city for the last one month.

Kejriwal is expected to share the stage with Patidar leaders Vandana Patel and Kanubhai Kalsaria. Vandana Patel was among the agitators during the Patidar protest and had even spent 28 days in jail.

The Patidar Anamat Andolan Samiti (PAAS) leaders have already warned that the BJP is planning to disrupt Kejriwals public meeting by sending its workers in the guise of PAAS workers at the venue.

Expecting trouble, close to 200 AAP volunteers have been tasked with ensuring Kejriwals safety during the rally.

The BJP has been trying stop us from holding the rally. In the past, our offices were vandalised and our volunteers assaulted. Keeping that in mind, we have made attempts from our own side also, said an AAP leader from Gujarat.

Interestingly, BJP president Amit Shah had to face the ire of Patidars during a felicitation event for Patidar leaders at Abrama in Mota Varachha on September 8.
Victim of killing outside petrol pump identified as 32-year-old Remith

A BJP worker was hacked to death by suspected members of the Communist Party of India in Keralas Kannur district yesterday, police have confirmed.

The victim, identified as 32-year-old Remith, was allegedly killed in front of a petrol pump in Pinarayi village at around 10am.

According to sources, Remiths father Unnithan was also murdered, allegedly by CPI(M) workers, in 2002.

The victim was allegedly stabbed to death by suspected members of the CPI(M) party

The incident comes two days after the killing of 52-year-old CPI(M) leader K Mohanan, who was hacked to death by suspected RSS activists on Monday.

Remiths killing has raised fears of retaliatory strikes in the sensitive Kannur district.

BS Yeddyurappa, the president of the Karnataka unit of BJP, condemned Remiths killing, calling it a cold-blooded murder.

The BJP leader also blamed the CPI(M) for the increasing attacks on RSS and BJP workers in the state.

Both the murders took place in the Assembly constituency of Dharmadom, represented by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Very unfortunate report from Kannur that a BJP activist was killed by CPM terrorist; we strongly protest this, tweeted Kerala BJP spokesperson MS Kumar.
In a sign of rapidly deteriorating US-Russia ties, Russian President Vladimir Putin passed an order suspending an agreement with the United States - signed in 2000 by then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton - for the disposal of 34 metric tonne of weapons-grade plutonium.

This is another marker in the downward trajectory of relations between Moscow and Washington.

The document said that the deal was being suspended, "as a result of unfriendly actions by the US towards the Russian Federation".

As a signal of worsening relations between the two countries, Vladimir Putin has suspended an agreement with the United States for the disposal of 34 metric tonne of weapons-grade plutonium

President Putin submitted a bill to the Russian parliament setting a series of pre-conditions for the US for the agreement to be resumed.

Sanctions

These include reduction of US military infrastructure and troops in countries that joined NATO after September 1, 2000, and lifting of all American sanctions against Russia and compensation for the damage they have caused.

The US - as well as the European Union - imposed a series of sanctions against Russia following the annexation by Moscow of Ukraines southern Crimea peninsula in 2014, and Russias support for separatists in eastern Ukraine.

On the other side, the US suspended talks with Russia over the Syrian crisis.

The US imposed a series of sanctions against Russia following the annexation by Moscow of Ukraines southern Crimea peninsula in 2014

Washington said Moscow had not lived up to the terms of last months ceasefire agreement, which has since collapsed.

Russia said it regretted the decision, accusing the US of trying to shift the blame on to Russia over the failed deal.

It was, therefore, no surprise when earlier this week the State Department decided to called off talks between Washington and Moscow on a new ceasefire in Syria.

The ceasefire deal forged earlier this month - which few ever believed would work - started falling apart almost immediately, punctuated by a mistaken US airstrike on Syrian troops, the Russian and Syrian attack on a UN aid convoy, continued fighting by some US-backed rebels, and Syrian jets refusing to stop pounding civilian targets.

Almost a year after Russia began its air campaign to help Bashar al-Assads government crush opposition rebels, downward spiral in Syria continues even as Syrian and Russian jets continued to pound Aleppo.

Ceasefire

A US-Russia brokered ceasefire fell apart last month, after Russia and Syria launched the air offensive against opposition rebels in a bid to push them out of major urban areas.

The bombardments have pushed diplomatic engagement between Moscow and Washington to the brink.

Its unclear what, if any, deal can be struck at this point between Moscow and Washington to end the slaughter of civilians.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov last week dismissed Secretary of State John Kerrys call for another seven-day ceasefire in Syria

Fighting on the ground in the besieged city has been fierce over the past several days, with pro-government forces wresting strategically significant ground from the rebels, while Damascus used its moment of strength to demand that the rebels lay down their arms and leave the city.

Aleppo is where things are taking the most gruesome human toll, with Russian bombs obliterating entire apartment blocks and hospitals while Washington could only threaten to shut down ceasefire talks - to Moscows annoyance and seeming amusement.

Washington and Moscow are squaring off in Syria, the Black Sea, the Baltics, and right on through to the hacking of computer networks.

But Moscow is doing most of the jabbing, with the Americans crying foul.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov last week dismissed Secretary of State John Kerrys call for another seven-day ceasefire in Syria, adding that Kerrys threat to walk away from negotiations was little more than an "emotional breakdown."

Divergence

Reacting to State Department spokesman John Kirbys comment this week that Moscows bombing runs on Syrian civilians could lead to terror attacks in Russia and Russian soldiers coming home in body bags, Maj-Gen Igor Konashenkov, spokesman for Russias Defence Ministry, said the comments were the most frank confession by the US side so far that the whole opposition ostensibly fighting a civil war in Syria is a US-controlled terrorist international, using a Soviet-era term.

Meanwhile, some Syrian rebels in and around Aleppo, feeling burned by Washington, are drawing closer to the Nusra Front, Al-Qaedas powerful affiliate in the country.

A US-Russia brokered ceasefire fell apart last month, after Russia and Syria launched the air offensive against opposition rebels in a bid to push them out of major urban areas

Russia and the US have fundamentally divergent views of the conflict. Russias objective is to ensure the survival of the Assad regime, whereas for the US it is the root of Syrias crisis.

Russia has deftly used its power to challenge the US and has positioned itself as a major beneficiary of the ongoing turmoil.

Putin may have several aims in Syria but the most significant one remains that of projecting Russian power on the global stage and reestablishing Moscow as a credible global power.
Horrific details have emerged concerning the murder of perfumer Monika Ghurde as the suspect, her former security guard Rajkumar Singh admitted to the crime during intense interrogation.

Revealing the chilling details, Goa DIG Vimal Gupta said that revenge, lust and robbery were the motives behind the crime.

The police also said that Singh had planned the murder and it was not accidental as was suspected earlier.

Monika Ghurde, a celebrity fragrance maker was found bound and raped at her home in Panaji, western India

Gupta said Singh posed as a security supervisor and knocked on the door. When Ghurde opened the door, Singh entered the flat forcibly and held her at knife point.

When she was about to shout, Singh overpowered her and covered her mouth with his hand and took her inside the bathroom.

Rajkumar Singh had been a security guard at an apartment block where the victim lived

Ghurde became nervous and went into a semi-conscious state, police said.

The DIG said Singh has revealed that he then tied Ghurde to the bed, binding both her hands and legs.

After ensuring that she was helpless, Singh demanded money.

"She told Singh to take whatever money was there in her purse. He found Rs 4,000, which Singh told her was not enough for him," Gupta said, adding that when Singh demanded more, Ghurde told him to take her ATM card and gave him the PIN.

Later, Singh took her mobile phone to prevent her from alerting anyone and forced her to give him the phones password.

"Once he got the password, he forced her to watch three porn clips," the DIG said. Gupta said Singh then released Ghurdes legs and raped her.

"We will add Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code to the case," he added.

The DIG said the police has clinching evidence as the suspect shaved at Ghurdes flat.

Monika Ghurde was a celebrity fragrance maker

"We have recovered hair from the spot," he said, adding that a DNA analysis would be conducted.

Goa Police also ruled out the involvement of any other person in the crime. Initially the police was working on two suspects following CCTV footage they obtained from an ATM in Porvorim.

A local court on Tuesday remanded Singh, 21, a native of Bathinda, Punjab, to six days police custody. He had been working as a security guard at Sapana Raj Valley, Sangolda, where Ghurdes body was found naked with her hands tied to the bed.

Ghurdes murder has put a question mark over safety of the residents just after beginning of the tourism season.

Goa Police also ruled out the involvement of any other person in the crime

The first chartered flight carrying more than 200 tourists from Russia landed in Goa on October 1, with several chartered flights expected to arrive till end of December.

Goas conscience has been shaken with Ghurdes murder as it happened a couple of weeks after a Goa court acquitted seven people in the murder case of a UK teen, Scarlett Keeling.

Revealing the chilling details, Goa DIG Vimal Gupta said that revenge, lust and robbery were the motives behind the crime

What added to the residents worries is another murder of an elderly woman, Shobha Karmali, at Kakoda in south Goa on the same night when Singh allegedly smothered Ghurde.

Karmali was strangulated to death. Her killers are still on the run. Ghurdes is a story of passion and of chasing dreams.

A young woman who wanted to establish her own identity, who was never shy of travelling and living alone, was brutally murdered reportedly over a petty argument.
Brexit, extra stamp duty, the prospect of less tax relief and tougher mortgage lending criteria have all failed to deter landlords from investing in buy-to-let.

Industry figures released today show that landlords flooded back to the market in September, looking for and snapping up properties despite the tide of Government measures brought in to subdue buy-to-let.

Figures from Rightmove reveal a 30 per cent bounce in buy-to-let enquiries since May, while separate figures from Connells Survey & Valuation show a particularly strong recovery in September, when the number of buy-to-let valuations rose 24 per cent on the previous month.

Mark Carney, governor of the Bank of England, is worried that buy-to-let investment poses a risk to the UK's housing market, prompting his team to issue tougher rules for lenders

It follows a bumpy year for buy-to-let: in April the Government introduced a 3 per cent surcharge on stamp duty payable against all buy-to-let property purchases an second homes, causing a surge of activity in the first three months of the year.

Then lenders began to crack down, making it tougher to get buy-to-let mortgages ahead of a reduction in tax relief on mortgage interest due to be introduced in January 2017.

These measures came on top of the removal of landlords' 'wear an tear' allowance which allowed them to claim expenses back for upgrading their properties - and the forthcoming reduction of mortgage interest tax relief for buy-to-let.

Then just last month the Bank of England published proposals to force lenders to rein in their criteria on buy-to-let again. These changes are expected to be introduced over the next 12 months and could come in from as early as January 2017.

Former Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne led the charge against landlords, slapping a stamp duty surcharge on them and committing to cuts on tax relief

As a result of the stamp duty hike, buy-to-let lending saw an artificial surge in the first quarter and then fell off a cliff in April.

A hangover was then reported in the market, with experts questioning quite how many purchases had been pulled forward.

But the latest valuations data from Connells shows that in the nine months to end of September, despite the rocky ride, more has been lent to landlords this year than over the same period last year.

According to the estate agents' surveying business buy-to-let valuations over the period are up 0.4 per cent in the year to September from their level last year.

Connell's head of valuations John Bagshaw said: 'Despite a bruising period of Government intervention, the buy-to-let sector has been finding its footing over the last couple of months. The Governments intervention had a significant effect in the short term but we appear to have recovered the lost ground now.'

More choice for tenants

Rightmove's analysis also showed that new rental listings in the third quarter were 6 per cent higher than in 2015, allaying concerns that the drop in investor activity would lead to less choice for tenants.

London led the way for new supply with a year-on-year increase of 15 per cent over the first three quarters.

Perhaps as a result of these higher stock levels asking rents continued to fall in London, down 0.7 per cent on last quarter and remaining below 2,000 a month. Rents in the North West meanwhile saw the biggest rise across Great Britain, up 2 per cent.

London rents are falling but capital values in the city continue to climb, boosting overall return

The national average asking rent was up slightly in the third quarter, by 0.5 per cent to 779 per month.

Rightmoves head of lettings Sam Mitchell said: 'Investor activity has bounced back following the stamp duty changes, though some agents report that many investors are looking to knock sellers down on their asking prices to make up for the additional stamp duty they now need to pay. New rental supply has held up despite concerns that the stamp duty changes would lead to less fresh stock.

There is still money to be made

The early-2016 rush to beat the stamp duty changes was credited with pushing up prices but it has paid off most for investors buying in seaside towns Southend-on-Sea and St Leonards-on-Sea, with average total returns of 14.7 per cent and 13.7 per cent since then.

In London the top total returns were found in East Croydon where landlords earned 13.8 per cent and in Greenford which saw returns of 13.4 per cent.

David Whittaker, of specialist buy-to-let broker Mortgages for Business, said: 'The buy-to-let sector is strong enough to weather short-term shocks.

'And in the long term the ongoing shortage in both social housing and house building means that there are still strong returns to be had in the property market for intelligent investors who factor tax and policy changes into their financial planning  especially compared to poorly performing asset classes like equities, bonds and savings.'

TOP TEN AREAS FOR TOTAL RETURNS OUTSIDE LONDON Rank Area Avg 2 bed asking price (Q1 2016) Avg 2 bed asking price (Q3 2016) Avg 2 bed rent collected (Q1 2016 - Q3 2016) Return on Investment (%) 1 Southend-On-Sea, Essex 187,515 210,353 4,816 14.7% 2 St. Leonards-On-Sea, East Sussex 155,627 173,073 3,929 13.7% 3 Colchester, Essex 164,915 183,010 4,312 13.6% 4 Lowestoft, Suffolk 129,197 143,151 3,081 13.2% 5 Corby, Northamptonshire 112,253 123,125 3,514 12.8% 6 Clacton-On-Sea, Essex 154,022 169,161 3,942 12.4% 7 Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire 267,262 292,553 6,502 11.9% 8 Westcliff-On-Sea, Essex 203,860 223,268 4,732 11.8% 9 Wellingborough, Northamptonshire 124,484 135,562 3,619 11.8% 10 Hastings, East Sussex 159,869 174,747 3,956 11.8% Source: Rightmove







Analysis of the total return on buy-to-let, including both rental income and capital value uplift, showed a proliferation of seaside towns performing well outside of London, while commuter spots near the capital had also offered landlords good returns since April.

Rightmove's Mitchell added: 'Once again Essex and other commuter spots are offering investors the best total returns, and those looking at long-term investments are seeking out areas with upcoming improved transport links.'

TOP TEN AREAS FOR TOTAL RETURNS IN LONDON Rank Area Avg 2 bed asking price (Q1 2016) Avg 2 bed asking price (Q3 2016) Avg 2 bed rent (Q1 2016) Return on Investment (%) 1 East Croydon 329,050 366,679 7,750 13.8% 2 Greenford 304,156 337,092 7,969 13.4% 3 Addiscombe 311,209 341,507 7,394 12.1% 4 Orpington 325,111 355,499 6,935 11.5% 5 Romford 260,552 282,799 6,938 11.2% 6 Woolwich 328,197 356,575 8,317 11.2% 7 Harrow On The Hill 391,501 426,059 8,539 11.0% 8 Hither Green 352,422 382,168 7,664 10.6% 9 Barking 241,700 258,290 7,481 10.0% 10 South Norwood 296,945 319,289 7,055 9.9% Source: Rightmove









Mortgage options

Alistair Hargreaves from mortgage broker John Charcol said his firm had seen fairly consistent interest from landlords looking to invest further in buy-to-let, but he cautioned that increasingly, so-called 'casual' landlords could no longer make a commercial case for purchasing.

'The raft of changes affecting buy-to-let are almost certainly here to stay and there is due to be yet another review of the market in 2018,' he said. 'That's not too far away now, meaning that now more than ever, it's important that landlords have a five to 10 year plan in place when considering how they finance their portfolios.

BUY-TO-LET MORTGAGE CALCULATOR Work out your monthly payments Mortgage amount:  Interest rate: % Duration: years Mortgage type: Interest only Repayment ::: Calculate ::: Monthly payment:

'We are recommending in most cases that landlords consider longer term fixed rates or lifetime variables which remove some of the uncertainty for their finances.'

Despite tighter lending criteria, Hargreaves added that there are some innovative buy-to-let mortgage options available.

The best buy five-year fixed rate on the market at the moment is from Accord at 2.49 per cent up to 60 per cent loan-to-value with a fee of 1,975.

Metro Bank meanwhile offers a five-year fix up to 65 per cent LTV at 3.19 per cent and a 999 fee. The rate may be higher but Metro Bank will accept a 'top slice' in the scenario that the rental income doesn't meet its required level. Borrowers earning an income in excess of 75,000 a year can use this to supplement the rental income, raising the amount they can borrow to fund new purchases.

'I can't see Government rescinding the tax changes they've announced and I don't see the Bank of England making it any easier for lenders,' Hargreaves added. 'But that said, the flipside is that lenders are having to innovate to get business and there are still lots of competitive options available for landlords.'
Sir Philip Green has been criticised over the collapse of BHS

Regulators have demanded the power to force firms to put more in their pension pots as the fallout from the BHS scandal continues.

The industry's watchdog has called for a beefed-up role so it can prevent collapses in future.

In evidence to a Parliamentary inquiry, the Pensions Regulator said it should gain greater rights to investigate, and the freedom to run more regular valuations of high-risk schemes. It revealed it was also speaking to the Government about increasing its role.

BHS collapsed into administration earlier this year with a 700million black hole in its retirement scheme. Its failure puts the financial security of thousands of former employees at risk and has led to stinging criticism of former owner Sir Philip Green.

The billionaire tycoon  who sold the 88-year-old retailer to three-times bankrupt former racing driver Dominic Chappell a year before its failure  has pledged to 'sort' the deficit but he is yet to make good on that promise.

The collapse led to a joint probe by Parliament's business and pensions committees.

Work and Pensions Select Committee chairman Frank Field has been a vocal critic of Green, accusing him of behaving like Napoleon and surrounding himself with 'yes' men.

Dubbed Sir Shifty by his critics, Green has previously threatened to sue Field for libel.

There is mounting anxiety over the burden large businesses face from their pension schemes.

The 5,945 programmes overseen by the Pension Protection Fund had a combined deficit of 459.4billion at the end of August, 82.6billion more than a month earlier. Big names with major issues include Tesco, which has a 5.9billion black hole.

However, a push to give the regulator more power is likely to meet stiff opposition from businesses. Any money put into paying down a firm's pension deficit cannot be handed out to shareholders in the form of dividends.

In the case of privately-owned firms such as BHS, this simply means rich businessmen pocket less cash.
Joseph Tanner, 29 of Portland, was bitten in his upper thigh and lower leg while surfing just north of Cannon Beach off the Oregon coast

A shark attacked a surfer north of Cannon Beach off the Oregon coast  but he survived after swimming to shore and instructing others how to tie a tourniquet around his injured leg, police said.

Trauma nurse Joseph Tanner, 29, of Portland, Oregon, was bitten in his upper thigh and lower leg while surfing Monday afternoon near Indian Beach at Ecola State Park, Oregon State Police spokesman Lt. Steve Mitchell said.

Tanner told his family he fought the shark off with his own fists.

'My brother told me he wasn't on his board, arms on board, and the shark came and grabbed him in the leg with its mouth and pulled him underwater,' Tanner's brother, Joel Beck, told KGW-TV.

'And he punched the shark in the gills, the shark let him go, he got on his board and paddled in.'

After swimming to shore, Tanner was stabilized at the scene and flown to Portland's Legacy Emanuel Medical Center with injuries described as serious.

'He directed his own first aid, what needed to be done,' surfer Jeff Rose told KGW-TV.

'He asked us a lot of questions: what we were seeing, if we saw spurting blood.'

Once safely back on land, Tanner, who works as a trauma nurse, instructed people on the beach on how to perform first aid on his leg

He was stabilized at the scene and flown to Portland's Legacy Emanuel Medical Center with injuries described as serious

Oregon State Police talked with two other surfers who were in the water with Tanner.

One of them, West Woodworth, 29, said Tanner had been in the water for 10 to 15 minutes before the shark attack occurred.

'Mr. Woodworth saw Mr. Tanner start to flail around and then get back on his board. He then heard Mr. Tanner scream to get out of the water,' Oregon State Police spokesperson Lt. Cari Boyd said.

All three started paddling back to shore, 30 to 40 yards away.

One witness said: 'He directed his own first aid, what needed to be done. He asked us a lot of questions: what we were seeing, if we saw spurting blood'

One of the other surfers with Tanner said he had been in the water for 10 to 15 minutes before the shark attack occurred

Tanner was nearly able to get to the shoreline when Woodworth pulled him out of the water.

Tanner 'started directing Mr. Woodworth and other people on the beach on how to tie a tourniquet on his leg,' Boyd said.

They used the leash of Tanner's surfboard as a tourniquet, placed him on his board and with the help of about six people carried him to the parking lot to wait for an ambulance, which arrived after about 15 minutes, Boyd said.

Tanner was nearly able to get to the shoreline when his friend pulled him out of the water

Tanner 'started directing Mr. Woodworth and other people on the beach on how to tie a tourniquet on his leg,' police said

The third surfer, who was not identified, told Oregon State Police he saw a large dorsal fin and the back of the shark.

The online Global Shark Attack File database shows there have been 20 attacks off the Oregon coast during the past 25 years, all involving surfers who survived. The most recent happened three years ago, off Gleneden Beach in Lincoln County.
Horrifying footage has emerged of the moment a pickup truck plowed into a crowd at a Native American rights demonstration - hitting at least five people.

More than 40 people, with no protest permit, had gathered in downtown Reno, Nevada, to protest against Columbus Day on Monday evening.

Some of the protesters were from the American Indian Movement of Northern Nevada.

The driver of the pickup stopped in front of the protest, at which point, police say, several of the protesters approached the truck.

There was a confrontation between the occupants of the truck and the protesters that went on for about a minute.

Horrifying footage has emerged of the moment a pickup truck plowed into a crowd at a Native American rights demonstration in Reno, Nevada - hitting at least five people

As the group posed for a picture, the white truck revved its engine and then rammed into several activists - leaving one 59-year-old woman with serious injuries.

Shocking footage shows the activists screaming as the white Nissan truck drove directly at them under an arch saying 'The Biggest Little City in the World'.

The 18-year-old male driver and a 17-year-old passenger have been questioned, but no arrests have been made following the incident.

Police said four people were treated at the scene and one woman remains in hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

It was denounced as a 'hate crime' by Quanah Brightman, the executive director of United Native Americans.

'It's still brutal to see this kind of racism in America. That man deserves life [in prison] for what he did,' he told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Shocking footage shows the activists screaming as the white Nissan truck drove directly at them under an arch saying 'The Biggest Little City in the World'

When the group posed for a picture, the white truck revved its engine and then rammed into several activists - leaving one 59-year-old woman with serious injuries

Kitty Colbert, one of the activists, said she suffered several small fractures after being 'run over' at the Abolish Columbus Day event.

'I'm in the hospital. With several small fractures. I'm doing fine...sore as heck...and pissed off,' she wrote on Facebook.

'I assure you all that I am in good spirits and although sore and definitely broken, I will bounce back.'

She said she was upset her grandchildren had witnessed the incident.

'I hate that they had to see that, but at the same time, glad they were witness to how ugly this world can be...and that this fight is important.

'My daughter (and her husband Matt) and rushed to my side and aside from some mild scolding, they lifted my spirit and we had some laughs.

Kitty Colbert, one of the activists, said she suffered several small fractures after being 'run over' at the Abolish Columbus Day event

'Just as I am praying for the two young men who are so filled with hate and rage, I pray for the rest of you.'

Taylor Paniagua told the Reno Gazette-Journal he jumped in front of the pickup in an effort to stop the driver from fleeing.

He caught the hood of the truck and grabbed one of the side doors, but the driver kept going.

'This just is not right,' Mr Paniagua said. 'It didn't seem right when they revved the engine.'

Reno Police Chief Jason Soto said the activists did not have a permit to protest in the street, but some had gathered in front of the main casino drag.

He declined to comment on whether it was being treated as a hate crime.

Native Americans maintain that Columbus and his men perpetrated despicable acts upon indigenous people during several voyages to the Americas,including taking indigenous people to Europe as slaves and wiping many of them out by exposing them to diseases such as smallpox.

The activists had gathered for a photograph under an arch saying 'The Biggest Little City in the World'

'We are certainly looking into all aspects of the information that comes forward,' Soto told reporters.

'I want to make a point that we are going through a lot of video,' he said, describing some of it as 'very horrifying'.

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said Tuesday she takes the matter 'very seriously'.

'Public safety is our highest priority and I want all Reno residents to know that we are working swiftly and diligently to make sense of the events that took place last night,' she said in a statement on behalf of herself and the city council.

Reno Police Chief Jason Soto (pictured) said the activists did not have a permit to protest in the street, but some had gathered in front of the main casino drag.

'The Reno Police Department will hold anyone responsible accountable for their actions once the investigation has concluded,' Schieve said, adding that she respects an individual or group's right to conduct lawful protest.

Mike Graham, founder of the Oklahoma-based United Native American Association, said Tuesday he didn't understand why the driver hasn't been arrested.

'We are truly upset that he is not in custody. He left the scene of an accident,' Graham told The Associated Press.
Hurricane Nicole has re-formed in the Atlantic and authorities in Bermuda are warning people to prepare.

The US National Hurricane Center in Miami says the storm has maximum sustained winds of about 75 mph  and forecasters warn it could be near category three, or winds up to 129mph, by Wednesday.

It is expected to strengthen somewhat before its center reaches Bermuda on Thursday morning.

Scroll down for video

Hurricane Nicole has re-formed in the Atlantic and authorities in Bermuda are warning people to prepare for a blow

Forecasters warn Hurricane Nicole could be near category three, or winds up to 129mph, by Wednesday

Bermuda's National Security Minister Jeff Baron said Nicole poses a serious threat, with possible hurricane-force winds hitting the island late Wednesday.

'I cannot emphasize enough the critical importance of residents securing their homes and completing their preparations well in advance of this storm,' Baron told Bermuda News.

Nicole was located about 355 miles (575 kilometers) south-southwest of Bermuda Tuesday afternoon and it was heading northwest at 5 mph (7 kph).

Laura Rautenkranz, a forecaster with First Coast News in Jacksonville, Florida, tweeted: 'Watching Tropical Storm Nicole with a Hurricane Watch issued for Bermuda; no issues for the U.S. in the next 5 days.'

The US National Hurricane Center in Miami says the storm has maximum sustained winds of about 75 mph, or 120 kph

Hurricane Nicole could reach category three, or winds up to 129mph, by Wednesday

Residents on the east coast of Florida remain jittery as they pick up the pieces after last week's devastation by Hurricane Matthew, which killed 26 people in Florida and South Carolina.

But Nicole is significantly weaker than Matthew, which was a category 4 hurricane.

There were fears last week that the two storm systems could merge but that has dissipated as Matthew heads north.

Hurricane Nicole's impact has been noticeable even in outer space, as NASA said Tuesday that the next US cargo supply trip to the International Space Station has been postponed until Sunday.

Nicole was located about 355 miles (575 kilometers) south-southwest of Bermuda Tuesday afternoon and it was heading northwest at 5 mph (7 kph)

It is too early to say whether it will head toward Florida afterward or whether it will fade out

Initially set for Thursday, Orbital ATK will now launch its unmanned Cygnus cargo ship no earlier than Sunday from Wallops Island, Virginia, the US space agency said.

Nicole could interfere with key equipment used to assist with the launch which has been rescheduled at 8.03pm.

'The tracking station at Bermuda is required to conduct the Antares launch from Wallops,' said Steven Kremer, chief of the Wallops Range and Mission Management Office.

'The ability to support a launch will depend on the impact the storm has on not only our systems, but also the overall Bermuda infrastructure.'

Once the storm has passed Bermuda, experts will assess the damage and see what, if any, steps are needed to make the site operational again.
From: XXXXXX@gmail.com

To: hrod17@clintonemail.com

Date: 2014-09-27 15:15

Subject: Congrats!

Send our love to Chelsea, Marc and Grandpa. Can't wait to meet Charlotte.

On Aug 19, 2014 9:22 AM, "H" wrote:

Agree but there may be opportunities as the Iraqi piece improves. Also, any idea whose fighters attacked Islamist positions in Tripoli, Libya? Worth analyzing for future purposes.

*From*: John Podesta [mailto:john.podesta@gmail.com]

*Sent*: Tuesday, August 19, 2014 09:19 AM

*To*: H

*Subject*: Re:

Here's what I mentioned Hit send too soon. Meant to say Syria elements are vexing.

On Aug 19, 2014 9:17 AM, "John Podesta" wrote:

I think we are headed down this path in Iraq, but the Syria elements are

On Aug 17, 2014 3:50 PM, "H" wrote:

Note: Sources include Western intelligence, US intelligence and sources in the region.

1. With all of its tragic aspects, the advance of ISIL through Iraq gives the U.S. Government an opportunity to change the way it deals with the chaotic security situation in North Africa and the Middle East.

The most important factor in this matter is to make use of intelligence resources and Special Operations troops in an aggressive manner, while avoiding the old school solution, which calls for more traditional military operations.

In Iraq it is important that we engage ISIL using the resources of the Peshmerga fighters of the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG), and what, if any, reliable units exist in the Iraqi Army.

The Peshmerga commanders are aggressive hard fighting troops, who have long standing relationships with CIA officers and Special Forces operators. However, they will need the continued commitment of U.S. personnel to work with them as advisors and strategic planners, the new generation of Peshmerga commanders being largely untested in traditional combat.

That said, with this U.S. aid the Kurdish troops can inflict a real defeat on ISIL.

2. It is important that once we engage ISIL, as we have now done in a limited manner, we and our allies should carry on until they are driven back suffering a tangible defeat. Anything short of this will be seen by other fighters in the region, Libya, Lebanon, and even Jordan, as an American defeat.

However, if we provide advisors and planners, as well as increased close air support for the Peshmerga, these soldiers can defeat ISIL. They will give the new Iraqi Government a chance to organize itself, and restructure the Sunni resistance in Syria, moving the center of power toward moderate forces like the Free Syrian Army (FSA). In addition to air support, the Peshmerga also need artillery and armored vehicles to deal with the tanks and other heavy equipment captured from the Iraqi army by ISIL.

3. In the past the USG, in an agreement with the Turkish General Staff, did not provide such heavy weapons to the Peshmerga, out of a concern that they would end up in the hands of Kurdish rebels inside of Turkey. The current situation in Iraq, not to mention the political environment in Turkey, makes this policy obsolete.

Also this equipment can now be airlifted directly into the KRG zone.

4. Armed with proper equipment, and working with U.S. advisors, the Peshmerga can attack the ISIL with a coordinated assault supported from the air. This effort will come as a surprise to the ISIL, whose leaders believe we will always stop with targeted bombing, and weaken them both in Iraq and inside of Syria.

At the same time we should return to plans to provide the FSA, or some group of moderate forces, with equipment that will allow them to deal with a weakened ISIL, and stepped up operations against the Syrian regime. This entire effort should be done with a low profile, avoiding the massive traditional military operations that are at best temporary solutions. While this military/para-military operation is moving forward, we need to use our diplomatic and more traditional intelligence assets to bring pressure on the governments of Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which are providing clandestine financial and logistic support to ISIL and other radical Sunni groups in the region.

This effort will be enhanced by the stepped up commitment in the KRG. The Qataris and Saudis will be put in a position of balancing policy between their ongoing competition to dominate the Sunni world and the consequences of serious U.S. pressure. By the same token, the threat of similar, realistic U.S. operations will serve to assist moderate forces in Libya, Lebanon, and even Jordan, where insurgents are increasingly fascinated by the ISIL success in Iraq.

6. In the end the situation in Iraq is merely the latest and most dangerous example of the regional restructuring that is taking place across North Africa, all the way to the Turkish border.

These developments are important to the U.S. for reasons that often differ from country to country: energy and moral commitment to Iraq, energy issues in Libya, and strategic commitments in Jordan. At the same time, as Turkey moves toward a new, more serious Islamic reality, it will be important for them to realize that we are willing to take serious actions, which can be sustained to protect our national interests.

This course of action offers the potential for success, as opposed to large scale, traditional military campaigns, that are too expensive and awkward to maintain over time.

7. (Note: A source in Tripoli stated in confidence that when the U.S. Embassy was evacuated, the presence of two U.S. Navy jet fighters over the city brought all fighting to a halt for several hours, as Islamist forces were not certain that these aircraft would not also provide close ground support for moderate government forces.)

8. If we do not take the changes needed to make our security policy in the region more realistic, there is a real danger of ISIL veterans moving on to other countries to facilitate operations by Islamist forces.

This is already happening in Libya and Egypt, where fighters are returning from Syria to work with local forces. ISIL is only the latest and most violent example of this process. If we dont act to defeat them in Iraq something even more violent and dangerous will develop.

Successful military operations against these very irregular but determined forces can only be accomplished by making proper use of clandestine/special operations resources, in coordination with airpower, and established local allies.

There is, unfortunately, a narrow window of opportunity on this issue, as we need to act before an ISIL state becomes better organized and reaches into Lebanon and Jordan.

9. (Note: It is important to keep in mind that as a result of this policy there probably will be concern in the Sunni regions of Iraq and the Central Government regarding the possible expansion of KRG controlled territory.

With advisors in the Peshmerga command we can reassure the concerned parties that, in return for increase autonomy, the KRG will not exclude the Iraqi Government from participation in the management of the oil fields around Kirkuk, and the Mosel Dam hydroelectric facility.

At the same time we will be able to work with the Peshmerga as they pursue ISIL into disputed areas of Eastern Syria, coordinating with FSA troops who can move against ISIL from the North. This will make certain Basher al Assad does not gain an advantage from these operations.
A Maryland sheriff has resigned after a scathing official report called him 'vindictive, arrogant, narcissistic, rude, belligerent, nasty and intimidating,' and accused him of making racist remarks.

It was announced Tuesday that James Fitzgerald, 69, will officially step down as Howard County sheriff, ending a ten-year stint that has been marred by accusations of racism, sexism and bullying.

That move comes after a year-long investigation by the county's Office of Human Rights that saw him accused of joking about black people liking chicken and watermelon, and calling a local politician 'Jew-boy'.

Resigned: James Fitzgerald (right) has resigned as Howard County sheriff after ten years, the result of a Human Rights Office investigation that said he was 'universally' disliked by staff

Quitting: Fitzgerald had vowed not to resign when the report came out last month, but agreed to step down Tuesday. The investigation began when he was accused of bullying a lieutenant

The investigation began a year ago, when Lt Charles Gable resigned from the force and lodged a complaint against Fitzgerald.

Gable, who is white, accused the sheriff of maliciously altering his work schedule and assignments as revenge for not supporting his re-election campaign.

The investigation by the Office of Human Rights ultimately sided with Gable, announcing its findings in a 48-page report last month.

And while it focused on Gable's complaint, it also took in complaints from other members of staff.

They included claims that Fitzgerald had once told a black person at a buffet that 'There's no watermelon there for you!'

He is also alleged to have asked a black deputy whether he was getting 'the chicken special' while eating with a group, and saying that black deputies 'are not too smart but they get the job done.'

Fitzgerald, a registered Democrat, also allegedly told the black president of the Retired Police Officer's Association: 'I voted for your "boy" Obama,' referring to President Barack Obama.

And he once referred to former County Executive Ken Ulman as 'little Kenny Jew-boy,' the report said.

He was also accused of belittling employees.

Report: Fitzgerald was accused of maliciously manipulating Lt Charles Gable's schedule in retaliation for Gable not supporting his re-election. The report sided with Gable

'Racism': The report also said Fitzgerald made several racist remarks about black people, including officers, and referred to county executive Ken Ulman (pictured) as 'Jew-boy'

The report concluded that Fitzgerald was 'universally described as vindictive, arrogant, narcissistic, rude, belligerent, nasty and intimidating.'

He told investigators that he had not acted in a discriminatory way, and was just 'a loud New Yorker.'

In a public apology to the media on September 29, Fitzgerald apologized for the environment he'd created, but not for the remarks themselves.

He also swore not to step down from his position. But increasing pressure led to him changing his mind.

Calvin Ball, the chairman of the county council, said that he approached Fitzgerald about voluntarily stepping down after reading the report.

'Soon after I read the report and was so concerned about what I had read, I reached out to the sheriff,' said Ball, who is black.

He spoke to Fitzgerald 'about the importance of starting to heal our community and that he needed to leave that office in order for that to happen,' he said.

'Racist': Fitzgerald (pictured left with Lt Matthew Ware, who wasn't linked to his resignation) allegedly joked about black people eating watermelon and chicken, and said they had low IQs

Fitzgerald ultimately agreed to step down. From Saturday, his official last day, he has 30 days to vacate his position.

As per his resignation agreement, he must also reinstate Gable and pay him $58,350 in back pay. Fitzgerald, who was being paid $91,000 a year according to The Baltimore Sun, is not receiving money in return for his resignation.

Fitzgerald's reputation has outraged many in Howard County, an affluent area that wants to 'position itself as a model of civility' according to the website for its Choose Civility campaign.

The sheriff's office in Columbia has seen gatherings by protesters against Fitzgerald in recent times, The Baltimore Sun reported, and an African-American group was planning a new protest for Thursday, prior to the resignation announcement.

Protests: Protesters have converged on the office used by Fitzgerald (left) in the weeks since the report was released; another protest was planned for Thursday, prior to his resignation

Elected officials from both parties have also condemned the sheriff's comments in the weeks since the report's publication.

Republican Howard County executive Allan Kittleman had asked members of the county's delegation to the Democrat-controlled General Assembly to explore impeaching the sheriff.

Lawmakers also planned to bring impeachment proceedings against Fitzgerald, who is a Democrat, if he did not resign.

Maryland governor Larry Hogan, a Republican, said he too was 'very disturbed.'

'I do believe he should resign, and I share the opinions of many other people that think he should resign,' Hogan said earlier Tuesday, before the agreement was announced.

Hogan will announce a replacement for Fitzgerald, whose term ends in 2018.

Howard County, located between the nation's capital and the city of Baltimore, is one of the nation's wealthiest counties, with more than 310,000 residents and one of the nation's most educated workforces.
The woman behind the counter at the bureau de change in Stansted Airport looks miserable. It's late on a Monday afternoon  and the day must feel like it's dragging on.

After all, telling holidaymakers they'll get only 0.95 for 1 can't go down well.

'Wow, I'm sure the official rate is better than that  why do I get so little?' I venture, tentatively.

'That's just the rate,' the blonde woman in her 30s replies with a shrug. Sensing her dark mood, I try to be sympathetic: 'Long day?'

'That's just the rate,' she repeats sharply, her stony-faced expression unchanged.

Slide: Last week, a flash crash in the value of the pound pushed the exchange rate to lows not seen since the global financial crisis

Down the corridor there's another bureau with a board full of confusing 'buy' and 'sell' numbers. I explain how disappointing the rate was at the other counter.

'You'll get the same everywhere  all the bureaux de change here are run by Moneycorp,' a lady says with a strained smile.

And what about her colleague's mood down the hall?

'You wouldn't believe how many complaints we've had since Brexit,' she says. 'People keep hurling abuse at us, they're angry and swearing  but there's nothing we can do because the rates keep falling.'

This picture is being repeated at airports up and down the country.

Last week, a flash crash in the value of the pound pushed the exchange rate to lows not seen since the global financial crisis.

Yesterday, official exchange rates settled at 1.10 to the pound and $1.21 to the pound.

But bureaux de change at airports have taken the chance to slash rates to new lows.

Figures collected by Money Mail yesterday showed that at Southampton Airport holidaymakers were being offered just 0.88 to the pound.

That is a huge difference of 25 per cent to the official rate  compared with a typical margin of 10 per cent, according to foreign exchange firm FairFX.

It's grim news for families who are preparing for half term in two weeks.

Unless things improve, those heading to European Christmas markets, autumn sun in the Canaries, or visiting family in South Africa or Canada will find their trips costing hundreds of pounds more than last year.

In October 2015, when the official exchange rate was 1.349 to the pound, you would get 1,349 for 1,000. Today, 1,000 will get you just 1,110  239 fewer.

At London Gatwick Airport yesterday morning, the sense of frustration among tourists heading abroad was in full show.

A couple in their 50s approach the bureau de change in the departure area before security. Again, Moneycorp is the operator here.

The husband's eyes widen as he's told the rate: 0.96 to the pound.

His wife senses a chill in the air and asks: 'Is that bad?'

'Err, yeah,' he replies as they leave without purchasing.

The arrivals lounge is teaming with taxi drivers holding signs and businessmen who have just touched down in the Sussex countryside.

At the bureau de change counter, I again try to get to the bottom of how airports can get away with their extraordinarily mean prices.

I'm offered 235 for 248.

'It just keeps going down and down whenever Theresa May opens her mouth about Europe,' the plump lady behind the counter says.

But the answers we're getting from airport staff don't explain why their rates are so much lower than official exchange rates.

And that's exactly the question customers are asking on websites such as Twitter and Facebook.

Martin Lewis, founder of MoneySavingExpert, took to Twitter on Sunday to criticise Moneycorp.

He posted a picture of a screen at Gatwick advertising the rates it was offering customers looking to buy and sell currency and wrote: 'No wonder they shouted at me 'you're not allowed to photograph that'. Disgraceful exchange rate profiteering at Moneycorp Gatwick.'

The picture showed travellers would get just 0.97 for each 1 they changed.

To get the same 1 back, however, it would cost them 1.348.

The difference between these rates is known as the buy and sell spread. The bigger it is, the more money the firm is said to be making from buying and selling currency.

Other Twitter users have expressed similar outrage in the past week, and shared stories of how they've been told off for taking pictures of exchange rate signs at airport bureaux de change.

Adrian Maggs wrote: 'Moneycorp, why do you try and stop people taking photographs of your rates? Are you embarrassed by them? You should be!'

Moneycorp defended its lower airport rates by saying it has to cover significant ground rent, staffing and security costs.

When Money Mail rang around other airports to ask why their rates were so poor, we were repeatedly given the brush off by staff working at currency counters.

They said they had been inundated with calls and many are now refusing to reveal their rates over the phone or explain to disillusioned customers why they are so bad.

When we called Moneycorp at Stansted, the woman who answered told us she wouldn't tell us the walk-up rates over the phone because 'the stock market is changing so much'.

At Southend Airport a woman initially refused to reveal the rate and demanded to know when we were due to fly and where we were going. Eventually, when pressed, she said the rate was roughly one to one.

At Belfast, Edinburgh and Luton, where the currency exchange is run by ICE, staff all willingly revealed their rate as 0.96 to the pound.

In October 2015, when the official exchange rate was 1.349 to the pound, you would get 1,349 for 1,000. Today, 1,000 will get you just 1,110  239 fewer

All advise us to go to the High Street or buy online to get a better rate. So what's really going on with holiday money rates and are the airports ripping us off?

All companies have had to cut their rates in recent months after the pound plummeted following Britain's vote to leave the European Union, which caused economic uncertainty.

Then, last week, remarks by French President Francois Hollande about taking a hardline stance in negotiations over Brexit triggered a so-called flash crash.

This involved computers in Asia designed to make trades on the back of news stories such as these quickly selling heaps of sterling, causing the value of the pound to plummet.

Gary Styles, an economist at GPS Economics, says: 'It's hard to tell how much automatic currency trading caused the pound to fall.

'While it likely caused a sharp movement in the short term, I think we were probably going to see sterling slide further anyway after Brexit.'

But experts have raised concerns that currency firms at airports are taking advantage of the struggling pound to profit more than usual.

Holidaymakers have long been warned they will get a poorer deal if they wait until arriving at the airport to get their foreign currency. The rates are almost always far worse than if you buy your cash in advance.

When the official rate was 1.20 to the pound at the end of June, you got roughly 1.08 at airports.

After the Brexit vote, Money Mail reported that the gap between airport rates and the official rate had widened from the usual 10 per cent to 16 per cent at St Pancras station in London, where customers leave for Paris on the Eurostar.

Now we can reveal that in some places the gap has widened further.

At, Southend, Edinburgh, Belfast and Luton airports there is a 15 per cent difference  with 0.96 to the pound on offer.

At Southampton Airport the gap has reached 25 per cent. Yesterday, the rate was just 0.88 to the pound. For 1,000 you would get just 880.

In the High Street, most companies are still offering more than 1 to the pound  some as high as 1.096.

So holidaymakers due to travel in the next few weeks should act now to lessen the blow of the falling pound.

The number one rule is: always buy your currency in advance. Never leave it until you reach the airport.

Y ou can even have the money delivered to your door or arrange to collect it from an airport or local currency exchange booth.

The best rates are online. Yesterday, 1,000 would have got you 1,085 with AirMoney. If you were willing to book in advance and collect at the airport, you could have got 1,095 with ICE at Heathrow Airport.

If you are not due to travel for a few weeks, you can order your currency now for collection just before your holiday.

Then if the pound bounces back before you go, many currency firms, including Travelex, Sainsbury's and Tesco, will allow you to cancel your order and reserve the money again at a better rate.

FairFX charges 1.50 to withdraw cash but nothing on spending

Travelex, for example, allows you to order your cash 30 days in advance and cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before you leave.

This is an excellent way of hedging your bets  but you need to keep an eye on the currency prices so you don't lose out.

Banks say they are seeing a rush of holidaymakers looking to take out debit and credit cards that offer cheap spending abroad.

You will still be affected by the falling pound, but the blow will be softened because you'll be charged a truer rate of exchange.

For example, MasterCard's rate yesterday was 1.106 to the pound, while purchases made with Visa were charged at 1.104.

Remember, though, that you'll get the rate on the day. So you're taking a gamble that the pound doesn't fall further in value before you leave  or while you're away.

Banks usually charge hefty fees when you use your card abroad  typically adding an extra 3 on each 100 spend. On top of this, there will be fees of around 1.50 each time you withdraw cash.

But some, such as Halifax's Clarity card, Santander's Zero card and Barclaycard's Platinum Travel card, offer fee-free spending overseas.

Halifax says it has seen applications for its card jump 10 per cent in recent weeks compared with this time last year as a result of the fluctuating pound.

Metro Bank also offers fee-free debit cards for overseas spending in Europe  but you must open a current account to get them. Metro Bank branches are limited to London and the South East, and the card is only fee-free in Europe.

Virgin Money won't charge you for using your debit card overseas to make purchases. However you will need to avoid using the card to take cash out at an ATM abroad as it applies a 1.50 charge.

A final option is a pre-paid card. Here, you load up your card in euros or dollars to lock into rates today.

One of the best deals comes from Revolut, which uses near to official exchange rates and has no ATM fees on up to 500 per month.

FairFX charges 1.50 to withdraw cash but nothing on spending. It has its own exchange rate, which it says can be better than its competitors.

Tracy Bownes, retail director at Moneycorp, says: 'An easy and more cost-effective way for customers to buy travel money is to pre-order online and collect at the airport. We always encourage customers to do this. Our online reserve-and-collect rates are always highly competitive.'

Koko Sarkari, of ICE, says: 'We recommend customers plan ahead. Click-and-collect type deals may sometimes better online rates.'

p.thomas@dailymail.co.uk
The heartbroken mother of murdered school teacher Stephanie Scott has revealed that every night before she goes to sleep she bids farewell to her slain daughter.

'Goodnight my darling girl', is what Merrilyn Scott whispers every night before she goes to sleep, according to Fairfax.

'But even the refuge of bed provides no sanctuary.

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Stephanie Scott's mother Merrilyn Scott (right) has reveled how she says goodnight to her brutally murdered daughter every night

In July Vincent Stanford pleaded to raping and murdering Ms Scott. This week he is being sentenced (pictured outside court on Tuesday)

Ms Scott's parents Merrilyn Scott and Rob Scott are seen here leaving court on Tuesday

The nights are haunted by visions so terrible; it is difficult to find rest,' she said in her devastating victim impact statement on Tuesday, at the sentencing hearing for her daughter's murderer.

During the hearing Ms Scott's killer Vincent Stanford sat in the dock with his head turned away from the public gallery where Ms Scott's family was seated just metres away.

Standford pleaded guilty in July to raping and murdering Ms Scott, 26, on April 5 last year at the high school where they both worked

Heartbroken mother Merrilyn Scott said her loving daughter would have been at a loss to comprehend how the 'despicable', 'pathetic' and 'inept' Stanford could betray her.

'Too pathetic and inept to make a life of his own, he chose to take a life he had no right to,' she read.

'We will never know what she suffered, but to know that she suffered at all is difficult for us to bear,' Mrs Scott read in a shaking voice, with husband Rob by her side.

Mrs Scott said her daughter's killer (pictured here confessing to her murder) was 'pathetic'

Ms Scott was murdered just days before she was due to marry her childhood sweetheart Aaron Leeson-Woolley (left)

During her statement she also described the 'poignant' moment of having to choose a coffin for her daughter when she should have been on her honeymoon.

'She spent her wedding day in a morgue ... there were no vows exchanged, no wedding dance.'

Earlier the court heard that Stanford felt no emotion when he grabbed Ms Scott from behind, put a hand over her mouth and dragged her into a store room before throwing her on the ground.

The 25-year-old then began hitting Ms Scott in the face, and punched her up to 40 times before stabbing her in her carotid artery with a knife.
A cafe worker in Queensland who was racially discriminated against by an elderly customer in a wheelchair has received thousands of messages of support online and says the outpouring shows racism is not acceptable.

Sudanese-born Josie Ajak was behind the cash register of Gloria Jeans in Cairns, far north Queensland, when the woman told her she 'refused to be served by a black person.'

A Facebook post about the incident from Ms Ajak's friend, Jade Arevalo, has since drawn thousands of comments and shares, with people from all over Australia posting messages of support for her and condemning the woman's comments as 'shameful' and 'appalling'.

Sudanese-born Josie Ajak (pictured) was behind the cash register of Gloria Jeans in Cairns, far north Queensland, when an elderly woman told her she 'refused to be served by a black person'

Gloria Jeans in Cairns has posted a message in-store in support of Ms Ajak

Thousands of people have taken to social media to condemn the customer's racism

'Unbelievable that in Australia someone would refuse to be served by a black person. Shameful!' wrote Ahmed Bise on Twitter.

Danny Quixley wrote on Facebook: 'Hold your head up high Jodie & well done Gloria Jeans for not serving that awful woman [sic].'

The hashtag #buyacoffeefromjosie has been picked up and used to spread the message racism is not OK. Gloria Jeans in Cairns has hung the message on a sign below its menu.

Ms Ajak, who moved to Australia from South Sudan at the age of eight, said she was manning the cash register when the incident occurred.

She greeted the elderly woman as she approached the front of the queue but was stunned at her response.

'She just looked at me and said "I refuse to be served by a black person, can you get me a white lady?",' she told the ABC.

A social media post from Ms Ajak's friend Jade Arevalo has since spread like wildfire, with tens of thousands of users throwing support behind her and condemning racism

Social media users have described the customer's behavior as appalling

Ms Ajak said she asked the woman to move to the side before telling her co-worker the woman was racist and that she would not be serving her.

'She was waiting  I guess for a white lady to come and serve her  for about five minutes and then she angrily rolled away in her wheelchair.'

Ms Ajak said the social media support had been amazing and showed 'this kind of behaviour is not acceptable.'

'Anyone who comes in and is racist or behaves like that will be escorted [out]  we won't be serving them.'

Thousands of people have posted supportive messages online for Ms Ajak

The hashtag #buyacoffeefromjosie has been picked up and used to spread the message racism is not ok

Ms Ajak said the support she has received online and from her employer has been amazing




President Obama got his own handful of Bill Clinton 'rape' protesters  as two young people sporting 'Bill Clinton Rapist' t-shirts interrupted his Greensboro, North Carolina rally just a few minutes in.

The president appeared to find the whole thing funny, pausing at length while Secret Service hauled them out.

'You know, this is the great thing about politics in America, it takes all kinds,' he laughed. 'Folks will just do all kinds of stuff. Now where was I?'

When things didn't quite get back in order the POTUS tried again.

'You know, say, those are some folks who  they were auditioning for a reality show,' Obama said.

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President Obama addressed a crowd tonight in Greensboro, North Carolina, and dressed down protesters suggesting they were 'auditioning for a reality show'

In the early moments of President Obama's appearance two young people wearing 'Bill Clinton Rapist' t-shirts interrupted the commander-in-chief

Several Bill Clinton 'rapist' protesters have interrupted Hillary Clinton's events since Donald Trump brought three women to the debate who accused the ex-president of sexual misdeeds

Especially since Donald Trump trotted out three women who were accusers of President Bill Clinton before and throughout Sunday night's protesters have been labeling the ex-president a 'rapist' at a number of Hillary Clinton events.

Yesterday in Detroit, a protester wore a t-shirt that resembled the iconic 2008 Obama 'HOPE' artwork designed by Shepard Fairey.

But instead of HOPE there was the word RAPE, and instead of Obama, there was an image of Bill Clinton.

'You know, I do hope someone follows that gentleman out and stages an intervention,' the Democratic nominee said, laughing at the man's interruption.

'He clearly has not been following this election very closely,' she added.

Protesters also yelled 'Bill Clinton is a rapist' toward the candidate and former Vice President Al Gore when they appeared together at a Florida rally today, so Gore could ask millennials to vote, warn them about close elections and about his trademark issue of climate change.

Another protester interrupted the president later on, to which Obama started a call-and-response: 'Don't Boo,' he said. The audience yelled back, 'Vote!'

Tonight just a handful of protesters distracted Obama as he addressed a crowd at the White Oak Amphitheater.

When another protester interrupted the country's commander-in-chief he shushed the audience's negative reaction and ordered up some call-and-response.

'You know what, this is our democracy at work this is great,' Obama said.

'What have I said?' he continued. 'Don't boo,' he yelled, as the audience spouted back, 'Vote!'

'Don't boo,' Obama said.

'Vote!' the crowd replied.

With his wife also on the trail, President Obama started out the evening repeating a similar spiel, talking about his presidency almost being done.

'Our lease was only for eight years,' the president said.

President Barack Obama addressed the North Carolina crowd and explained to them the dangers of electing Republican Donald Trump

'We're already looking around making sure we haven't broken any of the china,' he said. 'Sunny hasn't ruined any of the carpets,' he continued, referencing the first family's younger Portuguese Water Dog.

He also used a line that's been popular in her stump speeches about Trump 'popping off,' suggesting that's dangerous when the person is the president.

Obama ticked off a number of his accomplishments and made a dad joke.

'No wonder, I've gone gray because we've been busy,' he told the crowd. 'That's why I have all this grey hair.'

But the meat of his speech was about explaining the dangers of a Donald Trump presidency, while propping up his own former secretary of state.

Obama looked back eight and four years and noted how when he ran against Sen. John McCain and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney 'I never thought that these people weren't honorable.'

'I didn't think that if they were in the Oval Office that America could spin out of control,' he said.

Supporters of Hillary Clinton watched President Obama speak tonight in Greensboro, North Carolina, where he was interrupted by protesters at least twice

'But look, and I'm being honest here, that is not the case with the current nominee,' Obama said.

Right on message with candidate Clinton, Obama knocked Trump for his bad temperament and judgment and his unwillingness to learn.

'And that was true even before we heard about his attitudes toward women,' Obama continued, referring to the video released Friday where Trump bragged about hitting on a married woman and being able to kiss and grape other women because of his celebrity.

Continuing with this line of attack the president added, 'Now, of course it was true when we heard what he thought about minorities, and what he thought about people of the Muslim faith, and when he made fun of disabled persons or when he insulted Gold Star families,' the president went on.

'You don't have to be a husband or a father to hear what we heard just a few days ago and say that's not right,' he advised. 'You just have to be a decent human being to say that's not right.'

Besides the lewd video, Obama took on Trump for other things too.

He mocked him for his casino businesses failing, which could have enabled Trump to not pay federal income tax for 18 years, according to a New York Times report.

'I also don't know a lot of casino operators who mange to lose $1 billion in a year,' Obama said, cracking a smile. 'They say the house always wins, I don't know what happened.'

The president chewed up Trump's debate performance, especially one of his most eyebrow-raising and applause-getting lines.

'And this is serious business when in the middle of a debate you threaten to put your opponent in jail,' the president said. 'No trial, no indictment, no lawyers,' he continued, fingering Trump for 'chipping away at basic values like tolerance and due process and mutual respect.'

'Our democracy doesn't work like that,' he said. 'And there's only one candidate in this race who understands that democracy in big, diverse country doesn't work if you constantly demonize each other.'

Obama then, again, threw in a joke.

'And I mean that literally, by the way,' he said. 'I was reading the other day there's a guy on the radio who, apparently Trump's on his show frequently, he says me and Hillary are demons.'

'Said we smell like sulfur. Ain't that something,' the president said.

'I mean come on people,' Obama chided. 'Democracy doesn't work if you just say stuff like that and apparently there are people who believe that stuff and they're listening to it constantly and you can't have leaders who are promoting that because what happens is we get so divided ... that nothing gets done.'
Australian woman Sara Connor will face murder charges over the brutal death of a Balinese police officer.

The mother-of-two could face trial as early as next month after prosecutors accepted the murder case against her and her British boyfriend David Taylor.

The Byron Bay woman will face a string of offences, including murder, carrying a 15-year jail term, violence causing death, with a 12-year maximum, and assault that caused death, which has a seven-year maximum.

Taylor will face identical charges as the pair are set to front court for the first time next month in separate trials following the death of Wayan Sudarsa.

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Sara Connor (pictured) will face murder charges over the death of a Balinese police officer

The bloodied body of Wayan Sudarsa (pictured) was discovered at the popular Kuta Beach in the early hours of August 17

Chief of General Crime at Denpasar District Attorney Ketut Maha Agung said prosecutors are 'convinced' they can prove the case against the pair in court.

Earlier, Head of Denpasar District Attorney Erna Normawati Widodo said the police investigation against the pair had been completed.

He said they had a sent a letter to the police investigator to enable them to be handed over to prosecutors.

This means Connor and Taylor will be moved from Denpasar Police Station where they have been detained since their August 19 arrest.

It is likely they will be sent to the notorious Kerobokan prison.

The completion of the investigation comes almost two months after Mr Sudarsa's bloodied body was discovered covered in sand on the popular Kuta Beach in the early hours of August 17.

Police say the pair went to the beach on the night of August 16 where they had been 'intimate'.

The mother will face charges of murder, violence causing death and assault causing death

Her British boyfriend David Taylor (pictured) will face identical charges in court next month

Connor then lost her purse, sparking Taylor to confront Mr Sudarsa about the misplaced item.

A scuffle allegedly erupted in which police say Taylor hit Mr Sudarsa with several items, including a two-way radio and a beer bottle.

They allege Connor also became involved and that Mr Sudarsa bit her on the thigh.

She maintains she was only trying to separate the pair.

Leaving the lifeless body of Mr Sudarsa on the sand, Connor and Taylor initially went back to their hotel.

In the days following the alleged murder, the pair burnt their clothes and dumped a number of the police officer's personal items, including his handphone.
Apologises after social media attacks her for comments on drug war

An international pageant entrant from the Philippines has stirred controversy in her homeland by comparing President Rodrigo Duterte with Hitler.

Imelda Bautista Schweighart, who is competing for the Miss Earth 2016 crown, caused outrage in the Philippines by denouncing 'The Punisher's' war on drugs.

'Oh my God, our president is doing Hitler stuff here in the Philippines,' the 21-year-old student said in a Facebook Live video chat.

The Miss Philippines Earth 2016 delegate started an awkward exchange with her Austrian counterpart, Kimberly Budinsky, by asking about the Nazi German chancellor.

'Is Hitler from Austria?,' she asked.

Budinsky responded uncomfortably.

'That's a bad question because we normally don't really talk about Hitler. But yes, he is,' she said.

Imelda Bautista Schweighart has stirred outrage by likening Rodrigo Duterte to Hitler

Schweighart then compounded the tension by likening President Duterte to the Nazi leader, who orchestrated the death of six million Jews in the Holocaust.

'Oh my God, our president is doing Hitler stuff here in the Philippines,' Schweighart said.

Schweighart has stirred outrage in the Philippines with her comments on Duterte's drug war

The Miss Earth 2016's Facebook has been deluged with complaints, mainly from the Philippines.

'Shame on Ms Earth Philippines ... I think you owe the entire Philippines an apology,' Ako Si Chad wrote.

Another wrote: 'Really????? Wtf! U don't deserve to represent our country! Shame on you!!!!!!!!'

Imelda Bautista Schweighart issued an apology a day after comparing Duterte to Hitler

On Tuesday, Schweighart apologised for the controversy she had caused in an appearance with Budinsky.

'I support Duterte in all of his endeavors,' Philippines news website Rappler reported her saying.

' And I hope you find forgiveness in your hearts because I didn't mean it.

'I didn't mean it in a bad way.

'Sorry. I just see headlines and I just said it. I didn't mean it to be like this. I'm sorry.'

President Rodrigo Duterte's crusade against drug users and dealers is controversial

Imelda Bautista Schweighart explains her Hitler comparison was about her German heritage

Schweighart also took to Facebook to explain why she invoked Hitler, despite supporting Duterte's policy of encouraging citizens to kill drug addicts.

'I am half German that is the reason why I talked to a fellow delegate about "Hitler" so casually who is Austrian,' she said.

'I am always teased by fellow Filipinos as "Hitler" because they are not well informed that Hitler was not German. In fact Hitler was Austrian.'

The president of the Philippines Rodrigo Duterte has also likened himself to Hitler

Schweighart's original video comments, likening Duterte to Hitler, were viewed more than 400,000 times before they were taken down from her Facebook page.

In late September, President Duterte himself likened his crusade against drug users and dealers to Hitler.

'There are 3 million drug addicts (in the Philippines). I'd be happy to slaughter them,' he said.

Duterte's war on drugs has sparked protest from Indonesian activists at Philippine Embassy

'If Germany had Hitler, the Philippines would have ...,' he said, pausing and pointing to himself at a media conference in Davao city.

Schweighart, who hails from Puerto Princesa in the Philippines' south-west, had entered the Miss Earth 2016 pageant to advocate a ban on genetically modified crops.

Preliminary events of the Miss Earth 2016 pageant are being held across the Philippines until October 28, with the final to be held in Manila on October 29.
Images range from the foot of Cradle Mountain in Tasmania to the 'white sails' of Sydney's Opera House

The series captures moments during the photographer's adventures across the Australian landscape

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Celebrated for its sunburnt deserts and sweeping plains, Australia's natural beauty is admired around the world.

Photographer Benjamin Lee's has revealed in a stunning series how the country's scenic splendour comes in all shapes and sizes.

'From its valleys and beaches to the Sydney Opera House's white sails. There's not a kangaroo or koala in sight in this different, beautiful vision of what Australia is all about for some.'

From the foot of Cradle Mountain in Tasmania to the iconic 'white sails' of Sydney's Opera House, the series captures moments during the photographer's adventures.

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Photographer Benjamin Lee's has revealed in a stunning series how the country's scenic splendour comes in all shapes and sizes, inclusing this shot from the foot of Cradle Mountain in Tasmania

The iconic 'white sails' of Sydney Opera House with a looming stormy back drop. Mr Lee manages to uncover the new layers of Australia's stunning landscapes which may be overlooked day-to-day

Benjamin Lee had an early start to capture the sunrise overlooking the beautiful Sea Cliff Bridge, only an hour drive from Sydney

Sunset at Gibson Steps with one of the Twelve Apostles visible (rock formation on the left). A different view to one of Australia's most photographed sights

Mr Lee manages to uncover the new layers of Australia's stunning landscapes which may be overlooked day-to-day.

But while the snapshots appear effortless, the photographers says the experience wasn't as easy as it looks.

'It was so foggy that visibility was terrible,' he described the top of Mt Wellington in Tasmania.

'I had a friend wait out in the distance until there was a break in the cloud so that Hobart City was visible.'

Thick fog also heavily features in his enigmatic image of two horsemen running through Glenworth Valley in New South Wales.

Mr Lee describes The Black Spur in Victoria Australia as 'Possibly one of the best drives in Australia'.

'We went up to this mountain pass early in the hope of catching some early morning fog.'

His photo of at Kanangra Walls in NSW's Kanangra-Boyd National Park, also meant an early start in order to catch the sun rise.

'The never-ending layers of the mountains in this national park is incredible.'

The photographer features even more spectacular sites on his Instagram, where he boasts a following of over 30,000.

The top of Mt Wellington in Tasmania was 'so foggy that visibility was terrible'. Photographer Benjamin Lee had a friend wait out in the distance until there was a break in the cloud so that Hobart City was visible

Recent heavy rainfall, Trentham Falls in Victoria was flowing with full force, as a lone figure endures getting soaked for the shot

It was a foggy, pier-side morning when the photographer captured this snapshot at the Pumphouse Point in Tasmania

Thick fog heavily features in his enigmatic image of two horsemen running through Glenworth Valley in New South Wales

His photo of at Kanangra Walls in NSW's Kanangra-Boyd National Park meant an early start in order to catch the sun rise

Benjamin Lee calls The Black Spur in Victoria a 'possibly one of the best drives in Australia'. The photographer went up to the mountain pass early in the hope of catching some morning fog

Precariously placed to enojy the view of the jagged Manly Headlands that make up Sydney's beautiful coastline

Old and very tall Californian Redwoods tower in Victoria's Otway National Park. Mr Lee say their 'height, size and age really puts everything into perspective'

Hopetoun Falls also found the Otways National Park. The powerful water cascade 'even has a feature tree log'

Another snapshot taken in Otways National Park. A figure in yellow is seen perched on a long over a small river than runs through the Victorian national park
Safety complaints were made about an apartment block construction site in East Perth, before a worker fell multiple storeys to her death on Monday.

Marianka Heumann, a 27-year-old German backpacker, was working on the construction site on Adelaide Terrace as an unskilled labourer when the incident took place, reported WA Today.

The woman, who is originally from Braunschweig in Germany, had reportedly removed her safety harness when she noticed she needed to do some extra work on a piece of ceiling.

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Safety complaints were made about an apartment block construction site in East Perth, before worker Marianka Heumann (pictured) fell multiple storeys to her death on Monday

Ms Heumann, a 27-year-old German backpacker, was working on the construction site on Adelaide Terrace as an unskilled labourer when the incident took place (pictured)

Ms Heusmann had reportedly removed her safety harness when she noticed she needed to do some extra work on a piece of ceiling. She turned to do it, slipped and then fell. Pictured is the construction site

She turned back to seal the piece of ceiling, slipped and fell 13 storeys to the second floor in front of her colleagues.

Ms Heumann was rushed to hospital but was reportedly pronounced dead a short time later.

Ms Heumann (pictured) fell from the 13th storey of the construction site onto the second storey. She was rushed to hospital but was pronounced dead a short time later

A spokesperson from Worksafe WA told Daily Mail Australia there had been five complaints made about the site before the incident, but none were from the construction workers themselves.

'There were three complaints from members of the public looking out of their windows or walking past the site,' the spokesperson said.

'The other two complaints were from the union, and there have only been two notices issued on the site since the project has been going.'

The 38-storey apartment development project is being managed by Finbar and Hanssen.

Work reportedly recommenced on the site on Wednesday.

The project's construction started in 2015 and is due to be completed in 2017.

Hanssen managing director Gerry Hanssen told WA Today that Ms Heumann's colleagues had been offered counselling.

He dismissed allegations that there was a safety culture issue at the site, and said they pay 'particular attention' to safety matters.

Ms Heumann started her work and travel holiday in Sydney in November 2015 before moving to Perth in June 2016.

Daily Mail Australia has also contacted Finbar Group Limited for a comment on the incident.

A spokesperson from Worksafe WA said there had been five complaints made about the site before the incident. Pictured are police attending the scene of the incident on Monday

The construction site where the incident took place is part of the Concerto Apartments development (pictured) in East Perth
A supermarket has dumped Nescafes new coffee to go range amid a backlash against throwaway cups which cant be recycled.

Packs of Nescafe Azera include four cups with plastic lids and a mix of instant coffee and skimmed milk powder.

The idea is that people fill them with hot water as they leave the house, giving them an alternative to a high street coffee shop like Costa, Starbucks or Caffe Nero.

The Nescafe Azera range has been dropped by Morrisons against a backlash against 'throwaway' cups

However, the packs, which are being heavily advertised on TV, have been launched at a time when there is mounting concern about throwaway coffee cups.

Morrisons has decided to de-list the packs, which cost 3 for four cups, following complaints from customers about waste.

At the same time, Sainsburys has been speaking to bosses at Nescafe, which is owned by Nestle, to ask them to come up with a cup that can be recycled.

Morrisons announced it was de-listing the Nescafe product, but declined to give a reason

The decision by Morrisons has been welcomed by waste campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, who has called on other supermarkets to follow suit.

He tweeted: Well done @morrisons for being first to delist the stupidly irresponsible nightmare that is @NescafeAzeras coffee to go!

The Nescafe cups and those used by the major coffee shop chains include a plastic polyethylene coating which means they cannot be recycled along with paper waste.

Waste campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall has welcomed the decision by Morrisons, branding the Nescafe range 'stupidly irresponsible'

As a result some 399 of every 400 used to sell coffee end up in the bin and going to landfill where they take up to 30 years to rot away.

The net result is that some 2.5billion are thrown away in the UK alone every year.

The issue of throwaway coffee cups has come to the fore as a result of campaigning stories in the Daily Mail and the work of chef Mr Fearnley-Whittingstall.

Morrisons would not go into the reasons for its decision, however sources suggested it was driven by customer concerns about the use of throwaway cups.

A spokesman said: Following a review of our wider coffee range we have decided not to order more of this particular product.

Sainsburys said: We have discussed this important issue with Nestle who are working to seek alternatives to the current Nescafe Azera to Go cup.
The $5,000-a-night Russian prostitute who accused Eliot Spitzer of choking her in a hotel room broke down in court as she was charged with trying to extort him for $400,000.

Model and escort Svetlana Zakharova Travis, 25, covered her face and cried on Tuesday as she was arraigned on charges of grand larceny by extortion in Manhattan Criminal Court.

Her bail was set at $1 million after Judge Ushir Pandit ruled she was a severe flight risk, and that her native Russia has no extradition treaty with the United States.

Prosecutors in court said she 'consistently threatened to expose intimate details of prior relationships with [Spitzer's] family as well as the media'.

Travis was led away from court and taken to Rikers Island for her first night in jail.

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Svetlana Z. Travis covered her faced and cried Tuesday as she was arraigned on charges of grand larceny by extortion in Manhattan Criminal Court. The 25-year-old accused Eliot Spitzer of choking her, then tried to shake him down for $400,000

The model and escort sobbed into her hands as she was held on a $1,000,000 bail. After the hearing she was taken to Rikers Island

She is expected back in court on Friday for her second hearing.

Travis told detectives that ex-New York governor Spitzer, 57, had assaulted her during a heated row in a $1,000 suite at The Plaza Hotel in February after she revealed plans to return to Moscow.

The escort and model then went back to her native Russia, hindering the police investigation into the alleged attack. She was arrested Monday after returning to New York.

She also was charged with forgery in an unrelated case in which police said she used information from a 67-year-old New Jersey man to sign a lease agreement, which ended up costing him $18,000.

Travis was arrested in New York on a grand felony charge after allegedly extorting $400,000 out of Spitzer over two years

Spitzer said in a civil suit that Travis made him pay so she wouldn't tell about their trysts, and that she accused him of choking her in February as revenge for him cutting ties with her

FROM RUSSIA TO MANHATTAN: JOURNEY OF A $5K-A-NIGHT CALL GIRL WHO SAYS 'SEX IS SEX BUT MONEY IS MONEY' I grew up in central Russia. When I was little, I wanted to be a tour guide and see the world. Then a tour bus came through our town and it was small and stinky with no air conditioning. The tour guide had frizzy hair and sweat stains under her arms. I thought tour guides in the United States probably had it better. I had the phone number of a Russian woman who had said she would host me. When I arrived at JFK, she told me to take the train to Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. I knew about it because in Russian movies its a place where you can buy smoked salmon and caviar and nice clothes, and where only people who really achieve can go. I felt lucky. When I came out of the train station I saw all these ugly people, people in wheelchairs, old people, and the streets were smelly and the people were wearing clothes worse than what people wore in the Soviet Union and the train station was loud and I thought: Fuck, this is not the America that I heard of. I spent four days there before I met a girl who said I could live with her in Manhattan. When I got there and looked around, I understood the fuss. I understood why all people want to come here. Advertisement

Prosecutors said she allegedly extorted $400,000 out of Spitzer over two years, the Post reported.

Spitzer, who resigned as governor in 2008 after he was accused of wiring more than $10,000 to an elite escort service, had admitted to a 'relationship' with Travis in a lawsuit filed in July.

That suit said Spitzer had paid money to stop Travis from making their 'trysts' public, and that her claims of assault were made against him in revenge for him cutting ties with her.

Dropped: He dropped the lawsuit last month, but the NYPD arrested her when she landed in New York on Monday after flying in from Russia. She had fled there after making the choking claim in February

Spitzer's representatives told in September that he had withdrawn the claims, 'without prejudice and without costs to either party as against the other.'

But the closure of that civil suit apparently meant little to the NYPD, which picked up Travis and hit her with the charges.

Spitzer's suit claimed that Travis had 'demanded' a meeting with him on February 13, during a stopover while travelling from her home in California to Russia.

It said that she 'became enraged when [he] told her that he did not wish to maintain any relationship with her, that he did not intend to give her more property, and that he intended to end all contact.'

Travis called police and told them she had cut herself and was having a breakdown, Spitzer's attorney, Adam Kaufmann, said in February.

'Fraud': Travis was also arrested on a separate forgery charge after allegedly signing a lease that resulted in a New Jersey man being billed for $18,000

Spitzer was present while police arrived, Kaufmann said, and 'sought to keep her calm.'

When police arrived they noticed a cut on her arm and a broken glass, and took her to hospital. There she told staff that Spitzer had choked her and shoved her after she told him of her plan to return to Russia.

But she refused to co-operate with police and flew to Russia later that night.

Spitzer is no stranger to controversy. The multi-millionaire son of real-estate tycoon Bernard Spitzer, he made a name for himself as a lawyer focusing on corrupt financiers.

Spitzer, formerly a celebrated lawyer, spent just a year as governor of New York before quitting in 2008 after it emerged that he may have spent up to $80,000 on call girls

The one-time 'Sheriff of Wall Street' was even considered presidential material, and became 57th governor of New York in 2007.

But he was forced to quit the following year after it was reported that he had at least seven meetings with high-end prostitutes over a six-month period and may have spent up to $80,000 on call girls over many years.

Infamous as Client 9 of the Emperors Club VIP call-girl ring, he resigned at a public press conference along with his wife Silda, who chose to stand by him.

He then tried to rehabilitate his public image with a stint as a CNN presenter before returning to work for his father, who died last year, leaving him $16million.

An affair with spin doctor Lis Smith in December 2013 is believed to have been the cause of his marriage's collapse in 2014.

Silda walked away with $7.5million, $240,000-a-year for life, and the couple's luxury Fifth Avenue apartment.

Businesswoman: Travis claims that she came to New York with just $300, but managed to make $200,000 by working as a prostitute

Travis wrote an article about her experience as a prostitute for Medium in October 2014 titled 'Sex is Sex. But Money is Money' in which she describes herself as a 'businesswoman'.

'I did what politicians in this country are always encouraging immigrants to do: work hard, seize opportunity, maximize your talents,' she said in the article, which is attributed to 'Svetlana Z.'

In the piece, she boasts that she arrived in New York with just $300, but became successful after building a stable of clients.
The answer, according to Margaret Hodge, is to coast at the office while their children are young and accelerate as they get older

Working mothers face the daily question of how to juggle careers and family life.

The answer, according to a senior Labour MP, is to coast at the office while their children are young and accelerate as they get older.

Margaret Hodge also advises women to stay in the labour market after having babies  or risk losing confidence.

The 72-year-old waited until 50 before running for parliament, when the youngest of her four children was 13.

For women it is particularly difficult because you do have those years where you have little babies or youve got ageing relatives that need care, she told the Daily Mail.

There is sort of this whole drive in our society, deification of youth, and actually you dont have to do it all by the time youre 35.

I have a load of energy and ambition and I still want to make the world a better place and all the rest of it.

I always say to my daughters it doesnt matter if you coast for a little bit. Stay in the labour market.

'Its really difficult if you leave the labour market completely because you lose your confidence but you can coast for a little while and come back later.

The debate on whether women can have it all was reignited on Monday after Ruby McGregor-Smith quit her 2.5million job as chief executive of Mitie after her children told her I want my mum back.

Dame Margaret, who has three daughters and one son, started in council politics and has been MP for Barking in East London since 1994

The Tory peer, who was Britains first Asian woman to run a FTSE 250 company, had spent nine years juggling her role at the security and cleaning supplier with raising her two children.

Dame Margaret, who has three daughters and one son, started in council politics and has been MP for Barking in East London since 1994.

She was minister for children and minister of state for culture and tourism before being elected chairman of the influential public accounts committee.

Ruby McGregor-Smith quit her 2.5million job as chief executive of Mitie after her children told her I want my mum back

There, she held various organisations to account including, Google, Starbucks, the BBC and Goldman Sachs.

But despite her success she admitted that she might not have had a political career at all had she not been motivated by the boredom of changing nappies.

Speaking at the Cheltenham Literary Festival, she said: If I started life again now I dont think I would make the same decision.

I did become a politician for the wrong reasons. I have always been political but the reason I drifted into politics is when I had my first children I couldnt do my job, which was international research and involved travelling, and a friend of mine said to me Go on the council Margaret, it will keep you sane while youre changing nappies.

She did not reach the height of her career  heading the accounts committee  until she was 66, a year after the retirement age.
Government prosecutors say they are seeking criminal charges against an Arizona Sheriff accused of violating a court order in a racial profiling case.

Joe Arpaio, dubbed 'America's toughest sheriff', allegedly broke a 2011 order barring the sheriff's office from stopping and detaining drivers solely based on the suspicion that they were in the country illegally.

In August, US District Judge Murray Snow recommended Arpaio, sheriff for Maricopa County, face criminal charges for ignoring court orders arising out of the ruling that he and his deputies were guilty of racial profiling of Latino drivers.

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Government prosecutors say they are seeking criminal charges against Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio accused of violating a court order in a racial profiling case

Now John Keller, a trial attorney with the Public Integrity section of the U.S. Department of Justice, told the U.S. District Court in Phoenix that Arpaio, who did not attend the hearing, should be criminally charged.

Mr Keller said they are seeking no more than six months incarceration for the 84-year-old Republican lawman, citing his age and other factors.

Prosecutors said it was not appropriate to pursue contempt charges against three people who worked with Arpaio, cited in Snow's criminal contempt recommendation.

However, prosecutors left open the possibility of other charges being filed against Arpaio, as well as his second-in-command Gerard Sheridan, Maricopa County Sheriff's Captain Steve Bailey and an Arpaio attorney, Michele Iafrate.

A judge set a date of December 6 for Arpaio's bench trial to begin.

However, Arpaio released a statement, where he blasted the Justice Department under President Barack Obama, charging that it was trying to influence the outcome an upcoming election.

The six-term sheriff said: 'It is a blatant abuse of power and the people of Maricopa County should be as outraged as I am.

In August, US District Judge Murray Snow recommended Arpaio face criminal charges for ignoring court orders arising out of the ruling that the sheriff and his deputies were guilty of racial profiling of Latino drivers

Protesters display an effigy of Arpaio wearing prison clothes in front of U.S. District Court as prosecutors announce they will charge him

'I will fight this case tooth and nail because I know these charges are rubbish. In the end, I am confident I will be exonerated.'

Arpaio, famous for once keeping jail inmates in tents, is seeking a seventh term as the top lawman for the area around Phoenix, the most populous county in the state.

He previously said his legal battles had no effect on his re-election chances.
Former Treasury minister Liam Byrne (pictured) has revealed he was ready to quit public life after his infamous note declaring there was 'no money' left was made public

Former Treasury minister Liam Byrne has revealed he was ready to quit public life after his infamous note declaring there was 'no money' left was made public when Labour left government in 2010.

His Liberal Democrat replacement as chief secretary to the Treasury, David Laws, broke with convention when he disclosed details of the letter Mr Byrne wrote as he was clearing his desk.

The 15-word note was repeatedly used against Labour as evidence that it failed to take the country's finances seriously.

Mr Byrne said he was 'kind of ready' to throw himself off a cliff amid the condemnation, although he stressed he did not seriously entertain suicide.

He told an audience at The Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival this week that he went to seek advice from his uncle in Dorset after the note was revealed at a time when he was struggling to deal with his father's drink-related death.

'I was ready to quit public life,' Mr Byrne said.

'I hadn't been able to save my dad from drinking and I had written this note that was now being used to hammer the Labour Party.

'So I, in my desperation, in a real moment of anguish, took myself to my uncle, who is the wisest man I know. He walked me up to the cliff at the back of his house in Dorset and I was kind of ready to throw myself off.

'I said, 'What am I supposed to do?'. And he gave me a brilliant line from Samuel Beckett: 'Ever tried. Ever failed. No matter. Try again. Fail again. Fail better'.'

Asked if he felt ashamed, Mr Byrne said: 'Completely, because on a very personal level I thought I had failed my dad. But in my public life I've also committed this terrible mistake.'

The said: 'Dear chief secretary, I'm afraid there is no money. Kind regards - and good luck!'

Mr Byrne wrote the note on April 6 2010 as the country prepared to choose a new government.

It said: 'Dear chief secretary, I'm afraid there is no money. Kind regards - and good luck! Liam.'

Mr Byrne has since admitted that every day he 'burnt with the shame of it'.

Writing in the Observer newspaper last year, Mr Byrne said: 'Party members ask me: what on earth were you thinking? But members of the public ask: how could you do something so crass? And so bloody offensive?

'I've asked myself that question every day for five years and, believe me, every day I have burnt with the shame of it, nowhere more than when standing on doorsteps with good comrades, listening to voters demanding to know what I thought I was playing at. It was always excruciating.'

The note was brandished by David Cameron as evidence of Labour's financial irresponsibility throughout the election campaign and the Prime Minister admitted on BBC Question Time that he had been carrying a copy with him everywhere he went.

David Cameron used the note to attack Labour at every opportunity on the campaign trail (above). He said on BBC Question Time that he carried a copy of the note with him everywhere

Former Labour leader Ed Miliband also ran into questions about the embarrassing letter at every turn during the campaign trail.

At one of the TV debates an audience member grilled him about it after taking exception to the then-shadow chancellor Ed Balls trying to dismiss the note as a joke.

Mr Miliband attempted to dodge the question but it haunted him throughout the election campaign.

Mr Byrne, who held his Hodge Hill seat in Birmingham with a massive 23,000 vote majority, acknowledged his actions had allowed the Conservatives to 'bash' Labour's economic record.

He said: 'People's anger - and my party's anger - at me will never ever match my anger with myself or my remorse at such a crass mistake.

'I made it easy for our opponents to bash our economic record by bashing me.
Women will be asked to show passports before giving birth at one of the countrys largest hospitals to cut maternity tourism.

Expectant mothers will have to provide papers showing they are eligible for free NHS care when they arrive for scans.

Those unable to do so will be referred to the Home Office. They could face deportation.

Managers at St Georges in Tooting, south London, said they were facing a growing problem of women flying in from Nigeria solely to have babies

Managers at St Georges in Tooting, south London, said they were facing a growing problem of women flying in from Nigeria solely to have babies.

Such abuse is thought to cost the NHS 200million a year for all types of medical treatment.

Women flying in to give birth is a common problem in a number of hospitals, particularly those close to Heathrow and in Manchester.

In one notorious case, Bimbo Ayelabola arrived from Lagos in 2011 to give birth to premature quintuplets at Homerton Hospital, East London.

The NHS failed to chase her in her homeland for the 145,000 costs.

The Department of Health issued new guidelines last year telling hospital staff to ask for passports or proof of identity from any patient before treatment. But few have obeyed because they are too short-staffed or take eligibility for granted.

Managers at St Georges, which serves a population of 1.3million, insist that women will not be turned away if they are in labour.

Women flying in to give birth is a common problem in a number of hospitals, particularly those close to Heathrow and in Manchester

They will be asked for their passports or other documents at a 12-week scan or antenatal appointment.

These must prove women have lived in the UK for at least six months, which means they are eligible for free NHS care. Without this, they will not be able to carry on with maternity treatment.

Jo Johnson, head of private and overseas patients at the hospital, said health tourism was costing it 4.6million a year.

In board papers obtained by the Health Service Journal, she said four in five overseas patients were absconding before paying their bills. She also said that agents in Nigeria were offering women money to buy flight tickets and come to the UK.

Bimbo Ayelabola arrived from Lagos in 2011 to give birth to premature quintuplets at Homerton Hospital, East London

The problem is escalating within obstetrics and we have just been made aware that individuals are currently offering paid assistance to women in Nigeria to have their babies for free on the NHS at St Georges, she added.

A spokesman for the Department of Health welcomed the scheme but said hospitals should already be asking patients for passports.

And John OConnell of the TaxPayers Alliance said: The huge burden on hard-pressed taxpayers caused by health tourism on the NHS is simply unsustainable.

But others said the policy might see women fleeing from places such as Syria being turned away.

Jessica Ormerod, of the National Health Action Party, said: We are losing our humanity if we can think of excluding the most vulnerable in our society from a basic right to safe childbirth.

The NHS is far more lax on eligibility checks than the systems of other European countries.
A Queensland man who was mistaken for a prisoner that fled a Queensland court says he wants an apology after being surrounded by police and forcefully arrested in his own backyard.

Kain Gilgen, 24, was hanging out his washing at his Maroochydore home on Monday afternoon when police officers jumped over his fence yelling for him to get on the ground.

'I turn around and grab another shirt to go put back on the line and as soon as I turn back around there's about four or five cop cars blocking the road, about six cops running at me saying 'Get on the ground. Get on the ground',' he told the Brisbane Times.

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Kain Gilgen (right) was mistaken for an escaped prisoner on Monday and detained by police in his own backyard

Police were searching for Dean Andrew Kenning, who allegedly escaped the dock at Maroochydore Magistrates Court

A confused Mr Gilgen, who was shirtless at the time, was then pinned to the ground by officers who told him he was under arrest.

It was only after he was allowed to fetch ID from his car that the officers realised they had the wrong man and released him.

Mr Gilgen is now demanding an apology.

'It was just gnarly having that much force of police coming at you,' he told the Brisbane Times.

Queensland Police confirmed in a statement to Daily Mail Australia that a man whose description was similar to that of an escaped prisoner was detained.

'Officers were acting upon information they had received and the man detained was within the vicinity where the escapee had been sighted,' the statement said.

'The officers actions were proper in the circumstances and the matter has been discussed with the man in question.'

Mr Gilgen said officers jumped his fence before pinning him to the ground

Mr Gilgen said he would like an apology after the mix up

The case of mistaken identity occurred about 4pm, the Brisbane Times reported, less than two hours after 29-year-old man Dean Andrew Kenning allegedly escaped the dock at Maroochydore Magistrates Court.

Mr Kenning, who was in court for a 2.30pm session, scaled a balcony to get onto the roof of a nearby residential building, police said.

He was arrested in a pair on silky pants about 7.45pm after a standoff that lasted several hours.

A police officer suffered a minor laceration to his head as a result of the incident and was transported to Nambour Hospital for treatment.

Mr Kenning was charged with escaping lawful custody and serious assault to police.

Mr Kenning climbed onto a balcony to get onto the roof of the residential building on Monday

Mr Kenning was arrested about 7.45pm on Monday
A shocking image has emerged of a mans horrific injuries from a brawl outside a shopping centre.

Police have also issued tense CCTV footage of the moments before the brawl erupted in Joondalup, in Perths northern suburbs, on October 7.

The man, who suffered a fractured jaw and eye socket, was one of six people involved in the brawl, which has led police to hunt his attackers.

Police have released an image of a man's horrific injuries from a brawl

The victim, 25, was rushed to St Johns Ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital to treat his injuries.

Police have issued the image and footage in the hope someone may recognise the two men who are seen entering the altercation from the left.

One of the men is seen wearing a grey shirt, the other is wearing a light jacket.

Social media commenters have shown their support for the man, saying they hope the attackers are brought to justice.

Police have also issued tense CCTV footage of the moments before the brawl erupted
She claims the store is negligent for not informing customers there were loose shallots on the floor, and also for the way they package the produce

Ms Day told the court she didn't see the shallot because she was distracted by an in store product

A woman who allegedly slipped on a shallot on the floor of a Woolworths supermarket is suing the company for $1.3 million in the Supreme Court of Queensland.

Olga Day, 53, who is a qualified lawyer in her native country of Russia, claims she slipped on the vegetable on 18 December, 2014 in the Woolworths store in the Orion Shopping Centre in Springfield, reported the Courier Mail.

Ms Day told the court she didn't see the shallot until she fell over because she was distracted by a free product demonstration nearby.

A woman who claims she slipped on a shallot on the floor of a Woolworths supermarket is suing the company for $1.3 million in the Supreme Court of Queensland

She alleges Woolworths 'failed to adopt the retail industry practice in (sic) wrapping the shallots in plastic which extends beyond the length of the shallots, minimising the chance of shallots falling from the bunch and landing on the floor'.

She has also alleged that Woolworths was negligent because it didn't warn her of the presence of loose shallots on the floor.

Ms Day filed a personal injury claim in the Supreme Court on June 20 over the matter claiming she can never work again after the incident.

In her claim she has said she needs spinal surgery and an arthroscopy on her damaged left knee.

She also claimed that her 'future care', as a result of the injuries, came to a total of $623,274.

On Tuesday, in the court of appeal, Ms Day asked the supermarket giant to reveal the details of all the customers who have slipped on fruit and vegetables across its 900 stores.

Ipswich resident Olga Day, 53, allegedly slipped on the vegetable (pictured) on 18 December, 2014 in the Woolworths store in the Orion Shopping Centre in Springfield

In an earlier court appearance she requested access to the Woolworths store to measure the coefficient of friction of the floor material and perform slip resistance floor tests with further assessment of a number of factors that may have contributed to her injury  such as her weight, the heel and sole of her shoe and the spillage hazard (shallot).

She also requested to examine Woolworths compliance with the relevant health and safety standards, building codes and industry practices, to take photographs, to inspect Woolworth's practice in selling loose shallots and testing the design of customer's trolleys.

Ms Day claims that as a result of the incident she can never work again. She also claims that her future care, as a result of the injuries in Woolworths, comes to a total of $623,274

In addition she also wanted to analyse Woolworth's policy in relation to sweeping, inspecting and cleaning of spillages on the floor and access and analyse the supermarkets security cameras and CCTV monitoring system.

Her requests to see the store and undertake tests were denied.

Woolworths told an earlier court hearing that none of their staff had witnessed Ms Day's fall.

Mr McMillan, who is the manager of the store in question, said in court proceedings that said there was no CCTV footage of the event as the area in question was not covered by a CCTV camera.

Counsel for Woolworths, Geoffrey Diehm QC said Mrs Days demand to have access to all the in store falls was 'too wide'.

He said she should ask only for a list of other customers who 'had slipped on a shallot' in the Springfield store.
Two 'lollipop ladies' who help parents and children cross the road at a primary school have quit after being spat on from passing cars.

Motorists are supposed to slow to 40km/h during school hours past Secret Harbour Primary, but often continue to speed through the crossing as children attempted to walk across the road.

The lollipop ladies had been the only means of stopping cars to give way to parents and children, but they didn't show up to Secret Harbour Primary on Tuesday after receiving constant abuse.

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Parents and children had to cross a busy road by themselves at an outer-south Perth school on Tuesday and Wednesday after two lollipop ladies walked off the job after abuse from motorists

The women had been spat on and sworn at, and they were pulled from the crossing by the Traffic Warden State Management Unit at the beginning of term four.

The P&C on Tuesday wrote on Facebook the school had been sent an email over the holidays saying there was an 'unavailability of traffic wardens'.

When the school enquired for how long this would be on Tuesday, Traffic Wardens responded: 'Indefinite! The guards have left and we cannot get replacements.'

Secret Harbour Primary P&C said it would keep up the pressure to replace the lollipop ladies.

'In the meantime, please talk to your children about crossing Warnbro Sound Avenue, at busy times of the day, without a crossing guard'.

Two new traffic wardens will attend the crossing at Secret Harbour Primary School (stock image) on Thursday

The lollipop ladies had been the only means of stopping cars to give way to parents and children, but they didn't show up to Secret Harbour Primary on Tuesday after receiving constant abuse

Following pressure from the community and media coverage, it was announced two new wardens would work at the crossing from Thursday.

'A special thank you to the wonderful parents that rang or emailed the Traffic Wardens Unit today to express their concern,' the P&C said.

'The fact that the traffic wardens unit felt it acceptable to leave this crossing without wardens is of great concern, it is also very concerning to be told that the reason behind this is apparently because no one wanted to take the position due the level of abuse received by the wardens on Warnbro Sound Ave.

'Our primary concern is for the safety of the children and families of our school and will continue to be.'

Police confirmed two Traffic Wardens would return to the school crossing on Thursday.

'WA Police is aware of complaints from wardens about anti-social driving behaviour at the Secret Harbour Primary School's children's crossing on Warnbro Sound Avenue and officers have attended this location,' a spokesperson said in a statement.

'The school has been advised of arrangements for replacement wardens, in accordance with our protocols.'
Treasured photographs of a family at the centre of an international child abduction scandal have been released ahead of an explosive tell-all TV interview.

In one image Sally Faulkner, who was embroiled in a botched child abduction with 60 Minutes, is seen grinning alongside her estranged Lebanese husband Ali Elamine.

Another, released ahead of Ms Faulkner's two-part interview with ABC's Australian Story, shows a happy young family beaming at the arrival of their newest addition.

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Sally Faulkner (right) is set to appear in a new tell-all special with ABC's Australian Story about the attempted abduction of her children from estranged husband Ali Elamine (left)

The Brisbane mother has released never-before-seen family photos ahead of the interviews

The couple's two children, Lahela, five, and Noah, three, are currently living in Lebanon with their father after a failed attempt to bring them home earlier this year.

Next week Faulkner will feature in a two-part special to reveal exactly what happened when she travelled to Beirut with a 60 Minutes crew in April.

The abduction was carried out with child recovery agents after Elamine took the couple's children to Lebanon for a holiday ten months earlier and never returned.

The attempted to snatch the children, but as Ms Faulkner was hiding out in a safe house in a poor part of Beirut, she was found by local police and thrown in jail.

The couple's two children, Lahela, five, and Noah, three, are living in Lebanon with their father

The botched child abduction was carried out by a 60 Minutes crew including Tara Brown

Also imprisoned were 60 Minutes crew Tara Brown, David Ballment, Stephen Rice and Ben Williamson, who spent two weeks in jail.

Ms Faulkner was forced to relinquish all custodial rights to the children in return for unlimited visits and holidays, to ensure her release from jail on bail in Lebanon.
Bombing suspect Ahmad Rahami (pictured) is to face attempted murder charges via Skype from his hospital bed on Thursday. He is seen above in a mugshot

The terror suspect accused of bombings in Manhattan and New Jersey that injured 31 people is to face attempted murder charges via Skype from his hospital bed.

Ahmad Rahami, who was wounded in a shootout with police last month after allegedly setting off a series of bombs, will be arraigned on New Jersey charges on Thursday.

He stands accused of planting explosive devices at a train station in Elizabeth, New Jersey, as well as a bomb that exploded in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood in September.

Rahami, who was born in Afghanistan, was arrested days later on September 19 after getting into a gun fight with police in Linden, New Jersey.

Prosecutors have charged Rahami with five counts of attempted murder of a police officer and weapons charges.

He is expected to appear at the Union County Courthouse via video from his hospital room where he is recovering from gunshot wounds suffered during his arrest.

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When he was arrested, Ahmad (pictured after a shootout with police last month) was carrying a journal that praised Osama bin Laden and other militants, prosecutors said

Rahami, 28, has been held in a Newark hospital where he is 'incapacitated and intubated' from his injuries, according to a federal court filing.

Alexander Shalom, from the American Civil Liberties Union, is representing Rahami on federal charges until public defenders can take over the case.

Ahmad is accused of planting bombs in New York and New Jersey that wounded 31 people last month. Pictured is the scene at an explosion in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood

'I don't have any update beyond the fact that he's well enough to be arraigned,' Mr Shalom said of his client's medical condition.

He faces federal charges in both states stemming from the bombing in Chelsea that injured 31 people. No one was killed in the blast.

Rahami was charged with use of weapons of mass destruction, bombing a public place, destruction of property and use of a destructive device.

Complaints filed in federal court in Manhattan and New Jersey contain details from the investigation and Rahami's handwritten journal, which was damaged in the police shootout.

He was arrested on suspicion of detonating a bomb in Seaside Park, New Jersey.

No one was injured when the New Jersey bomb exploded in a trash bin along the route of a Marine Corps charity race.

Rahami first came to the United States in 1995 and became a naturalized citizen in 2011.
A public servant went on a social media rant about Jill Meagher's (pictured) killer

A public servant who went on a social media rant about Jill Meagher's killer has lost a legal battle after claiming her employers breached her privacy on Facebook.

Lara Jurecek was reported to the Transport Safety Victoria management after calling her fellow colleague Paula Ferronato a 'deplorable traitor' in a tirade of abuse on Facebook, tribunal documents revealed.

Ms Jurecek - who went under the pseudonym Lora Otto on social media - lashed out at Ms Ferronato for reporting her Facebook statuses to their employers following posts about notorious criminal Adrian Bayley.

The tribunal had evidence before it that, on the evening of September 30, 2012, Ms Jurecek wrote: 'I don't give my time to cowardly disloyal types who use other people to help them then totally abandon them in their time of need.'

'I was shown irrefutable evidence that you were reporting FB statuses... you deplorable traitor!!

'You are the kind of person who leaves your mates in the trenches after they have saved your a**.

'You go round snitching on AND using people and carrying on in a self serving manner... well then now you have that reputation.'

The evidence showed that the explosive outburst came after Ms Jurecek wrote a string of posts about Bayley who was under police investigation over Ms Meagher's rape and murder at the time.

'He's DONE like a dinner because of the social outrage... they will not let this guy walk ANYWHERE! NO [sic] matter what!' Ms Jurecek posted.

The employee lashed out at her colleague following posts about Adrian Bayley (pictured)

The tribunal heard she had complained to Ms Ferronato about a news article of Bayley's criminal history being removed from her Facebook page.

Ms Ferronato was concerned that the remarks would assist the murder suspect's defence, during which she warned her fellow Facebook friends to 'desist from such comments'.

Later that evening, Ms Jurecek launched a tirade against Ms Ferronato, who unfriended her on Facebook before reporting the matter to human resources.

The chats and posts were screenshot and handed to management for investigation.

Ms Jurecek took the matter to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, claiming her employers had accessed information on her Facebook account without her knowledge.

Lara Jurecek lost a legal bid after claiming her employers breached her privacy on Facebook

However, the tribunal dismissed her appeal, during which Ms Jurecek took legal actions against her employers in the Victorian Supreme Court.

The judge agreed with the tribunal's decision that Transport Safety Victoria acted appropriately to conduct the disciplinary investigation by accessing her Facebook page via another user's account - and without asking her for relevant information.

'Attempting to collect such information from her prior to that point could have undermined the integrity of the disciplinary process,' the tribunal documents said.

'The tribunal was entitled to take into account that personal collection from the appellant might have defeated the purpose of the collection itself.'
Lindholm charged with murder and her committal hearing is next year

A former stripper will face a committal hearing next year accused of murdering the man she was going to marry before he disappeared.

Robyn Lindholm is accused of killing her fiance George Templeton, 38, who was last seen on May 2, 2005, when he disappeared from the Reservoir home, in Melbourne's north.

Mr Templeton shared the home with with the one-time exotic dancer and his teenage son.

Robyn Lindholm (pictured) is accused of killing her fiance George Templeton, 38, who was last seen on May 2, 2005, when he disappeared from the Reservoir home, in Melbourne's north

Police allege Lindholm murdered Mr Templeton, whose body has not been found, between May 2 and May 3, 2005.

Lindholm, 43, appeared before the Melbourne Magistrates' Court on Wednesday via video link.

She has been charged with the murder.

Defence counsel plan to cross-examine 23 witnesses during a committal hearing in 2017 which will determine if Lindholm should stand trial.

Mr Templeton shared the home with with one-time exotic dancer Lindholm (pictured) and his teenage son
Police in New York have arrested a man who is suspected of groping a number of young women while riding the subway.

Ken Jacobson, 44, was taken into custody at the Manhattan Special Victims Unit on Monday evening.

Police said he was charged with several counts of forcible touching, sexual abuse and harassment.

A number of victims have come forward including a twins who may have been touched inappropriately by Jacobson, years apart.

Kevin Jacobson, 44, has been charged with several counts of forcible touching, sexual abuse and harassment

The man was believed to have groped an 18-year-old by rubbing the inside of her thigh near the Times Square station last month. She managed to snap this picture of him on her phone

Jacobson sits in court next to his lawyer. He faces a number of charges stretching back years

Jacobson works as a freelance photographer and enjoys going scuba diving

The alleged assaults took place on the No.1 train with a 24-year-old woman reporting being harassed by a man who started to touch the outside of her thigh, last month.

Just a couple of days later, the same man was believed to have touched an 18-year-old, this time by rubbing the inside of her thigh near Times Square station.

On that occasion, the woman was able to take a photo of the man before he got off the train.

After sharing the incident with her twin sister, she also recalled an incident when she was groped, possibly by the same individual, on the same subway train.

She was 13 at the time when a touched her between 2011 and 2012.

According to Jacobson's Facebook page, the New York City native works as a freelance photographer and also with young children, helping them play sports.
A former training police officer in Tennessee has been fired for his use of force during a manhunt last year.

Joe Pennington, a 15-year veteran cop, was let go Tuesday after 10-month investigation, during which he had been decommissioned and placed on desk duty at the Metro-Nashville police.

He was one of two officers fired over the incident, during which they shot at a burglary suspect during a manhunt in November.

Joe Pennington (left), a 15-year veteran cop, was fired from Metro-Nashville police for his shooting at a suspect while he was backing away. Probationary Officer Matthew Nelms (right) was let go over the same incident last year

Officials said Pennington and Matthew Nelms, a probationary officer, fired at a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by suspect David Lauderdale while he was backing away from a home in November.

Lauderdale was not struck but was captured shortly after.

Nelms, who had graduated police academy five months earlier, said he shot at the car in self defense.

Nelms, who had graduated police academy five months earlier, said he shot at the car in self defense

Pennington said he opened fire after Nelms because he wasn't sure who was shooting  Nelms or the suspect

Chief Steve Anderson said department policy states officers should 'not discharge their firearm at or from a moving vehicle unless absolutely necessary to protect the life of the employee or others,' WKRN-TV reported.

Nelms was fired four days later when a committee determined his claim was not supported by evidence.

Pennington said he opened fire after Nelms because he wasn't sure who was shooting  Nelms or the suspect.
A man, 27, has sexually assaulted his three-year-old daughter, his nine-year-old stepdaughter, the family dog and sexually penetrated chickens.

The father from Adelaide was on Wednesday jailed for his 'abhorrent' crimes but could be released in less than three years.

Most of the abuse was against his stepdaughter, then aged between nine and 11-years-old, while she was asleep, ABC reported.

An Adelaide man, 27, sexually abused his three-year-old daughter and nine-year-old stepdaughter (stock image)

The man also attempted penetrative sex acts with the family dog (stock image)

He also abused his three-year-old daughter, committed penetrative sex acts with chickens and attempted penetrative sex acts with the family dog, the court heard.

The 27-year-old had himself been abused as a child and had sexual contact with dogs as a child.

A psychologist's report found he had 'distorted' attitudes' and began to feel 'aroused by the wrongfulness of his sexual behaviour'.

He had confessed to abusing his daughter and stepdaughter in a letter to his then-wife, who notified police.

The man committed penetrative sex acts with chickens (stock image)

The man, who cannot be identified, then confessed to police and pleaded guilty to two counts of bestiality, one count of persistent sexual exploitation of a child and one aggravated count of indecent assault.

The devastated mother said in her victim impact statement that her children had never done anything wrong.

'My beautiful, innocent children certainly never, ever deserved such terrible violations of their bodies and hearts,' she said.

The man was on Wednesday sentenced to six-years-and-seven-months in prison.

But he was given a non-parole period of three-and-a-half years, after reductions for a full confession.

Most of the abuse was committed against his stepdaughter, between the age of nine and 11, while she slept (stock image)

His non-parole period is backdated to December 2015 when he was taken into custody, meaning he could be released in less than three years.

'You abused and betrayed in the most serious way possible your position as father of the children to satisfy your abnormal sexual desires,' District Court Judge Paul Muscat said.

'You know you must now pay the price.'

Judge Muscat also called the abuse 'unnatural', 'gross and disturbing'.

The man has consented to an intervention order that bans him from seeing or contacting his family, and is getting treatment to suppress his urges.

Judge Mascot said the sentence might seem moderate to some but was the result of the man's confessions, remorse and strong motivation to recover.
Two men have been arrested and charged with the kidnapping and rape of a sheriff's deputy in Johnson County, Kansas.

The men, William Luth, 24, from Blue Springs, Missouri and Brady Newman-Caddell, 21, from Independence, Kansas, are facing charges of aggravated kidnapping, two counts of rape each and aggravated sodomy, prosecutors announced Tuesday, according to Fox News 13.

It was a tip from the public that reportedly led to the whereabouts of the men, according to the outlet.

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William Luth (left) and Brady Newman-Caddell (right) have been charged in the aggravated kidnapping and rape of a Johnson County sheriff's deputy

The sheriff's office said it had located the vehicle it believed was involved in the incident, which was registered to Luth's wife.

Luth also has a young child and his Facebook page says he studied at Full Sail University, in Orange County, Florida.

Newman-Caddell's Facebook page says he works at Texas Roadhouse, a steak restaurant.

Cops say the suspects followed the woman, who is a deputy sheriff and in her early 20s, from a QuikTrip market at E. Santa Fe and South Ridgeview to the county jail parking lot at 101 N. Kansas Avenue in Olathe and then kidnapped her about 11.30pm on Friday.

William Luth, above, has been described in court documents as married - on Facebook, he has posted pictures of a child believed to be his. In one post, he wrote 'Now I have an incentive to never go to prison' after snowboarding

Brady Newman-Caddell, above, is described on Facebook as a server at Texas Roadhouse, a steakhouse

The victim, who had been on the job about six months, was in civilian clothing and on her way to work. She was abducted while getting out of her car in the booking facility's parking lot and blindfolded, according to KCTV5.

They reportedly released her around 1.15am, instructing her to keep her head covered before they drove off.

She was freed in a dark and remote area near Interstate 470 and Northeast Woods Chapel Road and staggered until she saw the lights of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office in Lee's Summit.

The victim was headed to work around 11.30pm when she was abducted from the parking lot of the county jail's booking facility (above)

Cops believe the suspects did not know the victim, but had planned the attack.

'I do believe there was some planning premeditation for lack of a better word,' said Captain Brian Hill at a press conference.

Surveillance camera footage showed the men sitting in a blue vehicle in the parking lot of the QuikTrip and then following the victim as she drove away.

'It appears evident to us that although they may not have been specifically looking for our victim, they were looking for a victim,' said Hill.

The victim is 'doing okay' said Sheriff Frank Denning 'all things considered' and added that she was able to help in the investigation.
Donald Trump took full advantage Tuesday night of the day's document cascade released by Wikileaks, telling a Florida crowd that Hillary Clinton's campaign is full of 'so much corruption' that his administration would be obligated to launch a new criminal probe of her actions during and after her tenure at the State Department.

'We have to investigate Hillary Clinton, and we have to investigate the investigation!' he said in the seaside town of Panama City Beach.

'She was a disaster,' Trump claimed, recalling her time as a carpetbagging U.S. senator from New York.

'And she's a bad person. Remember that. She's a bad, bad person.'

Donald Trump clobbered Hillary Clinton under a Florida night sky on Tuesday, using a full magazine of Wikileaks-fueled ammunition

Clinton's campaign has been rocked by a trove of hacked emails laying bare her campaign's secrets

More than half of Trump's 51-minute speech in an outdoor amphitheater consisted of new material, courtesy of fresh Wikileaks revelations that came from a hack attack on her campaign chairman John Podesta's private email account.

By the time a crowd estimated at 8,000 filed back to their cars, he had accused her of secretly plotting to eliminate America's national borders in favor of a single global government with control over trade and immigration.

'Speaking in secret to a foreign bank, again just revealed, Hillary said "My dream is a hemispheric common market with open trade and open borders",' Trump said, quoting a digest of previously undisclosed transcripts of speeches she delivered on Wall Street for an average of $225,000 each.

'Well, there goes the rest of your businesses. And there goes your country, folks,' he fumed as a helicopter buzzed overhead flashing a 'Make America Great Again' message on its underbelly.

'Behind closed doors when she thought no one was listening, she pledged to dissolve the borders of the United States of America. No borders!'

'If you don't have borders, we don't have a country,' said a suddenly sullen Trump.

John Podesta, Clinton's campaign chairman, had his Gmail account hacked and the Wikileaks organization has released the embarrassing contents to the public

About 8,000 people crowded into a public park in the seaside town of Panama City Beach to hear the Republican presidential nominee speak from an amphitheater's stage

Trump's speech, scrolling across a paid of teleprompters, lurched from the technical to the dramatic, touching on the mechanics of post-Haiti-earthquake Clinton Foundation relief efforts one minute, and lapsing into sweeping patriotic prose in the next.

'Wikileaks has given us a window into the secret corridors of government power,' he said, 'where we see a former secretary of state announcing her desire to end forever the American independence that our founders gave to us and wanted us to have.'

'American soldiers have fought and died to win and keep America's freedom, and now Hillary Clinton wants to surrender that freedom to these open borders, open trade, and a world government.'

Trump accused her of both pining for deeper U.S. military entanglements overseas and plotting to abandon the protection of America's geographic and cultural identity.

'We're protecting the borders of foreign countries,' he said, forecasting a new Clinton administration. 'But not our borders.'

'These Wikileaks emails confirm what those of us here today have known all along: Hillary Clinton is the vessel of a corrupt globalist establishment that's raiding our country and surrendering the sovereignty of our nation,' he said.

'This criminal government cartel doesn't recognize borders but believes in global governance, unlimited immigration and rule by corporations.'

Trump is barnstorming the key battleground state of Florida this week, a state that he mustwin in order to claim the White House four weeks from today

Trump also stretched the bounds of what Tuesday's Wikileaks document-dump demonstrated, claiming that one email showed the U.S. Justice Department sharing confidential information with Clinton that was related to an FBI investigation into her mishandling of classified material.

'Today we learned, amazingly, that the Department of Justice fed information to the Clinton campaign about the email investigation so that the campaign could be prepared to cover up her crimes,' he boomed. 'What is going on?'

His crowd chanted 'Lock her up!' as he pledged to appoint a special prosecutor to re-investigate her.

But the leak from the DOJ described in the email actually concerned a civil lawsuit that sought to wrestle some of Clinton's emails  which contained classified information  away from the State Department she once led.

The lawsuit, one of hundreds filed to force State to obey the Freedom of Information Act, had an open court docket whose contents were widely available.

The line of Trump fans stretched for a half-mile, and some began waiting in line as many as eight hours before his speech began  while he was still at a Texas fundraiser

A more genuine Wikileaks bombshell that Trump recounted described preferential treatment the Clinton Foundation gave to 'Friends of Bill'  the former president's inner circle  when awarding redevelopment contracts in Haiti.

Those awards often led to a swifter current of cash back to the Clintons' family foundation, and in some cases appeared linked to lucrative speaking engagements that later flowed to Bill Clinton personally.

'The Clintons couldn't stop cashing in,' Trump charged.

'As people were dying in Haiti, Clinton insiders were separating out requests from "friends Of Bill" or "William Jefferson Clinton VIPs" so that their business interests or contracts would receive very special treatment.'

'People who were labeled "Not friends of Bill" were placed very much on the sidelines.'

'We should never forget how Bill and Hillary Clinton handled Haiti the last time out,' he said. 'To all of our friends in Haiti ... your day of justice is coming, and it arrives on November 8.'

Trump began his speech by asking his Secret Service detail to move to the margins of the stage so his supporters could see him better

Trump also bashed the Clintons over one leaked email showing recommendations from a senior fellow at the left-wing Center for American Progress, describing conservative Roman Catholics as embracing 'severely backwards gender relations.'

Jennifer Palmieri, now Hillary Clinton's campaign communications director, agreed.

'I imagine they think it is the most socially acceptable politically conservative religion,' she responded. 'Their rich friends wouldn't understand if they became evangelicals.'

Trump played it to the hilt.

'While this is offensive, it's just the latest evidence of the hatred that the Clinton campaign has, really, for everyday Americans,' he said Tuesday night. 'And you see it. And you see so much from this Wikileaks.'

The Republican presidential nominee used a pastiche of emails released by Wikileaks to claim America's mass-media are aligned against him as 'an extension of Hillary Clinton's campaign.'

'Reporters who work for these outlets like The Washington Post or The New York Times may think of themselves as journalists,' he said, 'but they're actually just cogs in a corporate political machine.'

As night descended over the park, thousands listened to Trump paint a dire picture of Hillary Clinton's secretive activities

The Republican Trump trails in most polls but has four weeks to turn his campaign around and is going on offense against his Democratic rival

He cited one Wikileaks email from Podesta's account that showed a Times reporter offering Palmieri the chance to overrule him on including interview quotes in an article.

'The New York Times even gave Clinton veto power over her quotes in a major story,' he marveled.

'I've never heard of that! I'd like to have veto power when they misquote me all the time.'

And he blasted the Democratic National Committee's then-vice chair Donna Brazile  now the party's acting chairwoman  for colluding with CNN to give Clinton an unfair advantage over Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders, then her intraparty rival, before a televised town hall event.

'The emails also show that Hillary was given CNN town hall questions before her big debate against Bernie Sanders. Is that possible?' he asked.

'Donna Brazile, the DNC vice-chair, emailed  "From time to time, I get questions in advance" she said. Oh, that's fair!'

Warming up the crowd for Trump, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani latched on to another Wikileaks document that recounted Clinton describing in a speech how it was helpful to embrace one position publicly while embracing the opposite view privately.

'Do you know what it means to say that you have a public and private position?' Giuliani roared. 'It means you lie! You're a liar!'

'I say one thing back there to the rich people I want to get money from, and then I say something totally different. And boy, did she do that! Time after time after time after time.'

'It is impossible to know if Hillary Clinton is telling the truth,' he claimed.

'I actually believe when I look at all these Wikileaks, we may be dealing with a pathological liar. She could possibly pass a polygraph test while she was lying. It's possible!'

Trump on Tuesday was full of his usual vim, vigor, pomp and circumstance.

'America, if I get elected,' he said at one point, will become '

Two women near the stage shouted, 'When?'

'"When? When?" They always go, "When? when?"' Trump remarked.

'But I like to, you know, kinda leave it. You don't want to seem too egotistical.'

'You'd better make sure we win or there will be no more Trump rallies,' he joked.
An angry judge has admonished Salim Mehajer for texting in court before dismissing his bid to overturn an apprehended violence order banning him from approaching the father of a Lindt Cafe siege survivor.

Mehajer, the controversial former Auburn Deputy Mayor, had challenged the continuation of the AVO in the Downing Centre District Court on Wednesday but Judge Paul Conlon dismissed the appeal.

A irritated Judge Conlon also took a swipe at Mehajer for using his phone while he made his judgement.

'I would appreciate it Mr Mehajer if you put your phone away and stopped texting on it. It would be a good idea,' he said, the Daily Telegraph reported.

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Khadijeh 'Kat' Mehajer, the sister of former Auburn deputy mayor Salim Merhajer,appeared alongside him at Downing Centre District Court

Former Auburn council deputy mayor Salim Mehajer has lost his bid to overturn an AVO preventing him from approaching the father of a Lindt Cafe siege survivor

Mehajer had been accused of threatening to kidnap Bruce Herat's children and of claiming to have people working in the police who would shoot Mr Herat, a personal trainer at a Anytime Fitness gym and father to Lindt Cafe siege survivor Joel Herat.

The alleged altercation was sparked by Mr Herat asking Mehajer to stop slamming his weights to the floor, which the then deputy mayor did not appreciate.

Mr Herat claimed Mehajer said he would have his children kidnapped and repeatedly said, 'don't you know who I am', after an argument at the gym.

Mehajer denied the accusations, and labelled them 'evil' and 'un-Australian' in an interview with Channel Nine's A Current Affair.

Mehajer alleged they were motivated by a business deal that went bad and are people involved were trying to 'set him up'.

He challenged the continuation of the AVO on Wednesday, but Judge Paul Conlon dismissed the appeal.

'Upon my consideration of all of the evidence it simply gives the impression of a rather poor attempt by the appellant to paint himself as a mild-mannered choirboy.'

'On the balance of probabilities I'm satisfied...that this threat towards Mr Herat's children was made. The overwhelming inference is that (Mr Herat) did fear the appellant,' the judge said.

Mr Herat did not appear in court.

Mehajer had been accused of threatening to kidnap Bruce Herat's children and of claiming to have people working in the police who would shoot Mr Herat (pictured on March 24)

Judge Paul Conlon dismissed the appeal and said Mehajer 'gives the impression of a rather poor attempt by the appellant to paint himself as a mild-mannered choirboy'

The AVO was extended in March for 12 months after Mehajer allegedly made threats against Bruce Herat, father of Lindt Cafe siege survivor Joel Herat

A irritated Judge Conlon also took a swipe at Mehajer for using his phone while he made his judgement

It's the second time in as many weeks the former mayor has been at Downing Centre District Court.

He appeared on October 4 to fight claims he owed a cleaner $25,000 in unpaid bills.

The controversial figure was banned from contacting his wife in July after police applied for the AVO on behalf of Aysha, who now goes by her maiden name Learmonth, following allegations of a dispute at her sister's Wollongong home.

The nine-month order was changed in altered in September which allowed the former deputy mayor to contact her but he was barred from stalking, making threats or assaulting Ms Learmonth.
Handwritten notes pledging allegiance to ISIS were reportedly found in the pockets of two knife-wielding teenage terrorist suspects who were arrested near a mosque in Sydney's south-west.

Counter-terrorism police arrested two 16-year-old boys on Fetherstone Road in Bankstown on Wednesday afternoon following reports of an alleged terror plot,The Daily Telegraph reported.

The pair were apprehended by officers near a courthouse and the Bankstown Musalla, which is an open space outside a mosque, mainly used for praying.

The teenagers, who were initially believed to be 17, are believed to have been walking to the Bankstown Police Station with weapons, allegedly two bayonets, according to Nine News.

Two terrorist suspects, both 16, were arrested on Wednesday while walking to a south-west Sydney police station allegedly carrying bayonets and notes pledging allegiance to ISIS (pictured)

The suspects, who were arrested near a Blacktown mosque, were believed to be behind a new terrorist plot (pictured)

The pair, who were also carrying notes pledging their dedication to the Islamic State, are now being questioned at Bankstown police station, along with numerous family members including one of the teenager's mothers.

Witnesses said one of the boys was seen smiling as he sat on the ground in handcuffs.

Both of the men have been known to police officers for several years, Nine News reported.

Witnesses said one of the boys was seen smiling as he sat on the ground in handcuffs (pictured)

The teenagers, who were initially believed to be 17, are believed to have been walking to the Bankstown Police Station with weapons (pictured)

Both of the men have been known to police officers for several years (pictured)

One of the teenagers was allegedly arrested a few years ago and accused of not standing for the national anthem at his high school.

After the pair were arrested, Muslim preacher Juniad Thorne approached officers and asked them to tell him 'Where are my brothers?' The Daily Telegraph reported.

Thorne was held in the Supermax High Risk Management Centre in Goulburn, New South Wales, for four months for dodging counter-terrorism authorities and using a false name to fly from Perth to Sydney, ABC reported.

The two teenagers are being questioned at Blacktown Police Station, as well as several family members

The mother of one of the men was seen being questioned at the police station

A NSW Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia there was an ongoing investigation but refused to comment further.

'Police are unable to release anything further at this time however there is no on-going threat in relation to this matter,' police said in a statement.

More to come.
One Nation senator Brian Burston has blamed Australia's refugee intake for violent crimes including drive-by shootings and home invasions.

Senator Burston also used his first speech in federal parliament to call for a new 'Patriotic Broadcasting Corporation' to replace 'biased' media like the ABC.

'Imagine the infrastructure that could be built or maintained with the money spent on 18,500 refugees who are to be forced on the nation every year by our establishment parties,' he told parliament on Tuesday.

'Experience tells us that many of these refugees will be unemployed for extended periods, as will their children, and impact negatively on our society.'

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One Nation senator Brian Burston has blamed Australia's refugee intake for violent crimes

Senator Burston also used his first speech in federal parliament to call for a new 'Patriotic Broadcasting Corporation', claiming the ABC had been subject to a cultural Marxist takeover

Echoing the first speech of his leader Pauline Hanson last month, Senator Burston warned Australia was being 'swamped'.

Indiscriminate immigration was 'immoral nonsense' destroying social cohesion, he said, calling for restrictions on Muslim immigration.

He said Australia's experiment with mass Muslim immigration had failed, claiming there was evidence it led to welfare dependency, organised crime, a long-term threat of terrorism and 'questionable loyalty'.

'Car-jackings. Home invasions. Flash riots. Drive-by shootings.'

Echoing the first speech of his leader Pauline Hanson last month, Senator Burston warned Australia was being 'swamped' (pictured with One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts)

Senator Burston called for public funding to be stripped from the ABC claiming it had been subject to a cultural Marxist takeover with the money to instead be put toward a new public broadcaster called the Patriotic Broadcasting Corporation representing mainstream Australia.

The ABC, SBS and NITV were biased against mainstream Australia, he said.

'The ABC long ago abandoned any semblance of patriotism, or even balance,' he said.

'The remaining ABC structure would receive funding commensurate with the size of its inner city, Greens-voting constituency.'

Several Greens senators walked out of the chamber or interjected during the speech and none of them congratulated Senator Burston afterwards, as is customary.

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson agreed with Senator Burston, telling reporters on Wednesday that the ABC needed to be 'pulled into line'

One Nation leader Pauline Hanson agreed with her colleague, saying the ABC needs to be 'pulled into line' and accusing the public broadcaster of unbalanced reporting.

'The ABC does need to be pulled into line,' she told reporters in Canberra on Wednesday.

'It is a broadcasting network for the whole of Australia. I'd like to see a more balanced view with regards to their reporting.

Australia had people from all different cultural backgrounds and wanted that diversity represented, Senator Hanson said.

'Not just leaning towards one organisation or a left view,' she said.
One of Australia's top judges believes murdered Melbourne schoolgirl Masa Vukotic could still be alive if more was done to help her killer during his childhood.

Supreme Court Chief Justice Marilyn Warren believes Sean Price's decision to stab the 17-year-old to death at random in a park in Doncaster, Melbourne, in March last year could have been prevented.

During a speech in Darwin on Tuesday night, Chief Justice Warren said if more was done to help a troubled Price in his younger years, the slain schoolgirl's death may never have occurred.

Arrested a day after stabbing Masa 49 times, an enraged Price gave police an insight into his troubled mind.

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Masa Vukotic (pictured) was stabbed 49 times by Sean Price as she walked through a park in Doncaster, Melbourne, in March 2015. The 17-year-old schoolgirl was a complete stranger to Price

Price, 32, was sentenced to life in prison. However Victoria's top judge Marilyn Warren believes if Price had of received more help during his troubled childhood he may never have committed the murder

'I just hated society. It just built up... it's hatred,' Price told police.

'She started talking to a bird like... Snow White. This one just ended up being the one.'

According to Chief Justice Warren, Price endured 'a very difficult childhood'.

Not only did he suffer developmental problems from birth, but also seemingly grew up without a father figure.

'His parents separated when he was five years old. He then lived with his mother, who had relationships with several violent men,' she said.

'He was physically and sexually abused.'

In a speech on Tuesday night, Chief Justice Warren said Price had suffered developmental problems from birth and was abusing drugs and alcohol, and had mental health problems, from his teenage years

According to Chief Justice Warren if Price had of received help 'he (May never have) murdered an innocent young woman who happened to pass him by'. The murder of Masa Vukotic caused much community outrage with thousands attending a vigil for the slain schoolgirl

Price smiled towards cameras after being arrested following the murder, before telling police he killed the teenager because he 'just hated society'

The Chief Justice also outlined his history of drug and alcohol abuse, which began at 15.

She said his criminal career began at 18, while just one year later at the age of 19 he required mental health treatment, before at age 31 'he murdered an innocent young woman who happened to pass him by'.

However Chief Justice Warren said if things had of been brighter during his childhood, he may not have turned into a killer as an adult.

'Had there been an intervention in his childhood, perhaps this offenders life would have turned out very differently and his vile offending avoided,' she said.

Masa's father Slabvoljub Vukotic (right) arrives for Price's pre-sentencing hearing last December

Chief Justice Warren also noted that when Price was sentenced last year, Justice Lex Lasry admitted he had been 'failed' as a child.

'Executive government, through whichever instrumentality was appropriate, has both failed to treat you and, as these terrible crimes demonstrate, failed to protect the community from the danger you clearly posed,' Justice Lasry said.
Celebrity attorney Gloria Allred and a group of leading women's groups on Tuesday demanded MGM release outtakes from NBC's 'The Apprentice.'

Allred says the tapes are a matter of 'public interest'  and called on MGM and its president, Mark Burnett, to release additional footage showing Donald Trump on the show, which he led for 11 years.

The tapes have been in high demand since footage from 2005  showing Trump bragging about touching women without consent  came to light on Friday.

In the tape, Trump says stars can do anything to women, including grabbing them 'by the p***y.'

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Celebrity attorney Gloria Allred (left) joined a group of leading women's groups Tuesdays in demanding MGM's Mark Burnett (right) release outtakes from NBC's 'The Apprentice'

Allred says the tapes are a matter of 'public interest'  and called on MGM and Mark Burnett to release additional footage showing Donald Trump on the show, which he led for 11 years

A day later, former 'The Apprentice' producer Bill Pruitt tweeted that the Republican candidate said 'far worse' on the show  launching a hunt for embarrassing footage that could damage Trump's campaign.

And more than 20 people have told the Associated Press that Trump used sexist and demeaning language on the set of the show.

Allred  a delegate for Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention  marched on to the Beverly Hills corporate offices for MGM, which owns the show.

She was joined by leaders from the California National Organization for Women and the California Democratic Party Women's Caucus in demanding the tapes be released.

Allred  a delegate for Hillary Clinton at the Democratic National Convention  marched on to the Beverly Hills corporate offices for MGM, which owns the show

Burnett has already said he 'does not have the ability nor the right to release footage or other material from 'The Apprentice' because of legal restrictions.

'Various contractual and legal requirements also restrict MGM's ability to release such material,' the company said in a statement.

Allred says it is his 'civic duty' to do so.

'The compelling public interest overrides any confidentiality clauses MGM, Burnett Productions Co. or you personally may be hiding behind,' she wrote.

'Those clauses are not intended to shield a presidential candidate from scrutiny that he himself has invited by making his racism, xenophobia and misogyny a campaign issue.

'Mr. Burnett, history can turn on a single act, one decision to do the right thing. You have an obligation to take that step today.'

A former 'The Apprentice' producer said the Republican candidate said 'far worse' on the show  launching a hunt for damaging footage

Despite legal limitations, Allred told Burnett there may be a way out.

'I would request and welcome a meeting with you and your attorneys in which you would explain in detail the specifics of those claimed restrictions and/or prohibitions,' she wrote on a open letter to MGM, which she hoped to deliver before being barred at the door Tuesday.

' In the alternative, I would proposed that the evidence supporting your assertion that there is a legal basis for your refusal to release footage of Mr. Trump on 'The Apprentice' be disclosed to a panel of three retired Los Angeles Superior Court judges who would review your claimed legal restrictions and determine if the footage of Mr. Trump can legally be released.'

'As president of MGM Television, you have that evidence, and releasing it is your civic duty,' Allred wrote.

A rep for MGM did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
A young boy has had to undergo surgery to save his eyesight after he was viciously attacked by a magpie while on his way to school.

Cameron Nielsen from Gladstone, Queensland, was the victim of what wildlife experts have called one of the worst magpie attacks they've ever seen.

The magpie managed to pierce through the eight-year-old's eyelid and scratch his eyeball, his mother Skye Nielsen told Daily Mail Australia.

Cameron Nielsen (pictured), eight, was attacked by a magpie as he walked to school in Gladstone, Queensland

The magpie pierced the young boy's eyelid (pictured) and scratched his eyeball, his mother said

'It's went through his eyelid and scratched his eyeball across his pupil and onto the white area - it's not deep, but long,' she said.

Ms Nielsen said she picked Cameron up from his school after they called her and told her he had been attacked.

Within a few hours, Ms Nielsen said he was complaining that he couldn't see properly and was 'sitting in his bed with a pillow over his face.'

The youngster was rushed from Gladstone to Brisbane's Lady Cilento Children's Hospital, a trip of more than 500 kilometres away.

Within a few hours of the attack, Ms Nielsen (pictured with her three children) said Cameron (right) was complaining that he couldn't see properly and was 'sitting in his bed with a pillow over his face'

He underwent urgent surgery to save the sight in his eye and says he can now see properly, Ms Nielsen said.

'He's fine and back to his normal self but we have to give him eye-drops constantly,' she said.

They will have to trek back to the Brisbane hospital every two weeks for checkups and he will be sedated again after 10 weeks to have the stitches removed, she said.

'It's a long process but we've got to get it done.'

He underwent urgent surgery to save the sight in his eye and says he can now see properly, Ms Nielsen said

Ms Nielsen said she was shocked that a magpie had done this to her son and said she had never before heard of such a violent attack.

Magpies, particularly the males, are known to swoop at people to protect their nests and offspring during Spring, or typically from July to November.

Frank Mills, the regional manager for Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection wildlife management told ABC Cameron's attack is the most severe attack reported this season.
A teenager's selfies have been stolen from social media and published on a porn website.

Noelle Martin, now 22, was just 17-years-old when her selfies were stolen from Facebook, she told ABC's 7.30 program to air on Wednesday night.

In some of the images, the predators had doctored the Australian student's face onto photos of a naked model's body.

Noelle Martin, now 22, was 17-years-old in this image which was stolen by predators and published on porn websites

Ms Martin had discovered images of herself about 2am at her university residence while playing around with Google's reverse image search, a tool which shows where an image has been published online.

People had made lewd comments about her on the websites, she said.

'They were saying things like: "The amount of come that's been spilt over her could fill a swimming pool". Or: "Cover her face and we'd f*** her body". I was called trash, a sl**.'

She was 18 when she discovered her image had been plastered on porn sites and has been fighting to have the pictures pulled ever since.

One webmaster had even tried to blackmail her for more nude photographs for his private collection when she requested he take the photo down.

Ms Martin said she was concerned she appeared to be voluntarily pictured on the porn sites.

Predators stole her image from Facebook, doctored her face onto the body of naked models, and posted the photo to porn websites

'They can ruin a girl's life by this. They literally can ruin a girl's life by what they're doing,' she told 7.30.

Ms Martin is calling on the government to crack down on the practice.

She had been to local and federal police, as well as other agencies, who had all referred her onto other departments.

Ms Martin is now finishing off her law degree and is campaigning for tougher laws with other victims of parasite porn.
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These stunning photographs capture vintage biplanes soaring above the English coast.

The aircraft were seen above Brighton on Monday as part of a promotional event ahead of a 8,000 mile flight from Crete to Cape Town next month.

The Vintage Air Rally endurance challenge will see 12 teams, including from the UK and Ireland, make 37 stops over 35 days after setting off.

Tiger Moth DH82A, piloted by Ian Perry, left, and Travel Air 4000, piloted by Pedro Langdon, are flown over the English coast

Pilot Pedro Langdon (foreground) looks out over the sea from his aircraft as Ian Perry flies his Tiger Moth DH82A behind

Pilot Ian Perry flies over the calm waters off the English coast in a Tiger Moth DH82A. Foreground, the wing of Travel Air 4000

High above the rolling English hills, pilot Ian Perry flies a Tiger Moth DH82A as part of the promotional event

An English Tiger Moth DH82A, left, and a Canadian Travel Air 4000 fly over the burned out Brighton Pier

Participants will sleep on the sand by the Nubian pyramids in Sudan, in tents in South Africa and on river boats on the Nile in Egypt during their adventure.

Among the aircrafts taking part will be the G-AAMY plane flown in the 1985 Oscar-winning film Out of Africa, starring Robert Redford and Meryl Streep.

Organisers of the endurance challenge say it will be the first time so many aircraft will have travelled such a distance across Africa.

And it is the first group of aircraft to have gained permission to land at the ancient Giza pyramids in Egypt in 50 years, they added.

Zambian-born businessman Martin Wiseman, who lives in Hull, will fly in an Antonov An-2 single-engine Russian bi-plane.

He said: 'It's very hard to express the feelings on this trip. Excitement, anticipation, challenge, going back to my home country, the pleasure of meeting my President Edgar Lungu of Zambia.

Travel Air 4000, piloted by Pedro Langdon, left, and Tiger Moth DH82A, piloted by Ian Perry, right, fly over a sailboat

A Tiger Moth flies alongside a Travel Air 4000 biplane at the launch of the Vintage Air Rally in Shoreham, Sussex

Pilot Pedro Langdon, right, looks deep in concentration as he flies the vintage aircraft over the English coast

The Vintage Air Rally endurance challenge will see 12 teams make 37 stops over 35 days after setting off from Crete

A Tiger Moth DH82A is photographed on the runway during the promotional event for the endurance challenge

'Flying the Antonov is also a massive challenge. It's big, powerful and everything is in Russian. It's also the most I will have flown in the shortest time, expecting to rack up 100 hours in two months.

'I have 700 hours in 15 years to date. I suppose the most exciting is also the unknown. Flying over the Mediterranean is risky.

'Sea crossings are always dangerous, especially with only one engine. Couple that with the age of the aircraft, it will be interesting.'

Sam Rutherford, organiser of the VAR, said the flight will take in some of the beautiful parts of Africa and follow in the slipstream of pioneering flights of the 1920s.

A Travel Air 4000, piloted by Pedro Langdon, left, and Tiger Moth DH82A, piloted by Ian Perry, fly over the sea

A Tiger Moth flies alongside a Travel Air 4000 biplane on a crisp autumn day ahead of the ambitious flight
An American arms dealer claims he was made a scapegoat for an Obama and Clinton-led 2011 plot to arm Libyan rebels that saw arms flowing to Al Qaeda, ISIS and the Benghazi attackers.

Marc Turi faced trial for illegally selling arms, but charges in the five-year, $10million case were dropped on October 5.

That's because, he told Fox News, Democrats were worried about political blowback for Clinton if it emerged that the government had accidentally put weapons in the hands of America's enemies.

'I would say, 100 per cent, I was victimized,' he told the channel, 'to somehow discredit me, to throw me under the bus, to do whatever it took to protect their next presidential candidate.'

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Marc Turi (pictured) faced trial for allegedly selling arms to Libya in 2011 despite a UN ban. But he says he was scapegoated after Clinton stole his idea to circumvent ban and screwed up

He says that the government cut him out and sold arms to Libyan rebels during Arab Spring, but the guns went to ISIS, Al Qaeda and Ansar al-Sharia, which was behind Benghazi attack

Watch the latest video at <a href="http://video.foxnews.com">video.foxnews.com</a>

Turi, 48, told Fox that the Obama administration had wanted to arm Libyan rebels to overthrow Muammar Gaddafi during the Arab Spring uprising, but were stopped by a UN sanction on arms sales to the country.

He said he came up with a plan to sell weapons to US allies in Qatar and the United Arab Emirates who would then pass them on to Libya, but was cut out of the deal by Clinton's State Department and the CIA, who transported the weapons themselves.

Those weapons, he said, then went to just about everyone in Libya and Syria - friend and foe alike - after rebels got their hands on them.

Fox News asked Turi whether Al Qaeda, Ansar al-Sharia (the group behind the Benghazi attack), or ISIS - which was formed in 1999 - got the weapons; he replied: 'All of them, all of them, all of them.'

He says the Justice Department then attempted to scapegoat him, charging him with two counts of illegal arms dealing and two of lying on his State Department weapons application - despite him never actually selling anything.

Turi says Obama dropped the case against him for fear it would reveal Clinton's department's behind-the-scenes deals in secret transcripts

But taking the case to court would require them to publicly release transcripts acknowledging the secret weapons program, he told Fox.

'Those transcripts, from current as well as former CIA officers, were classified,' he said.

'If any of these relationships [had] been revealed it would have opened up a can of worms. There wouldn't have been any good answer for the US government especially in this election year.'

Instead, the government failed to meet an October 5 deadline to deliver discovery documents in the case and allowed it to be thrown out with prejudice - meaning it cannot be pursued again.

Had the case gone forward, it would have begun on November 8 - Election Day.

Turi says he emailed his idea about arming the rebels via the UAE and Qatar to Chris Stevens, then US envoy to the Libyan opposition on April 7, 2011.

The following day, Clinton suggested to her aide in an email: 'fyi. the idea of using private security experts to arm the opposition should be considered.'

That's not a coincidence, Turi says. And he believes Clinton's team deleted emails about the plan that 'would have gone to an organization within the Bureau of Political Military affairs within the State Department known as PM/RSAT (Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers.)'

He added that the incident might be linked to the 2012 Benghazi attack, in which Islamist militants killed 11 people - four of them Americans - when they attacked the US consulate in the Libyan city.

He said that 'theres a backstory to the actual buy-back program of the surface-to-air missiles that were shipped and mysteriously disappeared out of Benghazi,' but said the details would wait for 'another time.'

Turi also believes that Clinton deleted emails that would have gone to the Bureau of Political Military Affairs within the State Department concerning the plot

The arms seller's ordeal is now over, but it left its mark on him.

'I am glad this horrific five-year ordeal is over and I am pleased to be able to move on with my life,' he told Fox News last week.

'The American public has the right to know that an injustice was committed against an innocent American.'

He added that defending himself had taken away his life as well as his money and company.

'I still don't 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.'

The arms dealer says his life and business were ruined by the five-year, $10m case against him, which was dropped last week when prosecutors declined to file discovery documents

Details of Turi's defense remain mired in secrecy with prosecutors saying 'discovery rulings' by US District Court Judge David Campbell led to the decision to drop the case.

A joint motion by both sets of lawyers asks Judge Campbell to accept a confidential agreement to resolve the case through a civil settlement between the State Department and Turi.

As a result Turi admitted no guilt in the transactions he participated in and escaped a $200,000 fine, but agreed to refrain from arms dealing for four years.

A State Department official told Politico: 'Mr Turi cooperated with the Department's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls in its review and proposed administrative settlement of the alleged violations.'

Libyan rebels secure a checkpoint on a road east of Tripoli in September 2011. Turi was accused of selling weapons to the rebels with the authorization of the State Department

One of Turi's lawyers, Jean-Jacques Cabou, told Politico last week: 'Our position from the outset has been that this case never should have been brought and we're glad it's over.

'Mr Turi didn't break the law We're very glad the charges are being dismissed.'

Clinton has already attracted significant flak from Donald Trump for her handling of the Benghazi episode.

Trump accused Lester Holt, the moderator of the first presidential debate, of letting Mrs Clinton off when it came to Benghazi.

Clinton has received much flak for the 2012 Benghazi attack on the US consulate in the Libyan city. If it emerged she was responsible for the attackers' arms, the damage would be huge
Texas Congressman Blake Farenthold has apologized after suggesting he would only 'consider' pulling his support for Donald Trump and would need more 'context' if the Republican candidate said he enjoyed raping woman.

Rep. Farenthold was posed with the hypothetical situation on MSNBC on Tuesday night while being interviewed about the tape of Trump bragging about sexually assaulting women.

The Republican representative for the 27th Congressional district, in Corpus Christi, is a prominent Trump supporter in the Lone Star State.

While dozens of senior Republicans said they wouldn't back the billionaire as a result of the lewd comments, Farenthold has showed no signs of pulling his support.

Rep. Blake Farenthold, is seen on Capitol Hill in Washington. He apologized for what he said in the interview, saying he was 'thrown off' by the hypothetical question

Asked by MSNBC host Chris Hayes where he would draw the line and whether he would have withdrawn his support if Trump had said he enjoyed raping women, Farenthold initially said: 'It depends' and then said he would 'consider' it.

Trump has seen a wave of senior Republicans, including Senator John McCain and House of Representatives Speaker, Paul Ryan, pull their support from Trump.

But Farenthold told MSNBC: 'Until he does something so bad to make him worse than Hillary, I'm still in.'

Hayes posed a hypothetical scenario: 'If someone off the record, in a locker room - this was not in a locker room, it was a workplace - said "I really like raping women", would that be locker-room talk?'

Farenthold answered, 'Again, it depends, you don't know the entire context of all this.'

Hayes asked: 'But you would be fine with that?'

'I don't like what he said,' reiterated Farenthold.

Hayes then said: 'If a tape came out with Donald Trump saying that, saying "I really like to rape women", you would continue to endorse him?'

'Again...that would be bad. And I'd have to consider it, but again, we're talking about what Donald Trump said 10 years ago as opposed to what Hillary Clinton has done in the past two or three years. She's been a failure,' Farenthold replied.

The video tape which has got Trump (left) into trouble ends with him getting off a tour bus with Access Hollywood host Billy Bush (right) and chatting with Days of Our Lives actress Arianne Zucker (center)

Farenthold was asked if Trump could say anything which would lead to him losing his endorsement.

He replied: 'Absolutely, but I think actions speak louder than words' and he went on to refer to the row over the tape as a 'kerfuffle'.

Later Farenthold, who was once sued for sexual harassment, tweeted: 'I apologize for my failure to immediately condemn anyone who would say something as outrageous as they like raping women.

'During an interview on MSNBC with Chris Hayes tonight, I was thrown off by the anchors use of a hypothetical question.
Hie was driving home from a funeral when she

A woman who admitted to being high on meth when she crashed her car and killed her four-year-old daughter has been refused permission to change her guilty plea.

Kylie Anne Hie, 34, pleaded guilty aggravated death by dangerous driving on the first day of her trial in Adelaide's District Court on August 17, 2016.

Hie had 0.34mg of meth in her system when she tried to 'squeeze' around a 40 tonne semi-trailer on the South Eastern Freeway in Adelaide in November 2013 after a family member's funeral, the Advertiser reported.

Her white Toyota smashed into the back of the trailer killing her daughter Charlotte, who was illegally strapped in the front passenger seat at the time of the collision.

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Kylie Anne Hie (left), 34, admitted to being high on drugs when she crashed her car and killed her four-year-old daughter Charlotte May-Grace (right) in November 2013 in Adelaide

Charlotte (right), who was conceived through IVF, died at the Women's and Children's Hospital and Hie (left) received serious injuries

Hie tried to 'squeeze' around a 40 tonne semi-trailer while heading home after a family member's funeral (pictured)

Hie had initially denied the charges, which come with a maximum life imprisonment and 10-year driving ban, but after visiting a shrine established at the scene of the crash for her daughter Charlotte May-Grace, had a change of heart and pleaded guilty.

On August 18, the second day of her trial, she requested to withdraw the guilty plea - claiming that seeing the scene of the crash had left her traumatised and led her to make a decision in a poor mental state.

But on Wednesday, Judge Paul Slattery denied Hie's request to withdraw a guilty plea - dismissing medical testimony that reasoned she was depressed and not fit to make a decision at the time, the ABC reported.

Hie (pictured) later requested to have her guilty plea withdrawn, but that request was denied by Judge Paul Slattery in court on Wednesday

'I am satisfied that when Ms Hie entered her plea, she was unaffected by any form of coercion, pressure or attempted persuasion of her to enter in a plea on one basis or another,' Judge Slattery said in his written ruling.

'For the same reasons, I would reject any contention by Ms Hie that she was incapable of making a decision to plead guilty.'

Hie has previously been convicted of drink-driving, speeding and driving while disqualified.

She remained silent outside of court on bail, supported by her partner Leon, and will face sentencing submissions at a later date.
Prisons in Europe are becoming 'breeding grounds' for jihadist groups, with some criminals seeing violent extremism as a form of redemption for their crimes, a report has found.

The emergence of Islamic State has strengthened the link between crime and terrorism, according to research, and as many as one in five UK maximum security prisoners are Muslim compared to one in 20 in the British population.

Rather than looking to universities or religious establishments, IS increasingly turns to 'ghettos', prisons and 'underclasses' to recruit individuals with a history of criminal behaviour, it said.

At Whitemoor prison in Cambridgeshire (pictured), 44 per cent of the 447 inmates are Muslim. It is the highest proportion in any British jail and nearly double the number recorded less than a decade ago

Jihadist and criminal groups are recruiting from the same pool of people, while their social networks are also converging, the International Centre for the Study of Radicalisation and Political Violence (ICSR) found, in what it dubbed a 'new crime-terror nexus'.

The report by the British think tank examined the profiles of European jihadists recruited since 2011.

Prisons provide a ready supply of 'angry young men' who are 'ripe' for radicalisation, according to the study, entitled Criminal Pasts, Terrorist Futures: European Jihadists and the New Crime-Terror Nexus.

ICSR director Peter Neumann, one of the report's authors, said the lines between crime and jihadist groups were becoming 'increasingly blurred'.

'Prison is becoming important as a place where a lot of networking happens,' he said.

'Given the recent surge in terrorism-related arrests and convictions, we are convinced that prisons will become more - rather than less - significant as breeding grounds for the jihadist movement.'

Prisons in Europe are becoming 'breeding grounds' for jihadist groups, with some criminals seeing violent extremism as a form of redemption for their crimes, a report has found

Of those studied, 57 percent had been incarcerated before being radicalised and at least 27 percent of those who spent time in prison were radicalised behind bars.

For some, jihadism offered a form of 'redemption' for their crimes, researchers said.

Ali Almanasfi, a British-Syrian from London who fought in Syria after serving a jail term for violent assault, was cited in the report as saying: 'I want to do something good for once. I want to do something pure.'

According to Neumann, the findings point to a shift if the way ISIS operates.

'We think ISIS no longer aspires to be a very theological organisation,' he said.

'It embodies the brutality, strength and power that these young people who were often members of gangs are looking for.

'It basically tells them "you can continue to do all the things you did before, but now you can get into heaven".'

Neumann said radicalisation was becoming faster because 'a lot of these people have already been convicted of violent crime, so the jump to being a violent extremist is not so big.'

Recruiting in prisons allows jihadist groups to tap 'transferrable skills', the study found, including familiarity with weapons and self-financing through crime.

Researchers from the ICSR, based at King's College London, compiled profiles of 79 European jihadists with criminal pasts, from Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, Germany and the Netherlands.

All had either travelled abroad to fight or been involved in terrorist plots in Europe.

Over the past five years an estimated 5,000 Western Europeans have travelled to the Middle East to join jihadist groups such as IS and the Syrian Fateh al-Sham Front, a former Al-Qaeda affiliate, the report said.

Meanwhile one in five inmates serving sentences in Britain's maximum security jails are Muslim, figures released last year show.

There are currently 5,885 highly dangerous criminals behind bars in the eight Category A prisons in the UK, of which 1,229 follow the Islamic faith.

The figure equates to 20 per cent of high-security prisoners and, according to figures obtained by The Sun, is an increase of 23 per cent from five years ago.

One in five inmates serving sentences in Britain's maximum security jails are Muslim, figures show. Lee Rigby's killers Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale were jailed at Category A prison Belmarsh

The percentage rise has been far greater than the Muslim population increase in the UK, which is currently at five per cent.

At Whitemoor prison in Cambridgeshire, 44 per cent of the 447 inmates are Muslim.

It is the highest proportion in any British jail and nearly double the number recorded less than a decade ago.

Among those behind bars at the prison is Zia Al Haq, 36, from Wembley, north London, who was sentenced to 18 years in 2007 after plotting to bomb a London Tube tunnel.

Another terrorist at Whitemoor is Nezar Hindawi, 61, serving 45 years for planting a bomb in his pregnant fiancee's hand luggage on a flight from Heathrow to Tel Aviv, which could have killed 375.

Meanwhile, Belmarsh prison in south east London currently has 248 Muslim inmates out of 868, which equates to more than 28 per cent.

A number of high-profile terror suspects have passed through the high-security jail, including former Guantanamo Bay detainee Moazzam Begg and Lee Rigby's killers Michael Adebolajo and Michael Adebowale.

Manchester prison is home to 202 Muslims out of the 1,106 prisoners, while 163 out of the 615 inmates at Long Lartin, Worcestershire, are Muslim.

Full Sutton, East Yorkshire, has 137 Muslim prisoners out of 586, while Woodhill in Milton Keynes has 108 out of 707.

Frankland prison in County Durham has 97 Muslim prisoners out of 832 while Wakefield, West Yorkshire, has 75 of 724.

Anti-terror think-tank the Quilliam Foundation warned jails were 'ripe' to become extremist recruiting grounds.

A series of reports on Whitemoor have also revealed that inmates come under intense pressure to convert to Islam, which is treated by many as a gang or protection racket rather than a religion.

According to watchdog Independent Monitoring Board, Muslims form the 'biggest power bloc' and are taking over from the previous 'gangs'.

Last year, extremist Kamel Bourgass (pictured), serving life for murdering a policeman, won a Supreme Court case after claiming he had been held in solitary confinement for too long at Whitemoor

In a report released last year, it said: 'Against this background we note that some prisoners and staff found the Muslim presence overwhelming.

'The social and religious fragmentation within Whitemoor potentially posed risks for discipline and hence safety.'

The Prison Officers Association also warned that radicalisation is a growing problem with 'clear evidence of an Islamic gang culture aimed at young men'.

But Ministry of Justice data shows that between October 2012 and January 2015, there were 104 Muslims out of 178 prisoners who'd been jailed for 'terrorism-related offences where the motivation stemmed from extreme ideology'.

This is less than 1 per cent of the total Muslim prisoner population.

In 2010, the then Chief Inspector of Prisons, Dame Anne Owers, published a report on Muslims in jails, in which she linked the growth in numbers to the age and socio-economic profiles of the Muslim population in general.

Charity Muslim Aid has previously said that poverty is a key factor driving crime, and therefore imprisonment, among Muslims.

Last year, extremist Kamel Bourgass, serving life for murdering a policeman as he went on the run from a ricin factory, won a Supreme Court case after claiming he had been held in solitary confinement for too long at Whitemoor.

He was segregated at the jail, and eventually moved out of it, because he was feared to be involved in 'an escalation in violence' at the prison'.

Non-Muslim Whitemoor inmates include Michael Sams, 72, jailed for life in 1993 for murdering Julie Dart, 18, and kidnapping estate agent Stephanie Slater.

Ian Huntley, 40, jailed for 40 years in 2003 for murdering two schoolgirls Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in Soham Cambs, has been an inmate.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman told MailOnline: 'The Secretary of State has asked the department to review its approach to dealing with Islamist extremism in prisons and probation.
Russia is ordering all of its officials to fly home any relatives living abroad amid heightened tensions over the prospect of global war, it has been claimed.

Politicians and high-ranking figures are said to have received a warning from president Vladimir Putin to bring their loved-ones home to the 'Motherland', according to local media.

It comes after Putin cancelled a planned visit to France amid a furious row over Moscow's role in the Syrian conflict and just days after it emerged the Kremlin had moved nuclear-capable missiles nearer to the Polish border.

Former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev has also warned that the world is at a 'dangerous point' due to rising tensions between Russia and the US.

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Politicians and high-ranking figures are said to have received a warning from president Vladimir Putin (pictured) to bring their loved-ones home to the 'Fatherland', according to local media

Russia is ordering all of its officials to fly home any relatives living abroad amid heightened tensions over the prospect of global war, it has been claimed

According to the Russian site Znak.com, administration staff, regional administrators, lawmakers of all levels and employees of public corporations have been ordered to take their children out of foreign schools immediately.

Failure to act will see officials jeopardising their chances of promotion, local media has reported.

The exact reason for the order is not yet clear.

But Russian political analyst Stanislav Belkovsky is quoted by the Daily Star as saying: 'This is all part of the package of measures to prepare elites to some 'big war'.'

Relations between Russia and the US are at their lowest since the Cold War and have soured in recent days after Washington pulled the plug on Syria talks and accused Russia of hacking attacks.

Mr Gorbachev's comments come as France has said they will ask the International Criminal Court's prosecutor to launch an investigation into war crimes it says have been committed by Syrian and Russian forces in eastern Aleppo, pictured

The Kremlin has also suspended a series of nuclear pacts, including a symbolic cooperation deal to cut stocks of weapons-grade plutonium.

Just days ago, it was reported that Russia had moved nuclear-capable missiles near to the Polish border as tensions escalated between the worlds largest nation and the West.

The Iskander missiles sent to Kaliningrad, a Russian enclave on the Baltic Sea between Nato members Poland and Lithuania, are now within range of major Western cities including Berlin.

Polish officials  whose capital Warsaw is potentially threatened  have described the move as of the 'highest concern'.

RUSSIA TESTS BALLISTIC MISSILES AS TENSIONS BUILD Russia's military conducted a series of intercontinental ballistic missile tests on Wednesday, the latest flexing of its muscles as tensions with the US spike over Syria. Russian forces fired a nuclear-capable rocket from a Pacific Fleet submarine in the Sea of Okhotsk north of Japan, state-run RIA Novosti reported. A Topol missile was shot off from a submarine in the Barents Sea, and a third was launched from an inland site in the north-west of the vast country, Russian agencies reported. The latest display of might by Moscow - which has been conducting regular military drills since ties with the West slumped in 2014 over Ukraine - comes as tensions have shot up in recent days. Russia has pulled the plug on a series of deals with the US - including a symbolic disarmament pact between the two nuclear powers to dispose of weapons-grade plutonium - as Washington has halted talks on Syria. The Kremlin has also moved an air defence missile system and missile cruisers to the war-ravaged country to bolster its forces there. That comes as the West has accused Moscow of committing potential war crimes in its bombing of rebel-held part of the city of Aleppo in support of an assault by regime forces. Washington has previously lashed out at Moscow for resorting to alleged "nuclear sabre-rattling" as East-West relations fell to the worst level since the Cold War following Russia's seizure of Crimea from Ukraine in March 2014. Advertisement

Putin's decision to cancel his Paris visit came a day after French President Francois Hollande said Syrian forces had committed a 'war crime' in the battered city of Aleppo with the support of Russian air strikes.

Putin had been due in Paris on October 19 to inaugurate a spiritual centre at a new Russian Orthodox church near the Eiffel Tower, but Hollande had insisted his Russian counterpart also took part in talks with him about Syria.

The unprecedented cancellation of a visit so close to being finalised is a 'serious step... reminiscent of the Cold War', said Russian foreign policy analyst Fyodor Lukyanov.

'This is part of the broader escalation in the tensions between Russia and the West, and Russia and NATO,' he told AFP.

The Kremlin has also been angered over the banning of the Russian Paralympic team from the Rio Olympics amid claims of state-sponsored doping of its athletes.

The unprecedented cancellation of Putin's visit to France so close to being finalised is a 'serious step... reminiscent of the Cold War', said Russian foreign policy analyst Fyodor Lukyanov

Meanwhile, the top advisor to US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has said the FBI is investigating Russia's possible role in hacking thousands of his personal emails.

But Russian officials have vigorously rejected accusations of meddling in the US presidential elections and dismissed allegations that Moscow was behind a series of recent hacks on US institutions.

Retired Russian Lt. Gen. Evgeny Buzhinsky told the BBC: 'Of course there is a reaction. As far as Russia sees it, as Putin sees it, it is full-scale confrontation on all fronts. If you want a confrontation, you'll get one.

'But it won't be a confrontation that doesn't harm the interests of the United States. You want a confrontation, you'll get one everywhere.'

Earlier this week British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson waded into the row, calling for anti-war campaigners to protest outside the Russian embassy in London.

Johnson said the 'wells of outrage are growing exhausted' and anti-war groups were not expressing sufficient outrage at the conflict in Aleppo.
A teenager allegedly had his nose broken as he was beaten unconscious at a party attended by 600 guests including students from Melbourne's top private schools.

The alleged assault occurred on the dance floor at a fundraising event for art therapy provider, The Art Cabriolet, at Malvern Town Hall on Saturday night.

The Age understands a year 11 Xavier College boy punched a year 10 Trinity Grammar student in the face.

It is understood a year 11 Xavier College boy punched a year 10 Trinity Grammar (pictured) student in the face

The Xavier College (pictured) boy was attracted to the Trinity student's girlfriend, according to sources who know the victim

The alleged attack is said to have followed an argument over a girl.

The Xavier College boy was attracted to the Trinity student's girlfriend, according to sources who know the victim.

Police said a 16-year-old boy was struck in the face by an 'attendee'.

The boy was taken to Epworth Hospital about 8:30pm after suffering a broken nose, neck injuries and a concussion.

Dr Chris Hayes, principal at Xavier College, did not confirm an Xavier student was involved in the dispute, but said he would assist police with their investigation.

No arrests have been made.

The police investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
Commuters took to social media to vent their anger over the incident

A trespasser caused chaos on a railway line yesterday after refusing to budge from the path of a train.

The man caused major delays to Great Northern Railway after the stand-off near Hatfield Station in Hertfordshire at around 5pm.

He was caught on camera marching up and down the line and even having an argument with a train driver through his window in what appeared to be a row over a ticket.

Three Hertfordshire Police officers were later seen running along the platform chasing after him as the crowds of commuters built up waiting for their trains home.

The trespasser, pictured, was caught on camera blocking a Kings Cross-bound train at Hatfield Station in Hertfordshire

He was seen standing marching up and down the tracks and in a stand-off with the service, pictured

At one point the video shows the man in what appears to be a heated argument with the driver through his cab window, pictured

British Transport Police, pictured, were called to the scene during rush-hour yesterday

According to other passengers on social media, the man, dressed in a red shirt, white trousers and a Manchester United-branded black jacket, was in dispute with train staff over his fare and took to the tracks as a result.

Many commuters were angry about the delays, with the incident causing initial delays of around 45 minutes but with residual delays lasting until the end of the day.

Tia Hussain tweeted: 'How many policeman does it take to tackle one man on the Hatfield train station tracks?! Delayed!'

Suchandrika added: '" There's still quite a struggle to get hold of the perpetrator," says our @GNRailUK train driver at Hatfield station.'

@GencayHasan added: 'Some geezer has actually run on the train tracks and standing in front of trains all coz he can't afford his train fare.

'All this over a train fare.'

British Transport Police confirmed they attended the scene to reports of a man on the train tracks.

Officers detained the man and took him to hospital.

A spokesman for Great Northern said: 'While the incident was taking place, trains were stopped on the line while the police dealt with the incident.

Several commuters, pictured, were left angry after facing delays of around 45 minutes

Some took to social media to vent their frustration at the delays caused by the incident

Many were upset because of the 45-minute delays during peak travel times

'It's reported that the police apprehended the person at around 17.20 and the lines were reopened at 17.30.

'The incident did cause disruption to Great Northern services with some trains cancelled and delays of up to 45 minutes at the height of the incident.

'Delay times reduced as the evening progressed and residual delays were felt up to the close of service last night.

'Great Northern ticket holders were able to use other train operators to complete their journeys.'
A teenage knife attacker on a moped chased down, ran over and repeatedly stabbed a 15-year-old boy as he lay helpless on the floor on a residential street.

The attacker was cheered on by teenage girls as his assault left the victim lying in a pool of blood on the street in Epsom, Surrey.

A passer-by who came across the boy as he lay bleeding called the emergency services to the scene.

A schoolboy was chased down this street in Epsom and stabbed by a knife-wielding teenager

The police said the victim suffered serious wounds to his arm and was transferred to St George's Hospital in Tooting after initially being taken to Epsom General Hospital.

He has since been discharged, but may have suffered permanent nerve damage.

A spokesman for Surrey Police said the attack took place between 10pm and 10.30pm on Friday, October 7.

'The victim was chased along the road by the suspect, who was on a moped. The suspect is alleged to have run the victim over before getting off and attacking him with a knife. The victim was taken to hospital by a passer-by who stopped to assist,' they said.

Detective Sergeant Glenn Parker, who is leading the investigation, said: 'This was a nasty assault involving a group of teenagers which has left the victim with serious stab wounds and possible nerve damage to his arm.

The victim was rushed to Epsom General Hospital after a passer-by called an ambulance

'We would like to reassure the local community that incidents of this nature are extremely rare and that we are carrying out a full and thorough investigation in order to bring the offenders to justice.

'Officers are carrying out a number of inquiries in relation to this incident and would like to appeal to anyone who witnessed the assault, or anyone with any other information, as a matter of urgency.'

A 15-year-old boy from Worcester Park in south west London was arrested on suspicion of assault causing grievous bodily harm in connection with the attack.

Two girls aged 14 and 15, both from Epsom, were held on suspicion of conspiracy to commit GBH.
A group of suspected illegal migrants were found in the back of a lorry after fellow motorists heard banging coming from its trailer.

Three men were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences after the truck was stopped in Worcester yesterday afternoon.

Drivers said they could hear noises coming from the back of the lorry as it drove through an industrial estate to the north of the town.

Three men were arrested on immigration offences after being found in the back of a lorry

Pictures from the scene show three men hunched on top of boxes in the back of the lorry as police help them down.

Footage was captured by an eyewitness, who does not wish to be named, after she called police as she travelled in the car behind.

The 44-year-old, from nearby Bewdley, said: 'My partner and I had just been to hospital to visit a relative and were driving home at the time.

'We followed the lorry for about five miles after it came off the motorway.

'We pulled up at an island and we could hear banging in the back of the lorry, and my partner said to call the police.

'I thought he was joking at first, but then I heard the banging again so I dialled 999.

'They told us to follow the lorry and stay on the line so we could tell them all the road names we were travelling along.'

Footage taken by a motorist shows police helping the men down and putting them on a verge

The truck, believed to be from Bulgaria, was stopped on an industrial estate in Worcester

The witness added: 'I think the lorry driver started to get a bit suspicious as it was going down quieter roads.

'The lorry driver then got out of the vehicle but did not open the back, so a policeman smashed open the back with a hammer.

'The first man out looked exhausted and they were banging really hard on the back door.

'It all seemed quite amicable and the officers helped the men out of the lorry, then we left.'

The lorry is believed to have been registered in Bulgaria, but its origins on the day the men were discovered is unknown. It was stopped around 200 miles from Dover, but it is not known if it had travelled through the port.

A police spokesman said: 'Shortly before 2pm today, Tuesday 11 October, West Mercia Police received a call reporting suspicious activity involving a lorry in the Wainwright Road of Worcester.
Robin Pearson (pictured) was shot by a sheriff's deputy after being pulled over for running a stop sign in a stolen car

A 51-year-old woman was reaching for her cellphone when she was shot and wounded by a sheriff's deputy after being pulled over for running a stop sign in a stolen car.

The deputy conducted the traffic stop on Robin Pearson in Paisley on Tuesday while he was responding to a noise complaint at a resident in Lake Kathryn, Paisley, at around 12.20am on Tuesday.

While in the neighborhood, the deputy saw a car run a stop sign and turned around to follow and stop the car.

Pearson briefly tried to flee before pulling over in the yard in a home on the 27000 block of Nancy Avenue.

When Pearson got out of the vehicle and started walking aggressively toward the deputy, Lake County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Fred Jones said.

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Pearson got out of the vehicle in Nancy Avenue (above, file photo)and started walking aggressively toward the deputy, Lake County sheriff's spokesman Sgt. Fred Jones said

The deputy told the 51-year-old to get back in the car, but she didn't comply and reached into her pocket.

Jones says that's when the deputy, fearing for his safety, fired. It later turned out she had a cellphone.

The girl was screaming. She got shot and he asked her why did she do what she did, and said what did you expect? Randy Redman, a resident, told WFTV.

The sheriffs office said the area had little to no lighting and that Pearson ignored repeated commands to return to her car.

Pearson was taken to Central Florida Regional Hospital in Sanford and is in stable condition.

She faces charges of grand theft auto, fleeing and attempting to elude an officer.

She has a lengthy criminal history of drug-related arrests, the sheriffs office said.

Deputies found methamphetamine in the area where the shooting took place.

Pearsons friend Jeff Krenn said he had seen her minutes before she was shot and knew that her license had been suspended.

I told her before, dont be driving, he told WFTV. She might have been drinking.

The deputy has been placed on paid administrative leave pending a preliminary administrative review, as is standard procedure in officer-involved shootings, the sheriffs office said.
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The Georgetown mansion where Jackie Kennedy lived after her husband's assassination has had its asking price slashed by $1million.

The federal-style home on N Street in Washington DC was put on the market for $9.75million after its owner, former Miss America Yolande Betbeze, died in February.

But despite being up for sale since June, the property has failed to sell and is now being listed for $8.995million.

Jackie Kennedy's former Georgetown mansion where she lived after the death of her husband. It went up for sale in June for $9.75million but has now had $1million slashed off the asking price

The federal-style home on N Street in Washington DC is on the market after its most recent owner, former Miss America Yolande Betbeze, died in February. Inside the property is seen above

In early 1964, the widowed Mrs Kennedy then bought the home on N Street. The garden in the home is seen above

A staircase in the home is seen above. The 7,000-square-foot home was built around 1794 and has six bedrooms, in addition to staff quarters

It comes just weeks after the Kennedy's country pile in Middleburg, Virginia, went on the market for $5.95million - almost half of its asking price when it first went on sale in 2013.

Jackie Kennedy was with her president husband John F. Kennedy in Dallas when he was shot dead by Lee Harvey Oswald in November 1963.

In the weeks after his death, the former First Lady and her two children John Jnr and Caroline, stayed at the White House before moving into a home owned by Averell Harriman, her husband's under secretary of state for political affairs.

In early 1964, the widowed Mrs Kennedy then bought the home on N Street, which is currently up for sale.

A modern installation of the Georgetown home is an elevator, which helps residents get around the three stories. Above a dining room is pictured

The spacious dining room with large windows letting in lots of light is viewed from a different angle

Mrs Kennedy moving into the property as she holds the hand of her son John Jnr. In early 1964, the widowed Mrs Kennedy then bought the home on N Street, which is currently up for sale

Mrs Kennedy moves in the 7,000 square foot home in 1964. It was built around 1794 and has six bedrooms, in addition to staff quarters

Washington Fine Properties, which marketing the home, says it is almost unchanged since the days the former first lady lived there. The garden is seen above

The 7,000-square-foot home was built around 1794 and has six bedrooms, in addition to staff quarters.

A modern installation is the home's elevator, which helps residents get around the three stories.

Another feature is the cupola at the top of the house with views of the Potomac River.

However, after just a year in the house, the family decided to relocate to New York City wanting privacy from the press and tourists.

The property was then sold to New Republic publisher Michael Straight.

Mr Straight later lived in the home with his second wife, Nina Auchincloss Steers, who happened to be Mrs Kennedy's stepsister.

In the 1970s, Straight sold the home to Miss Fox, who owned it until earlier this year.

And Washington Fine Properties, which marketing the home, says it is almost unchanged since the days the former first lady lived there.

News of the home comes as the Kennedy's Wexford country retreat is also struggling to raise interest in the property market.

News of the home comes as the Kennedy's Wexford country retreat, pictured, is also struggling to raise interest in the property market

The vacation home was put on sale by its current owners three years ago with an eye-watering $10.995million but now has an asking price of $5.95million

Sadly, the family would only get to spend three weekends together at the house before Kennedy's assassination. Mrs Kennedy would sell the property just a year later

Jackie Kennedy had convinced the late president to build the 166-acre summer retreat in 1962, wanting something more secluded and closer to Washington than their other vacation spot in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts

The family only got to spend three weekends together at the house before Kennedy's assassination. The grounds are pictured above

The four-bedroom, five-bathroom ranch house sits on 166 acres in the rolling hills of Middleburg, Virginia, and was completed in 1963.

Sadly, the family would only get to spend three weekends together at the house before Kennedy's assassination. Mrs Kennedy would sell the property just a year later.

The vacation home was put on sale by its current owners three years ago with an eye-watering $10.995million price tag.

Mrs Kennedy and her children riding horse at the 66-acre summer retreat which was intended to be an alternative to Camp David

But the house failed to sell. Now it's back on sale for nearly half that figure at $5.95million.

Jackie Kennedy had convinced the late president to build the 166-acre summer retreat in 1962, wanting something more secluded and closer to Washington than their other vacation spot in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts.
Donald Trump would be 'dangerous from an international point of view' if elected, the U.N. human rights chief said Wednesday, defiantly doubling down on his recent expression of concerns about 'populist demagogues' that prompted a rebuke from Russia's ambassador to the United Nations.

In a broad-ranging news conference touching on issues including violence in Yemen, Syria and sub-Saharan Africa, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein said some remarks by Trump are 'deeply unsettling and disturbing to me,' particularly on torture and about 'vulnerable communities.'

'If Donald Trump is elected, on the basis of what he has said already and unless that changes, I think it's without any doubt that he would be dangerous from an international point of view,' Zeid told reporters in Geneva.

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United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein said that Donald Trump would be 'dangerous from an international point of view' if he is elected

The comments from Zeid, a Jordanian prince, are likely to fan a debate in U.N. circles about whether he has been overstepping his mandate as the High Commissioner for Human Rights with comments on the U.S. presidential nominee and on nationalist, xenophobic leaders in parts of Europe.

It doesn't help that his home country has its own problems.

In Jordan, according to the U.S. State Department, Muslim women are not permitted to marry non-Muslim men and the man must convert for their marriage to be considered legal under sharia law, which guides the Middle Eastern country.

If a Christian woman converts to Islam, her Christian husband must also convert for the marriage to be legal. And if a Muslim husband and his non-Muslim wife divorce, she loses custody of the children after they reach seven years of age.

And earlier this year, the Committee to Protect Journalists detailed Jordan's crackdown on the media with a report saying the arrests 'tarnish[ed] Jordan's image as a reformer.'

Only a day earlier, Russia's ambassador to the United Nations in New York, Vitaly Churkin, said Zeid shouldn't criticize foreign heads of state and government 'for their policies.

This is not his business. He should be more focused on his specific responsibilities.'

Zeid alluded to a report Friday by The Associated Press indicating that Churkin had last month formally complained directly to the U.N. secretary-general about Zeid's recent comments, saying: 'I was not there, of course, and there was no demarche (formal report) made to me.'

The rights chief also advanced the debate publicly.

While he acknowledged U.N. rules that instruct the world body to avoid intervening in issues that are the 'domestic jurisdiction of states,' Zeid alluded to similar complaints about interference once made by apartheid South Africa that the U.N. General Assembly dismissed 'time and again.'

He appeared to lament a decline in public reaction to hardliners with dangerous rhetoric.

'When it comes to actions and statements from some of the populist demagogues, it is clear that we are seeing a permissive environment where these statements are made without there being the sort of uproar and reaction that one used to find commonplace,' Zeid said.

As for the run-up to the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election, Zeid said: 'Clearly I am not keen or intent on interfering in any political campaign within any particular country.'

Still, he added that he felt he should speak out in the wake of Trump's calls that suggested he favored a 'potential' for an increase in 'the use of torture.'

In recent months, Zeid has made speeches that denounced 'demagogues' and specifically targeted Trump and several populist leaders in Europe, even likening their tactics to Islamic State propaganda.

In Cleveland, Ohio, in April, Zeid alluded to Trump comments at a November rally where he promised to restore waterboarding and introduce even harsher interrogation methods for suspected terrorists.

On Wednesday, Zeid didn't directly answer a question about Hillary Clinton's reference to some of Trump's supporters as a 'basket of deplorables,' but spoke generally about the importance for moral leadership. He cited an axiom he had heard during his military service in Jordan: 'There are no bad soldiers, there are only bad officers.'
This is the moment bird-brained pigeons met a grizzly end - after being sucked into a bakery mill in Russia.

Footage shows the birds flying down for a free meal in the city of Kazan in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan.

But unable to resist pecking away at the food, they are gradually sucked into a mill one by one.

Video shows them disappearing beneath the surface of the grain - only for more pigeons to take their place and suffer the same fate.

Video captured the moment bird-brained pigeons met a grizzly end - after being sucked into a bakery mill in Russia

Footage shows the birds flying down for a free meal in the city of Kazan in Russia's Republic of Tatarstan
Following her expulsion Ms Saleem has spoken out about her treatment at Jamia Al Hudaa girls school in Nottingham, saying she was not taught geography, history or music

An Islamist girls' boarding school which taught that men could beat women and that gay men could be killed faces closure after a student whistleblower exposed its worrying practices.

Aliyah Saleem was expelled in front of the entire school in 2011 just for owning a disposable camera.

Following her expulsion Ms Saleem spoke out about her treatment at Jamia Al Hudaa girls school in Nottingham, saying she was not taught geography, history, art or music.

Instead, she was taught that death sentence could be given to gay men; that Jews and Christians make Allah angry; and that men should be allowed to beat their wives.

Despite reporting the school's inadequacies to both Ofsted and doing an expose interview in a national newspaper, it is only now that the school finally faces closure.

Parents have now been told to pick up their daughters from the school on October 18 after an Ofsted inspection in April found that there were 'inadequacies' in safeguarding pupils, including insufficiently trained staff and bullying, and ordered the school close its residential operations.

The Times reports that since 85 per cent of pupils board at the school, this means it will effectively have to close.

The inspection also found that the school does not promote balanced views or British values, and pupils can access books that have been written by controversial authors, for example by one who is not allowed to enter this country.

Despite reporting the school's (pictured) inadequacies to both Ofsted and doing an expose interview in a national newspaper, it is only now that the school finally faces closure

An Ofsted spokesman said the balance of the curriculum was one of several areas that were assessed.

A school spokesman said: The school takes all points relating to safeguarding as serious  and has policies and extensive risk assessments in place to promote British values.

She claimed inspectors did not show clarity of understanding and displayed lack of basic knowledge in regards to which books posed a risk  The school feels this is a very unfair judgment.

Ms Saleem said until she left the school she didnt know about World War One or World War Two.

The worst thing about the school was the national curriculum, it was restricted in every way possible, she told the Daily Mail last week.

We were taught English and science but we were not taught about evolution or sex education. I had to teach myself evolution at 20.

Miss Saleem, now in her twenties, was at the school from 2006 to 2011. She was publicly expelled in front of the entire school for owning a disposable camera, which was thought to be a sign of narcissism.

She wrote on her blog: No regulatory body or authority ever found out about it and nobody ever confronted it, even though it caused me great humiliation and shame.

The ex-pupil said she was pleased the school was judged inadequate in 2015, having previously got good ratings.

Inspectors noted disproportionate punishments, such as 20 fines for chewing gum and fixed-term expulsions for having a mobile phone.

But Miss Saleem thinks Ofsted did not go far enough.

She said that in this inspection very little was said on how restrictive the curriculum is.

It is obvious that for too long the Government has stood by and ignored the utterly appalling imposition of conservative religious ideologies on British school children, she said.
Nia Davies (pictured) was sacked over a 10-month affair with a 17-year-old after the girl's father spotted a love bite on his daughter's neck, a hearing was told

A female teacher's 10-month affair with a 17-year-old student was exposed by the girl's father when he spotted love bites on his daughter's neck, a hearing was told.

Lecturer Nia Davies, 31, began a 'sexual relationship' with her teenage pupil  even sharing a bed with her on trips to galleries, it is alleged.

A misconduct hearing was told Davies  who faces being struck off  exchanged 'thousands' of inappropriate messages with the girl during the course of their affair.

It was also said how the girl's father became suspicious when his daughter brought Davies' name up in several conversations.

Presenting officer Cadi Dewi claimed it was after her father noticed a love bite on his daughter's neck that he discovered she was in a relationship with her teacher.

Ms Dewi said: 'Concerns first came to light about the relationship when the girl's father made a referral to her college.

'He noticed she had marks on the side of her neck which he described as love bites.

'He was then told by her sister that the girl was "seeing" Davies.'

The father in West Wales alerted his colleagues to the suspected affair and an investigation was launched at the college.

The girl admitted to police she had spent weekends away with her teacher - and that they had shared the same hotel bed.

She denied having sex with Davies, but said they had kissed and would sleep together at Davies' home.

The police investigation led to Davies being arrested and bailed. But the hearing was told she was never charged.

Her college in West Wales launched their own investigation which led to Davies leaving her position in August last year.

Ms Dewi told the hearing: 'Davies' conduct amounts to inappropriate misconduct, when you take into account her role as an educator and the girl's role as a learner.'

Sacked: Nia Davies (pictured), 31, began a 'sexual relationship' with her teenage pupil while teaching her  even sharing a bed with her on trips to galleries, it was said

The girl, now 19, was described as a 'outgoing and bright pupil' and was identified as 'Learner A' when she gave evidence.

She told the hearing she had never been in a sexual relationship with Davies.

The teenager denied she had previously admitted to police, her father and mother that she had kissed her teacher - saying they must have been 'confused.'

She said: 'We sent texts but they were social texts. They were only in the tens, not the thousands.

'I never admitted kissing Nia to my father, it's completely untrue. That conversation never happened and I can't explain it.

'We've had a conversation about my sexuality before, and I think there's a lot of confusion to be honest.

'Nia was just a supportive lecturer.'

Ms Dewi asked her if she could explain why a hotel manager identified her as a girl who had stayed with Davies overnight, to which she replied: 'It couldn't have been me because I wasn't there.'

She also denied she was now living with Davies.

A misconduct hearing was told Davies (pictured)  who faces being struck off  exchanged 'thousands' of inappropriate messages with the girl during the course of their affair

Her father told the hearing he confronted his daughter about the relationship which she at first denied before admitting they had kissed.

He said: 'She was adamant she wasn't attracted to females at first. She said they weren't in a relationship.

'But then she admitted kissing her and said she'd stayed over at her house.'

George Pollitt, representing Davies, said the allegations were a 'mess of confusion' and she strenuously denied the affair.

He added: 'These include allegations of a trip to see art museums. Any pupil would would take heart from a teacher showing such interest in their education.'

Davies faces eight claims including that she 'engaged in email communication of a social rather than academic nature,' 'saw Learner A unaccompanied on a social basis', 'shared a bed with Learner A during a trip' and 'invited Learner A into her home on at least one occasion.'

She is also alleged to have 'allowed Learner A to sleep at her home', 'kissed Learner A', 'gave Learner A a love bite' and 'engaged in sexual intercourse with Learner A'.

Davies' solicitor George Pollitt said the teacher was not 'sacked' but instead that the college chose not to renew her fixed-term contract following its investigation.
Parents have slammed a company owned by the Duchess of Cambridge's mother and father for selling a gruesome 'roadkill' Halloween costume for young children.

The gory bodysuit and headpiece, designed to depict a pet rabbit that has been run over, is sold by Party Pieces, a company owned by Michael and Carole Middleton.

The sickening costume could leave youngsters and terrified according to parents surveyed by the vlog site ChannelMum.com - and could even encourage them to lay in the road and risk a serious accident.

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Parents have slammed Duchess of Cambridge's parents' online party firm for selling this gruesome 'roadkill' Halloween costume for young children

The gruesome roadkill costume being marketed by the Middletons' company Party Pieces is supposed to be a pet rabbit that has been mown down, and features wounds and tyre marks

Some parents are worried that little children could even be encouraged to lie down in the road while wearing the gory Halloween outfit and risk being run over by a car themselves

Priced at 16.99 it is marketed for children aged just seven years old upwards - but more than nine in ten parents surveyed would not let their youngsters wear it.

According to the online Party Pieces shop: 'It's a bit late to learn the green cross code for this poor rabbit.

'The gruesome roadkill costume features a full body grey jumpsuit complete with wounds and tyre marks.

'The roadkill outfit includes a rabbit headpiece with bloodshot eyes and bucked teeth.'

The Duchess of Cambridge's parents, Mike and Carole Middleton (pictured), are behind the Party Pieces website

Despite the nature of the costume, the only warnings that accompany it are that it is not suitable for children under three due to small parts. Parents are also warned to keep the costume away from fire.

But those interviewed by ChannelMum were more worried about the effect such an outfit could have on youngsters.

Isabel Brandon, a mother of a two-year-old boy said: 'The roadkill costume is freaking out young children. Ive spoken to a lot of parents recently and many are considering not going trick or treating as their children are frightened. Its gone too far.'

Ciara Attwell, a mother of a three year old girl said on Facebook: 'This outfit is disturbing and also massively insensitive. Imagine if your child had been killed in a road accident and you had to see this? Just awful.'

Jess Ashe, who has a son aged eight and a daughter aged four, told the channel: 'I cant believe some kids wear that sort of stuff - or that retailers think it is acceptable to make it. Its shocking.'

She added: 'Why on earth would you dress your child up as road kill?!'

The larger size of the 16.99 outfit has already sold out, it seems, but the version for children as young as seven years old is still available to buy via the Party Pieces online shop

Bella Matten, a mother of a two-year-old son told the vlog site: 'Im all for fancy dress but this costume is in poor taste. I cant see the lighter or fun side of it being available to buy. It would be interesting to know who would actually buy it and their reasons for doing so?'

More parents expressed their concerns when they were interviewed during a street vox pop by ChannelMum.

'I've got a six-year-old and she'd be terrified to look at that,' said father Chris Foote. 'It's rather gross isn't it?' added mother Mandy Payne.

Despite this, the outfit seems to have been selling well. The large size for children aged 10 to 12 is out of stock, and only the outfit fitting seven to nine year olds remains in stock.

Chris Foote was shocked, saying: 'I've got a six-year-old and she'd be terrified to look at that.'

'It's rather gross isn't it' said mother Mandy Payne (centre) when she was shown the outfit

The ChannelMum.com survey of 1,434 parents conducted by OnePoll rated the roadkill bunny the third worst of eight costumes on sale this year, with 93 per cent saying they would not let their children wear it.

Founder of the site Siobhan Freegard said: 'Halloween may be about scaring people but this outfit is taking it too far.

'On ChannelMum.com we've had complaints that the outfit has terrified young children, especially those with their own pets.

Other costumes disliked by parents who took part in the Channel Mum survey include this graphic Friday The 13th mask, which is available on eBay and inspired by the film which carries an 18 certificate

This creepy costume, available through Argos, is inspired by the Slender Man character, which has been linked to stabbings and an attempted murder of a child in the US

'And many mums claim it is irresponsible and encourages young kids to lay in the road, which could well cause a serious accident on a dark Halloween night.'

She added: 'Retailers seem to be in a race to the bottom to produce the most vile outfits and cash in.

'Traditional Halloween costumes are being replaced by garb designed to push the limits.

Parents said they did not want their children to wear this Jack the Ripper costume, which is available through eBay

'But with nine in ten parents saying they won't let their kids wear them, I wonder if the people who market them will be dressing their own children in them this year? If not, why force them on other families?'

Among the other gory and inappropriate outfits for children being marketed by high street shops and websites this year are Jack the Ripper, the possessed girl from horror movie The Exorcist and 'Miss Teen Hot Stuff.'

Other outfits include Jason from the horror movie Friday the 13th and Regan from 70s demonic possession chiller The Exorcist.

And amid police warnings for pranksters to avoid joining the Killer Clown craze, sinister clown outfits are being targeted at children as young as five.

The study by ChannelMum.com found that nearly half of parents believe costumes aimed at kids are now 'too frightening'.

As a result, over two thirds of parents (68 per cent) now back age-appropriate ratings on costumes.

MailOnline has contacted Party Pieces for comment.
A student taxi driver was arrested for sitting inside his car as bailiffs smashed the windows over parking fines racked up by the previous owner.

Mustafa Haji, 24, bought the Ford Galaxy for 2,700 and was stunned to find it clamped outside his home in Golders Green, North London, just weeks later.

He called bailiffs to ask for it to be released because he owed no money, before filming them as they allegedly smashed a window while police looked on in July.

Talking with the bailiffs: Mustafa Haji (right) bought the Ford Galaxy for 2,700 and was stunned to find it clamped outside his home in Golders Green, North London, just weeks later

The aerospace mechanics student was then arrested on suspicion of obstructing a person legally acting as an enforcement officer and taken to Barnet police station.

Metropolitan Police officers released him later after realising he had apparently been detained without authorisation  but Mr Haji has still not seen his car.

Since having the vehicle taken from him, he has been unable to continue his job as a part-time private hire driver and has moved house due to a lack of income.

Mr Haji said: Im so confused because I havent done anything wrong. Im the registered owner of the car.

They said there was an outstanding penalty charge notice from January, but thats nothing to do with me. It dates back to a previous owner.

I bought the car in June. I paid for the car in full and its insured in my name. I was shocked when I saw it had been clamped.

Sitting in protest: Mr Haji called bailiffs to ask for his car to be released because he owed no money, before filming them as they allegedly smashed a window while police looked on in July

Detained: The aerospace mechanics student was arrested on suspicion of obstructing a person legally acting as an enforcement officer and taken to Barnet police station

I knew there was some mistake but they wouldnt listen. Since all this happened Ive had to move house as I cant make any money without my car.

I cant afford another. Its caused me massive stress and Im trying to look after my little sister who is 18 and I need a car to take my grandma to hospital.

Im so confused because I havent done anything wrong Mustafa Haji

I dont know where it is or if Ill ever get it back. I sat in the car hoping they wouldnt smash it with me inside, but they did, even though the police agreed the car was mine.

Mobile phone footage of the incident on July 22 shows a bailiff warning Mr Haji to put his head forward and cover his eyes before the glass is smashed.

Mr Haji claimed that the bailiffs should be looking for whoever owned the car in January rather than him.

A woman can be heard offering to pay the outstanding fine, which Mr Haji declines, before a man tells him: You dont owe the fine, its the vehicle.

Filming the moment: Metropolitan Police officers released him later after realising he had apparently been detained without authorisation  but Mr Haji has still not seen his car

Concerns: Since having the vehicle taken from him, he has been unable to continue his job as a part-time private hire driver and has moved house due to a lack of income

Mr Haji said: How can the vehicle owe the fine? They need to track down whoever owned it in January.

I have all the paperwork and proof that I bought the vehicle in June. Its madness that theyre chasing me for money.

I had to go to the police station for three or four hours, for no reason, before they admitted I shouldnt have been there at all.

The car is probably in a pound somewhere. Im really struggling without it. I couldnt afford my rent in London anymore without work so Ive moved out to Hertfordshire. The whole thing is ridiculous.

A spokesman for bailiffs Collect Services said: We are unable to make any comment regarding this case due to data protection laws.

Papers: Mr Haji's sales agreement for the car, which shows it was bought on July 15 for 2,700

Registration document: Mr Haji has enlisted the help of a motoring campaigner who has instructed a barrister to take the case to a small claims court in the hope of retrieving the car

The people involved in the case have been advised to seek legal advice and any disputes will be resolved by the courts.

A police spokesman said: On 22 July at around 9.45pm police were called to incident on Hogarth Hill, NW11 were an enforcement officer, with a court warrant, was being prevented from carrying out the removal of a vehicle.

Officers attended and a man - who was not the registered keeper of the vehicle - who was preventing the enforcement agents from carrying out the removal was arrested.

The man aged 24 was arrested on suspicion of intentionally obstructing a person lawfully acting as an enforcement agent.

He was taken to a north London police station, but was released with no further action.

Third party claim: Mr Haji's papers sent in August to get his vehicle back from the bailiffs

Police said the arrest was on suspicion of an offence under paragraph 68(1) of schedule 12 to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007.

Mr Haji has enlisted the help of parking and motoring campaigner Derek Dishman, who has instructed a barrister to take the case to a small claims court in the hope of retrieving the car.

Mr Dishman said: Common sense should have not allowed this to go on. There should have been a more reasonable course of action - but they still wont give the car back.

If Mustafa didnt own the car then why was he released so quick and not prosecuted for stealing it?
A dentist grabbed a gun and shot a man who exposed himself to patients and staff

The man, who has not been identified, ran into the clinic in Houston, Texas, and then chased staff out into a parking lot before he was gunned down.

He is now recovering in hospital after sustaining gunshot wounds to the stomach.

A dentist grabbed a gun and shot a patient who had exposed himself at the New Teeth Implant and Denture Solutions office in Houston, Texas

The man also had to undergo surgery, and witnesses say he appeared to be under the influence of drugs during the shooting.

According to the Houston Chronicle, the man stormed into the New Teeth Implant and Denture Solutions office just off Interstate 45, about two miles north of Hobby Airport on Tuesday lunchtime.

Houston Police spokesman John Cannon said witnesses told officers that the suspect then exposed himself to the dentist and other staff.

The man then began to run around the office chasing the dentist and his other employees into the parking lot.

Mr Cannon added that the man then decided to charge at the dentist, who was armed with a gun despite being warned to stay back.

The wounded man was then rushed to the Ben Taub Hospital, where he is recovering from a gunshot wound to the stomach

He then fired at the suspect, shooting him once in the stomach and bringing him down to the ground.

Emergency services were called and he was rushed to the Ben Taub Hospital, where he is now recovering.

Nobody else was injured in the shooting.
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As a child cries in the background covered in blood, this young girl is preparing to feel a blade slice open her skin.

The young Shia Muslim was taking part in a ceremony to mark the Muslim festival of Ashura, which mourns the death of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.

It is marked by 10 days of mourning, in which many devotees whip and cut themselves with chains and knives and some drive knives into their scalps and is seen as a way of washing away their sins.

As a child cries in the background covered in blood, this young girl is preparing to feel a blade slice open her skin

Photographs taken today show young boys parade down the street slapping their claret-stained chests in an act of flagellation

Indian Shia Muslim men self-flagellate during the mourning procession on the tenth day of Muharram, which marks the day of Ashura, in Chennai

The weapons of self-flagellation used in the Muslim festival pictured here soaked in blood at the festival in Chennai

In one particularly disturbing photo, a man wearing a blood-splattered shirt has sliced a huge gash in the top of his head and appears to be slapping it

The act of punishing oneself is part of the Muslim festival, and as the women line the streets beating their chests, topless men and boys whip themselves with knives and razorblades leaving to give themselves nasty back wounds

The pictures were taken in Chennai during the mourning procession on the tenth day of Muharram, which marks the day of Ashura

An Indian Shia Muslim boy stares intently at a sharp knife before he is flagellated during the mourning procession

Shia Muslim women beat their chests during the religious procession on the tenth day of the mourning period of Muharram

The pictures above were taken in Chennai during the mourning procession on the tenth day of Muharram, which marks the day of Ashura.

Ashura mourns the death of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Mohammed, who was killed by armies of the Yazid near Karbala in 680 AD.

In the picture of the girl with the knife held to her head, a child can be seen in the background.

The youngster is sucking a dummy, with a blood-smeared forehead and clearly distressed.

Other photographs taken today show young boys are paraded down the street as they slap their claret-stained chests in an act of flagellation.

The act of punishing oneself is part of the Muslim festival, and as the women line the streets beating their chests, topless men and boys whip themselves with knives and razorblades leaving to give themselves nasty back wounds.

In one particularly disturbing photo, a man wearing a blood-splattered shirt has sliced a huge gash in the top of his head and appears to be slapping it.

The religious festival is celebrated widely in and in Baghdad yesterday a blood-stained Shiite boy clutching a huge knife joined his young friends in the bloody ceremony.

Iraq saw some of the goriest scenes, with huge groups of blood-drenched men flooding the cities' streets.

Two Iraqi Muslims drench in their own thick blood after slashing their scalps in the gory Islamic festival

Lebanese Shiite Muslim children coverd in blood during a flagellation ceremony in southern Lebanese city of Nabatieh

A young boy braces himself for a knife across the head in the Iraqi city of Najaf on October 12, 2016

Huge groups of men walk the streets of Baghdad wielding sharp knives they crash down on their own heads

A young boy bows his head to an elder, who takes a long knife to the child's scalp to add more blood to his gown

Who men walk hand in hand in Najaf, Iraq, as the man on the right looks to be struggling with the blood loss

Like a scene from a horror movie, a massive group of men walk through the streets of the holy city of Najaf, Iraq, drenched in blood

Iraqi Shiite Muslim boy is seen before being cut on the head, in ritual commemorating the death of Imam Hussein,Prophet Mohammed's grandson

An Iraqi Shiite Muslim man flagellates himself on the tenth day of the mourning period of Muharram, which marks the day of Ashura

Iraq Shi'ite Muslim men bleed as they gash their foreheads with swords and beat themselves while commemorating Ashura in Baghdad, Iraq

Iraqi Shiites take part in commemorations on the tenth day of the mourning period of Muharram, which marks the day of Ashura, in the holy city of Najaf

And the ritual is not exclusive to Asia either.

In Piraeus port near Athens in Greece, the Ashoura festival was in full flow today.

Topless men roamed the streets with huge knives and over-sized razorblades to take chunks out of their own backs for their religion.

More than 6,000 Muslim shiites, including citizens and refugees, live in the country.

They pray at four makeshift mosques, according to the Shiites Muslim Association of Greece.

A Shiite Muslim living in Greece flagellates himself during a Muharram procession to mark Ashura in Piraeus, near Athens

A man takes a modified weapon to cut his own back as onlookers watch him and drum their chests with their hands

Two Muslims use the over-sized razorblades to puncture huge gashes in their backs in the streets of Piraeus, Greece

One man holds his head in his hands as he lets out a scream (foreground) others grimaces at the ceremony in Greece

Massive crowds gather to take part and watch as a man prepares to launch knives into his back in the street

An audience poised with mobile phones to film and take pictures of a man flagellating himself in public

Shiite Muslims living in Greece take part in a Muharram procession to mark Ashura in Piraeus, near Athens, Greece

A Shiite flagellates himself in front of Zul jinnah, a horse symbolizing the horse Shiites' spiritual leader Imam Hussein used to fight against his enemy in Karbala, during the holy day of Ashoura in Piraeus port, near Athens, on Wednesday

Bloodied knives are swung in Greek streets as a group of men slice themselves open - and the scars are evident

A Shiite holds knifes during the holy day of Ashoura in Piraeus port, near Athens, Wednesday

An Iraqi Shiite boy looks at his picture during the reenactment of the Battle of Karbala, as part of a parade in preparation for the peak of the mourning period of Ashura in Baghdad's northern district of Kadhimiya

Iraqi Shiite boys take part in a self-flagellation procession during the reenactment of the Battle of Karbala, as part of a parade in preparation for the peak of the mourning period of Ashura

A Pakistani Shiite Muslim boy prepares to flagellate himself with chains and blades a day ahead of the commemoration of Ashura, in Peshawar, Pakistan

Shiite Muslims around the world attend mourning processions a ahead of the commemoration of Ashura. The practice of devotees whipping and cutting themselves has divided Muslim leaders

The sombre festival, which commemorates Imam Hussein's martyrdom, is marked with ten days of mourning

Pictures from the parade in Peshawar show men and boys covered in blood after hitting themselves with blades and chains

The festival of Ashura falls each year on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar year, and mourns the death of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Mohammed, who was killed by armies of the Yazid near the Iraqi city of Karbala in 680 AD.

The sombre festival, which commemorates Imam Hussein's martyrdom, is marked with ten days of mourning, with religious Muharram processions taking place, in which many devotees whip and cut themselves with chains and knives.

In a similar procession yesterday in Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, medics were on hand to stitch men's wounds back together after they but their backs during the self-flagellation parade.

It's not just men and boys who are subjected to the religious ritual, with girls, women and even babies in Lebanon forced to shed blood in the name of Allah.

A medic stands near a Shiite Muslim boy with his face covered in blood after he was cut on the forehead with a razor during a religious procession to mark Ashura in Nabatiyeh town, southern Lebanon

A woman braces herself as a Muslim man prepares to draw blood from her scalp while a second man drenched in his own blood watches on

A shiite Muslim boy bleeds profusely after slashing his head with a razorblade

A baby bleeds from a cut on the forehead with a razor during the religious ritual to mark Ashura in Nabatiyeh town, Lebanon

Men in Islamabad had to be attended to by medics after cutting their backs during a Muharram procession

Several of the men and boys opened up large wounds that had to be stitched back together by doctors

The tradition of blood-letting in the run up to Ashura is seen by some as a way of washing away their sins

Ashura will be marked today across the globe, though the festival began for observant Muslims at sunset yesterday, and in some countries the day before is also a public holiday.

The tradition of blood-letting in the run up to Ashura is seen by some as a way of washing away their sins, but the practice has stirred controversy with some religious leaders saying it has no basis in Islamic history and creates a negative image, encouraging people to donate blood instead.

Young children were among those who took place in a Muharram procession in Ahmadabad, India, on Sunday

Afghan Shiite Muslims also used chains and blades during a ritual self-flagellation as part of Ashura commemorations at a mosque in Kabul

The mosque floor was covered in crimson blood following the commemorations in Kabul

The way the event is marked lies at the heart of the divide between Islam's Shia and Sunni sects, and in recent years, there have been a spate of attacks on Ashura celebrations by Sunni extremist groups who regard Shiites as heretics.

On Sunday gruesome pictures emerged showing a man holding a knife to the head of a young boy in Ahmadabad, India where boys were also pictured whipping themselves with sharp blades.

An Indian Shiite Muslim cut the forehead of a child with a knife during a Muharram procession in Ahmadabad, which also took place on Sunday

In Myanmar Shiite Muslim devotees ran barefoot over a bed of burning coals as part of the commemorations

The climax of the Muharram is reached on its tenth day with the marking of the Ashura festival

Pictures from Kabul, Afghanistan also showed men crying out in pain as they used knives attached to chains to cut their own backs at a mosque.

Other photographs, taken in Myanmar yesterday, show devotees in the capital of Yangoon walking across hot coals to mark the Muslim festival.

Ashura is one of the major fixtures of the Islamic calendar, and thousands of men perform the same brutal practice around the world in countries including Lebanon, Bangladesh, Iraq, Pakistan and Myanmar and even in Greece.
A 17-year-old law student who went on a murderous chainsaw and axe rampage in a shopping centre was suffering from brain-changing side effects of medicine he took for acne, it has been claimed.

However, former classmates and teachers have described the killer as a cold, unemotional loner who was kicked out of university.

Masked Vladislav Kazakevich killed one woman and seriously wounded another in Belarus capital Minsk on Saturday before an heroic year old female cleaner stopped him in his tracks.

The cleaner, in her early 40s - who was trained in judo - dodged and challenged him as he made to strike her on the head.

CCTV images showed the killer, wearing an orange and black jacket, entering the shopping centre with a guitar bag that concealed his deadly weapons

Chainsaw killer Vladislav Kazakevich was described by former classmates and teachers as an unemotional misfit and a loner

Brave shoppers followed up by flinging chairs and a rubbish bin at the 'maniac' teenager who had intended to slaughter 'dozens', and also had plans for a bloodbath at his university, according to police.

New details have emerged about the misfit attacker from a wealthy family - with suspected links to Belarus dictator Alexander Lukashenko - who brazenly bought an 800 chainsaw and a new axe and entered the mall intending a major bloody massacre in the authoritarian ex-Soviet state.

The teenage killer was detained by police and is currently in jail, where his wealthy father visits him daily

He allegedly told police he was 'disappointed in himself and felt hatred to all humanity'.

A funeral was held for victim Elena Aleksandronets, 42, who was sliced to death with the chainsaw and an axe, and attended by her grieving husband Alexander and daughter Olesya, 21.

Victim Oksana Mikhailovna, 46, is in hospital being treated for lacerations and a smashed collar bone, while also undergoing psychological therapy.

Flowers have been left at the scene of the murder in Europe shopping centre in Minsk

A funeral was held for victim Elena Aleksandronets, 42, who was sliced to death with the chainsaw and an axe

The attacker's father Valentin Kazakevich, his face 'etched in pain' according to accounts in Minsk, told local journalists: 'We don't understand how it happened.

'He was just a golden child. He helped everybody.

'His dream was to be a lawyer, and he entered Minsk International University (MITSO).

'We think it was the medicine. He had problems with the skin on his face, and he was upset about it.

'In summer he was prescribed a serious medicine, and it had a adverse reaction, it affected his psychic state.

Police said the teenager had intended to slaughter 'dozens', and also had plans for a bloodbath at his university

'Vlad began to take it in summer. He had taken other medicine before but it did not help. So his doctor prescribed this, a Swiss one.

'He hated the acne on his face, and his spots did not clear fast enough. Both boys and girls are concerned about them in their teens. But he was a very good, a golden child.'

But teachers and fellow students describe the chainsaw killer as a loner, cold and unemotional, contradicting claims of his father - who is described as wealthy and is suspected to have links to President Lukashenko, which so far have not been officially confirmed.

The attacker wore a bright orange hi-viz vest, a helmet, chainsaw protective glasses and ear guards when he strode into the Novaya Yewropa (New Europe) shopping mall, CCTV pictures showed.

He carried an electric guitar bag with his gas-powered chainsaw and axe hidden inside.

The killer brazenly bought an 800 chainsaw and a new axe before launching the deadly attack on his innocent victims

The electtric guitar bag used by killer Vladislav Kazakevich to conceal his deadly weapons before the shopping centre attack

Witnesses said he suddenly started up the chainsaw and lacerated saleswoman Elena Aleksandronets on the neck and back before the tool jammed.

Then he picked up he axe and struck her three times, killing her on the spot.

'I saw everything,' said Galina, a shop assistant.

'The young man approached carrying a bag for a guitar, he grabbed the first female he saw, took out a chainsaw, switched it on and killed her.

'I saw her eyes.

'This was cold blooded, killing her in total silence. He did not say a word. And then he took out an axe from his bag.'

Initial reports said her head was virtually severed in the attack.

As shoppers and staff ran for cover, Kazakevich ran into a pizza cafe and attacked Oksana Mikhailovna with his axe, fracturing her collarbone and slashing her skin.

She is now out of danger in hospital.

A woman said to be heroic floorsweeper Irina, who fought off the killer, was pictured leaving an ambulance after the chainsaw attack

Cleaner Irina - her family name has not been released - 'was the first who tried to stop him,' said Svetlana, a shop assistant.

'She's a judo woman and was not afraid.

'The attacker was slim, even skinny. She was injured but got away.'

Another witness said Irina 'came out of the toilets holding cups she had washed and this mad man attacked her with the axe.'

'She used to be into judo and she adopted the right posture to fight.

'He struck her on the arm, but her skills let her flee.

'He only hit her on the arm. It was a miracle that she managed to run away from him.'

She ran to a lock-up room in a pharmacy where other salespeople were hiding.

'We bandaged her arm,' said one.

Brave shoppers intervened by flinging chairs and a rubbish bin at the 'maniac' teenager to stop him from carrying on with her murderous rampange

'There was hole in the door and watched policemen running around our shopping centre.

'But still we did not leave, we were so terrified. We did not know then that one woman was killed.'

A shop owner added: 'People from the shops grabbed chairs, bins, anything and threw at him.

'On the ground floor when he was almost near the exit of the centre, one man threw a rubbish bin and it hit the attacker on the head.

'He fell down and everyone jumped at him at once.

'Traffic policemen were the first to come, they were not far away, so they tied him and pushed him into their car.'

Police chief Alexey Volkov said: 'I would like to thank those people who tried to detain him.'

He admitted that security staff at the shopping mall were nowhere to be seen.

Saleswoman Elena Aleksandronets was killed when Kazakevich attacked her with a chainsaw and an axe

'The young man had a plan of this attack,' said Volkov.

'He got ready for the murder: he bought a chainsaw, an axe and means of body protection when working with a chainsaw, a balaclava, and eye and ear protectors.'

The attacker's former classmates and teachers revealed that his rampage came soon after he had been expelled from university for failing to attend sufficient lectures.

'He didn't want to talk to anybody,' said a classmate.

'Nobody communicated with him, he was rude with people. Sometimes he was aggressive,' said another.

He was seen as rich, and had his own apartment, living separately from his parents. He also regularly attended a gym.

A female student who he called shortly before the attack said: 'He had problems with his studies, he needed an advice how to sort it out.

Her funeral was attended by her grieving husband Alexander and daughter Olesya, 21

'He missed four days at the beginning of September. Then he missed a full week and he did not go to the doctor, he did not have any supporting documents.

'But at the end of our conversation he suddenly said that he was not really concerned about his expulsion because he had his own plan.

'It sounded rather strange. But he was always full of strange things.

'I've known him for two years.

'He's a strange guy. He doesn't like people.

'He doesn't like himself. He does not like his face.

'Sometimes his jokes were weird.

'He had said he wanted to kill somebody because he does not like people. But before this he was not aggressive to anybody, there were no conflicts with him.

'He was a loner, he did not have friends. He like provocative jokes.'

Vladislav Kazakevich was detained by police inside the shopping centre

The killer's axe was left lying on the floor at the scene where he launched his bloody attack

She said that killer's mother lives mainly in Germany.

University dean Stanislav Knyazev said that Kazakevich passed medical tests - including psychological - before entering the university.

He said it was chilling that the teenager has revealed plans that he wanted 'to organise a bloody massacre here in the University... crowd of students are walking around the corridors here, I can't imagine how many victims could have been'.

This week police took him back to the university carrying a paper axe, presumably to explain his stated plans for attacking his fellow students.

The dean said: 'He was not stupid. He passed the general entrance test with a good score.

'But he always stayed alone. And he managed to miss 78 hours of study within just one month.

'We tried to get in touch with him and with his parents but they did not want to communicate. As a result we excluded him on October 3.'

Police said first year student Kazakevich confessed he wanted to kill 'as many people as possible' before being shot.

Police have ruled out links between the teenager and any extreme organisations

They have ruled out links to extreme organisations, say sources.

Two years ago, he received treatment at a mental health hospital, said police.

But this information was not passed to his university.

His father said that the earlier problems stemmed from a teacher at a former school.

'She put a lot of pressure on him. And in the next school, everything was normal, you can contact them yourself and ask.'

His father said they had a normal phone conversation three hours before his son's chainsaw spree.

'I can't get inside his mind,' he said.

'There were no reasons, no alarm bells. We were due to meet on Sunday for a family dinner.

'There were no signs of this. I am now seeing him every day in jail.
Police called to her pink house 1,000 times - she has now been evicted

A nuisance neighbour called Al Capone who painted her house bright pink and was visited by police up to 1,000 times has finally been evicted.

Alexandria 'Al' Capone, 41, painted her home in Worthing, West Sussex, a former Victorian RNLI lifeboat station, pink and terrorised residents in a 10-year campaign of anti-social behaviour.

Neighbours said police were called to the property an estimated 1,000 times over a 10 year period.

Alexandria 'Al' Capone, 41, painted her home in West sussex, a former Victorian RNLI lifeboat station, pink and terrorised residents in a 10-year campaign of anti-social behaviour

Eventually she was handed an anti-social behaviour order after holding alcohol-fuelled parties and shouting abuse and swearing at neighbours. She was also arrested for shoplifting and robbery.

But she has now been forced out of the 400,000 seaside home which has finally been returned to its original white.

Her departure brings an end to the campaign of terror that began when the Russian-born mother-of-three moved into the former lifeboat station.

Neighbours said police were called to the property more than 1,000 times over 10 year period

She has now been forced out of the 400,000 seaside home which has been painted white

Neighbours said their lives were turned into a 'living hell' and subjected to constant abuse from her.

Like her US gangster namesake, she was regularly in trouble with the police and local authority over her behaviour.

Last night neighbours spoke of their relief after she left the house and moved out of the property.

Mike Gardiner, 67, said: 'It was absolutely horrendous. There were all-night parties, druggies turning up day and night. Police attended at the house more than a thousand times in 10 years.

The 140-year-old property as it was before its pink transformation, left, and right, when Capone lived there

'As well as holding all-night parties at the house, she would regularly scream abuse at people and threaten them. She was a nightmare.

'The former lifeboat station which was built in 1875 was left to go to wrack and ruin and there was a horrendous smell emanating from it.'

Mr Gardiner said: 'We're all so relieved she has finally gone as it has been a living hell since she turned up. Let's hope she doesn't come back.'

After Capone was handed an ASBO she painted the house pink and boasted about livening up the community.

The house was once a lifeboat house but the plaque commemorating its history was partially painted over

She was later arrested on charges of robbery but the case was dropped after a prosecution witness failed to turn up at court.

Capone was also charged with assault, kidnap and possession of an imitation firearm with intent to cause fear or violence after an incident close to her home in Worthing which ended with one man in hospital.

The former lifeboat station was repossessed by the mortgage lender earlier this year and has since been boarded up.
A mother-of-two given less than a year to live has issued a desperate plea for 100,000 for pioneering treatment to give her a 'second chance of life'.

Aundrea Bannatyne, 42, from Dundonald in Belfast, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July and told she only had six to 12 months left to live.

Her tight-knit community - dubbed 'Aundrea's Army' - rallied around her and raised 100,000 to fund potentially lifesaving treatment.

But she now needs to raise that amount again after being accepted to receive a new treatment called immunotherapy at a private oncology clinic in Germany.

It is the same treatment former Emmerdale actress Leah Bracknell is raising money for.

Remaining defiant, she said: 'I don't intend to give in to this, I intend to remain positive and intend to fight it. I can't give in.'

Aundrea Bannatyne, 42, from Dundonald in Belfast, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in July and told she had less than a year to live

The 42-year-old has been accepted into the Hallwang Clinic, outside Stuttgart, which she hopes will give her the best chance of fighting the disease.

Speaking to Belfast Live from her hospital bed, she said: 'They do a pioneering new treatment called immunotherapy and they are putting me on a modified chemotherapy, different from the one back home, to take away the side effects so I do not have such severe sickness.

'It's a three week stay at the clinic. I was due to fly home today but they wanted me to get started straight away. I just went over for an assessment but they said due to my prognosis, the sooner we started the better.

'So now we need to raise 100,000 to cover all this treatment.

'When I go home they want me to go on with chemotherapy back home and come back to Germany every third week as I need more treatment here.'

Aundrea, who works for Thomas Cook, added: 'They are saying in Germany they are hopeful they can get me into remission. It just shows you it's all down to money. This was not an option for me back home.

'Back home I was told to take treatment and it can give you an extra six months to three years.'

The 42-year-old said she was 'banking on the support of people in Northern Ireland and Ireland' to raise the money for the treatment in Germany

This is the second time cancer has devastated Aundrea and her family.

Her youngest son, James, was just two when he was diagnosed with a form of brain cancer.

Aged 10, he is now in remission and she wants to fight her cancer to see him get the all clear.

She also wants to see her eldest son, Jack, 14, finish school.

She said: 'I'm only 42 and I have two young boys to raise. I have to take every opportunity, everything that is available. 'I need to fight....I need to fight to live.'

'The boys know I have cancer but they don't know how aggressive it is', she added.

The 42-year-old has been accepted into the Hallwang Clinic, outside Stuttgart, which she hopes will give her the best chance of fighting the disease

She said she was 'banking on the support of people in Northern Ireland and Ireland' to raise the money for the treatment in Germany.

She thanked those who helped raise the initial 100,000 - for an operation in London - and hopes that money will help open up options with the surgery once she has had chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
This comes as Singapore's PM Lee Hsien Loong holds talks in

handling of the their

A scathing Facebook attack launched by Malcolm Turnbull's son on the Singapore government has emerged as the country's PM holds talks in Australia.

Mr Turnbull and Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong have pledged to work more closely on regional security and tackling terrorism, while making it easier to invest and trade between the two nations.

On Wednesday an online post by Mr Turnbull's son, Alex Turnbull, criticising the Singaporean government's handling of their smoke haze crisis, was revealed.

On Wednesday an online post (pictured) by Mr Turnbull's son, Alex Turnbull, criticising the Singaporean government's handling of their smoke haze crisis, was revealed

A scathing Facebook attack launched by Malcolm Turnbull's son, Alex Turnbull (pictured left) on the Singapore government has emerged as the country's PM holds talks in Australia

Mr Turnbull (right) and Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong (left) have pledged to work more closely on regional security and tackling terrorism, while making it easier to invest and trade between the two nations.

Alex, 34, lives in Singapore with his one-year-old daughter, Isla.

In the post he voices his concern over the dangerous effects of the country's smoke haze on his young daughter's health, Seven News reported.

The Australian PM's son slammed Mr Lee's government, accusing them of taking a back seat while 'friends and associates' run Singapore's palm plantations responsible for the problematic haze.

Alex Turnbull said the plantations were 'recklessly endangering the health of children for profit.'

In the post written in 2015 under a pseudonym, he warned the Singaporean government the plantations owners were 'more like a person trying to kill your children than your friend.'

He also criticised the government's response to the haze crisis.

In the post he voices his concern over the dangerous effects of the country's smoke haze on his young daughter's health (stock image pictured)

The revelations come as Mr Lee and Mr Turnbull hold talks in Australia.

On Thursday the pair will sign a $2 billion deal under which 14,000 Singaporean troops will train for 18 weeks a year in central and northern Queensland and Singapore will be given special permission to develop military training facilities.

'Our decision to grant Singapore the special level of access underlies the enormous trust and respect that exists between our respective armed forces,' Mr Turnbull told parliament on Wednesday.
A supermarket self-checkout user has opened up about his regular thieving habit - as research reveals nearly one-third of DIY checkout users steal.

The un-named 22-year-old Canberra university student said he sometimes stole more items than he paid for and says on average, he only pays for two-thirds of his shopping at major supermarkets.

'I know that two wrongs don't make a right, but if they couldn't afford so many people doing this at their self-serve checkouts they wouldn't have them,' he told the Canberra Times.

A supermarket self-checkout user has opened up about his regular thieving habit (stock image)

The revelation comes as research reveals nearly one-third of DIY checkout users steal (stock image)

Coles says 305 of the 909 people caught stealing in their Australian Capital Territory stores in 2016 did so on DIY checkouts (stock image)

While he stole at the checkout, the student said he would never steal from the shelf (stock image)

The confession came as police in the Australian Captial Territory have begun offering free training to help local businesses prevent being targeted by crime.

And New South Wales police had joined forces with Coles to stop customers stealing on self checkouts, it was reported.

While the student stole at the checkout, he would never steal from the shelf, he said.

'I always feel a little bad when I've stolen more than I've paid for, so I try to keep at at about a third [of stolen items].

The university student estimated he regularly stole one-third of his groceries (stock image)

Australian National University criminologist Emmeline Taylor

'Some people ask me why I don't just shop at smaller supermarkets whose businesses I actually support and pay full price, but I can't afford to.'

Other reasons for his actions included his belief that large supermarkets underpaid staff and 'ripped off' farmers.

The man's stealing began with a bag of potatoes he never intended to take, but felt an urge not to scan them.

Two years later, he was still stealing.

He described himself as a Robin Hood and said he'd never stolen anywhere else.

His revelation came as Australian National University criminologist Emmeline Taylor's survey of research on self-checkout theft worldwide found one-third of users stole 'regularly', the Canberra Times reported.

I always feel a little bad when I've stolen more than I've paid for, so I try to keep at at about a third

Coles said 305 of the 909 people caught stealing in their Australian Capital Territory stores this year had done so on DIY checkouts.

Woolworths wouldn't provide figures on theft, it was reported.

However, a spokesman said the supermarket had faith customers wouldn't steal.

Criminologist Adrian Beck said the university student's behaviour was an example of people neutralising moral concerns by stealing from companies they thought had been unethical.

His research found self checkouts could be normalising theft.

Criminologist Adrian Beck said the university student's behaviour was an example of people neutralising moral concerns
Three missiles were fired by the crew from a Navy destroyer in an effort to defend themselves and another ship from being attacked on Sunday in the Red Sea by Iran-allied Houthi rebels.

The crew on the USS Mason fired the missiles to protect the guided-missile destroyer and nearby USS Ponce from two alleged cruise missiles that were fired from the Yemini shore, two defense officials told the US Naval Institute (USNI).

Two Standard Missile-2s and a single Enhanced Sea Sparrow Missile were launched from the USS Mason to intercept the two missiles that were fired around 7pm.

Also, the Navy destroyer used its Nulka anti-ship missile decoy, sources say.

At the time of the incident, the USS Mason was in international waters north of the strait of Bab el-Mandeb.

Three missiles were fired by the crew from USS Mason (file above) in an effort to defend themselves and another ship from being attacked on Sunday in the Red Sea by Iran-allied Houthi rebels

U.S. officials say they are seeing growing indications that the group, despite denials, were responsible for Sunday's attack off the Yemen coast. Above tribesmen loyal to Houthi rebels are pictured October 2

The USS Mason 'employed onboard defensive measures (against the first suspected cruise missile,) although it is unclear whether this led to the missile striking the water or whether it would have struck the water anyway', a defense official told the USNI on Monday.

On Monday the Pentagon said an investigation is ongoing concerning the incident.

On Wednesday, US officials said they were seeing growing indications that Iran-allied Houthi rebels, despite denials, were responsible for Sunday's attack.

The rebels appeared to use small skiffs as spotters to help direct a missile attack on the warship, US officials, who are not authorized to speak publicly because the investigation is ongoing, told Reuters.

The US is also investigating the possibility that a radar station under Houthi control in Yemen might have also 'painted' the USS Mason, something that would have helped the Iran-aligned fighters pass along coordinates for a strike, said the officials.

Two missiles were launched in an attempt to hit the USS Mason (file picture) and USS Ponce on Sunday coming from Yemeni territory controlled by Houthi rebels, according to a US military spokesman

Neither of the two missiles fired from Houthi-controlled territory on Sunday hit the USS Mason or the nearby USS Ponce, an amphibious transport dock.

But the incident threatens to trigger the first direct U.S. military action against Houthis in Yemen's conflict, even if it is limited to one-off retaliation.

The Houthis have publicly denied any role in the strike. A senior Western diplomat told Reuters those denials have been communicated privately as well.

But the emerging details of Sunday's incident, if confirmed by a U.S. investigation, would lend further support to the Pentagon's claims that 'the facts certainly seem to point' to Houthi involvement.

The U.S. military even hinted on Tuesday at possible preparations for a retaliatory strike.

'Anybody who takes action, fires against U.S. Navy ships operating in international waters, does so at their own peril,' Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis told a news briefing.

Neither of the two missiles fired from Houthi-controlled territory on Sunday hit the USS Mason (file picture) or the nearby USS Ponce, which is an amphibious transport dock

The Houthis, who drove the Saudi Arabia-backed Yemen President Abd Rabbu Mansour al-Hadi from the capital in 2014, had previously avoided targeting U.S. military ships.

Although the United States has provided limited support for the Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis, it also has reserved its direct military role in Yemen to the fight against al Qaeda's affiliate, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.

That general U.S. policy might still remain in place, even if it opts to carry out one-off retaliatory strikes.

Yemen's war has killed at least 10,000 people and brought parts of the country to the brink of starvation.

The Houthis, who are allied to Hadi's predecessor Ali Abdullah Saleh, have the support of many army units and control most of the north including the capital Sanaa.

The U.S. military has acknowledged that only the first of the two missiles came close enough to even trigger the USS Mason's defenses, and it is still not clear those were necessary to avoid a direct hit on the ship.

It is also not clear whether those defenses caused the missile to splash down early, or whether it would have fallen short anyway.

The Houthis are allied to Yemen President Abd Rabbu Mansour al-Hadi's predecessor, Ali Abdullah Saleh (file above)

The second missile, fired about an hour later, was far enough away that the USS Mason did not deem it necessary to employ its defenses.

But Reuters reported that the coastal defense cruise missiles themselves had considerable range, adding to concerns about the kind of heavy weaponry that the Houthis appear willing to employ and some of which U.S. officials believe is supplied by Iran.

The second missile, for example, traveled more than two dozen nautical miles before splashing into the Red Sea off Yemen's southern coast, one of the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The Houthis had previously acknowledged responsibility for firing on a vessel from the United Arab Emirates a week earlier.

Both incidents took place around the Bab al-Mandab strait, one of the world's busiest shipping routes.

Gerry Northwood, chief operations officer with British maritime security firm MAST, suggested the Houthis would find it increasingly difficult to stage similar strikes going forward.
He also obtained the school's alarm code against the principals wishes

The court has heard he was seen lingering around the girls bathroom stalls

Stanford's employers claim there were no complaints made against him

The pair worked together at Leeton High School where he was a cleaner

Vincent Stanford used an alarm code he obtained against the principal's wishes to gain access to Leeton High on the day he brutally murdered Stephanie Scott.

The 25-year-old cleaner pleaded guilty in July to raping and murdering Ms Scott on April 5 inside Leeton High School, south west of Sydney, where he had worked for Colin Joss & Co cleaning division since October 2014.

Stanford got the school's alarm codes and used them on the Easter long weekend when he launched a chilling attack on the unsuspecting English teacher, despite the principal having a strict policy that casual cleaners not be given access without express permission or supervision.

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A company that hired Vincent Stanford (pictured) to clean the school where teacher Stephanie Scott was brutally murdered said no 'red flags' were raised about him

Standord's former boss said she 'never expected' to hear Stanford had been arrested over the chilling murder of Stephanie Scott (pictured with fiance Aaron Leeson-Woolley) after pictures of the much-loved English teacher's charred body were found on his mobile phone

Fleur Thompson, a spokesperson for the cleaning company that employed him, could not explain how Stanford got the codes and said she had no idea reports were made about him lingering around the girls' bathroom stalls outside of his working hours.

Ms Thompson said she 'never expected' to hear Stanford had been arrested over the disturbing murder after pictures of the much-loved English teacher's charred body were found on his mobile phone.

She said there had been no complaints made about his behaviour, but according to court documents he was seen loitering around the girls' toilets outside his regular working hours, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

'During the six months that he was employed there was no concern raised with us about his behaviour and he completed all his cleaning tasks to the company's standards,' Ms Thompson said.

Ms Thompson said there had been no complaints lodged against Stanford in the six months he was employed to clean Leeton High School (pictured) for Colin Joss & Co

But a court heard Stanford had been caught loitering inside the girls toilets stalls and had obtained the school's security code without permission

'Unfortunately it was unpreventable, correct procedures had been followed,' she added.

Ms Thompson said if there were any complaints lodged with the cleaning company before Ms Scott's tragic death they would have been investigated with vigour.

Standford pleaded guilty in July to raping and murdering Ms Scott (pictured) at Leeton High School, NSW, where they both worked and appeared at his Supreme Court sentence hearing

Stanford, 25, earlier confessed to police he had fantasised about killing someone since he was seven-years-old

'If someone had raised a concern, we would have immediately responded and investigated. No one ever raised any concerns. We had no idea,' she told the Sydney Morning Herald.

She did not comment on how the 25-year-old obtained the school's security access code after the principal said it should not be given to causal cleaning staff.

The company is still contracted to clean Leeton High School -where Ms Scott was dragged into a closet, viciously beaten, stabbed and raped - as well as 1,000 others across the state.

Chilling details about Stanford's callous approach to the bride-to-be's murder has been revealed during the 25-year-old's sentencing hearing at Griffith Local Court.

In a video of his April 11 confession played to the court on Tuesday, Stanford calmly explained he punched and stabbed her in the neck because of an unquenchable desire to kill

'I had to kill her. I was not angry or anything I was pretty emotionless. I just thought I had to kill her,' Stanford told detectives

In a video of his April 11 confession played to the court on Tuesday, Stanford calmly explained he punched and stabbed her in the neck because of an unquenchable desire to kill.

'I had to kill her. I was not angry or anything I was pretty emotionless. I just thought I had to kill her,' he told detectives.

'I just could not stop myself I have had anger attacks in the past.'
A young girl has been given the fright of her life after an eastern brown snake lunged at her in her own bedroom.

The teenager opened her cupboard at her home in Innisplain, Queensland, to find the angry creature, which is the second most venomous snake in the world.

Mother Leah Begley said the raging snake was 'striking at anything and everything' as her daughter put a towel under the bedroom door and evacuated their house.

'It came close,' Mrs Begley told Daily Mail Australia. 'It was in her wardrobe, the door was slightly open. She opened it and it struck out.'

A young girl has been given the fright of her life after an eastern brown snake lunged at her in her own bedroom

The teenager opened her cupboard at her home in Innisplain, Queensland, to find the angry creature, which is the second most venomous snake in the world

The family evacuated their home and then filmed the snake through the bedroom window

She continued: 'Because it was a juvenile eastern brown, his striking range was much shorter, only that of his body length, which was around one metre, so he fell short of her reach.

'She jumped back, jumped onto her bed & then ran out of her room, closing the bedroom door behind her.

'She got a towel & shoved it under the door to ensure it remained in her room until the snake catcher came.

'It was a close call,' the relieved mother added.

After fleeing the property, the girl's father, Peter Begley, recorded the snake through the bedroom window.

In his video, it is seen climbing up the window pane before leaping on the floor.

More pictures taken by the family show the eastern brown snake lounging on the teenager's bed and slithering across her carpet.

They called in catcher Snakes Are Us to capture the venomous creature, which by the time he arrived had returned to the warm cupboard.

More pictures taken by the family show the eastern brown snake lounging on the teenager's bed and slithering across her carpet

The family called in catcher Snakes Are Us to capture the venomous creature, which by the time he arrived had returned to the warm cupboard

The snake catcher was able to coax it out via the girl's laundry basket and into his net before transferring it into this box

The snake catcher was able to coax it out via the girl's laundry basket and into his net, but had a stark warning for families.

'This eastern brown snake found his way in through a open door and then made his way into one of the bedrooms,' he said.

'A young girl got the fright of her life when she went to her cupboard and an eastern brown snake struck at her.

'They put a towel under the door to her bedroom so the snake couldn't get out of her room and then they went outside and rang a snake catcher while they watched the snake.

'They watched the snake go everywhere in her room, on her bed to the cupboard and back to the window trying to find a way out.

'Please keep your doors closed and kids' keep your rooms clean.'

Mrs Begley thanked the snake catcher for his help and told her children to keep their rooms tidier in future.

She admitted that they accidentally left their garage door open and that the snake could have come in that way.
knocked down a mother-of-two who later died

A teenage cyclist who knocked down a mother-of-two who later died was accused of 'wanton and furious driving' as he rode a bike without a front brake, a court heard.

Charlie Alliston, 19, is said to have collided with Kim Briggs, 44, while she was on her lunch break in Old Street, central London on February 12 this year.

Paramedics and an air ambulance were called to the scene, before taking Mrs Briggs to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel, east London.

Charlie Alliston, 19, (right) is said to have collided with mother-of-two Kim Briggs, 44, (left) while she was on her lunch break in Old Street, central London on February 12 this year

But Mrs Briggs, an HR executive from Lewisham, south east London, died from her injuries six days later.

At the time, Alliston was riding a black carbon-framed 'Planet X' bike, which had a fixed rear wheel pedal cycle, it is claimed.

Paul Jarvis, prosecuting, told the Old Bailey today the issues would be 'the condition of the bike, whether it ought to have been fixed with a brake to the front wheel'.

Alliston appeared at the Old Bailey today charged with one count of causing bodily harm by wanton or furious driving.

Appearing in the dock with short, gelled hair, and wearing a white shirt, patterned black jumper and grey trousers, with a nose ring and stretcher earrings in his ears, he spoke to confirm his name.

When the charge was read out by the court clerk, he shook his head, before entering a plea of not guilty.

He sat back in a chair in the dock looking ahead for the rest of the short hearing, occasionally shaking his head.

Judge Paul Worsley QC set a trial date for January 9 next year and granted Alliston bail.

The trial is expected to last three days.

Alliston, of Bermondsey, south east London, denies one count of causing bodily harm by wanton or furious driving contrary to section 35 of the Offences Against The Person Act 1861.

Mrs Briggs had started a new job working as head of human resources at ancestry website Find my Past at the time of her death in February 2016, the month before she was knocked over.
It is being reported that NBC had been holding the tape to try and influence the election because some executives 'disdain' Trump

Trump also reportedly offered to 'help' Bush after the tape was released but he refused that offer

Bush is reported to have bragged about the tape back in August while in Rio covering the Olympic Games for NBC

has also reportedly launched an investigation to find out who knew about the damning audio

Billy Bush may be preparing himself to go to war with NBC.

Page Six reports that the Today anchor is possibly looking to sue the network after someone inside the organization leaked a tape that featured him making lewd comments with Donald Trump to The Washington Post last week.

Trump himself also reportedly offered Bush some 'help' with his situation, but he declined the offer.

NBC meanwhile has launched an internal investigation to find out who knew about the audio and may be responsible for the leak.

According to TMZ, NBC had been sitting on the tape in hopes of releasing it before the second debate on Sunday to have the biggest possible impact on the election.

Many executives at the network have an 'open disdain' for Trump according to the report.

That plan was changed however with Hurricane Matthew and the tape release was pushed back to Monday, a move that reportedly made at least one individual inside the organization so angry that they decided to leak the audio to The Washington Post.

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Fighting back: Billy Bush (above in November 2015) may sue NBC for leaking his 2005 interview with Donald Trump that featured him making lewd comments about women

End of the road: The tape has resulted in NBC making the decision to ax Bush from his role as the anchor of the third hour of Today according to multiple sources (Natalie Morales, Bush and Al Roker in Rio above)

No thanks: Trump (above on Tuesday) reportedly offered to 'help' Bush after the tape was released but he refused that offer

Bush is set to exit Today just two months after he took over as the anchor of the show's third hour according to multiple sources who spoke with CNN Money.

Details of his contract with NBC are not known, but it is reportedly in the seven-figure range.

A source at NBC told DailyMail.com that the network at no point tried to edit Bush out of the damning tape, despite reports to the contrary that have emerged over the past few days.

TMZ is reporting meanwhile that Bush frequently made comments about women on the set of Access Hollywood, and was never once reprimanded by anyone at NBC.

The 44-year-old anchor was said to be particularly impressed by the legs of Gigi Hadid and Taylor Swift.

In the tape, Bush can be heard calling actress Arianne Zucker, who was then on Days of Our Lives, a 'hot piece of a**,' and also saying nothing while Trump goes on and his co-host Nancy O'Dell.

'I did try and f*** her. She was married,' Trump tells Bush on the tapes, the transcript of which was first published by The Washington Post on Friday.

'And I moved on her very heavily. In fact, I took her out furniture shopping. She wanted to get some furniture. I said, "Ill show you where they have some nice furniture."'

Trump went on to say: 'I moved on her like a bitch, but I couldnt get there. And she was married.

'Then all of a sudden I see her, shes now got the big phony tits and everything. Shes totally changed her look.'

Bush later apologized, but according to one insider that was not enough for the network.

'What is stunning is how self-important Billy is. He bragged about this in Rio and many people believe Access Hollywood management knew about this for much longer than they are saying and they were protecting Billy while not doing the right thing and informing NBC News,' the source told DailyMail.com.

That individual went to to say that Bush was 'never a fit' for the program.

'What angers a lot of people is that before Billy even started on the show, he was trying to position himself as the heir to Matt, but hes not even close to being in Matts league. Billy is a presenter, not a journalist and NBC was never going to let that happen,' said the source.

Looking into it: NBC reportedly launched an investigation to find out who knew about the damning audio (Tamron Hall, Bush and Roker above)

Timing: NBC had been preparing to air the tape on Access Hollywood when they were scooped by The Washington Post following an internal leak (Bush and Hoda Kotb above)

Bad choice: Bush is reported to have bragged about the tape back in August while in Rio covering the Olympic Games for NBC (Bush and Matt Lauer above)

That being said, Bush did manage to secure the network's biggest interview during the Olympic Games in Rio when he ran into Ryan Lochte on the beach.

He recorded the Olympian on his iPhone as he recounted being robbed just hours earlier at a gas station.

And while the swimmer's tale of being robbed at gunpoint ended up being false, it did provide great ratings for the network.

Bush was not however allowed to do any of the subsequent interviews with Lochte. That honor instead went to Matt Lauer.

The other problem according to the source is Bush's behavior over the past few days.

'When Brian Williams was suspended no one saw him, he kept a low profile. Yet Billy is out in public in rolled up sweat pants and flip flops looking like he just rolled out of bed. Not the image of professionalism that viewers expect of a Today Show anchor,' said the individual.

'If I had a message for Billy, it would be, stop swanning around LA and go volunteer at a shelter for women and children to show you are truly sorry.'

The source added: 'The rumor internally is that management are worried that if Billy goes back on the air, there may be something else that he has done that they arent aware of that could come out and really damage the show.'

Bush is said to have broken down in tears after the audio of him making lewd comments about women was released this past Friday.

A source told US Weekly that he quickly grew nervous that the tape would lead to him being fired from his new job.

'Billy was devastated and crying when the leaked tape of him with Donald Trump in 2005 was first leaked to The Washington Post,' said the source.

'He was crying that his career was over.'

Bush, 44, was seen for the first time since the news of his suspension on Monday afternoon, looking unkempt and scruffy as he grabbed lunch in Los Angeles with one of his three teenage daughters.

He wore sweatpants and flip flops for the outing, along with a shirt that read: 'Sun. Beach. Whiskey.'

Big get: Bush did secure NBC's biggest interview of the Olympic Games when he spoke with Ryan Lochte (above) after his fabricated robbery

Out and about: Bush was spotted in Los Angeles on Monday (above) after it was announced he had been suspended from the network

The decision to suspend Bush was addressed on Today Monday morning by lead anchor Savannah Guthrie.

'We want to note one other thing,' said Guthrie at the top of the program.

'Pending further review of the matter, NBC News has suspended Billy Bush, the host of Todays third hour, for his role in that conversation with Donald Trump.'

The suspension was again addressed at the start of the third hour as well by Hall and Roker.

'As you can see, Billy Bush is not joining us today, as youre probably aware,' said Roker.

'Part of that 2005 Access Hollywood taping with Donald Trump thats been in the news all weekend.'

Hall then added: 'NBC, which owns Access Hollywood, has suspended Billy for his role in that conversation, pending further review. With that said, lets turn to last nights debate, where that 2005 tape played a big role.'

At least one of Bush's co-workers did come to his defense though on Monday.

Bush's former Access Hollywood co-host Kit Hoover fought back tears while speaking about the Today anchor's recent suspension by NBC.

'I dont even know where to begin with all of this,' said Hoover at the top of Monday morning's episode of Access Hollywood.

'When the tapes came out on Friday, I was home watching with my 14-year-old daughter and the tapes are inexcusable. But Im watching this tape and Im watching this person - those tapes were a decade ago and it was seven minutes of someones life, and all I can tell you is what I know and the person that I sat next to for the last six years, and that person for me is a totally different person.

'He always treated me with kindness, such respect  I mean, Natalie, he treated me like an equal from day one and I think anybody that watched our show at home and saw us together knew how much he rooted for me.

'He was always in my corner. I was just devastated to watch all this unfold because the Billy that I know - and that a lot of people would say - has the biggest heart of anybody, and he is a good person,' said Hoover.

Friends: Bush interviews Melania and Donald Trump at the 2004 Emmy Awards (above)

Friends forever: An NBC source tells DailyMail.com that despite reports to the contrary, the network never tried to edit Bush out of the damning tape (Bush with his daughters and wife)

Natalie Morales the chimed in to say a few positive things about Bush as well, stating: 'I will say that one of the first people to call me and congratulate me when I announced that I would be getting this job was Billy.'

She then added: 'He also offered advice and offered to help with my move and transition.'

Bush, who is married with three teenage daughters, released a statement shortly after the 2005 tape surfaced on Friday.

'Obviously Im embarrassed and ashamed. Its no excuse, but this happened eleven years ago. I was younger, less mature, and acted foolishly in playing along. Im very sorry,' said Bush, who was 33 at the time.

Zucker, the Days of Our Lives actress who Bush referred to as 'hot as s***' also released a statement over the weekend.

'My name is Arianne Zucker and I am a strong, independent, hard working mother, business woman and partner to a great man. I have grown to learn that the words of others cannot effect the value of my self worth or define the content of my character,' said Zucker.

'How we treat one another, whether behind closed doors, locker rooms or face to face, should be done with kindness, dignity and respect. Unfortunately, there are too many people in power who abuse their position and disregard these simple principles and are rewarded for it.'

She closed out her statement by saying: 'In understanding the magnitude of this situation, I choose to stand tall with self respect and use my voice to enrich, inspire and elevate the best of who we are as people.'

Bush also did a poor job trying of distancing himself from Trump after the release of the tape.
Carver and Brown had been dating for just a few months, and Carver was in the middle of a divorce

Police continue to investigate the couple's disappearance but say there are few clues and that they have not ruled out foul play

The family believe the account may have been hacked

The mystery surrounding a missing South Carolina couple's disappearance has deepened, after dozens of posts started showing up on the boyfriend's Facebook.

Charlie Carver, 32, and Kala Brown, 30, were last seen together leaving a friend's home on August 30. The next day, surveillance footage caught Carver leaving his work. That day marked the last the couple's friends or family heard from them.

Carver and Brown had been dating just a few months, and had moved in together over the summer as Carver was going through a divorce.

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Kala Brown, 30 (left), and Charlie Carver, 32 (right), have been missing from their home in Anderson, South Carolina since August 31

Almost immediately after they were reported missing, Carver's account became suspiciously active

Family members believe that the account has been hacked. Above, a message that someone received from Carver saying he was 'fine'

After failing to answer calls or messages from their loved ones, the couple's parents searched their apartment a few days later and found Brown's Pomeranian inside without any food or water.

Medications and Brown's glasses were also left behind in the abandoned apartment.

As the search for the missing couple started, Carver's Facebook - which he doesn't typically use - started becoming more and more active.

On September 1, the account posted an update that the two had gotten married. Other posts include links to stories and GoFundMe fundraisers for the missing couple.

There are also several bizarre posts unrelated to the couple's disappearance, such as memes and comic book illustrations.

The most recent post from October 2 reads: 'What color ribbon supports the cure for people who can't keep their nose out of other people's business?'

When one concerned family member reached out to Carver on the account, they received a private message saying 'yes I'm fine'.

But family members believe the account was hacked since the posts are not in Carver's style.

Anderson police continue to search for the missing couple, but say they are working with few clues

Carver's car has not been accounted for. It is a 2002 white Pontiac Grand Prix with a South Carolina license plate number HWY124, with an LSU decal and possibly a Palmetto glad on the back window

The couple had been dating for a few months and had moved in together over the summer. Carver (right) was going through a divorce. Brown pictured left

'This is just so out of character for (Carver), so if anybody knows anything, please call and leave a tip. I'm begging you, please,' Brown's mother, Joanne Shiflet, told WYFF. 'It's the emptiest feeling I've ever had. It's like a constant pain in your head. Your arms feel like strings. You want to reach out, but there's nothing to hold on to because you're reaching for your son, and he's not there.'

Meanwhile, Brown's Facebook - which she used more than her boyfriend - has been completely silent.

Anderson police Lt. Mike Aikens says his department continues to search for the couple, but that they are working with few clues. Foul play has not been ruled out.

A friend of Brown and Carver's mother told police that someone the couple knows has 'given them problems before'.

Brown's car was found in her apartment complex and her cellphone hadn't been used in the days before she vanished.
Top city officials in San Antonio say that officers who appeared in a video where they are seen showing support for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump will be disciplined.

Several officers are seen in the video wearing Trump's signature red hat bearing the campaign slogan 'Make America Great Again' during the candidate's visit to the Alamo City on Tuesday.

The mayor and the chief of police have already weighed in on the matter, according to Fox San Antonio.

'The officers wearing the campaign hats while in uniform violated SAPD policy and will be disciplined appropriately,' San Antonio Police chief William McManus said.

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Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee (center), greets several San Antonio police officers just before boarding a plane at the airport on Tuesday

The officers wore red hats bearing the signature slogan of Trump's campaign, 'Make America Great Again,' while taking pictures with the candidate

Trump has made law and order a central theme of his campaign for president while touting the support he has received from law enforcement

'SAPD officers are charged with protecting the entire community. The officers displayed poor judgment.

'I expect them to know better than to give the appearance of endorsing a candidate while on duty and in uniform, regardless of the political campaign or the candidate,' the chief of police said.

The mayor, Ivy Taylor, wrote on her Twitter feed that she was 'deeply disappointed' by the SAPD officers' 'lack of judgement'.

'Police must be above politics with an obligation to serve everyone equally,' she wrote on her Facebook page.

'Everything they do should send that message and today's actions did not.'

It is official city policy for civil servants not to express political sentiments in favor of a candidate while on duty or in uniform.

The head of the union of SAPD officers said that the officers 'were most likely caught up in the moment and did not consider the political nature of their actions'.

The mayor of San Antonio, Ivy Taylor, took to social media to express her 'disappointment' with the officers' actions

Taylor said that the officers who appeared with Trump at the airport displayed 'lack of judgment'

Taylor and her chief of police said that the officers violated city policy that prohibits civil servants from expressing support for political candidates while on duty

'While on duty, police must be above politics with an obligation to serve everyone equally,' the mayor wrote on her Facebook page

'SAPOA historically does not make federal political endorsements,' said Michael Helle, the president of the San Antonio Police Officers Association.
An Indian restaurant boss who dreams of becoming a pilot has bought his own private aeroplane by paying for it with 500 curries and 1,000 poppadoms.

Shajahan Chowdhury, of Keighley, West Yorkshire, swapped the food for the shell of a 49ft Hawker Siddeley HS125 jet which he now plans to turn into a restaurant.

Aviation salvage company GJD Aerotech were happy to swap the ex-charter jet for 150 vindaloos, 150 Bombay Aloos, 100 onion bhajis and the poppadoms.

Unusual exchange: Shajahan Chowdhury, of Keighley, West Yorkshire, delivers curry as payment for the 49ft Hawker Siddeley HS125 jet shell to workers of GJD Aerotec

Bright idea: Father-of-five Mr Chowdhury (right) is organising the novel venture to turn the plane into a restaurant alongside his friend and colleague Adnan Ahmed (left)

A promise of a further 200 tasty treats from Mr Chowdhury - who said he has cooked for the likes of Cliff Richard and the Spice Girls in the past - will follow on request.

Mr Chowdhury, 47, who is originally from Bangladesh, yearned to be a pilot when he was a young boy  and is hoping to revamp the plane so it looks like a private jet.

The father-of-five said: I am so excited I havent been able to sleep. I had an ambition to one day and grow up to be a pilot.

But that position is only for the wealthy and influential people in my home land. I finished high school and college and came to the UK in 2000.

I worked as a kitchen porter as my first job and worked my way up to chef before I opened his first restaurant 2004.

Ive always loved aircraft and often take my sons to Leeds Bradford Airport.

Unusual currency: GJD Services were happy to swap the ex-charter jet for 150 vindaloos, 150 Bombay Aloos, 100 onion bhajis and 1,000 poppadoms

Happy days: A promise of a further 200 tasty treats from Mr Chowdhury - who has cooked for the likes of Cliff Richard and the Spice Girls in the past - will follow on request

My friend Azim helped me broker a deal where I got the opportunity to exchange 500 curries for a shell of a HS 125 800, like the one used in The Da Vinci Code film.

I have already given one instalment of 50 curries and 450 (are) left to go on a payment plan. It is like a dream come true. I feel I have fulfilled my ambition.

Hopes and dreams: Mr Chowdhury, who is originally from Bangladesh, yearned to be a pilot when he was a young boy

I just need to find a suitable restaurant where I can place my plane but it will be in the district and am going to have a meeting with Punch Taverns and Enterprise Inns soon.

Mr Chowdhury is organising the novel venture alongside friend and colleague Adnan Ahmed, who also runs a restaurant.

He is currently looking at venues around Bradford and Keighley where the plane will be attached to the outside of a restaurant and accessed from inside.

Friend and pilot Mustafa Azim, who co-owns aviation salvage company Imperial and works with Gary Spoors of GJD Services Ltd, helped Mr Chowdhury find the plane of his dreams.

Mr Azim said: The craft was involved in an accident when it crashed at Biggin Hill six months ago. The landing gear did not work but fortunately no one was injured.

Mr Spoors added: The food was fantastic, and we love curry here, a total bargain.

Work will begin straight away locally to revamp the interior of the plane and attach one wing

The whole structure will be removable and there are plans to take it to Glastonbury Festival

Mr Chowdhury said the plane is 49ft in length and 8ft wide, adding: It will seat ten people comfortably for a totally unique dining experience.

The food I will serve will be specially created with its own menu. I want people to enjoy something totally different.

Mr Chowdhury, pictured in front of another plane, is looking at venues where the plane will be attached to the outside of a restaurant

The trio said work will begin straight away locally to revamp the interior of the plane and attach one wing.

The whole structure will be removable and they are planning to take it to Glastonbury Festival in Somerset next year.

Mr Ahmed said his friends dream has inspired him to buy a plane and plans to purchase a Boeing 737 and place it at a restaurant he is looking to take over.

Mr Chowdhury bought the shell of the 49-foot-long Hawker Siddeley HS125 for the equivalent of 3,700.

He said: I reckon that deals dont come any stranger then this and the Bank of England should consider my curry as a new rate of currency.

These curries are bespoke curries made to my own recopies and the curries would cost 10.95 each if you were to go to a restaurant, so 300 curries would retail at 3,000 plus 180 for delivery and fuel costs.

The onion bhajis would cost 300 and the poppadoms with chutneys are 200.

Valuable curries: Mr Chowdhury bought the shell of the 49-foot-long Hawker Siddeley HS125 for the equivalent of 3,700

Mr Chowdhury worked as a kitchen porter as his first job and worked his way up to chef before he opened his first restaurant in 2004

He added: If I was to buy just a cockpit of an HS125 from a company like Rainbow aviation it would have cost me 3,500 but the whole Shell with Wings is around 8,000.

Gary and Jeff from GJD Aerotech are great curry fans and love our food - to them are the fourth emergency service - so we got a fair deal.

Delighted: Mr Chowdhury said he was 'absolutely elated with joy' and it was 'like David Beckham scoring a goal'

We did recently deliver 50 curries by plane to London, as GJD Aerotech is working at the Royal air Force Museum. We used Capt Azims light aeroplane to deliver them.

Mr Chowdhury went on to say: Youve got to understand its not every day you get an offer like this.

When I was assured I would get the plane I was absolutely elated with joy and so was my entire family, it was awesome day in my whole life - it was like David Beckham scoring a goal.

My daughters and sons are so proud, even the people in my own neighbourhood are pleased and proud.

Given the chance the use his currency again, Mr Chowdhury said: If I could swap my curry for something, it would be a Mercedes Benz 6.3 AMG, in pearl white, and Ill throw in the poppadoms as an optional extra.

The chef said Mr Azim was the one who negotiated the deal, adding: I didnt actually chose the plane, it was the only one available at the time.
An official said Freitekh had been frustrated with his family and felt as though he was being forced to become a pilot

C rash occurred suspiciously close to defense contractor Pratt & Whitney's Connecticut headquarters, described as 'critical infrastructure'

They did find three foreign nationals living with him - all also studying for their pilots' licenses - who were interviewed but released

No evidence of terrorist activities were found when police searched Freitekh's home in Connecticut

FBI and state counter-terrorism unit are now investigating the claims

Several friends and relatives of Freitekh posted on Facebook that they 'forgave' him after the crash

attended a language school in Toledo, Ohio on an F-1 student visa before returning to an M-1, to go to Connecticut Flight Academy

Student pilot came to U.S. in 2012 from Jordan as an international student on a temporary

Pair were were arguing shortly before the plane crash, officials said

The experienced pilot told police from his hospital bed that Freitekh had crashed into the Connecticut high street intentionally

A flying instructor desperately fought for the controls of a plane moments before his student pilot 'deliberately crashed into a Connecticut street', sources say.

Trainee pilot Feras M. Freitekh and his instructor Arian Prevalla had been arguing during the flight on Tuesday afternoon after the student said he no longer wanted to fly the plane, a source told the Hartford Courant.

Prevella had desperately tried to regain control of the Piper PA 34A - which has two sets of controls - when Freitekh suddenly began flying erratically. But the experienced pilot was not able to stop their descent and the plane crashed on Tuesday.

Jordanian national Freitekh, 28, was killed in the crash while Prevalla was rushed to hospital with serious burns. Two people in a minivan close to the landing site were also hospitalized..

Despite his injuries, Prevalla, 43, of Meriden, Connecticut, was able to tell the authorities that his student pilot had deliberately downed the plane and a federal investigation has now begun.

East Hartford police Chief Scott Sansom added that the FBI would also be investigating as the crash had occurred suspiciously close to defense contractor Pratt & Whitney's headquarters, which he described as 'critical infrastructure.'

However, so far investigators have been unable to discover any obvious links between Freitekh and terrorist organisations.

The crash appeared to have been a suicide attempt by the student, and terrorism was ruled out, the official, who wasn't authorized to speak publicly, told The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity

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The FBI is investigating claims Jordanian student pilot Feras M. Freitekh intentionally crashed a light aircraft, killing himself and injuring three others

Freitekh (pictured asleep) came to the U.S. from Jordan in 2012 to go to flight school. He later attended a language school in Toledo, Ohio

Freitekh, 28, (pictured) a Jordanian national, was killed in the crash yesterday afternoon

The FBI is investigating if a Connecticut fiery plane crash which killed one and injured three others was intentional

'It will be a lengthy investigation for the next few days,' Sansom said, noting that it was too early to tell what caused the plane to crash.

Freitekh, originally from Jordan, was listed as living in Orlando Hills, Illinois, before moving to Ritz Grande Apartments in Hartford, Connectibut to learn to fly.

When the authorities searched his apartment after the crash they found three other foreign nationals living with him - all also studying for their pilots' licenses. The trio were interviewed by the authorities but have been released without charge.

Police found no evidence of terrorist activities when they initially searched his Connecticut apartment but investigators say the search is continuing. His social media pages also appear devoid of any strong political leanings or terrorist sympathies.

But an official close to the investigation, told CNN that Freitekh had been frustrated with his family and felt as though he was being forced to become a pilot.

Prevalla told authorities that he and the trainee had been arguing inside the aircraft - which has two sets of controls - just before it plowed into the street.

The father-of-four, who was left badly burned and is now recovering the Bridgeport Hospital burn unit, said he had battled for control of the plane but couldn't stop the crash.

There were no video or audio recorders aboard the plane, meaning there is no other evidence, but authorities say the believe the instructor's account that his student pilot intentionally crashed the plane.

Today, family of Pravella, who taught at Hartford Jet Center, hailed him a 'hero' today for preventing mass casualties.

His cousin Blerim Prevalla told DailyMail.com: 'If this other guy was a terrorist he would want to find a better target than a highway. He could have flown into a bus or a school but my cousin did a great job to stop him. In our eyes he's a hero.'

He added that Prevella would have been helpless if his student decided to crash the plane.

'These planes they use have dual controls so if the other guy wants to bring it down there's not a lot he can do.

'They haven't told us anything about the guy but they need to look into his background,' he added.

Blerim, 49, said that both he and Arian came to the US from Macedonia two decades ago but consider themselves Albanians.

His student Freitekh was also an immigrant, moving to the United States around four years ago as an international student. And he appeared to have been settling into American life well. Just last year he posted a status on Facebook saying he loved the country; with a heart emoji next to the word U.S.A.

Freitekh came to the U.S. from Jordan in 2012 on an international student M-1 visa to go to flight school. He later attended a language school in Toledo, Ohio on an F-1 student visa before returning to an M-1, a temporary visa for vocational schools, so he could study at the Connecticut Flight Academy in Hartford.

The Piper PA 34 was being flown by Feras M. Freitekh and his instructor, Arian Prevalla (pictured) when it crashed

Sources say Revalla (pictured meeting former president Bill Clinton) and his student had been arguing before the crash

The pilot (right) was baldy burned in the crash but was still able to tell investigators his student had deliberately crashed

Federal Aviation Administration records show he was issued a private pilot certificate on May 29, 2015, and was certified to fly a single-engine plane.

On the day of the crash, he had been flying under the instruction of Flight Academy president, and instructor Arian Prevalla.

A fellow pilot trainee, and friend of Freitekh, told the DailyMail.com that he was a ' delightful individual, very joyful, helpful.'

Kenatha Abernaty, who attended the flight school with him, refused to believe his friend was capable of causing the fiery crash.

' I don't really believe the accusations because I flew with him a couple times and he didn't seem capable,' he told us, adding that he was generally liked by students and staff alike - including Prevella.

'He seemed to have a good relationship with Mr. Prevalla. The staff seemed to like him,' he said, adding that Freitekh was generally a private person who would keep his private life to himself.

Yet other friends and family on Facebook appeared to accept the claims Freitekh had deliberately down the small aircraft.

Several people had posted on Facebook that they 'forgave' him after the crash.

'God have mercy on you captain and forgive you my brother,' wrote Abu Taj, over a picture of Feitekh kissing the a plane. Saifeddin M. AlHussein added: 'May God have mercy on him and forgive him.'

The state's counter-terrorism unit have joined the FBI, State Police Central District Crime Squad and Fire and Explosion Investigations Unit in the multi agency investigation.

One of the plane's occupants was killed in the fiery crash. The other was hospitalized, as were two people in a minivan close to where the aircraft hit (pictured are firefighters extinguishing the blaze after the crash yesterday)

The FBI is now investigating whether the crash near aerospace manufacturer and defense contractor Pratt & Whitney's headquarters was intentional (the smoldering wreckage is pictured yesterday)

A woman who was on the street was taken away on a stretcher after the plane crash on Main Street in East Hartford on Tuesday

The Piper PA 34 was being piloted by a student pilot and instructor when it crashed on Main Street in East Hartford at around 3.45pm on Tuesday, resulting in what one witness described as a 'mushroom cloud explosion

The remains of a small plane are seen along Main St, Wednesday, in East Hartford

The National Transportation Safety Board's probe indicated it was an 'intentional' and 'criminal' act so have passed the lead to the FBI.

'Nothing is being ruled out at this time, including an accident,' said Lt. Joshua Litwin of the East Hartford Police Department, who spoke at a press conference at the scene on Wednesday morning, confirming the F.B.I. was leading the inquiry.

'Although you can see the investigation is extremely active, it is still in its infancy.

East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc 'It's troubling,' Leclerc said. 'But I also know that stories change and information can be skewed. We're waiting for the facts to come out.'

The plane had taken off from Brainard Airport in Hartford, according to Mayor Marcia Leclerc, and crashed near the intersection of Main Street and Colt Street, just under half a mile away.

According to the FAA, the plane was on final approach to Runway 20 at Hartford-Brainard Airport.

The aircraft struck a utility pole and wires as it came down, bursting into a 'mushroom cloud explosion' and causing 520 power outages, according to Fox61.

The instructing pilot, who is awake in hospital and speaking with police but has not been named, said that his student Freitekh had crashed the plane on purpose, law enforcement sources told the Times.

'As far as the occupants of the plane, he is expected to survive. He is cooperating with investigators he's actually speaking with detectives as part of this investigation as ongoing,' said East Hartford Police Lt. Josh Litwin, the Courant reports.

Several friends and relatives of Freitekh posted on Facebook that they 'forgave' him after the crash

Yet last year, the pilot had written a status on his Facebook page saying how much he loved America

The FBI investigate Freitekh's at Ritz Grande Apartments, on Wednesday, in connection with the plane crash

A source said three other foreign nationalists, also getting pilot's licenses, lived with Feras Freitekh at the apartment

State and federal investigators were still at the scene on Wednesday morning although there were no signs up stepped up security, according to the Times. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board will join them today.

'This is a very complex situation with a lot of different agencies and a lot of different moving parts,' fire Chief John Oates said.

The cause for the crash has not yet been determined, and the investigation is expected to take several days to complete.

A Pratt & Whitney spokesman said that the crash was unconnected to the business or its employees or contractors but added that 'our thoughts are with the people affected.'

'It does not appear at this time that any Pratt & Whitney employees or contractors were involved. Additionally, there is no impact to our operation here in East Hartford other than restricted traffic flow to the facility's main entrance on Main Street. We stand ready to assist local officials as needed.'

Erick Zapata, who was eating at a Subway near the crash, told the Courtant that 'out of nowhere a plane crashed into the pole.

'Pieces started flying everywhere...' he said. 'I was nervous, I was shaking. It was crazy. I've never seen anything like it.'

Another witness told the paper that the plane 'went down, then it disintegrated. It was gone.'

Gregory Bell saw the plane flying unusually low as he drove home from work. 'I saw the plane going low,' he said. 'It was too low.'

Moments later he heard the crash.

Wreckage: One of the two people in the plane was killed; the other was hospitalized but is said to be conscious. Two others on the ground were taken to hospital uninjured but 'traumatized'

The FBI is now investigating whether the crash near aerospace manufacturer and defense contractor Pratt & Whitney's headquarters was intentional (an investigator photographs the scene)

State and federal investigators were still at the scene on Wednesday morning

Two people in a minivan close to where the plane came down were also taken to hospital. They were described as being uninjured but 'a little bit traumatized' by Leclerc.

Prevalla was taken to the nearby burns unit in a serious condition. The pilot came to US twenty years ago with is family and ran a business with his cousin Blerim before setting up the flight school.

'He's a great family man, a great businessman. He's got everything to live for so the idea that he could have wanted to down that plane is ridiculous,' his cousin Blerim said.

'My cousin is a great pilot, he's flown all over the US and Europe. 'He's been flying for 11, 12 years he's never had an accident. He trains people every day of the year, weather permitting.

'But he's cool under pressure and I'm confident he would have done everything in his power to stop it.'

Blerim, a dad-of-three and real estate developer from Berlin Connecticut, said his cousin also owned a pizza restaurant and has two young boys, a little girl and a toddler girl.

He said none of the family has been allowed to talk to Arian, aside from his wife Erzana, 38, who is at his hospital bedside. 'We don't know too much because the FBI are investigating. Nobody has been able to talk to him apart from his wife. 'He's got burns but it's not life threatening.The family is just really happy he's OK.'

The FBI and FAA are conducting the investigation with the National Transportation Safety Board, the Flight Standards District Office and the Connecticut Airport Authority.

One crash survivor told investigators that the crash was not an accident, a source close to the investigation said

According to the FAA, the plane was on final approach to Runway 20 at Hartford-Brainard Airport when it struck a utility pole (fire crews at the scene yesterday)
A Chinese student said he was on a mission to kill the Queen after he was arrested for trying to sneak a knife into Buckingham Palace, a court heard.

Hang Zhang, 25, made it through the main gate but was detained by police after a violent struggle in the Palace courtyard, Westminster Magistrates' Court heard.

Officers later discovered a folding knife in one of his shoes. He also claimed he was being watched by the Chinese government, it was heard.

Student Hang Zhang, 25, made it through the main gate but was detained by police after a violent struggle in the Buckingham Palace courtyard, the court heard. File image

Zhang, a student at the Sheffield University, pleaded not guilty to a charge of possessing an offensive weapon in a public place via video-link today.

Prosecutor Edward Aydin described how Zhang was 'shouting that someone's trying to kill him' when he arrived at the Palace on August 12.

It is understood that no members of the Royal Family were in residence at the time.

Mr Aydin said: 'He says he needs to see the Queen and that the Chinese government is watching him.

The Queen is not believed to have been in residence at the time of the security breach

'He gets into the yard of Buckingham Palace - gets in through the main gate - and there is a violent struggle with officers. He is taken to the ground.

'He is taken to the police station and there is a folding knife in his right shoe.'

At Belgravia police station officers saw the words 'Buckingham Palace' and 'flag' written on his hand in biro, the court heard.

Mr Aydin continued: 'He makes a significant comment to the officer saying: "My mission is to kill the Queen" and no comment to all other questions.'

The prosecutor highlighted the 'dangerous circumstances' around the 'violent struggle' which took place at the palace.

He said there were 'all sorts of people around there at the time with their families'.

Zhang opted for a trial at the magistrates court. A date has yet to be fixed.
The man claiming to be Bill Clinton's abandoned son says that he has promised his five children that they will meet the former President - their 'grandfather' - one day.

Danney Williams, 30, uploaded a new video to YouTube on Tuesday in which he says he regularly tells his children that Clinton is his father.

'Recently I have been telling my kids that their grandfather was the president of the United States and they're amazed by it, they're like "No. Is it for real?" I tell them yes, he is my father and I will make sure you get to meet him one day,' he says in the video.

He also says that growing up, his family would receive 'seven $100 bills' each month by mail, but it all stopped when Clinton became president.

As he speaks, a series of photos featuring Williams and his smiling children flash across the screen.

Williams has long claimed that his prostitute mother met Clinton when she was working on the streets of Little Rock, Arkansas. He claims she told him they had sex 13 times.

Danney Williams, a 30-year-old man claiming to be Bill Clinton's abandoned son, tells his five children (two pictured above) that his father is a former president

Williams, pictured above with some of his children, has told his kids that they will one day meet Clinton

Williams uploaded a new video to YouTube on Tuesday in which he says he regularly tells his children that Clinton is his father, which 'amazes' them

In a new video Williams has uploaded to YouTube, a series of photos featuring his smiling children (two pictured above under a Snapchat filter) flash across the screen

He said that it's 'unfair' that Clinton has not welcomed him into his life, but that their relationship was 'common knowledge' as he grew up in Arkansas.

'I have no doubt that I am Bill Clinton's son,' he said. 'It was common knowledge, everyone in Arkansas knew.

'Everywhere I went, they pointed out: 'It's Bill Clinton's son right there. You look like him, don't you? The ears, the mouth, the chin, the teeth, the eyes, the nose'. I see him in me.

'You can see a black Bill Clinton. When I'm brushing my hair I can see Bill Clinton with waves in his hair.

'I always feel bad about him not wanting to be in my life. Was it because I was black? Was there something wrong with me? Why do you not want to be a part of me? It made me even think of sometimes suicide.'

Williams was brought up by his aunt Lucille Bolton, because his mother was constantly in and out of prison when he was growing up. Bolton also appears in the video.

She said that Danney's mother, Bobbi Anne Williams, told her she was pregnant with Clinton's child months before he was born.

Bolton said she once took Danney to the Governor's Mansion in Little Rock in a bid to confront the Clintons but they were chased off the grounds. 'There was a car coming out of the front gate, right. When the gate swings open, I ran up in there and ran behind the gate.

'When I got to the door, I asked for (Hillary) and the door was slammed in my face.'

She said 'two big old guys' came from round the side of the mansion. 'I went running and jumped a fence, got the hell out of there,' she said.

Bill Clinton, son-in-law Mark Mezvinsky, Chelsea and Hillary leave the hospital after birth of baby boy Aidan

Chelsea Marc take their kids Charlotte and Aiden for a stroll near their Manhattan apartment

Williams has long claimed that his prostitute mother met Clinton when she was working on the streets of Little Rock, Arkansas

Williams claims that his mother, Bobbi Anne Williams (right), had sex with Clinton 13 times, and that eventually he impregnated her

Williams' his aunt, Lucille Bolton is said to be the first person who tried to force the governor to take a DNA test to see if he was the father of Bobbi Anne Williams' child, and reportedly spoke about the matter with Hillary herself

Williams' mother was in and out of prison when he was growing up, so he was brought up by Bolton (pictured)

At one point in the video Williams said he got no help from the Clintons during his upbringing, but at another he says his mother regularly got 'seven $100 bills' placed in her mailbox and he received Christmas presents from the former first family.

'They were delivered to my home by state troopers. So I felt he was trying to be a part of my life. And then when he became president, everything stopped.'

He said that in 1999 the tabloid magazine Star published a report saying that he had failed a DNA test, but he says no such test was ever taken. 'I would love a DNA test to be done,' he said.

Williams claimed to have had several near-miss attempts to speak to the Clintons. He once went to hear a speech Bill was giving at his presidential library in Little Rock but arrived too late. Just this year during a campaign stop he said he sat front and center as Hillary spoke, but she left immediately afterwards so he didn't get a chance to speak to her.

'I put myself right in front of the podium where she spoke. She was looking right at me  eye contact. I was thinking she knew who I was.'

What made it even more galling was the fact she spoke about meeting members of the Black Lives Matter movement and how she felt for them.

'It made me wonder. She says black lives matter, so why I don't matter to her?

Williams contrasts his hardscrabble upbringing with that of Chelsea Clinton, who he calls his sister.

'In 1995 when my father was president of the United States, the state of Arkansas put us in foster care,' he says in the nine-minute video. 'I lived in foster homes.

'It made me feel horrible because I know his child, Chelsea, was well taken care of and we was house-to-house, hungry at nights.' He said he dropped out of school in 11th grade to work in a donut shop to support his brothers and sisters.

'To know that my father was the president, it hurts. Try to imagine that your own father refused to love you, refused to say that you exist. Knowing who my father was and he was so close, yet so far away made my part unbearable.'

Williams says in a video that he hopes one day that he and his children (one pictured right with him) will be able to get to know Clinton

In December, Danney started a Facebook page under the name Danney Williams-Clinton, and has been posting several comparison shots between himself and Clinton in order to show a resemblance

In a separate statement Williams denied he was coming forward now for political reasons. 'This is not about politics or money,' he said. 'For me, it is about finding the truth and understanding finally who I am and where I came from.'

Turning to the camera he pleaded with Hillary Clinton to stop ignoring him.

'Hillary, please do not deny I exist, I am your stepson. Chelsea is my sister and Bill is my father.'

He then added: 'I feel bad when Hillary called black people super-predators and that we need to be brought to heel. I'm black, I'm real and I am her stepson and I deserve the love that she has given Chelsea.

'We hear my stepmother telling the nation every day that we are stronger together. They know who I am, I know who I am, I have to meet my father, I have to know that he's willing to even accept me. I have to know.

A DNA test reportedly conducted by Star magazine in 1999 said that Danney couldn't be Clinton's son but there remain questions about the test's precision.

Danney's story first garnered international attention in 1992, as then-Arkansas Gov Clinton was gearing up to run for president.

The Globe interviewed Danney's mother, a former prostitute named Bobbie Anne Williams, who told the story of how she allegedly met and began a relationship with Clinton in 1984.

She says Clinton went out for a run one day in Little Rock, when he jogged by her housing project and introduced himself to her. She was 24 years old at the time.

A few days later, Clinton allegedly jogged by the housing project again and paid Bobbie $200 for her to have sex with him behind some bushes.

Danney's mother claims Clinton laughed at her when she told him that she believed her son was his

Williams claims in the video that it was common knowledge around Arkansas that he was Clintons child

After that, Bobbie says that she and Clinton regularly had sex, sometimes alone, sometimes with other female partners.

Eventually, Bobbie became pregnant and she suspected that it was Clinton's child.

But when she told the governor, he allegedly laughed in her face.

'He rubbed my big belly and said, 'Girl, that can't be my baby.' But I knew it was. I just had this kind of woman's feeling that this was his child.' Bobbie told The Globe.

She became even more sure when she gave birth to the baby boy on December 7, 1985, because the boy's skin tone was so light. Bobbie says her son could only be Clinton's because he was her only white client at the time she got pregnant.

Shortly after giving birth though, Bobbie was imprisoned, and her sister Lucille Bolton started taking care of the young boy. Bolton is said to be the first person who tried to force the governor to take a DNA test, and reportedly spoke about the matter with Hillary herself.

When the governor's office began shutting her out, a local activist took up the cause and started spreading a flyer about the matter titled 'The Hottest Thing Going: Bill Clinton's D*** Will Keep Him From Running for President of the United States of America'.

The story was picked up again in 1999, when the Drudge Report ran a story claiming that Star magazine had conducted a paternity test using the DNA analysis from the Kenneth Starr impeachment report, and samples from Danney and Bobbie.

The analysis reportedly found that Danney and Clinton couldn't be related, but there are questions about the test's precision.

At the time, Slate reported that it would be impossible to determine whether Clinton was Danney's father with the 'imprecise' data.
As bombs continue to pepper Aleppo where up to 41 people including five children were killed yesterday, the Pope has begged for a ceasefire.

An intensive day of bombing yesterday on besieged rebel-held parts of the Syrian city has left activists and volunteers once again counting the dead.

Rescue workers pulled at least one boy alive from under the rubble late Tuesday night, but the bombardment has continued today, prompting Pope Francis to call for an 'immediate ceasefire'.

A wounded Syrian child gets treatment at a field hospital after warcrafts belonging to Russian army carried out an airstrike on a residential area at Bustan Al-Qasr neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria

As bombs continue to pepper Aleppo where up to 41 people including five children were killed yesterday, the Pope has begged for a ceasefire

Syrians inspect the damage at the site of an airstrike staged by Russian army in the opposition-controlled Bustan al-Qasr neighborhood of Aleppo

Rescue workers pulled at least one boy alive from under the rubble late Tuesday night, but the bombardment has continued today, prompting Pope Francis to call for an 'immediate ceasefire'

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says Wednesday that Tuesday's bombings killed 25, while the first responders Syrian Civil Defense and activist media platform Aleppo Media Center put the death toll at 41

A wounded Syrian boy cries as bombs continue to fall in the city of Aleppo

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says Wednesday that Tuesday's bombings killed 25, while the first responders Syrian Civil Defense and activist media platform Aleppo Media Center put the death toll at 41.

Ibrahim al-Haj, of the Civil Defense, says teams are continuing to search for survivors and bodies under a collapsed building in the al-Fardous neighborhood.

He says the mother of the boy pulled from the rubble is in a critical condition.

Al-Haj said a bomb hit while rescuers were on the scene, injuring several of them.

Pope Francis, in his strongest appeal to date on the conflict in Syria, on Wednesday called for an 'immediate ceasefire' to allow for the evacuation of civilians.

The war in Syria has escalated since efforts to reach a ceasefire collapsed in September.

Syria and its ally Russia subsequently launched their biggest offensive on the city of Aleppo's rebel-held sectors.

The air strikes have drawn widespread condemnation, including calls from France and the United States for an investigation into war crimes they say have been committed by Syrian and Russian forces.

'It is with a sense of urgency that I renew my appeal, imploring those responsible with all my strength for an immediate ceasefire,' he said before tens of thousands of people at his weekly general audience in St Peter's Square.

Francis said a ceasefire was essential 'at least for the time necessary to allow for the evacuation of civilians, especially children, who are still trapped by cruel bombardments.'

Ibrahim al-Haj, of the Civil Defense, says teams are continuing to search for survivors and bodies under a collapsed building in the al-Fardous neighborhood

The war in Syria has escalated since efforts to reach a ceasefire collapsed in September

Syria and its ally Russia subsequently launched their biggest offensive on the city of Aleppo's rebel-held sectors

Pope Francis, in his strongest appeal to date on the conflict in Syria, on Wednesday called for an 'immediate ceasefire' to allow for the evacuation of civilians

The air strikes have drawn widespread condemnation, including calls from France and the United States for an investigation into war crimes they say have been committed by Syrian and Russian forces

Syrians inspect the damage at the site of an airstrike staged by Russian army in the opposition-controlled Bustan al-Qasr neighborhood of Aleppo, Syria

A Syrian man carries a wounded baby in his arms at a field hospital in war-ravaged Aleppo

A bomb hit while rescuers were on the scene in the city, injuring several of them

Francis has made many appeals for an end to the bloodshed in Syria.

Last month, he urged forces to stop bombing civilians in Aleppo, warning them they would face God's judgment.

He did not name those carrying out the air strikes.

On Sunday, Francis promoted the current Vatican ambassador in Syria, Italian Archbishop Mario Zenari, to the high rank of cardinal in order to show the concern of the 1.2billion member Catholic Church for Syria.
The Royal Mint has unveiled a new 50p coin which marks the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings.

Five million of the coins - depicting the fate of King Harold who was reputedly slain by an arrow through the eye - will make their way into the nation's pockets over the next few weeks to commemorate the historic event.

On October 14 1066, Harold, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, was killed on the East Sussex battlefield as he fought the invading Normans, and William the Conqueror seized the English throne.

The Royal Mint has unveiled this new 50p coin which marks the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings. On October 14 1066, Harold, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England, was killed on the East Sussex battlefield as he fought the invading Normans, and William the Conqueror seized the English throne

It changed the course of British history and the bloodshed was later immortalised in the Bayeux Tapestry.

Andrew Mills, director of circulating coin at The Royal Mint, said: '1066 is arguably one of the most famous dates in English history.

'As we head towards the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings on 14 October, it is apt that The Royal Mint should now be releasing these special 50p coins into circulation to commemorate this significant historical event.

'It is entirely possible that coins struck by The Royal Mint will have made their way onto the battlefield itself, in the purses of King Harold's soldiers - incredible for the team here to think about, since we are still making the monarch's coinage today, all those centuries later.'

The Battle of Hastings changed the course of British history and was immortalised in the Bayeux Tapestry

The Royal Mint has been the maker of coins for more than 1,000 years for British monarchs including King Harold and William the Conqueror.

Designer John Bergdahl, who also engraved coins to mark Prince George and Princess Charlotte's christenings, said: 'The Bayeux Tapestry formed the inspiration for my design, as it is the only real visual record of the battle.

'The figure I have used in the composition is based on images thought to be King Harold, with the famous arrow to the eye.'

A series of events are being staged to mark the Norman conquest including a makeshift battle and a 300-mile march by a group of warriors, echoing Harold's journey south from York to fight the Normans.
Senators and governors who had made their peace with the party's unconventional nominee have been abandoning him

Months after the emergence of a vocal minority of 'never Trump' Republicans, a full quarter of top elected Republicans have refused to back their party's nominee.

The opposition to the billionaire and reality TV star is unprecedented in modern presidential politics, and signals the deep concern and in some cases dismay top Republicans have for the man who cruised to the nomination by slashing through a field of 16 more conventional candidates.

Out of 331 elected governors, senators, and House members, 87 are not endorsing the GOP presidential nominee, according to a comprehensive USA Today survey.

Among them are several prominent senators who had made efforts to support Trump, like Ohio senator Rob Portman, who withdrew support after the release of an 11-year old

Trump has attracted fervent supporters, but some Republicans feel he could sink other GOPers down the ticket

The list does not include House Speaker Paul Ryan, who in an extraordinary move Monday announced that he would not campaign for Trump, but has not rescinded his endorsement.

Several female lawmakers bolted from Trump after the release of the tape, where the GOP talked about grabbing women by the crotch.

Others have expressed concern about some of Trump's policy positions or said he doesn't have the right temperament to serve.

Senators and House members are eyeing control of their own chamber as Trump continues his war with the GOP establishment. The Senate is very much in play, and the House could flip to Democratic hands if there were a total collapse of the candidate

Ohio senator Rob Portman is among those who is not supporting Trump. He made his announcement after the release of an 11-year old Access Hollywood tape where Trump used cruel language. He is up for reelection but has been running well in the polls

NOT CAPTURED: Senator John McCain said he and his wife, Cindy, won't vote for Trump, after keeping distance from the candidate for months. McCain is up for reelection

Senator Jeff Flake has been among the most vocal critics of Trump from within the Senate

Donald Trump's campaign manager Kellyanne Conway appeared on 'Good Morning America' today and told Republicans 'enough with the pussyfooting around'

The Trump campaign isn't taking the distancing lightly. Trump on Tuesday blasted Ryan in a series of tweets where he called him 'weak,' and also went after other 'disloyal' Republicans.

His campaign manager, Kellyanne Conway, on Wednesday told lawmakers to stop 'pussyfooting around' and get behind the GOP nominee  an unexpected turn of phrase given how Trump spoke about grabbing women by the p**** on the tape.

'We want the support of anybody who is going to publicly endorse us, but enough with the pussyfooting around in terms of do you support us or do you not support us,' Conway said to 'Good Morning America's' George Stephanopoulos.

Stephanopoulos was pointing out that Trump has said he both wants and doesn't need the support of House Speaker Paul Ryan, who said Monday that he would not un-endorse The Donald, but he wouldn't be actively supporting the billionaire's presidential bid.

'The fact is, some of these leaders have been very wishy washy,' Conway noted.

One senator, Deb Fischer of North Carolina, endorsed, condemned  and now is backing Trump again.

Many of the lawmakers, governors in particular, run substantial political organizations that are vital to driving turnout to impact close elections.

But the spit cuts both ways. The Trump campaign has been warning that the candidate's supporters may stay home rather than help lawmakers who don't help him.

On Tuesday, Trump's spokeswoman Katrina Pierson tweeted that Trump supporters were threatening not to vote for Republicans down-ballot because of the rank-and-file's refusal to simply get in line.

Donald Trump has escalated his bitter battle with the Republican party by launching fresh attacks on the leadership and saying he 'doesn't want their support'

'The fact is, I think we should get support and we dont get the support from guys like Paul Ryan,' the Republican nominee said on The O'Reilly Factor

'I can't keep my phone charged due to the mass volume of texts from people all over the country who will #VoteTrump but [down-]ballot not so much,' she wrote.

Trump unloaded on Ryan on the O'Reilly Factor on Fox News on Tuesday night.

'Im just tired of nonsupport and I dont really want his support. This happens all the time  if you sneeze he calls up and announces isnt that a terrible thing.

When asked by host Bill O'Reilly about potentially needing the support of Ryan after the election, Trump dropped a hint that he will push to change the party leadership.

'I would think that Ryan maybe wouldnt be there, maybe hell be in a different position,' Trump said.
A 14-year-old Idaho boy was allegedly raped by a semi-truck driver from Iowa he met through Craigslist after posting an ad saying he was looking for a ride to Nevada.

Kyle Townsend, 31, has been arrested and charged with one count of lewd conduct with a child younger than 16 following a year-and-a-half-long investigation, East Idaho News reported.

His arrest stems from the incident that occurred in Idaho Falls and was reported to police in February 2015, authorities said.

Kyle Townsend, 31, of Iowa (pictured) has been arrested and charged with one count of lewd conduct with a child younger than 16 following a year-and-a-half-long investigation

Townsend had reportedly responded to the teen boy's Craigslist ad in February 2015 within minutes, saying he would give him a ride for free, according to court records.

The teen and Townsend then agreed to meet in the Dillard's parking lot of the Grand Teton Mall in Idaho where the teen reportedly hopped into Townsend's semi-truck.

They drove for a few minutes before Townsend told the teen to take off his pants, forced him to perform sexual acts and then raped him, according court records.

The teen told police he vomited following the assault and that Townsend kicked him out of the vehicle, saying the teen was 'too easy', records state.

The boy was captured in video surveillance, obtained by investigators, being dropped off near the Target parking lot in Ammon.

He then called police on February 17, 2015, saying he had been kidnapped but later admitted he had lied about being abducted, according to court records.

Townsend's arrest stems from an incident that occurred in February 2015. He had allegedly responded to a Craigslist ad posted by a 14-year-old boy seeking a ride to Nevada. They met in the Dillard's parking lot of the Grand Teton Mall (pictured) where the teen got into his car

Authorities said when officers arrived at the scene, the teen was visibly shaken and crying after the incident.

He also told officers Townsend was driving a blue semi-truck, which was later discovered to be owned by an Idaho trucking company Townsend was working for at the time.

Investigators were able track the GPS location of the truck driven by Townsend to the locations and times correlating with the alleged pick up, rape and drop off.

Townsend was later identified as a suspect by his cell phone number and a photo line-up, according to East Idaho News.

Only weeks following the alleged sexual assault, another teenage boy contacted police and reported Townsend had emailed him nude photos and tried to meet him in the parking lot of the Walmart in Idaho Falls.

Townsend reportedly told the teen to take off his pants, forced him to perform sexual acts and raped him before the boy was dropped off near the Target parking lot in Ammon (pictured)

In that incident, police were able to verify the teen's report after obtaining a search warrant for Townsend's email.

In January of this year, an arrest warrant was issued for Townsend and investigators spent months trying to locate him before he was arrested in Oklahoma last month.

He was extradited to Idaho Falls last Thursday and was arraigned the following day.
Donald Trump's campaign released another new television ad today, hitting Hillary Clinton for getting rich by using 'pay to play politics.'

'The ad that we're releasing today is called "Corruption,"' explained Trump's campaign manager Kellyanne Conway during an appearance on 'Good Morning America,' previewing the 30-second spot.

'And that really takes into account that the Clintons came out of the White House, she said they were "dead broke" and they went ahead and made a quarter of a billion in speaking fees,' Conway added.

With sinister visuals of Hillary and Bill Clinton throughout, the television ad asks 'how did Hillary end up filthy rich?'

Scroll down for video

A new Donald Trump television ad attacks the Clintons for getting rich on the backs of others via a 'pay to play' set-up with their family foundation

The 30-second spot uses the widely mocked line that Hillary Clinton was 'dead broke' when she left the White House in the year 2001

The answer, according to the Trump campaign, 'pay to play politics.'

The ad alleges that a 'staggering amount of cash poured into the Clinton Foundation' from 'criminals, dictators' and 'countries that hate America.'

It suggests that the Democratic nominee 'cut deals for donors,' that she 'sold out American workers' and 'exploited Haitians in need.'

In March, the New York Times outlined the litany of complaints that many Haitians have about the Clintons, from them not bringing as many jobs as promised to the poor island nation, to insider deals  like that of Hillary Clinton's brother Tony Rodham's business ventures in the country  to even the rigging of a presidential election while Clinton was still the secretary of state.

Haitians also bemoan that earmarked money to help rebuild the country has yet to be spent.

The ad also blasts Clinton for handing American Uranium rights over to the Russians.

The ad suggests that 'pay to play politics' were afoot, suggesting that the Clintons used the Clinton Foundation to trade access to cash, of which there is no concrete evidence

Donald Trump's team again used the Clinton Foundation and the money it raised as a sign of the Clintons' corruption

Trump is referring to the Russians gaining control of the company Uranium One, which purchased one-fifth of all uranium production capacity in the United States, meaning it had to be signed off by the State Department and others.

This happened while Hillary Clinton was secretary of state.

Nine people related to the company had also donated money to the Clinton Foundation and Bill Clinton was paid $500,000 for delivering a speech in Moscow from an investment bank with Kremlin-ties that was promoting the company's stock.

While shady, Trump has been called out for overstating these pay-to-play claims, with Politifact pointing out that 'while the connections between the Clinton Foundatoin and the Russian deal may appear fishy, there's simply no proof of quid pro quo.'

Getting in a final knock on the Clintons, the final line of the ad is: 'Hillary Clinton only cares about power, money and herself.'

The ad concludes by stating that Hillary Clinton is only in the presidential race to further enrich herself

According to Trump's senior communications adviser Jason Miller, the ad will be aired on television nationally, and rotated heavily through the battleground states.

'Hillary Clinton might be the single most corrupt candidate to ever seek the Presidency and should be disqualified for her inability to tell truths to the American people,' Miller claimed in a statement to reporters that came alongside the video's online release.

'Corruption' comes out on the heels of a more controversial pro-Trump spot, which uses footage of Clinton bobbing and weaving upon leaving the 9/11 memorial, when she was sick with pneumonia and almost passed out.

Conway defended the use of that footage in the ad, saying that overall the spot was questioning 'her record ... as secretary of state.'

When Stephanooulos pointed out at the spot, released yesterday, seems to be making fun of her health, Trump's campaign manager pushed back.
When Fou and Katerena Fale married in 2009, the bride was three months pregnant and their registry office wedding was anything but spectacular.

Ever the romantic, Mr Fale wanted to give his wife the proposal she deserved, so set about surprising her by asking for her hand in marriage all over again.

Seven years and three children later, the doting husband got down on one knee all over again as he surprised his air stewardess wife after she landed at Auckland Airport.

Romatic: Fou Fale surprised his wife, air stewardess Katerena Fale, by proposing to her again at Auckland Airport

As Mrs Fale walked into the arrivals hall at the airport, she was met by a huge crowd and her brother-in-laws a capella group singing.

The Virgin flight attendant told Story that she 'froze', before bursting into tears after seeing her husband and eldest daughter walking towards her.

But it was Mr Fale who was 'beyond nervous' during the proposal, despite already being married to his wife and certain she would say yes.

'I was shaking. My daughter kept telling me to just breathe,' he said,

Mr Fale got down one knee and presented his wife with a new engagement ring, which, of course, she accepted.

The gathered crowd, including the family's friends and relatives, cheered as they embraced, with the choir bursting back into song.

Love: Mr Fale got down one knee and presented his wife with a new engagement ring, which, of course, she accepted

Happy couple:

But Mrs Fale's colleagues were all in on the elaborate proposal and she had no idea what was coming after she was told to wait in the arrivals hall.

However, the romantic gesture almost went wrong when an airport security officer told Mr Fale he could not film in terminal.

'I said, "I'm actually planning to propose to my wife," and she said, "Oh my God, that's fine. Who am I to stop love?"' he said.
Graphic 911 calls made from inside a South Carolina elementary school during a shooting that left a six-year-old boy dead and a teacher wounded last month have now been released.

The two calls from staff members at Townville Elementary School were released on Tuesday by the Anderson County Sheriff's Office.

They reveal how teachers desperately tried to revive Jacob Hall after he was gunned down by a 14-year-old, who moments later shouted 'I give up, I give up' and dropped to his knees.

The youngster died three days after the shooting. Teenager Jesse Osborne has been charged with killing Hall just hours after he fatally shot his father at their family home, three miles away.

In one of the 911 calls, a woman pleads for an ambulance and begins to describe the wounds of a first-grader, believed to be Hall, who she says is 'bleeding horribly' after being shot in the legs. She also says the boy's 'lips are turning blue'.

Scene: Two 911 calls made from inside Townville Elementary School during a shooting last month were released by police on Tuesday, giving an insight into what happened

Killed: Six-year-old Jacob Hill died three days after the shooting from blood loss after he was shot in the legs. A 911 call has revealed a teacher's desperate attempt to save him

Later in the call she said someone has started CPR and a voice in the background can be heard saying 'press, press, press' over and over again.

Hall, 6, was shot in the leg. The bullet tore through his femoral artery, leading to significant blood loss and brain damage. He succumbed to his injuries at Greenville Memorial Hospital on October 1.

Jesse Osborne may be tried as an adult on two counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder and five charges of possessing a weapon during a violent crime

In the second 911 call, a woman says the shooter stood about five feet behind children being rushed back inside the school, but didn't fire again.

The shooter, dressed all in black, then dropped a vest and some bullets, went to his knees and said 'I give up' several times as teachers closed and locked the door at the school according to the emergency calls.

In the call the teacher is also heard saying that the shooter never entered the school, but just opened up a door and fired.

'Do you know if the suspect is still inside the building?' the dispatcher is heard asking.

The teacher answered: 'He's not. He never was inside. [inaudible] He said, ''I give up, I give up.''

'He never came inside. We're thinking, we just heard a gunshot.

'We weren't outside but we're thinking it happened on the playground. We're thinking it happened on the playground because he never... The shooter never came in the building but we just heard gunshots.

'They ran all the kids in and the shooter was out there behind them.'

Jesse Osborne has been charged with murder in the death of Jacob Hall.

He has also been accused of killing his father, Jeffrey, who was found dead in the family's home a few miles away.

Renae Hall (seen at her son's superhero-themed funeral) said Jacob had already 'forgiven' his killer before he died

He was initially charged as a juvenile because of his age, but prosecutors plan to ask a judge to let them try the teen as an adult.

Several different unidentified voices are heard on the two emergency calls, which were obtained by The Anderson Independent-Mail.

'I couldn't see his face. I just knew he looked young,' one woman said.

'He was crying. He was very upset,' said a second voice.

Operators asked on both calls asked if anyone knew the shooter. They did not.

One woman said she heard the initial shots but didn't see the gunman until she was helping other people get the children back in the school.

'I was five feet away trying to get the kids in the building,' the caller said.

Six-year-old Jacob Hall (left) died in hospital after being shot in the leg. Jesse Osborne's father Jeffrey (right) was found dead at his home following the shootings on September 28

The teenager's mother Tiffney sobbed (center) as she attended court in Anderson, South Carolina, on September 30 to watch her son face a judge

'He was standing right at the door. He didn't come in. When she was trying to get all the children in, he was standing right behind the kids and he just threw his arms up and he was saying, he gave up, he gave up.'

Some adults in the locked building said they could periodically see the shooter walking around outside the building for several minutes after the 911 call was made.

Two nearby volunteer fire fighters were the first help to get to the school.

South Carolina solicitor Chrissy Adams requested the teenager's case be transferred to circuit court, where he could be tried as an adult

One captured the gunman while the other went inside to help the critically wounded student.

A third 911 call from Osborne Road, where the teen lived and his father died, remains under review, police said.

Prosecutors say Osborne opened fire on his father at their home then phoned his grandmother to tell her what he had done.

He is said to have then driven to Townville Elementary School, where he was not a student, and opened fire, shouting: 'I hate my life'.

Bullets struck six-year-old Jacob, another student of the same age and a first grade teacher.

Jacob suffered severe brain damage after losing 75 per cent of his blood. His bereaved family took him off life support on Saturday.

A superhero-themed funeral was held for the schoolboy on Wednesday.

There, mourners spoke of forgiveness and how Jacob would have cried 'tears of joy' at seeing so many of his loved ones dressed in costume.

His mother Renae previously told reporters he had 'already forgiven his killer'.

'Jacob was an angel that was brought to this earth to show love, to show kindness, and to show forgiveness. Jacob never had a bad intention ever in his body.
A terror suspect accused of plotting the 9/11 attacks is set to undergo rectal surgery this week for an injury inflicted while he was in CIA custody, his lawyer said.

Mustafa al Hawsawi suffered a rectal prolapse more than 10 years ago after being subjected to 'rectal re-feeding' - a process which his lawyer described as 'sodomy'.

The Saudi national, who is now being held at Guantanamo Bay, was force-fed in the 'nutrient enema' process after he went on hunger strike at a CIA 'black spot'.

Defense attorney and Navy Reserve officer Walter Ruiz announced that Hawsawi would be having surgery on Friday during the suspect's pre-trial hearing.

Alleged 9/11 terror plotter Mustafa al Hawsawi is set to undergo rectal surgery this week for an injury inflicted while he was in CIA custody, his lawyer said

Hawsawi is being tried along with four other men accused of planning the September 11 terror attacks in 2001 that left nearly 3,000 people dead.

He stands accused of providing supplies, money and clothing for the 9/11 hijackers.

His lawyer said the terror suspect has suffered for the past decade because he has to 'reinsert parts of his anus back into his cavity' when he has a bowel movement.

Mr Ruiz added that this 'causes him to bleed and causes him excruciating pain'.

The Saudi national, who is now being held at Guantanamo Bay (shown), was force-fed in the 'nutrient enema' process after he went on hunger strike at a CIA 'black spot'

Hawsawi (pictured) is being tried along with four other men accused of planning the September 11 terror attacks in 2001

He described the treated as 'sodomy', according to the Miami Herald.

'Mr. Hawsawi was tortured in the black sites. He was sodomized,' Mr Ruiz said.

Hawsawi was captured in Pakistan in 2003 and faces the death penalty if found guilty of involvement in the attacks.

Before being transferred to Guantanamo Bay in 2006, al Hawsawi was detained for three years at CIA black sites.

The Senate intelligence committee's investigation into torture at these black sites found that Hawsawi was exposed to 'rectal exams that were conducted with 'excessive force.

Hawsawi was diagnosed with chronic hemorrhoids, an anal fissure and rectal prolapse, according to a December 2014 summary.

The surgery is expected to take place on Friday, but it is not clear whether a colo-rectal surgery specialist will conduct the operation.
A former middle school principal was arrested in Missouri for allegedly paying a childhood friend to murder his seven months pregnant girlfriend.

Cornelius Green was indicted Thursday on two counts of first-degree murder for having his friend, Philip J. Cutler, kill Jocelyn Peters and her unborn baby on March 24, according to court documents obtained by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

In June, Cutler was indicted on the same charges, as it was thought he acted alone in the March 24th murder of Peters, who was a 30-year-old teacher at Mann Elementary School.

Authorities became suspicious after finding out Green sent Cutler, 36, $2,500 in cash on March 20, which was four days before the mother-to-be was killed.

Cornelius Green (left) was indicted Thursday on two counts of first-degree murder in Missouri for allegedly paying a childhood friend to murder his pregnant girlfriend, Jocelyn Peters (right)

Philip J. Cutler (above) was arrested by police after he allegedly shot Jocelyn Peters in the head on March 24, killing her and her unborn baby girl

Green, who was the principal of Carr Lane until he was reassigned to an information technology job in St. Louis Public Schools over the summer, picked Cutler up from a bus station in St. Louis after he traveled there from Muskogee, Oklahoma on March 21, court documents state.

On March 22, Green left town and traveled to Chicago, however Cutler was left with his car keys and key's to Peter's apartment.

The days following, Green and Cutler are said to have kept in contact.

On the day Peters, who was expecting a baby girl, was viciously killed, Green's car was filmed on surveillance footage near her apartment around 3am.

Peters died from a single gunshot to the head, which also killed her unborn baby, according to an autopsy report.

Authorities say there were no signs of forced entry into her apartment.

On the day Peters (above) was viciously killed, Green's car was filmed on surveillance footage near her apartment around 3am. Authorities say there were no signs of forced entry into her apartment

Green's car was allegedly left parked nearby her apartment, which proved to be a mistake that led to the implication of Green in Peters' murder.

Later that day, after her murder, Green returned back from St. Louis and discovered her dead inside the apartment.

While being questioned by police, Green asked to make a phone call to his daughter, but called his estranged wife instead.

He asked her to meet with Cutler to give him a set of spare car keys so that he could move his car from Peters' neighborhood. Green did not know that investigators were listening in on the phone call.

On June 9, Cutler was arrested back in Oklahoma is being held now in St. Louis in lieu of $1million bail.

Green is being held on $3million cash bail, as he is also facing charges for allegedly stealing $2,700 from students at his school.

At the time of Peters' (above) murder, her mother, Lacey Peters, said her daughter made the education of children her life mission

The theft of the cash happened about three weeks prior to Peters' death and authorities are looking into whether it could have had something to do with the tragic murder.

Green became the principal of Carr Lane in 2013 and prior to that he worked as principal of Fanning Middle School. He started working for St. Louis Public Schools in 2002.

Green has worked for St. Louis Public Schools since 2002. He became principal of Carr Lane in 2013. Prior to that, he was principal of Fanning Middle School. It's unclear what the motive is for Peters' murder.

At the time of her murder, her mother, Lacey Peters, said her daughter made the education of children her life mission.
A man high on drugs kidnapped his daughter from school and drove her towards the West Gate Bridge in Melbourne, the same bridge where Darcey Freeman was infamously thrown off and murdered by her father.

The man kidnapped his three-year-old daughter from school and told his former partner 'we are both going to die' during the terrifying encounter in June.

The chilling situation started to unfold at a school drop-off when the man physically assaulted his former partner before wrenching his young daughter from her arms and running.

Police acted quickly to intercept the man because they feared he was driving to the West Gate Bridge to throw his daughter and himself off.

The man drove his daughter, 3, towards the West Gate Bridge (pictured) in Melbourne, the same bridge where Darcey Freeman was murdered by her father in 2009

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, pleaded guilty to breaching a family violence intervention order, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, dangerous driving and kidnap when he appeared in court on Tuesday, according to the Herald Sun.

After the three-year-old was ripped from her mother's arms at school, the defendant put her in his car and drove off at dangerously high speeds - with the young girl sitting unrestrained on his lap.

While he drove, he phoned his former partner and threatened to kill himself and their daughter.

Three-year-old Darcey Freeman's (pictured) death surprised the nation when she was thrown from the West Gate Bridge by her father in January 2009

Police fear the man was on his way to West Gate Bridge (pictured) where he allegedly planned to kill himself and his daughter

When the woman reported the threat to emergency services, the police launched urgent efforts to find the man using technology to track his phone.

Police were able to find and intercept the out-of-control father about 11.20am.

Police chased him for 10 minutes before they boxed him in on Dandenong Road in Malvern East and forcefully arrested him.

When police finally found the pair, the three-year-old daughter was described as 'frightened, hysterical and unrestrained'.

Arthur Freeman (pictured) was sentensed to 32 years in prison for murdering his daughter Darcey Freeman in 2009

When the man was taken in for testing, it was revealed drugs including ice and cannabis were found in his system.

Police said quick thinking officers prevented a potentially fatal scenario, fearing he was on his way to the West Gate Bridge where he planned to throw both himself and his daughter off.

West Gate Bridge is infamous for the tragic death of Darcey Freeman, 4, who was thrown to her death from the bridge by her father Arthur Freeman in January 2009.

The father is due to appear at the County Court for a plea hearing in February 2017.

Darcey was thrown from the bridge by her father Arthur Freeman (pictured) on January 29, 2009, in front of her two young brothers
A California woman has been jailed for nine years for the death of her mother-in-law Young Ja Lee (above)

A California woman has been jailed for nine years after she burned her mother-in-law's house down while she was still inside, then stuffed her remains in a SUV.

Un Young Lee, 44, of San Dimas, pleaded guilty to one count of elder abuse causing death and one count of arson of an inhabited dwelling on Tuesday, the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office said.

She was immediately sentenced to nine years in state prison by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Salvatore Sirna.

Firefighters had responded to a blaze at the victims home in the 1200 block of North Diamond Bar Boulevard on March 25 last year.

No one was found inside.

But Lee was found driving her SUV in Orange County later that day. Her mother-in-law Young Ja Lees remains were found inside the vehicle, authorities said.

Firefighters had responded to a blaze at the victims home on March 25 last year. They later found her daughter-in-law driving her SUV (above) in Orange County

Prosecutors believe the 77-year-old died sometime between March 23 and 25, 2015.

Lee was initially booked into jail on suspicion of murder.

Authorities stopped her car after responding to a tip that she had torched the home and was traveling to Tustin with her mother-in-laws boy stuffed inside her SUV, NBC Los Angeles reported.

But Lee later told authorities she had panicked and dismembered her mother-in-laws body but denied killing her.

The mother-in-law Young Ja Lees remains were found in bags stuffed in the back of the car

Lee told police she had been at her mother-in-laws home when they got into an argument, according to the San Gabriel Valley Tribune.

They had been shoving each other, she said, when her mother-in-law fell and hit her head.

Lee told detectives that she had later complained of not feeling well, became unconscious and died.
London's 'restaurant king' is demanding a 3million payout from celebrity designer Sir Terence Conran after launching a High Court claim against his company.

Des Gunewardena is CEO of D&D London, a group of household name restaurants, bars and hotels with a turnover of 100million and 2,000 employees.

At the core of the restaurant group are venues which were formerly part of the Conran restaurant chain, where Mr Gunewardena worked alongside Sir Terence, before buying out the designer in 2006.

London's 'restaurant king' Des Gunewardena (left), CEO of D&D London, is demanding a 3m payout from celebrity designer Sir Terence Conran (right) after launching a High Court claim against his company. (Pictured at D&D's Pont de la Tour in 2011)

Mr Gunewardena said he was paid just 1,254 for shares in Sir Terence's holding company that he has now had valued at 3m. Pictured today outside the High Court

But now the former friends and colleagues are facing each other across a courtroom, with Mr Gunewardena complaining that he was paid just 1,254 for shares in Sir Terence's holding company that he has now had valued at 3million.

D&D London owns and operates 35 restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Angler, the Bluebird and the Pont de la Tour, plus an award-winning hotel.

The venues are based mainly in London, but also include the Crafthouse and Angelica in Leeds, as well as venues in Paris, New York and Tokyo.

Matthew Collings QC, for Mr Gunewardena, told Mr Justice Mann that the row centres on shares in Conran Holdings Ltd.

Sir Terence claims that when Mr Gunewardena left Conran and struck out on his own, his departure triggered a clause which meant his shares were compulsorily bought back by the company.

The designer also insists that the value of Mr Gunewardena's 7 per cent shareholding was linked to the recent profit or loss of the company at the time and that they were worth no more than the 1,254 he was paid.

However, Mr Collings told the judge that an entirely different formula should be used to work out the value of the shares, for which he should have received about 3million.

D&D London owns and operates 35 restaurants, including the Michelin-starred Angler, the Bluebird (pictured) and the Pont de la Tour, plus an award-winning hotel

A spokesperson for Sir Terence said outside court before the case: 'Des first started working with Sir Terence's in 1989. They worked closely together to build not just Conran Holdings but the Conran restaurant business that now constitutes a large part of D&D London.

'Sir Terence looks back with fondness on that period of success. Des was paid generously throughout his time at Conran Holdings.

'Sir Terence is sorry that Des has taken umbrage at being bought out of his small minority stake in Conran Holdings. He is entirely satisfied that the company has acted fully in accordance with its own articles of association.'

Sri Lankan-born Gunewardena qualified as a chartered accountant in 1981, before going into business.

He was a long-term business partner of Sir Terence,having served as a director of Conran Holdings Ltd for over 20 years.

Mr Gunewardena's legal team say he was instrumental in turning the Conran group from a 10m to a 120m turnover business. Pictured, Pont de la Tour

He was CEO of the Conran group for 11 years, prior to leading a buyout of the restaurant business, which completed in 2013. This is now the hugely successful D&D group of restaurants.

Mr Gunewardena's legal team say he was instrumental in turning the Conran group from a 10million to a 120million turnover business.

He claims that, despite his loyalty to the Conran brand and the length of his relationship with Sir Terence, Conran Holdings turned on him in December 2014.

After his 'forced resignation', his 7 per cent shareholding in the company was 'compulsorily acquired for a derisory 1,254', the restaurateur alleges.

His lawyers say the shares had been 'valued independently at over 3million'.

A statement put out by his legal team before the case, stated: 'This claim simply seeks to restore that shareholding to Des or ensure that, if it is acquired, the acquisition is at a fair price.

'It is a shame that it has ended in the courtroom.'
Myles Bradbury abused eight of his victims during the 16 months the CEOP had information on him

A paedophile doctor who abused child cancer patients was allowed to continue for 16 months because police failed to act on warnings from Canadian investigators.

Myles Bradbury, 42, targeted 'really poorly' and vulnerable boys while working as a paediatric consultant haematologist at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge.

He was jailed for 22 years but had his sentence reduced to 16 years at the Court of Appeal.

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) have been strongly criticised for not dealing with the information from Toronto Police properly, the Independent Police Complaints Commission has ruled.

The paedophile abused eight of his victims during the 16 months the CEOP had information on him, the BBC reported.

CEOP was formed in 2006 to work nationally and internationally to bring those suspected of committing online offending against children before the courts.

Toronto Police alerted CEOP to website users who had bought films thought to contain indecent images of children [including Bradbury] as part of a sweeping investigation named Project Spade.

It was sent in July 2012, but had not been handed over to police by late 2013.

It was only when the National Crime Agency took over the running of the CEOP [from the Serious Organised Crime Agency] in October 2013 and requested Toronto Police give an update on progress the shocking blunder was discovered.

It then became apparent the information had not been fully processed or sent to UK police forces for their consideration.

Bradbury would tell parents they should leave in case their children got embarrassed, before sexually touching them for his own gratification and saying it was a 'legitimate examination'

Bradbury was arrested in November 2013 only after the grandmother of a victim complained to the hospital.

Police found more than 16,000 indecent images of children on a disc in Bradbury's home. In one case he filmed the vile abuse.

He admitted 25 offences dating between 2009 and 2013, including sexual assault and voyeurism.

Bradbury would tell their parents they should leave the room in case their children got embarrassed, before sexually touching them for his own gratification and telling them it was a 'legitimate examination'.

All his victims suffered from leukaemia, haemophilia or other serious conditions. Some have since died.

Bradbury filmed some of them using a spy pen and abused others behind a curtain while their parents were in the room.

Bradbury, 42, targeted 'really poorly' and vulnerable boys while working as a paediatric consultant haematologist at Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge

PROJECT SPADE The list of suspects was put together in Toronto as part of a sweeping child pornography investigation named Project Spade. The intelligence from Project Spade was used in the prosecution of Myles Bradbury who was jailed for abusing children cancer patients. The paedophile doctor abused eight of his victims during the 16 months the CEOP had information on him, the BBC reported. The crimes of Cardiff deputy head teacher Gareth Williams, who secretly filmed pupils, also came to light as a result of the investigation by Toronto police. A court heard his offences took place up until January 2014, nearly two years after his name was given to CEOP. Another person named was Essex deputy head teacher teacher Martin Goldberg, who was found dead a day after police questioned him. Advertisement

The IPCC report said there was 'evidence of a lack of a general understanding or agreement as to who had ownership of the issue for some time' and 'disagreements as to which team within the organisation might have the capacity to take the lead and consider and process the information most appropriately'.

At the time, CEOP was under the command of the Serious Organised Crime Agency.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) replaced Soca in October 2013.

The NCA said none of its officers had faced any misconduct charges, but one had received 'words of advice'.

It said there had been two internal reviews to ensure that processes were improved, and all of these reviews' recommendations had been put in place.

IPCC commissioner Carl Gumsley said: 'The IPCC investigation produced evidence to show that the intelligence provided by the Canadian authorities was poorly handled by the CEOP Centre.

'The NCA had already identified this fact and had commissioned two internal reviews which had already made a number of recommendations that were accepted by the Agency and CEOP, to improve its processes.

'This, at least, is something positive to come out of this matter.'

An NSPCC spokesman said: 'The Watchdog has identified critical blunders made by officers from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP) regarding intelligence.

'Their intervention and effective information sharing could have saved Bradbury's victims from his grotesque crimes.

'Whilst changes have now been made agencies need to ensure that sensitive information about professionals who work with children is prioritised and dealt with immediately.
At 2.20am on August 8, 2014, Gable Tostee's Tinder date Warriena Wright plunged to her death from his 14th floor apartment balcony.

One minute after Ms Wright - a 26-year-old from New Zealand - fell at 2.20am, Tostee made a call to criminal law firm Potts Lawyers.

He then spent the next hour wandering the streets of the Gold Coast, eating pizza and phoning his father after seeing police vehicles outside his apartment building.

The 30-year-old is on trial charged with Ms Wright's murder and the Brisbane Supreme Court has heard audio and seen video revealing his actions in the minutes and hours after her death.

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Gable Tostee and Warriena Wright together on the night she died in August 2014

After Ms Wright plunged to her death from Tostee's apartment balcony, he was captured on CCTV leaving the building and checking around corners

Tostee left his apartment building about six minutes after Ms Wright fell to her death at 2.20am on August 8, 2014

CCTV cameras at various locations captured footage of him walking around the Gold Coast

Tostee's wanderings appeared to be random and he covered about 1.6 kilometres

Tostee pictured outside the Domino's Pizza, where he stopped to eat 51 minutes after Ms Wright fell to her death

A map revealing Gable Tostee's movements after Ms Wright fell to her death and before his father collected him just over an hour later

Two minutes later, he exits his apartment building's lift. He appears to check around a corner, before quickly walking in the opposite direction.

After walking around the ground floor of his building he re-enters the lift, exiting in the carpark.

Again starting in one direction before changing course, he eventually leaves and heads into a nearby park about 2.26am.

Over the next 45 minutes he wanders - apparently without purpose - until he reaches a Domino's Pizza and gets a slice to eat at 3.11am.

Three minutes later he leaves and walks back to his apartment - but sees police at the scene and walks off.

About 2.25am he calls his father, who comes to pick him up.

At one point, Tostee (top left) stops for about two minutes and appears to be using a mobile phone

Police vehicles in the vicinity of Tostee's apartment, about 3.24am

Tostee appears to be walking and using a phone minutes after spotting police at his apartment building

CCTV images of Tostee's father driving to pick him up

Tostee covered about 1.6 kilometres on foot from leaving his apartment building until he was collected.

Later that day he reported to police.

He was arrested and charged with murder a week later on August 15.

Tostee's trial began on Monday, October 10 after he pleaded not guilty to the charge against him.

WHAT DID GABLE TOSTEE DO AFTER WARRIENA WRIGHT FELL TO HER DEATH EARLY ON AUGUST 8, 2014 2.20am Ms Wright plunges from Tostee's 14th floor apartment balcony to her death 2.21am Tostee calls criminal law firm Potts Lawyers 2.23am Tostee is seen exiting his building's lift on the ground floor 2.24am He walks around the floor before returning to the lif 2.25am Exits the lift on the carpark before leaving the building and walking into a nearby park 2.26 - 3.11am Tostee wanders the streets of Surfers Paradise before arriving at a Dominos pizza parlour 3.11 - 3.14 Eats pizza on a bench 3.14am Begins walking back towards his apartment via Cavill Avenue 3.16 Stops for two minutes, appearing to use a mobile phone 3.24am Appears to notice police vehicles outside his apartment building and walks away from the area. He then calls his father and is eventually picked up. Later that day he reports to police Advertisement

New Zealand tourist Warriena Wright (left) and Gable Tostee, pictured together in a selfie taken on the night she died

The court has seen CCTV tendered as evidence which shows his wanderings and the moment he met Ms Wright just before 9pm on August 7 when they hugged, purchased alcohol and headed to his apartment to have sex.

Tinder messages between the pair during which he said he wanted to do 'dirty things to her' and asked if she was a 'freak in the sheets'.

Audio recorded by Tostee on the night reveals the pair arguing and Ms Wright repeatedly screaming 'no' 33 times before she was locked on his balcony.

Other audio revealed his phone call to his father during which he said: 'Hello dad? I might have a bit of a situation. I met up with a girl for a date tonight and she started getting really aggressive.

A graphic showing Tostee and Ms Wright's exchange on dating app Tinder

'It was alright at first and we you know had sex in bed and then after that she kept drinking and I think she thought it was like a joke or something but she kept beating me up and whatever. It was because she was really drunk and I forced her out on the balcony and I think she might have jumped off.'

Police photos shown to the court that were taken after he reported to them show his body covered in marks, however, a forensic officer said it wasn't clear when he got them, or how.

Another photo re-enactment of Ms Wright's last moments dangling from Tostee's balcony was also shared with the jury.

The image depicts a young woman's legs, from the waist down, hanging over the corner of the balcony's ledge.

Prosecution will allege Tostee had, by threat and intimidation, made the tourist feel like this was her only option and led to her death.

The trial before Justice John Byrne continues and is expected to take seven to eight days.

The pair had met for the first time on the night of Ms Wright's death when she plunged from Tostee's 14th floor apartment balcony

The last images of Ms Wright on CCTV showed her getting into a lift with Tostee at his apartment building

Some of the images appear to show the pair enjoying themselves

The police photos of Tostee were taken after Ms Wright plunged to her death on August 8

The court heard detailed audio on Monday of the pair arguing, as well as a photo re-enactment of Ms Wright's last moments dangling from Tostee's balcony (pictured)

Ms Wright was found dead at the base of the high-rise Avalon Apartments unit in Surfers Paradise in the early hours of August 8, 2014

Tostee is accused of killing Warriena Wright in 2014 after they met on the dating app Tinder while she was visiting Australia
Two teenagers who had allegedly planned to carry out an attack on an innocent member of the public have been charged with terror-related offences.

The 16-year-old's were arrested near a mosque in Bankstown in Sydney's west on Wednesday, and were allegedly carrying handwritten notes pledging allegiance to ISIS.

Police believe the pair, one of which is understood to be the son of a convicted terrorist, allegedly bought bayonets from a gun shop before setting off to carry out the attack.

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Two 16-year-old boys were arrested by counter-terrorism police near a mosque in Sydney's south-west on Wednesday

The duo were on Thursday charged with acts in preparation to commit a terrorist act, and police said the alleged offences were 'extremely serious'.

'Those charges are extremely serious charges with the acts in preparation to commit a terrorist act with a maximum of life imprisonment,' NSW Deputy Commissioner Catherine Burn said.

They were also charged with membership of a terrorist organisation - and police believe they had links to ISIS.

'In respect of these two I think that they've probably had some degrees of radicalisation from potentially radicalised peers,' she said.

'This is very serious, extremely serious, and the age of these people at the age of 16 is unbelievably serious,' Ms Burn added.

The pair will face Parramatta Children's Court on Thursday.

The pair as they were allegedly walking to behead someone with bayonets (pictured)

After the pair were arrested, radical Muslim preacher Juniad Thorne (pictured) approached officers and demanded them to tell him 'Where are my brothers?'

Earlier it was revealed Radical Muslim preacher Junaid Thorne demanded counter-terrorism police tell him 'Where are my brothers?' after they arrested the boys, who were allegedly walking to behead an innocent person with bayonets.

It is believed officers are trying to identify who was the target of the attack by examining the notes found in the boys' pockets.

The teenagers, who were previously reported to have been walking to the Bankstown Police Station, were stopped by officers on Fetherstone Road by the Bankstown Musalla, which is an open space outside a mosque.

Police said they could not confirm if the teenagers were heading to the police station.

Witnesses said one of the boys was seen smiling as he sat on the ground in handcuffs.

The teenagers, who were allegedly carrying handwritten notes pledging allegiance to ISIS, were stopped by police as part of an ongoing terrorism investigation (left) before they were taken away (right)

The teenagers, who were previously reported to have been walking to the Bankstown Police Station, were stopped by officers on Fetherstone Road by the Bankstown Musalla (pictured)

A relative of one of the teenagers, one of which is the son of a convicted terrorist, was seen leaving the Bankstown Police Station after their arrest (pictured)

After the pair were arrested, Muslim preacher Juniad Thorne approached officers and asked them to tell him 'Where are my brothers?', The Daily Telegraph reported.

Thorne was held in the Supermax High Risk Management Centre in Goulburn, New South Wales, for four months for dodging counter-terrorism authorities and using a false name to fly from Perth to Sydney, ABC reported.

Both of the men have been known to police officers for several years, Nine News reported.

One of the teenagers, whose father has been convicted of terror-related charges, was allegedly arrested last year for not standing for the national anthem at his high school.

Witnesses said one of the boys was seen smiling as he sat on the ground in handcuffs (pictured)

Both of the men have been known to police officers for several years (pictured)

The same team's family was also targeted during the Operation Appleby raids in September 2014, and launched legal action against the NSW Police.

'What really burns me from inside was hearing my mum screaming and seeing her in pain and not being able to do anything. I will remember that forever', he told Fairfax at the time.

It is understood the teenagers were still being interviewed by police at Bankstown police station on Wednesday night, along with numerous family members.

One of the boy's mothers was seen at the police station after their arrest.

A NSW Police spokeswoman told Daily Mail Australia there was an ongoing investigation but refused to comment further.

'Police are unable to release anything further at this time however there is no on-going threat in relation to this matter,' police said in a statement.

One of the teenagers, whose father has been convicted of terror-related charges, was allegedly arrested last year for not standing for the national anthem at his high school
The Navy SEAL who ended Osama bin Laden's life clubbed Hillary Clinton this morning for recounting the raid in speeches she used to line her pockets.

Robert O'Neill, the SEAL who controversially revealed his role in the raid and now serves as a paid Fox News contributor, said he went on the mission for the same reason he came forward with his story - to help the 9/11 families find closure.

'She's taking some credit and she's raising money because of it,' he said of the former secretary of state. 'I don't want to take away from the part she had, but we didn't kill Osama bin Laden because of Hillary Clinton.'

O'Neill says he's 'never met' Clinton to this day - she wasn't part of a ceremony to thank the SEALs for their service after the 2011 raid.

Robert O'Neill, the SEAL who controversially revealed his role in the raid and now serves as a paid Fox News contributor, said he went on the mission for the same reason he came forward with his story - to help the 9/11 families find closure

Stolen emails from Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta's account revealed audio of Clinton talking about the bin Laden take down in a 2013 speech to a Toronto business group.

'I was in the small group that recommended to the president that he go after bin Laden,' Clinton says.

The ex-cabinet secretary proceeded to provide an account of the hunt for the 9/11 mastermind that mismatches other reported information, according to the New York Post.

'The amount of work that was required to get a strong-enough basis of information on which to plan took more than a decade . . . and then all of a sudden putting this matrix together and saying, "This guy used to protect bin Laden  he has just made a phone call. He said this in the phone call. We need to figure out where he is. Then we need to follow him." '

Clinton had said prior to the Wikileaks dump of Podesta's emails that she was frequently asked about the raid in private settings.

'People are really interested in what you see and what you understand about the world,' she said on an April episode of Good Morning America.

The Democratic presidential candidate refused to release the transcripts of her Wall Street speeches and other paid remarks as she tangled with Bernie Sanders in the primary.

He worried that she was promising potential donors one thing and saying something else entirely in public. Clinton told the GMA hosts that she was most commonly asked to talk about the night bin Laden died.

Clinton routinely talks about that evening on the campaign trail, emphasizing her go-vote in the Situation Room as President Barack Obama considered his options.

She used it to bash Donald Trump on Monday, at a Columbus, Ohio, rally, claiming, 'On the day that I was in the Situation Room watching the raid that brought Osama bin Laden to justice, he was hosting Celebrity Apprentice.

'So if he wants to talk about what we have been doing the last 30 years, bring it on.'

At an Iowa rally during the primary she asserted, 'I was one of those who recommended the president launch what was a very risky raid.

She talks about the famous picture of her in the Situation Room with Obama that night and other national security advisers to the president. 'The one room she wasn't in is when they came to thank us. We never heard a word from Hillary Clinton,' he stated

'It was one of the most tense days of my life sitting there. For some of it we had the video but once they were inside we had no video just an audio connection  And some of you who have followed this may know one of the helicopters hit the tail going into the courtyard and got disabled...because of the incredibly careful planning we didnt leave anybody behind.'

President Obama has praised her in campaign speeches, as well, for her role in the raid.

He said just yesterday, at a rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, 'As a First Lady, as a senator, as my Secretary of State, she knows what it means. She knows what it takes. Ive seen her intelligence and judgment and temperament and her discipline.

'I saw her in the Situation Room, where she argued for the bin Laden mission,' he stated.

At the Democratic National Convention Obama passionately stated that 'as secretary of State, she sat with me in the Situation Room and forcefully argued in favor of the mission that took out Bin Laden.'

Obama went on to say that Clinton 'has been in the room; shes been part of those decisions. She knows whats at stake.

'And thats why I can say with confidence there has never been a man or a woman -- not me, not Bill, nobody -- more qualified than Hillary Clinton to serve as president of the United States of America. '

Clinton routinely talks about that evening on the campaign trail. She used it to bash Donald Trump on Monday, at a Columbus, Ohio, rally, claiming, 'On the day that I was in the Situation Room watching the raid that brought Osama bin Laden to justice, he was hosting Celebrity Apprentice

O'Neill said today and Fox and Friends he wishes that Clinton would spend less time on her role in the mission and more time talking about the specialists who conducted the raid.

'As opposed to trying to raise capital for a campaign or get elected based on her national security because of the bin Laden raid,' he said, 'I would much rather see her...mention why we did it, or the pilots that brought us there or the analysts that found him.'

The retired Navyman said, 'We didn't go for someone to win an office. We went for the secretary that jumped out of the 90th floor of the trade towers on a Tuesday morning.

'We went for the first responders that went into the Pentagon.'

O'Neill said he did the special on Fox News for the 9/11 families, and they tell him 'pretty much every single day' that it 'helps with the healing process.'

'I wouldn't have done it for political gain,' he asserted.

She talks about the famous picture of her in the Situation Room with Obama that night and other national security advisers to the president.

'The one room she wasn't in is when they came to thank us. We never heard a word from Hillary Clinton,' he stated.

Host Steve Doocy was surprised. 'Really?' he asked.
A New York state resident who spent almost 20 years in prison for the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl has been acquitted on appeal.

Anthony DiPippo was being tried in Putnam County for a third time since his 1996 arrest for the rape and murder of Josette Wright.

DiPippo, 40, and Andrew Krivak, 38, were convicted in 1997 of raping and murdering Wright, whose body was found by a hunter a year after she disappeared.

It took the jury a full day to deliberate before determining on Tuesday that DiPippo should go free, according to the Journal News.

'It's unbelievable,' he said. 'I didn't expect a not guilty verdict.'

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Anthony DiPippo (center) speaks to the press after his acquittal of rape and murder charges just outside a courthouse in Putnam County, New York, on Tuesday

DiPippo (left) and Andrew Krivak, 38, were convicted in 1997 of raping and murdering 12-year-old Josette Wright (right), whose body was found by a hunter a year after she disappeared

On October 3, 1994, Josette was brutally raped and murdered in a secluded area near Patterson, New York. The skeletal remains of her body were found a year later

'I'm ecstatic. I'm still in shock. I don't know what's going on.'

'I'm just here with my family. It's a great moment in time, it's the best moment of my life. I'm very thankful.'

This past March, the New York State Court of Appeals ruled that DiPippo's second trial should have allowed evidence about another suspect who knew the victim, had committed other rapes of hogtied girls in the woods, and had been accused of making self-incriminating statements to a fellow inmate at a Connecticut prison about Wright's 1994 disappearance.

DiPippo's attorneys have maintained that Josette's (left) real killer is Howard Gombert (right), a serial sex offender who is currently serving time in a Connecticut prison

The top court concluded the defense evidence about Howard Gombert's history of uniquely similar crimes and his purported statements, corroborated in part by outside sources, should have been allowed.

The inability to show Gombert was with the girl the day she disappeared was insufficient reason to rule it out.

Judge Leslie Stein wrote that the jury 'would be free to discredit' Connecticut inmate Joseph Santoro's testimony.

DiPippo (left) and his attorney, Mark Baker (right), appear in a Putnam County courtroom in June, shortly before DiPippo was released on $1million bail

According to his affidavit, Gombert told him Putnam County authorities were 'trying to get him for the killing of two girls' in the area and 'they already convicted some other suckers' in Wright's death.

Incidentally, DiPippo's first conviction was overturned because his attorney during that trial failed to disclose a conflict of interest since he also represented Gombert.

After an appeal was given the go ahead earlier this year, in June DiPippo was released on $1million bail pending his third trial.

Josette Wright's mother, Susan (seen here in June after DiPippo was released on bail), was aghast when she heard the verdict on Tuesday

While on bail, DiPippo joined Facebook in June and posted numerous images and messages proclaiming his innocence and vowing to be exonerated.

He also denounced prosecutors for what he says was their coercion of witnesses and falsifying of incriminating evidence.

To drum up sympathy for his cause, DiPippo enlisted the support and encouragement of Jeffrey Deskovic, who in 1990 was wrongly convicted for raping and killing a classmate when he was 17 years old.

Since then, Deskovic has publicly advocated on behalf of convicts who have been wrongfully sent to prison.

DiPippo and Krivak were arrested in 1996 after the former's ex-girlfriend, Denise Rose, claimed that she was in a van with both men and saw them commit the gruesome crimes, according to the Journal News.

DiPippo was arrested in 1996 (above) and convicted a year later on second-degree murder and rape charges. He was convicted again in 2002 and had both convictions overturned

After his release on bail this past summer, DiPippo sought to rally public opinion to his side with Facebook posts proclaiming his innocence

CASE TIMELINE October 3, 1994 - Josette Wright, a 12-year-old girl from Carmel, New York, is abducted, raped, and murdered in nearby Patterson, New York. November 22, 1995 - Wright's skeletal remains are found by a hunter in a wooded area. July 1996 - DiPippo and his friend, Andrew Krivak, are arrested for rape and murder. 1997 - both men were convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life. 2011 - An appeals court overturned DiPippo's conviction after it was learned his lawyer represented the man believed to be the real killer. 2012 - He was convicted again. March 2016 - An appeals court once again overturned the verdict after it was learned that the judge improperly ruled out evidence that could implicate another suspect October 11, 2016 - DiPippo's third trial ends in acquittal. Advertisement

Rose told investigators that both men gagged Wright with her underwear and dumped her body in the woods in Patterson, New York, which is about 60 miles north of New York City.

She testified that she was with both men in the van while all three of them were smoking marijuana and drinking.

The defense has argued that the sheriffs coerced Rose into testifying against DiPippo by threatening to pursue criminal charges against her in connection with three other incidents.

Authorities dropped all charges against Rose, who would have faced up to seven years in prison if she was prosecuted and convicted.

DiPippo was twice convicted of second-degree murder in 1997 and 2012 on the strength of Rose's testimony and what prosecutors said were over 30 witnesses and 100 pieces of evidence.

Krivak was also convicted and sentenced to 25 years to life. He is trying to get a second trial, the Journal News reported.

His defense attorneys, however, managed to sow seeds in the minds of the jury after it emerged that Gombert supposedly told an inmate in a Connecticut jail that he was Wright's killer.

The attorneys also noted that there was no traces of DNA evidence left by DiPippo in the van.

DiPippo (right) enlisted the support and encouragement of Jeffrey Deskovic (left), who in 1990 was wrongly convicted for raping and killing a classmate when he was 17 years old. This picture was posted to DiPippo's Facebook page on July 17 of this year

DiPippo (second from left) and Deskovic (far right) pose for the camera while the former was free on bail pending his third trial

DiPippo (center) and his attorney, Davis (far right), get support from friends during his ordeal

DiPippo (seen here in a photo posted July 15) has consistently maintained his innocence since his arrest

Wright's mother, Susan, was reportedly aghast when she heard the verdict on Tuesday.

'If they wanted him running loose, now they've got it,' she told the Journal News.

'I know the jury was wrong.'

'They just wanted to get out of there,' she said. 'He spent 20 years in prison, and I'm going to have to be satisfied with that.'

Prosecutors said that while they disagreed with the verdict, they would respect the jury's decision.
is also being used by senior cabinet members

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is using third-party application WhatsApp to send confidential messages, raising red flags for cyber security experts who warn it could put national security at risk.

WhatsApp is also being used by senior cabinet members, government chiefs of staff, media advisers and a 'broadcast group' used by Defence Industry Minister Christopher Pyne to chat between staff, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.

One senior staffer said the application was 'Malcolm's favourite thing, so everyone jumped on it' shortly after he became head of the Liberal party in September last year.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull uses third-party application WhatsApp to send confidential messages

WhatsApp is also being used by senor cabinet members, governments chiefs of staff, media advisers to chat between staff

The founder of security consultancy firm Hivint, Craig Searle said WhatsApp was not an approved platform on the ASD (Australian Signals Directorate) and should not be used in place of secure government email.

'If a government employee were to transfer classified data across a non-approved app or network, that could be a potential security breach,' he said.

According to a number of staff members the app was widely used within the government.

'I can't imagine ASD is very happy about it,' one staffer told the publication.

A government spokesperson told The Sydney Morning Herald WhatsApp groups were used to improve internal government communication.

The application can be used for group or one-on-one communication to send messages, pictures or video.

It has about a billion users worldwide.
A Utah woman who went into labor while shopping in a Walmart on Sunday and ended up giving birth in the checkout line has now spoken out about what happened to her.

Cecilia Rivas said that she woke Sunday morning with labor pains, but figured it would be hours before her contractions became serious.

So she went to Walmart alone for some last-minute items, leaving her husband at home with their two children.

'I was really feeling well - I didn't think I was going to have the baby,' she told Fox 13.

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'I didn't think I was going to have the baby': Cecilia Rivas woke up Sunday with labor pains but decided to go shopping- and then gave birth in Walmart

Rivas gave birth to a son, Matias, who is being kept at Mountain View Hospital under observation

However, while she was in the aisles shopping, the pains became more severe.

'So while I was doing that I started getting worse and then I went to pay and I got even worse and all of the sudden I broke water and I felt the head of the baby right then and there,' Rivas said.

Few people around spoke English, but it was clear she was in labor.

They grabbed towels from the aisles and held up sheets for privacy. By some miracle, the customer behind Rivas not only spoke Spanish, but was a former EMT.

'And the lady that was right behind me, the one that spoke Spanish, was like an angel to me because she was the one that helped me bring the baby out,' Rivas said.

This is the third child for Rivas and her husband. She said she had no idea she would go into labor so quickly when she decided to go pick up some things from Walmart

Rivas was shopping alone in Walmart in Payson, Utah when she unexpectedly gave birth

Ravas gave birth to a son, Matias, who is being kept at Mountain View Hospital under observation.

Payson Fire Department spokesman Terry Reilly says it was not the woman's first pregnancy and things 'progressed pretty rapidly.'

'The baby was delivered right there in the checkout line,' Reilly told The Daily Herald.

Employees and other customers had to help deliver the bundle, which eagerly came out into the world in the store before emergency crews arrived.

In 2000's Where the Heart Is, Natalie Portman gives birth to a baby in a Tennessee Walmart, much like the woman in Utah who welcomed her bundle of joy

Customers called 911, but the impatient baby was in the Walmart aisle before EMS, according to KSL.

Apparently everyone stayed very 'calm,' according to Reilly.

The mother and baby were taken to Mountain View Hospital in Payson, about 60 miles south of Salt Lake City. Both are reportedly doing fine.

In the movie Where the Heart Is, which was based on the novel of the same name, a 17-year-old girl (played by Natalie Portman) stops into a Walmart in Sequoyah, Oklahoma with her boyfriend, who abandons her in the store with little money.
A porn star has gone to court to challenge a ruling that banned her from moaning loudly, claiming it was restricting her right to work from home.

The 23-year-old, who goes by the name Natalie Hot, was given the ban by the administrative court in Munich, the capital city of the German state of Bavaria, after complaints by neighbours.

They said that the noise that she made was disturbing the peace, and the court agreed and imposed the ban.

Natalie Hot, was given the moaning ban by the administrative court in Munich

However, Natalie claimed that the ruling meant she can no longer work from home.

Her battle for the right to moan is the talk of Ampfing, a small town of 6,000 residents, where Natalie Hot lives with her husband and another female performer in a single-family house.

She told the court: 'Everyone in the street can work from home, but it is forbidden for me to do so?'

While she is currently shooting her movies on alternative locations in Germany, she does not want to be forbidden to work in front of a webcam at home.

Natalie's battle for the right to moan is the talk of the town of Ampfing where she lives

Neighbour Marion K., 44, was one of those did not take kindly to the moaning, even kicking open her door and swearing at her, according to the evidence heard in court.

Other residents have been making lists and photos of the 'increased traffic density' in front of the house of the erotic star.

Hubert M. has even written to the competent administrative council: 'This is a case of a brothel which is hidden behind webcam activities.'

Neighbours had accused her of running a 'brothel which is hidden behind webcam activities'

Natalie said she had offered to patch up differences by inviting all of her neighbours over to a swingers' party at her house, saying: 'It would have been fun.'

However the court failed to accept her side and ruled against her, saying the moaning ban was justified.

After she lost the case, her husband has threatened to have a full-size naked photo of Natalie printed on the couple's car

They said that from the evidence it seemed her business activities were 'not on an insignificant and temporary scale', which would have allowed them.

They said what was actually going on was on a full business, which conflicts with the residential nature of the property in which she was living.
A father has claimed his son was involved in a violent brawl with Manly star Dylan Walker and South Sydneys Aaron Gray while they holidayed in Thailand.

Gold Coast father, Eugene Hepi, contacted the NRL integrity unit claiming Walker and Gray were involved in a fight with around 14 other people at Patong Beach.

Shortly after the fight, his son Sheldon Hepi-Parke, 20, was arrested and placed behind bars but the athletes walked free, reported The Daily Telegraph.

A father has accussed Manly star, Dylan Walker (second from right) and South Sydneys Aaron Gray (left), of being part of a brawl while they holidayed in Thailand

Walker has since denied having any involvement in the fight.

Dylan told me he did nothing wrong  he had no involvement what-so-ever, Walkers manager Wayne Beavis said.

Dylan was emphatic. He said he was involved in nothing.

However Grays manager, Steve Gillis, was unaware of the incident and noted the investigation into the matter will ensure the correct actions will take place.

The NRL integrity unit will interview the pair upon their return to Australia next week as they continue their investigations.

Walker (top left) and Gray (centre) have been posting images of their holiday on social media

Gold Coast father said his son was arrested and jailed after the fight but Walker (left) and Gray (centre, right) walked free

Mr Hepi said he was receiving messages from his son about the brawl and he has since forwarded the messages to the integrity unit.

'He [Sheldon] told me they were in a big brawl. My son got a few punches in the head. One [of] his mates girlfriends got hit. My son and his mates ended up in jail.

Mr Hepi also plans on making an official complaint to the NRL over the drama.

Sheldon has since been released for prison and is also expected to return to Australia next week.

Walker and Gray have been posting images of their time abroad on social media, a year after they accidentally overdosed on painkillers.
Germany is pushing to force the European Union to ban petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030.

The country's federal council - the Bundesrat - is calling on the European Commission to follow its lead and stop the sale of all emissions-emitting cars.

It comes as Germany attempts to lower its carbon dioxide emission by up to 95 percent by 2050.

Germany is pushing to force the European Union to ban petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030

The country's federal council - the Bundesrat - is calling on the European Commission to follow its lead and stop the sale of all emissions-emitting cars

While the Bundesrat does not control the Commission, Germany's status as the largest economy in Europe means it has a big pull on EU lawmakers.

It will now attempt to use its influence to roll out the ban continent-wide, according to Yahoo News.

Not content with the car ban, Germany is also pushing for the EU to revisit emissions tax laws to offer incentives to those buying electric cars.

But the move has not gone down well with everyone in the country's government with some senior officials labelling the plans 'utter nonsense', according to Yahoo.

Germany is not alone in looking to move over to alternative energy cars.
The White House has shut down a petition calling for the public hanging of a West Virginia man accused of the sexual assault and murder of a 10-month-old baby girl.

Benjamin R. Taylor, 32 of Cottageville, is facing life in prison after being charged with first-degree murder after the girl, Emmaleigh Barringer, died of her injuries in hospital last week.

He was initially charged with just first-degree sexual assault. Taylor is the boyfriend of the victim's mother, but isn't the child's father.

And although West Virginia abolished the death penalty more than 50 years ago, a petition popped up on We The People calling on the White House to make an exception in Taylor's case.

'Prison is too good for child rapists and their ilk,' the petition said.

It would have resulted in a official response from the Obama Administration if it had gathered 100,000 signatures in 30 days.

The petition had attracted more than 50,000 signature before it was taken down on Friday, the Washington Times reports, with a note saying it was removed from the site because it was in violation of the terms of participation.

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The White House has shut down a petition calling for the public hanging of Benjamin Taylor (left), who is accused of the sexual assault and murder of a 10-month-old baby girl (right)

A note says it has been removed from the website because it was in violation of the site's terms of participation

The girl's mother, Amanda Leigh Adkins, who has four children, reportedly woke up about 5am on October 3 and found her baby girl naked and bleeding on her basement floor.

Emmaleigh suffered extensive bleeding indicating a brutal sexual assault, according to a criminal complaint.

She also showed signs of having been shaken and struck in the face.

The little girl was later declared brain dead at the hospital. Adkins held Emmaleigh tightly as the infant took her last breath last Wednesday.

J.R., who started the petition that day, wrote: 'When it's an open and shut case such as this, let us hang these creatures publicly.

'Let us make examples of them, and allow the American people to attend these hangings so that the accused may be ridiculed, as they should be.'

The petition asked the White House to enact to Congress to do something about Taylor.

Benjamin R. Taylor, 32 of Cottageville, faces life in prison on charges of murder and sexual assault of 10-month-old Emmaleigh Barringer

He was arraigned Thursday via a video conference and is being held without bond at South Central Regional jail

Emmaleigh suffered extensive bleeding indicating a brutal sexual assault, also showing signs of having been shaken and struck in the face

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

Amanda Leigh Adkins is seen kissing Taylor in a Facebook photo. Taylor had captioned it 'I'm so happy I met this girl!'

Emmaleigh's grief-stricken relatives said Taylor appeared a 'Prince Charming' who swept the baby's mom off her feet.

'She was so lit up inside  he wanted to do things with her, he hung out with the kids,' said Danielle Adkins, a cousin to Emmaleigh's mother, to WSAZ.

Relatives held a candlelight vigil in Emmaleigh's memory on Friday ahead of her funeral over the weekend.

Relatives are holding a candlelight vigil in Emmaleigh's memory Friday as they prepare for her funeral this weekend

Neighbors have put up a picture of Emmaleigh at her home's front steps with a number of candles and notes of support for her mother

Neighbors put up a picture of Emmaleigh at her home's front steps with a number of candles and notes of support for her mother.

'She's never going to go home with her brothers and sister again,' Danielle Adkins told WSAZ.

'She's never going to be in a family event. We're never going to know what her kids would look like or get to see her graduate high school  any of these normal life things because of this monster.'

Emmaleigh's grief-stricken relatives say Taylor appeared a 'Prince Charming' who swept the baby's mom off her feet. Danielle Adkins, a cousin to the mother, now calls him a monster

Police said that when they arrived at the house 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.

Blankets and clothes covered with blood were near where police said Taylor had been with the baby in the basement.

Adkins was holding the baby and had blood on her. She told cops 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.

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 almost $40,000.

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 without bond at South Central Regional jail.
Gillian Rew held her breasts, told a schoolboy his body was 'too sexy' and said to another pupil he had a better chest than her husband when she got drunk on a school trip

A headteacher held her breasts, told a schoolboy his body was 'too sexy' and said to another pupil he had a better chest than her husband when she got drunk on a school trip, a report reveals.

During the weekend away Gillian Rew, 49, also pulled herself up from the floor by holding onto a pupil's ankles and held crisps between her breasts.

She admitted last month to drinking eight glasses of wine on the trip to Lockerbie in September 2014 before having 'improper contact' with pupils.

The former Arbroath High School headteacher's case was being heard at a General Teaching Council Scotland (GTCS) hearing.

Despite the revelations, she has not been struck off the teaching register but has instead been given a two-year Conditional Registration Order, which involves regular alcohol testing.

Mrs Rew, who was sacked from her 74,000-a-year post at the school following the incident, had already failed in a bid to have the hearing heard in private.

But her admission of guilt meant that details of the charges were not revealed in the hearing.

Details published by the GTCS today revealed the extent of Mrs Rews behaviour.

The full document, detailing the outcome of Mrs Rews hearing, describes her conduct on the trip.

It states that the former headteacher 'accepted that she had acted inappropriately in that she had: used inappropriate language, including swearing; told a male pupil to, "put his body away as it was too sexy" or words to that effect.'

Rew, the former head teacher of Arbroath High School, pictured, admitted drinking too much

It adds that she 'pulled herself up from the floor by holding onto a pupils ankles; touched a male pupils chest and stated, "it was better than her husband's" or words to that effect.'

She also 'held her breasts and made comments about them; entered pupils' bedrooms, ate crisps and sweets and thereafter reached into her top to take crisps from between her breasts.'

The GTCS document reveals that the case panel decided that given the personal difficulties Mrs Rew was having, it would be unreasonable to declare her unfit to teach.

The document reads: 'The panel thought that, given the surrounding circumstances, to which it will return, and the fact that staff, pupils and parents had spoken up for the respondent, it could treat the respondents behaviour as falling short, if only by a very narrow margin, of the kind of fundamentally incompatible conduct that would have to result in a finding of unfitness to teach.'

Disciplinary hearing: During the weekend away Mrs Rew (pictured) also pulled herself up from the floor by holding onto a pupil's ankles and held crisps between her breasts

Mrs Rew admitted in her hearing that she was 'mortified' by her behaviour and at the time was drinking too much, partly as a result of working 14-hour days among hostile colleagues.

Mrs Rew also said that she did not think any of her pupils 'would have been particularly alarmed' by the events at Lockerbie Manor.

'I don't think they would have been particularly traumatised,' she said. 'I honestly don't think they were uncomfortable - I think they thought it was a bit of light banter.'

Outlining the reasons for her conduct, she said that she was dealing with issues with alcohol at the time and was in 'great distress'.

She said: 'I was drinking more alcohol than was good for me.'

She also said that other members of staff were 'behaving in a fashion that was hostile and undermining' to her role at the time.

And she outlined how she was working long days - starting at 7.45am and finishing at 7pm, before working for three more hours at home each night.

Discussing her decision to take wine on the school trip, she said: 'I honestly dont think that I was in a particularly good place to make proper cognitive decisions.'

Seeking to remain on the register, Mrs Rew said that she had undergone therapy and alcohol counselling since the event.

She also said that she was 'devastated' and 'ashamed' by her actions, and said: 'I hope that there's no lasting impact in the young people apart from the adverse publicity for the school.'

Mrs Rew - now employed by teaching union EIS - said: 'My days of leading a school are gone.

'The most I would hope would be to retain my teaching registration.'

The panel at the hearing also heard from Andrena Waghorn, headteacher at Craigie High School in Dundee, who has known Mrs Rew for 20 years.
A mothballed BHS store on Edinburgh's main shopping street has reopened - as Scottish Home Stores.

BHS has been on Princes Street, Edinburgh, for more than half a century but the store was closed at the beginning of August after the retail chain collapsed, with hundreds of workers from across the UK losing their jobs.

After the high street staple closed a damning report was released into the ownership of the firm by Sir Philip Green and a parliamentary inquiry found he extracted huge sums of money from the group while leaving its pension fund in deficit.

BHS has been on Princes Street, Edinburgh, for more than half a century but the store was closed at the beginning of August after the retail chain collapsed, with hundreds losing their jobs

But now the store in Edinburgh as reopened as Scottish Home Stores, with its name giving an ironic nod to the previous tenants.

It sells an eclectic range of goods including clothes, board games and soft furnishings and souvenirs.

But opinion amongt shoppers is divided, with many pleased to see it retained for retail use, but others believing it should have been left vacant.

Ann McFadden said she felt Edinburgh's main shopping thoroughfare would look worse if the premises remained empty.

But now the store in Edinburgh as reopened as Scottish Home Stores, with its name giving an ironic nod to the previous tenants

She said: 'I'm pleased to see that someone has actually taken it over - Princes Street would look worse off if it just lay empty.

'The name doesn't bother me and I don't think the stock is that much different from what was in here before, but the main thing is that it doesn't look abandoned.'

Paul Anderson, 47, was also happy to see the store open and praised the product range.

He added: 'It's a nice older building and it's been part of Princes Street for as long as I remember, so I'm glad it's not lying empty.

'There will be a few people who object to the tourist-style souvenir shops, but there's actually a lot more on offer here with the clothes section upstairs and some homeware items that don't look out of place.'

But Lynette Jones, 53, said she thought Edinburgh had enough tourist shops.

She said: 'The name itself doesn't really annoy me, but what's inside and what's in front of the store does.

'It's the same kind of stuff you see in every tourist shop and there are loads of them all over the city.

'We've had HMV close now as well, it's going to get to a point where every shop on Princes Street is going to be the same tourist stores selling all the same fake-tartan tat.'

Graham Birse, director of the Edinburgh Institute, agreed with Lynette.

He said: 'Edinburgh already has an excess of these kind of tourist shops and this is another example of that.'

Bosses at Scottish Home Stores said they had wanted to make sure the Princes Street building was not left sitting 'stark and empty', and added that up to 150 jobs would be created.

A spokesman said: 'The positive feedback from people who have already visited the store has taken us by surprise.

'We are confident therefore that both visitors and local people will appreciate the range, quality and pricing of a diverse selection of goods.

'We are offering a broad product range, including attractive and value priced ladies, gents and children's clothing with an excellent range for seniors.

'Alongside this we have a growing homeware department with soft furnishings, bedding and toiletries.'

BHS's premises were purpose-built in the 1960s and in 2008 given a Category B listing by Historic Scotland because they were some of the first 'panel buildings'.

They were designed by city planners who wanted to create a continuous first-floor walkway along the length of Princes Street.

But Scottish Home Stores will not be there for long, as a A60 million revamp to turn the site in to a hotel and restaurant complex will begin late next year.

The first BHS store opened in Brixton, London, in 1928, and the company soon grew to have more than 100 shops across the UK.

These all closed over the summer following years of under-investment.

Sir Philip Green, who owned the chain between 2000 and 2015, has been described as the 'unacceptable face of capitalism'.
The last images of 22-month old Cooper Harris before his death were shown to jurors on Wednesday as the first-degree murder trial of his father Ross Harris reconvened.

The pictures showed Harris, holding Cooper in his arms and ordering some food in a local Chick-fil-A. The toddler seemed content to be in his daddy's arms, having no idea that just minutes later he was locked in a car that reached 120 degrees and left for seven hours to die as Harris went off to work.

Court resumed after several days of a hurricane-imposed break in the trial of Harris, charged with malice murder, felony murder and child cruelty in the hot-car death of his toddler son.

The 35-year-old web developer was an employee of the Home Depot Corporation near Smyrna, Georgia.

Police said he intentionally left his son strapped in a car seat and locked in the family's SUV for seven hours while he worked on a hot day in June 2014.

Footage from a Chick-fil-A in Vinings, Georgia , show Ross Harris holding his son, Cooper Harris shortly before the 22-month-old's June 2014 death

Kyle Weston, assistant manager of the Chick-fil-A restaurant in Vinings, Georgia, verified the authenticity of security camera video clips

Harris and his son ate at the restaurant just minutes before the brief drive from the restaurant to his office, where Cooper died from overheating in the vehicle while his father worked for seven hours

Chris Redmon, manager at the fast-food restaurant, told jurors he recognized Harris as a regular customer

Kyle Weston, assistant manager of the Chick-fil-A restaurant in Vinings, Georgia, verified the authenticity of security camera video clips that showed Harris at the counter, holding his son in his arms as he placed his breakfast order.

Chris Redmon, manager at the fast-food restaurant, told jurors he recognized Harris as a regular customer and remembered shaking his hand as he introduced his son to the him.

Redmon said he was bringing ice to the front counter when he saw Harris and his son. 'I asked "Who is this little guy?" and then I said "Hey, Coop",' as he completed their order.

He said he'd seen Harris maybe a dozen times in the restaurant on previous visits.

Harris seemed to 'love his child', Redmon told defense attorney Maddox Kilgore.

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 just minutes before the brief drive from the restaurant to his office.

Paramedic Peyton Barwick told jurors he saw no emotion from Harris while questioning the dad as he sat in the rear of a patrol car.

Barwick needed information about his son for his report and noted that Harris seemed 'very dry and emotionless'.

'He told me he ate breakfast about 8:45 and arrived at work at 9. He rolled up the windows and locked the car,' before walking into his office,' Barwick said.

'Harris asked, "Is he dead?" I said, "Yes sir, he is deceased",' Barwick testified. 'There were no tears.'

Cobb Police Capt James Ferrell told jurors he arrived on the scene and crawled close to Cooper as he lay on the ground to examine the body.

Cooper died while strapped in a car seat and locked in the family's SUV for seven hours while his father worked on a hot day in June 2014

Harris, pictured last week during his trial, is charged with malice murder, felony murder and child cruelty in the hot-car death of his toddler son

He noticed a distinct odor, describing it as 'a combination of sweat, a diaper and something that's deceased'.

Ferrell said he noticed the same smell inside the SUV, 'a unique odor of death'.

'It was an odor I only associate with death,' he added.

He told jurors he noticed the odor from the open driver's door frame as well as from the child's body on the ground.

'Gases that permeate from a dead body,' he told the jury.

Previously in the trial, jurors have heard from witnesses, who arrived at the scene after Harris found his son's overheated body in his car.

The Cobb County Police crime scene technician Brad Shumpert also described 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.

Harris and his defense attorney insist the grisly death was an accident and not an intentional act, as police and prosecutors believe.

Video courtesy of 11 Alive/WXIA

Earlier in the trial Cobb County officials described 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

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 photo showed the car seat where Cooper was trapped for seven hours as he sat in the hot car

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 Kilgore explained.

Prosecutors contend Harris misled investigators and tried to get them to believe the young boy's death was an accident.

Police say Harris (pictured in his mug hot) intentionally left his son locked in the family's SUV for seven hours while he worked on a hot day in June 2014

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.

'What it is, is evidence of his filthy sex life. That's all it is,' he added.

The high-profile trial began October 3 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.

Harris wept in court on October 4 as witnesses recalled the moment his son was discovered dead

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

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 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.

The car Harris left his son inside while he went to work in Marietta, Georgia, is shown in this image from WSB-TV

'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.

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.
Kingsley Burrell, a student from Winson Green in Birmingham, died on March 31, 2011 four days after being detained by police

Three West Midlands Police officers have been charged with perverting the course of justice and perjury in connection with the death of Kingsley Burrell in 2011.

Mr Burrell, a student from Winson Green in Birmingham, died from cardiac arrest at the city's Queen Elizabeth Hospital on March 31, 2011 four days after being detained by police.

Officers Paul Adey, 36, Mark Fannon, 45, and Paul Greenfield, 50, are all due to appear at Birmingham Magistrates' Court on October 31.

Mr Burrell had dialled 999 claiming his life was under threat but was then sectioned and taken to a mental health unit, then days later was transferred to hospital.

An inquest jury ruled there were gross failures to get him proper medical attention, and that the use of force to restrain him and place a cover over his head contributed to his death.

In July protesters called for justice more than a year after an inquest found the gross failures contributed to the death of the father-of-three.

During the May 2015 inquest into the death of Mr Burrell the coroner said 'no tragedy like this should ever happen again'.

After a complaint from the victim's family about the evidence of three West Midlands Police officers' during the inquest, the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) carried out an investigation.

In October last year it referred the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service 'for them to consider if any criminal offences may have been committed.'

An inquest jury ruled there were gross failures to get him proper medical attention, and that the use of force to restrain him and place a cover over his head contributed to his death

In a statement, a CPS spokesman said: 'Following a referral by the IPCC we have decided there is sufficient evidence to charge three officers from West Midlands Police with perverting the course of justice and perjury in connection with the death of Kingsley Burrell in 2011.

'The officers and the family of Mr Burrell have been informed.

'Criminal proceedings involving the three police constables will now be commenced and each has a right to a fair trial.'

Mr Burrell died after being detained under the Mental Health Act.

His relatives have protested for months at what they claimed was a delay in a decision on whether or not to charge, recently staging a sit-in at the CPS Birmingham office to highlight the issue.

West Midlands Police said that Wednesday's charges had been authorised by the director of public prosecutions.

Three police officers have been charged with perverting the course of justice and perjury in connection with the death. Mr Burrell died at the city's Queen Elizabeth Hospital (pictured)

The force confirmed the officers have been suspended following the charges.

An initial CPS investigation in 2014 concluded there was not enough evidence to bring criminal charges against anyone involved.

In a statement following the announcement, a spokesman for the family said: 'The Burrell family welcome today's decision to prosecute the three officers concerned, in the belief that they must be publicly held to account for their actions in the circumstances surrounding the death of Kingsley.
A Virginia judge sentenced a white, former police officer to two and a half years in prison on Wednesday for fatally shooting an unarmed black teen suspected of shoplifting.

Circuit Judge Johnny Morrison sentenced Stephen Rankin to the maximum recommendation from the jury that convicted him of voluntary manslaughter in the April 2015 death of 18-year-old William Chapman II.

Morrison could not increase the recommended sentence, but could have reduced it.

He denied defense attorneys' request that 36-year-old Rankin remain free on bond during his appeal.

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A Virginia judge sentenced ex-cop Stephen Rankin (left) to two and a half years in prison on Wednesday for fatally shooting William Chapman II (right), an unarmed teen suspected of shoplifting

After the sentence was handed down, Rankin said he was deeply sorry and never meant to hurt anyone.

The teen's mother, Sallie Chapman said Rankin's apology rang hollow.

'You're not sorry for me. You're sorry for you,' she said outside the courtroom.

'That man deserves to be exactly where he's at.'

Rankin is pictured above in court in August. After the sentence was handed down, Rankin said he was deeply sorry and never meant to hurt anyone

Authorities are shown collecting evidence at the scene of the shooting that took place on April 22, 2015

The city has reportedly reached an agreement to pay $1million to Chapman's family, however the paperwork has not been finalized, according to The Virginian-Pilot.

One of the jurors who convicted Rankin sat behind him in support at Wednesday's sentencing.

Peggy Thorpe said she made a mistake when she found Rankin guilty and information she learned after the trial changed her mind.

She said Chapman had a criminal record and was 'by no means a good citizen.'

She said she apologized to Rankin and he forgave her.

Chapman's mother Sallie Chapman, left, and Trease Evans in the days after the shooting. The mother said Rankin's apology rang hollow

Chapman was shot in the face and chest by Rankin outside a Walmart last year after a security guard accused the teen of shoplifting

'The wrong decision was made that day,' Thorpe said, adding that it weighs on her every day.

'I should've stuck with my gut.'

Rankin shot Chapman in the face and chest outside a Walmart last year after a security guard accused the teen of shoplifting.

No video recorded the actual killing and testimony on the details of what happened was conflicting.

However, most witnesses said Chapman had his hands up, and prosecutor Stephanie Morales said the officer could have used force that was not deadly.

Rankin was fired from the Portsmouth police force after being indicted in Chapman's shooting death

The teen was laid to rest during May of last year. Scenes from the funeral shown above

Rankin, who was fired from the Portsmouth police force after being indicted, killed another unarmed suspect four years earlier while responding to a burglary.

But he had been cleared of wrongdoing and the incident was inadmissible at trial.

'I think this is a terrible tragedy; I wish it had never happened. I wish none of it had ever occurred,' Rankin testified after being found guilty in August.
Hundreds of commuters were kicked off a train because the graffiti daubed on the side of the carriage was deemed to be too rude, it was revealed today.

The Thameslink service from St Albans to Wimbledon was terminated atLondon Blackfriars after the sexually offensive writing was spotted by guards.

Franchise owner Govia Thameslink Railway, which is at the centre of the Southern Rail dispute, defended its actions to avoid causing further offence to passengers.

Told to get off: The Thameslink service from St Albans to Wimbledon was terminated at London Blackfriars (file picture) after the sexually offensive writing was spotted by guards

On the rails: Franchise owner Govia Thameslink Railway, which is at the centre of the Southern Rail dispute, defended its actions to avoid causing further offence to passengers (file image)

But it was at least the sixth time a GTR service had been cancelled in London thanks to offensive graffiti in the last three months, according to the Evening Standard.

A report by journalists Ben Morgan, Matt Watts and Dick Murray quoted child nurse Laura Bufton as saying she saw the graffiti before boarding but it was illegible.

She added: This is completely crazy. Why cancel a perfectly working train and inconvenience so many people on the off-chance someone might be offended?

Im sure people would prefer to get to work with offensive slogans on a train than have it cancelled. There were a lot of people and most were frustrated.

Chaos at Brighton station: The termination came as talks aimed at resolving a long-running dispute over the role of conductors on Southern Railway broke down without agreement today

Another passenger said: Weve had trains cancelled in the past due to the wrong kind of leaves on the track. Now it seems we have the wrong kind of graffiti.

DELAYS ELSEWHERE IN UK Signalling problems and a broken down train caused rail delays in other parts of Britain today. London Midland and Virgin Trains services were affected by a broken down train at Bushey, causing delays of up to an hour between London Euston and Watford Junction. ScotRail services suffered a signalling problem at Glasgow Queen Street, and a similar issue caused delays to South West Trains services between Clapham Junction and Hounslow. Abellio Greater Anglia, London Overground and Stansted Express were also affected by a signalling problem between Tottenham Hale and Hackney Downs in London. Advertisement

Thameslink, which last month tweeted how it cant drive around all day with the 6ft F-word emblazoned on a train, said the cancellation on Monday morning was very unusual.

And a spokesman told MailOnline: 'We are sorry passengers were inconvenienced but we simply cannot have our trains running with offensive sexually explicit words on them.'

Thameslink faced a 5,000 bill to remove the writing using a chemical washer. Network Rail says the annual cost of cleaning graffiti is 5million.

Meanwhile, talks aimed at resolving a long-running dispute over the role of conductors on Southern Railway broke down without agreement today.
Traffic in central London ground to a halt today as thousands of Muslims celebrated the festival of Ashura.

Huge crowds of people gathered to march down Oxford Street carrying flags and placards denouncing terrorism.

The road was closed at Marble Arch for the procession commemorating the death of the grandson of Muhammad.

Even Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman was part of the festival, attending a majlis, a sit-down gathering of Muslims at the Al-Khoei Foundation mosque in Queen's Park.

Thousands of Muslims marched through London today, pictured, for the Ashura Festival

Many were demonstrating against ISIS and terrorism and their procession saw much of Oxford Street, pictured, closed

Bystanders were seen cheering and applauding the event as the Muslims commemorated the death of Mohammad's grandson

Even Hollywood actor Morgan Freeman was in London for the event, attending a service at a mosque in Queen's Park, pictured, to film a documentary for National Geographic

Freeman, who has twice played God in Bruce Almighty and sequel Evan Almighty, was at the meeting while filming documentary The Story of God for National Geographic.

Meanwhile banners on show at the peaceful march in Oxford Street included the messages 'Terrorism is non-Islamic' and 'British Muslims condemn ALL acts of terrorism'.

In video footage of the demonstration other placards could be seen reading 'men and women are equal in Islam' and 'terrorism has no religion'.

The response to the event was mainly positively received by Londoners although some were unhappy at how it was managed by transport authorities with cancellations and delays to some bus services.

Christa Blackmon tweeted: 'Walked past the #Ashura festival which is lovely but dammit #London you could have told me it was going to cancel my bus home!'

Many of the marchers were carrying banners denouncing terrorism, including this sign which says it has no place in religion, pictured

Other placards carried messages of equality between men and women in Islam, pictured

Some people were left frustrated by the event because it caused havoc with traffic

Others praised the 'positive energy' the demonstration in London, pictured, produced

The festival has many customs and divides denominations of Islam, with Shia Muslims viewing it as a time for mourning, for example.

Another custom is more mosques to provide free meals while donations of sweets are also common.

And one observer was delighted to receive a chocolate bar while watching the festival.

JimboJV tweeted: 'Just passed a massive march on Whitehall celebrating Muslim holy day. Even got a snickers as a gift!'
The population of Greater London has been growing by around 100,000 a year as it pushes towards 'megacity status'.

This is despite young families leaving the city at an alarming rate as property prices continue to soar, an official analysis reveals.

The number of children and teenagers is dropping by more than 30,000 a year as parents in their 30s fail to cope with London's sky-high housing costs, the Office for National Statistics found.

The ONS figures showed that London's growth has been much more dramatic than other city regions in the country

However, immigration is helping push the capital's overall population up by almost 120,000 a year.

As well as a high birth rate immigration has driven the growth of the capital over the past five years.

According to ONS estimates, an average of nearly 100,000 people from overseas moved to the capital every year between 2011 and 2015, helping increase the population by nearly 5 per cent.

But the full impact of immigration is greater still. More than half a million babies were born in London between 2011 and 2015, and a majority were born to immigrant mothers.

In 2015, 58 per cent of babies born in London were children of mothers who were themselves born abroad.

The experts examined population data relating to London and the next 10 most populous city areas.

Net long-term international migration - the difference between the numbers arriving and leaving - was 97,000 a year, according to the report

All saw an increase in inhabitants, with the total population across the 11 regions rising by 3.4 per cent, or 885,000 in four years, to reach almost 27.2 million in 2015.

Greater London saw the sharpest jump in population, with an increase of 5.7 per cent, or nearly 500,000 residents, from 8.2 million in mid-2011 to just under 8.7 million in mid-2015. It is expected to hit 'megacity' status - a population of more than 10million - in a little over a decade.

Data showed that on average, the areas other than Greater London have grown slightly more slowly than the rest of the UK.

Bristol saw the second highest growth with 4.5 per cent, while Glasgow had the smallest rise at 1 per cent. As a whole, the city regions excluding London increased by 2.3 per cent on average.

The children's flight from London meant 31,700 more under-18s left every year to live elsewhere in Britain than arrived

Change in the population size is caused by a combination of births, deaths, migration from within the UK and international migration, the study said.

Net long-term international migration - the difference between the numbers arriving and leaving - was estimated at an average of 153,000 a year between 2011 and 2015 across the city regions. Greater London accounted for more than half of the figure, with 97,000 a year.

The report said all areas saw a population gain from international migration - but the proportional rise in Greater London was more than twice that in any other city region.

'London's attraction to immigrants no doubt reflects its status as a major employment centre and international hub,' the study said.

'With its high ethnic minority population it may prove especially attractive to people wishing to join family or others from that cultural background.

Greater London saw the sharpest jump in population, with an increase of 5.7 per cent, or nearly 500,000 residents

'In addition, for people heading to the UK, London is somewhere they are more likely to have some pre-existing awareness of than other parts of the country - perhaps because of previous visits, but also simply because it has a higher profile as the UK capital.'

Patterns of internal and international migration were very different, according to the research.

While some city regions have had population increase from internal migration, on average there has been a net outflow to the rest of the UK.

On the other hand all areas have seen growth from international migration, with a concentration of immigrants in the 22 to 29-year-old age group, the report added.

All city regions had more births than deaths, although in some cases the difference was small.

London was the only city in Britain to see a drop in numbers of people aged 19-21 after 2011

The areas covered in the article are: Greater London, Bristol, West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Edinburgh, West Yorkshire, Sheffield, Cardiff, North East, Liverpool and Glasgow. Together they account for more than two fifths of the total UK population of 65 million.

The report concluded that the findings suggest that although they may differ in physical characteristics from other areas of the country, city regions are not inherently distinctive in terms of population dynamics.

'Instead they vary considerably, but with Greater London markedly different from the rest,' it added.

The slowest-growing city in the UK was Glasgow, which over four years saw its population expand by just 1 per cent, 17,000 people.

The report from the Office for National Statistics said: 'All city regions have grown in population since 2011 and are projected to continue to grow.

'Greater London has had, and is projected to have, the most rapid growth.'

The children's flight from London meant 31,700 more under-18s left every year to live elsewhere in Britain than arrived. They departed alongside a movement of 33,600 people aged between 30 and 44 out of London each year.

The report described the movement of children as a 'phenomenon'. It said: 'A likely factor is that the parents of these children are leaving the city to find more affordable accommodation for their growing family.'

In 2015, 58 per cent of babies born in London were children of mothers who were themselves born abroad

On the departure of high numbers of thirtysomethings, the ONS said: 'The cost of property in London is likely to be important as people in this age group may be looking to buy for the first time, and may have children'.

The rise of property prices and rents in London is now held responsible for a decline in owner occupation among younger people.

It is also considered the prime reason for the rise of the so-called 'boomerang generation', the high proportion of young people who continue to live with their parents through their 20s and into their 30s.

London was the only city in Britain to see a drop in numbers of people aged 19-21 after 2011, a result of many students choosing to go to universities elsewhere.
Crenshanda Williams (pictured) is facing a misdemeanor charge of interference with an emergency phone call.

A former 911 operator is facing criminal charges after admitting that she hung up on callers when she didnt feel like talking.

Crenshanda Williams, 43, is facing a misdemeanor charge of interference with an emergency phone call.

Managers at the Houston Emergency Center where Williams worked found that she had been involved with thousands of short calls  defined as lasting 20 seconds or less  between October 2015 and March, Click2Houston reports.

And in one case, Williams was accused of hanging up on a caller who was reporting a robbery at a convenience store in which the owner was shot and killed.

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Williams was accused of hanging up on a caller who was reporting a robbery at a convenience store in which the owner was shot and killed. Above, CCTV footage of the March incident

Engineer Hua Li called 911 to report an armed robbery at the RaceWay convenience store on FM 1960 Rd at Mills Road in Houston on March 12.

Li said he was buying lottery tickets when a gunman entered and tried to break down the glassed-in secure area behind the counter.

He says he ran from the store and heard gunshots on his way out. When he made it to his car, he called 911.

They just said, This is 911. How can I help you? I was trying to finish my sentence and we got disconnected, Li told the local station.

Police said the operator Li got was Williams and that she had ended the call after just a few seconds.

Hua Li (pictured) said he called 911 to report the robbery, but the call was disconnected

Li called again and got a different operator but by the time police responded, the stores owner  51-year-old Zia Arfeen Seddiqui - was dead.

In another incident on March 13, a security guard called to report two motorists driving recklessly as they raced each other at high speed on 1-45 South.

Williams was the operator, according to police  and she allegedly terminated the call before the guard could give his full name.

Police said they questioned Williams about these incidents in June.

She told them she often hangs up on calls that have not been connected because she did not want to talk to anyone at that time, according to Click2Houston.

Williams is set to appear in court next week.
One said: 'I never want to experience drama like that in an airport again'

This is the moment an Aer Lingus passenger jet became engulfed in flames after a piece of ground equipment caught alight while it was refuelling at a Florida airport.

Two baggage handlers were seriously injured in the fire and 193 passengers were left stranded after a large section of the plane burst into flames last week.

Dramatic photographs now released show fire engulfing the mid-section of the Airbus A330-200 as it prepared for take-off at Orlando International Airport.

Two baggage handlers were seriously injured and 193 passengers were left stranded after a section of the Aer Lingus passenger jet became engulfed in flames at Orlando Airport, Florida

It was due to depart for Dublin, Ireland but passengers were forced to evacuate the plane when the fire broke out just before Hurricane Matthew hit last Thursday night.

Baggage handlers Kevin Charles and Alexix Salgado were both seriously injured in the incident  after both being engulfed in flames while they worked near the cabin hold.

They sustained life-changing first, second and third degree burns and one of them broke their leg while trying to jump to safety. They were both taken to the Orlando Regional Medical Centre and are still recovering from their injuries.

A total of 193 passengers, who were either on the aircraft or in the process of boarding, escaped unharmed. No cabin crew members were injured either.

However, they were left stranded as a result of the incident  with some describing their ordeal as the 'trip from hell'.

Colin Boylan, County Monaghan, Ireland, was preparing to fly home when he was caught up in the chaos.

Baggage handlers Kevin Charles and Alexix Salgado were both seriously injured in the incident  after both being engulfed in flames while they worked near the cabin hold when it caught fire

He told his Twitter followers: 'We were literally all about to board smiling and excited them panic of people running screaming and smoke from our plane.

'I never want to experience drama like that in an airport again. I'm safe anyway and in nice hotel.'

Passengers were put up in the nearby Marriott hotel following the incident before being moved to a different scheduled flight.

An Aer Lingus spokesman said at the time: 'The aircraft is still receiving maintenance attention in Orlando. It is expected to return to Ireland in the comings days.
Jeremy Corbyn has been condemned by a cancer-hit Tory MP after appearing to suggest he had received preferential treatment from the NHS.

The angry row broke out after Michael Fabricant used PMQs in the Commons today to reveal he has been successfully treated for prostate cancer.

Taking to the despatch box afterwards, Mr Corbyn remarked that he 'hoped the treatment he got is the same treatment that everybody else gets'.

Tory MP Michael Fabricant revealed in the Commons today that he had been treated for prostate cancer

Jeremy Corbyn said he wished Mr Fabricant well but added that he 'hoped the treatment he got is the same treatment that everybody else gets'

Mr Fabricant labelled Mr Corbyn's remarks 'completely outrageous' and demanded an apology, claiming the implication was he had received special treatment.

But Mr Corbyn flatly denied he had been trying to say anything 'controversial' with the clumsy jibe.

Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions, Mr Fabricant told Theresa May: 'On the subject of the NHS, 18 months ago my wonderful doctor ... suggested I have a general well man check-up, and it's just as well I did because the blood test revealed there could have been, and was, a problem with my prostate despite the fact that I was symptom-free.

'I was immediately referred to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, who were simply wonderful, and after a period of surveillance I had a prostatectomy back in June.'

To cheers and some applause, Mr Fabricant added: 'But hey, I'm now fine.'

He warned the PM there will be a 'real shortage' of specialist prostate and neurology nurses in the next 10 years as many are due for retirement, asking her to explain how the Government will avert this.

Mrs May replied: 'The whole House is pleased to see you back in your position as your normal, exuberant self.'

She said cancer survival rates were at a 'record high', with the Government putting more money into awareness of cancer problems and continuing to ensure the specialist medical professionals are available.

Mr Corbyn said: 'I do join the Prime Minister in wishing (Mr Fabricant) well and obviously hope the treatment he got is the same treatment that everybody else gets, because we want good treatment for everybody in our society.'

Mr Corbyn denied he had been implying that Mr Fabricant received preferential treatment, saying it was 'unfortunate' if he had been misunderstood

Following Tory heckles, Mr Corbyn replied: 'It's not controversial, I'm just wishing him well - is that OK?'

Raising a point of order, Mr Fabricant thanked Mr Corbyn for wishing him well and added: 'But then he went on to imply that in some way I had had special treatment under the NHS.

'Can I say that is completely outrageous and is not the case, and perhaps the Leader of the Opposition would like to clarify or even apologise to me and the NHS workers who worked so well for my care?'

Mr Corbyn replied: 'I did no such thing in Prime Minister's Question Time. I wished you well, as I wish everybody else well who is being treated within the National Health Service.

'I love and value the National Health Service because it treats everybody equally, gives them the best possible care they can and the best possible recovery prospects available to them.
An admitted white supremacist from Iowa who had bragged about burning crosses has been sentenced to 10 years in prison in connection to a brutal hate-crime assault targeting a black bar patron.

In handing down the maximum sentence last week, a federal judge characterized the January 2015 attack carried out by Randy Joe Metcalf as brutal and outrageous.

Metcalf, of Dubuque, was also ordered to pay $1,874.56 in restitution to the victim, Lamarr Sandbridge, who suffered severe injuries to his face, including a broken orbital bone and a blood clot in his left eye.

Punishment: Iowa white supremacist Randy Joe Metcalf (left), who has a number of Nazi-inspired tattoos, including this massive Swastika on his stomach, has been sentenced to 10 years for a hate-crime attack on a black man in 2015

Bar brawl: Metcalf was charged with hate-crime assault in the January 2015 beating of Lamarr Sandbridge, a black man, at the Northside Bar in Dubuque (pictured)

Show-off: Surveillance video from the bar showed Metcalf lifting his shirt to display his Swastika (pictured)

The 40-year-old defendant learned his fate six months after a federal jury found him guilty of committing a hate crime after three hours of deliberation.

He was charged in the January 2015 beating of Sandridge, 31, at the Northside Bar in Dubuque. Surveillance video from the bar showed Metcalf repeatedly kicking and stomping on the victims head, even while he lay motionless and barely conscious on the floor.

A statement from US Attorney Kevin Techau read that Metcalf attacked Sandbridge because he was African American, and that the accused had been hurling racial slurs at the victim in the hours leading up to the physical assault.

According to Techau, Metcalf also showed off a large swastika tattoo in the bar prior to the attack and bragged about having burned crosses.

Body art: The 40-year-old, pictured with his fiancee and two children, also has a skull with a swastika on the forehead inked on his right shoulder and a tattoo of the name of a prison gang with white supremacist ties, 'FRYS' (circled in red)

Merciless: Metcalf was convicted in March of repeatedly kicking and stomping on the victim's head, even while he lay motionless and barely conscious on the floor

Metcalf had been drinking with his fiancee, Noelle Weyker (right), at the Northside Bar for several hours before they got into an argument with other patrons over the jukebox

Besides the swastika on his stomach, the 40-year-old also has a skull with a swastika on the forehead inked on his right shoulder and a tattoo of the name of a prison gang with white supremacist ties, FRYS.

Prosecutors argued during Metcalfs trial that the beating was racially motivated. His defense attorney didnt deny he beat Sandridge but insisted that that race played no part in the dispute between the two men.

According to a signed FBI affidavit, on the evening of January 11, 2015, Metcalf had been drinking with his then-fiancee, Noelle Weyker, at the Northside Bar for several hours before they got into an argument with two white women, who were accompanied by Lamarr Sandridge, over the jukebox.

Metcalf hurled racially charged epithets at the group, eventually leading to a brawl that was captured on surveillance video, the complaint said.

A white acquaintance of Metcalf, 41-year-old Jeremy Sanders, put Sandridge in a headlock. His son, Joseph Sanders, 21, repeatedly punched the man in the face until he was motionless on the ground.

Metcalf then kicked and stomped on Sandridge's face and head until the bartender pushed him off and told everyone to leave.

Metcalf hurled racially charged epithets at Lamarr Sandbridge's female companions, prompting him to intervene

Metcalf (pictured left and right with his fiancee) left Sandbridge with severe injuries to his face, including a broken orbital bone and a blood clot in his left eye

Criminal past: The 40-year-old criminal record spanning 20 years includes burglary, domestic abuse and child endangerment convictions

By now, the court documents say, Sandridge was 'in a semi-conscious state' on the floor. However, Metcalf again kicked and stomped on his face before he was pushed away by Sarah Kiene. Metcalf hit the 29-year-old woman in the face with the back of his hand, knocking her out. Kiene suffered a fractured right cheek bone.

Metcalf later called Sandridge the N-word, saying, He got what he had coming, the affidavit stated.

At his sentencing, Metcalf apologized for assaulting Sandridge, but denied that his actions were motivated by 'race, color or religion'

Metcalf had earlier pulled up his shirt to reveal a large swastika tattoo on his abdomen, telling Jeremy Sanders: This is what I'm about.

During the trial earlier this year, Lamarr Sandridge told the court that he had no recollection of the assault or the racial slurs. He did remember Metcalf swearing at his friends over the jukebox, reported The Gazette.

The jury also heard testimony from the black son of Metcalf's ex-girlfriend, who appeared as a character witness. The defendant's attorney argued that were her client racist, he could not have cared for an African American child, reported The Washington Post.

At his sentencing hearing Wednesday, Metcalf apologized for assaulting Sandridge, but denied that his actions were motivated by 'race, color or religion.'

Sandbridge opted to skip the sentencing and declined to submit a victim impact statement.

Metcalfs past criminal history spanning 20 years includes burglary, domestic abuse and child endangerment convictions that have landed him in prison.
Emily Thornberry repeatedly dodged questions on migration policy

Labour's immigration policy is mired in chaos after Emily Thornberry repeatedly refused to say whether numbers should be cut.

The shadow foreign secretary was grilled on the issue this morning after the depth of the divisions at the top of the party became clear.

Aides to leader Jeremy Corbyn made clear last month that he was 'relaxed' about the current levels, and did not think they needed to come down.

But shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer made clear in an interview at the weekend that he thought numbers should fall.

Net long-term migration to the UK has been running at more than 300,000 a year - treble the government's target of under 100,000.

The issue is thought to have been crucial in the Brexit result in the historic referendum in June.

A 'lines to take' briefing note circulated to Labour MPs this morning did not help to clarify the matter.

It stated: Labour recognises that we must establish fair migration rules as part of Brexit negotiations.

'How this is best achieved should form a central part of negotiations.

Pressed on the policy on the BBC's Today programme this morning, Ms Thornberry replied: 'Our position is that we need to be open to the idea of having reasonably managed migration.'

Told that was not a clear answer, she said: 'They did not nobody vote to take away their neighbour's job, I can absolutely guarantee that.'

Asked again, Ms Thornberry said: '[Sir Keir] was talking particularly in terms of access to people with skills and one of our problems is for too many years we have not been investing in British kids and making sure that they're skilled up.

'So as a result, we have been needing people in from other countries.'
Two-year-old Harry House was pronounced dead in May of this year, with a post-mortem revealing traumatic injuries to his abdomen as the cause of death

A 21-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a toddler, after his partner's son died from a deadly 'blow to his abdomen'.

The two-year-old Harry House was discovered 'gravely ill' at his village home in Broadmayne, Dorset, and was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Blunt force trauma was given as the cause of death and Joseph Eke, the partner of Harrys mother Lauren ONeill, has been charged murdering the child.

He has also been charged with grievous bodily harm to the toddler in March of this year.

The 21-year-old lived with Harry and his mother in a rural cottage near Dorchester.

Little Harry was rushed to Dorset County Hospital on May 26 this year, where he was pronounced dead.

A post-mortem revealed a traumatic blow to the abdomen as the cause of death.

He suffered bruising and grazing to his stomach and back.

Joseph Eke has now been charged murdering Harry.

He is also charged with a second offence of harming Harry just months before the youngster suffered fatal injuries.

A senior coroner's officer after the tragic death said: 'Harry went into cardiac arrest at his home. Paramedics attended and CPR was given. The CPR continued at hospital but at 11am his death was confirmed.

Toddler Harry was went int o cardiac arrest in his village home. He was rushed to hospital where he was pronounced dead, with paramedics noticing bruising on his stomach and back

'Paramedics noted numerous bruises to the stomach and grazing with bruising on the back.'

Joseph Eke is due to appear at Bournemouth Magistrates Court, charged with inflicting the injuries.

Ms ONeill, 22, was also initially arrested on suspicion of murder but since been released without charge.

The tragic death of the toddler took place in the village of Broadmayne, Dorset, where his mother Lauren O'Neill was living with her partner, 21-year-old Joseph Eke He has now been charged with Harry's murder

Neighbours in the rural village were shocked at Harry House's death. His mother, who has been released by police without charge, has previously posted on Facebook saying: 'He will be deeply missed my poor sweet baby.'

She previously posted an emotional message online, saying: 'My beautiful baby boy Mummy will love and miss you forever.'

She added: 'Harry was such a special boy and he will be deeply missed my poor sweet baby.'
Harjit Singh, 45, was jailed for more than six years today and branded a 'predator' by police

A devout Sikh who attempted to rape a woman with Down's syndrome after following her home may have targeted other victims, police have warned.

Harjit Singh, 45, was branded a 'predator' by police after he was jailed for more than six years for singling out vulnerable victims.

He also attacked two women at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead, north London.

The 35-year-old rape attack victim was returning home after a day out with friends when Singh spotted her on a bus in Hounslow, west London.

He followed her when she got off the bus and up the stairs to her flat, Kingston Crown Court heard.

As she opened the door he bundled her inside, forced the sobbing woman onto a bed and attempted to rape her.

But he was unable to carry out the attack and fell asleep, which gave the victim the chance to escape and alert neighbours.

Singh, of no fixed address, was still at the scene when the police arrived.

He admitted his crimes and was jailed for six years and three months.

He was sentenced at Kingston Crown Court, where the 35-year-old victim was praised for her bravery

DC David Fall of the Sexual Offences Exploitation and Child Abuse Command, said: I am pleased with the sentence that has been handed down and even more satisfied that Singh will no longer be on the streets of London where he clearly poses a risk to the public.

Singh is a predator who targeted a lone and vulnerable woman in broad daylight and he displayed a sense of arrogance as he carried out his attack without fear of being caught DC David Fall

Singh is a predator who targeted a lone and vulnerable woman in broad daylight and he displayed a sense of arrogance as he carried out his attack without fear of being caught.

The victim has been supported throughout the investigation by specialist officers and she has shown an immense level of bravery.

I would like to place on record the courage she has shown throughout the investigation.

We believe there could be other victims and we encourage anyone who has yet to speak to us to do so.

We can provide you with the necessary support so please do not delay in coming forward. Anyone with information about Singh should contact police on 101.

Singh also attacked two women at the Royal Free Hospital in Hampstead in April last year

Singh was jailed for six years for attempted rape and four years and six months for trespass with intent to commit a sexual act.

Singh pleaded guilty to these offences last month.

He was also sentenced to three months imprisonment each for two counts of sexual assault on two women following an incident on April 8 last year at the hospital.

He had previously pleaded guilty in relation to these offences, but failed to appear for sentencing.
This is the terrifying moment a Nevada woman was robbed at gunpoint in the driveway of her home.

Kaleen Staab was coming home from work on Monday night when she pulled into the driveway of her Henderson home and was approached by a man armed with a gun around 7.30pm.

In surveillance video capturing the scary ordeal, the man is seen pulling a gun on Staab.

But seconds later, she is seen turning the tables on him by bolting after him and shoving him after tossing her keys to the ground.

This is the terrifying moment a Nevada woman was robbed at gunpoint in the driveway of her home

Kaleen Staab (left) was coming home from work on Monday night when she pulled into the driveway and had a gun pointed at her head. Jami Miller (right) posted surveillance video capturing the terrifying ordeal at their home to Facebook

The man first approached Staab by walking up from behind to the driver's side of the car where she was sitting with the car door open.

He immediately points a gun to her head and demands for her to get out, according to The Las Vegas Review Journal.

Several items appearing to be trash are thrown onto the pavement before Staab tosses her keys, causing the carjacker to run after them.

Miller wrote the ordeal took place at their home in Henderson during which Staab's Nissan Rogue was stolen

A bold Staab then suddenly bolts from the car after the suspect and shoves him before a brief scuffle ensues.

The suspect is then seen getting into Staab's gray Nissan Rogue and driving off with her purse still inside, police said.

Staab is seen appearing to pull out her cellphone as the suspect backs out of the driveway and then chases after the car for a short distance.

Jami Miller, who posted the surveillance footage taken from their home to Facebook, can be heard narrating the incident in the video.

The suspect had approached Staab from behind while she was sitting in her car with the door open

He then walked to the driver side of the car and pointed his weapon to her head

For several seconds, items were thrown from the car and onto the pavement

At one point, she said Staab told the carjacker he was an idiot because he was being recorded on video but he carried on with the robbery anyway.

The incident occurred at their Henderson home near Warm springs Road and North Valle Verde Road. Staab did not suffer any injuries.

Miller posted the video to Facebook on Tuesday night with the caption: 'Scary night at our home in Henderson. Kaleen was robbed at gunpoint and her car was stolen. If you see a grey Nissan Rogue license plate 733YVV, call the police!'

In a comment on the post, Miller praised Staab for her resilience.

Staab at one point threw her keys causing the suspect to chase after them before she then bolts after him and shoves him. A brief scuffle then ensued

The man then got into the car while Staab stood back before taking off with her purse still inside

Staab is seen chasing after the car for a short distance and then appearing to pull out a mobile phone and make a call

'Kaleen is amazingly resilient. She is just mad he took her purse,' Miller wrote on Facebook regarding the incident.

'Looks like it will be a day at the DMV & the insurance company.'

The video has garnered nearly 195,000 views on Facebook.

The suspect remains on the loose and the investigation is ongoing.
The partner of a popular children's author has pleaded not guilty to her murder.

Ian Stewart, 55, is accused of killing writer Helen Bailey, who created the Electra Brown and Daisy Davenport books.

He appeared at St Albans Crown Court to enter the plea.

Mr Stewart was arrested in July by officers searching the grounds of the 1.2 million pound home in Royston, Hertfordshire, which he and the 51-year-old writer shared.

Mr Stewart with partner Helen Bailey, whose body was discovered in the grounds of their home in Hertfordshire

Miss Bailey's body was discovered by police in July this year

Her body was discovered in a septic tank at the house along with her pet dog, a dachshund called Boris.

Miss Bailey had been reported missing by her partner on April 15 this year. He said she had gone missing from their home four days earlier.

In court today Mr Stewart, a computer expert, pleaded not guilty to fraud, preventing the lawful and decent burial of a dead body, two offences of doing an act tending or intended to pervert the course of public justice and one offence of doing acts intended or intended to pervert the course of public justice.

Mr Stewart will go on trial early next year and was remanded in custody.

The couple met through a Facebook group for bereavement in 2011 which Mr Stewart joined following the death of his wife Diane from an epileptic fit in 2010.
Theresa May arrives at Westminster Abbey in London today for a service to commemorate the work of William Wilberforce as she vows to crack down on modern-day slavery

Police are failing to investigate cases of modern slavery which means organised people-smuggling gangs are able to offend with impunity.

In his first annual report, the UK's independent anti-slavery commissioner said 'chronic weaknesses' in crime recording meant victims were being denied justice.

Kevin Hyland said police in England and Wales had received 3,146 allegations in 2015-16 but recorded a 'disappointing' 884 crimes. Only 118 charges were brought  although this was a 19 per cent rise on the previous year.

He said there were 'too many gaps' for victims to fall through. He warned that the 13,000 men, women and children thought to be victims of human trafficking in the UK were just the 'tip of the iceberg'.

Most victims are forced to live in servitude while working in car washes, nail bars, farms or factories or as domestic servants for wealthy foreigners.

The report was published as Prime Minister Theresa May renewed calls for Britain to lead the global fight against human trafficking, promising it would 'work tirelessly' to combat modern slavery.

She has vowed to tackle an 'inhuman underworld' in which thousands of victims - many from Albania, Nigeria, Vietnam, Romania and Poland  exist in drudgery in the UK.

As Home Secretary, Mrs May was responsible for passing the Modern Slavery Act last year - the first of its kind in Europe.

Mr Hyland, who was appointed by Ms May last year, said there would need a 'first-class response across the UK' for the UK to crack the problem.

Anti-Slavery Commissioner Kevin Hyland (left) and PM Theresa May (right) arrive at Westminster Abbey today for a service to commemorate the work of William Wilberforce

His analysis indicated that only 28 per cent of the 3,146 allegations in England and Wales were recorded as crimes.

In these cases, investigations are not launched and victims do not receive the justice and support they need and deserve, said Mr Hyland.

His report said: 'Chronic weaknesses in modern slavery crime recording in England and Wales remain.

'Inadequacies in this area impact not only present and future victims, but could also allow organised crime groups to act with impunity, compromising the UK's national security.'

Kevin Hyland, the UK's independent anti-slavery commissioner (right), and Home Secretary Amber Rudd (left) both attended the service and wreath-laying commemoration today

Lord Mayor of Westminster Steve Summers arrives at Westminster Abbey ahead of the service

Speaking at a service in Westminster in honour of 18th Century anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce later, Mrs May said: 'Our challenge is to ensure that the fight against slavery carries on - to free people from the bonds of servitude, to free those in mental chains, and to free people from the clutches of slave-drivers and traffickers.'

She has pledged 33million from the controversial aid budget to focus on high-risk countries, from which victims are regularly trafficked to the UK.

The Modern Slavery Act made it an offence to hold another person in slavery or servitude or require them to perform forced or compulsory labour. The maximum jail term was increased from 14 years to life.

In August, a Romanian father and son were jail for keeping a pregnant woman as a 'Cinderella'-style slave.

Princess Eugenie and Prime Minister Theresa May sing at Westminster Abbey in London today

Princess Eugenie lays a wreath at Westminster Abbey during the service to Mr Wilberforce

Ioan Berlan, 46, and Reni Parczewski, 25, kept the vulnerable victim locked in the house as they forced her to scrub the floor and do their cleaning while giving her food 'not fit for human beings'.

Shaun Sawyer, the National Police Chiefs' Council spokesman on modern slavery, said police were determined to help eradicate the 'vile crime'.

He said: 'This complex and cross-border type offence presents the police with unique challenges. However, it does not excuse the gap between national referrals and recorded crime in some areas.
A worker at a Texas barbecue restaurant has lost his job after being caught by a cop blaring the song 'F--- Tha Police' while a group of officers sat down to eat.

The incident occurred at Going's Barbeque & Steak Co. in Crosby, just outside of Houston, on Monday.

Deputy Shane Cates wrote on Facebook that he and a few other police officers were eating at the restaurant when they realized 'the guys in the back were playing a rap song that was saying 'f--- the police' over and over'.

Deputy Shane Cates said he and some officers were eating at Going's Barbecue & Steak Co. in Crosby on Monday when he heard the inappropriate song being played in the kitchen

The cop posted about the incident on his Facebook on Monday, but deleted the original. He later posted this message

Deputy Shane Cates is an officer with Cosby Police Department in Texas

The song, by the group N.W.A. was first released in 1988 but appeared in the biopic Straight Outta Compton last year.

Cates said he approached the counter and saw a dishwasher singing the song and, and as the 'F--- Tha Police' section came on he was pointing to the dining area.

The dishwasher 'turned and noticed me standing there and started laughing,' the deputy wrote.

Cates removed his original Facebook post Tuesday evening and then wrote in a new post that 'it was not my intention for the owners of this restaurant to be hurt or punished in anyway'.

He said the owners had contacted him and he had returned to the restaurant to meet with them.

'I walked away from this meeting not only proud to know that these people do support law enforcement but also confident they will never allow something like this to happen again,' he said.

F--- Tha Police, by the group N.W.A., was first released in 1988 but appeared in the biopic Straight Outta Compton last year

Rigoberto Ruiz, an owner of Going's, said the dishwasher has been fired, the Dallas News reported.

He said co-workers described the dishwasher as 'jokeful' and thought playing the song would be funny.

'Clearly, it wasn't,' Ruiz told the newspaper.

Ruiz is now organizing a 'police eat free day' to make up for what happened.
Donald Trump took a new tack on Wednesday in his continuing critique of Hillary Clinton over her mishandling of classified material on a private email server while she was secretary of state.

He told thousands of supporters bursting the seams of an Ocala, Florida livestock arena that her attorneys  the 'total professionals' who searched her electronic messages and determined unilaterally which ones to hand over to the State Department  'have committed a crime' by deleting 33,000 of them while they were subject to a subpoena from Congress.

'Obviously they've done a great job,' he said of the white-shoe firm Williams & Connolly. 'But that law firm should be implicated in this crime, okay?'

'They're the ones. They got rid of all this stuff! The law firm got rid of all this stuff, and they should be implicated because they have committed a crime.'

Hours later in a second rally in the town of Lakeland, he upped the ante: 'Those representatives within that law firm, that did that, have to go to jail.'

LOCK THEM UP, ESQ.? Donald Trump said that Hillary Clinton's lawyers 'committed a crime' by deleting 33,000 of her subpoenaed emails, and should be legally 'implicated'

CELLMATES IN TRUMP'S AMERICA: Clinton (right) directed her legal team led by David Kendall (left) to sift through her emails and delete anything that wasn't work-related

Wednesday's remarks were the Republican candidate's first foray into the idea of holding Clinton's lawyers partially responsible for what he called 'one of the great miscarriages of justice.'

FBI Director James Comey announced in July that Clinton wouldn't be prosecuted for exposing thousands of classified or partially classified documents to hostile actors, despite satisfying the technical requirements of a section of the Espionage Act written to criminalize 'gross negligence' in mishandling classified material.

Clinton admitted in April 2015, the month after receiving a subpoena from Congress, that she had directed her lawyers to purge her homebrew email server of messages deemed to be personal in nature.

It emerged in the ensuing months that Clinton didn't vet the emails herself, instead turning over the work to her lawyers  who searched broadly for keywords and didn't read each message before deciding to delete tens of thousands.

WHAT DIFFERENCE DOES IT MAKE? Kendall (center), shown at Hillary's Benghazi Committee hearing, kept a thumb-drive with all of Clinton's emails stored on it and received a Top Secret security clearance to do the document-vetting  and then allegedly decided on his own what should be erased

HOT ELECTION: Ocala, where temperatures soared over 100 degrees inside a livestock arena on Wednesday, is in the heart of the mist-win state of Florida

Trump said in Ocala, Florida that deletions came 'after getting a congressional subpoena,' and noted Clinton's claim last year that the emails were related to her daughter's wedding, yoga classes, and other personal matters.

Trump criticized the attorneys for making decisions about what o keep and what to erase on their own, without judicial oversight.

'They are not supposed to say, "Oh, we got rid of most of it",' he said.

'That law firm  that I know very well, as I said  total professionals, total insiders. They got rid of 33,000. And much more than that.'

'Now if your friend sues you in a regular lawsuit, and you do that, you go to jail,' he said.

David Kendall, a longtime partner at the white-shoe firm Williams & Connolly, supervised Clinton's handling of the emails, including her response to the March 2015 subpoena.

Kendall, who did not respond to a request for comment, has represented Clinton and her husband for decades, going back to the Whitewater investigation in the 1990s.

Trump pointed the finger at Kendall and his firm without naming them. But he also complained about two boxes of printed emails reportedly lost in the process.

'What about her law firm? She's using a phenomenal law firm. I know the firm. Phenomenal law firm! They're the ones that did all this stuff!' Trump boomed.
Hillary Clintons presidential campaign is fuming about Donald Trumps scorched earth campaign tactics, meant to paint Hillary Clinton as so repugnant that voters will stay home and his own loyal supporters might carry the election.

Clinton campaign spokeswoman Jennifer Palmieri blasted the tactics after a high level Trump supporter acknowledged the strategy to try to depress turnout by going after Clinton.

Trump adopted the strategy after huddling with high level staffers inside Trump Tower the night of the release of an infamous tape that revealed Trump talking about being able to grope women because of his fame.

They adopted a scorched earth strategy that had been held in reserve, the Journal reported.

Hillary Clinton's campaign is blasting the 'scorched earth' campaign tactics of Donald Trump, intended to sully her reputation even at the risk of hurting his own, and keep Democrats home. Sherman's men are pictured here destroying railroad tracks in Atlanta in 1864 during the Civil War

The supporter was only confirming what had become a plainly visible tactic of bringing up the harshest accusations against Clinton, a strategy that always carries the risk of turning off independent or middle-of-the road voters.

Trump had hinted for weeks about bringing up Bill Clintons conduct at a debate. Then on Sunday night, Trump brought four Clinton accusers to the St. Louis debate  including Juanita Broaddrick, who charges that Bill Clinton raped her in 1978.

He unloaded on Clinton Tuesday night after going after weak House Speaker Paul Ryan, who announced he would not campaign for Trump.

Hillary Clinton spokeswoman Jennifer Palmieri condemned the Trump campaign's 'scorched earth' strategy

In terms of Trumps scorched earth tactics, what we have seen in the last week is enthusiasm, mobilization going up on the Democratic side, Palmieri told DailyMail.com and other reporters traveling aboard Clintons campaign plane.

Obviously Hillary Clintons really concerned about how divisive this race has been and all that Donald Trump has done to try to divide Americans, Palmieri said.

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Trump, who campaigned in Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday, has repeatedly blasted 'crooked Hillary's' character and called Bill Clinton an abuser of women

UNCHAINED: Trump declared Tuesday that the 'shackles have been taken off'

Trump has kept up his slashing attacks on Clinton, while also hitting 'disloyal' Republicans

Trump said during the debate that his opponent would be in jail if he were president. A Trump supporter arrives for a campaign event in Lakeland, Florida

German soldiers set fire to stacks of hay during World War II. An advisor said the Trump campaign adopted a 'scorched earth' campaign strategy after the release of an explosive tape

The ruins of Richmond in 1864. Sherman's 'March to the Sea' that began in Atlanta is considered a 'scorched earth' campaign

But just minutes after condemning Trumps extraordinary tactics, Palmieri repeated a major Clinton campaign mantra: that Trump is unfit to lead the nation.

Certainly before we learned about Access Hollywood had a lot of reasons to believe Trump is unfit to be president, she said.

Access Hollywood refers to the 11-year-old tape where Trump was caught crudely referring to women and talking about grabbing them by their genitals.

She blasted lawmakers such as Joe Heck in Nevada who have walked back their earlier support for Trump.

This is a party that has allowed these kinds of divisions in a lot of their rhetoric  for a while, she said.

She said Trump was able to hijack the GOP, something she called disturbing.
A mouse was spotted scurrying across the floor of a cafe in the Houses of Parliament after evading almost two thousand traps set around the building to capture rogue rodents.

Visitors took photographs of the small mouse and posted the images on social media.

The mouse was seen in the Jubilee Cafe on Tuesday afternoon.

The mouse was photographed in the Jubilee Cafe in the Palace of Westminster on Tuesday

Parliamentary authorities have spent 110,000 in tackling vermin between 2014 and 2015

MPs have to decide how the plans to refurbish the historic building will take place

When asked about the rodent, a parliamentary spokesperson said: 'Due to the age and position of the building this is a problem but one that is constantly being addressed.'

In April peers were told not to drop crumbs in the House of Lords because of a mouse infestation.

The warning came despite Parliament spending 110,000 on tackling vermin, mice and pigeons between 2014 and 2015 and hiring a full-time pest control technician.

And in 2015 it was revealed that 1,755 mousetraps and 128 for rats had to be laid in the Commons and Lords.

Parliament needs a major restoration, which one report found would cost 5.7 billion and take 32 years.

Authorities are planning to move MPs to Richmond House in Whitehall while the historic palace is refurbished and brought up to modern standards.

Richmond House is the current home to the Department of Health.

However, the building was transferred from taxpayer ownership to finance an Islamic bond scheme in 2014.

As a result, the building has had to become Sharia compliant, meaning alcohol is banned from the premises.

The Palace of Westminster has dozens of bars and restaurants, where MPs, peers, staff and other passholders can enjoy pints for as little as 2.90.

This is 70p cheaper than the average price of a pint in London thanks to taxpayer subsidies worth 4million a year.

The landmark, opened in 1859, has a leaky roof, crumbling stonework and faulty cabling.

The Queen Elizabeth Tower, which supports Big Ben, is also tilting by 18 inches.

Richmond House is one of three Whitehall buildings that were transferred to the 200million Islamic bond scheme, which switched their ownership from British taxpayers to wealthy Middle Eastern businessmen and banks.

Authorities believe MPs will have to move out of the Palace of Westminster during the works

George Osborne announced the move in June 2014 as part of an effort to make the UK a global hub for Islamic finance.

But critics say the scheme would waste money and could undermine Britain's financial and legal systems by imposing Sharia law onto government premises.

The bonds  known as Sukuk  are only available for purchase by Islamic investors.

The money raised will be repayable from 2019.

But instead of interest, bond-buyers will earn rental income from the three Government offices as interest payments are banned in Sharia law.
A SUV crashed into a Rhode Island radio station this week - but it didn't interrupt programming.

Police arrested 29-year-old Thomas Hill, after they say he drove his SUV into the front of the Woonsocket radio station building while under the influence.

Hill, of Woonsocket, was charged with driving under the influence and possession of narcotics following the early Wednesday morning crash at the offices of WNRI-AM.

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Police arrested 29-year-old Thomas Hill, after they say he drove his sport utility vehicle into the front of the Woonsocket radio station building while under the influence

Police say Hill's SUV tore through a corner of the building before striking a support pole for a satellite receiving dish. The receiver was damaged but no studio or transmitting equipment was affected

Police say Hill's SUV tore through a corner of the building before striking a support pole for a satellite receiving dish.

The receiver was damaged but no studio or transmitting equipment was affected.

The building's wall was reduced to rubble and the front end of Hill's SUV sustained major damage.

WNRI went on the air with local programming as scheduled.

Driver Thomas Hill (left and right) had minor injuries and was treated at a hospital before he was later charged

Police say Hill's SUV tore through a corner of the building before striking a support pole for a satellite receiving dish. The receiver was damaged but no studio or transmitting equipment was affected

It 'was airing a syndicated broadcast' during the crash, which took place about 12.20am, the Boston Globe reported.

The building was empty when the crash happened, according to the news outlet.

Hill had minor injuries and was treated at a hospital then he was later charged, the Globe report said.

Authorities are seeking two people who fled on foot, WPRI reported.

The building's wall was reduced to rubble and the front end of Hill's SUV sustained major damage

WNRI co-owner Dick Bouchard told ABC6: '[Police] showed me where apparently the bottom of the SUV hit before it hit my office, so you can almost draw a straight line between where it hit on the bottom and where it ended up in my office.'
Billy Bush had been making lewd and offhand comments for years at work according to a new report.

TMZ spoke with sources connected to Access Hollywood who claim that Bush would frequently speak about women on the job, saying things like: 'Man, you look hot today'; 'Look at her legs;' and 'Man, she looks hot today!'

He was also 'particularly impressed with Gigi Hadid and Taylor Swift's legs.

Bush is a married, 44-year-old father with three teenage daughters. Swift is 26 and Hadid turned 21 this past April.

Meanwhile, Bush has also reportedly hired a crisis PR team to deal with the ongoing fallout from the release of the Trump tape last week.

A rep from that team did not respond to a request for comment from DailyMail.com.

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Not great: Billy Bush (above in 2014) made offhand comments about women and their bodies for years at Access Hollywood according to multiple sources

Forward: He would say things like 'Man, you look hot today'; 'Look at her legs;' and 'Man, she looks hot today!' according to the sources (Gigi Hadid above at the 2015 Victoria's Secret Show)

Crush: The 44-year-old father of three was also said to be 'particularly impressed' with the legs of model Gigi Hadid and singer Taylor Swift (above at the 2014 Victoria's Secret show)

Page Six is reporting that the Today anchor is possibly looking to sue the network after someone inside the organization leaked the tape that featured him making lewd comments with Donald Trump to The Washington Post last week.

Trump himself also reportedly offered Bush some 'help' with his situation, but he declined the offer.

NBC meanwhile has launched an internal investigation to find out who knew about the audio and may be responsible for the leak.

According to TMZ, NBC had been sitting on the tape in hopes of releasing it before the second debate on Sunday to have the biggest possible impact on the election.

Many executives at the network have an 'open disdain' for Trump according to the report.

That plan was changed however with Hurricane Matthew and the tape release was pushed back to Monday, a move that reportedly made at least one individual inside the organization so angry that they decided to leak the audio to The Washington Post.

Bush is set to exit Today just two months after he took over as the anchor of the show's third hour according to multiple sources who spoke with CNN Money.

Details of his contract with NBC are not known, but it is reportedly in the seven-figure range.

A source at NBC told DailyMail.com that the network at no point tried to edit Bush out of the damning tape, despite reports to the contrary that have emerged over the past few days.

In the tape, Bush can be heard calling actress Arianne Zucker, who was then on Days of Our Lives, a 'hot piece of a**,' and also saying nothing while Trump goes on and his co-host Nancy O'Dell.

'I did try and f*** her. She was married,' Trump tells Bush on the tapes, the transcript of which was first published by The Washington Post on Friday.

'And I moved on her very heavily. In fact, I took her out furniture shopping. She wanted to get some furniture. I said, "Ill show you where they have some nice furniture."'

Trump went on to say: 'I moved on her like a bitch, but I couldnt get there. And she was married.

'Then all of a sudden I see her, shes now got the big phony tits and everything. Shes totally changed her look.'

Bush later apologized, but according to one insider that was not enough for the network.

'What is stunning is how self-important Billy is. He bragged about this in Rio and many people believe Access Hollywood management knew about this for much longer than they are saying and they were protecting Billy while not doing the right thing and informing NBC News,' the source told DailyMail.com.

That individual went to to say that Bush was 'never a fit' for the program.

'What angers a lot of people is that before Billy even started on the show, he was trying to position himself as the heir to Matt, but hes not even close to being in Matts league. Billy is a presenter, not a journalist and NBC was never going to let that happen,' said the source.

Looking into it: NBC reportedly launched an investigation to find out who knew about the damning audio (Tamron Hall, Bush and Roker above)

Timing: NBC had been preparing to air the tape on Access Hollywood when they were scooped by The Washington Post following an internal leak (Bush and Hoda Kotb above)

Bad choice: Bush is reported to have bragged about the tape back in August while in Rio covering the Olympic Games for NBC (Bush and Matt Lauer above)

That being said, Bush did manage to secure the network's biggest interview during the Olympic Games in Rio when he ran into Ryan Lochte on the beach.

He recorded the Olympian on his iPhone as he recounted being robbed just hours earlier at a gas station.

And while the swimmer's tale of being robbed at gunpoint ended up being false, it did provide great ratings for the network.

Bush was not however allowed to do any of the subsequent interviews with Lochte. That honor instead went to Matt Lauer.

The other problem according to the source is Bush's behavior over the past few days.

'When Brian Williams was suspended no one saw him, he kept a low profile. Yet Billy is out in public in rolled up sweat pants and flip flops looking like he just rolled out of bed. Not the image of professionalism that viewers expect of a Today Show anchor,' said the individual.

'If I had a message for Billy, it would be, stop swanning around LA and go volunteer at a shelter for women and children to show you are truly sorry.'

The source added: 'The rumor internally is that management are worried that if Billy goes back on the air, there may be something else that he has done that they arent aware of that could come out and really damage the show.'

Bush is said to have broken down in tears after the audio of him making lewd comments about women was released this past Friday.

A source told US Weekly that he quickly grew nervous that the tape would lead to him being fired from his new job.

'Billy was devastated and crying when the leaked tape of him with Donald Trump in 2005 was first leaked to The Washington Post,' said the source.

'He was crying that his career was over.'

Bush, 44, was seen for the first time since the news of his suspension on Monday afternoon, looking unkempt and scruffy as he grabbed lunch in Los Angeles with one of his three teenage daughters.

He wore sweatpants and flip flops for the outing, along with a shirt that read: 'Sun. Beach. Whiskey.'

Big get: Bush did secure NBC's biggest interview of the Olympic Games when he spoke with Ryan Lochte (above) after his fabricated robbery

Out and about: Bush was spotted in Los Angeles on Monday (above) after it was announced he had been suspended from the network

The decision to suspend Bush was addressed on Today Monday morning by lead anchor Savannah Guthrie.

'We want to note one other thing,' said Guthrie at the top of the program.

'Pending further review of the matter, NBC News has suspended Billy Bush, the host of Todays third hour, for his role in that conversation with Donald Trump.'

The suspension was again addressed at the start of the third hour as well by Hall and Roker.

'As you can see, Billy Bush is not joining us today, as youre probably aware,' said Roker.

'Part of that 2005 Access Hollywood taping with Donald Trump thats been in the news all weekend.'

Hall then added: 'NBC, which owns Access Hollywood, has suspended Billy for his role in that conversation, pending further review. With that said, lets turn to last nights debate, where that 2005 tape played a big role.'

At least one of Bush's co-workers did come to his defense though on Monday.

Bush's former Access Hollywood co-host Kit Hoover fought back tears while speaking about the Today anchor's recent suspension by NBC.

'I dont even know where to begin with all of this,' said Hoover at the top of Monday morning's episode of Access Hollywood.

'When the tapes came out on Friday, I was home watching with my 14-year-old daughter and the tapes are inexcusable. But Im watching this tape and Im watching this person - those tapes were a decade ago and it was seven minutes of someones life, and all I can tell you is what I know and the person that I sat next to for the last six years, and that person for me is a totally different person.

'He always treated me with kindness, such respect  I mean, Natalie, he treated me like an equal from day one and I think anybody that watched our show at home and saw us together knew how much he rooted for me.

'He was always in my corner. I was just devastated to watch all this unfold because the Billy that I know - and that a lot of people would say - has the biggest heart of anybody, and he is a good person,' said Hoover.

Friends: Bush interviews Melania and Donald Trump at the 2004 Emmy Awards (above)

Friends forever: An NBC source tells DailyMail.com that despite reports to the contrary, the network never tried to edit Bush out of the damning tape (Bush with his daughters and wife)

Natalie Morales the chimed in to say a few positive things about Bush as well, stating: 'I will say that one of the first people to call me and congratulate me when I announced that I would be getting this job was Billy.'

She then added: 'He also offered advice and offered to help with my move and transition.'

Bush, who is married with three teenage daughters, released a statement shortly after the 2005 tape surfaced on Friday.

'Obviously Im embarrassed and ashamed. Its no excuse, but this happened eleven years ago. I was younger, less mature, and acted foolishly in playing along. Im very sorry,' said Bush, who was 33 at the time.

Zucker, the Days of Our Lives actress who Bush referred to as 'hot as s***' also released a statement over the weekend.

'My name is Arianne Zucker and I am a strong, independent, hard working mother, business woman and partner to a great man. I have grown to learn that the words of others cannot effect the value of my self worth or define the content of my character,' said Zucker.

'How we treat one another, whether behind closed doors, locker rooms or face to face, should be done with kindness, dignity and respect. Unfortunately, there are too many people in power who abuse their position and disregard these simple principles and are rewarded for it.'

She closed out her statement by saying: 'In understanding the magnitude of this situation, I choose to stand tall with self respect and use my voice to enrich, inspire and elevate the best of who we are as people.'

Bush also did a poor job trying of distancing himself from Trump after the release of the tape.
had been living in US for years, and their youngest two sons are citizens born in America

Zeeshan-ul-hassan Usmani's family left the US after the latest incident of Islamophobia involved his youngest son

The Muslim family of an award-winning computer data scientist decided to leave the United States after the latest incident of Islamophobia involved the youngest child being repeatedly bullied.

Zeeshan-ul-hassan Usmani, a two-time Fulbright Scholar who uses data to prevent terror attacks, moved his family across the world to Pakistan over the weekend after sharing a heartbreaking post on Facebook featuring his 7-year-old son with a sling on his arm after he was attacked by bullies in Cary, North Carolina.

'Welcome to the United States of America of Donald Trump,' he wrote as a caption for the October 8 post on the social media site.

'Meet my son Abdul Aziz. He is in grade 1, bullied and beaten by his own classmates in school bus for being a Muslim'.

Usmani's wife, Binish Bhagwanee, told him that their son walked off the school bus traumatized, bruised and battered after a classmate allegedly tried to force him to eat food that wasn't halal.

When the first grader refused, he claims that five students ganged up on him and made fun of his name while punching him in the face and kicking him in the stomach.

Usmani moved his family to Pakistan after sharing a post (above) on Facebook featuring his seven-year-old son with a sling on his arm after he was attacked by bullies in Cary, North Carolina

Usmani said they then twisted his son's arm and called him 'Muslim' over and over again.

'He was born and raised [in the United States]. He was born in Florida. As American as you can think of. He likes Captain America. He wants to be president of the United States of America,' Usmani told The Huffington Post while speaking from Pakistan.

The concerned parents reported the incident to the school and officials launched an investigation.

However, they said initial interviews with other students and the bus driver didn't confirm the child's account of events.

Lisa Luten, a spokeswoman for Wake County Public School System, told The Huffington Post that no students on the bus or the bus driver said they saw an altercation.

She claimed the family didn't report that the students made references to Muslims, Pakistan and Islam, however, an email the father sent to the school principal over what happened states what was said to his son.

'The kids who beat him up mentioned Muslims, makes fun of his name starts with Abdul and reference his preference of eating only certain (halal) food,' Usmani wrote in the email.

'My son is very traumatized and shocked as he has just celebrated his birthday with his classmates few days ago.'

Luten said that the behavior described by the little boy is 'not tolerated' in the schools and that the investigation is still ongoing.

After seeing her youngest son of three hurt, Bhagwanee told her husband 'I'm done with the US' on Friday.

The family arrived on Monday in Islamabad, where Usmani has an apartment that they plan to live in for now since they feel America isn't safe.

Usmani (left) and his wife, Binish Bhagwanee (right), reported the incident to school officials who are investigating. The family of five still moved to Pakistan, as they feel America isn't safe to live in

'It's very heartbreaking and sad,' Usmani said. 'It's not the America we know about, care about and want to live in'.

Usmani recounted how when his middle son was eight years old, he became very angry when his classmates told him that his father was a terrorist after they saw him drop him off at school one day.

'He asked me if I was a terrorist,' Usmani said.

He explained his wife asked him not to go to the school, 'just so my children would not face any discrimination because of my face'.

Usmani shared another incident in which his oldest son, 14, saw one of his peers bring a knife into school that his father had purchased in Colombia.

He decided to bring a knife to school that Usmani bought in Pakistan, however, students called him a 'terrorist' and 'ISIS'.

The school immediately went into lock-down and he was suspended for six months after the incident.

Usmani, who is formerly the chief technology officer of the data company PredictifyMe, said that since then, his son suffers from depression and anxiety.

Just in June, Iraq War veteran Russell Thomas Langford was arrested after he allegedly brandished a handgun at the mosque the family attended in Fayetteville.

Langford had allegedly threatened parishioners that he was going to kill them and bury them behind the mosque.

Usmani said that the family had planned on moving out of Cary, North Carolina, and possibly to California, but the move was rushed after what happened to his son on the school bus.

He added that it was ironic having to apply for visas to get into Pakistan for his two youngest sons that are both U.S. citizens since they were born in America.

Usmani has four degrees, dozens of awards and has even collaborated with the United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education since he created 'software that models the damage of suicide bombings, in an effort to protect schools and other buildings in Pakistan, Sudan, Nigeria, and Syria from terror attacks,' the Post reported.

Because of his work, he will now have to travel between the US and Pakistan.

A report from the Center for the Study of Hate and Extremism at the California State University, San Bernardino states that in 2015 there was nearly an 80 percent increase from the previous year in anti-Muslim hate crimes.
Mrs Detenacour is calling for justice for her daughter over the attack

Footage of the assault was shared by Sydney's mom Jennifer Detenancour

Row began when Borden accused Sydney of riding in a car with 'her man'

The teen was viciously punched, kicked and had her hair forcibly cut

Sydney Detenancour, 15, was lured to woods in Minnesota and ambushed

Cassandra T. Borden, 19, pleaded guilty to assault charges in Minnesota Monday

A Minnesota teen has pleaded guilty to a shocking attack on a 15-year-old girl who she believed had been sneaking around with her boyfriend.

Cassandra T. Borden, of Cedar, pleaded guilty Monday in Anoka County District Court to fifth-degree assault, a misdemeanor.

Borden was caught on camera hitting Sydney DeTenancour - who was 15 at the time of the beating on June 17 - nearly 50 times, mostly to the the head.

She also cut off a piece of DeTenancour's long hair.

Borden believed she had caught the victim with 'my man'.

She also accused DeTenancour of 'snitching' on Borden's boyfriend, who was cited for drunken driving, the Star Tribune reported.

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Attack: This is the shocking moment the group of adult bullies attack 15-year-old Sydney DeTenancour, beating and kicking her on June 17

Borden was facing 90 days in jail for the attack. However she and the prosecution agreed to pay a restitution of $669 to DeTenancour.

Formal sentencing is scheduled for November 14.

A second teen, Alexis S. Nelson, 19, of Zimmerman, was also charged in connection with the attack.

Nelson was charged with fifth-degree assault but is not accused of hitting DeTenancour. Instead she is accused of cutting off several inches of the victim's hair while she was being kicked and punched.

The video also shows a third female straddling and punching DeTenancour, however the girl is a juvenile and any charges against her have not been made public.

The row had begun after Cassandra Borden, 19, (pictured in the grey bra, left with Sydney) accused Sydney of riding in a car with her boyfriend Seth Evans the previous evening

The video was made public by Jennifer Detenancour, the victim's mother, who posted the video on Facebook to demand justice for her daughter.

'They lured her out into the woods acting like they were just out for a walk. Then the camera comes on - clearly ready for what they knew was about to happen,' she wrote on her social media page earlier this year.

A gang of friends had then stood by as Sydney was viciously beaten in the woods in Saint Francis, Minnesota, while another girl cut her long hair, she said.

The row had begun after Borden accused Sydney of riding in a car with her boyfriend Seth Evans the previous evening, the Daily Beast reported.

Evans, 19, had been arrested and jailed on June 16 after police pulled him over for drunk driving. Sydney and two friends had been riding in the car at the time, according to the teen.

A second woman, who identifies herself as Evans' sister, then straddled Sydney and began punching and screaming at her. She is believed to be a juvenile

The cellphone footage, taken by one of the bystanders, shows Borden confronting the 15-year-old girl.

'I'm not gonna lie to you, I brought you out here for a reason,' Borden told her. 'You you were with my man, so I'm gonna f***ing hit you!'

'What the f***, Cassy?' Sydney can be heard protesting from the ground. 'I didn't say s*** to anybody!'

A second woman, who identifies herself as Evans' sister, then straddled Sydney and began punching and screaming at her.

'Why is my brother back in jail?' she yelled into DeTenancour's face.

'You snitched on my man,' Borden screamed as she continued her assault, asking Sydney repeatedly 'What's up little b****?' as she hit her.

The victim, who sufferex with nosebleeds and headaches following the assault, told Kare 11: 'I kind of just curled up and made sure I kept my face as normal-looking as possible.'

Victim: Sydney says she still suffers with nosebleeds and headaches following the assault

Borden's father, who turned his daughter Cassandra into the police, said he 'felt sick' after viewing the video and called for justice for the other young adults who were stood round watching the attack.

He plans to send Cassandra, who was 'black out' drunk at the time, to a treatment center for alcohol abuse.

Her brother Adler denied knowing that a fight was going to take place.
Donald Trump's campaign has opened up a new front on the war against Hillary Clinton, trying to organize Roman Catholics into a snap political militia after a leaked email chain showed a top Clinton aide denigrating their faith.

The Republican presidential nominee told an overflow crowd in central Florida on Wednesday about a leaked email that shows 'members of the Clinton team viciously attacking Catholics and evangelicals.'

Religious bigotry, he said, 'won't be tolerated by the voters. Tell you what: Anybody of religion, I really think you have to vote for Donald Trump, to be honest with you.'

Clinton, he said, 'did a big number on Catholics. A horrible number on Catholics. She did a horrible number on evangelicals, through her people.'

TROUBLE IN CLINTONLAND: Hillary's communications director Jennifer Palmieri participated in an email chain about 'backwards' Catholics and said Republicans join that denomination because 'their rich friends wouldn't understand if they became evangelicals'

WARPATH: Donald Trump clobbered the Clinton campaign and predicted that religious bigotry 'won't be tolerated by the voters'

NOT BUYING IT: Palmieri said en route to a Clinton rally in Colorado (pictured) that she didn't 'recognize' the email  and suggested that the Russian government may have fabricated it

Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, a high-profile Roman Catholic Trump booster who warmed up the afternoon crowd, said Clinton 'and the people around her don't much like Catholics or evangelicals.'

'If you're a Catholic or evangelical, you are stupid, according to her staff and the people around her.'

Giuliani said Clinton 'doesn't really care about the rights of' religious Americans. 'You know that because she never defends them.'

The WikiLeaks website published the email on Tuesday, showing Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri sniping that conservatives in the Catholic Church 'think it is the most socially acceptable politically conservative religion. Their rich friends wouldn't understand if they became evangelicals.'

Palmieri was responding to John Halpin, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, a liberal think tank founded by Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta. Halpin mocked a New Yorker article that explored publishing billionaire Rupert Murdoch's decision to raise his children as Catholics.

'Friggin' Murdoch baptized his kids in Jordan where John the Baptist baptized Jesus,' Halpin complained. 'It's an amazing bastardization of the faith. They must be attracted to the systematic thought and severely backwards gender relations and must be totally unaware of Christian democracy.'

The exchange was among messages hacked from Podesta's email account.

ON OFFENSE: Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani told a Trump rally in Florida that 'if you're a Catholic ... you are stupid, according to her staff and the people around her'

PUSHBACK: Trump campaign manager Kellyanne Conway (left) shamed Palmieri in a conference call while Newt Gingrich (right) said, 'Now we know what Hillary meant by "deplorable"  it was people of faith'

Aboard Clinton's campaign aircraft on Wednesday, Palmieri blamed the leak on the Russian government.

'I'm a Catholic. I don't recognize that email that we saw,' she protested, without denying that she wrote it.

'This whole effort is led by the Russians. The Russians orchestrated this hack. ... We're not going to do any more to comment or aid their efforts.'

In a conference call held after Trump's first Florida rally of the day, his campaign manager Kellyanne Conway said that for 30 years, Hillary Clinton has ben openly hostile to issues fundamental to practicing Catholics.

Clinton, she said, supports government funding for abortions including 'sex-selective abortion,' and has supported the Obama administration's medical-insurance lawsuit against the Little Sisters of the Poor.

'Now her staff is caught calling Catholics "backwards," in emails,' Conway said, drawing a line of connection with an earlier email leak that showed Demorcatic National Committee staff 'looking to besmirch and diminish Bernie Sanders based on his religious faith.'

'Everyone involved should be ashamed,' she said.

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, leading off a parade of Catholic Trump-boosters, told reporters on the call that he considered an attack on his denomination to be an 'assault' on all Christians.

'Now we know what Hillary meant by "deplorable",' he said, referring to a now-infamous epithet Clinton invoked for Trump's base during a September fundraiser.

'It was people of faith,' he said.

SHE'S WHAT? Palmieri is herself a Catholic. So is John Podesta, the Clinton campaign chairman whose emails were hacked

Gingrich, who led the 1994 Republican 'revolution' that reclaimed the House of Representatives after four decades in the minority, blasted Clinton for employing a 'bigoted, anti-Catholic, anti-religion staff.'

He called Palmieri an example of 'the kind of folks Hillary is going to look to, to help pick Supreme Court justices.'

The result, Gingrich warned, 'would be a pattern that would literally limit religious freedom in America.'

'These arrogant, left-wing atheists and separatists have no sympathy for Catholics,' he said.

Jim Nicholsons, a former Veterans Affairs secretary who also served as America's ambassador to the Vatican, said the anti-Catholic email left him 'greatly offended and disappointed.'

'It sort of left me gasping to hear them say these things in such a callous, disdainful way about me, about my family, about 75 million Americans.'

'This should be a wake-up call to clergy,' he said.

MESSAGING: Former U.S. ambassador to the Vatican Jim Nicholson (left) said the Palmieri email 'should be a wake-up call to clergy,' while Pennsylvania Republican Congressman Mike Kelly said the Clintons' inner circle 'are bad people leading us down a bad lane'

'DISHONEST MEDIA': Donald Trump said in Florida that 'the press doesn't want to report' on the anti-Catholic email because 'that could be election-changing'

Pennsylvania Republican Rep. Mike Kelly said the Clinton camp's hostility to the First Amendment's guarantee of religious liberty extends to other faiths.

'This attack on Catholics isn't limited just to Catholics,' he said. 'It's evangelicals. It's people of faith. It's Christians. It's on Jews.'

'These are bad people leading us down a bad lane,' he declared.

Like Nicholson, he predicted a backlash from Catholic voters who will 'call their bishops, call their faith-based leaders, get them stirred up.'

Matt Schlapp, a Republican strategist who participates in Trump's Catholic Advisory Group, criticized the Clinton campaign's 'breathtaking anti-Cathoic bigotry.'

'Now we know who the real bigots are,' he said.

'Hillary Clinton likes to tell us she likes to "go high," but this is an example  she and her campaign are lower than a snake's belly.'

ALL HANDS ON DECK: 'Now we know who the real bigots are,' said GOP strategist Matt Schlapp, while former Washington Archdiocese communications secretary Angela Flood jabbed: 'You find out what people really think when they don't think anyone's watching'

Angela Flood, a Catholic Trump advisor who has served as communications secretary for the Archdiocese of Washington, said the Clinton email leaks provide a rare candid look at what her inside circle believes.

'You find out what people really think when they don't think anyone's watching,' Flood said.

The half-hour conference call included questions from only four news outlets: DailyMail.com, The Blaze, FoxNews.com and the Catholic cable TV network EWTN.

'If Mr. Trump had said something negative about Catholic voters, every reporter in America would have been dialing their cell phones to dance on our graves on a Clinton call,' a Trump campaign aide said afterward.

Trump himself suggested in a second Wednesday rally that a double-standard would help protect his Democratic opponent.
These are the mugshots of the former owners of the Village Voice in New York City due to appear in court today charged with sex trafficking through their control of an online site that advertises escort services.

Kristin Ford, a spokeswoman for California Attorney General Kamala Harris, says 68-year-old Michael Lacey and 67-year-old James Larkin were booked into Sacramento County Jail on Monday.

The controlling shareholders of the Backpage.com site are charged with conspiracy to commit pimping.

That's defined as making money from prostitutes or soliciting customers for prostitution.

The website is considered popular for its classified ads of escort services.

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James Larkin is seen left and Michael Lacey, right, are pictured in their mugshots following their arrest for pimping

Attorneys for the Arizona men, who once owned the Phoenix New Times alternative weekly, did not immediately return telephone messages, but Backpage's lawyer called the arrests 'an election year stunt' as Harris runs for the U.S. Senate.

Backpage chief executive Carl Ferrer, seen above in a mugshot, was arrested last week

They are to appear in court Wednesday with Backpage chief executive Carl Ferrer, who was arrested at Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston on Thursday after returning to the US from Amsterdam.

Authorities in California have been investigating Ferrer, 55, for three years, according to WFAA.

Several months ago, Texas officials received information from their colleagues in California alleging that Ferrer was profiting from the illegal 'pimping' of underage girls.

'A lengthy joint investigation by the offices of the Texas and California attorneys general uncovered evidence that adult and child sex trafficking victims were forced into prostitution through escort ads that appeared repeatedly on Backpage,' Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a statement released from his office on Thursday.

Ferrer's company 'advertises sex acts for money,' and generates millions of dollars in ad revenues each year, the attorney general said.

A screenshot of Backpage.com shows the various escort services offered to the site's users

Federal and state agents are seen raiding Ferrer's company office near Dallas, Texas, on Thursday

Authorities alleged that between 2012 and 2015, there were at least 17 separate instances in which the website advertised the services of those who offered sex in exchange for cash.

Ferrer will be tried in California, though Texas officials plan to pursue their own investigation.
Hillary Clinton says she wants to counter Donald Trump's 'scorched earth' campaign strategy by giving her supporters something to vote for  even as leak after leak of awkward information threatened to keep both candidates' approval in the basement.

Picking up a line telegraphed by her campaign, Clinton unloaded after a Trump aide's comments to the Wall Street Journal indicated a strategy of using 'scorched earth' campaign tactics to drive up Clinton's negatives and drive down turnout.

'So were going to keep running this campaign. I want to give you something to vote for, not just something to vote against,' Clinton told a crowd at fairgrounds in Pueblo.

Hillary Clinton called Donald Trump's campaign 'desperate' and said he had 'gall' to run without having paid federal income taxes

Her complaints about Trump's 'low' campaign didn't prevent her from hitting hard at her opponent.

'And he has the gall to go around disrespecting our military,' Clinton said, prompting the crowd to let out a chorus of boos.

'He called the United States military a disaster. The only disaster is somebody who can get away with paying no taxes and can have the gall to run for president,' Clinton said.

There are signs the Clinton camp is concerned Trump's strategy has potential.

Clinton spoke at length about the mechanics of voting, telling voters who cast ballots by mail not to 'do what I do' and put the ballot on the kitchen counter under piles of letters.

Clinton slammed the negativity and 'scorched earth' Trump strategy of her opponent

She campaigned in Colorado before a West Coast fundraising swing

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'Donald Trump is taking a very different tone,' Clinton said, to boos from the crowd at the mere mention of her rival's name.

'His campaign said today that theyre going to use a "scorched earth" strategy for the remaining four weeks of this race. Now that just shows how desperate they are,' Clinton said.

'Thats all they have left pure negativity, pessimism and were not going to let Donald Trump get away with it, are we?' she said.

'I dont care what he says about me, I care what he says about you,' she said.

Clinton spoke after Trump engaged in a caustic civil war with members of his own party, after bringing four Clinton accusers to the second presidential debate.

Her speeches have been interrupted by protesters calling her husband a 'rapist.'

'We have done our bets to stay out of all the meanness,' Clinton said.

'You see that last debate? Well I was watching my opponent just go lower and lower and lower.' Then she used a familiar line about going 'high' when opponents go 'low.'

Clinton campaigned Tuesday night in Columbus at a large outdoor event

Clinton's campaign is blasting Donald Trump's 'scorched earth' campaign

Clinton campaigned earlier in the week at Wayne State University in Detroit

Hillary Clinton campaigned in Pueblo, Colorado, where she tried to urge voters to turn out in high numbers to counter Donald Trump's 'scorched earth' campaign strategy meant to bring her down

'I want you to know I want to be the president for everyone. I am tired of all the divisions and the barriers,' Clinton said. 'I want to bring people together across our party lines, across any lines that divide us. 'I want to be the president not just for democrats but also for Republicans and independents.

'Im very proud of the campaign weve run. Im proud of the campaign Bernie Sanders and I ran. It was about issues, not insults,' Clinton said.

'We are competing everywhere and the polls are tightening because I think Americans want to turn out as big a number as possible to reject the dark and divisive and hateful campaign that is being run by my opponent,' Clinton added.

'Were supposed to bring people together were supposed to unify our country were supposed to solve our problems by working together.

Earlier Wednesday, Clintons campaign complained about Donald Trumps scorched earth campaign tactics, meant to paint Hillary Clinton as so repugnant that voters will stay home and his own loyal supporters might carry the election.

Clinton campaign spokeswoman Jennifer Palmieri blasted the tactics after a high level Trump supporter acknowledged the strategy to try to depress turnout by going after Clinton.
After a suspected ISIS airport bomb plotter hanged himself in a German prison the authorities have been criticised for failing to put the Syrian migrant on a 24-hour suicide watch.

Jaber al-Bakr, 22, was found hanged in his cell in Leipzig, eastern Germany on Wednesday evening - having reportedly used his own t-shirt - and was taken away overnight.

He was detained on Sunday after three days on the run following a tip-off that he may have been looking to team up with associates in Leipzig.

Jan-Marco Luczak, a legal expert with Germany's ruling Christian Democratic Union (CDU) said: 'The suspect could have given lots of valuable information about the activities or structure of the Islamic State group.

'In such a sensitive situation, the monitoring should have been airtight.'

He said considering al-Bakr was on hunger strike 'a suicide attempt was not so far-fetched'.

But Rolf Jacob, the prison's governor, said al-Bakr had not been considered an 'acute' suicide risk and he said: 'He was quiet and calm, there was no indication of emotional issues'.

The blunder comes only days after commandos botched his arrest, forcing other Syrian refugees to step in and detain him themselves.

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Jaber al-Bakr, who was suspected of plotting a bomb attack in Germany, was pinned down and tied up by two other Syrians, who carried out a form of citizen's arrest before calling police

A hearse enters the prison in Leipzig to collect the body of Jaber al-Bakr, who was found dead in his cell yesterday

Al-Bakr's lawyer Alexander Huebner told the German newspaper Bild: 'I am incredibly shocked and in disbelief that this could have happened.'

Mr Huebner said his client had been on hunger strike since his arrest on Monday and had already 'smashed lamps and manipulated power points.'

'But he was not under watch day and night, even though the suicide risk was known,' he said.

Al-Bakr was being held in isolation because he was deemed to pose a threat to other inmates.

But Mr Jacob said a 'very experienced psychologist' had interviewed him and decided 'there was no acute suicide risk'.

He said the psychologist had approved the reduction of regular checks on him from every 15 minutes to every 30 minutes. This change had come into place on Tuesday, 24 hours before his death.

Jaber al-Bakr's body was taken away from the prison overnight. He had been on the run after plotting to blow up a target in Germany

Al-Bakr's death in custody will make it harder for the German authorities to get to the bottom of the airport bomb plot.

The opposition Social Democratic Party claimed his death showed a 'complete loss of control by authorities' in Saxony.

Green politician Konstantin von Notz told Deutschlandfunk radio they needed to identify who was responsible for this 'fiasco'.

Saxony's state Justice Ministry spokesman Joerg Herold said al-Bakr killed himself on Wednesday evening, but the incident was still being investigated.

A statement on the ministry website read: ' Jaber al-Bakr, who was suspected of planning a serious attack, took his life in the detention centre at Leipzig correctional hospital.'

Al-Bakr had built 'a virtual bomb-making lab' in a flat in Chemnitz and was thought to have planned an attack against either one of Berlin's two airports or a transport hub in his home state of Saxony, security sources said.

His death follows hard on the heels of embarrassing publicity about the blundering police operation to arrest him in Chemnitz, before he came to Leipzig.

Jaber al-Bakr, who planned a German bomb attack, has taken his own life while in custody

The daily Bild newspaper said police officers monitoring al-Bakr were so conspicuous when watching him in his apartment in Chemnitz that the suspect's neighbour noticed them.

When they tried to arrest al-Bakr he was reportedly able to outrun them because they were wearing 35 kilos worth of protective gear.

Al-Bakr was eventually caught in Leipzig after Syrians he met at the train station via an online forum on refugee accommodation recognised his face from 'wanted' posters and invited him home, before tying him up and raising the alarm.

Pictures from the house show that when he was captured, he had shaved off all of his hair in a bid to evade police.

One man was seen holding al-Bakr in a headlock while his feet were tied together using a cable from an electrical appliance.

It is believed that after his two countrymen realised he was wanted they knelt on him until the police arrived.

After the arrest, police said he was probably linked to ISIS and the explosives were 'almost ready, or even ready for usage' - possibly in the form of a suicide vest.

A major manhunt had been launched for al-Bakr, who was believed to have links to ISIS, after police raided an apartment in the city of Chemnitz and 1.5kg of 'an explosive substance more dangerous than TNT'.

'We've succeeded, really overjoyed: the terror suspect Albakr was arrested overnight in Leipzig,' police said on Twitter yesterday.

After the arrest, police said the refugee was probably linked to ISIS and the explosives were 'almost ready, or even ready for usage'

Jaber al-Bakr was brought before a judge at a Dresden court (pictured)

The arrest came just hours after commandos raided two separate flats and detained another man in the hunt for the Syrian.

Police used stun grenades as they stormed one of the buildings in Chemnitz on Sunday afternoon.

While al-Bakr lived in a town called Einlenburg, some 70 miles from Chemnitz, he is suspected of using a flat in Chemnitz to construct the bombs.

The arrest came after commandos raided two separate flats and detained another man in the hunt for the Syrian

Police on Saturday arrested the owner of that apartment and he remains in custody.

German police raided another address in the town of Chemnitz on Sunday. Special forces stormed the apartment of a Muslim family who police think were acting as a contact for al-Bakr.

Terrified locals said they heard a series of loud explosions as anti-terror cops and commandos stormed the ground floor apartment just seven miles from where Saturday's raid took place.

In Saturday's raid, police discovered 'highly volatile' homemade explosives known as 'mother of Satan'.

Al-Bakr was detained in Leipzig in eastern Germany after three days on the run following a tip-off that he may have been looking for help from two associates in the city

A major manhunt had been launched for the 22-year-old, after police raided an apartment in the city of Chemnitz and found several hundred grams of 'an explosive substance more dangerous than TNT'

As armed police closed in on the quiet residential area on Saturday, al-Bakr was spotted fleeing the flat.

Officers fired warning shots but the Syrian refugee, who was suspected of planning a terror attack at Berlin's Schoenefeld airport, managed to escape.

A spokesman for the Saxon State Criminal Police Office said: 'We were preparing to access the property when the suspect left the house.'

German commandos stormed a flat and made an arrest in the hunt for the Syrian refugee who is suspected of plotting a terrorist bomb attack on an international airport

It is unclear whether al-Bakr, who is thought to have links to ISIS, had seen the police and special forces closing in or had just decided to go out.

This morning, Germans were warned to be vigilant as security bosses admitted they did not know where he was or what he was carrying.

Three people have since been arrested in relation to Saturday's incident and t wo of the group taken into custody knew al-Bakr.

One of the men might have been involved in the plot while the other two have since been released, police said.

Police used stun grenades as they stormed into the building in the eastern city of Chemnitz in the hunt for al-Bakr

Officers surrounded a home in Chemnitz on Saturday and discovered 'highly volatile' explosive material

One neighbour told Mail Online he had been playing music when the raid began this afternoon.

He said: 'There was a series of enormous explosions, five or maybe seven, I ran out of my room and saw my front door and been blown to pieces and police were all over the hallway.

'All the doors to all the apartments on this floor were destroyed. From what I understand, the police had blown up the front door of the Muslim family next door to my flat and the shock wave destroyed all the other doors.

'I've never been so scared in my life.'

Police confirmed they had detained one person at the address and had used flash grenades.

Spokesman Tom Bernhardt said: 'One of the inhabitants is now being questioned and our investigations continue. There is evidence of contacts between the suspects.

'No shots were fired but officers used explosives to enter the apartment.'

A bomb squad police officer examined the scene at a station in Chemnitz after a suspicious suitcase was found on a platform on Saturday. It turned out to be harmless

A large-scale police operation was launched amid fears of a possible plot to target an airport in Germany

An elderly couple living in the same block told Mail Online: 'It was a large Muslim family living there.

'They had lots of children, it's difficult to say how many though. The man was very big and always wore a kaftan. His wife always wore a burka but she hardly ever left the apartment.

'If she did it was only for one or two minutes. But they had many, many visitors, which is surprising because I think they only moved in a few weeks ago so I didn't think they would know many people.'

At least one member of the family is now in custody and being questioned by anti-terrorist officers.

And it has now emerged that Germany's security services had been aware of the threat of a terrorist attack for several weeks.

A platform was cordoned off with police tape after the suspicious suitcase was found at a station in Chemnitz

According to German paper Die Welt, security sources say al-Bakr came under suspicion after authorities picked up internet chatter between him and others discussing bomb-making plans.

Meanwhile, police have defended their actions during the raid on al-Bakr's apartment after he managed to escape despite the block being surrounded by armed officers.

Spokesman Tom Bernhardt said police had fired a warning shot after seeing leaving the flat but 'it was unclear whether the man had explosives and a detonator on him.'

He explained that as the apartment block had not been evacuated at that time an explosion could have caused multiple injuries.

He said: 'In such a situation we cannot take such a risk.'

A squad of specialist police officers pictured leaving an apartment after carrying out controlled detonations on the Chemnitz estate

Part of Chemnitz's main station was sealed off by officers on Saturday as a remote-controlled robot was deployed to inspect a suspect package on a platform which turned out to be harmless.

Police destroyed the explosives found in the apartment in specially-dug holes on land nearby.

Stunned residents reacted to the incident last night, with one neighbour slamming al-Bakr as an 'a*******' for his alleged plot.

It is understood that the Syrian had been under police surveillance since last year.

It has been reported that the explosives found contained quantities of triacetone triperoxide (TATP), the same devastating substance used by the suicide bombers in Paris, during attacks in November 2015.

Policemen could be seen arresting a person at a residential area in Chemnitz, eastern Germany on Saturday. His identity is not yet known

A remote controlled bomb disposal robot is pictured lifting a suitcase on a platform of the train station in Chemnitz, eastern Germany on Saturday

'Even a small quantity of this substance could have caused enormous damage,' police said.

New information is emerging about his arrival in Germany. According to authorities, he entered Germany on February, 18, 2015 where he was picked up by police in the town of Rosenheim, four and a half hours from Chemnitz.

He was captured by federal police and sent to a registration centre where he then disappeared.

Albakr was born on January 10, 1994 in Damascus and his passport photo is said to show a serious looking man with a broad nose, beard and bushy eyebrows, according to local reports.

People on the Chemnitz housing estate have spoken of their shock at finding out their neighbour was a suspected terrorist with reported links to ISIS.

German police say two people have been arrested but did not confirm who they are

Local man Ahmed Sen, 42, who has four children and has been living in an adjacent apartment block for six years told Mail Online: 'I had seen some skinheads earlier in the day so when I saw the police arrive I thought it was to deal with them.

'I then turned on the TV and saw they were after this terrorist.

'I was completely shocked and disgusted.

'I am Islam. This man who planned the attacks is not. He doesn't represent Islam, he doesn't represent me. He is an a*******.'

Ahmed Sen, 42, slammed al-Bakr as an 'a*******' for his terrorist plot in Chemnitz

Another neighbour whose apartment window faces onto the back of al-Bakr's said she had seen police armed with machine guns scouting out the apartment at 5am Saturday morning.

Saxony police spokesman Tom Bernhardt told reporters the hundreds of grammes of explosives were found by investigators who combed carefully through the apartment, which was raided at around 1pm.

He said: 'They were not just lying out on the kitchen table, they were relatively well hidden.'

About 100 people were evacuated from the five-story apartment building as the bomb squad worked to remove the explosives, which were not considered stable enough to move far.

Bernhardt said the 'highly volatile' explosives were to be either destroyed on the spot in controlled detonations or otherwise neutralized.

German police later tweeted a picture of holes in the lawn surrounding the apartment block with the caption: ' The detected explosive is to be blown on site. The reaction will be carried out in holes which have been excavated for this purpose'

It has since been announced that some of the residents have returned to their homes after police lifted blockades.

Al-Bakr is suspected of plotting a bomb attack on a German airport, according to Online Focus - with the nearest airports being Dresden 60km away and the bigger international airport Leipzig, 85km away.

Residents leave their homes with overnight bags after the mass evacuations on the estate in Chemnitz

An armed police officer stands on guard during patrols of the estate in Chemnitz

Police officers with a search dog patrol a station in Chemnitz after a suitcase was found on a platform on Saturday

It is understood he entered Germany last year with refugees from Syria as the nation experience a large wave of asylum seekers from the Middle East.

Germany took in 890,000 asylum-seekers in 2015, and Syrians fleeing civil war were the single largest group.

Residents have been ordered to remain indoors as large-scale closures and evacuations take place in the city and the suspect remains at large.

Pictures of an arrested man being taken away by police were released a few hours after the manhunt began.

O fficers surrounded a home in the Fritz-Heckert area of Chemnitz and the force said it was dealing with a 'static threat'.

The police force, Polizei Sachsen, said they are currently involved in a large-scale operation in Chemnitz on suspicion of someone preparing a bomb attack.

A German police dog unit searched a housing estate in Chemnitz

A squad of specialist police swept the estate as the hunt went on for Albakr

A police officer surveys the scene as police carry out a search of an estate in Chemnitz

They said the suspect had not been found and that major closures and evacuations would be necessary as he was dangerous.

A statement said: 'The search for the suspect is ongoing.

'Currently, however, we do not know where he is and what or what he carries with him.

'Be careful.'

The force added: ' Please stay within the enclosed area in your homes and observe the instructions of the police here and in the field.'

Video footage obtained by Mail Online shows an enormous police presence with officers directing traffic away from the scene.

German police posted this tweet saying: 'The detected explosive is to be blown on site. The reaction will be carried out in holes which have been excavated for this purpose'

Detective Chief Superintendent Tom Bernhardt addressed reporters at a sealed residential area in Chemnitz

Police cordoned off the perimeter of Chemnitz Central Station, eastern Germany

Mr Bernhardt said officers had acted on intelligence it received last night and that their actions foiled a 'serious threat'.

He added: 'We must assume that the person is dangerous.'

Armed officers forced their way into a flat in the raid, causing a loud bang.

Officials earlier said it would not speculate on claims they were dealing with a hostage situation.

They said: 'Please help the emergency services by avoiding the area.'

Residents were ordered to remain indoors as an officer guards the door of the flats

Chemnitz, a city of more than 200,000 people, is in Germany's east, lying to the south of Berlin and Leipzig, not far from the border with the Czech Republic.

Germany has been rocked by terror attacks this year, heaping pressure on chancellor Angela Merkel's open-door immigration policy.

A bloody week of violence that rocked Germany began on July 18 when Pakistani teenager Riaz Khan Ahmadzai, 17, posing as an Afghan refugee, hacked at passengers on a train in Wurzburg with an axe, wounding five.

He was shot dead by police.

Four days later mentally unstable German-Iranian teenager Ali Sonboly shot nine people dead during a rampage through a shopping centre in Munich before taking his own life.

Sonboly claimed he was taking revenge for being bullied at school with no political motive to the murderous rampage.

Officials did not confirm the full details of the operation, but a local German journalist has tweeted to say the area is likely to be evacuated for what he called an 'explosive danger'

Tom Bernhardt, spokesman for the state criminal police in Saxony, said officers had acted on intelligence it received and that their actions foiled a 'serious threat'. He added: 'We must assume that the person is dangerous.' (picture of the police statement)

Two days later a Syrian refugee, 21, hacked a pregnant woman to death in Reutlingen and on the same night Daleel, 27, injured 12 people when he detonated a rucksack packed with metal shards and screws.

Daleel carried out the attack on behalf of the terror group ISIS and had planned to kill hundreds by detonating him bomb at an open-air music festival.
Convicted murderer Vincent Stanford had stalked a 12-year-old girl and two women before he raped and killed school teacher Stephanie Scott.

The chilling details of how Stanford, 25, targeted the trio have emerged as he was sentenced to life for Ms Scott's murder.

Police found photographs of the 12-year-old girl in her school uniform and Stanford made extensive observations about her in an exercise book, Justice Robert Hulme revealed during Thursday's sentencing hearing.

The girl was given the pseudonym 'Joanne' and police found 1,805 photographs as well as footage of her on Stanford's camera and computer.

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Vincent Stanford (pictured in handcuffs) has been sentenced to life for the murder of NSW school teacher Stephanie Scott

Justice Robert Hulme said Stanford, 25, showed 'not the slightest hint of remorse' as he confessed to the murder of Ms Scott (pictured with fiance Aaron Leeson-Woolley)

Stephanie Scott's fiance Aaron Leeson-Woolley (centre), and sisters Kim (second from the right) and Robyn (second from the left)

Kim (left) and Mr Leeson-Woolley (right) looked sombre as they walked into Griffith Local Court

Many of the photographs showed the girl in her school uniform from the waist down.

Police also found 'numerous' photographs of other schoolgirls and women, and bestiality.

In an exercise book seized by police with Stanford's name on the front, the 25-year-old had referred to Joanne as a 'sl**' and written down his surveillance notes of her.

This included times she left the house for school and when she returned.

He also noted times the house was empty and when she was home by herself.

One entry read: 'Home alone 15.40. Time enough to abduct.'

There were also drawings of females, a car, a gun and a sword as well as a female head with a knife striking it.

Stanford had also written down the registration numbers of cars driven by Joanne's father and relative, and names of 'stupefying drugs' such as Valium, chloroform, nitrous oxide and Rohypnol'.

Among his belongings, police found a photograph of school group that included Joanne, which he had taken from school.

He also had a fascination with a woman named 'Jillian' who worked at a retail store.

Ms Scott's mother Merrilyn (pictured with her husband, Robert) delivered a statement on behalf of her family and Mr Leeson-Woolley

Robert (centre) and Merrilyn Scott (right) before Stanford's sentencing over their daughter's murder

Family and friends arrive ahead of the sentencing of Stanford at Griffith Local Court. Parents Merrilyn and Robert Scott (far left)

FULL STATEMENT FROM STEPHANIE SCOTT'S FAMILY As always, we speak on behalf of our family and of Aaron for the love of our beautiful Stephanie. The past 18 months have been most difficult and harrowing time. So much has been taken away from us. Stephanie has had everything taken away from her. Losing her has shattered so much lives and we are all struggling with the consequences. We have had to show restraint in all we have said and done and have to grieve in the public eye. We wish to thank Superintendent Michael Rowan and Paul Smith and the police of the Griffith Area Command. We particularly acknowledge Detective Sergeant Tim Clarke and Detective Senior Constable Justin Milne who managed to maintain compassion in circumstances. They have treated us with professionalism and care, showed great patience answering our questions and guided us gently as we navigated the justice system. We also acknowledge members of the DPP [Director of Public Prosecutions] who helped us on our journey. The prosecutors have worked tirelessly to secure justice for Stephanie. We thank Kate Ludford for liaising with us, her love and support and for all her work behind the scenes to ensure our time in court is as easy as possible. The public interest in this tragedy is understandable. Stephanie embodied all that is good about human kind. She made a tangible difference to the lives of so many people. Stephanie would want us to resume our lives. We need to be kind to ourselves, and let the music and fun back in. We need to be able to fade from public view, to mourn our beautiful girl and work our way through our grief. We will not be answering any questions, participating in any interviews or any programs in the future. Tomorrow we begin to celebrate Stephanie's too short, amazing life. This should be her 28th birthday, the second one we celebrate without her. We will be having a cup of tea and a mint sliced biscuit at 3. Please join us. Thank you. Advertisement

She had noticed Stanford and his mother would shop there every week in the four to five months before Ms Scott's murder.

But he started coming alone before the school teacher's death.

Stanford spoke to Jillian on two occasions, and police found he had searched for her on the internet a number of times.

Days before Ms Scott's death, Stanford was seen parked in his ute by Jillian outside the retail store five minutes before opening.

He was far away from the entrance of the store, and she waited until two male colleagues arrived before she got out of her car and went inside.

Another woman he was fixated on was a 28-year-old woman named 'Jennifer'.

She normally parked her car at her workplace.

Jennifer would often find him near her car when she left.

She would sometimes say hello and he would say hello back.

Police found a photograph of Jennifer's car on Stanford's phone.

During Stanford's sentencing, Justice Hulme said the 25-year-old showed 'not the slightest hint of remorse' as he confessed to the murder of Ms Scott.

Justice Hulme described Stanford's offending as 'conniving', 'callous', despicable' and 'heinous'.

Mr Leeson-Woolley as Merrilyn delivered the family's statement outside the court

The judge said he found it hard to believe the 25-year-old cleaner's (pictured is Stanford in handcuffs) crime was not premeditated

The judge said he found it hard to believe the 25-year-old cleaner's crime was not premeditated, and Stanford had carried out Ms Scott's rape and murder in a 'calculating manner'.

'I cannot sentence on the basis of speculation. Having made this observation, I have not blindly accepted everything that has been placed before me, I must put it aside for this sentence,' Justice Hulme said.

The judge said Stanford's actions before and after he raped and murdered Ms Scott showed that the 25-year-old could make 'well-considered choices to serve his own interest'.

'The offender's conniving, callous and self-interested conduct continued in the immediate aftermath with his disposal of incriminating items.

'One of the most despicable acts being his despatch of Ms Scott's engagement and graduation rings and her driver's licence to his brother, Marcus, in South Australia.

'Another despicable act was the offender's return to the Cocoparra National Park and photographing the charred remains.

'There was also the keeping of Ms Scotts bra as something of a 'souvenir'.'

Justice Hulme said 'there can be no question the offender is a very disturbed individual'.

'The calculating manner in which the offender carried out the various activities following the murder, and to some extent before, indicates that he was well capable of making well-considered choices about how to best serve his own interests and to achieve his objectives,' he said.

The court also heard Stanford told police 'good luck with the search' after he denied seeing Ms Scott at Leeton High School, in central New South Wales, at the time of when she went missing.

A company that hired Vincent Stanford (pictured) to clean the school where teacher Stephanie Scott was brutally murdered said no 'red flags' were raised about him

Here Stanford is pictured in handcuffs being escorted by correctional service officers from Griffith Local Court

Justice Robert Hulme said Stanford told police 'good luck with the search' after he denied seeing Ms Scott at Leeton High School

Ms Thompson said there had been no complaints lodged against Stanford in the six months he was employed to clean Leeton High School (pictured) for Colin Joss & Co

But a court heard Stanford had been caught loitering inside the girls toilets stalls and had obtained the school's security code without permission

Standford pleaded guilty in July to raping and murdering Ms Scott (pictured with her mother) at Leeton High School where they both worked

Justice Hulme delivered his sentencing remarks after the 25-year-old cleaner for the rape and murder of Ms Scott at the school in April 2015 just days before her wedding to Aaron Leeson-Woolley.

Ahead of the hearing, friends and family of Stephanie Scott arrived at the court dressed in her favourite colour.

The bride-to-be's sisters Robyn and Kim wore yellow as they walked into Griffith Local Court with Ms Scott's parents Robert and Merrilyn as well as fiance Aaron Leeson-Woolley.

The court heard details of how Stanford carried out Ms Scott's brutal murder.

'The attack itself involved extreme brutality by a man of substantial size upon a defenceless young woman of modest size who had no means of escape or raising the alarm,' Justice Hulme said.

'The offender admits to having bashed Ms Scott some 30 to 40 times to the head in under a minute.

'And then, to make sure she was dead, he stabbed her in the neck with a very large knife.

'At some stage during all of this, he gratified his lust by imposing intercourse upon her.'

Stanford, 25, earlier confessed to police he had fantasised about killing someone since he was seven-years-old

In a video of his April 11 confession played to the court on Tuesday, Stanford calmly explained he punched and stabbed her in the neck because of an unquenchable desire to kill

'I had to kill her. I was not angry or anything I was pretty emotionless. I just thought I had to kill her,' Stanford told detectives

Ahead of his sentencing, chilling details of Stanford's callous approach to the bride-to-be's murder were revealed at Griffith Local Court on Tuesday.

In a video of his April 11 confession played to the court on Tuesday, Stanford calmly explained he punched and stabbed her in the neck because of an unquenchable desire to kill.

'I had to kill her. I was not angry or anything I was pretty emotionless. I just thought I had to kill her,' he told detectives.

'I just could not stop myself I have had anger attacks in the past.'

Stanford said he grabbed her from behind after she wished him a 'Happy Easter', put a hand over her mouth and dragged her into a store room before throwing her on the ground.

'I picked her up from behind with my right hand over her mouth and my left hand around her middle, I dragged her into the store, I closed the door behind us, chucked her on the floor and I beat her to death,' he said.

She struggled but did not scream, he told police.

'I just could not stop myself I have had anger attacks in the past I have been treated for that I think I needed to see a psychiatrist,' he told detectives in the video.

He began hitting Ms Scott in the face and punched her up to 40 times before stabbing her in her carotid artery with a knife.

The 25-year-old said he only stopped after 'she stopped moving and breathing'.

Stanford also revealed in the footage he took photos of Ms Scott's body and kept her bra.

Stanford told police he was unsure why he kept the bra, but it could have been a 'souvenir'.

'I put her into the store room and killed her, I put her into the trunk of her car, I got the high pressure cleaner out, cleaned the high school and her blood, then I drove her car to my house', he calmly explained.

Stanford then sat down for a sandwich and a cup of tea with his mother and other brother, Luke, while Ms Scott's body remained in her car.

Early the next morning, Stanford drove her car to Cocoparra National Park, more than 70km away from Leeton.

'I dumped her there and burnt her. I drove back, took Pike Road, put her car there and then I walked home,' he said of the night he dumped her body.

Earlier it was revealed that Stanford had dreamed about killing someone since he was at least seven years old and when he saw school teacher Stephanie Scott he knew 'he had to kill her'.

Court documents revealed this week the school cleaner at Leeton High School, NSW, often lingered in the girls toilets while students were on their lunch break and choked his a teacher when he was 12-years-old, according to The Daily Telegraph.

Stanford, 25, was led by handcuffs into his Supreme Court sentence hearing in Griffith on Tuesday morning, the first time he has been seen in public.

Earlier it was revealed that Stanford had dreamed about killing someone since he was at least seven years old and when he saw school teacher Stephanie Scott he knew 'he had to kill her'

Ms Scott's parents Merrilyn (centre and Robert (right) arriving at Griffith Local Court on Tuesday

Standford was described in a psychological assessment as having 'characteristics of sexual sadism' and was placed in a mental health unit after he assaulted his teacher, aged 12.

The court also heard on Tuesday he had Googled 'bride rape,' 'bride rape vid' and 'bride raped with wedding gown' before the murder.

'He also conducts searches in relation to necrophilia and "necro rape",' the agreed statement of facts said.

He ordered hand cuffs and a 'half sword' over the internet just days before Ms Scott was killed and also searched online for a knife that would make puncture wounds.

During his confession, Stanford told police he could not adapt to society, The Daily Telegraph reported.

'I would have to require emotions, I have almost none, I have hatred,' he said.

Ms Scott's mother Merrilyn delivered an emotional victim impact statement, questioning why Stanford had access to schools after his 'red flags'.

She fought back tears as she read out the speech she intended to make at her daughter's wedding, the ABC reported.

She spent her wedding day in a morgue ... there were no vows exchanged, no wedding dance.

'Too pathetic and inept to make a life of his own, he chose to take a life he had no right to,' she read.

'We will never know what she suffered but to know that she suffered at all is difficult to bear.'

She described the 'poignant' moment of having to choose a coffin for her daughter when she should have been on her honeymoon.

The family sat in silence as the video of Stanford's confession was played and many of Ms Scott's supporters wore yellow - the slain teacher's favourite colour.

Crown prosecutor Lee Carr told the hearing the murder of Ms Scott was 'merciless and cold-blooded' and said Stanford had thoughts of killing another person from the age of seven.

Defence barrister Janet Manuell SC said the crimes were 'terrible,' but Stanford was diagnosed by two psychiatrists with autism and argued against a life sentence.

He was 'locked into this eternally conflicted state' and 'locked into entrenched anger and hatred', according to the expert's report.

Stanford faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and will receive his sentence on Thursday.

His twin brother Marcus was sentenced to 15 months in August to being an accessory after the fact for pawning her rings for $705. He was released on September 9.
President Barack Obama has mocked a right-wing conspiracy theorist who accused him of being a 'demon who smells like sulfur and hell'.

The President poked fun at radio host Alex Jones while speaking to a crowd at a rally for Hillary Clinton in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Tuesday.

'I was reading the other day. There's a guy on the radio who - Trump's on his show frequently - apparently said me and Hillary are demons, said we smell like sulfur. Ain't that something?' Obama deadpanned.

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President Barack Obama mocked a right-wing conspiracy theorist who accused him of being a 'demon who smells like sulfur and hell'

Obama comically sniffed his arm after joking about how radio host Alex Jones said he and Hillary Clinton were 'demons' who smelled like 'sulfur'

He then paused and lifted his arm to his nose and sniffing his wrist, before looking around at the audience and chuckling to himself.

'Now, I mean, come on people!'

The President was responding to the ridiculous claim that Clinton is 'demon-possessed', and the two of them 'smell like evil'.

'Hillary, reportedly, I mean, I was told by people around her that they think she's demon-possessed, okay? I'm just going to go ahead and say it,' Jones said on his radio show.

'There's a guy on the radio who - Trump's on his show frequently - apparently said me and Hillary are demons, said we smell like sulfur. Ain't that something?' Obama joked

The President was responding to the ridiculous claim that Clinton is 'demon-possessed', and the two of them 'smell like evil'

'I'm told her and Obama just stink, stink, stink, stink. You can't wash that evil off, man. I'm told there's a rotten smell around Hillary. I'm not kidding, people say - folks, I've been told this by high up folks.

'They say listen, Obama and Hillary both smell like sulfur. I never said this, because the media will go crazy with it, but I've talked to people that are in protective details - they're scared of her.

'And they say listen, she's a frickin (sic) demon and she stinks and so does Obama. I go, like what? Sulfur. They smell like Hell.'

President Barack Obama speaks at a campaign event for Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton at the White Oak Amphitheatre in Greensboro, North Carolina

Obama's comments came after conspiracy theorist Alex Jones (pictured) made the ridiculous claims about the President and Hillary Clinton

'Obama and Hillary both smell like sulfur. I never said this, because the media will go crazy with it,' Jones said on his radio show

Jones, who founded the conspiracy website InfoWars, claims the September 11 attacks were carried out by the US government, and that the Sandy Hook school shooting and Boston Bombing attack were staged.

Donald Trump has heaped praise on Jones in the past, saying in an interview last year that the controversial host has an 'amazing' reputation.
Four-time world champion boxer Adrien Broner appeared to be hinting about suicide in several disturbing social media posts on Wednesday.

In a series of frightening posts, the 27-year-old boxer seemingly hinted about taking his own life, however, his fiancee, Arie Nicole, says he is 'okay.'

Nicole shared a Snapchat image simply saying that 'Adrien is okay!'

Four-time world champion boxer Adrien Broner (pictured) appeared to be hinting about suicide in several disturbing social media posts on Wednesday

In a series of frightening posts (above), the 27-year-old boxer seemingly hinted about taking his own life, however, his fiancee, Arie Nicole, says he is 'okay.'

He shared a photo (above) on Instagram earlier Wednesday of a handgun inside of a car and wrote: 'I'm going home I love y'all.'

Earlier Wednesday, the boxer's alarming posts on social media caused his friends and family to be concerned enough to contact police, TMZ reported.

Authorities in Cincinnati say they've also made contact with Broner and confirmed he's ok.

Friends of Broner are now 'confident that he's safe and in a better place now' after posting the threats that appeared to show him counting down to a possible suicide.

He shared a photo on Instagram earlier Wednesday of a handgun inside of a car and wrote: 'I'm going home I love y'all.'

Hours later, Broner posted another message that read: '3PM I'm doing it I'm sorry to my family and friends but I don't want to be here no more this s*** too much.'

Broner's last cryptic and alarming post (above) on Instagram he wrote '25 minutes'

Just one day earlier, he posted two troubling messages to the social media site. Broner wrote (above) on Instagram: 'I don't know who to trust at this point of my career'

His last cryptic and alarming post on Instagram he wrote '25 minutes'.

Just one day earlier, he posted two troubling messages to the social media site.

'I don't know who to trust at this point of my career,' Broner wrote on Instagram.

The same day, he also wrote: 'Mfs (sic) really losing faith in me and people starting to part ways smh (sic)'.

Broner ran into legal trouble earlier this year after an alleged assault in January.

The Ohio native surrendered to police on April 4 and was indicted on an aggravated robbery charge April 14.

A Hamilton County, Ohio judge ordered Broner to serve 30 days in county jail in July after he showed up late to his trial.

The same day, he also wrote (above): 'Mfs (sic) really losing faith in me and people starting to part ways smh (sic)'.

Outside of his fiancee saying he is fine, authorities in Cincinnati say they've also made contact with Broner and confirmed he's ok. Broner is pictured above in 2016 after winning the super lightweight championship fight

ESPN reported on September 22 that the charges from the alleged incident were dropped after the victim and a witness did not show up to court.

The boxer last fought on April 1 and beat Ashley Theophane by TKO in the ninth round.

He has a 32-2 record and was allegedly angling to box at the junior welterweight title in December.
A south Alabama man has been sentenced to 100 years in prison for killing his eight-year-old daughter during a sexual assault.

Hiawatha Robinson was sentenced on Wednesday morning in the 2014 murder and sodomy of his daughter Hiawayi, according to local media reports.

Robinson, who was convicted in Hiawayi's death last month, is set to appeal the sentence, according to his attorney.

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Hiawatha Robinson (left) has been sentenced to 100 years in prison for killing his eight-year-old daughter Hiawayi Robinson (right) during a sexual assault

During Wednesday's sentence hearing, Hiawatha argued with judge Charles Graddick and threatened he would be back.

He also said family members and FBI agents had 'lied on him,' according to AL.com.

'You took me away from my family; you took me away for my friends; you took me away from my fishing trips,' he said. 'All on a lie.'

He added: 'I came here today as a man. I will leave here today as a man. I won't apologize for something I didn't do.'

Before leaving the courtroom, he told the judge, 'Remember this face, I will be back, you will hear this voice again.'

The girl's body was found partially clothed at a dumping ground off this road in Prichard two days after she vanished (investigators pictured at the scene in September 2014)

In response, Graddick told Robinson the only way he will be back is 'in a pine box.'

He added that he was going to do everything in his power to keep Hiawatha in prison for the rest of his 'natural born life.'

Hiawayi's body was found partially unclothed at an abandoned building in Prichard in September 2014, two days after she was reported missing.

Her crumpled body was surrounded by trash, her Hello Kitty T-shirt was pulled up and her purple shorts and underwear were pulled off one leg and hanging around the other knee, investigators had testified in court at the time.

Autopsy results showed Hiawayi (pictured) had been sexually assaulted

Autopsy results showed Hiawayi had been sexually assaulted.

At the time of Hiawayi's disappearance, Robinson had joined the search for his and even made a public appeal for her safe return.

While the case had no direct evidence or DNA linking the father to the crime, the jury was unanimous in its verdict of finding Robinson guilty, according to KFVS.

On the day she vanished, Hiawayi returned home from school to change her clothes because she was wet from the rain.

Her father then called her and they spoke for 17 minutes, investigators said.

Hiawayi then told her grandmother she was heading to her cousin's apartment in the same complex because her father was going to meet her there to give her $150 for her birthday.

But the cousin later told police she would not have been at the apartment at that time.

Hiawayi headed out and never returned home.

She was reported missing by her grandmother around 10pm that evening.

Her body was found two days later around a mile from their home.

After she went missing, authorities looked at surveillance footage taken from businesses along a strip mall near their home and saw a red SUV driving along the road.

Robinson pictured previously in court. During Wednesday's sentence hearing, Hiawatha argued with judge Charles Graddick and threatened he would be back

That day, her father had been driving his girlfriend's red Chevrolet Tahoe, authorities said.

In separate surveillance footage from a store that afternoon, Hiawayi could be seen buying candy and then heading in the direction where the SUV was seen.

Fifteen minutes after she left the store, her father called her grandmother to see where the little girl was, authorities said.

During a later search of his girlfriend's car, police found a clear hair bead, like those worn by Hiawayi, and black duct tape, Al.com reported.

Robinson has had multiple arrests including in July 2000 (left) for possession of marijuana and attempting to elude police and in 2011 (right) for possession of marijuana

After she was reported missing, authorities and the community searched for Hiawayi, as Robinson and her mother Yosha Populus, who are separated, appeared on television to appeal for information.

Investigators believe the girl was sexually abused by her father several times, with the last incident resulting in her death.
Five other students from the school were expelled after his death

It is not clear whether the boy, who was believed to be 16, was Jewish

Police say he did so in to 'show allegiance to the killing of Jewish people'

Its leader from Boulder Preparatory High School killed himself last month

They shared photographs of guns and talked about 'gassing Jews'

The group involved 15 high school students from across Colorado

A neo-Nazi Facebook page where teenagers talked about 'hanging Jews on trees' has been exposed after its leader, who members dubbed 'The Fuhrer', committed suicide in an apparent pledge of allegiance to the group.

Fifteen students from six high schools across Colorado were involved in '4th Reich's Official Group Chat' where they also discussed killing African-Americans.

Its leader, who attended Boulder Preparatory High School, took his life in September to 'show allegiance to the Nazi party and the killing of Jewish people,' a Boulder Police Department report said.

It's not clear whether the teenager was Jewish. Five other students from the school were expelled after his death.

A student from Boulder Preparatory High School in Boulder, Colorado, (above) killed himself in a show of allegiance to the 'Nazi cause and killing of Jewish people'

The teenagers shared photographs of guns, referred to 'killing all the n*****', shooting Jews in the knees and 'gassing as many as you please,' The Boulder Daily Camera reported.

It's not clear how long the group had existed before the teenage boy, who was not named in the Boulder Police Department report, took his life on September 21.

He killed himself 'to show his allegiance to the Nazi party and the killing of Jewish people,' the report said.

Students from Boulder High School, Centaurus High School, Monarch High, Pomona High and Colorado Mountain College, were also involved but none were expelled.

Authorities were alerted to the page when another student of Boulder Preparatory High School reported it.

The group shared their messages on a Facebook chat page they called the '4th Reich's Official Group Chat' (file image above)

Boulder Police Department confirmed on Wednesday none of the teens involed faced charges.

'As offensive and repugnant as the online conversation was, the law does not allow for criminal charges simply because we disagree with the content.

'In evaluating this case, Boulder police had to determine whether there were direct threats against any specific person. There was no evidence of this.

'Instead, law enforcement worked collaboratively with the school district, which took action consistent with its policies and standards,' a spokesman told DailyMail.com

Members of the page, which has since been shut down, insisted it was a joke.

One boy, who referred to himself as the leader's 'second in command', told police he never intended to carry out the crimes.




Cancer Research UK has claimed that big tobacco firms cannot be trusted

Tobacco giants are marketing e-cigarettes as trendy lifestyle accessories rather than quit-smoking aids, a major charity has warned.

Cancer Research UK, which usually promotes the use of e-cigarettes as alternatives to smoking tobacco, yesterday accused firms of misleading people with its research.

George Butterworth, campaigns manager at the cancer charity, said tobacco companies' track record means their research into e-cigarettes cannot be trusted.

He said: 'The tobacco industry has an appalling record of producing misleading research and distorting scientific evidence, historically around the addictive nature and health harms of smoking and more recently around the effectiveness of plain, standardised packaging.

'Their business is selling a uniquely lethal product responsible for around 100,000 deaths in the UK every year.'

Cancer Research UK campaigner George Butterworth has accused the marketing surrounding e-cigarettes of glamorising smoking the devices, rather than emphasising their uses in getting people to quit smoking

He added: 'Tobacco companies market e-cigarettes as a lifestyle choice as opposed to a method of quitting.'

Several major tobacco firms have entered the 4billion e-cigarette market as sales from traditional cigarettes fall.

British American Tobacco, for example, has ploughed money into its e-Voke gadget, which this year became the first e-cigarette to be given marketing permission for smoking cessation on the NHS.

Japan Tobacco International owns UK e-cigarette brand E-lites, and Imperial Tobacco owns Blu E-Cigarettes and Puritane.

The companies have also invested in research promoting 'vaping' as a safe alternative.

Mr Butterworth said: 'We don't condemn any researchers but Cancer Research UK has a clear policy to not work with those who are currently in receipt of tobacco industry funding, including from e-cigarette firms owned by tobacco companies.'

At least 12 scientific papers published in leading academic journals since 2013 have been written by employees of tobacco-owned e-cigarette companies or scientists sponsored by them, according to The Times.

The impact of these research papers has been hugely influential.

Public Health England, in a landmark report published last summer, claimed that e-cigarettes are '95 per cent' safe - and called for the devices to be rolled out on the NHS.

That report was widely criticised when it emerged that its headline claim originated in research partly conducted by scientists funded by the e-cigarette industry.

E-cigarettes contain a liquid form of nicotine that is heated into vapour to be inhaled, avoiding the harm caused by tobacco smoke.

E-cigarettes contain a liquid form of nicotine that is heated into vapour to be inhaled, avoiding the harm caused by tobacco smoke and the chemicals and tar which are present in traditional cigarettes

While most experts are agreed that vaping is far safer than smoking tobacco, many are concerned about unresolved safety concerns.

The World Health Organisation has warned that they may be toxic to bystanders and many rail companies have banned people from vaping on trains or in stations.

Europe's highest legal expert, Dr Juliane Kokott, the advocate general to the European Court of Justice, last year warned that e-cigarettes 'possibly cause risks to human health' and that they may even provide a 'gateway' for teenagers to go on to smoke tobacco.

In May this year all advertising for e-cigarettes or refills were banned on television, radio, websites, newspapers and magazines.

But billboard advertising is still permitted, as are posters on the sides of buses.

Around 2.6 million adults in Britain have used e-cigarettes in the decade or so that they have been on the market.

Health experts agree that the devices are much safer than smoking tobacco  and the gadgets are thought to have helped 22,000 people quit smoking each year.

While healthcare groups agree that replacing traditional smoking products with an e-cigarette device is better for people's well-being, there are concerns that children may be attracted to vaping by advertising

But others are concerned that non-smokers and children may be attracted to vaping by sophisticated advertising  and then go on to take up smoking as they become addicted to nicotine.

Public Health England last night insisted that e-cigarettes do far more good than harm.

Professor Kevin Fenton, national director of health and wellbeing at the organisation, said: 'Public Health England will continue to monitor closely all the evidence on e-cigarettes and are committed to publishing an annual independent review at least until 2020.

'The evidence remains clear, with PHE's most recent review and the Royal College of Physicians both finding that while not completely risk free, vaping carries a fraction of the risk of smoking.

'While research is being done by industry, much of the evidence on e-cigarettes comes from impeccably independent institutions.'

Dr David O Reilly, scientific director at British American Tobacco, said: 'Many heads are always better than one. There needs to be more collaboration, not less.
Two men have been charged with sending explicit messages to children

A 59-year-old man who planned to meet up with a 14-year-old girl at a Newcastle beach has been caught on camera by police who had been posing as the teenager online.

The man who was dressed in grey cargo pants and a black button-up shirt had been chatting to the officer posing as a teenager since July - allegedly sending her explicit text messages and photographs.

The man appeared shocked as he was approached by a group of plain-clothes police officers at the Caves Beach car park on Wednesday instead of the young girl he thought he had organised to meet.

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A 59-year-old man allegedly thought he was meeting up with a 14-year-old girl he had been speaking with online when he was met by police at a Newcastle beach, pictured

He stumbled as he speaks with police before sitting in the gutter surrounded by officers.

The video shows the middle-aged-man explaining himself to the group of police before he was handcuffed and searched.

The video shows gloved police sorting through the mans bum bag which appeared to store a number of USB sticks.

He was then hand cuffed  but granted bail to appear before Belmont Local Court in November.

His phone and tablet were seized by police as he was charged with child exploitation offences.

The mans arrest was part of Strike Force Trawler  an ongoing covert child exploitation investigation unit which focuses on people using the internet to gain access to children.

The 59-year-old was the second Newcastle man to be arrested and charged over child exploitation after speaking to police posing as children in two days.

On Tuesday a 51-year-old mans home was searched after he allegedly sent sexually explicit messages, videos and photos to a police officer pretending to be a 13-year-old girl.

Police had been speaking with the man online since June  and searched his home in New Lambton before his arrest.

The 59-year-old appeared to stumble as he walked across the carpark with detectives prior to being searched and charged

Police seized a firearm, cannabis and the man's electronic devices.

He was arrested and taken to Waratah Police Station, where he was charged with seven separate offences  from child exploitation to drug and firearm possession.

He was granted bail to appear at Newcastle Local Court on the Thursday 27 October 2016.
Shocking footage has emerged of the moment a shirtless jogger knocked a father-of-seven unconscious in an alleged one-punch attack.

The surveillance video, obtained by 9 News, shows the two men crossing paths on a South Brisbane street shortly before Timothy Lang, 48, was allegedly struck with a fatal blow to his head on Saturday morning.

The dramatic scene shows the suspect storming off but appearing to return to allegedly confront the helpless man as he lay dying on the ground.

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Shocking footage has emerged of the moment a shirtless jogger knocked a father-of-seven unconscious, leaving him to die on the footpath in an alleged one-punch attack

The dramatic scene shows the suspect storming off but appearing to return to the scene to allegedly confront the helpless man as he lay dying on the ground

Several stunned passersby rushed to the victim's aid as the woman in pink calls for help

Wayne Hearn, 38, (left) has been charged over the death of Timothy Lang, 48, (right)

Stunned passersby rushed to the victim's aid after he lost consciousness and fell to the footpath, with one woman appearing to dial emergency services for help.

Witnesses claimed the sickening attack allegedly came after an 'exchange of words' between the pair, who are believed to have known each other.

On Tuesday night, Wayne Hearn, 38, was arrested and taken into custody where he was charged with unlawful striking causing death.

The offender was all smiles as he was led away in handcuffs, flanked by detectives.

The Fortitude Valley man, who appeared unfazed, was escorted to a police car, where he was seen laughing in the back seat as he flashed a smirk at the cameras.

Mr Hearn (pictured) was all smiles when he was taken into custody over the fatal attack

On Tuesday, the 38-year-old man appeared unfazed when he was escorted to a police car

The charge follows the death of Mr Lang, who was rushed to Princess Alexandra Hospital but died on Monday afternoon when his life support was switched off.

Just hours earlier, police released CCTV stills of the suspect, believing he could help them with the investigation.

The incident allegedly followed a heated exchange between the jogger and Mr Lang before he was knocked to the ground.
Chances of death double if patients see surgeon who is going on holiday

Heart specialist Samer Nashef has lifted the lid on his former profession, and revealed some starling figures relating to mortality rates during surgery

Patients are twice as likely to die on the operating table if their surgeon is about to take a holiday, a top medic has claimed.

Heart specialist Samer Nashef said he looked at mortality rates for patients right before and after surgeons breaks.

His figures revealed they more than doubled if a surgeon was about to take leave compared to on their return.

Mr Nashef  who has written a book called The Naked Surgeon lifting the lid on his industry  was speaking at the Cheltenham Literary Festival.

He said: We looked into [mortality rates and surgeons holidays] out of interest because we didnt really know.

What we found is that the patients operated on the day just before we went on holiday had a mortality rate that was a little bit more than double the ones operated on when we came back.

He added: That was a bit of a surprise, I wasnt expecting the getting back to be that safe and there are possibly psychological reasons.'

Mr Nashef also contradicted NHS warnings that eating butter, salt and crisps increased risk of heart disease.

He said: There are some things that will definitely help. The first thing and most important is dont smoke because that is absolutely a guarantee.

Being obese is bad, if you have high blood pressure it must be controlled because that is a problem as well and diabetes should be controlled. The things that dont matter; butter, salt, crisps. These things are not problems.

Investigations into mortality rates revealed that recieving surgery from a specialist who is about to take a holiday, increases the changes of dying during the operation

A previous study by healthcare analysts found patients who have routine operations on a Friday are 24 per cent more likely to die than if they went under the knife earlier in the week.

Worryingly, the figure is for common procedures such as hip replacements, rather than for potentially more difficult emergency cases.
Told relatives the boys also stepped on him and that he now wants to move out of the neighborhood

But Kayden maintained his story when his breathing tubes were removed and he was able to speak for the first time on Tuesday

Police said no evidence points to the incident being premeditated

A juvenile was taken into custody and charged with first-degree arson

He was with three other boys, aged 9, 10, and 11, during the incident

A 10-year-old special-needs Texas boy who was severely burned in a blaze is maintaining he was intentionally set on fire by another boy.

Kayden Culp told relatives that the horrific incident was not an accident after he had his breathing tubes removed earlier this week and was finally able to speak again.

Culp, of Kerrville, suffered third-degree burns on 20 percent of his body and had to be placed in a medically-induced coma following the October 2 fire.

He was burned on his arms, chest and neck when he and three other boys, who are aged nine, 10 and 11, allegedly started a blaze inside a shed near his home.

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Kayden Culp (pictured) is maintaining that he was intentionally set on fire by another boy in a shed near his home on October 2. Kayden received burns to 20 percent of his body

Culp, of Kerrville, Texas, told relatives that the horrific incident was not an accident after he had his breathing tubes removed earlier this week and was finally able to speak again

An unidentified juvenile was arrested and charged with first-degree arson following the incident.

Alike Richardson, Kayden's aunt, said he is maintaining that the boy who has been charged in the blaze intentionally set him alight and that the group also stepped on him.

'He's continuing with that story,' she told the New York Post. 'We're not trying to pressure him to say anything.'

'We're just trying to keep him comfortable enough to keep fighting. He's doing great at that. I'm really proud of him.'

Richardson said the boy told his grandmother, 'Grandma, they burned me', and is now telling his family that he wants to move out of the neighborhood.

Kayden's relatives said the boy told his mother, Tristyn Hatchett, the same story when he managed to describe his alleged attacker.

'He hurt me. He set me on fire. He needs to go to jail,' Kayden told Hatchett before he was placed in an induced coma, his family told Fox News.

Hatchett, 29, said they believe the alleged attack was premeditated.

The mother-of-four said a relative of one of the boys involved in the incident even called her the day of the blaze.

Hatchett said the relative told her that one boy had allegedly doused Kayden with gasoline before another set him on fire.

'There's no reason they should not already be incarcerated,' she said.

'The other boys who were there have been telling kids at school that it was not an accident, that it was intentional.'

Kayden was burned on his arms, chest and neck and had to be placed in a medically-induced coma. An unidentified juvenile was arrested and charged with first-degree arson

Kayden's mother Tristyn Hatchett said the family likewise believes that the attack was premediated. She said on Tuesday that his voice 'will be heard'

Kayden's family has been at odds with Kerrville authorities, who currently do not believe the incident was intentional.

'Based on the results of our preliminary investigation, it does not appear that this event was premeditated or that there was any intent to harm any of the juveniles present,' Kerrville Fire Chief Dannie Smith said last week.

Police Chief David Knight agreed, saying: 'We have no indication that there was any premeditation involved to injure this child', according to KENS5.

Knight said all four of the boys, who he described as being 'friendly' with each other, started a small fire in the shed.

He said the juvenile who is currently facing charges left at one point and returned with a gas canister, hoping to make the fire bigger.

Knight said that when the fire traveled up to the canister, the juvenile discarded it and it hit Kayden, setting him alight.

But Kayden's family has disputed that version of events, saying Kayden was actually only friends with one of the three other boys.

Tanya Kasper, Kayden's aunt, said he also had a 'past' with one of the three boys involved, who she said 'didn't like Kayden'.

Both Kasper and Richardson said Kayden has been bullied in the past and that they were always worried to let him go out and play with others.

'He wore a hearing aid, talked with a lisp...I mean, he was challenged from the get-go,' Kasper said.

'And for him to face this new challenge, it's going to be overwhelming.'

Kayden's family has been at odds with Kerrville authorities, who currently do not believe the incident was an accident

Richardson said other children often made fun of Kayden's speech impediment.

'He gets beat up in Carver Park every time he goes there,' she told the Houston Chronicle.

'That's just the way it is. The kids are really mean.'

Kerrville Officer Juan Trevizo said the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges will be filed if authorities determine another crime was committed.

Trevizo said it is 'more likely than not' that Kayden will soon be interviewed by investigators now that he is able to speak once again.

Kayden's family said their current focus is on his recovery, with Hatchett posting frequent updates on his condition to her Facebook page.

'Today was a great day,' she wrote on Tuesday. 'They have removed the breathing tube! We have started to decrease the sedatives (not that they could keep my boy down anyway) and now he is able to speak!'

Hatchett then added: 'His voice will be heard.'

Kayden, whose burns stretch from his belly button to his ears, is expected to be in the hospital for the next two months,

He could require up to seven months of physical therapy after he is released.

The family has since set up a YouCaring fundraising page to help with hospital costs and allow Kayden's parents to stay with him as he recovers.

'They just want him well,' Richardson said.
Eight in ten hospitals have been told to improve safety amid concerns from health watchdogs that they are putting patients at risk.

Cancer operations are being cancelled at the last minute, wards are infested with mould and patients are developing life-threatening blood clots, an alarming report found.

The Care Quality Commission has rated 81 per cent of hospital trusts as either inadequate or requiring improvement to meet basic safety standards.

Cancer operations are being cancelled at the last minute, wards are infested with mould and patients are developing life-threatening blood clots

It warned that social care services such as home help and residential care were at 'tipping point' and urgently needed more cash.

Common failings include surgeons operating on the wrong body part, nurses neglecting deteriorating patients and wards becoming dirty and unhygienic.

Last year's report found that 74 per cent of trusts needed to improve safety, suggesting overall standards are now worse.

In the report published today, the CQC warned that hospitals were coming under rising pressure from a social care crisis.

This is leading to soaring numbers of elderly patients being admitted to A&E and then later ending up as bed-blockers on wards as they cannot be discharged.

Yesterday the Mail reported how the CQC is concerned about the pace of closure of care homes in England  with almost 1,500 shutting in the last six years.

A CATALOGUE OF SHAMEFUL LAPSES IN CARE Pennine Acute Hospitals, Manchester: Staff don't bother to report near misses or serious incidents because they don't believe there is any point Inspectors also found that half of patients have to move beds at least once during their stay  often at night  to make room for other patient. Portsmouth Hospitals: Patients are routinely left in large ambulances outside the A&E because it is too busy to take them in. On one day inspectors found there were 16 ambulances queuing outside the hospital. Medway Hospitals, Gillingham, Kent: Patients are routinely placed on mixed sex wards even though the Government outlawed them six years ago. Inspectors also found mould growing on three of the wards and radiators were covered in cobwebs Patients are at risk of being given an overdose of sedatives because nurses have not learned lessons from two deaths in 2013. They are also developing blood clots, bed sores and urinary tract infections through neglect. Barts Health Trust, East London: surgeons operated on the wrong body part three times in three months. Cancer patients are routinely having surgery cancelled at the last minute due to a lack of beds. North Middlesex Hospital, North London: A patient lay dead for four hours in A&E because staff were too busy to notice. Advertisement

The lack of available spaces is leading to rising numbers of elderly people being kept in hospital  with a sometimes devastating effect on their health. The 146-page report provides the most detailed assessment so far of the tens of thousands of hospitals, care homes and GP surgeries in England. But the watchdog is most concerned about hospitals where 'too much' care is inadequate.

The CQC has inspected 133 hospital trusts since 2014  there are 155 in total  and each has been given a rating of outstanding down to inadequate.

Rising pressure from social care crisis

In addition, each trust has been given a separate rating for safety, based on the measures taken to ensure patients are not at risk.

For safety, 10 per cent were rated 'inadequate' and 71 per cent requires improvement. Just 20 per cent were 'good' and not one was outstanding. In terms of overall care, 6 per cent were graded inadequate, 52 per cent required improvement, 37 per cent were good and only 5 per cent outstanding.

Inspectors visiting Barts Health Trust in East London, one of the worst, found that urgent cancer operations were routinely being cancelled due to a lack of beds.

At Medway Foundation Trust in Gillingham, Kent, they found that patients were being put at risk from blood clots, infections and pressure sores as nurses failed to carry out checks. Inspectors also noted that mould was growing on wards and staff were not regularly cleaning toilets.

The Care Quality Commission has rated 81 per cent of hospital trusts as either inadequate or requiring improvement

'We have found too much acute care that we rated inadequate particularly urgent and emergency services and medical services.' the report states.

David Behan, CQC chief executive, warned there was 'emerging evidence of deterioration in quality'. 'We are becoming concerned about the fragility of the adult social care market, with evidence suggesting it might be approaching a tipping point. The result is that some people are not getting the help they need, which in turn creates problems in other parts of the health and care system.'

At Portsmouth Hospital Foundation trust, inspectors found up to 16 ambulances were queued up outside A&E because it was too full to take more patients.

And at North Middlesex Hospital, North London, a patient lay dead in the casualty department for four-and-a-half hours because staff were too busy to notice. Barbara Keeley MP, Labour's spokesman for mental health and social care, said: 'This report should set alarm bells ringing right across Government about the very real crisis facing health and care services in England.'

Katherine Murphy, chief executive of the Patients Association, called the findings 'sobering'.

She said: 'The tide has turned and the pressures are becoming so great that the health and social care sector is struggling to meet demand whilst delivering excellent quality care.'
Hard-pressed orderlies in white coats spent the day rushing to and fro with iced flannels, to be placed on the fevered brows of pro-Brussels MPs.

My dears, le tout snootocracy was in a state of the most tremendous agitation about Brexit. Cross fists were shaken, fingers pointed. Voices became husky  hollow!  with grieving disbelief. Britain was really going to leave the European federal project? You mean it wasnt just some bad dream? Nooooo!

It is as if the great news of June 24, that dawn of our liberation from the bossy EU, has only just reached this metropolitan elite.

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Former Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg waved his arms around during the Brexit debate

In recent days they have taken off into the ether like one of those Olympic pole vaulters who has just pronged his stick into terra firma. Twang! Up he rises, goggle-eyed with the sheer effort of it all. There will come the inevitable, flailing-limbed descent once these Bremoaners have reconnected with reality. But for the moment the likes of Ed Miliband (Lab, Doncaster N) and Nick Clegg (Lib Dem, Sheffield Hallam) are bawlingly bereft.

Labour had called an Opposition Day debate on our exit from the EU. I will not bore you for the entire column about it, for it was truly no more significant than the barking of mongrels at a passing Royal Mail van, but no doubt the BBC will be giving it bells and whistles, so a few observations may be in order.

Nicky Morgan (Con, Loughborough),gave a speech of pinkening anger. Having said she would insist on scrutinising the Government every inch of its path to Brexit, she complained that some had dared to scrutinise her own (most peculiar) behaviour of late. I suppose one or two of us may have tweaked her hooter a bit, but why not?

I resent it! snapped Mistress Morgan, in earlier life a corporate solicitor in mergers and acquisitions (no wonder she likes the EU). She thundered that the more she was herself scrutinised, the more difficult she intended to become. Point of information: Her constituents voted to Leave by 54 per cent.

Nick Boles, right, once a firm remainer, has admitted the Europhiles must change their views

Mrs Morgan said that the negotiations with the EU would likely continue for months, years and decades. Is she right? Surely two years at most would suffice.

When we cancel a contract with a mobile telephone supplier we do not continue to negotiate with that company for decades. It may even be open to question whether or not the EU will still be around in even one decades time. But it may outlast Mrs Morgans political career.

Kwasi Kwarteng (Con, Spel-thorne), a firm Brexiteer, boomed that the debate was more like a group therapy session. He could not understand all this pant-wetting (not quite his phrase, I admit) about us leaving the Single Market. Most countries have plentiful access to the Single Market but are not members, said Mr Kwarteng.

Nick Boles (Con, Grantham & Stamford) gave an interesting speech. Though a devoted Remainer at the referendum, he now saw that Europhiles needed to understand the vastness of what had just happened. They should change their views accordingly.

Theresa May, pictured, as unflappable at PMQs when facing Labour's 'New Ed Balls'

The Labour benches were warned about their failure to topple Jeremy Corbyn, pictured

The weekly PMQs set-piece was held in advance of the Brexit debate

Earlier we had PMQs where Theresa May was unflappable, despite taking verbal gyp from Emily Thornberry (more properly called Lady Nugee), who has become the Labour front benchs new Ed Balls.

Mrs May claimed that acid Emily was rabbiting on about a second vote on the EU. I would have thought, said the PM, that Labour MPs would have learned this lesson: You can ask the same question again, you still get the answer you dont want.

Labour MPs, reminded of their unsuccessful attempt to topple Jeremy Corbyn, fell glumly silent while the Tory benches roared.
Fear over the availability of Marmite has got people worried, after supermarket giant Tesco announced it would be in short supply.

The retailer is locked in a row with supplier Unilever, which reportedly wanted to bring in a 10 per cent price increase because of the falling value of the pound.

Tesco refused to cough up, leading to a very British stand off.

And this is what people on Twitter make of the whole debacle.

Brexit or Bae: Many marmite fans digitally altered pots of the black stuff to reflect the row

Fear over the availability of Marmite has got people worried, after supermarket giant Tesco announced it would be in short supply

Big Sam can apparently help get hold of Marmite still, despite it becoming scarce

The Holy Grail of supermarket shopping? Indiana Jones may well become interested if Marmite becomes obsolete

Marmite and ice cream shortages have got people seriously worried about the effects of Brexit

An opportunity for the entrepreneur (to the Only Fools and Horses theme): Del Boy and co have the chance to make a killing

An apocalyptic world in which people never get to taste Marmite has been imagined

Oops: Demand for Marmite is particulary high in the current climate

Diminishing stock: Even the stars of TV children's favourite Trumpton are being dragged into the row

Standing guard: With Marmite set to become a rare commodity, people are keeping a close eye on their neighbours

Alternative: Perhaps Vegemite could be the way forward

Enterprising souls have already braced themselves for big offers for their jars of Marmite on eBay

People are very worried about Marmite supplies because of the dispute between Tesco and Unilever

Marmite isn't the only product that's got people worried - Coleman's mustard is another Unilever brand that is in short supply

People are also worried about the effect a shortage of Lynx deodorants could have

People are alarmed about PG Tips disappearing from supermarket shelves as a result of the dispute
Americans should vote for Donald Trump as president next month or risk being dragged into an apocalyptic nuclear war, a close ally of Russian leader Vladimir Putin has threatened.

Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a flamboyant lawmaker known for his fiery rhetoric, said the Republican candidate was the only person able to calm the growing tension between Moscow and Washington.

By contrast, Mr Zhirinovsky said if Democratic rival Hillary Clinton becomes president it could spark World War Three.

Americans should vote for Donald Trump as president, a close ally of Russian leader Vladimir Putin has threatened

Many Russians regard Mr Zhirinovsky as a clownish figure who makes outspoken statements to grab attention  but he is also viewed as a faithful servant of the Kremlin who is sometimes used to float radical opinions to test public reaction.

'Relations between Russia and the United States can't get any worse. The only way they can get worse is if a war starts,' said Mr Zhirinovsky. 'Americans voting for a president must realise they are voting for peace on planet Earth if they vote for Trump. But if they vote for Hillary, it's war. There will be Hiroshimas and Nagasakis everywhere.

'Victory for Trump would be a gift to humanity. But if Hillary Clinton wins she will be the last US president ever.'

Mrs Clinton has previously accused Mr Trump of being too cosy with Putin and questioned his business interests in Russia. But in comments that delighted Moscow, Trump has questioned the value of Nato, spoken about Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea in 2014 and suggested that the United States under his leadership would adopt a more isolationist foreign policy.

By contrast, Mr Zhirinovsky said if Democratic rival Hillary Clinton becomes president it could spark World War Three

'He [Trump] won't care about Syria, Libya and Iraq, and why on earth should America interfere in these countries? Trump will have a brilliant chance to make relations more peaceful. He's the only one who can do this,' said Mr Zhirinovsky, adding that Mr Trump could even win a Nobel peace prize.

However, Mr Zhirinovsky described Mrs Clinton as 'an evil mother-in-law' and said her record as secretary of state showed she was unfit to lead her country.

If they vote for Hillary, it's war

'She craves power. Her view is that Hillary is the most important person on the planet, that America is an exceptional country,' said Zhirinovsky. 'That's dangerous. She could start a nuclear war.'

In typically chauvinistic remarks, Mr Zhirinovsky said Mrs Clinton's gender should also bar her from the presidency. 'Americans should choose Trump because men have been leading for millions of years. You can't take the risk of having one of the most powerful countries led by a woman,' he said.

Donald Trump's civil war with the Republican Party escalated as insiders claimed his financial backers were starting to ask for their money back. He has been plunging in the polls since an 11-year-old video revealed him boasting about groping women.
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A scenic spot in central China has opened an impressive sightseeing escalator to take tourists down a mountain.

The 688-metre-long (2,260 feet) machine, branded as the world's longest sightseeing escalator, is located in Hubei province and allows visitors to see the sights during the 18-minute journey, reports the People's Daily Online.

Climbing plants have been added in the hope that the escalators will blend into the environment in the future.

Relax and enjoy the view: An aerial view of the 2,260-foot-long sightseeing escalator at the Enshi Grand Canyon in China

18 minutes from the top to the bottom: Tourists take the sightseeing escalator, branded as the world's longest, on October 3

Environmentally friendly? The escalator is made from local sustainable sources and plants have been planted right next to it

The formidable escalator is located in Enshi Grand Canyon just outside of Enshi city.

It cost some 36 million to build (4.3 million) and takes 18 minutes to travel from start to finish.

Around 7,300 people can be transported every hour from the top of the site right down to the canyon.

A spokesman at En'shi Grand Canyon Scenic Spot told MailOnline: 'Now tourists can take the escalator to go down the mountain all the way. It improves the degree of comfort during their journey.'

The escalator was opened in time for the Golden Week national holiday and was busy with tourists wanting to try out the new transportation method.

That's a busy escalator: It can transport 7,300 people an hour from the top of the site right down to the canyon

Expensive contraption: It cost some 32 million to build (3.8 million) and takes 18 minutes to travel from start to finish

Stunning view: Plants and trees have been placed alongside the escalator in the hope it will blend into the environment

The escalator was built in two phases with the final phase fully opened to the public on October 1

The spokesman said: 'We opened the second phase of this escalator on October 1 for the October Golden Week. It is built on the route for tourists to go down the mountain.'

'In May, 2011, we opened the first phase, which was 288 metres long (945 feet). The first phase covered part of the route going down the mountain, now the escalator is 688 metres long (2,260 feet) and it covers the whole journey to descend the mountain.'

'During October 1 to 7, 150,000 tourists our scenic spot and 70,000 of them used the escalator. The number is higher than our expectation.'

The escalator is made from local sustainable sources and plants have been planted right next to the transportation device to blend it into the environment.

Visitors have shared their experiences of the new attraction on social media site Weibo.

One user commented: 'I went there during the national holiday. My dad and grandma took the escalator. They ended up arriving later than those who took the staircases.'

Another user said: 'I visited there in winter. It was so windy. I would never go hiking again.'

While another wrote: 'I visited there before. I didn't take the escalator downhill. I took the staircase.'

Greenery: The escalator is made from local sustainable sources and plants have been planted right next to the machine

Tourists take the 'world's longest sightseeing escalator' made from local sustainable materials

Tourists ride on the escalator during the Golden Week holdidays, one of China's busiest tourist seasons
A massive set of more than 400 human footprints found by geologists is thought to date back to between 10,000 and 19,000 years ago.

It was previously thought that the footprints dated back as far as 120,000 years, and that they had been preserved by ash falling from the sky, following the eruption of a nearby volcano.

But the research team has now been able to date them more accurately after discovering that a muddy flow of debris and ash from the volcano's sides was responsible.

The huge collection of footprints was discovered on mudflats on the southern shore of Lake Natron in the village of Engare Sero in northern Tanzania (pictured)

HOW WERE THE FOOTPRINTS PRESERVED? Due to high levels of ash present in the mud preserving the footprints, researchers led by Appalachian State University geologist Cynthia Liutkus-Pierce believe it may have washed down from the nearby Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano. It is thought that the the surface would have dried out in days, or even hours, preserving the prints. A subsequent flow of volcanic debris is then thought to have buried the footprints, leaving them untouched until recent years. Advertisement

The footprints were preserved in the mud nine miles away from a volcano that is sacred to the Maasai.

'It's a very complicated site,' William Harcourt-Smith, a paleoanthropologist at the City University of New York and a member of the research team told National Geographic.

'There's one area where there are so many prints, we've nicknamed it the "dance hall", because I've never seen so many prints in one place....it's completely nuts.'

No other site in Africa has as many homo sapien footprints.

The huge collection of footprints was discovered on mudflats on the southern shore of Lake Natron in the village of Engare Sero in northern Tanzania.

The Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano, known to the Maasai people as 'Mountain of God', towers over the lake.

The researchers were led by Appalachian State University geologist and National Geographic grantee Dr Cynthia Liutkus-Pierce.

'The footprints were created (and then preserved) sometime between 19,000 and 10-12,000 years ago,' Dr Liutkus-Pierce told MailOnline.

'This means that the Engare Sero prints are latest Pleistocene in age.'

'The footprints at Engare Sero add to the unique record of fossil footprint sites throughout the world.

'They record traces of our ancestors, their activity and behaviour during the latest Pleistocene along the margin of Lake Natron in Tanzania.'

The Maasai regularly travel on pilgrimages to the volcano to pay tribute to their god Engai.

The huge collection of footprints was discovered on mudflats on the southern shore of Lake Natron in the village of Engare Sero in northern Tanzania. No other site in Africa has as many homo sapien footprints

Due to high levels of ash present in the mud preserving the footprints, researchers the believe it may have washed down from the volcano.

It is thought that the the surface would have dried out in days, or even hours, preserving the prints.

'Immediately after the footprints were pressed into the wet mud and ash, the wet sediments dried out and hardened,' Dr Luitkius-Pierce told MailOnline.

'We see evidence of this because the footprinted surface has large polygonal mudcracks on it.

'However, our laboratory research indicates that once that hardened mud and ash gets wet again, traces of any impressions are destroyed.

Researchers were able to identify at least 24 tracks, including evidence that some of the prints were made by people jogging

'Therefore, in order to preserve the Engare Sero footprints, the hardened, dried surface had to be buried soon after it formed.'

After the footprints were made, they were buried by another flow of mud and ash from the nearby volcano.

'Because they were buried, they were now protected from weathering and erosion until some time much later when the modern Engare Sero River wore through the rock units and exposed the footprinted surface.'

Researchers were able to identify at least 24 tracks, including evidence that some of the prints were made by people jogging.

They were also able to identify a group of more than 12 people travelling together.

The huge collection of footprints was discovered on mudflats on the southern shore of Lake Natron in the village of Engare Sero in northern Tanzania

Some of the footprints were found by a local villager more than ten years ago, but only came to the attention of the scientific community in 2008 when an American conservationist visited the area.

The team had originally believed that the mud preserving the footprints had resulted from falling ash, following a volcanic eruption.

This led them to initially estimate that the prints were around 120,000 years old.

However, the team later concluded that the ash had been carried by water, enabling them to determine a maximum age for the footprints by finding the youngest crystal present in the mud.

A shell discovered in the mud above the footprints eventually led the team to conclude that the prints were between 5,000 and 19,100 years old.

As well as carrying out geochemical, the researchers teamed up with the Smithsonian to create 3D scans of the entire area, reports National Geographic.

The team is looking into the long-term preservation of the site, but the 3D modelling acts as a useful backup.

The researchers believe that there are probably even more footprints buried beneath the area's northern sand dunes.

The findings could shed light on ancient human behaviour in the latest Pleistocene.

They could give an insight into ancient humans' potentially hazardous interaction with the area's volcanically active shoreline.
It might seem like an idea taken straight out of science fiction, but a 'space nation' could soon become a reality.

At least, that is if plans developed by an international group of scientists, announced today, go ahead.

The team has announced it will kick-start the independent nation, which it has dubbed Asgardia, by launching a satellite next year.

It might seem like an idea taken straight out of science fiction, but a nation of people living in space could soon become a reality. This is if plans developed by an international group scientists, which have been announced today, go ahead. Artist's impression pictured

THE THREAT OF SPACE JUNK There are estimated to be more than 20,000 traceable objects of man-made space junk, including old spacecraft, upper-stage rockets and final stage vehicles in near-Earth orbits. Natural objects in space also pose a threat to life on the planet. For example. the impact of the Chelyabinsk meteorite which crashed over a major Russian town in 2013, injuring 1,100 people and damaging 4,000 buildings. Advertisement

People can sign up to become a citizen on the Asgardia project website, but only the first 100,000 will become citizens.

The project is creating a new framework for ownership and nationhood in space, by creating a completely new nation, according to the project leaders.

The team, led by Dr Igor Ashurbeyli, founder of the Aerospace International Research Center, unveiled the bizarre plans at a press conference today in Paris.

One of the early developments planned by the team will be the creation of a state-of-the-art protective shield for all humankind.

This will protect the world from cosmic threats, both man-made and natural, to life on earth.

This includes space debris, solar flares and asteroid collisions, the researchers say.

There are estimated to be more than 20,000 traceable objects of man-made space junk, including old spacecraft, upper-stage rockets and final stage vehicles in near-Earth orbits.

The launch of the first Asgardia satellite is planned for 2017, and the scientists hope the project will develop from there. When it is launched, the satellite will enter a low-earth orbit

The team is led by Dr Igor Ashurbeyli, pictured, founder of the Aerospace International Research Center

Natural objects in space also pose a threat to life on the planet.

For example. the impact of the Chelyabinsk meteorite which crashed over a major Russian town in 2013, injuring 1,100 people and damaging 4,000 buildings.

'The project's concept comprises three parts  philosophical, legal and scientific/technological,' said Dr Igor Ashurbeyli.

'Asgardia is a fully-fledged and independent nation, and a future member of the United Nations - with all the attributes this status entails.'

'The essence of Asgardia is Peace in Space, and the prevention of Earth's conflicts being transferred into space,' Dr Ashurbeyli said.

People can sign up to become a citizen on the Asgardia project website . Asgardia's website will allow the first 100,000 people to register to become citizens of the new space nation

The name comes from the city of the skies ruled by Odin from Valhalla in Norse mythology. Asgard is also the name of a fictional realm and its capital city within the Marvel Comics universe The Norse city of Asgard, from the film Thor is pictured.

The launch of the first Asgardia satellite is planned for 2017, and the scientists hope the project will develop from there.

When it is launched, the satellite will enter a low-earth orbit.

'As low-earth orbit becomes more accessible, what's often called the 'democratisation'of space, a pathway is opening up to new ideas and approaches from a rich diversity of participants,' said Professor David Alexander, Director of the Rice Space Institute at Rice University, Houston, Texas.

ASGARDIA: THE FIRST SPACE NATION Asgardia is the first 'space nation'. The name comes from the city of the skies ruled by Odin from Valhalla in Norse mythology. It is described as 'a fully-fledged and independent nation, and a future member of the United Nations'. The Asgardia Project Team is made up of experts from around the globe. The project team is being led by Dr Igor Ashurbeyli, a Russian scientist and founder of the Aerospace International Research Center (AIRC) in Vienna. Yesterday, he became chairman of UNESCOs Science of Space committee. By creating a new space nation, the experts behind the project hope to be able to develop future space technology free from the restrictions of state control. The first Asgardia satellite is planned to be launched in autumn 2017. One of Asgardia's first projects will be the creation of a protective shield to protect humankind from space debris, including asteroids. The project will involve members of the public by running competitions to help design the nation's flag and insignia. Asgardia's website will allow the first 100,000 people to register to become citizens of the new space nation. Advertisement

'The mission of Asgardia to create opportunities for broader access to space, enabling non-traditional space nations to realise their scientific aspirations is exciting.'

The researchers hope by creating this 'space nation', they will start a new framework for ownership and nationhood in space.

'An appropriate and unique global space legal regime is indispensable for governing outer space in order to ensure it is explored on a sustainable basis for exclusively peaceful purposes and to the benefit of all humanity, including future generations living on planet earth and in outer space,' said Professor Ram Jakhu, Director, Institute of Air and Space Law at McGill University, Montreal, Canada.
From driverless cars to virtual personal assistants - breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI) technology could lead to a loss of jobs for humans.

And humankind currently does not have the skills to compete, according to a new report.

Government officials have called for a Commission on AI to be established in order to investigate the social, ethical and legal implications of the technology.

They warn that if British workers don't acquire new skills, millions could lost their jobs to machines.

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While some expect rising unemployment as labour is substituted for AI-enabled robots and machines, others foresee a transformation in the type of employment available, says the report. Pictured is a AI cyborg from the film Terminator Genisys

'JUSTICE LEAGUE' FOR AI The big tech firms of Silicon Valley are working to take on the most pertinent challenges of AI before they can even arise. Researchers with Alphabet, Amazon, Facebook, IBM, and Microsoft have teamed up to create a standard of ethics for the development of AI, with hopes that establishing guidelines can help to ensure that future technologies are intended solely for the benefit of humankind. The group has not yet revealed its name or the specifics of its plans, but has so far met to discuss many of the issues surrounding AI, including jobs, transportation, and warfare, the New York Times reports. Advertisement

The report from the UK government's Science and Technology Committee admits that the authorities do not yet have a strategy for helping citizens to flourish in a post-AI world.

'Concerns about machines 'taking jobs' and eliminating the need for human labour have persisted for centuries.

'Nevertheless it is conceivable that we will see AI technology creating new jobs over the coming decades while at the same time displacing others,' explained Dr Tania Mathias, interim Chair of the Committee.

'Since we cannot yet foresee exactly how these changes will play out, we must respond with a readiness to re-skill and up-skill'.

While some expect rising unemployment as labour is substituted for AI-enabled robots and machines, others foresee a transformation in the type of employment available, says the report.

The report highlights the need for flexible education and training that can be adapted to the changing requirement of the workforce and tackle the 'digital skills crisis'.

The committee has suggested establishing a Commission on Artificial Intelligence at the Alan Turing Institute, the UK's national centre for data science, headquartered at the British Library in London.

'It is too soon to set down sector-wide regulations for this nascent field but it is vital that careful scrutiny of the ethical, legal and societal ramifications of artificially intelligent systems begins now,' said Dr Mathias.

'It is conceivable that we will see AI technology creating new jobs over the coming decades while at the same time displacing others' said Dr Tania Mathias, interim Chair of the UK's government Science and Technology Committee

While AI systems have the potential to improve life for humankind, they also raise questions around the transparency of AI decision-making, as well as privacy and safety.

The committee believes that the UK is well-placed to provide the global leadership needed, with many AI technologies having been developed at UK start-up companies.

However, the report finds that government leadership in AI is currently lacking.

'Some major technology companies  including Google and Amazon  have recently come together to form the 'Partnership on AI', said Dr Mathias.

'While it is encouraging that the sector is thinking about the risks and benefits of AI, this does not absolve the Government of its responsibilities'.

Last month, major tech companies in Silicon Valley revealed that they had teamed up to create a standard of ethics for the development of AI.
The typical millennial is a work-shy, gadget-addicted, selfie-taking layabout.

At least that's the stereotype that is typically used to describe the younger generation.

But the evidence suggests young people may not be so lazy after all.

A study has found the idea that older generations work harder than youngsters today is just a myth, with no difference in work ethic across the generations.

While the stereotype of a millennial paints a picture of a gadget-addicted, selfie-takers with poor work ethic (stock image used), the study found no generational difference in work ethic

The idea that baby boomers of the post-war era have an inherent 'Protestant work ethic'  to be hardworking, firm and fair  is deeply ingrained in society.

Despite huge shifts in working practices, longer hours, increased dependence on technology and 24-hour connectivity, it is debated whether younger generations, such as Generation X (born before 1980) and millennials (born before 2000) have the same drive and affinity for hard work as their elders.

By analysing the findings from a large number of studies carried out on work ethic, researchers from Radford University in Virginia searched for differences.

The team, led by Agnieszka Shepard, tested the idea formed from deep cultural stereotypes among the three groups.

Baby boomers are believed to view work as a meaningful and fulfilling part of life.

The idea that older generations have an inherent strong work ethic is deeply ingrained in society (stock image used). But researchers have found that when it comes to work ethic there was no real difference compared with younger generations

As they were born in the post-war period of economic expansion, the consensus was simply working hard would lead to a better life.

GENERATION BROKE They are the first generation to do worse than its parents as far as data is available. A new investigation into the prospects of Millennials - or Generation Y - has revealed that those born between 1980 and the mid-1990s are suffering huge levels of financial inequality. The study , which used exclusive data from the LIS (Luxembourg Income Study): Cross-National Data Center, established that a series of factors including debt, rising house prices and unemployment played a role in dropping incomes for young people. In many of the countries, young adults are earning as much as 20 per cent below their average fellow citizens while pensioners have seen income increase. The latest research, however, suggest that this has nothing to do with their overall work ethic. Advertisement

Generation X'ers on the other hand were thought less likely to endorse this ethic, as they were born into a period of growing economic problems and increased urbanisation.

The late-comers, the millennials, were thought least likely to subscribe to the strong work ethic.

This shift in attitude was thought to be down to being born into a world with billions more people, less economic and job security, dependence on technology and a drive for a better work-life balance.

After taking into account changing factors such as age, family commitments, and hours of work, the researchers found that when it came to endorsing the idea of a strong work ethic, there were no real generational differences between the baby boomers, Generation X and Millennials.

Writing in the Journal of Business Psychology, the authors explain: 'The finding that generational differences do not exist in [work ethic] suggests that twenty-first-century skills should not be affected by any generational differences in [work ethic].
An amateur palaentologist who discovered a 200 million-year-old fossil accidentally smashed it to pieces while he was excavating it.

But then, instead of giving up on the fossil, he spent two years painstakingly gluing it back together.

The fossil came from a plesiosaur, long-necked marine reptiles that were in fact distant relatives of the dinosaurs, and is only one of two specimens of its species ever found in the UK.

The fossil (pictured) came from a plesiosaur, long-necked marine reptiles that were in fact distant relatives of the dinosaurs, and is only one of two specimens of its species ever found in the UK

THE FOSSIL'S IMPORTANCE The fossil came from a plesiosaur, long-necked marine reptiles that were in fact distant relatives of the dinosaurs. It is only one of two specimens of its species ever found in the UK. 'Jonathan's finds are of utmost importance, especially for understanding the prehistoric animals that were once alive in what is now Wales,' said Paleontologist Dean Lomax, honorary visiting scientist at the University of Manchester. 'Most fossils, when they are discovered, they're surrounded by rock and this rock must be removed to reveal the fossil inside. 'In the case of Jonathan's ichthyosaur and plesiosaur, he had to collect the specimens in several blocks and very carefully piece them together and remove bit-by-bit the rock surrounding the delicate bones. 'This is skillfully undertaken by using tiny air-powered needles, similar to a dentist's drill. Jonathan has made a great contribution to Welsh palaeontology.' Advertisement

Jonathan Bow found the 200-million-year-old plesiosaur fossil on a beach stroll near Cardiff in November 2014.

The nine-square-foot discovery is the largest fossil ever found in Wales, and was far too heavy for him to move, so instead he tried to chisel the fossil free from the surrounding rock.

In the process, he broke it into 200 pieces.

'Bad weather earlier in the week had shifted around a vast amount of pebbles and exposed new rocks to investigate,' said Mr Bow, a computer programmer from Porthcawl, Wales.

'Jonathan's finds are of utmost importance, especially for understanding the prehistoric animals that were once alive in what is now Wales,' said Paleontologist Dean Lomax, honorary visiting scientist at the University of Manchester.

'Most fossils, when they are discovered, they're surrounded by rock and this rock must be removed to reveal the fossil inside.

'In the case of Jonathan's ichthyosaur and plesiosaur, he had to collect the specimens in several blocks and very carefully piece them together and remove bit-by-bit the rock surrounding the delicate bones.

'This is skillfully undertaken by using tiny air-powered needles, similar to a dentist's drill.

'Jonathan has made a great contribution to Welsh palaeontology.'

'The fossil was sitting in a thin band of shale, which was on top of a 3ft [0.91 metres] by 3ft lump of limestone that had fallen out of the cliff probably decades, if not centuries, before.

'The whole block was too heavy to move and so I tried to find the weak spot between the shale layer and the limestone layer and then used my hammer to try and prize the shale away from the limestone.

'Unfortunately this shale is very sticky and so the fossil ended up in about 200 pieces.

An amateur palaentologist (pictured) who discovered a 200 million year old fossil accidentally smashed it to pieces while he was excavating it. But then, instead of giving up on the fossil, he spent two years gluing it back together

Although they lived on the planet at the same time, plesiosaurs sit on a different evolutionary branch to the dinosaurs that ruled the land. They were long-necked marine reptiles that were in fact distant relatives of the dinosaurs. Artist's impression of a pleiosaur, pictured

According to Mr Bow, experts believe the latest fossil belongs to a subspecies of the plesiosaur, called Avalonnectes. The only other specimen of this species believed to have been found in the UK was from Somerset

At the time the plesiosaur lived, Wales was a collection of warm tropical islands, which were attractive to the ichthyosaurus, primitive fish, and the occasional plesiosaur

ARE PLESIOSAURS DINOSAURS? Although they lived on the planet at the same time, plesiosaurs sit on a different evolutionary branch to the dinosaurs that ruled the land. They were long-necked marine reptiles that were in fact distant relatives of the dinosaurs. While dinosaurs are considered to be the prehistoric ancestors of modern birds, plesiosaurs are more like modern reptiles. Plestiosaurs were among the first type of extinct reptile to be discovered, long before dinosaur bones began to be found. Researchers recently claimed to have discovered how these creatures also moved through the water. Using computer modelling they say the animals flapped their four flippers, much in the same way that penguins do. Advertisement

He then spent the next two years painstakingly gluing it back together with tubes of super glue and replacing missing bones before revealing his find.

According to Mr Bow, experts believe the latest fossil belongs to a subspecies of the plesiosaur, called Avalonnectes.

The only other specimen of this species believed to have been found in the UK was from Somerset.

At the time the plesiosaur lived, Wales was a collection of warm tropical islands, which were attractive to the ichthyosaurus, primitive fish, and the occasional plesiosaur.

Although they lived on the planet at the same time, plesiosaurs sit on a different evolutionary branch to the dinosaurs that ruled the land.

They were long-necked marine reptiles that were in fact distant relatives of the dinosaurs.

While dinosaurs are considered to be the prehistoric ancestors of modern birds, plesiosaurs are more like modern reptiles.

Some believe that the famous Loch Ness Monster is a plesiosaur.

The fossil is now the most 'complete' fossil of a plesiosaur ever found in Wales.

Jonathan Bow with the reconstructed fossil. Mr Bow's love of fossils began when he was very young. 'Every year from a young age my father would take my brother and me on trips to Lyme Regis to look for fossil ammonites, so my interest started then,' he said

The nine-square-foot discovery is the largest fossil ever found in Wales, and was far too heavy for Mr Bow to move, so instead he tried to chisel the fossil free from the surrounding rock

To stick the fossil back together again, Mr Bow used off-the-shelf super glue. An adult plesiosaur would typically grow to be two-metres long and ate mostly fish. He says he found the lower jaw, inch-long teeth, ribs, rear pelvic region and elements of a flipper

Mr Bow is pictured left with the finished fossil, and right gluing it back together. Although they lived on the planet at the same time, plesiosaurs sit on a different evolutionary branch to the dinosaurs that ruled the land

While dinosaurs are considered to be the prehistoric ancestors of modern birds, plesiosaurs are more like modern reptiles.

To stick the fossil back together again, Mr Bow used off-the-shelf super glue.

An adult plesiosaur would typically grow to be 6.56 feet (2 metres) long and ate mostly fish.

Mr Bow says he found the lower jaw, inch-long teeth, ribs, rear pelvic region and elements of a flipper.

'I hope that the rest of it is somewhere else on the beach,' he said.

'I find, collect, and prepare all the fossils myself and then inform my academic contacts within the palaeontology world with regards to some of the more important items.

'I've also donated items to Cardiff Museum.'

'I have another local find of interest which is currently with the National Museum of Wales which could be a micro sized crocodile.

'If so it is more than likely something new to science and could hopefully be named after me.'

Mr Bow's love of fossils began when he was very young.

'Every year from a young age my father would take my brother and me on trips to Lyme Regis to look for fossil ammonites, so my interest started then,' he said.
European explorer Marco Polo arrived in China in 1275 AD, after dreaming of exploring the distant world for years.

Historians had thought this was the first contact between China and the west, but now a startling new study suggests otherwise.

The report, outlined in an upcoming BBC documentary, suggests China was in contact with ancient Greek artists 1,500 years before Marco Polo arrived in the east.

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A report , outlined in an upcoming BBC documentary, suggests China was in contact with ancient Greek artists 1,500 years before Marco Polo arrived in the east. The controversial claim is based on two pieces of evidence, one involves the Terracotta Warriors

The controversial claim is based on two pieces of evidence.

The first is European DNA discovered at sites in China's Xinjiang province from the time of the First Emperor in the third century BC.

The samples revealed Europeans settled in China during the time of the First Emperor, the BBC reports.

The second is the sudden appearance of life-sized statues, the Terracotta Army found close to the tomb of China's First Emperor.

Until then, human figures made by the Chinese had been much smaller, and researchers put this sudden increase in size down to contact with Ancient Greek artists.

The Terracotta Army found close to the tomb of China's First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. Qin Shi Huang lived between 259-210BC and became the first emperor of a unified China

Since they were discovered by local farmers in 1974, experts have questioned whether the life-size models of soldiers were modelled on real warriors, or whether they came off a production line, with random individual details such as hairstyles, added to mark them apart.

The new documentary, 'The Greatest Tomb on Earth: Secrets of Ancient China', will be shown in the UK on BBC2 on Sunday at 8PM BST.

It suggests the inspiration for the Terracotta Warriors may have come from Ancient Greece.

'We now have evidence that close contact existed between the First Emperor's China and the West before the formal opening of the Silk Road ,' said archaeologist Li Xiuzhen, from the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's Mausoleum Site Museum.

THE TERRACOTTA WARRIORS The figures could have been influenced by Greek sculptors, who may have visited the site to train the locals The Terracotta Army is a form of funerary art buried with the First Emperor in 210 to 209 BC and whose purpose was to protect the emperor in his afterlife. Arguably the most famous archaeological site in the world, it was discovered by chance by villagers in 1974, and excavation has been on-going at the site since that date. An extraordinary feat of mass-production, each figure was given an individual personality although they were not intended to be portraits. The figures vary in height according to their roles, with the tallest being the generals. Current estimates are that there were over 8,000 soldiers, 130 chariots with 520 horses and 150 cavalry horses, the majority of which are still buried. Since 1998, figures of terracotta acrobats, bureaucrats, musicians and bronze birds have been discovered on site. They were designed to entertain the Emperor in his afterlife they are of crucial importance to our understanding of his attempts to control the world even in death. Advertisement

'This is far earlier than we formerly thought.'

'We now think the Terracotta Army, the Acrobats and the bronze sculptures found on site have been inspired by ancient Greek sculptures and art,' Dr Xiuzhen said.

Professor Lukas Nickel from the University of Vienna said statues of acrobats recently found at the same tomb also support this theory.

These could have been influenced by Greek sculptors, who may have visited the site to train the locals.

In May last year, archaeologists have used digital scanning techniques to help the enormous excavation in Xi'an, Shaanxi province.

They estimated the pit, which is thought to have been where the army's cavalry and archers were placed, also contained 89 war chariots along with statues of horses.

The Terracotta Warriors were found close to the tomb of Emperor Quin Shihuang in Xi'an in central China

This isn't the first time the theory of early Greek influence in China has been put forward.

In 2013, a School of Oriental and African Studies expert, Lukas Nickel said it is likely the 8,000 giant sculptures were the result of contact between Greece and China.

He cited newly translated ancient records that tell of giant statues appearing in the West, which inspired Qin Shi Huangdi, as evidence that the warriors of the First Emperor were based on 12 earlier life-size statues.

It is perfectly possible and actually likely that the sculptures of the First Emperor are the result of early contact between Greece and China, he told LiveScience at the time.
Hot on the heels of the launch of big name virtual reality headsets including the Oculus Rift and Sony's PlayStation VR, Microsoft has confirmed the imminent launch of its HoloLens headset.

Today, the software firm announced it would be rolling out pre-orders for two versions of the headsets in six countries, including the UK, Ireland and Australia.

The 3D holographic headsets offers an augmented reality experience, where graphics are overlaid on top of a real-world view.

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Microsoft is bringing its HoloLens to six more countries, including the UK and Ireland. Two versions of the HoloLens headsets (pictured) are now available to preorder online, with the development edition selling for 2,719 ($3,320) and a commercial version for 4,529 ($5,530)

MICROSOFT HOLOLENS ARRIVES IN THE UK Microsoft's mixed reality HoloLens headset is finally being rolled out to six more countries outside of the US. From today, pre-orders for the headsets are available in the UK, Ireland, France, Germany, Australia and New Zealand. It will be made available to developers and commercial partners in these countries. Two versions of HoloLens are available: a development edition selling for 2,719 ($3,320) and a commercial version for 4,529 ($5,530). Advertisement

The development version of the headset was launched in the US in March, but the additional six countries marks a big step forward for what the firm is calling 'the world's first self-contained holographic computer'.

It will be made available to developers and commercial partners in these countries.

Covered in sensors to detect the wearers environment, the headsets are powered by a custom-built Holographic Processing Unit (HPU) and an Intel 32-bit processor.

A number of concept videos posted by Microsoft before the release of HoloLens have depicted a headset which could turn the wearers environment into a work or leisure space, enabling them to manipulate holographic objects and displays projected by the device.

Announcing the release in a blog post, Microsofts Alex Kipman, said: Together, we have only scratched the surface for what mixed reality can do.

I cant wait to see what happens next as we welcome these new countries to our holographic landscape.

The 3D holographic headsets offers an augmented reality experience, layering graphics over the viewer's real-world view

Two HoloLens headsets are available to preorder online, with the development edition selling for 2,719 ($3,320) and a commercial version for 4,529 ($5,530).

The headset can now be preordered in the UK, Ireland, Australia, France, Germany and New Zealand, with headsets expected to begin shipping in November.

Kipman added: In welcoming these six new countries, October 12, 2016 marks another major milestone for us.

Each of these moments bring us closer to a more personal way of interacting with technology.

The headsets have been available to developers in the US since earlier this year, but today's announcement expands the release to six further countries, with devices expected to begin shipping in November (box pictured)

Covered in sensors to detect the wearers environment, the headsets are powered by a custom-built Holographic Processing Unit (HPU) and an Intel 32-bit processor

They empower us to go further together, making it possible for people to communicate, create and collaborate more easily than ever before.

But Microsofts augmented reality headset - or 'mixed reality', as Microsoft describes it - will be sharing the limelight, as PlayStations VR headset also launches this week.

Beyond just a headset, the Microsoft aims for Windows users to be able to navigate its desktop operating system using HoloLens from next year.

At a developers forum in August, Microsoft said a Holographic shell UI for Windows 10 will enable users to put on a headset to navigate their Windows computer.

HOLOLENS FEATURES Approved developers will receive the HoloLens development edition that includes the headset, a clicker for interacting with applications, a carrying case, nose pads and overheads straps. The headset is designed with multiple environment understanding sensors and powered by a custom-built Microsoft Holographic Processing Unit (HPU) and an Intel 32-bit chipset. The device weighs just a little over one pound and consists of 64GB of Flash memory and 2GB of RAM. The battery lasts for about two to three hours, with up to two weeks of standby time, says Microsoft. HoloLens has a 'see-through holographic lens' that uses an optical projection system to create multi-dimensional full-colour 'holograms'. According to Microsoft, 'the key to a great holographic experience is holograms that are light point rich, they have a high holographic density and are pinned, or anchored, to the world around you. In order to achieve this, the device has an optimal holographic density of 2.5k radiants. Advertisement
It is a dark and lonely region of space far beyond where our own spacecraft have explored.

But there is far more lurking in the frozen, distant reaches of our solar system than previously realised.

Astronomers who are searching for a mysterious new giant planet orbiting in the outskirts of the solar system have discovered a new minor world far beyond Neptune and Pluto.

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Astronomers who are searching for a mysterious new giant planet orbiting in outskirts of the solar system have discovered a new minor world far beyond Neptune and Pluto. Artist's impression of the view from the dwarf planet Sedna, which would be similar to the new planet

THE NEW DWARF PLANET The newly discovered object is 330 miles (530km) across and 8.5 billion miles (13.7 bn km) from the sun. It takes 1,100 years to complete a single orbit. The scientists behind the discovery think 2014 UZ224 is the third most-distant object in the solar system. Advertisement

Professor David Gerdes, from the University of Michigan, and colleagues found the new dwarf planet, named 2014 UZ224 when searching through images taken by the Dark Energy Camera, part of the Dark Energy Survey.

The Dark Energy Survey is a Southern Hemisphere observation project designed to probe the acceleration of the universe, by looking at the most distant galaxies.

But since it started peering into the sky three years ago, the project has proved surprisingly useful for answering mysteries much closer to home.

The newly discovered object is 330 miles across and 8.5 billion miles from the sun, and takes 1,100 years to complete a single orbit, according to NPR.

The scientists behind the discovery think 2014 UZ224 is the third most-distant object in the solar system.

'Objects in the solar system, when you observe them at one instant and then a little while later, they appear to be in a different place in the sky,' Professor Gerdes told NPR.

This new dwarf planet is exciting, but the astronomers are still searching for a much bigger world.

Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory in Chile, the home of the Dark Energy Camera. The Dark Energy Survey is a Southern Hemisphere observation project designed to probe the acceleration of the universe, by looking at the most distant galaxies

PLANET NINE Even the mysterious planet's name causes controversy. Mike Brown is Professor of Planetary Astronomy at Caltech. He is best known for his discovery of Eris, the most massive object found in the solar system in 150 years, and the object which led to the debate and eventual demotion of Pluto from a real planet to a dwarf planet. Alan Stern is an engineer and planetary scientist. He is the principal investigator of Nasa's New Horizons mission to Pluto. He is famously a defender of Pluto's planet title, which was stripped from it in 2006. The two scientists are 'at loggerheads' with each other over the classification of Pluto, according to some astronomers. The mysterious planet has always been termed 'Planet X', X being the roman numeral for ten, suggesting a tenth planet. But when Professor Brown and his team published the paper in January, they controversially named the planet 'Planet Nine' instead of Planet X, as a nod to Professor Brown's work towards declassifying Pluto. 'Calling it Planet Nine is very mischievous,' Professor Monica Grady told MailOnline. Advertisement

In January, Caltech astronomers Professor Konstantin Batygin and Professor Mike Brown predicted the existence of what they, somewhat controversially, termed Planet Nine.

They used mathematical modelling and computer simulations to find that the planet would exactly explain the strange clumping behaviour of a group of dwarf planets in the Kuiper Belt, a field of icy objects and debris beyond Neptune.

The unknown world, dubbed Planet X by others, is thought to be 10 times more massive than Earth and the furthest planet from the sun - but its exact location is unknown.

Since the prediction, researchers over the world have been using different instruments to hone in on the planet.

And the results pointed to an unexpected part of the sky, the part DES has been inspecting for the last two and a half years.

I fell into the search for Planet Nine almost by accident, Professor David Gerdes told MailOnline.

Professor Gerdes said he was looking for a project to give his students when Planet Nine was brought to his attention.

At the moment, Professor Gerdes and his team are going through a process of cataloguing the objects that have been spotted so far.

Most of the area of the sky that will be looked at has been surveyed so far, so if the planet is there and in the right part of its orbit, it should be hiding in the data.
It's not just kids who are addicted to technology  parents are just as guilty, researchers have warned.

A new study reveals parents' use of mobile technology around young children may be causing internal tension, conflicts and negative interactions within relationships.

Researchers suggest parents should track mobile usage, set boundaries and stay away from web activity that increases stress levels.

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It's not just kids who are addicted to technology  parents are just as guilt of being connected and it's creating problems at home. A study reveals parents' use of mobile technology around young children may be causing internal tension, conflicts and negative interactions with kids

HOW TO DISCONNECT Set boundaries: Create a family plan that includes places and times of day where devices are not to be used. For example, make a rule that there are to be no devices at dinner time or bedtime. Track your mobile use: Find out which apps that you spend the most uses, then create a block or filter to help you cut down on usage. Apps like 'Moment' and 'Quality Time' may also help you track mobile use and see where you may be spending too much time. Identify top device stressors: Reserve parts about your mobile device that are most stressful when your kids are occupied, such as checking work emails or reading the news. This way, you have your own time and space to process the information rather than interrupting time with kids who may react to your negative emotions with their own negativity. Advertisement

Parents are estimated to use smartphones, tablets and wearables for at least three hours everyday.

And although they often complain their children are glued to devices, previous research has shown that 34 percent of children believe it's their parents who are more addicted.

A study from the University of Michigan Health System has found that as technology has blurred the lines between work, home and social lives - parents struggle to finding a healthy balance.

'Parents are constantly feeling like they are in more than one place at once while parenting,' says lead author Jenny Radesky, M.D., a child behavior expert and pediatrician at University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital who conducted the study with colleagues from Boston Medical Center.

'They're still 'at work'. They're keeping up socially. All while trying to cook dinner and attend to their kids.'

During the study, Radesky and her colleagues recruited 35 caregivers, which included moms, dads and grandmothers, and asked them about their mobile technology use.

The team found that each participant was consistently expressing an internal battle between multitasking mobile technology use, work and children, information overload and emotional tensions around disrupting family routines, such as meal times.

One mom in the study described it as, 'the whole world is in your lap'.

And other parents explained it has a trickle-down effect - whatever they were reading on their device determined how they responded to their children, for example.

Parents also found that their children would crave more attention when they were heavily involved with their mobile devices, which prompted negative interactions such as snapping at kids.

However, these caregivers said that mobile technology also provides 'an escape' from the boredom and stress of parenting and home life demands.

Although parents feel technology is 'an escape' or a reminder that they have a life outside of their children and work, researchers suggest parents should identify device stressors, track mobile usage and set boundaries in order to balance work, home and social lives

Another mom views being connected after a long day is a reminder that she has a life beyond her kids.

'It's much harder to toggle between mom or dad brain and other aspects of life because the boundaries have all blurred together,' says Radesky.

'We wanted to understand how this was affecting parents emotionally.

'We found that parents are struggling to balance family time and the desire to be present at home with technology-based expectations like responding to work and other demands.'

RULES KIDS WISH PARENTS WOULD FOLLOW WITH DEVICES Be present -- Children felt there should be no technology at all in certain situations, such as when a child is trying to talk to a parent Child autonomy -- Parents should allow children to make their own decisions about technology use without interference Moderate use -- Parents should use technology in moderation and in balance with other activities Supervise children -- Parents should establish and enforce technology-related rules for children's own protection Not while driving -- Parents should not text while driving or sitting at a traffic light No hypocrisy -- Parents should practice what they preach, such as staying off the Internet at mealtimes No oversharing -- Parents shouldn't share information online about their children without explicit permission Advertisement

Other positives of the technology is the ability to work at home, it makes it easier to communicate with estranged family members by allowing a more 'filtered' view of their life and it also serves as a tool to keep peace in quiet in the house.

'You don't have to be available to your children 100 percent of the time -- in fact, it's healthy for them to be independent,' Radesky says.

'It's also important for parents to feel relevant at work and other parts of their lives.'
Northern Ireland is home to the Giant's Causeway, and it seems that the rock formation may not be the only giant in the country.

Scientists have identified a 'giant hotspot' in Northern Ireland, where people carry a gene mutation causing them to grow abnormally tall.

One in 150 people have the gene mutation in mid-Ulster, compared to just one in 2,000 people across the rest of the UK.

Scientists have identified a 'giant hotspot' in Northern Ireland, where people carry a gene causing them to grow abnormally tall (stock image)

THE MUTANT GENE The pituitary gland is responsible for causing people to become giants, by producing and releasing far more growth hormone than is needed. It is also close to the optic nerve, so can cause serious problems with sufferers' vision. Four out of five people with the mutant gene never suffer any ill effects, but 10 to 15 per cent end up with the condition acromegaly caused by the excessive growth hormone. Some develop larger than normal feet and hands in later life, while five to 10 per cent become giants. Advertisement

The mutant gene is believed to date back to the Iron Age, 2,500 years ago.

Every family which has it is distantly related to the 18th century freak show star Charles Byrne, who grew to 7ft 7in.

More than three-quarters of carriers will never develop health problems, but those who do can die from heart failure or haemorrhage.

Scientists hope their work will help find those at risk of passing on the gene.

Lead author Professor Patrick Morrison, president of the Ulster Medical Society, said: 'The moral of the story from this research is that most giants look fearsome, but they can be weak individuals.

'If you are seven feet tall, your heart has to pump harder to get the blood up another couple of feet to your brain, so these people get heart failure more easily.'

Brendan Holland, from Dungannon in Northern Ireland, who assisted with the study, has the gene and is 6ft 9 1/2ins tall.

Had he not received radiotherapy to cure him of its effects, experts believe he would have grown to 7ft 7ins, like Charles Byrne, and died in his early twenties.

Brendan Holland (pictured right), who assisted with the study, has the gene and is 6ft 9 1/2ins tall. Had he not received radiotherapy to cure him of its effects, experts believe he would have grown to 7ft 7ins, like Charles Byrne (skeleton pictured left), and died in his early twenties

Mr Holland said: 'Some people look upon people who are giants and in their mind they are like Roald Dahl's Big Friendly Giant or they think about them in a fairytale way.

'But the reality is much more brutal than that. It is not just about being tall  I had a constant throbbing dull pain in my head and suffered a blackout in school one day.'

The headaches come from a non-cancerous tumour which forms in the pituitary gland  a pea-sized gland just below the brain.

It is this gland which is responsible for causing people to become giants, by producing and releasing far more growth hormone than is needed.

It is also close to the optic nerve, so can cause serious problems with sufferers' vision.

One in 150 people have the gene mutation in mid-Ulster, compared to just one in 2,000 people across the rest of the UK

The most famous victim remains Charles Byrne, from Drumullan in County Tyrone, who caused a sensation in London in 1782

Four out of five people with the mutant gene never suffer any ill effects, but 10 to 15 per cent end up with the condition acromegaly caused by the excessive growth hormone.

Some develop larger than normal feet and hands in later life, while five to 10 per cent become giants like Mr Holland, who as a teenager grew an inch in height in a single month.

The study is based on DNA tests carried out over two weekends in Tesco car parks in the town of Dungannon and Cookstown, both in County Tyrone.

Many of those tested by spitting into a test tube did not even realise they carry the gene, which can also lead to infertility.

But, if it is caught early enough in sufferers, it can be treated using medication to curb the growth hormone or brain surgery, through the nose, to remove the tumour.

The genetic mutation has been found in more than 400 people, and at least 15 families in Northern Ireland have been identified as carriers.

The most famous victim however remains Charles Byrne, from Drumullan in County Tyrone, who caused a sensation in London in 1782.

At 7ft 7ins tall, he was the star attraction at a freak show, Cox's Museum, and soon amassed a fortune.

WHO WAS CHARLES BYRNE? The most famous victim remains Charles Byrne, from Drumullan in County Tyrone, who caused a sensation in London in 1782. At 7ft 7ins tall, he was the star attraction at a freak show, Cox's Museum, and soon amassed a fortune. But he took to heavy drinking and died aged 22, barely a year after his arrival in London. His wish to be buried at sea was ignored and his skeleton - all 7ft7in of it - now resides in a London museum. A contemporary report said: 'The whole tribe of surgeons put in a claim for the poor Irishman and surrounded his house just as harpooners would an enormous whale.' Advertisement

But he took to heavy drinking and died aged 22, barely a year after his arrival in London.

His wish to be buried at sea was ignored and his skeleton - all 7ft7in of it - now resides in a London museum.

A contemporary report said: 'The whole tribe of surgeons put in a claim for the poor Irishman and surrounded his house just as harpooners would an enormous whale.'

Mr Holland, one of those distantly related to Byrne, said: 'I've been lucky, I've actually been cured and had the best treatment available.
Disco balls could be the unlikely key to interstellar travel, researchers have found.

Most projects, including billionaire Yuri Milner's Breakthrough Starshot project with Stephen Hawking and Mark Zuckerberg, have focused on light 'sails' to travel the vast distances.

However, now researchers say a sphere could be far more effective.

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The interstellar disco ball, would have a probe hidden in the centre, according to the Harvard research. When a laser beam hit the thin, mirror-like surface, the light would bounce off and push the probe along.

HOW IT WOULD WORK The 'spaceball' would look a lot like an interstellar disco ball, with the probe hidden in the centre. When a laser beam hit the thin, mirror-like surface, the light would bounce off and push the probe along. The beam used would be weakest at its centre and strongest at its outer edges. That way, whenever the probe moved slightly off track, the increase in laser strength would stabilise its motion. Advertisement

The ambitious plan would accelerate tiny probes through space at a fifth of the speed of light.

This would allow an interstellar probe to reach our closest neighbouring star system in just 20 years, sending back pictures of anything interesting once it arrived.

One technique is to push the spacecraft with high-powered lasers shot from Earth - and this would work best with a spherical craft.

'I looked at the proposed laser-propelled sails and found that none of them would be very stable,' Zachary Manchester at Harvard University, a member of the advisory committee behind the Breakthrough project, told New Scientist.

'But I found that a spherical sail would be, and it's very elegant.'

The 'spaceball' would look a lot like an interstellar disco ball, with the probe hidden in the centre.

When a laser beam hit the thin, mirror-like surface, the light would bounce off and push the probe along.

The beam used would be weakest at its centre and strongest at its outer edges.

That way, whenever the probe moved slightly off track, the increase in laser strength would stabilise its motion.

'The stability of a light sail riding on a laser beam is analyzed both analytically and numerically,' the researchers wrote in their paper, published on arXiv.

'Conical sails on Gaussian beams, which have been studied in the past, are shown to be unstable in general.

'A new architecture for a passively stable sail and beam configuration is proposed.

'The novel spherical shell sail design is capable of 'beam riding' without the need for active feedback control.'

The team also produced Full three-dimensional ray-tracing simulations are performed to verify our analytical results.

Stephen Hawking (left), Yuri Milner (center) and Mark Zuckerberg (right) have teamed up to launch a $100 million hunt for alien life. The project, dubbed 'Breakthrough Starshot', was announced in New York today

However, they admit there are still some hurdles.

'It'll cost lots of money and require a lot of research, but I think it will eventually be possible,' said Manchester.

Earlier this year it was revealed Stephen Hawking has teamed up with Russian billionaire Yuri Milner and Mark Zuckerberg to launch the most ambitious alien-hunting mission in history.

The $100m project, called Breakthrough Starshot, will rely on tiny so-called 'nanocraft' flying on sails pushed by beams of light through the universe.

They will travel to the Alpha Centauri star system 25 trillion miles (4.37 light years) away on a twenty year mission to look for alien life.

The project, dubbed Breakthrough Starshot, will rely on tiny so-called 'nanocraft' flying on sails, similar to the one illustrated, pushed by beams of light. Each of these tiny craft will carry cameras and a built in GPS

WHAT IS ALPHA CENTURI? The Alpha Centauri star system is 25 trillion miles (4.37 light years) away. With today's fastest spacecraft, it would take about 30,000 years to get there. Breakthrough Starshot aims to establish whether a gram-scale nanocraft, on a sail pushed by a light beam, can fly over a thousand times faster. Astronomers estimate that there is a reasonable chance of an Earth-like planet existing in the 'habitable zones' of Alpha Centauri's three-star system. Advertisement

'For the first time in human history, we can do more than look at the stars, we can reach them,' said Yuri Milner, founder of the Breakthrough Initiatives.

Each of these 'interstellar sailboats' is expected to carry cameras and a built in GPS to search deep space for habitable planets.

'55 years ago today, Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space.

'Today, we are preparing for the next great leap.'

'Earth is a wonderful place, but it might not last forever,' commented Stephen Hawking, 'Sooner or later, we must look to the stars.

'Breakthrough Starshot is a very exciting first step on that journey.

'With light beams, light sails and the lightest spacecraft ever built we can launch a mission to Alpha Centauri within a generation,' said Hawking.

The $100 million research and engineering program will seek proof of concept for using light beam to propel super lightweight nanocraft to 20 per cent of light speed.

A possible fly-by mission could reach Alpha Centauri within about 20 years of its launch, Milner said, and also revealed Mark Zuckerberg is joining the project's board.

These craft are designed to take images of planets and other scientific data in our nearest star system, Alpha Centauri, just over 20 years after their launch.

Astronomers estimate that there is a reasonable chance of an Earth-like planet existing in the 'habitable zones' of Alpha Centaur's three-star system.

The Alpha Centauri star system is 25 trillion miles (4.37 light years) away (right). With today's fastest spacecraft, it would take about 30,000 years to get there. Breakthrough Starshot aims to establish whether a gram-scale nanocraft, on a sail pushed by a light beam, can fly over a thousand times faster (left)

'Today we commit to this next great leap into this cosmos, because we are human and our nature is to fly.'

The program will be led by Pete Worden, the former director of Nasa Ames Research Center, and advised by a committee of world-class scientists and engineers.

'We take inspiration from Vostok, Voyager, Apollo and the other great missions,' said Worden.

'It's time to open the era of interstellar flight, but we need to keep our feet on the ground to achieve this.'

WHO IS YURI MILNER? A onetime physics PhD student in Moscow who dropped out to move to the United States in 1990, Milner is one of a handful of technology tycoons devoting time and money to space exploration. Yuri Milner was born into a Jewish family on 11 November 1961 in Moscow and studied theoretical physics at Moscow State University, graduating in 1985. He began his business career selling illegal DOS computers in the Soviet Union. When the national government collapsed enrolled at Wharton School of Business to earn an MBA. He then went on to work for the World Bank in Washington, D.C., as a Russian banking specialist tasked with the development of the private sector banking. He rose up in the banking world, and from 1997 to 2000, Milner was Director General of the investment fund New Trinity Investments But his real success came when he founded investment firms Digital Sky Technologies (DST) - now called Mail.ru Group - and DST Global. DST Global has invested in a number of major technology firms including Facebook, Spotify, Twitter and Alibaba. An aerial view of Yuri Milner's mansion. Milner currently works as an investor and has earned his fortune from backing successful technology firms such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. The Russian space enthusiast says he has replaced all the artwork in his $65 million mansion in San Francisco with 50 flat screen TVs. In 2012, Milner established The Breakthrough Prize - a set of international awards recognize three fields of endeavour: Fundamental Physics, Life Sciences and Mathematics. Laureates receive $3 million each in prize money, making the Breakthrough Prizes the largest scientific awards in the world. Earlier this year, he teamed up with Stephen Hawking in the search for alien life as part of the 'Breakthrough Initiatives.' The $100 million quest will see telescopes scour one million of the closest stars to Earth for faint signals thrown out into space by intelligent life beyond our own world. As part of his long-term vision, Milner believes that the internet will develop into a 'global brain' that will work as a type of nervous system for Earth. Advertisement

The Alpha Centauri star system is 25 trillion miles (4.37 light years) away.

With today's fastest spacecraft, it would take about 30,000 years to get there.

Breakthrough Starshot aims to establish whether a gram-scale nanocraft, on a sail pushed by a light beam, can fly over a thousand times faster.

It brings the Silicon Valley approach to space travel, capitalising on exponential advances in certain areas of technology since the beginning of the 21st century.

Nanocrafts are gram-scale robotic spacecrafts comprising two main parts: A Starchip and Lightchip.

BREAKTHROUGH STARSHOT The project involves deploying thousands of tiny spacecraft to travel to our nearest star system and send back pictures. If successful, scientists could determine if Alpha Centauri, a star system about 25 trillion miles away, contains an Earth-like planet. The catch: It could take years to develop the project, dubbed Breakthrough Starshot, and there is no guarantee it will work. The small light-propelled vehicles will carry equipment like cameras and communication equipment. Scientists hope the vehicles, known as nanocraft, will eventually fly at 20 per cent of the speed of lightt. 'The thing would look like the chip from your cell phone with this very thin gauzy light sail,' said Nasa's Pete Worden 'It would be something like 10, 12 feet across.' He envisions sending a larger conventional spacecraft containing thousands of nanocraft into orbit, and then launching the nanocraft. If they reach the star system and succeed in taking photographs, it would take about another four years to transmit them back. Advertisement

When in orbit, the tiny craft would unfold thin sails and then be propelled by powerful laser beams from Earth

'Starchip is about the size of a postage stamp, although a little bit thicker. It can be massed produced at the cost of an iPhone,' said Milner.

The light beamer is modular and scalable.

Once it is assembled and the technology matures, the cost of each launch is expected to fall to a few hundred thousand dollars.

The research and engineering phase is expected to last a number of years.

'The thing would look like the chip from your cell phone with this very thin gauzy light sail,' said Nasa's Pete Worden. 'It would be something like 10, 12 feet across'. Pictured on the left is Yuri Milner holding a prototype chip and on the right is an aritst's impression of what the 'interstellar sailboat' would look like

'Earth is a wonderful place, but it might not last forever,' commented Stephen Hawking, 'Sooner or later, we must look to the stars. 'Breakthrough Starshot is a very exciting first step on that journey'

A still image taken from a video rendering shows phased arrays of lasers which could be used on Breakthrough Starshot, a $100 million research and engineering program aiming to demonstrate proof of concept for light-propelled spacecrafts

'55 years ago today, Yuri Gagarin became the first human in space,' said Yuri Milner, who was named after the pioneering astronaut (shown on screen). 'Today, we are preparing for the next great leap'

Breakthrough Starshot is likely to target Alpha Centauri, the closest star system to Earth, where an an Earth-like planet may exist within its 'habitable zone.' It could also help confirm the existence of Planet Nine (illustrated)

THE CHALLENGES The idea has precedents with mixed results. Two years ago, Cornell University's KickSat fizzled after the craft carrrying 104 micro-satellites into space failed to release them. The plan was to let the tiny satellites orbit and collect data for a few weeks. Nasa's Peter Worden acknowledges challenges, including the nanocraft surviving impact on launch. They would then endure 20 years of travel through the punishing environment of interstellar space, with obstacles such as dust collisions. 'The problems remaining to be solved - any one of them are showstoppers,' Worden said. Governments likely would not take on the research due to its speculative nature, he said, yet the technology is promising enough to merit pursuing. Advertisement

Following that, development of the ultimate mission to Alpha Centauri would require a budget comparable to the largest current scientific experiments.

However, the key elements of the proposed system design are based on technology either already available or likely to be attainable in the near future under reasonable assumptions.

The proposed light propulsion system is on a scale significantly exceeding any currently operational analog.

The very nature of the project calls for global co-operation and support.

Clearance for launches would be required from all the appropriate government and international organizations.

As the technology required for interstellar travel matures, a number of additional opportunities will emerge, including the following:

Astronomers estimate that there is a reasonable chance of an Earth-like planet existing in the 'habitable zones' of Alpha Centauri's three-star system.

A number of scientific instruments, ground-based and space-based, are being developed and enhanced, which will soon identify and characterize planets around nearby stars.

A separate Breakthrough Initiative will support some of these projects.

The Breakthrough Starshot initiative will establish a research grant program, and will make available other funding to support relevant scientific and engineering research and development.

The idea for a spacecraft to be equipped with a solar sail to use the solar wind for propulsion was described by the late astrophysicist Carl Sagan four decades ago.

It was theorised that solar sails could accelerate spacecraft far beyond the speeds of traditional fuels, to make interplanetary - and interstellar - travel more feasible.

12: Scientist and investor Yuri Milner holds up a prototype of the 'Star Chip', a small robotic space craft that will enable intersteller travel as he poses with Professor Stephen Hawking and Professor Freeman Dyson

The team envisions sending a larger conventional spacecraft containing thousands of nanocraft into orbit, and then launching the nanocraft

'For the first time in human history, we can do more than look at the stars, we can reach them,' said Yuri Milner (left), founder of the Breakthrough Initiatives. 'Earth is a wonderful place, but it might not last forever,' added Stephen Hawking (right), 'Sooner or later, we must look to the stars'

A BRIEF HISTORY OF SOLAR SAILS LightSail is not the first spacecraft to test this innovative form of propulsion. Japan's Ikaros probe successfully 'sailed' on its way to Venus in 2010. Ikaros measured 2,000 square ft (185 square metres) in size. Nasa also tested solar sails with its NanoSail-D2 satellite in January 2011, with a sail expanding to 110sq ft (10 square metres). The spacecraft burned up in Earth's atmosphere as planned in November 2011. Advertisement

The most recent version of this technology has four triangular sails, made of mylar, that create a rectangular-shaped surface.

It can send a cubesat to an orbital altitude of 500 miles (800 km), before sails deploy creating a total surface area of 32 square metres.

The Planetary Society recently released a video showing a sail deployment test at Ecliptic Enterprises Corporation in Pasadena.

LightSail 1 was launched on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket on 20 May from Cape Canaveral in Florida.

At its core is a tiny craft made up of three 'CubeSats', which are essentially tiny spacecraft that can be launched relatively cheaply.

In total, the core of the vehicle weighs 22lbs (10kg) and is just 11.8-inches (30cm) high and 3.9-inches (10cm) wide - about the size of a loaf of bread.

At the bottom of the spacecraft on each of its four sides, a huge solar sail has been 'folded up'.

This sail, measuring 345 square ft (32 square metres) in size, is made of an extremely reflective material called Mylar.

The idea for a spacecraft to be equipped with a solar sail to use the solar wind for propulsion was described by the late astrophysicist Carl Sagan four decades ago. Although not confirmed, the project is likely to use technology that developed by The Planetaru Society's LightSail (pictured)

It is just 4.5 microns thick - about a quarter of the thickness of a bin bag.

If it is unfurled, photons from the sun will strike the sail and push it forwards, similar to how a sail on Earth catches the wind.

The push is extremely minimal - less than holding a sheet of paper in your hand - but it is theorised that, over time, this push could build up enough to reach high speeds.

The latest project is part of Milner's decade-long search for extraterrestrial intelligence , which he set up last year, under the banner Breakthrough Initiatives.

Milner, who is worth $2.9 billion, has collaborated with Hawking before.

In July 2015, the two revealed a $100 million plan, called 'Breakthrough Listen', to look for alien life.

Worden said today that in the near future, Breakthrough Listen, will observe all stars within 25 light years from Earth.

'In the last five years, we have discovered that planets in the habitable zone of stars are common,' Breakthrough Initiatives' the website states.

'Based on the numbers discovered so far, there are estimated to be billions more in our galaxy alone.

'And there are hundreds of billions of galaxies in the visible Universe.

'Yet we are still in the dark about life. Are we really alone? Or are there others out there?

'It's one of the biggest questions. And only science can answer it.'

From left to right; Freeman Dyson, Professor, Princeton Institute for Advanced Study; Ann Druyan, CEO of Cosmos Studios; Avi Loeb, Professor of Science at Harvard University; Mae Jamison, Nasa Astronaut; and Peter Worden, Chairman, Breaktrough Prize Foundation




Experts say working out is the best way to combat the rage and stress

Many have reported physical alignments brought on by this stress

A new study finds these issues can cause 'tech rage' and 'tech stress'

Weak Wi-Fi connections, a slow computer and an office printer that doesn't work properly are enough to make anyone's blood boil with 'tech rage'.

A new study reveals millions of Americans experience at least two types of technology malfunctions a day and 40,800 over their lifetime - and these breakdowns are having a huge effect on stress levels.

However, experts have found that working out, such as walking, is a simple solution to calm your nerves.

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A new study reveals that millions of Americans experience at least two types of technology malfunctions a day and 40,800 in their lifetime - and these breakdowns have been found to increase stress levels

'TECH RAGE' IN NUMBERS A new study reveals that millions of Americans experience at least two types of technology malfunctions a day and will put up with at least 40,800 in their lifetime. A team from 24 Hour fitness surveyed 2,000 Americans to understand just big of an effect technology malfunctions can have. One in seven Americans have thrown their phone across the room in frustration after it failed to function properly. Half of the 2,000 individuals in the study reported they have also yelled at a piece of technology and 16 percent have been reduced to tears. Four in ten adults report stiff necks brought on by stress, one in four are plagued by achy joints and muscles and over a quarter suffer from stress-induced migraines. Advertisement

The idea of 'tech rage' may sound like an imaginary emotion, but many people have experienced this phenomenon firsthand.

In April 2015, a man from Colorado Springs, Colorado carried his computer into an alley and shot it eight times with a handgun after a long battle with the uncooperative machine.

Authorities said Lucas Hinch, 37, was cited for discharging a fireman within city limits.

'Investigation revealed a resident was fed up with fighting his computer for the last several months,' said the statement, entitled 'Man Kills His Computer.'

Although Hinch's bout sounds a bit more extreme than most, a study conducted by 24 Hour Fitness reveals that 65 percent of US adults say the regularly are overcome with fury as a result of unreliable technology.

Other than faulty devices, slow downloads, pop-ups and logging in or password problems have also been found to trigger fits of rage.

A team from 24 Hour fitness surveyed 2,000 Americans to understand just big of an effect technology malfunctions can have  and many reported it's that devices have a mind of their own that increases stress levels.

Restarting by themselves or not charging properly were issues found to take a toll on people's wellbeing.

And one in seven Americans has even thrown their phone across the room in frustration after it failed to function properly.

Half of the 2,000 individuals in the study reported they have also yelled at a piece of technology and 16 percent have been reduced to tears.

A team from 24 Hour fitness surveyed 2,000 Americans to understand just big of an effect technology malfunctions can have. Many have reported physical alignments brought on by the stress of technology breakdowns

A fifth reported arguing with partners because of technology fail and a third have been sent into stress-filled frustrations if they experienced a disturbance while streaming a movie.

What appears to be even more alarming is that stress from technology breakdown is found to have a physical effect.

Four in ten adults report stiff necks brought on by stress, one in four are plagued by achy joints and muscles and over a quarter suffer from stress-induced migraines.

TOO MUCH TECHNOLOGY IS BAD FOR YOUR MEMORY Scientists say that research is urgently needed into the long-term consequences of relying on gadgets rather than our brains. Evan Risko, a professor of cognitive psychology at the University of Waterloo, warned: If you are allowed to store some to-be-remembered information on a computer, chances are you wont devote cognitive real estate to remembering it. As a result, your ability to remember that information without the computer will likely be reduced. Theres little doubt that these new technologies are affecting what we remember. Studies on sat-nav use have found that while they helped motorists on their journey, they affected memory. The drivers remembered less about what they have seen along the way  and struggled to retrace the route when asked to drive it again without the aid of the sat-nav. Another study found that museum-goers given digital cameras remembered objects they had photographed less well than other exhibits. Other research suggests that the vast amounts of information available on Google may fool us into thinking we are smarter than we actually are. Advertisement

However, many of these individuals felt the need to battle stress with gym workouts, yoga and getting extra rest  remedies experts say are among the best.

'Fitness goals are about more than exercise. At 24 Hour Fitness, we believe the time you spend in the gym helps make the life you lead outside the best it can be, and that includes helping you deal with the daily stress of technology breakdown,' said Mike Carney, vice president, marketing, 24 Hour Fitness.

The survey revealed that most vulnerable place for tech stress is in work environments.

More than half of those polled said tech stress often strikes when they are up against the clock on a deadline, or need things done fast.

The survey also reveals that 31 percent of people have found the secret weapon to beat the stress - working out. The most popular methods to reduce stress were found to be walking or listening to music

One in seven has missed an important work deadline because technology failed them.

The research also examined the link between stress levels and exercise/movement, and found that more than 70 percent of people feel their job doesn't allow them to move around enough during the day.

However, the survey also reveals that 31 percent of people have found the secret weapon to beat the stress - working out.

The most popular methods to reduce stress were found to be walking or listening to music.

And 57 percent feel a mental boost from working out, whereas found in ten experience emotional benefits.

The 'workout effect' as a solution to combat tech stress that lasts for over four hours, according to experts at 24 Hour fitness.

'Science has proven how important a healthy lifestyle is, not only for disease prevention, but also in dealing with the many stressors of daily life,' said Carney.
If you're like many people, you have thousands of photos on your phone, long forgotten after you've posted a few on Instagram or Facebook.

They don't have to stay forgotten.

Apple and Google are both applying a form of artificial intelligence called 'machine learning' to organize your pictures and video  and along the way, help you rediscover last year's vacation, dinner with close friends and a casual summer outing to the park.

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This image shows a Google collage generated by machine using images taken on Sept. 13, 2016, in New York, of Binu Paulose playing with a dog. Apple and Google are both applying machine learning to organize your pictures and video.

Apple's tools are part of last month's iOS 10 system update for iPhones and iPads.

The Google Photos app for Apple and Android devices has a digital assistant to automatically organize these memories  and Google signaled last week that it will only get smarter. And on Wednesday, Google introduced additional features for rediscovery.

Here's a look at how they take you down memory lane:

APPLE'S MEMORIES Craig Federighi, Apple senior vice president of software engineering, speaks about Photos in iOS 10 at the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference in San Francisco. With iOS 10, the Photos app has more options for searching and viewing highlights. Apple's new Memories feature automatically generates video highlights around a theme, such as a trip or birthday party. Individual photos and snippets from video are chosen for you, as is the music, though you can change it to reflect a different mood. This isn't just a slideshow. There's slow zooming and panning, reminiscent of Ken Burns historical documentaries. Some of the photos also come to life, at least on newer iPhones that automatically take three seconds of video with every photo. When you're ready to share, the app creates a standard movie file  so it works on Windows and Android devices, too. For me, Apple's app created a 'Florida to Illinois' package for a three-week trip in January and one for a day trip to Philadelphia last November. But Apple goes beyond date and location. Apple created a 'Together' package for shots with family over the past two years. It also created an 'At The Beach' package with beach photos since 2013. Other scenic themes could include mountains, lakes and sunsets. Apple offers up to three new Memories a day. You can create more based on photos you add to an album and generate new automated ones by scrolling down to 'Related.' You can also add or delete images within Memories  in my experience, a few included mundane screenshots I had to get rid of. Nothing will ever replace the human touch. But let's face it, even though I keep meaning to organize my photos, I never find the time. The machine-generated selections aren't necessarily ones I'd choose myself, but with a small amount of tweaking, they're presentable and will tide me over until I get around to catching up manually ... someday. Advertisement

GOOGLE'S ASSISTANT

Google Photos has been at this longer and offers more types of packages. With collages, Google combines smaller versions of several shots into one layout . Animations combine a bunch of photos taken in succession so that they resemble as a moving image . Unlike typical 'GIF' animation files, Google applies its magic to align successive shots, so buildings and bridges look steady  without the shake common with handheld video. Google also offers albums and video highlights, though without the Ken Burns effect.

Google's Assistant generates much of this for you automatically. You can edit auto-generated albums and video highlights, but not collages or animation  although you can create your own from scratch. (That does defeat the purpose of letting the robots do the work, though.)

Sharing is easy and doesn't require recipients to have Google Photos.

The results vary in quality. I tend to take several shots of the same subject, just in case some are blurry. Yet I get collages and animations out of those repetitive shots. The albums and video highlights I got are grouped by location and date, though Google says it will be doing more with themes , such as following a kid growing up.

Most of my computer-generated creations are animations and collages. As with Apple, Google's choices aren't necessarily ones I'd make, if only I had the time. But some are good enough that I look forward to alerts for new ones to check out.

I also enjoyed a feature called 'Rediscover this day.' Google will automatically create collages from shots taken on a day, say, two years ago. On Wednesday, Google said it will apply that to people, too, so you'll get collages of you with a specific friend or family member.

According to the firm, Google's AI can now describe images with nearly 94 percent accuracy and may even understand the context and deeper meaning of a scene. The AI was first trained in 2014, and has steadily improved in the time since

SEARCHING

Apple and Google are both getting better at image recognition. Apple's version tends to be more conservative. While Apple found four photos in a search for fireworks, Google found dozens. Google also found more photos with hats, though one was actually a strange hairdo and a few were of a headband. Then again, Apple thought an illustration of a hut was a hat.

Google is also bolder with face recognition. Its technology is smart enough to recognize the same child at 2 months and 6 years, while Apple often separates the same child into multiple identities (you can merge them, and things will be fine after that).

Google has an edge over Apple in part because it taps its powerful servers to process photos. Apple leaves all the machine thinking to your device as a privacy measure. But Apple says it also favors being right more than complete to reduce the work people need to do to fix things. Being wrong can also have consequences: Google had to apologize last year after its software got too aggressive and mistakenly labeled two black people as gorillas.

FILE - In this Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016, file photo, Brian Rakowski, Google vice president of product management, talks about the camera in the new Google Pixel phone during a product event, in San Francisco. Apple and Google are both applying machine learning to organize your pictures and video, and along the way, help you rediscover last years vacation, dinner with close friends and a casual summer outing to the park. (AP Photo/Eric Risberg, File)

STORAGE

To free up space, both services will automatically clear photos from your phone after uploading them to the internet, once you activate the option. You still have a lower-resolution version on the device and can get the sharper image anytime, as long as you're online.

Google Photos offers unlimited online storage of photos at up to 16 megapixels and videos at 1080p high definition  good enough for most people. It will compress larger photos, or you can store the original and have it count toward your Google Drive limit, which starts at 15 gigabytes for free. Apple's iCloud Photo Library requires paying once you exceed 5 gigabytes, which is enough for a few thousand photos.
They were allegedly even asked to use their phones to light up the cabin

Passengers were forced to sit on the tarmac until being herded to a hotel

Passengers set to fly from Athens to London Heathrow spent three hours stuck on the delayed plane in Greece when the plane's power failed.

Travellers, including families with young children, were forced to sit on the tarmac in the un-airconditioned plane for hours before the flight was eventually cancelled.

The BA633 flight was due to depart Athens at 7.50pm on Monday - but passengers found themselves back in accommodation in the Greek capital as late as 2am.

Passengers set to fly from Athens to London Heathrow spent three hours stuck on the delayed plane in Greece when the plane's power failed (file image)

Michael West from London told The Sun Online about the ordeal, revealing how he and fellow fliers were stuck in very hot conditions inside the plane as the air-conditioning was only able to work when the plane's engines were on.

He said the power failed three or four times over the course of the delay as they were told the plane wasn't getting enough power from the airport.

Cabin lights were powered down, including the emergency exit lights, and passengers were reportedly asked to turn the lights on their phones on so cabin crew could see while walking around the cabin.

West said that fliers were then told the plane's computers had broken down and needed to be fixed.

No food and drink were offered unless asked for, despite the number of children on board, the Londoner added, calling it all 'very uncomfortable'.

Passengers were eventually taken on a bus back to the airport before finally being taken to a hotel, West explained.

However no communication was given the next morning, despite promises to passengers that a piece of paper with details of their replacement flight would be posted under their hotel room doors.

West said: 'You hear about these horror stories and you hear about it with Ryanair and Easyjet  you pay a budget fare with a budget airline so you can expect budget service.

'But this was entirely unacceptable.'

Passengers were booked onto flights on Tuesday but it's believed about 100 fliers were left behind, according to traveller Edward O'Shea who was horrified at the lack of organisation.

One frustrated flier tweeted: 'Been sat on the tarmac at Athens for 3hrs now, either sort the plane out, let us off or get another one this is awful' (file image)

Many passengers and their friends and family took to social media to vent their frustration and concern about the delay.

Arlene Phillips, a former judge on the show Strictly Come Dancing and So You Think You Can Dance, tweeted her anxiety about her daughter who was stuck on board.

She said: 'Please tell me what is happening to your Athens flight. My daughter has been stuck on it for three and a half hours'.

One Twitter user on the plane complained: 'This is the worst experience ever! Flight 633 step it up with the customer service please! Hot plane! no water 3 1/2 hours'.

Another tweeted: 'Been sat on the tarmac at Athens for 3hrs now, either sort the plane out, let us off or get another one this is awful'.

Some fliers have asked for compensation from the airline after being forced to miss their work while others thanked British Airways staff for making the delayed flight more bearable.

Arlene Phillips, a former judge on the show Strictly Come Dancing and So You Think You Can Dance, tweeted her anxiety about her daughter who was stuck on board.

One Twitter user complained: 'Been sat on the tarmac at Athens for 3hrs now, either sort the plane out, let us off or get another one this is awful'.

British Airways told MailOnline Travel: ' We took care of our customers and offered them overnight hotel accommodation after our flight was cancelled due to a technical fault.

'We are very sorry for the inconvenience, but the safety of our customers is always our highest priority.'

Earlier this year 100 holidaymakers were hit with a 36 hour delay on their British Airways flight back to the UK from Cyprus.

The Boeing 767 from Larnaca to London Heathrow was scheduled to fly out on Sunday 31 July evening at 7.30pm.

But a 'technical fault' with the plane meant the aircraft didn't fly back to the UK until the Tuesday.

Some fliers have asked for compensation from the airline after being forced to miss their work while others thanked British Airways staff for making the delayed flight more bearable.

Frsutrated passengers took to social media at the time to voice their frustration at the delay, during which they claim they were left in the dark at the time about when they would return.

'Never flying British Airways again! Stranded for 24 hours, no sign of when we can leave,' one woman tweeted, before hash-tagging 'worst airline', 'no communication', and 'stranded'.

In July a Cathay Pacific flight to Bangkok was delayed for more than three hours after a passenger accidentally tore off part of the ceiling while trying to stow his luggage.

The man reportedly pulled down the ceiling panel as he thought it was an overhead luggage compartment.
These astonishing pictures show the aftermath of a dramatic plane crash that saw a flight from Yakutsk, Russia, miss a runway and come to rest on the icy banks of a river.

The Polar Airlines aircraft was travelling to Belaya Gora on October 11 when the landing went awry at the last minute as result of what's believed to have been a sudden change in weather conditions.

The crash caused the landing gear to completely collapse and, as the plane made contact with the ground, the right propeller to rip off.

These astonishing pictures show the aftermath of a dramatic plane crash that saw a flight from Yakutsk, Russia, miss a runway and come to rest on the bank of a river

The crash caused the landing gear to completely collapse and, as the plane made contact with the ground, the right propeller to rip off

According to a statement posted on the airline's website (in Russian), flight PI-203 was carrying 27 people people plus six crew members at the time.

None of those on board were injured during the crash.

However, the aircraft was severely damaged.

The Aviation Herald reported that all gear had collapsed as the Antonov AN-26-100 plane came to a belly landing around 400m (1,300ft) from the runway.

The Polar Airlines aircraft was travelling to Belaya Gora on October 11 but landed just short of the runway

As the right propeller made contact with the ground, it was also ripped off.

There was also damage to the aircraft's fuselage.

According to the statement from the airline, preliminary information showed that there was a sudden change in visibility, wind direction and speed.

This may have caused the aircraft to miss the runway.

The incident is now being investigated by the country's Interstate Aviation Committee (MAK IAC).

MailOnline has contacted Polar Airlines for additional comment.
He was found in an '

A male passenger was escorted off a flight and handed over to airport police after he allegedly stripped-off mid-flight and harassed the air hostesses.

The unruly man, who has not been identified, was travelling with IndiGo airlines from Bhubaneswar to Delhi, India, according to the carrier.

He was said to have been found in an 'objectionable state' in the lavatory by female crew members and later made derogatory comments.

A male passenger was escorted off a flight and handed over to airport police after he allegedly stripped-off mid-flight and harassed the air hostesses (file photo)

The incident took place on flight 6E-256 last month according to the Times of India but was recently revealed in a statement issued by the airline.

According to the statement, the passenger initially told the crew that he did not know how to tie his seat belt, which the staff were able to assist him with.

Later, the man 'went to the lavatory where he pressed the lavatory call bell requesting assistance in the aircraft lavatory'.

However, when the crew went to assist him, the passenger was described as being in an 'objectionable state'.

The statement continued: 'The female crew member refused to go inside and politely requested him to maintain some level of decency while using the lavatory.'

After exiting from the bathroom, the man allegedly made 'derogatory remarks to the female crew member' according to the statement.

The unruly man, who has not been identified, was travelling with IndiGo airlines from Bhubaneswar to Delhi, India, according to the carrier (file photo)

Once the plane landed, the passenger was escorted from the flight and handed over to the police and an official flight incident report was lodged with a local police station.

It's not known whether the man has been charged over the incident.

This is not the first time that a sexual harassment incident has taken place on the carrier.

In January this year, MailOnline Travel reported that a male passenger was arrested after he allegedly molested a female passenger on a flight from Delhi to Kolkata.

The two passengers were separated by the pilot for the rest of the flight and the man was arrested by the police once the plane landed.

It's not known whether he was prosecuted over the incident.
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Castles bristling with tall spires nestle among the trees, vast lakes glisten in the sun and mist floats across a rocky mountain overshadowing a lonely cabin.

A stunning photo series captures the magic of Europe's landscape,weaving together unique, once-upon-a-time moments of diving into alpine lakes and meeting curious deer in Bavarian forests.

From Swiss lakes to fabled German castles, Bavarian photographer Andre Alexander has gathered an enchanting vision of central Europe.

In Bavaria the impressive Castle Neuschwanstein climbs high into the grey sky, its stone providing a dark contrast to the dark green trees while its tall tower could easily be a setting for a Rapunzel adaptation.

Other striking images include The Aescher, a famous mountain cabin-restaurant in the Swiss Alps, which seems to almost grow out of the rock face as it teeters on the top of a very steep slope and a hiker standing on top of a craggy mountain summit as the sun rises.

The region evokes a sense of both majesty and calm and Alexander's breathtaking photographs certainly do it justice.

Castle Hohenschwangau, near Fuessen-Bavaria, is set among a striking backdrop of dark green trees, imposing mountains and a placid lake

Pure freedom is evoked in the image as a joyful walker admired the view towards the glacier and Schlegeisstauee lake in Austria near the Olperer hut

Castle Neuschwanstein near Fuessen, Bavaria, towers up into the grey sky and wouldn't look amiss in a Disney film (left). Nothing disturbs the waters of the Obersee lake, fringed by greenery in Bavaria (right)

The Aescher, a famous mountain cabin-restaurant in the Swiss Alps, seems to almost grow out of the rock face as it teeters on the top of a very steep slope

An early morning boat ride on the Seealpsee lake in Switzerland evokes the pure calm of the beautiful region

Sunrise over the mountains - at Schafsiedel summit in the Austrian Alps - strikes the dark hills with a gentle light at dawn

The waters of a lake in the Austrian Alps sparkle majestically as the mountains rise in the background

Day breaks at the summit in the Austrian Alps - and the views are breathtaking (left). A lonely cabin is dwarfed by a menacing dark mountain engulfed in mist during a rising storm in Mittenwald, Bavaria (right)

A man stands alone on a mountain ridge in the Swiss Alps as the sun rises over the craggy rocks, bathing him in light

Like an image from a men's clothing catalogue this picture - at the Hintersee lake in Ramsau, Bavaria - speaks of calm and moody mornings

A tree island is reflected in the placid waters of the Hintersee lake, Bavaria (left). Sundown on top of the Baerenkopf Mountain in Austria, with views towards the Achensee lake (right)

Cabins at the Geroldsee lake in Bavaria are dotted around a lush green field on the edge of lake while mountains dusted with snow can be seen in the distance

A walker enjoys the view of mountains and a lake despite heavy rain in Zillertal, Austria

This traditional cabin in the Austrian Alps could be something out of Heidi (left). A waterfront chapel, St. Bartholomae, cuts a lonely figure at the Koenigssee lake (right)
Mae West once said that too much of a good thing is wonderful.

When you visit Western Australia, you know what she meant.

I've been there twice recently, partly because I love the easygoing capital Perth, with its vibrant dining scene, but mainly because come November the best food festival on Earth - Gourmet Escape - is held three hours' drive away, in incredible locations around the Margaret River Wine Region.

Gastronomic greeting: Sian bought tickets for Rick Stein's Gourmet Beach BBQ at the Castle Bay - she said the chef was like 'a child in a sweet shop, tossing chunky dhufish fillets'

So I combined a trip to Gourmet Escape with a visit to Perth, staying at the understated Richardson Hotel in a quiet suburb of the city.

It's a relaxing oasis, with a terrific spa and indoor pool, located about 500 yards from King's Park.

The Degustation Dinner at the Richardson's Opus restaurant is to die for and they recommended lunch at Incontro on the Swan River, where I had roasted grape crostini with feta and thyme truffle honey, boneless rabbit with peach, and Valrhona chocolate doughnuts.

There are a few must-do trips from Perth. My favourite is the Swan Valley Food and Wine Trail - a 20-mile scenic loop taking in wineries, restaurants, artisan chocolate and nougat factories, olive oil farms and breweries.

Then there's Rottnest Island, just a short ferry ride away. It's a leading nature reserve, complete with colonial cottages and cute marsupials called quokkas, like small knee-high kangaroos and unique to the island.

Then I drove down to Margaret River for the three-day Gourmet Escape.

From Rick Stein and Heston Blumenthal to Sat Bains and Hadleigh Troy, it attracts the big names in cuisine. It's where chefs go on holiday and you never know who you are going to meet.

Star turn: Sian ended up tripping the light fantastic with Australian dancing star Adam Garcia as the sun went down

But it's not just celebrity soup, there is everything, from forest feasts and indulgent long lunches in top-notch vineyards like Cullen's and the classy Aravina, to barbecues on the endless white beaches at sunset.

I bought tickets for Rick Stein's Gourmet Beach BBQ at the Castle Bay. Rick was like a child in a sweet shop, tossing chunky dhufish fillets on to our plates and offering up scallops and langoustines aplenty.

No wonder I ended up tripping the light fantastic with Australian dancing star Adam Garcia as the sun went down!

The heart of the festival is the Gourmet Village at the Leeuwin Estate winery. Here, across one action-packed November weekend, you find cooking demos, wine tastings, pop-up restaurants, book signings, quizzes, masterclasses and panel discussions.

There are so many things to taste - grass-fed beef, smoked ocean trout, Cow Bay organic cheeses, chutneys and jams, classy local Bahen & Co chocolate, fruity olive oils and teas and flat white coffees galore.

And then there's the wine. Premium wines are everywhere. But then Margaret River is one of the best wine-producing regions on the planet, with a climate similar to that of Bordeaux.

Wildlife safari: A quokka on Rottnest Island - the knee-high kangaroos are unique to the island

Then there was a memorable trip from nearby Dunsborough, which combined whale-watching and cookery.

Chefs took us through prepping seafood as we headed out to sea to spot the giants of the ocean.

Back on terra firma, I was taken to the Cape Naturaliste winery in Yallingup, where the chefs from our sea trip created a long lunch, accompanied by wines from the vineyard.

I feasted on Blue Swimmer crab tarts, baked scallops and BBQ Gummy shark.

I rounded my stay off with a trip to nearby Manjimup, home of the coveted black truffle. Oak Valley Farm is planted with oak and hazel trees and equipped with a team of trained truffle dogs. The harvested truffles are immediately prepared, packed and delivered to Perth International Airport so they reach chefs around the world the next day.

A fascinating insight and a great end to a wonderful journey.
Coco Austin welcomed daughter Chanel with her husband Ice-T last November.

But the blonde bombshell admitted that it became harder to find time to be intimate with the 58-year-old rapper.

'Sex is nonexistent for the first couple of months,' the 37-year-old model admitted to People's Mom Talk. 'There are no alone moments with your husband.'

'Sex is nonexistent': Coco Austin said she was unable to be intimate with her husband, rapper Ice-T, for the first few months after her daughter was born during an interview with People's Mom Talk

The Ice Loves Coco reality star confessed: 'You dont even want sex. Thats the thing. Everything is about the child. Nothing is sexual in your world.'

Coco - who tied the knot with Ice-T in January 2002 - continued: 'It definitely changes.'

'You dont get the OK to even have sex or go to the gym until 16 [weeks],' she added.

'You dont even want sex': The 37-year-old reality star confessed: 'Everything is about the child. Nothing is sexual in your world'

Steaming snap! Coco tied the knot with Ice-T, 58, in January 2002 and posted this sexy Instagram photo on Sunday

'Were very much a tight family,' she went on. 'At night - the dog, the baby - we all plop into our bed and its a full bed.'

Even the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit actor gushed over his little girl earlier this year.

'Im taking a lot of pictures,' he said. 'Im that same guy that you go, "Oh, my daughter" and before I know it Im showing you pictures.'

Proud mama! Coco has flooded her social media account with snapshots of herself with Chanel since the little girl was born last November

Doting dad: The rapper and actor confessed that he can't help but share photos of his gorgeous daughter with others wherever he goes

He confessed: 'I said that Im not going to be that guy but now Im just like, "Wait, look, and wait, look at this one, and wait a minute, hold up,"

'You cant help it. Youre just happy.'

On the premiere of their reality show Ice Loves Coco back in 2012 the couple revealed the devastating news that Coco couldn't get pregnant due to high blood pressure.

However the pair was determined to keep trying and Coco eventually got her health issues under control while also taking prenatal vitamins.

The gorgeous model's hard work all paid off and the couple have been flooding their social media accounts with photos of the precious little girl since her birth.
She's weeks away from welcoming her second child.

And pregnant Mila Kunis was looking radiant as she showed off her substantial bump on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old actress went make-up free as she ran errands in Studio City, California.

Radiant: Pregnant Mila Kunis showed off her substantial bump on Tuesday

The natural beauty kept it casual, teaming grey sweat pants with and figure-hugging black T-shirt which clung to her burgeoning bump.

She added a comfortable pair of white lace-up sneakers and a khaki jacket.

The Ukranian beauty left her lengthening dark locks fall loose around her pretty face.

Imminent arrival: The 33-year-old actress went make-up free as she ran errands in Studio City, California

The world discovered last week that Mila is carrying her first son, after husband Ashton Kutcher spilled the beans to Seth Meyers.

'We haven't told anyone. We're having a boy,' he told the late night host.

This wasn't technically true, of course; in an interview with Today earlier that morning, he had already accidentally let the cat out of the bag.

Relaxed: The natural beauty kept it casual, teaming grey sweat pants with and figure-hugging black T-shirt which clung to her burgeoning bump

Sporty style: She added a comfortable pair of white lace-up sneakers and a khaki jacket

Talking of their just-turned-two-year-old daughter Wyatt, he said: 'She points to Mila and she's like, "baby brother" when she points to the belly.'

The 38-year-old admitted to Meyers that night that he'd been hoping for another girl because their 'first girl is unbelievable.'
Jenna Dewan Tatum covered up her dancer body on Tuesday as she was seen making her way through Los Angeles.

Even in jeans and jumper the actress showed she can still be stylish on her more relaxed days off.

The 35-year-old actress rocked a laid back look in distressed denim jeans and a grey sweatshirt that looked like it was borrowed from husband Channing Tatum.

Still fly: Jenna Dewan Tatum covered up her dancer body on Tuesday as she was seen making her way through Los Angeles

She teamed her outfit with a pair of trainers as she let her raven locks fall naturally around her face.

The Step Up actress let her natural beauty show as she opted for minimal make-up.

Meanwhile it looks as though the wife of Channing is certainly getting brownie points at home.

Forever stylish: Even in jeans and jumper the actress showed she can still be stylish on her more relaxed days off

She posted a photo to Instagram of her a note from her three-year-old daughter Everly.

The note read: 'Dear mommy, I miss you very much at school, love Elvie.' She captioned the cute shot: 'This' with a hand raising emoji.

No doubt the mother and actress has a hard time juggling everything, but she is set to take on a new role this month for a guest appearance on CW's comedy, drama No Tomorrow.

Casual chic: The 35-year-old actress rocked a laid back look in distressed denim jeans and a grey hoodie

The show follows Evie, played by Tori Anderson, a risk-averse quality-control assessor who falls for free-spirited thrill seeker Xavier, played by British actor Joshua Sasse.

The more she gets to know him she finds out he lives his life in a spontaneous reckless way and discovers the reason for that is because he believes the apocalypse is coming.

So cute: She posted a photo to Instagram of her a note from her three-year-old daughter Everly

Apparently the in demand actress is guest-starring in an upcoming episode in a very unexpected role, according to E! News.

Jenna will play Tuesday, a bohemian free spirit whose polyamorous lifestyle leads Xavier and Evie to examine the boundaries of their own relationship.
In her new film, she dons period costume in her role of reclusive 19th century poet Emily Dickinson.

But Cynthia Nixon was dressing very much for the 21st Century on Tuesday night as she stepped out at the BFI Film Festival.

The Sex And The City star sported a sleeveless black dress split to the thigh teamed with matching black heels for her appearance.

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Little black dress: Cynthia Nixon looked chic in a dress split to the thigh teamed with heels as she arrived at the BFI Film Festival screening of A Quiet Passion on Tuesday

She wore her blonde hair in its usual short style, teamed with drop earrings and a boxy red, gold and black clutch.

The chic ensemble served to flatter the 50-year-old actress's svelte figure, showing off her toned arms to the maximum.

Cynthia's co-star Catherine Bailey also attended the event - looking striking in a scarlet short sleeved dress and black and white striped shoes.

Little touches: She wore her blonde hair in its usual short style, teamed with drop earrings and a boxy red gold and black clutch

New role: The star has always been a fan of the poet and researchd the role thoroughly

Trim and toned: The star's outfit flaunted her slim figure to the maximum

Directed by Terence Davis, the biopic explores the poet's relationships with her family including sister Lavinia (Jennifer Ehle), brother Austin (Duncan Duff), mother Emily (Joanna Bacon)  and friend Vryling Wilder Buffum (Catherine Bailey).

'I love Emily Dickinsons poetry,' Cynthia told the Indiewood website 'I loved it as a small child and I love it still. I think shes remarkable.

'Shes an interesting brain and also a complicated person. Its not often in life that one gets to play a part that has so many cells.

Stars of the show: Cynthia joined director Terence Davies and Clare Stewart, Director of the BFI London Film Festival on the carpet

Lady in red: Catherine sported a short sleeved dress and black and white striped shoes

'There is a shy defiant person, an incredible, hopeful and loving person, who is eager to connect. Then there is a very bitter, almost cruel person. I mean its such a range inside her.'

The actress said she prepared by ensuring that her look resembled the poet as much as possible, as well as reading her intimate letters.

'I try to look like her as much as I could because we dont know what she looked like,' she said. 'Its important since we live in such an informal time; we are so casual about everything.

'This was a very formal time, even though they deprived themselves on straight forward, honesty and directness, they were just formal. So once you get into those clothes, it does help bring you back to that period.'
She's the former Bachelor star whose known for flaunting her busty assets across social media.

And Kiki Morris, 28, was at it again on Wednesday as she showed off her incredible bikini body in a white lace bodysuit.

The blonde bombshell looked every inch the glamour model as she displayed her ample cleavage and slender frame in an early morning selfie at Hyams Beach.

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Busting out! Kiki Morris, 28, showed off her incredible bikini body in a sizzling selfie shared to Instagram on Wednesday

With her luscious blonde locks swept up in a messy bun and her makeup flawlessly applied, Kiki oozed confidence as she posed in what looked like a bathroom.

Her gym-honed physique and radiant glow did not go unnoticed, with fans instantly flooding the comments section and double tapping the image.

'Early Mornings in this @inbetweentangerine white lace leotard,' she captioned.

Stunning: Kiki has gained legions of fans from across the globe since appearing on The Bachelor, with her followers often hailing her busty frame

Kiki has gained legions of fans from across the globe since appearing on The Bachelor, with her followers often hailing her busty frame.

The lingerie post comes just days after the beauty revealed her excitement as she prepares to move in with her 'bestie,' fellow Bachelor reject Noni Janur.

The pair continue to flaunt their exceptionally close bond on social media and Kiki recently confirmed that they are preparing for a new chapter together.

Inseparable: The genetically-blessed pair have become very close friends since filming The Bachelor

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

'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.

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...

'Gushing posts: The pair often exchange 'I love yous' while expressing their feelings for one another on Instagram

'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.

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

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!'
He is fighting the battle of his life after being diagnosed HIV positive.

But Charlie Sheen still enjoyed a cigarette between takes on the set of his latest film Mad Families after returning to work in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The 51-year-old actor was grinning with glee as he enjoyed a rest during a break from shooting the comedy.

Puff daddy: Charlie Sheen looked healthy as he took a smoke break on the set of his new film Mad Families in Los Angeles on Tuesday

The controversial Two And A Half Men star seemed relaxed as he took pause in a lumberjack shirt, T-shirt and khaki shorts.

Notorious ladies man Charlie was no doubt enjoying being back in work and on set with a bevy of beauties for the Crackle film.

Glamour model Charlotte McKinney looked in fine form in a black top and pencil skirt combo, while Victoria's Secret favourite Chanel Iman turned heads in denim hotpants.

Mad Families is a multi-generational comedy starring Charlie as a lovable man-child with a heart of gold.

Also smokin': Glamour model Charlotte McKinney looked as alluring as ever

What a professional: Charlotte seemed to be trying to learn her lines on set

It was written by comedian David Spade and Fred Wolf, with the latter directing. The film will be released on Sony's Crackle streaming service.

Hard-living Charlie has been working to turn his life around in recent months, and even celebrated his birthday with ex wife Denise Richards and their children last month.

It came after the father-of-five agreed to reduced child support payments with Denise and his other ex Brooke Mueller.

Both women reportedly agreed to around $25,000 a month, nearly half of the $55,000 a month they had been previously been receiving to cover child-care costs.

The Hot Shots star was the highest paid actor on television in 2010 when he commanded $1.8 million per episode of Two And A Half Men, before his contract was terminated amid drug and alcohol abuse and a public meltdown.

Short and sweet: Victoria's Secret favourite Chanel Iman turned heads in hotpants

Back on his feet: Charlie has been attempting to turn his life around after his HIV diagnosis; here he is seen in August

After he announced his diagnosis last November, he said that opening up about his health issue was 'liberating'.

He told Graham Norton: 'It was good to talk about it and what I had been dealing with. It was an opportunity to stop the self-loathing and the "why me" and be part of something genuinely important.'

The Platoon favourite admitted to paying millions of dollars in hush money to blackmailers in an effort to keep his HIV status a secret.

It was later reported he had been filmed smoking crack cocaine and performing oral sex on another man, and that he had attempted to cover up the existence of 'at least' five sex tapes of him that were recorded around the time of his public breakdown five years ago.

Playing happy families: He had a private jet birthday date with Denise Richards and their daughters last month
Donald Glover has welcomed his first child.

The Atlanta star, 33, and his partner welcomed their baby earlier this year, Us Weekly confirmed on Tuesday.

The former Community favorite and his unidentified girlfriend were seen out with a baby in a stroller in New York City in May.

New dad: Atlanta star Donald Glover and his girlfriend were seen out with their new baby in New York City in May

The couple first revealed they were expecting when his girlfriend was seen out with a baby bump while on vacation in Hawaii in April.

The Childish Gambino rapper's new FX comedy, which he produces and stars in, has been earning rave reviews.

He launched the show after spending time as a writer for 30 Rock, before moving on to play lovable jock Troy on cult NBC sitcom Community.

The Georgia native has also been Grammy-nominated for his work as rapper Childish Gambino.

Baby bump: The multi-talented performer and his pregnant girlfriend enjoyed a vacation in Hawaii in January
Being told to hit the gym by a man is certainly not something a woman ever wants to hear.

But despite hearing that from her director before she has even stepped on set, Kate Beckinsale told Yahoo! Movies she has no bad blood with Michael Bay.

The 43-year-old is letting bygones be bygones now that 16 years has passed since the director suggested she workout prior to filming 2001 film Pearl Harbor.

Moving on Kate Beckinsale told Yahoo! Movies she has no bad blood with Michael Bay now that 16 years has passed since the director suggested she workout prior to filming 2001 film Pearl Harbor

The star told Yahoo Movies she has moved on: 'It surprised the s**t out of me, and him really. Pearl Harbor was a long time ago. It's true there was a bit of that going on, but the shaming of people is something I'm against in general.

'I've seen him since, and we've gotten over it. I didn't feel it was personal, and I wish him nothing but the best.'

While she says it was not personal, earlier this year the star told the same publication of how the Transformers director was not that keen on her casting, 'Because I wasn't blond and my boobs weren't bigger than my head, I didn't make sense to him as an attractive woman'.

The Underworld star expanded further on what had occurred between her and the 51-year-old Hollywood heavyweight on The Graham Norton Show.

'It surprised the s***t out of us': The star (picture in Pearl Harbor) said, 'It's true there was a bit of that going on, but the shaming of people is something I'm against in general. I've seen him since, and we've gotten over it'

Kate said: 'I think he was baffled by me because my boobs weren't bigger than my head and I wasn't blonde.

'I'd just had my daughter and had lost weight, but I was told that if I got the part, I'd have to work out. And I just didn't understand why a 1940s nurse would do that.'

Michael went on to apologize - sort of - on his Facebook.

A little harsh: Kate told the Graham Norton Show (pictured) the director 'was baffled by me because my boobs weren't bigger than my head and I wasn't blonde'

Taking it in her stride: Kate was busy filming The Only Living Boy In New York on Thursday

'Kate and I are friendly. She is a fantastic actress, very funny, witty lady, sassy, speaks her mind, and I truly respect her.

'That's why she has come to so many of my Christmas parties and birthday parties.

'So I guess I was the ''bad guy'' 16 years ago for suggesting a trainer because she just had had her new beautiful baby girl - and she was about to enter into an intensive action movie. Ninety-five percent of leads in movies have trainers and drink green juice!'
Jaime King celebrated her wedding anniversary with Kyle Newman a bit early with some heartfelt bling that she helped design.

The 37-year-old actress commemorated their wedded bliss with a 4.11-carat diamond and gold ring, according to an article on Tuesday by Us Weekly.

Jaime and her filmmaker husband Kyle, 40, got hitched on November 23, 2007 in Beverly Hills, California.

Early present: Jaime King is shown last week in Beverly Hills, California with a new diamond and gold anniversary ring

The commemorative Tacori ring features a 3.09-carat marquise-shaped center stone and 1.02 carats of diamonds encrusted on a gold band.

Jaime 'designed this custom ring exclusively with the jewelry house in an effort to create an everyday token symbolizing family and strength,' Tacori said last week in a statement.

The finish piece to Jaime represents her 'family unit as a whole, standing tall, multidimensional, sparkling and bright with loving and happiness.'

Jaime and Kyle have a three-year-old son James and a 14-month-old son Leo together.

Wedding bliss: The Hart Of Dixie star and husband Kyle Newman are shown last month in Los Angeles

The Hart Of Dixie star flashed the ring while out and about on October 3 in Los Angeles.

The ring was spotted on her left hand while she grabbed coffee in a black turtleneck and blue skinny jeans.

She also flashed it while holding up a cell phone with a Hillary Clinton cover while getting a mani-ped the same day at a Beverly Hills salon.

Mother of two: Jaime also showed her ring while grabbing coffee in Los Angeles

Jaime and Kyle met on the set of the movie Fanboys and were married nearly three years later.

Kyle directed Fanboy and its 2016 sequel Fanboys II.

Jaime starred in Hart Of Dixie from 2011 to 2015.
It appears Jessica Gomes has found love with fellow Australian Xavier Samuel after the couple were spotted kissing in Los Angeles.

The genetically-blessed pair couldn't keep their hands of one another as they were photographed for the first time in public on Tuesday.

The 32-year-old Twilight hunk was clad in double denim while his girlfriend looked simply flawless in an all-black ensemble.

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Packing on the PDA! Jessica Gomes was spotted planting a kiss on her new beau Xavier Samuel's lips as the pair stepped out on Tuesday

Jessica, 30, showed off her slender pins in a pair of tight-fitting jeans during the loved-up pair's coffee run.

The David Jones ambassador completed her model-off-duty look with a simple tank top and a pair of Gucci fur-lined slippers.

Appearing make-up free under her sunglasses, the US-based beauty let her raven locks cascade over her shoulders for an effortless look.

Casual chic: The genetically-blessed pair cut stylish figures as they grabbed coffee in LA

Out and about: Jessica, 30, and Xavier, 32, are both currently based in the US

Her new man meanwhile, embodied the grungy Hollywood style in a pair of blue jeans with a light blue denim shirt.

With his long locks swept to the side, the handsome actor was also sporting a moustache and goatee.

Although this is the first time they've been spotted together, Jessica and Xavier looked comfortable with each another as they walked hand-in-hand.

Cool couple: The pair were seen stealing kisses from each other during their date

Stylish: Jessica looked gorgeous while appearing to be makeup-free, and Xavier showed off his personal style in double denim

Notoriously private Xavier, who doesn't use social media, recently spoke to Daily Mail Australia about his love life.

'I am single, but I don't often talk about my private life,' he said ahead of a Q&A session for his new film Love And Friendship.

And while he didn't spill much else on the topic, the Victorian-born star said he was open to the idea of dating an older woman.

Loved-up: Twilight hunk Xavier recently told Daily Mail Australia he was 'single' during a Q&A for his new film Love And Friendship

Gorgeous: The Victorian-born actor made sure to keep his hands firmly around the model's waist as they walked

Casual: Jessica was previously dating Rugby Union star Rocky Elsom, 33, before the pair split last September

Asked how he feels about dating someone older, he answered: 'Only in the movies... but not that I have any aversions to the idea.

'It's just not really happened for me... But you never know what the future holds... Love knows no boundaries.'

Xavier has previously dated Pretty Little Liars star and fellow Australian Phoebe Tonkin, as well as German model Shermine Shahrivar.

Successful: After his big Hollywood debut in Twilight, Xavier has gone on to star in more feature films including Spin Out and A Few Best Men

Meanwhile, Jessica has been focusing on her career since her split from rugby union player Rocky Elsom last September after several months of dating.

In March 2015, the leggy brunette told GQ Australia she felt like she had found her ideal man in the 33-year-old sportsman.

'I definitely feel like I've achieved what I want in a man, thats for sure,' she said at the time.

'You need to be like Thor. Save the world. A protector,' she added.
Taraji P. Henson said she received what she considers 'sofa change' for her spiritually awakening role in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

The 46-year-old actress revealed what she obviously thought was a curious case of pay inequity between her and her film co-stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett.

While Brad and Cate 'got millions,' Taraji claimed she got 'the lowest of six figures' in her new memoir Around the Way Girl, according to Vulture.

Unfair: Taraji P. Henson (pictured Monday) has revealed a blatant example of pay inequality between her and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button co-stars Brad Pitt and Cate Blanchett

Taraji also denounced the fact that she had to pay her own hotel expenses when production took place in New Orleans, Louisiana.

But what really ticked her off was making 'less than two percent' of what Brad and Cate were paid for the 2008 David Fincher-directed drama-romance.

'Both Brad and Cate got millions. Me? With bated breath, I sat by the phone for hours, waiting for Vince (her manager) to call and tell me the number that I thought would make me feel good: somewhere in the mid six figures,' Taraji wrote.

Out in the open: The 46-year-old actress (pictured Monday) claimed she got 'the lowest of six figures' while Brad and Cate 'got millions' in her new memoir Around the Way Girl

What a let down: Taraji wrote that she was hoping to get something in the mid-six figure range 'no doubt a mere percentage of what Brad was bringing home'; Brad and Cate pictured 2008

She added: 'No doubt a mere percentage of what Brad was bringing home to Angelina and their beautiful babies, but something worthy of a solid up-and-coming actress with a decent amount of critical acclaim for her work.'

(Of course, Brad is now in the middle of a nasty divorce from Angelina Jolie.)

The actress, meanwhile, revealed how she was sorely disappointed.

'Alas, that request was dead on arrival. "Im sorry, Taraji," Vince said quietly when we finally connected.

Wishful thinking: They came in at the lowest of six figures. I convinced them to add in a little more, but thats as high as theyd go,' Taraji wrote while comparing her situation with Cate and Brad's (pictured in 2008)

Transforming role: Brad Pitt played the title role but Taraji's role as his mother led to a 'spiritual awakening' for her and for audiences

They came in at the lowest of six figures. I convinced them to add in a little more, but thats as high as theyd go,' Taraji recalled.

'There was one other thing: Id have to agree to pay my own location fees while filming in New Orleans, meaning three months of hotel expenses would be coming directly out of my pocket. Insult, meet injury.'

Taraji also went into detail about the racism in Hollywood she was forced to endure in a chapter called On Being a Black Woman in Hollywood.

Promo trail: Taraji was animated while promoting the book on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on Tuesday

She described how she lost a plum role in the 2014 comedy St. Vincent - that of a pregnant Russian stripper - to Naomi Watts.

'Time and again, I've lost roles because someone with the ability to green-light a film couldn't see black women beyond a very limited purview he or she thought "fit" audience expectations,' Taraji wrote.

Taraji added: 'It was a meaty gig. I would have loved it. Alas, I couldn't get served at that particular restaurant.'
She is a proud mother-of-two.

And Alessandra Ambrosio seems to need a bit of help to be supermom.

The 35-year-old model was spotted trying to keep pace with her four-year-old son Noah while out and about in Los Angeles on Tuesday.

Bonding time: Alessandra Ambrosio was spotted trying to keep pace with her four-year-old son Noah while out and about in Los Angeles on Tuesday

As she had the cheeky message of 'coffee' emblazoned on her top, the Victoria's Secret Angel surely looked in need of some as she followed her youngest while running across the street.

The script was written on her heather grey crewneck sweater as she paired the top with a pair of ripped skinny jeans and tan slip-on shoes.

She accessorised with a pair of brown designer shades as she gripped onto the youngster's lunchbox.

Full of energy: The 35-year-old model followed closely behind her youngest son

Keeping it cool: She wore a grey crewneck sweater as she paired the top with a pair of ripped skinny jeans and tan slip-on shoes

Casual cool: She had 'coffee' emblazoned on her topp

Joyful: Noah also had a message on his shirt as the dark grey top read 'Warrior' along with camouflage joggers and Adidas trainers

Alessandra wore her brunette tresses down in a middle-part as she let her natural looks show with minimal make-up on her face.

Noah also had a message on his shirt as the dark grey top read 'Warrior' along with camouflage joggers and Adidas trainers.

Alessandra recently enjoyed a whirlwind month travelling to Paris to appear in Balmain SS17 at Fashion Week and a photo shoot in the Maldives for the November cover of GQ Brazil.

The globetrotting mother-of-two has also teamed up with Esika to launch her first fragrance, Belessa, for ale by Alessandra on September 23.

Motherly love: Alessandra gave her son a loving kiss on the cheek

Aww: No doubt the two enjoyed the bonding trip together

The model has since been enjoying family time with her children including daughter Anja, eight.

The children's father is her fiance, Jamie Mazur, who she has been engaged to since 2008.

Ambrosio has yet to walk down the aisle with the businessman, but the pair hope it will make their wedding all the more special when they finally tie the knot.

'When I do the wedding it's going to be very special, so I want to take time for that,' the brunette bombshell told Extra.
Minnie Driver recounted being a teenage victim of sexual assault.

The 46-year-old English actress discussed the ordeal during a SiriusXM interview in New York City on Tuesday.

'I was on vacation in Greece, and this guy, kinda elbow-grabbed me, and said ''You're going to dance with me,"' Minnie told interviewer Pete Dominick.

Teenage victim: Minnie Driver recounted being a teenage victim of sexual assault during a radio interview on Tuesday

'I said "no" and I pulled my arm away from him, and he grabbed me by the back of my hair. I tried to kick him, and then he punched me,' Minnie added.

Minnie said she was only age 17 when the incident took place.

'The way [the police] presented it was ''this guy was just having a good time and if you'd gone along with it, it would've been fine,''' Minnie said.

'''If you'd just danced with him, you wouldn't be in this position that you're in now,''' she was told.

Blamed the victim: The actress said police in Greece blamed her for the assault that occurred while she was on vacation age 17

Minnie relayed the story as part of a wider discussion on the prevalence of sexual assault against women.

'I don't know a woman who has not had some form of sexual assault at some point in her life,' Minnie said.

Minnie was in New York City promoting her new ABC sitcom Speechless that premiered last month and also attended a Build Series event at AOL headquarters.

New show: The English actress also discussed her new show Speechless at a Build Series event at AOL headquarters in New York City

She stars as family matriarch Maya DiMeo in the half-hour series.

Speechless premiered on September 21 and was picked up on September 29 for a full 22-episode season.

Minnie has been in a relationship with boyfriend Neville Wakefield for two years.

Going strong: Minnie is shown with her boyfriend Neville Wakefield in January 2015 in Los Angeles
Kristen Stewart cut an edgy figure as she arrived in Paris on a flight from LAX on Wednesday.

The 26-year-old rocked an all-black ensemble of Adidas trainers and distressed skinny jeans, a black Tee and bomber jacket.

She went make-up free, shaking out her newly platinum locks from beneath a green beanie hat that she'd worn for in-flight comfort.

Bedhead hair: Kristen Stewart shook out her bedhead tresses on Wednesday morning, following a flight from LAX into Paris, France

The actress hid behind mirrored shades and showed off the earphones that warned anyone against trying to talk to her.

Her hair was bleached right from root to tip, indicating that she'd updated the do more recently than its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in My.

Seen leaving the airport the previous day, Kristen was accompanied by a beefy bodyguard.

Updated: Kristen proved that her hair was a fresh dye job with its colour maintained at the roots

Undercover: She hid her appearance behind tinted shades and a green hat

Making her arrival: The stunning star wore all black for a low-key appearance

Casual cool: She wore a bomber jacket with ripped jeans and trainers

Who's that girl? She seemed absorbed by her music with her fingers in her ears

She moved quickly through security and reclaimed her single backpack before hurrying on to her flight.

The actress recently joined Helen Mirren, Lupita Nyong'o, Amy Adams and Felicity Jones as the cover stars of Elle's 23rd Women In Hollywood issue.

In the magazine, the Twilight star, who has dated both men and women, held forth on her sexuality, insisting: 'I'm not ashamed and I'm not confused.'

She has had an on-and-off relationship this year with her onetime personal assistant Alicia Cargile, and has lately been rumoured to be dating Cara Delevingne's ex St Vincent.

Outbound: Make-up free Kristen Stewart looked edgy in all black as she rushed through security at LAX on Tuesday

Jacob Black: The 26-year-old rocked an all-black ensemble of Addidas trainers and distressed skinny jeans, a black tee and bomber jacket

Fresh faced: She went make-up free, slicking her newly platinum locks back behind her ears

Checked: Accompanied by a beefy bodyguard, she moved quickly through security and reclaimed her single backpack before hurrying on to her flight

Straight forward: In a recent interview with Elle, the Twilight star - who has dated both men and women - held forth on her sexuality, insisting: 'I'm not ashamed and I'm not confused.'

'Things have changed,' she said, mulling her ability to discuss her feelings openly. 'And not just with me - we're really allowed to encourage this new acceptance to develop and be awesome.'

In a separate interview with W magazine Kristen - who appears nude in her new indie flick Personal Shopper - opens up about how comfortable she is with sex scenes.

'I wasnt apprehensive,' she explained. 'I feel super great with director Olivier [Assayas], as well.

Spoken for: She has had an on-and-off relationship this year with her onetime personal assistant Alicia Cargile, and has lately been rumoured to be dating Cara Delevingne's ex St Vincent

Happier: 'Things have changed,' she said, mulling her ability to discuss her feelings openly. 'And not just with me - we're really allowed to encourage this new acceptance to develop and be awesome.'

'The scenes in which I dont have clothes on or the scenes that seem 'risque' from an outsider's perspective, there was no acknowledgment on his part.'

The actress said her directors nonchalant attitude was cultural: 'They're very f****** French.'

But said that Americans, on the other hand, 'are weirder about s*** like that.'
Gabrielle Union filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against BET over her Being Mary Jane contract.

The 42-year-old actress claimed the network has combined seasons four and five of the show to extend her contract and lower her pay, according to an article on Tuesday by The Hollywood Reporter.

Union has been starring as TV news anchor Mary Jane Paul since 2013 in the critically acclaimed series.

Contract dispute: Gabrielle Union, shown in a 2014 still from Being Mary Jane, sued BET on Tuesday over a contract dispute involving the show

The actress in the lawsuit filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court claimed the network agreed it would never produce more than 13 episodes per season.

BET was attempting to film two 10-episode seasons consecutively to 'cram all of the episodes into a single season in order to fraudulently extend the term of Ms. Union's contract,' the lawsuit stated.

Union under her contract was set to receive $150,000 per episode for season four and $165,000 per episode for season five.

She was suing the network and Breakdown Productions for negligent misrepresentation and breach of contract.

Critically acclaimed: The actress is shown in February 2015 at the NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena where she was nominated for her work on Being Mary Jane

Being Mary Jane lost its showrunner after season three concluded in June 2015.

Season four did not start filming until last month.

Union was told a week before filming started that BET planned to run all 20 episodes as season four, according to the lawsuit.

Good times: The actress is shown with Keegan-Michael Key in February at the NAACP Image Awards in Pasadena where Being Mary Jane was up for multiple awards

Cute couple: Gabrielle is shown in August 2015 with husband Dwyane Wade in West Hollywood, California

The lawsuit claimed that BET assured Union she wouldn't be required to appear in more than 13 episodes per season.

A corporate policy required in her contract included a provison that allowed for a minimum of 10 episode and a maximum of 26 episodes.

BET produced eight episodes in the show's first season and 12 in its second.

Union was seeking damages of at least $1 million and an order amending her contract to enforce the 13-episode maximum.
Less than two weeks ago the PR maven was reportedly visited by police after her followers complained about a car selfie in which five-year-old daughter Pixie was NOT sitting in her required booster seat.

While the image has since been removed by Roxy Jacenko, on Wednesday she took to Instagram with another car selfie showing off booster seats in the backseat.

The upload was cropped in such a way to suggest the seat was the snap's main focus, as the 36-year-old simply captioned the image with a single red heart.

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Seat selfie! PR maven Roxy Jacenko took to Instagram on Wednesday in a selfie seemingly focused on a visible booster seat, after reports she was visited by police earlier this month in regards to a selfie with five-year-old daughter Pixie NOT sitting in her required booster seat

Her followers picked up on the purposely visible booster seat in the shot, with one user claiming it was a 'Subtle up yours to the haters', while others simply questioned 'Is this proving you have a child seat?'

The mother-of-two wore her long blonde hair out for the morning selfie.

She appeared to forgo lipstick for the post and wore large aviator sunglasses and hoop earrings as her main accessories.

Drama: Roxy and Pixie are pictured in the very photo that raised eyebrows recently

Sharing the moment to her more than 130,000 followers, users joked that she shouldn't have cropped her seatbelt out of the shot.

'This photo should show your seatbelt just in case those losers that have nothing better to do have a whinge again!' and 'Maybe you should include your seatbelt in the pic? Just in case some bored w***a wants to try and drag you down!' said two of her followers.

The savvy Sweaty Betty director's original image of daughter Pixie happily riding shotgun has since been removed, but it is unclear whether it was deleted at the request of NSW police.

Trouble: Police visited Roxy Jacenko's Sydney home last week after she uploaded a photo in which her five-year-old daughter Pixie was sitting in the front seat of the car, not in the required booster seat

Last week, The Daily Telegraph reported Roxy was visited by the News South Wales police force regarding the image.

According to the publication, on October 1, police visited the home of the mother-of-two after receiving complaints in relation to the photo she shared, in which her five-year-old daughter Pixie was not in her required booster seat.

When contacted by Daily Mail Australia, Roxy declined to comment on the incident.

According to NSW Transport, 'Children aged from four years old but under seven years old must be secured in a forward facing approved child restraint with an inbuilt harness or an approved booster seat.'

No charges: Police were told upon arrival that Pixie briefly sat in the front seat only to take a photo

However, in the social media snap uploaded by Roxy last week, Pixie was seen sitting in the front passenger seat as she posed for the selfie with her famous mother.

With a secured seatbelt in place, the preschooler flashed her smile and a peace hand gesture for the camera.

Mother and daughter: The preschooler is often her famous mother's plus-one to VIP events

'Cruising with my  Pixie Curtis,' the PR maven captioned the photo, which was shared with her over 130,000 Instagram followers.

The Daily Telegraph also reports that police officers in two separate cars visited Roxy's home in North Bondi, and that it was soon after established that Pixie sat in the front of the stationary car, simply for the purposes of taking a quick selfie.

NSW Police confirmed the incident to the publication, acknowledging: 'No one was home... however officers have spoken to all relevant parties and no further police action is required.'

Tough times: The 36-year-old recently ended her radiation treatment for breast cancer

The incident comes after Roxy recently finished radiation treatment following her breast cancer diagnosis.

The past few months have seen the media personality take on the task of parenting her two children Pixie and Hunter solo, as husband Oliver Curtis was sentenced to jail in June following an insider trading conviction.
Khloe Kardashian had just told Ellen DeGeneres that her family was reevaluating their social media presence after Kim's scary Paris robbery.

That obviously didn't include glamorous photoshoots as the reality star shared a behind-the-scenes Snapchat at her latest lens fest.

Khloe cranked up the heat in a high-cut black bodysuit and fringed black jacket along with a racy pair of black spiked, thigh-high boots.

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Dressing up: Khloe Kardashian shared a behind-the-scenes Snapchat at her photoshoot on Tuesday along with a revealing look at her skimpy outfit

The 32-year-old seemed quite proud of the picture she made as she introduced her glam squad.

Her two style assistants waved before Khloe claimed the camera's lens once again.

Shaking her booty, Khloe strut her long legs around the small dressing room where racks of designer wear could be seen, mixed with tables of hair styling tools.

Glam squad: The 32-year-old seemed quite proud of the picture she made as she introduced her glam squad

Boots made for... something else besides walking: Khloe showed off a racy pair of thigh-high boots

Showing it off: The KUWTK star turned to give a glimpse of her curvaceous booty

Khloe sported a flirty blonde 'do that framed her face and large square-framed shades concealed her eyes.

The Keeping Up With The Kardashians star's latest social media share comes after her chat on The Ellen DeGeneres Show during which she revealed sister Kim is'not doing that well' nine days after her dramatic robbery at gunpoint in Paris.

Khloe broke her silence on the jewelry heist that saw Kim robbed of over $10 million.

Of the crime's impact on her family, Khloe said: 'I mean, it's incredibly traumatic what happened to her.'

Exempt: Khloe had just told Ellen DeGeneres that her family was reevaluating their social media presence after Kim's robbery but that obviously didn't include her glam photoshoots

Speaking out: The middle Kardashian sister broke her silence on the jewelry heist that saw her sister Kim robbed of over $10 million as she appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show

'But our family is super close and great and we'll get through it together,' she continued, 'and we do appreciate all of your guys' love and support and it will take time.'

'You know, it was horrible what happened to her,' Khloe added.

The reality star went on to reveal how she and her family are reevaluating their social media presence after the incident.

Impact: Khloe said of the crime's impact on her family: 'I mean, it's incredibly traumatic what happened to her' (pictured with Ellen and Kevin Hart)

It's serious: 'I think it's just a wake up call to make a lot of life adjustments,' Khloe explained. 'This is a really serious matter for Kim.'

'I think it's just a wake up call to make a lot of life adjustments,' Khloe explained. 'This is a really serious matter for Kim.'

'I think that's really personal, as to that emotional terror [and when] you could move on from that. It's a wake up call for all of us, but definitely [the focus is] just to make sure our sister is okay.'

Khloe said that the entire family has escalated their level of security: 'Just [to] make sure we're protected as well as possible.

Wake up call: Khloe told Ellen: 'It's a wake up call for all of us, but definitely [the focus is] just to make sure our sister is okay'

Beefing up security: Khloe said that the entire family has escalated their level of security: 'Just [to] make sure we're protected as well as possible'

'Like I said, we're a family, we'll do this together. I think it's important to make those adjustments and to pull back a little bit I think is always smart.'

One of those precautions appears to be putting the family reality show Keeping Up With The Kardashians on hold as Kim recovers.

Khloe's interview on The Ellen DeGeneres Show will air on Tuesday.

Kim was robbed on October 2 while attending Paris Fashion Week.

Pulling back: The star has also cancelled some of her book signings

Covering up: Khloe was spotted that same day arriving to a photoshoot

Helping hand: The star was surrounded by a security team

Five robbers in masks and dressed as police officers held her at gunpoint in her Parisian luxury apartment. They bound and gagged her and placed her in a bathtub after she reportedly begged for her life.

The robbers escaped with over $10 million worth of jewelry. The investigation is ongoing.

Before it happened: Kim seen here with Kourtney hours before her harrowing robbery in Paris on October 2
Her most famous role was as Penny Lane in Almost Famous.

And Kate Hudson tapped into the same era for her latest look.

The 37-year-old actress went Seventies chic at a CFDA and Fabletics event in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.

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Showing her style: Kate Hudson went Seventies chic at a CFDA and Fabletics event in Los Angeles on Tuesday night

No doubt she wanted to bring out one of her more stylish looks at the gala for her activewear brand.

Kate looked groovy as she sported a black knit vest over a white sleeveless top.

As if that was not enough Seventies flare, she also wore a pair of large flowy bell-bottomed jeans.

Her blonde locks were worn down flowing over her shoulders as she sported natural, complimentary make-up on her face topped off with shiny red lip.

Lovely lady: The 37-year-old actress looked groovy as she sported a black knit vest over a white sleeveless top

Flower power: As if that was not enough Seventies flare, she also wore a pair of large flowy bell-bottomed jeans

Hip look: The mother of two looked hip in her stylish ensemble

Young fans: The actress talked to some young fans at the event

Kate is one of the founders of the subscription-based sportswear brand.

Every month it offers members personalised outfits chosen based on their preferences.

Despite her entreprenurial efforts, she still has not quit her day job as her latest film is Deepwater Horizon, which stars Mark Wahlberg as Mike Williams, the real-life chief electronics technician on the titular BP oil rig that infamously sank in the Gulf of Mexico in 2010. The resultant months-long oil spill was the largest ever to occur in American waters.

The Raising Helen star features as Williams' wife Felicia in the film, which also stars Hawn's partner Kurt Russell, a man Hudson refers to as 'Pa.' Deepwater Horizon opened in the UK last Thursday and the US last Friday.

Kisses: Kate thanked fans for showing their support in a Snap

Selfie time: The actress has been busy promoting her Fabletics line as well as her new movie Deepwater Horizon

Promoting the film on Good Morning America last Wednesday, she discussed the actual Felicia Williams' set visits, noting: 'I got to talk to her a lot. She's a wonderful, very strong woman.'

During filming, she said, 'you have this sort of extra added thing in the back of your head, going: "You know, the families are gonna see this movie." So, you really want to be careful, and - there's no carelessness going into making a film like that, when you know the families are watching.'

Noting that Williams, who helped his colleagues to safety, 'was the last one off the rig,' she vaunted the courage of 'some real heroes on that rig.' Though 11 lives were lost, 'It's surprising that more did not die because they were so there for each other.'
She's a Hollywood actress known to dazzle on the red carpet.

And just days after she turned heads at the Keeping Up with the Joneses premiere in Los Angeles, Isla Fisher ditched the glam for a make-up free outing on Tuesday while running errands in West Hollywood.

The 40-year-old Australian beauty cut a low-key figure in a polka dot blouse and statement jeans, as she parked her car on a sunny street.

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Low-key: Isla Fisher ditched the glam for a make-up free trip in West Hollywood on Tuesday

As the mother-of-three made her way out of her vehicle, her jeans could be seen with colourful detailing and 'jackpot' emblazoned across the back.

Opting for comfort over style, Isla paired the look with flat slides, a black satchel and designer shades.

With her luscious red locks worn loosely and her face without a stitch of make-up, the former Home And Away star looked happy and relaxed as she talked on her cell phone.

Jackpot! The Hollywood actress rocked statement jeans paired with a polka-dot blouse

The stunning wife of Sacha Baron Cohen beamed as she stopped by a parking metre before making her way down the street.

The outing comes after the acclaimed actress wowed in an elegant white number at the premiere of her latest film on Saturday.

She recently opened up about motherhood, revealing she is happy to work less in order to raise her three children with Sacha - Olive, eight, Elula, five, and 14-month-old son Montgomery.

White hot! The low-key outing comes after the acclaimed actress wowed in an elegant white number at the premiere of Keeping Up with the Joneses on Saturday

In an interview with Metro, she said: 'I'm not in that bracket of hugely successful actresses who get offered amazing parts all the time, which is fine by me because it means I get to stay at home with my family.'

Isla and Sacha first met in Sydney, Australia in 2002 and got engaged two years later.

They wed in France in March 2010, in a traditional Jewish ceremony.
She was heading out for the evening after she helped launch the International Day Of The Girl.

So what better time for Dakota Fanning to showcase her sassy side as she stepped out in a racy leather dress in New York on Tuesday.

The blonde beauty looked fantastic as she flaunted her feminine form in the fashion forward evening wear.

Hell bent for leather: Dakota Fanning flaunted her feminine form as she headed out in New York on Tuesday

Dakota, 22, seemed in a sparkling mood as she showcased her lithe physique in the black cowskin number, which boasted asymmetrical vertical stripes and a hemline that highlighted her perfect pins.

The Charlotte's Web star rounded off her look with a pair of chic high heels and a silver clutch purse.

Her look was a world away from the ensemble she wore as she helped kick off the International Day Of The Girl earlier in the day.

The saucy stunner dazzled in red as she lit up the Empire State building in NYC in honour of the day designed to focus on empowering young women.

Caught up in Charlotte's Web: The movie beauty looked enchanting

She looks Fanning-tastic: The blonde beauty showcased her lithe legs thanks to her leather evening wear

Able assistant: She was joined by an obliging underling as she headed out

The fine filly showcased her lithe legs in her head-turning gown, which boasted a thrillingly high hemline, and rounded off her look with towering tan stilettos.

Dakota's latest film American Pastorial is directed by and stars Scots hunk Ewan McGregor, and is based on the Philip Roth novel by the same title.

Jennifer Connelly and Ewan play married couple Dawn and Seymour 'Swede' Levov in the upcoming picture.

In the film, his character's perfect Middle class American world collapses after his daughter (played by Dakota) radicalizes and blows up a post office.

It is due to be released at cinemas on October 21, and so far has a woeful rating of only 33 per cent on Rotten Tomatoes.

Red hot: Dakota looked fantastic as she helped launch the International Day Of The Girl at the Empire State Building
It's historically known as hell week in the series, which really tests the couples.

And on Wednesday night's episode, The Block's Dan was not going to let anything get in the way of an impressive room reveal.

The 55-year-old Perth baby boomer went head-to-head with his tiler after there was a chance the flooring would push them behind schedule, saying: 'There's no f**king way I'm f**king not finishing'.

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'There's no f**king way I'm f**king not finishing': The Block's Dan went head-to-head with his tiler, a chance the flooring would push them behind schedule during Wednesday night's episode

Throughout the series, The Block's eldest couple Dan and Carleen, 52, have always got off to a rocky start when it comes to their flooring.

During bathroom week their tiles were revealed to the judges without any grout as well as a little issue of waterproofing.

And with kitchen week well underway, there was bound to be a hiccup or two.

Time management issues: Not only did their tiler insist on completing the floor in the morning, this was the same time Dan was to ensure the bench top among other things were to be installed

This time round, it came to a lack of time management.

Their tiler insisted on completing the floor in the morning, at the same time Dan was attempting to install the benchtop, among other things.

Clearly letting the stress win, a visibly frustrated Dan was seen blurting out a series of expletives.

'There's no f**king way I am f**king not finishing,' Dan said told his tiler defiantly.

On rocky ground: The couple clearly let the difficulty of kitchen week get to them, after foreman Keith informed the couple the tiles would need to be ripped up to ensure a proper foundation underneath, to prevent cracking

'So f**king deal with it,' the fiery contestant added.

And things did not get any better for the most outspoken of the couples, with foreman Keith picking up a vital issue with the current state of their floor.

Keith pointed out the tiles would need to be ripped up to ensure a proper foundation underneath, to prevent cracking.

Voicing her frustration: 'It just seems to be a never ending saga with the floorboards,' Carleen, 52, shared to camera

'This ain't good enough mate,' he stressed.

Carleen was at a loss for words.

'It just seems to be a never ending saga with the floorboards,' she said to camera.

Letting the lack of time get to him, Dan was seen looking distressed.

Resorting to Plan B: 'This morning we were on track, but the hiccup with the plan for the floor put us back two hours' Dan told the camera

Mental challenges: 'They say kitchen week is the hardest week on The Block' Dan added

'This morning we were on track, but the hiccup with the plan for the floor put us back two hours.'

'They say kitchen week is the hardest week on The Block,' Dan added to camera.

Another couple distressed on Wednesday night's episode were Brisbane couple Will, 25, and Karlie, 25.

Feeling the strain: Another couple distressed on Wednesday night's episode were Brisbane couple Will, 25, and Karlie, 25

With terrace week approaching, the young couple came to the realisation there was no money in the budget at all to work on the outside entertaining area.

Will and Karlie were five grand in the red.

'We're screwed with budget,' Karlie, a quantity surveyor admitted.

'We actually don't have any money to start the outside,' partner Will added.

Clearly distressed with the situation, Karlie was at a loss.

'I don't know what to do. It's pretty helpless actually.'

'[We have] dead set zero for the terrace,' said Will.
The Olympic swimmer confirmed his relationship with fashion designer Desiree Deravi in June, four months after announcing his split from wife Lindy Klim.

And, Michael Klim enjoyed a family outing beachside in Bali over the weekend with his girlfriend and three children.

In a snap uploaded to Instagram on Sunday, the family were airborne as they began their descent into the rippling blue water of a resort's beachfront pool.

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'Sunday Funday': Olympian Michael Klim posted an adorable photo from a day out with his kids and girlfriend Desiree Deravi at a Bali resort on Sunday to his Instagram

The 39-year-old captioned the impressive post, in part: 'Back by popular demand! The obligatory Sunday Funday pool shot!'

The retired Australian athlete leaped the highest in a star jump pose, while his kids and girlfriend, Desi, tucked their legs and outstretched their arms.

Along for the holiday, Michael's dark-haired beauty jumped beside him in a floral bandeau swimwear top and black bikini bottoms.

She happily regrammed the image with the hash-tag 'family fun' after becoming so close with his young children over the past few months.

Family: The picture came as his ex wife, Lindy, sparked engagement rumours on her trip to Morocco with new beau, Adam Ellis. The couple share three children Stella, 10, Rocco, eight and Frankie, five

The father-of-three shares his daughters Stella, Frankie and son Rocco with previous partner Lindy Klim, who also starting dating a new partner shortly after their split.

And on Tuesday, friends and fans of model took to social media to congratulate her on her engagement to new boyfriend Adam Ellis.

While sharing photos of herself enjoying a trip to Morocco, many users took the opportunity to send their well-wishes to the pair.

Big news: Friends and fans of model Lindy Klim have taken to social media on Tuesday to congratulate her on her engagement to new boyfriend Adam Ellis

'Amazing, congratulations,' one account posted, while another added: 'Congrats on the engagement (sic).'

Other questioned the news, commenting: 'Wow - engaged?'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted representatives for both Lindy and Michael for comment.

The speculation of the engagement came after the mother-of-three shared an image of herself, along with a hash-tag for 'trip of a lifetime' and 'in love' in the caption line.

The moment after? While sharing photos of herself enjoying a trip to Morocco, many users took the opportunity to send their well-wishes to the pair

Exciting: One fan wrote, 'Amazing, congratulations,' while another posted, 'Congrats on the engagement (sic)'

Gushing: Another one of Lindy's followers posted on her image: 'So happy for you two'

While speaking to Daily Mail Australia in May, Lindy revealed she never expected to fall in love with Adam.

'[It's] completely not what I expected, to fall back into another relationship, but he's so lovely,' she said cheerfully.

'It's about time I got on with my life,' she said before later admitting to Daily Mail Australia, she thought nobody would want to be with her because she is a mother.

Unexpected: While speaking to Daily Mail Australia in May, Lindy said she never expected to fall in love with Adam

Happy: Lindy also admitted she was lucky to have bagged the British hunk, gushing: 'Adam is amazing and I'm really fortunate that I found him'

'I didn't think anybody would want me. I've got three children [Stella, Rocco and Frankie] and that's a lot to take on,' she said.

Despite thinking she would remain single, Lindy admitted she was lucky to bag the British hunk.

'Adam is amazing and I'm really fortunate that I found him,' she said of her new beau.

'It's been a tough little while for me, but I'm really happy now.'

Impressed: She said she thought she would remain single because she was a mother to three children and had baggage

Lindy announced her new relationship with Adam just weeks after revealing she had separated from estranged husband, Michael.

At the time of her separation, the pair released a joint statement via their management.

It read: 'It is with much respect for each other that Michael and Lindy Klim have agreed to formally separate, believing that this decision is best for their family.

'Michael and Lindys children will always remain their highest priority, and their happiness will be Michael and Lindys primary focus. We ask that you respect their privacy at this time.'
She's the body-confident reality star, who isn't shy of flaunting her curvaceous assets.

And The Bachelor's Zilda Williams, 33, made sure to remind her social media followers of her appeal on Wednesday, flaunting her cleavage in a revealing black playsuit.

The photo shared with her 44.7K fans, comes just a day after the Kiwi-born beauty exposed her plump rump in a very skimpy G-string bikini.

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She's got some front! Zilda Williams, 33, flaunted cleavage in a revealing snap shared to Instagram on Wednesday, just a day after exposing her plump rump in a G-string bikini

The cleavage-baring snap comes just a day after Zilda left little to the imagination, as she hit the beach for a sunbaking session.

Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the aspiring actress posed with her rear squarely in the frame, showcasing her bronzed complexion.

She lay chest-down on the sand while soaking up the soaring climes and peering at the Sydney Harbour Bridge in the background.

Junk in the trunk! The revealing snap comes just a day after the Kiwi-born beauty took to the site to share an image of her plump rump in just a G-string bikini

Placed in front of her on the sand was an aerosol can of Sun Bum tanning spray, which she cleverly spruiked in the caption by writing: 'Beach bum life.'

Fans were quick to comment on Zilda's formidable curves, with one writing underneath the saucy snap: 'The most perfect beach bum I've ever seen.'

The post comes after Zilda made headlines for sharing a series of party-going snaps with NRL legend 'Big Willie' during a tequila-fueled night out at Sydney's trendy Bungalow 8 bar.

She's not shy! Zilda is on track to becoming Australia's very own Kim Kardashian, thanks to her penchant for flaunting her enviable curves on social media

What's going on? The posts come after Zilda made headlines for sharing a series of party-going snaps with NRL legend 'Big Willie' during a tequila-fueled night out at Sydney's trendy Bungalow 8 bar

The former Bachelor babe documented her antics with the 36-year-old ex-Bulldogs player on Snapchat and Instagram, before deleting all traces of the wild night out from social media the next morning.

In a Snapchat video, the Christchurch-born babe exclaims 'Guess who I found?' before turning the camera to reveal fellow Kiwi Big Willie, who is standing next to a busty brunette as he playfully gives Zilda's iPhone the middle finger.

In a following shot, Big Willie has his arm affectionately wrapped around Zilda while a caption reads '10 margaritas.'

'Guess who I found?' Zilda tells the camera as she turns around to reveal a cheeky Big Willie

Zilda, who shows off her famous E cup assets in a plunging grey dress, is seen holding an alcoholic beverage as she gets close to the controversial athlete.

Despite the nature of the video and photos, Zilda insisted that were was nothing going on between the pair when contacted by Daily Mail Australia for comment.

'I was at an event with my girlfriends and we bumped into Willie in the VIP area,' she revealed.

'We all had a drink and a dance together as a group, then I left. That's it!'

When asked why she deleted evidence of the allegedly wholesome night out from social media, Zilda explained that she didn't want anybody to get the 'wrong impression' about what went down.
Law & Order: SVU has a tendency to air ripped-from-the-headlines storylines.

Now the long-running NBC show is taking on Donald Trump and certain aspects of his race to The White House in an episode entitled Unstoppable.

The very respected actor Gary Cole, 60, is playing a Trump-inspired politician whose campaign goes off the tracks when a number of women come forward with some very damaging accusations, E! News reported.

Trumped: Law & Order: SVU is taking on Donald Trump and certain aspects of his race to The White House in an upcoming episode entitled Unstoppable set to October 26

The episode - which will air October 26 one week ahead of the US Presidential election - will also feature Currie Graham, Meredith Travers, Bianca Amato along with Peter Gallagher.

Trump, 70, has been at the center of controversy throughout his campaign.

The firestorm erupted to dizzying heights after a 2005 video in which the Republican candidate made several lewd comments about women surfaced.

Respected actor: Gary Cole will play a politician whose campaign goes off the tracks after a number of women accuse him of inappropriate behavior

Don't mess: Mariska Hargitay flashes the badge in NBC's long-running hit show

Trump was heard bragging to then-Access Hollywood interviewer Billy Bush how he went after the married Nancy O'Dell and took her furniture shopping only to have his advances rejected.

He also boasted of groping women without their permission.

The SVU episode, however, has been kicking around the studio for weeks.

'It is possible we may try to explore a story involving some sort of brash demagogue with political ambitions,' Law & Order: SVU Showrunner Rick Eid told The Hollywood Reporter last month.

Hotbed of controversy: Trump, 70, has been at the center of controversy throughout his US presidential campaign

According to Variety, the SVU storyline seems to be inspired by a civil lawsuit still pending against Trump by a woman who alleges he raped her when she was 13 years old in the mid-1990s. (Trump's lawyers have denied the allegations.)

Cole, meanwhile, isn't new to playing politicians, having played Kent Davison, the president's senior strategist, on HBO's Veep.

He played the vice president Bob Russell in TV's The West Wing and in the 2000 movie The Gift, he was handsomely menacing as District Attorney David Duncan.

Law & Order: SVU stars series regulars Mariska Hargitay and Ice-T.
She was preparing to confront a paparazzo in a Sydney courtroom on Wednesday.

And before the showdown, fitness buff Michelle Bridges had an awkward moment when she couldn't get inside thanks to automatic doors that remained closed.

The former Biggest Loser Australia trainer, 45, was forced to grimly smile as a woman had to try and pry open the doors at the Downing Centre Court, signalling others inside.

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Not exactly what she wanted: Michelle Bridges had an awkward moment when arriving at the Downing Centre Court in Sydney on Wednesday when she couldn't get inside thanks to closed doors

The situation was made worse as Michelle tried to keep a low-profile.

The mother-of-one dressed in a demure all-black outfit, featuring a chic trench coat and heels and had her locks tied off her face into a low pony.

She covered her face with a pair of dark tinted sunglasses, appearing to want to go under the radar.

Taking it in her stride: The former Biggest Loser Australia trainer, 45, was forced to grimly smile as a woman had to try and pry open the doors

She was seen arriving ahead of her court appearance and obviously a little too early to get inside.

A woman who appeared to be her assistant carried a black folder and water bottle and seemed unhappy they had to wait.

Michelle - who was holding a black handbag - looked awkward as she waited, while surrounded by paparrazi taking pictures of her wait.

The partner of Steve 'Commando' Willis was at the Downing Centre Court to give evidence in an AVO hearing against part-time paparazzo Liam Mendes, 21.

Showdown: The partner of Steve 'Commando' Willis (pictured) was at the Downing Centre Court to give evidence in an AVO hearing against part-time paparazzo Liam Mendes, 21

Legal woes: Mendes (pictured arriving to court on Wednesday) is fighting an apprehended violence order police filed against him on Bridges' behalf after he filmed her inside a restaurant and a supermarket on two separate occasions in April

Mendes is fighting an apprehended violence order police filed against him on Bridges' behalf after he filmed her inside a restaurant and a supermarket on two separate occasions in April.

Bridges agreed she had not had any contact with Mendes outside two occasions on April 16 and 22.

Mendes is accused of harassing Michelle while she was shopping with Steve and their son Axel, nine months.

Before she took to the stand, the court was showed footage of Steve telling Mendes and other photographers off outside of Sydney's Fratelli Fresh, calling them all 'scumbags.'

Apple of her eye: Mendes is accused of harassing Michelle while she was shopping with Steve and their son Axel, nine months

Early this month, Michelle opened up on The Today Show about her and Steve not being a part of The Biggest Loser this year.

Michelle had been a trainer on the weight loss series since in debuted ten years ago.

She said on the Today Show: 'It was a big part of our lives. 10 years is a really long time and I'm really proud of the work that I did,' she said.

The personality added that she's looking forward to 'new exciting projects and a new exciting chapter of my life, and for [Steve's] as well.'

'We're pretty excited about our new future,' the personal trainer concluded.
She had just completed an arduous photo shoot where she pranced around in a bodysuit and kinky boots.

But it was a case of no rest for the wicked as Khloe Kardashian made her way on yet another far-flung adventure and jetted out of Los Angeles on Tuesday.

The reality television personality looked like she could hardly wait to get on her flight, although that was not enough to prevent her being stopped and frisked as she made her way through security at the busy LAX Airport.

Collegiate style: The natural beauty was wearing a trendy varsity jacket

The natural beauty was looking as good as ever as she turned up for her flight in a varsity jacket, black top, tracksuit bottoms and open-toed high heels.

But she was forced to strip down before being frisked by a diligent TSA worker as she made her way through the airport security.

At one point she even gave a cheeky glimpse of her gargantuan behind as she removed one of her shoes by putting her legs on the checkpoint table.

Khloe has just revealed on The Ellen DeGeneres Show her sister Kim is 'not doing that well' nine days after her dramatic robbery at gunpoint in Paris.

She broke her silence on the jewelry heist that saw Kim robbed of over $10 million.

Shady lady: The trendsetter was wearing a pair of comically oversized sunglasses

Rearly impressive: The reality television personality showcased her derriere in fitness bottoms

Jet set Khloe: She looked like she could hardly wait to get on her flight

Of the crime's impact on her family, Khloe said: 'I mean, it's incredibly traumatic what happened to her.'

'But our family is super close and great and we'll get through it together,' she continued, 'and we do appreciate all of your guys' love and support and it will take time.'

'You know, it was horrible what happened to her,' Khloe added.

The reality star went on to reveal how she and her family are reevaluating their social media presence after the incident.

Cheeky girl: She gave a glimpse of her robust rear as she leaned on the security station

Stripping off: She made it look easy as she effortlessly removed her jacket

Frisky business: Khloe Kardashian was patted down as she jetted out of Los Angeles Tuesday

Glove story: The TSA worker made sure she donned rubber gloves before the pat down
She's just nabbed a coveted new gig with hair care and cosmetics brand, Garnier.

And on Wednesday, former reality TV star Lisa Clark, 31, showed why she was chosen as the new ambassador of the brand - flaunting her enviable bikini body while sun-baking at Bondi's Icebergs in Sydney.

The lifestyle blogger wasn't enjoying the spring day solo, however, with new beau James Neale by her side.

Hot bod! Lisa Clark, 31, showed of her ample assets and flat stomach as she sun baked at Bondi Icebergs on Wednesday

Lisa's ample assets were on display as she walked around the pool area of the iconic celeb hot spot.

Her toned torso - complete with a belly ring - and perky derriere was also on show, as was her absolutely flawless, sun-kissed skin.

The Australian beauty donned a black bikini, with the bottoms only half-covering her taut behind, and the top exposing her impressive cleavage.

For her poolside strut, Lisa accessorised her look with a simple gold necklace and chic reflective tortoise shell frame sunglasses.

Sporting an impressive bronzed skin tone, Lisa appeared to have already made use of some beautiful spring days earlier in the month as she topped up her tan.

Sun's out, buns out! The former Big Brother star was more than happy to flaunt her toned derriere as she strutted poolside

Tanned: Lisa appears to have been soaking up the sun of late, already sporting a bronzed glow

Walk this way: Lisa strutted around Bondi Iceberg's pool before sitting down to take in some rays

After her short walk, Lisa resumed her sun baking - putting a leopard print cloth over her head for shade.

She took a sip of her water from her red bottle, and lay back on a dark blue and red towel to soak in some rays.

James then came over to greet the beauty - hugging his girlfriend.

Getting prepared: The new Garnier ambassador put a leopard print cloth over her head for shade as she sun-baked

Staying hydrated: Lisa took a sip of water from her red bottle as she sat by the pool

Fancy seeing you here! Lisa's new boyfriend, James Neale, came over to greet his stunning partner

Hug it out: The Bondi gym fanatic received a hug from his girlfriend, who he has been dating since August

He looked like he was leaning in to give Lisa a kiss on the lips, yet the ex-Big Brother host quickly moved away so that James planted one on her cheek.

The pair have been in a relationship since August.

They revealed their relationship on social media, with James posting a photo of them together on Instagram.

Meanwhile, Lisa confirmed the romance by sharing her own pic of the couple.

Pucker up! James lent in for a kiss on the hot spring day
They were seen getting close to one another during a night out in London earlier this year.

But Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo, 21, and George Lineker, 23, look very much to be just friends as they made their way to trendy nightclub Tape on Tuesday.

The Made In Chelsea star held hands with a handsome mystery man as George strolled ahead.

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Heading to the club: Georgia 'Toff' Toffolo, 21, held hands with a mystery man on her way to Tape, London, on Tuesday

Toff kept things low-key for the mid-week night out in a longsleeve tartan shirt, skintight trousers and sandy boots.

Her luscious golden locks fell down her front, and she sported a glossy lip for a small touch of glamour.

The starlet's male companion dressed down in black zip-up hoodie worn open over a plain white tee.

He kept things coordinated with a pair of black skinny jeans and matching kicks.

Leading the way: George Lineker, 23, had been linked to the reality star earlier this year, but they looked very much to be just friends

Blonde beauty: Toff kept things low-key for the mid-week night out in a longsleeve tartan shirt, skintight trousers and sandy boots

Leading the way was George, who opted for a smart casual ensemble, combining a navy cardigan with a dark tee and black jeans.

Back in March, revellers noted how George and Toff seemed smitten with one another while partying.

Speaking to The Sun's Bizarre column, one said: 'There was lots of laughing and whispering in each other's ears.

Party girl: Toff's luscious golden locks fell down her front and she sported a glossy lip for a small touch of glamour

'They spent a lot of the evening together and Georgia seemed really into George.'

'When he leaned in close, she couldn't stop smiling.'

Months later George was spotted out and about with a mystery blonde, but it appears the son of England legend Gary is still single.
He came on the show to talk about his latest movie offering, Arrival, but Jeremy Renner refused to take his coat off during awkward interview on Wednesday.

During an interview with Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday, he sat huddled up in his winter coat which seemed a little odd.

'You've got your coat on. Are you not used to the weather?' Susanna asked him.

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They've collared him: Susanna Reid and Ben Shephard questioned why Jeremy Renner was keeping his coat on during an interview on Good Morning Britain on Wednesday

'You've got your coat on. Are you not used to the weather?' Susanna asked him

'We'll just leave you to tuck into your coffee,' Ben added, as he sipped on his hot drink.

Later on in the interview, Susanna asked the 45-year-old about his latest movie, Arrival, but the movie star told her he doesn't watch films.

'I don't really watch movies. I don't have time.'

'What so Ben has seen the film you're in and you haven't?' Susanna enquired.

'We'll just leave you to tuck into your coffee,' Ben added, as the star sipped on his hot drink

Awkward: Later on in the interview, Susanna asked the 45-year-old about his latest movie, Arrival, but the movie star told her he doesn't watch films

Snappy: 'What so Ben has seen the film you're in and you haven't?' Susanna enquired - but Jeremy said he has seen it, just not all the way through

Cheer up: Jeremy remained fairly deadpan for most of the interview

There it is: However, he did lighten up when Susanna made a joke about his coat once again, saying, 'Here is something you will be interested in - the weather forecast

'I have seen it, just not all the way through,' Jeremy hit back.

However, he did lighten up when Susanna made a joke about his coat once again, saying, 'Here is something you will be interested in - the weather forecast.

'You can decide whether you can take your coat off after that.,' to which he giggled.

While on the show, Jeremy sang the praises of his Arrival co-star Amy Adams, saying that he there are 'not enough strong female roles for women in Hollywood.'

He said: 'She is a superhero. She is a smart woman, a linguist.'

He's rather taken with that cup: Jeremy kept his mug close by at all times as he posed for some snaps backstage

He's finally smiling: Cup still in hand, he seemed to brighten up a little

The conversation soon turned to Hillary Clinton, Donald Trump and the Presidential election, with the presenters asking him what he thought of their recent debate.

'I think it's quite disgusting. I love the idea that we could hopefully have a woman in power.

Adding: 'We're in trouble. It's a debacle. The Brexit wasn't the greatest thing, either.'
One-on-one time with Georgia Love is what all the boys want on The Bachelorette.

And on Wednesday night's episode, television presenter Courtney Dober landed the coveted spot for a second time, despite some of the guys in the mansion not having even had one single date yet.

But his rival Matt got annoyed when Courtney was named the lucky man over him, saying: 'It's a bit of a jab in the guts.'

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Zoo time: Courtney Dober landed a single date with Georgia Love for the second time on Wednesday's episode of The Bachelorette, but the TV presenter seemed less than impressed at first

Not having it! his rival Matt (pictured) got annoyed when Courtney was named the lucky man over him, saying: 'It's a bit of a jab in the guts'

He added: 'Honestly, you'd be one of my favourites in the house, I'm stoked for you, but that pisses me off. I'm not gonna lie.'

Courtney meanwhile looked less then impressed when he heard he was chosen by Georgia.

'Really? I was feeling a little bit vulnerable and all the eyes were on me and in the back of my head I just wanted to go, "Yes!",' Courtney told the camera

Do you want to go? Courtney meanwhile looked less then impressed when he heard he was chosen by Georgia

He said he wanted to go but joked to camera he was worried the other boys were going to punch him.

The guys in the mansion also noticed this visible disregard, telling him 'you don't look happy about it'.

Georgia took Courtney - who is also an industrial designer by trade - to the National Zoo in Canberra and the pair had a one-on-one experience with meerkats.

Afterwards, Georgia expressed her concern to Courtney that her feelings for him were one-sided and he didn't feel the same, especially after [the group date] last week.

Putting her heart on the line: Afterwards, Georgia expressed her concern to Courtney that her feelings for him were one-sided

She said to camera: 'I really like him. I just want him around all the time. So if I was to find out that that was just one-sided, I'd be devastated.'

The former journalist told Courtney: 'I know that it's nerve-racking being in this strange situation that we're in, but I do absolutely see you as someone that I could have in my life and, yeah... You know that I really like you.'

'So I feel like I've laid all my cards out on the table and just want to know if that's reciprocated, basically.'

The pair then shared a smooch as Courtney's way of answering her question.

Steamy! The pair then shared a smooch as Courtney's way of answering her question

'I get a really good feeling when I'm around you,' Courtney said.

He added: 'Because you do just make me laugh and I do feel very comfortable around you. That's why I kissed you 'cause I just... I honestly felt that that was right.'

'I'm enjoying just finding out more about you and showing you more about me and I feel like we do have such a great connection .'

Meanwhile, back at the mansion, host Osher Gunsberg delivered another envelope for a very different kind of date for two contestants.

He revealed there was, as always, a catch - that two would leave the mansion for the date and only one would return.

It's on! And as luck would have it, the showdown was between rivals Sam Johnston (L) and Rhys Chilton, (R) with one of them being sent home at the end of the date

And as luck would have it, the showdown was between rivals Sam Johnston and Rhys Chilton.

However both contestants ended up leaving, as Rhys said he was upset he was on a date with another man standing by.

While Sam admitted he wouldn't be upset if he left the show without Georgia.

During Rhys's one-on-one time, he told Georgia: 'I'm a little disappointed about today because of the person I'm up against.....that's disappointing.'

'For you, not me. I might not be right for you...but I hope you choose someone else in the house than the person you brought with me today.'

He also said he wasn't ready to find The One.

He's out! Rhys said he wasn't ready to find the one and left

The pair eventually hugged each other and he left their date, which was set at Sydney's Luna Park.

Sam meanwhile was ecstatic that Rhys went home and started talking to Georgia about his international modelling and acting ambitions.

Worried about what this meant for her Georgia said to camera: ' What? Modelling? Acting? Aren't you in Australia looking for a partner?'

Sam said the show had been a chance for a launch pad for his TV Presenting career to speed things up for him, leaving Georgia gobsmacked.

In it for love? Sam meanwhile was ecstatic that Rhys went home and he started talking to Georgia about his modelling and acting ambitions overseas

'I was nearly knocked off that couch. To be totally honest, I think Sam is here to get his face on TV,' she confessed.

She then asked him if he had 'space' in his life for a partner among his career aspirations and while he said he did, the model added: 'If I left this experience without you, I wouldn't, you know, be absolutely heartbroken.'

Georgia couldn't believe what she heard and admitted: 'It was like freight train right into the face.'

And just like that, it was Sam's turn to leave the competition, without Georgia.

Shortly after a less than eventful masquerade style cocktail party, the Bachelorette sent home another two contestants during the rose ceremony.

On this occasion there was a double elimination with Matt and intruder Todd being sent home.
He's hoping third time's a charm after popping the question to his stunning girlfriend earlier this year.

And David Hasselhoff couldn't have looked happier as he left Scott's restaurant in London's Mayfair with his beautiful fiancee Hayley Roberts after a date night on Tuesday.

The actor, 64, looked dapper in a royal blue ensemble as he allowed his stunning other half, 36, to take the lead.

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Date night: David Hasselhoff, 64, couldn't have looked happier as he left Scott's restaurant in London's Mayfair with his beautiful fiancee Hayley Roberts, 36, after a date night on Tuesday

Putting on a leggy display as she strutted out in stylish nude heels, the Welsh beauty oozed glamour in a laser cut-out navy skirt which fell at knee-level.

A white turtleneck sleeveless top was tucked neatly into the skirt, showing off Hayley's toned midriff as she balanced a black coat on one arm.

With her honey blonde locks draped over to one side, the former sales assistant couldn't wipe the smile from her glossy pink lips.

Accompanying her was ex-Baywatch star David, who showed off a cheeky peek of chest hair in his unbuttoned shirt.

Teaming his polka dot number with a statement blazer, skinny black jeans and boots, the American star looked like the cat who'd got the cream.

Stylish couple: The actor, 64, looked dapper in a royal blue ensemble as he allowed his stunning other half, 36, to take the lead

In June, David revealed that he and Hayley have butted heads during wedding preparations as she has banned him from singing at their nuptials, instead favouring classical quartet Il Divo.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, he said: 'The one person she's already banned from singing at the wedding is me.

'Hayley wants to get married some place in Italy, and she wants Il Divo to play. I met them. They were like "Oh my God, the Knight Rider". I really like them. They are great. I wish them every success.'

Earlier this year, the Hoff revealed he popped the question during a beach-side picnic in Malibu after admitting he was 'really unhappy without her'.

Talking to Hello! magazine, Hayley said: 'I genuinely had no idea he was going to do that. I'm still so overwhelmed.'

Bridal perfection: David revealed Hayley has banned him from singing at their wedding, instead favouring classical quartet Il Divo

Chiming in, the actor mulled over his decision: 'I had a saying, 'You don't get married because you want to live with someone, you get married because you can't live without them'.

'I felt that way. I knew that I was really unhappy without her. I waited to propose because I thought I was too old for her.'

The couple - who have a 27-year age gap - have been dating since 2013.

David was previously married to actress Catherine Hickland from March 1984 to March 1989.

The actor then married actress Pamela Bach in December 1989.

The couple had two daughters, Taylor Ann, 26, and Hayley, 24, together, before David filed for divorce in January 2006 after 16 years of marriage, citing irreconcilable differences.
Jenson Button still looked utterly besotted with girlfriend Brittny Ward on Tuesday, as they stopped to share a kiss in the street.

The lovebirds were spotted taking a relaxed stroll along Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, after sharing some lunch and quality time together.

The Formula 1 driver certainly looked like a lucky man as he held the hand of the stunning brunette during a day off the race track.

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Sharing a kiss: Jenson Button and his girlfriend Brittny Ward shared a kiss in the street on Tuesday, during a casual outing in West Hollywood

Brittny was making the most of her model figure in tiny shorts and a lingerie-inspired vest top.

She needed minimal make-up for an off-duty day and didn't even need heel height to extend her long, slender pins.

Jenson made a casual companion in shorts and a T-shirt, his beard rugged and unshaven with his sunglasses rested in the neck of his top.

Cute couple: Jenson went hand-in-hand with the leggy brunette as they spent quality time together

The duo went public with their romance in March, just three months after the driver split from his wife, Jessica Michibata.

Catwalk model Jessica and British driver Jenson wed in 2014, but officially split in December after two years of marriage.

Brittny has since been dubbed a doppelganger for the Japanese brunettes, who it's claimed Jenson never lived with during their marriage.

Stunning Brittny certainly seemed to share the fashionista's flawless bikini physique when she shared a scintillating insight into her latest swimwear shoot on Tuesday.

Behind the scenes: Brittny Ward showed off her flawless figure in a white swimsuit as she took fans behind the scenes on her latest swimwear shoot

The current model girlfriend of F1 driver Jenson took fans behind the scenes in a Snapchat video, which she sent out from her official account.

Brittny was posing in nothing but a tight white swimsuit that scooped low on her bust and daringly across her curvaceous behind.

Body-confident Brittny, who's previously modelled for Playboy, did a 360 for the cameras.

With her swimsuit glowing in bright white, the brunette offset her minimal look with a very deep tan.

She was flirting with the camera, spinning around and flicking her luscious wavy locks.

Cheeky: She did a 360 for the cameras, showing off her pert posterior

Rotating: The stunning model wore a particularly well-cut swimsuit
They're in the Far East promoting their latest film.

And Tom Cruise, his Jack Reacher: Never Go Back co-star Cobie Smulders and director Edward Zwick were in fine spirits as they attended a photocall for the movie in Shanghai, China, on Wednesday.

Leading man Tom, 54, dressed all in black for occasion matching a smart black jumper with suit trousers and well-shined shoes.

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On the promo trail: Tom Cruise, his Jack Reacher: Never Go Back co-star Cobie Smulders and director Edward Zwick were in fine spirits as they attended a photocall for the movie in Shanghai, China, on Wednesday

The star flashed his famous Hollywood smile and wore his dark, mid-length hairstyle neatly swept to the side.

Cobie, 34, looked great in a black dress decorated with green cloud-like designs above what looked to be a watery expanse.

Standing tall in a pair of black stilettos, she styled her sleek, shoulder-length tresses in a neat side parting.

In fine form: Tom, 54, flashed his famous Hollywood smile and wore his dark, mid-length hairstyle neatly swept to the side

Coordinated: Leading man Tom dressed all in black for occasion matching a smart black jumper with suit trousers

Back in black: The trio stood with their arms around each other as they greeted the audience on stage

Deep in conversation: After lapping up the warm reception from the audience, the trio took their seats and took part in a Q&A session

Action hero: The plot of the second Jack Reacher film revolves around an accusation that former military police major Jack committed a murder 16 years prior

Director Edward, 64, kept up the dark theme with a buttoned down shirt which he wore with the sleeves rolled up, trousers and a bright white pair of trainers.

The trio stood with their arms around each other as they greeted the audience on stage.

After lapping up the warm reception from the audience, the trio took their seats and took part in a Q&A session.

Give us a wave: Cobie, 34, looked great in a black dress decorated with green cloud-like designs above what looked to be a watery expanse

Looking good: Standing tall in a pair of black stilettos, she styled her sleek, shoulder-length tresses in a neat side parting

Thanks for the memories: Keen to capture the moment, Edward made sure he got a snap of the audience before leaving the stage

In sync: Director Edward, 64, kept up the dark theme with a buttoned down shirt which he wore with the sleeves rolled up

Keen to capture the moment, Edward made sure he got a snap of the audience before leaving the stage.

The plot of the second Jack Reacher film revolves around an accusation that former military police major Jack committed a murder 16 years prior.

'He's alone and he's sort of in his element and then he couples up with me and all hell breaks loose,' Cobie told ET back in June. 'We're on the run for this entire movie.'

The sequel is adapted from the series of novels by Lee Child, and the first Jack Reacher film released in 2012 made $200 million.

It was shot almost entirely in New Orleans, and the first teaser trailer debuted online on Monday.

Fan favourite: Tom waved at the crowd and flashed a beaming grin
The rose ceremony is certainly the most dreaded part of The Bachelorette for the contestants.

And on Wednesday's episode it was more so than ever before, with not one but two of the boys sent home.

Matt and Todd failed to receive roses from leading lady Georgia Love, with musician Todd believing it was his status as an intruder which got him sent home.

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Leaving the mansion: Todd (left) was sent home along with Matt in a double elimination during Wednesday night's episode of The Bachelorette

'I'm definitely at a disadvantage,' the 26-year-old noted.

'Georgia's already established connections with some of the guys, that kinda puts me on the back foot,' he added.

Matt meanwhile was upset about being given the boot before getting a single date with the former newsreader.

'There's no doubt I'm a little disappointed with the result tonight,' he said.

Disadvantaged: The 26-year-old musician said coming to the show late as an intruder left him on the backfoot in the competition

Who will she chose? Georgia Love had to send not one but two of the boys away as the competition reaches the pointy end, with hometown visits around the corner

'I still feel that Georgia hadn't had the opportunity to see me in my entirety.'

The 29-year-old security specialist added that he'll keep looking for love.

'That's OK. It wasn't meant to be. Um, yeah, we'll push on from here.'

At the start of the episode, Matt was left feeling annoyed when his rival Courtney Dober landed the single date with Georgia.

'It's a bit of a jab in the guts,' he said.

Zoo time: Courtney Dober landed a single date with Georgia Love for the second time on Wednesday's episode of The Bachelorette making Matt annoyed

He added: 'Honestly, you'd be one of my favourites in the house, I'm stoked for you, but that pisses me off. I'm not gonna lie.'

Courtney meanwhile looked less then impressed when he heard he was chosen by Georgia.

'Really? I was feeling a little bit vulnerable and all the eyes were on me and in the back of my head I just wanted to go, "Yes!",' Courtney told the camera

Do you want to go? Courtney meanwhile looked less then impressed when he heard he was chosen by Georgia

He said he wanted to go but joked to camera he was worried the other boys were going to punch him.

The guys in the mansion also noticed this visible disregard, telling him 'you don't look happy about it'.

Georgia took Courtney - who is also an industrial designer by trade - to the National Zoo in Canberra and the pair had a one-on-one experience with meerkats.

The date went well with the pair stealing a smooch.

Steamy! The pair then shared a smooch after their zoo date

Meanwhile, Georgia took rivals Sam Johnston and Rhys Chilton on a date, with a twist.

The catch was that after their trip to Luna Park, she would be sending one of them home.

However in a shock to Georgia, the boys both left after they had one-on-one chats with her.

It's on! Sam Johnston (L) and Rhys Chilton, (R) went on a date with Georgia and both ended up leaving the show afterwards

Rhys said he was upset he was on a date with another man standing by.

While Sam admitted he wouldn't be upset if he left the show without Georgia.

During Rhys's one-on-one time, he told Georgia: 'I'm a little disappointed about today because of the person I'm up against.....that's disappointing.'

'For you, not me. I might not be right for you...but I hope you choose someone else in the house than the person you brought with me today.'

He also said he wasn't ready to find The One.

He's out! Rhys said he wasn't ready to find the one and left

Sam meanwhile was ecstatic that Rhys went home and started talking to Georgia about his international modelling and acting ambitions.

Worried about what this meant for her, Georgia said to camera: ' What? Modelling? Acting? Aren't you in Australia looking for a partner?'

Sam said the show had been a chance for a launch pad for his TV Presenting career to speed things up for him, leaving Georgia gobsmacked.

In it for love? Sam meanwhile was ecstatic that Rhys went home and he started talking to Georgia about his modelling and acting ambitions overseas

'I was nearly knocked off that couch. To be totally honest, I think Sam is here to get his face on TV,' she confessed.

She then asked him if he had 'space' in his life for a partner among his career aspirations and while he said he did, the model added: 'If I left this experience without you, I wouldn't, you know, be absolutely heartbroken.'

Georgia couldn't believe what she heard and admitted: 'It was like freight train right into the face.'
He was placed in a rather unreal situation on The Bachelorette on Wednesday, going on a date with love interest Georgia Love and his love-rival Sam.

And shortly before he decided to leave the show, Rhys spoke his mind, telling Georgia he would never have put up with that situation if it weren't for the cameras.

The 29-year-old model told the former journalist: 'If this was the outside world, I would have walked away.'

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'I would have walked away': Rhys was placed in a rather unreal situation on The Bachelorette on Wednesday, going on a date with love interest Georgia Love and his love-rival Sam

During the episode, Georgia took Sam and Rhys to Luna Park in Sydney to spend a day together, with one of them to be sent home afterwards.

However, in a twist, both left.

Rhys' comment about not putting up with the third-wheel date in the real world came after he left the brunette beauty in shock when he said he wasn't looking for 'the one.'

'I'm not ready to meet "The One",' Rhys admitted as they talked in Luna Park.

Noticing her shock, he tried to explain himself further, explaining: 'I never plan, but I'm open to anything that comes along.'

He wasn't impressed: Rhys spoke his mind, telling Georgia he would never put up with that situation if it weren't for the cameras

Three's a crowd! Rhys arrive to meet Georgia at Luna Park in Sydney, along with Sam

After both revelations, Georgia said to camera that the pair weren't 'looking for the same things' and she worried about why he was actually on the show.

'I don't know if you and I would fit into each other's lives at the stages that we're at. I've left my career behind to give this 100 per cent,' Georgia said.

She added that she doesn't want to waste anyone's time if they aren't connecting together and proceeded to cut him loose.

'I don't want to lead anyone on and I haven't been leading you on,' she said.

Being honest: It came after he left the brunette beauty in shock when he said he wasn't looking for 'the one'

He told her she hadn't been leading him on and he gracefully said goodbye.

'There's been no leading on whatsoever. I'm a little disappointed about today because of the person I'm up against...that's disappointing,' he said referring to Sam.

'For you, not me. I might not be right for you but I hope you choose someone else in the house other than the person you brought with me today,' he said, urging her not to choose Sam.

'Shame we didn't really get to know each other,' he added before the pair hugged, ending things amicably.

Being mature about it: The pair eventually said goodbye to one another

Rhys - who is also said to be an entrepreneur on his Bachelorette profile - then hopped into a awaiting car and left the competition.

Rival Sam meanwhile, also had a confrontation with Georgia on the date.

After hearing that Rhys had left - much to his amusement - Sam attempted to open up to Georgia but she wasn't left impressed when he revealed he came onto the show to help his modelling, acting and TV presenting careers.

He said he wanted to go back to the US for work but Georgia was concerned about why he's on an Australian show, supposedly looking for love.

Choose your words: Rival Sam meanwhile, also had a confrontation with Georgia on the date when he said the show is helping his modelling and acting career

'This has just given me like a little kick to get moving quicker,' Sam openly admitted.

While he admitted to Georgia that he was looking for a partner, he said he wouldn't be too concerned if he leaves the show without winning her heart.

'I'm open to anything and if it happens, it happens,' he said about finding romance.

'You know, If I left this experience without you, I wouldn't, you know, be absolutely heartbroken,' he said, leaving Georgia gobsmacked.

Georgia expressed her shock to camera, saying: 'Wow. It was like freight train right into the face.'

She told him: 'I just don't think we're on the same page. I don't think you are here for the same reasons as me.'
Felicity Jones channeled business-chic for the red carpet photocall of her new film Inferno on Wednesday, in London.

In work mode, Felicity - who was sporting a new fringed hair 'do - looked sophisticated in a preppy pussybow blouse, teamed with black culottes.

The British actress arrived at the Corinthia Hotel on the arm of her famous co-star Tom Hanks, and shared pictures with the film's director Ron Howard.

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Red carpet glamour: Felicity Jones kept things sophisticated at the red carpet photocall for Inferno on Wednesday afternoon

Felicity wore a pair of towering heels with her calf-length trousers, and a long black cashmere Salvatore Ferragamo coat layered on top elongated her petite frame yet more.

In the beauty department, the actress kept her porcelain skin natural with just a touch of blusher and opted for smokey eye make-up.

The high-octane thriller follows beloved lead character Robert Langdon (a role reprised by Tom), who wakes up in a hospital in Florence with no memory of the last few days.

On-screen duo: Felicity was accompanied by leading man Tom Hanks, in London

Starry-eyed: Director Ron Howard joins the actors on the red carpet

Teaming up with Dr. Sienna Brooks (played by Felicity), he races across the city in a bid to retrace his footsteps and escape being found by a major manhunt.

Immediately after filming the fast-paced Ron Howard flick, Felicity headed straight to set for another much-anticipated movie - the new Star Wars installment, Rogue One.

Earlier that day, Felicity was flying solo as she continued promotions for the new film.

Paired up: Felicity recently said that the Hollywood star is very down-to-earth

Slick: The Hollywood actor was suited and booted for the occasion

The pretty brunette was seen arriving at BBC Radio 1 in London for a chat in the absence of her famous US co-star Tom.

Felicity is just back in her native London, following a whirlwind promotional film for the third Dan Brown action film.

Her sleek new hairstyle proved hard to tame and even though she arrived with the do perfectly coiffed, her fringe seemed to disappear in the wind as she exited.

Just last week, Felicity was in Florence, Italy and Berlin, Germany on the approach to the film's release on Friday.

Sophisticated dressed: Earlier that day, Felicity promoted the film at BBC Radio 1

Gone with the fringe: Later, as she emerged from the studios, the fringe was swept away in a gust of wind

Chic: She dressed in a sophisticated pussybow blouse for the occasion

Speaking to The Sydney Morning Herald recently, Felicity spoke about how down-to-earth Forest Gump star Tom was, in person.

'Tom is always absolutely focused and there's no messing around on set - his priority is making the best film possible,' she told the magazine.

'He's also incredibly down to earth. He never takes any of his fame or success for granted,' she added.

Escape: Felicity stars as Dr. Sienna Brooks alongside Tom Hanks' character Robert Langdon (right) as they try to evade a man hunt

Busy bee: She's only just returned from Berlin where the cast were on tour
He's been focusing on his brand new Amazon motoring show, The Grand Tour, in recent months.

But Jeremy Clarkson found the time to enjoy a night out in London on Tuesday, visiting private members club Albert Club with journalist Charlotte Edwardes.

The TV presenter, 56, and his friend were seen leaving the exclusive venue together alongside a male pal.

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Night out: Jeremy Clarkson enjoyed a night out in London on Tuesday, visiting private members club Albert Club with pretty journalist Charlotte Edwardes

Making a speedy exit: The pair were seen taking a taxi together at the end of the evening

Jeremy and the blonde were seen laughing and smiling as they exited the venue, with his companion clutching a large manuscript under one arm.

The former Top Gear host appeared in good spirits, dressed smartly for his evening on the town in a grey suit jacket and dark trousers.

Charlotte was clad in a smart tweed coat set off with leather ankle boots.

There is no indication the rendez-vous was of a romantic nature and the pair appeared to have had a successful meeting.

In depth interview? The TV presenter, 56, and his friend were seen leaving the exclusive venue together alongside a male pal

Wrapping up warm: Charlotte was clad in a smart tweed coat set off with leather ankle boots

Hard at work: Jeremy and the blonde were seen laughing and smiling as they exited the venue, with his companion clutching a large manuscript under one arm

A fond farewell: The duo bade goodbye to the third member of their party as the evening drew to a close

Business as usual: There is no indication the rendez-vous was of a romantic nature and the pair appeared to have had a successful meeting

MailOnline has contacted a representative for Clarkson, who declined to comment.

Just last month, Jeremy was seen checking into the intimate Chewton Glen Tree House hotel in The New Forest at the weekend, alongside a pretty brunette companion.

Onlookers at the hotel revealed to Mirror Online: 'Jeremy and his companion were laughing, joking and having a great time. Chewton Glen is a romantic place to come and they certainly looked like they were enjoying each others company.'

However their private, quiet stay was somewhat interrupted - with EastEnders star Danny Dyer hosting his wedding at the venue the same weekend.

And then there were two: The smartly dressed blonde was seen hugging their companion

Suited and booted: The former Top Gear host appeared in good spirits, dressed smartly for his evening on the town in a grey suit jacket and dark trousers

A further source revealed: 'He was laughing about how he tried to go away for a quiet weekend and ended up walking on to the set of EastEnders.

Jeremy fuelled further rumours of a romance with the appearance, after he and the same brunette were seen enjoying an al-fresco lunch in London in July.

The potential romance comes after Jeremy split from his wife of 22 years Frances Cain, with her reportedly filing divorce proceedings in April 2014.

Frances, as his former manager, has been a key part in the ascent of Jeremy's career, turning him into a global motoring TV icon thanks to his role on BBC's Top Gear, from which he was sacked last year.

Back in the fol: Last year, it was reported that Jeremy had moved back to the home he had shared with his former wife and children

And, although they have split, they are still said to be on very good terms with each other following their over 20 years of marriage.

Last October, it was reported that Jeremy had moved back to the home he had shared with his former wife and children - they are parents to a teenage daughters Emily, Katya, and son Finlo - in Chipping Norton.

According to the Sunday Mirror, the 55-year-old had moved back to the country estate, and spent his 'weekends and down-time at a guest cottage in the grounds in Chipping Norton.'

The paper added, at the time: 'He is still close to wife of 22 years Frances Cain and likes to pop to the main house for meals with her and their three children.'

Amicable: Although they have split, they are still said to be on very good terms with each other following their over 20 years of marriage

Revving things up a gear: Jeremy is currently filming new car show The Grand Tour, alongside original Top Gear presenters Richard Hammond and James May

It was also reported that his rumoured girlfriend of the time Phillipa Sage, who allegedly had an affair with Jeremy in 2011 leading to his marriage split, joined him for the stay but at a discreet distance.

Events organiser and long-time friend Phillipa first became a public part of Jeremy's life when she was spotted sharing a kiss with the former Top Gear host in Greece in 2013.

Charlotte meanwhile was linked to ITV political editor Robert Peston this Spring.

Robert was rumoured to have found love again with his friend of a decade, four years after the tragic death of his beloved wife left him devastated.

Weekend break: Just last month, Jeremy was seen checking into the intimate Chewton Glen Tree House hotel in The New Forest at the weekend, alongside a pretty brunette companion

Close companion: Jeremy has often been seen in the company of long-time friend Phillipa Sage in the wake of his marriage split

The first hint they might be more than just friends came when the two were pictured walking in London together last November, apparently deep in conversation.

In an interview with the Telegraph, Peston refused to go as far as to confirm he was dating Ms Edwardes, who he met while working for the newspaper, but did reveal: She is brilliant and funny, and we are very close.'

The BBC's former economics editor, who left the broadcaster last year, has previously spoken of how difficult he found the months and years after wife Sian Busby's death, losing weight and even developing an extreme form of arthritis.

Romance rumours: Charlotte meanwhile was linked to ITV political editor Robert Peston this Spring

Heading off: Jeremy and his friend were seen climbing into the back of the same taxi

Sian died of lung cancer, despite never having smoked, which left Peston and sons Max and Simon bereft. The couple were married for 14 years, having first dated at university before splitting up.

Jeremy is currently filming new car show The Grand Tour, alongside original Top Gear presenters Richard Hammond and James May, due for release on Amazon Prime this autumn.

The petrolhead was originally sacked from BBC show Top Gear for an 'unprovoked physical and verbal attack' on a producer, which left the victim in hospital.
Wentworth Miller has reassured those struggling with coming out that they will find the support they need.

The 44-year-old actor told Attitude magazine on Tuesday: 'I would say what others have said: "It gets better. One day, you'll find your tribe.'

The Prison Break actor added: 'You just have to trust that people are out there waiting to love you and celebrate you for who you are."'

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Candid: Wentworth Miller has reassured those struggling with coming out that they will find the support they need

Speaking of his own experience in coming out, he added: 'In the meantime, the reality is you might have to be your own tribe. You might have to be your own best friend.

'That's not something they're going to teach you in school. So start the work of loving yourself.'

The star publicly confirmed his sexuality in 2013, after speaking up about LGBT discrimination in Russia.

The star - who plays Michael Scofield on Prison Break - previously revealed his struggles with depression, self-loathing and thoughts of suicide.

Reassuring: The 44-year-old actor told Attitude magazine on Tuesday: 'I would say what others have said: "It gets better. One day, you'll find your tribe.'

The Golden Globe nominee explained on Facebook earlier this year: ' I suffered in silence. As so many do. The extent of my struggle known to very, very few.

'Ashamed and in pain, I considered myself damaged goods. And the voices in my head urged me down the path to self-destruction. Not for the first time.

'I've struggled with depression since childhood. It's a battle that's cost me time, opportunities, relationships, and a thousand sleepless nights.'

The British-born hunk spoke candidly and posed for the cover of the magazine, after being named their man of the year.

Back from the dead? He returns to his career-defining role as Scofield in Prison Break next year

He returns to his career-defining Prison Break role next year.

The first trailer for the reboot revealed the brooding jailbird is alive and well.

The structural engineering supremo is believed to have died when the hit show ended with season four back in 2009.

But the new clip for the revival miniseries has shown he has somehow survived, but is yet again incarcerated, this time in Morocco.

 For confidential help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or click here
Justice League filming wrapped in the UK last week and production has relocated to the cold shores of Iceland.

To mark the new phase, Warner Bros. released the first look at Amber Heard as Mera, Aquaman's wife and queen.

The actress, 30, is pictured standing on rocks at the water's edge in her tight-fitting sea-green suit and pointed headdress with her long auburn hair flowing loose.

Debut: Amber Heard is pictured for the first time in costume as Mera, the wife and queen of Aquaman, as Justice League filming moves to Iceland

Amber paints a brooding picture of the DC Comics character.

She also looks distinctly chilly as she poses in the stark location.

Director Zack Snyder will film the above-water scenes for Aquaman's hometown of Amnesty Bay in Iceland, according to ComingSoon.net.

She's fierce! Warner Bros. also released artwork showing the DC Comics character as envisioned by by the design team working on the movie

Recurring roles: : Amber has a small role in Justice League but will play a bigger part when she joins Jason Momoa, pictured, in the standalone Aquaman film set for 2018

The actress, who made headlines earlier this year when she filed for divorce from Johnny Depp after just 15 months of marriage, has been keeping a low profile since moving to England to shoot Justice League.

While her part in this film, slated for a November 2017 release, is expected to be small, she will play a much bigger role in the standalone Aquaman movie slated for 2018.

Game Of Thrones star Jason Momoa plays Aquaman, one of superheroes to join forces with Ben Affleck's Batman and Gal Gadot's Wonder Woman to try and prevent a catastrophe befalling the planet.

Flying under the radar: The actress, 30, pictured in London last month, has been keeping a low profile following her acrimonious divorce from Johnny Depp this summer

Meanwhile, last Friday Snyder tweeted a behind-the-scenes video clip as he shared with fans that Justice League filming at Leavesden in England was completed.

The actors are seen filming against green screens and working out as part of their grueling fitness regimes to keep themselves in superhero shape.

'Thanks to my cast and crew for a great shoot and thank you UK, you've been amazing,' Snyder said said at the end of the clip.

It's pretend: Justice League director marked the end of filming at Leavesden studios in England last week by sharing a behind-the-scenes video of actors working with green screens
She delightedly announced her pregnancy on Monday.

And since the big reveal, Geri Horner has been proudly flaunting her growing baby bump as illustrated by her latest Instagram post in which she flashed her blooming body while hitting the studio.

The 44-year-old former Spice Girl, who is expecting with her husband Christian Horner, could not stop smiling as she stood to the side to give a full view of her growing bump.

Blooming! Geri Horner has been proudly flaunting her growing baby bump as illustrated by her latest Instagram post in which she flashed her blooming body while hitting the studio

Geri, nee Halliwell, looked stunning in the happy snap in which she stood with her hands on her hips while looking over her shoulder in a tight black top.

With her famously petite frame, her belly looked particularly rounded in what was her second unveiling following her bump debut at the Attitude Awards on Monday night.

The Watford-born beauty wore her hair in loose waves while pulling headphones atop her head as she recorded tracks, no doubt alongside the Spice Girls reformed three-piece styled under the name GEM.

Geri is joining her bandmates Emma Bunton and Mel B - with Mel C and Victoria Beckham declining to take part - for a lucrative reunion tour to mark the band's 20th anniversary in style.

The big reveal! The 44-year-old former Spice Girl, who is expecting with her husband Christian Horner, could not stop smiling as she stood to the side to give a full view of her growing bump

Loved-up: Geri married her handsome partner in Bedfordshire in May last year

Geri - who already has 10-year-old daughter Bluebell from a past relationship - and her husband are 'overjoyed' to be expecting their first child together.

A spokesperson for the star confirmed: 'Geri and Christian are absolutely delighted to announce they are expecting their first child together.

'The couple are overjoyed with the good news and cannot wait to welcome the newest addition to their family.'

Happier than ever: With her famously petite frame, the bump looked particularly rounded in what was her second unveiling following her bump debut at the Attitude Awards on Monday night

God bless: Geri borrowed a line from her single It's Raining Men to announce her happy news on Instagram

Geri borrowed a line from her single It's Raining Men to announce her happy news on Instagram.

She wrote: 'God bless Mother Nature #mamaspice (sic),' sharing a sketch of a heavily pregnant woman alongside the caption.

Hours after her announcement when she headed to the Attitude Awards Geri was feted with the Honorary Gay Award.

Way bacl when: Geri is joining her bandmates Emma Bunton and Mel B - with Mel C and Victoria Beckham declining to take part - for a lucrative reunion tour to mark the band's 20th anniversary in style

Baby Bluebell: Geri - who already has 10-year-old daughter Bluebell (pictured in 2007) from a past relationship - and her husband are 'overjoyed' to be expecting their first child together

The Attitude website listed the reasons Geri was the ideal candidate for the prize: 'A Spice Girl who sings about raining men, once arrived at Londons G-A-Y on horseback for no discernible reason and who gets the LGBT community and our struggles...

'Geri Horner is as close to being a gay man as its possible to be  were thrilled to bestow upon her that most prestigious of awards: Honourary Gay.'

She was given the prize by her fellow former Spice Girl Emma, who was suitably named Baby Spice. The former colleagues cosied up backstage with Emma cradling her bump.
He soared to fame at the tender age of 12 after starring in the Harry Potter series as Seamus Finnigan.

But Devon Murray, 27, has revealed his teenage years weren't as glamorous as they appeared, as he was secretly battling with depression.

Speaking candidly about his mental health problems on RTE 2fm, the Irish actor revealed he even suffered from suicidal problems a mere six months ago, which pushed him to get some help and support.

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Behind the smile: Devon Murray, 27, has revealed his teenage years weren't as glamorous as they appeared, as he was secretly battling with depression

He revealed: 'My self-confidence and everything had come to an all-time low...

'All these friends could have supported me but I blocked them out, I didn't want them to see how low I was. I didn't want them to look at me any differently.

'It was something that was eating me away.'

Discussing how the moment came to a head, he recalled that at his lowest, back in April, he contemplated suicide.

'I was a mess,' he explained. 'I'd felt like I let down my parents, that I couldn't do anything right, I was pointless, I was a disaster.'

Household name: Devon soared to fame at the tender age of 12 after starring in the Harry Potter series in all eight films as Seamus Finnigan

Thankfully, the star was able to reach out and seek help in time, as he revealed that he was able to find the strength to confide in his parents.

'I text my mum and dad and it was me asking for help without really asking for help,' he explained. 'I was telling them I was sorry for everything that happened and that I'd messed up.

'My mum was down in the blink of an eye. I was sobbing and in bits.'

Candid: The star recently spoke out about his depression on Twitter

Brave: The star explained he found the courage to seek help

Strong: He encouraged his followers to open up

Back on track: Discussing how the moment came to a head, he recalled that at his lowest, back in April, he contemplated suicide, but thankfully sought help

He added that later that evening, he took his parents aside and explained he had been suffering from depression for more than a decade as he revealed it was the 'first time' he had confided in anyone about his emotions.

Devon continued: 'I completely regret not saying what I was feeling when I was 16.

'Harry Potter was the best thing in my life but in a sense turned into the worst times of my life.'

Devon's suicidal thoughts coincided with the court case he faced in April when he was ordered to pay his former agent 210,000 in unpaid fees.

It was alleged that Devon tried to dodge out of his obligations under the contract in an unlawful manner after the first four films.

The judge also dismissed a counter-claim for more than 79,000 that the Murray family said they paid to the Dublin-based Neil Brooks Management.

Back on track: Devon revealed that seeking help was the best thing for him as he admitted that earlier this year was the first time he had confided in anyone

Meanwhile, Devon took to Twitter this week - during Mental Health Awareness Week - to discuss his battle with depression.

Addressing his 224,000 followers, he wrote: 'I've been battling depression in silence for ten years & only recently spoke about it and has made a huge difference #worldmentalhealthday

'I had suicidal thoughts this year and that was the kick up the a*** that I needed! Open up, talk to people #worldmentalhealthday.

He added: 'I'm so happy that from me opening up it helped so many of you find the strength to.We are all loved and cared about by those around us #talk'.

For confidential support call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see samaritans.org
She is a busy mom and career woman but Jessica Alba really does seem to have the art of making everything look effortless.

Freshly back home in LA following a trip to the Bay Area,the 35-year-old stepped out Wednesday in an eye-catching pink pleated skirt with a large powder blue scarf wrapped around her neck.

As you'd expect from the head of a company called Honest Beauty, the actress was perfectly made-up with a touch of mascara, a dusting of blusher and some light pink lip color.

Eye-catching: Jessica Alba, 35, headed out from a business meeting in LA on Wednesday wearing pink pleated skirt paired with a black coat and black ankle boots

She had on a three-quarter length black coat and black ankle boots but opted to go bare-legged despite the early morning chill.

The Honest Company co-founder carried a large black leather purse and accessorized with a pair of large hoop earrings.

The busy businesswoman kept checking her phone as she walked, no doubt preparing for her long day ahead.

Multi-tasker: The Honest Company co-founder and Hollywood actress wrapped a large powder blue scarf around her neck and checked her phone for messages as she walked

In addition to running her natural products businesses, Jessica is mom to daughters Honor, eight, and Haven, five, with husband Cash Warren.

And if that wasn't enough, she's also debuted a denim line in collaboration with DL1961.

The 18-piece collection officially dropped Wednesday on designer clothing retailer Revolve's website.

The same day photos were released by Zico coconut water showing Jessica in a variety of staged poses as the brand's new ambassador.

Gun for hire: The busy mom, who has two daughters with husband Cash Warren, is also the brand ambassador for Zico coconut water that released new ad images of her on Wednesday

She models too: She's seen in a variety of poses with the product for thecompany's new What's Inside Is Everything campaign

The Fantastic Four and Dark Angel star is the face of the company's What's Inside Is Everything ad campaign.

She's pictured in blue cotton pants and a blue and white striped long-sleeved top as she's shown holding a plastic bottle of the product and making smoothies with it too.

She's been associated with the brand since 2014.
They formed a close friendship while playing lovers in 2011's Like Crazy.

And Felicity Jones is still struggling to come to terms with the shocking death of Anton Yelchin.

The actor was just 27 years old when he died on June 19 after being crushed between his Jeep and a security fence in a freak accident.

'It's been devastating': Felicity Jones talked to The Hollywood Reporter about coming to terms with the death of Anton Yelchin

Felicity graces the cover of The Hollywood Reporter's latest issue, and discussed how she is trying to deal with the loss of her friend in an accompanying interview.

'Its been devastating,' she admitted. 'It doesnt feel like theres any justice or theres no way of understanding it, really. Its just been a very difficult time for his family. Theyre very dignified, beautiful people.'

Felicity added: 'He was just like no one else. He really was a unique soul.'

Fast friends: The pair grew close while working together on 2011's Like Crazy, in which they played lovers

'He really was a unique soul': Felicity is heartbroken after Anton died in a freak accident in June

The Oscar nominee also explained why the much anticipated Rogue One: A Star Wars Story has been doing re-shoots.

'Obviously when you come to the edit, you see the film come together and you think, "Actually, we could do this better, and this would make more sense if we did this,"' she said.

'Ive done it so many times. I mean, you wouldnt just give your first draft on this story, would you?'

Monochrome mood: The actress looked beautiful in this black and white snap for her Hollywood Reporter photoshoot

Model pose: The 32-year-old looked chic in a little black dress with a white collar and cuffs

Casual chic: The beautiful brunette looked relaxed in a cream cardigan as she sat on a sofa

Felicity additionally revealed who she would most like to work with in the future.

'I always think Michelle Williams is excellent in her work,' she said. 'And I do love Sofia Coppola. She always creates something so atmospheric. I love Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola, Andrea Arnold.'

Like Crazy followed the relationship between British exchange student Anna (Felicity) and American student Jacob (Anton) who fall in love but are separated when she overstays her student visa and is denied re-entry to the United States.

Great chemistry: Like Crazy, which also starred Jennifer Lawrence, won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival

The movie, which also starred Jennifer Lawrence, had a 50-page outline instead of a script, with the cast improvising most of the dialogue, and it won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.

After Anton's tragic death, the film's director Drake Doremus told The Hollywood Reporter: 'I'm still in shock. I'm having a hard time processing it. I just woke up and saw it online and thought it was a hoax, you know, like some of these things are.

'Then I talked to some people who confirmed it and it's just devastating. Everyone's devastated. I spoke to Felicity, who is very devastated and very upset.

'A world without Anton is a lesser place': Felicity paid tribute to Anton after he was crushed between his Jeep and security fence in a freak accident. They are shown in October 2011

'And [Like Crazy producer] Jon Schwartz. You just try to touch base with all the people you love and who changed your life, and he certainly changed all our lives.'

In her own statement, Felicity said: 'I'm devastated. A world without Anton is a lesser place. He touched everyone he met with his honesty and humanity.

'We have lost a unique and profound soul.'

Gone too soon: The 27-year-old also starred in Star Trek. Last week, his parents were told their son caused his own death by his 'misuse, misapplication, or damage' of the recalled 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee which rolled down his driveway and pinned him against the gate

Last week, Anton's parents were told their son caused his own death by his 'misuse, misapplication, or damage' of the recalled 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee which rolled down his driveway and pinned him against the gate.

Auto Nation, the dealership which sold him the vehicle, have refused to accept liability and have asked a judge in California to cut them loose from a lawsuit filed by Victor and Irina Yelchin.

While it is not clear what the 'misuse, misapplication, or damage' involved, it is thought to relate to alterations made to the SUV after Anton purchased it.
They were sent home in a dramatic episode of The Bachelorette Australia on Wednesday night.

Now it seems rejects Sam Johnston and Rhys Chilton may have found their happily ever after with each other.

In a comedic social media post, the pair - who were portrayed as frenemies on the show - happily posed as husband and wife alongside each other.

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Their happily ever after: Sam Johnston and Rhys Chilton happily posed as husband and wife on Wednesday in a comedic social media snap

In the snap, the pair stood behind the theme park cardboard cut-out, which pictured a painting of a wedding dress and groomsman suit.

At the bottom of the picture, it was signed, 'Sam & Rhys. Luna Park, 2016.'

The official Bachelorette account captioned the image: 'It was simply not meant to be between Georgia and our dynamic duo Sam and Rhys.

Differences aside: The account captioned the image: 'It was simply not meant to be between Georgia and our dynamic duo Sam and Rhys. 'Try to be nice to each other on the outside boys'

'Try to be nice to each other on the outside boys! #BacheloretteAU,' the Network 10 account continued to post.

During the tense episode on Wednesday Sam opened up to Georgia Love about why he really applied for The Bachelorette.

The 27-year-old was chatting to the TV presenter about his life outside of the show during some one-on-one time at Sydney's Luna Park.

Ouch: During the tense episode, Sam opened up to Georgia Love and revealed he only applied to be in the show to give him a kick start in a television career

The model admitted after a trip to the US, where he signed to an agency in Miami, he had planned to return to LA and get into acting and TV presenting, when the opportunity to be on the show came up.

'I think presenting's kinda cool and being on camera and the media and, yeah, it was kind of heading that direction before this.

'Um...but this has just given me like a little kick to get moving quicker,' he frankly admitted.

That's gotta hurt: He admitted: 'I think presenting's kinda...this has just given me like a little kick to get moving quicker'

'It was like freight train right into the face,' Georgia told the camera.

However, before Sam's abrupt departure, Rhys and Georgia's one-on-one time also didn't go too well.

'I'm not ready to meet 'the one',' he told a very shocked Bachelorette, who questioned why he was on the show.

He's gone: However, before Sam's abrupt departure, Rhys and Georgia's one-on-one time also didn't go too well with him revealing he wasn't ready to settle down

Rhys was later given his marching orders from Georgia, resulting to his commenting: 'Shame we didn't really get to know each other.'

The confessions came afterthe pair went on a double date with Georgia to Luna Park.

The Bachelorette Australia airs on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm on Network 10.
Gerard Butler has quietly listed his beautiful Spanish Revival-style home in the Los Feliz neighbourhood of Los Angeles.

While not officially on the market, the hillside residence is available for purchase outside the Multiple Listing Service for just under $4.4 million.

Those not quite ready to commit can also rent the home for $15,000 per month, according to Variety.

Available: Gerard Butler has quietly put his beautiful Los Angeles home on the market for $4.4 million and also offering it as a rental for $15,000 per month

The 46-year-old Ugly Truth star bought the property in 2008 for $3.25 million.

Covering almost 4,500 sq ft and three storeys the home has four bedrooms and four bathrooms.

The property is described as boasting period details mixed together with state-of-the-art upgrades.

Hush hush: While it's not officially on the market yet the home is being listed outside of the Multiple Listing Service

A petite flat backyard features a small swimming pool and semicircular spa.

The home has a gated and secured entry courtyard and turreted entry as well as beamed ceilings.

Butler reportedly has a three-bedroom luxury flat in Glasgow that he bought last year for $850,000 and a Manhattan duplex that he scooped up for $2.57 million in 2004.

Hillside home: Covering almost 4,500 sq ft and three stories the home has four bedrooms and four bathrooms

The 3,300 sq ft apartment featured in a 2010 Architectural Digest article where the 300 actor described it as 'bohemian old-world rustic chateau with a taste of baroque.'

The star is currently filming Hunter Killer with Billy Bob Thornton and Gary Oldman.

His latest offering, The Headhunter's Calling, has just been released in theatres and revolves around a workaholic man whose son's cancer diagnosis forces him to take a closer look as to what's important.
Shia LaBeouf and Mia Goth did not get legally married in Las Vegas, it has been revealed.

The Clark County of Nevada announced that no records of a marriage license have been filed by the couple.

'Our records show no marriage license for Shia LaBeouf & Mia Goth. A commitment ceremony was performed #Vegas,' the Clark County of Nevada office tweeted.

When asked why the office decided to tweet the news, they replied: 'We we're getting media inquiries & it's a matter of public record.'

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Not official: Shia LaBeouf and Mia Goth did not get legally married in Las Vegas, despite an Elvis themed ceremony at the Viva Las Vegas chapel on Monday

Shia LaBeouf, 30, and Mia Goth, 23, exchanged vows at the Viva Las Vegas chapel on Monday.

An Elvis impersonator officiated proceedings.

The ceremony was live-streamed and captured by new website TMZ, and the whole thing is said to have only cost the Hollywood moviestars $700.

Mia wore a short crocheted white gown with long sleeves, while Shia opted for a smart black suit with white button hole.

The pair looked delighted in pictures from the ceremony, which showed them embrace in front of a flower-decked altar.

A representative for the couple has been contacted by MailOnline for further comment.

In the video footage of Shia and Mia's big day, the two entered the chapel to the sound of an Elvis Presley song, performed by the impersonator.

Surprisingly romantic: In the video footage of Shia and Mia's big day, the two exchanged some rather unusual vows

The couple also promised not to wear their blue sues shoes in the rain, and to love each other 'like a hunka burning love'

They danced happily, before getting serious - and exchanging some rather unusual vows.

Said Shia to Mia: 'With this ring; I thee wed; With a prayer; that our love grows stronger; through the passing years.'

Prompted by 'Elvis', who seemed rather hurried, the 30-year-old finished with a laugh and the words: 'And I'll do whatever you ask me to do.'

Mr and Mrs: The LaBeoufs smile happily as they walk into the chapel

One for the album: a house photographer snapped away as a trembling voiced Mia placed her ring on Shia's finger

English actress Mia, 23, donned a lace veil over her hair, to say her vows to Shia with a trembling voice.

'I give you this ring; as a token and pledge; of our vows to each other; praying that our love; shall never fade,' she said.

Then she smiled as she repeated: 'And I'm pretty much going to do whatever I want.'

The couple also promised to adopt one another's hounddogs, not to wear their blue sues shoes in the rain, to be 'one another's teddy bear' and to love each other 'like a hunka hunka burning love'.

Long-term: The pair (here in October 2014) have been dating for four years, since meeting on the set of their controversial movie Nymphomaniac: Volume II

They then shared a long lingering kiss as a few friends applauded before Elvis burst back into song.

A sign outside the venue read 'Shia & Mia' in bright lights and the make-up free bride arrived in a pink corvette, driven by 'Elvis'.

The Viva Las Vegas chapel offers weddings for as little as $275, although with extras, such as live-streaming and impersonators, the cost soon mounts.

According to TMZ though, Hollywood moviestars Shia and Mia opted for the 'Elvis Blue Hawaii package', which set him back $700.

For that, the duo were entitled to an Elvis officiant, a hula dancer, six rose bouquets and matching boutonnieres, 10 candid ceremony prints and a limousine service.

Shia and Mia have been dating for four years, since meeting on the set of their controversial movie Nymphomaniac: Volume II.

It was first reported that they were engaged to wed in March 2015, when she started to wear a diamond ring on her third finger.

But despite the happy scenes in Vegas, their relationship has not always been a sunny one.

Back in July last year, the pair were captured on film fighting in a German street.

The Transformers star was apparently trying to leave to go to the airport, and his girlfriend took his backpack in a bid to get him to stay.

Shia was overheard saying: 'I don't want to touch a woman, I don't want to hit a woman,' and threatening to 'kill' Mia.

The couple were not seen together for two months after that row sparking rumors of a break up.

In the interim, Shia was reported to have moved in with American Honey co-star Sasha Lane, who was widely considered his new 'girlfriend'.

Though in November 2015, Shia and Mia reunited and they seemed to return to their nomadic lifestyle without so much as a word about their relationship status.

Shia entered the acting industry as a child star, formerly most famous for his role as Louis Stevens in the Disney Channel series Even Stevens, which he began at the age of 14.

Before hooking up with Mia, Shia had dated another English actress, Carey Mulligan, his co-star in Oliver Stone's 2010 film Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps.
Wednesday night's episode of The Bachelorette Australia saw the dramatic exit of genetically-blessed lads Sam Johnston and Rhys Chilton.

And now, Georgia Love, 29, has revealed her utter shock to Who Magazine, after it was revealed that the pair were only on the show for fame.

'I absolutely felt betrayed,' the newsreader-turned-reality-star shared to the publication.

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'I absolutely felt betrayed': The Bachelorette's Georgia Love, 29, revealed to Who Magazine her utter shock over revelations Sam Johnston and Rhys Chilton were only on the reality show for fame

'I didn't want to give them the benefit of hanging out in the house for another week with the guys, being on TV,' Georgia said.

It didn't take long for the Hobart-native to discover that neither of the boys could see a future with her.

'I felt like Rhys was handing me a silver platter of reasons he wasn't there to find love. Then Sam brought up the fact he wanted to head back overseas and perhaps get into TV presenting,' Georgia continued.

'I felt like Rhys (pictured) was handing me a silver platter of reasons he wasn't there to find love': Georgia revealed to the magazine her reasoning behind sending the entrepreneur home on Wednesday night's dramatic episode

'Then Sam brought up the fact he wanted to head back overseas and perhaps get into TV presenting': The brunette also shared with the publication why she sent hunky model and electrician Sam home

The comments come shortly after Rhys and Sam were sent home in a rather dramatic episode of The Bachelorette Australia.

And despite Georgia feeling utterly betrayed by the pair for not wanting to find love on the show, it appears the boys may have found their happily ever after with each other.

In a comedic social media post, the pair - who were portrayed as frenemies on the show - happily posed as husband and wife alongside each other.

Their happily ever after: Sam and Rhys happily posed as husband and wife on Wednesday in a comedic social media snap

In the snap, the pair stood behind the theme park cardboard cut-out, which pictured a painting of a wedding dress and groomsman suit.

At the bottom of the picture, it was signed, 'Sam & Rhys. Luna Park, 2016'.

The official Bachelorette account captioned the image: 'It was simply not meant to be between Georgia and our dynamic duo Sam and Rhys.

'Try to be nice to each other on the outside boys! #BacheloretteAU,' the Network 10 account continued to post.

During the tense episode on Wednesday Sam opened up to Georgia Love about why he really applied for The Bachelorette.

The 27-year-old was chatting to the TV presenter about his life outside of the show during some one-on-one time at Sydney's Luna Park.

Ouch: During the tense episode, Sam opened up to Georgia and revealed he only applied to be in the show to give him a kick start in a television career

The model admitted after a trip to the US, where he signed to an agency in Miami, he had planned to return to LA and get into acting and TV presenting, when the opportunity to be on the show came up.

'I think presenting's kinda cool and being on camera and the media and, yeah, it was kind of heading that direction before this.

'Um...but this has just given me like a little kick to get moving quicker,' he frankly admitted.

That's gotta hurt: He admitted: 'I think presenting's kinda...this has just given me like a little kick to get moving quicker'

'It was like freight train right into the face,' Georgia told the camera.

However, before Sam's abrupt departure, Rhys and Georgia's one-on-one time also didn't go too well.

'I'm not ready to meet "the one",' he told a very shocked Bachelorette, who questioned why he was on the show.

He's gone: However, before Sam's abrupt departure, Rhys and Georgia's one-on-one time also didn't go too well with him revealing he wasn't ready to settle down

Rhys was later given his marching orders from Georgia, resulting to his commenting: 'Shame we didn't really get to know each other.'

The confessions came after the pair went on a double date with Georgia to Luna Park.

The Bachelorette Australia airs on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm on Network 10.

Tune in: The Bachelorette airs on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7.30pm on Network 10
He impressed Georgia Love following his debut on The Bachelorette last month.

And now it appears Jake Ellis could be one of the final three contestants after he and Georgia, 28, returned to his family property in Queensland in August.

In photos obtained exclusively by Daily Mail Australia, the couple struggled to keep their hands off each other as they filmed his home town visit on the Gold Coast - which is expected to air in the coming weeks.

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Spoiler alert? It appears Jake Ellis (R) could be one of the final three contestants after he and Georgia (L) returned to his family home on Queensland's Gold Coast in August

In the photos, the pair looked every bit loved up as they posed in front of filming cameras.

At one point, Jake was seen wrapping his arm around the former TV news presenter as they stared romantically into each other's eyes.

The sales professional charmed Georgia by sailing her down the lake on a boat, before they enjoyed a romantic picnic on the river bank.

Is he The One? In photos obtained exclusively by Daily Mail Australia, Jake and Georgia struggled to keep their hands off each other as they filmed their home town visit

Look of love: At one point, Jake was seen wrapping his arm around the former TV news presenter as they stared romantically into each other's eyes

Keeping him close: They were also seen holding hands while sharing a warm conversation

Winners are grinners? During filming, the pair were seen enjoying a laugh with each other

She only has eyes for him! Georgia seemed oblivious to the film crew nearby during her date

Keeping him close: During their tender moment on the bridge, she leaned her head on Jake

As they relaxed, the couple enjoyed glasses of champagne before sharing a deep, passionate kiss.

They both dressed to impress for the home visit, with Georgia glowing in a light blue off-the-shoulder top and white trousers.

With her brunette hair pulled back into a ponytail, she added some height to her frame with a pair of red high heels.

What a gentleman! As they approached a boat for their date, Jake showed off his chivalry by helping Georgia step onto the vessel in her red high heels

Secret talent: Once on board, the sales professional impressed Georgia by sailing her down the lake on a boat

Not so private! As they pair cruised, filming crew hid in the front of the boat

She's impressed: Georgia was seen with a big smile as Jake took control of the boat

Intimate: After the cruise, they enjoyed a romantic picnic in the park

Giggling: They laughed affectionately as they sipped on champagne

Jake also looked delightfully dapper, dressing in a white button-up shirt, tan trousers and brown dress shoes.

Since meeting on The Bachelorette, there has certainly been romantic sparks between the pair.

Georgia invited Jake on her debut solo date to the Blue Mountains, where they also shared the seasons' first kiss.

Romantic: Within moments, they shared a passionate kiss

Gentle approach: Once the crew wrapped filming, Jake helped Georgia step up from the mat

Off they go: He then wrapped his arm around her waist as they walked into the distance

Dressing to impress? Georgia stunned in a blue off-the-shoulder dress and white jeans

Tick of approval: Jake also looked dapper with a white button-up shirt and tanned trousers

Staying the night? At one point, Jake was seen clutching onto a black Nike overnight bag

After their first kiss, which aired last month, Georgia said: 'This could be the start of something really amazing'.

The former journalist later described herself as being like an 'excited schoolgirl' around Jake.

'I haven't clicked like this with someone so quickly in a long time,' she gushed, before adding: 'I like what we have.'
As the owner of her own clothing range, she's managed to teach herself about style.

And, clearly, Victoria Beckham put that into practice when she touched down in California on Wednesday.

The former Spice Girl, 42, was spotted cutting a dash at LAX Airport where she certainly seemed to nail casual chic.

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Looking good: Victoria Beckham was spotted cutting a dash at LAX Airport on Wednesday where she certainly seemed to nail casual chic

Keeping it low-key for the occasion, the former chart-topper slipped herself into a pair of skinny jeans with a stonewash finish.

Adding some colour, she mixed the look with a ribbed sweater in blue and terracotta for added contrast.

Featuring a plunging v-neckline, the ever-pouting brunette capped the look with some peep-toe shoes.

Stylish: Keeping it low-key for the occasion, the former chart-topper slipped herself into a pair of skinny jeans with a stonewash finish

Look at me: Featuring a jumper with a plunging v-neckline, the ever-pouting brunette capped the look with some peep-toe shoes

Clearly feeling confident in her choice of attire, she was caught strutting her stuff through the arrivals terminal.

Clutching a navy blue winter coat, she capped the look with a pair of oversized designer sunglasses.

Victoria was arriving back in LA after a mercy mission to Kenya, where she was joined by her teenage son, Brooklyn, 17, as they continued their UNAIDS charity mission in Africa.

Loving the attention: Clearly feeling confident in her choice of attire, she was caught strutting her stuff through the arrivals terminal

Busy: Victoria was arriving back in LA after a mercy mission to Kenya, where she was joined by her teenage son, Brooklyn, 17, as they continued their UNAIDS charity mission in Africa

This was the second trip to Africa for Victoria after she was appointed UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador in 2014.

Arriving last Wednesday, she and Brooklyn first visited Kiambu country, north of Nairobi, and witnessed a clinic of the Beyond Zero campaign which works to reduce maternal and child mortality in Kenya.

Best footwear forward! The former Spice Girl seemed remarkably fresh after her flight

Taking it all in her stride: Victoria seemed to be unfazed by the media attention

Addressing the audience, Victoria, said: 'We have had an incredible time here in Kenya. We are learning so much and we have met some phenomenal people on our trip. I'd like to take the opportunity to say how impressed I am with the AIDS response and the progress made here.

'This is such an exciting day and I would like to thank you so much for including us in such an important day and also a fun day.

Preppy chic: Beckham looked fashion savvy in her blue jumper and denim jeans

Posh spice! The fashion designer gave a little nod to her Spice Girls days with her black designer sunglasses




US Supreme Court to hear case on cross-border killing

The US Supreme Court agreed Tuesday to hear the case surrounding a Mexican teenager who was fatally shot by an American officer as they stood on opposite sides of the border.

The crux of the case revolves around whether the teen's family has the constitutional right to sue the Border Patrol agent in US courts.

Fifteen-year-old Sergio Hernandez was shot in the Mexican city of Ciudad Juarez by Border Patrol agent Jesus Mesa Jr from across the border in El Paso, Texas in June 2010.

The shooting of a Mexican teenager by an American officer came amid a series of similar incidents in which US border agents were accused of using undue lethal force Mandel Ngan (AFP/File)

According to the family of the victim, the teen was playing a game in which he and his friends would touch the border fence separating the two countries before running in the opposite direction.

They say he was shot while unarmed and presented no danger.

Mesa countered that the teen and his friends had refused to obey orders and had thrown rocks at him.

Hernandez's family attempted to sue the Border Patrol agent and US authorities for unlawful use of lethal force, but the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans ultimately upheld a decision to dismiss the case, stating that US courts had no jurisdiction since the victim was Mexican and died in Mexico.

The United States declined Mexico's request to have Mesa extradited, according to US media, leaving the victim's family unable to pursue justice in either country.

"If left standing, the Fifth Circuit's decision will create a unique no-man's land -- a law-free zone in which US agents can kill innocent civilians with impunity," Hernandez family lawyer Robert Hilliard wrote in his application to the Supreme Court, according to The Dallas Morning News.

The case spurred protests in Ciudad Juarez and sparked a diplomatic mini-crisis between Washington and Mexico City, with Mexico's then-president Felipe Calderon demanding a "profound and impartial" investigation.
North Korea purges vice foreign minister: report

North Korea has purged its vice foreign minister as punishment for the recent defection of the nuclear-armed country's deputy ambassador to Britain, South Korean media reported on Wednesday.

The mass-circulation JoongAng Ilbo, quoting an anonymous source familiar with North Korean affairs, said that Kung Sok-Ung had been removed from his post and expelled from Pyongyang to a rural farming area with his family.

It said the purge was ordered by supreme leader Kim Jong-Un following the defection of the North's deputy ambassador to Britain, Thae Yong-Ho, and his family to the South two months ago.

North Korea's deputy ambassador to the UK, Thae Yong-ho, stands in front of an artwork during an exhibition of North Korean artists, at the N. Korean embassy in west London, in November 2014 Katie Schubaubr (AFP/File)

"Since Thae Yong-Ho's defection in late July, there has been an overall inspection throughout the foreign ministry," the source said.

"Kung Sok-Ung was held accountable for the embassies in Europe and purged as a result."

The report said four other high-ranking diplomats in charge of European affairs were also expelled from Pyongyang.

South Korea's Unification Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-Hee said the ministry was in the process of "verifying" the report but offered no further comment.

The 72-year-old Kung is a veteran diplomat who had been looking after North Korea's diplomacy with Russia and Europe for nearly two decades.

Since taking power in 2011, Kim has ordered numerous executions and purges of high-ranking officials to solidify his grip on power.

In August, South Korea's unification ministry confirmed that the North executed a vice premier for education for showing disrespect to the leader during a meeting.

The most notorious case was that of Kim's uncle and one-time number two, Jang Song-Thaek, who was executed for charges including treason and corruption in December 2013.

South Korea's Yonhap news agency has put the number of party officials executed during Kim's rule at over 100.
One tweet triggers avalanche of women's assault memories

It all started with a single tweet.

Outraged by Donald Trump's boasts about grabbing women's genitals and forcing himself on them, Canadian author Kelly Oxford urged her hundreds of thousands of followers to share their recollections of the first time they were sexually assaulted.

What she didn't expect was the seemingly unstoppable chain she set in motion, with more than a million women sharing their experiences, and with that placing an explosive subject front and center of the campaign to become America's next president.

Canadian author Kelly Oxford urged her Twitter followers to share their recollections of being sexually assaulted, sparking more than a million women to respond - around 50 per minute Leon Neal (AFP)

A 39-year-old writer, Oxford launched the Twitter appeal within hours of Friday's release of a 2005 Trump video, using the same word that Republican presidential candidate Trump employed in the video.

"Women, tweet me your first assaults. They aren't just stats," she wrote.

Oxford then went first: "Old man on city bus grabs my 'pussy' and smiles at me, I'm 12."

And with those words, the Los Angeles-based blogger became a major Internet celebrity.

Within an hour, she had already racked up thousands of witness accounts, with the hashtag #notokay taking social media by storm.

The next day, Oxford tweeted to express surprise at the rate of responses: around 50 per minute and well over a million at that point.

Most were women who, sometimes with modesty, at times in crude details, describe in several words how a parent, a friend of a friend, a professor or a stranger once abused them.

But joining the chorus were also some men who were either themselves victims of violence or sought to distance themselves from Trump's belligerent rhetoric and behavior.

Nearly five days on, the rhythm has slowed but the witness accounts keep pouring in.

While it is still too early to tell if Trump can scramble back up to the top of the polls after the hit he took following the revelations of his lewd, decade-old comments, the episode has reignited a fierce debate about sexual violence in the United States.

After dozens of Republican figureheads publicly withdrew their support from Trump, some of his backers dismissed the comments as simply "locker room talk."

- 'More awareness' -

In 2015, views were similarly sharply divided when a then-student athlete of California's prestigious Stanford University, Brock Turner, was sentenced to just six months in prison after raping an intoxicated and unconscious 22-year-old woman during a fraternity party.

A petition with more than a million signatures asked that Superior Court Judge Michael Aaron Persky, himself a former captain of Stanford's lacrosse team, be recused from the case.

The scandal led to tighter anti-rape laws in California in September.

Terry O'Neill of the powerful National Organization for Women, recalled how another hashtag urging women to share their experiences of assault or discrimination -- #yesallwomen -- went viral in 2014 after Elliot Rodger went on a killing spree after women refused his advances.

And the sordid scandal that brought down former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who was accused of trying to rape a chambermaid in New York, had also triggered countless revelations by women who said they had suffered sexual assault or violence perpetrated by politicians.

"We really have made some progress, we have come a long way," said O'Neill.

"We may be at a moment where we expect real changes and really put an end to rape culture."

At least one in five people have been directly or indirectly affected by this type of violence in the United States.

"It's good that outrage is being voiced, it's creating more awareness... on a huge societal issue," said Delilah Rumburg, CEO of the National Sexual Violence Resource Center in Pennsylvania.

While doubting that these witness accounts will change the minds of people who plan to vote for Trump, Rumburg found it "very encouraging" that men are also participating in the debate by rejecting sexually predatory behavior.

"The more we talk about it, the less acceptable it is going to be," she said.

Jean Kilbourne, an author and speaker known for her work on the image of women in advertising, hailed the success of #notokay.

"For years, for a lot of us, we would tend to minimize it because the culture tends to minimize it, even though it has a lasting impact," Kilbourne said.

"It is just extremely important to realize how many women have had these experiences."

She then added, with a laugh: "Donald Trump has actually managed to bring a very serious issue in the campaign."

A student carries around a sign on the campus of Washington University in St, Louis, Missouri where the second presidential debate took place Paul J Richards (AFP)
Raging Trump lashes out at 'disloyal' Republicans

Embattled presidential hopeful Donald Trump lashed out against "disloyal" Republicans in a ranting tweetstorm, deepening a split that threatens the future of the 162-year-old party.

Declaring himself unchained from party strictures, the White House nominee berated Republican leaders for offering "zero support" and promised a bareknuckle 28-day campaign against Hillary Clinton.

Trump called Paul Ryan, the nation's top elected Republican, a "weak and ineffective leader." He ridiculed the party's 2008 White House nominee John McCain as "very foul mouthed."

Donald Trump's anger at top-elected Republican Paul Ryan is an ominous sign for the party worried about losing control of the House of Representatives and the Senate Dominick Reuter (AFP)

"It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to," Trump said in a three-hour cyber outburst. "I will teach them!"

He doubled down in an interview with Fox News Tuesday night, saying of Ryan: "I don't want his support. I don't care about his support."

"I wouldn't want to be in a foxhole with these people, including Ryan, especially Ryan," he added later in the interview, referring to Republicans who have turned their backs on him.

Relations between Trump and party leaders have always been strained -- from the outset many considered the bombastic reality-TV-star-turned-politico unfit to take up the mantle of Abraham Lincoln and Ronald Reagan.

But the snapping point has been Trump's precipitous fall in the polls after the emergence of a video in which he bragged about groping women.

US President Barack Obama addressed the scandal Tuesday, after White House spokesman Josh Earnest earlier in the day called the comments "repugnant" and said most people would consider the actions described as "sexual assault."

"You don't have to be a husband or a father to say that's not right. You just have to be a decent human being," Obama said while campaigning for Clinton in North Carolina.

Trump has apologized for the comments, saying they were just "locker-room" banter.

"If that's why I'm going to lose an election... that's going to be sad," he said in the Fox interview.

He added with his typical bombast: "But I think we're going to win."

The latest Real Clear Politics polling average has Clinton ahead by six points across the country, and the latest polls show her ahead in a slew of must-win states for Trump.

With his campaign in a tailspin, Trump seemed determined to ram a wedge between party leaders and the radicalized grassroots that propelled his political career.

- The gloves are off -

Trump's anger seems to have been prompted by Ryan suggesting in a conference call with Republican lawmakers on Monday that they stop defending the party nominee and focus on limiting electoral losses in Congress.

But Trump's belligerent reaction is an ominous sign for Republicans worried about losing control of the House of Representatives and the Senate.

"Disloyal R's are far more difficult than Crooked Hillary. They come at you from all sides. They don't know how to win -- I will teach them!" Trump tweeted.

Trump's campaign has long had a no holds barred quality but the break with the Republican establishment signals the start of an even more vitriolic campaign.

Obama said it "does not make sense" that some Republicans expressed their disapproval of Trump's lurid comments but continue to support him for the White House.

"You can't repeatedly denounce what is said by someone and then say: I am still going to endorse him to be the most powerful president on the planet," he said.

Trump has also alienated allies by bringing up unproven sexual abuse allegations against Clinton's husband, former president Bill Clinton, in a debate Sunday watched by tens of millions of Americans.

The last few days have seen Hillary Clinton's speeches interrupted by people shouting "Bill Clinton is a rapist!"

A right-wing website has offered $5,000 to anyone who goes to a rally and does the same.

An unsparing Trump campaign ad released Monday showed Hillary Clinton when she had pneumonia last month, coughing at a dais and stumbling as she tried to get into her motorcade after a 9/11 anniversary ceremony.

"Hillary Clinton doesn't have the fortitude, strength or stamina to lead in our world," the narrator says.

- 'Accountable' -

Clinton's campaign will be eager to tether the whole Republican Party to Trump's harsh message -- which is popular with the party base but appears to have little appeal with the wider public.

"Somewhat of a civil war is breaking out in the Republican Party," said Clinton communications director Jen Palmieri. "But I think that Donald Trump didn't become the nominee of his party on his own."

"The voters I imagine will hold them accountable (in) House and Senate races," she added.

Clinton revived the Clinton-Gore 1992 White House ticket on Tuesday, campaigning in Miami with her husband's vice president Al Gore.

Gore has been largely absent from politics since he lost the 2000 race in Florida to George W. Bush by a handful of votes.

In Miami, he focused on the high stakes of November's election. "Your vote really, really, really counts. You can consider me as Exhibit A."

Republicans in disarray over Trump Iris Royer De Vericourt (AFP)

Donald Trump called Paul Ryan, the nation's top elected Republican, a "weak and ineffective leader" Mandel Ngan (AFP/File)

The latest Real Clear Politics polling average has Hillary Clinton ahead by six points across the country Timothy A. Clary (AFP)

US President Barack Obama said it "does not make sense" that some Republicans express their disapproval of Donald Trump's comments but continue to support him for the White House Jim Watson (AFP)
For Kenya's child brides, school offers a break from tradition

Halima's future at 13 was foretold: a pastoralist's daughter, she was married to a man 12 years her senior. Next would surely come the first of many pregnancies, and a life of domestic hardship.

Such a destiny is common for girls in Kenya's tough, arid north-east -- but Halima dodged this fate.

Instead, she can be seen at the village school, where she stands out, a head taller than her mostly younger classmates, her slender face framed by a bright red hijab, overlooking the crowded classroom.

Halima (C) who was married at the age of 13 to a man 12 years her senior, studies with fellow pupils at a school in Wajir, Kenya Nicolas Delaunay (AFP)

"I had never been to school," Halima, now 16, said with a shy smile. That changed in July last year when, with the support of charity Save the Children, she won a place at a local school -- and the eventual acceptance of her husband.

"I was living in the bush taking care of the livestock and then when I turned 13 I was married," she said.

Nothing in Halima's life suggested she might ever attend the local school, one of the few concrete buildings in this small, isolated village in Wajir, where the sandy ochre soil is scattered with stunted thorn trees, twisted anthills and igloo-shaped homes made of sticks and grass.

This semi-desert, predominately Muslim and ethnic Somali region has suffered generations of marginalisation by the government in Nairobi, leaving it undeveloped, insecure and burdened by the weight of Islamic and pastoralist traditions that discriminate against women.

More than four in 10 women here are married before the legal age of 18 -- twice the national average -- and 98 percent of women undergo circumcision, or female genital mutilation (FGM). Four-fifths of women are illiterate, a figure nearly seven times higher than elsewhere in Kenya.

- Rare dreams -

In this environment, Halima's experience, and her dream for the future, is rare. "When I'm older I want to become a teacher, in order to educate my whole community," she said.

The drive to get girls into school began in June 2015 and has reached 80 of the estimated 3,000 villages in this region bordering Somalia. Girls are taught the benefits of marrying later, the dangers of early pregnancy and the basics of saving money to allow for a greater degree of independence.

"Wajir is one of the places that is regarded as hard to reach, based on the security situation, therefore it is very difficult to reach some of the children, especially along the border," said Save the Children's Evans Kibet, who said the area is plagued by Islamist militancy and armed rivalries among pastoralist clans.

To achieve its aim, religious leaders have been co-opted into the girls' education programme.

"I prefer our ladies go to school, and decide for themselves who to marry and when they want to marry," said Abdiwahab Mursal, a local imam and government-appointed Kadhi in charge of the traditional Muslim family court in Wajir.

"At first it was hard for me to accept the idea that she should go to school, simply because we were nomads, always moving from one place to another," said Adan, Halima's 78-year-old father who is now too old to care for the family's herd of camels.

- 'A brave girl' -

A wizened old man with a bright orange, henna-dyed beard and nine children, Adan said he married off his daughter when she turned 13, "because that is what we do, according to religion and our culture".

He said he has since changed his thinking and, with a daughter who is able to read and write, hopes she might one day get a job and earn money for the whole family.

"Halima's education will bring added value to her life and to all our lives," he said. "One day we might even build a house."

Halima's husband Hussein admitted that at first he feared that attending school might prevent his wife from performing her domestic duties, but in the end he was won over by the $30 (27 euros) paid per-term to the families of girls who join the programme.

"Let her learn things in school, and then we can have children," he said.

At the school, Halima has made an impression on her unmarried counterparts. "I think Halima is a brave girl," said Yousra, a classmate who is a year younger than Halima.

"Halima is a special pupil in our school. She's a very hard working girl, very disciplined," said headmaster Hussein Khalif.

"She's a role model for the girls, they are very proud of her and that motivates them to learn."

In Kenya's tough, arid north-east more than four in 10 women are married before the legal age of 18 -- twice the national average -- and 98 percent of women undergo circumcision, or female genital mutilation Nicolas Delaunay (AFP)
Two dead, 24 hurt in Philippine fireworks blaze

A blaze ripped through a group of fireworks shops in the Philippines Wednesday, killing two people and leaving 24 others injured, officials said.

The fire set off a series of explosions at a strip of shops that overturned a truck and badly damaged three other vehicles on a major road in Bocaue, a town about 30 kilometres (18 miles) north of Manila.

"I was hurled to the back of the shop by the force of the explosion," Mel Berbosa de Castro, 50, her lip still bleeding and her back hurting from the blast, told AFP from her shop across the street.

An overturned truck pictured after an explosion at fireworks shop in Bocaue, Bulacan, north of the Philippine capital Manila on October 12, 2016 Noel Celis (AFP)

"I saw a bloodied old man running away looking for his grandchild. Others were just running for their lives."

Driver Ricky Salvador, 47, said he helped take a victim with a bloodied face to hospital.

"It was like a war zone. I saw shards of glass, nails flying up in the air. Firecrackers were flying all over," he told AFP.

The town's fire marshal, Senior Inspector Renan Batchine, put the updated toll at two dead, including a woman burnt beyond recognition and the body of local man unearthed from beneath the debris hours later.

Twenty-four other people were injured, he told AFP.

Huge and sometimes deadly fires at sprawling slums, markets and factories are common in the Philippines, where safety regulations are poorly enforced.

In May last year 72 people were killed after a huge blaze tore through a footwear factory in the northern suburbs of Manila.

In one of the country's deadliest-ever fires, 162 people were killed and 94 were injured at a Manila disco in 1996.
Fear, faith in Pakistan as Christian mother appeals death sentence

A life and death countdown has begun in Pakistan, where the Supreme Court is due to hear a final appeal against the execution of a Christian woman for blasphemy.

Some insist it is not just a fight for one life -- but a battle for the nation's soul as the state walks a razor-sharp line between upholding human rights and appeasing populist hardliners.

This will be the final appeal for mother-of-five Asia Bibi, some six years after she was sentenced to death -- accused of insulting the Prophet Mohammed during an argument with a Muslim woman over a bowl of water.

Members of Pakistan's Christian Democratic Alliance march during a protest in Lahore in 2010, in support of Asia Bibi, a Christian mother sentenced to death under local blasphemy laws Arif Ali (AFP/File)

"There is no question that what is at stake is the very soul of the state and Pakistan society: does Pakistan respect the rights of the most vulnerable? Does it defend those rights against spurious allegations even where those allegations involved matters that are sacred to most Pakistanis?" Mustafa Qadri, an expert on human rights in South Asia, told AFP recently.

The allegations against Bibi date back to June 2009, when she was labouring in a field and a row broke out with some Muslim women she was working with.

She was asked to fetch water, but the Muslim women objected, saying that as a non-Muslim she was unfit to touch the water bowl.

The women went to a local cleric and accused Bibi of blasphemy against the Prophet Mohammed, a charge punishable by death under legislation that rights groups say is routinely abused to settle personal vendettas.

Blasphemy is a hugely sensitive issue in deeply conservative, Muslim-majority Pakistan. Anyone even accused of insulting Islam risks a violent and bloody death at the hands of vigilantes.

Bibi was convicted and sentenced to death in 2010, despite her advocates maintaining her innocence and insisting the accusers held grudges against her.

But successive appeals have been rejected, and if on Thursday the three-judge Supreme Court bench upholds Bibi's conviction, her only recourse will be a direct appeal to the president for clemency.

She would become the first person in Pakistan to be executed for blasphemy. The repercussions for minorities, human rights and the blasphemy laws will be "tremendous" if that happens, says Shahzad Akbar, a human rights lawyer.

"In Pakistan blasphemy cases are mostly misused... it would be a huge blow for minorities in Pakistan who already live in fear," Akbar explained.

A decision in Bibi's favour, Qadri says, "would send a powerful message to the world that Pakistan respects the rule of law and not the mob."

But he also warned that hardliners "would without question react angrily and likely violently" if Bibi is acquitted.

In 2011, liberal provincial governor Salmaan Taseer, who spoke out in support of Bibi, was gunned down in broad daylight in Islamabad.

The state hanged his assassin Mumtaz Qadri earlier in 2016 in a Supreme Court decision that was hailed by progressives, but brought hardliners into the streets supporting Qadri and demanding Bibi be killed.

Freedom in Pakistan means a life under threat from mob violence. Her husband has already written to Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain to seek permission to move her to France.

- Family in hiding -

Bibi's family have lived largely in seclusion since 2010, fearing they will be mistreated if they venture out into the brimming streets of Lahore.

"Papa used to tell me not to go out, the situation out there is very bad," her daughter Esham, 18, says of the days after Qadri's hanging. "We used to stay inside all the time."

She is afraid, she says, adding: "Someday someone will come and ask me, are you the daughter of Asia Bibi?"

Esham and her sister Esha go twice a month to the south Punjab city of Multan, where their mother is held.

"We talk to our mama about the things at home," Esham says. "I share my thoughts with her, like mother-daughter stuff."

The visits begin joyfully, she says, but end in grief. "She becomes sad... her daughters come to meet her from such a long distance and she cannot even hug them."

According to a tally by Human Rights Watch, 17 people including Bibi remain on death row for blasphemy.

Her case has reached all the way to the Vatican -- Esham had a face to face meeting with Pope Francis in April last year as the head of Catholic church offered prayers for her mother.

"He gave me blessings and I can't remember more," she told AFP.

"I feel the Pope is praying for my mother and he will keep praying, and with his prayers my mother will be freed."

In 2010, Pope Francis's predecessor Benedict XVI also called for Bibi's release.

Her family continue to hope. Esham clears her throat and speaks quietly: "My mom will be released. I ask you to pray for her."

Ashiq Masih, husband of Asia Bibi, a Christian woman facing death sentence for blasphemy, points to a poster bearing an image of his wife, in Lahore, Pakistan Arif Ali (AFP)

Pakistani civil society activists light candles on the anniversary of the death of the governor of Punjab province Salman Taseer, in Lahore, on January 4, 2016 Arif Ali (AFP/File)

Bordeaux Mayor Alain Juppe (L) attends the unveiling of a poster in the courtyard of the City Hall in honor of Asia Bibi, a Christian Pakistani woman who has been on death row since 2010 for blasphemy, in March 2015 Nicolas Tucat (AFP/File)
Rebel Hong Kong lawmakers challenge China in parliament

Hong Kong rebel lawmakers swore, shouted, banged drums and railed against "tyranny" Wednesday when they took their oaths of office in the city's parliament, as calls grow for a split from Beijing.

The chaotic first meeting of the new term of the Legislative Council (Legco) came after a citywide vote last month saw victories for several lawmakers advocating more autonomy or even independence for Hong Kong.

The city is semi-autonomous under a "one country, two systems" deal sealed when Britain returned Hong Kong to China in 1997.

Newly elected lawmaker Yau Wai-ching, 25, lays down a banner that reads 'Hong Kong is Not China' before taking the Legislative Council Oath at the first meeting of the council, in Hong Kong, on October 12, 2016 Anthony Wallace (AFP)

The arrangement protects Hong Kong's freedoms for 50 years, but there are increasing concerns those liberties are disappearing as Beijing tightens its grip.

Lawmakers are required to recite a short oath in Legco before they can officially take up their seats.

That oath declares repeatedly that Hong Kong is a "special administrative region" of China.

The government had warned lawmakers in advance they risked losing their seats if they did not take the oath properly.

Nathan Law, 23, Legco's youngest lawmaker and a former pro-democracy protest leader, delivered an impassioned speech ahead of taking the oath.

"You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body - but you can never imprison my mind," he said, quoting India's independence leader Mahatma Gandhi.

Law, who is calling for self-determination for Hong Kong, was one of the main leaders of the 2014 Umbrella Movement rallies which brought tens of thousands to the streets calling for democratic reform.

Two new pro-independence lawmakers, Baggio Leung and Yau Wai-ching, added their own words before the oath, pledging to serve the "Hong Kong nation".

Both displayed flags emblazoned with the words: "Hong Kong is not China".

Leung took the full oath in English but refused to pronounce "China" correctly, instead calling it "Cheena".

Yau was distinctly heard saying "the People's Re-fucking of Zeena", instead of "the People's Republic of China" in her oath, although she denied that later, blaming her accent.

Local media reported that they had used the word "Shina" instead of China, an archaic, derogatory Japanese term for the mainland.

- Risk to seats -

New lawmaker Eddie Chu, who advocates a public referendum on Hong Kong's future sovereignty, shouted "Democratic self-determination! Tyranny will perish!" after taking his oath.

Teacher Lau Siu-lai, also a former Umbrella Movement activist, read every word of the oath at a snail's pace, prompting some pro-Beijing lawmakers to walk out.

The Legco clerk told Leung, Yau and one other pro-democracy lawmaker that he was unable to "administer" their oaths, because they had modified them.

It is not yet clear whether any of the lawmakers deemed not to have taken the oath properly will be barred from taking up their seats.

In a statement issued before the oath-taking, the government cited a law that stipulates "any person who declines or neglects to take an oath duly requested which he or she is required to take shall vacate office or be disqualified from entering on it".

The session was suspended after Law refused to return to his seat, questioning why the clerk had objected to the three lawmakers' oaths.

According to government rules, the clerk must now refer the invalid oath cases to the Legco president, who was elected Wednesday afternoon amid further chaos.

The three lawmakers who did not have their oaths approved were told they could not vote for Legco president.

The vast majority of pro-democracy lawmakers left the chamber before the vote, with some shouting and tearing up their ballots.

Pro-Beijing legislator Andrew Leung was voted in by 38 to zero by establishment lawmakers, who are in the majority in the Legco.

The pro-democracy camp had objected to his candidacy.

Separately Wednesday, Britain urged Hong Kong to protect rights and freedoms in the city in its regular six-monthly report.

Graphic showing the make-up Hong Kong's new legislature, as law makers took their oaths on October 12, 2016 -, - (AFP Graphic)

Leung Kwok-hung, known as 'Long Hair', of the League of Social Democrats, shouts slogans before taking the Legislative Council Oath at the first meeting of the council, in Hong Kong, on October 12, 2016 Anthony Wallace (AFP)
Food delivery apps spice up Indian train journeys

Passengers on India's vast railway network have long complained of the terrible meals on offer to sustain them on long journeys, but a slew of new services bringing fast food to their seats is changing the way they dine.

From Kentucky Fried Chicken to Domino's pizza and a host of local delicacies, today's train passengers have access to a vast array of hot dishes, all at the click of a smartphone app.

For passenger Amit V, who has ordered a vegetarian curry dish to be delivered to his seat, the new services are a godsend after years of buying railway food that he says was often inedible.

An Indian Railways employee prepairs food at the food stall on a platform inside the Mathura Junction railway station Chandan Khanna (AFP)

"This food is 100 times better than the railways food," the mathematics teacher told AFP as he prepared to board a train for the 19-hour journey from Mathura, a major rail hub in northern India, to his home town in the west of the country.

It is all a far cry from what was on offer just a few years ago, when there were reports of cockroaches being found in dishes, and a leaked internal report said food was cooked in "dirty, smelly and waterlogged pantry cars".

In one case, the samosas -- a popular snack -- were kept in a basket with cleaning mops.

There is demand too for a greater variety of options, with customers craving international cuisine, fast food, as well as local fare.

The new services are part of the process of modernising India's state-owned railway network, which carries around 23 million passengers a day.

Asia's oldest rail network is a lifeline for India's 1.2 billion people, but is creaking from decades of neglect and chronic underinvestment.

Last year the government announced a $137-billion five-year modernisation plan that includes introducing free wifi in some stations in partnership with Google.

Google says the service will cover 100 stations by the end of this year, with an eventual target of 400 -- a further boost to online food delivery services.

- Kitchens at stations -

Last year Indian Railways invited major chains such as KFC to sign up to its e-catering service, which allows passengers to pre-order online or by phone for delivery at major stations.

The next step will be to set up "base kitchens" in major stations to allow companies to prepare freshly cooked food for delivery on the trains, railway ministry spokesman Anil Kumar Saxena told AFP.

A host of private entrepreneurs are also trying to tap the market, among them Pushpinder Singh, who founded TravelKhana (Travel Food) with his wife in 2012.

The company signs up individual restaurants close to stations on busy routes, providing a delivery service for a fee.

"There are around 5,000 long distance trains with an average journey of around 770 kilometres (480 miles), but only six percent of them have a proper food service," Singh told AFP.

"This is the section we are targeting."

The key to success is speed -- delivery services have just a few minutes to track down their customers before the train leaves the station.

At Mathura station, deliveryman Aman Singh Badhorie takes it all in his stride.

Within two minutes he pushed his way through an overcrowded carriage to locate his customer's seat, delivered his order and taken payment, leaving him a full 60 seconds to disembark before the train pulls away.

An Indian Railways employee carries a crate of water bottle across the platform in Mathura Chandan Khanna (AFP)

A TravelKhana employee waits at the platform to deliver food to passenger at the Mathura Junction station Chandan Khanna (AFP)

A worker packs food for delievery inside a kitchen of a local restaurant in Mathura Chandan Khanna (AFP)
S. Sudan rebel leader heads to S. Africa for medical tests

South Sudan rebel leader Riek Machar, a pariah for the West since his call last month for renewed civil war, headed to South Africa for medical check-ups on Wednesday, an AFP correspondent reported.

In what he billed as his first media appearance since he fled the South Sudanese capital Juba as fresh fighting flared in July, Machar said that his stay in South Africa would be temporary and that he would leave after the tests.

"I am leaving the country now for South Africa to have medical tests and after that I will leave South Africa," he told reporters at Khartoum airport without specifying where.

South Sudan's rebel leader Riek Machar (C) has travelled to South Africa for medical check-ups Samir Bol (AFP/File)

Machar gave no details of his medical condition but spoke of the travails of his flight from South Sudan.

"I walked on foot until I reached the jungles of (Democratic Republic of) Congo and it took me 37 days," he said.

He said that it was only with the help of regional governments and the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC that he had reached medical help in Khartoum.

He was discharged from hospital in Khartoum on August 26 after being treated for a swollen leg, aides said at the time.

The Sudanese authorities said they had admitted Machar because he needed "immediate medical treatment".

Khartoum was a longtime backer of Machar during the two-decade war that led to South Sudan's independence in 2011.

Machar led a breakaway faction that fought the mainstream pro-independence rebels and received arms from the Sudanese military.

He broke again with the Juba government in 2013, sparking a devastating civil war in which allegations of gang rape, cannibalism and mass killings of civilians were widespread.

He returned to Juba earlier this year under a hard-won peace deal but it broke down in July when fresh clashes broke out between his ethnic Nuer supporters and the mainly Dinka troops of the government.

After his escape into exile in Khartoum, Machar last month urged "a popular armed resistance" against his rival President Salva Kiir's government.

On Thursday, the European Union, Norway, the United States and the United Kingdom, together with Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda, issued a joint statement condemning "calls by opposition leaders for a renewal of armed conflict".
Philippines' Duterte to ban smoking in public

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will this month ban smoking in public, the health department said on Wednesday, further strengthening some of the toughest tobacco regulation in Asia.

The firebrand leader has waged a ruthless law and order campaign since July that has left more than 3,000 people dead while, as a long-time mayor of the southern city of Davao, he imposed curfews on minors and banned public alcohol sales at night and shirtless men.

The upcoming law is in addition to legislation banning tobacco advertising and regulating smoking in indoor public places, as well as a statute that requires graphic images of smoking health hazards to be printed on cigarette packaging.

The Philippines remains one of 15 nations worldwide with a heavy burden of tobacco-related ill health, according to the World Health Organization Noel Celis (AFP/File)

"There has been a significant reduction in smoking, but the reduction has been slow," Assistant Health Secretary Eric Tayag told AFP.

"We want to have in place all the tools that are needed to expand this campaign," he added.

Tayag said the new drive was prompted by Duterte who, in 2002, banned smoking in all public places in Davao.

The World Health Organization said 20.6 percent of the Philippine population smoked as of 2013, 10 years after the tobacco regulation act was passed.

The country of 101 million also remained one of 15 nations worldwide with a heavy burden of tobacco-related ill health, the WHO said.

The existing law bans smoking in indoor public places including government buildings, hospitals and schools as well as public transport.

Bars and nightclubs are required to set aside designated smoking areas, but smoking outdoors is not regulated.

Tayag said the planned executive order would plug that gap by only allowing smoking outdoors at the back of buildings "where there are no people".

It will authorise municipal and city governments to impose penalties that could include prison terms, fines, community service or a combination of the three, he added.
Mourning Afghans mark Ashura hours after shrine attack

Grieving worshippers Wednesday described desperately trying to shelter their children against a hail of gunfire in Kabul that killed at least 18 people gathering to mark Ashura, one of the most important festivals of the Shiite calendar.

According to witnesses, gunmen entered the Karte Sakhi shrine near Kabul University late Tuesday, firing "indiscriminately" on men, women and children as they tried to flee.

The UN in Afghanistan called the attack an "atrocity" and put the toll at 18 on Wednesday.

An Afghan man who lost his father in a gun attack weeps at the main gate of the Karte Sakhi shrine in Kabul on October 12, 2016 Shah Marai (AFP)

But the interior ministry later said in a statement that 16 people including three women and two children were killed and 54 wounded in two separate attacks in Kabul Tuesday night.

The statement said the shrine was attacked by an armed suicide bomber wearing a military uniform and apparently acting alone, who started spraying bullets at worshippers.

At the same time, another attacker entered a nearby mosque and took an unspecified number of people hostage as they were commemorating Ashura.

Both attackers were killed by Afghan security forces and the hostages were released, the statement said, without clarifying if any casualties were sustained in the second assault.

- 'An atrocity' -

In a Kabul hospital on Wednesday, victims wounded in the attack on the shrine said more than one gunman was involved in the attack.

One mother who gave her name as Saleha told AFP of a gunman who was "killing everyone".

She was shot in the leg as she tried to protect her child.

"While I was hugging my little son I begged him not to kill my child," she said.

The child survived, but she angrily denounced the Afghan government for failing to protect them.

"The families of the president, CEO Dr. Abdullah and other rich ones live abroad. Here, only poor people are killed every day."

Another witness, Ali Hussain, said attackers wearing military uniforms first shot the police guard at the gate and then entered the shrine, where dozens of worshippers had gathered.

"They indiscriminately shot everyone they faced. They wouldn't even spare women and children," said Hussain, who fled through a library back door.

The UN released a statement saying: "This attack deliberately targeting a large group of civilians exercising their right to freely manifest their religion in worship, observance and practice is an atrocity."

The Taliban said they were not involved and no group has yet officially claimed responsibility for what President Ashraf Ghani condemned as a "clear sign of a crime against humanity".

The threat of attack targeting Shiites was considered particularly serious during Ashura, and many foreign embassies in Kabul had restricted their staff's movements until the end of the week.

Ashura, marked Wednesday, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was assassinated in 680 and whose tragic end laid the foundation for the faith practised by the Shiite community.

The last attack on Afghanistan's Shiite minority, on July 23 in Kabul, killed 84 people and left 130 injured. It was claimed by the Islamic State organisation.

In 2011, about 80 people were killed and more than 100 were wounded when a suicide bomber struck a gathering of Shiites during Ashura in the heart of Kabul.

Sectarian attacks have been relatively rare in Afghanistan, unlike neighbouring Pakistan where violence -- particularly by Sunni hardliners against the Shiite minority -- has claimed thousands of lives over the past decade.

Map of Kabul locating the Karte Sakhi shrine, where gunmen targeting Shiite pilgrims killed at least 18 people on October 12, 2016 - (AFP Graphic)

A wounded Afghan woman receives treatment at the Ali Abad hospital after an attack by gunmen inside the Kart-e-Sakhi shrine in Kabul on October 11, 2016 Wakil Kohsar (AFP)

Afghan security personnel investigate at the site of an attack by gunmen inside the Kart-e-Sakhi shrine in Kabul on October 11, 2016 Wakil Kohsar (AFP)

Afghan security services patrol near the site of an attack by gunmen at the Kart-e- Sakhi shrine in Kabul on October 11, 2016 Wakil Kohsar (AFP)
Huge crowds of pilgrims pack Iraq's Karbala for Ashura

Huge crowds of black-clad Shiite Muslim pilgrims thronged the Iraqi shrine city of Karbala Wednesday, weeping and beating their chests in mourning for the seventh-century killing of the prophet's grandson.

Shiites around the world mark Ashura, but attacks on those commemorating bloodshed 1,300 years ago often result in more mourning and loss, including in Afghanistan, where more than 30 people were killed in attacks on Shiites in less than 24 hours.

Up to 18 were killed in Kabul on Tuesday in two attacks claimed by the Islamic State jihadist group, while a bomb hit a mosque in northern Afghanistan on Wednesday, killing at least 14 more, officials said.

Iraqi Shiite Muslims take part in commemorations marking Ashura in the holy city of Karbala on October 12, 2016 Mohammed Sawaf (AFP)

Shiites in Iraq too have come under frequent attack by Sunni extremist group IS, which considers them heretics.

Some 30,000 security personnel were deployed in and around Karbala to protect pilgrims, although attacks inside the city are rare.

The annual Ashura commemorations mark the killing of Imam Hussein by the forces of the Caliph Yazid in 680 AD -- a formative event in Shiite Islam.

The pilgrimage draws huge numbers of faithful, with Staff Major General Qais Khalaf Rahaima, the head of the security command responsible for the area, saying that 4.5 million people had visited Karbala over a period of 10 days.

Haider al-Salami, spokesman for the Imam Hussein shrine, said two million people took part in a ritual run from outside the city to the mausoleum on Wednesday.

Earlier in the day, black-clad pilgrims massed at the shrine to listen to a recitation of the story of Hussein's death, with some beating their chests or heads and weeping in mourning.

Then came the ritual run, followed by the burning of a tent representing Yazid's forces destroying Imam Hussein's camp -- the last of the rituals.

"We will continue to commemorate the imam despite terrorist threats," said Saad Jassem, a 35-year-old from nearby Najaf, another Shiite shrine city.

- Message to corrupt politicians -

Fellow pilgrim, Karim Hussein, 40, from the southern port city of Basra, said taking part carried a message for corrupt Iraqi politicians, who have come under mounting fire in the past two years but have done little to reform.

It is "a message to the politicians to fix themselves, because he (Imam Hussein) rose up and revolted against corrupt rulers".

In Lebanon, thousands of Shiite faithful gathered in Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah made a relatively rare public appearance on the occasion of Ashura.

Referring to Shiite rebel forces who are the target of a Saudi-led campaign in Yemen, Nasrallah praised "their bravery and their foresight and their faith and their defence of their dignity and their people and their honour."

The appearance came just days after an air strike apparently carried out by Saudi-led forces hit a funeral for the father of a rebel leader in Sanaa, killing more than 140 people.

Imam Hussein's death was part of a dispute over who should succeed the Prophet Mohammed, which eventually developed into a bitter schism between the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam.

Some Muslims, who became known as Shiites, believed a blood relative of the Prophet Mohammed should succeed him as the spiritual and temporal leader of Muslims, and backed his cousin and son-in-law Ali -- Hussein's father -- as successor.

Others, now known as Sunnis, insisted that relationship to the prophet by blood was not required -- a position that carried the day for his three immediate successors before Imam Ali became the fourth.

Muawiyah, who founded the Umayyad dynasty, took power as caliph on Ali's death, and, according to Shiite tradition, named his son as successor in violation of an agreement under which Hussein should have succeeded.

According to Shiite belief, Hussein went knowingly to his death at the hands of Yazid's forces in what is now Iraq in a bid to expose the corruption and irreligiosity of his rule.

This ideal of self-sacrifice is a key tenet of Shiite Islam to this day, inspiring followers to give their lives for causes, including the war against IS.

Iraqi forces are currently preparing for a final push on Mosul, the last city in Iraq held by IS, which has lost much of the ground it seized in 2014.

Iraqi Shiites pray at the Imam Abbas shrine in Karbala on October 11, 2016 Mohammed Sawaf (AFP)

Iraqi Shiites take part in Ashura commemorations in Karbala on October 11, 2016 Mohammed Sawaf (AFP)
Saudi eases Yemen blockade 'to allow raid wounded evacuation'

Saudi Arabia announced an easing of its 18-month air blockade of rebel-held areas of neighbouring Yemen on Wednesday to allow the evacuation of hundreds of wounded from a deadly weekend air strike.

More than 140 people were killed in Saturday's raid on the wake for the father of a rebel leader in the Yemeni capital Sanaa that drew worldwide condemnation, including from key Riyadh ally Washington.

At least 525 more were wounded, according to the United Nations, making it one of the bloodiest attacks since a Saudi-led coalition launched a bombing campaign against the Huthi Shiite rebels in March 2015.

A Yemeni man who was wounded in an air strike on a funeral in the capital Sanaa lies on a hospital bed on October 9, 2016 Mohammed Huwais (AFP/File)

More than 300 are in critical condition and need medical treatment abroad, the spokesman for the rebel-run health authority in Sanaa, Tamim al-Shami said on Sunday.

King Salman instructed aid officials to coordinate with the coalition and the Saudi-backed Yemeni government "to facilitate the evacuation of those wounded... and needing treatment abroad," the official Saudi Press Agency reported.

The coalition has enforced an air and sea blockade on rebel areas since the start of its bombing campaign, with exceptions made only for UN flights and UN-supervised aid deliveries, most of them through the Red Sea port of Hodeida.

The rebel-controlled civil aviation authority in the Yemeni capital had called on the United Nations on Tuesday to "act quickly and seriously to end the air blockade imposed on Sanaa airport in order to save the lives of hundreds wounded."

The coalition initially denied responsibility for Saturday's air strike but after condemnation from Western governments, it promised an investigation of the "regrettable and painful" incident.

A letter sent to the UN Security Council on Sunday "expressed the kingdom's deep regret" over the "attack", state media reported the following day.

"It also renewed its full respect for and commitment to international humanitarian law and international human rights law, and the emphasis on continuing to ensure the taking of all possible measures to protect civilians and civilian sites in Yemen".

The coalition has faced mounting international criticism over the civilian casualties from its bombing campaign.

Washington has also come under increasing pressure over the intelligence and logistics support it has provided.

More than 6,800 people have been killed in Yemen since the coalition started its campaign.

More than two-thirds of them have been civilians, most of them killed in coalition air strikes.

Map of Yemen locating the city of Sanaa, where many civilians were killed in Saudi-led air strikes on October 8, 2016
Pope begs for immediate ceasefire in Syria

Pope Francis appealed on Wednesday for an immediate ceasefire in Syria, calling for "at least" a truce enabling civilians, especially children, to be evacuated, after Aleppo came under fierce air assault.

"I want to underline and reiterate my closeness to all the victims of the inhumane conflict in Syria," he said at his weekly audience in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican.

"It is with a sense of urgency that I renew my appeal, begging those responsible, with all my strength, for an immediate ceasefire to be imposed and respected at least long enough to consent the evacuation of civilians, especially children, who are still trapped under the ferocious bombardments," he said.

Pope Francis arrives for his weekly general audience at the Vatican on October 12, 2016 Alberto Pizzoli (AFP)

On Tuesday, regime ally Russia carried out its heaviest air strikes in days on Aleppo, killing 25 civilians including four children according to a monitor, and causing massive damage in several residential areas of the city's rebel-held east.

Syria's army announced a bid last month to retake the city, which has been divided since mid-2012.

The assault began after the collapse of a short-lived truce negotiated by Washington and Moscow, and has seen the besieged east of Aleppo come under fierce aerial assault.

Syrian army said last Wednesday it would reduce its bombardment, after days of attacks that killed hundreds of people and destroyed the largest remaining hospital in the east, but heavy bombing began again on Tuesday.
Thai king's health 'unstable' as crowd holds vigil

The health of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej is "still unstable", the palace said late Wednesday, with the 88-year-old on a ventilator and battling a new infection as crowds gathered to pray outside his Bangkok hospital.

Bhumibol is the world's longest-reigning monarch and beloved by many in Thailand, where he is seen as a rare unifying figure in a country riven by political rivalries.

But he has not been seen by the public for nearly a year as he battles a series of ailments in a Bangkok hospital, a source of great anxiety for many in the kingdom.

A Thai woman holds a portrait of King Bhumibol Adulyadej as she prays for his health outside his Bangkok hospital on October 12, 2016 Munir Uz Zaman (AFP)

In a fresh palace health update released on Wednesday evening, blood tests on Tuesday showed the king's liver was working "irregularly" and that there was heightened levels of uric acid in his blood.

Doctors prescribed antibiotics for an infection, placed him on a ventilator and are using Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) to help lower acid levels, the statement said.

"His illness overall is still unstable," it added.

The statement followed a similarly pessimistic palace health update on Sunday that triggered market jitters inside Thailand this week as well as public prayers for his well-being.

By late evening around 300 well-wishers had gathered outside Siriraj Hospital where the king has spent much of the past two years.

Many held aloft portraits of the king and were moved to tears by a week of grim news.

"It feels like he is getting worse this time," said Somchit Naravichit, 58, tears welling in her eyes.

"Millions of Thais are sending him support, praying for him and wanting him to get well soon," she told AFP.

- Market jitters -

Stock market volatility hit Thailand for a third day Wednesday, plunging as much as 6.8 percent after junta chief General Prayut Chan-O-Cha abruptly cancelled a visit outside the capital with little explanation.

The market later recovered to close 2.5 percent down. But rumours about the king's health swirled on social media.

By late afternoon junta officials downplayed Prayut's schedule interruption saying he had returned to the capital to meet with named heir Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, who spends much time outside the country.

Junta spokesman Lieutenant General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the trip cancellation was to provide the Crown Prince with "a routine presentation on the government's work".

Bhumibol's health is a sensitive subject and palace officials maintain tight control over news about his condition.

A draconian lese majeste law also makes public discussion of the succession all but impossible.

Privately many business leaders -- both domestic and foreign -- fret that the king's demise could lead to economic instability, especially as there is no official discussion on how the country will handle his passing.

Thailand's stock market has dropped by 6.5 percent since Sunday's health announcement and the baht has also dropped.

"It's about the political stability that the king has provided and his being a reconciliatory buffer between the major parties," Sean Yokota, head of Asia strategy at Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB in Singapore, told Bloomberg.

- Political conflict -

Analysts say anxiety over Bhumibol's health has exacerbated the past decade of political conflict in Thailand, as competing elites wrestle for influence. The military seized power in 2014.

The last two health statements are noticeably grim in their prognosis. Previous statements tended to end on a positive note after successful treatment.

The king has battled a range of ailments in the last two years including regular infections, breathing difficulties, renal failure and hydrocephalus -- a build-up of cerebrospinal fluid commonly referred to as "water on the brain".

He was last seen by ordinary Thais in September during a brief visit to the hospital shop. Video showed people on their knees as he the wheelchair-bound monarch was pushed by officials.

Most Thais have known no other monarch and many revere Bhumibol as the kingdom's moral leader.

Vajiralongkorn, 64, has yet to attain his father's widespread popularity.

Since Sunday's announcement, many Thais have started wearing pink in the belief it will bring the king good luck.

Security was stepped up at the riverside hospital where Bhumibol is being treated, with a spokeswoman saying they expected the Crown Prince to make an imminent visit to see his father.

"The king is very important to us because he has done everything for the people," Suwanna Kaennumtiang, a 62-year-old woman holding a portrait of the king, said.

"He is like my angel. I pray to his photo on my bedside everyday."

A woman offers prayers for Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Bangkok's Siriraj Hospital, where he is being treated, on October 11, 2016 Munir Uz Zaman (AFP)

Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej is the world's longest-reigning monarch Pairoj (AFP/File)
Germany urged to honour Syrian bomb plot 'heroes'

Calls grew Wednesday for Germany to honour three Syrian "heroes" who captured a compatriot suspected of plotting to bomb a Berlin airport in the name of the Islamic State group.

"The young men deserve the Federal Cross of Merit," Social Democrat defence expert Johannes Kahrs told Bild daily, referring to Germany's highest honour for civilians.

"What they've done is proof of their deep respect for their host country, Germany.... It's hard to imagine greater integration (in the country). This is exemplary."

Photo released by criminal office of the eastern German federal state of Saxony shows a man believed to be Jaber Albakr, 22, suspected of plotting a jihadist bomb attack

After it emerged on Saturday that a Syrian refugee was wanted for amassing explosives in his apartment in the eastern town of Chemnitz, there has been concern it might cast a cloud of suspicion over others.

The arrival of 890,000 refugees last year has polarised Germany and misgivings run particularly deep in the ex-communist east, even more so since two IS-linked attacks hit Germany in July carried out by Syrian asylum-seekers.

But the mood turned somewhat when it emerged that the bomb plot suspect, Jaber Albakr, was turned in to police by three of his compatriots -- all refugees themselves.

The top-selling Bild daily described the trio as "the Syrian heroes from Leipzig" and asked: "Will they be fast-tracked to become German citizens?"

By Wednesday, more than 23,000 people had signed an online petition on change.org urging the eastern state of Saxony to honour the three for their valour.

- 'Tried to bribe us' -

The Syrians had unwittingly invited the 22-year-old fugitive to stay at their apartment in the state's city of Leipzig.

They only realised later that Albakr was on the run from police, who on Saturday raided his apartment and found 1.5 kilos (over three pounds) of TATP, the homemade explosive used by Islamic State jihadists in the Paris and Brussels attacks.

After seeing the police appeals for information in Arabic on Facebook, the Syrians quickly overpowered the fugitive, tied him up, and called in officers to take him away.

Albakr had offered them money to let him go, they later said.

"He tried to bribe us, but we told him he could give us as much money as he wanted, we wouldn't free him," one of the men told RTL television, speaking with his back to the camera and identified only as Mohamed A., for fear of reprisals.

"Then we got an electrical cord and tied him up until the police got there," he said.

"I was furious with him, I couldn't accept something like this -- especially here in Germany, the country that opened its doors to us."

- 'Courageous action' -

Asked if the government would be willing to honour the Syrians with the Federal Cross of Merit, spokesman Steffen Seibert recognised their contribution and thanked them for their action, but said it was up to the president to make that decision.

"They acted courageously and decisively, and possibly prevented a major disaster," he said.

Noting that when it comes to foreigners, it is up to Germany's foreign ministry to nominate possible candidates for the honour, spokesman Martin Schaefer said his ministry was likely "to take a positive view" on the suggestion.

The trio's courageous action was not only celebrated by Germans, but also particularly feted on social media by tens of thousands of fellow Syrians who have sought asylum in Germany.

Neighbouring France granted citizenship to an undocumented migrant from Mali, Lassana Bathily, after he saved shoppers' lives during a jihadist attack on a Jewish supermarket in Paris last year.

And three Americans who helped thwart an attack on a train in France last year were awarded the Legion of Honour, the country's highest decoration.

Germany's domestic intelligence chief Hans-Georg Maassen said his service had received information that Albakr "initially wanted to target trains in Germany before finally deciding on one of Berlin's airports".

Investigators said explosives found in Albakr's apartment were "almost ready or even ready for use," and that he was apparently preparing a "bomb, possibly in the form of a suicide vest".

Map of Germany locating Leipzig, where a Syrian man suspected of plotting a bomb attack was arrested AFP (AFP)
Indonesian tearfully denies 'poisoned coffee' murder

An Indonesian woman accused of murdering her college friend by slipping cyanide into her coffee broke down in tears Wednesday as she took the stand to deny carrying out the crime.

Prosecutors are demanding that Jessica Kumala Wongso, an Australian permanent resident, be jailed for 20 years for the murder of Wayan Mirna Salihin, who collapsed and died after being poisoned at an upmarket Jakarta cafe in January.

The "poison coffee" case has generated huge interest in Indonesia, with crowds packing out the court during the trial and TV networks showing it live, and in Australia where the victim and alleged murderer studied together at a design college.

Jessica Kumala Wongso, accused of murdering a friend by slipping cyanide into her coffee, attends her trial in Jakarta on September 26, 2016 Adek Berry (AFP/File)

Wongso, 28, strenuously denies the premeditated murder of her friend and on Wednesday took the stand in the Jakarta court to issue an emotional plea for the judges hearing the case to find her innocent.

"I swear, I am not a murderer," she told the court, speaking through sobs.

"I didn't kill Mirna so there shouldn't be any reason to treat me like garbage."

Wongso told how she had endured a nightmare since her arrest as she was locked up in a small police cell, and labelled a murderer by the police and Salihin's family.

"It makes me think, are they mean because they lost Mirna or did they lose Mirna because they are mean?" she told the court.

Prosecutors last week recommended the hefty jail term for Wongso, alleging that she decided to kill the victim after Salihin, 27, advised her to break up with her boyfriend as he was using drugs.

They accused the bespectacled design graduate, who lived in Sydney until last year, of planning the murder "meticulously" before inviting Salihin to a cafe at a mall, where she slipped cyanide into her Vietnamese iced coffee.

Salihin collapsed and began convulsing after drinking the coffee, dying soon afterwards in hospital.

The defence team in the trial, which began in June, asserts the case against their client is weak and lacks evidence to prove guilt.

Australian authorities agreed to assist with the case after receiving assurances that Wongso would not be handed the death penalty if found guilty of murder, a capital crime in Indonesia.
Samsung slashes profit estimate after Note 7 disaster

Samsung Electronics on Wednesday slashed its latest quarterly profit estimate by one third in the wake of a highly damaging recall crisis that ended with the scrapping of its latest flagship smartphone.

In the first indication of just how much the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco might end up costing the world's largest smartphone maker, Samsung revised its operating forecast for the third quarter to 5.2 trillion won ($4.6 billion), compared to the 7.8 trillion won it announced just last week.

The company said the revision reflected the expected impact on sales and earnings of its decision on Tuesday to permanently discontinue production of the Note 7.

Samsung announced a recall of 2.5 million units of the oversized Galaxy Note 7 smartphone in early September after several devices exploded or caught fire

Song Myung-Sup, an analyst at Hi Investment & Securities, said the impact would be felt for many quarters to come.

"Halted production of the Note 7 will damage Samsung's brand image and trust and eventually hurt future sales of its smartphones," Song said.

"Given that it needs to spend more on research, development, inspection and marketing down the road, this crisis will affect its earnings until late 2017," he added.

The company also slashed its third-quarter sales estimate by four percent to 47 trillion won from 49 trillion won.

The announcement came after the close of trade Wednesday which saw Samsung's share price fall 0.7 percent, following an 8.0 percent plunge the day before.

Wednesday's revision would reflect a 30-percent drop in Samsung's quarterly operating profit from a year ago, compared to a 5.5-percent rise according to the earlier estimate.

Samsung announced a recall of 2.5 million units of the oversized Galaxy Note 7 smartphone in early September after several devices exploded or caught fire.

When replacement phones also started to combust, the company eventually decided to scrap the Note 7 line entirely.

The company blamed faulty batteries made by an unnamed supplier -- widely believed to be its sister company Samsung SDI.

But reports in the Wall Street Journal and Financial Times cited analysts, experts and other sources who suggested the fault may have been with the underlying technology -- possibly the processor or voltage control system.

"If you try to charge the battery too quickly it can make it more volatile. If you push an engine too hard, it will explode. Something had to give," a source who had spoken to Samsung executives told the Financial Times.

Discontinuing the Note 7 leaves Samsung extremely vulnerable as the highly-competitive market for premium smartphones enters the holiday buying season.

Arch-rival Apple launched its latest iPhone 7 last month, and Google just came out with its Pixel smartphone, which runs on the same Android software as Samsung's devices.

Numerous analysts have suggested that the rush to release the Note 7 ahead of the iPhone 7 left Samsung's engineers little time to test the device's new built-in battery.

The Note 7 was meant to underpin growth this year as Samsung struggles to boost sales, squeezed by Apple in the high-end sector and Chinese rivals in the low-end market as profit has stagnated.

Wednesday's revised earnings forecast, which comes ahead of audited results to be released this month, did not provide a net income figure or breakdown of divisional earnings for the company's mobile, TV, semiconductor and display units.

Samsung's handling of the Note 7 recall has placed a spotlight on the South Korean conglomerates management at a time when it is navigating a tricky generational power transfer within the founding Lee family.

Industry experts have criticised the Lee dynasty for controlling the vast group through a complex web of cross shareholdings, although they only directly own about five percent of total stocks.

Factfile on Samsung Electronics, including quarterly operating profit, smartphone and tablet market share and sales by business division
Western nations demand release of jailed Vietnam activist

Several Western governments have called for the release of a Vietnamese activist jailed this week for "anti-state propaganda", urging greater freedoms in the authoritarian nation criticised for silencing critics.

Rights activist and blogger Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, more commonly known as Me Nam which means "Mother Mushroom", was detained Monday as she visited a fellow dissident in jail in southern Nha Trang city.

Quynh, whose critical Facebook posts have included articles about civilians reportedly dying in police custody, was accused of distorting truth and history, defaming the Communist Party and provoking anti-state violence, according to the Ministry of Public Security's official newspaper.

Scores of Vietnamese dissidents are in jail in the one-party state, where private media is banned and critics are regularly subject to arbitrary arrest and detention Hoang Dinh Nam (AFP Photo/File)

Her arrest comes after the appeal trials of two other bloggers in recent weeks, one whose sentence was upheld and another whose prison term was reduced by one year.

The United States, the European Union and Britain all called for her release.

"This trend threatens to overshadow Vietnam's progress on human rights," US Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius said in a statement Wednesday.

"The United States calls on Vietnam to release these individuals and all other prisoners of conscience, and to allow all individuals in Vietnam to express their political views online and offline without fear of retribution."

EU Ambassador Bruno Angelet also called for Quynh to be freed, saying in a statement Tuesday that her "arrest goes against Vietnam's international and domestic human rights obligations".

British Ambassador Giles Lever echoed the call, expressing "his deep concern at this development".

Last month, a Vietnamese court upheld prominent blogger Nguyen Huu Vinh's five-year sentence, as well as the three-year jail term of his assistant Nguyen Thi Minh Thuy.

Weeks later, 50-year-old blogger Nguyen Dinh Ngoc had his sentence reduced from four years to three.

They are among scores of dissidents in jail in the one-party state where private media is banned and where critics are regularly subject to arbitrary arrest and detention.

Quynh, a member of the independent Network of Vietnamese Bloggers, was awarded the 2015 Civil Rights Defender of the Year by a Sweden-based international advocacy group.
Kyrgios slams fans after Shanghai meltdown

Australia's Nick Kyrgios lashed out at fans and insisted "I don't owe them anything" after he was booed off court in a spectacular meltdown at the Shanghai Masters on Wednesday.

The hot-headed world number 14 clashed with the chair umpire and a heckler and admitted not trying after he lost 6-3, 6-1 to German qualifier Mischa Zverev, the world number 110.

It is just the latest incident in which Kyrgios's talent has been overshadowed by his tempestuous nature after he received a suspended ban for an infamous jibe last year.

Australia's Nick Kyrgios clashed with the chair umpire and a heckler and admitted not trying after he lost 6-3, 6-1 to German qualifier Mischa Zverev Johannes Eisele (AFP)

Kyrgios was slapped with a code violation for an audible obscenity and was warned to play properly in front of an increasingly restive crowd in Shanghai.

Chair umpire Ali Nili told Kyrgios to play professionally after he patted a soft, child-like serve into his opponent's court and was broken to go 1-4 down in the first set.

Facing game point at 1-1 in the second set, the 21-year-old started walking to his chair before Zverev's serve had even landed.

Australia's highest-ranked player was broken twice in the second set and as Zverev served for the match at 5-1, he took on a heckler in a heated argument mid-game.

Facing three match points at 0-40 down, Kyrgios then floated a return from Zverev's second serve before the German gratefully put away the winning shot.

Kyrgios, who departed to boos, later admitted he "took the easy way out" and "tapped out a little bit".

But when asked whether he could understand why fans were upset, he shot back: "Not at all."

"I feel like if they knew what they were talking about they'd be on the tennis court and being successful, as well.

"No, I can't really understand it at all. They don't know what I'm going through."

Kyrgios added: "I'm good at hitting a tennis ball at the net. Like, big deal. I don't owe them anything. It's like it's my choice.

"If you don't like it, I didn't ask you to come watch. Just leave. If you're so good at giving advice and so good at tennis, why aren't you as good as me? Why aren't you on the tour?"

Kyrgios also said he "couldn't care less" if he reaches the ATP World Tour Finals in London, the prestigious, season-ending tournament featuring the top eight players.

The flare-up comes after Kyrgios won the third title of his career, and season, at last week's Japan Open and was showing new focus after pairing with trainer Martin Skinner.
Trump would be 'dangerous' if elected: UN rights chief

The UN's rights chief warned Wednesday that Donald Trump's statements pointed to a "dangerous" figure emerging on the world stage if he won the US presidency.

At a press conference in Geneva, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said he was "not keen or intent on interfering in any political campaign."

But, he said, in light of the "unsettling" and "disturbing" comments from the US presidential candidate it was only right to sound the alarm.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump speaks during a rally in Pennsylvania on October 10, 2016 Dominick Reuter (AFP/File)

"If Donald Trump is elected, on the basis of what he has said already, and unless that changes, I think that it is without any doubt that he would be dangerous from an international point of view," Zeid said.

He referred to Trump's call to bring back interrogation techniques that legal experts say amount to torture.

And, he said, Trump's attacks on "vulnerable communities" such as Muslims, immigrants and minorities "suggest that they may well be deprived of their human rights."

Last month, Zeid launched a scathing attack on populists such as Trump and Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders, calling for action to halt "demagogues and political fantasists."

He had also compared Trump to Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban, France's leader of the National Front Marine Le Pen, and leading Brexit campaigner Nigel Farage.

Those comments sparked a harsh reaction from Russia's ambassador to the UN in New York Vitaly Churkin earlier this week.

Churkin complained the rights chief had overstepped his authority and had no business criticising foreign heads of state and government.

Churkin denied that he had taken issue with the remarks directed at Trump, but his remarks fuelled renewed speculation that the Kremlin is working to help the Republican candidate's campaign.

Zeid dug in Wednesday.

"We are not a political office, so we are not going to get into ... politics, but where it affects the rights of people and especially vulnerable groups, we will speak," he said, insisting: "I see no reason to curb what it is that we are saying."

Zeid insisted that his office wholeheartedly "supports the freedom of expression."

"We believe it to be not just a right, but the greatest check against tyranny" he said.

"However, when you fan resentment and seek as a political leader to pin blame on a specific community for deeper problems, real problems, this is highly regrettable," he said.

Zeid pointed out that "populists often try to (say) that if you criticise a populist leader, you are criticising those who support him or her. And this is false."

"There are very real fears that are being stoked and exploited," he warned, stressing that "it is within the mandate of the office to speak out where we feel that vulnerable groups are being targeted for reasons that are misplaced."

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein at a press conference in Bogota on September 29, 2016 Luis Acosta (AFP/File)
Burundi lawmakers vote to quit ICC

Burundian lawmakers on Wednesday overwhelmingly voted to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), taking the nation a step closer to being the first ever to quit the tribunal.

The move is the latest snub of the international community by the central African nation, which has been mired in 18 months of violent political crisis since President Pierre Nkurunziza ran for a third term in office.

Earlier this week Burundi declared three UN rights experts persona non grata and cut ties with the UN's main human rights body, after a damning September report detailing atrocities and warning of "genocide".

President of Burundi's National Assembly, Pascal Nyabenda holds a gavel during the voting session on October 12, 2016 in Bujumbura, for the withdrawal of the International Criminal Court Onesphore Nibigira (AFP)

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda in April had launched a preliminary investigation into reports of "killing, imprisonment, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, as well as cases of enforced disappearances."

The initial probe is aimed at determining whether there is enough evidence to proceed to a full-blown investigation by ICC prosecutors which could result in drawing up charges against those believed to be responsible for the violence.

"The ICC is a tool being used to try and change power" in Burundi, charged Aloys Ntakirutimana, a lawmaker with the ruling CNDD-FDD, during a three hour debate in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

While a few lawmakers argued against the draft law, it was eventually passed in the lower house with 94 votes in favour, two against and 14 abstentions. Later on Wednesday the Senate passed the law unanimously, with all 39 senators supporting it.

It is expected to be approved by President Pierre Nkurunziza later this week.

Should Burundi withdraw from the ICC it "will most definitely be the first country to do so," said Niall Matthews, communications head of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, a non-governmental organisation.

"The voices of victims are being lost," added Stephen Lamoy, the group's head of policy at the UN.

- 'Genocide looms large'-

Burundi was plunged into crisis in April 2015 when Nkurunziza decided to run for a third term in office, which he went on to win.

A vicious government crackdown on protests and widespread violence followed, which some rights organisations estimate has left more than 1,000 people dead.

The report by the UN rights experts recounts spine-chilling cases of torture and horrific sexual violence, mass arrests and disappearances.

"Given the country's history, the danger of the crime of genocide also looms large," the report warned.

Burundi has a long history of violence between its Hutu and Tutsi communities, which led to a 12-year civil war that ended in 2006.

The report prompted the UN Human Rights Council to send a Commission of Inquiry to Burundi, a move taken only in rare situations of significant concern.

"It is perfectly clear that this is a plot to do harm to Burundi," Gaston Sindimwo, Burundi's vice president, said last week, referring to the investigations.

Burundi's move to leave the Netherlands-based court comes amid rising resentment in Africa against the ICC, whose leaders accuse it of unfairly targeting Africans for prosecution.

Kenya -- whose president and deputy president were the subjects of failed ICC prosecutions -- is pushing for all African nations to snub the court.

"A few African leaders have been threatening to 'withdraw' from the ICC treaty for seven years; none have so far. Human rights and democracy advocates in Burundi will oppose their government withdrawing," said William Pace of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court.

"Seeking immunity for the worst crimes in international law is the worst failure of political leadership."

Set up in 2002 as the last resort to try war criminals and perpetrators of genocide never tried at home, the ICC has opened full investigations into nine nations, all of them African except for Georgia.

The African countries which have come under investigation are Kenya, Ivory Coast, Libya, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Uganda and Mali.

According to the Rome Statute which established the court, any country which wants to leave has to inform the UN secretary general in writing.

The country's departure becomes effective one year after the receipt of a written formal notice of withdrawal but does not affect ongoing investigations.

Members of Burundi's National Assembly vote on October 12, 2016 Onesphore Nibigira (AFP)

Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza Landry Nshimiye (AFP/File)
China house collapse survivor 'a left-behind child'

The little girl who survived a building collapse in China in her dead father's arms is a "left-behind" child who had just arrived for a reunion with her migrant worker parents, state media reported Wednesday.

China has hundreds of millions of migrants who have moved from the countryside to its towns and cities in recent decades to find work, their labour fuelling the country's economic boom.

But many remain poorly paid and cannot afford to bring their children -- who would have few rights to school places -- with them, instead leaving them behind to be looked after by relatives, usually grandparents, sometimes only seeing them once a year.

Rescuers save three-year-old Wu Ningxi, who was protected by the body of her dead father more than 12 hours after four buildings collapsed in Wenzhou, eastern China on October 10, 2016

There are estimated to be 61 million so-called "left behind" children and the Zhengzhou Evening News said three-year-old Wu Ningxi was among them.

She lives with her grandfather in the southwestern city of Chongqing, her mother's hometown, and the two only arrived in Wenzhou, on the east coast, on Sunday to visit her parents.

But in the early hours of the next morning the six-storey building in which they lived collapsed, along with three others, killing 22 people including both her parents and her grandfather, it said.

Wu was found alive deep in the debris 14 hours after the disaster, protected by the final embrace of her father, who shielded her from falling rubble with his own body, previous reports said.

The 26-year-old, who came from the central province of Henan and worked in a shoe factory, was found under a thick cement pillar, draped over his daughter.

"When I picked her up from the rubble, she suddenly grabbed my arm tightly. That touched me," the China Daily newspaper cited rescuer Sun Jing as saying. "I comforted her and continued to talk to her."

Wu had only minor injuries, medical staff said according to the Zhengzhou Evening News.

She "apparently had a powerful bond with her grandfather" because she kept asking for him while she was being treated, they said.

The reports did not make clear whether any of her other grandparents were still alive and said a charitable organisation would fund her living expenses temporarily.

Police have detained four owners of the caved-in houses -- built by the villagers themselves -- and the cause was being investigated, the Xinhua news agency reported Wednesday.

Recent heavy rainfall combined with the poor quality of construction and age of the buildings, were probable contributing factors, earlier media reports said.

Neighbouring buildings constructed in the 1970s were being demolished to prevent further collapses, they said.
Militants killed as three-day Indian Kashmir gunbattle ends

A gunbattle which lasted almost three days in Indian Kashmir ended Wednesday with the killing of two militants holed up inside a government building, as the region reels from deadly unrest.

The militants took up positions on Monday morning inside a 60-room institute in the region's main city of Srinagar, the second time this year rebels have used the compound as cover to attack soldiers. The building was empty at the time.

Soldiers pounded the government-run Entrepreneurship Development Institute with rocket grenades, flamethrowers and other weaponry before gaining access to it.

Police oficers look towards a building where suspested militants were holed in during three days of a gun battle with the Indian army in Pampore, south of Srinagar on October 12, 2016 Tauseef Mustafa (AFP)

Major-General Ashok Narula said soldiers then searched the six-storey building room-by-room for the militants in a slow-moving operation that left one soldier injured.

"Two people have been eliminated and two weapons have also been recovered," Narula told reporters at the scene after the operation was declared over.

In February five soldiers, three militants and a civilian were killed during a gunbattle that also raged for three days in another building on the same compound. Rebels took refuge in the building after ambushing a paramilitary convoy.

Scores of villagers gathered this week near the compound shouting slogans in support of the militants and against Indian rule over the Himalayan territory.

Rebel groups have for decades fought Indian soldiers deployed in the territory, demanding independence for the region or its merger with Pakistan. Currently an estimated 500,000 troops are deployed there.

Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since their independence from British rule in 1947. Both claim the territory in full.

More than 90 civilians have been killed and thousands injured during the latest protests against Indian rule, sparked by the killing on July 8 of a popular rebel leader during a gunfight with soldiers.

Shops, schools and most banks have remained shut during the ongoing unrest, the deadliest since 2010.

Rebel attacks on government forces have also increased in recent weeks. On Saturday militants attacked a police post in the southern Kashmir valley, killing one officer.
Putin says French UN Syria proposal aimed at 'inflaming situation'

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday accused France of pushing for a UN proposal on Syria at the weekend knowing Russia would veto it, blaming the United States for leaning on Paris.

"They put forward the resolution knowing that it would not pass...in order to incite a veto," Putin told an investment conference in Moscow.

"Why? It was aimed at inflaming the situation and fanning hysteria around Russia."

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at an investment forum in Moscow on October 12, 2016 Alexei Druzhinin (Sputnik/AFP)

He accused French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault of going back on promises given during his Moscow visit last Thursday and instead ignoring Russia's proposals for the resolution and "blaming Russia for all the deadly sins" in Syria.

He implied that France was serving US interests, which is using this hysteria in the presidential campaign.

"This is especially valuable in the conditions of the pre-election campaign," Putin said.
Moscow says US hacking claims 'flattering', but false

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on Wednesday said that US claims Moscow is meddling in the American election process are "flattering" but baseless.

Lavrov shrugged off US allegations that Russia has directed cyber attacks against American political organisations in a bid to influence the November 8 vote.

"It's flattering of course to get this kind of attention for a regional power, as President Obama called us some time ago," Lavrov told CNN.

Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has shrugged off US allegations that Russia has directed cyber attacks against American political organisations Natalia Kolesnikova (AFP/File)

"Now everybody in the United States is saying that it is Russia which is running the (US) presidential debate."

But Lavrov insisted that there is not a "single fact, a single proof" to back Washington's accusations.

President Vladimir Putin also struck back at Washington on Wednesday.

The Kremlin strongman insisted that the US accusations were aimed at stirring "hysteria" over Russia to "manipulate public opinion" and distract from issues uncovered by leaked documents.

Last week the Obama administration formally accused the Russian government of trying to "interfere" with the American election, and vowed to respond at an undisclosed time and place.

A White House spokesman said Tuesday that Washington would ensure that its "response is proportional".

"If they decided to do something, let them do it," Lavrov said.

In the CNN interview Lavrov also commented on lewd remarks by Republican candidate Donald Trump in a 2005 video in which he boasted about his ability to grope women as he pleases and said he could "grab them by the pussy."

"There are so many pussies around your presidential campaign on both sides that I prefer not to comment," Lavrov said, stressing that English was not his first language and he was not sure he would sound "decent", CNN reported.

The Kremlin was propelled to the heart of American politics in July after Hillary Clinton's campaign blamed Russia for an embarrassing leak of emails from the Democratic National Committee.

Russia has been accused of favouring Trump -- who has praised Putin and pledged better ties with Mocow -- over the more hawkish Clinton.
Apple to open second research centre in China

Apple will open its second research and development centre in China in the southern city of Shenzhen, the US technology giant said Wednesday, as it seeks to improve sales in the crucial market.

California-based Apple announced in August a similar facility would be built in Beijing.

Situated close to the border with Hong Kong "Shenzhen is an incredibly dynamic city... we are impatient to open a new research and development centre next year", Apple said in a statement sent to AFP.

Apple has seen its market share eroded in China's booming smartphone market Johannes Eisele (AFP/File)

Apple has seen its market share eroded in China's booming smartphone market this year, beaten out by rising Chinese firms -- market leader Huawei and three companies little known elsewhere, Vivo, Oppo and Xiaomi.

Apple has also struggled with the country's Communist authorities, despite regular visits from chief executive Tim Cook.
OPEC invites Russia to meeting, eyeing higher oil price

OPEC said Wednesday it was inviting Russia and other key non-members to a meeting later this month as the oil cartel and Moscow seek to tighten cooperation to boost historically low crude prices.

The announcement came after a meeting in Istanbul between several top OPEC energy ministers with their Russian counterpart Alexander Novak aimed at advancing joint efforts to bolster oil prices whose lows have hurt the highly-dependent economies of crude producers.

The meeting took place on the sidelines of the World Energy Congress in Istanbul, which on Monday saw a vow by Russian President Vladimir Putin for Moscow to impose curbs on energy output to match OPEC cuts that caused a spurt in oil prices.

The oil price has recovered steadily since OPEC said last month that it would reduce production Haidar Mohammed Ali (AFP/File)

"We agreed to have a technical meeting of OPEC... on 28-29 of this month (October). An invitation is going to be sent to some key non-OPEC countries," Qatar Energy Minister Mohammed Saleh al-Sada said after the talks.

"This meeting is meant to give a better understanding of the best way of how to move towards the rebalancing of the market to the interest of all," added the Qatari minister.

Other than Russia, he did not elaborate on what other non-OPEC countries were being invited to the meeting but indicated he wanted a wide turnout.

"We have a list of non-OPEC countries and we are yet to refine it further. We intend to expand it get the feelings of as many non-OPEC countries as possible."

He gave no indication however the meeting would be attended by the United States, the world's number three oil producer.

"The US attending is something we cannot assure you of," he said.

- 'Cooperation roadmap' -

The prospect of Russia, one of the world's top two oil producers alongside Saudi Arabia, coordinating policy with OPEC has boosted global oil markets in the last few days and briefly brought crude to its highest levels for a year.

The cartel had last month at a meeting in Algiers agreed its first production cut in eight years, although it remains to be seen how this will be complied with and implemented.

Novak confirmed that Russia had been invited to the October meeting in Vienna which would try and "work out a roadmap for the cooperation of our countries" in the rebalancing of prices.

The upcoming talks will be a technical meeting, with the next general meeting of OPEC ministers planned for November 30 in Vienna.

Novak had on Tuesday evoked a possible six month freeze of production levels by Russia to match OPEC's own output curbs.

He said that no concrete figures were discussed at the meeting. "As for figures, that is in the future and and I think (at the October meeting) we will discuss more or less concrete parameters."

Putin said Wednesday in Russia that a freeze of production at current levels was in the interest of the Russian economy. "If OPEC countries agree a production freeze we will join that decision," he said, adding the key obstacle was to find agreement between Saudi Arabia and its regional foe Iran.

- 'Rebalance the market' -

The energy ministers of OPEC members including United Arab Emirates Energy Minister Suhail al-Mazroui, Qatar Energy Minister Mohammed Saleh al-Sada and Venezuelan Oil Minister Eulogio del Pino all attended the talks at an Istanbul hotel chaired by OPEC Secretary General Mohammed Barkindo.

Of non-OPEC countries, Mexico was also represented.

However there were notable absentees from the talks, with the energy minister of the cartel's kingpin Saudi Arabia, Khalid al-Falih, having already departed from Istanbul and Iraq and Iran also not attending.

Al-Falih had also made clear at the congress earlier in the week that Saudi Arabia was against any drastic output cuts by OPEC, warning the cartel not to "crimp too tightly".

Oil prices had plunged to historic lows over the last two years with an excess of supply partly due to new and cheaper technologies coming at a time of a global economic slowdown.
Thai king's health 'unstable' as he battles infection: palace

The health of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej is "still unstable", the palace said late Wednesday, adding that the 88-year-old was on a ventilator in hospital and battling a new infection.

"Blood tests show he has an infection and his liver is working irregularly. The doctors have given him antibiotics and have corrected acid levels in his blood, placing him on a ventilator together with CRRT (Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy)," the Royal Household Bureau said in a new statement.

"His illness overall is still unstable," the statement added.
Israel shuts down for Yom Kippur

Israel shut down Wednesday for the Jewish Yom Kippur holiday, with roads, shops, airports and even radio and TV stations all closed, while Israeli authorities sealed off mainly Palestinian east Jerusalem.

The solemn holiday of Yom Kippur, or Day of Atonement, began Tuesday evening and ends Wednesday at sunset.

Many Jews fast during that time. Families and young people also walk and cycle through empty streets, while Orthodox Jews with prayer shawls can be seen making their way to synagogues.

Two men ride bicycles along an abandoned highway near moshav Habonim in northern Israel on October 12, 2016 as they mark Yom Kippur by abstaining from driving Menahem Kahana (AFP)

Security was tight for this year's holiday with fears of a new surge in violence, particularly following a Palestinian gun attack in Jerusalem on Sunday that killed two people.

Overnight, clashes erupted during an Israeli raid in the Silwan area of east Jerusalem, where the gunman lived, residents and local activists said.

Israeli security forces shot dead a 20-year-old Palestinian man, Ali Shiouki, Palestinian officials said.

Later, Israeli police said "masked Palestinians threw stones and incendiary bottles" at border guards in Silwan, putting their lives at risk.

"The border guards then fired at and hit the rioters who fled and took the wounded with them," a spokesman said, adding police subsequently learned one of the wounded had died and was buried.

Clashes also erupted Wednesday in Al-Ram, a Palestinian area on the outskirts of Jerusalem.

Yom Kippur is the second of three successive Jewish holidays that have led to tensions with the Palestinians in the past.

Last week Jews marked Rosh Hashanah, or New Year, and next week they celebrate Sukkot.

Last year's holiday period led to clashes and marked the start of an upsurge in Palestinian gun, knife and car-ramming attacks.

More than 3,000 police have been deployed to Jerusalem, while the mainly Palestinian eastern sector of the city, occupied by Israel in 1967 and later annexed, has been sealed off with barricades.

Palestinians were also prevented from entering the city from the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip during the holiday.

Thousands of Jews visit the Western Wall in east Jerusalem's Old City during the holiday period, while a smaller number go to the nearby Al-Aqsa mosque compound.

The compound is holy to both Muslims and Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount.

The site is central to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with Palestinians fearing Israel may one day seek to assert further control over it.

On Sunday, a 39-year-old Palestinian who saw himself as an Al-Aqsa protector went on a shooting rampage in Jerusalem, killing two Israelis. He was shot dead by police.

But the atmosphere was different in Tel Aviv, Israel's commercial capital and a far more secular city.

Streets were filled with walkers, bikers and skateboarders, while shops owned by Arab residents that remained open were drawing many customers -- particularly those selling alcohol.

Some in the Mediterranean city had picnics on the beach.

A young skater, Amnon Elkaim, called the day "a little bit magical, where there is really nothing to do except see friends and go to the beach".

A mother with her young son, who wore a Spiderman costume, called it a "real vacation day".
Burundi crisis: from disputed polls to 'genocide' fears

Burundi's move to leave the International Criminal Court (ICC) has turned the spotlight on months of political turmoil and violence that raised fears of "genocide" in a nation with a history of ethnic conflict.

Here are some keys to understanding 18 months of crisis in the central African nation:

- How did Burundi's crisis begin? -

A man stands by a sign outside the UN Commission on Human Rights headquarters in Burundi as people demonstrate against the EE, the ICC and the Resolution against Burundi in Bujumbura on October 8, 2016

In April 2015, President Pierre Nkurunziza, in office since 2005, announced his plan to run for a controversial third term, triggering protests which authorities banned before unleashing a bloody crackdown that left an estimated 80 people dead.

In May, a botched military coup prompted further reprisals against anyone seen as opposing the government.

Despite the protests, Nkurunziza was re-elected in July in polls boycotted by the opposition.

The crisis continued however despite his victory and in September 2016 a report by United Nations rights experts said repression had become "more systematic and is increasing."

Human rights groups allege that over 1,000 people have been killed in the months of turmoil, while thousands more have been tortured, suffered sexual violence, disappeared or been illegally detained.

The UN refugees agency (UNHCR) says more than 250,000 people have fled the country.

- What does it mean for Burundi? -

Opponents say Nkurunziza's third term violates the constitution as well as the Arusha accords that ended Burundi's civil war. During the 1993-2006 conflict, which killed 300,000 people, Nkurunziza led Hutu rebels fighting the Tutsi-dominated army.

Hutus make up around 85 percent of Burundi's 11 million people, with Tutsis being the remainder.

There are now concerns of a return to Hutu-Tutsi violence and fears for stability in a region where violence often spills across borders.

Burundi's crisis has already hurt ties with Rwanda, which Bujumbura accuses of supporting rebels.

- Risk of genocide? -

Many are wary of using the word "genocide" yet it repeatedly crops up in analyses of Burundi's crisis.

The international community remains traumatised by its failure to prevent the 1994 genocide in neighbouring Rwanda -- which the UN says left 800,000 mostly Tutsis dead -- and involved the same ethnic groups as in Burundi.

Perhaps as a result, there have been repeated pleas from the UN and African Union to avert genocide in Burundi.

"Given the country's history, the danger of the crime of genocide also looms large," warned the recent UN report.

While Tutsis were among the most vocal critics of Nkurunziza's third-term bid, the current crisis remains primarily political, with the anti-Nkurunziza alliance cutting across ethnic lines. However, public discourse has taken on an increasingly ethnic tone.

In August, UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide, Adama Dieng, raised concerns over a statement by Burundi's National Assembly president, Pascal Nyabenda, who claimed the Rwandan genocide was a "fabrication of the international community".

Dieng said the statement has "the potential to inflame ethnic tensions, both within Burundi and outside its borders."

- International justice rejected -

In April 2016, International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said she was conducting a "preliminary examination" of the situation in Burundi -- the first step towards a full investigation and possible prosecutions -- looking into allegations including murder, torture, rape and forced disappearances.

Burundi responded by voting to leave the ICC saying there was a "plot to do harm to Burundi".

Bujumbura also barred the three UN rights experts responsible for the damning September report and suspended co-operation with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), accusing it of "complicity" in the "dishonest report".

Burundian security forces patrol the streets of Bujumbura in April 2016 Onesphore Nibigira (AFP/File)
Russia announces Syria talks with US, regional powers Saturday

Russia on Wednesday said it would hold Syria talks with the United States and regional powers this weekend, the first meeting on the conflict since Washington froze bilateral ceasefire negotiations.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and US Secretary of State John Kerry agreed to hold talks aimed at "creating the conditions for the resolution of the Syrian crisis" in Lausanne on Saturday, alongside top diplomats from "key countries in the region", Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement.

In an interview Wednesday Lavrov said that talks should include Turkey, Saudi Arabia and possibly Qatar, CNN reported.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) and US Secretary of State John Kerry (R) have agreed to hold talks aimed at "creating the conditions for the resolution of the Syrian crisis" in Lausanne on Saturday Bryan R. Smith (AFP/File)

"We would like to have a meeting in this narrow format, to have a businesslike discussion, not another General Assembly-like debate," he was quoted as saying.

A US State Department source confirmed the meeting to AFP: "Can confirm Lausanne. Lausanne will be a meeting with key regional participants as well as Russia."

The meeting comes as tensions between Moscow and the West have spiked over the conflict after peace efforts unravelled and Russia unleashed an intense bombing campaign to back up a regime assault on the war-ravaged city of Aleppo.

The US pulled the plug on talks with Russia aimed at reviving a flagging ceasefire on October 3, sending ties with Russia spiralling to a new low.
Rossouw hits ton as South Africa chase 5-0 series sweep against Australia

Rilee Rossouw hit a century as South Africa went in search of a series whitewash in the fifth and final one-day international against Australia at Newlands on Wednesday.

Rossouw made 122 in a South African total of 327 for eight. He and fellow left-hander JP Duminy (73) transformed the South African innings with a fourth wicket partnership of 178 after the hosts lost their first three wickets for 52 runs.

South Africa went into the contest seeking to become the first team to defeat Australia in every game of a five-match one-day series.

Rilee Rossouw scored 122 in South Africa's total of 327-8 in the fifth one-day international against Australia in Cape Town on October 12, 2016 Rodger Bosch (AFP)

Australia's bowlers made a good start after South Africa won the toss, with Scott Boland having Quinton de Kock caught at cover and Joe Mennie bowling both Hashim Amla and South African captain Faf du Plessis.

Mennie, who conceded 82 runs without taking a wicket in his only previous international in Johannesburg, also ended the Rossouw-Duminy stand when Duminy was caught at backward point. He was the best of the Australian bowlers, taking three for 49.

Chris Tremain, another bowler who made his debut during the series, also took three wickets, aided by two in his last over. He conceded 64 runs.

Rossouw hit the ball with great power in making his runs off 118 balls with 14 fours and two sixes, while Duminy was the ideal partner with a combination of silky stroke play and good running between the wickets. Their partnership was worth 178 off 170 balls.
Creepy clown 'madness' is classic social panic, say experts

With a wave of hysteria about sightings of "creepy" or "killer" clowns sweeping the United States and far beyond -- forcing McDonald's to limit the appearances of its mascot Ronald McDonald -- AFP asked experts how the phenomenon could have taken such a grip.

How did the 'madness' start?

"Everybody is acting as if this is unprecedented, that it has never happened before," said sociologist Dr Robert Bartholomew, author of "The Martians Have Landed: A History of Media-Driven Panics and Hoaxes".

Police forces in Britain have been called to several incidents around the country involving pranksters dressing as scary clowns jumping out and frightening people Saul Loeb (AFP/File)

"But exactly the same thing happened in France in 2014 and it was also fuelled by social media, bogus sightings and video hoaxes. Now it's happening in America people are paying attention. But it was quite intense and violent in France" leading to the arrest or jailing of a dozen teenage "killer clowns".

"The clown scare is a classic social panic involving an exaggerated fear about some evil threatening the public," Bartholomew told AFP.

"I believe what is happening is a reappearance of the 'stranger danger' panic of the 1980s.

"Social panics reflect current fears and uncertainties, especially the threat from within posed by strangers, prompted by concerns over terrorists and refugees."

The New Zealand-based academic said while the clown panic may seem like a very modern "outbreak of madness and stupidity", such scares were common long before social media was there to drive them.

"In 1750, a kidnapping panic swept Paris driven by claims that King Louis XV was suffering from leprosy and was having children kidnapped to cure his condition by bathing in their blood. It triggered riots as mobs chased suspected kidnappers through the streets."

Why clowns?

For the last 30 years "the malevolent clown" has become a fixture of popular culture, according to French anthropologist Veronique Campion-Vincent, an expert on how rumours and urban myths spread.

Chilling characters like Pennywise the clown in Stephen King's novel "It" and the evil clowns in the "Poltergeist" films have helped cement a darker side to clowning.

"Clowns can be seen as creepy because you can't read a clown's face, and 80 percent of communication is non-verbal," Bartholomew argued. "If a person is wearing makeup or a mask, it is hard to know whether they are friend or foe."

Coulrophobia -- the fear of clowns -- may affect as many as one in 10 people, said Matthew Lorber, director of the child and adolescent psychiatry department at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York.

Bartholomew said the idea of the "cunning, murdering clown" first emerged in the 18th century and reappeared in the "dark carnival" circus sideshows of Depression-era America.

But their traditional family-friendly image was reasserted by Bozo and Clarabell the Clown, who were huge stars of 1960s US television.

How long will it last?

"It is not a good time to be a clown. Careers are being ruined here," said Bartholomew, who predicted that the scare would die down after Halloween, as it did in France and Belgium in 2014.

However, the #ClownsLivesMatter Twitter campaign launched by Snuggles The Clown -- the professional American "scary clown" Jordan Jones -- came out of a real fear of people getting hurt, the academic said.

"If I were a clown in the US now I would be keeping a low profile. It wouldn't surprise me if the police shoot a clown, there is so much anxiety out there."

That said, he voiced hope that people would see sense. "I think this will eventually go the way of the Hula Hoop and other fads, although there is some life left in it yet."

As to whether the febrile political atmosphere in the US in the run up to the presidential election was also a factor, New York-born Bartholomew joked: "Given that 35 percent of the American public seem willing to vote for Donald Trump, I think we can safely call 2016 the 'Year of the Clown'."
International Syria talks in London on Sunday: US

A second international meeting on the deadly violence in Syria will take place Sunday in London, after talks in Switzerland the day before, the US State Department said Wednesday.

US Secretary of State John Kerry will attend both meetings to discuss "a multilateral approach to resolving the crisis in Syria, including a sustained cessation of violence and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries," his spokesman John Kirby said.

Saturday's meeting in Lausanne will bring Kerry together with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and "key regional partners," while Sunday's talks are likely to see Kerry briefing his European counterparts.

Smoke billows from the debris of a building following air strikes on rebel-held eastern areas of Aleppo Karam al-Masri (AFP/File)

Lavrov said Turkey, Saudi Arabia and possibly Qatar could take part in Saturday's talks.
Janet Jackson confirms she's pregnant at 50

Pop superstar Janet Jackson has confirmed that she is pregnant with her first child at age 50 -- and has the baby bump to prove it.

People magazine on Wednesday published a portrait of the star, her face beaming as she stood on a beach, with an unmistakably protruding belly.

"We thank God for our blessing," she told the magazine.

Pop superstar Janet Jackson confirmed she was pregant after People magazine published a portrait of her with an unmistakably protruding bell Karim Sahib (AFP/File)

The younger sister of late king of pop Michael Jackson in April stunned fans by halting a global tour and saying that she and her husband, Qatari tycoon Wissam Al Mana, were "planning our family."

Jackson had not said more since then but was recently spotted by paparazzi shopping at a baby store in London -- and looking like she had the tell-tale bump.

Natural pregnancies are highly unusual, but not impossible, for women past their mid-40s, but in vitro fertilization can extend the age at which women can have children.

Jackson has been discreet about her personal life and did not immediately publicize her 2012 marriage to Al Mana, whose company sells luxury fashion brands throughout Gulf Arab kingdoms.

Michael Jackson was also non-traditional in his efforts to have a family. He had two children with Debbie Rowe, who worked at his dermatologist's office and married him, and a third through an undisclosed surrogate.

Janet Jackson won an international fan base in the late 1980s with her albums "Control" and "Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation 1814," which brought together pop music and funk with the emerging genre of hip-hop.
World powers to try again for Syria ceasefire

Moscow and Washington have pledged to try again to negotiate a lasting ceasefire for war-ravaged Syria, committing to multilateral weekend talks in Europe, after the last attempt collapsed amid bitter recriminations.

Syria has been plunged into some of the worst violence of the five-year civil war after a hard-won truce collapsed as government forces backed by Russian air power push a brutal assault on rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

As the West accused Russia of potential war crimes over the bombing campaign, Moscow and Washington froze talks, trading blame for the collapse of the ceasefire they had brokered.

Jameel Mustafa Habboush, a 13-year-old Syrian boy receives oxygen as he is pulled from the rubble of a building following Russian air strikes on the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo on October 11, 2016 Thaer Mohammed (AFP)

There is now a push to give diplomacy another chance with Washington announcing Wednesday two days of talks -- in Lausanne on Saturday, and in London on Sunday.

US Secretary of State John Kerry and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov are expected to be joined in Lausanne by counterparts from Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Qatar -- all backers of Syrian opposition forces.

Neither side has confirmed an invitation to Iran, a key player in the conflict and an ally of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Then in London, Kerry will likely meet up with his European counterparts -- from Britain, France and Germany.

The United Nations said Syria envoy Staffan de Mistura has been invited to take part in the talks but a spokesman said he did not know if he would attend.

Lavrov told CNN in an interview Wednesday that he hoped the weekend talks in Switzerland could help "launch a serious dialogue" based on the now-defunct US-Russian pact.

"We would like to have a meeting in this narrow format, to have a businesslike discussion, not another General Assembly-like debate," Lavrov said.

The floor of the General Assembly was the scene of a stormy weekend meeting as Russia vetoed a resolution on a ceasefire.

Russian President Vladimir Putin slammed Paris for the vetoed proposal, accusing it of deliberately putting forward a motion that Moscow would reject.

"It was aimed at inflaming the situation and fanning hysteria around Russia," Putin said.

New Zealand on Wednesday presented another draft resolution demanding an end to air attacks in Syria's battleground city of Aleppo -- likely to again fan tensions between the West and Russia, who back opposing sides in the suppurating civil war.

Fresh air strikes and artillery fire in Aleppo on Wednesday left at least seven people dead, an international monitor said, a day after Russia was accused of stepping up its raids on the city.

The United Nations has warned of the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe taking place in Aleppo, saying that the rebel-held territory could be destroyed entirely by the end of the year.

- Compromise not blackmail -

Despite the continuing exchange of insults, the negotiations had never really stopped behind closed doors, with Kerry and Lavrov speaking by telephone in recent days.

State Department spokesman John Kirby said Wednesday that for Kerry, the bilateral talks had been suspended but were "not dead."

Kirby also emphasized the importance of both tracks of talks -- with Russia, which has "the most influence on Assad," and with other regional players with "influence on other units."

But hopes remain low for a breakthrough to end the five-year conflict that has claimed some 300,000 lives.

Some have even called for punitive measures against Moscow, though French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault cautioned against "a cycle of sanctions for the sake of sanctions."

Putin on Wednesday warned Western countries against imposing sanctions, stressing that Russia would not let itself be isolated.

"We should not go down the path of pressure and blackmail but search for compromise," Putin said in Moscow.

He also placed blame on the West for the dire situation.

"I am deeply convinced that it is our Western partners, first and foremost of course the United States, who are responsible for the situation," he told France's TF1 television.

Aleppo under fire AFP , John SAEKI, Laurence CHU (AFP)

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov (L) and US Secretary of State John Kerry (R) have agreed to hold talks aimed at "creating the conditions for the resolution of the Syrian crisis" in Lausanne on Saturday Bryan R. Smith (AFP/File)

A fighter from the Jaish al-Islam (Islam Army) runs to avoid sniper fire, in the village of Tal al-Siwan area of the rebel-held stronghold of Douma, on the outskirts of Damascus Sameer Al-Doumy (AFP/File)

Smoke billows from the debris of a building following air strikes on rebel-held eastern areas of Aleppo Karam al-Masri (AFP/File)
Saracens put end to Etzebeth pursuit

European and English champions Saracens called a halt to their pursuit of South Africa lock Eben Etzebeth on Wednesday.

The Premiership club had held talks with Stormers star Etzebeth over the possibility of signing him on a short-term basis once South Africa's tour of Europe is over.

Alistair Hargreaves' recent retirement due to concussion has left Saracens exposed in the second row, but director of rugby Mark McCall revealed Etzebeth will not be providing a temporary solution.

Saracens held talks with Eben Etzebeth over the possibility of signing him on a short-term basis, but the Premiership club said they would not be signing the Stormers star after all Juan Mabromata (AFP/File)

"I don't think that will happen. Alistair has retired and we are looking for somebody who is available and eligible and they're quite difficult to find at this time of year," McCall said.

"We've been exploring a couple of options and Etzebeth was one of them, but that looks like it won't happen.

"Signing him would have solved a problem until the end of January, but after that we'd have had to find a different solution.

"It's very hard to find someone who is good enough, who is available to get into this country and who is also out of contract.
Myanmar military kills 10 as unrest mounts in northern Rakhine

Myanmar troops killed 10 people in northern Rakhine on Wednesday, the military said, as the death toll mounted from a spate of violent clashes in a region long-scarred by sectarian unrest.

Dozens of people have died in the area bordering Bangladesh in the past few days, raising the spectre of a repeat of communal violence that ripped the state apart four years ago and drove tens of thousands into displacement camps.

The latest clashes took place in Kyet Yoe Pyin village near Maungdaw town, an area home to the persecuted Muslim Rohingya minority that has been under lockdown after a series of attacks on border guards.

The Rakhine State has been effectively split on religious grounds between Buddhists and Muslims since bouts of communal violence tore through the state in 2012, killing scores and forcing tens of thousands to flee Romeo Gacad (AFP/File)

"As the military troops followed (a group of men) they started to attack, shooting with guns, using sticks and knives," the military said in a statement. "The attackers retreated to the northwest as the military returned fire."

"Ten dead bodies of violent attackers and a gun were found."

"Terrorists" also attacked a border outpost and set fire to 25 houses in Warpaik village as troops conducted clearance operations in the area, the president's office said in a statement.

Troops have poured into the area around Maungdaw after nine police officers were killed on Sunday in attacks on three border posts which authorities blamed on mobs wielding swords and homemade weapons.

Villagers have fled their homes, while teachers and government workers have flocked to the state capital Sittwe after more than 400 schools were closed and a curfew brought in between 7pm and 6am.

The fresh casualties come after state media reported a series of clashes in the area since Sunday, including one in which four soldiers were allegedly set upon by hundreds of men wielding pistols and swords.

A total of 39 people have died, according to state media, police and government sources, including troops, attackers and the border guards killed in Sunday's raids.

Most people in the impoverished area are Muslim Rohingya, a stateless minority whom Myanmar's Buddhist hardliners vilify as illegal immigrants -- even though many trace their ancestry in Myanmar back for generations.

- Crackdown fears -

Activists claim the military is using the search for the attackers as a pretext for a crackdown on Rohingya, whom rights groups describe as one of the world's most persecuted peoples.

Rumours of killings and mass arrests have spread like wildfire on social media, stoking fear. But details have proved difficult to confirm in the remote and tightly controlled area.

The commander in chief of Myanmar's army, Min Aung Hlaing, sought to play down the violence on Wednesday, saying the "current issues in Rakhine were not brought about by religious conflict" and pledging to abide by international rules.

Authorities have released few details about the attackers or their motives, with some blaming the Rohingya and others pointing the finger at Bangladeshi groups.

Four suspects in the border attacks -- including two who were captured on Tuesday -- are being held by law enforcement, according to state media.

The escalating violence in the region poses a major challenge for the country's new democratic leadership.

Myanmar's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi is facing international pressure to reach a solution for the Rohingya, whose plight has tarnished the country's major democratic gains.

She recently appointed a commission, headed by former UN chief Kofi Annan, to find ways to heal wounds in bitterly divided and poor Rakhine state.

On Wednesday the Nobel laureate vowed to follow the rule of law when investigating the border guard attacks.

"Until we know clearly what is happening, we will not accuse anyone," she said at the foreign ministry in Naypyidaw. "We will only bring charges when we have concrete and firm evidence."

The UN's special adviser to the secretary-general on Myanmar, Vijay Nambiar, urged troops and residents to exercise restraint at what he termed a "delicate juncture" for Rakhine.
10 killed in Shiite Muslim clashes in Nigeria

At least 10 people were killed and scores injured on Wednesday in violent clashes between Shiite Muslims, civilians and security forces across northern Nigeria, according to members of the pro-Iran group Islamic Movement in Nigeria and witnesses.

Despite being banned in one northern state, thousands of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) members had taken to the streets for the annual Ashura march, a major Shiite festival.

Soldiers and police opened fire on an IMN procession in the town of Funtua in northern Katsina state, killing 10 people and injuring scores of others, IMN spokesman Husseini Yero told AFP.

Members of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), a Shiite group, pray at a mass grave in the outskirts of northern Nigerian city of Kaduna Aminu Abubakar (AFP/File)

"We now have the dead bodies of 10 of our members killed by soldiers and policemen who opened fire on our procession," Yero said.

Two Funtua residents, who asked to remain anonymous because of security concerns, confirmed seeing 10 bodies and "several" people with injuries.

The violence comes less than a week after northern Kaduna state governor Nasir El-Rufai banned the group as an "unlawful society", saying it was a security threat and calling for security forces to "vigorously" arrest its members.

In the city of Kaduna, a mob looted and torched the home of the IMN leader in the city.

Hundreds of men sacked the home of Mukhtar Sahabi in the Tudun Wada area before setting it on fire.

"We are still trying to confirm the fate of two of our members that were in the house," said IMN member Ishaq Saleh.

"We are afraid they might have been killed."

In northern Nigeria's largest city of Kano, dozens were injured when mobs attacked the IMN procession with stones, police said.

"The IMN procession was attacked by hoodlums who pelted them with stones for blocking the roads, which denied many people access to the market and the main hospital in the city," said Kano police spokesman Magaji Majia.

"We treated 17 people injured by the mob in our clinic and rescued 138 IMN women from the mob."

- 'Radicalisation' -

Clashes between the Nigerian military and IMN supporters led to over 300 deaths in December last year.

Two days of violence began on December 12, when supporters of the pro-Iranian cleric and IMN head, Ibrahim Zakzaky, refused to allow the chief of army staff's convoy to pass through the northern city of Zaria in Kaduna state.

Rights group Amnesty International later accused Nigeria's military of "excessive force".

IMN leader Zakzaky, who lost an eye and was left partly paralysed in the violence, has been held in custody since December, with fears the military crackdown could result in a violent uprising similar to the devastating Boko Haram insurgency.

Experts warned that the heavy-handed Nigerian response to the violence had stoked tension at a time when security forces were already overstretched fighting Boko Haram jihadists in the northeast and Niger delta militants in the south.

"You're seeing an increase in anti-Shiite bigotry," Jos-based political analyst Chris Ngwodo said.

"You could easily have a situation of retaliatory violence," he said. "You're looking at a process of radicalisation."
WikiLeaks emails: Clinton aides used Keystone distraction

Hillary Clinton's campaign aides last year used the Keystone oil pipeline project to try to divert attention away from her use of private email while serving as secretary of state, according to emails released by WikiLeaks.

The Canada-US pipeline project, finally rejected by President Barack Obama's administration in November 2015, had crystallized the debate over energy and the environment in the United States.

It was fiercely opposed by Bernie Sanders, Clinton's rival in the Democratic primary elections to pick the party's presidential nominee.

The controversy over Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server while working as the US Secretary of State forced her to publicly apologize in September 2016 Timothy A. Clary (AFP/File)

In August 2015, several months before the Obama administration announced its decision, Clinton's advisers wondered how to reveal her opposition to the Keystone project, the emails show. Until then she had made no public stance.

"We are trying to find a good way to leak her opposition to the pipeline without her having to actually say it and give up her principled stand about not second-guessing the president in public," wrote speechwriter Dan Schwerin.

Clinton's campaign manager Robby Mook came up with a different solution: publicly state her opposition. That "will solicit criticism... but that might help distract from emails," he said, according to the leaked messages.

The controversy over Clinton's use of a private email server while she was the Obama administration's top diplomat was in full swing at the time, forcing her to publicly apologize for its use in September.

The idea of publishing an op-ed article stating her opposition to Keystone was also discussed.

"Given that we just offered an apology on emails that some reporters think happened 'on a dime' after months of resistance, do we worry that publishing an oped... will be greeted cynically and perhaps as part of some manufactured attempt to project sincerity?," wrote campaign spokesman Brian Fallon.

Clinton eventually announced her opposition to Keystone at a campaign rally in late September 2015.

The emails recently released by WikiLeaks also reveal Clinton was wary of supporting a bill to separate commercial and investment banks, a financial reform championed by Sanders and the left wing of the Democratic Party.

"I understand that we face phoniness charges if we 'change' our position" by supporting the law, wrote campaign aide Mandy Grunwald. "But we face political risks this way, too."

Clinton ended up refusing to support such a law.

In other documents recently released by WikiLeaks, Clinton, in private speeches to major banks in 2013 and 2014, expressed views in favor of free trade and Wall Street self-regulation that are at odds with her positions as a candidate.

Clinton won the Democratic presidential nomination in July of this year.
US destroyer again targeted by missile off Yemen

A US destroyer has for the second time in four days been targeted by a missile fired from rebel-held territory in Yemen, the Pentagon said Wednesday.

The USS Mason detected at least one incoming missile around 6:00 pm local time (1500 GMT) and deployed unspecified "countermeasures" before the missile crashed into the ocean, though it was unclear if these actions caused the missile to hit the water, or if it would have gone down anyway.

"There was no damage to the ship or its crew. USS Mason will continue its operations," Pentagon press secretary Peter Cook said.

A file image released by the US Navy shows a guided-missile destroyer USS Mason (DDG 87) conducting formation exercises with the Cyclone-class patrol crafts USS Tempest (PC 2) and USS Squall (PC 7) on a September 10, 2016 Mass Communications Specialist 3 (Navy Visual News Service (NVNS)/AFP/File)

The Mason was conducting routine operations in international waters off the Red Sea coast of Yemen, meaning it was at least 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers) out to sea.

The attack saw a "coastal defense cruise missile" fired from a Huthi-controlled area south of Al-Hudaydah, a US defense official said.

On Sunday, two missiles fired from rebel-held territory in Yemen again fell short of the Mason, and the Pentagon has said it is willing to retaliate for the attacks.

"We will respond to this threat at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner," Cook said.

US Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson added the attacks were "serious" but would not hamper operations.

"We are trained and ready to defend ourselves and to respond quickly and decisively," he said.

- Attack on funeral -

The United States is backing a Saudi-led coalition fighting the Iran-backed Huthi rebels and the forces of former Yemeni president Ali Abdallah Saleh.

The US military provides intelligence and air-refueling for Arab coalition aircraft conducting air strikes against the rebels. It also supplies advanced munitions and logistics support to the Saudi-led war effort, and is the kingdom's biggest arms supplier.

But US air forces are not directly involved in strikes in Yemen, which are increasingly criticized by the international community for their devastating impact on civilians.

After a deadly air strike by the Saudi-led coalition Saturday on a funeral in Yemen killed more than 140 people, the US administration announced an "immediate review" of its cooperation.

The Riyadh-led coalition fighting the Huthis has accused rebels of firing a ballistic missile towards the southwestern Saudi city of Taif, hundreds of kilometers (miles) from the Yemeni border.

The incidents come after the United Arab Emirates, a key member of a Saudi-led coalition, said last Wednesday that Yemeni rebels struck a "civilian" vessel in the strategic Bab al-Mandab waterway, wounding crewmen.

That attack, conducted October 1, was claimed by the Shiite rebels.

Coalition warships have imposed a naval blockade on rebel-held ports along Yemen's Red Sea coast allowing in only UN-approved aid shipments.

The Huthis swept into Sanaa in September 2014 and advanced across much of Yemen, forcing the government of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi to flee.

The conflict has killed more than 6,700 people -- almost two-thirds of them civilians -- and displaced at least three million since the coalition launched military operations, according to the United Nations.
IS drone kills Kurdish fighters, hurts French troops

A remote-controlled jihadist hobby plane rigged with hidden explosives killed two Kurdish fighters and injured two French special operations troops near Mosul, French and US sources confirmed Wednesday.

While the Pentagon has previously said the Islamic State group uses simple, commercially available drones to conduct surveillance and carry small explosives, this was the first known deadly case.

According to a US defense official, the incident unfolded October 2 when a small plane with a styrofoam body was either shot down or crashed in Erbil in northern Iraq.

Iraqi Kurdish Peshmerga fighters hold a position on the top of Mount Zardak, about 25 kilometres east of Mosul, on October 6, 2016 Safin Hamed (AFP/File)

Two local Kurdish peshmerga fighters grabbed it and took it back to their camp to inspect and photograph it, when it blew up.

"It looks like the explosive charge was hidden inside of what appeared to be a battery on some sort of a timer," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the matter.

A French source earlier confirmed the use of a "booby-trapped drone in Iraq," while another confirmed that two French soldiers were hurt in the incident.

One of the French soldiers has life-threatening injuries. Both have been flown back to France for treatment.

The French military declined to comment.

Colonel John Dorrian, a spokesman for the US-led coalition fighting IS in Iraq and Syria, described the incident as a "Trojan Horse-style" attack.

"There was an improvised device on a drone. And when that was brought back to the camp, it exploded," he said.

US defense officials said the military was deploying additional anti-drone technologies to the theater, including systems that provide electronic jamming.

"We don't just let the enemy develop a capability that threatens our forces and those forces of our allies and partners and leave that threat unaddressed," Dorrian said.

France is part of the international coalition fighting IS, which is preparing for a major offensive to dislodge the jihadist group from Mosul, which lies 85 kilometers (53 miles) from Erbil.

Around 500 French soldiers are based in Iraq, where they advise the peshmerga and train Iraqi elite forces in Baghdad. About 5,000 US troops are in Iraq.

US defense officials stressed IS drones would have zero strategic impact on the upcoming battle to wrest control of Mosul from IS.

"The implications of this are certainly not an existential threat and not something that's militarily significant in that it's going to stop anything that needs to happen from happening," Dorrian said.

The unnamed defense official said the biggest implication was guidance being issued across the coalition to not pick up any drones.

"Treat them as unexploded ordinance," he said.
New York bomb suspect to make first court appearance

The suspect behind the New York bombing that left 31 wounded in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood will appear in court on Thursday for the first time, nearly a month after the attack.

Ahmad Khan Rahami, 28, will appear via video link in court in his hometown of Elizabeth, New Jersey from the hospital where he is undergoing treatment after being critically injured in a shootout with police.

State prosecutors charged him with five counts of attempted murder of a law enforcement officer and two unlawful weapon possession counts. Two police officers were injured in the September 19 shootout that led to his arrest.

New York City bomber Ahmad Khan Rahami was detained two days after the Chelsea bombing and a twin bomb attack along the route of a US Marine Corps run in the New Jersey town of Seaside Park Justin Sullivan (Getty/AFP/File)

He will appear on separate terrorism charges, including use of weapons of mass destruction, before a federal court in Manhattan at a later date, yet to be determined.

The Afghan-born American, who worked in his family's fried chicken restaurant, will appear at the Union County Courthouse on Thursday at 2pm (1800 GMT) on state charges, the indictment said.

Rahami was captured while carrying a handwritten journal that lauded Osama bin Laden and US-born Al-Qaeda recruiter Anwar al-Awlaki, and criticized US wars in Iraq, Afghanistan and Syria, prosecutors said.

He was detained two days after the Chelsea bombing and a twin bomb attack along the route of a US Marine Corps run in the New Jersey town of Seaside Park.

Federal prosecutors say 31 people were wounded in Chelsea, including a victim from Britain, a driver knocked unconscious and a woman whose body was pierced with ball bearings, metal and wood.

Five additional pipe bombs were found in Rahami's hometown of Elizabeth and a second device was found in Chelsea and subsequently defused.

The FBI believes Rahami acted alone and is not connected to any extremist groups.

US officials say he traveled extensively to Afghanistan and spent around a year in Pakistan, where he married and his wife became pregnant.
Ivorians to vote on draft constitution on October 30

A draft constitution in Ivory Coast, which changes contentious rules on presidential eligibility and establishes a senate, will be put to a referendum on October 30, the government announced Wednesday.

Official campaigns for and against the new basic law -- which President Alassane Ouattara has said will put an end to years of instability and conflict in the world's top cocoa producer -- will run from October 22 to 29.

Wednesday's announcement comes a day after parliament overwhelmingly approved the draft.

Ivory Coast's members of parliament react and applaud following the adoption of the new country constitution asked by Ivorian President Issouf Sanogo (AFP/File)

Current rules, which require both parents of presidential candidates to have been born in Ivory Coast, are widely seen as a trigger of the violent unrest that broke out five years ago.

In the past, Ouattara was barred from running for the top job because it was claimed he did not meet this criterion.

As well as calling for the creation of a second legislative chamber, the draft constitution also sets up the post of vice president, to be elected at the same time as the president and two-thirds of senate members.

The draft says the president will appoint a third of the senate, a provision the opposition is particularly unhappy with.

Ouattara told lawmakers last week that under the proposed constitution, the election calendar "will be known in advance by everyone, with fixed dates, so that there can no delays that could disturb our country's stability."

Under the draft, presidential terms are set at five years, renewable only once. Ouattara was elected to a second term in October 2015.

The Ivorian Popular Front, the party of former president Laurent Gbagbo, is fiercely opposed to the proposed new basic law, criticising the lack of consultation involved and warning it would worsen, not improve, security.

Gbagbo is now on trial at the International Criminal Court for war crimes in connection with the deadly unrest that followed his refusal to concede his election to Ouattara in 2010.
Trump loss would be colossal 'waste of time' for him

Donald Trump cast the US presidential race in stark personal terms Wednesday, telling voters that if he loses against Hillary Clinton it will be the "single greatest waste" of his time and money.

The provocative billionaire, in a disjointed speech in Ocala, Florida with just 27 days before the election, reminded supporters that he will have spent some $100 million of his own fortune on his campaign.

"If I don't win on November 8th, I will consider this the single greatest waste of time, of energy and money," the Republican nominee told the crowd.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a rally at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport in Lakeland, Florida on October 12, 2016 Mandel Ngan (AFP)

"We'll not be able to reduce your taxes, or save your Second Amendment and appoint Supreme Court justices, and take care of your vets and fix up your very depleted" military, he said.

Trump trails his Democratic opponent Clinton in national polls, and his campaign is limping after last week's release of a 2005 tape in which he is caught bragging about groping women.

He has since apologized for the comments, saying they were just "locker-room" banter.

Several fellow Republicans have abandoned him, and the nation's top elected Republican is refusing to defend or campaign with Trump.

In Florida, Trump bashed Clinton as a criminal who has skirted punishment for her use of private email while secretary of state, which he said put America's national security at risk.

"Other people's lives have been ruined, destroyed for doing a tiny fraction" of what Clinton has done.

"I am ashamed of what has happened to our country and so are you," he said.

With the race boiling down to three final weeks and Clinton in the driver's seat, Trump appeared to be savaging his rival to keep her supporters or undecided voters away from the polls on Election Day.

"She pledged to dissolve the borders of the United States of America," Trump fumed, referring to a hacked email, allegedly to a Clinton aide, that included quotes from her closed-door speeches to Wall Street banks and other corporations.

Clinton apparently told a Brazilian bank in 2013: "My dream is a hemispheric common market, with open trade and open borders, sometime in the future with energy that's as green and sustainable as we can get it."

The Democratic nominee was in Colorado on Wednesday, where her communications director criticized Trump's "scorched-earth policy" aimed at driving down Democratic turnout.

"Obviously Hillary Clinton is very concerned about how divisive this race has been, and all that Donald Trump has done to try to divide Americans," Jennifer Palmieri told reporters.
Film-makers fined $2 million over Harrison Ford Star Wars crush

A film production company was on Wednesday fined 1.6 million ($2 million, 1.75 million euros) over an accident on the set of the latest Star Wars movie in which the actor Harrison Ford broke his leg.

Prosecutors said Ford, then 71, was pinned to the ground by a metal hydraulic door after it broke during filming of the blockbuster film at Pinewood Studios west of London in June 2014.

It acted like a "blunt guillotine", coming down "millimetres from his face" as the actor passed underneath, pinning him by the pelvis to the ground, prosecutor Andrew Marshall told the court, adding that the door was "capable of killing one or possibly two people".

US actor Harrison Ford attends the opening of the European Premiere of "Star Wars: The Force Awakens" in central London on December 16, 2015 Leon Neal (AFP/File)

The Disney-owned Foodles Production (UK) was handed the penalty after it admitted two breaches of health and safety laws during filming of "Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens" in which Ford reprised his role as Han Solo.

Ruling in the case, Judge Francis Sheridan said the production company had carried out a risk assessment on the door, but failed to tell Ford about the dangers.

"If you have a risk assessment and you do not communicate it, what is the point of having one?" the judge said.

"That is the most serious breach here.

"If only they had included Mr Ford in all the discussions, he might have at least been alert to the dangers that he had to avoid," he said.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) public body responsible for workplace regulation said the rapidly-closing door hit Ford with a force comparable to a small car.

The door was designed to be remotely closed by a special effects operator, who shut it upon a signal from a spotter.

Ford needed surgery to screw together the fractured tibia and fibula bones in his left leg and plastic surgery on a "deep laceration" to his left hand.

Charles Gibson, who defended Foodles Production (UK), admitted there was a "failure in communication" between the production team and Ford.

"This was an innocent mistake by bona fide professionals," he told the court in Aylesbury northwest of London.

"Lessons were learned. The good health and safety record of this production continued to the end."

Judge Sheridan said the remote operation of the door by someone who could not see the actor going through it was a "crazy approach" to health and safety.
Wells Fargo CEO Stumpf steps down after fake accounts scandal

Embattled Wells Fargo chairman and CEO John Stump has retired with immediate effect following a sham accounts scandal, the San Francisco bank announced Wednesday.

Stumps departure from the US commercial and retail banking giant capped mounting public outrage after the bank admitted last month that employees had opened millions of deposit and credit card accounts in customers' names without their knowledge in order to meet sales quotas.

Lawmakers in Washington had called for Stumpf's resignation, repeatedly castigating him in public hearings for stealing from customers and pressuring low-level employees to meet unrealistic sales targets, all while touting the results to investors.

John Stumpf, Chairman and CEO of the Wells Fargo & Company, testifies before the House Financial Services Committee September 29, 2016 in Washington, DC Mark Wilson (Getty/AFP/File)

"While I have been deeply committed and focused on managing the company through this period, I have decided it is best for the company that I step aside," Stumpf said in a statement.

Stumpf had said publicly in mid-September that he would not resign.

The bank last month settled with US regulators and the City of Los Angeles for about $190 million in fines and restitution, a sum that did not reflect the magnitude of the scandal's effect on the bank, which has seen officials in Illinois and California suspend ties with it.

Wells Fargo announced last month that Stumpf would forfeit $41 million in compensation and receive no bonus for the year.

The bank told AFP on Wednesday that Stumpf would also not receive any severance payment.

Stumpf will be succeeded as CEO by president and chief operating officer Tim Sloan, a 29 year veteran of the company.

"My immediate and highest priority is to restore trust in Wells Fargo," Sloan said in a statement.

"We will work tirelessly to build a stronger and better Wells Fargo for generations to come."

Stephen Sanger, Wells Fargo's lead director, will serve as the board's non-executive chairman.

Wells Fargo shares rose 2.1 percent in after hours trade following the announcement.

The activist organization Public Citizen noted Wednesday that, while the bank had fired more than 5,000 employees accused of wrongdoing, Stumpf was allowed to retire.

"Those fired employees didn't receive golden parachutes and CEO John Stumpf shouldn't either," the organization's president Robert Weissman said in a statement, calling for federal authorities to press ahead with criminal probes.

"Americans are beyond sick and tired of big banks and their executives escaping accountability."

Stumpf's ouster represents a scalp for the bank's critics on Capitol Hill. Senator Elizabeth Warren, who has campaigned for stronger oversight of the US financial sector, accused him of "gutless leadership" and calling on him to step aside.

Stumpf had been with the company for more than three decades, having joined Norwest Bank in 1982 prior to its merger with Wells Fargo.

He became CEO in 2007 on the eve of the financial crisis. But he leaves the bank in a difficult state. Prior to the scandal, Wells Fargo had been the world's largest bank by market value. But shares in the company have fallen more than 9 percent following the September settlement, closing Wednesday at $45.32 in New York.
New Zealand makes UN push for end to Syria air attacks

New Zealand, one of the 10 non-permanent Security Council members, has presented a draft resolution demanding an end to air attacks in Syria's battleground city of Aleppo.

The new measure followed the failure of the council to adopt two resolutions on a ceasefire in Syria, one of which was vetoed by Russia during a stormy meeting at the weekend.

The draft text seen by AFP "demands an immediate and complete end to all attacks which may result in the death or injury of civilians or damage to civilian objects in Syria, in particular those carried out by air in Aleppo."

Syrians walk over rubble following air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous district in Aleppo on October 12, 2016 Ameer Alhalbi (AFP)

It remains unclear if the proposed measure will come to a vote at the Security Council.

Council members will discuss the crisis in Syria during a luncheon meeting with Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday, ahead of a new council session on Monday.

The United States and Russia are convening international talks in Europe at the weekend to try once again to secure a ceasefire and end the Russia-backed Syrian bombing campaign in Aleppo.

"We believe that the council has a responsiblity to address what is clearly the biggest issue on its agenda," said New Zealand's Ambassador Gerard van Bohemen.

"With the level of killing and destruction going on, just to give up seems to us to be an unacceptable course of action," he told reporters.

The move by New Zealand came as Canada was leading a push at the General Assembly to mobilize international efforts after a US-Russian ceasefire deal collapsed and the Security Council failed to take action.

The General Assembly is expected to hold a special session on Syria next week that could lead to further measures, possibly targeting Syria's voting rights at the United Nations.
DIVIDED AMERICA: The evolving face of US immigration

RALEIGH, North Carolina (AP)  When Manasi Gopala immigrated to America, she finally got the chance to row crew.

As a child in India, she had dreamed of the sport from watching Olympic telecasts. Now, twice a week, she pulls a pair of oars as her scull glides along tree-lined Lake Wheeler, far from her birthplace of Bangalore.

Gopala is among throngs of educated Indians who have moved in recent years to North Carolina's tech-laden Research Triangle and other areas across America. A 39-year-old software developer, she became a U.S. citizen three years ago.

In this Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, photo, Manasi Gopala, a software developer in North Carolina's Research Triangle, peers out of her back door in Cary, N.C. She left her birthplace of Bangalore, India in 2002, even as many Americans lamented the outsourcing of tech jobs to that city. Gopala arrived in the United States on a marriage visa and promptly obtained a master's degree in computer engineering. She became a citizen in 2013. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

"America had given me the opportunity to pursue my own life," she said.

___

EDITOR'S NOTE  This is part of Divided America, AP's ongoing exploration of the economic, social and political divisions in American society.

___

Increasingly, the face of U.S. immigration resembles Gopala.

For all of Donald Trump's talk of building a border wall and deporting 11 million unauthorized immigrants who are mainly Hispanic  and for all of the enduring contention over illegal immigration  immigrants to the U.S. are now more likely to come from Asia than from Mexico or Latin America. And compared with Americans overall, immigrants today are disproportionately well-educated and entrepreneurial. They are transforming the nation in ways largely ignored by the political jousting over how immigration is affecting America's culture, economy and national security.

As of three years ago, Census figures show, India and China eclipsed Mexico as the top sources of U.S. immigrants, whether authorized or not. In 2013, 147,000 Chinese immigrants and 129,000 Indians came to the U.S., compared with 125,000 Mexicans. Most of the Asian immigrants arrived in the United States legally  through work, student or family visas.

Immigrants are also more likely now to be U.S. citizens. Nearly half of immigrants over the age of 25  18 million people  are naturalized citizens, compared with just 30 percent back in 2000, according to Census figures.

Simultaneously, more Mexicans without documentation are returning home. The number of Mexicans in the United States illegally tumbled nearly 8 percent in the past six years to 5.85 million, the Pew Research Center found. Border Patrol apprehensions, one gauge of illegal crossings, last year reached their lowest point since 1971.

With the share of U.S. residents born abroad at its highest level in a century, immigrants increasingly defy the stereotypes that tend to shape conversations on the issue. Consider: About 40 percent of Indian immigrants hold a graduate degree. Fewer than 12 percent of native-born Americans do. And earnings for a median Indian immigrant household exceed $100,000, more than twice the U.S. median.

The result of this recent influx is that America's 40 million-plus immigrants more and more reflect the extremes of America's economic spectrum, from super-rich tech titans to poor agriculture workers.

The changes flash into view on a visit to the political swing state of North Carolina. The proportion of immigrants in the state's population has quadrupled from 1990 to nearly 8 percent. Similar trends have emerged in Georgia, Colorado, Oregon and Washington.

None of these states approaches the more than 20 percent share in California and New York where educated Chinese immigrants are largely concentrated. Yet the transformations are evident in a drive across the dense highways that connect North Carolina's Research Triangle.

Indian immigrants have put their distinctive stamp on this area. Their rising numbers have established a broad community that has made it easier for new arrivals to integrate than it was for prior generations. Asked how they have been received in the community, about a dozen Asian immigrants said they have generally been warmly accepted despite the national furor over immigration.

"Now, you come from India, you don't really have to know anything else," said Pranav Patel, a 57-year-old software developer. "The system is here to help you adjust. There are no real hardships."

When the Hindu Society of North Carolina celebrated India's independence day in August, one prominent outsider did show up: Gov. Pat McCrory, a Republican in a heated re-election campaign that has been fueled in part by a crackdown on illegal immigration.

"This is the best of America," he said, sharing the stage with a life-sized statue of Mahatma Gandhi. "This is the best of India. We work together. We learn together. We can pray together. We love family values together."

Americans' sentiments about immigrants have largely hardened along racial, political and demographic lines. Overall feelings toward immigrant workers remain negative. But sentiment has improved since 2006, possibly a sign that the growth of educated immigrants has begun to reshape attitudes, according to a Pew survey released this month.

Two-thirds of Republicans and 54 percent of whites said they think immigration harms U.S. workers. But a majority of Democrats, Hispanics and the college-educated said they felt immigrants made society better off.

By comparison, almost all economists view immigrants as helpful  even essential  for the nation's continued prosperity. Because of the aging U.S. population causing more retirements, most economists say immigrants are needed so that the workforce increases to sustain overall growth.

The anti-immigrant rhetoric has concerned Gopala. She feels fortunate to no longer be among the millions of foreigners still applying for U.S. residency.

"I got very lucky that my green card was processed when immigration wasn't a bad word," Gopala said.

"America had given me the opportunity to pursue my own life. On the day you're born in India, your life is written. But here, that is not true."

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AP staff writers Allen G. Breed in Raleigh, North Carolina, and Elliot Spagat in San Diego contributed to this report.

In this Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, photo, Manasi Gopala, a software developer in North Carolina's Research Triangle, works from home in Cary, N.C. Gopala left her birthplace of Bangalore, India, in 2002, even as many Americans lamented the outsourcing of tech jobs to that city. She became a citizen in 2013 and bought a suburban home a few months ago. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

This Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, photo, taken in Cary, N.C., shows a letter from the White House welcoming Manasi Gopala as a U.S. citizen, signed by President Barack Obama. Gopala left her birthplace of Bangalore, India in 2002, even as many Americans lamented the outsourcing of tech jobs to that city. She became a citizen in 2013 and bought a suburban home a few months ago. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

In this Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, photo, Manasi Gopala, a software developer in North Carolina's Research Triangle, works from home in Cary, N.C. Gopala left her birthplace of Bangalore, India, in 2002, even as many Americans lamented the outsourcing of tech jobs to that city. She became a citizen in 2013 and bought a suburban home a few months ago. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

In this Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, photo, Manasi Gopala prepares for her sculling class at Lake Wheeler in Raleigh, N.C. When Gopala immigrated to America, she finally got the chance to row crew. As a child in India, she had dreamed of the sport from watching Olympic telecasts. Now, twice a week, she pulls a pair of oars as her scull glides along tree-lined Lake Wheeler, far from her birthplace of Bangalore. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

In this Tuesday, Aug. 30, 2016, photo, Manasi Gopala, second from left, paddles with her sculling mates at Lake Wheeler in Raleigh, N.C. When Gopala immigrated to America, she finally got the chance to row crew. As a child in India, she had dreamed of the sport from watching Olympic telecasts. Now, twice a week, she pulls a pair of oars as her scull glides along tree-lined Lake Wheeler, far from her birthplace of Bangalore. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

In this Thursday, Sept. 15, 2016, photo, a Mexican immigrant speaks to a reporter, in eastern North Carolina. The man arrived in North Carolina nearly two decades ago without a visa, after a brutal crossing where he said he saw a fellow Mexican robbed. Speaking to The Associated Press anonymously, because of his legal status, he saved enough to open a small business. "For me, this my pueblo, he said of his adopted country. I love this place." (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)
Visa overstays get short shrift in border security debate

SAN DIEGO (AP)  More than 20 years had elapsed since the U.S. government estimated how many people entered the country legally and overstayed their visas. The updated numbers, finally published in January, were sobering.

The Homeland Security Department said 527,127 people who were supposed to leave the country in the 2015 fiscal year overstayed, more than the population of Atlanta. And that was only those who entered by plane or ship, not on land.

To put that in perspective, the Border Patrol made 337,117 arrests of people entering the country illegally during the same period, nearly all on the border with Mexico. More people overstayed visas than were caught crossing the border illegally.

FILE - In this June 22, 2016, file photo, light illuminates a section of the primary fence separating Tijuana, Mexico and San Diego, in San Diego. An estimated 40 percent of the 11.4 million people in the U.S. illegally overstayed visas, a crucial but often overlooked fact in the immigration debate. More people overstayed visas than were caught crossing the border illegally. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull, File)

An estimated 40 percent of the 11.4 million people in the U.S. illegally overstayed visas, a crucial but often overlooked fact in the immigration debate. That percentage may grow as India and China replace Mexico as the largest senders of immigrants to the United States. Mexicans have long entered illegally through deserts of California, Arizona and Texas but the absence of a shared border makes that route unlikely for Asians.

Overstays accounted for about 1 percent of 45 million visitors on business and tourist visas from October 2014 to September 2015, according to the long-awaited Homeland Security report. Canada occupied the top slot for overstays, followed by Mexico, Brazil, Germany and Italy. The United Kingdom, Colombia, China, India and Venezuela rounded out the top 10.

The Pew Research Center said last year that more Mexicans were leaving the United States than coming, ending one of biggest immigration waves in U.S. history. Lack of jobs for unskilled labor after the Great Recession is widely cited as a reason but border enforcement played a part.

The Border Patrol more than quintupled to 21,444 agents in 2011 from 4,028 in 1993. The U.S. erected fences along about 650 miles of border with Mexico, nearly all of it in the final years of George W. Bush's administration. Last year, Border Patrol arrests  one gauge of illegal crossings  fell to the lowest level since 1971.

About five years ago, the busiest corridor for illegal crossings began shifting from Arizona to South Texas, where roughly two of every three apprehended are from countries other than Mexico. Large numbers of women and children from Central America turned themselves in to U.S. authorities, triggering lengthy proceedings in clogged immigration courts. Images of children crammed into Customs and Border Protection holding cells made big news in 2014.

"We weren't chasing people. People were walking up, looking for someone in a green uniform," said Customs and Border Protection Commissioner R. Gil Kerlikowske. "There were smugglers that would call 911 and say, 'Hey, we got some people coming across.' It was a border management issue, not a border security issue ... Do you have health care personnel? Do you have food? Do you have clothing?"

The government has taken steps to better track overstays, but it's a tall order without a good checkout system. Airports weren't designed to inspect visitors when they leave. The U.S. and Canada have exchanged names of people from third countries who enter on their shared border since 2013, but Mexico generally doesn't track who enters by land.

Congress has long pressed for biometric screening such as fingerprints, facial images or eye scans on departing visitors, but financial and logistical challenges have been enormous.

"It's tough because we just don't have the infrastructure," said Jim Williams, a former Homeland Security official who oversaw efforts to introduce biometric screening from 2003 to 2006. "It's an open door. You (should) treat it like a house. You want to let people in you trust and you also want to know if they ever left."

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson pledged to have biometric checks on departing visitors at the busiest airports by 2018. But the ambitious target will likely fall to his successor.
Major rights groups: Decriminalize use of all illicit drugs

NEW YORK (AP)  As Americans debate the expanding campaign to legalize marijuana, two of the nation's most prominent human rights organizations are urging a far bolder step  the decriminalization of possession and personal use of all illicit drugs.

Human Rights Watch and the American Civil Liberties Union jointly issued the call Wednesday in a detailed report contending that enforcement of drug laws has unjustifiably ruined lives, torn families apart and fueled racial discrimination while failing to curtail rampant drug abuse in the U.S.

"Every 25 seconds someone is funneled into the criminal justice system, accused of nothing more than possessing drugs for personal use," said Tess Borden, the report's author. "These wide-scale arrests have destroyed countless lives while doing nothing to help people who struggle with dependence."

CORRECTS TO SHOW THAT LISA LADD IS COREY LADD'S MOTHER, NOT HIS WIFE - This March 2015 photo provided by the family shows Lisa Ladd, left, and her son, Corey, with his daughter, Charlee, at the Elayn Hunt Correctional Center in St. Gabriel, La. Ladd, who _ because he had two prior drug arrests _ is serving a 17-year sentence in Louisiana for possessing a half-ounce of marijuana. He has never seen Charlee outside prison; she's being raised by her grandmother. (Courtesy Lisa Ladd via AP)

Borden acknowledged that broad decriminalization of drug use, whether by Congress or state-by-state, is unlikely in the near future. She hopes the report will spur action at the state and federal level to invest more funds in treatment programs and to reclassify drug use and possession as misdemeanors rather than felonies.

Though four states have legalized recreational marijuana use, and five more will vote on that step next month, no state has decriminalized personal use of other common illicit drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Possession of them is often classified as a felony.

According to the new report, state law enforcement agencies make more than 1.25 million drug possession arrests per year  one of every nine arrests nationwide. Regarding racial disparities, the report said black adults use drugs at similar or even lower rates than white adults, yet are more than twice as likely to be arrested for possession.

The report argues that the decades-long "war on drugs" has failed, with rates of drug abuse still high. It says criminalization of drugs tends to drive people who use them underground, making it less likely they will get treatment and more likely they will be at risk of disease and overdoses.

However, Michael Ramos, district attorney of San Bernardino County in California, said decriminalization would pose "huge dangers."

He predicted that property crime would increase as drug users carried out thefts to maintain their habits. He also said rehabilitation programs would wither if drug abusers no longer had the threat of incarceration as an incentive to participate.

"Once you legalize all drugs, there's no motive for those people to get help," he said.

However, Ramos acknowledged that most state prisons and jails should be doing a far better job of providing effective rehabilitation programs for convicted drug users.

"Right now, what we're doing is putting them in and turning the key," he said. "There's not much help there."

In compiling their report, Human Rights Watch and the ACLU said they interviewed 149 people prosecuted for using drugs in Louisiana, Texas, Florida and New York, 64 of them in custody.

Among them was Corey Ladd, who  because he had two prior drug arrests  is serving a 17-year sentence in Louisiana for possessing a half-ounce of marijuana. He has a 4-year-old daughter who has never seen him outside prison; she's being raised by her grandmother.

"The sheer harshness of the sentence shocks the conscience," Louisiana's appeals court wrote in April, when it asked that Ladd be resentenced to a lesser term. But prosecutors held firm and appealed that ruling; Ladd's case is now headed to the state Supreme Court.

Ladd's public defender, Kenneth Hardin, said Louisiana's highest-in-the-nation incarceration rate stems directly from its hardline approach to drug abusers.

"The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result," he said. "We've been throwing these drug users in jail. Has that made the streets feel safer? Has that changed the crime rate?"

Mario Moreno, spokesman for the Office of National Drug Control Policy, said the Obama administration favors a balanced approach that would divert non-violent drug offenders into treatment programs rather than prisons.

"We cannot arrest our way out of the drug problem," he said in an email.

One such diversion program is being launched in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, by Rob Reardon, a former director of corrections in nearby Lafayette Parish.

"If we're able to engage with these people before entanglement with the criminal justice system, everybody's a winner," he said. "Some people have to go to jail because they are dangerous  but the vast majority are there because they're poor decision-makers."

In Western Europe, many countries have adopted approaches to drug abuse that are less punitive than in America. Portugal has gone the furthest, deciding in 2001 to decriminalize the acquisition, use and possession of illicit drugs in quantities up to a 10-day supply. Rather than facing prosecution, drug abusers are likely to be referred to treatment programs.

According to various evaluations, including a United Nations study, the policy has been a success, lowering the number of overdose fatalities, encouraging more people to seek treatment, and reducing the financial toll of drug abuse.

However, Steven Belenko a professor of criminal justice at Temple University, noted that the U.S. differs dramatically from Portugal, where there was a consensus in favor of decriminalization that spanned much of the political spectrum and extended to law enforcement agencies.

"We don't have a consensus," said Belenko, though he suggested that an increasing number of Americans were questioning the efficacy of a punitive approach to drug abuse.

"We've got to see it more as public health problem, not as a crime problem," he said.

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Online: https://www.hrw.org/

___

Follow David Crary on Twitter at http://twitter.com/CraryAP
Police: Person of interest in Baltimore rapper's death slain

BALTIMORE (AP)  Police say a person of interest in the death of a beloved Baltimore rap star has been fatally shot.

Baltimore police spokesman T.J. Smith tells The Baltimore Sun (http://bsun.md/2dTYH2I) that 22-year-old Cortez Mitchell was behind the wheel of a car Monday afternoon when he was shot several times. Smith says he was one of several people police were looking into in connection with 23-year-old rapper Tyriece "Lor Scoota" Watson's slaying.

Watson was gunned down in broad daylight June 25 as he was leaving a peace rally in northeast Baltimore. Police said Watson's killing was retaliatory.
The Latest: Brother: Police trial gave homeless man a voice

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  The Latest on the case of two former Albuquerque police officers charged with second-degree murder in the death of a homeless man in 2014 (all times local):

8:15 p.m.

The brother of a homeless camper shot and killed by police in March 2014 says the rare decision by prosecutors to try two officers in the case gave the man and others like him a voice during the criminal trial.

FILE - In this Aug. 18, 2015, file photo, former Albuquerque Detective Keith Sandy, left, and Officer Dominique Perez speak with attorneys during a preliminary hearing in Albuquerque, N.M. The case against two former New Mexico police officers charged in the death of a homeless man ended in a mistrial Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, when jurors told the judge they were hopelessly deadlocked on the counts of second-degree murder. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras, File)

The statement from Andrew Jones, the brother of 38-year-old James Boyd, came Tuesday evening through his attorney Shannon Kennedy.

Jurors say they couldn't reach an agreement on second-degree murder charges against the two former officers in Boyd's death, leading a judge to declare a mistrial.

Jones says Boyd's family appreciated that police had to publicly answer for the shooting that came at the end of an hourslong standoff, was captured on police video and sparked waves of protests in Albuquerque.

The family reached a $5 million settlement in Boyd's death with the city last year.

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7:30 p.m.

The sole candidate for district attorney in Albuquerque says he won't rush a decision on how to move forward with the case of two former Albuquerque police officers who were tried on second-degree murder charges in the on-duty shooting death of a homeless man.

A 12-member jury deadlocked Tuesday in weighing the fates of now-retired Detective Keith Sandy and former Officer Dominique Perez, leading a judge to declare a mistrial.

In a statement, Democrat Raul Torrez  the candidate for district attorney  said he'll consult with the special prosecutor who tried Perez and Sandy before any decision is made in the case in the New Year, when he's expected to take office.

Torrez's GOP opponent dropped out of the race for Bernalillo County district attorney in June.

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6 p.m.

The special prosecutor who tried two former police officers in the shooting death of a homeless camper says she is not surprised that jurors deadlocked on the charges against the men.

Special Prosecutor Randi McGinn said outside the courthouse Tuesday that the topic of police use of force has become a polarizing issue, and she is not surprised that 12 jurors from the community were divided over the March 2014 shooting by police in Albuquerque.

The panel was deadlocked with nine jurors in favor of a not guilty verdict and three voting guilty on second-degree murder charges against now-retired Detective Keith Sandy and former Officer Dominique Perez.

Sandy and Perez fatally shot 38-year-old James Boyd after an hourslong standoff at his campsite in the Sandia Mountain foothills.

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5:10 p.m.

A judge has declared a mistrial in a murder case against two former New Mexico police officers after the jury deadlocked on the charges.

Judge Alisa Hadfield made the declaration on Tuesday after three days of deliberations in the case involving the 2014 on-duty killing of a mentally ill homeless man in Albuquerque.

The panel was deadlocked at nine jurors in favor of a not guilty verdict and three voting guilty on second-degree murder charges against now-retired Detective Keith Sandy and former Officer Dominique Perez.

The officers killed camper James Boyd, prompting further unrest in Albuquerque over the actions of its police department amid a wave of police shootings earlier this decade.

___

4:40 p.m.

The jury that is deciding the fate of two former Albuquerque police officers charged with murder in the death of a homeless man is set to make an announcement about their deliberations.

The court released a brief statement saying an announcement would be made at 4:45 p.m. local time but provided no other information.
Parents of abducted Minnesota boy speak out after body found

MINNEAPOLIS (AP)  The mother of an 11-year-old Minnesota boy abducted in 1989 says learning of his death was "like getting just punched in the head."

Patty and Jerry Wetterling spoke to the media Tuesday for the first time since an Annandale man confessed that he kidnapped, sexually assaulted and killed their son, Jacob.

Patty Wetterling told the Star Tribune (http://strib.mn/2dHETRx ) nearly 27 years after Jacob's disappearance, learning about his death was "stunning" and "confusing."

The Wetterlings learned from their attorney, that Danny Heinrich might be willing to give answers about Jacob in exchange for a plea deal.

"I didn't want it to be him," Patty Wetterling said. "Either he had to provide evidence or a very convincing story, and I got stuck on that."

Jerry Wetterling said he and his wife had to keep the possible plea deal to themselves.

The Wetterlings accepted the plea deal that gave Heinrich 20 years in prison on pornography charges in exchange for his compliance to lead the parents to their son's remains, which were found in a field in rural central Minnesota.

"They asked if we wanted to go see where this was found, which was a gift to us because it was before anybody else knew. We could go there undisturbed," Patty Wetterling recalled.

Days after receiving confirmation of their son's death, the Wetterlings heard from Heinrich himself as he gave the horrific details of the night of Oct. 22, 1989, the night Jacob went missing.

Heinrich will be sentenced in November.

The couple said they are comforted by the laws that have been passed since Jacob's disappearance to help keep children like their son safe.

"What is hopeful, that I see, is the way our state has, in a sense been I think almost catapulted to a different level of caring about this issue," Jerry Wetterling said.

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Abortion doctor charged with manslaughter in woman's death

NEW YORK (AP)  A doctor accused of botching a woman's abortion has been charged with manslaughter in her death, which came hours after she left his New York City office seeming disoriented, prosecutors said Tuesday.

Dr. Robert Rho pleaded not guilty in the 30-year-old woman's death. His lawyer, Jeffrey Lichtman, called the death tragic, but not criminal.

"This is a doctor who has been performing abortions safely and carefully for 23 years," Lichtman said.

But Queens District Attorney Robert Brown said Rho recklessly caused his patient's death by puncturing the wall of her uterus and slicing through an artery, and then by not giving her appropriate medical care. Bleeding profusely after the July 9 procedure at his office in Queens, she needed another procedure and then was allowed to leave after it was done, despite having collapsed and seeming confused, prosecutors said.

While being driven to her sister's Bronx home, the woman fell off the back seat and became unresponsive, prosecutors said. A hospital gave her about six pints of blood to try to treat her vaginal bleeding, but she died that night.

Now free on $400,000 bond, Rho, 52, is an obstetrician and cosmetic surgeon. The phone at his office, Liberty Women Healthcare Queens, was out of service Tuesday.

Deaths from abortion complications are rare, according to federal statistics. Two women died of such complications amid more than 730,000 abortions performed nationwide in 2011, the last year for which federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data are available. (California, Maryland, and New Hampshire didn't provide data.) A 2015 study of CDC data from 1998 to 2010 found an average of about 1.2 million abortions and 8 maternal deaths per year.
Mistrial declared in New Mexico police shooting case

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  The case against two former New Mexico police officers charged in the death of a homeless man ended in a mistrial Tuesday when jurors told the judge they were hopelessly deadlocked on the counts of second-degree murder.

Judge Alisa Hadfield declared the mistrial after more than two days of deliberations in the case against Keith Sandy and Dominique Perez. Nine jurors wanted to acquit the men, and three were holding out for a guilty verdict.

Hadfield asked the jurors one by one if further deliberations would be fruitful, and they responded: "No, your honor."

FILE - In this Aug. 18, 2015, file photo, former Albuquerque Detective Keith Sandy, left, and Officer Dominique Perez speak with attorneys during a preliminary hearing in Albuquerque, N.M. The case against two former New Mexico police officers charged in the death of a homeless man ended in a mistrial Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, when jurors told the judge they were hopelessly deadlocked on the counts of second-degree murder. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras, File)

Special Prosecutor Randi McGinn said it would be up to the district attorney in Albuquerque to decide whether to retry the case. Defense lawyer Sam Bregman said he hopes prosecutors consider the 9-3 split in favor of acquittal and decide to not pursue another trial.

The courtroom was silent as the judge announced the mistrial, and the defendants left court without making a comment. Albuquerque police union members were seen tapping other officers on the shoulder and hugging each other after the news.

The trial in Albuquerque marked a rare effort by prosecutors to bring murder charges against officers, coming at a time when police shootings have rocked cities nationwide.

Sandy and Perez shot mentally ill homeless camper James Boyd in 2014 after receiving complaints he was acting erratically on a rocky hillside. They were among 19 officers who swarmed the area with rifles, tactical gear, flash grenades, stun guns and K-9 units, a show of force that the prosecutor questioned throughout the trial.

The defendants said they opened fire because Boyd had two pocket knives and they believed he posed a deadly threat to a K-9 handler who had lost control of his police service dog and chased the animal, bringing him within 9 to 12 feet of Boyd.

If convicted, Sandy, 41, and Perez, 35, could have faced up to 15 years in prison for second-degree murder.

McGinn said she was not surprised that the 12-person jury was deadlocked, considering the shooting has divided the broader community in Albuquerque. She hopes the case leaves a lasting legacy, regardless of the next step.

"I think the discussion we have to have as a community is do we want Dirty Harry or do we want a peace officer," she said. "I think we are beyond the Dirty Harry days."

The decision on whether to retry the case will soon be in the hands of Raul Torrez, who is running unopposed for the district attorney position and takes office in January. He said he would not make a decision on how to proceed until after conducting a detailed review of evidence and consulting with McGinn.

The outgoing district attorney could not handle the case because of a conflict of interest with police.

"This is an extremely important case for our community, and we must not rush a decision about how best to proceed," Torrez said in a written statement.

The mistrial followed 12 days of testimony that included the two former officers taking the witness stand to defend their actions and prosecutors outlining a series of fateful moves by police that she says escalated the encounter before Boyd's death.

The case played out amid a national debate about police shootings and officers' use of deadly force, including how to interact with mentally ill suspects.

Sandy and Perez were among 77 officers charged with murder or manslaughter in on-duty shooting deaths since 2005, according to data from Philip Stinson, a criminal justice professor at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Twenty-six of those officers were convicted.

Officers and police experts were called to testify in the Albuquerque trial, with a prosecutor quizzing them on how police should have handled the standoff based on department protocols  starting with two officers with guns drawn responding to a report of Boyd's illegal campsite. He drew the knives after they tried to pat him down, something the prosecutor said is known to agitate people with schizophrenia.

Defense attorneys argued the case was not about how police handled the encounter but whether Sandy and Perez were justified in shooting Boyd, saying they were at the mercy of decisions made by higher-ranking officers and a system that had made them into default mental health professionals.

The defense portrayed Boyd as a dangerous man with a history of violence that included prior assaults on officers. Sandy and Perez said police exhausted all options in negotiating with Boyd and had no other choice but to shoot once he made what they said was a menacing move toward the K-9 handler. Sandy shot Boyd twice in the arms, and Perez shot him in the back.

The shooting encapsulated the Albuquerque department's troubles in the past several years. The U.S. Justice Department investigated more than 20 deadly police shootings between 2010 and 2014, leading to court-ordered reforms that included a new use-of-force policy and SWAT and crisis intervention training. The department also was found to have poor policies and training for officers encountering suspects who are mentally ill.

Andrew Jones, Boyd's brother, said in a statement through his attorney that the criminal trial gave the camper, and others like him, a voice he would not have had otherwise.

"He mattered. His life mattered. And we very much appreciate that the officers had to publicly answer for killing him," Jones said.

Frustration with Albuquerque police reached a boiling point after Boyd's shooting. Protesters shut down City Hall and clashed with police, who deployed tear gas.

About two dozen activists arrived at the courthouse Tuesday to protest the mistrial, including one who carried a "wanted" poster for Sandy. They called for the case to be retried.

Javier Benavidez of the Southwest Organizing Project called the mistrial heartbreaking and said it "showed there are two sets of rules, for citizens and police officers."

___

Associated Press Writer Russell Contreras contributed to this report.

Protesters gather outside the Bernalillo County Courthouse in Albuquerque, N.M., on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, after a judge declared a mistrial against two former Albuquerque police officers facing murder charges in the 2014 fatal shooting of a homeless man. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras)

Special prosecutors Randi McGinn, left, and Elicia Montoya, right, speak to the media, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 in Albuquerque, N.M. The case against two former New Mexico police officers charged in the death of a homeless man ended in a mistrial Tuesday when jurors told the judge they were hopelessly deadlocked on the counts of second-degree murder. (AP Photo/Juan Labreche)

Special prosecutors Randi McGinn, left, and Elicia Montoya, right, exit the courthouse, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 in Albuquerque, N.M. The case against two former New Mexico police officers charged in the death of a homeless man ended in a mistrial Tuesday when jurors told the judge they were hopelessly deadlocked on the counts of second-degree murder. (AP Photo/Juan Labreche)

Protesters gather outside the Bernalillo County Courthouse in Albuquerque, N.M., on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, after a judge declared a mistrial against two former Albuquerque police officers facing murder charges in the 2014 fatal shooting of a homeless man. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras)
The Latest: LGBT rights law focus in NC governor's debate

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, N.C. (AP)  The Latest on Tuesday's debate between North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory and Democratic challenger Roy Cooper (all times local):

8:25 p.m.

North Carolina's controversial law limiting nondiscrimination rules for LGBT people is taking center stage at the gubernatorial debate of Republican incumbent Pat McCrory and Democratic challenger Roy Cooper.

North Carolina Republican Gov. Pat McCrory makes a comment while participating in a live televised gubernatorial debate with Democratic challenger Attorney General Roy Cooper at UNC-TV studios in Research Triangle Park, N.C., Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, Pool)

Cooper said Tuesday on statewide television that McCrory wrote discrimination into the state law by signing what's known as House Bill 2. The law has been criticized by corporate CEOs, civil rights groups and entertainers, and Cooper wants it repealed.

But McCrory says liberal politicians like Charlotte's mayor and Cooper forced the hands of Republican lawmakers to pass the law. The legislation came a month after Charlotte leaders approved an ordinance expanding anti-discrimination protections to LGBT people. Cooper says McCrory is always blaming someone else and not himself.

McCrory also declined Tuesday to withdraw his support for Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump for his recently disclosed comments about women. Cooper says it was hard to believe the governor would continue to back Trump.

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6 p.m.

Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and Democratic challenger Roy Cooper are holding a debate that will be overshadowed in parts of North Carolina by Hurricane Matthew's aftermath.

The candidates are participating in Tuesday evening's statewide televised debate held in North Carolina's Triangle region, hosted by Chuck Todd of NBC News.

Debate topics are sure to include the law McCrory signed that limits anti-discrimination rules for LGBT people and requires transgender people to use bathrooms in schools and government buildings corresponding with the gender on their birth certificate. Cooper, the attorney general, wants the law known as House Bill 2 repealed.

The debate comes as eastern North Carolina residents recover from the storm and flee more river flooding. Many eastern North Carolina voters still lack electricity or are staying in shelters.

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Attorney General Roy Cooper makes a comment while participating in a live televised debate with North Carolina Republican Gov. Pat McCrory at UNC-TV studios in Research Triangle Park, N.C., Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Gerry Broome, Pool)
Singapore's leader visits Australia to improve defense ties

CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Singapore's prime minister visited Australia on Wednesday to upgrade a free-trade agreement and to finalize a deal that will double the capacity of Singaporean military training facilities in the Australian tropics.

Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told the Australian Parliament that China was the biggest trading partner of both nations, which were also allies of the United States.

"We both see the United States as a benign force playing a major role in fostering peace and stability in Asia," Lees said.

Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong, center, is formally welcomed to the Australian Parliament in Canberra, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Prime Minister Lee inspected a guard of honour in the Parliament House Forecourt. Prime Minister Lee is on a 2-day visit to Australia. (AP Photo/Sean Davey)

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said both countries shared a common strategic outlook. He made an apparent veiled criticism of China's increasingly aggressive territorial claims in the South China Sea and its refusal to abide by international law to resolve competing claims.

"Singapore and Australia are at one in defending the rule of law and rejecting the proposition that might is right," Turnbull told Parliament.

Australia announced in May that Singapore will spend up to 2.25 billion Australian dollars ($1.7 billion) to double the capacity of its facilities in military training areas in Queensland state. That would allow up to 14,000 Singaporean troops to train in Australia for up to 18 weeks a year.

"Our decision to grant Singapore the special level of access underlies the enormous trust and respect that exists between our respective armed forces," Turnbull said. "It also reflects our commitment to do more as security partners, especially as our strategic circumstances change."

Australia and the United States last week struck a cost-sharing deal to pay for more than AU$2 billion in infrastructure needed to be built near the northern city of Darwin to accommodate up to 2,500 U.S. Marines.

The number of Marines rotating through the Darwin training hub has grown since the first contingent of 200 visited for six months in 2012.

Australia was the first country to establish diplomatic ties with Singapore when the city-state became independent in 1965 and the countries have longstanding defense and commercial ties.
The Latest: Judge rules religious rites trump animal rights

LOS ANGELES (AP)  The Latest on a legal battle between an animal rights group and a California synagogue (all times local):

7:30 p.m.

Just as the Jewish holiday of Yom Kippur began, a federal judge lifted a temporary restraining order against a California synagogue performing a ritual where chickens are twirled in the air before they're slaughtered.

Judge Andre Birotte Jr. lifted the order Tuesday night. He had granted it last week at the request of an animal rights group called United Poultry Concerns and scheduled a hearing for Thursday. But that would have meant Yom Kippur would be over by the time he ruled, so Birotte moved up the ceremony.

The ritual is typically performed before Yom Kippur, which began Tuesday evening and ends Wednesday evening. It's not clear whether Chabad Irvine would perform it this year at all in spite of the decision.

But the synagogue's attorneys praised the lifting of the order as a victory that safeguards First Amendment rights.

The attorneys for United Poultry Concerns say they will continue with the long-term lawsuit over the practice despite the temporary setback.

___

6 p.m.

With Yom Kippur just hours away, lawyers for a California synagogue have filed a motion asking a judge to dissolve a temporary restraining order preventing worshippers from a ritual where chickens are twirled before they're slaughtered.

A federal judge issued the order last week after the animal rights group United Poultry Concerns sued to stop Chabad Irvine of Orange County from carrying out Kaporos with a live chicken.

The judge originally scheduled a hearing on the matter for Thursday, but moved it up to Tuesday after lawyers for Chabad Irvine said that was too late. The ritual is typically done on the eve of Yom Kippur, which starts Tuesday night and ends Wednesday night.

The hearing was continuing after usual court hours on Tuesday night.
Australian report warns of possible damaging cyberattacks

CANBERRA, Australia (AP)  Extremist groups could have the capabilities to launch damaging cyberattacks on Australia within three years, a government report on the nation's cybersecurity said on Wednesday.

Such groups seeking to harm Western interests currently pose "a low cyberthreat," despite demonstrating a savvy understanding of social media and exploiting the internet for propaganda purposes, the Australian Cybersecurity Center report on current threats said.

While their cybercapabilities were "rudimentary" and capable of compromising only poorly secured, internet-connected services, they showed signs of improving significantly in the near future, the report said.

"It is unlikely terrorists will be able to compromise a secure network and generate a significant disruptive or destructive effect for at least two or three years," the report said.

Minister assisting the prime minister for cybersecurity, Dan Tehan, described the threat of extremist cyberattack as "real."

"We have to understand that when it comes to cyberterrorism, there is a growing threat," Tehan told Australian Broadcasting Corp.

Foreign states posed the greatest level of threat to Australia. The intelligence service of an unnamed country hacked into the Australian Bureau of Meteorology last year and used malware to compromise other connected government networks, the report said.

Local media reports said China was behind the attack on the bureau, which is linked through its computers to other government agencies, including the Defense Department.

The report said information had likely been stolen and that the bureau's security controls had been insufficient.

The Australian Cybersecurity Center responded to 1,095 serious cybersecurity incidents in government systems in the 18 months through June 2016.

Alaistar MacGibbon, special adviser to the prime minister on cybersecurity, described the Australian mitigation of the cyberthreat to government and business as "world class."
Samsung woes show how dependent we've become on smartphones

NEW YORK (AP)  Tethered as we are to our smartphones, Samsung asking users of its fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 to "power down and stop using the device" is not just an inconvenience. It's crazy.

Smartphones have become extensions of ourselves, the last thing we look at before falling asleep and the first thing we grab in the morning. Abandoning them is all but unthinkable, even at the dinner table, even on the toilet.

Risking a battery fire might seem like a small price to pay for obsessively checking your latest Instagram "likes," catching up on email, Skyping your grandkids across the country, getting directions, confirming your travel itinerary, reading the news, searching for a dinner recipe, hailing a ride and so on.

FILE - In this Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, file photo, a woman walks by an advertisement of the Samsung Electronics Galaxy Note 7 smartphone at the company's showroom in Seoul, South Korea. Samsung is asking owners of its fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 to do something crazy: power down and stop using the device. This is all but unthinkable in an age where smartphones have become an extra limb, the last thing we look at before falling asleep and the first thing we grab in the morning, not to mention throughout the day. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon, File)

For those traveling with children, a long flight without a smartphone to serve as distraction is akin to torture.

Power down and stop using the device? You might as well go live in a cave in a distant mountain (if you can get there, since you no longer have GPS). According to the Pew Research Center, 43 percent of the world's population uses a smartphone. Rates are highest in places such as South Korea (88 percent), Australia (77 percent) and Israel (74 percent).

And use it they do. We check Facebook so often that the company no longer just measures its users on a monthly basis. A more important number is how many people check in on a daily basis. In June, more than 1 billion people checked Facebook on a mobile device at least once a day.

In a report on global mobile device usage, the consulting firm Deloitte found the obvious, namely that "device obsession is deepening" and that people are using their phones for "everything from watching TV to simply crossing the road." Some of us even use the phones while crossing the road, which is not the safest thing in the world.

A small 2015 study by Nottingham Trent University that tracked 18- to 33-year-olds found that they checked their phones an average of 85 times a day  often without realizing.

Entire industries have sprung up to try to pry us away from our gadgets, such as phone-free summer camps for adults, anti-texting-and-driving apps and apps that track how much time you spend on your phone.

As such, it's not surprising that smartphone owners suddenly deprived of this extra limb are finding ways around the inconvenience.

"I am currently using my tablet that has AT&T number sync. I have a Bluetooth headset connected that allows me to make and receive calls. It also can receive texts, but it works marginal at best," said Leo Langelier III, who lives in North Berwick, Maine.

His Note 7  the replacement model  started to emit smoke in the car while he was traveling with is family. While his family is fine, he has not been able to get a replacement and said he will be reactivating an older phone he has at home until he can get everything cleared up.

Adam Siemaszko, who returned his Note 7 to a Best Buy in Manhattan, said a co-worker was kind enough to lend him an old iPhone 5S until I can get a new one. He decided to get the new Pixel phone from Google, as he's lost his trust in Samsung. But there's a five- to six-week wait.

"Being phoneless is awful," he said. "What I don't think a lot of people think about is just how reliant we have been with the modern flagships."

Siemaszko said he got used to taking notes on the Note 7 using its special S pen and running two apps side by side at once. The iPhone 5S came out in 2013 and even the latest iPhone, the 7, lacks these options.

"I feel incredibly limited on this 5S," he said. "They took my tool away, and the only way to get something else is to jump through hoops."

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Large jury pool planned for Ohio mayor's trial

HILLSBORO, Ohio (AP)  An expanded jury pool will be called for the trial of the mayor of a small Ohio city who's also a veteran standup comedian.

Attorneys said after a hearing Wednesday that the judge ordered a pool of 100 potential jurors, about double the usual number. Officials anticipate taking extra time to find jurors who haven't already formed opinions about the case against Hillsboro Mayor Drew Hastings.

The Republican mayor was indicted in July on four felony counts, including election falsification and theft in office. A trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 7 before retired Summit County Common Pleas Judge Patricia Ann Cosgrove. She was appointed after a local judge recused himself.

FILE  In this Feb. 19, 2016, file photo, Hillsboro, Ohio, Mayor Drew Hastings, who is a veteran standup comedian, pauses during an interview at his office in Hillsboro, Ohio. A final pretrial hearing is planned Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, for Hastings, whose trial on four felony counts alleging misconduct in office is scheduled to begin Nov. 7. (AP Photo/John Minchillo, File)

The second-term mayor says he's done nothing wrong other than try to lead the city without the consent of the "established political structure."

The election falsification charge concerns Hastings' residency in the city of 6,000 residents, where he has a downtown apartment. Other charges stem from a $500 city fee refund for a building he owned and the alleged use of city trash bins for private debris disposal.

The Times-Gazette of Hillsboro reported Wednesday's hearing was closed, with Cosgrove participating by telephone. Hastings didn't attend.

Cosgrove has warned trial participants not to make comments on the case, either to the news media or on social media.

The newspaper reported that potential witnesses include Hastings' administrative assistants, city officials and other local officials and police.
US and EU call on Vietnam to release arrested blogger

HANOI, Vietnam (AP)  The United States and the European Union have called on the Vietnamese government to release a popular blogger arrested earlier this week for alleged anti-state writing.

Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, who blogs as Me Nam, was arrested Monday in the south central province of Khanh Hoa for what authorities say were her Facebook and blog posts that distorted truth and instigated the public to oppose the communist government.

The ambassadors from the United States and European Union to Vietnam said in separate statements that the arrest goes against Vietnam's international obligations and domestic laws on human rights and called for her release.

U.S. Ambassador Ted Osius said in a statement Wednesday that he was "deeply concerned" by recent actions taken by the government against peaceful human rights advocates, including the arrest of Quynh and the jailing of several other bloggers and activists.

"This trend threatens to overshadow Vietnam's progress on human rights," he said, adding the United States was urging the Vietnamese government to ensure its laws and actions are consistent with its international obligations and its Constitution.
Funeral services held for trooper who died from 9/11 illness

POUGHKEEPSIE, N.Y. (AP)  Hundreds of troopers have attended the funeral of a New York state police investigator who died from an illness stemming from his work at the World Trade Center site after the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

State police announced last week 51-year-old Paul Stuewer died of an illness dating back to when he was assigned to help with Sept. 11 search and recovery efforts.

Stuewer served in the state police for 26 years, rising through the ranks from trooper to an investigator assigned to the New York City Drug Enforcement Task Force.

His funeral was held Wednesday morning at St. Martin de Porres Church in Poughkeepsie (poh-KIHP'-see).
Once just a cabin, now an emblem in debate over wind energy

SHEFFIELD, Vt. (AP)  Once it was just another cabin on a Vermont hillside. Now it's an emblem in the debate over noise from the growing wind energy industry.

Studies have repeatedly found no evidence connecting noise from wind power turbines to human health problems. But critics question the soundness of those studies. Among them are Steve and Luann Therrien, who say a wind farm near their home made their lives hell.

The case has created a fissure among environmentalists in this liberal state with a reputation for green thinking, pitting those who see wind energy as key to reducing reliance on pollution-spewing fossil fuels against those convinced audible noises and inaudible "infrasound" present health threats to those living nearby. And each side questions the objectivity of the other's research.

In this Sept. 7, 2016 photo, Steve and Luann Therrien stand outside their former home in Sheffield, Vt., where wind power turbines are installed. Once it was just another cabin on a Vermont hillside. Now it's an emblem in the debate over noise from the growing wind energy industry. Studies have repeatedly found no evidence connecting noise from wind power turbines to human health problems. But critics question the soundness of those studies. Among them are Steve and Luann Therrien, who say the wind farm near their home made their lives hell. (AP Photo/Dave Gram)

The Therriens' old cabin is up 5 miles of dirt road from town, but is just a quarter-mile from a rural stretch of Interstate 91. The highway noise largely didn't bother them.

But after the 16 turbine towers of the Sheffield Wind Project went up on a nearby ridgeline in 2011  the closest about three-quarters of a mile away and five within a mile  things changed, the Therriens say.

Deep in the night, when things were quiet on the highway, a low hum came from the opposite direction, punctuated occasionally by louder noises, the Therriens say. Soon, they say, they and their two small children were plagued by sleeplessness, nausea and other problems.

"The vertigo was pretty much all the time, but if we had a lot of noise, the dry heaves would be more often," Luann Therrien said.

Steve Therrien gave up his job as a trash truck driver  too sleepy to drive, he said. They abandoned their home in 2014 and have been unable to sell it.

A group opposed to large-scale wind projects, Energize Vermont, is planning to set up sound monitoring equipment at the Therriens' former home to try to document their concerns with data.

Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin and fellow Democrats who control the Legislature have promoted renewable energy. Three big wind power projects  all of which have drawn complaints similar to the Therriens'  have been built on Vermont mountains during Shumlin's six years in office, with five more in planning or construction. The state is pursuing a goal of 90 percent renewable energy by 2050.

Luann Therrien said the couple has not sued turbine owners because they can't afford to hire a lawyer and have not found one willing to take the case for free.

But another person living near the Sheffield Project, Paul Brouha, has sued, saying the noise is "out of character with the surrounding area, is excessively loud and continues unabated for long periods of time both day and night."

Brouha declined to comment, citing the pending lawsuit. Lawyers for the turbines' owners have denied his claims in court filings.

The Therriens  he is 54, she is 47  and their two young children now live in nearby Derby and receive government assistance. The toll from his years of work as a trash collector, coupled with the more recent health problems, means he can't work, Steve Therrien said. Luann Therrien said she has been depressed since the symptoms took hold.

A psychiatric nurse practitioner who has treated the Therriens wrote in a letter this year that both "suffer from a form of trauma-induced and stressor-related disorder." The nurse compared their condition to post-traumatic stress disorder, saying the wind turbines caused lasting sleep and mental health issues.

The Therriens are now activists. They founded the group Victims of Industrial Wind and post frequently on social media. Luann traveled to the Statehouse last winter to testify to a Senate committee, and they go occasionally to testify at public hearings in other communities.

Vermont's health commissioner, Dr. Harry Chen, told lawmakers this year that "no scientific research has been able to demonstrate a direct cause-and-effect link between living near wind turbines, the noise they emit, and physiological health effects."

Studies commissioned by public health agencies in Canada and Australia have reached similar conclusions, though Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council suggested more research could be done on possible health effects for those living closest to wind farms.

Since July, more than 100 doctors, other scientists and activists worldwide have signed a letter urging the World Health Organization to recommend new sound guidelines for wind turbines.

State regulators in Vermont have adopted a standard acceptable wind turbine noise level averaging 45 decibels during the course of an hour, quieter than a normal conversation.

Renewable energy supporters, including the Vermont Public Interest Research Group, have attacked the plan for sound monitoring research at the Therriens', saying it won't be objective.

Mark Whitworth, board president of Energize Vermont, which is sponsoring the research, has said it will start with some built-in assumptions.

"We would like to understand how they bake prejudice or bias into their monitoring program," he said.

Separately, lawmakers this year appropriated $50,000 for sound-monitoring equipment to be used by Lyndon State College, providing the college finds matching funds.

Renewable energy supporters also argue there would be a conflict of interest because Ben Luce, the professor expected to lead the research, is on the board of Energize Vermont.

In an interview, Luce said it has not been determined whether the Therriens' property would be used in the college's research. And, he added, he would have no personal financial stake in the outcome, unlike industry consultants.
Samsung's smartphone brand takes beating from Note 7 fiasco

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  The fiasco of Samsung's fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphones  and Samsung's stumbling response to the problem  has left consumers from Shanghai to New York reconsidering how they feel about the South Korean tech giant and its products.

Samsung Electronics said Tuesday it would stop making the Note 7 for good, after first recalling some devices and then recalling their replacements, too. Now, like the makers of Tylenol, Ford Pintos and other products that faced crises in the past, it must try to restore its relationship with customers as it repairs the damage to its brand.

Samsung shares plunged as much as 8 percent in Seoul, their biggest one-day drop since the 2008 financial crisis, after the company apologized for halting sales of the Note 7.

A screen shows an internal design drawings of Samsung Electronics Galaxy S7 smartphone at its shop in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The fiasco of Samsung's fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphones - and Samsung's stumbling response to the problem - has left consumers from Shanghai to New York reconsidering how they feel about the South Korean tech giant and its products. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

"I'm in a state of 'I don't know,'" said Pamela Gill, a 51-year-old who works at Pratt Institute, a college in New York City, and likes her replacement Note 7.

"You're thinking, do I have to turn it in? Is it going to blow up?" she said.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF FIRE

Samsung, South Korea's biggest company by far, announced a global recall of the devices last month. It said a subtle manufacturing error in the batteries made the phones prone to catch fire, and offered to replace the devices.

But South Korea's safety agency says a new, still unidentified problem with the replacement devices makes them also likely to overheat.

Some consumers blame Samsung for not dealing decisively with the issue. Hahm Young-kyu, a 43-year-old South Korean office worker in Seoul whose wife is still using the Galaxy Note 7, exclaims in frustration that the manufacturer tried to "cover up" the Note 7's failings.

Samsung's initial recall had a rocky start. After the first reports of overheating devices, it offered replacements, but not refunds. It waited a week before advising consumers to stop using the affected devices. And critics complained that some retailers didn't have up-to-date information until Samsung made a coordinated announcement with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"Ultimately they did the right thing, which was to announce a full recall," said Jan Dawson, a tech industry analyst with Jackdaw Research. But when the replacement devices ran into trouble too, he added: "That all goes out the window. Samsung's claims about fixing the problem are no longer reliable.

"Now they've got to demonstrate why potential buyers shouldn't worry about future Samsung devices," Dawson said.

As one of the world's largest tech conglomerates, Samsung can afford to discontinue the Note 7, which was not its biggest-selling phone. While the cost of recalling devices and halting production could exceed $1 billon, it makes far more than that every quarter on sales of components for smartphones and computers.

But analysts say the new, unexplained Note 7 problems will still inevitably hurt.

MYSTERY DEFECTS

"A company's brand is their promise to consumers," said John Jacobs, an expert on reputation and crisis communications at Georgetown University. "If you break that promise, you lose the customers, you lose their loyalty."

Initially, the Note 7 got glowing reviews for its size, features and big battery capacity. Now the company is struggling to figure out what exactly is wrong.

"They have to comprehensively check everything from the very basics, outside the battery and inside the phone," said Park Chul Wan. Park, a former director of the next generation battery research center at the state-owned Korea Electronics Technology Institute.

Park has long argued that Note 7's problems appeared to be more than a simple battery defect. "This is a truly difficult problem. It was Samsung's mistake to have underestimated it," he said.

South Korean safety regulators says they are examining components other than the batteries to try to puzzle out why even the replacement phones Samsung made using different batteries are so fire prone.

"The improved product does not have the same defect. That's why we think there is a new defect," said Oh Yu-cheon, a senior official at the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards.

BREATHING ROOM

Samsung needs to win back consumers' trust by the time it launches its next high-end phone, the Galaxy S8, likely in late winter or early spring, Dawson said. "They have that time to come up with a convincing story and a set of actions that will reassure customers that when they buy an S8, it's going to be safe," Dawson said.

Kim Young Woo, a tech analyst at SK Securities, believes Samsung could accelerate the launch of the S8 to make up for abandoning the Note 7, but it cannot afford to start from scratch, and it has to find the cause of the overheating.

The Note 7 has cutting-edge features like an electronic stylus and an iris-scanning security feature seemingly suited for a James Bond movie. "Samsung's best, latest technologies are all in the Note 7," Park said. "If it releases the next phone, it has to use the technologies in the Note 7."

The company is the most popular maker of Android phones and the world's leading smartphone maker, selling over 77 million phones in the second quarter of 2016. But in the prized U.S. market, it lags behind Apple, whose iPhone models are more popular, according to International Data Corp.

CAN SAMSUNG COME BACK?

While the company has suffered a "big setback," IDC analyst Ryan Reith said, "my guess is it won't do a lot of damage" to its overall share of the market. But he warned Samsung's profits may suffer because it will need to offer substantial discounts and other promotions to boost sales of the S7 and other models.

Jacobs, the Georgetown reputation expert, says Samsung will need to do more than that. He said Samsung made the right decision to cancel the Note 7 "for the greater good of the Samsung brand." But he believes Samsung should emphasize quality and rigorous testing when it promotes future models.

"They want to be known, two years from now, as a company that can be trusted," he said. When potential customers contemplate future Samsung products, he said, "you don't want them having that worry in the back of their mind."

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AP Technology Writer Tali Arbel in New York contributed to this story.

A man passes by a Samsung Electronics shop in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The fiasco of Samsung's fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphones - and Samsung's stumbling response to the problem - has left consumers from Shanghai to New York reconsidering how they feel about the South Korean tech giant and its products. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Workers clean a window at Samsung Electronics shop in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The fiasco of Samsung's fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphones - and Samsung's stumbling response to the problem - has left consumers from Shanghai to New York reconsidering how they feel about the South Korean tech giant and its products. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean middle school students try out Samsung Electronics Galaxy 7 edge smartphones at its shop in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The fiasco of Samsung's fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphones - and Samsung's stumbling response to the problem - has left consumers from Shanghai to New York reconsidering how they feel about the South Korean tech giant and its products. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Visitors look at the smartphone cases of Samsung Electronics Galaxy S7, S7 edge and Note 7 at its shop in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The fiasco of Samsung's fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphones - and Samsung's stumbling response to the problem - has left consumers from Shanghai to New York reconsidering how they feel about the South Korean tech giant and its products. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
Mistrial exposes prosecutors' challenges in trying police

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP)  The hung jury in the murder trial against two former Albuquerque police officers underscores the difficulty prosecutors often face in landing convictions against law enforcement in deadly shootings, as they contend with concerns over the handling of evidence and cooperation of department witnesses.

The final hurdle for prosecutors often comes at trial as they try to win over jurors who experts say typically are reluctant to second guess the split-second decisions of police. In the Albuquerque case, Detective Keith Sandy and Officer Dominique Perez  both no longer with the Police Department  testified that they fatally shot a homeless camper armed with two knives to protect the life of another officer who came within 10 feet of the suspect during a standoff.

Jurors deadlocked Tuesday in weighing second-degree murder charges against Sandy and Perez, leading a judge to declare a mistrial in a case that has divided New Mexico's largest city for more than two years and raised questions about how best to handle investigations into shootings by police. The nearly three-week trial played out amid a national debate about officers' use of deadly force, including how to interact with mentally ill suspects.

Special prosecutors Randi McGinn, left, and Elicia Montoya, right, speak to the media, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 in Albuquerque, N.M. The case against two former New Mexico police officers charged in the death of a homeless man ended in a mistrial Tuesday when jurors told the judge they were hopelessly deadlocked on the counts of second-degree murder. (AP Photo/Juan Labreche)

Activists protested the verdict Wednesday outside the Albuquerque courthouse where the case was tried.

The protesters made their way up Central Avenue downtown and toward the University of New Mexico campus before the crowd appeared to disperse around 8 p.m.

Some protesters wore masks and others yelled profanities at the police. Officers in riot gear blocked off large swaths of downtown while helicopters circled overhead.

"Police departments probably shouldn't investigate their own police officers," said Randi McGinn, the special prosecutor who was assigned the case after a judge ruled the district attorney had a conflict of interest with police. "That's the most important thing, and  by the way  the only way the public will have confidence in the system."

Nationwide, 77 officers have been charged with murder or manslaughter in on-duty shooting deaths since 2005, while in 2015  the year Sandy and Perez were arraigned  18 were charged, according to data from Philip Stinson, a criminal justice professor at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

Twenty-six of the 77 officers charged were convicted, 13 of them by a jury and 13 by guilty pleas.

"The jurors seem to understand that police work is dangerous, so it really, really has to be a case over the top where you can second guess an officer," Stinson said. "With law enforcement, they start from the position it's justified and work from there."

In the Albuquerque shooting, police video from Perez's helmet camera shows Boyd, who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia, gathering his belongings and telling police he'll walk down a hillside with them when Sandy deploys a flash-bang grenade. Seconds later, a K-9 officer releases his police service dog on Boyd, and then chases after the animal  a fateful move that appeared to prompt the camper to pull two knives and defense attorneys say led Perez and Sandy to shoot.

Seventeen other officers had responded to the standoff with Boyd, which started with a resident complaint about his campsite several hundred feet behind some homes. The encounter escalated when the camper pulled two small knives and shouted death threats down at police he stood below him on a rock slope, authorities said.

But McGinn, the special prosecutor, countered during the more than two-week trial that it was police who were responsible for agitating Boyd and intensifying the standoff with a show of force that included rifles, tactical gear, flash grenades, stun guns and K-9 units. She also faulted Sandy, who was a detective in a now-dismantled unit that targeted violent career criminals, for taking a central role in decisions that she says led to Boyd's death, including disrupting negotiations between him and a crisis intervention officer.

He and his attorneys denied the accusations.

"These officers followed their training to a 'T'," said defense attorney Sam Bregman, who represented Sandy. "When cops follow their training they shouldn't be prosecuted for it."

Defense attorneys argued the case was not about how police handled the encounter but whether Sandy and Perez were justified in shooting Boyd, saying they were at the mercy of decisions made by higher-ranking officers and a system that had made them into default mental health professionals.

The defense also portrayed Boyd as a dangerous man with a history of violence that included prior assaults on officers. Sandy and Perez said police exhausted all options in negotiating with Boyd and had no other choice but to shoot once he made what they said was a menacing move toward the K-9 handler. Sandy shot Boyd twice in the arms, and Perez shot him in the back.

For the prosecution, one of the early hurdles stemmed from police's lack of certainty over which of the officer's bullets hit Boyd in the back and which struck him in the arms.

It also came out during a prelimary hearing held a year ago to determine whether there was enough evidence to charge the officers that police hadn't reconstructed the scene of the shooting  typically a standard step in a homicide case  so an outside expert was hired by the prosecution to construct an analysis of the scene.

During the trial, McGinn highlighted another challenge in a court filing, saying the special circumstances of the case resulted in her relying on the testimony from the defendants' fellow officers to try to prove the shooting was unjustified. She said that some of them couldn't help but have "a bias in favor of the defendants."

"We were hoping to create a template for these cases moving forward," McGinn said. "They need somebody outside investigating, whether they have an attorney general investigate them all, or put together a team of outside law enforcement."

Nine jurors wanted to acquit Sandy and Perez in the shooting, and three were holding out for a guilty verdict. The mistrial means a decision on whether to retry the case will be in the hands of Raul Torrez, a Democrat and former federal prosecutor who is running unopposed for the district attorney position in Albuquerque.

He said he would not make a decision on how to proceed until after a detailed review of evidence that would come after he takes office.

"This is an extremely important case for our community and we must not rush a decision about how best to proceed," Torrez said.

Special prosecutors Randi McGinn, left, and Elicia Montoya, right, exit the courthouse, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 in Albuquerque, N.M. The case against two former New Mexico police officers charged in the death of a homeless man ended in a mistrial Tuesday when jurors told the judge they were hopelessly deadlocked on the counts of second-degree murder. (AP Photo/Juan Labreche)

FILE - In this Aug. 18, 2015, file photo, former Albuquerque Detective Keith Sandy, left, and Officer Dominique Perez speak with attorneys during a preliminary hearing in Albuquerque, N.M. The case against two former New Mexico police officers charged in the death of a homeless man ended in a mistrial Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, when jurors told the judge they were hopelessly deadlocked on the counts of second-degree murder. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras, File)

Protesters gather outside the Bernalillo County Courthouse in Albuquerque, N.M., on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, after a judge declared a mistrial against two former Albuquerque police officers facing murder charges in the 2014 fatal shooting of a homeless man. (AP Photo/Russell Contreras)
Pro-democracy Hong Kong lawmakers defy China in oath taking

HONG KONG (AP)  A swearing-in ceremony to kick off Hong Kong's legislative session descended into farce Wednesday as newly elected pro-democracy lawmakers intentionally mangled their oaths in a show of defiance against Beijing.

The new crop of lawmakers, elected last month amid swelling anti-China sentiment, object to the oath's requirement to pledge allegiance to the "Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China" and its Basic Law constitution.

So they came up with creative ways to get around it.

A newly elected lawmaker, Youngspiration's Yau Wai-ching displays a banner with words reading Hong Kong is not China as she takes oath in the new legislature Council in Hong Kong, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Newly elected Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers have thumbed their noses at Beijing at a swearing-in ceremony to start the legislative session. They displayed flags declaring that Hong Kong is not a part of China and called out for democratic self-determination for the semiautonomous Chinese city at Wednesdays oath taking session. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Sixtus Leung, 30, of the radical Youngspiration party draped a blue flag with the words "Hong Kong is not China" over his shoulders. His colleague Yau Wai-ching laid the same flag out in front of her.

They both vowed to defend the "Hong Kong nation" before reciting the oath in English but mispronouncing China as Shina , an old-fashioned derogatory Japanese term for the country.

Leung clutched a Bible in his right hand but also crossed his fingers. Yau, 25, combined "republic" with a curse word.

They were among three lawmakers whose oaths were not accepted by the legislative clerk.

The provocative actions foreshadow what's expected to be a chaotic term in the semi-democratic Legislative Council after September's elections added to the opposition's numbers in the semiautonomous Chinese city.

The freshman lawmakers represent a new wave of grassroots groups that emerged from the wake of 2014 massive pro-democracy street protests, which failed to win concessions from Beijing but sparked a rising independence movement and a political awakening among the city's young.

Lau Siu-lai, who founded her own party, Democracy Groundwork, took a slow-motion approach. She took about 10 minutes to repeat the declaration, which has less than 100 words, by pausing for several seconds after each one.

Nathan Law, who helped spearhead the 2014 protests and is Hong Kong's youngest ever legislator at age 23, prefaced his oath by quoting Indian independence icon Mahatma Gandhi vowing never to bend to authorities.

"You can chain me. You can torture me. You can even destroy this body but you will never imprison my mind," said Law, of the Demosisto party.

As he recited the oath, he raised his tone slightly when he mentioned the People's Republic of China, in what some saw as a subtle way of turning the statement into a question about whether to bear allegiance.

Not everyone rebelled.

Ann Chiang, one of 40 pro-Beijing representatives in the 70-seat council, raised eyebrows by making her declaration in Mandarin, the language of mainland China, rather than the Cantonese spoken in Hong Kong.

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Follow Kelvin Chan on Twitter at twitter.com/chanman

His work can be found at http://bigstory.ap.org/kelvin-chan

Newly elected lawmaker Sixtus Leung of Youngspiration wears a banner with words reading "Hong Kong is not China as he takes oath in the new legislature Council in Hong Kong, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Newly elected Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers have thumbed their noses at Beijing at a swearing-in ceremony to start the legislative session. They displayed flags declaring that Hong Kong is not a part of China and called out for democratic self-determination for the semiautonomous Chinese city at Wednesdays oath taking session. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Newly elected lawmaker Yau Wai-ching of Youngspiration takes oath in the new legislature Council in Hong Kong, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Newly elected Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers have thumbed their noses at Beijing at a swearing-in ceremony to start the legislative session. They displayed flags declaring that Hong Kong is not a part of China and called out for democratic self-determination for the semiautonomous Chinese city at Wednesdays oath taking session. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

A newly elected pro-democracy lawmaker, Fernando Cheung tears an oversized mock copy of controversial, proposed anti-subversion legislation as he takes oath in the new legislature Council in Hong Kong, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Newly elected Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers have thumbed their noses at Beijing at a swearing-in ceremony to start the legislative session. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Newly elected pro-democracy lawmaker Eddie Chu takes oath in the new legislature Council in Hong Kong, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Newly elected Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers have thumbed their noses at Beijing at a swearing-in ceremony to start the legislative session. They displayed flags declaring that Hong Kong is not a part of China and called out for democratic self-determination for the semiautonomous Chinese city at Wednesdays oath taking session. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Newly elected pro-democracy lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung, known as "Long Hair," tears an oversized mock copy of controversial, proposed anti-subversion legislation as she takes oath in the new legislature Council in Hong Kong, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Newly elected Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers have thumbed their noses at Beijing at a swearing-in ceremony to start the legislative session. They displayed flags declaring that Hong Kong is not a part of China and called out for democratic self-determination for the semiautonomous Chinese city at Wednesdays oath taking session. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Newly elected pro-democracy lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung, known as "Long Hair," holds a yellow umbrella and a oversized mock copy of controversial, proposed anti-subversion legislation as she takes oath in the new legislature Council in Hong Kong, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Newly elected Hong Kong pro-democracy lawmakers have thumbed their noses at Beijing at a swearing-in ceremony to start the legislative session. They displayed flags declaring that Hong Kong is not a part of China and called out for democratic self-determination for the semiautonomous Chinese city at Wednesdays oath taking session. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)
Saudi Arabia says it shoots down Yemen ballistic missile

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (AP)  Saudi Arabia says it has shot down a ballistic missile fired into the kingdom by Shiite rebels and their allies in Yemen.

The state-run Saudi Press Agency reported the missile fire early Wednesday. It said the missile, apparently, targeting the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait, was destroyed Tuesday night without causing any injuries.

The rebels are known to have a stockpile of Soviet-era Scud missiles and locally designed variants.

Shiite rebels in Yemen, known as Houthis and their allies have fired a series of the missiles in Saudi Arabia since a kingdom-led coalition of Arab countries has launched an offensive against them in Yemen in March 2015.
Kuwaiti media says 2 Iranians freed after mistaken arrest

KUWAIT CITY (AP)  Kuwaiti media is reporting two Iranians mistakenly arrested after taking "suspicious" photographs of Shiite congregation halls have been freed.

The reports Wednesday said the two had valid visas to live in Kuwait and described their arrests as a precautionary measure.

Their arrests last week came ahead of the Shiite commemoration of Ashoura, which marks the death of Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, at the Battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq in the 7th century.

Tiny, largely peaceful Kuwait has increased security recently, worried about militant attacks.
River that gave life to N. Carolina town now tears it apart

LUMBERTON, N.C. (AP)  A day after fleeing from the swollen Lumber River, the residents of this down-but-not-quite-out former mill town waded into the swirling, tea-colored floodwaters Wednesday and filled jugs for something most of us take for granted: flushing their toilets.

"We still don't have water or power in our house," Caroline Kahn said as she sloshed through someone's flooded front yard in a pair of flower-print boots. "So we need water for the necessities of life."

The river gave this town its life. Now it has torn the community apart.

People look out towards West 5th Street that is covered by floodwaters caused by rain from Hurricane in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Gov. Pat McCrory says more damage is still to come for many people in the eastern part of North Carolina as the state faces its ninth day of Hurricane Matthew's aftermath. (AP Photo/Mike Spencer)

About 1,200 residents had to be evacuated by boat and plucked from their roofs by helicopters as the river crested. Two of the state's 20 fatalities occurred in Robeson County, of which Lumberton is the seat.

Of all the towns affected by Hurricane Matthew, this city of 22,000 was among the hardest hit and the least able to absorb the blow.

"It is just a heartbreak," said novelist Jill McCorkle, a Lumberton native. She and her husband, Tom Rankin, drove southeast from their home in Hillsborough, his pickup filled to the gunwales with diapers and drinking water. "It's a very poor area anyway."

In her youth, McCorkle worked as a lifeguard on the Lumber. The river meanders through her fictional landscape, where the mosquitoes "are so big they roll up your pants legs to bite you."

"When people are missing in Marsh County, the river is one of the first places to go," the novelist wrote in "Carolina Moon," published in 1996. The police "regularly drag nets up and down through that twisting brown river, one man in the boat designated to watch the branches of the live oaks for snakes that might sense the warmth of bodies below and drop onto them."

"There's the constant trade-off of the river giving and taking away," McCorkle said. "It's a really beautiful, beautiful river"  until it bursts its banks and "goes out of control."

Like so many early settlements, Lumberton depended on the river for survival. By the late 18th century, the town had become a trading center for timber and related materials.

"Rafts of pine logs on which were piled other pine products such as tar, pitch, turpentine and resin were floated down" the river to Georgetown, South Carolina, according to a history produced by the Federal Writer's Project in the 1930s.

But it wasn't timber that gave the river and town their names.

To local Indians, it was not the Lumber, but the Lumbee. Poet John Charles McNeill, a native of neighboring Scotland County who grew up along the river, said the name was from a local Indian word meaning "black water."

Early European surveyors and settlers called it "Drowning Creek."

In the 2011 book "Communities in Economic Crisis: Appalachia and the South," Lumbee Indian activist Richard Regan drew a primal connection between his people and the waters upon which they live.

"Like the river, the Lumbees have a mystery, excitement and violence in their history; and like the river they persevere," he said. "Our very identity is wrapped up in the river. The river gave us isolation to develop community identity. It gave us protection from our many enemies. It gave us spiritual power to sustain our bodies and souls."

When the timber was depleted, locals turned to tobacco and other crops. In addition to textile mills, the town once boasted about half a dozen tobacco warehouses. But like timber, those industries waned.

The historic downtown is dominated by the courthouse, attorneys' offices and bail bondsmen. A decal on one window reads: "for a small FEE, we will set you FREE."

Once-genteel department stores are now empty, and windows into vacant shops are dusty and barren.

The Lumberton Visitors Bureau website lists its location along Interstate 95  and the four exits off it  as its key attraction.

"Lumberton is the midpoint between New York and Florida," the site declares. "All hotels are visible from the interstate, making access easy for visitors."

Lumberton served as the setting for director David Lynch's 1986 neo-noir film "Blue Velvet."

"The look of it was inspired by my childhood in Spokane, Washington," Lynch once told an interviewer. "There are many Lumbertons in America. I picked it because we would get police insignias and stuff, because it was an actual town. But then it took off in my mind."

But the director used only the name. Most of the movie was filmed in the more scenic 18th century port city of Wilmington, about 71 miles to the southeast at the mouth of the Cape Fear River.

Two years later, a violent episode in the racially divided town made national headlines.

On Feb. 1, 1988, two Tuscarora Indians entered the offices of The Robesonian newspaper armed with a pistol, knife and two sawed-off shotguns. They chained the doors shut with 20 hostages inside. One of the men, Eddie Hatcher, told a local radio station that they took the action because "We have no justice here in the county."

"Indians and blacks have been oppressed too long," he said, demanding to speak to then-Gov. Jim Martin.

The standoff lasted for 10 hours before the men surrendered. Hatcher was sentenced to 18 years in prison. Co-defendant Timothy Jacobs entered a plea bargain and received a six-year prison sentence.

Lumberton is still a rough place. It and surrounding Robeson County had the highest violent crime rate in the state in 2014, the most recent year available, according to state data.

On Monday night, a state trooper shot and killed a man who allegedly confronted officers while holding a gun.

Resident Keira McGirt hopes the floods might help wash some of that history away.

The 23-year-old beauty supply store clerk and her 3-year-old son escaped from the storm with nothing but the clothes they were wearing. They spent the night in a shelter and are now staying with a friend in the city.

On Wednesday, she stood in front of Gold Rush Beauty Supply, next to a shuttered Super Dollar store, handing out food and water. Despite some sporadic gunfire early on, she is proud of how residents have reacted.

"Lumberton needed this," she said. "We needed this to come together as a city."

The city thought it was prepared. But no one expected more than a foot of rain in less than 24 hours, on top of heavy rains the week before, said Jim Walters, deputy director of public works.

"We were in a pickle before this even started," Walters said, noting there was a weak point in the dike where the railroad goes under Interstate 95.

Some the waters have receded. But left behind is a sense of despair.

Terry Jones, 48, wept as he stood on downtown sidewalk Wednesday morning. The water that rose to 4 or 5 feet deep destroyed everything in his home.

He's staying in his son's camper. The Smithfield pork-packing worker has lived in Lumberton his entire life and wiped tears from his face with his big hand when he thought about the enormity of what was ahead.

"I can't even get to work," he sobbed.

Lumbee Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin Jr. said the tribe was struggling to get bottles of drinking water.

"It's kind of amazing," he said. "Life itself can't sustain without water, and what caused this was water."

"And you can't blame water," he added, "because it's just part of the environment, and it's part of what God's created for us to manage."

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Lush reported from Lumberton. Breed reported from Raleigh.

Fuel tanks are surrounded by devices to protect the fuel from escaping into the floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. People were ordered to evacuate, and officials warned that some communities could be cut off by washed out roads or bridge closures. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Workers with the City of Lumberton use boats to travel down West 5th Street to the city's water treatment plant through floodwaters caused by rain from Hurricane in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike Spencer)

Workers with the City of Lumberton use boats to travel down West 5th Street to the cities water treatment plant through floodwaters caused by rain from Hurricane in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike Spencer)

The City of Lumberton water treatment facility is surrounded by floodwaters caused by rain from Hurricane in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike Spencer)

People look out towards West 5th Street that is covered by floodwaters caused by rain from Hurricane in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Mike Spencer)

Workers with the City of Lumberton use boats to travel down West 5th Street to the city's water treatment plant through floodwaters caused by rain from Hurricane in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Authorities planned to go door-to-door in some areas, telling people to escape to higher ground from flooding triggered by heavy rain from Matthew. (AP Photo/Mike Spencer)

Floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew engulf homes and businesses in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. People were ordered to evacuate, and officials warned that some communities could be cut off by washed out roads or bridge closures. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew covers Interstate 95 and homes and businesses in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. People were ordered to evacuate, and officials warned that some communities could be cut off by washed out roads or bridge closures. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Derrick Campbell helps load equipment that he and other employees carried out on a boat from Wicked Skinsations in floodwaters caused by rain from Hurricane Matthew in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Gov. Pat McCrory says more damage is still to come for many people in the eastern part of North Carolina as the state faces its ninth day of Hurricane Matthew's aftermath. (AP Photo/Mike Spencer)

A truck sits stranded on Interstate 95 in floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. People were ordered to evacuate, and officials warned that some communities could be cut off by washed out roads or bridge closures. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Propane tanks sit in floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. People were ordered to evacuate, and officials warned that some communities could be cut off by washed out roads or bridge closures. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Samsung sends fire-proof boxes for Galaxy Note 7 returns

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  Samsung Electronics said Wednesday it is sending fire-resistant packages to its customers in the U.S. as a precaution against possible fires or explosions from Galaxy Note 7s they return to retailers.

Samsung is offering prepaid shipping boxes as an option for U.S. consumers who purchased the phones on its website, Samsung.com. It said consumers who purchased their Note 7 phones from mobile carriers should visit the carriers' websites for recall instructions.

On Tuesday, Samsung said it was discontinuing the Note 7 phones just two months after their launch, after two recalls and many reports of fires. Samsung must now deal with receiving back more than 1.5 million Galaxy Note 7 phones, both the original ones and those issued as replacements. Most were sold in the U.S. and South Korea.

The corporate logo of Samsung Electronics Co. is seen at its shop in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The fiasco of Samsung's fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphones - and Samsung's stumbling response to the problem - has left consumers from Shanghai to New York reconsidering how they feel about the South Korean tech giant and its products. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

A video on YouTube dated Tuesday shows a man it says is at the XDA Developers office in the U.S., unpacking a kit containing a static shield bag, thermally insulated boxes, gloves and instructions for ground shipping only.

"We have just received this crazy Galaxy Note 7 return kit," the person said in the video.

According to the XDA Developers forum, Samsung's packing instructions say the Note 7 should be put in the static shield bag and then in a box labeled "OEM Replacement" to be put inside an "Inner Box" and a "Recovery Box." Shipping companies reportedly had complained they did not want to handle Note 7 returns because of fire concerns.

Samsung said the packaging kits conform with U.S. requirements for shipping lithium-ion batteries or devices containing them that are subject to a recall.

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Follow Youkyung Lee on Twitter at twitter.com/YKLeeAP
As Helmand risks falling to the Taliban, Afghans blame graft

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP)  For the past month, the Taliban have held control over most of Afghanistan's Helmand province, where the majority of the world's opium is grown  and as insurgent attacks intensify around the provincial capital, residents are blaming rampant government corruption for the rising militant threat.

At an international aid conference last week, Afghanistan's leaders raised $15 billion from their international backers and pledged to clamp down on graft. But corrupt officials have hollowed out the national security forces, selling weapons and even government buildings to the Taliban, and alienated local populations. One Afghan official said that Helmand residents were so angry at corruption that they were turning to the Taliban, despite memories of the extremist group's harsh rule.

Afghanistan is consistently rated by the corruption watchdog Transparency International as one of the world's most corrupt countries, along with Somalia and North Korea. "It is estimated that an eighth of all the money that goes to Afghanistan is lost to corruption," it said in a report released ahead of the aid conference.

FILE -- In this March 9, 2016 file photo, smoke rises from a building, where Taliban insurgents hide during a fire fight with Afghan security forces, in Helmand province, Afghanistan. For the past month, the Taliban have held control over most of Afghanistans Helmand province, where the majority of the worlds opium is grown -- and as insurgent attacks intensify around the provincial capital, residents are blaming rampant government corruption for the rising militant threat. At an international aid conference in Brussels that closed Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, Afghanistans leaders pledged to clamp down on graft, but corrupt officials have hollowed out national security forces and are alienating local populations. (AP Photo, File)

The U.S. special inspector general for Afghanistan reconstruction, John Sopko, who is charged with tracing billions of dollars of American aid, estimates that while the United States pays salaries for 320,000 Afghan soldiers and police nationwide, the actual number of troops is just 120,000. The remainder are so-called "ghost soldiers." Corrupt commanders claim salaries and benefits for soldiers and police who either don't exist, have agreed to hand over part of their pay in exchange for not going to work, or who have been killed in battle.

Of the 26,000 security force personnel officially assigned to Helmand, up to half are ghost soldiers, according to Sopko's most recent report.

Helmand is particularly afflicted by corruption, thanks in large part to its opium fields. The majority of the world's heroin originates in this southern province bordering Pakistan. The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime last year valued the crop $3 billion a year, equivalent to around 20 percent of Afghanistan's gross domestic product. It helps fund the Taliban insurgency, and local officials and military leaders profit from the industry too. They receive bribes to turn a blind eye, and sell their military equipment to cash-rich militants.

Local officials and residents say that corruption occurs at every level in the province and everything is for sale, from government jobs, to ammunition and weapons and state-owned buildings.

Across Helmand, soldiers and police regularly change sides and give up their vehicles and weapons rather than defend themselves against attack, said Attaullah, a member of the provincial council.

"Some sell their weapons, their ammunition, even in some cases their buildings, to the insurgents," said Attaullah, who like many Afghans has only one name. "Sometimes they sell the soldiers, too, along with their equipment."

A year ago, the government controlled 80 percent of the province. "Now, for at least the past month, more than 85 percent of Helmand territory is basically under the control of the Taliban and other terrorist groups," said Abdul Ahad Massomi, a former governor of Gereshk district, which has shifted between Taliban and government control for years.

The insurgents and other drug-trafficking groups have joined forces to push the government out of the opium trade, said a former central government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the issue.

The Taliban have full control of five of Helmand's 14 districts and are in effective control of eight others, where just small pockets of territory are still government-held.

The militants are now closing in on the provincial capital of Lashkar Gah, with a spate of assaults and suicide attacks having killed dozens of people in recent weeks. The Taliban have been on the offensive in Helmand since the start of the fighting season in April, and the latest attacks on Lashkar Gah suggest a final push before the gunmen retreat for the winter.

The Taliban don't "want to take over the city, but they do want the government and the people to know that they have the ability to take over," the former central government official said. "It's about drugs, money and power."

Razia Bloch, a member of the provincial council, says each morning she fears the Taliban will take over Lashkar Gah and declare the province fully under their control. She said that the militants are so close that from the district governor's building the white Taliban flag can be seen flying, just a few kilometers away.

The fall of Helmand province would deal a heavy blow to U.S. and Afghan officials, who consistently issue assurances that it will never fall. It would also bring the militants closer to their real prize, neighboring Kandahar province, the base of their 1996-2001 government.

But not everyone in Lashkar Gah dreads the insurgent's presence. "The people are so disgusted with the government that now they are more inclined to support the Taliban," said the former governor Massomi. According to him, despite the Taliban's hard-line interpretation of Islamic law many people feel they are "not nearly as bad as the government."

FILE -- In this April 21, 2014 file photo, Afghan farmers harvest opium, in Helmand province, Afghanistan. For the past month, the Taliban have held control over most of Afghanistans Helmand province, where the majority of the worlds opium is grown -- and as insurgent attacks intensify around the provincial capital, residents are blaming rampant government corruption for the rising militant threat. At an international aid conference in Brussels that closed Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, Afghanistans leaders pledged to clamp down on graft, but corrupt officials have hollowed out national security forces and are alienating local populations. (AP Photo/Abdul Khaliq, File)

In this Sept. 29, 2016, photo, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, left, inspects an honor guard at the presidential palace in Kabul, Afghanistan. For the past month, the Taliban have held control over most of Afghanistans Helmand province, where the majority of the worlds opium is grown -- and as insurgent attacks intensify around the provincial capital, residents are blaming rampant government corruption for the rising militant threat. At an international aid conference in Brussels that closed Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, Afghanistans leaders pledged to clamp down on graft, but corrupt officials have hollowed out national security forces and are alienating local populations. (AP Photo/Rahmat Gul)

FILE -- In this Monday, Oct. 10, 2016 file photo, an Afghan man looks at the body of a victim of suicide attack blamed on the Taliban, in Lashkar Gah, Helmand province, Afghanistan. For the past month, the Taliban have held control over most of Afghanistans Helmand province, where the majority of the worlds opium is grown -- and as insurgent attacks intensify around the provincial capital, residents are blaming rampant government corruption for the rising militant threat. At an international aid conference in Brussels that closed Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2016, Afghanistans leaders pledged to clamp down on graft, but corrupt officials have hollowed out national security forces and are alienating local populations. (AP Photo/Abdul Khaiq, File)
Jordan's airborne monuments men discover, protect sites

QASR BSHIR, Jordan (AP)  The helicopter door opens and Robert Bewley leans out hundreds of feet above the Hisban Roman ruins outside Amman, Jordan. Feet on the struts, the Oxford University archaeologist begins snapping photos as the chopper circles the ancient stones.

Sheep flock far below amid marble columns from 1,700 years ago. After a few minutes, Bewley squawks directions into a radio headset, and the helicopter banks toward another site sitting on a cliff above a major highway.

"To discover sites if we were just out on the ground would be really difficult," Bewley said. "In an hour's flying we can record between 10-20 sites and once they're recorded through digital photography, that's a record that will last forever."

This May 5, 2010 photo provided by Aerial Photographic Archive for Archaeology in the Middle East, APAAME, taken from a helicopter, shows extensive construction around archaeology in Madaba, Jordan. For the past 19 years, Robert Bewley and colleague David Kennedy have flown above Jordan to photograph, discover and preserve archaeology. Photographing dozens of Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, Nabatean, Neolithic and British imperial sites, the pair have made two major discoveries: mysterious man-made rock structures in Jordan's deep desert and catastrophic urban sprawl destroying and threatening sites across the kingdom. (David Kennedy/APAAME via AP)

Bewley and project founder David Kennedy aim to discover and preserve archaeology through a growing archive of 91,000 images of sites across the Middle East and North Africa.

While Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, Nabatean, Neolithic and British imperial sites have been uncovered, the pair has also revealed in the past 19 years both mysterious man-made rock structures and "catastrophic" urban sprawl destroying and threatening sites across the kingdom.

Refugees fleeing wars in the Palestinian territories, Iraq and Syria have decimated Jordan's land and water resources over the past few decades, Kennedy said.

"I could see the archaeology was disappearing, and one of the things that's been quite shocking since then is to see that the process is accelerating," he said. "It's now at an almost catastrophic level."

Their photographs show the northern city of Jerash slowly enveloping Roman ruins there. Other photos show site after site bulldozed, roads cut through Nabatean temples and Roman forts, and a Neolithic cemetery ransacked by looters. An Umayyad palace visible 10 years ago is now gone, razed to make way for an olive orchard.

Destruction of antiquities is clear from the air, but so are thousands of enormous man-made rock structures once known as "the works of the old men" in Jordan's bleak basalt desert.

Their 4,000-9,000-year old weathered stones blend into the rocky landscape, and lay camouflaged for millennia. Before the invention of flight, famous colonial travelers like Gertrude Bell walked right past them, Kennedy said.

"For all practical purposes they saw nothing," he said.

British pilots delivering mail between Cairo and Baghdad in the 1920s first noticed the structures starkly contrasting with the pale desert floor. Not knowing what they were, the pilots nicknamed them "kites" after crude children's drawings. World War II halted the photography, which only resumed when Kennedy and Bewley soared over with Nikon cameras.

"Just by going up a few hundred feet, we could see that there were literally thousands of kites there," Kennedy said.

Roughly 4,500 "kites" of regional variety have since been found across the Fertile Crescent in Armenia, Turkey, Syria, Jordan, Egypt, the West Bank, Saudi Arabia and Yemen, according to the Lyon-based Global Kites Project.

"My god it was just amazing what you cannot see on the ground," said Gary Rollefson, a professor emeritus at Whitman College who has worked in Jordan since 1978. "We could tell there were some humps over there, but the distribution or density of these things was just overwhelming."

Their peculiar geometry __ pendants, circles and fans __ drew archaeologists like Rollefson to dig in Jordan's barren eastern desert.

Rollefson has found oak, duckweed, cattails and tamarisk pollen in red mud at a Neolithic site called Wisad Pools. Other archaeologists have found animal bones. The discoveries have led archaeologists to reach a consensus, he said.

"There's no question, that place was a lot greener than it is today," Rollefson said. "There used to be a heck of a lot more water."

The evidence suggests the kites were massive hunting traps used to corral wild game in a much greener environment. People would drive herds between stone walls that would slowly narrow the running animals into dead-end pits six-feet deep.

"They become like a Safeway meat market," Rollefson said. "Just leave them down there until you want to eat them."

At first Kennedy wasn't allowed to fly when he began the Aerial Photographic Archive for Archaeology in the Middle East in 1978 under the patronage of Prince Hassan and advice from Glubb Pasha, the famous British leader of the Arab Legion. Kennedy spent 25 years collecting aerial photos and old maps before Google Earth made satellite images widespread.

The Aerial Archaeology in Jordan project took to the skies in 1997 when the head of the air force, Prince Faisal, brother to reigning King Abdullah II, authorized flights on Jordanian military helicopters. Bewley then joined Kennedy, and a decade later, the project increased the range and number of flights after receiving grants from the Packard Humanities Institute adding up to $2.5 million.

Bewley said the aerial perspective, even in an age of Google Earth, can inform and lead to new discoveries.

Andreas Zerbini, a research associate at Oxford University, has flown with the pair to photograph limestone outcroppings in northwestern Jordan outside the city of Irbid. These geological features are telltale signs of ancient agriculture.

Hi-resolution photos and GPS coordinates enable Zerbini to identify quarries, wine presses, reservoirs, and tombs.

"Even from the helicopter it might not look like something, but I know there's a 90 percent chance there will be something human-made," he said.

Kennedy and Bewley moved their database to Oxford where it supports the larger region-wide Endangered Archaeology in the Middle East and North Africa project. With new funding from the Augustus Foundation, the team Kennedy and Bewley lead aims to expand the scope of historic and contemporary images __ and keep flying.

"We frequently find ourselves smiling with delight because you can't speak very often because of the sound of the helicopter. But as you're flying over them you find yourself grinning foolishly because there's something rather remarkable opening up beneath you going on and on and on into the distance," Kennedy said.

Over 7 million people have viewed the archive online __ which has more than 1,000 pages of photos __ and 161 research projects have used the images, Bewley said.

"We don't want them to be just sitting in an archive, so it's an online database of photographs that people can look at and be able to do their research on," he said. "The purpose of taking the photographs is that people will use them in the future."

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This story has been corrected to fix the spelling of Andreas Zerbini's last name.

In this Sept. 27, 2016 photo, Robert Bewley uses his radio headset to guide helicopter pilots from the Jordanian air force to an archaeological site in Jordan. Bewley and his colleague David Kennedy have spent the past 19 years in an ongoing project documenting from the air archaeological sites around Jordan. Since, theyve revealed from the air mysterious rock structures in the bleak eastern desert  and witnessed catastrophic urban sprawl destroying and threatening sites across the kingdom. (AP Photo/Sam McNeil)

This Sept. 11, 2006 photo provided by Aerial Photographic Archive for Archaeology in the Middle East, APAAME, taken from a helicopter, shows Qasr Bshir, a 3rd century Roman fort, one of the best preserved of its kind, in southern Jordan. For the past 19 years, Robert Bewley and colleague David Kennedy have flown above Jordan to photograph, discover and preserve archaeology. While Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, Nabatean, Neolithic and British imperial sites have been uncovered, the pair has also revealed both mysterious man-made rock structures and catastrophic urban sprawl destroying and threatening sites across the kingdom. (David Kennedy/APAAME via AP)

This Sept. 11, 2006 photo provided by Aerial Photographic Archive for Archaeology in the Middle East, APAAME, taken from a helicopter, shows Qasr Bshir, a 3rd century Roman fort, one of the best preserved of its kind, in southern Jordan. For the past 19 years, Robert Bewley and colleague David Kennedy have flown above Jordan to photograph, discover and preserve archaeology. While Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, Nabatean, Neolithic and British imperial sites have been uncovered, the pair has also revealed both mysterious man-made rock structures and catastrophic urban sprawl destroying and threatening sites across the kingdom. (David Kennedy/APAAME via AP)

In this Sept. 27, 2016 photo, Robert Bewley checks the flight path of a helicopter piloted by Jordanian air force to GPS coordinates of archaeological sites in Jordan. For the past 19 years, Bewley and colleague David Kennedy have flown above Jordan to photograph, discover and preserve archaeology. Photographing from helicopters dozens of Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, Nabatean, Neolithic and British imperial sites, the pair have made two major discoveries: mysterious man-made rock structures in Jordan's deep desert and catastrophic urban sprawl destroying and threatening sites across the kingdom. (AP Photo/Sam McNeil)

This June 1, 2010 photo provided by Aerial Photographic Archive for Archaeology in the Middle East, APAAME, taken from a helicopter, shows the Crusader-era Shaubak Castle in Jordan. For the past 19 years, Robert Bewley and colleague David Kennedy have flown above Jordan to photograph, discover and preserve archaeology. Photographing dozens of Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, Nabatean, Neolithic and British imperial sites, the pair have made two major discoveries: mysterious man-made rock structures in Jordan's deep desert and catastrophic urban sprawl destroying and threatening sites across the kingdom. (David Kennedy/APAAME via AP)

This Oct. 11, 2015 photo provided by Aerial Photographic Archive for Archaeology in the Middle East, APAAME, taken from a helicopter, shows a well-preserved and complex prehistoric hunting trap known as a kite atop a black basalt mesa in Jordan's eastern desert. For the past 19 years, Robert Bewley and colleague David Kennedy have flown above Jordan to photograph, discover and preserve archaeology. Photographing dozens of Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, Nabatean, Neolithic and British imperial sites, the pair have made two major discoveries: mysterious man-made rock structures in Jordan's deep desert and catastrophic urban sprawl destroying and threatening sites across the kingdom. (Don Boyer/APAAME via AP)

This June 1, 2004 photo photo provided by Aerial Photographic Archive for Archaeology in the Middle East, APAAME, taken from a helicopter, shows a two-lane road cut through a prehistoric hunting trap known as a kite, in Jordan. Low stone walls would lead gazelle and other wild game into 6-foot deep pits where Neolithic people would "just leave them down there until you want to eat them... like a Safeway meat market," said Gary Rollefson, a professor emeritus at Whitman College. The photo is part of a 91,000-image archive of archaeology across the Middle East, run by Robert Bewley and David Kennedy who have spent 19 years flying over Jordan to photograph, discover and preserve archaeology. (David Kennedy/APAAME via AP)

In this Sept. 11, 2006 photo provided by Aerial Photographic Archive for Archaeology in the Middle East, APAAME, taken from a helicopter, clouds cover the Byzantine church of Mar Elias near the city of Ajloun in northern Jordan. The photo is part of a 91,000-image archive of archaeology across the Middle East run by Robert Bewley and David Kennedy, who have spent 19 years flying over Jordan to photograph, discover and preserve archaeology. Photographing dozens of Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, Nabatean, Neolithic and British imperial sites, the pair have made two major discoveries: mysterious man-made rock structures in Jordan's deep desert and catastrophic urban sprawl destroying and threatening sites across the kingdom. (David Kennedy/APAAME via AP)

This Sept. 10, 2006 photo provided by Aerial Photographic Archive for Archaeology in the Middle East, APAAME, taken from a helicopter, shows the Roman site of Maercherus which ancient sources say John the Baptist was imprisoned and killed. For the past 19 years, Robert Bewley and colleague David Kennedy have flown above Jordan to photograph, discover and preserve archaeology. Photographing dozens of Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, Nabatean, Neolithic and British imperial sites, the pair have made two major discoveries: mysterious man-made rock structures in Jordan's deep desert and catastrophic urban sprawl destroying and threatening sites across the kingdom. (Francesca Radcliffe/APAAME via AP)

This May 22, 2012 photo provided by Aerial Photographic Archive for Archaeology in the Middle East, APAAME, taken from a helicopter, shows a well-preserved and complex prehistoric hunting trap known as a kite atop a black basalt mesa in Jordan's eastern desert. Low stone walls would lead gazelle and other wild game into 6-foot deep pits where Neolithic people would "just leave them down there until you want to eat them... like a Safeway meat market," said Gary Rollefson, a professor emeritus at Whitman College. The photo is part of a 91,000-image archive of archaeology across the Middle East, run by Robert Bewley and David Kennedy who have spent 19 years flying over Jordan photographing sites. (David Kennedy/APAAME via AP)

This Oct. 16, 2010 photo provided by Aerial Photographic Archive for Archaeology in the Middle East, APAAME, taken from a helicopter, shows destructive bulldozer tracks around Kheirbat al-Wahid archaeological site in Jordan For the past 19 years, Robert Bewley and colleague David Kennedy have flown above Jordan to photograph, discover and preserve archaeology. Photographing dozens of Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, Nabatean, Neolithic and British imperial sites, the pair have made two major discoveries: mysterious man-made rock structures in Jordan's deep desert and catastrophic urban sprawl destroying and threatening sites across the kingdom. (Stafford Smith/APAAME via AP)

This May 5, 2010 photo provided by Aerial Photographic Archive for Archaeology in the Middle East, APAAME, taken from a helicopter, shows urban sprawl that surrounds an archaeological site known as "Miller #86" in Jordan. For the past 19 years, Robert Bewley and colleague David Kennedy have flown above Jordan to photograph, discover and preserve archaeology. Photographing dozens of Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, Nabatean, Neolithic and British imperial sites, the pair have made two major discoveries: mysterious man-made rock structures in Jordan's deep desert and catastrophic urban sprawl destroying and threatening sites across the kingdom. (David Kennedy/APAAME via AP)

This June 1, 2010 photo provided by Aerial Photographic Archive for Archaeology in the Middle East, APAAME, taken from a helicopter, shows a well-preserved and complex prehistoric hunting trap known as a kite atop a black basalt mesa in Jordan's eastern desert. Low stone walls would lead gazelle and other wild game into 6-foot deep pits where Neolithic people would "just leave them down there until you want to eat them... like a Safeway meat market," said Gary Rollefson, a professor emeritus at Whitman College. The photo is part of a 91,000-image archive of archaeology across the Middle East, run by Robert Bewley and David Kennedy who have spent 19 years flying over Jordan photographing sites. (Stafford Smith/APAAME via AP)

This Oct. 1, 2015 photo taken from a helicopter shows extensive construction around Roman era archaeology in Tell al-Husn, Jordan. The aerial photo is part of a 91,000-image archive of archaeology across the Middle East based at the University of Oxford run by Robert Bewley and David Kennedy who have spent 19 years flying over Jordan photographing sites. (Matthew Dalton/APAAME via AP)

In this Sept. 27, 2016 photo, Jordanian air force helicopter pilots and archaeologist Robert Bewley ready a helicopter for a mission to photograph archaeological sites in Jordan. Bewley and colleague David Kennedy have flown above Jordan to photograph, discover and preserve archaeology. Photographing from helicopters dozens of Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, Nabatean, Neolithic and British imperial sites, the pair have made two major discoveries: mysterious man-made rock structures in Jordan's deep desert and catastrophic urban sprawl destroying and threatening sites across the kingdom. (AP Photo/Sam McNeil)

This Sept. 27, 2016 aerial photo shows the outskirts of Amman, Jordan. For the past 19 years, Robert Bewley and colleague David Kennedy have flown above Jordan to photograph, discover and preserve archaeology. Photographing from helicopters dozens of Roman, Ottoman, Byzantine, Nabatean, Neolithic and British imperial sites, the pair have made two major discoveries: mysterious man-made rock structures in Jordan's deep desert and catastrophic urban sprawl destroying and threatening sites across the kingdom. (AP Photo/Sam McNeil)
Iraqi PM rejects Turkish claim on Mosul campaign

BAGHDAD (AP)  Tensions between Turkey and Iraq continued to escalate Wednesday as Iraq's prime minister rejected Turkish claims that their forces must be included in an operation to retake the militant-held city of Mosul.

"We will liberate our land through the determination of our men and not by video calls," Haider al-Abadi said late Tuesday night on his Twitter account, mocking the Turkish president's nationally broadcast video call to a TV journalist amid a failed coup attempt in July.

Earlier Tuesday, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkish forces cannot be excluded from the long-awaited operation to retake Mosul, telling Iraq's al-Abadi to "know his place."

Turkey-Iraq relations became strained after Ankara sent troops late last year to the region of Bashiqa, northeast of Mosul, to train anti-IS fighters there  a move Baghdad has since labeled a "blatant violation" of its sovereignty. Iraq has demanded a Turkish withdrawal, but Ankara has repeatedly ignored the call.

"You are not my interlocutor, you are not at my level, you are not my equivalent, you are not of the same quality as me," Erdogan said Tuesday, addressing Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi in a speech delivered in Istanbul. "Your screaming and shouting in Iraq is of no importance to us. You should know that we will go our own way."

Iraq's powerful Shiite militias  one of the many groups expected to take part in the fight to retake Mosul  have also called for an immediate withdrawal of Turkish troops.

"We did not and will not allow the Turkish forces to violate Iraq's sovereignty," said Hadi al-Amiri, the leader of the Badr Brigade, one of the most prominent Shiite militia groups. "We affirm, the Turks must withdraw their forces and if they insist on staying, they have no one to blame but themselves. The arrogance and vanity that we hear today in Erdogan's language, he will not only regret it but he will actually see it."

The operation to retake Mosul is expected to be the most complex yet for Iraqi forces backed by U.S.-led coalition air-power. Iraq's military is still rebuilding after nearly a third of its forces disintegrated when Mosul first fell to IS more than two years ago. Since then the extremists have been pushed from more than half of the territory they once held in Iraq, according to figures released by al-Abadi's office.

In Beirut, the leader of Lebanon's Hezbollah said the operation to retake Mosul risks pushing Islamic State militants into eastern Syria, calling that an America ploy of which the Iraqis should be wary.

Speaking Wednesday to a crowd during a religious ceremony south of Beirut, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, whose group is fighting in Syria alongside government forces, said "this American deception will put your victory in Mosul to waste."

He called on Iraqi leaders, including Shiite militias, to kill and imprison IS militants, denying them an escape route to Syria. Their presence in Syria, he said, will be a continuous threat to Iraq.

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Extensive blackout in Tokyo hits trains, government offices

TOKYO (AP)  An extensive blackout struck Tokyo on Wednesday, affecting government offices and halting trains in the Japanese capital just before the evening rush hour.

Tokyo Electric Power Co., a utility serving the Tokyo region, said officials are investigating the cause of the blackout.

The company, known as TEPCO, said smoke was detected at its unmanned power substation in Niiza city, near Tokyo, and officials are looking into whether it's related to the blackout.

Firefighters gather around black smoke billowing from an unmanned power substation in Niiza, Saitama prefecture, near Tokyo, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. An extensive blackout struck Tokyo on Wednesday, affecting government offices and halting trains in the Japanese capital just before the evening rush hour. Tokyo Electric Power Co., a utility serving the Tokyo region, said officials are investigating the cause of the blackout. (Kyodo News via AP)

TEPCO said as many as 350,000 households and offices were temporarily out of power. Electricity was restored to most of them later.

Japanese television showed black smoke billowing from the substation in a business district. There were no immediate reports of injuriest. Tokyo's metropolitan police department, the land and transportation ministry and the foreign ministries were among the government offices that briefly lost power.

The Tokyo Fire Department said they received reports from people trapped inside elevators in downtown Tokyo and were assessing the situation. Traffic lights were also temporarily out in some locations in Tokyo.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told a news conference that officials are looking into the cause of the incidents, but did not answer when asked about a possible sabotage, according to NHK.

A station attendant, left, responds to passengers at a station in Tokyo after train services are suspended Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. An extensive blackout struck Tokyo on Wednesday, affecting government offices and halting trains in the Japanese capital just before the evening rush hour. (Akiko Matsushita/Kyodo News via AP)
Police describe conditions inside SUV after toddler's death

BRUNSWICK, Ga. (AP)  A police officer testified Wednesday that he smelled "the odor of death" emanating from the SUV where 22-month-old Cooper Harris died in the heat.

Testimony resumed Wednesday in the trial of Justin Ross Harris, after court proceedings in the coastal Georgia city of Brunswick were delayed because of Hurricane Matthew.

Prosecutors contend that Harris intended to kill his son, and he faces a murder charge in the boy's death. Defense lawyers say it was an accident.

FILE- This Oct. 3, 2016, file photo shows Justin Ross Harris listening to jury selection during his trial at the Glynn County Courthouse in Brunswick, Ga. The trial of Harris, 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 he is being prosecuted. Multiple news outlets report a judge said the trial of Justin Ross Harris would be in recess Thursday and Friday and then resume Monday. (Stephen B. Morton/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP, Pool, File)

Police have said they believe Harris would have noticed the smell immediately as he drove home from work with his dead son in a back seat, but kept driving for several blocks before pulling over.

"Normally, I'd associate (the smell) with death," Carey Grimstead, a former crime scene investigator, told jurors, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported (http://on-ajc.com/2dwWkBB ).

The inside of the car "smelled like the odor of death," Cobb County police Capt. James Ferrell testified.

Prosecutors say Harris left his son for hours inside the vehicle as it was parked outside his workplace in Cobb County, just northwest of Atlanta.

Harris faces life in prison if convicted of murder.

Pretrial publicity prompted the trial's move to Brunswick, 275 miles from the Atlanta suburbs.

Harris moved from Tuscaloosa, Alabama to Georgia in 2012 to take a job with The Home Depot's corporate offices in Cobb County.

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Clinton proposes closing real estate loophole, not Trump

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP)  Donald Trump's wealth has helped define the 2016 presidential race and it is also shaping the campaign's tax debate.

Trump contends he has the expertise to fix the tax code and close loopholes like the ones that may have let him go nearly two decades without paying federal income taxes. Hillary Clinton, he said in the last debate, won't. "She complains that Donald Trump took advantage of the tax code," Trump said. "Well, why didn't she change it?"

But Clinton now is proposing changes to the tax code that would bite into the developer-turned-presidential candidate's bottom line and that of his family, including limiting one provision that many in Trump's industry use. Trump, meanwhile, is proposing changes that would benefit wealthy families like his  as well as the Clintons.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton arrives to speak at a rally at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, Monday, Oct. 10, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

A new analysis from the Urban-Brookings Tax Policy Center found that Clinton would dramatically raise taxes for the wealthy  the average member of the top 0.1 percent would pay more than $800,000 extra under her plan. Trump, by contrast, would cut taxes largely across the board, but far more dramatically for the wealthy  typical members of the top 0.1 percent would see incomes rise by more than $1 million.

"In almost every meaningful respect these plans are mirror images," said Len Burman, a former Treasury official under President Bill Clinton who is director of the center, a joint project between two nonpartisan Washington think-tanks.

The Trump campaign released a statement from policy director Stephen Miller slamming the Tax Policy Center analysis as illegitimate, but did not respond to questions about how the plan would affect the candidate's own taxes.

Trump would eliminate the estate tax on large inheritances, a potential windfall for his heirs, while Clinton would increase it from 40 percent to 65 percent. Both candidates propose taxing capital gains at death, which would potentially eat into what they would leave their children.

But Trump would cut capital gains taxes, lower taxes on top earners from 39.6 percent to 33 percent, reduce corporate rates to 15 percent and potentially create a new loophole that could help people in his financial situation.

Breaking with precedent for a presidential candidate, Trump has refused to release his tax returns. That makes it difficult to determine precisely how his tax plans could benefit him and his family. But The New York Times obtained three pages of state returns in 1995 in which he claimed a loss of more than $900 million  which could have allowed him to avoid paying federal income taxes legally for as many as 18 years.

"Of course I do," Trump said when asked in their second debate if he used the loss to avoid paying taxes.

Tax experts say there's good reason the tax code lets businesses and their owners deduct losses from future earnings  it encourages investment and smooths out bumps in the business cycle. The problem is when taxpayers can use loopholes to claim larger losses on their tax returns than they suffered in reality.

"Real estate businesses are often in a tax loss position even as they're making money," Burman said. Their property can increase in value while they can claim losses from wear and tear on the buildings. And rather than pay taxes on the increases on their property, developers can trade them with other businesses for no tax liability.

Clinton would limit these "in-kind swaps" to $1 million in assets annually. "Her plan would actually have more effect on the real estate business than Trump's plan," Burman said.

Trump's plan could benefit his industry and family in another way. He'd allow so-called pass-through firms to pay taxes at the lower 15 percent rate. Currently those businesses  sometimes small, but sometimes large partnerships  pay at personal income tax rates. Tax experts say business owners like the Trumps could reincorporate firms to take advantage of the clause.

The Trump campaign says "large" businesses would have to pay an additional 20 percent tax on dividends paid out to shareholders, and safeguards would prevent abuse of the rule. But it has refused to detail those safeguards.

"We may never get this clarified," said Alan Cole, an economist at the Tax Foundation who has studied the candidates' proposals. "But the more you could keep everything at 15 percent, the bigger the deal this is."

The Tax Policy Center's new analysis found that Trump's proposals would focus on reducing tax on capital, which would encourage more work, investment and savings. It said Clinton's proposals could have the opposite effect by hiking up levies on capital. However, the analysts said Clinton's proposed new spending could offset some of the negative economic impact of high-end tax increases.

Clinton's tax increases would fall almost exclusively on businesses and taxpayers in the top 1 percent, with modest tax cuts for poorer households.

Trump would cut taxes for most, but not all, Americans. The analysis found Trump would cut the average tax bill by $2,940, or 4.1 percent. But those in the top 0.1 percent would have their bill reduced by 14 percent, or $1.1 million.

Because of the way it changes standard deductions, the Trump proposal would actually raise taxes for an undetermined number of middle-class and lower-income households that have many children or are headed by a single parent, the analysis found.
Egypt finds other sources after halt in Saudi fuel shipments

CAIRO (AP)  Egypt says it has secured fuel imports to make up for a shortfall caused by Saudi Arabia's abrupt decision to halt previously agreed shipments, avoiding a potentially politically costly fuel shortage and propelling the issue of oil onto the center stage of an escalating Saudi-Egypt spat.

Saudi Arabia agreed in April to provide Egypt with 700,000 tons of fuel monthly for five years on easy repayment terms, but Egyptian officials said this week that Saudi Arabia's Aramco, the world's largest oil company, informed Cairo it would not ship any fuel this month.

Oil Ministry spokesman Hamdi Abdel-Aziz was quoted by Egyptian newspapers Wednesday as saying that several fuel shipments from other suppliers have arrived in Egypt following "urgent" tenders.

FILE -- In this March 28, 2015 file photo provided by Egypt's state news agency MENA, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, right, talks with Saudi King Salman after the king arrived in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Close allies Egypt and Saudi Arabia are having their first public spat since Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi took office two years ago. The disagreement is over Syria, where Riyadh says Syrian President Bashar Assad must be removed for that country's civil war to end, while Cairo advocates a political process that denies Islamic militants any role in Syria's future. Egypt voted in favor of separate Russian and French draft resolutions on Syria at the U.N. Security Council on Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016. (MENA via AP, File)

There has been no official word from Saudi Arabia on the abrupt halt of shipments, a decision that appears linked to a public spat between the two allies over Syria.

Egypt's vote in favor of separate Russian and French draft resolutions on Syria at the U.N. Security Council over the weekend has apparently angered the Saudis, who oppose Russia's military intervention in Syria and support some of the anti-government militant groups there.

Recently, Egypt has been moving closer to Russia, harshly condemned by the Saudis and other Arabs for its heavy-handed military intervention in Syria.

Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is moving closer to Turkey, which Egypt accuses of backing Islamic militants seeking to topple the Cairo government.

Continuing tension between Egypt and Saudi Arabia would signal a realignment of Mideast power centers and rob the mostly Sunni Arab world of a valuable axis in the face of expanding influence by non-Arab Iran and Turkey.

Egyptian columnist Abdullah el-Sennawy criticized Egypt's decision to vote for both resolutions at the Security Council, describing it in an article in the Al-Shorouq daily as diplomatically "inappropriate."

But "there is nothing to justify any Saudi haughtiness, either with loose diplomatic talk or the suspension of oil shipments as economic punishment," he added.

The Security Council spat was the first public quarrel between Riyadh and Cairo since the Egyptian military's 2013 ouster of an Islamist president and the subsequent flow of billions of dollars in Saudi aid that kept Egypt's ailing economy afloat.

But relations have cooled since King Salman sought closer ties with Turkey and Qatar, two countries whose relations with Egypt are fraught with animosity.

Beside Syria, other issues divide Cairo and Riyadh. Saudi Arabia had expected Egypt to send ground troops as part of the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen, something Cairo has failed to do.

The Saudis have also been angered by meetings between Egyptian officials and representatives of Yemen's Iran-backed Shiite rebels. Egypt has also maintained channels of communication with Tehran and enjoys close relations with Iraq's Shiite-led, Iranian-backed government, another Saudi adversary.

In addition, popular opposition in Egypt to an April decision by President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi to relinquish control of two key Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia has injected a sour note into relations.

Later Wednesday, Saudi ambassador to Egypt, Ahmed Qatan, left Cairo for Riyadh but was expected to return to the Egyptian capital over the weekend, according to airport officials.
Eurozone sees big industrial rebound in August

LONDON (AP)  Industry looks set to give third-quarter economic growth in the 19-country eurozone a lift after figures Wednesday showed output up a whopping 1.6 percent in August alone.

The increase reported by Eurostat, the European Union's statistics agency, more than offset the previous month's 0.7 percent decline. Expectations were already high at 1.5 percent on account of a 3.1 percent rebound reported by Germany.

The scale of the increase across the eurozone the biggest since January  is welcome news for a region that has seen growth ease this year from a quarterly rate of 0.6 percent in the first quarter to 0.3 percent in the second. Few economists are expecting a return to the healthy first-quarter tick anytime soon  even after the industrial production figures.

German Finance Minister Wolfgang Schauble, left, talks with Franch Finance Minister Michel Sapin, right, and European Commissioner for Economic Affairs, Taxation and Customs Pierre Moscovici during an EU finance ministers meeting at the EU Council in Luxembourg Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Geert Vanden Wijngaert)

Still, there will be relief that the sector, which when combined with construction accounts for around a quarter of the eurozone's GDP, looks set to help third-quarter growth. On a year-on-year basis, Eurostat said the sector was 1.8 percent bigger in August.

The first estimate of overall economic growth during the July to September period will be published at the end of October.

Fears had been raised that growth would grind to a halt in the wake of Britain's vote to leave the EU in June.

Wednesday's figures suggest that those concerns may have been overdone, though the sharp fall in the pound against the euro since the vote  particularly over the past week or so  is likely to weigh on eurozone exports to Britain in the months ahead.

And uncertainties over the future trading relationship between the EU and Britain as well as concerns over the future of the EU itself haven't gone away, meaning the region remains susceptible to a drop in confidence.

The industrial figures also have a tendency to be volatile, so economists are careful not to read too much into one month's data. Many think the outlook for the sector remains problematic.
Thais offer prayers as prince rushes home amid king worries

BANGKOK (AP)  Thais chanted prayers Wednesday as the country's stock market and currency tumbled and the prime minister canceled an overseas trip amid concerns about long-ailing King Bhumibol Adulyadej's health.

His son, the crown prince, returned home from Germany, as Thais in pink shirts  a color associated with the king  gathered outside Siriraj hospital in Bangkok, which has been his home for much of the last decade.

The royal palace said in a statement late Wednesday that the 88-year-old king's blood pressure had dropped, his liver and kidneys were not working properly and he remained on a ventilator. "His majesty's overall condition is still unstable," it said.

FILE - In this April 9, 2012, file photo, Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej is pushed on a wheelchair as he leaves Siriraj hospital to preside over the royal cremation of his cousin Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda Sirisobhabannavadi in Bangkok. Thailand's stock market and currency tumbled and the prime minister canceled an overseas trip Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, amid concerns about long-ailing king's health. His son, the crown prince, returned home from Germany. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn, File)

Dozens of Thais holding incense sticks and images of the king chanted prayers outside the hospital for his recovery.

"The king is the heart of our country. So, without a heart, we cannot survive. So we pray for our heart, for the heart of our land," said Donnapha Kladbupha, a 42-year-old English tutor. "I want to see him come and say hello to the Thai people again."

Thai stocks have slid daily since Sunday, when the royal palace announced that Bhumibol's condition was unstable, the first time it has used that phrase regarding the king's health.

On Wednesday, the Stock Exchange of Thailand's benchmark fell nearly 7 percent in afternoon trading before recovering somewhat for a 4.1 percent loss for the day. The Thai baht fell 1.1 percent to end at 35.76 to a dollar.

The highly revered Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has suffered from a variety of ailments related to old age, including kidney and lung problems.

Last week, doctors performed a hemodialysis to purify his blood. They also replaced a tube that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid.

Because Bhumibol has been king since 1946, there is great concern about the eventual succession. Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn has not earned the same respect as his father.

Vajiralongkorn lives mostly in Germany, and flew back to Bangkok. The government's top bureaucrat, Secretary-General Wilas Aroonsri, said Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha went to the airport to receive him. Prayuth was supposed to fly to Laos on an official visit but canceled it in the morning.

Bhumibol, a constitutional monarch with no formal political role, is widely regarded as Thailand's unifying figure. However, as his health has deteriorated, his participation in public affairs has sharply declined in recent years.

Concern about succession has been entwined with Thailand's political turmoil in the past decade, as royalists have sought to ensure that they control the process instead of certain politicians whose fealty to the monarchy they doubt.

In Washington, Daniel Russel, the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia, described Bhumibol  who was born in the U.S. and visited twice in the 1960s  as "a true friend of the United States."

"We wish the best in terms of the health of the Thai king. He's a revered figure in Thailand and he's an admired figure in the United States. We hope his situation will stabilize," Russel told reporters Wednesday.

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Associated Press journalists Kiko Rosario in Bangkok and Matthew Pennington in Washington, D.C., contributed to this report.

Thais pray behind portraits of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Siriraj Hospital where the king is being treated in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Thais pray while holding up portraits of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Siriraj Hospital where the king is being treated in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Thailands stock market and currency have tumbled and the prime minister has canceled an overseas trip Wednesday amid concerns about long-ailing Bhumibols health. His son, the crown prince, returned home from Germany. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Thai students join the others to pray for Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Siriraj Hospital where the king is being treated in Bangkok Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Thailands stock market and currency have tumbled and the prime minister has canceled an overseas trip Wednesday amid concerns about long-ailing Bhumibols health. His son, the crown prince, returned home from Germany. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)

Thais pray behind portraits of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Siriraj Hospital where the king is being treated in Bangkok, Thailand, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit)
Suspicious device prompts evacuations in Colorado town

NEDERLAND, Colo. (AP)  Multiple buildings were evacuated after someone left an explosive device in a backpack in front of a Colorado police department.

A Nederland detective found a backpack outside the building when he began his shift Tuesday morning and brought it inside, believing it was lost property, police Marshal Paul Carrill said. He opened it and noticed "suspicious articles" that investigators later determined to be an improvised explosive device, Carrill said. He would not elaborate.

Two robots searched the backpack, and multiple pieces were removed from the device.

Carrill would not say whether police have identified the backpack's owner. Investigators have not determined a motive.

"It's difficult to interpret why someone would do this," Carrill said. "It is my hope and intent, for the health and safety of the community to get to the bottom of why."

The FBI, which assumed control of the investigation by Wednesday afternoon, said the improvised explosive device was active but failed to detonate.

The police department is in the mountain town's main retail complex, which includes a grocery store and multiple shops. Those businesses were evacuated. Carrill urged the public to come forward with information because "the individual or individuals who may have assembled this could be a risk to their neighbors."
4 arrested in attack on teen who said 'Blue lives matter'

SYLACAUGA, Ala. (AP)  Four black men are facing assault charges in connection with the beating of a white Alabama high school student who had posted pro-police comments online.

In a statement, Sylacauga Police Chief Kelley Johnson says four recent Sylacauga High School students were arrested Tuesday following the Sept. 30 attack against 17-year-old Brian Ogle.

Ogle's mother, Brandi Allen, says her son responded to students wearing Black Lives Matter T-shirts at his school with "Blue lives matter," a defense of police officers. He was hospitalized with serious head injuries.

Twenty-year-old Quartez Walker and 19-year-old Bobby Brown were arrested at Stillman College. Eighteen-year-old La Noah Ely, Jr. was arrested at Auburn University in Montgomery. Twenty-year-old Daveon Nix was arrested in Sylacauga.
Russian fashion legend Zaitsev to show latest collection

MOSCOW (AP)  At 78, fashion designer Slava Zaitsev may look frail and complain that he has left his cane at home but he still makes two new collections every year, one of which premieres Thursday at Russian Fashion Week.

The son of a laundress, Zaitsev grew up in a communal apartment in the Soviet Union, where fashion was officially outlawed.

"It was a bourgeois influence. A Soviet person was not supposed to look at it because (fashion) puts personality first," Zaitsev, dressed in a black military-style jacket, told The Associated Press at his House of Fashion headquarters in central Moscow.

In this photo taken on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, Russian designer Slava Zaitsev, center back, makes comments during fitting at his House of Fashion in Moscow, Russia. At 78, fashion designer Slava Zaitsev may look frail and complain that he left his cane at home but he still makes two new collections every year, one of which premieres at the Russian Fashion Week on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

Zaitsev was barred from most schools as the son of an "enemy of the people"  his father was a Soviet prisoner of war in Germany who was sent to a Gulag camp once he got back home. The designer was accepted to a local chemical technical school  where he got straight A's  before being sent to Moscow to study at the Textile Institute.

In the 1960s, Zaitsev was producing bold designs and colors in a country uniformly dressed in drab clothing, attracting the admiration of rare foreign visitors. A French magazine profiled the young designer, calling him a "Russian Dior."

That enraged Zaitsev's boss at Moscow's one and only hub of fashion design. Reflecting the Soviet Union's disdain for individual personalities, his boss wrote "we have 60 Diors!" in a local paper, according to Zaitsev.

Zaitsev was one of the first Soviet designers to show his collection on catwalks in the West as the Iron Curtain fell in the 1980s. But he was disappointed in what he saw as the money-driven nature of the American fashion industry.

On his first visit abroad, Zaitsev presented his collection at New York's Waldorf Astoria in 1987. The friendly staff that was assigned to him to help with the show had all disappeared by the time it was over, he recalls. Zaitsev, a typical Russian who was eager for a late-night heartfelt conversation after the show, was stunned.

"They got their money and left. This was a complete disappointment for me that money was more important in the West  I still can't get used to the idea," he says.

Despite his age, Zaitsev is dreaming of venturing into the mass market. His House of Fashion  which makes made-to-measure clothes  is looking for investors to launch a mass market collection, something "not too cheap but really good quality," he says. Zaitsev has even already found production facilities in his hometown of Ivanovo, about 250 kilometers (155 miles) north-east of Moscow.

"The biggest dream of my life," he says, "is to dress as many people as I can, to give joy to them and to myself too."

In this photo taken on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, Russian designer Slava Zaitsev, center back, smiles as a model displays his creation at his House of Fashion in Moscow, Russia. At 78, fashion designer Slava Zaitsev may look frail and complain that he left his cane at home but he still makes two new collections every year, one of which premieres at the Russian Fashion Week on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

In this photo taken on Thursday, Feb. 25, 2016, a model displays a creation during fitting at Russian designer Slava Zaitsev's House of Fashion in Moscow, Russia. At 78, fashion designer Slava Zaitsev may look frail and complain that he left his cane at home but he still makes two new collections every year, one of which premieres at the Russian Fashion Week on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

In this photo taken on Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016, Russian designer Slava Zaitsev makes marks on a dress during fitting at his House of Fashion in Moscow, Russia. At 78, fashion designer Slava Zaitsev may look frail and complain that he left his cane at home but he still makes two new collections every year, one of which premieres at the Russian Fashion Week on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

In this photo taken on Wednesday, March 9, 2016, Russian designer Slava Zaitsev, left, talks with a model before fitting in his House of Fashion in Moscow, Russia. At 78, fashion designer Slava Zaitsev may look frail and complain that he left his cane at home but he still makes two new collections every year, one of which premieres at the Russian Fashion Week on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

In this photo taken on Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, Russian designer Slava Zaitsev, left, looks at a model as she displays a creation during fitting at his House of Fashion in Moscow, Russia. At 78, fashion designer Slava Zaitsev may look frail and complain that he left his cane at home but he still makes two new collections every year, one of which premieres at the Russian Fashion Week on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

In this photo taken on Saturday, March 12, 2016, models line up during a rehearsal before a fashion show of creations of Russian designer Slava Zaitsev at the Russian Fashion Week in Moscow, Russia. At 78, fashion designer Slava Zaitsev may look frail and complain that he left his cane at home but he still makes two new collections every year, one of which premieres at the Russian Fashion Week on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

In this photo taken Saturday, March 12, 2016, Russian designer Slava Zaitsev, left, checks a model's make-up before a fashion show of his creations at the Russian Fashion Week in Moscow, Russia. At 78, fashion designer Slava Zaitsev may look frail and complain that he left his cane at home but he still makes two new collections every year, one of which premieres at the Russian Fashion Week on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

In this photo taken Saturday, Oct. 26, 2013, Russian designer Slava Zaitsev, center, walks surrounded by models after a fashion show of his creations at the Russian Fashion Week in Moscow, Russia. At 78, fashion designer Slava Zaitsev may look frail and complain that he left his cane at home but he still makes two new collections every year, one of which premieres at the Russian Fashion Week on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

In this photo taken Saturday, March 12, 2016, Russian designer Slava Zaitsev, center, accepts congratulations after a fashion show of his creations at the Russian Fashion Week in Moscow, Russia. At 78, fashion designer Slava Zaitsev may look frail and complain that he left his cane at home but he still makes two new collections every year, one of which premieres at the Russian Fashion Week on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)

In this photo taken Saturday, March 12, 2016, Russian designer Slava Zaitsev, center, talks to the media after a fashion show of his creations at the Russian Fashion Week in Moscow, Russia. At 78, fashion designer Slava Zaitsev may look frail and complain that he left his cane at home but he still makes two new collections every year, one of which premieres at the Russian Fashion Week on Thursday, Oct. 13, 2016. (AP Photo/Pavel Golovkin)
The Latest: Storm death toll in North Carolina rises to 20

GREENVILLE, N.C. (AP)  The Latest on flooding after Hurricane Matthew (all times local):

5 a.m.

Gov. Pat McCrory said the death toll in North Carolina from Hurricane Matthew has risen to 20.

Floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew covers parts of Interstate 95 and homes and businesses in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. People were ordered to evacuate, and officials warned that some communities could be cut off by washed out roads or bridge closures. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

McCrory told a briefing in Lumberton on Wednesday that the latest death was reported in Lenoir County. He provided no additional details.

The death toll for the U.S. now stands at 36.

The governor was visiting one of the areas hit hard by flooding, but he called the residents in Robeson County "the most resilient citizens I have ever met."

McCrory said people hoping to travel through the area should avoid Interstate 95 because a portion of the road is flooded, and he suggested finding alternate routes.

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3:10 p.m.

Water has started to flood homes in a North Carolina town founded by freed slaves that was destroyed in flooding in Hurricane Floyd 17 years ago.

Footage from WRAL-TV's helicopter on Wednesday afternoon showed water up to the porches of many homes Princeville.

Authorities hoped a levee built after Floyd's floods in 1999 might save the town from the Tar River, swollen by 9 inches of rain over the weekend from Hurricane Matthew. But they went ahead and evacuated Princeville, warning residents water might get around the structure.

In the 1999 floods, much of the town founded in 1865 sat under up to 11 feet of water for nine days.

Emergency officials in Edgecombe County didn't answer the phone Wednesday afternoon.

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9:55 a.m.

Gov. Pat McCrory says more damage is still to come for many people in the eastern part of North Carolina as the state faces its ninth day of Hurricane Matthew's aftermath.

He also said the state's death toll from the storm has risen to 19.

At a news conference Wednesday in Raleigh, McCrory said serious flooding is heading downstream even though the weather now looks beautiful.

He said many people are hurting, living in shelters and preparing for major flooding. The governor says major flood issues remain in Robeson County.

The governor is especially worried about the Tar River in Greenville and the Neuse River in Goldsboro.

Four counties have been added to the federal disaster declaration: Bertie, Wayne, Johnston and Wilson counties.

The number of power outages in the state has dropped to 143,000.

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6:25 a.m.

Flooding across eastern North Carolina is still expected to get worse before it gets better.

The National Weather Service says the Tar River in Greenville was at nearly 23 feet. It's expected to reach 25 feet late Thursday night or early Friday.

The airport in Greenville was flooded and officials ordered the evacuation of about one tenth of the city's 90,000 people. East Carolina University is closed for the rest of the week.

The Neuse River in Kinston is also still rising and is expected to peak Saturday. The weather service says the flooding is comparable to that of Hurricane Floyd in 1999.

Forecasters say all roads on the south side of Kinston will be flooded.

Flooding was also reported in Fayetteville. Forecasters say moderate flooding is occurring and conditions aren't expected to get better before Friday morning.

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3 a.m.

Homeowners, students and businesses in one of eastern North Carolina's population centers are keeping a nervous watch on the river that flows along downtown, as Hurricane Matthew's deadly after-effects lingered days after the storm passed.

Authorities ordered evacuations for about one-tenth of Greenville's 90,000 people. The Tar River is expected crest Wednesday.

Military trucks rumbled through leafy neighborhoods Tuesday where orange traffic cones and police tape discouraged people from entering. Police officers were stationed at the edge of the evacuation zone to monitor who came and went.

David Baker, whose family owns the River Bank Apartments, said all but one of their tenants had heeded the evacuation order by Tuesday, and he was spending the afternoon putting boards and sealant across the doorways of ground-floor units.

Buckley Miller paddles a canoe past a flooded water treatment plant in downtown Lumberton after Hurricane Matthew caused downed trees, power outages and massive flooding along the Lumber River Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 in Lumberton, NC. (Travis Long/The News & Observer via AP)

A passerby stops to take a photo of the waters rising around Fred Moody & Sons Garage in Kinston, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2016, as the Neuse River continues to rise. (Zach Frailey/The Free Press via AP)

Vehicles at a business are surrounded by floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. People were ordered to evacuate, and officials warned that some communities could be cut off by washed out roads or bridge closures. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Vehicles are submerged in floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. People were ordered to evacuate, and officials warned that some communities could be cut off by washed out roads or bridge closures. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

An apartment complex near the Tar River in Greenville, N.C., is seen surrounded by floodwaters on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Many houses and apartments near the river were already taking on water a day before the river swollen by Hurricane Matthew was forecast to crest on Thursday. (AP Photo/Jonathan Drew)

A truck drives through floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. People were ordered to evacuate, and officials warned that some communities could be cut off by washed out roads or bridge closures. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Homes and businesses are surrounded by floodwaters from Hurricane Matthew in Lumberton, N.C., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. People were ordered to evacuate, and officials warned that some communities could be cut off by washed out roads or bridge closures. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton)

Mike Corey wears waders as he goes to check on his units as the floodwaters slowly rise at the Wyndham Circle duplex complex in Greenville, NC on Wednesday,Oct. 12, 2016. The homes were threatened as the Tar River came out of its banks from all the rains from Hurricane Matthew, which passed through the eastern part of the state a few days ago. Some North Carolina rivers, like the Tar, continue to rise from the heavy rains, threatening property and forcing evacuations. (Chris Seward/The News & Observer via AP)

A National Guard vehicle drives through as the floodwaters slowly rise at the Wyndham Circle duplex complex in Greenville, NC on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The homes were threatened as the Tar River came out of its banks from all the rains from Hurricane Matthew, which passed through the eastern part of the state a few days ago. Some North Carolina rivers, like the Tar, continue to rise from the heavy rains, threatening property and forcing evacuations. (Chris Seward/The News & Observer via AP)

Mayor Pro-Tem Kandie Smith, left, and Mayor Allen Thomas embrace as they join about 1000 people in a town prayer at the Greene St. bridge over the rising Tar River near the Town Commons in downtown Greenville, NC on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The bridge was closed Wednesday as the Tar River came out of its banks from all the rains from Hurricane Matthew, which passed through the eastern part of the state a few days ago. Several preachers and town leaders prayed for the waters to not rise any higher and for town unity in these tough times. Some North Carolina rivers, like the Tar, continue to rise from the heavy rains, threatening property and forcing evacuations. (Chris Seward/The News & Observer via AP)
German bomb plot suspect kills self in Saxony prison cell

BERLIN (AP)  A 22-year-old Syrian man arrested in Germany for a suspected Islamic extremist bomb plot killed himself Wednesday in a prison cell in Leipzig, Saxony's state Justice Ministry said late Wednesday.

Justice Ministry spokesman Joerg Herold told The Associated Press that Jaber Albakr killed himself sometime in the evening, but that the incident was still being investigated.

The development was sure to add to pressure on Saxony state authorities, who already had been criticized for allowing Albakr to slip through their fingers as they prepared to raid an apartment where he had been staying in the city of Chemnitz on Saturday.

Federal Minister of the Interior Thomas de Maiziere and head of the Federal Agency of Migration and Refugees Frank-Juergen Weise hold a press conference regarding the numbers of asylum seeker for September 2016 as well as the third quarter 2016 in the Federal press conference in Berlin, Germany, Oct. 12, 2016. (Kay Nietfeld/dpa via AP)

Albakr, who had been under surveillance by German domestic intelligence since last month, was observed exiting the apartment building and authorities fired a warning shot. He nevertheless was able to elude police on the scene and flee the city. Inside the apartment they found highly volatile explosives and a home-made bomb vest.

Albakr, who had been granted asylum after coming to Germany last year, was finally arrested Monday in the city Leipzig after three fellow Syrians tied him up and alerted police.

Earlier Wednesday, Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said that Albakr had undergone a security check last year, but it did not turn up anything suspicious.

"There was a check against security authorities' data in 2015, but without any hits," he said. "It's not clear when he was radicalized."

German authorities have said they believe he had links to the Islamic State group and was thought to be planning to attack a Berlin airport, possibly as soon as this week.

German media have reported that after his initial arrival, Albakr later returned to Syria through Turkey and then came back to Germany. De Maiziere said that was part of the investigation and would not comment.

Federal prosecutors also refused comment.

The three Syrians who captured the suspect have already been granted asylum, de Maiziere said in response to calls for their applications to be fast-tracked due to their heroism.
8 killed as bombing targets taxi in northeastern Nigeria

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AP)  An explosion targeted a passenger-filled taxi in northeastern Nigeria's largest city on Wednesday, killing eight people in the deadliest bombing there in several months, officials said.

The National Emergency Management Agency said in a statement that 15 people had been hospitalized with injuries.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the blast.

People gather at the scene of a car bomb explosion in Maiduguri, Nigeria, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The explosion seemed to target a taxi filled with passengers in northeast Nigeria on Wednesday, in the deadliest bombing to hit the areas largest city in several months, officials and witnesses said. (AP Photo/Jossy Ola)

The blast occurred as the taxi approached a gas station in the outskirts of Maiduguri. The bodies of victims were sprawled on the ground next to the bombed-out vehicle as officials inspected the area.

It was unclear if a bomb had been planted in the taxi or if a passenger detonated explosives.

"Security has been beefed up at the scene of the explosion," the emergency agency's statement said.

Northeastern Nigeria is the epicenter of the Boko Haram extremist group's seven-year uprising that has claimed more than 20,000 lives. Maiduguri city had been spared deadly bombings in recent months as soldiers were able to shoot suicide attackers before they reached their targets.

President Muhammadu Buhari recently painted an optimistic picture of the military campaign against Boko Haram. In a speech on Oct. 1 marking the anniversary of the country's independence from Britain, he said the insurgent group "was defeated" in December and that residents of the northeast enjoyed "relative safety" as they went about their daily lives.

"Commuters can travel between cities, towns and villages without fear," the president said.

A body lays covered at the scene after a car bomb explosion in Maiduguri, Nigeria, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The explosion seemed to target a taxi filled with passengers in northeast Nigeria on Wednesday, in the deadliest bombing to hit the areas largest city in several months, officials and witnesses said. (AP Photo/Jossy Ola)

People gather at the scene of a car bomb explosion in Maiduguri, Nigeria, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The explosion seemed to target a taxi filled with passengers in northeast Nigeria on Wednesday, in the deadliest bombing to hit the areas largest city in several months, officials and witnesses said. (AP Photo/Jossy Ola)
Anti-police graffiti found in famed Parisian university

PARIS (AP)  France's interior minister says he will lodge a criminal complaint about anti-police graffiti found inside the buildings of a famed Parisian university.

Amid growing tensions among police ranks following last week's attack on officers in a tough suburb, Bernard Cazeneuve said Wednesday he wishes those responsible for the graffiti will be "severely punished."

The graffiti on the walls of Tolbiac University, which is part of the Sorbonne campus, included slogans like "a good cop is a dead cop." They were discovered days after two officers were seriously injured in a petrol bomb attack over the weekend.
Some want French royal remains repatriated from Slovenia

NOVA GORICA, Slovenia (AP)  Beneath a small monastery in Slovenia, six marble sarcophagi flank a crucifix engraved with a French royalist coat-of-arms.

The stone crypt  1,256 kilometers (780 miles)  from Paris holds the remains of the last Bourbon king of France, Charles X, and several members of his family. Their tomb has earned the Kostanjevica Franciscan monastery the nickname of "Little Saint-Denis" after the medieval church outside Paris where centuries of French monarchs were laid to rest.

The only French king buried outside France, Charles X was interred here 180 years ago, not long after he lost the throne to a revolution. But some historians and royalists in France are lobbying to have his remains reburied back home.

This photo from Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, shows sarcophagus of king Charles X and a rose, inside the crypt of the Kostanjevica monastery in Nova Gorica, Slovenia. The only French king buried outside France, Charles X was laid to rest in Nova Gorica nearly 200 years ago, after fleeing a French revolution. Recently, a group of historians and royalists in France have been campaigning to have the king's remains reburied back home. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

"It wasn't his choice," said Philippe Delorme, a historian behind the repatriation campaign. "Had he been able to choose, he would have died in France."

The Rev. Jernej Kurincic, abbot of the Kostanjevica monastery, said the request to move the remains came as a surprise.

"It has passed almost 200 year since then, and this is a bit incredible," Kurincic said.

Charles X was forced to abdicate and left France with his family in 1830, after the July Revolution. The royals sought exile in several places before settling in Gorizia, then part of the Austro-Hungarian empire.

The family enjoyed the hospitality of the area's Count Coronini, whose palace now lies across the border in Italy. The room where Charles X died of cholera in 1836 has been preserved in the Coronini palace.

Locals say it was the exiled king's dying wish to be buried at the Kostanjevica monastery, which he could see nestled among the greenery on the hill from his palace room.

Delorme, however, insists Charles X would prefer spending eternity alongside his two brothers and other family members at the Basilica of Saint-Denis.

"His aunts, his uncles, his cousins and so on, they are all there," Delorme said. "That's of course where he would want to be."

Delorme's group also is campaigning for the repatriation of the remains of the duke and duchess of Angouleme  Charles X's son, Louis XIX, and his wife Marie-Therese, who was the daughter of King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

The remaining three royals  Charles X's grandchildren, the Count of Chambord Henri V and the Duchess of Parma Louise Marie Therese, and the count's wife, Austro-Hungarian Archduchess Maria Theresa  are not on the list because they had vowed never to return to a French republic.

So far, there's been no official request from the French government to move the royal remains. Delorme said he plans to seek government support after meeting Thursday with the Slovenian ambassador in France.

In Slovenia, the Tombs of the Bourbons have helped put Nova Gorica, a small town near the border with Italy, on the European tourist map. The town's mayor opposes the idea of relocating the royals.

"I think that we need to respect the personal wish of the last (Bourbon) French king," Mayor Matej Arcon said. "King Charles X wished to be buried in the Franciscan monastery in Kostanjevica, and let it be that way."

Delorme said a compromise solution would be for the remains of the king, his son and his daughter-in-law to go to France, while their hearts  removed, embalmed and buried next to the body under 19th century burial customs  remain in Slovenia.

Delorme cited the examples of Montenegrin, Russian and Serbian royals whose remains were reburied in their home countries. He said the wishes of Charles X's descendants  some of whom have signed the petition to return the remains  should also be taken into account.

"The return of Charles X's remains could happen fairly quickly, but this is about political willingness," he said. "Legally, I think, this wouldn't be a problem."

But, he added, "This is a diplomatic problem. It's on foreign soil."

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Macpherson reported from Paris. Associated Press journalists Oleg Cetinic in Paris and Jovana Gec in Belgrade, Serbia, also contributed to this report.

In this photo taken from AP video on Oct. 7, 2016, shows the passage to the church crypt where France's Charles X and some other family members were buried in Nova Gorica, Slovenia. The only French king buried outside France, Charles X was laid to rest in Nova Gorica nearly 200 years ago, after fleeing a French revolution. Recently, a group of historians and royalists in France have been campaigning to have the king's remains reburied back home. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

In this photo taken from AP video from Oct. 7, 2016, interior is seen in the room where France's King Charles X spent his last days, in Gorizia, Italy. The only French king buried outside France, Charles X was laid to rest in Nova Gorica, Slovenia nearly 200 years ago, after fleeing a French revolution.Recently, a group of historians and royalists in France have been campaigning to have the king's remains reburied back home. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

In this photo taken from AP video on Oct. 7, 2016, Philippe Delorme, a historian behind the initiative for reburial of France's King Charles X in France, talks during an interview with the Associated Press in Paris, France. The only French king buried outside France, Charles X was laid to rest in Nova Gorica in Slovenia nearly 200 years ago, after fleeing a French revolution. Recently, a group of historians and royalists in France have been campaigning to have the king's remains reburied back home. (AP Photo/Oleg Cetinic)

This photo from Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, shows initials on the sarcophagus of France's King Charles X inside the crypt of the Kostanjevica monastery in Nova Gorica, Slovenia. The only French king buried outside France, Charles X was laid to rest in Nova Gorica nearly 200 years ago, after fleeing a French revolution. Recently, a group of historians and royalists in France have been campaigning to have the king's remains reburied back home. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

In this photo taken from AP video on Oct. 7, 2016, a view at Kostanjevica monastery in Slovenia from the room where France's King Charles X spent his last days, in Gorizia, Italy. The only French king buried outside France, Charles X was laid to rest in Nova Gorica Slovenia nearly 200 years ago, after fleeing a French revolution. Recently, a group of historians and royalists in France have been campaigning to have the king's remains reburied back home. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

This photo from Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, shows sarcophagi of France's King Charles X and other members of royal family, inside the crypt of the Kostanjevica monastery in Nova Gorica, Slovenia. The only French king buried outside France, Charles X was laid to rest in Nova Gorica nearly 200 years ago, after fleeing a French revolution. Recently, a group of historians and royalists in France have been campaigning to have the king's remains reburied back home. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

In this photo taken from AP video from Oct. 7, 2016, an envelop containing hair of King Charles X is held in the room where spent his last days, in Gorizia, Italy. The only French king buried outside France, Charles X was laid to rest in Nova Gorica in Slovenia nearly 200 years ago, after fleeing a French revolution. Recently, a group of historians and royalists in France have been campaigning to have the king's remains reburied back home. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

This photo from Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, shows the plaque next to the sarcophagus of king Charles X, inside the crypt of the Kostanjevica monastery in Nova Gorica, Slovenia. The only French king buried outside France, Charles X was laid to rest in Nova Gorica nearly 200 years ago, after fleeing a French revolution. Recently, a group of historians and royalists in France have been campaigning to have the king's remains reburied back home. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)

This photo from Friday, Oct. 7, 2016, shows the entrance to the crypt of the Kostanjevica monastery in Nova Gorica, Slovenia. The only French king buried outside France, Charles X was laid to rest in Nova Gorica nearly 200 years ago, after fleeing a French revolution. As of recently, a group of historians and royalists in France have been campaigning to have the king's remains reburied back home. (AP Photo/Darko Bandic)
Russian, Egypt troops to hold drill on Mediterranean coast

CAIRO (AP)  Egypt's military announced on Wednesday it will host Russian troops for war games along the Mediterranean coast, the latest step in the two countries' rapprochement and another sign of Moscow flexing its muscles in the Middle East.

The drill, due Oct. 15-26 in the coastal city of El-Alamein and dubbed "Guardians of Friendship," will include "elite units" from both sides. Russia's defense ministry said it would be the first ever joint paratrooper exercise for the two and would involve armor being dropped from planes.

Egypt has increased cooperation with Russia under President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, the former army chief who ousted his elected but divisive Islamist predecessor in 2013, with several projects, including a preliminary agreement to build a nuclear power plant.

Meanwhile, Russia under President Vladimir Putin has revived its military presence in the region to levels not seen since the Cold War, intervening with an air campaign to shore up Syrian President Bashar Assad against opposition forces trying to oust him, and the extremist Islamic State group.

It's unclear how the joint exercises in El-Alamein would be interpreted by some of Egypt's main backers  including the United States, which provides some $1.3 billion in annual military assistance, and Saudi Arabia, which has helped prop up el-Sissi's rule with billions in key loans and grants. Egypt still needs several billion dollars in loans as a condition to meet an IMF bailout package to get the economy back on track.

El-Sissi has splashed out on big-ticket military hardware, from naval vessels to advanced fighter jets from the French and Americans. He has largely contained violence on Egypt's mainland, although an insurgency in a far corner of the Sinai Peninsula flared after he led the overthrow of the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi, with an IS affiliate forming in Sinai.

Soldiers and police officers in Sinai are frequently killed by roadside bombs and snipers in the area, while the army says it kills dozens of militants every month.
Jury acquits man in 1994 rape, murder of 12-year-old girl

CARMEL, N.Y. (AP)  A jury has acquitted a man in his third trial in the rape and murder of a 12-year-old New York girl more than two decades ago.

The Journal News reports (http://lohud.us/2e58DtO ) 40-year-old Anthony DiPippo walked out of Putnam County Court a free man Tuesday after the not guilty verdict was delivered.

Prosecutors say they're disappointed in the jury's decision but they respect the verdict.

Josette Wright vanished in 1994. Her remains were found more than a year later in a wooded area in Patterson, 60 miles north of New York City.

DiPippo was convicted of murdering and raping the girl in two separate trials. Both convictions were overturned. DiPippo has spent almost all of his adult life in custody since his arrest in 1996.

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Erdogan calls Clinton 'novice,' hints at extradition delays

ANKARA, Turkey (AP)  Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has hinted that Turkey would delay extraditing criminals back to the United States as long as U.S.-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, blamed for Turkey's failed coup in July, is not returned to Turkey.

Erdogan on Wednesday also took aim at U.S. presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, calling her a "political novice" for suggesting that she would consider providing arms to support to Syrian Kurdish militia, which Turkey considers to be a terror group.
UK lawmakers press government for vote on Brexit talks

LONDON (AP)  British lawmakers pressured the Conservative government Wednesday to give Parliament a vote on the negotiating terms for the U.K.'s exit from the European Union, as uncertainty about what kind of deal the U.K. is seeking with the EU rattles business leaders and currency markets.

Government ministers, however, insisted it would not be wise to give too much away while Britain's stance is still being worked out.

The opposition Labour Party forced a parliamentary debate and vote on a motion calling for lawmakers "properly to scrutinize" Britain's position. Labour Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer agreed that Britons had voted June 23 to quit the 28-nation bloc, but said there was no consensus on the terms.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the House of Commons for her weekly Prime Minister's Questions, in London, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

"That question was not on the ballot paper," Starmer said.

"It's frankly astonishing that the government proposes to devise the negotiating terms of our exit from the EU, then to negotiate and then to reach a deal without a vote in this House," he added.

Prime Minister Theresa May has said she will invoke Article 50 of the EU treaty  triggering two years of official exit talks  by March 31, but has declined to reveal details of Britain's negotiating hand.

Opposition lawmakers  and some from May's own Conservative Party  say Parliament should be given a role in approving Britain's terms. They worry the government has decided to seek a "hard Brexit," which means leaving the bloc's single market of 500 million consumers in order to exercise more control over immigration.

Signs that Britain may be headed for a "hard Brexit" have alarmed some business leaders and contributed to a slide in the pound, which has lost almost a fifth of its value against the dollar since June 23.

The pound sank even further Wednesday, losing another 0.8 percent to reach 1.217 to the dollar before recovering some of the lost ground.

The government insists a vote in Parliament is not required before Article 50 is triggered.

But the issue has split the Conservatives, and Tory lawmakers loudly heckled one another during the six-hour debate.

In a bid to head off a Conservative revolt, May promised that lawmakers would get a say, as long as it "does not undermine the negotiating position of the government."

Starmer welcomed May's change of position, but said it was not enough.

He said ministers had to "show that they actually have a coherent plan, agreed across the government, before they embark on the Article 50 process."

Brexit Secretary David Davis told lawmakers the government was still "putting together our negotiating strategy" and could not reveal too much.

"We've had people talking about 'hard' Brexit and 'soft' Brexit, which means very little," he said. "We have not started the negotiation with the European Union yet and there is a whole spectrum (of outcomes) from a free trade area to a customs union to the single-market arrangement."

The government's amendment promising lawmakers a voice, if not a vote, on Brexit terms helped secure support for Labour's motion, which passed unopposed. It is not binding on the government.

Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for the House of Commons for her weekly Prime Minister's Questions, in London, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)
The Latest: Population at French migrant camp dropping

BERLIN (AP)  The Latest on the flow of migrants into Europe (all times local):

6:50 p.m.

Local authorities in northern France have lowered the number of migrants estimated to be living in a border refugee camp on the French side of the English Channel following a recount.

Migrants play soccer in a makeshift migrants camp near Calais, France, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Charities working with refugees and migrants living in a slum-like camp in northern France objected Tuesday to the government's plan to dismantle the site and disperse the occupants, saying French authorities should not act in haste. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)

The Pas-de-Calais Prefecture said Wednesday that police officers counted 5,684 people at the camp earlier this week. They put the camp's overall population at 6,486 to factor for those who were absent during the count.

The French government has been gradually deporting and relocating many of the people in the camp, nicknamed "The Jungle" for its overcrowded and bleak conditions.

Two charities, l'Auberge des Migrants and Help Refugees, estimated last month that there were 10,088 migrants living there.

France has announced plans to close the camp, which has become a flashpoint in Europe's migrant crisis.

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3:00 p.m.

Serbia's customs authorities say they have discovered 14 migrants from Afghanistan and Pakistan hiding in five trucks headed toward the European Union.

The migrants were discovered Wednesday at the Sid border crossing with Croatia. Customs authorities say the men tried to hide among the cargo that the trucks were carrying to various destinations in the EU.

Police usually hand over such cases to refugee authorities.

Migrants seeking to reach the wealthy EU nations have been trying to cross illegally after countries closed their borders in March. Many have sought help from people smugglers.

More than 6,000 migrants have been stranded in Serbia, which has also stepped up border controls in a bid to manage the influx.

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1:30 p.m.

The head of the European Union's new border agency is calling for member countries to send home more migrants who do not qualify for asylum.

Fabrice Leggeri said Wednesday that only around 40 percent of people deemed ineligible are actually sent back, notably from Italy where most people seeking work arrive.

Leggeri said most entering Italy, often from Libya and Egypt, "can be returned and should be returned."

He said Rome wants return procedures accelerated and that "we are now beefing up the returns from Italy to third countries" outside Europe.

Leggeri says the agency has enough funds to send people back, noting that "I have the budget. I'm waiting for national decisions to return migrants."

He said the problem "is everywhere, in all member states."

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1:20 p.m.

Hungarian police have recommended murder and smuggling charges against one Afghan and seven Bulgarian suspects for the August 2015 deaths of 71 migrants who suffocated in the back of a refrigerated truck in Austria.

Zoltan Boross, head of the National Investigation Bureau's anti-illegal migration department, said Wednesday that international arrest warrants had been issued for three other Bulgarians suspected of being drivers in the Hungary-based smuggling group.

Boross said the Afghan man considered to be the local boss had been living in Hungary since March 2013 as a recognized refugee.

Boross blamed the suspected ringleader's "unscrupulousness and greed" for the tragedy, evidenced by the fact that a day after the deaths of the 71 migrants, Austrian police found 67 migrants in a similar truck being smuggled by the same group.

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1 p.m.

Germany's interior minister says some 213,000 asylum-seekers have arrived in the country this year, keeping it on course for a far lower total in 2016 than last year's 890,000.

Minister Thomas de Maiziere said Wednesday the number of newcomers "is still declining but remains significant." He said the figure he gave for the year's first nine months reflects the number who "actually registered and entered."

De Maiziere's ministry said 272,185 people were registered in a computer system between January and September as incoming asylum-seekers  15,618 in September, in line with the previous five months' figures.

However, that system doesn't register people by name and the figures have been inflated in the past by people registering multiple times. The number registered last year was initially given as nearly 1.1 million.

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The item timed at 1:25 p.m. has been corrected to give the name as Zoltan instead of Zotan.

Migrant children make a puzzle, depicting the map of Europe, at a new reception center for unaccompanied minors in Athens, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. The Balkan route, used by nearly 1 million refugees and migrants last year to cross to mainland Europe, was closed last March and over 60,000 people are stranded in Greece. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

Afghan migrants talk, inside a makeshift migrants camp near Calais, France, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Charities working with refugees and migrants living in a slum-like camp in northern France objected Tuesday to the government's plan to dismantle the site and disperse the occupants, saying French authorities should not act in haste. (AP Photo/Thibault Camus)
South Sudan's rebel leader heads to South Africa: Spokesman

JUBA, South Sudan (AP)  A spokesman says South Sudan's exiled rebel leader Riek Machar is traveling to South Africa but will not seek political asylum there.

The move announced Wednesday by spokesman Mabior Garang deepens South Sudan's political limbo as fighting continues in many parts of the world's youngest nation.

Machar, then the country's first vice president, fled South Sudan after fighting erupted in July between troops loyal to him and others supporting President Salva Kiir. Machar ended up in neighboring Sudan, where he recently issued a call to arms against the government.

On Monday, a government spokesman called Machar and his forces "terrorists" and accused them of "targeted killing" based on ethnicity.
China protests UN official's attending ceremony for scholar

BEIJING (AP)  China on Wednesday protested the attendance of the U.N. human rights chief at a ceremony honoring an imprisoned Chinese scholar and rights activist, saying the official had ignored Beijing's contention the man was a "violent terrorist."

U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein had "confused right and wrong" and "blatantly supported terrorists," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters at a daily briefing.

The statement reflected China's contention that Ilham Tohti had been part of a criminal gang that sought to split the western region of Xinjiang from China.

FILE - In this Feb. 4, 2013 file photo, Ilham Tohti, an outspoken scholar of China's Uighur minority, gestures as he speaks during an interview at his home in Beijing, China. A group of leading rights organizations has awarded its annual prize for human rights defenders to imprisoned Chinese Muslim minority economics professor Tohti, shining new attention on a case that has brought strong international condemnation. The award ceremony will take place in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday evening, Oct. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Andy Wong, File)

On Tuesday, he was given the Martin Ennals Award bestowed by 10 rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch at a ceremony in Geneva.

Referring to the rights groups, Geng said they had "turned a blind eye on crimes committed by separatists and violent terrorists against Chinese people and taken every means to cover their behavior."

Tohti was sentenced in 2014 to life in prison on separatism charges.

A member of the Turkic Muslim Uighur ethnic group, he was an outspoken economics professor in Beijing and a critic of the Communist Party's ethnic policies in the far western region of Xinjiang.

Zeid made no direct mention of Tohti in his address at the ceremony, but praised the Martin Ennals Award as a "powerful example of that advocacy for human rights defenders and civil society actors around the world."

"It takes moral courage, but like the human rights defenders we are here to support and honor, we can stand up for others, voice the common good, act to support inclusion, equality, and human dignity," he said.

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Indian army kills 2 militants in 3-day standoff in Kashmir

SRINAGAR, India (AP)  The Indian army said a three-day standoff with suspected rebels ended Wednesday after government forces killed two militants inside a building in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir. The building was extensively damaged in the fighting.

Maj. Gen. Ashok Narula called the operation "tricky" and said the fighting was protracted because "the building was huge and we didn't want collateral damage."

A soldier and a police official were injured in the initial fighting.

Indian policemen watch from distance at the government building where suspected militants have taken refuge during a gun battle in Pampore, on the outskirts of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Handful of rebels holed up in a building in the Indian portion of Kashmir exchanged fire with government forces for the third straight day on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

On Monday, militants positioned themselves inside the building in a sprawling government compound near saffron-rich Pampore town on the outskirts of the disputed Himalayan region's main city of Srinagar.

Army special forces, paramilitary soldiers and counterinsurgency police surrounded the building while firing rockets, flame throwers and grenades. The militants fired automatic weapons and grenades.

During the standoff, scores of nearby residents gathered in the streets and chanted slogans against Indian rule in a show of solidarity with the militants. They ignored government orders to stay away from the area.

In February, five soldiers, three militants and a civilian were killed during a three-day standoff in the same compound.

Kashmir is experiencing its largest protests against Indian rule in recent years, sparked by the killing in July of a popular rebel commander by Indian soldiers.

The protests, and a sweeping military crackdown, have nearly paralyzed daily life.

More than 80 civilians have been killed and thousands injured, with hundreds among them blinded and maimed, mostly by government forces firing bullets and shotgun pellets at rock-throwing protesters. Two policemen have also been killed and hundreds of government forces have been injured.

India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the Himalayan territory in its entirety. Most people in the Indian-controlled portion favor independence or a merger with Pakistan.

Rebel groups have been fighting against Indian rule since 1989. More than 68,000 people have been killed in the armed uprising and ensuing Indian military crackdown.

Indian Army soldiers take position outside the government building where suspected militants had taken refuge during a gun battle in Pampore, on the outskirts of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The Indian army says a three-day standoff between its soldiers and suspected rebels in Indian-controlled Kashmir has ended with the killing of two militants. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)

Indian army soldiers use ladder to enter the government building where suspected militants have taken refuge during a gun battle in Pampore, on the outskirts of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir,Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. A handful of rebels holed up in a building in the Indian portion of Kashmir exchanged fire with government forces for the third straight day on Wednesday. (AP Photo/Dar Yasin)

An Indian Army soldier carries used ammunition boxes outside the government building where suspected militants had taken refuge during a gun battle in Pampore, on the outskirts of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The Indian army says a three-day standoff between its soldiers and suspected rebels in Indian-controlled Kashmir has ended with the killing of two militants. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)

An Indian soldier looks through a binocular as he stands vigil near a building where suspected militants have taken refuge during a gun battle in Pampore, on the outskirts of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. A handful of rebels holed up in a building in the Indian portion of Kashmir exchanged fire with government forces for the second straight day on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)

Indian Army soldiers leave the site of a gun battle in Pampore, on the outskirts of Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir,Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The Indian army says a three-day standoff between its soldiers and suspected rebels in Indian-controlled Kashmir has ended with the killing of two militants. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)
Duterte says he ordered preparations for US drills scrapped

MANILA, Philippines (AP)  Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Wednesday he has ordered his defense chief not to prepare for joint exercises with the U.S. military next year as he moved to realize his threat to scrap a high-profile symbol of his country's treaty alliance with Washington.

Duterte, however, reiterated he would not abrogate a 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with the U.S. that provides a security umbrella for the Philippines. He has said, however, that he'll chart a foreign policy not dependent on Washington.

"I insist that we realign, that there will be no more exercises next year, 'Do not prepare,' I told Defense Secretary Lorenzana," he said in a speech at the anniversary of the country's coast guard, referring to his defense chief.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures while addressing the Philippine Coast Guard's 115th anniversary celebration which was highlighted by the commissioning of its vessel from Japan the BRP Tubbataha, Wednesday Oct. 12, 2016 in Manila, Philippines. Duterte said he has instructed his defense chief not to prepare for joint exercises with the U.S. military next year as he moved to realize his threat to scrap the high-profile symbol of his country's treaty alliance. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Delfin Lorenzana said in a news conference last week that he has explained to the president the value of the annual military maneuvers with the Americans in responding to natural disasters and in potential security crises. The defense chief said he expected a final decision on the Philippines's participation before the two sides started planning the drills.

Top officials of the U.S. Pacific Command in Hawaii are scheduled to fly to the Philippines later this month to discuss a range of defense issues, including plans for future joint exercises, said a Philippine defense official.

Manila's defense department, however, has asked them to postpone their trip until after the U.S. presidential elections next month and after Duterte has finalized his decision to change the Philippine military's engagements with U.S. forces, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the delicate nature of the issue.

An eight-day combat exercise between U.S. and Philippine forces ended a day early Tuesday in an air of uncertainty because Duterte wanted to end such drills, saying the maneuvers only benefit the U.S. military.

Outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Manila Philip Goldberg said Washington wants to continue its robust alliance with the Philippines, saying both countries benefit mutually from the partnership.

"We have the desire to continue our alliance," Goldberg told reporters. "Some of the things are beyond my control, beyond the U.S. control, but what I can tell you is the U.S. has a string of commitment to the Philippines, to the people of the Philippines, to the economic well-being of the Philippines."

Aside from halting at least 28 joint combat exercises with U.S. forces each year, including the Balikatan or shoulder-to-shoulder drills that involve thousands of American and Filipino troops each year, Duterte has opposed joint patrols with the U.S. Navy in the disputed South China Sea. He also wants U.S. counterterrorism troops out of his country's south, saying they inflame restiveness among minority Muslims, who resent atrocities committed by American colonial forces in the early 1900s.

Under Duterte's predecessor, Benigno Aquino III, relations with the U.S. blossomed as the Philippines sought help in confronting Beijing over escalating territorial conflicts in the South China Sea and the U.S. reasserted its influence in Asia as a counterweight to China.

Duterte, who took office in June and labels himself as a left-wing politician, however, has taken steps to scale back his country's military engagements with the U.S., which has criticized his bloody fight against illegal drugs, earning his ire. Contrastingly, Duterte has reached out to China and Russia.

Last week, the foul-mouthed Duterte told Barack Obama to "go to hell." He issued a new warning to his detractors Wednesday.

"If I don't respect you anymore, be prepared for the worst because I can give you gallons of gallons of epithets, curses," Duterte said.

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte prepares to tour the newly-commissioned Philippine Coast Guard vessel the BRP Tubbataha during its 115th anniversary celebration, Wednesday Oct.12, 2016 in Manila, Philippines. Duterte said he has instructed his defense chief not to prepare for joint exercises with the U.S. military next year as he moved to realize his threat to scrap the high-profile symbol of his country's treaty alliance. Duterte, however, reiterated that he will not abrogate a 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with Washington. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, center, gestures as he poses with Philippine Coast Guard officers during its 115th anniversary celebration which was highlighted by the commissioning of its vessel from Japan the BRP Tubbataha, Wednesday Oct.12, 2016 in Manila, Philippines. Duterte said he has instructed his defense chief not to prepare for joint exercises with the U.S. military next year as he moved to realize his threat to scrap the high-profile symbol of his country's treaty alliance. Duterte, however, reiterated that he will not abrogate a 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty with Washington. Second from left front row is Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte gestures while addressing the Philippine Coast Guard's 115th anniversary celebration which was highlighted by the commissioning of its vessel from Japan the BRP Tubbataha, Wednesday Oct. 12, 2016 in Manila, Philippines. Duterte said he has instructed his defense chief not to prepare for joint exercises with the U.S. military next year as he moved to realize his threat to scrap the high-profile symbol of his country's treaty alliance. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte holds a copy of Ioan Grillo's book on Pablo Escobar while addressing the Philippine Coast Guard's 115th anniversary celebration which was highlighted by the commissioning of its vessel from Japan the BRP Tubbataha, Wednesday Oct. 12, 2016 in Manila, Philippines. Duterte said he has instructed his defense chief not to prepare for joint exercises with the U.S. military next year as he moved to realize his threat to scrap the high-profile symbol of his country's treaty alliance. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
The Latest: Trump lawyers demand Times retract story

WASHINGTON (AP)  The Latest on the 2016 presidential race (all times EDT):

12:40 a.m.

Lawyers representing Donald Trump are demanding The New York Times retract a story published Wednesday in which two women claim Trump touched them inappropriately and against their will.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump speaks during a campaign rally, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in Lakeland, Fla. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

Lawyer Marc E. Kasowitz has sent a letter to the Times saying the article is "reckless, defamatory and constitutes libel."

Trump's lawyer says the Times article is "nothing more than a politically motivated effort to defeat Mr. Trump's candidacy."

The Times said Jessica Leeds, of New York, told the newspaper she encountered Trump on an airline flight three decades ago. Leeds said Trump grabbed her breasts and tried to put his hand up her skirt.

Rachel Crooks, of Ohio, told the Times she met Trump at Trump Tower in 2005. Crooks said Trump kissed her "directly on the mouth" against her will.

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9:15 p.m.

A Clinton adviser is accusing Donald Trump of lying on the debate stage about having not groped or kissed women without consent.

Communications director Jennifer Palmieri is responding to a New York Times story in which two women describe being touched inappropriately by Trump.

Palmieri says the story "sadly fits everything we know about the way Donald Trump has treated women." She also says the story shows that the "disgusting behavior" Trump brags about in a video released last Friday "is more than just words."

Trump is heard on the 2005 tape saying his fame allows him to kiss and grab women. He denied during Sunday's debate that he'd ever done that without a woman's consent.

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9:05 p.m.

A Florida newspaper is reporting that a woman says Donald Trump groped her at his Mar-a-Lago estate 13 years ago, an allegation Trump's campaign says "lacks any merit or veracity."

The Palm Beach Post reports that 36-year-old Mindy McGillivray of Palm Springs, Florida, didn't report to authorities her 2003 encounter with Trump at the time but had shared the story with close friends and family. A man who had accompanied her to Mar-a-Lago that day, Ken Davidoff, tells the newspaper he vividly remembers McGillivray telling him that Trump had groped her.

McGillivray says she considered making a scene at the time but decided "to stay quiet." She says Trump's remarks at the second presidential debate, in which he denied groping women, changed her mind.

The New York Times has published interviews with two other women who say they were touched inappropriately by Trump without their permission.

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8:52 p.m.

An aide to Hillary Clinton aide says Donald Trump's campaign needs to explain its "possible ties to foreign espionage."

Spokesman Glen Caplin says it's "clear" that the hacking of top Clinton adviser John Podesta's email "is the work of the Russian government." Caplin attributes that to the FBI, though the bureau has not said so publicly. Russia's ambassador to the United States has denied that his country is interfering in the American presidential election.

Caplin also says it's "disturbing" that longtime Trump associate Roger Stone has confirmed he had communications with Wikileaks, the organization that released Podesta's emails. Stone told the AP that he has had "back-channel communications" with Wikileaks founder Julian Assange.

Stone separately told the AP that it was "categorically false" that he had advance warning about Podesta's hacked emails, as the Clinton adviser has suggested.

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7:10 p.m.

The New York Times has published interviews with two women who say they were touched inappropriately by Donald Trump without their permission.

The Times says Jessica Leeds of New York told the newspaper she encountered Trump on an airline flight three decades ago. Leeds says Trump grabbed her breasts and tried to put his hand up her skirt.

Rachel Crooks of Ohio told the newspaper she met Trump at Trump Tower in 2005. Crooks says Trump kissed her "directly on the mouth" against her will.

The Times reports both women told others about what happened with Trump.

Trump denies the accusations. He tells the Times, "None of this ever took place."

Trump's presidential campaign has been reeling since the release Friday of a 2005 videotape in which he is heard talking about grabbing women's genitals.

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6:01 p.m.

House Speaker Paul Ryan is joining the Trump campaign in criticizing Hillary Clinton aides for comments about Catholics.

In a statement Wednesday, Ryan said the April 2011 email exchange between current Clinton Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri and John Halpin, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, showed a disdain for the Catholic faith that was "staggering."

Halpin wrote that "the most powerful elements of the conservative movement are all Catholic" and described their positions as "an amazing bastardization of the faith."

Ryan earlier this week said he wouldn't campaign for Trump although he still supports the GOP presidential nominee. He says the email reflected the Clinton campaign's "hostile attitude toward people of faith in general."

Palmieri told reporters traveling with Clinton on Wednesday that she doesn't recognize the hacked email, although she wouldn't say explicitly whether she believes it had been forged.

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4:33 p.m.

Hillary Clinton is showing a little sympathy for Donald Trump supporters who keep disrupting her event.

As security escorted one man out of a rally in Pueblo, Colorado, Wednesday, Clinton said: "You have to feel a little sorry for them, they've had a really bad couple of weeks."

Multiple Clinton events have been interrupted this week by hecklers, including some targeting her husband, former President Bill Clinton.

Clinton said Trump is running a "scorched earth strategy" shows how desperate his campaign is. He says all Trump has left is "pure negativity, pessimism."

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4:18 p.m.

Donald Trump is ramping up his calls for an investigation into Hillary Clinton and insisting that she "has to go to jail."

Trump has in recent weeks dramatically escalated his rhetoric into the FBI investigation into Clinton over the use of her private email server. The FBI director criticized Clinton but did not recommend criminal charges.

Last summer when Republicans chanted "Lock her up!" at his rallies, Trump would respond: "Let's just win in November."

But that changed Sunday when Trump said to Clinton across the debate stage that she'd be 'in jail' if he's ever president. On Wednesday he amped it up further by suggesting Clinton "has to go to jail."

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3:52 p.m.

The House Republican campaign organization is airing an ad for a House candidate that is premised on the party's presidential nominee losing to Democrat Hillary Clinton.

The spot says that House Republican candidate Claudia Tenney will "stand up to Hillary Clinton." The Republican presidential nominee is Donald Trump, whose campaign is staggering after the revelation of a recording in which he brags about groping women. House Speaker Paul Ryan on Monday told Republicans that he would no longer campaign for Trump, a move that suggests he fears Trump is headed for defeat and will drag down Republican House candidates.

The National Republican Congressional Committee is following that strategy with the 30-second TV ad for Tenney.

Tenney is running against Democrat Kim Myers and independent Martin Babinec in a tight race for the central New York seat held by retiring GOP Rep. Richard Hanna.

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3:12 p.m.

President Barack Obama says Florida voters have "no excuse" for failing to register to vote after a federal judge extended the deadline by six days, to next Tuesday.

Obama told Miami radio station WHQT on Wednesday that the stakes on Nov. 8 are "just too high" to "sit this one out."

He says Florida can determine the election outcome.

Obama also urged Ohio voters to take advantage of the opportunity they have to cast ballots before Nov. 8. Early voting in Ohio opened Tuesday.

The president joked during an interview with Cleveland radio station WZAK that the city is like Chicago in that it can start snowing anytime.

He says Ohio's weather is still nice, so people shouldn't wait any longer to vote.

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2:45 p.m.

Donald Trump is claiming without evidence that the Islamic State group will "take over this country" if Hillary Clinton is elected president.

Trump asserted that Islamic State fighters are "hoping and praying" that his Democratic nominee wins the White House.

He then warned that the terror group, which he said controls a portion of the Middle East, would then "take over this country, they'll take over this part of the world."

Trump made the incendiary claim at a rally Wednesday in Ocala, Florida. Both Trump and Clinton have claimed that IS uses the other's rhetoric as a recruiting tool.

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2:30 p.m.

Bill Clinton is taking a shot at Donald Trump's slogan.

The former president spoke at a college in Indianola, Iowa, Wednesday on behalf of wife Hillary Clinton. He noted that that he was a "white Southerner," and said that his memory is that the phrase "Make America Great Again" means: "Here's your tobacco, here's your shotgun, you're in charge."

Clinton avoided mentioning Trump as he addressed students and supporters at Simpson College. He stressed Hillary Clinton's qualifications and asked voters to stay away from the "venom" of the race.

He concluded with advice he said he borrowed from a friend: "If you don't want somebody to drive a truck off the cliff, don't give them the keys."

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2:07 p.m.

Donald Trump says if he loses the presidential election, it will have been the biggest waste of time and money in his life. Also, he doesn't know what comes next for him.

The Republican presidential candidate told supporters in Ocala, Florida Wednesday: "If we don't win this election, I don't know what I'm going to do."

Trump is struggling to steady his flagging campaign after a recording of him degrading women sent it reeling.

He's seeking to reframe the competition as a referendum on Democrat Hillary Clinton's fitness for office in light of revelations included in documents released by Wikileaks.

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2:05 p.m.

At least four Republican lawmakers who just days ago said that Trump should step aside as their party's presidential nominee now say they'll support him after all.

Three of the four are running for reelection: Sen. John Thune of South Dakota and Reps. Scott Garrett of New Jersey and Bradley Byrne of Alabama. The fourth, Sen. Deb Fischer Nebraska, isn't on the ballot until 2018.

They were among the lawmakers who had said Trump should withdraw because of his inflammatory comments about women. They've been taking heat from party loyalists.

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1:50 p.m.

Hillary Clinton's campaign is keeping an eye on a trio of traditionally Republican states that could be up for grabs in November: Arizona, Georgia and Utah.

Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri says running mate Tim Kaine will soon be doing interviews in Utah and Arizona. While neither Clinton nor Kaine has plans to travel to those states, Palmieri said the campaign is looking "to see if that makes sense."

Democrats have been particularly intrigued by polling suggesting a close race in Utah, one of the most conservative states in the country. Several political leaders there have pulled their endorsements from Trump in recent days.

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1:45 p.m.

Oops. Maine Gov. Paul LePage says he didn't mean to call Donald Trump an "authoritarian" figure. He says he meant to call him "authoritative."

The Republican governor on Wednesday clarified comments he made a day earlier on a radio show.

He says Trump's "powerful personality" and "authoritative persona" mean he wouldn't have to "go behind closed doors" to get things done.

LePage also called President Barack Obama a "dictator" for his use of executive orders  and he meant to say that.

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FILE - In this May 12, 2016, file photo, House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wis. speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill in Washington, following his meeting with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump. The escalating clash between Ryan and Trump is prompting warnings of retaliation against the speaker from rank-and-file House Republicans. That means Ryan could face a rebellion like the one that drove former Speaker John Boehner into retirement and that may test Ryans hold on his own job. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File)

A protester disrupts Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton as she speaks at a rally at Miami Dade College in Miami, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pumps his fist during a campaign rally, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, in Panama City, Fla. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

President Barack Obama waves as he walks from Marine One helicopter on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. Obama is returning from a day trip to North Carolina (Photo/Jon Elswick)

Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. watches at left as Republican Vice Presidential candidate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence speaks at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)

FILE - In this July 25, 2016, file photo, John Podesta, Clinton Campaign Chairman, speaks during the first day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. Podesta, a top adviser to Hillary Clinton, on Tuesday, Oct. 11, accused Roger Stone, a longtime Donald Trump aide, of receiving "advance warning" about WikiLeaks' plans to publish thousands of hacked emails and suggested the Republican candidate is aiding the unprecedented Russian interference in American politics. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump pumps his fist during a campaign rally, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, in Panama City, Fla. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)

FILE - In this Sept. 13, 2016, file photo, former President Bill Clinton pauses for a selfie with a supporter at a coffee shop while campaigning for his wife, Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in Los Angeles. Ignoring his own sexually aggressive predilections, Donald Trump wants voters to see Bill Clinton as a scandal-plagued cad whose history with women should disqualify Hillary Clinton from the presidency. The argument doesnt seem to resonate with Americas youngest voters, who know the 70-year-old former president as a figure out of history books and dont seem to care about his Oval Office affair with Monica Lewinsky or other marital infidelities. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)

Republican Vice Presidential candidate, Indiana Gov. Mike Pence gestures as he speaks at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Steve Helber)
Swiss open criminal probe over bank's links to Malaysia fund

GENEVA (AP)  Swiss federal prosecutors have opened criminal proceedings against Falcon Private Bank Ltd. on suspicion it failed to prevent alleged money laundering linked to the Malaysian state fund 1MDB.

The move follows the arrest of the bank's branch manager in Singapore last week, and fines and other penalties imposed on the bank by Swiss and Singaporean financial market regulators that were announced Tuesday.

Switzerland's attorney general said in a statement Wednesday that his office suspects "deficiencies in the internal organization" at Falcon.

FILE - In this May 14, 2015 file photo, construction workers chat in front of a billboard for state investment fund 1 Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) at the fund's flagship Tun Razak Exchange development in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Singapore regulators ordered the closure Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 of Falcon Private Bank, citing alleged slack controls for transfers and improper conduct related to 1MDB, an indebted Malaysian state fund. (AP Photo/Joshua Paul, File)

Investigators in Singapore, Switzerland, Hong Kong and the U.S. have been probing allegations that people close to Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak stole more than $1 billion from 1MDB.
Burundi lawmakers vote to withdraw from ICC; would be 1st

KIGALI, Rwanda (AP)  Lawmakers in Burundi overwhelmingly voted Wednesday in support of a plan to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, something no country has ever done.

The decision escalates a bitter dispute with the international community over the human rights situation in the East African country, which has seen more than a year of deadly violence after President Pierre Nkurunziza made a controversial decision to pursue a third term.

No state has withdrawn from the ICC, according to the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, a nonprofit that supports the court's work. The court prosecutes cases of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

FILE - In this Thursday, Aug. 20, 2015 file photo, members of Burundi's Parliament prepare for the swearing-in ceremony of President Pierre Nkurunziza, in the parliament building in Bujumbura, Burundi. Lawmakers in Burundi overwhelmingly voted Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016 in support of a plan to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), escalating a bitter dispute with the international community over the human rights situation in the East African country, although the decision is not immediate. (AP Photo/Gildas Ngingo, File)

"We are very alarmed about the trajectory the country is taking," the U.N. human rights chief, Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, said.

Ninety-four out of 110 Burundi lawmakers voted in favor of the withdrawal plan, months after the ICC announced it would investigate the country's ongoing violence.

The decision, which also was unanimously adopted by the Senate, now needs the president's approval.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby, speaking to reporters on Wednesday, said withdrawing from the ICC would "isolate Burundi from its neighbors and the international community at a time when accountability, transparency and engaged dialogue are most needed."

Some African countries have threatened a withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the ICC, accusing the court of disproportionately targeting the continent.

Only Africans have been charged in the six cases that are ongoing or about to begin, though preliminary ICC investigations have been opened elsewhere in the world.

"Burundi civil society is clear that their government is withdrawing from democracy, human rights and the rule of law, not the ICC," said William R. Pace, convenor of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court. He added that "African governments overwhelmingly voted for and ratified the ICC treaty, stating that they did not want a repeat of the Rwandan genocide, where there was a breakdown in the rule of law and justice."

Of the 124 countries that are parties to the Rome Statute, 34 are African, the largest continental bloc. The United States is not a party to the treaty.

Burundi's decision is not immediate. Observers say a county wishing to withdraw from the ICC must write to the U.N. secretary-general stating its intention, and the withdrawal takes effect a year after the day the secretary-general receives the letter.

No such letter had yet been received, said the spokesman for the U.N. secretary-general, Stephane Dujarric. He pointed out that Burundi still would have to cooperate with any ICC proceedings that begin before the withdrawal takes effect.

Vital Nshimirimana, a Burundian rights activist, urged the U.N. to challenge the government's decision.

"Already, we have information that intelligence agents are torturing, killing Burundians behind closed doors," he said. "The world ought to rescue the people of Burundi."

Burundi's government has repeatedly said it is the victim of propaganda by exiles and opponents who want to diminish its credibility.

Hundreds have died in Burundi since Nkurunziza last year pursued and won a third term that many call unconstitutional. Since the ruling party announced his candidacy in April 2015, Burundi has seen violent street protests, forced disappearances and assassinations. More than 260,000 have fled.

On Monday, Burundi's government banned three U.N. human rights investigators from entering the country following the release of a report that cited massive rights violations allegedly perpetrated by security agencies.

The push among some African countries to withdraw from ICC began after the court indicted Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on charges of crimes against humanity for 2007 post-election violence in which more than 1,000 died. The ICC prosecutor said threats to witnesses, bribery and lack of cooperation by Kenya's government led to the case's collapse.

Some countries want a separate African court with jurisdiction over rights abuses.

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Actress faces Oct. 24 court date in Dakota Access protest

MANDAN, N.D. (AP)  Actress Shailene Woodley is scheduled to appear in a North Dakota court this month on criminal trespass and riot charges after her arrest during a protest against the Dakota Access pipeline.

The "Divergent" star and 26 other activists were arrested Monday and she livestreamed her protest on Facebook.

The Standing Rock Sioux want construction of the $3.8 billion pipeline halted, saying it could taint water supply and encroach on tribal burial sites. Protests supporting the tribe have been going on for months.

This October 2016 photo provided by the Morton County Sheriffs Department in Mandan, N.D., shows actress Shailene Woodley who was arrested Monday, Oct. 10, 2016, during a protest against the Dakota Access pipeline. Woodley is scheduled to appear in a North Dakota court Oct. 24 on criminal trespass and riot charges. (Morton County Sheriffs Department via AP)

Woodley is scheduled to appear in court in Mandan on Oct. 24. She could face 60 days in jail and $3,000 in fines if she is convicted of criminal trespass and engaging in a riot.

The Associated Press left a message with Woodley's publicist Wednesday seeking comment.

A Morton County Sheriff's deputy officer arrests actress Shailene Woodley at a protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline near St. Anthony, N.D., Monday, Oct. 10, 2016. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers won't yet authorize construction of the $3.8 billion, four-state Dakota Access oil pipeline on federal land in southern North Dakota, it said Monday, along with reiterating its earlier request that the pipeline company voluntarily stop work on private land in the area. (Tom Stromme/The Bismarck Tribune via AP)
13 dead as Nigerian forces clash with Shiites, group says

YOLA, Nigeria (AP)  A newly outlawed Shiite group says 13 of its members were killed Wednesday as security forces and "paid thugs" attacked religious gatherings in multiple locations in northern Nigeria. Officials said they could not confirm any deaths.

The Iranian-inspired Islamic Movement in Nigeria said in a statement that nine people were "killed instantly" when police opened fire on a procession in Funtua, Katsina state, held for Ashoura, a holiday marking the martyrdom of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson.

Witness Mallam Hussaini told The Associated Press he counted 10 dead.

"They just opened fire on us, unprovoked, and already 10 have been killed. Their corpses are here lying on the ground," Hussaini said.

Katsina police spokesman Salisu Abubakar Agaisa said the casualty figures were unconfirmed but noted that security forces were authorized to break up Ashoura gatherings, which have been banned as well.

Nigeria is almost equally divided between Christians and Muslims, most of them Sunni. Tensions with the Shiite population are high after the army gunned down more than 300 people in an attack last December on the Islamic Movement in Nigeria's headquarters in Kaduna state.

The government has said the group provoked the attack, with the military accusing it of trying to assassinate the country's army chief  a claim that human rights groups have called unbelievable.

The group's leader, Ibraheem Zakzaky, has been in custody since December. Last week, Kaduna officials declared the group to be unlawful, and on Sunday they ordered the arrest of its spokesman.

In addition to Wednesday's clashes in Funtua, the Islamic Movement in Nigeria said three members were killed in Kaduna when "armed paid thugs" attacked them and burned down their center with the help of security forces. Soldiers also attacked an Ashoura procession in Jos, and members were arrested in Kaduna, Jos and Kano, according to the group's statement.

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Steves: Massachusetts can learn from Europe on marijuana

AMHERST, Mass. (AP)  Travel show host Rick Steves says the U.S. can learn from Europe when comes to easing restrictions on marijuana.

The host of the PBS series "Rick Steves' Europe" was in Amherst on Tuesday to open a statewide tour in support of a ballot question that would legalize recreational marijuana use in Massachusetts.

The Daily Hampshire Gazette (http://bit.ly/2dc15zx ) reports that Steves told about 175 people at the University of Massachusetts that "Europe is very into pragmatic harm reduction," and doesn't believe in moralizing or imprisonment.

FILE - In this Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2014, file photo, Rick Steves speaks during an interview in Portland, Ore. Steves said the U.S. can learn from Europe when comes to easing restrictions on marijuana. The host of the PBS series "Rick Steves' Europe" was in Amherst on Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, to open a statewide tour in support of a ballot question that would legalize recreational marijuana use in Massachusetts. (AP Photo/Don Ryan, File)

He cited several examples, including Spain, where marijuana is legal to grow but not sell, and clubs allow for the cooperative growth and use of pot.

Steves' was scheduled to be in Boston on Wednesday and Thursday.

Many Massachusetts leaders oppose Question 4, saying it could lead to harder drug use.

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Priest is among casualties in South African student protests

JOHANNESBURG (AP)  Dramatic images show a Catholic priest, his white robe streaked with blood, after he was hit in the face by a rubber bullet at the gates of a church during fighting between South African police and student protesters.

Father Graham Pugin, pastor of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Johannesburg, was injured Monday during upheaval at universities where students are demonstrating for free education. The church is next to the University of the Witwatersrand, where stone-throwing protesters have confronted police firing rubber bullets in chaotic scenes that tested the church's vow to be a sanctuary.

"We've insisted all the way through that everybody is welcome on the clear understanding that we wouldn't allow any weapons," Pugin said Wednesday in an interview with The Associated Press.

Father Graham Pugin poses for a photograph as he recovers at a residence in Johannesburg, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Pugin was hit in the face on Monday by a police rubber bullet at the gates of the Holy Trinity Catholic Church during fighting between South African police and protesting university students this week. (AP Photo/Denis Farrell)

The 58-year-old priest reacted to his shooting with dry humor  "I don't recommend it"  and with some modesty to expressions of support as the images of him spread on social media.

"It's only too easy to make me into some kind of martyr, which would be most inappropriate," said Pugin, who was court-martialed in 1979 for his pacifist opposition to compulsory military service for whites during South Africa's era of white minority rule.

In new unrest Wednesday, police fired rubber bullets at students from Tshwane University of Technology who marched in the capital, Pretoria. The University of the Witwatersrand said classes were proceeding, though five gasoline bombs were found overnight.

"We are aware that many students and staff are being intimidated by protesting students," the university said in a statement. It said that "while protesting students have a right to demonstrate, others have a right to learn and work."

Protests at many universities that get state funding started Sept. 19, when Education Minister Blade Nzimande recommended that universities increase fees by no more than 8 percent next year. While he also said that the government would cover 2017 fee increases for poor students, protesters demanded a plan that would phase in free education to address economic inequities dating from apartheid, which ended in 1994.

Large student protests in 2015 forced the government to freeze fee increases this year. The protests are smaller this year, but violence has erupted more often.

Some South African religious leaders, including Nobel laureate and retired Anglican archbishop Desmond Tutu, had a prominent role in a non-violent campaign against white rule decades ago. Security forces sometimes targeted Regina Mundi Catholic Church in Johannesburg's Soweto area when anti-apartheid activists sought refuge there.

Pugin's church also opened its doors to protesters in the apartheid era. Today, it operates a soup kitchen and a medical clinic, and also has a lunch program for university students who are short of funds. Pugin said he sympathized with the goal of free education, but won't allow protesters to bring sticks or rocks into the church.

On the day that the priest was shot, some students entered the church grounds to escape police fire. An Associated Press journalist saw medical students there, treating injured protesters.

One photograph shows Pugin at the church gates, standing in the way of a police vehicle. The vehicle drove off, he said. A few minutes later, a police vehicle approached and rubber bullets were fired "deliberately and indiscriminately" into the church grounds, Pugin said. He was hit; those who helped him included a protest leader.

A top police official has apologized to Pugin, who expressed forgiveness. He is recovering at a Jesuit institute near the church.

"It's very volatile," he said. "I would like to get back as soon as I can without being a provocation on either side."

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Follow Christopher Torchia on Twitter at www.twitter.com/torchiachris

A young girl wearing school uniform, walks past riot police officers as they guard students from the University of the Witswatersrand outside the Hillbrow Magistrates Court in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, protesting in support of their peers who were arrested earlier this week. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe)
John Mayer withdraws from lineup for Prince tribute concert

ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP)  Pop star John Mayer won't be performing at a tribute concert honoring the late rock icon Prince on Thursday.

Concert promoter Randy Levy told the Minneapolis Star Tribune (http://strib.mn/2dk1MtK ) late Tuesday that Mayer had a "change of schedule" and had to withdraw from the concert at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota.

Performers still in the lineup include Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, Chaka Khan, Tori Kelly and Prince's ex-wife Mayte Garcia, among others.

FILE - In this June 12, 2016 file photo, John Mayer of Dead & Company performs at Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tenn. Mayer won't be performing at a tribute concert honoring the late rock icon Prince on Thursday. Concert promoter Randy Levy told the Minneapolis Star Tribune late Tuesday, Oct. 11, that Mayer had a "change of schedule" and had to withdraw from the concert at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, Minnesota. (Photo by Amy Harris/Invision/AP, File)
Hungary: 8 suspects held for deaths of 71 migrants in truck

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP)  Various murder and smuggling charges will be recommended against one Afghan and seven Bulgarian suspects for the deaths last year of 71 migrants who suffocated in the back of a refrigerated truck found in Austria, Hungarian police said Wednesday.

Zoltan Boross, head of the National Investigation Bureau's anti-illegal migration department, said that international arrest warrants had been issued for three other Bulgarians suspected of being drivers in the Hungary-based smuggling group. The other eight suspects were under preliminary arrest in Hungary.

"We are going to recommend filing murder charges against four people," Boross told reporters. "Regarding the others, we are going to recommend filing charges of human smuggling committed in a criminal organization ... We have the instigators and we have the accomplices."

FILE - In this Thursday, Aug. 27, 2015 file photo, investigators stand near an abandoned truck on the shoulder of Highway A4 near Parndorf, Austria, south of Vienna. Various murder and smuggling charges will be recommended against one Afghan and seven Bulgarian suspects for the Aug. 2015 deaths of 71 migrants who suffocated in the back of a refrigerated truck, Hungarian police said Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Ronald Zak, file)

Boross said some of the suspects had made full confessions, while other denied their involvement.

Migrants from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan were among those who died in the back of the truck with Hungarian license plates abandoned on the side of the A4 highway between Budapest and Vienna on Aug. 27, 2015.

Boross said experts had determined that the migrants suffered painful deaths by suffocation within three hours after they were locked in the back of the truck.

Boross said the Afghan man considered to be the local boss of the group had been living in Hungary since March 2013 as a recognized refugee and had been involved in smuggling migrants "nearly daily" from Serbia through Hungary to Austria and Germany since at least February 2015.

Boross blamed the suspected ringleader's "unscrupulousness and greed" for the tragedy, evidenced by the fact that a day after the deaths of the 71 migrants, Austrian police found another 67 migrants in a similar truck being smuggled by the same group.

The unidentified Afghan's group had been involved in smuggling at least 1,106 migrants, with part of its revenues forwarded through money transfers to Afghanistan, Boross said.

Robert Crepinko, director of Europol's European Migrant Smuggling Center, said police across Europe were launching 150-200 cases a month investigating human smuggling.

"We are estimating that between 5 to 6 billion euros ($5.5-$6.6 billion) were made in this criminal market in Europe only in the last year," Crepinko said.
US Marines headed to hurricane-ravaged Haiti with relief

ABOARD THE USS IWO JIMA (AP)  A U.S. Navy warship is bringing hundreds of Marines and sailors, along with power generators, water purifiers and bulldozers, to bolster relief efforts in Haiti, where Hurricane Matthew has left at least 750,000 people desperately in need of assistance.

Navy Capt. James Midkiff, commander of the USS Iwo Jima, said the eight helicopters on the ship will start ferrying food and medical supplies for aid organizations upon arrival, which is expected as early as Wednesday. The Iwo Jima can also provide medical help in Haiti, where hundreds have died, the injured languish unattended in hospitals, doctors warn of a surge in cholera and anger is rising in remote communities still awaiting aid a week after the hurricane struck.

The Iwo Jima is carrying more than 1,100 sailors and 600 Marines, and with them the number of U.S. military personnel in Haiti to provide relieve will rise to about 2,500.

In this Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 photo, Marine Gunnery Sgt. Jeremiah Benjamin, 34, of San Diego, watches the Atlantic churn aboard the USS Iwo Jima. Benjamin is among a group of Marines and sailors bound for Haiti to help out with relief efforts following Hurricane Matthew's destruction. (AP Photo/Ben Finley)

While the Marines and sailors have yet to be given their marching orders about what they will be doing, the plan is to "alleviate some of the suffering that is going on and prevent any additional loss of life," said Lt. Col. Christopher Hafer, the commanding officer of the Marines' Combat Logistics Battalion 24.

Matthew has officially left 473 people dead as of Tuesday, 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 has made an emergency appeal for nearly $120 million in aid, saying that about three-quarters of a million people in southwest Haiti alone will need "life-saving assistance and protection" in the next three months.

Speaking from his cabin aboard the ship, Midkiff said the Iwo Jima dodged Hurricane Matthew twice and Tropical Storm Nicole as it collected Marines and supplies and headed for Haiti. The ship left its home port in Mayport, Florida, as the base was being evacuated ahead of Matthew.

"It sounds like I'm making some of this stuff up," he said.

Tthe Navy then directed the Iwo Jima to Norfolk, Virginia, to pick up some Marines and head for Haiti.

Along the way it encountered the outer bands of Matthew and then the swells from Nicole, which later strengthened into a hurricane. It also collected some Osprey aircraft and more Marines from the USS George Washington, an aircraft carrier whose orders to help out in the storm-hit Bahamas were cancelled. The Iwo Jima will relieve the USS Mesa Verde, another U.S. ship that has been helping in Haiti but needs to prepare for a future deployment.

Standing in one of the hallways of the Iwo Jima, Matthew Estes, a 31-year-old Navy medic from Corryton, Tennessee, said he's excited to help Haitian civilians who are "devastated down there."

"Before I left, I was nervous, anxious and overwhelmed with excitement," he said. "I'm doing the job that I want to do  that I joined to do."

He was an emergency medical technician in Tennessee as well as a landscaper before joining up.

"My wife was a little upset, but she understands the pick-up-and-go," he said. "She cried a little on the phone but then texted me and said this is what you joined to do, what you love to do."

Marine Lance Cpl. Zachary Younts, 20, of Dallastown, Pennsylvania, said he usually works on trucks as a diesel mechanic.

"I hate sitting in a bay working on an engine all day," he said. "I love this. This is awesome. It gives me a sense of doing something in my career."

Younts said he's excited to hand out food to civilians or ship out equipment, whatever is asked of him. He didn't know he was going to Haiti when he boarded a bus on Friday night from Camp Lejeune in North Carolina.

"I just knew I was going somewhere," he said.

Marine Lance Cpl. Shawn Durrell, 20, of Compton, California, said he expects to work hard.

"It's one of the biggest experiences of my life," he said. "Not only are we going to a different country, we're seeing what we can do. And we're here to help. One of the biggest things in life is to help."

A woman walks to a shelter with her son as they leave after their home was destroyed by Hurricane Matthew in Jeremie, Haiti on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016. Jeremie appears to be the epicenter of the country's growing humanitarian crisis in the wake of the storm. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)

United Nations police from Bangladesh deliver drinking water to residents of Sous-Roche village, outside Les Cayes, Haiti, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. Health authorities have warned that Hurricane Matthew has created conditions that are likely to cause an increase in the deadly waterborne cholera virus.(AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

In this Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 photo, members of the Navy's Construction Battalion Maintenance Unit 202 chat around their heavy equipment aboard the USS Iwo Jima. The men are among a group bound for Haiti to help out with relief efforts following Hurricane Matthew's destruction. (AP Photo/Ben Finley)

In this Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016 photo, Marines and sailors look out to the Atlantic, aboard the USS Iwo Jima. The men are among a group bound for Haiti to help out with relief efforts following Hurricane Matthew's destruction. (AP Photo/Ben Finley)

Yvald Saint Joy bathes in his backyard littered with debris caused by Hurricane Matthew, in Sous-Roche, outside Les Cayes, Haiti, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. With little to no outside help arriving a week after Hurricane Matthew, residents have set to work chopping up and burning debris, and creating makeshift partial roofs from salvaged pieces of mangled sheet metal. Saint Joy said he had done the patchwork roof repair himself on the house he shares with his father and two younger siblings. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

A V-22 Osprey lifts off from the USS Iwo Jima as aircraft ferry Marines from USS George Washington aircraft carrier, in the Atlantic Ocean, Monday Oct. 10, 2016. The Iwo Jima is headed for Haiti to help after Hurricane Matthew's destruction. Photo (AP Photo/Ben Finley)

Residents line up for food after Hurricane Matthew in Anse D'Hainault, Haiti, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. Nearly a week after the storm smashed into southwestern Haiti, some communities along the southern coast have yet to receive any assistance, leaving residents who have lost their homes and virtually all of their belongings struggling to find shelter and potable water. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)

U.S. soldiers unload foods from a helicopter in Jeremie, Haiti, Sunday, Oct. 9, 2016. Aid has begun pouring into the hard-hit town, where thousands of homes were damaged or destroyed and many people were running low on food and facing an increased risk for cholera. (AP Photo/Dieu Nalio Chery)
Kurdish television in Sweden loses signal, blames Turkey

STOCKHOLM (AP)  The head of a Kurdish satellite television station in Sweden says a European broadcasting service provider has shut down its signal under pressure from Turkey.

Channel leader Faruk Nozhatzadeh said the signal of Stockholm-based Newroz was cut Wednesday, a day after French company Eutelsat notified the station it would be. He said "the Turkish government was behind" the move.

Nozhatzadeh says the station aired documentaries, news and cultural programs in Kurdish and Persian to viewers in Europe and parts of Turkey.

He denies it was a mouthpiece for Kurdistan rebels, and says other Kurdish-language news outlets inside and outside Turkey have been shut down recently.
US, Cuba stepping up efforts to save Hemingway artifacts

BOSTON (AP)  Ernest Hemingway was a pack rat who saved everything. Fortunately for fans of the literary icon, U.S. and Cuban officials and scholars have been working together to preserve artifacts at his former estate in Cuba  items they say will help illuminate his colorful legacy.

At a forum Wednesday at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum in Boston, Hemingway experts from both countries underscored their determination to save the books, letters, fishing rods, mounted animal trophies and more that the acclaimed author left behind in Havana.

Their collaboration underscores how a new era of U.S.-Cuban normalization is taking root.

FILE - In this Aug. 14, 2015, file photo, Secretary of State John Kerry tours Finca Vigia (Lookout Farm), the former home of late U.S. writer Ernest Hemingway, now a museum, in Cuba. A forum at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in Boston, will be held to discuss joint efforts in a U.S.-Cuba collaboration to preserve artifacts at Hemingways former Cuban estate. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais, Pool, File)

The forum included TV host Bob Vila, a son of Cuban emigrants who's been restoring the Hemingway home known as Finca Vigia, or "Lookout Farm." Joining Vila were U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern of Massachusetts; Ada Rosa Alfonso, director of Cuba's Museo Hemingway; and Susan Wrynn, former curator of the JFK Library's Ernest Hemingway Collection.

Hemingway threw little away, effectively leaving behind a rich archive that includes his passport and Christmas cards, Wrynn said.

Much of the material has been housed at Finca Vigia, which fell into disrepair over a half-century of Cold War between the U.S. and Cuba.

"We have an enormous responsibility because we have more than 23,000 pieces," Alfonso said.

The Kennedy library, which opened in 1979, is a repository for the world's largest collection of documents, photographs and personal mementos belonging to the celebrated author of "A Farewell to Arms," ''The Old Man and the Sea," ''For Whom the Bell Tolls" and other classics.

Hemingway and Kennedy never met, but the late president was an admirer. Kennedy wrote Hemingway for permission to use his oft-quoted phrase "grace under pressure" in the opening to Kennedy's own "Profiles in Courage."

Hemingway died in 1961.

FILE - In this May 10, 1965, file photo, the skin of one of the lions Ernest Hemingway killed is displayed on the library floor of Hemingway's home in Cuba. A forum at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in Boston, will be held to discuss joint efforts in a U.S.-Cuba collaboration to preserve artifacts at Hemingways former Cuban estate. (AP Photo/File)

FILE - In this July 14, 1977, file photo, Mary Hemingway, widow of author Ernest Hemingway, tours the house they lived in during their stay in Cuba. A forum at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in Boston, will be held to discuss joint efforts in a U.S.-Cuba collaboration to preserve artifacts at Hemingways former Cuban estate. (AP Photo/Charles Tasnadi, File)

FILE - This May 18, 1965 file photo shows the desk of U.S. novelist Ernest Hemingway, in San Francisco de Paula, Cuba. A forum at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in Boston, will be held to discuss joint efforts in a U.S.-Cuba collaboration to preserve artifacts at Hemingways former Cuban estate. (AP Photo/File)
Chris Pratt opens up about son's premature birth in 2012

SEATTLE (AP)  Chris Pratt has opened up about his son's premature birth while sharing his experience visiting a children's hospital.

The actor posted photos on Instagram from his visit Monday to Seattle Children's Hospital. He showed off a picture of him with a set of premature twins. He writes that ever since his son Jack's birth, he has "a special affinity for the NICU (neo-natal intensive care unit)."

Pratt's wife, actress Anna Faris, gave birth to Jack in August 2012.

FILE - In this Sept. 19, 2016, file photo, actor Chris Pratt attends a special screening of "The Magnificent Seven" at The Museum of Modern Art in New York. Pratt opened up about his son's premature birth while sharing on Instagram his experience visiting a Seattle childrens hospital Monday, Oct. 10, 2016. (Photo by Evan Agostini/Invision/AP, File)

Pratt also shared pictures of him with a cancer patient and another child at the hospital. He thanked the facility for "the opportunity to come by and brighten some days," adding, "My heart is full."
The Latest: Orland Hills police say man never lived in town

EAST HARTFORD, Conn. (AP)  The Latest on a small plane crash in East Hartford, Connecticut, near jet-engine maker Pratt & Whitney (all times local):

8:45 p.m.

Officials in a Chicago suburb say there is no record a student pilot killed in a small plane crash in Connecticut ever lived in the village, even though it's been identified as his home.

The remains of a small plane are seen along Main St, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in East Hartford, Conn., a day following the plane's crash. The FBI is taking over as lead investigator in the deadly crash of a small plane carrying a flight instructor and a student pilot because of indications that it might have been a criminal act, safety officials said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Orland Hills Mayor Kyle Hastings says there is no record Feras Freitekh, a Jordanian, has ever visited the village. However, he said Freitekh's father, who wasn't named, worked for a container company in the nearby town of Alsip.

Police Chief Thomas Scully says the father became friends with the owner of a neighboring business, who allowed mail for the father and son to be delivered to his Orland Hills home. He says the father was living in the container firm's warehouse at the time.

Scully says the homeowner, who is a U.S. citizen, has lived in the home since 2004 and was forthcoming when questioned by authorities. He added authorities don't know where Freitekh's father currently lives.

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3:50 p.m.

A U.S. official familiar with the investigation into a Connecticut plane crash that killed one person says it appears to have been a case of suicide, not terrorism.

The official wasn't authorized to speak publicly and spoke to The Associated Press on Wednesday on condition of anonymity.

Flight instructor Arian Prevalla survived the East Hartford crash Tuesday. Student pilot Feras Freitekh died.

The official says the flight instructor described the student pilot to police investigators as disgruntled about learning to be a pilot. The official says the instructor told police there was an altercation in the cockpit during their training flight, and the instructor was unable to regain control of the plane from the student pilot.

The plane crashed onto a busy road near jet-engine maker Pratt & Whitney's headquarters.

 Associated Press writer Joan Lowy in Washington contributed to this report.

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3:35 p.m.

A law enforcement official has identified the flight instructor and student pilot aboard a small plane that crashed in Connecticut.

The official tells The Associated Press that instructor Arian Prevalla survived the crash Tuesday in East Hartford near jet-engine maker Pratt & Whitney, while student Feras Freitekh was killed. The official wasn't authorized to disclose the information and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Authorities say Prevalla told them the crash was intentional, but officials say there is no indication of terrorism.

Prevalla's social media pages indicate he is president of the American Flight Academy. They say he is originally from Albania and now lives in Hartford.

Public records show Freitekh has lived in the Chicago suburb of Orland Hills since 2013 and received a federal private pilot certificate last year.

 Associated Press writer David Collins in Hartford, Connecticut, contributed to this report.

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1:55 p.m.

The National Transportation Safety Board says the FBI is taking over the investigation into a fatal plane crash in Connecticut because of indications that it could have been a criminal act.

The NTSB said Wednesday that its initial investigation indicates Tuesday's crash in East Hartford was intentional. An agency spokesman, Terry Williams, said he couldn't elaborate on the basis of that finding.

One person aboard the plane was killed and another survived when the Piper PA-34 Seneca crashed Tuesday afternoon as they were trying to land at Brainard Airport in Hartford. It crashed near the headquarters of Pratt & Whitney, which makes military and commercial jet engines.

The mayor said Wednesday the survivor told authorities that the crash wasn't an accident, but she cautioned the information had not been confirmed.

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11:40 a.m.

Police say there were two sets of controls aboard a small plane that crashed in Connecticut with a flight instructor and student on board, killing one of them.

East Hartford police Lt. Joshua Litwin told reporters Wednesday that he didn't know who was controlling the plane when it crashed on a road.

One person was killed and another survived when the Piper PA-34 Seneca crashed Tuesday afternoon as they were trying to land at Brainard Airport in Hartford, just across the Connecticut River from the crash site. It wasn't immediately clear whether the instructor or student had died.

Litwin says the person who escaped the wreckage is being treated for burns and is expected to survive.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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10:10 a.m.

The mayor of East Hartford, Connecticut, says the survivor of a small plane crash near a military jet-engine manufacturer told authorities that it was intentional.

Mayor Marcia Leclerc (leh-CLAIR') told The Associated Press on Wednesday that the survivor told local detectives the crash was not an accident. Leclerc cautioned that the information has not been confirmed.

Authorities say a student pilot and an instructor were trying to land the Piper PA-34 Seneca at Brainard Airport in Hartford when it struck a utility pole and crashed around 4 p.m. Tuesday, bursting into flames. The pilot is hospitalized with serious burns and the passenger is presumed dead.

East Hartford police asked the FBI to assist the investigation because it happened near Pratt & Whitney, which makes military and commercial jet engines.

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9:05 a.m.

The police chief in East Hartford, Connecticut, has asked the FBI to assist the investigation into a fatal plane crash because it happened so close to Pratt & Whitney corporate headquarters.

Chief Scott Sansom called the jet engine maker "critical infrastructure."

The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are also involved in the investigation.

Authorities say a student pilot and an instructor were trying to land the Piper PA-34 Seneca at Brainard Airport in Hartford when it struck a utility pole and crashed onto the road around 4 p.m. Tuesday, bursting into flames.

Police say the pilot was hospitalized with serious burns and the passenger was in the wreckage and presumed dead. Police haven't released names.

Two people in a minivan were taken to a hospital with minor injuries.

Investigators look at the remains of a small plane along Main St, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in East Hartford, Conn., a day following the plane's crash. The FBI is taking over as lead investigator in the deadly crash of a small plane carrying a flight instructor and a student pilot because of indications that it might have been a criminal act, safety officials said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Investigators look at a snapped off telephone pole next to the remains of a small plane along Main St, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in East Hartford, Conn., a day following the plane's crash. The FBI is taking over as lead investigator in the deadly crash of a small plane carrying a flight instructor and a student pilot because of indications that it might have been a criminal act, safety officials said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

Police stay watch over a residence at Ritz Grande Apartments, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in Hartford, Conn. Local, state and federal authorities were investigating an apartment in connection with the plane crash, Deputy Police Chief Brian Foley said. He did not release more details, including why the apartment was being investigated. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

The FBI investigate a residence at Ritz Grande Apartments, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in Hartford, Conn. Local, state and federal authorities were investigating an apartment in connection with the plane crash, Deputy Police Chief Brian Foley said. He did not release more details, including why the apartment was being investigated. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)

The remains of a small plane rest along a street, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in East Hartford, Conn., a day following the plane's crash. The FBI is taking over as lead investigator in the deadly crash of the small plane carrying a flight instructor and a student pilot because of indications that it might have been a criminal act, safety officials said Wednesday. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
Nearly 6 months later, Prince superfans still mourning

NEW YORK (AP)  Have you ever missed someone so much that even the thought of them made you burst into tears?

Now imagine that feeling drenched in purple rain.

Nearly six months after the shocking death of Prince, some superfans are still grieving hard, creating tearful memes, snapping up "I Still Miss Prince" T-shirts featuring a despondent Charlie Brown, sharing photos and seeking solace in an explosion of fresh concert videos and unreleased music on YouTube.

Margo Davis poses for a portrait as she lays next to a collection of Prince memorabilia at her home in Smyrna, Ga., Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. Nearly 6 months after the legendary Prince was found dead in an elevator at his beloved Paisley Park, superfans are still in mourning. "It's a spiritual connection for me," Davis said. "I had to leave work when he passed. I didn't turn on the TV or pay attention to any of the tributes. I'm finally able to listen, but in a very limited way." (AP Photo/David Goldman)

They see no end in sight to their sadness, especially with regular Prince developments in the news  details on the death investigation, his house being turned into a museum and Thursday's official tribute concert in his hometown of Minneapolis among them.

Maria Newport still cries regularly over the loss. She broke up with her boyfriend soon after Prince was found dead April 21. When she heard about it, "I just started wailing. Like, fetal position, in my bed."

As for the boyfriend, she said he didn't get it, in the raw moment or in the weeks that followed.

"He could not understand. He couldn't understand the pain," Newport said of the guy she had been seeing for about a year and thought she would marry. "He would say, 'This is the dumbest thing ever. Like, you've never met this man.'"

Ron Worthy, who lives in Brooklyn, runs a music-focused website, Soulhead.com, and recalls his first encounter with Prince's music, listening to the naughty "Soft and Wet" on the radio when he was a tender 7 years old. He knew it was about stuff grown folks do, but that and Prince's numerous other sex songs "basically gave you instructions on some level on how to be vulnerable with women, how to be a competent and giving and unselfish lover."

He said of the death, "I just walked around in a daze for weeks. I still cry when I hear certain songs like 'Breakdown' and 'Adore.'"

Jazz buff Cheryl Emerson, at 66, doesn't fit the traditional Prince demographic but she, too, is still profoundly saddened by the loss. She wouldn't let her Prince fan of a daughter, Rana Emerson, see the Oscar-winning "Purple Rain" at age 13 in San Antonio, Texas, shipping her off with her little brother to their grandparents' house so she and her husband could go alone opening weekend.

Emerson redeemed herself years later, when Rana  now 45  was in her 20s. The two went to see Prince together twice, and Rana three more times on her own.

"My heart's still broken," the elder Emerson said. "Why? Why wasn't there someone there to prevent it, to help him, to see what he was doing, to give him advice?"

She was referring to Prince's accidental painkiller overdose at 57 after decades of residual pain from epic live performances that had him madly jumping off pianos, doing multiple splits and  to these fans  giving them everything he had.

Daughter Rana, who works as a higher education administrator in New York, is also still deeply affected by Prince's death but takes a little comfort in so many details that have surfaced about the enormity of his philanthropy.

"What I'm feeling, I know it's not going to pass anytime soon," she said.

While Prince's brilliance as a musician is what many fans may miss most, for his devoted followers, his loss means something more.

Cheryl Emerson appreciated what he meant for black people, his trailblazing ways, and in particular, his battles for artists' rights.

"We were proud that he was fighting the system when he was writing slave on his face and changed his name to the symbol and all of that," she explained. "He was doing these things for other people who would come along later. Not just himself."

Brooks Brown, a 44-year-old lesbian living in Albany, New York, recalls being drawn to the androgynous Prince when she was growing up in Alabama, appreciating him as someone to identify with.

"He was so gender fluid and kind of race fluid, too. I was like 11 and 12 and I felt that way a lot and felt that in him. He was so confident," said Brown, who is a web administrator for an education nonprofit.

"It's still coming in waves," Brown said of her sadness. "It just knocked the wind right out of me when he died."

She first saw Prince live in 2004. Worthy saw him several times. Newport had seen him just the one time, at his final show in Atlanta, but her friend, Margo Davis, a 40-year-old human resources manager, can barely count the number of Prince shows she enjoyed, including some of his famous after-parties and concerts all over the United States, in London and at Prince's Paisley Park just outside of Minneapolis.

Off the top of her head, she estimated more than 20. She has saved her ticket stubs. Every last one, including the one to Prince's last, intimate piano show in Atlanta with Newport, just a week before he died.

"It's a spiritual connection for me," Davis said. "I had to leave work when he passed. I still have days, like, it can't be real. It's still so hard. I couldn't listen to his music, I didn't turn on the TV or pay attention to any of the tributes. I'm finally able to listen, but in a very limited way."

Like Davis, Newport is also still having a hard time turning on Prince's music, but why does she think his death was different? Many icons have come and gone, after all.

"There was a depth of understanding that you got when listening to his music that just took you to another place," said Newport, along with other still-sad fans.

Newport and Davis check in with each other regularly on the Prince front.

"She'll send me a random text and say, you know, 'Today is just a bad one.' And I'm, like, I get it," Newport said, melting into tears. "I don't know how I'll come out from under this cloud."

Margo Davis is reflected in a mirror as she looks toward a collection of Prince memorabilia on display in her home in Smyrna, Ga., Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. Nearly 6 months after the legendary Prince was found dead in an elevator at his beloved Paisley Park, superfans like Davis are still in mourning. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Margo Davis holds a Prince comic book she collected at her home in Smyrna, Ga., Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. Davis, a 40-year-old human resources manager, can barely count the number of Prince shows she enjoyed, including some of his famous after-parties and concerts all over the United States, in London and at Princes Paisley Park just outside of Minneapolis. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Tickets from the last Prince concert Margo Davis attended are displayed along with memorabilia at her home in Smyrna, Ga., Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. Nearly 6 months after the legendary Prince was found dead in an elevator at his beloved Paisley Park, superfans are still in mourning. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Margo Davis poses for a portrait next to a collection of Prince memorabilia at her home in Smyrna, Ga., Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. Davis, a 40-year-old human resources manager, can barely count the number of Prince shows she enjoyed, including some of his famous after-parties and concerts all over the United States, in London and at Princes Paisley Park just outside of Minneapolis. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

A portrait of Prince hangs on the wall of the home of Margo Davis as she looks over a collection of Prince memorabilia on display in Smyrna, Ga., Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. Davis estimated she's been to more than 20 Prince concerts. She has saved her ticket stubs including the one to Prince's last show in Atlanta, just a week before he died. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Margo Davis, left, and Derek Webster comb through Davis' collection of Prince memorabilia at her home in Smyrna, Ga., Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. Off the top of her head, Davis estimated she's been to more than 20 Prince concerts. She has saved her ticket stubs. Every last one, including the one to Prince's last show in Atlanta, just a week before he died. (AP Photo/David Goldman)
Man charged in Boston, DC, sent for psych evaluation

BOSTON (AP)  A man authorities say left a copy of the Quran on the steps of a government building in Boston and previously made threats at Reagan National Airport has been sent for a mental health evaluation.

Aziz Rehman Osmani was held without bail and sent to a Massachusetts mental health facility for 20 days after pleading not guilty Tuesday to a fugitive-from-justice charge.

Osmani's lawyer questioned Osmani's competency.

Police say Osmani was arrested in Boston on Monday after allegedly causing a pair of disturbances and leaving a "suspicious package" outside the government building. It turned out to be the Muslim holy book.
Poland to avoid rights meeting where it will face scrutiny

WARSAW, Poland (AP)  Poland said Wednesday that it will not send representatives to a meeting of an international human rights body that is examining a controversial legislative change in the central European country, accusing the group of bias.

The Venice Commission, a body of legal experts within the Council of Europe, Europe's top human rights watchdog, is scheduled to meet on Friday and Saturday. Commissioners are expected to weigh in on new Polish legislation that changes the functioning of the Constitutional Tribunal, the country's top legislative court.

Poland's Foreign Ministry told The Associated Press in a statement that Polish officials would not attend the meeting because they do not want to legitimize a commission they consider biased.

Council of Europe spokesman Panos Kakaviatos told the AP that "such a boycott is unusual for an opinion of this importance."

Poland's Foreign Ministry insisted that the decision to forego the meeting was "not a boycott."

The Venice Commission has previously expressed highly critical opinions on Poland's attempts to change the makeup and functioning of the court, a process the ruling right-wing Law and Justice party began soon after assuming power in November.

The commission has said that earlier attempts by Poland's government to change the law regulating the court threatened rule of law and democracy in the former communist nation. The European Union and the United States also have criticized changes concerning the court that have effectively weakened its ability to act as a check on the government.
Jim Beam union workers in Kentucky vote in favor of strike

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP)  Whiskey workers at two Jim Beam distilleries in Kentucky have threatened to walk off their jobs as efforts to ratify a new contract soured ahead of a looming deadline at the world's largest bourbon producer.

Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 111D voted 201-19 on Tuesday evening in favor of going on strike at Beam distilleries in Clermont and Boston, Tommy Ballard, a UFCW international representative, said Wednesday.

The current contract runs through Friday, and Beam Suntory officials said production continued as usual Wednesday. The classic American whiskey brand is owned by Suntory Holdings Ltd., a Japanese beverage company.

Bargaining stretched for weeks to develop the contract offer that workers rejected. That outcome came as a surprise to the company, and Beam Suntory said it was trying to understand the reasons the proposal was turned down. Company executive Kevin Smith said the offer included wage increases along with other enhancements, including elimination of a two-tiered wage system for almost all employees.

"While we have not been advised of any specific objections to the proposal, we are committed to resolving this matter expeditiously," Smith said. "We greatly value our teams at these facilities, and we look forward to working with the union leadership to help ensure a full understanding of the proposal by the union membership. Ultimately, we hope the employees will reconsider and support this agreement."

Ballard declined comment on the vote by union members, and another union official did not immediately return calls Wednesday.

Kentucky is home to about 95 percent of the world's bourbon production, and both the bourbon and whiskey industries are enjoying growing sales worldwide, in part driven by higher demand for premium spirits and cocktails. The resurgence has brought an era of smooth relations between management and labor in Kentucky's whiskey sector.

"In general, it's been a relatively collaborative situation the last few years," said Fred Minnick, a bourbon author and historian.
Malawi asks where president has gone; nearly a month away

LILONGWE, Malawi (AP)  Malawi's president has been out of the country for almost a month, prompting demands for him to explain what critics call his "absence without leave."

As rumors of a health crisis grew, the statehouse this week announced that President Peter Mutharika will return home on Sunday, exactly a month after he departed for the United States.

Mutharika addressed a U.N. gathering of world leaders in late September. His press secretary, Mgeme Kalilani, says only that he has been attending to "various government businesses."

FILE - In this Sept. 20, 2016 file photo, Malawi President Peter Mutharika addresses the United Nations General Assembly. Malawis president has been out of the country for almost a month, prompting demands for him to explain what critics call his absence without leave. As rumors of a health crisis grew, the statehouse this week announced that Mutharika will return home on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2016, exactly a month after he departed for the United States. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

Malawi's Parliament now wants the president to disclose all expenses incurred on his tour, including those of his entourage.

The government has denied rumors that Mutharika is critically ill. The country's information minister, Malison Ndau, has described the rumors as "baseless, malicious and sickening" and threatened those spreading false rumors with arrest.

"The president is enjoying very robust health," Ndau said.

Mutharika has not had health problems that have been communicated to the public.

"The principles of transparency and accountability compel him to explain why he abruptly decided to stay in the States longer than earlier communicated," the executive director of Malawi's influential body of religious groupings, the Public Affairs Committee, told The Associated Press.
Guatemala City now sister city with Rhode Island's capital

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP)  Guatemala's capital and Rhode Island's capital are now sister cities after a former Guatemalan president's visit to Providence.

Guatemala City Mayor Alvaro Arzu and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza signed the sister city agreement on Wednesday at Providence City Hall.

Arzu was his country's president from 1996 through 2000 and helped broker the 1996 peace accord ending 36 years of civil war. He was scheduled to deliver a speech about the peace process on Wednesday at Brown University.

Guatemala City Mayor Alvaro Arzu, left, and Providence Mayor Jorge Elorza talk after signing a sister city agreement on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, at Providence City Hall in Providence, RI. Arzu was Guatemala's president from 1996 through 2000. (AP Photo/Matt O'Brien)

Guatemala City will be the bigger sister: It has more than 1 million people, compared to about 180,000 in Providence.

Elorza's family moved to the United States from Guatemala in the 1970s. They are among about 27,000 people of Guatemalan ancestry in the Providence metropolitan area, which includes parts of southeastern Massachusetts.
Hotline set up to help farmers affected by pipeline protests

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP)  North Dakota's Agriculture Department has set up a hotline to help farmers and ranchers south of the Bismarck-Mandan area who've been affected by protests against the Dakota Access oil pipeline.

Many producers need to finish seasonal work before winter sets in, and they're having problems trying to find willing truck drivers and custom silage-chopping services, Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring said Wednesday.

"We are appealing to those who can provide these services to contact the hotline," he said.

Excavators are in place as work resumed Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, on the four-state Dakota Access pipeline near St. Anthony, N.D. A federal appeals court ruling on Sunday cleared the way for work to resume on private land in North Dakota that's near a camp where thousands of protesters supporting tribal rights have gathered for months. (AP Photo/ Blake Nicholson)

The protests have drawn thousands of people to the area where Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners is trying to wrap up construction on the $3.8 billion, 1,200-mile pipeline from North Dakota to Illinois. Opponents of the pipeline worry about potential impacts on drinking water on the Standing Rock Sioux reservation and farther downstream, as well as destruction of cultural artifacts.

A protest camp spokesman says the notion that protesters are harassing farmers or farm workers is "not true."

"We've had quite a few farmers and ranchers stop by the camp to show their support and thank us for taking a stand against Big Oil," spokesman Cody Hall said.

Rancher Matthew Rebenitsch told The Associated Press earlier this month that many people are locking their doors and carrying guns. And Morton County Sheriff Kyle Kirchmeier has said his office has received reports of people in rural areas being stopped on roads and intimidated, a claim Hall denied.

Goehring said the Farm/Ranch Emergency Assistance Hotline (701-425-8454) is aimed at helping producers and those looking for work to connect with one another. Department employees will answer calls weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and callers can leave messages on evenings and weekends.

Goehring also said the Morton County Sheriff's Department will "assist in providing safe passage" to farmers who need it in the course of their fall work.

The protest also has drawn concern from teachers who work in nearby St. Anthony. Barry Chathams, director of the Burleigh County Special Education unit in Bismarck, said Wednesday in a letter to state Superintendent Kirsten Baesler that one of his workers was shadowed by someone in a pickup truck for 15 minutes as she tried to drive to work.

"If harassed on the way to St. Anthony, they are instructed to return to the central office," Chathams wrote.

Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Chairman David Archambault II issued a statement Wednesday calling for President Barack Obama to take action against the pipeline, but Archambault wasn't specific. The chairman said Obama has the power "to change the fate" of 17 million people who stand to lose clean water.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on Tuesday filed its response to the tribe's lawsuit challenging the Corps for approving permits at 200 water crossings. The Corps said it met the requirements of numerous federal laws and did not find any significant impacts on the environment or sacred sites.

A judge has scheduled a status hearing on the case for Nov. 10.

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Associated Press reporter Dave Kolpack contributed to this story from Fargo, N.D.
Amid tensions, Putin, Hollande, Merkel to hold Ukraine talks

PARIS (AP)  Despite growing diplomatic tensions over Syria, the leaders of Russia, France and Germany may meet "very soon" in Berlin to revive peace efforts for Ukraine.

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke by telephone Wednesday with French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Hollande's office said in a statement.

The statement said they agreed that a Ukraine peace meeting would have to be "constructive and useful" toward ensuring a cease-fire and free elections. Prospects of a quick solution to Ukraine's conflict between the government and Russia-backed separatist rebels seem remote, however.

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks at the 8th annual VTB Capital "Russia Calling!" Investment Forum in in Moscow, Russia, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016.Russias economy has been on its way down since it slipped into recession at the start of last year. (Alexei Druzhinin, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP)

Still, the conversation was a sign that diplomatic lines of communication remain open after Russia vetoed a French U.N. resolution on Syria, France accused Russia of war crimes and Putin canceled a trip to Paris.
Lawyer: Computer charge improper in school sex assault case

CONCORD, N.H. (AP)  A lawyer seeking a new trial for a former New Hampshire prep school student convicted of sexual assault and using a computer to lure a 15-year-old freshman is challenging the computer charge, saying it was not justified.

Owen Labrie, of Tunbridge, Vermont, is appealing his convictions, arguing that they resulted from ineffective counsel during his 2015 trial. He was arrested in 2014, days after graduating from St. Paul's School. Prosecutors linked the assault on the girl to a competition at St. Paul's known as the Senior Salute, in which some seniors seek to have sex with underclassmen.

Labrie's new lawyer, Robin Melone, contends the felony computer charge is unsupported because emails Labrie exchanged with the student never left the school's internal intranet server. In documents submitted Tuesday, Melone says trial lawyers failed to investigate the origins of the emails.

FILE - In this Tuesday Aug. 18, 2015 file photo, St. Paul's School student Owen Labrie looks around the courtroom at the start of his trial. Labrie was convicted of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old freshman girl as part of a game of sexual conquest. Labries new lawyer has submitted arguments for a new trial, saying the emails between Labrie and the 15-year-old girl don't support his computer crime conviction because they were hosted by an intranet server, an weren't sent through the internet, AP Photo/Jim Cole, File)

State law says no one shall use a computer "on-line service, internet service, or local bulletin board service" to lure a minor, but does not mention locally hosted intranet servers.

Messages seeking comment from J.W. Carney Jr., Labrie's main trial lawyer last year, and the prosecutor on the case were left Wednesday.

The computer charge carries the mandate to register as a sex offender for life. Labrie was sentenced to a year in jail on the assault charge, but is free on bail during his appeal.

The new court documents describe a conversation in May between lawyers representing Labrie and St. Paul's, and a school information technology worker. The worker indicated messages sent from a school email address to another one using a computer connected to the school's Wi-Fi would remain on a campus server. Unless sent by a cellphone, the email would never travel outside of the local intranet server.

It's not the first time the computer charge has been brought up in a new trial request by Labrie. A previous lawyer filed a motion in April saying his trial lawyers didn't challenge the offense at all until after he was convicted and failed to investigate the girl's social media accounts.

At that time, Carney responded that he asked the judge to set aside the verdict on the computer count several weeks before Labrie's sentencing.

"The legislative history of this type of statute demonstrates that it was not meant to apply to teenagers who use Facebook to make plans to meet and have consensual sexual interactions," he said in a statement. "It was designed to prosecute much older individuals who hide their true identities in order to induce minors to send them nude pictures or set up secret meetings."
Russian military test-fires 3 ballistic missiles in same day

MOSCOW (AP)  The Russian military has test-fired three ballistic missiles in one day, drills that come amid a U.S.-Russian rift over Syria.

The Defense Ministry said a nuclear submarine of the Russian Pacific Fleet launched an intercontinental ballistic missile from the Sea of Okhotsk off Russia's far east at a military firing range in the northwest on Wednesday.

A Northern Fleet nuclear submarine later fired a missile in the opposite direction from the Barents Sea, in the far north west.

Separately, a ground-based Topol intercontinental ballistic missile was fired from the Plesetsk launch pad in northern Russia at the Kamchatka range in eastern Russia.
The Latest: Murder charges in Palm Springs officers' deaths

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP)  The Latest on the shooting deaths of two police officers in Palm Springs, California, (all times local):

11:20 a.m.

California prosecutors have charged a man with murder in the ambush shootings of two Palm Springs police officers.

A visitor pays his respect at a memorial for Palm Springs Police Officers Lesley Zerebny, and Jose "Gil" Gilbert Vega,seen in photos placed in front of the police station in Palm Springs, Calif., on Monday, Oct. 10, 2016. Both Southern California officers were fatally shot over the weekend. (AP Photo/Amy Taxin)

Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin announced that John Hernandez Felix was charged Wednesday with multiple felonies, including two counts of first-degree murder.

Attached to the murder charges are special-circumstance allegations of murder of a police officer in the line of duty, multiple murder and lying wait. He also will face three counts of attempted murder.

Investigators say Felix fired an AR-15 assault rifle through the screen door of his family's home Saturday, gunning down Officers Jose "Gil" Gilbert Vega and Lesley Zerebny as they answered a domestic disturbance call.

A memorial service for the slain officers will be held next Tuesday.

___

9:10 a.m.

Riverside County prosecutors plan to file murder charges Wednesday against the man suspected of shooting two Palm Springs police officers.

The district attorney's office has scheduled an 11 a.m. PDT news conference to announce the charges against 26-year-old John Hernandez Felix.

Authorities say Felix fired an assault rifle through the screen door of his family's home Saturday, gunning down officers Jose Vega and Lesley Zerebny as they answered a domestic disturbance call.

Police say a memorial service for the slain officers will be held next Tuesday.

Felix previously served time in connection with a 2009 gang shooting. He was charged with attempted murder, but he pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of assault with a gun.

He served 18 months of a four-year sentence and was paroled in 2011.
US reserves right to punish China firms working with NKorea

WASHINGTON (AP)  The United States reserves the right to punish Chinese companies that violate U.N. sanctions on North Korea if Chinese authorities don't take action, a senior U.S. official said Wednesday.

Top U.S. diplomat for East Asia, Daniel Russel, said that since most of North Korea's illegal activities are conducted through neighboring China, companies are "going to have to tighten up and shut down operations." The U.S. is looking to cooperate with international partners in cutting revenue sources for the North's nuclear and missile programs.

North Korea has conducted two nuclear test explosions and more than 20 missile launches this year, intensifying concern that it is closer to having a nuclear-tipped missile that could reach America.

FILE - In this Feb. 26, 2016 file photo, Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel meets with reporters after the meeting with South Korean senior officials at the Foreign Ministry in Seoul, South Korea. Russel said that Washington reserves the right to punish Chinese companies that violate U.N. sanctions on North Korea if Chinese authorities dont take action. (AP Photo/Lee Jin-man, File)

The Justice Department last month unsealed criminal charges against a China-based company, Dandong Hongxiang Industrial Development Company, and four of its executives for conspiring to evade sanctions, and the Treasury Department barred them from business dealings with the U.S. Chinese authorities have also said they were investigating Hongxiang on suspicion of unspecified "serious economic crimes."

"To the extent that the Chinese authorities themselves take action against North Korea malefactors or Chinese companies that are collaborating with North Korea then there's no cause for action by the United States or others," Russel told reporters.

"Where they don't take action, the United States reserves the right under U.N. Security Council resolution 2270 or under our own national authorities to take action," he said, referring to the most recent sanctions resolution against North Korea, adopted in March.

Russel said while there's "frustration and differences of view" between Washington and Beijing, they do cooperate on North Korea. The U.S. is constantly "scanning the horizon" for evidence of sanctions violations and makes a point of sharing with China first any information they have about "bad actors" there, he said.

China is the North's traditional ally and main trading partner. The U.S. is currently pushing for tighter U.N. sanctions that would impose additional restrictions on North Korea's exports of coal that account for about one-third of its export income and mostly go to China.

A succession of U.N. sanctions resolutions and U.S. sanctions have failed to stop North Korea's weapons development and to force it to return to negotiations on giving up its nuclear program in exchange for aid. The North argues that it needs nuclear weapons to deter a U.S. invasion. Russel called that "absurd."

He argued that the nuclear program has only diminished the security of North Korea and its dictatorial leader Kim Jong Un and hurt its diplomatic and economic standing.

"Put yourself in Kim Jong Un's place. That is not a good place to be. Perhaps he's got an enhanced capacity to conduct a nuclear attack and then immediately die. But that can't be plan A," Russel said.
Note 7 fiasco leaves Samsung's smartphone brand in question

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  The fiasco of Samsung's fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphones  and its stumbling response to the problem  has left consumers from Shanghai to New York reconsidering how they feel about the South Korean tech giant and its products.

Samsung Electronics said this week that it would stop making the Note 7 for good, after first recalling some devices and then recalling their replacements , too. Now, like the makers of Tylenol, Ford Pintos and other products that faced crises in the past, it must try to restore its relationship with customers as it repairs damage to its brand.

Samsung shares plunged as much as 8 percent in Seoul, their biggest one-day drop since the 2008 financial crisis, after the company apologized for halting sales of the Note 7 .

A screen shows an internal design drawings of Samsung Electronics Galaxy S7 smartphone at its shop in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The fiasco of Samsung's fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphones - and Samsung's stumbling response to the problem - has left consumers from Shanghai to New York reconsidering how they feel about the South Korean tech giant and its products. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

"I'm in a state of 'I don't know,'" said Pamela Gill, a 51-year-old who works at Pratt Institute, a college in New York City, and likes her replacement Note 7.

"You're thinking, 'Do I have to turn it in? Is it going to blow up?'" she said.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF FIRE

Samsung, South Korea's biggest company by far, announced a global recall of the devices last month. It said a subtle manufacturing error in the batteries made the phones prone to catch fire. It offered to replace the devices.

But South Korea's safety agency says a new, still unidentified problem with the replacement devices makes them also likely to overheat.

Some consumers blame Samsung for not dealing decisively with the issue. Hahm Young-kyu, a 43-year-old South Korean office worker in Seoul whose wife is still using the Note 7, exclaims in frustration that the manufacturer tried to "cover up" the Note 7's failings.

Samsung's initial recall had a rocky start. After the first reports of overheating devices, it offered replacements, but not refunds. It waited a week before advising consumers to stop using the affected devices. And critics complained that some retailers didn't have up-to-date information until Samsung made a coordinated announcement with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

"Ultimately they did the right thing, which was to announce a full recall," said Jan Dawson, a tech industry analyst with Jackdaw Research. But when the replacement devices ran into trouble too, he added: "That all goes out the window. Samsung's claims about fixing the problem are no longer reliable.

"Now they've got to demonstrate why potential buyers shouldn't worry about future Samsung devices," Dawson said.

As one of the world's largest tech conglomerates, Samsung can afford to discontinue the Note 7, which was not its biggest-selling phone. While the cost of recalling devices and halting production will be enormous, it makes far more than that every quarter on sales of components for smartphones and computers.

But analysts say the new, unexplained Note 7 problems will still inevitably hurt.

On Wednesday, the company slashed its forecast for third-quarter profit to 5.2 trillion won ($4.6 billion), down from the 7.8 trillion won estimate it released Friday. If Samsung's full financial results due later this month are in line with that forecast, Samsung will log its lowest quarterly profit in two years.

MYSTERY DEFECTS

"A company's brand is their promise to consumers," said John Jacobs, an expert on reputation and crisis communications at Georgetown University. "If you break that promise, you lose the customers, you lose their loyalty."

Initially, the Note 7 got glowing reviews for its size, features and big battery capacity. Now the company is struggling to figure out what exactly is wrong.

"They have to comprehensively check everything from the very basics, outside the battery and inside the phone," said Park Chul Wan, a former director of the next generation battery research center at the state-owned Korea Electronics Technology Institute.

Park has long argued that Note 7's problems appeared to be more than a simple battery defect. "This is a truly difficult problem. It was Samsung's mistake to have underestimated it," he said.

South Korean safety regulators says they are examining components other than the batteries to try to puzzle out why even the replacement phones Samsung made using different batteries are so fire prone.

"The improved product does not have the same defect. That's why we think there is a new defect," said Oh Yu-cheon, a senior official at the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards.

BREATHING ROOM

Samsung needs to win back consumers' trust by the time it launches its next high-end phone, the Galaxy S8, likely early next year, Dawson said. "They have that time to come up with a convincing story and a set of actions that will reassure customers that when they buy an S8, it's going to be safe."

Kim Young Woo, a tech analyst at SK Securities, believes Samsung could accelerate the launch of the S8 to make up for abandoning the Note 7, but it cannot afford to start from scratch, and it has to find the cause of the overheating.

The Note 7 has cutting-edge features like an electronic stylus and an iris-scanning security feature seemingly suited for a James Bond movie. "Samsung's best, latest technologies are all in the Note 7," Park said. "If it releases the next phone, it has to use the technologies in the Note 7."

The company is the most popular maker of Android phones and the world's leading smartphone maker, selling over 77 million phones in the second quarter of 2016. But in the prized U.S. market, it lags behind Apple, whose iPhone models are more popular, according to International Data Corp.

CAN SAMSUNG COME BACK?

While the company has suffered a "big setback," IDC analyst Ryan Reith said, "my guess is it won't do a lot of damage" to its overall share of the market. But he warned Samsung's profits may suffer because it will need to offer substantial discounts and other promotions to boost sales of the S7 and other models.

Jacobs, the Georgetown reputation expert, says Samsung will need to do more than that. He said Samsung made the right decision to cancel the Note 7 "for the greater good of the Samsung brand." But he believes Samsung should emphasize quality and rigorous testing when it promotes future models.

"They want to be known, two years from now, as a company that can be trusted," he said. When potential customers contemplate future Samsung products, he said, "you don't want them having that worry in the back of their mind."

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AP Technology Writer Tali Arbel in New York contributed to this story. Brandon Bailey reported from San Francisco.

A man passes by a Samsung Electronics shop in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The fiasco of Samsung's fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphones - and Samsung's stumbling response to the problem - has left consumers from Shanghai to New York reconsidering how they feel about the South Korean tech giant and its products. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Workers clean a window at Samsung Electronics shop in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The fiasco of Samsung's fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphones - and Samsung's stumbling response to the problem - has left consumers from Shanghai to New York reconsidering how they feel about the South Korean tech giant and its products. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

South Korean middle school students try out Samsung Electronics Galaxy 7 edge smartphones at its shop in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The fiasco of Samsung's fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphones - and Samsung's stumbling response to the problem - has left consumers from Shanghai to New York reconsidering how they feel about the South Korean tech giant and its products. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)

Visitors look at the smartphone cases of Samsung Electronics Galaxy S7, S7 edge and Note 7 at its shop in Seoul, South Korea, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The fiasco of Samsung's fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphones - and Samsung's stumbling response to the problem - has left consumers from Shanghai to New York reconsidering how they feel about the South Korean tech giant and its products. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)
School apologizes for assignment featuring racial slur

LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP)  A high school principal in Lexington, Kentucky has apologized after a teacher handed out an assignment asking students to share their thoughts about the N-word.

Local news organizations report that Lafayette High School principal Bryne A. Jacobs said Tuesday that the assignment was well-intentioned but "missed the mark." The idea was to get students to think about the derogatory language they'll encounter when reading the novel "To Kill a Mockingbird." The teacher asked seven questions, repeating the racial slur each time.
Indiana nursing home company's ex-CEO indicted for fraud

INDIANAPOLIS (AP)  The former CEO of a company that operates dozens of Indiana nursing homes and three others face federal charges in a kickback scheme worth millions of dollars, according to an indictment released Wednesday morning.

Grand jurors charged former American Senior Communities CEO James Burkhart of Carmel with mail and wire fraud and money laundering. American Senior Communities fired Burkhart last September, three days after federal agents searched his home and the company's Indianapolis headquarters.

Also charged are former company COO Daniel Benson of Fishers; Burkhart's brother, Joshua Burkhart, of Fishers; and Burkhart's friend, Steven Ganote, of North Salem. James Burkhart's attorney, Larry Mackey, had no comment. Court records did not list attorneys for Benson, Joshua Burkhart or Ganote.

All four men were released from custody after an initial court appearance Wednesday afternoon where not guilty pleas were entered for each of them.

Federal prosecutors in Indianapolis said the defendants owned shell companies and used them to falsify and inflate the costs of goods and services. This allowed the defendants to steal discounts and rebates and conceal kickbacks, prosecutors said, letting them "divert, receive and launder millions of dollars for their personal benefit."

Prosecutors said the defendants used the money to buy lavish items, such as vacation homes, diamond jewelry, Rolex watches, gold bars and coins, use of a private plane and Las Vegas casino chips. U.S. Attorney Josh Minkler called it "unbridled greed."

The defendants used American Senior Communities' network of about 70 nursing homes and thousands of patients to their advantage, prosecutors said.

American Senior Communities said in a statement Wednesday that it was grateful to federal officials for the indictment and that the company will continue to cooperate. The company pointed out that patient care wasn't affected and that it has enacted safeguards and hired a new leadership team.
Man charged with kidnapping Florida girl waives extradition

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  A man charged with kidnapping a 4-year-old girl from her Florida home and driving her to Tennessee has waived extradition and will return to Florida without putting up a legal fight.

During a court hearing Wednesday in Memphis, West Wild Hogs agreed to be returned to Florida to face the kidnapping charge. He was arrested at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Memphis on Monday after two hospital workers recognized Hogs and Rebecca Lewis from an Amber Alert.

Authorities say the 31-year-old Hogs took Rebecca from Polk County, Florida, on Saturday morning. They were spotted in Georgia later that day, and Tennessee authorities issued an Amber Alert for him and the girl Monday.

This Monday, Oct. 10, 2016 booking photo, provided by the Shelby County, Tenn., Sheriff's Office shows West Wild Hogs, 31, of Seale, Ala. Police say, Hogs abducted a four-year-old girl from her home in Lakeland, Fla. He was later spotted with the girl in Memphis, Tenn., and arrested on Monday. The girl was returned to her family in Florida. (Memphis Police Dept. via AP)
France's Hollande to say in December if he's running again

PARIS (AP)  France's Socialist President Francois Hollande says he will announce in December if he will run for re-election next year.

Hollande told the weekly magazine L'Obs that "until then, as president of the Republic, I will continue to advocate tirelessly" his government's "consistent" policy.

Hollande, the most unpopular president in modern French history, says he wants to be "judged on his record."

French President Francois Hollande delivers his speech at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, eastern France, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. Russian President Vladimir Putin indefinitely postponed a visit to France amid differences over its program, the Kremlin said Tuesday, a move that comes amid a bitter rift over Syria. (AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias)

He also says conservative candidates aiming to be in France's two-round April-May presidential election including former President Nicolas Sarkozy would go backward on longstanding rights held by French workers, such as the 35-hour workweek.
UK lawsuit challenges British PM Theresa May on Brexit

LONDON (AP)  The case is considered the most important constitutional matter in a generation: can Prime Minister Theresa May start negotiating Britain's exit from the European Union without an act of Parliament?

Financial entrepreneur Gina Miller's lawsuit against the government seeks to answer this as well as much bigger questions about where power lies in this nation's democracy and whether rights can be revoked without a vote of lawmakers.

May says the June 23 referendum on EU membership gave her a mandate to take Britain out of the 28-nation bloc and that discussing the details of her strategy with Parliament would weaken the government's negotiating position. May has announced plans to invoke Article 50 of the EU treaty, starting talks on Britain's future relationship with the single market, by the end of March.

Gina Miller poses for a portrait near the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Financial entrepreneur Gina Miller's landmark lawsuit begins with a simple question: can Theresa Mays government invoke Article 50 and trigger the exit from the European Union without an act of Parliament. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

The lawsuit, hearings on which begin Thursday at the High Court in London, could derail those plans. But Miller, who supported the campaign to stay in the EU, says the case isn't about blocking Brexit  a British exit from the EU  or keeping Britain in the bloc.

"It's about democracy," she said. "To my mind, the most dangerous precedent we'd be setting is that a government can overrule Parliament and not consult it when we are making decisions about people's rights. And that to me is a very, very dangerous place."

Andrew Blick, an expert on the Magna Carta at King's College London, said the case involves an argument that dates back almost 400 years to the English Civil War as to whether power ultimately rests in the executive or Parliament.

"It's a long, long running dispute," he said. "It goes back to the clash between the king and the representatives of the subjects. This is just another installment of it."

Underscoring the importance of the case, May put Attorney General Jeremy Wright in charge of the legal team fighting the suit. That announcement was made with a flourish at the recent Conservative Party conference as May underscored she would "make a success" of taking the country out of the EU.

Wright argues the suit is an attempt to put a legal obstacle in the way of enacting the referendum result.

"There must be no attempts to remain inside the EU, no attempts to re-join it through the back door, and no second referendum," he said in a statement. "We do not believe this case has legal merit. The result should be respected and the government intends to do just that."

At issue is May's attempt to use Royal Prerogative, historic powers officially held by the queen, to trigger Article 50. The powers, which have in reality passed to politicians, enable decisions to be made without a vote of Parliament and cover matters as grave as declaring war or as basic as issuing passports.

Historically, Royal Prerogative has also applied to foreign affairs and the negotiation of treaties.

Miller argues that Parliament should decide whether to invoke Article 50  after a full debate and vote  because the rights of individuals in Britain are being revoked in the process. The freedom of movement, the freedom of trade and the freedom to vote in European elections are among the rights that will change when Britain leaves the EU.

"You're taking away individual rights as a matter of national law," said Miller, 51, who runs SCM Direct, an online investment manager, and is also a lawyer.

Politically, though, there's growing cross-party pressure to give Parliament a say on Britain's Brexit strategy before Article 50 is invoked. A motion debated Wednesday in the House of Commons demands that lawmakers have a chance to "properly scrutinize" the Brexit strategy before the formal exit process begins.

May faced a rebellion from members of her own party and was forced to concede that Conservative lawmakers could support the opposition Labour Party's motion on Wednesday. But she insisted on amendments stating that the result of the EU referendum must be respected and that the government's negotiating position should not be undermined.

Further complicating matters for lawyers on both sides of the issue is the fact that the U.K. constitution is not a single document as in other countries, such as the United States. Instead, it is a collection of laws and precedents established over centuries, leaving gray areas that need to be decided by the courts.

Regardless of how the High Court rules, the Supreme Court has cleared a place on its calendar in December to hear an appeal.

David Allen Green, a senior consultant at the law firm of Preiskel & Co., said the litigation may be "the most important constitutional case of a generation," due to the magnitude of the EU debate and because talented constitutional lawyers are involved on both sides.

"But its main importance is because it deals squarely with many legally unexplored areas at the very heart of constitutional law," said Green, who isn't involved in the lawsuit.

He said those areas include "the exact scope of executive power in regard to treaties, the impact of referendums, the proper roles of Parliament and the courts in such matters, the protection or removal of rights of UK and EU citizens, and the relationship of all of these with the devolved governments in Northern Ireland and Scotland."

"It could be mind-blowing stuff," he said.

A currency exchange board with washed out rates in London, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The pound remained volatile, gaining ground Wednesday after the British Prime Minister Theresa May said she would open to parliamentary debate the issue of how the country approaches its exit from the European Union. ((AP Photo/Frank Augstein)

Gina Miller poses for a portrait near the Houses of Parliament in London, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Financial entrepreneur Gina Miller's landmark lawsuit begins with a simple question: can Theresa Mays government invoke Article 50 and trigger the exit from the European Union without an act of Parliament. (AP Photo/Alastair Grant)

People pass a currency exchange board in London, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The pound remained volatile, gaining ground Wednesday after the British Prime Minister Theresa May said she would open to parliamentary debate the issue of how the country approaches its exit from the European Union. ((AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
Serbia: Putin friend Timchenko is named honorary consul

BELGRADE, Serbia (AP)  Serbia on Wednesday named Russian President Vladimir Putin's billionaire friend  a man who is on a U.S. sanctions list over Ukraine  as the Balkan country's honorary consul in St. Petersburg.

The office of Serbia's pro-Russian President Tomislav Nikolic said Gennady Timchenko was inaugurated to the ceremonial post in the second-largest Russian city.

Timchenko, Putin's former judo partner, has lived in Switzerland and has dual Russian-Finnish nationality. His personal wealth is estimated at some $7.6 billion, earned mostly in the energy business. He has also been probed in the U.S. in an alleged money-laundering scheme.

Nikolic said at the ceremony in St. Petersburg that the appointment reflects long-standing friendly relations between Russia and Serbia, two traditional Slavic allies.

Timchenko thanked Nikolic for the post, saying he "would be glad to help both Serbia and Russia in finding new ways to develop our relationship."

In his speech, Nikolic also praised Putin as a "great visionary who secures better and peaceful future" for Russian citizens and who represents "the pillar for many not so powerful nations threatened by force."
Maine governor says he meant Trump is "authoritative"

AUGUSTA, Maine (AP)  Republican Maine Gov. Paul LePage says he meant to use the word "authoritative"  not "authoritarian"  when speaking about GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump during a radio interview.

LePage on Wednesday clarified comments he made a day earlier on a radio show. He said Trump's "powerful personality" and "authoritative persona" mean he wouldn't have to "go behind closed doors with community activists to get things done and hurt American people."

The governor blamed reporters for making too much of his slip of the tongue when he said the country needs Trump "to show some authoritarian power in our country."

FILE - In this Jan. 8, 2016, file photo, Gov. Paul LePage speaks at a news conference at the State House in Augusta, Maine. Lepage said Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, that he meant to use the word "authoritative"  not "authoritarian"  to describe GOP presidential nominee Donald Trump. LePage on Wednesday clarified comments he made a day earlier on a radio show. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

An authoritarian is someone who enforces unquestioning obedience, such as a dictator. Authoritative relates to competent or assertive leadership.
Congo militia leader, 100 fighters surrender to authorities

KINSHASA, Congo (AP)  The governor of Congo's Haute-Katanga province says a warlord and militia leader who escaped prison has surrendered along with 100 of his fighters.

Governor Jean-Claude Kazembe said Wednesday that Gedeon Kyungu Mutanga and the fighters turned themselves in to authorities in Malambwe, a locality about 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Lubumbashi.

He says the surrender is a result of long negotiations to put an end to insecurity in the area. He says they will enter the government's demobilization and rehabilitation program.

A local rights group has said criminal charges should not be dropped against Mutanga, and criticized any amnesty the militia leader might receive for the deal.
'Grim Reaper' spreading message of no texting and walking

PITTSBURGH (AP)  Pittsburgh pedestrians are being urged to "Look Alive" and not at their cellphones by folks dressed as though they're dead.

The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and other groups are trying to "scare" pedestrians off their cellphones by having actors dressed as the Grim Reaper and zombies urging people to look up from their cellphones while they're walking downtown.

The $50,000 program rolled out Tuesday is driven by an increase nationally in accidents involving distracted pedestrians.

In an Oct. 10, 2016 photo, the Grim Reaper meets Mark Caparelli , of Whithall, Pa., during his lunch break along Grant Street in Pittsburgh. Mark was not using his cell phone. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and other groups are trying to "scare" pedestrians off their cellphones by having actors dressed as the Grim Reaper and zombies urging people to look up from their cellphones while they're walking downtown. (Darrell Sapp/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP)

National statistics show the number of fatal vehicle-pedestrian accidents was dropping steadily for decades, but has increased since 2009 as people have become more engrossed in their phones, said Jeremy Waldrup, president and CEO of the downtown partnership.

The "Look Alive" campaign, which is similar to efforts in Chicago and New York City, uses a variety of reminders for people to get their eyes off their phones and on the sidewalks and streets in front of them.

Among them are chalk body outlines near busy intersections, reminder posters at transit stations and the ghoulishly dressed improv actors who will provide a gentle, comic reminder if they see a pedestrian too engrossed in their cellphone.

The Pittsburgh effort also involves the Port Authority of Allegheny County, the county health department and Bike Pittsburgh. One feature distinguishes it from similar programs.

Red House Communications, a company based on the city's South Side has developed a geo-fencing service that will send messages to certain cellphone apps as people approach the city's busiest downtown intersections. Geo-fencing is location-based marketing that uses global-positioning technology to send advertisements or messages to cellphone users in certain specific geographic areas.

Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald acknowledges everybody gets distracted by their cellphones and could be more careful.

"Sometimes we get distracted, we're in a hurry, we have to get to the next meeting, we need to get the information about the next meeting, but it's a lesson to all of us: Safety first," he said.

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Online: www.lookalivepgh.com

In an Oct. 10, 2016 photo, Brandy Warner , of Squirrel Hill, was using her cell phone for directions when she was detained by the Grim Reaper at the corner of 6th Ave. & Grant Street on Pittsburgh Pa. The Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership and other groups are trying to "scare" pedestrians off their cellphones by having actors dressed as the Grim Reaper and zombies urging people to look up from their cellphones while they're walking downtown. (Darrell Sapp/Pittsburgh Post-Gazette via AP)
Prosecutors: California man target police in deadly ambush

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (AP)  A gang member targeted and then ambushed Palm Springs police officers last weekend, killing two and wounding a third, a prosecutor said Wednesday in announcing first-degree murder charges and a litany of other counts against the man.

John Hernandez Felix, 26, was prepared to attack the officers when they responded to a 911 call from his family's home Saturday, Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin said. He wore body armor and used armor-piercing ammunition when he opened fire with an AR-15 rifle on officers who came to the door, prosecutors said.

"This individual wanted to kill police officers," Hestrin said. "That's the motive. He wanted to gun down police officers because they wore the uniform."

Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin, at podium, announces he is charging John Felix with two counts of first-degree murder and other crimes for the killing of two Palm Springs police officers, at a news conference in Riverside, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Hestrin said Felix "wanted to kill police officers" and prepared for the attack with armor and special ammunition in the confrontation Saturday, Oct. 8, that left two officers dead and one wounded. (Richard Lui/The Desert Sun via AP)

He termed the attack an ambush and said the officers "walked into a trap." The killings are the latest in a string of fatal attacks on officers that includes ambushes in Dallas and Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Felix faces special-circumstance allegations of murder of a police officer in the line of duty, multiple murders and lying in wait, which qualify him for the death penalty, Hestrin said. Prosecutors will decide within three weeks whether to seek capital punishment.

Felix would be assigned an attorney to speak on his behalf this week, prosecutors said. He was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday.

He's accused of killing Officers Jose "Gil" Gilbert Vega, 63, and Lesley Zerebny, 27, and wounding a third officer. The unidentified officer was released from a hospital Sunday.

Vega was a 35-year veteran of the force and was preparing to retire. Zerebny had been with the department about 18 months and left behind a 4-month-old daughter with her husband, a Riverside County sheriff's deputy.

They were the first officers from the desert resort city about 100 miles east of Los Angeles to die in the line of duty since 1962.

Vega and Zerebny were responding to a domestic disturbance call. A relative told police arriving at the home that Felix had a weapon.

Officers spoke with him through a metal screen door before he opened fire without warning, the Sheriff's Department said. Felix was arrested after a lengthy standoff with police.

Vega and Zerebny, like all California peace officers, were trained in handling domestic violence calls and wore ballistic vests as required when in uniform and on duty, sheriff's Deputy Mike Vasquez said.

Felix was a known gang member and served 18 months of a four-year sentence for assault with a gun in connection with a 2009 gang shooting. He was paroled in 2011, according to state records.

He was prohibited from possessing firearms because of the felony conviction, the Sheriff's Department said.

Palm Springs Police Chief Bryan Reyes invited the public to a memorial service for the officers at the city's convention center next Tuesday "to pay your respects and show your love for the ultimate sacrifice of these two guardians of the city of Palm Springs."

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This story has been corrected to show Lesley Zerebny's name was misspelled Zerenby in some instances.

Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin, at podium, announces he is charging John Felix, seen in poster, with two counts of first-degree murder and other crimes for the killing of two Palm Springs police officers, at a news conference in Riverside, Calif., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Hestrin said Felix "wanted to kill police officers" and prepared for the attack with armor and special ammunition in the confrontation Saturday, Oct. 8, that left two officers dead and one wounded. (Richard Lui/The Desert Sun via AP)

This Sunday, Oct. 9 2016 photo released by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department shows suspect John Felix, who was apprehended early Sunday after a lengthy standoff and faces charges including multiple counts of murder on a peace officer. Police said Felix suddenly pulled out a gun and opened fire on the officers who had responded to a family disturbance call Saturday. (Riverside County Sheriff's Department via AP)
Missouri sets execution date for man convicted of killing 3

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP)  Missouri's Supreme Court on Wednesday set a Jan. 31 execution date for a man convicted of the 1998 killings of a woman and her two children even as five legal groups press a federal appeals court to spare him.

Mark Christeson's lethal injection is the only one docketed among 25 condemned inmates in Missouri, where the last execution was in May. Missouri has executed more prisoners  19 since November 2013  than any state except Texas in recent years.

The U.S. Supreme Court previously intervened in Christeson's case hours before he was to be put to death in 2014, saying his court-appointed attorneys were ineffective because they missed a federal appeals deadline. Virtually all death penalty cases in the U.S. are appealed through the federal courts.

In August, three national criminal defense associations, a civil rights law firm and the American Bar Association filed an appeal on 37-year-old Christeson's behalf with the St. Louis-based 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The groups argue that Christeson, given the amount of money allocated to his defense, can't afford to bring in experts to testify that his mental impairment left him unable to assert his own rights when his lawyers during his 1999 trial failed to adequately do their job.

Janet Moore of the National Association for Public Defense, among the defender groups for Christeson, said it was shocking that Missouri's highest court would schedule the execution while legal matters are pending.

"There is serious concern that this man is not eligible for the death penalty, and he needs a full and fair opportunity to litigate that issue," Moore said in a telephone interview. "I have complete faith in the federal courts dealing with this habeas petition to do the right thing."

According to court records, the killings happened after Christeson, then 18, and a 17-year-old cousin, Jesse Carter, devised a plan to run away from home outside the central Missouri community of Vichy, where they were living with a relative. Armed with shotguns, the two walked a half-mile to the neighboring home of Susan Brouk, planning to steal her Ford Bronco.

Once there, they used shoelaces to bind the hands of Brouk's two children, ages 12 and 9. Christeson forced Brouk into a bedroom and raped her before the suspects drove the family to a pond, where Brouk and one of the children were stabbed and thrown into the water to drown. The other child suffocated when Christeson pressed on her throat while his cousin held her.

Christeson and Carter fled to California, where they were arrested.

Carter agreed to testify against Christeson and was sentenced to life in prison.
To Clinton, some swing states looking more like safe states

WASHINGTON (AP)  Just under a month from Election Day, Hillary Clinton is treating a trio of perennial swing states  Colorado, Virginia and Wisconsin  more like safe states.

The Democratic nominee isn't running television advertisements in any of the three states and has barely campaigned in them  her trip to Pueblo, Colorado, on Wednesday was her first in that state since August. Even when the occasional public poll pops up suggesting a narrowing of the contest, particularly in Colorado and Wisconsin she doesn't budge.

Democrats' confidence is driven by a changing population, Trump's stunning unpopularity with women and his struggle to make inroads with other crucial voting blocs, like Hispanics. It's freed Clinton to spend more time and money in places like North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Florida, three states that are a must-win for Trump.

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton poses for photos after speaking at a rally at Miami Dade College in Miami, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP)

"The goal isn't to spread yourself thin or everywhere," said Joel Benenson, Clinton's pollster and chief strategist. "The goal is to concentrate your resources in a way that gives you the most and the best path to 270 or more electoral votes."

Clinton's campaign still has a significant presence in the three states: 27 offices in Colorado, 34 in Virginia and 41 in Wisconsin. Running mate Tim Kaine has been making stops in some of the states, along with prominent supporters such as her husband and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders.

COLORADO

Clinton's minimal presence in Colorado is striking compared with the significant time and attention President Barack Obama devoted to the state during his two elections. Obama was rewarded with wins both times, with his 2008 victory marking just the second time in 40 years that Colorado voted for the Democrat in a presidential election.

Democrats see Obama's victories as the start of a political shift that's made the Western battleground welcome territory for Democrats. The electorate is increasingly educated, affluent and heavily tilted to suburban women. About 20 percent of Colorado residents are Hispanic.

Voter registration numbers also tell a favorable story for Clinton. For the first time in more than 30 years, more Democrats are registered to vote in Colorado than Republicans.

"The gold star for voter registration goes to Democrats," said David Flaherty, a Colorado-based Republican pollster. Looking toward future presidential elections, he said that while Colorado "isn't totally out of reach yet" for Republicans, population shifts are pushing in that direction.

Trump's best chance of overtaking Clinton in Colorado is if young people flock to Libertarian Gary Johnson, who has looked strong in the state but appears to be fading slightly in national polls.

Trump, who only recently started making multimillion dollar advertising buys, has spent about $2.5 million on spots in Colorado since early September, according to data from Kantar Media's advertising tracker. His campaign has an additional $2 million reserved there through Election Day, a paltry amount compared with what campaigns typically spend on advertising in battleground states.

VIRGINIA

Clinton's campaign believes Virginia is swiftly moving from a swing state to reliably Democratic territory in presidential elections. It's a striking assessment given that Virginia hadn't voted for a Democrat in more than 40 years before Obama's first of two victories.

Like Colorado, Clinton's comfort in Virginia comes from both a changing population makeup and Trump's struggles with suburban woman. The state continues to get less white, and its suburban areas, particularly in northern Virginia, keep adding more moderate and well-educated voters.

Still, Virginia has been a regular stop for Trump. He's visited six times since the summer Republican convention and is spending about the same amount of money on television ads there as he is in Colorado.

Clinton? She hasn't visited Virginia since July. Her campaign stopped spending money on television advertisements the following month.

If Trump loses Virginia, he'll need to find another way to make up a batch of electoral votes that successful Republicans have banked on. An upset in Wisconsin would get him most of the way there, but....

WISCONSIN

Wisconsin has voted for the Democrat in every presidential election since 1984. But with a largely white electorate, it's a state where Republican presidential candidates often make an aggressive play and where Democrats spend money to hold them off.

Of all the swing states, Wisconsin was initially viewed by Trump's team as potentially favorable. At first glance, the state's population would seem favorable for a candidate whose core support comes from white, working class voters. But Trump's brash brand of politics turned off Wisconsin conservatives in the primary and he was defeated handily.

Paul Maslin, a Wisconsin-based Democratic pollster, said Trump hasn't been able to make up ground with those voters

"This notion that in Wisconsin he was going to have this magical white working class appeal and that was going to flip the state, that just hasn't happened," Maslin said.

Clinton isn't spending money on ads in Wisconsin and hasn't made a single campaign stop there since winning the Democratic nomination. Trump recently reserved about $600,000 in airtime in Wisconsin over the next few weeks.

Trump had hoped for a splashy show of party unity in Wisconsin last weekend, when he was scheduled to appear alongside Gov. Scott Walker and House Speaker Paul Ryan at a party event in their home state. But Ryan revoked the invitation to Trump after the release of a tape in which the businessman is heard making predatory sexual comments about women.

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Associated Press writers Chad Day, Scott Bauer, Nicholas Riccardi and Alan Suderman contributed to this report.

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Follow Julie Pace at http://twitter.com/jpaceDC

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump gestures as he arrives to speak at a campaign rally, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, in Ocala, Fla. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci)
Rebel advances in central Syria set back by infighting

BEIRUT (AP)  For more than a month, insurgents fighting President Bashar Assad's forces had been on the march in central Syria, getting within a few miles of the fourth-largest city of Hama. Many in the opposition hoped they would cut a main government supply line to Aleppo and ease the pressure on the rebels there.

But the ambitious campaign has been severely hampered by the rebels themselves, mostly due to infighting that broke out last week.

It's a recurring theme of opposition discord and rivalry that Assad has exploited throughout Syria's 5-year-old civil war.

This photo released Monday, Oct. 3, 2016 by the website of Fath al-Sham, an anti-government militant group, shows a militant from the Fath al-Sham group shooting during clashes with Syrian army soldiers in the Hama countryside, Syria. Infighting among some insurgent groups in Syria is severely hampering an offensive that many activists had hoped would cut government supply lines to Aleppo and ease the pressure on that embattled northern city. Arabic reads, "Clashes between the Mujahideen and the Alawite army before liberating the check points." (The website of Fath al-Sham via AP)

The five-week offensive, which saw insurgents break government defenses and capture more than two dozen villages and towns, was spearheaded by the Salafi-jihadi extremist Jund al-Aqsa group.

The advance so alarmed Syria's army command that it eventually rushed one of Assad's most trusted and prominent officers, Col. Suheil al-Hassan, and his elite unit to defend the strategic region.

The Hama region, which has a religiously mixed population, is an intersection between central and northern Syria and the Mediterranean coast. The rebels hoped their blitz would reduce pressure on the northern city of Aleppo, which has been under blistering Syrian and Russian air attack.

The key for the opposition was to cut government supply lines between Aleppo and Assad's strongholds in Damascus and the coastal region.

That did not happen.

On Oct. 7, heavy fighting broke out in the nearby Idlib province between Jund al-Aqsa and the powerful, ultraconservative group Ahrar al-Sham. That group blamed the other for assassinating several of its local commanders.

Both groups then withdrew from battling government troops, allowing the army to launch a counteroffensive and regain control of 14 villages and towns since the weekend.

The infighting "turned the situation upside down," said Turkey-based opposition activist Ahmad al-Ahmad, adding that government forces within three days regained 30 percent of the ground they lost in a month.

The fighting eased after the al-Qaida-linked Fateh al-Sham Front said Jund al-Aqsa will be folded under its command  a move that will make the front much more powerful. Sporadic skirmishes continue, but the fighting has effectively wrecked both the rebel offensive and any possible rescue of Aleppo.

Such disunity and rivalry has plagued opposition and armed rebel groups in Syria from the beginning. Turf wars and internal power struggles have often impeded rebel advances, allowing government forces to take advantage and gain territory.

Since late August, rebels have captured areas in Hama province close to Idlib province, which is near the border with Turkey and is the biggest insurgent stronghold in Syria.

"We have many goals, and one of them is to cut the regime's road leading to Aleppo," a commander with Jund al-Aqsa in Hama said last week. The commander, who goes by the name of Lt. Col. Karmo, did not elaborate.

On Tuesday, the same commander said that while his men had not withdrawn, Ahrar al-Sham had pulled its fighters from front-line villages in Hama province, helping Assad's troops regain control of much of what they lost in the past five weeks.

But al-Ahmad, the opposition activist, said both groups had abandoned their positions on the front lines in Hama.

Two Ahrar al-Sham officials did not respond to questions about the events.

A Syrian cabinet minister, Ali Haidar, told The Associated Press in Damascus on Wednesday that Hama was the "safety valve which the gunmen tried to open to alleviate pressure on Aleppo." He said the rebels also aimed to open parallel fronts to divert government resources.

An opposition activist from Hama province who closely monitors the situation and has contacts with various factions said there were disagreements even before the fighting broke out between Jund al-Aqsa and Ahrar al-Sham.

One of the main disagreements that slowed the Hama offensive was how to run the city once it fell to the insurgents. Many in Hama feared that Jund al-Aqsa's extremist ideology would be implemented, and they wanted only gunmen from the city to be in charge of security, the activist said.

The activist, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of reprisals by the insurgents, also said Hama's merchants and elders opposed any situation that might put the city at risk of government airstrikes, similar to what Aleppo has endured.

Hama has been relatively calm since Syria's crisis began, apart from anti-government protests at the start of the 2011 uprising that turned into civil war.

The elders fear a repetition of what happened in 1982 when President Hafez Assad, the father of the current leader, cracked down on a Muslim Brotherhood-led rebellion in Hama. Government troops razed much of the city in a three-week air and ground attack, killing between 10,000 and 20,000 people.

The insurgents named their current operation in Hama after Marwan Hadid, a Muslim militant and native of the city who was killed under torture in government jails in 1976.

In addition to capturing towns and villages, the insurgents also have advanced close to Hama's air base, one of the country's largest and the launching point for government warplanes attacking rebel positions in central Syria.

The government and its Russian allies have responded to the offensive with intense airstrikes, and Assad's forces have regained the upper hand for now.

Rami Abdurrahman, head of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, said only two small rebel groups were still trying to repel the government counteroffensive.

"The situation is very bad, and if it continues that way, the regime will retake ground it lost two years ago," he said.

This photo released Monday, Oct. 3, 2016 by the website of Fath al-Sham, an anti-government militant group, shows Syrian army soldiers take cover during clashes with Fath al-Sham militants in Hama countryside, Syria. Infighting among some insurgent groups in Syria is severely hampering an offensive that many activists had hoped would cut government supply lines to Aleppo and ease the pressure on that embattled northern city. A Syrian cabinet minister, Ali Haidar, told The Associated Press in Damascus on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, that Hama was the safety valve which the gunmen tried to open to alleviate pressure on Aleppo. Arabic banner shows a verse from the Quran. (The website of Fath al-Sham via AP)

This photo released Monday, Oct. 3, 2016 by the website of Fath al-Sham, an anti-government militant group, shows a militant from the Fath al-Sham group shooting during clashes with Syrian army soldiers, in the Hama countryside, Syria. Infighting among some insurgent groups in Syria is severely hampering an offensive that many activists had hoped would cut government supply lines to Aleppo and ease the pressure on that embattled northern city. Arabic reads, "Clashes between the Mujahideen and the Alawite army before liberating the check points." (The website of Fath al-Sham via AP)

FILE -- In this Oct. 3, 2016 file photo released by the Syrian official news agency SANA, Syrians inspect the site of a suicide attack in Hama, Syria. Infighting among some insurgent groups in Syria is severely hampering an offensive that many activists had hoped would cut government supply lines to Aleppo and ease the pressure on that embattled northern city. A Syrian cabinet minister, Ali Haidar, told The Associated Press in Damascus on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, that Hama was the safety valve which the gunmen tried to open to alleviate pressure on Aleppo. (SANA via AP, File)

FILE - This Sept. 1, 2016 file photo provided by the Syria Press Center (SPC), an anti-government media group, shows rescue workers using a bulldozer to remove a burned van after airstrikes that killed a dozen people west of the town of Suran in Hama province, Syria. Infighting among some insurgent groups in Syria is severely hampering an offensive that many activists had hoped would cut government supply lines to Aleppo and ease the pressure on that embattled northern city. A Syrian cabinet minister, Ali Haidar, told The Associated Press in Damascus on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, that Hama was the safety valve which the gunmen tried to open to alleviate pressure on Aleppo. (Syria Press Center via AP, File)
Officials say Romanian man held hostage in Nigeria is freed

BUCHAREST, Romania (AP)  Romania's foreign ministry says a Romanian engineer abducted in southern Nigeria has been freed.

The ministry did not provide details of the man's release in its statement late Wednesday. It thanked Nigerian authorities and the crisis team the ministry set up to handle the situation.

Armed men attacked a group of foreigners Monday evening at a railway construction site in Agbor in Delta state and kidnapped the man. Nigerian police identified him as Christian Nedelcu, an engineer with Dextron Nigeria Ltd, a construction firm.

Kidnappings of Nigerians and foreigners are common in Nigeria. In the oil-rich southern Niger Delta, they are carried out by ordinary criminals as well as by militants demanding a greater share of oil riches for locals.
Hacked email about Catholics sparks Republican outcry

WASHINGTON (AP)  Donald Trump's campaign called Wednesday for Hillary Clinton to apologize and fire senior campaign officials involved in an email exchange that Republicans condemned as "breathtaking anti-Catholic bigotry."

The April 2011 email exchange details a brief conversation between current Clinton Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri and John Halpin, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, a Democratic think tank with close ties to the Clinton campaign and the Obama White House.

Halpin wrote that "the most powerful elements of the conservative movement are all Catholic" and described their positions as "an amazing bastardization of the faith."

Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton arrives for a rally at the Colorado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo, Colo., Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, to attend a rally. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

"They must be attracted to the systematic thought and severely backwards gender relations and must be totally unaware of Christian democracy," Halpin wrote.

Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta was included in the email conversation but did not respond.

Palmieri, who was at the Center for American Progress at the time, responded that Catholicism "is the most socially acceptable politically conservative religion. Their rich friends wouldn't understand if they became evangelicals."

The exchange was revealed this week among thousands of hacked Podesta emails made public by Wikileaks. Podesta says the FBI is investigating the matter as part of a broader investigation into Russian hacking of Democratic groups.

The comments sparked an outcry from the Trump campaign and its Republican allies who are eager to go on the offensive as Trump struggles with his own party. GOP leaders and many elected Republicans distanced themselves from their own presidential nominee after after Trump's sexually predatory language was revealed on video last week.

Campaigning Wednesday in battleground Florida, Trump said Clinton's team had been "viciously attacking Catholics and evangelicals."

"Anybody of religion, I really think you have to vote for Donald Trump," he said.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., who has distanced himself from the Trump campaign, called the emails "staggering."

Ryan, who is Catholic, released a statement Wednesday saying: "If anything, these statements reveal the Clinton campaign's hostile attitude toward people of faith in general. ... All Americans of faith should take a long, hard look at this and decide if these are the values we want to be represented in our next president."

Palmieri told reporters traveling with Clinton on Wednesday that she doesn't recognize the hacked email, although she wouldn't say explicitly whether she believes it had been forged. The Clinton campaign has noted that Russian hackers have been known to fake information, but the campaign has not pointed to a specific example of a hacked email being altered.

Trump allies, in a conference call organized by his campaign, compared the email exchange to the persecution of the Irish in the early 19th century.

"The Clinton campaign, when in private, expresses breathtaking anti-Catholic bigotry," said American Conservative Union chairman Matt Schlapp.

The Center for American Progress released a statement that did not authenticate the email exchange, but said Halpin, a Catholic, "has spent his career advocating and fighting for the common good and improving the lives of all Americans as a key tenet of his Catholic faith."

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DHS to temporarily halt deportation flights to Haiti

WASHINGTON (AP)  The U.S. government will temporarily halt deportation flights to Haiti as the nation recovers from Hurricane Matthew, Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said Wednesday.

Johnson said department officials with work with the Haitian government to resume flights "as soon as possible."

He said the temporary halt of flights to the country won't change the U.S. government's newly enacted policy to detain Haitians recently stopped at the border and put them into removal proceedings.

A farmer stands amidst damaged and toppled coconut palms in a village near Les Cayes, Haiti, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. Hurricane Matthews's winds uprooted coconut trees, shattered banana plantations and flattened vegetable fields across the southwest. In some coastal towns, flooding even carried away livestock. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

Johnson's announcement came a day after he suggested the detention policy would be put on hold while Haiti dealt with the aftermath of the massive hurricane.

"We will have to deal with that situation, address it, be sympathetic to the plight of the people of Haiti as a result of the hurricane," Johnson said during a visit to Mexico City. "But after that situation, after that condition has been addressed, we intend to resume the policy change that I brought about several weeks ago."

Johnson announced the plan to detain and deport newly arriving Haitians on Sept. 21. Before that, such immigrants were being allowed into the United States on what is called humanitarian parole. Deportations were halted to Haiti for most immigrants after a devastating 2010 earthquake.

Thousands of Haitian immigrants have been stopped at the border in the last 12 months, compared with just a few hundred the year before. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Director Sarah Saldana told lawmakers last month that officials in Central America advised her on a recent trip that as many as 40,000 Haitians were headed north to the United States.
Venezuela top court: President can bypass Congress on budget

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP)  Critics of Venezuela's socialist administration are denouncing as undemocratic a move to bypass Congress' role in approving the country's budget.

The South American country's top court ruled on Wednesday that it could approve President Nicolas Maduro's budget instead of the opposition-controlled Congress. The court has systematically dismantled Congress' power after the opposition took control of the body in January.

Congress President Henry Ramos says the ruling reflects the court's "criminal attitude."

Opposition leader Henrique Capriles gestures to supporters near a voting center gathering to protest the conditions set by electoral authorities for a recall referendum to go forward against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The opposition has held a series of marches since a major rally on Sept. 1, and all have drawn underwhelming turnout. (AP Photo/Alejandro Cegarra)

Judges said the change in which body approves the budget was needed to guarantee constitutional order. Maduro would surely have faced a fight with opposition leaders in Congress to get his agenda through.

Also on Wednesday, opposition leaders held small rallies around the country to demand that the government allow a recall referendum against Maduro to proceed this year.

People protest the conditions set by electoral authorities for a recall referendum to go forward against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro, near a voting center in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The opposition has held a series of marches since a major rally on Sept. 1, and all have drawn underwhelming turnout. (AP Photo/Alejandro Cegarra)

Opposition leader Henrique Capriles is hugged by a supporter during a gathering outside a voting center where they protest the conditions set by electoral authorities for a recall referendum to go forward against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The opposition has held a series of marches since a major rally on Sept. 1, and all have drawn underwhelming turnout. (AP Photo/Alejandro Cegarra)

Supporters of opposition leader Henrique Capriles wait for him near a voting center to protest the conditions set by electoral authorities for a recall referendum to go forward against Venezuela's President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas, Venezuela, Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. The opposition has held a series of marches since a major rally on Sept. 1, and all have drawn underwhelming turnout. (AP Photo/ Alejandro Cegarra)
Former embassy official's husband pleads guilty in sex case

WASHINGTON (AP)  The husband of a former U.S. Embassy official in Morocco has pleaded guilty to abusing a former household staff member while living in Rabat.

The U.S. attorney's office for the District of Columbia said Wednesday in a statement that 65-year-old Labib Chammas of Reston, Virginia, has pleaded guilty to one count of abusive sexual conduct.

Chammas' wife, Judith Chammas, served as deputy chief of mission in Morocco.

In a plea agreement, Chammas acknowledged that from 2010 to 2013, while living in State Department-owned housing, he sexually abused a household staff member. Chammas acknowledged in the plea that he demanded the woman touch his genitals and attempted to force her to perform oral sex.
Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf steps down amid sales scandal

NEW YORK (AP)  Wells Fargo's embattled CEO John Stumpf is stepping down as the nation's second-largest bank is roiled by a scandal over its sales practices.

The San Francisco bank said Wednesday that Stumpf is retiring effective immediately and also relinquishing his title as chairman. He won't be receiving severance pay and the bank announced earlier that he will forfeit $41 million in stock awards.

Wells Fargo's chief operating officer, Tim Sloan, will succeed Stumpf as CEO and join the company's board. Sloan has been with Wells Fargo for 29 years. Stephen Sanger, the bank's lead director, will serve as the board's non-executive chairman.

FILE - In this Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2016, file photo, Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington, before the Senate Banking Committee. Wells Fargos embattled CEO Stumpf is out effective immediately, with President and Chief Operating Officer Tim Sloan taking over as the head of the one of the nations largest banks, the company announced Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

Stumpf's end at Wells Fargo comes a little over a month after the bank was fined by California and federal regulators $185 million over its sales practices.

The regulators alleged employees trying to meet aggressive sales targets opened bank and credit card accounts, moved money between those accounts and even created fake email addresses to sign customers up for online banking  all without customer authorization. Debit cards were issued and activated, as well as PINs created, without customers' knowledge.

"I wish I could snap my fingers and make everything all right again, but it's going to take time," said Sloan said in an interview. "We are going to make it right by our customers and we are going to work to win that trust back."

Stumpf, a 34-year veteran of the bank who took over as CEO in 2007, had previously gained acclaim for navigating Wells Fargo through the financial crisis and keeping it free of scandal. But he came under withering pressure over the alleged misconduct, believed to have gone on at the bank for years. Some 5,300 lower-level employees were fired.

"While I have been deeply committed and focused on managing the company through this period, I have decided it is best for the company that I step aside," he said in a prepared statement Wednesday.

Among Stumpf's critics, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts told him at a Senate Banking Committee hearing last month that he should resign and "give back the money you took while the scam was going on."

News of Stumpf's departure, however, did little to quell some lawmakers' anger over the affair or their demands for information from the company on how harmed customers and employees will be made whole.

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., and the panel's senior Democrat, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, said Wednesday that Stumpf's retirement doesn't answer important questions.

"We are still waiting for answers as to how Wells Fargo plans to right its wrongs against customers and the low-paid employees who weren't given the benefit of a retirement package when they were fired for refusing to cheat," Brown said in a statement.

Stumpf earned $19.3 million last year. But he and Carrie Tolstedt, the executive who ran the retail banking division, will forfeit millions.

Tolstedt announced in July that she would retire from the bank this year and had been expected to leave with as much as $125 million in salary, stock options and other compensation. She was stripped of $19 million of her stock awards, and her departure was made immediate.

The revelations have sparked investigations by federal agencies. The bank's independent directors have also launched their own investigation.

Wells Fargo is scheduled to report its quarterly results Friday morning. In after-hours trading, its stock rose 76 cents, or nearly 1.7 percent, to $46.08.

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AP Business Writer Marcy Gordon contributed to this story from Washington.

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Ken Sweet covers banking and consumer financial issues for The Associated Press. Follow him on Twitter at @kensweet

FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016, file photo, Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf leaves a hearing room on Capitol Hill in Washington, after testifying before the House Financial Services Committee investigating Wells Fargo's opening of unauthorized customer accounts. Embattled CEO Stumpf is out effective immediately, with President and Chief Operating Officer Tim Sloan taking over as the head of the one of the nations largest banks, the company announced Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)
Trump, escalating rhetoric, says Clinton "has to go to jail"

LAKELAND, Florida (AP)  His campaign struggling a month from Election Day, Donald Trump sharpened his rhetoric Wednesday from calling for Hillary Clinton's defeat to declaring "she has to go to jail" for using a homebrew email server and other charges of corruption while she was secretary of state.

But while Trump went on all out-assault on his opponent, his campaign reeled again from new accusations that the celebrity businessman touched women inappropriately.

The New York Times published interviews with one woman, Jessica Leeds, who said Trump grabbed her breasts and tried to put his hand up her skirt during a flight three decades ago. A second woman, Rachel Cooks, said that Trump "kissed her directly on her mouth against her will," according to the report.

Trump's campaign spokesman, Jason Miller, called the story "fiction" and coordinated "character assassination."

Separately, The Palm Beach Post in Florida, reported Wednesday night that Mindy McGillivray, 36, said Trump groped her at his Mar-a-Lago estate 13 years ago. Trump's campaign said her allegation "lacks any merit or veracity."

The claims come on the heels of the release of a recording on which Trump brags about groping women without their consent because he is famous. Trump has apologized. But widespread condemnation followed, including from dozens of Republican officeholders who called on Trump to quit the presidential race and let his running mate, Mike Pence, complete it as the GOP nominee. Trump has refused and amped up his attacks on Clinton by bringing up Bill Clinton's sexual past and saying the former first lady attacked his alleged partners.

Trump also told supporters at a rally in battleground Florida that the Justice Department's handling of the probe into Clinton's email server let her off the hook and suggested that both Democrats and Republicans in Congress went along with it. The Justice Department declined to prosecute Clinton, but FBI Director James Comey criticized her and her aides for being "extremely careless" with classified information.

"Did they make a deal where everybody protects each other in Washington?" Trump asked Wednesday.

"This corruption and collusion is just one more reason why I will ask my attorney general to appoint a special prosecutor," to investigate Clinton and the fact that she apparently deleted thousands of emails that were never recovered, Trump said.

He later made clear: "She deleted the emails. She has to go to jail."

The call was a dramatic escalation of rhetoric from Trump. Just after the Republican National Convention, Trump responded to his supporters' chants of "lock her up" by suggesting "Let's just beat her in November."

At Sunday's debate in St. Louis, the nominee himself made that very threat  an unprecedented break with U.S. political decorum. It came after Clinton had said it is "awfully good that someone with the temperament of Donald Trump is not in charge of the law in our country."

Trump blasted back, "Because you'd be in jail."

But Trump didn't solely train his fire on his Democratic opponent.

Trump has complained bitterly in recent days about House Speaker Paul Ryan, who told Republican House members on Monday that he would focus on maintaining a majority in Congress and would no longer campaign for Trump. He noted that Ryan didn't call and say "good going" after his performance in Sunday's debate.

Trump claimed that there is a "whole sinister deal going on" that has prevented Ryan and other Republican leaders from fully backing his campaign but he didn't elaborate.

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Giuliani wrongly accuses Clinton of lying about 9/11

NEW YORK (AP)  Stumping for Donald Trump in Ocala, Florida, on Wednesday, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani told a crowd that Hillary Clinton had falsely claimed to have been in New York on Sept. 11, 2001  an incorrect claim he took back a few hours later.

"I made a mistake. I'm wrong and I apologize," Giuliani told The Associated Press.

In Florida, addressing what he portrayed as Clinton's past remarks on the subject, Giuliani said: "Don't tell me, if you said that, that you remember Sept. 11, 2001. I remember Sept. 11, 2001. Yes, yes, you helped to get benefits for the people that were injured that day. But I heard her say one day she was there that day. I was there that day. I don't remember seeing Hillary Clinton there."

FILE - In this Wednesday, Sept. 12, 2001 file photo, New York City Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, center, leads New York Gov. George Pataki, left, and Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., on a tour of the site of the World Trade Center disaster. While stumping for Donald Trump in Ocala, Fla., on Oct. 12, 2016, former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani accused Hillary Clinton of falsely claiming to have been in New York on Sept. 11, 2001. It isnt clear what Giuliani was talking about. On many occasions, Clinton has described being in Washington, where Congress was in session, on Sept. 11 when hijacked jets began striking the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Flights were still grounded on Sept. 12, 2001, but Clinton traveled to New York City the next day aboard a federal plane. There, she circled the smoldering World Trade Center in a helicopter, then toured ground zero with Giuliani and Pataki. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty, File)

In fact, she wasn't in New York, but she never claimed to be, either.

On many occasions, Clinton has described being in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 11 when hijacked jets struck the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. She was a member of the Senate at the time, and Congress was in session.

The next day, commercial flights remained grounded but Clinton traveled to New York City aboard a government plane. There, she circled the smoldering World Trade Center in a helicopter, then toured ground zero with Giuliani and New York's Republican governor, George Pataki.

Photos of that tour show Clinton standing shoulder to shoulder with Giuliani.

Asked about his comments, Giuliani said he thought he had heard Clinton say during the last presidential debate that she was in New York on 9/11. But after being contacted by a reporter, he reviewed a transcript and found out he was wrong.

Told that he was being criticized online by people posting photographs of him with Clinton at ground zero, Giuliani was contrite.

"I probably deserve it," he said.

After returning to Washington, Clinton worked with other lawmakers to secure billions of dollars in federal aid for New York to assist in the city's recovery.

In his speech in Ocala, Giuliani questioned Clinton's commitment to people killed or injured in the attacks.
US declines prosecution of government worker in mine spill

DENVER (AP)  U.S. prosecutors have declined to pursue criminal charges against an employee of the Environmental Protection Agency over a massive mine wastewater spill that fouled rivers in three states, a federal watchdog agency said.

The EPA's Office of Inspector General disclosed Wednesday that it recently presented evidence to prosecutors that the unnamed employee may have violated the Clean Water Act and given false statements.

However, office spokesman Jeffrey Lagda said the U.S. Attorney's Office in Colorado declined to pursue a case against the employee. In lieu of prosecution, an investigative report will be sent to senior EPA management for review, Lagda said.

FILE - In this Aug. 12, 2015, file photo, Environmental Protection Agency contractors repair damage at the site of the Gold King mine spill of toxic wastewater, outside Silverton, Colo. U.S. prosecutors have declined to pursue criminal charges against an employee of the EPA over a massive mine wastewater spill that fouled rivers in three states, a federal watchdog agency said. The EPA's Office of Inspector General disclosed Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, that it recently presented evidence to prosecutors that the unnamed employee may have violated the Clean Water Act and given false statements. (AP Photo/Brennan Linsley, File)

An EPA-led cleanup team inadvertently triggered the Aug. 5, 2015, spill while doing work at the Gold King mine near Silverton. The 3-million-gallon blowout tainted rivers in Colorado, New Mexico and Utah with an estimated 880,000 pounds of toxic heavy metals including arsenic, mercury and lead.

The spill turned rivers downstream of the site a sickly yellow color until the slug of wastewater had passed.

The Associated Press reported in the aftermath of the spill that the government officials knew of the potential for a catastrophic blowout of poisonous water from the inactive mine. Nevertheless, cleanup work was initiated with only a cursory emergency response plan in place.

EPA spokeswoman Nancy Grantham said agency personnel would review the investigative report, but she offered no further comment.

Members of Congress had pressed for a criminal investigation into the EPA's role in the disaster. A review of the accident completed last year by the U.S. Interior Department determined the cleanup crew could have avoided the spill but rushed the work.

Several Republican lawmakers on Wednesday said the lack of a prosecution gives the "appearance of hypocrisy" in light of the Justice Department's record of pursuit of criminal charges in other cases referred by the EPA.

"By not taking up the case, the Department of Justice looks like it's going easy on its colleagues in EPA," the lawmakers wrote in a letter to U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch.

The letter was sent by House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz of Utah, Natural Resources Chairman Rob Bishop, also of Utah and Wyoming Rep. Cynthia Lummis.

Colorado Rep. Scott Tipton said in a statement that the disaster was "bigger than any one employee" and resulted from numerous failures at EPA.

U.S. Attorney spokesman Jeff Dorschner declined to comment, citing the office's longstanding practice of not discussing cases where prosecution is declined.

The apparent end of the government's criminal probe comes after the Inspector General's Office in July said it had suspended a separate examination of the EPA cleanup program pending the outcome of the investigation.

That separate examination will now resume, the office said. No timeline for completion was provided.

Communities downstream of the spill were forced to temporarily halt drawing water from the rivers for drinking water and irrigation. Water quality in the rivers quickly returned to pre-spill levels, but the political fallout over the accident has endured.

The EPA last month designated Gold King and other nearby abandoned mines as a Superfund site to help fund more extensive cleanup efforts.

Across the U.S., abandoned mining sites send hundreds of millions of gallons of acidic wastewater into creeks and rivers every year. The Obama administration and Democratic lawmakers want to impose a fee on mining companies to cover cleanup costs, but the proposal has gotten little traction in the Republican-controlled Congress.

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Brown reported from Billings, Montana.

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Follow Matthew Brown on Twitter at https://twitter.com/matthewbrownap
Man fatally shot by officer near homeless camp identified

SEATTLE (AP)  Authorities have identified a man fatally shot by a Seattle police officer Tuesday as officials were clearing out a homeless encampment known as The Jungle.

The King County Medical Examiner's Office identified the man Wednesday as 44-year-old Michael L. Taylor. He died from multiple gunshot wounds, the medical examiner said.

Police say two officers were at the homeless camp along Interstate 5 in south Seattle Tuesday when they encountered two men in a knife fight. Police say as officers tried to separate them, one officer fired, shooting Taylor. He died later at a Seattle hospital.

The Seattle Times reports (https://goo.gl/rgsnCx) the officer was identified as Sgt. Heidi Tuttle, who joined the department in 1997. Police also released two photos of the knife they say Taylor was holding.
Court drops rape conviction of man who met woman on website

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP)  The Oregon Court of Appeals vacated the conviction Wednesday of a man who was sentenced to prison for raping a woman he met on a dating website.

The appellate court found a district judge erred in denying a motion that would have required the woman to comply with a subpoena and turn over her computer for a private inspection by the court for relevant evidence.

Thomas Bray's attorney repeatedly sought computer evidence before trial after learning the woman told investigators she had gone online to look for information about Bray and the legal definition of rape.

The case will return to Deschutes County Circuit Court unless state Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum decides to appeal to the Oregon Supreme Court, Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel said in a phone interview.

If Rosenblum doesn't do that, then the case goes back to the district judge who must decide whether to consider the computer evidence in light of a 2016 appeals court decision that gives more guidance on such issues, he said.

"It's hard enough for a victim of sexual assault to come forward . but now if a victim's thinking, 'I have to come forward, but I also have to show every Facebook post I've ever made, every email I've ever sent' __ this is chilling for survivors of sexual assault," Hummel said.

A copy of the victim's computer hard drive was preserved, he added.

Bray, who is from Bend, Oregon, was sentenced to 25 years in prison for the February 2011 rape of the 23-year-old woman. Bray taught at Central Oregon Community College and was a licensed anesthesiologist.

Kendra Matthews, who represented Bray on appeal, did not return a call seeking comment Wednesday.

The victim met Bray on the online dating website match.com and went back to his condominium with him for a glass of wine after their first date.

Over the course of five hours, she told investigators, Bray raped, beat and choked her, causing her at one point to lose consciousness.

During her police interviews, the woman mentioned the internet searches.
'Case as strong as ever' for HS2 rail scheme, Government insists

The Government is "not backing away" from the High Speed 2 rail link between London and the north, the Transport Secretary will insist.

Chris Grayling will say the case for the controversial project is "as strong as ever" as the rail network rapidly approaches "crunch-point".

Creaking Victorian lines will be unable to cope with growing demand as the country's population continues to grow, he will tell a HS2 conference.

Chris Grayling will signal the Government still backs the HS2 rail scheme

Mr Grayling will say: "We're not backing away from HS2. The case is as strong as ever.

"We need this railway. And if we're going to build it, let's make it state-of-the-art, fit for the decades of growth ahead.

"So that in 2033, we no longer have a rail network with a Victorian heart but a network with an Elizabethan heart, able to deliver everything we expect of a 21st century transport system."

MPs warned last month that ministers must set out a realistic timetable for delivering HS2.

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) was ''not convinced'' that the target for completing phase one between London and the West Midlands by December 2026 will be met.

Its report also warned that cost estimates for phase two, which takes it from Birmingham to Manchester and Leeds, are ''still volatile'' and exceed available funding by 7 billion.

Mr Grayling will announce 70m of funding for road safety and support for communities affected by the line to the Midlands .

He will say: " We need HS2 now more than ever.

"We need it for the capacity it will bring on the routes between London, the West Midlands, Crewe, Leeds and Manchester, as well as the space it'll create elsewhere on our transport network.

"We need it for the boost it will give to our regional and national economies.

"And we need it for the jobs it will create, and for the way it will link our country together."

He will add: " We're facing a rapidly approaching crunch-point.

"In the last 20 years alone, the number of people travelling on our railways has more than doubled.
Syria journalist accuses UK of siding with Assad

An award-winning Syrian journalist who had her passport confiscated by UK border officials has accused the British government of siding with President Bashar Assad.

Zaina Erhaim was travelling to London to speak alongside veteran war correspondent Kate Adie at a 'Women on the Frontline' discussion.

But when she arrived at Heathrow on September 22 with her eight-month-old daughter, border officials said her passport had been reported as stolen by the Syrian authorities.

Syrian journalist Zaina Erhaim, 31, who had her passport taken off her by the British government after the Syrian authorities reported it stolen.

The 31-year-old was only granted access to the UK because she had a second passport - yet it is full with no space for another visa and is due to expire next year.

Ms Erhaim told the Press Association that the actions of the officials suggested that Britain stands by "a legitimate dictator", and that the country was "taking his (Assad's) side against all of those who demand a chance for freedom and defend their basic rights".

She said: "I think if they really believe it was stolen they wouldn't let me in because then I'm going to be a thief and they should have arrested me, at least. But because they knew that it's not a legitimate government against a citizen - it's like a criminal regime against a journalist - that's why they let me in."

The reporter, who studied for a masters in international journalism at City University London a few years ago, said that while she understood Britain has "rules", it needed to adapt them to consider the political implications.

"You're claiming to be friends with Syria but you're acting against the Syrians that you claim you are friends with," Ms Erhaim said.

A Home Office spokeswoman said the Government has "no direct contact with the Assad regime due to the atrocities it has committed against the Syrian people" but that it would be "irresponsible to ignore warnings about lost or stolen passports".

Ms Erhaim claims that Assad flagged her passport as stolen to stop her from travelling outside the country and speaking loudly about "the crimes and the atrocities committed by the regime".

She said her reporting of humanitarian issues in Syria was "obviously" something the regime found "threatening".

Ms Erhaim also accused the British government of being involved in the military operations in Syria without helping those displaced by the war.

"You're bombing the Syrians but you're not actually dealing with the consequences of that bombing which is the refugees. So you bomb their houses but you don't find an alternative house for those that are running away.

"British, Russia, US - those are the countries which are taking the least refugees and those are the countries that are involved in the military operations."

Her comments came as foreign secretary Boris Johnson said he would like to see demonstrations outside Russia's embassy over Moscow's involvement in the Syrian conflict.

But Ms Erhaim said the government simply needed to remove the Syrian president, and that if they wanted to, "they could".

"Removing Assad from power would, I think, be the first step to end the refugee crisis, to end the Isis crisis, to start the negotiations.

"Everything would be starting actually from after that but there is no intention obviously at the moment in the international community to deal with this."

The journalist, who will leave Britain in the next fortnight when her visa expires, said it was "impossible" to return to Syria where she would "definitely be killed under torture".
Boris Johnson's protest calls 'risk retaliation at British embassy in Russia'

Boris Johnson's calls for protests outside the Russian embassy risk retaliation in Moscow, a former spy chief has warned.

Sir John Sawers said the consequences for the security of Britain's embassy in Russia should be considered when urging demonstrations and highlighted the attack on the UK's base in Iran by protesters in 2011.

The ex-MI6 chief said it had been a mistake not to take military action at the start of the Syrian civil war and Britain had "vacated the theatre".

Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson called for protests outside the Russian embassy

During an emergency Commons debate on Syria, the Foreign Secretary called for demonstrations outside the Russian embassy in protest at the bombing of Aleppo.

Sir John told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "We all have to be a little bit careful and mindful of the security of our embassy in Moscow when we think about calling for demonstrations here in London.

"We all recall what happened to our embassy in Tehran three or four years ago. I don't think that would happen in Moscow but we need to be careful about the consequences of things that we call for."

Sir John said the worsening crisis was a direct consequence of Britain's decision "not to engage ourselves".

"We vacated the theatre and the Russians have moved in," he said. "It certainly was a mistake. Chemical weapons were being used against civilians in Damascus by their own regime."

Sir John said the balance of power globally had changed and Russia and China were now much more powerful than they were in the past.

"In some ways we are moving into an era which is as dangerous, if not more so, than it was in the Cold War because we don't have that level of focus on the strategic relationship between Washington and Moscow," he added.

It comes as peace campaigners claimed p rotesting outside the Russian embassy over Syria would increase the "hysteria and jingoism" that is being "whipped up" against the federation.

The Stop the War Coalition claimed the Government was fuelling anti-Russian sentiment in an attempt to "justify" an escalation of British military intervention.

Mr Johnson called directly on the campaign group on Tuesday to stage embassy protests over the continued attacks by Russian warplanes on the stricken city of Aleppo.

But Stop the War vice chairman Chris Nineham said the organisation would not get involved.

"The reason for that is our focus is on what our Government is doing," he told Today.

"There's a very good reason for this, because we can make a difference to what Britain does, we can make a difference to what our allies do to a certain extent and we have done.

"But, if we have a protest outside the Russian embassy it wouldn't make a blind bit of difference as to what (President Vladimir) Putin does because we are in Britain and we are in the West.

"And, not only that - a protest outside the Russian embassy would actually contribute to increasing the hysteria and the jingoism that is being whipped up at the moment against Russia."

He added: "What we are saying is there is a hysteria which is being organised by politicians and the media against Russia to see Russia as the only problem in Syria."

Mr Nineham said the Foreign Secretary's calls for demonstrations were "characteristically trivialising".

Mr Johnson told MPs Russian President Vladimir Putin was in danger of turning his country into an ''international pariah'' with his continued support for the regime of President Bashar Assad.

''It is the UK week after week that is taking the lead together with our allies in America and in France, all the like-minded nations, in highlighting what is happening in Syria to a world where, I'm afraid, the wells of outrage are growing exhausted,'' he said.

''There is no commensurate horror, it seems to me, amongst some of those anti-war protest groups. I'd certainly like to see demonstrations outside the Russian embassy. Where is the Stop the War Coalition at the moment? Where are they?''
Protest over Aleppo at US embassy as well as Russian, Corbyn spokesman says

An official spokesman for Jeremy Corbyn has sparked anger after suggesting protesters against atrocities in Aleppo might have as much reason to demonstrate outside the American embassy as the Russian one.

The comment came after Moscow responded with fury to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson's call for protests outside its mission in London over the attack on an aid convoy taking supplies to the beleaguered Syrian city.

The Labour leader's spokesman said that while it was "absolutely correct" for the world to focus on atrocities committed by Russia and the regime of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad, it could divert attention from "very large-scale civilian casualties as a result of the US-led bombing".

An official spokesman for Jeremy Corbyn suggested protesters against atrocities in Aleppo might have as much reason to demonstrate outside the American embassy as the Russian one

Asked whether Mr Corbyn backed the Foreign Secretary's call for demonstrations, the spokesman told reporters: "Obviously, people are entitled and at complete liberty to demonstrate outside not only the Russian embassy, but all the other embassies of those intervening powers ... People are free to protest outside the intervening powers' embassies and there are a number of them - not just the US and Russia.

"There are multiple foreign interventions in the Syrian civil war and we've emphasised that there needs to be an end to that and those powers need to be part of a negotiated settlement, which is the only way to stop the conflict."

Labour backbencher John Woodcock - a vocal critic of Mr Corbyn - reacted with anger: "By any reasonable measure this is just not true. This absurdity seems like a deliberate provocation, unworthy of our leader and our party."

And Brendan Cox, whose Labour MP wife Jo was co-chair of the Parliamentary Friends of Syria before her death, said: "This isn't just wrong, it's absolutely disgraceful."

Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said that Mr Corbyn's spokesman "seems to see an equivalence between Putin and Obama", adding: "Does Jeremy agree or is he going to sack his spokesman?"

Lib Dem foreign affairs spokesman Tom Brake called on the Labour leader to "clarify immediately if this is his party's official position".

Mr Corbyn's spokesman denied he was implying a moral equivalence between the US campaign against Islamic State terrorists and Russia's support for the Assad regime, but added: "The focus on Russian atrocities or Syrian army atrocities - which is absolutely correct - sometimes diverts attention from other atrocities that are taking place.

"Independent assessments are that there have been very large-scale civilian casualties as a result of the US-led coalition bombing.

"There are several cases of large numbers of civilian deaths in single attacks, and there hasn't been so much attention on those atrocities or those casualties.

"Both the United States and British governments have been reluctant to accept any independent assessments of what has taken place as a result of those campaigns."

During an emergency Commons debate on Syria on Tuesday, Mr Johnson pointed the finger of blame at Moscow for the suffering of civilians in Aleppo.

"I'd certainly like to see demonstrations outside the Russian embassy," he said. "Where is the Stop the War Coalition at the moment? Where are they?"

But Stop the War rejected his call, warning protests would "contribute to increasing the hysteria and the jingoism that is being whipped up at the moment against Russia".

The group's vice-chairman Chris Nineham told BBC Radio 4's Today programme it was able "to a certain extent" to influence the actions of Britain and its allies, but that a protest against Russia " wouldn't make a blind bit of difference as to what (President Vladimir) Putin does because we are in Britain and we are in the West".

Russian defence ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov dismissed Mr Johnson's accusations as "a storm in a glass of muddy London water" and said that "Russophobic hysteria of certain members of the British establishment is no longer impressive".

Russia's embassy in London claimed MPs were on the "wrong side of history" over the Syria conflict.

Meanwhile former MI6 chief Sir John Sawers warned: "We all have to be a little bit careful and mindful of the security of our embassy in Moscow when we think about calling for demonstrations here in London.

"We all recall what happened to our embassy in Tehran three or four years ago. I don't think that would happen in Moscow but we need to be careful about the consequences of things that we call for."

There was no move by Downing Street to slap Mr Johnson down over his comments.

Asked whether Mrs May was concerned about the possible consequences of one of her ministers calling for protests outside an embassy in London, the PM's spokeswoman said: "There are a range of ways we can be shining the spotlight on Russia's actions and the influence they could bring to bear and the steps that they could take to end the bombing in Syria."

Asked about the Corbyn spokesman's suggestion that the focus on Russia was diverting attention from atrocities supposedly caused by the US-led coalition, Mrs May's spokeswoman later said: "We are very clear on minimising civilian casualties. There are measures in place for that.
Paige Doherty killer handed life term for 'savage and frenzied' attack

A shop owner has been jailed for at least 27 years for the "savage and frenzied" murder of 15-year-old customer Paige Doherty in his back office.

John Leathem, 32, stabbed the teenager 61 times and inflicted a total of more than 140 injuries when she stopped at his Delicious Deli in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, on March 19.

Despite claims he was in "a panic", he cleaned up his crime and dumped her body in bushes two days later.

John Leathem, 32, has been jailed for life for the murder (Police Scotland/PA)

The South Court at the High Court in Glasgow was packed with Paige's family and friends as the married father-of-two was sentenced to life with a minimum term of 27 years.

Leathem had admitted her murder at an earlier hearing and t here were shouts of "scum" and "monster" as he was led away to the cells.

Judge Lady Rae told the court the killing was "truly reprehensible and impossible to comprehend".

Paige's mother Pamela Munro said after the hearing that there was "no sentence high enough" to justify the crime.

First offender Leathem attacked Paige in the back office of his shop shortly after 8.20am, apparently after a short exchange about a job.

A post-mortem examination found Paige suffered 61 stab wounds, mainly to her head and neck, and 85 further cuts thought to have been sustained as she tried to fight off her attacker.

The only suggestion of motive was a claim that he was "frightened" at a perceived threat from Paige that she would say he "touched her inappropriately" if he did not give her a job.

Leathem's twin brother was previously convicted of a sexual offence.

In passing sentence, Lady Rae said: "You claim that... after discovering she was only 15 years of age, you told her that you could not employ her, as a result of which - you say - this child threatened to reveal that you had touched her inappropriately if you did not give her that job.

"At that stage, after you both stood up suddenly, the child started screaming and then, apparently recalling the consequences to your twin brother of his having been adjudged a sex offender, you immediately reacted by grabbing a knife lying on a shelf in the back office and proceeded to stab her repeatedly.

"No evidence has been placed before me to support your assertion.

"Having regard to your counsel's stance that, even if your assertions were true, your reaction to that alleged threat was in no way mitigatory of this appalling, wicked crime."

The judge added: "It is impossible to comprehend how an apparently happily married man, with a young child, who is running a successful business, is capable of such an horrific level of violence."

Leathem's lawyer Ian Duguid QC said reports showed his client had no anger management issues and was a "quite unexceptional individual".

He added: "This is an individual who is acting so out of character. There is no explanation that can be found."

The killer was captured on CCTV carrying Paige's body out of the shop in a bin bag and putting it in the boot of his car.

He is understood to have stored the body in a shed at his nearby home over the weekend before driving to a wooded area off the A82 and dumping her body on the morning of Monday March 21, where she was discovered by a member of the public.

Speaking outside court, Ms Munro said: "Today we see a monster put behind bars for the unthinkable, brutal crime he committed against our daughter Paige.

"There is no sentence high enough to justify what has happened but we can now see there is one less evil man in this world, which then makes the world that bit more safe for our kids to grow up in."

She went on: "All we can do as a family is take each day at a time. There is a huge piece missing in our family that can never be replaced.

"I am thankful for the 15 years we had with Paige, from the kind and generous wee soul she was, to the mature young woman she grew into.

"She may not be with us anymore but she will live on through her brothers and sister and all the memories that we share."

She thanked the police investigation team and officials who worked on the case, and the public for the support they have given the family over the last seven months.

Speaking after the sentencing, Nicky Patrick, procurator fiscal for homicide and major crime, said "After the frenzied attack, Leathem did his best to evade justice by attempting to clean the crime scene and hide behind his lies.

"The overwhelming evidence against him has ensured that he now has to answer for this appalling crime."
Greig Laidlaw swaps Gloucester for Clermont Auvergne

Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw will leave Aviva Premiership club Gloucester at the end of this season.

Gloucester confirmed 31-year-old scrum-half Laidlaw's departure, which will come when his current contract expires.

Laidlaw, who has won 53 caps, joined Gloucester from Edinburgh in 2014. He is to continue his career in France, with French heavyweights Clermont Auvergne announcing he has signed a three-year deal.

Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw will leave Aviva Premiership club Gloucester at the end of this season

Laidlaw told Gloucester's official website that his move had not been an easy decision to make.

""I've thoroughly enjoyed my time at Gloucester. It's a fantastic club which enjoys tremendous support," he said.

"The squad contains a great group of boys, I love playing at Kingsholm, and it's been a genuine honour to captain the side.

"Since I first moved south, I feel that my game has developed tremendously for playing in the Gloucester team in the Aviva Premiership, and it's a period of my career that I will always look back on fondly.

"However, at this stage of my career, the offer to test myself and develop my game even further in a different environment was just too good to turn down.

"It's not been an easy decision to make, but I think it's the right one.

"There is so much I will miss about Gloucester as a club and a place.

"However, there are still plenty of games left this season and a lot to play for, and I can guarantee that I will be giving 100 per cent commitment to the Gloucester cause to help us achieve as much as possible in my remaining time here."

Gloucester rugby director David Humphreys added: "Since all the changes at Gloucester ahead of the 2014-15 season, his consistent performances at both club and international level, particularly his goalkicking, have caught the attention of some of the biggest clubs in Europe.

"While we are sorry to see him go, the offer Greig received from France was too good to turn down.

"For now, however, Greig will want to play a key role in helping us to turn our Premiership season around and help Gloucester finish the year on a high."

Clermont, who currently lead the French Top 14 by four points and open their European Champions Cup campaign at Exeter on Sunday, confirmed Laidlaw's signature on their official website.

Laidlaw is the club's first major signing for next term, and Clermont sporting director Franck Azema said: "We are very pleased to have reached an agreement with Greig.

"This is great news that the club is going to have one of the best players and top scorers in the world in his position.
Theresa May signals further doubts over single market membership

Theresa May has signalled further doubts about Britain's future membership of the European single market.

The Prime Minister said she wants the "right deal in terms of operating within and trading with" the EU post-Brexit, also telling MPs the negotiations will seek the "maximum possible access".

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn reminded the PM she previously warned leaving the single market posed risks to the UK, as he criticised Mrs May for pursuing a "shambolic Tory Brexit" to appease her backbenchers.

Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street for Prime Minister's Questions

Speaking during Prime Minister's Questions, Mrs May told Mr Corbyn: " What we are going to do is deliver on the vote of the British people and leave the European Union.

"What we are going to do is be ambitious in our negotiations to negotiate the best deal for the British people - and that will include the maximum possible access to the European market for firms to trade with and operate within the European market.

"I'm also clear that the vote of the British people said we should control the movement of people from the EU into the UK - and unlike you, we believe we should deliver on what the British people want."

She also told the Labour leader: " We will be leaving the European Union and in doing that we will negotiate the right deal for the UK, which means the right deal in terms of operating within and trading with the European market.

"That's what matters to companies here in the UK, and that's what we're going to be ambitious about delivering."

Mr Corbyn, i n his first PMQs since winning a second leadership election, turned to the words of Tory former chancellor Ken Clarke as he told Mrs May: "What he said was, in his own inimitable way, 'The reason the pound keeps zooming south is that absolutely nobody has the faintest idea exactly what we're going to put in place'.

"We on these benches do respect the decision of the British people to leave the European Union but this is a Government which drew up no plans for Brexit, that now has no strategy for negotiating Brexit and offers no clarity, no transparency and no chance of scrutiny of the process for developing a strategy.

"The jobs and incomes of millions of our people are at stake, the pound is plummeting, business is worrying and the Government has no answers.

"The Prime Minister says she won't give a running commentary.

"But isn't it time the Government stopped running away from the looming threat to jobs and businesses in this country and the living standards of millions of people?"

Mrs May insisted she is "optimistic" about the country's prospects after it leaves the EU, adding other nations are approaching the UK about trade deals.

She went on to Mr Corbyn: "(Shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry) wants a second vote.

"I have to say to her I would have thought Labour MPs would have learnt this lesson - you can ask the same question again, you still get the answer you don't want."

Mr Corbyn had earlier asked if access to the single market is a "red line" for the Government.

He also reminded Mrs May: "Someone once said that leaving the single market would risk a loss of investors and business and we risk going backwards when it comes to international trade.

"That person is now the Prime Minister and that was before the referendum."

The exchanges between the pair began with Tory MPs cheering after Mrs May congratulated Mr Corbyn on his leadership election victory.

Mr Corbyn replied: "I'm most grateful to the over 300,000 people that voted for me to become the leader of my party - which is rather more than voted for you to become leader of your party."

Later in Prime Minister's Questions, Ms Thornberry raised a point of order saying she was not in favour of a second EU referendum.
Most populous UK city regions saw number of people grow by 885,000 in four years

The number of people living in the UK's most populous city regions surged by almost 900,000 in four years.

Greater London saw the sharpest jump in population, with an increase of 5.7%, or nearly 500,000 residents, from 8.2 million in mid-2011 to just under 8.7 million in mid-2015.

Statisticians examined population data relating to the capital and the next 10 most populous city areas.

Greater London has had the most rapid growth in population

All saw an increase in inhabitants, with the total population across the 11 regions rising by 3.4%, or 885,000 in four years, to reach almost 27.2 million in 2015.

The report from the Office for National Statistics said: "All city regions have grown in population since 2011 and are projected to continue to grow. Greater London has had, and is projected to have, the most rapid growth."

Data showed that on average, the areas other than Greater London have grown slightly more slowly than the rest of the UK.

Bristol saw the second highest growth with 4.5%, while Glasgow had the smallest rise at 1%. As a whole, the city regions excluding London increased by 2.3% on average.

Change in the population size is caused by a combination of births, deaths, migration from within the UK and international migration, the study said.

Net long-term international migration - the difference between the numbers arriving and leaving - was estimated at an average of 153,000 a year between 2011 and 2015 across the city regions. Greater London accounted for more than half of the figure, with 97,000 a year.

The report said all areas saw a population gain from international migration - but the proportional rise in Greater London was more than twice that in any other city region.

"London's attraction to immigrants no doubt reflects its status as a major employment centre and international hub," the study said.

"With its high ethnic minority population it may prove especially attractive to people wishing to join family or others from that cultural background.

"In addition, for people heading to the UK, London is somewhere they are more likely to have some pre-existing awareness of than other parts of the country - perhaps because of previous visits, but also simply because it has a higher profile as the UK capital."

Patterns of internal and international migration were very different, according to the research.

While some city regions have had population increase from internal migration, on average there has been a net outflow to the rest of the UK.

On the other hand all areas have seen growth from international migration, with a concentration of immigrants in the 22 to 29-year-old age group, the report added.

All city regions had more births than deaths, although in some cases the difference was small.

The areas covered in the article are: Greater London, Bristol, West Midlands, Greater Manchester, Edinburgh, West Yorkshire, Sheffield, Cardiff, North East, Liverpool and Glasgow. Together they account for more than two fifths of the total UK population of 65 million.

The report concluded that the findings suggest that although they may differ in physical characteristics from other areas of the country, city regions are not inherently distinctive in terms of population dynamics.
Delay in questioning for Julian Assange over sex allegation

Questioning of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange over a sex allegation has been delayed by a month.

He was due to be asked questions inside the Ecuadorean Embassy in London next week.

The questions will be submitted by Swedish prosecutors.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange speaking from the balcony of the Ecuadorian embassy in London

Ecuador's attorney general's office announced that the questioning has been postponed to mid November to ensure that Mr Assange's lawyer can attend.

The Australian has been living inside the embassy for over four years and has been granted political asylum by Ecuador.

He denies the allegation but believes that if he goes to Sweden he will be extradited to the United States for questioning over the activities of WikiLeaks.
Duo gets design contract for massive Saudi maritime yard

KHOBAR, Saudi Arabia, Oct 11 (Reuters) - A joint venture of HaskoningDHV UK and Hyundai Engineering & Construction Co has been awarded a contract to design the infrastructure for the Ras Al Khair maritime yard in Saudi Arabia, a statement from the firms said on Tuesday.

The duo, based in the Netherlands and South Korea, have been awarded the front-end engineering design contract, with the work expected to take five months to complete, they said. The value of the contract was not disclosed.

The huge ship repair and shipbuilding complex in the east of the country, which is due to be fully operational by 2021, is part of the kingdom's sweeping economic reform plan aimed at reducing the dependence of the Saudi economy on oil revenues.

Saudi Aramco , the state oil giant in charge of the project, has said it expects the complex to create 80,000 jobs and allow Saudi Arabia to reduce its imports by $12 billion while increasing gross domestic product by $17 billion.
Chinese Uighur wins prestigious rights award

GENEVA, Oct 11 (Reuters) - A Chinese academic, jailed for life two years ago for campaigning for the rights of the Muslim Uighur people, has won a prestigious annual human rights award, organisers said on Tuesday.

Ilham Tohti, who is an ethnic Uighur, was selected from three finalists for the Martin Ennals Award, whose jury is composed of 10 activist groups, including Amnesty International, where Ennals was an early secretary-general.

"A renowned Uighur intellectual in China, Ilham Tohti has worked for two decades to foster dialogue and understanding between Uighurs and Han Chinese," the jury said.

"He has rejected separatism and violence, and sought reconciliation based on a respect for Uighur culture, which has been subject to religious, cultural and political repression in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region."

Tohti is China's most prominent advocate for the rights of Muslim Uighur people, a Turkic-speaking people.

Many resent restrictions on their culture and religion, and complain they are denied economic opportunities amid an influx of majority Han Chinese into Xinjiang.

Rights advocates said at the time of his sentencing after a two-day trial on separatism charges in September 2014 that it sent a clear signal the government was determined to suppress dissent.

In Beijing, the government dismissed the award, saying Tohti's "crimes are clear".

"In the classroom, Ilham Tohti openly made heroes of terrorist extremists that conducted violent terror attacks. He also used his position as a lecturer to entice and coerce some people to form a group to promote and participate in East Turkestan separatist forces' activities," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing.

"Ilham Tohti has nothing to do with human rights," he said.

Dilxat Raxit, a spokesman for the World Uyghur Congress, the main Uighur exile group, called the award a "huge encouragement".

"It is also a warning to the Chinese government that attacking a scholar who promotes universal values is absolutely mistaken and creates hate and conflict," he said in an email message.
Belgian region set to block EU-Canada free trade deal

By Philip Blenkinsop

BRUSSELS, Oct 11 (Reuters) - A region of Belgium is set to block a planned EU-Canada free trade agreement, which could undermine the European Union's entire trade policy and dim Britain's hopes of a speedy deal once it leaves the bloc.

EU trade ministers will vote in a week on the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), which requires unanimous support to enter force. Belgium's federal government favours the pact, but needs the backing of the country's three regions and linguistic communities to give its formal approval.

Lawmakers in French-speaking Wallonia, except Prime Minister Charles Michel's liberal MR party, oppose CETA because they see it as a threat to public services and to farmers, through a flood of imported pork and beef, and they also reject what they see as its over-protection of foreign multinational firms.

"We had hoped that the negotiators would have at least tried to find some improvements, some corrections for Belgium. Today that hasn't happened," Andre Antoine, president of the Walloon regional parliament, told Reuters.

"We will probably have, though I will leave it for each to say, a rejection by Brussels, in Wallonia and likely too the German-speaking side. Simply put, the south of Belgium is not in favour," he added in a telephone conversation late on Monday.

The government of Belgium's 70,000-strong German-speaking community said it had still not decided. The Walloon parliament will debate the issue on Friday. Virginie Defrang-Firket, an MR lawmaker in Wallonia, said she doubted there would be a change of course.

"They have gone so far in their opposition that, whatever is proposed, they can't take a step back. They are not in a constructive attitude that could lead to a solution," she said. "What message are we giving to our European partners?"

Trade experts say failure to seal a deal with Canada will undermine the EU's credibility as a potential trade partner.

"If the EU cannot do a deal with Canada, I think it is legitimate to say who the heck can it do a deal with," Canadian Trade Minister Chrystia Freeland said in June.

The European Commission, which negotiates on behalf of the 28 EU nations, is also seeking trade agreements with a series of other countries, including the United States and Japan.

Britain, which voted in June to leave the EU, would also have to forge a new trading arrangement with the EU27, any one of which could block a negotiated settlement.

Critics, including environmental groups and labour unions, say CETA and other trade deals will lead to deteriorating standards and allow big business to challenge governments across Europe.

CETA supporters say the deal, the EU's first with a G7 nation, will increase trade in goods and services by more than 20 percent and EU economic output by about 12 billion euros ($13.4 billion) per year. They say the boost to the economy and employment is essential at a time of low growth.

Belgium's regions are not the only threat to CETA.

Austria's Social Democratic Chancellor Christian Kern is wavering, Slovenia's government has concerns, Hungary may still put it to a parliamentary vote, while Romania has said its support will hinge on Canada agreeing a separate deal to allow visa-free travel access.

Germany's Constitutional Court will also rule on a legal challenge to CETA on Thursday. ($1 = 0.8928 euros)
Monaco confirms in talks to buy Nice airport stake

PARIS, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Monaco said on Tuesday it was close to a deal to purchase a stake in the newly-privatised Nice airport from the winning consortium led by Italy's Atlantia .

Talks with Nice-Cote d'Azur's new owners "have intensified and should lead to an agreement" that would see the principality buy a 150 million euro ($168 million) holding, Monegasque Finance Minister Jean Castellini told Reuters by email.

Concession operator Atlantia, its Rome airport subsidiary and EDF, the French power utility, agreed in July to purchase a 64 percent stake in the airport, whose privatisation is expected to raise 1.2 billion euros.

BFM television reported earlier that Monaco was seeking a 5 percent holding and also wanted to change the airport's name to Nice-Monaco or Nice Monte-Carlo.
Iranian woman faces imminent execution after "unfair trial"

DUBAI, Oct 11 (Reuters) - A rights group urged the Iranian judiciary on Tuesday to quash a death sentence against a 22-year-old woman accused of murdering her husband, who she said had repeatedly abused her.

Zeinab Sekaanvand was arrested in February 2012 and convicted of her husband's murder after what London-based Amnesty International called a "grossly unfair trial". She faces execution by hanging as soon as Oct. 13.

Sekaanvand was just 17 when she allegedly committed the crime, making her a minor by international legal standards. She said she had been physically abused by her husband.

"This is an extremely disturbing case," said Philip Luther, research and advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.

"Not only was Zeinab Sekaanvand under 18 years of age at the time of the crime, she was also denied access to a lawyer and says she was tortured after her arrest by male police officers through beatings all over her body."

Last year, a similar case drew condemnation from rights groups when Iran executed Fatemeh Salbehi, who had suffocated her husband after drugging him when she was only 17. Like Sekaanvand, Salbehi said her husband had abused her.

In the past decade, Iran has executed at least 73 juvenile offenders, according to the January Amnesty report.
Brazil's lower house scraps vote on asset amnesty program

By Maria Carolina Marcello

BRASILIA, Oct 11 (Reuters) - The speaker of Brazil's lower house of Congress said on Tuesday he had scrapped a bill that would have forced the government to give cash-strapped states a bigger share of the billions of dollars it collects from wealthy Brazilians to legalize undeclared assets held abroad.

The government had opposed sharing more revenue from the so-called amnesty program, which is key for President Michel Temer's government to meet its budget deficit target for this year. The bill was aimed at easing the fiscal strains of states and municipalities struggling to pay public employees and provide services.

The governor of the northeastern state of Piaui, Wellington Dias, said states were considering suing the federal government to get a bigger share of the proceeds from the program.

"It is up to each state to decide if they go to court to get their share," Dias said after a meeting with finance ministry officials in Brasilia. "I hope the government can decide on this and give states and municipalities what is rightfully theirs."

States receive about half of the tax revenues generated by the amnesty program but none from the fines collected by the central government. The program slaps a 15 percent tax on the total amount of assets held abroad, along with a fine equal to 15 percent of the assets.

Finance Minister Henrique Meirelles said earlier on Tuesday that the government would increase the share of states and municipalities, but only on amounts exceeding the 50 billion reais ($16 billion) in proceeds it expects to collect from the program.

The program was introduced late last year and is due to expire at the end of this month.

House Speaker Rodrigo Maia was the leading supporter of changes that would have extended the deadline of the program, altered the period used as the basis to levy fines and increased revenue sharing with states. He said he removed the bill from the house's official agenda given the resistance from the opposition, which had threatened to block a vote earlier on Tuesday.

"There is no turning back on this matter," Maia told reporters. "The current rules remain in place. The government will not lose anything."

Other countries from Mexico to Argentina have launched similar programs to raise revenue to help make up for a drop in commodity prices that has hurt exports and tax revenue.
As offensive nears, Islamic State rigs Mosul with bombs

By Michael Georgy, Babak Dehghanpisheh and Ahmed Rasheed

ERBIL/BAGHDAD Oct 12 (Reuters) - Islamic State militants have placed booby traps across the city of Mosul, dug tunnels and recruited children as spies in anticipation of an offensive to dislodge the jihadists from their Iraqi stronghold, Iraqis and U.S. officials said.

Mosul, home to up to 1.5 million people, has been the headquarters of Islamic State's self-declared caliphate in northern Iraq since 2014 and the militants are making complex preparations to prevent Iraqi security forces, backed by a U.S.-led coalition, taking it back.

The battle for the city, expected later this month, will help shape the future of Iraq and the legacy of U.S. President Barack Obama. Even if Islamic State is driven out, there is a real danger of sectarian strife, especially if civilian casualties are high in a mainly Sunni city wary of the Shi-ite led Iraqi government and the Shi'ite militias it depends on.

The jihadists, who swept into Mosul almost unopposed two years ago as Iraqi forces fled, have rigged its five bridges with explosives, prepared car bombs and suicide attackers and stepped up surveillance, according to four residents who spoke via telephone or social media.

"They are digging in to fight for Mosul. They are more cautious, shaving their beards to blend in with the population and constantly moving their headquarters around," said former finance and foreign minister Hoshiyar Zebari,

Zebari, a senior member of the Kurdistan Democratic Party with access to intelligence on Islamic State movements in Mosul, and Col. John Dorrian, a spokesman for the U.S.-led coalition, both said the group was moving men and equipment through underground tunnels.

"You see a fighter go in one place and pop up in another," said Dorrian. "The entrances are always exposed and those are a priority target."

Islamic State fighters have put up concrete embankments and are using concrete T-walls to block points of entry for the attacking force, he said. Mosul residents said the militants have also dug a two metre by two metre trench around the perimeter of the city to be filled with burning oil to make air strikes more difficult.

Aid groups have expressed concern over the prospect that many civilians could be killed in the fighting. About 200,000 people are expected to flee within the first two weeks of fighting, said Lise Grande, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Iraq.

"FUTURE TERRORISTS"

Reuters was unable to directly verify the reports of Islamic State's battle preparations. This story is based on interviews with U.S. and Iraqi officials such as Zebari and Dorrian and phone interviews with civilians in Mosul.

The planned coalition attack is part of a concerted assault that has reclaimed territory from IS in Syria, Iraq and Libya.

The militants have recently lost control of the Iraqi cities of Falluja and Ramadi and are threatening to execute anyone discussing "liberation" in Mosul, according to residents and Sunni militia forces who spoke to relatives there.

One resident said children as young as eight, sometimes armed with pistols and knives, have been deployed across the city to monitor and inform on the population. The children recruit other children for the same task.

"It's a really heartbreaking scene to see Mosul's kids becoming future terrorists. I taught my seven-year-old son all about autism to pretend he's mentally ill to avoid being recruited by Daesh," the resident said by WhatsApp, using an Arab acronym for Islamic State.

"They are desperate and they could force even children to fight once government troops are at the doors of Mosul."

Other residents say they have begun using older mobile phones which cannot carry applications like Viber, WhatsApp or Facebook messenger, because Islamic State fighters are highly sensitive to the use of smart phones which make it easier to pass information about their operations to security forces.

Jihadists sit on the rooftops of tall buildings on the edge of Mosul with night-vision binoculars to watch for anyone trying to escape and fighters are making holes in the streets with jackhammers to place improvised explosive devices.

"It would make it like hell if they placed bombs in each hole," one of the residents said.

SECTARIAN FEARS

The campaign could either increase the chances of a unified Iraq or break it up if sectarian clashes follow as various groups compete for influence in the country's second largest city, Iraqi officials say.

Iraq descended into civil war, mainly between Shi'ites and Sunnis, after a U.S.-led invasion toppled Saddam Hussein in 2003, and some Sunni Arab tribal leaders and former members of Saddam's Baath Party support Islamic State.

Before a single shot has been fired, Iraqi security forces have been working in Mosul to sway community leaders away from the group, a Western diplomat said.

Zebari said there were signs of a nascent resistance movement in the city, where some residents have spray painted "wanted" signs on the houses of Islamic State fighters and commanders, risking death.

The jihadists have started bringing women along for surprise house searches so they can check that female residents, who are not allowed to mix with men outside the family, are not hiding anything from the group.

"They are desperate, they look afraid , this is the first time they use their women in searching houses," a Mosul resident, who asked not to be named for safety reasons, told Reuters over social media.

"Two days ago, I rushed to my house door after hearing repeated knocks and when I opened the door I saw three women in Islamic hijab showing only their eyes with three Daesh fighters behind them," the resident said.

All the residents said the group was using cranes to lower fighters beneath bridges in the city to place explosives there.

"They carry out the booby trapping of the bridges during the night to avoid air strikes," said one.

Some Islamic State leaders and fighters have been leaving for the town of Tal Afar, also under Islamic State control, or further on across the Syrian border, U.S. officials said.

The security forces have been buoyed by victories against the group in Falluja and Ramadi, but face an additional challenge as Iraqi officials squabble over the composition of the fighting force for Mosul, Iraqi officials said.

The primary goal is to keep Iranian-backed Shi'ite militias out of Mosul to avoid sectarian clashes in a Sunni-majority city.

Shi'ite militias will be allowed to take the lead in operations to retake Hawija, a nearby town controlled by Islamic State, officials said.

They hope that driving Islamic State from Mosul will debilitate the group, although it could still threaten Iraq.

"They could go underground and carry out terrorist acts," Zebari said. "But not as an organized movement."
Mali union calls five day mine strike over treatment of workers

BAMAKO, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Mali mine workers will go on strike on Oct. 24 for five days, a union official said on Tuesday, to protest what he described as unfair treatment of union workers.

Mali is the third biggest gold producer in Africa behind South Africa and Ghana, and gold overwhelmingly dominates its mining sector, itself about a quarter of government revenues.

"Trade unionists are persecuted in the mines," said Mahamadou Konte, executive committee member of Synacom, the mines, energy and civil construction union, citing examples of union members who were being disciplined or fired.

"We represent more than 80 percent of the union space. The strike will affect all mines," he said.

The likely impact on production from the country's nine gold mines was unclear, but Konte reckoned that the strike would cost Mali 800 million CFA francs ($1.37 million) per day in tax revenues.

Mali collected 245 billion CFA francs ($422 million) in state revenues from mining companies last year, a near 11 percent fall from the previous year, owing to stagnant production and lower gold prices, the statistics office said in August.

Gold producers including Randgold Resources and AngloGold Ashanti have operations in Mali.
Adviser rules out Trump meeting North Korea's Kim in near future

By David Brunnstrom

WASHINGTON, Oct 11 (Reuters) - An adviser to Donald Trump said on Tuesday he could not foresee any circumstances in the short or medium term in which the Republican presidential nominee would meet the leader of North Korea if he became president.

The remark appeared to take a step back from Trump's position in May, when he told Reuters he was willing to talk to Kim Jong Un to try to stop Pyongyang's nuclear program.

Peter Hoekstra, a former Republican congressman and now an adviser to Trump, was asked at a debate on U.S. policy towards North Korea under what conditions Trump would meet Kim.

"I can't imagine any set of circumstances, in the short or intermediate future, that would see President Trump in a summit meeting with the leader of North Korea," he said.

Hoekstra avoided directly repeating suggestions by Trump that U.S. allies Japan and South Korea could be allowed to develop nuclear weapons to defend themselves against North Korea, rather than relying on the U.S. nuclear umbrella.

"That will be decided once South Korea, Japan the United States identify what their objectives are going to be vis-a-vis North Korea and the tactics they are going to put in place to address that objective," he said, when asked to clarify where Trump stood on the issue.

However, Hoekstra added that it would be "stated very, very clearly, as we go into those discussions with South Korea and Japan, that everything's on the table."

Former Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia Kurt Campbell, a supporter of Trump's rival Hillary Clinton, said: "The real issue here is, 'Is this strategically wise?'"

According to Campbell, Trump had said "maybe in the heat of the campaign ... things that have been deeply unnerving to Asia."

Hoekstra said Trump was not seeking to challenge U.S. friendships in Asia, but it was necessary to sit down with allies to develop a successful North Korea strategy.

Asked about Trump's complaints that Asian allies were freeloading on the United States, he said Trump's business background meant some of his statements came out "a little bit more coarse than some of us in the political world might be comfortable with."

But allies would be expected to pay their "fair share" as U.S. taxpayers could not subsidize the defense of others, he said.
Philippines' ties with China and the United States

MANILA, Oct 11 (Reuters) - Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte flies to China next week as he actively courts the Asian giant while ties with traditional ally the United States have come under strain.

Following are some details of the Philippines' two main bilateral relationships: - In 2015, Philippine exports to China were $6.4 billion, to the United States $8.8 billion. - In the same year, Philippine imports from China were $10.83 billion, from the United States $7.21 billion. - China had provided the Philippines $115.33 million in official development loans and $5.7 million as grants as of December 2014. The United States has provided $1.15 billion in grants to the Philippines as of June 2015. - About 250,000 Filipinos lived in China, Hong Kong and Macau as of December 2015. About 6 million Filipinos live in the United States. - About 454,000 American tourists visited the Philippines in the first half of this year. About 400,000 visited from China, Hong Kong and Macau. - Filipinos in the United States remitted $8 billion in 2015. The figure from Filipinos in China, Hong Kong and Macao was just over $1 billion. - Washington has designated the Philippines, a former colony, as a major non-NATO ally. The two countries signed a mutual defence treaty in 1951. While the United States closed its bases in the Philippines in 1992, the two countries have signed a deal allowing increased U.S. military presence on a rotational basis and storage of supplies and equipment for maritime security and humanitarian missions. - Manila will receive about $120 million in U.S. military aid this year, the largest sum since 2000 when the American military returned to the Philippines for training and exercises after an eight-year hiatus.
Chinese TV station apologises for showing map excluding Taiwan

BEIJING, Oct 12 (Reuters) - A Chinese television station has apologised after showing a map on a talent show which did not include self-ruled Taiwan as being part of China, one of Beijing's most sensitive political issues.

China has never renounced the use of force to bring democratic Taiwan, which it considers an inalienable part of China, under its control. Defeated Nationalist forces fled to Taiwan at the end of a civil war in 1949.

All maps published in China have to show Taiwan has being one of the country's provinces.

But in a talent show for foreigners learning Chinese on Hunan Television on Sunday, a map shown in the background coloured in only the mainland of China in red and left Taiwan white, according to a screengrab published on the official People's Daily's website.

In a statement on its official microblog late on Tuesday, state-run Hunan Television said it was sorry, blaming an outside contractor for the error and a failure of its own internal controls to spot the problem before the broadcast.

"We feel a deep sense of dereliction of duty at the 'problem map' incident and feel deeply pained," it said.

All of the station's employees are resolute in their belief that Taiwan is a part of China and oppose any form of separatism for Taiwan, it added.

Those responsible for the mistake have been punished, the station said without giving details, and received "severe criticism".

Relations between China and Taiwan have worsened since the election of Tsai Ing-wen from the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party as Taiwan president in January.
REUTERS SUMMIT-Japan's JBIC says cautious on lending to resource sector

By Yoshifumi Takemoto

TOKYO, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), a major backer of mining and energy projects for Japanese companies, said it will be cautious on lending to the resources sector despite a rally in commodity prices this year.

With oil prices surging around 40 percent in 2016 and coal up by more than 50 percent, many argue that a slump in commodities since the global financial crisis is over.

But JBIC Governor Akira Kondoh told Reuters in an interview late last week that the bank was not rushing to expand lending, with Japanese trading houses and resource companies, typical clients of JBIC, having taken heavy impairment losses on their energy and commodity investments in the last two years.

"If trading houses post impairment losses, that will have an impact on our loans so that would be something that we need to carefully watch," Kondoh said.

The development bank lends to projects from shale oil and gas developments in the United States to solar farms in Jordan and has more than $120 billion in loans for energy and other industrial projects, according to its most recent annual report.

"As a government financial institution, we would like to take risks that the private sector cannot take, like very long-term loans. But we are using money from the Ministry of Finance and tax payers," Kondoh said.

The bank is paying more attention to onsite visits to ensure the viability of projects, said Kondoh, who recently went to a nickel mine run by Sumitomo Corp and other companies in Madagascar.

Kondoh added that recent energy price gains may not be sustainable.
Samsung's ditching of flagship phone portends Android turf war

By Julia Love and Deborah M. Todd

Oct 11 (Reuters) - Samsung Electronics's abandonment of the Galaxy Note 7 due to safety concerns will likely touch off a turf war among Android smartphone makers, analysts said, presenting them a rare opportunity to gain share but with less room for archrival Apple Inc.

Consumers tend to commit to their choice between Apple's iOS operating system for smartphones and Google's Android, leaving Samsung's fellow Android manufacturers such as LG Electronics and Alphabet Inc's Google in prime position to strike. Both have newly released phones.

A hardware problem is unlikely to change a customer's preference for software systems, said analyst Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research.

"Samsung has the premium end of the smartphone market pretty much sewn up on the Android side," he said. "This creates a slightly bigger opening."

Research firm TrendForce revised up Apple's 2016 smartphone shipment forecasts by 3 million to 208 million, while slashing Samsung's shipments estimates by 6 million. It also raised forecasts for China's Huawei Technologies, No.3 globally, by 4 million.

"A substantial portion of consumers' demand will now go to the three major Chinese brands - Huawei, Vivo and OPPO," it said in a note.

Nevertheless, in San Francisco, prime Apple territory, some consumers were switching to the home team, and Apple stock has risen on expectations of a broader move.

"Some people might have already been thinking about making the switch and now here's their chance," said Robin Williams, a sales associate at a Sprint store on Van Ness St in San Francisco, describing some customers moving to Apple.

Bob O'Donnell of TECHnalysis Research said Apple would benefit, "but I don't think they are going to get all of it because Apple has a single product."

Samsung on Tuesday scrapped the $882 flagship smartphone, in what could be one of the costliest product safety failures in tech history.

The news is a boon for Google, which last week announced a new line of Pixel smartphones, plunging the company into the hardware market that it has previously left to manufacturers such as Samsung. Samsung's retreat will prompt consumers to take a closer look at Google's phones.

"Samsung's meltdown is a big opportunity for Google to do far better with Pixel than it has with its previous Nexus devices," said Richard Windsor, analyst at Edison Investment Research.

Despite the reputational damage, Samsung will remain competitive for premium smartphone sales, analysts said. LG's V20 smartphone will not arrive in the United States until the end of the month. Google's Pixel phones do not ship until Oct. 20, and will only be available in the United States at Verizon .

"Google needs to be present at retail and with operators in volume in time to meet this demand... it needs to accelerate the launch as much as it can," said Windsor.

ROOM TO SHINE

For consumers seeking immediate replacements for the Galaxy Note 7, it may be easiest to go with another Samsung phone, said O'Donnell at TECHnalysis. "You can't write off Samsung," he said.

Samsung is offering to exchange the Note 7s for its flagship Galaxy S7 models. A permanent end to Note 7 sales could cost it up to $17 billion, according to calculations based on analysts' projected shipments of the device.

And Apple may have room to shine, especially before new Android phones arrive.

At a T-Mobile store in San Francisco, salesperson Omar Arreola said some Samsung customers were so upset with the company that they switched to the iPhone 7. "They trust the brand," he said.

Brian Green, whose Note 7 caught fire on a Southwest Airlines flight last week, also said he replaced his device with an iPhone. He raced to purchase the Note 7 after its release, but he said he is unlikely to be an early adopter again.

"Next time I think I'll wait and get it once it's been around the block a few times," he said.
Romania - Factors to watch on Oct. 12

Here are news stories, press reports and events to watch which may affect Romanian financial markets on Wednesday.

INDUSTRIAL OUTPUT

Romania's National Statistics Board (INSSE) will release August industrial output data at 0600 GMT.

NEGATIVE INFLATION

Romanian consumer prices fell a more than expected 0.6 percent on the year in September compared with August's 0.2 percent fall, INSSE data showed on Tuesday.

The median forecast of a Reuters poll of analysts put consumer prices 0.2 percent down year-on-year.

SWISS FRANC LOANS VOTE

Romania's lower house of parliament on Tuesday postponed to next week a final vote to approve a bill to help Swiss franc borrowers convert their mortgage loans into local leu currency at historical rates, due to the lack of a quorum.

LEU OFF 3-MONTH LOWS

Romania's leu firmed on Tuesday as lawmakers moved to alter a bill on converting Swiss franc mortgages into the local currency to ease the burden on banks.

The surge in the Swiss franc in recent years has led many Romanian borrowers to default on their Swiss franc loans and the bill aims to convert the loans into leu at historical rates.

For the long-term Romanian diary, click on

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REUTERS SUMMIT-High-protein wheat premiums to widen on crop damage -trader

By Naveen Thukral and Gavin Maguire

SINGAPORE, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Global premiums for high-protein wheat are expected to rise as unseasonal rains drive down quality in key producers, while Chicago futures are likely trade in a tight range in the next few months, a leading Singapore-based trader said on Wednesday.

Wet weather at the time of harvest has left large volumes of wheat only fit for animal consumption in leading exporters such as Canada and Australia.

"This year is going to be the year of lack of proteins, even the Canadians have had wet conditions towards their close," Vijay Iyengar, managing director of Agrocorp International, told Reuters as part of its Global Commodities Summit.

"Proteins are going to be scarce and the market is going to price accordingly."

The spread between soft red wheat traded on the Chicago Board of Trade and protein-rich spring wheat on the Minneapolis Grains Exchange has widened to $1.18-3/4 a bushel after trading almost at par in September.

Iyengar said Chicago wheat futures would trade in a range of $3.80 to $4.20 a bushel on the ample availability of lower-protein grain.

"The world in awash with low-quality wheat right now."

Chicago wheat prices dropped to a 10-year low of $3.59-1/2 a bushel at the end of August as back-to-back years of near-record output are expected to boost global inventories to an all-time high of around 250 million tonnes this year.

Iyengar said he expected India to buy up to 4 million tonnes of wheat. Millers in the South Asian country have already booked about 1.5 million tonnes since June following lower production in the past two years.

Privately-owned Agrocorp has four plants for processing pulses and grains in Canada, and is on the look out to acquire more facilities in Canada, Myanmar and Australia.

The company, with an annual turnover of $2 billion, sells wheat, corn and rice in Asia. It is among the top five pulse suppliers in the world.

Iyengar said there were unlikely to be further deep declines in corn and soybean prices, which also hit multi-year lows earlier in 2016.

"Corn seems to have found a level now, the only reason that it is not moving higher is because of feed wheat availability," he said.

"For soybeans, the market was of the view that prices would go down to $9.00 a bushel, but they seem to have found a level at $9.50."

For pulses and peas, Iyengar said global output would likely rise with higher planting in India, Canada and Australia in response to high prices last year.

"The way the Canadian dollar is, the prices of pulses are still good for exports, harvest pressure on the market is over," he said.

"There will be demand in India for Australian chickpeas as the domestic crop only comes into the market by March and April."
China regulator to tighten financing rules for property developers - Shanghai Securities News

BEIJING, Oct 12 (Reuters) - China's securities regulator is looking to tighten rules for listed real estate firms to issue bonds and offer private placements, in a move to curb excessive capital flowing into the property market, the official Shanghai Securities News reported on Wednesday.

The Shanghai Stock exchange, directly administered by the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), is planning to raise the bar for real estate companies to issue corporate bonds, the report said, citing multiple sources close to the matter.

Among the requirements are issuing companies must be AA rated and fulfil one of the four conditions, the newspaper said, citing an initial draft. But the report didn't specify the conditions.

A wave of restrictions imposed on housing markets in major Chinese cities last week have unnerved some buyers and developers, cutting the area of new homes sold in places such as Beijing and Shenzhen by more than half.

More than 20 cities have imposed measures, including higher mortgage downpayments, to cool hot property markets that have raised official alarm in Beijing and fresh concerns about China's ballooning debt.

The Shanghai Securities News said that property bond issuers will be assessed and categorised according to their risk levels, with high-risk enterprises set to face restrictions.

The CSRC has also been increasingly vigilant about real estate enterprises' private placement requests for purposes of paying off bank loans and supplement cash flows, the report said.
Indonesia's "Whisper Cinema" brings movies to the blind

JAKARTA, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Siswanto was born blind, but is now a regular at the movies since the "Whisper Cinema", a small, free monthly club aimed at bringing the silver screen to Indonesia's visually-impaired started last year.

A volunteer helps Siswanto, a 43-year-old masseur who doesn't like horror movies, to his seat and as the lights dim, his personal commentator starts describing each scene to him.

"This helps me a lot in terms of widening my horizons as a visually-impaired person who like movies very much," Siswanto said after the latest viewing of "Laskar Pemimpi", or "The Troops of Dreamers" in English.

"Whisper Cinema", the brainchild of Cici Suciati, was born in January 2015 after users of her mobile apps for the blind said they wanted to go to the cinema.

Suciati puts most of the local films on at the same 50-seat cinema in the Indonesian capital, with volunteers signing up to commentate on social media.

"I want people to accept that the disabled people, especially people with visual impairment are part of the members of society in the world," Suciati said.
Kazakh president cancels Armenia visit, citing cold

ALMATY, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev has cancelled a visit to Armenia due to a cold, his office said on Wednesday, adding that there were no concerns about his overall health.

The presidential office, which rarely comments on 76-year-old Nazarbayev's health, made the announcement about him being treated for a cold on Tuesday, suggesting to some it would mean he would not visit Yerevan which will host a Russia-led security bloc meeting this week.

On Tuesday, Nazarbayev's office said Prime Minister Bakytzhan Sagintayev would travel to Armenia instead of him.

Astana's ties with Yerevan have been strained since April, when during the renewed military conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan insisted on holding a meeting of another regional body, the Eurasian Economic Union, outside of Armenia which was due to host it.
REUTERS SUMMIT-Wave of fresh supply spells new LPG era in Asia - Dorian LPG

By Henning Gloystein

SINGAPORE, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), long a niche product used in petrochemicals, as well as for cooking and outdoor heating, is entering a new era as a wave of supply from the U.S. shale boom cuts prices, spreading its use in emerging markets, a major shipper said.

Production of LPG, known better as propane or butane, has traditionally been dominated by the Middle East, while Japan has been the biggest buyer, where it is used largely as a petrochemical feedstock.

Now, the market is undergoing fundamental change as the U.S. shale oil revolution, in which LPG is produced as a by-product, has propelled the United States to the top of the production table, and emerging markets have overtaken Japan as the biggest buyer.

"In 2013, the U.S. accounted for only 15 percent of global supply volumes, whereas today they account for over 31 percent of global supply volumes. The U.S. is now the single largest LPG exporting nation," Ted Young, Chief Financial Officer at Dorian LPG, told Reuters in an interview for its Global Commodities Summit.

New York-based Dorian LPG, which has a market capitalization of $363 million, says it owns 22 Very Large Gas Carriers (VLGC), making it one of the world's biggest shippers of the fuel.

Soaring U.S. production has made LPG much cheaper, spurring its success in developing countries, with U.S. propane prices down by two-thirds since 2014 to 58 cents per gallon, despite a recent rally on the back of higher crude oil prices .

Cheaper prices have helped LNG grow market share in emerging markets. China "surpassed Japan as the largest LPG importer in the world in 2015 at 12.1 million tons, and will import an estimated 15.5 million tons in 2016," Young said.

Japan imports around 11 million tons of LPG a year.

SUBSIDIZED GROWTH

The primary growth markets are India and South East Asia, Young said, driven largely by a desire to reduce burning of biomass to improve air quality.

LPG's growth is supported by subsidies and government programs in countries like India, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Myanmar in a push away from household's burning wood and kerosene, which cause smokes and vapors.

The biggest growth is seen in India, with its 8 percent annual economic growth and a population expected to overtake China's as the world's biggest within a decade.

"Looking at India, demand has grown four times since 2009 and is on track to reach approximately 9.3 tons in 2016. India plans to build a 2,000 km long pipeline which will add 3.75 million tons per annum of capacity," Young said.

Despite the strong outlook for LPG, shippers have been dogged by transport oversupply, as in much of the oil market.

"Shipping frequently moves in cycles, and the current environment is no different. All segments saw new deliveries enter the market, which depresses rates," said Young.

The coming two years would be important for the sector as a number of multi-year export contracts were up for renewal in 2017 and 2018 between U.S. terminals and Asian importers and traders, he said.

However, Young said he was convinced that LPG had tremendous growth potential, and Dorian LPG would look at ways to increase shareholder value, which might include acquisition targets.
Turkey troops to stay in Iraq's Bashiqa until Islamic State out of Mosul - deputy PM

ANKARA, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Turkish troops will remain in the Bashiqa military camp in northern Iraq until Islamic State militants have been driven from the nearby city of Mosul, Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told state-run Anadolu Agency on Wednesday.

In the interview, broadcast live on the state-run TRT Haber channel, Kurtulmus said Turkey would participate in the operation to push the jihadists out of Mosul as long as the Syrian Kurdish YPG militia was not involved.
In Britain, some pro-Europe lawmakers now back EU divorce talks -Reuters poll

By Kylie MacLellan

LONDON, Oct 11 (Reuters) - A number of lawmakers who opposed a British exit from the European Union in June's referendum would now back a start of formal divorce proceedings from the bloc - provided parliament gets to decide at all, a Reuters poll showed.

Results of the online survey opened the possibility that Prime Minister Theresa May might be able to win a vote in what has been a predominantly pro-EU parliament, although her government remains determined to prevent such a vote from happening.

May has said she will trigger Article 50 of the EU's Lisbon Treaty - which begins an initial two-year period during which Britain must negotiate the terms of its exit - by the end of March next year without giving lawmakers a vote.

However, London's High Court is due on Thursday to start hearing a legal challenge led by a pro-EU investment fund manager seeking to force May into letting parliament decide when, how and whether to invoke Article 50.

In the online poll, Reuters asked members of parliament's lower House of Commons - excluding the nearly 100 who hold government posts and are therefore obliged to follow May's line - how they would vote if the challenge were to succeed.

Of the 57 lawmakers who responded, more than 60 percent said they would back the start of formal negotiations. Over a third of respondents who had voted "remain" in the June 23 referendum said they now supported triggering the Brexit process.

"The consequence of a leave vote was clear to everyone, that we would leave the EU. The majority of remain voters do not want the democratic process in the referendum bypassed by MPs," one Conservative who supported remain but now favours triggering Article 50, said in response to the anonymous survey.

May has described legal challenges to Brexit - another is underway in Northern Ireland - as an attempt to "subvert" democracy and delay the process after Britons voted by 52 to 48 percent to leave the bloc.

In the poll, all 21 lawmakers who voted leave in June supported invoking Article 50. Of the 36 respondents from the remain camp, 14 said they had come round to backing a start to Brexit negotiations.

May would need a significant shift in opinion among lawmakers, were it to come to a parliamentary vote. Around three-quarters of the 650 members of the lower house backed remaining in the EU before the referendum. Many say they would now respect the wishes of the country and not block the exit.

However, May's Conservatives have long been deeply divided over EU membership and she herself voted in June to remain. The party has a small majority in the lower house and none in the upper House of Lords, so parliament's involvement could risk seeing the Brexit process prolonged by months or even years.

"SIDELINING PARLIAMENT"

Attorney General Jeremy Wright will represent the government in this week's London court proceedings, and will argue that a decision to withdraw from the EU is a power that only ministers can take on behalf of the monarchy.

Lawyers expect the final decision will be made by the Supreme Court, Britain's highest judicial body, in December.

Victory for the claimants would mean parliament would have to debate triggering Brexit, vote on Article 50 and then pass legislation, a process which could delay an EU exit.

The nearly 100 Conservative lawmakers who hold government roles would back the government position if a vote took place. Only one of the 26 Conservative lawmakers who responded to the survey said they would vote against triggering Article 50.

The opposition Labour Party has yet to reveal its official position if a vote were held, but a third of the 24 Labour lawmakers who responded to the survey said they would back triggering Britain's EU exit.

Even if the House of Commons backs the divorce proceedings, the government may run into trouble in the House of Lords, where it has had several measures blocked over the last year.

Some lawmakers said they would not support triggering Article 50 until the government had set out more about its negotiating position and what kind of future relationship it was seeking with the EU. Others said parliament should be given a vote on the terms of the final Brexit deal.

"It seems that the government want to draw up negotiating terms, negotiate and reach a deal without any parliamentary approval. That is not making parliament sovereign, it is sidelining parliament," Labour's Brexit spokesman Keir Starmer told parliament on Monday.

Labour wants a vote on the basic terms proposed by the government before Article 50 is invoked, he said.
Oil ends lower on OPEC output hike; U.S. stockpile rise seen

By Barani Krishnan

NEW YORK, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Oil prices fell on Wednesday after OPEC reported another monthly hike in output and extended losses in post-settlement trade as industry data suggested the first U.S. crude inventory build in six weeks.

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said its production rose in September to the highest in at least eight years. It also forecast a rise in 2017 non-OPEC supply.

The American Petroleum Institute (API), a trade group, said after the market settled that U.S. crude stockpiles rose by 2.7 million barrels in the week to Oct. 7. Analysts had expected an increase of 650,000 barrels.

Brent crude settled down 60 cents, or 1.1 percent, at $51.81 a barrel. In post-settlement trade, it fell to as low as $51.61.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude slipped 61 cents, or 1.2 percent, to settle at $50.18. After the API data, it sank to $49.89.

The API report came ahead of official inventory data due from the U.S. Energy Administration (EIA) on Thursday. It was a sign that domestic crude stocks had risen the first time since the start of September. Over the past five weeks, the EIA reported a 26 million-barrel decline in crude stocks.

"For sure, the fact that we could be getting draws again will take some of the attention away from what OPEC has been doing," said Kyle Cooper, a consultant at Houston-based ION Energy.

Oil prices had mostly risen for nearly two weeks now after the Saudi-dominated OPEC proposed to cut or freeze output with other major oil producers in time for its Nov. 30 policy meeting in Vienna. If carried out to plan, it will be the first output cap by OPEC since 2008 after a glut caused oil prices to crash from mid-2014 highs above $100.

OPEC's September report showed that it produced 33.39 million barrels per day, up 220,000 bpd from August, and as much as 890,000 bpd above the new supply target.

"Once again, it reinforces that their deeds are not matching their words, and that they have a great deal of work cut out for them to try and come to an agreement that will satisfy anything," said John Kilduff, partner at energy hedge fund Again Capital in New York.
Turkish army says Islamic State putting up "stiff resistance" in Syria

ISTANBUL, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Islamic State militants in northern Syria are putting up "stiff resistance" to attacks by Turkish-backed rebel fighters, Turkey's military said on Wednesday, almost two months after it launched an incursion to drive them away from its border.

Supported by Turkish tanks and air strikes, the rebels have been pushing towards the Islamic State stronghold of Dabiq. Clashes and air strikes over the past 24 hours have killed 47 jihadists, the military said in a statement.

"Due to stiff resistance of the Daesh (Islamic State) terror group, progress could not be achieved in an attack launched to take four settlements," it said, naming the areas east of the town of Azaz as Kafrah, Suran, Ihtimalat and Duvaybik.

The operation to drive the jihadists away from the Turkish border, dubbed "Euphrates Shield", was in its 50th day on Wednesday. The Turkish-backed rebels have seized control of about 1,100 square km (425 square miles) of territory from Islamic State since the operation began, the military said.

In a daily round-up, it said 19 Islamic State fighters had been "neutralised" in clashes, while eight Turkish-backed rebels were also killed. Twenty-two rebels were wounded but Turkish forces did not suffer any casualties.

Turkish warplanes destroyed five buildings used by Islamic State fighters, while U.S.-led coalition jets "neutralised" 28 of the jihadists and destroyed three buildings, it said.
China confirms Duterte visit amid strained U.S.-Philippine ties

BEIJING, Oct 12 (Reuters) - China confirmed on Wednesday that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will visit China next week, as the Southeast Asian leader's relationship with its traditional ally the United States frays.

Under Duterte, Manila's relations with Washington have come under strain and the recently elected president has opted to put aside years of hostility with China, especially over the disputed South China Sea, to form a new partnership.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang, confirming a visit previously flagged in Manila, said Duterte would meet President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang on his Oct. 18-21 trip and have a "deep exchange of views" on how to improve ties, cooperation and regional issues.

About 250 Philippine business executives will visit Beijing with Duterte. Filipino executives are eager to talk with Chinese business leaders and government officials about deals in a range of sectors, from rail, and construction to tourism, agribusiness, power and manufacturing, sources told Reuters.

"China looks forward to increasing mutual trust between the two countries, deepening practical cooperation and continuing the tradition of friendship via the visit of President Duterte," Geng told a daily news briefing.

The two should appropriately handle disputes through talks and promote a strategic, cooperative relationship that is dedicated to peace and development, he added.

"The Philippines is a traditionally friendly neighbour of China. The two peoples have a long history of friendship."

Elected in June, Duterte's deadly war of drugs and support for extrajudicial killings have drawn the ire of the U.S., a former colonial power and traditionally one of the Philippines' staunchest supporters.

Duterte has responded to that criticism by telling U.S. President Barack Obama to "go to hell" and saying he wants to distance the Philippines' dependence on the country.

Coinciding with that has been a rapprochement with China, despite the cool relations the two countries have had, dogged in recent years by mistrust over rival territorial claims in the South China Sea.

Duterte said on Tuesday he will also probably visit Russia after a trip to Japan this month.

An arbitration court ruling in the Hague on July 12 that said China had breached the Philippines' sovereign rights in the South China Sea had threatened to lead to a further deterioration in ties between Manila and Beijing.

But Duterte's forthcoming trip could prove a turning point, with promises to hold talks with China on the South China Sea dispute and signs of a new and potentially much deeper economic relationship.
Turkey arresting 215 more police officers in post-coup investigation -NTV

ANKARA, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Turkish authorities on Wednesday issued arrest warrants for 215 police officers, including 147 police chiefs, broadcaster NTV reported, in an operation linked to July's attempted coup.

Thirty from the group have been arrested so far, NTV said.

Turkey has seen two mass arrests in the police force since Oct. 7, that the government says aims to root out supporters of U.S-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who Ankara blames for masterminding the abortive coup.

Gulen denies accusations he was behind the coup, during which more than 240 people were killed.

Some 32,000 people have been jailed, and 100,000 military officers, police, teachers, judges, prosecutors and others have been sacked.

On Wednesday, the Defence Ministry said the armed forces had dismissed 201 more personnel from its air force and 32 more from the navy.

Authorities said that all 215 officers listed were suspected of using ByLock, NTV said, a smartphone messaging app used by Gulen's followers since 2014. Most of the warrants were for officers in Ankara, though others were in 13 provinces, it said.

The state intelligence agency traced thousands of people they say are part of Gulen's movement and linked to last month's failed military coup by cracking ByLock's security features.

Parliament on Tuesday voted to prolong a state of emergency for three months in a vote that was more of a formality, as the ruling AK Party commands a large majority and the opposition Nationalist Movement Party had pledged its support of the move.

The main opposition People's Republican Party and third-biggest Peoples' Democratic Party opposed the extension, citing worries that innocent people were being targetted.

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said Turkey's entire population had been harmed by supporters of Gulen, which the government refers to as the Gulenist Terror Organisation (FETO).
China angered as UN rights chief attends ceremony for jailed academic

BEIJING, Oct 12 (Reuters) - China expressed anger on Wednesday after the United Nations human rights chief spoke at an award ceremony for a prominent Chinese academic jailed for life two years ago for campaigning for the rights of the Muslim Uighur people.

Ilham Tohti, who is an ethnic Uighur, was selected from three finalists for the Martin Ennals Award, whose jury is composed of 10 activist groups, including Amnesty International, where Ennals was an early secretary-general.

China has dismissed the award, saying Tohti's crimes were clear.

Asked about U.N. High Commissioner Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein's attendance at the event in Geneva, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Zeid had ignored the facts, confused right with wrong and "boosted the arrogance of separatists".

"This is a serious breach of the aims and principles and United Nations charter. It is an interference in China's internal affairs," Geng told a daily news briefing in Beijing.

"Internationally, there are always certain forces who ignore the crimes committed against Chinese people by individual terrorists.

"They rack their brains to put them in the coat of human rights. This is to blaspheme against and mock human rights and the rule of law."

Tohti is China's most prominent advocate for the rights of Muslim Uighur people, a Turkic-speaking people.

Hundreds of people have died in recent years in Xinjiang, the far western home of the Uighur people, in unrest blamed by Beijing on Islamist militants and separatists, though rights groups say the violence is more a reaction to repressive Chinese policies.

Many Uighurs resent restrictions on their culture and religion and complain they are denied economic opportunities amid an influx of majority Han Chinese into Xinjiang.

China frequently rejects foreign criticism of its rights record and denies any repression in Xinjiang.
State Information department organises journalism courses in Manipur

UNI, Imphal | Published : 10th October, 2016

The Manipur Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) has started organising journalism courses in the hill districts of Manipur.A seven-day basic course in News Reporting organised by State Institute of Journalism, DIPR was today inaugurated by Director(IPR) Meghachandra Kongbam at DRDA Conference Hall, Senapati District headquarters.

Mr Kongbam said this is the second time that State Institute of Journalism is conducting short-term course in journalism in a hill district headquarters after Ukhrul. The objective of the course is to raise the standard of journalism and to create awareness about the journalism among the young media enthusiasts in the hill areas of Manipur, he said.

The State Institute of Journalism, DIPR was established in September 1992 and earlier conducted the journalism courses only in Imphal.

He said, "The service of journalists is the human service that brings a better life of human beings. Journalists work in the mass communication media like press, radio, television, film and social media and occupy a great position in the society for their commendable service of informing, educating, entertaining and enlightening the general masses. Teachers teach the students in the class room, whereas, journalists or communicators teach the general masses."

In this age of globalisation and in this information age, the people living in the interior areas of the hill districts do not get sufficient information he added.

He added that there are two daily newspapers in this district. The role of the service of the local newspaper is greater than the other newspapers published outside the district.

Senapati is the forerunner in the field of journalism. Soloni Pao who did his journalism diploma in the year 1997 from the prestigious Indian Institute of Mass Communication, New Delhi is the first journalism diploma holder in Manipur. In the field of film medium, in the days to come, Senapati will lead Manipur, he opined.

Now, in Imphal, there is only one person, Haobam Paban Kumar who got diploma in film direction from Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata working in film medium. In Senapati, there is Alexander Leo Pao, who got diploma in the Film Production and Television from SRFTI and now working in National Film Development Corporation.

Two more from this district -- Ashok Veilou is pursuing Film Direction and Screenplay Writing and Pousheru Ngade is pursuing editing at the Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute, Kolkata he said.

In the short course in news reporting, the trainees will learn basic knowledge of writing a news story apart from different kinds of news story, ethics of journalism etc.

Soloni Pao said journalists have a great responsibility in the society for educating the thousands of people. He praised the DIPR, Manipur for organising the journalism course in the hill areas, stating that facility of journalism education were available only in the metro cities.

Peter Adani, Editor of Hills Hornbill Express stated that the profession of the journalist was a challenging task in conflict areas and the journalists must face the challenges for the betterment of the society.

Giving keynote address in the function, course co-ordinator of the State Institute of Journalism, DIPR Chongtham Noyon Singh said, since the inception of the Institute in 1992, it has been conducting orientation and intensive courses on journalism. He advised the trainees to get maximum knowledge from the resource persons in the field of journalism and mass communication during the course. He trusts than the trainees would enhance their journalistic knowledge on completion of this course.

Th Sarat Sharma, Deputy Director, IPR and DIO Senapati L. Kapani Mao also attended the function among others.

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Car bombing reported in northeast Nigeria's Maiduguri - emergency agency

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Oct 12 (Reuters) - A car-bomb explosion was reported in Maiduguri in northeastern Borno state, Nigeria's emergency agency said on Wednesday, an area that has been repeatedly attacked by Islamist militant group Boko Haram during its seven-year-old insurgency.

"There is a reported case of bomb blast around Muna Garage," the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) tweeted, referring to an area in the city.

"Emergency workers are on their way to the scene," it said.
Property developer Countryside says trading picks up after Brexit dip

By Esha Vaish

Oct 12 (Reuters) - Property developer Countryside Properties said on Wednesday strong trading since the last week of July had more than offset an initial jump in cancellation rates after Britain's vote to leave the European Union in June.

The comments add to signs from official data and other builders that Britain's housing market has recovered from a brief setback in the wake of the "Brexit" vote.

Countryside, which regenerates public land as well as builds houses on its own plots, said trading over the summer and into autumn had been stronger than it had expected and ahead of last year.

"What we did see is an increase of cancellations as people became concerned about the outcome of the referendum. But within three weeks post the referendum we were back trading absolute normal levels," Chief Executive Ian Sutcliffe told Reuters.

Countryside said it was well placed to meet analysts' expectations for its new financial year ending September 2017, despite the fact many of its developments are in and around London, which industry experts say is experiencing a larger fallout from Brexit than the rest of the country.

Sutcliffe said Countryside sold almost exclusively to owner-occupiers, and so had not been hit by new taxes on second homes, and that none of its properties were in London's most expensive central areas.

"Some of the mixed messages that are coming out of the housing sector are saying that if you're in the wrong location or you're too expensive then it's undoubtedly slower," he said.

"We're in the right place with the right product at the right price point and in the areas that we operate in (demand is) actually very strong."

The company, which also operates in the South East, West Midlands and Manchester, had resold houses whose reservations were cancelled in the wake of the Brexit vote for values 1.5 percent higher than the original price, Sutcliffe added.

Countryside said total sale completions rose 12 percent to 2,657 units in the year ended Sept. 30. Its private forward order book was 64 percent higher at 225.4 million pounds ($280 million).

Sutcliffe said Countryside was working on bids for 33,500 regeneration plots and opportunities in that business "continued to grow".

The company's strong order book and regeneration work should "support a premium rating to the sector", wrote Numis analysts, who have a "buy" rating and 296 pence target price on the stock.

The shares were up 2.5 percent at 236.6 pence at 0920 GMT.
Spain and Morocco arrest four suspected of links to Islamist militants

MADRID, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Spanish and Moroccan police have arrested four Moroccan men suspected of links to militant Islamist activity, the Spanish Interior Ministry said on Wednesday.

The arrests followed two years of police investigations and stemmed from monitoring two people who had lived in Spain but had gone to join Islamic State in Syria and Iraq, the ministry said in a statement.

These two formed a recruiting cell and then established off-shoots in Spain and Morocco, each containing a further two members.

The two men arrested in Spain were charged with enlisting and indoctrinating recruits to fight in Syria and Iraq with the use of social media. They had direct contact with Islamic State through the Syrian unit, the ministry said.

The two others were arrested in Morocco.
Turkey says its troops to stay in Iraq until Islamic State cleared from Mosul

By Tulay Karadeniz and Ercan Gurses

ANKARA, Oct 12 (Reuters) - A planned U.S.-backed operation to drive Islamic State from the Iraqi city of Mosul could cause "blood and fire" in the region if not carefully handled, Turkey warned on Wednesday, saying it would keep troops nearby despite Baghdad's opposition.

President Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey, locked in an escalating row with Iraq over who should take part in the planned Mosul assault, would do all it could to prevent the operation from deepening sectarian conflict on its borders.

Mosul, home to up to 1.5 million people, has been the headquarters of Islamic State's self-declared caliphate in northern Iraq since 2014. The battle for the city, expected later this month, will help shape the future of Iraq and the legacy of U.S. President Barack Obama.

"We will use all our resources to prevent our brothers in Syria and Iraq from being crushed under the wheels of global power games, and to keep us from suffering a similar fate," Erdogan said in a speech in Istanbul.

"We are determined to deflate the balloon of sectarian conflict aimed at drowning the region in blood and fire."

Soldiers from Turkey, a regional power with the second largest armed forces in NATO, have been training Sunni Muslim and Kurdish Peshmerga units at the Bashiqa camp in northern Iraq and want them to take part in the expected battle for Mosul.

But their presence has sparked a row with the Shi'ite-led government in Baghdad, which is keen that its forces be at the forefront of the offensive.

The United States on Tuesday urged the two governments to resolve the spat, which could affect the planned U.S.-backed assault. It said any foreign forces in Iraq should be there with the approval of the Baghdad government and under the umbrella of the U.S.-led coalition fighting Islamic State.

Turkey is part of the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State and has played a frontline role in Syria. It says its troops are in Iraq as part of an international mission to train and equip Iraqi forces to fight Islamic State.

"Turkey does not move on orders from others ... Turkey's presence in the Bashiqa camp will remain until Mosul is rid of Daesh," Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus told the state-run Anadolu Agency on Wednesday, using an acronym for Islamic State.

"Whoever the Mosul population is, Arabs or Turkmen, they have lived together for centuries and will continue to do so. If you change the ethnic structure here, the people there will not allow it ... This is our perspective as Turkey. Turkey's force in the region cannot be questioned," he said.

"RANTING AND RAVING"

Turkey's parliament voted two weeks ago to extend the deployment of an estimated 2,000 troops across northern Iraq by a year to combat "terrorist organisations" - a wording broad enough to refer to Kurdish militants as well as Islamic State.

Iraq condemned the vote, and Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi warned Turkey risked triggering a regional war. His government has requested an emergency U.N. Security Council meeting to discuss the issue, and both countries have summoned each other's ambassadors in a mounting diplomatic stand-off.

Erdogan warned Abadi in a speech on Tuesday that he should "know his place", saying: "You are not my interlocutor anyway. You are not on my level, you are not of my quality. You ranting and raving from Iraq is not of any importance to us."

Abadi responded tersely on Twitter.

"Yes, we sure are not your equal, because we liberate our land with men not via Skype," he wrote, in apparent reference to an attempted coup in Turkey in July in which Erdogan addressed the nation via a video chat service on a cellphone.

On Wednesday, Erdogan lashed out at those criticising Turkey's position on the Mosul operation, saying Ankara was being "indecently attacked" because it was daring to disrupt the regional balance of power.

Turkey shares a 1,200 km (750-mile) border with Syria and Iraq and faces threats from Islamic State militants in both. But it is concerned that international efforts to destroy the radical Islamists will leave new dangers in their wake.

The Turkish army launched an incursion into Syria in August to push back Islamic State and prevent the U.S.-backed Kurdish YPG militia from seizing ground. Ankara is furious at Washington's support for what it sees as a hostile force.

Erdogan slammed comments by U.S. Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton in a debate on Sunday that she would consider arming Kurdish fighters in Syria, describing her words as "unfortunate and amateurish". He accused Washington of "working with one terrorist organisation to destroy another".

The Turkish military, shaken by July's failed coup and already busy with its Syria offensive and a Kurdish militant insurgency at home near the Iraqi border, could be stretched by conflict on a third front.

Security sources said soldiers and military equipment, including armoured vehicles, had been deployed near the Iraqi border with Iraq in recent days. The head of the armed forces, General Hulusi Akar, and force commanders visited army units in the border province of Sirnak on Wednesday.
Lloyds Banking Group cuts 1,230 jobs as part of strategic overhaul

LONDON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - State-backed Lloyds Banking Group said on Wednesday it planned to axe 1,230 jobs as part of a three-year restructuring plan aimed at cutting costs and improving returns for shareholders.

Employee union Unite branded the job losses, expected to hit the lender's retail banking, Group Operations, Customer Products & Marketing, and Finance and Risk divisions, as "horrific".

The net total of planned layoffs is inclusive of 110 new roles that will be created across these business areas, the bank said.

Lloyds announced in July it would cut a further 3,000 jobs and close 200 branches amid a more testing economic environment caused by Britain's vote to quit the European Union.

The bank has already cut about 4,000 positions from its 75,000-strong workforce in 2016 and has closed around 100 branches so far this year.

"The constant flow of job cuts across Lloyds must now be halted and staff be allowed to get on with delivering the high quality and impressive service they are so good at providing," Rob MacGregor, Unite national officer said in a statement.

"The Lloyds management pursuit of this cuts agenda is counter-productive in their aim of a successful business."

A spokeswoman for the bank said all affected employees have been briefed by managers and unions would continue to be consulted.

"This process involves taking difficult decisions, and we are committed to working through these changes in a careful and sensitive way," she said.

"Where it is necessary for employees to leave the company, it will look to achieve this by offering voluntary redundancy. Compulsory redundancies will always be a last resort."
Turkish army says Islamic State putting up "stiff resistance" in Syria

ISTANBUL, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Islamic State militants in northern Syria are putting up "stiff resistance" to attacks by Turkish-backed rebel fighters, Turkey's military said on Wednesday, almost two months after it launched an incursion to drive them away from its border.

Supported by Turkish tanks and air strikes, the rebels have been pushing towards the Islamic State stronghold of Dabiq. Clashes and air strikes over the past 24 hours have killed 47 jihadists, the military said in a statement.

"Due to stiff resistance of the Daesh (Islamic State) terror group, progress could not be achieved in an attack launched to take four settlements," it said, naming the areas east of the town of Azaz as Kafrah, Suran, Ihtimalat and Duvaybik.

However, the operation to drive the jihadists away from the Turkish border, dubbed "Euphrates Shield", has allowed Turkish-backed rebels to take control of about 1,100 square km (425 square miles) of territory, the military said.

A Syrian rebel commander told Reuters the rebels were about 4 km (2.5 miles) from Dabiq. He said capturing Dabiq and the nearby town of Suran would spell the end of Islamic State's presence in the northern Aleppo countryside.

A planned major offensive on the Islamic State-held city of al-Bab, southeast of Dabiq and an important strategic target, depended on how quickly rebels could take control of the roughly 35 km (22 miles) in between the two cities, he said.

Al-Bab is also a strategic target for the Kurdish YPG militia, which, like the rebels, is battling Islamic State in northern Syria but is viewed as a hostile force by Turkey.

In a daily round-up on Euphrates Shield's 50th day, the Turkish army said 19 Islamic State fighters had been "neutralised" in clashes and eight rebels were killed. Twenty-two rebels were wounded and Turkish forces suffered no losses.
Islamic State drone kills 2 Kurdish fighters, wounds 2 French soldiers

BAGHDAD/PARIS, Oct 12 (Reuters) - A booby-trapped drone launched by Islamic State (IS) militants killed two Kurdish Peshmerga fighters and wounded two French soldiers earlier this month north of the IS-controlled city of Mosul, Kurdish and French officials said on Wednesday.

The drone blew up when Peshmerga fighters tried to lift it after it crashed to the ground, Jabbar al-Yawar, secretary general of the autonomous Kurdish region's defence ministry, told Reuters. "It seems it was booby-trapped."

The French newspaper Le Monde reported on Tuesday that the drone had been intercepted in flight on Oct. 2 and exploded near the Kurdish and French soldiers when it hit the ground. It was unclear, Le Monde said, whether the drone was remotely detonated or carried a timed bomb.

Yawar, speaking from Erbil, capital of Iraqi Kurdistan, said the French soldiers had been training Kurdish fighters near the site of the drone crash near the town of Dohuk.

Peshmerga forces plan to take part in a planned U.S.-backed Iraqi military offensive to oust Islamic State from Mosul, Iraq's second-largest city and the last urban centre still under IS control in Iraq after a series of government offensives to reverse the jihadists' lightning seizure of territory in 2014.

The U.S.-led coalition has in the past shot down Islamic State drones, which could be bought online and were mostly used for surveillance, and was moving in more capabilities to deal with them, Colonel John Dorrian, a spokesman for the coalition, told reporters in Washington on Wednesday.

A U.S. Defense Department official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said a guidance had been sent to coalition troops to not pickup drones that had crashed.

The U.S.-led coalition against IS includes French, British, Canadian and other Western military contingents.

The two wounded French soldiers were immediately returned to France for medical treatment and one of them was "between life and death", according to Le Monde. It said other French soldiers were also lightly wounded by the blast but gave no details.

French government spokesman Stephane Le Foll confirmed the injuries.

"Yes. They were injured by a drone that landed and then exploded," he told reporters after a weekly cabinet meeting.

France has about 500 troops in Iraq as part of a U.S.-led coalition The numbers include special forces that have been training Kurdish Peshmerga forces.
Nigeria mining ministry in talks over $500 mln fund and corporate bonds

By Alexis Akwagyiram and Felix Onuah

ABUJA, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Nigeria's government is in advanced talks with its sovereign wealth fund and stock exchange to create a $500 million exploration fund and corporate mining bonds to attract investment, its mining minister said.

Kayode Fayemi also told Reuters Nigeria had made a "promising" nickel discovery and was looking for investors for a moribund steel plant, part of efforts to reduce reliance on oil exports.

The OPEC member has made boosting the mining sector a priority as a slump in crude sales, which provide 70 percent of government revenues, has pushed Africa's biggest economy into recession.

"We are looking at a $500 million fund from their side which would primarily focus on exploration," Fayemi, minister for mining and steel development, said in an interview, referring to the sovereign wealth fund.

The ministry was also discussing with the stock market selling "corporate mining bonds" in partnership with mining and other investors. He gave no details or timeframe for either project.

Nigeria has been trying to attract foreign mining firms. Currently, the only significant foreign investor in the sector, where 80 percent of mining is carried out on an artisanal basis, is Australia's Kogi Iron.

Nigeria has largely untapped deposits of 44 minerals, which include gold, iron ore, coal, tin and zinc, in more than 500 locations spread across Africa's most populous nation.

NICKEL DISCOVERY

The minister wants to increase mining's contribution to gross domestic product (GDP) to 10 percent, from just 0.3 percent now, within a decade.

He said a geologically "strange" discovery of nickel in the northern state of Kaduna seemed promising.

The discovery of some 40 million tonnes of nickel with a depth of five metres over a 13 kilometre area, around the town of Dangoma, was announced in August by an Australian team registered as Comet Nigeria Limited.

"It could also be that what they are telling us is an under-estimation of what it ought to be by the time we do core drilling," he said.

Fayemi also said there was a need to get a grip on Nigeria's informal gold rush which he said is dominated by smugglers.

"Clearly a lot is being taken out illegally," he said, adding that gold was being smuggled to neighbouring Cameroon and Niger, as well as Togo and is registered in those countries.

Fayemi said his ministry did not have figures for gold production but the central bank had provided figures that his department was trying to validate.

"They have given figures in the region of about 100kg of gold leaving the country on a daily basis," he said.

"None of this gets accredited as gold from Nigeria," added Fayemi. The most recent official estimate of proven gold reserves is 300,000 ounces and dates from 2013 but Officials say it is likely to be more since no new research has been done for 30 years.

Nigeria also hopes to revive the moribund steel plant in Ajaokuta. In August, a deal was reached with Global Steel Holdings, an Indian firm, giving the government renewed control after four years of mediation and eight years of inactivity.

Fayemi said PricewaterhouseCoopers' was conducting an audit which began on Aug. 1 and would last 150 days, followed by a public bid process.

The minister said companies from China, Ukraine, Russia and Belarus had expressed an interest in operating the plant.

"By the time we put it out on offer to everyone we will get the best bidder who can really do what we want done with the steel plant," he said.
EU border guard head says migrant arrivals to Italy pose main problem now

BRUSSELS, Oct 12 (Reuters) - The unabated arrivals of economic migrants by sea to Italy and the security risks these can carry are now the main problem faced by the European Union in its efforts to stem immigration, the head of the bloc's border agency said on Wednesday.

Some 154,000 migrants reached Italy in 2015 and the figure this year is already at above 144,000, according to the U.N. refugee agency data.

"In terms of irregular migration right now Italy is the member state number one," Fabrice Leggeri, the head of the bloc's joint border and coast guard, told reporters. Formerly known as Frontex, the agency recently had its mandate expanded and will now be called the European Border and Coast Guard.

"We have to be vigilant in the central Mediterranean area because there may also be security risks there, not just the migratory pressure," Leggeri said.

Some 90 percent of those attempting the crossing get on people smugglers' boats on the coast of Libya, though EU officials note the small number of arrivals from Egypt has increased in recent weeks.

The EU says the vast majority of those people are not eligible for asylum and will be sent back, though deportations often prove difficult in practice.
Fraud charges fuel concern of plot to oust South Africa's Gordhan

By Joe Brock

JOHANNESBURG, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Fraud charges laid against South African Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan will be hard to prove and the case will fuel suspicion of a plot to oust a man who has defied allies close to President Jacob Zuma, legal experts, analysts and senior politicians say.

Prosecutor Shaun Abrahams, a Zuma ally, announced the charges on Tuesday and defended the independence of the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) when asked about possible political interference. The rand and stocks tumbled.

Zuma later gave his backing to Gordhan saying he was "innocent until and unless proven otherwise".

Gordhan will appear in court on Nov. 2 to hear charges he cost the South African Revenue Service (SARS) 1.1 million rand ($79,000) by approving early retirement for a deputy commissioner in 2010 and re-hiring him as a consultant.

A charge sheet, seen by Reuters, says Gordhan "unlawfully, falsely and with intent to defraud" gave Pillay a retirement package and a new contract when SARS was under no obligation to do so.

But legal experts say it will be difficult to make the charges of fraud stick because the NPA will be required to prove Gordhan intentionally broke the law.

"I am relieved that I will not be the prosecutor tasked with securing a conviction," constitutional lawyer Pierre De Vos said, rating the NPA's chances as "highly unlikely".

"(It) raises questions about whether the NPA truly believes that it will be able to secure a conviction in the case."

Political analysts think it is more likely the case is meant to give Zuma an opportunity to reshuffle his cabinet, including appointing a new finance minister under the guise of giving Gordhan the space to clear his name.

If Zuma removed Gordhan in a reshuffle without a clear reason, it would give ammunition to opponents who say he wants to take control of Treasury and could spook financial markets.

Zuma denies any plot to remove Gordhan.

"The charges against him are so absurd and so trumped up that once he is likely forced out of the public office in the coming weeks, it will be a clear act of political vengeance," the Daily Maverick, an online political magazine, wrote.

Gordhan could also face charges about the legality of a surveillance unit he set up at the tax department a decade ago that is suspected of spying on politicians including Zuma. Abrahams said the NPA was still investigating this issue.

POWER STRUGGLE

"There is considerable legal opinion that these fraud charges and the 'rogue unit' charges that are still pending are so thin they could not hold up a tea-bag, let alone hold up in court," said Gary van Staden, analyst at NKC African Economics.

Gordhan and a political group close to Zuma have been at loggerheads over state spending and perceived corruption, sources in the ruling African National Congress (ANC) say.

Gordhan has urged fiscal prudence to appease ratings agencies which are on the verge of downgrading South Africa's sovereign rating to "junk" as economic growth hovers near zero.

Former ANC Treasurer General Mathews Phosa said Zuma's camp was keen to push through expensive state projects, including a nuclear power programme that could cost up to 1 trillion rand and a new fleet for the loss-making state airline.

"It all smacks of a political motive and desperate agenda to remove Pravin Gordhan in order to make way for a more pliable Minister of Finance who will dance to the tune of a corrupt clique who are chasing public contracts," he told Reuters.

Suspicions about a plot to gain control of the Treasury erupted in December when Zuma sacked respected finance minister Nhlanhla Nene and replaced him with an unknown lawmaker. Markets dropped so sharply Zuma recalled Gordhan days later to steady the ship.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa has even said the government is at war with itself.

The cases against Gordhan have also distracted from several graft scandals swirling around Zuma.

Zuma was questioned last week by an anti-corruption watchdog over allegations his wealthy business friends influenced political appointments and were given sweetheart government tenders worth billions of rand.
United States Court of Appeals, Seventh Circuit. PAULA Y. WILLIAMS, Plaintiff-Appellant, v. OFFICE OF THE CHIEF JUDGE OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS and MICHAEL ROHAN, Defendants-Appellees. Nos. 15-2325 Decided: October 11, 2016

Before WOOD, Chief Judge, and BAUER and WILLIAMS, Circuit Judges.

Paula Williams was told she was fired from her position as a probation officer for abandoning her job. She brought this lawsuit alleging that she was actually fired for contesting a workers' compensation claim, reporting another employee's misconduct, being African-American, and reporting co-workers for racial hostility. Because Williams has failed to establish a material factual dispute as to any of her claims, we affirm the district court's grant of summary judgment to the defendants.

I. BACKGROUND

Williams began working for the Juvenile Probation Department of the Office of the Chief Judge of Cook County (OCJ) in November 1995. OCJ has more than two thousand employees and seven departments, one of which is the Juvenile Division. At the time she was fired, OCJ was run by Michael Rohan, who had the final say in all termination decisions. Starting in 2008, Williams had a series of interactions with the personnel department which she contends caused her termination.

A. Race Discrimination Complaint

In December 2008, Williams, who is African American, reported an incident of racial intimidation by two white coworkers. She wrote a memorandum to Charles Young, the deputy director of the Juvenile Probation Department, stating that one of the co-workers called her over and the other said to her, When you go black you never go back and when you are white, you are always right. Williams found this comment to be venomous. Two days later, Williams received a memo from Rohan acknowledging receipt of her report, apologizing for the behavior she described, and informing her that he was opening an investigation into the matter. Williams claims that later that month, Rohan approached her at the Probation Department's holiday party, and instructed her not to mention her memorandum to anyone outside of the building. Rohan does not recall such a conversation.

Eventually (the timing is disputed), the co-workers were interviewed, denied that their remarks were racially motivated, and were counseled not to make such remarks again. Over a year after the investigation was finished, Young created a memorandum of his investigation and placed it in Williams's personnel file. He testified he forgot to do so right after he finished his investigation.

B. Complaint to Office of Inspector General

In March 2010, Williams reported a supervisor in her department who was making phone calls about union matters to her work phone and to her parents' home. The Office of the Inspector General investigated the report as a potential misuse of County resources to support union candidates. The supervisor was eventually disciplined with a short suspension.

C. Workers' Compensation Dispute

In May 2010, Williams was injured at work by Anthony Jordan, a co-worker. Jordan yanked a door open while Williams was holding it, causing her to injure her shoulder. During the incident, he yelled, Why don't you report this too, b**ch? She took a medical leave for the injury, filed a workers' compensation claim, and began receiving temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. At the start of her leave, Rose Golden, the director of Human Resources for the department, sent Williams a letter asking her to let Golden know when she was able to return.

In December 2010, Williams received an independent medical evaluation (IME) from the Cook County Medical Office, which determined she was capable of returning to work. No one noticed the report until June 2011, when Jason Henschel, a claims adjuster for the risk management department, saw the report in Williams's workers' compensation file. Henschel informed Golden about the IME, and Golden sent Williams a letter asking her to return to work on August 2. It also directed her to obtain a return to work certification from the Medical Office and a release to return to work from her personal physician. The letter warned that if Williams failed to return to work, the Department would consider it an implied resignation, which was grounds for termination.

Williams went to the Medical Office for an evaluation on August 1. The county doctor approved Williams to return to work, but the form releasing her to return to work also noted that her personal physician provided a note stating that she was not able to return to work.

Meanwhile, Williams's attorney, Jason Marzal, was negotiating her TTD benefits with Andrew Schwartz, an attorney for the risk management office. Based on the IME, Schwartz informed Marzal that the County would only pay benefits through August 2. Marzal responded with a letter from Williams's personal physician stating she was unable to work until August 10. On August 16, Marzal sent Schwartz a new note from Williams's physician, stating she would be allowed to return to work on September 3. On approximately August 22, the attorneys discussed the case at the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission, and Marzal testified that the two orally agreed that Williams would return to work on September 6. Schwartz denies reaching this agreement, and says the conversation was only about settling the benefits dispute. A couple of days later, Marzal sent Schwartz a fax informing him that Williams would return to work on September 6 and demanding reinstatement of her benefits.

During these negotiations, Williams did not inform Golden of her new return to work date. Golden testified that she did not know the negotiations were taking place at all. After consulting with Rohan, Golden sent Williams a termination letter on August 30, stating that based on Williams's failure to communicate any intent to return to work, and the apparent expiration of her workers' compensation benefits, OCJ was terminating her for implied resignation.

On September 6, Williams went to Golden and told her she did not think she was supposed to return to work until that day. Surprised, Golden called Schwartz to ask if he had authorized a September 6 return to work date, and he denied doing so. Golden reaffirmed the termination decision. On September 22, Marzal and Schwartz finalized a settlement agreement which provided Williams a lump-sum award and 6 weeks of TTD benefits for her workers' compensation claim. That agreement listed Williams's return to work date as September 6.

D. Proceedings Below

Williams brought this suit alleging that OCJ and Rohan terminated her for a variety of unlawful reasons. She sued under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act, the Illinois Whistleblower Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 42 U.S.C.  1981 and 1983. She also brought breach of contract and promissory estoppel claims. At the close of discovery, she moved for summary judgment on her workers' compensation claim, and the defendants moved for summary judgment on all of her claims. The district court granted the defendants summary judgment on all of her claims, and she appeals.

II. ANALYSIS

On appeal, Williams argues that the district court erred in granting summary judgment to the defendants on each of her claims, and by denying her summary judgment on her workers' compensation claim. We review a district court's grant of summary judgment de novo, and construe all facts and draw all reasonable inferences in favor of the non-moving party. Ellis v. DHL Express, Inc., 633 F.3d 522, 525 (7th Cir. 2011).

A. Williams Failed to Meet Causation Requirement of Workers' Compensation Retaliation Claim

The Illinois Supreme Court has recognized a common-law cause of action for retaliatory discharge when an employee is terminated because of his actual or anticipated exercise of workers' compensation rights. Kelsay v. Motorola, Inc., 384 N.E.2d 353, 357 (Ill. 1978). That cause of action is codified under the Illinois Workers' Compensation Act, 820 ILL. COMP. STAT. 305/4(h). In order to prevail on a retaliatory discharge claim, an employee must show (1) that he was an employee before the workplace injury, (2) that he exercised a right granted by the Act, and (3) that he was discharged for a reason that was causally related to his filing a claim under the Act. Clemons v. Mech. Devices Co., 704 N.E.2d 403, 406 (Ill. App. Ct. 1998). For example, a discharge based on a dispute about the extent or duration of a compensable injury can be retaliation under the Act. Id; see also Hollowell v. Wilder Corp. of Del., 743 N.E.2d 707, 712 (Ill. App. Ct. 2001) (holding employer may not discharge an employee by unilaterally relying on independent physician's favorable diagnosis while at the same time dismissing employee's unfavorable diagnosis by his own physician). Even when an employee's filing of a claim only proximately causes the discharge, the employee can sustain a retaliatory discharge claim. Clark v. Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc., 697 N.E.2d 743, 746 (Ill. App. Ct. 1998). But that does not mean an employer can never discharge an employee who has filed a claim. So long as the reason for a discharge is wholly unrelated to an employee's claim for benefits, the employer is not liable for retaliatory discharge. See id.; see also Horton v. Miller Chem. Co., Inc., 776 F.2d 1351, 1359 (7th Cir. 1985) (termination based on employer's incorrect assumption that employee could never perform job duties again not retaliatory); Thomas v. Zamberletti, 480 N.E.2d 869, 871 (7th Cir. 1985) (no retaliatory discharge when plaintiff discharged for failing to report to work); Marin v. Am. Meat Packing Co., 562 N.E.2d 282, 286 (Ill. App. Ct. 1990) (employer may fire employee for absenteeism, even if absenteeism is caused by an injury which is compensable by workers' compensation).

Williams argues that her doctor's opinion about her return to work date caused her to believe she was permitted to stay off work until September 6. So, she argues, the conflict between her personal doctor's opinion and the IME caused her termination. In support of this argument, she relies heavily on Grabs v. Safeway, 97 N.E.2d 122 (Ill. App. Ct. 2009), an Illinois appellate case which held that an employer may not rely solely on an IME in terminating an employee for failing to call in his absences. There, the plaintiff was injured and filed a claim with his employer, which was initially approved. His physician ordered him to continue off work, but an independent examiner disagreed. Id. at 12526. Grabs followed his physician's advice, but as a result of the IME, his employer recoded his absence in the attendance system, which imposed a new requirement on him to call in to work, a requirement from which he was exempt while on workers' compensation leave. Because Grabs was unaware of the change, he failed to call in to report his absences, and was fired. The court held that it would be improper for the employer to take an employment action (recoding the plaintiff's attendance status) based on a medical report that was disputed by other physicians. Id. at 124. But it also noted that a plaintiff cannot use his workers' compensation claim as a shield from compliance with other personnel rules. Id. at 134 (citing Finnerty v. Personnel Bd. of the City of Chi., 707 N.E.2d 600 (Ill. App. Ct. 1999)).

We see a critical difference between Grabs and this case. In Grabs, a decision-maker acted improperly on the knowledge of the disputed IME by recoding the plaintiff's work status in the attendance system. That improper act caused the plaintiff's termination. There is no evidence here that Golden acted with knowledge that Williams disputed her return to work date. In fact, Golden testified she had no idea Williams believed her return to work date was September 6. From Golden's vantage point, Williams simply decided not to return to work.

The facts here are more akin to Beatty v. Olin, 693 F.3d 750 (7th Cir. 2012), where the decision-maker who fired the plaintiff had no knowledge of his return to work status. Id. at 75152. We held there that firing someone based on incomplete or inaccurate information is legally insufficient to make out a retaliatory discharge claimrather, a plaintiff must provide evidence that her employer was motivated to fire her for exercising her workers' compensation rights. Id. at 754. We also required that a plaintiff who argues that a decision-maker is lying about his ignorance of an underlying workers' compensation dispute provide evidence to support that position. Id. Similar to the plaintiff in Beatty, Williams failed to provide any evidence that Golden knew that there was a dispute about her readiness to return to work. She argues that Marzal told Schwartz that she would return on September 6, who in turn said he would pass the message to his client. But there is no evidence that Schwartz meant he would tell Golden about the return to work date, and he denies talking to Golden about the matter prior to Williams's termination. A fact-finder could not reasonably leap from Schwartz's nebulous assurance to Marzal to the inference that Golden knew about the disputed return-to-work date when she fired Williams.

To surmount this obstacle, Williams draws on Illinois case law that notice to an attorney constitutes notice to her client. Segal v. Ill. Dep't of Ins., 938 N.E.2d 192, 195 (Ill. App. Ct. 2010); Williams v. Dorsey, 652 N.E.2d 1286, 1290 (Ill. App. Ct. 1995); Eckel v. Bynum, 608 N.E.2d 167, 174 (Ill. App. Ct. 1992). But each of these cases deals with notice of judicial proceedings, not notice of the contents of every discussion between attorneys during a settlement negotiation. While we agree with the district court that the lack of coordination between departments is unfortunate, the retaliatory-discharge cause of action is narrow and requires evidence of retaliatory motive, not just sloppy personnel practices. Beatty, 693 F.3d at 754 (emphasis in original). Employees can avert the danger of falling victim to disjointed intra-agency communications by keeping decision-makers informed of the status of their claims.

B. No Breach of Contract or Estoppel

Williams's second argument on appeal is that the district court erred in granting summary judgment to the defendants on her breach of contract and promissory estoppel claims. She argues that by firing her, OCJ breached a verbal contract formed by Marzal and Schwartz regarding her return date.

Under Illinois contract law, which applies here, a plaintiff must show evidence of offer and acceptance to sustain a breach of contract claim. Ass'n Benefit Servs., Inc. v. Caremark RX, Inc., 493 F.3d 841, 849 (7th Cir. 2007) (citing MC Baldwin Fin. Co. v. DiMaggio, Rosario & Veraja, LLC, 845 N.E.2d 22, 30 (Ill. App. Ct. 2006)). For an oral contract to exist, the parties must have a meeting of the minds with respect to the terms of the agreement and must intend to be bound by the agreement. Podolsky v. Alma Energy Corp., Inc., 143 F.3d 364, 369 (7th Cir. 1998).

Williams needed to put forth evidence to create a factual dispute about the following two issues: first, that Schwartz entered into an agreement with Marzal about Williams's return date, and second, that OCJ authorized him to do so. Danziger v. Pittsfield Shoe Co., 68 N.E. 534, 53536 (Ill. 1903). To support Schwartz's authority to enter into the agreement, Williams provides Marzal's deposition testimony that he regularly negotiated return to work dates with attorneys in Schwartz's office, and argues that Golden would not have called Schwartz to inquire about whether he had altered her return to work date if he lacked the authority to do so. To support the fact that Schwartz actually bound OCJ to the September 6 return date, she points to Marzal's deposition testimony that on August 22, he had a conversation with Schwartz in which Schwartz agreed to let Williams return on September 6, and to the written settlement agreement, which listed her return to work date as September 6.

At his deposition, Marzal testified that his understanding from verbal conversations with Schwartz was that Williams was authorized to return to work on September 6. When asked why he believed this, he testified it was because verbatim I can't tell you, but basically [Schwartz] was in concurrence with her returning back to work on the 6th, and he would communicate that to his client. He also stated that [Schwartz] represented that [Williams returning to work on September 6] is a problem and that we have to resolve it in Paula Williams's favor. When pressed as to how OCJ would resolve it in Williams's favor, Marzal stated, [Schwartz] said that Dr. Labanauskis is releasing her to go back to work and we will let her go back to work on the 6th. Basically that's what he's saying. I didn't write down my conversation with him. A reasonable jury could conclude that saying we will let her go back to work on the 6th was a clear, unambiguous promise from Schwartz to Marzal that Williams could return to work on August 6. So it seems that Williams has mounted her first hurdle.

The trickier question is whether Schwartz was actually authorized to bind OCJ to such a promise. Whether an agency relationship exists is generally a fact question, although a court may decide it as a question of law if only one conclusion may be drawn from the undisputed facts. Churkey v. Rustia, 768 N.E.2d 842, 845 (Ill. App. Ct. 2002). A party can establish an implied agency relationship through circumstantial evidence. C.A.M. Affiliates, Inc. v. First Am. Title Ins. Co., 715 N.E.2d 778, 783 (Ill. App. Ct. 1999). When settlements are made out of court, Illinois law does not presume that an attorney has authority to bind his client, and assigns the burden of proof to the party alleging authority. Brewer v. Nat'l R.R. Passenger Corp., 649 N.E.2d 1331, 1334 (Ill. 1995) (citing Danziger, 68 N.E. at 53536). In the absence of proof of express authority, an attorney's representations are not binding when they are later invoked against his client. Id.

The two pieces of evidence that Williams providesMarzal's testimony that he regularly negotiated return dates with Cook County state's attorneys, and Golden's testimony that she checked with Schwartz about promising Williams a later return datecould not lead a reasonable fact-finder to conclude that OCJ expressly authorized Schwartz to determine Williams's return date. She also points to the settlement agreement the attorneys eventually entered with the Commission on November 26, which states that Williams was temporarily totally disabled through September 6. But the same document states that Williams was terminated on August 30 for alleged job abandonment. So the document cannot reasonably support an inference that OCJ authorized Schwartz to permit Williams to return to work on September 6.

As an alternative to her contract theory, Williams advances an estoppel theory. (She does not specify if it is an equitable or promissory estoppel theory, but she appears to advance arguments under both doctrines, and similar considerations apply for each under our analysis. Matthews v. Chi. Transit Auth., 51 N.E.3d 753, 780 n. 11 (Ill. 2016)). She argues that regardless of whether Schwartz was expressly authorized by OCJ to set her return to work date, she reasonably relied on his promise that she could return to work on September 6 and was detrimentally impacted as a result. Schwartz is not a named defendant in this lawsuit, so we assume that OCJ and Rohan are the targets of her estoppel claim.

Under Illinois law, to obtain equitable estoppel against a municipality, a plaintiff must demonstrate that (1) the municipality affirmatively acted, (2) the affirmative act induced substantial reliance, and (3) the aggrieved party substantially changed its position as a result of its justifiable reliance. Morgan Place of Chi. v. City of Chi., 975 N.E.2d 187, 195 (Ill. App. Ct. 2012) (holding that plaintiffs' reliance on assertions by city officials about building permits did not warrant equitable estoppel against city). Justifiable reliance means that a plaintiff cannot shut his eyes to obvious facts, or neglect to seek information that is easily accessible, and then charge his ignorance to others. Village of Wadsworth v. Kerton, 726 N.E.2d 156, 164-65 (Ill. App. Ct. 2000).

Equitable estoppel is generally disfavored against municipal bodies, unless it is necessary to prevent fraud and injustice. Halleck v. Cnty. of Cook, 637 N.E. 2d. 1110, 1114 (Ill. App. Ct. 1994). The affirmative act must be made by the body itself, such as by a legislative enactment. See Schivarelli v. Chi. Transit Auth., 823 N.E.2d 158, 167-68 (Ill. App. Ct. 2005). Unauthorized acts of ministerial officers or misinterpretations generally do not meet the affirmative act requirement. Id. (finding no estoppel against transit authority board when it did not approve an agreement made between one of its employees and plaintiff). Representations by an attorney have been held insufficient to bind a municipality under the doctrine of estoppel. Hamwi v. Zollar, 702 N.E.2d 592, 598 (Ill. App. Ct. 1998) (finding no estoppel where department attorney represented that plaintiff's disciplinary record would be expunged and department later denied his expungement application); Marx v. State Dept. of Revenue, 519 N.E.2d 82, 84 (Ill. App. Ct. 1988) (representations of Attorney General's office regarding monetary penalty did not work an estoppel against the state when it imposed greater penalties).

However, occasionally, Illinois courts have found circumstances to be unjust enough to warrant estoppel. The general disfavoring of estoppel against a municipality is qualified to enable a party to invoke [estoppel] where his action was induced by the conduct of a municipal official, and where, in the absence of such relief, he would suffer a substantial loss. Chicago v. Miller, 188 N.E.2d 694, 696 (Ill. 1963). For example, erroneous conferral of public benefits is not normally a ground for estoppel, but at least one appellate court has held that the Illinois Department of Public Aid can be estopped from recouping benefits from a plaintiff when one of its employees repeatedly miscalculated a claimant's benefits over the course of five years. Kruse v. Dep't of Pub. Aid, 596 N.E.2d 743, 745-46 (Ill. App. Ct. 1992). Similarly, while injury stemming from the issuance of an unauthorized permit does not typically warrant estoppel, where a municipal body ratifies the issuance by failing to revoke the permit for an extended period of time, estoppel has been found appropriate. Cities Service Oil Co. v. Des Plaines, 171 N.E.2d 605, 608 (Ill. 1961); Hagee v. Evanston, 414 N.E.2d 1184, 1187 (Ill. App. Ct. 1980).

It is hard to draw a clear line from this precedent to delineate where under Illinois law, an injustice is severe enough, and unfair enough, to warrant estoppel. But we find even taking all of Williams's factual allegations as true, they are insufficient to justify estoppel. Here, Marzal testified that Schwartz agreed to the September 6 return date and that he explicitly promised to convey the new date to his client. But distinct from the rare cases in which Illinois courts have applied estoppel, there is no evidence that Schwartz's misrepresentation was ratified by OCJ. In the absence of proof that he was authorized to give Williams a new return to work date, Schwartz's promises regarding Williams's return date must be viewed as ultra vires acts by a municipal employee. When OCJ discovered that he may have promised Williams a different return date, it did not permit Williams to return to work, or otherwise ratify his misrepresentation. To the contrary, Golden sent Williams home, and later reaffirmed her termination. Williams was misled by Schwartz, but not by OCJ. While it is a close question, we find estoppel to be an inappropriate remedy for the factual circumstances before us.

C. Williams Has Failed to Produce a Material Factual Dispute About Race Discrimination or Retaliation

Williams next argues that she provided enough evidence to create a material factual dispute about whether she was fired because of her race, in violation of Title VII. We recently discarded the direct and indirect methods of proof for retaliation claims, and held that a plaintiff can surmount summary judgment if a reasonable factfinder could conclude that the plaintiff's race caused the discharge. Ortiz v. Werner Enters., No. 15-2574, 2016 WL 4411434, at *4 (7th Cir. Aug. 9, 2016), slip op. 10. We must consider evidence as a whole, rather than by asking whether any particular piece of evidence proves the case by itself. Id.

There is simply not enough evidence for a reasonable factfinder to rule in favor of Williams. Her only evidence is that a white employee was given several chances to return to work after taking a similar leave. But to prevail by showing differential treatment of a similarly situated employee, a plaintiff must identify a comparator who is directly comparable to her in all material respects  to eliminate other possible explanatory variables. Perez v. Thorntons, Inc., 731 F.3d 699, 704 (7th Cir. 2013). Here, the record evidence shows that the white employee repeatedly contacted Golden to keep her abreast of her extension requests. Golden testified that Williams was not fired for asking for extensions of leave, but for failing to get in touch at all. This was a material difference between the two employees, which prevents Williams from arguing she was treated differently when all things were in fact equal. Filar v. Bd. of Educ. of City of Chi., 526 F.3d 1054, 1061 (7th Cir. 2008). Williams has not identified a similarly situated employee, which is fatal to her discrimination theory.

Williams also argues that she was fired for reporting racial discrimination by her white co-workers, in violation of 42 U.S.C.  2000e-3(a). To overcome summary judgment on this claim, she needs to show that she was fired, that she engaged in protected activity, and that the latter caused the former. Univ. of Tex. Sw. Med. Ctr. v. Nassar, 133 S. Ct. 2517, 2534 (2013). In support of her retaliation claim, Williams offers that Rohan instructed her not to talk about the incident outside of the building, that the department's investigation into the incident lagged after she made the initial report, that a copy of her report was placed into her personnel file but not her co-workers', and that Rohan reviewed her personnel file before deciding to fire her. Again, Williams has not met her summary judgment burden. Williams made the report close to three years before she was terminated. The handling of the report did not create an inference of retaliation. While there may have been some delays in the investigation, there is no evidence that the delays were in any way related to Williams's eventual termination. The most nefarious inference that can be drawn from Williams's version of the facts is that the department felt the need to get Williams's personnel file in order before terminating her. That still does not support an inference that her report of racial harassment caused her termination. And a reasonable factfinder could not infer that Rohan's comment three years before Williams's termination to keep the matter confidential was evidence that he planned to fire her.

Williams also asks us to overrule our own precedent and find that Rohan can be held liable for race discrimination and retaliation under 42 U.S.C.  1981. We decline to do so. See Campbell v. Forest Preserve Dist. of Cook Cnty., 752 F.3d 665, 671 (7th Cir. 2014) ( 1981 does not create a private right of action against state actors).

D. No Illinois Whistleblower Act Violation

Williams's final theory of liability against the defendants is that they violated the Illinois Whistleblower Act by terminating her for reporting unlawful misconduct against her coworkers and for reporting misconduct by a supervisor to the OIG. The parties dispute whether Williams brought this claim in time to avoid the one year statute of limitations for tort actions against governmental entities. 745 ILL. COMP. STAT. 10/8-101(a). It is unclear under Illinois law whether this statute of limitations applies to retaliatory discharge claims under the Illinois Whistleblower Act, although one appellate court seemed to suggest that it might. See Taylor v. City of Chi., 10 N.E.3d 383, 395 (Ill. App. Ct. 2014). Rather than attempting to resolve this question, we conclude that even if the claim was timely, it did not meet the summary judgment standard for whistleblower claims. In order to show whistleblower retaliation, a plaintiff must provide some evidence that the employer had a retaliatory motive. See Michael v. Precision Alliance Grp., LLC, 952 N.E.2d 682, 688 (Ill. App. Ct. 2011). There is no evidence of a retaliatory motive here. Williams points to Anthony Jordan's remark (Why don't you go report this too, b**ch?), indicating that others knew about her prior reports. But Jordan was not a decision-maker at OCJ, and there is no evidence that his views of Williams's whistleblowing activitiesor anyone else'sinfluenced Rohan or Golden's decision to fire her.

E. No Abuse of Discretion to Award of Costs to OCJ

Finally, Williams argues that the district court abused its discretion by awarding the defendants costs. A district court should provide an explanation for its decision to award or deny costs. Rivera v. City of Chicago, 469 F.3d 631, 636 (7th Cir. 2006). It only abuses its discretion in reviewing a bill of costs if no reasonable person could take the view adopted by the trial court. Id. The district court evaluated the documentation that Williams provided and found that she had more than sufficient income to pay the bill of costs. While Williams referenced an outstanding medical bill, she did not provide any documentation or explanation for the bill and its impact on her ability to pay the bill of costs. Under an abuse-of-discretion standard, there is no basis for vacating the award.

III. CONCLUSION

For the foregoing reasons, we AFFIRM the district court's grant of summary judgment.

WILLIAMS, Circuit Judge.
Bolt cutters expose vulnerability of North America's oil pipeline grid

By Liz Hampton and Ethan Lou

HOUSTON/NEW YORK, Oct 12 (Reuters) - All it took was a pair of bolt cutters and the elbow grease of a few climate activists to carry out an audacious act of sabotage on North America's massive oil and gas pipeline system.

For an industry increasingly reliant on gadgets such as digital sensors, infrared cameras and drones to monitor security and check for leaks, the sabotage illustrated how vulnerable pipelines are to low-tech attacks.

On Tuesday, climate activists broke through fences and cut locks and chains simultaneously in several states and simply turned the pipelines off.

All they had to do was twist shut giant valves on five cross-border pipelines that together can send 2.8 million barrels a day of crude to the United States from Canada - equal to about 15 percent of daily U.S. consumption.

The activists did no damage to the pipelines, which operating companies shut down as a precaution for checks before restarting.

The United States is the world's largest energy market, and the infrastructure to drill, refine, store and deliver that energy to consumers is connected by millions of miles of pipeline that are impossible to protect entirely from attack.

"You're not manning these things on a permanent basis. It's not viable," said Stewart Dewar, a project manager at Senstar, an Ottawa-based company that authored a 2012 white paper on pipeline security. "It's too expensive."

There are more than 200,000 miles (322,000 km) of oil lines and many times that of natural gas lines across the United States. Thousands of rural and often remote pumping and valve stations dot the country.

The cost of posting armed guards at valve stations, usually found every 20 miles along the underground pipelines, would be prohibitive, said Dewar.

For companies, there are few options to police the parts of their pipeline networks that sit above ground, such as the valve stations.

The stations are usually protected by nothing more than the same flimsy chain link fence and padlocks elementary schools use to protect their playgrounds.

GLOBAL PROBLEM

The same vulnerabilities are present worldwide. In Nigeria and conflict zones such as Iraq, pipelines have been targeted by militants. In Mexico, thieves target the fuel arteries to siphon off fuel.

But until Tuesday, environmental activists had never carried out a simultaneous, coordinated attack of this magnitude.

Tuesday's action, supported by the Vermont-based Climate Disobedience Action Fund, was held to draw attention to climate change and to support opponents of the proposed Dakota Access Pipeline, which critics say could rupture and sour drinking water for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in North Dakota.

Several pipeline operators and safety experts said shutting off valves was extremely dangerous and that activists underestimated the risks.

Pipelines can be heavily pressurized depending on length and altitude variation, and shutting off a valve could cause ruptures that are "catastrophic" for the environment, Paul Tullis of Tullis Engineering Consultants said.

"It's like a freight train," he said of the momentum with which the oil moves. "If these people are hydraulic engineers, they might be able to do this safely."

Activists often do not fully know what they are doing, even if they think they do, Tullis said.

Protesters said they spent months studying how to safely shut the valves. The ability for them to access the proprietary information necessary to shut a line safely was questioned by experts.

Either way, pipeline specialists said it was lucky there were no leaks on Tuesday. Once the valves are shut, pressure can quickly build up inside pipelines that operate under as much as 1,000 pounds (450 kg) per square inch.

Protesters were taking a chance that a weak spot in a line would not explode, and that employees in operations hubs would spring into action after hearing alarms.

"On the wrong pipeline, in the wrong place (actions like this) could kill people. This is hazardous hot liquid. It's not something to be terrified of, but it must be respected," said Richard Kuprewicz, president of Accufacts Inc, a pipeline advisory firm.

SECURITY RAMP-UP AFTER 9/11

After the tampering, owners Enbridge Inc, TransCanada Corp, Spectra Energy and Kinder Morgan shut their lines as a precaution.

They did not immediately respond to questions about their broader security precautions, though some of them emphasized having multiple safety systems in place.

The general vulnerability of U.S. infrastructure - from bridges to power plants and ports - became more apparent after the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

Since then, the U.S. Transportation Security Administration, part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), has asked pipeline companies to carry out a "security vulnerability assessment" for their assets and to conduct risk assessments that include the "likelihood of a success of an attack," and to take steps to mitigate those risks.

A review published by the DHS in 2015 identified physical and cyber security as a risk to energy infrastructure systems, including the threat of multiple, coordinated attacks and electromagnetic pulse events, but focused primarily on threats to the electrical grid.

Security experts said they have tried to strike a balance between protecting facilities, ensuring freedom of movement and keeping costs in check.

The Association of Oil Pipe Lines, an industry group, said it recognized disagreements exist about energy policy, but that the protest went too far.

Previous valve closures have caused spills, including one of nearly 4,000 barrels of oil, the group said.
Paris confirms two French were injured by IS drone in Iraq

PARIS, Oct 12 (Reuters) - A French government spokesman said on Wednesday that two French special forces commandos were injured by the drone with which the Islamic State militant group killed two Kurdish Peshmerga fighters earlier this month.

The confirmation from the French side came from spokesman Stephane Le Foll in response to a question at a regular media briefing.
S.Africa's Zuma appeal against graft charges to be heard in open court

JOHANNESBURG, Oct 12 (Reuters) - South Africa's Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA) on Wednesday told President Jacob Zuma's lawyers to argue their case against the reinstatement of corruption charges against him in open court, granting the head of state a brief reprieve.

Zuma is appealing a ruling by the High Court in April ordering a review of a National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) decision to set aside hundreds of corruption charges against Zuma. That decision allowed him to run for president in 2009.

Legal experts had expected the SCA to issue a new ruling on whether Zuma can challenge the charges but instead said the president's lawyers should first argue their case in court. The court did not set a date for the appeal hearing.

The NPA's own attempt to appeal that ruling was denied by the Constitutional Court last week.

The hundreds of corruption charges relate to a major government arms deal arranged in the late 1990s.

The main opposition Democratic Alliance party said in a statement that the appeals court decision to hear arguments in court rather than issue a ruling was unusual and gave Zuma another delay from having his day in court.

"President Zuma will one day have his day in court, and we are one step closer to that today," the party said.

The prospect of Zuma's corruption charges being reinstated follows a constitutional court judgment against him in March. The court said he breached the constitution by refusing to refund some of the 240 million rand ($17 million) of state money spent on refurbishing his private residence.
REUTERS SUMMIT-Glencore pursues more deals with Libya, Iran to beat tough trading year

By Ahmad Ghaddar and Julia Payne

LONDON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Glencore is seeking to increase oil trading with Libya, Iran and Iraq to beat what looks to be a much tougher trading environment compared with last year, Glencore's global head of oil Alex Beard told the Reuters Commodities Summit.

Crude trading in places such as Libya or Iraqi Kurdistan have been the cornerstone of trading activities for many trading houses in the past few years, generating good returns when oil majors were hesitant to enter those places.

Beard said Glencore would be seeking to trade more crude from the Middle East, including Iraq and Iran, as well as from Libya and Russia.

"We are currently lifting products from (Iran's) NIOC and private firms and are looking to expand into crude," Beard said, adding he was looking into pre-financing Iranian exports.

Glencore's trading divisions have been in the spotlight for the past two years during the commodities price collapse as the company told the market its trading serves as a cushion when the mining division suffers.

After strong oil and coal trading results in 2015, Glencore reported a 47 percent drop in core earnings for the energy trading division in the first half of 2016 to $252 million citing coal hedging writedowns and less positive oil marketing conditions.

But oil trading volumes rose 33 percent to 4.4 million barrels per day, putting Glencore on track to regain the world's No.2 spot among independent traders ahead of Trafigura and behind Vitol this year.

"Volume is not really a metric that we look at," Beard said. "In 2016, you'll see the energy segment not as good as 2015."

Success in 2015 was attributed to the steep contango market structure, which encourages traders to store crude to resell it at higher prices later, high freight rates and strong refining margins.

"In the first half of 2016, you had certainly the contango element, but declining. Wet freight rates were very poor and getting poorer and refining margins ... were nowhere near as good as the first half of 2015," Beard said.

Contango is a market structure when forward prices are higher than prompt prices. It has flattened over the past year after prompt oil prices rose steeply on hopes that OPEC would help rebalance the market quicker while forward prices failed to catch up with that pace due to modest demand growth expectations.

Beard said trading houses had to stay opportunistic, which implies higher risk taking when supplying oil and pre-financing producers or refiners in distress or difficulty.

LIBYA BOOST

In Libya, where Glencore reached an exclusive deal with state-owned NOC to take all exports of the Messla and Sarir grades a year ago, volumes are rising.

Production for the two crude streams stands at around 330,000 bpd, Beard said.

"We're very happy with our relationship with NOC and we've been very pleased to support them through some difficult times in the last 12 months and we're open to do more business there."

Libyan oil production stands at just over 500,000 bpd, more than doubling after a deal last month to reopen key ports in the east of the country.

Going into difficult places in search of higher margins will remain a risky business.

For instance Glencore, and several oil majors and trading houses, are owed over $1 billion by Morocco's Samir refinery, which they supplied with crude and products but failed to receive payments for after the government ordered it into liquidation in 2015.

"Pre-finance has always been a good part of our business... We have seen defaults before and we will see more in the future," said Beard, when asked about Samir. He said the firm was still hoping the plant will restart.

Beard also sees rising opportunities for Glencore in the liquefied natural gas trading business in supplying a rapidly growing base of gas end-users.
About eight people killed by car bomb in Nigeria's Maiduguri

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria, Oct 12 (Reuters) - About eight people were killed and 15 wounded when a car laden with explosives hit a taxi in northeastern Borno state's capital of Maiduguri, birthplace of a seven-year-old Islamist insurgency, military and medical sources said.

Five people were inside the taxi in a convoy to Gamboru, a town near the Cameroon border, police said in a statement. Cars in Borno state often travel in convoys organised by the military to minimise the risk of Boko Haram ambushes in rural areas.

The army has retaken much of the territory initially lost to the militants but Boko Haram still stages suicide bombing attacks and plants roadside bombs.

"We evacuated eight dead bodies and about 20 other injured persons," said a rescue worker. A hospital official put the number of wounded at ten.

Boko Haram, which has pledged alliance to Islamic State, has killed about 15,000 people and displaced more than 2 million in its attempt to create a state adhering to strict Islamic laws.
Afghanistan blast outside mosque kills 14, wounds 24 in minority attack

MAZAR-I-SHARIF, Afghanistan, Oct 12 (Reuters) - A bomb blast outside a mosque in Afghanistan on Wednesday killed at least 14 people and wounded 24 among a gathering of worshippers, the second attack targeting the country's Shi'ite minority in less than 24 hours, an official said.

The devotees had congregated to mark Ashura, one of the holiest days for Shi'ite Muslims, at the mosque, about 20 km (12 miles) from Mazar-i-Sharif, the capital of Afghanistan's northern Balkh province.

The mosque was targeted in the explosion, said Moneer Ahmad Farhad, a spokesman for the provincial governor. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

On Tuesday night a gunman killed at least 18 people and wounded 50 at an Ashura gathering at a mosque in the capital, Kabul, according to United Nations estimates.
Romanian govt to buy Brancusi sculpture despite failure of subscription

BUCHAREST, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Romania's government said on Wednesday it would go ahead with the purchase of an acclaimed sculpture by modernist giant Constantin Brancusi despite the failure of a public subscription to raise its share of the price tag.

The government announced in May it would contribute 5 million euros to the required 11 million euros ($12 million), hoping to raise the rest from the public by the end of September.

The appeal has only brought in about one-fifth of the remaining 6 million needed to buy "Cumintenia Pamantului", or "The Meekness of the Earth", a stone figure of a squatting female nude of primitive simplicity.

After an epic 18-month walk from his village of Hobita in southwest Romania, the 27-year-old Brancusi arrived in Paris in 1904 and worked under French master Auguste Rodin.

In 1907, he left Rodin's studio saying "Nothing grows under big trees". Later that year he sculpted "The Meekness of the Earth", which he sold to Romanian engineer Gheorghe Romascu.

Romania's ruling communists seized the figure in 1957. Romascu's heirs won it back in 2012 after a protracted legal battle. It is on display at the central bank in Bucharest.
Iraq commemorates Shi'ite mourning amid preparations to attack Mosul

By Ahmed Saeed

KERBALA, Iraq, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Millions of Shi'ite Muslims flocked to Iraq's holy city of Kerbala on Wednesday to commemorate Ashura, a religious day marking the slaying of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Hussein in the 7th century AD in a revolt against the Umayyad ruler Yazeed.

Visitors came from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran and the Gulf as well as Iraq, where Shi'ites form the majority community.

Mourners dressed in black and waving flags with the slogan "O Hussein" moved around his mausoleum, hitting their heads and chests in a show of sorrow at the suffering of the imam and his family.

Imam Hussein was killed on the site along with his half-brother Abbas, his son Ali Akbar and dozens of his warriors on the Day of Ashura. Other members of his family, including his sister Zainab and his daughters were taken as captives to Damascus.

The day marks Hussein's epic battle against Yazeed's troops, who outnumbered his forces and who deprived him and his family access to the waters of the Euphrates River to force his surrender.

This year's commemoration is held as Iraqi forces prepare an offensive on Mosul, the last city still under control of Islamic State, the hardline Sunni group that considers the Shi'ites as apostates.

Qais Al-Khazali, the leader of the Iran-backed paramilitary group Asaib Ahl al-Haq, compared those who killed Husein in Kerbala to Islamic State, which declared a caliphate in parts of Iraq and Syria in 2014.

"The liberation of Mosul will be the revenge against the killers of Hussein, because these (IS) are their grandsons," he said in a video posted on the Kurdish news website Rudaw.
Saudi-backed Yemeni troops open new front in northern Yemen-officials

SANAA/DOHA, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Forces loyal to Yemen's exiled government clashed with Houthi fighters over a strategic town close to the border with Saudi Arabia on Wednesday in a sign a new front may be opening in the 19-month-old civil war.

Officials from the internationally recognised government of President Abd-Rabu Mansour Hadi's government said that Yemeni troops captured the al-Buqa border crossing on Tuesday night.

If confirmed, it would be the first time that forces from the Saudi-backed government have established a foothold in Saada province, home of the Iran-aligned Houthi group that controls much of northern Yemen.

"The town is secured but clashes are ongoing," Yemeni Foreign Minister Abdel-Malek al-Mekhlafi told Reuters by telephone.

But the Houthi-appointed Saada governor denied what he said were Saudi media reports suggesting the crossing point had been captured.

"We say this is an illusion. They will be unable to advance one inch inside Yemeni territory," Governor Mohammed Jaber Awad told Reuters.

Fighting has intensified since U.N.-sponsored peace talks in Kuwait ended in August without an agreement. The fighting has been concentrated around the country's Houthi-controlled ancient capital, Sanaa, where little territory has changed hands.

The Saudi-led coalition has been providing air support for Hadi's forces in a civil war that has unleashed famine and killed more than 10,000 people since March 2015 in the Arab world's poorest country.

The outcry over civilian casualties has led some lawmakers in the United States and Britain as well as rights activists to push for curbs on arms sales to Riyadh, so far without success.

EVACUATION

Violence has escalated in Yemen since an attack on mourners in Sanaa last Saturday killed more than 140 people and wounded at least 500 more. The Houthi group has accused Saudi Arabia of carrying out the attack, but Riyadh has denied responsibility.

Saudi Arabia's king on Wednesday offered to help evacuate Yemenis severely wounded in the attack.

King Salman instructed the Saudi-run King Salman Centre for Relief and Humanitarian Aid to evacuate "those whose cases require treatment outside Yemen," said the Saudi press agency, SPA.

It was not immediately clear if the announcement meant that the Saudi-led coalition would lift a ban imposed on flights from Sanaa airport since the peace talks collapsed.

In a sign of escalating regional tensions Iran, an ally of the Houthis, criticized Saturday's air strike, which ripped through a wake attended by tribal leaders.
Burundi parliament overwhelmingly votes to leave International Criminal Court

NAIROBI, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Burundi's parliament voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday in favour of withdrawing from the International Criminal Court, amid a deepening row over political violence in the East African country.

Only two lawmakers voted in favour of staying under the jurisdiction of the Dutch-based ICC, while 94 voted against and 14 abstained. Pro-government lawmaker Gabriel Ntisezerana said the court was "a political tool used by powers to remove whoever they want from power on the African continent."

Earlier this year, the ICC opened a preliminary investigation into Burundi, focusing on acts of killing, imprisonment, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, as well as enforced disappearances.

Burundi's government was infuriated last month after a U.N. report named officials accused of orchestrating the torture and killing of political opponents. Since then, Burundi has banned three U.N. investigators from its territory and rejected a U.N. decision to set up a commission of inquiry to probe the violence, which began last year after President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to seek a third term in office.

Opponents said his rerun violated the constitution and a peace agreement that ended a civil war in 2005. The opposition mostly boycotted the polls and Nkurunziza won a third term.

The ICC said in April that political violence had killed around 450 people and forced hundreds of thousands to flee.

The bill to remove Burundi from the court's jurisdiction will proceed to the upper house of the legislature and then be signed by the president, triggering a withdrawal process that will last a year.

Opposition lawmaker Fabien Baciryanino, who favoured staying under ICC jurisdiction, saying withdrawing was "no more, no less, than inciting the Burundian people to commit more crimes".
October 12 is the feast of Our Lady of the Pillar -- the Blessed Virgin Mary's first apparition in history. The Blessed Mother appeared to Saint James the Apostle, the brother of Saint John the Evangelist, on the bank of the river Ebro in Saragossa, Spain. Unlike every other recorded apparition, this one took place during the earthly life of the Mother of God. Our Lady of the Pillar is the patroness of Spain and all Hispanic peoples.Seven years after the death of Jesus, St. James reportedly traveled as far west as Spain to the village of Saragossa in northeast Spain. St. James became disheartened because of the failure of his mission. Tradition tells us that on January 2, 40 A.D. while he was deep in prayer, the Blessed Mother appeared to him and gave him a small wooden statue of herself and a column of jasper wood and instructed him to build a church in her honor: "This place is to be my house, and this image and column shall be the title and altar of the temple that you shall build."The jasper column and the wooden statue can still be seen on special occasions at a church that houses them. About a year after the apparition James arranged to build a small chapel in Mary's honor, the first Church ever dedicated to the honor of the Virgin Mary. After James returned to Jerusalem, he was executed by Herod Agrippa in about 44 AD, the first apostle to be martyred for his faith. Several of his disciples took his body and returned it for final burial in Spain. The local queen, observing several of the miracles performed by James' disciples, converted to Christianity and permitted James' body to be buried in a local field. Eight centuries later, a cathedral in honor of St. James was erected after his grave site was rediscovered by a local hermit. The hermit found the burial site after noticing an unusual star formation. The site for the cathedral was called Compostella (starry field) and it is a major pilgrimage site to this day.It is interesting to note that the German Augustinian stigmatist and visionary of the early 19th century, Blessed Anne Catherine Emmerich, comments on Mary of the Pillars appearance to James and with rich detail describes the Saragossa apparition in chapter 14 ofOur Lady of the Pillar has a special place in the lives of many, not the least of which are those who bear her name. In Spain and in Latin America the name 'Pilar' is commonly given to girls at baptism. At one time in Spain almost everyone wore a medal of Nuestra Senora del Pilar. Our Lady of the Pillar is also immensely important in the history and mission of several religious congregations and movements, especially the Marianist Family founded by Blessed William Joseph Chaminade.The feast of Our Lady of the Pillar, also known as "Las Fiestas del Pilar", is celebrated on October 12 in Saragossa. Since it coincided in 1492 with the discovery of America by Christopher Columbus, that day is also celebrated as El Dia de la Hispanidad by Spanish-speaking people worldwide.As we reflect on the apparition of Our Lady of the Pillar, let it be a strong reminder that we walk in the footsteps of St. James and the early Christians in following Jesus Christ. May Our Lady be a pillar of faith for each of us as we place our trust in Jesus.O Virgin Mother of the Pillar, deigning to appear to Thy beloved disciple, Saint James, promising him the victory over paganism, and blessing so abundantly his labors for the spread of the True Catholic Faith, secure for us also, who are the children of that same Faith, the victory over our many foes and the paganism that is laying waste the harvest of souls in our day.Through the intercession of Thine Apostle, Saint James, the "Son of Thunder", may we as clouds flying through the air at the least breath of the Holy Ghost, establish everywhere the true devotion to Thy Immaculate Heart that Jesus wills for the conversion of all sinners. Amen.Today I have fulfilled my desire to kneel, as a devoted son of Mary, before her holy pillar The Christians of Spain have seen in this pilar a clear analogy with the pillar that guides the journeying of the people of Israel towards the promised Land (cf. Nm 14:14), that accompanies the new Israel, the Church, in her pilgrimage towards the promised Land, Christ the Lord. Our Lady of the Pillar is a radiant beacon The Pillar is considered a symbol of the Spaniards strong faith, and is also an indication of the journey that leads to knowledge of Christ through apostolic predication.-- Pope St. John Paul II In November of 1987, at the Basilica of Saragossa
Post-Brexit, EU's military powers argue for common defences

By Robin Emmott

BRUSSELS, Oct 12 (Reuters) - France, Germany, Italy and Spain have joined forces to plead for a common European defence policy, seeking to keep up momentum on a project Paris and Berlin hope can forge unity following Britain's vote to quit the bloc.

In a joint letter seen by Reuters on Wednesday, the defence ministers of the four countries wrote to their counterparts, including Britain, to set out how the 27 remaining governments would share assets and deepen cooperation in EU missions.

"To be clear: an 'EU army' is not our objective," said the letter, which has been sent to European capitals this week, choosing language that seeks to assuage concerns in Britain that the European Union is planning a rival to NATO.

France and Germany, as well as Italy, have already set out their ideas on how the EU could match its economic and global trading prowess with a more far-reaching military presence to give its foreign policy more clout.

Diplomats said this week's letter was aimed at persuading sceptical eastern and northern European countries who worry about undermining NATO, as well as underlining the context in which the plans are emerging.

Britain's pending departure robs the bloc of its biggest-spending military force and puts the onus on France, which has significant but stretched armed forces, to lead the broader response to crises on Europe's borders.

Germany's sizeable military assets and Italy's know-how, from conflicts in Libya and Afghanistan, make them partners. But Berlin has traditionally been cautious given its role in the 20th century's two world wars, while Rome has sharply cut defence spending since the euro zone debt crisis.

"Given the current and foreseeable security environment, the EU will most probably have to launch missions of a military and/or civilian character in regions where NATO does not consider taking action," the letter said.

"The level of ambition should enable the EU to respond to external crises," it said, stressing the need to act "autonomously" without the guiding hand of the United States.

Proposals include increasing European spending on military missions, jointly developing assets such as helicopters and drones, expanding peacekeeping abroad and building stronger defences against state-sponsored hackers in cyberspace.

NATO, and especially the United States, feels it cannot be relied on to solve all security issues and wants to see Europeans increase defence spending and strengthen their militaries.

"This shouldn't be a competition. We'll do it together. A strong Europe is good for NATO," NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in Germany on Monday.

After a first discussion last month in Bratislava, EU defence ministers will hold talks on the defence plans in Brussels in November, before presenting a more detailed strategy to EU leaders at a summit in December.
EU-Mercosur trade deal could be done in two years -Argentina

By Philip Blenkinsop

BRUSSELS, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Free trade talks between Europe and South America could yield a deal within two years, Argentina's senior trade official said, taking a more positive view of trade alliances between Buenos Aires and its neighbours.

The European Union and the Mercosur bloc led by Brazil launched trade negotiations in 1999, but they have faced multiple setbacks, partly due to more than a decade of leftist rule in Argentina.

That government has now replaced by a more pro-business government since late 2015 that advocates trade.

"There is a conviction among political leaders of Mercosur and among business people...that we need more integration into the global economy and to upgrade our technology," Argentina's Commerce Secretary Miguel Braun told reporters in Brussels.

Asked whether a deal by the end of 2017 was possible, as Spain has suggested, he said it was feasible, not guaranteed.

"In terms of negotiations, I am optimistic we can move forward at a good pace, maybe one or two years," he said mid-way through this week's talks between the European Commission and negotiators from Mercosur members Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Braun recognised there was resistance to trade deals in Europe, with large demonstrations against planned accords with the United States and Canada, and a challenge from Britain's plan to leave the bloc, which he said made the EU a smaller and less attractive trade partner.

Trade specialists, he said, needed to do a better job showing trade deals were good for the majority of people and for job creation. For sectors for which trade deals pose a risk, he said, governments had to work on complementary policies to less potential blows.

"Of course in the EU, there are challenges in public opinion.. but at the same time, going back to the Brexit question, I wonder whether this deal isn't an opportunity to show the European project is still dynamic and moving forward," Braun said.

The EU and the Mercosur exchanged market access offers in May this year, including lists of imports that each side was prepared to liberalise. The EU was looking for more than 90 percent of goods and sectors to be opened up, however the details have not been made public. It was the first exchange of offers since 2004.
Germans say 'hero refugees' deserve medals for tying up suspected bomber

By Madeline Chambers

BERLIN, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Two Syrian refugees should get medals for their bravery after capturing a fellow migrant suspected of planning to bomb a Berlin airport, German politicians said on Wednesday.

The actions of the two men, who tied up the suspect in a Leipzig apartment and alerted police, have been seized on as a rare good news story in the midst of the migration crisis facing Germany and Europe.

"The young men have earned the Federal Cross of Merit," Social Democrat defence expert Johannes Kahrs told Bild newspaper, adding they had shown a profound respect towards Germans. "It is hard to imagine more integration, it is exemplary," he said.

Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said the fact they had acted to assist the security authorities, regardless of the risk to their own safety, deserved to be "fully recognised and appreciated."

Last year's influx of some 900,000 migrants to Germany has raised fears about security, especially after migrants were involved in bomb, knife and machete attacks in July. Chancellor Angela Merkel has drawn criticism from her own conservative camp and shed support to the anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany.

Investigators believe Syrian Jaber Albakr, 22, who arrived in Germany last year, was close to staging an attack comparable to those that killed 130 people in Paris last November and 32 in Belgium in March. They suspect he was inspired by the Islamic State militant group.

His fellow-Syrians picked him up at Leipzig train station after he contacted an online network for Syrian refugees. After recognising him from pictures on Facebook as the target of a police manhunt, they overpowered him and alerted the authorities.

"He resisted a little bit, he didn't want to be tied up and then he said, 'I will give you money, don't turn me in. I got into this by mistake.' But of course we didn't agree," one of his captors, Mohamed, told RTL German television.

"We respect this country and its people, its government and its laws. We don't want something like this to happen here," he said.

The manner of Albakr's arrest has led to renewed calls for a review of all migrants who were granted asylum in last year's influx. It has also raised questions about whether the police botched an earlier attempt to arrest him.
S.African prosecutor says Gordhan can submit for a review over fraud charges

CAPE TOWN, Oct 12 (Reuters) - South Africa's National Prosecuting Authority said on Wednesday that Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan could ask for a review of a decision to charge him with fraud, comments which pushed the rand firmer.

Gordhan was issued with a formal summons on Tuesday to appear in court on Nov. 2 over fraud charges.

"During my address yesterday, I specifically went into the legal requirements," Prosecutor Shaun Abrahams said.
Palestinian officer jailed after criticizing Abbas for attending Peres funeral

GAZA, Oct 12 (Reuters) - A Palestinian court in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday sent a military officer to jail for criticising President Mahmoud Abbas after he attended the funeral of former Israeli president Shimon Peres, the officer's lawyer said.

Lieutenant-Colonel Osama Mansour was jailed for a year for breaking the military code of conduct which forbids uniformed officials from expressing political opinions and he was also discharged from the service, lawyer, Ghandi Ameen, told Reuters.

"They found him guilty of disobeying orders and the explanation of the verdict was that he had expressed a political opinion. He was sentenced to a year and was dismissed from his job. The court's ruling was tough and unexpected ... and we will appeal," Ameen said.

While supporters defended Abbas as making a diplomatic and a good-will gesture in attending Peres's funeral in Jerusalem earlier this month, critics in the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip said he betrayed national principles.

Peres, 93, shared a Nobel prize for interim peace deals with the Palestinians but many social media postings in Arabic focused on a view of his legacy that jarred with his world acclaim as an architect of the landmark Oslo accords in the 1990s.

Peres's state funeral was attended by U.S. President Barack Obama and dozens of dignitaries from around the world. Abbas's visit was his first to Jerusalem since 2010.

Before the funeral, Mansour called on Abbas on his Facebook page to reconsider his decision to participate and said it would be "wrong" for the Palestinian leader to attend.
Canadian oil pipelines resume operations after activists halt flow

NEW YORK, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Five oil pipelines disrupted by environmental protesters had restarted early on Wednesday, although at least one of the lines that carry millions of barrels of crude from Canada to the United States was operating at reduced rates.

In an unprecedented coordinated attack on Tuesday, protesters used bolt cutters to cut locks and chains and break into valve stations at five remote locations to stop the flow through arteries that pump around 15 percent of the oil consumed in the United States every day.

TransCanada Corp's Keystone pipeline and Spectra Energy Partners LP's Express pipeline both restarted Tuesday afternoon, according to company representatives.

Information provider Genscape said Keystone was running at reduced rates.

Enbridge Inc could not immediately be reached for comment but Genscape said its Mainline pipeline had resumed normal flows.

Kinder Morgan Inc said it was not operating the spur of the pipeline impacted by the protesters, although it has since restarted the rest of the pipeline.

Activists across Montana, Minnesota, North Dakota and Washington state were arrested on Tuesday after the early morning raids, which they posted on social media.

Protest group Climate Direct Action said the move was in support of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, which has been protesting the construction of a $3.7 billion pipeline carrying oil from North Dakota to the U.S. Gulf Coast.

The action on Tuesday underscored the vulnerability of the thousands of miles of pipeline in the United States that deliver energy to consumers.
Top U.S. diplomat to visit Switzerland, Britain Oct. 15-16 for Syria talks

WASHINGTON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Switzerland and Britain over the weekend for meetings with foreign ministers and international partners on developing a multilateral approach to resolving the crisis in Syria, the State Department said on Wednesday.
Burundi parliament votes overwhelmingly to leave International Criminal Court

NAIROBI, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Burundi's parliament voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to withdraw from the International Criminal Court, a move no other country has taken despite complaints from Africa that the court disproportionately targets the continent.

Only two lawmakers voted in favour of staying under the jurisdiction of the Dutch-based ICC, while 94 voted against and 14 abstained.

Pro-government lawmaker Gabriel Ntisezerana said the court was "a political tool used by powers to remove whoever they want from power on the African continent".

The bill to remove Burundi from the court's jurisdiction still must be approved by the upper house of the legislature and then be signed by the president. That would trigger a withdrawal process lasting a year.

The ICC declined to comment on the vote, saying it had not yet been formally notified of the action. The U.S. State Department, however, said it was "concerned" by the country's human rights situation, including the government effort to withdraw from the court.

"Such a move ... would isolate Burundi from its neighbors and the international community at a time when accountability, transparency and engaged dialogue are most needed," State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters.

The ICC opened a preliminary investigation in April into Burundi, focusing on killings, imprisonment, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, as well as enforced disappearances.

Burundi's government was infuriated last month by a U.N. report that named officials accused of orchestrating the torture and killing political opponents.

Since then, Burundi has banned three U.N. investigators from its territory and condemned a U.N. decision to set up a commission of inquiry to probe the violence, which began last year after President Pierre Nkurunziza decided to seek a third term in office.

Opponents said his candidacy violated the constitution and a peace agreement that ended a civil war in 2005. The opposition mostly boycotted the polls and Nkurunziza won a third term.

The ICC said in April that political violence had killed about 450 people and forced hundreds of thousands to flee.

Opposition lawmaker Fabien Baciryanino favoured staying under ICC jurisdiction, saying to withdraw was "no more, no less, than inciting the Burundian people to commit more crimes".

Since it was set up under the 1998 Rome Statute, the court based in The Hague has focused on prosecuting such politically-motivated crimes as genocide and crimes against humanity.

Most of its investigations and indictments have been of Africans, stirring criticism from many governments on the continent.

Nine out of 10 situations under investigation by ICC prosecutors are African. All five verdicts have dealt with African suspects from Congo, Central African Republic and Mali.

South Africa has been in conflict with the court since Pretoria failed to carry out an ICC arrest warrant against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir when he visited Johannesburg last year.

Court spokesman Fadi El Abdallah said the ICC could not comment on Burundi's vote because it had not yet been formally notified.

"There is a possibility for countries to withdraw, but it only takes effect one year after being submitted to the UNSG," he said, referring to the United Nations Secretary-General.
REUTERS SUMMIT-Dreyfus sees bullish outlook for Brazil sugar industry

By Nigel Hunt and Sybille de La Hamaide

LONDON/PARIS, Oct 12 (Reuters) - A sharp rise in sugar prices this year has helped transform the outlook for Brazil's sugar industry with the future now bright for a sector which suffered many closures and bankruptcies in recent years, the CEO of Louis Dreyfus said on Wednesday.

"You have very high prices, high productivity, good weather and access to cheaper financing and longer-term financing so I'm very bullish for the sugar industry (in Brazil) going forward, very bullish," Chief Executive Officer Gonzalo Ramirez told the Reuters Commodities Summit.

International commodities trader Louis Dreyfus has a controlling interest in Brazil's Biosev SA, the world's second largest cane processor.

ICE raw sugar futures rose to 23.90 cents per lb last week, their highest level in more than four years. The price of the sweetener has risen more than 50 percent so far this year.

The rebound in prices following a prolonged slump which began in early 2011 and reached its nadir in August 2015, fuelled by several seasons when production outstripped demand.

Brazil cane industry association Unica has estimated that around 80 mills filed for bankruptcy protection during the slump in prices and some 70 more closed their doors.

The global sugar market is now widely expected to have a second consecutive global deficit in the 2016/17 season and stocks are shrinking.

"What we are seeing in the world today is that prices are staying at very high levels compared to where they were one year ago to make sure you force consumption a little bit lower and promote more planting in the world, basically in Brazil," Ramirez said.

He said there needed to be a sustained period of high prices as decisions to plant sugar cane were based on expected returns over five to seven years.

Mills will also need to see the higher prices maintained before expanding.

"I think all the mills need to make a little bit of money before thinking about expanding and we all want to see sugar prices high at these levels and the evolution of demand in the world before we all jump in for expansion," Ramirez said.
S.African prosecutor says Gordhan can submit for a review over fraud charges

By Wendell Roelf

CAPE TOWN, Oct 12 (Reuters) - South Africa's state prosecutor said on Wednesday that Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan could ask for a review of a decision to charge him with fraud, a case that is part of a long-running row surrounding the minister.

The comments from Shaun Abrahams, the National Director of Public Prosecutions, pushed the rand firmer. Gordhan is well regarded by investors and business people.

Abrahams had said on Tuesday that Gordhan, in his previous role as head of the South African Revenue Service (SARS), cost the tax agency about 1.1 million rand ($79,000) by approving early retirement for a deputy commissioner in 2010 and re-hiring him as a consultant.

Gordhan was issued with a formal summons to appear in court on Nov. 2 over fraud charges.

On Wednesday, Abrahams said he was willing to review the matter if somebody requested that he do so.

"Now, Minister Pravin Gordhan can submit representations to me and ask me to review that matter and I would certainly look into the matter," he told a parliamentary briefing in Cape Town.

Analysts have said that Gordhan has been a target of political pressure from a faction allied to President Jacob Zuma, who has denied any rifts with the finance minister.

The perceived tussle between Zuma and Gordhan has rattled markets in Africa's most industrialized economy, which faces the risk of ratings downgrades later this year. The opposition has called the investigation on Gordhan a "witch-hunt".

Gordhan has said he would remain in his post despite the court summons. He has denied the allegations, saying they are part of a politically motivated campaign against him.

The National Prosecuting Authority has been criticised by some analysts for announcing its plans to charge Gordhan for fraud just two weeks before he is due to outline plans to kick-start the economy and avert possible credit rating cuts to "junk".

The rand firmed more than 2 percent in response to Abrahams comments, before parings some of its gains. The currency fell more than 4 percent on Tuesday on news Gordhan had been summoned to court.

Abrahams said "I don't think we must jump the gun" on whether Gordhan could also face charges about the legality of a surveillance unit he set up at the tax department a decade ago that is suspected of spying on politicians including Zuma.

Abrahams said the NPA was still investigating this issue and will decide whether or not to press charges at the conclusion of the probe, but did not provide a timeline for completion.

Previously finance minister from 2009 to 2014, Gordhan was recalled to the post to stem a selloff in South African assets after Zuma abruptly replaced finance minister Nhlanhla Nene with an unknown politician in December.
Turkey-backed Syrian rebels advance closer to IS-held Dabiq

BEIRUT, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Syrian rebels advanced closer to an Islamic State-held village that is of great symbolic significance to the group in a Turkey-backed operation in northern Syria on Wednesday, a rebel commander told Reuters.

The rebels captured the village of Duweibiq, which is some 2 km from Dabiq - the site of an apocalyptic prophesy central to the militant group's ideology. "The clashes were not very fierce but there is resistance," the commander said.
Three soldiers dead in northern Burkina Faso - government

OUAGADOUGOU, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Unidentified gunmen killed three Burkinabe soldiers on Wednesday, the defence ministry said, in the latest sign that instability in Mali is spreading to its southern neighbour.

Attacks by Islamist militants in Burkina Faso were rare before a major strike by al Qaeda-linked fighters in the capital that killed 29 people in January. The latest attack prompted President Roch Marc Kabore to delay a trip to Belgium and call an emergency ministerial meeting, government sources said.

"The death toll is three dead and one injured among Burkinabe forces and two attackers dead," the ministry said in a statement on the attack at Ingangom, five kilometres from the Malian border. The same base was attacked in June, resulting in the death of three police officers.
Kenya to "purge" land ministry of corrupt cartels - official

By Katy Migiro

NAIROBI, Oct 12 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) - Kenya's lands ministry is reshuffling its staff and digitising its services to combat corrupt cartels, a senior official said on Wednesday, as the government steps up the acquisition of land for ambitious infrastructure projects.

Corruption is seen as a major obstacle to development in Kenya, where some 70 percent of land is owned by communities who generally do not possess formal title deeds.

"We will start with reshuffling and we will go on to purge," Mariamu el Maawy, principal secretary in the Lands and Physical Planning Ministry, said at the launch of a report on community participation in large-scale land acquisitions.

"If we have shuffled the problem elsewhere then we know the problem is not environmental. We will able to start zeroing in on where the challenges are."

The ministry has reshuffled about half of its staff in nine of its 57 land registries in recent months, she said, with officers who have served at one station for more than three years being transferred to root out cartels.

Anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International has long ranked the lands ministry as one of the most corrupt institutions in Kenya, where citizens have to pay a bribe to get served.

Kenya's former lands minister, Charity Ngilu, was charged in 2015 with obstructing an investigation into fraudulent land transactions. She pleaded not guilty.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigation in August started probing the source of wealth of ministry staff, some of whom own valuable properties despite earning modest salaries, according to local media reports.

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission is also auditing ministry procedures to seal corruption loopholes.

El Maawy said the ministry will block access to those who want to misuse land documents.

Services are being moved online, she said, to reduce opportunities for corruption, with land searches going online in 13 registries by the end of the year.

Lands ministry staff will no longer be able to tell Kenyans their file is lost, she said, a common ploy to extract a bribe.

Instead, the information must be conveyed in a letter detailing the steps being taken to recover the information.

This has proven effective in reducing the disappearance of passport records in the immigration department, she said.

For decades, Kenyan politicians have illegally granted vast tracts of land to themselves and their allies, ignoring government inquiries calling for their titles to be revoked, campaigners said.
England win ODI series to end Bangladesh's home run

Oct 12 (Reuters) - England's Chris Woakes hit a six off Shafiul Islam to seal a series-clinching four-wicket victory in the third and final one-day international against Bangladesh on Wednesday.

Sam Billings justified his selection with his maiden fifty and Ben Duckett registered his second half-century of the series but it was Ben Stokes' unbeaten 47 off 48 balls that helped England pull off a tricky 278-run chase with 13 balls to spare.

Put into bat in Chittagong, Bangladesh had posted a strong 277-6 on the back of a string of top order cameos and Mushfiqur Rahim's unbeaten 67 down the order.

The 2-1 ODI series defeat was Bangladesh's first at home in two years.

England's chase got off to a good start before Nasir Hossain dismissed James Vince for 32.

Having added 63 runs with Vince, Billings added another 64 with Duckett, the duo helping themselves to fluent half-centuries in the process.

At 227-4 in the 41st over, England looked heavy favourites but Mashrafe Mortaza struck twice, dismissing England captain Jos Buttler (25) and Moeen Ali (one) in quick succession to inject fresh excitement into the contest.

Stokes, however, maintained his composure and hit two sixes and a boundary while running hard between the wickets to keep England on course.

Woakes proved a worthy partner as the duo added 42 runs in 32 balls to seal the victory.

Earlier, Buttler won the toss and decided to field but had to wait until the 19th over for a breakthrough.

Tamim Iqbal (45) and Imrul Kayes (46) added 80 runs for the opening stand before the guile of Adil Rashid (4-43), combined with some poor shot selection by the home batsmen, pegged back Bangladesh.

After Stokes sent back Kayes, Rashid dismissed Tamim, who became the first Bangladesh batsman to reach 5000 ODI runs, with a short and wide delivery.

Mahmudullah opened his account with a six off the leg-spinner but Rashid had the last laugh as the batsman drove a long-hop to short cover.

Sabbir Rahman (49) could not bring up his fifty either, becoming Rashid's third victim as Bangladesh lost momentum.

Mushfiqur and Mosaddek Hossain (38 not out) enjoyed a busy seventh wicket partnership that yielded 85 runs to take the hosts past the 275-mark.
Italy's Cavalli cuts jobs and closes stores in reorganisation

By Giulia Segreti and Massimo Gaia

MILAN, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Italian fashion house Roberto Cavalli will cut 200 jobs, move its Milan offices near to Florence and shut some stores under a reorganisation plan launched by new CEO Gian Giacomo Ferraris, the company said on Wednesday.

Less than three months after his appointment, Ferraris is aiming to cut costs by 30 million euros ($34 million) and return the company to profit by 2018.

The Florentine label has been going through a transition since Italian private equity Clessidra bought it in April last year to relaunch a brand popular with celebrities.

"The plan is necessary for a company that has had a stagnant top line for some years and for various reasons has increased its costs," Ferraris told Reuters.

He said the company now had to be realistic and become leaner, and no-one would be spared from the belt-tightening.

Like many of its luxury goods rivals, Cavalli is facing a slowdown in consumer spending, particularly in China and among tourists, and because of the impact lower oil prices are having on the purchasing power of high-end spenders.

Cavalli's revenue was 180 million euros in 2015 but that is expected to fall to 155 million euros this year.

Under the plan, which will be launched in the coming days, 200 jobs will go from the company's workforce, which stands at 672 and is mostly based in Italy. Cavalli's Milan corporate and design offices will be moved to the Tuscan town of Osmannoro, just outside Florence, where the group is based.

Ferraris said "a number" of stores would be closed or relocated, saying that those not performing or in less convenient locations, would be targeted.

He said, however, Cavalli would start opening new boutiques by mid 2017, and would focus on its menswear and accessories lines, the latter of which account for just 15 percent of sales.

A former head of Italy's Versace, Ferraris met union representatives on Wednesday morning to present his plan.

"The fashion industry is facing uniquely challenging times ... only iconic brands with a coherent business model and an efficient organisation can survive," Ferraris said.

Earlier on Wednesday, Cavalli said in a statement Creative Director Peter Dundas would leave his position after only three seasons, the spring-summer 2017 collection presented at Milan's fashion week just over two weeks ago being his last.

According to a source close to the matter, the departure of Dundas was part of a broader shift in strategy.

"The first step was to call Ferraris as new CEO, the second to change its creative director. But there is absolutely no will to sell Cavalli," the source said.

Norwegian designer Dundas was appointed creative director in March last year, taking over from 75-year-old Roberto Cavalli.

"As Roberto Cavalli goes through a period of transformation, the design team will carry on and the appointment of a new creative director will be made in due course," the company said.
Colombia's FARC rebel leader sees solution to peace impasse soon

BOGOTA, Oct 12 (Reuters) - The leader of Colombia's Marxist FARC rebel group Rodrigo Londono expressed confidence on Wednesday that a solution can be found to resuscitate a peace accord to end five-decades of war after voters rejected the hard-negotiated deal in a referendum.

Londono, known by his nom de guerre Timochenko, said he had met on numerous occasions with government negotiators in Havana to find a way out of the impasse caused by the shock vote on Oct. 2 against the peace accord.

"We must join forces and together apply healing balm to the wounds ... We will have good news soon," Londono, 57, told Caracol Radio by telephone from Cuba.

President Juan Manuel Santos is hearing proposals from representatives of those who voted against the accord, which was rejected by a razor-thin margin of less than half a percentage point, just 54,000 votes.

Led by hardline opposition senator and former President Alvaro Uribe, the "No" side wants leaders of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) to lose their freedom for at least five years and be banned from elected office.

They were outraged that the accord offered ten congressional seats instead of prison cells in return for ending a conflict that has killed more than 220,000 people.

Uribe opposed FARC leaders receiving non-traditional sentences like clearing landmines, and instead insisted that those found guilty of war crimes should be confined for between five and eight years, even if they are held on farms.

There have been atrocities committed by all sides in the war - the FARC, the military and right-wing paramilitaries.

Although the FARC has said it is willing to hear new ideas, Uribe's proposals may be difficult for its leadership to accept, given they have repeatedly refused to consider jail time and want to form a political party.

Londono said he respects the views of the No" camp, and even Uribe, whose two terms in office were spent in a fierce offensive against the FARC.

"He represents a large number of Colombians with different political ideas, his discourse was always to defeat us but he was unable to do it in eight years. I respect him as a person."

Londono reiterated the FARC's opposition to renegotiating the justice element of the accord. "It would be crazy," to negotiate that point over again after 18 months of talks about the issue already, he said.
Putin says Rosneft buy of Bashneft gives impetus to privatisation

By Oksana Kobzeva and Darya Korsunskaya

MOSCOW, Oct 12 (Reuters) - The Russian government's sale of a controlling stake in mid-sized oil firm Bashneft to the country's largest oil producer Rosneft should give momentum to Russia's privatisation drive, President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday.

The Economy Ministry said that the government had completed the sale of the Bashneft stake to Kremlin-owned Rosneft for 329.69 billion roubles ($5.30 billion).

Rosneft bought a 50.08 percent stake in Bashneft, Russia's fastest growing oil company with production of 400,000 barrels per day (bpd) and extensive refining assets, beating an offer from an unidentified second bidder.

The sale is a key step in a government privatisation push meant to raise cash to plug budget holes amid low oil prices and Western sanctions imposed over Ukraine.

"The main thing is that we don't stop the privatisation process on this (Bashneft sale)," Putin said at an economic forum.

"This privatisation is carefully crafted, keeping in mind the synergy effect for obtaining the maximal gain from the point of view of budget and fiscal interests," he said.

Putin said that now a 19.5 percent stake in Rosneft could be sold to private foreign investors.

The Bashneft deal has caused tensions, with the government postponing the sale in August to calm rivalry among powerful groups before September parliamentary elections.

Several Russian government officials including Deputy Prime Minister Arkady Dvorkovich had said previously they opposed plans by Rosneft Chief Executive Igor Sechin to expand further.

One state-controlled company, Rosneft, buying another, Bashneft, could hardly be called a proper privatisation, they said.

"It may sound strange to you but I personally was surprised by this government's position myself," Putin said on Wednesday, referring to the decision to allow Rosneft to buy Bashneft.

Putin said later on Wednesday that Rosneft used its own funds to buy the Bashneft stake, where 25 percent is owned by internal republic of Bashkortostan. It remains unclear if Rosneft will buy that stake later, too.

Rosneft production stands at around 4.1 million bpd now and is expected to grow thanks to new fields coming onstream this year.

According to a regulatory statement, Bashneft's board plans to vote on a new chief executive on Thursday. Alexander Korsik, who oversaw Bashneft's production spike, is expected to be replaced by Andrey Shishkin, a vice-president at Rosneft.

A source familiar with the situation said the management board was also expected to be taken over by Rosneft managers. Bashneft declined comment.

Sechin has said that the purchase of Bashneft would provide a synergy effect for the company.

Rosneft is considering buying out part of the Rosneft stake set for privatisation itself, as one of the options.

The state hopes to raise around 700 billion roubles from the Rosneft privatisation to plug holes in the budget.
Egypt, Russia to hold joint military exercises in mid-October

CAIRO, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Egypt's armed forces will hold joint military exercises with their Russian counterparts on Egyptian soil for the first time from Oct. 15-26, Cairo's military spokesman said on Wednesday.

Days ago Egypt backed a Russian resolution in the U.N. Security Council on Syria that removed the demand for an end to air strikes on Aleppo stipulated in an alternative French resolution.

Both resolutions failed to pass but Egypt's support for the Russian measure put the North African country at odds with its key financial backer, Saudi Arabia, which has opposed Russia's support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

The joint military training will include drills between Egyptian and Russian paratrooper units in the northwestern region of el-Alamein, Egyptian military spokesman Brigadier General Mohamed Samir said in a statement posted on the Egyptian military's official Facebook page.

Russia's Izvestia newspaper said Moscow was in talks to open an air base in Egypt, though Egypt's official Al Ahram newspaper quoted the presidential spokesman on Tuesday saying it would not allow foreign bases on its land.

Egypt is negotiating with Russia to restore flights to its Red Sea resorts, a year after the bombing of a Russian airliner carrying holidaymakers back to St Petersburg.
Obama's top Asia diplomat says baffled by Duterte pronouncements

By David Brunnstrom

WASHINGTON, Oct 12 (Reuters) - The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia said on Wednesday he did not know what a "panoply" of statements by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte since taking office this year would mean for Manila's future security cooperation with Washington.

Duterte has made a series of conflicting statements about the future of his country's long-standing alliance with the United States. Last week he said U.S. President Barack Obama should "go to hell" and alluded to severing ties with Washington.

On Wednesday, in an apparent break from a weeks-long torrent of anti-American rhetoric, Duterte said the Philippines would maintain its existing defense treaties and its military alliances.

But he added to the confusion when he said his foreign policy was to "realign" and reiterated that joint exercises with U.S. troops, a decades-old tradition, would be stopped.

Obama's senior U.S. diplomat for East Asia, Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel, told a roundtable discussion with Washington defense journalists he was baffled.

"President Duterte has made a panoply of statements; I think the operative adjective is 'colorful,'" he said.

"But what that will ultimately translate (into) in terms of the ability of the Philippines to work with the United States on issues directly germane to security and even some of the regional and global challenges it faces ... we don't have an answer to just yet."

Russel said he was not aware of any changes in security cooperation but added, "I'm not saying it couldn't happen, it wouldn't happen."

He said that if the Philippine government were to propose specific changes to the relationship, the United States would "deal with that," but said there was "a distinction to be made between general high level pronouncements and considered policy decisions and actions."

"There is a lot of noise, there's a lot of stray voltage in the media, but ultimately the decisions about the alliance operations are going to be taken, I believe in a deliberate and thoughtful way."

Russel said the United States was "working through" the uncertainty and added that the two countries had "been through a lot worse in our 70-year history."

He said the U.S. relationship brought "tremendous" benefits to the Philippines ranging from cooperation on counter-terrorism and combating illegal fishing to dealing with Manila's territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.
How to beat Islamic State in Iraq

By Josh Cohen

Oct 12 (Reuters) - There is a way to defeat Islamic State in Iraq. It's to grant the country's Sunni population its own separate state, free of control from Baghdad. The idea of a "Sunnistan" isn't new, but as American advisers and their Iraqi allies prepare for the crucial battle of Mosul, now is the time to revisit it.

Losing the country's second-largest city would represent a major blow to IS' position in Iraq. But recent Iraqi history has taught us that without a proper strategy for the "day after" in Mosul, the group is likely to re-emerge in one form or another.

It's not going to be easy. The Sunni experience in the post-Saddam Hussein era has been brutal and won't quickly be forgotten.

After the 2003 American invasion and overthrow of Saddam Hussein, the country's Sunnis - who represent 15 to 20 percent of the population - found themselves living under a Shi'ite-dominated government. The group included hundreds of thousands of Iraqi troops who had been loyal to Hussein, and were removed from the military. Al Qaeda capitalized on their anger and established al Qaeda in Iraq, a precursor to Islamic State, to fight U.S. troops there.

But as al Qaeda enforced an increasingly strict version of Islam in the areas it controlled, Sunni tribes turned against it. During the "Sunni Awakening" of 2006-2007, Washington capitalized on this increasing resentment toward al Qaeda. It supplied Sunni tribal leaders with weapons to fight al Qaeda, while Baghdad promised Sunnis political inclusion and positions in government security forces.

A sectarian Shi'ite government in Baghdad under Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki did not honor its promises to Sunnis. It used a counterterrorism law to jail innocent Sunnis in security sweeps, excluded Sunnis from government jobs and harassed and arrested leading Sunni politicians.

In 2013, when Iraqi security forces cracked down on Sunni protests against al-Maliki's sectarianism, events took a turn for the worse. Islamic State emerged to gain significant support in Iraq's Sunni regions.

The Iraqi government's campaign against Islamic State was both a military and political failure, and Shi'ite militias associated with al-Maliki's government committed widespread abuses against Sunni civilians, leading many Sunnis to side with Islamic State as the group gained momentum.

Today, even as the Iraqi government has made progress against Islamic State, it remains reliant on Shi'ite militias who continue to abuse Sunni civilians, leading one American official to bemoan that "Sunnis see ISIS as their protection - their wall against Shia [Shi'ite] revenge."

Given widespread Sunni distrust of Baghdad, it's unlikely that Iraq's Sunni population will ever develop a deep allegiance to a Shi'ite-dominated central government. For this reason, the United States should realize that a unified Iraq is no longer possible, and the only way to prevent Islamic State or any other extremist Sunni group from crippling Iraq is to offer Sunnis a state of their own.

Offering the Sunnis their own state could be the incentive Sunnis need to turn against Islamic State and, just as importantly, prevent any other jihadist group from emerging in the future.

At least initially, this entity could be similar to Iraqi Kurdistan, where Kurds have wide autonomy to run their own affairs. Iraq's constitution already permits this level of self-government, so the Sunnis would not need to take any extrajudicial steps to achieve it.

Article 117 of the Iraqi constitution gives new federal regions substantial authority to run their own affairs. This includes the ability to draft their own constitution; amend any national legislation that conflicts with their own; and most importantly, to form their own police, security and military forces, thereby eliminating the need for Shi'ite militias or the Iraqi army to patrol majority Sunni areas. Article 117 also entitles a new federal region to "an equitable share of the national revenues."

To be clear, in order to create a new Iraqi "Sunnistan," its architects would need to confront a number of issues. One question sure to emerge is whether Sunnistan would ultimately remain part of a united - though decentralized - Iraq, or whether it would be a precursor to full independence. But given Iraq's current instability and the need to first defeat Islamic State, this issue could be shelved until a later date.

Another likely challenge would involve getting buy-in from Baghdad. Given the key role of both Iraq's army and Shi'ite militias in the ongoing battle against Islamic State, Baghdad may be none too happy to see Iraq's newly liberated territories declare their desire to break away.

Moreover, the question of what constitutes an equitable share of Iraq's oil revenue allocated to Sunnistan is sure to be contentious, particularly since the majority of Iraq's oil lies in the Shi'ite-dominated south and the autonomous Kurdish region of the north, leaving Iraq's Sunni areas resource-poor.

Another challenge is the question of what happens to non-Sunni minorities who suddenly find themselves living in Sunnistan. Solving this would likely require the United States to pressure Sunni political and tribal leaders to respect the rights of Sunnistan's minorities. To succeed, Washington could make its political, financial and military support for Sunnistan conditional on its treatment of minorities. Given the United States' successful cooperation with Sunni tribal leaders during the so-called Sunni Awakening, it's certainly possible that American-Sunni cooperation could lead to a peaceful new Sunnistan.

A final question involves the relationship Iraq's Sunnis would possess with their Syrian counterparts, and whether Iraqi Sunnistan could be duplicated in Syria. If and when Syria ends its civil war, its government could write a new constitution that offers its Sunnis a similar solution.

Given the involvement of the Russians, the breakdown in talks between the Washington and Moscow, and Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's determination to reconquer all of Syria, the opportunity is not immediately there. But longer-term, a successful and legally created "Iraqi Sunnistan" could serve as a model for Syria as well, perhaps even allowing the two nations' Sunni regions to combine.
Superhero window washers make children's day at Brazil hospital

SAO PAULO, Oct 12 (Reuters) - At a children's hospital in Sao Paulo, two window washers dressed up as Batman and fellow superhero "The Flash" lit up the faces of young patients.

A day ahead of Brazil's celebration of "Children's Day" on Wednesday, the washers waved to the ill kids at Sabara Children's Hospital, took pictures with them from outside, and placed their hands on the glass sentimentally.

Jaquelina Maranhao said their visit lifted the spirits of her 8-year-old daughter Isabela.

"She was happy and got up to look and that was very good," Maranhao said. "When they are sick, they are a little down, quiet, so this helps them have fun."

The superheroes said they too were fulfilled by their visit.

Daniel Barbosa, dressed in red and gold as the main hero from the American television series "The Flash," said he wanted to bring some happiness to the children.

"When I get home, I hug my daughter and feel stronger, freer, calmer, more peaceful, and I feel like I can pass this peace onto these children," Barbosa said with a smile.

Laura, 9, said Barbosa's gestures brightened her day.
Fighting in Central African Republic kills at least 23

By Crispin Dembassa-Kete

KAGA BANDORO, Central African Republic, Oct 12 (Reuters) - F ighters from Central African Republic's largely Muslim Seleka militia attacked refugees in the country's remote north on Wednesday, stabbing or hacking to death 13 people before U.N. peacekeepers repelled them, killing at least 10, officials said.

Several people were also wounded in the attack targeting Kaga Bandoro, a town of dirt roads and thatched mud huts. A Reuters witness saw militiamen stab two refugees to death as people were fleeing. When some tried to fight back with clubs, the militiamen began firing their guns.

Hundreds of panicked villagers, already refugees from earlier violence, then fled in the direction of the U.N. base.

Central African Republic has been in chaos since early 2013 when the Seleka, which draws mostly from the country's minority Muslim population, toppled then-President Francois Bozize.

Militias representing the interests of the Christian majority responded by attacking Muslims and a fifth of the population fled their homes to escape the violence, leaving the isolated nation deeply divided along ethnic and religious lines.

"We were in the house when suddenly the Seleka arrived and set it on fire," said a witness, Marcelline Kanga, 40. "They killed my uncle and stabbed my brother to death right there."

Yongon Samson, 48, described seeing a body with the head sliced off it as he ran for cover.

Thousands of people displaced from the latest flare up of violence gathered around the U.N. peacekeeping base. A Catholic priest took refuge inside.

Troops from the mission, called Minusca, opened fire to dispel the militias, a Reuters witness saw.

A U.N. official, who declined to be quoted, said the peacekeepers had to open fire in order to protect the civilian population and confirmed that at least ten Seleka were killed.

Central African Republic's U.N. peacekeeping mission, which has sought to try to keep the rival factions from each other's throats, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The country, which holds reserves of uranium, gold and diamonds, is one of the world's most isolated economies, with exports and imports having to travel around 850 miles by road between the capital Bangui to the Cameroonian port of Douala.

France said on Friday it was keeping an eye on the worsening security situation in Central African Republic, but that it would still withdraw most of its troops by the end of the month.

Eleven people were killed in clashes in the capital Bangui last week, set off by the murder of an army officer.
Snapchat picks Morgan Stanley, Goldman to lead IPO -sources

By Sruthi Ramakrishnan and Lauren Hirsch

Oct 12 (Reuters) - U.S. photo-sharing app Snapchat has chosen Morgan Stanley and Goldman Sachs Group Inc as lead underwriters for an initial public offering that could come as early as March, a source familiar with the situation said on Wednesday.

The banks were notified earlier this week that they had been awarded one of most coveted and potentially lucrative IPO mandates in recent years, as the Venice, California-based company vies for a $25 billion valuation in the stock market.

JPMorgan Chase & Co, Deutsche Bank AG, Allen & Co, Barclays Plc and Credit Suisse Group AG will be joint book runners, the source said, asking not to be named because the information was not yet public.

Snapchat, whose parent is Snap Inc, and the banks were not immediately available to comment on the news first reported by Bloomberg News.

Snapchat started in 2012 as a free mobile app that allows users to send photos that vanish within seconds. It has more than 100 million active users, about 60 percent of whom are aged 13 to 24, making it an attractive way for advertisers to reach millennials.

Awash in venture funding, the company raised $1.81 billion in May, which valued it at about $20 billion, media reports said at the time.

But investors worry that Snapchat's advertising sales, which began last October, is the company's only significant revenue source.

Snap in September starting describing itself as a camera company. Its first physical product will be glasses with an embedded video camera. Users will be able to record video from their perspective in 10-second increments, which can be synched with their smartphones.

The company's last round of funding included General Atlantic, Sequoia Capital, T. Rowe Price and Lone Pine. Previous rounds included Fidelity Investment, Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Byers and Yahoo! Inc.
China's cutting off the flow of a Brahmaputra tributary is just the latest example of its emergence as the upstream water controller through a globally unparalleled hydroengineering infrastructure centred on dams.

Earlier this year, Beijing itself highlighted its water hegemony over downstream countries by releasing some of its dammed water for drought-hit nations in the lower Mekong basin.

Blocking the flow of the Xiabu river, a Brahmaputra tributary, through a dam project is a significant development, a forewarning that China intends to do a lot more to re-engineer flows in the Brahmaputra system by riding roughshod over the interests of the lower riparians, India and Bangladesh.

Just as it has heavily dammed the Mekong, China is now working to complete a cascade of dams in the Brahmaputra basin.

Dependence

On the Mekong, China has erected six giant dams, with the smallest of them bigger than the largest dam India has built since Independence.

For the downriver countries in that basin, the release of water from the Chinese dams to combat drought was a jarring reminder of not just China's newfound power to control the flow of a life-sustaining resource, but also of their own reliance on Beijing's goodwill and charity.

With a further 14 dams being built or planned by China, their dependence on Chinese goodwill is likely to deepen - at some cost to their strategic leeway and environmental security.

Armed with such leverage, Beijing is pushing its Lancang-Mekong Cooperation (LMC) initiative as an alternative to the lower-basin states' Mekong River Commission, which China has spurned over the years.

Indeed, having its cake and eating it, China is a dialogue partner but not a member of the Mekong River Commission, underscoring its intent to stay clued in on the discussions, without having to take on any legal obligations.

The Mekong, Southeast Asia's lifeline, is just one of the international rivers China has dammed. It has also targeted the Arun, the Indus, the Sutlej, the Irtysh, the Illy, the Amur and the Salween, besides the Brahmaputra. These rivers flow into India, Nepal, Kazakhstan, Russia or Myanmar.

Asia's water map changed fundamentally after the communists took power in China in 1949. It wasn't geography but guns that established China's chokehold on almost every major transnational river system in Asia, the world's largest and most-populous continent.

Absorption

By forcibly absorbing the Tibetan Plateau (the giant incubator of Asia's main river systems) and Xinjiang (the starting point of the Irtysh and the Illy), China became the source of trans-boundary river flows to the largest number of countries in the world, extending from the Indochina Peninsula and South Asia to Kazakhstan and Russia.

Beijing's claim over these sprawling territories, which make up more than half of China's landmass today, drew from the fact that they were imperial spoils of the earlier foreign rule in China.

Chinese President Xi Jinping. (Photo credit: AP)

Before the communists seized power, China had only 22 dams of any significant size. But now, China boasts more large dams on its territory than the rest of the world combined. If dams of all sizes and types are counted, their number in China surpasses 85,000.

Strongman Mao Zedong initiated an ambitious dam-building programme, but the majority of the existing dams were built in the period after him.

China's dam frenzy, however, shows no sign of slowing. The country's dam builders, in fact, are shifting their focus from the dam-saturated internal rivers (some of which, like the Yellow, are dying) to the international rivers, especially those that originate on the water-rich Tibetan Plateau.

This raises fears that the degradation haunting China's internal rivers could be replicated in the international rivers.

Leverage

China, after all, has graduated to erecting mega-dams. Take its latest dams on the Mekong: the 4,200MW Xiaowan (taller than the Eiffel Tower in Paris) and the 5,850 MW Nuozhadu, with a 190sqkm reservoir. Either of them is larger than the current hydropower-generating capacity of the lower Mekong states combined.

Despite its centrality in Asia's water map, China has rebuffed the idea of a water-sharing treaty with any neighbour.

Concern is thus growing among its downstream neighbours that China is seeking to turn water into a potential political weapon.

After all, by controlling the spigot for much of Asia's water, China is acquiring major leverage over its neighbours' behaviour in a continent already reeling under low freshwater availability.

China is clearly not content with being the world's most dammed country, and the only thing that could temper its dam frenzy is a prolonged economic slowdown at home.

Flattening demand for electricity due to China's already-slowing economic growth, for example, offers a sliver of hope that the Salween river could be saved from the cascade of hydroelectric mega-dams that Beijing has planned to build on it. Even so, China's riparian might will remain unmatched.
Not so long ago, we woke up to the terrifying news that terrorists had attacked an Indian Army camp at Uri. A week later, the Indian Army carried out a surgical strike in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as an act of retaliation to eliminate terror launch pads across the border. Following the incident, a war ensued - however, this was not a full-fledged military confrontation, but a cyber war.

On October 3, the National Green Tribunals website came under attack with a Pakistani group hacking it and posting a message mocking the Indian side. A hacker identifying himself as D4RK 4NG3l took responsibility for the attack. The message on the defaced site read We are Unbeatable #OpIndia with other pro-Kashmir freedom slogans.

On October 6, Pakistani Hackers again attacked the Indian Cyber space by vandalising Parbhani District Police website and the Bihar State Electronics Development Commission website. A Pakistani hacker who goes by cyber name Faisal 1337 claimed to have hacked both the sites and took mirrors of the defaced site.

Yet another Pakistani group called Pak Haxors Crew (PHC) claimed to have successfully hacked 7,010 Indian websites by releasing a list of hacked sites on Pastebin. The targeted sites were mostly SMEs; however, all of those sites were recovered within few hours after they were compromised. The message from Pakistani Hackers was loud and clear: Tum ne sirf socha tha aur hum ne kar ke dikhaya.

This is where the necessity of proactive Cyber Incident Response Plan comes into play. In reality, many websites in our country are prone to cyber attacks and threats. If we were to recall, there would be numerous cyber incidents that India has encountered - from the defacement of CBIs official website to a private group called Tranchulas using APT (Advanced Persistence Threat) malware attacks to spy on the phones of Army personnel.

Similar to the retaliation conducted by Indian ground forces in response to the Uri Attack in PoK, patriotic Indian hackers vented out the anger by damaging Pakistans crucial government websites. A group called Telangana Cyber Warrior claimed they had infected a Pakistan government website by implanting a CTB-Locker Ransomware. The hacker said he got 120 bitcoins (Rs 50,82,085) to release the Pakistani government computers.

After that Hacktivity, Indias Top Black Hat Group Hell Shield Hackers broke into multiple Pakistani government websites, and the Pakistan Army website. Hell Shield Hackers broke into the server of the textile ministry of Pakistan and defaced Pakistan Central Cotton Committee's website. The same group claimed to have hacked into Pakistan Army's recruitment website. The hacker in73ct0r d3vil left a message on the website, You are Nothing but Brainwashing our Citizen in Kashmir, But wait Indian Hackers Gonna beat the hell outta you, with hashtags #DestroyPakistan and #UriAttacks:

Another hacker from India, Mr Z, compromised the Agricultural Department of Baltistan website. Mr Z then warned Pakistani Hackers: If we start attack on you, it would be more dangerous than surgical strikes.

Apart from these cyber assaults, websites of Freedom Party Pakistan, University of Karachi and University of Faisalabad were hacked.

Indias most popular hacking team Hell Shield Hackers claimed they had compromised the backbone of Pakistani government covertly and performed data exfiltration to extract sensitive information from their servers.

One click of a hacker can easily undo years of hardwork of any organisation, without the need to cross the border. Stealing confidential information, intellectual property and financial data is extremely harmful and paralyses the countrys economy.

The point to ponder upon is: What if the Indian government supports these patriotic cyber security personnel who are contributing to protect the national cyber infrastructure without any monetary benefit?

In fact, there will be more investment and attention devoted to mitigate state-sponsored cyber attacks in the future. Similar to the allocation of a defence budget, India needs specific funds to strengthen the national cyber infrastructure, and encourage and motivate hackers.

Countries like USA, China, Russia et al have an official cyber army backed by their governments, whereas India is yet to announce its cyber task force. However, few of us are aware that National Cyber Safety and Security Standards (NCSS) steadily works on aggressive plans and fetches talent to not only keep up with the fast-changing IT evolution, but also expand its reach among the people to guide them about cyber security.

Hence, cyber security has emerged as a crucial aspect in the modern IT era. This is the reason why many private organisations have started Bug Bounty Programs where they receive vulnerability reports from researchers and freelancers, and after mitigating the loophole, pay out or acknowledge the researchers.
Maria Alam Umar is a social activist in Aligarh. She represents the brave new voice of Muslim women fighting to abolish the medieval practice of triple talaq.

Unafraid of the backlash from conservative Islamic clergy, Maria says not only should triple talaq be abolished but the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) should be abolished as well for its "pro-male stand on almost every aspect of Muslim life."

Shazia Siddiqui is an entrepreneur. Also from Aligarh, she is as forthright as Maria Umar about gender reform in Islam: "The practice is discriminatory and should be abolished. How can someone have the right to end a marriage and ruin a womans life by uttering three words. In fact, some Islamic countries have banned the practice of triple talaq."

Women like Maria Umar and Shazia Siddiqui are leading a quiet revolution to reform Islamic law. Their initial battle is against triple talaq. But other women are seeking reforms across a range of social and religious issues, including the right of women to pray unfettered in shrines, cutting across religions, like the Haji Ali dargah and the Sabarimala temple.

Voices like Maria Umars and Shazia Siddiquis have in the past been drowned out by the clergy. With the Indian government last Friday (October 7, 2016) for the first time filing an affidavit in the Supreme Court calling for an end to triple talaq, those voices will now gain strength and support.

Heres what the governments affidavit says: "Women must be equal participants in the development and advancement of the worlds largest democracy and any practice (triple talaq and polygamy) which denudes the status of a citizen of India merely by virtue of the religion she happens to profess is an impediment to that larger goal.

"Even theocratic states have undergone reform in this area of law and therefore in a secular republic like India, there is no reason to deny the rights available under the Constitution. The fact that Muslim countries where Islam is the State Religion have undergone extensive reforms goes to establish that the practices in question cannot be regarded as integral to practices of Islam.

"Secularlism being a hallmark of Indian democracy, no part of its citizenry ought to be denied access to fundamental rights, much less can a section of secular society be worse off than its counterparts in theocratic countries, many of which have undergone reform. Even though it may be true that only some women are directly and actually affected by the practices of triple talaq and polygamy, the fact remains that every woman to whom the law applies lives under the threat, fear or prospect of being subjected to these practices, which in turn impacts her status and her right to live with confidence and dignity

"The practice of polygamy was regarded as progressive and path-breaking centuries ago but with the evolution of women and the principle of gender justice, these required serious reconsideration. Even an affidavit by the Muslim Personal Law Board has referred to those practices as undesirable, which cannot be elevated to essential religious practice, much less one that forms the substratum of religion."

The Supreme Court will hear the matter early next week.

The Quran actually gives Muslim women equal rights, including divorcing a husband. (Photo: Reuters)

A secular UCC

In a perverse definition of secularism, India since Independence has allowed each religion to practise its own personal law rather than follow a genuinely secular Uniform Civil Code (UCC).

In matters of marriage, divorce, maintenance, adoption and succession, different religious personal laws apply. Hindu personal law has seen significant reform since the 1950s  though more reform is needed in financial and tax constructs such as the Hindu Undivided Family (HUF) and much else.

But it is Muslim personal law that remains stuck in a pre-Quranic era. As Maria Alam Umar points out, the Quran actually gives Muslim women equal rights, including divorcing a husband (khulla).

The Muslim Personal Law Boards response to the Supreme Court in its affidavit reveals the regressive mindset that governs this atavistic body: "If there develops serious discord between the couple, and the husband does not at all want to live with her, legal compulsions of time-consuming separation proceedings and expenses may deter him from taking the legal course. In such instances, he may resort to illegal, criminal ways of murdering or burning her alive." (Emphasis mine.)

Coincidentally, on the same day (October 7) that the government filed its affidavit against triple talaq in the Supreme Court, the Law Commission sought the publics views on triple talaq and a uniform civil code over the next 45 days.

Muslim organisations  and even some Hindu bodies  have long opposed UCC. Successive governments in India have treated UCC like a tinderbox that could blow up in their face.

Even as the Law Commission seeks a public debate on UCC, Muslim clerics have warned of riots should UCC be implemented. The government should pay no heed to such threats. The clergy has declining support in the Muslim community which recognises that the path to jobs and prosperity runs through modern education, not madrasas.

On October 7, again coincidentally, the Supreme Court dealt with another sensitive issue: the entry of women into the inner sanctum of the Haji Ali dargah in Mumbai. It advised the Haji Ali Dargah Trust to "take a progressive stand. Nothing regressive should be suggested." The Trust told the court it would indeed take a progressive stand.

Extending the interim stay on the Bombay High Court order allowing women to enter the inner sanctum, the Supreme Court will consider the Haji Ali Dargah Trusts "progressive" response on October 17.

Like Maria Alam Umar and Shazia Suiddiqui, another brave woman, Noorjehan Safia Niaz, is leading the campaign for gender equality in the Haji Ali dargah.

Co-founder of the Bharatiya Muslim Mahila Andolan which petitioned the Bombay High Court against the Haji Ali Dargah Trusts ban on women entering the inner sanctum, Noorjehan says implacably: "We are against the ban on womens entry to the shrines sanctum sanctorum. We hope by progressive stand the Haji Ali Trust means it will restore the rights of womens entry to the spot inside the tomb, where only men are allowed."

Like the abolition of triple talaq, the right of women to worship in a place of worship  mosque, dargah, temple or church  must be absolute.
He held out a "sudarshan chakra" presented to him by the local unit of his party as crowds thundered into a rapturous applause. Prime Minister Narendra Modi not only did some demon-slaying at Lucknow's famous Aishbagh Ramleela grounds, being the first PM who broke from tradition of gracing the Delhi Ramlila grounds (can we acknowledge the Bollywoodisation of Ramlila to "Ramleela" in latest parlance, please?), but he also supervised his own morphing into an amalgamation of Hindu divinities - being both Ram and Krishna at once, symbologies to boot.

PM Modi with 'sudarshan chakra' at Lucknow's Aishbagh Ramleela grounds on Vijayadashami. [Photo: ANI]

In the poll-bound Uttar Pradesh capital, it was spectacle unforeseen. Under a gargantuan banner of Lord Ram, the "avenger of Uri" took to the podium, was felicitated for India's surgical strikes across the Line of Control, was surrounded by BJP leaders from UP as well as other dignitaries, and delivered a speech that began and ended with the chants of "Jai Shri Ram".

PM Modi flanked by BJP leaders including home minister Rajnath Singh, Keshav Prasad Maurya among others at Lucknow's Aishbagh Ramleela grounds on Vijayadashami. [Photo: Agencies]

It was however an effort that many are saying was sober, in fact quite excellent in its channelisation of Ramayan metaphors and images to drive home the twin points of defeating terror in all its forms and saving, loving the girl child. Both the points were packed with several punches that having a storyteller-in-chief at the helm ensures.

Modi started out with the usual greetings, after Rajnath Singh asked him to deliver his speech. The opening chants were significant.

I extend greetings of Dussehra to all of you: PM @narendramodi at Aishbagh Ramleela, Lucknow pic.twitter.com/VqjkAZyXTJ  India Today (@IndiaToday) October 11, 2016

Jai Shree Ram, Jai Jai Shree Ram : PM Shri @narendramodi begins his address at Dussehra Mahotsav in Lucknow. #SpecialVijayaDashami pic.twitter.com/3Njulb3ayI  BJP (@BJP4India) October 11, 2016

Modi then went on a little trip down the mythology lane, excavating the meaning of Ravana across centuries. He took, of course, a rampantly Hindu Brahminical line, but suitably spiked with modern connotations. Ravan for Modi represented evil in many forms, and those forms were going to be crossborder terror and female foeticide.

We burn Ravan every year, what does it teach us? Everytime we do that we should promise to kill the Ravan within ourselves & the society: PM pic.twitter.com/GxQNdKky9A  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 11, 2016

That's tradition and individual talent, but that tradition, Prime Minister, is squarely within a narrower idea of what's India and for whom.

Fortunate to be a part of ancient tradition of Ramleela: PM @narendramodi at Aishbagh Ramleela, Lucknow pic.twitter.com/OP1xJUrhLU  India Today (@IndiaToday) October 11, 2016

Emphasising how terrorism is becoming the scourge of the modern world, PM Modi, however, in a brilliant twist of image mixing, brought up an unlikely candidate for Indians to emulate. While everyone had expected him to beat the war drum that Ram would wage and win for India, Modi spoke about Jataayu, the bird-king who became the first frontier of war against the Ravan-shaped terror in saving Sita (which in Modi's symbology is both Bharat Mata and the Indian woman, born and unborn).

Jatayu was the first to fight against terror, we can try to emulate him if not Ram: PM @narendramodi at Aishbagh Ramleela, Lucknow pic.twitter.com/tcxA0TzqGH  India Today (@IndiaToday) October 11, 2016

That, by all standards, is indeed a fantastic wordplay and brilliant stroke of political interjection. Jataayu, free from several of the communally-laced connotations that Ram invokes, is something many Indians would identify with without being uncomfortable about its implications. The bird-king is a neutral idea that Modi just sold to an India facing escalated tensions with the Muslim-majority neighbouring country.

Moreover, Modi equated Ravan with pessonal and collective flaws within the citizens, and said that for him Ravan could also be poverty, illiteracy and filth - which are unglamourous forms of terror which nevertheless impact many more of our countrymen and women.

There should be a celebration of Dusshera within ourselves as well, kill the 10 "haras" within ourselves: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/Garcctlml5  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 11, 2016

Ramayana is the witness, that the first fighter against terrorism was Jataayu, who fought for a woman's honor: PM Modi in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/H57aHgebso  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 11, 2016

Certainly, the martial pitch wasn't exactly toned down, only adjusted according to the metaphors used.

Won't spare those who support terror: PM @narendramodi at Aishbagh Ramleela, Lucknow pic.twitter.com/VCngrYAZj4  India Today (@IndiaToday) October 11, 2016

But then , PM Modi narrated how the terrorism issue has traversed a long way for India, from being seen as a mere "law and order" problem in the aftermath of the 1992-3 Mumbai blasts, to being a global menace after 9/11 for America and at the end of 2016, after Uri attack, for India. That Pakistan has been isolated globally was the subtext that he gently hinted at.

In 1992-93, some US officials told me terrorism is law & order problem, later they understood the difference: PM Modi at Aishbagh Ramleela pic.twitter.com/G93y5aY9rf  India Today (@IndiaToday) October 11, 2016

In 1992-93, was talking to someone from US Dept of State on terrorism, they said its your "law & order problem". That changed after 9/11: PM  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 11, 2016

If you think that we are free from terrorism, then you are wrong. It is a virus affecting our society: PM Modi in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/5bkOXAUcqP  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 11, 2016

Interestingly, albeit misleadingly, Modi equated Ravan with gender discrimination. This is going to haunt him in coming days because many interpretations hold Ravan to be a proto-feminist, whose vast repository of knowledge was too big to fit into one mortal head, hence he had ten! Moreover, the fact that it was Ram who sent Sita to walk through fire is something that Modi carefully oblterated because Dusshera is all about a straitjacket of good's victory over evil.

The Ravan inside us teaches us to differentiate between girls and boys. Who will kill that Ravan: PM @narendramodi at Aishbagh Ramleela pic.twitter.com/voNlGYtoHR  India Today (@IndiaToday) October 11, 2016

But that straitjacket assumes significance when war cries are sounded, even though laced in ancient wisdom. The Budha to Yudha leap can be seen in the context of the surgical strike, which the posters in Lucknow and Varanasi have been all about. The mantle of Ram is strictly Modi's, as is the new just war, now ongoing.

War at times becomes necessary, but we are those who move towards Budha from Yudha: PM @narendramodi at Aishbagh Ramleela, Lucknow pic.twitter.com/hZoQkXnFKl  India Today (@IndiaToday) October 11, 2016

Krishna je jeevan me yudh tha, Ram ke jeevan me yudh tha, par hum vo hai jo yudh se Budh ke marg pe jaana chate hai: PM Modi pic.twitter.com/GZ86THB1Oc  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 11, 2016

Nevertheless, the timed dilutions of the Ravan metaphor continued, in order to localise the meanings, give credence to many of the pet Modi government schemes such as Swachh Bharat, Digital India, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, etc.

Filth, poverty and illiteracy are another form of Ravana, so lets burn them as well this year: PM Modi in Lucknow pic.twitter.com/O0UH6SPXUn  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 11, 2016

Hence, the fusion of International Girl Child Day with Vijayadashami becomes significant. Only days before, the heartwrenching news of a Jain teenage gir dying after fasting for 68 days in order to bring good luck to her family had rocked the nation. Modi gently warned against sending women to their deaths, whether inside the womb or outside it, and that is a lesson that all Hindus eager to follow Modi at every step cannot just ignore.

Today we are celebrating Vijaydashami, and the world is celebrating International Day of the Girl Child: PM Modi  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 11, 2016

In all it was a well-rounded, far soberer a speech than many expected it to be, given the hype and the buildup. Perhaps, PM Modi has decided to let the billboards do the talking this time.

Dussehra Mahotsav at the Aishbagh Ramleela Ground (Lucknow) pic.twitter.com/0g8qoXUSDB  ANI UP (@ANINewsUP) October 11, 2016

Social media is abuzz with Modi's Vijayadashami speech, which many found more democratic than the RSS honcho Mohan Bhagwat's earlier in the day. So the good cop, bad cop drama is likely to continue for the time being.

Those who shelter terror also cannot be spared (clear reference to state sponsor of terror): @PMOIndia. World now uniting against terror  GAURAV C SAWANT (@gauravcsawant) October 11, 2016

Great speech by PM @narendramodi covering many critical issues of concern for the nation.#SpecialVijayaDashami  Shahnawaz Hussain (@ShahnawazBJP) October 11, 2016

Watching this Yuddh between the Senas of Rama & Ravana on TV... feels like watching Arnab's The Newshour Debate.. #SpecialVijayaDashami  Paresh Rawal (@Babu_Bhaiyaa) October 11, 2016

PM not only globally isolated Pak but Made sure that World stand behind India whenever We act against Pak #SpecialVijayaDashami  Tajinder Pal S Bagga (@TajinderBagga) October 11, 2016

Powerful words by @PMOIndia on the need to end female infanticide. Excellent use of Jatayu analogy.  Rajdeep Sardesai (@sardesairajdeep) October 11, 2016

Some notes of festive scepticism were also sounded.

Have never seen any PM say "Jai Shri Ram" infront of public..UP is going to be interesting. #SpecialVijayaDashami  Digvijay (@suttabaaz) October 11, 2016

Modi says, "Ravana was the first terrorist". A Hindu, Brahmin? Terrorist?This is new! ???? ????  Gaurav Pandhi (@GauravPandhi) October 11, 2016

Holding out a club as BJP leaders applaud cheerily. PM Modi's Ramleela was a 'success'. [Photo: Ahencies]

Meanwhile.

Chidambaram applies for Pakistani citizenship. Says he will get more support from Indian media if someone tries to curb his FoE in Pakistan  Jatayu (@brumbyOz) October 11, 2016
Allergan plc, a pharmaceutical company, develops, manufactures, and commercializes branded pharmaceutical, device, biologic, surgical, and regenerative medicine products worldwide. The company operates in three segments: US Specialized Therapeutics, US General Medicine, and International. It offers a portfolio of products in various therapeutic areas, including medical aesthetics and dermatology, eye care, neuroscience, urology, gastrointestinal, women's health, and anti-infective therapeutic products. The company also offers breast implants and tissue expanders; and RM-131 (relamorelin), a peptide ghrelin agonist for the treatment of diabetic gastroparesis. In addition, it develops medical and cosmetic treatments; therapies for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and other liver diseases; inhibitor for the treatment of psoriasis and other autoimmune disorders; atopic dermatitis drug candidate; peri-ocular rings for extended drug delivery and reducing elevated intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients; and treatments for neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Further, the company develops RST-001, a novel gene therapy for the treatment of retinitis pigmentosa; small molecule therapeutics for inflammatory and fibrotic diseases; topical medicines for fat reduction; and delivery system and botulinum toxin-based prescription products. It has collaboration, option, and license agreement with Lyndra, Inc.; and strategic alliance and option agreement with Editas Medicine, Inc. Allergan plc also has licensing agreements with Assembly Biosciences, Inc.; MedImmune; and Heptares Therapeutics, Ltd. The company was formerly known as Actavis plc and changed its name to Allergan plc in June 2015. Allergan plc was founded in 1983 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland.
The following companies are subsidiares of Lloyds Banking Group: A G Finance Ltd, A.C.L. Ltd, ACL Autolease Holdings Ltd, ADF No.1 Pty Ltd, Addison Social Housing Holdings Ltd, Alex Lawrie Factors Ltd, Alex. Lawrie Receivables Financing Ltd, Amberdate Ltd, Anglo Scottish Utilities Partnership 1, Aquilus Ltd, Automobile Association Personal Finance Ltd, BOS (Ireland) Property Services 2 Ltd, BOS (Ireland) Property Services Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages (Scotland) No. 2) Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages (Scotland) No. 3) Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages (Scotland)) Ltd, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 1 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 2 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 3 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 4 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 5 plc, BOS (Shared Appreciation Mortgages) No. 6 plc, BOS (USA) Fund Investments Inc., BOS (USA) Inc., BOS Edinburgh No 1 Ltd, BOS Mistral Ltd, BOS Personal Lending Ltd, BOSSAF Rail Ltd, Bank of Scotland (B G S) Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland (Stanlife) London Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Branch Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Central Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Edinburgh Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Equipment Finance Ltd, Bank of Scotland Foundation, Bank of Scotland LNG Leasing (No 1) Ltd, Bank of Scotland London Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Nominees (Unit Trusts) Ltd, Bank of Scotland P.E.P. Nominees Ltd, Bank of Scotland Structured Asset Finance Ltd, Bank of Scotland Transport Finance 1 Ltd, Bank of Scotland plc, Bank of Wales Ltd, Barents Leasing Ltd, Barnwood Mortgages Ltd, Birchcrown Finance Ltd, Birmingham Midshires Financial Services Ltd, Birmingham Midshires Land Development Ltd, Birmingham Midshires Mortgage Services Ltd, Black Horse (TRF) Ltd, Black Horse Executive Mortgages Ltd, Black Horse Finance Holdings Ltd, Black Horse Finance Management Ltd, Black Horse Group Ltd, Black Horse Ltd, Black Horse Offshore Ltd, Black Horse Property Services Ltd, Boltro Nominees Ltd, British Linen Leasing (London) Ltd, British Linen Leasing Ltd, British Linen Shipping Ltd, C.T.S.B. Leasing Ltd, CBRail S.A.R.L., CF Asset Finance Ltd, CF1 Ltd, CM Venture Investments Ltd, Cancara Asset Securitisation Ltd, Capital 1945 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 12 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 3 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 5 Ltd, Capital Bank Leasing 9 Ltd, Capital Bank Property Investments (3) Ltd, Capital Personal Finance Ltd, Cardiff Auto Receivables Securitisation 2018-1 Plc, Cardiff Auto Receivables Securitisation 2019-1 Plc, Cardiff Auto Receivables Securitisation Holdings Ltd, Cardnet Merchant Services Ltd, Cashfriday Ltd, Cashpoint Ltd, Caveminster Ltd, Cedar Holdings Ltd, Celsius European Lux 2 S.A.R.L., Central Mortgage Finance Ltd, Chariot Finance Ltd, Cheltenham & Gloucester plc, Cheltenham II Securities 2020 DAC, Cheltenham Securities 2017 Ltd, Chepstow Blue Holdings Ltd, Chepstow Blue plc, Chester Asset Options No.2 Ltd, Chester Asset Options No.3 Ltd, Chester Asset Receivables Dealings Issuer Ltd, Chester Asset Securitisation Holdings Ltd, Chester Asset Securitisation Holdings No.2 Ltd, Chiswell Stockbrokers Ltd, Clerical Medical Finance plc, Clerical Medical Financial Services Ltd, Clerical Medical International Holdings B.V., Clerical Medical Investment Fund Managers Ltd, Clerical Medical Managed Funds Ltd, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Guadalix Hold Co BV, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Guadalix Spanish Prop Co SL, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Megapark Hold Co BV, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Megapark Prop Co SA, Clerical Medical Non Sterling Property Company S.A.R.L., Cloak Lane Funding S.A.R.L., Cloak Lane Investments S.A.R.L., Conquest Securities Ltd, Corbiere Asset Investments Ltd, Create Services Ltd, Credit Card Securitisation Europe Ltd, Dalkeith Corporation, Deva Financing Holdings Ltd, Deva Financing plc, Deva One Ltd, Deva Three Ltd, Deva Two Ltd, Dunstan Investments (UK) Ltd, Edgbaston RMBS 2010-1 plc, Edgbaston RMBS Holdings Ltd, Elland RMBS 2018 plc, Elland RMBS Holdings Ltd, Eurolead Services Holdings Ltd, First Retail Finance (Chester) Ltd, Fontwell Securities 2016 Ltd, Forthright Finance Ltd, France Industrial Premises Holding Company, General Leasing (No. 12) Ltd, General Reversionary and Investment Company, Gresham Nominee 1 Ltd, Gresham Nominee 2 Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 1) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 10) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 11) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 12) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 13) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 14) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 15) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 16) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 19) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 20) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 21) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 22) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 23) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 24) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 25) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 26) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 27) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 28) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 29) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 3) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 30) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 31) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 32) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 33) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 34) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 35) Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 36) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 37) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 38) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 39) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 40) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 41) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 44) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 45) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 46) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 47) UK Ltd, Gresham Receivables (No. 48) UK Ltd, Guildhall Asset Purchasing Company (No 3) Ltd, Guildhall Asset Purchasing Company (No.11) UK Ltd, HBOS Covered Bonds LLP, HBOS Final Salary Trust Ltd, HBOS Financial Services Ltd, HBOS Insurance & Investment Group Ltd, HBOS International Financial Services Holdings Ltd, HBOS Investment Fund Managers Ltd, HBOS Social Housing Covered Bonds LLP, HBOS UK Ltd, HBOS plc, HSDL Nominees Ltd, HVF Ltd, Halifax Credit Card Ltd, Halifax Financial Brokers Ltd, Halifax Financial Services (Holdings) Ltd, Halifax Financial Services Ltd, Halifax General Insurance Services Ltd, Halifax Group Ltd, Halifax Investment Services Ltd, Halifax Leasing (June) Ltd, Halifax Leasing (March No.2) Ltd, Halifax Leasing (September) Ltd, Halifax Life Ltd, Halifax Loans Ltd, Halifax Ltd, Halifax Mortgage Services Ltd, Halifax Nominees Ltd, Halifax Pension Nominees Ltd, Halifax Premises Ltd, Halifax Share Dealing Ltd, Halifax Vehicle Leasing (1998) Ltd, Heidi Finance Holdings (UK) Ltd, Hill Samuel Bank Ltd, Hill Samuel Finance Ltd, Hill Samuel Leasing Co. Ltd, Home Shopping Personal Finance Ltd, Horizon Capital 2000 Ltd, Housing Association Risk Transfer 2019 DAC, Housing Growth Partnership GP LLP, Housing Growth Partnership LP, Housing Growth Partnership Ltd, Housing Growth Partnership Manager Ltd, Hyundai Car Finance Ltd, IBOS Finance Ltd, ICC Enterprise Partners Ltd, ICC Equity Partners Ltd, ICC Holdings Unlimited Company, Inchcape Financial Services Ltd, Intelligent Finance Financial Services Ltd, Intelligent Finance Software Ltd, International Motors Finance Ltd, Kanaalstraat Funding C.V., Katrine Leasing Ltd, LB Healthcare Trustee Ltd, LB Motorent Ltd, LB Quest Ltd, LB Share Schemes Trustees Ltd, LBCF Ltd, LBG Brasil Administracao LTDA, LBG Capital Holdings Ltd, LBG Equity Investments Ltd, LBI Leasing Ltd, LDC (General Partner) Ltd, LDC (Managers) Ltd, LDC (Nominees) Ltd, LDC GP LLP, LDC I LP, LDC II LP, LDC III LP, LDC IV LP, LDC Parallel (Nominees) Ltd, LDC V LP, LDC VI LP, LDC VII LP, LDC VIII LP, LTGP Limited Partnership Incorporated, Legacy Renewal Company Ltd, Leicester Securities 2014 Ltd, Lex Autolease (CH) Ltd, Lex Autolease (VC) Ltd, Lex Autolease Carselect Ltd, Lex Autolease Ltd, Lex Vehicle Finance 2 Ltd, Lex Vehicle Leasing (Holdings) Ltd, Lex Vehicle Leasing Ltd, Lime Street (Funding) Ltd, Lingfield 2014 I Holdings Ltd, Lingfield 2014 I plc, Lloyds (Gresham) Ltd, Lloyds (Gresham) No. 1 Ltd, Lloyds (Nimrod) Specialist Finance Ltd, Lloyds America Securities Corporation1, Lloyds Asset Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Branches) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Colonial & Foreign) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Fountainbridge 1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Fountainbridge 2) Ltd, Lloyds Bank (I.D.) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank (International Services) Ltd, Lloyds Bank (Stock Exchange Branch) Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank Asset Finance Ltd, Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance Ltd, Lloyds Bank Commercial Finance Scotland Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (HP) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.2) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.3) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Asset Finance (No.4) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets Wertpapierhandelsbank GmbH, Lloyds Bank Corporate Markets plc, Lloyds Bank Covered Bonds (Holdings) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Covered Bonds (LM) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Covered Bonds LLP, Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing (No. 1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing (No. 7) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Equipment Leasing (No. 9) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Financial Services (Holdings) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales, Lloyds Bank Foundation for the Channel Islands, Lloyds Bank General Insurance Holdings Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Insurance Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 11) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 17) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 20) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 3) Ltd, Lloyds Bank General Leasing (No. 5) Ltd, Lloyds Bank GmbH, Lloyds Bank Hill Samuel Holding Company Ltd, Lloyds Bank Insurance Services Ltd, Lloyds Bank International Ltd, Lloyds Bank Leasing (No. 6) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Leasing (No. 8) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Bank MTCH Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No. 10) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No. 13) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No. 17) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Maritime Leasing (No.16) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank Offshore Pension Trust Ltd, Lloyds Bank Pension ABCS (No. 1) LLP, Lloyds Bank Pension ABCS (No. 2) LLP, Lloyds Bank Pension Trust (No. 1) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Pension Trust (No. 2) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Pensions Property (Guernsey) Ltd, Lloyds Bank Properties Ltd, Lloyds Bank Property Company Ltd, Lloyds Bank S.F. Nominees Ltd, Lloyds Bank Subsidiaries Ltd, Lloyds Bank Trustee Services Ltd, Lloyds Bank plc, Lloyds Banking Group Pensions Trustees Ltd, Lloyds Capital GP Ltd, Lloyds Commercial Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Commercial Properties Ltd, Lloyds Commercial Property Investments Ltd, Lloyds Corporate Services (Jersey) Ltd, Lloyds Development Capital (Holdings) Ltd, Lloyds Engine Capital (No.1) U.S LLC, Lloyds Far East S.A.R.L., Lloyds General Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Group Holdings (Jersey) Ltd, Lloyds Holdings (Jersey) Ltd, Lloyds Hypotheken B.V., Lloyds Industrial Leasing Ltd, Lloyds International Pty Ltd, Lloyds Investment Bonds Ltd, Lloyds Investment Fund Managers Ltd, Lloyds Investment Securities No.5 Ltd, Lloyds Leasing (North Sea Transport) Ltd1, Lloyds Leasing Developments Ltd, Lloyds Nominees (Guernsey) Ltd, Lloyds Offshore Global Services Private Ltd, Lloyds Plant Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Portfolio Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Premises Investments Ltd, Lloyds Project Leasing Ltd, Lloyds Property Investment Company No. 3 Ltd, Lloyds Property Investment Company No. 4 Ltd, Lloyds Property Investment Company No.5 Ltd, Lloyds Secretaries Ltd, Lloyds Securities Inc., Lloyds TSB Pacific Ltd, Lloyds UDT Asset Leasing Ltd, Lloyds UDT Asset Rentals Ltd, Lloyds UDT Hiring Ltd, Lloyds UDT Leasing Ltd, Lloyds UDT Ltd, Lloyds Your Tomorrow Trustee Ltd, Loans.co.uk Ltd, London Taxi Finance Ltd, London Uberior (L.A.S. Group) Nominees Ltd, Lotus Finance Ltd, MBNA, MBNA Direct Ltd, MBNA Europe Finance Ltd, MBNA Europe Holdings Ltd, MBNA General Foundation, MBNA Global Services Ltd, MBNA Indian Services Private Ltd, MBNA Ltd, MBNA R & L S.A.R.L., MBNA Receivables Ltd, Mainsearch Company Ltd, Maritime Leasing (No. 19) Ltd, Membership Services Finance Ltd, Mitre Street Funding S.A.R.L., Molineux RMBS 2016-1 plc, Molineux RMBS Holdings Ltd, Moor Lane Holdings Ltd, NFU Mutual Finance Ltd, NWS Trust Ltd, Nominees (Jersey) Ltd, Nordic Leasing Ltd, Ocean Leasing (July) Ltd, Oystercatcher Nominees Ltd, Oystercatcher Residential Ltd, PIPS Asset Investments Ltd, Pacific Leasing Ltd, Penarth Asset Securitisation Holdings Ltd, Penarth Funding 1 Ltd, Penarth Funding 2 Ltd, Penarth Master Issuer plc, Penarth Receivables Trustee Ltd, Pensions Management (S.W.F.) Ltd, Peony Eastern Leasing Ltd, Peony Leasing Ltd, Peony Western Leasing Ltd, Permanent Funding (No. 1) Ltd, Permanent Funding (No. 2) Ltd, Permanent Holdings Ltd, Permanent Master Issuer plc, Permanent Mortgages Trustee Ltd, Permanent PECOH Holdings Ltd, Permanent PECOH Ltd, Perry Nominees Ltd, Prestonfield Investments Ltd, Proton Finance Ltd, R.F. Spencer And Company Ltd, Ranelagh Nominees Ltd, Retail Revival (Burgess Hill) Investments Ltd, SARL Coliseum, SARL Hiram, SAS Compagnie Fonciere De France, SCI Astoria Invest, SCI De LHorloge, SCI Equinoxe, SCI Rambuteau CFF, SW Funding plc, SW No.1 Ltd, SWAMF (GP) Ltd, SWAMF Nominee (1) Ltd, SWAMF Nominee (2) Ltd, Saint Michel Holding Company No1, Saint Michel Investment Property, Saint Witz 2 Holding Company No1, Saint Witz 2 Investment Property, Salisbury II Securities 2016 Ltd, Salisbury II-A Securities 2017 Ltd, Salisbury III Securities 2019 DAC, Salisbury Securities 2015 Ltd, Sandown 2012-2 Holdings Ltd, Sandown 2012-2 plc, Sandown Gold 2012-1 Holdings Ltd, Sandown Gold 2012-1 plc, Savban Leasing Ltd, Scotland International Finance B.V., Scottish Widows Administration Services (Nominees) Ltd, Scottish Widows Administration Services Ltd, Scottish Widows Annuities Ltd, Scottish Widows Auto Enrolment Services Ltd, Scottish Widows Europe, Scottish Widows Financial Services Holdings, Scottish Widows Group Ltd, Scottish Widows Industrial Properties Europe B.V., Scottish Widows Ltd, Scottish Widows Pension Trustees Ltd, Scottish Widows Property Management Ltd, Scottish Widows Schroder Personal Wealth (ACD) Ltd, Scottish Widows Schroder Personal Wealth Ltd, Scottish Widows Schroder Wealth Holdings Ltd, Scottish Widows Services Ltd, Scottish Widows Trustees Ltd, Scottish Widows Unit Funds Ltd, Scottish Widows Unit Trust Managers Ltd, Scottish Widows Fund and Life Assurance Society, Seabreeze Leasing Ltd, Seaspirit Leasing Ltd, Share Dealing Nominees Ltd, Shogun Finance Ltd, Silentdale Ltd, St Andrews Group Ltd, St Andrews Insurance plc, St Andrews Life Assurance plc, St. Marys Court Investments, Standard Property Investment (1987) Ltd, Standard Property Investment Ltd, Sussex County Homes Ltd, Suzuki Financial Services Ltd, Swan Funding 2 Ltd, Syon Securities 2019 DAC, The Agricultural Mortgage Corporation Plc, The British Linen Company Ltd, The Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland, The Mortgage Business plc, Thistle Financing Holdings Ltd, Thistle Investments (AMC) Ltd, Thistle Investments (ERM) Ltd, Thistle Leasing, Three Copthall Avenue Ltd, Tower Hill Property Investments (10) Ltd, Tower Hill Property Investments (7) Ltd, Tranquility Leasing Ltd, Trinity Financing plc, UDT Budget Leasing Ltd, UDT Sales Finance Ltd, Uberior (Moorfield) Ltd, Uberior Co-Investments Ltd, Uberior ENA Ltd, Uberior Equity Ltd, Uberior Europe Ltd, Uberior Fund Investments Ltd, Uberior Infrastructure Investments (No.2) Ltd, Uberior Infrastructure Investments Ltd, Uberior Investments Ltd, Uberior Nominees Ltd, Uberior Trading Ltd, Uberior Trustees Ltd, Uberior Ventures Australia Pty Ltd, Uberior Ventures Ltd, United Dominions Leasing Ltd, United Dominions Trust Ltd, Universe The CMI Global Network Fund, Upsaala Ltd, Vine Street IX LP, WCS Ltd, Ward Nominees (Abingdon) Ltd, Ward Nominees (Birmingham) Ltd 1, Ward Nominees (Bristol) Ltd 1, Ward Nominees Ltd 1, Waverley  Fund II Investor LLC, Waverley  Fund III Investor LLC, Waymark Asset Investments Ltd, West Craigs Ltd, Wetherby II Securities 2018 DAC, Wetherby III Securities 2019 DAC, Wetherby Securities 2017 Ltd, Wood Street Leasing Ltd, and Zurich Insurance Group - UK Workplace Pensions and Savings Business.

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Humana Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates as a health and well-being company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Retail, Group and Specialty, and Healthcare Services. The company offers medical and supplemental benefit plans to individuals. It also has a contract with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to administer the Limited Income Newly Eligible Transition prescription drug plan program; and contracts with various states to provide Medicaid, dual eligible, and long-term support services benefits. In addition, the company provides commercial fully insured medical and specialty health insurance benefits comprising dental, vision, and other supplemental health benefits; and administrative services only products to individuals and employer groups, as well as military services, such as TRICARE T2017 East Region contract. Further, it offers pharmacy solutions, provider services, and home solutions services, such as home health and other services to its health plan members, as well as to third parties. As of December 31, 2021, the company had approximately 17 million members in medical benefit plans, as well as approximately 5 million members in specialty products. Humana Inc. was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky.
The following companies are subsidiares of Prudential Financial: 210-220 E. 22nd Street SSGA Owner LLC, AIG Edison, AIG Star, AREF Cayman Co Ltd., AREF GP II Pte. Ltd., AREF GP Ltd., ASPF II - Feeder Fund GmbH, ASPF II - Verwaltungs - GmbH & Co. KG, ASPF II Management GmbH, ASPF III Scots L.P., ASSURANCE, AST Investment Services Inc., Adlerwerke CB Investment LLC, Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones Habitat S.A., Administradora de Inversiones Previsionales SpA, Aoba Life Insurance Company, Aoba Life Insurance Company Ltd., Asia Property Fund III GP S.a.r.l., Assurance IQ LLC, Assurance Intelligence LLC, BSC CP LP, Braeloch Holdings Inc., Braeloch Successor Corporation, Brazilian Capital Fund GP Limited, Broad Street Global Advisors LLC, Broome Street Holdings LLC, CB German Retail LLC, CLIS Co. Ltd., COLICO INC., Capital Agricultural Property Services Inc., Chadwick Boulevard Investment Holdings Co. LLC, Cibecue LLC, Coconino LLC, Colico II Inc., Columbus Drive Partners L.P., Commerce Street Holdings LLC, Commerce Street Investments LLC, Coolidge LLC, Coral Reef GP, Coral Reef L.P., Coral Reef Unit Trust, Cottage Street Investments LLC, Cottage Street Orbit Acquisition LLC, DICKENS AVENUE HOLDINGS VI LLC, DICKENS AVENUE PARTNERS VI Ireland L.P., DICKENS AVENUE PARTNERS VI US L.P., Dale/P Minerals Limited Partnership, Don Cesar Investor LLC, Dryden Arizona Reinsurance Term Company, Dryden Finance II LLC, EVP II GP S.a r.l., EVP II Horizon GP S.a r.l., EVP II Sprint GP S.a r.l., Edison Place Senior Note LLC, Essex LLC, EuroCore GP S.a r.l., European Value Partners GP S.a.r.l., Everbright PGIM Fund Management Co. Ltd., Flagstaff LLC, GA 1600 Commons LLC, GA 333 Hennepin Investor LLC, GA BV LLC, GA Bay Area GP LLC, GA Bay Area Investor LLC, GA Belden LLC, GA CLARENDON LLC, GA Cal Crossings LLC, GA Collins LLC, GA E. 22nd Street Apartments Holdings LLC, GA East 86 Street LLC, GA JHCII LLC, GA MENLO PARK INVESTOR LLC, GA Manor at Harbour Island LLC, GA Metro LLC, GA TRITON INVESTOR LLC, GA W Paces LLC, GA/MDI 333 Hennepin Associates LLC, GIBRALTAR BSN HOLDINGS SDN BHD, GIBRALTAR INDIA SOLUTIONS LLP, Gateway Holdings II LLC, Gateway Holdings LLC, German Retail Income CP LP, Gibraltar BSN Life Berhad, Gibraltar International Insurance Services Company Inc., Gibraltar International Service LLC, Gibraltar Reinsurance Company Ltd., Gibraltar Universal Life Reinsurance Company, Glenealy International Limited, Global Portfolio Strategies Inc., Gold GP Limited, Gold II L.P., Gold L.P., Graham Resources Inc., Graham Royalty Ltd., Green Harvest Asset Management LLC, Green Tree GP, Green Tree L.P., Greenlee LLC, Halsey Street Investments LLC, Hirakata LLC, IVP Fund GP LLC, Impact Investments Bridges UK S.a.r.l, Inter-Atlantic G Fund L.P., Inversiones Previsionales Chile SpA, Inversiones Previsionales Dos SpA, Ironbound Fund LLC, Jennison Associates LLC, Kyarra S.a r.l., Kyoei Annuity Home Co. Ltd. Kabushiki Kaisha Kyouei Nenkin Home, LINEUP LLC, Lake Street Partners IV L.P., Lotus Reinsurance Company Ltd., MC GA COLLINS HOLDINGS LLC, MC GA COLLINS REALTY LLC, MC Insurance Agency Services LLC, Manor at Harbour Island LLC, Marble Canyon LLC, Maricopa LLC, Market Street Holdings IV LLC, Montana Capital Partners, Morenci LLC, Mulberry Street Holdings LLC, Mulberry Street Investment L.P., Mulberry Street Partners LLC, Mullin TBG Insurance Agency Services LLC, MullinTBG Insurance Agency Services, National Family Assurance Group LLC, New Savanna, Northbound Emerging Manager Fund A LP, Northbound Emerging Manager Fund II - A LP, Orchard Street Acres Inc., PAI Bay Farm LLC, PAI Bayrock Groves LLC, PAI Belvidere Farms LLC, PAI Big Cypress Farm LLC, PAI Corcoran 640 Ranch LLC, PAI DeKalb Farm LLC, PAI Delano 1500 Ranches LLC, PAI Desert Falcon Farms Manager LLC, PAI Flicker Orchard LLC, PAI Good Hope Farm LLC, PAI Hawk Creek Ranch LLC, PAI Hills Valley Ranches LLC, PAI Holly Hill Groves LLC, PAI Hunt Farm LLC, PAI Jackson Bayou Farm LLC, PAI Lake Placid Groves LLC, PAI River Bend Ranches LLC, PAI Wallula Gap Vineyard LLC, PCP V Cayman AIV GP L.P., PEREF II Co-Invest 1 GP S.a r.l., PEREF II GP S.a r.l., PFI EM-Tech Fund I LLC, PG Business Service Co. Ltd, PG Collection Service Co. Ltd., PG Friendly Partners Co. Ltd., PGA Asian Retail Limited, PGA European Limited, PGI Co. Ltd, PGIM AC Co-Invest GP Pte. Ltd., PGIM AVP IV GP S.a r.l., PGIM Advisory Shanghai Co. Ltd., PGIM Agricultural Investments GP LLC, PGIM Australia Pty Ltd, PGIM Broad Market High Yield Bond Fund L.P., PGIM Broad Market High Yield Bond Partners LLC, PGIM Capital Partners Management Feeder VI LLC, PGIM Capital Partners Management Fund VI L.P., PGIM Custom Harvest LLC, PGIM DC Co-Invest GP Pte. Ltd., PGIM DC JV GP Pte. Ltd., PGIM DC Solutions LLC, PGIM European Financing Limited, PGIM European Services Limited, PGIM Financial Limited, PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives Fund II L.P., PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives Fund L.P., PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives GP LLC, PGIM Fixed Income Alternatives II GP LLC, PGIM Foreign Investments Inc., PGIM Holding Company LLC, PGIM Holdings Limited, PGIM Hong Kong Ltd., PGIM INDIA ASSET MANAGEMENT PRIVATE LIMITED, PGIM INDIA TRUSTEES PRIVATE LIMITED, PGIM IRELAND LIMITED, PGIM Inc., PGIM International Financing Inc., PGIM Investments Ireland Limited, PGIM Investments LLC, PGIM Japan Co. Ltd., PGIM Korea Inc., PGIM LTIF Berlin GP S.a r.l., PGIM LTIF Berlin MLP S.ar.l., PGIM LTIF GP S.a.r.l., PGIM Limited, PGIM Loan Originator Manager Limited, PGIM M Campus GP S.a r.l., PGIM Management Partner Limited, PGIM MetaProp Investor LP LLC, PGIM Netherlands B.V., PGIM Overseas Investment Fund Management Shanghai Company Ltd, PGIM Private Capital Ireland Limited, PGIM Private Capital Limited, PGIM Private Placement Investors Inc., PGIM Private Placement Investors L.P., PGIM QUANTITATIVE SOLUTIONS LLC, PGIM REF EUROPE SCSp, PGIM REF Europe GP S.a r.l., PGIM REF Europe Member LLC, PGIM REF Intermediary Services Inc., PGIM Real Estate CD S.a.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Capital VII GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest L.P., PGIM Real Estate Carry & Co-Invest SCSp, PGIM Real Estate Co-Invest Holdings LLC, PGIM Real Estate Debt GmbH, PGIM Real Estate Finance Holding Company, PGIM Real Estate Finance LLC, PGIM Real Estate France SAS, PGIM Real Estate Germany AG, PGIM Real Estate Global Debt GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate Global Master Fund GP S.a r.l., PGIM Real Estate Inmuebles II S de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate Inmuebles S. de R.L. de C.V, PGIM Real Estate Italy S.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Japan Ltd., PGIM Real Estate Loan Services Inc., PGIM Real Estate Luxembourg S.A., PGIM Real Estate MVP Administradora IV S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Administradora V S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Inmuebles IV S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate MVP Inmuebles V S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate Management Luxembourg S.a.r.l., PGIM Real Estate Mexico S.C., PGIM Real Estate S. de R.L. de C.V., PGIM Real Estate U.S. CORE Debt Fund GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate U.S. Debt Fund GP LLC, PGIM Real Estate UK Limited, PGIM Scots Limited, PGIM Securities Investment Trust Enterprise, PGIM Senior Loan Opportunities Management (Feeder) I LLC, PGIM Senior Loan Opportunities Management Fund I L.P., PGIM Shanghai Company Ltd., PGIM Singapore Pte. Ltd., PGIM Strategic Financing LLC, PGIM Strategic Investments Inc., PGIM Taronga Investor GP LLC, PGIM U.S. Agriculture Fund LP, PGIM USPF VI Manager LLC, PGIM Wadhwani LLP, PGIM Warehouse Inc., PGLH of Delaware Inc., PIFM Holdco LLC, PIIC Limited, PIISC Holdings UK Limited, PIM KF Blocker V Holdings LLC, PIM USPF V Manager LLC, PLA Administradora Industrial SRL, PLA Administradora LLC, PLA Administradora S. de R.L. de C.V., PLA Asesoria Profesional II S. de R.L. de C.V., PLA Asesoria Profesional S.de R.L. de C.V., PLA Co-Investor LLC, PLA Mexico Industrial Manager I LLC, PLA Mexico Industrial Manager II LLC, PLA Retail Fund I Blue LP, PLA Retail Fund I Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II Aggregating Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II LLC, PLA Retail Fund II LP, PLA Retail Fund II Manager LLC, PLA Retail Fund II U.S. Carry/Co-Invest LP, PLA Services Manager Mexico LLC, PLAI Limited, PMCF Holdings LLC, PMCF Properties LLC, PPPF General Partner LLP, PR GA SCP Apartments LLC, PRAMERICA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, PRAMERICA PRECAP VI GP LLP, PRAMERICA PRECAP VI GP SCOTS FEEDER LLP, PRECO Account IV LLC, PRECO Account Partnership IV LP, PRECO III GP LLP, PREFG Hanwha Manager LLC, PREI Acquisition I Inc., PREI Acquisition II Inc., PREI Acquisition LLC, PREI HYDG LLC, PREI International Inc., PRIAC Property Acquisitions LLC, PRICOA Management Partner Limited, PRISA Fund Manager LLC, PRISA II Fund Manager LLC, PRISA II Pooled Manager LLC, PRISA III Fund GP LLC, PRISA III Fund PIM LLC, PRREF Debt Fund Manager LLC, PRREF II Fund Manager LLC, PRU 3XSquare LLC, PRUCO LLC, PRUDENTIAL CAPITAL ENERGY PARTNERS MANAGEMENT (FEEDER) LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP MEMBER LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP REIT LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP VENTURE 2 LLC, PRUDENTIAL MORTGAGE SKP VENTURE LLC, PT PFI Mega Life Insurance, Passaic Fund LLC, Pine Tree GP, Pine Tree L.P., Platinum GP Limited, Platinum II L.P., Platinum L.P., Pramerica Business Consulting Shanghai Company Limited, Pramerica EVP CP LP, Pramerica Financial Asia Headquarters Pte. Ltd., Pramerica Financial Asia Limited, Pramerica Fixed Income Funds Management Limited, Pramerica Fosun Life Insurance Co. Ltd., Pramerica Holdings Ltd, Pramerica Hong Kong Holdings Limited, Pramerica Insurance Agency China Company Ltd., Pramerica Luxembourg CP GP S.a.r.l., Pramerica PRECAP I GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP II GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP III GP LLP, Pramerica PRECAP IV GP LLP, Pramerica Pan European Real Estate Scots LP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital I GP Scots Feeder LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital I Scotland Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital II Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital III Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV GP Limited, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV GP Scots Feeder LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital IV Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital V Netherlands GP LLP, Pramerica Real Estate Capital V Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Real Estate Capital VI Scots Limited Partnership, Pramerica Scots CP GP LLP, Preco III Scotland Limited Partnership, Pru 101 Wood LLC, Pru Alpha Partners I LLC, Pru Fixed Income Emerging Markets Partners I LLC, PruVen Capital Partners Fund I L.P., Pruco Assignment Corporation, Pruco Life Insurance Company, Pruco Life Insurance Company of New Jersey, Pruco Securities LLC, Prudential 900 Aviation Boulevard LLC, Prudential Affordable Mortgage Company LLC, Prudential Agricultural Property Holding Company LLC, Prudential Annuities Distributors Inc., Prudential Annuities Holding Company Inc., Prudential Annuities Inc., Prudential Annuities Information Services & Technology Corporation, Prudential Annuities Life Assurance Corporation, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Captive Company, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Term Company, Prudential Arizona Reinsurance Universal Company, Prudential Bank & Trust FSB, Prudential Capital Energy Opportunity Fund L.P., Prudential Capital Energy Partners L.P., Prudential Capital Energy Partners Management Fund L.P., Prudential Capital Partners Management Fund IV L.P., Prudential Capital and Investment Services LLC, Prudential Chile II SpA, Prudential Chile SpA, Prudential Commercial Property Holding Company LLC, Prudential Equity Group LLC, Prudential Financial Inc., Prudential Fixed Income Global Liquidity Relative Value Partners LLC, Prudential Fixed Income U.S. Relative Value Partners LLC, Prudential Funding LLC, Prudential General Services of Japan Y.K., Prudential Gibraltar Agency Co. Ltd. Prudential Gibraltar Agency Kabushiki Kaisha, Prudential Global Funding LLC, Prudential Holdings of Japan Inc., Prudential Huntoon Paige Associates LLC, Prudential IBH Holdco Inc., Prudential Impact Investments Mortgage Loans LLC, Prudential Impact Investments Private Debt LLC, Prudential Impact Investments Private Equity LLC, Prudential Insurance Agency LLC, Prudential International Insurance Holdings Ltd., Prudential International Insurance Service Company L.L.C., Prudential International Investments Advisers LLC, Prudential International Investments Company LLC, Prudential International Investments LLC, Prudential Investment Management Services LLC, Prudential Japan Holdings LLC, Prudential Legacy Insurance Company of New Jersey, Prudential Mortgage Asset Holdings 1 Japan Investment Business Limited Partnership, Prudential Mortgage Asset Holdings 2 Japan Investment Business Limited Partnership, Prudential Mortgage Capital Asset Holding Company LLC, Prudential Mortgage Capital Funding LLC, Prudential Mortgage Capital Holdings LLC, Prudential Multifamily Mortgage LLC, Prudential Mutual Fund Services LLC, Prudential Newark Realty LLC, Prudential QOZ Investment Fund 1 LLC, Prudential Realty Securities Inc., Prudential Retirement Financial Services Holding LLC, Prudential Retirement Holdings LLC, Prudential Retirement Insurance and Annuity Company, Prudential Securities Secured Financing Corporation, Prudential Seguros Mexico S.A. de C.V., Prudential Seguros S.A., Prudential Select Strategies LLC, Prudential Servicios S. de R.L. de C.V., Prudential Structured Settlement Company, Prudential Systems Japan Limited, Prudential Tax Services LLC, Prudential Term Reinsurance Company, Prudential Trust Co. Ltd., Prudential Trust Company, Prudential Universal Reinsurance Company, Prudential Workplace Solutions Group Services LLC, Prudential do Brasil Seguros de Vida S.A., Prudential do Brasil Vida em Grupo S.A., Prudential/TMW Real Estate Group LLC, Pruservicos Participacoes Ltda., QMA JP EM All Cap Equity Partners LLC, Quartzsite LLC, Residential Services Corporation of America LLC, Rio CP LP, Rock European Real Estate Holdings S.ar.l., Rock Global Real Estate LLC, Rock Kensington Limited, Rock Marty GP S.a r.l., Rock Oxford S.a r.l., Rock UK Real Estate II S.a.r.l., Rockstone Co. Ltd., Rosado Grande LLC, Ross Avenue Energy Fund Holdings LLC, Ross Avenue Minerals 2012 LLC, SCP Apartments LLC, SENIOR HOUSING PARTNERS VI GP LLC, SENIOR HOUSING PARTNERSHIP FUND VI GP LLC, SHP IV Carried Interest LP, SHP V Carried Interest L.P., SMP Holdings Inc., SVIIT Holdings Inc., Sanei Collection Service Co. Ltd. Kabushiki Kaisha Sanei Shuuno Service, Senior Housing Partners V LLC, Senior Housing Partnership Fund V LLC, Sterling Private Placement Management LLP, Stetson Street Partners L.P., Strand Investments Limited, TBG Insurance Services Corporation, TENSATOR HOLDINGS LTD, TF Proveedora S.C., TMW ASPF I Verwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, TMW ASPF Management GmbH, TMW Management LLC, TMW Real Estate Group LLC, TMW Realty Advisors LLC, TMW USPF Verwaltungs GmbH, TRGOAG Company Inc., The Gibraltar Life Insurance Co. Ltd., The Keynes Dynamic Beta Strategy US Fund GP LLC, The Prudential Assigned Settlement Services Corp., The Prudential Brazilian Capital Fund LP, The Prudential Gibraltar Financial Life Insurance Co. Ltd., The Prudential Home Mortgage Company Inc., The Prudential Insurance Company of America, The Prudential Life Insurance Company Ltd., The Prudential Real Estate Financial Services of America Inc., The WMF Group, Thurloe Commercial Guernsey Limited, USPF V - Verwaltungs - GmbH & Co. KG, USPF V Carry LLC, USPF V Co-Invest LLC, USPF V Investment LP, United States Property Fund VI GP S.a r.l., VIP Australia Holding Company LLC, VIP Australia Trustee Pty Ltd, Vailsburg Fund LLC, Vantage Casualty Insurance Company, Wabash Avenue Holdings V LLC, Wabash Avenue Partners V L.P., Wadhwani Capital Limited, Waveland Avenue Holdings I LLC, Waveland Avenue Partners I Ireland L.P., Waveland Avenue Partners I US L.P., Wellness Services Ecossistema De Bem Estar Ltda., Wellness Services SRL, Yamato Life, and Yavapai LLC.

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The following companies are subsidiares of Procter & Gamble: "Petersburg Products International" LLC, "Procter & Gamble Services" LLC, "Procter & Gamble" LLC, 1837 LLC, Agile Pursuits Franchising Inc., Agile Pursuits Inc., Ambi Pur, Arbora & Ausonia, Arbora & Ausonia S.L.U., Avon - Giorgio Beverly Hills, Billie, Braun GmbH, Braun Shanghai Co. Ltd., Celtic Insurance Company Inc., Charlie Banana USA LLC, Corporativo Procter & Gamble S. de R.L. de C.V., DDFSkincare, Detergent Products B.V., Detergent Products SARL, Detergenti S.A., FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd., Fameccanica Data S.p.A., Fameccanica Industria e Comercio Do Brasil LTDA., Fameccanica Machinery Shanghai Co. Ltd., Fameccanica North America Inc., Farmacy Beauty, Fater Central Europe SRL, Fater Eastern Europe LLC, Fater Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Fater S.p.A., Fater Temizlik Urunleri Ltd STI, First Aid Beauty, First Aid Beauty Limited, Folgers Coffee, Fountain Square Music Publishing Co. Inc., Gillette Australia Pty. Ltd., Gillette China Limited, Gillette Commercial Operations North America, Gillette Diversified Operations Pvt. Ltd., Gillette Egypt S.A.E., Gillette Group UK Ltd, Gillette Holding Company LLC, Gillette Holding GmbH, Gillette India Limited, Gillette Industries Ltd., Gillette International B.V., Gillette Latin America Holding B.V., Gillette Management LLC, Gillette Pakistan Limited, Gillette Poland International Sp. z.o.o., Gillette Shanghai Ltd., Gillette U.K. Limited, Gillette del Uruguay S.A., Hyginett KFT, Industries Marocaines Modernes SA, Inversiones Plaza LLC, LLC "Procter & Gamble - Novomoskovsk", LLC "Procter & Gamble Distributorskaya Compania", LLC Procter & and Gamble Ukraine, Laboratoire Mediflor S.A.S., Laboratorios Vicks S.L.U., Lamberts Healthcare Ltd., Liberty Street Music Publishing Company Inc., Limited Liability Company 'Procter & Gamble Trading Ukraine', MDVIP, MERCK KGAA NPV, Marcvenca Inversiones C.A., Merck Consumer Healthcare, Modern Industries Company - Dammam, Modern Products Company - Jeddah, Native, Nature's Best Health Products Ltd., New Chapter Canada Inc., New Chapter Inc., Nioxin Research Laboratories, Noxell Corporation, OUAI, Olay LLC, Oral-B Laboratories, P&G Consumer Health Germany GmbH, P&G Distribution East Africa Limited, P&G Distribution Morocco SAS, P&G Hair Care Holding Inc., P&G Health Austria GmbH & Co. OG, P&G Health France S.A.S., P&G Health Germany GmbH, P&G Healthcare Zhejiang Limited, P&G Industrial Peru S.R.L., P&G Innovation Godo Kaisha, P&G Investment Management Ltd., P&G Israel M.D.O. Ltd., P&G Japan G.K., P&G K.K., P&G Northeast Asia Pte. Ltd., P&G Prestige Godo Kaisha, P&G South African Trading Pty. Ltd., P&G-Clairol, PG13 Launchpad Alpha Inc., PG13 Launchpad Beta Inc., PG13 Launchpad Gamma Inc., PGT Healthcare LLP, PT Procter & Gamble Home Products Indonesia, PT Procter & Gamble Operations Indonesia, Phase II Holdings Corporation, Pressbox, Procter & Gamble Algeria EURL, Procter & Gamble Amazon Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Amiens S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Argentina SRL, Procter & Gamble Asia Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Australia Proprietary Limited, Procter & Gamble Azerbaijan Services LLC, Procter & Gamble Bangladesh Private Ltd., Procter & Gamble Blois S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Brazil Holdings B.V., Procter & Gamble Bulgaria EOOD, Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada Company, Procter & Gamble Canada Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Chengdu Ltd., Procter & Gamble Chile Limitada, Procter & Gamble China Ltd., Procter & Gamble China Sales Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Commercial LLC, Procter & Gamble Czech Republic s.r.o., Procter & Gamble DS Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Danmark ApS, Procter & Gamble Detergent Beijing Ltd., Procter & Gamble Deutschland GmbH, Procter & Gamble Distributing New Zealand Limited, Procter & Gamble Distributing Philippines Inc., Procter & Gamble Distribution Company Europe BV, Procter & Gamble Distribution S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Eastern Europe LLC, Procter & Gamble Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Procter & Gamble Egypt, Procter & Gamble Egypt Distribution, Procter & Gamble Egypt Holding, Procter & Gamble Egypt Manufacturing Company, Procter & Gamble Egypt Supplies, Procter & Gamble Energy Company LLC, Procter & Gamble Espana S.A.U., Procter & Gamble Far East Inc., Procter & Gamble Finance Holding Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Management S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finance U.K. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Investments LLP, Procter & Gamble Financial Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Services S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finland OY, Procter & Gamble France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH, Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH & Co. Operations oHG, Procter & Gamble Ghana Trading Limited, Procter & Gamble GmbH, Procter & Gamble Grundstucks-und Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, Procter & Gamble Guangzhou Consumer Products Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Guangzhou Enterprise Management Service Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Guangzhou Ltd., Procter & Gamble Guangzhou Technology Innovation Co. LTD., Procter & Gamble Gulf FZE, Procter & Gamble Hair Care LLC, Procter & Gamble Health & Beauty Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Health Belgium BV, Procter & Gamble Health Limited, Procter & Gamble Health Ltd., Procter & Gamble Health Poland Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Hellas Single Member Ltd., Procter & Gamble Holding France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Holding GmbH, Procter & Gamble Holding S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Holding Thailand Limited, Procter & Gamble Holdings UK Ltd., Procter & Gamble Home Products Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Honduras S de RL, Procter & Gamble Hong Kong Limited, Procter & Gamble Hungary Wholesale Trading Partnership KKT, Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Inc., Procter & Gamble India Holdings Inc., Procter & Gamble Indochina Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Industrial - 2012 C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial S.C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Costa Rica Limitada, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de El Salvador Limitada de Capital Variable, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Guatemala Limitada, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Panama S. de R.L., Procter & Gamble International Operations SA, Procter & Gamble International Operations SA-ROHQ, Procter & Gamble International Sarl, Procter & Gamble Investment Company UK Ltd., Procter & Gamble Investment Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Italia S.p.A., Procter & Gamble Jiangsu Ltd., Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan Distribution LLP, Procter & Gamble Korea Inc., Procter & Gamble Korea S&D Co., Procter & Gamble L&CP Limited, Procter & Gamble Leasing LLC, Procter & Gamble Levant S.A.L., Procter & Gamble Limited, Procter & Gamble Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Berlin GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Ireland Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing SA Pty Ltd, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Thailand Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Tianjin Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Marketing Romania SRL, Procter & Gamble Mataro S.L.U., Procter & Gamble Mexico Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Mexico Inc., Procter & Gamble Middle East FZE, Procter & Gamble Nederland B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Services B.V., Procter & Gamble Nigeria Limited, Procter & Gamble Norge AS, Procter & Gamble Operations Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Overseas India B.V., Procter & Gamble Overseas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Pakistan Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Peru S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Philippines Business Services Inc., Procter & Gamble Philippines Inc., Procter & Gamble Polska Sp. z o.o, Procter & Gamble Portugal - Produtos De Consumo Higiene e Saude S.A., Procter & Gamble Product Supply U.K. Limited, Procter & Gamble Productions Inc., Procter & Gamble RHD Inc., Procter & Gamble RSC Regional Service Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Retail Services Sarl, Procter & Gamble S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Service GmbH, Procter & Gamble Services Company N.V., Procter & Gamble Services Switzerland SA, Procter & Gamble Singapore Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Spol. s.r.o. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Sverige AB, Procter & Gamble Switzerland SARL, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Limited, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Sales Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited, Procter & Gamble Technology Beijing Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Trading Thailand Limited, Procter & Gamble Tuketim Mallari Sanayii A.S., Procter & Gamble UK, Procter & Gamble UK Group Holdings Ltd, Procter & Gamble UK Parent Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Universal Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Vietnam Company Limited, Procter & Gamble d.o.o. za trgovinu, Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.C.A., Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.R.L., Procter & Gamble do Brasil Ltda., Procter & Gamble do Brazil LLC, Procter & Gamble do Nordeste S/A, Procter & Gamble doo Beograd, Procter & Gamble-Rakona s.r.o., Procter and Gamble Lanka Private Limited, Procter and Gamble SA Pty Ltd., Progam Realty & Development Corporation, Recovery Engineering, Redmond Products Inc., Richardson-Vicks, Richardson-Vicks Real Estate Inc., Riverfront Music Publishing Co. Inc., Rosemount LLC, SPD Development Company Limited, SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH, Series Acquisition B.V., Seven Seas Limited, Shulton Inc., Snowberry, Snowberry New Zealand Limited, Sunflower Distributing LLC, TAOS - FL LLC, TAOS Retail LLC, THIS IS L, TULA, Tambrands, Tambrands Inc., Temple Trees Impex & Investment Private Limited, The Art of Shaving, The Art of Shaving - FL LLC, The Dover Wipes Company, The Gillette Company, The Gillette Company LLC, The Gillette co., The Iams Company Inc., The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, The Procter & Gamble Global Finance Company LLC, The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, The Procter & Gamble U.S. Business Services Company, This is L., This is L. Inc., Thomas Hedley Co, US CD LLC, Vidal Sassoon Shanghai Academy, VitaminHaus Pty Ltd, Walker & Co. Brands Inc., Walker & Company Brands, Wella AG, Zenlen Inc., Zirh, and iMFLUX Inc..

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The following companies are subsidiares of Pfizer: AH Robins LLC, AHP Holdings B.V., AHP Manufacturing B.V., Agouron Pharmaceuticals LLC, Alacer, Alpharma Holdings LLC, Alpharma Pharmaceuticals LLC, Alpharma Specialty Pharma LLC, Alpharma USHP LLC, American Food Industries LLC, Anacor Pharmaceuticals, Anacor Pharmaceuticals Inc., Angiosyn, Array BioPharma, Ayerst-Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, BIND Therapeutics Inc., BINESA 2002 S.L., Bamboo Therapeutics, Bamboo Therapeutics Inc., Baxter International - Marketed Vaccines, BioRexis, Bioren, Bioren LLC, Blue Whale Re Ltd., C.E. Commercial Holdings C.V., C.E. Commercial Investments C.V., C.P. Pharmaceuticals International C.V., CICL Corporation, COC I Corporation, Catapult Genetics, Coley Pharmaceutical GmbH, Coley Pharmaceutical Group, Coley Pharmaceutical Group Inc., Continental Pharma Inc., Covx, Covx Technologies Ireland Limited, Cyanamid Inter-American Corporation, Cyanamid de Argentina S.A., Cyanamid de Colombia S.A., Distribuidora Mercantil Centro Americana S.A., Encysive Pharmaceuticals, Encysive Pharmaceuticals Inc., Esperion LUV Development Inc., Esperion Therapeutics, Excaliard Pharmaceuticals, Excaliard Pharmaceuticals Inc., Farminova Produtos Farmaceuticos de Inovacao Lda., Farmogene Productos Farmaceuticos Lda, Ferrosan A/S, Ferrosan International A/S, Ferrosan S.R.L., FoldRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Foldrx Pharmaceuticals, Fort Dodge Manufatura Ltda., G. D. Searle & Co. Limited, G. D. Searle International Capital LLC, G. D. Searle LLC, GI Europe Inc., GI Japan Inc., GenTrac Inc., Genetics Institute LLC, Greenstone LLC, Haptogen Limited, Hospira, Hospira (China) Enterprise Management Co. Ltd., Hospira Adelaide Pty Ltd, Hospira Aseptic Services Limited, Hospira Australia Pty Ltd, Hospira Benelux BVBA, Hospira Chile Limitada, Hospira Deutschland GmbH, Hospira Enterprises B.V., Hospira France SAS, Hospira Healthcare B.V., Hospira Healthcare Corporation, Hospira Healthcare India Private Limited, Hospira Holdings (S.A.) Pty Ltd, Hospira Inc., Hospira Invicta S.A., Hospira Ireland Holdings Unlimited Company, Hospira Ireland Sales Limited, Hospira Japan G.K., Hospira Limited, Hospira Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Hospira NZ Limited, Hospira Nordic AB, Hospira Philippines Inc., Hospira Portugal LDA, Hospira Produtos Hospitalares Ltda., Hospira Pte. Ltd., Hospira Pty Limited, Hospira Puerto Rico LLC, Hospira Singapore Pte Ltd, Hospira UK Limited, Hospira Worldwide LLC, Hospira Zagreb d.o.o., ICAgen, Idun Pharmaceuticals, Industrial Santa Agape S.A., InnoPharma, InnoPharma Inc., International Affiliated Corporation LLC, JMI-Daniels Pharmaceuticals Inc., John Wyeth & Brother Limited, Kiinteisto oy Espoon Pellavaniementie 14, King Pharmaceuticals Holdings LLC, King Pharmaceuticals LLC, King Pharmaceuticals Research and Development LLC, Korea Pharma Holding Company Limited, Laboratoires Pfizer S.A., Laboratorios Parke Davis S.L., Laboratorios Pfizer Ltda., Laboratorios Wyeth LLC, Laboratorios Wyeth S.A., Laboratorios Pfizer Lda., MTG Divestitures LLC, Mayne Pharma IP Holdings (Euro) Pty Ltd, Medivation, Medivation Field Solutions LLC, Medivation LLC, Medivation Neurology LLC, Medivation Prostate Therapeutics LLC, Medivation Services LLC, Medivation Technologies LLC, Meridian Medical Technologies Inc., Meridian Medical Technologies Limited, Monarch Pharmaceuticals LLC, Neusentis Limited, NextWave Pharmaceuticals, NextWave Pharmaceuticals Incorporated, P-D Co. LLC, PAH USA IN8 LLC, PF Americas Holding C.V., PF Asia Manufacturing B.V., PF PR Holdings C.V., PF PRISM C.V., PF PRISM Holdings S.a.r.l., PF Prism S.a.r.l., PFE Holdings G.K., PFE PHAC Holdings 1 LLC, PFE Pfizer Holdings 1 LLC, PFE Wyeth Holdings LLC, PFE Wyeth-Ayerst (Asia) LLC, PHILCO Holdings S.a r.l., PHIVCO Corp., PHIVCO Holdco S.a r.l., PHIVCO Luxembourg S.a r.l., PN Mexico LLC, PT. Pfizer Parke Davis, Parke Davis & Company LLC, Parke Davis Limited, Parke Davis Productos Farmaceuticos Lda, Parke-Davis Manufacturing Corp., Parkedale Pharmaceuticals Inc., Peak Enterprises LLC, Pfizer, Pfizer (China) Research and Development Co. Ltd., Pfizer (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Pfizer (Perth) Pty Limited, Pfizer (Thailand) Limited, Pfizer (Wuhan) Research and Development Co. Ltd., Pfizer AB, Pfizer AG, Pfizer AS, Pfizer Africa & Middle East for Pharmaceuticals Veterinarian Products & Chemicals S.A.E., Pfizer Anti-Infectives AB, Pfizer ApS, Pfizer Asia Manufacturing Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Asia Pacific Pte Ltd., Pfizer Atlantic Holdings S.a.r.l., Pfizer Australia Holdings B.V., Pfizer Australia Holdings Pty Limited, Pfizer Australia Investments Pty. Ltd., Pfizer Australia Pty Limited, Pfizer B.V., Pfizer BH D.o.o., Pfizer Baltic Holdings B.V., Pfizer Biofarmaceutica Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Pfizer Biologics (Hangzhou) Co. Ltd, Pfizer Biologics Ireland Holdings Limited, Pfizer Biotech Corporation, Pfizer Bolivia S.A., Pfizer Canada Inc., Pfizer CentreSource Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Chile S.A., Pfizer Cia. Ltda., Pfizer Colombia Spinco I LLC, Pfizer Commercial Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer Commercial Holdings TRAE Kft., Pfizer Commercial TRAE Trading Kft., Pfizer Consumer Healthcare AB, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare GmbH, Pfizer Consumer Healthcare Ltd., Pfizer Consumer Manufacturing Italy S.r.l., Pfizer Corporation, Pfizer Corporation Austria Gesellschaft m.b.H., Pfizer Corporation Hong Kong Limited, Pfizer Croatia d.o.o., Pfizer Deutschland GmbH, Pfizer Development LP, Pfizer Development Services (UK) Limited, Pfizer Domestic Ventures Limited, Pfizer Dominicana S.R.L, Pfizer ESP Pty Ltd, Pfizer East India B.V., Pfizer Eastern Investments B.V., Pfizer Egypt S.A.E., Pfizer Enterprise Holdings B.V., Pfizer Enterprises LLC, Pfizer Enterprises SARL, Pfizer Europe Finance B.V., Pfizer Export B.V., Pfizer Export Company, Pfizer Export Holding Company B.V, Pfizer Finance Share Service (Dalian) Co. Ltd., Pfizer Financial Services N.V./S.A., Pfizer France International Investments, Pfizer Free Zone Panama S. de R.L., Pfizer GEP S.L., Pfizer Global Holdings B.V., Pfizer Global Supply Japan Inc., Pfizer Global Trading, Pfizer Group Luxembourg Sarl, Pfizer Gulf FZ-LLC, Pfizer H.C.P. Corporation, Pfizer HK Service Company Limited, Pfizer Health AB, Pfizer Health Solutions Inc., Pfizer Healthcare Ireland, Pfizer Hellas A.E., Pfizer Himalaya Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer Holding France, Pfizer Holding Ventures, Pfizer Holdings Corporation, Pfizer Holdings Europe Unlimited Company, Pfizer Holdings G.K., Pfizer Holdings International Corporation, Pfizer Holdings International Luxembourg (PHIL) Sarl, Pfizer Holdings North America SARL, Pfizer Hungary Holdings TRAE Kft., Pfizer Inc., Pfizer Innovations AB, Pfizer Innovations LLC, Pfizer Innovative Supply Point International BVBA, Pfizer International LLC, Pfizer International Markets Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer International Operations, Pfizer International S. de R.L., Pfizer International Trading (Shanghai) Limited, Pfizer Investment Capital Unlimited Company, Pfizer Investment Co. Ltd., Pfizer Investment Holdings S.a.r.l., Pfizer Ireland Investments Limited, Pfizer Ireland PFE Holding 1 LLC, Pfizer Ireland PFE Holding 2 LLC, Pfizer Ireland Pharmaceuticals, Pfizer Ireland Ventures Unlimited Company, Pfizer Italia S.r.l., Pfizer Italy Group Holding S.r.l., Pfizer Japan Inc., Pfizer LLC, Pfizer Laboratories (Pty) Limited, Pfizer Laboratories Limited, Pfizer Laboratories PFE (Pty) Ltd, Pfizer Leasing Ireland Limited, Pfizer Leasing UK Limited, Pfizer Limitada, Pfizer Limited, Pfizer Luxco Holdings SARL, Pfizer Luxembourg Global Holdings S.a r.l., Pfizer Luxembourg SARL, Pfizer MAP Holding Inc., Pfizer Manufacturing Austria G.m.b.H., Pfizer Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland GmbH, Pfizer Manufacturing Deutschland Grundbesitz GmbH & Co. KG, Pfizer Manufacturing Holdings LLC, Pfizer Manufacturing Ireland Unlimited Company, Pfizer Manufacturing LLC, Pfizer Manufacturing Services, Pfizer Medical Technology Group (Belgium) N.V., Pfizer Medicamentos Genericos e Participacoes Ltda., Pfizer Mexico Luxco SARL, Pfizer Mexico S.A. de C.V., Pfizer Middle East for Pharmaceuticals Animal Health and Chemicals S.A.E., Pfizer New Zealand Limited, Pfizer Norge AS, Pfizer North American Holdings Inc., Pfizer OTC B.V., Pfizer Overseas LLC, Pfizer Oy, Pfizer PFE ApS, Pfizer PFE AsiaPac Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Australia Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Australia Pty Ltd, Pfizer PFE B.V., Pfizer PFE Baltic Holdings B.V., Pfizer PFE Belgium SPRL, Pfizer PFE Brazil Holding S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE CIA. Ltda., Pfizer PFE Chile Holding LLC, Pfizer PFE Colombia Holding Corp., Pfizer PFE Colombia S.A.S, Pfizer PFE Commercial Holdings LLC, Pfizer PFE Croatia Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Eastern Investments B.V., Pfizer PFE Finland Oy, Pfizer PFE France, Pfizer PFE Global Holdings B.V., Pfizer PFE Ireland Pharmaceuticals Holding 1 B.V., Pfizer PFE Italy Holdco 2 S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Italy Holdco S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Korlatolt Felelossegu Tarsasag, Pfizer PFE Limited, Pfizer PFE Luxembourg S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Mexico Holding 3 LLC, Pfizer PFE Netherlands Holding 1 C.V., Pfizer PFE New Zealand, Pfizer PFE New Zealand Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Norway Holding S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE PILSA Holdco S.a r.l., Pfizer PFE Peru Holding LLC, Pfizer PFE Peru S.R.L., Pfizer PFE Pharmaceuticals Israel Holding LLC, Pfizer PFE Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd., Pfizer PFE Private Limited, Pfizer PFE S.R.L, Pfizer PFE Service Company Holding Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer PFE Singapore Holding B.V., Pfizer PFE Singapore Pte. Ltd., Pfizer PFE Spain B.V., Pfizer PFE Spain Holding S.L., Pfizer PFE Sweden Holding 2 S.a.r.l., Pfizer PFE Sweden Holding S.a.r.l., Pfizer PFE Switzerland GmbH, Pfizer PFE Turkey Holding 1 B.V., Pfizer PFE Turkey Holding 2 B.V., Pfizer PFE UK Holding 4 LP, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 1 LLC, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 2 LLC, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 3 LLC, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 4 LLC, Pfizer PFE US Holdings 5 LLC, Pfizer PFE spol. s r.o., Pfizer PFE Ilaclar Anonim Sirketi, Pfizer Pakistan Limited, Pfizer Parke Davis (Thailand) Ltd., Pfizer Parke Davis Inc., Pfizer Parke Davis Sdn. Bhd., Pfizer Pharm Algerie, Pfizer Pharma GmbH, Pfizer Pharma PFE GmbH, Pfizer Pharmaceutical (Wuxi) Co. Ltd., Pfizer Pharmaceutical Trading Limited Liability Company (a/k/a Pfizer Kft. or Pfizer LLC), Pfizer Pharmaceuticals B.V., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Global B.V., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Israel Ltd., Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Korea Limited, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals LLC, Pfizer Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Pfizer Pigments Inc., Pfizer Polska Sp. z.o.o., Pfizer Private Limited, Pfizer Production LLC, Pfizer Products Inc., Pfizer Products India Private Limited, Pfizer Research (NC) Inc., Pfizer Romania SRL, Pfizer S.A., Pfizer S.A., Pfizer S.A. (Belgium), Pfizer S.A. de C.V., Pfizer S.A.S., Pfizer S.G.P.S. Lda., Pfizer S.L., Pfizer S.R.L., Pfizer SRB d.o.o., Pfizer Saidal Manufacturing, Pfizer Sante Familiale, Pfizer Saudi Limited, Pfizer Seiyaku K.K., Pfizer Service Company BVBA, Pfizer Service Company Ireland Unlimited Company, Pfizer Services 1, Pfizer Services LLC, Pfizer Shared Services Unlimited Company, Pfizer Shareholdings Intermediate SARL, Pfizer Singapore Holding Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Singapore Trading Pte. Ltd., Pfizer Spain Holdings Cooperatief U.A., Pfizer Specialties Limited, Pfizer Strategic Investment Holdings LLC, Pfizer Sweden Partnership KB, Pfizer TRAE Holdings Kft., Pfizer Trading Polska sp.z.o.o., Pfizer Transactions Ireland Unlimited Company, Pfizer Transactions LLC, Pfizer Transactions Luxembourg SARL, Pfizer Transport LLC, Pfizer Ukraine LLC, Pfizer Vaccines LLC, Pfizer Venezuela S.A., Pfizer Venture Investments LLC, Pfizer Ventures LLC, Pfizer Worldwide Services Unlimited Company, Pfizer Zona Franca S.A., Pfizer spol. s r.o., Pharmacia, Pharmacia & Upjohn Company Inc., Pharmacia & Upjohn Company LLC, Pharmacia & Upjohn LLC, Pharmacia & Upjohn S.A. de C.V., Pharmacia Brasil Ltda., Pharmacia Hepar LLC, Pharmacia Holding AB, Pharmacia Inter-American LLC, Pharmacia International B.V., Pharmacia LLC, Pharmacia Limited, Pharmacia Nostrum S.A., Pharmacia South Africa (Pty) Ltd, PowderJect Research Limited, PowderMed, Purepac Pharmaceutical Holdings LLC, Redvax, Renrall LLC, Rinat Neuroscience, Rinat Neuroscience Corp., Roerig Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Roerig S.A., Sao Cristovao Participacoes Ltda., Searle Laboratorios Lda., Serenex, Servicios P&U S. de R.L. de C.V., Shiley LLC, Sinergis Farma-Produtos Farmaceuticos Lda., Site Realty Inc., Solinor LLC, Sugen LLC, Tabor LLC, The Pfizer Incubator LLC, Therachon, Thiakis Limited, Treerly Health Co. Ltd, US Oral Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd, Upjohn Laboratorios Lda., Vesteralens Naturprodukter A/S, Vesteralens Naturprodukter AB, Vesteralens Naturprodukter AS, Vesteralens Naturprodukter OY, Vicuron Holdings LLC, Vinci Farma S.A., W-L LLC, Warner Lambert, Warner Lambert Ilac Sanayi ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Warner Lambert del Uruguay S.A., Warner-Lambert (Thailand) Limited, Warner-Lambert Company AG, Warner-Lambert Company LLC, Warner-Lambert Guatemala Sociedad Anonima, Warner-Lambert S.A., Whitehall International Inc., Whitehall Laboratories Inc., Wyeth (Thailand) Ltd., Wyeth AB, Wyeth Australia Pty. Limited, Wyeth Ayerst Inc., Wyeth Ayerst S.a r.l., Wyeth Biopharma, Wyeth Canada ULC, Wyeth Consumer Healthcare LLC, Wyeth Europa Limited, Wyeth Farma S.A., Wyeth Holdings LLC, Wyeth Industria Farmaceutica Ltda., Wyeth KFT., Wyeth LLC, Wyeth Lederle S.r.l., Wyeth Lederle Vaccines S.A., Wyeth Pakistan Limited, Wyeth Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Company, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals FZ-LLC, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals LLC, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals Limited, Wyeth Puerto Rico Inc., Wyeth S.A.S, Wyeth Subsidiary Illinois Corporation, Wyeth Whitehall Export GmbH, Wyeth Whitehall SARL, Wyeth-Ayerst (Asia) Limited, Wyeth-Ayerst International LLC, and Wyeth-Ayerst Promotions Limited.

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Phillips 66 operates as an energy manufacturing and logistics company. It operates through four segments: Midstream, Chemicals, Refining, and Marketing and Specialties (M&S). The Midstream segment transports crude oil and other feedstocks; delivers refined petroleum products to market; provides terminaling and storage services for crude oil and refined petroleum products; transports, stores, fractionates, exports, and markets natural gas liquids; provides other fee-based processing services; and gathers, processes, transports, and markets natural gas. The Chemicals segment produces and markets ethylene and other olefin products; aromatics and styrenics products, such as benzene, cyclohexane, styrene, and polystyrene; and various specialty chemical products, including organosulfur chemicals, solvents, catalysts, and chemicals used in drilling and mining. The Refining segment refines crude oil and other feedstocks into petroleum products, such as gasolines, distillates, aviation, and renewable fuels at 12 refineries in the United States and Europe. The M&S segment purchases for resale and markets refined petroleum products, including gasolines, distillates, and aviation fuels primarily in the United States and Europe. This segment also manufactures and markets specialty products, such as base oils and lubricants. The company was founded in 1875 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas.
Wells Fargo & Company, a diversified financial services company, provides banking, investment, mortgage, and consumer and commercial finance products and services in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Consumer Banking and Lending; Commercial Banking; Corporate and Investment Banking; and Wealth and Investment Management. The Consumer Banking and Lending segment offers diversified financial products and services for consumers and small businesses. Its financial products and services include checking and savings accounts, and credit and debit cards, as well as home, auto, personal, and small business lending services. The Commercial Banking segment provides financial solutions to private, family owned, and certain public companies. Its products and services include banking and credit products across various industry sectors and municipalities, secured lending and lease products, and treasury management services. The Corporate and Investment Banking segment offers a suite of capital markets, banking, and financial products and services to corporate, commercial real estate, government, and institutional clients. Its products and services comprise corporate banking, investment banking, treasury management, commercial real estate lending and servicing, equity, and fixed income solutions, as well as sales, trading, and research capabilities services. The Wealth and Investment Management segment provides personalized wealth management, brokerage, financial planning, lending, private banking, and trust and fiduciary products and services to affluent, high-net worth, and ultra-high-net worth clients. It also operates through financial advisors. Wells Fargo & Company was founded in 1852 and is headquartered in San Francisco, California.
An employee of Richards, Fowkes & Co. speaks with guests at the open house Patrick Spiesser describes a new piece of equipment at the manufacturing facility of Richards, Fowkes, and Co. Dr. Elisa Bickers shows guests renderings of how the organ will appear at Village Presbyterian Church, Prairie View, Ks. Ralph Richards (right) discusses Opus 22 with a guest Dr. Elisa Bickers, Principal Organist of Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kansas, tries out the organ for the first time while talking with guests The pipe organ is commonly known as the "King of Instruments" Open house guests walk through the manufacturing plant to see the many aspects of the organ manufacturing process Open house attendees admire pictures of organs previously made by Richards, Fowkes & Co. Bruce Fowkes (left) talks to an open house guest about Opus 22 Open house at Richards, Fowkes & Co. Opus 23 could be seen in its initial stages at the open house Open house guests, as directed by Bruce Fowkes (right) could climb into the bowels of the organ to examine its inner workings Previous Next

Ooltewah pipe organ builders Richards, Fowkes & Co. celebrated completion of the 22nd organ produced by the company with an open house at its manufacturing facility on Old Lee Highway. It is the companys biggest instrument made since opening in 1988.

The organ was built for Village Presbyterian Church in Prairie Village, Kans., a suburb of Kansas City, Mo. Dr. Elisa Bickers, principal organist for Village Presbyterian, was on hand for the event, playing the organ for the first time and speaking with guests about the church and the organ. The organ is the centerpiece of a comprehensive renovation of the church.

The enormous instrument was built to completion at the Ooltewah facility. It will be disassembled and carefully packed into three trucks for delivery to Prairie Village. The organ should be reassembled at its new home in three weeks time. It is anticipated to take nine months to completely fine tune the organ to perfectly complement the building in which it will be located.

Attendees of the open house were given a tour of the facility which includes a new addition that has made manufacture of larger organs more manageable. Several employees were also available to answer questions and discuss the organ making process.

Twenty of the organs previously made by Richards, Fowkes & Co. reside in locations across the country. The other is located in London, England, at St. Georges Hanover Square, and is the first American-made organ in a London church. During the open house, Opus 23 could be seen in its initial stages. It is being built for Calvary Church in Stonington, Ct.
Bancolombia S.A. provides banking products and services in Colombia, Panama, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. The company operates through nine segments: Banking Colombia, Banking Panama, Banking El Salvador, Banking Guatemala, Trust, Investment Banking, Brokerage, International Banking, and All Other. It offers checking and savings accounts, fixed term deposits, and investment products; trade financing, loans funded by domestic development banks, working capital loans, credit cards, personal and vehicle loans, payroll loans, and overdrafts; financial support to real estate developers and mortgages for individuals and companies; factoring; and financial and operating leasing services. The company also provides hedging instruments, including futures, forwards, options, and swaps; and brokerage, investment advisory, and private banking services, including selling and distributing equities, futures, foreign currencies, fixed income securities, mutual funds, and structured products. In addition, it offers cash management services; foreign currency transaction services; life, auto, commercial, and homeowner's insurance products; and online and computer banking services. Further, the company provides project and acquisition finance, debt and equity capital markets, principal investments, M&A, hedging strategies, restructurings, and structured financing; money market accounts, mutual and pension funds, private equity funds, payment and corporate trust, and custody; internet-based trading platform; inter-bank lending and repurchase agreements; managing escrow accounts, and investment and real estate funds; and transportation, securities brokerage, maintenance and remodeling, and outsourcing services. As of December 31, 2021, it operated 1,015 branches; 28,676 banking correspondents; 529 PAMs; 210 kiosks in El Salvador and 187 in Colombia; and 6,094 ATMs. Bancolombia S.A. was incorporated in 1945 and is headquartered in Medellin, Colombia.
Delek US Holdings, Inc. engages in the integrated downstream energy business in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Refining, Logistics, and Retail. The Refining segment processes crude oil and other feedstock for the manufacture of various grades of gasoline, diesel fuel, aviation fuel, asphalt, and other petroleum-based products that are distributed through owned and third-party product terminal. It owns and operates four independent refineries located in Tyler, Texas; El Dorado, Arkansas; Big Spring, Texas; and Krotz Springs, Louisiana, as well as three biodiesel facilities in Crossett, Arkansas, Cleburne, Texas, and New Albany. The Logistics segment gathers, transports, and stores crude oil, intermediate, and refined products; and markets, distributes, transports, and stores refined products for third parties. It owns or leases capacity on approximately 400 miles of crude oil transportation pipelines, approximately 450 miles of refined product pipelines, an approximately 900-mile crude oil gathering system, and associated crude oil storage tanks with an aggregate of approximately 10.2 million barrels of active shell capacity; and owns and operates ten light product distribution terminals, as well as markets light products using third-party terminals. The Retail segment owns and leases 248 convenience store sites located primarily in West Texas and New Mexico. Its convenience stores offer various grades of gasoline and diesel under the DK or Alon brand; and food products and service, tobacco products, non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, and general merchandise, as well as money orders to the public primarily under the 7-Eleven and DK or Alon brand names. It serves oil companies, independent refiners and marketers, jobbers, distributors, utility and transportation companies, the U.S. government, and independent retail fuel operators. Delek US Holdings, Inc. was founded in 2001 and is headquartered in Brentwood, Tennessee.
The Southeast Regional Tennessee Conference on Social Welfare will be holding its annual Fall Conference on Friday, Nov. 18 from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. at Christ United Methodist Church, 8645 E. Brainerd Road in Chattanooga.

This years theme is: Re-Think, Revitalize, Re-Connect, with breakout sessions which will take on an inter-generational approach as it relates to families, with topics including: ethics, education, culture, rural family networks, the empty nest is full again, elderly protection, generational communication---social media vs. letter writing-talking on the phone, social services, and more.

The keynote speaker will be Jed Mescon.

Continuing Education Hours (CEUs) and Contact Hours will be available, including 2-3 hours in Ethics.



For registration information, contact Paula Foster at 615-313-9980 or pfoster@tcsw.org, or Theresa Jorgensen at 423-298-3269 or tjorgensen@sedev.org. To register online, see link at http://www.tcsw.org/.
EVERTEC, Inc. engages in transaction processing business in Latin America and the Caribbean. The company operates through Payment Services - Puerto Rico & Caribbean; Payment Services - Latin America; Merchant Acquiring; Business Solutions, and Corporate and Other segments. It provides merchant acquiring services, which enable point of sales and e-commerce merchants to accept and process electronic methods of payment, such as debit, credit, prepaid, and electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards. The company also offers payment processing services that enable financial institutions and other issuers to manage, support, and facilitate the processing for credit, debit, prepaid, automated teller machines, and EBT card programs; credit and debit card processing, authorization and settlement, and fraud monitoring and control services to debit or credit issuers; and EBT services. In addition, it provides business process management solutions comprising core bank processing, network hosting and management, IT consulting, business process outsourcing, item and cash processing, and fulfillment solutions to financial institutions, and corporate and government customers. Further, the company owns and operates the ATH network, an automated teller machine and personal identification number debit networks. It manages a system of electronic payment networks that process approximately three billion transactions. The company sells and distributes its services primarily through direct sales force. It serves financial institutions, merchants, corporations, and government agencies. EVERTEC, Inc. was founded in 1988 and is headquartered in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
The following companies are subsidiares of MetLife: 10700 WILSHIRE LLC, 1201 TAB MANAGER LLC, 1350 EYE STREET MANAGER LLC, 1350 EYE STREET OWNER LLC, 150 NORTH RIVERSIDE PE MEMBER LLC, 1925 WJC OWNER LLC, 23RD STREET INVESTMENTS INC., 500 GRANT STREET ASSOCIATES LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, 500 GRANT STREET GP LLC, 6104 HOLLYWOOD LLC, AFP GENESIS ADMINISTRADORA DE FONDOS Y FIDECOMISOS S.A., AGENVITA S.R.L., ALICO HELLAS SINGLE MEMBER LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY, ALICO OPERATIONS LLC, American Life Insurance Company, BEST MARKET S.A., BLOCK VISION HOLDINGS CORPORATION, BLOCK VISION OF TEXAS INC., BORDERLAND INVESTMENTS LIMITED, BOULEVARD RESIDENTIAL LLC, BUFORD LOGISTICS CENTER LLC, CC HOLDCO MANAGER LLC, CHESTNUT FLATS WIND LLC, CLOSED JOINT-STOCK COMPANY MASTER-D, COMPANIA INVERSORA METLIFE S.A., CORPORATE REAL ESTATE HOLDINGS LLC, COVA LIFE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, DAVIS VISION INC., DAVISVISION IPA INC., DELAWARE AMERICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, EURO CL INVESTMENTS LLC, EXCELENCIA OPERATIVA Y TECNOLOGICA S.A de C.V., FORTISSIMO CO. LTD, FUNDACION METLIFE MEXICO A.C., GLOBAL PROPERTIES INC., General American Life Insurance Company, Grand Bank N.A., HASKELL EAST VILLAGE LLC, HOUSING FUND MANAGER LLC, INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL AND ADVISORY SERVICES LIMITED, INVERSIONES METLIFE HOLDCO DOS LIMITADA, INVERSIONES METLIFE HOLDCO TRES LIMITADA, LHC HOLDINGS LLC, LHCW HOLDINGS LLC, LHCW HOTEL HOLDING 2002 LLC, LHCW HOTEL HOLDING LLC, LHCW HOTEL OPERATING COMPANY 2002 LLC, LUMENLAB MALAYSIA SDN. BHD., Logan Circle Partners, MARKETPLACE RESIDENCES LLC, MC PORTFOLIO JV MEMBER LLC, MCJV LLC, MCPP OWNERS LLC, MCRE BLOCK 40 LP, MEC HEALTH CARE INC., MET 1065 HOTEL LLC, MET CANADA SOLAR ULC, METLIFE 1007 STEWART LLC, METLIFE 1201 TAB MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 425 MKT MANAGER LLC, METLIFE 425 MKT MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 555 12TH MEMBER LLC, METLIFE 8280 MEMBER LLC, METLIFE ACOMA OWNER LLC, METLIFE ADMINISTRADORA DE FUNDOS MULTIPATROCINADOS LTDA., METLIFE ALTERNATIVES GP LLC, METLIFE ASHTON AUSTIN OWNER LLC, METLIFE ASIA HOLDING COMPANY PTE. LTD., METLIFE ASIA LIMITED, METLIFE ASIA SERVICES SDN. BHD, METLIFE ASSET MANAGEMENT CORP., METLIFE ASSIGNMENT COMPANY INC., METLIFE BORO STATION MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAMINO RAMON MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAMPUS AT SGV MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CAPITAL CREDIT L.P., METLIFE CAPITAL LIMITED PARTNERSHIP, METLIFE CAPITAL TRUST IV, METLIFE CB W/A LLC, METLIFE CC MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CHILE ADMINISTRADORA DE MUTUOS HIPOTECARIOS S.A., METLIFE CHILE INVERSIONES LIMITADA, METLIFE CHILE SEGUROS DE VIDA S.A., METLIFE CHILE SEGUROS GENERALES S.A., METLIFE CHINO MEMBER LLC, METLIFE COLOMBIA SEGUROS de VIDA S.A., METLIFE COMMERCIAL MORTGAGE INCOME FUND GP LLC, METLIFE CONSQUARE MEMBER LLC, METLIFE CONSUMER SERVICES INC., METLIFE CORE PROPERTY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE CREDIT CORP., METLIFE DIGITAL VENTURES INC., METLIFE ENHANCED CORE PROPERTY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE EU HOLDING COMPANY LIMITED, METLIFE EUROPE INSURANCE d.a.c., METLIFE EUROPE SERVICES LIMITED, METLIFE EUROPE d.a.c., METLIFE EUROPEAN HOLDINGS LLC., METLIFE FINANCIAL SERVICES CO. LTD, METLIFE FM HOTEL MEMBER LLC, METLIFE FUNDING INC., METLIFE GENERAL INSURANCE LIMITED, METLIFE GLOBAL BENEFITS LTD., METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY I GMBH, METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDING COMPANY II GMBH, METLIFE GLOBAL HOLDINGS CORPORATION S.A. De C.V., METLIFE GLOBAL INC., METLIFE GLOBAL OPERATIONS SUPPORT CENTER PRIVATE LIMITED, METLIFE GROUP INC., METLIFE HCMJV 1 GP LLC, METLIFE HCMJV 1 LP LLC, METLIFE HEALTH PLANS INC., METLIFE HOLDINGS INC., METLIFE HOME LOANS LLC, METLIFE INNOVATION CENTRE LIMITED, METLIFE INNOVATION CENTRE PTE. LTD., METLIFE INSURANCE AND INVESTMENT TRUST, METLIFE INSURANCE BROKERAGE INC., METLIFE INSURANCE COMPANY OF KOREA LTD., METLIFE INSURANCE K.K., METLIFE INSURANCE LIMITED, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL HF PARTNERS LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL LIMITED LLC, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND I LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND II LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND III LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND IV LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND V LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND VI LP, METLIFE INTERNATIONAL PE FUND VII LP, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT EUROPE LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LLC, METLIFE INVESTMENTS ASIA LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS PTY LIMITED, METLIFE INVESTMENTS SECURITIES LLC, METLIFE INVESTORS DISTRIBUTION COMPANY, METLIFE INVESTORS GROUP LLC, METLIFE IRELAND TREASURY D.A.C., METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY FUND GP LLC, METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY FUND LP, METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY OWNERS BLOCKER LLC, METLIFE JAPAN US EQUITY OWNERS LLC, METLIFE LATIN AMERICA ASESORIAS E INVERSIONES LIMITADA, METLIFE LEGAL PLANS INC., METLIFE LEGAL PLANS OF FLORIDA INC., METLIFE LHH MEMBER LLC, METLIFE LIFE INSURANCE S.A., METLIFE LOAN ASSET MANAGEMENT LLC, METLIFE LONG SHORT CREDIT FUND LP, METLIFE LONG SHORT CREDIT MASTER FUND LP, METLIFE LONG SHORT CREDIT PARALLEL FUND LP, METLIFE MAS S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE MEXICO HOLDINGS S. DE R.L. DE C.V., METLIFE MEXICO S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE MEXICO SERVICIOS S.A. DE C.V., METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT FUND II LP, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT GP II LLC, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT GP LLC, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT II RATED FUND LP, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT PARALLEL FUND LP, METLIFE MIDDLE MARKET PRIVATE DEBT PARALLEL GP LLC, METLIFE MMPD II SPECIAL LLC, METLIFE MULTI-FAMILY PARTNERS III LLC, METLIFE OBS MEMBER LLC, METLIFE OFC MEMBER LLC, METLIFE ONTARIO STREET MEMBR LLC, METLIFE PARK TOWER MEMBER LLC, METLIFE PENSION TRUSTEES LIMITED, METLIFE PENSIONES MEXICO S.A., METLIFE PET INSURANCE SOLUTIONS LLC, METLIFE PLANOS ODONTOLOGICOS LTDA., METLIFE POWSZECHNE TOWARTZYSTWO EMERYTALNE S.A., METLIFE PRIVATE EQUITY HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE PROPERTIES VENTURES LLC, METLIFE RC SF MEMBER LLC, METLIFE REAL ESTATE LENDING LLC, METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF BERMUDA LTD., METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF CHARLESTON, METLIFE REINSURANCE COMPANY OF VERMONT, METLIFE RETIREMENT SERVICES LLC, METLIFE SECURITIZATION DEPOSITOR LLC, METLIFE SEGUROS S.A., METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING FINCO LLC, METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING FUND LP, METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING GP LLC, METLIFE SENIOR DIRECT LENDING HOLDINGS LP, METLIFE SERVICES AND SOLUTIONS LLC, METLIFE SERVICES CYPRUS LTD., METLIFE SERVICES EAST PRIVATE LIMITED, METLIFE SERVICES EEIG, METLIFE SERVICES EOOD, METLIFE SERVICES SOCIEDAD LIMITADA, METLIFE SERVICES SP Z.O.O, METLIFE SERVICIOS S.A., METLIFE SINGLE FAMILY RENTAL FUND GP LLC, METLIFE SINGLE FAMILY RENTAL FUND LP, METLIFE SOLUTIONS PTE. LTD., METLIFE SOLUTIONS S.A.S., METLIFE SP HOLDINGS LLC, METLIFE STRATEGIC HOTEL DEBT FUND GP LLC, METLIFE SYNDICATED BANK LOAN LUX GP S.A.R.L., METLIFE THR INVESTOR LLC, METLIFE TOWARZYSTWO FUNDUSZY INWESTYCYJNYCH S.A., METLIFE TOWARZYSTWO UBEZPIECZEN NA ZYCIE I REASEKURACJI S.A., METLIFE TOWER RESOURCES GROUP INC., METLIFE TREAT TOWERS MEMBER LLC, METLIFE WORLDWIDE HOLDINGS LLC, METROPOLITAN GENERAL INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN GLOBAL MANAGEMENT LLC, METROPOLITAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN LIFE SEGUROS E PREVIDENCIA PRIVADA S.A., METROPOLITAN LIFE SOCIETATE de ADMINISTRARE a UNUI FOND de PENSII ADMINISTRAT PRIVAT S.A., METROPOLITAN TOWER LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, METROPOLITAN TOWER REALTY COMPANY INC., MEX DF PROPERTIES LLC, MFA FINANCING VEHICLE CTR1 LLC, MIDTOWN HEIGHTS LLC, MIM CAMPUS AT SGV MANAGER LLC, MIM CLAL GENERAL PARTNER LLC, MIM CM SYNDICATOR LLC, MIM EMD GP LLC, MIM I LLC, MIM LS GP LLC, MIM METWEST INTERNATIONAL MANAGER LLC, MIM ML-AI VENTURE 5 MANAGER LLC, MIM OMD MANAGER LLC, MIM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT LLC, MIM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT OF GEORGIA 1 LLC, MIM SPOKANE INDUSTRIAL MANAGER LLC, MIM THIRD ARMY INDUSTRIAL MANAGER LLC, MISSOURI REINSURANCE INC., ML 300 THIRD MEMBER LLC, ML ARMATURE MEMBER LLC, ML BELLEVUE MANAGER LLC, ML BELLEVUE MEMBER LLC, ML CAPACITACION COMERCIAL S.A. DE C.V., ML CERRITOS TC MEMBER LLC, ML CLAL MEMBER LLC, ML CORNER 63 MEMBER LLC, ML DOLPHIN GP LLC, ML DOLPHIN MEZZ LLC, ML HUDSON MEMBER LLC, ML MATSON MILLS MEMBER LLC, ML MILILANI MEMBER LLC, ML OMD MEMBER LLC, ML ONE BEDMINSTER LLC, ML PORT CHESTER SC MEMBER LLC, ML SENTINEL SQUARE MEMBER LLC, ML SLOANS LAKE MEMEBR LLC, ML SOUTHLANDS MEMBER LLC, ML SOUTHMORE LLC, ML SPOKANE INDUSTRIAL MEMBER LLC, ML SWAN GP LLC, ML SWAN MEZZ LLC, ML TERRACES LLC, ML THIRD ARMY INDUSTRIAL MEMBER LLC, ML VENTURE 1 MANAGER S. DE R. L. DE C.V., ML VENTURE 1 SERVICER LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 1 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 2 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 3 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 4 LLC, ML-AI METLIFE MEMBER 5 LLC, ML-URS PORT CHESTER SC MANAGER LLC, MLIA MANAGER I LLC, MLIA PARK TOWER MANAGER LLC, MLIA SBAF COLONY MANAGER LLC, MLIA SBAF MANAGER LLC, MLIC ASSET HOLDINGS II LLC, MLIC ASSET HOLDINGS LLC, MLIC CB HOLDINGS LLC, MLJ US FEEDER LLC, MM GLOBAL OPERATIONS SUPPORT CENTER S.A. DE C.V., MMP CEDAR STREET OWNER LLC, MMP CEDAR STREET REIT LLC, MMP HOLDINGS III LLC, MMP OLIVIAN OWNER LLC, MMP OLIVIAN REIT LLC, MMP OWNERS III LLC, MMP OWNERS LLC, MMP SOUTH PARK OWNER LLC, MMP SOUTH PARK REIT LLC, MNQM TRUST 2020, MREF 425 MKT LLC, MSHDF HOLDCO I LLC, MSV IRVINE PROPERTY LLC, MTL LEASING LLC, MTU HOTEL OWNER LLC, NATILOPORTEM HOLDINGS LLC, NEWBURY INSURANCE COMPANY LIMITED, OCONEE GOLF COMPANY LLC, OCONEE HOTEL COMPANY LLC, OCONEE LAND COMPANY LLC, OCONEE LAND DEVELOPMENT COMPANY LLC, OCONEE MARINA COMPANY LLC, OMI MLIC INVESTMENTS LIMITED, PACIFIC LOGISTICS INDUSTRIAL NORTH LLC, PACIFIC LOGISTICS INDUSTRIAL SOUTH LLC, PARK TOWER JV MEMBER LLC, PARK TOWER REIT INC., PJSC METLIFE, PLAZA DRIVE PROPERTIES LLC, PREFCO FOURTEEN LLC, PREFCO XIV HOLDINGS LLC, PROVIDA INTERNACIONAL S.A., SAFEGUARD HEALTH ENTERPRISES INC., SAFEGUARD HEALTH PLANS INC., SAFEHEALTH LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY, SOUTHCREEK INDUSTRIAL HOLDINGS LLC, ST. JAMES FLEET INVESTMENTS TWO LIMITED, SUPERIOR PROCUREMENT INC., SUPERIOR VISION BENEFIT MANAGEMENT INC., SUPERIOR VISION HOLDINGS INC., SUPERIOR VISION INSURANCE INC., SUPERIOR VISION INSURANCE PLAN OF WISCONSIN INC., SUPERIOR VISION OF NEW JERSEY INC., SUPERIOR VISION SERVICES INC., Safeguard Health Enterprises, Security First Group Inc., THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH AVENUE MEZZANINE LLC, THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH RETAIL HOLDING LLC, THE BUILDING AT 575 FIFTH RETAIL OWNER, THE DIRECT CALL CENTRE PTY LIMITED, TRANSMOUNTAIN LAND & LIVESTOCK COMPANY, UVC INDEPENDENT PRACTICE ASSOCIATION INC., VERSANT HEALTH CONSOLIDATIONS CORP., VERSANT HEALTH HOLDCO INC., VERSANT HEALTH INC., VERSANT HEALTH LAB LLC, VIRIDIAN MIRACLE MILE LLC, VISION 21 MANAGED EYE CARE OF TAMPA BAY INC., VISION 21 PHYSICIAN PRACTICE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, VISION TWENTY-ONE MANAGED EYE CARE IPA INC., Versant Health, WDV ACQUISITION CORP., WFP 1000 HOLDING COMPANY GP LLC, WHITE OAK ROYALTY COMPANY, WHITE TRACT II LLC, and Willing.

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"An Evening with The Mayor" event will be held on Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Glenwood YFD Center, 2610 East 3rd St.There will be updates on the progress in Glenwood and the City of Chattanooga. Refreshments and more will be provided.For more information regarding this event, contact the Council Office at 423-643-7170.
China Mobile Limited provides mobile telecommunications and related services in Mainland China and Hong Kong. The company offers local calls; domestic and international long distance calls and roaming services; and value-added services, such as caller identity display, call waiting, conference calls, and others. It also provides wireless Internet service, as well as digital applications comprising music, video, reading, gaming, and animation; wireline broadband services; and wireline voice services. In addition, it offers dedicated line and IDC services to corporate customers in a range of industry sectors; and basic corporate communication products comprising corporate VPMN and SMS, and tailor made solutions. Further, the company provides international telecommunications services, which includes IDD, roaming, Internet, MNC, and value added business services. Additionally, it offers telecommunications network planning, design, and consulting services; roaming clearance, IT system operation, and technology support services; value-added platform development and maintenance services; mobile data, and system integration and development services; network construction and maintenance, network planning and optimizing, and training services; electronic communication products design and sale of related products; and non-banking financial services. It also provides mobile cloud research and development services; call center services; e-payment, e-commerce, and Internet finance services; and mobile Internet digital content services, as well as operates a network and business coordination center. The company serves 950 million mobile customers and 187 million wireline broadband customers. The company was formerly known as China Mobile (Hong Kong) Limited and changed its name to China Mobile Limited in May 2006. The company was incorporated in 1997 and is based in Central, Hong Kong. China Mobile Limited is a subsidiary of China Mobile Hong Kong (BVI) Limited.
Senate education committee Chairman Lamar Alexander made the following statement on the Education Departments regulation on teacher preparation programs, which was made final Wednesday:

Todays regulation appears to violate the Higher Education Act, which specifically says that statesnot bureaucrats at a distant department in Washingtonare responsible for evaluating whether a colleges program gives teachers the skills they need for the classroom. The regulation also effectively mandates teacher evaluations and forces states to focus on students test scores in a way that Congress explicitly rejected just months ago when we fixed No Child Left Behind and its unworkable National School Board approach.
LeMond Composites announced Wednesday the company will begin manufacturing a new industry-disrupting carbon fiber for the transportation, renewable energy and infrastructure markets. LeMond Composites will invest $125 million to expand its campus by building its first carbon fiber production line at its facility at 103 Palladium Way in Oak Ridge, which is located adjacent to Oak Ridge National Laboratorys Carbon Fiber Technology Facility. The announcement represents the creation of 242 new jobs in Roane County.

We want to thank LeMond Composites for its significant investment in Tennessee and creating 242 new, high-skilled jobs in Roane County, Governor Bill Haslam said. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is one of the states greatest assets, and the partnership between LeMond and ORNL will only strengthen Tennessees world-renowned reputation for manufacturing advanced, innovative products. LeMond Composites decision to invest in Tennessee brings us another step closer toward of goal of being the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.

LeMond Composites new carbon fiber technology, licensed from ORNL, has the potential to transform the automotive and aerospace industries as well as renewable energy and infrastructure markets, Economic and Community Development Commissioner Randy Boyd said. This decision to invest in Tennessee underscores the incredible resources ORNL has to offer companies looking to tap into one of the worlds top research centers, and one that is constantly on the cutting edge of new scientific and technological breakthroughs. On behalf of Team Tennessee, Id like to thank LeMond Composites for its investment and commitment to create nearly 250 new jobs in Roane County.

Offering solutions for high-volume, low-cost carbon fiber, LeMond Composites has secured a licensing agreement with U.S. Department of Energys ORNL. The agreement will make LeMond Composites the first company to offer this new industry-disrupting carbon fiber to the transportation, renewable energy, and infrastructure markets.

We can provide the advantages of our carbon fiber to many industries by improving strength, stiffness and weight reduction, Connie Jackson, CEO of LeMond Composites, said. If you imagine replacing steel, aluminum and fiberglass with our carbon fiber, you can begin to understand the scope of the potential market. Our process will have global applications and we are ready to move forward with scaling the technology.

We have assembled the only team in the world that has executed this proven technology that uniquely positions us to deliver a successful outcome for our customers and stakeholders, Greg LeMond, co-founder of LeMond Composites, said. From our experience, I know that having the right team is a distinct business advantage.

The breakthrough process invented by Ms. Jackson and a research team at ORNLs Carbon Fiber Technology Facility will significantly reduce production costs relative to the lowest cost of industrial grade carbon fiber. This new carbon fiber has the mechanical properties of carbon fiber, but costs significantly less. Until now, manufacturing carbon fiber was an extremely energy-intensive process. This new method greatly reduces energy consumed during production, said officials.

The successful transition of this technology to the private sector demonstrates the Department of Energys commitment to invest in scientific research and development to address the nations energy challenges and deliver solutions to the marketplace, said Thomas Zacharia, ORNL deputy director for science and technology.

Local officials and the Tennessee Valley Authority praised LeMond Composites decision to locate its production operations in Oak Ridge.

On behalf of the city of Oak Ridge, I am extremely pleased to support their announcement of a licensing agreement with Oak Ridge National Laboratory and their development of our first major manufacturing facility dedicated to the production of carbon fiber, Oak Ridge Mayor Warren Gooch said. Although LeMond Industries is widely known for their use of carbon fiber in the bicycle industry, we know that the innovation possibilities of this material are limitless and will be marked in the future with a Made in Oak Ridge, Tennessee name.

"Roane County is excited for another successful project announcement in our community," said Roane County Executive Ron Woody. "We anticipate LeMond Composites being the first of many projects recognizing the multiple amenities Roane County and the region has to offer. Being one of the premier national labs, the Oak Ridge National Lab operated by UT Battelle is truly an anchor in which new technologies and businesses will be developed. We welcome LeMond Composites to our family of new and upcoming technologies and businesses and we stand ready to assist in their new business venture.

TVA and Oak Ridge Electric Department congratulate LeMond Composites on its decision to locate in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, said TVA Senior Vice President John Bradley. Helping to foster new, quality job creation in the Valley is at the core of TVAs mission of service. We are proud to partner with the city of Oak Ridge, the Roan Alliance, and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development to help further that mission.

LeMond Composites plans to break ground on the new facility in January. The first commercially available product will be ready in the first quarter of 2018.
Samsung Electronics on Wednesday slashed its preliminary figure for the third-quarter earnings to reflect losses after discontinuing its fire-prone Galaxy Note 7 smartphone.

Preliminary figure for the third-quarter operating profit was revised down by a third to 5.2 trillion won (US$4.6 billion) from its initial estimate of 7.8 trillion won unveiled last week, according to a regulatory filing.

It was down 29.63 percent from the same period of last year. From the previous quarter, it was down 36.12 percent.

Revenue was downgraded from 49 trillion won to 47 trillion won. The third-quarter revenue was down 9.06 percent from a year earlier. From the previous quarter, it fell 7.73 percent.

Final readings for the third-quarter earnings and net income will be announced later this month after an external audit and approval from board of directors.

Samsung said in the regulatory filing that the company revised its preliminary earnings in accordance with accounting standards, indicating it reflected direct costs from the Note 7 discontinuance.

The downward revision followed Samsung's Tuesday announcement to stop production, sales and replacement of Galaxy Note 7 smartphones, indicating a permanent removal of the model from its product mix.

The South Korean tech behemoth said it decided to stop the production and sales of Galaxy Note 7 for the sake of consumer safety as a top priority.

The discontinuance came as multiple cases of even the replacement phones catching fire and overheating were reported recently.

Nine fire cases were reported globally after Samsung began to exchange older models with new ones, including six in the United States, one in South Korea, one in China and one in China's Taiwan.

About 4.3 million units of Galaxy Note 7 are estimated to have been shipped globally, including 2.5 million phones that had been shipped before Samsung's announcement in early September of its global recall plan.

Given the estimated production cost of about 500 U.S. dollars per Galaxy Note 7 phone, Samsung may have suffered from 1.8 trillion won in losses from the discontinuance, according to a local brokerage estimate.

Including an estimated fall of 0.7 trillion won in operating profit and other costs necessary for refund and exchange into other smartphones, combined losses from the Note 7 incident may have reached around 3 trillion won.

HI Investment and Securities said that the Note 7 discontinuance would have a negative effect on Samsung's brand image and credibility, expecting the effect on Samsung's earnings to continue by the end of next year.
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Hundreds of parents in the eastern Chinese city of Yantai, Shandong Province, demanded justice after a school was suspected of feeding students inferior food used to raise pigs, local media reported.

Parents show photos of inferior food. (Photo/epaper.qlwb.com)

It said the canteen at Haiyang Yingcai School stored pig and chicken feed, while also providing students with moldy steamed bread and soured vegetables. Parents said fruit served by the school canteen is also rotten.

A statement said the school's meat was provided by a supplier, but the operator quickly disavowed any such fact.

The school also explained that eggs, meat and potatoes that looked rotten in pictures taken by parents were either normal or in the process of treatment.

Local authorities have started an investigation and promised to handle complaints in accordance to the law, vowing a report about samples taken on 22 kinds of food would be available in a week.

The private school houses a kindergarten, an elementary and middle school.
Attorney General Mark Herring announced Tuesday he's secured 80,000 drug disposal kits as part of his ongoing effort to ease the deadly toll of prescription painkillers and heroin in Virginia.

Beginning Nov. 1, the attorney general's office will distribute about 50,000 kits statewide with the help of the Virginia Department of Health. The rest of the kits will be available to hospitals, law enforcement agencies, pharmacies and nonprofits through an application process on the attorney general's website.

The kits are large pouches, and the disposal process is simple. The person places unused medications in the pouch and fills it halfway with warm tap water. After 30 seconds, seal and gently shake the pouch and dispose the pouch in a normal trash can. Each pouch, which contains active carbon to break down the medication, can dispose of 45 pills.

Herring said in the first six months of this year, at least 213 Virginians have died from a fatal prescription drug overdose. He expects that by the end of the year, at least 1,000 people will die from overdosing on prescription opioids or heroin.

Heroin was linked to nearly 250 deaths in the state last year. Fentanyl, a prescription opioid that is up to 100 times stronger than morphine, claimed an estimated 221 lives, more than any opiate-based substance other than heroin.

"There are very few families or communities that haven't been touched by this," said Dr. Jody Hershey, director of the health department's West Piedmont district and acting director of the New River Valley district.

Herring said the opioid crisis has roots in the medicine cabinet. People using prescription painkillers for medical reasons slip into addiction, he said. When the pills run out, addicts will seek out cheaper and more easily accessible heroin.

"It's a fast and frightening fall sometimes," Herring said.

Herring has been working to combat the rising overdoses with various approaches, from educational efforts to legislation encouraging reporting of overdoses and expanding the use of naloxone, an overdose antidote, to law enforcement.

Herring announced the new project at Roanoke's Bradley Free Clinic, which has served as headquarters of the Roanoke Valley Hope Initiative. Addicts can go to the clinic or Roanoke Police Department on certain days and turn in their drugs and paraphernalia without fear of arrest, as long as there are no arrest warrants out on them. From there, they'll be placed into treatment programs. Since it launched two months ago, 28 people have sought treatment.

Clinic Executive Director Janine Underwood, who lost her own son to a drug overdose last summer, praised the drug disposal kits as another tool to prevent addiction.

"We need a way to dispose of unwanted medications safely at home," she said.

There is no cost to the state for the drug disposal kits, which were donated by Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals.

Area organizations and law enforcement agencies still host drug take-back days. The next one is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 22. People can drop off unused drugs at the following locations: CVS at Towers Shopping Center in Roanoke; Kroger at Lake Drive Plaza in Vinton; Super Shoes at 1838 W. Main St., Salem; Kroger in Daleville; and Market Street Pharmacy in Craig County. In Roanoke County, people can drop off medications at the fire and rescue station at 150 Hershberger Road and the Kroger stores at Tanglewood Mall and in Bonsack and Cave Spring.
A driving tour of the 318 national highway lets you travel at your own pace and make your own adventure.

The 318 national highway, linking Shanghai in the east to Tibet in the west, is named by Chinese National Geography as Chinas Landscape Avenue.

Starting from the eastern coastal city Shanghai, spanning across Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Anhui, Hubei, Chongqing and Sichuan provinces and ending finally in Tibet, the 318 national highway is the longest and the most beautiful national highway in China.

The 5476km road passes plains, hills, basins and plateaus. The winding 318 highway in Sichuan. [China.com.cn/Photo by Qiu Haiying]

The 318 began being built in 1950 and took 4 years to finish. Most people start their self-guided tour from Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The section from Sichuan to Tibet is the most perilous but boasts the most breathtaking scenery.
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A mini-film shot for the promotion of Miao minority drum dance in western Hunan Province [Photo: China.org.cn / By Wu Jin]

The rhythm of a drumbeat ricocheting between the precipitous cliffs in the isolated villages and towns of western Hunan Province has caused a rapid increase in tourists, who visit the area hoping to watch the local drum dance, a tradition belonging to the local Miao minority group.

Bordering the Phoenix Ancient Town and Zhangjiajie, the two well-known tourism spots, the Xiangxi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture  consisting of capital Jishou and seven counties, including Baojing, Fenghuang and Guzhang  has risen to prominence in recent years thanks to its conservation of natural resources and its preservation of local ethnic cultures.

Visits to Jishou, the county-level city, had risen to more than 7.8 million by the end of August, registering a year-on-year growth of 16.63 percent and contributing over 5.6 billion yuan (US$811.46 million) to the city's revenues, which grew by 21.03% year on year.

The increasing popularity of Jishou among travelers started in 2013 when the city hosted its first Tourism Festival of Ecologies and Cultures. The festival, which is scheduled to open on Oct. 15 this year, is the third time the city will charm the external world with its drum dance, its dazzling silver dotted costumes, its magnificent landscape and its well-preserved ecological diversity.

"The number of tourists has surged by 436 percent since the launch of the first Tourism Festival, which has driven local economic and social development," said Chen Xiaolong, deputy secretary of the Committee of the Communist Party of China of Jishou City.

The connection between Jishou and the rest of the world can be traced back to the construction in the middle of the last century of a 6.5-kilometer traffic artery that zigzags through the mountainous area's gorges and ravines.

Nowadays, however, the traffic has rapidly increased with the construction of the Aizhai Suspension Bridge, the world's highest and longest tunnel-to-tunnel bridge, as well as the newly-built expressways and airports that enable more convenient access to Jishou and its surroundings.

For the upcoming tourism festival, the drum dance in Jishou will be partnered with other drum troupes from provinces of Shaanxi, Yunnan, Zhejiang and Taiwan and Russia to stage an audio and visual feast to please travelers from both home and abroad.

"The drum dance of the Miao Minority is a symbolic ritual for the local people to connect themselves with the divining spirits of their ancestors," said Liu Zhenyu, the party secretary of Jishou CPC Committee, during a briefing yesterday on the upcoming tourism festival to media outlets in Beijing.

To accelerate the progress of poverty alleviation, the Jishou government has also introduced investments from the Hebei Showland Real Estate Group Co Ltd. to explore resources for the development of the local economy.

A signing ceremony held between the Jishou Government and the Hebei Showland Real Estate Group Co Ltd. on Oct. 11. [Photo by Wu Jin / China.org.cn]
Three months ago, Gao Jun, a co-worker from a church in Inner Mongolia, and Brother Zhao Yizhong launched the "grant ministry for seminarians".

In the first phase, the ministry collected a fund of 20,050 yuan through a social networking crowdfunding platform called Qingsongchou within a month. Then, it has distributed an education grant of 1000 yuan to each of the 20 financial disadvantaged seminarians selected for the program.

The aided seminary students come from six seminaries which includes Yanjing Theological Seminary, Chinese Mission Seminary and other provincial seminaries located in Hubei, Inner Mongolia, Shaanxi and Beijing. Candidates should be recommended by the seminaries and those who qualify and pass the check will receive grants.

Co-founded by many Christians, the grants for seminarians aim to support poor but excellent students. It has no connection with any church or local CCC&TSPM. For the purpose of "assisting theology with donations", it works to "make its contribution to theology construction."

Talking about why it was founded, Gao Jun, one of the initiators, tells CCD that this summer, a couple who quit their jobs to studying theology after having experienced God's grace had to work part-time to feed themselves on holidays or leisure time. Knowing this, Gao gave a donation to support their living. Having received it, the wife told him that they only had 20 yuan that couldn't pay their meals for the next day in the pocket that day. She thanked God for preparing this for them. Moved by this, he started to give donations to poor seminarians.

He says, "Everyone donates a bit, donates the daily expense used to buy cigarettes, wine, clothes, cosmetics, jewelry or bags to assist theology (construction) ! Every day we forward it to the friend's circle and WeChat groups, which is all assistance..."

Gao continues that it is onerous to do this ministry by the two and hopes for more people to join in it.
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen called on Beijing that the both sides of the Strait to resume and sit down to restart the peace talks as soon as possible during her maiden national day address.

Knowing that Tsai's request to resume talks comes nearly five months after Beijing halted official communication with the island nation.

Tsai said that there will be no general agenda to be included in the discussion for as long as it is helpful to the development of cross-strait peace and as well as the welfare of people on both sides.

However, the Taiwanese leader still refused to accept the crucial "One China principle."

Tsai said that they will not change their pledges as well as their goodwill but they will not bow to pressure and revert not the old path of confrontation.

Tsai chose to continue with her confrontation policy denyibg the 1992 consensus over the One China principle that left China nettled about the taiwanese leader's decision.

Although Tsai wanted a friendly relationship with China yet her peaceful approach were considered hypocritical respect by Beijing.
Jeff Smith, community organizer and former Assemblyman for the 93rd District, gave a presentation entitled Expansion of Factory Farms to a Community Conversations gathering at Menomonie Public Library on Saturday.

The DNR held a hearing in September that 200 citizens attended. A 590 plan was presented for an enlargement of Cranberry Creek Dairy Farm, a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (or CAFO) located in the southern Dunn County towns of Rock Falls and Peru. Some attendees objected to the plan because they had not given either verbal or written approval for the spread of manure on their properties that had been included in this plan.

Among the concerns expressed during Smith's presentation are that CAFOs are self monitored, being required to test every five acres with soil samples. Unfortunately, very few farms comply with this monitoring.

Smith explained that the EPA is now assessing the Wisconsin DNR's monitoring process to assure that drinking water remains uncontaminated. Already there is the concern that CAFOs have contaminated the drinking water in Kewaunee County, in eastern Wisconsin, so that one-third of the private wells have been contaminated.

It seems the over-application of nutrients in manure, such as nitrates, potassium and phosphorus, causes leaching of these nutrients from the fields into the ground water and leading to concerns about contamination of wells with viruses and bacteria.

Another worry raised is the loss of small dairy farms by the introduction of industrial farms. In the 1980s, there were 50,000 to 60,000 dairy farms in Wisconsin. In 2016, there are just under 10,000 farms.

With the increase of 5,000 animal units in the Cranberry Creek Dairy, one local farmer estimated that 20 small farmers will be driven out of business, noting that the large farmers get subsidies, tax advantages and efficiencies not available to small farmers.

Also, there is currently a limited market for dairy products in the global market. When the market is flooded with dairy products, the small farmers are unable to stop milking the cows as the price for their product drops.

One attendee asked if there is really a creation of jobs by these farm factories and pointed out that the small farmer is replaced by migrant workers who send their money back home. The pay for these new jobs is at a low wage, with profits from the dairy industry being concentrated in the hands of fewer and more wealthy individuals.

Others are worried about the aerial spraying of manure done by CAFOs through an irrigation system. In addition to odor, there is a concern about air pollution that may affect the health of the workers and neighbors.

The group gathered learned that the ability of local government to oversee CAFOs is limited by a law called the Livestock Facility Siting Rule that was signed by former Governor Jim Doyle in 2004. Decisions about CAFOs are made at the state level.

Tom Quinn, a Dunn County Board supervisor and chair of the Planning, Resources and Development Committee, pointed out that the only control over the permitting process that the counties have is the storage of manure. A county can place a moratorium on the CAFO though this permitting process.

Moratoriums allow time for elected county officials to gather information from neighboring farmers, residents and community members to learn about the impacts of the expansions and find out how to protect the interests of the residents of the county.

Counties can join together to find a way to understand how to deal with farms that may increase to levels of 10,000 to 20,000 animal units. Smith suggested that the state legislature can be encouraged to be given more oversight to the counties in the development of ordinances in regards to these industrial farms.

Other questions included whether there can be a model of farming that supports the mid-sized farm. Can livestock be integrated into the landscape with grazing rather than the model offered by CAFOs?

Smith encouraged citizens to unite to protect our clean water, clean air, and health. We should be able to have both good food and good water, he said.

He also urged the group to support the DNR, noting that they are the professionals who know how to protect the environment. Unfortunately, they are overworked thanks to budget cuts and a shrinking workforce, Smith added, noting that the ratio of DNR employees to oversee these farms is one professional for nine counties.

"Most of our elected officials will tell the voter that they believe in local control but actually vote to eliminate local control," Smith said. "Who knows better about the need for clean air, clean water, and quality of life than those who live next to these enlarging factory farms? It is important that we have representatives in government who represent the people and their needs rather than the good of corporations who are taking over our farming industry."
EAU CLAIRE  Patsy Danovsky remembers when the Affordable Care Act became law, her cousins workplace dropped having insurance. Instead, the company told its employees to get insurance from the health care exchange, a part of whats informally called Obamacare.

Danovsky, who lives in a section of Eau Claire thats within Chippewa County, said her cousins insurance premium through whats officially called the Federally Facilitated Marketplace in Obamacare was less. But the cousin, who has a heart condition, was socked with a huge deductible, the amount policyholders have to pay first before insurance will cover any expense.

They were paying for a policy without getting medical care, Danovsky said.

The cousins yearly deductible for her policy was $5,000 while the cousins husbands had a $10,000 deductible. Today they pay a $550 health insurance premium a month.

We need to repeal it and go back to (private) insurance, Danovsky said after what was billed as a round table discussion by Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson. He is being challenged in the Nov. 8 election by the man he defeated six years ago, Democratic former U.S. Sen. Russ Feingold.

Danovsky was invited to attend the discussion with Johnson at the Chippewa Valley Technical Colleges Energy Education Center in Eau Claire.

Invited to participate in the round table was Dr. James W. Appel, DC, of Appel Chiropractic of Lake Hallie. He said the ACA is hurting both his practice and the practice of other chiropractors.

He said only three chiropractors in the Chippewa Falls area and eight in the Eau Claire area are covered under Obamacare policies. Appel, who is not among the three included, said allowing access to only three chiropractors in an area is ridiculous.

All patients should have their choice of chiropractic service, he said.

He said his wife has multiple sclerosis, so his family at one time had two insurance policies covering himself, his wife and one of their children. But when the premiums hit $2,200 a month, his family dropped the plans. We pay for everything out of pocket, he said.

Call to repeal

The Affordable Care Act went into effect March 23, 2010, and Johnson has been a persistent critic.

From my standpoint, Obamacare should be repealed and replaced by freedom of choice, Johnson said, adding he would allow Wisconsinites to buy health insurance in other states.

He said in three of Wisconsins 72 counties, buyers can select only one insurance plan under Obamacare, which Johnson said he fears will eventually lead to a single-payer system.

Its been a miserable failure, he said of Obamacare.

Others disagree with that assessment.

Since the Affordable Care Act became law, health care prices have risen at the lowest rate in 50 years. Premiums for the 150 million Americans with employer-sponsored insurance have grown at some of the slowest rates on record, said Johnathan Gold, press secretary for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

All Wisconsin consumers, no matter where they get their coverage, are benefiting from ACA protections like no more exclusions for preexisting conditions, no annual limits on coverage, and no cost sharing for preventive services.

The state insurance commissioners office paints a less rosy view. It said this week premiums are expected to increase an average of nearly 16 percent from plans under the ACA. In Wisconsin, about 244,000 people get insurance through the ACA health insurance exchange.

A supporter of the ACA, Robert Kraig, executive director of the Citizen Action of Wisconsin group based in Milwaukee, said many rate filings by health insurance companies blame premium increases on rising drug costs and rising costs of all medical services.
Editors note: Due to the nature of their work, Family Support Centers advocates ask only to be identified by their first names.

Living violence-free is a fundamental right of being a human being. Yet its difficult for anyone who has experienced domestic violence to come forward and get help, Family Support Centers domestic violence youth advocate Erin said.

Now imagine that kind of stress on someone whose brain hasnt even fully developed.

Thats why Erin works specifically with children ages 5-17 who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence.

Parents dont always know how much a child is impacted by violence, and theres a lot of denial because its less scary to think the child is too young to understand, Erin said. The reality is, even if the child is up in their room and youre yelling, they can hear it and theyre scared. That transfers into their school life and the way they relate to other people.

In 2015, Family Support Center helped 154 children who were affected by domestic violence receive support, counseling and education. In total, they served 421 survivors of domestic violence in the same year.

In 2015, 58 people were killed by their abuser, according to the annual homicide report in Wisconsin. Statistically, one in three women and one in six men are victims of domestic violence.

For children to see the youth advocate, a non-abusive parent or guardian would have to sign the child up, do an intake with Erin, sign paperwork and confidentiality agreements.

Through sessions at the center and weekly school counseling appointments, Erin connects with many children who have in some way been affected by domestic violence. She travels to elementary, middle and high schools throughout Chippewa County to provide a safe place for children to talk, play games and know someone is there for them.

Its a space for them to share information with me, to talk about whatever they want, Erin said. I dont prescribe, treat or label. I try to give kids that power in their lives, and they get to decide what we do.

Each session is activity-oriented and varies based on the situation, but she said she works on a lot of coping strategies and safety planning to help children remain calm if their parents get involved in a fight and to understand its not something they should get in the middle of.

She also works to help children develop social thinking skills, conversation skills and basic needs some people take for granted.

There are a lot of deficits in brain development when youre in trauma mode, and a lot of these kids are really angry, Erin said. My framework is to address those deficits and look at them as OK, youre missing a skill, youre not a bad kid. I can work with them on skills to have control and to understand abuse in an age-appropriate way.

The biggest connection she tries to make is between the child and their protective parent, because thats vital in helping the child feel more secure. Sometimes thats through family therapy sessions, or simply creating a safe space for them to work together on a project.

While she is not a mandated reporter, if she feels the child is in immediate danger that parent is the first person shed reach out to.

Resiliency is not something a kid is born with, and youre more vulnerable as a child, Erin said. But resiliency can come quickly with relationships and fostering a predictable space and skill-building activities.

With October being domestic violence awareness month, the Family Support Center will have displays about what domestic violence looks like, who it affects and resources in various locations throughout the city. Some of those include the Chippewa County Courthouse, the Chippewa Falls Public Library, Marshfield Clinic and other health clinics.

Their big event is Walk A Mile Chippewa Valley, which occurs at noon on Sunday, Oct. 23 at the Carson Park Pine Pavilion in Eau Claire.

Same-day registration begins at 11 a.m. and is $25 for adults and $15 for students. Four to eight member teams can be created, and team themes are encouraged. There will be a prize for the best-dressed teams.

Register by going to eventbrite.com and searching Walk A Mile-Chippewa Valley or come early the day of the event.

Mattie, a domestic violence advocate, said this event is one small way for survivors to feel empowered and for community members to show support.

It shows that survivors arent alone in their journey; were there for them and support them, as an agency and as a community, Mattie said. They do have people to turn to, its not just a wall, theres a door.

The walk is an expansion of the Walk A Mile In Her Shoes international mens march, Mattie said. But this one encourages people of all genders, ages and walks of life to participate.

Proceeds from the event go toward Family Support Center, Bolton Refuge House in Eau Claire, the Womens and LGBTQ Resource Center on the UW-Eau Claire campus and Bridge to Hope in Menomonie.

Participating may be a small way to show your support, but Erin said it can go a long way.

You wont know who the survivors are, but there are going to be survivors there, and youre showing them you care about them, she said. That could be a tremendous empowering moment for someone and you might not realize it.
The world faces plenty of daunting challenges, but are any more dangerous, complicated and seemingly irresolvable than the civil war in Syria? Its current focus is Aleppo, a northern Syrian city of 2 million people. About 250,000 of them are civilians trapped in the eastern part of the city, which is controlled by opposition forces.

About 100,000 are children. Food, medicine and doctors are in short supply. Schools and hospitals have closed or been destroyed. Many children have died, many more are at serious risk. The city is facing a desperate humanitarian crisis.

Only Syrian president Bashar al-Assad has a clear, uncomplicated course: he is determined to retake his country from opposition forces, and he has revealed no scruples about bombing eastern Aleppo into submission. Air attacks are indiscriminate, and the weapons include huge bunker buster bombs, barrel bombs, chlorine gas and incendiary cluster bombs intended to set neighborhoods on fire.

These are appalling war crimes. Can anything be done to prevent them?

The complexity of this question was embodied in two columns in the same edition of the New York Times last week, both by experts with significantly different views.

Steven Simon, a professor at Amherst College and previously the National Security Councils senior director for the Middle East, and Jonathan Stevenson, a senior fellow at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, argue for a hands-off policy in Dont Intervene in Syria. They counsel diplomacy over military action. They refer to recent efforts by the United States and Russia to produce a cease fire, implement humanitarian operations and search for a political solution.

They admit candidly that these efforts have fallen apart but contend that the only sensible next step is to try again.

Columnist Nicholas Kristof, on the other hand, argues for a more vigorous response. He faults President Obama for his paralysis regarding Syria and calls it a huge blot on his legacy.

Kristofs column is framed by the suffering of a 7-year-old girl in Aleppo, Bana al-Abed, and her mother, who have been tweeting reports of the carnage around them. The columns title says it all: I Am Very Afraid I Will Die Tonight.

Kristof calls for action, something short of ground troops. But while he blames Obama for not employing more robust strategies advocated by Hillary Clinton, David Petraeus, John Kerry and others, he admits that we cant be sure that these strategies would have worked, anyway.

In short, neither of these alternatives sounds promising, and neither is likely to provide relief to Bana al-Abed any time soon. Maybe more strategic thinking is called for:

Imagine this region five years from now. Iran is the dominant power in a swath of land that stretches from Tehran to Damascus. Iraq is still a country with a Shia-dominated government comfortable with the Shia regime in Tehran. Bashar al-Assad is still in power, but the atrocities have stopped. The Kurds have carved out their homeland and are generally left alone. Sunni and Christians have been accommodated into this Shia-dominated region, or they have emigrated. ISIL has been destroyed, and a reasonable stability has been achieved.

Is this the perfect scenario? No. Some of the stability is the result of a tense standoff between rivals Iran and Saudi Arabia, based largely on the ancient Sunni/Shia divide; its unfortunate that Russia got involved in this area, at all; and Israel will be threatened by a stronger Iran.

On the other hand, the U.S. will remain committed to Israels protection. Iran may make nice with Russia, but theyre unlikely to readily accommodate Russias ambitions in the region. And while the current regime in Tehran is dominated by oppressive theocrats, the Iranian people show inclinations toward modernity and the West that far exceed Saudi Arabias.

But whether this is a good scenario or not may not be as important as the likelihood that it could be the inevitable result of a chain of events that began when we invaded Iraq in 2003 and over which we have no control.

It could be worse. And Bana al-Abed might still be alive.
New Delhi: Stepping up investments on projects that entail internal funding, state-owned BSNL will pump in about Rs 2,500 crore during the second half of this fiscal in various projects such as expansion of wifi hotspots, installation of mobile towers and strengthening core network.

"Our investments for full fiscal are in two parts. About Rs 4,000 crore is earmarked for BSNL's own projects and Rs 3,000 crore for government-funded projects," Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) Chairman and Managing Director, Anupam Shrivastava told PTI.

"For projects that are being funded by us, we have already pumped in about Rs 1,500 crore during the first half of the fiscal, and about Rs 2,500 crore will be invested between October and March for setting up of wifi hotspots, GSM expansion and strengthening of core network," he said.

Installation of mobile towers in Left-Wing Extremist states, BharatNet and Defence's network for spectrum project, are among the government-funded programmes being executed by BSNL.

Projects that are funded internally include expansion of Wifi hotspots, GSM mobile network, and strengthening of core network, that is, laying of optical fibre and investment in related network equipments.

Under the GSM expansion project, BSNL will install 20,000 BTS this fiscal to improve service quality, and most of these would be installed between now and March, he said.

The telecom PSU, has opted for a mix of "capex and opex model" for wifi roll out.

"Currently, 2700 wifi hotspots are already in place in the country and we would like to take it to 40,000 wifi hotspots by March 2018. Our wifi strategy is based on opex and capex model," he said.

The 'opex model' involves creation of wifi hotspots by franchisees who install, manage and run the sites for a period of five years. The partners are also responsible for sales and marketing activity and operate on revenue-sharing model.

Under the 'capex model', BSNL creates and owns its wifi hotspots, he explained.

"We are going to connect these hotspots to our mobile network and therefore when our mobile customer enters our wifi zone, the data session will be seamlessly transferred to the Wifi hotspot. It will be part of his data package, but he will suddenly start getting high speeds," Shrivastava added.
New Delhi: IL&FS Engineering and Construction Company today said it has bagged Rs 162.58 crore order from GAIL for a pipeline in Bihar.

The engineering major "has received the Fax of Acceptance (FOA) from GAIL for laying and construction of pipeline along with associated facilities of section II pipeline from Chainage 159.70 km to Receiving Terminal Cum Future IP Station-4 at Dobhi (Chainage 345.08 km.) for Phulpur-Haldia Pipeline Project (Phase 1B) in Bihar", as per a BSE filing.

The total length of the pipeline is 185.38 km and the total value of the contract is Rs 162.58 crore. The project is to be mechanically completed in 15 months from date of FOA and with additional 3 months for drying, commissioning and GAS-IN.

IL&FS Engineering Services recently won a Rs 173.13 crore pipeline laying contract from GAIL for a section of Kochi-Koottanad-Bangalore-Mangalore Pipeline Project Phase-II in Kerala.

The company is also executing an EPC contract for Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves (ISPRL), Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, for laying of pipeline from Land Fall Point (LFP), Mangalore Port to Mangalore/Padur Cavern via Intermediate Valve Station (IVS) for storage of crude oil.
Samsung announced the recall of 2.5 million Note 7s in early September following reports of the phones catching fire.

Shares of Samsung Electronics Co Ltd opened weaker on Wednesday, touching a one-month low due to concerns about the firm's prospects after it scrapped its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphones due to continuing safety risks.

The world's top smartphone maker on Tuesday said it permanently halted sales of the beleaguered flagship smartphone in what could be one of the costliest product safety failures in tech history.

Samsung announced the recall of 2.5 million Note 7s in early September following reports of the phones catching fire. The firm appeared to have the situation under control as it started replacing the phones with devices using different batteries, until the emergence of fresh reports of fires in these new phones.

Samsung shares were down 2.9 per cent in early Wednesday trade after touching a one-month low of 1.494 million won ($1,340.21), reflecting concerns about fourth-quarter earnings as well as the potential long-term impact on the firm's smartphone business.

"Damage control at Samsung will face an uphill battle to redeem the company's tarnished image owing to the dangerous and dramatic nature of the phone's failure," Frost & Sullivan analyst Vijay Michalik said.

Analysts say a permanent end to Note 7 sales could cost Samsung up to $17 billion. While the damage to Samsung's brand remains hard to quantify, negative publicity from the botched recall could boost rivals such as Apple Inc at Samsung's expense.
At present, Air India is using the Atlantic route, which consumes more than 17 hours to reach San Francisco

New Delhi: Now, you can reach San Francisco early, as Air India on October 12 announced its new route from Delhi to San Francisco over the Pacific Ocean which will save both fuel and time.

At present, Air India is using the Atlantic route, which consumes more than 17 hours to reach San Francisco, Air India chairman and managing director Ashwani Lohani told to ANI.

"It will reduce flights hours, as earlier we use to cover the distance between Delhi to SFO in more than 17 hours and now with the new route, the time has been reduced by one and half hours," Lohani said.

Air India also announced that this flight from Delhi to San Francisco would fly for six days in week.

Earlier, it was three days in week.
India already has 15 so-called asset reconstruction companies, and setting up another one and loading it up with non-performing loans.

New Delhi: India may merge two large state banks in the coming fiscal year once a cleanup of bad assets has run its course, the official overseeing a turnaround of the sector told Reuters, days before a new process to resolve stressed assets goes live.

Consolidation of India's public-sector banks would represent a final step in rebuilding a financial system capable of underwriting credit growth and job-creating investment in Asia's third-largest economy.

First, though, the state banks must cleanse their balance sheets.

They accounted for 88 per cent of a pile of stressed loans that exceeded $138 billion in June, the legacy of a lending binge under the last government that has hobbled Prime Minister Narendra Modi's growth agenda.

Vinod Rai, the veteran bureaucrat hired this year to head a new Banks Board Bureau, said a next step could be the merger of "two large Mumbai-based banks" that he declined to identify.

"Once that consolidation has taken place, in the second phase, we will put a weaker, smaller bank into this merged entity," he said in an interview.

Rai declined to go into detail, saying deliberations were preliminary and depended on the success of efforts to restructure the balance sheets of India's nearly two dozen public sector banks.

Apart from market leader State Bank of India, now acquiring several affiliates, the two largest public sector banks based in India's financial capital are Bank of Baroda and Bank of India.

Seeking resolution

Rai, a 68-year-old former auditor general, was hauled out of retirement to strengthen management at state banks that had often succumbed to political pressure to back projects that were not economically viable.

His mandate quickly grew, however, and a proposal to create an advisory committee that could review proposals to take writedowns, or "haircuts", on irrecoverable loans was enshrined in a Reserve Bank of India circular in June.

The Scheme for Sustainable Structuring of Stressed Assets, or S4A for short, survived a leadership transition at the central bank and is backed by its new governor, Urjit Patel, who announced after his first policy meeting last week that he would tweak its terms to make it more practical for banks.

"I have had detailed discussions with the new governor, who is totally on board," Rai said.

The two-man panel comprises ex-Chief Vigilance Commissioner Pradeep Kumar and Janki Ballabh, previously SBI chairman, and will review its first three loan restructuring cases next week.

"If bankers find that it is easy to use this channel to get a resolution, they will queue up," said Rai. "It takes the onus of the decision off their backs."

Bad Bank debate

Starting from the 2017/18 fiscal year, minority shareholders in state banks will be encouraged to subscribe to rights issues - offerings of new shares - alongside the state.

Rai said these investments would be attractive because many state banks are valued at a discount to their book value. But this process should only move ahead once non-performing assets, or NPAs, are dealt with.

"Recapitalising the banks when they are carrying huge amounts of NPAs on their books makes no sense. It just gets lost into that big black hole."

Non-performing loans grew to 11.3 per cent of total loans at public sector banks as of June.

India is fiscally constrained and, although Finance Minister Arun Jaitley has signalled he could inject more capital beyond the 700 billion rupees ($10.5 billion) budgeted over four years to March 2019, that is nowhere near enough.

Rai played down reports the government was again considering a so-called bad bank as a repository for bad loans - an idea opposed by former RBI chief Raghuram Rajan.

India already has 15 so-called asset reconstruction companies, and setting up another one and loading it up with non-performing loans "would be a futile exercise", he said.
The following is an excerpt from Deciding Whats True: The Rise of Political Fact-Checking in American Journalism (Columbia University Press), a book by Lucas Graves, an assistant professor in the University of Wisconsin-Madisons School of Journalism and Mass Communication.

The persistent rumor that Barack Obama was not born in the United States may have begun with a fact-checking error. In 1991, according to one news report, a brochure put out by a literary agency included this mistake in the future presidents biography: Barack Obama, the first African-American president of the Harvard Law Review, was born in Kenya and raised in Indonesia and Hawaii. Others have traced the rumor to a chain e-mail circulated by supporters of Hillary Clinton during the Democratic primary race in the spring of 2008. What is undisputed is that doubts only gained force after the Obama campaign tried to quell them by releasing a digital copy of the candidate's Hawaiian birth certificate, in June of 2008. As PolitiFact would write soon after, then the firestorm started. The document provoked a string of new questions: Why wasnt it signed? Where was the embossed seal? Why was the certificate number blacked out? Shouldnt there be creases, from folding?

By their own accounts, fact-checkers at FactCheck.org and PolitiFact went to unusual lengths to address rumors about the presidents real name, birthplace, and background. PolitiFact sought copies of every public record it could find on Barack Obama: his marriage certificate, drivers license file, property records, and official attorneys registration with the Supreme Court of Illinois. A reporter e-mailed the birth certificate released by the Obama campaign to Hawaiis Department of Health; its a valid Hawaii state birth certificate, a spokesman confirmed. A Hawaiian colleague produced her own birth certificate so the two could be compared. Nevertheless, the fact-checkers conceded that conspiracy theorists could always raise some new doubt. The resulting article, one of the most-viewed in PolitiFacts history, concluded this way: It is possible that Obama conspired his way to the precipice of the worlds biggest job, involving a vast network of people and government agencies over decades of lies. Anythings possible ... But step back and look at the overwhelming evidence to the contrary and your sense of what's reasonable has to take over.

FactCheck.org went one step further, contriving to have two reporters visit the Chicago headquarters of the Obama campaign in August of 2008 to look at the candidates physical birth certificate. This was largely a matter of good fortune. A press contact for the campaign, who had resisted calls to release a new version of the certificate, finally relented and invited FactCheck.org to see the document; as it happened, two staffers were going to Chicago for a conference. The journalists held the document in their hands and felt the raised seal. They took pictures of the seal, of the signature from Hawaiis registrar of vital statistics, and of the official certificate number, and posted these online in high resolution for readers to examine. Titled Born in the U.S.A., the article testified that:

FactCheck.org staffers have now seen, touched, examined and photographed the original birth certificate. We conclude that it meets all of the requirements from the State Department for proving U.S. citizenship. Claims that the document lacks a raised seal or a signature are false. We have posted high-resolution photographs of the document as supporting documents to this article. Our conclusion: Obama was born in the U.S.A. just as he has always said.

Fact-checkers were forced to revisit the question many times as it surfaced over the next several years and could now point to the conclusive testimony from that visit to Obamas headquarters. Our friends from FactCheck.org went to Chicago, held the document in their questioning hands and examined it closely. Their conclusion: Its legit, asserted a PolitiFact item in 2009, written after a correspondent for the conservative news site WorldNetDaily.com raised the issue again in the White House press room. Two years later, Donald Trump and Sarah Palin once again hinted at doubts about the presidents natural-born status during the tentative early days of the Republican presidential primary. The Washington Posts Fact Checker columnist noted the fine work of his two fact-checking rivals in debunking such birther nonsense, and linked to FactCheck.orgs piece as decisive proof that the birth document featured a raised seal and a signature.

Conventional news outlets could, in turn, cite the work of the fact-checkers to challenge the rumors. After then- CNN host Lou Dobbs questioned Obamas birthplace on his program in 2009, NPRs Morning Edition featured FactCheck.org founder Brooks Jackson to offer an authoritative rebuttal. This is nonsense, Jackson declared on the air. The NPR narrator continued:

Thats Brooks Jackson, a former senior investigative reporter for the Wall Street Journal and for CNN itself. He now runs FactCheck.org, a nonpartisan outfit associated with the University of Pennsylvanias Annenberg Center. His researchers examined and held candidate Obamas Hawaiian certificate of birth during last years presidential campaign. Jackson says President Obama was born where he says he was.

The professional fact-checkers have been cited and interviewed hundreds of times in connection with the birther controversy, across the United States and overseas, in outlets from the New Yorker to the New Zealand Herald. During the 2012 campaign, U.S. journalists would grow more comfortable challenging the rumors in their own voice. A CNN segment from May 2012 featured a testy live exchange between anchor Wolf Blitzer and Donald Trump. Donald, you and I have known each other for a long time, and I dont understand why youre doubling down on this birther issue after the state of Hawaii formally says this is the legitimate birth certificate, Blitzer said. He did not cite the fact-checkers but ran through the evidence they and other journalists had compiled over five years of research, including 1961 birth announcements in the Honolulu Advertiser and the Honolulu Star-Bulletin. Trump countered that parents may run false birth announcements in hopes of securing citizenship for their children. Donald, youre beginning to sound a little ridiculous, I have to tell you, Blitzer chided at one point. Let me tell you something, I think you sound ridiculous, Trump shot back.

The birther controversy captures with unusual clarity the fact-checkers role as testifier: Jackson says President Obama was born where he says he was. This is the most basic rationale the new professional fact-checkers offer for their own existence  to be a trusted authority weighing in on factual questions readers dont have the time or ability to resolve for themselves. But the actual reporting work involved in certifying Barack Obama's background was quite atypical. Fact-checkers rarely have call to travel or even to leave their desks. Their articles dont feature datelines or on-the-scene descriptions from inside the courtroom or the campaign headquarters. Fact-checkers testify but rarely witness . Its desk work, Angie Drobnic Holan, since named PolitiFacts top editor, said in an interview:

When I do my fact-checking, I dont go out to meetings. I sit at my desk, I read reports, I read transcripts, I use the phone all the time ... A lot of reporters like the idea of going out and eye-witnessing things. I like that too, but I dont think thats whats needed for political fact-checking. I dont think you get closer to the truth with politics actually being at the press conference.

Consider a much more typical example of what fact-checkers do every day. During my research at FactCheck.org in Philadelphia, a delegation of Russian journalists on a tour of the United States visited the group. An editor explained fact-checking to them this way: Its standard journalism practices that should be used more by more journalists, but sometimes they dont have the time or theyre on deadline, and . . . so it becomes he said, she said, and the reader is left confused and not really knowing whats the truth. And thats where we try to come in.

To illustrate, the editor mentioned an article encountered while reading the New York Times on the way to work just a few weeks earlier. It was a report on a speech by the then-governor of Mississippi Haley Barbour, a rumored presidential contender. Three paragraphs in the reporter quoted an attack line directed at President Obama: In the last two years, the federal government spent $7 trillion and our economy lost seven million jobs. I guess we ought to be glad they didnt spend $12 trillion. We might have lost 12 million jobs. A quick trip to the Bureau of Labor Statistics website would have revealed that actual job losses under the current White House were less than half of what Barbour claimed. It doesnt take a lot to get that information, the FactCheck.org editor stressed  and yet, it was a fact that went completely unchallenged by the New York Times reporter, and the New York Times is the best paper that we have in the country.

The case offered to the visiting journalists in Philadelphia was typical in a number of ways. First, it centered on a well-known politician who was a possible candidate for high office. Professional fact-checkers hew closely to what sociologist Herb Gans has called journalisms theory of democracy and see their core mission as helping citizens to make well-informed choices at the ballot box. They call what they do a form of accountability reporting  as an editors note put it, one of the few places in American journalism where elected officials ... are held accountable for what they say. That mission does not extend, however, to holding fellow reporters accountable for their work. The piece FactCheck.org published the day after Barbours speech stated flatly that he had grossly exaggerated the real job-loss numbers. It linked to the New York Times report as evidence of what the governor had said. But it did not fault the paper of record for failing to challenge the easily checkable claim. The elite fact-checkers see themselves as journalists, not media critics. They want to cure the profession of its bad habits but almost never directly fact-check their fellow reporters.

Second, the Barbour episode illustrates very well the desk work fact-checkers routinely engage in even as it advertises an idealized version of that work. The analysis in this case could not have been simpler: The governor cited two statistics, and the fact-checkers compared these to authoritative data. To confirm the $7 trillion in spending, FactCheck.org linked to the Budget of the United States Government, as issued by the Office of Management and Budget. To show that the job-loss figure was not even close, the article linked to a data sheet at the Bureau of Labor Statistics website: Table B-1. Employees on non-farm payrolls by industry sector and selected industry detail. Fact-checkers always seek official data and often point to examples like this to explain what they do. In practice, though, finding claims to check and establishing their truthfulness is not always so straightforward. Fact-checkers traffic in institutional facts, like birth certificates and joblessness rates, which rest on a tangle of definitions, conventions, and bureaucratic practices. These facts are more fragile than they seem.

Finally, the birther and Barbour fact checks both show how deeply mediated is the journalism of fact-checking at every stage. Fact-checkers scan the news and pore over transcripts looking for suspicious claims to investigate. They use search engines and news archives to trace the origins of political rumors and bogus statistics. And they promote their conclusions eagerly to other journalists, encouraging news outlets to cite their findings and to invite them on the air. Fact-checkers do, in one sense, assume the journalists traditional role as witness: they witness and report on mediated events. Fact-checkers are both students of and active participants in the emerging media ecosystem.
Sushant Singh Rajput as Dhoni(L) and Dhoni and Karthik during a match(R).

Mumbai: Dinesh Karthik, who has played decent number of Tests and ODIs for India, was in a state of shock to learn that the selectors had a tough time choosing between him and Dhoni.

In the movie, there is a scene where selectors ask former Captain Saurav Ganguly to take the final call between Dhoni and Karthik and Ganguly chooses the latter.

Although he was surprised, Dinesh reportedly asserted that he wasnt really upset about it and does not believe in cribbing. Thats a true sportsman!

M S Dhoni: The Untold Story has earned Rs. 112 crores in just 12 days.
Mumbai: Sajid Nadiadwala is back to being terrorised by the existence of an imposter. The ace producer-director had been embroiled in a controversy back in July, when industry colleagues began getting messages from an imposter, on Facebook.

Sajid, whos yet to debut on social media platforms and forums, had lodged a complaint with the cyber cell and got the issue dealt with.

But the Kick director has fresh worries to deal with as since the first week of October, a fresh bout of criminal impersonation had plagued him. Sajids actor friends had begun calling him enquiring about the casting for his upcoming set of films.

His wife Warda had been receiving queries on her Twitter forum, as well. Upon scrutiny, it turned out an imposter had resurfaced on Facebook, and had been conducting fake casting calls.

Sajid lodged a second complaint, and though the profile did fall stagnant for a while, the casting calls have begun again and Sajid has no option but to lodge a third complaint.

It is not happening just with me. Some of my industry friends are also facing the same issue, DNA quoted Sajid as saying.
Ranbir Kapoor and Anushka Sharma are seen having a gala time in 'the breakup song'.

Mumbai: Karan Johar teaches us how to nurse our post-breakup broken heart back to its normal self; throw a party! Yes, Ranbir Kapoor-Anushka Sharma- Aishwarya Rai Bachchan starrer Ae Dil Hai Mushkil will see lead characters Ranbir (Ayan) and Anushka (Alizeh) celebrating the end of their relationship with a mind-boggling party.

The Ae Dil Hai Mushkil tracks Bulleya and Channa Mereya have already made it to the top 5 Bollywood hits list in music apps like Gaana.com and have been viewed over 50 million times on YouTube.

Johar, whose candid conversation on podcast show #NoFilterNeha created a lot of frenzy, has landed in controversy following Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) ban on Pakistani actors working in India.

Fawad Khan is playing a pivotal role in the film and that has angered MNS to the point that it had staged a protest outside Karan Johars office.

The breakup song will be released on UC browser tomorrow and Youtube the day after.

Watch the teaser here:
Shahid ensured the shutterbugs wouldn't be able to catch a glimpse of his precious little one.(Pic: Viral Bhayani)

Mumbai: Shahid Kapoor is over the moon after his wife Mira Rajput and he were blessed with a baby girl.

The actor, who's been shooting relentlessly alongside Saif Ali Khan and Kangana Ranaut for Vishal Bharadwaj's dream project 'Rangoon,' has been very protective of his daughter.

Shahid had taken to twitter to announce the name of his baby, Misha, which incidentally is an amalgam of her famous parents' names.

Shahid has also been in the news for the phenomenal casting coup that Sanjay Leela Bhansali had pulled, by casting him alongside Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh in his ambitious 'Padmavati'.

Shahid has been sporting a well groomed beard and dense moustache, presumably to prep up for his 'Padmavati' look tests.

Shahid and Mira, sure do make for doting, protective parents, who are visibly charmed by their bundle of joy. We won't blame them.
Manali: Salman Khan has been shooting for his upcoming film Tubelight in Manali since the past few days. The locals had welcomed him pleasantly and have been trying to get a glimpse of him as they land on the sets regularly. It was also a visual delight for them as the superstar shot a song with them.

The director of the film, Kabir Khan, had also shared a picture in where he is seen directing Salman for one of the scenes. He also shared another picture of the actor shooting for a scene on the mountains, with the sunlight coming from above the mountains making the picture look brilliant. The film, reportedly set in the backdrop of the 1962 Indo-China war, sees Salman as a soldier and the picture also sees a person lying on the ground, indicating some action sequence.

Kabir also shared another picture of Salman interacting with schoolkids and even signing autographs for them.

The locals can expect to see the superstar for only a few days more and they would definitely hope to see more of the superstar.

Tubelight also stars Sohail Khan and Zhu Zhu and is slated to release during Eid next year.
Shah Rukh is known for his sense of humour and a glimpse of the quality was on display as he interacted with his fans on Twitter with the hashtag #AskSRK and had some witty replies to the questions posed to him. The actor also shared a interesting picture of him wearing a hoodie and his face covered, and saying that it was the 'first look' of 'The Ring' and that it was neither a horror film nor a romantic film but that it was a Ninja epic.

He also shared another tweet so that people dont misunderstand his earlier tweet and distort it, and clarified that he was just trying to say that it was extremely cold in Budapest where they are currently shooting for the film.

The film also stars Anushka Sharma and was shot in Prague, Amsterdam and Lisbon before this and pictures of the shoot had made its way to the internet.
Mumbai: Superstar Shah Rukh Khan's lesser known mini series-turned-film 'Ahamaq' will be screened at the upcoming Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival here.

Directed by filmmaker Mani Kaul, the film was first released as a four part TV mini-series on Doordarshan in 1991, before being screened at the New York Film Festival in 1992. 'Ahamaq', however, was never commercial released.

The film will have a screening at the Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival in the newly introduced programme 'The New Medium'. The segment will be curated by artist Shaina Anand.

'Ahamaq' was based on Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel 'The Idiot'. The unedited mini-series will be presented back to back as a four-hour film.

To discuss the film and how it was to work with Kaul, key members of the original cast and crew including actor Meeta Vasisht and cinematographer Piyush Shah among others will also be present.

'The New Medium' section will open with the restored version of Dziga Vertov's 1929 classic, 'Man with the Movie Camera'. The film will be accompanied by a live score performed by the 'Vitaly Tkachuk Quartet' joining from Ukraine.

"We are truly excited to present this new section - my personal favourite section - which showcases some of the more bold and seminal experiments in filmmaking...I hope film lovers will take this opportunity to experience works like the newly restored 'Man with a Movie Camera' accompanied by live music, and Lav Diaz', 'Evolution of a Filipino Family' among others," Jio MAMI with Star Festival Chairperson, Kiran Rao, said in a statement.

The section will feature the best in innovative film-making by scouring the living history of cinema - from its inception to the contemporary moment.

Among the 14 titles that will screen throughout the festival, some of them include Uday Shankar's 'Kalpana' (1948) restored by the World Cinema Foundation and an iconic work of expanded cinema - the two-screen 'Light Music' (1975) by Lis Rhodes that will be installed inside the cinema hall.

These films will be screened throughout the festival between October 20 to 27.
The latest avatar of educationist in Zoology and Urdu, Dr Anand Raj Varma, is as author of a book, which is set to release on October 15. The books involve in-depth study of many unknown facets of their times in Hyderabad.

Says Varma, Im the seventh generation of the Jaiswal community that came to Hyderabad 200 years ago from Uttar Pradesh. My grandfather, Papa Lal, was the only Hindu, who worked as a Superintendent in the all-Arab private army regiment from Yemen (Jamiat Nizam Mahboob) of Mir Mehboob Ali Pasha, the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad. My interest in culture comes from my father Ganpat Lal, whose Geet and Drama aired on the All India Radio of Lahore (then a part of India), Lucknow and Delhi.

The three volumes of my new book in Hindi, Daastan-E-Hyderabad, are about the time period, 1518-1687 Qutb Shahi, 1724-1948 Asaf Jahi, and the later period of Nawab Shahi.

These books give an insight into the culture, architecture, literature, and anecdotes during that period. Do you know that Maharaja Kishen Pershad never saw the face of the person whom he would donate money to? He would always keep his head down while donating. And, who says that Mir Osman Ali Khan, the last Nizam of Hyderabad, was a miser? Once, the Nizam gave some money to his servant to buy a blanket, but the servant came back as he fell short of three rupees.

The Nizam said he would use old blankets instead of putting in the additional money. After a few days, the head of Jama Masjid, New Delhi, came to seek the Nizams help for the renovation of the Masjids open area. He requested the Nizam to fund at least the one fourth area which would cost four lakh rupees.

The Nizam donated a total of sixteen lakh rupees! Then there was Fakhrul Mulk, one of the early nobles of Hyderabad, who was in the habit of waking up at 4 am and drinking tea. One day, a cat spilled the milk, and the servants decided to replace it. After the tea was served, Fakhrul Mulk said the tea smelt of horse perspiration. Also, once when Mir Mehboob Ali Pasha, the sixth Nizam of Hyderabad, heard animals howling at night.

The assistants explained that the animals were troubled due to the cold weather. He immediately ordered them to buy 100 blankets to cover the animals, shares Dr Anand Raj Varma.

An expert in several languages, Varma adds, The past generation of India got an opportunity to learn at least three languages. But today, computers have taken over and the language of business is more technical and software based. Hence, the youth is away from language and literature.

 The writer is a musician, creator of Jaywant Guitar and a freelance photographer
People with cancer who choose death with dignity have already spent a lot of money on other treatments and care. (Photo: AP)

People with terminal illnesses may legally end their lives with certain medications in the U.S. state of Washington, but researchers report those drugs are getting more and more expensive.

The price of one popular drug prescribed under the state's 2008 Death With Dignity Act increased roughly $2,500 over seven years.

"As a medical oncologist, I see patients who request death with dignity medications quite frequently," said Dr. Veena Shankaran, of the University of Washington and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle.

"There was one instance when a patient of mine asked how much it was going to cost, and I had no idea," Shankaran, lead author of a paper in JAMA Oncology, told Reuters Health.

To examine the price of the medications, Shankaran and colleagues examined the 73 death with dignity prescriptions written and dispensed since 2010 at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance.

The sedative secobarbital, branded as Seconal, made up nearly half of the prescriptions. But the average cost of secobarbital increased from $388 in 2010 to $2,878 in 2016, according to the researchers.

Pentobarbital, another sedative, accounted for 30 percent of the prescriptions, but its use dropped after its manufacturer stopped selling the drug to keep it from being used in state executions. Its average price remained steady at $350 when it was prescribed from 2012 to 2014.

Shankaran's team reports that due to the increasing cost of secobarbital in 2015 and 2016, 16 patients at Seattle Cancer Care Alliance were referred to a compounding pharmacy that created a lethal drug cocktail for $500.

It's uncommon for insurance companies to pay for these drugs, said Shankaran. Patients would need to pay out of pocket.

"Honestly, I really think its just pharmaceutical companies jacking up the price of the drug," she said. "I dont see another explanation for it."

Valeant, which manufactures Seconal, released a statement in March after California passed its own death with dignity law in 2015 and questions arose about the drug's increasing cost.

At the time, the company said a drug's price is based on a number of factors. Those include "the development or acquisition of a drug, the availability of substitutes or generics, and the benefits it offers versus alternative treatments that might be more costly."

Shankaran said people who choose death with dignity don't have much of a voice since they are sick and close to the end of their lives. Also, she pointed out, people with cancer who choose death with dignity have already spent a lot of money on other treatments and care.

"We do need to shed light on this in hopes that there will be some regulation over this," she said.
Washington:

A recent research finds that men purposely are breaking their own condoms and pressuring female partners in their teens and 20s to go without birth control in order to get them pregnant.

The study, led by a Michigan State University scholar provides doctors and nurse practitioners a streamlined set of questions to discuss with their female patients about this troubling issue, known as "reproductive coercion."

Half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintended. Further, women of reproductive age are at highest risk of intimate partner violence and often experience unintended pregnancies, miscarriages and pre-term labor as a result of the victimization.

With reproductive coercion, similar to other forms of controlling behaviour in abusive relationships, male partners interfere with women's birth control use as a means to control them.

Lead researcher Heather McCauley said, "This study provides guidance for clinicians to augment interventions that have already been proposed for reproductive coercion - specifically which questions they should be asking to guide their clinical decision-making with their patients, including whether a partner has ever prevented them from using birth control and whether a partner has ever interfered with condom use while having sex."

McCauley was part of the medical research team that in 2010 identified reproductive coercion as a phenomenon in abusive relationships. Their work has influenced clinical practice guidelines; in 2013, for instance, the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists recommended doctors incorporate intimate partner violence and reproductive coercion assessment into routine sexual and reproductive health care.

But clinicians were still unsure how to talk to their patients about the issue, so the current study dug further into the issue for answers, said McCauley, who has trained various groups of doctors, health care administrators and policymakers in Michigan and across the United States on reproductive coercion.

The study involved a survey of 4,674 women seeking care at reproductive health clinics in California and Pennsylvania.

Her team found that reproductive coercion included two distinct characteristics: pregnancy coercion and condom manipulation.

Pregnancy coercion includes threats or pressure to promote a pregnancy, while condom manipulation includes active sabotage of condoms.

From those findings, the study recommends questions that health care providers can ask their patients regarding pregnancy coercion, being told not to use birth control, being kept from going to the clinic to get birth control, being made to have sex without a condom, condom manipulation and other ways to get them pregnant.

It's not that doctors don't want to talk to their patients about reproductive coercion and intimate partner violence but that they don't know how to talk to them about these complex issues and, until recently, didn't recognize that violence and coercion in women's relationships could be driving why they were seeking reproductive health care.

"This study helps clinicians provide better care for their patients, particularly their adolescent patients," she said.
Paul Louis Cole, Calls for Men of Integrity to Help Correct Problems Caused by Fatherlessness Epidemic Contact: Lynn Scarborough, 469-951-7051, lynn4media@gmail.com



GRAPEVINE, Texas, Oct. 12, 2016 /Christian Newswire/ -- Fatherlessness is a growing epidemic and is considered to be the leading indicator to many socio-economic problems, including poverty, hunger, abuse and drug addiction.* One solution to correcting these critical issues is found in teaching men and mentoring boys through character development and training. For thirty-nine years, Christian Men's Network (CMN) has supported grassroots efforts to train men and fathers in over 100 nations through the Maximized Manhood curriculum authored by the late Dr. Edwin Louis Cole.



Photo: Dr. Paul Louis Cole



"Fathers are crucial to the long term sustainable health of any community," states Dr. Paul Louis Cole, CMN cofounder and president. "We have seen crime and violence reduced and transformation occur when men are taught to walk in integrity and the meaning of true manhood."



Pastors, business leaders, school administrators, and prison chaplains find CMN materials measurably effective in any culture or community. Middle school principals report better attendance and reduced disciplinary incidences. Churches with active men's programs show an average increase of 20% in membership, giving, and volunteers.



This November, as part of CMN's initiative to reduce global fatherlessness, Christian men from every state and over 50 nations are converging at the Lions Roar Global Men's Summit in Dallas Texas November 9-11. Lions Roar is designed to provide teaching, workshops, and time to exchange strategic solutions.



"Building men of integrity and training fathers helps to heal communities. The reason for gathering these influential leaders is to express practical answers to the issues that face our world. Leaders are coming from the rugged streets of West Baltimore, the rough and tumble favelas of Rio, the tumultuous Philippines, and more," Cole continues, "CMN is more than a ministry, we are a human justice mission strategically focused to defeat fatherlessness, stop child abuse, and improve communities through practical training that provides long term benefit and results you can see."



Lions Roar 2016 will focus on helping Christian leaders advance with workshops including: Leadership Intensive, Pastors Roundtable, Business Success Summit and One Heart for Women. Dedicated men from all streams of Christianity are invited to Lions Roar on November 9-11, in Dallas, Texas.



Registration for Lions Roar 2016 is still open. Meetings will be held at Gateway Church/Grand Prairie, Texas on Wednesday-Friday, November 9-11. Information can be obtained at 817-437-4888 or www.lionsroar2016.com/join. Group discounts available. Register today.



Watch the Lions Roar Video



For media interviews, contact Lynn Scarborough 469 951-7051, lynn4media@gmail.com



*National Fatherhood Initiative, Statistics on Father Absence + Involvement; US Census Bureau 2012.



About Christian Men's Network

CMN was cofounded by Maximized Manhood author Edwin Louis Cole in 1977, along with his son Paul Louis Cole. CMN is currently active in 116 nations and has impacted over 20 million men worldwide. CMN books, curriculum and videos are the most widely used Christian men's resources in the world. Leaders in ministry, business, correctional and education institutions find CMN materials remarkably effective.

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A will designates what happens when you die, but a living will establishes your wishes for dealing with healthcare-related issues while youre still alive.

It can feel morbid to think about your final days when youre young and healthy, but putting off those difficult conversations with your loved ones can make your death that much more difficult for them. In other words, its not fun to prepare for the inevitable, but its important  and you dont need to be 60 to start planning.

No one thinks they are old until they are sick or disabled, Alix Foisy, a retirement transitions specialist, tells mentalfloss. And this can really happen at any time.

You dont need a huge net worth or a large amount of assets to start thinking about planning for old age, either. Here are some end-of-life planning tasks to tackle  for yourself and your parents  sooner rather than later.

Write your will

If you do have assets, like a retirement savings account or other investments, you want to make sure to name your beneficiaries  the people who will inherit your assets  on those accounts. You can do this online or by calling your investment firm. Thats just the first part of the process, though. You also need a last will and testament.

This document establishes what happens to your property, pets, and children after you die. It also designates an executor, an individual who will carry out your last wishes. After your death, a probate court gives the executor power to handle your estate (your assets, debts and property).

Unless you own a lot of property or other assets, you probably just need a simple will, which you can write yourself. Sites like LegalZoom and RocketLawyer provide templates that make it easy to create your own will, but if you have specific wishes or a lot of assets or just want help navigating tricky state tax laws youll want to enlist the help of a lawyer. Either way, to make your will legally binding, you typically need two witnesses to sign the document. Experts also recommend getting it notarised.

Assign a power of attorney for your finances

Not only do you need an executor for your will, you also need to assign a power of attorney: the person who will manage your finances (and healthcare, but well get to that) when youre unable to do so. This might be the same person you choose as executor of your will or someone else  but it should definitely be someone you trust.

There are different types of power of attorney, but most experts recommend a durable power of attorney, which allows this person to take decisions in your stead, if you become mentally unfit to advocate for yourself.

Write a living will

A will designates what happens when you die, but a living will establishes your wishes for dealing with healthcare-related issues while youre still alive.

Most living wills provide specific directives about treatments that should or should not be undertaken if a patient is unable to express a preference for any reason, says Anthony D. Criscuolo, CFP, Client Services Manager for Palisades Hudson Financial Group. A highly specific living will can prevent disagreement over interpretation by your loved ones, or save them the burden of trying to determine what your preference would be, but also leaves less room for flexibility in unforeseen circumstances.

Again, there are websites that provide templates for a living will, but Criscuolo says its best to work with a lawyer to create one. Working with an attorney will be more costly, but it is generally well worth it... you should have a competent attorney draft the documents to ensure they meet state law, express your intentions clearly, and are consistent with your other estate planning documents.

Topics you may wish to address in a living will include pain management options, the use of prolonged life support, your preferences regarding resuscitation and your desires regarding organ donation among others, Criscuolo says.

While a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) does not require a living will, it is a good idea to mention it there if you have one. If you have been diagnosed with or are at risk for certain medical conditions, you may wish to address them directly. In outlining a living will, it can be beneficial to discuss your options with your primary care physician, who can answer questions and suggest scenarios you might not think of on your own.

You should discuss the contents of both your will and living will with your family and update both the documents regularly.

These updates may reflect changes in opinion, circumstances, or even available medical treatment. You should also be sure to update your living will if you move, as legal requirements can vary between states, Criscuolo adds.

Assign a medical power of attorney

When you write your living will, youll also assign a medical power of attorney. This is the person who will take decisions if youre not able to, Foisy explains.

Your medical power of attorney also monitors your mental and physical health, and is the person who will decide when its time for you to transition living arrangements and move into an eldercare home. Your medical power of attorney might be your child, a spouse, or your partner, but should be someone who feels comfortable speaking with doctors and medical professionals, and will be able to abide by your wishes when the emotional stakes are at their highest.

Stay active and engaged

The best way to ease the burden of caregiving for an older adult is to be physically active, Foisy explains. Healthcare is the highest cost associated with growing older.

She adds that you dont want to depend on your adult children financially either. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the average cost of an assisted living facility is $3293 per month and a nursing home costs $6235 per month. Medicare and Medicaid may cover some of these costs, if you qualify, but its important to start saving for your retirement now, to prepare for this expense later.

Its also important to stay active as you age and establish a strong support system in your community.

Foisy says. It may be better to become close to the people in their community. Get to know different service providers for older adults. Start making tough choices before you are forced to and dont know anything about the organisations that you will rely on for care.

Source: www.mentalfloss.com
Lorne Figley is still able to enjoy the work that he loves as the basic rules of design and engineering remaining unchanged since he first learned the work in the 1950s. (Photo: Guinness World Records website)

Toronto: A Guinness record has been set by a 92-year-old man in Canada for the being the world's oldest plumber.

Although most people retire in their late 60s, Lorne Figley has no intention to stop his ongoing 65-year plumbing career. Figley began his journey when he returned from the second World War after fighting with the Canadian forces during the

liberation of Holland.

In 1947 he concluded a sheet metal apprenticeship, which lead him to form the Broadway Heating Ltd with four of his friends. Figley ultimately bought out his co-owners and became the sole proprietor of the company. His passion for the trade is fuelled by his love for problem solving, and the trouble-shooting nature that comes with the job.

He is still able to enjoy the work that he loves as the basic rules of design and engineering remaining unchanged since he first learned the work in the 1950s.

Figley's part in the work lends him a feeling of pride and accomplishment, for maintaining his world long enough to become a Guinness World Records title holder.

That feeling will not go away any time soon, according to Figley, the future is bright and filled with plumbing, heating, and refrigeration prospects. "Working helps keep my body fit and my brain sharp. I hope to die with a pipe wrench in my hand!" said Figley.
Officers managed to capture the lone bird and take it back to the station. (Photo: Pixabay)

London: In a bizarre incident in the UK, a chicken was taken into police custody after it was spotted crossing the road in the middle of rush hour.

Police in East Marketgait, Dundee, were called to an incident in which the feathery bird was spotted wandering across the tarmac in the middle of rush hour.

It was seen in the morning on Friday and officers arrived after drivers reported the endangered hen. The chicken was "giving passing motorists cause for concern," Tayside Police Division police was quoted as saying by The Mirror.

Officers managed to capture the lone bird and take it back to the station. On Facebook, the police said, "The Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) has been contacted and will be attending to take care of the chicken until the owner is traced."

"Police are appealing for any information as to why the chicken was crossing the road," police said. Tayside police posted an appeal on Facebook in a bid to find the chicken's owner.

It was soon shared by more than 1,000 people -- and dozens of locals commented. Although not particularly helpfully. "I think it was being egged on by someone," a netizen said. Another predictably commented: "To get to the other side."
India may be a land of rich traditions but one cannot deny the fact that most of its rituals and ceremonies are inherently patriarchal in nature. This sends out an indirect message that a woman always needs to depend on a man at every major step in life. Sadly such rituals play an important role in most religious and wedding ceremonies.

Thats why an Indian woman in London who single-handedly raised five daughters decided to conduct all rituals that the familys men would otherwise perform herself. Her daughter, Hernool Grewal, wrote an emotional post on The Pink Ladoo Facebook page about her mothers difficult journey as a single parent to five girls in an overwhelmingly patriarchal world after her husband left her.

Heres the complete text of her post:

"In this photo my Mum is giving me away at my wedding - a cultural custom that is reserved for men. I am 1 of 5 girls, we don't have a brother and our Dad left the scene some years ago. If your father isnt present at your wedding, its expected that you will find some other suitable male to take part.

When my dad left, the community were quick to blame our Mum entirely. Similarly, my sisters and I have had to endure a life time of "don't worry, maybe you'll be blessed with a brother in your next life" type comments. This treatment culminated in a family being uninterested in having my sister's hand in marriage for their son on the basis that our family had too many girls.

Our Mum stood strong in the face of the gossip-making aunties and uncles in our community even though she was probably crumbling and devastated on the inside. She raised us to believe that we do not need to depend on a man for our happiness or emotional/financial stability, and that we should learn to stand on our own two feet as early as possible, and as much as possible. That's why we pushed to have the women in our family take on the roles during the wedding that the men 'traditionally' would have, and we also try to practise this sentiment in our daily lives.

We hope our story can provide support for other single-parent families. Male-centric traditions and customs are just one way of trying to show women that they are nothing without men, but we know first hand that just isn't true - we hope that this picture and this story proves that."
Kannur: Two days after a member of the ruling Communist Party of India (Marxist) was hacked to death, a BJP activist was killed in Kerala's Kannur district on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old BJP activist was hacked to death by a group of people at a petrol pump near Pinarayi town. The party alleged CPM role in the murder.

The deceased has been identified as Prenith, police said, adding, the incident occurred at around 10.30 am. Pinarayi is the home town of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Waynad Superintendent of Police, K Karthick, who also has charge of Kannur, said he was rushing to the spot to take stock of the situation.

Kannur has witnessed a series of attacks on political workers in the recent past.

On Monday, CPM's branch secretary 52-year-old Kuzhichal Mohanan was hacked to death by six unidentified masked men at his shop in a busy market area in Valankichal.

The CPM had condemned the 'brutal murder' of Mohanan and accused the BJP and RSS for his murder. The CPI (M) had also claimed that the BJP, which failed to win the state assembly elections, is resorting to such violent attacks as an act of revenge.

The Kerala police had also said that they suspect the murder was politically motivated.

There have been several attacks on political workers and activists since the LDF government came to power in May this year. According to an official statistics, more than 50 political attacks have taken place and at least four political workers were murdered since.

Last month, BJP spokesperson Meenakshi Lekhi had claimed that about 400 cases of violence have been registered in four months after the LDF government came to power. At least 200 BJP workers have been assaulted, maimed or killed, and 200 homes burnt, she had said.

The BJP had last month slammed Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan for "increasing" number of political attacks in Kannur district and sought a probe by CBI or Supreme Court or High Court judge on the "red terror" unleashed against its workers.
Kollam: Fake travel agencies that swindle money in the name of Haj pilgrimage are rampant in the State. Several groups that set off to Saudi Arabia for pilgrimage complain that they were denied proper facilities at the pilgrim centre.

In the latest incident of fraud, a seven-member team including women from Kollam was given avisit visa for trade purposes instead of pilgrimage visa by an agent, turning their pilgrimage into an ordeal. The family had to walk along the desert for at least two hours before they reached a place with transport facilities, it is alleged.

The journey turned into a nightmare for Abdul Rahim (58) and his wife Rafeeqa (52) of Rasiya Manzil at Vadakke Mukku in Kannanalloor here as they were allegedly cheated along with seven others in their group by an agent from Kollam.

We had given a payment of Rs 3 lakh per person to an agent named Y. Shajahan of Bharat Haj Group in Pallimukku here months back to perform the pilgrimage. He gave us a visit visa for trade instead of a pilgrimage visa. With a trade visa, it is illegal to perform the Haj pilgrimage, Abdul Rahim told DC.

The clients were at first informed that they could perform the Haj only next year, but the applicants protested and demanded their money back. However, on August 30, the agent however asked them to get ready for the journey by September 5. In the visa distributed among the pilgrims, it was mentioned not to perform Haj and Umra pilgrimage.

The agent informed them that he would fetch the right papers to permit them for Haj once they reached Saudi Arabia. The flight landed at Jeddah airport where they had to stay for another three days. They were taken to Sharaffiya and then to Mecca in two vehicles. After a nearly six-hour journey, the team was abandoned at a desert and meanwhile the agent absconded, Mr. Abdul Rahim alleged.

The pilgrims however completed the pilgrimage with minimal facilities spending their own money. The team members are planning a legal fight against the fraud.
Police said the deceased has been identified as Azmath Pasha, son of Naveed, a mechanic by profession and a resident of Tent Road in Mahadevapura. (Representational image)

BENGALURU: Tension prevailed in K.R. Puram when a 19-year-old youth was stabbed to death by three people during a Muharram procession in K R Puram police station limits on Monday night.

Police said the deceased has been identified as Azmath Pasha, son of Naveed, a mechanic by profession and a resident of Tent Road in Mahadevapura.

The arrested are Suhail Pasha alias Wheel, Nayaz Pasha alias Bond and Khader, all residents of J.C. Layout in K.R. Puram. It is said that the trio were under the influence of alcohol when they stabbed Azmath.

They have been booked under Sections 323, 324, 504, 506 and 302 r/w 34 IPC. According to the police, the incident took place around 10.30 pm near Little Bloom School.

Azmath along with his brother had gone to attend the torch procession, when his brother Sayyed Roshan, 18, by mistake stamped the leg of one of the accused.

A heated argument broke out between Roshan and the accused. The situation turned ugly when Azmath intervened and in the melee, he slapped Suhail.

An enraged Suhail called his friends Khadeer and Nayaz. The trio attacked and overpowered Azmath, while Suhail stabbed him and fled. Passersby rushed Azmath to a private hospital, where he succumbed after a few hours.

Based on the complaint filed by Roshan, the K.R. Puram police arrested the three accused and remanded them to judicial custody. K.R. Puram police have registered a case in this connection.
The murderer had entered the child's home and slit her throat. (Representational Image)

Hyderabad: An eight-year-old girl was allegedly murdered by an unidentified person who slit her throat in her house at Yellampet on city outskirts on Wednesday, police said.

The incident occurred between 2 pm and 3 pm when the girl's parents were away to their workplace while her elder sister was sleeping in adjoining room.

According to police, the eight-year-old was found lying in washroom with cut injuries by her aunt who had come to give food to the family, and rushed her to a nearby hospital.

"As per preliminary information an unidentified person gained entry into the victim's house and slit her throat and caused injuries on her wrist. She died while being taken to a hospital," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Balanagar) Y Sai Sekhar told PTI.

A case under section 302 (murder) of IPC has been registered and further investigation is on.
According to family members, the incident is a result of panchayat election rivalry. (Representational image)

Lucknow: In a gruesome incident, two Dalit youths were set on fire on Wednesday while they were sleeping, in Dumri village in Chaura Chauri area in Gorakhpur district in Uttar Pradesh.

According to reports, Santosh Paswan, 26, and Narmada Paswan, 30, were sleeping outside the cement pipe factory that belongs to Rajdev Paswan, a relative and former zila panchayat member, when about half a dozen persons came and doused them with petrol.

Before the two could realise what was happening, the assailants set them on fire. Hearing their screams, the villagers rushed to the spot and extinguished the flames. Mr Paswan took the victims to the BRD Medical College from where they were referred to the PGI in Lucknow.

Santosh Paswan died during treatment and Narmada is still battling for life. A senior doctor at the PGI said that chances of survival were negligible since both had suffered over 90 per cent burns. According to family members, the incident is a result of panchayat election rivalry.

The victims are related to Rajdev Paswan whose wife Roopa Devi was defeated by Munni Devi, wife of Radhey Shyam Maurya in the panchayat polls, held earlier this year.

Ever since we opposed the Maurya family during elections, they have been threatening to teach us a lesson. This incident is a result of that rivalry, said Kamladev Paswan, brother of Rajdev Paswan.

Dalits not safe in UP
Dalit community members during a protest in Ahmedabad against the recent attack on Dalits at Una. (Photo: PTI)

Ahmedabad: Over 200 people from the Dalit community from Gujarat converted to Buddhism in three separate events organised by Buddhist organisations in Ahmedabad on the occasion of Vijaya Dashmi, organisers said on Wednesday.

Another 90 from the state converted to Buddhism in Nagpur, taking the total to over 300 Dalits.

According to organisers, though conversions are carried out every year on Vijaya Dashmi, this year the numbers were high on account of the Una Dalit flogging incident.

"As many as 140 Dalits converted to Buddhism at an event organised by Gujarat Buddhist Society in Dani Limda locality of Ahmedabad yesterday to mark Vijaya Dashmi," Ramesh Banker, a member of Gujarat Buddhist Academy, which organised the event in Ahmedabad, said.

Sixty-five people from the community converted to Buddhism at a separate event organised in Kalol in Gandhinagar district, while 11 more converted in Wadhwan in Surendranagar district.

Some of them also embraced Buddhism at an event organised at Kalol. A total of 65 persons converted at this event, P G Jyotikar of Buddhist Society of India, said.

He said while conversion is an ongoing event, the Dalits prefer to embrace Buddhism on Vijaya Dashmi because on this day in 1956, Babasaheb B R Ambedkar took to Buddhism alongwith other Dalits at an event in Nagpur.

"Most Dalits prefer this day for conversion, as Ambedkar himself converted to Buddhism on this day in 1956. The reaction to the Una Dalit atrocity incident was evident in response we received from the converts," Jyotikar said.

While a total 216 Dalits converted to Buddhism at events organised in the state, around 90 more from the state converted to the religion at Nagpur, where Dalits from all

over the country gather for conversion, Banker claimed.

"With this, more than 300 Dalits in the state converted to Buddhism," he claimed.

Collectors of Surendranagar and Ahmedabad, where the event took place, said they have no knowledge of the events.

"It has not come to our notice," Surendranagar Collector Uday Agrawal said.

Those who embraced the new religion said they converted to Buddhism because it is a "more humane religion" than Hinduism.

"Buddhism is a humanist religion that offers equality to fellow Buddhists without any stratification of caste that we see in Hinduism, and therefore, we converted to Buddhism.

Equality provides more opportunity to an individual to grow," said Arvindsinh Chauhan.

Darshana Chauhan, who also converted to Buddhism at the Ahmedabad function, said incidents like the one seen at Una where Dalits were brutally thrashed allegedly for skinning a dead cow, is "not uncommon" in the country.

"Atrocity on Dalits takes place everywhere in the country because of inequality in Hinduism. We converted to Buddhism because in this religion everybody is considered equal," she said.

On July 11, seven Dalits of Mota Samadhiyala village of Una taluka in Gir-Somnath district were thrashed allegedly by cow vigilantes when they were found skinning a dead cow.

Later, four of these Dalit youths were taken to Una town, where they were tied up with a vehicle and allegedly thrashed by the gau rakshaks.

The matter came to light after a video of the flogging, recorded allegedly by the cow vigilantes, went viral on social media platforms.

As the issue created huge uproar, then Gujarat chief minister Anandiben Patel handed over the probe to CID-Crime on July 18 following which over 40 people were arrested.
home Tech Apple iPad Air 3 release date, update, specs rumors: Expected in 2017; to feature A10 processor?

The year is almost coming to an end and there is still no sign of Apple's iPad Air 3. But that doesn't stop rumors from coming in.

The latest speculation to hit reports is that the Apple iPad Air 3 is most likely going to be launched sometime next year. Early rumors suggested that the device will be out before the year ends. Although this is still possible, many predict that 2017 is the year for the next-generation tablet.

Reports detailed that several still expect it will come out this October. Following the pattern of the release of its predecessors, the iPad Air 3 could still come out this month. The original iPad Air was launched in October 2013 while the iPad Air 2 came out the following year in the same month.

Aside from that, reports said that Apple has already started dropping prices for the current generation, the iPad air 2. Putting devices on sale is usually an indication that a new one is coming.

Moreover, the Cupertino-based company has yet to release other products which include the MacBook Pro 2016 and iMac 2016 computer. If the two are going to be launched before the year ends, the iPad Air 3 could be coming alongside it.

As of now, nothing is certain yet so Apple users will have to stay tuned. As for the specs and features, reports cited that the tablet is most likely going to be running on an A10 processor which is currently being used by the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus.

With this chipset technology, the smartphones are deemed as the fastest mobile systems of today. Adding the A10 processor to the iPad Air 3 will make the device a very powerful one. The iPad Air 3 is also rumored to be thinner than its predecessor and could be coming with Apple Pencil compatibility.

Nothing has been confirmed yet so it's best to take these reports with a pinch of salt.
Mumbai: One needs a 56-inch chest to conduct a surgical strike, the BJP said on Wednesday taking a dig at Shiv Sena President President Uddhav Thackeray, who had challenged its ruling ally to 'strike off' their alliance ahead of the crucial BMC polls here.

"They (the Sena) should not talk about surgical strikes. For doing that, you need a 56-inch chest. It was only PM Narendra Modi who could get the surgical strike done because it is only he who has a 56-inch chest. You (the Sena) are not capable of it," BJP Mumbai unit Chief Ashish Shelar told reporters in Mumbai.

The Sena chief had on Tuesday taken potshots at Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, asking him to decide a specific leader in the BJP. He had also dared the BJP to contest the upcoming polls separately if it had the courage.

"Break the alliance and we will show you our surgical strike," Thackeray had said in an apparent reference to MP Kirit Somaiya's recent remark that BJP was all set to contest BMC polls, due early next year, independently.

Shelar further said that the BJP will continue its campaign against the "mafia raj" prevalent in the Sena-ruled MCGM and that the intensity of the party's agitation against corruption there will only increase henceforth.

"They (the Sena) have started it but we will end it. We will respond in a manner in which they understand. We will not go back in our fight against corruption," Shelar said.
New Delhi: Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday reviewed the security situation in the country, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, NSA Ajit Doval and other top officials.

During the hour-long meeting, top officials briefed the Home Minister and Defence Minister on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the 56-hour gunbattle between militants and security forces in Pampore which ended today with the killing of two ultras.

Read: Pampore gunbattle concludes after 3 days, 2 terrorists killed

The two ministers also took stock of the situation along the Indo-Pak border and the Line of Control and steps taken to check attempts of infiltration from across the border, official sources said.

Unrest in Jammu and Kashmir has been continuing ever since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani on July 8 that led to violent protests and clashes with security forces and death of 84 people.

Terrorists also killed 19 soldiers at an army station in Uri on September 18 which led to the surgical strikes by Indian Army on terror launch pads in PoK 10 days later.

The top security officials also gave briefings on the overall situation in the country and steps taken to maintain peace in view of the ongoing festival season.

The Home Ministry has already sent an advisory to all states to deploy additional forces in sensitive places to foil any attempt by terrorists to disturb peace and attempts by miscreants to try to create communal disturbance.
Expressing confidence that 'Amma' would soon resume her official duties, the AIADMK said under such circumstances the demand for an interim Chief Minister was only a "sadist noise". (Photo: File)

Chennai: AIADMK on Wednesday hit out at DMK treasurer M K Stalin for demanding an interim Chief Minister in view of Chief Minister Jayalalithaa's hospitalisation and asked if such an arrangement was made when Karunanidhi was in hospital in 2009 for a spine surgery.

Referring to leaders including MDMK chief Vaiko, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president Su Thirunavukkarasar, Union Minister Pon Radhakrishnan, and CPI(M) State Secretary G Ramakrishnan not favouring an idea of an interim Chief Minister, the AIADMK said only Stalin had sought such an arrangement.

AIADMK mouthpiece Dr Namadhu MGR on Wednesday asked if the DMK-led government had "appointed an interim Chief Minister when Karunanidhi was hospitalised for a spine surgery in 2009."

Expressing confidence that 'Amma' would soon resume her official duties, the AIADMK said under such circumstances the demand for an interim Chief Minister was only a "sadist noise".

On October 9, Stalin had demanded either a "Chief Minister in-charge or a new Chief Minister" to streamline governance.

After Jayalalithaa's portfolios were allotted to Finance Minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday, he had welcomed it.

Meanwhile, prayers continued to be offered at places of worship across Tamil Nadu, including 'milk pot processions' for the speedy recovery of Jayalalithaa.
Full emergency was declared about 11:15 am for Air India flight AI-460. (Representational Image)

New Delhi: An Air India plane, with over 100 passengers and crew onboard, from Vijayawada today made an emergency landing at the IGI airport here due to a technical glitch in the aircraft.

The aircraft, an Airbus A-319, landed safely and all passengers were safe, official sources said.

Full emergency was declared about 11:15 am for Air India flight AI-460 coming here from Vijaywada after the pilot informed Delhi Air Traffic Control about some issues on the plane's engine, they said.

The plane landed safely at about 11:20 am, and passengers and crew all were reported to be safe, they added.

Confirming the incident, an Air India spokesperson said the emergency landing was sought for its Vijaywada-Delhi flight, which had 101 passengers onboard, after some technical glitch was reported in one of the Airbus A-319 aircraft.
Amaravati: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday moved into his new office chamber on the first floor of Block-1 at Government's Transitional Headquarters (GTH) in Velagapudi in the capital region, marking the near completion of the translocation of the state administration from Hyderabad to Amaravati.



The Chief Minister now has four offices -- two in Hyderabad, one in Vijayawada and the latest one in Amaravati -- with the state government having spent over Rs 100 crore on them.



Soon after becoming the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, following the bifurcation of the state in June 2014, Chandrababu used to function from Lake View Guest House in Hyderabad which was officially designated as the Chief Minister's Camp Office.



In October 2014, he moved into L-Block in the Secretariat after a plush office was readied.



In June 2015, Chandrababu shifted base to Vijayawada after a new office building was constructed for him.



On April 25, he symbolically occupied his chamber at GTH in Velagapudi, though the temporary Secretariat was still under construction.



He formally stepped into Block-1 at GTH amid vedic chants this morning, but he can start working from there only towards the end of this month as nothing is ready yet.



"As early as possible, probably by this month-end, I have to work from here (Velagapudi) only if everything is ready," the Chief Minister said.



After performing a puja, the Chief Minister signed a file, approving the release of Rs 2,500 crore to women self-help groups under a financial infusion scheme.



He then addressed a press conference and subsequently, reviewed the progress of works related to development of Amaravati.



The CMO Block at GTH is a highly-secured place and the building is said to be able to withstand even a rocket attack.



The CMO is completely bullet-proof and has an intelligent lighting system that functions with the help of sensors for energy efficiency.



Besides the cabinet meeting hall and a conference room, the State Command and Communications Centre is also on the first floor for the Chief Minister to monitor the development works taking place across the state through video links.



The Chief Secretary's chamber is also on the first floor while the General Administration Department which works under the Chief Minister is on the ground floor. .
Mumbai: Amid bitter politics of one-upmanship over the surgical strikes, Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said all Indians including those who have raised doubts can share credit for the operation as it was done by the armed forces and not by any political party.

At the same time, he said that a large share of credit does go to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the government for decision-making and planning.

"I don't mind sharing the credit, including on surgical strike, with every countryman because it is done by our armed forces and not by any political party. So all Indians, including, those doubting it also, can share the credit," he said at a function here.

He said sharing of credit will settle the nerves of many. The Minister said he understands the sentiments of the people and they are satisfied now.

Several political leaders and parties have questioned the surgical strike and have sought proof. The Congress, while officially supporting the government over the strike, has also said that similar operations were undertaken during its tenure also.

Modi had warned ministers against chest-thumping on the Indian Armys surgical strikes. He also said that ministers should not speak out of turn on the issue. The Prime Minister made clear that only those authorised should speak on the strikes.

India attacked terrorist launch pads across the LoC on September 29, with the security forces killing 38 terrorists. However, Pakistan has refused to acknowledge that surgical strikes took place in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), calling it Indian propaganda.

Meanwhile, the Opposition have also questioned the Centre on the strikes, saying that proof of the strikes must be shared by the government.

Footage of the strikes-filmed in part by drones - was submitted to Modi, said reports.
Srinagar: The nearly 57-hour-long armed standoff outside Jammu and Kashmirs highway town of Pampore ended on Wednesday evening with the killing of both militants holed up inside a multi-storey government building which was pounded with mortar and rocket fire by the Army.

Officials said the slain men were "exceptionally motivated and highly trained terrorists" most probably belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and survived because the 7-storey building was used by them like a concrete bunker. Over 50 rockets and hundreds of grenades besides machineguns and small arms were used in the operation, causing extensive damage to the building. During the operation, the Army which was assisted by the BSF, the CRPF and J&K polices counterinsurgency Special Operations Group (SOG) used the DRDO Netra, light-weight autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) fitted with cameras, for surveillance and reconnaissance.

At the first hint of sunrise on Wednesday, the security forces launched a decisive assault against the remaining militant and, at about 9.15 am, five commandos of the Armys Parachute Regiment, the same special forces which had carried out surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) last month, were seen entering the battered and burnt building through a first-floor window using a ladder.

Read: Pampore gunbattle: Terrorists were probably from LeT, says Army

Seven hours later, the Army and J&K Police officials announced the stand-off had ended and that both militants had been killed. There was no third militant inside as suspected earlier.

After a search of around 50 rooms and as many bathrooms in the now tattered building there was no third militant or his body present, said the Army. The corpses of slain militants were retrieved during the combing operation and the authorities said that their identity is being ascertained.

The militants had barged into the sprawling campus of the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) at Sempora, Pampore, along the Srinagar-Jammu highway and about 16 kilometres south of the summer capital, at about 6.30 am on Monday using the rear side after reportedly crossing the River Jhelum from one bank (Rakh-e-Shalina) to the other (Sempora) in a boat. They occupied the 7-storey hostel building and set on fire a few mattresses to attract the attention. Why they did that is a mystery.

Since the JKEDI like other institutions is closed for more than three months because of the unrest triggered by the killing of Hizb-ul-Mujahedin commander Burhan Muzaffar Wani no student or faculty or staff member was present there.

The Armys Special Forces rushed to the spot from nearby Badami Bagh cantonment where the headquarters of 15 (Chinar) Corps are located. Also, the paramilitary forces personnel and the members of the CRPF and J&K polices SOG joined them to encircle the campus. In the initial stage of the operation, one Army jawan was injured in his foot. The Army fired mortars and other projectiles to neutralize militants as a result of which the building suffered damage and flames and thick smoke could be seen billowing out from distance.

The operation was suspended at the nightfall and resumed with first light on both these days to avoid collateral damage keeping in view the fact that a similar clash at the same place in February this year had left two Army captains Pawan Kumar and Tushar Mahajan and corporal Om Prakash dead as they had tried to make an assault move during the night time.
Indian Army soldiers take positions during their patrol near the Line of Control in Nowshera sector, about 145 km from Jammu. (Photo: PTI)

Noushera: For Army snipers donning the camouflaged battle-gear, "Dushmun Shikaar, Hum Shikaari" is the "duty mantra" as they guard the highly sensitive Line of Control (LoC).

Ply boards with "Dushman Shikaar, Hum Shikari" written on them dot the pine tree tops on the foot-tracks of patrolling parties and border woods along LoC.

LoC snipers and soldiers, whose morale has gone further up post surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in PoK, are out to give befitting reply to any ceasefire violation by Pakistan and foil infiltration attempts of terrorists and Border Action Teams (BATs).

Pointing towards a ply-card motto nailed to a pine tree on foot-patrolling track along three-tier fence, Sniper Ram Singh (name changed) said, "The enemy sitting across the Lakshman Rekha (LoC) is my prey and I am his hunter. We work as per this motto for those daring to cross this Lakshman Rekha."

Singh, along with other snipers, are highly trained and target hitting soldiers meant to hit specific enemies daring to breach LoC.

Like snipers, the motto is no different for jawans and officers monitoring the forward post and undertake foot patrolling along LoC amid electronic surveillance put to guard the Indo-Pak border in Noushera sector of Rajouri district, which falls opposite to the Bhimbher district of PoK, where the heavily armed special forces in pre-dawn surgical strike hit at terror launch pads last month.

Noushera sector with thick coniferous woods, deep valleys, rock-cut mountains is now a target of the Pakistan Armed troops post surgical strike defeat.

The Noushera sector was once biggest infiltration area as there were huge launching pads and terrorist training camps in Bhimbher-Samahni-Nikyal belt across LoC.

"We are most vigilant along LoC. We cannot even for a moment keep LoC out of the manual and electronic sight. We cannot trust Pakistani troops. They are insulted following surgical strike," said another soldier at the forward post.

Showcasing the electronic surveillance of the LoC, the company commander said that "we are keep a hawk-eye on LoC and forward past posts and sensitive gaps on the border".

"Even movement of a cat is watched now through electronic gadgets. We cannot afford to give a chance to them (enemies)," the officer said.

Rocky mountain clips, dense forest lines and deep rock-cut valleys along the borderline are manned round-the-clock manually and electronically.

"Apart from continuous observation from forward posts, electronic observation rooms, there is manual patrolling and three-tier lit-up fencing to guard against infiltration and cross LoC raids," the officer said.

Amid hostile weather conditions, the soldiers guard the border posts and vow to safeguard the territorial boundaries at the cost of their lives.

Undeterred by continuous mortar shell blasts and rattle of heavy machine guns at their posts last week, jawans brave bad weather and inhospitable terrain to keep a strict vigil on the LoC in Poonch.

"Even during recent heavily shelling and firing, we kept hawk's eye vigilance on LoC to foil any design of infiltration or any such attack," the officer said.

The situation in Poonch-Rajouri sector has deteriorated in the past week following the surgical strike. Repeated ceasefire violations, firing on forward posts and sniper-firings have forced jawans, officers and commanding officers to remain on their toes along the 225-km LoC.

"Defences at LoC are well prepared. Jawans are well motivated and morale is high. Our troops are prepared for 24X7 for any eventuality along the LoC," the officer said.

There is a foolproof security mechanism in place and anti-infiltration measures have also been activated to foil infiltration bids by militants or any kind of BAT attack, he said.

Since the surgical strikes, there have been over 26 ceasefire violations from Pakistan along the LoC in which four soldiers and five civilians suffered injuries and 11 shops were gutted.
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmirs main opposition party National Conference (NC) and some other political groups and also separatists have reacted strongly to RSS chief Mohan Bhagwats statement that the Hindu refugees from erstwhile West Pakistan should be granted the State citizenship rights. They have also objected to the State governments allowing the cadres of the right-wing organisation to hold parades through sensitive Chenab valley of the Jammu region on Tuesday.

Mr. Bhagwat had while speaking at a Dussehra rally in Nagpur, however, termed these refugees as residents of PoK uprooted during the first Kashmir war in 1947-48 which led to the division of the Himalayan state and during later conflicts with Pakistan. He also asked for rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits who, he said, were forced to leave the Valley due to militancy and also said that the State Government should work with the Centre to pursue one policy and move in one direction, noting that the nationalist forces should be strengthened and undesirable activities be rooted out in Jammu and Kashmir. He said the situation in the State is a matter of concern. He further spoke about discrimination having been meted out to the Jammu and Ladakh regions of the State by successive governments.

Lashing out at him for his uninformed rhetoric on J&K, the NC said his designs were communal and divisive aimed at creating religious and regional animosity within the State. The party spokesperson Junaid Azim Mattu said that the RSS chief was clearly unacquainted with the States deep and glorious history of secularism and brotherhood and that any nefarious attempts by it (RSS) and BJP to spread communal and regional strife in the State would be defeated and exposed.

We dont need lectures about equity and equality in J&K from those who planned, patronized and led the communal genocide of Muslims in Jammu in 1947 at a time when the State was seen as the only ray of hope in the subcontinent by virtue of its secular ethos and values. All three regions of the State have the same constitutional rights and political representation and people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh have always worked together for the welfare and prosperity of the entire State. Mr. Bhagwat should introspect about the role of his organization in persecuting Muslims and other minorities in the rest of the country instead of maligning the people of J&K, he said.

The NC also came down heavily on the State government for its unquestionable political and administrative patronage to armed marches being carried out by RSS in various areas of the State and said this was an alarming trend. These marches are getting police protection at a time when Muharram processions are being showered with teargas shells in Kashmir. There is a clear attempt to harass and intimidate Muslims in various areas of Jammu region and it is tragic that the Chief Minister is a part and parcel of this intimidation exercise, the party spokesman alleged. He added that the administration should not violate its constitutional duties and responsibilities and ensure people are not intimidated by the RSS under their protection and patronage.

Independent MLA and leader of regional Awami Itehad Party (AIP), Engineer Sheikh Abdur Rashid while reacting sharply to the RSS chiefs assertion that the people of Jammu and Ladakh face discrimination at the hands of Kashmiris said that he challenges him to prove the same on basis of facts and figures. By batting for a particular region, RSS and other parties of Sang Parivar have been promoting regionalism and communalism and the basic purpose is to avoid resolution of Kashmir dispute and create confusion, he said in a statement here. He added, Mr. Bhagwat must know that despite being just 27 percent of total population of State, the Hindu community has got proportionately beyond lines share in top rank bureaucracy and political establishment. He should know that both heads of civil and police administration which include Chief Secretary and DGP, are from Jammu region or and of Hindu community. Similarly from commissioner secretaries to district SPs, presence of Muslim officers has been reduced to nominal figures.

He asked the RSS chief to forget about giving citizenship rights to erstwhile West Pakistani refugees and said they will always remain refugees, unless they either go back to their native places or are settled elsewhere in India. He said, It is a universal law that refugees in any part of the world have to go back to their native places, once situation is normal and the West Pakistani refugees should be sent to Pakistan and those Muslims forced to migrate from Jammu should be allowed to resettle in Jammu.

Jailed separatist leader Shabir Ahmed Shah in a statement while expressing strong resentment over the rallies taken out by RSS in Jammu and Chenab valley said the move is aimed at nothing but to create a sense of fear and terror among the Muslims of the regions. It is extremely unfortunate that, on one hand, the organizers of such rallies are getting support of the government and the (security) forces including J&K police and, on the other hand, pellets are being showered upon the people holding peaceful protests in Kashmir. This is a sheer hypocrisy on part of the so-called government.
Bengaluru: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Karnataka unit president and former Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa on Wednesday strongly condemned the "cold-blooded murder" of an RSS swayamsevak and BJP worker in Kerala's Kannur district, blaming it on the "murderous politics" of the ruling CPI(M) there.

"The murderous politics of CPM is well-known....This murderous politics has seen a steady increase ever since CPM assumed office in Kerala," he said, adding that it spoke volumes about the collapse of the rule of law in the state.

He said the brutal murder of Prenith had taken place near a petrol bunk in Pinarayi, the native village of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, which was "a telling comment" on the state of affairs on the law and order front in Kerala.

Recalling that Prenith's father was also a victim of "CPM's goondaism, murder and mayhem" in 2002, Yeddyurappa alleged that whenever such murderous attacks took place against the BJP and Sangh Parivar activists, police turned a blind eye.

He asked the Kerala government to take immediate steps to arrest the killers.

Yeddyurappa also warned the "politically-irrelevant and ideologically-bankrupt CPM" that Karnataka BJP will not be a silent on-looker and it would be forced to launch a massstruggle to mount pressure on CPM to stop pursuing "this politics of murder and mayhem."
home Tech iPad Mini 5 release date, news & update: Apple to release device in 2017

There are various rumors about Apple's iPad Mini line, and the more these are fueled by uncertainties, the wilder the rumors become. In the case of the iPad Mini 5, this is probably because it has been 13 months since its predecessor, the iPad Mini 4, appeared and no one is certain when the new product is going to launch.

This could be in 2017 yet, reports MacWorld. But many are saying that Apple is still focusing on its upcoming MacBook Pro 2016 that will be launched this year, the reason why the IPad Mini 5 has to come later.

Yet the iPad Mini 5 is already one of the most talked about devices in the world of technology today, and for some very good reasons. According to reports, this new product will have a 3D touch function and will run on Apple's latest operating system, the iOS 10 or the new iOS 11, assuming it will come out next year.

Consumers will also have three different screen sizes to choose from: the 12.9-inch, 10.1-inch and 9.7-inch variants. For sure, the Mini 5 will be powered by the latest A10 chipset.

As for internal storage, it might have either 32 GB, 64 GB or 128 GB of memory.

A thinner and lighter body is possible with an A-thin 7000-series aluminum chassis that should make the device more durable.

While fans can expect a lot of changes from its predecessor, the new product will not differ much in the camera department. Both the 8 MP in the rear portion and the 1.2 MP in the front area face are expected to stay, using a True Tone Flash technology for high quality photos.

Reports on the price tags of the device are scarce, but there are suggestions the iPad Mini 5 may sell for $450 for the 32GB model. Its predecessor's 16GB model was sold for $399 during its launch.
The Supreme Court has ruled that manual scavenging should be abolished. (Photo: File)

Chennai: The Madras High Court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to file a report regarding disbursement of compensation to families of 118 manual scavengers who had died since 1993 while cleaning up sewers in public places in the state.

The court gave the direction recently to the Secretary of the Department of Municipal Administration and Water supply to file a progress report on the disbursement of compensation amount, and posted the matter to November 25.

Perusing the summary report submitted by an NGO Change India in connection with the deaths of manual scavengers in the state and compensation for their kin, the court said,

"Keeping the summary position, further progress report will be filed by the authorities and the excuse of review petition not pending should result in payment being disbursed."

The summary stated that a total of 118 families remain to be compensated.

About 35 families still remain untraceable, while 49 families were denied rightful compensation in urban areas, and in the case of rural areas it was 28, it said.

Earlier, the Madras High Court had directed the state government to disburse the compensation as per the direction of the Supreme Court order dated May 10, 2016, which stated that the families of scavengers are entitled for a compensation of Rs 10 lakhs each.

Following the apex court ruling, organisations such as Change India and Safai Karamchari Andolan enumerated the number of incidents of deaths of manual scavengers in the state in the past and submitted a memorandum to the government urging it to provide full compensation to the kin of the deceased workers.

However, the Tamil Nadu government paid the compensation only to families of 59 deceased manual scavengers, they claimed.

When it was brought to the notice of the High Court that various aspects of rehabilitation of persons involved in manual scavenging and improving the system of scavenging in a sense forms part of the Swatch Bharat Mission, the court directed the Assistant Solicitor General appearing on behalf of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to get the instructions.
Somaiya, a former Mumbai BJP chief, has aggressively targeted Sena and has repeatedly alleged that civic body was riddled with "mafia-raj and corruption". (Photo: File)

Mumbai: Five Shiv Sena activists were on Wednesday arrested in connection with the assault on BJP MP Kirit Somaiya and other BJP workers at suburban Mulund in Mumbai, police said.

The assault took place after Sena workers allegedly disrupted a programme organised by Somaiya wherein an effigy of 'corruption mafia in MCGM' was to be burnt to mark the festival of Dussehra last evening, they said.

"We registered an offence against Shiv Sena activists and arrested five people under IPC 324, 323, 504, 506 and relevant sections," said senior police inspector Madhav More of Navghar Police Station.

Those arrested early this morning include Kiran Nande (40), Nilesh Sawant (37), Nilesh Thakkar (42), Sunil Gore (41) and Kishore Bhoir (42), all residents of Mulund East.

Also, three persons including a woman were injured in the clashes which erupted between workers of both the parties, after Sena activists objected to the effigy burning as they are in power in MCGM and tried to stop the programme, police said.

However, police intervened and brought the situation under control, Ashok Dudhe, Deputy Commissioner of Police, said.

MCGM is ruled by the Sena-BJP alliance for the last 20 years and civic polls are scheduled early next year.

Somaiya, a former Mumbai BJP chief, has aggressively targeted Sena and has repeatedly alleged that civic body was riddled with "mafia-raj and corruption".

The MP who represents the Northeast Mumbai constituency, had said on Tuesday that he will continue his fight against the "mafia-raj and corruption in MCGM".
New Delhi: In her first visit after becoming State Counsellor, Burmese leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will arrive in India on October 16 on a four-day trip during which she will attend BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit in Goa and hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on key bilateral and regional issues.

Announcing her visit on Wednesday, External Affairs Ministry said Suu Kyi, who will be here at the invitation of Modi, will pay a State Visit to India from October 17-19, 2016.

The State visit will take place immediately after the conclusion of the BRICS-BIMSTEC Outreach Summit to be held in Goa on October 16, to which the State Counsellor will lead the Myanmar delegation, it said.

Suu Kyi, whose National League for Democracy brought down curtains on five decades of military rule and assumed power in March this year, is the country's foreign minister.

"The visit of the State Counsellor will provide an opportunity for the two sides to discuss issues of mutual interest and seek ways to further strengthen the close and friendly ties that exist between the two countries," MEA asserted.

Suu Kyi will be accompanied by several key Ministers and senior officials.

According to sources, during the bilateral meeting, border management and ways to contain militant activities along the Indo-Myanmar border will be among the issues that are likely to figure. Both sides are also likely to discuss ways to boost trade ties.

Earlier in August, Myanmarese President U Htin Kyaw had visited India and held extensive talks with Prime Minister Modi. Myanmar has assured India that it would not allow any insurgent group to use its territory against India.

During her visit, the State Counsellor will call on President Pranab Mukherjee and also meet External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

She will also attend a business event during which she will interact with leading Indian business leaders on ways to bolster bilateral economic and commercial relations.
Smoke billowing out of the multi-storied government building, where some militants were holed up during a gunbattle with the Army at Pampore, Srinagar. (Photo: PTI)

Pampore: The two terrorists who were neutralised at the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) here most probably had their allegiance to Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (Let), said GOC Victor Force Major General Ashok Narula briefing reporters after the operation was over on Wednesday afternoon.

Divulging detail of the operation, Major General Narula told reporters, "At this moment, as we know there are two people who have been eliminated and two weapons have been recovered. As far as recoveries are concerned, we will give a list of all those things. In this operation, because there were too many rooms and too many floors, it was a tedious process."

He further said, "This was a very tricky operation, because it is a very huge building and we did not want any collateral damage as there were chances of civilians being inside; all those people were taken out first."

"We have taken our time; this one building, which has 60 rooms. It has a ground floor, six floors and all the 60 rooms have 60 bathrooms also and that is the reason it takes time, because we have to clear each and every room. It takes time, because drill for all is the same and we cannot be in hurry because of the collateral damage, and we did not want unnecessary problems in that. That is the reason it took time," said the GoC.

Elaborating on their operation, he said, "Day before, yesterday morning, we started; yesterday, we kept working on this and today morning we started working on clearing of the whole operation. As far as JKEDI is concerned, this is the centre of excellence in which our lot of brothers get employment. We actually feel very sad that for the second time they came and encountered and occupied this building, whereas this is our pride in Kashmir."

When asked why they decided not to go for house intervention and chose to fire from outside, Major General Narula said, "That is the normal drill that we generally do. Before going into an operation, we do fire from outside so that we are able to take care of it. Because there were too much of glass also, so we have to do a bit of percussion also, with that percussion the glasses break and you are able to see through it. And in any case, you have to keep firing because you have to first pin those people down and thereafter do something."

Two of the terrorists holed up in JKEDI, a government building, on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. Official sources said, while one terrorist was killed yesterday, another was neutralised today during the operation to flush out them since Sunday.

Security forces resumed their operation this morning after being suspended late last night due to darkness.

The army has called its para commandos to neutralise the remaining terrorists. The exact number of the terrorists trapped inside is not yet known.

The building, where terrorists are trapped, suffered extensive damage as security forces fired dozens of rockets, mortar shells and triggered Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to eliminate the militants. Security forces also used tear-smoke and pepper shells to bring the militants out from the building. Army, paramilitary forces and state police were jointly participating in the operation.
There are 4,432 vacancies of judges in subordinate courts in the country as on December 31, 2015, while the 24 high courts face a shortage of nearly 450 judges. (Photo: File)

New Delhi: Amid a raging debate on shortage of judges, a parliamentary panel has decided to seek the views of the Law Ministry on "inordinate delay" in filling up vacancies in the Supreme Court and the 24 high courts of the country.

"The Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice has decided to examine the inordinate delay in filling up vacancies in the Supreme Court and High Courts," according to a parliamentary bulletin.

The Law Ministry officials will present their position on the issue in front of the panel of MPs, it said.

The move comes after Chief Justice of India T S Thakur had lamented "inaction" by the executive to increase the number of judges from the present 21,000 to 40,000 to handle the "avalanche" of litigations.

Addressing the inaugural session of Joint Conference of Chief Ministers and Chief Justices of High Courts in Delhi on April 24, the CJI had said that since 1987, when the Law Commission had recommended increase in the number of judges from 10 judges per 10 lakh people to 50 judges, nothing has moved.

There are 4,432 vacancies of judges in subordinate courts in the country as on December 31, 2015, while the 24 high courts face a shortage of nearly 450 judges.

Nearly 3 crore cases are pending in the courts across India.

The parliamentary panel has also decided to examine the functioning of Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the bulletin said.

The premier investigation agency is usually caught in the political slug fest. It is also looking into various cases related to politicians from different parties.

The panel will also have a look on appraisal and empanelment of civil servants under the Central government, it added.
Mumbai/ New Delhi: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday rubbished Congress' claim of the army having undertaken surgical strikes under it and demanded a "major" share of credit for the military action post-Uri attack for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, escalating a bruising war of words with Congress.

Stung by the attack, Congress accused him of "blatant politicisation" of the issue and demanded an apology.

Speaking at two events in Mumbai, Parrikar said all the 127 crore people of India, including "doubting Thomases", and the army share and deserve credit for the operation as it was done by the armed forces and not by any political party.

At the same time, he said that "major share" of credit does go to Modi and the government for decision-making and planning.

He also made it clear that Congress' claims of such attacks having been carried out when the UPA was in power were wrong as those operations were undertaken by border actionteams at local level "without the knowledge" of the government.

"I don't mind sharing the credit, including on surgical strike, with every countryman because it is done by our armed forces and not by any political party. So all Indians, including, those doubting Thomases, can share the credit," he said at a function in Mumbai, adding his statement will settle the nerves of many.

Parrikar's remarks drew stinging criticism from the Congress, which called them "misleading" and said by rejecting the claim that such strikes had taken place in the past, the Defence Minister had "undermined" the sacrifices made by the army.

"Mr Parrikar, Indian Army deserves all credit but why mislead the people and undermine army's sacrifices by denying earlier surgical strikes?

"Operation Ginger in 2011 was a large-scale surgical strike. Why is Manohar Parrikar quiet on army's valour? Is (it) not blatant politicisation?" Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala asked and demanded an apology from the Minister.

"Converting national security into an event management exercise to polish the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is extremely unfortunate," he said.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on the other hand accused Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar of "belittling" the valour of the Indian Army, saying his statement over surgical strikes shows that he is indulging in low-grade politics.

The party also claimed that the BJP was trying to encash on the issue ahead of Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls.

"There is no better example of low-grade politics. By issuing such statement, Parrikar is belittling the achievements of the Indian Army, which has had a proud history of valour and sacrifice," AAP's Delhi unit convener Dilip Pandey said.

He said that Parrikar had also compared the Indian Army to Hanuman who had to be made aware of his powers and by saying this he has "insulted" the army.

The AAP leader also lodged a complaint, asking the police to book Parrikar under sedition charges.

"The BJP has misused issues ahead of polls. During Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls, it got a full page advertisement printed about Chinese incursions. They exploited cow during the Bihar polls and now they are doing this ahead of UP polls," Pandey said.
Srinagar: On a day when Peoples Conference leader and Jammu and Kashmirs social welfare and science and technology minister Sajad Gani Lone met Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in Delhi to discuss the prevailing situation in the State and certain official matters, a senior party activist was shot dead by unknown gunmen in frontier Kupwara district.

Police sources said that PC worker Ghulam Nabi Khoja in later forties was targeted with gunfire outside his home in Kralgund village of Handwara area. The gunmen four to five in number- called him outside his home and shot him from a close range at about 8.45 pm, his family members told the police. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The police blamed the murder on separatist militants.

It is for the first that a PC worker has been targeted after its chairman Mr. Lone, a former separatist, chose to switch sides, fought and won election to the State Assembly in 2014 to become an ally of the BJP and subsequently a minister in the PDP-BJP government. His father and founder the PC, Abdul Gani Lone, was killed by alleged militants in Srinagar on May 21, 2002.
The Supreme Court has ruled that sex workers cannot accuse her customers of rape if they refuse to pay them. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: The Supreme Court, while hearing a case of an alleged rape by three persons from Bengaluru, has ruled that sex workers cannot accuse her customers of sexual assault if they refuse to pay her.

According to a report, a bench of Justice Pinaki Chandra Ghose and Amitava Roy observed that a court must examine the evidence provided by a woman alleging sexual assault, but should not take her statement as gospel of truth.

The apex court bench was hearing a plea by three men, who had challenged the Karnataka High Courts ruling ordering their prosecution in a 20-year-old alleged gangrape case. They were accused of raping a woman, who worked as a maid in Bengaluru.

The woman had alleged that the men abducted her and took her to a garage where they took turns to rape her.

However, the truth came to fore when the womans roommate deposed as a witness and told the Supreme Court that the former used to take financial assistance from the accused men and indulged in prostitution after completing household work at her employers home.

"The woman had asked the three men for Rs 1,000 but they refused to give, so she filed a complaint against them thinking they would have no choice but to pay her the amount," said the witness.

The Supreme Court, which examined the case all over again, observed that the womans conduct during the alleged ordeal is unlike a victim of rape and betrays somewhat submissive and consensual disposition. The apex court acquitted the three men.
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad High Court has confirmed the life sentence awarded by the additional sessions judge, Khammam, in Telangana state and sessions judge in Ongole, AP, in two separate murders.

A division bench comprising Justice P.V. Sanjay Kumar and Justice M. Satyanarayana Murti confirmed the life sentences in a case involving Neram Chinnabbai of Ongole for killing one Illa Somi Reddy, in Dubagunta of the Prakasam district and injuring two others.

The court also upheld the life sentence awarded to three convicts  Boddu Srinivasa Rao, Thamalampudi Venkata Reddy and Gottam Yakub Reddy  for killing lorry driver Saleem in Khammam district.

Srinivasa Rao, a lorry cleaner, killed Saleem with the help of the two others while they were returning from Ankapal-em in 2009 following a financial dispute. The body was abandoned in the Ankapalem forest of Khammam district.

The court noted that there was no eyewitness and the case depended on circumstantial evidence. The bench held that merely on account of lapses of the police officer and the defects in conducting investigation, the prosecution case cannot be thrown out.

The bench ruled that when there are independent witnesses, who had no reason to speak against the accused, it is convincing and does not admit any doubt. The bench held that when an unbroken chain of circumstances unerringly points to the complicity of the acc-used, they cannot be let free.

In the case of Neram Chinnabbai of Ongole, the bench noted that the prosecution produced four eyewitnesses, of whom two sustained injuries allegedly at the hands of the accused in the course of the attack which resulted in the death of Somi Reddy.

Counsel for the accused said there were discrepancies in the evidence of the eyewitness; particularly, the wife of the victim had given two versions  she said at one point that she hid behind the weigh bridge and at another time she said she had gone behind her hut to hide. Ruling out that the contention of the counsel, the bench said even if the evidence of the witness was discarded, the evidence of the other eyewitnesses was more than adequate. Other witnesses stated that the accused had hacked Somi Reddy when he went to make a phone call at the weigh bridge office.
Hyderabad: Telengana state Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has hinted at bringing in legislation that would ensure that government staff is held accountable for services offered to the public.

Inaugurating the district collectorate at Siddipet on Tuesday, the Chief Minister observed that together with the formation of the new district units, that were aimed at bringing the administration closer to the people, the government will also bring in legislation to make employees accountable.

Such legislation is in force when it comes to applications for setting up industries in the state. A penalty clause comes into effect if officers responsible for clearing various applications default.

We understand that the Chief Minister wants to bring an Act  on the lines of TSiPass Act  to emp-ower the government to take action against those erring officials, who fail to address various public issues in a stipulated time, TRS MP B. Vinod Kumar and MLC Pathuri Sudhakar Reddy told this newspaper.

They said presently there is no accountability on an officer for clearing various applications like seeking ration card, pension, scholarship, etc., within a stipulated time.

If a law in place, there will be statutory obligation on each and every employee to attend to various public issues. Sometimes officials asks the public whoever approach them to go and verify their status online which is not possible for general public who are unable to access them, he said.
Prior to the 2016 IPCPR Trade Show, Black Label Trading Company announced its latest line called Bishops Blend. Black Label Trading Company has built a reputation for delivering some excellent maduro offerings. Bishops Blend features an Ecuadorian Maduro wrapper, but it are the filler tobaccos that set this apart. In the blend, the filler for Bishops Blend is highlighted by the incorporation of Broadleaf tobacco from both Connecticut and Pennsylvania. This particular filler combination we is something we dont see commonly see in a blend, but for Black Label Trading Company, this is a company that has not been afraid to deviate from the norm. Weve seen this with the use of a double wrapper on Morphine, and the use of a less common San Andres Natural wrapper on Deliverance. With the Bishops Blend now on the retailer shelves, Ive recently had an opportunity to smoke this cigar in the Robusto size. Since the company launched three years ago, owner James Brown has done an excellent job at growing his company and portfolio. With the Bishops Blend Robusto, this perhaps is his companys finest work to date.

The philosophy Brown has incorporated for both Black Label Trading Company and its sister brand, Black Works Studio has been a small batch less is more philosophy. Back in February 2015, Brown made a bold move as he opened Fabrica de Oveja Negra, his own factory in Nicaragua. This has allowed him to take a more hands-on, intimate approach to his companys work. While Black Label Trading Company was his first brand, Brown launched his second brand, Black Works Studio late last year  allowing for him to have another creative outlet.

Without further ado, lets take a closer look at the Bishops Blend Robusto and see what this cigar brings to the table.

Blend Profile

In addition to the Broadleaf, Bishops Blend also incorporates Nicaraguan tobacco in the filler and utilizes Ecuadorian tobaccos for the binder and filler.

Wrapper: Ecuadorian Maduro

Binder: Ecuadorian Habano

Filler: Nicaraguan, Pennsylvania Broadleaf, Connecticut Broadleaf

Country of Origin: Nicaragua (Fabrica Oveja Negra)

Vitolas Available

Bishops Blend is available in two sizes. Both vitolas are packaged in 20 count boxes.

Robusto: 5 x 48

Corona Larga: 6 1/4 x 46

Appearance

Black Label Trading Company and Black Works Studio have created some artesian like cigars (i.e. the Black Label Trading Company Nocturne Snub Nose salomons and the Black Works Studio Killer Bees linear strips of tobacco by the cap). Now the Bishops Blend takes its place among these artesian cigars as this is a very unique Robusto. The Bishops Blend Robusto features a chocolate-chip shaped cap that gives the cigar the appearance of a figurado. In addition the cigar also features a covered footer.

The Ecuadorian Maduro wrapper of the Bishops Blend Robusto had a rich espresso bean color. The wrapper had a light coat of oil on it. I found the wrapper to be on the smooth side  with some very thin veins and very thin wrapper seams. Overall I found the cigar to have a firm pack with no soft spots.

There are two bands on the Bishops Blend. The primary band is black in color with orange-red trim. The band is highlighted by a orange-red skull-design. While skull designs are common on Black Label Trading Company cigars, this is the first orange-red colored one. To the left of the skull is the text Hand Made in orange-red cursive font while to the right is the text Est. 2013 (the year Black Label Trading Company was formed)  also in orange-red cursive font.

There is also a secondary footer band. This is also black in color with orange-red trim. On the center of the band is the text Bishops Blend in orange-red font.

Preparation for the Cigar Experience

Prior to lighting the Bishops Blend, I went with a straight cut to remove the cap. I made a delicate, razor thin cut and essentially removed the chocolate chip shape from the cigar. Once the cap was removed, I moved on to the pre-light draw. The pre-light draw provided a mix of earth, dark chocolate and a slight cedar note. Overall I considered this to be a satisfactory pre-light draw. At this point, I removed the footer band, lit up the Bishops Blend and awaited what the smoking phase would have in store.

Flavor Profile

The start to the Bishops Blend Robusto delivered a mix of cocoa and earth along with some mineral and black pepper notes. The cocoa and earth notes became the primary notes where they became grounded for the majority of the smoking experience. The mineral and black pepper notes became secondary. The retro-hale produced a combination of spices highlighted by black pepper and cedar.

Later in the first third of the Bishops Blend Robusto, a cool citrus note emerged in the background joining the mineral and pepper notes. While the cocoa and earth remained primary, the cocoa notes definitely became richer. At the same time, the cocoa had a pleasant lingering effect on the retro-hale.

The second third saw the cocoa notes at its peak of richness. In the forefront, these cocoa notes still had a mix of some classic earth notes and this provided a nice amount of balance. During this stage, the mineral notes slowly increased in intensity as well.

By the last third of the Bishops Blend, there still was plenty of rich cocoa and earth notes in the forefront. The mineral component of this cigar had closed in on the forefront, but didnt quite reach the level of the cocoa and earth. Meanwhile the pepper notes also slowly increased, but in the end they still were a secondary note. This is the way the cigar experience came to a close. The resulting nub was a real finger-burner  firm to the touch and cool in temperature.

Burn and Draw

The Black Label Trading Company Bishops Blend maintained a straight burn path from start to finish. There was a slight bit of jaggedness on the burn line, but in the end this didnt warrant much in the way of additional touch-ups. The resulting ash had a salt and pepper color complexion. This was an ash that was quite firm and one that came off the cigar in clean chunks. Meanwhile the burn rate and burn temperature were ideal.

The draw to the Bishops Blend Robusto was also excellent. The firmer pack of the cigar gave this it a slight amount of resistance on the draw  resulting in what I considered to be a positive.

Strength and Body

From a strength perspective, I found the Bishops Blend Robusto to start out on the upper end of medium. Toward the end of the second third, I had found there was a slight spike in strength that pushed it into the medium to full territory. As for the body, combined with the retro-hale; there was some nice depth to the flavors. I found the Bishops Blend started out on the upper end of medium to full-bodied. Toward the last third, the body increased enough to cross it into full-bodied territory.

Final Thoughts

Over the past couple of years, Ive been smoked many of Browns cigars from both the Black Label Trading Company and Black Works Studio brand. The past year has really seen his work in the zone as he has been delivering some very high quality smokes. Back in May, I felt Brown hit a new high with the Black Works Studio Killer Bee. Now along comes the Black Label Trading Company Bishops Blend Robusto and things go yet to another level. I feel Brown found a great way to get the best most of the fillers with this cigar as you get both the Connecticut Broadleaf (in my opinion, the sweet cocoa flavors) and Pennsylvania Broadleaf (in my opinion the earth and mineral) qualities. I didnt find this to be an overly complex cigar, but one that delivered great flavors and these flavors are balanced.

This is a cigar Id recommend to an experienced cigar enthusiast, but its a great one for a novice to progress to something on the medium plus side. As for myself, not only is this worth of a box worthy purchase, but it is one that Id take Chuck Norris on for.

Summary

Burn: Excellent

Draw: Excellent

Complexity: Medium-

Strength: Medium (1st 2/3), Medium to Full (Last third)

Body: Medium to Full (1st 2/3), Full (Last third)

Finish: Excellent

Assessment: 4.5-Fight Chuck Norris for Them

Score: 93

References

News: Black Label Trading Company Bishops Blend to Launch at 2016 IPCPR

Price: $9.50

Source: Cigars Provided by Manufacturer (Prior to August 8th), Additional Cigar Purchased

Stogie Geeks Podcast: Episode 205

Stogie Feed: Black Label Trading Company Bishops Blend Robusto

Brand Reference: Black Label Trading Company

Photo Credits: Cigar Coop
Mumbai: In a statement that is likely to open a Pandoras box, Union defence minister Manohar Parrikar cast doubts over the Congress claims of conducting surgical strikes across the Line of Control during the UPA period.

From whatever I have learnt, there was no surgical strike anytime earlier, he said on Wednesday. Speaking at an event hosted by the Forum For Integrated National Security at Bandra, Mr Parrikar said such surgical strikes had never been carried out before. What they are probably quoting is action taken by Border Action Teams. These are common practices, in which local commanders sometimes take punitive action against opponents who have been troubling them in order to settle scores. But the government had never endorsed such action, and it was thus a covert operation, which is carried out without anyones knowledge. The report is issued subsequently, Mr Parrikar said.

After the Uri terror attack last month, which claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers, the Indian Army on September 29 had carried out surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (POK), in which it claimed to have killed several terrorists.

Parrikar gives strikes credit to Army

Following the recent surgical strikes in PoK, the Congress had claimed that its UPA government, too, had conducted surgical strikes, but never made the same public. While Mr Parrikar rejected the Congress' claims, he further said that the September 29 strikes were a single, one-time operation.

"In this case, a decision was taken and conveyed by the government and finally executed by the Indian Army. The operation clearly indicated the intent of the Indian Army."

The defence minister, however, refused to take credit for the surgical strikes and instead attributed it to the people of India and the army. "If we had to take political credit for it, I would have announced it. But we did not. It is the Indian armed forces' director general of military operations who announced the outcome, and gave information about the action taken by the Indian military. The 127 crore people of the country and the Indian armed forces deserve the credit for the surgical strikes," said Mr Parrikar.

Bombay vs Mumbai

Meanwhile, during his speech, Mr Manohar Parrikar raised many eyebrows by referring to Mumbai by its colonial name of Bombay. I have studied in IIT and Bombay is almost my second home, he said, and then immediately reverted back to using the name Mumbai.

I take this name because IIT's name is still IIT-Bombay and has not been changed. I hope it is taken in a lighter vein and there are no protests outside the venue over this, he said.
Hyderabad: The Telangana state government on Wednesday ruled out the creation of more districts after inaugurating 21 on Dasara along with 25 revenue divisions and 125 mandals.

Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao led the inauguration of districts on Tuesday at Siddipet. He also launched the Markook mandal nearby. Legislative Council Chairman Swami Goud, Speaker Madhusud-hana Chary, Cabinet ministers and others inaugurated the districts allocated to them.

A government statement said that after examining the petitions received by people and issue of notification, the process of reorganisation of districts has ended. The process has ended smoothly, it said and asked officials to focus on administration.

The statement came in backdrop of protests continuing for new districts including one for Narayanpet. New districts, revenue divisions and mandals, police commissionerates, police sub divisions, circle offices and police stations were the outcome of a year-long proc-ess, it added.

I left you to free Telangana and I brought you Telangana state. The credit goes to Siddipet. In the history of Telangana state, its one of the greatest reforms... The entire nation is awest-ruck. Its a memorable day in my life, Mr Rao said.

On a plea from irrigation minister T. Harish Rao, the Chief Minis-ter announced sanction of a government medical college for Sid-dipet which will functi-on from next year and also sanctioned Rs 100 crore for development of Siddipet. He wanted a university to be est-ablished in Siddipet.

I owe you three things for Siddipet. First a train. You will get it. The PM inaugurated it. Second, Godavari waters, you will get it. We wanted Siddipet district, we achieved it, he said.

He added, As long as I am alive, I will work for the development of Telangana. As your child, bless me. I will go forward not backward.

PCC will reorganise district units: Uttam Kumar Reddy

Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president N. Uttam Kumar Reddy on Wednesday said that his party has in- principle decided to revamp its organisational structure by appointing new District Congress Committees (DCCs) within 15 days.

I got an approval from the AICC also on this. Once new districts came into existence, as a political party we need to bring in changes according the new set up, he said.

The PCC president said the party will begin search for DCC presidents as they will have come from areas coming under the new districts. Mr Reddy said the PCC will also very soon fill the post of Hyderabad DCC president, which has remained vacant after Danam Nagender had quit.
Intelligence sources admitted that in wake of surgical strikes by India there is a strong possibility that Pak terror groups would carry out a spectacular strike at the high-profile place. (Photo: PTI)

New Delhi: Unprecedented security arrangements are being made for the two-day Brics summit to be held in Goa on October 15 and 16 following Intelligence inputs that Pakistan based terror groups could target the high-profile gathering.

Heads of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa will be attending the conference. The home ministry which is monitoring security arrangements for the summit has taken a serious note of the reports and decided to deploy special commando units from para-military forces including elite National Security Guards and ITBP.

Dog squads of the ITBP which specialise in anti-sabotage checks have also been sent to Goa which will be deployed at various venues that will be visited by the VIPs.

We are confident that as the host country we will be able to provide a foolproof security cover to the summit and it will be a grand success. The security arrangements are being monitored regularly by senior officials and adequate deployment has been made. The elite K9 dog squad of ITBP which was used to secure our assets in Afghanistan has also been deployed for the summit,a home ministry official said.

Intelligence sources admitted that in wake of surgical strikes by India there is a strong possibility that Pak terror groups would carry out a spectacular strike at the high-profile place.

It is estimated that as many as 900 delegates would be attending the conference. In wake of the high security alert across the country, the home ministry had issued an advisory to the States, particularly which have important cities, on Monday to deploy additional security personnel at crowded places like shopping balls, railways stations, etc.''
Chennai: Former Union Minister, M.K. Alagiri, has lodged a complaint with the city police seeking action against miscreants who created memes using a purported 'Breaking News' label flashed by a private news channel. Alagiri said the content imputed as if he had expressed an opinion on the postponement of the local body election.

Sources said Alagiri had contacted the said private news channel, which clarified that it did not flash the said content and that miscreants doctored it.

Alagiri claimed in his complaint that the particular post was aimed at destroying his political career and personal life. He reiterated that his allegiance with his father and DMK leader M. Karunanidhi remains unquestionable.

The complaint dated October 8 also stated that the said material was widely shared on the social networking sites on October 7 and 8. He also demanded that the particular post be removed from the social media. Cops who admitted that they were in receipt of Alaigiri's complaint were tight lipped about action taken on it.
Mumbai: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the recent surgical strikes across the LoC even as he challenged its bickering ally BJP to snap the ruling alliance ahead of the crucial civic polls in Mumbai.

"From BJP, anyone gets up and speaks of contesting polls independently. The Chief Minister should first decide who is the leader. Don't stab us in the back. Fight from the front. Contest separately if you have the courage," he told Shiv Sena's 50th annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai.

"Break the alliance and we will show you our surgical strike," Thackeray said, in an apparent reference to BJP MP Kirit Somaiya's recent remark that BJP was all set to contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls, due early next year, independently.

"Let anyone confront us in Mumbai civic polls. We will show them that Mumbai belongs to Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena belongs to Mumbai," he said.

"Our bond with Mumbaikars is that of blood," he said, adding "We won't come after you (BJP) with a begging bowl."

"For now you (Sena workers) don't think of alliance. We will take a decision on that, whatever that may be," he told the gathering.

Stating that Modi fought with Pakistan like a man ("mard"), Thackeray congratulated the Indian Army and the prime minister for the surgical strikes.

"After the strikes, I phoned Modi and told him that Narendrabhai, this is the Narendrabhai we want as PM," he said.

"Modi should now take such an action that not only PoK but entire Pakistan should be known as part of India," he said, adding "Our Army has that much capability."

Condemning those who questioned the veracity of the strikes, Thackeray said, "Those who said the strikes were fake have rotten brains and water of gutters of Lahore and Karachi and not blood flows through their veins."

"Did Rahul Gandhi learn of the 'khun ki dalali' from Bofors (scam)," he asked.

"How can you show mistrust on Army while criticising Modi," he said.

"Those who show distrust for our brave soldiers may be offspring of Pakistan," he said.

Thackeray asserted that he still defended the action of Sena workers who blackened the face of former journalist Sudheendra Kulkarni for organising a book launch for former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri here last year.

He also suggested that a war museum be set up on the sprawling Mahalaxmi racecourse grounds in Mumbai.

Alleging religious discrimination in income tax raids, he asked, "Do they raid places in areas like Bhendi Bazar (a Muslim-dominated area in Mumbai?"

"People voted them (BJP) based on their promise of 'achche din'. Now their leaders say 'achche din' is a 'gale ki haddi'. It has taken some time for people to get disillusioned (with the BJP-led government)," he said.

Referring to the suggestion of simultaneous polls to state legislatures and Parliament, Thackeray said, "Hold simultaneous polls but ensure that the PM or CM don't campaign for it. If at all they campaign, they should campaign even for independent candidates."

He said the Sena supported reservations based on economic criterion.

Referring to the Maratha community's silent marches and its demand of quota, he said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should not play with the sentiments of the agitators.

"I request Maratha community to avoid any action that would demean their ongoing silent marches," he said.

Reservations for Marathas should not eat into quota for others communities, Thackeray said, adding that Fadnavis should learn from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha, who firmly supported her state's decision to offer reservations beyond 50 per cent.

Those misusing the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act should be punished, he said. One of the demands of the Maratha protesters is scrapping of the act.

The controversy about a cartoon on Maratha morcha in the Sena mouthpiece 'Saamana' was unnecessary, he said. Thackeray had apologised for the cartoon when the controversy broke.
After the successful September 29 Indian strikes across the Line of Control, we should remember that while cross-LoC badla (revenge) strikes by both sides Border Action Teams have been going on from 1990s till 2014, this was the first time India conducted large-scale coordinated, multi-pronged strikes, using multiple special forces teams, backed up by Ghatak (commando) teams of local infantry battalions, who struck seven terror launchpads, widely separated across a 250-km front. The other difference was that India announced it, and showed readiness to face Pakistani retaliation, calling the bluff of Pakistans defence minister who had on September 27 threatened to use nuclear weapons against any Indian aggression. Thus, an outmanoeuvred and confused Pakistan Army, aware that two US Senators had moved a bill to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism, immediately denied that India had carried out any cross-LoC surgical attack, to save itself from a public backlash, and buy time for bloody retaliation, through deniable, expendable terrorists, while providing military security to terrorists Hafiz Saeed and Syed Salahuddin, to protect them from a possible Indian decapitating strike.

Having participated in the same India-Pakistan nuclear Track-2 dialogue with Mohan Guruswamy, I agree with his October 10 article Consider Paks redlines rationally, and I believe that India has more space for escalating conventional retaliation, without crossing Pakistans nuclear threshold. I also agree that India needs to review its massive nuclear retaliation no-first-use doctrine to make it more credible.

Pakistani terror attacks are likely to continue for decades, till it either disintegrates, or its friend China convinces the Pakistan military to give peace a chance.

Given Islamabads importance to Beijing because of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (it has pledged to invest $51 billion in Pakistan), and its importance to the United States and Britain as a bridge to the oil-rich Middle East, Pakistan will continue to receive money and weapons from the West and from China, and is likely to remain a headache for many years. India should recall an interview by then Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in 2003, when he said: Even if Kashmir is resolved, low intensity conflict with India will continue, because India is a hegemonic power. In another interview at the opening of the first phase of Gwadar port, Gen. Musharraf had stated: In the event of war, Pakistan will not hesitate to give Gwadar port facilities to the Chinese Navy.

This basically means that the Pakistan Army has the long-term goal of dismembering India through low-intensity conflict. At present, 200,000 Pakistani troops (about 35 per cent of its 550,000-strong Army) are deployed in counter-insurgency operations on Pakistans western front  Waziristan and Balochistan, so therefore Pakistan is in no position to fight a conventional war against India. India must ensure about 40 per cent of Pakistans Army is kept busy on its western front, and for this it must actively help Afghanistan, Balochistan and Gilgit-Baltistan with moral, diplomatic support and asylum for Baloch leaders. In this Pakistans undeclared 1,000-year war of bleeding India by 1,000 cuts, India must be ruthless, and fight fire with fire.

By October 1, India was already exploring other non-military means to bring pressure on Pakistan  reviewing the 1960 Indus Water Treaty, relooking its 1996 Most Favoured Nation status to Pakistan, reviewing cancelling all Pakistan International Airlines flights from Delhi to Lahore. Regarding the Indus treaty, even utilising the legally permitted 3.6 million acre feet water for power generation, irrigation, etc. will take 20 years to fructify, given the nature of the terrain in Kashmir and the quantum of work involved. The Saarc meeting in Islamabad in November was cancelled, and as Pakistan is considering creating an alternative to Saarc (with China, Iran, the Central Asian Republics), perhaps its time for Pakistan to be expelled from Saarc. Also recently, the media reported China had extended by another three months its technical hold on Indias proposal to the UN to declare Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar a terrorist. The same day, China had reportedly decided to block or dam a tributary of the Brahmaputra river as part of a new giant hydroelectric project which had begun in 2014.

It is clear that a new long-term policy needs to be put in place to thwart threats from Pakistan, terror and China. This will require immediate promulgation of a new Modi doctrine that gives freedom to local frontline military and paramilitary commanders to take immediate proactive actions to neutralise any looming cross-LoC threat within 20 km of the LoC, by artillery, mortars or cross-border strikes, while retaliating robustly to cross-border firing.

Since September 29, a total of 26 cross-LoC firing incidents have emanated from Pakistan, and its terrorists have struck four Army-BSF posts and one BSF patrol unsuccessfully. About 250 terrorists are reported to be ready for strikes in Kashmir in the current festive season. Perhaps the time has come for India to retaliate again.

The largely home-built Indian Navy and Coast Guard have an overwhelming numerical and qualitative superiority over their Pakistani rivals, and this needs to be exploited to deter Pakistan. Also, as the Chinese GDP and defence budget are five times that of India, and this disparity will last till around 2050, India must deter China by increasing our nuclear arsenal from its present estimated 110, so that all 180 major Chinese cities can be targeted. To meet these security challenges, India needs a hike in the defence budget from the present 1.74 per cent of GDP to about three per cent. Time and changing world opinion, combined with Indias growing comprehensive national power, will ensure that India will win this long, bloody battle against terror.
The current state of India-China relations will be in focus this weekend when the eighth Brics summit is held in Goa. A summit-eve comment by Chinas vice-foreign minister Li Baodong that Beijing is ready for discussions with India to explore possibilities on Indias application to join the NSG should be taken with a pinch of salt: the minister is not high-ranking enough for his comment to be considered significant, specially as he qualified it with a lot of talk about procedures, norms and regulations, and how China isnt the only one to decide the rules of admission to the export control regime. But the fact that Chinas President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will meet on Brics sidelines should be seen as a furtherance of the maturity in ties despite the tensions inherent in the two nations positions on Pakistan.

The one concession apparently made is that China may make a distinction between the applications by India and Pakistan for admission into NSG. There again, it remains to be seen if China will walk the talk, although Indias stand on not signing the NPT will be a handle China will use.

Ties with China may be of the eternal blow hot-blow cold variety, but at no time have they tended to dip alarmingly into openly antagonistic levels as we have seen in the yo-yo ties with Pakistan. China is known to play the good cop-bad cop routine on issues involving India, but the door has always been open for discussions. At one-on-one meetings at summits, both leaders are known to speak their minds. Mr Modi had made his point on the China-Pakistan Corridor passing through PoK at a previous meeting in Hungzhou during the G-20 summit last month. Pakistan is invariably the elephant in the room on all such occasions; and the latest counter-terror operation India ran is bound to be an issue. China has already made its position known; its opposition to anyone making political gains in the name of counter-terrorism makes its point unequivocally.

The sticking point is now Chinas brazen support of Masood Azhar, in blocking a UN ban on the Jaish chief with a technical hold move that will keep the issue in abeyance for more time. China may be seen as a tacit supporter of Pakistans terrorism in a relationship that is seen today as stronger than that between Pakistan and the United States. And yet India has consistently sought stable ties with China, including continuing the military exercises along the Line of Actual Control, a border known for its calm despite the occasional complaints of Chinese transgressions. The Xi-Modi meeting may offer further proof that India-China ties dont depend on any one of many sticky issues.
The Holy Quran dedicates a whole chapter to Mary and alludes to her the title of the Mother of Jesus, the same as Christians do.

The month of October is observed in the Catholic Church as the month of the Holy Rosary. October 7 is celebrated as the feast day of Our Lady (Mary) of the Rosary.

The Church dedicates various days of the year to honour Mary right from the time angel Gabriel appeared and announced to her that she would be the mother of the saviour. Among the important days to honour her are: Mother of God  January 1, The Annunciation  March 25, The Assumption  August 15, Nativity  September 8 and Immaculate Conception  December 8.

Interestingly, Mother Mary is greatly honoured by Muslims too. The Holy Quran dedicates a whole chapter to Mary and alludes to her the title of the Mother of Jesus, the same as Christians do. Jesus too is considered as one of the great prophets in the Holy Quran. Explaining their reverence for Jesus, some Muslim friends convinced me that one could not be a real Muslim if he did not revere Jesus as a great prophet who would appear again at the end of times.

There is, however, a bit of difference of opinion among various Christian denominations in the way Mother Mary is perceived and venerated. A few hold that some Christian Churches, particularly the Catholic Church, pays her far more importance than is called for, allegedly to the extent of neglecting Jesus  the way to God. The Catholic Church, however, holds that Mary is not only the mother and the only one to know and care for Jesus from his childhood to his death on the Cross, but also his first disciple plays a crucial role in leading us to him.

The Catholics thus believe that Mother Mary is a powerful mediator who intercedes to Jesus on our behalf. Not surprisingly, most people find their prayers through her intercession answered. In India alone there are several shrines of Mary visited by millions of people of all religions with deep devotion. In Mumbai alone millions throng Mount Marys Church in Bandra and St. Michaels Church in Mahim. Similarly an equal number also make pilgrimage to Vailankanni Matha Church in Tamil Nadu.

The most popular prayer in honour of Mother Mary is the Holy Rosary, which is primarily a recitation 50 times of the following prayer: Hail Mary! Full of Grace, The Lord is with you, blessed are you among women and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God; pray for us sinners; now and the hour of our death, Amen. Pope Benedict described the Rosary as a, contemplative and Christocentric prayer, inseparable from the meditation of sacred scripture and is the prayer of the Christian who advances in the pilgrimage of faith, in the following of Jesus, preceded by Mary.
Galaxy S8 may also offer 6GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB of internal memory.

Samsung upcoming smartphone Galaxy S8 will support Viv built artificial intelligence and 4K display, according to a report by TechTastic.

Tech giant Samsung on October 5 announced to acquire US-based artificial intelligence (AI) platform Viv, a firm run by a co-creator of Apples own voice assistant program Siri.

Additionally, Galaxy S8 is rumoured to launch in two variants, one with a 5.1-inch display, and another with 5.5-inch 4K display. The device is expected to feature 16MP rear camera and an 8MP front camera. It may also offer 6GB of RAM and 64GB/128GB of internal memory.

According to leakster @Ricciolo1, Samsung will be releasing the Galaxy S8 on February 26 on Mobile World Conference (MWC) event in 2017.

Click on Deccan Chronicle Technology and Science for the latest news and reviews. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter.
New York: Pakistan has told the UN that India has "closed all doors" to bilateral dialogue as Prime Minister's Kashmir envoys handed over a dossier to President of the General Assembly over "human rights violations" in Kashmir.

Senator Mushahid Hussain and Shezra Mansab Ali called on President of UN General Assembly Peter Thomson here and briefed him about the "grave threat to peace and security posed by the deteriorating human rights situation in Kashmir", the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a press released issued in Islamabad said on Wednesday.

Hussain told Thomson about the "war hysteria stoked by India to distract world attention from its brutal action to suppress the legitimate demand of the Kashmiri people for self determination", it said.

He also claimed that India has "closed all doors to bilateral dialogue, scuttled a regional summit (SAARC) and at the international level, refused to implement (UN) Security Council resolutions".

All this posed an "imminent threat" to regional peace and security, the release said.

It claimed that Thomson expressed concern at the situation and assured the visiting envoys that he would do "everything possible to foster peace" and that he would get an update on the current situation from the UN Department of Peace Keeping Operations.
In this file photo, a man holds a copy of the program for the funeral of Terence Crutcher during services to honor him in Tulsa, Oklahoma. (Photo: AP)

Tulsa, Oklahoma: An unarmed black man who was fatally shot by police in Oklahoma last month while he had his hands in the air had a hallucinogenic drug in his system when he was killed, according to an autopsy released on Tuesday.

The shooting of Terence Crutcher, 40, was one in a string of police killings of unarmed black people over the past two years that have sparked protests and debate across the United States. Tulsa police officer Betty Shelby has pleaded not guilty to first-degree manslaughter in connection with the shooting and is out on bond.

The Oklahoma Medical Examiner's Office report said Crutcher had 96 nanograms per milliliter of phencyclidine, or PCP, in his bloodstream at the time of his death on Sept. 16. The office said the figure reached the threshold for "acute phencyclidine intoxication."

Tulsa police said previously that PCP was discovered in Crutcher's stalled SUV after his death. Police said Crutcher was unarmed and had no weapon on him or in his car. The department also released video of the shooting that showed Crutcher had his hands in the air and was in clear view before he was shot.

American Civil Liberties Union of Oklahoma's executive director, Ryan Kiesel, said Crutcher having drugs in his system was irrelevant to his killing.

"Drug possession and drug use do not now, nor should they ever, justify summary execution," he said, adding that the findings "do not tell us whether or not Terence Crutcher was under the influence of PCP at the time of this encounter. Testing positive to a substance in your system is very different than being under the influence of a substance."

According to an arrest affidavit, the officer overreacted when she came upon Crutcher, whose car had broken down. Shelby has said she fired her weapon because she feared for her life.

Under Oklahoma law, first-degree manslaughter carries a minimum sentence of four years. She is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on Nov. 29.

PCP, initially developed as a human anesthetic in 1959, is an illegal drug that can produce a dissociative mental state in users as well as delirium, confusion and other effects, according to the US National Library of Medicine.
White Plains, New York: The head of Hillary Clinton's campaign team John Podesta slammed WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Tuesday for helping Republican rival Donald Trump in the bitter White House race, while accusing Moscow of being behind the hack.

He also accused a long time Trump aide of receiving "advance warning" about WikiLeaks' plans to publish thousands of hacked emails and suggested the Republican candidate is aiding the unprecedented Russian interference in American politics.

The anti-secrecy website has published thousands of emails from John Podesta's personal Gmail account since Friday, allegedly obtained by Russian hackers.

While there have been no major damaging revelations, the massive leak does lift the veil on Team Clinton's inner workings.

Podesta described the timing of the leak -- released late Friday -- as a "curious coincidence", coming shortly after The Washington Post published a shock video of Donald Trump making lewd boasts about groping women in 2005.

The veteran political aide, who served in the Obama and Bill Clinton administrations, suggested that the release "was their countermove to try to take the public's attention off the despicable things that Donald Trump said on that video."

"Whether that was Mr Assange's decision to try to help Mr Trump or whether there was some coordination involved, I have no way of knowing. I'm just saying, it's an awfully curious coincidence that it happened virtually as soon as the water temperature was moving to a boil," Podesta told journalists aboard a campaign plane travelling from Miami to New York.

Padesta added: "We can't confirm the accuracy of those leaks, we know that the Russians might have passed on doctored documents."

"I would say that the Russian interference in this election and their apparent attempt to influence it on behalf of Mr Trump should be of utmost concern to all Americans."

Podesta said Russia's actions may be driven by Trump's policy positions, which he said are more in line with Russian foreign policy than US foreign policy. But he also suggested the driving force could be "Mr. Trump's deep engagement and ties with Russian interests in his business affairs."

Russian Ambassador to the U.S. Sergey Kislyak dismissed the accusations as untrue.

"We are watching very carefully the election campaign in this country," Kislyak said Tuesday at a discussion of bilateral affairs at Johns Hopkins University's campus in Washington. "We don't interfere (in) the internal affairs of the United States, neither by my statements nor by electronic or other means."

'Destruction of our country'

President Barack Obama's administration on Friday formally accused the Russian government of directing cyber attacks on American political organizations to "interfere" with the election, and vowed to respond at an undisclosed time and place.

The assertion against Russia came with relations already frayed over NATO defences and stalled efforts to end the bloody civil war in Syria.

Meanwhile, Trump pounced on the hack, saying the leaked emails "make more clear than ever just how much is at stake in this election."

"This election will determine whether we remain a free country, or we become a corrupt Banana Republic controlled by large donors and foreign governments," he told supporters.

He added: "The election of Hillary Clinton would lead to the destruction of our country."

The leaked emails show long exchanges between Hillary Clinton advisors on how just how much ideology was needed to satisfy the liberal wing of the Democratic Party on financial issues and on how to phrase a tweet concerning her use of a private email server while serving as secretary of state.

Podesta said he had received confirmation from the Federal Bureau of Investigation that agents are "investigating the criminal hack of my email."
New London: At Connecticut College, as at a growing number of campuses nationwide, students are encouraged to speak up if they hear remarks celebrating or condoning sexual aggression against women. In one training scenario, male students ask a peer if he really means it when he boasts of such conduct.

So when news broke that Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president, had bragged of groping women, and then trivialized it as "locker room talk," it felt to some students like a repudiation of their efforts.

"It's shocking that someone of that status thinks that that's OK," said Greg Liautaud, a senior who works with the college's sexual assault prevention office. "It does make the work harder, because our goal here is to shift culture."

Trump's caught-on-tape remarks about kissing women and grabbing their genitals are resonating deeply on campuses across the U.S. where sexual assault has been a long-standing problem. Many worried the comments, coupled with an apology that diminished their severity, could hinder efforts to educate youth when society too often brushes off abusive behavior as "boys being boys" or puts the blame on the victim.

At Connecticut College, the director of sexual violence prevention said the presidential contender's remarks likely would become fodder for small group discussions, as happened after a videotape surfaced of Baltimore Ravens player Ray Rice hitting his fiancee.

"I hope that it doesn't set us back," Darcie Folsom said. "I hope it pushes us forward everywhere to know more work needs to be done."

The federal government, citing estimates that 1 in 5 women has been sexually assaulted while in college, has stepped up pressure on higher education institutions to improve their response to allegations of assault. More than 200 schools are under sexual violence investigations by the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights ; noncompliance could lead to loss of federal funding.

Other institutions have faced lawsuits by women claiming officials were indifferent or hostile when complaints were lodged. The University of Connecticut, for example, settled for $1.3 million with five students, including one who alleged a campus police officer told her "women have to just stop spreading their legs like peanut butter" or rape will keep happening.

Stanford University professor Michelle Dauber said Trump's comments worsen the problem by serving to minimize sexual assault. Dauber is pushing a recall campaign of the judge who sentenced former Stanford swimmer Brock Turner to six months in jail for sexually assaulting a woman outside a fraternity house - a penalty widely criticized as too lenient. Turner was released last month after serving half that time.

"The rage you are seeing from women is not solely or even principally directed at Trump," Dauber said. "It is at the institutions and leaders who are failing to take action and hold him accountable. ... Women are sick and tired. Enough is enough."

Alison Kiss, executive director of the Clery Center for Security On Campus, hopes that the outrage turns into a "teachable moment" that bolsters on-campus efforts to combat assault and support survivors. "Talking about it as no big deal can normalize the behavior. We have to create a culture where victims and survivors are comfortable coming forward, and on a lot of campuses that hasn't happened."

That issue resonates deeply with Savannah Badalich. She's a graduate student at Columbia University in New York, and works part time with other colleges to increase awareness about sexual assault. At those sessions, she shares her personal story about being sexually assaulted during her sophomore year at UCLA and being too timid to report the incident.

"If the potential president of the U.S. is saying this is OK, what's to say that sexual violence is going to be taken seriously and that survivors are going to be treated with any respect?" she said.

Whitney Ralston, a University of Richmond junior who says she was raped, physically abused and stalked by a classmate, has been heartened by the strong negative reaction to Trump's comments. "This is a problem that needs to be addressed, and you can't just keep brushing it off as boys will be boys."

Ralston's alleged attacker accepted responsibility for violating the university's sexual misconduct policy, was ordered to stay away from her and told that further violations would result in suspension or expulsion. Ralston has filed a complaint with the DOE accusing the university of mishandling the case. Federal investigators are already looking into two other cases at the school for possible violations of Title IX, a broad statute that prohibits gender discrimination as well as sexual harassment and gender-based violence.

The University of Maryland, Baltimore County, is also under federal investigation for its alleged mishandling of sexual assaults on campus, and the Trump furor reverberated across the campus this week, as students and faculty prepared to mark Relationship Violence Awareness Month. A complaint filed in August with the DOE accuses school officials of discouraging one sex assault victim from going to the police and said school investigators failed to get photographs documenting her injuries.

Shira Malka Devorah, a 20-year-old senior who works at the UMBC Women's Center, has refrained from sharing Trump's comments on social media because she didn't want to upset assault survivors. But she was horrified by the candidate's comments, and even more so his justification that they were merely locker room banter.

"Saying that it's OK to talk about things like this with your buddies and joke about hurting women and controlling women's bodies, it's reinforcing the notion that you have power over women ... that they're not human beings," Devorah said.

At Connecticut College, which has about 1,900 students, efforts have grown in recent years to fight sexual assault. Freshmen attend a mandatory orientation session on preventing sexual violence, speakers address the topic at panels for prospective students, and some 30 student volunteers promote a program that encourages students to see it as a collective responsibility to stop sexual assault. One of the overall aims is to teach people how and when to intervene through videos, role-playing and other exercises.

Trump's remarks were on the minds of many students this week as guides led small groups on tours around the picturesque campus on the Thames River.

"It undermines the progress that we've made," said junior Maggie Corey. "I think what he said only perpetuates the rape culture."
The Pentagon on Tuesday warned that whoever fired missiles at a US Navy destroyer off the coast of Yemen had done so at their own peril. (Photo: AP)

Washington: The Pentagon on Tuesday warned that whoever fired missiles at a US Navy destroyer and an accompanying ship off the coast of Yemen over the weekend had done so "at their own peril," language that suggested preparations for possible retaliation.

Two shore-launched cruise missiles, which the United States officials believe were designed to hit vessels at sea, were fired at the US Navy ships on Sunday from Houthi-controlled territory of Yemen, just north of the Bab al-Mandab strait.

Both failed to hit the ships but the attack, which was first reported by Reuters, could deepen US involvement in Yemen. US military action in the country has largely been reserved for the battle against al Qaeda's affiliate, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, not the Houthis.

"Anybody who takes action, fires against US Navy ships operating in international waters, does so at their own peril," Pentagon spokesman Captain Jeff Davis told a news briefing.

Asked whether the Pentagon was developing targets for retaliatory strikes, Davis said: "I'm not confirming that right now."

US support for a Saudi Arabia-led coalition battling the Houthis has been reduced in recent months, and had been under review amid growing concerns about civilian casualties in Yemen's war. It includes refueling Saudi jets that are carrying out strikes.

The Houthis, allies of Iran who drove the Western and Saudi Arabia-backed President Abd Rabbu Mansour al-Hadi from the capital in 2014, have denied firing at the USS Mason guided missile destroyer and the USS Ponce, an amphibious transport dock.

But US officials have told Reuters that Washington is operating under the assumption that Houthi forces fired the cruise missiles on Sunday.

Davis suggested as much on Tuesday, noting that the Houthis had previously acknowledged responsibility for firing on a vessel from the United Arab Emirates a week earlier.

"The Houthis have said publicly before that they would target any ships in that area that were supporting the coalition against them," Davis said.

"So the facts certainly seem to point to it, but we are still assessing and we will have more for you."

The strikes against the UAE and US vessels risks disrupting commercial traffic through the Bab al-Mandab strait, one of the world's busiest routes.

While shipping companies have yet to divert vessels, there are growing worries that an escalation could hinder oil supplies and lead to higher insurance costs. Nearly four million barrels of oil are shipped daily through the Bab al-Mandab gateway to Europe, the United States and Asia.

The UN last week said it took threats to shipping around Bab al-Mandeb "extremely seriously."
Following the backlash, the company has decided to pull the Kim Kardashian-inspired costume from its online store. (Photo: Costumeish.com)

Los Angeles: Costume company Costumeish's Kim Kardashian-inspired Parisian heist robbery victim costume kit for Halloween has received backlash with many calling it "tasteless and insensitive".

The USD 69.99 costume is accompanied by "a white short robe, long black wig, 'USD 4 million dollar' ring, large sunglasses, fake gag and 2' of rope, reported Ace Showbiz.

While the company didn't directly name Kim on its website, the description for the controversial costume read, "This Halloween it's all about the #Hallomeme and who better than America's goddess of all things glamorous 'Parisian Heist Robbery Victim Costume?'

"She has devoted her life to promoting American decadence, youth and hedonism but all that flashy living caught up with her one night in Paris when armed men bound her, stole her jewellery and her peace of mind. This Halloween have some fun with pop culture and dress just like the Queen of social media."

Costumeish received backlash from Twitter users. One user wrote, "The Kim Kardashian Halloween costume is beyond disrespectful #disgusting."

Another one added, "There's a Kim Kardashian robbery victim Halloween costume - who in their right mind would buy something so pathetic and insulting."

Following the backlash, the company has decided to pull the Kim Kardashian-inspired costume from its online store. Costumeish founder Johnathon Weeks said this is the first time they've removed a costume from their online store. He will provide refunds for six people who already purchased the costume.
"The fact is, I think we should get support and we don't get the support from guys like Paul Ryan," the 70-year-old real estate tycoon told Fox News. (Photo: AP)

Washington: With a host of Republicans abandoning Donald Trump after the furore over his lewd remarks about women, the defiant presidential candidate has asserted that he is "tired of non-support" and does not need the backing of party leaders like House Speaker Paul Ryan.

"The fact is, I think we should get support and we don't get the support from guys like Paul Ryan," the 70-year-old real estate tycoon told Fox News.

Trump's remarks came a day after Ryan told his party leaders that he would not be interested in supporting Trump and instead would focus on retaining majority in the Congress.

"I'm just tired of non-support and I don't really want his support. This happens all the time -- if you sneeze, he calls up and announces, 'Isn't that a terrible thing'. So look, I don't want his support, I don't care about his support," Trump said.

Trump also indicated that Ryan would no longer be the Speaker of the House of Representatives if he is elected as the US President.

"They'll be there. I would think that Ryan may be would not be there, maybe he will be in a different position," he said and exuded confidence that he would win the November 8 general election against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

"I've had a lot of women come up to me and say, 'Boy, I've heard that and I've heard a lot worse than that over my life. If that's what it is going to take to lose an election, that will be pretty sad," Trump said.

Earlier, the reality TV star had lashed out against "disloyal" Republicans in a ranting tweetstorm.

Trump called Ryan a "weak and ineffective leader." "Disloyal Republicans are far more difficult than Crooked Hillary. They come at you from all sides. They don't know how to win -- I will teach them!," he said in a tweet.

"With the exception of cheating Bernie out of the nomination, the Democrats have always proven to be far more loyal to each other than the Republicans!," Trump said.

"It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to," the Republican presidential nominee tweeted.

Trump also lashed out at Senator John McCain, who was among the first few Republican leaders to withdraw support.

Trump also told Fox News that he should not have endorsed McCain, in the veteran senator's August primary.

"He (McCain) was desperate to get my endorsement. I gave him the endorsement...and frankly, he ran against a very good woman, I feel very badly I gave the endorsement," Trump said and described McCain as having "probably the dirtiest mouth in all the Senate".

Meanwhile, Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence said that he is "disappointed" that his party leaders are abandoning Trump.

Trump's candidacy has suffered a blow after a 2005 tape was released in which he was seen making lewd and derogatory comments about women.
Aboard Air Force One: The White House on Tuesday said remarks from Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump about groping women in a leaked recording from 11 years ago amounted to sexual assault.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters on Air Force One that President Obama had found the comments repugnant.

Earlier, Barack Obama said that Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's comments on a 2005 videotape about groping women would disqualify him from even a job at a convenience store.

Speaking at a campaign rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, for Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, Obama said the choice was clear in the Nov. 8 election even before the tape was leaked last week showing Trump speaking crudely about women.

"Now you find a situation in which the guy says stuff that nobody would find tolerable if they were applying for a job at 7-Eleven," Obama told the crowd, referring to the convenience store chain.

Trump said during Sunday night's presidential debate he was embarrassed by the video, but dismissed it as "locker room talk."

Obama also criticized some Republicans who have condemned the remarks but are still backing the New York businessman.

"The fact that now you've got people saying: 'We strongly disagree, we really disapprove ... but we're still endorsing him.' They still think he should be president, that doesn't make sense to me," Obama said.

Obama also took aim at Trump's business credentials, referring to a New York Times report that showed he claimed a nearly billion dollar loss in one year on his taxes in the 1990s.

"They say the house always wins," Obama quipped about Trump, who was a casino developer at the time. "I don't know how that happens."
Medical report of the victim's body suggested that she had been given a dose of methamphetamine in order to calm her down as the couple could have sex with her. (Photo: Facebook/ YouTube Screengrab)

Alberquerque, New Mexico: In a horrifying revelation in the Victoria Martens murder case, US police revealed that the victim's mother confessed to watching her boyfriend and his cousin gangrape and murder her daughter on her 10th birthday.

They said that the victim's mother had sex with the accused 20 minutes after her daughter's murder.

According to a report in the Mirror, the victim's mother often used the popular 'Plenty of Fish' dating app to arrange for men to sexually assault her daughter.

Police also revealed that the victim's mother initially told two different stories claiming her innocence. However, she confessed to the crime hours after being interrogated.

Victoria Martens' burnt and dismembered corpse was found in a bathtub after police got a call from an unidentified person informing about smoke rising from Arroyo Villas Apartment Complex's bathroom.

Following the incident, police had arrested the victim's mother, her boyfriend and his cousin. Police said when they entered the house, they came across horrifying scenes. The victim's dismembered body lay in the bathtub and blood stains all over the place. Parts of her body were wrapped up in plastic bags and hidden in the laundry hamper, added police.

Medical report of the victim's body suggested that she had been given a dose of methamphetamine to calm her down as the couple could have sex with her.

Police chief Gordon Eden said that the incident was a complete disregard of human life and the worst betrayal by a mother, adding that it was "the most gruesome act of evil I have ever seen in my career".
Most of the abuse was directed against his stepdaughter, then between 9 and 11 years of age. (Photo: Representational Image)

Adelaide: A 27-year-old man from Adelaide has been jailed for just three years for raping his 3-year-old daughter, his 9-year-old stepdaughter, the family dog as well as chickens.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, most of the abuse was directed against his stepdaughter, then between 9 and 11 years of age, at times when she was sleeping peacefully.

The court heard that the man had also raped his 3-year-old daughter and had penetrative sex with the family dog and chickens.

The man had himself been abused as a child and had sexual contact with a dog.

A psychologist found that he had distorted attitudes and was aroused by his wrong behaviour towards the children and animals.

In a letter to his ex-wife, he confessed to abusing his daughter and stepdaughter, the report said.

The wife informed police, and the man then confessed to two counts of bestiality, one count of persistent sexual exploitation of a child and one aggravated count of indecent assault.

On Wednesday, the man was sentenced to 6 years and 7 months in prison, but was given a non-parole period of three and a half years, due to making a full confession.

His non-parole period began in December 2015 when he was taken into custody, so it will end in less than three years from now.

'You abused and betrayed in the most serious way possible your position as father of the children to satisfy your abnormal sexual desires,' District Court Judge Paul Muscat said.

Muscat called the abuse unnatural, gross and disturbing but gave the man a short sentence because he confessed, showed remorse and a strong motivation to recover.

The man has consented to an intervention order that bans him from seeing or contacting his family, and is getting treatment to suppress his urges, said the report.
The victim said that he was released from the box by his mother three hours later. (Representational Image)

Dublin: An Irish father has been sentenced to 14 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to raping his son for over seven years. The victim who is now 13-years-old, said that his father began abusing him since he was six-years-old.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, the father was also accused of raping his son with a poker and locking him up in a wooden crate at their home in Waterford, south east Ireland.

While the case was under trial at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin, the victim told the jury that on one occasion he saw his father assembling a wooden box and asked him what it was for, to which the accused said 'its for you'. He then pushed the victim inside the box and locked him up.

The victim said that he was released from the box by his mother three hours later.

The accused has been convicted for nine counts of rape and one count of child endangerment and cruelty. However, he was acquitted of raping the victim with a poker.

Although the accused has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him, he has been registered on the sex offenders list. Upon his release from jail, he will be subjected to a four-year supervision order.

The victim has currently been placed at a specialised care centre in UK.
Abdeslam has refused to answer questions since being transferred to France from Belgium in April and is believed to be angry at round-the-clock surveillance of his jail cell. (Photo: AFP)

Paris: Lawyers for the main suspect in the Paris attacks, Salah Abdeslam, said that they will no longer defend him, speaking during a TV interview on Wednesday.

"We both decided to give up his defence," lawyer Frank Berton said in an interview with BFM TV.

"We don't think that he will speak and he will use the right to remain silent," said Berton in a joint interview with fellow lawyer Sven Mary.

"In this position what would you like us to do. We said from the beginning... that if our client remained silent we would quit his defence," Berton added.

"When you have the feeling of being there to make social visits to the prison, that is the moment when a decision has to be made," added Mary.

Abdeslam has refused to answer questions since being transferred to France from Belgium in April and is believed to be angry at round-the-clock surveillance of his jail cell.

After four months on the run, Abdeslam was arrested on March 18 in Molenbeek, a Brussels neighbourhood notorious for being a hotbed of Islamic extremism, where he grew up.

He was transferred to France to face terror charges on April 27.

Investigators have yet to pin down Abdeslam's exact role in the coordinated attacks on Paris bars, restaurants, a concert hall and the national stadium last November in which 130 people were killed.
London: Scotland Yard on Wednesday said it has made the first arrest following a series of so-called "killer clown" incidents across the UK involving people dressing up in creepy clown outfits to scare children and bystanders.

The 19-year-old man landed in the police net on Tuesday after reports came that a man dressed as a clown was scaring people at Brunel University campus in west London.

He was charged with public order offences and released on bail until later this month.

"We are currently assessing a small number of reported 'killer clown' incidents in London, three of which meet the threshold of a criminal offence. Our primary responsibility is identifying and investigating those incidents where a criminal offence has occurred.

"However, anti-social behaviour can leave people feeling scared, anxious and intimidated and I would urge those who are causing fear and alarm to carefully consider the impact their actions have on others," Metropolitan Police said.

In the run up to Halloween, it is expected that these types of incidents will increase, but with the launch of our annual Autumn Nights campaign in the coming weeks, officers will be carrying out additional reassurance patrols and will be on hand for those who are especially vulnerable, the police said in a statement.

"Whilst we do not want to stop people from enjoying themselves, it is important that while having fun they remember to act in a responsible manner and understand that they could be prosecuted if a criminal offence is committed," police said.

The "killer clown" phenomenon began with people in creepy clown masks scaring and threatening people in several US states and there have since been a number of sightings in England, Scotland and Wales over the last few weeks.

The World Clown Association has described the trend as "disappointing", saying "a genuine clown would not run up to somebody and make them jump and frighten them. That is an idiot dressed up in a mask trying to scare people".
Shaw-Lan Wang, a publisher who is also the main shareholder of the French fashion label Lanvin, lives in the chic 16th district of the French capital. (Representational image)

Paris: A 75-year-old Taiwanese billionaire was robbed last week at her Paris home of jewels worth up to USD 220,000, police said on Wednesday.

Shaw-Lan Wang, a publisher who is also the main shareholder of the French fashion label Lanvin, lives in the chic 16th district of the French capital.

Wang, a director of the Taiwanese newspaper United Daily News, was taking an afternoon nap when the robbery occurred on October 4, the police source said.

It was the day after celebrity Kim Kardashian lost millions worth of jewels in a heist nearby, but the two robberies were not linked, the source said.

Two men broke into Wang's apartment while she was sleeping and made off with jewels including a ring she was wearing, he said, adding that she was unharmed.

They also stole telephones and "various luxury items", he said.

The value of the haul is estimated at between 150,000 and 200,000 euros.
Doctors said that they were shocked after examining the damaged organ, adding that it had turned into purple colour and needed immediate attention. (Representational Image)

Ho Chi Minh City: A 59-year-old Vietnamese man was rushed to a hospital after he 'broke' his penis, while trying an exotic sexual position.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, the man was rushed to a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City after he met with the unfortunate accident. He told the doctors that he heard a loud crack while he was having sex with his partner.

Doctors said they were shocked after examining the damaged organ, adding that it had turned into purple colour and needed immediate attention. "The organ was swollen and bruised, but also certainly broken at the joint," Dr Mai Ba Tien Dung from Binh Dan Hospital was quoted as saying in the report.

"The case of this 59-year-old patient is rare, occurring only once out of a thousand cases of broken penises recorded in medical literature," added Dr Dung.

The man was immediately rushed to the surgery ward and doctors proceeded to fix the organ back in its place. "Without timely surgery, the patient can suffer from a deformed and curved penis and erectile dysfunction," the doctors said.
Airstrikes on rebel-held parts of the northern city of Aleppo and shelling in southern Syria killed at least 14 people. (Photo: AP)

Beirut: Activists and rescue workers say an intensive day of bombing on besieged rebel-held parts of Aleppo has left at least 25 people dead, including five children.

Rescue workers pulled at least one boy alive from under the rubble late Tuesday night. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says Wednesday that Tuesday's bombings killed 25 people. The Syrian Civil Defense, a team of first responders, and activist media platform Aleppo Media Center put the death toll at 41.

Ibrahim al-Haj, of the Civil Defense, says teams are continuing to search for survivors and bodies under a collapsed building in the al-Fardous neighborhood. He says the boy's mother is in critical condition.

Al-Haj says a bomb hit while rescuers were on the scene, injuring several of them.

The bombings resumed Wednesday.

Fighting on a number of fronts across the country has intensified in recent weeks following the collapse of a US and Russian-brokered cease-fire.

The northern city of Aleppo, Syrias largest and its former commercial center, has seen particularly fierce fighting, as pro-government forces try to capture neighborhoods in besieged opposition-held parts of the city.

The activist-operated Aleppo Today TV station and Qasioun news agency say bunker-busting bombs were used in an attack on the Bustan al-Qasr neighborhood in rebel-held eastern Aleppo.

Other activist groups and a member of the Aleppo local council, Zakaria Amino, said rescue workers were searching for people under the rubble. Amino said bombs fell on a number of other rebel-held neighbourhoods.

The opposition-held part of Aleppo has been battered by an intensive aerial campaign since last month, when the truce collapsed after just a week. Syrian pro-government forces are also conducting a ground offensive into the rebel-held districts, advancing slowly in the north, east and south of the city.

In the southern city of Daraa, where the conflict began following anti-government protests in March 2011, rebels fired rockets at government-held areas. One hit a primary school, killing six people, among them five children, and wounding 18 students, according to state-run news agency SANA. It said some of the wounded are in serious condition.

SANA posted a photo of a boy carried on a stretcher, his grey trousers stained with blood and his bandaged right hand on his stomach. Another photo showed a boy and a girl inside what appeared to be a hospital with IV drips in their arms.
Ankara: Footage of a heartbroken Turkish man shooting himself live on Facebook because his girlfriend had broken up with him, has gone viral.

According to a report in the Daily Mail, Erdogan Ceren from Duzici, a town and district in Osmaniye Province of Turkey holds his shotgun to his chest while addressing the camera, and after one failed attempt, commits suicide.

The 22-year-old first tells Facebook viewers that he intends to end his life because his girlfriend ditched him.

Ceren might already have warned people around him that he intended to commit suicide, because he says to the camera, No one believed when I said I will kill myself  so watch this.

The shirtless man then turns a shotgun on himself and fires, but it does not go off.

However, he tries a second time after readjusting the cameraand the screen goes blank.

The video has been watched lakhs of times and shared widely as well.

After his family members heard the gunshot and hurried to check, Erdogen was taken to hospital but died, said reports.

Ceren had previously documented his distraught emotions online, posting a Facebook status saying 'feeling broken' along with the words, Our love saga would be written, "Behold, the eyes would not cry, half of you is going to tell you now, my hands do without that side''.

Last month he had also posted on Facebook: And now he passed away in peace.forgive me girl, in perhaps an eerie reference to planning his own death.

Several fan and community pages have appeared on Facebook mourning the death of Ceren.

Turkish police have now launched an investigation into the incident.
Dhaka: Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday criticised main opposition leader Khaleda Zia for repeatedly seeking time from court appearance in graft cases, saying the former premier lacks courage to face the courts.

"This lady just cannot face the courts. And that is because she is involved in corruption," Hasina said at an event to the mark the 47th anniversary of Awami Leagues labour wing.

Hasina said her government is being blamed for pursuing false cases.

"Let the courts decide, if the cases are false or genuine," she was quoted as saying by bdnews24.com.

She said Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Zia lacked the courage to face the court as she was guilty deep down.

"They always claim that they had been sued in false cases. Which one of these is a false case here? Did they not burn people? The workers are the ones who face the horror of such attacks," Hasina said, referring to the deaths of 17 people in labour movements when the BNP was in power.

Zia, 71, and Hasina, 69, are known as the Battling Begums for their bitter rivalry that has poisoned Bangladeshi politics for nearly three decades.

A Bangladeshi court in April had rejected two petitions of Zia who appeared before it in a graft case which accuses her of embezzling over USD four lakh from a trust.

Graft charges have been brought against her in the Zia Charitable Trust case which accuses her of embezzling 31.5 million Bangladeshi Taka (USD 4 lakh).

In 2010, the Anti Corruption Commission (ACC) had filed the case against Zia and four others. In 2012, charges were pressed against four, including the two-time former prime minister Zia. In 2013, the trial began after the court indicted the four.

On March 31, the court had then fixed April 7 to hear Zias statement, but it was deferred as the BNP chief pleaded for more time.

In February, Zia was ordered to appear before a court to face trial in a separate USD 1.85 million graft case over contracting out cargo handling work to a company in exchange of kickbacks.
Islamabad: A senior official of China's foreign ministry has expressed hope that tensions between Pakistan and India will be resolved after the upcoming BRICS Summit.

China's President Xi Jinping is scheduled to travel Goa to attend the 8th summit of BRICS  Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa  which will be held on October 15 and 16. The Chinese leader would also be meeting Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Express Tribune quoted Xiao Qian of the Department of Asian Affairs speaking to a group of senior Pakistani journalists in Beijing on Tuesday saying as, "China is concerned at rising tensions between Pakistan and India over the Kashmir issue. China will try to normalise strained relations between Pakistan and India."

"The two countries should resolve the festering dispute through dialogue. China appreciates Pakistan's commitment to dialogue with India," he added.

Tensions have been in hot waters between the two neighbouring countries since September 18 deadly attack on an Indian Army base in Uri, Jammu & Kashmir and Pakistan alleged involvent in it.

In response to it, India carried out surgical strikes in the Pakistani occupied Kashmir , a claim which Islamabad strongly denied.

Xiao said, "Pakistan and India should shun the talk of war." He however assured that China would stand by Pakistan in every situation.

Speaking about the Afghan peace process, the Chinese official said that Beijing had tried to facilitate talks between the Taliban and the Kabul administration - but the process was suspended after the killing of Taliban supremo Mullah Akhtar Mansoor.

India had some objections to the multibillion-dollar project because it would pass through Gilgit-Baltistan region, but Beijing was committed to completing the massive road and rail link irrespective, said Xiao in reference to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

He added that our message to India is that CPEC will improve the Kashmir region as well as people's [lifestyle] there.

In response to balance of trade favoring Beijing, he said that China was investing in Pakistan so that they could also reap economic benefits. Xiao stated that the purpose of CPEC was to increase foreign investments in Pakistan

"An economically strong Pakistan will ensure balance of power in the region," he added.
Beijing: India need not feel "jealous" about close relations between China and Bangladesh in the wake of President Xi Jinping's impending Dhaka visit, state media said on Wednesday while observing that it would not be bad if such a relationship puts pressure on New Delhi to improve Sino-India ties.

"Xi's upcoming visit to Bangladesh is likely to raise bilateral relations to new heights and result in a large amount of investment and loans to improve local infrastructure in the South Asian country," an article in the state-run Global Times said.

"India need not be jealous of an increasingly close relationship between Beijing and Dhaka, because the improvement of local infrastructure and the overall economic ecology in Bangladesh will create favourable external conditions for connecting with markets in India, China and Southeast Asia," said the article titled 'India has nothing to fear from closer relationship between China and Bangladesh'.

The article however, stated that it would not necessarily be a bad thing if an increasingly close relationship between China and Bangladesh puts "some pressure on New Delhi" to rethink its strategy in this region and encourages it to put more effort into improving relations with China during the upcoming meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit in Goa.

Xi is scheduled to visit Dhaka later this week during which he was expected to announce some big ticket Chinese investments in Bangladesh.

According to reports from Dhaka, investments could amount to USD 40 billion.

"There have been misconceptions in India that China may feel unhappy if South Asian countries such as Bangladesh forge close ties with India and that China feels the need to build closer ties with Bangladesh," the article said.

Xi's visit is seen by some in India as a "trip to snatch the South Asian country from the embrace of New Delhi. The groundbreaking visit to Bangladesh is likely to help consolidate bilateral ties and boost economic cooperation between the two countries," it said.

The article said there is a popular view that China is trying to carve out for itself a pre-eminent role in South Asian affairs and that it intends to contain India's rise by seeking closer cooperation with countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.

"In this regard, some people believe China's One Belt and One Road initiative has been used as a political tool to achieve Beijing's goals," the article said.

"But such views are too simplistic. Some Indian people may mistakenly flatter themselves when they think China's Belt and Road initiative is aimed at balancing India's influence," it said.

"Bangladesh's geographic location makes it an irreplaceable link connecting India and China, and efforts to boost the local economy and improve infrastructure in Bangladesh could bring development momentum for the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar Economic Corridor," it said.
The greater South Asia that Pakistan has in mind includes China, Iran and the neighbouring Central Asian republics. (Photo: AFP)

Islamabad: Pakistan is exploring the possibility of creating a greater South Asian economic alliance to include China, Iran and neighbouring Central Asian republics as part of its bid counter India's influence in SAARC, a media report said on Wednesday.

Dawn News, citing diplomatic observers, said Pakistan is exploring the possibility of creating a greater South Asian economic alliance to counter India's "controlling hold" on the eight-member South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC).

A parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, which is now in New York, pitched this idea during its five-day visit to Washington last week, the report said.

"A greater South Asia is already emerging," Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed was quoted as saying in one of his interactions with the media.

"This greater South Asia includes China, Iran and the neighbouring Central Asian republics," he said.

He described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as the key economic route linking South Asia with Central Asia.

The Gwadar port, Syed said, would be the nearest warm water port, not only for China but also for the land-locked Central Asian states.

"We want India to join this arrangement as well," said Syed.

Indians are "unlikely to accept" the offer as they are comfortable with the advantage that SAARC provides them, the report said.

"India used its influence in SAARC to isolate Pakistan when it announced that it would not attend the regional group's 19th summit, scheduled in Islamabad," the report said.

Citing continuous cross border terrorism by Pakistan, India had announced last month that "in the prevailing circumstances, the Indian government is unable to participate in the proposed Summit in Islamabad."

Besides India, four other SAARC members -- Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan -- had also pulled out of the summit.

"Among the eight SAARC nations, Afghanistan and Bangladesh are India's strong allies while Bhutan, surrounded by India from all sides, is too small to resist any move from New Delhi. The Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka have good ties with Pakistan, but they are not large enough to take on India," the report said.

The report cited that a senior diplomat had confirmed reports that Pakistan is actively seeking a new regional arrangement.

"Apparently, the showdown forced Pakistan to conclude that in its present shape, SAARC will always be dominated by India.

That's why they are now talking about a greater South Asia," the diplomat was quoted as saying.

"Pakistan hopes that this new arrangement will give it more room to manoeuvre when India tries to force a decision on it," another diplomat said.

The report quoted diplomatic observers in Washington as saying that the proposed arrangement also suits China as it is also worried about India's rapidly growing influence in the region.

"They argue that China can play an important role in persuading Central Asian republics and Iran to join the new arrangement. But the observers warn that SAARC members will have little interest in supporting the idea," the report said.

"There is not much benefit for Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka in joining a land route far from their borders and Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have their own ports," it said.

The report stated thatt he member that is likely to get the most benefits from a greater South Asian alliance is Afghanistan, which is technically a land-locked Central Asian nation.

Any trade route that links South and Central Asian regions is good for Afghanistan, it noted.

"But observers believe that Afghanistan is too closely linked to India to join any arrangement that hurts India's interests. Afghanistan's presence in SAARC, however, justifies Pakistan's argument that Central Asian nations can be included in a greater South Asia.

Afghanistan applied for SAARC membership in 2006 and joined a year later, generating an interesting debate on the definition of South Asian identity because Afghanistan is a Central Asian country, the report said.

"But, as a South Asian diplomat pointed out, even if a greater South Asia became reality, there's no guarantee that its members would support Pakistan in its disputes with India," it said.

"Many Central Asian states have strong ties with India and Iran too has problems with Pakistan," the diplomat was quoted as saying.
Dawn on Wednesday rejected vested interest and false reporting allegations over a story on the verbal clash between Pakistans government and military by its journalist Cyril Almeida. (Photo: Twitter)

Islamabad: A leading Pakistani newspaper on Wednesday rejected allegations of "vested interest and false reporting", a day after the government imposed a travel ban on its journalist for reporting on a rift between civil and military leaderships over covert support to militants.

Dawn came out with a scathing editorial, saying Cyril Almeida's story on the verbal clash between government and military  which has generated a lot of heat in the country  was "duly verified and correct piece of reporting."

Almeida, a columnist for Dawn, on Tuesday said he has been put on Exit Control List  a border control system maintained by Pakistan government which allows it to bar people whose names appear on the list from leaving the country.

He had reported that leading civilian officials had warned the powerful army to renounce its covert support to militants like the Haqqani network, Taliban and Lashkar-e-Taiba  or face international isolation.

"This paper recently reported an extraordinary closed-door meeting between top government and intelligence officials where the foreign secretary briefed them on what he saw as Pakistan's growing international isolation; following this, there was a discussion on the impediments in the way of dealing with the problem of militancy in the country," the daily said in the editorial titled 'Reaction to Dawn story'.

"As gatekeeper of information that was 'verified, cross-checked and fact-checked', the editor of this paper bears sole responsibility for the story in question," it said.

It said in accordance with the principles of fair and balanced journalism, Dawn twice carried the denials issued by the Prime Minister's Office about the clash during a meeting when the ISI was told by civilian leadership that its covert support to militants led to Pakistan's isolation globally.

"Journalism has a long and glorious tradition of keeping its promise to its audience even in the face of enormous pressure brought to bear upon it from the corridors of power," it said apparently referring to the pressure tactics such as Almeida's name being put on ECL and Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's assertion two days ago that "stern action" will be taken against those responsible for the story, which his office called "fabricated".

The daily acknowledged that "while any media organisation can commit an error of judgement and Dawn is no exception, the paper believes it handled the story in a professional manner and carried it only after verification from multiple sources."

It demanded that Almeida's name should "at once" be removed from the list of people banned to leave the country so that some of the government's dignity could be salvaged.

"However, this news organisation will continue to defend itself robustly against any allegation of vested interest, false reporting or violation of national security," it wrote.

The editorial began with: "There are times in a news organisation's history that determine its adherence to the highest principles of journalism, its duty to inform the public objectively, accurately and fearlessly."

"Even more so in Pakistan, where decades of a militarised security environment have undermined the importance of holding the state to account, something that certain sections of the media have become complicit in despite their long, hard-won struggle for freedom, such a furore as generated by the Dawn report was not unexpected," it said.
Islamabad: A leading Pakistani daily on Wednesday asked the civilian and military establishment why action against JeM chief Masood Azhar and JuD's Hafiz Saeed was "danger" to the country's national security.

The strong editorial in The Nation, considered close to the government and military establishment, came as a prominent journalist, Cyril Almeida, of Dawn was banned from leaving Pakistan because of his front-page report on a rift between the military and the civilian government over the military's covert support to militant groups like the Haqqani network, Taliban and the LeT.

The editorial titled 'How to Lose Friends And Alienate People' said the government and the military instead of taking actions against Azhar and Saeed was lecturing the press.

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) leader and Pathankot terror attack mastermind Azhar and Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Saeed, the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai attacks, roam freely in Pakistan and are belived to have the protection of the military.

The daily said in its editorial that it was a "disturbing day when civilian and military top leadership meet to lecture the media on how to do their job."

"Apparently a barrage of online abuse, and three official denials were not enough to assuage tempers riled after Mr Almeida's exclusive story in Dawn, detailing an unusual exchange between the very same civilian and military top brass that yesterday issued forth a statement on the violation of 'universally acknowledged principles of reporting on national security issues', the editorial said.

"The report by Mr Almeida has been called 'fabricated', and 'speculative reporting'. But the government and military top brass in yesterday's meeting delivered no explanation for why government MNA's are protesting the visible presence of banned outfits in Pakistan. Or why possible action against Masood Azhar, or Hafiz Saeed is a danger to 'national security'. Or why Pakistan faces increasing isolation? We're all ears."

"Instead, how dare the government and military top brass lecture the press on how to do their job. How dare they treat a feted reporter like a criminal. And how dare they imply that they have either the right or the ability or the monopoly to declare what Pakistan's 'national interest' is," it said.

"And for Mr Almeida, nothing but solidarity. More power to you, and to your pen. The press stands with you," it added.

In an editorial, Dawn said it continues to stand-by Almeida's story and has rejected allegations of "vested interest and false reporting".
Gunmen targeted Shiite pilgrims in Kabul late today, killing at least 14 people as they gathered to celebrate Ashura, one of the most important festivals on the Shiite calendar, officials said.





Some 36 people were wounded and at least one attacker killed, interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said, adding that the assault was over.



Special forces had briefly entered the Karte Sakhi shrine near Kabul University to see if any more gunmen were sheltering inside, with police evacuating people from the area, officials said.



Of the 14 killed, 13 were civilians and one a police officer. Three police were among the wounded, Seddiqi said.



"A number of attackers have targeted people in Karte Sakhi shrine," said Kabul Police chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi. "Police have evacuated dozens of people from the shrine. A number of civilians and police have been injured."



Police also said two grenades had been detonated during the attack. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the assault, which President Ashraf Ghani condemned as a "clear sign of a crime against humanity".



Ghani vowed the government would use its "maximum capacity" to provide security during Ashura, which will be celebrated on Wednesday, and called on all Afghanistan's sects to "stand firmly against" the country's enemies.



The threat of attack targeting Shiites was considered particularly serious during Ashura, and many foreign embassies had restricted their staff's movements until the end of the week in Kabul.



Ashura commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was assassinated in 680 and whose tragic end laid the foundation for the faith.



For Shiites around the world, Ashura is a symbol of the struggle against oppression. The last attack on the Afghan Shiite minority, on July 23 in Kabul, killed 84 people and left 130 injured. It was claimed by the Islamic State organisation.



Today's attack came as Afghanistan deployed hundreds of commandos backed by NATO air strikes in Lashkar Gah to drive Taliban insurgents from the southern city after their latest attempt to seize the capital of Helmand province.



The wave of violence underscored unravelling security in Afghanistan as the resurgent Taliban continue a push into urban centres 15 years after they were toppled from power by the US invasion.
Challenging her rival Donald Trump's assertion that climate change is a hoax, Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton has asked Americans not to risk putting a "climate denier" in the White House.





"We cannot risk putting a climate denier in the White House at all, that is absolutely unacceptable. We need a President who believes in science and who has a plan to lead America in facing this threat, creating good jobs and yes, saving our planet," she told her supporters yesterday at an election rally in Miami, Florida.



Clinton identified the US, Germany and China as the three countries which can be the clean energy superpower in the 21st century.



"The clean energy superpower of the 21st century are probably going to be either Germany, China, or us, and I want it to be us. And I want you to be part of making it us," she said as she detailed out her plans in this regard.



The 68-year-old ex-secretary of state was joined during her rally by former US Vice President and climate change leader Al Gore.



She argued that the US needs to accelerate the transition to a clean energy economy and create high paying jobs, building and installing more solar panels and wind turbines.



"Modernising electric grid, retrofitting buildings, building resilient, 21st century infrastructure, and the US has to make sure no community is left out or left behind.



"Now, you wouldn't know it if you only listened to my opponent talk about how terrible everything is," she said lashing out at her 70-year-old opponent.



"He has such a dark, divisive view of America, but that doesn't tell the story about what's really going on. It's actually pretty exciting. In red states and blue states, local leaders are stepping up," she said.



"Rural electric co-ops are investing in community solar power and you see that across America, union workers in Michigan, union workers in Michigan, are getting ready to build electric Chevys in a plant powered by clean energy. Iowa is already getting a third of its electricity from wind," she added.



"Wind turbines are going up in New England and on Lake Erie. Renewable energy is already the fastest-growing source of new jobs in America. I think that is so exciting. There are nearly two million people already working in energy efficiency," she noted.



Clinton said as President, she wants the US to have 500 million solar panels installed across America by the end of her first term. "And let's generate enough renewable energy to power every home in America within the decade. Let's make our buildings and factories more energy efficient and cut our oil consumption by one-third," she said.



"And we can get there by investing in cutting edge research to keep developing cheaper and better clean energy technologies, investing in clean energy infrastructure and advanced manufacturing, putting big partnerships together between states, cities and rural communities," she added.



"Donald Trump is, quote, 'not a big believer' in climate change. As I said, he said it's a hoax created by the Chinese. And in our first debate two weeks ago, he tried to deny saying that. But that tweet is still there for everyone to see," Clinton said referring to a tweet by the real estate baron in 2012.



Addressing the meeting, Al Gore asserted that with Clinton in the White House, the US will build on the progress made under Barack Obama with the Paris Agreement and she will seize the opportunities. "After all, solar electricity and wind electricity is now way cheaper than it was years ago when some of us started sounding the alarm about this crisis," he said.



"Almost 100 years ago, America's most famous inventor, Thomas Edison said these words - it's an exact quote: 'I would put my money on the sun and solar energy. What a source of power. I hope we don't have to wait until the oil and coal come out before we tackle that.' Now, I want to say a brief word - I'm going to return to my second main point here in a minute, but I want to say a brief word about something else that all of you can do. You can elect Patrick Murphy to the United States Senate instead of a climate denier," Gore said.
At least 473 people are now known to have died as Hurricane Matthew leveled swaths of southern Haiti last week, officials said, as hard-hit communities struggled to rebuild homes and access food and clean water.





Haiti is observing three days of mourning for victims of the deadly storm, which also left 75 missing and 330 injured according to the provisional toll from the nation's civil protection agency.



More than 175,500 people remain in shelters across the country, many of them in schools -- which is keeping nearly 100,000 children from resuming classes.



Interim President Jocelerme Privert said those affected would receive humanitarian aid but warned against extending emergency help without a plan for long-term reconstruction.



"If we continue to bring emergency food aid to victims -- without taking steps to recapitalize them, for money to circulate in affected areas -- the risk of exodus to large cities is still there," Privert told journalists.



Privert said the Haitian government has sent 40 containers of food aid to affected regions, which he said cost the treasury more than $400,000.



Matthew struck as the impoverished nation was struggling to stifle a cholera outbreak that authorities fear will now worsen, with the World Health Organization pledging Tuesday to send a million doses of cholera vaccines.



Two water purification stations also arrived in Port-au-Prince Tuesday as part of France's first shipment of humanitarian aid, which comprised some 69 tons of supplies including medicine and anti-cholera kits.



Each station produces 250,000 liters (66,000 gallons) of drinking water per day.But damage to roads and communications has hamstrung deliveries of supplies in some areas, according to an AFP journalist in the southern coastal village of Groteaux.



Many residents of that community were still struggling to find food and clean water as they scrambled to repair their battered homes.



Many Groteaux homes sported new tin roofs bought at inflated prices, but poorer families could not afford new metal sheets to shelter them from intense sun, tropical rains or bloodthirsty mosquitoes.



"Only God knows what we will eat," Jean Nelson, 68, told AFP. "We are eating only coconuts that fell." "We don't have money for rice," he said, adding that the price of the staple has doubled in the past week.



Nelson said that even though roads are now accessible, with cell phone coverage also starting to improve, no Haitian officials or relief workers have visited the hard-hit town.



The UN envoy Sandra Honore urged the Security Council on Tuesday to keep UN peacekeeping forces in Haiti for another six months to help cope with storm damage, ahead of a vote on renewing the mission's mandate.
Sino-India relationship, which is under stress, needs to be "recalibrated" as the 1988 arrangement is no longer an 'effective tool' with the changed situation, former national security advisor Shivshankar Menon has said ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit to India.





"India China relationship are under stress. You can see this stress -- Masood Azhar designation as terrorists, the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group), I mean, I do not need to list all this. So there is stress in this relationship," Menon told PTI.



"These are signs of relationship in stress, where there is not sufficient strategic communication between the two countries," he said ahead of the arrival President Xi to attend the two-day BRICS Summit in Goa over the weekend.



However, the former foreign secretary, said he is not pessimistic over the bilateral relationship.



"I am not pessimistic about the future of India-China relations," he writes in his book 'Choices: Inside the making of India's Foreign Policy' which was released at the Brookings Institute last week. The book is set to hit the stores globally next week.



On the foreign policy side, Menon, who was the national security advisor from 2011 to 2014, said he sees "certainly a great deal of continuity" by the Modi government.



"Many of the things they have done, land boundary agreement with Bangladesh for instance, what they have been doing in relationship with the US, many of these things, Act East from Look East are actually continuation of what had been going on before," he said.



"Continuity is good," he said, adding that this reflects that this is "India's policy and that it would also be carried forward."



"But it has its limits. If the situation changes. The balance of power in the Asia Pacific is changing, China's rise, some relationships need to be recalibrated, with China certainly," said Menon, who was the foreign secretary from 2006-2009.



Menon said the current modus vivendi with China, formalised during former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's visit in 1988 that has worked for nearly three decades, is no longer an effective tool.



"This was basically, we would discuss whatever difficult issues we have, but we would not let that stop us from developing the relationship where we can co-operate. And that's how it became our largest trading partner. Or from co-operating on the global stage where we have common interest. And we worked together in WTO, climate change negotiations," he noted.



But the basis on which we build that modus vivendi, which is the balance of power that existed and the situation that existed around that time has changed, he said.



"China has changed, India has changed. The situation has changed. So that modus vivendi clearly no longer works. India China relationship are under stress," he said. "So what do you do know," he asked.



"You need to whether find a new modus vivendi, a new equilibrium in the relationship, which you need to do by sitting across the table and talking with the Chinese. And seeing what are your core interest and what are their core interest, where is the overlap, where is the friction and how are you going to deal with it," said Menon, who during his distinguished diplomatic career served as the Indian Ambassador to China.



Or else, Menon warned "you can just let it drift, which is dangerous." Because, one never knows which one of these issues can become a dangerous issue and make "trouble for you", he added.



"Then managing the relationship, it starts effecting the rest of the relationship. You have a relationship today with China in which you both cooperate and compete. That is not likely to change fundamentally. But you need to find ways to managing and containing that relationships, so that you can concentrate on the more important thing, which is developing and transforming India," Menon said.



Responding to a question, Menon denied the impression that Pakistan is working as a proxy for China.



"I would not describe any State as others proxies. All States follow their own interest. When it coincides with somebody elses they work together. And I think, this is what we see in the case of China and Pakistan," he noted.



"A proxy means that they are only serving only somebodys elses interest. Thats not true. Pakistan serves its own interest. Where it can, it works with another power it can and it charges strategic rent for what it does.



It does so with China, it does so with others in the Middle East, it has done so for the US when the US found Pakistan useful in Afghanistan when the Soviets were in Afghanistan. So I would not call Pakistan a proxy of China. Pakistan has its own interest in the way it deals with us. And those remain with or without China," he observed.



Menon said today China needs Pakistan for several reasons. "It is not just India, but also because as China steps out, as China tries one belt one road, tries to create a region where Xi has a major say. It needs friend and allies, which today are North Korea and Pakistan," he said.



"There is a whole new set of issues on the trade side, world economy side, what do we do in terms of TTP, RCEP, various attempts to create free trade areas to the east of us, to actually break up the world economy into separate areas, these are big fundamental issues for us," Menon said.



How do we deal with climate change for instance, energy security and climate change together. These are issues that I think, would more than just continuity," Menon said.



"They would need more creative solution, more work in the future. Those are the big challenges for this government, because all of them have major domestic repercussions," Menon said.
Devotees paid a teary-eyed farewell to Goddess Durga on Tuesday amid elaborate arrangements made by the authorities at Yamuna ghats in the capital.





Officials from municipal corporations, flood control department, Delhi Police and health services were present when Durga idols were immersed at different ghats at the end of the five-day festival, CCTV cameras kept a watch.



The day also saw the burning of effigies of Ravan, Kumbhakarna and Meghnad across Delhi as the city celebrated Dussehra.



Wooden fencing in the river along with CCTV cameras was installed to monitor any untoward incident and maintain the safety of the people coming for immersion.

Wooden fences have been setup for the safety of the people so that they do not go beyond a certain point. Boards having dos and donts have been put up on the fences. Alongside, 24 CCTV cameras have been installed at each ghat and videography is also being done to keep an eye on the crowd and prevent any untoward incident, said Om Prakash, Junior Engineer, Flood Control Department said earlier on Tuesday.



The department had also put in two motor boats and eight divers in services at each of the ghats to save any person from drowning. Measures had also been taken to control the pollution at the ghats with only the idol being immersed in the waters and tippers have been deployed to collect the rest of the waste.



Only idols are immersed in the water. The other things including the offerings, clothes and prasads are thrown in tippers available at the ghats. Sanitation workers will take the structure of the idol after its immersion and these would be then dumped into the Sanitary Land Fields at Ghazipur, said DK Jain, Assistant Sanitary Inspector, Ward no-154, Central Zone Lajpat Nagar.



The people seem to be happy with the preparations this year with lesser crowd and better safety measures taken by the authorities to reduce the hassles.



I have been coming here from the last five years. The preparations are better this year as the crowd is well-managed. Efforts are made to lessen the pollution with the arrangements of the tippers in place, said Renu Das from Samachar Apartment Puja Samiti.



Another person was happy at the smooth conduction of the immersion though he wanted the water to be clean.



The efforts taken this year are really commendable but the only thing we want is the water should be clean so that we do not have to immerse our idol in dirty water, said Subhimal Chowdhury.



A team of doctors, comprising of three members, including a doctor, pharmacist and dresser were also put in service with a CATS ambulance deployed at each ghat including Hathighat, Shyam Ghat, Geeta Colony Ghat, Kalindi Kunj Ghat, DND flyover to extend medical services to those getting injured, said Kamal Singh, Senior Medical Officer, Delhi Government.



A fire tender were also present at the ghats. Delhi Police had deployed additional forces to maintain law and order during the immersion procession.



We have deployed additional personnel. Pickets have been set up and checking is conducted at the borders and of vehicles, said Rishi Pal, DCP East, adding, no untoward incident has been reported so far.
Calling Hillary Clinton a vessel for "corrupt" global establishment, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump has said the election of his Democratic rival would make the US a corrupt "Banana Republic" controlled by donors and foreign governments.





"The Hillary Clinton documents released by WikiLeaks make more clear than ever just how much is at stake in this election. This election will determine whether we remain a free country, or we become a corrupt Banana Republic controlled by large donors and foreign governments," Trump said at an election rally in Florida.



Wikileaks in the past three days has released several batches of emails, which it obtained by hacking into the Clinton Campaign or the servers of the Democratic National Committee.



The emails are being widely reported by the mainstream US media.

"The election of Hillary Clinton would lead to the destruction of our country," Trump said referring to some of the information that is coming out from these emails.



"Today we learned the Department of Justice fed information to the Clinton campaign about the e-mail investigation, so that the campaign could be prepared to cover up her crimes. This is collusion and corruption of the highest order, and is one more reason why I will ask my Attorney General to appoint a special prosecutor. We have to investigate the investigation," he said.



Hillary deleted 33,000 emails after a congressional subpoena  and then destroyed her phones with a hammer  all to cover-up her crimes. People have gone to jail for doing far less. She also lost as much as USD 6 billion taxpayer dollars, he alleged.



"These Wikileaks emails confirm what those of us here today have known all along: Hillary Clinton is the vessel for a corrupt global establishment that is raiding our country and surrendering our sovereignty. This criminal government cartel doesn't recognise borders, but believes in global governance, unlimited immigration, and rule by corporations," Trump said.



He alleged, even Chelsea Clinton, the WikiLeaks emails show, expressed "serious concerns" about conflicts of interests at the Clinton Foundation and State Department.



"New emails revealed today show that during the deadly earthquake in Haiti, which killed over 150,000 people, the Clintons couldn't stop cashing in. As people were dying in Haiti, Clinton insiders were separating out requests from 'Friends of Bill' or 'William Jefferson Clinton VIPs' so that their business interests or contracts would receive special treatment. People who were labelled 'Not Friends of Bill' were placed on the sidelines," he said.



"Wikileaks also shows something I have been warning about for a very long time. The media is simply an extension of the Clinton Campaign. It's just one more way the system is rigged. Reporters who work for these outlets  like the Washington Post, or the New York Times  may think of themselves as journalists, but they are actually just cogs in a corporate political machine," he alleged.
Asserting that actions like surgical strikes are not a "permanent solution", former national security advisor Shivshankar Menon has said the real test of success of India's military action in PoK is whether the LoC is pacified and the infiltration goes down.





Talking about the surgical strikes carried out by India in the aftermath of the Uri terror attack, he said he was not sure if it indicated a major shift in policy and described India's action akin to mowing the grass, which one has to do repeatedly at regular intervals from keeping the grass to attain certain height.



"I am not sure, if there is a major shift in policy," he told PTI.

"First of all the use of (the term) surgical strike is not right. It is a phrase developed by the US in the nuclear context. It had a very specific meaning -- taking out the adversaries' nuclear weapons through surgical strike and eliminate those weapons," said Menon, who was the NSA from 2011 to 2014 under the Manmohan Singh government.



Menon stated that what has happened post-Uri has "not eliminated these jihadi tanzims" or any of the terror groups.



"It was an attack on few launch pads and of course damage to them. But this is not a damage that they cannot repair or recover. Secondly there was a huge amount of restraint shown in the choice of target and the location, it's on Indian territory after all," Menon said.



"I think, the difference is that this government has chosen to go public. Whether it works or not, the real test is whether the Line of Control is pacified, whether the infiltration goes down," Menon said.



Noting that every government chooses its own way of dealing with these things, Menon said, "My own sense, which the Israelis describe is like mowing the grass. Something you need to keep doing, but the grass would keep growing. And it is not a permanent solution. Not military force, not diplomacy, but combination of both together amount to mowing the grass."



Menon stressed that from a strategic point of view, in the last 30 years when Pakistan has thrown cross border terrorism in all its worst form, India has done its best in this period.



"This is not an existential threat to India. This is something that can be managed, needs to be managed, needs responses, including military, diplomatic and other responses and to the extent that this government is now doing it publicly, is also following a policy of diplomatically isolating Pakistan for what it has done, is actually a continuing of existing policy, but taken further one more step. I hope it works," Menon said.



In his book 'Choices: Inside the making of India's Foreign Policy', released at the Brookings Institute last week, Menon writes that in the immediate aftermath of the Mumbai terror attack, the then External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee and he as the foreign secretary had strongly pushed for immediate retaliatory strikes inside Pakistan and Pak-occupied Kashmir (Pok) which did not happen.


There has been a "great deal of continuity" in the Narendra Modi government's foreign policy, former national security advisor Shivshankar Menon has said even as he called for 'recalibration' of China-India ties which are "under stress".





"Many of the things they (Modi government) have done, land boundary agreement with Bangladesh for instance, what they have been doing in relationship with the US, many of these things, Act East from Look East are actually continuation of what had been going on before," Menon told PTI.



Talking about foreign policy, Menon, who was the national security advisor from 2011 to 2014, said he sees "certainly a great deal of continuity" by the Modi government.



"Continuity is good," he said, adding that this reflects that this is "India's policy and that it would also be carried forward."



"But it has its limits. If the situation changes. The balance of power in the Asia Pacific is changing, China's rise, some relationships need to be recalibrated, with China certainly," said Menon, who was the foreign secretary from 2006-2009.



Menon said the current modus vivendi with China, formalised during former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's visit in 1988 that has worked for nearly three decades, is no longer an effective tool.



"This was basically, we would discuss whatever difficult issues we have, but we would not let that stop us from developing the relationship where we can co-operate. And that's how it became our largest trading partner. Or from co-operating on the global stage where we have common interest. And we worked together in WTO, climate change negotiations," he noted.



But the basis on which we build that modus vivendi, which is the balance of power that existed and the situation that existed around that time has changed, he said.



"India-China relationship is under stress. You can see this stress -- Masood Azhar's designation as terrorist, the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group), I mean, I do not need to list all this. So there is stress in this relationship," Menon said ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit to India to attend the two-day BRICS Summit in Goa over the weekend.



"These are signs of relationship in stress, where there is not sufficient strategic communication between the two countries," he said.



However, the former foreign secretary, said he is not pessimistic over the bilateral relationship.



"I am not pessimistic about the future of India-China relations," he writes in his book 'Choices: Inside the making of India's Foreign Policy' which was released at the Brookings Institute last week. The book is set to hit the stores globally next week.
The bruising battle of words over the surgical strikes escalated further today with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar trashing claims of such operations under the UPA, provoking a counteroffensive from the Congress which accused him of "blatant politicisation" of the issue.



While Congress demanded an apology, Parrikar asserted that a "major" share of credit for the army action last month goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.



Speaking at two events in Mumbai, Parrikar said all the 127 crore people of India, including "doubting Thomases", and the army share and deserve credit for the operation as it was done by the armed forces and not by any political party.



At the same time, he said that "major share" of credit does go to Modi and the government for decision-making and planning.



He also made it clear that Congress' claims of such attacks having been carried out when the UPA was in power were wrong as those operations were undertaken by border action teams at local level "without the knowledge" of the government.



"I don't mind sharing the credit, including on surgical strike, with every countryman because it is done by our armed forces and not by any political party. So all Indians, including, those doubting Thomases, can share the credit," he said at a function in Mumbai, adding his statement will settle the nerves of many.



Parrikar's remarks drew stinging criticism from the Congress, which called them "misleading" and said by rejecting the claim that such strikes had taken place in the past, the Defence Minister had "undermined" the sacrifices made by the army.



"Mr Parrikar, Indian Army deserves all credit but why mislead the people and undermine army's sacrifices by denying earlier surgical strikes?



"Operation Ginger in 2011 was a large-scale surgical strike. Why is Manohar Parrikar quiet on army's valour? Is (it) not blatant politicisation?" Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala asked and demanded an apology from the Minister.

"Converting national security into an event management exercise to polish the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is extremely unfortunate," he said.



"If army deserves full credit (for the strikes), why are 'avengers of Uri' posters depicting Modiji as Lord Rama being plastered in poll-bound states?" Surjewala said.



Surjewala also targeted BJP chief Amit Shah over his remarks that it was for the first time in 68 years that the Indian army had crossed the LoC to mount an assault on the enemy forces.



The Congress leader said RSS and BJP chief Amit Shah have publicly stated that surgical strikes will be their key electoral strategy. "Forked tongue, Mr Parrikar?" he said and attacked Parrikar over the alleged move to reduce disability pensions for soldiers.



"The ultimate political hypocrisy; post surgical strike, Modi Sarkar cut disability pensions for 'combat injury' to half.



"Is Modi Govt giving credit to Army by denying OROP, Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, by refusing to acknowledge and honor commitments? (sic)" he asked.



CPI also hit out at Parrikar for his remarks, asking why the BJP was "making" it an issue of debate and "dragging" the armed forces into it.



"Why the strikes are being made an issue of debate? Indian army is of the entire country. It is not BJP's army or that of some other political party. So, why the BJP is dragging the army into the debate?" CPI national secretary D Raja asked.



The Rajya Sabha member accused the BJP of "starting and continuing" the debate on the issue.



The Aam Aadmi Party accused the BJP of trying to cash in on the issue ahead of Uttar Pradesh assembly polls.



"There is no better example of stooping down so low to do your politics. By issuing such statement, Parrikar is belittling the achievements of the Indian army, which has had a proud history of valour and sacrifice," AAP's Delhi unit convenor Dilip Pandey said.



Parrikar, however, insisted there were no surgical strikes under the UPA dispensation.

"I have been the Defence Minister for two years. From whatever I have known, there is no surgical strike from previous years. What they are quoting are actions taken by border action teams. These are common actions across the globe and by the Indian army," he said.



Explaining the concept, the Minister said such operations are carried out without official order or prior sanction of the government.



"It is done without the knowledge of anyone. Report is subsequently given," he said underlining the action is taken by the local commander for settling scores.



Parrikar made it clear that unlike earlier, this time it was a surgical strike because "decision was taken and conveyed" and the army did the job well.



"This was an operation which clearly indicates the intent of the government and the nation," he said.



Parrikar said that if the government wanted to take political mileage out of this, he would have announced it rather than the Director General of Military Operations.


The Home Ministry today strongly refuted the "vilification campaign" that a delegation of Pakistani doctors were denied visa by India, saying it never received any such application from any medical practitioner belonging to the neighbouring country.





A senior Home Ministry official said Pakistan comes under the "Prior Reference Category" (PRC) and anyone wishing to visit any conference in India has to apply well in advance for consideration of his or her visa application.



"Reaction time for PRC visa application is minimum 10 days. So, one has to apply well in advance for consideration of his or her visa application.



"The fact of the matter is we have never received any visa application from any doctor from Pakistan to attend any conference in India. It is utter lie to blame us that we have denied them visa. It is nothing but a vilification campaign against India," the official told PTI.



The delegation of Pakistani doctors was scheduled to attend a four-day global meet on cancer care beginning here today, but could not do so as its members were unable to get visas, organisers claimed.



Pakistani sources termed it as "unfortunate".



The conference, organised by International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS) and Foundation for Head-Neck Oncology (FHNO), is being attended by doctors from around 15 foreign countries.



When asked at a press conference if there were delegates from Pakistan, the organisers said, "They were scheduled to participate but could not make it as they could not get the visas."



Organising Chairman of the conference Dr Alok Thakar said, "Some of the doctors were to present papers at the conference."



The news comes amidst escalating tension between India and Pakistan in the wake of Uri attack and subsequent surgical strike by Indian Army on terror launch pads in PoK.


Travel always inspires art. But what is needed is an observant eye, said internationally acclaimed artist and muralist Rouble Nagi. Taking a leaf out of her trip to Spain, the artist created paintings and sculptures inspired by the countrys folk dance form  flamenco  which is a blend of song, dance and guitar.





Folk art has stories from politics and history to humour and love. I was inspired by the music-art combination of this form along with the beautiful and graceful postures that the dance aspect entails. So, I decided to do a series on this aspect of Spain, mentioned Nagi, who has created over 800 murals, and held more than 150 exhibitions worldwide.



Nagis sculptures depict the different postures of flamenco dancers while her acrylic on canvas depicts the various emotions, expressions and movements of the three forms of flamenco  Cante; the song, Baile; the dance, and Guitarra; guitar. This folk dance, where song, dance and guitar are blended into passionate rhythms which are often improvised, depicts a sense of independence, which is what I have shown on my canvas using bold strokes and bright hues, Nagi told Metrolife.



With Flamenco, which comprises 22 abstracts, six sculptures in fibre glass and six small table sculptures in metal and fibre, Nagi became the first artist to showcase her collection at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Museums newly opened art gallery. In a discussion with friends, I got to know about the gallery opening, and I had applied for exhibiting my collection. During the process, Lalit Kala Akademi also recommended me. Its a matter of pride to have exhibited at Rashtrapati Bhavan, shared Nagi.



I also presented a painting to President Pranab Mukherjee on his visit to the museum, added Nagi, sharing that the exhibition will also travel to Mumbai, Bengaluru, London and Singapore.



This is Nagis third exhibition in her decade-long career. I dont paint every year. I had my last series Strokes of Strength in 2012-13, which I painted during my pregnancy. My passion lies in mural and sculpture making, and three-dimensional objects that can be felt. I paint only when I feel inspired and that is why I exhibit once in every three to four years, she said, adding, Its not that I am a lazy artist but I believe each piece should come from ones heart, and that takes time.



Though Nagi started painting at an early age, she took it up professionally only from 2003. And in the first six months, she shifted focus from paintings to murals and installations. During the initial phase, I hardly created anything as I only did what my clients wanted. I started with four mediums but being experimental, today I work with 38 different mediums, she pointed out.




In the wake of an overall merchandise exports slowdown, Indian engineering exports are moving in positive territory thanks to an up-tick in top European markets including UK, France, Italy and the Netherlands.





But fingers remain crossed ahead of Brexit play out and rising crude oil prices, says apex engineering export body Engineering Export Promotion Council of India (EEPC).

The European nations fall under the top 25 engineering export destinations for India, EEPC India chairman T S Bhasin said . All these destinations have recorded a positive growth in April-August this year compared with the same period last year, he said.

While engineering exports moved up by 4.7% from $4.65 billion in August 2015 to $4.87 billion in August 2016, the cumulative growth for the global basket as a whole remained negative for April-August period this fiscal.



Cumulative engineering exports for this period dropped by 4% to $25.13 billion in April-August 2016- 17, from $26.18 billion in the same period last year. However, there is a positive news even on a cumulative basis as far as the top European markets are concerned, Bhasin said. Out of 220 exports destinations of Indian engineering goods, top 25 nations accounted for more than 73% of India's total engineering exports during April-August 2016-17. Overall, Indias engineering exports to its top 25 destinations registered a rise in growth of 5.8% in August.



Indias merchandise exports have been in the negative zone from December 2014 to May 2016 due to weak global demand and decline in oil prices. It expanded first time in June before slipping into a contraction mode once again in two following months.
SsangYong Motor Company, part of the Mahindra Group, has signed a letter of intent (LOI) with the Shaanxi Automobile Group for a joint venture that will establish a local production plant for completely built units (CBU).





The JV, which will become SsangYongs first overseas production base in a 50:50 partnership with the Shaanxi Automobile Group will construct production facilities for CBUs and an engine plant on a site with an area of 1.23 million square metres in the Xian Economic and Technological Development Zone in Xian, M&M said.



The first phase of construction will establish a plant with an annual capacity of 1,50,000 units by the end of 2019, and the second phase will involve an expansion of the facilities to 3,00,000 units annually, M&M said.



Furthermore, SsangYong will establish an automotive cluster with its major suppliers that will also enter the market, to ensure product competitiveness, and start the production of SsangYongs current models and models under development, in the second half of 2019, the company said.



With the signing of an LOI for a joint venture, SsangYong and Shaanxi Automobile Group will form a team to work on the Xian project and discuss the details for the establishment of a joint venture. Next steps will also involve obtaining the approval from SsangYongs board of directors, the governments of Shaanxi Province and Xian, as well as the central government of China, the company added.



It is quite essential to have a local CBU plant in China to increase our competitiveness in the rapidly-growing Chinese car market, and to increase our sales volume, SsangYong Motor chief executive officer Choi Johng-sik said.



The joint venture, which will be SsangYongs first overseas production base, will serve as a new growth engine for SsangYong as the company continues its efforts to become a strong global SUV manufacturer, Johng-sik added.


Unidentified militants tonight shot dead a Peoples Conference worker in north Kashmir's Kupwara district, police said.





Ghulam Nabi Khoja, who was also an employee in the state's education department, was shot outside his residence in Tralgund village, a police official said here.



He said Khoja was rushed to district hospital Baramulla where doctors declared him brought dead.



The official said Khoja was a worker of Peoples Conference which is led by separatist-turned-mainstream leader and Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Social Welfare Sajad Gani Lone.
Donald Trumps intensifying battle with his own party is tearing open the nations political map, pulling Republicans across the country into a self-destructive feud that could imperil dozens of lawmakers in Congress and potentially throw conservative-leaning states into Hillary Clintons column.





Democrats are moving swiftly to exploit Trumps crumbling position in the presidential race, aiming to run up a big margin of victory for Clinton and extend their political advantage into the congressional elections next month.



Clintons campaign has concluded that at least two traditionally Republican states, Georgia and Arizona, are realistic targets for her campaign to win over. And Republican polling has found that Trump is at dire risk of losing Georgia, according to people briefed on the polls, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.



Clinton now holds such a strong upper hand that Priorities USA, a super PAC backing her campaign, may direct some of its war chest into Senate races, two people said, and may begin broadcasting ads for those contests as soon as next week. Congressional Democrats also hope to persuade Clinton to continue pouring money and campaign resources into states like Virginia and Colorado, where they believe her victory is assured, in order to lift other Democratic candidates.



In a signal of Democrats growing focus on the House and Senate, Clinton used a recent visit to Miami to attack both Trump and Senator Marco Rubio, whom Clinton blasted for what she described as his indifference to climate change.



We need to elect people up and down the ballot, at every level of the government, who take it seriously, Clinton said, adding, It is an unacceptable response for Marco Rubio, when asked about climate change, to say, Im not a scientist. Clintons campaign chairman, John D Podesta, said that she would continue to call out down-ballot Republicans.



Rubio, who has led in his re-election campaign by a comfortable but not overwhelming margin, is among the Republicans whom Priorities USA may seek to defeat, if the group decides to intervene in Senate races, a strategist said.



Increasingly anxious Republicans have not come up with a unified strategy for containing the damage from Trumps embattled candidacy, and several strategists and party officials said they were awaiting a new round of polling before settling on a course. But, in a sign that Republicans now view the presidential race as a lost cause, several Senate candidates are preparing ads asking voters to elect them as a check on Clinton in the White House.



Yet Trump himself, having been rejected in recent days by dozens of Republican elected officials, has indicated that he will make any separation an exceptionally messy and painful ordeal for the party.



Trump lashed out publicly on October 11 morning at two of his best-known critics: Senator John McCain of Arizona, who withdrew his endorsement of Trump over the last weekend, and Paul Ryan, the speaker of the House, who informed congressional Republicans on October 10 that he would no longer defend Trump.



Seething on Twitter, Trump attacked Ryan as weak and ineffective and described McCain as very foul mouthed. And in a Fox News interview, Trump mocked both men as disloyal, reserving special venom for Ryan. Paul Ryan opened borders and amnesty and bad budgets, Trump said. He declared himself a liberated man, writing on Twitter: It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to.



Should Trump continue deriding the leaders of the institutional Republican Party, it could have profound consequences down the ballot, potentially depressing turnout by demoralising the party or leading Trumps ardent supporters to deny their votes to Republicans who abandoned him. But there is little Republicans can do to control Trumps behaviour: The partys donors have no leverage over him, he is relying largely on small donors and, at 70, he is not mindful of any future campaign.



The emerging dynamic may be especially toxic for Republicans in swing states that are also home to competitive races for the House and Senate, where the partys candidates must choose between two unpalatable options: alienating much of their partys base or standing behind a nominee who is unacceptable to most mainstream voters. The voting bloc that especially concerns Republican officials are the right-of-centre, college educated voters who usually favour Republican candidates but cannot abide Trump. These voters can make up anywhere between a quarter to a third of the partys electoral coalition.



Not going to vote for Donald Trump, said Josh Holmes, a Republican strategist who is working on several Senate races. But if they dont vote at all, its catastrophic for us.



Centre of battlefield

The nightmare possibility for the party is that swing voters punish the party because of Trump, the anti-Trump Republicans stay at home and Trumps base casts a ballot for him and then leaves the polls. Under those conditions, Senate races in places like Pennsylvania and North Carolina could fall to Democrats, while Senate and House races in places like Missouri, Arizona and Kansas could move to the centre of the battlefield.



Already, Republicans view Trumps sharp downturn in the presidential race as having jeopardised their majorities in Congress. A poll published on October 11 by NBC News and The Wall Street Journal found Trump trailing Clinton by 9 percentage points nationally and drawing just 37% of the vote. No major-party nominee since World War II has received a smaller share of the vote.



But in an illustration of the bind Republicans are in, the poll found that three-fourths of Republicans believed their candidates should stay loyal to Trump. Other Republican-leaning voters say they may punish those who fail to denounce Trump. Several Republicans in difficult Senate races have criticised Trump in strong terms without coming out in opposition to his candidacy, including Senators Patrick Toomey of Pennsylvania, Richard Burr of North Carolina and Rubio.



Like their Republican counterparts, Democrats do not plan to make final strategy decisions until they receive new polling. But they have already begun aggressively attacking Republicans, even as those officials retreat from Trump.



Three Democratic congressional candidates have started running ads this week that showcase footage of Trump describing sexual assault in graphic terms from a 2005 recording.



Governor Maggie Hassan of New Hampshire, who is challenging Senator Kelly Ayotte, used the footage in a campaign video, saying Ayotte recently denounced Trump only to protect herself. And outside groups supporting congressional Democrats have begun to reallocate their spending to take advantage of the shifting environment.

The House Majority PAC, the principal outside group supporting House Democrats, this week made a $1.2 million reservation to contest the suburban Philadelphia seat held by Republican Michael G Fitzpatrick, who is retiring.
Rajkumar Singh, accused of murdering perfumer Monica Ghurde in Goa, who was arrested from a lodge in Cottonpet on October 9, immediately took a train to Mangaluru from where he reached Bengaluru.





A senior police officer said, Rajkumar, who murdered Monica in her rented flat in Sangolda village in Goa on October 5, checked into Makam Comforts in Cottonpet. On October 8, he went to DVG Road in Basavangudi and shopped for clothes. He even clicked a selfie and uploaded it on his Facebook page. The Goa police, who were monitoring his activities, found that he was in Bengaluru and informed the Bengaluru police.



A special team which was formed, joined the Goa police in the search in Basavangudi but in vain. On October 9, around 12 noon, Singh went to an ATM on Cottonpet main road and withdrew money by using Monicas ATM card. The bank officials then alerted the Goa police. They conducted searches at around 30 lodges in and around Cottonpet.



An employee of Makam Comforts recognised Singh after he was shown the photo. Singh had gone out for a stroll and they waited for his return. After a couple of hours, when Singh returned, he was detained and questioned for an hour in his room in the lodge, where he confessed to the crime.


The Alvas Education Foundation celebrated Ningol Chakkouba, a festival of Manipur, at AIET Hall in Mijar on Wednesday.





The efforts of the institution, undertaken along with Manipuri students of Alvas Institute of Engineering and Technology (AIET) and its sister institutions students, are meant to reinforce the fraternal bond.



Speaking on the occasion, Manipur former minister and executive board member of North East Zone Cultural Centre Dr Nara Singh said politics divides people whereas culture upholds the unity among mankind. Education should nourish such cultural activity and culture for peace should be everyones slogan, he advised.



Peacefulness is characterised by cooperation and harmonious conduct with a view to secure all-round development of the country, he said and added that a world deprived of peace and harmony certainly will return to the jungle era where the strong prey on the weaker sections of the society. In this backdrop, the international community has to keep nuclear weapons away from the war, which is really destructive to mankind.



Presiding over the programme, Alvas Education Foundation trustee Vivek Alva said, Youth can make wonders, if they are nurtured in cohesive environment.



Appreciation

Prizes were distributed to achievers in various fields of education, sports, cultural competitions in national and international platforms on the occasion. The formal function was followed by cultural shows like Maibi dance, Shol chollon, Stick dance, Dasa avatar and Kabui dance performed by Manipuri students.



Food consisting of meat dishes cooked by students and other traditional dishes of Manipur, such as Iromba, champhut and kanghou, were served at the feast.



Purvanchal Vikas Parishad coordinator Pushparaj, Alvas college of Naturopathy principal Dr Vanitha Shetty, lecturer Nandeesh Kumar were present among others.


Manorama Devi, the MLC suspended from the JD(U) after she was jailed for violation of the prohibition law, refused to take back her home which was unsealed last week.





According to an FIR, she alleged that cops and civil officials had engineered burglary in the house that remained sealed for more than four months.



Burglars have taken away valuables worth Rs 1 crore from my house. All those officers, who were present when my house was being sealed, should be held responsible for the theft, she said in her police complaint.



Manorama and her husband Bindi Yadav were arrested after their son Rocky was accused of killing a 19-year-old boy, Aditya, in a road rage incident in Gaya earlier this year.



Later, Manorama was charged with violation of prohibition law.



Her palatial house in Anugrah Puri Colony in Gaya was sealed in May following recovery of six bottles of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) from the premises.



However, the Patna High Court last week ordered that her house be unsealed and handed over to the legislator. A division bench of Chief Justice Iqbal Ahmed Ansari and Justice Ravi Ranjan passed the order.



But once the house was unsealed, Manorama and Bindi found that the backdoors were all open and their personal belongings in different rooms of the ground and first floor were scattered.



We have lost everything. All the jewellery of Manorama, besides three weapons, including a rifle, one revolver and DBBL gun, all issued in the name of the legislator, were missing, said Bindi.



Senior SP (SSP) of Gaya, Garima Mallik, said the police would probe the allegations and appropriate action will be taken against those found guilty.


The most-awaited zebra enclosure at the Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP) is ready and will be inaugurated on October 19. It is after a wait of four years that zebras will again enthuse visitors.





The enclosure, spread across one acre, is just near the zoo entrance. It has been constructed by Infosys Foundation, under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative at a cost of around Rs 50 lakh.



Santosh Kumar, BBP executive director, said that they were waiting for other enclosures to be ready to inaugurate all of them together. But getting other animals is taking time. So, the authorities are going ahead with the opening of the zebra enclosure.



The BBP had got four zebras in November 2015 under an animal exchange programme from the Zoological Centre, Tel Aviv Ramat Gan (safari), Israel. As per procedure, the animals had to be quarantined before being shifted to cages for public display.

Getting the test reports of the blood and swab samples and finishing all procedures took the Zoo Authority of Karnataka more than six months.



Presently, BBP has 1,939 animals of 95 species, including herbivores and carnivores. The zoo management is in talks with the Uttarakhand government to get four giraffes in exchange for two female elephants. They are also discussing modalities to get four jackals and two Gharials from Jaipur, in exchange for four spotted deer. But approval for this is awaited from the Central Zoo Authority.



Since getting other animals is taking time, we decided not to hold back the display of zebras any more. The visitors at the zoo have also been demanding that more species be kept for public viewing, a park official said.



Cauvery row effect



Normally, during holidays and the festive season, the number of visitors to the park increases. But this time, because of the Cauvery row, the number of tourists, especially from Tamil Nadu, has come down.


A stern looking Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the director general of military operations (DGMO), was the face of the Army when India announced surgical strikes across the Line of Control.





Now, Singhs carefully worded statement, cleared at the highest-level, is the new reference point for India for dealing with Pakistan, even for quiet diplomacy.



So much so that when National Security Adviser Ajit Doval spoke to his Pakistani counterpart Gen (Retd) Nasir Janjua, he is understood have almost read out the full statement of Lt Gen Ranbir Singh on the surgical strike. Doval apparently spoke to Janjua over telephone on October 1 in their first contact after the September 29 cross-LoC surgical strikes. Interestingly, New Delhi has remained silent about the question whether they had actually talked after the strike.



But Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs Adviser on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz disclosed on October 2 that a contact was established between Indias NSA and his Pakistani counterpart and they agreed to reduce tensions on the LoC.



Sources said Doval did refer to Janjua Lt Gen Singhs statement to underline that Islamabad will have to stop exporting terror to India as a precursor to any substantive bilateral dialogue.



Lt Gen Singhs statement stressed: It is Indias intention to maintain peace and tranquility in the region. But we cannot allow terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack citizens of our country at will. In line with Pakistans commitment in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control to be used for attacks against India, we expect the Pakistani army to cooperate with us to erase the menace of terrorism from the region.



The reference to the January 2004 commitment is about the assurance given by then Pakistan President Gen Pervez Musharaff to then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee when he visited Islamabad.



Unlike the briefings during the Kargil war of 1999 when the army spokesperson addressed the media, the government decided this time that Lt Gen Singh, who planned the Armys surgical strikes, should make the announcement.



Subsequently, the government also decided that his statement should be the reference point as it reemphasis on Indias stand that Pakistan has the responsibility to contain terror acts emanating from its soil. The two NSAs have been in touch with each other since, barring the 12-day period after the Uri attack, sources said.

Significantly, it was felt that the two countries had reached a dead end after the September 18 Uri attack.



New Delhis conclusion was that the Pakistan NSA had been unable to deliver on what he promised to his counterpart after the January 2 Pathankot airbase attack. At that time, Doval had spoken Janjua to share even intelligence inputs about the location of terrorists near the Pathankot airbase.
Coimbatore-based Air Carnival will start a daily air service between Hubballi and Bengaluru from October 30.





Hubballi Airport Director Shivanand Benal said the slot for Air Carnival has already been allotted and if the response is good, the airline will extend its service between Hubballi and Bengaluru to Chennai. The flight with 66 seats will land at Hubballi Airport at 10 am and take off for Bengaluru at 10:30 am. The regional airline has made required preparations to start the service, he said.



Meanwhile, Air India, which operates its flights four days a week between Hubballi and Bengaluru, will also become a daily service from November. With this, Hubballi Airport will have two daily flights connecting it with state capital and which in turn is expected to bring down the fare.



Air Carnival is one of the new airlines which got permission from the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to start domestic air service to connect more cities at lower fare and to promote tourism. The regional airline is already operating from Coimbatore, Chennai and Madurai in Tamil Nadu and this service will be extended to Mangaluru, Tirupati, Visakhapatnam and Rajahmundry by end of the month.


The 60-hour-long fierce gun battle on the outskirts of the city ended on Wednesday evening with the killing of two unidentified fidayeen militants holed up in a multi-storey government building on Srinagar-Jammu national highway.





The gunfight, which started early Monday morning, also left a soldier and a police officer injured. The encounter had started after the militants sneaked into Entrepreneurship Development Institute (EDI) building near saffron-rich Pampore town.



Defence spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said two militants, who had taken shelter in EDI building, were killed and two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the encounter site. The Army has recovered bodies of the two militants and are ascertaining their identity, he said and added the mopping up operation was still going on.



General Officer Commanding Ashok Narula said the operation was carried in a manner that there would be no collateral damage. We did not want any collateral damage that is why it took time. There are 60 rooms in the building and we had to clear every room, he told reporters, adding that the terrorists probably belonged to the Lashker-e-Toiba (LeT).



Initial reports had suggested that three LeT militants were hiding in the building. However, the Army later ruled out the presence of a third militant. While one militant was killed on Tuesday evening, his accomplice was neutralised on Wednesday.



Sources told DH that the Army made the final assault on the multi-storey EDI building before noon and managed to neutralise the holed up militant. The militants used the building as a concrete bunker, firing at security personnel from its cover and shifting location often. The Army used heavy arms in the operation to neutralise them (militants). The concrete building has been reduced to a skeleton as its walls have been blown up, they added.



This was one of the longest encounters in Kashmir in recent years as the building where the militants had taken position was very big.



Civil society for dialogue

The civil society suggested initiation of dialogue with the Kashmiri people, DHNS reports. Most of the speakers at an event on Wednesday asked the government not to ignore the discontent in the state and sought an urgent intervention in different forms of reaching out to the people.



Army foils infiltration bid on LoC

The Army on Wednesday foiled another infiltration bid by the militants on Line of Control (LoC) in Tangdhar sector of north Kashmirs Kupwara district, DHNS reports from Sria.

An army official said an infiltration bid was foiled in Tangdhar sector early on Wednesday morning after troops intercepted a group of terrorists near the LoC.

He said the operation was launched to flush out the militants.

Sources said it was not clear whether the militants had fled back to Pakistan side or were still hiding in the area. The army has sent reinforcement to the area and blocked all the escape routes for the infiltrators, they said.


Its not yet official but a behind-the-scene competition has begun among the worlds top aviation firms to convince the NDA government about the superiority of their fighter jets as the Defence Ministry explores the possibility of having a combat aircraft assembly line in India.





Last week, the government wrote to some of the aviation majors seeking their opinion about relocating their assembly lines to India, sources told DH. The exact nature of the communication, however, remains unknown.



An indication came from Indian Air Force chief Arup Raha about a week ago when he said that the government and the IAF were talking about having a fighter aircraft production line in India with technology transfer.



The offers are on the table. We will have to see who gives us the best deal, Raha stated in his annual media interaction ahead of the Air Force Day.



In August, Lockheed Martin proposed to shift its F-16 production line to India in partnership with a local company. Its competitor Boeing, too, offered moving its F/A-18 Super Hornet production line whereas Swedish firm Saab proposed to bring its Gripen-E for production in India.



A fighter jet assembly line on the Indian soil is being thought of because of the IAFs depleting squadron strength as most of MiG-21 and MiG-27 aircraft would be phased out within a few years.



Though the government has inked an agreement with French major Dassault Aviation to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets, the squadron numbers are far too low for the comfort of the IAF.


After a stream of VIP visitors, including Congress vice president Rahul Gandhi, BJP national president Amit Shah and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley visited Apollo Hospitals here on Wednesday and enquired about the health of ailing Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa.





The BJP leader duo from Delhi, arrived here around 12.30 pm and visited Apollo hospital by about 2.10 pm. Though there is no confirmation about them meeting Jayalalithaa, Apollo Hospitals authorities explained to them her health condition and the line of treatment being followed.



"Visited Apollo hospital Chennai today. I wish J Jayalalithaa Ji, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, a speedy recovery," Jaitley posted on his Facebook account.



In a similar post, Amit Shah said he wished and prayed for Jayalalithaa's speedy recovery. Senior BJP leader and Union Minister of State for Road Transport Pon Radhakrishnan and Tamil Nadu BJP unit president Tamilisai Soundararajan accompanied Shah and Jaitley.



Though the hospital did not issue any fresh bulletin about Jayalalithaa's health, doctors said that a group of experts is constantly monitoring her condition.



Parties skeptical of allocation of portfolios

The Opposition leaders in Tamil Nadu, including DMK chief M Karunanidhi on Wednesday raised question whether the Governor had given the charge to the Finance Minister O Panneerselvam based on the chief ministers advice, DHNS reports from Chennai. With many political leaders, including AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan were not given an opportunity to see Jayalalithaa in the hospital, it is surprising to note that the Raj Bhavan release saying that governor has allocated portfolios to Panneerselvam as per advice of the chief minister, Karunanidhi said.
Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj, who had assured to issue visa to the would-be bride of Naresh Tewani, has kept her promise.





The Indian Embassy in Pakistan has issued visa to Karachi-based girl Priya Bachchani and her 11 family members.



Issuing of visa brought joy to the family of the groom, Naresh Tewani, an engineer who runs an auto-parts business in Jodhpur. Tewani told DH, Priya and her family had requested the visa for 16 members, but as of now, the Indian Embassy has issued visa to Priya and 11 others. The Embassy has also assured that other applicants will also get the visa in a few days.



Tewani got engaged to Priya in 2014 and the marriage is scheduled to be held in Jodhpur on November 7.



Tewani created a Twitter account on October 6 to directly communicate with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian government after his bride in Karachi was unable to get the visa. On October 7, Sushma responded to his messages and assured him that his fiance and her familys visa will be taken care of.


A BJP delegation led by Union Minister Ananth Kumar on Wednesday met Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis in Mumbai and held discussions with him on the Mahadayi river water sharing dispute.





The delegation, comprising leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, Jagadish Shettar and former BJP state president Pralhad Joshi, sought an out-of-court settlement to resolve the dispute.



The Mahadayi Water Disputes Tribunal last month had advised chief ministers of Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra to try and arrive at an amicable settlement through negotiations. Accordingly, Fadnavis has organised a meeting of chief ministers of the three states in Mumbai on October 21.



The delegation told Fednavis that Karnataka should get its due share of Mahadayi waters as it was for drinking purposes, official sources said.



The dispute relates to Maharashtra and Goa governments objecting to Karnatakas proposal to draw water from the Mahadayi river to link it to Malaprabha river by building canals at Kalasa and Banduri to provide drinking water to the twin cities of Hubballi-Dharwad and the districts of Belagavi and Gadag.



The state government has convened an all-party meeting to discuss its next course of action on the issue in Bengaluru on October 19.



BSY takes exception

State BJP president B S Yeddyurappa has slammed Opposition leader in Goa Assembly and Congress leader Pratap Singh Rane for his reported statement that Karnataka should not get a drop of the Mahadayi river water.



The statement is provocative and totally unwarranted. It shows that the Congress is non-cooperative and unreasonably adamant in resolving the dispute, he said and called up on Congress president Sonia Gandhi to prevail up on the party leader in Goa and provide justice to Karnataka.



The charge made by Rane that Karnataka has mismanaged water and hence demanding more water is factually incorrect and unfair. Karnataka has always been judicious in utilising water and has never adopted unfair means in sharing river water (sic), the BJP leader stated in a media release.


Congress Rajya Sabha member Shantaram Naik has written to the Election Commission demanding a freeze on BJPs election symbol lotus, which has been selected as the logo of the BRICS Summit.





In the letter, Naik has argued that it was highly improper on part of the relevant BRICS committee to select the election symbol of a political party of a member nation as the logo of the summit, which is scheduled to be held in Goa next week.



The logo of BRICS  which has Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa as members, was unveiled in March, but doubts were raised in the Congress after hoardings appeared in Goa, which will go to polls early next year.



There is no doubt the ruling BJP has played a major role, clandestinely, in getting the logo selected, Naik said.
The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) and the Army have locked horns over a piece of land near the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, with both laying claim to the prime property.





The disputed land  measuring 41,732.3 square metres and comprising ground level, vacant land and permanent structures  has Namma Metros underground service running through it. There has been a series of correspondence between the two entities since November 2015. Things came to a head on October 6, 2016, when the Army erected poles for fencing of the disputed land in the supervision of armed guards.



The BMRCL approached the High Court on October 7, urging it to restrain the Army from interfering in the peaceful possession of land. The High Court granted interim relief by directing the General Officer, Commanding K&K (Karnataka and Kerala) Sub Area, not to prevent the BMRCL from enjoying the scheduled land until further orders.



In the interim order, Justice A S Bopanna also restrained the Army from interfering in the possession of the land and directed it to remove the erected fence.



In its petition, the BMRCL argued that there are no records to substantiate the Armys claim over the land. The BMRCL stated that the Army had been sending it notices, asking it to vacate the land. It also contended that the erection of poles to fence the property would seriously affect the operation of trains, hamper the maintenance of underground utilities and might even result in the closure of Metro services. Besides, it will also affect the safety of rails, which will have a direct bearing on public interest and safety of travellers.



The BMRCL stated that it had been using the land for the Metro project since 2009. But the Army, all of a sudden, started communicating with the BMRCL, falsely trying to assert that the land was a restricted space available for training of troops and parking of defence vehicles. The Army also asserted that no commercial construction was permitted on the disputed land.


Under pressure, the government has finally broken its silence on the details of the steel flyover. Bengaluru Development Minister K J George on Wednesday evening posted the salient features of the steel flyover on his Twitter handle @thekjgeorge.





However, many questions remain unanswered in this release. The 10-page document, shared through Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) website, lists the salient features and land to be acquired for the project.



Through the report, the BDA and George admit that Hebbal flyover is a major bottleneck, and the proposed steel flyover connects the starting point of the Hebbal flyover. The all-important question on traffic congestion from Hebbal flyover is not answered.



The report mentions: Construction of proposed elevated road to make the project corridor signal-free and access controlled. Again, the release does not elaborate on what `access control is all about and which vehicles will not have an access to the steel flyover.



812 trees to be axed

The release contains questions and answers but does not include questions that people have been asking ever since the Cabinet approved the project. The release stated that 812 trees will be cut, but the compensatory afforestation with 60,000 ornamental plants is being done in layouts and other parks, wherever space is available. It also mentioned that no clearance from Ministry of Environment and Forests is required for the project, but does not speak of any Tree Committee clearance.



The release mentions that it was not mandatory to get the permission from the Bangalore Metropolitan Planning Committee (BMPC) because the BMPC jurisdiction is to suggest overall planning and projects.



For approval of each and every project, there is no need to obtain clearance from BMPC, it states.



As for the social impact, the release asserted that the assessment is not required for this project since, according to the national policy, there is no involuntary displacement of families.




Wednesday was a tough day for the MPs and MLAs of Bengaluru as people decided to make calls to them directly and voice their opinion on the steel flyover project.





While some were successful, many were not, in getting the calls through. Calling up the elected representatives was a sudden decision taken at a meeting attended by over 60 people from various walks of life, including eminent people, members of various organisations and citizens.



From 7.30 pm to 8.30 pm, over 100 calls were made to MLAs and MPs like Rajeev Gowda, Suresh Kumar, S Raghu, B N Vijaya Kumar and Ravi Subramanya.



The leaders were taken aback by the calls, as the people questioned as to why the steel flyover project was being undertaken.



They also demanded that alternative cheaper solutions should be opted for, public transport strengthened and connectivity to north Bengaluru improved with a Metro link.



They said that the focus should not be on airport connectivity alone.



We resorted to this method as the public representatives did not reach out to us. This is the only way we can make our voices heard, without harming anyone, said Srinivas Alavilli, software professional and founder of Corruption Saku.



Mail your opinion

The opposition to the steel flyover project from Chalukya Circle to Hebbal has been mounting. Open letters have been sent to the authorities concerned, online petitions launched and PILs lodged in the court. DH readers and civil engineers/architects can now mail their opinion, suggestions and actual cost estimate of the project to pointblank@deccanherald.co.in.
The Kengeri police have arrested three engineering graduates for cheating several people of their money by promising them engineering and medical seats.





According to the police, the arrested are Bharath Babu (25), Anchith (26), a native of Patna and Rithesh Kumar (29), a native of Bihar. They are all engineering graduates and residents of Hulimavu. The police recovered around Rs 37.95 lakh in cash, along with a car and a two-wheeler.



The trio was arrested based on a complaint filed by Tirupathi and Umapathi, natives of Karimnagar in Telangana. On October 10, the suspects had taken two cheques for Rs 10 lakh and Rs 20 lakh from them respectively promising to get them medical seats at a private college. But after encashing the cheque, they started avoiding Tirupathi and Umapathi. They lodged a complaint against the three with the Kengeri police. The police started tracking the mobile phone numbers of the trio and arrested them.



During the investigation, it was found that the Central police had registered a case against them for cheating four students of Rs 6.40 lakh after promising them help in changing their courses. The Tumakuru Town police had also registered a case against them after they cheated a person of Rs 22 lakh by promising him a medical seat, added the police.



The suspects had taken to cheating people to lead a luxurious life. Despite having completed an engineering course, they were unemployed. They would gather details of the people who were trying to get an engineering or medical seat and approach them. They would manage to convince the aspirants that they know officials in the colleges and would get them seats, added the police.


The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has questioned the close aide of Union minister and former army chief Gen V K Singh in a money laundering probe.





The investigation is connected to a case involving irregularities in supplying high-altitude tents to a covert unit of RAW. S P Singh, the aide of Gen Singh, was summoned to the ED office last week where his statement was recorded, official sources said.



The ED had registered a case on the basis of a CBI FIR in October 2014 in which Sai Baba Builders and Consultants and its directors supplied RAWs covert unit  Special Frontier Force (SFF)  high-altitude tents worth Rs 21.6 crore by circumventing procedures between 2009 and 2013. The SFF is an elite guerrilla force, comprising mainly Tibetan refugees, headquartered at Chakrata in Uttarakhand.



Sources said S P Singh was questioned about taking a loan of about Rs 30 crore from a bank to execute the order and its subsequent default.



The ED is looking at the money trail in the case and once the proceeds of crime are identified, the tainted assets will be attached.



Invoking charges of criminal conspiracy, cheating and forgery, besides relevant sections of the Prevention of Corruption Act, the CBI had registered the case against unknown officials of SFF, the Cabinet Secretariat, Sai Baba Builders and Consultants and its three directors  Shyam Sunder Bhatter, J P N Singh and Manjari, Singhs estranged wife.



It has been reported that wrongful favour was shown by the officials of the SFF and Cabinet Secretariat in the matter of the preparation of tender, procurement, supply and installation of the pre-fabricated shelters for SFF troops during the period 2009-13 which were purchased from the company, the CBI had then said.



The RAW had carried out an internal inquiry and found the tendering process suspicious. Earlier, parachutes bought for the SFF, too, had led to controversy but the matter did not come out for a third party official probe. The CBI probe into the case came after the PMO cleared such a move.



The tender for procuring these tents appeared to be tailor-made for the accused company, the CBI had said earlier, adding that Sai Baba Builders and Consultants submitted forged documents. Also, they claimed, the Cabinet Secretariat did not seek bank guarantee.


BJP members of Parliament from Bengaluru have expressed their resentment over the lack of transparency about the steel flyover the Siddaramaiah government is keen on constructing between Chalukya Circle and Hebbal.





They are demanding that all details pertaining to the project, branded as the VIP flyover, be placed in the public domain so that its pros and cons could be debated.



Let there be a public discussion on the project. And, for that to happen, people need to be given access to details about the project. I am writing to Bengaluru Development Minister K J George, asking him to place the project details in the public domain, Bengaluru Central Lok Sabha Member of Parliament P C Mohan said.

He said if such a discussion deems the steel flyover the best solution to ease traffic congestion along the stretch, then the government could go ahead with the project.



The government has been justifying the project saying it would ease traffic movement to Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).



Union Minister D V Sadananda Gowda contended that the government should look at alternative routes to reach KIA. In my capacity as a Lok Sabha member from Bengaluru, I have decided to call a meeting of top officials of civic agencies, including BBMP and BDA, besides KIA, to explore alternative routes to the airport.



Developing a route to the airport via Bagalur is a much cheaper option, Gowda said, adding that the meeting would be held within the next 10 to 15 days.



The Rs 1,791-crore controversial project traverses through several pockets of Bengaluru North and Central Parliamentary constituencies represented by Gowda and Mohan respectively. Gowda said the people had the right to know the reason behind the steep cost escalation (about Rs 700 crore). The Union minister said he would not give a blanket call for scrapping the project but all details need to be discussed threadbare.



BJP spokesperson S Suresh Kumar, who represents the Rajajinagar constituency in the state Assembly, said the entire project was shrouded in mystery. We oppose the project as no details have been made public. The government is yet to clarify whether the flyover will serve airport-bound passengers or the general public, Kumar said.
India is set to roll out the red carpet for Myanmars democracy icon, Aung San Suu Kyi, during her visit to New Delhi next week.





New Delhi has accorded the state visit status to Suu Kyis tour to New Delhi from October 17 to 19 next, a courtesy generally extended only to any visiting foreign head of the state or head of the government.



Suu Kyi at present holds the office of foreign minister and state counsellor in Myanmars new government, which is headed by president Htin Kyaw.



Sources told DH that New Delhi made an exception and elevated the status of Suu Kyis tour to India to a state visit in recognition of the fact that she had been the de-facto leader of Myanmar ever since her party  National League of Democracy  had come to power in Nay Pyi Taw. This is her first visit to New Delhi after her partys landslide victory in elections in November 2015.



Suu Kyi will call on President Pranab Mukherjee and have meetings with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during her visit to New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a press release issued in New Delhi.



The visit of the state counsellor (of Myanmar to India) will provide an opportunity for the two sides to discuss issues of mutual interest and seek ways to further strengthen the close and friendly ties that exist between the two countries, said Vikas Swarup, spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs.



Suu Kyi, who spent 15 years  between 1989 and 2010 under house arrest for protesting against the then military government, led the NLD to a landslide victory in the November 2015 general elections to parliament as well as regional and state legislatures in Myanmar. It was the first free and fair polls in the country after almost 25 years. It ended the more than half-a-century-long military rule in the country. It dislodged the military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party from power.



Suu Kyi, however, could not be elected president as a law passed by the previous military-backed government barred anyone married to a foreign citizen from taking over the top office. Her late husband, Michael Aris, was a citizen of the United Kingdom.



Though Suu Kyis close aide Htin Kyaw holds the office of the president, the Nobel laureate herself is recognised as the de-facto leader.




Although last months KAABOO caused fewer noise complaints than last year, Del Mar City Council members still have some concerns about the three-day music festival.

Dozens of people from the cities of Del Mar, Solana Beach and San Diego complained about hearing concerts from their homes during the inaugural KAABOO last September at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This year the city of Del Mar received seven complaints, six of which stemmed from noise, compared to 70 complaints during last years event.

Last year 91 people made 123 calls to a KAABOO hotline to complain about noise. This year 46 people made 56 calls.

Noise was a huge concern last year, Acting City Manager Kristen Crane said at the Oct. 3 Del Mar council meeting. It does look like theres improvement, but theres still room for improvement as well.

KAABOO organizers took several steps to decrease noise during the second annual event.

In a July presentation to community members in the Del Mar Fairgrounds Board Room, Julie Coleman, director of community relations for KAABOO, said the festival committed an additional $30,000 for audio design, monitoring and containment systems. Among other efforts to combat noise in surrounding neighborhoods, KAABOO repositioned stages and redesigned audio systems, deployed noise canceling technology, and implemented an independent sound monitoring system in the community.

Although these steps helped lower the noise, music was still louder than it should have been, according to Del Mar officials.

In general, I think the noise levels this year were a lot lower than last year, Councilman Al Corti said. But I take exception to the (KAABOO report) that basically indicated that there were no noise violations and I dont think thats a fact.

A report from KAABOO states that noise levels measured at locations in Del Mar, Solana Beach and San Diego never exceeded the decibel limit.

Although some residents were still bothered by the noise, the data shows and the call log indicates that we substantially reduced noise in the community over last year, Coleman wrote in the report.

According to data from Del Mars consultant, however, the noise averaged 74 decibels this year compared to 95 decibels last year. This is 10 decibels higher than the noise ordinance at the Del Mar Fairgrounds allows.

They certainly did a much better job, but they didnt meet their own criteria, their own sound ordinance, and its somewhat troubling that they report that they did meet it because all our meters show they got close and we should be working off the same database, said Councilman Don Mosier.

But thats not their biggest problem, he added.

In addition to the council and communitys concerns about noise, the council also expressed concerns about traffic and crowd control at this years event.

I thought they did significantly less of a job this year than they did last year, Corti said about traffic and crowd control.

In addition to gridlock on the streets, a Sept. 17 incident created gridlock at the entrance of an at-capacity venue.

When two outdoor concerts ended at the same time, crowds from both tried to enter another venue where rapper Ludacris and DJ Steve Aoki were set to perform. The situation left the venue filled to capacity and the entrance gridlocked.

Sheriffs Lt. Mark Moreno said several individuals got into an altercation with deputies manning the entrance, and one deputy used pepper spray to help disperse the crowd. Flying over the location, a sheriffs helicopter ordered attendees to clear the area.

I thought the crowd control was problematic, Corti said. I dont know how theyre going to address it, but traffic management was much more difficult for us and the impact on our community.

His colleagues agreed.

They better get their act together because that kind of situation can spill out into all sorts of other areas, Deputy Mayor Terry Sinnott said. It can be a safety issue for the community.

City officials said they planned to meet with representatives from the fairgrounds and KAABOO in the near future to discuss the report.

The Board of Directors for the 22nd District Agricultural Association, which runs the state-owned fairgrounds, approved a new contract in April that allows organizers to hold the festival for five years, with up to five one-year extensions.

Festival organizers have already announced dates for the third annual three-day event. KAABOO is set to return Sept. 15-17, 2017, to the Del Mar Fairgrounds.
All six candidates for three open seats on the Solana Beach City Council participated in an Oct. 5 forum at the Solana Beach branch of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Dieguito.

About 200 community members attended the event to hear Mayor David Zito, along with challengers Jewel Edson, Judy Hegenauer, Chris Hohn, Edward Siegel and Cynthia Walsh, speak about a variety of issues facing Solana Beach. Council members Lesa Heebner and Peter Zahn have decided not to seek re-election.

Moderated by the League of Women Voters of North County San Diego, the forum started off with candidates sharing information about their backgrounds before answering questions submitted by the audience.

From preserving the community character and protecting the coastline, to supporting arts and supporting local business, council candidates agreed on many issues brought forward by the public.

Many of the candidates also agreed on their top priorities for the city.

Most listed protecting the quality of life and unique community character of Solana Beach as a top priority. This includes preserving the community character while permitting growth in the city.

I would ensure that development that is certain to occur is done in a manner which benefits residents and the city, and not just developers, Edson said.

I think the most important task that council members have is to keep a good eye on the proposals and projects, the developments that come along, Hegenauer said. They have to make sure that they dont impact the city negatively but also add to the community and to the feel of the community.

Most of the candidates agreed that supporting the local business community, ensuring safe streets and maintaining the citys fiscal health are other key issues.

Speaking about specific projects, Zito said he would like to secure funding for the Army Corps of Engineers sand replacement project. Additionally, he would like to see the construction of a resident-serving, compatible train station project and approval of the citys local coastal plan.

Today, every single project in Solana Beach  every single one, no matter how small it is  must go to the Coastal Commission, he said. You end up, usually, paying permit fees and having to take additional time to get approvals because of that step. If we have an approved local coastal plan, all of that goes away.

Walsh, a parent and community volunteer, said one of her top priorities would be to create a strong working relationship between council members and the citizens of Solana Beach.

I think that we can always do better in communicating between the city and the citizens, said Walsh, who previously ran her own business.

Siegel, a psychiatrist and concert pianist who heads the weekly Solana Beach Sing-Along at Fletcher Cove Community Center, said his top priority is to build a stronger sense of community in Solana Beach. Its the reason he started the weekly sing-along and helped write the citys official song, he said.

Candidates were divided, however, on a proposal that could be decided under the new council.

The city is currently moving toward forming the countys first local power program and has been searching for a service provider to make that possible.

The city recently received proposals from three companies interested in helping Solana Beach create a Community Choice Aggregation program. Governed by state laws, CCAs allow cities, counties and other authorized entities to purchase or generate alternative energy supplies for residents and businesses within their jurisdiction while maintaining the existing power provider for transmission and distribution services.

Solana Beach has discussed the issue for several years, with the concept initially brought to the council by residents about five years ago. Earlier this year a company conducted a technical study at no cost that indicated a CCA is a viable option for the city.

The community seems to be divided on the issue, however, with some calling for a public vote. Council candidates had differing views on whether voters should decide if the city should proceed with a plan to form a local power program.

Hegenauer, who currently serves on the citys Climate Action Commission, said the item does not need to go to a vote, just to the council.

Its a good deal for the community, she said. I hope that we can work it out.

Edson also questioned the need for a vote.

Theres no requirement to participate, so why would it require a vote? she asked.

Zito said the program is worth looking into.

We definitely need to do our due diligence in exploring all the various ramifications and very complex issues around this particular item, he said. Because the issue is so complicated, he said he would be nervous about putting it to a public vote.

The complexity of the issue, however, is the very reason Walsh said it should go to a vote.

I do think that this should go to a vote of the people because of the complex issue, said Walsh, though agreeing that everyone wants clean, sustainable energy.

I dont think that theres been enough information given to us from both sides, she said. I think that we do need to do community outreach and get the publics opinion. Is there a rush to do this?

Hohn agreed that the public needs more information about the issue.

Clearly, there is no consensus in town on this today, he said.

Candidates were also divided over whether the city should reinstate the Public Safety Commission, which the council decommissioned in 2015.

At the time, council members said that while they were appreciative of the commissioners, the citys resources were stretched. Staff also said that the role and activities of the commission were being met or could be met by other committees and planned public safety outreach efforts.

I really do value the community input and the community members but in my first three years, I didnt notice feedback coming to the City Council from the commission, said Zito, who is seeking his second council term. If we were going to reinstate it, Id want clear metrics as to what that commission was going to do and how they were going to be measured.

Hohn, Walsh and Siegel all said they would like to see the city re-establish the commission, while restricting it to ensure it is effective and efficient.

If the commission wasnt effective, Id like to know why and fix why it wasnt effective, said Hoth, who has chaired the citys Parks and Recreation Commission for two years.

Edson and Hegenauer said the commission was disbanded because it was redundant.

I think that the council made the right vote, Hegenauer said.

I dont really have an opinion about bringing it back, said Edson, who has served on the citys View Assessment Commission for 11 years. I dont know that its necessary to use staff time and money to do that.
Rick Collins knows first-hand the challenges veterans face when transitioning back into civilian life.

The Del Mar resident launched Veterans 360 in 2011 after losing four friends, all members of the military. Two died in combat and two took their own lives.

That was the catalyst, said Collins, founder and executive director of Veterans 360.

The Del Mar-based nonprofit organization is a one-to one advocacy and support program for young veterans transitioning back into civilian life. Veterans 360 offers help through engagement, education, advocacy and healing.

Collins aims to connect and engage with young veterans as early as possible in their transition process, in an effort to prevent homelessness, substance abuse and suicide.

Were engaging young post-9/11 veterans, Collins said. Theyre the most vulnerable. Theyre the most at-risk. Theyre struggling.

In recognition for his work in the community, Collins recently received the 10News Leadership Award.

Sometimes its good to be recognized for the sacrifices that we make, said Collins, a veteran of the British military. Ive made a lot of sacrifices over the last five, six years myself. Its just nice to be recognized for it.

On Veterans Day, Collins is launching a new campaign to connect the community with veterans: Carry the Challenge  One.

Carry The Challenge is a transition and post-traumatic stress disorder initiative of Veterans 360. Carry the Challenge  One will challenge people to positively impact a young veterans life. Whether hiring a veteran, buying a cup of coffee for a veteran or simply offering a hug to a veteran, Collins is not telling people how to participate, only to positively impact a veterans life.

Its a program we want to go viral, but its a lot different from other campaigns, Collins said. Its 100 percent positive.

In addition to positively engaging a young veteran or a family member of a veteran, Collins also asks that participants give them a Challenge Coin and encourage them to contact Veterans 360 if they need support with PTSD or transition challenges.

Asking for help is a sign of strength. Its totally acceptable, Collins said.

Weve got to find a way to give a positive message to these young vets so that they understand there is no shortage of support, he added. Thats a complete myth. There are people all over this country ready and willing to help these young vets. But the stigma, the process, the challenges they have prevents them from getting help. Veterans 360 and Carry the Challenges role is to make it easy for them to get help.

To register for the challenge, visit www.CarrytheChallenge.org.
The Art of the Brick at the Fleet Science Center

Recently the Fleet Science Center in San Diegos Balboa Park unveiled its new name and logo visible elements of a bold strategic plan that began to take shape in 2014. The Fleet is transforming from a museum in the park to a county-wide organization devoted to building and supporting communities rich in science learning. This includes expanding relationships with students and educators in schools, and with the community at large.

The Art of the Brick is a truly inspiring, special exhibit of artworks sculpted from simple LEGO bricks by corporate lawyer turned world famous artist Nathan Sawaya: from stylized reproductions of famous works of art, including Da Vincis Mona Lisa and Rodins Thinker, to imaginative interpretations of the world around us, past and present. Be sure to check out the 20-foot long T-Rex dinosaur and have your picture taken beside a life-sized LEGO person, like those you may have spotted a few months ago when this exhibit was previewed on park benches during San Diego Comic-Con.

The Southern California premiere of The Art of the Brick runs through January 29, 2017. To learn more about the Fleets expanded mission, programs, exhibits and events, visit https://www.rhfleet.org.

Maker Faire San Diego

Returning for a second big year in celebration of the Do-It-Yourself culture of the Maker Movement, Maker Faire San Diego brought inventions, arts, crafts, science, technology and much more to 11 venues in Balboa Park.

This hands-on event included robots, electric vehicles, green tech, art, student projects, beer brewing, 3-D photography, flying model rockets and much, much more, including an amazing collection of Star Wars and other figures made from common, everyday masking tape by Sacramento artist Danny Schieble (see www.tapigami.com). The Old Globe offered guided, behind the scenes theater tours, as well as displays and interactive exhibits about many aspects of their stage productions. A tall, conical building called the YOUtopia temple was temporarily built on the El Prado promenade using no metal fasteners or glue  just interlocking pieces of wood.

We were looking forward to a repeat of a popular event that was at last years Maker Faire, where exciting mock sea battles were fought in an above-ground, freshwater pond. Pneumatic guns on scale model, radio-controlled naval vessels fired round after round of metal bearings into enemy ships, sinking them. While the non-profit Western Warship Combat Club did have an exhibit this year too, due to environmental concerns they were unable to bring back their pond.

According to Rob Wood, the clubs president, roughly half of their members are Armed Forces veterans. Some members are active duty. This family-oriented activity teaches a variety of skills including historical research, scale model fabrication techniques, pneumatics, robotics, radio control, strategy and tactics, teamwork and friendly competition. It seems like a great fit for San Diego but they need a shallow freshwater pond, or a flat piece of ground with access to fresh water where they could build a pond. If you know of such a place, please write to Rob at rwood@hypergold.com.

October Sky at The Old Globe

Inspired by the fact-based, popular 1999 Universal Pictures film by the same name, and Rocket Boys  a memoir by Homer H. Hickam, Jr.  October Sky is a musical stage play currently being performed at The Old Globe in Balboa Park. Set in the small coal-mining town of Coalwood, West Virginia, just after the launch of the Soviet Unions Sputnik satellite in 1957, this story follows the lives of Homer Hickam and several of his high school buddies, as they dared to look beyond their likely future lives spent working as coal miners, and instead reach for the stars.

It is fascinating to see how The Old Globe uses stagecraft and technological wizardry to safely launch rockets high above the stage. Young and old alike were also encouraged to launch rockets at The Old Globe during Maker Faire.

October Sky features 25 songs and a live orchestra. Other particularly effective uses of technology include an exploding fence, projections of clouds moving slowly across the sky in the background and miners moving up and down through trap doors in the stage, during the mine elevator scenes.

October Sky continues through October 23. Tickets start at $37. For more information, visit www.TheOldGlobe.org.

Join in the conversation. Send your comments and suggestions to AutoMatters@gmail.com.

Copyright  2016 by Jan Wagner  AutoMatters & More #458
STAMFORD, Conn. -- October 12, 2016 -- Worldwide semiconductor capital spending is projected to decline 0.3 percent in 2016, to $64.6 billion, according to Gartner, Inc. (see Table 1). This is up slightly from the estimated 0.7 percent decline in Gartner's previous quarterly forecast. The market is expected to return to growth in 2017, increasing 7.4 percent.

"As we enter the final quarter of 2016, we find growth returning to the semiconductor manufacturing industry, with a slightly improved capital investment outlook for 2016 from the last quarter's forecast," said David Christensen, senior research analyst at Gartner. "The outlook for equipment has improved significantly as logic manufacturers focus their spending on ramping fabs for the introduction of high-volume 10-nanometer production in 2017 and memory producers are focusing on the move to 3D NAND flash."

China remains something of a wild card, after the announcement of multiple fab projects that will aid overall growth through the end of the decade, while a stronger U.S. dollar in 2016 will remain a key factor in determining revenue growth of semiconductor manufacturers.

Table 1: Worldwide Semiconductor Capital Spending and Equipment Spending Forecast, 2015-2018 (Millions of Dollars)

2015 2016 2017 2018 Semiconductor Capital Spending ($M) 64,750.8 64,586.5 69,342.9 71,265.2 Growth (%) 0.3 -0.3 7.4 2.8 Wafer-Level Manufacturing Equipment ($M) 33,248.1 35,383.1 37,701.7 38,695.7 Growth (%) -1.1 6.4 6.6 2.6 Wafer Fab Equipment ($M) 31,485.4 33,557.1 35,695.0 36,460.4 Growth (%) -1.3 6.6 6.4 2.1 Wafer-Level Packaging and Assembly Equipment ($M) 1,762.7 1,825.9 2,006.6 2,235.3 Growth (%) 4.1 3.6 9.9 11.4

Source: Gartner (October 2016)

As with previous years, smartphones, mobile devices, solid-state drives (SSDs) and the Internet of Things (IoT) will remain the principal drivers of the semiconductor market for the immediate future, particularly for foundries that manufacture most of the wafers of logic chips for these devices. Although unit shipments of smartphones have slowed down, the fast migration to 4G LTE in high-end smartphones has driven the wafer demand of advanced process technologies, while the adoption of fingerprint sensors, touch display drivers and active-matrix dynamic light-emitting diodes (AMOLEDs) by Chinese smartphones has made full use of 200mm foundries' 0.18-micron capacity.

From a device perspective, DRAM conditions in the first half of 2016 were worse, but the market hit bottom at midyear. There is now tightening supply, and better demand has pulled the market into an undersupply for the second half of the year. At the start of 2017, a weaker demand environment will create a brief technical oversupply, but the industry will then move back into an undersupply for the remainder of 2017 and into 2018.

After nearly three years of oversupply, there was a pronounced shortage of NAND in the third quarter of 2016, and 3D NAND production ramp challenges persist. 2017 is expected to see a favorable supply/demand balance that loosens up by the end of the year. Substantial capacity additions during the second half of the year along with 3D NAND technology maturation from some vendors will contribute to the favorable supply/demand balance. 2016 spending on wafer-level manufacturing equipment will be up 6.4 percent, driven by logic manufacturers ramping to 10nm and memory players moving to 3D NAND.

This research is produced by Gartner's Semiconductor Manufacturing program. This research program, which is part of the overall semiconductor research group, provides a comprehensive view of the entire semiconductor industry, from manufacturing to device and application market trends. Gartner clients can see more in "Forecast: Semiconductor Capital Spending, Worldwide, 3Q16 Update."

About Gartner

Gartner, Inc. (NYSE: IT) is the world's leading information technology research and advisory company. The company delivers the technology-related insight necessary for its clients to make the right decisions, every day. From CIOs and senior IT leaders in corporations and government agencies, to business leaders in high-tech and telecom enterprises and professional services firms, to technology investors, Gartner is the valuable partner to clients in approximately 10,000 distinct enterprises worldwide. Through the resources of Gartner Research, Gartner Executive Programs, Gartner Consulting and Gartner Events, Gartner works with every client to research, analyze and interpret the business of IT within the context of their individual role. Founded in 1979, Gartner is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, USA, and has 8,100 associates, including more than 1,700 research analysts and consultants, and clients in more than 90 countries. For more information, visit www.gartner.com.






Russian technology and AI firm Yandex has launched a global partnership programme for Android handset manufacturers and telecom operators.

Yandexs partners will preinstall its proprietary products, Yandex Browser and Yandex Launcher, to achieve device differentiation, enhance end user experience, and gain additional income through its ad revenue sharing model. The first round of Yandex partners includes Fly, LAVA, Mobile TeleSystems, Multilaser, Posh Mobile, Wileyfox and ZTE, making Yandex products available in Europe, India, Latin America and Africa.

Device manufacturers often have to choose between developing in-house software at a huge overhead cost or sacrificing product differentiation and additional revenue. Some OEMs pre-install as many apps as possible. Unfortunately, this has a negative effect on the user experience and is counterproductive to their brands in the long-term, explained Artem Fokin, Vice President for International Business Development, Yandex. Our software and artificial intelligence technology is aimed at shaking up the market and helping our partners overcome these challenges, reduce customer churn and increase profit margins, he continued.

Yandex mobile products feature simple yet powerful user interfaces that can be easily customised in accordance with partners brand identity requirements. The revenue sharing model allows partners to earn additional income from app recommendations within Yandex Launcher and from ads on Yandex Zen, a personalised content recommendation feed.

Yandexs global partnership programme for Android handset manufacturers and telecom operators currently covers 15 countries through signed contracts with seven companies.
Scientists at an American university have been awarded a $1.8 million grant to study the biological mechanisms behind the development of type 2 diabetes.

Feng Ding and Weiguo Cao work at Clemson University, South Carolina, and are using computer modelling techniques to investigate higher-quality treatments for type 2 diabetes.

The National Institutes of Healths grant will help the researchers explore how a peptide protein co-secreted with insulin in the pancreas might be linked to beta cell death and insulin resistance.

We use computer modelling to understand the molecular mechanisms in the pancreas where insulin is produced and then we make predictions based off the models, said Ding.

After that, we employ biophysical and biochemical methods to validate our predictions. Finally, we will be able to design therapeutic approaches based on what weve learned. This combined computational and experimental approach can improve research efficiency and significantly shorten the discovery cycle.

The peptide hormone being investigated is called islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP), which helps to control blood glucose levels and satiety. In people with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, it is believed that IAPP aggregates and interferes with biological processes, causing beta cells to eventually die.

Ding and Cao will use their computer simulations to study how healthy individuals prevent this aggregatio, and how naturally occurring plant-based molecules known to regulate biological processes can inhibit IAPP aggregation.

How do healthy individuals  many of whom are overweight  naturally prevent these proteins from aggregating? From this, we can learn the mechanisms. Then we can design therapeutics to mimic or promote these mechanisms, Ding said.

The second topic is to look at how the small molecules, the naturally occurring polyphenols, help prevent aggregation. From this, we can design better inhibitors. The third topic is engineering nano-sized objects that can be used as drug carriers and also increase the efficacy of the drug.

People with type 2 diabetes have a higher risk of Alzheimers disease, which the researchers believe could be caused by similar types of protein aggregation.

Therefore, they hope their findings could lead to treatments that could treat both of these conditions, and potentially other conditions that are caused in the same way.
It has been called the best phablet to date. Given its HDR-ready display, water resistance, improved S-Pen, Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection, 4GB/6GB RAM, Exynos 8890 Octa-core processor, some asked, should the iPhone 7 be worried? Even we at Digit, thought the device had all the makings of a great smartphone. But then, something happened that would not only take Samsungs latest flagship off the shelves, it would lead to multiple burn injuries, a car fire, and the South Korean tech company losing over $19 billion in market value, $17 billion in sales revenue.

So how did it all begin and what is the latest in the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 fiasco? Heres everything you need to know in one place.

Samsung launches the Galaxy Note 7 at Unpacked 2016

Samsung had launched the Galaxy Note 7 at its signature event, Unpacked 2016, in New York on August 2. Samsung even allowed its fans to watch the launch in virtual reality. The smartphone retained Samsungs signature large display, and had an all-new stylus to go with it. It was also the first Note smartphone from Samsung to offer IP68 certification, making it water- and dust-resistant. Apart from a very similar spec sheet to the Galaxy S7, the Note 7 also flaunted the latest curved Corning Gorilla Glass 5 protection at the front and back of the device, along with an Iris scanner. All-in-all teh smartphone did sound like quite a catch.

Galaxy Note 7 explodes and so it begins

Almost a few days after the launch of the Galaxy Note 7, several reports of the device bursting and catching fire started circulating the internet. To make matters worse, a Galaxy Note 2 also caught fire on board an Indigo flight travelling from Singapore to India, resulting in a ban on Samsung Galaxy devices by aviation authorities in the country. The phone even known to set a car on fire while it was put on charge inside it. Heres the video of that burning car:

This was followed by Samsung issuing a statement in which the company said that it conducted a thorough investigation and found an issue with a battery cell. Samsung added, To date (as of September 1) there have been 35 cases that have been reported globally and we are currently conducting a thorough inspection with our suppliers to identify possible affected batteries in the market. The company temporarily halted sales of the device post this and customers who had pre-booked the device in India were asked to wait a few more weeks to get their replacement devices.

The Galaxy Note 7 recall

Samsungs damaging episode continued and the in one of the biggest smartphone recalls ever, the company promised to replace 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 handsets sold to customers worldwide. Samsung engineers concluded that the phones were catching fire and exploding due to faulty batteries obtained from one of the companys suppliers. Samsung was quick to change their supplier and replace the bad batteries with those obtained from a different supplier. The iPhone 7 was launching amidst all this chaos with Samsung, and this resulted in a big win for Apple, as Samsungs stocks took a dip and market value plummeted.

The Galaxy Note 7 replacement

After the recall announcement, Samsung urged all Galaxy Note 7 owners to stop using the devices and called on customers to exchange the smartphones immediately. The company also promised a fix to the battery overheating issue, and said that it would roll out a software update that bars the Galaxy Note 7 from charging beyond 60 percent, cutting its battery life by 40%. The replacement Galaxy Note 7 devices came with a green battery icon, indicating that they had been fixed. It was originally believed that an anomaly in the Galaxy Note 7s battery resulted in the positive and negative anodes coming together, leading the device to explode. Hence, a new battery seemed like Samsungs obvious and only move. But, Samsungs troubles were far from over. As soon as the replacement units were rolled out, reports of them catching fire started appearing yet again. A safe Samsung Galaxy Note 7 emitted smoke on board a flight in Louisville, Kentucky and this wasnt the first time the replacement unit was reported to have had problems globally, with users in China already reported battery issues on the supposedly new unit. This resulted in Samsungs latest phablet becoming a subject of an ongoing investigation by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The death of the Galaxy Note 7

After 92 reports of battery overheating, 26 reports of burns and 55 property damage incidents (and this is only in the U.S.), carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile stopped the exchange and sale of the explosive devices respectively. Soon after, reports from South Korea pointed to a temporary shutdown in the production of the Galaxy note 7. However, this turned out to be the end of the line for the smartphone. Samsung has now asked its sales partners to stop selling and exchanging the device. In addition, the company has instructed all customers to power down their Note 7 devices and return them on an urgent basis. Taking our customers safety as our highest priority, we have decided to halt sales and production of the Galaxy Note 7, Samsung said in a recent statement. The company is even sending fire-proof return kits to its customers, wherein the Galaxy Note 7 needs to be packed in layers of boxes lined with heat resistant ceramic fiber paper. Watch this XDA video below.

Whats in store for Samsungs smartphone future?

Samsung has another flagship smartphone in the pipeline and looks like the phone will be revealed on February 26 at the Mobile World Congress 2017. Below is the leaked teaser for the expected launch of the upcoming Galaxy S8.

The smartphone is expected to have two rear-facing cameras - one 12MP and the other 13MP. It seems that the 12MP camera may be Samsungs own ISOCELL S5K2L2 sensor whereas the 13MP camera could be a Sony sensor. Don't forget, Samsung's Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are still some of the most popular and well-reputed smartphones till date. So yes, there is definitely a lot to look forward to when it comes to Samsung smartphones, but the Galaxy Note 7 will forever go down in history as the biggest smartphone conundrums of them all.

PS: We are still looking forward to a real explanation from Samsung about the curious case of the exploding Galaxy Note 7. Lets see if the company ever decides to release comprehensive information on the same.
Veterinary medicine supplier Animalcare Group s revenue rose while it remains cautious over the uncertainty arisen since the Brexit vote as it took measures to hedge against currency fluctuations.

For the year ended 30 June, revenue increased 8.6% to 14.7m, compared to the previous year due to the company increasing sales of licensed veterinary medicines in the UK and export markets by over 650,000 combined.

This resulted in a 2.5% rise in pre-tax profit to 3.09m with export sales rising 23%.

Chief executive Iain Menneer said the Brexit result the EU referendum would inevitably have an impact on our business, although the extent is unclear but the timing of the result allowed it to put plans in place to incorporate the currency instability for the new financial year.

He said that the encouraging early progress of sales outside Europe will diversify its markets in the short-term, while subsequent changes to the European pharmaceutical regulatory framework are currently unknown.

During the year there was a robust increase in sales from the licensed veterinary medicines product group which reported a 7.7% rise in revenue to 9.2m.

In the companion animal identification product, revenue was up 16.1% to 2.7m, which included 300,000 from, the passing of a law in April which made it compulsory for dogs to be microchipped in England, Scotland and Wales.

Revenues from the animal welfare products range increased 5.1% to 2.78m.

Underlying operating profit climbed 2.6% to 3.2m and underlying basic earnings per share was up 3.2% to 13p.

The York-based company is debt free and reported a balance sheet with net cash of 7.1m, a 22.4% increase while cash generated from operations rose 2.2% to 4.6m.

There is a pipeline of products in development as planned investment increased 100% to 1.6m.

Menneer, said: Whilst the animal health industry evolves with customer consolidations and supplier mergers and acquisitions we have shown that we can continue to grow organically through launching new products and providing a superior service to our customers.

With the first products successfully through our development pipeline we will start to see early revenue growth with more significant impact in subsequent periods. More product registrations are expected in the current period.

Animalcare recommended a 6.6% increase in the dividend to 6.5p per share.

Shares in Animalcare Group were down 3.52% to 283p at 0902 BST.
Following on from success with a similar venture in Portugal, magazine publisher Time Out is to open a market in Shoreditch, east London to show off its skills in identifying the best cuisine, cocktails and cultural experiences.

The AIM-listed group has signed a conditional lease for a new market at 106 Commercial Street, subject to planning permission, following on from its flagship market which opened in Lisbon in May - and with plans in the pipeline for similar markets in New York and Miami.

The 19,250 square feet site, which is just across the road from Spitalfields Market, will house 17 restaurants as well as a cooking academy, four bars, a shop and an art gallery, which is expected to open in the second half of 2017.

Time Out will provide tenants with facilities, equipment and support services in exchange for a share of revenues, while it will directly manage all four bars.

In the first six months of the year, the Lisbon market reported year-on-year pro forma revenue growth of 106% with 1.3m visitors and has broken even in each month of the current financial year.

Didier Souillat, chief executive of Time Out Market, said: "Since 1968 Londoners have relied on Time Out to help them discover what this amazing city has to offer. With Time Out Market we're taking this to the next level as we will bring together under one roof London's finest cuisine, best cocktails and cultural experiences, based on the editorial curation we've always been known for.

Our focus is to work with London restaurateurs, mixologists, artists, and provide them with the opportunity to showcase their talent in a different, hot and eclectic part of town, Shoreditch, in a space full of character, at the heart of the local community."

Julio Bruno, chief executive of Time Out Group, said the Shoreditch market will be "a uniquely designed location to capture the very soul of this great city".

Shares in Time Out Group were up 1.08% to 140.50p at 0843 BST.
Botswana and southern Africa-focused coalbed methane developer Tlou Energy announced on Wednesday that it has received an initial Independent Reserve Certification from SRK Consulting , for the Lesedi CBM Project located in prospecting licence PL002/2004 in Botswana.

I am absolutely delighted with this news; it is a very significant achievement for Tlou, said chief executive of the AIM and ASX-traded firm, Gabaake Gabaake.

Initial reserve certification is a major milestone and demonstrates the commerciality of the Lesedi CBM Project.

As the first in Botswana to attain independently certified CBM reserves we are in a very strong position to progress the project further for the benefit of our shareholders and to bring a much needed and clean source of power to the people of Botswana.

Gabaake said the companys plan is to now continue to build reserves and upgrade the category of these reserves as further production data from Lesedi is collected.

The initial reserves assessment is based on the production data obtained to date from the three pilot production wells in the Selemo Pilot and extrapolating this production data over a potential field development at Selemo to support a 50 MW power generation project.

He said it was also pleasing that SRK indicated that the produced gas from the Selemo Pilot is capable of supporting an economic development for the Lesedi Project.

It has been a very important and successful period for the company over the past few months, with funding secured through the recent placement, our Environmental Impact Statement approved and now independently certified reserves booked.

These are significant steps in our aim to become a mid-tier gas to power producer in southern Africa and I look forward to updating the market further as we build upon this success.
Eurogroups additional approved funding to Greece has shown an improvement in relations with its eurozone lenders, ratings agency Fitch said, but it feels there is a high risk that the programme will go "off track".

On Monday, the Eurogroup of eurozone finance ministers had waved through 2.8bn after the Greek authorities successfully implemented the 15 milestones or reforms required, which included privatizing state assets, tax and pensions and bank governance.

Of this, the country is due to receive 1.1bn from the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) for debt servicing and a further 1.7bn by the end of October for clearing debt arrears.

Fitch said the arrears repayment would support private consumption and contribute to its GDP forecast of a moderate pick-up in later this year, followed by growth of 1.8% in 2017.

The latest approval demonstrates that relations between Greece and its official creditors remain on a firmer footing than in 2015, particularly in view of the highly front-loaded policy conditionality of the ESM programme.

However, progress in meeting the milestones has been slower than expected, even though they are less demanding than the earlier measures required under the first programme review, such as pension and income tax reform. We think this reflects the Greek government's competing policy priorities and relatively weak domestic political ownership of the programme.

There was a delay in the implementation of the reforms, which Fitch believes underlines the governments slim majority and ideological position in parliament to some of the reforms.

The focus is now on the second programme review due to start later this month, of which labour market reform is likely to be the most critical component.

Fitch estimates that the Greek government has sufficient funds to carry negotiations into next year but felt there is a high risk that the programme will go "off track", which is reflected in their CCC rating.

The prospect of government debt relief could become an important driver of programme compliance if it incentivises the Greek authorities to meet programme conditions. However, we think it could have the opposite effect if the Greek government and population come to view substantial debt relief as distant or unlikely.

The current migrant crisis will also weigh on Greeces economy. The cost to Greeces GDP of having more than 60,000 people stranded on its shores was 0.4% of GDP in 2015 and will rise this year according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) estimates.
About a third of Londons pharmacies could close as the government aims to save about 22bn from the NHS budget.

According to the Evening Standard, the government wants to close pharmacies in areas where there are clusters of pharmacies within 10 minutes of each other.

The National Pharmacy Association said 750 of the 2,500 pharmacies in London were at risk.

In December, the government said it planned to cut the 2.8bn pharmacy bill by 6%, or 170m a year.

Pharmacies currently receive a payment and top-up fees based on the number of prescriptions they issue, which totals about 220,000 a year, and as a result of the reduced funding, pharmacies on average will incur a 14,500 cut.

There are concerns that the closures could affect independent pharmacies and pharmacies in areas with few doctors as the NHS encourages patients to seek medical advice from pharmacists to alleviate pressure on GPs and hospitals.
UK house prices fell at the fastest rate in five years, with several regions hit by declining prices and Yorkshire, Humber and London the worst hit.

A survey by Halifax and IHS Markit found UK house prices subsided 0.5% in the third quarter compared to the previous period, the first quarterly depreciation since 2012, with the average British home dropping to 214,140 from 215,168 in the second quarter.

The decline in the Halifax House Price index in the quarter still left prices 5.7% ahead of last year, though the rate of annual growth slowed considerably from the 8.3% in the second quarter.

Yorkshire & Humber house prices fell 3.9% in the quarter, with London's first sustained fall in house prices since the end of 2010 recording a 2.5% decline, an acceleration from the 0.5% fall in the second quarter.

Scotland was the only other part of the UK to register back-to-back declines in house prices during the quarter.

Southern England, led by a 10.2% rise in the South East, continued to enjoy strong house price momentum.

IHS Markit's chief business economist, Chris Williamson, said: The UKs vote to leave the EU has been accompanied by a clear cooling of the housing market."

He added that homeowner sentiment has since rallied somewhat, though remains weaker than at any time since the height of the eurozone debt crisis in 2012.

This time, its Brexit rather than Grexit that has caused anxiety to spike in the housing market, so the future trajectory of prices will be very much determined by which path the government decides to choose in taking the country away from the EU, and how bumpy the negotiating route is."

IHS Markits base scenario is for prices to fall by 3% in 2017.
Barclays has agreed the sale of a portfolio of salary secured loans in Italy to IBL Banca as it looks to exit its non-strategic businesses.

Barclays said the portfolio forms part of its Non-Core and comprises around 260m of gross receivables. The sale will cut non-core risk-weighted assets by a further 170m or so and will be broadly neutral to the banks Tier 1 common capital ratio on completion.

Harry Harrison, head of Barclays Non-Core, said: Last week we announced agreements to sell our Egyptian bank and our UK Trust business. Todays announcement further highlights the momentum we have in Barclays Non-Core and the progress were making.

The sale is expected to complete in the first quarter of next year.

The bank completed the sale of its Italian retail banking network in August 2016 and continues to operate investment banking and corporate banking in Italy.

Barclays residual mortgage portfolio and other Non-Core retail, wealth and corporate loans in Italy will remain part of Barclays Non-Core, with the intention to exit or rundown over time.

At 1215 BST, Barclays shares were down 0.6% to 171.40p.
Precious metals miner Fresnillo reported an increase in silver and gold production during the third quarter at its Mexico mines on Wednesday, while the turnaround plan at the company continued to progress, but not at the pace expected.

Chief executive Octavio Alvidrez, said: The turnaround plan at Fresnillo continues to progress, although not at the pace at which we had originally planned.

"We continue to expect an increase in silver grades and production for the full year compared to 2015.

"However, recent volumes processed have come under pressure due to availability of equipment and personnel issues relating to a skills shortage."

He added that the company remains on track to meet our full year production guidance of 850-870k ounces of gold and 49-51m ounces of silver, including Silverstream".

Third quarter silver production was up by 6.7% to 11.8m ounces, including contributions from the Silverstream operation, compared to the same period last year, due to the start of phase 1 at the San Julian mine, increased ore processed at the Saucito mine and an increased contribution from Silverstream.

However silver production was down 9.4% in comparison to the previous period, mainly due to the expected lower ore grades and lower recovery rate at the Saucito mine.

For the year to date, silver production was 37m oz including Silverstream - an increase of 6.3% compared to last year, due to the start-up of San Julian, increased volumes processed at Saucito and higher silver ore grades at the Fresnillo and Cienega sites.

Gold production rose by 20.9% to 220k ounces, due to higher volumes processed and higher ore grades at the Herradura and Noche Buena mines.

For the year to date, gold production increased by 22.3% to 667k ounces, due to high speeds of recovery at Herradura and Noche Buena, and higher volumes processed at Herradura.

At the San Julian mine, which is currently under phase one of the production process, the milling facility is processing ore and the leaching plant has been operating normally since August and the company said the second phase is now expected in the second quarter of 2017 due to external factors including usually high rainfall, a security incident and delays in equipment delivery.
Shares in Premier Foods tumbled on Wednesday after it warned that first-half trading profit was likely to be slightly below the previous year and posted a drop in second-quarter sales due to warmer weather.

In a trading update for the 13 weeks to 1 October, the company said total group sales fell 5.4% from the same period last year to 172.5m. They were down 1.8% in the first half.

Although trading profit is expected to be down on the prior year, Premier said its profit expectations for the full year remain unchanged due to the careful management of costs.

Grocery sales were down 9.5% from the same period last year and 4% lower in the first half. The company said that while this performance was disappointing, the Grocery innovation programme in the first half has been well received, particularly the Ambrosia Deluxe range.

It was a brighter picture for the Sweet Treats division, which saw its sixth consecutive quarter of growth at 6.4%, as both the branded and non-branded businesses delivered increases from new products and new business wins respectively.

The International business also continued to make good progress, with sales up over 13% in the period and Cadbury cake ranges launched in the United Arab Emirates for the first time towards the end of the quarter.

Chief executive Gavin Darby said: We are disappointed that our grocery business reported materially lower sales in the quarter due to warmer weather; particularly in September. However, our Sweet Treats and International businesses continued to demonstrate their strong momentum, delivering against our strategic priorities and growing over 6% and 13% respectively."

"We remain very confident in our strategic progress, our customer relationships are strong and we have an extensive new product innovation programme planned for the balance of the year. We expect group sales to grow between 2-4% in the second half of the year and our profit expectations for the full year remain unchanged."

Shore Capital said: For us September was demonstrably warm, the apparel trade is testimony to that, but hardly frazzle country. As such the magnitude of the weakness of Premier's grocery division in the month takes us by surprise, noting as we do secondary data that did highlight softness in the category.

As such, against a narrative of a step up in underlying trade from 1-2% to 2-4% post the McCormick shenanigans, this update is clearly unhelpful.

At 1130 BST, Premier shares were down 14% to 44.99p.

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Pharma stocks led losses on the market as traders reacted to the latest polls showing a hefty lead for US Democratic party presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and as sterling staged a small bounce.

According to the latest WSJ/NBC poll, published overnight, Clinton had extended her lead over her main rival Donald Trump to nine points.

Both biotech and healthcare stocks were among the worst performing sectors in New York trading on Wednesday.

As regarded the outlook for the pound, analysts at Credit Suisse cautioned that so-called positioning had become extreme.

A "normal" bear-market in Sterling is 27%, whereas the current one has been 26% and the maximum bear market since 1949 had been 31%, the Swiss broker said.

Sterling was 14% cheap in terms of purchasing power parity, they added.



Right behind pharma & biotech share were aerospace and defence issues, again most likely as a result of the pound edging hgher after the Prime Minister announced that parliament would be able to scrutinise preparations for the UK to exit the European Union.

Insurers were on the up again as longer-term Gilt yields jumped, tracking lessened expectations for monetary policy accomodation, especially Stateside.

Metal and mining shares recovered from the previous days losses, as stock in Glencore leapt higher, setting a fresh 52-week high in the process, albeit with no obvious catalyst in sight amid flattish prices for most bulk metals.

Top performing sectors so far today

Industrial Metals & Mining 2,146.04 +4.26%

Mining 13,274.04 +1.15%

Life Insurance 7,211.27 +0.75%

Electricity 8,895.59 +0.60%

Insurance (non-life) 2,733.47 +0.32%

Bottom performing sectors so far today

Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology 14,781.03 -1.50%

Health Care Equipment & Services 7,533.51 -1.47%

Construction & Materials 6,438.56 -1.42%

General Industrials 5,447.04 -1.25%

Aerospace and Defence 4,603.63 -1.24%
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This historic Bexley home can be yours for $3.25 million

The 10,761-square-foot home was bought only five months ago, but the owners are selling it to buy Michael Redd's former New Albany home.
With fights for gay rights and marriage equality happening all across the globe, LGBT travellers have more reason than ever to pack their bags.

Denmark became the first country to grant legal recognition to same-sex unions back in 1989. A little over a decade later, the Netherlands became the first to legalise same-sex marriage. Countless nations have followed in the years since, and though there are many battles still to be won, the world is an increasingly open, rainbow-coloured oyster for LGBT travellers.

Amsterdam, Netherlands

As to which gay-friendly cities belong at the top of your bucket list, try one of the top destinations below.

Amsterdams notoriously anything-goes approach to life makes it a welcoming place for travellers of all stripes. The citys gay nightlife is largely focused on a single street in the city centre, Reguliersdwarsstraat, with a few other establishments on Warmoesstraat in the red light district. Be sure to pay your respects at Cafe tMandje, Amsterdams oldest gay bar, and to make at least one pilgrimage to Amsterdam Pride, which takes place on the canals.

Barcelona, Spain

Its a toss-up between Barcelona and Madrid for LGBT travel in Spain. Both have thriving gay communities. Both have gay-friendly hotels, restaurants, clubs, and shops. Both host huge gay festivals. Theyre each worth a visit, but for now were giving the crown to Barcelona. The Catalonian capital is home to the Circuit Festival, which claims to be the biggest international gay festival in the world. Its also just 45 minutes away from the world-renowned gay beaches of Sitges.

Berlin, Germany

Once a deeply restricted city, Berlin has broken out of its shell and then some. Historically the streets around Nollendorfplatz in Schoneberg were the centre of gay life in Berlin (British novelist Christopher Isherwood was one of the districts more famous residents). Today the trendier set have moved to Neukolln and Kreuzberg, but LGBT establishments can be found throughout the city. Berlins annual pride is called CSD  Christopher Street Day  but youll have no trouble finding a raucous and raunchy party any time of year.

Copenhagen, Denmark

What does the first country to recognise registered same-sex partnerships have to offer gay travellers today? Art museums, design shops, Michelin-starred restaurants, and edgy fashion abound, but its the tolerant, open-minded spirit of Copenhagen really makes Denmark a prime LGBT destination. Copenhagen is beautiful and laid-back, with one of the oldest LGBT film festivals in the world and one of the oldest openly gay bars in Europe. The former is MIX Copenhagen, the latter is Centralhjrnet.

London, England, United Kingdom

London recently announced that it would make LGBT traffic crossing lights  which display a range of gay and transgender symbols in lieu of the traditional green figure  a permanent feature on its streets. Its a move that proves London takes diversity seriously, and just one of many reasons the English capital is a top choice for many gay travellers. Drop by Heaven if youre up for a night out  its the largest gay nightclub in Europe and has been open since 1979.

San Francisco, California, USA

Some will complain that San Francisco is played out, but theres no denying its status as one of the worlds most gay-friendly cities. The Castro district has long been the heart of San Franciscos vibrant LGBT culture. It was one of the first gay neighbourhoods in the United States and, thanks to local artist Gilbert Baker, is the birthplace of the iconic rainbow flag. The Castro remains a globally prominent symbol of LGBT activism, putting San Francisco at the top of the list for many gay tourists.

Sao Paulo, Brazil

Sao Paulo is often overshadowed by its flashier sibling, Rio de Janeiro. While Rios hedonistic gay scene has indeed attracted plenty of attention over the years, Sao Paulos is larger and more eclectic. Its not just home to one of the planets biggest and most festive Pride parades  its home to the biggest. Sao Paulo was immortalised in the Guinness Book in 2006 as the worlds biggest Pride celebration and has maintained its #1 position ever since.
94th Airlift Wing Reservists participated in Sky Fist 2016, an aircraft mishap response exercise at Lielvarde Air Base, Latvia, Oct. 5-7, 2016.

This is a great exercise that builds the relationship between the Latvian air force and the (U.S.) Air Force, said Col. Armands Saltups, Latvian air force commander.

For the training, a 94th AW C-130H was positioned on the runway to simulate a crash with Latvian military members and civilians aboard, said Lt. Col. Terence Green, 94th AW mission planner for Sky Fist. The Latvian civil and military emergency response teams then evacuated the casualties from the aircraft and provided simulated medical treatment.

The exercise was a great team building experience, said Senior Airman Josh Stubbs, 700th Airlift Squadron loadmaster. The Latvians were very hospitable; they gave us everything we needed for the exercise, shuttled us around base and even gave us lunch one day.

Some 94th AW Airmen played the role of mock-crash victims during the training, said Stubbs, who was evacuated from the aircraft and treated as a casualty.

Not only were 94th AW crews able to participate in the emergency response training, they also had the opportunity to gain more experience communicating with international air terminal staff, said Green.

Most of the problems we have when flying outside the U.S. involve overcoming communication barriers, Green explained. Going to Leilvarde AB and working with the Latvians sets us up for a stronger working relationship in the future.

At the conclusion of Sky Fist, the 94th AW Reservists returned to Poland to participate in training with the Polish air force for Aviation Detachment 17-1 in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, said Green.
General Electric to buy Denmark's LM Wind Power for $1.65 bn

General Electric Co (GE) yesterday struck a deal to buy LM Wind Power, a manufacturer of wind turbine rotor blades, from private equity firm Doughty Hanson for $1.65 billion.

GE, which split its renewable energy business and power unit last year after acquiring Alstom SA's power business for $13.6 billion, said that the deal will allow it to in-sources wind turbine blade design and manufacturing and improve its ability to increase energy output and create value for onshore and offshore customers.

The acquisition is valued at 8.3 times pro forma earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) and is expected to close in the first half of 2017.

Post closing, GE intends to operate LM Wind Power as a standalone unit within GE Renewable Energy and will continue to be led by its existing management team and be headquartered in Denmark.

GE Renewable Energy is a $9-billion dollar start-up and has one of the broadest product and service portfolios of the renewable energy industry.

With its onshore and offshore wind, hydro and innovative technologies such as solar power, GE Renewable Energy has installed more than 370 gigawatts capacity globally, and employs 13,000 people in more than 55 countries.

GE Renewable Energy generated $6.27 billion in revenue in 2015, accounting for about 6 per cent of GE's total industrial segment revenue.

LM Wind Power, the largest supplier of wind turbine rotor blades to GE Renewable Energy, is the world's largest designer and supplier of rotor blades for wind turbines, with factories in Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, India, Poland, Spain and the US.

The company has 190 patents, produced more than 185,000 blades since 1978, corresponding to more than 77 GW installed capacity and global savings of more than 147 million tons of CO2 annually.

Jerome Pecresse, president and CEO of GE Renewable Energy said, ''We, along with LM Wind Power, have a deep pipeline of technical innovations that can further reduce the cost of electricity.''

Marc de Jong, CEO of LM Wind Power, said ''This deal will merge the speed and focus of LM Wind Power's entrepreneurial culture with GE's world-class engineering and operational capabilities.''


Samsung halts production and sale of Galaxy Note 7, asks users to switch off

Samsung on Tuesday announced a halt to production and sale of its Galaxy Note 7 Smartphone after the device was involved in dozens of fires and explosions worldwide.

Samsung Electronics Co Ltd also told owners of Galaxy Note 7 smart phones to stop using them while it investigates reports of fires.

In a regulatory filing late on Tuesday Samsung said it has decided to stop production of the Galaxy Note 7 in the interest of consumer safety. ''Putting consumer safety as the top priority, we have reached a final decision to halt production of Galaxy Note 7s,'' it stated in its filing.

The move comes after attempts to save the flagship Smartphone by rectifying the problem by recalling the device and replacing the faulty batteries were undermined when replacement phones also started malfunctioning.

Samsung said customers will be able to get full refund or swap their Note 7s for other Samsung products. It also advised all customers with an original or replacement Galaxy Note 7 to ''power down and stop using the device'' immediately.

''Consumers with either an original Galaxy Note 7 or replacement Galaxy Note 7 device should power down and stop using the device,'' the company said in statement.

Samsung's Galaxy 7 Note is now officially dead although these were rarely used after top airlines banned use of the device after smoke from a replacement device forced the evacuation of a passenger plane in the US last week.

The world's top Smartphone maker said it had asked all global carriers to stop sales of the Note 7s and the exchange of original devices for replacements, while it worked with regulators to investigate the problem.

Samsung's decision to pull Note 7s off the shelves for ever could result in huge financial and reputational costs to the company.

Samsung's Galaxy 7 Note, launched in August, was supposed to compete with Apple Inc's latest iPhone in the premium Smartphone market, but lost out within days of the launch as images of charred Note 7s began appearing on social media.

Samsung has since recalled 2.5 million Note 7s due to faulty batteries. This has not only killed the Note 7, but has also affected the credibility of Samsung in the fiercely competitive market for electronics devices.

Investors lost 14.7 trillion won ($13.2 billion) as Samsung Electronics' market value tumbled 7 per cent to touch their 2-week low at mid-day trade on Tuesday.


Singapore shuts Falcon Bank unit over money-laundering

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the central bank of Singapore, on Tuesday ordered closure of operations of Switzerland's Falcon Private Bank Ltd in the city state and cancelled the merchant bank status for serious failures in anti-money laundering (AML) controls.

MAS said in a statement it had ordered Zurich-based Falcon Private Bank's Singapore branch to cease operating because of ''a persistent and severe lack of understanding'' of Singapore's money-laundering controls.

It also accused Falcon's senior management, both in Switzerland and at the Singapore branch, of ''improper conduct".

MAS, also imposed financial penalties on DBS Bank Ltd (DBS) and UBS AG, Singapore Branch (UBS) in its biggest crackdown on alleged money-laundering activities connected with Malaysian sovereign fund 1MDB.

The actions on the three banks follow supervisory examinations by MAS into 1MDB-related fund flows that took place through these banks from March 2013 to May 2015.

MAS said it is working closely with Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) to oversee an orderly closure of Falcon Bank in Singapore.

Falcon Bank has been operating as a merchant bank in Singapore since August 2008, offering boutique private banking services. MAS conducted inspections on Falcon Bank in 2013 and 2015. The 2013 inspection found weaknesses in the bank's controls for client acceptance and transaction surveillance that led to breaches of MAS' AML requirements.

Falcon Bank paid a composition fine of S$300,000 for these breaches, and MAS said it instructed the merchant bank to strengthen its AML controls. However, the 2015 inspection uncovered an even larger number of regulatory breaches as well as serious failings on the part of head office senior management and the Singapore branch manager.

MAS said it has decided to withdraw Falcon Bank's status as a merchant bank in Singapore, taking into account the following factors:

The merchant bank's head office failed to guard against conflicts of interest when managing the account of a customer who was associated with the bank's former board chairman Mohamed Ahmed Badawy Al-Husseiny. The former chairman misled and influenced the Singapore branch into processing the customer's unusually large transactions despite multiple red flags.

The improper conduct of the Singapore branch manager and certain senior managers at the head office had impaired the effectiveness of the Singapore branch's compliance function in discharging its responsibilities. Their interference was wrongful and egregious in nature, and contributed to substantial breaches of AML regulations.

MAS said the Singapore branch manager, Jens Sturzenegger, has been arrested by the Commercial Affairs Department on 5 October 2016.

''Falcon Bank has demonstrated a persistent and severe lack of understanding of MAS' AML requirements and expectations. Taking into account the totality of Falcon Bank's conduct, MAS' assessment is that the merchant bank will be unable to comply with these requirements and expectations going forward.''

MAS has imposed financial penalties amounting to S$4.3 million on falcon bank for 14 breaches of MAS regulation - Prevention of Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism. The breaches include failures to adequately assess irregularities in activities pertaining to customer accounts, and file suspicious transaction reports.

MAS, meanwhile assured clients and customers of Falcon Bank, which is a branch of Falcon Private Bank Ltd in Switzerland, that it has full support of its head office, which is financially sound. MAS said it is working closely with FINMA, the home regulator of Falcon Private Bank Ltd, to oversee an orderly closure of the merchant bank branch in Singapore, it added.

On DBS and UBS, MAS said it has completed inspections of these banks in relation to their 1MDB-related fund flows. The inspections revealed several breaches of AML requirements and control lapses. ''There were deficiencies in the on-boarding of new accounts, weaknesses in corroborating the source of funds, inadequate scrutiny of customers' transactions and activities, and failure to file timely suspicious transaction reports.''

The control lapses observed in DBS and UBS relate to failure of specific bank officers to carry out their duties effectively. MAS' inspections did not find pervasive control weaknesses within these banks. MAS said it has admonished the two banks and instructed their management to investigate the lapses, promptly address the control deficiencies, and take appropriate disciplinary measures against the staff involved.

MAS has imposed financial penalties amounting to S$1 million on DBS for 10 breaches and S$1.3 million on UBS for 13 breaches of its Prevention of Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism regulations. MAS has also directed DBS and UBS to appoint an independent party to confirm that rectification measures have been effectively implemented and to report its findings to MAS.

MAS said it is also finalising its assessment of Standard Chartered Bank, Singapore Branch, and will make an announcement in due course. MAS has referred the 1MDB-related transactions processed by Raffles Money Change to the Commercial Affairs Department for their follow-up investigation.

''Keeping Singapore a clean and trusted financial centre is a shared responsibility. The board and senior management of each financial institution play a pivotal role. They must put in place robust mechanisms to detect suspicious activities, promote strong risk awareness among their staff, and empower their compliance and risk management people. Most of all, they must set the tone from the top  that profits do not come before right conduct. MAS will work closely with the industry to ensure that standards are kept high and will take strong deterrent actions against institutions that fall short,'' Ravi Menon, managing director of MAS, said.

Falcon Bank was originally owned by American International Group (AIG) and known as AIG Private Bank. In 2009, AIG Private Bank was acquired by Aabar Investments PJS and renamed as Falcon Bank.

Falcon's current owner, Abu Dhabi's sovereign fund International Petroleum Investment Company (IPIC), is not selling the bank ''at this moment in time", Falcon Chief Executive Walter Berch told a media briefing.


China developing world's smallest nuclear power plant: report

China is developing the world's smallest nuclear reactor that, reports say, is smaller than a shipping container and can provide enough energy to power 50,000 households.

Representative image

The power plant, proposed to be installed on an island in the disputed South China Sea, could run for decades without needing to be refueled, says a report in the South China Morning Post.

The mini reactor generating 10 megawatts of energy could go into operation within five years, according to the report.

Known as hedianbao, or 'portable nuclear battery pack', the tiny power plant would measure just 20 feet (6.1 metres) by 8.5 feet (2.6 metres), reports Stephen Chen for the South China Morning Post.

The lead-cooled reactor could potentially run for years or even decades before needing to be refueled.

The research is being carried out by the Chinese Academy of Sciences' Institute of Nuclear Energy Safety Technology and is being partly funded by the People's Liberation Army.

'Part of our funding came from the military, but we hope  and it's our ultimate goal  that the technology will eventually benefit civilian users,' Professor Huang Qunying, a nuclear scientist involved in the research, told the South China Morning Post.

The miniature power plant would enable the researchers to desalinate large amounts of seawater for use as freshwater.

Experts, however, warn that any failure or incidents at the plant causing leakage of radioactive material could be catastrophic, considering the location of the plant.

They also warn that any rise temperature in the surrounding seas, potentially resulting from the power plant's placement, could dramatically affect the local marine life.

Chinese researchers believe that that the 'fast reactor' - one that uses fast neutrons to split fuel atoms  are safer than other types of reactors. However, convincing the public of the plant's safety will still be a challenge, reports the South China Morning Post.


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.
I like privacy as much as the next person. I dont want anybody tapping my phone or peeking through my windows. Im even irked that whenever I go online to shop for, say, chainsaws or hiking boots, every other web site I go to afterward reminds me of my interest in these products.

But as an advocate for open government, I am troubled by the extent to which public officials are using privacy in order to shut down access to public information. They say its necessary because the public cant be trusted not to do horrible things.

One manifestation of this was the decision last year to remove records of dismissed cases from the states online court records system. The change was supported by Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, who like me was a member of a committee that looked into the issue. (I opposed the change.)

Vos argued that the information had to be removed to keep people from using it to discriminate against others whose names appear on the system, officially known as Wisconsin Circuit Court Access (WCCA). For instance, if employers learn that someone was accused of a crime, even if it was dismissed, they will refuse to hire that person. Yet Vos also told the group that he regularly hires ex-cons in his various businesses, and finds them to be excellent workers.

And that gets to the heart of the matter: pure arrogance. Those who want to purge public information believe: I am a good person who knows that not every charge is valid and even actual convictions shouldnt be used as a basis for judging future behavior. But other people are not nearly as good as I am and will discriminate brazenly and illegally. So we must keep them from obtaining this information.

Yet purging information from WCCA, which many people incorrectly call CCAP, means that the system no longer provides a comprehensive picture of what happens in our courts. Right now, for instance, every former prosecutor whose last case ended more than two years again has a 100 percent conviction rate, since all of the cases that did not lead to a conviction have been purged from public view.

Currently awaiting scheduling (and likely passage) in the Wisconsin Legislature is a bill with broad bipartisan support to greatly expand the availability of expungement of criminal convictions, which entails sealing court files and removing information from WCCA. Again, this is being done to protect those who have been convicted against the unfair and irrational judgments of members of the public.

Recently, a state appellate court ruled that judges can order the redaction of dismissed eviction cases from WCCA. The court bought hook, line and sinker the argument advanced by Dane County Circuit Court Judge Frank Remington, who said he wished he had the authority to order this purge because everyone goes on to CCAP and just simply assumes that if someone files an action, you must be guilty of something and you can never sort of break away and get a fair shake.

Neither Remington nor Appeals Court Judge JoAnne Kloppenburg, who wrote the ruling, offered any evidence in support of their contention that people other than themselves lack the capacity to reach fair conclusions about a dismissed eviction case. Instead, the public, in their view, is little more than an insensate mob eager to latch onto any excuse to discriminate.

In 2015, concerns about privacy  or so they said  led lawmakers to end the requirement that significant donors to political campaigns disclose where they work. As Wisconsin Democracy Campaign noted at the time, This makes it much more difficult for the media and the public to know whether employees of a specific company are all giving to a candidate in the expectation that their candidate will do the company a favor if that candidate wins.

Now, Vos and other GOP lawmakers are pushing a bill that would allow winners of the state lottery to remain anonymous. They say it is needed to protect lottery winners from harassment. Yet the bills proponents, Vos included, have offered no evidence of any actual harassment endured by lottery winners. None.

The director of the Wisconsin State Lottery, Cindy Polzin, opposes the change, saying releasing winners names helps prevent fraud. Indeed, the nonprofit investigation news outlet Wisconsin Watch last year published a story about suspicious repeat lottery winners that could not have been written were it not for access to winners names.

But the proponents of shielding names are determined to force this change. Just because you win the lottery, bill sponsor Rep. Gary Tauchen (R-Bonduel) declared, it shouldnt mean you lose your right to privacy.

A handful of other states have passed bills to shield the names of some lottery winners. In Delaware, Ohio and South Carolina, all winners can remain anonymous. But in New Jersey, then-Gov. Chris Christie vetoed a similar measure, saying it would undermine the transparency that provides taxpayers confidence in the integrity of the Lottery.

Perhaps the most outrageous recent example of secrecy in the name of privacy is the news that Jake Patterson, the man convicted of abducting 13-year-old Jayme Closs and killing her parents, has been moved to an out-of-state prison whose location is not being disclosed, according to a state Department of Corrections spokesperson, for his safety. So now Wisconsin is officially sending people to secret prisons to protect their privacy. Dont ask, because the state wont tell.

In April, I attended the annual summit of the National Freedom of Information Coalition in Dallas, Texas. One theme that came up was the embrace of privacy as a justification for keeping official state secrets.

Frank LoMonte, executive director of the Brechner Center for Freedom of Information, said there have even been cases in which information on officer-involved shootings is being withheld on grounds of officer privacy. He told that group, If you label something as pro-privacy, theres almost nothing the legislature and judges will not affirm.

He added; I sometimes think if you told people today that you wanted to create a book with everyones name, address, and phone number and put it on peoples doorsteps, youd be tarred and feathered.

I dont mind if the law keeps people from installing secret cameras in my house. But when the state of Wisconsin decides to disrupt my life by filing bogus charges against me that are later dismissed, I bloody well want for there to be a record of it. I will trust that others can look at it and see that it was dismissed without assuming that I must have been guilty of something.

In fact, I have never met a single person who did not think that he or she had the ability to make rational judgments about people who are accused or even convicted of crimes, or who have been the subject of an eviction action. But many of them believe their fellow citizens are too stupid and too mean to do the same.

The evocation of privacy as a justification of official secrecy is really just part of a larger push on the part of public officials to limit what the public can know about the actions and inactions of government. It serves their own interests more than anybody elses.
In a world where newer is always better, the real acid test for most cars is how well they scrub up when it comes time to offer them as second-hand buys.

Plenty of makes and models have stumbled at this hurdle, the years and kilometres since they were brand new conspiring to remove the lustre from their reputations. And somehow, the more avant garde a car was when it was new, the closer the scrutiny come trade-in and resale time.

And the Holden Volt is a perfect example of that.

The Volt was and is a clever concept. It's what's known as a plug-in hybrid and, like, the hybrid we're most familiar with, the Toyota Prius, the Holden combines a petrol engine with an electric motor. Unlike the Prius, however, the Volt's petrol motor is only ever used to charge the on-board batteries. It never actually drives the wheels.

And, at night, also unlike the Prius, you can plug the Volt in to the mains and recharge those batteries. It plugs into any normal, domestic power-point, too, and you don't need the special 15-amp outlet that some plug-ins demand.

That means that, in the Volt's case, if you live within a 70km round-trip from work, you may never need to put petrol in the car and simply run it on battery power the whole time. But where the Volt has one up on some other plug-in electric cars, that petrol motor also means you can drive across the Nullarbor if that's your thing.

Loosely based on the Holden Cruze's platform, the Volt had roughly the same exterior dimensions.

Inside, though, it was a different story as the T-shaped battery pack of the Volt ran along the car's spine. The batteries were fairly deep, too, and effectively ran up the middle of the rear seat, so the Volt is a four-seater where the Cruze had five chairs. Boot space was a bit limited, too, but beyond those things, the Volt was pretty easy to live with, especially if you value being able to recharge the car at night and go sailing past service stations for the rest of the week.

It would be easy to dismiss the Volt as an urban car, but that's forgetting the fact that it will run as far as you like with its petrol motor doing the battery charging. In that sense it means you can have a low-emissions city runabout and an interstater for holidays all in the one car.

And the Volt's on-board petrol engine neatly sidesteps the perennial gripe with plug-in electric cars; range anxiety.

So what are the potential problems? Well, nearly all new technology has its shake-down period, although each of the Volt's systems is well proven; it's just the combination and interaction of those systems that was novel.

There was plenty of noise made in the US when the Volt was released after a couple of cars caught fire after crash testing. The US Feds stepped in and investigated and the Volt was given the all-clear. But Volts sold in Australia were recalled to fix a potential glitch that maybe the manufacturer should have anticipated in the first place.

Because the Volt makes no noise at a standstill, it was very possibility that some owners could presume the car was switched off and simply walk away. If, however, the car was still switched on, the petrol engine would be free to chime in whenever the batteries became depleted. And if that happened while the car was in an enclosed space like, say, a garage, it could soon build up toxic, potentially deadly fumes just like any other petrol motor running in an enclosed space.

To be fair to Holden, the Volt was fitted with an audible alarm to prevent the driver walking away without powering the car down, but the recall was made for Volts built between May 2012 and March 2013.

The big question mark over hybrid cars, of course, is the anticipated lifespan of the battery pack. Nobody seems too sure, but it's probably fair to say that the Volt's batteries won't be cheap to replace when they do eventually fail. And it's not like there are heaps of Volts running around like there are Toyota Priuses.

In the case of the Prius, there are enough around that some are getting scrapped and/or written-off in crashes, so wrecking yards have a supply of second-hand battery packs. Eventually, of course, the Toyota's battery packs will be dying faster than Priuses are getting written-off, but until then, you can certainly buy a Prius battery pack for around the $1000 mark with some life left in it.

That's not the case for the Volt, however.

But overseas (mainly the US where the Volt is a much more common sight) some Volt owners have reported passing the 160,000km mark with no battery-pack problems, so that should be some comfort.

The other piece of promising news form the US is that owners who have reported battery-pack failures have then discovered that only one element of the three-piece battery-pack has been at fault, cutting replacement costs dramatically.

The Volt could ultimately cost a bit more to service than a conventional car and, unless you're absolutely confident and competent with high-voltage equipment, the Volt is probably best left to the experts to tend.

The other consideration with the Volt when new was that, at $60,000, it was an awful lot of money for such a small package. That's changed a bit as the car is now changing hands on the used market, but it still commands a fair wedge of cash for what you get.

But look at it from the environmental point of view, and the plug-in Holden suddenly starts to make sense.

Our rating: 3.5/5

Nuts and bolts

Engine: Electric motor with 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol range extender

Transmissions: CVT

Fuel economy (combined): 1.2 litres per 100km

Safety rating (courtesy of www.howsafeisyourcar.com.au): 5 stars

Likes:

The environment will love you back.

Running costs can be tiny.

If you charge up on renewable power, it's zero-emissions running.

Still capable of driving cross-country.

Dislikes:

Expensive for what it physically is.

Who knows how it will fare long-term.

Not really for the home mechanic.

Strict four-seater and boot not huge.

Competitors:

Toyota Prius  Plenty of these around, so plenty of choice. Also, Toyota build quality has ensured the Prius has aged pretty gracefully for such a complex machine. Dull to drive. 3.5/5

Honda CR-Z - Honda's aim with the CR-Z was to make the hybrid experience a fun one. It got close, too, with decent performance and a sporty look and feel. Ultimately not as sporty as Honda reckoned, though. 3.5/5

BMW i3  Yet another take on hybrid tech. The BMW could be had with just battery power or with an optional range-extending two-cylinder motorcycle engine. Carbon-fibre shell was clever, details were modern. Expensive. 3/5

What to pay (courtesy of Glass's Guide):

Model Year New Now

Volt 2012 $59,990 $25,800

Volt 2013 $59,990 $29,700

Volt 2014 $59,990 $34,300

Volt 2015 $59,990 $39,200
Two Dundalk based companies have been shortlisted for the final of a provincial final of a investment competition.

Dundlak companies, GECKO Governance and Santech Innovations, trading as OVVO, were shortlisted in the Best Early Stage company and Best New Start company categories respectively for the Connacht & Leinster final of the 2016 InterTradeIreland All-Island Seedcorn Investor Readiness competition.

GECKO Governance which is based in Dundalk, Co. Louth, will now compete with shortlisted companies from Kildare and Galway to win 20,000 to help finance the early stages of its ventures.

The winning company will go on to compete in the all-island final of the competition, which will take place on Wednesday 23rd November at the Waterfront Hall, Belfast. Now in its 14th year, Seedcorn is the islands biggest business competition for new start and early stage companies in any sector, from any part of the island.

The competition, aimed at companies who have a new equity funding requirement, has an overall cash prize fund of 280,000, with no equity stake. To date, InterTradeIreland has supported over 2,151 enterprising companies through the Seedcorn process. With 200 million in new equity being raised by the companies who have reached the regional finals stage of the Seedcorn competition over the past 13 years, the competition has a strong track record of supporting early business start-ups to become investor ready.

Shane Brett, Founder and CEO of GECKO Governance said, I am delighted that GECKO Governance has been shortlisted for the Connacht and Leinster final of Seedcorn 2016. We believe entering the competition would be a fantastic opportunity to refine our business plan, gain national exposure for our product and also avail of the extensive Seedcorn VC network. To date, the most important thing we have learnt from the process is that it is essential to provide investors with a properly structured and articulated business plan with clear credible goals and realistic assumptions of our future business strategy. We are all very excited about the potential of this new business and it is brilliant to have the opportunity to showcase what we are offering. We will now begin preparing for the regional final where hopefully we will be successful in progressing to the next stage.

Brendan Phillips, General Manager of OVVO said, I am delighted that OVVO has been shortlisted. Our product has won a number of innovation awards that are highly regarded within the woodworking and furniture making industry, and we believe it has the capacity to truly transform the industry. We have appointed a number of commercial partners in key markets, but to drive the level of growth and business performance in keeping with the disruptive innovative product, we need to secure additional funding and investment. Seedcorn offered us the opportunity to reflect upon our product and brand proposition in order to attract the type of investment that we know is necessary to drive global growth with the pace desired. Seedcorn is an excellent competition that offers invaluable business experience and potential funding that would have a transformative effect on any small business. We are delighted with our progress so far and very excited for what the future holds.
New figures revealed by the HSE show that the state are paying an average of 66 per cent more to state owned nursing homes than to privately or voluntary run institutions.

the HSE published the updated costs for nursing home care within its operated nursing homes. These revealed the four HSE nursing homes operating in Co Louth have an average fee payable by the State of 1,544 per week, per resident. The HSE nursing home with the highest cost of care was St Josephs Hospital at 1,808. The eight private and voluntary nursing homes have an average fee payable of 927 per week, according to the most recently published cost of care figures released for such nursing homes, released 15th September.

Nationally, private and voluntary nursing homes are forced by the State to provide care for half the amount that the HSE pays for its own homes, the figures reveal. Nursing Homes Ireland stated it has taken five years to prise this data out of the HSE. NHI said it is no surprise it has taken the State so long to publish as it has been operating a system that discriminates against the private and voluntary sector.

The publication of the costings has laid bare the true cost of nursing home care and the implications of the failure to address this glaring inequity must be addressed by Government, NHI has warned. Failure to do so threatens the sustainability of the private and voluntary nursing home sector and the vital services provided.

NHI has called on the State to immediately engage with the private and voluntary nursing home sector to provide for the true costs incurred of meeting the high dependency care needs of residents in private and voluntary nursing homes. NHI demands an equitable system be established for the financing of nursing home care under the Fair Deal, whether HSE, private or voluntary.

It has also called upon the Public Accounts Committee to investigate the level of spending by the State within its own operated nursing homes. There is no requirement for the HSE to negotiate payments for each of its nursing homes. Yet private and voluntary nursing homes are being coerced into accepting fees that do not reflect the true costs of providing nursing home care.

The long-withheld HSE data, which is accompanied by a litany of HSE-justified vindications for the higher costs, shows it pays its own nursing homes on average 53 per cent more than is paid to private and voluntary operators under the Fair Deal scheme and that State costs have jumped by an average 13 per cent since 2011. Incredulously the HSE pays one of its own nursing homes 4,082 a week.

The State is discriminating in a scandalous way against private and voluntary providers, said Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO. The State is operating a two-tier funding system and has fought for five years not to disclose these figures. It is unacceptable that private and voluntary providers are forced to provide care for fees way below those paid to the HSE counterparts. It is a case of one law for HSE operated nursing homes and a completely different one for the private and voluntary providers who are squeezed into accepting fees that are not reflective of the true cost of providing care. 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. The cost pressures are unrelenting and not being recognised in Fair Deal fees in the private and voluntary sector while the HSE just raids the budget, pays itself and increases its own fees by an average of 13% with no negotiation or accountability applied.

There is no justifying such enormous anomalies. HSE fees are devoid of accountability and transparency. There is no negotiation or requirement to justify the fees they pay themselves. Private and voluntary nursing homes are under intense, unjustifiable pressure because of the State pinning them against the wall when it comes to the negotiation of fees. No independent appeals mechanism is available if a private and voluntary nursing home deems a fee unacceptable. The State continues to abuse its dominant position within the sector, adopting a take it or leave it approach during the fee negotiation process under the Fair Deal.

So while the HSE increases its own fees by on average 13 per cent on already inflated figures, it forces the private and voluntary sector to accept unsustainable fees. The published public figures highlight a rotten inequality in respect of fees payable for care provision within Irelands nursing home sector. The State is operating an upstairs/downstairs system of payments. Private and voluntary nursing homes are the majority providers of nursing home care but are expected to do it at half the fees provided to State nursing homes. The sustainability of private and voluntary nursing homes is threatened by fees that are not recognising true costs incurred. Equality in fees payable must become an immediate priority within the Fair Deal. The buck has been passed in this regard by successive Ministers over a number of years and it now must be prioritised. The long-awaited publication of the figures must hasten the review of the Fair Deal pricing mechanism and bring into effect a fair pricing model that provides fees to private and voluntary providers that are reflective of the true costs of providing the high dependency care that nursing homes are delivering in our communities. Arising from publication of the costs, we are calling for immediate increases in private and voluntary nursing home fees under the Fair Deal and engagement with the Department of Health and HSE surrounding this critical issue. 
Con: ObamaCare was designed to fail ON PURPOSE to usher in single payer system

As far back as 2013, ObamaCare was already being lamented, even before it was set to trigger. Senator Orrin Hatch, a Republican from Utah, decried the system as a grand design that would eventually lead the rest of the country to become a single-payer system. In addition to the introduction of a bill to repeal the health insurance tax, Hatch also made a prediction that within a year democratic lawmakers would come to the conclusion that ObamaCare was not working and that the single-payer system would be the only possible solution. So far, it appears that the only thing that Orrin Hatch was incorrect about concerned the timeline of his prediction.

Considering that the expected enrollment amounts far exceed that actual turnout for enrollment, ObamaCare, or The Affordable Healthcare act, the affordable aspect comes into question, particularly when the system needs actual people registered in order for it to work in the first place. Because of this, insurers are pushing for rate hikes as high as 60% nationwide.

UnitedHealth and Humana are just a portion of the bigger insurance giants who are beginning to remove their presence from ObamaCare markets. Recently Aetna announced that instead of broadening its coverage to twenty states, it has elected to stay in just the four markets it currently provides for. As a result of this devastating blow, the state of Arizona is now facing the possibility of having zero insurers via the ObamaCare exchange.

Further pushing this ever-growing snowball of a disaster down the hill is the fact that more than a quarter of the counties in the United States currently only have one insurer in their respective ObamaCare exchanges. Even worse is that there is no plan of contingency should these insurers decide to take their business out of that area.

Essentially, the entire charade of the Affordable Health Care act is spiraling out of control, with little being done in the way of trying to circumvent the impending disaster of a health insurance collapse in the United States. The act, which was supposed to ease Americans worries about increasing health care costs, was (in 2013) a twenty thousand (yes, 20,000) page document that already had employers cutting jobs to below fifty employees just to avoid penalties. With recent damaging statements being made about ObamaCare by Bill Clinton, who is typically in the Obama camp, being spun by numerous news sites to have a positive angle, it appears that the only people who will be affected by this predicted failure will be average American citizens.

Sources:

CNSNews.com

Investors.com
Certainly, there is no more appropriate way to utilize this space this week than to say thanks for the all the support that made the 16th annual Taste of Columbus a success. As I looked around at the full room, wonderful vendors, and lots of items up for bids Sunday evening, I was again struck by how fortunate we are to live and work in Columbus.

It is such a joy to see so many different people and organizations collaborate on an event for the good of our community. I think about the volunteers who gave time for many months to prepare the event; the businesses who donated auction items, publicity, food, drinks, or logistical support; and the 600 people who had tickets to attend. In a real sense, the event doesnt work if any of those dont play their part.

The ringleaders for this year were Chris and Amy Blaser and Mike and Trina Jeffryes, our co-chairpersons. They worked as hard as any team of volunteer leaders has for Taste of Columbus. Their efforts were rewarded with a full house of vendors, auction items and attendees.

This years Taste of Columbus benefited the Columbus Public Schools Foundation along with the chamber. The chamber staff and volunteers have greatly appreciated the chance to work with the team at the CPS Foundation. Its board and new director, Kim Kwapnioski, were outstanding partners. With Kim now on-board, the Foundation is poised for some outstanding successes, and that comes at a great time with the new Columbus High School facility soon to open.

We were grateful to have the entire lineup of food vendors back from last year. Thanks to Applebee's, Buresh Catering, Columbus Community Hospital, El Tapatio, Fair Park Grille, HyVee, Pizza Ranch, Ramada-Columbus, Shadows Restaurant and Pub, Subway, Traditions Inn, Wal-Mart and Wunderlich's Catering for being there again. Also, a thank you and welcome to Columbus Christian School, a new vendor sampling their fudge. You were all awesome. The best way for any of us to thank these vendors is to patronize them in the future, and we hope you will.

Thanks also to Chuck and Amy and their team at McChristy Jewelers for the donation of a stunning diamond pendant to the raffle that was won by Wanda Bond. It is a beautiful piece of jewelry, and the partners are grateful for McChristys support.

The Taste of Columbus Committee also thanks the many businesses and individuals who donated items on the Silent and Royal auctions. I cant list them all here because it was a record number of items. Of course, we also owe a huge thanks to Rick Grubaugh and Grubaugh Auction Services for conducting the auction. We literally couldnt do it without them, and again, I hope youll consider using their service in the future.

It was a great weekend for the chamber, but as you might imagine the fun doesnt end. The big announcement this week is the groundbreaking for the extension of the Highway 30 Expressway. On Oct. 25, well celebrate this important milestone with U.S. Senator Deb Fischer, U.S. Representative Jeff Fortenberry, Lt. Governor Mike Foley, and Department of Roads Director Kyle Schneweis.

The ceremony is open to everyone and will be held at 9 a.m. that morning east of Schuyler where the four-lane currently changes to two lanes. Fortunately, within a few years that will no longer be the case. The chamber is proud to celebrate with our neighbors along this corridor as progress begins again on our critical connection to the Interstate system.
MONROE  An Iowa company has been awarded a contract for a Loup River project south of Monroe.

The U.S. Army Corp of Engineers accepted the low bid of $195,530 from Niewohner Construction Inc. of Onawa, Iowa, for the project that includes adding structures along the river to prevent erosion.

Gwyn Jarrett, project manager for the Corps of Engineers, said a preconstruction meeting will be held with the company this week to determine a starting date. After that date is set, the company will have 120 days to complete the work.

Several acres of land have eroded in the area over the past few years and the river is threatening to wash out a bridge and part of 370th Avenue.

The project includes bank stabilization and installing structures designed to prevent further erosion.

A Corps of Engineers study determined there would be at least a temporary loss of access to the Loup River bridge if no action is taken to stop the erosion. This would create an economic hardship since there aren't any nearby alternatives to cross the river.

The bridge also serves as a major emergency route and secondary connector between Highway 22 and U.S. Highway 30.

If nothing was done and the road was washed out, with our calculations there would be a $3.8 million financial loss because of repairs and delays, Jarrett said.

The study also concluded that the road could be lost in an extreme flooding event and that flooding could occur there from both heavy rain and runoff and ice jams.

Jarrett said the plan is to keep 370th Avenue open and avoiding rerouting traffic during the project.

The project is funded with 65 percent federal money.

Bid specifications put the cost of the project between $150,000 and $250,000. A total of five bids were submitted.
Strengthening the Greek financial system

Introductory remarks by Benoit Cure, Member of the Executive Board of the ECB, at a public hearing at the European Parliament, Brussels, 12 October 2016

Thank you for inviting me to this meeting of the Financial Assistance Working Group.

I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the dialogue between our institutions on the euro area macroeconomic adjustment programmes. In recent years, this topic has indeed been frequently discussed here by the ECB President and other ECB Executive Board Members, including myself. We have also responded publicly to the many questions you have sent us in writing. Maintaining an open discussion with you as the representatives of the people of Europe is very important, given the advisory role in the field of surveillance and programme assessment conferred upon the ECB by EU legislators[1] and by the ESM Treaty.

You asked me to discuss in particular the third adjustment programme in Greece from the ECBs perspective. Let me therefore base my short introductory remarks on the following three points.

First, I will recall the challenging situation in summer 2015 when the third Greek programme was negotiated. Against this backdrop, and this will be my second point, I will review the progress made in the third programme. Finally, I will discuss the challenges ahead and emphasise the importance of a continued collective commitment for the success of the programme.

In my remarks today, I will mainly focus on financial issues, as I believe this is where the ECBs advice is of particular relevance.

The situation at the start of the third Greek programme

Let me briefly recall the circumstances in which the third ESM programme for Greece was negotiated. This indeed remains key to understanding where we are now.

After the severe and long recession, which started in 2009, the long-awaited rebound of the Greek economy got under way in the second half of 2014.

However, following the announcement of new parliamentary elections at the end of December 2014, economic conditions started to rapidly deteriorate. Increased policy and political uncertainty, partial reversals of previous reforms, the rejection of existing commitments by the new government and the lack of a prospect of continued financial assistance under a programme led to a worsening of the economic environment and of sovereign creditworthiness. This in turn had a strong impact on an already severely weakened financial sector.

In particular, between December 2014 and June 2015, deposit outflows amounted to more than a quarter of total deposits. Lack of adherence to the second programme no longer allowed the ECB, under its rules, to waive its minimum credit requirements and accept Greek government-linked securities as collateral in its monetary policy operations. Nevertheless, the Eurosystem provided all the liquidity necessary for the Greek economy to function, with adequate safeguards against monetary financing of the government. As a result, central bank funding rose from 56 billion to over 125 billion, more than two-thirds of Greeces gross domestic product, demonstrating our commitment to the Greek economy.

By the end of June, uncertainty and concerns about the economic policies of the government were mounting, culminating in the announcement of the referendum on 5 July 2016. The introduction of bank holidays and capital controls in late June had eased immediate liquidity pressures, but further impaired economic activity.

In such an environment, once the third programme had been agreed by the Greek authorities and their euro area partners, one of the immediate priorities was to regain depositor and market confidence in the Greek banking system.

To this end, a comprehensive assessment was conducted of the four significant Greek banks between August and October 2015 by the supervisory arm of the ECB. It was followed by a successful recapitalisation exercise. The identified capital shortfall was largely covered by private funds, while the reliance on public funds was limited to 4.5 billion.

Measuring progress so far

The conclusion of the programme negotiations and the successful recapitalisation of the banking system led to a stabilisation of economic conditions.

Real GDP in 2015 turned out to be only slightly negative, but more than one percentage point better than expected after the imposition of capital controls. The stabilisation of output was supported by the resilience of private consumption, positive net exports and an acceleration of public investment at the end of the year.

The achievement of the primary budget balance target for end-2015 was supported by a series of important policy actions, especially on the revenue side.

Supporting and at the same time benefiting from the macroeconomic stabilisation, the situation in the Greek banking sector has also gradually improved during the first year of the programme, although it has not yet regained the ground lost in the first half of 2015.

Following the recapitalisation in October 2015, the aggregated CET1 ratio for the four significant Greek institutions increased from 11.2% in September 2015 to 17.9% in June 2016. While the ratios may appear high compared with the European banking sector average, they provide the necessary capital buffers to properly address the elevated risk profile of Greek banks.

Nevertheless, restoring the capital position of Greek banks represented only the first step of a more comprehensive reform plan to restore confidence in Greek banks. Over the past months the focus has been on the resolution of non-performing loans (NPLs) and on improving bank governance. The non-performing exposure (NPE) ratio of Greek banks is very high (49% in June 2016), the second highest in the euro area, after Cyprus. Its reduction is a key precondition for gradually restoring an adequate and efficient supply of credit to the Greek economy, and for achieving sustained growth.

Some important legislative reforms in this direction have already been passed. For instance, the household insolvency law was amended to ensure that banks can take legal steps against strategic defaulters and that debtors make payments in line with their ability to pay. And the Code of Conduct of the Bank of Greece provides guidelines on the interaction between banks and debtors in arrears. The authorities have also adopted legislation that liberalises NPL servicing for all loan categories, and provided a framework for the sales of loans. In addition, banks have set up comprehensive strategies, including detailed operational measures and actions, prioritised and scheduled, as well as numerical targets to significantly reduce their NPE stocks over the coming years.

Banks are also reshaping their governance structures in compliance with new Greek regulations and international regulations and guidelines. While the process is still ongoing, considerable progress has already been made in the review of boards of directors. Strict application of the criteria set under Greek law will be key to increase the knowledge, relevant experience and independence of bank directors.

The policy actions I have outlined have already started to show effects. Since the imposition of the capital controls in Greece in June 2015, the liquidity position of Greek banks has improved, albeit at a slow pace. Deposits have increased slightly and banks have regained access to market funding based on high-quality collateral. Dependence on central bank funding has been reduced to about 78 billion.

Working together towards the same goal

While the conclusion of the first review constitutes a first major step in safeguarding financial stability, preparing the ground for a sustainable economic recovery and regaining access to international capital markets, let me be very clear: more is yet to be done. The mere fact that bank deposits linger at about three-quarters of their level of late 2014 shows that the return of confidence is still gradual.

The important challenges Greece still faces can only be addressed by a steady implementation of the agreed policies and strong political support from all stakeholders.

From a financial point of view, let me emphasise two key deliverables of the forthcoming second review which aim to further reduce structural impediments to the swift and effective resolution of the large amount of NPLs I already mentioned.

The first is the overhaul of the out-of-court workout framework, whose main objective is to provide sufficient incentives for creditors and debtors to participate in a mutually advantageous scheme.

The second deliverable is the development of the corporate insolvency code to support the restructuring of the Greek non-financial sector and overcome possible obstructions by uncooperative shareholders.

In addition to these legislative changes, the Greek authorities need to fully implement the agreed measures to strengthen the capacity of the judicial system to substantially shorten legal proceedings and enhance the competence of the courts.

These requirements are not specific to Greece and experience has shown that throughout the euro area, NPL resolution requires strong legal frameworks. While these reforms are essential to support the financial sector, action is also required on the other three pillars which form the foundations of the third programme: first, improving the fiscal position, second, restoring sustained and sustainable growth via a number of reforms, and third, introducing a modern state and public administration and a well-targeted social security system.

All stakeholders in the Greek adjustment programme realise that there are serious concerns about the sustainability of Greek public debt. As you are all well aware, a discussion is currently ongoing in the Eurogroup on the short-term, medium-term and long-term measures needed to secure the sustainability of Greek debt. We are looking forward to a solution that can reassure markets, restore confidence in the dynamics of public debt, allow the full involvement of the IMF in the programme  which would enhance the programmes credibility  and restore market access for Greece ahead of the end of the programme in July 2018, while not undermining the reform effort.

To bring the programme to a successful conclusion and to restore market access on a lasting basis, it is above all essential that the Greek authorities continue to show a serious commitment to the goals and measures taken in the context of the programme. Only if this happens can all stakeholders be confident that reforms will not be reversed and, instead, will be strengthened in the aftermath of the programme, therefore further supporting the potential for growth of the Greek economy.

Conclusions

Let me conclude.

I have traced the progress achieved so far and mapped the challenges ahead for the third Greek adjustment programme. A year ago, European leaders agreed on a set of measures that will secure Greeces future in the euro. If everyone plays their part, I am firmly convinced that at the end of the programme, Greece will be better able to reap the benefits of Economic and Monetary Union  a Union of 340 million people sharing the same currency  and its economy will be stronger and more resilient.

We should not forget, nevertheless, what else we can do to make Greece stronger in a stronger Europe. Let me be clear: Europe will not address matters of pressing concern such as security or migration without a strong and sustainable economy. A lot still needs to be done to make our Economic and Monetary Union stronger.

The ECB is committed to playing its role as the central bank for the euro area, and thus for Greece.

Thank you for your attention. I look forward to your questions.
OMAHA  People around the country and the world who support or oppose the death penalty are watching how Nebraska voters will respond Nov. 8 to an effort to stop a 2015 law that abolished the sentence.

Those on both sides of the issue are in the last throes of their efforts to convince those voters to vote to retain or repeal the law.

Ten people testified Tuesday night in Omaha at the first of three public hearings on the referendum that Nebraskans have already started voting on: Referendum No. 426.

Secretary of State John Gale told people attending the hearing he hoped it would lessen confusion about the ballot question, which has been a problem for some.

The question on the ballot asks voters to choose whether they would retain the law (LB268) that senators passed in 2015 that abolished Nebraska's death penalty, or if they want the law repealed.

Marylyn Felion, who witnessed Robert Williams' 1997 execution in Nebraska's electric chair, testified that in this modern, technological age the death penalty is no longer needed to protect society.

"I say this as one who believes the death penalty says more about us than it says about the person in the death chamber," she said.

She has also witnessed the toll the death penalty takes on prison personnel, she said.

The cause of death listed on Williams' death certificate is "homicide," she said.

As she walked past the six corrections officers after they delivered Williams to the execution chamber, she said they were sobbing. One man quit his job after the execution.

Vivian Tuttle, whose daughter Yvonne was killed in the 2002 Norfolk bank robbery and who supports the death penalty, held a photo of her daughter taken the Friday before she walked into the bank to cash a $64 check.

Yvonne Tuttle's youngest daughter, who was 3 at the time, doesn't remember her mom, she said.

"She's depressed, she's angry, she's afraid. And she carries that fear because of what happened that day," she said.

The pain and sorrow never goes away, Tuttle said.

And when you talk about the cost of the death penalty, she said, "My daughter's blood that was spilled on that bank floor was worth more than any of the money that it took to do any of this."

Many of the people present at the hearing were supporters of retaining the law that abolished the death penalty.

Linda Ohri, a pharmacist for 42 years, said the American Pharmacists Association in 2015 passed a policy statement discouraging pharmacists from participating in executions, saying it was fundamentally contrary to the role of pharmacists as providers of health care.

It is particularly important in light of past practices by compounding pharmacies in providing lethal injection drugs for executions, which has also now been discouraged, she said.

Sen. Merv Riepe of Omaha told those at the hearing he was a pro life supporter of the innocent and supports the death penalty for "the evil," those who are sane and commit a heinous murder.

Riepe detailed the grisly facts of the murder committed by death row inmate Raymond Mata.

"I tell that, not to be morbid. I simply tell it because I think the hard, cold facts have to be on the table," he said.

Earlier in the day, the anti-death penalty group, Retain A Just Nebraska, brought to Lincoln the former attorney of Steven Avery, subject of the "Making a Murderer" documentary, for a fundraiser for Retain A Just Nebraska.

Dean Strang, the former attorney for Avery, and Tracy Hightower-Henne of the Nebraska Innocence Project spoke to reporters about the death penalty before the fundraiser.

Strang said Nebraska was the most recent state to abolish the death penalty, and the only state considering repealing that vote by senators.

On a moral level, there are strong arguments both for and against the death penalty, he said.

"But in the end, in Nebraska, what's hard to dispute is that the death penalty is a government program that hasn't worked," he said. "It's very expensive. It's not served Nebraska meaningfully and won't going forward."

Hightower said at the hearing there have been claims over and over that no one on death row in Nebraska claims to be innocent. That's not true, she said.

Arthur Gales, convicted of murdering two children, has an active pending claim of innocence in Douglas County District Court, she said.

The next death penalty hearing will be Thursday in Kearney.
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HONG KONG  Leading Chinese luxury brand Shanghai Tang has launched a major new seven-piece upcycled collection which will be created using its surplus textile stock. The collection will hit stores this autumn and is the first foray into the sustainable apparel sphere for Shanghai Tang as the company seeks to tap into growing awareness around environmental issues among the younger generation of Chinese consumers.
What Is Climate Change? Is It Different From Global Warming?



Climate change is actually not a new phenomenon. Scientists have been studying the connection between human activity and the effect on the climate since the 1800s, although it took until the 1950s to find evidence suggesting a link.

Since then, the amount of greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide and fluorinated gases) in the atmosphere have steadily increased, taking a sharp jump in the late 1980s when the summer of 1988 became the warmest on record. (There have been many records broken since then.) But climate change is not a synonym for global warming.

The term global warming entered the lexicon in the 1950s, but didnt become a common buzzword until a few decades later when more people started taking notice of a warming climate. Except climate change encompasses a greater realm than just rising temperatures. Trapped gases also affect sea-level rise, animal habitats, biodiversity and weather patterns. For example, Texas severe winter storms in February 2021 demonstrate how the climate isnt merely warming.

Related: What Are The Top States For Solar Incentives?

Why Is Climate Change Important? Why Does It Matter?





Marc Guitard / Moment / Getty Images

Despite efforts from forward thinkers such as SpaceX Founder Elon Musk to colonize Mars, Earth remains our home for the foreseeable future, and the more human activity negatively impacts the climate, the less habitable it will become. Its estimated that Earth has already warmed about one degree Celsius, or two degrees Fahrenheit, since the start of the Industrial Revolution around the 1750s, although climate change tracking didnt start until the late 1800s. That warming number may not sound like much, but this increase has already resulted in more frequent and severe wildfires, hurricanes, floods, droughts and winter storms, to name some examples.

Environmental Impacts

Then theres biodiversity loss, another fallout of climate change thats threatening rainforests and coral reefs and accelerating species extinction. Take rainforests, which act as natural carbon sinks by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. But as rampant deforestation is occurring everywhere from Brazils Amazon to Borneo, fewer trees mean that rainforests are becoming carbon sources, emitting more carbon than theyre absorbing. Meanwhile, coral reefs are dying as warming ocean temperatures trigger bleaching events, which cause corals to reject algae, their main food and life source. Fewer trees, coral reefs and other habitats also equate to fewer species. Known as the sixth mass extinction, a 2019 UN report revealed that up to a million plant and animal species could become extinct within decades.

Human Impact

It can be easy to overlook climate change in day-to-day life, or even realize that climate change is behind it. Notice theres yet another romaine lettuce recall due to E. Coli? Research suggests that E. Coli bacteria are becoming more common in our food sources as it adapts to climate change. Cant find your favorite brand of coffee beans anymore? Or that the price has doubled? Climate change is affecting that too. Climate change is also worsening air quality and seasonal allergies, along with polluting tap water. Not least, many preliminary studies have also drawn a line between climate change and the deadly COVID-19 pandemic that is still gripping much of the world. Future pandemics are likely to happen more frequently until the root causes, such as deforestation, are addressed.

Speaking of larger-scale issues, global water scarcity is already happening more frequently. The Caribbean is facing water shortages due to rising temperatures and decreased rainfall; Australias dams may run dry by 2022 as severe wildfires increase and Cape Town, South Africa has already faced running out of water.

As touched upon earlier, its one thing to be inconvenienced by a lack of romaine lettuce for a couple of weeks or higher coffee bean prices, but reports warn how climate change will continue to threaten global food security, to the point of triggering a worldwide food crisis if temperatures surpass two degrees Celsius.

Many of these factors are already contributing to climate migration, forcing large numbers of people to relocate to other parts of the world in search of better living conditions.

Unless more immediate, drastic action is taken to combat climate change, future generations will have to contend with worst-case scenario projections by the end of the 21st century, not limited to coastal cities going underwater, including Miami; lethal heat levels from South Asia to Central Africa; and more frequent extreme weather events involving hurricanes, wildfires, tsunamis, droughts, floods, blizzards and more.

Related: What Are The Best Solar Companies?

Whats Happening and Why?

Fiddlers Ferry power station in Warrington, UK. Chris Conway / Moment / Getty Images

The Earths temperature has largely remained stable until industrial times and the introduction of greenhouse gases. These gases have forced the atmosphere to retain heat, as evidenced by rising global temperatures. As the planet grows warmer, glaciers melt faster, sea levels rise, severe flooding increases and droughts and extreme weather events become more deadly.

The Greenhouse Effect

In the late 1800s, Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius studied the connection between the amount of atmospheric carbon and its ability to warm and cool the Earth, and while his initial calculations suggested extreme warming as carbon increased, researchers didnt start to take human-induced climate change seriously until the late 20th century.

But proof of human-led climate change can be traced to the 1850s, and satellites are among the ways that scientists have been tracking increased greenhouse gases and their climate impact in more recent years. Climate researchers have also documented warmer oceans, ocean acidification, shrinking ice sheets, decreased snow amounts and extreme weather as among the events resulting from greenhouse gases heating the planet.

Numerous factors contribute to the production of greenhouse gases, known as the greenhouse effect. One of the biggest causes involve burning fossil fuels, including coal, oil and natural gas, to power everything from cars to daily energy needs (electricity, heat). From 1970-2011, fossil fuels have comprised 78 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions.

Big Ag is another greenhouse contributor, particularly beef production, with the industry adding 10 percent in 2019. This is attributed to clearing land for crops and grazing and growing feed, along with methane produced by cows themselves. In the U.S. alone, Americans consumed 27.3 billion pounds of beef in 2019.

Then theres rampant deforestation occurring everywhere from the Amazon to Borneo. A 2021 study from Rainforest Foundation Norway found that two-thirds of the worlds rainforests have already been destroyed or degraded. In Brazil, deforestation reached a 12-year-high in 2020 under right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro. As it stands, reports predict that the Amazon rainforest will collapse by 2064. Rainforests are important carbon sinks, meaning the trees capture and remove carbon from the atmosphere. As rainforests collapse, the remaining trees will begin emitting more greenhouse gases than theyre absorbing.

Meanwhile, a recent study revealed that abandoned oil and gas wells are leaking more methane than previously believed, with U.S. wells contributing up to 20 percent of annual methane emissions.

Not least is the cement industry. Cement is heavily used throughout the global construction industry, and accounts for around eight percent of carbon dioxide emissions.

Natural Climate Change

Granted, natural climate change exists as well, and can be traced throughout history, from solar radiation triggering the Ice Ages to the asteroid strike that rapidly raised global temperatures and eliminated dinosaurs and many other species in the process. Other sources of natural climate change impacts include volcano eruptions, ocean currents and orbital changes, but these sources generally have smaller and shorter-term environmental impacts.

How We Can Combat Climate Change

Participant holding a sign at the climate march on Sept. 20, 2020, in Manhattan. A coalition of climate, Indigenous and racial justice groups gathered at Columbus Circle to kick off Climate Week with the Climate Justice Through Racial Justice march. Erik McGregor / LightRocket / Getty Images

While the latest studies and numbers can often feel discouraging about societys ability to prevent the worst-case climate scenarios from happening, theres still time to take action.

As a Society

In 2015 at COP 21 in Paris, 197 countries came together to sign the Paris Agreement, an international climate change treaty agreeing to limit global warming in this century to two degrees Celsius, and ideally 1.5 degrees Celsius, compared to pre-industrial levels; its believed that the planet has warmed one degree Celsius since 1750. Studies show that staying within the two-degree range will prevent the worst-case climate scenarios from happening. Achieving this goal requires participating parties to drastically slash greenhouse gas emissions sooner rather than later. However, there have already been numerous setbacks since then, from former U.S. President Donald Trump withdrawing from the Paris Agreement in 2020 to world leaders, such as China, the worlds biggest polluter, failing to enact aggressive climate action plans. Yet many of the treaty participants have been slow to implement changes, putting the world on track to hit 3.2 degrees Celsius by the end of the 21st century even if the initial goals are met. However, its worth noting that U.S. President Joe Biden rejoined the Paris Agreement in 2021, and pledged to cut greenhouse gases in half by 2030.

Then theres the Montreal Protocol, a 1987 global agreement to phase out ozone-depleting substances such as chlorofluorocarbons, chemicals that were commonly used in air-conditioning, refrigeration and aerosols. Recent studies show that parts of the ozone are recovering, proving that a unified commitment to combatting climate change issues does make a difference.

On a smaller scale, carbon offset initiatives allow companies and individuals to invest in environmental programs that offset the amount of carbon thats produced through work or lifestyle. For example, major companies (and carbon emitters) such as United Airlines and Shell have pledged to achieve net-zero carbon emissions in part by participating in carbon offset programs that remove carbon from the atmosphere. The problem is that these companies are still producing high levels of fossil fuel emissions.

While individuals can make a small impact through carbon offsets, the greater responsibility lies with carbon-emitting corporations to find and implement greener energy alternatives. This translates to car companies producing electric instead of gas vehicles or airlines exploring alternative fuel sources. It also requires major companies to rely more on solar and wind energy for their energy needs.

In Our Own Lives

While its up to corporations to do the heavy lifting of carbon reduction, that doesnt mean individuals cant make a difference. Adopting a vegan lifestyle, using public transportation, switching to an electric car and becoming a more conscious consumer are all ways to help combat climate change.

Veganism

Consuming meat relies on clearing land for crops and animals, while raising and killing livestock contributes to about 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions, according to the UNs Food and Agricultural Organization. By comparison, choosing a plant-based diet could reduce greenhouse gas footprints by as much as 70 percent, especially when choosing local produce and products.

Public Transportation

Riding public trains, subways, buses, trams, ferries and other types of public transportation is another easy way to lower your carbon footprint, considering that gas-powered vehicles contribute 95 percent of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions.

Electric Vehicles

Electric cars and trucks have come down in price as more manufacturers enter the field, and these produce far lower emissions than their gas counterparts. Hybrid vehicles are another good alternative for lowering individual emission contributions.

Conscious Consumption

Buying locally produced food and items is another way to maintain a lower carbon footprint, as the products arent shipped or driven long distances. Supporting small companies that are committed to sustainability is another option, especially when it comes to clothes. Fast fashion has become a popular option thanks to its price point, but often comes at the expense of the environment and can involve unethical overseas labor practices. Not least, plastic saturates every corner of the consumer market, but its possible to find non-plastic alternatives with a little research, from reusable produce bags to baby bottles.

Climate Activism

Those interested in becoming even more involved can join local climate action organizations. Popular groups include the Sunrise Movement, Fridays for Future, Greenpeace and the Sierra Club, to name a few. Voting, volunteering, calling local representatives and participating in climate marches are additional ways to raise your voice.

Takeaway

Its taken centuries to reach a climate tipping point, with just a matter of decades left to prevent the worst-case climate scenarios from happening. But theres still hope of controlling a warming climate as long as individuals, companies and nations make an immediate concerted effort to lower greenhouse gas emissions. As the world already experienced with the COVID-19 pandemic, a rapid unified response can make all the difference.

Meredith Rosenberg is a senior editor at EcoWatch. She holds a Masters from the Newmark Graduate School of Journalism in NYC and a B.A. from Temple University in Philadelphia.
My leg was so badly broken, they thought I might lose it, Finnish free diver Johanna Nordblad says in a soothing voice in the opening of a stunning short documentary from British director Ian Derry.

After a terrible downhill biking accident in which Norblad nearly lost her leg to necrosis, she began a cold water treatment of free diving under the Arctic ice that changed her life and saved her leg.

Screenshot from short film / Vimeo

At first, I did not like itthe cold was agony, she says in the short film. But slowly, I got used to the feeling.

In March 2015, Norblad set the Guinness World Record after completing a 164-foot free dive horizontally under the ice wearing only a swimsuit and a mask at Lake Paijanne in Finland.

Derry told Nowness, he found out about Nordblad from her sister who is a photographer and when he met her and went to the locationwhich at that point was -24Che knew he had to make the film.

The environment and the silence there is something I will never forget, he said.

Underneath that locationa remote spot in the Arctic landscapeis what Nordblad describes as a different world, a world so peaceful, so beautiful, endless and desolate where with one breath, Im part of it.

Watch here:

[vimeo https://vimeo.com/181027959 expand=1]
By Steve Horn

After Kenneth Bone asked a question about energy to presidential nominees Donald Trump and Secretary Hillary Clinton at the presidential town hall debate on Oct. 9, he quickly became a viral internet sensation.

That evening at Washington University in St. Louis, Bone asked, What step will your energy policy take to meet our energy needs while at the same time remaining environmentally friendly and minimizing job loss for fossil power plant workers?

Trump responded by touting clean coal and bashing what he described as President Barack Obamas war on energy. Sec. Clinton responded by promoting hydraulic fracturing (fracking) for oil and gas as a bridge to renewable fuels while also citing climate change as a serious problem and that she wants to make sure we dont leave people behind.

Lost in the shuffle of the viral memes, internet jokes and a Facebook fan page is a basic question: Who is Ken Bone and what does he do for a living?

does not get intoa similar process for which weve been using for many cyclesto identify individuals that are non-committed. The official also said identifying the line of work for the person who stands up and asks a question at town hall debates is not something the CPD has ever done.

Memoranda of Understanding

Leaked Memoranda of Understanding from previous presidential debates offer some clues as to how questioners are selected. The Memoranda are the agreements designed by the two major party campaigns each election season which govern the format and rules of the debates. While typically not released to the public, they were leaked to the press in both 2004 and 2012.

Both documents describe a nearly identical selection process.

Gallup is first tasked with finding a nationally demographically representative group of voters using a methodology which must be approved by both campaigns. Once selected, audience members then submit their written questions to the moderator, who makes sure the questions are roughly divided between foreign policy and national security on the one hand, and domestic and economic policy on the other. The moderator is also tasked with removing any questions they find inappropriate.

Finally, the moderator must then come up with a process fulfilling the paradoxical task of both randomly selecting questions and making sure they cover a wide range of issues of major public interest. The candidates must approve this process as well.

While its not clear if the candidates did or did not sign a written agreement this year, the two campaigns did negotiate the debate rules and it would not be surprising if they followed a similar process in earlier debates. Janet Brown, executive director of the CPD, told CNN that the moderators would select around eight audience members from a crowd of 40 to ask questions with the goal of maximizing the number of topics covered, suggesting the process is little changed from previous years.

ABC Newswhose reporter Martha Raddatz co-moderated the debate alongside Anderson Cooperdeferred a query about how those who ask questions at debates are vetted to the Commissions on President Debates and Gallup. CNN did not respond to a request for comment.

Additional reporting by Branko Marcetic. Reposted with permission from our media associate DeSmogBlog.
President Obama and leaders from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden agreed on Friday that all future commercial activity in the Arctic will adhere to strict environmental standards and climate goals.

The flags of the United States, Denmark, Iceland, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Photo credit: WWF U.S. / Nicky Sundt

This will include oil and gas drilling and is similar to the agreement signed by the U.S. and Canada earlier this year. Denmark and the U.S. also announced a partnership to develop offshore wind.

Heres an excerpt from the U.S.-Nordic leaders joint statement:

The leaders recognize that climate change is one of the foremost challenges the world is facing. No effort should be spared in making concrete progress domestically and abroad over the coming decades by shifting to low carbon economies and creating more resilient communities. The United States and the Nordic countries acknowledge the foundational role energy plays in our economies and that energy security is key for overall security.

Building on a history of collaboration, the United States and the Nordic countries commit to strengthening European energy security and to join and implement the Paris Agreement, accelerate the transition to a clean energy future, strengthen adaptation efforts, especially in developing countries, protect and restore forests, and continue to take science-based steps to protect the Arctic and its peoples.

The United States, the Kingdom of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden affirm our commitment to safeguarding the Arctic environment while providing enhanced opportunities for sustainable development for all inhabitants of the Arctic, including indigenous peoples.

The Arctic is rapidly changing and attracting global attention. It is a globally unique region that provides livelihoods for its inhabitants, but is also one of the most vulnerable regions to climate change. Rich with opportunities for transport, tourism, energy, and innovation, the Arctic is characterized by close cooperation on a broad range of issues between the United States and the Nordic Countries, together with our Arctic partners Canada and Russia. Continuing to keep the Arctic region a zone of peace and stability is at the heart of our efforts. We reaffirm the importance of maintaining the Arctic region based on universally recognized principles of international law including those reflected in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

The Arctic Council celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, reaffirming its commitment to cooperation and coordination on matters of common interest among the Arctic States and indigenous peoples of the region. As the preeminent high-level forum among the Arctic States, the Arctic Council has proven instrumental in addressing new challenges and opportunities, while retaining a core focus on environmental protection and sustainable development.

The United States and Nordic countries will continue to work actively in the Arctic Council to ensure progress on shared priorities. The work of the current U.S. chairmanship and subsequent Finnish and Icelandic chairmanships will be closely coordinated to ensure effective progress on these priorities.

We will strengthen our work, both within the Arctic and globally, to address the environmental challenges facing the region. We remain committed to managing the region with an ecosystem-based approach, which balances conservation and sustainable use of the environment. We are committed to the pursuit of international and national climate change goals. We will work towards the highest global standards, best international practice, and a precautionary approach, when considering new and existing commercial activities in the Arctic, including oil and gas operations.

The United States and the Nordic countries are committed to recognizing the rights of the indigenous and local peoples and we reaffirm our commitment to the unique role played by Arctic indigenous and local communities and their traditional and local knowledge.

We will advance scientifically based protection and conservation of areas of ecologically important marine, terrestrial and freshwater habitats, taking into account ecological resilience in a changing climate and national and global climate and environmental goals. We are dedicated to promote the active involvement of the people of the Arctic in the management and sustainable use of protected areas.

We are committed to deepen the knowledge and understanding of the Arctic, both inside and outside the region, to strengthen Arctic research and transdisciplinary science, and to encourage cooperation between higher education institutions and society as well as synergies between science and traditional and local knowledge. The Nordic countries welcome the White House Arctic Science Ministerial.

For a deeper dive: E&E News, Washington Post, AP, The Hill, Morning Consult, Reuters

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Caught live on video, an 18-year old male driver plowed his pickup into a crowd of about 40 Native American protestors in Reno following an angry exchange of words. One woman was hospitalized. Quanah Brighten, executive director of United Native Americans Inc., called it a hate crime.

An 18-year old male driver plowed his pickup into a crowd of about 40 Native American protestors in Reno.

At about 6:40 p.m. Monday, the pickup truck approached the intersection where demonstrators had gathered under the Reno Arch. On video, the truck can be heard revving its engine. Witnesses said they heard racial slurs from the male driver and his 17-year old female companion. Angry words were exchanged. Then, suddenly, the man roared into the crowd. The entire horrific event was broadcast live on Facebook.

[facebook https://www.facebook.com/100010016970938/videos/349103885433508/ expand=1]

Five people were hurt, including Kitty Colbert, 59, of Carson City, Nevada, who was taken to the hospital with injuries that were described as non-life threatening. According to the Reno Police Department, four others were treated on the scene for minor injuries. He could have killed me, Colbert says on the video.

[facebook https://www.facebook.com/quanah.brightman/videos/10154091598832582/ expand=1]

It could have been far worse. I heard the driver ask one of the protesters, Do you want me to kill your homies? and that really set everybody off, Wayman told AP on Tuesday. This is a hate crime, Brightman told the Reno Gazette-Journal.

Some say a hate crime was committed in Reno on Monday when a truck plowed through Columbus Day protest https://t.co/V3flRhU8HT  Yahoo News (@YahooNews) October 11, 2016

The driver stopped his vehicle several blocks from the scene and called police. The two occupants of the vehicle have been questioned, but no arrests have been made.

Reno Mayor Hillary Schieve said in a statement Tuesday:

This incident is troublesome and saddens us deeply. I take these matters very seriously, and I believe they must be investigated thoroughly and promptly. Public safety is our highest priority, and I want all Reno residents to know that we are working swiftly and diligently to make sense of the events that took place last night. Please be advised that the Reno Police Department will hold anyone responsible accountable for their actions once the investigation has concluded.

Activists exchange words with occupants of pickup truck moments before it drove into the crowd. Louis Magriel

They sort of arrived with an antagonistic behavior, said Martin Christian, an eyewitness.

They were saying derogatory remarks against Native American people, another witness said.

The event had been organized by the American Indian Movement of Northern Nevada in support of the Standing Rock action against the Dakota Access Pipeline and in protest of Columbus Day.

I respect an individual or groups right to conduct lawful protest, and encourage people to express their First Amendment rights, Mayor Schieve said. The demonstration was one of many held on Monday as support grows for Indigenous Peoples Day to replace Columbus Day.
By Gary Wockner and Lydia Bleifuss

Hydropower, falsely sold to the public as a source of green or clean energy, is expanding at an alarming rate in many of South Americas beautiful and ecologically pristine rivers.

In line with a global trend, many South American governmentsbacked by multi-national hydropower corporations, international financiers and profit-motivated corruptioncontinue to endorse hydropower developments as renewable sources of energy despite public opposition and dramatic negative environmental impacts.

Hydropower destroys rivers, often forces the relocation of local communities, increases the spread of vector-borne diseases, and disrupts local cultures and ecologies that have evolved together for thousands of years. Perhaps even worse, methane emissions from hydropower reservoirs are making climate change worse.

Here are seven incredible rivers flowing through South America that are currently threatened:

1. The Beni River

Beni River, Bolivia. Havelock13 / Deviant Art

The Beni River in Bolivia is a tributary to the Madre de Dios which flows into the Amazon. The Beni is threatened by the proposed Bala Hydropower Plant, which would be constructed in the Bala Gorge. The reservoir would flood up to 2,000 square kilometers, including a great portion of the Madidi National Park, jeopardizing tropical forests and biodiversity. Like many hydro developments in South America, the Balas electricity production estimations are based off of limited hydrological data and accuracy is unreliable.

2. The Jondachi River

Jondachi River, Ecuador. Abraham Herrera

The Jondachi River in Ecuador is a tributary of the Napo Basin which flows into the Amazon. The La Merced de Jondachi hydroelectric project would divert the majority of the rivers water, which provides world renowned whitewater paddling. Although Ecuador seeks energy independence, development of the Jondachi has been met with fervent resistance from organizations like Ecuadorian Rivers Institute. The massive hydroelectric dam would cause a dramatic decline in the local eco-tourism industry, in addition to ecological degradation, both of which contradict the developers clean and sustainable energy platform.

3. The Maipo River

Maipo River, Chile. Paulo Urrutia

The Maipo River in Chile, a whitewater destination and also Santiagos main source of drinking water, is threatened by an internationally financed hydropower tunneling system that is siphoning away the majority of the water of its tributariesthe Volcan, Yeso and Colorado rivers. The hydropower project has met sustained local opposition because it would cause drastic ecological shifts in the valley and has already caused groundwater contamination due to tunnel construction. The proposed electricity production is compromised by drought in the region and isnt reliable. Further, the electricity would be largely funneled to the private mining industry or exported to Argentina for profit.

4. The Maranon River

Maranon River, Peru. Gary Wockner

The Maranon River in Peru is the Amazon Rivers largest tributary. On the grounds of national interest, the construction of approximately twenty internationally financed dams have been proposed. Four projects are currently in the permitting process, although none have begun construction. The projectswhich would devastate the rivers ecological health, fragment nutrient flow and flood local communitiesare meeting increasing local, national and international opposition.

5. The Nuble River

Nuble River, Chile. Paulo Urrutia

The Nuble River of Chile runs through the Bio Bio Region and is currently slated for two hydropower projects. While the Chilean government claims the electricity is needed for public use, private mining corporations appear to be the biggest supporters of the projects. Beyond the The Nubles amazing scenery and sections of class III/IV whitewater opportunities are jeopardized, as are local farms that would be drowned. While some nearby agricultural communities once recognized the benefits of increased irrigation access the reservoir would provide, the realities of human relocation and an overwhelming focus upon energy production have generated increasing resistance to the developments.

6. The Quijos River

Quijos River, Ecuador. Abraham Herrera

The Quijos River in Ecuador is a tributary of the larger Napo Basin. While one dam already exists on this river (named Coca Codo Sinclair HPP), several others are proposed that would slice this once wild and pristine river into an eviscerated tunnel and reservoir plumbing system. The government of Ecuador is endorsing these nationally and internationally financed projects, claiming they will provide clean and sustainable hydropower, while disregarding the unavoidable environmental degradation and negative social implications that have already started to take hold.

7. The Rocin River

Rocin River, Chile.

The Rocin River in Chile flows from the Andes in the Valparaiso Region. Northern Chile holds some of the largest copper deposits and thus mines, in South America. The privately funded and legally approved hydropower project planned for this river would provide electricity to those mines, which are also held by private companies. Due to the remoteness of the Rocin, relatively little attention has been focused on the development despite local community concerns regarding water access for agriculture and also contamination of both surface and groundwater from mining activities.

Almost all of these seven proposed hydropower projects in South America are being pushed forward to create electricity to be sent to private mining corporations or exported to nearby countries for profit. In most cases, the negative human and environmental consequences are being glossed over, and the Environmental Impact Assessments required by governments lack scientific rigor and integrity. Government corruption may also be playing a role as hydroelectric companies are rarely held accountable in permitting processes nor are they required to strictly follow national environmental laws.

Most projects are marketed to the public as green energy. In South Americas tropical Amazon Basin, for example, methane emitting hydropower reservoirs have been measured to be bigger greenhouse gas polluters than coal-fired power plants of equivalent electricity production. International financial institutions and hydroelectric corporations that fund these projects are distanced from the problems they create, while they continue to push hydro development forward under the guise of clean energy mandates that resulted from COP21, the 2016 Paris climate agreement.

Layers of different preservation strategies are needed to guarantee any rivers safety in South America, and fortunately there are groups who are working on creating and maintaining them. However, these river-protection movements are often isolated from each other and lack funding to help connect and promote their effectiveness. The seven cases above are but a sliver of the threats to South Americasas well as the worldsmagnificent rivers. These threats are constantly expanding and shifting, and demand an urgent global response.
The race to build the

worlds largest solar power plant is heating up. California-based energy company SolarReserve announced plans for a massive concentrated solar power (CSP) plant in Nevada that claims to be the largest of its kind once built.

The 110 MW Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Plant near Tonopah, Nevada was the first utility-scale facility in the world to feature advanced molten salt power tower technology. The developer wants to build 10 more of these at an undisclosed location in Nevada. SolarReserve

SolarReserve CEO Kevin Smith told the

Las Vegas Review-Journal that the $5 billion endeavor would generate between 1,500 and 2,000 megawatts of power, enough to power about 1 million homes. That amount of power is as much as a nuclear power plant, or the 2,000-megawatt

Hoover Dam and far bigger than any other existing solar facility on Earth, the Review-Journal pointed out.

Its a big project, Smith told the publication. Its an ambitious project.

The $5B Sandstone project would create enough energy for 1 million homes https://t.co/0OBKK8mq3F  Las Vegas Review-Journal (@reviewjournal) October 12, 2016

SolarReserves Sandstone project involves at least 100,000 mirrored heliostats that capture the suns rays and concentrates it onto 10 towers equipped with a molten salt energy storage system. The molten salt, heated to more than 1,000 degrees, then boils water and creates a steam turbine that can drive generators 24/7.

Compared to photovoltaic arrays, the appeal of CSP systems is that solar power can be used after sunset.

Its really the ability to provide renewable energy thats available on demand 24 hours a day, Smith told NPR.

SolarReserve already operates a CSP plant near Tonopah, a revolutionary 110-megawatt Crescent Dunes Solar Energy Plant thats now

powering Nevada homes. The company says on its website that this completely emission free CSP plant runs without the requirement for natural gas or oil back up.

Energy storage provides a firm, reliable electricity product on-demand, day and night, SolarReserve says, adding that the plant helps meet growing demand for clean, renewable energy sources.

Smith told the Review-Journal that Sandstone construction probably wont begin for another two or three years. Once construction begins, Smith estimated the project should create about 3,000 jobs for about seven years.

He said the company will also have to build a new transmission infrastructure to carry the energy to market, and the generated power will likely will be exported to the California market.

SolarReserve is narrowing down project sites for its 6,500-hectare project. Smith said two potential sites on federal land in Nye County have been shortlisted. However, as NPR reported, environmentalists such as Solar Done Rights Janine Blaeloch are concerned about the environmental impact of such a project.

It transforms habitats and public lands into permanent industrial zones, she told the radio station.

Listen here:
(Photo: REUTERS / Mohammed Abdullah)A man carries an injured child after what activists claim was a car explosion in a market in Douma in the eastern al-Ghouta, near Damascus June 28, 2014. Dozens of people were wounded when a car bomb exploded in the Syrian town of Douma, northeast of the capital Damascus, on Saturday, local activists and a monitoring group said.

Pope Francis has renewed his appeal for peace in Syria while addressing pilgrims and tourists in St. Peter's Square for his weekly Wednesday General Audience as the United States and Russian said they would resume peace negotiations at the weekend.

"I want to emphasize and reiterate my solidarity with all victims of inhuman conflict in Syria," said Francis.

"It is with a sense of urgency that I renew my appeal, begging, with all my strength, those responsible, that steps be taken toward an immediate ceasefire, one imposed and respected at least for the time necessary to allow the evacuation of civilians, especially children, who are still trapped under cruel bombardment."

Russian-led airstrikes resumed this week, concentrating on targets within the besieged city of Aleppo, once Syria's biggest.

At least 25 people are reported to have died, including children and 45 were wounded.

The bombardments follow a temporary lull called by the Syrian government, in part to allow civilians to leave rebel-held areas in the east of the city.

The mayor of Aleppo, Brita Haj Hassan, lambasted the international community for failing to halt government and Russian airstrikes on the city, Sky News reports.

His criticism followed a U.N. warning that Aleppo could be completely destroyed before Christmas if the onslaught continues.

Hassan told Sky News: "We consider the international community as partners in these war crimes...There is a holocaust going on in Aleppo right now. Aleppo is burning and the international community is just watching and doing nothing."

The U.S and Russia announced that they will resume talks on Syria, which broke down earlier this month, the BBC reported.

The United States broke off negotiations with Russia nine days ago with extreme tension arsing over a failure to secure a truce.

Russia's Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is to meet his U.S, counterpart John Kerry and other key regional powers probably in Lausanne Switzerland on Oct. 16.

The announcement followed two days of renewed air strikes on Aleppo in which at least 75 people were killed.

The U.S. State Department said Kerry will discuss a "multilateral approach" to ending the crisis, "including a sustained cessation of violence and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries."

Key regional powers, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Iran are expected to attend the talks in Lausanne.
More than 5,000 new student places will be created for Melbourne families, with a further three new primary schools and a high school to be built in the inner city.Victorias Education Minister, James Merlino, said the new schools  three primary schools and one high school  would meet the need of rising student enrolments and maintain Melbourne as one of the worlds most liveable cities.Melbourne is one of the worlds most liveable cities and we are making sure it remains that way by building new schools and upgrading existing schools for families in the inner city, Merlino said in a statement.The states government will build a new primary school at Docklands, with work to start immediately on acquiring the site. Planning will also start on a new primary and secondary school at Fishermans Bend and a new primary school at North Melbourne.As Victorias population booms, the state is expected to welcome more than 90,000 students over the next five years.Member for Albert Park, Martin Foley, said the investment means the state will meet the growth in its existing communities and make access to education easier to families.The development comes as Victoria prepares to open its first vertical school  South Melbourne Primary School  which will open in 2018 and accommodate 525 students.Richard Leonard, a director of the firm that designed the school, Hayball architecture, told The Educator that through catering to the needs of the wider community, such facilities turbo-charge the discussion around how schools can become more contemporary and community-engaged models.With Victoria facing a schools shortage and inner-city suburbs growing in density, its become increasingly critical that new schools offer as much as possible to not only local students, but also to local communities, Leonard said.This is a coalescing of the densification of Australias cities combined with the rethinking of education models, as well as the model of schools. Its very exciting.
Teachers union and school officials in the Buffalo, N.Y., district are hoping to hammer out a new labor agreement to replace one that expired a dozen years ago.

A new pact would bring an end to one of the longest-running labor impasses in recent memory between a school district and a teachers union in New York state, where public employees, including teachers, are legally barred from going on strike. It would also likely soften residual acrimony stemming from a wage freeze that ended in 2007.

Though concerns about a possible strike have grown, both the Buffalo Teachers Federation and district officials are optimistic they can reach a deal this fall without teachers walking off the job as they did in 2000.

We are going to do our best, said Philip Rumore, the union president, adding that he is aiming to take a new proposal to his roughly 3,600 members on Oct. 17. I think the superintendent wants to settle this. I want to settle this. I think they realize that the teachers are angry.

Talks broke down last month when Rumore walked away from a district proposal he called insulting. But last week, Kriner Cash, the superintendent of the 32,000-student district, called Rumore to restart discussions.

The union and district remain divided on a number of issues, including wage increases, extending the school day, and health-care contributions.

The district proposed a 10 percent increase in the salary schedule once the contract is approved and a 3 percent increase in 2017-18.

The union wants a larger bump, arguing that districts proposed hike would still leave Buffalo teachers among the lowest paid in Erie County. The union also wants more money to go to veteran teachers and is not in favor of extending the school day, unless the added time includes professional development for teachers.

The district also proposed that teachers pay 10 percent of their health-insurance premiums, which the district picks up in full now.

The union doesnt object to its members chipping in toward premiums, but balks at the use of a fixed percentage to determine the amount.

The district has also proposed removing seniority as a determining factor in staffing decisions.

Nathaniel Kuzma, the deputy general counsel for Buffalo schools, said the districts offer was fair, competitive, and generous. The district has also said its proposal would have a less severe impact on the districts $191 million surplus fund than would the unions requests.

We are not operating under that timeline, Kuzma said of the unions planned Oct. 17 meeting. But our intention is to try to reach an agreement that is beneficial to teachers, as well as students and the community at large, as quickly as we possibly can.
Republican Gov. Sam Brownback, known for his famous 2012 experiment to slash away at taxes, said Kansas would have to raise taxes if it loses an education funding fight in the state supreme court.

The court heard oral arguments last month in Gannon v. Kansas, in which four of the states poorest districts argue that Kansas doesnt adequately support their school systems. Based on several studies, the districts argue that they need $800 million to $900 million more from the state in order to provide students with the services necessary to meet the states academic standards.

Youd have to look at major tax increases to do that, Brownback told The Wichita Eagle late last month.

After a series of income-tax cuts in 2012 and 2013reductions Brownback pushed forthe state has fallen far short of its revenue projections. It faces a $45 million budget shortfall in October alone, according to local reports.

The Sunflower State lost a separate part of the school funding case dealing with equity earlier this year and was ordered to provide its poor districts with $38 million more. The state answered that ruling by taking money from other state agencies and handing it to poorer districts. The state spends around $6 billion a year on K-12 education.

If Kansas loses the other part of the case, the adequacy ruling, it would require the state to provide more money to all its districts. The justices are expected to issue a ruling in late November, after Election Day. At least five of the justices are up for re-election.

Kansas supreme court justices last week expressed deep concern with the amount of money the state has provided its public school districts, as the state sought to challenge a lower-court decision that found the states funding system inadequate, according to the Associated Press.

Funding and Test Scores

During the hearing that took place in September, the plaintiffs used the states learning standards and test scores to show judges that budget cuts have directly affected academic results.

Thats a legal maneuver used by a growing number of lawyers for districts across the country with overwhelmingly large populations of black, Hispanic, and poor students.While the argument got mixed results before 2001, the No Child Left Behind Act provided district lawyers with reams of test-score data. Separately, state legislatures in recent decades adopted statewide academic standardsin Kansas, they are known as the Rose Standards. In essence, states are being beaten with their own weapons.

Kansas Solicitor General Stephen McAllister told justices during the equity hearing that there is not necessarily a correlation between test scores and funding and that perfection shouldnt be the goal, a position the justices openly scoffed at.

I dont think you really should worry about the input if the output is doing well, said McAllister.

Justice Dan Biles indicated that he may push to have the legislature provide more money only for those students whose academic struggles are significant, about a third of the states students.

Other State Action

The state also regularly cited a recent ruling out of Texas where its elected supreme-court justices said that while the states public school system was clearly in need of deep reform, it wasnt the courts role to tell the legislators how much they should spend on education.

Meanwhile, in Washington state, Democratic Gov. Jay Inslee, who is running for another term, said last week that his office has tried its hardest to respond to a state supreme court ruling there that ordered the state to provide millions more in funding. The court last year imposed a $100,000-a-day fine until the states school funding formula is overhauled.

The Washington state legislature, during its last session, approved a plan for a plan to have a new funding formula in place by next spring.

Educators have said that the governor and legislature have acted too slowly to respond to the ruling and last month asked the court to amp up its threats to get the state to move faster.

Last week, the states supreme court gave the state another legislative session to come up with a way to increase school employees salaries, a process that will likely require tax increases.

If we design our lives based on wishes, yeah, I wished that wed solved everything an hour after I took, you know, my oath of office in 2013, Inslee said, according to The Seattle Times. But these are challenging issues.
If you win $1 billion Powerball jackpot, inflation will cost you millions

The Powerball jackpot is up to $1 billion million for Wednesdays drawing, but the lump-sum payout option is less than half of it.
Steam railway returns to full timetable

The Isle of Man Steam Railway will return to its normal timetable later this week.

Train services had to be reduced last month following a series of problems which resulted in just one engine being operational.

However, the Department of Infrastructure has now confirmed that the issues have been fixed, allowing the railway to return to its original schedule from tomorrow.

Full details of the train times can be found at rail.im.
LINCOLN  Activists and Nebraska lawmakers are once again at odds over whether the state should stop beer sales on the border of a South Dakota Indian reservation where alcohol is banned.

Activists implored state senators Tuesday to close the four beer stores in Whiteclay, a town with a dozen residents that sold the equivalent of 3.5 million cans of beer last year near the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.

Lawmakers convened a hearing at the request of Sen. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln, who is looking for ways to reduce alcohol-related problems in Whiteclay. Pansing Brooks says she supports closing the stores but wants to find other solutions in case that doesn't happen.

Some senators say closing the stores isn't a realistic option because the stores could challenge the action in court.

A Sheridan County commissioner told the senators local officials need more resources to address the panhandling and decay in Whiteclay.

Jack Andersen acknowledged to lawmakers Tuesday that local officials don't have adequate law enforcement in Whiteclay. Andersen says he'd like to see a regular officer stationed in the unincorporated village with four beer stores, but he doesn't believe closing the stores will solve the problem.

Activists say closing the stores is best and most affordable solution.

Nebraska Liquor Control Commission Executive Director Hobert Rupe says he was "very surprised" to hear Andersen's statement, because inadequate law enforcement could be grounds for not renewing the stores' liquor licenses.
The Samsung Galaxy C9 features have started to be released in China amid the South Korean brand's current problems with its Galaxy Note 7 flagship.

Although Samsung is currently facing a huge problem caused by the faulty Galaxy Note 7, the South Korean company still pushed through with teasing various specs of its upcoming flagship, the Galaxy C9. The teaser for the smartphone model was posted in the brand's Weibo account in China, noted the Indian Express.

Based on the report, the Samsung Galaxy C9 will be sporting a 6GB RAM, one of the most advanced in terms of smartphones' random access memory. Aside from this, the upcoming android phone will also be backed by a 4,000 mAh battery.

Complementing the RAM size is C9's CPU, Snapdragon 625. Although this CPU is lesser than the powerful 820, Snapdragon 625 is still a good match to the 6GB RAM.

As a premium smartphone, this upcoming flagship from Samsung will be clad in metal, Phone Arena said. The C9 will also be sporting a 6-inch display, which also happens to fully support an HD resolution.

In terms of its camera, this high-end smartphone will be packed with a 16-MP photo snapper as the rear cam while the front one will also be 16 megapixels. This is good news for those who love taking selfies. By the looks of it, the teaser tagline "The next big thing is coming," suits this new Samsung flagship very well.

The leaked features of the Samsung Galaxy C9 are yet to be confirmed by the popular South Korean brand. However, such rumors usually end up being true. The launch date has not been confirmed, either. But if speculations are correct, the new Samsung model will be released in China, initially, then soon after, in the US and Europe.

Given the rumored specs of the C9, it may likely give back the much needed boost to Samsung, whose reputation has been tarnished by the defective Galaxy Note 7 model which has been totally taken out of the market all across the globe.

More information about this new Galaxy C9 as first class Samsung flagship will be made available soon.
Ever since Apple established itself firmly in the Smartphone industry, its biggest competitor had always been Samsung. Their competition has been seen going back on forth for many years now and with that competition come various other issues.

On Tuesday on the 11th of October, 2016 the Supreme court justices gathered in order to reach some kind of conclusion and verdict on the lawsuit imposed upon Samsung by Apple. The baseline of the lawsuit involves the fact that Samsung copied the basic outline shape of an Iphone into their own Samsung Galaxy s7.

According to the International Business Times, Samsung allegedly copied the basic shape of an Iphone which involves things such as a rectangular shape with rounded edges. They also copied the silver lining on the edge which was patented in the iPhone's design. Finally there was also some talk regarding how Samsung also copied the display of sixteen icons.

However, no decision has been made so far. In fact there is quite a lot of heated argument going about in this topic. For instance, Samsung representatives are trying their very hardest to reduce the $400 Million lawsuit by various means.

According to the LA Times, there have been massive arguments regarding the lawsuit and its capability. The suit is only regarding the basic exterior shape of the phones and has nothing to do with the inner features. This caused Samsung representatives to argue against Apple suing them on the full scale of the phone.

The reason for this is quite simple. They say that the shape and style of the phone has very little to do with why people buy the phone. They argue that people buy the phone because of the phone's inner features and so they cannot be sued for the entire phone's profit if only a certain aspect of it is infringing patents.

The court currently states that it will take quite a few months to reach a proper conclusion.
Annika Linck (College dEurope)

Much of the South China Sea is subject to overlapping and contradicting claims of sovereignty by China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. Different perspectives of these states lead to disagreements about the ownership of the islands, rocks as well as sovereignty over the surrounding seas and resources. Chinas activities in the South China Sea over the past few months raise tensions with the neighboring countries. But how is the European Union affected by this issue?



The dispute concerns particularly the islands in the South China Sea and it is precisely these islands of which the above listed countries claim ownership. When China started to build its military objects on these disputed islands, it was followed by an escalation of tensions. In 2014, China actually started constructing a runaway in the disputed territory, which is designed for military purposes. This runway was completed a couple of months ago and although other smaller claimant countries also have built runways on these islands, these cannot be used for military purposes due to their size. China bases its historical and legal claim to this territory on the maps that it drew itself up in 1947. In these maps, China owned 80 percent of the South China Sea, including the coveted islands.

Even though the South China Sea is geographically very distant from Europe, EU Member States are tied to this region by a close business relationship. The South China Sea is in fact of great importance for the EU since the ASEAN region is the EUs third largest trading partner after the US and China. Moreover, 50 percent of the world trade passes through this region and thus any conflict there could cause its interruption. Association of South East Asian Nations or ASEAN, which appears to be a natural partner of the European Union, also seeks stability in the region. ASEAN and the EU work closely together, but mostly bilaterally on the level of the Member States, which is not in accordance with the interests of the Union that traditionally prefers negotiations in a region-to-region format.

This disagreement divides both ASEAN and the EU into two groups. The first group of countries thinks that this dispute should not be solved by ASEAN since this issue does not affect this regional grouping as a whole, but only some of its Member States. By contrast, other group of countries agree that ASEAN as a whole should take action precisely because the interests of some of its members are at stake. Ultimately, it remains to be seen if this escalating situation in the South China Sea will cause a split between the members of ASEAN and the EU or will it be possible to overcome these disputes without the intervention of these two regional actors?

(The study can be downloaded here: https://www.coleurope.eu/news/eu-china-observer-issue-216)




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.
The European Parliament has announced the nominees for this years Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, which honors individuals and organizations who have made an exceptional contribution to the fight for human rights across the globe, drawing attention to human rights violations as well as supporting the laureates and their cause. The nominees for this years Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought are:

Can Dundarn the former editor-in-chief of Turkish daily Cumhuriyet, who was arrested last November after his newspaper reported on Turkeys intelligence service smuggling arms to rebels in Syria. Later, he was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison for revealing state secrets, survived an assassination attempt and now lives in exile.

Mustafa Dzhemilev, former chair of Mejlis of the Crimean Tatars People (Tatar parliament), a former Soviet dissident and a Ukrainian MP, has been standing up for human and minority rights for more than half a century. He was six months old when he and his family were deported to central Asia along with all other Crimean Tatars and was only able to come back 45 years later. After Russia had annexed Crimea, Mr Dzhemilev is again not allowed to enter the peninsula.

Nadia Murad Basee and Lamiya Aji Bashar are advocates for the Yazidi community and for women surviving sexual enslavement by Islamic State. They are both from Kocho, one of the villages near Sinjar, Iraq, which was taken over by Islamic State in the summer of 2014, and are among the thousands of Yazidi girls and women abducted by Islamic State militants and forced into sex slavery. Ms Murad is also a promoter for recognition of the Yazidi genocide.

Ilham Tohti, a peaceful advocate of Chinas Uyghur minority, is serving a life sentence in prison. He was convicted of charges of separatism for co-founding the website Uyghur Online, designed to promote understanding between Uyghurs and Han Chinese.
The European Union and Egypt on Tuesday (11 October) signed a 129 million package of financial aid to boost socio-economic development in Egypt. The deal was signed by Johannes Hahn, Commissioner for European Neighborhood Policy and Enlargement Negotiations on behalf of the EU and Dr. Sahar Nasr, Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation, on behalf of Egypt.

The aid package consists of six financing agreements that focus on improving the quality of life in the country by promoting inclusive economic growth, improving the living conditions in more deprived areas of Cairo and boosting citizen rights, such as gender equality. The package will also focus on the development of renewable energy and agricultural drainage as well as on the institutional support to the on-going reforms in the energy and water sectors.

At the signing ceremony in Cairo, Commissioner Hahn said that This package of financial assistance clearly underscores the European Unions strong support to the Egyptian people. It will boost socio-economic development and improve the living conditions of Egyptian citizens. In addition, it foresees measures in favor of strengthening the role of the civil society.

The EU, which has had diplomatic ties with Egypt since 1966, seeks to develop a strong relationship to the country given its geographical proximity. Brussels generally aims to support Egypts domestic and political reforms and the relationship emphasizes close cooperation in the areas of democracy, economic modernization, social reform, and migration issues. The mutual agenda is outlined in an Action Plan under the European Neighborhood Policy. Both sides are also bound by the legally binding treaty in the form of the Association Agreement, which came into effect in 2004.
Written by ACM

*Strasbourg/CoE/Angelo Marcopolo/- Replying to a Question raised by the Biggest Group of MEPs at CoE's PanEuropean Parliamentary Assembly, that of ChristianDemocrats/EPP, French President Hollande called for "Support" to all those Western Balkans "route" Countries which managed to recently Stop the Mass Migrant's "Tsunami" via Turkey (1,5 Million during 2015-2016), starting from Mid-February 2016.



FYROM's MEP Nikololoski noted the Fact that, "Unfortunately, EU Failed to Control itself all its External Borders" until now, and asked Hollande what he thinks about the supplementary role of Other European, Non-EU Member Countries, (which have notioriously Blocked any Massive irregular Tresspassing recently).



The French President, in substance, reacted Positively, by Calling Not Only to Help Strengthen the Border Checks that such Balkan route Countries (both EU and Non-EU) have notoriously set up, but also for "the EU (to) Support those Balkan Countries" which do so.



A Change in relevant EU policies Started already to become perceptible since the EU-27 Summit in Bratislava (9/2016)?. But Hollande's reply comes also Timely, at the Eve of a forthcoming EU-28 Summit in Brussels, Next Week, due to review also the overall EU's Migration Strategy.



Francois Hollande earlier met with and saluted Many People at the CoE, in Strasbourg Today, but it's not yet known if he really discussed with anyone here these issues beforehand, in the few Time that he had available in that SHort but Important visit.





(../..)





("DraftNews")





***
ESCH--SUR-ALZETTE, Luxembourg, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The human gut is a complex ecosystem: Countless bacteria colonise it and help us to digest our food. Scientists from the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) of the University of Luxembourg in collaboration with the IBBL (Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg), the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg and the Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch have developed a way to study this ecosystem - the microbiome of the gut - in unprecedented detail: Their new approach allows examination of the genetic potential of the bacteria by decoding their DNA as well as assessing their activity by sequencing RNA, the molecules that are first formed upon transcription of the DNA.

(Photo: enlace )

(Photo: enlace )

They can also identify the proteins that are subsequently synthesised which in turn then catalyse metabolic reactions. "For the first time, we can now observe what happens simultaneously at the three levels of DNA, RNA and proteins within the microbial communities of the gut," says Prof. Paul Wilmes, head of the LCSB Ecosystems Biology Group, who led the study. "This is important for us to better understand diseases such as diabetes, which the gut microbiome may have an effect on." The researchers have discovered, for example, that the composition of the gut microbiota hardly differs between patients with diabetes and healthy individuals. On the other hand, the genes which are switched on or off by the resident bacteria can be very different. The researchers publish their findings today in the renowned British journal "Nature Microbiology" (DOI: 10.1038/NMICROBIOL.2016.180).

The MUST study (Diabetes multiplex family study) focused on individuals who have already suffered from type 1 diabetes for several years, and who had provided stool samples to the IBBL - an essential partner of the study. "We studied the bacteria in the stool samples from these people," says Dr. Anna Heintz-Buschart, first author of the paper. "We also analysed stool samples from healthy close relatives of the patients with diabetes." The researchers discovered that there is much less of a difference in bacterial species composition between people with and without diabetes than had long been believed. "However," Heintz-Buschart continues, "there are clear differences in what the bacteria do."

In type 1 diabetes, these differences presumably arise when the body's immune system attacks its own insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The resulting damage can radically upset the composition of digestive juices. "The gut bacteria have to adapt to the changes in their environment," Heintz-Buschart explains. "They do this by adjusting their metabolism, or in other words they change the amounts of proteins or vitamins they produce, such as thiamine. What matters here is that a change in the body's thiamine levels can exacerbate the course of the disease." The once beneficial bacteria thus become a health risk and can worsen the sufferer's condition.

Such precise descriptions of disease-related changes in the microbiome and insights into their functional effects in the body were not possible until now, stresses Paul Wilmes: "While we had been able to determine the species composition in the gut ecosystem by conventional DNA analyses, we were in the dark as to what was actually going on there at a given point in time. To use the analogy of human society: we were able to carry out a census of different individuals without knowing what they might do as a profession. Now we know who does what and when." The breakthrough came when they combined different analytical techniques: "We looked at genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic information together for the first time, meaning we simultaneously studied the DNA, RNA and proteins of the microbiome. Thus, we are now able to study which genes are transcribed and what proteins are produced at a given point in time. This simultaneous study at the three levels gives us an entirely new picture of the functional processes occurring in the gut, for example in relation to metabolism."

The medical professionals with whom Wilmes and his team collaborated see great hope in the new research approach. This includes Prof. Dr. Carine de Beaufort, who conducts research and treats patients at the LCSB and at the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg. She was instrumental in finding families in which healthy and sick members were willing to participate in the study. "We expect these studies to help us identify biomarkers," she says. "These are molecules, such as proteins, that are produced or whose body levels change in the early stages of a diabetic condition. Such biomarkers would make diagnosis easier, so that we could already take preventive or therapeutic action at a very early stage."

In order to drive the search for these biomarkers, the study must go on, Paul Wilmes asserts. "We now wish to work together with families who have children with early forms of diabetes," he says. "For young people especially, it is important to detect indicators of the disease as early as possible. After all, the earlier doctors can intervene, the better they can assure a life with as few limitations as possible." Wilmes envisages detailed mechanistic studies that will give us a better understanding of the complex functions of the microbiome: "This way, we can learn how functional differences in, say, the biosynthesis of the vitamin thiamine by the gut microbiome relate to type 1 diabetes. Studies like MUST are crucial for this, as hypothesis generators."

The MUST project was carried out in collaboration between groups at the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, the IBBL, the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg and the Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch. The project has been initiated within the Personalised Medicine Consortium and received financial support from the IBBL and the Luxembourg National Research Fund's ATTRACT, CORE, INTER and AFR funding programmes.

Notes to the editor:

Bibliography:

Anna Heintz-Buschart, Patrick May, Cedric C. Laczny, Laura A. Lebrun, Camille Bellora, Abhimanyu Krishna, Linda Wampach, Jochen G. Schneider, Angela Hogan, Carine de Beaufort and Paul Wilmes: Integrated multi-omics of the human gut microbiome in a case study of familial type 1 diabetes. Nature Microbiology

For further information, please contact: Ass. Prof. Dr. Paul Wilmes, E. paul.wilmes@uni.lu , T. +352-46-66-44-6188





Thomas Klein

Science Editor

Communications Department

UNIVERSITE DU LUXEMBOURG

CAMPUS BELVAL

2, avenue de l'Universite

L-4365 Esch-sur-Alzette

T +352-46-66-44-5148

F +352-46-66-44-3-6114

thomas.klein@uni.lu / http://www.uni.lu

Photo:

enlace

enlace
The Houston, TX, chapter of Discovery Institutes Center for Science & Culture will host engineer-turned-molecular-biologist Douglas Axe in a series of exciting events next week centered on Dr. Axes brave and pioneering new book, Undeniable: How Biology Confirms Our Intuition That Life Is Designed. In Undeniable, Dr. Axe restores the place of intuition alongside intellect in considering the question of lifes origins.





If youre in the area, join us for one or all of the following:

On Wednesday, October 19, from 11 am to 12 pm at the Houston Baptist University convocation, Dr. Axe will give an overview of his research and conclusions. This event is free and open to the public, but general public attendees must pre-register . More information is here.

On Thursday, October 20, from 12 to 2 pm, Dr. Axe will offer a fascinating lunchtime discussion on intelligent design. A free light lunch will be served at 12 pm, followed by a presentation and Q&A session with Dr. Axe. Registration is required. The venue is the College of Biblical Studies in Houston. More information is here.

Finally, an evening event on intelligent design, Friday, October 21, from 7 to 8:30 pm, at the First Colony Bible Chapel in Sugar Land, TX. This event, too, is free but once again, space is limited and registration is required. More information is here.

See here for more information on joining the Houston Chapter of the Science & Culture Network! Were proud of you, Houston Chapter. We look forward to seeing you next week!
5 Consider the Carrier Options

Apples iPhone 7 is available to just about anyone. The smartphone is supported by all four major carriers in the United States, and customers can buy the unlocked model to put it on the network of their choosing. Google, however, has formed an exclusive partnership with Verizon, which will sell the smartphone in its stores. But, for those who dont want a Verizon-locked phone, Google is offering an unlocked version that can be used on other networks.
The VP debate and the second Presidential debate (the Town Hall) were in the past week. And they went badly for Trump. But his campaign died on Friday when the videotape emerged of him bragging about sexual assaults. Never ever in the history of politics have as many sitting Senators, Governors and members of Congress been against their own party's nominee, by Thursday. But what happened since Friday, over two dozen of those who had endorsed Trump, now un-endorsed him. His campaign is dead. Now the Republican party has started an internal 'civil war' against its own side, as a preview of the blame game. All parties are fending for themselves and Trump on Tuesday was back to fighting against his own side such as Paul Ryan and John McCain. The election is turning into the political equivalent of a massacre. With that, we still have some numbers to look at.



Its 4 weeks to election day, 28 days from today. Polling average: Hillary ahead by 4.8% right now, based on the average of the first 6 polls out after the debate. (She was at 3.7% last week, previous weeks 1.6%, 1.1%, 2.2%, 3.4%in RCP average by the 4-way polls). Hillary is at her highest level she's ever been in the 4-way polls. Trump has fallen below 40% for the first time in six weeks. It seem absolutely certain that we passed Peak Trump when he was at 41.5% two weeks ago. There are 6.7% undecided voters. If we allocate those voters proportionately, the polls tell us that the national race is at 5.1% today (was 4.0%, 1.7%, 1.1%, 2.5% and 3.7%). Thats a race now exactly as far as how Obama beat Romney in 2012 on election day. If we consider either 2012 or 2008, Hillary is ahead of where Obama was at this point in time, four weeks out. Furthermore both races 2008 and 2012 showed a race getting tighter one month out, but now for Hillary, the trend is now going in Hillary's favor (was doing that even before the sex tape). Only two of the 8 polls reflect the sex tape and none reflect the Town Hall debate.



The actual race is for the Electoral College ie 'the map'. RCP Electoral College Map (no toss-ups) shows 340 (322, 292, 294, 311, 340) EV votes for Hillary, 198 (216, 246, 244, 227 and 198) EV votes for Trump. 270 is needed to win. Since last week Ohio have flipped back to Hillary and Trump is now back to below 200 EV votes. So now against the last election (Obama-Romney 2012) Trump is up in 1 small state (Iowa) while Hillary is up in 1 medium-sized state (North Carolina).



The TV ad wars have Hillary and her SuperPAC spending 17 million dollars. Trump, his SuperPACs and the NRA are spending 14 million. Then lets look at the RCP polling in the eight states which decides the race:



Florida - Hillary leads by 2.4% (last week Hillary led by 2.8%, previous weeks Trump led by 0.5%, 0.9%, 0.2%, earlier Hillary led by 3.6%)

North Carolina - Hillary leads by 2.6% (last week Hillary led by 1.8%, Trump by 1.4%, earlier weeks Hillary by 0.6%, 0.7%, 0.3%)

Ohio - Hillary leads by 0.5 (last week Trump led by 3.8%, 2.0%, 2.0%, previously Hillary led by 1.8%, and 3.3%)

Pennsylvania - Hillary leads by 8.6% (was 2.1%, 1.8%, 6.2%, 5.8% and 6.0%)



NOTE - As Trump cannot lose more than one of the above (and that cannot be Florida) there is essentially no other path than the above four. Losing any two of them means Hillary wins. Hillary leads now in all 4. The only other state that Trump leads is Iowa which is far too small to matter now. There is no mathematical point to consider the 'alternate map' we looked at before. Unless Trump can climb back into a lead in at least 2 of the above states, we can re-introduce the other states where Trump might pick up some EV votes. If he loses any of the above, he has lost hte race and he is now behind in all. Pennsylvania is catastrophic considering there are only 4 weeks to go.



If you want to see last week's Countdown summary, its here.



I did my debate review of the Town Hall debate. Its here.



And as we crossed into the month of October, my big all-numbers blog of the Election Scorecard of 3 October is here.



Campaign Staff. We're starting to see campaign resources catalogues. Not yet a perfect picture but many of the critical states are being reported. In general terms Hillary has about three times the paid staff as the partnership of Trump and the Republican party. I've found 1,480 for Hillary in 7 states including Arizona and Georgia, and 480 corresponding Trump+GOP staff in five of the same states not any in AZ or GA. But I don't yet have the full picture. I'm working on it..



Of the Senate Race, RCP Senate Map (no toss-ups) has slipped back to a 48/52 split where the Republicans hold a majority. It was 50/50 even split last week. which goes to the Democrats as the VP gets to break ties in the Senate. (It was at 49/51 last week, 49/51, 49/51, 50/50). The Democrats now lost their pick-ups in North Carolina and Pennsylvania. They currently show pick-ups for Democrats out of Illinois, Indiana and Wisconsin, and a pick-up for Republicans out of Nevada, for a net +2 (was +4, +3, +3, +4) Senate Seats to Democrats. Those races are very close and a likely Democratic wave seems to be buildling, I would not consider this shift to be 'meaningful' in light of the big shifts in the opposite direction in the race. But lets see if the 50/50 split returns.



The House Map by RCP is also up now. Currently if the Democrats were to sweep all 15 of the 'toss up' seats for the House as well as of course winning all that RCP projects they are ahead - the Democrats would be 15 seats short of the majority in the House. If we assign the toss-ups exactly evenly, the House would remain in Republican hands by a 22 seat majority.



Of my forecast. I made a revised forecast which I published last week. I now expect the race to end up with a 13% margin for Hillary. To see the actual forecast, its here. Note that forecast was made before the notorious Trump tape.

And just as a weird plug. I put 4 of my most popular Twitter jokes onto T-shirts. If you'd like to see the jokes in one place, and/or consider buying a T-shirt, they are here.



Next major scheduled event in race is the last debate in 8 days.
Sacramento, California, October 11, 2016 - - Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Sacramento County Superior Court on behalf of Don and Brenda Garcia for the wrongful death of their daughter, Sarah M. Garcia, a 25-year-old school nurse killed in a Manteca truck accident chain reaction last year.

The lawsuit is against defendant trucking companies: Bridge Terminal Transport Services Inc.; XPO Drayage Inc. dba XPO Logistics, Flexi-Van Leasing Inc., and truck driver Mirwais Ghaus. XPO Logistics is the third largest freight brokerage firm and intermodal provider in North America and one of the world's 10 largest providers of transportation and logistics services. XPO acquired Bridge Terminal Transport just days before this tragedy. XPO Logistics has locations all over the world, including Sacramento.

According to the latest U.S. Department of Transportation report, XPO Logistics has been involved in three fatal incidents (other than this one), and 44 incidents that resulted in injuries in the past 24 months and XPO drivers have been cited 85 times for speeding, including 28 times for speeds of 11 mph, or more, above the posted speed limit.

On May 7, 2015, at approximately 7:42 a.m. Sarah Garcia was driving to her dream job as a school nurse with the Ceres Unified School District. She had left a much higher paying nursing job in a hospital, because she wanted to be where she could work with and support children in a low income community in a significant way. Ms. Garcia was driving her Toyota Corolla eastbound on State Route 120 in Manteca, in the number 2 lane approaching the Main Street exit/over crossing. About 420 feet before that exit, a Caltrans Changeable Message Sign (CMS) had been activated warning of slowing traffic ahead, due to the common slow-down at that location from exiting vehicles. Sarah slowed down as the line of vehicles in front of her slowed to a near stop.

Unfortunately, according to the Manteca truck accident lawsuit allegations, Mr. Ghaus, who was driving a Volvo Century tractor trailer on behalf of Bridge Terminal Transport, observed the CMS sign board advising of slow traffic ahead but failed to respond accordingly. Numerous witnesses reported seeing Mr. Ghaus approach the slowing traffic without braking. He struck the rear of Ms. Garcia's car and caused a chain of collisions involving several vehicles.

According to the Manteca truck accident lawsuit and law enforcement reports, Mr. Ghaus did not properly apply the brakes until after the truck had slammed into the rear of Ms. Garcia's Corolla. Sarah was pronounced dead at the scene by first responders. At least three other individuals sustained injuries in the chain reaction crash.

While in the course of his agency or employment with Bridge Terminal Transport Services, XPO Drayage and Flexi-Van Leasing, the lawsuit claims that Mr. Ghaus negligently, carelessly and recklessly operated the tractor trailer by failing to keep a proper lookout, unlawfully and unsafely failing to abide by lighted traffic controls and warnings, traveling at an unsafe speed given the conditions of the roadway and failing to maintain a safe distance from the vehicles in front of him. The lawsuit alleges that these actions directly and proximately caused the incident, injuries, and death of Ms. Garcia.

Mr. Ghaus is presently facing criminal charges for his role in this tragedy. An arraignment hearing is scheduled for October 25, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. The case is The People of the State of California vs. Mirwais Ghaus , Case No. STK-CR-FE-2015-0016516, Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin, 222 E. Weber Ave. Stockton, CA 95202, Courtroom 35, Hon. Ronald Northup.

The Garcia's attorney, Katherine Harvey-Lee of the Los Angeles-based law firm of Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman P.C., stated, "It is very unfortunate that a company like XPO Logistics, one of the top global logistics companies in the world, won't step up and take full responsibility for the harm that one of its truck drivers caused in this horrific truck crash, resulting in the tragic death of such a remarkable young woman."

About the Victim of the Manteca Truck Accident, Sarah Garcia

Sarah was born on July 1, 1989 in Walnut Creek, California to Don and Brenda Garcia, the younger sister to her brother, David. She grew up in loving and joyful home. Her father loved his daughter and treated her like a princess. Her mother taught her to be an honest and strong Christian woman.

Indeed, faith has always been an important foundation for their home and their family. The lives of the Garcia children were full of joy and a desire to be of humble service to their community and all of humanity.

Sarah's brother, David, is a member of the United States Air Force. Sarah remained close to home and her parents, bringing them the delight and comfort from a smile that could light up a roomperhaps an entire town.

Sarah had an indomitable spirit and always believed nothing was impossible through her faith and her family. While a high school guidance counselor had indicated she did not have an aptitude in the biological sciences, she ignored this opinion, graduating top of her class in this exact subject. Sarah was also a very musical person and initially thought of pursuing music as a career.

She instead became interested in nursing. Sarah loved people, and felt strongly about the need to advocate and care for the most vulnerable. As she once said in an essay for admission to Azusa Pacific University, what mattered to Sarah is that "we value and love others regardless of what they do to deserve it." Sarah wanted to make a difference in the world by caring for children because she saw them as "invaluable creations of God."

Ultimately, she was accepted by and attended Azusa Pacific University, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor's of Science Degree in Nursing, graduating second in her class.

Sarah started her nursing career in Labor and Delivery at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. However, her real passion was for helping children in the community and making a difference in the lives of children most in need. As a result, she chose to pursue a less lucrative, but much more personally satisfying, career in public health nursing.

In 2015, she accepted a job with the Ceres Unified School District. She loved helping school children through nursing. The happiness and dedication she brought to the children through her daily visits provided them with encouragement and the desire to become healthy and strong.

While at APU, Sarah met the love of her life, Greg McCarley. Both of their families were very much looking forward to a wedding and their future life together. At the time of her passing, Sarah Garcia was a loving, and affectionate daughter and sister.

About the Law Firm of Baum Hedlund Aristei & Goldman

The nationally recognized law firm of Baum, Hedlund, Aristei & Goldman is known for its dedication to clients, sincerity, and success in complex cases. Baum Hedlund has successfully recovered more than $1.5 billion on behalf of their clients for thousands of wrongful death and personal injury cases across the nation stemming from commercial transportation accidents and injuries from defective pharmaceutical drugs and devices.*

The truck crash attorneys of Baum Hedlund have extensive experience with the devastation wrought by accidents involving large commercial vehicles, and has helped hundreds of families cope with the aftermath of these tragedies. Recognizing the range of emotions that its clients go through in the wake of a trucking accident, their team of attorneys offer sincere support and guidance while pursuing answers, compensation and justice.

Baum Hedlund has litigated against some of the largest trucking and transportation companies in the country, including Allied Waste Industries, CR England, Eagle Systems, Food Express Inc., Food 4 Less, Ford Motor Co., GARDA Inc., J.B. Hunt, Kimberly-Clark, Lucky's, Roadway Express, Ryder Truck Rental, Schneider National Trucking, Swift Transportation and Tyson Foods, among others.

*Past results do not guarantee future outcomes
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SEATTLE  Officially, chef Todd Alan Martin is head line cook at Poppy, one of the most celebrated restaurants here in the Pacific Northwest, known for its creative use of local herbs and spices from chef/owner Jerry Traunfeld, a James Beard award winner.

In practice, Martin is a consulting chef, who helps in different culinary and management roles in the kitchen.

An Illinois native, he lived 10 years in North Texas, then in Seattle another 10 years and decided he wanted to cook professionally and learn about Latin American cuisines. After obtaining a certificate in 2010 in one of the first graduating classes from the Culinary Institute of America  San Antonio and working with former instructor Iliana de la Vega of El Naranjo in Austin, Martin went to Nashville and its nascent culinary scene.

In 2013, he helped found The Treehouse, which exploded onto the regional landscape and where he worked as executive chef until late last year, when he returned to Seattle.

During an interview at a coffee shop over lattes and house-carbonated water (alas, no Topo Chico here), he spoke about how San Antonio influenced his cooking and career, how the culinary scenes in San Antonio, Nashville and Seattle compare with each other and why going to hell soon will be a good thing.

More Information



Grilled Turkey in Almond-Cashew Mole See More Collapse

What did you get out of the CIA in San Antonio?

I couldnt even begin to say enough about that. It really was an amazing, life-changing experience for me. I dont go a day without thinking about it. Every teacher I had was top notch, super kind. I graduated six years ago, and I think about those people every day. I think of my classmates every day, and I keep in touch with many of them consistently.

What made you want to go into Mexican food?

When we moved to Texas, we went out with my buddy to Kermit in West Texas. Ill never forget as a 12-year-old eating a tamal. It was like Whoa! And ever since then, Mexican food was my favorite.

Any time I choose to eat out, its Mexican. What do I never get bored with? Mexican food. What am I always craving? Mexican food. So I thought, if thats what I love, I should learn to cook it. And the opportunity to go to Texas, and basically be in Mexico, was the coolest thing that ever happened to me.

When you went to Nashville, you focused on a lot of Latin American ingredients. How was it received?

Its easier to cook French food, Italian food, any kind of Asian food, anything but actual American food. A little Mexican or Peruvian, to do something different with a potato like a causa, is taboo. Its just bizarre.

The restaurant opened in October 2013. I got married on Sunday, we opened on Wednesday. I cooked my rehearsal dinner. It was an attempt at trying some of the ideas I had and then the actual wedding meal.

I was just training my staff in some of these things. Theyd never toasted chiles and pureed these things. We just taught them in three days how to do them. So we were prepping stuff for my wedding that turned into the opening menu. It was crazy. Then it was 100-hour weeks for 2 years until I cracked. Then it was Im going home.

What are you doing at Poppy?

Im lead line cook

But youre supervising.

Yeah, its weird. I do a lot of work to help them out. Im glad to only work a couple of days a week, focusing on my own project. That will likely take the better part of a year, maybe more. In the meantime, Im going to do some pop-ups across the country and spend a lot of time traveling South and Central America before I shack up at Little Hell Bar.

Will your new project, Little Hell Bar, be here in Seattle?

In Tacoma. I could have people working in the bar and be doing a nice dinner upstairs with my wife, eight to 12 people, a couple of nights a week. Its more so I can experiment and learn about the foods of the Americas.

The culinary scene in San Antonio has changed incredibly since you left in 2010.

I dont recognize it.

How would you compare the food scenes in San Antonio, Nashville and Seattle?

At the time, San Antonio was just a step behind where Nashville was starting to go. They kind of boomed at the same time. That happened a lot all over the country.

Everybody has the same problems. Cant find good help, cant keep the good help you find. It is interesting to see.

Seattle is a global food city. Theres crazy amounts of Asian food thats amazing. Theres not a lot of American, not a lot of Latin food. I didnt really expect that. In Nashville, theres none at all.

What does San Antonio have to do to get to the level of a Seattle?

Is it not already, though? People talk about the Seattle food scene, and Im here and I dont see it. My wife and I went to Portland a few weeks ago, and Im never eating out in Seattle again. The service was incredible. The food was excellent. No gripes, no picky commentary. We were very well taken care of; they were very nice to us.

Its different here. Theres more of an air about it  Im not here to take care of you; Im just here to do my job  which I dont really like. I dont see the chefs.

Here, the big names own a lot of restaurants. Theyre not the chef in the kitchen conducting the orchestra. Theyre the business. And the chef in the restaurant doesnt get the cred for doing the job because theyre not this big name. The big name isnt doing the work any more. I dont understand that. It seems the thing here is to not be in the kitchen, to be the chef and the name. Its crazy.

Is Tacoma like Brooklyn was 20 years ago?

Yes, absolutely. Theres nowhere left to go. Buy a house for $800,000 here in Seattle, $400,000 in the suburbs, or still have a city experience and buy a home in Tacoma for under $200,000.

It used to be rough. There used to be a lot of chemical plants and there were a lot of drug and crime problems. People still have this image of drugs, guns and bad smells, and its all gone and cleaned up and changing.

I think in five years its going to be a Brooklyn, its going to be huge. Theres nowhere to go. People are still moving here. Its beautiful.

With your new project, where did the name Little Hell Bar come from?

Its named after infiernillo, a (South American) technique of cooking between two fires. Well use that as a metaphor for what we do. Cooking trapped between the fires of my ambition and guests expectations.

And we can have fun with it. People can say, When I get off work, Im going straight to hell, or See you in hell. This is too much fun.

etijerina@express-news.net

@etij
AUSTIN  A 22-year-old Fort Worth man has been charged with burglary after authorities said he broke into the state Capitol and tossed a historic painting of a Civil War-era governor from the third floor of the statehouse rotunda.

Officials said Tuesday that the incident caused an estimated $10,000 damage to the painting of Gov. Fletcher Stockdale, who served in office from June to July 1865, after Confederate-period Gov. Pendleton Murrah fled to Mexico at the end of the war. Stockdale was lieutenant governor at the time.

Tanner Christian Graeber was booked into Travis County Jail on charges of burglary, a state jail felony that carries a maximum two-year sentence, and criminal mischief after being arrested at the scene early Sunday by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers.

He was released later in the day on a personal recognizance bond, jail records showed.

According to an arrest affidavit filed by authorities, Graeber was spotted climbing on construction scaffolding outside the Capitol about 3:30 a.m. Sunday.

He refused an order to come down and instead threw down a ladder before breaking a second-story window and climbing inside.

The affidavit states that troopers then spotted him on the third level of the rotunda, where portraits of all Texas governors have hung on several floors since the Victorian-era building opened in 1888.

Officials said he tossed the painting and a fire extinguisher over the rotunda railing, damaging the painting and its frame.

Painted in 1945 to correct a historical oversight in the rotunda, the portrait has been placed in storage pending the completion of a restoration assessment and plan, said Chris Currens, a spokesman for the State Preservation Board, which manages the landmark statehouse.

Officials said a security assessment also is underway to determine additional safeguards that may be necessary to protect the historic paintings. At present, they are hung on the wall in the open.

This is first time I can remember when weve had one of our artifacts intentionally damaged, Currens said.

Stockdales place in Texas history was secured when he served as a state senator before the Civil War.

As a prominent Texas lawyer, he helped lead the secessionist movement in Texas and, after being removed as lieutenant governor after the war, later returned to Austin during Reconstruction as a state senator.

mike.ward@chron.com
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Ellen Ollervidez would be the first to admit asking for forgiveness can be difficult and uncomfortable.

Its so hard to say, Im sorry,  the former educator and new director of the Holocaust Memorial Museum of San Antonio said. Yet, its so liberating.

Being on the other side of that emotional task can be just as challenging, but those basic human experiences  repentance and absolution  are at the heart of Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement and the highest of all Jewish High Holy Days.

The 10 Days of Awe opened with Rosh Hoshanah last week, kicking off year 5777 on the Jewish calendar, and they end with Yom Kippur, which started at sundown Tuesday. Its a day of fasting, though the elderly and small children are exempt, until sundown today, when Jews break their fasts with traditional foods.

Daylong solemn services feature mournful music, majestic melodies only used during the High Holy Days, and the liturgy makes references to God as parent, ruler and sovereign.

For the feast at the end, its customary to serve dairy dishes such as lox with cream cheese and bagels along with challah, blintzes and noodle kugel.

In San Antonio, even cheese enchiladas have been known to be on menus.

The spiritual obligation of Yom Kippur is far more serious than a new years resolution, Rabbi David Komerofsky of Temple Chai said. It doesnt require asking God for dispensation, but atoning directly to those one has wronged. Many Yom Kippur stories involve strained family relationships, he said.

Its a humanizing holiday, Komerofsky said. No matter how close and how fulfilling a relationship is, there are always things left unsaid and left unhealed.

Komerofsky said the alphabet of wrongdoing recited during Yom Kippur brings back memories of his childhood in Akron, Ohio. The English translation of the Hebrew prayer book listed, A for arrogance, B for bigotry, C for cynicism, D for deceit, E for egotism and F for falsehood, he said.

The future rabbi never understood X for xenophobia, however  a sin all too well-known today, Komerofsky said.

We need a reminder at Yom Kippur to welcome the stranger, he said, referring to Scripture. We must never put ourselves on a pedestal that were better than anyone else. Its an affront to God and the rest of humanity.

Memorial services on Yom Kippur may be the most well-attended. A key element of the day is its liturgical references to the Book of Life.

Even if we dont believe that God is writing things down in a book  if we live our lives with a police car in our rear-view mirror, its a reminder that our deeds follow us, Komerofsky said.

Eleanor Komet, 80, a retired clinical psychologist, said Yom Kippur provides a necessary moment in a Jews life for self-reflection and assessment.

Its the day to think about how life is going, what youre doing and what you might want to change, said Komet, wholl host 40 to 45 people in her home today. She feels lucky her life has turned out so well.

Ive been surrounded by caring people. I learned, as a psychologist, not everybody is, she said.

Komet is among the army of Jewish women whove cooked meals that close out Yom Kippur, spending several days doing it.

Its a very serious day, she said. But it ends with this lovely feast, in which youre around people you love and that you love to be around.

Yom Kippur is Marla Russells favorite Jewish holiday, which might strike some Jews as odd, given its about atonement. When she was in her 20s, the day prompted her to call an old boyfriend to apologize.

I basically said that I thought he is a great person, that our time apart was really good, that he was the right person, she said. They didnt get back together immediately, but theyve now been married for 12 years and have two children. Thats really the reason its my favorite holiday, Russell said.

Trent Boarnet, 47, a member of Temple Beth-El, hopes he wont have to ask forgiveness of anyone this Yom Kippur  or any other. He prefers not to let such burdens fester.

In my day-to-day life, he said, I apologize right away.

Ollervidez, who worships at Congregation Agudas Achim, recalls a Yom Kippur holiday that nudged her to revisit a relationship that didnt end well.

That year she thanked the person for allowing her into a beautiful family. It removed a burden.

I never had any kind of discomfort greeting that person again, Ollervidez said.

Her lighter heart also found more meaning in the traditional Hebrew greeting used during Yom Kippur, Gmar Chatimah Tova.

It wishes Jews the ultimate of rewards, May you be sealed in the Book of Life.

eayala@express-news.net

Twitter: @ElaineAyala
WASHINGTON - The Supreme Court agreed Tuesday to decide whether a U.S. Border Patrol agent can be sued for shooting and killing a Mexican teenager who was playing with friends in the concrete culvert that separates El Paso, Texas, from Juarez, Mexico.

The shooting of an unarmed 15-year-old named Sergio Hernandez provoked outrage in Mexico in 2010 and set off a prolonged legal dispute over the reach of the U.S. Constitution.

At issue is whether the Fourth Amendments ban on unreasonable seizures and the unjustified use of deadly force stops at the U.S. border or extends to border areas patrolled by U.S. agents.

Critics long have accused the Border Patrol of using lethal force with impunity, and the court could impose limits on the alleged abuses for the first time.

The appeal to the Supreme Court cited a Los Angeles Times story last year on how the Border Patrol had absolved itself and its agents in dozens of cases of lethal force.

In cases involving Guantanamo Bay prisoners, the justices ruled that the Constitutions protection for habeas corpus extended to alleged foreign terrorists who were held at the U.S. Naval Station in Cuba.

Lawyers for the parents of the slain Mexican teenager argue that the Constitutions protections against excessive force should extend to the border area where U.S. agents patrol.

Hernandez "was killed in a culvert the U.S. officials patrol and effectively control," they wrote in their appeal to the high court.

Last year, the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals tossed out the parents suit against Border Patrol agent Jesus Mesa Jr. on the grounds that Hernandez was a Mexican citizen "who was on Mexican soil at the time he was shot."

The Supreme Court weighed whether to take the case for nearly a year.

Last spring, the Justice Department urged the court to deny the appeal and argued that Mesa, the Border Patrol agent, was immune from being sued because he was doing his duty as a sworn law enforcement officer.

But on Tuesday the justices announced they would hear the case and issue a ruling in Hernandez v. Mesa.

The case stems from the summer of 2010, when Hernandez and three friends "were playing a game in which they dared each other to run up the culverts northern incline, touch the U.S. fence and then scamper back down to the bottom," the parents lawyers said in their appeal.

The boys were not trying to sneak into the U.S. and they chose a spot "in plain view" near a busy border crossing, they said.

But when Agent Mesa arrived on a bicycle, the boys ran. He drew his weapon and shot the 15-year-old in the head. They were only 60 feet apart, but Mesa was on the U.S. side of the border and the dead teenager was on the Mexican side.

The next day, the FBI released a statement saying Mesa had acted in self-defense after the boys "began to throw rocks" at him. But cellphone videos of the incident showed the boys were not throwing rocks.

The Justice Department looked into the matter but closed its investigation a year later without taking action.

Steve Shadowen, a lawyer representing the Hernandez family, said the case represents "a very fundamental principle of international human rights law and of our national law. And that is, the executive branch cannot take innocent civilian life without judicial review. Thats the very meaning of the rule of law."

Separately, the court said it would hear the governments bid to halt a long-running lawsuit against former U.S. Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft and other top officials from the George W. Bush administration over the detentions of several Muslim men after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

The Justice Department says these officials are immune from such claims, but a divided U.S. appeals court in New York said the suit may proceed.

Only six justices will hear the case. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan said they had withdrawn, apparently because they were involved with some aspect of this case in the past.

The courts ninth seat has been empty since the death of Justice Antonin Scalia in February.



Staff writer Joseph Tanfani of the Tribune Washington Bureau contributed to this report.



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Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
A record number of Bexar County residents could head to the polls this election, according to early totals from county officials.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the last day to register to vote in Texas, 1,036,610 people had signed up to vote in Bexar County, about 118,000 more registered voters than in 2012, the last presidential election.

With a few hours left to turn in voter forms, Jacquelyn Callanen, Bexar County elections administrator, expected that number could go up by at least 5,000 more.

Weve been busy, Callanen said over the phone from the election office on Frio Street. In addition to a steady stream of walk-ins, the office had as many as 50 phone calls at any given time.

I didnt expect to see this huge swell at the end of the last two days of registration, Callanen said. Thats been a pleasant surprise.

Callanen said the elections office had 500 walk-ins Monday and 1,000 walk-ins Tuesday alone. She credits the almost 13 percent increase in registered voters from 2012 to both a booming county population and the fact that this year is a non-incumbent presidential election, which also has an awful lot of interest.

The increase isnt unique to Bexar County alone. According to the secretary of states office, around 14.8 million people registered statewide by the beginning of September, up more than 1 million from about 13.6 million registered to vote in the 2008 and 2012 election cycles.

The question remains if more Texans will actually make it to the polls to cast a ballot. Voter turnout has fluctuated between 52 percent and 56 percent for the last three presidential elections, while turnout hovered between 30 and 34 percent for non-presidential years.

We just want to turn all these people who are registered into voters, Callanen said.

Those who registered on the last day can still participate in early voting, even if they dont have their voter registration card on hand. Under Texas voting law, people can bring one of seven accepted forms of identification to vote, which include a drivers license, an election identification certificate, a handgun license or a passport.

Also, after the states law was found to violate a section of the Voting Rights Act earlier this year, voters can now bring other items such as their voter registration card, an original birth certificate, a current utility bill, original bank statement or paycheck, if they couldnt get one of the preferred methods in time to vote. However, they will also have to sign a declaration that they faced an undue burden that prevented them from getting one of those accepted forms.

In Bexar County, four Texas Department of Public Safety locations will open some of its branches two Saturdays in October, Saturday Oct. 22 and 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to issue election identification certificates only for registered voters.

frahman@express-news.net

@fauzeyar
A San Antonio appeals-court judge has accepted $11,000 in campaign contributions from attorneys involved in cases pending before him over the past two years.

Jason Pulliam, who was appointed to the 4th Court of Appeals in January 2015 by former Gov. Rick Perry, accepted contributions from law firms handling three cases on which he was a member of court panels that decided the cases.

The most high-profile  and controversial  case concerned a class-action suit against Cash Biz, a payday lender often accused of predatory lending practices. Five Texas residents sued Cash Biz in 2015, alleging that the business used an illegal and dishonest business model.

At issue was Cash Bizs practice of requiring customers to submit post-dated checks when they received a loan.

According to the suit, when customers failed to completely repay their loans, Cash Biz deposited the post-dated checks, which would inevitably bounce and subject the customer to criminal prosecution. Cash Biz responded to the lawsuit by trying to compel arbitration, arguing that borrowers had signed agreements waiving their right to sue the company.

District Judge Laura Salinas ruled that Cash Biz waived its right to arbitration with its post-dated check tactic. Pulliam, however, disagreed in the majority opinion he wrote for the 4th Court panel on July 27 of this year.

Cash Bizs actions, Pulliam wrote, though presumably vindictive, do not evince a desire to achieve repayment of any loans through the criminal process.

On April 26, after oral arguments had been presented for the case, but three months before the verdict, the law firm representing Cash Biz (Coats Rose Yale Ryman & Lee, PC) made a $500 contribution to Pulliams election campaign.

Daniel Dutko, the Houston attorney representing Cash Bizs customers, said Pulliams acceptance of the contribution is shocking. Dutko, who is hoping to appeal the case to the Texas Supreme Court, harshly criticized the logic of Pulliams opinion in the case.

Its a terribly written decision, Dutko said. Basically, (Pulliam) is saying, They filed criminal charges against 1,400 people just to be mean, not to get their money back.

While Texas law does not prohibit contributions to judges from attorneys or parties involved in pending court cases, the issue is frequently cited as a major flaw with our states court system.

Texans for Public Justice, a nonpartisan watchdog group, came to this conclusion about the states appellate courts: Regardless of whether Democrats or Republicans wield a judicial majority, the popular perception that justice is for sale in Texas will persist until Texas judges stop taking campaign from donors with cases in their courts.

A similar issue contributed to the 2012 defeat of 4th Court Judge Phylis Speedlin. Campaign records revealed that Speedlin received contributions from local developers Eugene Dawson, Gene Powell, Wallace Rogers III and Lloyd Denton while they were involved in a case involving vested property rights.

Pulliam, 45, said the Cash Biz case bore no similarity to Speedlins situation, because she took money from parties in the case, while he received money from lawyers representing the parties. He added that he was unaware of the $500 donation  which appeared on his campaign finance form  until asked about it Tuesday for this column.

The ultimate result is that I always follow the law, and Ive never been overturned by a higher court, said Pulliam, a former marine who served more than four years as a county court-at-law judge.

Pulliam, a Republican, faces a general-election challenge from Irene Rios, a Democrat with 14 years of experience on the county court-at-law bench.

Pulliam also accepted $2,500 from his former employers, the Ford Murray law firm, while part of the panel that reversed part of a district-court opinion and awarded Ford Murrays client (DiAthegen, LLC) nearly $2 million. That same year, he accepted a total of $8,000 from lawyers representing both sides in a mineral-rights case (Brad Aery, Lloyd House, et al. vs. C. Clifton Hoskins, et al.).

Pulliam makes the valid point that these kinds of campaign contributions are hardly unique to him. But until this state reforms its judicial selection process, individual judges need to take it upon themselves to return any money that creates the appearance of a conflict of interest.

ggarcia@express-news.net

Twitter: @gilgamesh470
The farm demands a lot of time. This is something many family farms know and while some have come to find a balance, new challenges to the farm and the family life are always on the horizon. The University of Maine Cooperative Extension offers these tips to help you find a balance between the family and the farm.

1Talk and listen

Youve heard it time and time again  communication is key  but are you actually participating in a family conversation. Listening to other family members concerns is just as important as sharing your own. It may be necessary to carve out family meeting times to give each member a chance to express their concerns and offer solutions. Even in an informal setting, it is important to listen.

2Find family time

Between farm chores, work off of the farm, school and after-school activities; the to-do list is endless. It is important to carve out family time whether it is just a couple hours around the dinner table sharing stories about your day or planning a family game night or movie night once or twice a week.

Go on an all day (or afternoon) excursion to the local park, go out to dinner or a movie, or visit with another farm family. However you plan it, just make sure family meetings and family time are treated separately.

3The big picture

Your family and your farm are both at home, which is most likely the reason you started the family farm in the first place. In times of personal or farm crisis, your focus is likely on finding a solution or strategy to address the problem. At the same time, its important to recognize this crisis is just a snapshot within the lifespan of your farm and family. It may be tough, but the crisis will pass, and your perspective and the circumstances will change.

4

Find peace at home

While many farm families think the answer to finding peace is to get away from the farm its not always easy to escape, and you cant always get away when you need it. The key is to find peace and balance within your own home.

Source: The University of Maine Cooperative Extension, Farm and Family  Finding Balance.

(Farm and Dairy is featuring a series of 101 columns throughout the year to help young and beginning farmers master farm living. From finances to management to machinery repair and animal care, farmers do it all.)

More Farming 101 columns:
This papier-mache Halloween lantern is actually horrifying

Most jack-o'-lanterns are made from pumpkins, but this particular papier-mache pear is a unique, antique find.
There should be more focus on crop research to help increase crop yields, the NFU have said.

The call comes after its annual harvest survey revealed that yields were down across the sector compared to last year.

Both yields of wheat and barley provide a stark comparison to global production rising this year.

The oilseed rape crop area is now in its fifth year of decline and with poor yields.

"Oilseed rape is an important crop for the sector that has good demand across a wide range of products"

For arable farmers to remain competitive in the face of low prices, the NFU said crop research should have a stronger focus for British farmers to remain competitive.

"A harvest that has seen lower than average yields should leave all cereals producers concerned, as global competitors with access to new technology and innovation see yields rise," said NFU combinable crops board chairman Mike Hambly.

"It is frustrating to know that with research applied in the right way and with access to technology and innovations that competitors use to increase their production and lower their environmental impact, many more acres could be yielding three times the national average now.

"British arable farmers have faced stiff global competition for many decades but the restrictions to production in the UK and price volatility in the global marketplace is a concern."

'Should concern us all'

Mr Hambly said British farmers produce 'high-quality products' but the results from the NFU survey concerned him and 'should concern us all'.

"Volatility in price and production is becoming increasingly difficult to manage as we strive to perform to the highest standards.

The NFU warned that while prices of oilseed rape remain higher than wheat there have been five years of decline and says next years harvest may see a further year of decline.

Mr Hambly added: "Oilseed rape is an important crop for the sector that has good demand across a wide range of products including food, cosmetics, plastics, energy and animal feed.

"Farmers currently do not have the confidence to continue planting similar areas of oilseed rape, particularly in the eastern side of the country. Something is not right there.

"With a high global yield across cereals generally and supply outstripping demand the only way we are able to compete is to lower the cost of our product per tonne.

"With average yields not improving and input costs rising, farmers are planting crops now that may be sold at a loss for the fourth consecutive year.

"It should not be understated how important the cereals sector is to the economy and in providing jobs to the country.

"The future is an exciting one and the opportunity that lies ahead will allow us to continue to produce high quality food to the nation and develop the cereals sector."
Rural businesses will suffer when Britain leaves the European Union as subsidies will dry up, researchers from the London School of Economics have said.

Economists claim that the loss of agricultural subsidies looks set to have a larger impact than first thought.

Dr Mara Giua and Prof Riccardo Crescenzi said 'top-down' policies like CAP can be a more effective way of channelling resources to the most deprived areas than 'bottom-up' politics like rural development initiatives.

Prof Crescenzis analysis took account of almost 90% of the funds coming from the EU budget between 1994 and 2013.

Interest groups have called for fundamental changes to farm support spending

Rural development funding is associated with positive impacts in better-off areas but not in more disadvantaged regions.

The pair said the findings fly in the face of conventional wisdom and the general direction of EU support mechanisms.

"Providing effective support to the poorest regions is essential if the UK Government is to avoid exacerbating existing social and territorial disparities in the UK," the economists said.

Reduced funding

But they added fears that the interest groups and power sector lobbies will act to increase their funding as policies are changed after the UK leaves the EU.

Interest groups have called for fundamental changes to farm support spending.

Key commentators have speculated that funding is likely to be reduced once the Chancellor's guarantees expire.

"Farmers are the workforce that will protect and enhance our environment now and in the future," said Tim Breitmeyer, deputy president of the CLA.

He claimed that policies that support a resilient farming sector will also put farmers in a position to deliver for the environment.

"There is no binary choice between supporting a thriving farming sector and delivering the best outcomes for the environment.

"As the country prepares for Brexit it is vital that the Government commits to establishing a ring-fenced, UK-wide and world-leading Food, Farming and Environmental Policy which allows farmers and land managers to provide a wide range of environmental public goods and enhancements, alongside producing food."
The dairy industry in the UK may be declining across the country but still going strong in the South West, contributing 3.3bn to the local economy, a new report finds.

The report, published by the Rural Business School at Duchy College, said every year the region produces more than three billion litres of milk.

The pressures faced by the dairy industry were also highlighted.

The number of dairy cattle has also steadily declined in recent years

Producer numbers have fallen by over half in the last 14 years, from 5,157 in 2002 to 2,885 in 2016.

The number of dairy cattle has also steadily declined in recent years.

Researchers say this is further evidence that although the industry is in decline, the South West is one of the more robust dairy areas.

Importance to the region

Milk buyers are lagging behind in passing on the huge lifts in market prices to their suppliers

"We commissioned this piece of work to take a snapshot of the sector and show the enormous value in the supply chain and beyond that dairy farmers deliver for the economy," said Andrew Branton, chairman of the NFUs South West dairy board.

"It also highlights some of the challenges which currently face the industry.

"The presence of dairy farmers must not be taken for granted and they need to have a profitable future if we want to continue to see them generate millions of pounds for the economy.

"Aside from the economic aspect, we mustnt forget how much farmers contribute to the environment and tourism, by maintaining the countryside, and how they help sustain local communities."

Melanie Squires, regional director of the South West NFU, said the report illustrates how important dairy farmers are to the region.

"If you take into account the value added to dairy products after they leave the region the industry is worth even more than the figures we have identified," Mr Squires said.

"This underlines how important it is that the Government, Local Economic Partnerships, banks and other funding and infrastructure bodies continue to support the agricultural industry as we move towards Brexit."

'Milk buyers should be concerned'

NFU dairy board chairman Michael Oakes said that milk buyers are lagging behind in passing on the huge lifts in market prices to their suppliers.

Since May this year market indicators have started to show a massive differential between what prices dairy farmers should have got compared to what they actually did get  between June and September this adds up to around 200 million, said Mr Oakes.

Clearly milk buyers should be concerned as to where their future milk supply will come from.

"Farmers have been patient, understanding the time lag that is part of dairy trade.

"However, that reason is starting to wear thin, as we need to start considering increased costs of winter housing and feeding.

"Our message is clear  until milk buyers start backing British dairy farmers and start paying fair, sustainable milk prices, volumes will not recover.

"Dairy farmers want to produce milk and the only way milk buyers can pull the dairy sector out of this nose dive is to quickly pay them a profitable price for their milk," Mr Oakes concluded.
Dairy processors 'must take steps now' to maximise returns to dairy farmers, with deliberate delays in price improvements 'deeply unfair' to dairy farmers.

Ulster Farmers Union dairy chairman, William Irvine said that despite better markets, thanks to the weakening of sterling, most dairy farmers were still living with a milk price well below the true cost of production.

Farmers in the UK are well aware that prices for cheese, butter and milk powder have moved upwards over recent weeks, Mr Irvine said.

The unacceptable delays we are seeing in processors passing the benefits of these price gains to farmers is a source of concern and growing frustration.

Dairy commodity price increases began in late May

Indeed many farmers now feel they are being duped by processors, who have no excuse not to pay better prices, said Mr Irvine.

He added that deliberately delaying price improvements was 'deeply unfair' to farmers who have suffered over two years of poor returns.

They know from us and their own suppliers that this has had a devastating impact on many farm businesses, he said.

'Lagging well behind what market is returning'

Dairy commodity price increases began in late May.

Since then the New Zealand Fonterra (GDT) price has risen by 20 per cent and the Dutch Dairy Board (Zuivel) butter price is up a massive 60 per cent from its trough.

Despite these gains the UK average for August was just 19.77 pence per litre.

There is no question that this is lagging well behind what the market is returning, said the UFU dairy chairman.

He added that this price will not cover the debt on farms or costs as we move into the winter months.

There are more price increases to come but processors need to act more rapidly if they want to guarantee a future supply of milk, he said.
Police have issued a warning to horse owners and enthusiasts after a series of break-ins targeting North Yorkshire stables and tack rooms.

Over the last few weeks, a number of equestrian items have been stolen - including saddles, girths, bridles, breastplates and numnahs - particularly in the southern area of the borough of Harrogate.

On Saturday 17 September, a large amount of tack was stolen from a tack room near Little Ribston.

Overnight on 21/22 September, outbuildings near Kirkby Overblow were targeted, and a number of items, including tack, were stolen.

Overnight on 27/28 September, stables near Tockwith were targeted, and small items stolen. The same night, stables near Askham Richard were broken into, with damage caused and a generator stolen.

On Monday 10 October, two saddles were taken in a burglary at North Deighton.

'Ensure equipment is protected from thieves'

PC David Mackay, of North Yorkshire Polices Rural Taskforce, said: "In light of these incidents, I am urging horse owners to take immediate steps to ensure tack is protected from thieves.

"Make sure you have a record of any serial numbers, register your property, and be vigilant  report any suspicious activity to the police.

"If someone offers you second-hand tack for sale, and it seems too good to be true, consider that you might be buying stolen property.

"Check serial numbers, and if in doubt, ask the person for proof of ownership."

Free property marking sessions will be held in the near future, and people can contact the Rural Taskforce to discuss this and other crime prevention measures.

PC Hannah McPeake, who co-ordinates the Horsewatch scheme, said: Preventing crime and deterring criminals is very important, and we are encouraging all equestrian businesses and horse owners to check their yard security and think carefully about how to protect their property.

North Yorkshire Polices Rural Taskforce works proactively to increase engagement with rural communities, target criminals who offend in rural areas, and provide bespoke crime prevention advice to those at risk of criminality.
A greater proportion of the domestic wheat crop is likely to be used in the UK flour milling industry this year, according to initial results from AHDB.

AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Cereal Quality Survey has shown a proportion of nabim (the association representing UK flour millers) Group 1 varieties hitting high quality bread wheat specification.

It is the highest for 10 years, with 46% of the samples so far hitting the spec for this harvest.

James Webster, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds analyst, said: With more results now in, covering a wider area of the UK, we are beginning to get a clearer picture how the quality of this years harvest is shaping up.

More than 15,500 wheat samples had been analysed by 24 September 2016.

46% of the total samples analysed so far meet or exceed the required quality standards, which are a minimum specific weight of 76 kg/hl, Hagberg Falling Number (HFN) greater than or equal to 250 seconds and a minimum protein content of 13%.

The Hagberg Falling Number is the measure of a specific enzyme which attacks the starch molecules, breaking them down to sugars which then produce the gas giving the air pockets and good loaf structure.

Last year, only 31% of all the samples analysed met or exceeded the requirements for high-quality bread wheat, due to lower average protein levels.

UK flour milling industry

Mr Webster added: The high proportion meeting milling standards this year is likely to mean a greater proportion of the domestic crop being used in the UK flour milling industry.

However, with a lower specific weight than in the previous two years, extraction rates are likely to be lower, which could also influence the amount of wheat required.

The revised provisional average protein level for 2016 was 12.5%.

The protein level is only marginally lower than the level seen in the first release (12.6%) but still remains up on the 2015 results and three-year average.

The average HFN for all samples was 309 seconds, a decrease on the level seen in the first provisional results (319 seconds).

Even so, it remains above the level of the final results from both 2014 and 2015. In the wider context, this years HFN is one of the highest levels on record, with only five harvests since 1977 exceeding it.

Specific weight remains below the three-year average and has also decreased compared to the level seen in the first provisional release.

The overall average specific weight for 2016 is 76.7 kg/hl. The lower average level may reflect the increased proportion of nabim Group 4 samples analysed, compared to the first release.

Group 4 varieties accounted for 28% of the current sample, compared with 23% in the first release.
The implications of future trade policy scenarios for the UKs farming and horticulture industries has been examined by AHDB.

In the latest edition of AHDB's Horizon reports, the levy board explores how trade deals with the EU and the rest of the world following Brexit may impact UK agriculture and horticulture on a sector-by-sector basis.

It profiles each sectors current trading position in the global arena and highlights the opportunities and threats associated with various potential terms of trade.

AHDBs Stephen Howarth, who co-authored the report, said: The sustainability and viability of food production businesses in the UK are underpinned by its relationship with the rest of the world.

But the balance of imports and exports, as well as our levels of self-sufficiency, vary widely from sector to sector.

Weve taken a long, hard look at where those differences are and how they could be turned into an opportunity in future.

This will help farm businesses and their supply chains anticipate the impacts of trade policy better as Brexit negotiations unfold and plan accordingly.

The report covers AHDBs levy-paying sectors  dairy, beef, lamb, pork, cereals and oilseeds, potatoes and horticulture.

It also looks at poultry meat in the context of its relationship with the red meat market.

It joins the suite of Horizon publications, produced by AHDB in the wake of the EU referendum and focussing on key issues for UK agriculture and horticulture.

Mr Howarth added: Increasing productivity and profitability across the supply chain will also be critical in a post-Brexit world, especially in sectors where major global exporters are able to price more competitively.

This will help UK businesses to remain resilient if access to the UK market is opened up to a wider range of suppliers.
Hill farmers and crofters are being reminded by farming union NFU Scotland that the deadline for applications to the Scottish Upland Sheep Support Scheme (SUSSS) is Monday, 17 October.

The scheme, now entering its second year, is designed to assist active hill farmers and crofters through a payment coupled to the number of ewe hoggs they keep as breeding replacements for their flocks.

But the union is warning applicants that the Scottish governments decision not to alter scheme rules means payments are likely to fall short of predicted rates, exposing those most reliant on SUSSS.

The scheme has a fixed budget of 8 million per annum, and the payment rate will vary depending on the total number of eligible animals claimed in the scheme year.

Payment rates under year one of SUSSS were equivalent to 78 per eligible ewe hogg  well below the Scottish governments original 100 estimate - due to significantly more animals being claimed than were expected.

The union has provided the government with a list of suggested improvements to the scheme

The union has provided the government with a list of suggested improvements to the scheme.

These included a wider application period, more appropriate retention periods and linking the total number of ewe hoggs a producer can claim to a percentage of the breeding ewes they keep.

NFU Scotland believes that would avoid over claiming, but none of the suggested improvements have been taken on board.

That means SUSSS rules for its second year remain unchanged and the likelihood is that the governments estimate of the likely rate per ewe hogg, when eventually published, will be below the payment rate seen in year one.

'Must be open with industry'

Less Favoured Areas Committee Chairman Martin Kennedy, who farms in Highland Perthshire, commented: NFUS fought hard for a coupled sheep payment to be part of the new CAP schemes to ensure that Scotlands limited budget could be targeted in the best way possible at active farmers and crofters.

The rate of payment in year one was disappointing compared to what applicants had been expecting, and we believed positive tweaks could easily have been made by the government for year two that would have fine-tuned the system.

These tweaks would not only have made these precious funds more applicant friendly but also be far better targeted at those active hill sheep producers who are most reliant on the support.

With no changes to the scheme, the government must be open with industry on what the likely rates will be in year two, so applicants can plan and budget.

That said, I would still urge crofters and hill farmers eligible for SUSSS to press ahead with their application before Monday (17 October).

The funds they may receive will be a vital element of the total amount of support they will get under the CAP schemes.

SUSSS, along with Basic Payment Scheme, greening, Less Favoured Areas support and beef calf scheme payments, will assist the viability of their farm or croft, concluded Mr Kennedy.
NFU Cymru is launching its annual award to find the best livestock person working within the agricultural industry in Wales, with the award winner receiving a top prize of 300 and a Welsh Royal Crystal Trophy.

The Welsh Livestock Champion of the Year Award, now in its third year, is sponsored jointly by NFU Cymru and NFU Mutual and the award seeks to champion dedicated, committed and enthusiastic livestock persons from all across Wales.

Wyn Evans, Chairman of NFU Cymrus Livestock Board said: We want to recognise the key role a good livestock person can make to a livestock farm and to the Welsh livestock industry as a whole.

Potential award winners will be judged on how they incorporate health and safety in their day-day activities on-farm, care and management of the herd, the breeding programme, their handling skills, their involvement in the livestock enterprise, vision for the future of the industry and their knowledge of the Welsh livestock industry.

The closing date for entries is Monday, 31 October 2016 and the winner will be announced at the Royal Welsh Winter Fair, at Llanelwedd, Builth Wells on Monday, 28 November 2016.

Dai Davies OBE, Chairman of NFU Mutuals Advisory Board for Wales said: The quality of the stockmanship is a major factor in determining the success of any livestock business.

We have some superb stockpeople involved in the industry in Wales and I am confident that this will be a keenly contested competition and one which NFU Mutual is pleased to support as the leading rural insurer in Wales.
Conservative MP Zac Goldsmith has called on supermarkets to curb the use of antibiotic in farming and food.

A recent study by the University of Cambridge revealed the presence of three highly important antibiotics across British origin pig and chicken meat in major supermarkets.

This discovery along with the October revelation of MRSA on UK pork, provides evidence of the overuse of antibiotics in intensive farming, according to Mr Goldsmith.

Mr Goldsmith has called on supermarkets to dramatically curb those classified as 'critically important' to humans by the World Heath Organisation.

"I have no doubt that UK supermarkets will rise to this challenge, and will strive to ensure that the destruction of our antibiotics does not happen on their watch"

"The recent revelation of multi-drug resistant bacteria in supermarket meat lends a new urgency to the need for supermarkets to tackle antibiotic overuse in their supply chains," said Mr Goldsmith.

"The routine preventative mass medication of animals should have no place in the supply chain of any responsible retailer.

"I have no doubt that UK supermarkets will rise to this challenge, and will strive to ensure that the destruction of our antibiotics does not happen on their watch."

'Supermarkets must commit'

Following the findings, the Food Standards Agency pledged to work with supermarkets to cut farm antibiotic use.

In addition, Waitrose updated their antibiotic-use policy in September to state that they are working towards significant year on year reductions.

But it is still permitted by most UK supermarkets.

Emma Rose from the Alliance to Save our Antibiotics said: "In September this year, thousands of UK citizens called for supermarkets to ban the routine mass medication of groups of livestock and to curb use of the 'critically important' drugs.

"Now, MPs are expressing their concern around the lack of adequate supply chain policies on antibiotic-use.

"Supermarkets must commit to tackling this issue, and support farmers to reduce and improve veterinary prescribing."
Bird flu: Poultry housing order to be introduced in England
What does a more efficient Caleb Love look like for the Tar Heels?
The World Bank Group Tuesday debarred AC Boilers SpA and two affiliates for nine months for violating integrity guidelines during bids in Egypt.

An investigation by the World Bank Integrity Vice Presidency revealed that AC Boilers recklessly failed to disclose the identities and payment amounts of two local agents when bidding for a World Bank-financed contract under Egypts El Tebbin Power Project.

After the initial nine-month debarment, AC Boilers and its two affilaites  AC Boilers Egypt S.A.E. and Centro Combustione Ambiente  will also serve 15 months of conditional non-debarment.

Under conditional non-debarment, a company can work on World Bank projects if it meets certain compliance conditions. Failure to meet the conditions results in automatic debarment.

All debarred companies have to show compliance with the World Banks Integrity Guidelines (pdf) before their release from the debarment list.

AC Boilers is headquartered in Gallarate, Italy. Its the biggest Italian original-technology boiler manufacturer for steam generator technologies.

The company was formerly called Ansaldo Caldaie. Its been part of Italys Sofinter Group since 2001.

Maintaining the integrity of development projects is a shared responsibility. The World Bank is committed to managing fraud and corruption risks in projects we finance to ensure its success and that funds serve their intended beneficiaries, World Bank Integrity Vice President Leonard McCarthy said.

Tuesdays debarment was part of a Negotiated Resolution Agreement under which AC Boilers will cooperate with the World Bank Integrity Vice Presidency.

A list of all World Bank-debarred entities and individuals is here.

___

Richard L. Cassin is the publisher and editor of the FCPA Blog. Hell be the keynote speaker at the FCPA Blog NYC Conference 2016.
Pamela Anderson has called on the UK's Prime Minister to ban wild animal circuses.

Pamela Anderson posting her letter to Theresa May

The 'Baywatch' beauty - who is an active animal rights campaigner - has pleaded with Theresa May to stop "embarrassingly archaic" circus animal acts being allowed to perform, insisting they should have "no place" in modern Britain.

In a letter written on behalf of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), Pamela wrote: "One of the things that I love the most about the UK is its strong reputation as a nation that opposes cruelty to animals.

"That's why my mouth dropped when I learned that Britain still has not banned wild animals from circuses.

"With all due respect, Brexit is complicated, but kissing circus animal acts goodbye is easy as pie.

"Animal acts are embarrassingly archaic and have no place in modern Britain - or anywhere else."

The 49-year-old actress is keen to meet up with the Prime Minister to discuss the issue face-to-face.

She added: "I'm currently in the UK and would welcome the chance to meet with you about this issue."

Several other stars, including Martin Freeman and Michael Sheen, have also pleaded with the government to prohibit wild animal circus acts.

This comes after Pamela - who has two sons, Brandon, 20, and 18-year-old Dylan from her marriage to Tommy Lee - joined the fight against fish farming, urging people to choose wild salmon over farmed products.

She said: "The bottom line is that fish farms in the oceans are polluting the oceans. Please take this into your own hands and simply say no to farmed salmon.

"I learned about the fish farms and how devastating they are.

"Even my mother said, 'By eating farmed salmon, aren't I helping wild salmon?' That's a misconception."
The production company behind 'Star Wars: The Force Awakens' has been fined 1.6 million for injuring Harrison Ford.

Harrison Ford

The 74-year-old actor was badly injured filming for his role as Han Solo in the science fiction franchise at Pinewood Studios in London, England when a door on the Millennium Falcon spaceship fell open and broke his leg.

Foodles Productions pleaded guilty for breaching health and safety legislation on two counts at Milton Keynes magistrates court in July, and have now been handed the hefty fine at Aylesbury Crown Court.

Tim Galloway - the divisional director for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said in a statement: "This incident was foreseeable and preventable and could have resulted in more serious injury or even death.

The power and speed of the door was such that, had Mr Ford or anyone else had been struck on the head by the door as it closed, they might easily have been killed.

It was only the almost instantaneous actions of the prop operator in hitting the emergency stop that prevented the door from continuing to press down on Mr Ford as he lay on the floor."

During a previous court appearance, a spokesperson for HSE said upholding health and safety rules was "vital" to "protecting the reputation" of the film industry in the UK.

The source said: "The British film industry has a world-renowned reputation for making exceptional films. Managing on-set risks in a sensible and proportionate way for all actors and staff - regardless of their celebrity status - is vital to protecting both on-screen and off-screen talent, as well as protecting the reputation of the industry."

Meanwhile, Harrison previously opened up about the injury. He said at the time: "Now we had lots of money and technology and so they built a f***ing great hydraulic door which closed at light speed and somebody said, 'Ooh I wonder what this is?'

"And the door came down and hit me on my left hip because I was turned to my right. And then it flung my left leg up and it dislocated my ankle and as it drove me down to the floor, my legs slapped on the ramp up to the Millennium Falcon and broke both bones in my left leg."
Adam West thinks the modern 'Batman' movies are too "dark".

Adam West

The 88-year-old actor portrayed The Caped Crusader in the iconic 1960s ABC 'Batman' TV series and 1966's 'Batman: The Movie' and has voiced the DC Comics character in various animated projects and video games.

West's adventures as the superhero on screen are famous for their humour and camp capers, and the acting legend is always disappointed with the brooding big screen interpretations of the character which have seen Christian Bale brood in 'The Dark Knight' trilogy and Ben Affleck's battle-weary Batman in 'Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice'.

He said: "In the new movies Batman is very full of vengeance and has deep-seated angst and so on ... They're very dark."

West was speaking at New York Comic-Con to promote his new animated film 'Batman: Return Of The Caped Crusaders', for which he is reunited with Burt Ward with both actors reprising their roles as Batman and Robin.

West is hopeful that the upcoming 'Justice League' film - set in the DC Extended Universe and featuring The Caped Crusader - and Affleck's standalone 'Batman' movie will have some more humour in them.

He said: "Enough violence. Let the costume work for you. And put a little humour into it. I think it's about time to relieve that all of that kind of attitude of vengeance and 'I can't take it anymore, I'm going home and I'm going to suck my thumb.' "

West isn't the only star connected to the DC Universe to express disappointment with the tone of the new DC Comics films - made in partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures.

Margot Kidder - who played Lois Lane in the four 'Superman' films which starred Christopher Reeve - criticised 'Batman v Superman' for wasting Amy Adams' talents by giving her nothing to do as journalist Lois in the blockbuster.

Margot previously said: "They took one of the best American actresses around, Amy Adams, and didn't give her anything to do."
Justin Theroux has joined sci-fi thriller 'Mute.

Justin Theroux

The 45-year-old actor is a late arrival to the movie, on which shooting has already commenced with director Duncan Jones helming the project.

At present Theroux's role is unknown but he has been added to a cast which already includes Alexander Skarsgard and Paul Rudd.

The plot is set 40 years in the future on a rolling city of migrants and revolves around Skarsgard's barman character Leo Beiler who is unable to speak due to a childhood trauma but goes in search of a missing girl in mid-21st century Berlin.

Previously speaking his inspiration for the movie, Jones - the son the late David Bowie and Angie Bowie - revealed Sir Ridley Scott's 1982 sci-fi epic 'Blade Runner' had been a big reference point.

The 45-year-old filmmaker said: "We are going to be shooting in Berlin. During the 1970s, with so much of the city still to rebuild, a lot of futuristic architecture was put up. It goes very dark, and then it also goes very darkly funny. It's science-fiction urban, so it certainly owes some of its influence to 'Blade Runner'. But in a way, the references to 'Blade Runner' are more superficial ... Over the years I had some big, leaping ideas about what would make the film weirder and darker, So we future-fied it. It's a thriller with a very weird tone ... The two villains of the piece are what's kept me wanting to do it since day one. Those characters are unique. You have not seen a pair like this."
Duchess Catherine flew back from the Netherlands on a British Airways economy flight.

Duchess Catherine

The 34-year-old royal surprised passengers as she made her way home following her first solo engagement abroad by boarding a public aeroplane back to London's City Airport on Tuesday evening (11.10.16).

The brunette beauty was greeted with mobile phones as she took her seat at the front of the aircraft in a stylish lavender suit and sat next to her bodyguards.

A source told the MailOnline, she had "never seen so many iPhones pop up at once".

Catherine - who has Prince George, three, and 17-month-old Princess Charlotte with Prince William - was the first to exit the plane and was picked up in a car, which was waiting on the tarmac to pick her up after the 50-minute flight.

On her first royal engagement without her husband, Catherine had dinner with King Willem-Alexander, Queen Maxima and their three daughters at their royal residence near The Hauge, Villa Eikenhorst.

She then met with deprived children at the Bouwkeet Makers Space in Rotterdam, Holland and showed off her repair skills at the centre, which aims to keep children off the streets and prevent crime in the neighbourhoods of Bospolder and Tussendijken.

The Duchess of Cambridge was then shown robots made of Lego constructed by the youngsters.

Catherine was introduced to nine-year-old, Driss Ben Mira, who showed the duchess the robot he had made called Meganoid.

Catherine congratulated the boy on his "amazing" creation and made him laugh by talking to the robot.

Looking at Meganoid, she said: "Very nice to meet you."
Prince Harry is to attend a Metropolitan Police remembrance service for fallen soldiers on October 20.

Prince Harry

The 32-year-old royal - who himself served in the Army in the past - will attend the event to remember those who have lost their lives fighting on the frontline.

A tweet by Kensington Palace confirmed: "Prince Harry will attend @metpoliceuk remembrance service on 20 Oct for colleague who have lost their lives in the line of duty (sic)"

Meanwhile, today (12.10.16) Prince William is to meet with several organisations including Step Into Health, Hampshire Hospitals and DRM support to help get wounded servicemen back into work.

A separate message on the Kensington Palace Twitter account read: "The Duke of Cambridge will carry out engagements on 12th October focusing on work to provide employment opportunities for military veterans."

Step into Health provides work experience packages of up to four weeks to help veterans explore the career opportunities available to them.

Harry recently spoke of the importance of "recognising the sacrifice" made by soldiers across the world.

At the time, he urged for people to take notice and realise the huge "debt" we owe the armed services for their work in protecting the country.

Speaking about the Walking With The Wounded expedition, he previously said: "This extraordinary expedition will raise awareness of the debt that this country owes to those it sends off to fight - only for them to return wounded and scarred, physically and emotionally.

"The debt extends beyond immediate medical care and short-term rehabilitation. These men and women have given so much. We must recognise their sacrifice, be thankful, so far as we can ever repay them for it."
October being the beginning of the festive season. It is also the time when most people plan their vacations. But the days tend to be very hot and humid in October. So, Chandrika Mahendra, Principal Scientist, Personal Care, The Himalaya Drug Company, suggests ways to keep your skin glowing through vacations, festivities and changing weather.

Drink water: 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 to tender coconut water. It is not only low in calories but has antioxidants, Vitamin C and other essential minerals that enrich your skin.

Eat Fruits: Excessively oily food can cause acne, and the heat can only makes it worse. Look for fruits that are rich in Vitamin C such as orange, lemon and kiwi. They help to maintain the moisture balance in your skin. Vitamin C protects your skin against wrinkling.

Face mask: 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 choice. 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.



You can also read on 10 routine tips for glowing skin.
People might have flooded social media with jokes about James Bond star Pierce Brosnan's advertisment for an Indian pan masala brand, but Bollywood actress Deepika Padukone would rather talk about how good he looks in the video.



Brosnan once again donned the role of the 007 agent, though this time to endorse pan masala.





In the one-minute video, Brosnan, 63, is seen using the can of pan masala as a weapon to fend off enemies. In the end he says, "Class never goes out of style".



When asked about it, Deepika told a TV channel, "He still looks as good. I think it's fantastic and amazing that we get to work with such amazing talent. Whether it's us going here or they coming here."



The 30-year-old actress, who is set to make her Hollywood debut next year with 'xXx: Return of Xander Cage', mentioned her 'Piku' co-star Irrfan Khan, praising his work in international cinema.



"Irrfan (Khan) is doing such amazing work with 'Inferno', so, I think it's nice to see that with the kind the films that are being made or the way we are casting these roles shows we are moving beyond what we've been used to seeing for so many years.



"Creativity should be beyond the colour of your skin. I think the only reason why you should be cast in a film is because of the uniqueness you bring to the role," she said.





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Next Story : Not Your Average Gift: Our Handpicked Thoughtful Diwali Gifts
UK women's fashion brand Izabel London said it has recorded an impressive boost in sales this year, with a 140 per cent growth in sales in their first quarter. This surge in sales at Izabel London came, following the collaboration with Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited, which gave the brand access to 145 Pantaloon stores across 76 cities in India.The collaboration with Pantaloons gives Izabel London the brand exposure that is needed in the Asian market, Karan Uppal, founder of Izabel London said. As we grow into new markets, it is important not to lose the key part of what makes Izabel unique, and to remain consistent."

UK women's fashion brand Izabel London said it has recorded an impressive boost in sales this year, with a 140 per cent growth in sales in their first quarter. This surge in sales at Izabel London came, following the collaboration with Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited, which gave the brand access to 145 Pantaloon stores across 76 cities in India.#

The range of Izabel London's women's clothing is currently available in more than 500 stores across the UK, including prestigious retailers like House of Fraser, Dorothy Perkins and Debenhams and is also currently stocked in more than 1,000 outlets globally. (AR)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Nicolai Strauch, press officer for VDMA Textile Machinery Association, representing medium-sized companies in the capital goods industry, spoke to VDMA member companies about textiles, textile machinery, and nonwovens contributing to a sustainable world ,in the run-up to ITMA Asia +CITME 2016, to be held from October 21 to 25, 2016 in China.Peter D. Dornier, chief executive officer, Lindauer DORNIER GmbH, a technology leader in weaving and specialty machines for producing ultrafine plastic films, said, Our Green Machine concept comprises of twin objectives of producing exceptionally high-performance woven products for protecting people and the environment while maximising resource conservation. Our machines are used to produce filter fabrics for  desperately needed pollution control in water and air. Incidentally, our Green Machine concept is derived from the basic idea of the VDMA BLUE COMPETENCE initiative for optimising machines or processes, for reducing energy and air consumption.

Nicolai Strauch, press officer for VDMA Textile Machinery Association, representing medium-sized companies in the capital goods industry, spoke to VDMA member companies about textiles, textile machinery, and nonwovens contributing to a sustainable world ,in the run-up to ITMA Asia +CITME 2016, to be held from October 21 to 25, 2016 in China.#

Janpeter Horn, managing director, August Herzog Maschinenfabrik, a quality and technology leader in the braiding machinery segment said, Herzog is the technology leader in machines for producing braided membrane carrier materials with substantial energy and space advantages. As a result, the water in wastewater treatment plants only needs to occupy a quarter of the surface area and uses only half the energy required for treatment in conventional plants.In work on the open sea, conventional steel cables are being replaced increasingly by lightweight, synthetic fibre ropes  for example, made from UHMWPE (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene) materials  which float in the water. These braids are endowed with significantly better properties and can be used at much greater depths than steel, for lifting loads, lowering parts, or mooring rigs and ships, he added.Discussing on sustainability, Christian Gerking, project manager, Nanoval, metal melting machine manufacturers, said, Unlike solution spinning processes, melt spinning is indeed much easier as you do not need any solvent recovery, like for PAN, viscose , or lyocell. While PAN is neither biodegradable nor made of renewable raw-materials, cellulose  either dissolved by carbon disulfide as solvent (viscose) or NMMO (lyocell)  is both. Furthermore, cellulose is hygroscopic without any surface treatment by surfactants.Our stochastic splitting effect makes a different product than meltblown; we can spin bimodal filament distributions  very good for filter applications. We have a lower air demand and thus lower heating costs for air, micro-nanofilaments with diameters of about 30-40 per cent down into the submicron region and higher throughputs, he added. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
EFI (Electronics for Imaging), developers of technologies for the manufacturing of signage, packaging, textiles, ceramic tiles, and personalised documents, with a wide range of printers, is set to partake in the 6th edition of the All in Print China expo, held from October 18 to 22, 2016, at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre, in booth N1A110.The company will present the new H1625-SD printer, an ideal solution for users who want direct print thermoforming. It helps in widening margin opportunity and shortens marketing time by printing direct to formable substrates. The digital efficiencies and near-photographic image quality of the EFI H1625-SD wide-format printer make direct print thermoforming super easy.

EFI (Electronics for Imaging), developers of technologies for the manufacturing of signage, packaging, textiles, ceramic tiles, and personalised documents, with a wide range of printers, is set to partake in the 6th edition of the All in Print China expo, held from October 18 to 22, 2016, at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Centre, in booth N1A110.#

EFI will also show its Fiery Command WorkStation printer, the print job management interface for Fiery servers, that makes printing more productive, powerful, and intuitive. It centralises job management, connects to all Fiery servers on the network, and improves results for increased productivity.The company will display EFI VDP printer, powered by DirectSmile, a professional solution for variable data in conjunction with Digital StoreFront, for the production of personalised printed communications. (GK)

Fibre2Fashion News Desk  India
Aishwarya With A Guest

One of the most beautiful actresses of B-town, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, who is also the Bahu' of Bachchan parivaar was seen posing for a selfie with a guest at the party. This picture proves that she really knows how to attend guest with all love.

Wanna See Lovely Pictures Of Bachchan Couples Together?

If you are a die-hard fan of the both Bachchan couples, then check out some more lovely pictures of Amitabh-Jaya Bachchan with their son and daughter-in-law, Abhishek and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan.

A Perfect Quote For A Perfect Family

It's always happiness & love that make a perfect family portrait!' Have you heard about this saying? Well, this quote perfectly goes with this beautiful picture of the Bachchan couples!

Aishwarya With Big B & Jaya Bachchan

Here's an adorable picture of Aishwarya Rai Bachchan posing along with her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Amitabh Bachchan and Jaya Bachchan.

A Family That Prays Together

This picture proves that a family that prays together stays together! A recent picture of the entire Bachchan parivaar attending Durga Puja in Mumbai.

We Are Ordinary Beings

The Bachchan family is often seen together at the screening of films, be it of Abhishek or Aishwarya. When Big B was asked about the same, he had told, "We are ordinary beings and we conduct ourselves ordinarily. Yes, just as any other would discuss a film, we as a family often do similar.

Aishwarya-Jaya: A Hit Saas Bahu Jodi

While talking to a leading daily, once Abhishek had made a cute revelation that how his wife Aishwarya Rai and his mother Jaya Bachchan, who is a Bengali, join hands to fight against him in Bangla.

The Most Loved Pairs Of B-town

Abhishek and Aishwarya Bachchan got married on 20 April, 2007. While, Big and Jaya Bachchan tied the knot on June 3, 1973. Both the couples are one of the most loved pairs of the B-town!

Shwetas Equation With Aishwarya

Shweta Bachchan Nanda, who is Abhishek Bachchan's elder sister, is very close to Aishwarya Rai Bachchan and admires her a lot. While interacting with media, Shweta had once mentioned that she loves the way Aishwarya is dedicated towards Aaradhya.

One Of The Best Pictures

The moment, this perfect family picture of the Bachchans from their vacation got shared on social media, it went viral instantly! And why not? After all, the most cute member of Bachchan parivaar was also seen posing for the picture.
Divyanka Tripathi has been travelling a lot these days. The actress along with Vivek Dahiya and Ruhanika Dhawan had recently visited the Ajmer Sharif Dargah to seek the divine blessings, before attending a Navratri event.

Divyanka had posted a few pictures and had also thanked her managers on the social media. The actress also shared a shocking experience. She said that she had a narrow escape while returning to Mumbai from a Garba event in Surat! She thanked her stars for saving her.

Divyanka At Surat's Garba Event The actress was quoted as saying, "I had gone to Surat for a Garba event. It was past midnight when we were returning back in a private car. Suddenly, I felt a heavy jolt in the car. Before I could figure what had happened, we found ourselves in a farmland which was at least six feet below the main road." She Added... "The driver must have fallen asleep for a couple of seconds and lost control of the car. The car broke the divider and jumped off the road. Luckily, there were barely other cars on the road. Also, the road from Surat to Mumbai is very well maintained hence a fatal accident got averted." Divyanka's Spiritual Activities Saved Her! "My family got goosebumps on learning about the episode. They said, lately I have been involved in a lot of spiritual activities like Navratri and Ajmer Shareef visit, so there must be some divine power that saved me." Divyanka The actress further said, "I am grateful to my guardian angels who've always looked out for me and been my Kawach!" Divyanka Attending Events Posting a picture from the event, the actress wrote, "From last night in #Kalyan... Off to #Raipur#Bilaspur #Champa now. Brushing up my #TimeManagement skills. ." Divyanka Thanks Her Managers... Sharing a picture, Divyanka wrote, "#Salute to my managers who get pushed, kicked (last night), dislocated arm (in a past appearance), abused (everytime by impatient fans)... Yet, they protect, like dragons protecting a fortress!" Divyanka Wrote... "This isn't just their duty. This is sheer love which turns them into someone's shield. Love you #Aaryan, #Shruti, #Vikas, #Kriti and my brother-like spot, Munna bhaiya...... Long travelling hours ensure you get enough time to reflect and be grateful for what you've got!"

In an interview to a leading daily, the Yeh Hai Mohabbatein actress, who had been to Ajmer Dargah with her husband Vivek and on-screen daughter Ruhi aka Ruhanika Dhawan from the show YHM, had said that she was happy to have visited the shrine.

She said, "This was my first visit to Ajmer after the wedding and anything you do for the first time as a couple becomes memorable."

The excited actress further added, "It is said that whatever you ask for in Ajmer Sharif, you get it. I think Vivek didn't ask for anything. But my list was endless."

Divyanka and Vivek recently got married in a grand wedding ceremony in Chandigarh. They also arranged for a grand reception party in Mumbai for the industry friends.

A few days ago, Divyanka had visited her in-laws in Chandigarh along with hubby Vivek. The couple is also seen enjoying short trips whenever they find free time from their busy schedule.

On the work front, Divyanka is currently busy with her show Yeh Hai Mohabbatein, while Vivek Dahiya is seen on the show Kawach. The couple are active on social media and keep their fans updated.
RICHMOND, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/11/16 -- Catalyst Paper Corporation (TSX: CYT) will hold a conference call on Wednesday, November 9, 2016 at 8:00 a.m. PST/11:00 a.m. EST to review the company's 2016 third quarter results. Joe Nemeth, President & Chief Executive Officer and Gerrie Kotze, Vice President, Finance will host the call.

The third quarter report will be released on Tuesday, November 8 after market close and will be available on the Reports page of Catalyst Paper's website at catalystpaper.com/investors.

To participate in the conference call, please dial:

877-291-4570 (North America Toll Free) or 647-788-4919 (Greater Toronto Area and International)

Following the call, the earnings presentation and webcast will be archived on the Events and Presentations page of Catalyst Paper's website at catalystpaper.com/investors.

About Catalyst Paper

Catalyst Paper manufactures diverse papers such as coated freesheet, coated one side (C1S), flexible and industrial packaging, coated and uncoated groundwood, newsprint, directory, as well as market pulp. Customers include retailers, publishers, commercial printers and converters of specialty applications in North America, Latin America, the Pacific Rim and Europe. With five mills across North America, Catalyst has annual production capacity of 2.3 million tonnes. Catalyst is headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia, Canada, and has been ranked by Corporate Knights magazine for the 10th consecutive year as one of the 50 Best Corporate Citizens in Canada.

Contacts:

Eduarda Hodgins

Director, Organization Development & Communications

604-247-4369

eduarda.hodgins@catalystpaper.com




BOSTON, October 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

IDTechEx Research, a leading provider of independent market research, business intelligence and events on emerging technology announces the availability of a new report,Electric Vehicles Change the World 2017-2037.



(Logo:http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140310/673848)



Electric vehicles have gone from curiosities to being a frequent news item and, if you live in Norway or the Netherlands, something you see often. However, that is nothing compared to EVs shaking the foundations of society over the coming decade, from robot agriculture and delivery drones to almost free travel in sunny countries and virtually eliminating air pollution.

Electric Vehicles Change the World 2017-2037provides ten year forecasts for units sold and market value, and twenty year technology roadmaps using facts-based forecasting. It is a sign of the times that this report contains barely a word from its predecessor one year ago: it is almost entirely researched in 2016. Only IDTechEx forecasts in 46 categories alongside detailed technological roadmaps based on intense travel and conference schedules executed by expert analysts.

A major focus of this unique overview report is the vehicles themselves, from personal manned multicopters to e-buses straddling traffic, showing the gaps in the market. The report prioritises commercial success factors and provides detailed statistics to support informed action plans.

The key enabling technologies for the future are also covered. These are changing radically with new forms of reversing motor generators, energy harvesting and electrical recuperation among those coming to the fore. Uniquely, this report takes a fresh, unbiased look at all the vehicle categories and technology options, most of which are subject to disruptive change. Included is a league table of the top 13 manufacturers in EVs land, water and air with many famous names absent and little known names in there, including seven companies not in the top 13 three years ago.

Unlike some, IDTechEx is not uniformly enthusiastic about everything. Indeed certain technologies are calculated to be squeezed out to become merely niche activities. In this report IDTechEx looks at where, when and why.

This new report is available for order on the IDTechEx website athttp://www.IDTechEx.com/ev. Learn more aboutIDTechEx here.

IDTechEx provides companies with tools that can assist them in making essential strategic decisions in emerging technologies. IDTechEx offers research reports, subscriptions, consultancy, introductory services and events.

Contact:

Alison Lewis

Marketing Manager, Reports

a.lewis@IDTechEx.com

http://www.IDTechEx.com

twitter.com/IDTechEx

UK: +44-(0)1223-810290


HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/11/16 -- TriBeluga, the incubator connecting global startups with China, will host a celebration of success at the Grand Hyatt Sanya on China's Hainan Island on October 16.

The event, dubbed The Third Wave, will showcase the incubator's accomplishments over the past three years, while providing insight into its future plans. Attending will be Tribeluga team members based in Silicon Valley, China and around the world, along with respected journalists, current Tribeluga portfolio companies, mentors, business leaders and dignitaries.

"In just three years, TriBeluga has developed a global, cross-border platform to help high-growth technology companies enter the Chinese market," said Lili Luo, President and Creator of TriBeluga. "We're proud to be sharing our partnerships at every level of the Chinese business ecosystem with promising companies."

According to Patrick Burt, Mayor of Palo Alto, "The business cultures of Silicon Valley and ZGC, the Chinese Silicon Valley, each have their distinct practices, styles and successes. Tribeluga's understanding of both cultures bridges these differences to provide high value for U.S./Chinese collaboration."

TriBeluga portfolio companies benefit from the expertise of global mentors who have successfully brought companies into China, or run large operations in the country. TriBeluga also provides funding and a range of other exclusive resources including marketing, branding and business development support for the Chinese market.

Operating primarily in the healthcare, environmental and educational sectors, TriBeluga partners with their portfolio companies to establish joint ventures and secure exclusive distribution and manufacturing rights in China. Their recruitment primarily focuses on identifying companies developing disruptive technologies, with the potential for large-scale economic and social impact.

One such company is Vtouch, which has developed gesture recognition technology, with applications in IoT and numerous other sectors. Thanks in part to support from Tribeluga they have brokered deals with seven companies and are on the cusp of major success in the Chinese market.

At the event Tribeluga will also announce the opening of a new branch office in Chengdu, marking a huge step forward in their capacity to support partner companies on the ground in China. The facility will also feature exhibition space where Chinese partners can experience for themselves the groundbreaking technologies developed by their portfolio.

"At Tribeluga we believe that doing good and doing well are not mutually exclusive and we will continue to partner with high potential technology companies that are developing the most sustainable, high-impact technologies that promise positive change for society." - Lili Luo, President and Creator

Company Logo

http://release.media-outreach.com/i/Download/5783

For media enquiries, please contact:

Angel Chow

Bv&Bv

+852 3119 3300

Email Contact




HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/11/16 -- Nexusguard, a global leader in Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) mitigation, today announced it has teamed up with Clearmanage, a regional cloud computing services provider, to defend Singapore enterprises against DDoS attacks. Through the partnership, Clearmanage will now offer Nexusguard's award-winning, anti-DDoS solutions to organizations requiring robust reliability, availability, and scalability across their IT infrastructure. The company's customers will be able to leverage the three key components of Nexusguard's comprehensive cybersecurity platform -- Application Protection, Origin Protection, and DNS Protection -- to prevent downtime, protect critical applications, and ensure availability for domain resolution.

"We are delighted to join forces with one of the region's most progressive cloud service providers to deliver unparalleled security capabilities to its customers," said Zena Cheng, Nexusguard's VP of Sales, Asia Pacific. "Our partnership with Clearmanage will give organizations access to high-performance solutions designed to deliver maximum security and peace of mind."

"Because of its role as a major commercial hub, Singapore has become a prime target for cybercriminals. Through our collaboration with Nexusguard, we're taking a holistic and preventive approach to reinforce the reputation of Singapore as a safe and vibrant place to do business," said Andy Ng, General Manager of Clearmanage. "More than ever, we are committed to strengthening our security capabilities to protect organizations against sophisticated and evolving cyber threats," he concluded.

As noted in Nexusguard's Q2 APAC Threat Report *, DDoS attacks continue to grow in both size and sophistication in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, making DDoS a major cybersecurity risk for businesses of all sizes, across all verticals. The partnership between Nexusguard and Clearmanage will minimize the risks significantly.

Nexusguard and Clearmanage will exhibit their anti-DDoS solutions at booth O27 at Cloud Expo Asia, which will be held on 12-13 October 2016 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre of Singapore.

Company Logo

http://release.media-outreach.com/i/Download/5305

Supporting Resources:

* Nexusguard Q2 APAC Threat Report -- https://news.nexusguard.com/threat-advisories/q2-2016-ddos-threat-report-apac

Nexusguard Application Protection -- https://www.nexusguard.com/application-protection

Nexusguard Origin Protection -- https://www.nexusguard.com/origin-protection

Nexusguard DNS Protection -- https://www.nexusguard.com/dns-protection

About Nexusguard

Founded in 2008, Nexusguard is a global leader in fighting malicious Internet attacks. Nexusguard protects clients against a multitude of threats, including Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks, to ensure uninterrupted Internet service. Nexusguard provides comprehensive, highly customized solutions for customers of all sizes, across a range of industries, and also enables turnkey anti-DDoS solutions for service providers. Nexusguard delivers on its promise to maximize peace of mind by minimizing threats and maximizing uptime. Headquartered in San Francisco, Nexusguard's network of security experts extends globally. Visit www.nexusguard.com for more information.

About Clearmanage

Clearmanage is a cloud computing services provider with headquarters in Singapore and offices in Asia and the Middle East. The company has more than eight years of specialized experience in providing cloud services, cloud infrastructure and hosting, and advanced security solutions and services. Clearmanage works with its strategic reseller partners to provide secure IaaS, PaaS, and SaaS to governments, large enterprises, and SMBs. As one of the first service providers to be certified for SS 584 MTCS Level 3 -- the highest level -- Clearmanage is ideally suited to handle highly sensitive information and confidential business data.

For more information, please contact:

Benjamin Yip

Nexusguard

+852 3526 0626

Email Contact



Crystal Ngan

Nexusguard

+852 3910 0565

Email Contact




TOKYO, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (hereafter, Daiichi Sankyo) announced on October 12 details of the application for its "Take a New Challenge for Drug Discovery (TaNeDS) Europe 2017," a collaborative drug discovery initiative for universities and research institutes in Europe.

The TaNeDS programme was launched in Japan in 2011 to help discover new lines of research through open innovation. From 2013, it has expanded outside of Japan, opening up to researchers in Germany, Switzerland and Austria and became known as TaNeDS Global Programme. Since 2014, it has expanded further across Europe to include all EU member states and was renamed "TaNeDS Europe" in 2015. The aim of this programme is increasing collaborative opportunities with researchers in Europe.

About TaNeDS Europe 2017 Collaborative Drug Discovery Programme

1. Eligible Countries:

All EU member states plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Israel

2. Candidate Research for Application

New drug-target discovery, drug-target validation, and innovative technological research that could result in novel drug discovery and development.

3. Research Themes

(1) Cancer

New mechanisms and drug-target validation study for small-molecule and biologic treatments (antibody drugs, etc.)

(2) Pain and Sensory Neuron Disorder

New mechanisms and drug treatments for pain and sensory neuronal systems in vision/hearing loss

(3) End-Organ Diseases

New targets and mechanisms of end-organ diseases from heart, kidney, liver and vascular diseases

(4) Other Internal Diseases

New mechanisms and drug treatments for rare diseases, gastrointestinal disorder and anaemia

(5) Cell Therapy

Research on novel somatic stem/progenitor cells, adoptive T-cell therapy and new technology on cell/gene modification

(6) Revolutionary Drug Discovery Technology

Novel technology on oncology, nucleic acid therapeutics, gene therapy and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics

For more details, please visit TaNeDS Europe webpage at:

http://www.daiichisankyo.com/rd/taneds/index.html

4. Budget and Period of Research

Depending on the project type, up to maximum of 80,000 (Type A) or 150,000 (Type B) euros (plus overhead) per year for collaborative research projects for 2 years

5. Eligibility

Researchers of any nationality employed by universities, research institutes and start-up companies within the EU as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Israel, who can conduct research in those countries

6. Selection criteria

By matching Daiichi Sankyo's research interests as well as demonstrating originality, potentiality and possibility of drug discovery

7. Schedule

Application period: January 10 to February 20, 2017

First shortlist selection period: Late February to late Mid-March, 2017

Second shortlist selection period: April, 2017

On-site visit interview: Mid-May, 2017

Notification of final decision: Early June, 2017

Start of research programme: August 2017 and onward

About Selection Results for TaNeDS Europe 2015/2016 Collaborative Drug Discovery Programme:

The selection for 2015/2016 resulted in four projects, and the three collaborations are currently underway having one under negotiation.

(1) Applications: 191

(2) Selected: 4

The themes of four selected proposals are Cancer Biologics (Switzerland), Sensory Neuron (the Netherlands), Rare Diseases (Ireland), and Anaemia (Sweden).

About Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited

Representative: Joji Nakayama, Representative Director, President and CEO

(Code no.: 4568, First Section, Tokyo Stock Exchange)

http://www.daiichisankyo.com


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A federal appeals court ruled Tuesday to restructure the government's consumer watchdog agency, calling that the current structure is unconstitutional, but rejected the idea of closing it down.



The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ordered the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau or CFPB, which is led by a single director with unusual independence, to be restructured so that the director could be removed by the President at will.



According to the court, the setup of CFPB is different from other independent agencies, which are generally run by a group of commissioners.



The court ruling was while reversing $109 million in fines the CFPB ordered against mortgage lender PHH Corp. Challenging the enforcement action, the lender had called for the CFPB, which was created as part of the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law, to be eliminated.



In Tuesday's ruling by the three-judge panel, Judge Brett Kavanaugh wrote that Congress gave the CFPB director more unilateral authority than any other officer in any of the three branches of the U.S. government, other than the president.



Certain reports said Republican lawmakers and financial groups are trying hard to weaken or dismantle the agency, and they have criticized CFPB Director Richard Cordray for his various rules and enforcement actions issued recently.



Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Tex.), chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, had recently introduced a bill calling to restructure the CFPB by replacing the director with a five-person commission.



However, it is unlikely that the latest court ruling will have any serious impact since President Obama and his fellow Democrats see the CFPB as a core part of their legacy. And the ruling is likely to be appealed.



In response to the court ruling, the CFPB said Tuesday that it is reviewing its options for challenging the decision.



The agency said in a statement, 'The Bureau respectfully disagrees with the Court's decision. In the meantime, as the court expressly recognized, the Bureau will continue its important work. . Today's decision will not dampen our efforts or affect our focus on the mission of the agency.'



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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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.
snap40 in 2 million fundraising to accelerate growth

Dual software-hardware solution catches deteriorating health earlier

Deal signed with NHS England and clinical study underway

Health tech startup, snap40, has a clear mission to change healthcare globally by enabling hospitals to catch deteriorating health earlier using its own medical-grade vital signs monitoring wearable arm-band and accompanying analysis software platform. The Scottish startup, led by CEO and co-founder, Christopher McCann a former medical student at the University of Dundee who left in his third year to found the company has secured 2 million in funding in what is thought to be the largest ever seed round by a Scotland-based startup.

This Smart News Release features multimedia. View the full release here: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012005079/en/

Left to right are David Bowie, Christopher McCann and Stewart Whiting of snap40 (Photo: Business Wire)

The first tranche of the investment led by Edinburgh-based investment firm Par Equity closed at the end of September and will allow the company to grow its already highly skilled engineering and data science team, complete clinical trials and gain regulatory clearance, opening up the entire EU market. The company also plans to move quickly into the US market, opening a US office in 2017.

McCann started the company as a medical student working on hospital wards where patients are only intermittently monitored. Christopher witnessed patients avoidably deteriorating due to late recognition of warning signs and decided to set up snap40 as a result. Joined by co-founders, David Bowie and Stewart Whiting, Christopher left medical school to build and grow the company, with a mission to disrupt a market dominated by large, expensive bed-side monitors which anchor patients to beds.

Edinburgh-based snap40 uses a single medical wearable device to continuously monitor patients from the upper arm across more health indicators than any other single device on the market. Crucially, the company then uses this data to identify, in real-time, patients at risk of deteriorating. By alerting doctors and nurses early, they can take action, potentially saving the patient's life, improving outcomes, and allowing them to return home sooner.

The patient monitoring market is estimated to be worth over $35 billion but remains dominated by a small number of multi-nationals focused on critical care monitoring. While a number of new startups have entered the space, none monitor, from a single device, the breadth of vital signs afforded by snap40 nor are they focused on early detection of deterioration.

Christopher McCann said "This investment is based on the strength of our product and the progress of our amazing team. We are excited to work with Par Equity and the rest of our shareholders as we build snap40 into a dominant player in the global people-health monitoring market. We have a product that can save lives, while providing clinical and economic benefits to health services."

Robert Higginson, Partner at Par Equity, said "We are delighted to be supporting snap40, a business with an ambitious vision for the future. The team has already demonstrated the ability to deliver to its plan, which is why we are supporting the business from such an early stage. This is a global market with significant potential and we believe snap40 is the company to succeed."

The company has already built a core team of 5 and is recruiting a further 4 software engineers and data scientists over the coming 5 months, as well as building its commercial team during 2017. snap40 is currently demonstrating the performance of its product in a major clinical trial at a UK hospital and will be on the market in early 2017. The company has substantial customer interest already, including a contract with NHS England via the SBRI contracting process, the first phase of which has been successfully delivered.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012005079/en/

Contacts:

snap40

Christopher McCann

Co-Founder CEO

christopher@snap40.com

or

Freer Consultancy

Nick Freer

+44 (0)7841 571 871

nick@freerconsultancy.com
Toyota Motor Corporation Public Affairs Division Global Communications Department Tel: +81-3-3817-9926

TOKYO, Oct 12, 2016 - (JCN Newswire) - Suzuki Motor Corporation and Toyota Motor Corporation announced that both companies have agreed to start exploring ideas that are directed towards a business partnership.The environment surrounding the automotive industry has been changing drastically and rapidly in an unprecedented fashion. As such, the industry is required to work not only on conventional automobile R&D, but also on R&D for advanced and future technologies in the fields including environment, safety, and IT. In addition to the R&D that is conducted by individual companies, it is increasingly important to work together with other companies on areas such as infrastructure development, as well as the establishment of new industrial standards.With its primary focus on minivehicles, Suzuki has been consistently refining its technologies so as to develop vehicles with high price competitiveness. However, in the face of the advanced and future technology R&D field, Suzuki is increasingly feeling a sense of uncertainty. On the other hand, although Toyota has been working on R&D in the environment, safety, and information technology fields, Toyota is conscious of the fact that it may be behind competitors in North America and Europe when it comes to the establishment of standardizations and partnership with other companies.Toyota and Suzuki just started exploring on any opportunities for collaboration, with the belief that it will help both companies solve their respective challenges. This discussion is based on the prerequisite that both companies continue to compete with each other in a fair and independent manner. Toyota and Suzuki will also be open to other companies regarding this collaboration idea, and aims for standardization in the industry.Osamu Suzuki, Chairman of Suzuki, stated: "Toyota is the industry-leading, and the most reliable company which is actively working on various advanced and future technologies. I am appreciative that Suzuki is able to start discussions with Toyota to explore ideas on a partnership. I first spoke about this possibility with Toyota's Honorary Chairman Shoichiro Toyoda, and am very grateful that President Akio Toyoda has also showed an interest. We will proceed with discussions for the future of Suzuki."Akio Toyoda, President of Toyota, said: "As the environment which surrounds the automobile industry has been changing drastically, we need to have the ability to respond to changes in order to survive. In addition to the R&D which each company is working on individually, it is very important now to have partners who share the same goal and passion. We would like to always keep our doors open for new partnership opportunities, which will contribute to the making of ever-better cars as well as to the development of the automotive industry."About ToyotaSupported by people around the world, Toyota Motor Corporation (TSE: 7203; NYSE: TM), has endeavored since its establishment in 1937 to serve society by creating better products. As of the end of December 2013, Toyota conducts its business worldwide with 52 overseas manufacturing companies in 27 countries and regions. Toyota's vehicles are sold in more than 170 countries and regions. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com.Source: ToyotaContact:Copyright 2016 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved.
MUNICH, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Fujitsu today changes the dynamics of primary storage in enterprise computing environments with the introduction of super-fast, all-flash storage systems. New ETERNUS AF all-flash models are Fujitsu's fastest-ever storage systems, bringing all-flash technology within reach of everyday applications to underpin business transformation.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161006/416018 )



While processor and network speeds have kept pace with the demands of ever faster applications and continual data growth, traditional hard drive (HDD) storage technology has fallen behind. Fujitsu is addressing this with the new ETERNUS AF all-flash storage systems, using Solid State Drives (SSDs).

ETERNUS AF combines system reliability with the ultra-low response times that today's enterprise applications demand - with SSDs operating up to 500 times faster than traditional disks - to deliver maximum performance for mixed workloads including databases, VDI, analytics, and big data. The new ETERNUS AF family makes flash storage more attractive than ever, thanks to competitive pricing and lower total cost of ownership for all-flash systems, which need less maintenance and are more reliable than HDD-based storage systems.

Michael Keegan, Head of Business Line Products at Fujitsu EMEIA, comments: "We're bringing ultra-fast, all-flash storage to the mass market, at new price points for both purchase and operation that make the ETERNUS AF all-flash system an affordable, viable mainstream business solution. As the economics of all-flash storage become ever more attractive, we're enabling customers to create faster, more responsive IT environments that are easily able to maximize the benefits of digital services and next generation data and applications accessed from anywhere."

ETERNUS AF storage systems enable customers to transform their data centers with super-fast, easily expandable storage solutions that potentially deliver huge reductions in overheads. IT teams also benefit from significantly simplified operations: Automated Quality of Service features dramatically reduce administration and maintenance requirements, freeing up system engineers from repetitive, mundane tasks.

ETERNUS AF also ensures non-stop business operations, providing enterprises with greater peace of mind. Mirroring of business-critical data eliminates risk of data loss, while in the event of a system failure, the transparent failover feature instantly switches to a secondary system. Fujitsu has also ensured that traditional ETERNUS DX disk storage systems work seamlessly together with ETERNUS AF. As they venture in the world of all-flash systems, organizations can combine the two systems, leveraging the benefits of flash storage while continuing to extract value from existing data center infrastructure.

Customers choosing ETERNUS AF also benefit from cost-savings - firstly thanks to built-in data deduplication and compression technologies which ensure that the Fujitsu ETERNUS AF system automatically optimizes data volume, helping reduce SSD capacity requirements by an average factor of five. This is achieved through inline deduplication that identifies and discards duplicates, then compresses data by removing all redundant information. In addition, all-flash systems take up less space in a data center and consume less energy for power and cooling, in comparison to traditional disk arrays.

At launch, Fujitsu is offering two all-flash models. The top-of-the-range ETERNUS AF650 boasts up to 256GB maximum system memory and a maximum of 96 SSD drives, providing capacities of 368TB raw, 1843TB effective capacity. A second model, the ETERNUS AF250, offers 64GB of system memory, up to 24 SSD drives and 92TB raw / 460TB effective capacity. Calculations are based on an estimated data deduplication and compression ratio of 5:1.

Pricing and availability

FUJITSU Storage ETERNUS AF systems are available to order with immediate effect and Fujitsu expects the first shipments in late October. Pricing varies according to country and configuration.

Media contacts

Isabell Horvath

Tel: +49(89)62060-4419

E-mail: isabell.horvath@ts.fujitsu.com



About Fujitsu: http://www.fujitsu.com/in/about/index.html


CANBERA (dpa-AFX) - Commodity currencies such as the Australian, the New Zealand and the Canadian dollars strengthened against their major counterparts in the Asian session on Wednesday, as crude oil prices rose on doubts over whether OPEC and Russia will truly curb production as agreed upon last week.



Crude for November delivery is currently up by 0.23 percent to $51.02 per barrel.



Traders await the OPEC and Russia's output curb talks to be held in Istanbul later in the day.



The minutes of the latest Federal Reserve meeting due today are also likely to attract attention amid lingering uncertainty about the outlook for monetary policy.



The International Energy Agency said OPEC boosted its output by 160,000 barrels a day to a record 33.64 million barrels a day in September.



Tuesday, the Australian and the New Zealand dollars fell against their major rivals. The Australian dollar fell 0.90 percent against the U.S. dollar, 1.02 percent against the yen and 0.03 percent against the euro. The New Zealand dollar fell 1.13 percent against the U.S. dollar, 1.25 percent against the yen and 0.67 percent against the euro.



Meanwhile, the Canadian dollar showed mixed trading against its major rivals. While the loonie rose against the euro, it fell against the U.S. dollar. The loonie held steady against the yen.



In the Asian trading, the Australian dollar rose to an 8-day high of 1.4555 against the euro, from yesterday's closing value of 1.4659. The aussie may test resistance around the 1.44 region.



Against the New Zealand and the Canadian dollars, the aussie advanced to a 2-month high of 1.0722 and a 2-day high of 1.0035 from yesterday's closing quotes of 1.0679 and 0.9995, respectively. If the aussie extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 1.08 against the kiwi and 1.01 against the loonie.



Against the U.S. dollar and the yen, the aussie edged up to 0.7592 and 78.64 from yesterday's closing quotes of 0.7538 and 77.99, respectively. The aussie is likely to find resistance around 0.77 against the greenback and 79.00 against the yen.



The NZ dollar rose to a 2-day high of 1.5573 against the euro, from yesterday's closing value of 1.5657. The kiwi may test resistance around the 1.53 region.



Against the U.S. dollar and the yen, the kiwi advanced to 0.7094 and 73.38 from yesterday's closing of 0.7054 and 72.98, respectively. If the kiwi extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 0.72 against the greenback and 75.00 against the yen.



The Canadian dollar rose to nearly a 5-week high of 1.4587 against the euro, from yesterday's closing value of 1.4661. The loonie is likely to find resistance around the 1.43 region.



Against the U.S. dollar and the yen, the loonie edged up to 1.3209 and 78.40 from yesterday's closing of 1.3264 and 78.00, respectively. If the loonie extends its uptrend, it is likely to find resistance around 1.30 against the greenback and 79.00 against the yen.



Looking ahead, Eurozone industrial production for August and Swiss ZEW economic expectation index for October are due to be released at 5:00 am ET.



At the same time, Bank of England Deputy Governor Jon Cunliffe will testify on the effect of the Brexit on financial services before the Financial Affairs Sub-Committee, in London.



At 8:00 am ET, Federal Reserve Bank of New York President William Dudley is expected to speak at the Fireside Chat with the Business Council of New York, in Albany.



At 9:40 am ET, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City President Esther George is expected to speak on 'The Payments System' before the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago Annual Payments Symposium.



At 2:00 pm ET, Federal Open Market Committee is due to publish the minutes of September policy meeting, in Washington.



At 4:00 pm ET, European Central Bank board member Yves Mersch is expected to speak at Harvard University in Cambridge, United States.



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

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PARIS (dpa-AFX) - French drug maker Sanofi (SNYNF, SNY) Wednesday said it expects to record $100 million charge in the third quarter as it settled a litigation related to Cipro generic. In pre-market activity on the NYSE, Sanofi shares are at $37.99, down 0.60 percent. In the previous year, the company's business earnings per share were 1.61 euros and aggregate sales were 9.46 billion euros, excluding 136 million euros of VaxServe sales of products from other vaccine manufacturers. In 2015, Sanofi recorded 137 million euros as a foreign exchange loss with respect to its subsidiaries based in Venezuela. The company also noted that multiple generic versions of Plavix entered the market in Japan since the end of June 2015 and significantly impacted Plavix sales. In last year's third quarter, sales of Plavix in Japan were 145 million euros, while in the second quarter of this year, sales of Plavix in Japan were down 59.1% at CER to 93 million euros. In last year, sales in Venezuela were 24 million euros, while in the preceding second quarter, sales were 6 million euros. As previously communicated in July, Sanofi Pasteur has been experiencing Pentacel manufacturing delays and has not been able to meet all demand. Progressive supply improvements are expected in the second half of 2016. 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.
NEW YORK, NY and LOS ANGELES, CA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- Balabit and Lieberman Software Corporation have announced a strategic global sales and marketing alliance, where Balabit and its respective partner network will proactively sell a comprehensive Privileged Access Management Platform comprising an out-of-the-box integration between Balabit's Shell Control Box Privileged Activity Monitoring (PAM) solution and Lieberman Software's Privileged Identity Management (PIM) solution, Enterprise Random Password Manager (ERPM). Balabit also offers global support services for the joint solution.

The joint Balabit/Lieberman solution addresses the needs of enterprise organizations who are faced with meeting regulatory compliance, enforcing company policies including control of access to sensitive data, managing IT administration and outsourced vendors, and enabling forensic investigations.

"The Privilege Management market is changing. While providing traditional functions such as password vaults still is important, the focus is shifting towards session monitoring and analytics. Balabit and Lieberman can serve both the emerging and the traditional requirements around Privilege Management," - said Martin Kuppinger, Founder and Principal Analyst, KuppingerCole.

"Shell Control Box and ERPM are market leading products in the PAM and PIM markets respectively, but it's often the case that customers are looking for comprehensive solutions that include password management, privileged access control and session monitoring. By joining forces, Balabit and Lieberman are giving customers established, best-of-breed solution across the full range of Privileged Access Management applications, but sold and supported by a single vendor and fully integrated out-of-the-box." - said Zoltan Gyorko, co-founder and CEO at Balabit.

"The integration of the Lieberman Software and Balabit offerings means that customers will no longer need to settle for the technological sacrifices made by the 'all-in-one' solution providers," said Jack Jaffe, Senior Vice President of Sales for Lieberman Software. "These sacrifices represent real security gaps that could be exploited by an intruder. Customers of the combined solution will now have both an added layer of security behind the firewall as well as the auditable governance to meet a variety of governmental and standards body regulations. We are very impressed with the professionalism and passion for customer satisfaction shown by the Balabit field and support organizations. We are very excited to have their representation."

"As a major financial provider with a complex IT infrastructure, we have to comply with local regulations and international IT security requirements such as the PCI DSS and COBIT. To comply with these strict requirements, activities of system administrators and third-party contractors accessing the bank's IT systems should be controlled, monitored and reviewed. To achieve this we purchased the Balabit's Shell Control Box and integrated with the Lieberman's Enterprise Random Password Manager. The joint solution works smoothly without disrupting the user work-flow helping us to track privileged access and secure privileged passwords as they are stored in a secure vault and changed after every checkout." - Mr. Murat Cihan, Information Security Manager, Albaraka Turk.

Together, Balabit and Lieberman Software can offer:

Secure management of credentials on servers, workstations, databases and applications, on premises or in the cloud

Control and monitor remote access of high-risk users and contractors

Record and audit every actions of privileged users in IT systems,

Protection of password confidentiality

Faster incident investigation and response

Compliance with local and international IT security regulations





The integrated Privileged Access Management Platform is a full suite of security applications that include privileged identity management, access control, and session recording. It offers continuous automation by securely managing privileged identities from discovery, remediate, through delegate and control until audit processes. As a turnkey solution it offers faster deployment, providing protection in weeks, not months, for quicker and higher return on investment (ROI). Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) also can be lowered by competitive package price, easier operation and support services by a single partner.

For more information, please visit https://www.balabit.com/privileged-access-management-platform or https://liebsoft.com/partners/technology-integrations/balabit/

About Lieberman Software Corporation

Lieberman Software blocks cyber attacks that bypass conventional enterprise defenses and penetrate the network perimeter. The company provides award-winning privileged identity management and security management products. By automatically securing privileged access -- both on-premises and in the cloud -- Lieberman Software controls access to systems with sensitive data, and defends against malicious insiders, zero day attacks and other advanced cyber threats.

For more information, visit www.liebsoft.com.

About Balabit

Balabit -- founded in Budapest, Hungary -- is a leading provider of contextual security technologies with the mission of preventing data breaches without constraining business. Balabit operates globally with offices across the United States and Europe, together with its network of reseller partners. Balabit's Contextual Security Intelligence platform protects organizations in real-time from threats posed by the misuse of high risk and privileged accounts. Solutions include reliable system and application Log Management with context enriched data ingestion, Privileged User Monitoring and User Behavior Analytics. Together they can identify unusual user activities and provide deep visibility into potential threats. Working in conjunction with existing control-based strategies, Balabit enables a flexible and people-centric approach to improve security without adding additional barriers to business practices. Founded in 2000, Balabit has a proven track record, with 23 Fortune 100 customers and more than 1,000,000 corporate users worldwide.

For more information, please visit https://www.balabit.com/.

Media Contact

Dan Chmielewski

Madison Alexander PR

1-714-832-8716

1-949-231-2965

dchm@cox.net




UTRECHT, Netherlands, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Goal is to Make a Child-friendly Treatment for Schistosomiasis Accessible to Children Under Six Years of age in Endemic Countries

UK-based Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI), part of Imperial College London, is reinforcing the international non-profit Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium. The aim of the Consortium is to develop, register and make available a new child-friendly praziquantel formulation for the more than 25 million preschool-age children suffering from schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease endemic in most of Sub-Saharan Africa. This age group currently lacks a suitable treatment.

SCI, with their extensive expertise in working with Ministries of Health across sub-Saharan Africa for the control and potential elimination of schistosomiasis, will support the Consortium in preparing and implementing the Access and Delivery plan of the new pediatric formulation in endemic countries. Dr Elly Kourany Lefoll, Program Lead of the pediatric praziquantel development program and Head of Drug Development Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, comments: "We are very pleased that SCI joins our Consortium. Over the last four years, we've made important progresses across the pediatric praziquantel development program, with a phase II clinical trial currently being conducted in Ivory Coast. This means that we are now testing the new formulation in schistosome-infected pre-school age children to identify the optimal dose."

If not treated properly, schistosomiasis results in high morbidity, including anemia, stunted growth and reduced learning ability. In some cases, the disease can even be fatal. "As we are advancing in our development program," Dr Kourany-Lefoll continues, "we have started to develop a plan to make the child- friendly praziquantel formulation accessible to children under six years of age in endemic countries. We are reaching out to access experts, and other key stakeholders, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and governmental representatives from Sub-Saharan African countries to gain their input and support. SCI will play a crucial role in this endeavor."

For SCI this partnership opens up different opportunities. SCI's goal is to reduce the global disease burden of NTDs, including schistosomiasis, in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Professor Fenwick, SCI's founder and director, says, "We have been in contact with the Consortium for many years, and we look forward to this collaboration. We see the pediatric praziquantel formulation as a breakthrough in the battle against schistosomiasis in infected young children, a group lacking suitable treatment until now." He adds, "Apart from creating awareness, changing perceptions and fostering global support for NTD Programmes, at SCI, we also put great emphasis on ensuring universal access to effective treatment for everyone who suffers from NTDs."

The know-how of SCI in deploying preventative and therapeutic tools and strategies to eliminate NTDs complements the existing scientific and regulatory expertise provided by the other six partners of the Consortium. Moreover, SCI has a broad network among policy makers such as the WHO, Ministries of Health, academic institutions, funders and other stakeholders which are key players in the implementation of an effective awareness and sensitization campaign in the coming years.

Schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia) is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in Africa and a very important one in terms of public health burden and economic impact. It is a poverty-related disease that leads to chronic illness. The threat posed by schistosomiasis is substantial, with 78 affected countries, 700 million people at risk and an estimated 258 million people infected. More than 90% of patients live in Africa, where the disease affects a large proportion of children under the age of 14.

About the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium

The Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium is an international not-for-profit partnership that aims to reduce the global disease burden of schistosomiasis by addressing the medical need of infected preschool-age children. Its mission is to develop, register and provide access to a suitable pediatric praziquantel formulation for treating schistosomiasis in this age group. The pediatric formulation under investigation has been designed to be smaller, exhibit an improved palatability and be orally dispersible compared to the current commercial formulation.

The Consortium was established in July 2012 by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (Merck KGaA), Astellas Pharma Inc. (Astellas), Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) and Lygature (formerly TI Pharma). At the beginning of 2014, Farmanguinhos and Simcyp, a Certara company, joined the Consortium as full partners. The Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI), part of Imperial College London, joined in 2016.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany leads the program and brings expertise and support related to praziquantel, including resources from different areas (drug product manufacturing, pre-clinical, clinical, regulatory) needed for clinical development and to efficiently execute the project. Astellas contributes by providing its innovative pharmaceutical technologies in the area of pediatric drug formulation development as well as clinical development in children. Swiss TPH brings extensive experience in helminths biological and pharmacological research, epidemiology and clinical research in endemic regions. The governance is facilitated by Lygature, a Dutch non-profit organization and independent party with an extensive portfolio of international public-private partnerships in drug research and development, including in the area of neglected diseases. Farmanguinhos, the federal governmental pharmaceutical laboratory of the Fiocruz Foundation in Brazil, brings unique expertise to produce and distribute the new pediatric formulations product in endemic countries. Simcyp, a Certara company, brings expertise in pharmacokinetic modelling for better predicting the appropriate dosage for use in the pediatric clinical trials. SCI, part of Imperial College London, provides the necessary expertise to define and execute the access strategy and plan as well as to initiate and implement NTD control and elimination programs in Sub-Saharan Africa.

For more information, please visit http://www.pediatricpraziquantelconsortium.org

About Astellas

Astellas Pharma Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, is a company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. We focus on Urology, Oncology, Immunology, Nephrology and Neuroscience as prioritized therapeutic areas while advancing new therapeutic areas and discovery research leveraging new technologies/modalities. We are also creating new value by combining internal capabilities and external expertise in the medical/healthcare business. Astellas is on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into value for patients.

For more information, please visit our website at http://www.astellas.com/en

About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany 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 KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany generated sales of  12.85 billion in 66 countries.

Founded in 1668, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany 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.

For more information, please visit http://www.merckgroup.com

About Swiss TPH

The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) is a leading institution in the field of global health. Its mandate is to contribute to improving the health of populations through excellence in research, health services and education & training. Swiss TPH focusses on key areas of activity in infectious and neglected diseases such as malaria or schistosomiasis, environmental risk factors, health system strengthening and epidemiology. Swiss TPH is associated institute of the University of Basel. Currently over 700 staff members from 62 nations are organized in two research, three service and one educational department.

For more information, please visit http://www.swisstph.ch

About Farmanguinhos

Farmanguinhos is a technical-scientific unit of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Bearing in mind the mission of "Acting with environmental responsibility in promoting public health through the production of medicines, research, technological development and general diffusion of knowledge", this unit is the largest public pharmaceutical company under the Brazil's Ministry of Health and are produced medicines for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, malaria, AIDS, tuberculosis, among others. Farmanguinhos also has an important role in meeting emergency demands of the Ministry of Health.

For more information, please visit www2.far.fiocruz.br/farmanguinhos/

About Simcyp and Certara

Certara is a leading decision support technology and consulting organization committed to optimizing drug development and improving health outcomes. Certara's solutions, which span drug discovery through patient care, use the most scientifically-advanced modelling and simulation technologies and regulatory strategies to increase the probability of regulatory and commercial success. Its clients include hundreds of global biopharmaceutical companies, leading academic institutions, and key regulatory agencies.

For more information, visit http://www.certara.com

About Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI)

SCI works with governments to deliver effective school-based and community-based distributions of deworming tablets for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths, protecting children from these debilitating diseases and improving school attendance, all at a cost of US$0.50 of less per child.

For more information, visit http://www.imperial.ac.uk/schistosomiasis-control-initiative

About Lygature

Lygature drives the development of new medical solutions for patients by managing public-private partnerships that bring together academia, industry and society. Every day we pioneer solutions in the areas of medical technology and pharmacotherapy to serve patients worldwide. Lygature is a not-for-profit organization based in the Netherlands. We build upon the legacy of the Center for Translational Molecular Medicine (CTMM) and Top Institute Pharma (TI Pharma).

For more information, visit http://www.lygature.org



Contact:

Leonie Hussaarts

Phone: +31-6-554-63-876

E-mail: leonie.hussaarts@lygature.org
SEOUL (dpa-AFX) - South Korean conglomerate Samsung Electronics (SSNLF.OB, SSNNF.OB, SMSN.L) Wednesday trimmed its forecast for third quarter sales and operating profit citing that the SEC has stopped sales, exchanges and production of the Galaxy Note 7. The company now projects third-quarter consolidated sales, based on K-IFRS, to be about 47 trillion Korean won, lower than previously expected sales of about 49 trillion Korean won. Consolidated operating profit would be approximately 5.2 trillion Korean won, compared to previous estimate of about 7.8 trillion Korean won. On October 7, Samsung had said that it expects operating profit for the third quarter to increase 5.5 percent from year-ago quarter operating profit of 7.39 trillion won, despite a global recall of the Galaxy Note 7 smartphones. The forecast was likely to reflect continued strong demand for the company's flash memory chips and displays. Samsung's previously projected third-quarter sales to decline 5.2 percent from last year's sales of 51.68 trillion won. The company is scheduled to report its financial results for the third quarter in late October. 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.
True Hemp Haustierkausnacks kommen nach Neuseeland

DGAP-News: True Leaf Medicine International Ltd. / Schlagwort(e): Expansion/Kooperation True Hemp Haustierkausnacks kommen nach Neuseeland

17.02.2017 / 10:08 Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent verantwortlich.

True Hemp Haustierkausnacks kommen nach Neuseeland

Mit einem Vertrag, das Produkt mit Neuseelands grosster Haustier- Einzelhandelskette zu vertreiben, geht True Leaf Pet erstmals in den Asien- Pazifik-Markt

Vancouver, Kanada, 17. Februar 2017 - True Leaf Pet hat mit Liberty Premium Pet Products aus Christchurch, Neuseeland, eine Vereinbarung getroffen, um die innovativen True Hemp Haustierkausnacks in Animates- Haustierfachgeschaften im ganzen Land zu vertreiben.

Wahrend True Hemp bereits in Nord-Amerika, England und Deutschland verkauft wird, so markiert dies das erste Mal, dass das Produkt in der Asien- Pazifik-Region verkauft wird. Beginnend ab April 2017 wird True Hemp exklusiv in allen Animates-Geschaften in ganz Neuseeland verkauft, sowie uber die eCommerce-Webseite von Animates und in den Animates-Tiespitaler.

Animates ist die grosste Haustiereinzelhandelskette in Neuseeland.

"Liberty ist stolz, True Hemp in Neuseeland zu reprasentieren", sagte Libertys Managing Partner Carl Rees. "Da es kein vergleichbares hanfbasiertes therapeutisches Hundeprodukt im neuseelandischen Markt gibt, sind wir begeistert uber die Markteinfuhrung von True Hemp und freuen uns bereits darauf, die Resonanz von Hundebesitzern zu sehen."

Gesundheitsbewusste Konsumenten weltweit erkennen zunehmend die Vorteile der Hanfpflanze, sowohl fur sich selbst als auch fur ihre Haustiere. Die innovativen Kausnacks von True Hemp gibt es in drei Sorten: True Hemp CALMING gegen Beunruhigung, True Hemp HEALTH mit antioxidativer Gesundheitswirkung, und True Hemp - HIP+JOINT zur Unterstutzung der Hufte und Gelenke.

"Das Wachstum der True Hemp Marke war die Erfolgsgeschichte von True Leaf Pet im Jahr 2016," sagte True Leaf CEO Darcy Bomford. "Von Quartal zu Quartal haben wir die Verkaufszahlen verdoppelt und nun beginnt 2017 mit einem grossartigen Start, indem wir mit Liberty in Neuseeland zusammen arbeiten. Es ist kaum zu glauben, dass wir nach nur zwei Jahren bereits auf drei Kontinenten vertreten sind."

Liberty wurde 2011 gegrundet und betreibt Lagerhauser und Buros im neuseelandischen Christchurch. Liberty importiert Premium-Haustierprodukte von nordamerikanischen Unternehmen. Liberty beliefert das gesamte geographische Gebiet Neuseelands (sowohl die nordlichen als auch sudlichen Inseln) und besitzt starke Partnerschaften mit Neuseelands fuhrenden Haustiereinzelhandelsketten, einschliesslich Animates.

Uber True Leaf True Leaf Medicine International Ltd. (CSE: MJ; WKN: A14NM1; Kurzel: TLA) drangt uber seine hundertprozentige Tochter True Leaf Pet mit einem Sortiment an Kausnacks und Nahrungserganzungsmitteln auf Hanfbasis in den 60-Milliarden-Dollar-Heimtiermarkt. Diese Produkte sollen in Kanada, den USA und Europa uber Vertriebskanale fur Naturheilkunde und Tiermedizin vertrieben werden. Daruber hinaus hat True Leaf Medicine Inc., eine weitere Tochter des Unternehmens, bei der kanadischen Gesundheitsbehorde Health Canada einen Antrag auf Lizenzierung als kanadischer Marihuanaproduzent im Rahmen der Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) gestellt. Das Unternehmen hat die erste und zweite Stufe des Selektionsverfahrens von Health Canada erfolgreich durchlaufen und wartet nun auf die Sicherheitsbescheinigung und Erteilung einer sog. "Pre-License Inspection"-Genehmigung. Weitere Informationen: www.trueleaf.com

Ansprechpartner fur Medien: Paul Sullivan BreakThrough Communications Tel: 604-685-4742 Mobil: 604-603-7358 Investoranfragen: Kevin Bottomley Director und Corporate Relations M: 778.389.9933 E: kevin@trueleaf.com www.trueleaf.com

Fur die Richtigkeit der Ubersetzung wird keine Haftung ubernommen! Bitte englische Originalmeldung beachten!

17.02.2017 Veroffentlichung einer Corporate News/Finanznachricht, ubermittelt durch DGAP - ein Service der EQS Group AG. Fur den Inhalt der Mitteilung ist der Emittent / Herausgeber verantwortlich.

Die DGAP Distributionsservices umfassen gesetzliche Meldepflichten, Corporate News/Finanznachrichten und Pressemitteilungen. Medienarchiv unter http://www.dgap.de

Sprache: Deutsch Unternehmen: True Leaf Medicine International Ltd.

32 - 100 Kalamalka Lake Road V1T 9 G1 Vernon (BC) Kanada Telefon: +17783899933 E-Mail: kevin@trueleaf.com Internet: www.trueleaf.com

ISIN: CA89785C1077, CA89785C1077 WKN: , A0Q3EE Borsen: Freiverkehr in Berlin, Munchen, Stuttgart; Open Market in Frankfurt ; Canadian Venture Exchange

Ende der Mitteilung DGAP News-Service

545423 17.02.2017

ISIN CA89785C1077 CA89785C1077

AXC0058 2017-02-17/10:09
VIENNA (dpa-AFX) - German shares held steady on Wednesday, as the battered sterling won some reprieve on Brexit-related developments and oil prices edged higher despite lack of clear commitment from Russia to slash production. On a relatively light day on the economic front, Eurostat figures showed that Eurozone industrial output rose more than expected in August. Industrial output expanded 1.6 percent in August from July, when it fell by revised 0.7 percent. Output was forecast to grow 1.5 percent. The benchmark DAX was down 5 points or 0.05 percent at 10,572 in late opening deals after losing 0.4 percent the previous day. Chemicals giant BASF rose over 1 percent after reporting better-than-expected results for the third quarter of 2016. Deutsche Bank rallied 1.5 percent despite reports that a meeting of European Union finance ministers did not discuss the situation about the German bank. Deutsche Lufthansa climbed 3 percent after an upgrade by analysts at Kepler Cheuvreux. Auto giant BMW slid half a percent after unveiling its future intelligent motorcycle that has self-balancing systems to keep it upright when standing as well as in motion. 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.
PARIS, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

For employees, the lunch break rhymes with conviviality; a ritual when one eats with the same people at the same time. But what about people who are new, or shy? To make it easier to get to know people in the workplace, Elior Group has entered into a new partnership with the start-up Never Eat Alone whose application helps organize lunches between colleagues.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160411/353501LOGO )



Launched just a year ago, Never Eat Alone has enjoyed considerable success and is now looking to step up growth both in France and abroad. Its application connects office employees and company neighbors at lunch time. The aim is not only to foster meetings and bring people of similar tastes and interests together but also to encourage intra-company collaboration.

Commenting on this new partnership, Philippe Salle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Elior Group, stated: "Elior Group is reinventing the lunch break which has to be a convivial moment as well as a tasty experience. This is being made possible today thanks to digitalization and the talent of startups like Never Eat Alone."

Founder of Never Eat Alone, Marie Schneegans went on to say: "We look forward to growing our company with Elior Group as a partner. The dynamism and strength of the Elior Group teams immediately made us want to work together. Elior Group has an extraordinary awareness of digitalization; a factor which makes it one of the bridgeheads of FoodTech."

This partnership comes with an equity stake in the start-up and is in line with the Life4 innovation program laid out in the Elior Group 2016-2020 strategic plan. Within the context of this program, the Group seeks out, supports and promotes FoodTech talent. With the backing of mentoring and equity investment, start-ups can try out their innovations in Elior Group client restaurants and gauge their feasibility in the real world. For the Group, accompanying these fledgling enterprises is a way of contributing to the development of an ecosystem which will benefit the whole of the catering sector.

For more information: eliorgroup.com
TORONTO, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Delineation Drilling Continues to Demonstrate Significant Potential to Convert High Grade Inferred Resources within the 2016 PEA Area

Richmont Mines Inc. (TSX: RIC)(NYSE MKT: RIC) ("Richmont" or the "Corporation"), is pleased to provide an update on delineation drilling within the expanded 2016 Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") area as well as initial results from the strategic Phase 2 exploration drilling program at the cornerstone Island Gold Mine. (All results are reported with estimated true width with high grade assays capped at 95 g/t gold).

"We are very pleased with the results from our near-mine exploration and delineation drilling programs as the results clearly demonstrate the significant potential to grow our near-mine reserve inventory and identify new resource blocks located within the 2016 PEA area. These ounces could extend mine life above the 1,000 metre level and be incorporated into the near-term mine plan utilizing current infrastructure," stated Renaud Adams, CEO. He continued, "We are also reporting initial results from our recently launched 18 to 24 month Phase 2 exploration program that continues to show the potential to increase resources laterally along strike, primarily to the east, and at depth below the 1,000 metre level."

2016 PEA DELINEATION DRILLING PROGRAM(Figure 1 )

Delineation drilling is focused in three key areas: 1) the western portion of the 2016 PEA area between the 460 and 860 metre levels; 2) the potential fourth mining horizon between the 860 and 1,000 metre levels; and 3) the eastern portion of the 2016 PEA area, within Extensions 1 and 2, east of the first dyke.

Approximately 41,947 metres of delineation drilling have been completed to date. Drill results continue to provide increased confidence that a significant portion of the inferred resources located in the 2016 PEA area could potentially be converted to measured and indicated resources by year end, which could be incorporated into the short-term mine plan and support a potential near-term growth opportunity. Currently, two drill rigs continue to operate from the 740 exploration drift and one from the 620 exploration drift to complete the 50,000 metre delineation drilling program planned for 2016.

Recent drilling highlights from the western portion of the 2016 PEA area, between the 460 and 860 metre levels, include (Table 1 and Table 2):

Hole 450-467-54: 28.26 g/t gold over 2.56 metres

Hole 450-467-61A: 24.08 g/t gold over 3.70 metres

Hole 740-477-01: 11.91 g/t gold over 8.11 metres

Hole 740-477-02: 18.63 g/t gold over 7.28 metres

Hole 740-477-03: 20.92 g/t gold over 9.69 metres

Hole 740-477-04: 9.91 g/t gold over 12.00 metres

Hole 740-477-05: 25.61 g/t gold over 7.81 metres

Hole 740-483-02: 11.69 g/t gold over 11.28 metres

Hole 740-483-04: 13.46 g/t gold over 9.28 metres

Recent drilling highlights from the potential fourth mining horizon, between the 860 and 1,000 metre levels, include (Table 2 and Table 3):

Hole 620-517-44: 16.12 g/t gold over 16.46 metres

Hole 740-471-10: 33.51 g/t gold over 2.22 metres

Recent drilling highlights from the Extension 1 and Extension 2 areas of the eastern portion of the 2016 PEA area, above the 860 level, include (Table 4 and Table 5):

Hole 620-524-35: 8.12 g/t gold over 3.83 metres

Hole 620-524-36: 6.09 g/t gold over 8.49 metres

Hole 620-538-01: 5.98 g/t gold over 2.52 metres

Hole 620-548-01: 5.31 g/t gold over 3.31 metres

Hole 620-548-02: 8.93 g/t gold over 2.27 metres

Hole 620-548-03: 6.13 g/t gold over 3.13 metres

PHASE 2 EXPLORATION PROGRAM(Figure 2 )

The 18 to 24 month, 142,000 metre Phase 2 exploration drilling program that was launched in July continues to focus on four key priorities: 1) to expand near-mine resources within the 2016 PEA limits of the main deposit; 2) continuing to test the lateral continuity of the known deposit to the east to potentially add new resource blocks with the overall objective of extending mine life above the 1,000 metre level; 3) to identify the next million-plus ounce, high grade inferred resource in the vertical extension of the deposit between the 1,000 and 1,500 metre levels; and 4) continuing to test high priority regional gold targets across the prospective Island Gold property.

Near-Mine Exploration Drilling Program(Figure 3 )

The main objective of the near-mine exploration drilling program is to expand near-mine inferred resources within the 2016 PEA area by infilling gaps between current inferred resource blocks.

Approximately 10,232 metres of a planned 22,000 metres for 2016 have been completed with encouraging results received to date, which increases our confidence for resource expansion within the 2016 PEA area. Currently, one drill rig is operating from underground with a second drill to be mobilized later in October.

Recent drilling highlights from the western portion, between the 740 and 860 metre levels, include (Table2):

Hole 740-477-06: 13.88 g/t gold over 7.52 metres

Hole 740-477-07: 5.03 g/t gold over 8.11 metres

Hole 740-477-08: 6.13 g/t gold over 10.65 metres

Hole 740-483-03: 17.69 g/t gold over 8.33 metres

Hole 740-483-17: 31.53 g/t gold over 2.56 metres

Hole 740-486-06: 11.97 g/t gold over 4.49 metres

Recent drilling highlights from the potential fourth mining horizon, between the 860 and 1,000 metre levels, include (Table 3):

Hole 620-517-41: 12.60 g/t gold over 3.96 metres

Hole 620-517-42: 12.47 g/t gold over 3.36 metres

Hole 620-517-43: 35.21 g/t gold over 10.87 metres

Hole 620-524-27: 29.15 g/t gold over 4.44 metres

Recent highlights from the Extension 1 and Extension 2 areas, located in the eastern portion, above the 860 metre level and east of the first dyke include (Table 4 and Table 5):

Hole 620-524-24: 9.42 g/t gold over 3.16 metres

Hole 620-524-26: 5.91 g/t gold over 4.10 metres

Hole 620-524-28: 15.56 g/t gold over 4.30 metres

Hole 620-524-37: 13.65 g/t gold over 3.10 metres

Hole 620-543-38: 20.21g/t gold over 2.37 metres

Hole 620-543-43: 10.65 g/t gold over 5.43 metres

Hole 620-543-47: 10.85 g/t gold over 2.59 metres

Hole 620-543-53: 8.34 g/t gold over 2.36 metres

Eastern Lateral Exploration and Infill Drilling Program(Figure 4 )

A key objective of the Phase 2 eastern lateral drilling program is to add a new resource block where Phase 1 drilling intercepted 33.3 g/t gold over 2.6 metres located approximately 300 metres east of the main deposit, outside the 2016 PEA area.

Approximately 3,833 metres of a planned 9,000 metres (including 3,000 metres of infill drilling) for the second half of 2016 have been completed to test the lower portion of this mineralized area. Drilling in the upper portion as well as the eastern extension of the mineralized area will be completed over the balance of the year. Currently, one drill rig is operating from surface to test the eastern extension and one drill operating from underground will be mobilized in mid-October.

Recent highlights include (Table 6):

Hole GD-586-01: 4.02 g/t gold over 3.56 metres

Hole GD-586-02A: 10.41 g/t gold over 2.06 metres

Deep Exploration Drilling Program Highlights:(Figure 5 )

The 2016 deep directional exploration drilling program is to test the eastern and western down plunge corridors between the 1,000 and 1,500 metre levels with the overall objective of discovering the next million-plus ounces of high-gradeinferred resources. In the western area, new parallel zones located south of the main mineralized zones were intercepted and we are currently compiling and interpreting the geological data. Additional drilling is required to better understand the structural geology at depth, however these new zones increase the overall potential of the down plunge extension, providing new high quality targets for follow up drilling.

Approximately 6,360 metres of a planned 22,000 metres for 2016 have been completed to date. Drilling in the third quarter was slower than planned as deeper targets were being tested. A seventh drill was mobilized in late September to help accelerate drilling over the balance of the year.

Recent highlights from exploration drilling include (Table 7):

Hole MH2A-4: 5.66 g/t gold over 6.38 metres

Hole MH3-7: 8.41 g/t gold over 5.60 metres

Hole MH4-2: 5.14 g/t gold over 3.32 metres (new parallel Zone)

Hole MH4-3A: 17.77 g/t gold over 4.81 metres (new parallel Zone)

Hole MH5: 7.11 g/t gold over 2.23 metres (G1 Zone)

3.89 g/t gold over 2.54 metres (new parallel Zone)

3.89 g/t gold over 2.54 metres (new parallel Zone) Hole MH1-9A: 26.56 g/t gold over 0.82 metres (X Zone)

Deep Infill Drilling Program Highlights:(Figure 5 )

The objective of the deep infill drilling program is to define a potential inferred resource block that was identified through the Phase 1 program. The block is located in the eastern down plunge extension of the C Zone between the 1,000 and 1,500 metre levels.

Approximately 1,894 metres of a planned 5,000 metres for 2016 have been completed (50 metre drill spacing) to date. Infill drilling will continue in this area over the balance of the year utilizing one drill rig from surface. Infill drilling will transition to underground drilling once access to the 860 metre drift has been established.

Highlights from the first two holes have confirmed the mineralization within this targeted area as follows (Table 7):

Hole MH2A-5A: 14.99 g/t gold over 2.29 metres

Hole MH2A-6: 6.46 g/t gold over 4.39 metres

Phase 2 Regional Drilling Program

The Phase 2 regional drilling program is designed to continue to evaluate the potential extension of the mineralization below the Kremzar mine as well as other previously identified high-priority gold targets located elsewhere on the highly prospective 77 km2 Island Gold property. The Phase 2 regional drilling program is expected to begin in late 2016 or early 2017.

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical content and interpretations contained in this news release have been reviewed, verified and approved by Daniel Adam P. Geo., Ph.D., Richmont's Vice-President, Exploration, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

Quality Control

Assays for the exploration drilling were done at LabExpert in Rouyn-Noranda. Mineralized zones samples will be resent for verification in an accredited laboratory. The Corporation inserts at regular intervals quality control (QC) samples (blanks and reference materials) to monitor laboratory performance.

About Richmont Mines Inc.

Richmont Mines has produced over 1.6 million ounces of gold from its operations in Quebec, Ontario and Newfoundland since beginning production. The Corporation currently produces gold from the Island Gold Mine in Ontario, and the Beaufor Mine in Quebec. The Corporation is also advancing development of the significant high-grade resource extension at depth of the Island Gold Mine in Ontario. With 35 years of experience in gold production, exploration and development, and prudent financial management, the Corporation is well-positioned to cost-effectively build its Canadian reserve base and to successfully enter its next phase of growth.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that include risks and uncertainties. When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "believe", "hope", "may", "objective" and similar expressions, as well as "will", "shall" and other indications of future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and apply only as of the date on which they were made. Except as may be required by law or regulation, the Corporation undertakes no obligation and disclaims any responsibility to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, changes in the prevailing price of gold, the Canadian-United States exchange rate, grade of ore mined and unforeseen difficulties in mining operations that could affect revenue and production costs. Other factors such as uncertainties regarding government regulations and the failure of our exploration drilling programs to identify significant new resources or targets or expand existing resources could also affect the results. Other risks are set out in Richmont's Annual Information Form, Annual Reports and periodic reports. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release.

Cautionary note to US investors concerning resource estimates

Information in this press release is intended to comply with the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange and applicable Canadian securities legislation, which differ in certain respects with the rules and regulations promulgated under the United States Securities Exchange Act of1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"), as promulgated by the SEC. The requirements of National Instrument 43-101 -Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI43-101)adopted by the Canadian Securities Administrators differ significantly from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

U.S. Investors are urged to consider the disclosure in our annual report on Form 20-F, File No. 001-14598, as filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act, which may be obtained from us (without cost) or from the SEC's web site:http://sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

Tables of Drill Results

TABLE 1 LATERAL EXPLORATION (West of Main Zone - Higher than 740 LEVEL) Vertical depth of True Uncut Cut Intersectio Length From To Width Grade Grade n Hole Number (metres) (metres) (metres) (metres) (g/t Au) (g/t Au) Zone (metres) 450-467-51A 291 207.72 214.36 5.24 4.51 4.51 C 576 450-467-52 390 226.30 230.10 2.77 6.24 6.24 C 599 450-467-54 381 194.22 197.32 2.56 28.26 28.26 C 555 450-467-55 264 175.34 180.56 4.68 8.38 8.38 C 526 450-467-56A 305 175.03 177.36 2.15 0.50 0.50 C 511 450-467-58 300 255.00 258.08 2.07 2.78 2.78 C 622 450-467-59 255 194.71 197.85 2.50 1.99 1.99 C 549 450-467-60 342 246.00 249.88 2.69 3.67 3.67 C 620 450-467-61A 285 198.71 203.30 3.70 31.14 24.08 C 562 including 202.40 202.90 0.40 159.81 95.00 450-467-62A 210 170.50 174.13 3.30 4.26 4.26 C 511 450-467-63 406 255.30 258.40 2.15 4.94 4.94 C 626 450-467-64 306 232.80 237.00 3.05 1.78 1.78 C 595 450-467-65 375 228.14 230.97 2.06 4.24 4.24 C 600 460-457-01 250 194.50 197.30 2.50 6.09 6.09 C 524 460-457-02 400 213.20 216.30 2.60 98.68 11.60 C 558 including 213.65 214.00 0.29 866.27 95.00 460-457-03 291 227.84 231.00 2.47 1.42 1.42 C 585

TABLE 2 LATERAL EXPLORATION (West of Main Zone - Lower than 740 LEVEL) Vertical depth of True Uncut Cut Intersectio Length From To Width Grade Grade n Hole Number (metres) (metres) (metres) (metres) (g/t Au) (g/t Au) Zone (metres) 740-471-01 171 120.51 124.50 3.85 0.73 0.73 C 776 740-471-02 201 143.90 147.45 2.86 1.57 1.57 C 832 740-471-03 318 157.00 159.87 2.05 1.04 1.04 C 858 740-471-04 243 182.00 187.60 3.57 6.85 6.85 C 888 740-471-05 180 122.20 129.16 6.62 2.20 2.20 C 766 740-471-06 192 127.40 133.40 5.54 7.13 7.13 C 785 740-471-07 201 136.48 140.70 3.58 1.37 1.37 C 814 740-471-08 291 149.13 152.56 2.62 2.18 2.18 C 838 740-471-09 342 176.30 186.40 6.75 2.27 2.27 C 877 740-471-10 270 193.80 197.50 2.22 135.61 33.51 C 900 including 194.80 195.80 0.60 472.77 95.00 740-471-11 177 122.90 125.30 2.32 1.14 1.14 C 778 740-471-12 177 123.30 127.90 4.24 4.11 4.11 C 794 740-471-13 200 147.80 150.33 2.01 8.74 8.74 C 836 740-477-01 384 178.32 190.31 8.11 22.28 11.91 C 872 including 187.23 188.23 0.68 219.32 95.00 740-477-02 354 170.00 179.92 7.28 21.55 18.63 C 855 including 172.35 173.09 0.54 114.89 95.00 including 178.11 179.11 0.73 109.17 95.00 740-477-03 339 162.61 175.02 9.69 31.25 20.92 C 836 including 168.90 170.50 1.25 115.70 54.27 740-477-04 309 146.15 160.11 12.00 13.10 9.91 C 810 740-477-05 291 139.62 148.13 7.81 44.53 25.61 C 787 including 141.62 144.00 2.18 211.69 95.00 740-477-06 504 130.40 138.30 7.52 17.57 13.88 C 766 including 134.10 135.00 0.86 127.40 95.00 740-477-07 303 134.80 143.20 8.11 5.03 5.03 C 738 including 137.00 137.70 0.68 52.69 52.69 740-477-08 318 137.60 148.60 10.65 6.13 6.13 C 715 including 147.10 147.60 0.48 48.85 48.85 740-477-09 390 217.84 223.07 3.18 5.82 5.82 C 912 740-477-10 365 200.60 204.43 2.52 4.75 4.75 C 889 740-477-11 420 168.30 179.00 7.64 23.90 11.07 C 860 including 169.60 172.30 1.93 73.48 22.65 including 176.30 177.00 0.50 67.10 67.10 740-477-12 313 156.90 161.60 3.73 5.03 5.03 C 835 740-477-13 303 145.70 149.70 3.43 3.16 3.16 C 813 740-477-14 423 134.00 138.21 3.91 25.17 25.17 C 786 740-477-15 260 129.40 137.05 7.54 1.17 1.17 C 752 740-477-16 249 139.30 143.10 3.73 0.39 0.39 C 715 740-477-17 270 192.00 199.00 4.61 6.05 6.05 C 885 740-477-26 225 152.00 156.00 3.77 0.59 0.59 C 734 740-477-27 231 149.00 153.00 3.75 0.34 0.34 C 748 740-483-01 210 160.00 169.00 7.76 6.60 6.60 C 812 740-483-02 270 184.77 199.76 11.28 14.72 11.69 C 855 including 194.77 195.27 0.38 186.04 95.00 including 196.27 197.27 0.75 74.43 74.43 740-483-03 300 201.00 213.75 8.33 17.69 17.69 C 886 including 202.00 205.40 2.22 62.23 62.23 740-483-04 220 178.32 190.29 9.28 49.41 13.46 C 844 including 178.61 179.00 0.30 1198.12 95.00 740-483-05 270 204.00 211.45 5.03 84.74 15.67 C 883 including 204.00 204.74 0.50 292.80 95.00 including 208.55 208.85 0.20 1322.21 95.00 740-483-08 273 203.72 207.13 2.36 1.55 1.55 C 875 740-483-09 300 213.57 224.00 6.75 7.95 6.58 C 895 740-483-10 324 183.10 192.13 7.04 7.26 7.26 C 842 740-483-11 234 180.00 189.48 7.35 0.91 0.91 C 835 740-483-12 324 198.33 202.55 3.06 0.35 0.35 C 862 740-483-13 291 215.20 218.80 2.33 7.93 7.93 C 890 740-483-14 385 230.00 233.60 2.27 0.34 0.34 C 891 740-483-17 177 153.85 156.50 2.56 31.53 31.53 C 732 including 155.00 156.00 0.97 77.68 77.68 740-483-18 177 147.05 151.95 4.81 4.25 4.25 C 738 740-486-04 111 79.27 85.37 4.09 2.67 2.67 C 791 740-486-05 99 72.65 78.00 4.01 4.14 4.14 C 780 740-486-06 102 74.24 80.75 4.49 24.66 11.97 C 781 including 78.53 79.21 0.47 216.45 95.00 740-486-08 195 94.20 102.82 4.50 2.76 2.76 C 812 740-486-09 129 97.93 112.78 8.34 6.02 6.02 C 819 740-486-10 112 88.32 94.98 4.09 2.53 2.53 C 802 740-486-11 180 106.57 112.50 3.29 5.35 5.35 C 809 740-486-12 168 126.95 135.30 3.71 1.02 1.02 C 837 740-486-13 174 115.35 126.55 4.81 2.64 2.64 C 838 740-486-14 156 106.00 117.75 6.01 4.08 4.08 C 824

TABLE 3 NEAR MINE (Main Zone - Lower than 845 LEVEL) Vertical depth of True Uncut Cut Intersectio Length From To Width Grade Grade n Hole Number (metres) (metres) (metres) (metres) (g/t Au) (g/t Au) Zone (metres) 620-517-41 462 399.26 410.40 3.96 40.29 12.60 C 984 including 402.95 404.00 0.37 385.04 91.25 620-517-42 441 372.09 380.13 3.36 12.47 12.47 C 948 including 374.09 375.83 0.73 31.15 31.15 620-517-43 420 307.86 332.34 10.87 48.11 35.21 C 893 including 309.98 316.96 3.10 66.86 46.68 including 324.22 332.34 3.61 79.75 58.20 620-517-44 420 313.74 349.42 16.46 37.03 16.12 C 902 including 313.74 317.60 1.78 223.98 65.13 including 337.55 341.95 2.03 75.01 44.81 620-517-45 411 295.00 300.00 2.16 - - Dyke out 874 760-502-03 210 143.90 148.55 3.08 2.38 2.38 C 859

TABLE 4 NEAR MINE (EXTENSION 1) Vertical depth of True Uncut Cut Intersectio Length From To Width Grade Grade n Hole Number (metres) (metres) (metres) (metres) (g/t Au) (g/t Au) Zone (metres) 620-524-22 261 206.00 209.53 2.42 0.87 0.87 C 758 620-524-23 285 245.48 249.50 2.39 0.29 0.29 C 797 620-524-24 291 235.64 241.16 3.16 11.50 9.42 C 801 620-524-25 336 280.43 290.63 5.02 2.07 2.07 C 852 620-524-26 335 269.48 277.63 4.10 7.90 5.91 C 833 620-524-27 405 339.71 349.50 4.44 57.71 29.15 C 911 including 341.50 346.00 2.04 117.88 55.76 including 342.52 344.60 0.94 229.41 95.00 620-524-28 330 257.92 266.00 4.30 23.64 15.56 C 819 including 259.72 262.97 1.73 57.21 37.13 including 260.23 260.64 0.22 254.20 95.00 620-524-29 501 388.54 394.58 2.25 0.79 0.79 C 947 620-524-34 300 223.41 226.75 2.09 0.32 0.32 C 782 620-524-35 330 244.88 252.00 3.83 8.12 8.12 C 816 620-524-36 387 268.90 286.40 8.49 6.09 6.09 C 849 620-524-37 330 254.90 260.70 3.10 13.65 13.65 C 821 620-538-01 186 145.70 148.22 2.52 5.98 5.98 C 601 620-538-05 231 194.77 197.45 2.37 0.12 0.12 C 686

TABLE 5 NEAR MINE (EXTENSION 2) Vertical depth of True Uncut Cut Intersectio Length From To Width Grade Grade n Hole Number (metres) (metres) (metres) (metres) (g/t Au) (g/t Au) Zone (metres) 620-543-33 210 185.00 187.50 2.17 0.13 0.13 E1E 690 620-543-37 295 259.96 265.00 3.37 0.61 0.61 E1E 776 620-543-38 177 140.42 142.82 2.37 20.56 20.21 E1E 618 including 142.22 142.82 0.59 71.32 69.89 620-543-40 240 207.50 210.20 2.22 4.35 4.35 E1E 701 620-543-41 222 196.91 199.42 2.16 3.35 3.35 E1E 687 620-543-43 360 270.62 280.10 5.43 10.65 10.65 E1E 823 620-543-44 402 303.60 325.60 11.34 2.84 2.84 E1E 868 620-543-45 333 245.00 251.90 4.18 0.73 0.73 E1E 792 620-543-46 360 283.70 290.80 3.79 5.12 5.12 E1E 834 620-543-47 390 304.61 309.73 2.59 10.85 10.85 E1E 859 620-543-48 141 107.16 110.17 2.73 0.30 0.30 E1E 558 620-543-49 138 105.40 109.20 3.42 3.41 3.41 E1E 559 620-543-50 135 111.50 115.00 3.06 0.01 0.01 E1E 557 620-543-51 141 118.76 122.76 3.84 0.72 0.72 E1E 580 620-543-52 198 173.00 176.15 2.90 3.99 3.99 E1E 662 620-543-53 157 132.79 135.17 2.36 8.34 8.34 E1E 605 620-543-54 159 124.50 127.35 2.78 1.71 1.71 E1E 582 620-545-01 171 141.00 144.00 2.91 0.12 0.12 E1E 583 620-545-02 186 162.28 164.95 2.63 3.60 3.60 E1E 603 620-548-01 147 126.27 129.79 3.31 5.31 5.31 E1E 559 620-548-02 147 127.70 130.15 2.27 8.93 8.93 E1E 557 620-548-03 150 130.07 133.58 3.13 6.13 6.13 E1E 554

TABLE 6 DEEP DRILLING AND LATERAL EAST DEEP DRILLING Vertical depth of True Uncut Cut Intersectio Length From To Width Grade Grade n Hole Number (metres) (metres) (metres) (metres) (g/t Au) (g/t Au) Zone (metres) GD-586-01 975 780.23 785.20 3.56 4.02 4.02 E1E 658 GD-586-02A 960 840.70 844.00 2.06 10.41 10.41 E1E 744 GD-590-06A 897 749.02 757.00 4.94 2.09 2.09 E1E 674 GD-590-07 963 779.00 781.65 1.56 1.97 1.97 E1E 716 GD-586-03C 1,000 745.75 747.35 1.18 1.38 1.38 E1E 607

TABLE 7 DEEP DRILLING PROGRAM Vertical depth of True Uncut Cut Intersectio Length From To Width Grade Grade n Hole Number (metres) (metres) (metres) (metres) (g/t Au) (g/t Au) Zone (metres) MH1-8 1,671 1,526.35 1,531.50 1.77 4.86 4.86 E1E 1,434 MH1-9A 1,619 1,258.43 1,259.68 0.82 33.84 26.56 X 1,132 MH1-9A 1,619 1,408.35 1,408.90 0.36 22.53 22.53 C 1,256 including 1,258.43 1,258.77 0.22 121.75 95.00 MH2A-4 1,457 1,210.49 1,216.32 4.12 4.91 4.91 X 1,074 MH2A-4 1,457 1,331.70 1,340.65 6.38 5.66 5.66 E1E 1,172 MH2A-5A 1,544 1,368.50 1,372.00 2.29 14.99 14.99 E1E 1,234 MH2A-6 1,433 1,305.00 1,310.67 4.39 6.46 6.46 E1E 1,141 MH3-7 1,607 1,384.80 1,404.40 5.60 10.25 8.41 E1E 1,278 including 1,384.85 1,385.85 0.29 88.37 82.35 including 1,399.50 1,400.00 0.14 154.80 95.00 MH3-8 1,646 1,423.17 1,424.15 0.37 1.10 1.10 E1E 1,314 MH4 1,500 1,059.77 1,069.56 7.42 1.36 1.36 X 895 MH4-2 1,624 1,084.37 1,093.61 6.61 1.69 1.69 X 932 including 1,086.40 1,089.90 2.50 3.80 3.80 X 936 MH4-2 1,624 1,143.13 1,147.77 3.32 5.14 5.14 X 979 MH4-3A 1,550 1,106.90 1,113.82 4.81 17.77 17.77 X 951 including 1,108.34 1,109.96 1.13 65.26 65.26 MH5 1,500 1,105.50 1,108.85 2.54 3.89 3.89 X 967 MH5 1,500 1,172.80 1,175.20 1.82 1.73 1.73 X 1,021 MH5 1,500 1,304.35 1,308.20 2.92 3.48 3.48 X 1,128 MH5 1,500 1,313.35 1,316.30 2.23 7.11 7.11 G1 1,135 including 1,314.00 1,314.30 0.23 55.17 55.17

Renaud Adams,President and CEO, Phone: +1-416-368-0291 ext. 101; Anne Day, Vice-President, Investor Relations, Phone: +1-416-368-0291 ext. 105
VILNIUS, Lithuania, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The Irish low cost carrier Ryanair is expanding its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) base in Kaunas, Lithuania. The transport industry giant is planning to invest around 250,000 into expanding the facilities of its maintenance unit, Kaunas Aircraft Maintenance Services (KAMS), which is located at Kaunas International Airport.

According to KAMS's accountable manager, Karolis Aepukas, a range of new workshops will be opened at the facility thanks to this new investment. "This year, the expected volume of airframe maintenance and aircraft components in Kaunas is increasing," says Mr Aepukas, "so it was decided to open additional workshops for aircraft components within our existing hangars. We are opening workshops for repairing aircraft airstairs, filling oxygen cylinders, and working on metal and composite parts. In addition, we will be hiring additional aircraft airframe technicians," he explains.

The company expects its turnover to jump 20 % this year, and is planning a 30% increase in the number of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul specialists it employs. After the expansion, around 140 specialists will be employed at the facility.

KAMS's growth is closely related to the continued expansion of Ryanair's fleet; by 2020 the company will be operating in excess of 500 aircraft. And in this context of continued strong growth, KAMS is optimistic that in the future new hangars for aircraft refinishing and other maintenance activities could be opened at the Kaunas facility.

Lithuania's aviation industry has the potential to continue growing in the future thanks to recent reforms to the study programmes provided by Lithuanian higher education institutions, which were proposed by the industry and supported by Invest Lithuania.

Aviation companies operating in the Kaunas region will provide Aviation Engineering students at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) with the opportunity to accumulate more practical experience during their studies. In their third year, students will be able to do a full year internship at one of the many aircraft maintenance and repair organisations participating in the scheme.

This will enable graduates to have at least 1 year of experience, thus meeting internationally recognised EASA requirements. Further initiatives by education institutions will mean study programs can be certified as meeting EASA basic training requirements. These steps mean companies will acquire well-trained technicians, and will lower the investment companies need to make, as the theory part of their training would be partially covered by government funding.
FEDERAL WAY (dpa-AFX) - Weyerhaeuser Co. (WY), a private owner of timberlands, announced Wednesday the exploration of strategic alternatives for its timberlands and manufacturing operations in Uruguay. The company said it intends to consider a broad range of alternatives, including continuing to hold and operate the business, or a sale. Doyle Simons, president and chief executive officer, said, 'Following our merger with Plum Creek, we are evaluating strategic alternatives for this business to best position it for long-term success and ensure we are maximizing value for our shareholders.' Weyerhaeuser established its operations in Uruguay in 1997. The business in that country currently includes over 300,000 acres of timberlands in northeastern and north central Uruguay, as well as a plywood and veneer manufacturing facility, a cogeneration facility, and a seedling nursery. The company added that the review of the Uruguay operations does not guarantee that it will pursue a transaction, or that a transaction would be completed if initiated. 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.
TORONTO, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- Nighthawk Gold Corp. ("Nighthawk" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: NHK) today announced that recent drilling has defined the near surface boundaries and dimensions of Zone 1.5, and accordingly, supports the existence of constrained high-grade domains within the Colomac mineralized system. Nighthawk previously reported results from step-out drilling at this newly discovered zone (see September 13, 2016 news release) where C16-03 intersected 52.07 metres (40 metres true width) of 7.72 g/t gold, including 25.47 metres of 14.25 g/t gold, and including 12.35 metres of 9.58 g/t gold. Today's results show that the zone continues uninterrupted down plunge and supports its continuity of mineralization to depth, as C16-03B cut 72.65 metres (50 metres true width) of 5.58 g/t gold, including 17.80 metres of 17.72 g/t gold, 100 metres below the C16-03 intersection (Figures 1, 2, 3 / Table 1).

"We've always considered the existence of distinct higher-grade domains as a very real opportunity at Colomac, although previous to this drilling they had yet to be constrained," said Dr. Michael Byron, President and CEO. "In our June 20, 2012 news release the similarities between Colomac and Kalgoorlie, one of the world's largest Archean gold camps, was first discussed. The Western Australian analogue and Colomac are hosted by a fractionated mafic intrusion where gold is concentrated within its more silica-rich upper portions. Kalgoorlie hosts higher grade gold zones, but at Colomac the existence of similar zones had never been documented. Realizing that opportunity, we targeted Zone 1.5 based on the Kalgoorlie model, and that approach resulted in the discovery of the high-grade gold zone in 2014, in effect endorsing the analogue and our exploration strategies based on it. Discoveries of this size and continuity have radically changed our understanding of Colomac, as higher grade zones represent an exciting new resource expansion opportunity," commented Dr. Michael Byron.

From initial drill start-up (see July 5, 2016 news release) to program conclusion in late September, 34 drillholes (8,390 metres) were laid out to help delineate Zone 1.5, test for other higher-grade prospects within the Colomac and Goldcrest sills, and to target near-surface resource expansion opportunities. Results from 8 drillholes (1,955 metres) are presented in Tables 1 and 2 below. Outside of Colomac, Nighthawk has advanced several other highly prospective targets throughout its vast Indin Lake land package. Ongoing regional prospecting and mapping programs have been effective in that process and in identifying exciting new prospects. Results from that work will be summarized in upcoming news releases.

Highlights: (uncut gold assays reported):

Colomac Zone 1.5

-- Hole C16-03B intersected 72.65 metres (50 metre true width) of 5.58 g/t gold, including 17.80 metres of 17.72 g/t gold, and including 11.05 metres of 27.83 g/t gold; -- Hole C16-04B intersected 9.00 metres (6 metre true width) of 2.24 g/t gold; -- Drilling has constrained the near surface dimensions of high-grade Zone 1.5 - upwards of 125 metres long, 30 to 40 metres in true width, and extending from surface to 260 metres vertical while open to depth; -- The discovery of Zone 1.5 clearly demonstrates the potential for discovery of other higher grade domains throughout the Colomac and Goldcrest sills, and that given their size and continuity, they are expected to have a positive impact on resource expansion, consequently they remain a priority exploration target for the Company.

Goldcrest North

-- Hole G16-02 intersected 10.25 metres (8.0 metre true width) of 1.75 g/t gold, including 6.50 metres of 2.40 g/t gold. Table 1. Colomac Zone 1.5 Drill Results (uncut) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Core Length Hole ID From (m) To (m) (m)(i) Au gpt ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- C16-03B 232.60 305.25 72.65 5.58 including 248.65 266.45 17.80 17.72 including 255.40 266.45 11.05 27.83 including 257.50 262.50 5.00 52.38 including 257.50 258.50 1.00 89.45 including 261.00 262.00 1.00 127.20 including 262.50 266.45 3.95 8.95 including 279.15 283.75 4.60 4.02 including 282.55 285.25 2.70 4.85 including 302.70 305.25 2.55 6.60 including 314.50 315.25 0.75 43.90 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- C16-04 123.00 125.00 2.00 1.81 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- C16-04B 205.50 214.50 9.00 2.24 including 212.95 214.50 1.55 5.63 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- C16-05 83.50 85.00 1.50 2.94 92.50 94.75 2.25 1.53 142.75 146.35 3.60 1.14 163.15 163.90 0.75 1.05 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- C16-05B Abandoned in overburden ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Table 2. Goldcrest North Drill Results (uncut) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- G16-01 78.00 79.00 1.00 10.65 124.80 131.20 6.40 1.84 including 125.60 130.40 4.80 2.36 145.80 148.20 2.40 0.92 157.20 160.40 3.20 0.77 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- G16-01B 142.25 151.00 8.75 0.85 178.50 183.75 5.25 1.80 including 178.50 180.75 2.25 3.29 195.75 212.75 17.00 1.24 including 199.50 212.75 13.25 1.45 including 199.50 200.00 0.50 10.30 including 209.50 212.75 3.25 2.67 including 210.50 212.75 2.25 3.59 226.50 235.50 9.00 0.58 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- G16-02 107.00 117.25 10.25 1.75 including 110.00 116.50 6.50 2.40 166.00 178.44 12.44 0.68 including 173.50 177.37 3.87 1.62 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- G16-02B 133.50 137.75 4.25 0.70 148.75 162.50 13.75 0.69 including 148.75 153.00 4.25 0.95 including 159.00 162.50 3.50 1.18 181.50 186.50 5.00 1.03 210.50 213.12 2.62 2.19 244.00 247.15 3.15 0.81 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (i) Lengths are reported as core lengths. True widths vary depending on drill hole dip; most holes are laid out to intersect the sill close to perpendicular therefore true widths are approximately 80% of core lengths

Colomac Zone 1.5

Four of the eight holes announced today were drilled at Zone 1.5 to help constrain its near-surface dimensions (Figure 1). C16-03B was collared from the same setup as previously reported C16-03 (see September 13, 2016 news release), but drilled at a steeper angle to test the zone 100 metres below the C16-03 intersection. The hole intersected 72.65 metres (50 metres true width) of 5.58 g/t gold (uncut), including 17.80 metres of 17.72 g/t gold (uncut), confirming the zone's consistency in grade and width to depth (Figure 3). Three holes (C15-06, C16-03, C16-03B) have now been drilled on this section, 25 metres north of the initial discovery hole C14-06, and collectively show great consistency in the nature of the zone's mineralization and overall continuity to depth (Figure 4).

C16-04 and 04B are 25 metre step-outs south of C16-02 and 02B, two previous holes drilled near the high-grade zone's southern boundary (Figure 1). C16-04 and 04B did not intersect mineralization typical of the high-grade portion of Zone 1.5, thus the southern boundary of this north plunging mineralized shoot lies between the sections drilled by C16-01 and C16-02 (see September 13, 2016 news release).

Hole C16-05 was collared 25 metres north of C16-03 and 03B (Figure 1), to test the northern limits of the zone. Although mineralization was intersected over significant widths, it was not the style typical of the higher grade domains, as a result the northern boundary is now fixed between the sections drilled by C16-03 and C16-03B and C16-05. Given the geometry of the plunging zone, C16-05 appears to have overshot the high-grade intersected in C16-03 (Figure 4).

Drilling to date has established the near surface dimensions of high-grade Zone 1.5 to be upwards of 125 metres long, 30 to 40 metres in true width, extending from surface to 260 metres and open to depth. Three holes drilled on an internal section of the zone clearly illustrate the zone's strong continuity as high-grade mineralization has been traced from near surface to over 260 metres vertical depth. The presence of high-grade Zone 1.5 supports the possibility that other high-grade domains exist within the underexplored Colomac and Goldcrest sills, and that given their potential size and continuity, it is expected they will have a significant positive impact on future resource estimates. Presently, the Company has identified similar bodies at Zone 3.5 and Zone 2.0, while three other possibilities were drilled over the course of this summer's program. Results for those holes are pending.

Goldcrest North

Goldcrest is a 2.5 kilometre mineralized mafic sill similar to Colomac, which is located 400 metres to the east. It contributes the highest average grade in the current resource estimate at 2.19 g/t gold (June 17, 2013 news release), yet is largely underexplored off its flanks and to depth. Goldcrest North appears to be a detached portion of the main Goldcrest sill located 600 metres to the northeast. The current campaign represents the Company's program at Goldcrest North in which eight holes were drilled to test the projection of the zone's near surface mineralization to depth beneath the current resource (Figure 1). Results for four of those holes are presented in Table 2 and show broad zones of mineralization confined to the sub vertical dipping host rock. Although significant high-grade was not encountered, all holes intersected gold mineralization highlighted by G16-02 which cut 10.25 metres of 1.75 g/t gold, including 6.50 metres of 2.40 g/t gold. Geological models are currently being updated to help visualize additional target opportunities, and given the presence of localized higher grade gold assays, such short intercepts may be reflective of adjacent high-grade zones as seen at Zone 1.5.

On July 5, 2016, Nighthawk commenced it summer campaign with two drills focused on high-grade zone delineation, exploration for new higher grade domains, and resource expansion. By the end of the program in late September the Company had drilled 34 holes for 8,400 metres, of which 13 holes (3,088 metres) have now been reported. Results for the remainder will be released once assay results are received and compiled.

Figure 1. Zone 1.5 and Goldcrest North Drillhole Locations: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/2223a.jpg

Figure 2. Colomac Longitudinal Section Showing Near Surface Resource and Exploration Potential: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/2223b.jpg

Figure 3. Drillhole Section C15-06, C16-03, C16-03B: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/2223c.jpg

Figure 4. Zone 1.5 Longitudinal Section: http://media3.marketwire.com/docs/2223d.jpg

Technical Information

Nighthawk has implemented a quality-control program to comply with best practices in the sampling and analysis of drill core. Drill core samples were transported in security-sealed bags for analyses at ALS Chemex Assay Laboratory in Vancouver, BC ("ALS Chemex"). ALS Chemex is an ISO 9001:2000 certified laboratory. Pulp and metallics assaying for gold was conducted on the entire pulverized sample.

As part of its QA/QC program, Nighthawk inserts external gold standards (low to high grade) and blanks every 20 samples in addition to the standards, blanks, and pulp duplicates inserted by ALS Chemex.

Results from drill hole and C16-03B were not top-cut given the pervasive nature of the high grade sections; however, once incorporated into an updated resource block model, samples will be capped in accordance with the resource estimate.

About Nighthawk(i)

Nighthawk is a Canadian-based exploration company focused on acquiring and developing gold mineral properties in the Northwest Territories. Including the mineral claims and leases of the Colomac Gold Project, Nighthawk's Indin Lake Gold Property comprises a total land package of 222,203 acres in the Indin Lake Greenstone Belt, located approximately 200 kilometres north of Yellowknife, Northwest Territories and includes an Inferred Mineral Resource estimate, prepared in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"), of 39.815 million tonnes with an average grade of 1.64 g/t gold for 2.101 million ounces gold using a cut-off grade of 0.6 g/t gold. Nighthawk also holds a 100% interest in the property known as the Superior Project, which covers 39,015 acres approximately 85 kilometres north of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.

The technical aspects of this press release have been reviewed by Dr. Michael J. Byron, Ph.D., P.Geo., President & Chief Executive Officer of Nighthawk, who is the "Qualified Person" as defined by NI 43-101 for this project. Dr. Byron has supervised all work programs carried out by the Company within their Indin Lake Project since inception, visited the Colomac property on multiple occasions, examined the drill core from the holes summarized in this release, reviewed project progress and results with geological staff, and examined available analytical and quality control results.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information set forth in this news release may contain forward-looking statements that involve substantial known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the timing of future drilling, the expansion of the mineralization, and the remediation of historic reclamation sites. These forward-looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond the control of Nighthawk, including, but not limited to, the impact of general economic conditions, industry conditions, volatility of commodity prices, risks associated with the uncertainty of exploration results and estimates, currency fluctuations, dependency upon regulatory approvals, the uncertainty of obtaining additional financing and exploration risk. Readers are cautioned that the assumptions used in the preparation of such information, although considered reasonable at the time of preparation, may prove to be imprecise and, as such, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. This press release is not, and is not to be construed in any way as, an offer to buy or sell securities in the United States.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Dr. Michael J. Byron

President and Chief Executive Officer

Nighthawk Gold Corp.

(647) 260-1247

mbyron@nighthawkgold.com




New energy efficiency regulations and rollout of smart electricity meters are driving the market, finds Frost & Sullivan's Energy & Environment Team

LONDON, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The mandated introduction of smart electricity meters is stoking the simultaneous launch of smart gas meters, as regulators recognise the economic benefits of a shared communication infrastructure for electricity and gas meters. Luxembourg is already conducting a dual-fuel rollout, and similar projects are being planned in Germany, Austria, Ireland and Belgium after successful pilots.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161012/427740

Thanks to ongoing smart gas rollouts in France, Italy, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands, the EMEA region is now the key regional smart gas meter market ahead of North America, which will also be surpassed by the Asia-Pacific market, not including China, by 2018.

The Global Smart Gas Meters Market analysis is part of Frost & Sullivan's Power Generation Growth Partnership Service (GPS) programme, which includes insights on smart grids and smart metering, generator sets, microgrids, renewable energy, gas and steam turbines, industrial generators, small-scale GTL, and gases to liquid.

Click on the following link for complimentary access to more information on this analysis and to register for a Growth Strategy Dialogue, a free interactive briefing with Frost & Sullivan's thought leaders: http://frost.ly/wv

"The passing of favourable legislation such as the Third Energy Package of the European Union provided substantial impetus to the growth of advanced metering solutions," said Energy & Environment Consultant Maximilian-Eckart Wernicke. "Without nationwide mandates, gas utilities would have overlooked the residential segment and offered smart gas meters only to industrial and commercial customers with annual consumption of more than 1,500,000 kWh."

The diversity of national smart meter specifications makes it challenging for many meter manufacturers to market their products globally. Most significantly, the total costs of ownership of smart gas metering in many cases are higher than the accrued energy cost savings. As a result, residential deployments are frequently scaled back, postponed or cancelled.

Even while smart gas meter vendors are benefitting from mandated smart meter rollouts, limited technology innovation is causing the market to become rapidly commoditised. This places huge pressure on premium manufacturers, especially since Chinese manufacturers are aggressively targeting the international market.

"As a result, many established vendors are increasingly defining their value proposition as the optimisation of the business processes of the utility," noted Wernicke. "This development marks a transition phase in which meter manufacturers convert from mere component suppliers to full-line service providers offering energy management solutions and conducting the meter reading on behalf of their customers."

Compared to non-smart gas meters, the share of smart gas meters shipped annually will increase from the current 18.5% to 51% in 2025. Market liberalisation and a rising number of households in developed countries will also expand the customer base of smart gas meters and, ultimately, enhance revenue opportunities.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community.

Contact:

Anna Zanchi

Corporate Communications - Europe

P: +39.02.4851 6133

E: anna.zanchi@frost.com

http://ww2.frost.com
LONDON, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

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LONDON, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Acquisition highlights

Creates UK's 2 nd largest online broker * , with over 300,000 customer relationships and AUA of 18bn

largest online broker , with over 300,000 customer relationships and AUA of 18bn The combination brings together Interactive Investor's low charge customer proposition with TDDI's international capabilities, and will be firmly on the side of the individual investor

Funds advised by J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC to own a majority shareholding in the combined company

& Co. LLC to own a majority shareholding in the combined company Combination creates an online broker with the capabilities to invest in products, services and technology that benefit customers

Introduction

Interactive Investor plc ("Interactive Investor") has agreed to acquire TD Bank Group's European direct investing business, though the acquisition of the shares of TD Wealth Holdings (UK) Limited and TD Bank International S.A. (Luxembourg) (collectively, "TDDI").

The acquisition will create the UK's second largest online stockbroker* with assets under administration (AUA) of 18 billion.

Customer benefits

On completion of the acquisition, customers will benefit from a combined business that seeks to build on Interactive Investor's heritage as a low charge challenger broker and TDDI's reputation as one of the UK's leading online investing providers. TDDI also provides additional geographical reach, allowing customers to trade 32 markets, in nine currencies.

Post closing Interactive Investor and TDDI customers will enjoy the benefits of a business with the scale and financial strength to invest in leading technology, products and services.

The combined business will be firmly on the side of the individual investor; helping investors by providing efficient customer service, competitive and transparent charges, and easy access to online investment and saving services.

There will be no immediate change for the customers of either Interactive Investor or TDDI.

Transaction details

Interactive Investor's acquisition of TDDI will be financed through an investment from funds advised by J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC, which, following completion, will have a majority shareholding in the combined business. Interactive Investor's existing shareholders that are participating in the transaction will also become shareholders in the combined company. Closing is expected in the first calendar quarter of 2017 subject to customary closing conditions, including receipt of required regulatory approvals from the FCA, CSSF and ECB, and the approval of Interactive Investor's shareholders.

Management

The enlarged business will be led by Adam Seale, II plc's current CEO. Hugo Van Vredenburch and Barry Bicknell, respectively II's current Chairman and CFO, will be the Chairman and CFO of the combined business. John Tracy, current CEO of TDDI, will continue to assist during a transitional period to support the integration.

Commenting on the acquisition, Adam Seale, CEO of Interactive Investor, said:"This combination will bring real benefits to both Interactive Investor customers and TD Direct Investing customers. The enlarged Interactive Investor will have increased scale, expertise and resource, enabling it to provide customers with award winning online investment services at low charges. We look forward to welcoming all our new customers to Interactive Investor and championing the needs of individual investors."

Leo Salom, Executive Vice President, TD Wealth, TD Bank Group, said:"We're very pleased to have reached this agreement with Interactive Investor, a highly regarded team who will ensure that TDDI customers continue to have access to excellent products, services and technology to meet their investing needs for the long term. With this transaction, we will remain focused on our core areas of growth in North America, where we are a top-10 financial institution with an ambitious agenda to expand our Wealth franchise, which currently serves 2.2 million clients and has more than $700 billion in client assets across Canada and the U.S."

Tim Hanford, Head of Europe, J.C. Flowers & Co., said:"JCF has a long history of working with entrepreneurial management teams to deliver transformational change. This transaction will create a new leader in the investment sector for private investors at a time of industry change due to the low rate environment and a refocusing of priorities by global financial services groups. We look forward to working with Interactive Investor to complete this complex acquisition from TD, and to establish the combined business on an efficient operating platform that delivers innovative wealth management services to all its customers."

Background to Interactive Investor plc

Interactive Investor's history reflects the story of the way the internet changed the balance of power in favour of private investors, giving them access to tools and services once only available to professionals - allowing them to harness the power of technology to invest quickly and cost-effectively. Interactive Investor is proud to be firmly on the side of the investor. The business started in 1995 as an online aggregator of news, commentator on markets and a forum to discuss the topics of the day. Today, with an established and significant brokerage business, Interactive Investor offers a complete suite of services and products that investors can use to research, learn about and trade markets. Interactive Investor provides customers with ISA and SIPP services, execution only share, fund, gilt and bond trading, and a white labelled solution for spread betting and CFDs. Customers can invest in UK and international main market equities, small companies via the Alternative Investment Market (Aim), or collectives including investment trusts, funds and ETFs. The II website features a shortlist of around 190 independently selected Rated Funds and a range of model portfolios that allow customers to narrow down the best options for inclusion within their account. Interactive Investor's approach is open and transparent throughout: importantly, fees are based on the transactions, not the opaque world of percentage-based charges, linked to the level of assets held in an account.

Interactive Investor owns Moneywise, the UK's leading Personal Finance website and magazine, and Money Observer, the leading investment website and magazine. It also publishes specialist retirement magazine How to Retire in Style. These inform and educate millions as they look to take greater control over their financial affairs. Combined, the II, Moneywise and Money Observer websites attract over 11.6 million visitors a year.

Background to TD Direct Investing

TD Direct Investing has been serving retail investors in the UK since 1998 and globally through its International Business in Luxembourg since 2000. It holds 14.5bn of assets for its customers. Assets have grown by 2bn - an increase of 16% - and over 16,000 new customers have joined TD Direct Investing over the last year. The company was one of the first to launch a mobile trading app in the UK, and it's Advanced Trading Platform allows sophisticated traders the ability to customise their trading experience. Since gaining regulatory permissions to provide customers with non-personalised advice in April 2015, TD Direct Investing has launched a raft of new propositions to help traders and investors make confident decisions, including a list of Recommended Funds, Quick Start Funds and a technical insight offering. It is a leader in the provision of International trading, allowing customers to trade in 16 countries across 45 exchanges, and is one of the only providers that offers a free multi-currency service.

Background to J.C. Flowers & Co. LLC

J.C. Flowers is a leading private investment firm dedicated to investing globally in the financial services industry. Founded in 1998, the firm has invested more than $15 billion of capital in 46 portfolio companies in 16 countries across a range of industry subsectors including banking, insurance and reinsurance, securities firms, specialty finance, and services and asset management. With approximately $6 billion of assets under management, J.C. Flowers has offices in New York and London. For more information, visit jcfco.com.

*Source: "UK D2C Guide: Direct Platform Market Update", Platforum, 22 July 2016

Forward Looking Statements

This announcement may include forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on Interactive Investor's expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward looking statements are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Interactive Investor, which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements. Interactive Investor makes no undertaking to subsequently update or revise the forward-looking statements made in this announcement to reflect the circumstances or events after the date of that release.




NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --Cloud9 Technologies LLC, a cloud-based communication provider for financial firms and institutional traders offering advanced capabilities to leverage compliance, voice analytics and workflow solutions, announced today the close of a $30M funding round. This round was led by JPMorgan Chase & Co., with ICAP, Barclays and Point72 Ventures. The round also includes individual participation by the principals of several leading trading firms, such as Hudson Ridge Asset Management, who were among Cloud9's early customers.

"We are thrilled to welcome Point72 Ventures and our other investors as we continue to build a technology that acts as a catalyst in terms of changing the communication and process around trading," said Gerald Starr, CEO of Cloud9 Technologies. "Cloud9 has ushered trader communication into the modern age, while bringing mobility, enhanced compliance and security, and more agile communication to the industry. With the close of this round, our team is poised to continue development of products and services that will change the way the financial industry and enterprise businesses communicate and collaborate."

To date, more than 2,700 users in 29 countries have adopted Cloud9. Firms have cited several reasons for Cloud9's popularity among financial services professionals, including the platform's ease-of-use, mobility features, strong value proposition and interoperability with other solutions.

"Cloud9's technology inspired us to revisit our trader voice communication strategy and related workflow," said Rick Smith, Head of Private Investments at JPMorgan Chase. "We believe that Cloud9 will empower traders through its ease of use and management, while improving efficiency, enhancing compliance and reducing communications costs."

Cloud9 will use the funding to support innovation, accelerate the development of several products in great demand by its customer base and expand the service offering into new markets. Most recently, Cloud9 opened an office in Singapore to meet growing demand in the Asia Pacific region, and the company has plans to expand operations in other markets by early next year.

"The rapid growth of Cloud9 since the company's launch in 2014 has paralleled the industry's adoption of cloud technology and we've seen the opportunity to extend the platform's benefits into areas such as workflow, compliance and advanced analytics," said Richard Kerschner, Chief Corporate Development Officer of ICAP's Post Trade, Risk and Information Services Division."Cloud9 is best positioned to provide next generation solutions that will create improved efficiency and additional benefits for traders, brokers, and other financial market players." ICAP's participation was led by Euclid Opportunities, ICAP's investment arm focused on emerging fintech companies.

"We believe Cloud9 is an emerging leader in transforming the way the buy-side and sell-side communicate across the capital markets," said Pete Casella, Partner at Point72 Ventures. "We are excited to partner with Jerry and his team to help attract more of our peers and trading counterparts into the Cloud9 ecosystem."

"We have been using Cloud9 since the beginning," said Michael Intrator, President and CEO of Hudson Ridge Asset Management, LLC. "We chose to personally invest in Cloud9 because the technology has been reliable, and transformative for us. We believe that the company has a future that extends beyond creating an integrated lifecycle around trading communications and beyond the finance industry."

In July, Cloud9 announced the successful launch of its Gateway Service, which connects Cloud9 users to their counterparties, even if they are not yet using the Cloud9 application. This kind of interoperability gives traders and brokers an edge, allowing them to connect with counterparties that they otherwise might not have had access to via the Cloud9 community.

Wachtell, Lipton, Rosen & Katz served as legal advisor to Cloud9 in connection with the funding round, which commenced earlier in 2016.

About Cloud9 Technologies

Cloud9 Technologies is a cloud communications service provider that delivers high performance voice and collaboration services designed for the unique functional and compliance needs of institutional traders. The company delivers its services from the cloud using software applications that leverage the Internet and advanced WebRTC technologies.

Cloud9 connects counterparties across all asset classes via a cloud-based communication platform that features end-to-end security, encryption and advanced compliance capabilities. Cloud9 eliminates the infrastructure and expense associated with legacy hardware and telecommunication based solutions. Our customer base includes top brokerages, sell-side firms, and tier one banks. For more information, visit: www.c9tec.com











To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cloud-communications-firm-cloud9-technologies-secures-30m-in-funding-from-a-consortium-including-jpmorgan-chase-icap-barclays-and-point72-ventures-300343408.html
COLORADO SPRINGS, CO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- Gold Resource Corporation (NYSE MKT: GORO) (the "Company") today announced it has received the final mine permit (blasting permit) to begin development and production from its Oaxaca Mining Unit's Alta Gracia Project. Gold Resource Corporation is a gold and silver producer with operations in Oaxaca, Mexico and Nevada, USA. The Company has returned $108 million to shareholders in monthly dividends since commercial production commenced July 1, 2010, and offers shareholders the option to convert their cash dividends into physical gold and silver and take delivery.

The Alta Gracia Project is located approximately 15 kilometers northwest of the producing Arista mine and Aguila Mill complex, all of which are located along a larger 55 kilometer north 70 west mineralized structural fault corridor the Company controls. With the final Alta Gracia mine permit now in hand, the Company is rapidly moving forward with a goal of drawing first mineral by year-end 2016 or the first quarter of 2017. The Company expects development time at Alta Gracia to be rapid, as the existing historic mine infrastructure can be leveraged and improved.

Oxide mineralization from Alta Gracia is expected to be trucked to and processed in the Aguila Mill's currently idle agitated leach circuit. Initial mining rates target 100 to 200 tonnes per day and an initial mill processing rate of 150 tonnes per day. The Alta Gracia mine has the potential to increase the Company's future annual silver production by approximately 500,000 silver ounces and 1,000 gold ounces. At year-end 2015, the Company estimated 185,000 tonnes in the mineralized material category grading 321 grams per tonne (g/t) silver and 0.55 g/t gold.

"We are pleased that the Company's Oaxaca Mining Unit business plan of having multiple mines feed a strategically located mill is well underway with the development of our now fully permitted Alta Gracia mine," stated Mr. Jason Reid, CEO and President of Gold Resource Corporation. "We were able to advance Alta Gracia forward much faster with this business plan, as we only have to justify the mining and trucking costs to haul mineral to our Aguila mill for processing. This shared mill approach eliminates the need and capital required to build a mill at each of our six properties. Furthermore, it targets moving a property into production sooner, at less cost and may add to our production profile and longevity of operations. We are very excited to soon have Alta Gracia as our second producing mine within our Oaxaca Mining Unit."

About GRC:

Gold Resource Corporation is a mining company focused on production and pursuing development of gold and silver projects that feature low operating costs and produce high returns on capital. The Company has exploration, development and production from multiple potential high-grade gold and silver properties at its Oaxaca, Mexico Mining Unit and its Nevada, USA, Mining Unit. The Company has 56,556,874 shares outstanding, zero warrants, zero debt and has returned $108 million back to shareholders since commercial production commenced July 1, 2010. Gold Resource Corporation offers shareholders the option to convert their cash dividends into physical gold and silver and take delivery. For more information, please visit GRC's website, located at www.Goldresourcecorp.com and read the Company's 10-K for an understanding of the risk factors involved.

Cautionary Statements:

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The statements contained in this press release that are not purely historical are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. When used in this press release, the words "plan", "target", "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend" and "expect" and similar expressions are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, the statements regarding Gold Resource Corporation's strategy, future plans for production, future expenses and costs, future liquidity and capital resources, and estimates of mineralized material. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based upon information available to Gold Resource Corporation on the date of this press release, and the company assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, and there can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed in this press release. In particular, there can be no assurance that production will continue at any specific rate. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those discussed in the Company's 10-K filed with the SEC.

Contacts:

Corporate Development

Greg Patterson

303-320-7708

www.Goldresourcecorp.com




ALBANY, New York, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The global gas detection equipment market has been expanding at a steady pace over the past few years and is likely to exhibit a stable growth rate through the forecast period.

Stringent government legislations regarding the safety of workers and property and the rising gas exploration activities around the world are the prominent factors supporting the growth of the gas detection equipment market. The soaring demand for energy has also accelerated the market growth as an increasing number customers worldwide have shown a preference for gas-powered equipment. However, the rising level of competition in the market is resulting in a decreased profit margin, thereby decreasing investments in this market. This factor acts as a major hindrance to the growth of the gas detection equipment market.

The global gas detection market is poised to expand from a value of US$3.4 bn in 2015 to reach US$5.6 bn by 2024, registering a 5.6% CAGR therein.

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Portable Gas Detectors Gaining Popularity over Fixed Detectors

On the basis of product type, fixed gas detectors held the leading share of around 55.0% in the overall market. However, portable gas detectors have been gaining popularity in the recent past and are likely to exhibit a strong CAGR of 6.4% during the forecast period.

By type of technology, while single-gas detection dominated the market, multi-gas detection is likely to expand at a CAGR higher than that registered by other technologies. On the basis of type of gas, combustible gases accounted for the major share in the gas detection equipment market and oxygen is slated to exhibit strong growth. The electromechanical segment held the dominant share by sensor technology in 2015, while the industrial sector is the leading end-use segment.

On the geographical front, North America is the lead segment and the revenue generated by this regional gas detection equipment market is estimated to cross the billion-dollar mark by 2024. Registering a 7.9% CAGR during the course of the forecast period, Asia Pacific is projected to emerge as the fastest growing segment.

Growing Need to Maintain Workers' Safety Driving Adoption of Gas Detection Equipment

A rise in initiatives to support workers' safety is one of the key factors driving the gas detection equipment market. "Government institutions as well as industry associations around the world have been laying down norms and regulations focused on maintaining a safe working environment," the author of the report states. Precautions to be taken by all enterprises to protect their employees also form a part of these regulations.

The Health and Safety Executive of Great Britain, for instance, has made it mandatory to install gas detectors in dangerous work environments such as offshore oil and gas plants. The FE-02 policy of Manchester Mental Health and Social Care Trust (the U.K.) states that all gas detection systems must be routinely checked for their efficiency and records of the maintenance activities must be maintained and easily accessible.

Another example would be The Code of Federal Regulations of the United States of America. Section 127.1203 states that waterfront facilities, which are transferring flammable liquefied hazardous gas (LHG), must install at least two portable gas detectors or one fixed gas detector. Gas detectors installed must be able to display the current level of LHG transferred, and whether this level is above or below the permissible level.

Regulations such as these have proved to be a great boon to the global gas detection equipment market. The increasing adoption of gas detectors thanks to the growing operations of shale gas exploration and soaring demand for energy also acts as a key contributor to the market. On the flip side, reduced profit margin as a result of high competition among players restricts the expansion of the gas detection equipment market.

Key Players:

The leading players in thegas detection equipment marketinclude Riken Keiki Co., Ltd., Industrial Scientific Corporation, MSA Safety Incorporated, Siemens AG, Trolex Ltd, Honeywell International Inc., Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, RAE Systems Inc., Sensidyne, LP, GE Measurement & Control Solution, ESP Safety Inc., Schauenburg Group, and Sensor Electronics.

Transparency Market Research finds that the global gas detection equipment market is highly competitive in nature. Market players are developing new and innovative products to differentiate themselves from the competition. With additional services offered to customers along with gas detection equipment, customer loyalty is expected to increase in the near future.

Browse Regional PR: http://www.europlat.org/global-gas-detection-equipment-market.htm

Gas Detection Equipment Market: By Product Type

Portable Gas Detector

Fixed Gas Detector

Gas Detection Equipment Market: By Type of Gas Detection Technology

Single Gas

Multi Gas

Gas Detection Equipment Market: By Type of Gas

Combustible

Toxic

Oxygen

Dedicated

Gas Detection Equipment Market: By End-use Industry

Oil and Gas

Mining

Industrial

Building Automation

Others

Gas Detection Equipment Market: By Sensor Technology

Electromechanical

Infrared

Metal Oxide

Catalytic

Zirconia

Others

Gas Detection Equipment Market: By Region

North America

Europe

Asia Pacific (APAC)

(APAC) Middle East & Africa

& Latin America

Recent Technology Reports by Transparency Market Research:

Portable Gas Detection Equipment Market:

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/portable-gas-detection-equipment-market.html

Industrial Personnel and Burden Carriers (Electric) Market:

http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/industrial-personnel-burden-carrier-electric-market.html

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- DiaMedica Inc. (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: DMA)(OTCQB: DMCAF) today announced the establishment of a Scientific Advisory Board ("SAB") of distinguished scientists and physicians. The newly formed SAB will serve as a resource to the Company in the development of DM199 for neurological diseases.

The founding DiaMedica Stroke SAB members are:

Dr. Philip Bath, MD, DSc

Dr. Bath is Stroke Association Professor of Stroke Medicine, and Chair and Head of the Division of Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Nottingham. He is also convener for the Neuroscience@Nottingham and Vascular Research multidisciplinary groups, and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Associate Director for Industry and Prevention in the Stroke Research Network. With 339 publications, he was the Stroke Association Keynote Lecturer in March 2015.

Clinically, he contributes to the NUH Stroke Service (in-patient and out-patient stroke care) and Hypertension Clinic. As an NIHR Senior Investigator, his main research interests cover the treatment of acute stroke (blood pressure lowering), prevention of stroke recurrence and cognitive impairment (antiplatelets, blood pressure, and lipid lowering), and enhancement of recovery using stem cells. He uses preclinical studies, clinical trials (phase I to IV), and systematic reviews to help address these questions.

Dr. Bath received his MD from King's College London, University of London and his DSc from the University of Nottingham.

Paolo Madeddu, MD

Dr. Madeddu is Chair of Experimental Cardiovascular Medicine and Head of the Section of Regenerative Medicine, School of Medicine at the University of Bristol. With 250 peer-reviewed publications in PubMed, his is a worldwide expert in regenerative cardiovascular medicine with significant research interest in the role of kallikrein-kinin system in angiogenesis and vascular biology. He serves as Chief Editor of Frontiers in Cardiovascular Science (Regenerative Medicine) and is Associate Editor at Circulation Research, ATVB, and Scientific Reports.

Dr. Madeddu received his MD from the University of Sassari.

John Volpi, MD

Dr. Volpi is the Co-Director of the Eddy Scurlock Stroke Center at Houston Methodist and Associate Professor of Clinical Neurology at the Institute for Academic Medicine. His research interests are in the management and prevention of ischemic stroke, and the critical care of patients with neurological illnesses such as intracerebral hemorrhage, epilepsy, and nervous system infections. His studies also involve the use of ultrasound in the evaluation of blood flow to the brain and development of novel therapies for improving patient outcomes in stroke.

Dr. Volpi received his MD from Baylor College of Medicine

"The new members of our scientific team, all leaders in their respective fields, share with DiaMedica the common goal of rapidly bringing new treatment options to patients in need," said Dr. Todd Verdoorn, Chief Scientific Officer of DiaMedia. "Each brings invaluable experience to the team as we make decisions on where to expand and hone our research and clinical programs."

The SAB members will also offer their expertise and feedback to support DiaMedica's pre-clinical and clinical programs, which include DM199 treatment for acute ischemic stroke and related diseases.

About DiaMedica

DiaMedica is a publicly traded clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing novel treatments for vascular diseases, including stroke and metabolic and kidney dysfunction. DiaMedica's common shares are listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol "DMA" and on the OTCQB under the trading symbol "DMCAF".

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The statements made in this press release that are not historical facts contain forward-looking information that involves risk and uncertainties. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, which address DiaMedica's expectations, should be considered forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on management's exercise of business judgment as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to management. When used in this document, the words "may", "will", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "intend" and words of similar import, are intended to identify any forward-looking statements. You should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information described in detail in the DiaMedica's filings with the Canadian securities regulators, all of which are available on SEDAR (www.sedar.com). Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements. DiaMedica undertakes no obligation, and does not intend, to update, revise or otherwise publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof, or to reflect the occurrence of any unanticipated events, unless required by law. Although management believes that expectations are based on reasonable assumptions, no assurance can be given that these expectations will materialize.

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 the contents of this press release.

Contacts:

Donna Husemoller

Corporate Controller

DiaMedica Inc.

763-270-0603

info@diamedica.com




ABU DHABI and DUBAI, UAE, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Innovative cyber security firm earns accolade for its unrivalled implementation of complex, highly effective cyber security deployments

DarkMatter, an international cyber security firm headquartered in the UAE, has been honoured with the "Top Vendor - Enterprise Security" prize at the Global Enterprise Connect (GEC) Awards 2016.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161012/427751 )



One of the region's biggest celebrations of IT excellence, the GEC Awards serves as a benchmark for outstanding performance across the IT industry in the Middle East and Africa.

DarkMatter was selected by an independent panel of judges for its innovation and continued efforts to push the boundaries of IT security. Since 2015, DarkMatter has successfully deployed complex and highly customised cyber security systems to government and enterprise customers.

Commenting on the award, Faisal Al Bannai, Chief Executive Officer of DarkMatter said, "We are pleased that such a prominent awards programme, so focused on identifying trailblazers and disrupters, has selected DarkMatter for this honour. We work tirelessly to redefine the cyber security landscape through cutting-edge products, solutions and implementations that secure the data, networks and communication of our government and enterprise clients."

"As highlighted by the GEC Awards, information technology and communications platforms are continually evolving at an explosive rate, even as malicious threats grow exponentially. Our international team with some of the world's most accomplished cyber security professionals is at the forefront of recalibrating the way cyber security is viewed and implemented, and we remain committed to protecting the future by securing its technologies."

The presentation of the award coincides with the imminent commencement of GITEX Technology Week 2016, where DarkMatter is the Cyber Security Innovation Partner. It will use the event to continue to raise the profile of cyber security with the view to placing it at the centre of digital transformation. GITEX is the largest annual ICT gathering in the Middle East, running October 16-20 at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), with DarkMatter exhibiting within Zabeel Hall.

About DarkMatter

DarkMatter is transforming the cyber security landscape by providing a complete range of state-of-the-art services and solutions to government and enterprise. Our end-to-end expertise extends to:

Governance, Risk and Compliance

We work with public and private entities in all verticals to audit and assess their performance against regulatory standards, helping identify gaps and meet obligations.

Cyber Network Defence

Our elite team of cyber experts, engaged across all competencies and functions, tasked with identifying and responding to the most advanced threats, threat actors, and cyber attacks.

Managed Security Services

We offer a remote monitoring remediation and resolution service that puts the full capabilities and resources of the DarkMatter organisation at the service of our MSS teams. Whether you need a SOC built and operated from scratch or you need assistance in upgrading what you currently have in place, DarkMatter can provide assistance.

Public Key Infrastructure

DarkMatter's Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) provides consulting to governments on the establishment of national root certificates of trust for countries. This places us in a unique position to understand not only the regulatory environment, but also the broader PKI environment, local players and Certification Authority entities. We also are the only full-service Certification Authority and PKI consultant to be headquartered in the region, and one of only a few to be located outside of North America.

Secure Communications

DarkMatter's Secure Communications Suite protects fixed and mobile voice, video, chat, email, file sharing, data communication, as well as device management across various platforms and operating systems.

Infrastructure and System Integration

This area underpins our professional services offering for governments and corporations, providing applications, services and solutions that ensure our clients remain at the forefront of cyber security.

Smart Solutions

We offer a comprehensive security suite of services comprising elements of protection for both homes and businesses: The Connected and Secure Home & Office; Technical Surveillance and Countermeasures; Mobile Peace of Mind; and Trusted Hardware supply.

Staffed by global experts and headquartered in the UAE, DarkMatter provides peace of mind through consulting and project implementations that are scalable to clients of any size and that address any domain of cyber security threat or risk. As a trusted partner to governments and critical infrastructure entities, the firm also works with leading global companies operating in the field of electronic and cyber security. DarkMatter's vision is to secure the future by protecting its technologies.

Agile and innovative, DarkMatter takes a comprehensive approach to helping its clients navigate the complex and ever-evolving world of threat and risk mitigation strategies, tools, policies and systems.

http://www.darkmatter.ae
NEW YORK, NY -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- The latest sales data from Kantar Worldpanel ComTech shows that in the three months ending August 2016, Android accounted for 65.2% of all US smartphone sales. This was down from 66.9% for Android during the same period a year earlier, as Samsung, LG, and Motorola all posted year-on-year Android sales declines in the US.

Samsung was the top seller of smartphones in the US during the June to August period, before it terminated production of the Galaxy Note 7 due to a series of battery fires. Only a few days before that, Google unveiled the Pixel and Pixel XL, its new line of flagship smartphones.

"The Pixel could not have come at a better time for Google, with Samsung retiring the beleaguered Galaxy Note 7 and instructing users to power down the device and stop using it," said Lauren Guenveur, Consumer Insight Director for Kantar Worldpanel ComTech. "Carriers and retailers had already stopped sales and exchanges of the Note 7 after a number of replacements that had been considered safe caught fire."

The introduction of Google's Pixel could also be felt by Motorola, which was the fourth largest manufacturer in the US with 6% of smartphone sales in the three months ending August 2016, compared to LG at 13%, Apple at 31%, and Samsung at 33.9%.

"The Pixel is available exclusively on the Google store and through Verizon, and its pricing mirrors that of the iPhone 7 and 7 Plus -- $649 for the smaller version, and $769 for the larger one," Guenveur continued. "Some may be tempted to say that the new Google phones are bad news for Apple, but while they do compete on many of the specs and pricing, they are more likely to capture share from Motorola and Samsung."

It is unlikely that Google's first full-fledged foray into the handset business will result in a runaway success, Kantar Worldpanel ComTech analysts believe. While Google is a household name, its phones remain untested in the marketplace and, at such a premium price, consumers may not understand the value of the Pixel over a similarly priced, well-tested phone from more established smartphone manufacturers.

"After the recent launch of Apple's iPhone 7 and 7 Plus, it seemed likely that Samsung would drop into second place and the new Apple models would be the industry's top sellers through the holidays. Apple always has a jump in sales each year when the new iPhones are released," Guenveur said. "Ironically, the Galaxy Note 7, which represented 3% of smartphone sales during August, was intended to help elevate Samsung's sales against the new iPhones. Now, the Note 7 is gone, and both Apple and Google have strong alternatives. Those are three hard hits for Samsung."

Global Market Data Summary

The latest smartphone sales data also shows that for the three months ending August 2016, market share for both Android and iOS grew in Europe's five largest countries, representing 78.1% and 17.3% of sales, respectively. Market share for iOS declined in Urban China, falling to 13.5% of sales.

For more on US market activity, see Lauren Guenveur's latest blog post at: www.kantarworldpanel.com/global/News/A-Brief-History-of-Googles-Flagship-Smartphone

To view complete global OS data and an optional PDF file, please visit: www.kantarworldpanel.com/global/News/Android-Grows-in-Major-Markets-iOS-Set-for-Rise-in-China

Note: The Kantar Worldpanel ComTech dataviz can be embedded into online articles for a visual representation of Kantar Worldpanel ComTech Smartphone OS market share data. Click here to copy the embed code.

About Kantar Worldpanel

Kantar Worldpanel is the global expert in shoppers' behavior. Through continuous monitoring, advanced analytics, and tailored solutions, Kantar Worldpanel inspires successful decisions by brand owners, retailers, market analysts, and government organizations globally. For more information, please visit: www.kantarworldpanel.com

Media Contact:

David Wright

MediaBridge Public Relations

dwright@mbipr.com

+1-408-363-2843




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- Independence Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: IGO) ("Independence" or "the Company") is pleased to announce new gold discoveries on its 100% owned Boulevard Project, contiguous to Goldcorp Inc.'s Coffee Gold Deposit in the White Gold District, Yukon. The best intercepts include 7.73 grams per tonne (g/t) gold ("Au") across 6.1 metres ("m") and 1.19 g/t Au over 22.9 m at the Sunset Zone, 4.36 g/t Au across 6.1 m within the Sunrise Zone, and 4.28 g/t Au over 4.6 m at the Denali Zone.

Sunrise - Sunset Area

A total of 1,401 m of reverse circulation ("RC") drilling was completed in 15 drill holes within the Sunrise-Sunset area, located 8.5 kilometres ("km") southwest of the Coffee deposit. Drilling evaluated multi-element soil anomalies within the 2.3 km long Sunset trend and focused on testing new, potentially sub-parallel mineralized zones at Sunrise. Significant intercepts are presented in the table below. A table of all 2016 drill results and a map showing the drill hole locations is posted on the Company's website.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Length Drill hole Zone From (m) To (m) (m)(i) Au (g/t) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- BV16-47 Sunset 4.6 27.4 22.9 1.19 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Incl. Sunset 4.6 7.6 3.1 4.33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- BV16-51 Sunrise 65.5 67.1 1.5 1.39 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- BV16-53 Sunrise 16.8 22.9 6.1 4.36 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Incl. Sunrise 18.3 21.3 3.1 8.27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- BV16-53 Sunrise 50.3 59.4 9.2 0.36 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- BV16-54 Sunset 24.4 64.0 39.6 1.58 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Incl. Sunset 24.4 30.5 6.1 7.73 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- BV16-56 Sunset 18.3 22.9 4.6 3.05 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Incl. Sunset 19.8 21.3 1.5 7.98 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (i)True thickness estimated to be 60-70% of drill intercepts

Drill hole BV16-54 tested a robust multi-element soil anomaly at the southeast end of the Sunset trend and returned 7.73 g/t Au over 6.1 m which occurs within a broad zone that returned 1.58 g/t Au over 39.6 m. This mineralization is hosted within quartzite and is cross cut by massive quartz veins. The drill hole was oxidized to a down hole depth of 45 m and ended in mineralization. Six drill holes were completed at the western extent of the Sunset Zone; BV16-47 intersected 1.19 g/t Au over 22.9 m including 4.33 g/t Au over 3.1 m. Drill hole BV16-56 returned 3.05 g/t Au over 4.6 m including a higher grade core which grades 7.98 g/t Au over 1.5 m. Further to the southeast at the Sunrise Zone, BV16-53 intersected 4.36 g/t Au over 6.1 m including 8.27 g/t Au over 3.1 m. This defines a new parallel, north-trending structure, situated 75 m southeast of drill hole BV15-31 which returned 7.23 g/t Au over 12.2 m (news release August 24, 2015). Mineralization in BV16-53 occurs in a strongly oxidized zone within quartzite and is associated with an increase in quartz veining.

One of the primary objectives of this years' Sunrise-Sunset drill program was to evaluate the relationship between cross cutting quartz veins and gold mineralization. Based on the available core and RC drill data, the two primary controls on mineralization are the presence of massive quartz veins, comprising up to 80% of the rock and a resistive quartzite host rock. Pyrite +/- arsenopyrite and stibnite are irregularly developed within mineralized zones and oxidation levels are variable but proved more extensive in the 2016 mineralized intercepts. All drill holes were oriented to the east to effectively cross-cut the southwest striking, steeply northwest dipping quartz veins.

Denali Zone

A total of 1,545 m of RC drilling was completed in 15 drill holes at the Denali Zone, situated 14.5 km to the west of the Coffee deposit, along an interpreted extension of the Coffee Creek fault system. The primary focus for this drilling program was to test along strike and down dip of YCS15-03 which returned 4.25 g/t Au over 6.1 m (news release August 24, 2015). Significant drill hole results are provided in the table below:

---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Drill hole From (m) To (m) Length (m)(i) Au (g/t) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- YCS16-06 19.8 25.9 6.1 0.98 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- YCS16-06 115.8 120.4 4.6 2.33 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Incl. 115.8 117.4 1.5 6.35 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- YCS16-07 68.6 70.1 1.5 1.78 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- YCS16-08 99.1 103.6 4.6 4.28 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- YCS16-10 18.3 19.8 1.5 1.20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- YCS16-11 24.4 29.0 4.6 0.95 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- YCS16-12 7.6 10.7 3.1 1.94 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- YCS16-16 39.6 59.4 19.8 0.47 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Incl. 57.9 59.4 1.5 2.27 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- (i)True thickness estimated to be 60-70% of drill intercepts

YCS16-08 was drilled approximately 50 m down dip to the northeast from the 2015 discovery hole and returned 4.28 g/t Au over 4.6 m. YCS16-07 was also drilled down dip and intersected 1.78 g/t Au over 1.5 m. The mineralized zone appears to plunge moderately to the north-northeast, is variably hosted in quartzite and quartz biotite schist, and is typically associated with an increase in fine grained pyrite. YCS16-16 intercepted a broad zone of mineralization at the northwestern end of the Denali Zone, returning 0.47 g/t Au over 19.8 m with oxidation to a down hole depth of 53 m. YCS16-12, at the eastern end of the trend returned 1.94 g/t Au over 3.1 m.

The Company plans to complete a desktop study to determine the nature of gold mineralization at Boulevard as well as prepare for a follow-up drill program on the Sunrise-Sunset and Denali Zones in 2017.

The Company is pleased to report that a Rotary Air Blast drilling program was completed on the Rosebute property, located 29 km north of Kinross' Golden Saddle Deposit. Drilling included 12 holes for a total of 923.5 m. All drilling was focused on the Hudbay Zone and the Company will provide a summary of results in the coming weeks.

All samples were submitted to SGS Minerals Services in Burnaby, BC for sample preparation by crushing to 75% less than 2 millimetres, creation of a 250 g split, and then pulverizing to 85% passing 75 microns. Sample pulps are submitted for gold analysis with a 30 g fire assay and AAS finish (code GE-FAA313). Samples are also submitted for a 52 element analysis using an aqua regia digest and ICP-AES and ICP-MS analysis (GE-ICM14B). Control samples (accredited gold standards and blanks) were inserted into the sample sequence on a regular basis monitor precision of results.

David Gale, P.Geo., the Company's Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 for the White Gold District, has reviewed the technical information in this news release and has approved the disclosure herein.

Independence Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: IGO) is a well-financed mineral exploration company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange, with a portfolio of projects in the Yukon and the 3Ts Project in British Columbia. The Company's holdings range from early stage grassroots exploration to advanced-stage resource expansion. For additional information, please visit the Company's website www.ingold.ca.

INDEPENDENCE GOLD CORP.

Randy Turner, President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. The Company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements by the Company are not guarantees of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. All of the Company's public disclosure filings may be accessed via www.sedar.com. Readers are urged to review these materials, including the technical reports filed with respect to the Company's mineral properties.

Contacts:

Independence Gold Corp.

Corporate Development

604-687-3959

info@ingold.ca




NEW YORK, NY and RESTON, VA--(Marketwired - October 12, 2016) - IPsoft, a pioneer in Artificial Intelligence (AI) offerings, and Carahsoft Technology Corp., the trusted government IT solutions provider today announced a partnership. Carahsoft has been named IPsoft's master government aggregator, has added IPsoft's digital labor solutions to its GSA schedule, and will support IPsoft's public sector channel organization by driving demand for the company's artificial intelligence solutions throughout the public sector market.

"IPsoft is a disruptive technology company. From our inception, our founders recognized that automation through digital labor will shape the future of IT and business operations. Carahsoft has an excellent reputation for bringing innovative technology such as ours to the government marketplace and we are excited to partner with them to expand the application of our solutions across the public sector," said Bob Beck, Vice President of IPsoft Government Solutions.

After decades of research and slow progress, AI-based solutions are now being deployed. This summer, the White House hosted a series of public workshops on the topic, and the National Science and Technology Council formed a new subcommittee on machine learning and AI to coordinate federal activity. Governments must do more with less, and automation and AI can help solve that puzzle.

IPsoft's innovative solutions include Amelia, a cognitive knowledge worker which interfaces on human terms. She is a virtual agent built to deliver best-in-class service to citizens, fully automating human interactions with the goal of extending an agency's existing workforce. She reads natural language, understands context, applies logic, infers implications, discerns processes independently by reading and observing her colleagues, and applies her knowledge to solving problems.

IPcenter, IPsoft's Autonomic IT Service Management Platform, puts the benefits of automation at the heart of government IT service delivery so agencies can make time to innovate. IPcenter's Virtual Engineers automate the interaction between all of the different tools and people in the IT environment. The IPcenter platform automates the end-to-end processes and paves the way for vast increases in productivity without forcing IT departments to replace existing investments.

"Federal organizations are under considerable pressure to deliver more with less, particularly when it comes to improving their service to citizens," said Brian O'Donnell, Vice President at Carahsoft. "By adding IPsoft's solutions to our GSA, we are now able to help our resellers and government customers apply digital labor to automate computing, free workers to be more creative and productive, and provide citizens with a seamless digital customer experience."

IPsoft's digital labor solutions are available immediately via Carahsoft's GSA Schedule No. GS-35F-0119Y. To learn more, register to attend the Gartner Symposium/ITxpo 2016 in Orlando on October 16-20, 2016 to hear from IPsoft's CEO and President, Chetan Dube, outline how digital labor will transform future IT operations; or contact the IPsoft team at Carahsoft at 877-468-7962 or at IPsoft@carahsoft.com.

About Carahsoft

Carahsoft Technology Corp. is the trusted Government IT solutions provider. As a top-performing GSA Schedule and SEWP contract holder, Carahsoft serves as the master government aggregator for many of its best-of-breed technology vendors, supporting an extensive ecosystem of manufacturers, value-added resellers, system integrators, and consulting partners committed to helping government agencies select and implement the best solution at the best possible value.

The company's dedicated Solutions Divisions proactively market, sell and deliver VMware, Symantec, Veritas, EMC, Adobe, F5 Networks, Google Cloud, ServiceNow, Open Source, HPE Software, SAP, Salesforce, and Innovative and Intelligence products and services, among others. Carahsoft is consistently recognized by its partners as a top revenue producer, and is listed annually among the industry's fastest growing firms by CRN, Inc., Washington Technology, The Washington Post, Washington Business Journal, and SmartCEO. Visit us at www.carahsoft.com.

About IPsoft

IPsoft automates IT and business processes for enterprises across a wide range of industries. Through its portfolio of world leading autonomic and cognitive solutions it provides services that allow its clients to secure competitive advantage. Headquartered in New York City, IPsoft has offices in 15 countries across the world and serves more than 500 of the world's leading brands directly as well as more than half of the world's largest IT services providers. www.ipsoft.com

Contact:

Mary Lange

703-431-8485

Email contact


Optimal+ Semiconductor and Electronics Product Suite to be Demonstrated at Booth D501

Optimal+ CTO Michael Schuldenfrei will provide insight on how big data product analytics can significantly improve quality by reducing the defective parts per million (DPPM) rate for automotive electronics at the second annual IoT Solutions World Congress on Thursday, October 27 from 5:45-6:30 pm in room 3. In addition, Optimal+ will exhibit and offer demos of its award-winning big data analytics solutions for the semiconductor and electronics markets at Booth D501.

WHAT: Michael Schuldenfrei's presentation, "Aiming for zero DPPM in automotive electronics," addresses the growing need for automotive companies to improve the quality and reliability of the numerous electronic systems that will be responsible for vehicle operations. In this session, Mr. Schuldenfrei will discuss how big data product analytics can significantly lower DPPM rates for both semiconductors and electronic systems thereby raising the overall quality and reliability of these mission-critical automotive systems. WHO: Optimal+ CTO Michael Schuldenfrei brings over 25 years of software and information technology experience to the Optimal+ management team. Before joining Optimal+ in 2005 as its CTO, Schuldenfrei was a senior software architect at SAP, where he led the development of Duet Software, a joint venture with Microsoft to enable seamless access to SAP data via Microsoft Office. Prior to joining SAP, Schuldenfrei was a Software Architect at Microsoft, where he led consulting engagements with the company's major customers. He was also VP R&D, at ActionBase, a company providing business-management enterprise solutions to enhance internal organizational workflow and collaboration. WHEN: Thursday, October 27 from 5:45-6:30 pm CET WHERE: IoT Solutions World Congress Gran Via Venue Avenida Joan Carles 1, 64 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat Barcelona, Spain Room 3

About the IoT Solutions World Congress

After its very first edition, the IoT Solutions World Congress has already established itself as the leading global event focusing on industrial IoT. IoT Solutions World Congress 2016 will be the second edition of this global event dedicated exclusively to joining IoT providers with industry in order to help the latter increase productivity via this disruptive technology. The IoTSWC16 will offer a highly international environment with more than 8,000 visitors and will focus on IoT solutions in six dedicated areas: Manufacturing, Healthcare, Energy Utilities, Transportation Logistics, Innovation and Technology. The event is organized by Fira de Barcelona in partnership with the Industrial Internet Consortium, the Industrial IoT organization founded by AT&T, Cisco, General Electric, IBM, and Intel to bring together organizations and technology with the goal of accelerating the growth, adoption, and widespread use of industrial IoT.

About Optimal+

Optimal+ is the only big data analytics software company providing an end-to-end solution that measurably improves quality, yield, and productivity for semiconductor and electronics manufacturing. From chip to board to system, our enterprise-grade solutions ensure that all of your global manufacturing data is collected, cleaned and analyzed in real time, enabling decisive actions that enhance, certify and monitor the quality of semiconductor and electronic products over their entire lifetime. With over 35 billion devices processed annually, Optimal provides Manufacturing Intelligence solutions that enhance yield and productivity, reduce RMAs and usher in an age of robust, long-term quality products. For more information, visit www.optimalplus.com. Follow us on Twitter @OptimalPlus.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012005217/en/

Contacts:

Rainier Communications for Optimal+

Marianne Dempsey, 508-475-0025 x115

oplus@rainierco.com
ALBANY, New York, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Becton Dickinson and Company Group plc. Baxter International Inc., Terumo Medical Corporation, and Medtronic are the top four players that dominate over half the prefilled syringes market. Transparency Market Research has noted that the global prefilled syringes market is highly dynamic and competitive and while the nature of the market is consolidated in developed regions owing to the presence of large players, it remains fragmented in most of the emerging markets with many small regional players.

The global sales of prefilled syringes amounted to US$3.5 bn in 2015 and is projected to reach US$7.9 bn, expanding at a CAGR of 9.3% over the period of 2016 to 2024. In terms of prefilled syringes consumption, the market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period.

Request a PDF Brochure of Research Report:http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1131

Ambulatory Surgical Centers to Show Promising Growth over Forecast Period

By application, the vaccines segment dominated the global prefilled syringes market, accounting for a collective share of 34.3% in 2015. The segment is also projected to exhibit a strong growth rate from 2016 to 2024. In terms of percentage share contribution, the polymer-based prefilled syringes segment is expected to continue its lead in the global market through 2024. It will also register the highest growth in the coming years. By distribution channel, the hospitals segment is projected to account for the major share by the end of the forecast period. On the other hand, ambulatory surgical centers are likely to register a high growth rate by 2024.

North America dominates the global market, while Asia Pacific is expected to witness strong growth. The U.S. is the largest market for prefilled syringes, accounting for around 35.5% share of the global market

Improving Safety Standards Driving Innovation among Product Manufacturers

The incidence of needle stick injuries has been a cause for concern over the years. According to the World Health Organization, almost two million healthcare professionals suffer from infectious diseases resulting from needle stick injuries each year.

"Various needle safety devices - such as passive needle guarding caps with a polymer shield and a retractable needle system - as well as advanced technologies - such as advanced barrel technology and multi-chamber syringes - are being developed to cope with this problem," the author of the study finds. Therefore, improving safety standards and technological advancements have been primarily driving the global prefilled syringes market.

Browse Research Report with Full TOC:http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/prefilled-syringes-market.html

High Costs Associated with Prefilled Syringes Inhibiting widespread Adoption

There are several factors that pose a severe challenge to the growth of the global prefilled syringes market, the primary one being the high costs associated with temperature controlled packaging required for temperature-sensitive drugs. "In order to maintain specified temperatures and conditions throughout the shelf life of a drug, drug manufacturing companies require several complex machineries that need to be maintained regularly," the TMR analyst states. This is a costly affair and as a result, restricts companies from manufacturing prefilled syringes.

Other factors inhibiting the market include product recalls due to breakages and leachables, the potential risk of interaction between prefilled syringes and drugs, and the availability of alternative drug delivery methods.

This review is based on the findings of a TMR report titled "Prefilled Syringes Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2016 - 2024."

Browse Press Release on Prefilled Syringes Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/prefilled-syringes-market.htm

Global Prefilled Syringes Market - By Material

Glass based prefilled syringes

Polymer based prefilled syringes

Global Prefilled Syringes Market - By Application

Monoclonal Antibodies

Vaccines

Others

Global Prefilled Syringes Market - By Distribution Channel

Hospitals

Ambulatory Surgical Centers

Mail order pharmacies

Global Prefilled Syringes Market - By Region

North America

U.S.

Canada

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

Europe

Germany

U.K

France

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific (APAC)

China

India

Japan

Australia

New Zealand

Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East and Africa (MEA)

Saudi Arabia

UAE

RSA

Rest of MEA

Browse Other Research Reports:

Smart Syringes Market:http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/smart-syringes-market.html

Disposable Syringes Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/disposable-syringes-market.html

Smart Healthcare Products Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/smart-healthcare-products-market.html

About Us:

Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S. based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMR's global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.

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Transparency Market Research

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VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- OK2 Minerals Ltd., (the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: OK) is pleased to provide further information on Phase I of the 2016 exploration project on its 100% owned Pyramid copper-gold property located near Dease Lake, B.C.

The Phase 1 exploration program at the Pyramid Property consisted of geological and alteration mapping on the West and East Zones as well as regional scale mapping and prospecting along trend to the northwest and southeast limits of the property.

Mapping and sampling on the West and East Zones revealed zoned alteration typical of porphyry copper-gold and epithermal gold deposits respectively. Regional work led to the discovery of two new zones: the Chili Zone in the SE portion of the property and Zone 37, located adjacent to the West Zone.

Summary of highlighted samples ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sample Zone Type Cu % Au g/t ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14511 Chili outcrop grab 0.14 greater than 0.01 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15108 Chili outcrop grab 0.03 0.18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14019 East outcrop grab 0.68 0.71 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14020 East outcrop grab 0.45 0.57 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14021 East outcrop grab 0.90 1.10 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14024 East outcrop grab 0.96 0.26 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14044 West outcrop grab 0.43 0.08 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14516 West outcrop grab 0.24 0.20 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15045 West outcrop grab 0.40 0.11 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 15115 37 outcrop grab 0.23 0.57 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 14002 37 outcrop grab 0.47 82.96 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Zone 37 is located 2.5km southeast of Highway 37 and is adjacent to the West Zone. It includes an area with Brucejack-style epithermal expressions, including quartz stockworks and quartz blow outs. The zone is defined by rock samples grading from background to 83 g/t Au (2.67 oz/ton) and 0.47% Cu from a narrow quartz-carbonate-chlorite vein.

Chili Zone encompasses a 15km(2) alteration assemblage located 5-10km along trend to the southeast from the West Zone. Discovery of this zone required the company to expand our land position considerably as reported in the news release dated Sept 20, 2016. The zone contains rock samples with disseminated mineralization grading from background to 0.15% Cu and background to 0.18 g/t Au. Within this zone is a large, high level alteration zone with up to 10% disseminated pyrite with intense silica and sericite development. This zone remains relatively unexplored and will be followed up with a soil geochemical, IP geophysical survey, and detailed mapping in future exploration programs.

The Company has commenced a 5-10 hole, reverse circulation (RC) drill program on the West Zone. The helicopter supported RC rig has capabilities of reaching 200m depth and will be used primarily as a reconnaissance drill that will help prioritize areas for subsequent diamond drilling. To date, four holes have been completed with the fifth hole currently in progress. The early onset of winter conditions has slowed the progress of the drilling. Upon conclusion of the RC drilling program, all samples will be shipped to SGS Labs in Vancouver for analyses.

The Pyramid project was staked in 2013 following up on anomalous regional stream geochemical sampling completed by the BC government in 1980 and detailed exploration has demonstrated the porphyry copper gold potential for this under explored project located in the highly prospective Quesnel Terrane in Northwest B.C. Nearby projects include Red Chris and Galore Creek Cu-Au deposits.

ABOUT OK2 Minerals Ltd.

OK2 Minerals Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: OK) (formerly known as Gold Jubilee Capital Corp.) is a Canadian-based junior exploration company comprised of highly qualified mining professionals with two very prospective copper-gold exploration projects, the Pyramid project and the Kinskuch project, both located in northwestern British Columbia on or within the "Golden Triangle".

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF OK2 MINERALS LTD.,

Minaz Devji, CEO and Director

This news release was prepared by Company management, who take full responsibility for its content. George Cavey. P.Geo, Director, is a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 of the Canadian Securities Administrators and has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure in this release.

The rock samples were prepared at the ISO certified SGS Canada Minerals in Burnaby, B.C. and analyzed at the SGS Canada Minerals facilities in Burnaby using a GE-IC14A procedure. IC14A 1 is an Aqua Regia Digestion ICP-AES finish and GE-FAA311 fire assay with an AAS finish.

This news release contains forward-looking statements including in connection with the timing of future work programs. These statements reflect management's current assumptions and expectations. 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 and OK2 Minerals undertakes no obligation to update such statements, except as required by law.

Contacts:

OK2 Minerals

Mike Devji

(604) 258-8666

mike.devji@ok2minerals.com



Investor Relations

Roger Blair

Kin Communications

(604) 684-6730

1 (866) 684-6730

ok2@kincommunications.com




VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- LITE ACCESS TECHNOLOGIES INC. (the "Company") (CSE: LTE)(OTC PINK: LTCCF), an integrated fibre optic solutions provider, is pleased to advise that the Company recently attended The Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) Council of South Africa with its certified sales and installation partner Brite Access SA, which attracted significant interest from a number of key industry clients. As a result of the increase in demand from existing and new clients, the Company is increasing manufacturing capacity of its proprietary Lite X Tend last mile solution by 300% in support of the extensive FTTH deployments underway within the African continent.

The proprietary Lite X Tend solution was created to facilitate rapid last mile deployments in the most cost effective and least intrusive manner possible. The innovative solution was designed to simplify and shorten the installation process and provide an environment whereby homeowners receive high speed connectivity with the least amount of impact to their surroundings.

Mike Plotnikoff, CEO of Lite Access, states, "Our revolutionary Lite X Tend solution has been shown in the field to materially decrease installation costs and is being embraced globally by clients as their preferred last mile solution. This important step of expanding our manufacturing capacity to meet the increasing demand for this new product will allow Lite Access to further cement its reputation as the last mile solution provider of choice."

About Lite Access

Lite Access is a world leader in Microduct and fibre optic technologies. Using its specially designed and innovative micro-trench and alternate methods of deployment, Lite Access' proprietary Microduct technology extends a network provider's ability to deliver true broadband connectivity directly to end-users, such as homes, government and educational institutions, and emergency response facilities. Providing a full portfolio of fibre connectivity solutions for many types of Telecom infrastructure, Lite Access has successfully deployed thousands of kilometres of Microduct networks throughout North and South America, the United Kingdom, the Caribbean, Australia and Asia.

Lite Access' products have been deployed in many high profile communication networks including the Whistler 2010 Winter Olympic facilities, builds within the state of New York including Central Park, the Las Vegas strip and surrounding areas of Nevada, fibre to the home at Stanford University and numerous other locations around the globe that have adopted Lite Access as the "solution of choice" for future proof fibre optic connectivity.

Forward Looking Information

Information set forth in this news release contains forward-looking statements. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations; they are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward looking statements are inherently uncertain and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: receipt of further purchase orders in South Africa and the risks and uncertainties described in the Company's Annual Listing Statement available on www.cnsx.ca. Accordingly, actual and future events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

The CSE has neither approved nor disapproved the information contained herein and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Lite Access Technologies Inc.

1-604-247-4704

www.liteaccess.com



For investor relations please contact:

Rob Gamley

Contact Financial Corp.

1-604-689-7422

rob@contactfinancial.com




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Crude oil prices edged higher Wednesday morning, erasing overnight losses even as OPEC reported record production in September. The oil cartel increased its crude production to nearly 33.4 million barrels a day in September, as members raced to pump oil ahead of a deal to limit supplies. Iraq, Nigeria and Libya said they increased output sharply to make up for supply interruptions. Still, WTI oil was up 22 cents at $51 a barrel on expectations that Russia will join OPEC in trimming production. 'We need to ensure that everyone is contributing to .. market balance,' says UAE energy minister Suhail al-Mazrouei, according to Platts. Meanwhile, 'The current price of oil has caused discomfort for all producers,' the IEA said yesterday. WTI light sweet crude oil was up 30 cents at $51.09 a barrel. Traders are looking ahead to U.S. oil inventories data over the next two days. 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.
HALIFAX, NOVA SCOTIA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- Victims of crime deserve to have access to services that respond to their needs as well as the needs of their families and communities.

Today, Member of Parliament for Halifax Andy Fillmore, on behalf of the Honourable Jody Wilson-Raybould, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada, accompanied by the Honourable Diana Whalen, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Nova Scotia, announced funding of more than $3.75 million over five years to help Victims Services at the Nova Scotia Department of Justice build its capacity to respond to an increasing demand for victims services. The funding will support direct services to victims of crime that include services tailored to Indigenous victims, resources to help victims collect restitution payments from offenders, and measures to facilitate the participation of victims in the justice system.

Quotes

"Victim services are an important part of a justice system that is fair, efficient and accessible to all Canadians. Victims should have access to services and programs that can help them recover from the crimes committed against them, as well as opportunities for meaningful participation in the criminal justice system. This can be particularly true for victims who also are more vulnerable due to cultural, social and economic challenges. This includes women, Indigenous peoples, minority groups and immigrants. I am pleased that this funding will provide enhanced supports to these and other victims."

Andy Fillmore

Member of Parliament for Halifax

"I want to thank the Government of Canada for their investment in victim services on behalf of all Nova Scotians," said Justice Minister Diana Whalen. "This agreement will help victims of crime navigate the justice system and receive the support they need."

The Honourable Diana Whalen

Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Nova Scotia

Quick Facts

-- Indigenous people are often over-represented in the criminal justice system, both as offenders and as victims of crime. This funding responds to the needs of victims of crime who are Indigenous by supporting an Aboriginal Victim Case Coordinator position in the Provincial Victim Services Program and contributing to culturally supportive services delivered by the Mi'kmaw Legal Support Network. -- The Government of Canada's contribution will help fund a coordinator to assist victims in collecting restitution payments from offenders. Enforcing restitution payments in civil courts is often a long and complex process that is rarely successful. -- The Canadian Victims Bill of Rights includes rights for victims to participate in the criminal justice process. This funding will help cover victims' expenses when travelling to court to deliver their impact statements. As well, the funding will go towards testimonial aids such as video conferencing equipment that would allow victims to provide testimony or impact statements from outside the courtroom. -- This contribution is made available through the Department of Justice Canada's Victims Fund. In 2016-2017, this Fund will provide more than $21 million to provincial and territorial governments and non- governmental organizations to increase awareness and knowledge of victim issues, legislation, and services available, as well as to develop and deliver victim programs, services, and assistance to meet gaps in services for victims of crime. To date, Justice has also announced Victims Fund agreements with the provinces of British Columbia, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.

Related Products

-- Backgrounder - Victims Fund agreement with the Province of Nova Scotia

Associated Links

-- Victims Fund project funding

Follow Department of Justice Canada on Twitter (@JusticeCanadaEn), on Periscope (@JusticeCanada), join us on Facebook or visit our YouTube channel.

Backgrounder

Victims Fund agreement with the Province of Nova Scotia

Victims Fund

Providing the necessary supports and services to respond to the immediate and ongoing needs of victims, survivors, their families and their communities is an important part of a fair and accessible criminal justice system. The Victims Fund is a grants and contributions program administered by the Department of Justice Canada. Funds are made available each year to provinces, territories and non-governmental organizations whose projects and activities support the objectives of the Federal Victims Strategy.

The Victims Fund supports projects and activities that:

-- enhance victim assistance programs across Canada; -- promote access to justice and participation in the justice system and the development of laws, policies, and programs; -- promote the implementation of principles, guidelines, and laws designed to address the needs of victims of crime and articulate their role in the criminal justice system; -- contribute to increased knowledge and awareness of the impact of victimization, the needs of victims of crime, available services, assistance and programs, and legislation; and -- promote, encourage and/or enhance governmental and non-governmental organizations' involvement in the identification of victims' needs and gaps in services, as well as in the development and delivery of programs, services and assistance to victims, including capacity building within non-governmental organizations.

In 2016-2017, the Fund will contribute more than $21 million to provincial and territorial governments and non-governmental organizations to increase awareness and knowledge of victim issues, legislation, and services available, as well as to develop and deliver victim programs, services, and assistance to meet gaps in services for victims of crime.

More information is available on the Department of Justice Canada's website.

Improving Access to Justice Services for Victims of Crime in Nova Scotia

The Department of Justice Canada is contributing $3,750,000 over five years to advance victim services and access to justice for victims and witnesses, while giving victims a more effective voice in the criminal justice system in Nova Scotia.

The anticipated outcomes of the activities include:

-- Victims of crime who are Aboriginal in the Provincial Victim Services Program will have access to an Aboriginal Victim Case Coordinator. -- Culturally supportive victim services will be delivered by the Mi'kmaw Legal Support Network. -- A restitution coordinator will provide direct support to victims who are pursuing civil enforcement of unpaid restitution orders. -- Victim services officers will be retained on-call to provide services in communities as necessary. -- Victims will receive funding to travel to sentencing hearings to deliver victim impact statements. -- Specialized training will be delivered to Victim Services Officers. -- The delivery of services will be improved through technological enhancements that will reduce time spent on administrative tasks. -- Witnesses will be able to access new testimonial aids such as video conferencing equipment. -- Nova Scotia Public Safety Victim's Services will have more capacity to undertake projects aimed at improving service delivery.

October 2016

Department of Justice Canada

Contacts:

Valerie Gervais

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Justice

613-992-4621



Media Relations Office

Department of Justice

613-957-4207




Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 12, 2016) - Arctic Star Exploration Corp, (TSXV: ADD) ("Arctic Star" or the "Company") announces that the board of directors passed a resolution on October 11th, 2016 to proceed with a consolidation of common shares of the Company on the basis of four (4) pre-consolidated shares for one (1) post consolidated share (the "Consolidation"). The consolidation was approved by the Company's shareholders at the Annual and Special Meeting held on June 23, 2016. The transaction is subject to TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") approval.

Currently, a total of 97,363,073 common shares are issued and outstanding. Accordingly, upon the Consolidation becoming effective, a total of approximately 24,340,768 common shares will be issued and outstanding. There is no maximum of authorized common shares.

Computershare Investor Services Inc. ("Computershare") will mail letters of transmittal to the shareholders providing instructions on exchanging pre-Consolidation share certificates for post- Consolidation share certificates. Shareholders are encouraged to send their share certificates, together with their letter of transmittal, to Computershare in accordance with the instructions in the letter of transmittal.

Private Placement

The Company proposes to issue, on a post-consolidated basis, up to 20,000,000 units at $0.06 per unit for gross proceeds of up to $1,200,000. Each unit will be comprised of one common share and one common share purchase warrant, with each whole warrant exercisable into one common share at a price of $0.08 for a period of two years from closing.

All securities will be subject to a four-month hold period from the closing date. Finder's fees may be paid in accordance with the TSXV policies. The private placement is subject to the approval of the TSXV.

Proceeds of the private placement will be used to develop existing properties, potential future acquisitions and general working capital.

Options Granted

The Company also announces the grant of 1,225,000 options to purchase post-consolidated shares of the Company as per the Company's stock option plan at a price of $0.06 per share.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF

ARCTIC STAR EXPLORATION CORP.



"Patrick Power"



Patrick Power, President

(604) 689-1799

This news release contains "forward-looking statements" including but not limited to statements with respect to Arctic Star's plans, the estimation of a mineral resource and the success of exploration activities. Forward-looking statements, while based on management's best estimates and assumptions, are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: risks related to the completion of our planned share consolidation, our planned private placement and our planned use of proceeds. 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. Factors that could affect our plans include our potential inability to raise funds as intended, and in such event we may require all funds raised, if any, to be used for working capital rather than the intended uses as outlined. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Arctic Star undertakes no obligation or responsibility to update forward-looking statements, except as required by 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.
MARKHAM, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- VIQ Solutions Inc. ("VIQ" or "VIQ Solutions") (TSX VENTURE: VQS) is pleased to announce that VIQ, in conjunction with partners Digital Voice Processing of South Africa, has been awarded two new secure digital capture and management contracts in Nigeria and Mauritius.

"An increasing number of customers in Africa and the Middle East are recognizing the superiority of the secure VIQ technology platform, with our emphasis on cybersecurity, data privacy and integrated workflow management," said Sebastien Pare, President and CEO of VIQ Solutions Inc. "We are seeing increased sales activity in law enforcement, courts and hearings in those regions as customer demand shifts to secure platforms with advanced feature sets and sophisticated management technologies."

The Nigerian contract calls for the installation of VIQ's digital court recording solution in multiple courtrooms, with remote stations for playback and transcription of court proceedings.

The Mauritius win relates to an ongoing environmental appeals tribunal. The VIQ recording platform will be installed across multiple locations to capture and manage proceedings.

Both contracts were won by long-time VIQ partner Digital Voice Processing of South Africa.

"These two new customer wins are indicative of the larger advanced digital modernization movement that is underway in the region, with an emphasis on security, connectivity and advanced workflow features," said David Tilling, VIQ's Regional Sales Manager for Europe, Middle East and Africa. "With an established, knowledgeable partner in Digital Voice Processing, the VIQ footprint in Africa continues to grow amongst sophisticated customers who require advanced digital workflow solutions as part of their overall modernization initiatives."

For more information on what is making the news at VIQ Solutions, please visit our website at www.viqsolutions.com/news.html.

About VIQ Solutions Inc.

VIQ Solutions is the leading technology and service platform provider for digital evidence capture and content management. Our secure modular software allows customers to onboard the VIQ platform at any stage of their organization's digitization, from the capture of digital content from video and audio devices through to online collaboration, mobility, data analytics and integration with sensors, facial recognition, speech recognition and case management or patient record systems. VIQ's technology leads the industry in security, meeting the highest international standards for digital/cyber security and privacy, including military and medical regulations.

Our solutions are in use in over 20 countries with tens of thousands of users in over 200 government and private agencies including law enforcement, immigration, medical, legal, insurance, courts, and transportation and transcription services. VIQ also provides end to end transcription services to several large government agencies through our Australia-based reporting and transcription partners. VIQ operates worldwide with partners like security integrators, audio-video specialists, and hardware and data storage suppliers. Managing digital media evidence is what we do, and we do it better than anyone else. For more information about VIQ Solutions, please visit www.viqsolutions.com.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Contacts:

Sebastien Pare

President and Chief Executive Officer

VIQ Solutions

(905) 948-8266 ext. 221

spare@viqsolutions.com

www.viqsolutions.com




Evaluation based on completeness of vision and ability to execute

Visual IQ, the leading cross channel marketing attribution software provider, today announced that the company has been recognised by Gartner, Inc. as a Visionary in the 2016 "Magic Quadrant for Digital Marketing Analytics" research report. The attribution pioneer was evaluated for its capabilities in a variety of domains, such as extensibility, data collection and onboarding, data access, and deployment, and was recognised as a Visionary for completeness of vision and ability to execute.

Visual IQ's IQ Intelligence Suite provides brands and agencies with an advertiser-trusted, publisher-agnostic approach for measuring and optimising cross channel performance. Through its multi-dimensional, algorithmic modelling approach, the Visual IQ platform measures the true impact of an organisation's marketing efforts by identifying the touchpoints that are most effective across the complex customer journey and determining how to best allocate budgets.

Visual IQ believes this recognition is due to its publisher-agnostic approach, the trustworthiness of its attribution metrics and recommendations, and its recent product enhancements, including IQ Envoy for Branding and TV Attribution, which contribute to the overall comprehensiveness of the solution.

Gartner defines digital marketing analytics platforms as applications "used to understand and improve digital channel user experience, and prospect and customer acquisition and behaviour, and to optimise marketing and advertising campaigns, with an emphasis on digital channels and techniques." Visual IQ, which was included as a Niche player in last year's inaugural Digital Marketing Analytics Magic Quadrant, was positioned the furthest in the Visionaries quadrant in this year's report for its Completeness of Vision, which is evaluated based on a deep understanding of the industry, product innovation, and marketing, sales, and geographic strategy.

"We feel Gartner's recognition of Visual IQ as a Visionary in Digital Marketing Analytics speaks volumes to the work we've been doing since we started in 2006 to build a robust, innovative and constantly evolving attribution solution for our customers across the globe," said Manu Mathew, co-founder and CEO of Visual IQ. "We believe our shift from Niche player to Visionary demonstrates we are meeting, and in many cases exceeding, the unique needs of today's advertisers, and we look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of what's possible with attribution in the years to come."

To download the report or learn more about Visual IQ's advanced attribution solution, visit www.visualiq.com.

The Gartner report referenced in this press release is: "Magic Quadrant for Digital Marketing Analytics" (5th October 2016) by Martin Kihn, Adam Sarner, Andrew Frank, Christi Eubanks, and Lizzy Foo Kune.

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organisation and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Visual IQ

Visual IQ produces the world's most powerful cross channel marketing attribution software products. As a pioneer in the space, the company has been offering products since 2006. Its SaaS-based IQ Intelligence Suite reveals cross channel performance insights hidden deep within companies' marketing data, providing actionable recommendations and optimised media plans to improve marketing effectiveness. These recommendations enable marketers and agencies to adjust their advertising strategies and tactics to significantly increase marketing ROI across their entire marketing mix both online and offline. The functionality behind these products combines a powerful, user-friendly interface with multi-dimensional fractional attribution science and predictive analytics that clearly and accurately show marketers where opportunities exist for improvement.

Visual IQ was named a leader in cross channel attribution by a leading market research firm four times in a row, won The Drum's Digital Trading Award for Best Attribution Solution in 2015 and 2016, won the 2014 ASPY Award for Best Data or Analytics Solution, and was a finalist in the Digital Analytics Association Excellence Awards in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. The company is a member of the IAB in the US, UK, France and Italy, is a member of the Canadian Marketing Association, and sits on the IAB's Advertising Technology, Data, Public Policy and CFO councils and the Digital Analytics Association's Standards Committee.

Visual IQ can be reached at info@visualiq.com or by visiting www.visualiq.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012005784/en/

Contacts:

Visual IQ

Sally Baker

sally.baker@visualiqpr.com
NORTH VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- Lion One Metals Limited (TSX VENTURE: LIO)(ASX: LLO)(OTCQX: LOMLF)(FRANKFURT: LY1) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has submitted a tender for the acquisition of the Navilawa tenement directly adjoining the Company's 100% owned and fully permitted Tuvatu Gold Project, located on the island of Viti Levu in Fiji. The Company also announces that exploration on a new discovery is underway at the Jomaki Ridge Prospect inside the Tuvatu Mining Lease, and that dewatering and drilling contractors have been retained and mobilized for the next phase of development at Tuvatu.

Navilawa Tender

Fiji's Mineral Resources Department (MRD) publically solicited expressions of interest for the new Navilawa tenement in July and August of 2016 after the lapse and expiry of the previous holder's exploration license. The Navilawa tenement directly adjoins the northern boundary of Lion One's tenements at Tuvatu, which if combined, would consolidate ownership of the entire Navilawa mineral complex under a +30,000 hectare exploration license package with Tuvatu's 384.5 hectare Mining Lease (SML 62) and mining and processing operation, currently under development, at its center. The Company has submitted a tender for the Navilawa tenement with $15 million of initial exploration expenditures proposed over five years.

The Navilawa project area has at least 10 well defined prospects including the Kingston Mine, Banana Creek, and Tuvatu North. The most significant historic results returned were surface rock chip samples of 46.30 g/t Au from Banana Creek; 176.27 g/t Au from the Kingston Mine, and 8.50 g/t Au from Tuvatu North, where a rock chip sample was taken from just inside SPL 1296 and adjacent to the Tuvatu resource. Although little systematic historical exploration has been undertaken in the area, six of the prospects have historic workings with short shafts or adits up to 15 meters deep or manual workings on copper and gold bearing rocks as is the case at the Central Ridge prospect. Mapping, sampling and geophysics clearly demonstrates that the Tuvatu gold deposit extends north into the Navilawa tenement area.

On a macro scale there is mineralization evident from the Banana Creek prospect, well within the Navilawa tenement, all the way to the Jomaki Ridge Prospect at the south end of Lion One's tenements, demonstrating a NE to SW extent of over 5.5 km. Mineralization also extends along a north-south corridor aligning the Upper Ridges Lodes of Tuvatu with the Kingston Mine 2 km to the north. Navilawa hosts a multi-phase monzonitic intrusive system exhibiting epithermal styles of mineralization, with some porphyry affinities. The MRD has advised that Lion One should be notified of the result of its tender proposal before the end of October 2016.

Jomaki Discovery

Exploration of a new discovery is underway at the Jomaki Ridge Prospect situated within SML 62, 1.50 km south-west of the planned processing plant site at Tuvatu. Lion One's Fiji exploration team has discovered significant extensions of a pervasively altered and densely veined zone situated between the contact of volcanic units and the micro-monzonite intrusive. Visible gold has been detected at the surface and in some recently dug trenches. Trenching and sampling has begun to test outcrops and near-surface mineralization, with initial rock chip sampling returning results up to 125 g/t Au. An extensive NE-SW veinset at Jomaki Ridge is cross cut by additional NS veins which are thought to be extensions of the UR1 and UR 2 Lodes already recognized at Tuvatu. Further sampling results are expected by late October, with 183 samples already dispatched to Townsville, Qld. for analysis, and will be followed by more samples collected from the extensive trenching program across the width and strike length of the mineralized zone currently underway.

Dewatering, Decline, Drilling

The Company also reports that its prime contractors and suppliers have been retained and equipment has been purchased for dewatering, drilling, and rehabilitation of the existing decline. A new diesel powered pumping station has been delivered and is scheduled to become operational in late October. Based on prior testing, the Company estimates that less than 30 days of pumping will be required to dewater past the Core Shed Fault, 150 meters inside the decline. The Company plans to have diamond drill rigs operating on surface by late October and underground by late November, to focus on numerous infill and extensional targets of the existing mineralized lodes at Tuvatu.

About Tuvatu

The Tuvatu Gold Project is located 17 km from the Nadi International Airport on the main island of Viti Levu in Fiji. Discovered in 1987, Tuvatu was advanced by previous owners through underground exploration and development from 1997 through to the completion of a feasibility study in 2000. Acquired by Lion One in 2011, the project has over 100,000 meters of drilling completed to date in addition to 1,600 meters of underground development. Tuvatu is a high grade, low sulphidation, epithermal gold deposit hosted inside a South Pacific-style volcanic caldera, along the Viti Levu lineament, Fiji's own corridor of high grade gold deposits. In January 2016 the Hon. Prime Minister of Fiji, Mr. V. Bainimarama, formally presented the previously granted Tuvatu Mining Lease to Lion One, concluding the permitting process for the development of an underground gold mine and processing plant at Tuvatu, demonstrating strong government support for Fiji's 85 year-old gold mining industry.

As per its independent June 1, 2015 NI 43-101 PEA Technical Report on the Tuvatu Gold Project, the Company envisages a low cost underground gold mining operation producing 352,931 ounces of gold at head grades of 11.30 g/t Au over an initial 7 year mine life, including 262,000 ounces at 15.30 g/t through year three, at cash costs of US$567 per ounce with all-in sustaining costs of US$779 per ounce. Total capex of US$48.6 million includes a contingency of US$6.1 million with an 18 month preproduction schedule and 18 month payback on capital. At a US$1,200 gold price the project generates net cash flow of US$112.66 million and an IRR of 52% (after tax). Tuvatu is situated upon a 5 hectare footprint inside a larger 384 hectare mining lease that contains numerous high grade prospects proximal to Tuvatu, at depth, and up to 1.50 km along strike from the resource area, giving the project near-term production potential and further discovery upside inside of one of Fiji's underexplored volcanic goldfields.

The information in this report that relates to the Exploration Results or Mineral Resources is based upon, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation compiled by Mr. Stephen Mann, who is an officer and director of the Company and is a member of The Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy. Mr. Mann has sufficient experience relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration and the activity in which he is undertaking to qualify as a Competent Person under 2012 Edition of the Australasian Code for Reporting Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves (JORC Code). Mr. Mann consents to the inclusion in this news release of the matters based on his information in the form and context in which it appears. The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the information included in previous news releases referred to above, and confirms that the form and context in which the findings are presented have not been materially modified from the original news releases. Albert Siega, P. Eng., a full time employee of the Company and Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 has reviewed and approved the technical content of this release.

For more information on Lion One including technical reports please visit the Company's website at www.liononemetals.com or the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com.

On behalf of Lion One Metals Limited

"Walter H. Berukoff"

Chief Executive Officer

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This press release may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the early stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Contacts:

Stephen Mann

Managing Director (Perth, Australia)

604-973-3007



Hamish Greig

Vice President (North Vancouver, BC)

604-973-3008



Joe Gray

Investor Relations (North Vancouver, BC)

604-973-3004



Toll Free IR Line (North America)

1-855-805-1250

info@liononemetals.com




WARSAW (dpa-AFX) - Poland core consumer price index that excludes food and energy prices declined at a faster-than-expected pace in September, figures from the National Bank of Poland showed Wednesday. The core CPI dropped 0.4 percent year-on-year, same as in the previous two months. Economists had expected the pace of decline to slow to 0.2 percent. Compared to the previous month, the core CPI decreased for a second consecutive month, down 0.2 percent. In August, the measure fell 0.1 percent. In September, the pace of decline in overall CPI slowed to 0.5 percent from 0.8 percent. The index remained unchanged from the previous month after two consecutive declines. 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.
PETERBOROUGH, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- The Government of Canada values the role of post-secondary institutions as they help equip young Canadians with the education and training they need for future careers that will help them join a strong, healthy middle class. Today's $8.07-million investment at Trent University will do just that by fostering the training needed for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.

The funding was announced today by the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Democratic Institutions, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and by the Honourable Jeff Leal, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs.

The Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation-one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment exemplifies that vision in action.

The funding will be used to renovate two floors of the University's Bata Library and create the Bata Research and Innovation Cluster. The facility will include research and innovation space designed to enhance and foster student entrepreneurship, new businesses, research on aging and the environment, and collaboration with Indigenous peoples and communities. Of the $8.07-million investment, the Government of Canada will provide $7 million and the Province of Ontario will provide $1.07 million. Trent University and other partners will provide additional funding of nearly $6 million.

In total, universities and colleges throughout Ontario will receive more than $1.9 billion from the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors. Federal funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country's best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for-and invent-the high-value jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

That is how the Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.

Ontario is making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province's history-about $160 billion over 12 years-which is supporting 110,000 jobs every year across the province with projects such as hospitals, schools, roads, bridges and transit. Since 2015, the Province has announced support for more than 475 projects that will keep people and goods moving, connect communities and improve quality of life. To learn more about infrastructure projects in your community, go to Ontario.ca/BuildON.

Quotes

"This once-in-a-generation investment by the Government of Canada is a historic down payment on the government's vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into middle-class jobs and start-up companies into global successes. This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"I'm thrilled to announce this funding under the Strategic Investment Fund for Trent University, which will continue to build on a strong tradition innovation here in Peterborough-Kawartha. Investments like these will support our world-class researchers at home, while positioning Canada as a global leader in research excellence and innovation. Through the Strategic Investment Fund, we are providing Canada's students with the education and training they need to join a strong, healthy middle class."

- The Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister of Democratic Institutions

"Our government is proud to support this important project, which will give Trent students access to a renewed and upgraded facility in their new Bata Research and Innovation Cluster. We know that providing access to high-quality education and training facilities is critical to building the highly skilled workforce we need to support good jobs and economic growth for today and tomorrow, and this investment will help us to do it."

- The Honourable Jeff Leal, Ontario's Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

"This significant investment in the infrastructure of our Symon's Campus will build on Trent's renowned interactive learning and research model through state-of-the-art infrastructure and environmentally sound design. The funding received from the federal and provincial governments, combined with the generosity of our donors, will revolutionize the research and collaborations that take place at the Bata Library as it becomes a third millennium research, innovation and entrepreneurship hub."

- Dr. Leo Groarke, President and Vice-Chancellor, Trent University

Quick facts

-- The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario are providing more than $950 million for research infrastructure at institutions across Ontario. Trent University has been awarded $7 million by the Government of Canada for this project. -- The Government of Canada's recently launched Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure Canada is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the start-up phase to international success. -- The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will promote economic activity across Canada and help Canada's universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery, and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally. -- The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada's climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.

Associated links

-- Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website -- Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund backgrounder -- Innovation Agenda backgrounder -- BuildON

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



Allison Buchan-Terrell

Press Secretary

Office of the Minister of Advanced Education

and Skills Development

416-314-5475



Tanya Blazina

Communications Branch

Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development

416-325-2746

Tanya.Blazina@ontario.ca




IRW-PRESS: NetCents Technology Inc.: NetCents ubertrifft monatliches Verarbeitungsziel

NetCents ubertrifft monatliches Verarbeitungsziel

VANCOUVER, B.C., 6. Dezember 2016 - NetCents Technology Inc. (NetCents oder das Unternehmen)(CSE: NC) freut sich, bekannt zu geben, dass sein erstes monatliches Verarbeitungsvolumen uber den ursprunglichen Schatzungen lag.

Unseren ersten Schatzungen zufolge sollte unser Verarbeitungsvolumen bei 2,4 Millionen $ pro Monat liegen und wir waren auerst zufrieden, als wir innerhalb von zehn Tagen ein Volumen von 1,0 Millionen $ erreichten. Wir bemuhen uns nun darum, neue Kunden zu gewinnen und unser Angebot um zusatzliche Verfahren und Protokolle zu erweitern, um auch in Zukunft einfache, sichere und sorgenfreie Zahlungslosungen bereitzustellen, sagte Grunder und CEO Clayton Moore.

Sollten Sie die NetCents-Plattform auch in Ihre Webseite einbinden wollen, fullen Sie bitte das Online-Formular auf unserer Website, www.netcents.biz, unter dem Reiter Payment Gateway) aus, um den digitalen Integrationsprozess einzuleiten. Das Symbol fur die Zahlung via NetCents wird Ihnen kostenlos fur Ihre Website bereitgestellt.

Uber NetCents

NetCents ist eine Online-Zahlungsplattform, die Konsumenten und Handlern Online-Dienste fur die Durchfuhrung von Zahlungen in elektronischer Form bietet. Der Fokus des Unternehmens liegt auf der Umstellung vom Zahlungsverkehr mittels Bargeld zur digitalen Wahrung mit Hilfe der innovativen Blockchain-Technologie, um einfache, sichere und sorgenfreie Zahlungslosungen anbieten zu konnen. NetCents arbeitet mit seinen Finanzpartnern, Mobilfunkbetreibern, Borsen etc. an Losungen, um Online-Zahlungstransaktionen fur die Nutzer so einfach wie moglich zu gestalten. Die NetCents-Technologie ist in das Automated Clearing House (ACH) integriert und bei FINTRAC als Gelddienstleistungsunternehmen registriert. Damit garantieren wir die Sicherheit und Privatsphare unserer Kunden. NetCents kann fur Zahlungstransaktionen in 194 Landern weltweit genutzt werden und bietet den Kunden die Moglichkeit, ihre Zahlungsmethode selbst zu wahlen, frei nach dem Motto: Pay Your Way.

Weitere Informationen zum Unternehmen erhalten Sie unter dem Firmenprofil auf der SEDAR-Webseite www.sedar.com, auf der CSE-Webseite www.thecse.com, auf unserer Webseite www.netcents.biz oder uber Robert Meister, Capital Markets (Tel. 604.676.5248, E-Mail: Robert.meister@net-cents.com).

Fur das Board of Directors: NetCents Technology Inc. Clayton Moore, Grunder/CEO NetCents Technology Inc. Suite 1500, 885 West Georgia Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6C 3E8

Die Canadian Securities Exchange hat den Inhalt dieser Pressemeldung weder genehmigt noch missbilligt. Die Canadian Securities Exchange und deren Regulierungsorgane (in den Statuten der Canadian Securities Exchange als Regulation Services Provider bezeichnet) ubernehmen keinerlei Verantwortung fur die Angemessenheit oder Genauigkeit dieser Meldung.

Zukunftsgerichtete Informationen

Diese Pressemeldung enthalt gewisse Aussagen, die als zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen gelten. Samtliche in dieser Pressemitteilung enthaltenen Aussagen - mit Ausnahme von historischen Fakten -, die sich auf die vom Unternehmen erwarteten Ereignisse oder Entwicklungen beziehen, gelten als zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen. Zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen sind Aussagen, die nicht auf historischen Fakten beruhen und im Allgemeinen, jedoch nicht immer, mit Begriffen wie erwartet, plant, antizipiert, glaubt, schatzt, prognostiziert, potentiell und ahnlichen Ausdrucken dargestellt werden bzw. in denen zum Ausdruck gebracht wird, dass Ereignisse oder Umstande eintreten werden, wurden, konnten oder sollten. Obwohl das Unternehmen annimmt, dass die in solchen zukunftsgerichteten Aussagen zum Ausdruck gebrachten Erwartungen auf realistischen Annahmen basieren, lassen solche Aussagen keine Ruckschlusse auf die zukunftige Performance zu. Die tatsachlichen Ergebnisse konnen wesentlich von jenen der zukunftsgerichteten Aussagen abweichen. Zu den Faktoren, die dazu fuhren konnten, dass sich die tatsachlichen Ergebnisse erheblich von jenen in den zukunftsgerichteten Aussagen unterscheiden, zahlen unter anderem die Handlungen der Regulierungsbehorden, die Marktpreise und die dauerhafte Verfugbarkeit von Kapital und Finanzmittel sowie die allgemeine Wirtschafts-, Markt- oder Geschaftslage. Investoren werden darauf hingewiesen, dass solche Aussagen keine Garantie fur zukunftige Leistungen darstellen, und dass sich die tatsachlichen Ergebnisse oder Entwicklungen erheblich von jenen unterscheiden konnen, die in den zukunftsgerichteten Aussagen angenommen wurden. Zukunftsgerichtete Aussagen basieren auf den Annahmen, Schatzungen und Meinungen des Managements zum Zeitpunkt der Auerung dieser Aussagen. Sollten sich die Annahmen, Schatzungen oder Meinungen des Managements bzw. andere Faktoren andern, ist das Unternehmen nicht verpflichtet, diese zukunftsgerichteten Aussagen dem aktuellen Stand anzupassen, es sei denn, dies wird in den geltenden Wertpapiergesetzen ausdrucklich gefordert.

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=38347 Die ubersetzte Meldung finden Sie unter folgendem Link: http://www.irw-press.at/press_html.aspx?messageID=38347&tr=1

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ISIN CA64112G1054

AXC0173 2016-12-06/15:04
ORLANDO, FL--(Marketwired - February 21, 2017) - Triloma EIG Energy Income Fund and Triloma EIG Energy Income Fund - Term I (the "Funds") announced today that they are participating, alongside certain other EIG-managed private funds and accounts, in a $425 million senior secured first lien note issuance by New Age African Global Energy Ltd. (New Age). The note was originated, negotiated and structured by EIG Global Energy Partners on behalf of its managed investment vehicles.

New Age is a privately held oil and gas company with a portfolio of assets in seven countries, most in sub-Saharan Africa. Their strategy focuses on assets in emerging regions they believe are undervalued. The note matures in four years and is secured by a first lien security interest in New Age's existing development assets.

"The Funds continue to benefit from EIG's global sourcing and origination platform to identify international investment opportunities as we further diversify and grow the Funds' portfolios," said Deryck Harmer, president and CEO of the Funds.

The Funds offer individuals an opportunity to invest in U.S. and non-U.S. energy company and project debt, in many instances alongside institutional investors. The New Age investment is the first time the Funds have participated in an international investment transaction alongside EIG's private funds.

About Triloma EIG Energy Income Fund and Triloma EIG Energy Income Fund - Term I

Triloma EIG Energy Income Fund and Triloma EIG Energy Income Fund - Term I are unlisted registered investment companies that invest primarily in global portfolios of privately originated energy company and project debt. Their investment objectives are to provide shareholders with current income, capital preservation and, to a lesser extent, long-term capital appreciation. The Funds are managed by Triloma Energy Advisors and EIG Credit Management Company, wholly owned subsidiaries of Triloma Financial Group and EIG Global Energy Partners, respectively. Triloma Energy Advisors and EIG are not affiliated. For additional information, please visit trilomaenergy.com.

About Triloma

Triloma Financial Group (Triloma) is a private investment management firm providing individuals with a unique approach to alternative investment opportunities. Triloma manages and sponsors a group of private and publicly offered investment programs focused on private equity, real estate and energy investments. Triloma specializes in thorough research, individual access, powerful partnerships and excellent service. Triloma is headquartered in Winter Park, Florida. For additional information, please visit triloma.com.

Securities offered through Triloma Securities, member FINRA/SIPC. Triloma Securities is a wholly owned subsidiary of Triloma Financial Group.

About EIG Global Energy Partners

EIG Global Energy Partners ("EIG") is a leading institutional investor to the global energy sector with $14.4 billion under management as of Dec. 31, 2016. EIG specializes in private investments in energy and energy-related infrastructure on a global basis. During its 35-year history, EIG has invested over $23.1 billion in the sector in more than 310 projects or companies in 36 countries on six continents. EIG's clients include many of the leading pension plans, insurance companies, endowments, foundations and sovereign wealth funds in the U.S., Asia and Europe. EIG is headquartered in Washington, D.C. with offices in Houston, London, Sydney, Rio de Janeiro, Hong Kong and Seoul. For more information, visit eigpartners.com.

This is not an offer. The respective offerings of the Funds' common stock can be made solely by means of a written prospectus forming part of the effective registration statement. The prospectuses and their supplements, which contain important information about the Funds, can be obtained upon request and without charge by writing to the Funds at 201 N. New York Ave., Suite 250, Winter Park, FL 32789, or by calling the Funds collect at 407-636-7115. Prospective investors should read the prospectuses and their supplements carefully before investing. Investors are advised to consider the investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses of the Fund carefully before investing. The prospectuses contain this and other information about the Funds. There can be no assurance that the Funds will achieve their investment objectives.

The Funds' investments in various types of debt securities and instruments may be secured, unsecured, rated and unrated, are subject to non-payment risk, and may be speculative in nature. Investments in senior secured debt present additional risks, including that there is a higher risk of default than with investment-grade bonds. Generally, investments in debt securities with longer-term maturities are subject to greater volatility than investments in shorter-term obligations. The Funds' investments in energy companies expose the Funds to risks associated with adverse economic, environmental or regulatory occurrences affecting the energy sector, a higher volatility of the market and a downturn in the energy sector could have a larger impact on the Funds than on funds that are broadly diversified across many sectors and industries.

This press release may contain forward-looking statements identified by the use of words such as "outlook," "indicator," "believes," "expects," "potential," "continues," "may," "will," "should," "seeks," "approximately," "predicts," "intends," "plans," "estimates," "anticipates" or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. Such forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Accordingly, there are or will be important factors that could cause actual outcomes or results to differ materially from those indicated in these statements. Triloma, EIG and the Funds believe these factors include, but are not limited to, those described under the section entitled "Risk Factors" in the Fund's registration statement, as such factors may be updated from time to time in its periodic filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which are accessible on the SEC's website at sec.gov. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included in this release and in the Fund's filings. Triloma, EIG and the Funds assume no obligation to update or supplement forward-looking statements that become untrue because of subsequent events for circumstances.



Triloma Media Contact

Lauren Bowes

Findsome & Winmore

lbowes@findsomewinmore.com

407-722-7843
VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - October 12, 2016) - Astur Gold Corp. (TSX VENTURE: AST) (FRANKFURT: CDC) ("Astur" or the "Company") is pleased to report that the Company's shareholders approved all matters considered at the Annual General Meeting and Extraordinary General Meeting held October,11 2016.The matters approved included the election of four directors, being Brian Wesson, Clyde Wesson, Mark Gelmon and Christopher Towsey, the appointment of auditors, the approval of the Company's stock option plan, the adoption of certain amendments to the Company's articles and the approval of the Company's Services Agreement with Lionsbridge Capital Pty Ltd and Westech International Pty Ltd (see press releases dated August 10, 2016 and July 12, 2016). These matters were outlined in the information circular dated September 11, 2016, available on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.

Following the AGM, the board of directors reappointed Brian Wesson as Chief Executive Officer and President, appointed Clyde Wesson as Chief Operating Officer and Vice President, reappointed Amelia Wesson as VP Administration, Marion McGrath as Corporate Secretary and Mark Gelmon as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Gelmon subsequently resigned from the board of directors, to accommodate the appointment of Stephan Kim as a director of the Company. The appointment of Stephan further enhances the depth of experience and independence of the Board.

Mr. Kim is a senior foreign attorney at Lee International IP & Law Group in Seoul, Korea. His focus areas are cross-border M&A, project financing, International tax, private equity, real estate development, mining and mineral resources, and related corporate matters. Mr. Kim holds an LLM from New York University and a J.D. from Georgetown University.

Following the adoption of such amendments to the Company's articles, the Company will change its corporate name from "Astur Gold Corp." to "Black Dragon Gold Corp." and a change of its trading symbol from "AST.V" to "BDG.V". The name and symbol change will be effective at market open on October 14, 2016.

Signed "Brian Wesson"

President and Chief Executive Officer

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. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. This document contains certain forward looking statements which involve known and unknown risks, delays and uncertainties not under the Company's control which may cause actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from the results, performance or expectation implied by these forward looking statements.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Clyde Wesson

Vice President

Suite 545, 999 Canada Place

Vancouver, B.C., V6C 3E1

Tel: (604) 684-6264

info@asturgold.com

www.asturgold.com
WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A senior Republican Senator from Nebraska, who called for Donald Trump to withdraw from the presidential race, has reversed her stand. Debra Fischer, who said Saturday that it would be wise for Trump to step aside and allow Mike Pence to serve as the GOP nominee, told Nebraska's KLIN radio station Tuesday that it's not a tough choice to back the New York billionaire. 'I plan to vote for Mr. Trump and Mr. Pence on November 8,' she added. Trump responded immediately to Fischer's original statement saying he would never quit the race. 'The media and establishment want me out of the race so badly - I will never drop out of the race, will never let my supporters down,' Trump said on Twitter. Fischer said she respects his decision not to step aside. 'I support the Republican ticket and it's a Trump-Pence ticket.' Recently, several Republicans have distanced themselves from Trump's election campaign. House Speaker Paul Ryan vowed he will no longer defend the Republican presidential nominee. The highest-ranking elected Republican in the US told his party colleagues Monday that he canceled all future events he planned with Trump. 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) - Voters in the US state of Florida are likely to say 'yes' to a move to legalize medical marijuana in a referendum next month, a new poll shows. In a new poll conducted by the Public Opinion Research Laboratory (PORL) at the University of North Florida Tuesday, likely voters in Florida were asked about Florida Constitutional Amendment 2, which allows the medical use of marijuana. The overwhelming majority of lthem (77 percent) said they would vote for the amendment, while only 18 percent said they would vote against it. 'Huge majorities of likely voters support Florida Constitutional Amendment 2,' said Dr. Michael Binder, Faculty Director of the Public Opinion Research Laboratory. 'Not only are Democrats wildly supportive, but even Republicans are above the 60 percent threshold required for passage. The strongest support comes from the voters 34 years old and younger, but even likely voters 65 and older are in favor of legalizing medical marijuana.' Respondents were also asked their viewpoint about marijuana legalization in general and 40 percent said marijuana should be legal for recreational use, 45 percent said marijuana should be legal for medicinal use and 15 percent it should not be legal at all. 'In 2014, a last minute opposition media campaign was credited with sinking a similar amendment causing it to narrowly fail,' according to Binder. 'However, it appears that this time around voters are on the verge of legalizing medicinal marijuana in the state of Florida.' The Referendum is scheduled for November 8. 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.
CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwired - October 12, 2016) - Scott M. Cohen of Krohn & Moss, Ltd. has received an AV Preeminent  rating by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies that Mr. Cohen's peers rank him at the highest level of professional excellence for his legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards. The Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings process was created in 1887 and evaluates lawyers in the United States and Canada based on the anonymous opinions of members of the Bar and the Judiciary, including both those who are rated and those who are not. Lawyers are reviewed in 5 separate categories: legal knowledge, analytical capabilities, judgment, communication ability and legal experience. Based upon this criteria, Mr. Cohen's peers rated him a 5.0 out of 5.0. To learn more about the Martindale-Hubbell rating process visit http://research.lawyers.com/martindale-hubbell-peer-review-ratings.html.

Mr. Cohen has devoted his entire 20 year legal career to representing consumers in breach of warranty, lemon law, automotive fraud, and fair debt collection violation actions. He has successfully resolved thousands of consumer matters during this time. As nationwide appellate counsel for Krohn & Moss, Ltd. he has also successfully argued six landmark consumer appeals before the Supreme Courts of the States of Illinois, Indiana, Florida, and Wisconsin.

Since 1995, Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center has helped over 50,000 consumers nationwide with lemon law, breach of warranty, consumer fraud, debt collection harassment, telephone harassment, and other consumer related claims. For more information about Krohn & Moss, Ltd. Consumer Law Center visit them at www.krohnandmoss.com, www.yourlemonlawrights.com, or www.westopdebtcollectors.com.

Contact:

Gregory H. Moss

312-578-9428, ext. 216

888 MY-LEMON (888-695-3666)

Email Contact: gmoss@consumerlawcenter.com
For the first time, PV installations in Denmark can participate in a German auction alongside solar installations from Germany. "With this first cross-border auction in Europe, we are sending an important signal and underline that Germany is ready to work closely together with its European neighbors on promoting renewable energy," said Rainer Baake, state secretary in the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. "We want to fully evaluate the experience gained in this process with Denmark, and to draw on it in future plans for cooperation with other European partner countries." Federal Network Agency Vice President Peter Franke added, "Since the national auctions have already proved a success, I am confident that the cross-border auctions will prove to be the same." Germany and Denmark signed a cooperation agreement signed in July on mutual auctions for ground-mounted PV installations as well as the Cross-border Renewable Energy Ordinance. Denmark is planning a 50 MW auction for ground-mounted solar this year ...

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
DUBLIN, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Fruit and Vegetable Mixed Juices Market 2016-2020" report to their offering.

The global fruit and vegetable mixed juices market is forecast to grow at a CAGR of 3.24% during the period 2016-2020.

According to the report, innovative marketing campaigns rolled out by juice drink manufacturers is another important growth driver of the global fruit and vegetable mixed juices market. Juice drink manufacturers are launching campaigns targeted at specific segments of the population such as children, teenagers, and adults.

For instance, in 2013, Oasis, a French juice brand, launched TV commercials aimed at children and employed cartoon fruit icons to grab their attention. The brand has a strong presence in online media such as Facebook. It has a fan following of about 3.2 million on Facebook. In July 2014, Tropicana launched a global advertising campaign for its 100% fruit juices under the title "It's Good to be Alive."

Further, the report states that certain governments are contemplating to implement additional tax on sugar sweetened beverages, and this could pose a serious challenge to the growth of the juice market in Europe during forecast period.

In January 2016, World Health Organization called on governments to introduce sugar taxes on sugar sweetened soft drinks to reduce childhood obesity. In August 2016, the UK announced that it will tax companies that sell sugary soft drinks and plans to invest that money in health programs for school children.

Questions Answered:

What will the market size be in 2020 and what will the growth rate be?

What are the key market trends?

What is driving this market?

What are the challenges to market growth?

Who are the key vendors in this market space?

What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?

What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?

Companies Mentioned:

Coca-Cola

Fresh Del Monte Produce

Dr Pepper Snapple

Nestle

PepsiCo

Antartic

Bionade

Boller

Chegworth Valley

Copella

Firefly Tonics

Fruitapeel

Refresco Gerber

Spumador

Wild

Zipperle

Report Structure:

PART 01: Executive summary

PART 02: Scope of the report

PART 03: Market research methodology

PART 04: Introduction

PART 05: Market landscape

PART 06: Market segmentation by product

PART 07: Market segmentation by distribution channel

PART 08: Geographical segmentation

PART 09: Key leading countries

PART 10: Market drivers

PART 11: Impact of drivers

PART 12: Market challenges

PART 13: Impact of drivers and challenges

PART 14: Market trends

PART 15: Vendor landscape

PART 16: Appendix

PART 17: About the Author

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/37z543/global_fruit_and

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716
OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

In a period of low economic growth, Canada needs to invest in developing the talent and skills of its people. Canada should also focus on turning start-up companies into globally competitive successes and use the government's purchasing power to drive innovation.

These are the priority areas of the Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda, a plan to drive economic growth, while creating well-paying jobs for the middle class and those working hard to join it.

This message was delivered by the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, at the Public Policy Forum's Growth Summit.

Minister Bains participated in a discussion with the Honourable John Manley, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Business Council of Canada. Minister Bains compared notes with Mr. Manley about the economic conditions and challenges faced by Canada during his tenure as minister of the same portfolio in the 1990s.

During the discussion, Minister Bains emphasized the need for both government and the private sector to make smart investments in three key areas:

-- People: Expand work-integrated learning programs, such as internships, apprenticeships and continuous learning opportunities, for Canadians at every stage of their careers-from new graduates right up to the highest- ranking executives. -- Technology: Set big horizon goals and create broad-based partnerships to fund ambitious research projects that solve complex, large-scale problems and spark commercial opportunities for the private sector. -- Companies: Leverage the buying power of government, as the single- largest purchaser of goods and services, to support the growth of innovative companies that have the potential to be globally competitive.

Quote

"The government is prepared to think big, aim high and act boldly to drive economic growth through innovation. Our government has a plan to create the conditions for well-paying jobs for the middle class, growth across all industries and an improved quality of life for all Canadians. With this plan, Canada can outperform the rest of the world."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

Quick facts

-- Canada's Public Policy Forum is an independent, non-governmental organization dedicated to improving the quality of government in Canada through dialogue among leaders from all sectors of society. -- Canadians have participated enthusiastically during a summer of public engagement on the Innovation Agenda: 28 round-table discussions and thousands of digital interactions have yielded over 1,300 ideas to date.

Associated links

Canada's Innovation Agenda

Canada's Public Policy Forum

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






WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Donald Trump continued his attacks on Republican lawmakers critical of his lewd remarks about women on Tuesday, suggesting that he does not require their support.



In an interview with Fox News host Bill O'Reilly, Trump once again went after House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., after calling him 'disloyal' and a 'very weak and ineffective leader' in a series of posts on Twitter.



Trump accused Ryan of supporting 'open borders and amnesty' and producing 'very, very bad budgets.'



'Frankly, the only one that Obama negotiates well with is Paul Ryan with the budgets,' Trump said. 'Because that's the only negotiation he can win.'



The comments from Trump come after Ryan indicated he will no longer defend the Republican nominee and instead focus on helping the GOP maintain control of Congress.



Ryan, who did not officially unendorsed Trump, revealed his intentions in a conference call with GOP lawmakers after the release of a recording of the real estate tycoon making lewd remarks about women.



Trump argued that he has not received support from Republican leaders like Ryan despite receiving a record number of votes in the primaries.



'I am just tired of none support and I don't really want his support,' Trump said. 'You know, if he calls now -- this happens all the time. If you sneeze, he calls up and announces, 'Isn't that a terrible thing?'



'So look, I don't want his support. I don't care about his support,' he added. 'What I want to do is that I want to win for the people, because Hillary Clinton, she is a disaster.'



Trump also took aim at Senator John McCain, R-Ariz., who withdrew his support for the Republican nominee over his derogatory remarks about women that critics claim condone sexual assault.



The billionaire-turned-politician claimed McCain has 'probably the dirtiest mouth in all of the Senate' and suggested the unendorsement comes even though he helped the Arizona Senator win his primary.



'I wouldn't want to be in a foxhole with a lot of these people, that I can tell you.' Trump said. 'By the way, including Ryan. Especially Ryan.'



Despite his attacks, Trump suggested that would be would be able to get along with the Republican lawmakers if he is elected president.



(Photo: Michael Vadon)



Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de
ANN ARBOR, MI -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- TECAT Performance Systems today announced the first product in its new WISER TC family of temperature measurement and monitoring systems. Optimized for automotive brake rotors and ideal for mounting inside wheel hubs, the compact WISER TC2-K provides low power consumption and high accuracy in high-temperature environments. TECAT will demonstrate the WISER TC2-K at the Automotive Testing Expo, Oct. 25-27 in Novi, Michigan, in booth 6022I.

"Our WISER TC platform allows us to build temperature measurement products for specific applications, such as measuring brake rotor temperature -- traditionally a challenging task for automotive test engineers," said Don Keating, vice president, new business development, at TECAT Performance Systems. "Not only is a wireless system required due to the rotating environment, but the system must be small enough to mount in a wheel hub, provide low power consumption to maximize battery life, and withstand extremely high temperatures. Relying on feedback from our automotive customers, we built our WISER TC2-K system to provide a cost-effective solution that overcomes all of these issues."

The WISER TC2-K is comprised of three subsystems: a remote unit, base unit, and software interface. The remote unit consists of the data capture electronics connected to two K-type thermocouples, a transceiver, and a long-life battery. A custom-designed mounting plate allows for installation in any specific wheel hub or application. The base unit, which houses an antenna and receiver, plugs directly into a PC USB port for use with the software interface, or into a power supply and data acquisition system via its four analog outputs. The WISER Data Viewer software is used for system configuration and calibration, live monitoring, and data logging.

TECAT's WISER systems are the smallest, lightest, and most power-efficient solutions available. The WISER TC2-K's remote unit measures only 89 mm by 42 mm and weighs 350 g. Low power consumption enables long battery life for uninterrupted testing, while a noninvasive design allows the unit to be removed without altering the unit under test. For extreme wheel hub environments, the system provides accuracy of +/- 1 degrees C over an operating temperature range of - 40 degrees C to + 1000 degrees C.

The WISER TC2-K will be demonstrated for the first time in booth 6022I at Automotive Testing Expo 2016, taking place Oct. 25-27 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, Michigan. To schedule a demonstration or to request more information, please click here.

About TECAT Performance Systems

TECAT Performance Systems was founded in 2010 by Dr. Douglas Baker, CTO and inventor of its torque telemetry system. The company designs and manufactures the smallest, lightest, most power-efficient wireless sensors available. These features enable the measurement of torque, acceleration, and atmospheric data in places never before accessed. The company is headquartered in Ann Arbor, Michigan. More information on TECAT Performance Systems is available at http://tecatperformance.com/.

Link to detailed product information:

http://tecatperformance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/161010-WISER-TC2K-datasheet.pdf

Link to WISER TC2-K photo:

http://www.redpinesgroup.com/TECAT/161010TECAT.jpg

Agency Contact:

Bob Decker

Redpines

+1 415 409 0233

Email Contact



TECAT Performance Systems Contact:

Don Keating

Vice President, New Business Development

+1 248 615 9862

Email Contact




WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - A new survey of Hispanics finds their overall attitudes about the Republican and Democratic parties - and levels of political engagement - are not much different than they were four years ago. Pew Research Center conducted the survey after more than a year of Donald Trump making provocative comments about Mexican and Muslim immigrants and Hispanics in general. More than half of Latino registered voters (54 percent) continue to say the Democratic Party is more concerned for Latinos than the Republican Party. Just 11 percent say the GOP has greater concern, while 28 percent say there is no difference between the parties. The number of Democrats who held a similar opinion four years ago was higher, 61 percent, while only 10 percent Republican supporters said the Party is more concerned for Latinos. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
Regulatory News:

AXA Contemplated private placement

NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN OR THE UNITED STATES

Axactor AB (OSE:AXAO)(the "Company") has retained Carnegie and DNB Markets (the "Managers") to advise on and effect a private placement of new shares directed towards Norwegian and international investors after the close of Oslo Stock Exchange today (the "Private Placement").

In the Private Placement, the Company is offering up to 230 million new shares (the "Offer Shares"), representing approximately 24% of the currently outstanding capital of the Company. The subscription price in the Private Placement will be determined through an accelerated bookbuilding process. The minimum subscription and allocation in the Private Placement has been set to the number of New Shares that equals an aggregate subscription price of at least the NOK equivalent of EUR 100,000.

The Company has received significant indications of interest from existing shareholders, as well as new institutional investors to subscribe for shares in the Private Placement.

The net proceeds from the Private Placement will be used for acquisitions of non-performing loan portfolios in existing geographies, as well as for general corporate purposes.

The bookbuilding period for the Private Placement opens today at 16:30 CET and closes 13 October 2016 at 08:00 CET. The Company may, however, at any time resolve to close or extend the bookbuilding period at its sole discretion and on short notice.

The Company will announce the final number of shares placed and the final subscription price in the Private Placement in a stock exchange announcement expected to be published before opening of trading on the Oslo Stock Exchange tomorrow, 13 October 2016.

The Offer Shares to be issued in connection with the Private Placement will be issued based on the board authorisation granted by the Company's annual general meeting on 26 May 2016. Allocation of the New Shares will be determined at the end of the book-building process, and final allocation will be made by the Company's Board of Directors as its sole discretion, following advice from the Managers. The waiver of the preferential rights inherent in a private placement is considered necessary in the interest of time and successful completion.

Notification of allotment and payment instructions will be sent to the applicants by the Managers on or about 13 October 2016, subject to any shortenings or extensions of the book building period. In order to provide for prompt registration of the share capital increase, the Company and the Managers expect to enter into an agreement related to pre-funding of the payment for the Offer Shares allocated in the Private Placement, such agreement regulating inter alia certain rights and obligations of the Company and the Managers related to the pre-funding.

The Private Placement will be divided into i) a Tranche 1 consisting of up to 71.7 million Offer Shares, and ii) a Tranche 2 consisting of up to 158.3 million Offer Shares.

The Tranche 1 shares are tradable once the share capital has been registered in the Swedish Companies Registry and announced by the Company, expected on or about 18 October 2016. The Offer Shares in Tranche 1 will be settled through a delivery versus payment transaction expected on or about 19 October 2016.

The Tranche 2 shares are tradable once the share capital has been registered in the Swedish Companies Registry and the listing prospectus has been approved by the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority and published, expected within November 2016. The Offer Shares in Tranche 2 will be settled through a delivery versus payment transaction following the registration of the share capital and approval of the prospectus.

The share issuance will be carried out as a private placement in order to complete a transaction and without the significant discount typically seen in rights issues, and also for the Company to be able to complete a transaction in today's market conditions. As a consequence of the private placement structure, the shareholders' preferential rights will be deviated from.

Subject to the completion of the Private Placement, the Board of Directors will consider to carry out a subsequent offering directed towards shareholders in the Company as of close of trading today, 12 October 2016 (and as registered in the VPS on 14 October 2016) who were not allocated shares in the Private Placement, and who are not resident in a jurisdiction where such offering would be unlawful, or would (in jurisdictions other than Sweden or Norway) require any prospectus filing, registration or similar action (the "Subsequent Offering"). The subscription price in the Subsequent Offering will be equal to the subscription price in the Private Placement. The decision to propose the Subsequent Offering is, among other things, dependent upon the subscription price in the Private Placement and it cannot be guaranteed that the Board of Directors will propose the Subsequent Offering.

Cautionary Statement: Statements and assumptions made in this document with respect to Axactor AB's ("Axactor") current plans, estimates, strategies and beliefs, and other statements that are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements about the future performance of Axactor. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, those using words such as "may", "might", "seeks", "expects", "anticipates", "estimates", "believes", "projects", "plans", strategy", "forecast" and similar expressions. These statements reflect management's expectations and assumptions in light of currently available information. They are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, (i) changes in the economic, regulatory and political environments in the countries where Axactor operates; (ii) changes relating to the statistic information available in respect of the various debt collection projects undertaken; (iii) Axactor's continued ability to secure enough financing to carry on its operations as a going concern; (iv) the success of its potential partners, ventures and alliances, if any; (v) currency exchange rate fluctuations between the SEK and the currencies in other countries where Axactor or its subsidiaries operate. In the light of the risks and uncertainties involved in the debt collection business, the actual results could differ materially from those presented and forecast in this document. Axactor assumes no unconditional obligation to immediately update any such statements and/or forecasts.

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012005990/en/

Contacts:

Axactor AB

Endre Rangnes

Chief Executive Officer

Mail: endre.rangnes@axactor.com

Tel: +46 8 402 28 00

Cell Phone: +47 48 22 11 11

or

Geir Johansen

Chief Financial Officer

Mail: geir.johansen@axactor.com

Cell Phone: +47 477 10 451
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Dec. 8,2016 /PRNewswire/ --Registration is now open for World ATM Congress 2017. The show returns to Madrid, 7-9 March 2017, with a conference programme featuring international air traffic management (ATM) thought leaders, a vibrant exhibition, free education theatres, and exclusive networking opportunities to connect professionals from over 125 countries, spanning the entire ATM industry.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161207/446757

The conference of World ATM Congress 2017 considers how best to 'create the right culture' that will facilitate quicker, desired change in this complex industry. It will start with an airline view - not just of the airline requirements but how airlines have coped with and facilitated major changes and how they seek to respond to geopolitical changes and events. The conference will then look at achieving better performance through people and how multiple stakeholders can more effectively collaborate. It will take a fresh look at a specific challenge of change in ATM - how to integrate unmanned aircraft systems safely into airspace.

The conference programme will be split into four informative sessions, each addressing different aspects of creating the right culture and adapting to change in ATM, including:

Responding to geopolitical and other changes

How do we create an innovation and people performance culture in ATM?

The IT culture and multi-stakeholder collaboration

Airspace and unmanned aviation systems traffic management (UTM): Will we develop the right approach or will the future just happen to us?

Registration is open. The early bird rate expires 31 January 2017.

About World ATM Congress

World ATM Congress (www.worldatmcongress.org) combines a large-scale exhibition with attendees from over 125 countries, a world-class conference and networking opportunities for aviation professionals to learn the latest air traffic trends and developments. World ATM Congress is organised for the industry, by the industry. Operated by CANSO in partnership with ATCA, it is backed by leading air navigation service providers and industry suppliers.
OAKVILLE, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/25/16 -- Saint Jean Carbon Inc. ("Saint Jean" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE: SJL), a carbon science company engaged in the exploration of natural graphite properties and related carbon products, is pleased to announce that the Company has engaged Georgi Doundarov to prepare the Preliminary Economic Assessment (PEA) for Saint Jean. The Company has completed engineering modeling and enough ground and material studies to allow for the preparation of the report. The report will cover; the economics of possibly mining multiple small pits on our properties for graphite, potentially processing that material to produce concentrate which would then be further processed to produce 99.99% graphite, without the use of harsh chemicals. Then, the further processing of that material to produce spherical-coated graphite for use in applications including lithium-ion batteries.

The PEA will be prepared by Georgi Doundarov M.Sc., P.Eng, PMP, CCP who has 22 years of metallurgical experience in studies, EPCM, commissioning of processing facilities, production ramp up, operations, and closure while acting for the owner and the consultant site. He is a QP under NI43-101 with 17 years experience in Project Management of mining projects, different in terms of commodities, types and stages of development. He is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Cost Professional (CCP). He has created from scratch Project Management Offices, set up PMI standards and best practices, structuring and optimizing of cost areas. He has also increased efficiency, prepared financial and cash flow analyses, short and long term planning, capital and operating costs estimates and optimizations. This includes environmental work, EIS preparation, working with the Government after submission, Rehab and Closure plans.

Paul Ogilvie, CEO, commented: "After all of our property work, lab work and modeling, it is great to get working on our PEA. The results will prepare us for our feasibility study in the future and help us to better understand our strengths and where more effort has to be placed. We expect to issue the results of the report within a couple of months."

About Saint Jean Carbon

Saint Jean is a publicly traded carbon science company, with interest in graphite mining claims in the province of Quebec in Canada. For the latest information on Saint Jean's properties and news please refer to the website: http://www.saintjeancarbon.com/

On behalf of the Board of Directors

Saint Jean Carbon Inc.

Paul Ogilvie, CEO and Director

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS: This news release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, concerning Saint Jean's business and affairs. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "intends" "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved".

These forward-looking statements are based on current expectations, and are naturally subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances that may cause actual results to differ materially. The forward-looking statements in this news release assume, inter alia, that the conditions for completion of the Transaction, including regulatory and shareholder approvals, if necessary, will be met.

Although Saint Jean believes that the expectations represented in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that these expectations will prove to be correct.

Statements of past performance should not be construed as an indication of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors, including those discussed above, could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release, and Saint Jean assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required under applicable securities laws.

Contacts:

Information Contact:

Email: info@saintjeancarbon.com

Tel: (905) 844-1200




Regulatory News:

MEDIAN Technologies (ALMDT.PA) (Paris:ALMDT), a leading medical imaging solutions and service provider for image interpretation and management in oncology, informs its shareholders and the financial community that its financial report on the consolidated accounts for the first half year ended June 30, 2016, was made public and filed with the AMF.

The half year financial report is available on the company's website: www.mediantechnologies.com

About MEDIAN Technologies: MEDIAN Technologies develops medical imaging software and services dedicated to oncology clinical trials, cancer screening, and clinical practice. MEDIAN Technologies standardizes and automates the interpretation of medical images in oncology to optimize the diagnosis of cancer patients and the assessment of their response to therapy. MEDIAN serves two primary markets: drug development and patient care. MEDIAN has a strategic partnership with the world's largest CRO (Contract Research Organization) to offer integrated imaging services for clinical trials to biopharma sponsors worldwide, and a strategic partnership with Canon to develop new imaging technologies, and to address the patient care market.

Founded in 2002, MEDIAN Technologies is based in Sophia-Antipolis, France, and has a US subsidiary in Boston. MEDIAN has a global reach and actively works with clinical sites located in Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia. MEDIAN has received the label "Innovative company" by the BPI and is listed on Euronext Paris' Alternext market. (ISIN: FR0011049824, ticker: ALMDT). The company is eligible for the PEA PME SME equity savings plan setup. For more information on MEDIAN, please visit: www.mediantechnologies.com

"We are committed to the improvement of cancer patient outcomes through innovation in medical imaging and quality execution for better screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of patients."

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012005588/en/

Contacts:

MEDIAN Technologies

Fredrik Brag, CEO

+33 4 92 90 65 82

fredrik.brag@mediantechnologies.com

or

Press

ALIZE RP

Caroline Carmagnol

Wendy Rigal

+ 33 1 44 54 36 66

median@alizerp.com

or

Investors

ACTIFIN

Ghislaine Gasparetto, +33 1 56 88 11 11

ggasparetto@actifin.fr
Revenue of EUR 6.5 million for the third quarter, compared to Eur 6.2 million in 2015

Solid cash position of EUR 57,5 million at September 30, 2016

Regulatory News:

Adocia (Euronext Paris: FR0011184241 ADOC), a clinical stage biopharmaceutical company focused on diabetes treatment with innovative formulations of approved proteins, announced today third quarter revenue and net cash position ending September 30,2016.

"During this quarter, we strengthened our strategic positioning in the field of diabetes treatment, notably with the stop of the BioChaperone PDGF project and the development of two new BioChaperone products combining a basal insulin with GLP-1s for type 2 diabetes treatment. GLP-1s are emerging as a therapeutic class complementary to insulins and glucagon," said Gerard Soula, President and CEO of the Company. "We expect to start clinical studies of our two most recent projects, BC Human Glucagon and BC Basal GLP-1, as soon as 2017."

Detail of revenue for the third quarter of 2016

In K IFRS rules 3 months 9 months (unaudited) 09/30/16 09/30/15 09/30/16 09/30/15 Licensing revenue 2 687 2 687 8 061 8 061 Research and collaborative agreements 3 824 3 530 10 385 10 864 Revenue 6 511 6 217 18 446 18 925

Revenues for the third quarter of 2016 were primarily derived from the ongoing Eli Lilly licensing agreement for the development of the ultra-rapid insulin analog, BioChaperone Lispro.

Specifically, revenues included EUR 2.7 million in licensing revenue from Eli Lilly, reflecting the up-front payment received upon signing the deal. Under IFRS rules, the total up-front amount of EUR 40.8 million (USD 50 million) is recognized as revenue linearly over the expected duration of the program at the time of the signature of the agreement.

Additionally, as per the agreement, the company invoiced Eli Lilly EUR 3.8 million for internal and external expenses related to the co-development of the project. These expenses are accounted for as research and collaborative agreements revenue. This 8% increase compared to the third quarter 2015 reflects a particularly high activity carried out under this partnership over the period.

Consequently, over the first nine months, revenue amounted to EUR 18.5 million in 2016, compared to 18.9 million in 2015

Net cash position

On September 30, 2016, cash and cash equivalents amounted to EUR 57.5 million, compared to EUR 72.1 million as of January 1, 2016.

To be note that the cash position at the end of September does not include EUR 6.8 million euros relating to the research tax credit based on 2015 eligible expenses, for which Adocia received the reimbursement on October 3, 2016.

Total operating cash flow for the nine months 2016 was EUR 14.5 million, compared to EUR 11 million during the same period 2015. This increase, in line with the operational plan, reflects the maturation of our projects leading to intensified clinical development as well as an increase in staff to support program advancement and the growth of the company.

The acquisition of the building in which the headquarters and the research center of the Company are located, was financed by a loan. Debt at September 30, 2016 totaled EUR 6.4 million, compared to EUR 0.8 million at the end of last year.

"This quarter is marked by revenues that remain high, which reflects the sustained and intense activity deriving from our partnership with Eli Lilly for the development of BioChaperone Lispro" commented Valerie Danaguezian, CFO of Adocia. "Following the collection of research tax credit for 2015, our cash position will progress from 57.5 million euros (as of end of September) to more than 64 million (as of early October). This strong cash position will allow us to finance the entire portfolio, which is now focused on diabetes treatment."

Main events for Q3 2016

During this quarter, the Company achieved significant preclinical and clinical results that led to redefining strategy and focusing on diabetes treatment.

First, the Company announced results of the Phase 3 clinical trial conducted in India that evaluated BioChaperone PDGF-BB (BC PDGF) for the treatment of diabetic foot ulcer. As was made public in August 2016, BC PDGF did not meet the primary endpoint, which consisted in a significant improvement of wound closure compared to placebo after twenty weeks of treatment. Considering these results and the difficulty to address this indication, in particular in light of the lack of standardized treatment of these wounds, the Company decided to halt all development on this project.

Second, during this quarter, important clinical development contributed to the progress of the three projects focused on innovating formulations of insulins for the treatment of diabetes:

Active development of BioChaperone Lispro, the ultra-rapid formulation of insulin analog lispro, was pursued in partnership with Eli Lilly. In particular, clinical results from the ongoing Phase 1b study in people with type 1 diabetes using insulin pumps are expected during the fourth quarter.

A study of BioChaperone Combo, the unique combination of basal insulin glargine and prandial insulin lispro was launched in people with type 2 diabetes. This study aims to document the effect of BioChaperone Combo, injected at the time of the meal, on postprandial glycemic control, compared to that obtained with either premix insulin Humalog Mix25TM (Eli Lilly) or separate injections of Lantus (Sanofi) and Humalog (Eli Lilly). Results for this study are expected during the first quarter of 2017.

As for HinsBet, a rapid-acting formulation of human insulin using BioChaperone, clinical results from the Phase 1b study measuring its effect on postprandial glycemic control are expected in the next few weeks.

Third, building on the expertise acquired in the past ten years to position itself as a center for excellence in protein formulation of the treatment of diabetes, the Company announced it would strengthen its portfolio with two new projects:

The first, BioChaperone Human Glucagon, was announced in June. It aims to develop an aqueous formulation of human glucagon for the rescue treatment of severe hypoglycemia and to allow its use in a dual hormone artificial pancreas system.

The second, BioChaperone Basal GLP-1, was announced in September. It combined basal insulin glargine with a GLP-1 receptor agonist. Two combinations are under development: BioChaperone Glargine Dulaglutide and BioChaperone Glargine Liraglutide.

With the launch of those two projects, the Company now has one of the most competitive portfolio targeting the treatment of diabetes, as its innovations answer the double challenge of medical performance and improved pharmaco-economics for healthcare.

Next meetings

ADOCIA intends to attend the following events in the coming months:

Bio Europe November 7 th -9 th 2016 in Cologne (Germany)

November 7 -9 2016 in Cologne (Germany) Jefferies Global Healthcare Conference November 16 th &17 th 2016 in London UK)

November 16 &17 2016 in London UK) Actionaria November 18th &19 th 2016 at the palais des congres in Paris

November 18th &19 2016 at the palais des congres in Paris Deutsches Eigenkapital Forum November 21 st 23 rd in Frankfurt (Germany)

November 21 23 in Frankfurt (Germany) Oppenheimer Co. 2016 Life Sciences Summit November 29 th in New York (USA)

November 29 in New York (USA) 20 th ODDO Conference January 5 th 6 th 2017 in Lyon

January 5 6 2017 in Lyon JP Morgan 35th Annual Healthcare Conference January 9th 13th 2017 in San Francisco (USA).

About ADOCIA

Adocia is a clinical-stage biotechnology company that specializes in the development of innovative formulations of already-approved therapeutic proteins. Adocia's insulin formulation portfolio, featuring four clinical-stage products and one preclinical product, is among the largest and most differentiated in the industry.

The proprietary BioChaperone technological platform is designed to enhance the effectiveness and/or safety of therapeutic proteins while making them easier for patients to use. Adocia customizes BioChaperone to each protein for a given application in order to address specific patient needs.

Adocia's clinical pipeline includes four novel insulin formulations for the treatment of diabetes: two ultra-rapid formulations of insulin analogs (BioChaperone Lispro U100 and U200), a rapid-acting formulation of human insulin (HinsBet U100) and a combination of insulin glargine and a rapid-acting insulin analog (BioChaperone Combo). Adocia is also developing an aqueous formulation of human glucagon (BioChaperone Glucagon), two combinations of insulin glargine with GLP-1s (BioChaperone Glargine Dulaglutide and BioChaperone Glargine Liraglutide) and a concentrated, rapid-acting formulation of human insulin (HinsBet U500), all of which are in preclinical development.

In December 2014, Adocia signed a partnership with Eli Lilly for the development and commercialization of the BioChaperone Lispro projects.

Adocia aims to deliver "Innovative medicine for everyone, everywhere."

To learn more about Adocia, please visit us at www.adocia.com

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Adocia and its business. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Adocia considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, which estimates are subject to numerous risks including the risks set forth in the 'Risk Factors' section of the Reference Document filed with the French Autorite des marches financiers on April 8, 2016 (a copy of which is available on www.adocia.com) and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Adocia operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Adocia or not currently considered material by Adocia. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance or achievements of Adocia to be materially different from such forward-looking statements.

This press release and the information contained herein do not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy Adocia shares in any jurisdiction.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012005968/en/

Contacts:

Adocia

Gerard Soula

Chairman and CEO

contactinvestisseurs@adocia.com

Tel. +33 4 72 610 610

or

Adocia Press Relations Europe

MC Services AG

Raimund Gabriel

raimund.gabriel@mc-services.eu

adocia@mc-services.eu

Tel. +49 89 210 228 0

or

Adocia Investor Relations USA

The Ruth Group

Tram Bui

tbui@theruthgroup.com

Tel.: +646.536.7035
NOT FOR PUBLICATION, DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, JAPAN OR AUSTRALIA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION INTO WHICH PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE PROHIBITED BY APPLICABLE LAW

The Swedish state and the Norwegian state represented by the Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries today announce a sale of up to 19 million ordinary shares in SAS AB (publ) ("SAS"), corresponding to approximately 5.8 per cent of the total number of ordinary shares in SAS (the "Transaction"). The Transaction will be carried out pro rata in proportion to the respective state's current holding in SAS.

The Transaction is structured as an accelerated bookbuilt offering to institutional investors. The minimum order and allocation has been set to the number of shares that equals an aggregate purchase price of the SEK equivalent of EUR 100,000. The bookbuilding commences immediately after this press release is made public. Pricing and settlement of the Transaction will be effected in SEK, with delivery of shares registered in the Swedish Euroclear system expected to occur on 17 October 2016.

The Swedish state and the Norwegian state consider that long term, SAS will benefit from a changed ownership structure that would entail a reduced state ownership. The Transaction is a first step in a gradual and responsible divestment of the Swedish state's and the Norwegian state's ownership in SAS.

The Swedish state and the Norwegian state have agreed to a customary lock-up for a period of 180 days after the Transaction.

The Swedish state and the Norwegian state have appointed Citigroup as global coordinator and joint bookrunner and Nordea and Swedbank as joint bookrunners.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The release, publication or distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted. This press release is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer of, or an invitation to purchase or subscribe for, any securities of SAS in any jurisdiction.

This press release is not for publication, distribution or release, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia or any other jurisdiction into which publication or distribution would be prohibited by applicable law. This press release does not constitute or form part of an offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for securities in the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia or any other jurisdiction where such an offer or solicitation would be unlawful. The securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "US Securities Act") or under the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States or under the applicable securities laws of Canada, Japan or Australia and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements under the US Securities Act and in compliance with any applicable laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States. There will be no public offering of the securities in the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia. Copies of this announcement should not be made in and may not be distributed or sent into the United States, Canada, Japan or Australia.

This press release is not a prospectus for the purposes of Directive 2003/71/EC (such Directive, together with any applicable implementing measures under such Directive in the relevant home Member State, the "Prospectus Directive"). The Swedish state and the Norwegian state have not authorized any offer to the public of shares or rights in any Member State of the European Economic Area and no prospectus or other offering document has been or will be prepared in connection with the Swedish state's and the Norwegian state's possible sale of shares in SAS. With respect to each Member State of the European Economic Area and which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a "Relevant Member State"), no action has been undertaken to date to make an offer to the public of shares or rights requiring a publication of a prospectus in any Relevant Member State. In any Relevant Member State this communication is only addressed to and is only directed at qualified investors in that Member State within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive.

This press release is only being distributed to and is only directed at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion Order 2005) (the "Order") or (iii) high net worth companies, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons in (i), (ii) and (iii) above together being referred to as "relevant persons"). The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

No actions has been taken by the Swedish state, the Norwegian state, Citigroup, Nordea, Swedbank or their affiliates that would, or is intended to permit a public offering of the shares in any jurisdiction, or possession or distribution of this press release, or any other offering material or information material relating to the shares in any jurisdiction where such actions are unlawful. Persons into whose possession this press release comes are required by the Swedish state, the Norwegian state, Citigroup, Nordea or Swedbank to inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions.

Citigroup, Nordea and Swedbank are acting exclusively for the Swedish state and the Norwegian state and no one else in connection with the Transaction. Citigroup, Nordea and Swedbank will not regard any other person (whether or not a recipient of this press release) as its client and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Swedish state and the Norwegian state for providing the protections afforded to their clients nor for giving advice in relation to the Transaction.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012006076/en/

Contacts:

Norwegian Ministry

Gosta Brunnander

Acting Press Secretary to Minister for Enterprise and Innovation Mikael Damberg

+46 72-544 28 66

Duty Press Officer, Norwegian Ministry of Trade, Industry and Fisheries

media@nfd.dep.no Cell: +47 902 51 303
NIH-funded project led by University of Utah School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School

Regulatory News:

Mauna Kea Technologies (Euronext:MKEA, OTCQX:MKEAY) inventor of Cellvizio, the multidisciplinary confocal laser endomicroscopy platform, announced today the launch of a ground-breaking new clinical study led by researchers at the University of Utah School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School called: "Evaluation of Fiberoptic Confocal Microscopy for Pediatric Cardiac Surgery." This cardiac surgery study, funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), will explore a very important new application in the field of pediatric cardiac surgery, adding to the body of evidence on the use of Cellvizio in a growing variety of surgical procedures.

The NIH funding will advance pre-clinical research on the use of the Cellvizio system to help surgeons avoid damaging vital cardiac tissue during surgical procedures. Damage to the cardiac conduction system is currently a major risk in pediatric cardiac surgery that can result in electro-mechanical dysfunction and require pacemaker therapy. The project is being led by Robert Hitchcock, Ph.D., and Frank B. Sachse, both Associate Professors in the Department of Bioengineering at the University of Utah, along with Aditya Kaza, Assistant Professor of Surgery at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Neonatal Cardiac Surgery Program at Boston Children's Hospital.

Dr. Kaza, commented, "As a surgeon I know the difference this technology will make in the smallest and most vulnerable patients. Intraoperative confocal microscopy is a powerful new tool for cardiac surgeons and I am anxious to continue working with my colleagues in Utah to bring this imaging technology into the operating room."

Dr. Hitchcock, added, "This collaboration is a perfect example of a multidisciplinary approach to bringing new technology to the clinic. We've been working diligently on this new approach for pediatric congenital heart surgery since 2010. The project has been supported by the NIH, USTAR, The University of Utah and Boston Children's Hospital. We are now beginning this preclinical research phase which should pave the way for our first human clinical trials in 2018."

Congenital Heart Disease is one of the most common types of birth defect. It is estimated that at least 40,000 infants are expected to be affected by congenital heart defects each year in the U.S. Of these, approximately 25% require invasive treatment in the first year of life1. There are approximately 25,000 pediatric cardiac surgery procedures performed in the U.S. each year.

Sacha Loiseau, Ph.D., Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Mauna Kea Technologies, said, "Cellvizio's unique ability to provide real-time, in-vivo microscopic imaging makes it well suited to add value to a wide range of surgical procedures where it is important to discriminate between tissue types. We are excited to be partnering with researchers from the University of Utah and Harvard to apply these capabilities in pediatric cardiac surgery to help surgeons avoid damaging important areas of the heart that could impact the health of these very young patients for the rest of their lives."

About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit www.nih.gov.

About Mauna Kea Technologies

Mauna Kea Technologies is a global medical device company focused on eliminating uncertainties related to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases thanks to real time in vivo microscopic visualization. The Company's flagship product, Cellvizio, has received clearance to sell a wide range of applications in more than 40 countries, including the United States, Europe, Japan, China, Canada, Brazil and Mexico. For more information on Mauna Kea Technologies, visit www.maunakeatech.com.

Disclaimer

This press release contains forward-looking statements concerning Mauna Kea Technologies and its activities. Such forward looking statements are based on assumptions that Mauna Kea Technologies considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the anticipated events contained in such forward-looking statements will occur. Forward- looking statements are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties including the risks set forth in the registration document of Mauna Kea Technologies registered by the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorite des marches financiers (AMF)) on June 13, 2016 under number R.16-054 and available on the Company's website (www.maunakeatech.com), and to the development of economic situation, financial markets, and the markets in which Mauna Kea Technologies operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this release are also subject to risks unknown to Mauna Kea Technologies or that Mauna Kea Technologies does not consider material at this time. The realization of all or part of these risks could lead to actual results, financial conditions, performances or achievements by Mauna Kea Technologies that differ significantly from the results, financial conditions, performances or achievements expressed in such forward-looking statements. This press release and the information it contains do not constitute an offer to sell or to subscribe for, or a solicitation of an order to purchase or subscribe for, Mauna Kea Technologies shares in any country.

_______________________

1 http://circ.ahajournals.org/content/133/4/e38

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012006081/en/

Contacts:

Mauna Kea Technologies

Benoit Jacheet

CFO

investors@maunakeatech.com

or

United States

The Ruth Group

ZackKubow / Lee Roth, 646-536-7020 7012

zkubow@theruthgroup.com / lroth@theruthgroup.com

or

U.S. Media

The Ruth Group

Christopher Hippolyte, 646-536-7023

chippolyte@theruthgroup.com

or

France and Europe

NewCap Investor Relations

Florent Alba, +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94

maunakea@newcap.fr
Regulatory News:

SoLocal Group (Paris:LOCAL) announces that more than two-thirds of the creditors have approved today its financial restructuring plan.

The plan will now be submitted on 19 October 2016 at the Combined General Shareholders' Meeting, who will have to take a decision with a majority of two-thirds. The vote of shareholders will be decisive for the implementation of both the financial restructuring plan and "Conquer 2018" plan. As a reminder, in case of approval by the shareholders, the plan will still have to be submitted to the approval of the Commercial Court of Nanterre.

The company reiterates the urgency to implement this plan, which is to date the only industrial plan aiming at ensuring the growth of the Group and the sustainability of its activities.

"SoLocal Group reaches today an important step forward in its financial restructuring plan. This vote puts the company on track for a drastic reduction of its debt, allowing to invest in its future development. The company has major assets, and recognized by all, to consolidate its leadership in France and Europe. Conversely, the rejection or postponement of the financial restructuring plan would impose on SoLocal a strategy that would quickly lead to the decline of the company. It is now up to the shareholders to exercise their responsibility through a decisive vote for the future of SoLocal Group," has declared Jean-Pierre Remy, Chief Executive Officer of SoLocal Group.

Should the Combined General Shareholders' Meeting of 19 October 2016 not vote in favour of this plan, the Commercial Court of Nanterre would then have to decide on the fate of the financial safeguard plan put in place in 2014.

As a reminder, the information related to the General Shareholders' Meeting is available on the following website: www.solocalgroup.com/assemblee-generale-extraordinaire-2016, as well as a toll-free number 0 800 81 84 54).

Moreover, SoLocal Group took note of the declaration of Family office Amar as of 7 October 2016, regarding their holding of 917 975 shares of the company, representing 2.36% of the capital of the company.

About SoLocal Group

SoLocal Group, European leader in local online communication, reveals local know-how, and boosts local revenues of businesses. The Internet activities of the Group are structured around two business lines: Local Search and Digital Marketing. With Local Search, the Group offers digital services and solutions to clients which enable them to enhance their visibility and develop their local contacts. Thanks to its expertise, SoLocal Group earned the trust of some 530,000 clients of those services and over 2.2 billions of visits via its 4 flagship brands (PagesJaunes, Mappy, Ooreka and A Vendre A Louer) but also through its partnerships. With Digital Marketing, SoLocal Group creates and provides Internet users with the best local and customised content about professionals. With over 4,400 employees, including a salesforce of 1,900 local communication advisors specialised in five verticals (Home, Services, Retail, Health Public, BtoB) and Internationally (France, Spain, Austria, United Kingdom), the Group generated in 2015 revenues of 873 millions euros, of which 73% on Internet and ranks amongst the first European players in terms of Internet advertising revenues. SoLocal Group is listed on Euronext Paris (LOCAL). More information may be obtained at www.solocalgroup.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20161012006138/en/

Contacts:

SoLocal Group

Press

Delphine Penalva, +33 (0)1 46 23 35 31

dpenalva@solocal.com

or

Edwige Druon, +33 (0)1 46 23 37 56

edruon@solocal.com

or

Investors

Elsa Cardarelli, +33 (0)1 46 23 40 92

ecardarelli@solocal.com

or

Sebastien Nony, +33 (0) 1 46 23 49 03

snony@solocal.com
EDMONTON, ALBERTA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

The Government of Canada values the role of post-secondary institutions as they help equip young Canadians with the education and training they need for future careers that will help them join a strong, healthy middle class. Today's $34.98-million investment at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) will do just that by fostering the training needed for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow.

The funding was announced by the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and by Randy Boissonnault, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage.

The Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation-one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment exemplifies that vision in action and will help create the well-paying middle-class jobs of tomorrow.

NAIT will use the funding to construct the Productivity and Innovation Centre, which will support many of the institute's applied research programs. Work at this new centre will focus on finding efficiencies in manufacturing processes, facilitating the adoption of new technologies, and developing and commercializing prototypes. NAIT is investing over $45 million in this project.

In total, universities and colleges throughout Alberta will receive over $500 million from the Government of Canada, the provincial government, the institutions themselves and private donors. Federal funding will be allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

As a result of these investments, students, professors and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country's best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for-and create-the high-value, middle-class jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

That is how the Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.

Quotes

"This once-in-a-generation investment by the Government of Canada is a historic down payment on the government's vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation. That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into middle-class jobs and start-up companies into global successes. This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"Encouraging scientific awareness in Alberta and across Canada depends on supporting our world-class scientists and researchers. Through the Strategic Investment Fund, we are strengthening the foundation for scientific excellence in Canada and helping to foster new discoveries in Canada and to get those discoveries into the hands of people and markets around the world."

- The Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"These significant investments help Alberta students put their best foot forward by maximizing new, modernized learning environments, while also addressing the need for new skills and research that are the cornerstones of a healthy, diversified economy."

- The Honourable Marlin Schmidt, Alberta's Minister of Advanced Education

"The Productivity and Innovation Centre will be the place industry comes to find solutions and to succeed. It will support industry in becoming more productive and innovative. It will provide a foundation for future prosperity. We would like to thank the Government of Canada for providing the funding to make this project possible."

- Dr. Glenn Feltham, President and CEO, Northern Alberta Institute of Technology

Quick facts

-- The Government of Canada is providing more than $225 million for research infrastructure at institutions across Alberta. The Northern Alberta Institute of Technology has been awarded $34.98 million in federal funding under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund. -- The Government of Canada's Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure Canada is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the start-up phase to international success. -- The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will promote economic activity across Canada and help Canada's universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery, and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally. -- The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada's climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.

Associated links

- Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund website

- Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund backgrounder

- Innovation Agenda backgrounder

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




OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

A one-of-a-kind program that provides students with free tuition and a salary while they learn on the job is being praised by the Government of Canada as an innovative example of work-integrated learning. The program aims to help graduates transition from school to career more easily by providing them with real-world work experience as they pursue their undergraduate degree.

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, attended the launch of the full stack education program, a joint partnership between Carleton University and Shopify Inc., an e-commerce company headquartered in Ottawa.

Under the program, offered through Carleton's School of Computer Science, students spend the majority of their four years at Shopify, where they learn classroom concepts that they can apply immediately in the workplace. The 11 participating students will have their tuition fees and salary paid by Shopify, which is investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in the program.

In his remarks, Minister Bains noted that the program offers a new and unique model of experiential learning and builds on established co-op education programs offered at some Canadian universities.

He also commended Shopify for encouraging more women to pursue careers related to science, technology, engineering and math. Six of the 11 students enrolled in the program are women.

Minister Bains pointed to the program as an innovative example of how Canada can help prepare its young people for a rapidly changing job market and highlighted the importance of developing a diverse talent pool that includes more women.

The Government's Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation-one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This program exemplifies that vision in action.

Quotes

"Shopify and Carleton University are showing real leadership with this program. Canada needs to do a better job of preparing people at all stages of life for a rapidly changing job market. University and college students should have access to more work-integrated learning. Programs such as the unique one launched by Shopify and Carleton today will help students integrate more quickly into the workforce after they graduate. In the process, they will train for-and invent-the well-paying, middle-class jobs of the future."

- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development

"All employers have a role to play in hiring students and recent graduates and in making their work experiences as enriching as possible. It is great to see Shopify and Carleton University working together on this innovative program to invest in young people in Ottawa. It is when we come together as a community to leverage our assets and experiences that we will create the greatest number of jobs and valuable work experiences for our youth."

- The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

"We appreciate Shopify's generosity and look forward to continuing this innovative partnership in the years to come. Carleton is committed to providing our students with the kind of real-world experience that helps bring academics to life."

- Roseann O'Reilly Runte, President and Vice-Chancellor, Carleton University

"We designed this program with Carleton to give students the perfect mix of hands-on experience, self-paced learning and theoretical foundations. They will have the opportunity over the next couple of years to learn and make changes to Shopify that will affect millions of people."

- Jean-Michel Lemieux, Senior Vice President of Engineering, Shopify

Quick facts

-- Shopify Inc. is an Ottawa-based company with more than 1,500 employees in Toronto, Montreal, Waterloo and San Francisco. -- The Bachelor of Computer Science Internship program offered by Carleton University and Shopify is the first work-integrated, curriculum-aligned undergraduate program in Canada. -- To make the program accessible to as many students as possible, Shopify is covering the tuition fees of participating students as well as paying them a salary during their time in the program.

Associated links

Shopify

BCS Internship - School of Computer Science

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




JAKARTA, Oct 12, 2016 - (ACN Newswire) - President Joko Widodo inaugurated Trade Expo Indonesia (TEI) 2016, which opened today at the Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran. Accompanied by Enggartiasto Lukito, Minister of Trade, and Djarot Saiful Hidayat, Vice Governor of Jakarta, the President also awarded the Primaduta Award and Primaniyarta to the best 30 Indonesian exporters.Widodo also urged Indonesian exporters to expand to new markets, such as African countries and India, despite the unpredictable global economic conditions. "We have to start to turn our heads to the markets we used to overlook, the markets like India and Africa that offer a huge business opportunities from populations that reach over 60 million people," stated the President at the opening ceremony.Not only Africa and India, which provide lucrative opportunities for Indonesian products, the President also noted that other developing markets like South Asia and Latin America hold great potential for Indonesian exporters to expand markets and distribution of their products. "I urge Indonesian exporters to make moves toward the markets we have previously overlooked," added President Widodo.The President also mentioned that design and packaging play an important role in grabbing the consumer's attention. "I highly appreciate the Ministry of Trade and the Creative Economy Agency's initiatives in helping our SMEs to design attractive packaging for their products," stated Jokowi.In addition to showcasing the quality Indonesian export products, TEI 2016 also serves as a trade making platform for businesses, both local and foreign. Trade Minister Enggartiasto said that the event would see approximately 1,100 exhibitors, including SMEs, and expects 15,562 potential buyers from 152 countries. He added that business commitments already sealed totaled Rp 2.6 trillion from 14 countries. -Antara-Source: Trade Expo Indonesia 2016Copyright 2016 ACN Newswire . All rights reserved.

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) - Missouri Senator Roy Blunt, R-Mo., could have some difficulty hanging on to his seat, according to the results of a new Monmouth Mouth University poll released on Wednesday. The survey found that 46 percent of likely Missouri voters support Blunt, while 44 percent favor Democratic Secretary of State Jason Kander. The two-point lead for Blunt is well within the poll's margin of error and compares to a five-point lead for the first-term Senator in August. Blunt has a positive 42 percent to 37 percent job approval rating, but voters are more divided on their personal opinion of him, as 32 percent have a favorable view and 33 percent hold an unfavorable opinion. Meanwhile, Kander is viewed favorably by 33 percent of voters and unfavorably by just 14 percent, although 53 percent said they have no opinion of him. The poll also showed Donald Trump with a 46 percent to 41 percent lead over Hillary Clinton in Missouri, which has voted for the Republican presidential candidate in each of the past four elections. The Monmouth survey of 406 likely Missouri voters was conducted October 9th through 11th and has a margin of error of plus or minus 4.9 percentage points. 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) - Brooklyn Brewery, a New York state-based craft brewer, said it has sold a minority stake to Japan conglomerate Kirin Holdings. Kirin has agreed to acquire a 24.5% stake in Brooklyn Brewery. Financial terms weren't disclosed. Kirin Holdings and Brooklyn Brewery plans to 'utilize the assets of both companies and work to make beer more appealing and further energize the craft beer market in Japan and Brazil.' Kirin Holding said it will establish a joint venture in Japan by around January 2017 and proceed to roll out Brooklyn brand. The joint venture will be 60% owned by Kirin and 40% by Brooklyn Brewery. Kirin's purchase of 24.5% stake in Brooklyn Brewery will allow the New York-based brewer to retain its 'craft' status here in the U.S., as the Brewers Association allows independent brewers sell 25% or less stake in the company. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
OTTAWA, ONTARIO -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, will be at Confederation College to announce infrastructure funding for the college. Minister Bains will also highlight the benefits of the Government of Canada's Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund.

Date: Thursday, October 13, 2016 Time: 9:00 a.m. Location: Confederation College McIntyre Building, Cafeteria/Student Commons 1450 Nakina Drive Thunder Bay, 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




SCHAUMBURG, IL -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- Embarrassed by how much you sweat? It's normal to sweat when you get nervous or exert yourself. However, if you sweat easily or to the point where sweat is visible on your clothing when you aren't exerting yourself, you may have a condition called "hyperhidrosis," or excessive sweating. Without treatment, say experts, hyperhidrosis can interfere with everyday activities and may even cause other skin conditions to develop.

"Many people who excessively sweat do not realize that they have a treatable medical condition," said board-certified dermatologist Jenny Eileen Murase, MD, FAAD, assistant clinical professor of dermatology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center. "If you think you might be sweating too much, ask a board-certified dermatologist if it's normal. Dermatologists are one of the few doctors trained in the diagnosis and treatment of hyperhidrosis and can tell you what type of hyperhidrosis you have and the best ways to treat it."

In addition to seeing a dermatologist, Dr. Murase recommends the following tips:

1. Use antiperspirant rather than deodorant. Although deodorants mask or stop body odor, they still allow you to sweat. Antiperspirants -- available over-the-counter or by prescription -- help reduce sweating by plugging your sweat glands when you start to sweat. This signals your body to stop producing so much sweat.

2. Apply antiperspirant as directed. Since antiperspirant is most effective when applied correctly, follow the directions on the packaging. Many antiperspirants require you to apply it at night to dry skin and then reapply in the morning. Antiperspirant can also be applied to any area of the body that sweats, including the palms, back and behind the knees.

3. Keep a sweat journal. For many people who sweat excessively, certain situations can trigger sweating. To help, keep a log of when your sweating occurs and use the knowledge to avoid triggers. Common triggers include heat, feeling anxious and certain foods, such as caffeine and hot sauce.

4. For sweaty feet, change footwear often. Wet or clammy feet can increase your risk for foot odor and skin infections, such as athlete's foot. To help manage sweaty feet, wear shoes made of natural materials like leather, as this allows air to circulate. In addition, avoid wearing the same shoes two days in a row in order to let them dry completely before wearing them again. It also helps to wear socks that wick moisture away from your skin. Avoid cotton socks, as cotton traps moisture. In addition, wear sandals or slip off your shoes whenever you can.

"If you feel anxious or embarrassed by sweating, talk to your dermatologist," said Dr. Murase. "It's possible to find treatment that effectively controls your sweating and improves your quality of life."

These tips are demonstrated in "How to Manage Excessive Sweating," a video posted to the AAD website and YouTube channel. This video is part of the AAD's "Video of the Month" series, which offers tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair and nails. A new video in the series posts to the AAD website and YouTube channel each month.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 18,000 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the AAD at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org. Follow the AAD on Facebook (American Academy of Dermatology), Twitter (@AADskin), or YouTube (AcademyofDermatology).

Jennifer Allyn

(847) 240-1730

Email Contact



Nicole DiVito

(847) 240-1746

Email Contact



Amanda Jacobs

(847) 240-1714

Email Contact




HONG KONG, CHINA -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- OLISOL Petroleum Limited (hereinafter "Olisol" or the "Company") is providing an update with respect to its transaction with Tethys Petroleum Limited ("Tethys") previously announced by Tethys (the "Transaction"). As part of the Transaction, Olisol agreed to provide working capital to Tethys. Further to this agreement, on September 9, 2016, Olisol provided US$2,924,026.43 to Tethys as a further advance of working capital. To date, Olisol has advanced in aggregate, US$11,755,862.09 to Tethys in connection with the Transaction.

As announced by Tethys on March 21, 2016, Olisol converted US$6,304,446 of working capital advances to Tethys into ordinary shares at US$0.10 per share and received 63,044,460 ordinary shares on completion of the conversion representing 15.76% of the issued and outstanding ordinary shares.

Olisol has advised Tethys that it intends to direct Tethys to apply all funds to be repaid to Olisol in connection with outstanding working capital advances, plus interest accrued thereon, to its obligation to subscribe for 181,240,793 ordinary shares at C$0.054 per share (the "Private Placement"). This matter continues to be discussed by the parties. Upon completion of the Private Placement, Olisol believes that it will hold approximately 244,285,253 ordinary shares of Tethys representing 37.32% of the total number of issued and outstanding ordinary shares of Tethys.

Kazakhstan Ministry of Energy Approval

Olisol is pleased to announce that the Minister of Energy of the Government of Kazakhstan has provided his approval to extend the time for completion of the Transaction. Olisol presently expects that the Private Placement will be completed at the end of October. In compliance with applicable Kazakhstan laws, approximately 20% of the Private Placement must be completed through the facilities of the Kazakhstan Stock Exchange.

Olisol is currently working with Tethys' management to identify ways to increase gas production from Olisol's Kazakhstan production properties.

About Olisol

Olisol is headquartered in Almaty, Kazakhstan and its subsidiaries and affiliates have investments in energy and oil and gas operations in the Russian Federation and Kazakhstan. Olisol has worked with Tethys in Kazakhstan for over seven years, is joint owner of the Aral Oil Terminal with Tethys and has its own fleet of special oil trucks involved in oil transportation from Tethys' oil fields. Olisol, through its affiliates, is engaged in railroad transportation, processing of oil, storage and sale of oil products.

Disclaimer

Some of the statements in this press release are forward-looking. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding the intent, belief and current expectations of the Company or its officers, including statements regarding the estimated number of ordinary shares that Olisol will hold on completion of the Transaction, its intention to apply funds received on repayment of working capital advances to its obligation to subscribe for additional ordinary shares under the Private Placement and the anticipated closing date of the Private Placement. When used in this document, the words "expects," "believes," "anticipates," "plans," "may," "will," "should" and similar expressions, and the negatives thereof, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are not promises or guarantees, and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ materially from those suggested by any such statements including risks and uncertainties with respect to completion of the Private Placement and related transactions on the terms and within the time periods contemplated herein.

No part of this announcement constitutes, or shall be taken to constitute, an invitation or inducement to invest in the Company, Tethys or any other entity, and shareholders of Tethys, are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Save as required by the Listing Rules and applicable law, neither the Company nor Tethys undertakes to update or change any forward-looking statements to reflect events occurring after the date of this announcement.

Contacts:

Dariya Klimova

Authorized Representative

Olisol Petroleum Limited

+34 64 515 08 69

info@olisol.ch




VANCOUVER, BC--(Marketwired - October 12, 2016) - Almaden Minerals Ltd. ("Almaden" or "the Company") (TSX: AMM) (NYSE MKT: AAU) is pleased to announce further assay results from Almaden's ongoing exploration and development program at the Company's Tuligtic project, Mexico. Results from drill holes TU-16-467, 468 and 469, all drilled on section 10+625 East have been received. Hole TU-16-465 intersected what is likely a new zone of high grade veining within the Amended PEA pit, while all three holes intersected significant mineralisation and veining immediately outside of the Amended PEA pit. The holes were all drilled from the same pad and intersected the previously defined subvertical Ixtaca North vein zone as well as the new zones of veining. Highlights from these drillholes include the following intercepts for the Ixtaca North Zone and new zones:

Hole TU-16-467 SECTION 10+625 EAST Az. 330, Dip -30 Zone ---------------------- 11.00 meters @ 0.62 g/t Au and 48.3 g/t Ag Ixtaca North Zone 24.20 meters @ 2.37 g/t Au and 98.1 g/t Ag New Vein Zone in Pit Including 14.40 meters @ 3.57 g/t Au and New Vein Zone in Pit 146.9 g/t Ag 0.60 meters @ 0.34 g/t Au and 652.0 g/t Ag New Vein Zone to North 0.50 meters @ 0.75 g/t Au and 1335.0 g/t Ag New Vein Zone to North Hole TU-16-468 SECTION 10+625 EAST Az. 330, Dip -57 18.50 meters @ 1.97 g/t Au and 49.7 g/t Ag Ixtaca North Zone Including 10.00 meters @ 3.12 g/t Au and 75.4 Ixtaca North Zone g/t Ag 0.50 meters @ 2.32 g/t Au and 517.0 g/t Ag New Vein Zone 2.00 meters @ 1.02 g/t Au and 115.7 g/t Ag New Vein Zone Hole TU-16-469 SECTION 10+625 EAST Az. 330, Dip -70 2.50 meters @ 1.74 g/t Au and 225.3 g/t Ag Ixtaca North Zone? 75.00 meters @ 0.67 g/t Au and 19.0 g/t Ag Ixtaca North Zone Including 5.30 meters @ 2.53 g/t Au and 91.4 Ixtaca North Zone g/t Ag And 2.50 meters @ 3.75 g/t Au and 64.9 g/t Ag Ixtaca North Zone

The mineralisation reported today confirms the presence of additional important zones of veining immediately adjacent to the Ixtaca Zone and points to the exploration potential of the project in general. The Ixtaca Zone was discovered in 2010 beneath a large area of largely barren clay alteration which has been confirmed subsequently to represent the upper portions of a gold and silver bearing epithermal vein system. Since the discovery Almaden has focussed its efforts on the development of the Ixtaca Zone, however today's results clearly show the potential for additional mineralisation, not only proximal to the deposit, but more broadly project wide beneath the high level clay alteration.

Currently, geotechnical drilling relating to ongoing pre-feasibility work is nearing completion while exploration drilling is ongoing and further exploration results will be reported once received. Recently the Company released a positive Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") on the Ixtaca deposit (see news release dated December 9th, 2015). Approximately 97% of the mineral resources incorporated into the updated PEA mine plan were in the Measured and Indicated categories.

----------------------------------------------------------------- Hole ID From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Gold (g/t) Silver (g/t) ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-467 30.48 33.50 3.02 0.28 22.6 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-467 40.80 54.00 13.20 0.55 43.5 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 40.80 51.80 11.00 0.62 48.3 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 40.80 41.85 1.05 1.19 141.0 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 47.50 49.30 1.80 1.57 111.8 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-467 112.50 122.20 9.70 0.34 23.5 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-467 137.00 161.20 24.20 2.37 98.1 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 142.90 157.30 14.40 3.57 146.9 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 154.70 157.30 2.60 9.23 343.7 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-467 227.00 229.70 2.70 0.15 25.4 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-467 295.75 300.00 4.25 0.07 106.4 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 296.90 297.50 0.60 0.34 652.0 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-467 367.30 367.80 0.50 0.75 1335.0 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-468 39.50 58.00 18.50 1.97 49.7 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 43.00 56.50 13.50 2.63 64.5 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 43.00 53.00 10.00 3.12 75.4 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 49.40 49.90 0.50 14.25 596.0 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-468 64.90 65.60 0.70 3.26 370.0 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-468 69.00 71.20 2.20 1.28 265.0 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-468 196.00 196.50 0.50 2.32 517.0 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-468 200.50 202.50 2.00 1.02 115.7 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-468 209.00 214.50 5.50 0.15 19.7 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-469 37.50 40.00 2.50 0.19 50.4 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-469 111.00 111.50 0.50 1.15 323.0 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-469 122.50 133.00 10.50 0.14 27.4 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 129.00 133.00 4.00 0.21 49.5 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-469 140.00 142.50 2.50 1.74 225.3 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 140.00 141.00 1.00 4.03 542.0 ----------------------------------------------------------------- TU-16-469 201.00 276.00 75.00 0.67 19.0 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 218.00 231.60 13.60 1.39 51.6 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 218.00 223.30 5.30 2.53 91.4 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 226.90 228.50 1.60 1.95 58.6 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 236.30 236.80 0.50 5.22 44.6 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 242.50 245.00 2.50 3.75 64.9 ----------------------------------------------------------------- including 257.70 262.50 4.80 1.81 26.6 -----------------------------------------------------------------

www.moosemmc.com.

KP is an international consulting firm and recognized leader in providing engineering and environmental services. KP's expertise has been applied to hundreds of surface and underground mining projects in all stages of development and a broad range of environmental settings. KP provides industry leading services in water and waste management, tailings disposal, heap leach pads, rock mechanics and environmental services, and has been recognized for innovative services that meet high standards of reliability, security and cost effectiveness.

About the Ixtaca Drilling Program and the Ixtaca Zone

The Ixtaca Zone is a blind discovery made by the Company in 2010 on claims staked by the Company. The deposit is an epithermal gold-silver deposit, mostly hosted by veins in carbonate units and crosscutting dykes ("basement rocks") with a minor component of disseminated mineralisation hosted in overlying volcanic rocks.

The Ixtaca deposit is located in a developed part of Mexico in Puebla State, the location of significant manufacturing investments including Volkswagen and Audi plants. The deposit is accessed by paved road and is roughly 20 kilometres from an industrial park with rail service where significant manufacturers such as Kimberly Clarke have facilities. Any potential mining operation at Ixtaca would be located in an area previously logged or cleared with negligible to no current land usage.

The Company has access to the entire project area and works closely with local officials and residents. The Company has employed roughly 70 people in its exploration program who live local to the Ixtaca deposit. For example, local employees have made up virtually all the drilling staff and have been trained on the job to operate the Company's wholly owned drills. The Company has implemented a comprehensive science based and objective community relations and education program for employees and all local stakeholders to transparently explain the exploration and development program underway as well as the potential impacts and benefits of any possible future mining operation at Ixtaca. The Company regards the local inhabitants to be major stakeholders in the Ixtaca deposit's future along with the Company's shareholders. Every effort is being made to create an open and clear dialogue with our stakeholders to ensure that any possible development scenarios that could evolve from the anticipated PFS are properly understood and communicated throughout the course of the Company's exploration and development program. To better explain the impacts of a mining operation at Ixtaca the Company has conducted numerous tours for local residents to third party operated mines in Mexico so that interested individuals can form their own opinions of mining based on first-hand experience. The Company invites all interested parties to visit www.almadenminerals.com to find out more about our community development, education and outreach programs.

Technical Details of the Ixtaca Drilling Program

The Main Ixtaca and Ixtaca North Zones of veining are interpreted to have a north-easterly trend. Holes to date suggest that the Main Ixtaca and Ixtaca North Zones are sub vertical with local variations. This interpretation suggests that true widths range from approximately 35% of intersected widths for a -70 degree hole to 94% of intersected widths for a -20 degree hole. The drilling completed to date has traced mineralisation over 1,000 meters along this northeast trend. The Chemalaco (Northeast Extension) Zone strikes roughly north-south (340 azimuth) and dips at 55 degrees to the west. This interpretation suggests that true widths range from approximately 82% of intersected widths for a -70 degree hole to 99% of intersected widths for a -40 degree hole. The orientation of the new vein zone intersected in the holes reported today is not well understood and true widths cannot be calculated at this time.

Mr. Norm Dircks, P.Geo., a qualified person ("QP") under the meaning of NI 43-101, is the QP and project manager of Almaden's Ixtaca program and reviewed the technical information in this news release. The analyses reported were carried out at ALS Chemex Laboratories of North Vancouver using industry standard analytical techniques. For gold, samples are first analysed by fire assay and atomic absorption spectroscopy ("AAS"). Samples that return values greater than 10 g/t gold using this technique are then re-analysed by fire assay but with a gravimetric finish. Silver is first analysed by Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectroscopy ("ICP-AES"). Samples that return values greater than 100 g/t silver by ICP-AES are then re analysed by HF-HNO 3 -HCLO 4 digestion with HCL leach and ICP-AES finish. Of these samples those that return silver values greater than 1,500 g/t are further analysed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Intervals that returned assays below detection were assigned zero values.

Blanks, field duplicates and certified standards were inserted into the sample stream as part of Almaden's quality assurance and control program which complies with National Instrument 43-101 requirements.

Cautionary Note concerning estimates of Measured, Indicated and Inferred Mineral Resources

This news release uses terms that comply with reporting standards in Canada and certain estimates are made in accordance with Canadian National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101"). NI 43-101 is a rule developed by the Canadian Securities Administrators that establishes Canadian standards for all public disclosure an issuer makes of scientific and technical information concerning mineral projects. These standards differ significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and mineral resource information contained herein may not be comparable to similar information disclosed by United States companies.

This news release uses the terms "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" to comply with reporting standards in Canada. We advise United States investors that while such terms are recognized and required by Canadian regulations, the SEC does not recognize them. United States investors are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of the mineral deposits in such categories will ever be converted into mineral reserves under SEC definitions. These terms have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence, and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. Therefore, United States investors are also cautioned not to assume that all or any part of the "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" or "inferred mineral resources" exist. In accordance with Canadian rules, estimates of "inferred mineral resources" cannot form the basis of pre-feasibility or other economic studies. It cannot be assumed that all or any part of the "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" or "inferred mineral resources" will ever be upgraded to a higher category.

About Almaden

Almaden Minerals Ltd. is a well-financed company which owns 100% of the Tuligtic project in Puebla State, Mexico, subject to a 2.0% NSR royalty held by Almadex Minerals Limited. Tuligtic covers the Ixtaca Gold-Silver Deposit, which was discovered by Almaden in 2010.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

"Morgan Poliquin"

Morgan J. Poliquin, Ph.D., P.Eng.

President, CEO and Director

Almaden Minerals Ltd.

Neither the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) nor the NYSE MKT have reviewed or accepted responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of the contents of this news release which has been prepared by management. Except for the statements of historical fact contained herein, certain information presented constitutes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and Canadian securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, those with respect to potential expansion of mineralization, potential size of mineralized zone, and size and timing of exploration and development programs, estimated project capital and other project costs and the timing of submission and receipt and availability of regulatory approvals involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievement of Almaden to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, risks related to international operations and joint ventures, the actual results of current exploration activities, conclusions of economic evaluations, uncertainty in the estimation of mineral resources, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined, environmental risks and hazards, increased infrastructure and/or operating costs, labour and employment matters, and government regulation and permitting requirements as well as those factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in Almaden's Annual Information form and Almaden's latest Form 20-F on file with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, D.C. Although Almaden 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. Almaden disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required pursuant to applicable securities laws. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

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Contact Information:



Almaden Minerals Ltd.

Tel. 604.689.7644

Email: info@almadenminerals.com

http://www.almadenminerals.com/
Weekly net asset value ("NAV") is calculated as of the close of business on each Tuesday and posted on the following business day. In the event that Tuesday is not a business day, the Company will calculate the close-of-business NAV as of the business day immediately preceding that Tuesday. The end-of-month NAV is calculated as of the close of business on the last day of the month and posted on the following business day. For weeks that include a month-end NAV report, PSH will provide only the month-end NAV and not report the Tuesday NAV. Monthly NAVs are published in accordance with the Decree on Conduct of Business Supervision of Financial Undertakings under the Wft (Besluit Gedragstoezicht financiele ondernemingen Wft).

Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann.
MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd (TSX: OR)(NYSE: OR) ("Osisko" or the "Corporation") today announces its intention to commence a normal course issuer bid to purchase for cancellation, from time to time, up to 5% of the issued and outstanding common shares of the Corporation ("Common Shares") listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange ("TSX") over a 12-month period (the "NCIB Program"). The commencement of the Program is subject to TSX approval.

Any repurchases under the NCIB Program will be made in Canada through the facilities of the TSX or alternative trading platforms or by such other means permitted by the TSX. Osisko will pay the prevailing market price at the time of purchase. The actual number of Common Shares repurchased under the NCIB Program and the timing of such repurchases will be at Osisko's discretion and shall be subject to the limitations set out in the TSX Company Manual.

The board of directors of Osisko believes that the underlying value of the Corporation may not be reflected in the market price of the Common Shares from time to time and that, accordingly, the purchase of Common Shares will increase the proportionate interest in the Corporation of, and be advantageous to, all remaining shareholders of the Corporation.

As of October 11, 2016, there were 106,604,347 Common Shares issued and outstanding.

About Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd

Osisko Gold Royalties is an intermediate precious metal royalty company focused on the Americas that commenced activities in June 2014. It holds over 50 royalties, including a 5% NSR royalty on the Canadian Malartic Mine (Canada) and a 2.0-3.5% NSR royalty on the Eleonore Mine (Canada). It maintains a strong financial position with cash resources of $425 million at June 30 2016 and has distributed dividends to its shareholders during the past seven consecutive quarters.

Osisko's head office is located at 1100 Avenue des Canadiens-de-Montreal, Suite 300, Montreal, Quebec, H3B 2S2.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, by their nature, require the Corporation to make certain assumptions and necessarily involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in these forward-looking statements. Words such as "may", "will", "would", "could", "expect", "believe", "plan", "anticipate", "intend", "estimate", "continue", or the negative or comparable terminology, as well as terms usually used in the future and the conditional, are intended to identify forward-looking statements including the fact that the Corporation "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential", "scheduled" and similar expressions or variations (Including negative variations), or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur including, without limitation, statements about the board of directors of Osisko's belief that the NCIB Program is advantageous to shareholders and that underlying value of the Corporation may not be reflected in the market price of the Common Shares, the Corporation's intentions regarding the NCIB Program and whether the Corporation will receive the requisite acceptance of the TSX in respect of the NCIB Program.

Although Osisko believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors and are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may accordingly differ materially from those in forward looking statements. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include, without limitation: fluctuations in the prices of the commodities that drive royalties held by Osisko (gold and silver); fluctuations in the value of the Canadian dollar relative to the U.S. dollar; regulatory changes by national and local government, including corporate law, permitting and licensing regimes and taxation policies; continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions; business opportunities that become available to, or are pursued by Osisko; the impossibility to acquire royalties and to fund precious metal streams; other uninsured risks. The forward looking statements contained in this press release are based upon assumptions management believes to be reasonable, including, without limitation: the ongoing operation of the properties in which Osisko holds a royalty or other interest by the owners or operators of such properties in a manner consistent with past practice; the accuracy of public statements and disclosures made by the owners or operators of such underlying properties; no material adverse change in the market price of the commodities that underlie the asset portfolio; no adverse development in respect of any significant property in which Osisko holds a royalty or other interest and the absence of any other factors that could cause actions, events or results to differ from those anticipated, estimated or intended.

For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements made in this press release, refer to the Corporation's most recent Annual information Form filed on SEDAR and EDGAR. The forward-looking information set forth herein reflects the Corporation's expectations as at the date of this press release and is subject to change after such date. The Corporation disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Contacts:

Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.

Joseph de la Plante

Vice President, Corporate Development

(514) 940-0670

jdelaplante@osiskogr.com




NORTH CHARLESTON, SC -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- The cost of doing business just got a little better, thanks to the Fairfield Inn & Suites Charleston North/Ashley Phosphate. For companies traveling to the area on business, the hotel's Discounted Corporate Rate Program ensures that getting to work doesn't break the bank -- and its exclusive low rates make it one of the most valuable North Charleston deals available.

The Discounted Corporate Rate Program offers savings that are commensurate with the number of nights a company estimates it will use during the year. A 40-night minimum is required.

The hotel's amenities and convenient location make it an ideal choice for companies. Situated just 10 minutes away from Charleston Southern University, the hotel is also close to the Goose Creek Naval Station and a variety of local landmarks like Magnolia Plantation, the South Carolina Aquarium and Historic Charleston.

On property, corporate guests will find everything they need to stay productive, starting with free Wi-Fi in both the guest rooms and public spaces. As one of the best value-added hotels in North Charleston, South Carolina, the property also includes a complimentary hot breakfast for guests as well as ergonomic workspaces in the accommodations.

After the workday is done, business travelers can relax with a dip in the outdoor pool or keep up their workout regimen in the fitness center. Or they can retire to their well-designed guest room or suite, all of which are outfitted with refrigerators, microwaves and flat-screen televisions. And the plush bedding promises a good night's rest so travelers can wake up refreshed and ready for the day ahead.

To find out how your company can benefit from the Discounted Rate Program, please contact the sales team at FFISCharlestonSales@HotelEquities.com or (843) 725-4129.

About the Fairfield Inn & Suites Charleston North/Ashley Phosphate

At the Fairfield Inn & Suites Charleston North/Ashley Phosphate, guests will enjoy modern comfort and practical amenities. The hotel's 21 guest rooms and 63 suites feature spacious layouts, free Wi-Fi, marble bathrooms and small appliances to ensure a restful stay, while complimentary daily breakfasts get each morning started right. Ideal for extended stays, the property also features on-site laundry facilities and complimentary parking. The hotel's outdoor swimming pool and onsite fitness center complement its outdoor barbecue area for a variety of recreational activities, and when guests wish to explore the surrounding area, they'll find themselves just minutes away from a variety of options. Located near Goose Creek Naval Station and top attractions along Ashley Phosphate Road, including Frankie's Fun Park, the hotel also offers convenient access to hiking and beaches.

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CONTACT:

Fairfield Inn & Suites Charleston North/Ashley Phosphate

2540 North Forest Drive

North Charleston, South Carolina 29420

1-843-725-5400

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/chsfn-fairfield-inn-and-suites-charleston-north-ashley-phosphate/




WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Iceland Watch, a project of the Institute for Liberty (IFL), today launched an advertisement campaign in the United States, Iceland and Denmark calling on the Icelandic government to treat all investors fairly.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161012/428070

The ads, which appear in the United States, Iceland and Denmark, come on the heels of Icelandic Government passing a capital controls bill that discriminates against foreign investors based on their national origin which is illegal and will lead to Iceland's economic demise.

Regarding the ads, IFL released the following statement:

"By passing this discriminatory capital controls bill, the Icelandic Government is telling the world that it has no regard for the rule of law and that it has chosen the path of isolation; it does not want or need foreign investment of any kind.

"Iceland's capital controls bill harms millions of American retail and institutional investors who have savings in individual retirement plans, public pensions and endowments.

"Even though this bill discriminates against foreign investors, Icelanders should be warned that this latest move by its government will also negatively affect their wellbeing. The Icelandic government's reckless actions threaten the economic security of its own citizens.

"Discriminating against foreign creditors and forcing them to sell their bonds at a steep discount will not only repel potential investors, it will lead to Iceland's economic demise.

"If Iceland wants to avoid another economic meltdown and maintain positive growth, the government should sit down with its creditors and negotiate in good faith to find an equitable solution."

For more information about Iceland Watch and to view the ad, visit www.icelandwatch.org.

Iceland Watch is a project of the Institute for Liberty that aims to examine Iceland as the country stands at a political and economic crossroads.

CONTACT: media@icelandwatch.org, (877) 563-1633






MONTREAL, QUEBEC -- (Marketwired) -- 10/12/16 -- Beaufield Resources Inc. ("Beaufield" or the "Corporation") (TSX VENTURE: BFD) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an investor relations agreement (the "Agreement") with First Canadian Capital Corp. ("FCCC").

FCCC will assist Beaufield in working and communicating efficiently with members of the Canadian and European financial community, including potential investors, journalists and newsletter writers as well as current shareholders to keep them informed and up-to-date on Beaufield's activities.

The Agreement is for a term of one year, which may be earlier terminated at any time, after March 11, 2017, upon 30 days' written notice by either party. In consideration for the services of FCCC, Beaufield has agreed to pay a fee of $6,000 per month. Beaufield shall also grant FCCC 500,000 stock options of Beaufield at a price of $0.10 per share for a period of 2 years with 1/4 of the options vesting in every three-month period.

CEO and President, Mr. Hansen comments: "Beaufield is very pleased to welcome FCCC to our team. Beaufield holds a centrally located, large prospective land position in Urban which is now a promising gold camp in Quebec with the success by Osisko Mining at the adjacent Windfall deposit. Beaufield has planned an active drill programs in Urban (Refer to October 11th, 2016 news release). Eleonore-Opinaca, Tortigny and Hemlo properties also need to be communicated. Increased shareholders communication by FCCC reflecting Beaufield's growing activities is a welcome development for the Corporation and its shareholders."

FCCC is not related to Beaufield, does not have any direct or indirect material interest in Beaufield or its securities, other than the stock options as described above. All matters reported herein are subject to TSX Venture Exchange approval.

About Beaufield:

Beaufield is a well financed mineral exploration company with its exploration activity focused in Quebec. Please refer to Beaufield's website to view the company's properties in Urban, Eleonore-Opinaca, Troilus and elsewhere. The Corporation is actively exploring, well financed with approximately $2 million in cash, has no debt and has excess work credits on its properties.

About First Canadian Capital:

Based in Toronto and in the investor relations business for 19 years, First Canadian Capital has assisted numerous North American corporations in gaining exposure and recognition within the global investment community. First Canadian Capital's core competencies are found in identifying quality assets and undervalued companies with high growth potential, and providing effective investor relations and market awareness services to those companies. First Canadian Capital is proud to have had two clients win the prestigious Bill Dennis Prospector of the Year Award (PDAC).

The information set forth in this press release includes certain forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on assumptions exposed to major risks and uncertainties. Although Beaufield deems the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements to be reasonable, the Corporation cannot provide any guarantee as to the materialization of the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements. The Corporation expressly disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has reviewed or accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this Release.

Contacts:

Beaufield Resources Inc.

Jens E. Hansen

President and CEO

514.842.3443



Mathieu Stephens

VP Exploration and Corporate Development

613.721.2919

info@beaufield.com

www.beaufield.com



First Canadian Capital Corp.

Jason Monaco

Partner at FCCC

416.566-8894

jmonaco@firstcanadiancapital.com

www.firstcanadiancapital.com




Terracom Ltdis currently investigating the construction of a 60Mw solar power station.Terracom is a mining company with development projects in Mongolia and Queensland. If the company goes ahead with building this power station, it will be built on rehabilitated land at the Blair Athol Coal Mine in Queensland.The company says the construction of this solar power station, and subsequent land use, will increase the economic value of the property. In addition, it is expected to play a major role in helping Queensland achieve its renewable energy targets.Terracom reported a net loss of $51.79 million at 30 June 2016.
CarThera, a Paris, France-based developer of medical devices to treat brain disorders, received a grant of 5.7m ($6.4m).

The funding was awarded under the call for proposals Structuring R&D Projects for Competitiveness from Frances Investments for the Future Program, led by the General Investment Commission and run by Bpifrance.

The company will use the funds to advance the DOME project, whose aim is to support the development and market launch of implantable ultrasound devices that temporarily open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in a controlled manner, in order to increase the efficacy of treatments for patients with brain tumors and neurodegenerative diseases.

The grant will finance a Phase 2b/3 study in glioblastoma, a large-scale clinical trial that will involve around 200 patients at centers in Europe and the United States. It will also fund a number of exploratory studies, including one on Alzheimers disease, building on the findings from the Phase 1/2a study that paved the way for a broader array of clinical indications.

Founded in 2010 by Professor Alexandre Carpentier and led by Frederic Sottilini, CEO, CarThera is advancing the SonoCloud device, which temporarily opens the BBB, allowing for greater penetration of drug therapies to the brain. It is capable of emitting ultrasound to temporarily increase the permeability of the blood vessels in the brain, with the aim of increasing the delivery of therapeutic molecules.

Created by Professor Alexandre Carpentier and developed in collaboration with the Laboratory of Therapeutic Applications of Ultrasound (Laboratoire Therapie et Applications Ultrasonores, LabTAU) at INSERM, SonoCloud is an ultrasound implant inserted into the skull after a regular surgical procedure and activated prior to each round of chemotherapy. Two minutes of low intensity ultrasound emission opens the blood brain barrier for six hours and increases by five to seven times the concentration of therapeutic molecules delivered into the brain, with good tolerance.

CarThera is based at the Brain and Spine Institute (Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle epiniere, ICM) in Paris, France, and has laboratories at the Bioparc Laennec business incubator in Lyon, France.

FinSMEs

12/10/2016
E8 Security, a Redwood City, CA-based behavioral intelligence platform for cybersecurity, closed a $12m Series B funding round.

The round was led by Strategic Cyber Ventures with participation from March Capital Partners, Allegis Capital, and The Hive.

The company, which has raised $21.8m in total funding to date, will use the capital for continued innovation of its platform, as well as to accelerate go-to-market and sales execution efforts.

Led by Matt Jones, CEO, E8 Security has developed a behavioral intelligence platform that can measure an organizations risk to a data breach and identify the early warnings signs when critical resources are being targeted. The platform takes an inside-to-outside view, with lateral movement modeling of user and endpoint activities in addition to network traffic patterns originating from within an organizations perimeter, to identify the various stages of threat activity inside the network. Its self-learning, multi-dimensional behavioral analytics examines all user, endpoint and network activities, and provides a comprehensive view of unknown threat indicators within the organization.

FinSMEs

11/10/2016
GigaTrust, a Herndon, Virginia-based provider of email and document protection solutions, raised $20m in funding.

Balance Point Capital made the investment.

The company will use the funds to expand its cloud offering.

Led by Robert Bernardi, Founder, Chairman, & CEO, GigaTrust provides email security and document protection software products to customers worldwide. This service provides secure content protection, consumption and collaboration for any user of a Windows PC, tablet or smart phone, even users of Microsoft Office 365.

GigaCloud also offers a set of security, policy, compliance reporting and external collaboration features designed to meet enterprise document security requirements for both internal enterprise document security and with external cloud based file sync and sharing services such as Dropbox, OneDrive and Google Drive.

It is available as a multi-tenant service or in a private cloud configuration targeting enterprises requiring added security features and administrative control.

FinSMEs

12/10/2016
Former Chairman of the NVCA Dixon Doll, and Kauffman fellows Eric Ball and Jack Crawford are joining forces to launch a new venture capital firm.

Named Impact Venture Capital, the new firm has California-based investment offices in Burlingame and Sacramento.

Impact Venture Capital will make investments alongside corporate venture groups in early stage information technology startups, with a focus on software and data analytics, and a commitment to serving one of four global challenges:

 security and government;

 energy and transportation;

 agriculture and health; and

 education and media.

The General Partners of the firm are:

 Dixon Doll, who has spent nearly four decades in venture capital, at Accel, Doll Capital Management (DCM) as well as serving as Chairman of the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA);

 Eric Ball, who previously served as the Treasurer for Oracle Corporation, as CFO at C3 IoT and was the founder of Targhee Ventures, and

 Jack Crawford, who previously managed Velocity Venture Capital and co-invested alongside of both Doll and Ball in a number of startups.

To highlight their new investment thesis, Impact will host the Impact Global Venture Summit, an annual event scheduled for November 14th in Sacramento which will provide a platform for dozens of tech companies to showcase their products and services to an audience of angel investors, venture capital firms, and corporate venture groups.

FinSMEs

12/10/2016
On 7 October, a music video with the tagline '(Cause I) don't hold back' was launched on YouTube.

It could have matched up to any cool international music video, with the mandatory awesome back-up dancers, a thumping beat, and a rap star at the forefront showing off his killer attitude.

There just one thing: the two-minute long track was an advertisement for apparel brand, Jack and Jones. And the rap star in question, was Ranveer Singh.

Just weeks before his rap star avatar, Ranveer was chanelling his 'Tattad Tattad' moves, in an ad for an anti-dandruff shampoo.

And just weeks before that, he was a Mad Max-like hero in a post-apocalyptic world for an ad for Ching's Secret, in a five-minute long feature-style ad film directed by Rohit Shetty. The ad didn't just have the hallmarks of a full-length films, including the grandiose sets, VFX and high-octane stunts, it also a budget worthy of one, having cost an estimated Rs 75 crore to make.

Ads, then, for Ranveer Singh are big business  at least as big as his films themselves.

In April this year, news reports pointed out that he was on the verge of dethroning Shah Rukh Khan as the celebrity with the highest value endorsement deals. At the time, it was estimated that Ranveer had endorsement deals worth Rs 15 crore in his kitty. The bulk of these endorsements comes from about 10-12 brands that the actor is the celebrity ambassador for  and they represent a mix of mid-range FMCG consumer and lifestyle products, gadgets and luxury goods.

A healthy breakfast. A spicy snack. Toothpaste. Shampoo. Hair gel.

Innerwear. Outerwear. Sportswear.

Smartphones. Cars. Travel services.

Condoms.

Real estate/housing projects. Swiss luxury watches.

Think of the 'essentials' of a modern day life, and Ranveer endorses them all.

And he keeps 'August' ad company: Adidas Originals has ambassadors like Pharrell Williams, Rita Ora and Kanye West. When the brand wanted to make an impact in India, they chose Ranveer to be their 'face'.

His endorsement deals become all the more impressive when you consider that Ranveer has only been in the public eye for around six years  since Band Baaja Baaraat released in December of 2010.

He's since pulled ahead of not just actors of his generation, like Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Sidharth Malhotra and Arjun Kapoor  as mentioned earlier, he's come up to the level of the long-reigning superstars when it comes to his endorsement deals.

Ranveer has certainly benefited from a move to rope in younger stars by brands. A Mid-Day report from February 2015 on the 'brand value' of actors like Ranveer, Varun, Alia Bhat, Shraddha Kapoor, Sushant Singh Rajput et al, pointed out that 60 percent of the Indian population falls in the age group of 15 to 35. And while the appeal of the three Khans is eternal, advertisers looking to connect with this segment are turning to the Gen Next actors. The report further noted that these actors, especially Ranveer, do enjoy not just a connect with the metro audience, but also those from tier-II towns.

The interesting thing about Ranveer's endorsement portfolio isn't just how he's managed to bring in a mix of products (low, mid and premium range) but also how these products  or the way they are now advertised  have been made to match his personality.

So the Vivo smartphone ads feed off his image of hyperactivity. Adidas Originals and Jack and Jones both feed off his 'cool'. Brushing with Colgate Max Fresh is meant to make for as fresh and rejuvenating an experience as Ranveer's personality. The Durex and Rupa Frontline ads cash in on in his quirky/zany side.

Ranveer in turn, treats each of his ads as nothing short of a film, promoting them extensively on his social media accounts and at press events/fan interactions. He doesn't just smile or preen for the cameras in an ad. He raps. He punches toy sharks. He dances. He performs.

The actor once said in an interview: 200 characters live inside my head. They just pop out... I oscillate between extremes.

And it's a sign of his marketing savvy that Ranveer has found a way to monetise that quality, not just in the movies, but also in his ad films.
Omg! Navya Naveli Nanda dancing in a bikini

Mystery girl with Aryan Khan

Wild Aaliyah Kashyap parties

These are all headlines that pop up after a simple Google search for any one of the dozen celebrity kids in Bollywood.

Over the weekend, Shweta Bachchan Nanda wrote an impassioned column asking for her daughter Navyas personal life not be scrutinized.

She is not a public figure. Yes, she is related to some very famous people, but that is something completely out of her control, she wrote. Like most teenagers, Navya loved to pout, preen and pose in front of the camera and thats what her instagram account reflects.

But unlike regular teenagers, Navyas photographs turn into headlines on Internet sites.

Like Navya, Shah Rukh Khans 16-year-old daughter Suhanas social media presence is limited to Instagram. And, both their accounts are private. So, how do their photographs get circulated online?

Earlier this year, during an interview Shah Rukh told me, Suhana has a private account but people pose as her friends and she accepts their friend request. Next thing she knows, her pictures are all over the net. She gets very worried when her pictures leak.

A few weeks after this interview, an informal request from the actors office was sent to editors across the country to not print images of Suhana. Even before he makes his big screen debut, Shah Rukhs elder son Aryan is already an Instagram star. His selfies and goofy videos are lapped up by over three lakh followers.

Unlike Saif Ali Khan, who told his son Ibrahim to stay off social media after his pictures started going viral in 2015, Shah Rukh hasnt stopped his kids from posting pictures online.

This is a part of our reality now. If you are on social media, there are going to be repercussions. I feel bad for them. I wish I could protect them from the shadow of their fathers stardom but I cant, said Shah Rukh with a shrug, before adding that he is the only person banned from posting pictures of his older children online.

I was told that I use too many filters and thats uncool. Apparently pictures need to be real and unedited. When they were kids, they liked it when I put their pictures up but not anymore," he says.

Celebrity kids who use social media fall on both ends of the spectrum  those who are just being teenagers and other who use instagram and snapchat as the first step towards mainstream stardom.

Like Saif, Sridevi also told her elder daughter Jhanvi to get off all social media about three years ago when pictures of a family vacation became public.

Sreedevis younger daughter Khushi, on the flipside, loves her social media celebrity status. Along with BFF Aaliyah Kashyap (director Anurag Kashyaps daughter), the 15-year-old has been roped in as the face of designer Babita Malkhanis new campaign.

Also reaping the benefits of being a minor instagram celebrity is Chunky Pandays nephew Ahaan. The 18-year-olds social media popularity led to him walking the ramp for designer Nandita Mahtanis show recently. Aalia Ebrahims perfect social media game helped her snag a joint cover with her mother Pooja Bedi for a magazine.

Unlike their counterparts in Hollywood, Indian celebrities have never had to deal with paparazzi. Even when they get photographed at the airport or outside restaurants, in most cases, their publicists have tipped off the photographer. In Hollywood, celebrity parents have been very vocal about their kids being aggressively targeted by paps. Everyone from Pink to Sarah Jessica Parker and Salma Hayek have lashed out at photographers for stalking their children.

Indian celebrities have never had to deal with safeguarding their childrens privacy before. Traditionally, there was zero interest in celebrity kids and they would rarely get photographed with or without their famous parents. That changed when Aaradhya was born four years ago. After the famous tot was shot at an airport, the focus shifted to getting the first shots of Kiran Rao and Aamir Khans son Azad.

With social media becoming an increasingly integral component of our everyday lives, its up to celebrity parents to decide how visible they want their children to be.
By Nisha Susan

Last month, novelist Omair Ahmed wrote the following lines while glumly reviewing Suketu Mehtas new novella What Is Remembered? Indian immigrant fiction is largely a production by upper middle class Indians  the bhadralok united  who find that being upper middle class in the US is not the same thing. This terrible disappointment forces them to reflect on their own people and country, generally with contempt for the lower orders.

After having spotted Priyanka Chopra on the cover of Conde Nast Traveller, in the most discussed white t-shirt in India, its been hard to not think of those lines and to not share Ahmeds glumness.

When we first saw this t-shirt, my colleagues and I joked and called it the ganji from hell and then made what we called a translation.

Perhaps this is what PC and her stylist Cristina Ehrlich really wanted the T-shirt to say, we said.

Subsequently there has been a ton more of discussion about the niyat, the good/bad intentions of the t-shirt. We also puzzled over the detail that the T-shirt had been designed by V Sunil, the same person who designed the Make In India logo.

Priyanka Chopras t-shirt is like a funhouse mirror. Depending on where you stand while looking at it, it gives you a special and twisted reflection. The question is, which way was PC facing when wearing it for the cover of the Indian edition of an international magazine?

Is she standing in the US looking India-wards, saying dont call me a refugee/migrant/outsider, call me a traveller? In which case PC and the crew behind this cover seem blissfully unaware that I am a traveller is one of the most heavily mocked contemporary tropes. Everyone has made fun of the smug privilege of the I quit my job to travel the world posse. I mean everyone from the Indian blogger Local Tea Party (So I have concluded that it is better to avoid all this inspired travel business and nonsense because as Indians we anyway have to come back and deal with Airtel customer care and other such important things in life. All such magical things happen to white people because first of all they can just buy a ticket and show up at the border without any plan.) to the less nimble New Yorker (Im a free spirit, whose father owns a South American rubber empire.).

Is she standing in the US looking out at the American landscape she has cut swathes through, saying dont call me a refugee/migrant/outsider, call me a traveller? That t-shirt doesnt look much better now. What ridiculous meaning would it have to turn your back on the label refugee in 2016, a label that tortures 60 million people around the world. Or the words immigrant and outsider which are floating about in a toxic, boiling cauldron in the US. During this US Presidential elections one candidate has a. promised to build a wall on the border to keep Mexicans out because they are drug dealers, criminals, rapists b. promised to deport all 11 million illegal immigrants, even the children born in the US c. sworn to prevent all Muslims from entering United States and d. continued to spread the canard that the first African-American president faked his birth certificate, and was therefore not in office legally.

Most of Hollywood has responded to Trumps worldview with disgust and outrage. This includes American-born actors of colour such as Kerry Washington, lead of Scandal and member of Stop Hate Dump Trump, and those who are still citizens of their country of birth such as musician Shakira, who has said that no one living in this century should stand behind so much ignorance. It makes a sad kind of sense then that Priyanka Chopra would, in the middle of this heated debate, participate as a member of the ever-ready-to-please model minority  Asians in America. This is, to quote Everyday Feminism, a stereotype that generalises Asian Americans and pits them against other communities by depicting them as the perfect example of an if-they-can-do-it-so-can-you success story. In recent times, some Asian Americans have joined the race debates with cultural productions such as Fresh Off the Boat and social media movements such as #ModelMinorityMutiny and standing beside Black Lives Matter activists.

Ever seen the confusing garment called a 'skort'  both skirt and shorts? This t-shirt has turned out to be equally mutant. It combines a cluelessness about what Third World folks living in the Third World think about travel and a cluelessness about what people of colour feel about living in the First World right now. It isnt the political statement made by Lupita Nyongos headwrap at the premiere of Queen of Katwe or her sculptural traditional hairstyle at the Met Gala in New York in May 2016. It isnt the complicated dance of identity that Nyongo is performing while being an extremely successful Kenyan-born actor in Hollywood. This is the mildly annoying, aspirational equivalent of Indian ads in which people are walking down fake-Paris streets carrying straw baskets with baguettes.

What an admirable career path Chopra has blazed in a quick couple of years in Hollywood. This cover appearance, on the other hand, has fallen rather short in the inspiration stakes.

The Ladies Finger (TLF) is an online womens magazine
The failure of Indian education system is stark when seen in light of the fact that thousands of students every year go abroad for college education. European universities and even the European governments seem to have a more definite plan for Indian students than India. A graduate degree in India is mostly a farce in most of the colleges. There is hardly any education imparted and it is seen as more a stepping stone for a masters or a necessity to do something else. Students file into colleges spend their time in everything but education. Courses are outdated, faculty is inept, illiterate to the changes around them.

A recent experience in Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University really brought all these issues upfront. The outreach cell of the university organised a seminar on globalisation. It roped in a public sector company as a sponsor, tied up with a one man think tank from Chandigarh. Invited to speak I was piqued as it seemed like a interesting effort. It seems only the invitation was genuine. Neither the university nor the organisers were actually interested in seminar. All that they were interested in was getting to know a minister. The obsession of the academia in Delhi with politicians is not new. Most faculty appointments are at behest of the politicians. Huge physical infrastructure but very poor soft infrastructure is not just true of public universities like Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha but it is even worse in private universities.

The highway from Delhi to Roorkee, is dotted with shells of buildings posing as private universities. Actually on any national highway anywhere if you see a glass or fancy building with nothing around it will be a private university. Everything is new and shiny, designed to grab a students attention. Large rooms are labelled labs with hardly any equipment inside, huge campus with skeletal staff and even less faculty.

As of 2014, there are 677 universities, 37,204 colleges and 11,443 stand-alone institutions in India, as per the statistics from the website of India's HRD ministry. There is no dearth of institutions willing to give a degree for money, education or skills is not the concern. Higher education is in rot at all levels, the irony is that these numbers are touted as an indication of the prowess of our education system. Not a sign that this rapid mushrooming has created an edifice that is destroying an aspirational class. There is very little debate and discussion on the fact that our higher education system has completely collapsed.

A study done by a private body says that approximately 18.43 percent of engineering graduates are employable, which means 80 percent of them are unemployable. The situation is worse for plain graduates and that is where the real malaise lies. Employers say just 5 percent of the graduates in other disciplines are actually employable. What these figures mean is that in sum higher education or college education has collapsed. Do we see any concern around this collapse. NO.

The IITs, AIIMs, IIMs are cited as examples of success, not because they have great faculty but because of the students. How many faculty members from our so called Institutes of National Importance have done anything worthy. A committee under Anil Kakodkar was formed in 2011 to revamp the 30 NITs, the second rung of the IITs, and not the 37,204 colleges or the 11,304 institutions. The rationale according to the preamble to this committee says that these 30 NITs can aid in nation building. So what will the lakhs of students in thousands of colleges doing? If they are not involved in aiding the nation building exercise than we have a much bigger problem on hand.

Kakodkars report is a bundle of homilies, generalities and advice from geriatrics. It was submitted in 2014 to the then Education Minister Smriti Irani. Here is a sample of Kakodkar committees recommendation: ICT for the NITs acts like a force multiplier. NITs must deploy and upgrade the IT infrastructure and associated facilities. Each institute must facilitate extensive use of computer-aided / on-line teaching, virtual labs, e-learning resources, connectivity with National Knowledge Network, etc". This is a recommendation in 2014, in the world of MOOCs, Coursera, and availability of free lectures from MIT or any other university of repute. In a world of mobile internet, ubiquitous internet access. Its recommending National knowledge network !! will a student go there or see and hear the latest lecture from a noble laureate. Even the term ICT referring to Information computer technology harks back to the 60s when some of the committee members actually did their education.

This is the saddest and the most ironical part of higher education the system is ossified because of its sheer reliance on age, hierarchy or seniority. While the world that their students live and learn in has changed. Higher education will not be revived or pulled out from depths of his failure by people who do not have a stake in its future. A retired nuclear scientist more a bureaucrat should not be recommending anything about the future of anything let along higher education. Bureaucrats should be kept far away when it comes to reinventing.

While we struggle with higher education, Europe seems to be eyeing the conscientious Indian student. More and more students are now travelling abroad for education. Earlier cost used to be big barrier for a foreign education. But as our higher education system is collapsing other countries are seeing it as an opportunity. German chancellor Angela Merkel has approved a six year plan to attract Indian students to Germany. Under fire for her liberal immigrant policy she is pushing German universities to attract Indian students waiving off tuition fees for them. Daria Kulemetyeva, of Germanys largest public university, Georg-August-Universtat Gottingen, says, Indian students will have to pay just the administrative fees of 300 euros per year if they are selected in a course. The travel and accommodation costs are separate. The rationale, according to Kulemetyeva is to seek diversity in the student population.

It is not just German universities, almost every country in Europe and its public universities are keen to attract Indian student. Universities from Sweden, Norway, Spain, and France have been working very hard for the last few years to attract Indian students. They have adapted their courses in English offering free language lessons for immigrant students, etc. A combination of ageing population and fall in interest in higher education among the current generation is forcing these universities to India. British universities have always found India a fertile ground for students.

John Sanders of University of Sussex, says the lack of standards in Indian higher education means that our Indian student population has always been growing year on year. Harish Lokhun of University of Edinburgh says, now Indian students go for even liberal arts and humanities whereas earlier they were only interested in engineering and the likes. Even the oldest university in Europe, Swedens Uppasala University is looking for Indian students, and for a reason. Lina Solander, of Uppasala University, When we are looking at health problems, Indian students would have a much more different view of health policy than a local Swedish student.

Spain has formed a consortium of four universities to target Indian students. Matilde Delgado Chauton represents Universidad Autnoma De Madrid, one of the leading university which is part of

the consortium. She says, that the gaps in higher education in India means that only a small number of students gets access to quality, we are looking at bridging those gaps by offering a quality education with a European exposure. Spain is also looking at funding Indian students. Indian students have traditionally looked at just US universities for graduation, now they have more avenues opening up.

If India does not look at the collapse of its higher education closely not only will we be leading to a new brain drain but a collapse of aspirations. This is especially of concern to the new government that has come to power on the rise of this aspirational class.

The writer is a digital strategist and policy commentator based in Delhi, he tweets @yatishrajawat
New Delhi: Indian small and medium enterprises are seeking a long-term partnership with Chinese entrepreneurs and investors in IT, mobile components and auto ancillaries, said MSME Minister Kalraj Mishra in Guangzhou.

India participated in the 13th China International Small and Medium Enterprises Fair (CISMEF 2016) as the co-host through the ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and the National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC). As many as 124 small and medium enterprises from various parts of India are participating in the fair.

"The Indian MSME sector is poised for a major leap, driven by the high growth with a high level of innovation and Indian MSMEs seek a long-term partnership with Chinese entrepreneurs and investors, especially in areas like IT and digital, mobile components and automobile ancillaries," Mishra said at the inauguration of India pavilion at the fair

on Monday. Mishra and Governor of Guangdong Zhu Xiaodan jointly inaugurated the Indian pavilion.

The minister listed out several initiatives to bolster growth of the manufacturing sector in India such as Make in India, Digital India, Start-up India, which have made the world's economic superpowers to look at India with "a lot of admiration".

CISMEF, which attracts a number of visitors from China as well as various countries, is expected to provide a huge market opportunity.

Among others, Mishra met Xiaodan, Vice-Minister of Ministry of Trade and IT Xin Guobin. He discussed ways and means to enhance cooperation between SMEs of the two countries.

The minister also expressed concern over the huge trade imbalance and urged Chinese interlocutors to work with India to reduce this deficit in the interest of sustainable bilateral trade.
New Delhi: French auto major Renault is recalling an estimated 50,000 units of its best selling entry level small car Kwid in India to rectify a faulty fuel system and add a hose clip.

Renault India is conducting a pre-emptive and voluntary inspection of select 0.8 L variants (800cc) of Kwid that were produced up to May 18, 2016 from October 2015.

"As a proactive measure, a fuel hose clip will be added to these select cars along with the evaluation of overall functionality of the fuel system to mitigate any potential disruption of fuel supply," the company said in a statement.

It further said the affected cars will be inspected without any cost to the customers and carry out necessary measures, if required.

"We are in the process of contacting customers, requesting them to come to dealerships to get their cars inspected," it added.

While the company did not elaborate further, sources said only 10 per cent of the recalled cars were likely to have been impacted by the issue.

Launched in September last year, Kwid has been a success for Renault in India. Initially, the car was available with an 800 cc engine at a price between Rs 2.64-3.73 lakh and recently in August, a 1,000 cc engine variant was launched priced up to Rs 3.95 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

So far in the April-September period this fiscal, the company has sold 56,028 units of Kwid.

Nissan recalls 932 units of Datsun redi-Go in India

Japanese auto major Nissan is recalling 932 units of entry level car redi-Go from its Datsun brand in India to fix faulty fuel system.

"Datsun is conducting a voluntary recall campaign on certain India-manufactured Datsun redi-GO vehicles to inspect the fuel hose and fix a clip at no cost to the customer," Nissan Motor India said in a statement.

Datsun will start notifying affected owners from this month.

The recall will affect units manufactured till May 18, 2016, a company official said.

The redi-GO hit the market on June 7 this year and has sold over 14,000 units.
KABUL Islamic State on Wednesday claimed responsibility for a mass shooting that killed at least 18 worshippers at a shrine in the Afghan capital, raising fears of sectarian violence after a string of attacks on the country's Shi'ite minority.The claim to Tuesday's attack, released online, came as the community observed Ashura, one of its holiest days, although commemorations have been subdued because of security fears.On Wednesday afternoon, an explosion outside a mosque in northern Afghanistan killed at least 14 people and wounded 24 at a similar gathering. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for that assault.Islamic State had earlier targeted members of Kabul's Shi'ite community in a suicide bombing in July that killed more than 80 people and wounded 130.The attacker in Kabul, said to be wearing a police uniform, entered the Karte Shakhi mosque on Tuesday night and opened fire on a crowd of Shi'ite Muslims marking Ashura, which commemorates the seventh-century death of a grandson of the prophet Mohammad.In its statement, Islamic State said the attacker detonated a suicide vest after firing all his ammunition, but security forces said they shot the man.A Reuters video shows the suspected attacker's body intact, with no sign of an explosive vest.

Relatives carried dead and wounded victims away from the blood-stained steps of the mosque, which is known for its bright blue tiles and domes.The dead included four women and two children, said the United Nations, which condemned the attack as a violation of international law."This attack, deliberately targeting a large group of civilians exercising their right to freely manifest their religion in worship, observance and practice, is an atrocity," the U.N. said in a statement.

It put the tally at 18 civilians killed and 50 wounded, though some witnesses said the toll could be higher.Mourners buried several of the victims, including a four-year-old girl, on Wednesday."We are not happy with the government and the police. They both failed to protect us and provide security for us," said one of the girl's relatives, Mohammed Hussain, who described the event as "doomsday" for the family.

Ashura is typically marked by processions that include self-flagellation by some worshippers, but government warnings of possible attacks prompted more subdued events this year.The Taliban, who have been waging a 15-year insurgency against the Western-backed government and often conduct attacks in Kabul, denied involvement in the shooting.The schism between Sunnis and Shi'ites developed after the Prophet Mohammad died in 632 and his followers could not agree on a successor. Some Sunni Muslim militants see Shi'ites as a threat and legitimate targets for attack. (Reporting by Mirwais Harooni; Writing by Josh Smith; Editing by Robert Birsel and Clarence Fernandez)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
SHANGHAI Fourth seed Rafa Nadal was stunned by Serb Viktor Troicki in an upset-filled Shanghai Masters second round on Wednesday while Andy Murray breezed past American Steve Johnson and Nick Kyrgios slumped to a listless defeat.Troicki, ranked 31st in the world, overcame Nadal 6-3 7-6(3) in an hour and 34 minutes to secure his first ever victory in five previous attempts against the 14-time grand slam winner.The unseeded Serb broke twice to seal the opening set before Nadal came back strongly in the second. The Spaniard saved a match point at 5-4 down but was defeated in the tiebreak."I played really well," Troicki said. "I was aggressive, I served well, I hit the ball nice. It was a great feeling on the court playing like this... against Rafa Nadal, who is a great champion."Twice Shanghai Masters champion Murray, who claimed the China Open title last week, had no such trouble as he won 6-3 6-2 as he won 70 percent of second-serve return points.

The second-seeded Briton, who scraped through a testing encounter with Johnson at the Rio Olympics in August, also saved the one break point he faced in the first set.He will play Frenchman Lucas Pouille in the third round."I felt like I was creating a lot of chances on his serve. I thought I moved well for the first match in new conditions," Murray told reporters.

"I was timing the ball well. I felt like I was controlling a lot of the rallies. Yeah, for a first match after playing pretty different conditions a few days ago, it was good."Australia's Nick Kyrgios lost to Germany's Mischa Zverev 6-3 6-1 with another controversial display in which he appeared uninterested throughout, landing a series of half-hearted serves and barely moving to meet his opponent's returns.

The 21-year-old also clashed with spectators before being booed off the court after a match that lasted just 48 minutes. Kyrgios, later apologised on his Twitter account, saying his performance was "not good enough". Seventh seed Tomas Berdych lost to Marcel Granollers of Spain 7-6(4) 7-6(1), while third seed Stan Wawrinka, the U.S. Open Champion, beat Britain's Kyle Edmund 6-3 6-4 and Canada's Vasek Pospisil battled past Grigor Dimitrov 7-5 7-6(2). (Reporting by Ian Rodricks in Bengaluru; Editing by Ken Ferris)

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By Barani Krishnan

| NEW YORK

NEW YORK Oil prices fell on Wednesday after OPEC reported another monthly hike in output and extended losses in post-settlement trade as industry data suggested the first U.S. crude inventory build in six weeks.The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) said its production rose in September to the highest in at least eight years. It also forecast a rise in 2017 non-OPEC supply.The American Petroleum Institute (API), a trade group, said after the market settled that U.S. crude stockpiles rose by 2.7 million barrels in the week to Oct. 7. Analysts had expected an increase of 650,000 barrels. Brent crude LCOc1 settled down 60 cents, or 1.1 percent, at $51.81 a barrel. In post-settlement trade, it fell to as low as $51.61.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude CLc1 slipped 61 cents, or 1.2 percent, to settle at $50.18. After the API data, it sank to $49.89.The API report came ahead of official inventory data due from the U.S. Energy Administration (EIA) on Thursday. It was a sign that domestic crude stocks had risen the first time since the start of September. Over the past five weeks, the EIA reported a 26 million-barrel decline in crude stocks."For sure, the fact that we could be getting draws again will take some of the attention away from what OPEC has been doing," said Kyle Cooper, a consultant at Houston-based ION Energy.

Oil prices had mostly risen for nearly two weeks now after the Saudi-dominated OPEC proposed to cut or freeze output with other major oil producers in time for its Nov. 30 policy meeting in Vienna. If carried out to plan, it will be the first output cap by OPEC since 2008 after a glut caused oil prices to crash from mid-2014 highs above $100.OPEC's September report showed that it produced 33.39 million barrels per day, up 220,000 bpd from August, and as much as 890,000 bpd above the new supply target.

"Once again, it reinforces that their deeds are not matching their words, and that they have a great deal of work cut out for them to try and come to an agreement that will satisfy anything," said John Kilduff, partner at energy hedge fund Again Capital in New York.Officials of some of the world's biggest oil trading companies told the Reuters Commodities Summit in London that crude was unlikely to achieve a supply-demand balance until well into 2017. (Additional reporting by Sabina Zawadzki in LONDON, Aaron Sheldrick in TOKYO, Henning Gloystein in SINGAPORE and Rania El Gamal in DUBAI; Editing by Alan Crosby)

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By Julia Love and Deborah M. Todd

Samsung Electronics Co Ltds abandonment of the Galaxy Note 7 after reports of the phones catching fire will likely touch off a turf war among Android smartphone manufacturers, analysts said, presenting them a rare opportunity to gain share but with less room for archrival Apple Inc.Consumers tend to commit to their choice between Apple's iOS operating system for smartphones and Googles Android, leaving Samsungs fellow Android manufacturers such as LG Electronics and Alphabet Inc's Google in prime position to strike. Both have newly released phones.A hardware problem is unlikely to change a customer's preference for software systems, said analyst Jan Dawson of Jackdaw Research. Samsung has the premium end of the smartphone market pretty much sewn up on the Android side, he said. This creates a slightly bigger opening.Nevertheless, in San Francisco, prime Apple territory, some consumers were switching to the home team, and Apple stock has risen on expectations of a broader move."Some people might have already been thinking about making the switch and now here's their chance," said Robin Williams, a sales associate at Sprint store on Van Ness St in San Francisco, describing some customers moving to Apple.

Bob ODonnell of TECHnalysis Research said Apple would benefit, "but I dont think they are going to get all of it because Apple has a single product."Samsung announced the recall of 2.5 million Note 7s in early September following numerous reports of the phones catching fire. On Tuesday, the South Korean tech giant that has long dominated the premium market pulled the plug on the $882 device in what could be one of the costliest product safety failures in tech history.The news is a boon for Google, which last week announced a new line of Pixel smartphones, plunging the company into the hardware market that it has previously left to manufacturers such as Samsung. Samsungs retreat will prompt consumers to take a closer look at Googles phones.

And despite the reputational damage, Samsung will remain competitive for premium smartphone sales, analysts said. LGs V20 smartphone will not arrive in the United States until the end of the month. Googles Pixel phones do not ship until Oct. 20, and will only be available in the United States at Verizon."The Pixel has limited distribution," Tuong Nguyen, a research analyst at Gartner who saw Android companies aside from Google gaining the most from Samsung's woes.For consumers seeking immediate replacements for the Galaxy Note 7, it may be easiest to go with another Samsung phone, said ODonnell. You cant write off Samsung, he said.

And Apple may have room to shine, especially before new Android phones arrive.At a T-Mobile store in San Francisco, salesperson Omar Arreola said some Samsung customers were so upset with the company that they switched to the iPhone 7. "They trust the brand," he said. Brian Green, whose Note 7 caught fire on a Southwest Airlines flight last week, also said he replaced his device with an iPhone. He raced to purchase the Note 7 after its release, but he said he is unlikely to be an early adopter again. Next time I think I'll wait and get it once it's been around the block a few times, he said. (Additional reporting by Rory Carroll and Malathi Nayak; Editing by Peter Henderson and Lisa Shumaker)

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BJP President Amit Shah and Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Wednesday visited the Apollo Hospital to enquire about the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalaltihaa's health.

The two leaders, who were received by a host of their party colleagues and officials from Tamil Nadu at the airport, were in the hospital for about 30 minutes, sources said. After enquiring about the treatment given to 68-year-old Jayalalithaa, the two left the premises without speaking to the media.

"Visited Apollo hospital Chennai today. I wish J Jayalalithaa Ji, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu a speedy recovery", Jaitley posted on Twitter. Shah on the microblogging site said, "Visited Apollo

Hospital in Chennai to enquire about the health of Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa Ji. I wish and pray for her speedy recovery".

The Bharatiya Janata Party leaders spent some 20 minutes in the hospital, however, it is not known if they met Jayalalithaa or only spoke to doctors and AIADMK leaders.

Former Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy also visited the hospital early in the day. "I pray for her speedy recovery," he told reporters. The AIADMK supremo was admitted to the hospital on 22 September after she complained of fever and dehydration.

In the last bulletin issued on Monday, the hospital said she continued to be under treatment and was being constantly monitored by intensivists and other consultants in the expert panel, while respiratory support, antibiotics, nutrition, supportive therapy and passive physiotherapy were being given to her.

Soon after Jayalalithaa was admitted a host of leaders including Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi, BJP Leader Venkaiah Naidu, Governor P Sathasivam, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, CPI Leader D Raja visited the hospital.

Tamil Nadu Governor CH Vidyasagar Rao was the first to visit her. DMK Leader of Opposition M K Stalin, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President Su Thirunavukkarasar, CPI(M) Leader G Ramakrishnan and CPI Leader D Pandian also paid a visit to the hospital.

Jayalalithaa, 68, was admitted to the hospital on 22 September after she complained of fever and dehydration. A stream of high-profile visitors, including Governors of Tamil Nadu and Kerala Chennamaneni Vidyasagar Rao and P Sathasivam, Union minister M Venkaiah Naidu, Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi and Chief Ministers of Kerala and Puducherry Pinarayi Vijayan and V Narayanasamy have visited the hospital.

With inputs from PTI
The Indian Army on Wednesday foiled an infiltration bid by militants from across the Line of Control (LoC) in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir.

"An infiltration bid was foiled by Army in Tangdhar sector," an Army official said. Defence Ministry spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia told IANS that the incident took place at Tangdhar sector.

"A group of heavily armed terrorists was challenged by the troops, forcing them to withdraw back into Pakistan," the officer said.

He said a search operation had been launched to ensure that no terrorist managed to sneak into Jammu and Kashmir.

With inputs from IANS and PTI
The Prime Minister of Pakistan is livid with Cyril Almeida even though Dawns star journalist has been more severe on the army in his writings than on the civilian government. Almeida has been put on the Exit Control List, an official measure that is similar to the suspension of ones passport.

Almeida used to enjoy visiting his relatives in Goa and now he cannot leave Pakistan as long as he is on the exit watch. This measure was introduced by military dictator Zia-ul-Haq to tame his civilian rivals. Now it seems Nawaz Sharif  who happens to be Zias civilian protege  has harnessed it to target a fall guy for his difficulties with the army. It is the government, not the army that has put Almeida in the dock as a potentially anti-national writer.

For South Asian journalists, this periodic confrontation with the system and suffering as a consequence is routine. Bangladesh was considered to be the most dangerous place for journalists followed by Sri Lanka. If we take the problems Nepals celebrated Himaal magazine is facing with its government, well probably know that the problem is widespread. In Pakistan, journalists have disappeared. They have been killed. Newspapers and TV channels have been shut down for alleged indiscretions.

In India, on the other hand, journalists face the ire of local establishments at the state level. The Centre has a different way of handling them. Criticising the current chief minister of Tamil Nadu found the editors of The Hindu running for cover. The Shiv Sena has its own way of dealing with troublesome journalists. It is par for the course with other state governments, whether in Uttar Pradesh or West Bengal. Suppose, however, there was an Indian Almeida. Suppose he had written what he wrote against the army and the government in India. Is there an editor to stand behind an Indian Almeida? Perhaps, but there was a time when one could say with pride that yes, we had Frank Moraes, Chhalapati Rau, Khushwant Singh, Shyam Lal or even MJ Akbar before he did a Faustian bargain with politics. Today, such a claim would be a boastful exaggeration.

Almeida had reportedly said during one of his visits to Goa that he didnt see a bright future for journalism in Pakistan. It's true that there has been a decline since the days of Faiz Ahmed Faiz and Ahmed Ali Khan and some other great editors. But the fact that Almeida is around proves him wrong. It is equally true that the current Dawn editor Zaffar Abbas has stood like a rock with his star journalist.

Journalistic integrity, however, is also a reflection of the pattern of ownership of the media, not just the professional merit of journalists. In India, today, the better journalists in my view are writing mostly on alternate spaces created by the Internet. There are of course, exceptions. But journalists writing on the Internet are predominantly those that were sidelined in their respective newspapers or journals for their views, mostly. In the current phase of the India-Pakistan crisis, the alternative view against jingoism has come from net-based writers, not as much from the so-called mainstream channels or newspapers.

There is a basic difference between Pakistani and Indian journalists, however. Much has to do with caste. Is it not a fact that journalism in India depends on the integrity or its absence among the predominantly upper caste journalists? There is hardly a Dalit worth the name in the mainstream media. Praising and criticising the government or the army is the function of upper caste journalists. Upper caste journalists do all the explaining of a Dalit problem. Reporting a communal conflagration fairly or with bias is their preserve. There are social limits to how one can be fair and objective if there is a social hiatus in the object and the subject of reporting or analysing. That we are still able to get a certain degree of fairness in reporting in newspapers can be attributed to integrity. That doesnt solve the problem though.

Also read- Not Just Cyril Almeidas Goan Roots, Pakistan's Dawn Has Kerala Connection

Almeida is a Roman Catholic journalist, sociologically speaking, in a Muslim milieu. Hamid Mir would be a better example of a journalist from the majority community taking on the majority-ruled system in Pakistan. Suspected gunmen linked with the militarys ire at Mir's reporting shot him. He has survived without compromising his stance one bit. The sociology of a newsroom in Pakistan is different from the one in India. In a Karachi newsroom, for example, I have seen journalists close to the MQM working with colleagues close to the arch-rival Jamaat-e-Islami. The newsroom can have a journalist against the army, against Nawaz Sharif, against the PPP, against and for Baloch independence. A PPP journalist would be against the army, as would a Nawaz Sharif loyalist. Journalists loyal to the army would be keeping an eye on everyone, including the Jamaat these days.

Is there an editor to stand behind an Indian Almeida? Perhaps, but there was a time when one could say with pride that yes, we had Frank Moraes, Chhalapati Rau, Khushwant Singh, Shyam Lal or even MJ Akbar before he did a Faustian bargain with politics. Today, such a claim would be a boastful exaggeration

This varied sociology usually balances out any bias in the final reporting. There are of course, newspapers and channels purely run by the army and political groups. The viewers who know exactly where they are coming from can sort them out. In India, similarly entrenched conflict has given way to a seamless transition to the party in power. The paper that was supporting Manmohan Singh is supporting Narendra Modi and so on. Again, of course, there are exceptions.

How does the sociology of a newsroom affect the news? Do a caste-wise survey of the nationalist quotient in ones opinion, and you would have the answer. No one wants to rub the army the wrong way, but Maywatis emphasis on chest thumping would be different from the Akalis or Shiv Senas. This is the reason perhaps that when the government of Pakistan was in denial of Ajmal Kasab's Pakistani origins after the Mumbai terror attacks, it was Dawn journalists who challenged the official version. In India, I imagine this would take mountains of courage. Journalists like Almeida and Mir are still debating what is good for Pakistan and what is not. Unlike the debate in Pakistan, a majority of TV channels in India seem to have arrived on a consensus on what is good for their country.

In India, more often than not, this is also determined by the pattern of ownership of the media. In India, if one man can directly or indirectly own 27 TV channels, as is widely claimed, would the channels be promoting varied approaches to nationalism? In Pakistan, no one owns that many channels. Thats another advantage they have in producing a stream of talent like the one Almeida represents.

The author is a Delhi-based journalist, who writes for the Pakistani daily Dawn
New Delhi: A 16-year-old girl was allegedly raped by her neighbour, who later brutally thrashed her in Anand Parbat area of Central Delhi, police said on Tuesday.

Vivek, father of two, was arrested for allegedly raping and assaulting the minor, a police official said.

The accused, who lives with his family in Kathputli Colony in the area, is a neighbour of the victim. He made "physical relations" with her on the pretext of marriage two years ago.

He allegedly called the girl near Sarai Rohilla area last week and took her into bushes.

"When he forced himself on her, the girl protested and raised the issue of marriage. The accused thrashed her and left her in the bushes. She was spotted lying unconscious by a passerby who informed us," the official said.

The victim was admitted to RML Hospital, where she regained consciousness after three days, the official said.
Referencing the BJP worker's murder in Kannur on Wednesday, BJP leader GVL Narasimha Rao called the violence under CPI-M led Kerala "political terrorism."

BJP worker Remith was killed in front of a petrol pump in Pinarayi village around 10 am, a police official said. According to sources, Remith's father was also murdered a few years ago.

This incident comes in the wake of the killing of 52-year-old CPI-M grassroots leader K Mohanan, who was hacked to death by suspected RSS activists on Monday.

Both of these murders took place in the assembly constituency of Dharmadom represented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

"Local state police have become spectators. BJP is seen as a very potent political power that is on the threshold of a major success in Kerala," said Rao.

"The National Council organised in Kozhikode has been a hugely successful event that carried the message of BJP across Kerala.

"A lot of murderous assaults are attempts at diverting public attention from the corruption and misgovernance in Kerala," he added.

Rao said that BJP president Amit Shah has condemned the murder and expressed his sympathies to the victim's family.

Rao also said that there was a murderous assault on the mother of the victim too.

He also demanded that the case should be handed over to the CBI, "We demand that the state government must hand over the case to the CBI. We have no faith in the state govt and state police because they are under the influence of the chief minister."

Attacking the Left, he said, "Is this the democracy which the Left government has in Kerala? Is this how CPM knows how to fight elections? You have Left goondas wrecking this kind of havoc without it being panned by the media. This is political terrorism.

"We want answerability and accountability from the Kerala government."
Kannur: A Bharatiya Janata Party worker was hacked to death on Wednesday in Kerala's Kannur district, the state police said.

The victim was identified as Remith. He was killed in front of a petrol pump in Pinarayi village around 10 am, a police official said.

According to sources, Remith's father was also murdered some years ago.

This incident comes in the wake of the killing of 52-year-old CPI-M grassroot leader K Mohanan, who was hacked to death by suspected RSS activists on Monday.

Both of these murders took place in the assembly constituency of Dharmadom represented by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

BJP workers on Monday had staged a protest against the killing of two party workers in Kerala allegedly by CPI-M cadres and accused it of "unleashing a reign of terror over political opponents".

The protest was led by Delhi BJP unit in-charge Shyam Jaju and city chief Satish Upadhyay.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers marched from Delhi BJP office at Pandit Pant Marg to the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) office near Gole Market in central Delhi.

However, the demonstrators were later arrested and taken to Parliament Street police station.

Addressing the demonstrators Jaju said, "It is sad that communists though irrelevant in politics have unleashed a reign of terror over political opponents in Kerala since they came to power a few months ago."

"Earlier when CPI-M was in power in Bengal there too political violence was very common. We warn them that people of the country will not tolerate such atrocities anymore," Jaju said.

Upadhyay said: "Scheduled caste BJP workers have been constantly at the receiving end of the political violence being orchestrated by CPM after they came to power."

"In the country today several political parties try to play Dalit card politics but it is a matter of grave concern that none of them are ready to raise the issue of communist attacks on scheduled castes in Kerala," he said.

He also said that the BJP does not believe in "political violence" but will not take the atrocities on party colleagues lying down.

Two scheduled caste BJP workers were killed in Kannur district of Kerala last week.
Kerala is set to add another first to its credit by eliminating open defecation. The tiny state which tops India in most human health indices is expected to achieve the new milestone by the end of this month.

The Communist-led government that undertook the programme under the Swachh Bharat Campaign of the Central government has invited Prime Minister Narendra Modi to formally declare Kerala as an open defecation free (ODF) state on the 61st formation day of the state on 1 November.

This will make Kerala the second state in the country to become open defecation free.

So far, only Sikkim has achieved this distinction. With a population of just over six lakhs, Sikkim is one of the smallest states whereas Kerala having a population of 3.3 crore is among the most populous states.

Though Modis plan to eliminate open defecation from the country by building 13.04 crore individual household toilets and five lakh community and public toilets by 2019 failed to gain traction in most states, Kerala made most of it by adopting changes suiting local conditions.

More than 97 percent houses in Kerala already had toilets. The Suchithwa Mission, which is implementing the campaign, needed to add only 1.9 lakh toilets to declare Kerala as ODF state. However, the task posed huge challenges to the implementing agency as the houses without toilets situated in critical areas, where conventional toilets were not possible.

Suchitwa Mission officials said majority of the houses without toilets were found to be in coastal and hilly areas of the state. While high density of population and sea erosion made the task difficult in coastal areas, lack of water was found to be the major impediment in tribal areas.

The Suchitwa Mission sought to solve the problems in coastal areas by going for elevated toilets and community toilets. Though the technical problems were solved to a large extent, changing the mindset of people, who are used to open defecation, posed a big challenge.

The implementing agency sought the service of religious organisations in bringing about a behavioural change in the people. Suchitwa Mission Executive Director Dr K Vasuki told the Firstpost that the Latin Catholic Church, which has huge influence among fishermen in coastal areas, played a big role in facilitating construction of toilets in the coastal areas.

The social service wing of the three Catholic Church not only fielded members of its nearly 50,000 self-help groups to create awareness among people about the need for toilets but also lent land, human resources and materials to make the campaign a success, Dr Vasuki said.

Another major problem faced by the implementing agency was inadequacy of funds fixed for building the toilets. The scheme envisaged a joint fund consisting of central grant worth Rs 12,000 and a local body contribution of Rs 3,400. Suchitwa Mission officials said this was insufficient in critical areas with tough geographical terrains.

Ameersha RS, a programme officer of the Suchitwa Mission, said that the cost of the toilets in such areas was more than double the amount fixed by the government. The Suchitwa Mission had identified 39,120 such toilets. Many of them required additional expenditure of more than Rs 25,000.

Though the scheme envisaged the beneficiary to meet the remaining expenditure, the beneficiaries who belonged to the poor strata were not ready to bear it. The Suchitwa Mission tried to tap CSR funds available with public and private sector companies but their contribution was not sufficient to meet the requirements.

Finally, the state government came to the rescue of the Suchitwa Mission. It made available the entire additional funds through the local bodies giving a big boost to the programme. The government allowed the local bodies to provide the fund from their plan funds.

We have completed 90 per cent of the 1.90 lakh toilets we need to build to free the state from open defecation. The construction of the remaining 10 percent is in final stages. We will complete this before the end of October so that the state could be declared open defecation free. Vasuki said.

Vasuki said the task to end the open defecation menace will not be over by simply constructing the toilets. She said that the state will be free from open defecation only if the people use the toilets.

This is not an easy task. It is difficult to change the mindset of people have been traditionally depending on open space for satisfying the call of the nature. We need sustained efforts to change their habit, Vasuki said.

She said that the Suchitwa Mission had sought the service of students of schools of social work to conscientise the people about the need to use toilets. The Association of Schools of Social Work in Kerala, which has 46 colleges under it, has agreed to run a campaign in this regard. The Social Service Forum of the Catholic Church has also extended support to the campaign.

Following the completion of the ODF campaign, the Suchitwa Mission will take up construction of toilets in public places. Vasuki said they were planning to make toilet facility available throughout the state by constructing comfort stations in every one km in collaboration with tourism department and other stake holders.

The open defecation free programme will be followed by intensification of the campaign to make Kerala Indias cleanest state with 100 per cent sanitation. Vasuki said Suchitwa Mission was fully geared to transform Kerala a waste free aesthetic state with clean environment, better public health, enhanced hygiene consciousness and quality infrastructure.

Sikkim has already achieved this distinction. Kerala was found following Sikkim closely behind in cleanliness in the national sample survey report released last month.

The state was also found leading in waste management capabilities in the Swatch Bhart rankings in 2015 with Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi figuring on the top 10 and Kozhikode coming fifth in the ranking for the other major cities.

Kochi came fourth and Thiruvananthapuram eighth in the rankings, which were based on extent of open defecation and solid waste management practices. Swatch Bharat Mission officials feel that the ODF campaign will give Kerala a strong foundation to achieve other goals in total sanitation.

They hope that Kerala will become the best place to live in India when it completes the 100 percent sanitation campaign.
Lucknow: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday hailed Narendra Modi as the first Prime Minister of independent India who has been able to hold country's head high at the international level and give the message that "we are not a weak nation".

"I want to welcome Modiji here as for the first time in the history of Independent India he has succeeded in holding country's head high at international level. He has succeeded in giving the message to the world that Bharat is not weak but it's a 'damdar' (powerful) nation," Singh said while welcoming Modi's in his parliamentary constituency.

Singh represents Lucknow in the Lok Sabha.

He said Modi has succeeded in checking "wholesale corruption at the top" and should be congratulated for that.

Giving message of following good values, Singh said Ram had, till the last moment, tried to give message of peace but in the end, killed Ravana, "who was synonymous to terror".

Mayor Dinesh Sharma in his speech tried to refute the Opposition allegation that the event was organised for taking political mileage sating that the theme  'Atank ka samool naash ho' (Let Terrorism be finished entirely) of this year's 'Ravana Dahan' was decided last year.

"We have decided the theme last year. Every year Ramlila has a different theme and it's decided a year in advance. The Ramlila Samiti used to invite presidents, prime ministers and chief ministers every year but no one came. This year also we have sent a routine letter to PM and we came to know that PM has accepted it through news channels," he said.
Washington: Pakistan is exploring the possibility of creating a greater South Asian economic alliance to counter India's controlling hold on the eight-member South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc), diplomatic observers said.

A parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, which is now in New York, pitched this idea during its five-day visit to Washington last week, Dawn online reported on Wednesday.

"A greater South Asia is already emerging," said Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, in one of his interactions with the media.

"This greater South Asia includes China, Iran and the neighbouring Central Asian republics."

He described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as the key economic route linking South Asia with Central Asia.

The Gwadar port, he said, would be the nearest warm water port, not only for China but also for the land-locked Central Asian states.

"We want India to join this arrangement as well," said Hussain, an offer Indians are unlikely to accept as they are comfortable with the advantage that Saarc provides them.

Last month, India used its influence in Saarc to isolate Pakistan when it announced that it would not attend the regional group's 19th summit, scheduled in Islamabad on 15 and 16 November.

India cited Pakistan's involvement in the 18 September terrorist attack at an Army camp in Uri town of Kashmir, in which 19 soldiers died, as the reason for its decision to boycott the summit.

India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, a claim which Islamabad has denied. Other Saarc nations  Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka  joined India to boycott the meeting.

According to Dawn, the boycott has led to an indefinite postponement of the summit and exposed Pakistan's isolation within the region.

"Apparently, the showdown forced Pakistan to conclude that in its present shape, Saarc will always be dominated by India. That's why they are now talking about a greater South Asia," said a senior diplomat, confirming reports that Pakistan is actively seeking a new regional arrangement.

"Pakistan hopes that this new arrangement will give it more room to manoeuvre when India tries to force a decision on it," said another diplomat.

Diplomatic observers in Washington said the proposed arrangement also suits China as it is worried about India's rapidly growing influence in the region.

They argued that China can play an important role in persuading Central Asian republics and Iran to join the new arrangement.

But, according to the observers, Saarc members will have little interest in supporting the idea.

There is not much benefit for Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka in joining a land route far from their borders and Dhaka as well as Colombo have their own ports.

The member that is likely to get the most benefits from a greater South Asian alliance is Afghanistan, which is technically a land-locked Central Asian nation.

But observers believe that Afghanistan is too closely linked to India to join any arrangement that hurts New Delhi's interests.

Afghanistan's presence in Saarc, however, justifies Pakistan's argument that Central Asian nations can be included in a greater South Asia.

Saarc member states imposed a stipulation for Afghanistan to hold general elections, which were held in late 2005, enabling the country to join the group as its eighth member in April 2007.

But, as a South Asian diplomat pointed out, even if a greater South Asia became reality, there's no guarantee that its members would support Pakistan in its disputes with India.

"Many Central Asian states have strong ties with India and Iran too has problems with Pakistan," the diplomat said.
A 22-year-old youth, Minhaj Ansari, from Dighari village, Jamtara district, in Jharkhand was arrested for a Whatsapp message on beef, touted as objectionable, reported Outlook India. According to his family, he was tortured while in custody. But the police have pointed to his medical records saying he had encephalitis, as the reason for his death.

According to India Live Today, the comment on Whatsapp, had the potential to incite communal violence, especially before Muharram and Dussehra, said the police. And the arrest was made on 3 October by the Narayanpur police, after the message started circulating locally. After two days, he was moved to Dhanbad for treatment. And his family lodged an FIR for attempt to murder and outraging the modesty of a woman against Sub-Inspector Harish Pathak, the officer-in-charge which led to his suspension. But an enquiry as to the cause of death is still ongoing.

In The Indian Express report, the police admitted to some lapses on the part of the officer in charge. A few were detained as suspects but were later released. However, Minhaj Ansari was not. The youth's father, Umar Sheikh, his family and a few villagers went to the police station and engaged in a scuffle with the police. The youth was then shifted to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi on Sunday, where he succumbed to injuries. Security forces are keeping a strict watch, while the district administration has ordered a joint inquiry by the Sub Divisional Officer and Sub Divisional Police Officer.

In another report by The Indian Express, the Jharkhand Chief Minister Raghubar Das has directed a compensation sum of Rs 2 lakh to be given to the youth's family. The district administration has paid a sum of Rs 30,000 additionally and an Indira Awas has also been given. Jamtara SP Manoj Kumar Singh said that the officer-in-charge, Harish Pathak did not check on the young man's medical reports, the family was aware of his condition even prior to his arrest.
By Abhishek Waghmare

Indian politicians are currently leading a campaign to boycott Chinese goods. But an IndiaSpend analysis shows why this will fail: China is India's largest trade partner, a sixth of Indias imports are Chinese, up from a tenth in 2011-12, while Indias exports to its rival have halved over the same period.

Images like these are now being commonly shared on Whatsapp

Imports from China grew at 20% over two years and 5% over five years, to $61 billion. These goods range from power plants and set top boxes to Ganesh idols. This is despite the fact that Indias imports have generally fallen over the last five years  from $490 billion (Rs 23 lakh crore) to $380 billion (Rs 25 lakh crore)because of a fall in global oil prices.

India's exports to China have fallen from $18 billion (Rs 86,000 crore) in 2011-12 to $9 billion (Rs 58,000 crore) in 2015-16. Apart from cotton, copper, petroleum and industrial machinery, India does not export much to China. This means that India buys six times the merchandise it sells to China.

The Export-Import Imbalance

Cellphones, laptops, solar cells, fertilisers, keyboards, displays and communication equipment  including earphones  these are Indias chief imports from China, according to our analysis of ministry of commerce data.

Other major imports from China include tuberculosis and leprosy drugs, antibiotics, childrens toys, industrial springs, ball bearings, LCD and LED displays, routers, TV remote controllers and set top boxes.

The political storm

Despite this, political leaders including Sharad Yadav of Janata Dal (United) from Bihar, Himanta Biswa Sarma, the newly inducted finance minister of Assam, and Anil Vij, health minister of Haryana, are appealing for a boycott of 'Made In China' goods.

Balance of trade between our country and China has become imbalanced which will be very harmful and dangerous for our domestic Industry.  SHARAD YADAV (@SharadYadavMP) October 4, 2016

"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 countriesWe should focus on Make in India, Vij was quoted by Indian Express on 4 October, 2016.

Stagnant manufacturing figures

China was referred to as the 'worlds manufacturing powerhouse' by former Reserve Bank of India governor Raghuram Rajan and chief economic advisor Arvind Subramanian in a February 2006 research paper. India, however, "failed to match its neighbor in this process", asserted the paper, published by the US-based National Bureau of Economic Research.

Stagnating indices for the manufacturing sector show that India is still struggling to compete with China. Despite a record foreign direct investment of $55 billion in 2015-16, private investment in manufacturing is still sluggish.

Why China bazars are popular

IndiaSpend visited Manish market, the hub of imported Chinese goods in Mumbai's heart. Chinese products here are cheaper, available in bulk, neatly packaged and easy to buy.

If the 50 different types of LED lamps that I sell were available from say, Surat, at a cheaper rate and at my doorstep, why would I go for Chinese lamps? asked a lamp distributor and retailer, requesting anonymity. If I had to buy these in India, this collection would cost me double.

China moved forward with rapid market reforms from the 1980s, propelled by the establishment of special economic zones. Land and labour reforms helped it ramp up its production capacity. The result is that Indias iron, steel and fertiliser production is a tenth of Chinas.

China's export story is also driven by ease of market access. Take the example of Sumant Kasliwal, who runs an apparel e-commerce start-up in Mumbai. After two years of shopping for merchandise in India, he switched to China two years ago. His sales have tripled since.

Market access is easier in China

Customers rarely have to waste time in China searching for markets and products, said Kasliwal. It took him less than a week to buy a three-month consignment that ranged from jewelry to fabric.

"Even small market-towns like Yiwu  comparable to Varanasi in terms of population  have a one-stop, dedicated market for all consumer durables, from fashion to home accessories, with cost and quality options," he said. "In India, it would take us weeks."

(Abhishek Waghmare is an analyst with IndiaSpend)
As a journalist, fearlessness has always been Barkha Dutt's defining trait, be it stepping inside an army bunker during a 'live' situation or courting controversies. "Barkha Rani JamKe Barasti Hai", says her Twitter bio and true to the words, Dutt never backs away from a fight. She is known to rain down heavily on her detractors.

Much like her reportage which either generates fulsome praise or angry remonstration but never goes unnoticed, Dutt is a polarizing figure in Indian journalism. She inspires, provokes but even her staunchest critic would admit that she doesn't lack in spunk. Her open letters to author Chetan Bhagat, fellow scribe Arnab Goswami, Union Minister Smriti Irani or Prime Minister Narendra Modi are ample testimony.

Her continued silence on the P Chidambaram interview, therefore, sticks out like a sore thumb. For a 'free-spirited' journalist, Dutt's resolute calm on a raging debate that covers important issues such as media independence and freedom of speech is troubling, disheartening and sends all the wrong signals.

So far, Dutt has stonewalled all uncomfortable questions on the Chidambaram interview  which was taken off air on 6 October  by resolutely redirecting all queries to the channel's editorial director Sonia Singh.

@Kewrious please read timeline of editorial director @soniandtv that explains the networks decision .  barkha dutt (@BDUTT) October 8, 2016

@matheen619 the questions have been addressed by editor @soniandtv  barkha dutt (@BDUTT) October 11, 2016

It seems Dutt feels differently from the channel's decision. A tweet posted on 6 October promoting her interview with the former Union minister still adorns her timeline.

"Did PM mean Manohar Parrikar when he said No Chest Thumping on Strikes?" Chidambaram targets Defence Minister https://t.co/kOcY9LkEQC  barkha dutt (@BDUTT) October 6, 2016

So what forced one of India's most outspoken senior journalists to take recourse to diplomatic and bureaucratic legalese? What stopped her from speaking her mind? Is she under some sort of pressure not to react?

These questions must be asked because NDTV co-founder Radhika Roy's response to The Wire's queries on the channel's new editorial policies included, among other things, this statement: "We do not believe that we are obliged to carry every shred of drivel that has now come to pass as public discourse. Id also like to stress that this is part of our normal editorial policy not to provide a platform to outrageous and wild accusations that thrive only on publicity."

Does this imply that NDTV consulting editor's interview with the former Union home minister  since it was yanked off air  also fall in the category of "drivel"? Chidamabaram has raised this question himself through a Randeep Surjewala tweet that accused the Narendra Modi government of "fascism" and launching a media clampdown.

A fascist Modi Govt throttles NDTV from showing the truth. Dictatorship can't suppress, strangle reality. Media must standup & be counted. pic.twitter.com/tP2en6h7gr  Randeep S Surjewala (@rssurjewala) October 8, 2016

In a subsequent interview to The Indian Express, Chidambaram indicated that he learnt about the dropped interview when "the person who interviewed me (Barkha Dutt) sent me a message saying that despite her wish the interview had been scrapped."

This is the clearest evidence yet (and we have no reason not to believe the senior Congress leader's words) that Dutt is unhappy about the channel's decision. If that is so, her silence on this sensitive topic not only goes against the values she professes to stand for but also conflates the debate around editorial policies, media freedom and national interest.

Chidambaram has since raised the pitch, indicating to the newspaper that NDTV may have been under some sort of pressure to act in the way it did. He even raised a "fundamental question" on why media is "falling like nine pins to unjustified demands."

The channel has clarified that it was purely an editorial decision and not done at anyone's behest. If Dutt disagrees with that decision, she should make it clear.

As Rahul Pandita argues in Firstpost: "While the guild has chosen to speak for a newspaper (Kashmir Reader), we havent heard anything about the curious case of NDTV, especially when the guilds website lists Barkha Dutt herself as one of the executive committee members (at least in 2014-15). What are we supposed to make of this silence? What is the criteria for intervention, or non-intervention, for that matter?

This issue is no longer limited to Dutt's personal sphere because it involves critical questions on media independence, a topic that has been close to her heart and her channel's. It's important not to confine it to that space.
"But like Machiavelli tells us, you must use the assets and resources at your disposal. Use them all, and use them to maximum effect," wrote Austin Scott Collins in Dicing Time for Gladness.

This is precisely what the Bharatiya Janata Party is busy doing in poll-bound Uttar Pradesh. In their heart of hearts, they know that they are armed with just one asset  Narendra Modi. They dont have anything else to show off.

They have got to exploit Modis imagery to maximum effect. And they have got to keep publicising the Prime Ministers pro-active diplomatic exploits abroad and some of the path-breaking measures that have helped stem the rot within the country. Its not a bad strategy. In fact, its the only tactic that they can work on assiduously to emerge triumphant in the election.

It's little wonder that the powers that be in the party made sure that the Prime Minister presented himself like a shining knight at the Aishbagh Ramleela function at Lucknow on the Vijayadashami day. And Modi did, on his part, speak very well. Through sheer eloquence, he elevated himself to the position of a statesman. India prefers Buddha over yuddha, he said but didnt fail to lambast those who harbour terrorists and aid terrorism.

It was hardly surprising if Modis overall performance at the Aishbagh function was rated as excellent by almost all those who comprised the audience. The way and the manner in which the Prime Minister spoke made it clear that the strategists in the Sangh Parivar were aware of the growing criticism over defence achievements being politicised. Modi didnt touch the issue of surgical strikes. Nor did he indulge in rabble-rousing. But he had achieved what he had come for.

In his latest article, Ajay Singh of Firstpost wrote: "Those who assumed that Modi would do chest-thumping to score political points, would have been certainly disappointed by his deft moves of skipping the landmines. Instead, Modi talked about the eradication of poverty and protection of girl child as the sacred duty of citizens."

Ajay Singh further wrote that it would be naive to assume that Modis presence in Aishbagh was devoid of any political objective. "Through carefully chosen symbolism, he conveyed his political message loud and clear to an audience that is adept in deciphering religious idioms and terminology... It will not be easy to predict if this strategy will really attract votes in the countrys most populous state."

The Assembly Elections are about four months away. And the BJP faces innumerable problems at the present juncture: First, it doesnt have any leader of the stature worthy of being projected as a natural chief ministerial candidate in the state. Second, its upper caste vote bank looks divided with the Congress making serious inroads into the Brahmin camp. And third, its pro-Dalit outreach has more or less flopped in the face of a rampaging Mayawati, whose hardcore anti-saffron politics is seen to be uniting Dalits and Muslims for all political purposes.

It is in this backdrop that the Modi factor needs to be assessed. Needless to say that BJP minus Modi equals a losing proposition. And with Modi leading the charge, the BJP can hope to galvanise the floating votes in its favour once again, like it did in 2014. But things are easier said than done.

The counter view is that state assembly elections and Lok Sabha polls are two different things. Modis performance or, for that matter, even promises wouldnt work as much as it did in 2014. We could all see what happened in Bihar and Delhi elections.

What really weighs against the BJP in UP is the fact that the saffron outfit has never been known for development politics. In 1991, it had come to power on its own strength in Lucknow riding a Hindutva wave in wake of the Ram Janambhoomi movement. And after that, they could never win the majority of UP assembly seats.

Perhaps, thats why the party strategists thought it proper to bring in Modi for the Ramleela show in Lucknow. And Modi did chant the Jai Shri Ram mantra feverishly. The audience responded by chanting the same mantra even more energetically.

Can you see the writing on the wall? To me, the writing looks blurred. Too vague.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar said that the Indian security forces deserved merit for successfully carrying out surgical strikes against the terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Parrikar was speaking at the Materials Engineering Technology (MET) conference in Navi Mumbai. He also lauded the Prime Minister for his decision making capability. "Credit goes to our armed forces, but I must at least claim the credit for the Prime Minister whose decision making and planning deserves major credit," Parrikar said.

He added that the ongoing offensive might have frayed the nerves of many people, but the decision to launch surgical strikes "should settle the nerves of many people".

Indirectly hitting out at the opposition, Parrikar also said that "those in doubt" may also share the credit as the credit goes to entire nation.

"Because it is carried out by armed forces and not any political parties, the credit belongs to the entire nation, even the doubting Thomases can share the credit," Parrikar said.

The defence ministers remarks came just after the Prime Minister warned senior leaders to abstain from chest thumping on a sensitive matter, and let the armed forces do the talking, according to The Financial Express. The report further states that the Prime Minister himself took a cautious line when he eventually spoke on the strike. Speaking at the inauguration of the Pravasi Bharatiya Kendra on 2 October, he merely underlined the fact that India doesnt covet any countrys territory.

Meanwhile, reacting to Parrikars statement, the Samajwadi Party, which has been accusing BJP of politicising the issue, said that the army operation is being played up in view of the Uttar Pradesh assembly election.

SP leader Gaurav Bhatiya told CNN-News the Samajwadi Party stood behind PM in national interest but the issue is being politicised now. "We will not issue any strong condemnation as it will give rise to further animosity. I think for a change we should give full credit to the armed forces and all responsible office holders should abstain from picking such political lines," Bhatiya said. "SP will still support the Centre in national interest, even if the central government indulges in cheap politics," Bhatiya added.

However, defending Parrikars statement, BJP spokesperson GVL Narsimha Rao said that as the Prime Minister is the man who is heading the government he definitely deserves credit. Pointing out that its a futile debate, he questioned that if something happened in UP, will the SP government give credit to the local tehsildars and district administration.

AAP leader Ashutosh also condemned Parrikars statement. "He [Parrikar] only wishes to whip up the sentiments of the public, which no other defence minister has done till date. I think this is why the PM should immediately intervene and ask him to shut up," Ashutosh told CNN-News18.

Seven terror launch pads across the LoC were targeted by the Army on the night of 28 September in a nearly five-hour-long operation during which heli-borne and ground forces were deployed.

The announcement of the strikes came 11 days after the attack by Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammad on an Indian army camp in Uri in Kashmir, after which Modi had said the attackers will not go "unpunished" and that they will not be forgiven.
Mumbai: More than the good over evil as the Dussehra traditionally symbolises, it is now the politics of the time that glows even more than the burning effigy of Ravana. In an apparent show of strength, Maharashtra Minister for Women and Child Welfare Pankaja Munde exploited the opportunity on Tuesday when she organised a massive rally at Bhagwangad in Ahmednagar defying the ban imposed by the district administration.

Although shockwaves rippled across the state machinery as the minister personally led a massive crowd of over three lakh to defy the very law she is under oath to protect, the political significance of the entire event was unmissable. Following the death of her father Gopinath Munde and with NCP leader Chhagan Bhujbal in jail, Pankaja is well aware of the huge vacuum as far as a tall OBC leader in Maharashtra is concerned.

Pankaja belongs to Wanjara community which is a part of the other backward class (OBC).

What was even more interesting politically were the people who joined her during the rally. Apart from her sister and Beed Lok Sabha MP Pritam Munde, three senior ministers  Ram Shinde, Mahadev Jankar and Sadabhau Khot  of the Devendra Fadnavis cabinet were also present. Lok Sabha MP from Hatkanangle constituency Raju Shetty was there as well.

"I have kept my resignation ready in the helicopter. I am not arrogant but a self-esteemed person. People both from within and outside the party are deliberately targeting me," Pankaja said in the rally openly indicating at the turbulent phase she is going through.

Although Pankaja did not name anyone from the BJP, it is hardly a secret that the minister is not having a great rapport with the Chief Minister. There was little doubt that the show of strength was a subtle message to the Chief Minister. She went on to say that both Jankar and Khot are like her "brothers" and because of her they got their ministerial berths.

"They are trapping me like Abhimanyu, but I am born to defend myself. They have levelled all kinds of allegations against me. Now they are trying to malign my image to show I am a hooligan," Pankaja said in the rally. "I am not scared of anyone," she thundered.

Rashtriya Samaj Paksha president and Cabinet Minister Mahadev Jankar, however, did not spare NCP leader Ajit Pawar and Pankaja Munde's cousin and opposition leader in the council Dhananjay Munde as well.

The tradition of holding a Dussehra rally at Bhagwangad was started by the late Gopinath Munde. However, this time, things got little complicated as the Mahant Namdev Shastri of Bhagwangad opposed Pankaja's rally from a largely religious platform. Following Shastri's call, the district administrative became wary of an unfolding law and order crisis and clamped a ban on the rally.

"This is not a political rally, but a social gathering of the society. Now, you see with whom are the masses with. I am with Pankaja. This is not shakti pradarshan (show of strength) but a bhakti pradarshan (show of loyalty)," senior BJP leader Ekanth Khadse told Firstpost.

Khadse, who was forced to quit the Fadnavis cabinet for alleged corruption in June this year, apparently do not share a smooth relationship with the Chief Minister as well.

Already worried over the series of silent but huge Maratha protests over reservations, the latest display of strength by Pankaja along with her ministerial colleagues, further pushes Fadnavis into a knotty situation. Upping the ante, Shiv Sena chief Uddhav Thackeray also backed the Maratha cause putting the state government even more in a difficult position. The recent violence in Nashik over an alleged rape of a minor girl forcing the government to ban data on the internet and mobile offered little help to the Chief Minister.

Things have come to such a pass that an all-weather friend like the Shiv Sena has likely to fight the Mumbai civic polls next year alone although the party shares an alliance with the BJP at the Centre, state and in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation.

Indications that the Maharashtra Chief Minister is now charting on a rough terrain are evident from the fact that BJP alliances like the Rashtriya Samaj Paksha and Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatan are siding with Pankaja.
Mumbai: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray on Tuesday lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the recent surgical strikes across the LoC even as he challenged its bickering ally BJP to break the ruling alliance ahead of the crucial civic polls in Mumbai.

"From BJP, anyone gets up and speaks of contesting polls independently. The Chief Minister should first decide who is the leader. Don't stab us in the back. Fight from the front. Contest separately if you have the courage," he told Shiv Sena's 50th annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai.

"Break the alliance and we will show you our surgical strike," Thackeray said, in an apparent reference to BJP MP Kirit Somaiya's recent remark that BJP was all set to contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls, due early next year, independently.

"Let anyone confront us in Mumbai civic polls. We will show them that Mumbai belongs to Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena belongs to Mumbai," he said.

"Our bond with Mumbaikars is that of blood," he said, adding "We won't come after you (BJP) with a begging bowl."

"For now you (Sena workers) don't think of alliance. We will take a decision on that, whatever that may be," he told the gathering.

Stating that Modi fought with Pakistan like a man ("mard"), Thackeray congratulated the Indian Army and the prime minister for the surgical strikes.

"After the strikes, I phoned Modi and told him, 'Narendrabhai, this is the Narendrabhai we want as PM,'" he said.

"Modi should now take such an action that not only PoK but entire Pakistan should be known as part of India," he said, adding, "Our Army has that much capability."

Condemning those who questioned the veracity of the strikes, Thackeray said, "Those who said the strikes were fake have rotten brains and water of gutters of Lahore and Karachi and not blood flowing through their veins."

"Did Rahul Gandhi learn of the 'khoon ki dalali' from Bofors (scam)?" he asked.

"How can you show mistrust on Army while criticising Modi?" he said.

"Those who show distrust for our brave soldiers may be offspring of Pakistan," he said.

Thackeray asserted that he still defended the action of Sena workers who blackened the face of former journalist Sudheendra Kulkarni for organising a book launch for former Pakistan foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri here last year.

He also suggested that a war museum be set up on the sprawling Mahalaxmi racecourse grounds in Mumbai.

Alleging religious discrimination in income tax raids, he asked, "Do they raid places in areas like Bhendi Bazar (a Muslim-dominated area in Mumbai?"

"People voted them (BJP) based on their promise of 'achche din'. Now their leaders say 'achche din' is a 'gale ki haddi'. It has taken some time for people to get disillusioned (with the BJP-led government)," he said.

Referring to the suggestion of simultaneous polls to state legislatures and Parliament, Thackeray said, "Hold simultaneous polls but ensure that the PM or CM don't campaign for it. If at all they campaign, they should campaign even for independent candidates."

He said the Sena supported reservations based on economic criterion.

Referring to the Maratha community's silent marches and its demand of quota, he said Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis should not play with the sentiments of the agitators.

"I request Maratha community to avoid any action that would demean their ongoing silent marches," he said.

Reservations for Marathas should not eat into quota for others communities, Thackeray said, adding that Fadnavis should learn from Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha, who firmly supported her state's decision to offer reservations beyond 50 percent.

Those misusing the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act should be punished, he said. One of the demands of the Maratha protesters is scrapping of the act.

The controversy about a cartoon on Maratha morcha in the Sena mouthpiece Saamana was unnecessary, he said.

Thackeray had apologised for the cartoon when the controversy broke.
Beijing: Closer ties between China and Bangladesh may put pressure on New Delhi to rethink its strategy in South Asia and encourage it to better its relations with Beijing, Chinese media reported on Wednesday.

However, state-run Global Times in its editorial did not elaborate what India's strategy in the region was.

Chinese President Xi Jinping will arrive in Dhaka on 14 October, before leaving for India to attend the two-day Brics summit in Goa from 15 October.

According to the daily, India need not be "jealous" of increasing ties between Dhaka and Beijing and it was wrong to think that Xi's trip to Bangladesh was "to snatch the South Asian country from the embrace of New Delhi".

Xi's visit to Bangladesh will be the first by a Chinese President in 30 years.

"India will not need to be jealous of an increasingly close relationship between Beijing and Dhaka, because the improvement of local infrastructure and the overall economic ecology in Bangladesh will create favourable external conditions for connecting with markets in India, China and Southeast Asia," the editorial said.

"However, it would not necessarily be a bad thing if an increasingly close relationship between China and Bangladesh puts some pressure on New Delhi to rethink its strategy in this region and encourages it to put more effort into improving relations with China during the upcoming meeting between President Xi and Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Brics (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) summit."

The report said India thinks that China is trying to carve out a "pre-eminent role" for itself in South Asia to "contain" India  a dominant country in the region.

"Some Indian people may mistakenly flatter themselves when they think China's Belt and Road initiative is aimed at balancing India's influence."

"But such views are too simplistic," it added.

"The initiative, connecting more than four billion people in 65 countries, is not about marking Beijing's strategic circle on the subcontinent of South Asia, but instead represents an open-ended initiative that welcomes the participation of numerous other countries."
Bogota: Colombia will free some imprisoned ELN guerrillas so they can take part in peace talks due to open on 27 October, a facilitator said on Tuesday.

The released rebels "will act, and have already been acting in some cases, as promoters of peace," said the archbishop of the Colombian city of Cali, Dario Monsalve, who is facilitating negotiations between the government and the leftist guerrillas of the National Liberation Army (ELN).

The government and ELN, Colombia's second-largest rebel group, will hold talks in the Ecuadoran capital Quito, they announced on Monday.

The news comes as President Juan Manuel Santos seeks a definitive peace deal with the country's largest rebel group, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), after voters narrowly rejected an initial deal in a referendum.

Santos, who won the Nobel Peace Prize last week for his efforts, has staked his legacy on ending a half-century conflict that has killed more than 260,000 people and left 45,000 missing.

Monsalve did not say how many ELN members would be released.

The rebels in question are "experts on the regions" where the guerrillas are active, he told Caracol Radio.

He said around 500 ELN members are currently in Colombian prisons.

The ELN has freed three civilian hostages in recent days  a pre-condition set by Santos for opening talks.

Authorities say the rebels are still holding at least two hostages. They have pledged to release them before talks begin.

The FARC also released all its hostages before opening peace talks with the government in 2012.
Washington: Gaffe-prone Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has made another slip, asking his supporters in Florida to go out and vote on 28 November 20 days after the actual election date.

At a rally in Panama City, Florida, Trump urged his supporters to make sure they are registered to vote by the state's registration deadline and told them to go out and vote on 28 November.

"There's never been anything like this, so go and register, make sure you get out and vote 28 November," the Republican nominee was quoted as saying by media reports.

Trump's misstatement came just after he was telling the crowd that the voter registration deadline in Florida was extended due to Hurricane Matthew.

While voters in Florida were allowed more time to make sure they would be able to vote in the general election, the deadline to cast their actual ballots is pretty strict 8 November.

The gaffe comes amid a furore over the surfacing of a 2005 tape in which Trump is seen making lewd and derogatory comments about women.

Twitterati were quick to mock Trump over the gaffe.

"When Trump voters go to the polls on 28 November and there's no way to vote, you know what that means: RIGGED!" a netizen said.

"So here's the thing -- if Trump never admits to making mistakes, will he now stick to the November 28 election day the rest of the way?" another tweeted.

Trump has made a number of gaffes during his election campaign.

In April, while campaigning, Trump, who has made his advocacy for New York City after the 9/11 terror attacks central to his run for the White House, accidentally referred to it as 7/Eleven -- a popular chain of convenience stores.

In January, an election advertisement of Trump used a wrong footage to back his strong views on illegal immigration.

The ad showed people rushing towards a border fence as the narrator says he "will stop illegal immigration" from Mexico but the footage used was of a Spanish enclave in Morocco.
CAIRO Egypt's armed forces will hold joint military exercises with their Russian counterparts on Egyptian soil for the first time from October 15-26, Cairo's military spokesman said on Wednesday.Days ago Egypt backed a Russian resolution in the U.N. Security Council on Syria that removed the demand for an end to air strikes on Aleppo stipulated in an alternative French resolution. Both resolutions failed to pass but Egypt's support for the Russian measure put the North African country at odds with its key financial backer, Saudi Arabia, which has opposed Russia's support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.The joint military training will include drills between Egyptian and Russian paratrooper units in the northwestern region of el-Alamein, Egyptian military spokesman Brigadier General Mohamed Samir said in a statement posted on the Egyptian military's official Facebook page.

Russia's Izvestia newspaper said Moscow was in talks to open an air base in Egypt, though Egypt's official Al Ahram newspaper quoted the presidential spokesman on Tuesday saying it would not allow foreign bases on its land.

Egypt is negotiating with Russia to restore flights to its Red Sea resorts, a year after the bombing of a Russian airliner carrying holidaymakers back to St Petersburg.Egypt is keen to restore tourism, a key earner of hard currency, which has been in decline since the 2011 uprising ushered in a period of political instability.

(Reporting by Mahmoud Mourad; Writing by Eric Knecht and Lin Noueihed; editing by John Stonestreet)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Robin Emmott

| BRUSSELS

BRUSSELS Turkey has fired hundreds of senior military staff serving at NATO in Europe and the United States following July's coup attempt, documents show, broadening a purge to include some of the armed forces' best-trained officials.In a classified military dispatch seen by Reuters, 149 military envoys posted to the alliance's headquarters and command centres in Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Britain were ordered on Sept. 27 to return to Turkey within three days.Most were dismissed from service on their arrival, arrested and imprisoned, according to a Turkish military official at NATO and two farewell letters sent by departing Turkish officials emailed to colleagues at NATO and seen by Reuters. One of those letters wrote of a "witch-hunt" of senior air force commanders serving overseas.In total, about 400 military envoys have been fired so far, the Turkish military official said. Two non-Turkish NATO staff familiar with the situation confirmed that Turkish personnel are being recalled but did not have more details.Although the number of dismissals is a small fraction of the 100,000 judges, police, teachers and soldiers to be suspended or fired since the failed coup, the decision to target some of the most highly-trained staff in prestigious foreign posts underscores the depth of President Tayyip Erdogan's purge.Turkish officials say the scale of the crackdown, which has broad popular support at home, is justified by the gravity of events on July 15, when rogue soldiers commandeered tanks, fighter jets and helicopters, bombing parliament and government buildings in their attempt to seize power. More than 240 people, many of them civilians, were killed.But the dismissals at NATO raise questions about Turkey's strategy after the failed coup, as Erdogan seeks closer ties with the alliance's Cold War foe Russia.Turkey is a vital ally to the West in the war against Islamic State militants and in tackling Europe's migrant crisis. It is also one of the main troop contributors to NATO's training mission in Afghanistan.

Of the 50 military staff posted to the Turkish delegation at NATO's headquarters in Brussels, only nine remain, according to the Turkish official who spoke to Reuters. Turkish military representatives were not present in recent meetings. "Turkey is not at the table," the official said.Turkey's ambassador to NATO, who runs a 30-strong diplomatic team at the alliance HQ, declined to comment.A NATO official said that Turkey has notified the alliance about military personnel changes at NATO commands in Europe and in the United States, adding that the issue has been discussed at a senior level between NATO and Turkish officials."We are confident that Turkey will keep its commitment to the rule of law when bringing the perpetrators of the coup to justice," the NATO official said.A senior official in Ankara declined to go into details, saying only that Turkey had recalled some soldiers and diplomats after the coup attempt, some of whom had failed to return. "Turkey called back certain military personnel and diplomats working abroad after the coup," the senior official said, adding that not all of those recalled were being punished.

"Those who do not return to Turkey or try to seek asylum abroad must be held to account. We expect our allies to back us on this, and not to support coup plotters if they were involved," the official said."UNFORTUNATE FAREWELL"

Colleagues of those recalled and arrested suspect they are accused of being part of the military faction that seized bridges and roads and attacked Turkey's parliament on July 15. However, they say no charges have been made and no explanation given. They deny any wrongdoing.

"We were at our desks abroad at the time of the attempted coup," said the official, who has been called back to a meeting in Ankara this week and believes he is likely to be dismissed and arrested. "We had no reason to undermine the government."Some of those fired have not returned to Turkey for fear of prison sentences. They have had their passports revoked, bank accounts blocked and pension rights cancelled. Spouses and relatives who are still in Turkey are banned by police from leaving the country and some are imprisoned, according to the two farewell letters seen by Reuters."They took everything from me, even my family," said a U.S.-educated Turkish fighter pilot instructor, who was sent to NATO in Brussels for a three-year posting and was fired in August. The person has now requested asylum in Belgium."I have not been notified of any charges against me."Erdogan and the government blame the network of Turkish Islamic cleric Fethullah Gulen, who has lived in self-imposed exile in the United States since 1999, for masterminding the coup. They accuse his followers of infiltrating the military and state institutions over decades in a bid to seize power.But dismissed NATO soldiers say they were targeted because of their Western outlook and education in Europe and the United States. They believe that puts them at odds with Erdogan's vision of an Islamic Turkey inspired by the Ottoman empire, unable to fit in with what they see as Turkey's pious masses and a president forging a nation that will not be dictated to by foreigners.One dismissed staff member, Colonel Aziz Erdogan, wrote: "The common denominator of these victims is that all of them have a ... Western educational background and secular mindset." Erdogan, who is no relation of the president, made the comment in a letter entitled "Unfortunate Farewell" to colleagues at NATO headquarters in Brussels. (editing by David Stamp)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
MIAMI, Fla. Hillary Clinton recruited Al Gore, the former vice president in her husband's administration, to raise the specter of Gore's loss to former President George W. Bush in the contentious 2000 U.S. election to urge voters to go to the polls next month."Take it from me," Gore told a crowd of several hundred Clinton supporters at a campaign event in a college gymnasium. "Every single vote counts. Every single vote counts."As he campaigned for Clinton at Miami Dade College ahead of the November 8 election that pits her against Republican nominee Donald Trump, Gore reminded voters of the Florida recount saga 16 years ago. Bush was declared the winner in the state by a mere 537 votes after the intervention of the U.S. Supreme Court."Your vote really, really, really counts," Gore said. "You can consider me as an exhibit A of that. For those of you who are younger than 25 you might not remember the election of 2000 and what happened here in Florida. For those of you older than 25, I heard you murmuring just now, but take it from me it was a very close election."A chant grew out of the crowd: "You won! You won!"

Gore, who served as vice president under President Bill Clinton from 1993 to 2001, also sought to put a spotlight on the fight against climate change, which has long been his signature issue."When it comes to the most urgent issue facing our country and the world the choice in this election is extremely clear: Hillary Clinton will make solving the climate crisis a top national priority," Gore said. "Her opponent, based on the ideas he has presented, would take us toward a climate catastrophe."

Clinton highlighted comments from her rival Donald Trump expressing skepticism about climate change.In 2012, he said on his Twitter account that the "concept of global warming was created by and for the Chinese" in order to benefit its manufacturing sector.

"We cannot put a climate denier in the White House, at all," she said. "We need a president who believes in science." (Reporting by Jonathan Allen; Editing by Kenneth Maxwell)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
Kabul: Gunmen targeted Shiite pilgrims in Kabul late Tuesday, killing at least 14 people as they gathered to celebrate Ashura, one of the most important festivals on the Shiite calendar, officials said.

Some 36 people were wounded and at least one attacker killed, interior ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said, adding that the assault was over.

Special forces had briefly entered the Karte Sakhi shrine near Kabul University to see if any more gunmen were sheltering inside, with police evacuating people from the area, officials said.

Of the 14 killed, 13 were civilians and one a police officer. Three police were among the wounded, Seddiqi said.

"A number of attackers have targeted people in Karte Sakhi shrine," said Kabul Police chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi.

"Police have evacuated dozens of people from the shrine. A number of civilians and police have been injured." Police also said two grenades had been detonated during the attack.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the assault, which President Ashraf Ghani condemned as a "clear sign of a crime against humanity".

Ghani vowed the government would use its "maximum capacity" to provide security during Ashura, which will be celebrated on Wednesday, and called on all Afghanistan's sects to "stand firmly against" the country's enemies.

The threat of attack targeting Shiites was considered particularly serious during Ashura, and many foreign embassies had restricted their staff's movements until the end of the week in Kabul.

Ashura commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was assassinated in 680 and whose tragic end laid the foundation for the faith.

For Shiites around the world, Ashura is a symbol of the struggle against oppression.

The last attack on the Afghan Shiite minority, on 23 July in Kabul, killed 84 people and left 130 injured. It was claimed by the Islamic State organisation.

Tuesday's attack came as Afghanistan deployed hundreds of commandos backed by NATO air strikes in Lashkar Gah to drive Taliban insurgents from the southern city after their latest attempt to seize the capital of Helmand province.

The wave of violence underscored unravelling security in Afghanistan as the resurgent Taliban continue a push into urban centres 15 years after they were toppled from power by the US invasion.
By Vladimir Soldatkin and Tom Perry

| MOSCOW/BEIRUT

MOSCOW/BEIRUT U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet his Russian counterpart in Switzerland on Saturday to discuss Syria, officials said on Wednesday, as a devastating bombing campaign of the city of Aleppo intensified.The Syrian government launched an assault to capture rebel-held areas of Aleppo last month with Russian air support and Iranian-backed militias, a week into a ceasefire agreed by Washington and Moscow.Kerry broke off talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov last week over the offensive, which has included air strikes on hospitals that the United States and France said amounted to war crimes for which Syria and Russia were responsible.The Syrian and Russian governments blamed their foes for breaking the ceasefire and said they target only militants in the city, the last major urban stronghold of the Western-backed rebels, where more than 250,000 people are trapped under siege.The resumption of talks, despite the offensive, was a sign of the lack of options facing Western nations over the Syria conflict, where they worry scaled-up arms supplies for the rebels could end up in the hands of jihadist groups.Russia's Foreign Ministry said Kerry and Lavrov would meet in the Swiss city of Lausanne to consider steps towards settling the conflict. The meeting was expected to include foreign ministers from Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Iran.The U.S. State Department said Kerry had called for the meeting and would attend, but declined to say what foreign ministers other than Lavrov had been invited or would attend.White House spokesman Josh Earnest said Washington remained committed to a "deep multilateral engagement" to reduce the violence in Syria which would "necessarily" involve Russia too."But it is no longer in the context of trying to broker this agreement that would ... hold out the prospect of U.S. military cooperation with Russia. That's something that Russia has lost... the credibility to be able to try to agree to," he said. On Wednesday, 25 people were killed by heavy air strikes on rebel-held areas of Aleppo, the Civil Defence, a rescue service working in rebel-held areas, said on Twitter, adding that 15 of them were killed at a market place in the Fardous district.The Syrian army has denied targeting civilians.AIR STRIKES

A Syrian military source said warplanes had struck several locations to the south and southwest of Aleppo but Syrian and Russian officials could not immediately be reached to comment on the market place attack.It was the second day of heavy air strikes after a lull of several days which the Syrian army said was designed to allow civilians to leave.Rebels said the intensity of the air strikes on Tuesday and Wednesday had returned to the level seen at the start of the Russian-backed campaign to capture Aleppo.Moscow's intervention, which began just over a year ago, has tipped the scales back towards President Bashar al-Assad.The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based organisation that reports on the war, said it had documented the deaths of 55 people killed in escalating bombardment of eastern Aleppo in the last 48 hours.The Observatory also reported that four people were killed in government-held areas by insurgent shelling.Clashes between pro-government and rebel forces were also reported in a rebel-held area in southern Aleppo.

The war has killed more than 300,000 people, created the world's worst refugee crisis, allowed for the rise of Islamic State and drawn in regional and major powers. Assad aims to take back all of Aleppo, which was Syria's biggest city before the outbreak of war in 2011.The city has been divided between government and rebel control for years and food, water and medical supplies in rebel areas are now running low.Last Saturday Russia vetoed a French-drafted United Nations Security Council resolution that would have demanded an immediate end to air strikes and military flights over Aleppo.On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused France of deliberately luring Moscow into vetoing the resolution and suggested it was doing the bidding of the United States."What for? To exacerbate the situation and to whip up anti-Russian hysteria in media under their control, and to deceive their own citizens," Putin said, accusing France of serving U.S. domestic political interests.

"OBSTRUCTIVE ATTITUDE"

Putin later told France's TF1 television channel that the West, especially the United States, was responsible for Syria's plight and he dismissed the Western accusations of Russian and Syrian war crimes as "political rhetoric".French Prime Minister Manuel Valls faced criticism from opposition lawmakers over his government's handling of relations with Russia over Syria."Russia has chosen an obstructive attitude and from our point of view this stance is unjustifiable," Valls said after being asked by a parliamentarian why Paris was adopting a tough position on Russia.Despite the war of words, the Kremlin said Putin spoke to French President Francois Hollande and German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Wednesday and said he hoped Saturday's talks would be "fruitful".France and Britain back a proposal for a dilution of big powers' United Nations vetoes in cases of serious war crimes, the top U.N. human rights official said in Geneva, but he gave little support to Syrian opposition hopes of strong-arming Russia over eastern Aleppo.Zeid Ra'ad al Hussein, U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, said last week that Security Council veto powers should be curbed to help resolve the situation and bring Syria under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court.The dispute over Aleppo has unfolded against a backdrop of separate campaigns being waged against Islamic State by a U.S.-led alliance and the Russian-backed Syrian army.As part of the fight against IS, Syrian rebels backed by Turkey are currently waging a campaign in northern Syria near the Turkish border.A rebel commander told Reuters the Turkey-backed forces had advanced closer to an Islamic State-held village that is of great symbolic significance to the group on Wednesday.The rebels captured the village of Duweibiq, which is some 2 km from Dabiq - the site of an apocalyptic prophecy central to the militant group's ideology. "The clashes were not very fierce but there is resistance," the commander said. (Additional reporting by Alexander Winning and Katya Golubkova in MOSCOW, Tom Miles and Stephanie Nebehay in GENEVA, Lesley Wroughton and Arshad Mohammed in WASHINGTON; Writing by Philippa Fletcher; Editing by Gareth Jones and Sandra Maler)

This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed.
By Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON A U.S. Navy destroyer was targeted on Wednesday in a failed missile attack from territory in Yemen controlled by Iran-aligned Houthi rebels, the second such incident in four days, the U.S. military said.The USS Mason fired defensive salvos in response to at least one missile which did not hit the ship or caused any damage as it operated north of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Pentagon said. Indications are that the second salvo brought down an incoming missile, one U.S. official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.The renewed attempt to target the U.S. Navy destroyer will add pressure on the U.S. military to retaliate, a move that would represent the first direct U.S. military action against Houthis in Yemen's conflict. The Pentagon said it would respond "at the appropriate time and in the appropriate manner." The United States, a longtime ally of Saudi Arabia, has provided aerial refueling of jets from a Saudi-led coalition striking Yemen and it supplies U.S. weapons sales to the kingdom. Michael Knights, an expert on Yemen's conflict at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, said the missile attacks appeared to be the Houthis' response to an attack last weekend, widely blamed on Saudi-led forces, on mourners gathered in Yemen's Houthi-held capital Sanaa.The White House says it is reviewing its support for Saudi-led forces in Yemen in the wake of Saturday's strike, which killed at least 140 people by one count.Knights said the targeting of U.S. warship suggested the Houthis, fighters from a Shi'ite sect that ruled a 1,000-year kingdom in northern Yemen until 1962, could be becoming more militarily aligned with groups like Lebanon's Shi'ite militant group Hezbollah. "Targeting U.S. warships is a sign that the Houthis have decided to join the axis of resistance that currently includes Lebanese Hezbollah, Hamas and Iran," Knight said.

The USS Mason was also the target of a failed missile attack off Yemen on Sunday, and the Navy praised the resolve of sailors aboard the ship. "The team in USS Mason demonstrated initiative and toughness as they defended themselves and others against these unfounded attacks over the weekend and again today," the Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson said."All Americans should be proud of them," he said.

KEY SHIPPING LANE

The missile incidents, along with an Oct. 1 strike on a vessel from the United Arab Emirates, add to questions about safety of passage for military ships around the Bab al-Mandab Strait, one of the world's busiest shipping routes. The Houthis, who are battling the internationally-recognised government of Yemen President Abd Rabbu Mansour al-Hadi, denied any involvement in the previous attempt to strike the USS Mason. But U.S. officials have told Reuters there are growing indications that Houthi rebels, despite those denials, were responsible for Sunday's incident.

The rebels appeared to use small skiffs as spotters to help direct the missile attack on the warship on Sunday. The United States is also investigating the possibility that a radar station under Houthi control in Yemen might have also "painted" the USS Mason, something that would have helped the Houthi fighters pass along coordinates for a strike, the officials have said.The Houthis, who are allied to Hadi's predecessor Ali Abdullah Saleh, have the support of many army units and control most of the north including the capital Sanaa.Reuters has learned that the coastal defence cruise missiles used against the USS Mason on Sunday had considerable range, adding to concerns about the kind of heavy weaponry that the Houthis appear willing to employ and some of which U.S. officials believe is supplied by Iran.Although the United States has provided limited support for the Saudi-led coalition battling the Houthis, it also has reserved its direct military role in Yemen to the fight against al Qaeda's affiliate, al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula.That general U.S. policy might still remain in place, even if it opts to carry out one-off retaliatory strikes.Yemen's war has killed at least 10,000 people and brought parts of the country to the brink of starvation. (Reporting by Phil Stewart and Idrees Ali; Editing by G Crosse and Alistair Bell)

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By David Brunnstrom

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON The top U.S. diplomat for East Asia said on Wednesday he did not know what a "panoply" of statements by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte since taking office this year would mean for Manila's future security cooperation with Washington.Duterte has made a series of conflicting statements about the future of his country's long-standing alliance with the United States. Last week he said U.S. President Barack Obama should "go to hell" and alluded to severing ties with Washington.On Wednesday, in an apparent break from a weeks-long torrent of anti-American rhetoric, Duterte said the Philippines would maintain its existing defence treaties and its military alliances.But he added to the confusion when he said his foreign policy was to "realign" and reiterated that joint exercises with U.S. troops, a decades-old tradition, would be stopped.Obama's senior U.S. diplomat for East Asia, Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel, told a roundtable discussion with Washington defence journalists he was baffled."President Duterte has made a panoply of statements; I think the operative adjective is 'colourful,'" he said.

"But what that will ultimately translate (into) in terms of the ability of the Philippines to work with the United States on issues directly germane to security and even some of the regional and global challenges it faces ... we dont have an answer to just yet."Russel said he was not aware of any changes in security cooperation but added, "Im not saying it couldnt happen, it wouldn't happen."

He said that if the Philippine government were to propose specific changes to the relationship, the United States would "deal with that," but said there was "a distinction to be made between general high level pronouncements and considered policy decisions and actions.""There is a lot of noise, theres a lot of stray voltage in the media, but ultimately the decisions about the alliance operations are going to be taken, I believe in a deliberate and thoughtful way."Russel said the United States was "working through" the uncertainty and added that the two countries had "been through a lot worse in our 70-year history."

He said the U.S. relationship brought "tremendous" benefits to the Philippines ranging from cooperation on counter-terrorism and combating illegal fishing to dealing with Manila's territorial disputes with China in the South China Sea.Russel said Manila's developing dialogue with China was "in principle" a good thing, provided it was conducted on terms acceptable to the Philippines and consistent with international law. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom; Editing by Andrew Hay)

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Paris: Lawyers for the main suspect in the Paris attacks, Salah Abdeslam, said that they will no longer defend him, speaking during a TV interview on Wednesday.

"We both decided to give up his defence," lawyer Frank Berton said in an interview with BFM TV.

"We don't think that he will speak and he will use the right to remain silent," said Berton in a joint interview with fellow lawyer Sven Mary.

"In this position what would you like us to do. We said from the beginning... that if our client remained silent we would quit his defence," Berton added.

"When you have the feeling of being there to make social visits to the prison, that is the moment when a decision has to be made," added Mary.

Abdeslam has refused to answer questions since being transferred to France from Belgium in April and is believed to be angry at round-the-clock surveillance of his jail cell.

After four months on the run, Abdeslam was arrested on 18 March in Molenbeek, a Brussels neighbourhood notorious for being a hotbed of Islamic extremism, where he grew up.

He was transferred to France to face terror charges on 27 April. Abdeslam has refused to answer questions since being transferred to France from Belgium in April.

Investigators have yet to pin down Abdeslam's exact role in the coordinated attacks on Paris bars, restaurants, a concert hall and the national stadium last November in which 130 people were killed. Abdeslam is the sole surviving member of the group behind the 13 November carnage at a Paris concert hall, bars and the national stadium that left 130 people dead and scores injured.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the atrocity, one of a string of attacks claimed by the jihadists that have put Europe on edge.

Berton said he had seen his client around 10 times and had regularly spoken to him on the phone.

He said the 27-year-old Belgian-born French national had written to the authorities to tell them he no longer wanted representation.

Just like 'social visits'

Mary, his Belgian counsel, said he had felt as if his role was just to "pay social visits to the prison".

Abdeslam has protested at the round-the-clock CCTV surveillance of his jail cell in Fleury-Merogis prison south of Paris, where he is being held in solitary confinement.

The CCTV surveillance was the "clear" reason why he was tightlipped, said Berton.

"Authorisation for the surveillance is valid for three months and the minister of justice is going to decide shortly on whether to renew it," Berton said. "I sense that he (Abdeslam) will contest this as well."

Abdeslam drove the three suicide bombers who blew themselves up outside the Stade de France to the stadium and then roamed the city before fleeing to Belgium the next day.

He told investigators there he had also wanted to blow himself up at the Stade de France but had changed his mind.
By Kanupriya Kapoor and Enrico Dela Cruz

| MANILA

MANILA Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is set to sign a regulation this month banning smoking in public across Southeast Asia's second-most populous country, rolling out among the toughest anti-tobacco laws in the region. Public health campaigners who have long battled against the country's hefty tobacco lobby welcomed the push to end smoking in public places and said they believed Duterte, with his tough anti-vice record, was the man to do it. Health Secretary Paulyn Jean Rosell-Ubial told Reuters on Tuesday she hoped the president would sign the ban, which expands the definition of public places, into law before the end of October and that it would come into effect next month. She was quoted by newspapers as saying that no smoking would be allowed in public places, whether indoor or outdoor. "Parks, bus stations, and even in vehicles. All these are considered public places," she said, according to media. She later clarified the law would apply only to public vehicles.Designated smoking areas will be set up, at least 10 meters (33 feet) outside buildings, according to a draft of the executive order seen by Reuters. Around 17 million people, or nearly a third of the adult population, smoke in the Philippines, according to a 2014 report by Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance, - the second highest in the region after Indonesia. Nearly half of all Filipino men and 9 percent of women smoke and experts say the habit costs the economy nearly $4 billion in healthcare and productivity losses every year.Sandra Mullin of Vital Strategies, a global public health organization, said smoke-free laws reduced smoking prevalence by 4 percent, if fully comprehensive. Marlboro owner Philip Morris International, estimated to hold more than 70 percent of the Philippines market through its joint venture with Fortune Tobacco, will be among the international producers most affected by the proposed ban.In 2015, the Philippines accounted for almost 1 in every 13 cigarettes sold by Philip Morris globally, though analysts estimated it was worth a far smaller 2 percent of profit.A spokeswoman for Philip Morris International referred queries on the proposed ban to the Philippine Tobacco Institute, which represents tobacco interests in the country.A spokesman for the institute said he had no immediate comment on the proposed ban.

SCALING UP

The proposed smoking ban replicates on a national level an existing law in Davao City, where Duterte ruled as mayor for 22 years until his rise to the presidency earlier this year. Penalties for breaking the anti-smoking law in Davao can include a 5,000 Philippine peso ($103) fine or four months in prison.When Duterte was in Davao, he once personally forced a man to stub out his cigarette and eat it after he refused to stop smoking in a restaurant, according to media reports. A government spokesman declined to comment on the incident but said:

"Certainly in Davao, the sentiment and business establishments support a smoke-free Davao. The president sees it as something that's not ideal for health... and this is part of the public well-being," Ernesto Abella said. Duterte also rolled out a number of other strict rules in the city of 1.5 million during his term as mayor, including banning late-night drinking and karaoke, and a 10 p.m. curfew for school children. He also oversaw a severe crackdown on narcotics and crime in the city, earning him the nickname "The Punisher".The 71-year old won the presidency on a promise of widening that crackdown throughout the country of 100 million. Over 3,600 people, mostly small-time drug user and dealers, have died in police operations and alleged vigilante killings since he took office in June. Anti-tobacco activists said Duterte's reputation meant the nationwide smoking ban would be implemented."This is effectively a scaling up of the Davao City plan," said Ralph Degollacion of Health Justice Philippines, a local NGO. "We know his track record... and given the political will in his government, we're confident that in terms of implementation he will really push it," he said.

When asked if the ban could extend to alcohol and gambling - both multi-million dollar industries - government spokesman Abella said there were no such plans in the offing and that bars and casinos were continuing to operate normally.BIG TOBACCO UNDER PRESSURE

The nationwide ban is set to be among the strictest no-smoking laws in Southeast Asia. The region is home to nearly 10 percent of the world's smokers and while most countries have partial smoking bans in place, enforcement is often lax.The Philippines ban will also cover 'vaping' or the use of electronic cigarettes.For tobacco companies, already under pressure from tobacco tax hikes under the previous government, that's bad news. "A smoking ban could see any further recovery in the sales dynamics in the market stall," Owen Bennett, equity analyst at Jefferies International, said in a note.Duterte's government has also proposed increasing taxes on cigarettes and other tobacco products, Finance Undersecretary Karl Kenneth Chua said. The tax would build on a landmark tax-hike imposed by the previous government, but Chua did not elaborate on how much additional revenue the government was expected to net. (Additional reporting by Clara Ferreira Marques in Singapore and Martine Geller in London; Editing by Raju Gopalakrishnan)

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Paris: President Francois Hollande speaks of "a problem with Islam" in French society, in excerpts published on Wednesday of a book in which he also suggests that immigration needs to be curbed. "There is a problem with Islam because Islam requires (holy) sites and recognition," Hollande told two journalists from Le Monde newspaper for the book which will be published on Thursday.

"It's not Islam that poses a problem in the sense of its being a religion that is dangerous in itself, but because it wants to assert itself as a religion in the (French) republic," he is quoted as saying in Un president ne devrait pas dire ca, which translates as A president shouldn't say this.

Elsewhere in the book, Hollande says he thinks "there are too many arrivals, immigration that should not take place." Immigration and national identity are key themes in campaigning for next year's presidential election, which has echoes of the US race for the White House, with far-right leader Marine Le Pen riding high in the polls.

A string of jihadist attacks in France in the past two years, coupled with the Europe-wide migrant crisis, have stoked anti-immigration sentiment. A heated debate about Muslim integration in staunchly secular France came to a head over the summer when around 30 towns banned the body-concealing burkini swimsuit.

France's highest administrative court later ruled that such a ban was a "serious" violation of basic freedoms. The deeply unpopular Hollande has not yet declared whether he intends to stand for re-election. But his arch-rival Nicolas Sarkozy, bidding for the centre-right nomination, is campaigning heavily on populist anti-immigration themes.
By James Oliphant and Katya Golubkova

| WASHINGTON/MOSCOW

WASHINGTON/MOSCOW Even as WikiLeaks released another trove of internal documents from Hillary Clintons campaign on Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted his country was not involved in an effort to influence the U.S. presidential election.Last week, the U.S. government formally accused Russia of launching a hacking campaign to interfere with the U.S. election process. Clintons campaign, which has charged the Kremlin is trying to help Republican Donald Trump win the White House on Nov. 8, took its allegations a step further on Tuesday when John Podesta, chairman of the Democratic nominees campaign, accused the Trump campaign of colluding with Russia.In Moscow, Putin said nothing in the hacking scandal is in Russias interests and accused all sides in the U.S. presidential campaign of misusing rhetoric about Russia for their own purposes. They started this hysteria, saying this (hacking) is in Russias interests, but this has nothing to do with Russias interests, Putin told a business forum.Putin said his government would work with whoever won the U.S. election, "if, of course, the new U.S. leader wishes to work with our country." WikiLeaks, the organisation started by Julian Assange that publishes leaked information on the internet, this week released thousands of emails from Podestas email account and has not said how it obtained them. Last week, it posted excerpts from Clintons private speeches to banking and financial firms. The Clinton campaign has not confirmed the authenticity of the messages. The leaks, coming as the election campaign reaches the final stretch, have the potential to embarrass the Clinton camp. In recent days, however, Trump's own campaign has been in deeper trouble over the emergence of a 2005 video in which Trump bragged about groping women. Many Republican elected officials have turned their back on him and Clinton's lead in national opinion polls has increased.Clinton, who was secretary of state from 2009-2013, has repeatedly accused Trump of having overly friendly ties with Putin and Russia.

She has noted that Trumps foreign policies have tended to align with Russians interests, whether it has been questioning NATOs role in defending Eastern Europe, failing to recognise Russias intrusion into Ukraine, and supporting Russias actions in Syria. Trump, a New York businessman who has never previously run for office, has shifted his policies on a wide range of issues, from taxes to the minimum wage to immigration during his White House campaign but his statements on Russia have been consistent. His friendly stance toward Moscow departs from the views of many prominent Republicans. During a presidential debate on Sunday, Trump publicly disagreed with his own vice presidential choice, Mike Pence, who had called for a more hawkish approach toward Russia. "I DON'T KNOW PUTIN"

At that debate, Trump questioned whether Russia was behind the hacks, as the U.S. government has asserted. And on Wednesday, during a rally in Ocala, Fla., Trump echoed those remarks.

Have you ever noticed, anything that goes wrong they blame Russia?" Trump told the crowd. "They always blame Russia and then they says Donald Trump is friends . . . I dont know Putin, folks. What the hell do I have to do with Putin?Trump has said that as president he would seek warmer relations with Russia and that it would be in the United States' best interests to seek Russia's help to defeat Islamic State. Trump is the most pro-Russian presidential candidate ever, said Max Boot, a senior fellow for national security studies at the Council of Foreign Relations. Putin no doubt sees a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to reorient U.S. foreign policy in his direction by electing Trump.A Russian ultra-nationalist ally of Putin who is known for his fiery rhetoric said Trump was the only person able to de-escalate dangerous tensions between Moscow and Washington, and predicted nuclear war if Clinton were elected. "Relations between Russia and the United States can't get any worse. The only way they can get worse is if a war starts," Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a flamboyant veteran lawmaker, told Reuters.

Clinton campaign chairman Podesta said on Tuesday the FBI was investigating a criminal hack of his emails, and he tied the Trump campaign to the leaks by suggesting that a former Trump adviser, Roger Stone, had advance warning of the hacks. The Trump campaign has not responded to the allegation about Stone, but Trump has denied any coordination with the Russian government to embarrass Clinton. He has, however, made clear he supports WikiLeaks efforts. I love WikiLeaks, he said at a rally in Pennsylvania on Tuesday. The United States has an ongoing criminal investigation into Assanges publishing of classified material. Clinton has been a fierce critic of Assange, who remains at the Ecuadorean embassy in London where he sought refuge in 2012 to avoid possible extradition to Sweden. Last week, the Office of the Director of National Intelligence and Department of Homeland Security said the government was confident the hacks of Democratic political groups and campaign officials originated from high levels of the Russian government.The White House on Tuesday promised a proportional response to Russia over the hacks. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov told CNN the United States has offered no proof of his governments involvement, and suggested Moscow was unconcerned about possible reprisals.If they decided to do something, let them do it, Lavrov said. (Additional reporting by Steve Holland, Amanda Becker, Ginger Gibson, Mark Hosenball, Luciana Lopez and Alexander Winning; Writing by James Oliphant; Editing by Frances Kerry and Alistair Bell)

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By Matthias Blamont

| CALAIS, France

CALAIS, France In thick fog, Nasir helped load his young family's scant possessions into a van and turned his back on the beaten-up caravan that has been home for the past nine months in a migrant camp known as the "Jungle" in northern France.In a few days, the French government will begin dismantling the filthy, ramshackle camp outside Calais that has become a searing symbol of Europe's struggle to respond to an influx of migrants fleeing war and poverty.Nasir, a 23-year-old Afghan, doesn't want to wait for the bulldozers to move in and raze the camp as winter approaches. Instead, he, his wife Nabila and their 7-month old infant are joining one of the last voluntary resettlement convoys bound for reception centres across France."We just want a life, nothing more," Nasir told Reuters in broken English.A Union Jack flag painted on his caravan is a poignant reminder of Nasir's now-dashed dreams of a better life in Britain, barely 21 miles (33 km) away across the English Channel and the preferred destination of almost all migrants in Calais.No one knows for sure how many have made the perilous crossing from France to Britain, sometimes stowed away in the back of lorries or clinging to the undersides of trains.Thousands have however failed, including Nasir, thwarted by barbed wire-topped fencing lining the highway between the camp and the Calais ferry port, by police patrols as well as a battery of security cameras. Now a wall is being built on the port's approach road to serve as a further deterrent.President Francois Hollande said last month that France would completely shut down "the Jungle" by the end of the year. The plan is to relocate migrants in small groups around the country, largely removing the option of forging a new life in Britain. Nasir now hopes France will grant him asylum. "On the one hand, closing the Jungle is good. There is nothing, no future here," Nasir said. "The Jungle is not fit for humans, it's for animals."

DESTINATION SOUTHWESTERN FRANCE

A new census on Tuesday showed there are about 6,500 migrants holed up in the camp, though aid workers say the number is closer to 10,000. Most are from countries like Afghanistan, Sudan and Eritrea, and increasingly Syria.A small crowd encircled Nasir and exchanged farewells before a state worker drove the family to the bus waiting to transfer them to a reception centre in Merignac on the outskirts of Bordeaux in distant southwestern France.

The migrants cannot choose where they end up and even as France prepares to shut the "Jungle", many still target Britain."England, England!" shouted one Afghan teenager as Nasir bid his goodbyes.Ahead of a presidential election next April, Hollande has faced mounting public pressure to dismantle the camp and relocate its inhabitants. Conservative opponents have raised the heat, accusing the Socialist president of mismanaging a problem they say is ultimately a British one.Hollande reminded Britain two weeks ago that it had a role to play in managing the flow of migrants. He said that were France to stop preventing the migrants from leaving French soil, Britain would find itself obliged to deal with them when they landed on its shores.Vincent Berton, a senior official in the Calais town hall, described the camp closure as a "humanitarian operation", and said that more than 6,000 Jungle migrants had been moved to reception centres in the past 12 months. An average of three bus-loads were leaving each week, he said.

Yet Hollande's plans are meeting stiff local resistance in some towns where the 160 reception centres have been set up.Last week shots were fired at two planned migrant centres, one in the western seaside resort town of Saint Brevin and the other in Saint-Hilaire-du-Rosier in southeastern France, a conservative stronghold.In the southern village of Allex, the mayor sought to hold a local referendum on whether to accept its quota of 50 migrants before regional officials blocked the vote in court.Such resistance highlights the balancing act the government faces upholding humanitarian obligations and pleasing voters as Europe searches for a coherent response to the migration crisis."I want to stay in France, if France wants me," said Rawaz Rawchy, 33, an Iraqi Kurd, as he boarded the bus. "We have to leave now. My children can no longer sleep because of the cold." (Writing by Richard Lough; editing by Mark Heinrich)

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By Alex Dobuzinskis

Several San Antonio police officers who wore Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump's "Make America Great Again" hats during his stop in Texas on Tuesday face discipline for violating a policy against endorsing a candidate while on duty, the police chief said.More than a dozen officers in uniform wore the red caps with Trump's slogan as they stood with the candidate at an airport, in a video posted on Trump's Twitter page.The 25-second clip bears the words "We will make America safe & great again, together" as the officers walk away.San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor later said on Facebook she was "deeply disappointed" by the display and Police Chief William McManus said in a statement the officers showed "poor judgment.""I expect them to know better than to give the appearance of endorsing a candidate while on duty and in uniform, regardless of the political campaign or the candidate," McManus said.

The identities of the officers was not immediately clear and they could not be reached for comment.They were escorting Trump at the end of his visit, said Michael Helle, president of the San Antonio Police Officers Association, in a statement."Frankly, the officers were most likely caught up in the moment and did not consider the political nature of their actions," Helle said.

Helle told the San Antonio Express-News he expected the officers to only face "benign" punishment, such as a written reprimand.Last month, the Fraternal Order of Police, the largest U.S. organization of its kind, endorsed Trump. The group's president said at the time his members believed the Republican nominee would "make America safe again."Trump has described himself as the "law-and-order" candidate at a time when law enforcement has become a major focus of public discussion in the United States.

Violent crime rose last year though it remains far below peak levels of the 1990s. In the last two years, the country has seen a number of major protests against the deaths of black men in encounters with police, which has sparked a debate over police use of force and the role of racial bias in the criminal justice system. San Antonio prohibits employees from taking action to support a political candidate while on paid duty but it allows them to engage in political speech on their own time, according to a policy document on the city's website. (Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis in Los Angeles)

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By John Whitesides and Susan Heavey

| WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump lashed out at U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan and other "disloyal" Republicans on Tuesday and vowed to campaign in whatever style he wants now that the party establishment has largely abandoned him.Trump, in a barrage of stinging Twitter posts, condemned the Republicans who have backed away from his White House run, deepening a dramatic rift in the party over his struggling campaign for the Nov. 8 election."It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to," Trump said on Twitter, adding he would engage Democratic rival Hillary Clinton on his own terms.Describing "disloyal" Republicans as more difficult than Clinton, he said: "They come at you from all sides. They don't know how to win - I will teach them!"A string of Republican officials and officeholders have distanced themselves from Trump since a 2005 video surfaced on Friday showing him bragging crudely to a reporter about groping women and making unwanted sexual advances.Despite the turn away from Trump by some elected Republicans, a Reuters/Ipsos poll of likely voters, released on Tuesday, found 58 percent of Republicans wanted Trump to stay atop their party's ticket and 68 percent said the Republican leadership should stand by him.The poll, which was conducted after the second presidential debate on Sunday, showed Clinton's lead over Trump widening to 8 points from 5 points last week, before the release of the video. Ryan, the top Republican in Congress, told party lawmakers on Monday he was breaking with Trump and would not campaign for him, all but conceding Clinton would win the presidency. The move angered some Trump supporters, although Ryan said he would not withdraw his endorsement of the New York businessman.Trump slammed Ryan as a "very weak and ineffective leader" and complained in another tweet that it was hard to do well with "zero support" from Ryan and others.Ryan's spokesman, Brendan Buck, said on Tuesday that the speaker "is focusing the next month on defeating Democrats, and all Republicans running for office should probably do the same."

Trump also took aim at U.S. Senator John McCain of Arizona, the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, who said on Saturday that he could not vote for Trump."The very foul mouthed Sen. John McCain begged for my support during his primary (I gave, he won), then dropped me over locker room remarks," Trump said. There was no immediate reaction from McCain, who secured his primary election win in August. Many Republicans worry that Trump's chaotic campaign could hurt their chances of holding majorities in the House of Representatives and Senate in next month's election, and will inflict long-term damage on the party.PARTY REVOLT

In an extraordinary party revolt, nearly half of all 331 incumbent Republican senators, House members and governors have condemned Trump's lewd remarks on the video, and roughly one in 10 has called for him to drop out of the race, a Reuters review of official statements and local news coverage indicates.Unlike Ryan, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus told RNC members on Monday that the committee, the party's leadership and fundraising arm, still backed Trump, two RNC members told Reuters. Trump's vice presidential running mate, Indiana Governor Mike Pence, also reinforced his support in television interviews on Monday.New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a former 2016 Republican presidential contender who has became a close ally of Trump, also reaffirmed his backing, although he called Trump's comments in the 2005 video "completely indefensible." Trump, 70, who has portrayed himself as tough on national security, released a hard-hitting television advertisement on Tuesday featuring footage of Clinton, a 68-year-old former secretary of state, stumbling last month after leaving a service commemorating the Sept. 11 attacks. Her campaign said she had been diagnosed a few days earlier with pneumonia.

"Hillary Clinton doesn't have the fortitude, strength or stamina to lead in our world," the ad's narrator says. "She failed as secretary of state. Don't let her fail us again."'INSULTED EVERYONE'

Both Trump and Clinton headed to the key battleground state of Florida on Tuesday.Before her Florida rally with former Vice President Al Gore, Clinton told a Miami radio station that Trump had "insulted everyone.""People need to understand what's at stake in this election," she told WMBM.The White House said on Tuesday that Trump's remarks about groping women in the video amounted to sexual assault. President Barack Obama had found the comments repugnant, White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters on Air Force One.Clinton, the first woman to be picked as a presidential nominee by a major U.S. party, tried to focus on Tuesday on issues that could win over undecided women voters, proposing to expand the child tax credit so that more low-income families can benefit and to increase by $1,000 a year the tax credit available to families for each child up to age 4. (Additional reporting by Doina Chiacu, Ayesha Rascoe and Chris Kahn; Writing by Emily Flitter; Editing by Frances Kerry and Peter Cooney)

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Washington: The US has expressed concern over the difficulties and dangers faced by journalists in Pakistan but refrained from commenting on the travel restrictions imposed on a Pakistani scribe for reporting a rift between the civilian and military leaderships.

"I'm aware of the reports of restrictions on Mr. (Cyril) Almeida's travel. I would refer you to the government of Pakistan for information on that," State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference on Tuesday.

"On press freedom, it's obviously an issue that we continue to raise regularly with the government of Pakistan, including our concerns about the difficulties and the dangers that journalists face there," he said.

"We are concerned about any efforts to limit press freedom or the ability of journalists to conduct their very, very important work," Kirby said.

Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect Journalists urged Pakistan to "immediately lift the travel ban" on Almeida.

"Pakistan can be a dangerous place for journalists, but the nation has a proud tradition of a fiercely independent press," said CPJ Asia Programme Coordinator Steven Butler.

"Unhappiness with a press report should never be used as an excuse to restrict the freedom of a journalist," he added.

Under Secretary, State for Political Affairs, Tom Shannon held a working lunch with the Pakistan Ambassador to the US, Jalil Abbas Jilani. There was no readout of the meeting.

Almeida, a prominent Pakistani journalist, has been barred from leaving the country after he reported a rift between the civilian and military leaderships over the powerful ISI shielding terror groups like the Haqqani network and LeT that led to Pakistan's international isolation.
Huaweis Honor brand just launched the Honor 8, the companys latest high-end smartphone in India as it had promised. It was announced in China back in July. It packs a 5.2-inch 1080p 2.5D curved glass display, is powered by an Octa-Core Kirin 950 processor with 4GB of RAM and runs on Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) with EMUI 4.1. It has dual 12-megapixel rear cameras, one with monochrome and other with color sensor to capture crisper, more detailed photos.

It also has 2.5D curved glass on the back and aluminum alloy frame. The company is launching single SIM version of the phone in the country that has a dedicated memory card slot. It also has an infrared sensor with smart remote 4.0 app.

honor 8 specifications

5.2-inch (1920 x 1080 pixels) Full HD 2.5D curved glass display, 96% NTSC color gamut

Octa-Core Kirin 950 (2.3GHz 4 x A72 + 1.8GHz 4 x A53) 16nm processor with Mali T880-MP4 GPU

4GB RAM with 32GB storage, expandable memory up to 128GB with microSD

Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) with EMUI 4.1

12MP dual rear cameras (monochrome + color) with dual-tone LED flash, Laser AF, f/2.2 aperture, 6P lens, 1.4um pixel size

8MP front-facing camera with f/2.4 aperture

Fingerprint sensor, Infrared sensor

Dimensions: 145.5 x 71 x 7.45mm;Weight: 153g

4G, Wi-Fiac (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth 4.2, GPS, NFC, USB Type-C

3000mAh (typical) / 2900mAh (minimum) battery

The Honor 8 comes in Sunrise Gold, Pearl White, Sapphire Blue colors and is priced at Rs. 29,999 in India. It will be available for Amazon.in, Flipkart and the Honor store online and will also be available through offline retailers. It comes with extended warranty for 2 years, free replacement for 3 months for manufacturing defects and screen replacement warranty for 3 months.

We unboxed the smartphone recently and will bring the complete review soon.

Commenting on the launch, George Zhao, President, Honor said:

We recently celebrated the second anniversary of Honor in India. Honor has received an incredible amount of love and support for all of our products starting with Honor 6 in 2014 and are excited to launch three new offering to our customers. These three smartphones include- Honor 8, a sleek and elegant smartphone that boosts of our dual lens camera legacy; the Honor 8 Smart and we proudly announce our first Make in India; smartphone Honor Holly 3 coming from our Chennai plant. With this launch, we continue our India journey and promise to introduce even more high-quality, disruptive products in the market.
Lenovo launched the Vibe K5 Note smartphone in the Vibe K series in India back in August starting Rs. 11,999. At the launch the smartphone did not support 4G VoLTE (Voice Over LTE) at the launch for making calls on Reliance Jio network. Last week it finally rolled out a new software update that adds the support in India.

This can be enabled from the mobile network settings and enabling Enhanced 4G LTE mode. One enabled, you can see the VoLTE logo showing up in status bar on the top, next to the signal.

The Lenovo Vibe K5 Note VoLTE update S312 is 122MB in size, also includes the Android security update for September, 2016. Check out our Lenovo Vibe K5 Note review, if you are planning to get the phone.
UIMI Technologies, a Delhi-based brand popular for its power banks has launched its first solar power bank under the Make in India initiative. The 6000mAh power bank can also be charged using power, is dust and waterproof and has rubber finish for better durability

It comes with a single input port and dual output USB ports for charging 2 devices simultaneously. It has 2.4W LED panel light. It also has indicative lights to display charging and power consumption status. It promises charging conversion rate of up to 74% and takes about 6 to 8 hours to charge it using a charger.

Highlights of UIMI U3

6000mAh Lithium Polymer battery

Solar and Electricity Chargeable

Input (5V/1A), Dual output (5V/2A each)

Water Proof and Dust Proof

Rubber finish

2.4W LED Torch light

Indicative lights show remaining power in power bank and charging status.

The UIMI U3 6000mAh power bank comes in Deep Sky Blue and Lime Green colors and is priced at Rs. 799. It is available from Amazon.in, Snapdeal and other e-commerce retailers.

Commenting on the launch Abhinaya Pratap Singh, Marketing Manager, Bingo Technologies Pvt. Ltd, said:

Our UIMI ranges of power banks are powerful, reliable and offer something unique to our customers. The new U3 is designed to address the needs of the modern user. From a powerful 6000 mAh li-on battery which helps charge your smartphone multiple times, to a LED torch light , water and dustproof features and a rubber finish design, the UIMI U3 is built for heavy duty use. Priced affordably, we are certain it will be a treat for our customers this Diwali.
When you have as long and as storied a history as does McDonald's (MCD -0.52%), you're bound to revolutionize how your industry operates. For example, although the Chicken McNugget was invented in the 1970s, scalable production wasn't available until 1983, when the company was able to replace the slow-selling Onion Nugget, and boneless chicken bites suddenly became a huge thing.

And while it may be known that its famous Golden Arches were not representative of the letter "M" in the McDonald's name until five years after they debuted, but rather signified the restaurant's architecture, there are dozens if not hundreds of interesting facts about this iconic and ubiquitous fast-food chain.

Below are 13 more fascinating things you probably didn't know about the hamburger king.

The first food McDonald's served was hot dogs, not hamburgers. The chain operates some 36,000 restaurants -- many more than Burger King (15,100), Wendy's (6,500), and Sonic (3,500) combined. According to its operations and training manual, McDonald's sells "more than 75 hamburgers per second, of every minute, of every hour, of every day of the year." Ronald McDonald was first introduced in 1966, and the clown character is by some reckonings the second-most recognizable character in the world behind Santa Claus, with one survey finding that 96% of all U.S. schoolchildren knew him. The Big Mac was first introduced in Pittsburgh in 1968. There are four Chicken McNugget shapes: the Boot, the Ball, the Bow Tie and the Bell. There are 2,400 quality checks involved in a single day's beef-patty production at the company's beef supplier, Cargill. Keystone Foods (which also helped create the Chicken McNugget) was created as a result of demand from McDonald's for its Individual Quick Freeze process, which kept beef patties fresh-tasting. The process is used by burger makers worldwide today. Cargill takes only about 21 days on average to process its beef and deliver it to a McDonald's restaurant, meaning a typical hamburger you eat at the restaurant was likely a cow chewing its cud just three weeks prior. McDonald's famous french fries are "peeled" via high-pressure steam at supplier McCain's facility, then shot through a slicer at about 40 mph to achieve the uniform shape for which they're known. In the U.S., McDonald's purchases more than 13 million cage-free eggs each year, or about 10% of the 130 million eggs the chain uses annually. It promises to be 100% cage-free by 2025. It's estimated McDonald's has served well over 300 billion hamburgers since its founding, but the company officially stopped keeping count somewhere around 1994, which is why the restaurant signs say either "Over 99 Billion Served" or "Billions and Billions Served." McDonald's sold its 100 millionth burger in 1958 and surpassed 400 million two years later. It hit 700 million burgers by 1962, and the billionth burger was served in 1963 on the Art Linkletter TV show. By 1983, McDonald's had sold 45 billion hamburgers, and then it grew by 5 billion burgers a year through 1993, when the 100 billionth burger never seemed to materialize.

A multiyear slide in sales may have stalled reaching the next milestone, whatever that happens to be. Yet McDonald's seems to have gotten itself back on track with three straight quarters of rising same-store sales. Investors are looking for four in a row when the company next reports earnings.
First the bullpen, then ESPN, and now, Curt Schilling could be heading to the beltway. He joined the FOX Business Networks Mornings with Maria to discuss his potential run for office.

Im thinking about it Ultimately it comes down to what my wife says, but yeah its something Im seriously considering, he said.

The former Boston Red Sox pitcher criticized Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren describing her as a Wall Street girl and then explained why he wants to unseat her.

I think above all else political office is about leading. Its about being able to relay and take a message [and] as a Senator your job is to go to Washington, [and] take the concerns of your constituents in the state. Im clearly not establishment. I think I have a firm grasp of how it works and an understanding of issues and I also look at someone like Elizabeth Warren as one of the reasons why politically we are in the quagmire we are in, he said.

Schilling, known for his epic bloody sock performance during the 2004 ALCS against the New York Yankees, also discussed Donald Trumps locker room talk tape.

First of all half of the stuff he says is a lie, which is what guys do. A lot of guys growing up or older guys will brag about things and exploits that have never happened to be funny, to be cool. And when you listen to the conversation thats exactly what it was, he said.
Image source: iStock/Thinkstock.

After writing glowingly about Wells Fargo (NYSE: WFC) for five years, I feel like a naive idiot. And I'm not alone; there are countless other analysts and commentators who did the very same thing -- not to mention, of course, Warren Buffett.

We succumbed to the bank's propaganda.

We believed chairman and CEO John Stumpf when he, like a broken record, repeatedly referred us to the bank's Vision & Values.

And for those of us who took him up on this, here's what we read:

And...

And...

And...

And...

Etc., etc.

Of course, we now know that much of this was a farce.

It was a way to redirect our attention away from what was really going on at the nation's third largest bank by assets.

Yes, as I've argued so many times in its defense in the past, Wells Fargo made it through the financial crisis. That's pretty awesome. And it's pretty commendable.

But now we all know that while it was boasting about not needing TARP money in 2008 and lambasting competitors like Bank of America for pursuing growth for the sake of growth, it was simultaneously putting suffocating pressure on its lowest-paid employees to sell additional financial products to customers who would be harmed by them.

And it's been doing this for years -- perhaps as far back as 1998, when Wells Fargo was taken over by Norwest Bank (where Stumpf and his predecessor, Richard Kovacevich, came from).

Then, when the massive fraud perpetrated against millions of its customers came to light, what did Stumpf do?

He blamed his "team members."

But not just any "team members," only those at the bottom. Those who labored away in its branches for something like $14 an hour.

Indeed, here's how he described the now-filthy rich executive who led the division in which the fraud occurred when she was forced out in July (long after the fraud came to light):

This is ludicrous. Tolstedt was a "standard bearer" of Wells Fargo's culture?A "role model for responsible, principled" leadership?She had a "passion for serving" customers?

Two million fake accounts were opened for customers under her watch. TWO MILLION.5,300 employees were fired trying to sell eight financial products to every customer -- even, or perhaps especially, to vulnerable elderly people who live on only a couple thousand dollars a month, at most.

To make matters worse, when employees tried to blow the whistle on the practice, some even emailing Stump directly about it, they were fired.

But not just fired.

If countless reports are to be believed, which seems reasonable to me, Wells Fargo's managers placed black marks in the official banking records that make it all but impossible for these people to find another job in banking.

Think about that for a second...

These are people who already didn't make enough money to comfortably support a family. And then Wells Fargo tries to destroy their ability to provide for themselves and, certainly in many cases, their children?

It would be bad enough if, say, Citigroup, with its vast history of abuses, had done something like this.

But Wells Fargo?

One of the most respected American companies for over a century and a half?

The company that Warren Buffett, one of the finest and most generous people alive on planet Earth, has praised repeatedly over the 26 years he's been its biggest shareholder?

Needless to say, I think all of us have learned an important lesson, here: You can never take what corporate executives say at face value. Even the seemingly best ones may have something to hide.

A secret billion-dollar stock opportunity The world's biggest tech company forgot to show you something, but a few Wall Street analysts and the Fool didn't miss a beat: There's a small company that's powering their brand-new gadgets and the coming revolution in technology. And we think its stock price has nearly unlimited room to run for early, in-the-know investors! To be one of them, just click here.

John Maxfield owns shares of Bank of America and Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool has the following options: short October 2016 $50 calls on Wells Fargo. The Motley Fool recommends Bank of America. 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.
IMAGE SOURCE: Guess? Inc.

What happened

Shares ofGuess? Inc.(NYSE: GES) fell 12.1% in September,according to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, as investors' excitement for the clothing retailer's mixed fiscal second-quarter 2017 report began to wane.

So what

Recall that shares of Guess? skyrocketed nearly 24% the day after that report on Aug. 25. In it, Guess? conceded that quarterly revenue had fallen slightly from the same year-ago period, to $545 million -- below expectations for revenue to grow between 0.5% and 2.5% -- as 7% revenue growth in its European segment (to $213.5 million) more than offset declines in every other region including 3% at Americas Retail, to $226.6 million, 8% in Americas Wholesale, to $29.7 million, and a 6% drop in Asia, to $53.2 million. Licensing revenue also fell 13% year over year, to $22 million.

But that also resulted in adjusted net income of $12 million, or $0.14 per share, which was well above Guess?'s guidance for earnings per share of $0.04 to $0.08. In addition, Guess? increased its full-year earnings outlook.

Even so, I noted at the time that I wasn't eager to buy Guess? stock in the wake of its pop. I also admitted it was "tempting to be disappointed by Guess?'s relative underperformance on the top line" -- a stance that was reinforced when management revealed during the subsequent conference call that revenue growth in China was below expectations, albeit primarily as the company continued to transition the market to a more direct operating model.

Now what

To his credit, Guess? CEO Victor Herrero also insisted that the company has made "very good progress" on its strategic initiatives as part of a three-year plan unveiled earlier this year. As a reminder, those initiatives include elevating the quality of Guess?'s sales and merchandising organization, building out infrastructure as part of a major push into Asia, reinforcing a "strong culture of purpose and accountability," improving the company's cost structure through global cost reductions, and revitalizing its wholesale business.

In the end, however, I was still unconvinced that the gravity of Guess?'s initial earnings pop was merited, given its technically mixed results. So it's not particularly surprising that the stock has virtually given up those gains in the weeks following that quarterly report. For now, until Guess? can show it truly is firing on all cylinders, I'm content continuing to watch its progress from the sidelines.

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.

Steve Symington has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Guess?. 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.
Philadelphia International Airport's largest airline will reduce its waves of flight arrivals and departures from eight to six.

The Philadelphia Inquirer reports (http://bit.ly/2e53u5b ) by collapsing eight banks to six, American Airlines will operate 30 to 40 fewer flights a day in January than a year ago. The airline says the move is designed to improve efficiency and boost profits.

The earliest flights will leave the airport at about 8 a.m. instead of 7:30 and the last flights of the day will depart between 8 and 9 p.m. instead of 10 or later.

American has also rebanked its hubs in Dallas Fort Worth, Chicago and Miami since the 2013 merger with US Airways. Philadelphia will remain American's fourth-largest hub.

___

Information from: The Philadelphia Inquirer, http://www.inquirer.com
The Latest on the protest over construction of the Dakota Access pipeline (all times local):

11:35 a.m.

The leader of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is calling on President Barack Obama to take action against the Dakota Access pipeline.

Chairman David Archambault II says in a statement that Energy Transfer Partners has ignored the Obama administration's request to voluntarily shut down work within 20 miles of Lake Oahe while the Army Corps of Engineers consider reforming how it plans infrastructure projects.

The Dallas-based company resumed construction Tuesday on private land in southern North Dakota for the $3.8 billion pipeline. That followed an appeals court ruling over the weekend that denied the tribe's request for an emergency injunction. Work is still prohibited on corps land bordering and under the lake, which is a source of water for the tribe.

Archambault says Obama has the power "to change the fate" of 17 million people who stand to lose clean water, but the chairman does not specify what type of action.

Representatives from the White House and pipeline company did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

___

10:05 a.m.

North Dakota's Agriculture Department has set up a hotline to try to help farmers and ranchers south of Bismarck-Mandan affected by protests against the Dakota Access pipeline.

Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring says many producers need to finish seasonal work before winter sets in, and they're having problems trying to find willing truck drivers and custom silage-chopping services.

Protesters say their activities are peaceful, but some producers in the area say they've been harassed.

Goehring says the free hotline is aimed at helping producers and those looking for work to connect with one another. The Farm/Ranch Emergency Assistance Hotline number is 701-425-8454.

Agriculture Department employees will answer calls weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Callers can leave messages on evenings and weekends. The service is free of charge.
Deutsche Bank will pay a $9.5 million penalty to settle civil charges that it failed to properly safeguard material non-public information generated by its research analysts and publishing an improper research report, U.S. regulators said Wednesday.

The Securities and Exchange Commission said Deutsche Bank's securities unit encouraged its equity research analysts to communicate with customers and its own traders, and failed to implement policies to prevent the analysts from disclosing non-public reports on trading recommendations and changes in estimates.

The bank settled the case without admitting or denying the charges. In a statement, Deutsche spokeswoman Amanda Williams said the bank "takes its research analyst communications and conduct very seriously."

She added that the bank has a robust policy in place and has taken steps to correct issues identified by the SEC.

The SEC also charged the bank for issuing a research report about retailer Big Lots urging investors to buy stock, even though the analyst who prepared it privately told certain bank employees the stock should have downgraded.

That analyst, Charles Grom, was charged by the SEC in February. Without admitting or denying the charges, he agreed to pay a $100,000 fine and be suspended from the industry for a year.

The bank had fired Grom in February 2013 "for conduct not consistent with firm standards," according to the SEC's prior order in the matter.

The SEC's case against Deutsche Bank harkens back to issues raised more than a decade ago after the agency and the former New York Attorney General struck a global settlement with 10 banks accused of various conflicts of interest in their research departments. Deutsche was not one of those banks.

The 10 banks settled various SEC charges that included issuing fraudulent research reports, receiving payments for research, and issuing reports that were not based on "fair dealing and good faith."

The global settlement required those 10 banks to implement reforms, including separating their research and investment banking units.

(Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch and Mohammad Zargham in Washington; Editing by Richard Chang)
This could be a game-changer for type 1 diabetics: The FDA surprisingly approvedMedtronic's (NYSE: MDT) "artificial pancreas" earlier than expected. Following that approval, Medtronic plans to begin selling the system to type 1 diabetes patients next spring.Medtronic's MiniMed 670G couldsignificantly reduce patient burden and improve glycemic control, soanalyst Kristine Harjes andcontributor Todd Campbell discuss how itworks, what it will cost, and whatits potentialimpact maybeon this disease inthis episode of The Motley Fool's Industry Focus: Healthcarepodcast.

Harjes and Campbell also discuss a recent study showingthat medical marijuana may help seniors remain in the workforce longer and update investors on marijuana legalization efforts ahead of November's ballot.

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 Oct. 5, 2016.

Kristine Harjes: ThisMotley Fool podcast is brought to you byPearl Auto, which makes rearviewcameras for your car that retrofitaround your license plate and sync with your smartphoneso you can drive more safely. Check it out at pearlauto.com/fool and get free two-day shippingapplied at checkout. Welcome to Industry Focus, the podcast that dives into a different sector of the stock market every day. It'sOctober 5th. My name is Kristine Harjes,and I have Motley Fool healthcare contributor Todd Campbellon the line. How are you, Todd?Todd Campbell: I'm doing great. I'm getting excitedwith Halloween right around the corner.Harjes: I can't believe it's already October. But it feels like it.Campbell: Yeah,it's getting kind of chilly.Harjes: I like it. This is my kind of weather.Campbell: It'sgood sleeping weather.Harjes: That's true. It'salways good sleeping weather, though.(laughs) We have twotopics to cover today. They really don't have anything in common. I was trying to think of a way to tie them to each other, andthey're just different. The one we'll get to later in the showis about medical marijuanaand some updates there. The first thing we want to talk aboutisMedtronic(NYSE: MDT), who hadsome exciting news recently.

Campbell: Ifyou're trying to find a common thread, they both start with the letter M.Harjes: They actually both start with "med," if you say medical marijuana. I thought of that and I was like, "That's great!" ButI can't use that because we're the healthcare show -- everything starts with "med."Campbell: Very good, yeah, M&M. TheMedtronic news ispotentially game-changing. This is something that diabeticshave been looking for more than a decade. What we'retalking about is the approval of the first so-calledartificial pancreas or, basically, a system that will do more naturally or automatically the job ofevaluating a patient's blood sugar, delivering insulin asnecessaryto that patient.Harjes: Right. Andthe reason it's called an artificial pancreas is becauseyour pancreas usually produces all the enzymesand the hormones that break down food. One of these is insulin, which most people secrete into the blood streamto help regulate your blood glucose levels. But if you're atype 1 diabetic,you have little or no insulin productionfrom your pancreas.Campbell: Right. We'retalking about a small subset of the total diabetespopulation. A lot of times, when people think about diabetes,they think about late-onsetdiabetes that occurs later in life. We're actually talking aboutjuvenile diabetes, orearly onset diabetes. In these patients,there's roughly 1.25 million of themhere in the United States, theirpancreas, for one reason or another,just stops producinginsulin at a very young age. As a result, these patients are facedwith a very high burdenthroughout their entire life ofevaluating their blood sugar,taking insulin as necessary. This is a serious disease. It can be life-shorteningif it's not treated and taken care ofappropriately. Unfortunately,because of, up until now, the drawbacks of limited technology,many of these patients,a majority of these patients,spend a majority of their day outside of their desiredblood sugar ranges. That's worrisome becausethat can lead to comorbidities, things like heart disease,that can pose big problemslater on in life. So, this is viewed asa significant advancement in the treatment of type 1 diabetes, period. It's kind of surprising. Medtronic did file for approval,and people were aware of the trial resultsevaluating this system. It's called the 670G, forpeople who are keeping track at home. So, it wasn't a surprisethat it got approved. It was a surprise that it got approved as soon as it did. In fact,Medtronichasn't even finished laying all the groundworkto be able to deliver this system to patients. They expected thatthey'll be able to do that at the beginning of next year.Harjes: Right,it came to six months ahead of schedule. You mentioned that it wasn't really surprisingthat it was approved. That makes sense if you look atsome of the numbers from the trial. This received approvalafter being tested on 123patients. There wereno complications reported. Of those patients, they werekept within their desired range73.4%of the time. This is ascompared to 67.8% who were not using the system. This wasactually even betterat night, which is traditionallya very dangerous time. To really emphasizewhat this means for the patient,I want to describe a little bit about how it actually works. This is the first closed-loop systemapproved anywhere. What that means is, as opposed to an open loop,in which you have your continuous glucose monitorand you also have a pump,and there's no interaction, there's no automation there. Thishybrid closed systemmeans that the sensor and the infusion device can talk to each other. So,you could insulin pump continuouslywhen you need it day and night, based on the data from the monitor, which is really, really cool and atremendous boostin convenience for patients.Campbell: It'svery cool. Patients and investorsshould both remember that this isn't a fullyautomated system. There are still some things that patients are going to needto be responsible for. For example,setting up the system initially,the patient and the doctor or going to have to inputinformation about how your bodydeals with carbohydrates. And prior to meals, you're going to have to tellthe system, "I'm about to eat, this is the number of carbs I'm about to eat," so it knows to adjust your insulin to that specific pre-specified level. So,it's not completely hands-off. There's a sensor, the sensor is going to need to be changedevery week. You have the pump itself for the insulin. You'll have to add insulin to that every three days or so. There's somerecalibrationthat needs to be done. So it's not fully automated, that's why I call it a "so-called"artificial pancreas. There's stillsome human activities that needs to be going on here.

Butit could be a big advance becauseanything that you can doto keep your blood sugar within the desired range is a plus, that could extend your life. If you can take that 70% out of range and turn it into in-range amajority of time,potentially, you're going to suffer fromless health complications later on in life. This is a big issue, particularly for teenagers. Teens have a very hard time,traditionally, sticking to the regimen,making sure they have the appropriate insulindosage from what it is that they're eating. Whilethis device isn't approved yet for kids under 14, it is for 14 and up. If you look at adults, there's about a million type 1 patients that areadults over 18. About 200,000 are below 18. It'll serve a very large portion of thisaddressable population.Harjes: And thisdevice is also being tested on ages seven through 13. So, that population could alsolook forward to being able to use it as well.Campbell: Right. We shouldprobably also talk aboutthe fact that there's going to be a cost associated with this.Harjes: That'sexactly where I was about to go. Go for it.Campbell: It'snot going to be a free device. Patients are going to have to pay for it. They're stillironing out all the details with payers. Wedon't know what the copayment or coinsurance might befor the device. But what Medtronichas said is that if youalready own a prior-generationdevice,you can go in and order this device for next year now, turn in your other device, which costs about $500, and pay anadditional $299. So, if you add all that together, you'relooking at a price of about $799 list. That'snot necessarilywhat the out of pocket would be for this device.Harjes: Plus,there's also the disposable sensors.Campbell: Yeah,then you have the ongoing cost of the sensors. Those can run hundreds of dollars per month. So, you have some consumables therethat you're going to have to pay for as well. From an investment standpoint,it's that razor-blade model: You sell the system,you get the system in place with the patient,and then you can collect thatongoing annuity streamof the sensor revenue. I think that's important for investorsto be looking at. It's not just a one-time buy. It could be a good source of additional revenue growth forMedtronic in the future. Time will tellhow all those pay relationships getbroken out,and how quickly people who feel likethey're already been well controlledusingcontinuous glucose monitor and those type of things now,how quickly they decide they want to switch to it.Harjes: Toexpand upon how investors should look at this,Medtronicis the world's largest medical device maker. They make so much more than diabetes products. They havethings in cardiac, spine, knee problems. They'reall over the place in a really good, built-up way. Whatdo you think about the stock? Does this make it more of a buy? What do you think?Campbell: I think it's a very attractive market. Estimates are that this is a $14 billion market for type 1diabetes healthcare spend annually.Harjes: That's overall,that's not just for this product.Campbell: Right, overall. So,it's an attractive market, butMedtronic is a huge company. So, is this going to move the needlesignificantly for the company? No. But will it provide another tailwind that will help it deliver on its single-digitrevenue growth? Yes. So, investors shouldn't be going out and buying this companybecause they think that all of a sudden they'll see 20-30% revenue growth. That's not going to happen. They're too big and too diversified. So, it's a huge potential advance for patients. And it's a nice tailwind forinvestors who want to go out and own a medical device company like Medtronic.Harjes: Sounds good. Thispodcast is brought to you by Pearl Auto, which makes wireless rearview cameras for your car thatretrofit around your license plate. It syncs with your smartphoneso you can drive more safely. You can check it out at pearlauto.com/fool and get free two-day shipping applied at checkout.I recently got to test outthe product, and I was actuallyreally impressed with the quality of the image. It's pretty cool. It's very quick and easy to install, and it's solar powered, which is super cool. And it'll even warn you when there are obstacles in your way. You can learn more about it at pearlauto.com/fool. Thanks again to Pearl Auto forsupporting our show. Asalluded to in the beginningof the episode, the second half of the show today,we wanted to do a little bit of an updateabout some recent findings aboutmedical marijuana and maybe touch base,since we're almost heading into November,about what the election landscape could look like surrounding this issue.Campbell: Yeah. We'vetalked about, in the past, using the statesas a laboratoryfor beingable to evaluate the role that marijuana may play in healthcare and what itsimpact may be on state populations andbeing able to extrapolate that to the national population. Yougo back in time,things like cigarettes, we didn't reallyrealize all the health drawbacksto cigarettes until later on. Opponents to medical marijuanajumping in with both feetwould be saying, "We don'tfully understand all the impactof approving marijuana, having marijuana use become moremainstream." So,let's look at the states that have already approved medical marijuana,and see what kind of outcomes they're getting.Fortunately, we've had enough years go bysince the first states started to approve medical marijuanathat you can take a look at health data and be able to overlay that in the states that approve medicalmarijuana and see if you can draw any conclusions.

What I found it really interesting was,last month, one studythat was done as part of theNational Bureau of Economic Research funded grant thatcame out of Johns Hopkins and Temple, looked at theimpacts on the elderly as far as workforce participation. What they found is thatin states that passed medical marijuanalegislation, there was a higherpercentage of elderly workers, seniors, older workers thatremained in the workforce. And those people who did remainin the workforce, worked more hours. I think that's interesting.Harjes: They alsoreported that they thought they were in better health. This is a really interesting study. As you mentioned, we have enough data now that you can look at states pre and post-legalizationand compare them with similar non-legallyapproved states and compare the trajectories and see what you get. In this study, they found that people age 50 or older weremore likely to be employedin the marijuana-legal states. Men were likely to say thatthey were in very good or excellent health, and werereportedly in less pain. That stood out to me as particularly interesting,because it was actually just for men. There was another study that showed,recently, that marijuana provides morepain relief for men than women. They're not really sure why. That was a head-scratcher for me.Campbell: Yeah. Again,this is what we're trying to figure out. We're trying to figure out, inreal-world applications,what is the impact of medical marijuana? It's a holistic look at things. It's not just saying, "Do you feel betterbecause you have less chronic pain?" It's "Do you feel betterand are actually able to go out into the workforceand contribute to societyrather than sitting in your house in pain?" One of theother things that came out of this studywas that they determined that there's some switching that goes on instates the pass medical marijuanalegislation, where patients are nowswitching fromdrugs for anxiety or nausea medications orpsychosis medications to medical marijuana treatment. That's something to keep an eye on as well, because there's good and bad to that. The good part could be you'rereducing use of drugs thatcould expose you to more side effects, likeopiates for pain. Maybe you would prefer to have medical marijuanathat could control your pain better,rather than exposing yourself to the risksassociated with opiates.Harjes: Justto play devil's advocate there,it's kind of an unknown vs. a known thing to worry about. If you have a drug that you know for a fact has some side effects but it has a track record and you knowmore or less what you're getting yourself into,is that better or worse than takingmedical marijuana, wherewe don't think there are any side effects,but it really doesn't have the robust, long-term studies?Campbell: Right. Hopefully,we're going to get those over time. You're correct that what we've seen so farin placebo-controlled studieshas been limited, andwhen we've tried to study it in larger populationsinvolving thousands of patients,it's been kind of a toss-up vs. placebo. However,what we're saying here, I don't know if it's the placebo effector what the effect is, but what we're seeing here is thatpeople feel good enoughwhere they are transitioning fromsome of these prescription drugsto medical marijuana. And, obviously, the outcomes aresolid enough that they feel like they can return to the workforce.The other devil's advocate end of this would be,if someone feels betterand they discontinuea treatment for a chronic disease,medical marijuana is treating the symptom and not the cause. None of these decisions should be made in a vacuum, period. They should all be made with the helpof a doctor,so that you know you're not causing yourselflong-term harm by discontinuingtreatment that's addressingthe cause of your problem rather than the symptoms. That being said, this is still avery intriguing study andhints at some of the things we may seeas far as information coming out of all of these approvalsthat are occurring throughout the nation.Harjes: Right. And we'relooking at a few more potentialapprovals. Right now,recreational marijuana is legal in a handful of states, there's four of them andalso Washington DC. Five more Statescould join after November elections.There's California, Maine, Nevada, Massachusettsand Arizona. Meanwhile, medical marijuana is legal in 25 states, and four morecould be joining in November. Those are Montana, North Dakota, Florida, and Arkansas. Going back to the recreational legalization, I think California, to me, at least,is the most interesting of those five thatcould potentially be joining the list of full recreational-legal states with their Prop 64.Campbell: Yeah, they were reallyat the forefrontof adopting medical marijuanalegislation. They have not yetapproved recreational. A lot of people think this will be the year they do it. If it's approved, California already has a very robust infrastructure,they have hundreds of dispensaries already set upbecause of the medical marijuana legislation that passed years ago. Andthey're also one of the largestproduction centersfor marijuana in the United States.Harjes: As a stand-alone economy, they're huge. Whenyou look at the scale that we're talking about here, it's enormous. Supposedly, the passage ofthis bill couldlead to $1 billion a year in tax revenue.Campbell: Yeah. Honestly,that might be conservative. We're seeing very big numberscoming out of places like Colorado. It remains to be seen how this plays out. But it wouldn't shock me if, down the road, the peak number was a lot higher than that. If you look at the five statesconsidering the recreational front -- Arizona, California, Maine, Massachusetts, and Nevada,I think -- California probably has the best shot. Maine, maybe. Arizona, eh.Massachusetts, eh. Nevada, maybe.Harjes:If you'relooking at latest approval percentage is, you have California60%, Nevada is 57%,Maine and Massachusetts are both53%,and Arizona is at 50% in favorof approval.Campbell: Right. Youalso have to look atthe percentage convictionopposed. When you get a place likeMassachusetts when you have that number around 47%, that's pretty high.Harjes: Right,the margin of difference is big.Campbell: Especiallycompared to some other states where it's in the 30s.Harjes: Yeah. So, when youlook at the medical legalizationside of things, which statesstand out to you there?Campbell: We have 25 states already. Like you mentioned, we have Florida,Arkansas,Montana, North Dakota all consideringvarious medical marijuana thingson their ballots. Florida is the biggie, without a doubt. It's the largest population. It has a huge population ofseniors who would have chronic conditionsthat would benefit frommedical marijuana,conceivably. In 2014,there was a vote that unfortunately did not pass --in Florida, you have to change the Constitution and you need a 60% vote to do that. So, it's not just a simple majority -- you have to get over 60%. They fell shy by about 2% in 2014. But most of the studies and polls out now are pegging way more than 60%. So,I think Florida has a very good shot ofgetting medical marijuanaon the books this year.Harjes: Right. And asmore and more states get added to this list, hopefully, we will continue to get moredetailed studies and a longer-termprofile for how exactlymarijuana works. Todd, thank you so much, as always, for your thoughts today. Folks,thanks for listening!

As always, people on the program may have interests in the stocks they talk about, and The Motley Fool may have formal recommendations for or against stocks mentioned, so don't buy or sell anything based solely on what you hear. For Todd Campbell, I'm Kristine Harjes. Thanks for listening and Fool on!

Kristine Harjes has no position in any stocks mentioned. Todd Campbell has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of Medtronic. 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.
Tobacco giant Altria Group (NYSE: MO) is best known for its Marlboro brand, and most people think of the company as the leader in cigarettes and smokeless tobacco in the U.S. market. Yet as many people have discovered over the past year, Altria also had a large stake in beer maker SABMiller, and when beer behemoth Anheuser-Busch InBev (NYSE: BUD) made an offer for SABMiller, Altria stood to gain more than nearly any other shareholders in the company. Now that Anheuser-Busch has completed the SABMiller merger, Altria investors just found out what the tobacco giant plans to do with the rewards it reaped from the deal. Let's take a closer look at what shareholders can expect from Altria in the near future.

Image source: Altria Group.

What Altria got

Atlria had a roughly 27% stake in SABMiller, and most shareholders in the beer maker elected to accept an all-cash offer for their SABMiller stock that paid them 45 British pounds per share. Such a deal would have given Altria a monster-sized pile of cash, but it also would have created a huge tax headache for the tobacco giant, as it would have had to pay capital gains tax on much of the cash it received in a deal. In order to accommodate Altria's need for a more tax-efficient transaction, Altria instead agreed to take the bulk of its consideration from the merger in the form of restricted stock of Anheuser-Busch, along with a relatively small cash component. Anheuser-Busch ended up offering a similar partial-share alternative deal involving restricted stock to any ordinary investors who wanted to take advantage of it.

Earlier this week, Altria revealed exactly what it received in the aftermath of the deal. When the merger closed, Altria received more than 185.1 million restricted shares of Anheuser-Busch, which works out to a 9.6% interest in the beer giant. In addition, Altria received $5.3 billion in cash. That was more than the $2.5 billion to $3 billion that most investors were expecting, but Altria explained that the cash resulted in part from the fact that more individual investors accepted the partial share alternative than had been initially expected. In addition, Altria said that it had successfully used currency derivatives to hedge its exposure to the British pound -- a move that was critical given the plunge in the U.K. currency following its decision to leave the European Union.

In addition to its economic interest, Altria will also get a hand in the management of Anheuser-Busch going forward. Specifically, Altria CEO Marty Barrington and CFO Billy Gifford have joined Anheuser-Busch's board of directors. That's useful, and not just as a way to make Altria's voice heard, but also to support the accounting practices that allow the tobacco giant to include a portion of Anheuser-Busch's profits on Altria's financial statements. However, because of differences in the timing of their respective calendars for financial reporting, Altria's earnings will reflect Anheuser-Busch's results with a one-quarter lag. That led to a $0.06 per share reduction in Altria's earnings guidance for the full 2016 year, but those lost earnings should show up in fiscal 2017 after the lag takes effect.

What Altria shareholders will get

Altria investors will see two primary impacts from the Anheuser-Busch takeover of SABMiller. First, the company will report a huge accounting gain in its fourth-quarter results, which Altria estimates will be about $13.7 billion. That will work out to $4.55 per share, effectively boosting the company's overall annual earnings by more than 150% and temporarily making its earnings multiple look artificially low.

Of more immediate interest to many Altria shareholders is what the company intends to do with its $5.3 billion cash windfall. Altria revealed its intentions for a portion of the cash, boosting its stock repurchase authorization from $1 billion to $3 billion. The company said it expects to spend the cash by mid-2018, although it retained the discretion on exactly when and whether repurchases get made.

Going forward, Altria left some key questions unanswered, most notably what it will do with the rest of the cash that most investors hadn't expected to materialize. Nevertheless, the tobacco giant is optimistic that its new position in Anheuser-Busch will allow it to reap even more rewards from the success of the global beer industry and continue to provide valuable diversification for investors who don't want all their eggs in the tobacco basket.

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.

Dan Caplinger has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool owns shares of and recommends Anheuser-Busch InBev NV. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.
Donald Trump's taxes still have many people scratching their heads: How did he incur such massive losses? What happened in other tax years? Is what he did legal? And how is this even possible?

The U.S. tax code is notoriously complex. But in general, federal income tax is progressive  those who earn less face lower taxes and those who earn more face higher taxes. There are many ways to legally reduce or even eliminate that tax burden.

A 2011 study from the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center found about 46 percent of Americans paid no federal income tax (it estimates 44 percent will not pay any this year). About half of those not paying federal income tax had no taxable income, while the other half took advantage of measures in the law that allow them to wipe out their tax liabilities.

The latter primarily benefit lower- and middle-income groups, thanks to things such as the earned income tax credit, child credits or education tax credits. However, many high-income individuals are also able to benefit from tax policy.

Tax experts say the code is full of loopholes that may be available to everyone, but tend to benefit the rich.

That is part of what has made The New York Times' recent revelation, raised again at the most recent debate, so intriguing. According to tax documents leaked to the newspaper, Trump claimed more than $900 million in losses in 1995, enough to potentially and legally reduce his tax bill to zero for as many as 18 years.

Trump has yet to release his taxes, although he said he will when his audit is complete.

But it appears to have been done through one of many elements in the tax code favoring real estate developers. But there are many other legal paths for anyone of significant means to lower their tax payments.

The Republican presidential candidate and his supporters call his tax moves smart, others say they're unfair.

"It's emblematic of the way most people feel about the tax system," said Matt Gardner, executive director of the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy, a nonprofit and nonpartisan research organization. "It favors those who have the resources."

The public sees the nation's tax system as deeply flawed. A 2015 survey by the Pew Research Center found that 59 percent of Americans say there is so much wrong with the system that Congress should completely change it. It also found that 61 percent feel that some wealthy people don't pay their fair share.

The Associated Press spoke to a few experts about some of the ways that the wealthy can work within the law to lower their federal income tax. Here are a few:

___

NET OPERATING LOSS

Trump has brought this common accounting practice into the spotlight.

It allows businesses to count losses, including real estate depreciation, against other income to lower their taxes. This could potentially wipe out their tax payment completely for the year. And if losses exceed income, they can carry that balance forward to future years to reduce their tax burden.

It is designed to smooth the ups and downs in a company's profitability over the years to help them stay afloat. But the loophole exists when you can burst outside of the business loss and apply it against any kind of income, Gardner said.

Tax code changed in the '80s to disallow people from exploiting this opportunity and generating losses to count against personal income. But the provision remained in place for professional real estate developers, such as Trump.

"If ever there was a gig that was rigged against regular folks, this is it," said Neil Buchanan, an economist and tax law professor at George Washington University.

___

DEDUCTIONS

A more common way for higher-income people to lower their personal taxes is through deductions, such as donations to charity, unreimbursed business expenses and even mortgage interest deductions on second homes.

The IRS publishes data annually on the individual tax returns of people who report income of $200,000 or more. It showed high-income people found many ways to reduce their tax burden, the most common of which in 2013  the most recent year available  was total miscellaneous deductions.

It's still not common for high-income individuals to face zero tax though.

That same IRS report showed that of the 5.6 million income tax returns with an adjustable gross income of $200,000 or more in 2013, only 12,517 faced no U.S. income tax liability that year. That is roughly 0.2 percent of high-income returns filed that year. By comparison, nearly 18.6 million taxpayers with incomes under $50,000 faced zero U.S. income taxes that year  roughly 20 percent of that income group.

There are limits on deductions though, even for the rich.

Warren Buffett, the famed billionaire investor who was called out by Trump in the last debate for over deductions, said he could only claim about $3.5 million of his nearly $2.9 billion in charitable deductions because of caps in place per tax law.

Buffett also pointed out that he has paid federal income tax every year since he was 13.

___

CAPITAL GAINS

Capital gains are the profit from the sale of an investment. And while there is one set of tax rates for wages, there is another for capital gains, running from zero to 20 percent.

Buffett, for example, has previously noted that he is taxed at a lower rate than his secretary, another issue that raised its head at the debate. This is due in part to capital gains taxes. He and his peers "make money with money" as he once wrote in a New York Times op-ed, so their income is primarily subject to capital gains tax rate. Meanwhile, middle and lower-income Americans are paying taxes based on wages, which face a different and sometimes higher rate.

In fact, tax experts are quick to point out that any review of federal income tax does not reflect the full amount that Americans pay in taxes. We face taxes every day  gas tax, property tax, local and state taxes  and they often weigh heavy on the lower and middle class.

___

CARRIED INTEREST

Popular with hedge-fund and private-equity managers, this allows some of their pay to grow and only face taxes when they cash out.

These partners and managers' compensation often comes from gains on the money they manage. They are paid a fee on the assets under management, plus a cut of the profits, known as carried interest. The fees are taxed as ordinary income but carried interest is taxed at capital gains rate.

It has often come under scrutiny and the U.S. Treasury has estimated that taxing carried interest at ordinary income rates would raise about $18 billion over 10 years.

"It's become the poster child of things that are unfair," said Kyle Pomerleau of the Tax Foundation. But he argues it's not a significant loophole in terms of total dollars that could be recovered if it were closed.

"These sorts of exemptions or deductions or credits are throughout the tax code," he said.
Billy Bush is out at Today multiple sources tell Page Six  but NBC News is carefully weighing when to make the announcement.

An NBC insider told us: He is technically fired. Its just a matter of time. NBC isnt ready to announce it yet. They are negotiating his exit.

Bush was suspended from Today on Sunday.

Another source close to the network told Page Six: Billy is done. He is out, but they dont want to announce anything yet because NBC was burned by the Ann Curry debacle and they are trying to figure out how to do this. The source added: They dont have any incentive to announce this immediately. Each day that goes by  and gets further from the Donald Trump scandal  it gets easier, to announce.

The source added NBC staffers fear there could be more damning tape of Bush than just his now-infamous Access Hollywood outtake with Trump. Forget about more Trump tape, there could be more tape on Billy.

Meantime, another source said: Billys being pushed out  it looks like hes going to get dumped  when the network has stood by people like Brian Williams who lied on the air, and was very publicly supportive of Matt Lauer after the [controversial] commander-in-chief town hall.

Click for more from the New York Post.
Donald Trump stood very closely behind Hillary Clinton at times during the second presidential debate, held in St. Louis Sunday, prompting some to argue that he was invading her personal space.

While scientists have long known that personal space exists  and that an invasion of personal space can make people feel uncomfortable  it's only recently that scientists have started to understand what's going on in the brain when someone stands too close.

It turns out that it's a very basic function of the brain to maintain a sense of what's going on in the space around you, said Dr. Daphne Holt, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Boston.

When someone gets too close, there's a very "automatic, instinctual" response in the brain that a person doesn't have much control over, Holt told Live Science. In other words, your response to someone coming into your personal space is not a conscious one.

So what's going on when someone gets too close to you?

In both monkeys and humans, researchers have identified a network of brain regions that includes two areas that respond to objects getting too close: the premotor cortex in the frontal lobe, and the parietal cortex, Holt said.

Very simply put, the premotor area of the brain plays a role in generating movements and motor other actions, and the parietal cortex is a part of the brain that processes sensory information about the world around you, Holt said. In practice, the differences between these two areas' functions aren't quite clear-cut; rather, both areas seem to respond to sensory information and are involved in generating actions, Holt added.

Essentially, the premotor cortex and parietal cortex form a network that recognizes and maintains personal space, Holt said.

In studies in monkeys, researchers have shown that when cells in this network of the brain are stimulated, certain hand movements, such as swatting, and certain facial movements  such as wincing or squinting  occur, Holt said.

Holt has studied how the human brain responds to invasions of personal space. In one study she conducted, published in 2014 in The Journal of Neuroscience, 22 people were shown images of faces, cars and spheres either getting larger (approaching them) or smaller (moving away) while they underwent brain scans. The researchers found that the two areas of the brain responded when faces  but not the cars or the spheres  were "approaching" the subject, but not when they were moving away.

Indeed, the maintenance of personal space, or a zone of defense around the organism, appears to be a very basic survival mechanism, Holt told Live Science. Research has shown that all sorts of animals, from insects to monkeys, have a sense of personal space. [Top 10 Mysteries of the First Humans]

Indeed, this makes sense from an evolutionary perspective, Holt said. Paying close attention to the area of space immediately around a person or animal is important for survival  if something is very close to the body, it might be about to hurt you, so it makes sense that animals devote a good deal of their "neural real estate" to monitoring and protecting that space, Holt said.

What's "personal" about personal space?

While the concept of personal space and protecting it appears to be quite set in the brain, there's still some variation in how people define their own personal space.

The concept of personal space is something people develop over time, from childhood to adolescence to adulthood, Holt said. Once people arrive at adulthood, they tend to have a somewhat set distance that they are comfortable with, Holt said.

In research from the 1960s, which still stands today, American anthropologist Edward Hall identified four different "bubbles" to describe the space around a person, Holt said. The first bubble is considered "intimate space" and extends, on average, about 18 inches (46 centimeters) from the body; it is generally reserved for family and a person's closest friends. The second bubble, found between 1.5 feet and 4 feet (0.46 to 1.2 m) from the body, is "personal space," which friends and acquaintances may enter. The third bubble, "social space," extends from 4 to 12 feet (1.2 to 3.7 m) from the body, on average, and is where interactions with new acquaintances and strangers can take place. Beyond that is public space, which anyone can enter.

But Holt noted that there are many factors that influence the size and flexibility of personal space, including cultural influences, whether the person standing close to you is the same or opposite gender or of the same social status.

Originally published on Live Science.

Copyright 2016 LiveScience, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Nestle is recalling several of its iconic Drumstick ice cream cone products because they could be contaminated with Listeria. But exactly how do these bacteria get into ice cream?

The recall includes two Nestle Drumstick products: a "Variety Pack" with 16 ice cream cones, and a "Vanilla Pack" with 24 individually wrapped vanilla ice cream cones. The cones in the Vanilla Pack are meant to be sold individually at convenience stores, such as 7-Eleven, and other places, Nestle said on its website.

All of the products were produced at the company's facility in Bakersfield, California, between Aug. 31 and Sept. 17, and have "Best Before" dates of June 2017.

Listeria is found naturally in soil and water, and animals can carry the bacteria without appearing sick, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This means that animal products, including dairy products, can be contaminated with Listeria.

From an animal product, Listeria may get into a food-processing factory, where it might contaminate equipment, according to the CDC. In the case of the Drumstick recall, Nestle found that a routine test of its equipment on a production line where the recalled products were made came back positive for Listeria. There was an error in logging the results of that test, so the products were inadvertently shipped to retailers, Nestle said.

However, the Drumstick products themselves have not tested positive for Listeria, and so far there have been no reported cases of people getting sick after eating the recalled products, Nestle said. The recall is being made "out of an abundance of caution," due to the positive test result on the equipment, the company said.

Unlike many other types of bacteria, Listeria can grow in the colder temperatures of refrigerators. "It's a pathogen that's particularly problematic in food-processing plants because it really likes cold, moist, dark environments," Benjamin Chapman, a food safety expert at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, told Live Science in a 2015 interview. Although the bacteria cannot grow at freezing temperatures, they can still survive at those temperatures.

Listeria infections can be serious, and even deadly, particularly for certain groups of people, including young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. The infection can cause fever, muscle aches and diarrhea, and in pregnant women, it may cause miscarriage or stillbirth, the CDC says.

Although the Drumstick recall may seem reminiscent of the Blue Bell ice cream recall in 2015, there are a number of differences, according to Nestle. One of the biggest differences is that the Nestle recall is precautionary, meaning there haven't been any illnesses yet and it's not certain whether any of the recalled products are actually contaminated with bacteria. In contrast, in the Blue Bell recall, the products were already linked to illnesses and several deaths before the items were recalled.

Original article on Live Science.
A Washington woman with lupus is trying to have her pet turkey certified as an emotional support animal.

Mary K. Pearce, of Spokane, got her pet Sammi when the fowl was a baby, KHQ reported. The bird is now six months old.

A turkey can be domesticated just as well as a dog or a cat, she told the news station.

Pearce, who requires a wheelchair, deals with chronic pain from her diagnosis and suffers from depression. Lupus is a chronic, autoimmune disease characterized by flares and remissions. According to the Lupus Foundation of America, more than 16,000 new cases of lupus are reported annually across the country. In 2015, an estimated 16.1 million, American adults, about 6.7 percent of this group, had at least one major depressive episode in the past year, according to the National Institutes of Health. Depression carries the heaviest burdens of disability among mental and behavioral disorders.

Keeping Sammi around helps Pearce cope with her health issues. The bird loves eating bread, enjoys taking baths, and plays with Pearces pet dogs.

I've never thought about having a turkey as a pet, Pearce said. But now that I have her, I don't ever want to give her up.

Pearce is working on getting Sammi certified as an emotional support animal, which requires a doctors prescription. Emotional support animals differ from service animals in that they do not perform tasks directly related to the individuals disability, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act National Network. Emotional support animals are not covered by federal laws protecting the use of service animals.
Editors note: The following is an excerpt from Guilty as Sin by Edward Klein.

After Joe [Biden] and Elizabeth [Warren] turned him down, Barack lived in a state of complete denial, Valerie Jarrett confided to a close friend. He dreamed about some fresh face coming out of nowhere, some young and charismatic politician, preferably black, but not necessarily black, someone like him, the way he did back in 2007. But the cavalry never arrived.

Obama briefly toyed with the idea of supporting Bernie Sanders, either covertly or overtly, in his primary contest against Hillary. Maybe Bernie could motivate Obamas old coalition and persuade its members to fall in love with him. But Jarretts pollsters assured her that that wasnt possible. The black vote wasnt going to come out for Bernie. And the idea of Middle America voting for a socialist was a fantasy.

But politics was like the weatherunpredictableand Obama played in his mind with various scenarios. What if, against the odds, Bernie somehow snatched the nomination away from Hillary at the Democratic National Convention? Or what if Hillary was indicted and the party establishment replaced her as the nominee? Or if Joe Biden changed his mind and parachuted into the convention to accept the nomination and Bernies army of supporters bolted and formed a third party?

If any of those what ifs happened, the Democrats would almost certainly suffer a crushing defeat at the polls.

And yet, Obama couldnt bring himself to put aside his feud with the Clintons, accept the inevitable, and endorse Hillary. He wasnt ready to forgive and forget. As I wrote in Blood Feud: The Clintons vs. the Obamas:

This was a family fight, and as the saying goes, no one fights dirtier or more brutally than blood. Like all family squabbles, this one was about power, money, and primacy. Obamas legacy hung in the balance. If the Clintons captured control of the Democratic Party and returned to the White House, they would try to expunge much of Obamas legacy; they would try to make him a historic anomalyAmericas first black presidentin a sixteen-year interregnum between the two Clinton regimes.

To someone as vain and self-admiring as Obama, conceding victory to the Clintons would amount to more than a humiliating defeat. It would be political suicide. It was an idea he could not bear.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++

Late at night in the Family Residence, after Obama had excused himself and gone to bed, Valerie Jarrett and Michelle Obama opened a bottle of Chardonnay and discussed Obamas turmoil and the toll it was taking on his mind and body.

He was having trouble sleeping. Michelle insisted that he ask his doctor for sleeping pills, which he did. He was prescribed Ambien. He told Michelle that he took the pills, but she didnt believe him. He was taking Melatonin, which did no good. So, he was tossing and turning in his sleep, and she had to get up and go to the Queens Bedroom to sleep.

Michelle was concerned that the president wasnt getting enough sleep, and that he was struggling at times to stay awake during meetings about subjects that didnt interest him.

She told Jarrett that she was counting the days until their term in the White House was over. Until then, however, Michelle and Valerie agreed, Barack had to face reality.

He had to take three major actions.

First, he had to swallow his pride and endorse Hillary as the partys nominee.

Second, he had to rally his coalition of young people, college graduates, African Americans, Hispanics, and other minorities, and persuade them to come out and vote for Hillary.

And third, he had to reverse his position on the FBI investigation of Hillarys emails, and make Attorney General Loretta Lynch understand that no matter what evidence the FBI turned up, Hillary had to get off without suffering any legal punishment or injury.

It was up to usMichelle and Ito persuade him, Jarrett said, according to the description of her conversation with Michelle that she conveyed to her close friend. He always listened to us, but we knew that this time it was going to be a hard sell. I hate telling Barack what he doesnt want to hear. I knew this was going to be the most painful talk Id ever had with him.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

The next night, they had the talk.

I felt as though I was forcing Barack to eat a toad, Jarrett recalled, but I told him he had no alternative: if he wanted a Democrat to follow him in the White House, he had to endorse Hillary.

There was a lot of shouting and pacing of the floor and banging of the desk, but after he calmed down, I told him there was something else he had to do, Jarrett said. He had to authorize me to tell Lynch that we were doing a one-eighty on Hillary. No indictment, no matter what.

What if Comey threatened to resign?

In that event, Jarrett said, Obama could give Hillary a pardon.

A presidential pardon would put an end to the legal process, Jarrett said.

Thatll be great for Hillary, Obama said, but what about me? Ill be declaring war on the FBI.

Excerpted from "Guilty as Sin: Uncovering New Evidence of Corruption and How Hillary Clinton and the Democrats Derailed the FBI Investigation" by Edward Klein (Regnery, October 4, 2016). Reprinted with permission.


Im a woman, a racial minority, and an immigrant, and I grew up in inner-city America. I have two university degrees, one from Cornell University and another from Stanford Law School. I have worked for some of the most elite institutions in America, including a foreign policy organization that counts Chelsea and Bill Clinton among its members.

According to conventional wisdom, I have no business being a Trump supporter. Yet I have been an unabashed fan since Trump declared his candidacy for president. In fact, never in my life have I been this excited about a presidential nominee.

Strangers and friends alike have wondered how a highly educated Chinese-American woman could possibly support a man widely condemned as racist, sexist, misogynistic, xenophobic, and Islamophobic.

It is not that complicated, really. I like the candidate and what he stands for, and I reject the caricature propagated by the mainstream media and his opponents.

I believe this country needs bold change, not more of the same. Trump has promised to deliver.

Instinctively, I recognize in Trump the key ingredients that have made success possible in my own life. As a child of the ghetto, I succeeded in extracting myselfand my familyfrom urban dysfunction and decay not just because I worked hard but because I dreamt big, took risks no one I knew would take, and kept faith in Americas promise.

Trumps story is wildly more successful and dramatic, but it resonates with me nonetheless. Since he declared his candidacy he has defied the odds, upended the political order, and dared to envision a completely different America.

Certainly, he is a very flawed candidate. Recently released audio of a private conversation Trump had 11 years ago confirms him to be vulgar, narcissistic, and insecure.

Before that, his endless controversies on the campaign trail revealed a man who was thin-skinned, undisciplined, and immature.

Yet I believe this same man will overthrownot just tinker withthe wretched political correctness that governs this countrys discussions and policies about race, ethnicity, gender, and other immutable characteristics.

He will fight for Americans in a way that Republicans and Democrats have long been afraid to do, and he will think big, act boldly, and choose common sense over ingrained practices.

Here's why.

Political Correctness

I am a natural for Trumps core constituency: I have long been a card-carrying member of what Hillary Clinton calls the basket of deplorables.

I am deplorable because I reject the reigning politically correct and intellectually intolerant paradigm, which mandates that women and minorities serve as tokens of diversity according to their so-called racial and gender identity.

In this paradigm, I am "deplorable" because I dare to have a dissenting opinion. Long before Trump became a presidential contender, my support for the rule of law and opposition to amnesty for illegal immigrants made me a xenophobe. My references to black-on-black crime in discussions about police-community relations made me a racist. My use of the term radical Islamic terrorism made me an Islamophobe.

When Trump came along, he gave meand millions othersa voice. Not only does he reject this nonsense wholesale, he does so with hilarity, theater, and bombast. His undisciplined outbursts are not always pretty, but he is an equal-opportunity offender, not a stooge of the prevailing bigotry or an apologist for its fake diversity and ill-disguised pandering.

Next to Trump, the Republican governing classs rejection of political correctness is merely a mealy-mouthed exercise.

Over the summer, we saw the squeamishness of Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc.). When asked for his views on the Black Lives Matter movement, whose protestors have repeatedly called for police officers to be killed or fried like bacon, Ryan demurred.

This is the same man who never misses an opportunity to call Trump racist and divisive. He recently announced that he will no longer campaign with or defend his partys presidential nominee.

For a long time, I supported Republicans like Ryan and others who are far worse, but this year, I have a better choice. This year, my candidate does not try to ingratiate himself to the mainstream media. Instead, he slashes through the fabric of political correctness and threatens to tear down its reign. This is the type of candidate I have wanted for a long, long time.

He'll Fight for Us

Beyond Trumps politically incorrect rhetoric, he has demonstrated time and again that he will fight for those of us who have put our faith in him.

I first noticed him when he spoke of illegal immigration and emphasized building a wall to secure our borders. He did not describe all Mexican immigrants as rapists or criminals, but it did not matter. His critics cried racism and xenophobia anyway. Yet the more they became indignant, the more I supported Trump.

I am a first-generation immigration. My family came to the United States legallywe submitted the relevant documentation, answered the necessary questions, waited in line for years, and followed Americas laws.

Yet our respect for Americas rule of law is entirely irrelevant to Democrats, who are eager to hand out citizenship to illegal immigrants for political gain.

Republicans, on the other hand, pretend they care about legality and sovereignty but can hardly hide their disdain for making the tough decisions required to protect both. In fact, prominent Republicansranging from Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) to Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) to Speaker Ryanhave proudly called for one form of amnesty or another.

By contrast, Trump has little use for their rhetoric or hypocrisy. He wants to build a wall and boasts of making Mexico pay for it. It makes no difference if the latter does not materialize. Far more important is Trumps willingnessand even eagernessto taunt the political class by making this promise the centerpiece of his campaign.

As he has enunciated his positions on other issues, begat more indignation, and stood firm, I have supported him more forcefully.

For instance, on the crucial issue of defeating terrorism and keeping the homeland safe, he has called for a ban of Muslims from terror-prone countries and for conducting extreme ideological vetting of immigrants who wish to enter this country.

The response from the media and the political establishment has been loud and furious, but Trump has pressed on regardless. His proposal can certainly be fleshed out further, but it is far more sensible than the reluctance by President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton to identify radical Islamic terrorism by name, or the delusion by many on the Right who think radical Islam can be cleanly and clearly separated from peaceful Islam at all times.

Trump has repeatedly incurred the wrath of the political establishment, and in the process, he showed voters like me a candidate who refuses to back down and is not afraid to fight for Americans whose wishes have been long ignored.

Trump Has Big Ideas and Common Sense

Despite all that I like about Trump, I have found his rhetoric and positions on trade to be most difficult to swallow.

I have been an ardent free trader my entire adult life. Trump, however, has called for renegotiating Americas major trade agreements, such as NAFTA, and for slapping heavy tariffs on U.S. trading partners (35 percent on imports from Mexico and 45 percent on imports from China).

I do not support these positions, but I understand their appeal far better than most free traders who write and talk for a living.

I hail from a working class family. Some years ago, when my parents were laid off from their blue-collar jobs, I had to make a choice myself: I declined a job that I worked very hard to get and accepted one that I hated because the latter offered significantly better compensation. I believed it to be the right decision for my family; it was not.

Nevertheless, my faith in free trade and free markets remains, but that faith is tempered by intimate knowledge of real Americans who have lost out in amid powerful global forces. Few politicians have bothered to speak for them; even fewer have offered viable solutions to alleviate their pain.

Today, Trump is speaking for them, with gusto. While many of his pronouncements are outlandish, he is staking out opening bids to negotiations with foreign countries and Congress. The details of his positions on trade, much like his positions on the economy (consolidating five individual income tax brackets into three), immigration (making Mexico pay for the wall), and foreign policy (requiring that NATO allies pay more for collective security), are not firmly set in stone, even if the broad directions of policy have been decided.

Trump has made clear that much of what he threatens is exactly that: threats that will be used to extract better deals for America.

His ideas may not pan out quite as they were originally described, but his goal is to think differently, to envision better arrangements for this country in general. Unlike a typical politician, Trump is not going to confine himself to the solutions that have not worked in the past. To Americans who want a better deal for their families and their country, that is very much worth applauding.

Trump Is Leading a Political Revolution

I believe this country needs bold change, not more of the same. Trump has promised to deliver.

Citizens across this country have placed their faith in this revolutionary candidate, despite his flaws.

Hillary Clinton may think we are deplorable, but we are ordinary Americans who believe the country deserves better than business as usual.

In this election, we have proudly joined the political revolution that Trump has inspired, and we are not asking Hillary, or anyone else, for permission.
A recent report from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) found that United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) erroneously naturalized almost 900 ineligible illegal aliens due to database errors. All of these individuals were ordered deported but subsequently applied for citizenship using a fake identity. Nearly all are from countries associated with terrorism and high levels of immigration fraud. Several of these fraudulent citizens have already obtained aviation or transportation credentials.

This information is disturbing but it simply confirms what those in immigration enforcement have known for years - our immigration vetting system is badly broken. But the availability and reliability of vetting information is only one of many systemic problems that plague USCIS: an assembly line mentality, over-politicization and ineptitude.

Attempting to vet individuals from the most dangerous regions of the world in less than three months is criminally irresponsible.

One of the reasons I resigned from USCIS was dissatisfaction with the agency's continual focus on approving as many immigration applications as possible, as quickly as possible - often at the expense of national security and public safety. Call it customer service on steroids.

This attitude, combined with a bureaucratic management structure, makes it impossible for fraud officers and immigration adjudicators to deny any but the most outrageous cases. Fraud officers in the field report to the local district director, whose primary motivation is usually a desire to maintain friendly relations with local immigrant constituencies. Most district directors prefer USCIS to be seen as a social services agency, rather than an agency charged with administrative law enforcement. Meanwhile, the real constituents, American taxpayers, are not protected from crime and terrorism.

The situation is further complicated by the highly politicized cadre of pro-illegal alien attorneys in the USCIS Office of Chief Counsel (OCC) most of whom were previously employed by open-borders organizations like the Mexican American Legal Defense Fund, the National Council of La Raza, and the National Immigration Project of the National Lawyers' Guild.

As a result, our national security team spent more time battling USCIS district directors and attorneys than investigating dangerous aliens. In one instance a naturalization applicant was suspected of traveling to Iran, a state sponsor of terrorism, to attend anti-American rallies. Despite Youtube footage of the applicant at an anti-U.S.A. speech by the current Ayatollah, USCIS attorneys insisted that there was no evidence to support a denial for lack of allegiance to the United States. After months of unnecessary investigative work and repeated pleas for common sense the applicant was eventually denied U.S. Citizenship. But the case was probably denied because of fear that it might bring bad media coverage, rather than any objection to the candidate.

Sadly, this not atypical. In the absence of a smoking gun supporting a denial, applications are almost always approved. This ensures that USCIS does not fall behind processing timeframes that are heavily influenced by politically powerful immigration attorneys and open borders lobbyists. While immigrant constituent groups may be pleased that their members quickly obtain the benefits of living and working lawfully in the United States, the security and safety interests of the wider American public are an afterthought.

Was it a flaw in USCIS's vetting system that caused these dangerous naturalizations? Yes, partly. But if we want vetting to work, the results of the process must be examined by an experienced officer who is free to make a judgment call. If the adjudicators assigned to those nearly 900 fraudulent naturalization cases were not being pressured to approve every case they see, it is likely one of them would have noticed irregularities and investigated further.

Perhaps most frightening of all, USCIS is responsible for vetting refugees. The current administration has decided to drastically increase Syrian refugee admissions while mandating that all vetting be completed in 90 days or less. It currently takes 18-24 months to complete refugee vetting, using the same ineffective procedures that led to the naturalization of almost 900 criminals. Attempting to vet individuals from the most dangerous regions of the world in less than three months is criminally irresponsible.

The U.S. can attempt to improve vetting procedures. But the culture of the agency doing the vetting, not the process, is the heart of the problem. As long as USCIS encourages its employees to ignore derogatory information for the sake of expediency we will continue to confer U.S. citizenship - the greatest gift the country can bestow - on criminals and terrorists, while failing to protect American taxpayers.
Shame on the New York Times. Despite leaked emails revealing collusion with the Clinton campaign that should embarrass any legitimate news organization, the paper continues to carry water for the Democrat candidate.

Among other fictions, the Times frequently repeats the meme that Donald Trump is in cahoots with the Russians. Wednesday, in fact, the supposed collaboration between Trump and Vladimir Putin occupies prime turf as the papers lead editorial. Its time to pull the plug on this nonsense.

The narrative that the Russians are trying to manipulate our election in favor of Mr. Trump has proved vital cover for the damaging emails released by Wikileaks that indeed show election manipulation  by the Hillary Clinton campaign.

In a masterful sleight-of-hand, the Clinton camp has largely ignored revelations that they worked with the DNC to undermine rival Bernie Sanders or managed the media to boost Hillarys campaign or lied about the private email cover-up; instead, they charge Russia with the leaks, hoping to divert attention from the real misdeeds. Cued by the Democrat nominee, the media and the Obama administration have climbed aboard.

Not only has the spotlight moved from Clinton dirty tricks to Russia, which has now been officially accused by our national security chief of orchestrating the email seepage, it has also targeted Trump, who is suspected of nefarious ties to the Kremlin.

Meanwhile, Hillary Clinton actually does have ties to the Kremlin  ties which, had they been reported with any honesty, would have become an issue in this campaign.

As Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton helped Russian interests, operating under a directive from Putin, buy majority ownership of Uranium One, a Canadian firm that was on its way to controlling almost half of U.S. uranium production. Expanding its access to uranium around the world had become a priority for the Kremlin; control of the raw material would bolster its opportunities to build nuclear power plants such as the Bushehr facilities in Iran and similar projects in North Korea and Venezuela.

In pursuit of the transaction, which required sign-off by Secretary Clinton, tens of millions of dollars flowed to the Clinton Foundation through its Canadian branch  moneys that were not reported by the foundation. Moneys, too, that violated Secretary of State Clintons memorandum of agreement with the Obama White House and contradicted information provided by Hillary to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

Not only did the Clinton Foundation benefit from ties to Russia, Bill Clinton personally collected half a million dollars at about the same time for a speech made at a forum organized by a financial firm called RenCap, whose ranks were known to include ex-KGB types hand-picked by Putin.

After his speech, Bill Clinton met with Putin. It was not the first time the two had visited.

In 2009, at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Bill Clinton attended a private party hosted by Putin at the Sheraton Hotel, where the Russian strongman called the former president our good friend and where the two apparently talked into the wee hours.

Later, Bill Clinton called Putin very smart and claimed to CNN that the Russian leader kept his word on all the deals we made.

Its not only Hillary Clinton who helped out Putin. President Obama has arguably given the Russian leader an enormous boost, allowing him to reassert his countrys influence around the globe even as its coffers are depleted by the collapse of oil prices.

Russia effectively is in control of the Middle East, dictating the terms of battle in Syria, resurrecting Bashar Al-Assads presidency, supplying Iran with a missile defense system designed to protect its Fordow underground uranium enrichment facility, reestablishing ties with Turkey, threatening to shoot down U.S. planes. And let us not forget that Obama stood by as Russia took over Crimea.

Imagine, Russias economy has cratered, incomes have fallen, but Putins approval ratings remain around 80 percent.

So, when Trump calls Putin a strong leader, hes right. Putin is reprehensible, devious and undoubtedly hostile to the U.S. But let us not underestimate who has been Putins best bud over the past decade. It is not Donald Trump.

In 2011, Hillary Clinton accused Vladimir Putin of rigging the Russian parliamentary elections; an angry Putin accused Hillary of trying to interfere in Russias democratic process.

Is there any doubt why Russia might cheer (and might or might not orchestrate) email leaks that show Clinton guilty of rigging the Democratic primaries? And maybe attempting to rig the election?
Some of Hillary Clintons top campaign staff appears to hold a deep reservoir of contempt for Catholics and Evangelical Americans, according to the latest batch of WikiLeaks emails.

The new revelations came from a 2011 email exchange between Campaign Chairman John Podesta, Communications Director Jennifer Palmieri and John Halpin from the Center for American Progress.

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The emails portrayed conservative Catholicism as a bastardization of the faith and seemed to imply that evangelicals are a bunch of impoverished country bumpkins.

Mr. Halpin fired off an email titled, Conservative Catholicism to Mr. Podesta and Ms. Palmieri referencing a New Yorker article written by Ken Auletta.

The article pointed out that 21st Century Fox Chairman and Fox News Executive Chairman Rupert Murdoch along with News Corp Chief Executive Robert Thomson raised their children Catholic.

That bit of news was just too much for Mr. Halpins delicate psyche to handle.

Friggin Murdoch baptized his kids in Jordan where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, Mr. Halpin wrote.

Getting dunked like a Mississippi Southern Baptist seemed to set off Mr. Halpin...

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Many of the most powerful elements of the conservative movement are all Catholic (many converts) from the SC and think tanks to the medial and social groups, he went on to say.

Ms. Palmieri piled on with a nasty slap at evangelicals.

I imagine they think it is the most socially acceptable politically conservative religion, she replied. Their rich friends wouldnt understand if they became evangelicals.

Mr. Halpin went on to call the conservative movement within the Catholic Church an amazing bastardization of the faith.

They must be attracted to the systematic thought and severely backwards gender relations and must be totally unaware of Christian democracy, he wrote.

Outrage was fast and furious.

The Catholic Leagues Bill Donohue called on Clinton to immediately sanction the campaign staffers.

Hillary Clinton is not responsible for this Catholic bashing, but she has a moral obligation to sanction Mr. Podesta and Ms. Palmieri immediately, Donohue said. Their contempt for Catholicism is palpable.

Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council, told Fox News the email exchange was troubling.

They believe that people who want to live by their faith are backwater people, he said. Hillary and her team hold evangelicals in disdain.

If the Clinton campaign wants to address the issue of bastardizing faith -- perhaps they should have a coffee klatch with their boss.

In 2015, Mrs. Clinton suggested that Christians should change their religious beliefs to expand abortion.

Laws have to be backed up with resources and political will, she said. And deep-seated cultural codes, religious beliefs and structural biases have to be changed.

Hillary Clinton is not just running for president. Now, she wants to be pope.

Im not terribly surprised that this sort of anti-Christian bigotry has infested Clintons campaign. Shes cut from the same cloth as President Obama -- the one who labeled folks who cling to their religion as bitter Americans.

Nevertheless, what Clintons campaign staff said about Catholics and evangelicals was shameful and must be repudiated.

I doubt she would tolerate anyone on her staff uttering a cross word about Muslims  so who does she harbor anti-Catholic and anti-evangelicals on her campaign team?

Then again, this is the same crowd that tossed all of us Bible-believing Christians into her basket of deplorables.

They think were irredeemable.
EXCLUSIVE: American arms dealer Marc Turi, in his first television interview since criminal charges against him were dropped, told Fox News that the Obama administration -- with the cooperation of Hillary Clintons State Department -- tried and failed to make him the scapegoat for a 2011 covert weapons program to arm Libyan rebels that spun out of control.

I would say, 100 percent, I was victimizedto somehow discredit me, to throw me under the bus, to do whatever it took to protect their next presidential candidate, he told Fox News chief intelligence correspondent Catherine Herridge.

The 48-year-old Arizona resident has been at the epicenter of a failed federal investigation led by the Justice Department spanning five years and costing the government an estimated $10 million or more, Turi says.

Turi says the Justice Department abruptly dropped the case to avoid public disclosure of the weapons program, that was designed to force the ouster of Libyan dictator Muammar Qaddafi during the 2011 Arab Spring.

"Those transcripts from current as well as former CIA officers were classified," Turi said of the evidence. "If any of these relationships [had] been revealed it would have opened up a can of worms. There wouldn't have been any good answer for the U.S. government especially in this election year." The Justice Department faced a deadline last week to produce records to the defense.

Turi says he was specifically targeted by the Obama administration and lost everything--my family, my friends, my business, my reputation.

As Fox News has reported extensively, in 2011, the Obama administration with support from some Republican and Democratic lawmakers explored options to arm the so-called Libyan rebels during the chaotic Arab Spring but United Nations sanctions prohibited direct sales.

Turi's plan was to have the U.S. government supply conventional weapons to the Gulf nations Qatar and UAE, which would then in turn supply them to Libya. But Turi says he never sold any weapons, and he was cut out of the plan. Working with CIA, Turi said Clinton's State Department had the lead and used its own people, with weapons flowing to Libya and Syria.

"Some (weapons) may have went out under control that we had with our personnel over there and the others went to these militia. That's how they lost control over it," Turi said. "I can assure you that these operations did take place and those weapons did go in different directions."

Asked by Fox News who got the weapons -- Al Qaeda, Ansar al-Sharia, or ISIS -- Turi said: "All of them, all of them, all of them."

Turi exchanged emails in 2011 with then U.S. envoy to the Libyan opposition Chris Stevens. A day after the exchange about Turi's State Department application to sell weapons, Clinton wrote on April 8, 2011 to aide Jake Sullivan, "fyi. the idea of using private security experts to arm the opposition should be considered."

Asked if the email exchanges are connected or a coincidence, Turi said, "When you look at this timeline, none of it was a coincidence. It was all strategically managed and it had to come from her own internal circle."

Turi also told Fox News that he believes emails sent about the weapons programs were deleted by Hillary Clinton and her team because that it would have gone to an organization within the Bureau of Political Military affairs within the State Department known as PM/RSAT (Office of Regional Security and Arms Transfers.) Thats where you would find Jake Sullivan, Andrew Shapiro and a number of political operatives that would have been intimately involved with this foreign policy."

The four felony counts -- which included two of arms dealing in violation of the Arms Export Control Act and two of lying on his State Department weapons application -- were dismissed last week against Turi with prejudice, meaning the government cannot come after him again on this matter.

The Justice Department decision, weeks before the election, coupled with the now public emails, cast a new light on Clinton's 2013 Benghazi testimony where she was asked about the movement of weapons by Sen. Rand Paul.

Paul: Were any of these weapons transferred to other countries. Any countries. Turkey included?

Clinton: Well, senator you'll have to direct that question to the agency that ran the annex and I will see what information is available.

Paul: You're saying you don't know?

Clinton: I don't know.

Turi first told his story to Fox News senior executive producer Pamela Browne in 2014, and since, Turi says he's lost everything to fight the Justice Department, which had no further comment beyond the publicly available court records.

"With all the resources that they were throwing at me, I knew there would have to be some type of explanation of the operation that was going terribly wrong in Libya," Turi said. "It is completely un-American...I was a contractor for the Central Intelligence Agency."

Turi said he is grateful the case is over. "It really is ungodly, and unjust and unconscionable, that the entire force of the United States government came after me for a simple application. I was working for the U.S. government."

Turi added, "I never shipped anything. I never even received the contract. So all I received was an approval for $534 million to support our interests overseas. And it would have been the United States government that facilitated that operation from Qatar and UAE by way of allowing those countries to land their planes and land their ships in Libya."

Close friend and Turi adviser Robert Stryk described Turi this way to Fox News in a statement:

Marc Turi is a true patriot who served his country in the fight against Islamofascist terrorists in the Middle East. His fraudulent prosecution by Hillary Clintons associates in the Justice Department is deplorable as is the fate of the American heroes murdered in Benghazi. Our most loyal citizens deserve better."

And Turi hinted there is more to emerge on the 2012 Benghazi attacks which killed four Americans including Stevens.

"Now theres a flip side to this. Some of the operations that I was involved in, in another country for the agency has a linkage and theres a backstory to the actual buy-back program of the surface to air missiles that were shipped and mysteriously disappeared out of Benghazi," Turi said. "So we can save that for another time, but the reality is a lot of this could have exposed a number of covert operations that I dont think the American public would really want to know at this point in time.

Fox News asked the State Department about Turis allegations, and whether no weapons reached extremists groups on Clintons watch. A spokesperson said they would check.
A top spokeswoman for Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign mocked Catholics and evangelical Christians in a 2011 email exchange exposed by WikiLeaks this week.

In the exchange reported Tuesday night on Fox News Channel's "The Kelly File", Jennifer Palmieri, now the Clinton campaign's director of communications, says that politically conservative Catholics "think [Roman Catholicism] is the most socially acceptable politically conservative religion. Their rich friends wouldn't understand if they became evangelicals."

Palmieri was responding to a message from John Halpin, a fellow at the liberal think tank Center for American Progress. Halpin remarked on a magazine article that discussed 21st Century Fox CEO Rupert Murdoch's decision to raise his children in the Catholic faith.

"Ken Auletta's latest piece on Murdoch in the New Yorker starts off with the aside that both Murdoch and Robert Thompson, managing editor of the [Wall Street Journal], are raising their kids Catholic," Halpin wrote. "Friggin' Murdoch baptized his kids in Jordan where John the Baptist baptized Jesus."

"It's an amazing bastardization of the faith," Halpin added. "They must be attracted to the systematic thought and severely backwards gender relations and must be totally unaware of Christian democracy."

The exchange was included in a batch of Clinton adviser John Podesta's hacked emails. Podesta was copied on the exchange between Palmieri and Halpin, but did not comment.

"This was thinly veiled religious bigotry, not only against conservative Catholics, but also against evangelicals," former George W. Bush adviser Karl Rove told Fox News' Megyn Kelly on "The Kelly File."

Catholics represent 1/4 of the electorate. GOP last won Catholics in 2004, and in 5 of the last 11 pres elections.https://t.co/JSopWk2kE7  Fox News Research (@FoxNewsResearch) October 12, 2016

"They mock deeply held beliefs. They mock the idea that two conservative Catholics would have their children baptized in the same river where John the Baptist baptized Jesus," Rove added. "I mean, this is really amazing that they would mock them. What Christians wouldnt consider it a blessing to be able to afford to baptize their children in the Jordan River? This is so insensitive  Im gonna say that its insensitive, but it strikes me that it really borders on bigotry, religious bigotry."

There was no immediate response from either the Clinton campaign or that of her opponent, Republican Donald Trump.

"Its gonna have to be made an issue by Donald Trump and his allies stepping forward and saying This is unacceptable and Hillary Clinton ought to repudiate it,'" Rove added.

Brian Burch, president of CatholicVote.org, called for Palmieri to resign immediately or be fired over the comments.

Everyone has a unique faith journey, and its just insulting to make blanket statements maligning peoples motives for converting to another faith tradition. Had Palmieri spoken this way about other groups she would [be] dismissed, Burch said in a statement.

Rupert Murdoch is currently the executive chairman of Fox News, which includes FoxNews.com.
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump lashed out again at members of his own party Tuesday night, saying he was "tired of nonsupport" from GOP leaders who distanced themselves from him after the emergence of lewd comments Trump made about women a decade ago.

"The fact is, I think we should get support and we don't get the support from guys like [House Speaker] Paul Ryan," Trump told Fox News' Bill O'Reilly on "The O'Reilly Factor."

Referring to a conference call Ryan held with lawmakers after the tape was made public this past Friday, Trump said, "This happens all the time. If you sneeze, he calls up and announces, 'Isn't that a terrible thing?' So look, I don't want his support, I don't care about his support."

In a series of tweets Tuesday morning, Trump referred to Ryan as "our very weak and ineffective leader" and accused the Speaker of "disloyalty."

For his part, Ryan told lawmakers on the conference call that he would no longer defend or campaign with Trump and said he would focus his efforts on helping Republicans hold the House this fall. However, unlike other top GOP figures, Ryan did not specifically withdraw his endorsement of Trump.

Trump also told O'Reilly that he should not have endorsed Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz. in the veteran senator's August primary. McCain withdrew his endorsement of Trump after the recording of the real estate mogul emerged.

"He was desperate to get my endorsement," Trump said. "I gave him the endorsement ... and frankly, he ran against a very good woman [former state Sen. Kelli Ward], I feel very badly I gave the endorsement."

Trump, who also described McCain as having "probably the dirtiest mouth in all the Senate," added that he "wouldn't want to be in a foxhole with these people, including Ryan. Especially Ryan."

The billionaire also downplayed the comments themselves, which he uttered during a conversation with then-"Access Hollywood" host Billy Bush in 2005 prior to a guest appearance on "Days of Our Lives."

As he did during Sunday's debate with Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, Trump described the remarks as "locker room talk."

"Most people have heard it before," Trump said, "and I've had women come up to me and say, 'Boy, I've heard that and I've heard a lot worse than that over my life.'

"And if that's why i'm going to lose an election to get rid of ISIS and to create strong borders and rebuild our military and do all the things we're gonna do ... if that's what it's gonna take to lose an election, that would be pretty sad."
The ongoing WikiLeaks dump of a top Hillary Clinton lieutenants emails is shining a light on the cozy and often improper relationship key members of the press had with the Democratic presidential nominees campaign.

Advance notice of debate questions, the promise of positive coverage, and even editorial control over stories are among the eyebrow-raising revelations in emails to and from campaign chairman John Podesta.

We have had her tee up stories for us before and have never been disappointed, a January 2015 memo said of former Politico and current New York Times reporter Maggie Haberman.

Clinton campaign officials have not denied the authenticity of the emails, but have sought to blame Russia for supplying the hacked correspondence to the hacktivist group WikiLeaks, and have warned that they could be doctored.

In another case, Donna Brazile, then a CNN contributor but now acting head of the Democratic National Committee, emailed members of the Clinton campaign to tip them off about a question that would be asked at Clintons debate with Bernie Sanders, her rival for the Democratic presidential nomination.

"From time to time I get the questions in advance," read the subject line of an alleged email in which Brazile told members of the Clinton campaign to be ready for a question on the death penalty.

In a statement released Tuesday afternoon, Brazile denied leaking questions.

"I often shared my thoughts with each and every campaign, and any suggestions that indicate otherwise are completely untrue," Brazile said. "I never had access to questions and would never have shared them with the candidates if I did."

CNBC correspondent and New York Times contributor John Harwood, who served as a moderator in one of the Republican primary debates, emailed Podesta numerous times, on some occasions to request an interview and other times to offer advice.

Ben Carson could give you real trouble in a general [election], Harwood wrote in a May 8, 2015, email, before linking to video clips of an interview Harwood did with the former pediatric neurosurgeon.

Another New York Times reporter, Mark Leibovich, emailed Clinton communications director Jennifer Palmieri several chunks of an interview he did with Clinton, and seemingly asked permission for the option to use the following portions.

Palmieri offered extensive editing suggestions, including that he cut a reference Clinton made to Sarah Palin and remove Clintons quote, And gay rights has moved much faster than womens rights or civil rights, which is an interesting phenomenon.

Palmieri ended one email: Pleasure doing business!

In one email thread, Clinton traveling press secretary Nick Merrill joked that CNN Politics Producer Dan Merica and Clinton were "basically courting each other at this point.

Dan Merica asked her if she was jealous that she didnt get Christies endorsement, to which she responded with a prolonged smile (you could see the gears turning), and then said Dan, I really like you. I really really like you,'" Merrill wrote. "They are basically courting each other at this point.

A top staffer at The Boston Globe appeared to be conspiring with Clintons campaign to maximize her presence during her primary race against Sanders in one of the alleged emails. In the email from Marjorie Pritchard, the Globes op-ed editor, Podesta is asked if the Clinton campaign was still set to submit an op-ed. Pritchard went on to offer advice about how the campaign could get maximum benefit by syncing up with the Globes regular reporting.

It would be good to get it in on Tuesday, when she is in New Hampshire, Pritchard wrote. That would give her a big presence on Tuesday with the piece and on Wednesday with the news story. Please let me know.

Clinton aide Christina Reynolds is congratulated in a 2008 email for single handedly convincing a Washington Post reporter to pursue a story about Cindy McCain, Arizona Sen. John McCains wife. Democratic operative Paul Begala wrote back, This is truly outstanding! Great work!

Kellyanne Conway, campaign manager for Clinton opponent Donald Trump, said Wednesday on Fox & Friends the revelations of secret communications between members of the press and the Clinton campaign undermine the possibility of free and fair elections.

We feel disappointed, Conway said. It is disappointing to read those emails.
The NAACP was formed to help and not to hurt, and that is what I think they are doing right now, Virginia Walden Ford, a longtime activist in the education reform movement, told Watchdog.org. Theyve lost the ability to go into the community to see what people had to say. They are not partnering with the community.

The NAACPs national board is set to vote Oct. 15 to finalize a resolution proposing a moratorium on new charter schools, claiming public charters targeting low-income and minority areas drain funding and abet segregation.

In response, the Black Alliance for Educational Options and the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools launched the ChartersWork campaign, with 160 African-American education leaders signing a letter opposing the NAACPs call for a moratorium. A parent sign-on letter had more than 1,000 signatures as of Oct. 6.

Chris Stewart, director of outreach and external affairs at the Education Post and a community leader in Chicago who signed the ChartersWork letter, told Watchdog.org the NAACP is out of touch with the African-American community.

Every day more people are signing on and becoming more resolute about not allowing a retail civil rights organization to sell us down a river, Stewart said. But, to date, the NAACP has shown no interest in meeting with black people that disagree with them  even after repeated requests.

Click for more from Watchdog.org
Though Hillary Clinton has bashed Donald Trump over his alleged fondness for Russia, excerpts from her purported post-State Department speeches in the WikiLeaks files show she also sought a positive relationship with Moscow and praised President Vladimir Putin as recently as 2014.

Clinton, the Democratic presidential nominee, called Putin engaging and said he was a very interesting conversationalist in some of those speech excerpts, which were revealed when WikiLeaks began releasing alleged emails belonging to Clinton Campaign Chairman John Podesta.

I would love it if we could continue to build a more positive relationship with Russia, Clinton said during a speech to Goldman Sachs on June 4, 2013. In the same speech, Clinton said obviously we would very much like to have a positive relationship with Russia and we would like to see Putin be less defensive toward a relationship with the United States so that we could work together on some issues.

It was no secret that Clinton, who famously tried to reset U.S. relations with Russia when she became secretary of state in 2009, pushed for warmer ties with the Cold War foe. But the excerpts suggest Clinton maintained some optimism toward that goal after leaving office and found ways to praise Putin, though her campaign condemns Russia now -- and accuses the country of being tied to the WikiLeaks dump.

I sat next to [Putin]. Hes an engaging and, you know, very interesting conversationalist, she told international trade consultant Sanford Bernstein on May 29, 2013. We talked about a lot of issues that were not the hot-button issues between us.

Clinton went into detail during remarks to the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago on Oct. 28, 2013.

In terms of interesting, Vladimir Putin is always interesting, she said. Youre never quite sure what hes going to do or say next, and hes always  he walks around with, you know, a redwood chip on his shoulder defending and promoting, you know, Mother Russia. So he and I have had our interesting moments.

Later in the speech, Clinton recalled bonding with Putin over his interest in protecting tiger habitats.

One time, I was visiting with him in his dacha outside of Moscow, and he was going on and on, you know, just listing all of the problems that he thinks are caused by the United States, Clinton said. ... I said, You know, Mr. Prime Minister, we actually have some things in common. We both want to protect wildlife, and I know how committed you are to protecting the tiger. I mean, all of a sudden, he sat up straight and his eyes got big and he goes, You care about the tiger?

Clinton said Putin then took her into his private inner sanctum and began showing her a huge map of Russia, pointing out the habitat of the tigers and the habitat of the seals and the whales.

And it was quite something, she said.

Now, Clinton's campaign derides Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, for his overtures to Putin and Russia.

During the second presidential debate on Sunday, Trump said I think it would be great if we got along with Russia because we could fight ISIS together, as an example. Trump had previously  and controversially  praised Putin as being a leader far more than our president has been.

Further adding to Clintons frustration, Russian hackers are widely believed to be behind the Podesta leaks and other recent leaks of emails from Democrat operatives and aides.

We have never in the history of our country been in a situation where an adversary, a foreign power, is working so hard to influence the outcome of the election, Clinton said during Sundays debate. And believe me, theyre not doing it to get me elected. Theyre doing it to try to influence the election for Donald Trump.

Excerpts from Clinton's speeches -- the full transcripts of which the campaign has declined to release -- were contained in an 80-page document emailed to Podesta and others that flagged potentially problematic quotes.

Asked for comment on the details in the emails, the Trump campaign said in a statement, "Hillary Clinton has shown herself to be completely inauthentic and incapable of telling the truth."

The Clinton campaign did not immediately return a request for comment.

Earlier in the week, Clinton spokesman Glen Caplin, in an email to FoxNews.com, decried the Podesta document dump as "engineered by Vladimir Putin to interfere in this election."
The decision to let Hillary Clinton off the hook for mishandling classified information has roiled the FBI and Department of Justice, with one person closely involved in the year-long probe telling FoxNews.com that career agents and attorneys on the case unanimously believed the Democratic presidential nominee should have been charged.

The source, who spoke to FoxNews.com on the condition of anonymity, said FBI Director James Comeys dramatic July 5 announcement that he would not recommend to the Attorney Generals office that the former secretary of state be charged left members of the investigative team dismayed and disgusted. More than 100 FBI agents and analysts worked around the clock with six attorneys from the DOJs National Security Division, Counter Espionage Section, to investigate the case.

No trial level attorney agreed, no agent working the case agreed, with the decision not to prosecute -- it was a top-down decision, said the source, whose identity and role in the case has been verified by FoxNews.com.

A high-ranking FBI official told Fox News that while it might not have been a unanimous decision, It was unanimous that we all wanted her [Clintons] security clearance yanked.

It is safe to say the vast majority felt she should be prosecuted, the senior FBI official told Fox News. We were floored while listening to the FBI briefing because Comey laid it all out, and then said but we are doing nothing, which made no sense to us.

The FBI declined to comment directly, but instead referred Fox News to multiple public statements Comey has made in which he has thrown water on the idea that politics played a role in the agencys decision not to recommend charges.

I know there were many opinions expressed by people who were not part of the investigation  including people in government  but none of that mattered to us, Comey said July 5 in announcing the FBIs decision on the Clinton emails. Opinions are irrelevant, and they were all uninformed by insight into our investigation, because we did the investigation the right way. Only facts matter, and the FBI found them here in an entirely apolitical and professional way."

Andrew Napolitano, former judge and senior judicial analyst for Fox News Channel, said many law enforcement agents involved with the Clinton email investigation have similar beliefs.

It is well known that the FBI agents on the ground, the human beings who did the investigative work, had built an extremely strong case against Hillary Clinton and were furious when the case did not move forward, said Napolitano. They believe the decision not to prosecute came from The White House.

The claim also is backed up by a report in the New York Post this week, which quotes a number of veteran FBI agents saying FBI Director James Comey has permanently damaged the bureaus reputation for uncompromising investigations with his cowardly whitewash of former Secretary of State Hillary Clintons mishandling of classified information using an unauthorized private email server.

The FBI has politicized itself, and its reputation will suffer for a long time. I hold Director Comey responsible, Dennis V. Hughes, the first chief of the FBIs computer investigations unit, told the Post. Retired FBI agent Michael M. Biasello added to the report, saying, Comey has singlehandedly ruined the reputation of the organization.

Especially angering the team, which painstakingly pieced together deleted emails and interviewed witnesses to prove that sensitive information was left unprotected, was the fact that Comey based his decision on a conclusion that a recommendation to charge would not be followed by DOJ prosecutors, even though the bureaus role was merely to advise, Fox News was told.

Basically, James Comey hijacked the DOJs role by saying no reasonable prosecutor would bring this case, the Fox News source said. The FBI does not decide who to prosecute and when, that is the sole province of a prosecutor -- that never happens.

I know zero prosecutors in the DOJs National Security Division who would not have taken the case to a grand jury, the source added. One was never even convened.

Napolitano agreed, saying the FBI investigation was hampered from the beginning, because there was no grand jury, and no search warrants or subpoenas issued.

The FBI could not seize anything related to the investigation, only request things. As an example, in order to get the laptop, they had to agree to grant immunity, Napolitano said.

In early 2015, it was revealed that Clinton had used a private email server in her Chappaqua, N.Y., home to conduct government business while serving from 2009-2013. The emails on the private server included thousands of messages that would later be marked classified by the State Department retroactively. Federal law makes it a crime for a government employee to possess classified information in an unsecure manner, and the relevant statute does not require a finding of intent.

Although Comey found that Clinton was extremely careless in their handling of very sensitive, highly classified information, he said no charges are appropriate in this case.

Well before Comeys announcement, which came days after Bill Clinton met in secret with Comeys boss, Attorney General Loretta Lynch, there were signs the investigation would go nowhere, the source told FoxNews.com. One was the fact that the FBI forced its agents and analysts involved in the case to sign non-disclosure agreements.

This is unheard of, because of the stifling nature it has on the investigative process, the source said.

Another oddity was the five so-called immunity agreements granted to Clintons State Department aides and IT experts.

Cheryl Mills, Clinton's former chief of staff, along with two other State Department staffers, John Bentel and Heather Samuelson, were afforded immunity agreements, as was Bryan Pagliano, Clinton's former IT aide, and Paul Combetta, an employee at Platte River networks, the firm hired to manage her server after she left the State Department.

As Fox News has reported, Combetta utilized the computer program Bleachbit to destroy Clintons records, despite an order from Congress to preserve them, and Samuelson also destroyed Clintons emails. Pagliano established the system that illegally transferred classified and top secret information to Clintons private server. Mills disclosed classified information to the Clintons family foundation in the process, breaking federal laws.

None should have been granted immunity if no charges were being brought, the source said.

[Immunity] is issued because you know someone possesses evidence you need to charge the target, and you almost always know what it is they possess, the source said. That's why you give immunity.

Mills and Samuelson also received immunity for what was found on their computers, which were then destroyed as a part of negotiations with the FBI.

Mills and Samuelson receiving immunity with the agreement their laptops would be destroyed by the FBI afterwards is, in itself, illegal, the source said. We know those laptops contained classified information. That's also illegal, and they got a pass.

Mills dual role as Clintons attorney and a witness in her own right should never have been tolerated either.

Mills was allowed to sit in on the interview of Clinton as her lawyer. That's absurd. Someone who is supposedly cooperating against the target of an investigation [being] permitted to sit by the target as counsel violates any semblance of ethical responsibility, the source said.

Every agent and attorney I have spoken to is embarrassed and has lost total respect for James Comey and Loretta Lynch, the source said. The bar for DOJ is whether the evidence supports a case for charges -- it did here. It should have been taken to the grand jury.

Also infuriating agents, the New York Post reported, was the fact that Clintons interview spanned just 3 hours with no follow-up questioning, despite her 40 bouts of amnesia, and then, three days later, Comey cleared her of criminal wrongdoing.

Many FBI and DOJ staffers believe Comey and Lynch were motivated by ambition, and not justice, the source said.

Loretta Lynch simply wants to stay on as Attorney General under Clinton, so there is no way she would indict, the source said. James Comey thought his position [excoriating Clinton even as he let her off the hook] gave himself cover to remain on as director regardless of who wins.

The decision by Comey and Lynch not to prosecute has renewed FBI agents belief that the agency should be autonomous.

This is why so many agents believe the FBI needs to be an entity by itself to truly be effective, the senior FBI official told Fox News. We all feel very strongly about it -- and the need to be objective. But that truly cannot be done when the AG is appointed by a president and attends daily briefings.

Adding to the controversy, WikiLeaks released internal Clinton communication records this week that show the Department of Justice kept Clintons campaign and her staff informed about the progress of its investigation.

Leaked emails from Clinton campaign chairman John Podestas gmail account show the Clinton campaign was contacted by the DOJ on May 19, 2015.

DOJ folks inform me there is a status hearing in this case this morning, so we could have a window into the judges thinking about this proposed production schedule as quickly as today, Clinton press secretary Brian Fallon wrote in relation to the email documentation the State Department would be required to turn over to the Justice Department.

Jay Sekulow, chief counsel for the American Center for Law and Justice, who previously served in the U.S. Treasury Department in the Office of Chief Counsel for the IRS, where he was responsible for litigation in the U.S. Tax Court, said it was clear from the start that the FBI never intended to prosecute.

This was a fake, false investigation from the outset, Sekulow said.
When Chris Wallace takes up the moderators role at Wednesdays third and final debate of the 2016 presidential election, he will bring more than 50 years experience and an impeccable reputation to the task.

The debate between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton will air on Fox News Channel on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 9 p.m. ET.

Wallace, the anchor of "Fox News Sunday," moderated Fox News Channel's GOP primary debates alongside Bret Baier and Megyn Kelly and considers his role to let the candidates take center stage.

WEDNESDAY at 9p ET: It's the final #debate  fair and balanced! Fox News' Chris Wallace moderates from Las Vegas. #FoxNews2016 pic.twitter.com/4iueajyPIH  Fox News (@FoxNews) October 17, 2016

"If people say, 'it was a great debate and I don't remember you being there,' I will have done my job," said Wallace.

Wallace has announced the topics, which will be discussed in six 15-minute segments.

Debt and entitlements

Immigration

Economy

Supreme Court

Foreign hot spots

Fitness to be President

The chosen topics may be altered depending on news events leading up to the event.



Wallace has participated in coverage of nearly every major political event and has secured several high-profile interviews with dignitaries and U.S. leaders in his 13 years at Fox News Channel. Serving as moderator of the 90-minute session at University of Nevada, Las Vegas is the latest milestone in an illustrious career.

"I'm the first Fox moderator to do a general election debate and I'm very proud for the news organization, Wallace recently told Baier. I think it's a recognition of the fact that we do serious journalism. Some critics say no, but the fact is, you and I know we do. And here's the Commission on Presidential Debates recognizing that."

To watch, tune in at 9 p.m. to Fox News Channel.

The debate also will be streamed live on FoxNews.com and the Fox News app.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN HOW TO WATCH THE DEBATE ON YOUR SMARTPHONE OR TABLET



Wallace has interviewed presidents before, including an exclusive sit-down earlier this year with President Obama, his fourth interview with Obama. He has also handled moderating duties in the past, working alongside co-anchors Baier and Megyn Kelly in August 2015, during the first GOP presidential debate of the 2016 election.

Wallace also co-moderated the networks second and third debates of the 2016 cycle, held on Jan. 28 in Des Moines, and March 3 in Detroit.

In prior election years, Wallace served as a panel member and moderator of FNC's South Carolina, New Hampshire and Florida debates during the 2012 primary campaign season. He also played an integral role in Fox News' 2008 and 2004 election coverage.

It was 1964 when Wallace got his first taste of presidential politics, serving as news legend Walter Cronkite's "go-fer" at the RNC convention.

Over the next 50-plus years in broadcasting, Wallace has won every major broadcast news award for his reporting, including three Emmy Awards, the Dupont-Columbia Silver Baton, the Peabody Award and the Sol Taishoff Award for Broadcast Journalism, which was awarded to him by the National Press Foundation.

Most recently, he received the 2013 Paul White Award for lifetime achievement and service to electronic journalism from the Radio Television Digital News Association. Wallace has been described as an "equal opportunity inquisitor" by The Boston Globe, "an aggressive journalist," "sharp edged" and "solid" by The Washington Post and "an equal-opportunity ravager" by The Miami Herald.

Before joining FNC, Wallace worked at ABC News for 14 years where he served as the senior correspondent for Primetime Thursday and a substitute host for Nightline. During his tenure with ABC News, Wallace hosted multiple groundbreaking investigations and received numerous awards for his work.

Prior to joining ABC News, Wallace served as NBCs chief White House correspondent from 1982-1989. While at NBC, he covered the 1980, 1984 and 1988 presidential campaigns as well as the Democratic and Republican conventions in those years. Wallace moderated Meet the Press from 1987-1988.

Wallace attended Harvard College.
The Trump campaign called Wednesday for Hillary Clinton to fire top advisers over emails, published by WikiLeaks, that appeared to mock politically conservative Catholics and push for a Catholic Spring from within.

Jennifer Palmieri, now the Clinton campaigns director of communications, said in a 2011 email exchange that some politically conservative Catholics "think [Catholicism] is the most socially acceptable politically conservative religion. Their rich friends wouldn't understand if they became evangelicals."

Palmieri was responding to a message from John Halpin, a fellow at the liberal think tank Center for American Progress. Halpin remarked on a magazine article that discussed how both 21st Century Fox CEO Rupert Murdoch and "Robert Thompson, managing editor of the [Wall Street Journal], are raising their kids Catholic."

"Friggin' Murdoch baptized his kids in Jordan where John the Baptist baptized Jesus," Halpin said, before dismissing Catholic beliefs on gender as backwards.

"It's an amazing bastardization of the faith," Halpin added. "They must be attracted to the systematic thought and severely backwards gender relations and must be totally unaware of Christian democracy."

The exchange was included in a batch of hacked emails purportedly from Clinton Campaign Chairman John Podesta's account that were posted by WikiLeaks. Podesta was copied on the exchange between Palmieri and Halpin, but did not comment.

House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., described the comments as "staggering."

"To disparage the Catholic Church as severely backwards is an insult to millions of people across the nation," Ryan, who is Catholic, said in a statement. "If anything, these statements reveal the Clinton campaign's hostile attitude toward people of faith in general.

"All Americans of faith should take a long, hard look at this and decide if these are the values we want to be represented in our next president," Ryan added. "If Hillary Clinton continues to employ people with biased and bigoted views, it's clear where her priorities lie."

Trump Campaign Manager Kellyanne Conway blasted the remarks in a conference call Wednesday, saying they show the campaigns disdain for Catholics.

For 30 years Hillary Clinton has been openly hostile to practicing Catholics, she said, citing Clintons support of partial birth abortion and the ObamaCare contraception mandate. Now her staff is caught calling Catholics backwards in emails seething with disdain.

Conway called for Clinton to fire those on her staff who have expressed anti-Catholic sentiments.

Everyone involved should be ashamed. The hostility to religious liberty and disdain for Catholics should not go unpunished, she said. We call on Hillary Clinton to apologize and fire the staff involved in this anti-Catholic bigotry.

Trump, who himself was involved in a feud with Pope Francis over his immigration policies in February, also commented on the emails to a Florida crowd, saying they show members of Clinton team viciously attacking Catholics and evangelicals.

Latest faux controversy out of @Wikileaks hack: Accusing Jen Palmieri, who is Catholic, of being anti-Catholic.  Brian Fallon (@brianefallon) October 12, 2016

It wont be tolerated by the voters, he added.

Palmieri responded to the controversy by noting that she is Catholic and telling reporters, The Russians orchestrated this hack.

Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon dismissed what he called the faux controversy, also citing Palmieri's faith.

In a separate 2012 exchange, Podesta was involved in a conversation in which he appears to approve of the idea of fomenting a so-called Catholic spring.

In an email to Podesta, Sandy Newman of the liberal nonprofit Voices for Progress says there needs to be a Catholic Spring, in which Catholics themselves demand the end of a middle ages dictatorship and the beginning of a little democracy and respect for gender equality in the Catholic church.

I have not thought at all about how one would 'plant the seeds of the revolution,' or who would plant them, he muses.

Podesta tells him they are creating groups to work for such a goal:

We created Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good to organize for a moment like this. But I think it lacks the leadership to do so now. Likewise Catholics United. Like most Spring movements, I think this one will have to be bottom up, he says.

Angela Flood, a member of Trumps Catholic Advisory Group and former spokeswoman for the Archdiocese of Washington, said that the email showed an attempt to undermine the Catholic faith.

Catholics in Alliance for the Common Good and other organizations are financed by George Soros and have goals inconsistent with Catholic thinking, she said during the conference call, in response to a question from FoxNews.com. They see this as an opportunity to infiltrate the Church and cause chaos and confusion. It is an attempt to undermine the faith.

Rupert Murdoch is currently the executive chairman of Fox News, which includes FoxNews.com.
Has Donald Trump declared war on the GOP?

That phrase, trumpeted in a Politico headline, might be a tad overstated. But the verbal battle taking place between the Republican presidential nominee and the speaker of the House is something we havent seen in modern American historyand is threatening to define the campaigns final weeks.

Ive never thought that Ryans support was crucial for Trump. He won the nomination without the backing of the Wisconsin congressman, Mitch McConnell and other establishment stalwarts. The very essence of Trumps candidacy is taking on the system.

But the sniping going on right now is a big-time distraction, not least because the media love civil wars, especially Republican civil wars. And it certainly isnt helping Trump to expand the base and close the gap with Hillary Clinton.

For a brief moment, it looked as though Trump had turned a corner. He was battered by waves of negative media coverage over that 11-year-old Access Hollywood tape in which he described trying to seduce a married woman and said celebrities like him were able to grab women by the crotch.

Trump apologized, first on video and then in Sundays debate in St. Louis. He went on to a much stronger debate performance than at Hofstra, and some pundits declared him the winner. (A Politico/Morning Consult poll, though, said Clinton won the debate, 42 to 28 percent.)

But just as Trump was drawing some decent Monday morning write-ups, Ryan told a GOP conference call that he would spend the next month concentrating on preserving the partys House majoritywithdrawing his support for Trump without explicitly yanking his endorsement. For Ryan, the vulgar talk about womenalso criticized by Trumps top surrogates, his running mate and even his wifewas one step too far.

Trump did what he usually does: counterattacked.

Despite winning the second debate in a landslide (every poll), it is hard to do well when Paul Ryan and others give zero support! Trump tweeted yesterday. Then he wrote that our very weak and ineffective leader, Paul Ryan, had a bad conference call where his members went wild at his disloyalty.

He was just warming up. The billionaire soon broadened his indictment to the entire party.

With the exception of cheating Bernie out of the nom the Dems have always proven to be far more loyal to each other than the Republicans! And: Disloyal R's are far more difficult than Crooked Hillary. They come at you from all sides. They dont know how to win - I will teach them!

The upside, according to The Donald: It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to.

And he told Bill O'Reilly last night: "I think I'm better off, maybe, without their support."

So there you have it, the unshackled, unvarnished Trump. And that kind of talk revs up his base, which has little use for the Paul Ryan brand of bipartisan governing.

But Trump has to appeal to suburban women, among others. He has to win Florida and Ohio and Iowa and New Hampshire and maybe even Pennsylvania to get to 270. The risk here is the Republican feuding takes him off his core message of tax cuts, immigration, terrorism and even child care, sending the message of a party in disarray.

Win or lose, Trump has decided to go down fightingas himself.
Just one week ago, it seemed Republican senators had mostly come around to Donald Trump  a Fox News analysis at the time found just eight of 54 GOP senators were not supporting their presidential nominee.

But the leaked 2005 tape of Trump making vulgar remarks about women has left the conference deeply divided and muddied the picture of how much so-called establishment support Trump truly has.

The suggestion in some media outlets  and by Democratic groups  that Republicans are abandoning his bid en masse overstates these defections. But the split is significant, though Trump himself suggests he doesnt need their support.

Fox News has reviewed lawmakers statements since the release of the audio, and found the following:

38 Republican senators still back Trump, or at least have not made any public move to withdraw their previously stated support for the nominee  though many have condemned the 2005 comments.

16 Republican senators oppose Trump or are withholding support.

New defectors

Of the 16 who do not support Trump, eight either rescinded their endorsements or announced opposition after being on the fence in the wake of the tape leak. Six are up for re-election. They are: Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H.; Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio; Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.; Sen. Mike Crapo, R-Idaho; Sen. John Thune, R-S.D.; and Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska. Sen. Cory Gardner, R-Colo., and Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, also announced their opposition to the Republican nominee this weekend.

Those now backing away from Trump have all taken different approaches. Ayotte said Saturday she would not vote for either presidential candidate, but rather write in the name of Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence. Crapo and Thune urged that the party put forward Pence to take Trumps place  theres no indication there is any move afoot to do so, particularly after Trump helped settle some party panic with his Sunday debate performance against Hillary Clinton. McCain said he would write in the name of some good conservative Republican who is qualified to be president.

Old critics

Meanwhile, eight GOP senators either opposed Trump or were withholding support even before the release of the audio.

They are: Sen. Mark Kirk, R-Ill.; Sen. Mike Lee, R-Utah; Sen. Jeff Flake, Ariz.; Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine; Sen. Pat Toomey, R-Pa.; Sen. Ben Sasse, R-Neb.; Sen. Dean Heller, R-Nev.; and Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

A handful of those not in Trumps corner have left themselves some wiggle room. Toomey reportedly has not ruled out backing Trump, but said in a statement Monday he has not endorsed him and has repeatedly spoken out against his flawed policies, and his outrageous comments.

Uneasy, but still backing Trump

The list of GOP senators condemning Trumps remarks, while still supporting the nominee, is far longer.

This even includes one senator, Deb Fischer of Nebraska, who over the weekend urged Trump to step aside but on Tuesday said she plans to vote for him.

Many of the Republicans in this category are facing re-election this year, including: Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky.; Sen. Marco Rubio, R-Fla.; Sen. John Boozman, R-Ark.; Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Mo.; Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla.; Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa; Sen. John Hoeven, R-N.D.; Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga.; Sen. Ron Johnson, R-Wis.; Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan.; and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.

Most of those senators have plenty of time to recover from any ill feelings about this, said Karl Rove, Fox News contributor and former senior adviser to President George W. Bush. But the people on the ballot this year, particularly in purple states, are in an awkward place.

All in for Trump

Other senators remain squarely in Trumps corner and defending against the intra-party attacks.

Sen. Jeff Sessions, R-Ala., the first GOP senator to endorse, said in a pre-debate interview with Fox News Bret Baier, I just think our officials need to slow down, think this thing through, and give Donald Trump a chance.

Despite Sundays debate performance, Trump continues to face fallout on the House side. House Speaker Paul Ryan announced Monday he would not campaign with Trump  though did not rescind his endorsement.

Trump spokesman Jason Miller tweeted that nothing has changed for the campaign, and that they have always been powered by a grassroots movement not Washington.

The Republican National Committee held a similar call on Monday, where RNC Chairman Reince Priebus reportedly said the party remains in full coordination with Trump.

The party is obligated to back him and they have a responsibility to do so, Rove told Fox News. This may require the party to dial up more in states that Trump is not active in, but that will be done quietly. It is appropriate for [the RNC] to do what they did.

But with control of the Senate in play this cycle, Democratic strategist and Fox News contributor Joe Trippi said GOP senators up for re-election are between a rock and a hard place.

The only thing GOP incumbent senators can do is support him loosely and try to disengage with the national Trump and Clinton fight, Trippi said. The real likelihood is, whoever wins the presidency will end up with control of the Senate, and in the end, there is going to be less power for both parties  and maybe thats what people want.
The latest secretive mission of the United States Air Force's X-37B space plane has cruised beyond 500 days in Earth orbit since its launch last year.

The U.S. military launched the robotic X-37B space plane on May 20, 2015, marking the fourth flight for the Air Force program. A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lofted the spacecraft from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station to kick off the OTV-4 mission (short for Orbital Test Vehicle-4).

Exactly what the winged space plane's duties are while it's in orbit continues to remain a tight-lipped affair. Similarly, how long the vehicle will remain in orbit has not been detailed. [The X-37B's Fourth Mystery Mission in Photos]

The first OTV mission launched in April 22, 2010, and concluded on Dec. 3, 2010, after 224 days in orbit. The second OTV mission  which used a different vehicle than the first  began March 5, 2011, and concluded on June 16, 2012, after 468 days on orbit. The subsequent OTV-3 mission reused the X-37B that flew on the first mission, and chalked up nearly 675 days in orbit.

So far, the U.S. military has not stated where the OTV-4 mission's craft will ultimately land once it's current flight ends. In the past, all three X-37B flights ended at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, gliding to a runway landing on autopilot.



New landing site for X-37B?

Progress has been made, however, to consolidate its space plane operations, including use of NASA's Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida as a landing site for the X-37B. A former KSC space-shuttle facility known as Orbiter Processing Facility (OPF-1) was converted into a structure that will enable the Air Force "to efficiently land, recover, refurbish and relaunch the X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle (OTV)," according to Boeing representatives.

The X-37B vehicle development falls under the Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems in El Segundo, California, the firm's center for all space and experimental systems and government and commercial satellites.

The Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office is leading the Department of Defense's OTV initiative, by direction of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology and Logistics and the Secretary of the Air Force.

A fleet of two space planes

Only two reusable X-37B vehicles have been confirmed as constituting the fleet. This current OTV-4 trek is the second flight of the second X-37B vehicle built for the Air Force by Boeing.

The reusable X-37B military space plane looks like a miniature adaptation of NASA's now-retired space shuttle orbiter. The space plane is 29 feet (8.8 meters) long and 9.6 feet (2.9 m) tall, and has a wingspan of nearly 15 feet (4.6 m).

The space drone has a payload bay about the size of a pickup truck bed. It has a launch weight of 11,000 lbs. (4,990 kilograms) and is powered on orbit gallium arsenide solar cells with lithium-ion batteries.

Onboard payloads

A few payloads onboard the OTV-4 craft have been identified.

Aerojet Rocketdyne has announced that its XR-5A Hall Thruster had completed initial on-orbit validation testing onboard the X-37B space plane.

It is also known that the vehicle carries a NASA advanced materials investigation, as well as an experimental propulsion system developed by the Air Force.

"It remains a very useful way to test out things," Winston Beauchamp, deputy undersecretary of the Air Force for Space told Inside Outer Space during last month's American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) meeting in Long Beach, California.

Asked about any interest in increasing the X-37B fleet size, Beauchamp said that the number of vehicles currently in use is fine due to the pace of experiments it conducts.
Welcome to the solar system, 2014 UZ224.

Thats the prosaic name of the newest dwarf planet to be discovered in our solar system, a celestial body thats just 330 miles wide and over eight billion miles away from our sun.

A professor at the University of Michigan, David Gerdes, is the head scientist behind the discovery, which involved using an instrument in Chile called the Dark Energy Camera as well as the assistance of undergraduate students, according to NPR, which reported the news.

"The Dark Energy Survey was designed to make discoveries far beyond our galaxy," Gerdes told FoxNews.com in an email. "But the same combination of survey area and depth that makes DES a state-of-the-art cosmological survey also makes it a great tool for making discoveries in our own cosmic backyard, such as 2014 UZ224."

Gerdes was also joined in the research by a graduate student, Stephanie Hamilton, as well as collaborators from the University of Pennsylvania, he said.

"We've found about 50 new solar system objects so far, and have still examined only a fraction of the data," he added. "I hope 2014 UZ224 is not the most interesting thing we eventually find!"

The dwarf planet joins other residents of our solar system in the same category, like Pluto and Eris. While it takes Pluto and Eris 248 and 557 years, respectively, to orbit the sun, one trip around our star for 2014 UZ224 takes a staggering 1,100 years.

According to NASA, our solar system could have dozens of dwarf planets.

Gerdes is also interested in spotting a hypothetical member of our solar system called Planet 9.

"I'm excited about our chances of finding it," he told NPR.

Follow Rob Verger on Twitter: @robverger
Computerized modeling of Mars moon Phobos has a connection with keeping the Earth safe from asteroids, the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) announced on Wednesday.

Phobos has a huge crater, more than five miles across, and a new computer model out of the LLNL in California simulates the dramatic impact that could have caused that distinctive crater. The research is part of a planetary defence program at LLNL in other words, studying how to protect Earth from a devastating impact.

"We've demonstrated that you can create this crater without destroying the moon if you use the proper porosity and resolution in a 3D simulation," Megan Bruck Syal, a scientist at LLNL and a part of their planetary defence team, said in a statement about the new Phobos research.

According to LLNL, the object that slammed into Phobos and created whats called the Stickney crater (which calls to mind the structure of the massive weapon on the Death Star from Star Wars) could have been about 820 feet across and been traveling at a speed of about 13,420 mph, in one scenario. Their work will be published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

The exercise at LLNL was done using a code called Spheral, and is part of a broader planetary defence initiative at the lab. That program has two elements to it, according to Nolan OBrien, a public information officer for lab, which is part of the U.S. Department of Energy.

While NASA is keeping an eye on the heavens for objects that could threaten the Earth, LLNL is interested in deflecting such a hazard. That could involve ramming a spacecraft into the asteroid to change its course, or even detonating a nuclear device near it, OBrien told FoxNews.com. The nuclear explosion near the asteroid would heat up one part of it, and that would act like a rocket engine, ideally propelling it on a safe course and taking Earth out of the crosshairs.

The second aspect of their work is what happens if the unthinkable occurs, and Earth is hit by a hazardous object, OBrien said in that case, theyd want to mitigate the damage.

Earlier this year, NASA opened a new office to track asteroids and comets that could come close to Earth. The Planetary Defense Coordination Office, or PDCO, is part of the agencys Planetary Science Division. NASA also has an ambitious plan to launch a mission that would grab a boulder from an asteroid and place it in lunar orbit.

"Something as big and fast as what caused the Stickney crater [on Phobos] would have a devastating effect on Earth," Syal said in the statement. "If NASA sees a potentially hazardous asteroid coming our way, it will be essential to make sure we're able to deflect it. We'll only have one shot at it, and the consequences couldn't be higher.

Follow Rob Verger on Twitter: @robverger
Twitter, Facebook and Instagram are cutting ties with a social media surveillance company after a report by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) claimed it was being used by the police to target protesters.

Digital Trends reported in April that Geofeedia -- a social media mapping tool that analyses geotagged messages on the aforementioned platforms -- was receiving funds through the CIA's venture capital firm, In-Q-Tel, in light of a report by The Intercept.

Now, the ACLU claims it has uncovered documents in which Geofeedia touts the "special access" it has to user data thanks to its "arrangements" with the leading social networks. This despite the fact that all three social media companies have policies in place that prohibit developers from selling user data for the purposes of surveillance.

As a result of Geofeedia's marketing efforts, law enforcement in Oakland and Baltimore have used its tool to monitor protests, and target activist groups considered "overt threats," according to the ACLU.

In the case of Facebook -- and its photo-sharing platform Instagram -- Geofeedia was allowed to access public posts that included location-based user data in the case of the latter. Facebook also agreed to let it obtain a ranked feed relating to specific posts (broken down by hashtags, events, or specific places). Both Facebook and Instagram terminated this access on September 19, 2016.

Twitter had also allegedly been providing Geeofedia searchable access to its database of public tweets as recently as July. On Tuesday, the official Twitter Policy account tweeted that it is "immediately suspending Geofeedia's commercial access to Twitter data" as a result of ACLU's findings.

Based on information in the @ACLUs report, we are immediately suspending @Geofeedias commercial access to Twitter data.  Policy (@policy) October 11, 2016

"[Geofeedia] only had access to data that people chose to make public," a Facebook spokesperson said in a statement. "Its access was subject to the limitations in our Platform Policy, which outlines what we expect from developers that receive data using the Facebook Platform."

"If a developer uses our APIs in a way that has not been authorizedwe will take swift action to stop them and we will end our relationship altogether if necessary," the spokesperson added.

"Social media companies and their executives have expressed support for activists, movements, and free speech. Mark Zuckerberg endorsed Black Lives Matter and Twitter's CEO Jack Dorsey went to Ferguson," writes the ACLU in its blog post. "Yet there is a severe disconnect between these positions and the data access they have provided."
Blame it on the Brexit?

"Air rage" incidents on British airlines have reached an all-time high, according to research by the country's Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The agency announced that there were 386 "dangerous incidents" in 2015 alone, compared to just 83 two years before.

A dangerous incident can include anything that requires a member of the flight crew to intervene, whether it's a passenger getting drunk and belligerent, a woman making racist comments while trying to get into the cockpit, or Kate Moss calling a flight attendant "a basic bitch." Unsurprisingly, some of the routes with the most incidents are vacation ones that go to places like Ibiza and Las Vegas, both of which are popular for bachelor and bachelorette parties.

So, what's causing the increasing amount of bad behavior in the sky?

No, it's not something in the watermore likely, it's a case of what people are drinking instead of water. An anonymous cabin crew member for a British carrier, who goes by the pseudonym "Dan," told the BBC that drugs and alcohol play a major role when it comes to passengers behaving badly.

"People a lot of the time don't actually realize they're on board an aircraft. I think a lot of the time people think that they're in a club or in a bar," he said, adding, "Now we're getting to the point where we're having to be bouncers."

More from Conde Nast Traveler

The Friendliest and Unfriendliest Cities Around the World

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The Most Beautiful Travel Destinations of All Time

The 30 Most Terrifying Places on Earth

One potential air rage solution is banning or severely limiting the amount of alcohol sold in airport bars and duty-free stores. This idea was floated earlier this year by Tariq Ahmad, Britain's new aviation minister.

"Its important that passengers who board planes are also responsible and have a responsibility to other passengers, and that certainly should be the factor which we bear in mind," Ahmad said in a statement issued in August. "If you are a young family traveling on a plane, you want to go from point A to B, you dont want to be disrupted."

RELATED: Flight Attendant Flees TSA After Being Caught With 70 Pounds of Cocaine

The same month, all of Britain's airports and several airlines signed a document known as the U.K. Aviation Industry Code of Practice on Disruptive Passengers, where they agreed to report in-flight incidents to local authorities and force unruly passengers to personally pay for any damage they caused. So far, two British airportsManchester and Glasgowhave experimented by selling alcohol in air-sealed bags that are more difficult to open on-board.

Alcohol or not, flying can be a stressful experience even under ideal circumstances. If you're a nervous flier, we recommend downloading the SkyGuru app or enrolling in an Air Hollywood class before you try calming your nerves by picking a fight with your seatmate.
Today is the day I'm going to die was the thought permeating every crevasse of my mind on that warm Hawaiian afternoon last February. You see, I had just jumped awkwardly out of a plane and was hurling toward the ground at 120 miles per hour.

Luckily for me, the parachute opened just fine, and I coasted safely to the ground. I was alive, and the thrill was worth every penny.

Related: 10 Reasons You Have to Quit Your Job

Entrepreneurship feels oddly similar. Quitting your job and jumping into entrepreneurship is a lot like jumping out of a plane and free-falling, wondering whether the parachute will open to save you. It's a scary thing, leaving the comfort of a 9-to-5 job and venturing into the world of entrepreneurship -- so scary that very few ever overcome the fear enough to take the plunge.

So, what's the best way to overcome that fear? It's the same for any fear: Focus on the end results, the benefits, rather than the fearful action. When I decided to skydive, the thing that drove me to actually jump was how much I looked forward to the rush I was about to feel. Also: I anticipated with pleasure the notion of crossing off one of my "bucket list" adventures.

And the benefits of taking the entrepreneurship plunge? I can list six.

1. No cap on your income.

Most people don't get into entrepreneurship to make the same income they made at their day job. Unlike what happens most day jobs, there is no limit to how much you can earn. If you want to make $100,000 a year, you can do that. If you want to earn $1 million a year, or even $10 million, those are within the realm of possibility, too.

There is no one there to tell you "no." No boss to beg for a raise. No performance review to pass that determines how much you'll get. Your income is tied to your success -- and nothing else.

2. Excitement about your work.

How excited are you to wake up on Monday morning? For most, Mondays are grueling because they start a new week. But for most entrepreneurs, Monday mornings are celebrated because work is exciting! I love the challenges that present themselves to me each week because they are my challenges -- not my boss's.

Related: 10 Fears You Must Overcome When Starting a New Business

3. Flexibility to enjoy time off.

Yes, entrepreneurs work a lot. I've often heard it said that an entrepreneur is someone who works 100 hours a week to avoid working 40. While this may be true, the difference lies in the flexibility available.

Entrepreneurs can work when they want, how they want, where they want. If they want to work 100 hours per week, they've chosen to do so.

There is no "time off request form" you'll need signed from four supervisors in order to take off time for your mom's 80th birthday party. When you come down with the flu, no one is looking down on you wondering if you are "really that sick." Your time is your own, and you alone decide how to spend it.

4. No terrible bosses.

We've all had terrible bosses who micromanage, have absurd expectations and drive us bananas. When you work at a job, there is little you can do to change that. You could quit, but another narcissistic boss is going to be at the next place anyway.

And then there are your co-workers. They can be worse. There's Craig who steals your lunch, Janet who complains about her foot fungus and Hector who doesn't actually know how to do his job but is a nephew of the boss so he just meddles in everyone else's affairs.

But when you control the company, you are the boss. You aren't forced to work with anyone. No one is going to force you to work overtime, skip your kid's dance recital or fill out one more TPS report.

5. Ability to build serious wealth.

Besides the cap-free income opportunity, owning your own business can also help you get rich. And not just "well-off." Because, if you do it right, you can build some serious wealth through the growth of your company. Look at Warren Buffet, Bill Gates, Mark Cuban or any other seriously wealthy individuals. They didn't get that way through saving money or working for others. Instead, they built businesses and allowed those businesses to grow their personal wealth.

And it's not just the super-rich, either. Anyone can use business to grow wealthy. Imagine you build a large plumbing business with a profit of six figures per month. Yes, that's great income, but that plumbing biz is potentially going to be worth tens of millions of dollars if you sell.

6. Chance to leave a legacy.

Maybe you work 9-to-5 for a nonprofit, saving children from starvation or teaching people how to read. But most likely, you are slaving away at a job where the only impact you truly have is adding a few more dollars to the shareholders' stock. It's not your business and never will be.

But when you own your own business, you are creating something bigger than yourself. You are building a legacy. You are providing jobs, building wealth, improving the community you live in and making a name for yourself.

While entrepreneurship has many rewards, the risks are high. Many businesses fail. Entrepreneurs get burned out and stressed out and have miserable days.

Related: 5 Fears You'll Need to Conquer Before Starting a Business

And unlike what happens with skydiving, many parachutes do not open and the entrepreneur flies headfirst toward the ground. But also unlike skydiving, most entrepreneurial ventures are not life-threatening. The worst-case scenario for most entrepreneurs is, "Well, I guess I'll go back to a job for now," which isn't any different from how they started.

So, dont focus on the fear. Focus instead on the adventure that awaits when you say goodbye to the security of the airplane and, with all your might, leap.
Years ago, before there were such things as social media, user reviews and the Internet, there used to be a mens store in my hometown of South Bend, Ind. Their tagline was one man tells another. They were ahead of their time, and that simple phrase is at the very heart of todays socially-driven marketing.

What that store knew then and what companies are today beginning to acknowledge, is that the best advertisement for your brand isnt going to come from television, print or banner ads. The best advertisement is when one man (or woman) tells another.

Relying on customers instead of an ad agency to spread the word is risky business, since you lose an element of control over the conversation. But consumers will give more weight to a personal recommendation than they will a television commercial, and because of the prevalence of online user reviews and review platforms like CrowdReviews.com which take extra steps to ensure a reviews legitimacy, buying decisions are heavily influenced by this type of social user-generated content.

Whats wrong with television ads?

Theres a reason behind the logic of moving to direct social engagement tactics like user reviews, and thats because the younger demographics just dont respond to television commercials as much. In a Boston Consulting Group survey, it was shown that millennials engage with brands more deeply than do Baby Boomers. Fifty-two percent of millennials use social media on their mobile devices to note that they like a brand, while only 33 percent of Boomers do so and 39 percent of millennials post product reviews. According to the BCG report, It is more difficult through traditional marketing to convince a U.S. millennial than an older U.S. consumer that a brand is relevant to him or her. Millennials turn to much wider networks for advice.

Related: 5 Ways to Maximize Word-of-Mouth Marketing

Historically, a common tactic in advertising was to provide testimonials from experts, which for a time, was successful. In a 1949 television commercial for example, consumers were told that doctors prefer Camel cigarettes over other tobacco brands, but today millennials just arent buying it. Millennials care less about what the experts say and more about what their peers say, said Carlos Garay, CEO of SOURCEvapes, one of the biggest brands of vaping products that uses product reviews as part of its marketing strategy.

The key to a review strategy is maintaining the integrity of the reviews, said Garay. Our strategy is simple. We just ask consumers to write a review after a purchase, and weve found that in most cases, they are willing to do so. We have over 5,600 verified reviews, the most of any vaporizer company, with a five-star average. This kind of customer validation and attention to quality, has made us the No. 1 brand for enthusiasts of Hemp-derived CBD wax.

Related: How to Get Influencers to Drive Your Word-of-Mouth Marketing Campaign

SOURCEvapes basic tactic is simple, straightforward and not intrusive. A simple auto-emailing system sends a short and friendly note, asking customers to leave a review. SOURCEvapes has partnered with Yotpo, which also increases the credibility of the reviews by showing reviews from verified buyers -- and it simplifies the process by providing customers with an easy link.

What review sites do you want to be on?

Larger review sites like CrowdReviews.com, Yelp!, or Angies List are some of the best known brands, and directing users to one of those gives you a better chance of recognition, the benefit of association with a well-known review brand, as well as added credibility since there is a vetting process. In the case of CrowdReviews, the site verifies reviewers identities as well as the legitimacy of the companies being reviewed.

While those larger sites typically offer reviews of multiple different product or service categories, smaller sites may cater to a specific niche, with sites that specialize in reviewing everything from tobacco vaping products, to mattress review sites. In addition to the broader review sites, marketers may also wish to incorporate selected niche review sites into the mix. I spoke with the webmaster of niche review site bestmattress-brand.org, who offered some insight into how marketers are using these types of sites to help create brand awareness. Since most of these smaller sites are not as well known, it is important for the marketer to choose a review site that offers in-depth information, well-written and detailed reviews and articles and an unbiased look at companies and products.

Related: 3 Ways to Boost Word of Mouth and Referrals for Your Business

Finally, there are spam review sites that should be avoided at all costs. These are the ones with thinly-written reviews (many of which are obviously fake), and what are obviously paid affiliate links to each companys website. Affiliate relationships are not an indication that a review site isnt credible, but if there is a relationship, it should be disclosed plainly.

User review best practices.
The small plane crash in Connecticut that killed one man on board appears to have been a suicide, a U.S. official familiar with the investigation told The Associated Press on Wednesday.

Flight instructor Arian Prevalla survived the East Hartford crash Tuesday. Student pilot Feras Freitekh died. The official said the flight instructor described the student pilot as disgruntled about learning to be a pilot.

The official says the instructor told police there was an altercation in the cockpit during their training flight, and the instructor was unable to regain control of the plane from the student pilot. The plane crashed onto a busy road near jet-engine maker Pratt & Whitney's headquarters.

Earlier Wednesday, the National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that an investigation indicated the crash was intentional.

Freitekh, a 28-year-old Jordanian national, was piloting the twin-engine Piper PA-34 Seneca when he told Prevalla he no longer wanted to fly the plane, a law enforcement official told The Hartford Courant. Investigators said there was no indication of terrorism.

Prevalla's social media pages indicate he is president of the American Flight Academy. They say he is originally from Albania and now lives in Hartford.

The NTSB reported that the FBI would take the lead in the investigation. The aircraft had two sets of controls, police said.

Public records show Freitekh has lived in the Chicago suburb of Orland Hills since 2013 and received a federal private pilot certificate last year. He entered the U.S. in 2012 on an M1 visa for flight school and at some point he also aquired an F1 visa for language school, CBS News reported.

The plane hit a utility pole and wires in East Hartford, Conn., around 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday, exploding into a fireball and knocking out power for hundreds of people. The FAA said the plane was on final approach to Brainard Airport in Hartford at the time of the crash.

The Federal Aviation Administration is also involved in the investigation.

"Pratt & Whitney is assisting authorities as needed. We are unable to comment further since this is an active investigation," the company announced in a statement Tuesday.

Fox News' Marta Dhanis and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Click for more from Fox 25.
My mornings begin on Outlook, checking email from clients and colleagues in Europe and Asia and WhatsApp, communicating with my family in India. All day, Im on LinkedIns messaging system to keep up with industry partners and peers; Facebook Messenger to connect with friends in the UK; and Salesforce, Asana and Skype to collaborate on projects and initiatives with colleagues across the globe. In the evenings, Im on Snapchat, following friends adventures here in the U.S. Each day, Im sending hundreds of messages to hundreds of people around the world, using more than half a dozen messaging systems.

Related: 2016 Election Causing Many Small-Business Owners to Feel Down

With so many new ways to communicate; however, it is one of the most basic forms of messaging that has taken center stage this election year -- email. Clintons private server use and her deleted emails, the DNC email hack, reports of a 10-year-old lawsuit, involving The Trump Organization, in which email was an issue -- just read the news on any given day, and it seems that email-related headlines are numerous and seemingly endless.

Just as the use of email at the highest levels of government has skyrocketed - contrast Bill Clintons widely cited claim that he sent two emails in the entirety of his Presidency with Obamas famous Blackberry addiction -- so has the modern workers. A 2015 survey found the average worker spends 6.3 hours a day checking email, split about 50/50 between work and personal emails.

With employees using email - plus everything from WhatsApp to increasingly popular collaboration tools like Slack, Yammer and Hipchat -- average-size companies generate vast volumes of data of a magnitude that could fill the Library of Congress many times over. Couple this with the fact that most companies have at least some regulatory or legal requirements to understand whats happening with their data, and the future of data management can seem overwhelming.

For business leaders, the harsh reality is that the email headaches of the 2016 election year are not the domain of politics alone. In fact, it is representative of the challenges surrounding a proliferation of data in the modern world and should serve as a stark warning to business leaders about the urgent need for clear and comprehensive policies on employee email and other messaging systems.

As demonstrated by the departures of executives, like Targets CEO following the companys data breach in 2014, the responsibility extends to the highest levels of an organization. For data related to shareholder value, potential breaches could have board and c-suite ramifications. Meanwhile, sensitive customer information, like credit card data and healthcare information, could lead to legal, regulatory and customer scrutiny at the CEO level.

Related: Breaking Down the Tactics and Tools the Presidential Candidates Are Using

CEOs are ultimately accountable for understanding the various data types being used by the organization, where and how the data is archived and what retention policies are being established. For regulated industries, these policies can be long, but regulations may not apply to all data types, so companies must understand its regulatory requirements, ensuring preservation policies are compliant.

Next, define what tools and systems to allow for internal employee use. Create policies that are clear, and provide employee training to ensure they are understood. Solutions might not need to be one-size-fits-all, and companies can create segments within the organization based on a measured risk approach, since customer representatives might not need to adhere to the same standards as employees handling sensitive data with potential customer or shareholder implications.

The bottom line: Information management strategy must be on business leaders' agendas.

Related: 4 Ways Technology Has Impacted Presidential Elections

In an election cycle, in which we have come to expect the unexpected, there is likely to be more email drama before November. Going forward, I believe this political year will serve as a benchmark moment. When, in the election of 1960, John Kennedy and Richard Nixon met for a nationally televised presidential campaign debate, the moment heralded a new era of transformative technology - television. I predict the election of 2016 will be considered the tipping point for managing the headaches of email and data streams in the modern political - and business -- worlds.
A dentist who practiced in Washington has been indicted on charges that he sexually abused male patients while they were anesthetized with nitrous oxide.

Forty-four-year-old Bilal Ahmed of Potomac, Maryland, was indicted Tuesday.

A spokesman for the D.C. Superior Court said in a news release that the charges include 14 felony counts of sexual abuse.

According to court documents, in May 2014, Ahmed performed dental work on a patient, and administered nitrous oxide to him through a face mask.

Prosecutors say when the mask came off, the patient found Ahmed sexually assaulting him. The patient reported the incident police.

Barry Coburn, one of Ahmed's lawyers, said by phone that he had not yet studied the indictments or reviewed them with his client.

Ahmed's dental licenses in Washington and Maryland are suspended.
Stumping for Donald Trump in Ocala, Florida, on Wednesday, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani told a crowd that Hillary Clinton had falsely claimed to have been in New York on Sept. 11, 2001  an incorrect claim he took back a few hours later.

"I made a mistake. I'm wrong and I apologize," Giuliani told The Associated Press.

In Florida, addressing what he portrayed as Clinton's past remarks on the subject, Giuliani said: "Don't tell me, if you said that, that you remember Sept. 11, 2001. I remember Sept. 11, 2001. Yes, yes, you helped to get benefits for the people that were injured that day. But I heard her say one day she was there that day. I was there that day. I don't remember seeing Hillary Clinton there."

In fact, she wasn't in New York, but she never claimed to be, either.

On many occasions, Clinton has described being in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 11 when hijacked jets struck the World Trade Center and the Pentagon. She was a member of the Senate at the time, and Congress was in session.

The next day, commercial flights remained grounded but Clinton traveled to New York City aboard a government plane. There, she circled the smoldering World Trade Center in a helicopter, then toured ground zero with Giuliani and New York's Republican governor, George Pataki.

Photos of that tour show Clinton standing shoulder to shoulder with Giuliani.

Asked about his comments, Giuliani said he thought he had heard Clinton say during the last presidential debate that she was in New York on 9/11. But after being contacted by a reporter, he reviewed a transcript and found out he was wrong.

Told that he was being criticized online by people posting photographs of him with Clinton at ground zero, Giuliani was contrite.

"I probably deserve it," he said.

After returning to Washington, Clinton worked with other lawmakers to secure billions of dollars in federal aid for New York to assist in the city's recovery.

In his speech in Ocala, Giuliani questioned Clinton's commitment to people killed or injured in the attacks.

"Don't tell me you subscribe to the notion that all of us who lived through Sept. 11th and were lucky to be alive and have lost so many friends," he said. "I lost so many friends on Sept. 11th. I think about it every day. Don't tell me you belong to our very, very tight group of Never Forget!"
A former 911 operator in Houston has admitted to hanging up on callers because she didn't feel like talking to them, authorities say.

Crenshanda Williams, 43, faces a misdemeanor charge of emergency interference with a telephone call.

KPRC reported that Williams was involved in thousands of "short calls" or 911 calls lasting no more than 20 seconds between October 2015 and March 2016.

Police said Williams was questioned about the short calls and said, "she often hangs up on calls that have not been connected because she did not want to talk to anyone at that time."

On March 12, KPRC reported, Williams hung up on a caller reporting a robbery that resulted in the death of a convenience store manager. The caller, engineer Hua Li, told the station that he was disconnected before finishing his first sentence.

Li called 911 again, reaching a different operator who allowed him to complete the call.

The following day, Williams took a call from a security guard reporting two motorists street racing on Interstate 45. Before the caller could give his location, Williams disconnected the call. Police said she was recorded saying, "Aint nobody got time for this. For real."

CW39 reported that Williams had been employed at the call center since July 2014. She is due in court next week.

Click for more from Click2Houston.com.

Click for more from CW39.com.
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A man who told police he fatally shot his daughter in anger at their suburban Cleveland home has pleaded not guilty to aggravated murder.

Sixty-three-year-old Jamal Mansour was arraigned Wednesday in Cleveland. A judge reduced his bond to $1 million but said he cannot go free until after a bond hearing next week.

Mansour is charged with shooting 27-year-old Tahani Mansour three times in the head during an argument last month at their Rocky River home.

A Cuyahoga (ky-uh-HOH'-guh) County assistant prosecutor says the shooting was "planned" and Mansour is a risk to flee the country based on a translated recording of a phone call he made from jail.

Mansour's attorney disputes that. He says Mansour is a U.S. citizen and has health problems.

Mansour was born in Jordan and came to the U.S. in 1978.
More than a month after a South Carolina couple vanished, the appearance of some sketchy Facebook posts deepened the mystery surrounding their disappearance.

Charlie Carver, 32, and Kala Brown, 30, have been missing since Aug. 31, according to WYFF4-TV. Brown and Carver had been together for several months and moved in together in the summer. Carver was in the middle of getting a divorce from his wife.

A Facebook page dedicated to finding Carver and Brown says they were last seen Aug. 30 leaving a friends home in Anderson. Their families began to worry when they didnt answer phone calls. Carver was last seen leaving work the next day.

The page also says that their apartment was found with only Browns Pomeranian inside. The dog didnt have any food or water with it.

Bobbie Newson, the mother of Carver, and Joanne Shiflet, the mother of Brown, told NBCs Dateline that medication was also left behind along with Browns glasses.

Brown, whos usually active on Facebook, has no recent posts. And Carver, who isnt usually active on the social networking site, apparently changed his profile picture on Sept. 6 and posted a message saying they just packed up and left and that they were fine.

According to the station, the posts started to come after the couple was reported missing. Their families believe Carvers account was hacked because the posts were uncharacteristic of ones typically made by Charlie.

"It's getting people thinking they are found, but they are not," Shiflet said in an interview with Dateline.

Anderson police Lt. Mike Aikens said that detectives were investigating their disappearance but there have been few clues. Police added that foul play hasnt been ruled out.

Friends of Brown told police that she had dinner at her apartment in Anderson on Aug. 29 and spoke to her the next day. But after Aug. 31, all communication had come to an abrupt halt.

Police found Browns car at her apartment complex and her cellphone provider had told authorities there was no activity in the days before she vanished.

Authorities urge anyone with information to contact Anderson police at 864-260-4444 or Crime Stoppers at 888-CRIME-SC.

Click for more from WYFF4-TV.
A black-owned Oregon bakery is being accused of racism after selling an Oreo cupcake the named Mr. President.

The Oregonian reported Monday that outraged customers have been blasting the bakery on Yelp criticizing Fat Cupcake for its Mr. President treat. The cupcake is described as an Oreo Cookie baked inside white cake with cookies n cream buttercream.

Very troubling. They were serving a cupcake called the 'Mr. President' that had an Oreo cookie inside. When I tried to point out the racism implied, they claimed that 'our current president loves Oreos, one Yelp reviewer wrote.

Anjelica Hayes, the owner of the Portland-based bake shop, says she is black and therefore the cupcake cannot be racist. She said they originally named the cupcake because it was so good they wanted it to hold public office. She later found out President Barack Obamas favorite cookie was the Oreo.

Hayes said the bakery also took heat from an item dubbed The Intern. The same Yelp review who lambasted the shop over the Oreo cupcake took issue with The Intern because they thought it was a jab at Monica Lewinsky, Hayes told the paper.

After coming under fire from angry reviewers, Hayes has changed the name of the cupcake to The Professional. She said the item is still the most popular baked good at the store despite its name.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Click for more from The Oregonian.
Authorities say the parents of a Chinese college student found shot to death in a central New York suburb have arrived in the United States.

Sgt. Jon Seeber of the Onondaga County Sheriff's Office tells The Post-Standard of Syracuse (http://bit.ly/2e6Ka2d ) that Yuan Xiaopeng's (YOO'-en SHE'-ow-puhngz) parents arrived in the U.S. on Tuesday. He says their trip was delayed last week because Chinese government offices were closed during a weeklong national holiday.

Seeber says detectives are still investigating the circumstances surrounding the slaying of Yuan, a 23-year-old a junior studying mathematics at Syracuse University.

Police say Yuan was fatally shot on the afternoon of Sept. 30 at an apartment complex in DeWitt, outside Syracuse.

The Syracuse newspaper reports Yuan first arrived at the university in the summer of 2011.

___

Information from: The Post-Standard, http://www.syracuse.com
A handful of San Antonio police officers face disciplinary measures after appearing in a video for Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Tuesday sporting red Make America Great Again caps.

According to Fox San Antonio, city policy bans employees from getting involved in politics while serving as city employees. Police Chief William McManus said the officers violated policy and would be disciplined.

"The officers wearing the campaign hats while in uniform violated SAPD policy and will be disciplined appropriately, McManus said in a statement. SAPD officers are charged with protecting the entire community. The officers displayed poor judgment. I expect them to know better than to give the appearance of endorsing a candidate while on duty and in uniform, regardless of the political campaign or the candidate."

Mayor Ivy Taylor called the officers decisions disappointing.

"I am deeply disappointed by some of our SAPD officers' lack of judgment, Taylor said in a statement posted on her Facebook page. While on duty, police must be above politics with an obligation to serve everyone equally. Everything they do should send that message and today's actions did not."

The San Antonio Express-News reported that the officers were part of Trumps motorcade that helped escort him to and from the San Antonio International Airport.

In the brief video that Trump tweeted, the billionaire businessman was heard saying thank you, fellas.

Thank you Texas! If you haven't registered to VOTE- today is your last day. Go to: https://t.co/HfihPEA3Sp & get out on 11/8/16 to #MAGA! pic.twitter.com/KlRx4GoO64  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2016

Michael Helle, president of the San Antonio Police Officers Association told the paper that the officers cant do that stuff while on duty. He later said in a statement that they were probably caught up in the moment.

Helle added that the officers will probably get some sort of written reprimand or counseling to not do that sort of thing on duty.

Click for more from Fox San Antonio.

Click for more from the San Antonio Express-News.
With millennials embracing entrepreneurism and career independence more than any generation that came before, nearly every facet of every industry has seen its fair share of new business startups. Although some are more successful than others, they all share one common trait: The leadership of a bright and dedicated professional.

As current trends dictate, entrepreneurs have two primary choices when it comes to owning a business.

The first option, which is simultaneously the most obvious path as well as the most difficult, is to start your very own enterprise.

Alternatively, some professionals opt to buy into an existing business either as a franchisee, partner or sole owner.

With risks and rewards found in both options, is one choice better than the other for millennials?

Starting your own business.

When it comes to launching a brand new enterprise, most millennials would prefer to start their very own business. Not only does this allow for the maximum amount of creativity and innovation right from the start, but such motivation and desire can also be a real boon to your career if your startup is a success.

Related: 5 Unique Traits of Millennial Entrepreneurs

The first step to starting your own business from scratch is to develop a product. This could be a physical object, such as new computer hardware or a new smart-device. Conversely, your product could come in the form of a software-based solution or even a consultative service.

Some young professionals, especially those who are new to the workforce, may be reluctant about owning their own business. In this case, taking up work as an independent contractor or freelancer might be a viable option. This gives you the luxury of making your own day-to-day schedule, sourcing your own work and creating your own success without tying you down to a permanent, brick-and-mortar company. In fact, most freelance positions can be done from the comfort of your very own home.

Now that you've decided on the product or service you'll be selling, either as a freelance contractor or a new business owner, it's time to get to work. Determining your target audience, establishing key selling points and creating brand awareness all come next in the process of launching your own business, but these caveats tend to take care of themselves once a valuable product or service has been developed.

Buying an existing business.

Many entrepreneurs find it easier to buy into an existing business as a franchisee as opposed to purchasing an entire company outright. This lets you capitalize on the reputation of the established brand without having to worry about the nuances of owning a complete enterprise.

Related: Millennial Entrepreneurs -- 4 Myths, Debunked

Because of the growing popularity of franchise opportunities around the nation, many top brands have made the process of franchise ownership easier than ever before. For example, Giordanos created a franchising guide to provide a comprehensive overview of the brand's franchising information and requirements and 7-Eleven includes franchising videos and information snapshots on its website.

On the other hand, those who are interesting in taking over complete control of a business that has already established its territory, customer base and service offerings may be able to accomplish this by purchasing a brand or small business as a whole. This is usually achieved by gaining position as major shareholder or through an outright purchase. This would also give the buyer oversight of any pre-existing franchise locations, if any.

Those who do buy into an existing business, either through a franchise opportunity, partnership or outright purchase, may also be able to take advantage of various bank loans in order to secure the necessary capital for their launch.

According to the 7(a) program, which was first introduced in 1953 by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), the SBA will guarantee 75 percent of your bank loan. While you'll still have to foot the bill for the remaining 25 percent, savvy and proactive businesspeople can utilize monies paid from other investors, partners or peers in order to fill the gap.

Two paths to professional autonomy.

At the end of the day, it's unlikely that one of these options is going to be better than the other for all millennials. Both choices present benefits and challenges.

For one thing, getting the capital to buy an existing business could be challenging for most millennials, who generally lack the financial safety net necessary for such a transaction. Likewise, with so many unique startups gaining recognition in the last few years, coming up with a pitchable concept for a new company could be equally difficult.

Follow Us: Young Entrepreneur on Facebook and Twitter

What millennials and most entrepreneurs for that matter, want is professional autonomy. How you reach that goal, though, is going to depend on your unique opportunities and circumstances.
The Prichard Police Department is investigating a shooting involving a student at Vigor High School.

Mobile County School's spokeswoman Rena Philips tells local news outlets the shooting took place after school had been dismissed around 3:45 p.m. Tuesday

Police say the student was shot in the abdomen and is listed in stable condition. Police have not released the student's name.

Police spokesman Philip Steil says the shooting took place near some parked car on the school's campus.

Steil says the suspected shooter was also a juvenile and was known by the victim.

Police are still looking for the shooter.
China is protesting the attendance of the U.N. human rights chief at a ceremony honoring an imprisoned Chinese scholar and rights activist.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said Wednesday that Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein had "confused right and wrong" and "blatantly supported terrorists."

That reflects China's contention that Ilham Tohti had been part of a criminal gang that sought to split the western region of Xinjiang from China.

Tohti was sentenced in 2014 to life in prison on separatism charges.

A member of the Turkic Muslim Uighur ethnic group, he was a critic of the government's ethnic policies in the far western region of Xinjiang.

On Tuesday, he was given the Martin Ennals Award bestowed by 10 rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch at a ceremony in Geneva.
Authorities say flooding in eastern Romania has blocked roads and a railway line, and schools were closed in one city.

Local government official Dumitru Nada said schools were closed in Bacau on Wednesday due to heavy rain. A railway line linking Galati, a Danube port in eastern Romania, to the northeast was shut Wednesday after Galati station was flooded. Trains were running up to two hours late.

Authorities say they extracted floodwater in dozens of cases in Bucharest and rural areas since Tuesday evening.

Police reported up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) of water some roads in eastern Romania. Five people were rescued after their bus was caught in floodwaters.

Police say falling rocks caused by heavy rain blocked parts of one road in central-east Romania.
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The Latest on the flow of migrants into Europe (all times local):

1:20 p.m.

Hungarian police have recommended murder and smuggling charges against one Afghan and seven Bulgarian suspects for the August 2015 deaths of 71 migrants who suffocated in the back of a refrigerated truck in Austria.

Zotan Boross, head of the National Investigation Bureau's anti-illegal migration department, said Wednesday that international arrest warrants had been issued for three other Bulgarians suspected of being drivers in the Hungary-based smuggling group.

Boross said the Afghan man considered to be the local boss had been living in Hungary since March 2013 as a recognized refugee.

Boross blamed the suspected ringleader's "unscrupulousness and greed" for the tragedy, evidenced by the fact that a day after the deaths of the 71 migrants, Austrian police found 67 migrants in a similar truck being smuggled by the same group.

___

1 p.m.

Germany's interior minister says some 213,000 asylum-seekers have arrived in the country this year, keeping it on course for a far lower total in 2016 than last year's 890,000.

Minister Thomas de Maiziere said Wednesday the number of newcomers "is still declining but remains significant." He said the figure he gave for the year's first nine months reflects the number who "actually registered and entered."

De Maiziere's ministry said 272,185 people were registered in a computer system between January and September as incoming asylum-seekers  15,618 in September, in line with the previous five months' figures.

However, that system doesn't register people by name and the figures have been inflated in the past by people registering multiple times. The number registered last year was initially given as nearly 1.1 million.
Russia is ordering all of its officials to fly home any relatives living abroad amid rising tensions over the prospect of a new world war, its been claimed.

Politicians and high-ranking figures are said to have received a high-level warning from tough guy president Vladimir Putin, according to local media.

The reported call to return to the Motherland  which comes after Putin suddenly cancelled a visit to France  applies to all state employees.

Workers were reportedly told to pull their children out of school immediately, reports the Daily Star.

The top level order applies to administration staff, regional administrators, lawmakers of all levels and employees of public corporations.

Those that do not obey the edict will find the future employment prospects in tatters.

The reason for the urgent recall is unclear but one top analyst said it could be a hint war is on its way.

Russian political analyst Stanislav Belkovsky said: This is all part of the package of measures to prepare elites to some big war.

Russia recently held defense drills for 40 million citizens in apparent preparation for an all-out nuclear war.

And earlier this month, Putins ministers announced they had built bunkers capable of housing Moscows 14 million people.

Putin cancelled a scheduled visit to Paris after French president Francois Hollande accused the Kremlin of war crimes in Syria.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: The President has made a decision to cancel this visit.

British Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson has called on protesters to demonstrate outside the Russian embassy over the countrys brutal bombing of Aleppo.

Relations between Russia and the US are at their lowest since the Cold War and have soured in recent days after Washington pulled the plug on Syria talks and accused Russia of hacking attacks.

This story first appeared in The Sun.
A state-owned newspaper in the United Arab Emirates is reporting that two maids from Sri Lanka have been found not guilty of theft in a case involving a Dubai palace belonging to a member of the city-state's ruling family.

The National newspaper of Abu Dhabi says the ruling came in a court hearing Tuesday involving the theft of jewelry and smartphones from the palace in March.

The newspaper didn't identify the defendants nor the member of the ruling family who owned the palace in question.

Dubai, home to the world's tallest building, is ruled by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Romanian police have killed a brown bear that wandered into a Transylvanian city, apparently from a nearby forest.

Residents spotted the animal early Wednesday in downtown Sibiu, a picturesque Romanian city which is popular with tourists. It then climbed on to a roof as authorities and residents gathered below.

Police spokeswoman Luciana Baltes told Agerpres national news agency the bear was trapped in the courtyard of a factory, and a tranquilizer shot was unsuccessful. Police then shot and killed the animal.

Between 5,000 and 6,000 brown bears are estimated to live in Romania.
Egypt says it will host Russian troops this month for joint military exercises at the coastal city of El-Alamein, the latest step in the two countries' rapprochement.

The army says in a Tuesday statement that the training exercises, called "Guardians of Friendship," will take place between Oct. 15 and 26 and include "elite units" as well as vehicles from both sides.

Egypt has increased cooperation with Russia under the leadership of President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, the former army leader who overthrew his elected but divisive Islamist predecessor in 2013.

In May 2015, Cairo announced a $25 billion Russian loan for a joint project to build a nuclear power plant.

Relations soured, however, after militants brought down a Russian passenger plane in Sinai last October, killing all 224 on board.
The Russian military has test-fired three ballistic missiles in one day, drills that come amid a U.S.-Russian rift over Syria.

The Defense Ministry said a nuclear submarine of the Russian Pacific Fleet launched an intercontinental ballistic missile from the Sea of Okhotsk off Russia's far east at a military firing range in the northwest on Wednesday.

A Northern Fleet nuclear submarine later fired a missile in the opposite direction from the Barents Sea, in the far north west.

Separately, a ground-based Topol intercontinental ballistic missile was fired from the Plesetsk launch pad in northern Russia at the Kamchatka range in eastern Russia.

The launches come as U.S.-Russian relations have hit their lowest point in years after the collapse of a truce in Syria, where Russian warplanes are backing the Syrian army.
A Rwandan official says an academic extradited from the United States last month has been charged with multiple offenses related to his alleged role in the 1994 genocide.

Faustin Nkusi, a spokesman for the public prosecutor, said Wednesday that Leopold Munyakazi was charged Tuesday in the capital, Kigali.

Rwandan prosecutors accuse Munyakazi, a college professor at the time of the genocide, of being among the ideologues of the genocide in which over 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed by Hutu extremists.

Munyakazi was charged with committing genocide, complicity in genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, extermination and genocide negation. He denied the charges.

Munyakazi fled Rwanda in 2004 and sought refuge in the U.S., where he taught at Goucher College until he was suspended in 2008 following his indictment.
The Mission of Iraq, which sits on a wealthy Upper East Side block near Central Park, has a dark secret: its basement was used as a jail equipped for torture under Saddam Husseins regime, The Post has learned.

When he rose to power in 1979, the despot had the terrifying detention room installed inside the five-story building at 14 East 79th Street  right across from billionaire former mayor Michael Bloombergs home, according to two Iraqi officials speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Saddams henchmen  known as Mukhabarat agents  frequently imprisoned local Iraqis in the basement for up to 15 days at a time, using them as leverage to get their relatives back in the homeland to surrender and cooperate with the tyrannical government, the officials said.

It was a dark room. The doors were reinforced in a way that nobody could break in or out. You didnt need to sound proof it, one official said. The other official added, Youre not going to hear someone screaming down there.

The prison chamber was similar to detention rooms in Iraqi embassies around the world, including Eastern Europe and Arab countries, where evidence of torture was uncovered, the officials said.

Click for more from the New York Post.
A Syrian man suspected of planning a radical Islamic terror attack in Germany committed suicide in prison, officials said Wednesday.

The German news agency dpa reported that Jaber Albakr, 22, was found hanged in his cell in the city of Leipzig. Der Spiegel reported that Albakr had been under constant surveillance and was on a hunger strike.

Justice Ministry spokesman Joerg Herold told The Associated Press that Albakr killed himself sometime in the evening, but that the incident was still being investigated.

Albakr, who arrived in Germany last year, was arrested Monday after three fellow Syrians tied him up and alerted police. Two days earlier, police raided an apartment in the eastern city of Chemnitz, where they found "several hundred grams" of a volatile explosive and a homemade bomb vest.

Albakr, who had been under surveillance by German domestic intelligence since last month, was observed exiting the apartment building and authorities fired a warning shot. He nevertheless was able to elude police on the scene and flee the city, prompting criticism of Saxony state authorities.

Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said earlier Wednesday that "there was a check against security authorities' data in 2015, but without any hits." He added "it's not clear when he was radicalized."

Authorities believe the suspect had links to ISIS. Security officials believe Albakr intended to attack a passenger train before setting his sights on one of Berlin's airports.

German media have reported that after his initial arrival, Albakr later returned to Syria through Turkey and then came back to Germany. German federal authorities have not commented on the reports.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.


Toppers Pizza Introduces New Chief Development Officer To Drive Brands Future Growth

After growing Smashburger to more than 350 units, David Biederman Utilizes Strong Pedigree to Guide Toppers Growth Momentum

October 12, 2016 // Franchising.com // Whitewater, Wis.  Toppers Pizza has celebrated a lot of important milestones lately. So far in 2016, the brand has added four new locations to its rapidly growing franchise system and signed three additional multi-unit development franchise deals that will ultimately open up 41 new locations for business. Six of those units will be in North Carolina, 13 will be in Colorado and Wyoming and 22 will be located in Virginia and Maryland.

Now, as Toppers continues to embark on its quest to gain the upper hand in a competitive industry, the brand is proud to announce the recent hire of David Biederman as chief development officer. As a key member of the leadership team, Biedermans job is to spearhead the brands continued growth in both new and untapped territories throughout the country.

The more I learned about Toppers and the more I spoke with the brands founder and CEO, Scott Gittrich, the more excited I became to be a part of this brand. Toppers has the maturity and experience of a legacy brand with the fresh attitude and spirit of a start-up. The quality and sizing of the products make us relevant for any occasion and set us apart from all competitors in the space. Our next generation technology platform will rival the leaders in not just the pizza and restaurant space, but all sectors of e-commerce. Finally, the way we operate our restaurants is proof that a commitment to strong values leads to equally strong profit.

A seasoned restaurant veteran, Biederman brings with him decades of experience. Most recently, he served as Chief Development Officer for Smashburger. While he was at Smashburger, he helped the brand grow to more than 350 locations in less than 9 years, working in both corporate and franchisee development. Prior to Smashburger, Biederman held leadership roles in both operations and innovation at Quiznos. At McDonalds, as a Senior Director of New Concept Development, Biederman helped develop, build and operate new concept restaurants for the venerable chain.

Now, Biederman is hoping to bring that same experience with emerging brands to grow the next big concept in both pizza and franchising - Toppers.

Our goal is to continue to show more and more pizza fanatics that they dont have to settle for mediocre pizza. But in order to do so, we need to keep upping our game so that were better than the big chains in every way. Its a never-ending process of growing and evolving, and that applies to the backbone of Toppers system, too - our franchise development process, said Scott Gittrich, founder and president of Toppers Pizza. Were excited to bring David and his expertise in driving brand growth to the Toppers team. Our motivating force has always been to provide a better pizza, quicker delivery and unmatched customer service. Now, were taking a major step forward as a brand by focusing more of our efforts on adopting a meaningful development strategy.

Biederman sees a lot of similarities between his work at Smashburger and his new role with Toppers. He notes that both are brands in a saturated segment  and both are brands innovating, recreating and redefining their respective segments in a revolutionary way. Biederman is eager to take what he learned while driving Smashburger to national success and apply it to Toppers.

Toppers is backed by an impressive 25-year history, strong leadership and a strong following of customers. This is a next-generation company suited for next-generation franchisees, Biederman said. This is just the beginning for Toppers, and Im eager to position this unparalleled opportunity in front of the right people to help propel the brand to a national presence.

About Toppers Pizza

Capitalizing on the booming better pizza category and fueled by the passion of Founder & President Scott Gittrich and a team of experienced industry veterans, Toppers Pizza has formulated the perfect recipe to appeal to both pizza enthusiasts and savvy investors. Headquartered in Wisconsin, Toppers is one of the fastest growing better-pizza chains in the United States. The brand has doubled in size over the last three years and completely sold out three states based on growth spurred by both existing franchisees and established multi-unit operators. Now with restaurants in 12 states and with territories immediately available across the country, Toppers plans to reach 700 stores in the U.S. within 10 years. Toppers is committed to quality and consistency throughout the system, and plans to maintain corporate ownership of 25 percent of all locations while the brand expands to continuously improve on best practices and product development. Toppers fanatics love the brands fresh, handmade and customizable pizza baked in about 6 minutes and delivered extremely fast, with more than a million combinations of fresh, high quality toppings, and the brands signature line of flavored Topperstix and baked Buffalo wings. In 2014, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked Toppers as one of the top 500 franchises in the U.S and QSR Magazine listed the company as one of the years Best Franchise Deals. For more information on how to join the rapidly growing Toppers family and for a sneak peek into the Toppers experience, visit http://www.toppersfranchise.com/.

SOURCE Toppers Pizza

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Jim dedicated his free time from work and family to the sport of swimming. He considered all swimmers competing in the pool as his children and treated them as such. Jim first got involved with the sport in 1996 when his daughter Maggie started swimming for College Heights during the summer. He became a certified USA Swimming official in 2001 and attained the highest official certification as Referee in August 2006. In 2014, he was presented with a Lifetime Membership in USA Swimming by Virginia Swimming and was elected as Administrative Vice Chair of VA Swimming in 2015. During his life, he was Meet Referee for numerous Special Olympic events-indeed, this was his favorite event; Northern District Officials Chair for many years; Meet Referee numerous times for VSI Senior Champs and Age Group Champs. He was committed to the sport and worked more than 30 meets and over 100 sessions per year. Jim also was the Meet Referee for high school which included James Monroe and Fredericksburg Academy and NCAA which included Randolph Macon College and University of Mary Washington swim meets. VA swimming will miss his sunny disposition, wise leadership and compassionate mentorship.
Mortgage Broker Premiere Mortgage Services, Inc Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary

Premiere Mortgage Services, Inc is celebrating its 20 year anniversary and reveals some of its big wins and challenges it faced getting this far. More information on the business can be found at http://www.bainmortgage.com

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Premiere Mortgage Services, Inc. is celebrating their 20th Anniversary, which commemorates 20 fulfilling years in business. This is a huge milestone for the Sterling, MA-based Mortgage Broker business, which has provided home mortgage loans to homeowners since 1996.

Premiere Mortgage Services got it's start in 1996 when founder Dana Bain and his wife Robin decided they could offer the absolute best service and pricing model over their competition. In addition they have operated out of their home office from day one and have been fortunate enough to always be there for their two daughters while they were growing up.

One of the earliest challenges Premiere Mortgage Services faced has been how the mortgage banking business has always been and continues to be in a state of change with new rules and regulations that require adaptation. These changes require continual learning of new protocols and procedures via industry continuing education programs (CE) and strict federal licensing requirements. All the while making sure to protect the consumer.

While every business of course faces challenges, some, like Premiere Mortgage Services are fortunate enough to enjoy real successes, wins and victories too. Once such victory has been the ability to be there for their two daughters were growing up. In addition, being able to build both their dream home and business while helping so many customers purchase their dream home. They have also been able to save existing homeowners thousands of dollars with refinancing options while providing some of the best mortgage rates and programs available.

Dana Bain, President at Premiere Mortgage Services was also quoted when discussing another big win. "One of the high points of Premiere Mortgage Services' history so far has been capitalizing on today's technology and communication tools. This has allowed us the great fortune to serve so many happy homeowners in both Massachusetts and New Hampshire."

Premiere Mortgage Services, Founder, Dana Bain says "We're delighted to be celebrating our 20 Year Anniversary. I believe the secret to getting this far in business today is perseverance and an incredible partner in my wife Robin. We're blessed to have a large client base of happy and loyal customers and real estate professionals."

Premiere Mortgage Services currently has big plans for the upcoming year. One of their core objectives is to become the primary source of mortgage loan financing for both Massachusetts and New Hampshire homeowners.

Premiere Mortgage Services, Inc. would also like to thank friends, customers and business partners for their well wishes on this happy occasion.

More information on Dana Bain and his mortgage broker services, they can be found at http://www.bainmortgage.com.

For more information, please visit http://www.bainmortgage.com/

Contact Info:

Name: Dana Bain

Email: Dana@bainmortgage.com

Organization: Premiere Mortgage Services Inc.

Address: 11 Malvern Hill Rd

Phone: (800) 480-0545

Release ID: 136744

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Johannesburg SEO announced the launch of their NEW Affordable Mobile Apps for small to medium businesses , set to go live 7 October . For anyone with even a passing interest in the world of Mobile Apps, this new development will be worth paying attention to, as it's set to shake things up.

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Johannesburg SEO was established in 5 January 2013. It has been doing business 3 years and it has always aimed to Offer Customer Visibility at All Times.

Currently, the closest thing to Johannesburg SEO's Launching new Affordable Mobile Apps for small to medium business service is at the moment mobile apps are to expensive for the small business owner, but Johannesburg SEO improved on this by Providing Increased Value to Customers,Mobile Scheduling and Reminders,Cost Reduction and Building their Brand. This alone is predicted to make Johannesburg SEO's Launching their new Affordable Mobile Apps for small to medium businesses more popular with their potential customers in the Mobile Apps space, quickly.

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Segments

Global GaN Semiconductor Devices Market can be segmented as follows:

Segmentation by Type: Opto Semiconductor and Power Semiconductor.

Segmentation by Devices: Transistors, Diodes, Rectifier, Power ICs, Amplifier and Switching System.

Segmentation by Applications: Consumer Electronics, Automotive, Medical, Power Conditioner, and Military, Aerospace & Defence among Others.

Key Players

o RF Micro Devices Incorporated (U.S.)

o Fujitsu Ltd.(Japan), Toshiba Corp. (Japan)

o Texas Instruments Inc. (U.S.)

o Cree Incorporated (U.S.)

o Aixtron SE (Germany)

o Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation (Japan)

o Koninklijke Philips N.V. (Netherlands)

o GaN Systems Inc. (Canada)

o Epigan NV (Belgium)

Get a Sample Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample-request/gan-semiconductor-devices-market-research-report-global-forecast-to-2022

Objective Study of GaN Semiconductor Devices Market:

o To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 10 years of the various segments and sub-segments of the global GaN Semiconductor Devices Market.

o To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth.

o To Analyze the GaN Semiconductor Devices Market based on various factors- price analysis, supply chain analysis, porters five force analysis etc.

o To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to four main geographies and their countries- North America, Europe, Asia, and Rest of the World (ROW).

o To provide country level analysis of the market with respect to the current market size and future prospective

o To provide country level analysis of the market for segment by Surface type, devices, applications and sub-segments.

o To provide strategic profiling of key players in the market, comprehensively analyzing their core competencies, and drawing a competitive landscape for the market

o To track and analyze competitive developments such as joint ventures, strategic alliances, mergers and acquisitions, new product developments, and research and developments in the global GaN Semiconductor Devices Market.

Taste the market data and market information presented through more than 70 market data tables and figures spread in 110 numbers of pages of the project report. Avail the in-depth table of content TOC & market synopsis on "GaN Semiconductor Devices Market Research Report- Global Forecast to 2022"

Market Scenario

Growing demand of radio-frequency in semiconductor market and growing market of electric vehicles and photovoltaic inverters are the key trend for this market. With increasing investment of market players in complex designs of semiconductor to serve the rising demand, especially the American and APAC countries are taking many initiatives to implement the GaN Semiconductor devices effectively in their region.

However, high initial cost is one of the factors which are hindering the growth of GaN Semiconductor Devices Market.

Browse Full Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/gan-semiconductor-devices-market-research-report-global-forecast-to-2022

Regional Analysis of GaN Semiconductor Devices Market:

North-America dominated the Global GaN Semiconductor Devices Market with the largest market share due to high penetration of GaN semiconductor in aerospace & defence sectors as well as in automotive sectors in the region, and therefore accounting for $XX million and is expected to grow over $XX billion by 2022. GaN Semiconductor Devices Market in Asia-Pacific market is expected to grow at CAGR of XX% from $ XX million in 2016 to $XX million by 2022. The European market for GaN Semiconductor Devices Market is expected to grow at XX% CAGR (2016-2022).

Table Of Content

1. Report Prologue

2. Introduction

2.1 Definition

2.2 Scope of the Study

2.2.1 Research Objective

2.2.2 Assumptions

2.2.3 Limitations

2.3 Market Structure

2.4. Market Segmentation

3. Research Methodology

3.1 Research Process

3.2 Primary Research

3.3 Secondary Research

3.4 Market Size Estimation

3.5 Forecast Model

4. Market Dynamics

4.1 Drivers

4.2 Restraints

4.3 Opportunities

4.4 Mega Trends

4.5 Macroeconomic Indicators

5. Market Factor Analysis

5.1 Value Chain Analysis

5.2 Porters Five Forces

Continue......

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According to the report, In APAC region, growing market of consumer electronics especially of LED based lighting and displays, has effectual contribution in rising GaN Semiconductor devices market in the region. Further, the report states that high initial cost is a challenge to the market growth.

The study was conducted using an objective combination of primary and secondary information including inputs from key participants in the industry. The report contains a comprehensive market and vendor landscape in addition to a SWOT analysis of the key vendors.

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About Market Research Future:

At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.

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Nebraska Legal Group Opens Doors in Omaha with Focus on Divorce and Family Law

Firm's attorneys have 60 years of combined legal experience with divorce and family law matters, Nebraska Legal Group reports

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Nebraska Legal Group, P.C., announced that the firm has opened its doors and is now providing counsel and representation to clients. Focusing solely on divorce and family law, the attorneys of Nebraska Legal Group are committed to making all legal options available to their clients and fully protecting their interests. Nebraska Legal Group is already producing impressive results for its first clients. Visitors to the new Nebraska Legal Group website can learn more about the firm and sign up for a No-Obligation Case Evaluation for any divorce- or family law-related matter.

"We're proud to announce that we have opened our doors and are ready to help people throughout Nebraska with their divorce and family-law needs," Nebraska Legal Group Managing Partner David Crum said, "Divorce, child custody, and other matters of these kinds can be stressful, and we are committed to providing the representation and support that our clients need and deserve. We believe in informing our clients about all their legal options and always fighting for their best interests, and we're passionate about producing results. We invite Nebraskans everywhere to visit our website and Check Our Google Reviews to see what we are about."

Nebraska stands solidly in the middle of the national pack when it comes to both marriage and divorce rates, with recent annual totals of 7.5 and 3.6 per thousand residents, respectively, both representing significant declines from long-term averages. While the state's marriage rate has sunk sharply over the last two decades, the divorce rate has dropped much more slowly, as noted in a Lincoln Journal Star report of a few years back. As a result, those who do get married are more likely than ever to confront divorce at some point, a prospect that provokes feelings of anxiety and uncertainty in just about all those who face it.

Nebraska Legal Group was founded to provide extraordinary, client-focused representation for Nebraskans in all of their divorce and family-law cases. From annulments and divorce to child custody, guardianship, legal separations, or domestic violence issues, the new firm focuses solely on matters within this particularly personal legal sphere.

Where other firms might keep clients in the dark, Nebraska Legal Group attorneys strive to make every legal option clear, to enable more informed, better grounded decisions. By providing personalized, engaged representation for every legal matter, the firm's lawyers make the achievement of truly beneficial results even more likely.

With over 60 years of combined experience in the field of divorce and family law, Nebraska Legal Group attorneys are well positioned to handle every case with the greatest of sensitivity, diligence, and effectiveness. Those interested can learn more about the new firm at the Nebraska Legal Group website, where a convenient form makes it easy to submit a free, no-obligation case evaluation regarding any divorce or family-law matter.

About Nebraska Legal Group, P.C.:

Providing extraordinary client-focused representation to people throughout the state, Nebraska Legal Group delivers the benefits of 60 years of combined divorce and family law experience and a deep commitment to achieving the most beneficial results possible.

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/nebraska-legal-group-opens-doors-in-omaha-with-focus-on-divorce-and-family-law/137175





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Dr. Saeed Bajwa - The New Director of Neurosciences at UHS, Johnson City

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Dr. Saeed Bajwa, an expert brain and spine neurosurgeon, has been named Director of Neurosciences at United Health Services Wilson Medical Center in Johnson City, New York. A dedicated and acclaimed surgeon, Dr. Bajwa has used his vast firsthand knowledge to treat neurological conditions for decades while utilizing his commitment to serve non-profit groups. As the Director of Neurosurgery since 1995 at Southern New York NeuroSurgical Group P.C., his significant contributions in research and experience in neurosurgery and neurology have improved the quality of life for countless patients suffering from brain and spinal injuries in Southern New York. In addition, Dr. Bajwa has used his success for philanthropic purposes for many years, and continues to do so. He brings his extensive knowledge, cutting-edge treatments, and compassionate insight to this distinguished position.

In January of 2016, Southern NY NeuroSurgical Group, headed by Dr. Bajwa, joined United Heath Services Medical Group, a multi-specialty group comprised of more than 250 physicians, based in Johnson City, and covering eight counties in the southern tier of New York. As Director of Neurosciences, Dr. Saeed Bajwa will be involved in marketing, enhancing patient care, and developing clinical research as well as coordinating and planning the expansion of services such as neuro-radiology, pain management, stroke care, neuro-intensive care service, and endovascular neurology.

United Health Services (UHS), a prominent leader in the treatment of brain and spinal disorders for more than five decades, treats patients with neurological conditions all across the globe. Ranked as one of the top neurosurgical centers in New York, UHS is a not-for-profit health care system comprised of five general hospitals. Dr. Bajwa will be working closely with the qualified staff at UHS Wilson Medical Center to provide comprehensive care to patients with spinal cord and brain injuries, seizure disorders, and other neurological conditions.

A contributor to the medical world for 30 years, Dr. Bajwa began his journey to helping others in his homeland of Pakistan, where he attended Nishtar Medical College of the University of Punjab. He pursued his career in neurosurgery after spending several years as a lecturer of Forensic Medicine and Pathology at King Edward Medical College in Lahore. After the devastating earthquake in Pakistan in 2005, Dr. Bajwa took part in treating the injured, broadening his experience and philanthropic efforts. He was recently awarded the ICNA Relief USA Award of Appreciation for his dedicated work with committee and community services. A respected professor in Neurosurgery, Dr. Bajwa received the Distinguished Teaching Award from the SUNY Health Science Center.

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Dr. Saeed Bajwa - Expert Brain and Spine Neurosurgeon: http://drsaeedbajwanews.com

Spine surgeon leader to know: Dr. Saeed Bajwa of Southern New York Neurosurgical Group: http://www.beckersspine.com/spine-leaders/item/28887-spine-surgeon-leader-to-know-dr-saeed-bajwa-of-southern-new-york-neurosurgical-group.html

Saeed A. Bajwa - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saeed-a-bajwa-a1539030

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Kingsky Flight Academy Receives Part 141 Flight Training Approval By FAA

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For more information, please visit http://www.kingskyfa.com

Contact Info:

Name: Mauricio Kelmann

Organization: Kingsky Flight Academy

Address: 3131 Flightline Dr, #304, Lakeland FL 33811

Phone: (863) 248-2543

Source: http://marketersmedia.com/kingsky-flight-academy-receives-part-141-flight-training-approval-by-faa/137614

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FrontPage Interactive's services include everything a business needs to be successful online, from design and development to optimization and website promotion. They concentrate on aesthetics, site usability and advanced functionality to make websites more functional, user-friendly and beautiful. The core of the Company is their "Digital Blueprint"; a strategic road map that evolves into a comprehensive branding and marketing platform including creative design, visual direction, technology implementation, dynamic content management and result-driven online marketing.

FrontPage Interactive has worked with small start-ups to top industry leaders in a variety of business verticals, and is agile enough to work with any industry sector. FPI is sought after by clients because of their ability to provide "turn-key" business solutions that include website design, web development, search engine optimization, local search marketing and web hosting all from a single-source provider. The company's experience, business savvy, skill set and proven track record is what sets them apart from other agencies. The company continues to grow and is recognized as a rising star in the industry.

About FrontPage Interactive, LLC

FrontPage Interactive is a full-service digital marketing agency located near Chicago, Illinois serving clients nationwide. FPI's talented team of dedicated professionals has a passion for web design and online marketing with exceptional skills in organic search engine optimization and local search marketing. Their team of designers, coders, programmers and technical experts work seamlessly to create an online presence that allows clients to develop a visual and emotional connection with their online audience resulting in increases in revenue, enhanced brand awareness, improved customer retention and optimized lead generation. FrontPage Interactive, LLC can be reached directly by calling 800-431-4934, or visiting frontpageinteractive.com, where more information on their web design and digital marketing services is available.

Media Inquiries & Additional Information

FrontPage Interactive LLC

823 E. Orchard

Mundelein, IL 60060

Phone: (800) 431-4934

www.frontpageinteractive.com

For more information, please visit https://frontpageinteractive.com/

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Name: Al Baiocchi

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Address: 823 E. Orchard

Phone: (800) 431-4934

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Name: Dr Tony Mork

Email: drtonymork@gmail.com

Organization: Back Pain Relief Institute

Address: 2455 Hollywood Blvd #106

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Special event in Simi Valley partner-level CPA's allows them to earn 6 hours of California CPE credits while attending "The Visionary CPA", a FREE Business Planning Symposium created specifically for partner-level CPA's. On Thursday, October 27, 2016 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM in Simi Valley, CA, partner-level CPA's can learn how a CPA collected over 3 million dollars in planning fees annually, how business planning with a client can return $60,000 in annual planning fees when it's challenging to collect $600 dollars for tax return, and how a CPA firm can increase their revenue and add tremendous value to their clients.

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"The Visionary CPA", a FREE Business Planning Symposium will held on October 27, 2016,Thursday, from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM in Simi Valley, CA. The event will count for 6 hours of California CPE credits and is designed for partner-level CPA's that would like to position their CPA firm for long-term growth, new revenue and customer retention. For more information, and on how to attend this event, visit http://www.coastalpwmllc.com/bps2.html

For more information, please visit http://www.markastimpsonandassociatesinc.com

Contact Info:

Name: Marketing Manager NetZango

Organization: Coastal Private Wealth Management, LLC

Address: 159 Parrot Lane

Phone: (805) 500-3210

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Doctor Publishes Book SER Feliz: Como Ser Feliz Realmente (How To Be Happy)

Dr Louis Koster has released a new how-to guide on How to be happy in the Spanish language. Conscious women and other interested parties can find the guide online at http://louiskoster-espanol.com/ser-feliz/.

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This most recent how-to book from Dr Louis Koster in the Spanish language contains precise and detailed steps and instructions, designed to be used by people who are serious about being happy and others who need it, to help them trust themselves, to have the power to manifest their heartfelt desires, as quickly, easily and with as little stress as possible.

The conscious woman and man and other interested parties are welcomed to download the how-to guide, in full, from the website: SER Feliz: Como ser feliz realmente!

Dr Louis Koster has published this new how-to guide dedicated to helping conscious women and men to trust themselves and have the power to manifest their heartfelt desires. The inspiration for creating this guide came from a desire to provide useful, actionable information to anybody facing the challenge of how to deal with the constant bombardment of their arising thoughts that interfere with their happiness.

The Full How-To Guide Goes Over The Following Points: Peace - How to be more present even if a person has interfering self-criticising thoughts. Fulfillment - How to reenergize one's sense of fulfillment when one feels stuck in guilt and worry or feel immobilized by the past. Freedom - How to be free to dream

"SER Feliz: Como ser feliz realmente!" is the first Spanish book published in the series "A New Language For Life" that delves deep into "kitchen of being," and uncovers what it takes for the conscious woman and man to take their life to the next level.

It deconstructs exactly HOW a person can reach a state of enlightenment, and translates it into ACTIONABLE, WORKABLE and MEANINGFUL ADVICE.

In A New Language for Life Series, the reader steps beyond the looking-glass of the "I," and steps into another dimension; a dimension, where language no longer is descriptive, but brings about a presence that is shared in the conversation; a dimension, where language touches the essence of who a person is.

In radically changing the way a person views himself, he discover a world beyond his present horizons; a world beyond blame; a world beyond the limitations of one's labels; a world beyond assumptions and explanations; a world which is neither located "inside" or "outside" oneself, but a world, which is given by oneness of being, where language manifest life as a person is.

SER Feliz: Como ser feliz realmente! will helps the reader eliminate depression, lethargy, stress, unhappiness, and even ordinary bad moods. This clear, engaging book will provide direction for those who are stuck, unsure, at cross-roads, or believe that there is more to life than what they are now experiencing.

In A New Language For Life Series, Dr Louis Koster shows the reader exactly what it takes to manifest an inspired life, and become the ultimate conscious woman and man.

In each book of the series, Dr Louis Koster covers topics that include:

*HAPPINESS- If a person is fed up with going through the motions, or worse, if they want to experience more than their current set of options can offer them. *FREEDOM - If a person no longer wants to feel jerked around by the tyranny of their arising thoughts, if they want to discover the freedom of acting on their true nature. *AUTHENTICITY - If a person is fed up with that voice in their head telling them what to do, if they are yearning to find their own true voice and express themselves outrageously. *INSPIRATION - Is a person acting from their arising thoughts that tell them who they are, or are they being guided by their true nature? *THE ART OF ALLOWING - What if life is about discovering one's true nature in every encounter and in every opportunity that comes one's way?

A New Language For Life is the perfect way to help a person live a fulfilled, free, authentic and inspired life and manifest his or her true heartfelt desires. So why not download the book, and see where SER Feliz: Como ser feliz realmente! can take oneself?

Dr Ewald Einoder, a leading-edge thinker in psychiatry in Australia wrote at length in the foreword of the book, excited to share the details, the reasons behind creating a guide on how to be happy and what Dr Koster hopes to accomplish with it: "This book allows the reader to discern something of real and lasting value and makes it easier to live in the world."

Conscious women and men and anybody interested in how to be happy or facing the challenge of how to deal with the constant bombardment of their arising thoughts that interfere with their happiness are invited to review the how-to guide online directly: SER Feliz: Como ser feliz realmente!

More information about Dr Louis Koster himself can be found at Dr Louis Koster

Contact Info:

Name: Dr Louis Koster

Organization: Eudaimonia Press

Address: PO Box 85



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Genomics Market Share of Instruments and Consumables 2021 Data in New Report

eMarketOrg.com adds Global Genomics Market 2016 Industry Research Report offering production (output) and revenue (sales value) numbers of genomics by product type as well as applications supported with 121 data tables and figures.

--

This report studies worldwide genomics market covering regional information for North America, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia and India. For each of these regions, the research offers production, consumption, revenue, market share and growth rate of genomics in these regions, from 2011 to 2021 (forecasts).

The study then focuses on top companies in genomics market offering production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer. Companies discussed in this research on genomics include Illumina, Affymetrix, Agilent Technologies, BGI, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Bio Rad Laboratories, Cepheid, GE Healthcare, QIAGEN N.V. and Roche Diagnostics. Complete report spread across 107 pages is now available at http://emarketorg.com/pro/global-genomics-market-research-report-2016/ .

For each of the above listed companies, the report provides information on manufacturing base and its competitors, product type, application and specification, production, revenue, price and gross margin (2015 and 2016) as well as overall business overview. Split by product type, genomics industry data of production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate is provided for instruments, consumables, etc. Split by application, this report focuses on consumption, market share and growth rate of Genomics in each application including diagnostics, personalized medicine and more.

With an objective to offer a 360-degree view of the genomics industry, this research talks about industrial chain, upstream raw materials sourcing as well as downstream buyers in the market. Marketing channels (direct, indirect), their development trends, market positioning (pricing and brand strategy, target clients) as well as distributors / traders list is provided to explore available options. Analysis of market effects is also factored in this genomics research covering information on substitute threats, technology progress in related industry, economical/political environmental changes along with changes in consumer needs and preferences over time. The 2016-2021 forecasts are provided for production, revenue, consumption by regions and applications as well as product forecasts by type along with genomics price forecasts across the globe.

Major chapters from Table of Contents for Global Genomics Market 2016 - 2021 Research Report cover:

1 Genomics Market Overview

2 Global Genomics Market Competition by Manufacturers

3 Global Genomics Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2011-2016)

4 Global Genomics Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Regions (2011-2016)

5 Global Genomics Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type

6 Global Genomics Market Analysis by Application

7 Global Genomics Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis

8 Genomics Manufacturing Cost Analysis

9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers

10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders

11 Market Effect Factors Analysis

12 Global Genomics Market Forecast (2016-2021)

13 Research Findings and Conclusion

14 Appendix

List of Tables and Figures (121)

Another related study titled Global Single-Cell Genomics Industry 2016 Market Research Report is spread across 152 pages and is supported by 171 data tables and figures. It starts with a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Single-Cell Genomics market analysis is provided for the international market including development history, competitive landscape analysis, and major regions' development status.

Secondly, 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 consumer's analysis is also carried out. What's more, the Single-Cell Genomics industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed.

Finally, the feasibility of new investment projects is assessed, and overall research conclusions are offered. Companies like Accelerate Diagnostics Inc., Affymetrix, Agilent Technologies Inc., Angle Plc, Apocell, Asuragen Inc., Atreca Inc., Aviva Biosciences, Becton, Dickinson And Co., Berry Genomics Co. Ltd., Bgi Shenzhen, Bioarray S.L., Biocept Inc., Biofluidica Inc., Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc., Boreal Genomics and Celgene are profiled in this research available at http://emarketorg.com/pro/single-cell-genomics-2016-market-research-report/ .

Explore more reports on life sciences market at http://emarketorg.com/cat/life-sciences/ .

About Us:

eMarketOrg.com aims to provide businesses and organizations market intelligence products and services that help in making smart, instant and crucial decisions. Our database offers access to insights from industry leaders, experts and influencers on global and regional sectors, market trends, user behaviour, for companies as well as products.

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Source: http://marketersmedia.com/genomics-market-share-of-instruments-and-consumables-2021-data-in-new-report/137741

Release ID: 137741

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Free Freightnet Membership

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Indianapolis is a sports town, but we were there for the music

It just so happened that my gal Vicki and I were in Indianapolis recently. We learned quickly that Indianapolis is a sports town. The NFL football team, the Colts, play...
Story Highlights In final measure before Election Day, Congress approval at 18%

Republicans remain least approving of Congress

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- With less than a month to go before the U.S. congressional elections, 18% of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing. This rating has been low for some time, and has not cracked 25% since 2009.

The latest figure, from an Oct. 5-9 Gallup poll, represents Americans' final job approval rating of Congress before the November elections, and is similar to the ratings found in final pre-election polls in 2008, 2010, 2012 and 2014, when Congress approval ranged between 18% and 21%.

Republicans Remain Least Approving of Congress

Supporters of the majority party in Congress tend to rate the institution more favorably than do supporters of the minority party, but the GOP bucked the trend when its supporters' approval did not improve after the party took the second chamber of Congress in 2014. Despite controlling both the House and Senate, Republicans (14%) are currently less likely than Democrats (22%) to approve of the job Congress is doing.

This could reflect the split between conservative and moderate Republicans in Washington that has been palpable throughout Barack Obama's presidency. Regardless of the side on which national Republicans fall, their frustration with this breach could be affecting their approval of Congress as a whole.

Bottom Line

Many political observers believe Democrats have a reasonable chance of regaining party control of the Senate. Republicans, who won many Senate seats in a significant wave in 2010, are defending those same seats in 2016 -- arguably in a less favorable political climate for the party than was the case six years ago. The GOP seems to have a better chance of holding its House majority, though even that could be in jeopardy if a Democratic wave emerges.

Since World War II, Congress' party composition has generally changed most significantly in non-presidential election years, so while individual seats and control of each chamber may be in play, it's likely that the overall party layout of Congress will not change drastically.

These data are available in Gallup Analytics.

Survey Methods

Results for this Gallup poll are based on telephone interviews conducted Oct. 5-9, 2016, on the Gallup U.S. Daily survey, with a random sample of 1,017 adults, aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia. For results based on the total sample of national adults, the margin of sampling error is 4 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. All reported margins of sampling error include computed design effects for weighting.

Each sample of national adults includes a minimum quota of 60% cellphone respondents and 40% landline respondents, with additional minimum quotas by time zone within region. Landline and cellular telephone numbers are selected using random-digit-dial methods.

View survey methodology, complete question responses and trends.

Learn more about how the Gallup Poll Social Series works.
Bosch Season 3 Air Date, Spoilers, News & Update: Christopher Backus, Arnold Vosloo Join TV Series! Harry Has New Enemy?

The police procedural web television series "Bosch" Season 2 recently concluded in March and fans are now waiting for its renewed "Bosch" Season 3. Supporters of the show are now more excited as little details about its development are now emerging and the new coming characters.

New Stars Joining 'Bosch' Season 3

According to Deadline, Christopher Backus is going to join "Bosch" Season 3 for a recurring role of Woody Woodrell. The 34-year-old star's character will be the ex-soldier from the Army Special Forces that is now working for a private security company. Also, the new installment will be graced by a new enemy that Harry Bosch (Titus Welliver) will have to face.

The "24" alum Arnold Vosloo will also be seen in the coming "Bosch" Season 3 as Rafael "Rudy" Tafero, the former police officer that is now director Andre Holland's security chief. Hollywood Reporter cited that Rudy might gather fake evidence and plant it all in against Bosch. Based on Michael Connelly's "Harry Bosch" novels, "Bosch" Season 3 will feature the author's stories of "The Black Echo" and "A Darkness More Than Night."

When 'Bosch' Season 3 Will Be Out On Amazon Prime Video?

Meanwhile, the renewal of "Bosch" Season 3 made fans really excited as Amazon promised to give what they want to see in the coming new installment. The show first aired on Amazon Prime in January 2015 and was quickly picked up for a season two in March 2016. Amazon Adviser noted that the show's performance retain its quality and even surpassed its first season as it received much more fanfare this time.

Since "Bosch" Season 2 was released on Amazon Prime Video, fans quickly asked for the coming of "Bosch" Season 3. Now that the web TV series has been announced in development, viewers are now asking when it will be released on the said platform. Although there is no exact air date yet, "Bosch" Season 3 will be out in 2017 on Amazon.
Lee Min Ho, Suzy Bae Wedding Update: Gangnam Blues Actor Set to Marry Uncontrollably Fond Actress in 2017? Couple Having Family Soon?

Lee Min Ho and Suzy Bae have been subjects of numerous rumors and speculations all over the Internet for quite some time now. Split rumors have hounded their relationship since they started dating; however, new reports suggest that the pair is planning to get married before the two-year military enlistment of the "Boys Over Flowers" star. Neither of the couple has provided any statement with regard to the wedding speculation; however, fans are certainly excited to get more solid information regarding the rumor.

Previous reports suggested that Lee Min Ho and Suzy Bae have already ended their relationship citing third party reasons. According to the report, several sources have mentioned the name of another actor Kim Woo Bin as the reason behind the break up. However, the report has never been confirmed and sightings of Lee Min Ho and Suzy Bae together proved the rumors wrong.

There's no denying that Lee Min Ho and Suzy Bae are the hottest couple in South Korea today. The 29-year-old Superstar has been pretty open about his intention with regard to where their relationship is going. During an interview with Singapore LA, Lee Min Ho said that a real man must know how to be true to his words and protect his love ones no matter what happens.

In another report, Game N Guide said that Lee Min Ho is expected to join the cast members of the upcoming sequel of the South Korean zombie apocalypse horror flick, "Train to Busan." However, reports are circulating that Suzy Bae is preventing the actor to join the second installment if the full cast includes the actress Park Shin Hye.

As of the moment, none of the involved parties has issued a statement regarding the issue; however, the full cast of the highly anticipated sequel is said to be announced soon as the production team is set to start its development. Meanwhile, Lee Min Ho and Suzy Bae are expected to announce its wedding plan in the next few weeks. Fans believe that the two have already set their wedding day in 2017. Stay tuned for more news and updates.
Samsung Galaxy S8 Release Date, News & Update: February 2017 Launch Confirmed; Device to Come Out With Impressive Specs & Features!

Several reports are circulating that Samsung is going to release the new Samsung Galaxy S8 earlier than expected due to the current issue about the Galaxy Note 7. According to the reports, the South Korean company is currently planning to launch the highly anticipated device in February. Although the company has yet to provide the development and release date details of the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8, industry observers believe that the tech giant is already preparing for a big release early next year.

There are speculations saying that Samsung is already planning to hold an event before the Mobile World Congress starts in February 2017. If rumors prove to be true, fans will definitely witness the unveiling of the new Samsung Galaxy S8 before the series' usual release date, which between March and April.

These latest speculations have been backed by a popular Italian tech leaker, Ricciolo1, who posted a statement on Twitter announcing the arrival of Samsung Galaxy S8 in February next year. The post came with an image that may have suggested that the much awaited smartphone will come with an iris scanner. Ricciolo1 has been known to have predicted several big releases in the past including the Samsung Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge. Nonetheless, fans should wait for the company to provide the official details about the device's development and release date schedule.

Despite the company's silence with regard to the upcoming Samsung Galaxy S8, fans and critics have already shared their own predictions on what to expect once the handset arrives in the market. According to the report, the smartphone will come out with impressive specs under the hood, which will be headed by the Snapdragon 830 processor from Qualcomm.

There are also rumors suggesting that Samsung might go with its own Exynos 8895 paired with high RAM size for the Galaxy S8. Stay tuned for more news and update about the new Samsung Galaxy S8.
Apple versus Samsung 2016: Tech Giants Go To Supreme Court Over iPhone Design Patent; Galaxy Note 7 Paying $1 Billion In Damages?

Samsung and Apple brought their battle over the iPhone design patent to Supreme Court. Each side agrees that they are both fighting for the value of innovation and creativity. Giant tech companies are also divided in their views regarding copying of the iOS design. Alphabet and Facebook are siding with Samsung, while Lord Norman Foster and Sir Paul Smith have taken strides with Apple.

Samsung maintains that there should be a fair interpretation of law that promotes creativity and competition. Kathleen Sullivan, Samsung's lawyer, said that they are hoping the Supreme Court will give a "fair" and "sensible" reading to the design patent issue.

In 2011, Apple sued Samsung for patent infringement. A jury decided in favor of Apple and awarded them with $1 billion saying that iPhone's rounded corners and app icons in colorful grid where copied. A separate appeal has already been made by the South Korean company, and is now heading to Supreme Court. Apple is steadfast in protecting iPhone's design patent saying that there is a need to defend themselves from those who want to steal their ideas. Noreen Krall, Apple's litigation officer, said Samsung "poses chilling risks" to the future of creativity and innovation.

Supreme Court will not consider whether Samsung Galaxy smartphone has copied iPhone design but rather the scale of loss or damages it has done to Apple. In the US Congress, there is a 129-year old ruling that says that "it is the design that sells the article."

Samsung appeals to Supreme Court that the damages imposed are not proportionate. It should only be based on the specific parts of the product that was infringed, and not on the entire profits. Apple's counter position says Samsung had not provided enough evidence to support their claims. The Supreme Court is expected to decide over Samsung and Apple battle over the iPhone design patent after several months.
Microsoft Surface Pro 5 Release Date, News & Update: Confirmed October 26 Launch? Stylus Pen, 4K Display; More Specs, Features Revealed!

The company Microsoft is one of the big names in the tech industry. No wonder fans are always anticipating their upcoming devices like te Microsoft Surface Pro 5. The Surface Pro 4 is one of its most successful products that was launched and, now, fans are excited to the new upgrades and improvements for this year's model.

Microsoft will be hosting an event this upcoming October 26 in New York City, as stated in our previous report. According to reports, the main purpose of the event is to announce the latest Windows 10 update and, hopefully, the unveiling of the Microsoft Surface Pro 5.

According to a report from The Verge, Microsoft will also let the consumers know its dream for the future of Windows 10 and Microsoft Surface Pro 5. The company will also unveil its latest hardware that has the capability to support the Windows 10 update.

Microsoft is expected to launch the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 in three different screen sizes. It might have a 27-inch, 24-inch and a 21-inch model, as stated by DigiTimes. It will have a specifically designed keyboard and mouse that will be a press-sensor stylus and a Perceptive Pixel multi-touch technology.

There are also rumors that the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 will sport the latest Intel's seventh gen Kaby Lake processor and a 4K high resolution display. It might have a 16 megapixel rear and 8 megapixel front camera, 16 GB of RAM and the rumored USB Type-C port that makes data transfers and charging easier and a lot faster.

Gamers will not worry about the Microsoft Surface Pro 5 because the company will also improve its battery life and cooling system to support its new features. The laptop might also have a stylus pen that will be magnetically attached to the device so that it will not need any wires to charge. To know the latest news and updates about the Microsoft Surface Pro 5, always stay tuned to GameNGuide.
Google Pixel XL vs Nexus 6P: Users Ready to Pay More for a Futuristic Device

Google recently unveiled its Pixel line of products and some are of the opinion that the Pixel and Pixel XL have paved way for future super smartphones. Those using the Nexus 6P and thinking how different the Pixel XL is from the Nexus 6P, here's a comparison of the two smartphones.

Currently, the Pixel XL is undoubtedly the favored choice for many as Google has dropped its Nexus branding for Pixel. However, it must also be pointed out that the Nexus 6P is in no way a bad phone.

According to GSMArena, the Nexus 6P has a 5.7-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection. It runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow, upgradable to Nougat 7.0 and is powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 810 chipset and an Adreno 430 graphics processor.

Nexus 6P comes in 32/64/128GB storage variants and has a 3GB RAM. It has a 12.3MP primary and 8MP secondary camera. It also has the fast charging function, a fingerprint scanner and a non-removable Li-Po 3,450 mAh battery. It's available in Aluminum, Graphite and Frost color options.

Google has described the Pixel phones, Pixel and Pixel XL as the first phones built by Google inside out. Pre-orders for the phones have already begun in the US, UK, Australia, Germany and Canada and is expected to be released on Oct. 20.

As regards the specs and features, the Google Pixel XL is splash and dust resistant. It has a 5.5-inch AMOLED capacitive touchscreen with a resolution of 1440 x 2560 pixels and Corning Gorilla Glass 4 protection. It runs on Android 7.1 Nougat operating system, is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 chipset and Adreno 530.

The Pixel XL smartphone comes in 32GB and 128GB storage options with 4GB RAM. The 12MP primary camera has phase detection & laser autofocus and dual-LED (dual tone) flash. Other features include geo-tagging, touch focus, face detection, HDR and panorama. The secondary 8MP camera supports 1080p.

The Google Pixel XL has an advanced fingerprint sensor and fast charging capability. It has a 3,450 mAh non-removable battery. Both Pixel XL and Nexus 6P do not support microSD slots.

According to reports, the Nexus 6P starts at $500 while the Pixel XL starts at a more aggressive $770.
Duggar Family Latest News & Update: Jill Duggar & Derick Dillard Step Back As They Prepare For Counting On Cancellation?

The "19 Kids & Counting" reboot "Counting On" is immersed with cancellation rumors after reports of dwindling ratings surfaced online. It appears that the show's ratings aren't at par with the original show. In fact, Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard are preparing as they approach the end of their careers. Is "Counting On" going to leave TLC soon?

Jill Duggar & Derick Dillard Prepares The End Of Days

Jill Duggar and husband Derick Dillard revealed in a blog post in the Dillard Family website that they are taking a short break from their missionary activities in Central America. The couple shared that they're taking bible classes while they're back in Arkansas, continuing their good deeds even while on vacation. This could be their efforts in converting the "spiritually dead" in El Salvador.

It appears that Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard are too immersed in their mission to save lost souls. "I truly believe that we are living in a generation with unique opportunities that God is using to usher in the Kingdom of Heaven quicker than any of us may realize," Derick wrote towards the end of the post. "And, I love having a front-row seat to just get a glimpse of how God is going to fulfill Revelation 7:9." While the couple did not explicitly say that they're talking about the second coming of Jesus Christ, but the hint was enough.

'Counting On' Coming To An End?

Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard opting to move out from the spotlight have many fans thinking that "Counting On" may see its end very soon. While the couple focuses on sharing their faith, the "19 Kids & Counting" reboot took a backlash with their recent episodes according to reports. Fans took to Facebook to express their dislike over the show. Most of them stated on the Duggars' Facebook page that they no longer find the show interesting.

Earlier this month, "Counting On" featured an episode about the Duggars' views on courtship, which went totally over the fans' heads. That being said, many fans believe that it's just a matter of time before TLC decides to axe the show. Do you think "Counting On" will end soon? Sound off in your comments below.
A second route, which will service downtown to Alamitos Beach, will launch on Nov. 10.
Hopefully, youve already cleaned out your gutters this fall and put away the back porch furniture.

The National Weather Service is predicting that a series of storms with strong winds and downpours will hit the mid-Willamette Valley from late Wednesday night through Monday.

The agency issued a hazardous weather outlook for much of northwest Oregon and southwest Washington on Tuesday, including Linn and Benton counties. The storm likely will be strongest along the Oregon Coast and the Coast Range.

That being said, the Portland area is anticipated to receive 4 to 6 inches of precipitation, according to a 7-day NWS forecast released Tuesday.

This is your classic atmospheric river. Its going to be warm and wet. These arent rare in western Oregon, said Kathie Dello, deputy director of the Oregon Climate Service at Oregon State University.

Heavy rains should arrive on Wednesday night, and the National Weather Service forecast calls for a 100 percent possibility of rain on Thursday and Friday in the Albany and Corvallis areas.

This is an absolute certainty. The models were showing this last weekend, and as it goes on, it becomes more and more certain, Dello said.

The hazardous weather outlook also warned of strong winds on Thursday and Friday, with gusts reaching 30 to 40 mph.

While the winds arent likely to create much property damage, they could snap tree limbs heavy with wet leaves and cause power outages.

Thursdays rain could bring between a half and three-quarters of an inch, according to the forecast.

The National Weather Service also warned of a round of heavy rain that is expected on Saturday that will result in localized flooding near storm drains and low-lying areas.

The main issue again will be winds, the agency warned, as gusts could reach up to 55 mph over the weekend.

"If people could keep their gutters clear and their storm drains clear, that would help a lot," said Marilyn Smith, city of Albany spokeswoman.

"If you live in an area thats prone to localized flooding, nows the time to clean things up as best you can to keep the impact down," she added.

The storm isn't expect to cause any sort of issues with local rivers, however.

"Theres a lot of capacity in the rivers because theyve been so low for some time," Smith said. "But a lot of rain in a gutter thats full of leaves? Its got to go somewhere."
1932  2016

Living with hope and dying with confidence that Jesus promises are true, Dick is now seeing his Lord face-to-face. He peacefully changed his address from earth to heaven on Tuesday, October 4, 2016, at age 84 at the Samaritan Evergreen Hospice House, with his family by his side.

Dick was born Aug. 6, 1932, in Eugene to Lou and Adelle Greenwood. Because his fathers job required frequent moves, Dick attended 13 schools before graduating from Corvallis High School in 1951. After beginning his freshman year at Oregon State College (OSU) and yet knowing the Korean Conflict was raging, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in March of 1952. He was stationed in Enid, Oklahoma, at Vance Air Force Base.

Dick married Cornelia Ann Oetjen in Corvallis later in 1952. Four children were born into their family: Daniel Louis, Rosalie Marie, Mark Eugene and Loralei Ann. They divorced in 1967. After his military discharge, Dick returned to OSC, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Business in 1959. He then worked in public accounting and the IRS in Arizona, and First National Bank in Portland. In 1968, Dick married Teresa Marie Chesney in Portland. They returned to Corvallis, where they completed their family with the birth of Derrick Arthur. Dick then began his 22-year career with the Oregon State System of Higher Education and OSU, serving in many administrative positions before retiring in 1991 as Director of Business Affairs.

His many interests included hunting, camping/RVing, sailing, ham-radio, riding his BMW and building/flying his ultra-light airplane. Family times were always a joy.

He is survived by his wife, five children and their spouses, 24 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; brother Robert A Greenwood; and sister R. Sharon Latta.

Being a private and practical man, Dick asked that no public service be held. The family will hold a private celebration to honor him. Those, also, wishing to honor him might consider a contribution to bless the living. Among Dicks favorites were Willamette Community Church, Samaritans Purse, Wycliffe Bible Society, American Center for Law & Justice, Albany Helping Hands; and dear to our hearts, Samaritan Evergreen Hospice.

Please share your thoughts and memories for the family at www.demossdurdan.com.
Youth pipe organ fundraisers Peter Scheessele and Simon Scheessele are it again.

When we last checked in with the Scheessele brothers in the summer of 2014, they were selling lemonade, brownies and ice cream sandwiches from a stand in front of their northwest Corvallis home. The goal: To help with the fundraising campaign to restore the Whitespire organ in Albany. Peter was 6 and Simon was 4.

This time, the Scheesseles are after bigger fish. Now 8 and 6, respectively, the boys are working on raising $15,000 to create two pipe organ kits. The all-wooden kits are designed for education and outreach  to be put together, played, and dissembled by young people ... such as Peter and Simon.

The boys are within $1,000 of their fundraising goal and the kits, which were developed by a Dutch nonprofit, already are in Eugene being constructed.

On Tuesday, the Gazette-Times found the boys inside the sanctuary at the First United Methodist Church. Peter was playing the Pink Panther theme on the churchs Noack organ at concert hall volume despite still not being able to reach the pedals.

Simon, meanwhile, was scurrying around the chancel pretending he was the Pink Panther.

The two agreed, kind of, to be interviewed about their latest fundraising project. They started with another lemonade stand, mixing in frozen lemonade popsicles for varietys sake. They also participated in some e-busking.

I played a piece on the pipe organ behind us, and we put it online with a link to PayPal, Peter explained.

The piece was the Darth Vader theme from Star Wars. Simon pulled out all the stops on the organ.

Why?

It made it louder, Simon said.

But the big money came from grants as the boys project got the attention of American Guild of Organists chapters. New York got the ball rolling with a $5,000 grant, San Francisco added $3,000 and Seattle chipped in with $2,000.

The Scheessele family has started a nonprofit called OrgelkidsUSA that will handle the kits when they are ready. The two kits under construction in Eugene are the third and fourth in the world.

The first two were built in the Netherlands by a group called Orgelkids, which means organs for children in Dutch.

We wanted to keep the connections, to pay homage to where the idea came from, said Erin Scheessele, the boys mother.

Erin said the kits could be a perfect educational tool, particularly given the current interest in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics).

The kits can go into schools not just via the music program, Erin said. There is physics, woodworking and math.

The interview broke up as Craig Hanson, organist for the First United Methodist Church, arrived to make some adjustments to the pedalboard of the Noack, a tracker or mechanical pipe organ that the church installed in 1980. Peter and Simon immediately volunteer to assist.

Hanson has been giving Peter organ lessons for four years.

Hes my star student, Hanson said. Hes truly interested in playing the organ. Other students are sometime motivated by parental pressure.

Hanson said that Peters decision to start with the organ is unusual, because many young musicians master the piano first and then move on to the organ.

Simon, meanwhile, has been learning to play the piano. He also wants to play the cello.

Why?

It sounds good, Simon said.
First thing Tuesday morning at 12:40 a.m., host families welcomed 20 new German exchange students to Oregon.

The exchange students are from Hamburg, Germany, and are staying in Philomath until Oct. 22. They chose to come to the United States to be able to experience American life.

According to Nicklas Pfeiffer, age 16, when he was asked if the United States was what he expected he said yeah kind of. I expected it to be very big and it is and I like it. We drove from the Eugene airport to Philomath and that took an hour. In Germany everything is so close we can get to the airport in 20 to 30 minutes.

When talking to the group of exchange students, they were surprised how big everything is in the United States  from the size of our milk cartons to the size of our shampoo containers. They also thought that Americans would be a lot more overweight than they are because we eat so much fast food.

Coordinating this event from the United States is Frau Grunwald and Herr Karte. They both have planned and created opportunities for the exchange students to improve their English, engage in sporting events, go on trips around Oregon to Newport and Portland, and participate in activities with their host families.

Last Wednesday, the exchange students and their host families came together for a potluck at Clemens Primary School. Students were able to mingle and play games while getting to know each other better. Overall, it was a very enjoyable evening for everyone who participated.

When talking to Jan Brest, age 15, he said, The Philomath community is great. Everyone is helping each other. When I wanted some friends to take a photo, a person came to me and asked if they could take the photo. I mean it's pretty nice.

Kim Goronzy, age 15, also commented on the unity in the community. She said It's great that everybody knows each other. Because in Germany, we go through the city and we don't know anybody.

Lea seehase, age 15, noticed the unity Philomath High School has. I went to the volleyball game and there were many students in the student section there. And they supported the volleyball players. I think at my school if we had a volleyball team nobody would come.

Philomath is very fortunate to be able to host exchange students from across the world. And we hope to be able to continue this tradition.
One of the arguments we consistently hear in favor of Measure 97, the proposal on the November ballot for a corporate sales tax, is that Oregon has the lowest corporate taxes in the nation.

The implication, of course, is that these corporations aren't paying their fair share of taxes. That's why the general tagline "Make Comcast (or insert another big corporation of your choice) Pay" has such an appeal for certain voters. You'll note that the bumper stickers don't say something like "Make Powell's Books Pay," but that's a topic perhaps for another time.

The claim about Oregon's low corporate taxes generally is true. But it doesn't tell the entire story.

As The Oregonian and Oregon Public Broadcasting explained in a recent story about the measure, this isn't because business taxes in Oregon are particularly low. (It is true that most business levies in Oregon are below the average charged in other states, but Oregon rates don't rank in the bottom 10 in any of those categories.)

No, the main reason for the state's standing regarding business taxes is simple: Oregon doesn't have a sales tax. When you add sales taxes to the total tax burden businesses must pay, Oregon drops to the bottom of the list.

The reason why Oregon doesn't have a sales tax, of course, is that voters have rejected such a tax on nine separate occasions dating back to 1933. The idea never has drawn more than 29 percent support from voters in those elections. At the same time, voters have approved restrictions on property taxes. The result is a tax system that relies to an almost ruinous extent on income taxes, which are notoriously volatile; this is part of the reason why recessions are particularly painful in Oregon.

Legislators as disparate as Tony Van Vliet and Frank Morse from the mid-valley, Salem's Peter Courtney and Beaverton's Mark Hass have worked hard to reform the state's tax system, and have found few takers for their ideas. In fact, Morse eventually became so frustrated over the issue that he felt compelled to resign his Senate seat. (Another recent story in The Oregonian lays out in clear detail how we got to Measure 97.)

Measure 97 doesn't do anything to create the kind of tax reform Oregon needs. It will take real leadership to do that.
Welcome to my genealogy blog. Genea-Musings features genealogy research tips and techniques, genealogy news items and commentary, genealogy humor, San Diego genealogy society news, family history research and some family history stories from the keyboard of Randy Seaver (of Chula Vista CA), who thinks that Genealogy Research Is really FUN! Copyright (c) Randall J. Seaver, 2006-2021.
Criminal activity in Bonn : Efforts against burglars bring results

Well-secured doors and windows will deter burglars. Foto: dpa

BONN/REGION There are fewer burglaries in Bonn and the region but householders should remain vigilant after six burglaries in Plittersdorf in the last five days.

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Bonn police registered around 1150 burglaries in their area in the first nine months of this year  fewer than in the same period last year.

The day when the last piece of the puzzle falls into place and, after meticulous work, they arrest a burglar, is something investigators from the criminal police work towards for weeks and months. There were several such days this year and at the end of last year, including the arrest of the so-called window drilling gang, and another gang stopped by investigators a few weeks ago that has so far had 60 cases attributed to it. A man who tried to break into 40 houses in one night in Hersel has also been taken out of circulation.

Investigators do not want to take all the credit for the success. Police spokesman Simon Rott said, In many cases, neighbours play a part. Their tips and observations have put the police on the right track.

In general, statistically at least, the picture for burglary is good in the Bonn police area. Uli Sievers, head of the third criminal police inspectorate, said this was not only because the start of the time of year when it is darker has not yet made a difference, but also because the number of total break-ins has fallen over the last two years. In 2013, Bonn was nicknamed a sort of burglars capital. At that time, around 1530 cases were recorded.

This year, investigators are somewhat concerned about Meckenheim and Bornheim, where there were more cases in the first nine months of the year than in the same period last year. The situation is different in other areas but the police are still not satisfied.

Every victim is one too many, says Mario Becker from the criminal police prevention unit. Home is the most important place of retreat. A burglary can permanently disrupt the atmosphere. Sometimes, victims want to sell their property because they cant live in it any more. The material damage is one thing, but the emotional and psychological damage is often worse. Investing in securing property is money well spent. Many people seem to realise this: more than half of break-ins failed.

The authorities are holding an Action Week from Monday, 24 October to make people more aware and to give information and advice on protecting against burglaries in Bonn and the region.

Investigators also want to continue to act strongly against burglars. They want to be more visible, because visibility works, believes Sievers. On the one hand, cases are falling because of arrests and on the other hand because fewer thieves are coming. Word is spreading that Bonn is heavily policed, says Sievers. Police say that perpetrators, who come mostly from east and south-east Europe, are therefore not coming to Bonn and the Rhine-Sieg region.

Six burglaries in five days

In the last five days alone, burglars have tried six times to break into houses in Plittersdorf. According to police, they were unsuccessful once. Initial investigations show the burglars targeted houses which had been empty for several days. Houses on Ahrstrae, Erftstrae, Moselstrae and Lahnstrae and an apartment on Kolumbusring were targeted.

In five cases, the perpetrators managed to enter the houses from the rear by levering open doors and windows or smashing panes of glass. Police are asking anyone with information to call 0228 150.
The Rhine : Low water levels affecting shipping and ferries

It is a different story between Wesseling and Niederkassel. The Marienfels ferry is not running as it needs a water level of at least 1.5 metres. Foto: Martina Welt

Bonn Some ferries cannot operate and cargo ships are currently unable to travel with full loads but levels are not unusual for October.

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Standing on the banks of the Rhine in Beuel you can see it clearly: the river is very low and large parts of the banks and breakwaters are exposed. But while the water is getting very shallow for freight ships, the local public transport on the Rhine is safe for the time being, at least in Bonn.

Our ferries can operate until the water level in Bonn is just under a metre, said Jan Brune from Lux-Werft, when asked by the General Anzeiger on Tuesday. The company runs the ferry between Bad Godesberg and Niederdollendorf. Their regular passengers can remain calm: on Tuesday afternoon the level of the Rhine in Bonn was still 1.38 metres. Although much lower than record levels of over ten metres during some once-in-a-century high tides, it is high enough for the Godesberg ferry.

It is a different story between Wesseling and Niederkassel. The Marienfels ferry is not running as it needs a water level of at least 1.5 metres.

The significantly heavier and wider freight cargo barges are severely affected. Florian Krekel from the Water and Shipping Authority in Bingen said no cargo ships could travel fully loaded at the moment. In a serious incident on the Middle Rhine last weekend, a cargo ship loaded with 800 tonnes of nitric acid ran aground near Oberwesel. Water protection police said the low water levels had not caused the incident but they did hinder the several hour long attempt to free the freighter. In the end it was stuck for 12 hours.

The low water levels in the Rhine in October are not unusual, as a look back at last year shows: in November 2015 the Rhine had a record-breaking low level of 1.17 metres. But even this water level is not the real record. The lowest recorded Rhine level was 90 centimetres on 29 September 2003, a year remembered for its hot summer.

There is little rain forecast for the next few days. How far the water levels in Bonn will still sink and whether there will be a record low level in November remains to be seen.
Article

Protecting the worlds oceans  an important goal of Germanys climate diplomacy

The worlds oceans are vital to our survival. They regulate the global climate and are a source of food and income for billions of people. Only a very small part of the seas enjoys legal protection, however. Our diplomats are working in New York right now to change this state of affairs.
Carter Highlights 'Tremendous Progress' in Hemisphere's Peace, Security

By Lisa Ferdinando DoD News, Defense Media Activity

WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2016  The United States and its partners in the Western Hemisphere have made tremendous progress in strengthening and securing the region, Defense Secretary Ash Carter said today in Trinidad and Tobago.

"We're all in this hemisphere together, and when we plan and prepare together, we're better at responding when disaster strikes," Carter said in Port-of-Spain at the 12th Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas.

While the global situation is complex, the Western Hemisphere is a "relative oasis of stability and freedom," he said.

"I know that doesn't come freely, and I don't take it for granted  it's a credit to the efforts of the people in this room that our hemisphere is so full of bright opportunity," the secretary added.

Carter encouraged participants to "seize those wonderful opportunities that lie before all of us in the future." The leaders have an opportunity, he said, to shape the region's future and make it more prosperous and secure for all citizens.

The gathering of defense leaders from 34 Western Hemisphere nations was first held in in Williamsburg, Virginia, in 1995 by then-Defense Secretary William Perry. The theme for this year's conference -- the first to be held in a Caribbean nation -- is "Strengthening Defense and Security Cooperation in the Hemisphere in an Increasingly Volatile Global Environment."

Carter Highlights 'Tremendous Progress'

Positive developments in peace and security, Carter noted, include Colombia making progress in ending the longest-running conflict in the hemisphere, and a number of countries taking part in peacekeeping missions in Haiti and Africa.

In addition, the region has made strides in its disaster response, Carter pointed out. For example, Chile and Mexico, he said, have been working with Central American nations to build capacity in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. The region stepped up to help in recent days as Hurricane Matthew struck parts of the Caribbean, Colombia and the United States, he said.

"Last week," he said, "the U.S. military was quick to support our civilian U.S. Agency for International Development, USAID, standing up a joint task force and sending helicopters, engineers and other assets to help with relief efforts in Haiti." Other countries are responding as well, he said, noting Colombia, for example, sent its offshore patrol vessel "7th of August" to Haiti to help provide humanitarian assistance.

"All this represents tremendous progress  we've made our hemisphere more secure and grown stronger as partners," the secretary said.

Hemispheric Cooperation

Disasters like Hurricane Matthew show that many of the challenges the region faces, such as climate change, do not respect national or regional boundaries, Carter pointed out. "Whether it's a storm, an earthquake or rising sea levels, such disasters can create an immense burden on our militaries and security forces, highlighting the need for increased cooperation," he said. That is why the United States supports the proposal for the Conference of Defense Ministers of the Americas to develop a hemispherewide approach on multilateral disaster response, he added.

The United States also supports institutional reform to help make the militaries more capable in their missions of defense and security. The United States already partners with several countries on defense reform and plans on expanding the effort, he noted.

"That will enable our militaries to operate together more effectively, making our hemisphere stronger and more secure," Carter said.

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U.S. Department of Defense

Press Operations

News Release

No. NR-360-16 October 11, 2016

Readout of Secretary of Defense Ash Carter's meeting with Brazilian Minister of Defense Raul Jungmann

Readout of Secretary of Defense Ash Carter's meeting with Brazilian Minister of Defense Raul Jungmann:

Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook provided the following readout:

Secretary Carter met with Brazilian Minister of Defense Raul Jungmann today on the sidelines of the Conference of the Defense Ministers of the Americas (CDMA) in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, to discuss the U.S.-Brazil defense relationship. Secretary Carter and Minister Jungmann reaffirmed their strong support for continued defense cooperation between the two countries. Both expressed confidence that progress will be made in the near future on a range of bilateral defense agreements including a master information exchange agreement, a research, development, testing and evaluation agreement, and an acquisition and cross-servicing arrangement. Secretary Carter commended Brazil's contributions to peacekeeping operations in Africa and around the world, and also discussed ways that the United States and Brazil can continue to collaborate on regional issues. Minister Jungmann thanked the secretary for sending a U.S. delegation to Brazil for the first defense industry dialogue in September, reinforcing the importance of deepening bilateral trade and defense technology cooperation. Secretary Carter and Minister Jungmann also both noted the excellent security cooperation surrounding Brazil's successful hosting of the summer Olympics, and agreed to continue to stay in close contact on mutual security issues.

http://www.defense.gov/News/News-Releases/News-Release-View/Article/970631/

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US seeks to partition Syria to serve Israel: Nasrallah

Iran Press TV

Tue Oct 11, 2016 5:58PM

Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the secretary general of the Lebanese resistance movement, Hezbollah, has warned of plots by the US, Saudi Arabia and their regional allies to partition Syria in order to serve the Israeli regime's interests in the Middle East.

The "real goal" of the countries that have neither democracy nor elections was not democracy or elections in Syria, Nasrallah said on Tuesday.

"The goal was for Syria to fall and be fragmented and be ripped apart" in line with Israel's interests, he added.

Nasrallah made the remarks at the Sayyed al-Shohada Complex in the Lebanese capital, Beirut, on the ninth day of the lunar month of Muharram, Tasu'a, the eve of the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein, the third Shia Imam, and his 72 companions.

He said the Daesh Takfiri militants and al-Qaeda affiliated terrorists of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham, formerly known as al-Nusra, "are being used to serve and achieve US and Israeli goals."

Nasrallah further noted that the US seeks to concentrate Daesh terrorists in eastern Syria, adding that Washington is allowing and "opening the roads for" Daesh militants to flee from Iraq into Syria.

He cited the recent "deliberate action" by the US to launch airstrikes against Syrian army positions in eastern Syria as an example of Washington's attempts to boost Daesh in the region, adding, "US raids on Dayr al-Zawr were targeting the Syrian army positions so that the whole area would fall to Daesh."

The Hezbollah leader said, "All those who are defending Syria defend the Resistance and look forward to a political solution and not to more bloodshed," but "US, Saudi Arabia and some regional states are demanding crippling conditions to neutralize the political solutions."

Pointing to a recent abortive truce deal between the US and Russia on Syria, the Hezbollah chief said Washington withdrew from the agreement because it called for the separation of Jabhat Fateh al-Sham from other militant groups and the identification and targeting of Daesh and Jabhat Fateh al-Sham positions.

Nasrallah said the US, Saudi Arabia and their regional allies are obstructing a diplomatic solution to the crisis in Syria and the easing of the sufferings of the Syrian people.

He expressed regret that "more escalation and tensions" is on the horizon in Syria, but called for "perseverance and firm stance" in order to counter the plots of the country's enemies.

The Hezbollah chief said Syria's foes sought "a decisive victory within a few weeks" but have faced stiff resistance from the Syrian government and nation and their allies for over five years.

Sana'a carnage major scandal for Saudi Arabia

In another part of his speech, Nasrallah pointed to the recent bloody air raid by Saudi Arabia on a funeral hall in the Yemeni capital of Sana'a and said the strike was a major scandal for Al Saud regime.

Hezbollah leader said some media circles had noted that his remarks on Saudi attack in Sana'a would affect chances of Michel Aoun becoming Lebanon's next president, which could end a political crisis in the country.

Noting that the demand was tantamount to political blackmail, Nasrallah added, "Even [UN Secretary General] Ban Ki-moon has condemned this strike, although he has always been silent, so how do you want me to remain silent?"

Nasrallah added that the Saudi regime committed a "historic mistake" in Yemen by thinking that it could emerge victorious from the battle within weeks.

The Hezbollah chief condemned the international community's silence on the bombardment of Yemen by Saudi warplanes and said the world must convince Riyadh that it cannot win this war.

He emphasized that the Sana'a massacre must provide a motive for ending the war in Yemen and added that the Saudi regime has no option but to accept the political solution.

"Saudi Arabia's insistence on carrying on with the war will not only make it lose Yemen, but will also make it lose itself. The current Saudi leadership is pushing the kingdom to the brink of the abyss," Nasrallah pointed out, recommending the Saudi rulers to come to their senses.

All parties must preserve Lebanon's peace and security

The Hezbollah secretary general further stressed the importance of preserving security, stability and civil in Lebanon, describing them as the "pillars of everything," and adding, "Despite their differences, the Lebanese have managed to preserve security, stability and peace."

Nasrallah stated that Lebanon has entered a positive political phase during the past few weeks with regard to the presidential election.

"We support and welcome any positive political developments regarding the presidency and we will acknowledge the efforts and courage of anyone who makes efforts in this regard," Nasrallah pointed out.

He noted that Hezbollah has always pursued a clear stance on Lebanon's presidential election, adding, "We support every positive political change, which may solve the presidency challenge."

Hezbollah leader concluded his remarks by stressing the importance of supporting the Lebanese army without any political reservations.

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Gunmen attack Kabul worshipers, 14 killed

Iran Press TV

Tue Oct 11, 2016 5:18PM

Gunmen have attacked worshipers at a shrine in the Afghan capital Kabul, opening fire on the people who were commemorating the ninth day of the month of Muharram.

According to a report by Afghanistan Ministry of Interior's spokesman, Sediq Sediqqi, thirteen civilians and one police officer were killed in the attack, while 36 other were wounded.

Ministry of Public Health officials, however, noted that at least 43 people had been injured in the incident and taken to hospitals in the city for treatment.

The assailants began the attack just before 20:00 local time (1530 GMT). The assault was carried out at Karte Sakhi shrine, located in the west of the capital near Kabul University.

Witnesses said an explosion had been heard before gunfire erupted.

Afghan Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi said, "Three attackers opened fire, two were killed." The third attacker is still on the loose.

This is not the first time Shia Muslims in Afghanistan have come under attack.

On July 23, over 80 people were killed and 130 injured in an attack in the capital claimed by the Takfiri Daesh terrorist group.

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US could be implicated in war crimes in Yemen: Documents

Iran Press TV

Tue Oct 11, 2016 2:22AM

The United States could be implicated in war crimes for supporting Saudi Arabia's deadly military campaign in Yemen, American official documents show.

According to the documents obtained by Reuters, US government lawyers warned Washington last year that it might be considered a "co-belligerent" in the Saudi war under international law.

State Department officials were skeptical of the Saudi military's ability to prevent the killing of civilians and the destruction of "critical infrastructure" in its strikes against Yemen, according to the emails and other records as well as interviews with nearly a dozen officials with knowledge of those discussions.

Nonetheless, the US government has continued to authorize weapons sales to Saudi Arabia, showed the documents, which date from mid-May 2015 to February 2016.

During that period, State Department officials reviewed and approved the sale of precision munitions to Saudi Arabia to replenish bombs used in Yemen.

In one of the emails obtained by Reuters, a specific reference was made to a 2013 ruling from the war crimes trial of former Liberian president Charles Taylor that dramatically broadened the international legal definition of aiding and abetting such crimes.

According to the ruling, "practical assistance, encouragement or moral support" is sufficient to determine liability for war crimes.

The US and Britain are the main backers of Saudi Arabia in its war against the impoverished nation.

Washington and London have sold weapons worth billions of dollars to the kingdom, with Riyadh acknowledging that British and American military officials were in command and control centers for Saudi airstrikes and had access to lists of targets in Yemen.

On Saturday, over 140 people were killed after Saudi military aircraft attacked a hall in Sana'a, Yemen while rows of people were attending a funeral.

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More Than A Dozen Killed In Attack On Shi'ite Mourners In Kabul

RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan October 11, 2016

A gunman has opened fire on a crowd of Shi'ite mourners who had gathered outside a shrine in the Afghan capital, Kabul, killing at least 14 people.

Interior Ministry spokesman Sediq Sediqqi told RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan that another 26 people were wounded in the attack outside the Karte Sakhi shrine, one of the largest in Kabul.

Sediqqi said 13 civilians and one policeman were killed, and that three police were among the injured.

Shi'ite mourners had gathered near the shrine to celebrate the festival of Ashura, one of the holiest on the Shi'ite calendar.

Kabul Police chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi told Radio Free Afghanistan that, contrary to earlier reports of three gunmen, only one gunman, who was later gunned down by security forces, attacked the shrine.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the assault. In a statement, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the group did not carry out the attack.

In a statement issued on October 11, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani offered has condolences to the victims and condemned the attack as a "clear sign of a crime against humanity."

"Terrorist attacks can't stop the marking of religious and national ceremonies in Afghanistan that are the main element of unity in Afghan society," a statement from the presidential office said.

Ministry of Public Health officials said at least 43 people had been injured in the incident and had been taken to hospital. Officials expected the death toll to rise.

Afghan security forces at the scene had evacuated dozens of people from the shrine.

Ashura commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was killed in 680 and whose death laid the foundation for the Shi'ite faith.

For Shi'a Muslims around the world, Ashura is a symbol of the struggle against oppression.

In July, an attack claimed by Islamic State (IS) extremists killed 84 people, many of them Shi'a from the ethnic minority Hazara group.

In 2011, 54 people were killed when a suicide bomber attacked another Kabul shrine where hundreds of people had gathered. A Shi'ite mosque in the northern city of Mazar-e-Sharif was also hit on the same day, leaving four dead.

Kabul police had warned Shi'a against large gatherings as attacks were expected.

With reporting by AP and AFP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/adghanistan-gunmen-shi-ite- pilgrims-kabul-ashura/28046322.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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Poland to Consider French Offers on Military Aircraft

Sputnik News

03:23 11.10.2016

Despite Poland's failed talks on purchase of 50 French Airbus Helicopters H225M Caracal, Warsaw will consider other French offers on buying military aircraft, Foreign Minister Witold Waszczykowski said.

WARSAW (Sputnik)  On October 4, Poland's Development Ministry said that the negotiating positions of the two sides on the purchase of 50 Caracal helicopters for 13,5 billion zlotys ($3.5 billion) were rather different and further talks were pointless.

The decision to buy helicopters from Airbus was made by the previous government, led by the center-right, pro-European party Civic Platform, as part of plans to modernize the military sector. The original deal was highly criticized by trade unions in two Polish aviation plants. The conservative Law and Justice (PiS) government indicated it might cancel the deal after it won elections last year.

"Poland needs helicopters. And [even] in case the talks over this number [50] of multi-purpose helicopters are ended, Poland [still] needs helicopters of several types, so Caracal may be offered to Poland in other version and may be in fewer numbers," Waszczykowski told local TV in an interview on Monday.

Waszczykowski stressed, that the Polish-French agreement on helicopter purchase was not ruined and the talks ended "naturally", as the French offers did not meet Poland's requirements, namely, economic and security interests.

 Sputnik

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Political polarization in DR Congo may spark 'large-scale violence,' UN envoy warns Security Council

11 October 2016  Warning of an extremely fragile political situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), where "actors on all sides appear more and more willing to resort to violence to achieve their ends," the top United Nations official in the country called today on the Security Council to urge the parties to return to dialogue, guarantee the right to peaceful opposition and to end impunity for violence.

"The tipping point towards grave violence could arrive very rapidly," said Maman Sidikou, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). "I believe the Council must remain actively seized of the situation," also encouraging regional organizations to engage more closely with the situation.

Briefing the Council on the Secretary-General's latest report on the situation, Mr. Sidikou expressed deep concerns about the impasse in the electoral process, rising political tensions and related violence in the country, and underlined the primary responsibility of the Government and all stakeholders "to preserve the hard-won gains made in recent years."

Recalling that in September, after a group of opposition parties called the Rassemblement boycotted the national dialogue despite the efforts of a facilitator named by the African Union, he said the Independent National Electoral Commission had announced that presidential elections would not be feasible until 18 November 2018, with completion of the voter registry by 31 July 2017.

That announcement, he said, triggered wide-spread condemnation by the opposition, who claimed that the Electoral Commission was being used to extend President Joseph Kabila's incumbency beyond constitutional limits. The Rassemblement subsequently called for the President to step down by 19 December 2016.

"Against this backdrop of polarization," Mr. Sidikou said that on 19 and 20 September, serious violence erupted following large-scale demonstrations in the Congolese capital, Kinshasa, and elsewhere, during which, the UN had confirmed, there were at least 49 civilians killed, 38 by gunshot, others burned alive or killed by machete. More than 140 were injured, with four officers allegedly killed by demonstrators. MONUSCO investigations, he said, had documented the involvement of both State and non-State actors.

In all this, the Mission has continued its call for restraint by all actors. Mr. Sidikou said he had personally raised concerns about the role of State violence with his Government interlocutors and had worked with the diplomatic community and civil society to build bridges between the parties. He also liaised closely with the Government on confidence-building measures to encourage dialogue, notably through the release of political prisoners and allowing media to operate without constraints.

The Mission has reinforced its presence in Kinshasa to bolster monitoring the political, security and human rights situation, he added.

"While much attention is currently focused on the political situation, I would like to highlight that the security situation in eastern DRC remains very worrying, characterized by severe protection of civilians risks to many communities," he reported, adding that these tensions are only increasing through the electoral period. He also described MONUSCO's civilian protection activities, including military operations against armed groups, based on what he called solid cooperation with the Congolese Armed Forces, known by the French acronym FARDC.

Also, in regard to the situation in the east, he reported that a precarious situation was created when more than 1,000 ex-combatants were returned to communities in the region as part of the demobilization and reintegration process, but before the Government and World Bank partners had adequately prepared the communities for their return, raising the possibilities of tensions and their return to armed groups.

Noting MONUSCO community violence-reduction programmes, Mr. Sidikou called for all partners to quickly put in place the necessary community reintegration measures to allow further returns to occur in a constructive manner.

He also appealed for greater support for humanitarian needs in the eastern part of the country, noting that population movements continue, refugees are arriving from South Sudan, epidemics loom and the 2016 appeal is only half funded. With regard to the overall situation of the country, he warned that, while MONUSCO would continue to do everything in its power to protect civilians, large-scale violence due to political polarization could be overwhelming. "The scope of the threats dramatically outstrips the Mission's capabilities," he said.

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Pentagon Threatens Retaliation for Failed Missile Attack on US Ships in Red Sea

By VOA News October 11, 2016

The Pentagon said it is evaluating a military response to failed missile attacks on U.S. naval ships in the Red Sea, warning Tuesday that nearby Yemen-based Houthi rebels thought responsible launched the missiles "at their own peril."

Officials say the two missiles, launched over a one-hour period, missed their targets - the USS Mason and the USS Ponce-- and landed harmlessly in the water Sunday. Authorities said the guided missile destroyer Mason used electronic countermeasures to foil the first attack, while the second missile targeting the amphibious assault ship Ponce failed on its own.

Pentagon spokesman Capt. Jeff Davis confirmed to reporters Tuesday that the missiles came from Yemen territory controlled by Houthi fighters, who are seeking to topple the internationally recognized government of President Abdu Rabu Mansour Hadi.

Davis stopped short of directly linking the attacks to Iran-backed Houthis, but noted that the Silkworm anti-ship missiles believed used in the attacks are an active part of Iran's missile arsenal. He said that the U.S. will find out who fired the missiles and will "take action accordingly."

"It's no secret that Iran has been actively supplying [rebels] and giving them tools of war," Davis said.

The U.S. military has been providing intelligence and logistics to Saudi-led coalition warplanes who began targeting Houthi positions inside Yemen earlier this year.

Some material for this report came from AP and AFP.

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Coalition Strikes Hit ISIL Terrorists in Syria, Iraq

From a Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve News Release

SOUTHWEST ASIA, Oct. 12, 2016  U.S. and coalition military forces continued to attack Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant terrorists in Iraq and Syria yesterday, Combined Joint Task Force Operation Inherent Resolve officials reported today.

Officials reported details of the latest strikes, noting that assessments of results are based on initial reports.

Strikes in Syria

Attack, fighter and remotely piloted aircraft conducted 11 strikes in Syria:

-- Near Abu Kamal, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle.

-- Near Raqqah, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit and destroyed a vehicle and a vehicle bomb.

-- Near Dayr Az Zawr, four strikes destroyed 11 ISIL oil tanker trucks, six oil wellheads, three vehicles, a front-end loader and a crane.

-- Near Manbij, a strike suppressed an ISIL tactical unit.

-- Near Mara, four strikes engaged four ISIL tactical units and destroyed three fighting positions and a vehicle.

Strikes in Iraq

Attack and fighter aircraft conducted seven strikes in Iraq, coordinated with and in support of Iraq's government:

-- Near Fallujah, a strike engaged an ISIL tactical unit.

-- Near Mosul, four strikes destroyed two ISIL mortar systems, an ISIL-held building, a weapons cache, a supply cache and a tunnel.

-- Near Qayyarah, two strikes engaged an ISIL tactical unit and a staging area, and destroyed two command-and-control nodes.

Task force officials define a strike as one or more kinetic events that occur in roughly the same geographic location to produce a single, sometimes cumulative, effect. Therefore, officials explained, a single aircraft delivering a single weapon against a lone ISIL vehicle is one strike, but so is multiple aircraft delivering dozens of weapons against buildings, vehicles and weapon systems in a compound, for example, having the cumulative effect of making those targets harder or impossible for ISIL to use. Accordingly, officials said, they do not report the number or type of aircraft employed in a strike, the number of munitions dropped in each strike, or the number of individual munition impact points against a target. Ground-based artillery fired in counterfire or in fire support to maneuver roles is not classified as a strike.

Part of Operation Inherent Resolve

The strikes were conducted as part of Operation Inherent Resolve, the operation to eliminate the ISIL terrorist group and the threat they pose to Iraq, Syria, and the wider international community. The destruction of ISIL targets in Syria and Iraq further limits the terrorist group's ability to project terror and conduct operations, officials said.

Coalition nations that have conducted strikes in Syria include the United States, Australia, Bahrain, Canada, 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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Powerful mosque explosion kills 14 Shias in Afghanistan

Iran Press TV

Wed Oct 12, 2016 3:21PM

A bomb blast outside a mosque has claimed the lives of at least 14 Shia Muslims and injured nearly 30 others in Afghanistan's northern province of Balkh.

Moneer Ahmad Farhad, a spokesman for the provincial governor, said the explosion on Wednesday happened at the gate of the mosque "in the center of Balkh district" in the province.

The blast targeted mourners, who were commemorating Ashura, which marks the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (peace be upon him), the third Shia Imam.

It was the second attack targeting the Shia Muslim community in less than 24 hours. On Tuesday night, heavily-armed gunmen attacked worshipers at a shrine in the capital Kabul, opening fire on the people who were commemorating the ninth day of the lunar month of Muharram.

At least 18 people were killed and 50 others were injured in the Tuesday shooting attack, which was claimed by the Daesh Takfiri terrorists.

On July 23, at least 84 people were killed and 130 injured in an attack on Shia Hazara demonstrators in the capital.

Hazara Shia Muslims have also been targeted in several large-scale kidnappings across Afghanistan in recent years, which have prompted demonstrations and sit-ins in Kabul and elsewhere.

The rise of Daesh in Afghanistan has already triggered concerns in a country which has been torn apart by decades of Taliban-led militancy and the 2001 invasion of the United States and its allies.

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South Sudan minister denies rumors of President Kiir's death

Iran Press TV

Wed Oct 12, 2016 2:20PM

South Sudan's government has denied rumors about the death of President Salva Kiir.

The government's announcement of 65-year-old Kiir's good health on Wednesday followed days of hearsay over his failing health, which caused worries and raised tensions in the capital Juba.

"This is a mere lie, there is nothing as such, Salva Kiir has not even been sick," Information Minister Michael Makuei Lueth said to journalists in Juba on Wednesday.

The minister slammed the "wild rumors" in the form of messages posted on Twitter, going as far as Uganda, where Kiir was reported to have gone to for medical treatment. Lueth said such a campaign was aimed at driving a wedge among the people of South Sudan.

On Wednesday, residents of Juba reported a higher than usual presence of soldiers on the streets as rumors of Kiir's illness coincided with mounting concerns over an uptick in violence.

"We are scared of the situation. You cannot know what is exactly happening but (there are) rumors that the president has died. Well, it is said fighting may break out and this is why I am scared," said Moses Modi, a resident of Juba who was staying home over security fears.

Another Juba resident, speaking on condition of anonymity, reported that some schools had sent pupils back home, adding, "There are soldiers deployed along the road. Mainly the roads around the ministries and the State House ... I am at work but leaving (for) home now, because the tension is high."

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan, also known as UNMISS, on Wednesday said it was "extremely concerned over increased reports of violence and armed conflict in various parts of the country in the last few weeks."

South Sudan descended into chaos when Kiir in December 2013 accused the former vice president, Riek Machar, of plotting a coup.

Numerous internationally-mediated attempts to shore up a fragile truce in South Sudan have failed. In a major setback to the peace efforts, fierce clashes erupted in Juba on July 8 between Kiir's guards and troops loyal to Machar.

The international community has expressed deep concern about South Sudan relapsing into violence.

The July clashes have pushed the number of refugees in the conflict-stricken country past the one-million mark, according to the United Nations.

In a further blow to the peace prospects, Machar last month called for "a popular armed resistance" against Kiir. Machar, himself, is said to be in South Africa for medical tests.

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Yemeni forces attack military bases in SW Saudi Arabia

Iran Press TV

Wed Oct 12, 2016 7:25AM

The Yemeni army's missile division has reportedly carried out a precision counterattack against a military base in the southwestern Saudi region of Najran.

The projectile surgically hit its intended target of the Bin Yalin outpost in the region on Wednesday, inflicting heavy losses on it, Yemen's al-Masirah television reported.

The channel added that a power station and a military base in the nearby southwestern Saudi region of Jizan also came under retaliatory mortar attacks by Yemeni forces.

To the north of Jizan, Yemeni troops struck the Malek al-Faisal military base in the Khamis Mushait city of the Asir region with a Qaher-1 ballistic missile.

Yemen's military has been carrying tit-for-tat attacks against gatherings of Saudi mercenaries inside Yemen as well as targets in the kingdom's southwest in retaliation for Riyadh's 2015-present military campaign against the country.

More than 10,000 people have died since the kingdom launched the campaign to crush the Yemeni Houthi movement and their allies and bring back to power the former Yemeni government, a close Riyadh ally.

Also on Wednesday, Saudi fighter jets also targeted a vehicle in central Ma'arib Provinve, leaving four people dead and two others wounded.

Saudi aircraft hit the Bani Matar district in Yemen's central-west province of Sana'a several times.

The warplanes pounded the districts of al-Dhaher and Haydan in the remote northwestern province of Sa'ada with sound bombs and missiles.

Meanwhile, Director General of Yemen's Air Transport Mazen Ahmad Qanem said a large number of the wounded from Saudi Arabia's attack on a funeral ceremony in the capital Sana'a last Saturday had died after not being able to travel for treatment.

The attack killed more than 140 civilians and has injured more than 615 others.

Boosting its campaign of bloodletting, Riyadh has been imposing a naval blockade of Yemen and keeping the capital's International Airport closed.

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Deadly Bombing Targets Shi'ite Mourners In Northern Afghanistan

RFE/RL's Radio Free Afghanistan October 12, 2016

At least 14 people have been killed in a bomb attack on a mosque in northern Afghanistan, the second assault within the last 24 hours during the Shi'ite festival of Ashura.

Afghan officials said the bomb blast, which also wounded at least 30 people, targeted Shi'ite mourners in the northern province of Balkh.

The bomb was planted outside the mosque in the Khoja Gholak area of Balkh Province and detonated remotely, a provincial spokesman told RFE/RL.

Local health officials said most of the wounded were children. Some of the injured were in critical condition, doctors said.

It came just a day after the Islamic State (IS) extremist group claimed responsibility for an attack on a shrine in the capital, Kabul, that killed 18 people and left dozens wounded.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack on October 12.

Shi'ite mourners had gathered at the mosque to celebrate the festival of Ashura, one of the holiest on the Shi'ite calendar.

The mourning for the festival reaches its peak on October 12.

Afghan police had warned Shi'a -- mostly ethnic Hazara -- against large gatherings, as attacks were expected.

With reporting by AP and AFP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-ashura-shiite- balkh-deadly-bombing/28048205.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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FBI Investigating Clinton Campaign Chief's Hacked Emails

By VOA News October 12, 2016

Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman says the FBI is investigating Russia's possible role in hacking his emails, a role that is being denied by a top Russian government official.

After thousands of John Podesta's personal emails were hacked, WikiLeaks began releasing them on Friday.

Podesta told reporters Tuesday he is helping investigators find the hackers and added "it was not any coincidence" his emails were disclosed shortly after a video tape of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump making vulgar remarks about women was released.

Did Trump campaign have advanced knowledge?

Podesta alleged that longtime Trump advisor Roger Stone had "advance knowledge" of the leaks. Stone has admitted he has been in contact with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange. Stone also tweeted in August that WikiLeaks would attack Clinton and Podesta, one of the presidential hopeful's most experienced and trusted advisors.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has denied Russia's involvement in the leaks. In an interview with CNN in Moscow, Lavrov dismissed the claims as "ridiculous" and added, "It's flattering, of course, to get this kind of attention."

Podesta said the investigation is part of a wider FBI probe into the hacking of Democratic Party emails in which Russia is suspected.

Podesta added Russia may be trying to influence the outcome of the U.S. presidential election to favor Donald Trump, who has said he admires the strength of President Vladimir Putin compared to what he sees as weak leaders in Washington.

Clinton corruption charges

Trump took the opportunity to focus on the hacked emails at a campaign rally Tuesday night in Florida. He alleged the emails show that "Clinton is the vessel (of) a corrupt global establishment that's raiding our country and surrounding the sovereignty of our nation."

The Clinton campaign would not confirm the authenticity of Podesta's emails, adding that Russian hackers often falsify documents.

Other leaked emails from the Democratic Party have embarrassed the Clinton campaign. They include allegations that campaign officials tried to discredit former Democratic presidential rival Bernie Sanders and suggestions the campaign should laugh-off the controversy surrounding Clinton's State Department emails.

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Lawyers Quit Defending Paris Attacks Suspect

By Lisa Bryant October 12, 2016

Families and lawyers of Paris attacks victims say they are disappointed at the news that Salah Abdeslam's legal defense has quit, as the top surviving suspect of last November's strikes remains silent before his interrogators.

Abdeslam's French and Belgian lawyers say they notified their client last week they were abandoning his legal defense.

French lawyer Frank Berton told French media he and his Belgian counterpart, Sven Mary, were convinced Abdeslam will not talk to investigating magistrates until his 24-hour video surveillance is lifted in his Paris-area prison cell.

That is unlikely to happen, making the way forward difficult. While Abdeslam has the right to remain silent, he will need a legal defense when he eventually goes on trial.

The top surviving suspect of last November's Paris attacks, Abdeslam was arrested in Belgium earlier this year after months on the run. His brother Brahim blew himself up during the attacks that killed 130 people. Abdeslam's exact role in the attack remains unclear.

Victims association head Georges Salines says he is disappointed, but not surprised, at Abdeslam's silence.

Salines, who lost his daughter in the attack, says he believes the investigation will reveal the truth anyway. In some ways, he says, it will be a relief if Abdeslam does not talk and try to minimize his role.

Since January 2015, more than 230 people have been killed in terrorist strikes in France.

This Friday, survivors and families of last July's attacks in Nice, which killed 86 people, will gather there to remember the victims. Officials say other planned attacks have since been thwarted, including one by a female jihadist cell that was broken up last month.

France's Le Journal du Dimanche reports 1,500 jihadist suspects are under special police surveillance.

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US Ignores Russian Offers to Reach Agreements Addressing Missile Defense Systems

Sputnik News

12:47 11.10.2016

According to the first deputy chief of the Russian General Staff's Main Operational Department, the US ignores Russia's proposals to reach agreements allaying concerns over its missile defense system deployment.

BEIJING (Sputnik)  The United States continues to ignore Russia's numerous proposals to reach agreements allaying concerns over its missile defense system deployment, first deputy chief of the General Staff's Main Operational Department, Lt. Gen. Viktor Poznikhir, said Tuesday.

"Our initiatives to reach relevant international agreements removing Russia's concerns related to the US missile defense system have not been accepted by the US," Poznikhir said at a Xiangshan Forum briefing.

Noting Moscow's numerous attempts to draw Washington's attention to the fact that its interceptors could threaten Russian and Chinese orbital group spacecraft, Poznikhir criticized the US for refusing to guarantee that its missile potential is not directed against Russia.

He further pointed to Washington blocking Moscow's and Beijing's draft Treaty on the Prevention of the Deployment of Weapons in Outer Space at a Geneva disarmament conference in 2002.

 Sputnik

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US Missile Defense Network Poses Threat to Safe Use of Space by Any Country

Sputnik News

11:15 11.10.2016(updated 13:18 11.10.2016)

US global missile defense network is posing a threat to free and safe use of outer space by any country, the Russian General Staff stated on Tuesday.

"The US missile defense system is posing a threat to the free use of outer space by any country. Its anti-satellite capabilities are one of the reasons why the US is opposed to any agreements that ban placing weapons in outer space," Lt.Gen. Viktor Poznikhir said.

He added that the Standard Missile 3 (SM-3 Block IIA) with increased destruction area allow to destroy Russian and Chinese spacecraft.

"Moreover, given the global nature of the actions of the ships equipped with interceptor missiles, the US will be able to interfere in space-related activities of any country," Poznikhir stressed.

The first deputy chief of the Main Operational Directorate of the Russian General Staff also said that the deployment of the global missile defense network by the United States is not linked to Iran or North Korea, but aims to gain strategic superiority over Russia and China.

Lt. Gen. Viktor Poznikhir added that North Korea was only demonstrating a possibility to create ballistic long-range missiles, while it was absolutely inappropriate to talk about Iran's threat following the nuclear deal.

"The decision of the United States to create a global missile defense system is not a response to Iran or North Korea's missile threats. It is based on the desire to gain military superiority over Russia and China," Poznikhir said at a briefing at the Xiangshan Forum.

The US global missile defense network creates a powerful impact component for a possible decapitation strike against Russia and China, Lt. Gen. Viktor Poznikhir said.

He stressed that through the expansion of the missile defense system the United States were creating a powerful striking component for potential "decapitation strikes" against Russia and China.

The deputy chief said that the true objectives of the establishment of the US global missile defense system is to reduce the potential of Russian nuclear power and the ability of complete zeroing of China's nuclear capacity, as well as expanding of abilities for the destruction of the Earth's artificial satellites on low orbits.

 Sputnik

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Beijing dismisses allegations against peacekeepers, deploys helicopter unit

People's Daily Online

By Zhang Yunbi (Chinadaily.com.cn) 15:07, October 11, 2016

The Ministry of National Defense has dismissed recent allegations targeting Chinese peacekeepers in South Sudan, raised in a report by a US-based group, describing them as "sheer malicious hyping".

The Washington-based Center For Civilians in Conflict said in a report published last week that Chinese peacekeepers with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan had withdrawn from a civilian protection zone in July after coming under attack, Reuters reported.

Yang Yujun, the ministry's spokesman, said in a written reply issued early on Tuesday that the report's allegations concerning Chinese peacekeepers was "not in accordance with the facts at all and is sheer malicious hyping".

The United Nations is investigating the performance of its peacekeeping force in South Sudan, Yang noted.

"Prior to the UN issuing the investigation's findings, any groundless accusations against UN peacekeepers and personnel is irresponsible," he said.

After the recent outbreak of conflict in South Sudan, the Chinese peacekeepers had conducted missions in and near the capital Juba to ensure the safety of UN peacekeepers and civilians, Yang noted.

Two Chinese soldiers were killed and five others were injured on July 10 following the escalation of the conflict, Yang added.

In another development, the Chinese military on Monday started shipping materials for the deployment of its first peacekeeping helicopter unit, departing from Tianjin Port in northern China.

The materials will arrive at Port Sudan in mid-November before arriving in mid-January at El Fasher, capital of North Darfur State, Sudan, Xinhua reported.

The unit, consisting of 140 soldiers and four helicopters, will be deployed for UN missions in South Sudan, including troop transportation, rescue and evacuation operations and supplying air logistics.

According to the Peacekeeping Office of the Ministry of National Defense, the unit has completed training and the refitting of helicopter and vehicle equipment.

Xinhua contributed to this story.

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North Korea vice FM exiled to farming area after UK ambassador defects

Iran Press TV

Wed Oct 12, 2016 2:11AM

North Korea has exiled its vice foreign minister and his family to a rural farming region outside of Pyongyang following the recent defection of the country's deputy ambassador to the UK.

According to the South Korean daily JoongAng Ilbo on Tuesday, North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un ordered Kung Sok-Ung removal from his post after Pyongyang's UK ambassador defected, along with his family, to the South around two months ago.

"Since Thae Yong-Ho's defection in late July, there has been an overall inspection throughout the foreign ministry," the paper quoted a source familiar with North Korean affairs as saying.

"Kung Sok-Ung was held accountable for the embassies in Europe and purged as a result," the source added.

The report also said that four other diplomats in charge of European affairs were also expelled from the capital.

Last week the paper published a report which said several North Korean embassy officials stationed in China had defected.

According to official figures provided by South Korea, nearly 30,000 people from North Korea have so far managed to defect to the South since the conclusion of the 1950-1953 Korean War.

Since coming to power in 2011, Kim has ordered several purges and executions of high-ranking officials. According to South Korea's Yonhap news agency during his reign around 100 government officials have been put to death.

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Two French Commandos Injured in Daesh-Linked Drone Attack in Iraqi Kurdistan

Sputnik News

16:39 11.10.2016(updated 16:40 11.10.2016)

Two French commandos deployed in Iraqi Kurdistan were wounded in a drone attack by a militant group with connections to Daesh.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  According to Le Monde newspaper, the incident happened on October 2 in Erbil, where the French servicemen were deployed near the Pershmerga fighters. Two Kurdish fighters were killed in the attack.

The two French soldiers were sent to receive medical support in France and they remain in a critical condition, according to the newspaper.

The French Defense Ministry has not yet confirmed the report, but the newspaper claimed that the ministry wanted to keep information about the incident secret.

France is an active participant of different security operations held in the Middle East, such as participation in the US-led coalition fighting against terrorists in Iraq and Syria. Daesh is a terrorist organization prohibited in many countries around the world, including in the United States and Russia.

 Sputnik

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U.S. Says Turkey Should Get Iraq's Approval To Station Troops There

October 12, 2016

The United States urged Turkey and Iraq to overcome a dispute over about 2,000 Turkish troops stationed in northern Iraq and said the troops should only be there with Baghdad's approval.

The attempt to mediate between two important U.S. allies came after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asserted on October 11 that "we don't need permission" to keep Turkish troops in the Bashiqa camp in Kurdish-controlled Iraq and that the troops will participate in an upcoming campaign to liberate Mosul from the Islamic State (IS) extremist group.

But the U.S. State Department said that foreign military forces should only be in Iraq at Baghdad's invitation and they should join the anti-IS coalition that already is operating there and is preparing an assault on Mosul.

"The Turkish forces that are deployed in Iraq are not there as part of the international coalition...It is imperative for all parties to coordinate closely over the coming days and weeks to ensure unity of effort in defeating Daesh," State Department spokesman John Kirby said, using another term for IS.

He added that "the situation in Bashiqa is a matter for the governments of Iraq and Turkey to resolve."

Based on reporting by Reuters and AFP

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/us-says-turkey- get-baghdad-approval-station-troops- bashiqa-northern-iraq/28046997.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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Myanmar: UN adviser expresses deep concern at recent violence in Rakhine, calls for calm

11 October 2016  The United Nations envoy for Myanmar today expressed his deep concern at the violent attacks by unidentified individuals and groups against border guards and security forces on 9 October and the resultant fighting that claimed the lives of security personnel and civilians in the three affected areas of Northern Rakhine.

"At this delicate juncture, the local communities at all levels must refuse to be provoked by these incidents and their leaders must work actively to prevent incitement of animosity or mutual hatred between Buddhist and Muslim communities," the Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Myanmar, Vijay Nambiar, said in a statement.

He said he has been informed by the concerned authorities in the capital, Naypyitaw, that firm instructions have been issued from the highest levels to take action strictly in accordance with the law to maintain peace and avoid escalation.

The Special Adviser called on the civilian population of the area to exercise maximum restraint and not be provoked into any kind of response by targeting other communities or religious groups.

Over the last year, the authorities have shown good organization and discipline in averting any major outbreak of violence between the communities in Rakhine, he noted.

While recognizing the prompt action and sober response of the security forces, Mr. Nambiar urged them to exercise caution in the future to avoid any injuries or loss of innocent civilian lives, collateral damage to properties or any perception of harassment of the local population.

In his Myanmar role which he has held since 2010, the veteran diplomat is tasked with employing the Secretary-General's 'good offices' towards helping the southeast Asian nation on its path of transition towards peace, democratization and development.

In addition to other methods, the Secretary-General uses his 'good offices'  diplomatic measures taken publicly and in private, drawing upon his independence, impartiality and integrity  to prevent international disputes from arising, escalating or spreading.

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Putin cancels visit to France amid tensions

Iran Press TV

Tue Oct 11, 2016 11:28AM

France says Russian President Vladimir Putin has cancelled his visit to Paris planned for next Tuesday after the French insisted on holding talks only on Syria.

"There were contacts between the Kremlin and the Elysee this morning to offer to Putin a working visit on Syria, but excluding all other events that President Hollande could have taken part in," President Francois Hollande's office said Tuesday.

"In response to this proposal, Russia has just indicated that it wants to postpone the visit planned on October 19," a source at the office was quoted as saying.

The Kremlin confirmed that President Putin has indefinitely postponed the visit, which envisaged the opening of a Russian cultural center and an exhibition.

Putin's spokesman Dmitry Peskov said the French side had revised the program and insisted that the visit should focus extensively on Syria.

"Regrettably, those events dropped out of the program," Peskov said, adding it's up to the French side to explain the reason.

"The president decided to cancel the visit," Peskov said.

Russia on Sunday vetoed a French-drafted resolution calling for an immediate halt of anti-terror airstrikes in Syria's northern city of Aleppo.

Moscow said halting airstrikes "provides cover to terrorists from Jabhat al-Nusra" and other militant groups allied with them.

Relations between Paris and Moscow have soured as they back opposite sides in the Syria crisis.

On Monday, Hollande said he had not decided yet whether to meet Putin and claimed that Syrian government forces, backed by Russia, had committed a "war crime" in Aleppo.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault visited Moscow last week before heading to Washington in a bid to garner support for the French draft resolution for a ceasefire in Aleppo.

Last month, Russia brokered a ceasefire in cooperation with the US but it collapsed after an American airstrike killed 83 Syrian troops in Dayr al-Zawr.

The US also failed to implement an important requirement of the peace deal to separate what Washington calls moderate militants from terrorists such as al-Nusra Front members.

Under the deal, the US military had also undertaken to join Russia in targeting terrorists in Aleppo but Washington fulfilled none of the pledges.

The calls for a ceasefire come as the Syrian army is tightening the noose around the terrorists in Aleppo as part of its bid to retake the country's second largest city.

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Russia Suspends Nuclear Disposal Deals With US in Fallout Over Syria

By Daniel Schearf October 11, 2016

As the damage continues to mount from Syria's Russia-backed offensive on Aleppo, so does the political fallout from the failed cease-fire agreement.

Russia's parliament is suspending an agreement with the United States for converting weapons-grade plutonium into fuel for nuclear power plants. If implemented, the deal would have seen enough plutonium for 17,000 nuclear weapons converted into fuel for peaceful energy use.

Russia also ended a uranium research pact with the U.S. Department of Energy on studying the conversion of six Russian nuclear reactors from highly enriched uranium, to less dangerous low enriched uranium.

The Kremlin said it is willing to reinstate the deals in return for the West lifting and compensating Russia for Ukraine-related sanctions, the NATO military alliance reducing its presence in Europe to the level they were at in 2000 when the treaty was made, and the U.S. Congress repealing the Magnitsky Act.

The Magnitsky Act, passed in 2012, allows the U.S. to withhold visas from Russian officials and freeze their assets if they are believed to have been involved in human rights violations.

Unrealistic demands

The United States is not likely to meet any of the Kremlin's listed demands, which are unrealistic, Chatham House's Keir Giles told VOA via Skype.

"If you take the example of the plutonium agreement, Russia walking away but placing demands, saying that it will return to this agreement if the United States fulfills certain conditions, some of which are unrealistic, some of which are completely unachievable, that is just a symptom of how Russia now once again feels that it can put forward demands, which are beyond the realm of the possible and beyond the realm of what is sensible for the United States," he said.

Scrapping the nuclear conversion deals is seen as Russia's reaction to worsening relations over its actions in Syria. But, they could have much further-reaching consequences if tensions continue to snowball.

"I fear it may push the Russian leadership to dismantle some other important agreements that exist between the United States and Russia in the field of arms control, such as the INF [Intermediate Nuclear Forces] treaty," said director of the Carnegie Moscow Center Dmitri Trenin.

Russian forces in Syria warned the U.S.-led coalition to keep its distance when targeting militants, promising to shoot down any planes that appear to be a threat.

"The withdrawal of cooperation from both sides in so many different areas to do with defense and security just makes the whole situation more alarming at the moment," says Chatham House analyst Giles.

Tensions rise

Many worry any incident could quickly escalate.

"We're at the point in U.S.-Russia relations when the next qualitative stage is an open conflict," said the Carnegie Moscow Center's Trenin. "I think we need to be aware of the risks that we're running at this point."

The United States and France said Russia's actions in Syria could amount to war crimes and there is talk of going to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

"It's significant in that it indicates the disconnect between the Russian notions of the way of warfare and what is acceptable in the West," said Giles. "And, in some ways it serves as a unifying factor among the West. If there is universal revulsion for what Russia is doing, then that might actually be a factor towards cohesion among the West in resisting Russia in other areas as well."

But taking Russia to the ICC on war crimes charges would only serve to deepen the divide between Russia and the West, said Trenin.

The Syria cease-fire deal fell apart after coalition forces mistakenly bombed Syrian troops in September, and just days later a U.N. aid convoy was hit by airstrikes blamed on Russia.

Battle against militants continues

Russia-backed Syrian forces immediately launched an offensive on Aleppo, prompting debate about whether Moscow ever intended to uphold the cease-fire.

"Viewing this from the outside, it was startling that the United States persisted for so long in trying to believe that Russia was sincere in negotiating, in trying to set up a cease-fire agreement," said Gils. "But when it is based on a basic failure to even agree on who the enemy is, and who you should be bombing, then any kind of negotiations are doomed to failure. It simply will not work."

Trenin argues Moscow changed tactics after it saw the cease-fire failing.

"A coalition with the United States, a coalition of equals, would have been a huge plus. Russia is looking for prestige," he said. "Russia is looking for its status to be recognized by the United States in Syria.... So, Russia was actually interested in a deal."

Many analysts believe Russia will push for another cease-fire deal only after it helps Syrian forces re-take Aleppo and they can negotiate from a position of strength.

Meanwhile, Russia announced plans for its military bases in Syria to become permanent.

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Russian Ambassador Blames U.S. For Spiraling Tensions With Moscow

Mike Eckel October 12, 2016

WASHINGTON -- Russia's top diplomat in the United States has blamed Washington for the worsening ties between the two countries, even as he emphasized common threats the two faced and the potential for cooperation.

Coming amid increasing rhetorical salvos between Moscow and Washington, Ambassador Sergei Kislyak's comments on October 11 to an audience of university students and faculty were by turns conciliatory and defensive.

Russia has taken a prominent place in the U.S. presidential election campaign, with U.S. intelligence officials last week blaming Moscow for several hacking incidents of U.S. political parties and state electoral commissions.

President Barack Obama's administration said on October 11 that it is planning some sort of response that would target Russia or its interests.

Speaking at Johns Hopkins University's School for Advanced International Studies, Kislyak repeated Russian statements that Moscow is not interfering in the U.S. election, and he lamented the sharp downturn in bilateral relations, laying the blame on the Americans.

"We are very much disappointed that instead of trying to build and capitalize on what both Russia and the United States can help together to solve the issues that do exist togetherthat we are locked into that kind of unfriendly discussions, and I think we are missing a lot of opportunities," he said.

"I would like to underline that we feel that it's not us who started it, it's not us who's fueling it, but the result is that is where we are," Kislyak said.

The diplomat called for a renewal of cooperation between U.S. and Russian military forces in Syria, saying that the two sides shared a common goal of defeating terrorist groups like Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. But he argued that Russia's military presence in Syria is legitimate, having been invited into the country by the Syrian regime, a close ally.

A cease-fire negotiated by Moscow and Washington collapsed last month and gave way to a blistering assault by Russian and Syrian forces against the city of Aleppo, where parts are still controlled by opposition forces, as well as groups labeled as terrorists.

That led Washington to announce it was suspending all talks with Moscow over resolving the Syrian conflict.

In Syria, Kislyak said, "We are there on a fully legal basis, unlike some others who fly and send troops on the ground without asking permission of a legitimate government."

In accusing Washington of stoking the bad blood between the two countries, Kislyak cited the Magnitsky Act, the 2012 law that sanctioned nearly 20 Russian officials for alleged human rights abuses and financial fraud. And he cited Washington's actions during and after the street protests in Ukraine that forced its pro-Russian president to flee the country and be replaced by a markedly more pro-Western administration.

He also repeated Russian's longstanding grievances against NATO, both its expansion into former Soviet bloc countries in the 1990s and its current deployment of troops and equipment to places like Poland and the Baltic countries.

NATO and U.S. officials have said the bolstered forces are aimed at reassuring alliance members nervous about more aggressive Russian actions in Ukraine, and also along some European borders.

"NATO is an alliance for [its members], not for others, and that creates new dividing lines that is pushed to our borders and that is something that is a very, very serious problem in our relations and most probably one that will have very, very long consequences," he said.

He said he agreed with the assessment being heard with frequency in Washington policy circles that bilateral relations haven't been this problematic since the end of the Cold War.

"The risks of miscalculations have increased. I agree with that. Especially with your forces being deployed, NATO forces, being deployed next to our borders, sometimes in a very -- how shall put it in a polite way -- in a strange way, to show up the strength of the United States," he said.

Source: http://www.rferl.org/a/russian-ambassador- kislyak-blames-us-spiraling-tensions- with-moscow/28046994.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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Russia, China Have No Disagreements on Syria - Russian Deputy Defense Minister

Sputnik News

19:31 11.10.2016

There is no divergence of Russia's and China's opinion on the Syrian crisis and all attempts to find differences in their position on the issue are inconclusive, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov said Tuesday.

BEIJING (Sputnik)  He expressed confidence that Russia and China were on the highest level of strategic relations. Hardly anyone could wreck them, he added.

"Attempts to find any differences between us and China on this issue [Syrian crisis] are inconclusive. Attempts to play China off against us have been made not for the first time," Antonov said when commenting on the claims by French diplomats that Russia has lost China's support on the Syrian issue.

Syria has been mired in civil war since 2011, with opposition factions and Islamist terrorist groups such as Daesh and the al-Qaeda linked Nusra Front, now known as Jabhat Fatah al-Sham, fighting the Syrian army. Both organization are banned in many countries worldwide, including Russia.

Russia has been conducting an anti-terror campaign in the Arab country since September 2015 at Syrian President Bashar Assad's request.

 Sputnik

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Over 5,000 Syrian Refugees Return From Turkey to Jarablus Freed From Daesh

Sputnik News

13:51 11.10.2016

More than 5,000 Syrian refugees have returned to their homes from Turkey, following the liberation of the eastern city of Jarablus, Turkish Yeni Safak newspaper reported Tuesday.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  On August 24, the Turkish army with the support of US-led coalition aircraft launched the Euphrates Shield operation to clear Jarablus and the surrounding area occupied by Daesh. The operation has been widely criticized both by the Syrian Kurds and Damascus accusing Ankara of violating Syria's territorial integrity.

According to the Yeni Safak newspaper, 5,176 Jarablus residents have already arrived in the city, while the departure from Turkey continues.

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, outlawed in many countries, including the United Kingdom and Russia among others.

The conflict has caused a major humanitarian crisis making millions of people to flee Syria. According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) more than 2.7 million of them are currently in Turkey.

 Sputnik

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Syrian Army to Use All Military Means to Repel US Aggression

Sputnik News

13:20 11.10.2016(updated 14:45 11.10.2016)

The Syrian army will deploy all its military means to repel aggression stemming from the United States, a source in the Syrian Defense Ministry told RIA Novosti on Tuesday.

DAMASCUS (Sputnik)  US media reported this month that the Obama administration was considering airstrikes against Syrian military targets to disrupt the Syrian Army's operations in Aleppo and attempt to force President Bashar Assad to negotiate a political settlement.

"The Syrian army will not hesitate to defend its land, country and the government. It will use all its military capabilities to repel US airstrikes or any other US attempts to commit aggression against Syria," the source said.

"But we also believe that the US will think twice before conducting any strike against Syria, given current Russian presence in Syria and Russian-Syrian military cooperation," the source stressed.

The Russian Defense Ministry said last week that a battery of S-300 air defense systems had been delivered to Syria to protect a naval facility in the port of Tartus as well as Russian warships deployed off the Syrian coast.

Moreover, the Syrian government forces will not delay their campaign to liberate Aleppo from militants, the source added.

"We believe that this situation in Aleppo will not drag on The army has its own strategy aimed at taking the soonest control of Aleppo without delaying the process," the source said.

Advances in Aleppo by the Syrian government forces have caused internal conflicts among terrorists across other regions, the source stated.

"The plight of terrorists in Aleppo is hard and, moreover, they will meet even greater problems. This is evidenced by conflicts starting between terrorist groups in Aleppo, Idlib and Hama due to losses," the source said.

Fighting between government forces, jihadists and numerous militant groups in Aleppo intensified after the Syrian army declared an end to the week-long ceasefire on September 23, blaming militants for numerous violations of the cessation of hostilities.

The Syrian army will advance toward Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa and Idlib after liberating Aleppo, the source said.

"The most important tasks for us now are in three provinces: Deir ez-Zor, Raqqa and Idlib. Therefore, the Syrian Arab Army strategy will definitely focus on these regions. Although the highest military and political leadership will ultimately decide what is the priority direction," the source said.

The high-level official noted Idlib's importance because of its proximity to the Turkish border and the Jabhat Fatah al-Sham (formerly al-Nusra Front) militant group using it as a staging area. Raqqa is the de-facto capital of Daesh, which finances its operations in part through extracting and smuggling oil from the southeastern city of Deir ez-Zor.

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Monitors: Russian Warplanes Resume Heavy Bombing in Aleppo

By VOA News October 11, 2016

Monitors say Russian jet fighters on Tuesday resumed heavy bombing in rebel-held eastern districts of the war-shattered Syrian city of Aleppo, targeting two opposition-held neighborhoods and killing more than 20 people.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights called Tuesday's onslaught "the heaviest Russian bombardment" since the government of President Bashar al-Assad announced last week it would cut back on airstrikes, ostensibly to allow civilians to disarm and leave opposition-held neighborhoods.

However, civilians, distrustful of the Assad government, have largely ignored the offer, which insurgents fighting to topple the government have called a deception.

Separately, the government's SANA news agency reported rebel shelling on government-controlled districts in the western part of the city, with at least four killed and 14 others wounded.

Earlier Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin, under intense Western criticism for Moscow's military role in Syria, canceled a planned visit to France after French President Francois Hollande insisted their upcoming meeting focus solely on Syria.

War crime threat

Putin's move came a day after French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault warned that Russia could face war crime charges in the International Criminal Court, the ICC, for its ongoing bombing campaign in Aleppo.

Ayrault told French radio that potential war crimes charges would extend to "all those complicit in what's happening in Aleppo, including Russian leaders."

Moscow has repeatedly denied attacking civilians in Syria, insisting its sole aim is targeting terror groups in support of the Assad government.

To that end, Russia on Saturday blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution proposed by France and Spain to end the Aleppo bombing. Monitors and aid workers say airstrikes have killed more than 300 people in the northern city  most all of them civilians  since September.

It is not clear how the International Criminal Court could investigate the Aleppo bombings, because neither Russia nor Syria is a member of the ICC.

The matter could be referred to the court by the U.N. Security Council. However, Russia, along with China, has previously used its veto power on the council  as recently as Saturday  to block several draft resolutions aimed at the Syrian government during the country's five-and-a-half-year civil war.

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Kerry, Lavrov to Discuss Syria on Saturday

By Nike Ching October 12, 2016

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will meet this Saturday with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and diplomats from regional powers to discuss the Syria crisis in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Kerry also will discuss Syria in a meeting with regional and international partners next Sunday in London, the State Department announced.

"The Secretary will meet with foreign ministers from key regional partners in Lausanne and key regional and international partners in London to discuss a multilateral approach to resolving the crisis in Syria," said State Department spokesperson John Kirby on Wednesday.

The multilateral diplomatic efforts came after Washington halted direct cease-fire talks with Russia over Syria amid continuing Russian military strikes in the Syrian city of Aleppo.

The upcoming talks on Syria will discuss approaches including "a sustained cessation of violence and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries," said Kirby.

On Tuesday, Russian Ambassador to the United States Sergey Kislyak told an audience in Washington that bilateral relations between the two powers were "moving in the wrong direction."

Kislyak blamed the U.S. decision to unilaterally "freeze" normal channels with Russia, defending Russia's bombings in Aleppo are "on a fully legal basis" and by the invitation of Syrian government.

"The government of Syria needs to be able to continue to preserve statehood of state, " said Kislyak, "if that kind of country will become a totally failed state, that would be a fertile ground for all kind of extremism and terrorism expanding from the region."

Russian bombing resumes

Monitors said Tuesday Russian jets resumed heavy bombing in rebel-held eastern districts of Aleppo, killing more than 20 people.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights called Tuesday's onslaught "the heaviest Russian bombardment" since the government of President Bashar al-Assad announced last week it would cut back on airstrikes, ostensibly to allow civilians to disarm and leave opposition-held neighborhoods.

Moscow has repeatedly denied attacking civilians in Syria, insisting its sole aim is targeting terror groups in support of the Assad government.

To that end, Russia on Saturday blocked a United Nations Security Council resolution proposed by France and Spain to end the Aleppo bombing. Monitors and aid workers say airstrikes have killed more than 300 people in the northern city -- most all of them civilians -- since September.

At the Vatican, Pope Francis on Wednesday called for an immediate cease-fire in Syria.

Speaking at his weekly general audience , the pope said a halt in fighting should be put in place long enough for civilians, particularly children, to escape areas subject to bombings.

Previous international efforts to establish a cease-fire have quickly eroded throughout the country's conflict that has stretched on for more than five years.

Putin cancels France visit

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin, under intense Western criticism for Moscow's military role in Syria, canceled a planned visit to France after French President Francois Hollande insisted their upcoming meeting focus solely on Syria.

Putin's move came a day after French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault warned that Russia could face war crime charges in the International Criminal Court, the ICC, for its ongoing bombing campaign in Aleppo.

It is not clear how the International Criminal Court could investigate the Aleppo bombings, because neither Russia nor Syria is a member of the ICC.

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Turkish PM Worried by Clinton's Remarks on Arming Kurds in Syria, Iraq

Sputnik News

16:52 11.10.2016

Ankara is concerned by Hillary Clinton's remarks she would mull arming Kurds in Syria and Iraq.

MOSCOW (Sputnik)  Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim said on Tuesday he was concerned by US Democratic Party presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's remarks suggesting that she will consider arming Kurds in Syria and Iraq if she wins presidency.

"What does arming Kurdish groups mean? Isn't the US our ally? Clinton's comments have once again proven the correctness of our worries," Yildirim said, as quoted by the Daily Sabah newspaper.

Tensions between Ankara and the Kurds escalated in July 2015 when a ceasefire between Turkey and the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) collapsed over a series of terrorist attacks, allegedly committed by PKK members. Ankara considers the Democratic Union Party (PYD), and its military wing YPG (People's Protection Units) operating in Syria an affiliate of PKK, which is outlawed in Turkey. At the same time, the PKK denies having any ties to the PYD.

The United States has been providing military assistance to the Kurdish YPG forces, and top Pentagon officials have described the Kurdish forces as capable and successful fighters against the Islamic State terror group, outlawed in many countries around the world, including the United States and Russia.

 Sputnik

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Everything thats wrong with America can be corrected if the members of your church get involved, according to Dr. Rick Scarborough. This is the time for the church to be the church.

Ronald Scearce, Bishop E.W. Jackson Sr. and Scarborough encouraged local pastors to mobilize their congregations to register to vote, and to vote their values during an event Tuesday at White Oak Worship Center.

Jackson introduced Scarborough as someone he would follow into the fire, because I know hes gonna be fighting for the things of the lord Jesus Christ.

Scarborough, who was the founder and President of Vision America Action, preached the power of having congregations vote their values, giving examples from his time as a Baptist preacher in Pearland, Texas.

We got involved in Harris County politics, and it turned out there were 51 God-fearing men and women elected in one cycle, Scarborough explained. We never gave one single endorsement of any candidate. Four other pastors committed, as Im asking you to do today, and Harris County was transformed in the 1994 election.

Using a Vincent Van Gogh painting of a church with no doors and no cross as an example, he said that he felt that the church has become mute and therefore meaningless to change the culture of the nation, and that it needs to change.

This nation was born of an awakening, according to Scarborough. We need a third great awakening in this country.

Jacksons speech was more sermon than political activism, but he agreed with Scarborough that our country is in deep, deep trouble and that it was time to come back to the word of God, to the truth.

Jackson joked that those present should tell their friends, if they dont share your values, tell them to go on vacation on Nov. 8. If they do share your values, tell them to go out and vote.

He did get into politics near the end of his speech, saying, I know Donald Trump is far from the perfect candidate. I understand that  anybody who doesnt understand that doesnt know God . but when I look at the other, woo, the crowd laughed at this point. Im just saying, give us a chance. Give us a while longer. We need leaders to turn this country around. We may not be able to find the perfect one, but give us one who at leastll buy us some time so we can get this situation turned around. Youve got to go out and youve got to vote your Christian conscience.

Scarborough encouraged pastors to give their roll information to the VAA in order to measure what percentage of a congregation has registered to vote, whether they have actively voted in local elections, and ways to fix that problem within each congregation. Scarborough swore that the people on the list would never be contacted by the VAA for any other purpose, and that they would not tell you specifically which people had been registered to vote, or how they had voted.

Im convinced Gods not done with America, Jackson said. You know why? Cause were here and hes not done with us.
Q3 2016 Consolidated Gold Production of 25,782 Ounces

TORONTO, Oct. 11, 2016 /CNW/ - Jaguar Mining Inc. ("Jaguar" or the "Company") (TSX: JAG) today announced that the Company achieved strong consolidated gold production of 25,782 ounces for the third quarter of 2016 ("Q3 2016") from processing 231,000 tonnes of ore at an average grade of 3.92 grams per tonne ("g/t") and achieved 91.3% recovery. Year-to-date ("YTD 2016") consolidated gold production to the end of September totaled 71,201 ounces. As a result, the Company is well positioned to meet or exceed the top end of its 2016 production guidance of 90,000 to 95,000 ounces.

Rodney Lamond, President and CEO of Jaguar Mining commented, "To date, our operations have performed extremely well, with our improvement initiatives delivering increased production, average grade, and recoveries that are meeting or exceeding our targets. Q3 2016 marked the third consecutive quarter of increased quarter-over-quarter production led by the Turmalina mine, which, despite challenging ground conditions during the quarter, achieved its highest level of production since Q3 2013. This strong operational performance has now positioned us to meet or exceed the top end of our 2016 gold production guidance of 90,000 to 95,000 ounces. I am also very pleased with the continued progress being made at the Pilar mine, where our operations team has refocused their efforts on programs that will drive increased sustainable production and cash flow growth over the coming quarters."

Q3 2016 Highlights (All figures are in US dollars unless otherwise indicated)

Following strong Q3 2016 production and operating performance, the Company is on track to meet or exceed the top end of its 2016 gold production guidance of 90,000 to 95,000 ounces.





Consolidated gold production for Q3 2016 increased 2% year-over-year to 25,782 ounces based on average consolidated mill head grade of 3.92 g/t (Q3 2015  3.90 g/t) and recovery of 91.3% (Q3 2015  89.9%).





Turmalina led strong Q3 2016 results with 16,304 ounces of gold production, up 17% year-over-year, based on an average head grade of 4.36 g/t and recovery of 92%.





Total primary development investment increased 17% year-over-year to 1,347 metres ("m") completed in Q3 2016. Secondary development increased 65% year-over-year to 1,182 m in Q3 2016.





Total definition, infill, and exploration drilling of 6,749 m completed during Q3 2016 focused on key targets at Turmalina and Caete. A total of 28,127 m of drilling was carried out in the first nine months of 2016.





To support future growth, the Company continued its 2016 capital investment program, which includes investing in development and exploration activities at all mines, a newly designed paste-fill plant, and the rebuild of Mill #3, both at Turmalina. The paste-fill plant and Mill #3 are expected to be commissioned in Q4 2016.





Despite a strengthening Brazilian Real, the Company's increased cost control measures ensured that it remains on track to achieve 2016 cost guidance.





Preliminary cash balance of $17.3 million after investing significant capital in development and exploration programs, $0.4 million towards the convertible debentures interest, and repaying $1.3 million for principal and interest towards other debt facilities in Q3 2016.

Q3 2016 Operating Summary









Q3 2016 Q3 2015

Turmalina Caete Total Turmalina Caete Total Tonnes milled (t) 128,000 103,000 231,000 101,000 122,000 223,000 Recovery (%) 91.8 90.6 91.3 91.0 89.0 89.9 Average head grade (g/t) 4.36 3.17 3.92 4.77 3.17 3.90 Gold ounces













Produced (oz) 16,304 9,479 25,782 13,994 11,241 25,235

Sold (oz) 15,945 9,371 25,316 13,485 10,921 24,406 Development













Primary (m) 605 748 1,353 1,061 91 1,152

Exploration drift (m) - 22 22 - - -

Secondary (m) 623 559 1,182 625 93 718 Definition, infill, and exploration drilling (m) 2,793 3,956 6,749 8,374 720 9,094





















YTD 2016 YTD 2015

Turmalina Caete Total Turmalina Caete Total Tonnes milled (t) 380,000 264,000 644,000 306,000 353,000 659,000 Recovery (%) 91.2 90.6 90.9 90.3 89.3 89.8 Average head grade (g/t) 4.25 3.13 3.86 4.08 3.11 3.53 Gold ounces













Produced (oz) 47,158 24,043 71,201 36,210 31,043 67,253

Sold (oz) 47,615 24,552 72,167 36,291 31,527 67,818 Development













Primary (m) 2,502 1,869 4,371 2,603 205 2,808

Exploration drift (m) - 66 66 24 - 24

Secondary (m) 2,154 1,391 3,545 1,398 93 1,491 Definition, infill, and exploration drilling (m) 12,735 15,392 28,127 18,843 10,635 29,478

Q3 2016 Cash Balance

Preliminary cash balance was $17.3 million as at September 30, 2016 compared to a cash balance of $15.3 million as at December 31, 2015, while investing in capital activities and maintaining a stable working capital position. Full financial details and associated all-in sustaining and operating cash cost details will be released in November 2016.

Capital investments in Q3 2016 were primarily funded through operating cash flows, a trend expected to continue for the remaining part of 2016. In addition to the increase in capital expenditures, Jaguar also paid $0.4 million of interest on the convertible debentures and $1.3 million in other debt principal and interest payments during the third quarter. The strengthening of the Brazilian Real in Q3 2016 and the resulting foreign currency losses offset some of the gold price gains during the quarter.

Management Update

The Company is pleased to announce that it is strengthening its management team with the appointments of Mr. Robert (Bob) Gill as Vice President, Operations and Ms. Joanne C. Jobin as Vice President, Investor Relations.

Rodney Lamond, President and CEO of Jaguar Mining commented, "I am pleased to announce the addition of Bob and Joanne to the Jaguar management team. Bob is a senior mining professional with a strong international background in design and mine operations, while Joanne brings to the Company broad experience with investor relations and marketing; her knowledge of the capital markets as well as her existing industry relationships will strengthen Jaguar's exposure within the investment community."

Mr. Gill has over 30 years of expertise in the design and operation of international and domestic, open pit and underground, base metal and gold mines. Prior to joining Jaguar, he was with AMEC Americas Limited Mining Division in Vancouver where he held the position of Principal Engineer and Study Manager, where he managed prefeasibility studies and PEA's, including being the project manager on the Galore Creek prefeasibility study. He has worked at various operations and development projects in North and South America and consulted to mines around the world. Mr. Gill holds a Bachelors of Applied Science in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of British Columbia and completed the International Executive Program in Mining Leadership from Queen's University.

Ms. Jobin has over 25 years of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications experience and has been the Investor Relations consultant to Jaguar Mining since September 2014. She began her career in the fledgling investor relations industry in 1987 with Barrick Gold, where she worked to develop its early investor relations and marketing programs. Since then she has worked in the natural resources sector and managed the investor relations, corporate affairs and communications programs for a number of publicly traded companies, including J.P. Morgan & Co. (Canada), Canadian Tire Corporation, IAMGold Corp., Noront Resources, Excellon Resources and Veris Gold. She co-founded The FIRM and founded IR.INC, international investor relations marketing companies focused on the natural resource sectors.

About Jaguar Mining Inc.

Jaguar Mining Inc. is a Canadian-listed junior gold mining, development, and exploration company operating in Brazil with three gold mining complexes, and a large land package with significant upside exploration potential from mineral claims covering an area of approximately 191,000 hectares. The Company's principal operating assets are located in the Iron Quadrangle, a prolific greenstone belt in the state of Minas Gerais and include the Turmalina Gold Mine Complex ("Mineracao Turmalina Ltda" or "MTL") and the Caete Gold Mine Complex ("Mineracao Serras do Oeste Ltda" or "MSOL"), which combined produce more than 90,000 ounces of gold annually. The Company also owns the Paciencia Gold Mine Complex, which has been on care and maintenance since 2012. Additional information is available on the Company's website at www.jaguarmining.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information contained in forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "are expected", "is forecast", "is targeted", "approximately", "plans", "anticipates", "projects", "anticipates", "continue", "estimate", "believe" or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might", or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. This news release contains forward-looking information regarding expected production, grades, tones milled, recovery rates, cash operating costs, and definition/delineation drilling, in addition to overall expenditures and results of operations for 2016. The Company has made numerous assumptions with respect to forward-looking information contained herein, including, among other things, assumptions about the estimated timeline for the development of its mineral properties; the supply and demand for, and the level and volatility of the price of, gold; the accuracy of reserve and resource estimates and the assumptions on which the reserve and resource estimates are based; the receipt of necessary permits; market competition; ongoing relations with employees and impacted communities; and general business and economic conditions. Forward-looking information involve a number of known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including among others the risk of Jaguar not meeting the forecast plans regarding its operations and financial performance, the uncertainties with respect to the price of gold, labor disruptions, mechanical failures, increase in costs, environmental compliance and change in environmental legislation and regulation, procurement and delivery of parts and supplies to the operations, uncertainties inherent to capital markets in general and other risks inherent to the gold exploration, development and production industry, which, if incorrect, may cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described herein. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward-looking information made in this news release, see the Company's most recent annual information form and management's discussion and analysis, as well as other public disclosure documents that can be accessed under the issuer profile of "Jaguar Mining Inc." on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking information set forth herein reflects the Company's reasonable expectations as at the date of this news release and is subject to change after such date. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

SOURCE Jaguar Mining Inc.
Calgary - Alberta Oilsands Inc. ("Alberta Oilsands" or the "Company") (TSXV:AOS) has entered into an amending agreement with Marquee Energy Ltd. ("Marquee") to extend the outside date of the plan of arrangement transaction involving the two parties and the shareholders of Marquee (the "Arrangement") that was first announced on August 19, 2016. Pursuant to the amending agreement, the outside date of the Arrangement has been extended from November 30, 2016 to January 16, 2017. A copy of the amending agreement may be obtained through www.sedar.com.The extension will allow both parties the time necessary to address the results of an appeal launched by Marquee of an order of the Court of Queen's Bench of Alberta (the "Court"), which requires that Alberta Oilsands hold a shareholder meeting to vote upon the Arrangement. The Court of Appeal of Alberta has scheduled Marquee's appeal hearing for November 9, 2016. For more details regarding Marquee's appeal, please see the press release it issued today.Alberta Oilsands and Marquee announced, on August 19, 2016, that they had agreed to the Arrangement that will create a well-capitalized company positioned for future value creation. The Arrangement will provide Alberta Oilsands shareholders with exposure to a dominant land position in the Michichi oil fairway and sustainable growth opportunities at current commodity prices. The combined company will have the liquidity to act upon organic and strategic opportunities, and a balance sheet in line with the best companies in its peer group.Alberta Oilsands will provide further updates on the Arrangement approval process as developments warrant. Shareholders need not take any action at this time.Alberta Oilsands holds bitumen leases in the Athabasca oil sands region of northeast Alberta. The Company's head office is located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and its common shares are traded on the TSX Venture Exchange under the trading symbol "AOS".Binh Vu, Interim CEO & President+1 416 951 8800bvu@aboilsands.caNeither 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.Certain statements included in this press release constitute forward-looking statements or information (forward-looking statements) under applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking statements or information typically contain statements with words such as "anticipate", "believe", "expect", "plan", "intend", "estimate", "potential", "propose", or similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook. Specific forward-looking statements in this press release include statements with respect to the timing of Marquee's appeal, the sufficiency of timing to address the results of Marquee's appeal as a result of the extension of the outside date of the Arrangement, the capitalization and position of the company resulting from the completion of the Arrangement, the production, growth opportunities, liquidity and balance sheet characteristics of the company resulting from the completion of the Arrangement, the anticipated benefits to Alberta Oilsands shareholders in connection with the Arrangement and the expected timing of disclosure of future developments related to the Arrangement.

Forward looking statements involve significant known and unknown risks and uncertainties, some of which are beyond the control of Alberta Oilsands, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. Risks and uncertainties affecting Alberta Oilsands and its business and affairs are described in further detail in its management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations for the period ended June 30, 2016, which is available under Alberta Oilsands' issuer profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com.



Although Alberta Oilsands believes that the expectations in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, they are based on factors and assumptions concerning future events which may prove to be inaccurate. Those factors and assumptions are based upon currently available information. Such statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could influence actual results or events and cause actual results or events to differ materially from those stated, anticipated or implied in the forward-looking statements. As such, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements, as no assurance can be provided as to future results, levels of activity or achievements. The forward looking information included herein is made as of the date of this press release and Alberta Oilsands assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward looking information to reflect new events or circumstances, except as required by law. The forward-looking statements contained herein are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.


Further high-grade growth at east and west of 2.63km mineralized trend

KELOWNA, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - Oct. 12, 2016) - Fission Uranium Corp. (TSX:FCU)(OTCQX:FCUUF)(FRANKFURT:2FU) ("Fission" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that assay results confirm the strongest high-grade mineralization to date at the R1620E zone and further high-grade holes at R840W zone at its PLS property, host to the Triple R deposit, in Canada's Athabasca Basin region. Both zones are presently outside of the Triple R resource area. The assay results include hole PLS16-500 on zone R1620E (line 1545E) with 9.5m @ 13.56% U 3 O 8 within a larger interval of 27.0m @ 5.0% U 3 O 8 . The wide, high-grade mineralization encountered at both zones, continues to highlight the strength and prospectivity of the 2.63km mineralized trend at PLS - the largest lateral footprint in the Athabasca Basin region.

Ross McElroy, President, COO, and Chief Geologist for Fission, commented

"These results include the highest-grade mineralization seen to date at the R1620E zone, as well as strong grades at the R840W zone. Both of these shallow-depth, high-grade zones are outside of the current resource estimate for the Triple R and remain open in multiple directions."

Assay Highlights Include:

R1620E zone (high-grade, shallow zone at eastern end of mineralized trend)

PLS16-500 (line 1545E) key interval:

27.0m @ 5.0% U 3 O 8 (86.0m to 113.0m), including: 9.5m @ 13.56% U 3 O 8 (98.5m to 108.0m)

O (86.0m to 113.0m), including:

PLS16-498 (line 1515E) key interval:

26.5m @ 3.60% U 3 O 8 (78.5m to 105.0m), including: 9.0m @ 8.56% U 3 O 8 (89.0m to 98.0m)

O (78.5m to 105.0m), including:

R840W Zone (high-grade, shallow land-based zone recently merged with R600W zone)

PLS16-495 (line 855W) key interval:

10.0m @ 3.74% U 3 O 8 (138.0m to 148.0m), including: 1.0m @ 8.92% U 3 O 8 (139.5m to 140.5m) 4.0m @ 5.92% U 3 O 8 (142.5m to 146.5m)

O (138.0m to 148.0m), including:

Table 1:

Zone Hole ID Grid

Line Az Dip From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) U3O8

(wt%) R840W PLS16-495 855W 3 -81.1 138.00 148.00 10.00 3.74 139.50 140.50 1.00 8.92 142.50 146.50 4.00 5.92 153.00 184.00 31.00 0.44 158.00 159.50 1.50 1.20 196.50 197.00 0.50 0.05 202.50 217.00 14.50 0.22 PLS16-499 525W 340 -80.7 No Significant Mineralization PLS16-501 855W 344 -79.7 142.50 143.00 0.50 0.05 148.50 151.00 2.50 3.95 159.50 160.50 1.00 0.16 187.50 188.00 0.50 0.13 204.00 204.50 0.50 0.06 208.50 210.50 2.00 0.46 PLS16-502 885W 358 -76.3 172.50 173.00 0.50 0.06

Composite Parameters 1. Minimum Thickness: 0.50m 2. Grade Cut-Off: 0.05 U 3 O 8 (wt%) 3. Maximum Internal Dilution: 2.00m

Table 2

Zone Hole ID Grid

Line Az Dip From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) U3O8

(wt%) R1620E PLS16-496 1485E 329 -70.9 66.80 100.50 33.70 2.53 83.50 91.50 8.00 8.61 103.50 110.00 6.50 0.11 PLS16-498 1515E 323 -74.7 73.00 75.00 2.00 0.05 78.50 105.00 26.50 3.60 89.00 98.00 9.00 8.56 PLS16-500 1545E 339 -70.9 86.00 113.00 27.00 5.00 98.50 108.00 9.50 13.56 122.00 124.50 2.50 0.23 128.00 128.50 0.50 0.06 130.50 133.50 3.00 0.05 146.00 146.50 0.50 0.05

Composite Parameters 1. Minimum Thickness: 0.50m 2. Grade Cut-Off: 0.05 U 3 O 8 (wt%) 3. Maximum Internal Dilution: 2.00m

Composited % U 3 O 8 mineralized intervals are summarized in Tables 1 and 2. Samples from the drill core are split in half sections on site. Where possible, samples are standardized at 0.5m down-hole intervals. One-half of the split sample is sent to SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories (an SCC ISO/IEC 17025: 2005 Accredited Facility) in Saskatoon, SK for analysis which includes U 3 O 8 (wt %) and fire assay for gold, while the other half remains on site for reference. All analysis includes a 63 element ICP-OES, uranium by fluorimetry and boron. Individual zone wireframe models constructed from assay data and used in the resource estimate indicate that both the R780E and R00E zones have a complex geometry controlled by and parallel to steeply south-dipping lithological boundaries as well as a preferential sub-horizontal orientation. Similar geometrical relationships appear to be the case with the R840W and R1620E zones as well. All depth measurements reported, including sample and interval widths are down-hole, core interval measurements and true thickness are yet to be determined.

PLS Mineralized Trend & Triple R Deposit Summary

Uranium mineralization at PLS occurs within the Patterson Lake Conductive Corridor and has been traced by core drilling approximately 2.63km of east-west strike length in four separated mineralized "zones". From west to east, these zones are: R840W, R00E, R780E and R1620E. Thus far only the R00E and R780E have been included in the Triple R deposit resource estimate, where-as the R840W and R1620E zones fall outside of the current resource estimate window.

The discovery hole of what is now referred to as the Triple R uranium deposit was announced on November 05, 2012 with drill hole PLS12-022, from what is considered part of the R00E zone. Through successful exploration programs completed to date, it has evolved into a large, near surface, basement hosted, structurally controlled high-grade uranium deposit.

The Triple R deposit consists of the R00E zone on the western side and the much larger R780E zone further on strike to the east. Within the deposit, the R00E and R780E zones have an overall combined strike length validated by a resource estimate of approximately 1.05km with the R00E measuring approximately 105m in strike length and the R780E zones measuring approximately 945m in strike length. A 225m gap separates the R00E zone to the west and the R780E zones to the east, though sporadic narrow, weakly mineralized intervals from drill holes within this gap suggest the potential for further significant mineralization in this area. The R780E zone is located beneath Patterson Lake which is approximately six metres deep in the area of the deposit. The entire Triple R deposit is covered by approximately 50m to 60m of overburden.

Mineralization remains open along strike in both the western and eastern directions. Previous logging of drill core interpreted sequences of basement rocks to be meta-sedimentary (meta-pelitic and meta-semi-pelitic gneiss) but recent observations have changed this interpretation to represent varying degrees of altered mafic volcanic rocks. Mineralization is both located within and associated with mafic volcanic intrusives with varying degrees of silicification, metasomatic mineral assemblages and hydrothermal graphite. The graphitic sequences are, associated with the PL-3B basement Electro-Magnetic (EM) Conductor. Recent very positive drill results returning wide and strongly mineralized intersections from the R840W zone, has allowed interpretation to merge the previously described R600W zone into the R840W zone. The R840W zone, located 495m west along strike of the Triple R deposit, now has a defined strike length of 465m and is still open. Drill results within the R840W zone have significantly upgraded the prospectivity of these areas for further growth of the PLS resource on land to the west of the Triple R deposit. The recently discovered high-grade mineralization in the R1620E zone, located 270m to the east along strike has significantly upgraded the prospectivity for further growth of the PLS resource to the east of the Triple R deposit.

Updated maps, assay tables and cross sections can be found on the Company's website at http://fissionuranium.com/project/pls/.

Patterson Lake South Property

The 31,039 hectare PLS project is 100% owned and operated by Fission Uranium Corp. PLS is accessible by road with primary access from all-weather Highway 955, which runs north to the former Cluff Lake mine and passes through the nearby UEX-Areva Shea Creek discoveries located 50km to the north, currently under active exploration and development.

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed on behalf of the company by Ross McElroy, P.Geol., President and COO for Fission Uranium Corp., a qualified person.

About Fission Uranium Corp.

Fission Uranium Corp. is a Canadian based resource company specializing in the strategic exploration and development of the Patterson Lake South uranium property - host to the class-leading Triple R uranium deposit - and is headquartered in Kelowna, British Columbia. Fission's common shares are listed on the TSX Exchange under the symbol "FCU" and trade on the OTCQX marketplace in the U.S. under the symbol "FCUUF."

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Ross McElroy, President and COO

Cautionary Statement:

Certain information contained in this press release constitutes "forward-looking information", within the meaning of Canadian legislation. Generally, these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur", "be achieved" or "has the potential to". Forward-looking statements contained in this press release may include statements regarding the future operating or financial performance of Fission and Fission Uranium which involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may not prove to be accurate. Actual results and outcomes may differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in these forward-looking statements. Such statements are qualified in their entirety by the inherent risks and uncertainties surrounding future expectations. Among those factors which could cause actual results to differ materially are the following: market conditions and other risk factors listed from time to time in our reports filed with Canadian securities regulators on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company and Fission Uranium disclaim any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable securities legislation.
Delineation Drilling Continues to Demonstrate Significant Potential to Convert High Grade Inferred Resources within the 2016 PEA Area

TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - Richmont Mines Inc. (TSX: RIC) (NYSE MKT: RIC) ("Richmont" or the "Corporation"), is pleased to provide an update on delineation drilling within the expanded 2016 Preliminary Economic Assessment ("PEA") area as well as initial results from the strategic Phase 2 exploration drilling program at the cornerstone Island Gold Mine. (All results are reported with estimated true width with high grade assays capped at 95 g/t gold).

"We are very pleased with the results from our near-mine exploration and delineation drilling programs as the results clearly demonstrate the significant potential to grow our near-mine reserve inventory and identify new resource blocks located within the 2016 PEA area. These ounces could extend mine life above the 1,000 metre level and be incorporated into the near-term mine plan utilizing current infrastructure," stated Renaud Adams, CEO. He continued, "We are also reporting initial results from our recently launched 18 to 24 month Phase 2 exploration program that continues to show the potential to increase resources laterally along strike, primarily to the east, and at depth below the 1,000 metre level."

2016 PEA DELINEATION DRILLING PROGRAM (Figure 1)

Delineation drilling is focused in three key areas: 1) the western portion of the 2016 PEA area between the 460 and 860 metre levels; 2) the potential fourth mining horizon between the 860 and 1,000 metre levels; and 3) the eastern portion of the 2016 PEA area, within Extensions 1 and 2, east of the first dyke.

Approximately 41,947 metres of delineation drilling have been completed to date. Drill results continue to provide increased confidence that a significant portion of the inferred resources located in the 2016 PEA area could potentially be converted to measured and indicated resources by year end, which could be incorporated into the short-term mine plan and support a potential near-term growth opportunity. Currently, two drill rigs continue to operate from the 740 exploration drift and one from the 620 exploration drift to complete the 50,000 metre delineation drilling program planned for 2016.

Recent drilling highlights from the western portion of the 2016 PEA area, between the 460 and 860 metre levels, include (Table 1 and Table 2):

Hole 450-467-54: 28.26 g/t gold over 2.56 metres

Hole 450-467-61A: 24.08 g/t gold over 3.70 metres

Hole 740-477-01: 11.91 g/t gold over 8.11 metres

Hole 740-477-02: 18.63 g/t gold over 7.28 metres

Hole 740-477-03: 20.92 g/t gold over 9.69 metres

Hole 740-477-04: 9.91 g/t gold over 12.00 metres

Hole 740-477-05: 25.61 g/t gold over 7.81 metres

Hole 740-483-02: 11.69 g/t gold over 11.28 metres

Hole 740-483-04: 13.46 g/t gold over 9.28 metres

Recent drilling highlights from the potential fourth mining horizon, between the 860 and 1,000 metre levels, include (Table 2 and Table 3):

Hole 620-517-44: 16.12 g/t gold over 16.46 metres

Hole 740-471-10: 33.51 g/t gold over 2.22 metres

Recent drilling highlights from the Extension 1 and Extension 2 areas of the eastern portion of the 2016 PEA area, above the 860 level, include (Table 4 and Table 5):

Hole 620-524-35: 8.12 g/t gold over 3.83 metres

Hole 620-524-36: 6.09 g/t gold over 8.49 metres

Hole 620-538-01: 5.98 g/t gold over 2.52 metres

Hole 620-548-01: 5.31 g/t gold over 3.31 metres

Hole 620-548-02: 8.93 g/t gold over 2.27 metres

Hole 620-548-03: 6.13 g/t gold over 3.13 metres

PHASE 2 EXPLORATION PROGRAM (Figure 2)

The 18 to 24 month, 142,000 metre Phase 2 exploration drilling program that was launched in July continues to focus on four key priorities: 1) to expand near-mine resources within the 2016 PEA limits of the main deposit; 2) continuing to test the lateral continuity of the known deposit to the east to potentially add new resource blocks with the overall objective of extending mine life above the 1,000 metre level; 3) to identify the next million-plus ounce, high grade inferred resource in the vertical extension of the deposit between the 1,000 and 1,500 metre levels; and 4) continuing to test high priority regional gold targets across the prospective Island Gold property.

Near-Mine Exploration Drilling Program (Figure 3)

The main objective of the near-mine exploration drilling program is to expand near-mine inferred resources within the 2016 PEA area by infilling gaps between current inferred resource blocks.

Approximately 10,232 metres of a planned 22,000 metres for 2016 have been completed with encouraging results received to date, which increases our confidence for resource expansion within the 2016 PEA area. Currently, one drill rig is operating from underground with a second drill to be mobilized later in October.

Recent drilling highlights from the western portion, between the 740 and 860 metre levels, include (Table 2):

Hole 740-477-06: 13.88 g/t gold over 7.52 metres

Hole 740-477-07: 5.03 g/t gold over 8.11 metres

Hole 740-477-08: 6.13 g/t gold over 10.65 metres

Hole 740-483-03: 17.69 g/t gold over 8.33 metres

Hole 740-483-17: 31.53 g/t gold over 2.56 metres

Hole 740-486-06: 11.97 g/t gold over 4.49 metres

Recent drilling highlights from the potential fourth mining horizon, between the 860 and 1,000 metre levels, include (Table 3):

Hole 620-517-41: 12.60 g/t gold over 3.96 metres

Hole 620-517-42: 12.47 g/t gold over 3.36 metres

Hole 620-517-43: 35.21 g/t gold over 10.87 metres

Hole 620-524-27: 29.15 g/t gold over 4.44 metres

Recent highlights from the Extension 1 and Extension 2 areas, located in the eastern portion, above the 860 metre level and east of the first dyke include (Table 4 and Table 5):

Hole 620-524-24: 9.42 g/t gold over 3.16 metres

Hole 620-524-26: 5.91 g/t gold over 4.10 metres

Hole 620-524-28: 15.56 g/t gold over 4.30 metres

Hole 620-524-37: 13.65 g/t gold over 3.10 metres

Hole 620-543-38: 20.21g/t gold over 2.37 metres

Hole 620-543-43: 10.65 g/t gold over 5.43 metres

Hole 620-543-47: 10.85 g/t gold over 2.59 metres

Hole 620-543-53: 8.34 g/t gold over 2.36 metres

Eastern Lateral Exploration and Infill Drilling Program (Figure 4)

A key objective of the Phase 2 eastern lateral drilling program is to add a new resource block where Phase 1 drilling intercepted 33.3 g/t gold over 2.6 metres located approximately 300 metres east of the main deposit, outside the 2016 PEA area.

Approximately 3,833 metres of a planned 9,000 metres (including 3,000 metres of infill drilling) for the second half of 2016 have been completed to test the lower portion of this mineralized area. Drilling in the upper portion as well as the eastern extension of the mineralized area will be completed over the balance of the year. Currently, one drill rig is operating from surface to test the eastern extension and one drill operating from underground will be mobilized in mid-October.

Recent highlights include (Table 6):

Hole GD-586-01: 4.02 g/t gold over 3.56 metres

Hole GD-586-02A: 10.41 g/t gold over 2.06 metres

Deep Exploration Drilling Program Highlights: (Figure 5)

The 2016 deep directional exploration drilling program is to test the eastern and western down plunge corridors between the 1,000 and 1,500 metre levels with the overall objective of discovering the next million-plus ounces of high-grade inferred resources. In the western area, new parallel zones located south of the main mineralized zones were intercepted and we are currently compiling and interpreting the geological data. Additional drilling is required to better understand the structural geology at depth, however these new zones increase the overall potential of the down plunge extension, providing new high quality targets for follow up drilling.

Approximately 6,360 metres of a planned 22,000 metres for 2016 have been completed to date. Drilling in the third quarter was slower than planned as deeper targets were being tested. A seventh drill was mobilized in late September to help accelerate drilling over the balance of the year.

Recent highlights from exploration drilling include (Table 7):

Hole MH2A-4: 5.66 g/t gold over 6.38 metres

Hole MH3-7: 8.41 g/t gold over 5.60 metres

Hole MH4-2: 5.14 g/t gold over 3.32 metres (new parallel Zone)

Hole MH4-3A: 17.77 g/t gold over 4.81 metres (new parallel Zone)

Hole MH5: 7.11 g/t gold over 2.23 metres (G1 Zone)

3.89 g/t gold over 2.54 metres (new parallel Zone)

3.89 g/t gold over 2.54 metres (new parallel Zone) Hole MH1-9A: 26.56 g/t gold over 0.82 metres (X Zone)

Deep Infill Drilling Program Highlights: (Figure 5)

The objective of the deep infill drilling program is to define a potential inferred resource block that was identified through the Phase 1 program. The block is located in the eastern down plunge extension of the C Zone between the 1,000 and 1,500 metre levels.

Approximately 1,894 metres of a planned 5,000 metres for 2016 have been completed (50 metre drill spacing) to date. Infill drilling will continue in this area over the balance of the year utilizing one drill rig from surface. Infill drilling will transition to underground drilling once access to the 860 metre drift has been established.

Highlights from the first two holes have confirmed the mineralization within this targeted area as follows (Table 7):

Hole MH2A-5A: 14.99 g/t gold over 2.29 metres

Hole MH2A-6: 6.46 g/t gold over 4.39 metres

Phase 2 Regional Drilling Program

The Phase 2 regional drilling program is designed to continue to evaluate the potential extension of the mineralization below the Kremzar mine as well as other previously identified high-priority gold targets located elsewhere on the highly prospective 77 km2 Island Gold property. The Phase 2 regional drilling program is expected to begin in late 2016 or early 2017.

Qualified Persons

The scientific and technical content and interpretations contained in this news release have been reviewed, verified and approved by Daniel Adam P. Geo., Ph.D., Richmont's Vice-President, Exploration, a Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101.

Quality Control

Assays for the exploration drilling were done at LabExpert in Rouyn-Noranda. Mineralized zones samples will be resent for verification in an accredited laboratory. The Corporation inserts at regular intervals quality control (QC) samples (blanks and reference materials) to monitor laboratory performance.

About Richmont Mines Inc.

Richmont Mines has produced over 1.6 million ounces of gold from its operations in Quebec, Ontario and Newfoundland since beginning production. The Corporation currently produces gold from the Island Gold Mine in Ontario, and the Beaufor Mine in Quebec. The Corporation is also advancing development of the significant high-grade resource extension at depth of the Island Gold Mine in Ontario. With 35 years of experience in gold production, exploration and development, and prudent financial management, the Corporation is well-positioned to cost-effectively build its Canadian reserve base and to successfully enter its next phase of growth.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements that include risks and uncertainties. When used in this news release, the words "estimate", "project", "anticipate", "expect", "intend", "believe", "hope", "may", "objective" and similar expressions, as well as "will", "shall" and other indications of future tense, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and apply only as of the date on which they were made. Except as may be required by law or regulation, the Corporation undertakes no obligation and disclaims any responsibility to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements or information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, changes in the prevailing price of gold, the Canadian-United States exchange rate, grade of ore mined and unforeseen difficulties in mining operations that could affect revenue and production costs. Other factors such as uncertainties regarding government regulations and the failure of our exploration drilling programs to identify significant new resources or targets or expand existing resources could also affect the results. Other risks are set out in Richmont's Annual Information Form, Annual Reports and periodic reports. The forward-looking information contained herein is made as of the date of this news release.

Cautionary note to US investors concerning resource estimates

Information in this press release is intended to comply with the requirements of the Toronto Stock Exchange and applicable Canadian securities legislation, which differ in certain respects with the rules and regulations promulgated under the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("Exchange Act"), as promulgated by the SEC. The requirements of National Instrument 43-101  Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101) adopted by the Canadian Securities Administrators differ significantly from the requirements of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

U.S. Investors are urged to consider the disclosure in our annual report on Form 20-F, File No. 001-14598, as filed with the SEC under the Exchange Act, which may be obtained from us (without cost) or from the SEC's web site: http://sec.gov/edgar.shtml.

Tables of Drill Results





TABLE 1 LATERAL EXPLORATION (West of Main Zone - Higher than 740 LEVEL) Hole Number Length

(metres) From

(metres) To

(metres) True

Width

(metres) Uncut

Grade

(g/t Au) Cut

Grade

(g/t Au) Zone Vertical depth

of Intersection

(metres) 450-467-51A 291 207.72 214.36 5.24 4.51 4.51 C 576 450-467-52 390 226.30 230.10 2.77 6.24 6.24 C 599 450-467-54 381 194.22 197.32 2.56 28.26 28.26 C 555 450-467-55 264 175.34 180.56 4.68 8.38 8.38 C 526 450-467-56A 305 175.03 177.36 2.15 0.50 0.50 C 511 450-467-58 300 255.00 258.08 2.07 2.78 2.78 C 622 450-467-59 255 194.71 197.85 2.50 1.99 1.99 C 549 450-467-60 342 246.00 249.88 2.69 3.67 3.67 C 620 450-467-61A 285 198.71 203.30 3.70 31.14 24.08 C 562 including

202.40 202.90 0.40 159.81 95.00



450-467-62A 210 170.50 174.13 3.30 4.26 4.26 C 511 450-467-63 406 255.30 258.40 2.15 4.94 4.94 C 626 450-467-64 306 232.80 237.00 3.05 1.78 1.78 C 595 450-467-65 375 228.14 230.97 2.06 4.24 4.24 C 600 460-457-01 250 194.50 197.30 2.50 6.09 6.09 C 524 460-457-02 400 213.20 216.30 2.60 98.68 11.60 C 558 including

213.65 214.00 0.29 866.27 95.00



460-457-03 291 227.84 231.00 2.47 1.42 1.42 C 585







TABLE 2 LATERAL EXPLORATION (West of Main Zone - Lower than 740 LEVEL) Hole Number Length

(metres) From

(metres) To

(metres) True

Width

(metres) Uncut

Grade

(g/t Au) Cut

Grade

(g/t Au) Zone Vertical depth

of Intersection

(metres) 740-471-01 171 120.51 124.50 3.85 0.73 0.73 C 776 740-471-02 201 143.90 147.45 2.86 1.57 1.57 C 832 740-471-03 318 157.00 159.87 2.05 1.04 1.04 C 858 740-471-04 243 182.00 187.60 3.57 6.85 6.85 C 888 740-471-05 180 122.20 129.16 6.62 2.20 2.20 C 766 740-471-06 192 127.40 133.40 5.54 7.13 7.13 C 785 740-471-07 201 136.48 140.70 3.58 1.37 1.37 C 814 740-471-08 291 149.13 152.56 2.62 2.18 2.18 C 838 740-471-09 342 176.30 186.40 6.75 2.27 2.27 C 877 740-471-10 270 193.80 197.50 2.22 135.61 33.51 C 900 including

194.80 195.80 0.60 472.77 95.00



740-471-11 177 122.90 125.30 2.32 1.14 1.14 C 778 740-471-12 177 123.30 127.90 4.24 4.11 4.11 C 794 740-471-13 200 147.80 150.33 2.01 8.74 8.74 C 836 740-477-01 384 178.32 190.31 8.11 22.28 11.91 C 872 including

187.23 188.23 0.68 219.32 95.00



740-477-02 354 170.00 179.92 7.28 21.55 18.63 C 855 including

172.35 173.09 0.54 114.89 95.00



including

178.11 179.11 0.73 109.17 95.00



740-477-03 339 162.61 175.02 9.69 31.25 20.92 C 836 including

168.90 170.50 1.25 115.70 54.27



740-477-04 309 146.15 160.11 12.00 13.10 9.91 C 810 740-477-05 291 139.62 148.13 7.81 44.53 25.61 C 787 including

141.62 144.00 2.18 211.69 95.00



740-477-06 504 130.40 138.30 7.52 17.57 13.88 C 766 including

134.10 135.00 0.86 127.40 95.00



740-477-07 303 134.80 143.20 8.11 5.03 5.03 C 738 including

137.00 137.70 0.68 52.69 52.69



740-477-08 318 137.60 148.60 10.65 6.13 6.13 C 715 including

147.10 147.60 0.48 48.85 48.85



740-477-09 390 217.84 223.07 3.18 5.82 5.82 C 912 740-477-10 365 200.60 204.43 2.52 4.75 4.75 C 889 740-477-11 420 168.30 179.00 7.64 23.90 11.07 C 860 including

169.60 172.30 1.93 73.48 22.65



including

176.30 177.00 0.50 67.10 67.10



740-477-12 313 156.90 161.60 3.73 5.03 5.03 C 835 740-477-13 303 145.70 149.70 3.43 3.16 3.16 C 813 740-477-14 423 134.00 138.21 3.91 25.17 25.17 C 786 740-477-15 260 129.40 137.05 7.54 1.17 1.17 C 752 740-477-16 249 139.30 143.10 3.73 0.39 0.39 C 715 740-477-17 270 192.00 199.00 4.61 6.05 6.05 C 885 740-477-26 225 152.00 156.00 3.77 0.59 0.59 C 734 740-477-27 231 149.00 153.00 3.75 0.34 0.34 C 748 740-483-01 210 160.00 169.00 7.76 6.60 6.60 C 812 740-483-02 270 184.77 199.76 11.28 14.72 11.69 C 855 including

194.77 195.27 0.38 186.04 95.00



including

196.27 197.27 0.75 74.43 74.43



740-483-03 300 201.00 213.75 8.33 17.69 17.69 C 886 including

202.00 205.40 2.22 62.23 62.23



740-483-04 220 178.32 190.29 9.28 49.41 13.46 C 844 including

178.61 179.00 0.30 1198.12 95.00



740-483-05 270 204.00 211.45 5.03 84.74 15.67 C 883 including

204.00 204.74 0.50 292.80 95.00



including

208.55 208.85 0.20 1322.21 95.00



740-483-08 273 203.72 207.13 2.36 1.55 1.55 C 875 740-483-09 300 213.57 224.00 6.75 7.95 6.58 C 895 740-483-10 324 183.10 192.13 7.04 7.26 7.26 C 842 740-483-11 234 180.00 189.48 7.35 0.91 0.91 C 835 740-483-12 324 198.33 202.55 3.06 0.35 0.35 C 862 740-483-13 291 215.20 218.80 2.33 7.93 7.93 C 890 740-483-14 385 230.00 233.60 2.27 0.34 0.34 C 891 740-483-17 177 153.85 156.50 2.56 31.53 31.53 C 732 including

155.00 156.00 0.97 77.68 77.68



740-483-18 177 147.05 151.95 4.81 4.25 4.25 C 738 740-486-04 111 79.27 85.37 4.09 2.67 2.67 C 791 740-486-05 99 72.65 78.00 4.01 4.14 4.14 C 780 740-486-06 102 74.24 80.75 4.49 24.66 11.97 C 781 including

78.53 79.21 0.47 216.45 95.00



740-486-08 195 94.20 102.82 4.50 2.76 2.76 C 812 740-486-09 129 97.93 112.78 8.34 6.02 6.02 C 819 740-486-10 112 88.32 94.98 4.09 2.53 2.53 C 802 740-486-11 180 106.57 112.50 3.29 5.35 5.35 C 809 740-486-12 168 126.95 135.30 3.71 1.02 1.02 C 837 740-486-13 174 115.35 126.55 4.81 2.64 2.64 C 838 740-486-14 156 106.00 117.75 6.01 4.08 4.08 C 824

TABLE 3 NEAR MINE (Main Zone - Lower than 845 LEVEL) Hole Number Length

(metres) From

(metres) To

(metres) True

Width

(metres) Uncut

Grade

(g/t Au) Cut

Grade

(g/t Au) Zone Vertical depth

of Intersection

(metres) 620-517-41 462 399.26 410.40 3.96 40.29 12.60 C 984 including

402.95 404.00 0.37 385.04 91.25



620-517-42 441 372.09 380.13 3.36 12.47 12.47 C 948 including

374.09 375.83 0.73 31.15 31.15



620-517-43 420 307.86 332.34 10.87 48.11 35.21 C 893 including

309.98 316.96 3.10 66.86 46.68



including

324.22 332.34 3.61 79.75 58.20



620-517-44 420 313.74 349.42 16.46 37.03 16.12 C 902 including

313.74 317.60 1.78 223.98 65.13



including

337.55 341.95 2.03 75.01 44.81



620-517-45 411 295.00 300.00 2.16 - - Dyke out 874 760-502-03 210 143.90 148.55 3.08 2.38 2.38 C 859





TABLE 4 NEAR MINE (EXTENSION 1) Hole Number Length

(metres) From

(metres) To

(metres) True

Width

(metres) Uncut

Grade

(g/t Au) Cut

Grade

(g/t Au) Zone Vertical depth

of Intersection

(metres) 620-524-22 261 206.00 209.53 2.42 0.87 0.87 C 758 620-524-23 285 245.48 249.50 2.39 0.29 0.29 C 797 620-524-24 291 235.64 241.16 3.16 11.50 9.42 C 801 620-524-25 336 280.43 290.63 5.02 2.07 2.07 C 852 620-524-26 335 269.48 277.63 4.10 7.90 5.91 C 833 620-524-27 405 339.71 349.50 4.44 57.71 29.15 C 911 including

341.50 346.00 2.04 117.88 55.76



including

342.52 344.60 0.94 229.41 95.00



620-524-28 330 257.92 266.00 4.30 23.64 15.56 C 819 including

259.72 262.97 1.73 57.21 37.13



including

260.23 260.64 0.22 254.20 95.00



620-524-29 501 388.54 394.58 2.25 0.79 0.79 C 947 620-524-34 300 223.41 226.75 2.09 0.32 0.32 C 782 620-524-35 330 244.88 252.00 3.83 8.12 8.12 C 816 620-524-36 387 268.90 286.40 8.49 6.09 6.09 C 849 620-524-37 330 254.90 260.70 3.10 13.65 13.65 C 821 620-538-01 186 145.70 148.22 2.52 5.98 5.98 C 601 620-538-05 231 194.77 197.45 2.37 0.12 0.12 C 686

TABLE 5 NEAR MINE (EXTENSION 2) Hole Number Length

(metres) From

(metres) To

(metres) True

Width

(metres) Uncut

Grade

(g/t Au) Cut

Grade

(g/t Au) Zone Vertical depth

of Intersection

(metres) 620-543-33 210 185.00 187.50 2.17 0.13 0.13 E1E 690 620-543-37 295 259.96 265.00 3.37 0.61 0.61 E1E 776 620-543-38 177 140.42 142.82 2.37 20.56 20.21 E1E 618 including

142.22 142.82 0.59 71.32 69.89



620-543-40 240 207.50 210.20 2.22 4.35 4.35 E1E 701 620-543-41 222 196.91 199.42 2.16 3.35 3.35 E1E 687 620-543-43 360 270.62 280.10 5.43 10.65 10.65 E1E 823 620-543-44 402 303.60 325.60 11.34 2.84 2.84 E1E 868 620-543-45 333 245.00 251.90 4.18 0.73 0.73 E1E 792 620-543-46 360 283.70 290.80 3.79 5.12 5.12 E1E 834 620-543-47 390 304.61 309.73 2.59 10.85 10.85 E1E 859 620-543-48 141 107.16 110.17 2.73 0.30 0.30 E1E 558 620-543-49 138 105.40 109.20 3.42 3.41 3.41 E1E 559 620-543-50 135 111.50 115.00 3.06 0.01 0.01 E1E 557 620-543-51 141 118.76 122.76 3.84 0.72 0.72 E1E 580 620-543-52 198 173.00 176.15 2.90 3.99 3.99 E1E 662 620-543-53 157 132.79 135.17 2.36 8.34 8.34 E1E 605 620-543-54 159 124.50 127.35 2.78 1.71 1.71 E1E 582 620-545-01 171 141.00 144.00 2.91 0.12 0.12 E1E 583 620-545-02 186 162.28 164.95 2.63 3.60 3.60 E1E 603 620-548-01 147 126.27 129.79 3.31 5.31 5.31 E1E 559 620-548-02 147 127.70 130.15 2.27 8.93 8.93 E1E 557 620-548-03 150 130.07 133.58 3.13 6.13 6.13 E1E 554





TABLE 6 DEEP DRILLING AND LATERAL EAST DEEP DRILLING Hole Number Length

(metres) From

(metres) To

(metres) True

Width

(metres) Uncut

Grade

(g/t Au) Cut

Grade

(g/t Au) Zone Vertical depth

of Intersection

(metres) GD-586-01 975 780.23 785.20 3.56 4.02 4.02 E1E 658 GD-586-02A 960 840.70 844.00 2.06 10.41 10.41 E1E 744 GD-590-06A 897 749.02 757.00 4.94 2.09 2.09 E1E 674 GD-590-07 963 779.00 781.65 1.56 1.97 1.97 E1E 716 GD-586-03C 1,000 745.75 747.35 1.18 1.38 1.38 E1E 607

TABLE 7 DEEP DRILLING PROGRAM Hole Number Length

(metres) From

(metres) To

(metres) True

Width

(metres) Uncut

Grade

(g/t Au) Cut

Grade

(g/t Au) Zone Vertical depth

of Intersection

(metres) MH1-8 1,671 1,526.35 1,531.50 1.77 4.86 4.86 E1E 1,434 MH1-9A 1,619 1,258.43 1,259.68 0.82 33.84 26.56 X 1,132 MH1-9A 1,619 1,408.35 1,408.90 0.36 22.53 22.53 C 1,256 including

1,258.43 1,258.77 0.22 121.75 95.00



MH2A-4 1,457 1,210.49 1,216.32 4.12 4.91 4.91 X 1,074 MH2A-4 1,457 1,331.70 1,340.65 6.38 5.66 5.66 E1E 1,172 MH2A-5A 1,544 1,368.50 1,372.00 2.29 14.99 14.99 E1E 1,234 MH2A-6 1,433 1,305.00 1,310.67 4.39 6.46 6.46 E1E 1,141 MH3-7 1,607 1,384.80 1,404.40 5.60 10.25 8.41 E1E 1,278 including

1,384.85 1,385.85 0.29 88.37 82.35



including

1,399.50 1,400.00 0.14 154.80 95.00



MH3-8 1,646 1,423.17 1,424.15 0.37 1.10 1.10 E1E 1,314 MH4 1,500 1,059.77 1,069.56 7.42 1.36 1.36 X 895 MH4-2 1,624 1,084.37 1,093.61 6.61 1.69 1.69 X 932 including

1,086.40 1,089.90 2.50 3.80 3.80 X 936 MH4-2 1,624 1,143.13 1,147.77 3.32 5.14 5.14 X 979 MH4-3A 1,550 1,106.90 1,113.82 4.81 17.77 17.77 X 951 including

1,108.34 1,109.96 1.13 65.26 65.26



MH5 1,500 1,105.50 1,108.85 2.54 3.89 3.89 X 967 MH5 1,500 1,172.80 1,175.20 1.82 1.73 1.73 X 1,021 MH5 1,500 1,304.35 1,308.20 2.92 3.48 3.48 X 1,128 MH5 1,500 1,313.35 1,316.30 2.23 7.11 7.11 G1 1,135 including

1,314.00 1,314.30 0.23 55.17 55.17





SOURCE Richmont Mines
VANCOUVER, October 12, 2016 - Novo Resources Corp. ("Novo" or the "Company") (TSX-V: NVO; OTCQX: NSRPF) is pleased to provide an update on recent exploration drilling activity at its Blue Spec and Tuscarora gold projects.

Blue Spec Drilling

Novo currently has a truck-mounted reverse circulation ("RC") drill and a diamond core drill operating at its 100% controlled Blue Spec high-grade gold project, Western Australia. To date, seven RC holes have been completed and three RC precollar holes have been drilled (please refer to Figure 1 below for a long section showing locations of drill holes). One of the three precollar holes, 16BSDH004, has been extended to its targeted depth by diamond core drilling. Coring will extend the other two precollar holes, 16BSDH002 and 16BSDH003, next. Samples from all recent holes will be submitted to Genalysis Laboratory in Perth for assay within a week.

The diamond core tail from hole 16BSDH004 intersected the eastern edge of the Blue Spec zone at a vertical depth of approximately 440 m. Upon entering the Blue Spec shear zone, quartz vein with abundant stibnite, an antimony sulfide, was encountered over a 1.5 m interval of core. Several spots of visible gold up to 2 mm are evident within the stibnite (please see Figure 2 below). Quartz veining with variable amounts of pyrite continue approximately 3 m beyond the stibnite-rich intercept.

Hole 16BSDH004 is important because it suggests the high grade Blue Spec zone plunges at about 45 degrees to the east as Novo's model predicts. The nearest historic drill hole, BSD034 located approximately 50 m west, intersected 44.0 gpt Au over a core length of 1.1 m. Historic hole BSD0027, approximately 90 m above 16BSDH004, intersected 62.7 gpt Au over a core length of 1.2 m.

RC holes 16BSDH001, 16BSDH005, and 16BSDH006 tested areas west of the Blue Spec deposit at depths up to about 250 m. Each hole encountered quartz vein material and variable amounts of associated sulfide mineralization over hole lengths of 1-3 m. Similarly, RC holes 16BSDH007, 16BSDH008, and 16BSDH009 tested areas east of the Blue Spec deposit to depths up to about 220 m. Each successfully intersected the Blue Spec shear zone with variable amounts of quartz veining and associated sulfides.

RC hole 16BSDH010 is the first hole drilled in the vicinity of the Gold Spec deposit. At a vertical depth of approximately 200 m along the eastern margin of the deposit, this hole encountered two meters of quartz vein material with sulfide mineralization including stibnite. The nearest historic drill hole, GSI007 located approximately 20 m west, encountered 20.1 gpt Au over a down hole length of 2 m.

Precollar hole 16BSDH002 targets the Blue Spec deposit immediately below mine workings in an area where there is a gap in drilling. Precollar hole 16BSDH003 is targeted to test the Blue Spec shear zone at a depth of approximately 350 m below holes 16BSDH001, 16BSDH005, and 16BSDH006. Core tails of both 16BSDH002 and 16BSDH003 will be completed over the next few days.

"We are pleased to see mineralization in recently completed drill holes at our Blue Spec gold project," commented Dr. Quinton Hennigh, President, CEO and a director of Novo Resources Corp. "It appears both the Blue Spec and Gold Spec deposits are open to expansion. We are also seeing evidence mineralization persists along the Blue Spec shear zone between these deposits and east of Blue Spec. We eagerly await results from these drill holes and completion of further holes testing this exciting high-grade gold system."

Drill holes discussed above are part of a 25,000 meter drill program Novo discussed in the Company's news release dated September 30, 2016. Assays from these drill holes will be released when available.

Tuscarora Drilling

Novo recently completed a 4,775 foot (1,455 m) reverse circulation drill program at its 100% controlled Tuscarora gold project in Nevada. Eight holes tested the Navajo vein extension, a one km long pediment-covered vein target situated along the south-southeast extension of the Navajo vein, the most prolific past-producing vein in the Tuscarora mining district (please see figure 3 below).

In the Company's news release dated September 13, 2016, Novo announced first assay results from this program including an intercept of 143.5 gpt Au over 1.5 m in hole 16TSRC-002. New results include 21.50 gpt Au over 1.5 m in hole 16TSRC-006 and 1.72 gpt Au over 35.1 m including 7.37 gpt Au over 3.1 m in hole 16TSRC-010.

Results for new drill holes are summarized below and in a nearby table.

--Hole 16TSRC-003 appears to have overshot the vein and passed through alluvium above the projected trace of the vein. Nonetheless, this hole encountered several significant gold intercepts including 0.96 gpt Au over 16.8 m.

--Hole 16TSRC-004, drilled from the same pad as 16TSRC-003, intersected 5.20 gpt Au over 1.5 m across the Navajo vein extension in a position immediately below the alluvium-bedrock interface.

--Hole 16TSRC-005, similar to hole 16TSRC-003, appears to have overshot the targeted vein. Nonetheless, this hole encountered two significant gold intercepts including 0.89 gpt Au over 7.6 m.

--Hole 16TSRC-006, the southern most hole, encountered 21.50 gpt Au over 1.5 m.

--Holes 16TSRC-007 and 16TSRC-009 were lost in bad ground conditions and hole 16TSRC-008 deviated below the targeted vein.

--Hole 16TSRC-010, drilled from the same pad as 16TSRC-005, encountered 1.72 gpt Au over 35.1 m including a vein interval of 7.37 gpt Au over 3.1 m.

Significant Results from Tuscarora Hole Number From (ft) To (ft) Length (ft) Au (opt) From (m) To (m) Length (m) Au (gpt) 16TSRC-001 290 305 15 0.039 88.4 93.0 4.6 1.21 550 560 10 0.192 167.7 170.7 3.1 5.96 555 560 5 0.232 169.2 170.7 1.5 7.20 16TSRC-002 500 515 15 0.029 152.4 157.0 4.6 0.90 520 530 10 2.385 158.5 161.6 3.1 74.18 including 525 530 5 4.614 160.1 161.6 1.5 143.50 530 555 25 0.022 161.6 169.2 7.6 0.69 600 610 10 0.035 182.9 186.0 3.1 1.09 620 645 25 0.055 189.0 196.7 7.6 1.70 including 625 630 5 0.145 190.6 192.1 1.5 4.51 16TSRC-003 240 245 5 0.040 73.2 74.7 1.5 1.25 320 375 55 0.023 97.6 114.3 16.8 0.73 385 440 55 0.031 117.4 134.1 16.8 0.96 including 390 395 5 0.100 118.9 120.4 1.5 3.11 16TSRC-004 205 245 40 0.048 62.5 74.7 12.2 1.50 including 205 210 5 0.167 62.5 64.0 1.5 5.20 16TSRC-005 330 355 25 0.029 100.6 108.2 7.6 0.89 395 400 5 0.068 120.4 122.0 1.5 2.10 16TSRC-006 505 510 5 0.691 154.0 155.5 1.5 21.50 655 660 5 0.065 199.7 201.2 1.5 2.03 16TSRC-007 Hole lost due to bad ground conditions 16TSRC-008 Hole deviated from target 16TSRC-009 Hole lost due to bad ground conditions 16TSRC-010 135 160 25 0.038 41.2 48.8 7.6 1.18 265 380 115 0.055 80.8 115.9 35.1 1.72 including 280 290 10 0.237 85.4 88.4 3.1 7.37 425 435 10 0.077 129.6 132.6 3.1 2.40 Due to the presence of coarse gold, all significant samples to be re-run by bulk CN leach. Results will be reported when available.

"We are pleased with first round drill results from Tuscarora," commented Dr. Hennigh. "Due to significant coarse gold in this system, we plan to reanalyze significant gold intercepts using bulk cyanide leach. We expect results from these analyses to be available within a few weeks."

Drill samples were submitted to Inspectorate Laboratory in Reno, Nevada. All samples were analyzed by 30 g fire assay with an atomic absorption finish. Overlimit samples (>10 gpt Au) were re-analyzed by fire assay with a gravimetric finish. Due to the coarse nature of gold particles, significant gold-bearing intervals will subsequently be analyzed using bulk cyanide leach.

Mt. Hayes Option Extension

Novo is also pleased to announce that it has extended its option on the Mt. Hayes property by two years by paying AUD $50,000 in cash and by issuing 195,365 common shares to Red Dog Prospecting Pty Ltd. (please see the Company's news release dated April 14, 2016 for further details). The shares will be subject to trading restrictions expiring on April 7, 2017.

Quinton Hennigh (Ph.D., P.Geo.) is the Qualified Person pursuant to National Instrument 43-101 responsible for, and having reviewed and approved, the technical information contained in this news release. Dr. Hennigh is President, CEO and a director of Novo Resources Corp.

About Novo Resources Corp.

Novo's focus is to evaluate, acquire and explore gold properties. Indirect subsidiaries of Novo hold a 100% interest in the Beatons Creek gold project, a 70% interest in properties surrounding Beatons Creek and Marble Bar, a 100% interest in the Blue Spec gold-antimony project, and options covering approximately 400 square km over the Mosquito Creek Basin, all in the Pilbara region, Western Australia. Novo also controls a 100% interest in approximately 2 sq km covering much of the Tuscarora Au-Ag vein district, Nevada. For more information, please contact Leo Karabelas at (416) 543-3120 or e-mail leo@novoresources.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

Novo Resources Corp.

"Quinton Hennigh"

Quinton Hennigh

CEO and President

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 news release.

Forward-looking information

Some statements in this news release contain forward-looking information (within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation) including, without limitation, statements as to the expected receipt of results from various exploration and testing activities. Forward-looking 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, without limitation, customary risks of the mineral resource exploration industry as well as Novo having sufficient cash to fund the planned drilling and other exploration activities.



Click Image To View Full Size

(Figure 1: Long section through the Blue Spec and Gold Spec deposits showing historic drill intercepts and the locations of Novo's recent drill intercepts.)



Click Image To View Full Size

(Figure 2: Diamond core from hole 16BSDH004. Left, stibnite-rich quartz vein with a 1 mm visible gold grain. Right, nearly massive fine grained stibnite intergrown with a 2 mm bleb of native gold.)



Click Image To View Full Size

(Figure 3: Plan view of drilling along the Navajo vein extension at Tuscarora. Collars of historic drill holes are shown as well as drill traces of Novo's recent RC holes.)

Copyright (c) 2016 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.


DIEPPE, NB, Oct 12, 2016 /CNW/ - (CBI: TSX-V) Colibri Resource Corp. (Colibri) is pleased to announce a review and update of its 100% owned, 506 hectare, Evelyn Gold Property in Sonora State, Mexico. The Evelyn Property is about 9 Km. north east of the producing Noche Bueno Gold Mine and about 30 Km. east of the producing La Herradura Gold Mine, both owned by Fresnillo.

From a Colibri news release dated June 1, 2009, "The Evelyn claim encompasses old hard rock and placer mine workings developed in sheared and fractured Jurrasic volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Preliminary geologic mapping and rock chip sampling has identified a northeast trending structure, exploited by an old mine working, that corresponds to a sheared quartz rich sandstone layer. Thirteen samples of sheared quartz veins and hematized sandstone wall rock collected along a strike length of 110 m. returned assays between 0.13 g / ton and 26.06 g / ton Au. The composite average of these 13 samples is 9.18 g / ton Au."

On May 30, 2013 the company reported on a soil sampling program over the rest of the Evelyn Property." A total of 703 soil samples were collected and gold values in soils ranged up to 2.27 g / tonne with greater than 10% of the samples being over 50 ppb gold. The sampling highlighted strong, widespread anomalous gold values over much of the Evelyn Gold Property."

The soil geochemistry map generated by the soil sampling program shows at least 8 areas of high gold values in soils that should be followed up on.

Colibri will initiate a program of detail mapping and sampling in the area of the high grade chip samples and explore for extensions of this area. We will also investigate the areas of high gold in soils to see if we can strip, map and sample these areas. The above work will be followed up by a second phase program of drilling.

About Colibri Resource Corporation:

Colibri is a Canadian mineral exploration company listed on the TSX-V (CBI) focused on acquiring and exploring properties in Mexico.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as the 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 concerning future operations of Colibri Resource Corp.(the "Company"). All forward looking statements concerning the company's future plans and operations, including management's assessment of the Company's project expectations or beliefs may be subject to certain assumptions, risks and uncertainties beyond the Company's control. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and that actual performance, exploration and financial results may differ materially from any estimates and projections.

SOURCE Colibri Resource Corp.
Associated Press file Thailand faced international pressure for failing to stop human trafficking in its seafood sector. Almost a year ago industry leaders vowed to bring all fish processing in-house.

SHARE

By Kyle Arnold, Orlando Sentinel (TNS)

ORLANDO, Fla.  Controversial seafood supplier Thai Union has bought a $575 million stake in Orlando-based Red Lobster, the companies announced Monday.

Red Lobster and owner Golden Gate Capital said Thai Union bought a minority stake in the 700-restaurant seafood chain.

"Their investment underscores the confidence they have in our business and our team, both here in Orlando and in our restaurants across the country," Red Lobster CEO Kim Lopdrup said in a statement to Orlando Sentinel. "Red Lobster has great growth potential, and the ability to leverage Thai Union's global presence and expertise, along with the support of our majority owner Golden Gate Capital, will position us for continued long-term success."

In the deal, Thai Union paid $230 million for a 25 percent stake in the company, and another $345 million for a 24 percent stake that it will be able to convert in 10 years, according to documents filed with the Stock Exchange of Thailand.

Red Lobster had $2.479 billion in sales for the 12-month period that ended in August, the documents showed. It had an operating profit of $144 million.

Thai Union came under scrutiny in 2015 when an Associated Press investigation tied the supplier to slavery in Southeast Asian fishing waters and at factories. Thai Union said it cut ties with contractors accused of using slave labor. The Associated Press won the Pulitzer Prize in public service reporting for the investigation.

Thai Union is the world's largest seafood supplier and the owner of seafood brands including Chicken of the Sea, King Oscar, John West and Petit Navire.

"Thai Union's investment is a testament to the great progress Red Lobster has made and the tremendous growth potential ahead," Golden Gate Capital Managing Director Josh Olshansky said in a statement. "Red Lobster has fantastic momentum, as the company has increased profitability each year since Golden Gate's acquisition and guest satisfaction is at an all-time high."

Darden sold Red Lobster under pressure in July 2014 for $2.1 billion. Golden Gate Capital immediately sold Red Lobster's real estate assets for $1.5 billion.
SHARE

By Contributed Report

The San Angelo Police Department made the following arrests and answered the following calls overnight.

Gonzalez, Jose Alfredo, 34, assault, family violence, impeding breath around 10:57 a.m. Monday after police were informed Gonzalez had an outstanding felony warrant. He was located in the 2100 E. 37th St.

Labedelle, Amber Deann, 31, public intoxication around 6 p.m. Monday night after police were dispatched to the Inn of the Conchos, 2021 N. Bryant Blvd., for the report of a welfare concern.

Mitcham, Johnathon Kieth, 22, State Jail Felony Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 (methamphetamine) around 4:23 a.m. Monday morning during a pedestrian stop at South Abe Street and West Avenue K.

Morris, Kaleb O'Neal, 25, Class B Possession of Marijuana and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia around 11:51 a.m. Monday after police were dispatched to the unit block of Goodfellow Avenue for the report of an unwanted subject.

Nunez, Oscar Garcia, 48, criminal trespass and an outstanding warrant around 7:10 a.m. Monday after police were dispatched to the 100 block West Avenue R for a suspicious person. Nunez also damaged to the patrol vehicle's door by kicking it.

Rivas, Xavier Matheo, 17, bicycle with no headlights, no reflector around 11:06 p.m. Monday in the 1000 block Howard Street.

Sanchez, Brandon Jacob, 23, parole violation warrant around 2:39 p.m. Monday at the Adult Parole Office, 938 Arroyo Drive.

Sparkman, Morgan Ashley (AKA Key), 30, Class B Misdemeanor Theft of Property around 4:21 p.m. Monday after Police were dispatched to H-E-B for the report of shoplifting.

Waddell, Kevin Michael, Jr., 31, public intoxication around 4:46 a.m. Monday after police were dispatched to the 1700 block Wyoming Avenue for the report of an unconscious subject.

Young, Robert Sherman, Jr., 30, State Jail Felony Possession of Controlled Substance Penalty Group 1 (methamphetamine), Possession/Delivery Drug Paraphernalia, and Fail to Stop at Designated Point around 1:05 a.m. Monday during a traffic stop at South Chadbourne Street and East Beauregard Avenue.

Contributed by SAPD Officer Tracy Gonzalez
SHARE Tom Green County seal

By Rashda Khan, Rashda.Khan@gosanangelo.com/@rashda_SAST

The name of Edd B. Keyes Building, home to several key Tom Green County departments at 113 W. Beauregard Ave., is expanding.

When the multimillion-dollar remodel is completed after the first of the year, it will officially be known as the Judge Edd B. and Frances Frink Keyes building. The TGC Commissioners Court unanimously approved the name change on Tuesday.

Frances  the widow of Judge Keyes  died earlier this month, just shy of her 103rd birthday on Oct. 16.

"Here we are five days away from her birthday, this is a great birthday present for Frances," said Golda Foster, chair of the TGC Historical Commission. "She would have been humbled, but also very pleased."

Foster said the name expansion  which includes France's maiden name, Frink, is important for preserving the community's history.

"We're not only honoring Judge Keyes, the longest serving (county) judge, but we're acknowledging Frances' role in his success and her own heritage and her families contribution as well," she said.

Edd Keyes was elected county judge in 1959, and served 28 years  until his death on Jan. 6, 1987. John O'Neill Frink, Frances' grandfather, was justice of the peace for many years. Her father, William Oscar Frink, was Tom Green County judge from 1910-1916, and later, was elected district attorney.

In 2013, the year Frances turned 100, the Commissioners Court and the Texas Legislature named her "First Lady of Tom Green County" and recognized her many contributions.

When World War II broke out, Edd enlisted in the Air Force. Frances worked in the Office of Price Administration Rent Control during the war. She also worked in the offices of various attorneys.

Frances was a member of the local Historical Commission for 22 years and participated in various projects.

"She knew many of the pioneer families  not only Tom Green County  but of West Texas," Foster said. "So Frances was the go-to-source for lots of primary information  that's first hand information, not hearsay  and was able to provide a lot of insight for us."

"It shows young girls and children everywhere that Frances' role was not just as a wife and a companion. She was a real partner to the judge," Foster said. "Young people need to know that women do play a significant roles, even when they're married. So acknowledging Frances is not only the right thing to do, but it's a great thing to do."

Foster said she's looking forward to the building's open house next spring, and seeing the expanded name in the signage.

"We hope to preserve the history that she and Edd made, and make history more visible," Foster said. "A lot of people will see a name on a building, and they don't really know much about who the person was  we hope to keep their name alive for many generations to come."

In other business, the county commissioners approved:

Purchase of eight Ford Explorers and a Ford F-150 pickup for the Sheriff's Office.

Purchase of a new chip-spreader, and trade-in of the old chip-spreader and a caterpillar bulldozer for the new equipment.

The Leave-Buy-Out policy and form for county employees with more than 30 years of service, and 200 hours of approved leave.

A service agreement with King Consultants for Building 900 at Goodfellow Air Force Base.
SHARE Goodfellow Airman Stephen Muldoon holds the Phil Neighbors Community Impact Award, presented to him for his volunteer work.

By Rashda Khan, Rashda.Khan@gosanangelo.com/@rashda_SAST

The inaugural Phil Neighbors Community Impact Award was presented at the San Angelo Chamber of Commerce luncheon on Tuesday.

The Goodfellow Air Force Association named the quarterly award after the late Phil Neighbors, who served as president of the chamber for 10 years until his death this February. The award recognizes "outstanding contributions by an individual (active duty base personnel) that has impact on the community and whose efforts merit recognition."

Senior Airman Stephen Muldoon, 23, from the 17th Medical Group at Goodfellow Air Force Base was the first recipient.

He was recognized for his volunteer work with the Daily Bread Lunch Program, which is the local soup kitchen; Texas Ramps Project, an organization that helps build wheelchair ramps for disabled or elderly people who can't afford to buy one; and Feds Feed Families, which is a governmentwide food drive campaign for needy families.

Soon after Muldoon arrived at the San Angelo base in 2013, he was invited by a co-worker to volunteer at the soup kitchen.

"I just fell in love with it and kept going back," said Muldoon. Two years later, he took over as the point of contact for the base volunteers interested in working at the soup kitchen.

On the second Saturday of every month, Muldoon gathers a group of about eight base personnel and together they feed about 150 people at Daily Bread.

Volunteering with Feds Feed Families, he helped collect 10,000 pounds of food last year and 5,000 pounds this year. All collected food items went to the Concho Valley Food Bank.

Muldoon likes knowing he is having a positive impact on other lives and doing something concrete to make a difference.

"I was actually born in Mexico, myself. So growing up we lived in poverty for quite a bit of time, until ... we moved to the United States," Muldoon said. "I still have a lot of family down there who live in poverty and it's not always easy for them to get meals on their table, so seeing that, realizing how sincerely appreciative the people are who go to the soup kitchen, that's what keeps me going back."

He is honored to be the first recipient of the award. "To be noticed on the scale of a Phil Neighbors award, given all that he did for the community, I definitely appreciate it," he said.

Muldoon also shared a piece of advice. "If you're ever given the opportunity to do anything like the soup kitchen or Texas Ramps Project, lend a hand," he said. "At the end of the day, it's a couple of hours out of your day, but the effect it leaves on you is worth it."

The young man got a standing ovation.

THE STATE OF THE CITY

Mayor Dwain Morrison, the official speaker for the luncheon, followed with his annual state of the city address to the chamber audience.

He said the city was working on the five priorities it set for itself:

1. Getting safe, clean and dependable water supplies for San Angeloans. He mentioned the city is working to further develop the Hickory aquifer ground water project and that thanks to recent rains the city has three-years worth of water. He also mentioned that though the wastewater reuse project was stopped earlier this year, it was something that will be considered in the future.

"I'm telling you boys and girls, it's inevitable," he said.

2. Fixing San Angelos streets through an 8-year crack sealing project, which is largely preventive maintenance, and the decade-long $80 million project to rehabilitate or reconstruct streets, depending on the need.

3. Giving the San Angelo Police Department a new police station since the current one "is falling down around them." Morrison said the First Financial Bank facility at 301 W. Beauregard Ave. offers a great location, however in the end the citizens will get to vote and decide the issue.

4. Streamline the permits and planning departments of the city. While improvements have been made, "it's still not where we want it, but we're still working on it," he said.

5. Raising employee pay to within 95 percent of what cities comparable to San Angelo pay their employees. The mayor said the city gave "pretty good raises the last few years, but this year we were unable to do so. We made hay while the sun was shining."
SHARE Shots fired at 40th and Columbia. A San Angelo emergency crew takes an injured person away on a stretcher after a shooting Wednesday morning at East 40th and Columbus streets on San Angelo's north side. (Yfat Yossifor / Standard-Times) A San Angelo emergency crew responds to a report of shots fired Wednesday morning in the unit block East 40th Street. (Yfat Yossifor / Standard-Times)

By Staff Report

A man was shot by police Wednesday morning on San Angelo's north side. The Police Department has released few details.

The man, 53, was taken to Shannon Medical Center for treatment. No other injures were reported.

About 9:38 a.m., the San Angelo police and fire departments responded to a call for a shooting victim, SAPD Officer Travis Griffith said.

Police found an armed man in the front yard of a residence in the first block of East 40th Street who refused orders to drop his weapon, Griffith said. Police attempted to negotiate with him for some time, during which shots were fired, he said.

Information about the type of weapon the suspect had, the number of shots fired and who fired was not released.

The man was being treated at Shannon Medical Center on Wednesday. Details of his condition were not released.

The investigation is ongoing, led by the Texas Rangers with assistance from the SAPD's Professional Standards Division, Criminal Investigations Division and Crime Scene Investigations.

During the incident, nearby Goliad Elementary School was placed on lockdown, which later was lifted, Griffith said.

More information will be released later, according to an SAPD news release.
Letter to the editor: We must not allow subjugation of women citizens
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What tapes?

The high spirits among the ranks of Donald Trump supporters are not because he dominated Hillary Clinton in their second debate Sunday night; he made points he wanted to make, and so did she. But he achieved something far more valuable than a textbook win, something many thought impossible. He made the tapes go away and saved his entire campaign in the process.

That damaging recording from more than a decade ago, a typical example of coarse man-talk, simply faded against a vast backdrop of actual issues. There will surely be those who seek to revisit those vulgar moments, but whether from Clinton operatives or NeverTrumpers, the floggings will not result in the serious mutiny they hope for.

The town hall format served Trump well from the outset. Instead of a prosecutorial salvo from moderators, the opening moments featured a question from a real voter in the audience. She asked whether the candidates viewed themselves as positive role models for today's youth, but in the unluckiest coin toss win in debate history, Hillary Clinton answered first, denying her an opportunity to reply to what would have surely been a Trump response to the insidious tapes.

Moments later, Anderson Cooper raised the issue, giving Trump a chance to destigmatize his words as "locker room talk" rather than evidence of genuine misogyny. Clinton then replied that she was buying none of that, and that the tapes are in fact a window to his dark soul.

And that was it. Then a fairly conventional debate broke out, which seemed nearly inconceivable an hour earlier. His campaign was hanging by a thread as he took the stage in St. Louis, and 90 minutes later, the political obituaries were shelved.

Has no one learned the lesson of 2016  that it is the height of ill wisdom to presume that a firestorm during one week will necessarily remain ablaze the following week?

Trump's most visible supporters spent the weekend compartmentalizing, properly recoiling at the language on the tape while reminding the nation that those words do not suddenly make a Hillary Clinton presidency a good idea.

It was Trump's job to move that ball farther downfield, and the debate questions provided ample opportunity. He was able to draw stark contrasts between his polices and hers on areas of national security, taxes, energy, "Obamacare" and more.

The Clinton camp would fairly observe that they, too, were given the opportunity to draw stark lines on policy. But that's exactly my point: On the night when all the smart kids said Trump was finished, that he would be eaten alive by the voracious monster of The Tapes, that even his most ardent supporters would be forced to abandon him with tears of shame and apology, there he was  answering questions, scoring points, even going after Hillary Clinton on her character in light of Benghazi, the email scandals and her aggressiveness toward her husband's accusers.

And when it was all over, there was running mate Mike Pence, who had apparently recovered from the Friday vapors, congratulating Trump on Twitter: "Proud to stand with you." And there was Chuck Todd, on Trump-hating MSNBC: "This is the best Trump you'll ever see at a debate  He fired up the Trump base."

That would be the base that was surely headed for the exits all weekend, if you listened to the pundit class. Real events again intervened.

Trump still has an uphill climb. But with four weeks to go and a third debate next week, he will be focusing on actual policies. If Hillary Clinton and her fan base continue to dwell on old bus banter with Billy Bush, they will be seen as unwilling to engage on things that genuinely matter to the presidency.

After the first debate, even his supporters said Trump needed to do far better. After this past weekend, it became clear he needed to extinguish a potentially fatal crisis.

He achieved both.

Mark Davis, who hosts a radio show in North Texas, is a special contributor to the Dallas Morning News. Contact him at markdavisshow@gmail. com.
ALABAMA

ALASKA

ARIZONA

ARKANSAS

CALIFORNIA

COLORADO

CONNECTICUT

DELAWARE

FLORIDA

GEORGIA

HAWAII

IDAHO

ILLINOIS

INDIANA

IOWA

KANSAS

KENTUCKY

LOUISIANA

MAINE

MARYLAND

MASSACHUSETTS

MICHIGAN

MINNESOTA

MISSISSIPPI

MISSOURI

MONTANA

NEBRASKA

NEVADA

NEW HAMPSHIRE

NEW JERSEY

NEW MEXICO

NEW YORK

NORTH CAROLINA

NORTH DAKOTA

OHIO

OKLAHOMA

OREGON

PENNSYLVANIA

RHODE ISLAND

SOUTH CAROLINA

SOUTH DAKOTA

TENNESSEE

TEXAS

UTAH

VERMONT

VIRGINIA

WASHINGTON STATE

WEST VIRGINIA

WISCONSIN

WYOMING

In the battle for control of the 50 state legislatures, the shifting tides in the presidential race dont appear to be having much of an impact.Instead, structural factors -- like the fact that the Democrats control a record low number of legislative chambers and the fact that more Democratic-leaning voters tend to go to the polls in presidential election years -- are having a bigger effect.The result, if our analysis is correct, should be a continued -- but narrower -- lead for Republicans in state legislatures.Currently, the GOP controls 68 chambers to the Democrats' 30. Just a few years ago, it was Democrats that held a 62-to-36 advantage. But the 2010 elections changed that. Now, Republicans hold both the Senate and House in 30 states, Democrats hold both in 12 states, and the chambers are split in seven.Democrats were hoping that Trumps candidacy would harm Republicans up and down the ballot. We wont rule out that possibility; nothing that happens this election year surprises us anymore. But Trumps unique characteristics as a candidate emphasize differences between himself and other Republicans, making it less likely that GOP voters will punish state legislators for sharing a party with Trump. If anything, Republicans who dont vote for Trump may actively support downballot Republicans to reinforce their partisan identification.In the handicapping below -- our first since May -- we havent moved a single chamber either into or out of our competitive category, which consists of chambers rated as either tossup, lean Democratic or lean Republican. We see 27 chambers as competitive -- 18 currently held by Republicans and nine held by Democrats.Of the 18 chambers held by Republicans, six are rated as tossups, 11 as lean Republican and one as lean Democratic. Of the nine chambers held by Democrats, two are rated as tossups and seven as lean Democratic.This is a relatively large number of chambers in play, and it offers Democrats the most chances they've had to take back some control since 2010. Without a one-sided wave, Democrats could regain control of a half-dozen chambers this cycle.The chambers where they're most likely to regain control are the Nevada Assembly -- which is now rated lean Democratic -- and the Colorado Senate, the Maine Senate, the Nevada Senate, the New Hampshire Senate, the New Mexico House and the New York Senate -- which are all tossups.By contrast, the Republicans have the best chance of taking control of the following Democratic chambers in November: the Connecticut Senate and the Kentucky House, which are both tossups.The Republican chambers rated lean Republican are the Arizona Senate and House, the Michigan House, the Minnesota House, the New Hampshire House, the North Carolina Senate and House, the Washington state Senate, the West Virginia Senate, and the Wisconsin Senate and Assembly.The Democratic chambers rated lean Democratic are the Colorado House, the Connecticut House, the Iowa Senate, the Maine House, the Minnesota Senate, the New Mexico Senate and the Washington state House.Though no competitive contests have changed since May, we did update the ratings of three chambers -- the Alaska Senate and the Nevada Assembly in the Democrats favor and the Kentucky House in the Republicans' favor.As always, our assessments are based on interviews with dozens of state and national political sources.Chambers are rated on the following scale: safe Republican, likely Republican, lean Republican, tossup, lean Democratic, likely Democratic and safe Democratic. The chambers labeled "lean" and "tossup" are considered competitive. The chambers labeled "likely" aren't expected to change party control, but it's possible that the minority party could take a small bite out of the majority's lead.The current partisan breakdown in each chamber comes from the National Conference of State Legislatures . Seats that are vacant or held by third-party politicians are not included in the totals.Here's our state-by-state rundown:Neither chamber is contested this year.A few upsets for incumbents in the August primary have increased the likelihood of modest Democratic gains in the Senate, so were changing the rating for that chamber from safe Republican to likely Republican. In the House, the Republicans stand to lose a few seats. However, Republicans will be able to rely on members of rural Democrats known as the "bush caucus." Were keeping the House at likely Republican.Arizona, usually a red state, continues to look iffy for Republicans this year. Latinos seem energized not only to oppose Donald Trump but also, in populous Maricopa County, to vote against controversial sheriff Joe Arpaio, who is seeking re-election. For now, the Republican margins in both chambers look a little wide to move the ratings to tossup, but both chambers will be competitive.The GOP majority, first achieved in 2012, looks solid. Neither party considers this to be on their watch list, and Trump is likelier to be a plus than a minus here for Republicans.Democratic control in California remains solid. Instead, the question is whether or not the Democrats can secure a two-thirds supermajority. The Assembly looks like a better prospect for achieving supermajority status; several GOP Assembly incumbents fared poorly in the states top-two primary system, coming in behind two Democratic challengers. Given Trump's unpopularity in the state, Assembly Democrats stand to pick up three to four seats. Meanwhile, the Senate seems to be on track to remain static. Only five of the 20 seats up this year are held by the GOP, and three of those are safe.In this presidential battleground state, both parties are targeting both chambers -- and they're both in play. The Democrats prospects look a little better than they did in our last handicapping but not enough to change the ratings.Connecticut was the sleeper pick of our May analysis, but the Democrats have bounced back a bit. Republicans are playing defense in places they thought were safe, and Democrats seem to be doing better at protecting their open seats. In addition, Trump hasnt caught fire in the state. That said, Democratic Gov. Dannel Malloy is beset by economic and fiscal challenges and remains broadly unpopular. While hes not on the ballot this year, voters could choose to punish Democratic legislators instead. On balance, theres been a shift toward the Democrats, but it isnt big enough to change our ratings in either chamber.In this blue state, Democrats should have little trouble holding on to their majorities in a presidential election year.The Democrats, already benefiting from a mid-decade redistricting of the state Senate and an energized Latino electorate, are still looking at single-digit gains, but GOP margins are large enough that they should retain control after Election Day.Despite continued Democratic hopes of stealing Georgia from the GOP fold on the presidential level, any Democratic gains in the legislature are likely to be modest. Both chambers stay at safe Republican.Hawaii's Democratic majorities are still ridiculously large and should stay that way.Despite some internal GOP divisions, the Democrats shouldn't be much of a factor for the foreseeable future.Illinois continues to be wracked by a painful budgetary face-off between GOP Gov. Bruce Rauner and the Democratic-controlled legislature. The state is on track to hold its most expensive legislative election year ever because Rauner has pumped millions into legislative races. But at the end of the day, not many seats are expected to change hands due to a favorable legislative district map for the Democratic majority and Illinois normal, Democratic-leaning dynamics of a presidential election year.Trump is ahead in the state, but a number of downballot races are competitive, and before he became Trumps running mate, Gov. Mike Pence faced a tough re-election bid. This suggests that Democrats could gain some seats. However, the GOP margins are large enough to provide a strong cushion.Republicans feel better about their chances in the Senate than they did a few months ago, partly due to Trumps unexpectedly strong showing in polls of the state. However, one never-Trump Republican senator, David Johnson, has left the party, complicating the GOPs task of taking control. And since 2000, the Democrats have performed well in presidential cycles. Meanwhile, the GOP retains an edge in the House. All told, the most likely outcome remains a continued legislative split -- a Democratic Senate and a Republican House.GOP Gov. Sam Brownback's hard-right policies remain unpopular among many moderates in the state. The August primaries proved that when moderate Republicans earned a stronger-than-anticipated set of victories. This, combined with possible Democratic wins in general election races, could set up moderate majorities in one both chambers -- even if the GOP retains relatively wide margins in both.Both Republican Gov. Matt Bevin and Trump are popular in the state, putting increased pressure on the Democrats narrow edge in the House -- the last Democratic-held chamber in the South and the last such chamber in a state carried by Mitt Romney in 2012. All four incumbent House Democratic leaders have races that will keep them tied down and less able to raise money for threatened colleagues. So were shifting it from lean Democratic to tossup. Meanwhile, the Senate remains solidly in GOP control.Neither chamber is contested this year.Both chambers of Maine's split legislature remain in play, with Democrats holding an edge in the House and a chance to flip the GOP-held Senate. Democrats are eager to leverage unhappiness with GOP Gov. Paul LePage, who had a bad August, including impeachment talk. On the other hand, Trump looks poised to take one of Maines district-by-district electoral votes, suggesting reason for GOP optimism at least in some regions of the state. Well keep the ratings as they were, a tossup Senate and a lean Democratic House.Neither chamber is contested this year.Even if Republicans gain some seats -- which seems unlikely -- the Democrats massive margins won't come close to crumbling in a single cycle.The GOP has a decent-sized majority in the House -- the only chamber up this year -- but Democrats are also hoping for a boost from the unpopularity of GOP Gov. Rick Snyder and Clintons lead over Trump. The question is whether specific blue-collar districts could warm to Trump. For now, were keeping the chamber at lean Republican.Both chambers remain in play, with a modest lean toward the Democrats in the Senate and toward the Republicans in the House. Its quite possible that margins in both chambers will tighten, with suburban Republicans defecting to Democrats and rural Democrats defecting to a Trump-led GOP. A change in control in either chamber is possible. But for now, the most likely outcome is a continued Democratic Senate and a continued Republican House.Neither chamber is contested this year.Post-2010 redistricting has made it difficult for Missouri Democrats to gain ground in recent cycles, but marginal Democratic gains are possible this year, especially given strong campaigns by Democratic candidates for governor and U.S. senator. Still, the GOP edge in both chambers is large. In fact, theres a better than ever chance that the GOP keeps its veto-proof status, which could come in hand if the Democrats retain the governors mansion.Energy, infrastructure and power plant emission rules are key issues here, making it hard for Democrats to separate themselves from the national party. The GOP should hold onto to its majority in the House, perhaps with small Democratic gains, and may expand their edge in the Senate.Nebraska's unicameral legislature is officially nonpartisan;doesn't handicap it.Trump fared unexpectedly well in polling in Nevada during most of 2016, but Clinton has gained in recent weeks. And observers expect a strong turnout by Latinos in the state, leaving Democrats optimistic that they can reverse the Republican gains of 2014. Were shifting the Assembly from tossup to lean Democratic.The GOP succeeded in drawing favorable district lines after the 2010 Census, but the Senate is close enough that Democrats have a decent shot at taking control, or at least getting to a 12-12 split. Flipping the state's massive 400-seat state House depends on a Democratic wave emerging in the state, which is possible but far from a certainty.Neither chamber is contested this year.In the Republican wave year of 2014, the GOP seized control of the New Mexico House, which had been in the hands of Democrats since 1953. The GOP needs to protect a lot of close seats in the House, and in a presidential election year, the Democrats should have an edge. On the other hand, a special legislative session is addressing some hot-button issues, such as crime, that are favorable to Republicans. The GOP has also found some top-tier Hispanic candidates. A wild card is whether relative support for former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, the libertarian presidential candidate, will have any impact downballot.For yet another cycle, New York's Senate is fluid and the House is solid for Democrats. In the Senate, a coalition of Republicans and maverick Democrats still run the show. Given the huge Clinton lead in this blue state, the GOP is working uphill. The party is unlikely to get a clear majority in the Senate, so coalition control is likely to persist.North Carolina has become an even bigger national battleground since our previous analysis. Its turned into a must-win state for Trump and a key target for Clinton. Despite favorable legislative lines, Republicans are fretting about GOP-held districts in the Raleigh and Charlotte suburbs, given the unpopularity of Trump and the HB2 bathroom bill. The GOPs substantial margins are the only reason were keeping these chambers at lean Republican. Of the two, House Republicans seem likelier to lose their veto-proof majority than Senate Republicans.In solidly Republican North Dakota, both chambers are safe.Trump has polled consistently well in this state, energizing blue-collar voters. This makes it even harder for Democrats, who already faced an uphill climb in the state. Fewer than 10 of the 99 House seats have been considered competitive in each of the last two cycles. There may be a few Democratic wins on the House side due to the higher number of term-limited incumbents. But GOP control is not in serious danger in either chamber.The GOP in solidly Republican Oklahoma will have no problem maintaining supermajorities in both chambers.Only two seats in the Oregon Senate are plausibly competitive this year, both of them long held by Democrats. In the House, the Republicans are making a run at three Democratic-held open seats in the eastern and western suburbs of Portland, plus another Democratic-held open seat extending to the state capital of Salem. But even if the GOP were to sweep and hold their own vulnerable seats -- an unlikely outcome in a higher-turnout presidential year in this blue state -- it would still fall short of whats needed to take control.Despite the state's overall purple-to-blue lean, Pennsylvania Republicans enjoy disproportionately large margins in both chambers thanks to redistricting. The Republicans could pick up a few House seats and a Senate seat in the southwestern corner of the state, where Trump is strong. That could offset expected losses in the Philadelphia suburbs, where Trump is deeply unpopular. All in all, none of this is likely to be enough to flip either chamber this cycle.Rhode Island will continue to have one of the most lopsided legislatures in the nation.Both chambers are solidly Republican and will stay that way.In solidly Republican South Dakota, the Democrats aren't much of a factor.The GOP should continue to have a lock on the Tennessee Legislature.Any inroads Democrats can make in Texas this year due to an energized Latino electorate probably won't be enough to shift GOP margins significantly. The Senate isnt expected to move an inch. In the House, a worst-case scenario for Republicans would be to drop 10 seats. Smaller losses are more likely.Even if Utah is more sour on Trump than any other red state, there's no reason to believe that antipathy will trickle down to legislative candidates. There arent even many competitive seats. The GOP's strong margins are rock-solid.The presidential cycle should help keep Vermont's legislature strongly Democratic. But if Republican Lt. Gov. Phil Scott wins the governorship, he could have modest coattails. More important for the GOP is to keep the number of House seats above 51 -- the number of votes to sustain a veto. Scott, if he wins, will need that leverage in negotiations with lawmakers, especially over budget and tax issues.Neither chamber is contested this year.Though Washington state is generally blue, its legislative chambers are narrowly divided, with the Democrats controlling the House and the GOP controlling the Senate. The Senate currently has 25 Republicans and 24 Democrats -- including one Democrat who caucuses with the Republicans. Chamber control is expected to come down to races involving one Democratic and one Republican incumbent in the King County suburbs plus a Republican-held open seat that includes Vancouver. A Democratic open seat in King and Snohomish counties may be competitive as well. On balance, were keeping the chamber at lean Republican. In the House, the Democrats hold a narrow advantage -- their smallest since 2002 -- and Republicans are hopeful for a takeover. The GOP has a leg up in the House because in one district, no Democrat finished in the top two in the primary for one seat, guaranteeing the GOP at least one flipped seat. The GOP has some other opportunities in other districts, but the party is also trying to defend a handful of open seats. Given that this is a presidential election cycle, we'll call this lean Democratic, but barely.With Trump set to score a big victory in West Virginia, we expect the chambers to remain in Republican hands after a GOP takeover in 2014. But Democratic gubernatorial nominee Jim Justice is running strongly, and that could help Democrats on the margins. Well keep the Senate at lean Republican and the House as likely Republican.Wisconsin has continued to be a competitive, if Democratic-leaning, state on the presidential level, which suggests that the Democrats may gain some seats -- but not enough to flip the two chambers.The Wyoming Legislature is lopsidedly Republican and will stay that way.
Jurors deliberating in the murder trial of two officers who shot and killed homeless camper James Boyd were not able to agree on a verdict.Three jurors believed the former officers were guilty, while nine argued for a not guilty verdict. Judge Alisa Hadfield declared a mistrial Tuesday afternoon in District Court.Former detective Keith Sandy and former officer Dominique Perez were charged with second-degree murder in Boyd's death.After the jury read a verdict, more than a dozen protesters gathered outside of the courthouse.Surrounded by news cameras and reporters, the group took turns speaking into a megaphone, expressing disappointment that Sandy and Perez weren't convicted before a bit of chanting."Jail killer cops," they shouted.By 7 p.m. most of the protesters had left.A state district court jury deliberated for two days after hearing 12 days of testimony in state district court in Albuquerque.Sandy, who retired as a detective in the APD repeat offender program after the shooting, had faced an additional aggravated battery charge.Perez, a nine year APD veteran assigned to the SWAT team, lost his job after criminal charges were filed. He is appealing his termination to a city hearing officer.It marked the first time in at least 50 years that an Albuquerque police officer was criminally charged for an on-duty shooting.The case attracted national attention after video footage from Perez's APD helmet camera was released showing Boyd being fatally shot by Sandy and Perez after a two and a half hour standoff in the Sandia foothills.Boyd, who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, had a history of assaults on police and corrections officers.
 The Metro Express project as part of the traffic decongestion programme to the tune of some Rs 7,2 billion. Minister Pravind Jugnauth announced that a delegation from the Delhi Metro is expected in Mauritius on 24 and 25 October for further discussion on the project;

 Distribution of tablets in schools for Std I and II students for which an amount of Rs 500 million has been allocated. The project which also consist of a training component for teachers and other such facilities will cost in total some Rs 800 million;

 Construction of the new building for the Supreme Court of Mauritius for which an amount of Rs 1.1 billion has been earmarked. India is also providing assistance for the design of the building;

 Setting up of low-cost housing units in 2017 to the tune of some Rs 1.2 billion, of which Rs 700 million has been provided under the financial envelope from India;

 Construction of a new ENT hospital amounting some Rs 586 million. An Indian team is expected by the end of October 2016 to fine tune the procedures; and

 New Headquarters of the National Coast Guard to be set up at Fort William.
Description

GIS  12 October 2016: A web based question answer and information retrieval system designed for the Mauritian Judiciary is operational as from today. As a first step, some 60 Acts/Statutes and 500 cases can be accessed. This service is meant not only for legal practitioners, academics, and students studying law, but also for members of the public.

A demo of the system (which can be accessed freely at http://lawanswers.me/ ) was presented this morning at the Mauritius Research Council (MRC), Ebene Heights, in Ebene Cyber-city. The system is the result of a research project entitled A Question Answer System for the Mauritian Judiciary conducted by a team comprising Associate Professor, Dr R. P. Gunputh, and Senior Lecturer, Mr S Pudaruth, from the University of Mauritius.

Law is a research-orientated profession and legal research is an activity that costs time and money. Information Technology is now revolutionising the way in which legal research is being done. It is against this backdrop that the research project was undertaken under the MRCs Unsolicited Research and Innovation Grant Scheme.

The research project was geared towards implementing a web based question answer and information retrieval system for the Mauritian Judiciary. The objectives of the Question Answer System are as follows:

Create a database of statutes of the Republic of Mauritius;

Create a database of past cases;

Develop a web-based Question Answer System which can handle queries in natural language;

Evaluate the answers produced by the system;

Disseminate the knowledge to relevant stakeholders.

On the www.lawanswers.me portal, users can enter their queries freely using natural language. The system processes the query by extracting the relevant keywords, discards those that do not carry much information and then returns the relevant sections of law which contains these keywords or key phrases.

The system also returns a list of relevant Supreme Court cases. The user can decide on the number of results to be displayed and can also select to have only the names of the relevant acts to be displayed for certain keywords or key phrases.

The system does not require the user to know how the law is structured or how the knowledge-base is built in order to benefit from it. The portal can also be accessed via mobile devices without compromising any of its facilities or user-friendliness. The architecture of the system is as follows: user  query processor  document processor  answer generator  user.

It is expected that the availability of information at the click of a button will help the Mauritian Judiciary to become more efficient and contribute to the reduction of delays in the disposal of cases.
Description

GIS - 12 October, 2016: The initiative for setting up a Parliamentary Gender Caucus in Mauritius has reached the final stages, with the holding of awareness programmes on the role and functions of the Caucus for stakeholders namely Members of Parliament, public officers, and the civil society as well as non-governmental organisations.

Members of Parliament were thus convened yesterday in the Old Parliament House in Port Louis for a presentation. This was followed by a question and answers session on the objectives, works and functions of the Parliamentary Gender Caucus. The Caucus aims at ensuring that gender equality issues are addressed, mainstreamed into polices, legislation and parliamentary processes.

At the opening ceremony of the awareness programme for Members of Parliament, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Mrs Santi Bai Hanoomanjee, recalled that the inclusion of the Gender Caucus in the Parliamentary system will mark the reinforcement of parliamentary democracy in its oversight role. She added that the last step in the establishment of the Caucus will be the presentation of a motion by the Prime Minister for an amendment to the Standing Orders making provision for the Caucus and its adoption by the National Assembly. We anticipate this to take place by the end of this year, said Mrs Hanoomanjee.

Highlighting the necessity for the Caucus to be well adapted to the Mauritian political architecture, the Speaker expressed her gratitude to party leaders and their members for their collaboration and positive response to the initiative. The Office of the Speaker organised, on 25 January 2016, a meeting aimed at defining and elaborating the model of Gender Equality Caucus in the Mauritian context.

The 17-member Caucus, which will be established as a permanent structure in the National Assembly, will provide a platform for members of all political persuasion to deliberate on, and advocate gender equality. What we really mean by the term gender equality is parity; in other words we are aiming at level playing field for both men and women, affirmed Mrs Hanoomanjee.

Also present at the event, the Minister of Gender Equality, Child Development and Family Welfare, Mrs Marie-Aurore Perraud, greeted the far sightedness of the Speaker as regards her initiative to set up a Gender Caucus. As the Minister responsible for the promotion of gender equality, I am convinced that the Caucus will add value to the gender equality agenda, she said.

In her address, Mrs Perraud drew the line between the mandate of the Gender Unit of her Ministry and that of the Caucus. She explained that the gender unit, as the national gender machinery, works for womens social, economic and political empowerment with a view to attaining equality between men and women. The Minister spoke of the dual approach adopted in that endeavour, namely overseeing and coordinating the implementation of gender mainstreaming strategies in all Ministries, policies and programmes through gender focal points; and implementing policies and programmes to empower women socially, economically and politically. Mrs Perraud urged her colleague Ministers to seize the opportunity of the awareness programme to render gender focal points more effective.

A second awareness programme on the roles and functions of the Parliamentary Gender Caucus is scheduled on 12 October 2016 for non-governmental organisations, the civil society and the gender focal points.

Government Information Service, Prime Ministers Office, Level 6, New Government Centre, Port Louis, Mauritius. Email: gis@govmu.org Website:http://gis.govmu.org
(TNS) -- Despite warnings from federal regulators, Rhode Island pushed forward last month with its launch of a new $364-million computer system and quickly ran into "serious issues" with the administration of public assistance, including food stamps, according to correspondence from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.One letter sent to the state in September says staff with the federal Food and Nutrition Service had noted "serious issues" with the new United Health Infrastructure Project, dubbed RIBridges, and with "business processes."The "implementation issues may already be having a significant impact on program access and application processing times," says the Sept. 22 letter, sent to the director of the Rhode Island Department of Human Services, Melba Depena Affigne.In early September, the administrator of the Nutrition Services Northeast region, Kurt Messner, had warned Depena Affigne that launching the new system without first carrying out a "live pilot" program would be "against our best advice" and also "against the intent of the regulations."The correspondence, obtained Tuesday by The Journal, says staff with the federal agency have documented various problems since the system went live on Sept. 13, but it does not elaborate further.Last week, the administration of Gov. Gina Raimondo acknowledged problems in making about 29,000 direct deposits to the accounts of "aged, blind and disabled persons" who qualify for $39.92 a month in Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments from the state.Other previously reported problems included: a failure to replenish some SNAP debit cards at the start of October, four- to five-hour waits at a regional office last week, and at least one daycare center that missed an $8,000 payment.A spokeswoman for Depena Affigne, Ashley G. OShea, said the Food and Nutrition Service had expressed concerns about the states plans, "but at no time did they instruct us to stop the launch of the system on Sept. 13."On Sept. 2, in advance of the rollout, Messner notified Depena Affigne in writing that the system had "a number of high-level defects," that staff were not ready for the transition and that the program had "no defined process to handle reported data conflicts."The potential consequences included reduced program access, delayed processing of applications, late benefits, and increased payment errors, he wrote."... FNS wishes DHS to know that it proceeds with the deployment of RIBridges at its own risk," says the letter, which was followed by a Sept. 6 letter that says the state's "transition plan remains inadequate and unacceptable" and planned launch will put the state out of compliance with federal regulations.The RIBridges system is the product of an effort to replace an assortment of decades-old computer systems with a new system to handle a full universe of health and human services data, from food aid to state supplemental social security to Medicaid and the health insurance exchange HealthSource RI.The data in the system is supposed to help the state deliver millions of dollars to an estimated 318,000 Rhode Islanders.
Industry, which is naturally incentivized to create safe products; Users, who need to be educated about the rules and what the UAVs are intended to do Regulatory agencies, which must have an ongoing conversation about rules and safety.

The use of drones is growing not just recreationally, but also by law enforcement for bomb detection and evidence gathering and utilities for power line inspections . UPS is also testing them for urgent package delivery But what might a future in which the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) by countless entities, public and private, actually look like?In a live-streamed White House event held Oct. 11 mediated by White House Chief of Staff Denis McDonough, a group of experts sat down to discuss what it might look like and how it will be regulated.Nearly every physical industry is examining and implementing drones. Its transport, its mining, its construction, its agriculture, said Helen Greiner, inventor of the Roomba, and CTO and founder of drone company CyPhy Works, adding that drones will be used across industries as a way to make operations more effective and efficient.With an estimated market generation of $82 billion and the creation of 100,000 new jobs over the next decade, there is a pressing need to establish regulations on how the skies will be populated.Although the U.S. Department of Transportation has recently released a framework for regulating autonomous vehicles , the future of drone regulations remains murky. The latest rules did allow for the flight of small commercial drones with some exceptions.UAVs are required to remain in the visual line-of-sight, fly solely during daylight hours and weigh less than 50 pounds, among other rules. Many are still waiting on questions regarding jurisdiction, flights beyond the line-of-sight and the composition of future regulatory bodies.Everyone is well aware of the arguments that the overregulation of an emerging technology can stifle growth in the U.S. while encouraging innovation on foreign soil. On the flip side, however, without any regulatory oversight, single companies can monopolize an industry or a product can be taken to market before rigorous safety tests can be completed.Regulating these new technologies is similar to hitting a moving target. As the devices rapidly evolve, the framework established must be flexible enough to fit unexpected changes.For most of the 50 years of the U.S. Department of Transportation, weve been regulating mature transportation technologies, said U.S. Secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx. There was an ability to be prescriptive about how you regulate that  that you don't have in some of these emerging areas.The key, said Foxx, is to be flexible and open.The best way to create the much-needed regulations is for a mixture of private industry people along with public regulatory agencies. And for Eric Allison, CEO of Zee Aero, a company working on a new generation of personal aircraft, regulatory collaboration is key to balancing innovation with safety regulations.In many ways, companies are stifled by the lack of regulations. Regulatory uncertainty, according to Allison, is perhaps the greatest risk these burgeoning tech companies are facing. Once guidelines are set, that allows for the real exploration and pushing technology to where it is going.So what does the future of aviation look like? Short answer: It is hard to say.We are on the cusp, "like a tipping point of a new revolution in aviation, said Allison.The technology that fueled the information revolution  is moving over to physical objects.Whether drones are then used to deliver medicines to unreachable communities or monitor crop fields for blight will depend on the next round of regulations. The uses for drones, said Greiner, are vast.There are three primary actors to ensuring the safety of drones, according to Foxx:At some point, Foxx said, the DOT and other arms of the executive branch will need to stop regulating and leave that up to Congress. Ultimately regulators will need to keep the future in present tense.
(TNS)  Since overtaking its older rivals seven years ago, Google has dominated online mapping in the U.S. But as self-driving cars steer closer to reality, competitors may close in.Google Maps now has more than 1 billion users worldwide. In August, its mobile app drew 102.9 million users in the U.S., well ahead of its closest competitor, Apple Maps, which has 62.9 million U.S. users, according to analytics firm comScore.People will always need to know the basic route from point A to point B. But autonomous cars create new mapping needs, and its unclear what role Google Maps will play. The maps demanded by the robot cars will not only track routes but also intricately monitor the environment in 3-D, so that the vehicle can differentiate between walking pedestrians and cones in the street.The challenge is that somebody else comes along, as soon as you have fully autonomous cars, the novelty of having Google Maps wears off, said Patrick Moorhead, president of Moor Insights & Strategy. It no longer becomes unique as it once was. Thats the biggest challenge.The self-driving car project, now a separate company under Alphabet, has been running for seven years and logged more than 2 million miles, testing out autonomous vehicles in areas including Mountain View. The project builds its own maps . Meanwhile, Google Maps remains a division of the original search business and continues to provide directions for driving, public transit, walking, biking and ride-hailing companies.Jen Fitzpatrick, head of Google Maps, declined in an interview to comment on Google Maps involvement in self-driving cars. Right now our product does not include self-driving cars as a mode of transportation, she said in a follow-up email. But who knows what the future will hold.Her predecessor, Brian McClendon, left Google Maps last year and joined Uber , the ride-hailing company that is quickly moving to test autonomous-vehicle technology.Google Maps began in February 2005 as a way to translate large paper maps onto desktop computers. Months later, Maps moved to mobile phones. In 2007, Google released Street View , letting users zoom into neighborhoods. By 2009, Google Maps had overtaken Yahoo Maps and AOLs Mapquest. A year later, Street View had images from all seven continents, and just last week, Google said Street View can be seen in higher quality virtual reality on its new virtual reality platform, Daydream.Apple put Googles map technology on iPhones in 2007, only to break ties in 2012 and create Apple Maps.Google Maps contributions were a huge leap forward in the amount of data we have available, said Peter Black, a lead geo-spatial engineer with real estate site Trulia , which uses the data. Their ability to do that and leverage their scale definitely pushed (digital mapping) forward exponentially.In the past, home buyers would rely on real estate agents to find out about crime or nearby schools. Now, Trulia can map that information by paying to build data on top of Google Maps (a source of revenue for the unit). But it has its limitations  analysts say Google doesnt allow outside developers to get raw map data because it considers that information proprietary, so Trulia has relied on OpenStreetMap , an open-source database, to build maps such as one that shows traffic volume on residential streets.Google has plotted 200 countries and territories, but competitors say that the information it has on roads in some countries is limited, and Street View imagery isnt up to date in some areas. There are also difficulties in getting access to remote areas  recently, the company provided cameras that were strapped on sheep to help map the Faroe Islands.Other companies are moving to fill in the gaps. The Swedish startup Mapillary, for example, recruits locals to take images with 360-degree cameras and smartphones and the firm provides the data  for a fee  to companies and city governments that are looking for up-to-date maps.Were approaching the beginning of the automotive mapping war, said Jan Erik Solem, CEO of Mapillary, which sees itself as a competitor to Street View. It creates a new playing field.Meanwhile, Google Maps is working to increase the number of volunteers called Local Guides that provide up-to-date reviews and information on hours, photos and accessibility at popular spots in their cities. The program has grown to more than 5 million volunteers in 235 countries, who contribute half of the user-generated content on Maps.You guys are quite literally our eyes and ears on the ground, Fitzpatrick said to a group of Local Guides who had convened at the Mountain View companys headquarters last month. Such guides will become key to getting more businesses placed on Google Maps, information that could help the company sell ads to those businesses.Google sees the potential of Maps to bring in more revenue.Thanks to the rise of mobile phones, the line between online and offline experiences continues to blur, said Google CEO Sundar Pichai on a call with investors in July. This creates even greater opportunity for businesses to use Google Maps to help bring customers into their physical store locations.In May, Google said it would let advertisers promote locations through sponsored pins , letting Maps users know if there was an advertised location along their route they might want to visit. In a report last year, the investment bank SunTrust Robinson Humphrey projected that Waze (a separate mapping firm that Google purchased in 2013 for roughly $1 billion) would bring in $71 million this year through its local ads. The bank estimated that figure will grow 42 percent to $101 million in 2017.Fitzpatrick, a Stanford graduate who oversees some Google services relating to small businesses as well as its Maps division, joined the company as one of its first interns. Her father was skeptical about her employers childlike name and uncertainty about where the company would go next.As Google grew and proved itself, he became convinced that I made a reasonable choice, said Fitzpatrick, who has worked at the company for more than 15 years.At a recent meeting with Local Guides, Fitzpatrick was given suggestions and quizzed on whats next for Google Maps. Ideas pitched included panoramic photos of trails and getting more real-time information on Maps.Fitzpatrick said one of the hardest challenges for her team is deciding what types of information to go after next.Our users appetite for information about the world is quite literally insatiable, she said. If you look at the questions people are bringing today about their local world, the list of questions is infinite.
Legislators Balk at Fiscal Cost

One thing that tends to get legislators attention is a high-profile data breach. My philosophy is, never waste a data breach, and hopefully, it is not one of ours, saidWashington CISO AgnesKirk. You always want to take advantage of somebody elses breach to educate. It does bring home the fact that you either invest in front of the problem or you are investing by trying to clean up at the back end of the problem. It is a tough job to find out where that balance is. It is important to me that we dont spend our tax dollars cleaning up something that could have been avoided.In fact, it often takes a data breach for lawmakers to pass significant legislation around cybersecurity, said Doug Robinson, NASCIOs executive director. For instance, after a high-profile breach in 2012, the South Carolina Legislature passed a bill that made the CISO and chief privacy officer positions a legislative requirement. The number of conversations between state CIOs and legislators is increasing, said Robinson, but there is so much more for CIOs to do in terms of communicating to stakeholders, including legislators. Too much of that is ad hoc and not formalized. NASCIOs research notes an increase in the level of communication on cybersecurity with policymakers, but also that less than half of states are engaged in the conversation.CIOs and CISOs need to communicate with legislators in terms of business risk to state government, Robinson stressed. Unfortunately in many states, it is seen as being all about technology, so legislators defer to the CIO. When I talk to legislators I try to characterize this as just another business risk that the state has to address. The digital world is now part of the fabric of government, and risks are associated with that. It is not a project or an initiative. It is not going to end. They have to become comfortable with that, and it is very new to them.Francesca Spidalieri, a senior fellow for cyberleadership at the Pell Center for International Relations and Public Policy, a think tank at Salve Regina University in Newport, R.I., authored a 2015 report called State of the States on Cybersecurity, which found that most states lack strong cybersecurity measures, leaving themselves largely unprepared to respond to cyberthreats. (Her report identified eight states with strong approaches to cybersecurity, including Virginia.) Few states are considering the exposure and costs of less resilient critical services, data breaches, theft of intellectual property and sensitive information, and the impact of e-fraud and e-crime, all of which lead to a weaker economy and unstable national security, her report noted.Most legislators are poorly educated on these issues and very few have taken the time to understand how this helps a state economically or from a security standpoint, she said. We see the same issues in state legislatures that we see in the U.S. Congress. Although it is a bipartisan issue, the reason so many cybersecurity bills are stalling in Congress comes down to those who have taken the time to educate themselves and those who havent.Legislators want to promote digital connectivity and extend broadband capability to remote areas of their state, Spidalieri noted. What they dont understand is that cybersecurity is the other side of the same coin. If you encourage people to connect more of their sensitive information to services and you dont protect it, you are actually making your state more vulnerable.In her own state of Rhode Island, Spidalieri noticed that the data breach laws had not been updated since 2005, and she reached out to two legislators she knew had an interest in the topic, state Sen. Louis DiPalma, D-District 12, and state Rep. Stephen Ucci, D-42nd District. Both had an interest in cybersecurity because of their day jobs: DiPalma works as a technical director at Raytheon, and Ucci is an attorney who works on privacy issues.Spidalieri brought them together with executives from law enforcement, the health-care and financial sectors, and other stakeholders. Together, in a few weeks of hard work, we came up with a new draft of the legislation that was not only updating the old law, but offering a clear course of action for businesses and agencies that might get breached.Ucci said it was tough to get consensus on the bill. I have been in the Legislature for 12 years, and there is a difference of opinion on everything, but with this particular piece of legislation, every piece of the bill was a bone of contention, he said. There were some folks who thought every single possible breach should immediately be reported to the police, whereas others said you should have a very high threshold. We had businesspeople who saw it as a burden on them. It was a tug of war around what you disclose, how you disclose it, and to whom and in what form.The bill passed because they brought the stakeholders together with the legislators upfront to address issues and reach compromise, Spidalieri said. That same year 31 states proposed updates to the data breach notification law, and only two passed.Although she is new to the Legislature in Connecticut, Rep. Caroline Simmons, D-Stamford, took the lead in co-introducing cybersecurity legislation. I have some experience working at the federal level on this issue at the Department of Homeland Security, she said. That is what first got me interested in it and I think that having strong cybersecurity laws at the state level is critical to our national security fabric, and this is one of the most dangerous and difficult national security threats we face. States have an increasing role to play, given the sophistication and evolving nature of the threat.With two colleagues, Simmons introduced a bill that became law, directing the creation of a state cybersecurity task force co-chaired by the Department of Administrative Services and the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to conduct an in-depth study and assessment to identify the main cybersecurity issues facing Connecticut and to develop specific actions the state can take to improve its defenses and better protect state infrastructure, utilities, businesses and the public from cyberattacks.The administrations department heads were supportive about the creation of the task force, she said, but the legislation couldnt call for a big investment. There is a difficult fiscal environment here in Connecticut because we were facing a deficit going into the 2015 session, she said. The only difficulty I faced was that it couldnt have a large fiscal note on the bill, so we decided to start with an assessment.Simmons said she believes other legislators are grasping the importance of cybersecurity, because of high-profile incidents, particularly the Anthem breach, which happened in Connecticut while they were debating this legislation. None of us is an expert on the technology, but I think all of us recognize the increasing threat we are facing.
Obituary

Elbern H. Beard, of Spokane, died Sept. 15 from complications from a heart attack. He was 73.

Known by everyone as "Sunny," he was born April 3, 1943, in Lincoln, Nebraska, the son of Noal and Irene Beard. He moved to the Tri-Cities at an early age and was raised by Herman and Eva Davis, attending Pasco schools.

He left this world less than three weeks after his sister, Bonnie Cameron, the former Bonnie Jean Beard. Perhaps that was fitting. They were never far from each other throughout their lives, and were there for each other through good times and bad.

Sunny was a Navy veteran, serving in the 1960s aboard the USS Stark County, a tank landing ship, and the USS Maury, a geographical survey ship.

He was a jack-of-all-trades and a restless soul who moved frequently and worked a number of different jobs. He was the ultimate handyman, able to take anything apart and put it back together again. There would sometimes be a few pieces left over, but it would work.

He worked for several years as a police officer in Grand Coulee, a time when the family affectionately called him "Uncle Fuzz."

He really enjoyed country music, playing the drums in a band with Bonnie that toured the U.S. and Canada. He was also arguably the biggest John Wayne fan ever. His home was a shrine to the Duke.

He could be a cantankerous old grouch, as anyone who knew him would attest. But he was also generous, loving and sentimental, taking great pleasure in coming up with creative gifts for birthdays and family occasions. He was OUR cantankerous old grouch, and he will be missed.

He is survived by his nephew, James Van Nostrand, of Kennewick, an editor at the Tri-City Herald; nieces: Catherine Allen and Debra Werre, both of Spokane; grand-nephews: Jacob Martin of Seattle and Joshua Allen of Tucson, Ariz.; and grand-niece, Lyra Bloom, of Eugene, Ore.

A celebration of life for Sunny and Bonnie is planned for 2 p.m. Saturday, October 15, at the Spokane Valley Eagles Lodge, 16801 E. Sprague Ave. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Humane Society.
Honda is "satisfied" rather than "delighted" with the progress it has made in the works collaboration with McLaren in 2016.

The Japanese manufacturer has made steady progress this year after a disastrous return to F1 in 2015, although the McLaren-Honda struggled for pace at home at Suzuka.

Suzuka aside, Honda's F1 boss Yusuke Hasegawa was asked if he is delighted with the progress the marque has made in 2016.

"I cannot say that we are delighted -- rather, we are satisfied," the Japanese told the French magazine Auto Hebdo.

"We have achieved a lot but we are still far from our goal. The improvement of the engine was good, but not enough."

Hasegawa admits that, after the disaster of 2015 and taking over from Yasuhisa Arai, the pressure was on this year.

"We do not have an instrument for measuring pressure," he said, "but obviously it was very great.

"The atmosphere was very nervous at first, but now, thanks to the progress made, it's much better. Some results have been encouraging, so now we feel more motivation that tension and this makes a big difference."

Hasegawa says Honda's biggest gains in 2016 was in the area of energy recovery.

"The system is at the level of our competitors, and in some respects it is even better than our competitors," he insisted. "But the internal combustion engine is still inferior."

In that way, he is relieved that the 'token' system that restricts performance-based engine development is being scrapped for 2017.

"So some extent, yes (there is relief)," Hasegawa admitted. "But although this token system disappears next year, that is not to say the problem disappears -- technological limitations will remain."

But he thinks that, eventually, all of the engine manufacturers in F1 will be performing on an equal playing field.

"With regard to equality, I believe that in time it will come by itself and should not be a consequence of any artificial restrictions," said the Japanese.

As for Honda's remaining goals in 2016, he said: "We can now expect a much better engine efficiency.

"In the remaining races both cars should get to the final stage of qualifying and earn points, so that we can go into the winter break in good spirits.

"I need more than that, but it makes no sense to set goals too high. I need to make sure we have an end of season that is a good basis to prepare for 2017," added Hasegawa.

(GMM)
Average long-term U.S. mortgage rates topped 7% for the first time in more than two decades this week. Get more info on that and more recent business news here.
My conservative friends warn me that if I vote for Libertarian Gary Johnson, I will be handing the fate of this nations highest court to Hillary Clinton.

I can as easily imagine the supreme irony: a victorious Donald Trump nominating Hillary herself to fill the Scalia vacancy.

After all, if Hillary doesnt find a job, she and her skinny husband will be destitute again.

Trump exists to surprise and insists that his passion is compassion.

Barney W. Hill

Thomasville
Blue Ribbon Bakery Kitchen will stay open through the end of November. Photo: Bryan Bedder/Getty Images

It came as a shock when Eric and Bruce Bromberg recently announced the closing of their 20-year-old Downing Street restaurant, Blue Ribbon Bakery Kitchen (and its little sister, Blue Ribbon Bakery Market). Not only does the space have sentimental value  they spent years rehabilitating a wood-fired brick oven that they found literally underneath the restaurant  but the restaurant aged well and remained popular and beloved. What has changed, though, is that within the past two decades, the Brombergs have opened new Blue Ribbon restaurants in New York, as well as in London, Las Vegas, and Los Angeles. Theyre no longer two brothers operating small businesses in one tiny neighborhood; theyve proven themselves to be quite savvy at creating a global brand that still conveys quality. Heres how they made it happen:

How did you come to this decision to close on Downing?

Eric Bromberg: It didnt have really anything to do with it doing well or not. We had come to the end of our lease, and the realities of New York real estate are such that, you know, when you come to the end of the lease, you come to the end of the lease.

Did you try to renegotiate?

E.B.: Id rather not get into the details of it. We had a long history.



Bruce Bromberg: We had 20-plus years. When we first came in, the West Village was not a prime area. We were in a very different kind of reality, and it was a time when you had more  I dont want to call them art projects  but bringing a 140-year-old oven back to life, and spending two years to do it, doesnt come from concern about the bottom line. We could do more quirky, funky projects that were really about the preservation of something important, which is what the bakery was originally to us. We went through a first phase of our lease, the second phase, and when we got to the end of the lease, that type of project, and what that project was to us, just unfortunately no longer vibes with the current situation and whats happening in that neighborhood and New York now.

How else are you seeing New York change, in terms of restaurants and real estate?

B.B.: So much of New York has become prime real estate, so where you used to be able to find back and side streets, and forgotten spots, all over the city, there are so many fewer of those kinds of places. What you have to do in spaces, and the amount of permitting, and the realities of building out spaces in Manhattan  its not like its unobtainable to do smaller projects and interesting projects and passion projects, but its definitely become more difficult, and it tends to push you towards considering the bottom line.

E.B.: I think that, ultimately, neighborhoods change and over time different things change, and 22 years ago when we started in that neighborhood, it was a very different neighborhood than it is today. So I think there still are quite a few areas of New York or little spots that you can find in side streets and sort of out-of-the-way places. Thats what the bakery space was then. But they are obviously fewer and farther between, and you have to kind of go further away from the center to find those places, and the realities of New York rent make those decisions really different than they were 20 years ago.

Are there any specific neighborhoods that you see as desirable right now?

B.B.: Its interesting: Maybe even 20 years ago, when we were first starting out, there were certain neighborhoods that were kind of prohibitive for a restaurant group like ours. Were not a big, national group. We dont have huge amounts of funding. Weve never been a location, location, location company. Weve also never really gone into projects just focusing on the greatest financial reward.

E.B.: Actually, the opposite, most of the time.

B.B.: We see it in the West Village, where what it looked like ten years ago, or maybe even eight years ago, is radically different. All of the funky, cool little joints have kind of gone away. Sometimes they get repopulated by a funky, cool little joint, but one that lasts for a year. Then eventually whats going to happen is these places will turn into some fast-casual spot, or some kind of flagship, for these guys who can deal with those kinds of rent numbers. It takes away a little bit from the passion projects, but there are still opportunities, and thats what we search out in New York.

So many restaurateurs are playing the fast-casual game. Is that where you see growth for your company?

B.B.: We opened our fried-chicken joint over on Second Avenue three years ago. Were a little bit off the beaten path, but its kind of a good location. We actually had that idea since 1997.

E.B.: Our focus is always on the space and finding the right spot. Thats why, in terms of location in New York, it really flows for us. In 1995, when we first saw the bakery location, that was the project that made sense for that spot, that space, that time. Last year, we opened the Ribbon on 72nd Street on the Upper West Side, and its been an enormous, wild neighborhood success. We dont necessarily start with Okay, heres a concept, lets find places. We find a space and then we go for the organic growth of what comes out of that.

B.B.: Which is maybe why we have three different concepts.

But you have to be careful, because the Blue Ribbon name really conveys quality, and thats something you need to protect.

E.B.: Our brand has always been the most important thing, and our focus is always consistency  maintaining the best experience every time for every customer. That perpetually drives us.

When youre charging $10 for fast-casual fried chicken, and $29 for it at the restaurant, do you worry about diluting the brand?

B.B.: When we first started thinking about this, we did wonder: How do you sell pretty darn similar products in one environment for 25 bucks, and in another environment for 8 bucks? But I think people comprehend pretty quickly what the difference is. We grew up in Morristown, an hour outside of the city, and at the deli, if you got lox to go, it was a different price than eating it in the store. Theres not really a battle between the two. The uniqueness of sitting down in this little tiny hole in the wall on Sullivan Street, and getting fried chicken with mashed potatoes and collards with a great glass of wine and linen tablecloths, is just a different experience. With sushi, I think its the same thing.

What are you opening next?

B.B.: Were opening a really exciting project down in South Beach, in Miami  a little Blue Ribbon Sushi there within the next probably six weeks in the Plymouth Hotel, and then were doing all the food for that hotel. Were opening in the Financial District, right across from the Federal Reserve on the corner of Williams and Maiden Lane, something called Blue Ribbon Federal Grill. We are in Vegas, and were putting in a Blue Ribbon in the same space where our sushi restaurant was. Weve renewed our deal there, and were doing an American-style restaurant with raw bar  kind of based off the original 97 Sullivan restaurant. Were opening another Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar, like what we have at Brookfield Place, in Rockefeller Center. Were probably around six months away from that.

Financially, does it make sense to keep opening new concepts here?

E.B.: Ultimately, our home is New York. We view the city as  I dont know if an infinite opportunity is the right way to put it. But were looking all over the country. Last year, we opened a Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill in Los Angeles. Thats been a spectacular success.

B.B.: Twenty-four years ago, our world, our 18 hours a day, was spent on Sullivan Street. We lived two blocks away on Vandam Street. Our life consisted of, was a two-block radius, 360 days a year. That was it. A couple of years later, we opened Blue Ribbon Sushi, and it expanded 100 yards down the street. Three years after that, our world expanded a little bit to the West Village and the bakery. Then Brooklyn. The impetus to do a new project is really to make people happy. If somebody says, Hey, how about something in Vegas? And you can do it on your own terms, and reach 500 people a day, and you can bring something better to the restaurant scene out there. Does that interest you? Were like, Absolutely!

You two have always stayed out of the spotlight  one of you even lives in Hawaii. Today it seems like to be successful in this industry, chefs and restaurateurs have to be public figures and brand ambassadors. Do you feel that pressure?

E.B.: This has been a conscious choice of ours from the beginning. When we were kids, Bruce and I would, believe it or not, play together, and instead of cops and robbers, we were playing restaurant and world domination. We designed our own food courts. We figured out how to make a better Benihana.

B.B.: We ruined our moms kitchen in the process.

E.B.: But Bruce and I were never the stars of the show. We call ourselves the B-Team. From the very beginning, to do what we wanted to accomplish, we knew that we had to not put ourselves in the spotlight and not promote ourselves, but promote Blue Ribbon. And what does Blue Ribbon mean? Blue Ribbon means the best. Its not abstract. Its absolutely clear as day, and weve done everything we can really to stay out of the spotlight. To put all of the focus on the team and the customers as opposed to our celebrity. Its really the last relevant point in a restaurant  the celebrity of the chef. For me, personally, the personal fame is more of a ball and chain than it is something special.

B.B.: We really didnt want to tie it to ourselves and our personalities, so to speak, or what we had for breakfast. We just want to wholly focus on what we do in the restaurant. Thats just whats been important. Thats whats driven our team. Thats whats driven the entire thing.
At Gabrielle Hamiltons East Village restaurant, Prune, every bar snack has a story. In the case of the flaming pistachios, its a love story. Back in her wanderlust days, the chef says, I got waylaid in Turkey because I met a dude who was opening a restaurant. One thing led to another  specifically, one night, to a Turkish disco, an experience that didnt remotely resemble Studio 54. It was sitting on couches, and there was a belly dancer and music and, of course, smoking, says Hamilton. But they had a lot of snacks, including roast-your-own pistachios, served on a bed of salt and set ablaze. They may have used Sterno, says the chef, whos opted instead for raki, the anise-flavored brandy. One sells another, she says, so as soon as an order is ignited, the whole dining room wants one. We joke that when we vacuum, its all beer caps and pistachio shells now.

Mouse over or tap the image to read more.

On the menu at Prune; $6; 54 E. 1st St., nr. First Ave.; 212-677-6221

*A version of this article appears in the October 17, 2016, issue of New York Magazine.
Dizengoffs hummus is a blank (but delicious) canvas for myriad toppings. Photo: Bobby Doherty

Many Americans first encountered hummus in the form of forgettable mass-produced stuff lining supermarket shelves. This is not unlike initiating someone into the cult of New York pizza with a third-rate DiGiorno knockoff. Like many great foods, hummus comes in multiple variations: enhanced with tahini and whipped until smooth, say, or chunky with garlic and lemon, or hot and with whole chickpeas, as in masabacha. Served with pita and garnishes like spiced meats and tender fava beans, its a substantial, soulful meal. You could even say  thanks to new upstarts strengthening a scene built by earlier waves of Middle Eastern restaurants  that New York is experiencing a golden age of pureed chickpeas.



The Absolute Best 1. Dizengoff

75 Ninth Ave., at 15th St.; 646-833-7097 At Chelsea Markets colorful, counter-service outpost of the Philadelphia sensation, chef Mike Solomonov and his cooks tease extraordinary amounts of flavor out of their chickpeas for their excellent hummus. Everything about it is on point, from the thick texture and the garlic-and-lemon-infused tahini thats aerated and then mixed with the pureed chickpeas to the high-quality olive oil drizzled on top. Then theres the pita thats baked in house, speckled from the oven, and fluffy but stiff enough to hold up against the weight of a generous helping of the spread. You could keep it basic with just tahini, but then youd be missing a major part of Dizengoffs appeal: the constantly rotating, always interesting toppings that are unlike anything served at competing hummus spots. They change weekly, but recent offerings, demonstrating the variety and creativity, include fried Italian long hot peppers with toasted hazelnut, coffee-braised brisket, and ground lamb with zhug, the Yemeni hot sauce.

2. Local92

92 Second Ave., nr. E. 5th St.; 212-432-2232

Local92s hummus is made every two hours throughout the day. Photo: Melissa Hom/New York Magazine

With its brick walls, exposed pipe, and blonde wood bar, Local92 looks like an ordinary, somewhat anonymous neighborhood spot. And its mix-and-match menu of Middle Eastern specialties and American standards obscures the fact that its a bona fide hummus destination. The kitchen makes the dish throughout the day (every two hours, they say), and the benefit of that emphasis on freshness is evident in the clear, pronounced chickpea flavor that comes through in every bite. Its thick and practically buttery, sprinkled with paprika but not adulterated with much seasoning chiefly because it really doesnt need any doctoring. In fact, it tastes like it could be used by some experimental vegan chef in a non-dairy beurre blanc. Toppings veer toward the classic, including the dark, tender fava beans and well-seasoned chunks of chicken that are best used like meat bread. Speaking of bread: Its too bad, given the attention showered on the hummus, that the pita, though properly warmed, is stiff and second-rate. Still, this is top-tier stuff  just dont waste your stomach space on the carbs.



3. Mimis Hummus

Multiple locations

Hummus with beef and pine nuts at Mimis. Photo: Melissa Hom/New York Magazine

The popularity of Israeli chef-owner Mimi Kitanis hummus propelled her expansion from a homespun Ditmas Park cafe to outposts in Manhattan. The product has not suffered in transit: It remains superlatively silky-smooth while still retaining enough heft to feel filling. The simplest variety is garnished with fruity olive oil and a handful of whole chickpeas; additional toppings include crumbly ground beef with crunchy, floral pine nuts. And the pita is fat and fluffy, offering plenty of room for stuffing much more than a reasonable portion inside.

4. Hummus Joonam

Available at Holyland Market; 122 St. Marks Pl., nr. Ave. A., 212-477-4440

Hummus Joonam has serious Israeli pedigree. Photo: Melissa Hom/New York Magazine

Even in this frenzied new age of straight-to-you food businesses, Joonam may be the first specialty hummus-delivery service. The process is a bit mysterious, as online orders for Manhattan placed through Big Cartel before Thursday seem to show up once a week  at some point. Or maybe the next week. (Those in Brooklyn and New Jersey can order through Kosher Valet, which indicates a 10 a.m. cutoff.) If you want to know when youll get your hummus, better to hit up East Village market Holyland, which receives the goods on Thursdays and, the owner says, runs out by Sunday. Its worth the hassle. Joonams owner, real-estate broker Ohad Fisherman, descends from hummus royalty  his family owns Tel Avivs famed Mifgash Hasteak  and it shows in his virtuoso chickpea work. Fisherman says he uses his familys time-honored recipe, though he doesnt say much else besides claiming to go to the added length of sourcing Israeli sesame seeds to make his own tahini, which contributes a bump of lush nuttiness. Equally excellent is the delivery-only moist and tender pita, nothing like the inflexible breads plaguing many Middle Eastern spots.

5. Sahadis

187 Atlantic Ave., nr. Court St., Brooklyn Heights; 718-624-4550

Sahadis was making great hummus long before it became trendy. Photo: Melissa Hom/New York Magazine

The sprawling family-run market, Kings Countys answer to Kalustyans, is rightfully known as a hub for spices, tubs of tahini, and countless other pantry staples Middle Eastern and not. But the Sahadi family also maintains a deli case of prepared foods, which includes a mean hummus that has long enjoyed a devoted following and preceded the current boom by decades. Hit the store today, and you may hear a couple of veteran customers, strangers or friends, hobnobbing about how the place makes the best in town. Thankfully, Sahadis hasnt lost its touch. Theres a spicy variation painted red with chiles if you want yours hot, though the heat is a little unbalanced, and really the plain-jane version is excellent without any additional seasoning. Its exceedingly light, with a sharp bite of garlic backing up the distinct, full chickpea flavor, and itll make you question why you ever bothered with any of the pedestrian store-bought stuff when this was always available by the pound.

6. Tanoreen

7523 Third Ave., at 76th St., Bay Ridge; 718-748-5600

Tanoreens hummus is a necessary part of any mezze spread. Photo: Melissa Hom/New York Magazine

Any proper mezze spread at Palestinian chef-owner Rawia Bisharas restaurant requires an order of her hummus. Comfortingly earthy, its invigorated with a particularly heavy dose of lemon and served in an elegantly sloped bowl, spread like a very thick brushstroke around a pocket of whole chickpeas. And while Bisharas made her restaurant one of Brooklyns modern institutions through cooking thats creative while remaining faithful to the spirit of the cuisine, her hummus is by the books. Not that anyones complaining.

Honorable Mentions

Azuri Cafe

465 W. 51st St., nr. Tenth Ave.; 212-262-2920

Wedged into a tiny storefront, with its steam table and checkered floor, the kosher counter-service spot is the definition of a hole in the wall. It remains a reliable destination for cheap eats in the heart of midtown, a place to go to score an inexpensive, creamy hummus that, while it wont change how you feel about chickpeas, will certainly make you regret all of those sad desk lunches.

Bedouin Tent

405 Atlantic Ave., nr. Bond St., Boerum Hill; 718-852-5555

The peaceful backyard patio and charming, colorful dining room, with its wall-hung rugs and hanging lamps, dont really make the hummus here taste better. Not that the kitchen needs any help. The hummus it produces is satisfyingly hearty without being so heavy that itll weigh you down, and, if not exactly exemplary, still has enough chickpea flavor to make it an excellent neighborhood option.

Bustan

487 Amsterdam Ave., nr. W. 84th St.; 212-595-5050

You can get your bowl of earthy hummus topped with beef cheeks at this Upper West Side restaurant. What you should do, though, is double down on the chickpeas, and get it with the superb falafel, some of the best in New York. Properly fried and enlivened with pickled mango and spicy zhoug, the falafel enhances the smooth spread with a dose of crunch and heat.

Duzan

2411 Steinway St., nr. Astoria Blvd. S., Astoria; 718-204-7488

The Steinway Street shawarma specialist, which rebranded itself to be more Chipotle-esque in 2015, is one of Astorias premier dining establishments. Seven different versions of lip-smacking hummus include a basic classic as well as masabacha; the signature Duzan is the classic hummus served with aromatic ground beef with parsley and olive oil. But the pro move is to get the best of both worlds and go for the Shawarma Hummus, topped with a mound of thinly sliced, succulent chicken.

Taim

Multiple locations

The focus at Einat Admonys quick-service chainlet is on the falafel and smoothies, but the Israeli-born chef isnt a one-hit wonder when it comes to chickpeas. She blends the legumes with tahini and some olive oil, which she also applies as a garnish along with a sprinkle of red pepper. The hummus is served straight up on a platter, but its also available in more portable sandwich form, stuffed in a pita along with Israeli salad, pickled cabbage, and more.
Now that it's killed off the exploding Galaxy Note7 for good, Samsung is ramping up production for the S7 and S7 edge hoping that people will choose those models instead of its ill-fated stylus-toting phablet.

And that, apparently, means bringing one of the most popular color versions from the Note7 to the S7 edge. Yes, we're talking about the hue called Blue Coral, which has quite a few fans out there. Now it looks like Samsung is working on Blue Coral S7 edge units, as evidenced by the leaked picture you can see to the left.

It shows an S7 edge rear shell in the blue color. This particular one is ready to head to Verizon in the US, as the carrier's logo is plastered onto it. It's still unclear if this means Verizon will get an exclusive on this color version or not. It could just be that this shell is going to a Verizon S7 edge, but others will make their way to other carriers and markets across the globe. The latter should really be the way to go for Samsung, especially if it wants to entice all those blue Note7 buyers to choose the S7 edge instead. Hopefully the Blue Coral S7 edge gets official soon and then we'll know for sure.

For what it's worth, the Vietnamese report accompanying the picture says Verizon will definitely get the Blue Coral S7 edge first, and perhaps it will then be more widely available.

Source (in Vietnamese) | Via
Huawei is set to unveil the Mate 9 at an event on November 3, and the handset could become available only a few days later, on November 8 according to a past rumor. The Mate 9 will arrive at an interesting time in the phablet world, now that the Samsung Galaxy Note7 is no more. So Huawei has the opportunity to move quite a few units.

We've seen purported leaked renders of the Mate 9 before, but today we get a new batch from none other than Evan Blass, a.k.a. @evleaks. He reveals that there will be two different Mate 9 designs, one having a curved display like Samsung's "edge" devices.

The flat screen model (seen in the top row above) is apparently codenamed Manhattan, while the curved screen version (portrayed in the bottom row of the image) is codenamed Long Island. The latter will have higher-end specs than the former, including a QHD touchscreen compared to the flat phone's Full HD panel.

As you can see, while the flat Mate 9 (pictured in a close-up below) does look like a lot of previous Huawei handsets, the curved model bears a striking resemblance to Samsung's Galaxy S7 edge, and perhaps even the now dead Note7, especially with that fingerprint scanner moved to the front, underneath the screen.

The Mate 9 is once again said to be powered by the Kirin 960 chipset, aided by up to 6GB of RAM and 256GB of built-in storage depending on which version you pick. The screen size will allegedly be 5.9", while on the back we'll see a Leica-branded dual camera arrangement like in the P9 from earlier this year. Unlike the P9's setup, these snappers will both have 20 MP resolution and f/2.0 aperture.

Unfortunately the high-spec Long Island Mate 9 may never be sold outside of China. On the other hand, the Manhattan iteration will reportedly get a worldwide release, including the US.

Source
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Unveiled late last month and currently available for purchase only in South Korea, the Samsung Galaxy A8 (2016) has now been spotted on India's import and export tracking website Zauba, hinting at an imminent launch in the country.

While the Zauba listing also reveals an INR 13,635 (around $205) price tag for the phone, it's not in line with the $580 tag the handset carries in Samsung's home country. The pricing information on Zauba, as you might already know, is not usually reliable anyway.

Sadly, there's currently no information on exactly when the device will land in India.

Source | Via




Haiti - FLASH : A convoy of 500 vehicles arrives from DR





In response to Haiti's aid request https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18882-haiti-flash-visit-of-danilo-medina-in-haiti.html and following a high-level meeting Monday in the Dominican Republic https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18892-haiti-humanitarian-the-dominican-republic-will-help-haiti.html , on decision of President Danilo Medina, a convoy of 500 vehicles containing different types of aid will cross the border towards Haiti this Wednesday morning from 10:00.



Also, 40 heavy equipment such as cranes, trucks, fuel logistics equipment, ambulances, mobile workshops, mobile generators, water treatment equipment will be sent to Haiti.



Of the 500 vehicles, 248 vehicles will remain in Haiti, others return to the Dominican Republic after unloading their goods. Over 250 Dominican technicians will travel to Haitian communities affected by the passage of Matthew



The Haitian authorities have committed to ensure the safety of the convoy across the border and during their path, on arrival and to the return to Dominican territory and the security of Dominican staff in the camps to be established in Port-au-Prince and in various locations.



Tuesday, the Director of the Dominican Economic Restaurants, Nicolas Calderon, announced that will be delivered over 25,000 food rations to the Haitian government, more in Pedernales, will be produced 70,000 food rations, which will be transported by ship to remote areas in the part South of Haiti. Another front will be established to provide food in the camps where stationed the Haitian and Dominican staff who will receive daily breakfast, lunch and evening dinner so they can perform in good condition their work.



Note that a Dominican delegation, led by Gonzalo Castillo, Minister of Public Works and Communications (MOPCRD) arrived yesterday Tuesday in Haiti to coordinate the delivery of aid ordered by President Danilo Medina.



The Ministry of Public Works Dominicans said the Minister Castillo met with the Haitian authorities and that as of Wednesday, technicians of MOPCRD and those of the "Corporacion Dominicana de Empresas Electricas Estatales" (CDEEE) will start the grid and road evaluation. He said that next Saturday will begin the reconstruction of the road infrastructure and electrification in the southern part of Haiti.



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18882-haiti-flash-visit-of-danilo-medina-in-haiti.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-18892-haiti-humanitarian-the-dominican-republic-will-help-haiti.html



SL/ HaitiLibre


















East Texas band Strangers&Heroes is set to release its debut single, "Impact", today to Christian rock and Christian CHR-formatted radio stations. Strangers&Heroes, hailing from Crockett, Texas, features lifelong friends Emily Carden, Brent Price, Jr., and Stephen Bobbitt, along with brothers Chase Wells and Clay Wells. The new single was written by Bobbitt, Price, and Carden.

"Our dream is for our music to have a broader audience on Christian radio," Carden said. "The prayer is that our music will touch people's lives, and that they will know the love of Christ."

The band, whose music has been compared to the likes of Skillet, Flyleaf, Switchfoot, and Thousand Foot Krutch, signed with McLaughlin Music Group for development and management in May 2016.

Every story has a beginning. For the members of Strangers&Heroes, the story began in infancy. From attending the same Sunday School classes to swimming in dirty ponds together, it was always easy to see that Bobbitt, Carden and Price were best friends in every way. Though they often sang together on their front porches, surrounded by their friends and family, being in a band had never been their plan. At least, it wasn't, until they were encouraged to sing in more public settings. It was at that time that their musical careers began, although the path took an unexpected turn for the alternative rock band.

"At first we were singing Southern Gospel music, because that is what we grew up hearing in church," said Carden. "However, as time passed, our own individual styles began to mold and shape our music, and we began to take on a Christian rock influence."

After several years of being a band of three, the trio realized that they needed to add a few new faces to accomplish the vision God had given them. A number of musicians performed off and on with the band, until Chase Wells and Clay Wells met the members of Strangers&Heroes at a Battle-of-the-Bands event. Both excellent musicians, the brothers saw and shared the vision of the group and soon became permanent band members.

With encouragement from spouses and families, Strangers&Heroes has been able to continue to pursue the dream and calling God has laid on each of the band members' hearts.

The name of their band describes what their calling is all about: Strangers&Heroes stands for those who have yet to come in contact with the Gospel - the strangers - and those who are on the mission of spreading that Gospel to a lost world - the heroes.

To learn more about Strangers&Heroes, visit strangersandheroes.com, like the band on Facebook, and follow on Twitter and Instagram.

Tags : strangers and heroes strangers and heroes new single strangers and heroes band
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Published on 2016/10/11 | Source

Added episodes 13 and 14 captures for the Korean drama "The Gentlemen of Wolgyesu Tailor Shop" (2016)

Advertisement

Directed by Hwang In-hyeok

Written by Koo Hyeon-sook

Network : KBS

With Lee Dong-gun, Jo Yoon-hee, Shin Goo, Kim Young-ae, Oh Hyun-kyung, Cha In-pyo,...

Sat, Sun 19:55

Synopsis

"Suited Gentlemen In Yanggye-dong" is based on a traditional tailor's with history. The drama depicts the tears, friendship, success and romance of four men.

Broadcast starting date in Korea : 2016/08/27

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HAWAII REPUBLICAN PARTY ENDORSES KELI`I AKINA FOR OFFICE OF HAWAIIAN AFFAIRS TRUSTEE AT LARGE

News Release from Hawaii Republican Party

HONOLULU (October 11, 2016) - Chair Fritz Rohlfing released the following statement:

The Hawaii Republican Party endorses Keli`i Akina in the upcoming election for Office of Hawaiian Affairs (OHA) At-Large Trustee.

All State of Hawaii registered voters, regardless of ethnicity, have the right and duty to vote for OHA trustees. This is not only in keeping with the Constitution of the United States, it is based upon the history of the Hawaiian Kingdom in which citizenship was open to all people regardless of ethnicity.

Kelii Akina, Ph.D., is a leader dedicated to transforming Hawaii's economy, government and society. His watchword is: "E Hana Kakou" - Let's work together!

Over the past several years as a public policy advocate at the legislative, congressional and international levels, Dr. Akina has become a leading defender of the Aloha Spirit. In these forums he has effectively made the case for free markets producing optimal prosperity and encouraging positive social cooperation.

As a native Hawaiian and skilled chanter, Dr. Akina has dedicated his life to the education and financial advancement of all native Hawaiians and everyone who makes Hawaii their home.

Dr. Akina believes that it's time to reform OHA to become a driving force in preserving the Aloha Spirit and advancing native Hawaiians and all people through housing, education, healthcare, and economic prosperity.

Dr. Akina is a graduate of the Kamehameha Schools, Northwestern University (B.A.) and the University of Hawaii (M.A. and Ph.D.) and is a member of the Pacific Century Fellows (a Hawaii version of the White House Fellows program).

Currently, he is President/CEO of Grassroot Institute of Hawaii, a public policy research institution dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, free markets, and limited, accountable government.

Dr. Akina was a candidate for Trustee at Large of the OHA in the 2014 General Election run-off in which he garnered 93,000 votes.

OHA has become an influential player in Hawaii's economy with growing land-holdings and revenue streams. OHA's actions affect the pocket-books and liberties of all residents of the State of Hawaii. OHA is everyones business.

OHA is a state government agency responsible for stewardship of resources belonging to the people of Hawaii. OHA is accountable to and has a mandate to represent the will of all the people of Hawaii.

The Hawaii Republican Party strongly encourages all of its members and all Hawaii citizens to vote for Dr. Akina for OHA Trustee At Large to help create a better future for everyone in Hawaii.

Learn more about Keli`i Akina at http://www.keliiakina.com/.

For more information and to stay connected, please like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HawaiiRepublicanParty, follow us on Twitter @gophawaii, and visit our website at www.gophawaii.com.

# # #
Compiled by Jesse Wood

Gov. Pat McCrory and his gubernatorial-challenger Attorney General Roy Cooper partook in another debate four weeks before Election Day on Tuesday evening. Watch the video above and read some of the reaction below. Also, see WRALs take on the traded jabs.

NCGOP: McCrory Wins By a LandslideShows Leadership, Common Sense & Fortitude

The following statement was released by the North Carolina Republican Party (NCGOP) Chair Robin Hayesin response to the North Carolina Gubernatorial debate:

Despite the poor national economic recovery, Governor McCrory has guided North Carolina to record growth and continues to steer North Carolina in the right direction. He is a champion for families across the state recovering from the failed Democratic policies that held them down before Republicans took over. On the other hand, Attorney General Roy Cooper showcased his failed liberal agenda adhering to policies that neglected our teachers, destroyed our economy, and raided the wallets of taxpayers.

Cooper behaved as usual, providing no explanation for his mismanagement of the crime lab or his full throttled support of Hillary Clinton. He also dodged questions concerning the shocking revelation that he has been actively working to deplete the states rainy day fund to pay for his liberal pet projects. If it were up to Cooper we would have no money to pay for the storm relief. Governor McCrory demonstrated why he is the leader for North Carolinas future, presenting a strong, responsible path to prosperity that has, and will continue, to benefit all of North Carolinas hardworking taxpayers.

Cooper Clear Winner Of Second Debate

Cooper for North Carolina campaign manager Trey Nix released the following statement on todays debate:

Attorney General Cooper was the clear winner tonight as he made the case that Governor McCrory doesnt have the right priorities for North Carolina. Instead of improving our schools and fighting for jobs, the Governor has focused on his partisan, political agenda. He cost our state thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars with House Bill 2 and refuses to take responsibility for the bad bill he signed into law. And hes one of the few Republican leaders left standing by Donald Trump.

We need a governor with the right priorities. Roy Cooper will be a jobs governor, not a HB2 governor.

Progress NC Action: McCrory called Donald Trump a role model

RALEIGH  Progress NC Action released the following statement in response to Tuesdays debate between Gov. Pat McCrory and Attorney General Roy Cooper:

Gov. McCrory not only refused to disavow his support for Donald Trump, but he actually said he considers Trump a role model  even after Trump bragged about using his power to sexually assault women, said Gerrick Brenner, executive director of Progress NC Action. If Gov. McCrory truly cares about the safety of women and girls in North Carolina, he should show it by withdrawing his support for Trump instead of using the LGBT community as a political punching bag. McCrorys hypocrisy simply shows his choices are based on politics, not principle.

McCrory Campaign: Roy Cooper Lies To The People Of North Carolina In First Televised Debate

After the first televised live debate, the McCrory campaign released the following statement: Tonight, Roy Cooper looked the people of North Carolina in the eye and lied, time and time again, said Pat McCrory campaign manager Russell Peck. If Roy Cooper cant tell the people of North Carolina the truth in a debate, how can he be trusted to do the job as governor? From the rainy day fund to taxes, from education to the economy, Governor McCrory spoke the truth about the progress made in the past three years to rebuild North Carolina.

Roy Cooper, in the Lie Of The Night, falsely claimed that the state is using disaster relief funds for legal expenses. Watch:

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By Jesse Wood

While Friday, Oct. 14 is listed as the last day to register to vote for the general election during Election Day, note that same-day registration is available during the early-voting or one-stop period.

A Fourth Circuit of Appeals ruling this summer struck down the Voter ID law that eliminated same-day registration and out-of-precinct voting. Now all of the Voter ID law requirements are out the window.

So if you dont plan on registering to vote by Friday, vote early and bring the property identification. Absentee voting by mail is also available. The last day to request a mail-in ballot is Nov. 1.

According to NCVoterGuide.org, your identifying document must be one of the following:

a NC drivers license

photo ID from a government agency

student photo ID with a school document showing the students address or

a utility bill, bank statement, payroll stub, or document from any government agency with your name and current address

and more

To register to vote, you must be 18 years old by the time of the general election, live at address for at least 30 days prior to date of election and not be serving a felony conviction, including probation and parole, according to NCVoterGuide.org.

If you need to check your registration status, click here to the State Board of Elections website. Below are the early voting times and locations.

WATAUGA COUNTY

For more info not listed below, call Watauga County Board of Elections office at 828-265-8061.

Administration Building at 814 West King Street:

Oct. 20 to 21: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oct. 24 to 28: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oct. 31 to Nov. 4: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Nov. 5: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Blowing Rock Town Hall, Deep Gap FD, Meat Camp FD, Western Watauga Community Center & App State Plemmons Student Union:

Oct. 27 to 28: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oct. 31 to Nov. 4: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

AVERY COUNTY

Early voting in Avery County runs from Oct. 20 to Nov. 5 at the Avery County Board of Elections Office at 200 Montezuma Street in Newland. For more info, call local elections office at 828-733-8282.

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The following information is provided by local law enforcement agencies.

All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Compiled by Jessica Isaacs

The following were provided by the Watauga County Sheriffs Office.

WCSO 1012

Sept. 28

ARREST: A male suspect, 21, of 173 Graduate Lane Apt. 416 in Boone, was charged with felony fraud  credit card/ATM and misdemeanor fraud  impersonation. Secured bond: $150,000. Trial date: Oct. 20.

Oct. 4

INCIDENT: Assault on a female was reported at 1421 Brownwood Road in Deep Gap.

ARREST: A male suspect, 21, of 3470 Bethel Road in Boone, was charged with domestic criminal trespassing. Trial date: Oct. 25.

ARREST: A male suspect, 22, of 1846 Forest Grove Road in Boone, was charged with assault on a female and communicating threats. Trial date: Oct. 25.

ARREST: A male suspect, 37, of 272 Horseshoe Ridge West in Deep Gap, was charged with probation violation. Secured bond: $5,000. Trial date: Oct. 14.

ARREST: A male suspect, 51, of 2279 Silverstone Road in Zionville, was charged with OFA FTA DWI and OFA NOL. Secured bond: $20,500. Trial date: Oct. 20.

ARREST: A male suspect, 38, of 300 Mountain Aire Lane Apt. 1D in Boone, was charged with OFA FTA misd probation violation. Secured bond: $5,000. Trial date: Nov. 14.

ARREST: A female suspect, 51, of 4390 Knotting Hill Road in Valdese, was charged with OFA FTA on DWLR and poss stolen property. Secured bond: $5,000. Trial date: Oct. 12.

Oct. 5

INCIDENT: Larceny and vandalism were reported at 643 Greenway Road in Boone.

INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 132 Adams Lane in Boone.

INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 497 Slabtown Road in Zionville.

INCIDENT: Burglary, larceny and vandalism were reported at 842 Old Mountain Road in Banner Elk.

ARREST: A male suspect, 34, of 338 Brook Hollow Road in Boone, was charged with felony possess heroin, financial card withholding, financial card fraud and misdemeanor possess drug paraphernalia. Secured bond: $15,000. Trial date: Oct. 31.

ARREST: A male suspect, 34, of 293 Red Maple Lane in Boone, was charged with OFA FTA no insurance and OFA FTA fict/alt reg card. Secured bond: $500. Trial date: Nov. 16.

ARREST: A male suspect, 44, of 138 Mitchell Fields Road in Zionville, was charged with communicating threats. Trial date: Oct. 25.

Oct. 6

INCIDENT: Breaking and entering was reported at 250 Grovers Knob in Blowing Rock.

ARREST: A male suspect, 28, of 638 Buckeye Ridge Road in Zionville, was charged with simple assault. Trial date: Nov. 10.

Oct. 7

INCIDENT: Burglary was reported at 1342 Winklers Creek Road in Boone.

INCIDENT: Calls for service were reported at Quality Plus Gas in Vilas.

INCIDENT: Breaking and entering were reported at 6258 U.S. Highway 321 N in Sugar Grove.

INCIDENT: Vandalism was reported at 147 Sunny Knoll Acres in Boone.

INCIDENT: Fraud was reported at 806 Willow Mountain Drive in Vilas.

ARREST: A female suspect, 48, of 656 Little Dry Run Road in Butler, was charged with felony poss/distribute meth precursor, conspiracy to manufacture meth, conspiracy to possess precursor chemicals and four counts of possess pseudo/prior meth conviction. Secured bond: $40,000. Trial date: Nov. 15.

Oct. 8

INCIDENT: Breaking and entering and larceny were reported at 308 Little Rock Canyon Road in Lenoir.

Oct. 9

INCIDENT: Simple physical assault and damage to property were reported at 2333 Phillips Branch Road in Vilas.

INCIDENT: Breaking and entering, larceny form buildings and violation of DVPO were reported at 269 Creek Ridge Road in Sugar Grove.

INCIDENT: Larceny was reported at 3170 Laurel Creek Road in Banner Elk.

ARREST: A male suspect, 18, of 107 Ford Hollars Road in Vilas, was charged with misdemeanor larceny.

ARREST: A male suspect, 52, of 338 Brook Hollow Road in Boone, was charged with DV protection order violation. Trial date: Nov. 22.

Oct. 10

INCIDENT: Fraud was reported at 124 Quail Ridge Road Unit B in Boone.

INCIDENT: Assault and battery were reported at 144 Ridge Point Drive in Boone.

INCIDENT: Calls for service/runaway were reported at 114 Jake Miller Road in Boone.

INCIDENT: Vandalism and assault were reported at 127 Patton Lane in Boone.

ARREST: A female suspect, 34, of 124 Quail Ridge Road Unit B in Boone, was charged with fraud  worthless checks. Trial date: Nov. 2.

ARREST: A male suspect, 23, of 342 Bluebird Lane in Boone, was charged with disorderly conduct and all other offenses/simple affray. Secured bond: $1,000. Trial date: Nov. 10.

ARREST: A male suspect, 38, of
On Friday, August 12, 2016, Watauga County Sheriffs Office received a 911 call at 5:38 AM in reference to a structure fire located at Valle Landing, 3657 US Highway 194 South, Sugar Grove, North Carolina.

Officers from the Watauga County Sheriffs Office, Watauga County Fire Marshals Office, Boone Fire Department, Beaver Dam Fire Department, Cove Creek Fire Department, Foscoe Fire Department, Meat Camp Fire Department, Shawneehaw Fire Department and Zionville Fire Department responded to the scene of the fire. Upon arrival initial units discovered that the structure located at that address was engulfed in flames and had been totally destroyed by the fire.

Since August, 12, 2016, the Watauga County Sheriffs Office, the Watauga County Fire Marshals Office, Boone Fire Department, the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms have continued to investigate the fire. Numerous interviews have been conducted by the Watauga County Sheriffs Office and the Watauga County Fire Marshals Office with witnesses, owners of the buildings and community members to gather information about the fire.

On August 31, 2016, Benjamin Draughon Williford was charged and arrested for First Degree Arson in this incident.

As a result of the interviews and investigation into this incident the Watauga County Sheriffs Office in consultation with the District Attorneys Office charged and arrested Benjamin Draughon Williford with three counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon Inflicting Serious Injury for the injuries to the occupants of the apartments and one count of First Degree Murder for the death that occurred as a result of the fire. Benjamin Draughon Williford was served with the warrants and taken before the District Court of Watauga County and held without bond.

Benjamin Draughon Williford was given a probable cause court date of October 25, 2016.

For more background info and timeline of incident, click here.

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(HedgeCo.Net) The Securities and Exchange Commission today announced that, in fiscal year 2016, it filed 868 enforcement actions exposing financial reporting-related misconduct by companies and their executives and misconduct by registrants and gatekeepers, as the agency continued to enhance its use of data to detect illegal conduct and expedite investigations.

The new single year high for SEC enforcement actions for the fiscal year that ended September 30 included the most ever cases involving investment advisers or investment companies (160) and the most ever independent or standalone cases involving investment advisers or investment companies (98). The agency also reached new highs for Foreign Corrupt Practices Act-related enforcement actions (21) and money distributed to whistleblowers ($57 million) in a single year.

The agency also brought a record 548 standalone or independent enforcement actions and obtained judgments and orders totaling more than $4 billion in disgorgement and penalties.

By every measure the enforcement program continues to be a resounding success holding executives, companies and market participants accountable for their illegal actions, said SEC Chair Mary Jo White. Over the last three years, we have changed the way we do business on the enforcement front by using new data analytics to uncover fraud, enhancing our ability to litigate tough cases, and expanding the playbook bringing novel and significant actions to better protect investors and our markets.

The SECs most significant enforcement actions in fiscal year 2016 include:

Insider trading and beneficial ownership reporting-related charges against Leon G. Cooperman and his firm Omega Advisors.

Insider trading charges against William Billy Walters and his source Thomas C. Davis, a former Dean Foods Company board member.

A $415 million enforcement action against Merrill Lynch for violating customer protection rules by misusing customer cash and putting customer securities at risk. The firm also admitted wrongdoing.

A $267 million enforcement action against J.P. Morgan wealth management subsidiaries, for failing to disclose conflicts of interest to clients. The firms also admitted wrongdoing.

FCPA cases against the Och-Ziff hedge fund and its CEO and CFO and against VimpelCom Ltd. in which the companies paid hundreds of millions of dollars to settle the charges.

This has been a strong year for the Enforcement Division, with groundbreaking insider trading and FCPA cases and other important actions across the full spectrum of the securities laws, added Andrew J. Ceresney, Director of the SECs Enforcement Division. Through their hard work and steadfast dedication to our mission, the Divisions committed staff have helped protect investors and made our markets fairer and more reliable.

The agency also brought impactful first-of-their-kind actions in fiscal year 2016, including charges against: a firm solely for failing to file Suspicious Activity Reports when appropriate; an audit firm for auditor independence failures predicated on close personal relationships with audit clients; municipal advisors for violating the fiduciary duty for municipal advisors created by the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act and the municipal advisor antifraud provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act; a private equity adviser for acting as an unregistered broker; and an issuer of retail structured notes for misstatements and omissions. In addition, fiscal year 2016 included a first-of-its-kind trial victory: the first federal jury trial by the SEC against a municipality and one of its officers for violations of the federal securities laws.

Overview of SEC Enforcement in Fiscal Year 2016

The SEC brought many other impactful actions in fiscal year 2016 spanning the entire spectrum of the marketplace, examples of which are discussed below.

Combating Financial Fraud and Enhancing Issuer Disclosure

The SEC continued to prioritize issuer reporting and disclosure matters in fiscal year 2016 and brought a number of significant matters, including actions against companies and executives. These actions included: Weatherford International plc and two of its employees; Monsanto Company and three of its accounting and sales executives; First Mortgage Corporation and six senior executives; Navistar International Corporation and its former CEO; Logitech International and three of its former executives and a former director of accounting; 11 former executives and board members at Superior Bank and its holding company; RPM International Inc. and its General Counsel; IEC Electronics Corp. and two former executives; Uni-Pixel, Inc. and its former CEO and CFO; Martin Shkreli; and The St. Joe Company and five of its former top executives.

Holding Gatekeepers Accountable

Held attorneys, accountants and other gatekeepers accountable for failures to comply with professional standards.

In the second non-independence case against a major audit firm since 2009, charged Grant Thornton LLP, which admitted wrongdoing, and two of its partners, with ignoring red flags and fraud risks while conducting deficient audits of two publicly traded companies that the SEC had separately charged with improper accounting and other violations.

Brought important actions against auditing firms for violating auditor independence rules, including two Grant Thornton firms and Ernst & Young LLP.

Charged a private fund administrator with missing or ignoring clear indications of fraud while it was contracted to keep records and prepare financial statements and investor account statements for two client funds that the SEC charged with fraud.

Sanctioned a consultant to a Texas-based oil company based on charges that he improperly evaluated the severity of the companys internal control deficiencies (in addition to charges against the company, senior executives, and an outside auditor).

Charged lawyers with allegedly offering EB-5 investments while not registered to act as brokers.

Ensuring Fairness Among Market Participants

Sanctioned Barclays Capital Inc. and Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC for violating the federal securities laws while operating alternative trading systems (ATSs); Barclays admitted wrongdoing and agreed to pay a $35 million penalty  the largest penalty ever assessed against a dark pool  and Credit Suisse agreed to pay over $54 million in monetary sanctions, representing the largest overall settlement against an ATS.

Sanctioned Merrill Lynch for violations of the Market Access Rule, which requires firms to have adequate risk controls in place before providing customers with access to the market and imposed the largest penalty ever assessed in a Market Access Rule case ($12.5 million).

Imposed a $1 million penalty on Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC for the firms failure to adopt written policies and procedures reasonably designed to protect customer records and information.

Rooting Out Insider Trading Schemes Through Innovative Uses of Data and Analytics

Charged 78 parties in cases involving trading on the basis of inside information. A number of these cases involved complex insider trading rings which were cracked by Enforcements innovative uses of data and analytics to spot suspicious trading.

For example, brought insider trading cases against: two hedge fund managers and their source, who was a former employee of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration; a former Goldman Sachs employee; and a former senior employee at Puma Biotechnology Inc.

Uncovering Misconduct by Investment Advisers and Investment Companies

Brought eight enforcement actions related to private equity advisers, including cases against: three private equity fund advisers within The Blackstone Group; Fenway Partners, LLC and four of its employees; Cherokee Investment Partners, LLC and Cherokee Advisers, LLC; JH Partners, LLC; Blackstreet Capital Management, LLC and its managing member and principal owner; WL Ross & Co. LLC; four private equity fund advisers affiliated with Apollo Global Management; and First Reserve Management, L.P. Including these actions, the SEC has now brought eleven private equity-related actions in the last two years.

Charged Aequitas Management LLC, four affiliates, and three of the firms top executives, with allegedly hiding the rapidly deteriorating financial condition of its enterprise while raising more than $350 million from more than 1,500 investors.

Sanctioned three AIG affiliates for steering mutual fund clients toward more expensive share classes so the firms could collect more fees.

Charged Morgan Stanley Investment Management based on unlawful prearranged trades known as parking that favored certain clients over others made by one of its portfolio managers. Also charged the portfolio manager, SG Americas, and a trader at SG Americas who assisted the schemes.

Sanctioned 13 investment advisory firms found to have violated securities laws by repeating the false claims made by investment management firm F-Squared Investments about its flagship product without obtaining sufficient documentation supporting these claims.

Fighting Market Manipulation and Microcap Fraud

Suspended trading in the securities of 199 issuers in order to combat market manipulation and microcap fraud threats to investors, including 19 issuers arising from a microcap fraud-fighting initiative known as Operation Shell-Expel.

Obtained a court order freezing the profits of a foreign trader who allegedly manipulated the stock of a Silicon Valley technology firm through a false EDGAR filing traced to a computer in Pakistan.

Obtained an emergency court order to freeze the assets of a United Kingdom resident charged with allegedly intruding into the online brokerage accounts of U.S. investors to make unauthorized stock trades that allowed him to profit on trades in his own account.

Charged several alleged perpetrators behind a $78 million pump-and-dump scheme involving the stock of Jammin Java, a company that operates as Marley Coffee.

Charged proprietary trading firm Briargate Trading LLP and one of its co-founders with engaging in a manipulative trading strategy known as spoofing.

Sanctioned three traders for two fraudulent trading schemes involving the mismarking of option orders to obtain execution priority and avoid transaction fees charged by options exchanges and spoofing to generate liquidity rebates from an options exchange.

Halting International and Affinity-Based Investment Frauds

Charged and obtained asset freezes against the operator of a worldwide pyramid scheme that allegedly falsely promised investors would profit from a venture purportedly backed by the companys massive amber holdings.

Charged Vu H. Le a/k/a Vinh H. Le and his company, TeamVinh.com LLC, in connection with their alleged fraudulent raising of more than $3 million from over 5,600 investors throughout the United States and in various foreign countries through a multi-level marketing scheme.

Charged entities and individuals with schemes targeting seniors and the elderly, including:

Charges against a Los Angeles-based litigation marketing company and its co-founders for allegedly defrauding retirees and other investors who were told they would earn hefty investment returns from settlement proceeds.

Charges against two brothers, and a company that they founded purportedly to develop and sell real estate for allegedly engaging in a $2.7 million Ponzi scheme that targeted approximately 30, largely elderly and unsophisticated investors over a six-year period.

Policing the Public Finance Markets

Announced enforcement actions against 14 municipal underwriting firms and 71 municipal issuers and other obligated persons for violations in municipal bond offerings as part of the Municipalities Continuing Disclosure Cooperation (MCDC) Initiative.

Charged State Street Bank and Trust Company, a former State Street senior vice president, and a lobbyist with conducting a pay-to-play scheme to win contracts to service Ohio pension funds.

Charged Ramapo, N.Y., its local development corporation, and four town officials who allegedly hid a deteriorating financial situation from their municipal bond investors.

Charged Californias largest agricultural water district, its general manager and former assistant general manager with misleading investors about its financial condition as it issued a $77 million bond offering.

Charged a municipal advisor, its CEO, and two employees for breaching their fiduciary duty by failing to disclose a conflict of interest to a municipal client.

Cracking Down on Misconduct Involving Complex Financial Instruments

Charged UBS AG, Merrill Lynch, and UBS Financial Services with violations related to structured notes.

Sanctioned credit rating agency DBRS Inc. for misrepresenting its surveillance methodology for ratings of certain complex instruments.

Combating Foreign Corrupt Practices

Filed significant FCPA actions against PTC Inc. and two of its Chinese subsidiaries; LAN Airlines and its CEO; Anheuser-Busch InBev; Qualcomm Incorporated; Las Vegas Sands Corp.; AstraZeneca PLC; and GlaxoSmithKline plc.

Announced non-prosecution agreements with two unrelated companies who both self-reported misconduct and cooperated extensively with the SEC.

Standing Up for Whistleblowers

The whistleblower program awarded over $57 million to 13 whistleblowers in fiscal year 2016, which is more than in all previous years combined.

Brought the first stand-alone action for retaliation against a whistleblower.

Charged Anheuser-Busch, Merrill Lynch, BlueLinx Holdings Inc., and Health Net Inc. for violating Exchange Act Rule 21F-17, which prohibits the use of confidentiality agreements or other actions to impede a whistleblower from communicating with the SEC.

Demanding Admissions in Important Cases Enhancing Public Accountability

Demanded and obtained acknowledgements of wrongdoing under the admissions policy. Cases from this fiscal year involved an audit firm that issued false and misleading unqualified audit opinions, a failure to disclose conflicts of interest to clients, violating federal securities laws while operating an ATS, an unregistered securities offering by Ethiopias electric utility, violations of the SECs Customer Protection Rule, a computer coding error that caused incomplete blue sheet data to be provided to the SEC, among other actions.

Successful Litigation

Won five U.S. District Court jury or bench trials in fiscal year 2016. Obtained favorable jury verdicts in the following cases:

Nan Huang was found liable for illegally insider trading on information he obtained while working as a data analyst for credit card issuer Capital One.

Former stock brokers Daryl Payton and Benjamin Durant were found liable for insider trading ahead of a $1.2 billion acquisition of SPSS Inc. by IBM Corporation.

Stephen Ferrone, the former CEO of biopharmaceutical company Immunosyn Corp., was found liable for fraudulently misleading investors about regulatory approval of the companys sole product, and for signing and filing false certifications included with Immunosyns annual and quarterly reports.

The City of Miami and its former budget director Michael Boudreaux were found liable for multiple counts of antifraud violations of the federal securities laws in connection with the citys disclosures concerning the deteriorating financial condition of the city during 2007 and 2008 and in three separate offerings of municipal securities in 2009.
(Bloomberg) Theranos Inc. and founder Elizabeth Holmes were accused in a lawsuit of duping investors about the embattled medical-testing firms performance and technology to raise about $100 million in funding for the startup. Partner Investments LP sued Theranos in Delaware state court Monday seeking to rescind a stock-purchase agreement in the wake of scandals involving the Palo Alto, California-based companys blood-testing capabilities. The hedge fund claims Theranos officials lied about the firms performance to raise funding.

To read this article:
The shipyard announced yesterday morning that it has signed a memorandum of agreement with Royal Caribbean Cruises, a cruise line operator based in Miami, for the construction of two liquefied natural gas-powered cruise ships. The cruise ships will also feature a number of green innovations, such as a fuel cell-based power generation system.

Meyer Turku has landed another order for two next-generation cruise ships worth an estimated 1.6 billion euros, reports Helsingin Sanomat .

Jan Meyer, the chief executive officer of Meyer Werft, states in a press release that he is excited about and grateful for the opportunity to advance maritime technology together with Royal Caribbean Cruises.

Our common aim is to develop fuel cells to a level that allows their usage in a significant application to power the ship's hotel functions, he says.

We begin the journey to take the smoke out of our smokestacks, says Richard Fain, the chief executive officer of Royal Caribbean Cruises.

Olli Rehn (Centre), the Minister of Economic Affairs, estimates in a press release that the orders will create new jobs and spur innovations not only at Meyer Turku but throughout its nationwide chain of sub-contractors.

The shipyard alone will need 500 new employees. The combined employment effect of the received orders is over 15,000 man-years, he says.

Meyer Turku highlights in its press release that the orders will enable it to ramp up its output well above the all-time high levels recorded during the construction of MS Allure of the Seas and MS Oasis of the Seas in 20072009. The orders, it adds, will also enable it to invest in developing the capabilities of the entire maritime cluster by providing an unprecedented level of stability.

The plan is to modernise the shipyard into a modern data-driven ship factory, says Meyer.

Meyer Werft, he points out, is investing more than 75 million euros in Finland  more than any other company in the industry. The investments will according to him be made not only in the technological capabilities of the shipyard but also in people.

This is a very interesting time for the shipyard's specialists  as we are re-creating the way we work and advancing our product technology. I'm very proud of the level of competence of our Finnish team, he says.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT

Photo: Ella Kiviniemi  Lehtikuva
The Shippensburg Area School District board of directors voted 6-2 Monday to hold a Section 780 hearing at 6 p.m. Dec. 15 in the senior high auditorium to gather community input regarding the future of Grace B. Luhrs University Elementary School.

Luhrs school is on the Shippensburg University campus but is part of the Shippensburg Area School District. Operating costs are shared by the school district and the university.

According to Superintendent Chester Mummau, the hearing will allow area residents to express their opinions and concerns regarding closure of the school and district realignment, or elimination of programs.

Our hope is to get a lot more state revenue, but we wont know that until spring, he said.

A school district cannot close a school without first holding a 780 hearing.

The board is expected to act on the hearing in March or April.

Directors Susan Spicka and Thomas Enderlein voted against holding the hearing.

Spicka said the school district pays about $125,000 each year to operate Luhrs school. She said the cost would be much higher, and other schools in the district would be overcrowded, if it were closed.

She also praised test scores at Luhrs school and said that closing the school would not be a good decision for either the district or its students.

We would hurt children if we close that school, she said.

Enderlein said he agrees with Spicka.

He acknowledged that the district is operating on a restricted budget but said working together with the university is his top priority.

I would prefer to work on the affiliation agreement (with the university) as opposed to gathering data, he said.

Director Hunter Meredith said the board does not want to close Luhrs school. The hearing is only to gather information so the board can gain knowledge, review its options and act responsibly, he said.

During public comment, Deborah Pelow asked why the board believes a 780 hearing is necessary if it only wants to gather information.

Board President Mark Buterbaugh replied that the reasons are financial and the prospect of working out a long-term agreement.

Another resident, Nathan Thomas, asked why the board couldnt gather and examine statistics without a 780 hearing.

Also at Mondays meeting, Assistant Superintendent Matt Strine reported that the intermediate school was recognized as a high progress school.

Were in the top 5 percent in the state, he said. Were now eligible for national recognition for our Title I program.

The board also heard a presentation from Cindy Mortzfeldt, executive director of the Capital Area Intermediate Unit.

According to Mortzfeldt, CAIU serves 24 school districts (including Shippensburg), two vo-tech schools and more than 50 nonpublic, charter and cyber charter schools in Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry and northern York counties. Its $82 million budget is funded in part by the schools it serves.

Among the services provided by CAIU are training and online instruction for administrators, teachers, parents and students; technology services; early intervention programs; school-age services; and events like a Tinker Expo, STEM competition, Math 24 Tournament, and regional computer fair.

Mortzfeldt told the board she is proud to work with local school districts to provide educational excellence for students and their families.

In addition, senior high ag teacher Kelly Bier was recognized in the districts Employee Spotlight program for October.

Bier, who has taught agriculture at Shippensburg since 2005, also serves as FFA advisor and Pennsylvania South Central regional FFA coordinator.
Industry recruiters honor top partner

From left: Kelly Hopkin, Oriole Mill; Brett and Tori Shaffer, Morrow Insurance; Aaron Gogolin, Whole Log Lumber; Natalie Canipe, DHG; Jacob McMinn, Carolina Specialties; Vikki Bailey, Asheville Savings Bank; Sara Landry, Lenoir Rhyne University.

GREEN RIVER  The Henderson County Partnership for Economic Development last week recognized Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. as Partner of the Year for its corporate citizenship and its valuable assistance in recruiting new business.

View the Slideshow Related Stories

The partnership held its annual event to thank supporters at Falling Creek Camp and amid a sensational outdoor setting held pre-dinner games, hosted a dinner catered by Hubba Hubba Smokehouse and bestowed its annual awards around a campfire.

Outgoing partnership chair Adam Shealey, an attorney with the Van Winkle Law Firm, relinquished the gavel to Will Buie, an engineer with WGLA firm. The partnership thanked departing board members Chip Gould, Cason Companies; Nathan Kennedy, BB&T; and Bill Harris (IMOCO) and recognized Christopher Chung, chief executive officer of the Economic Development Partnership of North Carolina, for his support of the countys jobs recruiting efforts.

Sierra Nevada, which started production at its brewery here in 2013, has welcomed new industrial prospects every time theyve been called upon, said Andrew Tate, president and CEO of the Henderson County partnership.

We wanted what theyve done not just by traditional measures but by working with the partnership on economic development, Tate said. They let us use their meeting rooms. Industrial prospects will get a private tour. Theyll talk to them about what its like since theyve been here and how theyve been treated.

Stan Cooper, co-manager of the Mills River plant, said that Sierra Nevada had been more than satisfied with the reception the company got when it first arrived and the reception its received since it opened the brewery. Cooper reminded the crowd of Oktoberfest at Sierra Nevada this weekend. With a final song, camp was dismissed.
Ask Matt ... what's going in old Harris-Teeter

Planet Fitness will open in the old Harris Teeter space on Spartanburg Highway at Chadwick Avenue.

Q. I see that there is some activity in the old Harris Teeter building on Spartanburg Highway. Whats going on?

Related Stories

Good news for anyone who needs a workout  Planet Fitness in moving in. The membership exercise studio is scheduled to open in early December. Planet Fitness has 1,000 locations and the closest is in Greenville, S.C. The company boasts membership starting at $10 a month. The fitness club will use only 22,000 square feet of the former Harris Teeter space. The shopping center owner will wall off a smaller area and lease it to a future tenant.

Q. How did they come up with the number 285,000 for the crowd at this years Apple Festival?

I tossed this question to David Nicholson, the Festivals Executive Director who was quick to say, 285,000 is an estimate because unlike gated entry events, you can enter the downtown street fair 20 different ways. The crowd count is based on the Jacobs Method, a commonly accepted technique where the number in one block is estimated and then multiplied by the total number of blocks. Crowd turnover must be factored as well. The Apple Festival count also includes those persons off the streets hiding out inside the downtown stores and restaurants  or bathrooms. We had 35,000 alone that visited the Visitors Center to use our facilities, said Beth Cardin with the Tourism Development Authority. This years four-day Apple Festival was probably our biggest weekend crowd yet.

Crowd estimates can often be controversial. Many may remember the 1995 Million Man March that gathered on the National Mall in Washington, DC. The march organizers estimated the crowd at over 1.5 million but the National Park Police put the number at 400,000. Unhappy with the low number, Louis Farrakhan who was the head organizer of the march, threatened to sue. Congress later ordered the Park Police to stop releasing crowd size estimates to avoid controversy. So what was the real count of the Million Man March? Using a grid system and density factors, experts at Boston University put the total at 837,214 with a 20% margin of error. Thats a huge margin.

There are new methods of crowd counting using overhead digital cameras and refining the individuals down to pixels giving weight to different configurations and sizes of the blobs of pixels and then using algorithms to convert blobs to people. The computer counting methods work well with people in motion but often miss people who blend into the background or are in shadowed areas. Yes, a big dog could be counted as a kid, but heck, arent dogs people too?

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ADD SHIRTTAIL
Down in the dark where the demons live, Donald Trump surely knows hes DOA. So he figures that what the heck, he might as well do his best to exhibit his very worst.

And during the second presidential debate, Trump went full thug. He said that if he wins, hell sic a special prosecutor on Hillary Clinton and lock her away. And when Clinton said, its just awfully good that someone with the temperament of Donald Trump is not in charge of the law of our country, he shot back: Because youd be in jail.

Presumably, we have not become so numb to his demagoguery that we cannot recognize the clear and present danger he poses to our democratic values.

Not surprisingly, his latest debate performance was studded with lowlights. He said that his boasting of sexual assault caught on tape was just locker room talk, but I can attest, from personal experience, that locker-room guys pushing 60 dont talk about assaulting women. They mostly whine that attractive women treat them like theyre invisible. By the way, Trump also said, Nobody has more respect for women than I do, and I wont even bother to parse that one.

Lets see, what else ... He said that Clinton has tremendous hate in her heart, which is what the shrinks call psychological projection, the need to defend oneself against ones worst unconscious impulses. He also made all kinds of excuses for Putin, which figures. He also denied that he sent a late-night tweet asking us to check out sex tape of a former beauty queen, lying about the very thing we all saw with our own eyes.

Lets see, what else ... When a Muslim-American asked Trump, How will you help people like me deal with the consequences of being labeled as a threat to the country? he replied that Muslims should stop abetting terrorism. For instance, In San Bernardino, many people saw the bombs all over the apartment of the two people that killed 14 and wounded many, many people. Therefore, Muslims have to report the problems when they see them. Theres no evidence whatsoever that Muslims in San Bernadino saw bombs all over the apartment and refused to report it.

Lets see, what else ... He stonewalled yet again about his tax returns and his income taxes. And hes not even in sync with his running mate about whether to get tough with Russia. When Trump was told that Mike Pence wants to meet Russian provocations with American strength, he replied: He and I havent spoken, and I disagree. (Um ... Your running mate said that stuff about Russia five nights earlier, tough stuff that contradicts your soft stance, and you didnt speak to him in all that time?)

But of all the lowlights (and there were many more), his banana republic thuggery ranked highest. Ari Fleischer, who served as George W. Bushs secretary, who in no way can be considered a fan of Hillary Clinton, said last night: Winning candidates dont threaten to put opponents in jail. Presidents dont threaten prosecution of individuals. Trump is wrong.

Trump is worse than wrong. He aspires to be Putins Mini-Me, to be a tinpot dictator like Juan Peron. He has no respect for the peaceful transition of power  in part because he is ruled by his vile temperament and his vengeful impulses; in part because he has never spent a day in public service, appointive or elective, and therefore has no clue about the responsible exercise of power.

He goes on national TV, in a debate watched by tens of millions of Americans, and threatens a politically-motived prosecution as if it were normal. Shame on us if we take this as normal.

Most of what Trump said and did last night will be applauded by his wingnut peanut gallery, which has a bottomless thirst for his serial lies and demagogic drivel. He has a lock on 35 to 40 percent of the electorate  thats his floor  but his debate performance wont raise his ceiling. There simply arent enough acolytes to comprise a winning majority. Based on what he said and did Sunday night, will tens of millions of new voters suddenly flock to him? Will the dozens of Republican lawmakers who dumped him this weekend suddenly change their minds? Nah. And now theyre on record demanding that he quit the race.

Imagine that. A month away from election day, and the nominee of a major party is under siege to quit. But hey, Im glad hes defiant. For the sake of the democratic values we revere, the best scenario is for this fatally-wounded wildebeest to lumber wildly across the land, bleeding from his wherevers, to the bitter end.
Gardai outside the Dail ahead of the Budget speeches

A total of 290m has been allocated for pay increases across the public sector by Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe.

This is in keeping with the amount required in 2017 to implement the measures set out in the Lansdowne Road Agreement.

It will see public service personnel who earn less than 65,000 receive a payment of 1,000 next September.

An additional 4,500 public sector workers will also be hired.

An extra 800 gardai are to be hired and trained in 2017, which is part of the Government's promise to increase the force to 15,000.

Target

An extra 28m has been included to help achieve that target.

The recruitment of civilian staff will also be accelerated in 2017 to help fill shortfalls in personnel and free up a large number of desk-bound trained officers for frontline duties.

More funding is also being made available to continue garda operations against serious crime such as Operation Hybrid patrols, an armed response to the feuding in the capital.

Funding will also be made available to continue Operation Thor, an initiative targeting burglary gangs in cities and rural Ireland.

A five-year reform and investment strategy is also being established.

Overall funding for Justice will rise to 2.5bn.

The Minister for Public Expenditure also announced that funding for the Department of Defence is to increase by 16m, which includes funding missions both at home and abroad.

Almost 500 Defence Force personnel are participating in 11 different missions around the world, including vital search-and-rescue operations in the Mediterranean Sea.
A Tallaght Hospital spokesperson said restrictions have been put in place with immediate effect

Visits to Tallaght Hospital have been restricted following an outbreak of a deadly, antibiotic-resistant "nightmare bacteria" which can kill up to half of the people it infects.

The hospital yesterday took the step after a number of patients tested positive for Carbapenem Resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE).

A statement from the hospital said the infection which can be caused by CRE is "difficult but not impossible" to treat.

According to the Centres for Diseases Control and Prevention in the United States, healthy people do not usually get CRE infections.

They usually happen to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other healthcare settings.

"Some CRE bacteria have become resistant to most available antibiotics," according to the website.

"Infections with these germs are very difficult to treat, and can be deadly - one report cites they can contribute to death in up to 50pc of patients who become infected."

It has been called a "nightmare bacteria" by the organisation's director, Dr Tom Frieden.

The first case of CRE in Ireland was reported in 2009.

A Tallaght Hospital spokesperson said restrictions have been put in place with immediate effect and it was unclear when they could be lifted.

Co-operation

One visitor only per patient is permitted during designated visiting hours, which for the adult hospital are from 2pm to 4pm and 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

Children will not be permitted to visit this section of the facility under any circumstances.

However, parents and guardians of paediatric inpatients are allowed to visit as normal as the paediatric unit is not affected.

"Tallaght Hospital is appealing to the public for their support in observing these restrictions and management would like to acknowledge the co-operation of the public in advance," a statement said.

"As always, patients with non-urgent requirements are urged to seek advice from their local GP before presenting to Tallaght Hospital Emergency Department."

Earlier this month it emerged Ireland was over-using so-called 'last defence' antibiotics which increase the risks of superbugs, such as CRE, becoming untreatable.

Figures for antibiotic consumption in 2015 showed Irish hospitals, among facilities in other countries, were high users of drugs like carbapenems which are last-line treatments for serious infections.

These drugs need to be used sparingly to avoid bugs becoming resistant to them.

An eminent economist and epidemiologist, Prof Ramanan Laxminarayan, spoke recently at the O'Brien lecture in UCD where he warned of "potentially catastrophic results" if antibiotic overuse was not curtailed.

The report on antibiotic use in hospitals by the disease watchdog, the Health Protection Surveillance Centre, said our consumption of carbapenems in Ireland has tripled since 2008 and peaked in 2014, with the figure for 2015 unchanged.
Mary Bissett started using drugs when she was aged just 12

A mother-of-one who broke into a pensioner's home, robbed another person of a purse, cash and phone and committed a number of thefts from supermarkets and a chemist has been sentenced to five months in prison.

Mary Bissett and another woman broke into the pensioner's home in Clondalkin, setting off the alarm.

The pensioner, who was living alone, identified Bissett and the other women as the two people who broke into the house as both women ended up fighting with each other on the green outside shortly after the break-in, Swords District Court heard.

Bissett, who has 16 previous convictions, admitted committing the burglary, which took place on July 23.

She also pleaded guilty to the theft of 1,174 worth of cosmetics from Boots Chemist at The Mill Shopping Centre in Clondakin on January 31.

Theft

The defendant, of Dale Tree Place, Firhouse in Tallaght, further pleaded guilty to the theft of gammon steaks from Lidl on Thomas Street on December 9 last year and also pleaded guilty to the theft of a purse with 600 and an iPhone 5 from another person on O'Connell Street, Dublin, on July 18 last year.

The court heard Bissett did not use any violence when she burgled the pensioner's home.

Defence barrister Patrick Jackson said Bissett, who is a drug addict, first starting to take drugs at the age of 12.

"She has been clean for periods of time," he said.

He said the 27-year-old, who has one child, is currently in custody serving time for unpaid fines and has apologised to gardai.

Judge Dermot Dempsey imposed a four-month sentence for the theft of the purse, cash and iPhone.

He also convicted and sentenced her to four months for the burglary and convicted and sentenced her to five months for the theft from Boots.

All the sentences are to run concurrently.
Gerard Stevens, James Reid (pictured) and Graham Palmer are among seven people accused of murdering Dale Creighton Picture: Collins

Gerard Stevens (27) of Grosvner Square, Rathmines, pictured arriving at the Central Criminal Court in Dublin this morning where he is accused of the murder of Dale Creighton in Tallaght on January 1, 2014. Pic Collins Courts.

Gerard Stevens, James Reid and Graham Palmer (pictured) are among seven people accused of murdering Dale Creighton Picture: Collins Dublin

A murder trial was shown footage of what the prosecutor described as a "vicious, prolonged and sustained attack" on a 20-year-old man on a Dublin footbridge.

This involved kicks and stamps to his head and body, after which the young man was thrown down steps "like a rag doll" the Central Criminal Court heard.

The court also heard from a witness who said she saw a young man being chased on to the bridge, where six or seven individuals surrounded, kicked and punched him.

The evidence was presented to the jury yesterday on the first day of the trial for the murder of Dale Creighton.

The woman and six men, who are in their 20s, have all pleaded not guilty to murder.

Dale Creighton died on January 2, 2014 - about two days after an incident at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass between Saint Dominic's Road and Greenhills Road.

Charged with his murder are Aisling Burke (23) and David Burke (28), both with an address at Beechpark, Collinstown, Co Westmeath.

Also charged with murder there are Graham Palmer (26) of Park Avenue, Portarlington, Co Laois; Ross Callery (23) of Gortlum Cottages, Brittas, Co Dublin; James Reid (26) of Glen Aoibhinn, Gorey, Co Wexford; Jason Beresford (23) of Coill Diarmuida, Ard A Laoi, Castledermot, Co Kildare; and Gerard Stevens (27) of Grosvener Square, Rathmines in Dublin.

Each accused also pleaded not guilty to violent disorder.

Senior Counsel Sean Gillane opened the case for the prosecution, saying that each of the accused was responsible for the attack on Mr Creighton, that they had acted together and that "the intention had to be to cause serious injury, if not death".

Mr Gillane said that the event began around 4am on New Year's Day, when a girl was heard shouting that her phone was "being robbed".

"Someone shouted: 'Grab him' and a young man was pursued by a number of people," said Mr Gillane, explaining that this young man was Mr Creighton.

He said CCTV cameras had captured part of the incident on the footbridge, where he said all were present.

"You'll be satisfied that Dale Creighton was the subject of a vicious, prolonged, sustained attack and absolutely satisfied that this involved kicks and stamps to the head and body," he said.

Defenceless

"You'll be satisfied that sustained attack, in its entirety, occurred while Mr Creighton was on the ground, not only not defending himself, but defenceless and, at one point, off the ground because he was being held up while the subject of blows and kicks," he continued.

"Then, like a rag doll, (he was) dragged to the steps and thrown down the steps, being remonstrated with and shouted at," he said, adding that Mr Creighton was then picked up and brought back to the bridge and put on the ground again.

"The violence visited upon him was ... intensive, concentrated and very focused," he suggested. He said that this violence did not end until the gardai arrived.

"The accused ran off, leaving Mr Creighton figuratively and literally for dead," he said.

He said Mr Creighton was rushed to hospital but was unresponsive and never recovered. His skull was fractured and nasal bones broken; his cause of death was blunt force injuries to the head and face.

The jury was then shown CCTV footage taken between 3.48am and 4.10am. It was played without commentary.

The jury also heard from three locals, who had alerted gardai. One of these, Sile McCarthy, testified that she heard screaming and shouting at the bridge and saw a young man being punched at the bottom of the bridge.

"He ran up the steps," she said, recalling that a group of six or seven people then surrounded him.

"They were kicking and punching him into the head and body," she said. He collapsed on the bridge and wasn't moving.

She added that two of the men were holding on to railings while kicking him.

"The police arrived. Two of them jumped over the bridge," she recalled. "Some of them ran."

The trial continues before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy.
Abdelilah Bekirane elected as Prime minister of Morocco

Published: October 12, 2016

Abdelilah Bekirane was re-appointed as the Prime Minister of Morocco for second term. Benkirane has been serving as Prime Minister since November 2011.

It was officially announced by Mohammed VI, the king of Morocco after Benkiranes Islamic Justice and Development Party (PJD) emerged victorious in recent general election.

Now PM Bekirane will now reach out to other parties to form a coalition government as he does not have absolute majority in lower house.

Background

In recently concluded general election the PJD party had emerged single largest party by winning 125 seats.

While the opposition Authenticity and Modernity Party came second with 102 seats. Moroccos oldest party Istiqlal (Independence) Party emerged third winning 46 seats.

Morocco has multi-party system which makes it impossible for any political party to win an absolute majority in the lower house of 395 members.

Of the total 395 members, 305 are elected in multi-seat constituencies from electoral lists, while of the remaining 90 seats, 60 seats are reserved for a national list of women. Reest 30 seats are set aside for the young candidates below the age of 35.

About Abdelilah Bekirane

Born in 1954 in Rabat, Morocco. He holds graduate degree in Physics. He is former Managing Editor of Al-Islah, Ar-Raya and Attajdid newspapers.

In 2016, he was elected for a fifth term in Parliament and represents Sale constituency since November 1997. Since 2008, he is secretary-general of the Justice and Development Party of Morocco.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2016

Topics: Abdelilah Bekirane  Elections  International  Morocco  Persons in News

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A new City Library planned for Parnell Square in Dublin will cost up to 100m, city councillors have been told.

Substantial costs on top of the original 60m estimate need to be factored into the overall figure, including professional fees of 10.5m, Vat of 13m, the provision of digital systems and other equipment and significant cost factors.

Converted

Dublin City Librarian Margaret Hayes gave an update on progress on the proposed project to members of the council's Central Area Committee yesterday.

Committee chairman Ciaran Cuffe welcomed the project but questioned the 100m cost and asked if the old Central Bank building on Dame Street, on the market for 40m, could have been bought and converted.

Ms Hayes said the Central Bank building was considered but the central core of that building was "too gloomy" for a library.

It was felt the families and children of the north inner city would benefit greatly by locating it in Parnell Square, she said.

The project is being financed by the Parnell Square Foundation, a registered charity, and will be carried out by its wholly-owned development company PSQ Developments Ltd, with the support of the city council, international real estate firm Kennedy Wilson and the Office of Public Works.

The project will incorporate the old Colaiste Mhuire school's Georgian buildings, the Hugh Lane Gallery and a number of other adjoining buildings to form an extensive cultural campus for the city.

Deputy City Architect Owen O'Doherty said construction will begin in 2019 and it will open in 2021. It will replace the Central Library in the Ilac Centre.

A 200-seat conference and auditorium space is also envisaged, along with a live music venue suitable for recording.

Seed

There will also be a child-friendly educational centre with capacity for up to 120 people, a music centre, a design space and a business innovation centre.

The Kennedy Wilson firm has donated 2.5m in seed capital funds to get the project to the planning application stage. The Council has committed 1.8m over three years.

Funds are also being raised via the Parnell Square Foundation at home and abroad.
Mortgage interest relief for residential property landlords will be increased by 5pc to 80pc next year and will eventually be 100pc following a phased restoring basis

A help-to-buy scheme is the main incentive from the Government to address the shortage of homes.

First-time buyers building new houses will be offered a rebate of income tax paid over the previous four tax years up to a maximum of 5pc of the purchase price of a new home up to 400,000.

Pro rata rates will apply to lower-priced houses and a full rebate calculated on 400,000 will also apply to houses over 400,000 and up to 600,000. No rebate will be paid on house purchases over 600,000.

It remains to be seen how successful the scheme, for new-builds only, will be in Dublin, where space is at a premium and land prices costly.

First-time buyers will secure a letter from the Revenue Commissioners setting out the amount of rebate to be claimed, which will be provided to a mortgage lender.

Deposit

This amount will be used to part-fund a deposit, and the money will be paid by Revenue to the purchaser and the cash remitted to the bank.

The amount claimed from Revenue must have been paid in taxes over the four-year period. You cannot claim more than you have paid in tax. A mortgage of at least 80pc of the purchase price must be drawn down. This is to eliminate cash buyers from the scheme.

The housing measures were welcomed by Jim Clery, head of real estate at KPMG.

"The key measure is the Help-To-Buy scheme, which we hope will assist first-time buyers raise the necessary deposit to acquire their first home. It is highly targeted. We think it should help supply to increase," he said.

Second-hand properties are not included in the Help-To-Buy scheme, but the Home Renovation Incentive Scheme will be extended by two years to the end of 2018.

This measure provides tax relief to home-owners who undertake renovations.

Mortgage interest relief for residential property landlords will be increased by 5pc to 80pc next year and will eventually be 100pc following a phased restoring basis.

One of the main issues surrounding housing in the capital has been the homeless crisis, with almost 1,000 families in emergency accommodation in August.

In response, the Govern- ment announced the allocation for emergency accommodation for homeless people would increase by 28m to 100m.

Landlords and renters have been given a slight boost with the announcement that the income ceiling that applies under the Rent-A-Room scheme has been increased by 2,000 to 14,000.
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The biannual Fall Arcadia Valley Mountain Music Festival returns this weekend for three days of free bluegrass, country and gospel music held on the grounds of the historic Iron County Courthouse in Ironton.

Starting Friday evening and continuing through Sunday afternoon, the Arcadia Valley Chamber of Commerce-sponsored festival also features a number of artisans, crafters and food vendors. It's described by event planners as "an old fashioned 'homegrown' celebration rarely found these days."

The fall edition of the festival is held the same weekend as the annual Arcadia Valley Missouri Fall Festival Parade which, at 86 years, is the longest running parade in the state of Missouri. The floats are built by parents and students in a competition that starts early in the school year and focuses on fundraisers to earn money for the floats and a talent competition held immediately before the crowning of the Fall Festival queen on Saturday night.

Featured musicians performing this weekend include

 The Baker Family, a bluegrass group from south central Missouri featuring Elijah Baker, 12; Carina Baker, 14; Trustin Baker, 17; and their mother, Carrie Baker.

 George Portz & Friends of Bluegrass, an Illinois-based group, was founded in 1978. It blends its bluegrass roots with traditional Irish and Louisiana Cajun music. Band members include George Portz, Ranger Dave Montgomery, David Dalton, Zach Hardesty, Kathie Pohlman and guest vocalist Brenda Cook.

 Big Mill, formed in 2011 and from the Ozark Mountain region, performs traditional bluegrass music. Its members are John Taylor, Bill Gage, Randy Odell, Darren Osborne and Lyn Baker.

 Cedar Hill was formed by its patriarch and mandolin player, Frank Ray, about 40 years ago. It's a traditional bluegrass band made up of Jim Bunch, Pete Brown, Patti LaFleur and Dan Stokely.

 String Circle, from Wappapello, was formed in 1998 when seven church members volunteered to play acoustic gospel music at the request of the pastor of Westwood Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. As time passed, the group was pared down to four musicians. Founding members still performing with the group are Don Goff, Ann McAllister and Sandy Taurone. Their current guitarist is Carl Johnson.
November will give voters the opportunity to decide important races for the presidency, statewide offices, and other state and local offices and issues.

Missourians will also have the opportunity to decide several ballot measures that could make important changes to the way the state operates. Ranging in topic from voter identification to tax increases on cigarettes, the ballot issues represent the efforts of the legislature and the initiative petition process, as well as the state constitution, to empower voters to decide important issues for the state. These races and issues make it extremely important that voters turn out to make their voices heard on November 8.

A detailed overview of three of the ballot issues is included below; next weeks report will contain the remaining three. (All of the ballot measures appear on pages 15-17 of this issue of the Democrat News.)

Constitutional Amendment 1  Missouris Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax

Constitutional Amendment 1 will give Missourians the opportunity to decide if the state should continue its one-tenth of one percent sales/use tax that is used to support soil and water conservation, and for state parks and historic sites. The tax was first approved by voters in 1984, and then again in 1988, 1996, and 2006. The renewal of the tax is re-submitted to voters every 10 years under the state constitution. The tax generates approximately $90 million each year for soil and water conservation, and for the operation of the state park system.

Supporters of the tax point out that more than 61,000 conservation practices have been implemented through $348 million in cost-share grant projects since the tax was last renewed in 2006. The funds have helped to prevent millions of tons of soil from eroding into Missouris rivers and lakes. Funding is also utilized to maintain and improve Missouris 88 parks and historic sites.

Constitutional Amendment 2  Campaign Contribution Limits

If approved by voters, Constitutional Amendment 2 will re-establish campaign contribution limits in Missouri. The state previously had limits in place that were approved by voters in 1994. The limits were repealed by the General Assembly in 2008.

Constitutional Amendment 2 would limit contributions to individual candidates to $2,600 per election. It would limit contributions to political parties to $25,000 each election. The amendment is also designed to prevent individuals and entities from intentionally concealing the source of the contributions. Additionally, the amendment would create a complaint process and penalties for violating its requirements.

Supporters of the amendment say it is important to restore limits so that large donors do not have too much influence in the political realm. Opponents say the current system ensures transparency in the system and a return to limits will only cause large donors to hide their contributions by funneling them through various political committees.

Constitutional Amendment 3  Cigarette Tax Increase for Early Childhood Education

Constitutional Amendment 3 is one of two proposals on the ballot that would increase the tax on cigarettes. Amendment 3 would increase taxes on cigarettes until 2020 when the total increase would reach 60 cents per pack of 20. The amendment also would create a 67-cent per pack fee for wholesalers to pay on certain cigarettes.

If approved by voters the amendment would generate between $263 million and $374 million each year. The additional revenues would be placed in an Early Childhood Health and Education Trust Fund and utilized for early childhood education.

Supporters of the proposal say Missouri lags behind other states in providing state-funded preschool programs. They also note that Missouri currently has the lowest tax on cigarette sales in the country. Missouri currently taxes cigarettes at the rate of 17 cents per pack tax while the national average is at $1.65 per pack. Opponents have raised concerns that the proposal is a tax scheme that will divert money away from public K-12 schools and allow for public funds to be used by private schools. They also note that language in the proposal would restrict the funding from being used for the enforcement of tobacco laws and smoking cessation programs. Additionally, the funds raised by the measure would be allocated by an unelected commission rather than by the normal appropriations process.
JEFFERSON CITY  Missouri Chief Justice Patricia Breckenridge recognized Judge Rob Fulton from Madison County for participation in the judicial transfer and partnership programs during a ceremony honoring exemplary service to the people of Missouri.

The ceremony was Sept. 22 as part of the annual meeting of the Judicial Conference of Missouri, the organization of all state judges, which was held in conjunction with the annual meeting of The Missouri Bar at The Lodge of Four Seasons Resort in Lake Ozark.

The judicial transfer and partnership programs maximize the efficient use of Missouris available judicial resources. In the partnership program, presiding judges of the partnered circuits, through direct and continuous consultation, arrange for the transfer of judicial resources. In the transfer program, the presiding judge of a circuit can ask the Supreme Court of Missouri to assign a judge from anywhere in the state to hear cases in the circuit.

We are so pleased with how well the judicial transfer and partnership programs have been working, Breckenridge said. We have qualified, capable, and experienced judges in Missouri, and we appreciate the service of those who travel outside their home counties to hear cases throughout the state. This is a much-needed judicial service that ultimately helps ensure the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of Missouris courts and their availability to resolve the peoples disputes.

Judge Fulton has served as an associate circuit judge since January 1, 2007. He previously worked in private practice at the Schnapp, Fulton, Fall, Silvey and Reid law firm for 26 years. Fulton earned his bachelors degree in 1978 from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau and his law degree in 1981 from University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina. Judge Fulton and his wife Karen have resided in Madison County since December, 1980.
Comings and goings: Boot Barn in the works; Clorox plant opens

New store could be the third to move into Valley Plaza this year.
The retrial of murder conspiracy suspect Nanette Litherland began on Tuesday at the St. Francois County Courthouse with jury selection taking place in the morning and opening statements commencing immediately after lunch.

Nanette Litherland has been accused of orchestrating the murder of her then husband Jerry Litherland. She was initially tried in June 2013 and found guilty of first-degree murder and first-degree assault for conspiring with Jacob Feldman in the Nov. 8, 2009 shooting death of Jerry Litherland and the non-fatal shooting of James Litherland, her father-in-law, on Sept. 22, 2009.

In September 2015, the Missouri Court of Appeals/Eastern District reversed the judgment of the trial court and remanded Nanette Litherland's case for a new trial. The appeals court found that Circuit Court Judge Kenneth W. Pratte, now retired, erred by not granting the defense attorney's last-minute request for a continuance of trial.

Feldman was convicted of pulling the trigger and is already serving life in prison without the possibility of probation or parole for the murder. He was sentenced in Aug. 2012.

In his opening statement to the jury on Tuesday, Assistant Attorney General Monty Platz presented to jurors a summary of the prosecutions case, including some details about how Nanette Litherland conspired with Feldman, her son Thomas Buhler (who was sentenced in Nov. 2013 to serve eight years in prison) and Buhlers then wife, Gwen Buhler (now Orr) to kill her husband Jerry Litherland.

Platz said Nanette Litherland was charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder because of a plot she devised with her accomplices to gain a substantial amount of money in life insurance.

According to Platz, Feldman was living with the Litherland family and fell in love with their daughter, Mary. Nanette Litherland convinced Feldman to kill her husband by concocting a story that Jerry was abusing Mary. Nanette Litherland also promised Feldman a $100,000 payout upon receiving money from Jerrys life insurance policy.

A few days prior to the murder, Nanette Litherland told Feldman there was a change to the insurance policy and there would be no money after that weekend, so the plan had to be carried out immediately.

Platz said Gwen Buhler had agreed to provide an alibi for Feldman and was to say he was at her house at the time of the murder. She also allegedly offered Feldman a place to live after the murder occurred. Thomas Buhlers role was to provide Feldman with a rifle and a ride to the residence where Jerry Litherland was living at the time.

Toward the end of his opening presentation, Platz explained that the groups plans failed for a number of reasons, including conflicting and changing stories told by the co-conspirators and a detailed confession to police by Feldman in March of 2010 and another confession by Gwen Buhler.

In his opening statement, Jeff Estes, Nanette Litherlands public defender, started out by saying the defenses case would show that the defendant had nothing to do with the murder of her husband and the attempted murder of her father-in-law.

She did not want him to die, he said. She still loves him to this day.

He proceeded to outline a summary of the defense case and some of the evidence he would be presenting to support his clients innocence, including testimony by Feldman and the defendant.

After the conclusion of opening statements, Platz began his presentation of evidence by playing a recording of the 911 call made by Nanette Litherland on the night of the murder.

During the call, the dispatcher asked Nanette Litherland and two others, identified as James Litherland and Gwen Buhler (Orr), if anyone would try performing CPR on Jerry Litherland but each of them refused, saying they were afraid to go inside and that the victim wasnt breathing so it wouldnt do any good.

The first witness called by the prosecution was Dr. Russell Deidiker, the forensic pathologist who performed the autopsy on Jerry Litherlands body.

During his testimony, he described the three gunshot wounds and the subsequent damage they inflicted on the man's body, using photographs to help illustrate the damage for the jury. He testified that the cause of death was due to the extensive damage caused to his limbs and abdomen as a result of being shot multiple times.

Deidiker also testified that a toxicology test was negative, meaning Jerry Litherland had not recently used drugs or consumed alcohol.

The next witness was Sgt. Scott Ashby of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a criminal investigator.

Ashby testified that he was dispatched on Nov. 8, 2009 to the scene of Jerry Litherlands murder in Washington County to assist local enforcement.

His testimony included a description of the scene, the layout of the home, and where and how Jerry Litherlands body was laying just inside the front entrance to the house. Photos and a video recording of the crime scene were shown to the jury during Ashbys testimony as he described what he saw after he arrived.

The states next witness was Gwen Orr (Buhler), who was married to Thomas Buhler at the time of Jerry Litherlands death.

Orr admitted on the stand that she was part of the group that conspired to kill Jerry Litherland. She said that, as a result of her cooperation with law enforcement, the charges against her were reduced and she ended up only serving a period of probation for her involvement in the crime.

She testified about some of the events leading up to the man's death and the night of the murder, including a 911 call that she placed after Jerry Litherland was shot. She admitted on the stand that she was fully aware of the plan to kill Jerry Litherland and that she, Thomas Buhler, Nanette Litherland and Feldman were all co-conspirators.

Orr testified that she was afraid of Nanette Litherland because of numerous past statements she had made and was therefore afraid to contact the police to report the plan to kill Jerry Litherland.

She further testified that she heard Nanette Litherland talking about her fears that Jerry Litherland might be molesting their daughter and that she believed he might be using drugs. Furthermore, Orr said she heard Nanette Litherland talk about doing something to protect Mary from her husband.

Orr said she, Feldman, Thomas Buhler and the defendant were all at her and her husbands home on the day of the murder when she overheard the other three say they were going to kill Jerry Litherland.

She described how she heard the co-conspirators talking about the details of the plan to kill Jerry Litherland, including making sure Feldman was driven to Jerry Litherland's residence. Orr said she heard Nanette Litherland say, specifically, how she wanted Feldman to kill Jerry Litherland and that Feldman agreed to the plan.

Although Orr said she was not present when Jerry Litherland was shot, she testified that she went to the scene of the murder shortly after and that she arrived before the police. Feldman was not present when she arrived, but she said she heard Thomas Buhler and Nanette Litherland talking about getting rid of a gun.

She admitted that she initially lied to police about her and the other co-conspirators involvement in the death. When further questioned by the prosecutor, she said she never directly received any money after the death but she was aware that Thomas Buhler, her husband at the time, did receive money.

During his cross-examination of Orr, Estes confronted her about why she didnt tell the police the truth when she was questioned at the murder scene and during two subsequent police interviews. He reminded her she claimed she didnt come forward because she was afraid of Nanette Litherland. After the murder had taken place and Litherland was under police scrutiny, Orr said she didnt feel like she was in danger from Nanette Litherland any longer, yet still didnt come forward with the truth until after she was arrested and had retained a lawyer.

After calling Washington County Chief Deputy Zach Jacobson to the stand, who testified briefly about his encounter with Feldman and Nanette Litherland very shortly after the murder, Circuit Court Judge Wendy Wexler Horn adjourned for the day, instructing jurors to return at 8:30 a.m. today for day two of the trial.
DEAR HARRIETTE: My son has been involved in musical theater from a very early age. He is 10 now and wants to create social media accounts. I believe his accounts should be made private because he is so young and you never know who is lurking on the internet. He thinks he should have public social media accounts so he can be discovered. My son's dreams of being on Broadway are important to me; however, his safety should always come first. Am I making too big a deal about this? My husband says they should be public accounts so they'd be like a virtual resume. -- Public or Private, Detroit

DEAR PUBLIC OR PRIVATE: Striking a balance between privacy and safety and opportunity can be tough. Your job, of course, is to figure it out for your child. What some families of child actors do is to create a stage name for their children that is different from the child's given name. Yes, the child's likeness will be out there, but being able to physically find the child becomes a bit more difficult if his identity is different.

You should check with SAG-AFTRA to see when you should register your child's proper name for professional reasons. But in terms of creating some form of protection between him and the outside world, a stage name may work. You should also make it clear that you will regularly access and review any and all content on your son's social media accounts, even as he gets older. Don't simply tell him you will do this. You must go in periodically and look at his interactions so that you truly do know who is contacting him.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I am a 19-year-old college student who is 6 feet tall. Although you probably imagined a male, I am actually a very tall woman. Because of my height, I can't wear heels to dates, parties or formals. I always feel so casual wearing flats, and everyone else looks so fancy in their heels. Finding a guy taller than me is hard enough, yet I also have to struggle with finding appropriate shoes. How can I find dress-up shoes that don't have a heel? -- Gumby, Miami

DEAR GUMBY: I want to encourage you to embrace your height. As odd as that may seem right now, I can assure you -- from one tall woman to another -- that the sooner you revel in your height, the less of a big deal it will be, whether men are taller than you or not. Really! Many loving couples feature women who are taller than their men. You may end up being one of those people.

To that end, don't limit yourself to flat shoes. Consider kitten heels, which are typically very low but come in dressy styles, or even higher heels. So what if you gain a little height? As far as flat shoes go, there are options with sparkles and metallic leather, including ballet flats that look dressy. If you also have long feet, check out www.longtallsally.com for ideas. Or Google your size and preferred shoe style and enjoy exploring the many options that come up.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I feel like every time I go out these days and Im talking to people, they stop mid-conversation to send a social media message out to who knows where. It is so annoying. I also feel a little paranoid that anything I might say or do will be instantly broadcast somewhere, and I just dont like it. Whatever happened to hanging out with friends and just having a good time without telling the whole world about the experience? Just the other day, this social media nonsense ended up hurting a friends feelings because she wasnt invited to a small gathering of mutual friends. It wasnt for any particular reason, just that a few of us got together. She saw pictures of us all having fun and told one of our friends how she felt left out. Obviously, you dont have to invite everyone to everything, but social media can make it impossible to protect peoples privacy. How can I get my friends to understand that?  Feeling Exposed, Princeton, N.J.

DEAR FEELING EXPOSED: Use the example of your friends hurt feelings when you approach your friend group. Ask them to be more sensitive about others when they post messages and photos. You can specifically ask them not to post photos of you. This may not always work, but it is worth the request. You should be mindful of what you say to others in general. Your words can be sourced anywhere. A person can quote you in the moment and post it to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and other locations. The Orwellian notion that Big Brother is watching you lives today. You would be wise to remember that.

DEAR HARRIETTE: I was recently asked to be a member of my tenants association board. I thought that was really a nice honor until I realized how much work it is. I joined as the secretary, so I have to keep records of every meeting and present them at the next. It is fun in a way, but it is wearing me out. I do see the benefits of being in the know, though. I now understand a whole lot about my building and the laws and everything. Should I tell them I want to do this for only one year? My work is pretty intense, and Im always afraid that I am not going to get the minutes completed in time. Its pretty stressful as an almostsecond (unpaid) job.  Unsure, Chicago

DEAR UNSURE: Dont make a decision yet. You said that this is a recent appointment. Give yourself time to get accustomed to the rhythm of the role. Yes, it takes a lot to do a good job on a board as its secretary. But it is likely that you were selected because the other board members believe in your ability and commitment to get the job done. Stretch your limits for now. See how well you are able to fulfill your duties. You may discover in a years time that this added role is valuable to your life. If not, you can let them know before election time that you do not want to be in an official role moving forward. Give it time.

DEAR HARRIETTE: Every time I see my grandmother every month  she gives me a present. She is so sweet, and I really appreciate it. My question is should I be sending her a thank-you note every time? Since shes been doing this for years, I really havent been writing her notes. But then I had the thought the other day that she probably would appreciate a note from me and it might even spark her to write back. It would be awesome to have letters from my grandmother to hold onto. What do you think?  Should I Write, Orlando, Fla.

DEAR SHOULD I WRITE: Since you see your grandmother so frequently, which is a blessing, and she always gifts you, you may want to consider your note to her differently. Yes, you can say thank you for her gift, but more, share with her a few bits about your life. Tell her in regular notes about experiences you are having. Write in detail knowing that she will likely use your stories to brag to her friends about your experiences. Choose to relay positive stories that she can embrace. Hold on to your challenges and share them with your parents, friends or even a professional when needed. Older people tend to worry more, and you have no reason to give her something that will upset her. Whenever you find that you really benefited from something that your grandmother gave you, by all means, write to her and say so. You can also provide a window into your personal preferences simply by sharing little stories with her about your daily experiences. She will surely write back and then the two of you will have a new way of interacting with each other.

DEAR HARRIETTE: Some time has passed since my uncle died, and I feel bad that I havent talked to his family more. He and I were close, but we didnt talk much. I talked to his children even less. I know they are still sad that he died. I want to be there for them in whatever way that I can. Do you think it will seem tacky to reach out now? It has been several months since we have spoken. Im not trying to create false expectations about what our relationship might be. I do want to stay in touch with them.  Wanting to Connect, Paramus, N.J.

DEAR WANTING TO CONNECT: Checking in on your family to see how they are doing is a wonderful thing, especially after a big loss. So what if you havent been extra attentive? Choose now to make it a priority to reach out to them from time to time. Grief is a process that can last a long time. Dont forget that you are grieving your uncle, too. When he or they come to mind, pick up the phone, send an email, send a letter or go to visit. Over time, you can cultivate a refreshed relationship with them if you choose to do so.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My neighbors husband passed away last year, and everyone has been pitching in and trying to help her out. Recently we noticed that she has had a gentleman caller coming to visit her with some regularity. Some of the neighbors in the building have noticed and got pretty upset about it, since her husband hasnt been dead that long. They have taken to talking about her, which is really mean-spirited in my book. She deserves a second chance. Plus, who are we to even know what her life is like? I see her smiling, and she was so sad for so long. Her husband died of cancer, and it was a very sad experience. I want these people to leave her alone. Whenever I say that, they tell me to mind my own business. Well, thats what I think they should be doing. How can I defend my neighbor?  Shut Your Mouth, Jackson, Miss.

DEAR SHUT YOUR MOUTH: The best thing you can do in this situation is to stay out of it entirely. Dont participate in the gossip about your neighbor and her suitor. If you are friendly with the woman in question, remain friendly with her. Do not tell her that the others are talking about her. That will only hurt her feelings and make her uncomfortable. She deserves to have a chance at happiness. Being a good neighbor in this case means being supportive of her and unwilling to participate in judgment about her or anybody else.

DEAR HARRIETTE: My wife is a big fan of going to the movies. She would like me to go with her more often, and therein lies the problem. I am not a big fan of going to the cinema. I know it would put a smile on my wifes face if I become more active in what she likes. How do I put on the happy face and try to have a good time when I go to the movies?  Slow Motion Picture, Dallas

DEAR SLOW MOTION PICTURE: Rather than making a blanket statement that you do not like going to the movies, do a little more investigating. What types of films interest you? There must be a subject or two that strike your fancy. Suggest that you go to the movies when that type of film comes to town. You can also offer to go with her once or twice a month given that she tends to go more frequently than that. What do you like to do that may not be of interest to her? Maybe you two can come to an agreement where you choose to do what she likes sometimes and she agrees to do the same for you. The art of compromise is important in marriage. Its natural that you and your spouse dont see eye to eye on everything, but doing what the other loves sometimes is thoughtful. Its also perfectly fine for you to invite friends to join you during activities that you dont prefer to do. You can agree to give each other permission to have fun without the other as well.

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
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Just over two years after his first visit to India, Chinese President Xi Jinping will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Goa later this week. As the two leaders prepare to confer on the sidelines of the BRICS summit they should reflect on the recent trajectory of India-China relations. Ahead of Xis visit in September 2014, observers in both countries expected these politically strong and decisive leaders to inject a dose of dynamism into bilateral ties. But these hopes have curdled.

The standoff initiated by Chinese forces even while Xi was in India dealt the opening blow. Beijing then ignored Modis pitch to clarify the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The two governments have since been visibly at loggerheads over Pakistans sponsorship of terrorism and Indias membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). Add to this their differences on issues ranging from the proposed economic corridor through Pakistan to maritime security. Meanwhile, the dialogue between the special representatives remains rudderless. These short-term developments, however, point to a larger shift in the historical trend-line of India-China relations.

Read | Ahead of this years BRICS summit, heres all you need to know about the group

The relationship has passed through three broad phases in the past seven decades. In the first phase from 1950 to 1958 the development of bilateral ties was spurred by their ability to cooperate on wider issues, ranging from the Korean War to Afro-Asian solidarity. Their subsequent inability to resolve or manage disputes over the boundary and Tibet set the stage not only for the war of 1962 but a cold peace that persisted until 1989. During these three decades, the boundary dispute dogged the relationship and both countries struggled to craft a fresh paradigm of engagement.

The meeting between Deng Xiaoping and Rajiv Gandhi in December 1988 inaugurated a new phase in the relationship. It was based on the understanding that the unresolved dispute should not hold the relationship hostage and that they needed a peaceful external environment to focus on their economic development. Over the next two decades, India and China managed to stabilise the LAC and made substantive progress on the boundary dispute. More importantly, their economic ties strengthened and they cooperated again on the global stage.

Read | Dont use terror issue for political gains: China after Indias Jaish ban push

We are now in another phase where core disputes are quiescent yet both countries seem unable to respect each others key concerns. This stems from their growing strategic footprints and economic heft. China is unwilling to take on board Indias concerns about terrorism because Pakistan seems more important to it now than ever before: To secure overland access to the Indian Ocean, to roll out the Belt and Road Initiative, to contain separatism in Xinjiang, to keep a weather-eye on Western military technology.

India is insouciant towards Chinas concerns about American naval activity near its seaboard. In a series of joint statements with Washington, New Delhi has called for upholding freedom of navigation in the South China Seas. But the United States uses freedom of navigation as a pretext to challenge Chinas territorial claims in the region  even while disavowing any stance on these disputes. Whats more, New Delhi continues to espouse this position without taking into account Beijings repeated avowals that it has no interest in obstructing the passage of commercial shipping through the area  as if China will cut its nose to spite its face.

Read | China, India must stop using rivers as taps to make political statements

So, the major sources of friction in India-China relations arise not from bilateral disputes but from wider issues. To arrest this deterioration in ties, the two countries need to arrive at a series of understandings premised on mutual restraint. First, both sides must refrain from steps that undercut each others growing international profile. New Delhi has supported Beijing-led initiatives such as the AIIB and the New Development Bank  and Beijing must not thwart Indias aspirations in forums like the NSG.

Further, while conceding the importance of Chinas ties with Pakistan and of Indias with the United States and Japan, the two sides can agree to be mindful of each others key sensitivities. India must convey to China that Pakistans continued resort to terrorism threatens regional peace more than ever before. The recent Indian strikes across the Line of Control will lend credibility to this point. China has to understand that if it wants the status of a great power then it must behave as other great powers have in the past  by curbing the aggressive instincts of its junior allies. At the same time India must reassure China of its benign interests in the South China Seas. Finally, the two sides must agree to revivify the special representatives process  even if a solution to the boundary dispute looks elusive.

Read | India, China can learn from each other: Modi

Will this work? Well, we wont know until we try. And it is certainly worth trying before the friction on wider issues rubs off on longstanding bilateral problems. Much ink has been spilt in the past days on analysing the likely impact of the surgical strikes on our relations with Pakistan. But its trickier implications may be vis-a-vis China. If there is a major standoff on the LAC, the government is likely to find itself under unprecedented pressure to take the fight to China. Anyone who thinks this is in the realm of fantasy should read a bit about Indian policymaking in the run up to 1962. A key lesson of that conflict was the need for concrete steps to demonstrate mutual restraint before the onset of a major crisis. India and China would do well to heed it now.

Srinath Raghavan is senior fellow, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi

The views expressed are personal

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A 90-year-old man in Kalkaji was found living with the decomposing body of his wife for days on end before he came out of his home to ask for help. When the police arrived, he asked them to be quiet lest they wake up his dead wife. Neighbours suspect that malnourishment killed the woman who had lived in that home for 42 years along with her husband.

Just how many people live in the twilight zone? The disturbing story about this elderly couple who survived on the fringes is yet another reminder of how many things we turn a blind eye to. It brings to my mind a lot of images of decrepitude in my own neighbourhood  homes crumbling, dishevelled clothes, disorganised talk  all signs of how daily existence has become a nightmare.

Read | At lifes fag end, they struggle to remain sane

This particular couple  the Jethanis  had no children and no income; this of course accentuates their fragility. But there appears to have been a broken structure which predates this crumbling  for 42 years they had lived as outsiders to the world which most of us inhabit.

While it is true that the elderly are more vulnerable, the mentally ill go unrecognised. The inability to participate in the world and to eke a meagre income, to live on the outskirts of society, is often telltale signs of mental illness.

Senescence often intensifies the proclivities of our temperament, as there is a lowering of inhibition and a reduced capacity to disguise ourselves.

Read | Kin wants NGO to look after 90-yr-old man living with dead wife in Kalkaji

However, in this particular case, it appears that there is a longer history of degeneration and often this pushes people into deep retreats. The Jethanis appear to have enclosed themselves into a kind of collusive psychic retreat from the world, which happens in dire loneliness.

Where there is some health and resilience, one partner may be able to disengage from the other enough to retain a degree of sanity and separateness, but where both are fragile, unable to face the world there may be a folie a deux, or a collusive retreat into the muted world of delusions to escape the harsher light outside of it.

Read | Only 2 government-run old age homes for over 18 lakh senior citizens

It is just such a space from where the husband reached out to a neighbour four days after his wife died, to register her curious lack of response.

In the twilight zone, reality gets blurred as terror of the truth  in this case, his wifes death -- is known to be unthinkable and unbearable.

Nilofer Kaul is a psychoanalyst based in Delhi

The views expressed are personal
The Delhi Police on Tuesday found a 90-year-old man, Govind Ram Jethani, living with the decomposing corpse of his dead wife in Kalkaji, south Delhi. He was living with the maggot-infested corpse for four days before he came out of their home of 42 years and asked a neighbour for help. Police arrived after the neighbours call and found that the women had died of natural causes, though people who knew the childless couple in the neighbourhood suspect malnourishment killed her.

This is not the first of such cases we have heard of. In January 2015, the Kolkata police found a man living with the body of his elder sister and the bodies of two of his dogs  all reduced to skeletons  for the a few months.

Read: Only 2 government-run old age homes for over 18 lakh senior citizens

The Delhi Police has a senior citizen cell and its primary objectives include: coordinate safety and security of senior citizens with the help of area police; monitoring of senior citizens and encouraging them to join social engagements.

But none of this seemed to have worked/was made available to the Jethanis.

Read: At lifes fag end, they struggle to remain sane

The Delhi Polices senior citizen scheme doesnt work because the programme is a passive one. By this I mean that old people have to register themselves with the police first and only then they can avail the services, Himanshu Rath, founder of Agewell Foundation told HT. There are 15-16 lakh old people in Delhi alone and 10-12% live on their own. But the registration is for only about 7,000-10,000. But then how much can the police do our citizen-policemen ratio is abysmal.

Read: Kin wants NGO to look after 90-yr-old man living with dead wife in Kalkaji

The problem, Rath said, was there is complete lack of awareness about old age and the challenges it brings. Unlike the West, in India many in the aged population have not seen their parents live that long so they have no recollection of how physical and mental challenges can be tackledthese things we learn by watching others, Rath said. Plus, as individuals, these days we internalise everything and dont socilaise or invest in building links in the community. This works against us when we need help, as we have seen in the Kalkaji case.

In an interview on Tuesday to HT, Dr Samir Parikh, director, Mental Health and Behavourial Sciences, Fortis Healthcare, had a similar diagnosis: Our modern day society is such that we have no time for people who are offline. If you cut yourself off from people, they ultimately will not bother you. And once your resources and skills are compromised, it is impossible to come out.

@kumkumdasgupta

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Literary circles are abuzz with speculation ahead of Thursdays Nobel Literature Prize announcement, with award watchers suggesting this years honours could go to a controversial writer such as Syrian-born poet Adonis.

The Academy is known for its cloak-and-dagger methods to prevent any leaks about its choice, resorting to code names for authors and fake book covers when reading in public.

The list of nominees is never revealed and the jurys deliberations are kept secret for half a century.

The suspense will come to an end on Thursday at 1:00 pm when the winner is announced, ending an unusually long wait: it comes a week later than usual for calendar reasons, the Academy said in late September.

That leaves a little more time to speculate about the 2016 laureate, joked Swedish Academy member Per Wastberg, interviewed by AFP.

While perfectly in line with Academy statutes according to Wastberg, some Nobel watchers have interpreted the late date as a sign of discord over this years choice.

If you ask me, its absolutely not a calendar issue, said Bjorn Wiman, cultural pages editor at Swedens main daily Dagens Nyheter.

This is a sign theres a disagreement in the process to select a winner.

Mattias Berg, cultural reporter at Swedish Radio, suggested the Academys 18 members may have argued over a politically controversial laureate, such as Adonis, whose most recent publication is a polemic tract on political Islam.

NEWS The 109th #NobelPrize in Literature will be announced on Thursday 1:00 p.m. cet. pic.twitter.com/IGZX5Wfzgp  The Nobel Prize (@NobelPrize) October 10, 2016

The prize would in such cases be seen as taking a stance, Wiman said.

If the Academy is indeed looking for a laureate who divides opinion, it may also have set its sights on Indian-born British author Salman Rushdie.

In March, the Academy denounced the Iranian fatwa on the author of The Satanic Verses, after a 27-year silence it attributed to its neutrality and independence.

Literary critic Madelaine Levy at daily Svenska Dagbladet said only one thing was certain: we know that we know nothing about the Academys choice.

Year after year, the writers chosen are incredibly different, she noted.

Some of the same names have been making the rounds for several years, including Ngugi wa Thiongo of Kenya, Don DeLillo and Joyce Carol Oates of the US and Haruki Murakami of Japan.

Follow @htlifeandstyle for more.
The Lhayee Lugar Performing Arts troupe from Thimphu, Bhutan will stage a special Ramayana performance at Bhopals Tribal Museum on Wednesday. The event, organised by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, will be held as part of a cultural exchange programme with different countries.

The troupe consists of 12 artists. The entire performance will base on Bhutanese traditional culture and religious presentation.

Lhayee Lugar Performing Arts director Sonam Lhendop told HT that the Ramayana shares many traits and themes with the Buddhist epic Gesar Gyalpo.

Hinduism and Buddhism share many traits and general beliefs with regard to samsara, karma, reincarnation, illusionary nature of the physical world and religious epics. Many Hindu stories are believed and narrated in Buddhism too. One such story is the Ramayana ascribed to the sage Valmiki. In the Buddhist version, Lord Rama features as Ling Gesar Gyalpo and his wife Sita as Sengchang Drumo. The Rakshasa king of Lanka, Ravana features as Horgur Karp Gyalpo, he said.

Dussehra and Diwali are also celebrated in Bhutan

Dussehra and Diwali, the festivals that celebrates victory of good over evil, are also observed in Bhutan as we have a large Hindu community. Dussehra is a national holiday in Bhutan as well, he said.

Speaking about the epic that they will stage, Sonam said their performance will rely heavily on music and melodrama.

Play will have traditional Bhutanese music

The play will have traditional Bhutanese music using Buddhist religious instruments. The language used in the melodrama will be Dzongkha. The costumes of artists will be traditional Bhutanese dresses, religious robes and traditional soldiers dresses and appropriate head gears and footwear. The props will feature Bhutanese traditional weapons like the sword, shield and bow and arrow. Also, at the beginning and in the course of the melodrama, appropriate commentary and explanations of each scene, act and dance will be done in English and Hindi, Sonam said.

He also said that the play will stage scenes like the unhappy kingdom of Gesar Gyalpo because of Sengchangs abduction by Horgur Karp; the melancholic life of Gesar and his plan for battle against Horgur to rescue Sengchang; Gesar leaving for battle to bring back Sengchang; Gesar bringing back Sengchang to his kingdom and reception of Gesar and Sengchang by the people and jubilation.

On their fourth visit to India, the last time the troupe performed in Madhya Pradesh was in April, during the Simhastha Kumbh in Ujjain. In Simhastha, our performance was mainly about dance and music. We staged a couple of tribal dances with live music and received a very good response from the audience, Sonam said.
A seven-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly kidnapped and raped by an unidentified man in Bhopals Nazirabad area on the intervening night of Monday and Tuesday.

The girls parents reported the matter to Nazirabad police on Tuesday afternoon.

The girl, who is second among four children, was at her home on Monday night when she went outside to attend natures call. Spotting her alone, the accused kidnapped her and then raped her at desolate spot a short distance away in the same village.

At around 1 am, the girls elder sister also woke up to attend natures call. She along with mother were going out, when they spotted the other girl missing from the house. A search was launched in the village, but the girl couldnt be found anywhere, Nazirabad police station in-charge Ramesh Singh Chauhan said.

At around 1.30 am, the girl was seen walking back to house in a semi-nude state and bleeding from her private parts. It is suspected that the accused left the minor somewhere behind her house.

According to Nazirabad police sources, the girls family first consulted their relatives and community elders whether to report the matter to police or else take services of a tantrik.

They first went to a tantrik to track the real culprit and also treat the alleged rape survivor minor, but when the tantrik failed to help their cause, the matter was reported to Nazirabad police at around 1.30 PM on Tuesday.

With the girl unable to identify the accused, it seems he might be from some other village. She is unable to tell anything about the accused, owing to which his age too cannot be ascertained, said Chauhan.

The unidentified accused has been booked for kidnapping and rape under Sections 363 and 376 of IPC, besides provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act 2012, he said.
An Israeli drone will keep an aerial tab on security during Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Bhopal on October 14.

Modi is slated to unveil the Shaurya Smarak (war memorial) in Bhopal and later address ex-servicemen at the Lal Parade Ground in the state capital on Friday. He is also likely to visit a Jain temple in the city to meet community seer Acharya Vidyasagar. Preparations in full swing for PM Modis rally at Bhopals Lal Parade ground on Tuesday. Mujeeb Faruqui / ht photo

According to inspector general (law and order) Makarand Deuskar, the unmanned aerial vehicle will be equipped with an advanced camera to keep tabs on the traffic movement as well as the overall security of both the venues that will be visited by the Prime Minister.

The drone is one of three sourced from Israel for the Ujjain Simhastha earlier this year.

This will probably be the first instance of a drone being used for the aerial surveillance of security and traffic management at a major event featuring the Prime Minister. It wasnt used at previous events attended by the Prime Minister at Sherpur (Sehore) and Mhow in Indore, Deuskar said.

The drone, worth `35 lakh, had also monitored the security during the 10-day Navratri event held at the Sharda temple in Maihar, Satna district.

Officials said the UAV will monitor the Bhopal events from a height of 500 metres, keeping an eye on the security and traffic arrangements over a radius of four kilometres. Around 4,000 security personnel, comprising members of the district police and special armed forces, will also be deployed across the state capital.

Though a nationwide alert has been sounded over possible communal disturbances during the festive season, police personnel from several sensitive districts of the state havent been summoned to provide security at the PMs programme. Instead, those from districts with a surplus of security forces  such as Balaghat and Gwalior  have been pressed into service.

Anti-Maoist Hawk Force commandos of the state police and quick response teams of the Chhattisgarh police have also been deployed. An eight-member special protection group team led by an assistant director-level officer has already reached Bhopal to ensure foolproof security for Modis visit.

On Tuesday, the SPG team inspected all the three venues  the Shaurya Smarak, the Lal Parade ground and the Jain temple  ahead of Modis visit.

Cops en route to Bhopal for PM duty injured in road accident

Over two dozen policemen, who were on their way to Bhopal from Maoist-affected Balaghat district, were injured after the bus they were travelling in fell into a gorge in Chhindwara districts Telawadi Jhirpa hillock on Tuesday.

The accident occurred between Jhirpa and Rainikheda villages at around 3.30 am.

The policemen were to be part of the massive security apparatus for Prime Minister Narendra Modis October 14 visit to the state capital.

All the injured were first rushed to a nearby government health centre. While most of them had slight injuries and were discharged after preliminary medication, seven were critically hurt and were referred to the Chhindwara district hospital, Chhindwara superintendent of police GK Pathak said.
Kriti Sanon has had a packed schedule this year. The actor was shooting for her upcoming film Raabta with Sushant Singh Rajput in Budapest (Hungary) until August. Soon after that, Kriti began preparing for her role in another film called Bareilly Ki Barfi, in which she plays a girl from Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. The actor began filming for the movie on October 5.

A source reveals that the Bollywood actor has had to adapt to extreme weather conditions in a short span of time. It was extremely cold in Budapest, so shooting there was a difficult task for Kriti as well as the other actors. Now, she is shooting in Lucknow, which is very warm. Her character in the film has to wear woollen clothes. She is wearing pullovers and jackets in this hot weather, which hasnt been easy for her. But the actor is bearing it all for the role, adds the source.

Assisted Pull Ups wid @yasminkarachiwala  #MondayMotivation #WorkInProgress A video posted by Kriti (@kritisanon) on Jul 25, 2016 at 7:15am PDT

When contacted, Kriti confirmed the news, saying, Our film is set in winter. But we are currently shooting at locations in Lucknow, where its really hot. Even though I am actually sweating, I keep telling myself that its really cold.
Last week, filmmaker Sajid Nadiadwala was surprised to get calls from his actor friends about the casting for his new set of films. A number of other aspiring actors also tried reaching out to Sajids office for the same purpose.

Apparently, the producers wife, Warda Nadiadwala, has been facing the same queries on Twitter. She is being repeatedly asked about casting calls for Sajids movies, even for the sequels to Judwaa (1997) and Baaghi.

But the filmmaker was completely unaware of any such casting taking place. It turns out that an impostor on Facebook has been up to some mischief.

An insider says, A few weeks ago, too, Sajid  who isnt on any social media platform  faced the same issue on Facebook. At that time, he had lodged a complaint for the second time with Mumbais cyber cell. As a result, there were no activities on the impostors account for some time. But last week, the fake casting calls started all over again.

Now, Sajid has decided to lodge a complaint for the third time. He is worried about young actors falling into such a trap. So, he is going to inform the cyber cell officials about the incident again, adds the insider. When contacted, Sajid says, It is not happening just with me. Some of my industry friends are also facing the same issue. I am going to lodge a complaint for the third time with the authorities. Im confident that they will take care of the matter.

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The shooting of Shah Rukh Khan-starrer The Ring seems to be taking a different turn as we recently witnessed ninjas in King Khans version of the movies first look on Twitter.

First Look of Imtiaz Alis film, allegedly called The Ring. Not a horror film nor a love storyits a Ninja epic! pic.twitter.com/IHWHgdr6W0  Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) October 11, 2016

The Fan star had scribbled on the photo, three Hiragana letters that read ring in Japanese. Khan later said it was a joke.

The last tweet about the film is a joke. Clarifying for those who dont get my drift & end up distorting stuff. Its just cold in Budapest!  Shah Rukh Khan (@iamsrk) October 11, 2016

Another person, who is also fully covered (except the eyes) and looks like his co-star Anushka Sharma, is seen posing beside Shah Rukh.

The cast and crew of the upcoming romantic drama have been globe-trotting for the shooting of the film.

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Samsung Electronics Co Ltd needs to quickly find the cause of the fires that led to it pulling its Galaxy Note 7 smartphones and get a new model to market, investors said on Wednesday, as shares in the company slipped to a one-month low.

The worlds top smartphone maker on Tuesday scrapped the $882 flagship smartphone in what could be one of the costliest product safety failures in tech history.

Samsung announced the recall of 2.5 million Note 7s in early September following reports of the phones catching fire. The firm appeared to have the situation under control as it issued replacement devices with different batteries, until the new phones also began to smoke and combust.

Read: Samsung scraps Note7, no India launch

Investors and analysts agreed that the damage to Samsungs brand and future earnings would deepen the longer the market was left in the dark about the origin of the fault, with some already predicting lost revenue in the region of $17 billion.

Its good that Samsung made a firm decision on the Note 7, but people are concerned about the situation because people dont know what the problem is, said Kim Hyun-su, a fund manager at IBK Asset Management, which owns shares in Samsung.

There needs to be explanation from Samsung in order for consumers to understand that problems wont occur in the next models ... Samsung needs to clearly explain and admit what went wrong.

Samsung would likely push ahead to get the latest version of its premium S-series smartphones to market as soon as possible, fund managers said. Typically, the South Korean company unveils a new Galaxy S phone on the sidelines of the Mobile World Congress trade show in the first quarter as it battles Apple Inc to stay at the top of the smartphone market.

Read: Note 7 fiasco could burn a $17 billion hole in Samsung accounts

Well have to see what the future plans are but I suspect Samsung will move quickly to get the Galaxy S8 ready; they have the manufacturing and production capabilities, IBKs Kim said.

Experts are baffled by what could be causing the overheating in the replacement phones, if not the batteries, and Samsung has not commented.

An official at the Korean Agency for Technology and Standards, which is investigating the problem alongside Samsung, said the fault in the replacement devices might not be the same as the problem in the original product. The official asked not to be identified as he was not authorised to speak publicly.

Aviation authorities and airlines around the world are telling passengers to switch off their Note 7s and keep them out of checked baggage, amid fears they could bring down a plane.

Read: Samsung phone recall likely to spark Android turf war

Samsung shares were down 1.6 percent as of 0436 GMT after touching a one-month low of 1.494 million won ($1,340), reflecting concerns about fourth-quarter earnings as well as the potential long-term impact on its smartphone business.

The stock is down 11 percent so far this week, on track for worst weekly percentage fall since December 2008.

A permanent end to Note 7 sales could cost Samsung up to $17 billion, according to calculations based on analysts projected sales of the phone.
State Bank of India chairperson Arundhati Bhattacharya will be Indias nominee for the post of managing director and chief operating officer at the World Bank, two senior government functionaries told HT.

If she succeeds, Bhattacharya, 60, will be the first Indian to be holding an important managerial position in an international financial institution. The closest was in 2001 when former deputy chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia was appointed as first director of the independent evaluation office of the International Monetary Fund.

An official at the Prime Ministers Office said on condition of anonymity that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to the candidature of Bhattacharya.

Reporting directly to the World Bank president, this post is considered to be the third most important position at the bank responsible for implementation of policy decisions.

Bhattacharya did not respond to telephone calls and text messages from HT on her nomination.

The selection to the post has to be cleared by the World Banks board of directors, which consist of country representatives.

In return for India helping Washington in ensuring a second term to the incumbent president Jim Yong Kim, this post was offered to us. We will be backing her candidature, a finance ministry official said.

The post of MD & COO fell vacant after Indonesian economist Sri Mulyani Indrawati returned to her country as its finance minister in July 2016.

Bhattacharya was ranked 25th in the Forbes 2016 list of The Worlds 100 Most Powerful Women, which features top female leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, scientists, philanthropists and CEOs. She held a higher ranking than Indrawati who was at no 37 in the Forbes list.

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New Delhi

Pakistan International Airlines (PIA), the lone carrier maintaining direct air connectivity between India and Pakistan, may face the heat as a fall out of the strained relations between the two countries.

The government is considering stepping up surveillance and vigil of PIA flights that land in Delhi and Mumbai, top sources told HT.

A major safety finding or a lapse can result in the plane being grounded by the Indian aviation safety regulator.

While no Indian carrier flies to Pakistan, PIA operates to Delhi and Mumbai.

The possible steps that can be taken were discussed at a recent high-level meeting at the Rajiv Gandhi Bhawan, the headquarters of the aviation ministry. Increased inspection and surveillance was one of them , a source said.

We have briefed senior government officials. The decision, if any, will not be taken at our level, said a ministry official, who did not wish to be named.

Sources also said that there is a complete checklist and a set procedure for inspection, which includes external inspection of the aircraft, checks on whether the plane is airworthy, if the documentation is complete and cargo loading is according to procedure, and a check on the certification and licences, among others.

The government is also considering reviewing air links with Pakistan, HT had reported earlier. New Delhi is also reviewing the 56-year-old Indus Waters Treaty to explore ways to make optimum use of water from Pakistan-controlled rivers  as stipulated in the agreement, but not enforced fully.

These are part of non-military retributive steps the NDA government has initiated after the Uri attack, apart from stepping up efforts to isolate Pakistan diplomatically.

India had snapped air links and overflying facilities with Pakistan after the Parliament attack in December 2001.

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NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party AAP) has sharpened attacks against the BJP-ruled municipal corporations in the run-up to municipal elections in April-May next year.

AAP made an impressive debut in the citys civic bodies by winning five of 13 municipal wards where by-elections were held early this year. The 2017 elections will be the partys first full-fledged participation in civic polls.

Upping the ante against the corporations, the Aam Aadmi Party has decided to protest outside the houses of mayor sand

th er members of the political executive of the three civic bodies.

The first in the series of such protests was held near North Delhi Mayor Sanjeev Nayyars residence on Sunday. The protest in Shakur Basti was led by Delhi health minister Satyendar Jain.

The AAP leadership has directed its MLAs to lead these protests, which will be held next from October 15 when the party would gherao East Delhi mayors house.

The protest at South Delhi Mayor Shyam Sharmas residence will be held on October 16.

The idea is to expose the BJP, said Dilip Pandey, Convenor of AAPs Delhi unit.

The party is in power in MCDs for about a decade now, but they have failed to perform even its core job of maintaining sanitation. This has led to repeated outbreaks of viral diseases like dengue and chikungunya, Pandey said.

The MCDs have become synonymous with corruption that has rendered the civic bodies operationally and functionally defunct, the AAP leader said.

The protests have come in the second stage of the AAP offensive against the civic bodies. In the first stage, the party volunteers held protests in August in all municipal wards represented by BJP councillors and the opposition Congress.

The city has witnessed one of the worst outbreaks of dengue and chikungunya in 2015 and 2016.

The city also witnessed its first municipal strike last year over non-payment of salary to staff. The BJP had blamed the Arvind Kejriwal government for the non-payment due to delay in disbursal of funds.
NEW DELHI: Did Haryana Police turn a blind eye to the fake coin factories when they were alerted five months ago?

In May, a woman wrote to Haryanas Hisar police station house officer, alleging that her husband was murdered by seven men who ran a fake coin factory.

She gave the phone numbers of five men, including that of Naresh Kumar, Sonu, Gulshan Kumar and Sachin. She accused them of first kidnapping her husband, Rajender Verma, at the Bihar-Nepal border.

Delhi Police arrested Gulshan, Naresh and Sachin last week for counterfeiting Rs 5 and Rs 10 coins at two factories in Bawana and Ambala. Police recovered over R 6 lakh in fake coins so far.

HT has a copy of the FIR with charges of murder and kidnapping registered at the Hisar police station on May 24 by Vermas wife, Saroj Devi.

The womans statement reads, These men are minting counterfeit coins. They had also influenced my husband into joining their racket. They have started a factory in Ambala and another in Rajasthan. Saroj Devi had also given police the numbers of all five men, demanding their arrest.

Delhi Police sources said the Haryana Police did not act on the complaint. Hisar superintendent of police, Ashwin Shenvi, did not respond to HTs three phone calls and a text message.

The Delhi Police on Monday said the womans husband, Verma, was also a gang member who gave money to Gulshan for setting up the factory in Ambala.

On October 3, the racket was busted when three head constables from the anti- auto theft squad stopped a car while checking vehicles at Sector 11 in Rohini.

The three found over 2,000 coins in the car of Naresh Kumar, who claimed to be a Punjab National Bank officer. Kumar was arrested when he failed to show any identity card.

Delhi Police investigating officers say Sonu, the gangs kingpin, is absconding since Nareshs arrest. Police are trying to locate the third factory in Rajasthan. We have seen many gangs smuggle fake currency notes, but this is the first time we are seeing fake coins. We are probing if the gang had factories in Nepal. It is possible that some anti-nationals are using the Nepal route to pump fake coins into country, said an officer.
NEW DELHI: Residents in east and outer Delhi areas can look forward to better redressal of their grievances as L-G Najeeb Jung has approved a proposal to create two new police districts in Rohini and Shahdara.

Apart from the new districts, seven sub-divisions will be created. The L-G has forwarded the proposal to the Delhi government for notification.

Once notified, likely by the end of this week, the national capital will have 13 police districts and 47 sub-divisions. Currently, there are 40 police sub-divisions, each headed by an assistant commissioner of police (ACP) and 11 police districts that are headed by deputy commissioners (DCPs).

A senior police officer said the decision to create two new districts and seven sub-divisions was taken to check rising crime in eastern and outer Delhi areas. Police records show that each district registered 15,000 to 18,000 FIRs every year besides thousands of complaints on various matters.

Such a high volume of cases slows down the disposal rate of cases. Consequently, the pendency goes up. This affects our public image, the officer said.

While the existing outer district will be renamed as Rohini district, Shahdara will be a new district altogether. The new outer district, consisting of areas from outer, west and south-west Delhi, will have five sub-divisions  Najafgarh, Nangloi, Paschim Vihar, Mundka and Sultanpuri.

The Rohini district will have four sub-divisions  Bawana, Alipur, Samaipur Badli, and Rohini. The Shahdara district will have areas from east and northeast Delhi such as Vivek Vihar, KrishnaNagar, Mansarovar Park and others.

The seven new sub-divisions will be Mayapuri, Chhawla, Mundka, Paschim Vihat, Nand Nagri, Mayur Vihar, and Barakhambha Road.

Expansion of the residential pockets in the city and the rapid growth in population were other important factors that prompted the city police to propose more administrative centres.

Senior police officers said people living in eastern and outer parts of the city were facing difficulties as they had to travel long distance to meet their area DCP for redressal of their grievances. Vice-versa, it was also difficult for one DCP to take care of such a large area and high number of cases.

The availability of two DCPs for the same area will help improve monitoring of the police work and reduce the number of crimes taking place in the area, the officer said.

Sources said creation of new districts and sub-divisions, will also support the Delhi Polices demand for more manpower. A proposal to recruit over 54,000 police personnel is pending with the union home ministry.

The city police are also mulling over creating two new districts in south and south-west Delhi.
NEW DELHI: Akash Pathak is 41, single and aim to become a spiritual guru. He wants to spend his life in the Himalayas in search of the divine knowledge and meditate. He needs money to fund his journey and stay.

Rajeev Gupta is 34, married, and a businessman. He owes banks, friends and finding it difficult to stay afloat. He needs money to pay off his loans and revive his restaurant business.

Pathak and Gupta, who are close friends, chose the unholiest ways of funding their needs -extorting money from a woman by blackmailing her with intimate photos. Both are cooling their heels behind the bars.

Both were arrested on Monday for blackmailing the wife of a business partner of Gupta. Police said the duo were demanding R10 lakh from the 37-year-old woman. They threatened her that, if she wouldnt pay up, they would upload her intimate, morphed photos and videos along with her personal details on social networking and porn websites, police said.

Rishi Pal, deputy commissioner of police (east), said they asked the woman to agree to the blackmailers demand to trap him. Pathak asked the woman to come to Anand Vihar Terminus with Rs 10 lakh. A police team nabbed him there. He led us to Rajeev Gupta, who made the plan.

Pathaks arrest led us Rajeev Gupta, who was the brain behind the plan, DCP Pal said.

Pal said Gupta did not tell Pathak that the woman was known to him. The victim was the wife of Guptas former business partner.

Gupta told police that he got the womans intimate photos and videos with her husband from a laptop that his business partner had given him for a while.

Gupta saved the videos and photos in a pen drive, said a police officer.

In dire need of money, he planned to blackmail his former partners wife and roped Pathak in his plan. Gupta kept himself under cover as he was known to the woman.

As per the plan, Pathak first filed a complaint with the police that his phone has been lost. He then used the same phone to call up the victim, the officer said.

Two pen drives, containing the intimate photos and videos have been seized, the officer said. woman filed a complaint at the Anand Vihar police station on October 8. She told the police that an unknown man was blackmailing her over phone for the past one month.

She said the blackmailer had sent her some of her intimate photos and video clips on WhatsApp to make her believe that he was not bluffing. Instead of telling her husband about the case, the woman approached the police and filed a complaint.
In a relief to thousands of street vendors facing eviction threat, the Delhi government asked the three municipal corporations, New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Delhi Cantonment Board (DCB) not to take action against them till Diwali.

The decision was taken at a meeting of top PWD and revenue department officials.

A senior government official said following the meeting, PWD minister Satyendra Jain issued the order that no hawker should be removed during the festival season.

An opinion has been sought from the legal department on the issue which has arisen following the recent high court order, the official said.

The court allowed the civic agencies to remove street vendors from designated no-squatting zones. This was an interim order, so the government also sought to know what options would be available if an adverse judgment is passed by the court, he said.

The legal opinion will also make it clear whether the civic agencies and police have misinterpreted the order, he added.

The high court had, on October 5, ruled that no street vendor should be evicted from city roads without due process of law but the order will not be applicable on non-hawking zones. A day after the order, the civic authorities carried out a drive against hawkers in several markets, including Vasant Kunj, Lajpat Nagar, Sarojini Nagar, and Karol Bagh.

Delhi Congress president Ajay Maken, who is also a petitioner in the matter, also alleged that the municipal corporations of Delhi and the city police had been harassing vendors under the grab of the order. He said within three days, more than 10,000 street vendors had been illegally evicted despite the fact that the Town Vending Committees have not identified no vending zones, as per the mandate of the Street Vendor Act 2014 .

The Delhi Rehri-Patri Congress announced on Wednesday to hold demonstration at 12 zonal corporation office, the headquarters of the NDMC and Delhi Police against the eviction drive and harassment. The protest will be led by Maken.

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A six-year-old boy, who was kidnapped from Moti Bagh on October 8, was rescued from Jammu on Tuesday. The kidnapper has been arrested, police said.

Nishank, a class I student, was allegedly kidnapped by a mentally unstable woman, who has now been sent for treatment.

My prayers have been answered. The police brought him back to me on the evening of Dussehra. He is safe and happy to be back home, said Kavita, Nishanks mother.

A case under section 363 (kidnapping) was registered at South Campus police station. During investigation, police got a tipoff that the woman, who had kidnapped Nishank, had taken him to Jammu.

A team of police was sent to Jammu and Nishank was rescued. The kidnapper, Deepa, was arrested. During investigation, we learnt that she is mentally unsound. She is currently undergoing treatment at a south Delhi-based hospital, said a senior police officer.

Nishant said that he was playing with friends in a park when Deepa approached him. She took him away on a scooty, which was spotted by his mother. Nishank also said that he was beaten by her, the officer said.

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A group of students of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) on Tuesday burnt the effigy of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief chief Amit Shah, Mahatma Gandhis killer Nathuram Godse and others to mark the victory of truth over falsehood on the occasion of Dussehra.

Members of the Congress-backed National Students Union of India (NSUI) on Tuesday night celebrated Dussehra by burning the effigy of Modi and others to protest against the growing interference of the Centre in universities and attacks on Dalits.

We celebrated the victory of truth over falsehood in a modern and democratic country by burning effigies. For us Modi and RSS are symbol of untruth, said Sunny Diman, an NSUI member.

On Wednesday, vice-chancellor M Jagadesh Kumar tweeted: The effigy burning incident at JNU was brought to our notice. We are investigating the matter and examining all relevant information.

The students maintained that the effigies did not symbolise Ravana  known as the demon king. There are communities who worship Ram and there are Adivasi communities who worship Ravana also. So, for us it was not Ravana or Ram whose effigy needs to be burnt. We just wanted to symbolize the victory of truth over falsehood, said Diman.

Dhiman alleged that ever since new vice-chancellor Jagadesh Kumar had taken over, there was growing vigilantism in the university. He cited the recent cases of students getting showcause notices over burning the effigy of Gujarat government and Gaurakshaks (cow vigilantes).

Another student was sent a notice for writing Jai Bhim on the JNU administration blocks wall. Students routinely burnt effigies of leaders earlier also to protest but now the administration sends showcause notices at the drop of hat, he said.

Besides Modi, Shah and Godse, the effigies burnt by NNSUI had faces of Yoga guru Ramdev, sadhvi Pragya, Asaram Bapu and the JNU V-C.

The effigy-burning was to symbolise our dissatisfaction with the current government. The idea is to root out the evil from governance and bring about a system that is pro-student and pro-people, said Diman, who was NSUIs presidential candidate in the recently-concluded JNU students union polls.

JNU has been in the eye of storm since the start of this year. In February, a group of students held an event on 2001 Parliament attack convict Afzal Guru in which anti-national slogans were allegedly raised. Following the event, former JNUSU president Kanhaiya Kumar and two other students were arrested in a case of sedition.
Students in Delhi government schools are getting one-on-one attention from teachers along with one-hour reading and writing classes.

This is being done to ensure all students achieve basic reading abilities before the Childrens Day on November 14.

The move comes over two months after students were divided into reader and non-reader groups to help improve their learning levels.

Officials at the Directorate of Education (DOE) said that schools had reported that some non-reader students were able to read after special classes. So the focus is on those who are still not able to read, officials said.

The government announced recently that all students

will be taught to read before November 14.

The intention is to merely identify those students who are still not able to read the class appropriate textbook and give one-on-one attention to these children in a mission mode in order to bring them to reading and writing capability preferably before 14th November, 2016, a DOE circular said.

Officials said non-reader students were taught with special study material focused on their reading abilities. Teachers used story cards to teach them reading... For those who still cant read, reading material has been created, including short stories and poems, an official said.

A principal said the students who still cant read have been divided into groups of 4-5 with one teacher focusing on each group. One teacher is handling 4-5 students and giving them personalised attention, said BK Sharma, principal Shaheed Hemu Kalani Sarvodaya Bal Vidyalaya, Lajpat Nagar.

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Repetitive activities, such as texting or sitting hunched over your laptop or books for hours, are among the biggest causes of upper and lower back pain.

Bending forward warps spinal alignment and over time, causes muscle tightness and damage to the cartilage and vertebrae, triggering stiffness and pain.

What people describe as spondylosis is often arthritis caused by a combination of factors, including age-related degeneration, obesity and in young people, bad posture, says Dr Yash Gulati, senior spine and joint replacement surgeon, Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. People spend too much time sitting hunched over a smartphone instead of standing and moving around, which not only adds to the pressure on the spine but also causes weight gain.

The human head weighs about 5 kg, but hunching and bending forward increases the weight on your spine substantially. Bending your head just 15 degrees forward  when youre texting or reading, for example  doubles the weight supported by the spine, taking it up from 5kg to 10 kg. Its like carrying a sack of potatoes around on your neck for several hours a day! says Dr Gulati.

Causes, preventive measures and treatment for joint pain.

Agrees Kalpana Aggarwal, chief of physiotherapy, bone and joint institute at Fortis Escorts, New Delhi: In the short term, the repetitive stress injury causes muscular stiffness and soreness, but over time, it may cause spinal injury and degeneration.

If untreated, collapsed cartridges and vertebrae put pressure on the nerves in the spinal column to cause radiating pain and weakness in the arms or legs. With smartphone, laptop and computer overuse, a decade from now, we are looking at a generation in their 30s with chronic spine-related injury issues because of bad postures, says Aggarwal.

You can treat the damage in the initial stages by improving your posture and losing weight to lowering pressure on the vertebrae and exercising to build muscles to support the spine, says Dr Gulati.

Improving your posture  the way you hold your body while standing, sitting, texting, gaming, lifting, bending, or reaching  can help balance and correctly align the spinal curve to take the pressure off the vertebrae.

Exercises called isometrics  alternating series of isolated muscle flexes and relaxation  are used to strengthen muscle groups without adding stress on the bones and cartridges.

Early intervention can help reverse damage and protect the spine from further injury, so you should seek treatment at the first signs of pain. If the pain is chronic, the damage may be irreversible, says Aggarwal.

Back exercises

Shoulder squeeze. Sit up straight in bench or low-back chair with your hands on your thighs and your shoulder straight. Slowly draw your shoulders back and squeeze your shoulder blades together. Hold for a count of five, relax. Repeat six times.

Upper-body stretch. Stand facing a corner with your elbows at shoulder level, arms raised and hands flat against the walls. Place one foot ahead of the other. Bend your forward knee and exhale as you lean towards the corner keeping your back straight and your head up. Hold for 30 seconds, relax. Repeat six times.

Arm stretch. Raise your right arm in front of you parallel to the floor and bend the elbow to touch your right shoulder. Hold the right elbow with your left hand and gently fold it across your chest to stretch the upper arm and right shoulder. Hold for 30 seconds, relax. Repeat for the other side. Do three repetitions for each side.

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The ardour of cow protection enthusiasts had cooled a bit after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came out strongly against the vigilantism they were indulging in. But they are likely to get a new lease of life with RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat speaking on the issue on the organisations foundation day recently. Cow protectors perform an important role and its important to distinguish between those who protect the cow and others who are self-appointed, he said during his speech in Nagpur.

Read: Law-abiding good people: RSS chief backs gau-rakshaks, differs with Modi

The so-called protectors are not given to subtle nuances of who is self-appointed or not. Mr Bhagwat need not have sought to make any distinctions here as the states which ban cow slaughter have rules in place to guard against any illegality. The plethora of gau rakshaks which have sprung up have no role in policing, which they often do under guise of protecting the cow. So far this year, at least three people have been killed and several others injured by cow vigilantes on suspicion of possessing beef or cattle rustling.

Read: Ahead of Eid, cow vigilantism, govt drive give many the jitters

Dalits who have traditionally disposed of cow carcasses have borne the brunt of the depredations of the gau rakshaks with horrific incidents of people being stripped, tied to jeeps and dragged around. The Mohammed Ikhlaq case was perhaps the most horrific in which cow vigilantes entered his home on the suspicion that he had beef in his fridge and beat him to death. While Mr Bhagwat has said that the cow protectors must operate within the law, he must surely know that, given past example, this will be taken as licence to harass people.

Earlier in Haryana, biryani sellers were at the receiving end of this zeal during Eid because the state in its pursuit of cow protection conducted checks on their wares suspecting them of selling beef. Unable to bear the harassment, many vendors chose to shut shop during that period incurring losses. If Mr Bhagwat meant that these rakshaks must undertake the care of cows in gaushalas, he should have made that clear. But he did not.

Read: The Mewat Biryani raids have permanently damaged livelihoods of poor Muslims

Cow protection has today evolved into a racket aimed at harassment and often extortion. The Dalits had gone on a massive protest against this earlier, refusing to deal with cow carcasses and organising themselves across states. The lack of political support as enunciated by the prime minister had forced gau rakshaks onto the backfoot. The cow protectors not only created a fear psychosis among the minorities and Dalits but also gave India a bad name internationally as an intolerant country. The government must be vigilant that they dont overstep their limits again and attack innocent people.
Assessment and accreditation of higher education institutions (HEIs) in India will soon be based on global standards and practices. For the first time ever, the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) and key quality networks and agencies from Asia, Europe, America, Australia, UK, Africa and other countries have joined hands to develop a common agenda for international quality assurance of Indian universities.

Information on the quality of all HEIs across the world will also be available soon on one portal. Some of the agencies include the Asia-Pacific Quality Network (APQN), Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) from USA, European Association for Quality Assurance in Higher Education, (ENQA), European Consortium for Accreditation in Higher Education (ECA), Arab Network for Quality Assurance in Higher Education (ANQAHE), ASEAN Quality Assurance Network (AQAN), Asia Pacific Quality Register (APQR), Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education UK (QAA  UK), Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), Australia, Tertiary Education Commission, Mauritius (TEC), Malaysian Qualifications Agency, Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines (AACCUP), Higher Education Evaluation and Accreditation Council of Taiwan (HEEACT) and National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement for Higher Education (NIAD-QE) from Japan.

Heres the list of agencies which will work with the National Assessment and Accreditation Council to assess Indian universities. (ISTOCK)

While some regions like Europe have well-established information and recognition systems like the European Network of Information Centres in the European Region and National Academic Recognition Information Centres in the European Union (ENIC-NARIC ), many other regions lack such resources. To address this issue, APQN has initiated a global project on quality information portal, with the help of Unesco.

Says Prof DP Singh, director, NAAC, We need to promote development of regional and global databases of recognised accreditation bodies and accredited higher education institutions. We are working on enhancing links among all existing quality registers such as CHEA, European Quality Assurance Registers and databases for Higher Education (EQAR) and Asia Pacific Quality Register (APQR) for accreditation agencies. Similarly, existing databases and information portals of accredited higher education institutions need to be strengthened and linked.

Universities, quality assurance bodies, governments, inter-governmental agencies and international networks are under increased pressure from students and other stakeholders to play a proactive role in safeguarding their interests while promoting international student mobility.

The 20 quality assurance agencies will share and promote good practices by using multiple platforms such as conferences, virtual and communication technologies, workshops, publications and staff exchanges as part of the Bengaluru Statement 2016 on Next Generation Quality Assurance of Higher Education. According to Prof Jianxin Zhang, president of APQN and chief expert of Yunnan Higher Education Evaluation Centre in China, Global quality networks and agencies coming together is a major landmark in the international history of higher education quality assurance. This is the first time key quality networks and agencies from four continents (Asia, Europe, America and Africa) have come together. We intend working to establish the website platform of Asia Pacific Quality Register (APQR) along with NAAC to guarantee the quality of higher education in this region. The aim is also to develop and utilise consultant database of APQN and other resources to serve this region.

Syun Tutiya, professor, National Institution for Academic Degrees and Quality Enhancement of Higher Education (NIAD-QE), Japan, says, We are working towards discussing the current situations in Japans quality assurance of higher education focusing on its governmental moves including international collaborative programmes.

USAs CHEA seeks to work with the international quality community on tackling challenges facing quality assurance internationally. Judith Eaton, president, CHEA, says, Internationalisation is now a powerful force throughout the academic community. We exchange information and ideas on common interests and concerns including public accountability, student learning outcomes, new modes of educational delivery, international quality expectation, the role of government, academic freedom, non-institutional education, a single set of quality standards, rankings, degree mills and more.

NAAC has also signed MoUs with accreditation bodies in Taiwan and Mauritius to achieve these goals. Dr Jagannath Patil, former president, International Network of Quality Assurance in Higher Education, says, In terms of international mobility of students, India is the second largest country sending its students abroad. This necessitates that Indian accreditation system should not only meet global standards but should also actively collaborate with global bodies to make sure that Indian institutions and qualifications are respected and accredited worldwide. The Bengaluru Statement is a concrete step in this direction.

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For Martina George, 21, putting together Rs 20 lakh to pursue a degree in Medicine in Australia would have been impossible. Coming from a middle-class background, my family couldnt pay that amount, George says. So, instead, her community stepped in. The Bombay Catholic Panchayat and a church from Kerala contributed with a loan and scholarship to meet those expenses.

My school and junior college education in India was almost free because I went to Christian institutions, George adds. Now in her final year in Australia, her graduation will cap an entire education process shaped by her community.

Few in India are that lucky. According to the 2011 census, only 4.5% Indians have completed their education in the Graduate and Above category, up from 2.12 per cent in the 2001 census. Some communities have fared better than others. About 41.3% Jains and 18.5% Christians continued with education after school. The number falls with Hindus, only 11.5% of whom made it to college or beyond; and Muslims, for whom the numbers stand at 6.1%.

Educational achievement among the religious communities varies because of how different communities see education themselves. For some, its a means to realise an aspiration while others do not get opportunity to pursue higher studies or to bring their education to the logical end of facilitating livelihood, says Ranu Jain, professor at the Centre for Studies in Sociology of Education at Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS).

A STEP AHEAD

Experts cite several reasons for why one community may have an edge over another when it comes to academics, none of which have to do with an individuals learning ability.

Unlike other larger religious groups, Jains, Parsis and Christians are smaller in number, allowing them to be better organised when it comes to providing for their own, says Gopa Sabharwal, a sociologist and vice-chancellor at Nalanda University in Bihar. The ecosystem is smaller and monitoring of institutions is better.

In addition, they are culturally inclined towards education  philanthropy among these communities tends to focus on constructing schools and colleges and granting scholarship, says Anand Castelino, secretary-general of Bombay Catholic Sabha, Mahim. Some other religious groups build temples and orphanages, so priorities vary.

Read: Have classes out of classrooms

Where these smaller groups are concentrated makes a difference too. The Jains, Christians and Parsis are mostly urban communities, while Hindus and Muslims are scattered across urban and rural areas says Birendra Narain Dubey from the Indian Sociological Society. In villages, traditionalism prevails and there is less awareness about the importance of higher education. Urban populations also tend to made education decisions as an individual or family rather than as a community, says Sabharwal. This means the inclination to study further instead of taking up a job is less likely to be thwarted by village elders.

Among the Jains, the road to higher education has been paved with philanthropy. Pana Lal, a trustee of seven Jain community schools in Mumbai and the Orchids International School in Masjid Bunder, says his people have made concentrated efforts towards educating their own for the last 60 years. We support students extensively in pursuing higher education through loans, scholarships and incentives, he says. For the community, higher education has not thwarted but infact help build better family businesses and we are also having many professionals such as doctors and engineers from the community. We believe in changing with times.

In states such as Himachal Pradesh and Meghalaya, community participation has boosted local education. After the state governments invited locals to contribute towards building 12 schools and colleges two years ago, attendance shot up and so did literacy rate there, says Dubey. Locals helped with the administration of the institutions

and parent-teacher associations were given monetary incentives for the performance of the students. The psychological impact was that if a sense of belonging to the institute and communities encouraged students to go to schools and colleges and perform well.

CREATING OPPORTUNITIES

For those who dont have community support and cannot afford private education, the world is grim.

Governmental educational schemes still tend to favour scheduled castes rather than those who are at an economic disadvantage regardless of their community background, says Samayita Ghosh, senior research associate at Outline India, which provides research solutions to corporates and institutions. There is lack of a strategic approach for improving literacy rates in many communities leading to an imbalance and because the foundation is weak, the higher education is a bigger hurdle for communities.

Higher-education success stories have one thing in common, a strong foundation in quality schooling from the primary level itself.

This means that communities that do not design their school systems to integrate with existing colleges, or do not establish enough reputed colleges to make continuing education worthwhile.

Read: India can be world leader in education- President

For Arfa*, now 20, a resident of Mumbra, the decision to end education after class 10 was not easy. I studied at a madrasa and then at an Urdu medium school, she says. I wanted to be a professor but I couldnt cope with the English medium of instruction at college and decided to drop out.

The Sachar Committee report, presented in 2006, had suggested ways of removing the impediments that prevent Indian Muslims from fully participating in economic, political, and social mainstream life, among the reasons they lag in education, says Malik Kazim, educationist from Muslim Education Trust, an NGO from Delhi.

But the reports findings were never implemented. There needs to have economic reservation for the group at educational institutions across country.

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GENEVA: A jailed scholar from Chinas mostly-Muslim Uyghur minority was awarded the Martin Ennals Award for human rights defenders on Tuesday, a move condemned by Beijing.

Ilham Tohti has been an outspoken critic of Beijings policies towards the Uyghur minority in their home region Xinjiang in western China, which has seen a security crackdown in recent years prompted by clashes that have killed hundreds.

In 2014, he was sentenced to life in prison for separatism over a site he ran that was often critical of Chinas official ethnic policies.

The real shame of this situation is that by eliminating the moderate voice of Ilham Tohti the Chinese government is in fact laying the groundwork for the very extremism it says it wants to prevent, Martin Ennals Foundation chairman Dick Oosting said in a statement.

The foundation is named after the first secretary general of Amnesty International and the prize is judged by the London-based rights group, along with Human Rights Watch and other leading organisations.

Chinas foreign ministry slammed the decision, saying there is clear evidence of IIham Tohtis wrongdoings.

Ilham Tohti used to be a university professor in China. In his class, he hailed suspects who launched terrorist attacks as heroes, it said.
In a flowing scarlet dress, Rafeea al-Hajsi fulfilled a dream by becoming the first Emirati model to strut the Arab Fashion Week catwalk after years battling social constraints.

Its amazing to be on the catwalk... a lovely feeling, she said. I enjoy it with all my heart.

As she prepared to model two dresses by Lebanese designer Aiisha Ramadan on Sunday, the model said excitement, fear and happiness all come together when she faces the audience.

When I see the lights on my face, life lights up with the feeling that international fame is ahead, she said.

A curvy brunette with long hair, a square jaw and light brown eyes, her passion for being on camera was obvious, even backstage.

Surrounded by make-up artists and overwhelmingly Western models, she posed for the cameras in a black mini-dress, casting sultry looks.

Her phone never left her hand as she took selfies, uploaded clips, and streamed live video.

About last night #arabfashionweek2016 at @aiisharamadan Fashion show #rafeeaalhajsi #_ #_ #rafeea #fashionweek ... Thank you for the amazing shot @atef_omar_ben_taleb A photo posted by Rafeea Alhajsi |   (@rafeeaalhajsi) on Oct 10, 2016 at 4:08am PDT

Even if I keep working 24 hours, I have no problem at all with modelling, she said.

She said she faced many obstacles in a conservative Muslim society where most local women cover themselves from head to toe in black abaya robes.

I consider myself a very courageous girl to be in this field, she said. It was very difficult for me to become a model, especially as an Emirati.

Hajsi started off modelling traditional local costumes. She declined to give her age, but said she had to wait years for society to open up a little.

It took around eight years for you to see me standing here in front of you, she said.

After five years of modelling local clothes, she started presenting radio and television shows, which opened up opportunities to move ahead in the world of fashion.

Sacrifice

Hajsis first appearance at a fashion show was earlier this year in France, when she modelled for Lebanese designer Ziad Nakad at Paris Fashion Week.

She appeared at Thursdays opening of the third Arab Fashion Week, which takes place twice yearly.

On Sunday she took to the catwalk to model a long red one-sleeved dress and another off-shoulder black gown -- both from Aiisha Ramadans Spring-Summer 2017 collection.

The designer, also Lebanese, said her varied and colourful dresses were inspired by trips to amusement parks with her two-year-old daughter.

She said Hajsis fuller figure made her stand out from super-thin fashion models, meaning women could relate to her.

About last night #AFP #interview #france #fashion #arabfashionweek #rafeeaalhajsi #tomford #misschanel #chanel #_ #_ #__ A photo posted by Rafeea Alhajsi |   (@rafeeaalhajsi) on Oct 9, 2016 at 1:43am PDT

Hajsi has a waist, she said. To me, this is my client. Rafeea represents the beautiful Arab girl.

We made her wear something very simple to show that the Arab girl knows how to dress in something simple and how it suits her.

She agreed that Arab models often face barriers keeping them out of the fashion world.

For the model to become international, she needs to reveal a lot of her body and this can be unacceptable in (Arab) culture, the designer said.

Hajsi admitted that she keeps society in mind when considering modelling offers, saying she has turned many down because of the revealing designs.

There are limits that I always consider, she said.

Its painful. Sometimes there is a dress I really like and which the designer wants me to wear, but I cant because the design is not suitable for our society.

I sacrifice international fashion shows that are great opportunities for me, just to be considerate towards our society and my family, she said.

But she added that Arab Fashion Week showed Emirati society was becoming more open towards fashion.

I fought many things in my life as a model, she said. As you can see, Ive reached a level where I am satisfied.

She flashed a big smile and headed off to pose for a nearby photographer.

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Filmmaker Guy Ritchie is reportedly in talks to direct Disneys live action Aladdin film.

If Ritchie signs on to direct the film, it will reunite him with producer Dan Lin, who worked on the Sherlock Holmes movies.

Jonathan Eirich has signed on as executive producer and John August has written the script for the remake.

The film will reportedly feature many of the musical elements from the 1992 animated movie and filmmakers are still working on how to approach the Genie character in the film. The character in the animated film was voiced by the late Robin Williams.

The film was also adapted into a Broadway show in 2014.

Ritchie made his name directing snappy crime thrillers such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and Snatch that used the kind of non-linear storytelling Aladdin is aiming for. He last directed The Man From U.N.C.L.E. and is in postproduction on King Arthur, Warners upcoming take on the Camelot legend, reported The Hollywood Reporter.

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At least 10 people including six minor girls of a family were feared dead and six others reported missing when a boat ferrying them capsized in the Falgu river on Tuesday.

Seven bodies had been fished out till Wednesday morning, as the administration pressed the state disaster response force (SDRF) in the rescue operation.

Gaya district magistrate, Kumar Ravi, however, confirmed only seven deaths, but said the number could go up by the time the rescue operation is concluded.

Five of those killed were identified as Runa Kumari (15), Puja Kumari (15), Bharati Kumari (15)  all students of class 10 at the Sripur Kanya High School, Belaganj  Chirai (12) of class nine and Kajal (11) of class six. Two other bodies were yet to be identified, the police said.

Over 50 people were on the ill-fated boat when it toppled near Panari village under the Khijarsarai police station, about 35 kms from Gaya. The victims, mostly from Belaganj block, were going to Khijarsarai to witness Dussehra festivities.

As the boat reached midstream, the boatman reportedly lost control and the vessel started drifting in strong current of the flooded Falgu. The overloaded boat overturned when panicky passengers began moving from one corner to another.

Divers were able to fish out only two bodies after a couple of hours of the mishap at around 3pm on Tuesday. The operation, however, had to be suspended after sunset. On Wednesday morning, SDRF personnel were able to recover five more bodies.

The villagers were critical of what they termed lax rescue effort by the authorities. Villagers of Sultanpur and Panari Ghat raised anti-administration slogans.

Had the local police and the administration initiated prompt rescue operation, all lives of children could have been saved. I lost six of my family members, including four young school girls, said Shiv Kumar, a villager.

The district administration has announced a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the next of kin of each of the deceased.
The feud in the ruling Samjwadi Partys first family was out in the open at an event held to mark the 49th death anniversary of party ideologue and socialist leader Ram Manohar Lohia on Wednesday.

Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav, who reached the venue an hour behind schedule, attended the programme at Lohia Park with cabinet minister and younger brother Shivpal Yadav.

His son and chief minister Akhilesh, who has a running feud with Shivpal, paid floral tributes to Lohia and left before Mulayam arrived on the spot.

Akhileshs supporters, most of them members of the SP youth brigade, too, followed their leader, leaving half the chairs at the venue empty.

The signs are that the rift in the party is widening as the state election, due early next year, draw close. Recent decisions in the party and the government indicate that Mulayam is backing Shivpal, who is also the SPs state chief, over Akhilesh.

Last week, the party, overlooking the chief ministers reservation, announced the merger of the Quami Ekta Dal (QED) of mafia don-turned-politician Mukhtar Ansari with it. The merger, called off in June, was announced by Shivpal, who also replaced a few party candidates.

Read: Mulayam manages a tenuous truce, Akhilesh determined to have his say

In the past, Lohias death or birth anniversary events were marked by party leaders putting up a joint front and exhorting workers to spread the socialist icons message and strengthen the party.

But Wednesday, the buzz was missing.

Earlier, workers used to register strong protest when rivals attacked SP leadership. The old fervour is missing these days Mulayam said while addressing party workers.

Read: Akhilesh and Shivpal will work together under my guidance: Mulayam

He also pulled them up for abandoning the ideals of Lohia. Instead of campaigning hard for the coming assembly election, workers are busy in slogan shouting to draw the attention of leaders, he said.

The party saw its fair share of sloganeering in August when the damaging power struggle in the Yadav clan came out in the open after Akhilesh stripped Shivpal of three portfolios hours after Mulayam removed the chief minister as the UP party chief and named his brother to the position.

Shivpal also carried out a purge of young SP leaders, many of whom were known Akhilesh supporters.

Shivpal returned to the cabinet as part of a peace formula hammered out by Mulayam but the party is increasingly looking divided. The feud could have a bearing on election outcome, with Mayawati-led Bahujan Samaj Party eyeing a comeback in the state and the BJP keen to repeat its Lok Sabha success in state polls.

For full coverage on Yadav family feud, click here

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Army on Wednesday foiled an infiltration bid by militants in Tangdhar sector of Kupwara district in north Kashmir.

Militants movement was observed by the Army along the Line of Control following which a gun battle ensued when the infiltrators were challenged by the security forces.

A search operation has been launched and further details were awaited, said an army official.

Four militants were killed by security forces during infiltration bids in Naugam sector last week while they were trying to sneak into the Valley from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.
Arunachal Pradesh has sought to raise three more units of Indian Reserve Battalion (IRB) to protect the states international borders with China, Myanmar and Bhutan and allay fears of investors in the northeastern state.

Chief minister Pema Khandu made this request during a meeting with Union home minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi last week.

Considering the states strategic geographic location and under-developed status, it is important that we are geared fully on the law and order front, he told Singh.

Khandu said that the existing police force in the state is insufficient to deal with security along the international border Arunachal Pradesh shares with the three countries. The chief minister also told Singh that more forces were needed in view of concerns raised by investors on security in the state.

Deployment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) or drones for vital intelligence inputs along the borders was another proposal made by the chief minister during the meeting. He also requested for a world class training institute on the lines of North Eastern Police Academy in Shillong, to train the states police personnel.

After giving a patient hearing, the home minister assured support to Arunachal Pradesh in every possible way, a state government release said.

Arunachal Pradesh already has five IRB battalions with the Centre providing 75% funds for maintaining the infrastructure and 50% for personnel. Each battalion has nearly 1,000 personnel.

The northeastern state has a 160 km-long border with Bhutan in the west, a 1,030 km border on the north and northeast with China and 440 km border with Myanmar in the east.

Border dispute exists between India and China as Beijing claims a large portion of Arunachal Pradesh as theirs. Instances of Chinese troops crossing the border and entering India keep happening.

Read: China denies incursion of troops in Arunachal Pradesh

Active insurgent groups in the region like United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent (ULFA-I) and National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) use Arunachal Pradeshs eastern region as an area to hide, sneak into Myanmar and also bring in arms.

The state has a huge potential for electricity generated from hydropower projects and deals to develop nearly 150 such projects by constructing dams have been inked in the past 10 years.

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A teenage rape survivor who was fighting for permission to abort her pregnancy was taken to the government hospital for delivery after she complained of labour pain on Wednesday night.

The condition of the girl is stable and her pregnancy is normal, the delivery will occur by midnight or in the morning, said Durga, the ANM nurse who examined the girl at the Community Health Centre Shergarh.

Read | Abortion window closing on pregnant Bareilly teen rape survivor

The girl was accompanied by her mother, aunt and the village midwife, while her father remained at home. Usko is halat main nahi dekh sakta, mera dil ruk jayega (I cant see her in this condition, my heart will stop), said her dejected father.

The girl, who is only 14 years old according to her school-leaving certificate, was repeatedly raped by a man in her village on the pretext of marriage. He abandoned her when she conceived.

Since then the girl and her family have been running from pillar to post to terminate the pregnancy. They were first declined medical termination of pregnancy by two courts in Bareilly and finally by the Allahabad high court, which on August 22 ordered the CMO to review her case.

Read | Bareilly teenage rape survivor denied abortion by panel of doctors

Another month passed in the hope of getting a court order and the next 15 days were wasted in the hospital, but after all this wait, the medical panel that examined her pregnancy declined permission stating advance pregnancy.

The girls father had hoped that the pregnancy would somehow be averted, but when the labour pains began on Wednesday, all his hopes were dashed.

Main aaj har gaya, pata nahi age kya hoga (I am defeated today, dont know what will happen next, he said.

Timeline July 26: Girls family moves petition before lower court for abortion

Girls family moves petition before lower court for abortion August 4: They approach fast track court with the petition

They approach fast track court with the petition August 13: Court declines permission

Court declines permission August 22: Teenagers family moves application before HC for termination of pregnancy

Teenagers family moves application before HC for termination of pregnancy August 29: Court asks girls father to move application before chief medical officer (CMO)

Court asks girls father to move application before chief medical officer (CMO) September 3: Victims counsel meets CMO, who allegedly declines to act

Victims counsel meets CMO, who allegedly declines to act September 5: Family approaches district magistrate

Family approaches district magistrate September 12: Doctors that reviewed the pregnancy turn down request for medical termination
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Wednesday accused the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for the killing of its activist in Keralas Kannur district and demanded a CBI probe into the incident, alleging that people not following the Left ideology are being murdered.

Noting that it was the seventh political murder in the district this year, BJP spokesperson Siddharth Nath Singh told ANI that they would raise this issue and would definitely respond to the violence of the Left.

The CPM or the Left ideology has been violent and if you dont stand with their ideology, they would like to defer with you by silencing through death or murder and thats what is exactly happening in Kerala, Singh said.

It is highly condemnable, but certainly the BJP in a democratic manner will raise this issue and respond to the violence of the Left, he added.

BJP Karnataka unit president and former chief minister BS Yeddyurappa too attacked the CPM, saying, This murderous politics has seen a steady increase ever since CPM assumed office in Kerala.

He said the brutal murder of Prenith had taken place near a petrol bunk in Pinarayi, the native village of chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, which was a telling comment on the state of affairs on the law and order front in Kerala.

Read | BJP worker hacked to death in Keralas Kannur district

Yeddyurappa warned the politically-irrelevant and ideologically-bankrupt CPM that Karnataka BJP will not be a silent onlooker and would be forced to launch a mass struggle to pressure CPM to stop pursuing this politics of murder and mayhem.

Meanwhile, BJP leader Sambit Patra said the incident exposes the governance in Kerala, as people are being hacked to death there on an everyday basis.

A government that cannot protect lives cannot be called as a government in fact. We have seen almost every day someone is hacked to death in Kerala. The Kerala Government has to investigate and has to punish those people, who are responsible for this, Patra said.

Read | Kerala: CPI (M) worker hacked to death by 6 people in Kannur

Two days after a CPM worker was killed, the BJP activist was hacked to death at a petrol pump near in Kannur district in Kerala. The victim suffered severe injuries on his head and neck.

Earlier, in a similar manner, a 52-year-old CPM worker was hacked to death in Kannur.

The state government has not only failed to preserve law and order but actively participated to wreck it. We demand the LDF government and the chief minister to immediately hand over the murder probe to the CBI, said BJP spokesperson GVL Narsimha Rao.

Police have deployed personnel in large numbers as the district remained tense in the wake of the political murders.
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh chief Mohan Bhagwats endorsement of the Narendra Modi-led BJP government in his annual Dussehra speech on Tuesday is an indication of the synergic mentor-protege relations.

Barring a stray reference to a point of contention  the Gau Rakshaks (cow vigilantes)  the RSS chiefs speech denoted the shift in equation between the Sangh and the BJP. The RSS no longer confronts the party publicly.

Post the 2014 sweeping success of the BJP, the party-RSS equation perceived as turbulent during the NDAs first term with Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the PM has morphed into camaraderie where one compliments the other and disagreements are kept private.

Read | For a change, RSS not shying from accepting role in BJPs Kerala toehold

From the re-calibration of its position on Pakistan to rejig of the Union Cabinet, the decisions taken by the government have the approval  tacit or otherwise  of the Sangh Parivar.

Bhagwats message is clear  the government need not worry about dissent within.

This explains why differences on issues such as economic policies and modified crops are aired at party-Sangh interactions; but not for whipping the government openly. Unlike the Congress affiliated INTUC that was compelled to join other trade unions in protests during the UPA rule, the Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh (BMS) has recused itself from public confrontation.

Political watchers say the terms of agreement of the new collaboration are clear. Affiliates such as the Swadeshi Jagran Manch (SJM) and the BMS have the freedom to pursue their agenda (opposition to FDI reforms for instance) but the directions are explicit  not to embarrass the government.

Read | BJP, RSS state leaders vow to block renaming of West Bengal

The BJP has reciprocated by letting the Sangh shape the agenda in sectors such as education and culture and moved on its suggestions for appointments in academe and cultural institutions.

This is in sharp contrast to the relations between Vajpayee and K Sudarshan (then RSS chief). Affiliates such as the BMS and SJM made their disapproval of liberalisation and reform public, said a political commentator.

Can the synergy between the BJP-RSS be attributed to the equation being anchored by the Modi-Bhagwat duo? Dr Bhagwat is far more pragmatic than his predecessor.

This is clear from the fact that important RSS affiliates such as the VHP and SJM, which were often at loggerheads with the Vajpayee government, are now lying low, said Sudheendra Kulkarni, a former Vajpayee aide, when asked if Bhagwats less-hawkish outlook has helped bring about the change.

Read | From intolerance to LoC strikes: When RSS Mohan Bhagwat backed BJP

He, however, said the foundation of the relationship has not changed. When we compare the BJP-RSS relations during Vajpayees tenure with what they are now, what we see is change with continuity, Kulkarni said.

Sources within the Sangh iterate that the relations are limited to the ideological, but admit there is concerted effort to ensure manbhed, not matbhed (difference of opinion, not differences).

After BJPs 2004 electoral debacle, the Sangh realised that micromanaging the party has a downside. Now the relations are complementary. The Sangh keeps its distance and the party has a freehand, said a Sangh functionary.

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Prominent exiled Baloch leader Brahamdagh Bugti on Wednesday asserted Naela Quadri Baloch, also a face of the Balochistan independence movement, does not represent the people of the troubled Pakistani province, a day after she announced her decision to approach India for setting up a government-in-exile.

The rift between the leadership spearheading the movement for Balochistans freedom came to the fore as Bugti tweeted saying any such move needs national consensus and that Naela Baloch, who is currently visiting India, was damaging their cause.

Government in exile is a national issue and National issues cannot be announced without national consensus.

Naila Qadri is not representing Baloch People, rather than supporting they are damaging Baloch cause by their insane actions(sic), Bugti said in a series of tweets.

Bugti, who is the president of the Baloch Republican Party, had last month approached the Indian embassy in Geneva seeking asylum in India.

Naela Baloch, who lives in self-exile in Canada, and her son Mazdak Dilshad Baloch are scheduled to attend a series of meetings and seminars over the next few days in and outside New Delhi.

The Baloch cause for freedom received a major boost after Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought up Pakistani atrocities on people of Balochistan and of PoK in his Independence Day speech.
The CBSE wants to ensure that teachers in private schools are not saddled with non-teaching work, a common complaint across the country, and will in coming days ask these institutes for staff details.

The Central Board of Secondary Education, the countrys biggest school board, would issue a circular to all the around 16,000 private schools affiliated it to it to give information about the work assigned to the non-academic staff, sources said.

Some of the Delhis top schools are among the 1,200 institutes that will have to share the information.

The board, said sources, received several complaints -- from private teachers associations and individual teachers -- that schools were keeping costs down by asking teachers to collect fee and perform bus duties among other chores. These jobs ideally should be done by clerical staff or non-teaching employees.

We have been taking up this matter with the CBSE and it will be good if they ask private schools for details of teachers and administrative staff and the duties they perform, said Sheik Shabbir Ali, president of Telangana Private Teachers Forum, one of the associations that took up the matter with the board.

Unlike government school teachers, private ones cant even complain for the fear of losing their jobs.

In many schools, teachers were expected to call parents to inform them about fee, keep a watch on students during lunch break and fill up forms, he said.

But not everyone agrees. SK Bhattacharya, who is the president of Delhis action committee unaided recognised private schools, said teachers were not doing administrative work.

Teachers are only involved in academic activities. But teaching is not just limited to classrooms and teachers work on activities like debate, dance and sports, he said.

A teacher in a school in Uttar Pradeshs Indirapuram said teachers were overworked. The continuous and comprehensive evaluation (CCE), which required teachers to maintain a file on each student, had increased their workload. There are over more than parameters under CCE and we have to give remarks for each activity for each student. Apart from that we are made to do other odd works which take a toll, the teacher said on condition of anonymity.

As per CBSE rules a private school should have a separate set of teaching and non-teaching staff, said an official. By burdening them (teachers) with non-teaching work, we kill their creativity and education will suffer, the official said.

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Even as the Haryana government has issued specific guidelines for paddy procurement in state mandis, farmers allege they are falling victim to the alleged nexus between private buyers, state marketing board officials and commission agents.

As per government guidelines, paddy with maximum moisture content will be purchased with a maximum deduction of Rs 75.50 in the minimum support price (MSP) of Rs 1,510 per quintal.

Farmers said private buyers with the help of the state marketing board officials are making larger deductions citing high moisture content.

The farmers say they are being forced to sell their produce as low as Rs 1,250-Rs 1,300 per quintal.

I had to sell my produce at Rs 1,270 per quintal as they said that the moisture was much higher than required 17-22%, said Desh Raj, a farmer from the district. The farmers said commission agents are helping private buyers have their way in finalising prices, citing one thing or the other.

There is scarcity of space in mandis due to slow lifting of the produce, they said.

Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU) state president Gurnam Singh Chanduni said, There is a nexus between private buyers, government employees and commission agents, who are looting the farmers citing high moisture content.

On Monday, we held a protest in Yamunanagar after some farmers complained that buyers are purchasing their produce at low prices citing high moisture, even without examining the paddy, he said.

The government should make it mandatory to measure moisture of produce of every farmer. The moisture content should be mentioned on the produce where it is kept, the marketing committee register and in the J-form to end this fraud, he said.

Many farmers are misled by the buyers since they are not aware that they can get the moisture level of their produce examined.

Irregularities in procurement came to the fore during a surprise visit of chief minister Manohar Lal Khattars officer on special duty (OSD) Amrinder Singh to the Karnal grain market.He found buyers purchasing paddy at Rs 1,460 per quintal even without examining the moisture content.

Farmers said the buyers mention the MSP in the J-form and they cannot raise the issue since they have borrowed money from commission agents.

I sold my produce at Rs 1,440 per quintal but in the J-form they mentioned Rs 1510, said Mohan Lal, a farmer.

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Pakistan has told the UN that India has closed all doors to bilateral dialogue as Prime Ministers Kashmir envoys handed over a dossier to President of the General Assembly over human rights violations in Kashmir.

Senator Mushahid Hussain and Shezra Mansab Ali called on President of UN General Assembly Peter Thomson here and briefed him about the grave threat to peace and security posed by the deteriorating human rights situation in Kashmir, the ministry of foreign affairs in a press released issued in Islamabad said on Wednesday.

Hussain told Thomson about the war hysteria stoked by India to distract world attention from its brutal action to suppress the legitimate demand of the Kashmiri people for self determination, it said.

He also claimed that India has closed all doors to bilateral dialogue, scuttled a regional summit (SAARC) and at the international level, refused to implement (UN) Security Council resolutions.

All this posed an imminent threat to regional peace and security, the release said.

It claimed that Thomson expressed concern at the situation and assured the visiting envoys that he would do everything possible to foster peace and that he would get an update on the current situation from the UN Department of Peace Keeping Operations.
Political prisoner, activist, journalist, hymn-writer, emerging think tanker, aspiring novelist, "tribal elder", parliamentary candidate for North West Durham, Shadow Leader of the Opposition, Speedboat, proudly banned from Twitter so officially more dangerous than the Taliban, eagerly awaiting the second (or possibly third) attempt to murder me.
DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi on Wednesday questioned governor Vidya Sagar Raos decision to hand over portfolios of ailing CM J Jayalalithaa to finance minister O Pannerselvam.

In a hard hitting statement, the DMK chief said he wondered as to what kind of advice the governor got from the leader who was so ill that access to her was limited and no leader was allowed to meet her.

It is a wonder that Tamil Nadu governor Vidyasagar Rao allocated portfolios handled by chief minister J Jayalalithaa to finance minister O Panneerselvam based on her advice, said Karunanidhi.

Senior leaders like AICC vice-president Rahul Gandhi, BJP president Amit Shah, Union ministers Arun Jaitley, M Venkaiah Naidu, Nirmala Sitaraman and Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan were not allowed to meet Jayalalithaa in Apollo Hospital.

All they could do was to meet doctors and some officials and few ministers who were present there. Given this situation, a statement from Raj Bhavan had said reallocation of the portfolios was done based on the advice of Jayalalithaa, Karunanidhi said.

It is a wonder,said Karunanidhi adding it was also doubtful if the governor had analysed various provisions of the Constitution in such a short span of time.

Jayalalithaa held the portfolios of Public, Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Forest Service, General Administration, District Revenue Officers, Police and Home.

This arrangement has been made as per the advice of honourable chief minister and will continue until J Jayalalithaa resumes her duties. Jayalalithaa will continue to be the chief minister, the Raj Bhavan statement had said.

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A worker of the Jammu and Kashmirs ruling coalition partner, Peoples Conference, was shot by suspected militants in Jammu and Kashmirs Handwara district on Wednesday and succumbed to his injuries in hospital, police said.

Gulam Nabi Khoja was shot at outside his residence at Kralgund in Handwara tehsil today (Wednesday) evening. He was shifted to hospital in a serious condition where he succumbed, a police official said in Srinagar.

The party is headed by Sajad Lone who is a minister in the Peoples Democratic Party-Bharatiya Janata Party government. Lone represents the Handwara constituency in the state assembly.

(with IANS inputs)
As doctors in Malkangiri district hospital declared four-year-old Rama Madhi dead on Wednesday afternoon, his father Macha Madhi was simply inconsolable.

Madhi ostensibly was the latest victim of Japanese Encephalitis or Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES), a mosquito-borne disease which has reportedly claimed 48 lives in the southern Odisha district since September.

Though Malkangiri is generally endemic to Encephalitis, this year the situation turned more serious ironically due to a good and prolonged monsoon.

District health officials say the disease normally is more prevalent just around the end of monsoon and before the onset of winter when the mosquitoes breed in large number.

This year the monsoon was pretty good and kept on raining till the end of September. Water accumulations in the paddy fields, which are good breeding grounds for the carrier mosquitoes, have been more this year, an official said.

Currently 60-odd kids are undergoing treatments at the Malkangiri hospital.

Madhi from the districts Kalimela block, like the other victims, showed symptoms of vomiting, dizziness and loss of appetite when he was admitted to the hospital on October 8. This led the doctors to suspect he was suffering from the disease, which is characterised by inflammation of brain leading to death in some cases.

In neighbouring Koraput district, the disease has claimed lives of two children while in Puri district an 11-year-old boy died last week after initial recovery.

For Japanese Encephalitis or AES, there is no treatment. We only treat symptoms like fever, pain, lethargy, severe exhaustion and loss of appetite, said Malkangiri chief district medical officer Uday Shankar Mishra.

For kids below eight-year, it is very difficult to battle the virus due to their feeble immunity level, he added.

Almost all the 48 children succumbed to the virus in Malkangiri are below the age of 8.

The virus is transmitted to humans from pigs that act as reservoir of the germs via the bite of a mosquito called Culex Vishnoi. There is no other way of transmission, Mishra said.

The district administration, however, said all the 47 children did not succumb to the disease. Only 18 so far have been confirmed dead due to Japanese Encephalitis, said Malkangiri district collector K Sudarshan Chakravarty. But the incidences are coming down as the number of patients to the hospital has come down in last few days.

The high death toll was attributed to the apathetic official response to the onset of the disease. BJP leader Bijay Mahapatra however blames both Narendra Modi and Naveen Patnaik government for the deaths. While the Centre didnt supply adequate number of vaccines, doctors sent by Odisha govt did not visit affected villages, alleged Mahapatra.

When the first child in the district succumbed to the disease on September 9, the officials instead of addressing the cause, decided to shift all the infected children to the medical college and hospital at Berhampur, at least 300 km from here. At least 12 of the children died on their way to the hospital or at the medical college after a few days of being admitted.

Though Encephalitis is all about inflammation of brain tissues, there is no MRI machine in the Malkangiri hospital to detect any abnormality in the brain.

Till the disease killed 15-odd children by September-end, the district had only one pediatric specialist. No efforts were also made to segregate of cull pigs. Fogging to prevent breeding of mosquitoes too started in all earnestness just a few days ago.

Parents of the victims said the State government did not also show any urgency in starting any vaccination programme for the kids.

The state government woke up to the menace only last week, despite the district being endemic to Encephalitis since 2012, when 24 people died of the disease.

For the Naveen Patnaik-led BJD government the lives of poor tribal kids dont matter. All that matters is the votes of their parents, said Congress leader Pradip Majhi.

As the death-toll continues to rise, the government finally sent five more pediatric specialists to the district and started a hot- meal programme at Anganwadi centres to provide nutritious food to the rural children.

But the affected residents are not impressed. I lost my daughter to the disease last month. Will the government be able to bring back my daughter? asked Malati Halwa, a daily labourer from Malkangiri.
Myanmars newly installed civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi will meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi next week in India, the foreign ministry said on Wednesday.

Suu Kyi, accompanied by her key ministers, will begin her official visit from October 17 to 19 after concluding a key sub-regional Asian summit in the western Indian state of Goa.

Myanmars de-facto leader will meet with Modi, President Pranab Mukherjee and foreign minister Sushma Swaraj during her maiden visit since taking office earlier this year.

She will also attend a business event as part of her efforts to bolster the economy and her administration, which is managing a difficult transition from military-run pariah to full-fledged democracy.

The visit of the State Counsellor will provide an opportunity for the two sides to discuss issues of mutual interest and seek ways to further strengthen the close and friendly ties that exist between the two countries, Indias foreign ministry said in a statement.

During the visit, both sides are expected to discuss border management  Myanmar shares its western frontier with Indias restive northeast region.

Indian intelligence officials say several militant groups operating in the area have their training camps in northern Myanmars thick jungles.

India reportedly conducted a rare cross-border operation in coordination with Myanmar last June, when dozens of rebels were killed, according to New Delhis defence minister.

The pro-democracy activist last visited India in 2012, two years after she was released from house arrest.

India had strongly supported her battle against the countrys dictatorship in the 1980s and early 1990s but later began a dialogue with Myanmar at a time when it was still isolated in the West.
Passengers on Indias vast railway network have long complained of the terrible meals on offer to sustain them on long journeys, but a slew of new services bringing fast food to their seats is changing the way they dine.

From Kentucky Fried Chicken to Dominos pizza and a host of local delicacies, todays train passengers have access to a vast array of hot dishes, all at the click of a smartphone app.

For passenger Amit V, who has ordered a vegetarian curry dish to be delivered to his seat, the new services are a godsend after years of buying railway food that he says was often inedible.

This food is 100 times better than the railways food, the mathematics teacher told AFP as he prepared to board a train for the 19-hour journey from Mathura, a major rail hub in northern India, to his home town in the west of the country.

It is all a far cry from what was on offer just a few years ago, when there were reports of cockroaches being found in dishes, and a leaked internal report said food was cooked in dirty, smelly and waterlogged pantry cars.

In one case, the samosas -- a popular snack -- were kept in a basket with cleaning mops.

There is demand too for a greater variety of options, with customers craving international cuisine, fast food, as well as local fare.

The new services are part of the process of modernising Indias state-owned railway network, which carries around 23 million passengers a day.

Asias oldest rail network is a lifeline for Indias 1.2 billion people, but is creaking from decades of neglect and chronic underinvestment.

Last year the government announced a $137-billion five-year modernisation plan that includes introducing free wifi in some stations in partnership with Google.

Google says the service will cover 100 stations by the end of this year, with an eventual target of 400 -- a further boost to online food delivery services.

Last year Indian Railways invited major chains such as KFC to sign up to its e-catering service, which allows passengers to pre-order online or by phone for delivery at major stations.

The next step will be to set up base kitchens in major stations to allow companies to prepare freshly cooked food for delivery on the trains, railway ministry spokesman Anil Kumar Saxena told AFP.

A host of private entrepreneurs are also trying to tap the market, among them Pushpinder Singh, who founded TravelKhana (Travel Food) with his wife in 2012.

The company signs up individual restaurants close to stations on busy routes, providing a delivery service for a fee.

There are around 5,000 long distance trains with an average journey of around 770 kilometres (480 miles), but only six percent of them have a proper food service, Singh told AFP.

This is the section we are targeting.
Pakistan is exploring the possibility of creating a greater South Asian economic alliance to counter Indias hold on the eight-member South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc), diplomatic observers said.

A parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, which is now in New York, pitched this idea during its five-day visit to Washington last week, Dawn online reported on Wednesday.

A greater South Asia is already emerging, said senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, in one of his interactions with the media.

This greater South Asia includes China, Iran and the neighbouring Central Asian republics.

He described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as the key economic route linking South Asia with Central Asia.

The Gwadar port, he said, would be the nearest warm water port, not only for China but also for the landlocked Central Asian states.

Read | Saarc is dead. Press on with connectivity

We want India to join this arrangement as well, said Hussain, an offer India is unlikely to accept as it is comfortable with the advantage provided by Saarc.

Last month, India pulled out of the 19th Saarc summit scheduled to be held in Islamabad on November 15 and 16.

India cited Pakistans involvement in the September 18 terrorist attack at an army camp in Kashmirs Uri , in which 19 soldiers died, as the reason for its decision to boycott the summit.

India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, a claim which Islamabad has denied. Other Saarc nations -- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka -- joined India in pulling out of the meeting.

According to Dawn, the boycott has led to an indefinite postponement of the summit and exposed Pakistans isolation within the region.

Apparently, the showdown forced Pakistan to conclude that in its present shape, Saarc will always be dominated by India. Thats why they are now talking about a greater South Asia, said a senior diplomat, confirming reports that Pakistan is actively seeking a new regional arrangement.

Pakistan hopes that this new arrangement will give it more room to manoeuvre when India tries to force a decision on it, said another diplomat.

Diplomatic observers in Washington said the proposed arrangement also suits China as it is worried about Indias rapidly growing influence in the region.

They argued that China can play an important role in persuading Central Asian republics and Iran to join the new arrangement.

But, according to the observers, Saarc members will have little interest in supporting the idea.

There is not much benefit for Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka in joining a land route far from their borders and Dhaka as well as Colombo have their own ports.

Read | Post Uri attack, India-Pak shadow looms over BRICS meet

The member that is likely to get the most benefits from a greater South Asian alliance is Afghanistan that is a landlocked Central Asian nation.

But observers believe that Afghanistan is too closely linked to India to join any arrangement that hurts New Delhis interests.

Afghanistans presence in Saarc, however, justifies Pakistans argument that Central Asian nations can be included in a greater South Asia.

Saarc member states imposed a stipulation for Afghanistan to hold general elections, which were held in late 2005, enabling the country to join the group as its eighth member in April 2007.

But, as a South Asian diplomat pointed out that even if a greater South Asia became reality, theres no guarantee that its members would support Pakistan in its disputes with India.

Many Central Asian states have strong ties with India and Iran too has problems with Pakistan, the diplomat said.
Officials said on Wednesday the operation to flush out militants from the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) building in Pampore has entered its final stages and security forces have gained control of one of the structures.

The operation at Pampore is still going on but it is definitely now in final stages, an official said.

The body of one of the militants has been recovered from the besieged hostel building as forces entered the structure to clear the rooms.

We have entered the building to clear rooms. Body of one militant has been recovered, director general of police (coordination), SP Vaid told Hindustan Times.

Reports said two militants have been killed in a gunbattle that has lasted over 50 hours but there has been no official confirmation.

Security forces entered one portion of the building but are proceeding cautiously as more militants could be hiding inside. Elite para commandos of the army have also called in to neutralise the militants, the official added.

Forces have been pounding the building on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway since Monday after two or three militants barged inside the complex and took positions inside one of the buildings.

The hostel building, in which the militants are holed up since Monday morning, has around 60 rooms and the forces waited for the gunmen to exhaust their ammunition.

We are not receiving any fire from the militants now. The final position will be cleared once we search the whole building, said Vaid told.

Read: Pampore militants had planned a suicide attack in Srinagar: Officials

Lax security

This is the second attack on the institute that trains and finances young men and women to become entrepreneurs. In February, three special forces personnel, two CRPF men and a civilian lost their lives in a 50-hour standoff. Then, the attackers had captured the main office block.

The latest attack has raised questions about security in and around the complex.

After the February attack, authorities decided to build bunkers around the complex but the work is yet to begin. Only a tin fence was erected on the front to secure the complex after the incident.

The Jhelum flows behind the complex and the riverside is not properly fenced giving anyone an easy access to the institute. The militants reportedly came in a boat this time.

We are not a security installation. Just as in case of a college or a university, one cant expect us to turn this space into a garrison, a JKEDI official said.

Read: J-K: Ops to flush out militants in Pampore enter 2nd day, explosions heard

A security official echoed similar views, saying there were limits to the deployment of security personnel outside an educational institute  which means, fewer guards were around.

Because of the ongoing unrest in the Kashmir valley, there were no students in the building when the attackers entered the hostel.

The valley has been witnessing violent public protests following the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in July.
Union home minister Rajnath Singh chaired a high-level review meeting on the security situation in the country, and particularly in Jammu and Kashmir, at his residence in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Defence minister Manohar Parrikar, national security adviser Ajit Doval and key home ministry officials attended the meeting.

The Pampore attack, in which two terrorists were killed by the army, situation at the Indo-Pak border and the Line of Control, and latest intelligence inputs on terror threats were discussed in the meeting, said a home ministry official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

A daily security review meeting takes place every morning at the home ministry to discuss all law and order hot-spots. Since the home minister was away, he took the meeting in the evening, added the official.

During the hour-long meeting, top officials briefed the home and defence ministers on the situation in Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of the almost 57-hour gun battle between militants and security forces in Pampore, which ended on Wednesday with the killing of two terrorists.

The two ministers also took stock of the situation along the Indo-Pak border and the Line of Control and steps taken to check attempts of infiltration from across the border, official sources were quoted as saying by PTI.

Also discussed was the unrest in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been continuing ever since the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen militant Burhan Wani on July 8 that led to violent protests and clashes with security forces.

Read | Kashmir unrest: Separatist leaders extend strike call till October 20

The home ministry has already sent an advisory to all states to deploy additional forces in sensitive places to foil any attempt by terrorists to disturb peace and attempts by miscreants to try to create communal disturbance.

With inputs from agencies
Lets Talk About Rape: Eight eminent Indians write open letters in Hindustan Times to discuss the reality of sexual assault in India.

In Part 8 of the series, journalist Barkha Dutt writes an open letter to her colleagues in the industry.

Dear colleagues,

Before we talk about what the most sensitive and appropriate way there might be for all of us to report on rape and sexual abuse, we should first acknowledge how long it took all of us  women journalists included, and sometimes especially us women  to place the issue at the top of the news hierarchy. I can confess that when I first began my job as a twenty-something I was very defensive about being saddled with covering what were then called womens features. I wanted to report on politics, insurgency, riots, war, calamities  what I thought was the tough stuff that wouldnt gender me as a female reporter.

Among my earliest assignments though was the gang rape of a Dalit woman  Bhanwari Devi  in a village in Rajasthan, who had been assaulted for trying to stop the child marriage of a one-year-old infant. She worked with a government program that sought to create local awareness against this retrograde custom. The rapists included the father of the child. If that was not bone-chilling enough; a judge who tried the case acquitted the accused because he believed men of a certain caste would not touch a woman of a caste considered inferior to theirs; forgetting, again that Rape is Not about Sex; its about Power. Bhanwari Devi was ostracised by the village for daring to complain against the perpetrators. She lived on the outskirts of her own village, shunned at weddings and funerals and forbidden to draw water from the common well. That first assignment taught me swiftly that there is nothing soft about reporting violence against women; it remains mired in our countrys deepest fault lines  caste and class.

Read | Calling for a sexually liberated India: HT readers respond to #LetsTalkAboutRape

But in 2016, the story of Bhanwari Devi brings home some new and critical questions for me as a journalist. Our collective reportage on the Nirbhaya case (the horrific gang rape of Jyoti Singh, a young medical student in Delhi) and the mass student protests that followed it pressured Parliament to change the laws and finally made sexual violence a lead story that could no longer be buried in the inside pages. But I have always wondered why we never responded to Bhanwari Devi with the same intensity as we did to Nirbhaya. The year that the Nirbhaya case made international headlines was also the 20th year that Bhanwari Devi had been fighting a hostile system for justice. Ironically, it is to Bhanwari Devi that we owe the Vishakha guidelines  the first legal sexual harassment code that is now required to be followed by all workplaces. The Supreme Court recognised that Bhanwari had been abused while doing her job. It is because of Bhanwari and these guidelines her battle gifted us that influential men like RK Pachauri or Tarun Tejpal are facing trial. Yet, her own story is now on the margins of public attention as is the fact that the men who did this to her have still not been punished. More than two decades later there is still no verdict in her case. So why is our outrage missing? Is it because we are guilty of fickleness, moving on from one headline to the next? Or is it because our coverage of rape betrays the worst sort of (subliminal) class bias?

Did Nirbhaya get our attention in a way Bhanwari did not because one was the story of aspirational India set in an identifiable urban setting and the other was the suffering of a marginalised woman, the injustice to her as a woman clearly compounded by the caste bigotry against her. The Nirbhaya case was an inflection point in how we talk about rape and not one of us can ever shake off the thought of that moving bus and an iron rod being forced into the private parts of a young woman coming home from watching a movie. I will never undermine the enormity of that case; but I often wonder what it says about us that others like Bhanwari Devi dont get an equal amount of anger and attention.

Apart from our transitory and selective focus there is a trivialisation that is creeping into our media conversations about rape that is disturbing. Take a recent sex tape for example on the assignations of a Delhi minister. What first appeared to be consensual sex between adults has subsequently been registered as a case of rape but not before a tawdry, albeit censored camera recording played out on several TV channels. There are legitimate questions about whether the minister (since sacked) misused the power of public office to coerce the woman who is also on tape. However, the looping of this sordid footage that played endlessly to satisfy the vicarious curiosity of a mass audience surely undermines the gravity of an offence like rape. Salacious sensationalism can only do disservice to a conversation that we as a people have only just begun to have. The National Commission for Women then summoning an Aam Aadmi Party representative for writing a skeptical column (importantly at a time when there was no known complaint of rape) on the tapes and way his own party responded further eroded the seriousness of the debate.

Finally, we must discourage language that links rape to honour. In the aftermath of every such assault aggrieved families, politicians and lawyers will often use words that confuse notions of respect. When women fight back, it is suggested they are fighting for their honour; their self-respect. The rapist and his crime cannot be allowed to define a womans sense of self. The fight is for justice; the dishonour is that of the criminal. And though finding that balance is always precarious, we must look for ways to report the monstrosity of the crime without violating the privacy of the rape survivor or her family with intrusive questions and thrusting microphones. We must allow the women or their families (or young men who have experienced sexual abuse as boys) to choose their own pace, their own language and give them the freedom to draw their own red lines. They cannot and must not be pushed by the punishing and often insensitive deadlines of the next television bulletin or next mornings newspaper.

Read | Battling stalkers, the male gaze: HT readers respond to #LetsTalkAboutRape

Rape is not a spectacle. Rape is not a first headline only when its absolutely macabre or when it happens identifiably to people like us. Never forget  most women in India get abused within the circle of trust; 90% of Indian women who have been sexually abused know their aggressor. And we havent even begun talking about marital rape yet. Rape and sexual violence  theyre closer home than we think.

(The author is consulting editor, NDTV, and founding member, Ideas Collective)

To read other letters in the series, click on the writers below:

Our series draws to a close today, but the conversation continues. Use #LetsTalkAboutRape to comment, discuss, respond. 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.

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For army snipers donning the camouflaged battle-gear, Dushmun Sikaar, Hum Sikaari is the duty mantra as they guard the highly sensitive Line of Control (LoC).

Ply boards with Dushman Sikaar, Hum Sikari written on them dot the pine tree tops on the foot-tracks of patrolling parties and border woods along LoC.

LoC snipers and soldiers, whose morale has gone further up post surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), are out to give befitting reply to any ceasefire violation by Pakistan and foil infiltration attempts of terrorists and Border Action Teams (BATs).

Pointing towards a ply-card motto nailed to a pine tree on foot-patrolling track along three-tier fence, Sniper Ram Singh (name changed) said, The enemy sitting across the Lakshman Rekha (LoC) is my prey and I am his hunter. We work as per this motto for those daring to cross this Lakshman Rekha.

Singh, along with other snipers, are highly trained and target-hitting soldiers meant to hit specific enemies daring to breach LoC.

Like snipers, the motto is no different for jawans and officers who monitor the forward post and undertake foot patrolling along LoC amid electronic surveillance. These soldiers guard the Indo-Pak border in Noushera sector of Rajouri district which is opposite to the Bhimbher district of PoK, where the heavily armed special forces in pre-dawn surgical strike hit at terror launch pads last month.

Noushera sector with thick coniferous woods, deep valleys, rock-cut mountains is now a target of the Pakistan armed troops post surgical strikes.

The Noushera sector was once biggest infiltration area as there were huge launching pads and terrorist training camps in Bhimbher-Samahni-Nikyal belt across LoC.

We are most vigilant along LoC. We cannot even for a moment keep LoC out of the manual and electronic sight. We cannot trust Pakistani troops. They are insulted following surgical strike, said another soldier at the forward post.

Showcasing the electronic surveillance of the LoC, the company commander said that we are keeping a hawk-eye on LoC and forward past posts and sensitive gaps on the border.

Even movement of a cat is watched now through electronic gadgets. We cannot afford to give a chance to them (enemies), the officer said.

Apart from continuous observation from forward posts, electronic observation rooms, there is manual patrolling and three-tier lit-up fencing to guard against infiltration and cross LoC raids, the officer added.

Undeterred by continuous mortar shell blasts and rattle of heavy machine guns at their posts last week, jawans brave bad weather and inhospitable terrain to keep a strict vigil on the LoC in Poonch.

Even during recent heavily shelling and firing, we kept hawks eye vigilance on LoC to foil any design of infiltration or any such attack, the officer said.

The situation in Poonch-Rajouri sector has deteriorated in the past week following the surgical strike. Repeated ceasefire violations, firing on forward posts and sniper-firings have forced jawans, officers and commanding officers to remain on their toes along the 225-km LoC.

Defences at LoC are well prepared. Jawans are well motivated and morale is high. Our troops are prepared for 24X7 for any eventuality along the LoC, the officer said.

There is a foolproof security mechanism in place and anti-infiltration measures have also been activated to foil infiltration bids by militants or any kind of BAT attack, he said.

Since the surgical strikes, there have been over 26 ceasefire violations from Pakistan along the LoC in which four soldiers and five civilians suffered injuries and 11 shops were gutted.
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India ranks 90 among 144 countries as the hardest place to be a girl, a report by an international NGO shows, underlining the challenges faced by women in a highly patriarchal society.

The ranking, based on schooling, child marriage, teen pregnancy, maternal deaths and women in parliament, placed India lower than all its neighbours -- Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Nepal.

The report by the non-profit Save the Children -- Every Last Girl: Free to live, free to learn, free from harm  also said girls as young as 10 are forced to marry in many countries including India, which has enacted stringent laws that make marriage of underage girls a punishable offence.

The findings highlight the challenges faced by the BJP-led governments efforts to lift the status of women in the country by ensuring gender equality.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who launched the Beti padhao, beti bachao (Educate girls to save the girl child) campaign after assuming power, on Tuesday cited the legend of Sita to exhort people to kill the evil of gender bias.

Thomas Chandy, CEO of Save the Children in India, said the age-old challenge cannot be addressed only through government policies.

We have to change mindsets in the rural as well as urban areasDiscrimination in India against girls begins even before birth and the cycle of inequality continues to play out throughout their lives, Chandy told HT.

The report said a young girl under the age of 15 is married every seven seconds worldwide, and 15 million girls are married before their 18th birthday each year.

The good news is that data from 18 states shows that child marriage is down across India, including in states where it was rampant, like in Bihar, where it is down from 60% a decade ago to 39 %, Chandy added.

Indias 2011 census data substantiates this fact.

Close to one in three (30%) married women in India were wed before they turned 18, the legal age of marriage, down from 43% in 2001. Of them, 2.3% were married before the age of 10.

In absolute numbers, 15 million girls became child brides in India between 2001 and 2011.

Girls affected by conflict and natural disasters such as floods are more likely to become child brides as many displaced and refugee families marry off their daughters as a way to protect them against poverty or sexual exploitation, Chandy said.

The report cites Nepal as a success story, where good lower-secondary school completion rate for girls, which, at 86%, is similar to Spains, is delaying the age of marriage.

(With inputs from Kumkum Dasgupta)
Symbolising the victory of good over evil on Dussehra, dozens of Ravan, Meghnad and Kumbhakaran effigies went up in flames amid loud bursting of crackers and cheering by crowds of people across Indore on Tuesday evening.

Terrorism originating from across the Line of Control (LoC) was one of the popular themes this year. In Sadhna Nagar, the picture of Pakistan premier Nawaz Sharifs face was pasted on Ravan effigy. But that was not all.

Other effigies had faces of mafia dons Dawood Ibrahim and Chhota Shakeel and Al-Qaeda founder Osama Bin Laden. Fittingly, a man wearing a mask of Prime Minister Narendra Modi set ablaze the effigy of Ravan.

Ravan was also made to look like Sharif at Nigam Roads Dussehra celebration.

In Tilaknagar, a 71-feet effigy of Ravan added to the charm of the oldest effigy burning ritual in the city.

But the Ravan effigy at Dussehra Maidan  standing at 111 feet tall  dwarfed many of his competitors. The Dussehra Utsav Committee organised fireworks before the burning of the effigy.

Among other localities that saw effigy burning are Rambagh, Rajmohalla, Chhawni, Vijay Nagar, Yeshwant Club and Chimanbagh.
Miffed with the investigation of four IndiGo Airlines pilots  seen posing and apparently drinking whisky from a bottle on-board a Bangkok-bound flight  by Indias aviation regulator, a Bangalore-based software developer has reported the issue to air safety watchdogs from other countries.

Read: IndiGo off-duty pilots pose with whisky bottles, DGCA orders probe

The complainant, Alok Narula, decided to draw international attention to the issue after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) response to his query under the Right to Information (RTI) Act showed little progress in the probe. The air safety department said the probe was ongoing and updates could take up to three months.

It is a fairly black-and-white case. But it seems as though the DGCA is in no hurry, said Narula, who has spoken to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the US aviation regulator. I will report this case to the EASA (European aviation regulator) and the International Civil Aviation Organisation(ICAO), a UN-appointed aviation watchdog.

BS Bhullar, director general of civil aviation, was not available for comment.

HT was first to report the incident on September 7 after the DGCA asked IndiGo explain the matter, acting on Narulas complaint.

The low-cost airline had told HT that its internal probe had found no violations by the pilots.

As per the internal investigation, these pilots were on leave and off duty when they clicked this picture as regular travellers on an international flight, an IndiGo spokesperson said on Wednesday. The liquor bottle had been sealed at the time, he added.

The spokesperson said they informed the regulator when they found out about the picture, which was taken in October 2013 and shared on Facebook in January 2014. It had also taken the pilots off flying duties during the probe.

While drinking on-board international flights is allowed, passengers are not permitted to carry their own booze. Even bottles picked up from duty-free stores cannot be opened in-flight, state ICAO regulations, which cite potential dangers when a crew is unable to stop tipsy fliers from getting sloshed and unruly.

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A railway engineer was run over by a goods train near Kopar railway station on Wednesday. It was the second such incident on Central railway within a month and labour unions blame unsafe working condition responsible for the incident.

Railway sources said the assistant divisional signal and telecom engineer Navneet Govind Palane and Devu Dhave from the signal and telecom department were run over by a goods train, when Palane was inspecting digital axel counters (DAC) between Dombivli and Kopar stations. Dhave sustained injuries to his leg and has been admitted to the railway hospital in Kalyan, according to railway sources.

They were walking on the fifth line. As they noticed a train coming from the opposite direction, they shifted towards the sixth line. They did not see an oncoming goods train, said a railway union leader.

Recently, a gangman was run over by a suburban train at Tilak Nagar station. Earlier, four gangmen were run over by a train between Kurla and Vidyavihar station when they were returning back to station after completion of block, in mid-February.

Every month a railwayman dies in such incidents on tracks in Mumbai, said Venu Nair, general secretary of National Railway Mazdoor Union. He held increasing work pressure along with unsafe working conditions responsible for the increase cases.

Praveen Bajpeyee, leader of Central Railway Mazdoor Sangh (CRMS), said the railways are not adopting the adequate safety measures.

Narendra Patil, chief spokesperson of CR confirmed the incident, terming it as unfortunate.

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The Thane police on Wednesday picked up three hawala operators from Mumbai and Ahmedabad, who ensured smooth delivery of cash to the illegal call centres at Mira Road, for questioning. The hawala operators allegedly supplied Rs3crore-Rs4 crore to Delta IT Park month, where nine of these call centres were located.

A top source in the crime branch told HT on Wednesday the operators will be questioned about their contacts in Ahmedabad, believed to be the epicentre of the racket.

A senior Thane police officer hinted at the imminent arrest of the hawala operators, stating their custodial interrogation was vital to ascertain the identity and whereabouts of the key conduits, who were directly in touch with Saggy alias Sagar Thakkar, the alleged mastermind of the scam.

Meanwhile, crime branch sources said the names of the hawala operators cropped up during the questioning of the eight managing directors of the seven call centres, whose police custody was extended on Monday. The managing directors were directly responsible for hiring employees and distribution of their salaries and bonus which were paid in cash. The accounts were managed using MS Excel sheets, which the police have recovered.

The managing directors spilled the beans during interrogation and identified those who would deliver cash to the call centres, a day before the salaries were distributed on the fifth of every month, said sources. Armed with the information, the police raided several places in the western suburbs in Mumbai and rounded up the trio.

During initial questioning, the hawala operators (colloquially called angadias) are learnt to have told the police they would make the payment at the call centres on directions from their counterparts in Ahmedabad, where the money was deposited. It is a traditional method of money laundering. Large unaccounted money (cash) cannot be transferred through banks without disclosing sources, while carrying such cash from far-off places is not safe. So the money is laundered through the hawala network, the officer said.

The call centres employed more than 800 people, with salaries varying between Rs15,000 (to trainees) and more than Rs60,000 to mid- and senior-level employees. The total monthly disbursement ran into crores. Also, many employees were paid a bonus for successful trap, sources said.

The police said the key hawala operator in Ahmedabad worked with Saggy for the past two years. It is quite likely the same hawala operator laundered the money knocked out from taxpayers in the United States to India, sources said, adding his arrest is vital to establish the money trail and find Saggy, who is suspected to have escaped to a Gulf country following the police crackdown. His sister Reema, who is another key player in the cartel, too has gone underground. ________________________________________

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The Ahmedabad-based mastermind of the Thane tele scam, Sagar Thakkar, 23, roped in several of his childhood friends to form a network of trustworthy floor managers, who then ran the multi-million dollar con across cities, said the police. Sagar and his family are currently absconding.

One such operative  now in custody of the Thane crime branch shed light on the closely knit multi-layered operation, in which secrets were closely guarded.

The business ran like the pyramid marketing schemes, in which everyone contributes to the overall success. That is probably why they kept business secrets so well, that no one found out about the scheme for so long, said a key investigator of the case.

*Virat Master, 25, the arrested operative is a std 10 drop-out from a school in Nalasopara, where Sagar studied till std 6, before his family migrated to Ahmedabad. After dropping out, Virat did odd jobs before joining a car wash in Vasai.

The officer said Virat received a call a couple of years ago. The caller identified himself as Sagar, his childhood friend, and asked him about his monthly income and family. Virat was earning no more than Rs4,000-5,000 a month. So when Sagar promised him decent wages, Virat accepted and went to Ahmedabad at his request, he said.

A chauffer-driven Mercedes picked up Virat at the Ahmedabad railway station and took him to a well-known five star hotel where Sagar was waiting. The two had lunch together and then went to one of the call centres run by Sagar, the officer said.

Impressed by Sagars wealth and lifestyle, Virat immediately agreed to work at the call centre, in which six or seven of his schoolmates worked. They had all been invited and given work by Sagar in the same way as Virat.

Sagar most likely got their contact details and whereabouts from social networking sites, the officer said. Virat was initially paid Rs15,000, which was later increased to Rs30,000 a month.

Virat allegedly told the police that he worked at the call centre for two to three months before quitting and returning to Mumbai as he was homesick. However, after running out of money, Virat contacted Sagar again. Sagar made him a floor manager at one of the call centres at Mira Road. There he found four-five of his classmates who were trained at Ahmedabad. They were working as floor managers in other call centres at the Delta building, the officer said.

After interrogating Virat, the police learnt that Sagar used his friends to recruit employees from their respective friend circles. Sagar got his friends in and around Vasai-Mira Road to work for his call centre. Those he recruited roped in their friends, and so on. It ran like a multi-level marketing scheme.The employees knew each other and kept the operation a secret, the official added.

The police learnt that Sagar  who used to live in a one-room flat at Nyandshwar Apartments in Varsrapur, Ahmedabad  amassed a fortune in a short time through the network.

*Names of the accused have been changed as the case is under investigation

Masterminds sister managed finances

The police have learnt that Sagars elder sister Reema, 27, helped him manage the call centres finances. Reema, who lives with her family in Borivli (West), maintained the salary register of the call centres and would visit them regularly. She and Sagar would distribute the employees salaries, sources said. Reema went underground as soon as the scam was unearthed last week, they added.

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NEW DELHI: India is expected to push its strategy to isolate Pakistan diplomatically for sponsoring terrorism and sheltering terrorists when leaders of 10 countries gather in Goa this weekend for the BRICS summit and a Bay of Bengal groupings outreach meet.

The BRICS, comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, summit is slated for October 15 and 16 in the seaside state. Members of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) will meet the BRICS leaders on October 16.

Besides, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will have bilateral meetings with the visiting dignitaries. The Modi government is likely to use this opportunity to voice its concern over cross-border terrorism, especially after Pakistan-based militants killed 18 soldiers  mostly sleeping in their barracks  during an attack on an army base in Uri, Jammu and Kashmir.

From BRICS summits in the Russian cities of Yekaterinburg in 2009 and Ufa in 2014 to Goa, Indian diplomatic focus has been and will be the strained ties with Pakistan, a neighbour New Delhi accuses of pursuing terrorism as a state policy and sheltering militants.

This time around, Modi is likely to stress the need for countries to deny sanctuaries to terrorists and take a re-look at the way UN designates terrorists during bilateral meetings, sources said.

When he meets Chinese president Xi Jingping on Saturday, Modi may urge him to relax Beijings objection to the UN Sanctions Committee designating Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a terrorist. India blamed the Pakistan-based outfit for the attack on the airbase in Pathanokot in January and the Uri army base this September. India has been playing all cards possible to isolate Pakistan diplomatically after the Uri attack.

Five of the BIMSTEC countries  India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka  are part of the Saarc grouping as well. The Saarc meeting slated for November in Islamabad was postponed after India linked cross-border terrorism with regional cooperation, successfully getting the support of Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan.

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LUCKNOW: Those who support and provide sanctuary to terrorists cant be spared, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a veiled message to Pakistan on Tuesday, adding that sometimes war becomes inevitable but India believes in walking the path of peace.

Hum yudh se Budh ki yatra par jaane wale log hain (We are the people who move from war to the path of peace as shown by Lord Buddha). We are for a balance between war and peace, Modi said at a public rally in Lucknow to mark Dussehra celebrations on Tuesday, twelve days after India launched surgical strikes on terror launch pads across the de-facto border with Pakistan.

The PM did not name Pakistan in his speech, the first since Indias military retribution against the neighbour New Delhi blames for the terror attack on an army base in Uri that left 19 soldiers dead.

It is not possible to protect humanity without wiping out terrorism, he said. Modis tough talk on terrorism came amid a political slugfest over the surgical strikes, with opposition parties accusing the BJP of profiteering from the military action and the ruling party berating the opposition for belittling the sacrifice of the armed forces.

Posters at Aishbagh ground in Lucknow welcomed Modi and home minister Rajnath Singh as avengers of Uri, an indicator of how NDA-led Indias muscular response to Pakistan could shape the poll campaign in UP where the BJP has been out of power for 14 years. The PMs chants of Jai Shri Ram at the start and the end of his speech drew cheers from the impressive gathering in Lucknow, the capital of UP where this slogan defined politics during the Ram temple movement in late 1980s and early 1990s. Modi said that the first to rise against terrorism was Jatayu, a vulture in the epic Ramayana which unsuccessfully fought Ravana to stop him from abducting Sita. The PM exhorted 125 crore Indians to be Jatayu in the face of terrorism.

If everyone is alert, the evil designs of terrorists can be foiled, he said.

Modi said that it was only after 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai that the world woke up to terrorism. In 1992-93, when I was talking to the US secretary of state about growing terrorism in the country, he had said it was a law and order problem and not terror. But post 26/11, the world knows what terror is, he said at the historic ground where Ram Leela if believed to have been staged for the last 650 years. This was the first time a PM chose to depart from the tradition of celebrating Dussehra at Delhis Ram Leela grounds.

Modi invoked the legend of Ram and Sita to highlight the governments pledge to end gender bias in the country. We burn effigies of Raavan since ages to condemn the assault on Sitas honour. But we distinguish between boys and girls, Modi said as he referred to filth, poverty, illiteracy and casteism as other forms of evil.

Addressing the rally earlier, Union home minister Rajnath Singh said that under Modis leadership, the government has shown to the world that India is a strong nation.

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Officials in the countrys northeast region, particularly Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, have more furrows on their forehead than ever before.

Their worries have multiplied ever since China announced that it would build a dam across Xiabuqu, a tributary of the mighty Tsangpo river that flows southwards into Arunachal as the Siang and then joins the Brahmaputra.

The consequences of the proposed dam are yet to be determined, but speculations abound over Chinas plans to harness water from rivers that pass its territory before entering India. Such a move would deliver a veritable blow to millions dependant on the rivers for sustenance on this side of the border.

Between the Indus in the west and Tsangpo/Siang in the east, there are six major rivers flowing down from Tibet to India. These rivers are crucial for Indias agricultural and industrial needs. China has planned 32 dams on the rivers and tributaries, raising concerns among people in lower riparian states.

Moreover, in the absence of a water-sharing agreement, China has the power to turn the rivers into taps of uncertainty at any given point. The international norm of first right to use favours Beijing, a water resources ministry official said.

However, Assam chief minister Sarbanana Sonowal expressed confidence in the Modi governments ability to stem the problem. We are sure the Centre will find a way out to ensure the Brahmaputra does not dry up, he said.

Arunachal Pradesh spokesperson Pasang D Sona, for his part, said the natural right of a nation must be respected, whether theres a treaty or not.

The impact of China damming the rivers became evident in June 2000, when the water level of the Siang suddenly rose by 30 metres  killing 26 people. Himachal Pradesh experienced a deadlier flash flood on August 1 that year, when the water level of Sutlej rose abruptly by 50 feet. Though China attributed the phenomenon to a glacial lake outburst, reports suggested that natural removal of debris caused by dam construction was the culprit. The northeast region was also hit when the Siang dried up in 2012.

Ideologue Brahma Chellaney said China wants to specifically target the Brahmaputra because its average annual trans-boundary flow into India  142.37 cubic km  is almost equal to all the other rivers of the kind put together. The chance of water being used as a political weapon cannot be discounted, he added.

Officials looking out for a loophole believe the best way forward is to develop dams in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh  therefore exercising first-user rights and preventing China from stealing the rivers. The United Nations advisory on river water disputes says a downstream riparian state can ensure first-user right on international rivers by building dams.

Consequently, as many as 76 dams  including a 10,000 MW hydropower project on the Siang  have been planned. This will provide a strategic answer to Chinas bumper-to-bumper dams on the Tsangpo, an official said.

Activists, however, say this move will affect the Himalayan ecology. India is using the bogey of Chinese dams to build more dams, most of which are impractical and dangerous to the Himalayan ecosystem, said Himanshu Thakkar of the South Asia Network on Dams, River & People.

However, the Chinese ministry of foreign affairs maintained that Indias concerns were unfounded. For long, China and India have had excellent cooperation on cross-border water issues... The water storage needed for the project has been less than 0.02% of the yearly run off of the Yarlung Zangpo- Brahmaputra region, posing no threat to the downstream area, it said.

(With inputs from Utpal Parashar in Guwahati)
It is the countrys top job, all frills attached  big car, a sprawling residence, an army of guards and, most of all, the power to shape a billion lives. But, no leave.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi hasnt taken a day off the 32 months he has been in office and the PMO doesnt know if his predecessors either did.

Information regarding leave record of previous prime ministers is not a part of records held by this office. However, it may be noted that no leave has been availed by present Prime Minister ie Shri Narendra Modi since taking over charge, a PTI report said, quoting a PMO response to an RTI applicant.

Technically, the Indian prime minister can never be on leave.

Asked if there were leave rules for the PM like the ones for civil servants, the government suggested there were none. The prime minister of India can be said to be on duty at all times, the PMO said.

There was no provision for the PM or the ministers to be on leave, former cabinet secretary Naresh Chandra said. No leave applications have ever been sent.

But this doesnt mean they havent taken time off.

Back in 1986, Chandra recalled, Rajiv Gandhi famously took his first holiday when he travelled to Rajasthans Ranthambore National Park. AB Vajpayee, too, took his annual vacations in December.

When prime ministers are not at hand to take urgent decisions, the practice is to leave a note with the cabinet secretary nominating a senior cabinet minister  referred to as the Number 2  to chair cabinet meetings.

So when Manmohan Singh had to undergo a heart surgery in early 2009, he named Pranab Mukherjee.

In the present government, it is home minister Rajnath Singh who chairs cabinet meetings when Modi is abroad.

This, Chandra said, was because the Constitution didnt have a provision for an acting PM. It implies that the PM is always responsible for the governments action, leave or no leave.

This is in contrast to the UK where there is a tradition of prime ministers going on holidays. Ditto for the US presidents.

Senior civil servants, however, are free to avail leaves like everyone else. But every time they are away, the government has to appoint someone to hold charge of their departments.

Chandra, who was the cabinet secretary in 1990-92, said he didnt take a holiday when he was in the hot seat. But, when he had to go abroad for a week to invite foreign investment, he delegated his powers to senior cabinet secretariat officials except the one to appoint officers. I delegated this power to Amar Nath Verma, the principal secretary to PM Narasimha Rao, he said.

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A local court on Wednesday convicted all six accused in the triple murder case, which hit the headlines in 2014.

The court awarded life term to four  Sukhchain Singh, Sarabjit Kaur, Avtar Singh and Nishan Singh  and two  Jasbir Kaur and Sahib Singh  will remain in jail till death and will not be able to avail of parole.

While six are behind the bars, Ranjit Singh, the seventh accused, who was also arrested, died during the course of trial.

On January 22, 2014, three unidentified migrant labourers were murdered and their bodies were dumped in a car that was set afire near Manawala village on the national highway-1 by the accused to show themselves dead to the insurance company.

The police, after initial investigation, found that two of the dead were Sahib Singh of Bhullar village near Ajnala and Surinder Singh of the Maqboolpura area. They were identified by their family members and relatives.

However, Punjab Human Rights Organisation (PHRO) secretary Sarabjit Singh questioned the police probe and found that it was a staged-managed murder for claiming insurance by Surinder Singh. About a month back before the accident, Surinder had got himself insured for Rs 2 crore and his acquaintance, Sahib Singh, for Rs 1 crore. Surinders car was insured for Rs 10 lakh. The two had faked their deaths with the help of family members, relatives and friends.

The police arrested seven of the 12 named in the first information report (FIR) and presented a challan in the court.

The court agreed with additional public prosecutor APS Khera that it was a case of murder and greed in which the motive was to claim insurance money. The judgment was pronounced by additional sessions judge Preeti Sawhney after she found all the six guilty of murder. The police had registered a case against 12 persons in March 2014 under Sections 302, 364, 420, 436, 120-B and 201 of the Indian Penal Code at the Chatiwind police station.

The five, who are yet to be arrested, include Surinder Singh, the main conspirator, his two sons Sukhwant Singh and Mukhtiar Singh, Balwinder Singh and Surinder Singh. They were declared proclaimed offenders (PO) in June 2014 and are said to be abroad.

The court also directed the police to make efforts to trace the five absconders and put them on trial. On being informed that Sukhwant Singh and Mukhtiar Singh are in Australia, the court directed the police to make efforts to bring them to India.

The PHRO had investigated the case on a complaint by Sahib Singhs wife Sunanda. Surinder, who paid Sahibs premium, forged her signatures for getting the claim.

The PHRO, in its investigations, took the Amritsar Rural police to task for failing to conduct DNA test of the charred bodies of the migrant labourers and relying on statements of Surinder and Sahib Singhs relatives and friends.

The murdered migrant labourers still remain unidentified.
Accusing the Kolti Surat Malhi station house officer (SHO) Manjit Singh of threatening and victimising Congress workers at the behest of Akali Dal leaders, partys Punjab chief Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday stormed the police station here.

He was accompanied by Dera Baba Nanak MLA Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and hundreds of Congress workers.

Reacting to complaints from party workers at Gurdaspurs Kolti Surat Malhi village against the SHO that he was forcing them to join the Akali Dal, Amarinder said policemen in the belt were acting as puppets in the hands of Akalis and were slapping false cases against Congress workers. Enough is enough. I wont let anyone to get away with the persecution of Congress workers. I will use special powers vested with the government under Article 311 of the Constitution to dismiss officials if they continue to terrorise Congress workers, he said.

Lashing at policemen, Amarinder said: During my previous tenure as the CM, I had dismissed 23 officials under Article 311 and today I am warning all such corrupt and biased officials to stop victimising Congress workers else strict action will be initiated against them once the Congress forms the government in the state.

Amarinder also spoke to Batala senior superintendent of police Daljinder Singh over phone and demanded immediate suspension of the SHO.

Party workers also accused the SHO and deputy superintendent of police Surinder Bansal of patronising drug trade in the area. However, both the officials left before Amarinder reached the police station.

Speaking on the occasion, Randhawa said police have slapped false cases against more than 1,000 Congress workers in Dera Baba Nanak and Fatehgarh Churian in the past two-three years. He alleged that many party workers had been

Asking the government to conduct a dope test on Dera Baba Nanak SHO Zarnail Singh and Kotli Surat Malhi SHO Manjit Singh, Randhawa said: I will quit from the legislative assembly if both these officers clear the test.

CAPT ISSUES LOOKOUT NOTICE FOR GOVT

Amarinder also visited farmers houses at Kotli Surat Malhi village to launch Congress door-to-door campaign. He also met the farmers in Fatehgarh Churian, Kalanaur, Dera Baba Nanak, Ghiana-Ke-Bet and Batala grain markets where he blamed the Akali-BJP government for the distress sale of paddy.

He also issued a lookout notice for the state government, saying it had gone missing from the grain markets. With the government disappearing from the scene, farmers have been forced to resort to distress selling of paddy at rates much lower than the minimum support price, he said.

The farmers said their produce was lying out in the open in grain markets. This could lead to increase in the moisture content, they added. Procurement agencies are missing. We have no option but to sell our produce at Rs 1,200 per quintal instead of MSP of Rs 1,510.
Launching its first frontal attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Kanwar Sandhu, the Congress on Tuesday called the journalist-turned-politician a golak chor.

The Congress fielded its three legislators Gurkirat Singh Kotli, Amrik Singh Dhillon and Balbir Singh Sidhu to hit out at Sandhu, who on Monday had accused the Congress of colluding with the ruling Akali Dal on illegal mining.

Sandhu is AAP candidate from Kharar for the upcoming assembly election. He is also chairman of the partys Punjab Dialogue panel for drafting its poll manifesto.

In a press statement, Congress leaders levelled allegation of golak chor against Sandhu in the context of his sons admission against an NRI seat in the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC)-run Sri Guru Ram Das Institute of Medical Sciences and Research in Amritsar, where Sandhu, then a working journalist, had reportedly sought fee-waiver from the apex religious body.

Advising Sandhu to refrain from fabrications and deceptions to divert public attention from various personal and professional favours he has taken from the Akali Dal over the years, Congress leaders said the AAP leader should first come clean on the alleged multiple favours.

How did his (Sandhus) son get admission through the NRI quota in the medical college? Did he not seek favours from the then SGPC president, Bibi Jagir Kaur, who was then embroiled in a controversy over the death of her daughter? the statement said.

Congress leaders also questioned Sandhus failure to pay his sons education fee, asking: Isnt it true that he was served several notices for the same? They alleged that Sandhus son was appointed Punjab Civil Medical Service doctor during the Akali regime. But soon after, the PCMS recruitment scam hit the headlines and went to the Punjab and Haryana high court. Apprehending that his son would face action due to the fact that he made it to the PCMS by taking undue favours and not on merit, Sandhu made his son resign after one year of service, they said.

Congress leaders alleged that Sandhu also got a plot allotted in Chandigarhs Medicity in an illegitimate manner. Sandhu should also explain why he took favours in the form of a plot in Medicity, which later turned out to be the infamous Chandigarh Medicity scam? they said.

Dismissing Sandhus statement about nexus between the Akali Dal and Congress over sand mining, the Congress said mining auctions were open to everyone, while questioning the logic of terming the mining business illegal. There is no question of illegal mining as contracts are auctioned by the industries department of the state government, they said.

SANDHU TRASHES ALLEGATIONS

CHANDIGARH: Contacted by HT, Sandhu said his sons medical admission in NRI quota was in accordance with rules. We paid the entire fee of Rs 35 lakh in four installments. There was a delay in the payment because some parents had not paid at all. We insisted that before we pay the second installment, all must be asked to pay, he said.

On his sons PCMS job, he said it was for the Punjab Public Service Commission to explain how he was selected.

There are some telephone calls reportedly made by some parents to those on selection panel. That time I was an editor and would have called one and all. Let anyone prove that I used influence or money to get him selected, he said. On the Medicity plot allegations, he said: I never applied for a plot in the Medicity. Nor have I been allotted any plot there.
The family of a Jalandhar-based accountant was left stunned on Tuesday evening when they found he was alive, 10 days after they cremated him.

Chandan Kumar, 31, of Anand Nagar had gone to Himachal Pradesh in his black Alto car on September 29 to collect payments from some dealers. A day later, his family received a call from the Haroli police station in Una, Himachal Pradesh, that a body was recovered from a charred car near the Punjab-Himachal border.

Chandans family rushed there and identified the car. The body, however, was badly charred and was difficult to be identified. The family brought back the body after its autopsy in Una and cremated it on October 1. The family also went to Haridwar to perform the last rites on October 4.

So it came as a shock as well as surprise to the family when Chandans younger brother Gulshan received a call from him on Dussehra evening informing them that he had been kidnapped and had managed to escape.

HT tried to talk to the family on Wednesday, but they had left for Una to bring back Chandan.

The Haroli police, meanwhile, quizzed Chandan after getting information about his reappearance.

Haroli station house officer (SHO) Suchha Singh said a separate case of kidnapping has been registered on Chandans statement. Chandan is being quizzed to get details about his abductors and where they had kept him besides the person whose body was handed over to the family, said the SHO.
A 20-year-old Dalit man was allegedly abducted and killed by a rival group of liquor smugglers, who also chopped off one of his legs, in Punjabs Mansa district late on Monday evening.

The victim, Sukhchain Singh of Gharagna village, was a petty liquor smuggler and allegedly in conflict with a group of upper caste landlords who were also involved in bootlegging.

The rival group often threatened my son to give up the business, Sukhchains father, Resham Singh, said.

His family has refused to give consent for Sukhchains postmortem examination, demanding that police should first find his missing leg.

Sukhchain was returning home with his friends when he was attacked by the rival group around 8.30pm. They thrashed him mercilessly and took him away. Later, his body was recovered from the house of one of the accused, Balbir Singh, around 10pm, one of his neighbours said.

His one leg had been chopped off, and it was missing, while his body bore several injury marks, he added.

The incident comes nearly a year after a 27-year-old Dalit man, Bhim Tank, and his associate, Gurjant Singh, were attacked with sharp-edged weapons at ruling Shiromani Akali Dal leader and liquor baron Shiv Lal Dodas farmhouse in Fazilka districts Abohar.

Bhim, whose limbs were chopped off, later died at a hospital in Amritsar.

Illegal sale of liquor continues unabated in Mansa and more than 1,100 cases have been registered in the past one year. The worst-affected villages are those situated close to the Haryana border.

Read | Mansa administration in denial, sale of illegal liquor flourishes

People often buy liquor from the neighbouring state as it is available at a cheaper rate and face the wrath of the henchmen of local liquor contractors, who put illegal nakas near the interstate border.

Six people - Balbir Singh, Hardeep Singh, Amandeep Singh, Sadhu Singh, Babrik Singh and Sita Singh - have been booked for murder.

Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Mukhwinder Singh said the suspects will be arrested soon.

Cops turned a blind eye

Village sarpanch Sardool Singh alleged policeman posted in the area knew about the rivalry between the two groups but did nothing.

In the past 10 months, the two groups had entered into clashes over the sale of illegal liquor a number of times. Both groups wanted to outdo each other but the cops failed to control the situation, he said.

The sarpanch said he always intervened to strike a compromise between the two groups after their clashes.

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A drug convict at the Ludhiana Central jail reportedly tried to commit suicide on Tuesday morning by slitting his throat with a mosquito-coil stand in a bathroom of the jail premises.

Jail officials said that early in the morning, inmates heard loud cries coming from the bathroom. When they rushed to the spot, they saw the convict, Balpreet Singh, lying in a pool of blood on the floor.

They immediately sounded the jail officials, who rushed him to Christian Medical College and Hospital (CMCH), where he underwent a surgery. His condition is now stated to be stable.

The police post, Tajpur road, has initiated investigation in the case. ASI Harbhajan Singh, incharge at police post Tajpur road, said that the reason behind the extreme step has not been ascertained yet. The police will question him after the doctor declares him fit to record a statement.

Meanwhile, jail officials are shocked over the alleged suicide bid as they said that Balpreet was about to be released on October 30 after completing his sentence.

Balpreet Singh, 28, of Rupalo village of Samrala was arrested for drug peddling in 2011. He was convicted in the case and got imprisonment.

Alls not well in Ludhiana central jail

August 24: A double-murder convict bludgeoned a fellow inmate to death in his sleep at the central jail here.

On May 27: A murder convict and two other under-trials thrashed jail officials during a surprise checking at the Ludhiana central jail in order to hide a mobile phone in their possession

On May 24: Accused of killing his wife, a man ended his life by hanging self in the bathroom of Ludhiana central jail.

On April 11: Convicted in murder case Jaspal Singh, 50, of Sultanpur Lodhi of Kapurthala died in Ludhiana central jail.
A Dussehra marked by its usual gaiety and fervour was punctuated by a poignant moment. Punjab governor and UT administrator VP Singh Badnore along with local member of parliament Kirron Kher and David Lelliott, order of British empire, British deputy high commissioner, paid floral tributes to martyrs of the September 18 Uri at the celebrations in Sector 17 Parade Ground.

UT administrator and Punjab governor VP Singh Badnore during the Dussehra celebrations at Sector 46. (Ravi Kumar/HT Photo)

The governor also went to Sector 46 celebrations organised by Shri Sanatan Dharam Dussehra Committee, who also dedicated the festival celebration to the martyrs. The committee burnt the tallest Ravana effigy at 85-ft in Sector 46.

An effigy of Ravana being burnt in Chandigarh on Tuesday. (Anil Dayal/HT Photo)

CURIOUS FOREIGNERS

Ramlila artistes posing with foreigners at Sector 27 in Chandigarh on Tuesday. (HT Photo)

A reasonably large number of foreigners were seen at various Dussehra celebration spots in the city. Curious to understand the significance of the festival, Jim, 35 and his partner Irene, 30, who were visiting the city to attend his sisters wedding, ensured that they came well before time at Sector 17 to interact with Ramlila artistes. The concept of victory of good over evil in inspiring, Jim said.

TRAFFIC SNARLS CHANDIGARH

Traffic movement was the worst-hit in Sectors 17, 19, 20, 22, 26, 29, 34, 40, 41, 45, 47 and nearby colonies. Manimajra, Hallomajra, Dadu Majra, Mauli Jagran, Maloya and Bapu Dham saw jams due to pedestrians.

IN SAS NAGAR, EFFIGY OF TERRORISTS BURNT

SAS NAGAR: At the Phase-8 Dussehra celebration, organisers said they burnt the effigy of terrorists in addition to the statues of Ravana (51-ft), Meghnad and Kumbhkaran (41-ft each). The event at this ground has been for running for 39 years and SAS Nagar deputy commissioner DS Mangat was the chief guest at the event. SAS Nagar Dussehra committee president Madhu Bhushan and Congress MLA Balbir Singh Sidhu was also present . The festival was celebrated at 11 other places.

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Protesting against the undue demands of private schools, members of the parents association burned an effigy depicting the education mafia on the occasion of Dussehra.

Sawroop Singh, member of parents association, said that to celebrate victory of good over evil, we are burning the education mafia effigy to present our agitation against schools which have commercialised the education.

The regular fee hike, unsafe school transport, forcing to buy books of different publishers, has harassed the parents.

The efforts of parents in form of protests and challenging the schools move in courts have brought some success. Some schools have been ordered to return money, while fee regulatory committee has given stay on fee instructing schools to exempt the students from paying the fees, Singh said.

Singh added that on receiving complaints from the parents, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) issued a circular on September 29 to all CBSE affiliated private schools instructing them to upload the details on their website regarding schools infrastructure, facilities available, number of students, number of teachers, teachers salary, information about the other staff, and the audited balance sheet by October 31.

Parents also demanded investigation alleging that managements of some schools transfer school funds to their own business.
The Mansa police on Wednesday evening claimed to have arrested three of the six persons accused of killing a Dalit youth at Gharagna village in the district on Monday.

The trio -- Balbir Singh, Hardeep Singh and Sadhu Singh -- along with Amandeep Singh, Babrik Singh and Sita Singh allegedly killed 20-year-old Sukhchain Singh, a petty liquor smuggler, and chopped off his left leg in a case of inter-gang rivalry, said Mansa senior superintendent of police (SSP) Mukhwinder Singh Bhullar. The six were booked for murder under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code on Tuesday.

Cops, meanwhile, recovered the victims missing limb from a field in the village on Wednesday afternoon.

The incident kicked off a political storm in the state after the victims kin accused Rajya Sabha member Balwinder Singh Bhundar of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) of protecting the accused. While Punjab Congress chief Captain Amarinder Singh and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state convener Gurpreet Singh Waraich targeted the SAD on the issue, alliance partner Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s state president Vijay Sampla instituted a party-level inquiry into the incidents of alleged atrocities against Dalits.

Also read: Political blame game begins after Mansa youths murder

The victims mother, Karamjeet Kaur, alleged on Wednesday that the rival gang had planned the attack well in advance and also paid Rs 5 lakh to the police to go slow against them. Akali MP Balwinder Singh Bhundar has been shielding these smugglers, she said.

The family has been protesting at the civil hospital since Tuesday morning and denying the authorities to conduct the deceaseds autopsy till all the accused are arrested.

Congress state legislator Sunil Jakhar, who visited the family on Wednesday, accused the SAD-BJP government of patronising the liquor mafia in the state. These liquor contractors have hired henchmen, who often attack and harass others, he said, while demanding a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Akali MP Bhundar, however, has denied the allegations levelled against him. I am not in Mansa for the past couple of days, and I have no connection with any of the accused booked in this case, he told HT.

Raj Kumar Verka, vice-chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, has assured legal assistance to the victims family. He said top state police officials have been asked to arrest all the suspects soon.

Police said the victim and his associates were involved in the sale of illegal liquor in his village, which infuriated the rival gang, which mostly comprises upper-caste landlords. A day before his murder, Sukhchain and his friends had thrashed and abused one of the accused, Sita Singh, at Makha village. Miffed over this, the rival gang targeted and murdered him late on Monday evening, said police.

Calling it a case of business rivalry, SSP Bhullar said: The accused are not linked with any liquor contractor, and police are working without any political pressure. All the accused will be nabbed soon.

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The murder of a Dalit youth, one of whose limbs was also chopped off by the assailants belonging to a rival gang of liquor smugglers in Mansa on Monday, has kicked off a blame game over the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab.

While the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday said Dalits are feeling insecure and fearing for their safety under the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) rule, its alliance partner Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)s state chief Vijay Sampla instituted an in-house inquiry into the killing by deputing two party leaders.

As the Congress is set to generate heat and corner the SAD-BJP government on the issue, BJP national secretary Tarun Chugh asked its state president Capt Amarinder Singh not to politicise this sensitive issue.

Capt Amarinder has been trying to provoke the people just to gain some political brownie points, said Chugh.

Amarinder, who was in Batala, accused the Badal government of unleashing a reign of terror on Dalits and demanded action against those responsible for recent attacks on the community.

The Dalit community is angry at the gory murder of a Dalit youth, Sukhchain Singh, allegedly at the hands of the Badal-controlled liquor mafia, Captain Amarinder said, citing media reports.

Also read: Mansa youths limb recovered, 3 held

It is clear that these atrocities are being committed against Dalits in Punjab, particularly in the Malwa belt, by those having the patronage of the SAD leadership, said the Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) chief, referring to reports that the accused are related to Niranjan Singh, Punjab chief ministers driver.

Accusing the Badal government of meticulously destroying the secular character and peaceful environment of the state, Capt said these developments will have serious consequences for the state.

Punjab Congress Legislature Party chief Charanjit Singh Channi said the barbaric act has once again shown the anti-Dalit face of the Akali Dal-BJP regime headed by Parkash Singh Badal, under whom, he said, the state is being ruled by the mafia.

AAP slams Akalis for atrocities on Dalits

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) also condemned the incident. Accusing the Punjab government and the state police of failing to provide security to people, AAP state convener Gurpreet Singh Waraich said that law and order situation has gone from bad to worst in the state during the Akali-BJP regime.

The incident is the horrifying reminder of the Bhim Tank murder case of Abohar and shows that drug and liquor mafia, under the patronage of Akali leaders, are killing Dalits every day without any fear of the police, said Waraich.

Waraich also took serious note of the attack on Dalits by Akali supporters at Jhalur village in Sangrur district, where more than 20 Dalit families decided to leave the village fearing for their lives.

BJP in damage-control mode

Punjab BJP chief Vijay Sampla on Wednesday instituted a party-level inquiry and deputed two leaders to ascertain facts in the Mansa murder case.

Sampla also asked Punjab director general of police (DGP) Suresh Arora to conduct a free and fair inquiry and take stringent action against the accused. He also pointed out that following an attack on Dalit families of Jhalur village in Sangrur, 20 families have left the village. He said Jhalur Dalits were demanding impartial auction of land and that they should not be used as proxies to take land by the village bigwigs.

Sampla has asked BJP vice-president Raj Kumar Pathi and general secretary Kewal Kumar to visit the aggrieved families in Sangrur and Mansa and submit a report by Thursday.

Regarding the murder of the Mansa youth, Sampla denied the role of Punjab CM Parkash Singh Badals driver Niranjan Singh, whose brother is the sarpanch of Gharagna village.

Terming the incidents unfortunate, Sampla said: Both cases may have different social and regional antecedents, and they are being inquired into. I assure that the victims will be provided justice at all costs.

Sampla maintained there was no rise in atrocities on Dalits, as such incidents have been occurring in the past as well. The killing of a person belonging to any community should be condemned, he said. HTC
A day after arresting a gang of three persons, including a juvenile, involved in the theft at two city weddings, the Chandigarh Police has learnt that the accused targeted lavish weddings in Punjab during the wedding season.

The accused have also revealed that their groups are spread in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, Ambala and Chandigarh, where they target at 2-3 weddings and then return to their native town in Madhya Pradesh.

Deepak Yadav, DSP South said, The arrested accused have said that they belong to a Jatta Kheri village, Pachore tehsil, Rajgarh district of Madhya Pradesh and they used to come to Punjab during wedding season to target the weddings.

During the interrogation, the police have also found that the accused function in groups and spread across different cities of Punjab and Haryana to commit thefts wherever they see lavish weddings going on.

The accused have been identified as kingpin Bunty (27), Vishal (18), and a juvenile, all three residents of Village-Jatta Kheri, Tehsil-Pachore, District-Rajgarh, (MP).

The trio was arrested from behind the Inter State Bus Terminal, Sector 43, said Deepak Yadav, DSP South.

They had stolen `8-10 lakh from the reception party of the son of SS Saini, president of Ludhianas Hero Cycles, at Hotel Mount View, Sector 10, on October 4.

The next day, they stole a bag containing cash around `2.97 lakh from a wedding function held at Hotel Western Court, Sector 43.

Lavish weddings targeted

The trio reveals to police that they used to come to Punjab and Haryana during season of weddings and target lavish celebrations. They used to spread out in groups and target 2-3 weddings and then return to their native town in Madhya Pradesh
A hoarding in BJP-ruled Jharkhands capital Ranchi depicting Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Sanjay Nirupam and Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal as demon king Mahishasur has led to a political uproar in the state.

The hoarding was put up in a prominent place near Yuvraj Palace Hotel in Doranda area of the city and shows Goddess Durga slaying Gandhi, Nirupam and Kejriwal . The poster has caption in Hindi, saying Mother slaying Kalyugi Mahisasur.

It did not have the name of any political party or outfit and no one has claimed responsibility for putting it up.

Congress leaders condemned the act and said dragging religion into politics showed the level to which some fringe outfits have stooped to and demanded that the government must take strict action against those who installed it.

It is simply ridiculous. CCTV cameras are installed in all corners of the city during Durga Puja, still, nobody knows who was responsible for putting up the hoarding. This surprises me and to some extent also indicates that the miscreants may have the governments support, state Congress president Sukhdeo Bhagat said.

He said that such incidents violated the basic ethics of politics in India.

Another Congress leader Vinay Sinha said that they would start an agitation after the puja on the issue.

According to local resident Prakash Jha, the hoarding was not there in the area until Monday evening.

BJP leader and state urban development minister CP Singh said that it was a misuse of the right to freedom of speech and expression. Without naming anyone, he, however, pointed out that other groups have indulged in such acts in the past.

Ranchi Police said on Wednesday that no one has lodged any complaint in connection with the hoarding so far.

People have removed the poster. Police would investigate if anyone lodges an FIR, the officer-in-charge of Doranda police station said.
A 22-year-old man, arrested for sharing provocative pictures and messages about beef on a WhatsApp group on October 3, died in judicial custody at Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi on Sunday.

A complaint against Minhaz Ansari was lodged with the Narayanpur police station in Jamtara on October 3 and he was detained the same day, police said. The police said Ansari was taken into custody as such provocative messages on social media could have led to communal clashes during Muharram and Durga Puja. Ansari, the administrator of the WhatsApp group, was the only one taken into custody other members of the group were neither questioned nor detained, police sources said.

The police said Ansari succumbed to Japanese encephalitis in the RIMS intensive care unit (ICU).

He was suffering from fever and was sent to Sadar Hospital in Jamtara, from where he was referred to Patliputra Medical College and Hospital in Dhanbad. From Dhanbad he was referred to RIMS, where he underwent treatment at the ICU, Jamtara superintendent of police Manoj Singh said.

Singh said that even though it has been confirmed that the man died due to his illness, the district police have ordered an inquiry in the matter.

Dr. Vidyapati, associate professor at RIMS who treated Ansari, also confirmed that he was suffering from encephalitis. He was referred to us by PMCH in Dhanbad and was admitted here for the past three days. The cause of death was encephalitis, said Vidyapati.

However, Ansaris family claims that he died due to torture by the police. They said they learnt that he had been shifted to a hospital in Dhanbad only two days after his arrest. The family, along with villagers, went to the police station and reportedly got into a scuffle with investigating officer Harish Pathak.

Meanwhile, Pathak himself has been suspended until further notice, police sources said. A senior police official said that though Ansari died of encephalitis, Pathak is liable for answers since he did not bother to care about his medical condition.

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As an unshackled Donald Trump declared war on Republicans who deserted him in recent days over his sexist remarks in a 2005 recording, he has come under fresh attack from Democrats over his support for "Russian meddling" in the race for the White House.

Addressing a rally in North Carolina on Tuesday, President Barack Obama said of the Republican nominee "when you welcome Russian meddling in our electoral process, then youre disregarding not just things like facts or evidence or a free press, but youre chipping away at basic values like tolerance, and due process, and mutual respect".

Clinton campaign chair John Podesta linked the release of his hacked emails by WikiLeaks to a Trump aide saying he had "advance warning about what Assange (WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange) was going to do", and reprised the allegation that these hackings were being carried out by Russia, which wants to help Trump.

The Republican nominee has denied he has any links with Russia, but his very public admiration for President Vladimir Putin and, as pointed out by Obama, invitation to Russia to hack Clinton has made it impossible for him to make a convincing case for himself.

The US has officially accused the Russian government of hacking the computer network of the Democratic National Committee and other entities and has threatened a "proportional response". Moscow has denied any role in the hackings and Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called the accusations "flattering" but "ridiculous" in an interview to CNN.

The hacking controversy, however, is just one of the many Trump is dealing with. "Disloyal R's (Republicans) are far more difficult than Crooked Hillary. They come at you from all sides. They dont know how to win - I will teach them," he said in a tweet on Tuesday.

He has publicly castigated Speaker Paul Ryan for saying he will not defend Trump anymore and called Senator John McCain, who has rescinded his endorsement of Trump, "foul mouthed". Some Republicans have since fallen in line and the party has rallied behind the nominee, but the split in the party is a reality no one is denying any more.

And the nominee has, it seems, decided to brazen it out, saying, again in a tweet, "It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to."
One of the most fascinating sections of the Dubai International Film Festival is Cinema of the World. The 13th edition of the festival -- to run from December 7 to 14 -- has just unveiled its first titles in this category.

The renowned British director, Otto Bell -- also known for his documentaries -- returns to this genre with The Eagle Huntress. Rivetingly documented, the work traces the story of Aisholpan, a 13-year-old Mongolian girl from the Altai mountain community who is determined to stake her claim in the male-dominated tradition of eagle hunting. Faced with gruelling training and cultural obstacles, this mesmerising true tale about family, tradition and courage follows her journey to become the first female eagle huntress in 2,000 years!

French-Malian auteur Daouda Coulibaly will arrive in Dubai with his sinister story culled from the streets of Mali. Called Wulu, the debut work will describe Ladjis plight as he fights the cycle of poverty even as he yearns for a brighter future, a future in which his sister need not work as a prostitute. But in his desperate hurry, Ladji takes on more than what he can possibly handle, and slips onto a treacherous path.

The Teacher comes from the camera of Czech helmer, Jan Hrebejk. Here we would see the evils of a corrupt teacher, Miss Drazdechova, who tortures and torments her students to such an extent that one of them tries to kill herself. While the principal of the school and parents are bent on tackling the crisis, they hesitate to do so, because of the manipulative teachers close links with the ruling Communist Party.

The Australian filmmaker, Ivan Sen -- critically lauded for his refreshing look at the struggles of his countrys often-abused indigenous population -- will be at the festival with his crime thriller, Goldstone. We would watch on screen how Jay Swan, an Aboriginal police detective, probes the strange disappearance of a man in the frontier town of Goldstone. Swans task gets murky when he confronts a web of lies and deceit.

Also part of the Cinema of the World will be Nate Parkers moving, true life American drama, The Birth of a Nation -- about an educated slave, Nat Turner, who leads his people to a rebellion. A Variety review had this say: No movie worthy of this particular historical subject could hope or expect to avoid controversy, and Parkers well-researched screenplay (based on a story he wrote with Jean McGianni Celestin) offers its own bold take on the widely contested narrative of Turner, a Virginia-born slave and Baptist preacher who led the uprising that claimed 60 white lives and led to the killings of 200 blacks in retaliation, and served as a crucial moment of insurrection en route to the Civil War three decades later. But The Birth of a Nation commences long before those fateful events, with a series of scenes observing Nats childhood on a cotton plantation in Southampton County...

Parker would be in the company of another American director, Jeff Nichols, with his historical narrative, Loving. The film will remind one of all that is happening in todays India. An emotional story about an interracial marriage between Richard and Mildred, Nichols work traces the couples turbulent life in the late 1950s in the American State of Virginia, where such a union was against the law. Eventually, the US Supreme Court held that marriage was a human right and Virginia had to repeal the Act. A strong parallel may be drawn between Loving and the khap rulings in India on inter-caste marriages/love affairs, which have led to horrible tragedies, snuffing out young lives.

From Afghanistan, we have Wolf And Sheep by the promising new talent, Shahrbanoo Sadat. It is her first feature -- which is drawn from her childhood in Afghanistan. The heartfelt story follows the isolated lives of two 11-year-old Afghan children, Sediqa and Qodrat, living within a confined village. Rejected by the community and frequently humiliated, the children escape to the warmth of the mountains, where a chance encounter seems like magic.

Singaporean auteur Boo Junfeng will present Apprentice, a tense retelling of the guilt and agony of a prison executioner -- which can remind one of Adoor Gopalakrishnans 2002 Nizhalkkuthu (Shadow Kill), where he explores the angst of a hangman in the royal court of the erstwhile Travancore State.

Jeff Nichols' Loving is an emotional story about an interracial marriage. (Dubai International Film Festival)

Hirokazu Kore-Edas After The Storm from Japan will talk about a celebrated authors struggles to come to terms with his divorce and to reunite with his son.

Bulgarian helmers Kristina Grozeva and Peter Valchanov will tell us how a low paid railroad workers life changes when finds millions of banknotes on the track. The movie is titled Glory.

Finally, we will have the late Andrzej Wajdas Afterimage -- a masterpiece about the decaying life of a brave and inspirational contemporary artist who refuses to sacrifice his freedom against the forceful power of the communist regime.

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The Moon is bombarded by so much space rock that its surface gets a complete facelift every 81,000 years, according to a study released Wednesday based on NASA data.

This churn -- affecting the top two centimetres (nearly an inch) of mostly loose moon dust -- happens 100 times more frequently than previously thought, scientists reported.

The study also estimates that asteroids and comets crashing into Earths only natural satellite create, on average, 180 new craters at least 10 metres (33 feet) in diameter every year.

The findings, published in Nature, come from before and after pictures taken by NASAs Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft, which has been mapping the Moon since 2009.

By comparing images of the same area at regular intervals, a team of scientists led by Emerson Speyerer from Arizona State University in Tempe were able to tally the number of new craters and extrapolate to the entire surface of the Moon.

We detected 222 new impact craters and found 33 percent more craters with a diameter of at least 10 metres than predicted by earlier models, the researchers concluded.

The scientists also found thousands of subtler disturbances on the surface, which they described as scars from smaller, secondary impacts that -- over thousands of years -- churned up the top layer of the Moon without creating craters.

Earth is also constantly pelted by asteroids and meteors, but is protected by a thick atmosphere.

More than 100 tonnes of dust and sand-sized particles rain down on the planet every day.

Even space rocks up to 25 metres across (80 feet) will likely explode and disintegrate in the upper layers of our atmosphere, causing little or no damage, according to NASA.

The Moons ultra-thin atmosphere only contains about 100 molecules of gases and elements per cubic centimetre (0.6 cubic inch).

Earths atmosphere at sea level, by contrast, is packed with about 100 billion billion molecules per cubic centimetre.
At least 14 Shiites were killed Wednesday in a powerful blast at a mosque in northern Afghanistan, the second deadly attack on the minority in as many days during the major festival of Ashura.

The explosion happened at the gate of the Shiite mosque in the centre of Balkh district (in Balkh province), said the provincial governors spokesman Munir Ahmad Farhad, adding that 14 people were killed and 28 injured.

His account was confirmed by the provincial deputy police chief.

The blast came as the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for twin attacks in Kabul Tuesday that also targeted Shiites, killing up to 18 people and wounding dozens.

Witnesses said gunmen entered the Karte Sakhi shrine near Kabul University late Tuesday, firing indiscriminately on men, women and children as they tried to flee. The interior ministry said one was wearing a suicide vest.

At the same time, another attacker entered a nearby mosque and took an unspecified number of people hostage as they were commemorating Ashura, the ministry said.

The UN called the attack an atrocity and put the toll at 18, though the interior ministry later said it was 16.

The threat of attacks on Shiites was considered particularly serious during Ashura, and many foreign embassies in Kabul had restricted staff movements until the end of the week.

Ashura, marked on Wednesday, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was assassinated in the year 680 and whose tragic end laid the foundation for the faith practised by the Shiite community.

For Shiites around the world, Ashura is a symbol of the struggle against oppression.

In 2011 about 80 people were killed and more than 100 wounded when a suicide bomber struck a gathering of Shiites during Ashura in the heart of Kabul.

- Killing everyone -

Grieving worshippers Wednesday described desperately trying to shelter their children against a hail of gunfire during the Kabul attacks.

One mother who gave her name as Saleha told AFP of a gunman who was killing everyone.

She was shot in the leg as she tried to protect her child.

While I was hugging my little son I begged him not to kill my child, she said at a Kabul hospital.

The child survived, but she angrily denounced the Afghan government for failing to protect them.

The families of the president, CEO Dr. Abdullah and other rich ones live abroad. Here, only poor people are killed every day.

Another witness, Ali Hussain, said attackers indiscriminately shot everyone they faced. They wouldnt even spare women and children.

On Wednesday the Islamic State groups affiliate in Afghanistan and Pakistan claimed the Kabul attack, which President Ashraf Ghani condemned as a clear sign of a crime against humanity.

Until recent months the group had been confined to its stronghold in eastern Nangarhar, but in July it claimed twin bombings that tore through minority Shiite Hazara protesters in Kabul, killing 84 people in the deadliest attack in the capital since 2001.

Its leader Hafiz Saeed was killed in a US airstrike in Nangarhar that same month, and officials have denied the July attack marked a turning point for IS in Afghanistan, saying the group has been under heavy pressure from US strikes and Afghan forces on the ground.

Sectarian attacks have been relatively rare in Afghanistan, unlike neighbouring Pakistan where violence -- particularly by Sunni hardliners against the Shiite minority -- has claimed thousands of lives over the past decade.

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The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) on Wednesday expressed concern over the British governments plans to curb visas for Indian and other non-EU professionals and students in a post-Brexit Britain.

The plans, announced by home secretary Amber Rudd in the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham last week, evoked sharp reactions, particularly in view of promises made by pro-Brexit leaders before the June 23 referendum of an easier visa regime for India and other Commonwealth countries.

Urging the British government to exercise caution, Ficci said in a statement that implementing the plans will impact business mobility and competitiveness, even as London mayor Sadiq Khan reiterated his call to Indian companies that his city remained open for business.

More than 900 Indian companies use London and Britain as a base to access the European market. Khan sounded the pro-business note at a meeting with representatives of 17 Indian companies that have a presence in London and the deputy mayor for business, Rajesh Agarwal.

Khan said: London is open for investment and business from around the globe and the city already has an excellent trading relationship with India. I am looking forward to meeting with leading Indian businesses to reassure them that our great city remains open to the best global talent, and Im keen to discuss how we can strengthen and support further investment in London.

A Ficci survey in July revealed concern among its members over a dip in export realisations, additional compliance to competition regulations, rise in operating costs of doing business and possible curbs on immigration leading to brain drain from the UK in the near future.

The statement said: International students contribute 8 billion a year to the UK economy and in recent years the attractiveness of the UK as an education destination for Indian students has diminished because of restrictions on part-time work rights in 2012, followed in subsequent years by the removal of post-study work visas, expansion of credibility interviews and the creation of the NHS levy.

Ficci said it understood migration was a key part of the debate during the Brexit campaign, but added that in an globalised world, it was important to work together to reduce barriers to mutual economic progress.

We are concerned such proposals, which impact students and professionals alike, risk sending the wrong message to companies already nervous about the risks of Brexit, the statement said.

India is among the top investors in London, according to official estimates that put India second to the US but ahead of China and Japan.

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Islamic State militants in northern Syria are putting up stiff resistance to attacks by Turkish-backed rebel fighters, Turkeys military said on Wednesday, almost two months after it launched an incursion to drive them away from its border.

Supported by Turkish tanks and air strikes, the rebels have been pushing towards the Islamic State stronghold of Dabiq. Fresh clashes and air strikes have killed 47 jihadists, the military said in a statement.

Due to stiff resistance of the Daesh (Islamic State) terror group, progress could not be achieved in an attack launched to take four settlements, it said, naming the areas east of the town of Azaz as Kafrah, Suran, Ihtimalat and Duvaybik.

However, the operation to drive the jihadists away from the Turkish border, dubbed Euphrates Shield, has allowed Turkish-backed rebels to take control of about 1,100 square km of territory, the military said.

Rebel fighters advancing towards Azaz city in northern Aleppo, Syria, on Tuesday. (Reuters)

A Syrian rebel commander told Reuters the rebels were about 4 km from Dabiq. He said capturing Dabiq and the nearby town of Suran would spell the end of Islamic States presence in the northern Aleppo countryside.

A planned major offensive on the Islamic State-held city of al-Bab, southeast of Dabiq and an important strategic target, depended on how quickly rebels could take control of the roughly 35 km between the two cities, he said.

Al-Bab is also a strategic target for the Kurdish YPG militia, which, like the rebels, is battling Islamic State in northern Syria but is viewed as a hostile force by Turkey.

In a daily round-up on Euphrates Shields 50th day, the Turkish army said 19 Islamic State fighters had been neutralised in clashes and eight rebels were killed. Twenty-two rebels were wounded and Turkish forces suffered no losses.

Turkish warplanes destroyed five buildings used by Islamic State fighters, while US-led coalition jets neutralised 28 of the jihadists and destroyed three buildings, it said.
In the first major flashpoint over the Brexit process, the opposition Labour Party on Wednesday prevailed over Prime Minister Theresa May to agree to parliamentary scrutiny of her governments plans to leave the European Union.

So far, the governments stand was that it was for the executive to carry out the instruction of the British people delivered in the June 23 referendum that Britain should leave the bloc. It had left no role for Parliament.

This led to accusations that the sovereignty of Parliament was being undermined and that it was being sidelined. Labour insisted the opposition would not let ministers go into a locked room and come out with some plan that they want to keep secret.

May agreed on Wednesday to debate a Labour-sponsored motion that there should be a full and transparent debate on her governments plan to leave the EU. She added an amendment that the Brexit process should be conducted in a way that respects the June 23 vote. The debate is expected to conclude on Wednesday evening.

It was not clear whether Parliament would be able to vote on the governments Brexit strategy, but shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry said: We want to have proper scrutiny, and proper scrutiny means a vote. We are absolutely clear about that.

Labour went on the offensive by shooting off 170 Brexit-related questions to the government  one for every day until the end of March 2017, by when May has said she will trigger Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty to exit the EU.

The questions demand answers to issues related to all aspects of leaving the EU, including the European Single Market, the future of EU nationals in Britain and the impact on the National Health Service.

May and her ministers have been refusing to disclose details on the ground that they will not provide a running commentary on their negotiating plans. Thornberry said the secrecy was nonsense, as many of the negotiating demands would emerge as soon as the UK starts talks with other EU member states.

Open Britain, the new incarnation of the Stronger in Europe campaign group during the EU referendum, said: It is welcome that the government has conceded that there should be proper parliamentary scrutiny of their negotiating position before they trigger Article 50.

Hopefully this will put to an end the absurd accusation that anyone who asks the government questions is trying to deny the result of the referendum. This is a significant starting point. MPs from across the House should now push for a vote on the governments negotiation terms, which the government amendment to the motion does not compel them to hold.

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North Koreas vice foreign minister was purged of his office as a punishment for the defection of the countrys deputy ambassador to Britain in July, South Korean media reported Wednesday.

Kung Sok-Ung has been removed from his post and expelled from Pyongyang to a rural farming area with his family , said the mass-circulating daily, JoongAng Ilbo, which quoted an anonymous source familiar with North Korean affairs.

It said the purge was ordered by supreme leader Kim Jong-Un following the defection of the Norths deputy ambassador to Britain, Thae Yong-Ho, and his family to South Korea two months ago.

Since Thae Yong-Hos defection in late July, there has been an overall inspection throughout the foreign ministry, the source said.

Kung Sok-Ung was held accountable for the embassies in Europe and purged as a result.

The report said four other high-ranking diplomats in charge of European affairs were also expelled from Pyongyang.

South Koreas Unification Ministry spokesman Jeong Joon-Hee said the ministry was in the process of verifying the report but offered no further comment.

The 72-year-old Kung is a veteran diplomat who had been looking after North Koreas diplomacy with Russia and Europe for nearly two decades.

Since taking power in 2011, Kim has ordered numerous executions and purges of high-ranking officials to solidify his grip on power.

In August, South Koreas unification ministry confirmed that the North executed a vice premier for education for showing disrespect to the leader during a meeting.

The most notorious case was that of Kims uncle and one-time number two, Jang Song-Thaek, who was executed for charges including treason and corruption in December 2013.

South Koreas Yonhap news agency has put the number of party officials executed during Kims rule at over 100.
It all started with a single tweet.

Outraged by Donald Trumps boasts about grabbing womens genitals and forcing himself on them, Canadian author Kelly Oxford urged her hundreds of thousands of followers to share their recollections of the first time they were sexually assaulted.

What she didnt expect was the seemingly unstoppable chain she set in motion, with more than a million women sharing their experiences, and with that placing an explosive subject front and center of the campaign to become Americas next president.

A 39-year-old writer, Oxford launched the Twitter appeal within hours of Fridays release of a 2005 Trump video, using the same word that Republican presidential candidate Trump employed in the video.

Read: Melania Trump says Donalds crude remarks on women unacceptable

Women, tweet me your first assaults. They arent just stats, she wrote.

Oxford then went first: Old man on city bus grabs my pussy and smiles at me, Im 12.

And with those words, the Los Angeles-based blogger became a major Internet celebrity.

Within an hour, she had already racked up thousands of witness accounts, with the hashtag #notokay taking social media by storm.

The next day, Oxford tweeted to express surprise at the rate of responses: around 50 per minute and well over a million at that point.

I posted my assault, asked women to share theirs, thinking "if no one discusses I'll pull it down." 9.7million later pic.twitter.com/h1y7iIiU7M  kelly oxford (@kellyoxford) October 9, 2016

If my @ feed were a ticker tape at the bottom of a news network, it would look like there was a war on women. #notokay #allofus  kelly oxford (@kellyoxford) October 9, 2016

Most were women who, sometimes with modesty, at times in crude details, describe in several words how a parent, a friend of a friend, a professor or a stranger once abused them.

But joining the chorus were also some men who were either themselves victims of violence or sought to distance themselves from Trumps belligerent rhetoric and behavior.

Nearly five days on, the rhythm has slowed but the witness accounts keep pouring in.

If my @ feed were a ticker tape at the bottom of a news network, it would look like there was a war on women. #notokay #allofus  kelly oxford (@kellyoxford) October 9, 2016

@kellyoxford I was 9, he grabbed me in a public bathroom, had a knife, hand on my crotch, thank god a woman walked in and I ran. #notokay  mo (@mes986) October 12, 2016

@kellyoxford My first encounter with male sexuality: A grown man rubbing his boner against my butt.



I didn't tell anyone. #NotOkay  Melissa McLeary (@melissamcleary) October 12, 2016

While it is still too early to tell if Trump can scramble back up to the top of the polls after the hit he took following the revelations of his lewd, decade-old comments, the episode has reignited a fierce debate about sexual violence in the United States.

After dozens of Republican figureheads publicly withdrew their support from Trump, some of his backers dismissed the comments as simply locker room talk.

Jean Kilbourne, an author and speaker known for her work on the image of women in advertising, hailed the success of #notokay.

For years, for a lot of us, we would tend to minimize it because the culture tends to minimize it, even though it has a lasting impact, Kilbourne said.

It is just extremely important to realize how many women have had these experiences.

She then added, with a laugh: Donald Trump has actually managed to bring a very serious issue in the campaign.
Pakistani media organisations and journalists groups have condemned the governments decision to bar journalist Cyril Almeida from travelling abroad after he reported on differences of opinion between the civil and military leadership.

The independent Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and Amnesty International demanded the government immediately withdraw all restrictions on Almeida, who was included on the interior ministrys Exit Control List (ECL), a document that includes people who cannot leave the country.

Almeida is an assistant editor with the Dawn newspaper, which said in an editorial on Wednesday the fallout of his report has been intense. While a media organisation can commit an error of judgement, the newspaper believes it handled the story in a professional manner and carried it only after verification from multiple sources, the editorial said.

The Dawn added it had twice carried denials from the Prime Ministers Office. Journalism has a long tradition of keeping its promise to its audience in the face of enormous pressurefrom the corridors of power and some of the most contentious yet historically significant stories were told by news organisations while resisting the states narrow, self-serving and ever-shifting definition of national interest, the editorial said.

Noting that decades of a militarised security environment have undermined the importance of holding the state to account in Pakistan, the Dawn said it would continue to defend itself against allegations of vested interest, false reporting or violation of national security.

The editor of Dawn bears sole responsibility for the story in question and the government should at once remove Mr Almeidas name from the ECL and salvage some of its dignity, the editorial said.

The editorial was well received and hundreds welcomed it on social media. This puts into perspective what has happened and what needs to be done, said HRCP director Zohra Yusuf.

Read: Pak daily Dawn rejects false reporting charge, defends Cyril Almeidas story

The Nation daily, in its editorial titled How to lose friends and alienate people, said it was disturbing when the civilian and military leadership meet to lecture the media on how to do their job while couching it in the familiar and nauseating mantra of protecting vital state interests.

What was not expected  possibly because the government was incorrectly credited with better judgement  was a witch-hunt. If the government and military top brass were affronted by the implication in the report that Pakistan was facing growing international isolation, they can now congratulate themselves on a coup de grace that unreservedly confirms this fact, The Nation said.

Critising the government for not explaining why lawmakers were protesting against the presence of banned groups or why action against Masood Azhar, or Hafiz Saeed is a danger to national security, the government and military had lectured the press on how to do their job and treated a feted reporter like a criminal, it added. Worry a great deal about Pakistans image abroad  some of our actions and inactions as a country are indefensible  everyone knows it, no matter how much we may pretend otherwise, The Nation said.

A statement on Amnesty Internationals website demanded that the media should be allowed to operate freely and without fear. The Committee for the Protection of Journalists (CPJ) too issued a statement supporting Almeida.

Newspaper editors slam govt

The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists joined the chorus of condemnation against the interior ministry and said the ban on Almeidas travel should be lifted immediately.

Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors president Zia Shahid and secretary general Ajaz Ul Haq issued a joint statement that demanded the government reverse its decision. The organisation representing the editors of Pakistani newspapers considers that the Constitution ensures freedom of expression. The rejection of the Dawn story by the prime minister and chief minister house was issued in all newspapers including Dawn, the statement said.

It added that if the government still considers the report as false, the government has the right to take legal action and it is up to the judiciary to decide what is right.

Read: India has no reason to gloat about travel ban on Pak journo Cyril Almeida
Pope Francis is calling for an urgent ceasefire in Syria to evacuate civilians from what he called an inhuman assault on the besieged rebel-held part of the city of Aleppo.

Francis says he is particularly concerned about children trapped under the cruel bombardments, which yesterday left at least 25 people dead, five of them children.

Read | Islamic State putting up stiff resistance in Syria, says Turkish Army

During his general audience today, Francis says its with a sense of urgency that I renew my appeal: Im begging with all my strength for those responsible to undertake an immediate cease-fire that is respected at least to give time to evacuate civilians.

The UN Security Council is deadlocked over how to respond to the Aleppo crisis, with Russia and the US failing to agree on renewing a cease-fire.

No assistance has entered Aleppo since July.

Read | Syrian White Helmets dont get Nobel Peace prize but win hearts
The first session of Hong Kongs new parliament on Wednesday saw several young lawmakers diverting from the official oath, including two who refused to pledge allegiance to China and one who quoted Mahatma Gandhi to say no one could imprison his mind.

The swearing-in session at the Legislative Council of Hong Kong, a special administrative region of China, took on farcical overtones as one young lawmaker inserted swear words into her oath and another took eight minutes to complete the oath, pausing for several seconds between each word.

Nathan Law, the youngest lawmaker in the Legislative Councils history after he was elected at the age of 23 last month, quoted Gandhi before taking the oath. You can chain me, you can torture me, you can even destroy this body, but you will never imprison my mind, he was quoted as saying by the media.

Newly elected lawmaker Nathan Law (C), 23, stands next to fellow lawmaker Eddie Chu (R), 38, as he gestures towards a clerk after taking the Legislative Council Oath at the first meeting of the Sixth Legislative Council (Legco) in Hong Kong. (AFP)

Law, a former leader of the pro-democracy Umbrella Revolution of 2014 who now heads the Demosisto party, quoted Gandhi while responding to a government warning on Tuesday that those who refused to take the oath properly could lose their seats, the South China Morning Post reported.

Pro-independence lawmaker Yau Wai-ching, 25, who belongs to the Youngspiration party that emerged from the Umbrella Revolution, held up a blue banner with the words Hong Kong is not China.

Pro-democracy lawmakers Eddie Chu (in white) and Raymond Chan are blocked by security guards as they try to stop the process of electing council chairman at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong. (REUTERS)

She deviated from the official oath, which calls on lawmakers to swear allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China, and instead said: I do solemnly swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to the Hong Kong nation.

When Yau was instructed to repeat the oath by Legislative Council secretary general Kenneth Chen, she pronounced the Peoples Republic of China as the Peoples Re-f***ing of Chee-na in all three mentions of the phrase in the oath.

.@Youngspiration Yau Wai-ching refers to "People's Re-fu*king of Chee-na" at oath taking https://t.co/b6dmrmfxFP  Hong Kong Free Press (@HongKongFP) October 12, 2016

Yaus Youngspiration colleague Sixtus Baggio Leung draped the banner with the words Hong Kong is not China around his shoulders, referred to the Hong Kong nation and promised to protect and defend the people of Hong Kong.

#HongKong #Youngspiration #SixtusLeung 2nd to be told his oath's invalid after he put on banner that read "Hong Kong is not #China" pic.twitter.com/Gef8PbiHcN  Damon Pang (@damon_pang) October 12, 2016

Independent lawmaker Edward Yiu added a pledge to fight for genuine universal suffrage to his oath. Umbrella Revolution activist Lau Siu-lai read her oath at a snails pace in an apparent protest, taking eight minutes to complete it.

The secretary general rejected the oaths of Yau, Sixtus Leung and Yiu, and they will have to retake them at a later date. This was challenged by Law and several pro-democracy lawmakers.

Pro-democracy lawmakers tear apart ballots as they boycott the process of electing council chairman at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong. (REUTERS)

Last month, voters in Hong Kong turned out in record numbers for the first major election since the 2014 pro-democracy protests. The people chose several localist politicians who want greater autonomy or independence from China.

China has angrily rejected calls for Hong Kongs independence, and some officials have warned separatists will be prosecuted.

Newly elected pro-democracy lawmaker Leung Kwok-hung, known as "Long Hair," tears an oversized mock copy of controversial, proposed anti-subversion legislation as she takes oath in the new legislature Council in Hong Kong. (AP)
The US has expressed concern over the difficulties and dangers faced by journalists in Pakistan but refrained from commenting on the travel restrictions imposed on a Pakistani reporter for writing about the rift between the civilian and military leaderships.

Im aware of the reports of restrictions on Mr. (Cyril) Almeidas travel. I would refer you to the government of Pakistan for information on that, State Department spokesperson John Kirby told reporters at his daily news conference on Tuesday.

On press freedom, its obviously an issue that we continue to raise regularly with the government of Pakistan, including our concerns about the difficulties and the dangers that journalists face there, he said.

We are concerned about any efforts to limit press freedom or the ability of journalists to conduct their very, very important work, Kirby said.

Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect Journalists urged Pakistan to immediately lift the travel ban on Almeida.

Pakistan can be a dangerous place for journalists, but the nation has a proud tradition of a fiercely independent press, said CPJ Asia Programme coordinator Steven Butler.

Unhappiness with a press report should never be used as an excuse to restrict the freedom of a journalist, he added.

Under secretary, state for political affairs, Tom Shannon held a working lunch with the Pakistan ambassador to the US, Jalil Abbas Jilani. There was no readout of the meeting.

Almeida, a prominent Pakistani journalist, has been barred from leaving the country after he reported a rift between the civilian and military leaderships over the powerful ISI shielding terror groups like the Haqqani network and LeT.

Read | India has no reason to gloat about travel ban on Pak journo Cyril Almeida
Samir Patel, an accused in a case related to the 2002 Gujarat riots, has been detained in London and is due to be extradited to India shortly, officials here said on Wednesday.

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), one of the key departments in the British government dealing with extradition requests, told Hindustan Times that Patel had consented to his extradition to India.

Patel is wanted in connection with a case of rioting in Ode village of Anand district on March 1, 2002. He was detained after a red corner notice was issued by Interpol when he was traced to London.

A CPS official said: We can confirm that Mr Patel has consented to his extradition to India. However, we are unable to comment on any surrender arrangements as this is an operational matter for the police.

Scotland Yard told Hindustan Times: On August 9, officers from the MPS (Metropolitan Police Service) Extradition unit attended an address in Beavers Lane, Hounslow and arrested Samir Vinubhai Patel, aged 40, on a warrant issued under section 71 Extradition Act 2003. He appeared at Westminster Magistrates Court on August 10, 2016.

A team from Gujarat Police is expected to arrive in London shortly and take Patel to India.

The Ode riot, in which 23 people were killed, was reportedly one of nine cases probed by a special investigation team appointed by the Supreme Court. A special court had convicted 23 people for the riot on April 9, 2012.

Patels trial in the special court could not be completed when he absconded. It is expected to be resumed after he is taken to India.

India has been seeking the extradition of several individuals from Britain over the years, including Tiger Hanif, who is wanted for the 1993 Gujarat blasts and has made a final appeal against his extradition to the home secretary.

India and Britain signed an extradition treaty in 1992 and it came into force on November 15, 1993. India is included in Type B of the Category 2 list of countries in Britains Extradition Act of 2003.

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Americans should vote for Donald Trump as president next month or risk being dragged into a nuclear war, according to a Russian ultra-nationalist ally of President Vladimir Putin who likes to compare himself to the US Republican candidate.

Vladimir Zhirinovsky, a flamboyant veteran lawmaker known for his fiery rhetoric, told Reuters in an interview that Trump was the only person able to de-escalate dangerous tensions between Moscow and Washington.

By contrast, Trumps Democratic rival Hillary Clinton could spark World War Three, said Zhirinovsky, who received a top state award from Putin after his pro-Kremlin Liberal Democratic Party of Russia (LDPR) came third in Russias parliamentary election last month.

Read | US accuses Russia of interfering in US elections with hacking attacks

Many Russians regard Zhirinovsky as a clownish figure who makes outspoken statements to grab attention but he is also widely viewed as a faithful servant of Kremlin policy, sometimes used to float radical opinions to test public reaction.

Relations between Russia and the United States cant get any worse. The only way they can get worse is if a war starts, said Zhirinovsky, speaking in his huge office on the 10th floor of Russias State Duma, or lower house of parliament.

Americans voting for a president on Nov. 8 must realise that they are voting for peace on Planet Earth if they vote for Trump. But if they vote for Hillary its war. It will be a short movie. There will be Hiroshimas and Nagasakis everywhere.

Zhirinovskys comments coincide with deep disagreements between Washington and Moscow over Syria and Ukraine and after the White House last week accused Russia of a campaign of cyber attacks against Democratic Party organisations.

Even as WikiLeaks released another trove of internal documents from Clintons campaign on Wednesday, Putin insisted his country was not involved in an effort to influence the US presidential election.

The Russian Trump?

Zhirinovsky likes to shock liberal public opinion and he has frequently heaped scorn on the West, which he and other Russian nationalists regard as decadent, hypocritical and corrupted by political correctness.

His combative style, reminiscent of Trumps, ensures him plenty of television air time and millions of votes in Russian elections, often from the kind of blue-collar workers who are the bedrock of the US Republican candidates support.

Zhirinovsky once proposed blocking off mostly Muslim southern Russia with a barbed wire fence, echoing Trumps call for a wall along the US border with Mexico.

Zhirinovsky, who said he met Trump in New York in 2002, revels in his similarities with the American businessman - they are the same age, favour coarse, sometimes misogynistic language and boast about putting their own country first. Zhirinovsky has even said he wants a DNA test to see if he is related to Trump.

But unlike Trump, a billionaire real estate developer who casts himself as the anti-establishment candidate in the US presidential race with no past political experience, Zhirinovsky is a consummate political insider who has sat in the Duma for more than two decades.

Read | WikiLeaks posts Clintons private speeches leaked in hacking by Russia

Putin has also praised Trump as very talented, while the Republican candidate has said the Kremlin boss is a better leader than US President Barack Obama. Clinton has accused Trump of being too cosy with Putin and questioned his business interests in Russia.

In other comments that have delighted Moscow, Trump has questioned the value of NATO for Washington, has spoken ambiguously about Russias 2014 annexation of Ukraines Crimea and suggested that the United States under his leadership would adopt a more isolationist foreign policy.

He (Trump) wont care about Syria, Libya and Iraq and why an earth should America interfere in these countries? And Ukraine. Who needs Ukraine?, said Zhirinovsky, who once counted himself a friend of Iraqs Saddam Hussein and Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi and whose deaths he still laments.

Trump will have a brilliant chance to make relations more peaceful ... Hes the only one who can do this, he said, adding that Trump could even win a Nobel peace prize.

Clinton craves power

In contrast, Zhirinovsky described Clinton as an evil mother-in law and said her record as secretary of state under Obama in 2009-2013 showed she was unfit to lead her country.

She craves power. Her view is that Hillary is the most important person on the planet, that America is an exceptional country, as Barack Obama said, said Zhirinovsky. Thats dangerous. She could start a nuclear war.

In typically chauvinistic remarks, Zhirinovsky said Clintons gender should also bar her from the presidency.

Read | Russia should find Clintons missing emails, says Trump

Most Americans should choose Trump because men have been leading for millions of year. You cant take the risk of having one of the richest, most powerful countries led by a woman president, he said.

Asked about lewd comments Trump made about women in 2005 that have harmed his campaign, Zhirinovsky defended the Republican: Men all round the world sometimes say such things that are just for their comrades. We must only consider his business (and political) qualities.

Though Putin and Trump have never met, Zhirinovsky said he believed they could establish a close working relationship, adding: Victory for Trump would be a gift to humanity. But if Hillary Clinton wins it will be the last US president ever.
The reported tensions between the civil and military leadership and a movement launched by opposition leader Imran Khan to oust Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif could play a role in the choice of the next Pakistani Army chief, with the race believed to have narrowed down to four generals.

The current chief, Gen Raheel Sharif, announced in January that he didnt believe in extension and would retire on the due date in November. With just four weeks to go for his retirement, reports have suggested that Gen Sharif could be given a one-year extension or elevated to the rank of field marshal because of his role in the war on terror and a recent spike in tensions with India.

Prime Minister Sharif, however, is believed to be opposed to any extension. Analysts said the movement started by Pakistan Tehrik-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan against the premier could put pressure on the civilian leadership to choose the next army chief based on recommendations provided by the military high command.

The four generals whose names are doing the rounds for the most powerful position in Pakistan are Lt Gen Javed Iqbal Ramday, commander of Bahawalpur-based XXXI Corps, Lt Gen Zubair Hayat, Chief of General Staff, Lt Gen Ishfaq Nadeem Ahmad, commander of the Multan-based II Corps, and Lt Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, who heads the armys training and evaluation wing.

Of them, the favourite is Ramday, who led an operation in 2009 to drive the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan out of the Swat Valley after the militants set up a parallel administration in the area. He comes from a political family of Punjab and is believed to be the ruling PML-N partys preferred choice, say analysts.

Another favourite is Hayat, from an army family of Lahore, who oversees intelligence and operational affairs at the armys General Headquarters. He is the senior-most of the generals and earlier served as director general of the Strategic Plans Division, which is responsible for managing Pakistans nuclear arsenal.

Media reports have suggested that retired and serving officers who have worked with Hayat see him as a compromise between the military and civilian government.

Read| Pak party plasters Karachi with banners supporting army chief Raheel

Ahmad has extensive experience with military operations, especially against the Taliban insurgency, and has also served as the Director General of Military Operations, a position that has always been seen as a plus point for the army chiefs job. He also was involved in preparations for Operation Zarb-e-Azb, a drive against militants in the tribal areas that burnished Gen Sharifs credentials

Bajwa, who earlier commanded the X Corps that is responsible for the area along the Line of Control, is considered the dark horse in the race.

Analysts have also said that Prime Minister Sharif, who holds a record of sorts for appointing four army chiefs so far, prefers to have a non-Punjabi in the post as it gives him an edge.

This was the philosophy that led to Sharif nominating Pervez Musharraf as the army chief in the 1998 but with disastrous results.

What we are seeing, however, is that Nawaz Sharifs thinking has not changed. He wants to have someone who does not dictate to him, which Raheel Sharif has been doing for some time, said analyst Aga Masood.

Other analysts noted that Imran Khan was planning to re-ignite protests against the government by mid-October, weeks before a decision is made on the army chief. This is no coincidence. The timing is important, said analyst Aisha Siddiqa, who added that the number of supporters at a recent rally organised by Khan suddenly rose to thousands. Last month, Khans party could muster only a few hundred for a similar rally.

In India, observers said the appointment of a new Pakistan Army chief was always an important development and the process is closely followed by decision-makers.

TCA Raghavan, who served as the Indian envoy in Islamabad, said, This kind of speculation about who is going to be the next chief is routine. Sometimes, there are surprise choices. Gen Raheel Sharif was a surprise choice.

Prime Minister Sharif has an important say in it, to the extent that he selects the man for the post from the list given to him. Personality matters. Had there been no Pervez Musharraf, there wouldnt have been a Kargil. But the new chief is not going to alter Pakistans stated policy on Kashmir, though there could be a difference in emphasis.

MK Bhadrakumar, a former career diplomat who headed the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Iran division in the foreign ministry, said much had changed in the equation between Pakistans prime minister and army leadership. To my mind, Prime Minister Sharifs sole discretion will prevail (in the appointment of the army chief).

Their army has an important say in crucial security and foreign policy issues, but there is consensus about the centrality of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The persona of the next army chief cannot be expected to impact Pakistani policies to the extent as it used to be. The compass is set. Prime Minister Sharif will naturally prefer someone he feels comfortable with.

Read| As Pak army chiefs tenure nears end, Sharif has a key choice to make

(With inputs from Jayanth Jacob in New Delhi)
LONDON New plans announced last week to curb professionals and students from India and other non-EU countries continue to evoke sharp reaction in the UK, with noted Indian-origin entrepreneur Karan Bilimoria saying this is not the Britain I know.

Senior Labour MP Virendra Sharma has written to Prime Minister Theresa May to express his disgust at the plans announced at the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, saying the development is little more than a return to the nasty party.

Bilimoria, who came to Britain as a student and went on to found a successful business, told Hindustan Times on Tuesday the plans saddened him. He recalled that Britain would not be what it was today without the contribution of immigrants.

When I came here in 1982, Britain was a closed country, full of prejudice, but it evolved into a meritocracy over the last 30 years. Glass ceilings shattered and Indians reached the top. Suddenly, this wretched EU referendum and its aftermath have shocked us all, he said.

An independent member of the House of Lords, Bilimoria said the signals coming out of Birmingham were anti-business, anti-immigration and anti-international students, when Britain should be sending positive signals to students from India and other countries.

Bilimoria, who is president of the UK Council for International Student Affairs, said it was his mission to make Britain the top destination for Indian students, but regretted that signals coming out of the government were not conducive to internationalism.

There is a contradiction in the government saying there is no limit on international students and also including students in the net migration statistics. Our universities are not only key to Britains soft power but international students contribute 14 billion to the economy, he said.

Sharma, the MP of Ealing Southall, referred to the Birmingham plans and said: The policies announced amount to little more than a return to the nasty party. Theresa May now leads a party that wants to close Britain off from the world.

If we turn our backs on thousands of students from abroad we will permanently damage the UKs reputation as a world leader, he added.

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LASHKAR GAH: Afghanistan has deployed hundreds of commandos backed by NATO air strikes in Lashkar Gah to drive Taliban insurgents from the southern city after the militants killed 14 people in a coordinated attack, officials said on Tuesday. The assault on Monday marked the insurgents latest attempt to seize the capital of Helmand province, underscoring unravelling security as they expand their foothold across the opium-rich province. A provincial spokesman told AFP the commandos were sent from Kabul and neighbouring provinces to launch a clearance operation in Lashkar Gah after the attack, which killed 10 policemen and four others.

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ISLAMABAD: A senior journalist of Pakistans influential Dawn newspaper who reported on disagreements between the civilian government and the military on tackling terrorism has been barred from travelling out of the country.

Cyril Almeida, whose Karachi-based family has its roots in Goa, created a buzz in Pakistan and India by reporting on October 6 that Prime Minister Nawaz Sharifs government had delivered a blunt warning to the powerful military about the country facing growing international isolation if it failed to tackle militants.

The government and the military rejected the report. The civilian leadership was so rattled by the report it issued three denials, including one after a meeting between the premier and Pakistan Army chief Gen Raheel Sharif on Monday.

Soon after, Almeida tweeted he had been shown evidence that he was on the Exit Control List (ECL), which has the names of people barred from leaving Pakistan. The ECL is a border control system maintained under the Exit from Pakistan (Control) Ordinance.

The denial issued by the Prime Ministers Office on Monday reiterated that Almeidas report was a fabricated news story on national security issues.

The denial said the civil and military leadership were unanimous that the published story was clearly violative of universally acknowledged principles of reporting on national security issues and has risked the vital state interests through inclusion of inaccurate and misleading contents which had no relevance to actual discussion and facts.

The civil and military leadership said the media should refrain from speculative reporting and issues of national security and interests of the state. The Prime Minister took serious notice of the violation and directed that those responsible should be identified for stern action.

However, Dawns editor Zafar Abbas said Almeidas report was verified, cross-checked and fact-checked. He added that many at the helm of affairs are aware of the senior officials, and participants of the meeting, who were contacted by the newspaper for collecting information, and more than one source confirmed and verified the details.
LONDON: The lines between terrorism and criminality are becoming blurred as an increasing number of former criminals join the Islamic State and create a gangster jihad, according to a British report released on Tuesday.

Nearly 60% of European militants studied by researchers had been jailed previously, in essence creating a super-gang, said the report from the International Centre for the Study of Radicalization and Political Violence at Kings College London.

Once recruited by IS, these people easily transition to committing violence for a different cause, making the group different from other Islamist organisations such as Al Qaeda, which often radicalised students, intellectuals or other previously non-violent individuals to carry out its violent aims, the report said.

They are the perfect fit, Peter Neumann, the centres director, said of the criminals bolstering the Islamic State groups ranks.

Islamic State doesnt require any intellectual sophistication. It doesnt ask you to study religion. It makes it all like a computer game.

The researchers said a growing IS offers criminals a chance at redemption without requiring a change in behaviour.

With recruits who are already accustomed to violence, it is less difficult to persuade them to go further. They are also familiar with weapons and are adept at staying under the radar and at logistical planning.

While past efforts to stop extremist attacks focused on tracing the complicated international bank transactions that financed militants, IS attacks dont necessarily require huge sums of money.

The centre estimated that some 40% of such plots in Europe are now being financed in part by street crime like selling drugs or counterfeit goods.
Sally Tompkins: Devoted Confederate Nurse

Although they had no formal nursing directors, the Southern armies relied on women to succor their wounded just as the Northern armies did. Sally Tompkins administered one of the larger hospitals for the treatment of Confederate casualties. The daughter of Christopher Tompkins, a wealthy businessman and politician, she established a reputation as a philanthropist and nurse in Richmond, Va., where she and her family were living when the war began.

Following the First Battle of Manassas, a prominent Richmond judge named John Robertson offered his home as a military hospital and put Tompkins in charge of the operation. Although other private hospitals in Richmond that served the wounded were shut down to make way for larger military facilities, Tompkins obtained permission to carry on.

Confederate President Jefferson Davis gave Tompkins the rank of captain in the cavalry in September 1861, making her the first woman in the country to hold a military rank during wartime. In lieu of military wages, she received food, medicine and other supplies for the men. She ran her hospital with military discipline, Christian fervor and a fanatic insistence on sanitation. Of 1,333 patients admitted, only 73 died. Because of this success, some of the most grievously injured Army of Northern Virginia troops were sent to her hospital.

After the war, Tompkins remained single. She continued to take an interest in the welfare of Southern veterans until her death in 1916 at age 83, when she was buried with full military honors.

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While he confirmed that his email account has been hacked, Hillary Clintons campaign chairman John Podesta pointed out that those might have been edited with the aim of political damage against his candidate.

The reaction came after WikiLeaks posted emails of Podesta that included supposed transcripts of closed-door speeches that Clinton gave to Wall Street companies after leaving the State Department.

WikiLeaks latest release was said to be the years of messages from accounts of Podesta on deals involving Clinton campaign.

Podesta is an associate of the Clintons. He was Bill Clintons Chief of Staff from 1998 to 2001. He controls the Podesta Group, which is a major lobbying firm. He is the Chair of a Washington DC-based think tank Centre for American Progress (CAP).

WikiLeaks released the emails after the expose of a video of Republican presidential bet Donald Trump making sexually predatory comments against women. The video has deeply damaged Trumps campaign prompting several Republican allies to revoke their support.

According to WikiLeaks, Part 1 of the Podesta Emails contents 2,060 emails with 170 attachments. The emails focus on Podestas conversations relating to nuclear energy and media handling over donations to the Clinton Foundation.

The emails also have mining and nuclear interests as 1,244 of those mentioned nuclear energy.

They likewise revealed that the contacts between Podesta and Jose Fernandez also concern about the then-forthcoming book and movie Clinton Cash.

The messages from Podestas account described how Clintons closest advisers responded to the key events during the campaign. That includes the detection of her email server and her congressional testimony over the deadly 2012 attacks on a U.S. diplomatic compound in Benghazi, Libya.

According to New York Times, Podesta said that Russian intelligence officials want to sway the election to Donald J. Trump, and they are responsible for the illegal hacking into his account.

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October 11 is National Coming Out Day, where members of the LGBTQ community come out with their true colors. In celebration, here are the 10 celebrities who came out with their true self this 2016.

1. Robin Lord Taylor

"Gotham" actor came out as gay when he revealed via his Twitter account. Taylor tweeted that he is celebrating his 5th anniversary with his husband.

His announcement was made days after the Orlando nightclub shooting.

2. Colton Haynes

"Teen Wolf" actor Colton Haynes shocked his fans when he came out as gay in a May 2016 interview.

3. Charlie Carver

"Teen Wolf" actor Charlie Carver came out in January 2016. He revealed his true self-identity via his Instagram post.

4. Trey Pearson

"Everyday Sunday" frontman Trey Pearson came out as gay in May 2016 via an interview.

5. Kristen Stewart

"Twilight" star Kristen Stewart came out as she introduced to the world who she really loves, Alicia Cargile and not Robert Pattinson.

6. Bella Thorne

Former "Disney" star Bella Thorne real self-identity came out after a photo of her kissing another girl circulated like wildfire online. Thorne is considered as the celebrity with the shortest coming out announcement.

7. Aubrey Plaza

"Park and Recreation" actress Aubrey Plaza revealed that she is bisexual during the 2016 GLAAD Media Awards.

8. Holland Taylor

American film, stage, and TV actress Holland Taylor came out as a lesbian when she publicized her relationship with Emmy Award-winning actress Sarah Paulson.

9. Sara Ramirez

A week before the National Coming Out Day, "Grey's Anatomy" actress Sara Ramirez came out as bisexual during her speech at the True Colors: 40 to None Summit for LGBT Youth homelessness.

10. Lilly Wachowski

"Sense8" film director Lilly Wachowski came out as a transgender woman in March 2016, four years after her sister did the same.

Happy National Coming Out Day everyone!

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In a tragic incident, a 22 year old broken-hearted man from Turkey committed suicide live on Facebook after his girlfriend allegedly cheated him.

The video was streamed live on Monday (Oct. 10) by Erdogan Ceren, 22, from Duzici in the Osmaniye province, Turkey.

Reportedly, the heartbroken man gave a message to his girlfriend that he cannot live without her before killing himself live on Facebook.

In the shocking footage, Erdogan Ceren holds a shotgun to his chest while addressing the camera and, after one failed attempt, ends his life, reported DailyMail.

At the start of the video, Ceren says "no one believed it when I said I will kill myself - so watch this" as he pulls a shotgun into view. He told viewers that he planned to commit suicide because his girlfriend had broken up with him.

The young man is shirtless at what appears to be his bedroom as he presses the gun to his chest. The first attempt fails as the shotgun was lock but the second attempt ended his life.

Around 37 seconds into the four minute clip, the young man readjusts the camera, takes aim and fires.

The boy had shared a poem he had written to his girlfriend before the incident, saying: "Our love was going to be a saga, our eyes were not going to shed tears, now tell me love, are you leaving, will my hands burn without you."

The heartbreaking video has since been viewed 543,000 times and attracted 14,000 comments.

One social media user watching the livestream desperately pleaded, "Don't do it, for the love of god!"

Meanwhile, the Turkish police had launched an investigation into the incident.

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Even as the world is reeling under the onslaught of violence and conflict, Pentagon has admitted that World War III is looming large, according to We Are Anonymous, a group that is manoeuvring the hacking of government websites.

Marine Gen Joseph Dunford, commander of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, has issued a statement that the US must "declare war on Syria and Russia" so that a "no-fly zone" over Syria can be implemented. Does that mean that a world war might be round the corner?

"A conventional conflict in the near future will be extremely lethal and fast, and we will not own the stopwatch," Major General William Hix said at a future-of-the-army panel in Washington.

General Hix also stated that China and Russia's armies are becoming increasingly technological and that the Pentagon is getting ready for violence on a scale that the United States Army has not seen since Korea.

His comments were also echoed by Lt Gen Joseph Anderson and Chief of Staff, Gen Mark A. Milley, who described war between nation states as "almost guaranteed."

The US-Russia conflict is rising, and this relationship is the worst since the Cold War with the Soviet Union. Russia began to increase its military operations in Syria in order to capture Aleppo to aid the Syrian government.

Moscow tried to keep the US from meddling in its affairs. However, Secretary of State John Kerry egged President Barack Obama to interfere in Syria and face the results. Even a nuclear deterrent is acceptable, he implied.

There seems to be a "proxy war", therefore, in Syria with the daggers drawn between the Big Two. Gen Mark Milley, Army Chief of Staff, said at the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing that a Russian official had declared that Russia would win if it declares a conventional war in Europe.

Even in its sparring with China, the US seems to be getting into deep water. The Permanent Court of Arbitration Ruling on China's nine-dash-line claim in the South China Sea showed that the US is preparing to set sail under the aegis of the Freedom of Navigation principle. It has made the Chinese furious.

Defense Minister Chang Wanquan said that China is gearing up for an oceanic conflict. There seems to be testing of nuclear weapons and drawing up plans for military drills in the region. The US has disclosed that "China has tested an Intercontinental Ballistic Missile, which is capable of striking everywhere in the world within half an hour."

What kind of a World War would it be then, if it leaves no world behind?

Perhaps we need not get too stressed about it, as we may not even be around to find out.

YouTube/The Next News Together

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Over the years, globalization in Africa has tremendously grown from language development to innovation, investment and easy movement of people and goods facilitated by infrastructural development. In general, Africa's linkages to the rest of the world have expanded extensively and the people's way of life has in many ways consolidated with the global social standards. As a result, this massive globalization has increasingly spurred integration and interaction among governments, corporations, cultures and people; a factor that has affected both negatively and positively different sectors, among them the tourism industry.

According to UNWTO, international tourist arrivals grew by 7% in Africa and 13% rebound in Sub Saharan Africa between January and April 2016; with an even bigger influx expected into the continent in coming years. This means that people's lives are being opened up to appreciate and embrace new ideas, cultures and values that unite and diversify the world. Besides, the growth of technology has facilitated easy access and spread of information across the continent.

With statistics by Infinite Potentials (a consulting firm that provides data to organizations) predicting that smartphone use in Sub Saharan Africa is poised to grow by over 700% to 525M users by 2020; it is expected that the penetration of smartphones into the market will continue to boost tourism in Africa. More companies are largely investing in mobile-centric solutions in order to meet their target customers at their (customer) convenience.

Sharing of pictures from a favorite destination via social media platforms is the order of the day, a marketing strategy that is now being used to sell tourism destinations to the rest of the world. Moreover, technology has also facilitated the growth of e-commerce, with the success of various online platforms that enhance tourism such as Online Travel Agents (OTAs); that enable travelers to access information about hotels and make their bookings online from anywhere around the world.

Africa is full of great investment potential which is made available to visiting foreigners. This is because globalization has eased ways of doing business, thus facilitating foreign investment and in turn the flow of foreign revenue. Furthermore, the opening up of borders using common tourist visas in such cases as East Africa, has boosted the growth of tourism as people can now easily visit one country or another. It is expected that full implementation of the Pan African Passport will improve openness within other African countries for Africans, further growing the industry.

However, there also exists some negative impacts of globalization on tourism. For instance, foreign cultures have continuously dominated and eroded the African way of life, as Africans learn and assimilate the foreign ways including dressing and language. All is however not lost as some communities have maintained and protected their indigenous cultures, a fact that is to be admired and emulated.

Globalization has also raised concerns in as far as global security is concerned. Ease of movement of people has encouraged criminals to move through porous borders from one country to another, thus increasing the spread of criminal activities in the entire continent. Terrorism acts on tourism destinations have become scarecrows that impede tourists from visiting those places. Besides, peace and stability is key to the success of the tourism industry and lack of it result to issuance of travel advisories; which are not only damaging to the continent's image but also lead to lost revenue.

You will however agree that the good overshadows the ugly; collective strategies to control the negative impacts of globalization to the tourism industry, will go a long way in making the global village a better place to unearth.
Asia Bibi, Pakistani Christian and mother of 5, is on death row. Pakistan's Supreme Court is set to hear the final appeal of her case tomorrow - Thursday, October 13th. Today, we delivered an emergency letter in support of Asia to Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States. Our letter requests that he do everything in his power to advocate for Asia's freedom, and for "the protection of the rights and religious freedoms of all Pakistani citizens."





Asia has been death row for her Christian faith for 2,164 days - nearly 6 years. She was accused and convicted of blaspheming the Prophet Muhammad's name. Under Pakistani law, blasphemy is punishable by death, and Asia was sentenced to death by hanging. Her only "crime," however, was publicly affirming her faith in Jesus Christ.





Asia was arrested back in 2009, after an argument occurred between her and her co-workers. As we informed the Ambassador:





Asia, who was picking berries, took a break from her work to get a drink of water and offered some water to the other women working with her. Her co-workers informed Asia that they could not drink water from the hands of a Christian woman, because, by handling it, she had made the water haram. Asia's co-workers then demanded that she convert to Islam to be cleansed of her impurity. Asia refused and instead publically affirmed her faith in Jesus Christ.





We've reported before how events then escalated, leading to Asia's arrest 5 days later. Asia's subsequent trial was full of errors, and in November 2010, Asia was sentenced to death. Asia appealed her conviction to the Lahore High Court, which - 4 years later, in October 2014 - upheld her conviction. Now, Pakistan's Supreme Court is about to hear Asia's final appeal.





Our letter to the Pakistani Ambassador discusses Asia's case and addresses key aspects of Pakistani law, as well as its obligations under international law.





Pakistan is a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). It also voted in favor of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), which states: "[e]veryone has the right to freedom of thought, conscience and religion; this right includes freedom to change his religion or belief, and freedom, either alone or in community with others and in public or private, to manifest his religion or belief in teaching, practice, worship and observance."





According to the ICCPR, "[e]veryone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference," and "[e]veryone shall have the right to freedom of expression." Freedom of expression under article 19 includes the "freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds." The right to impart information and ideas of all kinds clearly includes communicating and expressing religious opinions to others. Pakistan's blasphemy laws are, on their face, not only contradictory to these provisions, but restrict Pakistan's ability to fulfill obligations it has agreed to with the international community through the ICCPR.





Moreover, article 6 of the ICCPR limits the "sentence of death" to only "the most serious of crimes." Neither the death penalty nor life imprisonment is by any standard proportional punishment to the "crime" of blasphemy.





While the Supreme Court hearing Asia's appeal is a positive development in her case, it does not guarantee that Asia's conviction will be overturned. By becoming a party to the ICCPR Pakistan has voluntarily undertaken the obligation to ensure that religious freedom is guaranteed to all its citizens. Pakistan needs to honor its international legal obligations and release Asia Bibi.





In addition to this letter to Pakistan's Ambassador to the U.S., we are also sending similar emergency legal letters to Pakistan's Ambassador to the U.N., and the U.N. itself.

425 executed since abolishment of moratorium on hanging

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said a total of 425 people have been hanged since Pakistan resumed executions in December 2014.

Pakistan has hanged 425 people since the abolishment of moratorium on executions in terrorism-related cases, becoming one of the top countries in the world to hand down death sentence to convicts. "By executing 333 convicts in 2015 alone, Pakistan joined the ranks of the top executioners in the world. Courts continue to award capital punishment to suspects at a rapid rate," Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said. The commission said a total of 425 people have been hanged since Pakistan resumed executions in December 2014.





In the aftermath of the deadliest attack on an army-run school in Peshawar in December 2014, in which more than 150 people mostly children were killed, Pakistan had lifted a moratorium on executions in terrorism-related cases. "As many as 225 individuals had been sentenced in 2014 and 411 in 2015. The number of convictions had already reached 301 by the end of September this year," it said.





The HRCP has also demanded reform of the criminal justice system before continuing with the death penalty under the National Action Plan (NAP). "Owing to critical and well-documented deficiencies in the law and administration of justice, death penalty allows a very high probability of miscarriage of justice, which is unacceptable in any civilised society, particularly when the punishment was irreversible," said HRCP Secretary General I A Rehman.





"It is obvious that none of the reasons for stopping executions in 2008 have changed. Things have rather deteriorated. We have seen how real the possibility of hanging minors and mentally and physically challenged individuals can be," he said. Noting that "grave concerns" have arisen over the denial of fair trial and due process rights in trial by military courts, Rehman said in such circumstances it was imperative to immediately halt executions, restore the moratorium and move towards abolition of the death penalty.





He said "investigation methods" of police and chronic corruption also added to the troubles of those who were charged with capital offences. "The system of justice is loaded against the poor and lack of financial means put those accused of death penalty offences at a serious disadvantage," Rehman said.





Noting that religion is often invoked to justify capital punishment, he said yet in fact no more than a couple of the 27 death penalty offences on the statute books in Pakistan are mandated by religion. According to latest Amnesty International data on executions around the world, Pakistan is one of the 5 death penalty purveyors in the world, behind only China and Iran.

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Source: aclj.org, October 16, 2016Source: The Indian Express, October 11, 2016
Narratives are powerful in moving, inspiring, making feeling unique, orchestrating emotional connections and qualifying a link between the most top-notch hotels and their guests. Today more and more hotels reconfigure their hospitality strategies towards the adoption of an experiential orientation through stories. They script namely unique, extraordinary narratives and stage escapist events, individually customized and personally meaningful for each guest persona.

The following extraordinary personally scripted stories based on the experiential marketing methodology elicit insightful perspectives:

Ritz-Carlton's Stories That Stay With You

A pioneer hotel chain that adopted this experiential marketing storytelling principle early on is Ritz-Carlton hotels.

Ritz-Carlton's website section Stories That Stay With You, which comes with the elucidative subtitle Memorable moments from the Ladies & Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, is a storytelling inventory and library of the extraordinary experiences that the brand's personnel weaved for its guests.

One of the most fascinating stories of them is:

In the winter of 2009 at the The Ritz-Carlton (Ritzcarlton.com, n.d.), Philadelphia, a wedding reception, lovingly prepared for two years, was about to be destroyed. The once-in-a-lifetime event had been planned in an area 30 minutes away from the town and many of the guests were travelling from Australia to attend it, staying at The Ritz-Carlton. The only chance to resolve the big issue was to plan a wedding within just four hours amidst a severe blizzard. The blinding snowstorm had rendered the road conditions perilous and, what is more, all the transfer companies had closed, trapping the wedding guests in the city.

The bridal couple requested from the concierge at 09:00 a.m. that Saturday morning the utmost challenge: to relocate the ceremony to the Grand Ballroom in just four hours! At 13:00 a.m. the hotel staff had arranged a magnificent ceremony within the hotel great hall. The customized menus, the soup, the dessert, the unique lightning arrangements, the flowers, the wedding cake, an eight- piece band, the photographer were all on time and impeccably ready to welcome the bride and the groom, having arrived at the hotel, undeterred by the severe weather conditions, to assist the hotel staff in this extempore occasion. The story is, however, further infused with an additional difficulty: The wedding cake supplier, being in the city, endeavoured to deliver the cake to the wedding site, but upon his arrival it was broken in tree pieces. The hotel's pastry chef, then, holistically rebuilt it, just one hour prior to the commencement of the ceremony.

During the wedding event, the Director of Banquets and the Director of Meetings and Special Events took a photograph of the newlyweds and placing it in a silver Ritz-Carlton frame, they delivered it, accompanied with a personalized wedding card signed by all the staff people, to the suite of the neighbouring hotel where the bridal couple would stay for their first connubial night. The two Ritz-Carlton Directors escorted the bridal couple to the adjacent hotel, plodding through the 18 inches of snow. To the couple's astonishment, the first photograph of their wedding along with the Ritz-Carlton signature card gift was waiting for them in the hotel suite of the nearby hotel that they had booked for that evening. This highly personalized story landed on the headlines of Philadelphian newspapers under the apposite title "Wedded Blizz".

2. A Vivaldi's opera and the Mayor of a city of Austria, a story orchestrated in Costa Navarino

During the summer of 2015, in my job position as Concierge at The Romanos, A Luxury Collection Resort I created such a story harmonized with the practice and philosophy of the experiential marketing of tourism destinations:

I had some guests, a Viennese couple of which the husband was mayor of a city of Austria. Searching for a dramaturgy with personal meanings and revelance and relying on the narrative canvas of Messinia, I sent him a message to his room in which I recounted the following story: In "L'Oracolo in Messinia" (The Oracle of Messinia") Vivaldi narrates the myth of Queen Merope, who is forced to marry the usurper of the throne Polyfontis who had murdered her husband Cresphontes and the six of their seven children. Forgotten for 270 years, the opera was "reconstructed" from the composer Fabio Biondi and staged in Vienna in 2012. In this way, I managed to find for this man with the particular interest in history and art, a personal connection between the cultural cues of Messinia, Vienna and the very special profile of my guest.

This is a story of how we can manage the hotel landscape with the basic construct of "experience", which offers us the possibility of differentiating and adding value to the tourism product. Besides, the arena of tourism is summarized in the narrative management.

Learning outcome:

Ritz-Carlton and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide are some of the companies that went that extra mile, constituting examples that showcase that the incorporation of experiential marketing stories in organizations is a key determinant in delivering corporate benefits. The cited stories evaluate the scope, leading to the learning outcome that extraordinary personally scripted stories based on the experiential marketing methodology establish a link between the brands and their consumers, scale sustainably the goodwill of the organizations and, consequently, irreversibly instill positive emotions in the minds of customers in a way that transform them to brand ambassadors and lifelong users.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C. has signed a management agreement with Zhongda Zhongfanxin Proprietary Company Ltd, for The Ritz-Carlton, Xian, expected to open in 2018. Located in North West China, the city is one of China's Four Ancient Capitals, home to 13 imperial Chinese dynasties, which today still serves as the capital of its province, Shaanxi.

With 288 guestrooms and suites, The Ritz-Carlton, Xian will be a modern icon paying tribute to its location as a new high tech hub in a historical city, curating North West China for the international traveler. With expansive event spaces including two ballrooms, two exceptional restaurants including Japanese and Cantonese dining, and an exciting new outpost of the sophisticated bar, Flair, the property will be the new social hub in the city.

"To explore Xian is to unearth the history of China, making it one of the world's great cities on a global itinerary for our guests," said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. "We're delighted to be partnering with Zhongda Zhongfanxin Proprietary Company to open the first Ritz-Carlton in such an important and culturally significant destination."

Over the centuries, the importance of Xian remains undiminished. Once known as Chang'an or Eternal Peace, the city marks the eastern end of the ancient Silk Road. Today, it still sits at a key crossroad to one of the country's most important trading corridors that stretches from the Yellow Sea to Kazakhstan.

The ancient Chinese capital is renowned for its archaeological treasure trove with the most renowned being the life-sized Bingmayong (Terra Cotta Warriors) that were buried with China's first Qin emperor. It was among the first of China's artifacts to be protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.

Modern Xian remains an eclectic city that befits its position at the crossroads of empire. Ming-era city walls can be explored best by bicycle and its extensive Muslim Quarter is a warren of narrow lanes that can be compared to the bustle of a Middle Eastern souk with Chinese heritage. Endless temples and cultural relics dot the city and the surrounding countryside, while its rich culinary scene draws extensively from a melting pot of influences on the Silk Road.

About Marriott International

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 8,100 properties under 30 leading brands spanning 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy, its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website, and for the latest company news, visit Marriott News Center. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitter and Instagram.

Michele Lv

Regional Manager, Public Relations

Marriott
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Top and bottom line performance at hotels in Amsterdam realigned this month after a boost in demand fuelled significant year-on-year growth this time last year thanks to the quinquennial SAIL event hosted by the city, according to the latest data from HotStats.

Top and bottom line performance at hotels in Amsterdam realigned this month after a boost in demand fuelled significant year-on-year growth this time last year thanks to the quinquennial SAIL event hosted by the city, according to the latest data from HotStats.

The SAIL event is one of the biggest attractions in the Amsterdam calendar, with more than 600 ships sailing into the North Sea Canal to moor in Amsterdams IJhaven, but only takes place every five years. In August 2015 the event fuelled a 33.5% surge in profit per room, to 80.40. In contrast, the absence of demand associated with this event in August 2016 has meant that top and bottom line performance has fallen backwards and is now closer to August 2014 levels.

Whilst hotels in Amsterdam were able to limit their losses in average room rate, which dropped by 6.6% to 156.35, which is well above the rate achieved during the same period in 2014 at 142.27, the Dutch city suffered a 6.7 percentage point decline in occupancy. As a result, at 125.76 RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room) this month was only slightly above the same period in August 2014 (121.23).

In addition to the movement in revenue, a realignment of costs, which included a 3.0 percentage point increase in payroll as a percentage of total revenue, contributed to year-on-year profit per room declining by 22.7% this month to 62.14. Despite this decline, profit per room at Amsterdam hotels remains 3.2% above the performance in the same period in 2014 at 60.22.

Profit Conversion at Barcelona Hotels Smashes 50% in August

Hotels in Barcelona achieved a profit conversion of 52.8% this month as the Catalan city recorded yet another strong month of growth in top and bottom line performance.

Buoyant occupancy levels, which peaked at 89.9% this month, have enabled hoteliers in the city to leverage average room rate to drive top line performance, which has included an increase in achieved average room rate of more than 20.00 over the last 24 months, to 214.39 in the 12 months to August 2016 from 193.74 during the same period in 2013/14.

In addition, hotels in Barcelona have successfully grown ancillary spend to drive a 32.00 increase in TRevPAR (Total Revenue per Available Room) to 256.09 in the 12 months to August 2016.

Following 36 months of almost consistent growth, profit per room at hotels in Barcelona has increased by 38.1% in the 12 months to August 2016 to 125.96. Furthermore, proving that it is not just a one off, in the eight months to August 2016, hotels in Barcelona have recorded a profit conversion of 50.0% of total revenue and are now amongst the most profitable in Europe.

Leisure Segment Helps Boost Budapest Hoteliers Profit Performance

Hotels in Budapest recorded a 0.4% increase in profit per room in August with demand from the leisure segment driving the highest occupancy levels of the year so far.

Despite recording a 3.4 percentage point decline this month, occupancy remained strong in Budapest at 89.1%, which enabled hoteliers in the city to drive average room rate, recording a 5.5% year-on-year increase, to 96.92 and secure a 1.6% uplift in RevPAR.

The market mix at Budapest hotels was dominated by the individual and group leisure segments in August, which accounted for 55.0% of accommodated roomnights, compared to 41.0% year-to-date. In contrast, commercial volume fell back to just 23.3% of total demand this month from 39.7% of total demand for the eight months to August 2016.

Despite a 0.6% increase in payroll on a per available room basis, a 3.3% saving in overhead costs enabled hotels in Budapest to record a 0.4% increase in profit per room to 44.40.

Click here ( Adobe Acrobat PDF file) to view full the report.



For an inside view of a local or regional market place in the hotel sector, bespoke HotStats reports are available. Terms and conditions apply. Visit www.hotstats.com to view a sample report.

HotStats provides two reporting tools to hoteliers:

Our unique profit and loss benchmarking service which enables monthly comparison of hotels performance against their competitors. It is distinguished by the fact that it provides in excess of 100 performance metric comparisons covering 70 areas of hotel revenue, cost, profit and statistics providing far deeper insight into the hotel operation than any other tool.

Our latest innovation in daily revenue intelligence, MORSE. Amongst its reporting are daily and highly granular market segmentation metrics as well as distribution channel and source of booking analysis. It takes daily market intelligence to a whole new level.



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Hotels in Abu Dhabi recorded a 2.0% year-on-year increase in profit per room this month, as management slashed costs to offset the 9.2% decline in total revenue, according to the latest data from HotStats.

Hotels in Abu Dhabi recorded a 2.0% year-on-year increase in profit per room this month, as management slashed costs to offset the 9.2% decline in total revenue, according to the latest data from HotStats.

The decline in TRevPAR (Total Revenue per Available Room) this month was primarily due to a 7.8% drop in RevPAR (Revenue per Available Room), as Abu Dhabi hoteliers suffered declines in both room occupancy (-1.6 percentage points) and achieved average room rate (-5.6%).

The drop in Rooms Revenue was further exacerbated by year-on-year declines in Food and Beverage (-9.3%) and Conference and Banqueting (- 24.4%) revenue on a per available room basis.

However, cost savings, which included an 11.3% reduction in payroll and an 8.5% saving in overheads on a per available room basis, enabled Abu Dhabi hoteliers to effectively cancel out the drop in revenue.

Despite the 2.0% year-on-year growth this month, profit per room was recorded at just $16.72 in August, equivalent to a conversion of 10.8% of total revenue.

Hotel Profit Performance in Beirut Slipping Back As Political Instability Returns

Hotels in Beirut suffered a 15.2% decline in profit per room this month, as RevPAR at hotels in the Lebanon capital fell by 13.6%, continuing the recent downward trajectory of both revenue and profit.

Whilst the relatively stable security situation in 2015 enabled hotels in Beirut to record an average room rate increase of more than 19.0% in the 12 months to February 2016, top line performance has been on a downward trajectory ever since.

In 2016, the city has suffered from a drop in visitor numbers, particularly from the Gulf, as well as diminishing political stability and the impact of the Syrian War. Following the terrorist attacks in the city in June, the first major incident of its kind in 2016, RevPAR at the citys hotels plummeted by 42.0% year-on-year, contributing to a 96.4% drop in profit per room for the month.

Whilst hotels in Beirut have broadly managed to maintain volume in 2016, it has been at the expense of rate, which in August dropped by 12.7% year-on-year, with significant declines across a range of segments, including residential conference (-15.4%), corporate (-10.5%) and leisure (-13.9%).

Despite costs savings, as a result of the drop in revenue, year-to-date profit per room at Beirut hotels is down by 17.9% to $31.64, which is in contrast to the 169.1% increase during the same period in 2015.

Plummeting Rate Causing Profit Woes for Hotels in Doha

Hotels in Doha recorded an 11.9% year-on-year decline in achieved average room rate this month, which was the 24th consecutive month of year-on-year decline in this measure and contributed to the 17.1% drop in the 12 months to August 2016.

The drop in rate this month was as a result of declines across the majority of market segments, including Best Available Rate (-7.4%), corporate (-17.6%) and leisure (-10.9%).

In addition, a 35.0% year-on-year rate decline was recorded in the group tours segment, with the volume of demand from this segment doubling this month.

Despite cost savings, hotels in Doha suffered a 17.8% decline in GOPPAR (Gross Operating Profit per Room) in August, with profit per room now suffering a 20.4% decline in the 12 months to August 2016. Despite the significant decline over the last 12 months, profit conversion at hotels in Doha remains relatively strong, at 37.1% of total revenue.

Click here ( Adobe Acrobat PDF file) to view full the report.



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Airbnb Offers Landlords an Incentive

Home-rental giant gives landlords revenue if they permit tenants to rent out units on the site

Home-rental giant Airbnb Inc. is trying to charm apartment landlords with a program that gives them some extra revenue if they allow tenants to rent their units out on the site.

Airbnb last month announced an offering that allows apartment owners to take a cut of the revenue from Airbnb guests in their buildings. The program has the potential to add millions of apartment units to Airbnbs inventory of short-term rental properties.

So far, though, the program has few takers, as landlords remain wary of lawsuits, regulatory hassles and ticked-off neighbors.

I dont see it gaining much traction, said Margette Hepfner, senior vice president for client services for Lincoln Property Co., which manages or owns 175,000 units across the country.

Ms. Hepfner said Airbnb has tried to respond to many of her biggest concerns, but added that Theres just inherent risk in allowing unknown guests to come onto your property.

Airbnb, formed in 2008, has found success helping travelers find short-term quarters in private homes. Its number of annual guests has soared to 100 million this year from 21,000 in 2009, according to the company. After its last fundraising round, the closely held company was worth $30 billion.

But appealing directly to apartment landlords is essential for Airbnbs future growth. That is because big chunks of the housing stock in the most popular destination cities are in the form of apartments, and standard apartment leases forbid tenants from subletting without the landlords permission. That limits the pool of participants in the places travelers most want to go.

So far Airbnb has had little success winning over big landlords. Buildings containing only about 1,000 units have enrolled in the program, a sliver of the 26.5 million mid-rise or high-rise apartment units nationwide. Airbnb declined to provide the names of any landlords participating in the program.

Three of the countrys largest landlords, AvalonBay Communities Inc., Essex Property Trust and Camden Property Trust , said they decided not to participate. They declined to give a reason.In private conversations there is a huge interest in how to do this better than it was done before. Those same executives arent interested in bearing the scrutiny, said Jaja Jackson, Airbnbs head of landlord partnerships.

Apartment giant Equity Residential , which owns 80,000 units mainly in coastal cities such as New York and San Francisco, confirmed it is piloting the program in one of its buildings, Vista 99, in San Jose, Calif., which the website describes as a resort-style community.

But many building owners are concerned that cooperating with Airbnb would open them up to lawsuits, tangles with municipal regulators and hassles with other residents who dont want transients in their buildings. Reports of wild parties and property damage at some Airbnb properties have stoked concern.

New York state lawmakers in June passed legislation now awaiting the governors signature that would slap a $7,500 fine on users who advertise illegal short-term rentals on Airbnb. The state outlaws the rental of any home for fewer than 30 days.

Under Airbnbs new plan, called the Friendly Buildings Program, if landlords allow tenants to lease units on Airbnb, they have an opportunity to take a cut of the nightly revenue at a suggested rate of 5% to 15%.

But for a one-night, $200 stay that means the landlord would make $30 or less, an amount that many landlords say doesnt justify the hassle.

A September survey by the National Multifamily Housing Council found that 42% of apartment owners werent interested in a partnership program with a short-term rental company such as Airbnb. One-third said they were open to a partnership program and the remainder said they didnt know.

The respondents cited safety issues as their top concern, followed by liability and insurance and quality-of-life concerns. About 40% of landlords said they had taken action against a tenant who used Airbnb, including a warning letter or lease termination.

Mr. Jackson said he has talked to roughly 1,000 apartment landlords since he started his campaign in February 2015. Airbnb in general was quite scary to some executives, he said.

Cortland Partners, which owns 36,000 apartment units primarily in the Southeast, in a recent survey found that nearly 40% of residents would be significantly less likely to renew their leases if the company allowed tenants to rent out units on Airbnb.

You could have folks who would normally not pass the background check who could present a danger to children or other residents and you wouldnt know who they were, said Melanie French, executive vice president at Cortland Partners.

Analysts said landlords run a risk by not participating in Airbnbs new program given the threat the company poses to the status quo.

Its a behavior that their tenants are going to engage in regardless of what stance the landlord takes, said Dave Bragg, an analyst at Green Street Advisors. It could take a while but I think it will prove to be very good for both Airbnb and apartment operators.
The African Hotel Valuation Index releases hotel values and market trends for 21 cities in 16 different countries of Africa.

Welcome to the third edition of the African Hotel Valuation Index (HVI). We are thrilled that the number of markets included in the study continues to grow. In the first edition we had 14 cities, that grew to 18 last year and this year it has increased again to 21 cities in 16 different countries. A 50% increase in markets in such a short space of time is indicative of the ever increasing interest in the African hotel market. Moreover, and equally importantly it also illustrates an improved transparency and increase in data across the continent.

It is becoming as important to look at performance in local currency as in US$. Although revenue from abroad will continue to form part of the attraction of hotel operation and investment in Africa, local demand is becoming increasingly important. Many markets are showing a drop in value in US$ this year, in local currency terms, hotels have performed well and had another good year. However, values are reported in US$ to allow some level of comparison between markets, and also because much lending and investment is made in US$.

As with all hotel investment, anywhere in the world, there are many influences outside the control of hotel managers and brands that can impact the trading cycle; currency fluctuations being only one. Unfortunately, again we have to mention terrorism and the threat of terrorism, especially in the North African markets. If there is a silver lining to the cloud of terror over Turkey and parts of Europe, it may be that tourists may be displaced to new markets, including some in Africa. Similarly, with travel advisories being lifted for East Africa the possibility of safari and sun holidays in Kenya and Tanzania will increase for more tourists.

Accessibility and visas remain key issues for both tourists and commercial travelers. However, there is an increase in low cost airlines, and others are expanding and increasing code share agreements. Kenyan Airways and Ethiopian Airlines are continuing to expand and South African Airways, through their various affiliates serve an increasing number of regional cities in southern Africa. Visas remain a challenge and visitors to many African countries will either have a long and costly wait for a visa before they fly or on arrival; either will deter many. However governments are aware of the problem and appear keen to find a solution; the latest being the African Union discussing the possibility of an African Passport. Things do not change quickly in Africa, but every journey starts with a single step

The other major challenge facing some of the markets included in the HVI continues to be commodity prices. Oil prices have increased in recent months, however the price per barrel remains below $50, adversely affecting economies and demand for hotel rooms.

Despite some short term challenges hoteliers of all sizes continue to expand, it is not just Accor Hotels, Hilton and Rezidor that have substantial pipelines of hotels under development, smaller regional chains including Azalai, City Lodge, Onomo and Protea all continue to expand. The long term climate for hotel development and investment remains sunny and we look forward to growing the HVI into new markets over the next few years.

Click here ( Adobe Acrobat PDF file) to download the complete article.
The Arkansas attorney general's office warned legislators Monday not to explore alternative execution methods after the state's lethal injection protocol and execution secrecy law were found constitutional by Arkansas' high court.





The House Judiciary Committee heard a proposal for an interim study on hypoxia - replacing the oxygen in a person's lungs with an inert gas like nitrogen - as a backup method for executions. But the committee decided not to vote after the attorney general's legislative director, Cory Cox, advised members to "let sleeping dogs lie."





Cox said the office doesn't think it's necessary to pursue alternatives after the Arkansas Supreme Court's ruling.





"We were curious, if we have a constitutional method of lethal injection, why we would re-litigate that," he told the committee, saying an alternative method could create new reasons for litigation. "We would caution as the attorneys for the state that anything that might look as throwing doubt on what has been declared as constitutional by the state Supreme Court could be problematic."





Supporters of the study said lethal drug supplies are drying up and new approaches to executing death row inmates should be studied in case the state runs out of options to obtain the drugs.





Rep. Mary Broadaway, who requested the study, said she doesn't generally support the death penalty but thinks it's appropriate for Arkansas to "start looking at other options" if lethal drugs become unavailable.





"This is not a referendum on the death penalty," said the Democrat from Paragould in northeast Arkansas. "What this is about is Arkansas at this time has chosen to have a death penalty and there has been a trend around the United States with having problems implementing the death penalty."





The state's current execution law allows either a 1-drug barbiturate method for lethal injection or a 3-drug method of midazolam to sedate the inmate, vecuronium bromide to paralyze the lungs and stop the inmate's breathing, and potassium chloride to stop the heart. The law states that if lethal injection is ruled invalid, the state shall use electrocution to carry out death sentences.





Attorneys for the inmates who brought the challenge of the law have until Oct. 19 to file a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to review the state Supreme Court's split decision from June.

 | 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: Associated Press, October 11, 2016
It appears Donald Glover is having a much bigger year than we already thought. The 33-year old rapper-actor not only stars in & writes FXs new hit series Atlanta, but hes been doing so all while being a first time father. According to E! News, Donald & his girlfriend welcomed their first child together earlier this year.

Unfortunately, theres no details on the child, whether its a boy or girl, but back in January the couple were spotted outside a grocery store in Hawaii while she was pregnant (see pic in gallery above). And months later in May, US Weekly caught Donald & his girlfriend pushing a stroller around in New York.

While the reports havent been confirmed by Donald himself, the sources & clues appear to tell the truth. Congrats go out to Donald & his growing family.

Donald Glover
A rare Air Jordan 9 is hitting retailers this weekend and it should appeal to every Kobe/Lakers fans, as well as those Randy Moss/Vikings fans.

The Kobe Air Jordan 9 is eerily similar to Kobe Bryants classic PE, which strongly resembled the Jordan PE cleats that Randy Moss laced up during his playing days for the Minnesota Vikings.

Just like Kobes pair, this rendition features purple patent leather and yellow accents, though these bad boys feature the #23 on the heel, as opposed to the #8 that was seen on the Black Mambas PE.

None of that shouldnt deter any Lakers fans from scooping up a pair when they release tomorrow, November 19th for $190.

Select Foot Locker locations will be implementing a Reservation system for the release so check out the Launch Locator to see how your local store is handling the Kobe Air Jordan 9 drop this weekend.

Per Foot Locker;

A new App Launch Reservation procedure is being PILOTED. This launch procedure will allow this release to be reserved through the app. App submissions open Monday 10am ET. Once the countdown clock expires, users who placed a submission will be notified via the app of their outcome. For full App Launch Reservation details see www.footlocker.com/launchreservation IMPORTANT: Once you enter your reservation submission your current VIP status will be locked.

Kobe Jordan 9
Fresh off Sully, Clint's already prepping for his next project.

The popular actor and dramatic film director is already working on a new movie, Impossible Odds, about Jessica Buchanan. This will be another story of American heroes, a favorite subject for Eastwood.

In October 2011, Jessica Buchanan of the US and Poul Hagen Thisted of Denmark were working with the Danish Refugee Council on a demining project when they were captured by Somali pirates in Galkayo. The Council tried but failed to enlist local Somali leaders in freeing the hostage, and the pirates refused a ransom of US $1.5 million. With Buchanans health failing, US Special Forces led a successful rescue operation on 25 January 2012, killing all nine Somali pirates and rescuing both the hostages.

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Not much is known about the film. Will it focus on the two hostages three-month ordeal, the rescue operation, or a combination of the two? We hope it will be the last one.
I 'Don't Wanna Know' that you didn't have a listen.

Pop-rock band Maroon 5 joined forces once again with hip-hop artist Kendrick Lamar.

The newly released single does not mean an album is on the way for the Los Angeles boys, but it does mark the second collaboration with Lamar. You may recall back in 2014 the hit single 'YOLO' when Adam Levine and Lamar recorded with The Lonely Island.

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Check out the premiere music video of 'Don't Wanna Know' this Friday, October 14.
The rock giants are back with their seventh studio album. They talk brawls, boozers and Walls with our man Olaf Tyaransen

They're one of the world's biggest bands  and they're back. As they unleash their new album Walls, Kings of Leon lead the way in the new issue of Hot Press. Our man Olaf Tyaransen meets the rock giants as they discuss bust-ups, blowouts and the creation of their seventh studio effort.

While Oasis might not be offering up a new album anytime soon, the retrospective documentary Supersonic is currently garnering rave reviews across the board. Of course, the brothers Gallagher are no strangers to the pages of Hot Press, so Stuart Clark dives into the vault to catalogue the magical moments we've shared with the terrible twosome through the years.

Also in this issue, we shine a special spotlight on the state of the nation in our Mental Health Special; Jason O'Toole tells the remarkable and touching story of Brenda Fricker, Bressie looks back on a ground-breaking  and award-winning  year for A Lust For Life, we take a look at the challenges facing athletes at the end of their sporting careers, and talk to some of the country's pre-eminent experts about what we can do to address the issues facing Ireland.

The Hot Press Interview is an enlightening and emotional one, as Christy Dignam tells his remarkable story. The Aslan frontman has battled drugs and demons aplenty, and knows his time on this earth is limited by terminal cancer  but he still has a smile on his face. This is one exchange that you don't want to miss.

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Elsewhere, we talk to American Honey star Sasha Lane, chat with superstar author Emma Donoghue, meet the outstanding Kate Tempest and take a closer look at Ireland's second city in a Cork special.

Add in all the usual news, views, reviews, previews and anything else you can think of, and it all adds up to another jam-packed issue of Hot Press, on sale now.

You can buy Hot Press 40-18, Kings Of Leon direct from hotpress.com

Or download from the iOS app for iPad/iPhone

Or download from the Android App
Hijinks ensue.

Russell Brand is God, and he appears in a vision to Gary Faulkner, a Colorado handyman played by Nicolas Cage. He commands Faulkner to go to Pakistan to assassinate Osama bin Laden, so he does, but not before getting lost along the way.

The trailer can best be described as madness. We leave the opinions up to you, dear reader. This film comes courtesy of Larry Charles, director of Borat. If that's your thing, this movie may be for you.
While California has been in the news for competing death penalty measures, New Mexico quietly brought a bitter House debate to an end, passing HB7, a measure to restore the death penalty in certain circumstances.





New Mexico's governor, Susana Martinez, must be pleased. She's been pushing for the state to resume prisoner executions.





Now it's up to the Senate to decide whether the legislation will more forward. Even so, it's a bad sign for death penalty opponents who are fighting to ban this archaic form of punishment across the country.





In 2009, New Mexico banned the death penalty on the grounds that it was highly costly and used so infrequently that it didn't make sense to leave it on the books as a punishment.





But the state's Republicans claim that the death penalty should be part of the judicial toolbox. They argue that the cost projections related to administration of capital punishment are inflated.





The number of people eligible for the death penalty might be so small as to make it virtually unused, but evidently Republicans want the option just in case -- especially in rare cases when people kill law enforcement officers on the job.





The bill makes an appeal to emotion by suggesting the death penalty should be available in the case of child murders and killings of police and correctional officers.





For lawmakers, it's a wise move to target members of the public who might be on the fence about the death penalty except in extreme cases. But it also creates a slippery slope, opening up the possibility of legalizing it in a growing number of circumstances.





Regardless as to one's personal stance on the death penalty, the bill has a glaring legal problem, according to Nicole Knight: It imposes an IQ cutoff for executions, which the Supreme Court has deemed unconstitutional.





The cutoff is set at 70, a largely arbitrary number. Some people with lower IQs could potentially be found competent to stand trial, while those with higher IQs might not be legally competent. These assessments are based on evaluations of individuals, not sweeping judgments on the basis of a single number.





The phrasing around methods of execution is also vague, indicating only that prisoners should be executed by being given enough of a "substance" to cause death. One reason for that wording is the repeated legal challenges to specific drugs used in executions. The shrinking availability of approved compounds is also a factor, as pharmaceutical companies refuse to supply drugs for executions.





New Mexico Republicans are clearly hoping to build in a bit of a buffer for themselves, but that may not be great news for justice.





Democrats argue that the bill was snuck through the House in the middle of the night -- which it was -- with a lack of transparency for members of the public who might have an interest.





Legislative transparency and hastily-passed bills have been a bit of a theme in 2016, as opponents of North Carolina's HB2 have noted.





Democrats may get the last laugh in the Senate, though. The bill is unlikely to pass, ensuring that it stalls out in the lower house and never actually makes it to the books -- at least, until the makeup of the House and Senate changes and death penalty supporters make up the necessary majority.

 | 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



Opposed to Capital Punishment? Help us keep this blog up and running! DONATE!

Source: truth-out.org, October 11, 2016
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Ruggles Green, which made its mark on the Houston restaurant scene offering locally sourced organic foods and vegan and gluten-free dishes in environmentally responsible settings, plans a major expansion after selling a majority stake to a private investment firm.

The fast-casual chain opened the first certified-green restaurant in Houston eight years ago and has since added four more in the area. It hopes to open 30 more, in both small towns and large metropolitan areas, over the next four years. The first two new locations are planned for Houston with a foray into Dallas in 2018.

On Tuesday, Ruggles Green announced it had sold to Hargett Hunter Capital Partners and will be under new management. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

"When we began seeking potential investors, it was only natural to seek an investment from Hargett Hunter," co-founder Federico Marques said in a statement, citing the firm's "operational expertise to execute at the level of excellence that we envision for Ruggles Green's future."

Marques and co-founder Robert Guillerman will remain involved through a consulting arrangement. Jason Morgan, former chief financial officer of Zoes Kitchen and a current Hargett Hunter managing partner, will serve as CEO of Ruggles Green and oversee day-to-day operations.

Bruce Molzan, another original founder, who currently runs Ruggles Black, will not be involved, Hargett Hunter managing partner Jeff Brock said.

RELATED: Houston's best healthy restaurants

The investment firm was founded last year in North Carolina and invests in restaurant companies generating annual revenue of $5 million to $100 million.

Morgan said Ruggles Green's food quality has stood out amount fast-casual competitors.

"You have to go to a fine dining restaurant to find something similar," he said.

Specialties include wood-fired quinoa macaroni and cheese, organic pizzas and a buffalo and a veggie-nut hemp burger.

Morgan, who spent about eight years at Zoes Kitchen, said Hargett Hunter is working on a prototype for all the new Ruggles locations to make the brand more recognizable.

He also said taking the company public is a possibility in the next six to eight years.

The Ruggles Green transaction marks Hargett Hunter's second investment this year. In July, it took a majority stake in Original ChopShop Co., based in Phoenix.

Brock said investors are looking to the fast-casual segment because millennials and younger generations are shifting that direction.

He said he also sees growth potential because Ruggles Green does equally well at lunch and dinner.
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Brian Wilson, the genius but troubled architect of the Beach Boys' brilliant pop, will bring the band's classic 1966 album "Pet Sounds" to Houston on May 12 at the Revention Music Center.

The 74-year-old Wilson has dubbed the performances "Brian Wilson Presents Pet Sounds: The Final Performances," so this sounds likely to be his last go-round with the album live.
The Harris County Courthouse's system of providing legal representation to defendants who can't afford it is creaky and overburdened, a state audit has found, as elected judges appoint their favorite attorneys and allow them to take on caseloads that far exceed recommended levels.

The audit determined that judges also fail to provide 40 percent of juveniles with appointed attorneys in the time specified by state law  even though the county was warned to remedy that problem back in 2012.

The Texas Indigent Defense Commission's report, conducted over the course of a year, paints a picture of a world in which private attorneys have little incentive to provide a vigorous defense, since accepting a plea deal is the fastest way to clear a case and collect a fee.

"We have a judiciary that is elected and often campaigns on their law and order credentials," says Jay Jenkins, Harris County project attorney with the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition. "The report shows that they are not stringent in adhering to the letter of the law, when it comes to their own behavior. And what gets left in the lurch is the indigent defendants."

The audit was requested by State Senator Rodney Ellis, a Houston Democrat who authored Texas' Fair Defense Act, and reviewed county records, lawyers' bills and a survey of attorneys who provide court-appointed defense.

"Attorneys are generally selected for their efficiency with moving the court's docket," wrote one of the 176 court-appointed defense lawyers who responded to a lengthy questionnaire. "This rarely translates to quality representation."

In response to the survey, one in five respondents agreed that indigent defendants rarely receive quality representation, largely due to the sheer volume of cases some attorneys take. In 2014, 162 out of the court's 325 court-appointed defense attorneys had annual caseloads exceeding recommended levels of either 128 felonies or 226 misdemeanor cases (not both at the same time).

Seventy six attorneys had more than twice that level, and the top 10 percent handled more than 500 cases per year. One lawyer, Jeanie Dickey, took on 969 court appointed clients  including more than three times the recommended number of felonies and twice the number of misdemeanors. Dickey, who also led the charts in 2015, did not respond to a request for comment.

"Without reasonable time to devote to their cases, attorneys may struggle to provide zealous representation," the report concluded. "Defense counsel's workload must be controlled to permit the rendering of quality representation. Implementation of reasonable caseload limits would help achieve this goal."

Harris County's indigent defense system is the largest in the state and has long been plagued with problems stemming from inadequate representation of poor defendants, thousands of whom spend weeks or months in jail before their trials because they can't afford bail. In 2009, the Houston Chronicle reported on some of the worst abuses of that system, in which several judges appoint the majority of their cases to a handful of lawyers who do little in the way of investigation or preparation.

Snubbing public defenders

Since then, Harris County has set up a public defenders office, staffed with 40 attorneys who are limited to recommended caseload levels and are paid a salary, rather than per case fee. The state's audit found that those attorneys more often use investigators on their clients' behalf, and a 2013 evaluation found that they achieve better outcomes for clients than court-appointed private attorneys.

The audit found judges do not monitor or limit caseloads of defense attorneys they appoint, and that some judges routinely allow the defense attorneys they use to take 400 or 500 or more cases a year.

Judges maintain total discretion over whom they appoint, and 37 percent of attorneys in the survey thought appointments are made unfairly. There is also no prohibition on attorneys contributing to judges' campaigns, which is common. In 2014, for example, Judge Denise Collins received 12 contributions from attorneys whom she had appointed for cases, supplying a substantial chunk of her campaign war chest.

Reached by phone, Collins said that she does not accept contributions from her "term attorneys," who are assigned to take cases for a given period of time, and had no further comment.

Records show that a handful of judges  Mary Lou Keel, Jim Wallace, Katherine Cabaniss, and Jeannine Barr  almost never appoint public defenders, even though state law requires that they be given priority. That frustrates Alex Bunin, who runs the county's public defenders office.

"If every judge in the county would give us more cases, I could go to the Commissioners Court and ask for more lawyers," Bunin says. Having more cases handled by people who spend adequate time on each case might cost more on the front end, he argues, but it would also reduce Harris County's high rate of exonerations on the back end, keeping costs in check.

Mary Lou Keel, the judge in the 232nd District Court, says she stopped using the public defender's office after a dispute with Bunin involving post-conviction writs. Bunin declined further comment on the matter.

Michael McSpadden, the judge for the 209th District Court, very rarely uses the public defender's office. Instead, he appoints the vast majority of his indigent cases to six attorneys, who handled between 190 and 321 cases in his court in 2015, because he doesn't like working with attorneys he doesn't know well on cases.

"You just don't trust that it will be handled like it should," McSpadden says, adding that the recommended caseload limits are "way too low" for competent attorneys. (At the same time, he thinks that judges should not accept donations from attorneys they might appoint.)

In order to fix caseload problems, some other Texas court systems have set caseload limits for private attorneys, and also taken attorney appointments out of the hands of judges. But Harris County has yet to do either.

Other problems

The state's audit also found that judges are setting bail amounts far in excess of minimum levels, making it more difficult for defendants to return to daily life while waiting for their trials and clogging the county jail with pre-trial inmates. Judges were particularly reluctant to grant "personal recognizance" bonds for mentally ill people, which allow defendants to go free without posting bail, despite a requirement that judges do so if a treatment plan is in place.

The county and its county court at law judges, who oversee misdemeanors, face a pending federal civil rights lawsuit for its bail policies in low-level criminal cases.

Earlier this year, the county decided to implement a "risk assessment" tool that is expected to give judges a data-driven way of understanding whether a given defendant will return to court without having to post a high bond. It will not, however, force them to change their bail policies.

In addition, the audit found that judges had inconsistent standards for determining whether a defendant was poor enough to deserve a court-appointed attorney, and that they did not meet state standards for swiftly appointing lawyers for the indigent. The problem is especially acute for younger defendants: Despite being warned about the problem in 2012, only 58.5 percent of juveniles who couldn't afford their own lawyer received counsel within five days of being served a petition.

While mild in its language, the report leaves no doubt that Harris County's system for representing the poor is inadequate on many fronts and must change.

"For assigned counsel cases, the distribution of attorney appointments fell outside of the Commission's threshold for presuming an appointment system is fair, neutral, and nondiscriminatory," the report said. "The district courts need to put in place a system that meets this threshold."

This story has been updated.
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THE CONCEPT

A Highland Village-area restaurant with notched-up American bistro fare and cocktails. Proprietors Nick Adair and Katie Adair Barnhart's new spot takes its name and inspiration from their paternal grandmother, a "no-nonsense, classic Texas beauty" whose welcoming style of entertaining was a living room where people would linger for hours.

THE SPACE

The Adair siblings have an eye for design. The 120-seat space - with its smart tiled floors, warm wood bar, retro wallpaper, globe lights, and bistro tables and chairs - is open and inviting. There is ample room in the bar area with generous banquettes and nearly a dozen seats at the bar.

THE FOOD

Chef Joseph Stayshich, formerly of the Kitchen at Karbach Brewing, works up American bistro fare with a soft Southern drawl. On the menu: grilled oysters; field pea hummus with feta and crispy pita; hot chicken with house-made pickles; seafood campechana; Texas shrimp and heirloom grits with house-made chorizo and sundried chile broth; half a grilled chicken with crispy polenta; harissa-marinated redfish on the half shell with Brussels sprouts slaw; pastrami pork ribs with house mustard; and chicken and dumplings (chicken confit, ricotta gnocchi and wild mushrooms) served in an individual cast-iron pan.

THE DRINKS

Bar manager Grant Walker's surefire crowd-pleasers are inventive twists on classic cocktails. For example, a Harvey Wallbanger comes with a citrus kiss and a sizzle of Szechuan peppercorn. Other hits: A Whiskey Sour made with amaretto with an ampersand stenciled in bitters on its foamy surface; cucumber margarita; and a pineapple gimlet served in a showy copper pineapple cup.

THE WORD

"I feel like a dad at a Little League game. It's a very proud moment," Gary Adair, founder of Adair Family Restaurants, said of his children, Nick and Katie. The business is in the Adair blood: The restaurant group includes Skeeter's Mesquite Grill, Los Tios Mexican Restaurants, Adair Kitchen and the upcoming Bebidas Juice, Coffee & Bites.

ONE MORE THING

Adair matriarch Eloise Nichols is alive, well and living in Houston. The 93-year-old still drives her own car and visited the restaurant several times during construction. A photo of a young Eloise, chic in shades and gingham, with a perfectly manicured hand hoisting a can of Falstaff beer to her lips, resides on a wall here. It's at once refined and unpretentious, much like this new venture.

THE DETAILS

2400 Mid Lane, 713-554-0136; eloisenichols.com. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Getting a great cocktail at a great bar is a wonderful experience. But getting a cocktail of noted repute, at the bar where it originated or from the bartender who created it, contributes a certain extra level of special. There aren't that many places where you can pull off this trick, but the modern cocktail revival has added to the number of such destination bars. For the intrepid boozehound with some frequent flier miles to burn, here's a list of a few to hit.

Attaboy, New York City

Penicillin et al. The most potent portal into modern cocktail history is a hole-in-the-wall on Eldridge Street on the Lower East Side. It's currently called Attaboy. But it's the address' former name that makes the tiny hall so hallowed among cocktail fans. For this was the original home of Milk & Honey, the neo-speakeasy from whose playbook dozens of other bars tore a page. It's also the birthplace of more modern classic cocktails than any other bar in the world. The Gold Rush, a honeyed update of the whiskey sour, was created here. So were the smoky-sweet Penicillin, invented by the Attaboy co-owner Sam Ross, and the Greenpoint, a Chartreuse-laced Manhattan created by the co-owner Michael McIlroy. 134 Eldridge St., New York.

Black Pearl, Melbourne, Australia

Death Flip. This drink sounds like a dare: tequila, yellow Chartreuse, Jagermeister and a whole egg. But plenty of Black Pearl's patrons have met the challenge. It may be the best-known new drink to come out of Australia during the cocktail revival. 304 Brunswick St., Fitzroy, Melbourne, Australia; blackpearlbar.com.au

Clyde Common, Portland, Oregon

Barrel-Aged Negroni. If you've ever wondered who's responsible for the barrel-aged cocktail trend, step inside Clyde Common. There you'll likely spot the bartender Jeffrey Morgenthaler, who served up his first Barrel-Aged Negroni back in 2009. It's still on the menu. If you're in luck, it'll be joined on the list by a barrel-aged brother, sometimes a Chrysanthemum, other times an El Presidente. 1014 SW Stark St., Portland, Oregon; clydecommon.com

Dukes Bar, London

Dukes Martini. The Dukes Bar, wedged in one corner of the exclusive Dukes Hotel off St. James's Place in London, is a minuscule place. Its most famous offering, however, looms large. The Dukes Martini was created by Salvatore Calabrese in the 1980s, and now stands as a totem of the early days of the London cocktail revival, when cocktail havens were few. The Dukes Martini is a martini the way a whale is a mammal. Made of several ounces of ice-cold, undiluted gin or vodka, and a trifling amount of vermouth, it is a prelude to a stagger and a nap. If you go, go at 2 or 3 p.m. and don't make plans for the rest of the afternoon. 35 St. James's Place, London; dukeshotel.com/dukes-bar

Pegu Club, New York City

Old Cuban et al. Aside from Attaboy (nee Milk & Honey), there is no other bar in the world where you can order as many modern classic cocktails at the source. Familiar drinks like the Gin-Gin Mule, Earl Grey MarTEAni and Old Cuban were not invented at this SoHo bar, per se, but they were invented by the woman who presides over it, Audrey Saunders. Close enough. 77 W. Houston St., New York; peguclub.com

Beachbum Berry's Latitude 29, New Orleans

Zombie. Everyone knows the Zombie, arguably the most famous of tiki drinks. So why go to this small hotel bar in New Orleans to get one? Because the owner, Jeff Berry, knows the Zombie better than you do. Berry is a cocktail historian, with a focus on tiki. Not so long ago, people didn't really know what went into a Zombie, aside from a whole lot of rum. The Zombie you were served at Bar A was very likely rather different from the one you got at Bar B. Berry uncovered the original 1934 formula. It's not on the menu (a slightly less lethal version is). But you can order it anyway, and you'll be sure to get the real McCoy. 321 N. Peters St., New Orleans; latitude29nola.com

Le Lion, Hamburg, Germany

Gin Basil Smash. Joerg Meyer, the owner of this small bar, was inspired to create the Gin Basil Smash in 2008 after trying the Whiskey Smash, a cocktail by Dale DeGroff, a mentor bartender to many young mixologists, at Pegu Club. It's a simple drink, basically a gin mojito with muddled basil instead of mint. But that was enough to impress most of Europe and etch upon the bar's exterior the proclamation, "Cradle of the Gin Basil Smash." Rathausstrasse 3, Hamburg, Germany; lelion.net

Long Island Bar, Brooklyn, New York

Cosmopolitan. For years, Toby Cecchini tried to absolve himself of the responsibility of having created the Cosmopolitan when a bartender at Odeon in the late 1980s. Attitudes toward the ubiquitous drink were too polarized. But in recent years he's mellowed, and embraced his Frankenstein creation. It's not on the menu at Long Island Bar, the Brooklyn tavern he has run since 2013, but if you ask nicely, he'll make you one. It's the only reason he keeps cranberry juice behind the bar, after all. 110 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn; thelongislandbar.com

Smuggler's Cove, San Francisco

Chartreuse Swizzle. You can order many wonderful tiki drinks, both classic and newish, at this famed San Francisco drinking den. But its longest-serving bartender, Marcovaldo Dionysos, has a few classics up his Hawaiian short-sleeve. Most notable is the Chartreuse Swizzle, a long, iced drink he invented in 2002. Since then, it has been served in bars across the globe. But at this place you can get it mixed up by its maker. 650 Gough St., San Francisco; smugglerscovesf.com

Suffolk Arms, New York City

Trinidad Sour. Giuseppe Gonzalez, the owner of this new Lower East Side tavern, is the creator of this most unlikely of modern classic cocktails. Why unlikely? It contains an ounce of angostura bitters, an ingredient usually used in dashes, and a full ounce of orgeat, the almond syrup best known as a necessary working part in a mai tai. A drink so crazy it just might work  269 E. Houston St., New York; suffolkarms.com

Tommy's Mexican Restaurant, San Francisco

Tommy's Margarita. This unassuming Mexican restaurant is the best thing to happen to tequila since Prohibition. In the 1990s, Julio Bermejo, the son of the owner, began carrying a wide number of quality tequilas. To showcase the spirit, he streamlined the house margarita, using agave syrup instead of sugar, and jettisoning the Curacao. What started as a marketing device ended up as a globally adopted variation on a classic. 5929 Geary Blvd., San Francisco; tommysmexican.com
The September bankruptcy of for-profit college operator ITT Educational Services has pushed the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board to take a more deliberate approach to watch for-profit institutions it deems to be near collapse.

That agency will closely monitor nine for-profit institutions that it has dubbed "high risk based on their financial reserves and accreditation with ACICS, whose recognition was recently yanked by the Education Department, higher education commissioner Raymund Paredes said on a conference call with reporters on Wednesday.

Several of the schools were deemed high risk because they have not disclosed their plan should ACICS, which said it would appeal the federal decision, dissolve. Some have also stopped enrolling new students.

We're going to gather information and we'll develop a backup plan" for if they close, Paredes said, declining to name the institutions because he worried public disclosure would worsen their status.

The nine state campuses enroll 1,981 students, the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board said, and each is aware that it will see additional scrutiny from the state agency.

The board will examine how these schools help students finance their education and make sure they comply with federal policy, Paredes said.

The Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board asked the state legislature for $750,000 to hire a staff member to monitor for-profit institutions and develop a repository for Texas student records so that similar for-profit closures will not have the same detrimental effect.

If the federal decision on ACICS holds, 33 Texas for-profit institutions that enroll thousands of students must find a new accreditor. Paredes called ACICSs appeal a losing battle on Wednesday.

The ITT Technical Institutes had been accredited by ACICS.

After decades in business, ITT campuses across the country abruptly closed in September, leaving thousands of Texas students unsure how to manage their loans and proceed with their education.

Its parent company blamed federal authorities for the closure. U.S. officials have heightened scrutiny of these institutions advertising practices, costs, graduation rates and high debt over the last few years, and several for-profit college operators nationwide, including Corinthian Colleges Inc., have ceased operations or shuttered campuses amid fraud allegations.

ITTs closure also affects former students, who can no longer request official academic records and credentials from the university, Paredes said Wednesday.

New plans are forming in response. An ITT bankruptcy trustee will digitize thousands of boxes of student academic records so graduates and other former students can send this information to potential employers, Paredes said.

Robert Shireman, a senior education fellow with the nonpartisan think tank The Century Foundation, said that other states have adopted similar measures that monitor for-profit universities and ensure access to academic records should an institution close.

Future plans for the Higher Education Coordinating Board may depend on if Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton wins the presidency, Paredes said.

There might be an equivalent level of scrutiny of these institutions or there might be a lesser degree, he said. Some of these political decisions were made in a political context. Since Trump himself developed a for-profit institution, it might be possible that the Trump administration would feel differently.
The Houston school district saw a marked increase in student bullying incidents last year, perhaps attributable to better reporting, according to district officials.

A report presented to the school board this week listed at least 376 bullying episodes in 2015-16, up from 115 the prior year and 168 two years ago.

Mark Smith, the Houston Independent School District's chief student support officer, told the board Monday that the increase in bullying incidents may stem from administrators being instructed to properly code them in the computer system based on new federal rules.

"We are seeing them go up," Smith said of the bullying numbers. "We believe that they will still go up, not that we're experiencing more incidents per se, but they're being coded with more accuracy."

For perspective, the district's cumulative student enrollment last year was almost 232,000, counting students who left at some point during the year.

Last school year, there were nearly 5,800 students who committed about 7,600 discipline incidents, when counting bullying, Level 3 offenses (which result in suspension) and more serious Level 4 and Level 5 offenses (which result in alternative school place or expulsions, respectively).

Of those total incidents last year, 47 percent were attributable to middle school students, the highest of all the grade spans.

Four HISD middle schools reported fewer than five incidents last year: Energized for STEM Southeast (2), Energized for STEM Southwest (0), Lanier (2) and Project Chrysalis (0).

The middle schools with the most incidents last year were Attucks Middle (281, up from 119 the year before) and Forest Brook (252, down from 386).

New Superintendent Richard Carranza told board president Manuel Rodriguez Jr. that he wants to have a more in-depth board workshop on the topic of discipline. In his former district in San Francisco, Carranza pushed to reduce suspensions. HISD also has moved in that direction, with the board passing a policy on a split vote to ban suspensions of students in second grade and younger starting in the current 2016-17 school school year.

According to data for last school year, 95 of the district's 173 elementary schools, or more than half of them, reported zero incidents that were considered Level 3, 4 or 5 offenses or bullying. The Level 3, 4 and 5 offenses are the most serious types, leading to students being suspended, expelled or sent to alternative school.

The elementary schools reporting the most of those offenses last year were Burrus (47), Cook (59), Reynolds (43) and Wesley (56).

At the high school level, a few of the district's specialty campuses reported no Level 3, 4, 5 or bullying offenses last year: Carnegie Vanguard (which serves gifted students), Eastwood Academy and Houston Academy for International Studies.

The district's biggest high school, Bellaire, reported 77 incidents (down from 127 the year before). Madison High School reported the most (266, up from 70).

The following charts from HISD show, for each campus, the number of discipline offenses, the offenses as a percentage of enrollment and the number of students who committed at least one offense.
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As the sun set on Tuesday, residents were allowed to see the damage up close after a fire ripped through six town homes earlier in the day.

The Humble Fire Department along with assistance from Atascocita Volunteer Fire Department, Eastex Fire Department, the Houston Fire Department and Spring Fire Department battled an intense fire at the Countryside Village Townhomes in the 1800 block of Country Village Drive at about 2:40 p.m.

"Our initial call was a residential fire here," James Nykaza, city of Humble fire marshal and emergency management coordinator, said at the scene. "When we arrived, the backside of the apartments were fully engulfed. The fire damaged six units and the upstairs portion of three of the units. Through our investigation, we determined the fire traveled from the outside in and beyond, that it is still under investigation."

Residents say they first heard a pop, then a crackling noise, before seeing smoke.

Ian Eichenlaub said he was in the shower when the fire started and left his apartment with his wife, child and dog after they saw the smoke.

"My wife heard the pop when she was walking the dog, got me out of the shower and we left; when we got outside we could see smoke and started knocking on doors to warn neighbors," Eichenlaub said.

According to other residents, the individually-owned town homes were one of the oldest in the complex, being built in 1963.

No injuries were reported. One of the challenges firefighters faced when they arrived at the location was high winds and a quick storm that rolled in at the same time. The American Red Cross arrived at the scene later in the evening to assist residents who may have lost everything in the fire.

"We are still trying to determine where the 'pop' residents said they heard came from," Nyzaka said.

"It could take a day or two for us to determine what caused to fire."
The United States Supreme Court vacated an Oklahoma inmate's death sentence, remanding it back for further court proceedings, the court announced Tuesday.





Bosse was convicted and given 3 death sentences for the 2010 deaths of 25-year-old Katrina Griffin, 8-year-old Christian Griffin and 6-year-old Chasity Hammer. Bosse was also convicted of arson for burning the family's mobile home.





In his appeal Bosse argued that the testimony of 3 of the victim's family members recommending the death penalty violated his 8th amendment rights. In a 1987 case, Booth v. Maryland, the Supreme Court held that a jury cannot consider victim impact statements that do not "relate directly to the circumstances of the crime." That case was reconsidered by the Court in 1991 in Payne v. Tennessee, and reversed itself on parts of its findings, but not all.





In its statement, the Supreme Court said the state court erred in ruling that because it reversed part of the Booth decision that all of the case was reversed.





"Booth also held that the admission of a victim's family members' characterizations and opinions about the crime, the defendant, and the appropriate sentence violates the Eighth Amendment,' but no such evidence was presented in Payne, so the Court had no occasion to reconsider that aspect of the decision," the decision reads.





Evidence showed Katrina Griffin and Christian Griffin were stabbed to death and Chasity Hammer died of smoke inhalation and burns. Bosse was arrested after investigators learned he had pawned items taken from the home. Bosse's appeal included claims of improper evidence, prosecutorial misconduct, ineffective defense counsel, improper jury instructions and improper admission of photos of the victims.

Supreme Court overturns death sentence in Oklahoma triple murder

The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday reversed the death penalty of an Oklahoma man convicted of killing a woman and her 2 children.





The high court ruled that the judge in the case should not have allowed relatives of the victims to tell the jury a death sentence was proper.





Shaun Michael Bosse was convicted of 3 counts of 1st-degree murder in the 2010 killings in McClain County of Katrina Griffin and her children, Christian and Chastity.





Bosse's attorney objected during the sentencing phase when a prosecutor asked Griffin's relatives to recommend a sentence to the jury, according to the Supreme Court opinion released Tuesday.





In an unsigned opinion, the justices pointed to a 1987 Supreme Court ruling that the Eighth Amendment "prohibits a capital sentencing jury from considering victim impact evidence" that does not "relate directly to the circumstances of the crime."

Some death row inmates have been executed despite same error in their cases; one resentenced to life

They've complained about the fairness of their trials, saying relatives of murder victims should not have been allowed to ask jurors to impose the death penalty.





Over and over, the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has rejected those arguments.





Federal judges, though, over and over have agreed with the inmates. One murderer won a resentencing in 2013 because of the issue. Other murderers have been executed anyway, after federal judges ruled the error to be harmless. A few murderers still are hoping for relief on that issue.





Tuesday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals has been wrong all along. Justices stated such victim impact evidence is banned because of the constitutional prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment.





Justices admonished the Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals, saying the state court remains bound by a 1987 ruling prohibiting "characterizations and opinions from a victim's family members about the crime, the defendant, and the appropriate sentence unless this Court reconsiders that ban."





The ruling means the Court of Criminal Appeals will have to reconsider the issue in the case of death row inmate Shaun Michael Bosse.





Bosse, 33, of Blanchard, was convicted of murdering a woman and her two children in 2010 inside a mobile home near Dibble. He had briefly dated the woman. At his trial, 3 victim impact witnesses, the woman's father, stepmother and mother, asked the jury to sentence him to death.





McClain County District Attorney Greg Mashburn said the Court of Criminal Appeals, hopefully, will find the error harmless and uphold the death sentence.





"Anytime we've done it, we've been very careful not to expound and let them ... run on and on about it," Mashburn said. "The times it has actually become a problem is when you've let the victim's family kind of roll on about it."





The prosecutor pointed out that Oklahoma law specifically allows such victim impact testimony. He said he won't be asking victim's relatives for their opinions on punishment anymore because of the Supreme Court ruling.





"No, there's no way, now that the Supreme Court has specifically addressed it," Mashburn said. "Why take the chance? Although I really believe the jury should hear that. That's my personal opinion. The jury needs to know. But you've also got to follow the law."





New sentencing





Winning a new sentencing on the issue was Rocky Eugene Dodd, who killed his next-door neighbors in 1994 in Edmond. The victims' throats were slashed.





The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in 2013 ordered that Dodd be resentenced because 7 witnesses had called during his trial for his execution.





"This presentation of victim requests for the death penalty was not a one-off or a mere aside. It was a drumbeat," the federal appeals court wrote. "We have found 10 decisions in which we decided that such testimony was harmless. ... This case is different. It is not just the sheer volume of such testimony. This was also a significantly weaker case for the death penalty."





Dodd, now 48, was resentenced by a judge in 2014 to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The new sentence was the outcome of an agreement with prosecutors which required him not to appeal any further.





Other cases





Among those who were executed despite the same issue was Clayton Lockett, who shot a 19-year-old woman and watched as 2 accomplices buried her alive in rural Kay County in 1999. The 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals found victim impact testimony at his trial unconstitutional but harmless.





Problems during Lockett's 2014 execution led to national scrutiny and widespread criticism of the death penalty process in Oklahoma.





Among those still raising the issue is Kevin Ray Underwood, 36, who is on death row for killing a 10-year-old Purcell girl in 2006 because of his cannibalistic fantasies.





The grocery store employee admitted that he killed a neighbor, Jamie Rose Bolin, tried to have sex with her body and used a dagger to try to remove her head. He said he became disgusted with himself and did not eat any of the body.





He told an FBI agent, "I'm going to burn in hell."





The girl's body was found in a large, blue taped-shut plastic tub in the bottom of the bedroom closet of Underwood's apartment.





At trial, the girl's parents asked jurors for the death penalty.

 | 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: Fox news, October 12, 2016Source: Tulsa World, October 12, 2016Over and over, Oklahoma death row inmates have raised the same issue.Source: The Oklahoman, October 12, 2016
In Clear Creek ISD, school officials hope that being named an Innovation District might allow them to hire retired NASA scientists to teach subjects such as physics without teacher certifications.

Humble ISD is already using its "innovative" designation to provide periodic half-days off to some students, and other districts are hoping the status will allow them to start the school year earlier than the fourth week of August.

At least eight Houston-area school districts are vying to become so-called Innovation Districts, a designation that would give them greater flexibility in areas such as scheduling and hiring.

"What it has created is a culture of innovation," said Spring Branch ISD Superintendent Scott Muri. "That's what we're trying to foster - a culture where teachers and principals can think and dream big to meet needs of students and can actually do things that are different."

But critics say the Innovative District program is not all that innovative at all, and won't allow educators to demonstrate flexibility in ways that matter, such as curriculum and testing. Others worry that the designation will allow districts to skirt state law governing things like teacher contracts and classroom size.

Louis Marlfaro, president of the Texas American Federation of Teachers, said the status allows districts to unfairly cherry-pick which laws they will follow. He said the results for employees could be far-reaching, especially if districts opt to create their own teacher contracts.

"All of this is being done in the name of, or under arguments that, this will help districts be more innovative, like if we don't have to follow the rules we can be more creative," Malfaro said. "This could be a back-door way to get around employee rights, parent rights and basically do education on the cheap."

He cited class sizes in particular. The state mandates that districts maintain a 22-to-1 student/teacher ratio in K-4 classrooms, unless districts get waivers approved from the state. With the new status, school districts could approve larger class sizes locally without seeking state approval.

No exemptions for testing

The Republican-controlled Legislature voted last year to allow for the designation, in part to give independent school districts most of the flexibility available to Texas' open-enrollment charter schools. Districts can keep the designations for five years. But the flexibility mainly covers operational requirements such as state reporting, hiring practices and the length of the school day. It offers no exemptions for curriculum or testing.

The Humble, Spring Branch and Huffman ISDs are among 35 Texas public school districts that now claim the status, but more are pursuing it. They include the Alief, Clear Creek, Conroe, Fort Bend, Katy, Tomball, Pearland and Friendswood districts. Houston ISD has not decided whether to pursue the District of Innovation status, a spokesman said.

Steven Ebell, a deputy superintendent for the Clear Creek ISD in League City, said he was initially unimpressed with the designation's perks. But the district reconsidered after the state denied its waiver request to schedule half-days for high school students once a month, a request that had been granted for years.

"The state said those waivers are no longer available, (that) if you want to do this you have to seek Innovation District status," Ebell said. "That was a really tangible reason why we should reconsider the District of Innovation. And the more we looked into exemptions, we realized this is something we could leverage in our strategic plan. Even if on the surface it doesn't seem innovative, it can lead you down that path."

To be eligible, school districts must have an academic accountability rating of "met standard" as calculated by the STAAR statewide test. They must hold public hearings, write an innovation plan, get feedback from the state and win approval of their board of trustees.

The Tomball ISD held a public hearing Monday on its plan and received no opposition. "You have some flexibility, and of course the community can determine what best fits the district needs," said Martha Salazar-Zamora, the district's chief academic officer.

Plans can include innovative curriculum or instructional methods, modifications to the school day or year, budget provisions and anything else prescribed by a board of trustees. Those plans must also identify requirements imposed by the Texas Education Code that make it difficult for the district to achieve its goals and from which the district should be exempt.

An advisory committee is still drafting Clear Creek ISD's innovation plan, but Ebell said the group has already identified one potential change: Creating a local waiver for class-size rules rather than seeking state approval.

More freedoms at first

Still, those changes are a far cry from the freedoms that would have been afforded under a previous plan for innovative schools.

In 2011, the state Legislature created the Texas High Performance Schools Consortium, a group of 23 districts (including the Clear Creek and Klein ISDs) that would have been able to develop new learning standards and assessment and accountability systems. Then-Gov. Rick Perry signed the measure into law, but he later vetoed the exemptions afforded to participating districts.

Malfaro said the Texas AFT supported the consortium and its proposed exemptions.

"Those exemptions were very focused on the accountability system and expanding how we think about and hold schools accountable for learning," Malfaro said. "We applauded that."

Mario Torres, an associate professor of education administration at Texas A&M University, said the new Innovation District program doesn't provide the freedom or support to let districts break subjects out of their silos by teaching subjects like math and science together.

But because the designation still requires a certain performance on state tests and does not provide exemptions for curriculum, districts are limited in what classroom innovations they can offer.

"Ultimately what everything hinges upon is performance on the state test," Torres said. "If children and teachers and the system are still accountable for student performance, then how innovative can districts be if (they) have to teach content in such a way that students will perform at high level on these tests?"

He echoed some of Marlfaro's concerns about increasing demands on teachers. He said some educators told him districts are using the new designation to get out of giving teachers 30 minutes of duty-free lunch.

Innovations vary by district

Since the Spring ISD became an Innovation District in April, Muri said, it has been making "tiny innovations" in instructional methods. Some of the district's middle schools are looking at a personalized math model called Teach to One, a program that uses algorithms and classroom-specific information to create individualized math curriculum each day. A handful of teachers will get the chance to teach for a half-day and spend the other half writing curriculum and supporting colleagues in more of a leadership role.

The district is also mulling changes to the school-year calendar.

Pearland ISD's innovation plan focuses far more on operations. It would eliminate campus behavioral coordinator positions mandated in the 2015-2016 school year, returning those responsibilities to principals and assistant principals. The district also wants to use its own system to evaluate teachers based on some state standards and existing local standards.

Superintendent John Kelly said the state's teacher evaluation system has good qualities he'd like to keep in Pearland ISD, but that the overall process is cumbersome and makes it difficult for schools and principals to comply. The same goes for a state requirement to put cameras in special-education classrooms when requested, Kelly said. A recent Texas Attorney General's Office opinion found that if one parent asks for a camera in a child's classroom, every special education classroom in the district must then be equipped with cameras - a "huge unfunded mandate," according to Kelly.

He said he hopes the Innovation District status will provide some relief. "I think the state was very careful to open this door only a tiny crack," Kelly said. "I'm a Republican myself, and my pitch to the Legislature is, 'Folks, you're the party of small government. Wouldn't it behoove you to deregulate public schools in the hopes that it saves money, because most of what we do is compliance with every new crazy thing the Legislature comes up with every two years?' "

Clear Creek ISD Superintendent Greg Smith hopes the state will go even further. His district plans to ask for a state testing exemption for its K-8 students so they can take local assessments, such as writing portfolios. Smith said he expects the state to say "no," but hopes officials will broaden exemptions to include assessments and curriculum in the future. "You do not have to be identified as a District of Innovation to be an innovative district," Smith said. "But it does help you access more waivers than are available currently, so being one loosens the bureaucracy in order for us to achieve our goals."
By the time police arrive, sex assault and domestic violence victims often have already endured terror and tears, bruises and broken bones.

They then face a criminal justice system that sometimes questions their stories, further victimizes them, and fails to step up as needed, victims' advocates say.

To help avoid those mistakes, more than 5,000 officers in Houston will receive special training over the next year to respond to sexual assault and domestic violence cases more effectively, Acting Police Chief Martha Montalvo said Tuesday in announcing the joint effort by the police department and the Houston Area Women's Center.

It's a growing problem in Harris County: In 2015, 34 women were killed as a direct result of domestic violence, up nearly 50 percent from the 23 such murders in 2014, according to Barbie Brashear, executive director of the Harris County Domestic Violence Coordinating Council.

So far this year, Houston police officers have responded to 21,639 reports of domestic violence, making 3,188 arrests and filing more than 4,000 cases, Montalvo said.

More Information Guidelinesfor police The Department of Justice issued new guidelines late last year for police departments across the county to eliminate gender bias in investigating sexual assault and domestic violence cases. The DOJ urged departments to: Recognize and address biases, assumptions and stereotypes about victims Treat all victims with respect and employ interviewing tactics that encourage a victim to participate and provide facts about the incident Investigate sexual assault or domestic violence complaints thoroughly and effectively Appropriately classify reports of sexual assault or domestic violence Refer victims to appropriate services Properly identify the assailant in domestic violence incidents Hold officers who commit sexual assault or domestic violence accountable Maintain, review and act upon data regarding sexual assault and domestic violence Source: U.S. Department of Justice See More Collapse

"Sixteen percent of the murders in our city have a direct domestic violence element to it," she said.

Prosecutors filed 10,932 criminal family violence cases last year, and asked local judges for 1,292 family protective orders, of which 564 were granted, according to Jeff McShan, a spokesman for the Harris County District Attorney's Office.

The training - described as "unprecedented" by a spokesman given the number of officers to be trained and the subject matter - comes as departments have faced scrutiny as well for their handling of sexual assault investigations, particularly after high-profile cases in Pennsylvania and Colorado in which departments accused victims of false reporting - and then jailed them - even as their rapists remained free. The departments were ultimately forced to pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to settle lawsuits.

Countering gender bias

Late last year, the Department of Justice issued guidelines to departments across the country urging them to take steps to counter gender bias when their officers responded to domestic or sexual assaults.

The Houston Police Department decided to implement its training after the DOJ's nationwide recommendations. All of the department's 5,200 officers should complete the training by next September, and it will be given to future cadets.

"It's going to train officers on the neurobiology of trauma," HPD Special Victims Division Capt. Dana Hitzman said Tuesday. "So officers can understand why that victim might not be able to tell their story in a linear fashion, why they might jump around  why they might respond the way they do, if they have a history of family violence or sexual assault."

The department already staffs special victims investigators at police stations around the city, as well as at the Harris County District Attorney's Office and the Houston Area Women's Center.

The training curriculum was developed by the women's center and HPD and will be taught by staff from both.

Experts say it will help police build better cases and treat victims more humanely.

"In these cases, what's happening at that scene is just one piece of what happened in that relationship over years, over time," Brashear said.

The impact of trauma

"When those first responders have the information about how trauma impacts our ability to think, how trauma impacts our ability to make decisions, how trauma affects our ability to plan - when they have that understanding, they're able to ask questions differently at the scene, use silence a little more, maybe not be so forceful and probing in how they're asking.

"It's a different way to think about how to build the case and how to engage in a relationship in a different way," Brashear said.

Professors at Sam Houston State University recently received a grant from the DOJ's Office on Violence against Women to study HPD's training.

"If police are equipped to identify the wide array of responses they might be met with and take that seriously, they can act with compassion, then the victims are going to have a better experience and be more likely to cooperate," said Cortney Franklin, an associate professor in Sam Houston's department of criminal justice and criminology who will study the impact of the training over the next two years.

"This is really about a trauma-informed response for the victims," Franklin said. "As a consequence, it benefits the police and criminal justice as well."
A deputy constable is recovering after a vehicle slammed into his squad car while the teenage driver was possibly street racing on Interstate 45 in north Houston.

The crash happened about 11:50 p.m. Saturday in the 7400 block of the northbound North Freeway, according to the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable's Office.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday refused an appeal from Texas death row inmate Danny Paul Bible, who was convicted of the 1979 icepick slaying of a woman who went to his house in Houston to use a telephone and was found later stabbed 11 times, raped and dumped on the bank of a bayou.

The high court offered no comment on its rejection.

Bible, 65, does not yet have an execution date.

Court records show Bible has confessed to four killings, including 20-year-old Inez Deaton, whose slaying went unsolved for nearly two decades. He wasn't tied to her death until 1998 when he was arrested in Fort Myers, Fla., for a Louisiana rape and told authorities about killing Deaton in Houston and a woman and her baby west of Fort Worth.

Bible previously served prison time after pleading guilty in 1984 in Palo Pinto County to killing another woman. Texas Department of Criminal Justice records show he arrived in prison with a 25-year sentence for that slaying plus 20 years for a robbery conviction in Harris County but was released in February 1992 to Montana.

'A life of extreme violence'

While out of prison on a form of parole known as mandatory supervision, Bible "lived a life of extreme violence," according to a 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruling earlier this year when Bible's appeal of his death sentence was rejected. It's that appeal that went to the Supreme Court.

At his 2003 capital murder trial in Houston for Deaton's death, prosecutors provided evidence of robberies, thefts, assaults and abductions, including the rape of an 11-year-old girl in Montana and his confessions to repeated sexual assaults of young nieces from 1996 to 1998.

In December 1998, Wynona Bible told a Houston Chronicle reporter that she never doubted her cousin, Bible, was responsible for the death of Denton, her best friend.

"I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was taking my very first vacation ever," she said at the time.

Denton came to visit while Wynona Bible was away, fishing with relatives in San Luis Pass. Denton went next door to use the phone at the home where the Bibles' grandmother lived. Danny Bible was there at the time.

"That was the last anyone saw her alive," Wynona Bible told the Chronicle.

Denton's body was found the next morning on the banks of Greens Bayou off the 13900 block of Homestead. She had been raped and stabbed repeatedly in the chest with an ice pick. Danny Bible was questioned but not charged and disappeared the next day.

Four years later, Bible was living with his wife in Mineral Wells, west of Fort Worth and working in a tire shop. In May 1983, his sister-in-law, Tracy Powers, her 4-month-old son Justin and her roommate, Pamela Hudgins vanished from their apartment in Weatherford, about 20 miles from Mineral Wells. The next day, Bible was gone. His wife's car was later found abandoned at the Midland-Odessa airport. The skeletal remains of Powers and her baby were found the next month, hidden under a cattle guard about halfway between Mineral Wells and Weatherford. Their cause of death could not be determined. Hudgins' body was found later that year in a wooded area in Mineral Wells. She had died as a result of blunt force trauma.

Bible contended in his appeal that his lawyers, during the punishment phase of his capital murder trial in Houston, were deficient for not objecting to prosecutors' re-enacting a rape and how Bible tried to stuff his victim into a duffel bag. He also said in the appeal that he is disabled and in permanent pain after the prison van carrying him to death row in 2003 crashed, killing a corrections officer and the driver of another vehicle involved in the wreck.

Could seek clemency

Bible's appeals attorney, Margaret Schmucker, said Tuesday that her next option could be to seek clemency from Gov. Greg Abbott, although Abbott and previous governors have little history of commuting death sentences to life in prison.

Bible is "not a danger to anybody," Schmucker said. "He can't get out of a wheelchair by himself. He can't lift his arms. He can't do anything."

He also has a Louisiana sentence of life without parole, she said.

Mike Glenn contributed to this report.
This summer Louise Brown, the world's first "test tube" baby, celebrated her 38th birthday as a mother of two naturally conceived children. In the decades since Brown's celebrated birth, the techniques of in vitro fertilization, or IVF, have improved, resulting in an estimated 5 million babies worldwide born to couples unable to conceive on their own.

The many happy stories about couples whose families were enhanced by IVF tend to overshadow the many more failures rarely talked about, creating the impression that the procedure is far more effective than it really is.

At the same time, the techniques usually used have led to a rash of multiple births - more than 40 percent of all IVF deliveries in the United States are of twins or higher - because doctors commonly transfer two or more embryos in hopes of achieving a successful pregnancy.

As Dr. Allan Templeton of the University of Aberdeen and Aberdeen Maternity Hospital in Scotland reported, "in the United States, between 1980 and 2001, a fourfold increase in triplets and high-order births was documented, as was a 60 percent increase in twin births."

Fast-forward to 2013, the latest year for which comprehensive data on IVF births in the U.S. became available. More than 60,000 babies - about 1.6 percent of all infants born here - were conceived through IVF, and 41.1 percent of all IVF deliveries were multiples, "directly attributable to the common practice of transferring multiple embryos to the uterus to enhance pregnancy rates," Dr. Abigail C. Mancuso and colleagues at the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported this summer in Fertility and Sterility.

Louise Brown was born following the transfer of just one embryo that had been fertilized externally and transferred to her mother's womb. And contrary to current practice, her mother had not been treated with drugs to induce the production of a slew of eggs - just one egg was used.

Of three women I know who became pregnant through IVF since 2000, two had twins and one had triplets (although three other friends came away empty-handed, financially and emotionally drained, each after several attempts at IVF). An estimated 36 percent of recent twin births and 77 percent of births of triplets or more in the U.S. resulted primarily from medically assisted pregnancies.

The creation of an instant family may sound wonderful to couples who struggled to conceive and to older women nearing the end of their best childbearing years. But as "cute" as twins and triplets may seem, multiple pregnancies can be fraught with complications that compromise a successful outcome and the health of mothers and their babies.

Most of the 500 fertility clinics in this country are private profit-making facilities, and as IVF grew in popularity, those seeking to attract patients by advertising high pregnancy rates began inserting multiple embryos.

However, the new study of American IVF clinics by Mancuso's team revealed that transferring a single embryo in women younger than 38 resulted in a marked reduction in multiple birthrates but no decline in live birthrates.

Although transferring multiple embryos could result in more live births, many babies are born prematurely and spend weeks or months in a neonatal intensive care unit. Some die hours or days after birth, and a significant number of surviving infants emerge with lasting physical and developmental scars like cerebral palsy.

Their mothers are also more likely to develop pregnancy-related complications like miscarriage, high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, premature labor, placental abnormalities, cesarean delivery and prolonged hospitalization.

In recent years, professional organizations concerned about the safety of multiple gestations and births for both mothers and their babies have been recommending that only one, and at most two, healthy embryos be transferred at a time. The benefit of this advice is already apparent: The rate of IVF pregnancies that resulted in multiple births dropped to 22 percent in 2014 from 50 percent in 2009.

In the latest advisory in August, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists stated that "electively" transferring just one embryo at a time can achieve high pregnancy rates with less risk to babies and mothers and "a drastic reduction in multi-fetal pregnancy."

The college's new guidelines point out that the costs of IVF - often in the range of $20,000 a cycle - can prompt patients to request multiple embryo transfers in hopes of completing a family with one treatment cycle. Unlike in countries with national health systems, in the U.S. few insurers and no government insurers cover the procedure (except in some cases for veterans injured in service).

However, insurance economics are penny-wise and pound-foolish. As long ago as 1998, Swedish researchers reported that, in achieving a successful pregnancy, "one embryo transfer is more cost-effective than two embryo transfer when all the costs associated with multiple gestations are taken into account."

Furthermore, if a patient has more than one healthy embryo available for transfer, the extras can be frozen and used later at a much lower cost, Mancuso said in an interview. In a study at her hospital in which prospective IVF patients were "educated correctly" about the risks of a multiple pregnancy, more chose a single embryo transfer.

Unfortunately, prospective IVF patients who check clinic websites can be easily misled, said Dr. Mark V. Sauer, who ran an IVF clinic at Columbia University's Center for Women's Reproductive Care for 21 years.

Consumers can be easily overwhelmed by the available data and be unable to distinguish between good medical practices and a sales pitch, he said. Most reliable is the information gathered by the CDC, reported by 467 clinics under federal law with serious penalties for inaccurate data. The latest is a 76-page report with easily interpreted graphs, the 2013 Assisted Reproductive Technology National Summary Report.
Russia and the United States will host a foreign minister meeting about the Syria war Saturday in Switzerland, the Russian Foreign Ministry announced Wednesday.

It will be the first high-level, face-to-face diplomacy between the Russians and Americans on the conflict since efforts to revive a collapsed cease-fire ended in acrimony more than a week ago when the United States suspended them.

A statement posted on Russia's Foreign Ministry website said Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Secretary of State John Kerry will jointly host Saturday's meeting in the Swiss city of Lausanne. The statement said participants will include "a number of key countries in the region to consider possible further steps to create conditions for the settlement of the Syrian crisis."

John Kirby, the State Department spokesman, confirmed in a statement that Kerry would participate in the Lausanne meeting "with key regional partners" on Saturday and that Kerry would attend another meeting in London on Sunday "with key regional and international partners" concerning Syria. The statement said the purpose was to "discuss a multilateral approach to resolving the crisis in Syria, including a sustained cessation of violence and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries."

Western officials said the foreign ministers of Turkey, Qatar and Saudi Arabia would attend the Lausanne meeting. They also raised the possibility that Iran might participate.

The Turks, Qataris and Saudis are U.S. allies, backing an assortment of Syrian rebels seeking the ouster of President Bashar Assad. Russia and Iran, Assad's principal military supporters, contend they are helping the Syrian government battle terrorists.

The Lausanne meeting, if it proceeds, would represent at least a pullback from the atmosphere of increased hostility and recrimination between the United States and Russia since the collapse of the cease-fire agreement they negotiated a month ago.

The Americans and their allies have accused the Russians and Syrians of war crimes over the relentless bombing of insurgent redoubts in the northern city of Aleppo, which has left hundreds of civilians dead. Russia and Syria have rejected the accusations.

On Saturday, Russia vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution that was aimed at reviving the cease-fire and allowing humanitarian access to civilian victims, part of a broader Western diplomatic effort to embarrass the Russians.
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ANKARA, Turkey - Turkey can't be excluded from a possible operation to recapture the Iraqi city of Mosul, Turkey's president said Tuesday, telling Iraq's leader to "know his place."

Recep Tayyip Erdogan's remarks were likely to add to tensions between the two neighbors, which are key U.S. partners in the fight against the Islamic State group.

In a speech delivered in Istanbul, Erdogan also said Turkish troops wouldn't withdraw from a base near Mosul, saying the Turkish army wouldn't take orders from Baghdad. Turkey is training anti-ISIS fighters to help retake Mosul from the extremist group.

Turkey-Iraq relations became strained after Ankara sent troops late last year to the region of Bashiqa, northeast of Mosul, to train anti-ISIS fighters there - a move Baghdad has since labeled a "blatant violation" of its sovereignty. Iraq has demanded a Turkish withdrawal, but Ankara has repeatedly ignored the call.

'You are not at my level'

Turkish officials say hundreds of their soldiers are based at Bashiqa, training more than 3,000 Turkmen, Kurdish or Sunni Arab fighters from Mosul. Turkey says about 700 ISIS militants have been killed in retaliatory attacks against the extremists carried out from the base.

Turkish warnings about possible sectarian clashes in Mosul if the majority Sunni region were placed under Shiite militia control also have drawn Baghdad's ire. Last week, both countries summoned each other's ambassadors while Iraq requested an emergency session of the U.N. Security Council over the presence of unauthorized Turkish troops in northern Iraq.

Speaking to Muslim religious leaders from the Balkans and Central Asia, Erdogan said objections from Iraq wouldn't stop Turkey from participating in any operation to free Mosul and proceeded to make vitriolic remarks against Iraq's prime minister.

"You are not my interlocutor, you are not at my level, you are not my equivalent, you are not of the same quality as me," Erdogan said, addressing Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi. "Your screaming and shouting in Iraq is of no importance to us. You should know that we will go our own way."

Erdogan also said Turkey wouldn't withdraw its troops from the base in Bashiqa, adding that it was al-Abadi himself who had asked Ankara to train fighters there back in 2014.

"Turkey's army hasn't lost enough of its quality to take orders from you," Erdogan said in response to Iraqi calls for the troop's withdrawal. "We would do whatever is necessary as we have done until today."

Promoting dialogue

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby said in Washington that the situation in Bashiqa was a matter for the Iraqi and Turkish governments to resolve.

"What we support is continued dialogue between them that can lead to a speedy resolution of the matter. We call on both governments to focus on their common enemy, our common enemy, which is Daesh," he said, using an Arabic acronym for ISIS.

"Over the coming days and weeks, we believe it's imperative for all the parties to closely coordinate next steps to ensure unity of effort in that counter-Daesh fight."

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim, meanwhile, again warned that any operation to free Mosul shouldn't lead to any demographic change. Turkey is worried that once Mosul is liberated from ISIS, Kurds or Shiite groups may take Mosul over and push out Sunni Arabs or ethnic Turkmens.

"We have explained to all of our friends that the operation planned for Mosul should be limited to removing Daesh," Yildirim said.

"If you, after removing Daesh, attempt to change Mosul's demographic structure, you will light the fire of a very big civil war, of a sectarian war. This is our warning," Yildirim said.
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For two years, the largest-ever army of volunteers fanned out across Harris County, visiting churches, mosques, festivals, high schools, concerts, seminars and street corners, all in anticipation of Tuesday, the last day to register to vote in the November election.

As registration closed, Harris County's voter roster had grown by more than 6 percent since 2014, the steepest increase in 16 years. More than 323,890 new names have been added, bringing the county voter roll to more than 2.2 million.

Harris County is not alone. The Texas Secretary of State's office two weeks ago reported the addition of more than 1 million registered voters across the state.

"The growth is out of proportion of what we have traditionally encountered," said Doug Ray, the assistant county attorney overseeing voter registration.

That happened largely thanks to the 4,130 deputized volunteer voter registrars who earned their stripes at 222 official training seminars held at colleges, schools, convention centers, office buildings and more over the last two years.

One registrar, Maria Villenas, still was at work Tuesday afternoon. The 47-year-old staff civic engagement lead for the national group Mi Familia Vota was working the lunch hour at the University of Houston student center, armed with a clipboard and a bag of pamphlets, offering passersby a chance to register. Most waved her off, but in less than an hour she registered 10 new potential voters.

More Information By the numbers 2.2 million Number of registered voters in Harris County. 22 percent Growth in registered voters with Spanish surnames between July 2012 and July 2016. 10 percent Growth in registered voters with non-Spanish surnames in same period. See More Collapse

"We all need to be at the table when it comes to U.S. elections," she told the students. "We are all part of the U.S."

Eager to participate

Mi Familia Vota organizers say this election cycle, which has seen Hispanic people put at the center of some vicious debate, has inspired a boom in participation.

"I have seen something I have never seen," said Carlos Duarte, Texas director for Mi Familia Vota. "Which is, people approaching us with the clear intention to register. In the past, we would have to approach them and explain to them why this is important."

In recent months in the Houston area, the group has set up voter registration booths at high schools, community colleges, festivals, fairs and church services. It even partnered with several taco trucks to distribute registration forms. The group's local volunteers turned in 2,700 voter registration forms this year and handed out about 1,000 more.

Mariana Sanchez is chief operating officer for Bonding Against Adversity Inc., which helps legal residents become citizens, then encourages them to become deputized voter registrars.

"Everybody is really aware that they want to participate in this election," she said.

That is just the tip of a years-long trend that has seen Hispanic voters registering at the fastest rate of any demographic. According to figures from the Harris County Clerk's office, the number of registered voters with Spanish surnames grew 22 percent between July 2012 and July 2016, while the number the number of voters with non-Spanish surnames grew 10 percent.

"There is an indication that Hispanics were registering to vote at a higher rate than non-Spanish surnames," said Hector DeLeon, who leads voter outreach at the county clerk's office.

By October, people with Spanish surnames accounted for 21 percent of Harris County's registered voters.

Hispanic groups, however, were not the only ones reporting heightened enthusiasm this election cycle.

"At least for the Muslim community, we just have not seen this kind of turnout ever before," said Nabila Mansoor, who leads voter registration outreach for Emerge USA, an Islamic civic organization. "It really has to do with the political climate. People are anxious, people are scared."

Republican nominee Donald Trump has talked of blocking Muslim immigrants from entering the United States, and his campaign has taken on an increasingly nationalistic tone.

With about 50 deputized registrars, Emerge USA set up registration tables at mosques, lectures, student group meetings and other public events. Volunteers have been sending mailers and making calls, working down a list of 160,000 non-registered eligible Muslim voters in the Houston area.

"This election is really important to our community," Mansoor said.

Clergy at local churches also have preached from the pulpit this year on the importance of voting as a civic duty, according to Pastor Dave Welch, president of the Texas Pastor Council, a network that includes about 400 pastors and churches in the Houston area. Most of those churches, he said, have their own deputized registrars.

"We've seen a marked increase in the number of pastors very actively promoting voter registration and turnout," Welch said. "We really think that's attributable to the fact that there's so much at stake in this election."

Fighting frustration

For some, getting people to register was an exercise in education.

"Some people have said that they're very frustrated with the state of politics, so that they don't really want to participate," said Debbie Chen, civic engagement programs director for OCA-Greater Houston, which organized groups in the region's Chinese, Vietnamese, Filipino, Korean, South Asian and Japanese communities, which collectively make up about five percent of the Harris County voter roll, according to the county clerk's office.

"So, we have to explain to people why it's important, besides the fact that it's their civic duty," Chen said.

Deputized volunteers with the League of Women Voters did the same at monthly naturalization ceremonies in Harris County, where they registered more than 20,000 new citizens this year.

"We've had more people calling to be volunteers than ever before," said Mary Titus, the local group's co-chair for voter registration at naturalization ceremonies. "I had so many people calling that I actually had to turn them away."

Of the new voters added to the county roll since the last general election, 45 percent - about 148,000 - are younger than 30, and 23 percent are under 21.

Anthony Collier, a junior studying political science and history at Texas Southern University, is the student organizer for the NAACP political action committee's Houston branch and president of the political science club at TSU. He said he has helped register about 1,000 students in the last two years.

When the NAACP hosted a voter registration seminar, Collier brought the entire political science club to get deputized. When new freshman dorms opened on campus this semester, the club swept through and registered 300 in one night.

Collier started rallying student voters during Houston's mayoral race in 2015, but said he has "noticed it's very hard to get people excited about the political process this time around. A lot of the students are very cynical about the process. They feel like the presidential election has become a lot more like reality TV."

At the University of Houston, junior Troy Allen, who studies political science and economics, said he has registered about 400 students this year. Once this semester he bought 200 hamburger patties, set up a grill on campus and handed out food in exchange for completed voter registration forms.

"For young people, the problem isn't getting them registered," he said. "The problem is getting them out to vote. A lot of people feel like it's not worth it."

In 2014, Texas had the worst voter turnout rate of any state with a statewide election. In Harris County, 33 percent of the registered voters cast ballots that year.
The Walls Unit, Huntsville, Texas

The Catholic bishops of Texas Oct. 10 called for the abolition of the death penalty, denouncing its effects not only on victims and others immediately affected, but also on society.





"Capital punishment vitiates our hearts' capacity for mercy and love," the bishops said in a statement released by the Texas Catholic Conference in Austin. "The death penalty not only does not correspond to the common good, it actually does great harm to it."





The statement, released on the World Day Against the Death Penalty, comes at a time when support of the death penalty among Americans - including Texans - is declining.





Survey results released Sept. 29 by the Pew Research Center showed that Americans' support for the death penalty is the lowest it has been in more than 4 decades. It said only 49 % of Americans currently favor the death penalty for people convicted of murder. That's a drop from 56 % who said in March 2015 that they supported it. The new survey shows 42 % of Americans now oppose the death penalty.





In Texas in 2015, 56 % of people surveyed said they supported the death penalty for convicted murderers, down from 75 % in 1993.





The bishops' statement also served as their annual address to Texas Catholics during Respect Life Month, observed by the U.S. Catholic Church every October.





The month offers Catholics an opportunity to "reflect on the precious gift of life and recommit ourselves to working toward a culture that truly welcomes and protects human life in our society," the Texas bishops wrote.





"This year we bishops draw particular attention to our consistent call for the abolition of the death penalty in Texas, as we recognize this is undeniably a pro-life issue," they said.





In their statement, the bishops cited several ways they said carrying out the death penalty inflicts harm:





-- Capital punishment "is used disproportionately on the poor, minorities and people with mental disabilities.





-- Costs involved in capital punishment cases "are 3 times" that of cases in which the convicted are sentenced to life imprisonment.





-- The "finality of death" does not allow for rehabilitation of prisoners, nor does it provide "consolation for victims' families."





-- Studies have shown that states have executed innocent people and that crime rates are not affected by a state's use of the death penalty.





"The death penalty negatively influences our children's moral formation and our culture as it fails to allow for mercy and redemption," the bishops said.





"Our call to abolish the death penalty is not a call to deny justice," they wrote. "On the contrary, it is a call to the whole community to recognize that the death penalty does not fulfill justice, nor does it console the inconsolable."





A news release said the Texas Catholic Conference, which is the bishops' public policy arm, will be working in the upcoming session of the Texas Legislature to improve the rights of jurors serving in death penalty sentencing cases.





According to Jennifer Carr Allmon, the conference's executive director, Texas law "is intentionally misleading as it requires judges and attorneys to lie to jurors about the level of unanimity required for a death sentence."





"While we will continue our efforts to end the use of the death penalty in Texas, this legislation will at least improve the fairness of the current system," she said in a statement.





Fewer Texas juries are giving death sentences than at any time in the past 2 decades, the Catholic conference said. Texas's highest court for criminal cases - the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - has granted a high number of reprieves over the past 2 years, it said, because of concerns "about the fairness and accuracy of death penalty convictions."





Texas has the highest rate of executions of any state. This year, the state will carry out its lowest number of executions since 1996.

 | 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: cruxnow.com, October 11, 2016
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AUSTIN - The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals on Wednesday refused to consider dismissing three pending securities fraud charges against Attorney General Ken Paxton in what likely was his last chance to avoid a trial in the politically charged case.

The state's highest court for criminal matters rejected without comment Paxton's appeal to have the charges dismissed just days after a federal judge in Sherman tossed out a federal securities fraud civil lawsuit in a victory for the embattled Republican officeholder.

"Today's ruling marks an end to Mr. Paxton's almost yearlong attempt to avoid being judged by a jury of his peers," Houston attorney Brian Wice, a special prosecutor in the case, said in a statement. "We look forward to going to trial and seeking justice on behalf of the people of Texas."

Philip Hilder, a lawyer for Paxton, said the attorney general will ask the Court of Criminal Appeals to reconsider its action, given the federal judge's dismissal of similar charges against Paxton by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

"We anticipate filing a motion for rehearing because we have tremendous confidence in our case," Hilder said. "The charges against Ken Paxton are without merit. A federal court, following a lower legal standard, ruled that the fraud charges were baseless."

Paxton's lawyers filed the criminal appeal in August, seeking to dismiss the three felony indictments that center on allegations that Paxton misled investors in private business dealings when he was a lawmaker, before he was elected attorney general.

The charges allege he convinced people to invest in Servergy, a North Texas technology company, without disclosing that he was being paid to recruit investors.

He raised $840,000 in investments and received 100,000 shares in Servergy stock.

He also has been charged with a third-degree felony for failing to register as an investment advisor with the state. He has pleaded not guilty in the case.

The U.S. district judge who dismissed the civil lawsuit ruled that under federal law, Paxton had no obligation to tell investors he would profit from their investments.

The remaining criminal case is expected to go to trial in early 2017.

If found guilty, Paxton could face between five and 99 years in prison.

Wednesday's ruling marked Paxton's latest unsuccessful attempt to derail the case before trial. Last summer, Texas' 5th Court of Appeals declined to rehear a challenge to the indictments.

Paxton has denied wrongdoing.
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AUSTIN - For more than a decade in Texas House District 149 - where Harris and Fort Bend counties meet - a growing, ethnically diverse voting population has done something rare for the Houston suburbs: Elect a Democrat.

State Rep. Hubert Vo, whose district includes Alief and Katy, hopes the trend will carry him to a seventh term in Austin.

In 2004, his path to the Texas Capitol proved an ordeal, as he sought to unseat longtime Republican state Rep. Talmadge Heflin, who was chairman of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations. Vo won the race by 33 votes and, after a short-lived challenge by Heflin, Vo became the first Vietnamese-American elected to the state Legislature.

Vo has fended off Republican attempts to take back the seat, including in 2014, when he defeated Al Hoang, a former Houston City Council member, thanks to a majority coalition of Latino, African-American and Asian-American voters.

Come November, the Democratic legislator will face his latest GOP challenger: Bryan Chu, a Houston dentist who moved to Texas from California about a decade ago.

More Information Meet the candidates Bryan Chu Age: 49 Party: Republican Occupation: Dentist Campaign website: bryanchufortexas.com Hubert Vo (incumbent) Age: 60 Party: Democrat Occupation: Businessman, real estate developer Campaign website: hubertvo.com See More Collapse

Born in Vietnam, Chu and his family fled the Southeast Asian country by boat in 1980, when he was 13, "in order to escape the harassment from the government."

Chu said the district's voters have kept Vo, a 60-year-old businessman and real estate developer, as their state representative largely because of ethnic-based loyalty.

In 1975, after Communist forces captured the South Vietnam capital of Saigon, Vo and his relatives moved to Lubbock, then Houston.

Better access to training

This time around, however, their mutual Vietnamese heritage will not be enough to secure Vo another term, Chu said, pressing a case that Vo is not an effective advocate for District 149 in the House.

"Representative Vo has been challenged a few times before, but his opponents weren't strong enough like this year," he said. "(Voters) feel like he has abandoned the community for the last seven, eight years. They voted for him because he was Vietnamese and we have a strong Vietnamese community present in the district, but he has proven an almost non-entity in the state Legislature."

Vo said he has kept the district safe for Democrats with an aggressive focus on local initiatives, such as the creation of the International Management District near Bellaire and Bissonnet, which has attracted businesses and investments for infrastructure projects.

"The growth of that community in neighboring areas could influence Republican legislators in future elections in districts all around Harris County," said University of Houston political scientist Brandon Rottinghaus. "Latino growth in the suburbs is a huge factor, but Asian-Americans may be the final blow to some of the success of Republicans in these areas."

Chu and Vo agree on one issue: Students who choose not to attend a four-year university need better access to vocational training and job placement programs after they graduate high school.

"We need to look for ways to monitor the students so the pathways to graduation are successful," Vo said. "We need to bring the (Texas Education Agency) and industries and also the community colleges together to come up with fast training programs for these students."

Taxes, school finance

But they differ on major issues, such as addressing local property tax rates and reforming the state's school finance system. Both issues, which state leaders have called priorities for the next legislative session, are expected to draw lawmakers into fierce, protracted debates.

On taxes, Chu applauded the work of state Sen. Paul Bettencourt, the Houston Republican who leads a select committee charged with finding ways to slash property owners' taxes. In Alief, the district's other main community, Chu said he has fielded concerns from retired residents who say Harris County's property taxes are too high.

"When I win the position, I would like to go a step further by helping senior citizens to have some kind of tax relief to have a better life during retirement," Chu said.

Vo said increased property taxes in the Houston area and across the state are the result of a Republican-controlled Legislature that has rolled back or repealed funding sources that previously brought millions of dollars into state coffers. The belt-tightening in Austin has meant, for example, that local school districts do not receive state education funds at previous levels.

"In the old times, the state used to provide 60 percent of school funding to districts. The local district came up with 40 percent," he said. "Now, it's reversed, and it's pushing down the burden on the local school districts. That's why you see the districts relying on property value increases and pushing tax rates to the max."

Saying he wants public schools to be adequately funded, Chu also said he backs the long-standing GOP effort to expand access to charter schools and to create education savings accounts in which parents would receive taxpayer money to pay for their child's education-related expenses at private or parochial schools.

"I always strongly value education," Chu said. "I want to make sure the school districts are well-funded, but at the same time, I want to make sure schools and teachers are accountable and responsible by rooting for school choice."

Vo supports an increase in state funding to public schools, his website says, and he wants to "require accountability from our schools."

Generational shift

Vietnamese-American voting preferences since 2000 have shown a sharp swing toward Democratic candidates, locally and nationally, for a group that once strongly supported Republicans, said Karthick Ramakrishnan, a public policy professor at the University of California-Riverside.

"Over time, we're seeing that issues like the social safety net, health care are the kinds of things that are becoming more important in Vietnamese communities," said Ramakrishnan, who directs the annual National Asian American Survey. "But there's also a generational shift, much like the Cuban story, where (younger Asian-American voters) tend to be more Democratic."

According to Census data, Asian-American voters number about 270,000 in Harris County, with Vietnamese-Americans constituting the largest group at just under 85,000. In Fort Bend County, another 16,500 voters have Vietnamese heritage.
Melissa Phillip, Staff / Houston Chronicle

Donald Trump fan and right-wing conspiracy theorist Alex Jones appears to be getting his money's worth after hecklers made a loud showing at major political rallies in Miami and North Carolina, NBC News reports.

Last Friday, Jones offered $1,000 to supporters if they wore a "Bill Clinton rape" shirt while on televised cameras for more than 5 seconds. In addition, he also offered $5,000 to anyone who yelled "Bill Clinton is a rapist" while wearing the shirt.
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SAN ANTONIO - Making scant reference to negative developments in his campaign, GOP presidential candidate Donald Trump got a rousing reception from donors Tuesday in what could be his final South Texas swing of the campaign.

Addressing a sold-out luncheon with several hundred guests at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Trump said he is "all in" for the final weeks of battle with Democrat Hillary Clinton, even though some leading Republicans including House Speaker Paul Ryan are not at his side, attendees said.

Trump said he expects his poll numbers to improve soon, even as he duels with fellow Republicans angered by recent revelations about a 2005 video in which Trump can be heard making coarse, sexually charged "locker room" comments about women.

It was preaching to the choir for the San Antonio audience, which Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick described as "very enthusiastic. There were no cancellations. We didn't have anything but support in the room."

Patrick warms up

Between the San Antonio event and another later Tuesday in Dallas, "we'll raise over $5 million," Patrick said.

Patrick, who introduced Trump for his 20-minute speech, said he warmed up the crowd by declaring "we cannot let Hillary become the next president," and "we cannot elect a president who will try to dismantle the oil and gas industry."

With guests paying as much as $100,000 to attend, Trump mingled with top-level donors and posed for photos with some.

Bexar County GOP Chairman Robert Stovall said Trump appeared lighthearted throughout the luncheon, making jokes about Clinton and others. He got a roar of approval when he mentioned his performance in Sunday's debate, Stovall said.

"He did bring up Paul Ryan and the small part of the party that was not in full support of him, but he said 'I'm moving on. I know how to win. Stick with me and we're going to win,' " Stovall said.

Trump's decision not to hold a rally here was not surprising to U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, one of several area Democrats who mobilized to counter the media attention that Trump garnered. Castro, who held a news conference to denounce Trump, said the Republican nominee has not held a rally here because his support is not deep in Texas.

"Not to say there aren't Republican donors who are going to contribute to him," Castro said. "I know some of them, and some of them are great people, and quite honestly, I'm embarrassed for them that they would put on an event here in San Antonio for a man like that. It's sad to see."

Demonstrators outside

Trump's luncheon appearance attracted demonstrators, pro and con, outside the Grand Hyatt.

Ann Chick, 70, was dressed in red and white and held a sign saying "Two Chicks for Trump." November will be only her second time to cast a ballot, and she cited Trump's honesty as the main push to bring her to the polls.

Clinton supporter David Alicea, 26, had a sign that offered a double dig at Trump and U.S. Rep. Will Hurd, R-Helotes, who is up for re-election in a competitive race against Democrat Pete Gallego. Holding a sign that read "Trump is AbsHURD," the Sierra Club organizer said both Hurd and Trump had failing grades when it came to climate policy.

After the San Antonio visit, which lasted less than three hours, Trump traveled to Dallas for an afternoon fundraiser at the Hilton Lincoln Centre in Dallas.

Scott Huddleston and the Dallas Morning News contributed to this report.
In the middle of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, on Oct. 13, sits a day focused entirely on the type of breast cancer that is the leading killer among women aged 2059 years: Metastatic breast cancer. The good news is this sort of cancer is getting increased attention and funding, and with technology delivering us more sophisticated tools to fight it, there's a very real possibility it will be cured in this century.

It's helpful to take a bit of time to learn about the disease, understand the availability of clinical trials as an option, and make yourself familiar with the good news on funding - which is now available both from federal sources as well as state sources in Texas.

Until 2009, metastatic breast cancer was rarely mentioned during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Nine determined patients traveled to Washington, D.C., that summer to see if they could change that, and they did: Both houses of Congress passed a unanimous resolution to dedicate a single day of this month to putting patients and their needs in front of the public.

Cancer that remains in the breast can be cured in most cases. Metastasis occurs when cancer cells travel to vital organs. Right now, the disease is treatable, but not curable. An estimated 155,000 Americans are currently living with metastatic breast cancer, and it accounts for over 40,000 deaths annually.

Perhaps most damaging to progress is that very few patients participate in clinical trials. Clinical trials are treatment studies on new therapies, which is a method to obtain FDA approval of new treatments. The advantage of participating in a clinical trial is you might get access to a lifesaving drug years before the general public does. One estimate is that less than 5 percent of patients with metastatic breast cancer are in a clinical trial. Much more needs to be done to improve awareness about and access to clinical trials. Many patients are simply unaware that participating in a clinical trial might be an option.

From the patient's perspective, clinical research is a difficult world to navigate, but in the setting of an incurable disease it is absolutely critical. There are several resources like the Metastatic Breast Cancer Alliance available to help patients and families learn more about clinical research, find support services and navigate the system.

Recent research into breast cancer has been extensive and remarkable. However, current treatments can be arduous, the standard of care not well established and treatment is not matched to individual cancers. In other words, precision medicine in metastatic breast cancer still has room to improve.

With the launch of the Cancer Moonshot program by the White House earlier this year, greater attention has been brought in the need to support cancer research. This means real funding - although exactly how much has yet to be determined. Here in Texas, the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas, which was founded in 2007, focuses on expediting cancer research enhancing potential for breakthroughs that can lead to a cure. The state of Texas issued CPRIT $3 billion in bonds to fund study for a cure. CPRIT also recruits some of the top clinicians and scientists to work at cancer centers such as Baylor College of Medicine, MD Anderson and UT Southwestern with multiple focusing on metastatic breast cancer.

My mother, Theresa Newby Harpole, was an early-stage breast cancer survivor who battled metastatic breast cancer for more than three and a half years before passing away Thanksgiving Day 2013. Together, we established Theresa's Research Foundation with a mission to solely fund metastatic breast cancer research and improve the quality of lives of those impacted by this disease.

With collaboration from scientists, oncologists, advocates, industry leaders and patients, together we can accelerate metastatic breast cancer research with a goal of extending lives, improving quality of life and providing better treatment options for patients.

We must emphasizing the critical need for more research funding, and participation in and awareness of clinical research trials in order to change the odds and cure metastatic breast cancer hopefully in my lifetime.

Newby is founder and executive director of Theresa's Research Foundation, based in Houston.
If you can't wait to have your voice heard on Election Day, we have some bad news - the real election was months ago. In Houston-area races for the Texas Senate, neither Democrats nor Republicans chose to run challengers against incumbent state senators. Don't like your only option in our two-party system? You should have said something during the party primaries.

The Senate districts are so gerrymandered that Democrats and Republicans don't even try to boot their opponents in the general election. Results are essentially predetermined.

Matters aren't much better in the state House. We endorsed in the few local swing seats last month, but gerrymandered districts mean incumbents are practically fixed in stone until they retire, face an intraparty challenge or the district lines are redrawn.

Nevertheless, we encourage voters to speak up - even if their voices are muffled by a broken system - and vote for candidates who will bring the right priorities to Austin. The legislative session is only six months long, and that leaves little time to write a budget, improve public education funding, fix a broken Child Protective Services and generally ensure that Texas is moving in the right direction. Early voting begins Monday, Oct. 24 and ends Friday, Nov. 4. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 8.

State Representative, District 13: Cecil R. Webster

As an engineer who worked in weapons testing and procurement, retired Col. Cecil R. Webster knows his way around a firearm. But decades of experience couldn't prepare him for the challenge of open-carry in Texas - specifically, procuring the exact state-mandated signs necessary to keep his church gun-free.

"I spent the last days of 2015 going around trying to find some cheap signs to put on my church that met the specifications so that we could tell folks: 'Guns are not welcome inside my Rose Missionary Baptist Church,'" Webster said in his meeting with the Houston Chronicle editorial board. "I find it ludicrous that we have to do that."

A deacon and former chair of the Fayette County Democratic Party, Webster, 63, is running to focus on veterans services, education and bringing jobs to the largely rural District 13, which covers Austin, Burleson, Colorado, Fayette, Grimes, Lavaca and Washington counties. Friendly and well-informed, Webster has little interest in the social wedge issues that all too often drive the conversation in Austin - you're more likely to hear him tout the need for more parades and other patriotic celebrations of our nation's civic institutions.

The Republican incumbent, state Rep. Leighton Schubert, who was elected in a special election during the last legislative session, did not meet with the editorial board.

State Representative, District 26: D.F. "Rick" Miller

After two terms in Austin, retired military veteran D.F. "Rick" Miller has tried to strike a balance between his Republican conservatism and the limited time available in session to address our state's immediate needs. During the last session, Miller, 71, promoted bills to expand higher education in Fort Bend County and to empower county officials in going after game rooms. He said he relies on local committees to keep him informed about local issues, and plans to push during the next session on improving public education funding, mental health services for veterans, health care and transportation - a key challenge in this growing Fort Bend County district, which covers most of Sugar Land and part of Richmond.

But Miller's record isn't sterling. He made news for pushing a bill that would rescind local anti-discrimination ordinances, earning condemnations from his own son, an HIV-positive gay activist.

Miller's Democratic challenger, L. "Sarah" DeMerchent, is a passionate IT manager and programmer who has a record of advocating for equal pay and greater maternity and paternity leave.

We don't agree with Miller on everything, but he doesn't ignore the important issues. Voters should give him a third term.

State Representative, District 27: No endorsement

Ron Reynolds certainly has found a way to turn lemons into lemonade. After being found guilty of barratry - a charge that he is currently appealing - this Democratic three-term state representative had to declare bankruptcy and is now prohibited from working as a lawyer. So how has this affected Reynolds' ability to represent his Fort Bend County district, which covers most of Missouri City and Stafford? If anything, he told the editorial board, he now has an excess of free time to focus on his constituents.

"Honestly, I've been a full-time legislator," he said.

Reynolds, 42, started as a lauded freshman representative in 2011, but it has been downhill since then and during the past year we've encouraged him to resign - which he didn't - and for Democrats to replace him in the primary - which Reynolds won handily.

He's affable and intelligent - a happy warrior to the end - but we still cannot endorse Reynolds during this legislative cycle.

The Republican challenger, Ken Bryant, did not meet with the editorial board.

State Representative, District 85: Phil Stephenson

Beyond the bathroom debates and firearm fiascos, the next legislative session in Austin will have to tackle dry, numbers-heavy topics like fixing education funding and Houston's public pensions. State Rep. Phil Stephenson is well-equipped to tackle these important issues, and voters should send him back to Austin for his third term representing District 85, which stretches from Rosenberg and parts of Missouri City in Fort Bend County south through Wharton and Jackson counties.

Stephenson, 71, is a longtime certified public accountant and member of the Wharton County Junior College Board of Trustees. He told the editorial board that he wants to address unfunded liabilities - specifically pensions - and the property tax burden on homeowners.

However, he did seem a bit out of touch on other issues, such as when he referred to the "Spanish community" in his district - we presume he meant Hispanic. Stephenson also said that he supported the campus carry bill last session because it maintained prohibitions on guns in classrooms - it doesn't.

The Democratic challenger, John Davis, is the president of the Texas Youth and College Division of the NAACP and is a student activist at Stephen F. Austin University. Davis, who lives in Richmond, is running on a platform of addressing economic disparities, criminal justice reform and ending the war on drugs. He's absolutely right in describing how the criminal justice system targets the poor and renders them disenfranchised from greater society. We hope he remains involved in Texas politics.

State Representative, District 126: Kevin Roberts

In this race for a Spring-area seat being vacated by five-term state Rep. Patricia Harless, we endorse Kevin Roberts. A Chamber of Commerce Republican, Roberts, 50, is charismatic and loquacious - perhaps to a fault. He's already well-practiced at a politician's ability to speak at length without saying much, but he demonstrated a passionate knowledge about the issues facing his largely unincorporated district, which is centered around the intersection of FM 1960 and the Tomball Parkway. Throughout his meeting with the editorial board, Roberts dropped a few key shibboleths that revealed a deep understanding of the challenges facing our state, such as confronting "intergenerational poverty" and extending the expiring 1115 waiver that allows Texas to access Medicaid funds. He also recognized that state recapture of Houston Independent School District tax revenue is, in his words, "crazy."

An experienced businessman and deacon at Champion Forest Baptist Church, Roberts told the editorial board that he wanted to focus on the state budget, economic development in his district, the systemic problems in Child Protective Services and public education funding.

If elected, we encourage him to remember what state Rep. Harless said when she announced her retirement : "People need to know that consensus and moderation and working across the aisle is not a bad thing."

Joy Dawson-Thomas, the Democratic challenger, is a former law enforcement officer turned lawyer. While she argued that Roberts couldn't successfully reflect the district's diversity, Dawson-Thomas didn't match his breadth or depth of knowledge on the issues.
So now its clowns.

As if it wasnt enough that we have to live these days with threats of terrorism, random street violence and countless other undesirable issues, now we have to add creepy clowns to the list. In case you were covered by a bunch of clowns inside a 1966 Volkswagen Beetle and missed it, reports of people dressed as clowns causing problems  like attempting to entice children into inappropriate situations  have been popping up for quite a while now all over the U.S.

The term clowning has been attached to the behavior, and the subject has been bandied about in numerous print and online articles and even been highlighted in segments on national and regional TV and radio newscasts.

I saw such a national TV news segment last week. In addition to describing some of the creepy clown encounters that have been reported, the woman doing the piece stressed that legitimate clowns are concerned that their trade is being negatively affected and their very lives might even be in danger.

Legitimate clowns  man, I love that phrase. Obviously its a contradiction in terms, because the very nature of a clown is to portray a person whos far from legitimate.

Not that theres anything wrong with being a legitimate clown (man, I love that phrase). Im sure youll agree, theres a certain dignity in painting your face white, putting on a carrot-red wig and fake nose, donning a multicolored shirt and pants with big puffy arm decorations and glittery tassels dangling from the thigh and ankle areas and bumbling around in floppy size-32 shoes.

And heck, we live in a place that was home to one of the most famous legitimate clowns ever, Emmett Kelly, who was about as legitimate as a clown can get (I guess). That has to count for something here, right?

Anyway, nobody seems to know how this recent rash of creepy clowning started, but Id say that doesnt matter anyway. The issue now is what to do about it.

I have a suggestion (now isnt that surprising).

In addition to some jail time, probation and whatever other punishment law enforcement authorities deem appropriate, I think crackpots convicted of clowning should receive sentences that include having legitimate clowns (man, I love that phrase) give them the treatment in a primetime televised format. The show would be recorded live and be called, Send in the Clowns.

I want the host to be Italian-American actor Stanley Tucci  you know, the guy who played the over-the-top host, Caeser Flickerman, in the Hunger Games movies. Tucci would (of course) do the show in character as Flickerman.

Wouldnt that be great?

Flickerman opens the show by saying, Welcome everyone to another night of tantalizing torment and turmoil as our panel of mischievous masters of makeup subject this weeks group of criminal counterfeit comrades to a brand of disorderly discombobulation seen nowhere but on this show. And its all live!

Then the legitimate clowns (man, I love that phrase) proceed to publicly humiliate their illegitimate counterparts one by one by bopping them over the head with a big inflatable mallet, poking them in the eyes with big padded gloves, smashing pies in their faces, giving them wedgies and basically outdoing by light years every slapstick routine the Three Stooges ever came up with.

Imagine how many ways technology could enter in; clown slapstick delivered 2016-style  it would be breathtaking. The show would be a top-10 entry in no time.

And you want to talk deterrent? Im convinced it would help curb the practice of clowning in short order.

So there you have it  clowning meets justice meets Hollywood. Thats what Im talking about.

In closing, heres a message all you creepy clowns out there who might think of jumping out of the woods and offering a kid a Snickers bar: Listen here, bozos  stop clowning around or prepare to face the squirting daisy.

Doug Davison is a writer, photographer and newsroom assistant for the Houston Herald. Email: ddavison@houstonherald.com.
The Texas County Food Pantry hopes to raise $5,000 to receive a dollar-for-dollar match grant from Ozarks Food Harvest, the regional food bank for southwest Missouri.

The funds come from a grant the food bank, which serves the Texas County Food Pantry, received from the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program.

This is the seventh annual time the Walmart foundation and Ozarks Food Harvest have offered it to its agencies as a matching grant opportunity. The funds received by the local food pantry will be used to meet food needs in the county.

The county food pantry has until Nov. 1 to raise the money that will be matched. Persons can mail donations to: 102-A Highway 17, Houston, Mo. 65483. Donations also can be dropped off from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on weekdays. Funds should be designed as going to the challenge grant.
LEGISLATORS have said their hands are tied over abolition of death penalty in Zimbabwe, saying scrapping the sentence rests more with the executive and political party leaders than Parliament.





Speaking during commemorations of the World Day against Death Penalty this Monday, legislators from the parliamentary parties - MDC-T and Zanu PF - said the laws of the country give their superiors control over what MPs do in the August House.





MDC-T legislator Jessie Majome, who also chairs Parliament's Legal committee, said the whipping system compromises their role.





"Our parliament is an arena of party politics. That's the way it is. We take positions in parliament according to what our party decides or doesn't decide.





"I come from a party that has a minority in Parliament therefore I couldn't master enough support when I challenged the death penalty in the house," she said.





Fortune Chasi of Zanu PF concurred, saying MPs could only deliberate and pass such laws with the blessing of the executive.





"The Zimbabwean parliament reacts to what the executive brings before it," he said.





The MPs were responding to advocate Fadzai Mahere who had accused the legislature of dragging its feet on aligning the Criminal Procedure, Evidence Act with the section 48 of constitution which guarantees the right to life.





The constitution now limits the death penalty to cases of aggravated murder while exempting women and only men below 21 and above 70 years.





The death penalty is being challenged on the basis that it is irreversible, colonial, lacks evidence of deterring others from similar crimes while innocent people have been executed in the past.





117 prisoners on death row





Official statistics show that there are at least 117 convicted inmates on the death row in Zimbabwe although legislative watchdog Veritas claims the total could be double the figure.





The opposition People's Democratic Party (PDP) joined other parties in calling for the immediate abolition of the death penalty in Zimbabwe, saying it was in breach of the country's Constitution, which guarantees and protects the right to life for every citizen.





"They are living a life without hope, alienation and vilification and the prison for them has become a prison within a prison.





"Some of these condemned prisoners are having mental health challenges or are terminally ill," said the party in a statement this Monday.





Zimbabwe has an unofficial moratorium on the penalty since 2005 but executions can begin anytime as government recently announced that it was looking to recruit a hangman.





Veritas director, Val Ingham-Thorpe, said suspending executions instead of abolition of the death penalty is torturous on the death row inmates. She said her organisation would soon launch a constitutional challenge over the issue.





"Prisoners are not told in advance when they are to be executed," she said.





"Every morning when the warders enter the cell block each prisoner listens to their footsteps in terror in case they stop outside their cell to take them for execution. Think of suffering that kind of torture for 20 years."





Prison conditions in Zimbabwe, according to human rights activists, are deplorable, thereby adding to the torture of death row inmates.





About 102 countries in the world have abolished the death sentence on all crimes while 58 countries have retained it.





Lesotho, Botswana and DRC are the three SADC countries currently executing people on death row.





 | 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: allafrica.com, October 11, 2016
As he plies his craft of creating pottery in his studio inside a small historic outbuilding on his property south of Houston adjacent to Hog Creek, Mike Joens enjoys the peace and tranquility of the forested setting.

He also finds a therapeutic release from his fight with cancer.

Joens (pronounced jens), 53, recently overcame colon cancer while living and working near Duluth, Minn., but the disease has returned and has spread to his lungs. He began radiation treatment last week.

I dont let it get me down, and as long as Im happy, thats good, Joens said. And Im happy when Im out here messing around.

Joens grew up in Texas County and attended school at Houston. He came back to this area about four months ago after spending the last 22 years working at a paper mill in Duluth.

In 2009, Joens decided to get into pottery and took a class at a community college. He founded his Swan Lake Pottery business in 2010 (named after the road he lived on near Duluth), and has since attended several more classes.

Once youre taking classes and you end up with a couple hundred pieces, what do you do with them? Joens said. I threw a lot of them away, but eventually I started going to craft shows and church bazaars and selling them. That got my name out, and then people were looking for my stuff and like buying my stuff.

Mike Joens does his work in an old outbuilding converted into a pottery studio. The building was once a chicken coop.

Examples of Joens work are available locally at several area locations (including Pit Stops Ozark Treasures and Pond Trail Farm Guesthouse in Houston, Mabels Trunk in Cabool and Artisans Marketplace in Springfield) and he has set up at local craft shows like the recent Pioneer Days in Mountain View and last weekends big annual event in Eminence.

While several methods of creating pottery exist, Joens said he works in stoneware.

Thats basically a type of clay, he said, and most of my pieces are wheel-thrown.

As its primary material, clay is the most integral part of pottery. Knowing your clay is important, Joens said.

A lot of clays are classified by where theyre found, he said. A clay from Minnesota, for example, might be very different from something dug up around here.

As he has gained experience as a potter, Joens has learned how to customize his own clay. That allows more flexibility in creating specific pieces with specific characteristics.

I like mixing my own clay, Joens said. I might use four parts of Kentucky ball clay, three parts of another type and two parts of another.

The combination is mixed in a bucket with water to form a slurry that is then allowed to cure, or dry. Finding the right recipe is often a simple matter of trial and error.

You might add a little of one ingredient to provide a little more placidity, and you might add something else to make it a little harder and more durable, Joens said. If I want to throw something thinner, like a pot or something, Ill approach the mixing differently than if Im going to make something sculptural. Its kind of a lost art, but you get the feel for it.

To fire his pieces, Joens currently uses a pair of kilns with a few custom features. The heat comes from a weed burner attached to a propane tank that sticks into a hole on the side, and is stoked by a bathroom exhaust fan facing the hole.

Mike Joens holds two examples of jugs he created at his Swan Lake Pottery studio south of Houston.

Temperatures inside the cylindrical containers can reach well over 2,000 degrees.

Since I use a gas burner, I can get different effects on the clay by dampening it or turning it up, Joens said.

While in Duluth, Joens also used a huge kiln (big enough for a person to walk into) that boasted several shelves inside. He plans to reassemble it here next year.

Then Ill be able to fire lots of pieces at the same time, he said, and increase my production.

Glazing a completed piece is what Joens considers the hardest aspect of his craft. The glaze basically forms a colored glass coating that adheres to the clay, and again, coming up with a suitable formula is crucial to a result.

Making it is like making chocolate chip cookies, Joens said. Its a little of this and a little of that  and of course, not everyones cookies taste the same. Sometimes its like being a mad scientist; I can just sit out here and try little batches and see how things turn out.

When Joens sits down at the wheel to turn some clay, he typically has a mental picture of what hes about to do. But he also knows the end result might not resemble that picture.

You need to have something in mind when you start, Joens said. That doesnt mean its going to end up like that, but you should be thinking of a vase or bowl or some sort of piece. And as Im making it, I end up with colors or patterns in my head that might look good on it.

You try to direct the clay, but sometimes it directs you.

When it comes to paintings and other art, people differ in their tastes, but most would agree they know something good when they see it. In the end, Joens said, a good piece of pottery also has no clear definition.

I know when I see it, too, he said. Its about the shape and the texture, and the color can definitely be a big part of it. And sometimes a design can inspire a feeling.

Joens enjoys creating whimsical pieces, like jugs bearing faces or odd-looking creatures. He sometimes does custom pieces for companies or organizations, and for events like weddings, where his love jugs are popular.

Joens also enjoys sharing his talent with people wishing to learn. When hes showing how to make a pot, he follows the COPS technique he was taught when he was a novice  center, open, pull, shape.

I love teaching people, Joens said. I want this to be a fun place for people to come and enjoy themselves, and I welcome anyone who wants to come here for any reason.

A sign bearing the Swan Lake Pottery name now hangs on the refurbished outbuilding that houses Joens studio  a structure that was once a chicken coop at the old Killion place. Cancer notwithstanding, Joens plans to continue keeping his creative juices flowing and throwing pots and other clay objects in the historic shack as long as he can.

I feel my life is fulfilling itself, he said. I love doing this  its more like playing than working, because when youre doing something you love its not work.
Thirteen years ago, Chase Snows father was among the American troops who moved into the Iraqi city of Mosul during the U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

Now Snow, a U.S. Army specialist, is deployed in Iraq to help in the fight to retake the city from the Islamic State group.

The assault on Mosul, Iraqs second largest city, is bringing American forces into their most significant role in Iraq in years, in terms of numbers and presence on the front lines.

The lead-up to the assault has brought some U.S. forces into combat with the militants. Special forces carry out raids alongside Iraqi troops inside IS-held territory around Mosul.

Now as Iraqi forces prepare for the operation to retake the city, those raids have increased in frequency, according to a coalition official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to brief the media.

The U.S. has sent Apache helicopters to aid in the Mosul fight, according to the Pentagon, a step that was not taken when Iraqi forces retook the western cities of Ramadi and Fallujah.

The number of U.S. troops in Iraq has grown steadily over the past two years to now nearly 6,000 service members, up from almost none after the 2011 withdrawal from Iraq.

The latest group, numbering nearly 600, began to deploy in September to Qayara air base, the facility 30 miles south of Mosul that is to be the main staging ground for the assault on the city. Trucks have been rolling into the base for weeks with supplies and equipment, preparing it so coalition warplanes will be able to operate there.

Youve got to look at Mosul as the crown jewel right now, said Maj. Gen. Gary Volesky, head of U.S ground forces in Iraq, about the build-up of forces. The deployments have all been targeted to assist in the Mosul attack.

Besides the hundreds of special forces, most of the American personnel operate back from the front lines, coordinating coalition airstrikes, tracking Iraqi ground troops, sharing intelligence and helping plan operations.

Snow (from Nashville, Tenn.) with the 101st Airborne Division, is advising Iraqi officers carrying out the Mosul operation. His father was also with the 101st in Mosul in 2003.

Now on Snows Iraq deployment, he carries the same American flag his father kept with him on all of his tours and his fathers good-luck charm: a St. Michael prayer card.

I know my father never thought I would be coming to Iraq, Snow said.

U.S. presence at bases closer to Mosul in the lead up to operation is essential to the advise-and-assist mission, said U.S. Army Col. Brett Sylvia, the commanding officer at Camp Swift, a small coalition base outside Makhmour, some 45 miles southeast of Mosul.

If youre not there, then you dont have a voice, Sylvia said, standing in front of the bank of televisions and desktop monitors that he says constitutes the forward edge of the battle for his men.

As of last week, there were 4,565 U.S. troops in Iraq, according to the Pentagon. That doesnt include another 1,500 troops considered there on temporary duty, whose number changes daily, according to the U.S. officials

U.S. troop levels in Iraq peaked at 157,800 during the 2008 surge under then-President George W. Bush, according to the Pentagon. More than 140,000 U.S. troops were in Iraq when President Barack Obama took office in 2009. Obama drew down the forces until the complete withdrawal of late 2011 removed all combat troops from the country, leaving behind only a few hundred U.S. trainers, mainly civilians, to assist Iraqi security forces.

U.S. forces began returning after the Islamic State group overran Mosul in the summer of 2014 and blitzed across much of northern, central and western Iraq, joining it to territory it holds in Syria. Weeks later, President Barack Obama announced the start of the air campaign against the Islamic State. At the time, he underlined that he will not allow the U.S. to be dragged into fighting another war in Iraq.

But the U.S. role has steadily grown as Iraqi and Kurdish forces continue to rely heavily on coalition airpower and support in taking back the territory the militant group overran in 2014.

Over the past year, three American service members have been killed by IS in Iraq, revealing the increasingly active role of U.S. forces in a fight the Pentagon initially refused to describe as combat.

In October 2015, Master Sgt. Joshua Wheeler was killed as he and dozens of other U.S. special forces participated in a raid alongside Iraqi Kurdish forces to free IS-held prisoners.

At the time, Defense secretary Ash Carter said it hadnt been part of the plan for U.S. forces to engage in combat during that raid and that Wheeler had rushed to help when the Kurdish fighters he was with came under attack.

Months later, Marine Staff Sgt. Louis Cardin was killed when IS fighters attacked a fire base near Camp Swift.

By the time of the third American death  Navy SEAL Charles Keating, who was killed in May  Carter immediately described it as a combat death. He was in a firefight and he died in combat, he said.

Carter noted that while the coalitions overall approach is to enable local forces, that doesnt mean we arent going to do any fighting at all.

Iraqi commanders say despite months of training, their men are still almost entirely dependent on coalition airpower and intelligence to retake territory.

If we didnt have airstrikes we wouldnt be able to advance, Iraqi Army Capt. Riad Ghafil with the Nineveh Operation Command admitted.

On a recent day at the Basmaya base outside Baghdad, Snow attended a graduation ceremony for 1,000 Iraqi soldiers who finished training and will be deployed in the north against IS. About halfway through the long series of speeches, the graduates began falling out of formation and slipping away from the ceremony to escape the midday sun. Coalition trainers at the event shook their heads in dismay, explaining that discipline was one of the skills the course focused on.

Throughout the steady intensification of the U.S. war in Iraq over the past two years, coalition and U.S. officials maintained that ultimately a lasting solution will only come from political change and reconciliation among Iraqi Shiites, Sunnis and other communities. But Iraqi political leadership has repeatedly failed to meet benchmarks for political reconciliation.

At Camp Swift, Sylvia said that after his last tour in Baghdad in 2008 he said he never thought hed be back again. He said he hopes the U.S. doesnt fully withdraw from Iraq a second time.

I would like us to have a long-term, engaging relationship with our Iraqi partners, he said.

I think there is some admission (among some Iraqis) that it was a mistake for us to leave.

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terday, immigration minister Michael Woodhouse announced a number of amendments that will make it tougher for would-be migrants to gain residency  but what exactly is changing and how will it impact employers?HRM asked James McLeod  a solicitor with immigration specialists McLeod & Associates  to give his expert opinion on the changes, he says, are somewhat sudden.It will be even more difficult for employers to both attract and retain skilled labour, warns McLeod. Most skilled migrants or international students come to New Zealand with the firm intention of securing residence, so if their chances of achieving that are significantly reduced, then that will affect their decision to come or stay here.McLeod says its unlikely New Zealand citizens or residents will be able to plug the gap in the short-term which could end up making the countrys current skills shortage even worse.It is likely to reduce the overall talent pool of skilled migrants, which is unlikely to be filled by New Zealand citizens or residents  particularly in certain industries, he told HRM.We also need to consider the wider reputational affect these changes might have, in terms of New Zealand no longer being an attractive destination for migrants to live, work and, ultimately, settle.The changes, which take immediate effect, mean there will be 5,000 fewer residence approvals for the next two years  down to 85,000-95,000 from 90,000-100,000.The number of points required for residence will also be raised from 140 to 160 points under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) and the number of places for the capped family categories would be reduced to 2,000 per year from 5,500.To a large extent the impact will depend on your industry and the type of talent you need, says Auckland-based McLeod.Obviously, the changes will affect those businesses seeking workers who are comparatively less skilled and qualified, and who therefore achieve a lower SMC points score. But because of the peculiarities of the SMC points-based system, it can affect anyone - even those migrants working in areas where there is a recognised skills shortage, since 160 points is a high score to achieve.Another expected impact, he says, will be migrant workers deciding to move out of Auckland and into other regions  something which isnt necessarily bad news if your business is elsewhere.Under the new SMC regime an applicant can still claim 30 points for living outside of Auckland. By way of example, I spoke with a client yesterday who lives in Auckland and is sitting on 130 points. If she moved to, say, Hamilton or Tauranga and secured a job offer there, then she could immediately claim an extra 30 points and achieve the 160 target, he explained.Clearly this would be a far quicker and easier option for her than undertaking further study, or waiting a few years so she can claim more points for work experience, or completely changing her career  none of which will necessarily guarantee her sufficient additional points.However, its not just the changes to SMC residence instructions that will impact employers.The temporary closure of the Parent Residence Category means that even those migrants who have already secured New Zealand residence might not be able to bring their parents here to live. This is problematic, since at some stage in a migrants settlement it is likely that they will wish for their parents (particularly if they are elderly) to join them here. If that option is no longer available to them, the migrant might very well decide to return to their home country or consider another country where that option is available to them, McLeod told HRM.The one potential upshot out of this for employers could be that their skilled migrant workers will effectively be tied to them for longer, because they will need their employer to continue to sponsor them until such time as they gain sufficient points to qualify for residence, he added.For employers who think they may be significantly affected be the changes, McLeod has some clear advice:We recommend immediately engaging with your migrant employees on the issue, proactively and openly, he stressed. Many of them will be anxious about the changes, so you will need to ensure they actually understand them, and then help them to assess the extent to which they might be affected (including whether they actually intend to apply for residence), and for how long.Migrant employees should also be encouraged to seek professional advice on how the changes could affect their future eligibility for residence and to map out a strategy and plan. Employers should be engaged in this process too, as there might be a number of ways that you can help; for example, by agreeing to support the migrant employee with undertaking further studies or, if you have offices based outside of Auckland, considering relocating them to another region.
In recent years drone attacks have been used exclusively by US and other Western powers, but these weapons are increasingly used by all sides in conflicts, particularly in Iraq and Syria. Recent reports from the Middle East indicate that Jihadis are increasing the use of drone attacks after exploring the use of drone weapons for several years.

Daesh (the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant  ISIL) forces in the town of Mosul have used a drone to attack Kurdish forces fighting Daesh in the area of the largest Iraqi city still held by the Islamic group. The attack employed a small surveillance drone, rigged with a bomb to become a booby trap. The attack killed two Kurdish fighters and severely wounded two French special forces. The incident happened on October 2nd but was reported and confirmed by French sources today. The drone was sent by Daesh toward the Kurdish forces and was intercepted by the Kurdish and French forces on October 2 in the town of Duhok. As the soldiers were examining the UAV, it detonated.

It seems it was booby trapped, Jabbar al-Yawar, secretary general of the autonomous Kurdish regions defence ministry, told Reuters. It wasnt clear if the drone was remote-controlled by an ISIL member or whether it had a timed bomb. According to French sources, Daesh has twice used weapons attached to surveillance drones to try and target the Iraqi army.

According to US sources, Daesh fighters are using commercial drones to deliver explosive devices and to observe Coalition and ISF activity. Similar attempts to use drones were also recorded in Syria, and Gaza. The U.S. lead coalition forces are increasing force protection measures against such threats. The Coalition takes this threat seriously and is implementing increased force protection measures and improved UAS [Unmanned Aerial Systems] counter-measures to protect Coalition forces and our partners on the ground to ensure that they are protected from the full spectrum of threats in the operating environment, U.S. officials stated. The Pentagon is now exploring ways to thwart hostile drones, requesting $20 million from Congress to fight the emerging threat, the New York Times reported. The budget will be added to the Joint Improvised-Threat Defeat Organization (JIDO), to deal with IED and drone threats.

US officials have cautioned that, although the Pentagon has devoted resources and energy into developing devices that can recognize and disable booby-trapped drones, neither the Peshmerga nor the Iraqi army, have access to the expensive equipment.

Across the border in Syria, Al Qaeda offshoot Jund al-Aqsa have also reportedly developed weaponized drones. A video released by the rebels shows the UAV landing small bombs on Syrian military barracks. These weapons are too small and not precise enough to be militarily significant but could represent a new course for action in the region.

The majority of these groups have access to drones available in the civilian market, weighing between 2.3 to 4.5kg, which can carry less than half a kilogram of payload  not enough to support a massive bomb or rocket. One such shipment was intercepted a few months ago on its way to Gaza. Iranian-backed Hizbollah is an exception, receiving most of its munitions  including its drones  from Iran.

The proliferation of commercial mini-drones turned into weapons requires modern military forces to prepare for such threats. The measures being taken will be covered in a forthcoming article.
umber of worker exploitation cases have been heard by the Employment Relations Authority in recent months, prompting one prominent New Zealand politician to speak out on the subject.Immigrant employers caught ripping off workers should face deportation," says Northland MP Winston Peters. No one should adopt another country and abuse its laws.Peters says a disproportionate number of exploitation cases involve immigrant employers who are either unaware of New Zealands employment laws or choose to ignore them altogether.If the employers are citizens, that's doubly concerning and proves we should tighten citizenship laws, he noted.Common unethical practices uncovered by the Labour Inspectorate include requesting employment premiums, underpaying staff, failing to keep accurate records, denying sick leave or holiday pay, and providing no written employment agreement."What's happening is a wholesale breach of human rights, forms of slave labour, and countless attacks on the integrity of New Zealand as a good society, whilst many in the establishment are simply turning a blind eye in condemnation, stressed Peters."Such people are a disgrace to New Zealand and should be exposed for being so by every right thinking New Zealander, he added.Whangarei born Peters also called on the government to cut down on immigration and increase the number of labour inspectors from 54.
Black Aaron Smith is certainly no ordinary employee and, since news broke of his illicit toilet tryst, the entire nation has been debating how NZ Rugby should handle the matter  so what exactly is the right approach and can HR really learn something from the saga?HRM caught up with two leading figures in employment law  DLA partner Laura Scampion and solicitor Ashleigh May  who say the situation isnt that far removed from what many HR professionals might have to deal with in the average workplace.Since the Aaron Smith saga broke, we have seen a significant amount of public comment based around the fact that Aaron is paid to play rugby and his private life should be his own affair, say Scampion and May.Many people often think that their behaviour outside the workplace does not have anything to do with their work or their employer, they continue. In fact, 'misconduct' outside the workplace can result in justified disciplinary action, even if that 'misconduct' is not illegal.According to Scampion and May, incidents outside the workplace are most likely to warrant dismissal when: The employers business is damaged in some way, the conduct has cast doubt on the employees suitability for the job, the conduct has adversely affected relationships with other employees in the workplace, the conduct has had an impact on safety at work, [or] the conduct has undermined the trust and confidence between the employer and employee.Thanks to this, May and Scampion say Smiths recent antics could easily warrant disciplinary action, even up to dismissal  in some cases.Aaron Smith was in his All Blacks number ones and travelling with the team. As such there was a clear relationship between the conduct and the employment. Its not necessarily a question of where the conduct occurs but rather its impact or potential impact on the employers organisation. There is likely reputational damage here not to mention the conduct potentially undermining the trust and confidence, they explain.However, its not necessarily cut-and-dry.In saying that, behaviour by employees like criminal offending, unsafe or reckless conduct, or conduct in breach of professional ethical standard is easier to call for the employer in terms of disciplinary action, they admit.Aarons conduct is probably more borderline - despite being inappropriate it appears to have been consensual. However, there are plenty of examples now where lawful conduct outside the workplace results in disciplinary action.Interestingly, overwhelming media attention and public interest  like what weve seen with Aaron Smith  may even give employers more scope to discipline or dismiss unruly employees.Scampion and May point to a 2013 case in which a senior investment analyst and Forsyth Barr was dismissed after he was convicted of causing grievous bodily harm with reckless disregard while driving.The incident, and the ensuing criminal charge and court case, was highly publicized and the subject of intense media interest. Forsyth Barr was repeatedly mentioned in media reports as being the employer, reveal the pair.Following the employee's conviction and sentencing, Forsyth Barr dismissed the employee without notice for serious misconduct. The employee raised a personal grievance, claiming he was unjustifiably dismissed.Eventually, the ERA held that, despite offending occurring outside of the workplace and during personal time, the incident and subsequent conviction attracted such significant negative publicity that the employers reputation was adversely impacted  so the dismissal was fair.It is important to note that in this case the judge emphasized the fact that this was a senior employee, who was in a relatively high profile role which required regular contact with the media. The question of whether the decision to dismiss was what a fair and reasonable employer could do in all the circumstances will turn on the specifics of each case, say Scampion and May.Finally, as Smith awaits his as-yet unscheduled misconduct hearing, the pair have some advice for employers who have to hold similar meetings.Fair procedure must always be followed, they stress. Even where an employee has engaged in conduct which the employer finds shocking, good process should be a priority.Also, care needs to be taken when framing the disciplinary allegations about the ways in which the external conduct is said to impact on the employer; is it reputational damage? Unfitness? How does the conduct show that the employee is unfit? General undermining of trust and confidence?Carrying out this analysis carefully will ensure that the dismissal (or other disciplinary action) will fit within the principles the Courts have adopted.
Humane Society International has sent a veterinary team to Haiti this week to offer emergency animal rescue and treatment following the devastation left by Hurricane Matthew. The team is bringing emergency veterinary medicines, vaccinations and other supplies to provide direct assistance to animals in need and reinforcement to local animal welfare groups on the ground. Following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, HSI implemented a long-term response to the disaster, and will be on the ground to help after this disaster, too. Donate to help HSIs disaster relief efforts.

Alongside the estimated 1,000 people killed and tens of thousands displaced after the hurricane, many animals are also struggling to cope with the aftermath. With only one small veterinary group operating in Haiti, the country lacks the capacity to treat the thousands of animals potentially suffering from injuries, disease and infection. HSI will remain in Haiti to provide veterinary assistance for as long as its needed.

Support our disaster relief fund.

John Peaveler, who leads HSIs Animal Rescue Team in Haiti, said: Its deeply saddening to see the destruction and desperation in Haiti following Hurricane Matthew. Even in the best of times, resources for both people and animals are limited in Haiti, and this disaster has only exacerbated the situation. Together with a small local Haitian group called 4 Patte, HSIs rescue team has reached the remote area of Robin in Marotiere, near Kenskoff, where its clear that animals have suffered considerably through the tremendous storm. There are hundreds of dogs, cats, goats, cows and donkeys who, just like the people here, have been through a traumatic event and their stress is apparent. Were setting up an emergency veterinary clinic to treat wounds, malnutrition, disease and parasite burden. Without proper care, these animals would endure protracted suffering, so Im proud to be here helping the countless animal victims of this disaster.

Kelly OMeara, director of companion animals and engagement for HSI, said: Hurricane Matthew has ravaged Haiti leaving people and animals in dire need, particularly in the hardest hit southern areas of the country. The extent of the impact to animals has been made clear and we are going in prepared with expertise and supplies. Given our experience in providing emergency aid following the devastating 2010 earthquake, we know many of the hardest hit areas will be very difficult to reach. But we are determined to help any animal in need, including companion and farm animals, and provide emergency rescue, care and food.

In the coming days, our Animal Rescue Team will provide update reports from the field. Follow HSI on social media to be kept informed of developments.

Media contacts:

In the US: Raul Arce-Contreras, rcontreras@humanesociety.org, +1 301 721 6440

In the UK: Wendy Higgins, whiggins@hsi.org, +44 (0)7989 972 423
Barack Obama wants to put people on Mars in the coming decades.

It would be a landmark mission in the evolution of space travel.

But, it could pose serious health risks to anyone who makes the trip, says research published in Nature on Monday.

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On Earth, humans are protected from galactic cosmic rays by the magnetosphere.

Travelling beyond the that sphere to Mars would expose them to such rays, which would "penetrate the hull of a spacecraft and tissues of the body," the paper said.

That would lead to memory loss, increased anxiety, and affect critical decision-making during "normal operations or under emergency conditions in deep space," it added.

NASA Researchers tested particles from the rays on mice. The rodents were then put through behavioural tests three and six months after exposure.

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Mice showed reduced learning and memory function for after being exposed.

They also demonstrated higher anxiety and reduced responses to stressful events.

"Exposure to these particles can lead to a range of potential central nervous system complications that can occur during and persist long after actual space travel," study author and University of California, Irvine professor Charles Limoli told Forbes.

"Many of these adverse consequences to cognition may continue and progress throughout life."

The research comes as Tesla co-founder and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk also looks to put people on Mars in 2025.

Musk wants to establish a human colony on the planet, but he wants to start out by sending unmanned missions to space using SpaceX rockets in 2018.

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In an opinion piece for CNN published Tuesday, Obama outlined his goal to send humans to the red planet by the 2030s, "with the ultimate ambition to one day remain there for an extended time."

The outgoing president is meeting with top scientists and engineers this week in an effort to "find the next frontiers."

Obama said the U.S. is working with private sector partners to build habitats that can sustain astronauts on missions deep into space, and help people learn how far people can survive out in the universe.

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Ten people spent Tuesday night in jail after they broke in and shut off valves for five pipelines carrying oil from Canada to the U.S.

Members of Climate Direct Action carried out the protest at pipeline flow stations in Washington, Montana, Minnesota and North Dakota.

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The move was an act of support for the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, which is actively opposing construction of the Dakota Access pipeline.

Activists with Climate Direct Action said they carefully researched how to safely shut down the pipelines, which carry oilsands product from Alberta to the U.S.

Five people initially risked arrest to shut off the valves, but videographers and other supporters were eventually detained too.

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Photos and video of the action show the activists breaking in, cutting padlocks and turning off valves at numerous sites before they were arrested.

These pipelines have emergency shut off valves for a reason. And this is an emergency. Emily and Annette just shut down Enbridge Line 4 and 67 in Minnesota... in coordination with actions that shut down the other three pipes that bring tar sands into the US. #shutitdown #keepitintheground #notarsands A photo posted by Steve Liptay (@liptay) on Oct 11, 2016 at 12:03pm PDT

Enbridge shut down its Line 4 and Line 67 pipelines in response to "tampering incidents" at stations in Minnesota, a company spokesperson told The Globe and Mail.

"The actions taken to unlawfully trespass on our facility in Minnesota and attempt to tamper with energy infrastructure were reckless and dangerous," the spokesperson said.

"The groups involved in this morning's activities claim to be protecting the environment, but they do they opposite and put the safety of people at risk  including themselves, first responders and neighbouring communities and landowners."

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Other infrastructure targeted in the act included Spectra Energy's Express pipeline, Kinder Morgan's TransMountain pipeline and TransCanada Corp.'s Keystone pipeline, Reuters reported.

Together, these pipelines can carry almost 3 million barrels of oil per day.

There were no reports of damage due to the action. But it nevertheless drew strong criticism from Canadian Energy Minister Jim Carr.

"Tampering with energy infrastructure is a dangerous activity and it could cause harm to citizens and surrounding communities, which is unacceptable," he said.

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Climate Direct Action called on U.S. President Barack Obama to invoke an emergency order to keep the pipelines from operating, in an effort to wean the country off of fossil fuels.

"There is no plan of action, policy or strategy being advanced now by any political leader or environmental organization playing by the rules that does anything but acquiesce to ruin," Ken Ward, one of the protesters, said in a news release.

But that call wasn't heeded; all five pipelines resumed operations on Wednesday, Reuters said.

Elsewhere, actress Shailene Woodley was arrested while protesting the Dakota Access pipeline on Monday.

She was released later that day.

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Every expectant mother deserves to feel beautiful  even if shes a dog.

The owner of a pregnant Golden retriever in California recently delighted many people online when she posted a maternity photo shoot featuring her pooch.

A photo posted by Chanel (@chanel_the_gr) on Oct 11, 2016 at 9:35pm PDT

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A photo posted by Chanel (@chanel_the_gr) on Oct 11, 2016 at 9:35pm PDT

Five-year-old Chanel was due to give birth just days after the fun photos were taken, owner Kennedy Sorensen told Inside Edition.

"I saw a few people in my age group taking maternity pictures, so I thought it would be fun to do them for my dog," she said.

Her Oct. 1 tweet has more than 22,000 retweets.

today I did a maternity photoshoot for my dog.  pic.twitter.com/cuwDCrnXg6  Ken (@kennedysorensen) October 1, 2016

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The puppies father, LeeRoy, also starred in the shoot, according to Inside Edition, and his owner Amy Rients took the photos.

Chanel, a first-time mom, gave birth on Tuesday, Sorensen told The Huffington Post Canada. But she wouldn't reveal the size of the litter  potentially to milk (pun intended) a Twitter poll.

how many puppies do y'all think she had??  Ken (@kennedysorensen) October 12, 2016

Sorensen said she plans to do another shoot with the puppies after their mother lays low for a few days.

You rest up, Chanel. And no one will judge you if you look a bit more weary in this next set of photos.

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The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge may have arrived in B.C. via a Canadian Air Force plane, but they don't always take chartered flights.

After completing her first official solo tour in the Netherlands, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge surprised first class passengers on a British Airways commercial flight when she boarded with her security detail.

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Now that's not something you see everyday! Duchess of Cambridge boarded a BA flight back to London after a day of engagements in Netherlands pic.twitter.com/pZ0tXYai7Y  Middleton Maven (@MiddletonMaven) October 11, 2016

This isn't the first time a member of the Royal Family has opted to leave the private jet at home.

In 2014, Prince William surprised travellers in Memphis when he boarded the economy section of a domestic flight to Dallas following the wedding of his friend Guy Pelly, Australia's News.com reports.

Will and Kate also took a non-private flight from Los Angeles to England in 2011, though it is not a regular occurrence for the royals to fly commercial.

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Kate Middleton's 34 Most Stylish Looks See Gallery
Toronto's popular Mexican street food joint La Carnita came under fire this week after the restaurant's social media team posted an inappropriate caption to its Instagram page.

UPDATE: La Carnita has posted another apology and updates on their Facebook page:

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The comment in question, which read: "What if Donald said, 'grab her by the taco'... #LCeverywhere #tacotuesday" has been labelled "disgusting," "sexist" and "gross" on social media.

The phrase refers to a 2005 audio recording of Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump making disgusting comments about sexually assaulting women, and in particular, saying, "grab her by the pussy." He later apologized for his actions and said it was nothing but "locker room talk."

Before La Carnita could realize their mistake, Instagram user @chefgrantsoto screengrabbed and shared it online before the restaurant could delete the post.

"Grab her by the taco" oh @la_carnita... A photo posted by chefgrantsoto (@chefgrantsoto) on Oct 11, 2016 at 2:33pm PDT

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Instagram user @theblackhoof (restaurateur Jen Agg) commented while the restaurant may have thought it was being "cutting edge and subversive," this kind of comment just doesn't work.

"It isn't that I lack a sense of humour. It's that this garbage perpetuates the idea that woman are objects," she wrote on @chefgrantsoto's Instagram post . "La Carnita is just playing to the lowest common denominator. An easy, lazy card to play."

Some Twitter users spoke their mind about the insulting Instagram comment, saying they will simply no longer eat at the restaurant.

Well, that's an unfollow on La Carnita. Their posts frequently are just shitty misogynistic bro humor. I'll take my business elsewhere. pic.twitter.com/YGHECwp1zb  Jason Carlin (@the2scoops) October 11, 2016

Why @la_carnita.. just why? What part of "he described sexual assault" is not computing? I'm good to go elsewhere for  https://t.co/dibQOpgUjD  Alicia Rose (@ally_roza) October 12, 2016

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Right so: never eating @la_carnita again, which I used to do but already wasn't doing bc of the El Chapo cone @sweetjesus4life. Get a clue. pic.twitter.com/RmIOhwOFgH  Denise Balkissoon (@balkissoon) October 11, 2016

So @la_carnita makes sexual assault jokes, body shames female applicants, & refers to waitresses as tacHOES? Like nowhere else serves tacos?   (@terraloire) October 12, 2016

Following the criticism, La Carnita issued an apology on Twitter on Tuesday.

"Tonight, we made a mistake. A big one. We used a caption that was dumb, rude, and insensitive. Once we realized our error, we quickly removed it. For anyone who saw it, know that we understand your anger and fully realize why it was inappropriate. We truly apologize. We can do better, and we will," they wrote.

Part 1. Friends + followers, Tonight, we made a mistake. A big one. We used a caption that was dumb, rude, and insensitive.  La Carnita Ltd. (@la_carnita) October 12, 2016

Part 2. Once we realized our error, we quickly removed it. For anyone who saw it, know that we understand your anger  La Carnita Ltd. (@la_carnita) October 12, 2016

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Part 3. and fully realize why it was inappropriate. We truly apologize. We can do better, and we will. Love, la carnita.  La Carnita Ltd. (@la_carnita) October 12, 2016

Some Twitter users advised the restaurant to make a donation to a sexual assault crisis centre, while others want to know exactly what it means when it says, "we can do better, and we will."

We will keep you updated.

Also on HuffPost
Many of Torontos millennials have had it with the citys relentless growth in housing costs, with 45 per cent saying they are seriously thinking about leaving the city.

Thats according to an Angus-Reid poll released Tuesday which also shows strong support in the city for a foreign-buyer tax on homes like the one the British Columbia government introduced for Vancouver this summer.

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Overall, 39 per cent of Greater Toronto respondents said they were seriously thinking about leaving the city, with millennials  which are in their prime home-buying years  the likeliest to mull packing up for another city.

Respondents over the age of 55, who have the highest homeownership rate, were least likely to feel this way, with 31 per cent saying they are thinking of leaving.

Its little wonder that so many are pondering a move out of Canadas largest metro area. The average price of a home in Greater Toronto has doubled in the past eight years, from an average of $379,347 in 2005 to $755,755 in September of this year, according to data from the Toronto Real Estate Board (TREB).

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TREB noted late last year that home affordability in Toronto has declined to its worst level since the early 1990s.

Wynne could score big with a foreign buyer tax

The Angus Reid poll found widespread support for a tax on foreign buyers of homes. More than three-quarters (77 per cent) said they would support a 15-per-cent foreign-buyer tax, the same rate as the B.C. tax, the poll found.

Angus Reid researchers noted that the tax was also popular in B.C. earlier this year, and B.C. Premier Christy Clarks popularity saw its biggest jump in three years in the quarter in which it was introduced.

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If the rise in Clarks approval rating is indeed correlated to her governments introduction of the tax, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne may want to take note, Angus Reid said, pointing out that Wynne is currently the least popular of Canadas premiers.

But the real estate industry is lining up against any such tax. In a letter to provincial Finance Minister Charles Sousa, the heads of the Toronto Real Estate Board and the Ontario Real Estate Association said such a tax would do "little to address the growing affordability challenges facing many Ontarians and may have negative consequences for our broader economy."

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Its no surprise that PAW Patrol is one of Google Canadas most searched terms for kids' Halloween costumes this year. After all, kiddos cant seem to get enough of Ryder and his furry pals. So if you have a PAW Patrol-obsessed kid at home, weve rounded up 10 easy DIY costumes you can put together this Halloween.
Rick Mercer is taking aim at mega multinational Nestle after it outbid an Ontario town for a water well last month.

On Tuesday's "Rick Mercer Report," the comedian's rant focused on the corporation's purchase of a well the Township of Centre Wellington had set its eyes on.

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Nestle said it didn't know it was competing with a municipality after the deal with the Middlebrook Water Company went through.

"And now Nestle can suck all the water they want out of that well and put it in little plastic bottles and sell it to people who need the water in order to live," Mercer says in his segment.

An activist group launched a campaign advocating a national boycott against the multinational corporation over the deal. The Council of Canadians asked supporters to sign a petition calling for Nestle top stop profiting off bottled water.

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"We must safeguard groundwater reserves for communities and future generations," the group's chairwoman, Maude Barlow, said in a statement.

"..we may be a free country, our water is not."

Mercer also blasts the price corporations like Nestle are charged for access to drinking water.

Currently, Ontario charges bottling companies $3.71 for every million litres of water after they pay a permit fee of $750 for low- or medium-risk water takings. For takings considered a high risk of adverse environmental impact, that fee increases to $3,000.

"The amount of water these companies suck out of Canada every single day is staggering; we are talking trillions of litres of water every day," he said.

"Lets tell Nestle and the entire industry, we may be a free country, our water is not."

You can watch the entire segment in the video embedded above.

With files from Jesse Ferreras and The Canadian Press

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John Baird isnt irritated by Donald Trumps recent attacks on Canadas health-care system  theyre perennial comments hes heard time and time again.

I think theres always the boogeyman that is the Canadian health-care system when it comes to politics south of the border, the former foreign affairs minister told CTVs Power Play on Tuesday.

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Baird said Canada must be doing quite well if thats the only reference thats been raised in a presidential campaign marred by vitriol.

But he conceded the Canadian health-care system does face two problems: long waits and more tax dollars going toward spending.

John Baird talks during a press conference with his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shukri at the Egyptian foreign ministry in Cairo on Jan. 15, 2015. (Photo: Amr Nabil/Associated Press)

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It doesnt take a rocket scientist to say that thats unsustainable if that continues, he told host Don Martin.

Canada spent $219 billion on health care last year, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information. It's an expenditure roughly equivalent to 10.9 per cent of the country's gross domestic product.

That amount marks a 1.6 per cent increase from the year prior, according to the CIHI report. Breaking it down, total health-care spending amounts to approximately $6,105 per person.

Comparatively, according to the World Bank, health care spending accounted for an amount equivalent to 17.1 per cent of the U.S. GDP.

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Baird defended Canadian health care, saying, even on its worst day it's still pretty good.

Trump calls out Canada's health care? Not a perfect system but, Canadians, would you choose American way? Pretty sure I know your answer.  Michael Larocque (@MLarocqueDE) October 10, 2016

The former politician, who has picked up several jobs since he abruptly resigned from federal office last February, cited an increasingly polarized America and rise in protectionism to be indicators of bumpier relations ahead.

Baird appeared on the program to talk about implications of the U.S. presidential race and warned bilateral relations are headed toward uncharted waters, regardless of who wins.

Health Minister Jane Philpott did not respond to The Huffington Post Canadas request for comment about Trumps remarks.

Boogeyman appearance

Canada was brought up during the U.S. election after Trump falsely claimed Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton supported a publicly funded single-payer health-care system on Sunday during their second debate.

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Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton speaks as Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump listens during the second presidential debate at Washington University in St. Louis on Oct. 9, 2016. (Photo: Rick T. Wilking/Pool via Associated Press)

On the topic of the Affordable Care Act, the Republican candidate seemingly mixed the stances held by Clinton and Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and called Canadas system as so flawed and catastrophic in certain ways.

The Canadians, when they need a big operation, when something happens, they come into the United States in many cases because their system is so slow, he said.

But according to a study released Wednesday by the Fraser Institute, the number of Canadians who went abroad for non-emergency medical treatment has dropped in the last two years.

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The study suggests 45,619 Canadians sought treatment outside of Canada in 2015.

That number is a decrease from the 52,000 estimated to have done the same the previous year. There is no data available to confirm how many patients went to the U.S. or other countries.

Trump on Canada: They have got a lot of problems

At a campaign rally on Monday, Trump recycled his attack on Clintons pledge to fix Obamacare by repeating the same false claim he used during the debate. He also took another swipe at Canada using a familiar anecdote.

She wants it to be like Canada, he said to a crowd of supporters. But the people in Canada, with money, when they have an operation, they come down to this country. Because they have got a lot of problems up in Canada.

Trump has promised to repeal Obamacare if elected. But at the rally, he did not offer significant elaboration on his own health plan before throwing the piece of paper he was reading from to the ground.

Forget it, he said.

CORRECTION: An earlier version incorrectly stated health care costs each Canadian approximately $6,105 in taxes. That number actually reflects total health spending per person. This version has been updated.

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A contest promising Vancouverites a chance to meet with the Trump family at the grand opening of the hotel sharing their name hasn't gone as well as planned.

It could possibly have something to do with U.S. presidential nominee Donald Trump.

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A man wearing an oversized Donald Trump head protests outside the still-under construction Trump International Hotel and Tower during a demonstration to encourage U.S. expats across Canada to register and vote in Vancouver. (Photo: Darryl Dyck/The Canadian Press)

Holborn Group, the developer of the Trump Tower, has been promoting a photo contest on its social media channels for some time now. The winner of the contest would receive a "Trump VIP Pass," which includes a complimentary stay at the hotel, a free ride in an expensive vehicle and a meet and greet with the Trump family.

However, the contest doesn't specify which members of the Trump squad will be at the grand opening.

The contest was promoted by both Holborn and through a sponsored post on The Daily Hive, according to Metro Vancouver. Responses to a Daily Hive tweet promoting the contest on Saturday give a sample of the reaction it's received so far:

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@VancityBuzz You can't be serious? You are promoting something that glorifies #Donald_Trump. You have no moral standards.  Steve W Oatway (@didlookyounger) October 8, 2016

@VancityBuzz You couldn't pay me to stay in a hotel that has the name of a sexual predator on it. You should be ashamed to promote this  Dale (@dalelars) October 9, 2016

If you've been blessed by space and time and somehow managed to miss any news about Donald Trump, the Republican presidential nominee's controversies reached new lows last week.

Trump's already-insane campaign went into overdrive after the Washington Post revealed a tape from 2005 of the candidate bragging about how  because of his fame  he could and was allowed to kiss and grope women without any consent.

@HolbornGrp - you now know the extent of the misogyny of the name adorning your building. Give Trump back his money and be done with him.  Michael Airton (@michaelairton) October 8, 2016

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Trump's comments managed to invoke a level of outrage in Republican party's ranks never seen before  this, even after he offended Muslims, African-Americans, Mexicans, Asians, and the disabled.

After the Post story, some users on Twitter called on Holborn to drop the Trump name from the Vancouver development:

Time for @HolbornGrp to be leaders and take a stand against xenophobia + misogyny. #removetrumpsnamehttps://t.co/AkEX98OPYL  neal lamontagne (@nlamontagne) October 9, 2016

But calls like this have been around for a while. Even the city's mayor, Gregor Robertson, wrote to Holborn late last year urging the company to drop the Trump name.

Last week, more than a dozen people gathered in front of the luxury hotel waving anti-Trump placards in effort to persuade American expatriates to register to vote and defeat Trump.

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'Let the dust settle'

Trump Tower was originally set to open this fall, according to Global News, but it will now open in January 2017. That delay is very likely connected to Trump's candidacy, one expert told the network.

You try not to go to market at the same time your candidate is blowing the roof off things with his comments. Wait for the election to be over, let the dust settle a little bit, then go to market," said Lindsay Meredith, professor of marketing at Simon Fraser University.

From a marketing standpoint, poor old Holborn is between a rock and a hard spot.

With files from The Canadian Press

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altrendo travel via Getty Images International Airport, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Struggling to find the motivation to complete end of year school work, finding a last minute prom date, studying late nights for exams, preparing for graduation, bracing for post high school life and starting university away from home are the only problems I should have to deal with.

As an 18-year-old on Canada's "no-fly list," I've realized what it means to be an adult and adjust to the responsibilities that come with it, I also have to deal with many fears and anxieties that most other people around my age do not have to face like boarding a plane with my friends an having to deal with any issues that may leave me stranded in a country not my own.

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Flashback to 2015 and my family's first encounter with the no-fly list at Bangalore Airport in India.

I remember it like it was yesterday, my dad staring at the official with a confused look on his face and my mom having a meltdown. A family of four law abiding, tax paying citizens are banned from returning to their own country. What?

With my father's abilities to be diplomatic, polite and extremely reactive, he was able to interact with the airline officials, call embassies and get them to release the ban. And they did it without so much of an explanation or an apology. At the time of our encounter with the no-fly list we didn't know much about the problem and we moved past the experience believing that it may have been an isolated "incident."

When the story broke about six-year-old Adam Ahmed, my mom knew exactly what the issue was. My name had to be on a list.

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My government has me on the list as someone to watch as being a potential threat.

The list is incredibly terrifying for anyone that's on it and this is not limited to people from the Islamic faith or who have an Arabic sounding last name. Many Canadian children between six months to 18 years old from various races, religions, sexes, creeds and cultures are on the same Canadian no-fly list as me.

My mom joined forces with other parents and they formed the group #NoFlyListKids. From what I understand, any Canadian can be on this list, your son, your grandchild, your niece, your dad, your brother or your neighbor who is a veteran. Nobody is exempt and nobody is safe. The Canadian DHP No-Fly-List is not only terrifying because it restricts my ability to fly but because of what it means to be on the list.

My government has me on the list as someone to watch as being a potential threat. Even worse the Canadian Government now shares this information with foreign countries. So I and other Canadian youths like Harrison Vien (who turned 18 like me this year) are no longer on the list as kids but now as adults.

Now as an adult I can no longer rely on any other person to resolve any problems should they arise, I will be alone and I'm scared. This list exists and creates a barrier for me and discourages the idea of travel because I have to remind myself that there could be a problem with flying from anywhere in the world.

The recent terrorist attacks have certainly not made this anxiety any easier to deal with as it surely encourages airport officials and security to be more cautious and strict with any sign of danger. If I ever need to travel to another country and have trouble on the way home, it scares me that I will have incredible difficulty through either language barrier or through varying policies that different airports can have.

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Even with my fears, I consider myself lucky that I possess some abilities that may help me solve these issues should they arise. I fear for the other people on this list who may not speak the language or not be as brave.

If the prime minister's own children were on the Canadian no-fly list how long would it take to fix this?

I realize that this could be an expensive problem to fix, and since it's not a priority, it may not be fixed right away. But this is a really big issue. Over 46 Canadian families have already come forward and I'm sure there are hundreds if not thousands of names that will emerge.

The other no-fly list kids have it in writing from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security we are not on U.S. No-Fly-Lists. This problem is Canadian. So the solution must also be Canadian.

Minister of Public Safety Ralph Goodale announced on June 10, 2016 the creation of the Passenger Protect Inquiries Office where he advised the families the Canadian "no-fly list" was designed in a flawed manner without the capacity to be interactive or to clear false positives electronically in advance. Minister Goodale stated that it needs a complete overhaul which will take some time and investment.

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To date our parents have received no updates or timelines for completion to ensure both transparency and accountability. If the prime minister's own children were on the Canadian no-fly list how long would it take to fix this?

We're fortunate our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also the minister for youth and we really hope that he will pull through for us. We Canadian youth request within one year of Minister Goodale's announcement earlier this summer -- June 10, 2017 -- a permanent solution will be in place for Canadian children. We look forward to Prime Minister Trudeau committing to that date.

Let's get us kids off the list, let's #fixthis

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bobloblaw via Getty Images Pipes laid out for Natural Gas Pipeline

Most of the media coverage of the federal government's approval of the Pacific NorthWest LNG project has been presented as a positive outcome for industry and government, and a negative one for First Nations. The simple truth is, not all First Nations are opposed to the project. In fact, many along the project's route are in favour, and here's why.

A total of 190 conditions have been set in order to enforce regulations on the proposed pipeline project, resulting in high standards which the proponent must meet in order for it to go ahead. In terms of environmental impacts, strict requirements have been set which will ensure any possible impact is identified and mitigated. Furthermore, the proponent is required to consult First Nations groups in both project development planning, as well as follow-up monitoring, to ensure the interests of impacted nations are protected.

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It shows respect for our rights and concerns, and is a great example of how engaging with the proponent provides a vehicle for nations to make sure their voices are heard.

During the project's exploration phase, the proponent showed a commitment to developing productive working relationships with First Nations groups in the area, namely the Metlakatla, Kitselas, Gitxaala, Kitsumkalum and Lax Kw'alaams communities. These relationships provided the nations with autonomy in decision-making, and increased the well-being of their communities. It's these types of agreements that allow First Nations communities to provide job training and employment opportunities to their members, thereby helping to build and develop their social and cultural identity, on their terms.

When it comes to how the 190 conditions will lay the groundwork for continued positive relationships with First Nations in the area, they have been, and will continue to be, included in setting standards for environmental impact mitigation as well as ensuring the project does not intrude on culturally sensitive areas.

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First Nations will participate in the following areas, in both planning and monitoring capacities:

Air quality and greenhouse gas emissions

The proponent will include First Nations in these assessments, ensuring impacts are mitigated to their standards, not only to federal and provincial targets.

Wetlands affected

The proponent is required to develop a wetlands compensation plan that restores any areas that might be damaged by the project.

Fish habitat

Freshwater fish impacts will be monitored to ensure a minimum risk of acidification and eutrophication in affected areas, including in the Wolf Creek system, the Hays Creek system, Alwyn Lake and two headwater lakes on Kaien Island.

Marine life

There will be extensive modelling and testing to assess whether the initial estimates of impacts to marine life match the actual outcomes. This will be an ongoing process that also includes offsetting any loss of fish and habitat in the local environment. Monitoring will also take place in Chatham Sound.

Migratory birds

The proponent and First Nations groups will develop a follow-up plan to assess the status of migratory birds and work to correct any irregularities the project may create.

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Current land uses for cultural practices - Any heritage sites or structures that may exist in the project area will be relocated with First Nations oversight. This includes the relocation of traditionally used plants and trees.

Human health and noise levels

First Nations will work with the proponent to develop response protocols for any impacts on human health, as many communities rely on marine food that comes from areas the project will affect. Additionally, noise levels and light output will be monitored and minimized.

The proponent will also be required to establish protocols with First Nations to monitor the construction of the project. Not only will these nations set the standard for what is deemed acceptable impact mitigation, they will also be integral to the way problems are resolved if any arise.

The conditions provide a strong reference point for First Nations engagement and ensure that appropriate steps are taken by the proponent over the course of the project. Ultimately, it shows respect for our rights and concerns, and is a great example of how engaging with the proponent provides a vehicle for nations to make sure their voices are heard and that decisions benefit their interests.

Compliance with the conditions will ensure impacted communities will oversee and limit the impacts of the project -- placing First Nations directly in the driver's seat.

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Crystal Smith, Board Member, First Nations LNG Alliance

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Edwin Weaver was probably born in 1908; we can't be sure as it is suspected he falsified his age to enlist in the British Army's Royal Artillery in Birmingham, England in 1925. He volunteered for the Special Air Service (SAS) in 1943 and, after evacuating escaped prisoners of war along the Italian coast for many months he parachuted into eastern France in August 1944 on Operation LOYTON. He was captured, along with the rest of his SAS patrol, on October 7 of that year.

On October 15 he and seven comrades were driven to a spot in a forest just to the west of the hamlet of La Grande Fosse. The first off the truck was Reg Church. He was stripped naked and made to stand in front of a ready-dug grave. SS Unterscharfuhrer Georg Zahringer told the subsequent war crimes tribunal at the British Military Court at Wuppertal, Germany, in May 1946 what happened next.

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"Wuttke was carrying a Walther pistol and Gaede also had a weapon with him. Practically immediately I heard a shot. The remaining English prisoners in the truck did not say anything but remained silent. The next prisoner was made to jump down and undress like the other and was taken away to the same place. Again I heard a shot. This went from one prisoner to another until it was the turn of the last."

The last man out of the truck was Edwin Weaver. Georg Zahringer told how he watched as Weaver was led to the edge of the grave. He was not trembling. He then turned to one of the Germans and said something, before he was shot through the back of the head by Wuttke. Weaver's was the last body to be exhumed from the grave and was found draped over his friends.

As the Germans drove away from the crime scene Zahringer described a solemn atmosphere in the truck. He asked Schossig, the man Weaver had spoken to and the only one who could speak English, what he had said. Schossig replied, "We were good men."

This story and 373 others have just been commemorated in a three-volume work, The SAS and LRDG Roll of Honour 1941-1947. It is the culmination of one man's work to explain the deaths of all the SAS and Long Range Desert Group (LRDG -- the forerunner of the SAS) fatalities of the Second World War. (The last man died in 1947 having never left military hospital, but as the SAS was disbanded in 1945 he was never officially listed as being a casualty of the regiment.)

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The project was carried out by an author who calls himself ex-Lance Corporal X for anonymity. It cost him 58,000 of his own money. He was driven to start what turned out to be a 13-year quest after being asked to leave wreaths in Algeria for SAS men killed there in 1944. Trouble was, the fighting had finished at least a year before. So what were they doing there?

Dunno, said the SAS Association. Odd, thought ex-LCpl X, I'd better find out. It became a passion and consumed all the spare time his very understanding family had. He contacted all the next of kin and trawled the national archives and regimental histories. Slowly, over many years of correspondence and interviews, the families came to trust him and believe in the integrity and dignity he promised to bring to the project and the memories of their loved ones.

He travelled the world (including to New Zealand to speak to the family of Francis "Frankie" Rhodes, a member of the North Auckland Mounted Rifles and later the LRDG, killed in an accident whilst on leave in November 1943) and insisted on adding colour and depth to the men's stories, rather than just recounting the "who" and "when" of the casualties.

The project is an incredible achievement and will be of immense value to historians.

The locations for many of the deaths have hitherto not been recorded, or have been done so inaccurately. Ex-LCpl X will use any profits from his project to construct fitting and permanent memorials to those that currently have none. Anything left over will go to the military charity Combat Stress.

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The author has eschewed a boys-own approach; bullets don't fly like angry wasps and not even the biggest guns spit hot death. The material is harrowing stuff. Hitler's Kommandobefehl, or Commando Order, of October 1942 formed the illegitimate justification for the murder of Allied troops captured behind German lines.

Having been wounded in action, John Reginald "Reggie" Williams, Sam Pascoe and Joe Ogg were taken from the Hotel Dieu Hospital in Poitiers, France, and murdered, most likely by lethal injection, by Hauptmann Dr. Georg Hesterberg. The bodies were disposed of secretly.

The project is an incredible achievement and will be of immense value to historians and future researchers as it is the first time anyone has pulled together all the records and included the next of kin. Thirteen hitherto unrecognised members of the SAS and LRDG were discovered in the course of the author's research. More information can be found at the project's website or on Twitter @SAS_LRDG_ROH.

Edwin Weaver's grave (with no inscription) lies in the Durnbach war cemetery, 15 kilometres east of Bad Tolz, in Germany. He is also commemorated on the war memorial at St James church, Shirley, Solihull and on the Stele de Praye memorial above Moussey in France.

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ASSOCIATED PRESS Wayuu indigenous boys play in a tree in Manaure, Colombia, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2015. Hunger exacerbated by a two-year-old drought is one of the biggest problems facing the Wayuu, a 600,000-strong ancestral tribe in La Guajira peninsula, the northernmost tip of South America. (AP Photo/Fernando Vergara)

LA GUAJIRA, COLOMBIA - As the international community is closely following the recent rejection of the peace deal in Colombia, another key issue has long been ignored in this war-torn nation: there has been an ongoing humanitarian crisis in the northern Colombian province of La Guajira, a remote and impoverished desert peninsula.

A few kilometers away from Venezuela, the Wayuu community, the largest indigenous tribe in Colombia, is slowing dying from thirst, hunger and malnutrition.

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They have also been caught in the bloodshed between guerrillas fighting against the government, the army and paramilitaries in this militarized corner of the world.

The dire situation is due to years of drought, the Colombian government's neglect of this ethnic group and the environmental impact of mining extraction in the peninsula.

The El Cerrejon mine, Latin America's largest open-pit coal mine southeast of La Guajira, has allegedly displaced tens of thousands of Wayuu and contaminated the scarce water, indigenous groups say. A former Exxon concession, it is now jointly operated by Australian, English and Swiss companies.

The face of indigenous resistance against multinationals, Luz Angela reached out to a local judge in her province of Barrancas to complain about mining's environmental and human impact and ask for compensation.

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Indigenous communities accuse the El Cerrejon mine of contaminating the scarce water.

Her two-year-old son, Moises, has serious respiratory issues because of the coal dust produced when extracting coal, she says, about one kilometers away from their house.

As Luz Angela sits on her traditional hammock to breastfeed her youngest child, one can hear the vibration of the ground induced by mining extraction.

The indigenous woman hence brought the issue to court to get justice.

"How is it possible that a multinational that has all the money and the means to help us and to take responsibility for my son's treatment [doesn't do anything]? Why don't they reduce their contamination too?" she says, as tears start shedding on her cheek.

El Cerrejon, which markets itself an "environmentally responsible" mine, denied the allegations.

"We're not generating any toxic waste or substances dangerous for the community," says Gabriel Bustos, Head of the Environmental Management Department at the mine.

Luz Angela's struggle is emblematic of the Wayuu's ongoing fight against the mining industry in Colombia.

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The indigenous tribe took the street in the city of Riohacha in La Guajira on August 19 in one of the largest protests in the department. They also blocked for several days the railway the mine El Cerrejon uses to transport coal on their ancestral land.

Indigenous communities accuse the El Cerrejon mine of contaminating the scarce water.

Despite the drought, El Cerrejon's spokespersons say the majority of the water it uses comes from rainfalls and dirty water unsuitable for human consumption.

The mine reported using 17 million liters of water daily in 2011. In comparison, residents of the the northern part of La Guajira use 0.7 liter of water a day, according to the United Nations Development Program.

Local indigenous organizations hence presented reports to the United Nations denouncing human rights violations on their land and asking for recognition. They also filed with the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights for violation of their fundamental rights.

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Kamilia Lahrichi was a fellow at the International Women's Media Foundation in Colombia in August 2016.

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Zubaida Yahya via Getty Images Middle East airport

Over 13 years ago, the excitement was palpable. In early June, 2003, Air Canada was about to launch its inaugural non-stop flight from Montreal to Beirut. Thousands of Lebanese-Canadians had bought their tickets for the summer, delighted to avoid tiresome layovers in Europe on the way to visit friends and family.

But then, inexplicably, the Canadian government pulled the rug out from under Air Canada. Citing "national security" issues, the government rescinded the airline's license to fly non-stop to Beirut -- a license that it had granted only months before. In addition to the disappointment and frustration of airline executives, Lebanese-Canadian ticketholders were enraged.

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At the time, the government provided precious little detail. The Globe and Mail interviewed a "senior federal government official" who asserted that the decision to rescind the license was to "safeguard Canadians against terrorism" based on information from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).

Fast forward 13 years, and what's changed in Canada? Nothing.

In the meantime, British Airways, Alitalia, Lufthansa, Air France and other airlines launched and maintain regular service to Beirut. Air France presently runs three flights daily between Paris and Beirut. One cannot help but wonder why flights to Beirut are mundane occurrences for our European allies, yet are deemed an issue of "national security" for Canada. If CSIS officials are aware of a tangible threat, surely they should share it with our European friends.

In 2011, the Statistics Canada census revealed that 190,000 Canadians considered themselves to be of Lebanese origin. Other reports suggest that the number is well over 250,000. Whatever the exact number, the Lebanese-Canadian community is most likely the largest ethnic community which is not served by a direct flight. The lion's share of this community lives in Montreal.

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In discussions with senior government officials last month, I raised the question of the ban on direct air service between Montreal and Beirut. I also reminded them that European airlines have continued to service Beirut for years without incident. Regardless, the response was identical to what was heard in 2003: "Security threat [...] based on discussions with close international partners."

But of course, the ban doesn't prevent people from travelling between Canada and Beirut. It simply forces them to make a connection through Europe. Presumably, individuals with ill intent could still make the trip with a layover in Europe, just as thousands of Lebanese-Canadians do each year. So in one way, the ban seems crude and naive.

For many Lebanese-Canadians, the prohibition seems absurd and punitive. It also feels paranoid.

Or perhaps the government is concerned about an incident in the air: a hijacking or a bombing. But if this were the case, it would hardly seem appropriate that the government allow direct flights to certain other destinations in the region. Why, for example, should Air Egypt be allowed to run direct flights between Toronto and Cairo, when less than a year ago a Russian plane departing Egypt was brought down by a suspected bomb -- killing 224. Or why is Air Canada allowed to run direct flights to Istanbul when just three months ago, the Istanbul airport was attacked in a terrorist assault that left 45 dead.

Air Pakistan runs direct flights between Toronto and three Pakistani cities: Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi. Since the beginning of 2016, Pakistan has seen 12 deadly terror attacks -- the worst being a suicide attack in Lahore which left 74 dead. In 2015, Pakistan witnessed 20 deadly terror attacks -- including one in Karachi which left 46 dead. It is hard to imagine that the security situation in Beirut is more precarious than in these Pakistani cities.

There's no doubt that Canadians expect their government to protect them from security threats. Canadians also expect their government to develop a coherent policy which weighs the relative risk of threat against the inconvenience imposed on society. But Canada's over 13-year ban on direct flights to Beirut does not seem to strike the right balance. In fact, the policy is full of embarrassing contradictions.

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For many Lebanese-Canadians, the prohibition seems absurd and punitive. It also feels paranoid.

But there may be an important clue at the root of this ban. In 2003, while Canadian officials argued -- almost too strenuously -- that the decision to pull the plug on Air Canada was a "made in Canada" decision, insiders inferred that the decision came from south of the border. And today, it's not just that there are no direct flights between Montreal and Beirut. There are no flights between North America and Beirut.

As such, government leaders may want to reflect on the words of Alexandre Trudeau -- the Prime Minister's brother -- from an interview earlier this week: "In recent times Canada has disappeared as an independent voice, as a country that makes its own decisions about things."

Why reflect on these words and reconsider this ban? Because it's 2016.

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Bloomberg via Getty Images Christy Clark, premier of British Columbia, speaks during an interview in New York, U.S., on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014. Canada's ambition to become a top LNG exporter is on track even with oil's plunge as investment decisions on two mega-projects are set to come next year, Clark said. Photographer: Scott Eells/Bloomberg via Getty Images

It is very quiet in the B.C. Legislature this week. The scheduled fall sitting has been cancelled by the B.C. Liberal government.

They claim the four days they sat in July were all that was needed to take care of what they saw as important government business -- doing something about skyrocketing real estate prices in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland.

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The government leaped into action after accumulating five weeks of data about foreign real estate purchases, which says something about need for evidence-based decision making.

Unfortunately it also says a lot about the government's failure to act on repeated urgent demands for action to reform to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

Former Information and Privacy Commissioner Denham released an investigation report more than three years ago documenting a disturbing rise in "oral government," which she found to be centered in the Office of the Premier. To remedy this situation, Commissioner Denham called for a written duty to document (among other things) to be included in the FOI law.

The government refused to act on this recommendation, so she repeated that call in her report last year on what has become known as the Triple Delete scandal. She also made a number of recommendations to the Special Legislative Committee reviewing the FOI and privacy law. In a report released in May of this year, the Special Committee unanimously agreed on the need for a legislated duty to document and a number of other important changes.

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Some of these recommendations include setting out a legal duty to document government actions, increasing (or in some cases enacting) penalties for interfering with information rights, and expanding coverage of the Act to include private contractors working for the public sector.

Apart from some administrative measures announced earlier this year, the B.C. government has been very quiet on what it intends to do about all these increasingly urgent recommendations. We now know they won't be doing anything about them until next February at the earliest, since there isn't going to be a fall sitting this year.

But Premier Christy Clark ignores these calls for action at her own peril.

Earlier this year, B.C. FIPA asked Ipsos Canada to conduct a poll about FOI issues in this province. The results were impressive.

A total of 802 people in B.C. were asked about their views on duty to document, penalties for interfering with access rights, proactive disclosure, and a timeline for implementing these reforms.

Poll results show that 96 per cent of British Columbians believe it is important that government officials be legally required to keep accurate, complete records of what they do on the job.

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Further, 84 per cent think government officials who interfere with access to information rights should face penalties (with 12 per cent stating they don't know).

Finally, 85 per cent of respondents believe these reforms should be put into law before the next B.C. election in 2017.

By waiting until February 2017, it seems unlikely the government will introduce, never mind pass into law, the necessary reforms to the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, despite years of detailed reports and recommendations by Commissioners, former Commissioners, a unanimous Special Legislative Committee, and a slew of experts and citizens.

But as this summer shows, it can move really quickly -- if it wants to.
gpointstudio via Getty Images My lunch looks so delicious

This guest post is written by Instagram foodie Dennis Prescott, better known as @DennisThePrescott

A shot of the meal Dennis Prescott cooked at a school in rural Kenya. Photo: Dennis Prescott

This summer I traveled to Kenya, to learn about the meals Kenyans love. My adventure was a true farm to table experience.

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I met with families to see where their food comes from and how they cook it. I learned to prepare wonderful dishes over a cooking fire, and some secrets of Kenyan food preparation. I even helped cook lunch for a school of 800 children in rural Kenya, over an open flame of course. And the best part was sitting down to enjoy the meal with them.

The heroes of this story, ultimately, are the farmers and parents I met who are making amazing meals for their families from fresh foods, and the Canadians who helped set them up for success.

This life-changing experience was in support of World Vision's #HungerFree movement, celebrating the food we love and inspiring people with the joy of providing long-term sustainable access to meals for children and families in developing countries.

In this spirit, and to help your social media feeds look their most delicious, here are five winning food photography tips:

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The Story. Telling a great story should be the goal of every photograph. Food is chock-full of nostalgia and emotion. Photographing a great meal means styling, lighting, and shooting in a way that invokes a specific emotional response from the viewer. Is it a date night? Game day? Thanksgiving dinner? All very different experiences, and your food photo can tell that story.

Photo: Dennis Prescott

The Hero. Every epic story needs a hero. Deciding on the hero element in the shot, be it a basil leaf on a 15 pound turkey. There's no right or wrong hero, it's up to you to choose one. This will define your overall composition, and ultimately where you hope to draw the viewer's eye. You highlight the hero by focusing your camera on it; you can do this on most phones by tapping your screen where the 'hero' is before you take the photo.

The Composition. Now that you've chosen your hero, it's time to consider the composition of the entire photograph. How you lay out your food and relate it to other objects in the photo create visual interest. It sets the drama and mood of the shot, and draws the viewer's eye from one place to another as they look at the photo. Using odd number groupings (3 basil leaves, 5 strawberries, 3 drinking glasses, for example) and capitalizing on leading lines will help create the strongest photographs.

The Movement. Movement in a food photograph helps to sell the story, and allows the viewer to imagine themselves in that scene. A glass of wine being poured, a hand twirling pasta noodles around a fork, a drip of melted ice cream slowly working its way down the cone. The best food photographs are moments in time that the viewer has experienced, and can imagine themselves experiencing, or wishes to experience one day.

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Photo: Dennis Prescott

Perfection is overrated. If things are too perfect in a photograph, they tend to seem.....off. They feel staged and slightly cold. A few greens, some sprinkled rock salt, or a drip or two of olive oil on the table top can make all the difference. Don't be afraid to draw outside the lines. Controlled chaos is perfect imperfection.

Photo: Dennis Prescott
"Mouayyy!"

The booming laugh of the mischievous two-year old was soon drowned out by the giggles from the crowd his spectacle drew.

He stretched his neck back towards the Falls, extended his arms as far as he could away from his dad and into the mist.

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"Water." I chimed in-between my own chuckles.

The remnants of the laugh completely disappeared from his face as he brought his full attention to me.

Multi-syllable words were not yet in his English vocabulary, but I saw him deciding whether to give this word a try.

Instead, he insisted:

"Mouayyy!!" Once again extending as far back as he could and howling.

His mom, having caught up with us, laughed slightly uncomfortably with a hand on her belly.

"Ready for a second?" I asked cheekily.

"It will be worth it."

She smiled and looked extremely pleased with her exaggerated pronunciation of every word.

As she should have been, the words were perfectly said.

I looked out back into the Falls and was reminded of the awe I felt the first time I saw them more than 17 years ago.

Water has not treated Syrian children nearly as kindly as it has my newly arrived friend and his expected and still nameless brother. It was, after all, the haunting death of Alan Kurdi one year ago that drew the focus of many Canadians to the uncomfortable issue of the refugee crisis.

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The conflict is ongoing, and the refugee crisis never worse.

The ripple effect of our collective decision to address this discomfort has been felt worldwide. Since that time, we have helped restart the lives of more than 30,000 newcomers. Our unique integration methods are hailed as an international model by organizations including the UNHCR, re-affirming our leadership role in humanitarian issues on the world stage. Our prime minister is constantly attempting to shift the international conversation towards the global responsibility for refugees.

As a family member who is directly impacted by the new policy and outpouring kindness from Canadians, it is uncomfortable to speak about the topic of newcomers. It is uncomfortable to tippy-toe around privacy issues when sharing their stories. It is uncomfortable to ask for the acceleration of the sponsorship processes. Most of all, it is uncomfortable to not have the right words to express the incredible gratitude felt by every one of us impacted by the generosity.

I feel a responsibility to share this discomfort, however, because I know that I live in one of the only countries where it brings about real change. Paired with that responsibility is my immense pride in being Canadian.

With that said, there are many Canadians who have formed sponsorship groups, raised and allocated the required monetary funds, and want nothing more than to be the social support network for the families they are paired with. For some, it is direct family members they are hoping to relocate from impossible situations. For others, it is complete strangers from a hitherto strange country they can't wait to meet. The constant theme is the empathy shown, as well as the mounting frustration at the lengthening process time. We must continue to work to cut those processing times down.

Furthermore, the conflict is ongoing, and the refugee crisis never worse. Over 4.8 million Syrians have fled their homes in hopes of finding safety. Organizations including Lifeline Syria are still looking to help pair them with Canadian groups looking to form sponsorship groups, so please feel free to reach out to them.

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Finally, I want to say because of you, I have been reunited with members of the family I have childhood memories of. I have met distant cousins I never knew I had. I have been introduced to new friends, and I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of more newcomers who will share with me the opportunity of calling this country home.

So with all my heart, I want nothing more than to say:

Thanks for listening, Canada. Especially when it was uncomfortable.

It will be worth it.

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The five things you need to know on Wednesday, October 12

1) QUESTIONS TIME

After the conference recess, its PMQs day once more and Jeremy Corbyn may be hoping to score a victory similar to that on grammar schools in his last outing. Theresa Mays plans to curb foreign workers and foreign doctors may be another rare unifying theme for Corbyn if he wants to get his MPs behind him again.

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But it is questions about Brexit that dominate Labours overnight attack lines, with 170 unanswered questions for David Davis (one for every day between now and the Article 50 trigger on March 31) on the details of what our withdrawal from the EU will involve.

And the big Parliamentary event after PMQs is the Opposition day motion from Keir Starmer and Corbyn that calls on the Prime Minister to ensure that this House is able properly to scrutinise that plan for leaving the EU before Article 50 is invoked. No.10 was cagey all day about how to respond to this and last night we found out why. In a bid to reassure Tory MPs worried about the lack of a vote on a Brexit deal, it tabled a late amendment. This accepts the motion but adds politicians must not undermine the negotiating position of the government.

(Its worth an aside here that Starmer has managed early on to assert his own position. Corbyn refused repeated calls from Owen Smith during the leadership race to insist on Parliament having a say before the Article 50 trigger, but thats Labours stance now.)

DD is showing some muscle, though, and appears to be winning his battle against the Treasury. No.10 pointedly refused to endorse the Treasury's April 66bn Brexit cost warning yesterday. And today, DD has produced a report for Cabinet colleagues that says it is extremely unlikely that the UK would end up with the worst case scenario of having to trade with the EU under WTO rules (though he promises that ministers would act to mitigate the impact if that did happen). A pal of DD tells the Telegraph he thinks Treasury officials are 'pulling the rug from beneath us'.

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The Guardian has dug out quotes from a DD adviser Raoul Ruparel writing a while back that leaving the EU customs union would cost 25bn a year but would be worth it over time. The Treasurys displeasure with Liam Fox (who told me last week he was relaxed about quitting the customs union) is growing. The Telegraph reports a senior Treasury official saying "Liam is the one who needs to watch his back. Of him and Philip Hammond, I know which is more sackable, and it's not the chancellor.

Add to all this Newsnights scoop that an unnamed Cabinet minister thinks we will end up paying quite a lot to get access to the single market after Brexit, and you can see why this story is never-ending (and why the new Brexit select committee has its work cut out). Dont forget DDs PPS Stewart Jackson told a Tory fringe that an end to the UKs EU contributions was a red line.

The Resolution Foundation warns Brexit could hit the wages of the low paid, and the FT reports that Russias VTB bank has become the first big lender to say it will quit London because of Brexit instability. As for the plunging pound, we may have seen nothing yet. Theres chatter, just chatter, that at the point we trigger Article 50, the UK may have to impose capital controls to prevent the fright-flight of capital overseas.

2) BORIS GETS SYRIAS

Boriss decision to pick up Ann Clwyds call for a demonstration outside the Russian embassy has certainly made waves. Clwyd said she wanted 2 million, 3 million or 4 million people outside the Russian embassy day after day to protest at its bombing of civilians in Aleppo and elsewhere in Syria. A backbencher floating such a plan and a Foreign Secretary endorsing it are very different things but Boris went for it, adding Where is the Stop the War coalition at the moment?. Within minutes, the Russian embassy in the UK was tweeting taunts that the UK had done nothing to help in Syria.

As it happens a spokesman for Stop The War this morning confirmed it wouldnt march on the embassy, warning against "jingoism and hysteria" against Russia. Thats the kind of talk that infuriates Labour MPs, many of whom were upset at Emily Thornberrys and Jeremy Corbyns failure to more explicitly condemn Putin yesterday. Alison McGovern's moving tribute to Jo Cox was one of many impressive speeches.

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Of course, Government-inspired marches on embassies arent exactly the British way, and its worth remembering that we rightly objected when Iran instigated protests outside our embassy in Tehran 2011. But for Labour and Tory MPs alike there is still real anger at the way many on the left want to march against the US but not against Moscow.

Boris also raised the idea of chasing the war crimes culprits through the ICC. I am personally very attracted to the idea of holding these people to account before the International Criminal Court, so that is certainly something that I would like to pursue, he said. When I asked No.10 if this was the Goverments position and not just the Foreign Secs personal view, they were unclear.

Is the idea of no-fly zone over Aleppo another area of Boris freelancing? Downing St stressed yesterday just how difficult it would be to try to stop Russian planes from flying without escalating the conflict. But the Sun says Bojo is in favour of committing the RAF to just such a mission and "has urged Theresa May to try to persuade America to adopt the plan after the US elections in November. Hillary Clinton is certainly expected to get tougher if she wins, but will she be this tough?

In other Boris-related news, the Sun also reports he was stopped by No10 from including a line backing the bring back Britannia campaign in his conference speech. That dead horse is far from being finally flogged.

3) LABOUR PAINS

Jeremy Corbyn is up before the Women and Equalities Select Committee at 9.30am (along with Tim Farron and Patrick McLoughlin) to give evidence on women in the House of Commons after 2020. Expect him to point out how many women he has promoted to his top team in his reshuffle, though its not yet clear how many of the remaining vacancies in his team he still plans to fill.

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Emily Thornberry, who has turned into one of Jezs key allies, recently lost her battle to keep both her Shadow Brexit job and her Shadow Foreign Secretary job. But that hasnt stopped her defending her boss, saying that all those who condemn him as weak now complain when he shows strong leadership with his reshuffle.

A Lib Dem attempt to embarrass another of Corbyns high profile female supporters backfired badly in the Lords yesterday. Tim Farron claimed Shami Chakrabarti had sold out on civil liberties because Labour planned to abstain on a Lib Dem amendment on the IP Bill - only to see his own peers Ming Campbell and Alex Carlile attack it and Brian Paddick to withdraw it. Farcical is how Baroness Hayter described it to us.

But Labour pain over the tensions between the PLP and leadership continue. Jon Ashworth was finally booted off the NEC yesterday, without a vote or a full Shadow Cabinet discussion. Ashworth said how sad he was to have been removed, and Tom Watson put on record his objection. But Im told Watson was irritated with his colleague for failing to stand his ground after Corbyn announced the news. Ashworths allies point out he had no choice.

One reminder of the pressures of politics came from Liam Byrne at the Times Cheltenham Literary Festival yesterday. He revealed that after David Laws made public his there is no money note, he walked to a Dorset cliff edge and was kind of ready to throw myself off. He was also trying to overcome grief at his father dying of alcoholism. Worth remembering that Philip Hammond to whom that note was addressed (he was Shadow Chief Sec remember) has said he would not have breached convention and would have kept it private.

BECAUSE YOUVE READ THIS FAR

Watch a Trump supporter explain that Trump is not running for Pope.

4) WOOLFE BITE

Just in case you forgot that all the parties have their own splits, the Guardian has news that Stephen Woolfe could face a challenge from former deputy leader Paul Nuttall. MEP Jonathan Arnott says Woolfe could not possibly be a unifying force after the altercation with colleagues in Strasbourg last week. It seems strange that a bloke who was hospitalised just a few days ago could now be kicked while hes down, but hey this is UKIP and this is 2016, normal rules dont apply. Nuttall has previously opted out of running and some believe he is keen to keep his private life private. Lets see if this is just more than frustration with Woolfe for daring to suggest joining the Tories was an option.

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5) PENSION TENSION

Another bit of the Osborne legacy is being trashed again today as the OBR says his plans for pension reform could cost the public finances 5bn a year by 2035. The Telegraph splashes the tale and others give it prominence. The Times has a different pensions story that shows May wants to do things differently from her predecessors. It says a new scheme considered by the Treasury could give tax breaks to younger workers, paid for by capping pension relief for higher paid older workers. Its one way to tackle the intergenerational unfairness Millennials talk about. Meanwhile, David Cameron resurfaces today in the Telegraph to say his next job will be as chairman of National Citizens Service Patrons. Thats one legacy he is determined not to see die.

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Aukasz SzczepaAski via Getty Images

Last weekend, 150 innocent people were killed when Saudi-led forces bombed a funeral in Yemen. It was yet another a horrific tragedy in an 18-month bombing campaign that has killed more than 10,000 people and destroyed vital infrastructure, including schools and hospitals.

UK aircraft and UK bombs have been central to the bombardment, which, according to Save the Children, has left Yemen "teetering on the edge of famine." The situation is dire, but the government's response has been to evade and ignore it.

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In response to the most recent assault, Boris Johnson Tweeted his concerns (with no mention of those that had been killed), but his department has insisted it will not consider ending arms exports until the Saudi dictatorship had been entrusted to investigate itself for war crimes.

As the death toll in Yemen increases, and the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, the UK's biggest arms company, BAE Systems, has began negotiations to sell even more fighter jets to the Saudi forces. Unfortunately, they are being helped every step of the way by UK government Ministers and civil servants. It is almost certain to be on the agenda later this month when Liam Fox is expected to visit Riyadh.

It's not the first time Whitehall has put arms sales ahead of human rights, in reality it has been promoting them as a matter of policy for the last 50 years.

New data, compiled by Campaign Against Arms Trade, (CAAT) reveals the extent of government support for the industry. We have been through Freedom of Information requests, meeting minutes, and lots more to compile the largest data set of its kind. The picture it paints is one of cosy meetings, lobbying, influence and collusion.

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Central to this is the Department for International Trade's Defence and Security Organisation (DSO). The unit, originally established in 1966, exists to promote arms exports around the world.

The focus on maximising sales was made clear right from the start. The report that recommended its creation cautioned that "the more often an arms sale is ruled out for reasons of strategic export policy the more pointless it will be to employ valuable staff to sell arms."

Heads of the department were briefed on the importance of pushing sales, and told "we must exploit markets wherever this is possible... we should be clear in our own minds that where no positive reason exists for not selling arms the directive requires that we do all we can to sell them."

Right from the start the focus was on securing sales to the Middle East, with Iran and Saudi Arabia in particular buying large quantities of UK weapons. Following the Iranian revolution, and the breakdown in UK-Iran relations, Saudi Arabia firmly cemented its status as the UK's largest buyer.

Throughout the 1980s the government continued in its role in pushing and promoting the industry. The then Prime Minister, Margaret Thatcher, played a central role in securing a fighter jet deal with Saudi Arabia that would ultimately be worth 42 billion.

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The deal, known as the Al-Yamamah deal, became the subject of a Serious Fraud Office corruption investigation. The potentially embarrassing investigation was cancelled by Tony Blair for political reasons, a move which was very quickly followed by the announcement of another major aircraft deal worth billions of pounds.

David Cameron continued the long-standing policy, with visits to Saudi Arabia and UAE being made to push for arms sales. In 2014, Prince Charles was enlisted to visit the Saudi regime, where he performed a sword dance at a BAE Systems sponsored event to secure further fighter jet sales.

The government doesn't just work as a middleman between arms companies and buyers. It also plays a central role in organising events like the DSEI arms fair, which happens in London every two years. These bring the world's largest arms companies together with some of the most oppressive regimes.

CAAT's data shows that Public servants, including government ministers, have amassed thousands of hours of meetings with arms company reps.

Many of the biggest arms manufacturers also sit on high-level advisory bodies that give them direct access to Ministers and senior civil servants. This has allowed the companies a great degree of access and an immense influence over decision-making.

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The drive to secure arms sales has seen the government routinely approving exports to some of the most abusive dictatorships in the world. At present almost two thirds of UK arms exports are going to the Middle East, with Saudi Arabia being by far the largest buyer.

None of this is inevitable. If Ministers such as Theresa May and Boris Johnson want to help secure peace in Yemen then it will take more than just a concerned Tweet. It requires the end of a foreign policy that has seen governments of all political colours pushing arms and fueling conflicts around the world.
I recently received a message from a psychologist in a large Australian prison. She has been printing my blogs and handing them out to prisoners as "a beacon of hope for change". This got me thinking about the role of hope and optimism in my own life and personal transformation.

Hope is such a strong word for anyone who has experienced despair. When we think of hope we think of the optimistic expectation that things can be good or get better in our lives. Yet how do we maintain and cultivate optimism when all hope seems lost? How do we find hope when all might seem hopeless?

I lost all hope when I was given a prison sentence of to ten-to-life as an 18-year-old. At 18 I didn't have enough life experience to be able to conceptualise a length of time like ten years, it seemed like forever. Yet the first ingredient of hope and optimism is to realise that your troubles won't last forever. Approaching 40 I now know what ten years looks like, I have perspective. The insight that all troubles pass is not a new concept. In a fable written by the 12th century Persian poet Attar of Nishapur, a powerful king asked the three wisest of men to create a ring that will make him happy when he is sad. After deliberation the sages hand him a simple ring with the words "This too shall pass" etched on it. Knowing that this too shall pass is the first requirement for having hope when most in need. Yet this fable captures more than just the idea that external circumstances that are causing you stress will pass. It captures the idea that the emotional impact of our circumstances will also pass, even if those circumstances remain the same.

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The once broken heart will mend despite the permanent absence of that lover. The overwhelming loss experienced when a limb is removed or a long-term medical diagnosis is made will pass too. As will the pain and sadness that accompany bankruptcy, divorce, or bereavement. In fact, the research suggests that unless our situation is progressively debilitating, we return to our prior emotional baseline for happiness and wellbeing within 6-24 months of such traumas. It took me a while to see that my life wasn't over just because I was imprisoned, and to see that there was light at the end of the tunnel, but doing so was the crucial first step in having hope that things could change.

You're even more likely to feel optimistic and hopeful if you also realise that the cause of your misery doesn't permeate all aspects of your life. It is easy for us to obsess about the areas in our lives we are most troubled by, but there are always rays of sunshine too, if we look for them. I remember the gratitude I would feel for being able to experience the wonder of nature through seeing weeds growing in the cracks in the concrete of the yard at maximum security, for living in a country where I wasn't summarily executed, and for having people in my life who cared about me. What's going well in your life might not be the same or as desirable as someone else's, but if we want to be optimistic about our future we must each choose to focus on what we can still be grateful for about our lives when most troubled and in need of hope.

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Holding on to hope and cultivating optimism also comes from recognising that the causes of our adversity are not unique to us or even about us as individuals. One of my favourite psychologist's said that the whole point of adult personality development is to outgrow our adolescent narcissism, to realise that we are not the centre of the universe, no matter how much it feels like it! When bad situations arise hope comes from realising that we aren't being punished for who we are as individuals, but that we are experiencing a set of circumstances that have played out before and will play out again for others when we are gone. Cancer, prison, redundancy, or heartbreak weren't invented for you alone. These things aren't about us as individuals, but are things that people in general experience in life and are driven by influences that would impact others if we weren't available for the role. Make no mistake, this is not intended to leave you feeling nihilistic and powerless. It is instead intended to communicate the opposite, to remind you that the universe is impersonal, but that you are empowered to choose your perspective, and in doing so to change your reality.

Three take away messages:
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A recording of Donald Trump, from 2005, has revealed just what kind of a man is hiding under that big bouffant of hair. Not that he was hiding very well. This monstrosity of a man can be seen sharing his belief that he can do what he likes to women because he is famous, or to quote Trump himself, "grab'em by the pussy". Understandably, this has caused much outrage. I am heartened to see people agreeing that this is sexual assault. I agree whole heartily, yet, I have been disturbed by my own reaction. I found that I wasn't outraged. Curiously, I find myself feeling rather numb or at best, resigned.

Trump is a reflection of our sexist society: he is just another prowling predator. Normally, though, we don't witness someone in a position of power being so blatant about it. Normally, this type of sexual assault happens behind closed doors or down a deserted street. The difference is that this time the prowling is happening in front of the world's media.

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90% of victims of the most serious sexual offences know their perpetrator.

If anything, perhaps we should be grateful that Trump is so obvious in his sexism. Perhaps we should be relieved that people are lambasting him for his behaviour. Trump has very much put sexism back on the radar. We could argue that thanks to Trump sexism is longer a silent issue. Trump and his gleeful objectification of women is reflective of the society we live in. From Trump in America to our very own politicians in the UK; from the wolf whistles from building sites, to the sexual comments shouted out of car windows, the list goes on. Sexism is normalised. If you are born a girl then you learn very quickly that your body is public property. We see female celebrities lambasted for having plastic surgery, whilst their male counterparts aren't judged on the work they have had done. Why is this the case? It's just another symptom of the patriarchal society that we live in, like society, the media is run by men for men.

What we are seeing in American politics is just a microcosm of our society. Trump attempted to explain his degrading remarks towards women as "locker talk". Again, we have someone attempting to normalise sexism. However, what Trump said should not be accepted as normal, what he is talking about is sexual assault. I should be outraged. It is attitudes like Trump which means that we have crime statistics that show 1 in 5 women are the victim of sexual offence. What kind of message is Trump sending to the world? He is saying that it is ok to sexually violate women. His comment is dangerous and damaging.

We need to be standing up to men like Trump; we need to make a fuss. I should not be resigned, I need to get outraged. In Morocco, women leave their houses expecting to be harassed. Is Trump any better? What will happen if Trump gets in? The televised debates between Trump and Clinton have highlighted the gender divide. Trump seems keen to humiliate Clinton, and is very fond of shouting her down. The New York Times found that during one debate, Trump interrupted Clinton 39 times, this was compared to Clinton's 8. Classic bullying tactics. As well as Clinton being more likely to be interrupted she is also more likely to be criticised for how she handles an interruption. Clinton is a woman and therefore she is in a no win situation. The odds are already stacked against her. She will be judged because she is female. She needs to come across as a leader. However, as soon as she does come across as a leader she will probably be accused of being cold or too pushy. Clinton is expected to be feminine yet a leader. This is something that we see as opposites in society. Therefore, how can she win? Look at Jamie Oliver and his recent comment about Theresa May, he was disappointed because he had hoped that she would run the country from the perspective of a "parent". The inference being that because she is female, she should be more caring. Clinton is judged whilst Trump is excused.

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In America we have Trump boasting about sexual assault, and in Morocco harassment of women is endemic. In Morocco, women can be expected to be called a "whore" for choosing to wear lipstick or perfume. However, one lady *Ghizlane Ahblain, has decided to stand-up for herself, to make it clear that these sexist (Trump) attitudes are not acceptable. She is fighting back. If a man makes a comment on her appearance, if she is harassed physically or verbally then she denounces the man loudly. She won't be silenced. We can learn a lot from her. For too long women have had to live in fear, women have been suffocated and silenced. We need to take inspiration from Ghizlane. We need to be prepared to stand-up and shout. We need to stop a male chauvinist from becoming the President of America. The man who has threatened Clinton with jail if he wins presidency. Trump the bully, trying to silence Clinton with threats. Trying to end democracy.

Now is not the time to feel numb, now is the time to be outraged. Now is the time to denounce Trump.

*Source BBC Magazine*
Keeping Hygge is all the rage. The Danish word 'hygge' - hard to explain and even harder to pronounce, is trending in a big way right now.

I love this concept, often translated as 'coziness' meaning so much more than that. It means creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with friends. Friends and family are very hygge. Cozy, over-sized jumpers, big bowls of porridge and hot chocolate - very hygge.

Annoyingly but as sure as night brings day, hygge will be touted as another opportunity to go on spending sprees and try to buy hygge. But that's just what makes it so elusive, so happiness-inducing. It's more about worn-in friendships, comfy clothes and furniture you'd put your feet up on rather than something we can buy. The best thing about hygge is that you can't get your huge salary and buy it.

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(photo: Karen Yeomans)

As Autumn descends, going hygge in everything we do seems like such a good idea. I'm wondering how the health and wellness industry will take on such a sensibly happiness-inducing concept in an industry that often seems to thrive on more than healthy amounts of self-hatred. Surely the folks who go to sweaty gym classes and studios and live on pulverised greens must slightly hate themselves? Self hatred? Not hygge. Eating clean? So not hygge. Crowded, competitive studio classes? Definitely not hygge.

Brits seem to be terrible at really enjoying life without getting blind drunk. Which might be why the health and wellbeing industry has done so well in the UK. When sober, we're a pretty po-faced crew of dull clean-eaters. Folks have been bored to death with our yoga on the beach instagram photos, our endless pictures of avocados and eating of coconut oil and numeric and telling mind-numbing stories of mindfulness.

Ok, ok, i'll come clean. Yes, I've practiced yoga on a beach. But, to be honest, it's generally on a wild-swept Norfolk beach with my dogs. My face gets licked and hands get sandy.

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Next admission. I eat avocados. A lot of them. And I use coconut oil for flipping everything. Ranging from cooking, to putting on sore skin, to giving it to my dogs for their health. And yes, turmeric is often goes down my gullet, and i even make a 'golden paste' , cocount-tumeric mix for both me and my dogs. Oh and yes, I've practiced and enjoyed mindfulness.

But I want to 'hygge' up my healthy lifestyle. It seems that yoga at home with friends? Well that's the most hygge thing you can do!

(photo: Karen Yeomans)

First up, let's ditch those bikini yoga pics and replace them with friends, beanies and leg-warmers. Next up, I'm going to quit or just cut down on the green sludge smoothies - how about yummy apple-compote with cinnamon and sugar (crazy talk i know...). This bit really is utter madness - if I'm seeing friends, I may enjoy cake with them! And instead of a work out, how about taking a nice walk with friends? The mindfulness? That's going to be replaced by enjoying each and every step on a beautiful autumnal walk.

The best bit is, instead of a punishing 'advanced asana' yoga class, the most hygge thing of all is this. This bit is really fun, and is something I really do have a gold star in and do every day and think that makes life just fabulous. I get home, and put on my PJ's. I light some lovely beeswax candles - now we're really getting hygge - I grab a pet (in my case, two) - or you maybe have a partner a kid or someone you enjoy stretching with. Then you get down, on a lovely carpet (yes, even ditch that horrid plastic yoga mat!) and do Yin, or Restorative Yoga in your cozy home. You don't need to buy anything. You don't need fancy clothes. I use dressing gown cords and cushions to keep me propped up and supported.

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The very best thing about this super-hygge form of yoga and wellbeing? It'll fast track your yoga (if that's your thing) quicker than those advanced asana classes would've done anyway. Seriously! Long pose holds and deep breaths seem to free up fascia and release stiff muscles way better than any amount of sweaty yoga.

And can be followed by a lovely cup of cocoa and bed. How hygge is that?!

So get Hygge this Autumn, done best when in the company of loved ones. But fantastic when done in a spirit of self-love.
MOHAMMED HUWAIS via Getty Images

On Saturday, an aircraft of the Royal Saudi Arabian Air Force attacked a funeral in Sanaa, the capital of Yemen, killing more than 140 people, and injuring more than 500 others. On Sunday, the White House said that the United States is immediately reviewing its support for the Saudi-led coalition that has been bombing Yemen for the past 18 months. On Monday, the British Government asked to take part in Saudi Arabia's own investigation into the funeral attack.

This is a totally inadequate response to what should be far beyond the last straw in ending the UK's arms sales that are helping to fuel this brutal conflict. Michael Fallon, the Minister of Defence, has said that the UK would review those sales if the investigation finds that civilians were deliberately targeted. That pushes into the long grass a decision for which there has been ample evidence that the Saudi Arabia has breached the rules of war for more than a year.

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Over 3,980 civilians have been killed since Yemen's current conflict begun in March 2015. According to the UN, Saudi-led airstrikes have killed the majority, though all sides have paid scant attention to saving civilians from the horrors of this bloody and seemingly endless war. More than three million people have been forced from their homes. More than 14million are hungry. More than 21 million people rely on humanitarian aid, more people than in any other country in the world.

Britain's role has never been logical - with one part of government funding vital humanitarian aid, while another part licences lethal weapons. This despite 18 months of mounting evidence that these same weapons are highly likely to be used to kill civilians.

The recent review by a group of Parliamentary Committees of UK arms sales to Yemen ended in a bad tempered public spat and splits largely along party lines, further giving the impression that the government is putting trade and jobs in the armaments industry above human rights.

More than 3billion worth of British arms, including bombs and missiles, were licensed for Saudi Arabia in the first year of the conflict. Last December the eminent QC, Philippe Sands, gave a legal opinion that such arms sales were in violation of both the UK's own legislation, and of the international Arms Trade Treaty which was incorporated into British law in 2015.

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That law makes it abundantly clear that the UK Government should not licence arms supplies where there is a clear risk that they could be used to violate international humanitarian law, which requires every party to distinguish between civilians and combatants, something which Saudi Arabia, its allies and its opponents are patently failing to do. It is a conflict that has put Britain's aspiration to be a force for good in the world on the line.

As Ban Ki-moon, the UN Secretary General, has said, Saturday's slaughter of funeral-goers was an outrageous violation of humanitarian law. But it was not the first in Yemen's terrible war. Unless the UK and others stop fuelling the conflict with more arms, it will not be the last.

I imagine that Yemen is not often at the top of senior Ministers' agenda - it is a conflict where thousands die, millions go hungry, but perhaps overshadowed by the daily toll of death and destruction in Aleppo, as well as all the other vital concerns on their minds. But it is also a conflict that tests whether Britain is as good as its word, whether it conscientiously implements its own laws and the international agreements that it signs onto.

Some may argue that if the UK stopped selling arms others will. That may be the case. And it was for this reason, amongst others, that for over a decade the UK spent a great deal of political and diplomatic effort to get a global agreement to regulate the international arms trade. The UN's Arms Trade Treaty came into force at the end of 2014 and the UK was one of the first countries to incorporate it into law.

For such a staunch supporter of the treaty to be one of its most high profile violators is a stain on the UK's international reputation. The next time it argues for others to stand by their obligations in respect of international treaties it may not get the respectful hearing it would wish.

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PA/PA Wire

Getting the balance right.

On Monday I spoke at an event organised by a leading BME Charity , Sharing Voices Bradford, an organisation I once had the privilege of chairing. The event titled "Dignity in Mental Health" was to mark World Mental Health Day.

Only a week ago yesterday in my constituency was the funeral of 11-year-old Asad Khan. Asad had taken his own life.

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His tragic death has touched people far and wide and it has led to many discussions about the issues and pressure facing our young people. I could write a whole article on just social media and its role alone, but for now I'd like to share some conversations and thoughts about the role of our schools and education system.

We often reflect nostalgically for our childhood days, memories perhaps coloured by rose-tinted spectacles, a yearning for a time when our lives were worry free. But the death of 11-year-old Asad Khan has left all of us pondering just what has become of childhood, or more pertinently , what have we as adults done to "the best years of our lives".

We don't know the details of what was troubling Asad so much that he felt unable to discuss it with his family or friends. But what can be in little doubt is that it overwhelmed him and left him with a sense of hopelessness and despair. A sense of mental anguish that statistics from mental health charities suggest is afflicting increasing numbers of children and young people in our society.

Research seems to indicate that family life and friendships are still the place where children derive their strongest sense of self validation and happiness but there does appear to be a real issue around how our school systems are impacting on child mental health. Jonathan Bradshaw, professor of social policy at York University and co-author of Children's Worlds: An international survey of children's well-being commented:

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"I think schools in Britain really need to be friendlier places, more concerned with social relationships and less focused on attainment. It's interesting that Norwegians are much happier at school than we are..but they are perhaps not as successful in achieving attainment outcomes - there's a bit of a trade-off there. We perhaps haven't got the balance right."

So the important questions for me are: how did we get here, and what do we do to get the balance right?

It is easier for us to blame the schools and the teachers, but the real responsibility of turning our school system into the exam factories they have come to resemble lies elsewhere. We should not point the finger at those professionals who work tirelessly in under resourced schools to improve the life chances of their pupils but the politicians who create the parameters and objectives by which they are judged. Things can and must be different.

In 1999, the Labour Government introduced the 'Excellence in Cities' (EiC) programme for urban schools introducing Learning Mentors and Parental Involvement Workers into the school workforce. The rationale was to improve schools ability to respond appropriately to both the social and emotional issues that increasing numbers of children faced and to involve parents much more closely in to the fabric and life of the school. Sure Start and the Extended Schools Programme developed this further with concerted efforts to embed the school as the centre of the community.

If it takes a 'village to raise a child' then EIC was a distinctly modernist attempt to recreate that holistic view of child development. To reach beyond the classroom both in terms of curriculum and pedagogy. To reassert that kids are not simply empty vessels to be filled with 'facts' but complex and complicated individual people who have their own unique history, knowledge, relationships and experiences. The success of EIC in terms of re-imagining what going to school should mean and and should feel like also produced significant improvements to academic outcomes. Listening to kids, their needs and concerns works!

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But, paradoxically an approach which produced statistically observable improvements to attainment based on humanising the school experience and empowering children has been under relentless assault by those who believe we should push and work children harder, keep them at their desks longer and test them more; make nursery age children 'school ready', school age children 'work ready' and working age young people 'employer ready'.

One of my constituency staff, a governor at a local Bradford School, told me how the head teacher at his school had felt so brow beaten by the fear of Ofsted inspection that he had proposed shortening the lunch hour to thirty minutes so that his pupils could experience more 'quality' teaching time. The idea that the one aspect of the school day where children enjoyed some autonomy and the opportunity to 'play' freely might have had any role in the development of physically healthy and intellectually functioning young people had apparently become completely obscured. This is important. It really matters.

In a context of a physical environment where cars make 'playing out' after-school too dangerous, 'stranger danger' defines 'outside' as 'out of bounds' and our attitude to learning means schools demand that homework is done every night and play is either no longer what it meant to our generation, play is now iPad, video games or a luxury that can wait, that thing called 'childhood 'is getting squeezed.

Could it not just be that schools actually have a moral and intellectual role to defend the necessities of childhood?

If we can't support our Head Teachers and brilliant classroom teachers in doing this then to whom else can we entrust it. I have never met a teacher who didn't believe that play was not at the heart of all good learning and development, that a school which valued all children was not the best kind.

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As the Government propose the re-introduction of Grammar schools and the segregation of our kids from their brothers, sisters and friends at the age of eleven and on the basis of one specific, under-developed human characteristic I wonder if we haven't just added one more nail in to the coffin of what were once the 'best years of our lives'.
Data and creativity; it's a relationship that's been debated for a while. Can the two truly work side by side, or is there a limit to how much we can push art and science together?

Measuring Creativity Works, But Has Its Limits

It's now commonplace for all major content outlets to measure the performance of their outputs. Being able to tag and test just about everything on a page: Font, content length, headline, video player size, measurement and optimisation has become much easier than in times gone by.

As such, we should firstly ensure brands are indeed learning as much as possible from the content we produce with them. Ensuring content is tagged and analysed should be a starting point at which we push clients forward from. The balance however lies in what you do with this data. Whilst a natural progression would be to continually refine to "spiking" content, this has two negative implications.

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Firstly a state of continual refinement can result in narrowing your field of focus too much. Whilst it is granted that you can consequently engage with a core audience deeply, you can miss a lot of incremental engagement with consumers. As Nigel Gilbert of Appnexus notes* newspapers would lose their integrity and become gossip magazines if they only provided high traffic producing content. The responsibility is there to service the whole of their audience.

The second issue this over-analysis can cause is ironically a lack of creativity. Jim O'Donell from Hulu has said* that whilst analysis of previous shows helps them know whether to support subsequent series, relying solely on this means nothing is a surprise. The world needs genius. Unexpected heroes that sweep audiences off their feet. Whilst it's natural to develop content strategies, if you fail to test new things new consumer trends and behaviours can leave you behind.

The Programmatic Pickle

Whilst a huge topic in itself, data and creativity can't be discussed without including programmatic. With algorithmic TV buying finally a reality, automation is fast becoming the way of the world for everything. There are consequently natural implications on what this means for creativity.

Many are talking about programmatic as the answer to all of life's problems, in enabling brands to reach everyone with their content cost efficiently. Disregarding the fact that with now commonplace PMP whitelists, programmatic at a basic cost metric level now is often more expensive than standard buys, this is perhaps extending the abilities of the content activation method too far.

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Though yes programmatic offers a way to reach audiences at scale, too often the environment in which we place ads is being forgotten about. As discussed by James Hayr at a recent IAB UK conference, context should be queen behind the content. Whilst reaching the right audience with the right content is a fantastic progression for the industry, if we're doing it at the wrong time and in the wrong place, you may as well not bother.

Networks and trading desks are understandably protective of providing granular insight into campaign performance at a site placement level. This is because often when examined, a pure audience buy focus produces poorer results than when context is focused on as well. As such though programmatic can indeed scale your content, a balance needs to be had in how you do so. It's better to reach less people and provide a meaningful connection with your content than to simply reach as much of your audience as possible and provide poor consumer experiences.

Conclusion

Creativity is by nature not 100% predictable, so whilst we can and should analyse and predict performance, data should be used more to steer us than definitively lead us in our thinking and actions. On the other side of the coin, whilst data and programmatic offer a great way for us to reach our audiences with the content we produce, we need to ensure we're not sacrificing quality and performance for reach and scale

So, can data work with creativity? In short, yes, but we need to be careful in how we use it.

By Owen Lee

*In DMEXCO 2016 seminar: The Technology of Storytelling Data-informed Content Creation: Unlocking the Power of Art and Science
We're so lucky in the United Kingdom to have such a wealth of beautiful outdoor space. There are so many places to explore! A new destination I discovered earlier this year was the Isle of Man, which has been dubbed 'the British Isles in miniature' thanks to its vast array of natural formations in a small space; from sandy beaches and rugged coastlines to dense green glens and tumbling streams, exposed mountain tops to wild moorland. It is also host to some fascinating wildlife, even wallabies.

Getting out into the great outdoors with your children is a fantastic way to spark their imagination. You can keep them preoccupied for hours watching wildlife and exploring woodland. In my opinion, being in nature is the key to happiness.

This October half term is the perfect time to get out and explore - I often think our countryside is at its most beautiful in the Autumn when the leaves are turning orange. You can collect conkers and fallen leaves from the ground. Our small animals will be starting to think about winter, so keep your eyes peeled for squirrels gathering nuts, and hedgehogs looking for a place to hibernate. We also get some fascinating birds migrating to the UK, particularly by the coast. Look out for geese from Iceland and Greenland, and swans flying in from Siberia.

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My tips for making a family outdoor adventure trip run smoothly:

Make sure you have lots of snacks and water in the car

When outside you get hypoglycaemic in a third of the time, and children even faster, so it's important to have snacks at the ready to keep your energy levels, and therefore enjoyment, up.

Why not add some fun with an exploration pack?

There are lots of ways to bring adventure to life for children, but a great way to get them really involved is to create an expedition pack for them with everything they'll need in to explore the outdoors safely and have fun.

Suggested contents include:

1L water bottle and mug

A simple first aid kit

A hiking stove to cook hot drinks and soups as a family whilst exploring

Binoculars

Whistle

Compass

OS Map

Drinks and soups

Show enthusiasm

If adults show enthusiasm, kids will too. Don't show them any weakness in your suggestions for the next activity. Children are particularly happy to stick with the familiar, but if you show them your excitement for doing something new they will jump straight on board and feed off your enthusiasm too.

Take your time to 'see'.

It takes a bit of time to really bed in to the natural landscape so take your time. Simply sitting and taking in the natural environment will slowly help you become more tuned in and you'll slowly start to spot more and more. Why not get your brew kit out and make a drink to enjoy first so that you stay warm and comfortable whilst taking everything in.

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Get out and walk.

Once in the car, it becomes very easy to think that you don't need to get out and you can spot everything you need from the comfort (and warmth) of your car. But that really isn't the case. As I've said above, it takes time to really get used to the natural landscape and spot things, and the car isn't the right environment for this - you simply won't fully become tuned to the space.

Have a plan, and a back-up too!

A plan is key to make sure you cover off what you want to. I see so many families wasting the morning discussing what they should do for the day - by which time they've missed the key early morning wildlife spotting opportunities. Come with a plan so that you know when the best time is for certain activities so you don't miss out.

Although I strongly believe that the weather shouldn't stop any plans, when it comes to some activities you really do need to have a plan B in place. Water-based activities are the most likely to be spoilt by winds, so always have a back-up for these days, and even talk to the companies ahead of time to arrange two times should the first fall through.

Keep a map handy to mark where you spot things.

That way you can always return to somewhere you know has a 'sure thing' if your kids feel like they haven't seen as much as the day before. They'll still feel the magic in spotting new animals, and really won't mind that it's the same location.

Have the right clothing.
Nowadays we use Facebook, Twitter, and other social networks to gain information, ingest content and read the news. We often see what we like and like what we see, resulting in biased social feeds because of this echo chamber. Most of us have realised how biased our news feed is, but recent political events such as Brexit and the US election have shown us the extent of just how much this is the case.

Those that use social networks tend to fall into the Relevance Paradox, which occurs when readers only consume information that is relevant to them. In many cases, users don't even realise that they consume one-sided, or similar information because of the social circles around them. Users aren't aware that they need to, or in some cases, don't even know how, to look for fresh, new information from different perspectives because of lack of experience and knowledge in these hyper social circles. This entire phenomenon can be chalked up to "You don't know what you don't know," and users end up only reading regurgitated information.

The circumstance of regurgitated information occurs because many times readers are unaware of how algorithms currently work and how they select media for us to consume. As a consequence, we unknowingly accept the echo chamber we're placed in because we are fed information we like and agree with our own opinion. It's then reinforced because people in the same social sphere agree with us too. So the echo chambers' cycle remains because it gives us a false sense of affirmation that we are right in our beliefs - also known as a confirmation bias.

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The 2016 U.S. Election coverage on our social network accounts is a perfect example of relevance paradox, echo chamber cycle, and confirmation bias. The Wall Street Journal recently put together this graphic which depicts how feeds may differ to Facebook users based on their political views: http://graphics.wsj.com/blue-feed-red-feed/

In the graphic, you can see Liberal and Conservative Facebook feeds side by side and how much they differ. After all, your feed is designed to prioritise content based on what you've liked, clicked and shared in the past. This means that conservatives don't see much content from liberal sources and vice versa. And actually, it makes people more narrow-minded according to research published in the Proceedings in the National Academy of Sciences. According to these findings, users not only select and share content that is related to a specific narrative, but they actually ignore the rest of what is presented. So in the case of the U.S. Election, Liberals will digest only the "left-wing" political agendas and narratives, and will ignore the other half of the story presented by Conservatives - and vice versa.

However, another aspect of regurgitated information has to deal with "trending topics." What is defined as trending, on social networks, is also determined by larger algorithms that calculate popular topics by national-level or world-level engagement. According to Facebook, trending topics are based on different "factors including engagement, timelines, pages you've liked, and your location." Thus what we think of as important news or information has once again been targeted and refined to reflect our specific tastes.

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With this in mind, it is important to remember that Facebook had to deal with accusations in May of this year that the "trending section" of its news feed took the echo chamber one step further by openly suppressing news stories of interest to conservative readers. Suppressing certain news cycles in order to push a certain agenda would not even cause users to accept a new perspective, according to the Proceedings in the National Academy of Sciences seen above. The researchers found that "whether a news item, either substantiated or not, is accepted as true by a user may be strongly affected by social norms or by how much it coheres with the user's systems of beliefs."

However, algorithms don't seek out opposing views, or surface them for readers because they're not built to do so. Thus, we are in a filter bubble wrapped around an echo chamber (or should that be an echo chamber wrapped around by a filter bubble?). However, waiting for a change in algorithms would not be the most applicable way to break free of our polarised clusters of information. The way to break free from this is to start understanding how algorithms work, and to manually seek out others with different viewpoints. The ultimate goal is balance, and only this way can you find new perspective, different content, and learn what you don't yet know.

We should be more selective in the content we consume. Instead of the algorithm doing the filtering first, we should manually look to filter the news, media, and information ourselves in order for algorithms to gently nudge new information by suggesting opposing views to broaden our perspective.
Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness, about 1603-4, Oil on canvas. The Nelson - Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri. Purchase: William Rockhill Nelson Trust, 52-25. Photo Jamison Miller  The Nelson - Atkins Museum of Art, Kansas City, Missouri.

In the final room of this new exhibition at the National Gallery is one of the finest paintings I've ever had the honour of admiring. Caravaggio's Saint John the Baptist in the Wilderness, 1603-4, on loan from The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Missouri, encapsulates all that was radical and extraordinary in this artist's work.

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Gone is the stoical reverential religious depiction so common at the time. Instead, we have a young man - a real flesh and blood man - in front of us. The naturalism is astonishing. And the dramatic use of lighting isn't just revolutionary, it has purpose. Saint John's flesh is bleached in bright light but his furrowed brow is in shadows. His eyes are hidden from us. This young man is lost in his thoughts. This is intense and brooding, and a bold examination of deep introspection.

Caravaggio didn't just rip up the rule book, he had the talent to paint in a way that no artist at the time could come close to. Nor many since. He brought reality into religious art - often using life models to represent iconic figures. His dramatic lighting was not just for effect but infused his works with emotional power. And his celebration of the ordinary and everyday - his passion for genre painting - became a hallmark.

And, of course, there was his penchant for violence and drama, which is perfectly captured in the stunning The Taking of Christ, 1602, where Judas and Jesus are surrounded by soldiers - their armour glistening and their skin sweating - with the betrayer standing so close to the betrayed, just inches from him, yet their faces do not touch. It is a moment of heightened emotion and anguish. A tumultuous scene.

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Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, The Taking of Christ, 1602, Oil on canvas 133.5 x 169.5 cm. On indefinite loan to the National Gallery of Ireland from the Jesuit Community, Leeson St., Dublin who acknowledge the kind generosity of the late Dr Marie Lea-Wilson. Photo  The National Gallery of Ireland, Dublin.

So far ahead of his peers, so revolutionary in style, there was always the risk that this show, which explores Caravaggio's influence on the other artists working at the time, would result in a very lop-sided affair with the other paintings - those from his followers - not able to live with the works from the great man.

And there is a bit of that.

Though Caravaggio's The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, 1601-02, is not on loan to the show, the influence of this painting of Thomas prodding deep into an open wound in the side of the risen Christ can be seen in Giovanni Antonio Galli's Christ displaying his Wounds, 1625-35, among others nearby. But though there's much shadow and light, the paintings do not engage - faces are flat and emotional depth is often absent. There's no sense of drama, though these other artists have tried desperately to emulate Caravaggio's naturalism.

Some though do impress. The Fortune Teller by Bartolomeo Manfredi doesn't just follow on from popular Caravaggio subject matter, the painting draws you in. A woman's fortune is being told, but as she's distracted her pockets are being emptied by a thief. The spectacle draws you in, the composition has much in it, and each face is unique and life-like, whereas too many faces in other works have nothing behind the eyes. This is one of the better non-Caravaggio works in the show. A real beauty.

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Bartolomeo Manfredi, The Fortune Teller, about 1615-20, Oil on canvas. Detroit Institute of Arts, Founders Society Purchase, Acquisitions Fund  Detroit Institute of Arts, USA / Founders Society Purchase, Acquisitions Fund / Bridgeman Images.

What fascinates is that Carvaggio's brilliance has only recently been re-discovered, as is highlighted in an informative film that runs on loop in the show. The Carravagesque fan club didn't last out the 17th Century. His paintings and his style fell out of fashion, which just seems extraordinary in retrospect. But it wasn't until the early twentieth century that his work was revisited and his place at the sharp end of the list of greats was restored.

There are about half a dozen Carravagio paintings included in this show, about half of which are from the National Gallery's own permanent collection, the rest on loan from the Queen's collection and overseas.

Those Caravaggios not painted on to chapel walls are too precious to move so a large travelling Caravaggio-specific show was always unlikely. Nevertheless, there is value in this exhibition. It is revealing to see what those artists who worked in proximity to Caravaggio, what they were drawn to, which elements of his work they lifted like magpies. What it was that Caravaggio brought to art that none had seen before.

Not that Caravaggio took much satisfaction in being adored so much - he reportedly picked fights with those artists he felt swindled much-desired commissions from under him. But then that was Caravaggio all over. Explosive - on canvas and off. And, I suppose, it was always inevitable that though others tried, they all came up short in comparison.

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An early morning house search Monday netted two arrests, quantities of methamphetamine and heroin, packaging material, and a loaded 9mm pistol, Albany police officials report.

The raid was the result of an ongoing investigation.

The Linn County Regional Swat Team served the warrant and secured the neighborhood in the 4000 block of Knox Butte Road while detectives from the Albany, Corvallis, and Lebanon police departments, as well as the Linn and Benton County sheriff's offices, conducted the search.

Ashley Ann Duran, 24, and Isaac Dylan Bursell, 23, were both arrested for unlawful delivery of heroin and unlawful possession of methamphetamine. Bursell was aslo charged with felon in possession of a firearm, and Duran was charged with child neglect; her 8-year-old son was in the home at the time of the warrant service.

Both were arraigned Tuesday afternoon. Bursell was scheduled to appear in court for an unrelated charge on the morning of his arrest, according to attorney Jeff Jones, who was retained by Duran's family to represent the pair.

While Bursell has a record of drug offenses, Duran has no prior record. Judge DeAnn Novotny granted Duran's request for conditional release, stipulating she maintain contact with her attorney, abstain from alcohol or drugs, and have no contact with her minor child, now in the custody of her parents. Bursell remains in the Linn County Jail. Both are scheduled to next appear in court on Oct. 31.
Ed Freeman via Getty Images

There is no question that a miscarriage or the death of a baby are very difficult subjects to talk about. We don't like talking about death let alone the death of a baby. However it is only by talking about miscarriage, stillbirth and neo-natal death that we can start to address the underlying issues and causes and importantly ensure that the appropriate bereavement care is in place to support those who sadly lose a baby.

Last year we led a debate on bereavement care in maternity units, the public response was overwhelming with parents contacting us from all over the country to tell us of their experiences. Following that debate we teamed up with other Members of Parliament on a cross party basis to establish the All Party Parliamentary Group for Baby Loss. The role of the group is to work with charities, health professionals and the Government to strive for fewer baby deaths and to address the impact of pregnancy and baby loss in the UK.

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There are around 3,500 stillbirths in the UK every year, and around 2,000 neo-natal deaths shortly after birth. Every single one of these is a personal tragedy for the families. But perhaps the most galling aspect is that so many of these deaths are actually preventable. That's why we strongly welcome the Government's aim to cut the stillbirth and neo-natal death rate by 20% by 2020 and by 50% in the next 15 years. Currently Britain is listed 114th out of 164 countries because of its failure to tackle stillbirth rates, we want that to change and for Britain to become one of the safest places in the world to give birth, rather than one of the worst.

Today we launched our vision for a UK working towards a change in approach to child death that will see prevention, commissioning, clinical care and support there for families that suffer all forms of child loss. Public health information campaigns are needed to reduce the number of preventable baby deaths targeted around smoking in pregnancy, deaths in BME communities which are at far greater risk of suffering stillbirth and neonatal death and around infection such as streptococcus B. There needs to be better collection of data and sharing of best practice. There are many hospital trusts who have really good examples of best practice as seen in Greater Manchester, Lancashire and South Cumbria Strategic Clinical Networks have developed a stillbirth-specific integrated pathway. Doncaster and Bassetlaw NHS Trust has introduced butterfly signs on maternity doors to alert staff when parents have lost a baby and adapted their literature to ensure parents receive relevant information and advice. Abigail's Footsteps offers equipment such as cold cots to hospitals. This work being carried out by many charities and dedicated healthcare professionals need to be shared within the NHS to address the gaps in service where parents are effectively left to fend for themselves.

Many countries in the developed world, like Spain and Finland, have far better records in reducing stillbirth rates than us, through focussing on safety and intervention. Our current stillbirth rate is 4.7 per thousand births. Reducing this to Finnish rates of 1.9 per thousand births could prevent nearly 2,000 stillbirths every year - around six stillbirths each day. What a difference that could make to so many families. If we could achieve those reductions there will still be a need for parents who suffer miscarriage, stillbirth or neo-natal death to access help and support, so we need to ensure staff have appropriate training. Currently a midwife will receive just one hour of training in bereavement prior to qualification, this could and should be changed. The Department of Health has commissioned SANDS to develop a comprehensive bereavement care pathway, in partnership with other charities and healthcare experts. This is vital to ensure that parents are not left isolated and alone as so many are where best practice is not being followed. Finally we would like to see an online portal for bereaved parents, with a directory of the relevant support available in each area, which could be used by parents and other health professionals such as GPs.

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This week is Baby Loss Awareness Week and for the first time ever this is being marked in Parliament with a reception in the Speaker's apartments by kind permission of the Speaker of the House of Commons, a remembrance service in Westminster and a three hour debate on baby loss in the House of Commons chamber.

This is our opportunity to break the taboo and ensure we talk about baby loss and the steps we need to take to ensure as few families as possible have to go through this personal tragedy and sadly when it does happen, the support and bereavement care is in place across the UK. On Saturday will be an international wave of light, which is a chance for parents to light a candle in memory of their children. Hopefully by discussing this and highlighting the need for greater prevention and the sharing of best practice, we will achieve the aim of seeing lower rates of infant mortality in the UK, as the current rates are unacceptably high and something needs to be done.
Yaman is a recent MSc Finance graduate from Durham University Business School and a Chevening Scholar from Aleppo, Syria

Part 1: The Beginning Of the Civil War

Before I begin recounting my life, I would like to highlight that my story, the one that you are about to embark on, is a fortunate one. There are many others who are going through worse and my experiences are just a fraction compared to what friends and relatives in Syria have witnessed and been through at first hand.

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The first part of my journey started on March 15th 2011, a date Syrians will talk about for decades to come. The 'Arab Spring' fever spread to Syria, and back then I thought that our government was seeing what was happening and would respond to, at least, some of the people's demands.

I couldn't have been more wrong. When the first demonstration broke out in Dara'a City, I was a third year economics student at Aleppo University. In April 2011, the protests and demonstrations spread to my university on a small scale. The majority of the students at Aleppo University were from the city and its suburbs, and most of them weren't participating in the demonstrations at the time.

The number of protests and demonstrations started to increase slowly, up to November 30th 2011 when events took a definitive turn. The demonstration was so immense that the University Square was crammed with students from different departments and backgrounds, chanting in support of other cities, chanting for freedom! Their unity and voices sent a shiver down my spine. The students of Aleppo had finally broken their silence.

Up until then the situation in Aleppo had been relatively safe; we were able to go out late with friends and family, to eat, shop, watch a movie and enjoy a night out. Those days were numbered. The Syrian population was now suppressed. A regime over 40 years old was now preventing its people from the simple right of expression, ruling it by force, and the corruption of officials made us reach the point of no return. Our fathers had feared this moment since they witnessed what happened in Syria during the 1970s.

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The situation soon deteriorated dramatically, massive arrests took place daily by the secret intelligence services. Airstrikes and bombings began and in no time the number of people forced to evacuate their homes increased and suddenly Aleppo University dormitories were filled with displaced families. During Ramadan in 2012, my friends and I volunteered to help allocate rooms in schools to displaced families and search for donations to cover the costs of their food and basic needs.

In a matter of weeks things got even worse. Electricity was restricted and the internet cut off. It was so hard to cope with the sleepless nights with the sounds of explosions, bombings and ambulances tending to the injured all day and every day. I recall looking at the sky and too often seeing helicopters, looking at the streets and seeing tanks. We were at war.

The number of secret police checkpoints in the streets increased so much that I was afraid of leaving my own neighbourhood. I had friends and acquaintances who were arrested, some never came back, some did, others were found dead. I've lost five friends to date, in different ways, mostly tortured. These were students in their twenties that would have contributed to their country's future. The body of my friend Ayman, who I had known since high school and the first friend I lost, was found on a highway: he had been tortured to death. It didn't matter who you supported, Syrian civilians always seemed to pay the price with their life.

By then, I had already started looking for an alternative that would allow me to continue with my studies in a safer place and began applying for master's programmes in Turkey. On an unusually calm Tuesday I received news that my father had been kidnapped by an armed group on his way back from work. To this day, I still can't explain the emotions that I experienced or what prevented me from crying. Maybe I was becoming desensitised by the atrocities inflicted upon us civilian Syrians. I was 22, planning to leave and start a new life abroad, and the only sibling with my mother (my two sisters are married and my brother was doing his PhD abroad). After an indescribable week of worry following his abduction, he came back home saying "that was one hell of an adventure!" He never talked much about the incident; I guess he didn't want us to feel worse about what happened.
I loved watching Davy Crockett movies growing up. The scenes of brave cowboys shooting Hollywood Indians off cliffs to their fantastic and splashy deaths still live on in my mind. I wanted to be like Davy so badly -- going into the woods, shooting Indians, having adventures, living free.

As a child, I knew Native Americans existed but I never encountered any of them. They weren't real to me. They were stories, caricatures of human beings who could barely speak their own language let alone English. As I grew older the narratives changed. They became whiners and drunks who, despite being given money from the government, somehow wanted more. I knew they were a nuisance but couldn't have told you why. I just knew. And that's the amazing thing about racism.

The Samaritan woman at the Well didn't exist in the eyes of the society until Jesus spoke to her.

Her existence, like all of her Samaritan counterparts, was a nuisance to the society she lived in. She was unclean and in the way. A sordid emblem of heathenism that was better to be ignored than encountered. Jesus getting water from her - let alone speaking to her - was a complete transgression, and the reason why this story is so fantastic and utterly challenging.

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Today, Christians pride themselves for feeding the hungry and caring for the poor. And while these are admirable and important missions, they are relatively easy acts. Yes, it takes time and effort but people throughout history have always cared for the less fortunate. It's human nature. What Christ did was qualitatively different because he went beyond normal acts of charity by aligned himself with those society deemed untouchable and inhuman. By doing so, he cut deep into the social fabric and laid prejudices bare, challenging commonly held conceptions about who was worthy of love.

We have never treated Native Americans as full people in this country. We drove them from their homes and placed them in the middle of nowhere. Today we forget Native Americans as best we can, relegating them to the pages of history rather acknowledging their existence in the present. But they don't forget. How could they? How could they forget a history so covered in blood and pain that entire generations are lost to it?

One of the most challenging weeks at seminary was when James Cone had my class read Robert Alan Warrior's "A Native American Perspective: Canaanites, Cowboys, and Indians", which looks at the Exodus story from the perspective of the Canaanites. For someone who has been on the wrong side of a conquest it's an obvious and relatable interpretation but for those of us who come from the dominant perspective, the winners perspective, we never consider it. Or at least I hadn't. Up that point, I'd probably read the Exodus story a hundred times but never once considered the Canaanites to be real people with real feelings whose lives mattered. They were always villains and heathens, caricatures of people who were in the way and deserved to feel the wrath of God. But what about their lives? What about God's love for the oppressed? What's about God's justice for those being crushed by an empire?

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Let's remember that if it weren't for the Samaritan man the traveler on the side of the road would have died.

Currently, the largest gathering of Native Americans in recent history is taking place in North Dakota to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline. They along with hundreds of non-Natives are protesting to save and protect Native lands and water. But ask most any of them and they will tell you they are doing it for the world at large.

As a nation, we became aware of their protest after a private security company let their guard dogs loose on the peaceful protestors. The video captured is reminiscent of the Civil Rights era when Bull Connor set fire hoses and dogs on African American protestors. Today's marketers are much smarter than Bull Connor, though. They understand news cycles and how to keep sensational headlines from happening. Once the week's headlines faded so too did our sympathies for those attacked. The fight carries on, though. Just this morning I watched as local North Dakotan law enforcement officers in full riot gear arrested protesters for trespassing. Once again, the State is forcefully taking what rightfully belongs to Native Americans ironically in a state named after them.

We have been taught as a nation to ignore Native Americans. I've always wondered why. What did they do that was so bad that to justify our treatment of them? Any propagandist will tell you that if you want to win a war, you must first convince the public they are worth beating. Harmless people must become violent savages and rapists so that the violence and cruelty against them can later be justified and called righteous.
This is the second in my series of "Letters to a Trump Supporter," from correspondence with a family friend who supports Mr. Trump.

In keeping with the immigration theme, he sent me a video of Bill Clinton, as president, vowing to increase deportations. I responded:

Yes, President Clinton said that, and his administration did conduct a lot of deportations. But you know who ordered more deportations than any other president? Barack Obama.

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Anyone who tells you that today's Democratic Party is trying to encourage undocumented immigration is lying to you. The Democrats just don't engage in race-baiting and fear-mongering, so they don't get the headlines.

To this, my friend asked, "Do you agree to limit the number coming or agree to increase as Hillary wants?"

Below is my response.

~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Mr. ----,

Good question, but I might need to clarify it a bit.

Hillary Clinton has never said that she wants to increase the number of immigrants coming into the United States without limit. Her website lists her immigration proposals, which don't say anything about an unlimited increase in immigration.

Current immigration law does have annual limits, and Secretary Clinton has not proposed to change them.

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There are a couple things you might be referring to.

She has said that she wants to allow 65,000 Syrian refugees into the country. This would be a one-time increase representing 0.02% of the American population. That is a cap, of course, and a very small one at that.

She has also said that she would give undocumented immigrants a pathway to citizenship, but that's only for people who have already immigrated here. So it wouldn't change the number of immigrants at all.

This is not a particularly liberal stance. In fact, the leaders of both parties supported a pathway to citizenship in 2013 when they tried to pass immigration reform.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning news outlet ProPublica recently published a fascinating behind-the-scenes investigation into the failure of that effort. The Senate had passed a bill. The House was negotiating a bill. They had gotten 140 Republicans onboard. They were literally celebrating that a majority of both parties were ready to vote yes...and then Eric Cantor, the number-two Republican in power, was defeated in the primary by a conservative challenger who campaigned against his support for immigration reform. The Republican reformers all realized they were in danger of losing their seat too, so they abandoned the negotiation and the bill died.

If extremists like Donald Trump had not been allowed to hijack the debate, we probably would have passed immigration reform.

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It even had the support of Sean Hannity, who said, "It's simple to me to fix it. If people are here, law-abiding, participating for years, their kids are born here, you know, first secure the border, pathway to citizenship, done."

And Paul Ryan, who said, "I want to do it because it's the right thing to do, because I'm Catholic, and my Christian values say we cannot have millions of people in second-tier status."

So, yes, to answer your question, I agree with Sean Hannity, I agree with Paul Ryan, and I agree with Hillary Clinton. Mass deportation is cruel and infeasible. A pathway to citizenship is in keeping with American values, Christian values, and common sense.
The Supreme Court of the United States

[This column was originally published by Truthdig.com]

Antonin Scalia's death in February has put the Supreme Court's future up for grabs in the presidential election. The next occupant of the Oval Office will have the power to reshape the nation's highest judicial body, and with it the ability to redefine the meaning and application of the Constitution, not just for the next four or eight years, but for a generation or more.

In my last Truthdig column, I examined the impact a Trump or Clinton presidency could have on the court in light of the public positions each candidate has taken on major constitutional issues. I also provided some commentary on the kinds of people Donald Trump or Hillary Clinton might nominate to succeed Scalia and three other elderly justices--Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Anthony Kennedy and Stephen Breyer--who are all at least 78 years old and nearing retirement.

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To restate the gist of the column: Trump would be a catastrophe, seeking to set back the constitutional clock in a wide range of areas, from environmental protection and First Amendment freedoms to abortion rights. Clinton, for all her duplicities, coziness to Wall Street and foreign-policy hawkishness, is clearly the lesser evil of the pair.

Nothing said in Sunday's second presidential debate, which touched ever so briefly on the court, has changed my perspective. Trump as chief executive would move the court sharply to the right, appointing justices "in the mold of Scalia." Clinton would guide it moderately to the center-left.

But Trump and Clinton aren't the only hopefuls in the race. Gary Johnson, the Libertarian Party nominee, and Jill Stein of the Green Party, are also campaigning. They have announced positions on the court, and their views merit our attention, even if neither has the slightest chance of winning in November.

Here, then, is my take on what the third-party standard-bearers have to offer, with my conclusion first and analysis afterward:

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1. Gary Johnson is--and I say this with a deep breath and only after careful reflection--almost as ignorant about the work of the court and constitutional law as Trump. He would be an embarrassment to the country as well as a danger overall to progressive values were he ever to wield the judicial appointment authority of the presidency under Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution.

2. Jill Stein, by contrast, has articulated a consistently progressive stance on the court and the questions and cases that will likely come before it in the next decade. Her positions are more expansive than those embraced by Bernie Sanders. She suffers, however, from even more diminutive poll numbers than Johnson, registering a scant 2 percent to 3 percent of voter support in recent national surveys.

Now for the analysis, starting with Johnson.

To the extent that the former Republican governor of New Mexico has talked about the Supreme Court and whom he would elevate in the wake of Scalia's demise, his ideas have been vague, erratic and at times vacuous. Equally important, what he's said on the subject has conflicted with the views expressed by his Libertarian running mate, former Republican Massachusetts Gov. William Weld.

Johnson and Weld appeared together for an interview on ReasonTV this past July, during which they were asked by reporter Nick Gillespie about the kind of jurist who should succeed Scalia.

Weld answered that "Stephen Breyer has been a good justice. He was appointed by Democrats." Weld also opined that President Obama's current nominee--Merrick Garland, the presiding judge of the federal District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals--"was a good pick."

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Johnson fumbled his response, saying that he would impose no "litmus test" for his Supreme Court choices, but that any of his nominees would have to adhere to Scalia's philosophy of "original intent" for interpreting the meaning of the Constitution.

Perusing the July interview, or for that matter the recorded Q&A conducted a month later by Townhall's Guy Benson, it's unclear that Johnson has the foggiest idea what "original intent" means as a judicial methodology.

Not that it takes a rocket scientist to grasp the doctrine's fundamentals. In its initial iteration--as popularized by such legal luminaries as the now-deceased federal appellate judge Robert Bork--the theory held that the Constitution should be interpreted according to the actual intentions of the framers. Bork, who was nominated by President Reagan in 1987, never made it to the high bench. His appointment was rejected after a raucous Judiciary Committee hearing by the full Senate on a vote of 58-42.

In its current, more refined version, originalism urges judges to interpret the Constitution, not so much in line with the framers' intent (which some proponents acknowledge is unknowable), but according to the "original meaning" of the terms contained in the document's text--that is, according to the general definitions of the words used in the Constitution at the time of its ratification. This is the technique Scalia was said to have employed when he penned his majority decision in District of Columbia v. Heller, holding for the first time in 2008 that the Second Amendment protects an individual's right to own and bear firearms apart from service in state militia.

Proponents of the "original meaning" school like Scalia argue that such an approach to judicial decision-making guards against both subjectivism and activism.

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In truth, of course, originalism is a sham, promoting its own strain of subjective judicial judgments and partisan outcomes. Consider, for example, in addition to Heller, the sweeping breadth of such recent sea-changing Supreme Court rulings as Bush v. Gore on the 2000 presidential election, Citizens United v. FEC on campaign finance, and Shelby County v. Holder, which gutted the Voting Rights Act.

When it comes to constitutional theory, originalist or otherwise, Gary Johnson hasn't a clue. Indeed, in his Townhall interview, he spoke strongly against the Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling in a 2005 eminent domain case (Kelo v. City of New London) as illustrative of the kind of court opinions he doesn't like. But he didn't appear to know how the then-members of the court had voted on the case.

Similarly, in the Townhall interview, Johnson took conflicting positions on abortion rights, ultimately saying that abortion curbs should be left to the states. He also seemed confused on the hot-button question of "religious liberty" and discrimination by business owners against the LGBT community, and he was unable to explain how Indiana's Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA), which he condemned, differed from the New Mexico RFRA, which he had signed into law in 2000.

Whether Johnson's poor performance in the Reason and Townhall sessions were "Aleppo" moments of memory failure under the klieg lights, he has espoused a number of other well-considered positions on the big legal issues of our times.

On the plus side, he favors legalization of marijuana, and, most recently, called for pardoning NSA whistle-blower Edward Snowden. He also recently declared his opposition to the death penalty, although as governor in 2001 he permitted New Mexico's only execution since 1976 to proceed. The state abolished capital punishment in 2009, after Johnson had left office.

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However, Johnson's negatives vastly outweigh his positives. As noted by Mother Jones blogger Kevin Drum in a Sept. 17 post, Johnson supports the Trans-Pacific Partnership and fracking. He wants to abolish student loans and thinks Citizens United "is great."

He opposes net neutrality, affirmative action and gun control, and any type of paid maternity or medical leave. He's against all forms of national health insurance, wants to raise the Social Security retirement age to 75, abolish the EPA and repeal the federal income tax.

He is also against any increase in the minimum wage in keeping with strict anti-New Deal libertarian canon. Truly faithful libertarians call for a return to the early 20th-century era of "freedom of contract," during which the Supreme Court issued such infamous anti-labor decisions as Lochner v. New York and Adkins v. Children's Hospital, striking down maximum-hour and minimum-wage legislation.

Jill Stein offers a mirror image of all that is regressive in Johnson's legal outlook. Among other positions, as cataloged by the website OnTheIssues.org, she has condemned the current religious freedom movement as a "surrogate for patriarchal domination," and has called for strict workplace and housing equality without regard to gender identification.

Stein supports abortion rights, pay equity, the Black Lives Matter movement and ending mass incarceration.

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Like Johnson, she has called for the decriminalization of drug use, abolition of the death penalty and a pardon for Edward Snowden.

Unlike Johnson, however, she wants to overturn Citizens United, declaring that "corporations are not people and should not be allowed to finance political campaigns." In further contrast to Johnson, she opposes raising the retirement age for Social Security and supports affirmative action and gun control.

To combat economic inequality, Stein wants to go beyond minimum wage legislation, calling on Congress to enact "living wage" mandates. In fact, she wants guaranteed jobs for all who want to work, and full conversion to green energy by 2030 to counteract climate change (which, unlike Johnson, she believes is real and man-made).

When it comes to the Supreme Court, although she thinks Merrick Garland should get a Senate hearing, she would appoint justices committed to reversing Citizens United. She was, moreover, sharply critical of the court for deadlocking 4-4 last term on a crucial appeal (United States v. Texas) dealing with President Obama's delayed deportation programs.

Of all the presidential candidates, Stein would do the most to influence the court to move in a consistently progressive direction. But of all the candidates, she has the least prospect of doing so. And therein lies a sobering but undeniable reality about the state of American law and politics in the second decade of the 21st century.
Strongman

noun strongman \stro-man\: a politician or leader who uses violence or threats

When I hear the word used as a positive attribute in reference to Donald J. Trump, I shudder. I come from a country that was ruled by a strongman for fourteen years. Democracy was not made for "strongmen". Democracy in itself is flawed, in that democracy, without the inviolability of a strong constitution, is meaningless. Hugo Chavez, the late president of Venezuela, was elected by a democratic majority but as soon as he took office declared on national television that the constitution was just for reference. And so the assault on the Magna Carta began and it is now unrecognizable, as is the country.

We, in South America, are experts in "strongmen". Augusto Pinochet, Fidel Castro, Alfredo Stroessner, Hugo Chavez - left or right - the list is long. What is evident about the "strongmen", is that it's a cult to their personalities and not their policies. Hugo Chavez was not elected because of his policies, but because of is appeal to a huge swath of the population that felt mis- or under-represented and because he was an "outsider." But I will stop with the comparisons now, the United States is not Venezuela. But I thought something very similar when Chavez first ran, Venezuela is not Cuba. I can't say my foresight was very good.

"If I win, I am going to instruct my attorney general to get a special prosecutor to look into your situation because there has never been so many lies, so much deception," Mr. Trump said in the second debate. He threatened to put Secretary Clinton in jail if elected. As Michael Chertoff, secretary of Homeland Security and head of the Justice Department's criminal division under George W. Bush, said in the New York Times, "It's a chilling thought. It smacks of what we read about tin-pot dictators in other parts of the world, where when they win an election their first move is to imprison opponents."

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But what's unsettling about this situation, is the thundering applause of those he appeals to. Mr. Trump, with the support of his followers, has threatened the constitution and the rule of law in this country, and that should not be taken lightly. He has encouraged violence against demonstrators, he has proposed a ban based on religion, and attacked an American judge, issuing threats and falsely saying he was Mexican. He undermines the American democratic system by saying it's rigged and setting the stage for the "great fraud" committed upon him that will cost him the election. He is recruiting "election observers" to show up at the polls, reminiscent of Chavez's red-shirted "motorizados" circling the polls on their motorcycles in a threatening manner on election day.

Mr. Trump's support does not come from his policies, few and vague at best, but from his personality, his persona, his very troubling persona. Racism, misogyny, lack of general knowledge, all forgiven because he is an "outsider" and is rattling the establishment. This is very ugly, and it's rattling more than the establishment, it's rattling the moral and democratic core of this country.

Thankfully, though sometimes detrimental as shown in the last eight years, the American system has enough checks and balances to keep a president from achieving anything. I have issues with the American system, especially with the electorate college that disenfranchises millions every election cycle, where a Republican vote means nothing in California and Democratic vote means nothing in Alabama. But it is very strong when it comes to the branches of government, the checks and balances. Very, very strong.

So, I am not terribly worried about the American democratic system collapsing under the rule of an autocratic, megalomaniac. No, I'm worried about the effects of his emergence on the fabric of the country, pitting Americans against Americans, and dividing us based on race, gender, sexual preference or religion. This is the real danger, a terrible change that could last a generation. Chavez changed Venezuela by dividing its citizenry and it didn't turn out well. Venezuela went from an imperfect two-party democracy to a disaster, far worse than what we had before. The United States is not Venezuela, and Venezuela is not Cuba, but I've said that before...
The second Presidential Debate solidified my impression of Donald Trump as a misogynist representing the worst of patriarchy, which has been the dominant social system for the last 5,000 years.



In a patriarchal system, men are in charge, controlling leadership in politics, social privilege, family, and property, including total power over women and children. The literal meaning of patriarchy is "the rule of the father." We are just starting to climb out of this imbalance of power. Birth control, access to abortions, the right to vote, feminists, and a changing social climate have empowered women to stand up to abusive partners and energized them to run for office so they could help to change the moral and legal ramifications of this ancient system. Hillary has been trying to do that for decades; her record of public service clearly shows her hard work for the rights of women and children, famously saying as First Lady in Beijing that "women's rights are human rights."

Trump wants to be the ultimate patriarch, the one holding all the power. Hillary really irritates him. A woman shouldn't know more than he does about policy, about government, about the world, about anything. In patriarchy, women don't hold power. They are worth less than men, hence, their lower pay rates. They are more likely to be abused. They should stay home and raise the kids. They should be beautiful and sexy (Trump especially likes beautiful women and denigrates those who are fat or "ugly"). In patriarchy, women's sexuality is there for the taking. This is the personal world Trump lives in and the world he wants for us. This is, in his opinion, what would make America "great" again.

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In the second debate, Donald Trump stood menacingly behind Hillary Clinton, trying to overshadow her physically when he was not lashing out at her verbally. His disrespect for her was obvious, as he habitually referred to Clinton as "her" and "she" rather than addressing her by name. He piles misogyny on top of patriarchy. Misogyny is outright contempt for women. Misogyny grabs a woman's pussy whether she wants it grabbed or not. Misogyny hates having to deal with female moderators in a debate. Misogyny is the "good old boys" network, the "boys will be boys" excuse for bad behavior, the foul language of the "locker room." Misogyny intends to throw Hillary in jail, even after she has been exonerated by the FBI and a passel of special prosecutors, and throw away the key.

Nations other than the U.S. have had women presidents or prime ministers as elected or appointed heads of state, including our neighbors to the north and south.

When you look at how far behind other countries the U.S. is in education and health care, you can begin to understand why a woman president will make a difference. While Trump made lewd sexual comments about his own daughter, Hillary worked across the aisle to pass a program that covered 8 million children with health care. As soon as she got into the Senate, she helped write laws to make education better and to protect children's health. As Secretary of State, Hillary met with women in countries around the world and led the U.N. Security Council resolution to combat sexual violence in conflict zones and to advance the rights of the LGBT community. In the meantime, Trump tried to have sex with a married woman while his most current wife was pregnant.

And this patriarchal and misogynist man wants to be president? As decent men and women, we can't let that happen. As citizens of a world that is just starting to wake up to how women are sexually assaulted and abused around the globe, we can't let that happen.

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If you are in any way undecided about who to vote for less than a month from now, please don't vote for this dangerous narcissist, with his grandiose perception of himself as being the one person who can fix everything that's wrong. Don't give this pompous and arrogant exploiter of others, the one who cares only about himself and his entitlement and personal gain, a bully pulpit from which to bully the world. He's hot-tempered and dangerous, and imagining him with his finger on the nuclear button should scare the bejeezus out of us all.
The United States Supreme Court in Washington D C USA

In 2007, an Aurora, Colo., jury convicted Miguel Angel Pena-Rodriguez on three misdemeanor counts of sexual misconduct for allegedly accosting two teenagers at the racetrack where he worked.

After the trial, two jurors reported to defense lawyers that another juror had said the defendant was guilty "because he is Mexican and Mexican men take whatever they want."

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Did that and other alleged slurs unfairly weigh on the jury's decision to convict Or should the juror's words be protected by state and federal rules that guarantee the secrecy of jury proceedings? That was the question before the Supreme Court Tuesday.

The Court should not hesitate in its conclusion. We are living in an era when a major party presidential candidate declares before the world that Mexican immigrants are "rapists" and "killers;" in an era in which police shoot too frequently at unarmed black men because they are wrongfully stereotyped as aggressive and violent. The case provides the perfect opportunity for the Court to renounce the systemic racism that has shadowed the American story since its beginning and instead reaffirm our abiding constitutional principle of equality for all.

As Justice Elena Kagan observed during oral arguments, using particular stereotypes about race and criminality is not just in conflict with constitutional principles of individual equality, but it would also be "the worst thing that you can suggest about our criminal justice system, that it allows that to happen."

The Court should rule in favor of to make clear that racial prejudice has no place in our judicial system.

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The idea of a fair trial in criminal proceedings can be traced back to 18th Century English common law. The renowned British jurist Sir William Blackstone called juries a "sacred bulwark" of liberty. And as our nation's Founders crafted the Constitution -- the most enduring in history -- they adopted that revolutionary concept. Based on the text of the Sixth Amendment -- "... the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury..." -- the Founders clearly believed that jurors should be free of any bias of any kind.

While many of us cringe when we get our jury duty notice, the jury is a crucial gatekeeper of justice, standing between individuals and wrongful convictions, serving as a check from the community on overzealous prosecutors, and ensuring that everyday people -- our peers -- have a say before our liberty is taken away. As American constitutional scholar Akhil Amar has argued, the concept of impartial juries is at the heart of American identity: "the jury summed up -- indeed embodied -- the ideals of populism, federalism, and civic virtue that were the essence of the original Bill of Rights."

Unfortunately, this Founding Era guarantee of an impartial jury was hardly a reality for many people of color in this country after the Bill of Rights was adopted, as African Americans were barred from serving on juries and justice was far from blind when it came to non-white defendants. After the abolition of slavery and the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment, our Constitution made clear that "any person" in our country -- black or white, rich or poor, citizen or not -- has the right to equal protection of the laws and due process.

The Supreme Court has long recognized that racial bias on juries cannot be squared with the Sixth and Fourteenth Amendments. Since 1879, the Court has repeatedly held that racial prejudice in the justice system is unconstitutional. In a 1979 case, the Justices stated that "discrimination on the basis of race, odious in all aspects, is especially pernicious in the administration of justice."

The text and history of the Constitution validate the principle that discrimination doesn't just violate the law of the land, but is at war with our basic ideals of democracy. A juror who infers a defendant's guilt "because he is Mexican and Mexican men take whatever they want" -- a statement attributed to one of the jurors in case -- is an appalling violation of this ideal. Disbelieving the crucial testimony of an alibi witness because he is Hispanic and "an illegal" -- also a statement attributed to this juror, and, as a matter of fact, not an accurate statement of the man's legal status -- is out of line with our constitutional guarantees of impartial justice.

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More sinned against than sinner, " goes the old expression, but what is sin and what the relationship of the sinner to the sinned? In some ways it sounds a little like the phenomenological notion of intention. The subjective individual can have intention to the object, but inanimate objects have no intention and express no volition. "An immoral act considered to be a transgression against divine law, " is how sin is defined by the on-line dictionary, but you don't sin against the self-same table or chair and a table or a chair certainly can't be guilty of any sins. You don't sin against objects and objects cannot sin against you. You sin against people who possess their own intentions and in so doing are sinning against God, if you happen to believe in one. Thus my intention is to live, but when you decide to kill me, you eradicate my ability to fulfill my goal. The same is true of the biblical injunction about coveting they neighbor's wife. The neighbor wants to be married and enjoy the company of his wife, but you get in the way of that when you covet and then have the wherewithal to actually commit adultery. "More sinned against than sinner" thus conveys the nuance of two bodies in motion, two individuals who have equal and opposite intentions, one of which is sinful and the other of which may contain sinful elements, but is in the end less sinful. The married man may be guilty of the sin of lust, yet the neighbor who commits adultery with that man's wife may be deemed even more sinful to the extent that he moves from an idea to an action. Still there's something ambiguous about all of this. After their fall from grace, Adam and Eve, by definition, lived in a state of sin, since they had lost their innocence. Adam and Eve represent mankind as we know it, filled with sin and hiding their nakedness because of their sense of shame. But to quote Orwell in Animal Farm "all animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." Individual men may seek to prove the notion that they have found grace a la the Protestant ethic that Max Weber talks about. Yet there are no absolutes. It depends from what point of view you are looking and with what intention, when you set out to reach a verdict. Sin is more consonant with relativity theory than Newtonian physics considering its more rigid view of space and time. Jurors are perpetually faced with these kinds of situations. A crime or sin may have been committed, but the person against whom the action took place may have been sinning themselves, as in the case of the wife who in a moment of rage kills her abusive husband. In cases like this jurors must adjudicate who is the sinner and who the one sinned against when the facts are open to differing interpretations.
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
For many of us, there's nothing quite like getting lost in a good book.

Reading can transport us to another world, providing escape from life's everyday stresses, at least temporarily.

But increasingly, researchers are finding that reading may offer some real benefits for health and well-being.

In August, Medical News Today reported on a study published in the journal Social Science & Medicine that claimed reading books could increase lifespan.

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Led by researchers from Yale University School of Public Health, the study revealed that adults who reported reading books for more than 3  hours per week were 23 percent less likely to die over 12 years of follow-up, compared with those who did not read books.

While the researchers were unable to pinpoint the precise mechanisms by which reading may boost longevity, they pointed to previous studies that found reading can increase connectivity between brain cells, possibly lowering the risk of neurodegenerative diseases that can shorten lifespan.

Given that more than 75 percent of American adults have read at least one book in the past year, any reports of the associated health benefits are likely to be welcome news.

If you are in the remaining 25 percent of people who find reading a chore, perhaps learning more about how it could improve health and well-being will encourage you to shun the TV for the library.

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1) Reading can reduce stress

Stress is believed to contribute to around 60 percent of all human illness and disease; it can raise the risks of stroke and heart disease by 50 percent and 40 percent, respectively.

Of course, day-to-day life makes it impossible to eliminate stress completely, but there are things we can do to reduce stress and stop it from becoming a serious health issue. One strategy is reading.

According to a 2009 study conducted by the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom, reading can reduce stress levels by as much as 68 percent, even more than listening to music or going for a walk.

Study co-author Dr. David Lewis, a neuropsychologist at Mindlab International at Sussex, and colleagues found that participants who engaged in just 6 minutes of reading - whether a newspaper or a book - experienced a slowed heart rate and reduced muscle tension.

"It really doesn't matter what book you read, by losing yourself in a thoroughly engrossing book, you can escape from the worries and stresses of the everyday world and spend a while exploring the domain of the author's imagination," says Dr. Lewis.

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"This is more than merely a distraction but an active engaging of the imagination, as the words on the printed page stimulate your creativity and cause you to enter what is essentially an altered state of consciousness."

These findings are unlikely to come as a surprise to the bookworms out there; a study conducted by researchers from the University of Liverpool in the U.K. earlier this year found that 38 percent of adults class reading as their "ultimate stress remedy."

"Whilst the cumulative societal benefits of reading have been widely acknowledged, it's important also to recognize the gains to be had from reading on our personal health and well-being," notes study researcher Dr. Josie Billington.

2) Reading can slow cognitive decline

As we age, our brain slows down, and cognitive tasks that we may have once found easy, such as remembering a name or a house number, may become more challenging.

But according to a number of studies, reading could help slow down or even prevent cognitive decline, and it may even help stave off more severe forms of cognitive impairment, such as Alzheimer's disease.

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In 2013, a study by researchers from Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, IL - published in the journal Neurology - found that reading and other mentally stimulating activities may slow dementia.

For their research, lead author Robert S. Wilson, of the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center, and team enrolled 294 adults of an average age of 89.

Every year for an average of 6 years before their death, the participants completed a number of memory and thinking tests. They also completed a questionnaire detailing any mentally stimulating activities they engaged in during childhood, adolescence, middle age, and in later life.

From analyzing the brains of participants after their death, the researchers found that those who engaged in reading, writing, and other mentally stimulating activities in early and late life were less likely to show physical evidence of dementia, such as brain lesions, plaques, and tangles.

"Based on this, we shouldn't underestimate the effects of everyday activities, such as reading and writing, on our children, ourselves and our parents or grandparents," Wilson comments.

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The results support those of an earlier study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, which found older adults who read, play chess, and participate in other mentally challenging activities were 2  times less likely to develop Alzheimer's.

3) Reading can improve sleep

Smartphones have become our regular bedtime buddy. Where's the harm in having a quick check of Facebook before lights out? According to research, it could wreak havoc for your sleep.

A study published earlier this year in the journal Social Science & Medicine found that using a smartphone just before bedtime is linked to shorter sleep duration and poorer sleep quality.

This is primarily because the light emitted from the devices reduces production of melatonin in the brain - a hormone that tells us when to sleep.

So what better excuse to swap your smartphone for a book before bedtime; according to the Mayo Clinic, creating a bedtime ritual - such as reading a book - can "promote better sleep by easing the transition between wakefulness and drowsiness."

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4) Reading can enhance social skills

Some people view books as a way to escape the real world and the people in it, but research has shown that when it comes to social skills, reading may have its uses.

A 2013 study published in the journal Science, for example, found that individuals who read fiction may have better "theory of mind" - that is, the ability to understand that people's beliefs, desires, and thoughts are different to their own.

Further cementing the link between reading and improved social skills, a study reported by MNT earlier this year found that individuals who read fiction scored much higher on tests of empathy than those who read nonfiction.

Study author Keith Oatley, of the Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development at the University of Toronto, Canada, suggests that fiction allows the reader to engage with the characters, which may lead to increased empathy with others in reality.

"The most important characteristic of being human is that our lives are social," says Oatley. "What's distinctive about humans is that we make social arrangements with other people - with friends, with lovers, with children - that aren't pre-programmed by instinct. Fiction can augment and help us understand our social experience."

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5) Reading may boost intelligence

"The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go," American author and illustrator Dr. Seuss once wrote, and it seems he was right.

Studies have shown that reading can increase an individual's vocabulary, which has been linked with greater intelligence.

What is more, it appears that the stronger a person's early reading skills, the more intelligent they are likely to become.

A 2014 study published in the journal Child Development found that children with better reading skills by the age of 7 years scored higher on IQ tests than those with weaker reading skills.

"If, as our results imply, reading causally influences intelligence, the implications for educators are clear," says study leader Stuart J. Ritchie, of the University of Edinburgh in the U.K.

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"Children who don't receive enough assistance in learning to read may also be missing out on the important, intelligence-boosting properties of literacy."

For those of you who are avid readers, you can be safe in the knowledge that your pastime is providing a wealth of benefits for your health and well-being.

If you are still not convinced about dropping Breaking Bad and breaking in a novel, we'll leave you with a quote from French writer and philosopher Voltaire:

"Let us read, and let us dance; these two amusements will never do any harm to the world."

Written by Honor Whiteman
This week Mark Walker, a federal judge in Florida, called out the Supreme Court in no uncertain terms. The judge was considering Governor Scott's arguments that he has no obligation to extend voting registration because of Hurricane Matthew. The specifics of the case are not important (although the judge's characterization of Scott's position as "poppycock" is worth reading). What's really important is that Judge Walker described "a fundamental right to vote" and applied "strict scrutiny" to Scott's arguments.

To understand why this was such a radical step one has to understand that there is a gaping hole in the constellation of rights that are guaranteed under our Constitution: there is no guarantee of a right to vote. There are rights that surround voting: the XVth Amendment says no one may be denied the vote on the basis of race. The Supreme Court has ruled that federal districts must be equal in the populations they contain. And under Article I, 4 Congress has authority to intervene if States draw districts improperly. For example, it is due to an act of Congress that we have single-member winner-take-all districts. (Please note: Congress could get rid of gerrymandering tomorrow--they choose not to do so.) But none of these things gets to what Judge Walker was saying: that voting, in and of itself and without questions of race or inequal treatment, is fundamental to the American system of democratic rights.

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It's not that no one has thought of this before. Walker quotes an earlier case called Wesberry v. Sanders: "No right is more precious in a free country than that of having a voice in the election of those who make the laws under which, as good citizens, we must live. Other rights, even the most basic, are illusory if the right to vote is undermined." In 1986, in Davis v. Bandemer, the Court ruled that judges have the authority to intervene to correct excessive political manipulation of electoral districts. But 1986 which was a very different era. The attitude of the Court in the modern era is best captured by the late Justice Scalia in a 2004 opinion, Vieth v. Jubilirer. Scalia, writing for a 5-4 majority, overruled Bandemer and concluded that political gerrymandering raises no "judicially enforceable" constitutional issues at all.

Scalia's ruling in Vieth is of a piece with the analysis in Citizens United that relied on the proposition that there is no important public interest in preserving confidence in democratic institutions. The absolutely intended result is that the ability to use money to try to influence an election is a fundamental right, but the opportunity for individual voters to actually participate in the same election is not.

The political manipulations of districts, particularly following the 2010 mid-terms, has been blamed for increasing polarization and extremism in our politics because contestants in safe districts position themselves to win primaries, the only contest that actually counts. But that is the least of it. To really see how this plays out in practice, one should look at a brief that was filed by a group of Virginia Republican congressmen in 2015.

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A federal court had found that Virginia's districts were drawn in a way that resulted in racial discrimination, so new districts were needed. Competing plans were proposed, including one by the Republican incumbents (appearing as "intervenor-defendants"). They argued that according to Supreme Court precedent a federal court reviewing districts should "not pre-empt the legislative task nor intrude on state policy any more than necessary." In this case the state policy in question was to preserve the Republican majority that emerged from the 2010 midterms against any future electoral outcome.

This is not a conspiracy theory or an accusation, this was precisely the claim asserted in the brief. The core purpose of the original district design was "to maintain the 8 Republican to 3 Democrat ratio established in 2010". "[T]he district design was described not as a racial gerrymander, but as a political gerrymander that created a 8-3 partisan division in favor of Republicans." The legislature was pursuing the "inarguabl[e] political goals of implementing an 8/3 incumbency protection plan."

By this analysis, squarely based on Supreme Court precedents, the court was obliged to ensure that in remedying the racially discriminatory aspects of the plan it did not upset the political gerrymander. To be fair (if "fair" is the word I want) the GOP had good reason to fear that without pretty extreme gerrymandering future elections were likely to produce different outcomes. Consider the results of state-wide Virginia elections. Both US Senators are Democrats (elected in 2009 and 2013). The governor is a Democrat (elected in 2014). In both 2008 and 2012 the state went for Obama. Yet the congressional delegation reflects a carefully maintained 8-3 Republican majority that was created in the Republican wave of 2010.

Gerrymandering is just the one example. In Florida, Governor Scott's refusal to extend registration was quite obviously aimed at depressing turnout among populations likely to vote Democratic; in fact, his defense of his decision was that it was just "politics." That's the proposition that Judge Walker called "poppycock", the idea that there were no issues of rights involved here only politics as usual.

Yet there is no question that Governor Scott's position is consistent with the rulings of the Supreme Court. Voter suppression, class-based or geography-based obstacles to voting, and even the most extreme district gerrymandering do not violate any constitutional rights unless race is involved. Because according to our Supreme Court there is no constitutional right to vote. Judge Walker has called out the Supreme Court. Now, or after the election, or once a ninth justice is confirmed--at some point SCOTUS needs to respond to this challenge and assert that the ability to manipulate elections does not outweigh the right to have elections in the first place.
By Linda Card, InternationalLiving.com

"People find Panama surprising," says Marianne Tobin, 76, of the country where she now spends much of her time. "Many think only of the canal zone or the beautiful tropical areas. They have no idea that Panama has pine trees and meadows reminiscent of Switzerland."



Children Cycling in Santa Fe, Panama

For Marianne and her son Jeff Owens, Panama had more than pine trees and meadows in store. The highlands of Veraguas are known for their coffee, thanks to a combination of warm weather, plenty of rainfall, rich soil, and abundant shade trees. Farmers around the rural town of Santa Fe have been growing coffee for generations. A large coffee processing plant sits in the middle of town, and the distinctive aroma of roasting beans drifts through the air. All this made Santa Fe the perfect spot for the two to own and operate a coffee farm in retirement.

"As a law enforcement professional back home, my job was my main focus and always very stressful. On top of that, the pace of life was very hectic where I lived in Southern California," says Jeff, 52. "Now I can work at my own pace. I'm outdoors all the time, living a healthy lifestyle, and it's very rewarding to work with the coffee plants and see the results.

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"When I got to Santa Fe, it just felt right to me. I like the fact that this area is not as popular as other places in Panama. I feel there's more opportunity here. And the laws in Panama are similar to the U.S., particularly in regard to property rights."

In 2009, Jeff and Marianne bought an eight-acre farm in El Alto that sits at 2,400 feet on a gravel road outside Santa Fe. At the time, the farm had no buildings or functioning utilities.



The Santa Fe Countryside

Today Jeff and his Colombian fiancee, Karina Mesa, live full-time on the farm. Jeff has obtained permanent residence with a Friendly Nations Visa. This allows him to own and operate a business in Panama (though to apply, you also need at least $5,000 in a Panamanian bank account).

Marianne, a retired kindergarten teacher, maintains her residence in Huntington Beach, California. There she spends time with her other four children and 11 grandchildren. But she still travels to Santa Fe regularly and helps with the farm work while she's there.

With a population of about 3,200, Santa Fe is a rural, family-based community. It's home to a small but diverse group of expats from around the world, many of them with a passion for the natural world and healthy, organic living.

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"People from the U.S. and other countries who come here have similar values and gravitate to places like Santa Fe," says Marianne. "You'll find that those who come here are keenly interested in protecting the environment and encouraging practices to sustain it."

As Jeff approached retirement, he did a lot of research, planning, and soul-searching. "I knew I'd be retiring from law enforcement in 2014," he says, "and I wanted to do something completely new, something I had never done before. I wanted to test myself and push myself in different ways."



Crossroads in Santa Fe, Panama

During Jeff's 30 years as a police officer in Southern California, he traveled a lot, often with his mother. "My mom is an avid traveler and we traveled to Costa Rica, Panama, and many other places together," Jeff says. "So when I thought about retiring, I knew I wanted to live overseas to have new experiences and adventures."

"A friend of Jeff's from the police department was from Panama and still had relatives living there, and she suggested looking into that country," says Marianne.

"I love to travel and went along for the fun. We visited Pedasi, Boquete, Volcan, and other places, and Jeff included Santa Fe on one trip. We both fell in love with a neglected, over-grown old coffee farm in the mountains above Santa Fe. When the tangle of forest was cleared away from the coffee bushes, we found that they were still bearing fruit. That kind of put everything in motion."

With the farm now up and running, Jeff and Karina make the hour-and-a-half drive to the provincial capital, Santiago, about once a week. There they handle their shopping, business, banking, and medical needs, as well as buying fuel for their pickup. Jeff estimates their monthly expenses to be around $1,000 or less, since they have no utility bills other than cell phone and internet service.

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Jeff and Karina spend most of their time on the farm, but they are also active members of the Santa Fe community. They have close friends nearby with whom they share farming tips and special occasions. "We know all the other expats here and get together at one of the restaurants in town now and then," Jeff says. "We also have friends in Boquete who've had a coffee farm for many years and have shared their knowledge with us."

To start a coffee farm here, Jeff figures you need an initial investment of around $150,000. That would cover buying land, installing utilities, constructing a small building, and planting the coffee. This is good value over the long term. Marianne estimates that to do something similar in Southern California--growing citrus fruits instead of coffee, for instance--you might easily need twice as much.

Despite this, Jeff views settling in Santa Fe and establishing his coffee farm as a good decision. "Moving to Panama and starting this new venture has totally changed my life for the better. It's challenging, fulfilling, and we're always learning something new."

This article comes to us courtesy of InternationalLiving.com, the world's leading authority on how to live, work, invest, travel, and retire better overseas.

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Earlier on Huff/Post50:
With 30 days to go, Donald Trump's campaign is in disarray. We see it everywhere: He's struggling to solidify his base rather than fighting for the support of undecided voters as Republicans desert him in droves. Rather than address clear questions about his candidacy -- temperament and fitness for office -- Trump throws red meat to his base and ignores the questions. This is not a winning strategy and Trump knows it. Here's how Navy SEALs look at situations like this.

First, you assess the situation. Nate Silver's statistical model shows Trump trailing by 6.5% and struggling to get 200 electoral votes, let alone the 270 required to win - and this is before the effects of the hot mic tape have been fully measured. To have a chance, Trump must literally run the table in Iowa, Ohio, North Carolina, Florida, Nevada, and Colorado, while defending traditional strongholds like Arizona and Georgia. It's a tall order to win any one of them when Trump is losing (and bleeding support) in each. Silver's model correctly predicted the results of the presidential elections in 2008 and 2012, getting 99/100 states right (the lone error was Indiana in 2008). Trump's path to victory is now non-existent unless you ignore facts.

Second, you assess the mission. Here's the thing: if you strip out the rhetoric and half-baked solutions, many gripes of Trump supporters are legitimate. Many Americans have been left behind in the economy, hurt by the decline of US manufacturing and stagnation of the education system. We appear weak abroad, letting Russia cross red lines, allowing ISIS to rampage across Iraq, and looking the other way as Iran does as it pleases. The political parties have failed to resolve our immigration problem for over a decade. Career politicians represent us in Congress, concerned more about getting reelected than getting things done. The list goes on and people are angry about the lack of action and lack of improvement in their lives.

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Third, you assess the problem. Many believe that an outsider with a business acumen and record of getting things done is the right way to affect change. An outsider will be less beholden to the system and better positioned to reshape it. I agree. There's risk in this strategy too, in that outsiders haven't been vetted for office before. Trump is proving this: despite his fame, money, and recognition of key problems we face, Trump seems incapable of serving as Commander in Chief.

Three specific points illustrate why Americans see Trump as the problem:

1) Trump has trouble working with people beyond his base. In Saddam Hussein's Iraq that might work when opponents can be thrown in jail or exterminated. In the United States that won't fly: presidents must build bridges within and beyond their core support to resolve challenges. Without alliances, a president can't get approval to get things done. Trump fails this test daily, fighting allies in his party, turning off blocks of citizens with his rhetoric, and ignoring opportunities to partner with others.

2) Trump's personality makes him appear immature and undisciplined. He sends 3am tweets like a 14-year-old, picks fights with private citizens, and stretches the truth on issues when a truthful answer sits right in front of him. He appears to lack the steadiness, thoughtfulness, and judgment required of a Commander in Chief who controls the American nuclear arsenal.

3) Trump's character seems a long-term liability. Even before the hot mic tape, he had problems. His record of stiffing small business contractors, suing those who oppose him, and practice of "supporting" a charity only to never contribute a dime, raise serious doubts about character. Who trusts someone of questionable character to lead a nation built on character?

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So what do we do when the situation looks dire, the mission is worthwhile, and the problem lies with the messenger? To Navy SEALs, the answer is clear: you pull the plug to save the mission.

As a former Navy SEAL, I take great pride in taking on difficult missions and getting them done. The world has heard about a lot of SEAL successes on the battlefield over the last 15 years. Less talked about is that my brothers are also experts at knowing when to pull the plug and move to extract. With small groups of highly-trained men on the ground, a SEAL platoon can fend off and attack much larger forces, but no good operator keeps his men in a battle they cannot win. If SEALs encounter a fight where things spin out of control, they get out of there before they get overrun. This is about street smarts: you can always come back and fight on your terms to accomplish the mission, but only if your team is alive. To do this, SEALs must become masters at subordinating their ego so they can protect their men and live to fight another day. It's one of the main reasons we haven't lost thousands of SEALs in combat in Iraq and Afghanistan despite carrying out tens of thousands of missions.

This election is the same. Even though the media won't say it, Trump cannot win. He's going to lose and lose big. Sticking with him risks the mission, everything people are supporting him to fight. It's becoming clear that Americans who support Trump to the bitter end will be tarnished by his persona and actions, damaging the Republican brand for some time, much as happened in the wake of Watergate. This hurts our ability to solve the very issues that we need to resolve together. The sting of defeat will be strong, especially after a hard-fought primary and general election campaign full of passion and nastiness. It's even more galling to concede defeat when the opponent is so disliked and should be so easy to beat.

Yet Republicans need to recognize that victory is not in the cards here. We have to be street smart. The mission matters most and pulling the plug on Trump today will help us accomplish it later. We need to figure out how to address citizens' concerns, package the message into a better messenger who can get elected and then bring people together to make the changes we seek. The best way to start on this path is to repudiate the candidate before the election and avoid going down with the USS Trump. We can and will live to fight another day, perhaps as soon as 2020, but we can't start covered in Trump's stench. It will crush our credibility.

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I was honored to personally attend and witness the grand opening of the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., several weeks ago. After more than one hundred years of deliberation and four years of construction this event represented the dream of so many finally coming to fruition. I marveled, as many did tearfully, as the country's first African American President officially opened the museum on a site surrounded by historical buildings once built by slaves to whom it now pays tribute. This new institution is more than just another museum highlighting key moments throughout United States history. It's the story of a people's journey from tragedies to triumphs; a symbol of how far our nation has come--and how far we still have to go--when it comes to leveling the playing field for African Americans.

Even in the 21st century, a number of issues stand between this community and its ability to achieve maximum success. African Americans face almost double the rate of unemployment. They also face troubling incarceration disparities, including the fact that one in three black men will be incarcerated in their lifetime. These barriers are troubling to say the least. But another barrier, less in the public eye but just as prevalent, is also threatening African Americans and keeping them from accessing the tools, resources and support needed to achieve success.

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This barrier is known as "the digital divide."

The digital divide is the disproportionate lack of broadband access amongst underserved - such as poor and minority - communities. Just as visitors to the museum can witness, historical inequalities that had profound social, educational and economic impacts on African Americans, we see similar barriers due to the digital divide today. In the past the choice for too many was between jail or jobs, protesting for equal rights or maintaining one's employment to keep a roof overhead. Today, as Multicultural Media, Telecom and Internet Council (MMTC) President Kim Keenan has said, for many people in these communities the choice is now "bread or broadband." As a result, African Americans and other minorities are living, even in today's era of incredible technology innovation, without the most basic home and wireless broadband offerings, including tools and applications that can assist with healthcare, education, finances, transportation and safety.

Momentum is building to address this issue and ensure African Americans do not get left behind in the great technology innovation of today. Specifically, companies in recent years have deployed what's called "zero-rated content," also known as "free data." This offering allows consumers to use quantities of data without it counting towards their monthly data plans. The idea was created, in part, to address explosive increases in monthly data consumption that have left lower income consumers reeling with higher monthly bills.

A commitment to closing the digital divide is even gaining momentum at the federal level. This Thursday, President Obama will travel to Pittsburgh and host the "White House Frontiers Conference." The day-long event will explore advancements in science and technology on multiple frontiers ranging from personal to international, but perhaps most noteworthy for this discussion will be the Administration's proposed objectives on utilizing technology advancements to create more connectivity in local communities, including minority and rural, across the U.S.

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The technological innovation already taking place and fostering more connectivity, security and support in areas with high percentages of African Americans is incredible. In multiple metropolitan areas including New York City, Washington, D.C., and Chicago, city officials have installed small noise sensors and implemented better data integration with law enforcement to enhance public safety for community residents. In certain parts of Dallas, a city whose population is 25 percent African American, officials have enabled free public Wi-Fi and interactive kiosks that show touchscreen maps and public transit schedules. And with efforts continuing to establish the world's first 5G wireless network, these technology advancements across the U.S. only stand to grow more promising.
There's a lot of talk surrounding the phenomenon of Donald Trump during this election cycle. I disagree with everything he says and stands for, but I think we focus too much on him as the disease itself needing to be treated rather than the symptom of something larger, something more pernicious. Donald Trump has not changed nor will he change. He is who he is. He was one of at least a dozen other candidates who ran for the Republican nomination, and he won the nomination because he accrued the largest number of votes. Again, until his lacking first debate performance, Donald Trump was in striking distance to Hilary Clinton because a sizable portion of the country supported him.

Why do so many in our country think in a way that aligns with Donald Trump's values and vision? It's possible to blame Fox News, but there are many other outlets that stream and portray a subjective reality to millions of American homes on a continuous daily basis -- like Hollywood.

Today, I ran across this anonymous leak that the newest Disney Live Action Mulan movie would star a white male lead while subjugating the original Mulan character to a secondary role needing to be saved and completely erasing the original Chinese Captain Shang character.

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To be clear, Mulan is factually based off a millennia-year old Chinese legend, one in which Chinese people live perfectly fine without white interference.

Now let's take a look at the implications of this altered storyline.

a) A narrative is not a narrative unless it has a white male lead;

b) Asian women can't be the hero, need to be saved, and need to be saved by a white man;

c) Asian men just don't exist in narratives.

And ultimately,

d) Facts and history don't matter -- certain white folks are allowed to rewrite stories to boost their own ego and make themselves feel better.

Now let's look at the current American political and cultural world.

We have a substantial block of the population that

a) Does not believe in #blacklivesmatter

b) Supports a candidate who calls Mexicans rapists, Muslims terrorists, and black communities "living hell."

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c) Supports a candidate who promotes misogyny and talks about the sexual assault of women.

d) Uses openly sexist double-standard claims to delegitimize the most qualified presidential candidate in American history.

Hollywood makes the argument that white people can't relate to the stories of others. Hollywood is selling the American people short. This false belief is precisely why we have the massive chasm of real life empathy for minority lives and stories in this country. That's why we ultimately now have Donald Trump.

Now let's go back to the present and current Mulan situation. What is Hollywood doing to the Mulan narrative? Disparaging an entire ethnic group and belittling the role of women.

We are fundamentally a product of our environments and what we expose ourselves to.

Too long ago, I stopped watching TV and mainstream movies because I was sick and tired of only seeing one type of narrative, and I turned to literature instead because it provided me the humanizing caricatures of a diverse set of human experiences that Hollywood has so consistently failed to portray.

I believe in this democracy that is America, and that our candidates and our political representatives are ultimately a reflection of our values and our beliefs. But we are not born with our beliefs. Some of us discover our beliefs through deep introspection and a wide immersion into literature, philosophy, and religion. Many more of us just adopt the beliefs we are fed, the beliefs we see others hold.

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How do we prevent another Donald Trump from ever manifesting himself in American politics? We must open ourselves to the lives of others, to those who are different from us, we must respect and empathize.
The word objectivity is apparently full of subjectivity. In looking

for a quote to use in this article, I found a colorful mix of examples.

Noted psychologist Abraham Maslow offers: "Dispassionate objectivity is

itself a passion, for the real and for the truth." Celebrated photographer

Annie Leibovitz who is known to get close to her subjects claims: "I no

longer believe there is such a thing as objectivity." British novelist

Jonathan Coe says: "Objectivity is just male subjectivity."

For decades our agency has brought our brand of objectivity to

companies large and small. But we also fully appreciate the value of

the inside perspective to help address a given challenge. Whether it is

a brand identity, website or recruiting campaign, our outside view has

always focused on discovering valuable opportunities that might be

overlooked simply because the in-house team is "too close to the

problem." However, the combination of seamless collaboration, clarity

in role responsibility and a unified vision for success is the winning

formula that has defined some of our best work.

I have been very fortunate to have worked with some stellar in-house

teams and CMOs to produce strategic design solutions for a range

of complex challenges. These three examples are a blend of fact and

fiction. They reflect relationships and lasting impressions from years

of experience:



VERY GOOD: Meet "Melody Monroe," VP of Communications

Melody is very organized, energetic, a consensus builder and a solid

planner. Although relatively new to her position, she is tasked with

launching a major recruiting campaign. She uses the added muscle of

an outside design firm to help win over the company leadership, who

is marketing-averse and very budget-conscious. With this in mind, she

chooses a cost-effective design approach that will attract top talent

and not be creatively "threatening" to management. She is looking for

a solid win with the hope of building trust and autonomy for her design

and marketing role within the company. The campaign results are very

positive, and management congratulates her on her effort.



EVEN BETTER: Meet "John Jackson," EVP Creative Services

After an exciting merger, the CEO of John's company enlists his help

in planning a brand identity "refresh." John, who has successfully

launched a rebrand for his previous employer, prepares an RFP for the

assignment and sends it to three design agencies. After credential

presentations, John advises management in the selection process and

recommends a firm. The design consultant receives one of the best

creative briefs ever and works closely with John's team to carefully

plan a year-long rebranding process. Roles and responsibilities are

defined, key milestones are established, budget parameters are

clarified and strategies for winning management approval are

determined. John is ready to go and sets the project in motion.

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JUST GREAT: Meet "Susan Sharpe," Chief Marketing Officer

Three words best describe Susan: courageous, collaborative and

committed. She demands cutting-edge work and is not afraid to bleed.

She understands that the greatest rewards come from carefully

managing risk and has gained a very high level of trust from her CEO.

She has the right to be demanding because she will put her neck on the

line for "great" work and bristles at the word "good." She values design

and sees her agency as a true partner, not a "vendor." Together, they

present a compelling case for design as a competitive advantage that

convinces her CFO that great creative is an essential investment in the

company brand. She is a fighter. She is a star.

The knowledge an in-house design and marketing department has

is absolutely essential to set the context for any assignment.

The objective view and diverse experience provided by a design agency

will reveal unexpected solutions to problems. Building a bond of trust,

aligning goals and generating creative enthusiasm between the two

entities are what it takes to insure measurable success. Of this, I'm

absolutely certain but that might just be male subjectivity!

Note: This article appeared in the 2016 InSource Leadership Report.

https://www.in-source.org/shop#.V_akBTZ2v3E

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It's such open season on Trump that I hesitate to publish what I am about to write, but my fingers are flying as my mind tries to understand this phenomenon called a #Trump. Not that a "Trump" exists, but that so many resonate with his ...well, #Trumpness.

Websters Definition:

To get the better of: override - where ambition invariably trumps loyalty.

To do better than (someone of something) in a contest, competition, etc.

To be more important that (something)

(someone, something) Fill in the blank - it doesn't matter so much what it is, he must just win. That is a Trump.

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I can't understand why people would think a person who has never experienced a millisecond of being middle class, which I was raised in, much less lower income brackets, could ever have reality on THAT experience. Only a truly magnificent person could empathize with something they have never, ever experienced. I usually can't do it. I try so hard to, but mostly I fail to know what other's realities are like. It's very hard for us to walk in another's shoes. I only see through the experience of my life.

I keep hearing my Republican "John Wayne"-type dad say, Kris, you're trying to apply logic to an illogical situation. He's right, once again, but I can't stop picking at this scab.

Why do some people in the middle and lower classes think this man living in a GOLD (literally) TOWER (literally) will understand them and help them?! #confusion They seem to think the gold will rub off or are feeling a resonance to his common way of speaking, a connection to his brashness, a feeling of knowing him but misunderstanding his what "policies" may be that will 'help the rich more and it will all trickle down and work out for the little guy'. Trickle down has been his way his entire life and I wish it were that simple, but I don't think it is.

We all have endless biases. My biases are probably mostly correct, FOR ME. And I think THAT may be the very, very crucial thing to understand in this election. I am wise enough to suspect that the way I live my life is possibly only right FOR ME.

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I wish I could let that sink in a bit, especially with a Trump voter but a Trump voter I unfortunately probably lost a long time ago. So I will only be preaching to the other fascinated people out there who are also mystified as to what a Donald Trump could possibly be able to perceive that lives outside of himself.

He can't know that we each have our own unique lives, views, experiences, universes, if you will. There are 7.125 billion of them on Earth now. THEN there is a separate world outside of our own heads, that we share with others and create projects like work, public spaces, groups, relationships, etc. - And most of us know they are SEPARATE worlds. Inside voice, outside voice. We know this. What I'd like and what really happens. What I think and what I say out loud. For MR TRUMP - THEY ARE NOT SEPARATE. He has one world. One view. He only sees ONE universe - HIS. I wish I could let THAT sink in a bit!

If there was a pie on a table and 8 people in the room and everyone wants a piece - he would eat all 8 pieces and truly believe, in his heart and his mind that it was good for everyone that he ate the whole pie.

He will eat the whole pie and genuinely believe it is good for all almost 8 billion people on Earth.

Please please think about that for three seconds.

And it's not his fault. That has been correct in his life, and it has worked FOR HIM! This may be huge to understand. He's not wrong. FOR HIM. We must understand him, because he can not understand us.

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He believes completely that what is good for him is good for everyone. Most of us do feel that way, BUT our parents and life teaches us, often painfully, that is not actually true. Life has not taught him this, yet.

Think of that.

He can't help it. He doesn't know. Even if he read this blog - all he would think is how to attack me, insult my appearance, override me and drive me into silence.

Do you feel that whatever your life may be, to hell with everyone else? What's good for you is good for them? If so, then I am not talking to you. I am talking to the good people of America who have a sliver of doubt that their way may possibly, maybe, not be 100% right for everyone.

Do you see the two choices here?

What I see as the best way for me IS the best way for EVERYONE.

What I see as the best way for me... I can only really truthfully say it's MY way. I actually can't really know what is best for others - but I can wish them well.

This may be the entire election choice that we have to decide between.

For most of us, we know our universe is not the rest of the universe. Life tells us that often. We weren't born into a golden crib.

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I was raised very very differently than a Trump. We were taught that you give more than you take, always clean up after yourself, if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything, and people who brag or show off are icky.

I've also had my best friend die of AIDS. Watched my father suffer from cancer. The same cancer my mother has. I've again had my heart broken by the death of a beloved niece. I've suffered from terrible back pain while working 14 hour days. So I have empathy for those types of challenges - WHICH I DIDN'T BEFORE THEY HAPPENED TO ME.

No one can truly understand outside of their experience.

I couldn't understand what wildlife means to the African people until I went there and looked at their joyful faces and understood why they are risking their lives to save their elephants, lions, rhino, giraffe, zebra, from poachers, trophy hunters, corruption, and overpopulation. This is how they feed their families. Tourism money is how they feed their children.

I came back to America with a new appreciation for the heroism of the African human and animals. When we kill an elephant we kill their jobs. I now have been to Washington DC to "lobby on the hill" and also to Hawaii to lobby for bans on the sale of endangered animal parts. I can now tell you the entire game of politics is listening, talking, and compromising to work together to move ahead to doing better for American jobs, and African jobs. For fairness to the little guy who can't speak for himself.

If I had been aggressive towards Republicans who wanted to block support for all endangered species, if I had attacked them for the death of hundreds of thousands of elephants while they dragged their feet, and for allowing trophy hunting so children of billionaires can kill elephants, kudu, civet cat and waterbuck as Donald Trump's sons have done.... You see, I am biased. We all are. I have seen elephants in the wild, I have bottle fed the orphans of slaughtered elephants, I have spent time with Mark, our Samburu wildlife expert, and I am changed.

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I understand I am not always the winner, I know I am usually wrong, I know I can't empathize with a person who has MS as well as one with cancer. I know my universe is not the only universe!

THIS could be the entire campaign.

I will be traveling this globe to protect indigenous people and their land and their wildlife that was here long before we were - because It's the right thing to do and I disagree with bullies. I hate bullying. And the candidate that has a proven record of helping in this fight is Hillary Clinton. I volunteer my time for others, EVERY WEEK, to help the voiceless by passing legislation and I know if any of this endangered species legislation ever makes it to Hillary she will sign it. Trump will not. He even boasts that he will not.

What do you care about and how has Hillary VOTED in the senate for your beliefs. That's what a senator does, writes bill and casts one vote. (They don't write tax code btw) Stop listening to what anyone says about what she has done and look for yourself. If you are saying; I don't trust her, I don't like her, she's Crooked - you are biased by what you've heard around the water cooler and are also judging her more harshly than Trump, and frankly more harshly because she is not a male, with a swagger. You don't have to like her, you'll never meet her! Will she vote for what you care about? Look at her record!

I am biased and I KNOW IT. Own it, know it, and be responsible.

Trump can't know it. It's not his fault. He was born this way.
by Mary Gaylord

One of my favorite books is What Was I Scared Of? by Dr. Seuss. The story is about a person afraid of a pair of empty, quivering, pale green pants that coincidentally, are scared to death of the person... the very same person who is scared to death of the pants.

What Was I Scared Of? reminds me of the misgivings my friends had about joining me in a recent Living Room Conversation. Because they wanted to support me, they agreed to turn up at my house and face the scary pale green pants, aka the conversation. One of my friends recently wrote about the experience in her blog, I Choose the Benefit of the Doubt. We used the ground rules and structured process that Living Room Conversations provides; avoiding the "free-for-all" soapbox conversation one friend was fearing.

Some of the reasons my friends were afraid

before

participating in a Living Room Conversation:

Things today are always so divisive and political that it makes me not want to have in-depth conversations with people who don't know me and my views about the world.

I was worried about offending people or being harshly judged by others.

I was worried I may not stay true to how I feel on various subjects, making concessions so I would be more likable.

I felt unsure about what I was going to say. I tend to size myself up against others feeling that they are more educated, more intellectual, more sophisticated, etc., and then I feel small.

I am a religious person and am private about my faith and my views. It is my tendency to take things very personally and I feared this experience would be uncomfortable for me.

And on the flipside; reasons people found value

after

participating:

I see great value in what Living Room Conversations is doing and the way you are doing it.

The small group environment felt very safe.

I love the format. I love the rules. I love the thought-provoking questions and the structure of the conversation.

I feel closer to the people as a result of the conversation and better understand where they are coming from.

I see more common ground and really like the people I got to experience this with.

The experience was very informative, enjoyable and comfortable. It was great to be a part of this. It was more enjoyable than I expected and absolutely worth doing.

So, it seems that the scary pale green pants were not so scary after all! The truth of the matter is that we need to have these conversations for many reasons. There is collective wisdom and better decision-making when we come together and include a variety of voices as seen in the Jelly Bean Experiment:

"A classic demonstration of group intelligence is the jelly-beans-in-the-jar experiment, in which invariably the group's estimate is superior to the vast majority of the individual guesses. When finance professor Jack Treynor ran the experiment in his class with a jar that held 850 beans, the group estimate was 871. Only one of the fifty-six people in the class made a better guess."

If that doesn't convince you to get outside of your bubble, and face the scary pale green pants, a recent research project at the University of Colorado suggests that when we only talk to like-minded people, our views get more extreme. Does anyone think we need more extremism?

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I get that it's scary to talk about things like politics, immigration, gay marriage, etc. So here's the fix: start with a topic that's less scary, look up the questions and process on the Living Room Conversation website and have a go at it. It only takes a couple of hours (although once you're in it most people want it to go on for longer) and it's fun and rewarding. The conversation format is deliberately designed to build relationship and understanding, not provoke a war of words. While Living Room Conversations provides a structure, make this process your own; bring wine, have dinner, meet at a coffee shop, try it out with your faith community, the PTA, whatever. Just start facing the scary pale green pants - they really aren't scary at all (truth be told, they don't really exist). Your life, your relationships, and your community will be richer because of it.

I never heard such whimpering

And I began to see

That I was just as strange to them

As they were strange to me!

I put my arm around their waist

And sat right down beside them.

I calmed them down.

Poor empty pants

With nobody inside them.

And, now, we meet quite often,

Those empty pants and I,

And we never shake or tremble,

We both smile

And we say

"Hi!"

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(Excerpted from Dr. Seuss, What Was I Scared Of? Random House, 1961)
I'll never forget the sweet, soft-spoken college student who wanted me to know that he is Muslim and that-- now that he is registered for the first time!--he will be voting for Clinton. The dozens of African-Americans who smiled with personal and patriotic pride as they explained they had been voting for the past sixty years, and that they would be there on Election Day. The man of Turkish descent who looked me in the eye and said to me, passionately, "In the past twenty years I've been a citizen there hasn't been an election as important as this one." The countless women of various races and ethnicities who smiled, and told me they "can't wait to pull the lever." The young gay man from Mexico who is registered but who did not plan to vote because "politicians are all the same," but who appreciated my willingness to ask questions about his life, and plans for the future, and concerns about members of his family who could get deported if Trump is elected, and who openly listened to my perspective--as well as to that of the shoppers and employees who overheard us and felt compelled to chime in--and who seemed genuinely grateful for this exchange. The many folks who thanked us for volunteering, brought us coffee, and cheered on democracy. And of course, no less significant were our interactions with the (mostly white, but not all) people who were palpably desperate and ANGRY, and whose declarations that they would be voting for Trump--as a way to "stick it to Washington"--seemed to be a source of agency among what might be limited sources in their lives. As well as the puzzling and frustrating large number of apathetic people (mostly young, mostly white but not all) who seemed to think that their vote has no value whatsoever--and who I reminded that their voice matters as they pushed past me with intense leave-me-alone vibes.
Today, the Earth got a little hotter, and a little more crowded.

Saving BUB, Beautiful Unique Biodiversity, as in this leaping mangrove mudskipper, is another reason to preserve carbon storing forests of all kinds, including mangroves. Source pinterest

Forests: the cheapest way to store carbon

Saving a Very Special Forest that is a nursery for all sorts of commercial seafood species, mangroves protect coasts from storm erosion, and store carbon.

OO Kenya: Protecting Mangroves, Fishermen Net Cash - And More Fish Felling mangrove trees to make boats has been a long tradition, but traditions are shifting, as communities become aware of a new benefit from keeping the trees standing: cash payments for carbon storage.



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OO Brazil Pledges To Cut Carbon, But Government Policies Say Otherwise pushing for new laws that will increase deforestation, and carbon emissions.



When we harm forests, we harm ourselves.

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HOT NEWS

OO As Trump Denies Climate Change, Scientists Fear Earth Will Heat Dangerously past the 2-degree red line of rising global temperatures that could create far more catastrophes for mankind. Many scientists have voiced their concern in a new statement.



OO During Hottest Year Ever,

The World Passes 400 ppm CO2 Climate Changing Threshold - making dramatic action all the more urgent.



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GOOD CLEAN NEWS

Source frenchseams.com

OO Paris Climate Accord To Take Effect; Obama Hails 'Historic Day' - the accord will start on November 4, 2016. But...



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"Even if we meet every target, we will only get to part of where we need to go," President Obama said. [But] "This agreement will help delay or avoid some of the worse consequences of climate change and will help other nations ratchet down their emissions over time."

Now the hard work begins.

OO California Enacts 4 New Laws To Promote Clean Energy Storage



OO Germany: Company Raises $90 Million To Develop Roll-To-Roll Organic Solar Cells betting that organic solar cells will finally reach economical mass production.



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HURRICANE MATTHEW - MOST MEDIA FAIL AGAIN...

The Human Face of Hurricane Matthew - Homeless Valerie walks along a flooded street in Savannah, GA, as Matthew plowed up the east coast, flooding towns and gouging out roads. Almost no mainstream media are noting how climate change helped build Matthew. Credit Stephen B. Morton at AP photo

OO Amid Media Blackout Over

Climate Change Links to Hurricane Matthew,

Top Scientist Speaks Out - Michael Mann offered several climate change related insights on Hurricane Matthew:

Oceans are warming under climate change and that extra heat intensifies hurricanes;

Hurricane Matthew shows how:

It intensified far more quickly than any other storm in modern history;

It did so in the hottest water in the Caribbean - where total heat

Resided to an unprecedented depth of hot water;

Ocean surface temperatures there are at near-record highs;

The sheer depth of hot water is very deep.

All that heat fueled the hurricane's growth and power.

Related Headlines:

And The Storm Raged On - as Hurricane Matthew pounded Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. Credit Luis Rodriguez at weather.com

OO Hurricane Matthew Clobbers The U.S. After Devastating Caribbean



OO Haiti Death Toll Nears 900 In Hurricane Matthew's Wake



OO Hurricane Matthew Swamps Carolinas With Over A Foot Of Rain, Flash Flooding



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DAMNING DAMS

Not So Clean Energy Credit Damnation Collection

OO Greenhouse Gases From Dam Reservoirs Fuel Climate Change - says a new study by university and EPA researchers.



Large dams:

Account for 1+ % of the world's carbon emissions

From the resulting reservoirs

containing drowned, decomposing plants, which emit methane.

Fertilizer runoff into reservoirs also up nutrients;

The more nutrients present, the more biological production of methane.

Despite this, dams are a major source of low-carbon energy

And better than fossil fuels.

MEH: climate change could change that, as droughts dry up hydropower.



Related Headline:

OO Scientists Confirm A Key New Source Of Greenhouse Gases - dammed reservoirs may be contributing as much as a billion tons of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions per year, mostly as methane.



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FIXING CLIMATE CHANGE

@@ A Simple And Smart Way To Fix Climate Change given by Dan Miller in 2014 at a Ted talk suggests a way to profit as we tackle climate change, by finally charging those who sell and use fossil fuels - and distributing the revenues back to all of us.

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The strategy is sure to speed transition to clean renewable energy. What's not to like? Check it out!

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SOCIAL REPERCUSSIONS

OO National Wildlife Federation: Global Warming Is Accelerating



>> KILLING OUR FOOD SUPPLIES

Bye-Bye Pasta? Source jennsfoodjourney.blogspot.com

OO Pace Of Climate Change Too Hot For Essential Crops - that is, cereal crops such as wheat (think pasta), rice, as well as rye, barley, oats, and many other plants which we need to survive, a new study shows. Takeaways:

People get nearly half their calories from grass products.

Climate change is happening 3,000 - 20,000 times faster than most grass species - including our crops - can adapt.

"Climate change is outpacing our ability to adapt food production," study co-author Andrew Challinor says. "In some areas, urgent action is required."





Related Headline:

OO Climate Change Posing Threat To Staple Foods



Hot 'n Healthy chilies may finally disappear in many places under rising heat. Source www.grammashomeremedies.com

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OO The Next Great Extinction? Chilies As climate change threatens to make growing chiles tougher than ever.



OO Coffee Could Be Extinct By 2080 Due To Climate Change destroying areas suitable for growing beans.



>> KILLING OUR WATER SUPPLIES

Which Shall Live? Workers inspecting a cabbage field at Siena Farms in Massachusetts. Farm managers held daily discussions about which crops to water and which to let die.

Credit Ian Thomas Jansen-Lonnquist for the New York Times

OO Scenes From New England's Drought:

Dry Wells, Dead Fish And Ailing Farms - as the region struggles to cope with a dry spell that climatologists say is not expected to abate before the end of the year.



OO Bangladesh: Sea Level Rise, Intense Cyclones

Destroying Water Supplies - turning the drinking water saline along the coast.

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OO California: Timber Company Tells Town, Go Find Your Own Water after it gains access to water vital to a local town.



>> KILLING OUR HOMES

She Cries Among The Ruins Wrought By Hurricane Matthew in Cuba. Source www.miamiherald.com

OO 2+ Million US Americans Urged To Flee Super Hurricane Matthew as it threatens their homes.





OO As Drought Grips Iran,

Farmers Lament Loss Of A Way Of Life - Environmental mismanagement, water overuse, the pressures of population growth and a government more concerned with security and economic challenges have worsened Iran's agricultural problems.



OO Extreme Storm Blackouts South Australia - one of the worst in 50 years knocks out high voltage lines.



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SPEAKING OUT

@@ Climate Change At The Movies: Leonardo Dicaprio Stars as an eco-warrior in climate battle. President Obama and the Pope also feature in documentary, Before the Flood. Alarming. Uplifting. We have changed climate, but we can change our future. Check out the trailer here ! In theaters starting October 21st.



OO Trudeau Government Criticized After Approving "Carbon Bomb" In the form of a new Canadian liquefied natural gas project, which critics label a major conflict between its environmental commitments and economic interests.



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GOOD IDEAS

OO America's Climate Plan Needs To Ramp Up if the US govt wants to keep a key promise under a United Nations pact, new research from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory shows.



OO Creating A Managed Decline Of Fossil Fuels



OO Massachusetts Poised To Join California Among Clean Energy Elite via an unprecedented string of policy developments, embracing core elements of a transformational blueprint for how carbon-free electricity flows from power producers and utilities to consumers.



OO Looking To The Earth Itself As A Climate Solution - Agriculture is beginning to consider soil's ability to capture and store carbon, a potential climate-saver long overlooked.



OO Offshore Wind Farms See Promise In Platforms That Float to enable wind turbines to move into deeper waters farther from the coast.



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NATURAL REPERCUSSIONS

Climate Change Forecast: Warmer Winters West, Colder Winters East - this map will be looking like this more frequently in the winter.

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OO Global Warming Trend Warms The U.S. West, Leaves East Shivering a new study says. Takeaways:



Warm and dry US western winters, paired with frigid eastern conditions in the East, has become more frequent since 1980.

this trend reflects the influence of global warming on the Northern Hemisphere's atmosphere, data show.

It will continue for decades but level off after 2100, as the East becomes too warm for extreme winter conditions.

This pattern has been costly, including

a multi-year drought in California

economically disruptive snowstorms in the Northeast.

Waves Will Run Deadly Red more often in the future, as warming oceans favor toxic red algal blooms. Photo Source robertscribbler.com

OO The Pacific Blob Caused An 'Unprecedented' Toxic Algal Bloom --

And There's More To Come as oceans continue to warm, a new study shows.



Species On the Move

Credit Andrew Reding at flickr, modified

OO Subtropical Caspian Terns Nest 1,000 Miles Further North Now - In Alaska



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FOSSIL FUEL FOLLIES

@@ VIDEO: America's Super Polluters --- bad for people's health, bad for the planet -- are strikingly concentrated among a small number of industrial facilities like those in southwest Indiana, reveals a new nine-month Center for Public Integrity investigation.

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OO How The West Was Lost: Ranchers Devastated By Fossil Fuel Boom - Wyoming has reaped billions of dollars from oil drilling and coal mining, but ranchers are losing their water, land, and livelihoods.



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CLIMATE, OR CLUELESS LEADERSHIP: YOU DECIDE

Credit Nate Beeler at the Columbus Dispatch, modified

OO Trump Picks Top Skeptic To Lead EPA Transition in yet another way to broadcast his ignorance of how to keep this world safe.



OO 'Trump's Promises Are Empty': Energy Experts Lay Waste To Proposals From making coal great again to 'cancelling' the Paris accord, industry analysts say his ideas are farfetched and his talk of climate change as a 'hoax' is dangerous.



Kinder or Gentler Than Trump? Don't Be Fooled. Mike Pence's record is that of an unpopular governor who tried to impose his own ideologically based ideas on his constituents.

OO Trump Mate: Mike Pence's Kinder, Gentler Climate Change Denial - Climate change isn't a hoax! It's just that we can't and shouldn't do anything about it. Gee, thanks for the inspiration, Mike.

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Ignore the Evil Wizard Behind Me Hillary Clinton could well be saying about Donald Trump, seen to be lurking in the background during the second debate. Credit Rick Wilking at Reuters

OO Clean Power Plan Crystallizes The Difference Between The Presidential Candidates

Donald Trump has:

cast his lot with coal;

would roll back environmental provisions.

Hillary Clinton strongly favors investment in new technologies and sustainable fuels.

The reality?

Current economic trends have trumped the Clean Power Plan -

that is, utilities have long since started ditching coal-fired power plants

and building combined-cycle natural gas plants,

or buying renewable energy from other developers.

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ELECTION YEAR:

If You Don't Vote For Climate Action, You Can Forget The Rest - in a climate-changing world of famine, drought, rising seas, giant storms and heat waves, there will be no security in jobs, health, wealth, or national safety. There will be chaos ensuing from increasing crises and disasters. Vote.

OO Global Warming Policies We Set Today Will Determine The Next 10,000 Years - of global warming, a new study shows -- and whether our civilization survives or not: history shows that harmful climate change has destroyed civilizations before.

This time, it could be worldwide. Let's keep "The Hunger Games" in the realm of fiction.

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If we do not grow sustainably,

Our children will die inhumanely.



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@@ Myth vs Truth: The Huge Value of Contraception is an incisive, heartfelt recognition of the value of contraception by Sarah Brown, CEO, The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy



Unintended Pregnancy Costs US Taxpayers:

Unintended Pregnancies Cost US Taxypayers Nearly $11 Billion Yearly

-the Guttmacher Institute

Teen Childbearing Alone Cost US Taxpayers $9+ Billion In 2010

And the costs of raising a child usually ensures decades, if not a life, of poverty for its mother.

- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Help prevent unintended pregnancies in your community:

publicize where women can access affordable contraception.

They can go here to find locations:

And there are many more actions you can do, right here.

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SOLAR KEEPS RISING

OO California Republicans Are 5 Times More Likely To Own Solar Than Democrats - away from the national stage, the political divide on clean energy is not as wide as it appears.



OO New York City: Solar Power Booming - compare: 186 solar residential projects in 2011 across all boroughs, to 5,300+ so far in 2016, say state officials, with another 1,900 in the pipeline.

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The solar boom has been prompted by a 70 % drop in installation costs in recent years, along with the streamlining of government approvals and incentives.

Once solar panels are up and running, monthly energy bills can fall by as much as 85 %.



OO Solar On The Steppe: Ukraine Embraces Renewables Revolution - in part to declare energy independence from an ever more threatening Russia.



Check it out here, right now!

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WHY WE SHOULD ACT NOW: RISING RISKS

Daily Climate Change: Global Map of Unusual Temperatures, Oct 11, 2016

How unusual has the weather been? No one event is "caused" by climate change, but global warming, which is predicted to increase unusual, extreme weather, is having a daily effect on weather, worldwide.

Looking above at recent temperature anomalies, much of the US and the waters surrounding it are experiencing warmer than normal temperatures: the eastern Pacific warm spot continues and so does the drought in California. Meanwhile, record hot Caribbean waters help forge a powerful and destructive Hurricane Matthew.

Much of the areas surrounding the North Pole are experiencing much warmer than normal temperatures - not good news for our Arctic thermal shield of ice. Hotter than usual temperatures continue to dominate human habitats.

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There is, of course, much more news on the consequences and solutions to climate change. To get it, check out this annotated resource list I've compiled, "Climate Change News Resources," at Wordpress.com here. For more information on the science of climate change, its consequences and solutions you can view my annotated list of online information resources here.

To help you understand just what science does and does NOT do, check this out!
If you're a young Illinoisan, it's likely you want to get out of the state. If you're an Illinoisan of any age, it's even more likely that you think your home state is headed in the wrong direction.

The third installment of the fall Illinois survey by the Paul Simon Institute at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale finds nearly half of Illinois residents would like to leave, with 29 percent saying it's likely they'll move within the next year.

"There are lots of reasons why people want to leave," said David Yepsen, director of the institute. "Not much can be done about the weather but policy makers can do something about perceptions of the quality of services, tax competitiveness, tax fairness and educational and job opportunities."

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Of the 47 percent who said they'd like to leave, 42 percent identified either taxes or government as their motivation. Only 16 percent cited the weather as their reason to leave and 13 percent said jobs and education had them looking elsewhere.

Younger respondents were more likely to express a desire to leave the state, and Yepsen cited this as the most troubling aspect of the poll. Previous results from the fall poll covered the presidential, U.S. Senate and comptroller races and overwhelming support for term limits and redistricting reform.

"Policy-makers argue over whether people are leaving or not," Yepsen said. "The most troubling finding in this poll is that so many younger people are thinking about it. That's the state's future."

The results are consistent with a 2014 Gallup poll that found 50 percent of Illinois residents said they would leave the state if they could. Illinois had the highest percentage of residents who wanted to leave among all 50 states. Gallup also found in 2013 that 19 percent of residents said they were extremely, very or somewhat likely to move in the coming year -- 10 points lower than this year's Simon Institute result.

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The poll of 1,000 registered voters was taken Sept. 27-Oct. 5 and has a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.
Originally published by the World Bank Group: http://blogs.worldbank.org/ic4d/sdgs-made-code-giving-young-women-power-change-world

Co-authored with Mariana Dahan

Increasingly more aspects in our lives are powered by technology, yet women aren't represented in the roles that create this technology. In many places there are barriers to simply using technology, let alone, creating it. Women in India and Egypt are six times more likely than women in Uganda to say that internet use is not considered appropriate for them, and that their friends or family may disapprove. Learning to create with technology opens up opportunities for women to express themselves, have the ideas heard and contribute to shaping our future. Even though there's so much more we need to do, we're inspired to see the movement around the world to break down these barriers and start contributing their voices to the field of technology.

We recently met Mariana Costa from Laboratoria - a nonprofit that empowers young women by providing them access to the digital sector. In the next three years Laboratoria will train more than 10,000 young women as coders. This tech social enterprise located in Peru, Mexico and Chile, helps young women - who have not previously had access to quality education - enroll in an immersive five-month training program at Laboratoria's Code Academy, where students achieve an intermediate level on the most common web development languages and tools. Their technical development is complemented with a personal development program that helps them build the soft skills needed to perform well at work. Successful graduates also receive mentoring and job placement and are usually able to pay-back the cost of the course during their first two years of employment. Most of the time, these young girls are the only breadwinners in their households.

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Programs like this are not unique to Latin America. Born as an Afghan refugee, Fereshteh Forough, started Code to Inspire - a NGO that provides a safe space and empowers young women from Afghanistan to learn code. She was able to overcome cultural barriers to earn her master's degree in Computer Science C and is now dedicated to opening up learning opportunities for young women, mentoring them and teaching how to use code. She believes education - especially learning technology and computer science skills - can help change women's role in society and empower them become leaders.

At the World Bank we believe it is important to hear the voices of young girls from all backgrounds, what stands in their way and what global issues they would use code to address. Our flagship publication - the World Development Report - focused this year's issue on extending digital dividends to everyone. Evidence shows that increasing access to digital technologies has provided people globally with more opportunities through inclusion, efficiency and innovation. And improved access to technology is a true game changer for women, helping them to overcome mobility constraints, boosting access to information and social networks.

This is why social enterprises, like Laboratoria and Code to Inspire, but also leading technology companies like Google, are investing in coding boot camps and are extending opportunities to young girls around the world to embrace technology and digital innovation.

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This week, at the Global Citizen Festival, Google's Made with Code will launch a movement to inspire girls to use Computer Science to make a positive change in the world. As part of this program, Made with Code has developed a new coding project that gives young women everywhere a chance to take their first step by making their voice heard and coding a statement about the change they want to see in the world.

Together with partners, UN Women and nonprofit Technovation, Google's Made with Code will announce a coding challenge for girls to create apps that can make real change happen on the ground. This global initiative can help young girls appreciate how code can help in giving them a voice and creating new possibilities to change the world for the better. As the event is held on the margins of the UN General Assembly, the overarching theme for the coding project will be the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and how code can help achieve them. For example, girls will be able to code a safe drinking water availability map for their community (SDG 6) or an app that helps prevent teacher absenteeism in schools to make sure everyone gets quality education (SDG 4).
The Clergy Letter Project today endorsed Hillary Clinton's bid to become President of the United States of America.

Clinton's perspective on the issues that are central to The Clergy Letter Project's work make this endorsement an easy choice. The Clergy Letter Project consists of more than14,000 clergy members from all corners of the United States who adamantly believe that religion and science can be compatible endeavors. The organization promotes the teaching of evolution in public school science classrooms and laboratories as well as respecting the scientific expertise of the world's scientists. Finally, the faith of members of The Clergy Letter Project is not threatened by scientific knowledge.

A simple, four item questionnaire was presented to both the Clinton and the Trump campaigns. Clinton's responses were articulate and forceful statements that mirrored the goals of The Clergy Letter Project. The Trump campaign did not respond.

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When asked whether she felt that science was a threat to her faith, Clinton noted, "America's founders had faith in reason and they also had faith in God, and one of our gifts from God is the ability to reason. So science is no threat to faith. The Epistle of James tells us we cannot just be 'hearers' of the word, we must be 'doers.' Science helps us be doers. Science shows us how to understand more deeply the profound mysteries of our universe and the glory of God's earth."

When asked whether the best available science should guide public policy, Clinton responded by saying, "Absolutely. The best available science helps guide all kinds of things that are essential to government - like rules protecting the public health and the safety of workers on the job, priorities for research and development, and using new technologies and the latest science to make public programs work better."

Clinton also made her position on the teaching of evolution very clear: "As the theory that is nearly universally accepted by scientists, the result of human reason and rigorous inquiry, the teaching of evolution belongs in public school science classes and labs. I believe in the theory of evolution, an elegant theory which has unlocked incredible understanding about life on Earth."

Finally, Clinton's position on the role humans are playing in climate change was unambiguous: "Climate change is real, it is being driven by human activity, it is happening right now--and we know that its burdens will fall most heavily on the poorest and most vulnerable in our society."

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Clinton's full responses to the questionnaire are posted on The Clergy Letter Project's web page.

Although the Trump campaign opted not to respond to The Clergy Letter Project's questionnaire, it is possible to gain a sense of what his positions might be given what he and his running mate have said in other contexts in the past. Trump's position on anthropogenic climate change has been very clear. On numerous occasions, over many years, he has totally dismissed the scientific consensus on the topic and referred to climate change as a hoax.

In his response to the on-line Presidential Science Debate question about climate change, Trump said that "There is still much that needs to be investigated in the field of 'climate change.'" He then went on to offer suggestions on better ways to spend our "limited financial resources."

Like others who have tried to determine Trump's position on evolution, I've been unsuccessful in finding any public statements he's made on the topic. CNN reported last August that Roger Stone advised Trump to respond to questions on the subject in the Republican presidential debates by saying, "I believe in both." Perhaps we can read something from his selection of Mike Pence as his running mate since Pence has gone on the record on the subject. In 2009, in an interview with Chris Matthews, he refused to say that he accepts evolution. Instead, he repeatedly replied, "I embrace the view that God created the heavens and the earth and the seas and all that's in them." He went on to add, "I think, in our schools, we should teach all of the facts about all of these controversial areas and let our children and our children's children decide."

The record, such as it is, indicates that Trump and his campaign, have taken a position that is fully at odds with the world's scientists and with The Clergy Letter Project.

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The Clergy Letter Project, therefore, has enthusiastically endorsed Secretary Hillary Clinton. She has articulated positions that are fully consistent with the 14,000 clergy members who have signed one of our four Clergy Letters (from Christian clergy, from rabbis, from Unitarian Universalist clergy and from Buddhist clergy).
By Deborah Kearns

Ah, fall. The return of all things pumpkin-spiced, cooler weather and the new school year (which this mom is thrilled about). It's also an opportune time to buy a home and possibly snag a great deal in the process.

Buyer demand begins to wane this time of the year, which means motivated home sellers are more likely to play ball with you in negotiations. If you didn't find the right home during the busy summer season, or if you're just starting the process as a first-time homebuyer, here are four reasons why buying a home after school is back in session might be the best move you'll make this year.

1. Less competition

Once school starts, there are fewer buyers to compete with on your offer. Most families prefer to move before their darlings head back to school. Also, cooler weather drives down demand. In fact, from now until February, buyers have more leverage than during the rest of the year because there's still a large amount of inventory relative to the time of year, says Jonathan Smoke, Realtor.com's chief economist.

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In 2015, sales of existing single-family homes nationwide declined 3.7%, from 4.86 million in July to 4.68 million in October, according to the National Association of Realtors. Granted, if you live in a market with a tight inventory and brisk sales (such as San Francisco and Seattle), you still might face stiff competition. But in markets like Indianapolis or St. Louis, you'll see a lot less gladiator-style jostling and more chances to negotiate with sellers when you buy a home.

2. Prices match market value

If homes listed during the busy summer months didn't sell, chances are that they were overpriced. That means homebuyers will see prices fall more in line with market value, says Mark Goldman, a real estate instructor at San Diego State University and a loan officer with C2 Financial Corp.

For example, in 2015, the U.S. median sale price dropped 5.5%, from $233,400 in July to $220,600 in October, according to NAR.

Working with a real estate agent who can assess asking prices can help you avoid overpaying, Goldman says. If you want to buy a home that's priced higher than what your agent estimates to be appropriate, submit an offer that's in line with market value and with comparable sales data attached to back it up.

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3. Time on market

Another issue that works against sellers (but favors buyers) is the length of time a home has been on the market. The longer a home sits unsold, the more bargaining power a buyer has, Smoke says. Also, inventory tends to increase from summer to fall because homes aren't selling as quickly. Active listings on Realtor.com remained for a median of 65 days in May and June. But in August, that number was projected to increase to 72 days. That shouldn't dissuade potential buyers from considering a home, Smoke says.

"If the home and location seem to fit, don't cross it off your list just because of the time of the year or the time on market," Smoke says. "There will always be sellers who need to put their home on the market." Also, the services related to buying -- moving, buying furniture, signing up for cable -- tend to be discounted toward the end of the year and during winter, Smoke notes.

4. More flexibility on terms

In a typical seller's market, where bidding wars and multiple offers abound, buyers have little room to ask for concessions. But in a slower selling season, the tables are turned and buyers have the upper hand, Goldman says. In a slower market, you'll find more flexibility on terms such as:

Closing costs.

Repairs/cash credits toward repairs.

Buyer concession to sell home first.

Closing timeline.

Likewise, if you are willing to give a seller more time to close, he or she might sweeten the deal by leaving behind a hot tub or offering a repair credit. If you want to ask for reasonable concessions when you buy a home, this is the time to do it.

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My first job after college was as a teacher in Cotulla, Texas, in a small Mexican-American school. Few of them could speak English, and I couldn't speak much Spanish. My students were poor and they often came to class without breakfast, hungry. They knew even in their youth the pain of prejudice. They never seemed to know why people disliked them. But they knew it was so, because I saw it in their eyes. I often walked home late in the afternoon, after the classes were finished, wishing there was more that I could do. But all I knew was to teach them the little that I knew, hoping that it might help them against the hardships that lay ahead.

Somehow you never forget what poverty and hatred can do when you see its scars on the hopeful face of a young child.

I never thought then, in 1928, that I would be standing here in 1965. It never even occurred to me in my fondest dreams that I might have the chance to help the sons and daughters of those students and to help people like them all over this country.
You don't need my expertise in evaluating personality from demeanor to have been struck by the night and day differences between Donald J. Trump and Hillary R. Clinton in their recent debates. Does either one of them have the traits most desirable in a president? To help make that judgment here is my list of the most desirable personality traits in a President of the United States.

Certainly one characteristic is a lack of impulsiveness, or to put it more positively, toleration for ambiguity. Jumping to conclusions before as much evidence as can be gathered is obtained would be a drawback. Wanting to know about a variety of choices, with the possible advantages and disadvantages of each could serve a president well, with the proviso that sometimes fast decisions may be required.

Tolerance for risk-taking is a second desirable trait. Should we want a president who is risk adverse or one who, like a downhill skier, enjoys the thrills of taking risks? Neither! We need a president somewhere in between, occupying a middle ground -- but such ground isn't always available. The decision about what to risk should depend on estimates of the possible gains and losses, but that can't always be known. Sometimes it may depend on the president's personality.

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Presidential advisers walk on shaky ground. Failing to warn about risks will later be seen as a drawback, but such warnings can be interpreted as the result of a lack of conviction or personal strength. During the Cuban Missile Crisis President Kennedy reportedly left the room so that his advisers could argue their viewpoints without worrying about how the President might judge them. During a crisis, the president needs advisors who feel free to argue for diverse alternatives.

We live in a world where there is not always, perhaps not even often, certainty about the consequences of whatever action is taken. It is a gamble, but to the extent possible, it should be a considered gamble, taken with knowledge of all the feasible choices available and some estimation of the odds.

Transparency, the willingness to share with the public all that can be made known about the decision-making process is desirable in a democracy if we are to have an informed populace. At a minimum, that transparency should include, at some point, acknowledgment of when transparency was judged not possible. Secretiveness, expecting betrayal and protecting against criticism by not being transparent will over time breed public distrust. Such distrust undermines a leader and erodes the prospects of someone seeking leadership. Frequent news conferences in which the president has to publicly answer questions should be mandatory.

Willingness to take the blame rather than blaming others is another characteristic desirable in a president. It may not be the president's fault when things go wrong, but usually expressing regret for having failed to avert a bad outcome is better than not acknowledging it, blaming it on bad advice, or claiming it was unavoidable. No one expects perfection; admitting mistakes sometimes wins respect. A president will get better advice when the advisers know they will not be scapegoated if following their advice led to an unfortunate outcome.

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Principled actions taken with explicit consideration of how they fit with what the founders embraced should be another requirement. The Constitution and the first Ten Amendments provide a moral framework, as well as the many books about ways to interpret those documents, what they meant to the founders and how they should apply today. This requires that presidents know, accept and seek to act consistently with that heritage, not just momentary advantages available that day. Even when the outcome is not what was sought the refusal to act expediently because it would have been contrary to the founding principles of our country will help the public accept the situation.

Considering these five desirable traits will be most useful during primaries when there is a choice among candidates within the same party. Once each party has chosen its candidate considering these five traits may still be helpful in identifying and trying to remedy or minimize vulnerabilities in the party's candidate. Evaluating which candidate has which traits may also aid undecided voters.

We must remember when we make our judgments the limitation imposed by our inability to converse directly, let alone question a candidate in a back-and-forth interview.
What is the most badass thing your parent has ever done? originally appeared on Quora - the knowledge sharing network where compelling questions are answered by people with unique insights.

When my dad met President Clinton, he spoke to the President about our cats. Who does that?

You meet Bill Clinton, leader of the free world, super powerful, not to mention full of charm and grace, and you talk to him about cats? For 10 minutes? That's my Dad!

In the picture above, my dad is on the far right, next to Grandma, my uncle, and of course, the President.

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My Dad is a big Republican, always has been. My aunt and uncle are rather active Democrats and used to fundraise for the Clintons. At this particular event, my Dad attended and met the President. And talked to him about our cats.

To be fair, it wasn't just about cats. It was also about P.G. Wodehouse, my father's favorite author, a sublimely funny British writer whom my Dad suggested the President should read. Because why? He thought the President would be interested, and Bill, to his credit, probably was. He's a smart man.

Then, to embellish upon his love for this singular author, my singular Dad mentioned that we loved Wodehouse so much, in fact, that we had a cat named Bertie Wooster, after Wodehouse's main character. Because we did. Why not share that with Bill Clinton?

I asked Dad about it later and he said, "I just thought he'd like to read him. Wodehouse is a terrific author!"

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My Dad is badass. Because he's not afraid to be himself.

If you scratch his surface a little bit, or even a lot, in fact if you put the most powerful and famous person in the room with my dad, Dad will be Dad. He simply cannot be anyone else.

I love and admire that about him. He has such authenticity. I have it, but not like him. Hell, put me on with the Clintons and I'll swear violently and throw phones.

Authenticity is the quality I most admire about my husband, too. My husband, who funny enough, also ends up talking about our cats in obscure moments with famous people.

My husband was at a dinner recently for work, seated next to Nigel Lawson, former Chancellor of the Exchequer among other things. Mr. Vrana, not recognizing Lord Nigel, somehow got talking about how we named our cats after British television characters (Morse and Lewis). Because, why not?

Next thing he knows, the guy stands up--because he was Nigel Lawson, speaker at the event--and mentions my husband and our cats to the entire room before he begins his real speech. I don't know, maybe he was also impressed at Mr. Vrana's authenticity. Or maybe he just liked cats.

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I love my Dad. He has dignity. He loves good fiction. He loves cats. He's a good man, through and through.

And I think I might have married him.

This question originally appeared on Quora - the knowledge sharing network where compelling questions are answered by people with unique insights. You can follow Quora on Twitter, Facebook, and Google+.

More questions:
What if a simple blood test could help cure cancer by early detection?

Or, what if we could "edit" the human genome to correct disease genes to ensure that babies aren't born with hereditary diseases?

Finally, wouldn't it be amazing if humans could launch a robotic mission to Jupiter's icy moon, Europa, to see if there really is an ocean of water resting beneath the surface?

While these ideas may seem "out of reach," new developments in the fields of AI, robotics, digital medicine, 3D printing and more are transforming the way we live to ensure a better future.

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The Mission to Inspire

Driving this technological revolution is Singularity University. The University's mission is to, "Educate, inspire and empower leaders to apply exponential technologies to address humanity's grand challenges."

Singularity University aims to resolve twelve global grand challenges facing humanity today, which include: learning, water, space, health, prosperity, environment, food, energy, security, disaster resilience, governance and shelter.

To showcase technological developments and raise awareness, Singularity University recently held their inaugural Global Summit in San Francisco.

Singularity University's Global Summit featured discussions from thought leaders such as Jack Hidary, Chairman of the Hidary Foundation and an encourager of "Moonshot Thinking."

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"We are investigating the use of deep learning to improve the accuracy of diagnosis in cancer. We believe that in addition to better diagnoses, AI will significantly improve the prediction of how a patient will do on various treatments based on the biopsy and other metrics, Jack explained.

Singularity University Global Summit; Photo Credit: Larry Wong

Esther Wojcicki was also a speaker at the Global Summit, discussing the work she is doing with ExplorePlanet3, a science-gaming startup that uses augmented reality to teach science to kids in grades 6,7,8.

"It is a revolutionary way to engage kids in what would ordinarily be a dry subject focused on memorization. The product launched in Nevada schools at the beginning of October. Why Nevada? They are one of the lowest performing schools in the nation and we wanted the challenge," Esther said.

In order to foster education, innovation and community, Singularity University also conducts a number of programs. Kunal Sood is a graduate of Singularity University's Global Solutions Program (GSP). When asked how this program has benefited him, Kunal said,

"Singularity University gave me profound hope for the future of humanity in a way that no other experience in my life has. We are going to see exponential technologies embedded in everything that helps us live our lives in powerful, positive ways. For the bottom billion as future exponential leaders, we must be the change we need to see in our world, and empower them to rise out of extreme poverty and become part of the abundance that awaits human beings in the near future."

Jack Hidary and Kunal Sood; Photo Credit: Larry Wong

What The Future Holds

Programs and initiatives offered through Singularity University are not only driving change, but are also encouraging others to become involved in this technological revolution.

For example, Miroculus is a precision medicine startup planning to create widespread access to affordable early-stage cancer detection. The company is building a 3D-printing device called "Miriam" that will utilize a small blood sample to diagnose early-stage cancer.

The device uses digital microfluidics, a new technology creating a "lab on a chip" that can be designed with a step-by-step protocol for transferring and analyzing tiny fluid samples. The idea for Miroculus was originally developed at Singularity University's Global Solutions Program in 2013.

The discovery of CRISPR/Cas9 is another example of technology driving future innovation. CRISPR/Cas9 is a tool that is being used to "edit" the human genome with incredible precision and is already being used by biologists to alter DNA.

By editing the DNA of cells or the embryo itself, it could be possible to correct genetic diseases and pass those genetic fixes on to future generations. This could be used to rid families of cystic fibrosis or muscular dystrophy, for example.

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Finally, a variety of robotic subs are being tested underneath the ice in Antarctica to determine which technologies will work best when NASA eventually launches a mission to Jupiter's icy moon, Europa.

Astrologists have been intrigued by Jupiter's ice-covered moon since evidence was found showing an ocean of water beneath the surface. This body of water could potentially contain twice as much water as earth, as well as include signs of life.

The Future is Upon Us

While applying technology to drive innovation is still an emerging concept, benefit corporations such as Singularity University, along with emerging startups, are helping innovate this change.

"We want to help individuals and organizations think differently about the future of technology and their role in creating it. Grand challenges still exist because we haven't brought together the right people to create change. At Singularity University, we have some great opportunities that give people anywhere on planet the ability to solve problems that have never been solved before. We are creating a forum to empower people to do amazing things," explained Rob Nail, CEO and Associate Founder of Singularity University.
"I am ready to not really break ties [with America] but we will open alliances with China and . . . Medvedev [Russia]," the Philippines' firebrand leader Rodrigo Duterte recently exclaimed. "I will open up the Philippines for them to do business, alliances of trade and commerce."

In a matter of months, the Philippines has jumped from likening China to Nazi Germany to flirting with the idea of an alliance with it. Astonishingly, Manila and Beijing are currently negotiating a twenty-five-year bilateral military agreement, allowing Manila to purchase Chinese weapons. By all measures, this is geopolitical drama on steroids.

To be fair, his astronomical popularity at home, his grip on the Philippine legislature and the sheer force of his political will collectively give Duterte some leeway to introduce significant changes in the country's domestic and foreign policy landscape.

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But what is at stake here? Is the new Philippine leader going the way of Hugo Chavez, Venezuela's former populist leader who built an alliance with China against America, or instead are we witnessing a series of calibrated tirades as a prelude to some reconfiguration in the Philippines-China-America triangle?

What is sure for now is that Duterte alone is reshaping regional geopolitical dynamics. Yet it is still unlikely that he will end the Philippines' alliance with its oldest strategic partner. Ultimately, an independent foreign policy doesn't mean jumping from one camp to the other, but instead pursuing an equi-proximate strategy, where you can benefit from constructive relationships with all relevant powers.

Moreover, the Philippines, with one of Southeast Asia's weakest militaries, has to recognize that without American military support, no matter how limited and unequivocal, it will have limited leverage in any bilateral dealing with giant China. After all, only the United States has the requisite capabilities to keep Chinese maritime ambitions in check.

A New Path

The new Philippine leader has more or less discarded his predecessor Benigno Aquino's counter-balancing strategy against China.

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Almost three months since the conclusion of the Philippines' landmark arbitration case against China, the Duterte administration has repeatedly sought to downplay the final award, which nullified the bulk of China's "historic rights" claims, censured its massive and ecologically damaging island-building project in the Spratlys and affirmed the Philippines' two-hundred-nautical-mile Exclusive Economic Zone claims.

Though the award concerns an arbitration case between the Philippines and China, it carries huge implications for the region and the international order. First of all, Manila's lawfare strategy proved that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea is relevant to the resolution of the West Philippine Sea disputes.

Moreover, it also proved that China's claim and increasingly assertive behavior in the area are not in consonance with prevailing international law. In short, the arbitration case represented a critical juncture in East Asia's evolving pecking order, potentially turning the tide against China.

Yet the Duterte administration has constantly emphasized that the arbitration case is a purely bilateral issue and, therefore, there is no need to raise it in multilateral fora such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. If anything, the new Philippine government has excruciatingly sought shun mentioning it in its diplomatic statements.

"No, I will only bring the [arbitration] issue face-to-face [with China] . . . because if you quarrel with them now, claim sovereignty, make noise here and there, they might not just even want to talk," Duterte has said, invoking the mantra of pragmatism and conflict avoidance.

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"Let us create an environment where we can sit down and talk directly, and that is the time I would say, we proceed from here." The impact on the regional strategic dynamics is palpable. Almost singlehandedly, Duterte has made it almost impossible for the United States to mobilize multilateral pressure against China, at least in the meantime.

As one Brussels-based official at the European External Action Service recently told me, "It was pretty difficult for the European Union to make a strong statement on the final award, when the very country that filed it suddenly changed its tone."

Throughout the past two months, several foreign policy experts and former officials across Southeast Asia have told me that Duterte's call for engagement with China left little appetite among regional states for confronting the Asian juggernaut on the West Philippine Sea issue.

Over the past few years, the Obama administration, under the Pivot to Asia policy, has adopted what the late political scientist Gerald Segal called a "constrainment" strategy based on a clever combination of diplomatic pressure on and expanded military footprint close to an adventurous China.

But with the Manila government suddenly calling for bilateral engagement rather than multilateral pressure, and seeking an "alliance" and "close friendship" with its former enemy, Washington has suddenly found itself in uncharted waters. Duterte has raised the stakes by even questioning existing security agreements with America, casting a long shadow on bilateral military cooperation.

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Unchartered Waters

Over the past few weeks, Duterte has warned about the expulsion of American Special Forces from the Philippines' southern island of Mindanao, suspension of annual military exercises and joint patrols in the West Philippine Sea, and even the abrogation of existing security agreements.

There are a number of factors that may explain Duterte's long series of tirades against America in recent weeks. To begin with, they could very well be part of Duterte's retaliation against Washington's increasingly vocal criticism of his campaign against illegal drugs.

No less than President Barack Obama has openly confronted Duterte on the issue. "We're not going to back off on our position that if we're working with a country, whether it's on anti-terrorism, whether it's on going after drug traffickers, as despicable as these networks may be, as much as damage as they do, it is important from our perspective to make sure that we do it the right way," Obama warned his Philippine counterpart.

Not bereft of colorful language, Duterte has repeatedly lashed out at the American leader in one occasion after the other. The United Nations and the European Union have not been spared either.

Another reason is his understanding of what an "independent" Philippine foreign policy should look like. Duterte has consistently made it clear that he wants his country to be less dependent on America. A self-described "socialist," with a left-leaning "anti-imperialist" mindset, Duterte has always made it clear that he, unlike his predecessors, isn't necessarily a fan of America and the West.

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He has described any Western criticism of his domestic policies, particularly his "war on drugs," as interference in Philippine sovereignty. "I am no American puppet. I am the president of a sovereign country and I am not answerable to anyone except the Filipino people," Duterte once passionately declared.

By dangling the Beijing and Moscow cards, Duterte, in a Cold War-style fashion, is trying to signal his independence from Washington. Then there is his upcoming visit to Beijing, where the two neighbors are expected to negotiate the parameters of a potential modus vivendi in the West Philippine Sea. It is likely that Duterte's recent anti-American tirades are his way of gaining the goodwill of his Chinese counterparts.

He is showing that he is willing to tinker with existing security relations with America, which have always been a source of anxiety for China. Joint patrols with America in the South China Sea have been suspended, and same could happen to joint exercises in the area.

For instance, as part of a grand bargain with China, it is possible that Duterte could move ahead with indefinitely suspending joint patrols with America in the West Philippine Sea, relocate the annual joint Balikatan ("shoulder-to-shoulder") exercises away from the China-claimed waters and not fully operationalize the recently-signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.

Given America's massive popularity among Filipino voters and its close ties with the Philippine armed forces, however, it is unlikely that Duterte will move ahead with altogether severing bilateral security agreements. Last year, 92 percent of Filipinos expressed favorable ratings of America, the highest in the world, while America is responsible for 75 percent of the Philippines' military hardware. Over the decades, America has provided full-spectrum support, from financing and intelligence to logistics and training, for the Philippine security establishment.

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Not to mention, incorporating Russian-Chinese military technology into the largely American-trained and -equipped Philippine military also raises technical difficulties and may require a long period of reconfiguration. Unless China grants the Philippines any meaningful concessions in the West Philippine Sea, it is also unlikely that Duterte's current strategic flirtation with China is sustainable.

What is more likely is that Duterte will follow in the footsteps of the Turkish strongman, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who hasn't shied away from diplomatic dust-ups with America, strategic flirtation with Russia and China, and restricting American military access to critical Turkish bases, whenever his human rights and democratic credentials come under Western criticism.

Yet military-to-military relations between America and Turkey have remained robust through and through.

Duterte 1st 100 days in office has been a refreshing combination of geopolitical dynamism and precarious bluster. In the coming months, however, the Philippine government will have to flesh out an actual strategy for achieving a long-overdue independent foreign policy, which keeps rivals at bay, allies at ease, and hundred million souls safe.
With all the debate over Donald Trump's tax-dodging, I've been wondering how taxes have played into presidential politics in the past.

For some answers, I turned to Bob McIntyre, head of the nonpartisan research and advocacy group Citizens for Tax Justice. For 40 years, McIntyre has been on the frontlines of efforts to make our tax code fairer.

When asked what American president he considers the worst on tax fairness, his initial response was "Yipes, there are so many."

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After some consideration, he bestowed that honor on Ronald Reagan, whose 1981 tax act slashed taxes on the rich.

The top marginal tax rate dropped from 70 percent to 50 percent (before being cut even further to 28 percent in 1986). And, even more harmful, according to McIntyre, was the bill's vast expansion of corporate tax loopholes.

Ironically, though, when I asked what president has done the most to advance tax fairness, Reagan's name came up again -- not as number 1, but as the runner-up.

While Reagan is a big hero of anti-tax Tea Partiers, later in his presidency, he agreed to raise taxes several times to address mounting budget deficits.

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McIntyre was particularly involved in the fight over Reagan's 1986 reform, after cranking out reports for a decade that documented rampant tax-dodging among America's largest corporations and wealthiest individuals.

The loophole-closing 1986 reform was still not enough to solve the problem of insufficient revenue to pay for federal spending. But by creating a broader tax base, Reagan set the stage for President Bill Clinton's increases in the tax rates on the highest earners.

The top marginal rate rose to 39.6 percent in 1993, where it stands today.

The combination of the 1986 and 1993 reforms was essential to the balanced federal budgets that occurred in the late 1990s, according to McIntyre.

But of course, then President George W. Bush blasted a cruise missile-sized hole through all that fiscal responsibility with a new round of tax cuts and a spike in war spending.

So who was the best president for the cause of tax fairness?

Again, the answer was surprising: Teddy Roosevelt, but not because he was a strong advocate of progressive taxes (which indeed he was). Instead, McIntyre says TR deserves the honor because of the unintended consequences of his pettiness.

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To understand his argument requires a bit of a history refresher.

In 1912, Roosevelt, who'd held the nation's highest office from 1901 to 1909, decided to throw his hat back in the ring because he was dissatisfied with the presidential performance of his former protege, William Taft.

When TR failed to beat Taft for the nomination, he founded his own party -- the progressive, so-called "Bull Moose" Party -- and while he didn't win the election, he succeeded in splitting up the Republican Party.

This, McIntyre points out, led to Democratic takeovers of previously Republican state legislatures, which was critical to delivering the three-quarters of states necessary to ratify the 16th Amendment.

"Without Teddy's petulance," McIntyre told me, "the amendment authorizing a federal income tax would almost certainly have failed to be adopted."

So how does one stay motivated to keep fighting for fair taxation for 40 years? "Perhaps I have Sisyphus as my hero," McIntyre said.

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Cross-Posted from DeSmogBlog

After Kenneth Bone asked a question about energy to presidential nominees Donald Trump and Secretary Hillary Clinton at the presidential town hall debate on October 9, he quickly became a viral internet sensation.

That evening at Washington University in St. Louis, Bone asked, "What step will your energy policy take to meet our energy needs while at the same time remaining environmentally friendly and minimizing job loss for fossil power plant workers?"

Trump responded by touting "clean coal" and bashing what he described as President Barack Obama's war on energy. Sec. Clinton responded by promoting hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") for oil and gas as a "bridge" to renewable fuels while also citing climate change as a "serious problem" and that she wants "to make sure we don't leave people behind."

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Lost in the shuffle of the viral memes, internet jokes, and a Facebook fan page is a basic question: Who is Ken Bone and what does he do for a living?

A DeSmog investigation has revealed that Bone works for the Prairie State Energy Campus, which is co-owned by a consortium of electric power companies and located about an hour southeast of St. Louis in Lively Grove, Illinois. Adam Siegel, who blogs at the site Get Smart Energy Now, first pointed to the lack of disclosure the day after the debate.

Both a blog post promoting Prairie State employees' community volunteer work and his personal Facebook page confirm that Bone works for Prairie State.

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According to the Chicago Tribune, Prairie State opened in late 2012 and is one of the dirtiest U.S. power plants opened in the past quarter century. Previously, it was partially owned by coal giant Peabody Energy until it sold its five percent stake in May.

"Each year, it will churn more than 13 million tons of heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere, an amount equivalent to adding 2 million cars to the nation's highways," wrote the Chicago Tribune. "Most U.S. power plants emitting that much climate-change pollution date to the 1960s and '70s."

Prairie State has also been marred by cost overruns, with the plant racking up far higher building costs than originally stated. These cost overruns have led to lawsuits filed against the company by townships such as Hermann, Missouri and Batavia, Illinois.

The company has attempted to dodge compliance with President Obama's proposed Clean Power Plan, which would force coal-fired power plants to comply with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) enforcement of the Clean Air Act for carbon emissions. The company wrote a letter to the EPA in May 2015 expressing its concerns about the proposed rule and also is a petitioner in the energy industry and states' lawsuit against the EPA, a case which will soon be decided upon by the U.S. Appeals Court for the District of Columbia.

Despite this track record, Bone told The Washington Post, "We're one of the most environmentally-friendly coal power plants in the world. We're very recently built."

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The case study of Bone and Prairie State Energy Campus, then, raises another question: How are those who ask questions in the audiences vetted to avoid potential non-disclosure of industry ties and conflicts of interest?

Lack of Disclosure

In introducing Bone, co-moderator Anderson Cooper of CNN did not disclose what he did for a profession, but that was standard procedure for all audience members who asked a question. In doing post-debate media interviews, Bone has said he works for a coal-fired power plant company, but media outlets apparently have not asked him about which company he works for.

The Gallup Organization teamed up with the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) to choose debate attendees from St. Louis-area residents. CPD is the nonprofit organization founded by Democratic National Committee and Republican National Committee leaders, but ahead of the debate, the Los Angeles Times reported that it remained "unclear how members of the audience will be selected to ask questions."

"The Commission on Presidential Debates worked with Gallup, a research and polling company, to randomly select uncommitted registered voters from the area around St. Louis, where the debate is being held," reported the Times. "Uncommitted voters include people who have not made up their minds, or are leaning toward one nominee but could still be persuaded to vote for the other."

In a videotaped interview with the Belleville News-Democrat, Bone said he was randomly selected to attend the debate by Gallup based on the randomized phone survey the organization conducted for undecided voters, saying he was surprised it did not turn out to be a "dog and pony show" in terms of who gets to ask questions and what he or she gets to ask.

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He also went on Anderson Cooper's CNN show the day after the debate, but the interview focused on his wardrobe, not what he does for a living. On his appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live, Bone did say he worked for the coal electricity industry and expressed worry about some of Clinton's proposed energy policies, while also pointing to his fear of Donald Trump's stances on bread-and-butter civil rights issues like gay marriage. He expressed similar sentiments to The Washington Post.

Bone told DeSmog he went to the debate on his own volition and told The New York Times, "I'm just glad I was able to spark the energy debate a little bit. It was kind of getting overlooked."

"I got no funding of any kind. I work in coal and I care deeply about the environment," he told DeSmog. "No one knew my question in advance except the moderators and my wife."

Bone's employer also said that he was there on his own, not as a representative for the company.

"Ken attended the event as an individual, and not on Prairie State's behalf," Alyssa Harre, manager of public relations and government affairs for Prairie State, told DeSmog. "Ken developed the question on his own."

While it doesn't appear to be the case this time, in the past the coal industry has used what's called third party technique, in which the industry deploys regular-seeming people to speak positively on its behalf.

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For example, the industry did so during the 2012 election cycle when Murray Energy had Ohio mine workers appear at a "mandatory" rally (without pay) for Republican Party candidate Mitt Romney.

A senior CPD official said it relies on Gallup do a "process and screen, the details of which [the CPD] does not get into -- a similar process for which we've been using for many cycles -- to identify individuals that are noncommitted." The official also said identifying the line of work for the person who stands up and asks a question at town hall debates is not something the CPD has ever done.

Memoranda of Understanding

Leaked Memoranda of Understanding from previous presidential debates offer some clues as to how questioners are selected. The Memoranda are the agreements designed by the two major party campaigns each election season which govern the format and rules of the debates. While typically not released to the public, they were leaked to the press in both 2004 and 2012.

Both documents describe a nearly identical selection process.

Gallup is first tasked with finding a "nationally demographically representative group of voters" using a methodology which must be approved by both campaigns. Once selected, audience members then submit their written questions to the moderator, who makes sure the questions are roughly divided between foreign policy and national security on the one hand, and domestic and economic policy on the other. The moderator is also tasked with removing any questions they find "inappropriate."

Finally, the moderator must then come up with a process fulfilling the paradoxical task of both randomly selecting questions and making sure they cover "a wide range of issues of major public interest." The candidates must approve this process as well.

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While it's not clear if the candidates did or did not sign a written agreement this year, the two campaigns did negotiate the debate rules, and it would not be surprising if they followed a similar process in earlier debates. Janet Brown, executive director of the CPD, told CNN that the moderators would select around eight audience members from a crowd of 40 to ask questions "with the goal of maximizing the number of topics covered," suggesting the process is little changed from previous years.

ABC News -- whose reporter Martha Raddatz co-moderated the debate alongside Anderson Cooper -- deferred a query about how those who ask questions at debates are vetted to the Commissions on President Debates and Gallup. CNN did not respond to a request for comment.
Jim Williams, of Calvi Electric, lowers the letter 'M' from the signage of Trump Plaza Casino to his co-worker Steven Nordaby in Atlantic City, New Jersey October 6, 2014. Workers began removing the large letters spelling out the Trump name from the shuttered Trump Plaza casino in Atlantic City on Monday after real-estate mogul Donald Trump sued to end a licensing deal that allowed the casino owners to use his name. Trump, who has emblazoned his name across properties in various U.S. cities, sued in August to have his name taken off the Trump Plaza, which closed last month, and the nearby Trump Taj Mahal, which is on the verge of closing. REUTERS/Mark Makela (UNITED STATES - Tags: BUSINESS SOCIETY TRAVEL)

In a normal election cycle, this news item related to one of the two major candidates might have made it to the front page. But of course. . .yeah, you can fill in that blank.

So you may have missed the story out of Atlantic City: The Trump Taj Mahal has closed this week. The last bit of Donald's branded boardwalk excess is shutting its doors after years of financial underperformance and an intractable labor situation.

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Trump will be quick to tell you that he has nothing to do with the Taj anymore. Not his fault, he'll tell you, his name just sits over the entrance. He pulled up and left town long ago in a pattern that is truly remarkable. Trump is like King Midas' evil twin: everything he touches turns to ashes. Like Atlantic City.

Atlantic City is hurting. America's original family resort town went into a slow decline after the war. Casino gambling was going to reverse that. Casinos would bring in money faster than it could be counted. All those millions of slots jockeys and dice-rollers who lived in the Northeast would no longer have to travel all the way to Nevada to feel lucky. Atlantic City was just an easy car ride from Philadelphia or New York. And if you took a casino bus, they'd spot you $20 in quarters just to get you started.

It didn't turn out that way, of course. The promise of rescuing the city with casino revenues proved as illusory as one of those big black-jack payoffs you might see on a casino billboard. Besides, now there are casinos everywhere and many Americans only have to go down the street to gamble.

Trump moved into Atlantic City in the early 1980s and opened the Taj in 1990. It was pure Trump: big (the tallest building in New Jersey), garish, and so utterly tasteless as a piece of architecture than you almost had to laugh. It also performed the Trumpian task of being both expensive to build - $1 billion - while being cheap and tacky at the same time.

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He didn't spend his own money on the thing, of course. As the New York Times reported in great detail, Trump borrowed and borrowed mostly by issuing junk bonds, back when those were all the rage. Trump couldn't ever pay the money back and so he began to gut his other Atlantic City operations to cover the nut. Once his daddy had to come up with the money to make a debt payment - it came in the form of casino chips, which was very clever if, in fact, illegal.

But none of this troubled Trump. He is quite proud of how much money he made in Atlantic City. In an interview not that long ago he boasted: "Early on, I took a lot of money out of the casinos with the financings and the things we do. Atlantic City was a very good cash cow for me for a long time." In the end, (or frankly, even in the beginning) what was good for Trump was not good for Atlantic City, as the 3000 laid-off workers at the Taj Mahal will tell you.

Cash cow. That's the phrase to keep in mind. Don't think of Donald's Atlantic City adventure as a failure - as a failure to create jobs or a sustainable business or some larger civic good. Think of it instead the way Donald does: as an incredible success for Donald's ambition first and last: to promote himself and to make money.

Think of what Trump did in (and to) Atlantic City as exactly the same thing he is doing to the Republican Party. Trump saw the GOP as both a platform for his ego and a distressed property to turn into a cash cow. His charge through the primaries was really a measure of just what an empty shell the Party had become as a functional institution. Trump was a blustering, bullying buffoon but he was surrounded by midgets and hollow men because that's the best the GOP could come up with.

So having executed his hostile take-over, he's gutting the assets for his own benefit. Trump the Narcissist gets his ego-stroked every time he has a rally. Trump the Avaricious has been using the run for president as a brand-building campaign. And like those old ladies he fleeced at the slot machines, Trump continues to treat his supporters like suckers. Contributions to Trump's campaign are used to pay jacked-up rents to Trump properties for Trump campaign events for example.

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On November 9, Trump will waltz on to his next reality TV gig or launch the Fascists News Network, leaving the Republican Party in disarray and in a shambles. That won't just be the collateral damage of a failed candidacy - that's the Trump model of doing business. Just ask Atlantic City.
Nuclear weapons are the only weapons of mass destruction not explicitly prohibited by international law. Now, most of the world's governments are working to change that- but a few countries haven't yet made up their minds- despite massive public and political pressure to join the majority. Is democracy getting nuked?

In August, 107 countries clearly said they want a conference in 2017 to negotiate a new treaty to make nuclear weapons illegal. A handful of (mostly) western countries however, are trying to stop negotiations before they start. It's not surprising that the countries that have nuclear weapons are using all the tricks they can- from procedural procrastination to diplomatic arm-twisting - to block the start of negotiations. But, can they block democracy?

Countries like Norway and the Netherlands both have parliamentary support to prohibit nuclear weapons. Earlier this year the Dutch parliament overwhelmingly passed a motion calling on the government to support negotiations on a nuclear prohibition treaty- and to encourage other NATO members to join. In March, the Norwegian parliament also sent a clear message to the government to work towards a total ban on nuclear weapons. Just this past Monday, thousands of people emailed the Dutch foreign minister asking him to vote yes to start nuclear weapon ban negotiations. In Norway, 8 out of 10 Norwegians recently polled want the government to vote yes- and protests have been held outside the foreign ministry each week supporting this.

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Women Who Want Respect Do Not Want Trump

Whatever political side one chooses, it is plain to see that fear is a strong element in the psychology of both sides. Those of us who use social media are seeing something that looks worryingly like civil war. But with his outwardly decaying dialogue on women's issues, it is clear that Trump just doesn't care. His continual abuse is being rammed down our nation's throat. It's politics at its most ugly.

Sexual assault is a sensitive issue. As a self-described advocate for women, Trump's so called "locker room banter" should concern us all.

But the bigger question lurking over our heads is one we should ask ourselves: What do you want?

Do you ever sit down and ask yourself that question? Many of us would say, "I want health, or money, or love." But how many of us would say, "I want to become President of the United States"? What does it mean to lead a nation successfully?

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A leader must possess the power of thought and will to be given responsibility for the welfare of the country. A president who works hard is only successful if the work serves his or her fellow American.

From what his statements prove, a presidential Trump would fall into delusions; he would be disposed to play with our lives.

Earlier today, I worked with a client named Elizabeth, who is a frequent user of online dating. She was left questioning her self-worth after a recent date. These are her words:

"I went on my first Bumble date on Friday. A nice successful music executive, 42 years old. About thirty minutes into the date he says, 'You want to kiss me, right? I get the feeling you want to kiss me.' I said, 'Nice try.'

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"Because he had just showed me all these photos of his adorable four-year-old son, I wanted to believe he was actually a decent human and brushed it off. After an hour he is walking me to my car as we talked about dating, he looks me dead in my face and says, 'I love pussy.'

"I took two steps back, put my hand on my chest and said, 'I don't think that's something you say on a first date.'

"He said, 'Oh come on, we're adults.'

"I mentioned Trump and the mind blowing thing he said about women in the Access Hollywood taped recording. He said, 'I don't think he's all that bad.'"

I listened intensely to her words, and secretly yearned for the day when Trump's horrible words will stop pervading everyday life. It saddened me to hear that shaming a woman's body may now be the new norm of foreplay.

Like many of us, I'm not prepared allow this to be the norm. Women have the right to respect, especially when it comes to something as personal as their bodies. If you agree, I urge you to reach out to knowledgeable and well-informed friends who will not vote out of fear, defiance, prejudice or fury, but rather out of a moral sense of what's right. Encourage them to vote with their heart and with their values.

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I know this is a difficult time for some of us to decide which candidate best represents our values. But let's be smart when we check that ballot, and make our vote count toward making our future more prosperous and safe for women and men alike.



If there is a thread that unites all of our work, whether it's in Iowa or whether it's in Maryland or whether it's among our young men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan, I believe that it's the thread of human dignity.

--Martin O'Malley



* * * * *

Suzannah's work is about giving individuals (like you!) dynamic insight into what agonizes them most and offering breakthrough solutions. She offers instant, real-time solutions to what troubles her clients -- all delivered with a large shot of compassion. Schedule an Appointment Today.
Every adventure-loving traveler has "Southeast Asia" scribbled down on their bucket list -- myself included. For nearly a year, I waited for the right airfare offer to present itself, and as soon as it did, I whipped out my credit card faster than my mother at a Macy's semi-annual sale.

While my nearly three-week long trip was all rainbows, pad thai and sunshine, there were some bumps in the road while planning that, even as a seasoned traveler, I did not anticipate. When thinking about what knowledge and tips I could pass on to future Southeast Asia travelers, I whittled it down to what I'm referring to as the "travel trifecta":

Assemble the A-Team

This is something that most people would not necessarily put on the top of their list. Plan your ideal vacation and then see who wants to come along, right? Or maybe you have a built-in travel buddy like a best friend or a spouse, so the thought never crosses your mind. Personality compatibility is crucial to any vacation, but I found this to be the case more than ever on this type of adventure-packed, travel-heavy (we're talking planes, trains, automobiles, and longtail boats) itinerary. As planned as any trip can be, mishaps ranging from "shucks, it's raining today and we planned to go to the beach" to "that monkey just bit me!" can creep their way into the most airtight agendas.

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When asked about my recent travels, one of the first things I've found myself saying is: "I've never laughed so hard." This is a testament to the three girls I traveled with. When one of our flights was delayed nearly three hours, we popped open some Tiger beers and created a black-and-white dubsmash of Adele's "Hello" music video. (We're still waiting for it to go viral.) Slight setbacks and sunbathing on white-sand beaches all turned into equally unforgettable memories.

Also one thing to note: There is such a thing as having too many cooks in the kitchen. With an easygoing group of four, it was stress-free to manage and plan daily activities. I've traveled with as few as one and as many as 10 friends before, and I can say that this small but mighty group of four has been my favorite.

Plot Your Course

This sounds all too easy at first. Oh, of course I want to just skip off to Southeast Asia and see all of the countries in a very small timeframe. It's SO doable. I laugh looking back at myself six months ago. You overzealous little traveler, you!

I booked an open-jaw airfare (that's travel jargon for flying into one city and out of another), flying from New York City to Bangkok and home from Ho Chi Minh on ANA Airways. Fun fact: ANA is a 5-star airline on Skytrax and has great food and impeccable service to boot; they also have a Star Wars plane, so feel free to geek out. Because I had my flights to Asia, it was totally fine to wait and book internal flights and sort out visas only a month before departure ... EH, wrong.

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Just because all of these countries seemed so close together did not mean that flights were as frequent or as cheap as I expected them to be. Most flights we took internally were no longer than an hour. However, on our leg from Chiang Mai, Thailand, to Siem Reap, Cambodia, we had a connection in Bangkok (there were no direct flights), which cost about $160 one way. Ouch. Other flights, however, like our leg from Krabi to Chiang Mai, only ran about $42 per person. Great success.



Railay Beach



Hotels and hostels in Asia are both plentiful and reasonably priced. We often stayed in four- and five-star hotels, not running more than $30-$40 per person, per night. Those on an even tighter budget can find suitable, well-located hotels for half this price.

Visas! All of the visas. Thailand, that sweet, beautiful, place. This nation full of friendly people does not have a visa requirement for U.S. citizens. (I mean so genuinely friendly that my fellow New Yorkers and I thought a man on our first day was trying to plot our inevitable kidnapping, but he really just wanted to help us avoid packed temples during prayer time.) Our two additional stops of Cambodia and Vietnam, however, both required visas. The first was a piece-of-cake, online visa application with a $37 fee.

The latter required a visa-on-arrival letter, which must be done online prior to entering the country at select international airports, costing just under $14. We used InstantVietnamVisa.org, which provides you with a private approval letter (easing the worrying minds of those who don't want their personal information, i.e. passport number, shown to a list of other strangers on the same document). This does mean you'll have to wait up to about 40 minutes and fork over another $25 once at a Vietnam airport. The alternative: Pay about $100 and visit and/or send your information to one of the Vietnamese Consulates in the U.S. Our route may have taken a bit more time, but it was one-third of the price.

Do and Eat All of the Things

I was warned countless times not to eat from questionable-looking street vendors or consume drinks with ice in them because water can be contaminated. "And don't do anything too crazy because you're in a foreign country and we can't get to you quickly," cautioned my not-so-carefree father. Well, here is the wind and here is me throwing caution right to it. None of the troublesome stories were going to stop me from living life to the fullest on this vacation.

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Cambodia



So what did I do? I rode a dirt bike for 80 miles through the hillside villages of Cambodia to a breathtaking waterfall at Phnom Kulen. Was I shaking in my boots at first? Sure. But this ended up being one of the highlights of my vacation, and dare I say it, my life. (Cambodia Dirtbike Tours couldn't have been greater; this family-owned and operated business knows how to do this kind of adventure right.) I also kayaked around and rock-climbed limestone cliffs on Railay Beach. (Look up Basecamp Tonsai; our guide was encouraging, helpful and absolutely hilarious.)



Angkor Wat



OK, so not everything I did was over-the-top adventurous. I also marveled at centuries-old UNESCO World Heritage sites like Angkor Wat and Bayon and pensively wandered through the Vietnam War Remnants Museum. From dreamlike sunsets to eating the best pad thai I've ever had at local night markets, this trip was by far the best of my life. If you're thinking about it, I encourage you not to. Just go...as quickly as possible.
International Day for Disaster Reduction

Crossposted from UN Women.

On 16 April, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Ecaudor, impacting 720,000 people, half of them women and girls

UN programme helps women gain skills in masonry and construction, boosts local economy, while transforming gender roles

When 35-year-old Veronica Lucas Melo, along with three other women in her community, walked down the street wearing reflective jackets, boots and helmets, people stared in surprise. Mrs. Lucas Melo and her friends were nervous, but determined. They were about to show their families and community that women can rebuild Ecuador, literally.

On 16 April, 2016 a 7.8-magnitude earthquake hit Ecuador, impacting 720,000 peoplehalf of them women and girls. According to government data, there were 28,775 people living in shelters one month after the earthquake.

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Mrs. Lucas Melo lives in Las Gilces, a small community of 800 families located in the western part of the country, where nearly 100 homes needed to be demolished and rebuilt.

They said that I was going to do nothing useful there, just bother everyone, recalls Mrs. Lucas Melo, when she told her family that she was going to join the rebuilding effort. They asked me, what are you supposed to do in a place thats for men?

Veronica Lucas Melo and Victoria Zambrano. Photo: UN Women/Romina Garzon

A mother of three children and a housewife, Mrs. Lucas Melo had never worked outside her home, let alone in construction, a male-dominated space. But her family relies on farming and climate variabilities and disasters have affected the crops. The little money they had saved was running out.

When Mrs. Lucas Melo heard about the joint UN programme, Cash for Work, seeking to reactivate the local economy, she saw her opportunity to gain new skills and find a new source of income for her family. Mrs. Lucas Melo joined the trainings provided by UN Women in Las Gilces and Manta, with the support of the Ecuadorian Ministry of Justice, in masonry and construction work.

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On the first day of work, there was a nervous pause until Mrs. Lucas Melo picked up her tool to strike down a broken wall. The other women in the programme cheered and joined her to complete the task. Men began to take us seriously. They didnt see us as weak anymore and worked with us as a team, she shared.

To date, the programme has trained and certified 48 people from earthquake-affected communities. Upon completion of their training, participants are registered in an employment database of local people available for rebuilding works. In fact, 12 of the trained women are currently rebuilding the centre of social rehabilitation El Rodeo in the city of Portoviejo. Additionally, Save the Children, a partner organization active in Ecuador, intends to hire trained women to build 20 community centres by the end of the year.

Women during a construction and masonry class in Los Esteros shelter, in the city of Manta. Photo: UN Women/Romina Garzon

Recovery time after a crisis presents a unique opportunity to lay the foundations for promoting the autonomy and economic empowerment of women. Its a chance to dismantle gender stereotypes and build more equal societies, emphasized UN Women Ecuador representative Moni Pizani. Empowering women is a way to prevent violence and ensure a better future for them, she added.

In May, UN Women in Ecuador also organized a training workshop, Tools for my personal and business development, in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, which provided entrepreneurship skills to 80 women from the nearby Calceta and Rocafuerte communities. The trainings showed us that we must not fear the crisis but seize the opportunity to support our families, said Maria Mora, 34, from Calceta, who participated in the training. UN Women is also supporting efforts to strengthen womens participation in the governance of shelters and training police and security forces to prevent and address gender-based violence.

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The public residence of the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, a small island nation, is about to get an upgrade.

As a part of reaching the nation's target of generating 35 percent of its electricity from renewable sources by 2020, the Government of Saint Lucia is partnering with the nonprofit Solar Head of State to install a solar PV system on the roof of Government House - Saint Lucia's equivalent of the White House.



The installation team prepare to install the final panel. Photo Credit: Solar Head of State

Saint Lucia is currently largely dependent on dirty diesel generators for energy but has dreams of revolutionizing its economy through a transition to solar, wind, and geothermal sources of energy, and this 5.4 kilowatt grid-tied installation is part of that. Dr. Gale Rigobert, Minister of Sustainable Development for Saint Lucia, said, "The commitment of Saint Lucia to transit from dependence on fossil fuels to more renewable sources of energy is demonstrated here by this project to install solar panels at the Governor General's official residence." The Government House installation serves as an emblematic step in that shift from diesel generators to renewables.

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To be clear, Saint Lucia's carbon emissions are miniscule; it emits just 0.0015 percent of global carbon emissions. However, Saint Lucia has good reason to be concerned about climate change. Small island developing states are particularly vulnerable to sea level rise and stronger and more frequent tropical storms. Due to this vulnerability, islands including Saint Lucia have been influential in conversations about climate change; Saint Lucia was one of a group of 15 climate-vulnerable countries that became the first to ratify the Paris Agreement in April 2016. And the Maldives government famously held an underwater cabinet meeting ahead of the 2009 climate negotiations in Copenhagen to highlight the plight of small island developing states.

But apart from climate change, one of the most important impacts of this project is that it will help to reduce the cost of electricity in Saint Lucia -- which is currently very high. This problem of high electricity costs is common for most island nations due to high dependency on imported diesel, which is expensive to import because of low economies of scale and high shipping costs.

This theme was recently featured on a recent episode of The Energy Gang podcast. On the podcast, Leslie Labruto, director of the Clinton Climate Initiative's Islands Energy Program noted that, on average, costs of electricity per kilowatt hour are up to three or four times more expensive in island nations than in the United States. She also explained that islands can spend up to 20 percent of their GDP on oil expenditures, compared to eight percent in the United States. This poses a serious constraint on economic development. In addition to the challenges expensive electricity causes for industries including manufacturing and tourism, individual households also feel the impact.



A Saint Lucian cultural performance takes place to celebrate the inauguration of the system. Photo credit: Solar Head of State

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While the initial cost of installing solar is expensive, this installation is expected to pay itself off in three to five years. After this, there are many benefits of generating free electricity with an expected system lifetime of 25 years, and the financial savings can be invested elsewhere.

In addition to the installation on Government House, the Government of Saint Lucia, in collaboration with the local electricity utility LUCELEC, is currently completing the bidding process on its first utility scale installation: a three-megawatt solar PV facility that will power five to eight percent of national energy demand.



The installation team attached the panels to the racking. Photo Credit: Solar Head of State

Solar Head of State encourages the adoption of solar PV on prominent government buildings. In doing so, they help world leaders serve as role models in environmental stewardship. The installation at Government House in Saint Lucia is the first project that Solar Head of State has been involved with, but the idea of heads of state installing solar is not particularly new. Former Maldives President Mohamed Nasheed became the first 21st-century solar head of state when he put an 11.5-kilowatt solar system on his Presidential Palace in 2010. The Obama Administration installed solar panels on the White House in 2013, making it the third U.S. Administration to do so (the other Administrations to do this were those of Jimmy Carter and George W. Bush). Environmental activist and 350.org founder Bill McKibben says, "Every head of state that goes solar casts a vote for the future."



Solar Head of State assembled an international consortium of project donors from across the clean energy sector to carry out the project. Major contributions were received from California-based solar installation company Sungevity and from the California Clean Energy Fund. Panels were donated by manufacturer Trina Solar and inverters from Enphase Energy. Support was also received from Elms Consulting, a London-based strategic consulting firm working to accelerate sustainable development on islands, and Gravity Farm, a group focused on facilitating sustainable energy and agricultural projects. Australian firms Wattwatchers and Solar Analytics provided system-monitoring expertise and equipment. The engineering and construction was donated by British Virgin Islands based Free Island Energy and Saint Lucian company Noah Energy. Strategic partners include the Rocky Mountain Institute, the Carbon War Room, and the Clinton Climate Initiative.

Starting with Saint Lucia, Solar Head of State's smart solar roll-out is focused on five small states in the Caribbean this year and early next year. Later, the campaign will be looking to expand to Asia and the Pacific islands towards the end of 2017 and beyond.

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An arrow through the eyes. Three spears in the center of an infant's chest. Women in chains. A final, lone solider beheaded for his stand against injustice.

This is the story of Karbala, the story you were never taught, the story your children will never learn.

History books will never teach you of a man named Hussein or a land named Karbala. You have never learned of the day 72 stood against an army of 30,000 and won. No one has ever told you the story that the great British historian Edward Gibbons said will "awaken the sympathy of the coldest reader."

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You have never truly heard of Hussein, Karbala, or Ashura, and you probably didn't need to. No, this time in Islamic and global history never meant anything, until now.



More than 1300 years ago, Hussein (as), the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (as), rode with his family and army to Kufa, Iraq after the people of the city pleaded with him to save them from the oppression of their caliph, Yazid I. During the journey, his caravan was intercepted and diverted to Karbala, Iraq. There, he and his family were denied access to water (in the scorching hot desert) for three days. After a long stalemate, orders from Yazid arrived to kill Hussein and his people. Yazid's army did just that, murdering 72 of them and taking the women and children they hadn't killed as prisoners.

No, this isn't a history lesson, a parable, or a cruel bedtime story. Yes, there have been battles throughout all of history that have been just as evil and dark. No, none of them have been as overlooked and ignored, as this battle.

Currently, in 2016, the story of Karbala means more to Islam and the world than anyone can imagine.

This is why you need to know about the Battle of Karbala -



1) Oppression In The Name of Islam

If you think ISIS has only been around for the past couple of years, it's because you were never taught about the story of Karbala. Hussein was fighting the same ideology almost 1400 years ago. He refused to pledge allegiance to Yazid and his father, who murdered, tortured, raped, and oppressed people in the name of Islam. In reality, they didn't follow any of the pillars of Islam, nor did they care about the fundamental institutions of society that held people together no matter their culture, race, or religion. Sound familiar?

Was it not for Hussein's stand, Islam would have been a dead religion long ago (sorry, bigots and Islamophobes). For a long time, this stand against injustice kept Muslims safe and well. Unfortunately, ISIS, AL-Qaeda, Saudi Arabia, whatever you want to call them, had enough and decided to tarnish that image.

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Their first victims? The followers of Hussein - Shia Muslims. In Yemen, Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, and other countries with Shia populations, the followers of Yazid's ideologies launched full on attacks. They eventually upgraded to not only Shias, but Sunnis, Druze, Ahmadies, Christians, and any person who stands in their way of tyrannical rule and widespread oppression.

This week alone, Saudi Arabia massacred hundreds of innocent Yemenis at a funeral, for no apparent reason but power and money. Is that not what Hussein died fighting?

2) Unity

Karbala and the day of Ashura (the day the massacre occurred) can teach us a lot about unity. This story is not about Good Islam versus Bad Islam. It's not about Hussein versus Yazid. It's not even about Right versus Wrong.

It's truly, and utterly, about Good versus Evil. That is what united people to fight for and alongside Hussein on that battlefield, the simple story of Good versus Evil.

There is the story of a man named Hur (Arabic word for 'free man'), who was the leader of the army of Yazid, and who decided to break free from his army and fight alongside Hussein when he realized the corrupt ways of Yazid. He was the first to be martyred.

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There was John bin Huwai, an Ethiopian Christian who fought alongside Hussein in the name of good and not evil. Despite being an old man, and Hussein urging him to stay away from the battlefield, John gave his life for the stand against oppression.

Hussein, his family, and friends, all of different races, cultures, and religions, stood hand in hand against an army of cruelty. If we, today, in 2016, can put aside our differences and hunger for power and domination, we can easily defeat anyone who stands in the way of keeping humanity safe and inherently good.

To continue carrying Hussein's message of unity, many of his followers use Ashura and his story to bring all kinds of people together for charity, tolerance, and goodwill.

In Iraq (where his shrine and his companions' shrines are located) each year, thousands of Iraqi people, including orphans and those in poverty, open their homes to the visitors of Hussein, no matter their religion or ethnicity.

Who is Hussain, a non-profit organization promoting his message conducts food-drives, blood-drives, and drives for the homeless in his honor. It was started in London in 2012 and has since become a global movement.

3) Resistance and Sacrifice

Perhaps, the most important of lessons we can learn from Hussein and his army is that of resistance and sacrifice. Mahamat Ghandi once said, "If I had an army like the 72 soldiers of Hussein, I would have won freedom for India in 24 hours."

Each and every story of the martyrs of Karbala can bring tears to your eyes.

The sacrifices range from grown men, to the 6-month old son of Hussein who did not know of good versus evil but only of thirst and hunger. When Hussein held him up and begged that they be allowed access to water, Yazid's army shot three spears into his heart.

But, the saddest of sacrifices comes from Hussein's brother, Abbas, who crossed the battle field to the Euphrates River to bring water back to the infants and children. There, he filled a water skin in hopes of quenching their thirst. The soldiers fired an arrow through his eye and cut off his arms, but that did not halt him. He carried the skin of water in his mouth, crawling towards the tents filled with children, until the army approached him and finally killed him.

Eventually, drenched in Abbas's blood, the blood of his martyred teenage son, companions, and infant child, Hussein stood alone on the battlefield, with women, children, and the ill waiting in tents. He bid them farewell and shouted to an empty desert behind him "Is there anyone to help me?", When silence was the only response, he marched to fight the army of Yazid, where he was beheaded (much like ISIS does today), stomped on, and his head attached to a pole. The army then tied up the women and children, and marched them from city to city behind the severed head of Hussein, all the way back to their commander, Yazid.

All over the world, people today are resisting to injustice, and they use Hussein as an example.

In Egypt three years ago, a Shia sheikh by the name of Hassan Shehata, well known for standing up against extremist groups and radical ideologies, was murdered. His death spun Egyptian Sunnis, Shia, and Christians into standing up, and changing the discourse locally, and nationally.

On January 2nd of this year, Sheikh Nimr al-Nimr was executed by Saudi Arabia for doing exactly what Sheikh Shehata did. His murder caused international outrage, especially in Bahrain, where persecution of minority groups like those of Sheikh Nimr's, is just as common.

Nigerian cleric, Sheikh Zakzaky , has been detained since last December for his stand against injustice. His followers were burned alive for their loyalty.

Black Lives Matter, the Arab Spring, Occupy Wall Street, NOW, and so many other groups standing against injustice in the world have Hussein as an example.

Once you truly understand the stories of Karbala, listening to each one in specific detail, you will understand why millions of Shia every year mourn during Muharram. It's why they cry and wear black and why Christians and Sunnis alike join them in paying respects to Hussein and his brother Abbas at their shrines in Karbala, Iraq. Not because it's merely a sad story, but because sacrifices like this didn't just keep true Islam alive, but kept good alive throughout the Eastern world.

Your history books never taught you that. Your history books will never teach you of the powerful women, like Zainab, the sister of Hussein, who embodied true feminism and stood up to the tyrant Yazid in his castle, even as they were handcuffed and promised to be raped and sold.

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Your books never taught you about the high regard with which so many great men and women (authors, historians, presidents, Nobel Prize winners, artists, etc) held Hussein.

Charles Dickens is quoted as saying, "If Hussein had fought to quench his worldly desires...then I do not understand why his sister, wife, and children accompanied him."

The first President of India, Dr. Ragendra Pasad, said, "The sacrifice of Imam Hussein is not limited to one country, or nation, but it is the hereditary state of the brotherhood of all mankind."

Although victor in resistance and the stand against in justice, Hussein did not live to speak of his victory. The survivors did, the people who witnessed his head being marched through their cities did, and the families of those martyred did.

Still, your children will probably never read a famous history book about Islam that included the Battle of Karbala. It won't be a story you think of when you remember the greatest battles of mankind. You won't remember it when you read about ISIS or watch a new CNN documentary about Islam in 2016.

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However, you should know it, our children need to learn about it. It teaches us more than how to combat ISIS and stand up to any injustice. We can learn from it feminism, ethics, morality, and unity. Even if we don't want to teach our kids and our students about Islam and Hussein, we can remove the religious factor of the equation and what remains is a story that has brought people to tears for centuries.

The Lebanese writer Antoine Bara once wrote, "No battle in the modern and past history of mankind has earned more sympathy and admiration as well as provided more lessons than the martyrdom of Hussein in the battle of Karbala."



Hussein and Karbala are not just a story for Shia Muslims, they are a story for humanity.
So maybe Donald Trump's candidacy really is dead this time. Unlike all the other times the media and various high-minded types who have consistently failed to grasp deeper dynamics were so vociferously and spectacularly wrong.

My first reaction to "Just grab them by the p----" was that Trump's goose was finally cooked. I mean, all his endless crapola has to reach critical mass sometime and this one is utterly beyond the pale, right? But people already know he's a boor, a month is a very long time in politics, there is widespread disdain for Hillary Clinton and what she represents, and saying he was bullshitting the smarmy Today Show host Billy Bush is actually kinda clever, perhaps even believable. (Since the billionaire bully boy is, if nothing else, a prime BS artist.) Not to mention that, unlikeable and frequently fascistic though he is, Trump did get the best of Hillary in much if not most of their second debate. (Which is not to say that further revelations, if they do emerge, will not definitively sink Il Duce Donald.)

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And then there is this other little thing.

A vast and very much unfolding trove of revelation about the Clintons and their operations, courtesy of Wikileaks. And, of course, the kindly folks at Russian intelligence, using sometime Russia Today talk show host Julian Assange as a more than capable cut-out.

The Clinton machine has gone from boasting about never being hacked to complaining about a Russian plot to defeat Hillary.

Defeat Hillary? Really?

Not so much.

If the excerpts from Hillary's secret megabucks speeches to Wall Streeters and other financial elites had been released during the Democratic primaries, I believe that Bernie Sanders would have won the presidential nomination.

His big money advertising campaign, which never really felt strongly grounded, would have had some revelatory red meat to hammer home with devastating effect. There's certainly more than enough there in the excerpts (and I suspect that Russian intel has actual recordings rattling around somewhere): Hillary's vision of a super-NAFTA of "open trade and open borders," her belief that Wall Streeters are best suited to regulate Wall Streeters, her bragging about pushing fracking all around the world, her practice on controversial issues of having "a public position and a private position," and on and on.

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But that kill shot didn't happen, even though Sanders repeatedly decried Hillary's anti-Russia attitudes in the debates.

Similarly, if someone was actually trying to defeat Hillary, the time to begin release in the general election was just before the first debate, when Trump was very strong in the polls and on the verge of taking command of the race.

But that didn't happen, either.

Instead, the rather leisurely Assange announced a London talk from the balcony of his Ecuadorean embassy abode, then rescheduled for a video press conference in the middle of the night in the US at a Berlin anniversary party for Wikileaks. I watched that event in real time here in California, and Assange seemed to have no particular urgency for the supposed takedown of Hillary Clinton.

To be clear, Russia is out to do the Clintons deep political harm. I explained why in July; the enmity goes back to the '90s, when a rising Putin was pretending to be aligned with the sort of Russian liberal reformers I tried to help and he ultimately crushed.

It was a chaotic, humiliating time when Russians across the board were appalled by the Clintons' push to expand NATO to Russia's post-Soviet borders, when Russians were dismayed at receiving relatively little US assistance when they were flat on their collective behinds.

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Events since then, which include the extraordinary spectacle of Hillary's former State Department spokesperson urging on regime change protesters in Kiev, capital of Ukraine, have only accentuated matters.

I think that Russian intelligence -- which I believe, especially given how shoddily the Clinton team handled Hillary's extremely sensitive e-mail archive, has thoroughly penetrated the Clintons' operations -- is out to delegitimize her prospective presidency here and around the world.

An informal Russian source confirms the obvious, without acknowledging the role of his nation. The Kremlin's leaders want a predictable, stable figure as US president, hostile or not.

That's practically axiomatic in geopolitics. Especially so in this situation, since Hillary can't actually carry out much of her anti-Russia agenda. (Imagine Putin's dramatics dealing with a hostile Hillary who has largely illusory options. Every would-be great actor needs a great foil.)

Intervene in the Syrian civil war? There's little stomach for that, no matter how bad the humanitarian situation in Aleppo, where rebels continue the crisis by refusing to surrender even though they cannot win. And the BBC reports how the Russian intervention, quite contrary to Obama National Security Council forecasts, has been very successful.

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Stable and predictable are not words readily applied to Donald Trump, whose enthusiasm for the ruthless authoritarian Putin seems far more visceral than intellectual. That sort of emotionalism can turn negative.

Still, if Trump, who, though ever thuggish, seems to have gotten steadier and more focused, finally does get his act together, who can say for certain what Wikileaks and, er, company will reveal?

One thing is clear. If the second most unpopular nominee in history does go on to defeat the most unpopular nominee in history, as she should, she will face a legitimacy crisis of vast dimensions. Because the hits keep coming, and Clinton, Inc. is a target-rich environment.
Hutchinson city council examines what to do about chickens

The issue is before the planning commission because chickens are part of land use codes written to address larger animals.
3 Scientific Tips For Making More Money From Your Fans

While anecdotal evidence and the advice of others can be somewhat helpful when it comes to making more money from your music, not every experience is universal, and such advice isn't always helpful. Here we look at three tips with science to back them up on how you can get your fans more involved while also making additional money off of them.

_______________________________

Guest Post by Hugh McIntyre on the Sonicbids Blog

There are a lot of tips that can be useful when it comes to making it work in the music industry as an independent, up-and-coming artist. Oftentimes, the best people to look to for advice are those who have been there before, as they can give some sage advice and reflect on their experiences. Those suggestions are certainly helpful, but sometimes you need a little more than anecdotal evidence. Here are three scientifically proven tips that will help you raise money, sell merch, and form lasting relationships with your fans.

1. Tell people they're doing something good

Instead of offering crazy discounts or attempting to trick people into spending their hard-earned cash or donating to your cause, make sure they understand that this money isnt just for buying, its for supporting. By purchasing an album, T-shirt, or investing in your crowdfunding campaign, they're actually doing good, and its noticeable to you.

By parting ways with cash, anybody who wants to can become a patron of your art, and the kind of person who makes your dreams come true. That sounds a lot better than simply begging someone to buy a song on iTunes, and it may help convince people to get involved.





Why exactly is this? Well, according to Pete Trainor, Associate Director UX at SapientNitro in an article for Fast Company, "MRI studies reveal that when we perform an act of kindness, our reward center is aroused and we experience feelings of pleasure." Basically, doing good makes people feel good  all you need to do is reframe your ask to make it people realize thats whats going on here.

2. Give them fewer options

While it might seem like the more choices people have, the more theyll buy, that isnt always the case. In fact, if you give people too many different options, they can become overwhelmed. And if they arent already in a position where theyd have to pick something to spend their money on (such as when someone is deciding what to order from an enormous menu at a restaurant), they may end up opting not to buy anything at all.

Columbia University published a report called Choice is Demotivating which discusses how too many options isnt always a good thing. Now, you might not be operating a restaurant here, but you can keep this in mind as you do your best to sell as much merchandise as possible! When you're arranging your merch store online or choosing items to bring with you on tour, be strategic. Try not to load up with a million different things in the hope that there will be something for everyone, but instead, choose only those pieces that check certain boxes. Youll want T-shirts, CDs, and a few other items, but the point is that you dont need to have too many different options when it comes to these categories. Instead of 10 designs all on basic tees, try just three or four, and maybe switch up the colors.

[The Musician's Essential Guide to Merch: What to Get, How Much to Charge, and Where to Buy]

3. Use positive reinforcement

It sounds obvious that positive reinforcement is a good thing, but the psychological standard is a lot more powerful than youd think, especially when it comes to retaining customers so that they keep coming back.

It might take a bit of work, but you should do everything in your power to thank people for supporting you, no matter how small their contribution. It isnt important if they bought your album or if they gave $1 to your crowdfunding campaign  what is important is that you thank them and let them know how much you appreciate it. That might make them come back to you, and that ups their $1 contribution and turns it into something thats much more valuable.

Positive reinforcement can come in several ways, but the best thing you could possibly do is find a way to call supporters out personally. Tweeting out a general thank you from time to time is fine, but it doesnt make anybody in particular feel special. Instead, try setting up an automatic email that immediately says thanks for a purchase or donation, or if you can, make sure your supporters are identified publicly as people who supported you, either on social media or on whatever platform you reached them on.

Building loyalty is one of the best ways to run a successful business (which in this case is you), and making sure people feel appreciated is the easiest and cheapest way to do so.

Hugh McIntyre is a freelance pop music journalist in NYC by way of Boston. He has written forBillboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and MTV, as well as various magazines and blogs around the world. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of the blog Pop! Bang! Boom! which is dedicated to the genre of pop in all of its glory.

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Officers Preston Kelly and Stephanie Mirante, with Police Director Michael Cozzaglio, right, were sworn into the force at Tuesday's City Council meeting. PreviousNext

North Adams Council OKs Borrowing to Buy Anodizing Building

NORTH ADAMS, Mass.  The City Council on Tuesday approved the borrowing of $1,498,550 to purchase and renovate the former Berkshire Anodizing building on Hodges Cross Road as a public service building.



The vote to move to a second reading and publish as required by law was 8-1, with Councilor Robert M. Moulton Jr. casting the lone nay vote. Moulton expressed his concern at previous meetings of taking a commercial site off the city's tax rolls.



The administration has pushed to buy the vacant 85,000 square foot building and its accompanying 30 acres as a way to alleviate numerous space and condition issues in the city's current public services buildings.

The borrowing covers about $1 million for the property outright and another half-million for upgrades and interior construction to make the wide open plant suitable for different departments.



The anodizing plant closed last year and was openly put on the market earlier this year. Berkshire Anodizing was the only bidder for a request for services bid the city published last winter in seeking a solution to its building deficiencies.



Public Services Commissioner Timothy Lescarbeau said the anodizing plant would be able to accommodate the Department of Public Works and the cemetery, building, water, and parks and recreation departments. There's also enough room for salt and sand, inside storage for plows, sanders and paving equipment, and mechanical and tool shops. Plus, there are several working bathrooms, locker rooms, meeting rooms and offices.



Relocating the departments will allow the city to divest itself of several properties, including the aged and obsolete City Yard on Ashland Street. The mayor has frequently pointed to the city's property as a blight on a revitalized corridor that's seen a former mill revamped into residential units, a new facilities structure for the college, the renovation of the Armory, and the restoration or demolition of a number of residential and commercial properties along Ashland.



The mayor has indicated he would put the City Yard up for sale, and is looking to do the same with the Windsor Mill, which is being used for city storage in addition to hosting commercial businesses. Also down the line, the administration wants to sell off the Notre Dame property and the now vacant Sullivan School.

Councilor Ronald Boucher thought the borrowing order was about $41,000 higher than initial borrowing estimate in August. Administrative Officer Michael Canales said the amount was based on estimates for capital improvements and an $18,000 contingency. The number in Tuesday's order was the same as the grand total provided to the council on Aug. 23.



Mayor Richard Alcombright said he would provide an updated itemization list prior to the next meeting and final vote.



There was no change, he said, in the $995,000 purchase and sales agreement the council approved last month.



Prior estimates for building new or revamping other structures for the DPW were in the $2.7 million-plus range. Lescarbeau said most of those scenarios  building a new salt shed or moving some departments up to the old landfill property  would not solve all the public service departments' space issues.

Canales said the city was preapproved for a 40-year loan through the U.S. Department of Agriculture. At 2.5 percent, the annual debt would be $61,000.
Ward 2 Councilor Kevin Morandi said the question of education is a choice parents need to make, not the City Council.

Pittsfield City Council Tables Resolution Against Charter School Expansion



No on 2 advocates urged the City Council to adopt the resolution. PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The City Council is divided on whether it should or should not take a stance on the ballot question regarding charter schools.

In November voters will be asked to lift the cap on the number of charter schools in the state should be raised, allowing a dozen more schools to open.

City Councilors Kathleen Amuso, John Krol, and Peter White asked the City Council to join other communities in the state to pass a resolution calling for a no vote on the ballot question.

For those three, the issue of more charter schools is impactful to the city because of the funding mechanisms. They believe that more charter schools will pull more funding from the public school system they are asked to fund every year.

"It is going to have a reflection if there are more charter schools on how we run our city," Amuso said.

However, others on the council, including Donna Todd Rivers, Christopher Connell and Melissa Mazzeo, think the question isn't in the council's bailiwick. Ultimately, the City Council opted to table the resolution.

"This is not legislation. It is an opinion. We are a legislative body," River said.

Rivers said the question is going to the ballot box where voters will be making the decision. She said councilors can get involved in the political process, advocate on behalf of a viewpoint, and endorse proposals on their own. But, as a legislative body, she doesn't feel it is the council's role to take opinionated stances on such a question.

Mazzeo asked, "are we overstepping our bounds and telling the public how they should vote on something?"

Krol, however, said the resolution is certainly in the council's realm of operations because the question will directly impact the budgets it will have to approve in the future.

"It is ultimately a system that has major, major flaws. In my estimation, I think we have no choice but to vote no on question 2," Krol said.

Joining in those statements were Pittsfield School Committee Chairwoman Katherine Yon, United Educators of Pittsfield President Brendan Sheran, and Sheila Irvin.

"This funding mechanism hurts school districts," Irvin said, adding that the city of Pittsfield lost some $2 million in charter school tuition funding last year.

Sheran said the state has been underfunding the reimbursements for multiple years in a row, including shorting it by $47 million last year. Further, he said the question is quickly becoming one of the most expensive because of what he called "dark money" coming in from out of state to support a yes vote on the question. That "dark" campaign funding isn't able to be tracked to who is donating it and proponents are looking at spending somewhere around $18 million on it. Meanwhile, opponents will be spending some $13 million urging a no vote.

Yon characterized the charter school funding formula as "taxation without representation." She said the charter schools are funded by taxpayer money but taxpayers have no representation in the governance of the school.

"There really is no representation from parents in any real way. There is no representation from taxpayers in a real way," Krol said.

However, Berkshire Arts and Technology Charter Public School student Andrew Kerwood said the money doesn't belong the school district, it belongs to the student. He didn't feel the Pittsfield Public School system was the right environment for him and he opted to go to BArT. There he's found a track record of academic achievement with 100 percent of BArT 10th-graders scoring proficient or above on standardized testing and students going off to colleges.

"BART students, in particular, have shown great success," Kerwood said.

He said the money going for the city students for BArT represents just 3 percent of the school's budget and provides a quality education for the students. He said the state's philosophy is to have the money follow the student  not specifically to one particular district.

"It is not that fair to blame charter schools for financial troubles the district is facing," Kerwood said.

Ward 2 Councilor Kevin Morandi agreed that expanding educational opportunities is for the better by providing choices to parents.

"Education is a personal choice. It is what your child needs and the parents should be making that decision," Morandi said.

Former School Committee member Terry Kinnas urged the council not to adopt the resolution, and to vote in favor of raising the cap. He too cited the success of BArT students academically while Pittsfield has been failing to hit performance targets on standardized tests.

Others, however, said those comparisons aren't applicable because the Pittsfield schools have more special education needs, more unfunded mandates from the state, and a responsibility to educate all students.

"The public schools face significantly more challenges than the charter schools," Amuso said.

White said expanding the system now is not the right time until the funding formula is crafted in a better way as to not hurt the sending district as much.

"If we are going to have two separate systems in Massachusetts for education, we need to make sure they are equal," White said.
We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector

We work towards an equitable,

gender-just, self-reliant and

sustainable fisheries,

particularly in the small-scale,

artisanal sector
Imperial County Announces Appointment of Andrea Kuhlen as New Behavioral Health Services Director

El Centro, California - Today, the Imperial County Board of Supervisors announced the appointment of Andrea Kuhlen as the new Director of the Imperial County Behavioral Health Services (ICBHS) to replace former director Michael Horn who retired last month. Mrs. Kuhlen will begin serving as the director effective immediately.

The Imperial County Board of Supervisors is happy to have found an experienced and knowledgeable replacement for Mr. Horn who is well suited, prepared and eager to lead the Behavioral Health team, stated Supervisor Jack Terrazas, Chairman of the Board. The whole board is very confident that Mrs. Kuhlen will do very well in her new role. It was a unanimous choice.

Mrs. Kuhlen has been employed with ICBHS since 1991. Mrs. Kuhlen served in her most recent position as Assistant Director of the department since September 16, 2016, however prior to that position she served as Deputy Director for more than five years. As the Director, Mrs. Kuhlen will oversee 498 employees from the various locations throughout Imperial County. ICBHS provides quality professional services to achieve independence and community integration for individuals suffering from mental illness and substance abuse.

About her new position, Mrs. Kuhlen stated, I am very honored to be appointed Director of Behavioral Health Services by the Board of Supervisors. I am also very indebted to the leadership of Michael Horn throughout the years and I look forward to the opportunity to further his vision for the department. This challenge is made easier knowing that we have state recognized programs established throughout the county that are managed and staffed by extraordinary individuals dedicated to providing the most competent professional services in the community.

Mrs. Kuhlen, a resident of Imperial, graduated from Sacred Heart High School of El Cajon and received her bachelors degree from the San Diego College for Women and Masters in Public Administration from San Diego State University.
Thirtieth Anniversary of the Reykjavik Summit

Washington, DC - Secretary of State John Kerry: "Today marks the 30th anniversary of the Reykjavik Summit, when over the course of a fateful two days, the ideas President Ronald Reagan and Soviet General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev discussed created the foundation of modern arms control and disarmament, helped reverse an arms race, and propelled the negotiation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) and the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START).

"During the Cold War, the United States and the former Soviet Union accumulated tens of thousands of nuclear warheads and placed them on missiles and heavy bombers trained on each others homelands and allies. Through the bold vision of President Reagan and General Secretary Gorbachev to reduce our nuclear arsenals and eliminate thousands of nuclear weapons and the missiles and bombers which carried them, the threat of a nuclear exchange became far less likely.

"The vision of Reykjavik is still alive today. In his 2009 Prague speech, President Obama re-affirmed the U.S. commitment to seek the peace and security of a world without nuclear weapons. The United States is pursuing that vision by implementing the New START Treaty, seeking entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), and working to negotiate new agreements such as a Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty (FMCT).

"Stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and achieving a world where they no longer threaten our existence will require hard work, cooperation, and patience among all nations. It also requires all countries to abide by and fulfill their obligations. As President Obama said, rules must be binding. That is why we are urging Russia to return to compliance with the INF Treaty, thus ensuring the Treatys legacy of eliminating an entire class of weapons from our arsenals for the benefit of Europe, Asia, and the rest of the world. President Obama warned in Prague against the deadly adversary of fatalism. At Reykjavik 30 years ago, President Reagan and General Secretary Gorbachev could have bowed to fate, but chose instead a courageous pathone we must continue on today."
Secretary of State Kerry to Travel to Rwanda, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom

Washington, DC - U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to Kigali, Rwanda, from October 13-14, 2016, to join EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy and others in striving to achieve U.S. climate and environmental goals at the upcoming Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol.

The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is widely regarded to be one of the most successful environmental treaties ever and was the first treaty to achieve universal ratification. This global agreement has put the stratospheric ozone layer on a path to recovery through measures to control production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances.

The negotiations in Kigali will be an opportunity to reach global agreement on an ambitious amendment to the Montreal Protocol to phase down the production and consumption of hydroflourocarbons, or HFCs. HFCs have become popular substitutes for ozone-depleting substances, but  while they are far better for the ozone layer  they are also potent greenhouse gases, which means they contribute to global climate change.

An ambitious HFC amendment would build on the positive momentum of the Paris Agreement and could avoid up to half a degree Celsius of warming by the end of this century.

After departing Kigali, Secretary Kerry will travel to Lausanne, Switzerland, on October 15 and then to London, United Kingdom, on October 16.

The Secretary will meet with foreign ministers from key regional partners in Lausanne and key regional and international partners in London to discuss a multilateral approach to resolving the crisis in Syria, including a sustained cessation of violence and the resumption of humanitarian aid deliveries.




This Isnt Our Last Love Letter



Dear Don Don,

Way back in 92



I walked into the room and knew



Never felt this way before



I shook your hand while gazing into your eyes



And the feeling grew



As I took a seat I knew



A love that would have my heart



Forever



I knew



Way back in 92





They say love at first sight doesnt always last or isnt true



We were the exception to that rule



Our love had no where to hide



A spark set fire



As if this is how the universe started





I never doubted our love or what we could do



Together we grew



Forming a bond everlasting



That became our glue



My euphoria was YOU



Im eternally grateful for the love and life we shared



For how fortunate we were :



to have and to hold

through sickness and in health

Til death do us part



Until we are together again



This isnt our last love letter



I love you with all my heart and soul



Yours forever,



Deirdre (Mrs. Hank Snow)





Im fortunate to have fallen in love with, marry and make a life with the sharpest, coolest, funniest, most rare, bad ass, tender loving, loyal man on the planet, my husband Don Imus.









A True American Hero

I dont know why it has been so hard for me to write about my dear friend Don Imus.



I certainly know what he meant to me, my family, my charity, my hospital and the millions of fans that listened and loved him for so many years.



I keep reading all the beautiful condolences that people are writing about how much a part of their lives were effected by listening to him over the years.

But what most people dont talk enough about is what he did for all of us.

In every sense of the word, he was an American Hero. His work with children with so many different illnesses and his dedication to their future was unmatched by anyone I have ever known or heard about.



Besides raising over $100,000,000 for so many causes, he took care of young people for over 20 years in a state where he could not breathe. Along with his incredible wife Deirdre, he created a world where children were not defined by their disease. That was a miracle! He was a miracle.

I will miss him ever day for the rest of my life.

I was blessed to be a part of his and Deirdes life.

No one will ever do what he did.

I love you Don Imus - A TRUE AMERICAN HERO





David Jurist

IMUS IN THE MORNING

FIRST DAY BACK!
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"Half the reason I made this film was that Im a natural roamer," Andrea Arnold confesses. "Ive always been a roamer since I was a kid. I'd go out in the morning and stay out all day, I'd go where my nose took me. I'd come back filthy dirty at night, not having eaten or having eaten blackberries or strawberries. I've always been like that. And, I think, doing this film is an extension of that."

With her latest American Honey, the Academy Award-winning director has rambled far, far away from her UK homestead: across an ocean, and into the deepest bowels of the American landscape. Yet, as the blackberry-smeared mouth of her youth will attest to, Arnold's adaptive instincts have never failed to blossom, resulting in a film which unwaveringly captures the spirit of American youth; of its heady idealism and earnest search for connection amongst desolate landscapes.

The film journeys beside Texas teen Star (Sasha Lane), as she joins a travelling magazine crew in search of a place within placelessness, a new horizon along endless plains. Arnold was first inspired to make the film on learning of these real-life travelling crews; often composed of teenagers from limited socio-economic backgrounds who bond together in a sort of pseudo-family unit.

"The first article I read was from the New York Times," Arnold mentions. "And it talked about the kinds of places a lot of the kids came from. The thing that always touched me was a lot of these kids were coming from quite difficult backgrounds. A lot of broken families. They were joining this crew and forming a sort of surrogate family in the crew. And that was always the thing that touched me in the very beginning, that was the thing that made me want to make the film."

True to her explorative ways, Arnold underwent total submersion in researching the project. "I can't make things if I don't feel it," she reflects. "I created an emotional connection by doing all these trips, and then I felt like I could write about it. I did a whole load of trips where I just travelled by myself. I would just travel, stay in motels, go to diners, meet people. I did six, seven road trips."

It's a research period which also involved time spent alongside real magazine crews, seeing the world through their eyes; where they go, what they do, what they listen to. A perspective that, once understood, she endeavoured to find in her cast; Arnold regularly employs street-casting for her work, and American Honey was no different. The film's magnetic star, Sasha Lane, was discovered while she was on spring break with friends.

 American Honey - Trailer

"Its something I do on all my films," Arnold explains. "Im always trying to make things as authentically as I can, so Im always - I dont know quite where I got this idea from - trying to find real people. When I spoke to people who had been on mag crews, they told me that with a lot of the crews, people would come from all over America and I wanted to reflect that."

"So we looked down in Panama City because a lot of teenagers go down there looking for work; its hot, and they can sleep on the beach when they first get there. We met a lot of people who were sleeping on the beach." Casting took place over the course of an entire year; intermixing both intense sessions, expeditions across the country, and even online talent searches.

A process Arnold herself was intimately involved with. "I quite like getting involved in a lot of that, so I would go also and help," she says. "You know, hanging out in Walmart and state fairs, chasing after people and saying, 'Do you want to be in a film?' Kind of dodgy, really."

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Her time spent amongst the magazine crews also helped Arnold understand the musical landscape these teenagers exist in, consisting mainly of hip-hop and trap artists like Kevin Gates, E-40, and Rae Sremmurd.

"When I was out with the mag crew they were playing music all the time," she explains. "Its a huge part of their lives; I would ask them for their choices because I always want to try and use the music in a way that works with the score; so it emotionally works as well as being true to them. So, they would give me some suggestions and I would then pick something that we could then use or that I felt like worked emotionally."

Music invariably becomes a huge part of the crew's identity in the film; it captures the hope, the fire that burns within them, but also that streak of self-destructive recklessness that comes in our immortal beliefs of youth. In American Honey, its songs become as much a part of the narrative as its dialogue; which is revealing, considering how largely veiled and guarded the communication between these kids tends to be.

"Music is a hugely important part of my life," Arnold enthuses. "Theres not a day goes by where I dont start by playing music, or have it as some part of my day. Emotionally, it can completely change the way I feel or it can accentuate the way I feel; I dance a lot, for real. So anything I write is always going to have music and dancing because its just part of my life. I cant really imagine making a film that doesnt have dancing in it, actually. As Im going on, theres more dancing  maybe Im getting happier."

In fact, one of American Honey's more memorable scenes is vaguely reminiscent of her 2009 film Fish Tank, already sharing similarities in their tales of young women searching to break out of their sense of isolation. The latter sees Mia Williams (Katie Jarvis) escape to a deserted flat to practice hip-hop routines as a kind of meditative practice; this film sees a dancing scene mark Star's first encounter with the magazine crew.



Specifically, it's one of the first times she encounters Jake (Shia LaBeouf); whose impulsive kind of romanticism sees him jump up on a supermarket counter and dance to Rihanna's "We Found Love". A song that bears the same intoxicating, hopeful air that fills the hearts of American Honey's characters. It's a perfect anthem for the film.

"When I was doing my road trips, it was very much the song that was around at the time, and I love that song," Arnold says of the track. "I really wanted the film to feel like now, and its just one of those songs that really feels like a moment in time. And its also a fantastic kind of love song, it just felt right in spirit for the film."

"It had a huge emotional thing for me as well because I played it a lot when I was driving around on my own," she continues. "I was always hitting that drop as I was driving. I had to be careful not to crash. We had a thing when we were going around casting: if that song came on, we would all have to hit the drop. Sometimes we would be in the car with people who didnt know us and we would just go mental when the drop hit and I think they thought, 'oh my god, who have I gotten in the car with?'"

Did the cast feel the same? "We had a Rihanna dance lesson at the beginning," Arnold jokes. "But I think that ended up being a twerking competition by the end of it; no one really took the Rihanna dance lesson very seriously. They rebelled against me on that one  I had to listen to them."

American Honey hits UK cinemas 14 October.
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Thanks to the Marvel Cinematic Universe containing umpteen sequels, origin stories have been less regular in recent years. Just look at their post The Avengers output; out of the six Phase Two films (not including Captain America: Civil War, a sequel), four were sequels.

Were due another origin story and - thanks to Doctor Strange - were getting one. However, despite Black Panther being the titular heros first solo film, it will not necessarily act as an origin story.

Marvel Studios chief Kevin Feige told CinemaBlend: Panther is not really an origin story, since we saw him already in Civil War, Feige said. But his standalone certainly introduces you to 99% of his world that you never saw.

Notably, he confirmed that the upcoming, Brie Larson-starring Captain Marvel will be an origin story, saying: Captain Marvel is certainly an origin. Its an origin story from the start.

33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 Show all 34 1 /34 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 1. Captain America: Civil War Release date: 6 May 2016. Iron Man and Captain America are set to face off in this superhero blockbuster that will feature nearly all the Avengers but wont be an Avengers film. It will also mark the first time Spider-Man will feature in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Sony having made a deal with Marvel Studios. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 2. X-Men: Apocalypse Release date: 27 May 2016. Following the success of Days of Future Past, Apocalypse will follow the young X-Men team as the battle against Oscar Isaacs titular villain as he gathers his four horsemen; Magneto (Fassbender), Angel (Hardy), Storm (Shipp), and Psylocke (Munn). Expect carnage and no Wolverine. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 3. Suicide Squad Release date: 5 August 2016. The first supervillain film, Suicide Squad is also based in the DCEU (DC Extended Universe, where Batman and Superman live) and will introduce the world to Margot Robbies Harley Quinn and Jared Letos Joker. One of the more exciting upcoming DC films thats for sure. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 4. Doctor Strange Release date: 4 November 2016. Benedict Cumberbatch will debut in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe, where Captain America and Iron Man live) as the Sorcerer Supreme. The film already has an incredible cast, including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Rachael McAdams and Tilda Swinton. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 5. Untitled Lego Batman film Release date: 20 February 2017. Kicking off 2017 is the Lego version of Batman, who will lead his own spin-off, having already featured in the amazing Lego Movie. Will Arnett voices the titular character, while Zach Garfianakis - from the Hangover - will voice The Joker. But will he better than Leto? 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 6. Untitled Wolverine film Release date: 3 March 2017. Having not starred in X-Men: Apocalypse, Wolverine will return to the big screen in a solo film which was recently made R-Rated following the success of Deadpool. It is expected to be Hugh Jackmans last outing as the titular character. Fox 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 7. Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 Release date: 5 May 2017. Chris Pratt and the crew are returning to space in the sequel to the surprisingly successful Guardians of the Galaxy. According to director James Gunn, the film will not feature Thanos, even though he will to play a major role in phase MCU Phase 3. Cast includes newcomers Kurt Russell and Pom Klementieff, as well as, rumour has it, Sylvester Stallone. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 8. Wonder Woman Release date: 23 June 2017. Gal Gadot is returning to the DCEU in her very own film, marking the first female-led superhero film on this list. Chris Pine is on board to play Wonder Womans love interest. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 9. Untitled Spider-Man reboot Release date: 7 July 2017. Yes, it is another Spider-Man reboot, having previously been redone with Andrew Garfield as the lead. However, this time it is part of the MCU, with Tom Holland as the titular character, and a heavily rumoured cameo by Iron Man could be in the pipeline. We can dream. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 10. Untitled Fox film Release date: 6 October 2017. In a strange announcement, Fox decided to withhold the release of Gambit until a future, as-yet unannounced date, which could be here, or this could be a completely separate project. Many suspect Deadpool 2 could nicely fit here, Fox capitalising on the success of the first film. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 11. Thor: Ragnarok Release date: 3 November 2017. Chris Hemsworth will be returning as the Norse God in his third solo MCU film. Flight of the Conchords Taika Waititi is on board to direct, and promises a fun adventure that will likely lead into Marvels next project, Infinity War. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 12. Justice League Part One Release date: 17 November 2017. Hot on the heals of Thor comes Justice League Part One, the first DCEU team-up flick which will see Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, Aquaman and Cyborg work together to fight bad guys. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 13: Untitled Fox film Release date: 12 January 2018. Kicking off 2018 will likely be the second Deadpool film, but then again, this could very well be another X-Men team-up. Theres also talk of an X-Force film, with Deadpool and other mutants teaming up to fight evil. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 14. Black Panther Release date: 16 February 2018. The first non-white male-led superhero film in the MCU comes in the form of Black Panther, with Chadwick Boseman reprising the titular role, having also starred as the Panther in Civil War. Creeds Ryan Coogler is on to direct what could be a very exciting film. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 15. The Flash Release date: 16 March 2018. The Flash will be the first DCEU film since Justice League, and sees Ezra Miller take the lead. Phil Lord and Chris Miller were supposed to pen the film before Disney snapped them up for the Han Solo-film, leaving Seth Grahame-Smith to take charge. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 16. Avengers: Infinity War Part 1 Release date: 4 May 2018. And so, we finally get to the point of all these Infinity Stones! Thanos will be the big bad, with the Avengers needing to team up to defeat their biggest foe yet. It has previously been described as the end of the Avengers as we know it. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 17. Ant-Man and The Wasp Release date: 6 July 2018. Peyton Reed will be back to direct this surprise sequel to one of the better received MCU films. While the name is ridiculous, at least Marvel are finally having a leading female superhero. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 18. Untitled Fox film Release date: 13 July 2018. Again, not much word on this one except it is thought to be X-Men spin-off New Mutants, something Josh Boone has been hit up to write. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 19. Animated Spider-Man Film Release date: 20 July 2018. Avi Arad, Matt Tolmach, and Amy Pascal - the team behind the live-action Spider-Man films - are producing this unrelated animated adaptation of the hero. Because you can never have too much Spider-Man, right? 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 20. Aquaman Release date: 27 July 2018. Another Justice League spin-off, Jason Momoa plays the leading man. Furious 7s James Wan is on to direct, but little else is known about the film. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 21. Captain Marvel Release date: 8 March 2019. Weve hit 2019, and the first confirmed superhero film will be the first proper female-led MCU film. No-one is confirmed to be in the titular role of Carol Danvers just yet. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 22. Shazam Release date: 5 April 2019. Dwayne Johnson stars as the villain in this DCEU film which will be somewhat separate to the other DC films. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 23. Avengers: Infinity War Part 2. Release date: 3 May 2019. The conclusion to the long drawn MCU saga. Expect a big finish with at least a few planets being destroyed. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 24. Justice League Part Two Release date: 14 June 2019. Soon after the Infinity War story reaches its conclusion, so will the Justice Leagues. Not much is known, except Darkseid will likely be the villain for at least one of the parts. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 25. Inhumans Release date: 12 July 2019. The concept of Inhumans (or Marvels mutants) has already been introduced in TV, through Marvels Agents of Shield, yet the film is expected to introduce the Royal Family who have yet to be seen in the show. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 26. Cyborg Release date: 3 April 2020. Having debuted in Justice League Part One three years previously, Cyborg will finally be making his own outing, with Ray Fisher as the titular character. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 27. Untitled MCU film Release date: 1 May 2020. The first of three untitled Marvel films. There are a couple of contenders, the first is a likely sequel to Spider-Man with Sony, or a third Guardians of the Galaxy film, thus finishing the trilogy. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 28. Green Lantern Corps. Release date: 19 June 2020. Before you start to worry, this has nothing to do with the Ryan Reynolds-starring flick that hit cinemas a little while ago. Instead, this will be another DCEU film that will likely spin-off from Justice League after the Green Lantern Corps cameo in one of the parts. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 29. Untitled MCU film Release date: 10 July 2020. As well as Spider-Man or Guardians of the Galaxy sequels, a Doctor Strange or Black Panther one could fit in nicely here. Or perhaps Black Widow may finally get the solo-film she deserves. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 30. Untitled MCU film Release date: 6 November 2020. Some speculators also think a Blade film could fit in here, marking over 20 years since the first Blade. But many believe the character may be better suited to a Netflix series, as with Daredevil and Jessica Jones. Theres also talk of a Runaways film reaching cinemas at some stage. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 31. Untitled Ben Affleck Batman film Release date: TBA. Now were onto the TBA release dates, the first of which is a Batman solo film, written and directed by Ben Affleck. When this is due, no one is quite sure but expect it sooner rather than later if Batman v Superman is a success. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 32. Suicide Squad 2 Release date: TBA (rumoured 2017). A sequel to Suicide Squad is expected to come in 2017 according to recent reports, but nothing has been confirmed. If the first is successful, it should come as no surprise for Warner Bros to rearrange their schedule to fit in this surefire hit. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 33. Venom Release date: TBA. This is an odd one, as it has been confirmed Sony are wanting to release a Venom film completely unrelated to the upcoming Spider-Man reboot. Venom, as you may know, is a Spider-Man villain, intrinsically linked to Spider-Man, so it seems odd they would release a film unrelated to the rebooted project and not linked to the MCU. 33 Superhero films set for release between 2016 and 2020 Anything else? Well, now you mention it, theres also that sequel to Fantastic Four that has seemingly been dropped by Fox. Plus, theres the Gambit film which has been put on hold (but will likely fill an untitled Fox slot so we havent added it extra). Then again, it could be shoehorned in somehow Marvel

Marvels next blockbuster film will be Doctor Strange, Benedict Cumberbatch playing the titular character. Director Scott Derrickson recently revealed the film will have a much darker tone to other films in the series, while a journalist who witnessed 15-minutes of footage described what they witnessed.
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Londons O2 Arena is alight with Bieber fever. Bespoke, magazine-style programmes, sold at 15 a pop, are being waved maniacally in the air. Someones selfie stick is intercepted by a steward because its blocking a fire exit. Meanwhile, a giant 3D animation of the Canadian superstar is falling from the sky, like some kind of religious prophet coming back down to Earth. Hysteria's in the air, and it's fitting for a sensation still riding high from 2015 album Purpose, a record made up of berserk pop bangers and just enough signature sentiment.

What follows is a bizarre spectacle, a mix between the dazzling and the downright confusing. After a recent headline set at V Festival, Bieber was accused of overly relying on lip-syncing and lacking enthusiasm, his half-fussed dancing resembling someone being forced to bust moves at a funeral. That doesnt quite prove true on the first of six London shows. When tonight kicks in, like on the hyperactive Where Are U Now, its a dizzying mix of pyrotechnics, backflips and EDM-nodding madness. Other moments drag, like a five-minute section which sees Bieber performing drum solos on a 10-foot platform. Hes clearly enjoying himself, beaming like a kid in a playground, but hes a long way from a role in a Whiplash sequel.

For emotional juggernaut Love Yourself, Bieber boldly opts to play acoustic guitar himself, sat on a plush red sofa. Sadly, he botches it, playing the wrong, oddly ominous chords for three straight minutes. His between-song chat needs work, too. Asking the audience what hairstyle he should opt for now, after shaving his head, he wonders: Should I get corn rows? An afro? At one point, he tells the O2 Arenas top row that when Jesus comes back, youll be the first to go. The joke goes over most peoples heads.

These oddities are pretty much ignored by those in attendance. Screams drown out the dodgy acoustic jams, even after Biebers request for everyone to stay quiet during slower numbers. The foundations for a great pop show are there, too. Bieber has brilliant songs in his locker and the budget for a phenomenal display. And its not that he doesnt seem fussed, or fed up with being famous. But for a night that promises to be spectacular - even sometimes reaching those highs - this is confusing mix of ambition and thatll do nothingness.
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The fiery-red 'No Youre Not' shot is said to cure everything from the flu to a broken heart. But it turns out it just makes your teeth burn, as two food writers on a quest to find the worst shots ever have discovered.

The shot served at the Ortega 120 bar on Redondo Beach, California, sees Anejo tequila, salt, and Mexican pico de gallo spice coming together in a stomach-churning combination.

Food Beast writers Sean Fahmy and Rudy Cheney necked the shot as part of their quest to try the most disgusting shots America has to offer.

"Im ready to die. Im done with life. Im done with this show. I hate this show," Fahmy said after he downed No Youre Not. "The bottom of my teeth are burning. What's happening to my mouth?

Cheney was silent before simply saying: I want to go home.

The concoction is one of the over 120 types of alcohol served at the bar. The bartender told the pair that the shot cures tooth ache, heart ache and brain ache.

By the looks on Fahmy and Cheney's faces in the video above, they weren't convinced.

Food trends in 2016 Show all 11 1 /11 Food trends in 2016 Food trends in 2016 Celeriac root We had a kale obsession in 2015, but 2016s vegetable sine qua non is predicted to be the knobbly celeriac root. Celeriac milk (Tom Hunt at Poco in Bristol serves it with winter mussels and wild water celery), celeriac cooked in Galician beef fat (from Adam Rawson of Pachamama, hot new chef in the capital) and salt-baked celeriac (to be found in Matthew and Iain Penningtons kitchens at The Ethicurean in the West Country) are just a few examples. Getty Images Food trends in 2016 Middle Eastern food The Middle Eastern Vegetarian Cookbook (24.95, Phaidon) by grand-dame Salma Hage, author of the bestseller The Lebanese Kitchen (whose halva is pictured here), is out in April  Liz & Max Haarala Hamilton Food trends in 2016 Non-alcoholic cocktails Grain Store mixologist Tony Conigliaro has created Roman Redhead, a riot of red grape juice, beetroot, pale ale and verjus, and Rose Iced Tea (black tea, rose petals, anise essence, pictured here) Food trends in 2016 Gin The discerning will be slurping Hepple gin  from chef Valentine Warner and cocktail guru Nick Strangeway  which is punctuated with bog-myrtle nuances Food trends in 2016 Argyll and Bute Restaurant followers are getting in a froth about Pam Brunton in Scotland, who opened the Inver restaurant in Argyll and Bute to acclaim last year Food trends in 2016 Andy Olivers Som Saa One of the most eagerly awaited restaurants of 2016 will be the permanent incarnation of Andy Olivers remarkable pop-up Som Saa opening very soon in east London. Oliver, who worked at Thai god David Thompsons Nahm in Bangkok, raised a whopping 700,000 through crowdfunding, and is renowned for his piquant Thai flavours and obsessive attention to detail, including in his home ferments and DIY coconut cream  Adam Weatherley Food trends in 2016 Venison Another ruminant in vogue is venison, with Sainsburys doubling its line for 2016. It provides a protein-packed punch, with B vitamins and iron, and its low in fat. Its entry into the mainstream is in part thanks to the Scottish restaurant Mac and Wild, just opened in London, whose Celtic head chef Andy Waugh (who also runs the Wild Game Co) has been touting it as street food for years (his venison burger pictured here) Food trends in 2016 Goat From Brett Grahams The Ledbury to Angela Hartnetts kitchens at Lime Wood Hotel in the New Forest, Cabrito is the go-to goat supplier among the chef cognoscenti (roasted loin of kid pictured here)  but this year, domestic cooks can get in on the action, as Sushila Moles and James Whetlor of Cabrito offer their meat through Ocado Mike Lusmore / mikelusmore.com Food trends in 2016 Coffee Coffee sage George Crawford is launching the much-anticipated Cupsmith with his partner, Emma. Crawford believes that 2016 is the year purist coffee will finally meet the masses; Cupsmiths mission will be to make craft coffee as popular as craft beer on the high street. The company roasts Arabica beans in small batches, improving its quality  but sells it online, at cupsmith.com, in an approachable way: expect cheerful packaging and names such as Afternoon Reviver Coffee (designed for drinking with milk  no matter how uncouth, most of us want milk) and Glorious Espresso Julia Conway Food trends in 2016 120-day-old steak Hanging meat for extremely long lengths of time has become an art. In Cumbria, Lake Road Kitchens James Cross is plating up 120-day-old steak (pictured here). The beef is from influential ager Dan Austin of Lake District Farmers, who is currently investigating the individual bacterial cultures that go into this maturing process Food trends in 2016 Lotus root Diners can expect root-to-stem dining - cue the full lotus deployed by the Michelin-starred Indian Benares in its kamal kakdi aur paneer korma Getty Images

Call me in three days when you feel it. It burns twice, she added with a smile as they grimaced.

In their bid to try the most disgusting drinks, the Worst Shots Ever team have sampled other strange mixtures including the Liquid Steak - made using rum and Worcestershire sauce - and the Tetanus Shot, which is made with Jagermester, Fireball, grenadine, and Redbull.

We'll stick to mohitos, guys.
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Sick notes that banks and lenders need to help customers with mental illnesses manage their debt are costing patients up to 150.

GPs normally charge between 20 and 30 for a note but it can range up to 150, according to research conducted by the Money and Mental Health Policy Institute.

The forms can allow patients to get their debts cancelled and also stops lenders from involving bailiffs. They are drawn up by the Royal College of Psychiatrists and the credit sector and are seen as proof of mental illness.

The notes also give sufferers the opportunity to renegotiate the terms of their loan, potentially have their interest payments frozen and have a specialist team help manage their account.

A third of people who require the note to send to creditors are being charged despite being in serious financial difficulty, according to the study.

A member of the research panel, referred to only as Ian, said paying for a doctors note had a huge impact on his daily life.

I was on basic ESA, waiting for a benefits assessment to find out if they thought I was fit to work, so I was on really low benefits. Paying 20 for the doctor's note had a really big impact, it was a big chunk of the money I had left that week, Ian said in the report.

I didn't expect t hem to charge me. I was going to go to the shop after my appointment to get food, but after the doctor's I didn't have any money left.

As the notes are not issued by the NHS, they are charged in the same way as fitness or travel assessments.

Health news in pictures Show all 40 1 /40 Health news in pictures Health news in pictures Coronavirus outbreak The coronavirus Covid-19 has hit the UK leading to the deaths of two people so far and prompting warnings from the Department of Health AFP via Getty Health news in pictures Thousands of emergency patients told to take taxi to hospital Thousands of 999 patients in England are being told to get a taxi to hospital, figures have showed. The number of patients outside London who were refused an ambulance rose by 83 per cent in the past year as demand for services grows Getty Health news in pictures Vape related deaths spike A vaping-related lung disease has claimed the lives of 11 people in the US in recent weeks. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has more than 100 officials investigating the cause of the mystery illness, and has warned citizens against smoking e-cigarette products until more is known, particularly if modified or bought off the street Getty Health news in pictures Baldness cure looks to be a step closer Researchers in the US claim to have overcome one of the major hurdles to cultivating human follicles from stem cells. The new system allows cells to grow in a structured tuft and emerge from the skin Sanford Burnham Preybs Health news in pictures Two hours a week spent in nature can improve health A study in the journal Scientific Reports suggests that a dose of nature of just two hours a week is associated with better health and psychological wellbeing Shutterstock Health news in pictures Air pollution linked to fertility issues in women Exposure to air from traffic-clogged streets could leave women with fewer years to have children, a study has found. Italian researchers found women living in the most polluted areas were three times more likely to show signs they were running low on eggs than those who lived in cleaner surroundings, potentially triggering an earlier menopause Getty/iStock Health news in pictures Junk food ads could be banned before watershed Junk food adverts on TV and online could be banned before 9pm as part of Government plans to fight the "epidemic" of childhood obesity. Plans for the new watershed have been put out for public consultation in a bid to combat the growing crisis, the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) said PA Health news in pictures Breeding with neanderthals helped humans fight diseases On migrating from Africa around 70,000 years ago, humans bumped into the neanderthals of Eurasia. While humans were weak to the diseases of the new lands, breeding with the resident neanderthals made for a better equipped immune system PA Health news in pictures Cancer breath test to be trialled in Britain The breath biopsy device is designed to detect cancer hallmarks in molecules exhaled by patients Getty Health news in pictures Average 10 year old has consumed the recommended amount of sugar for an adult By their 10th birthdy, children have on average already eaten more sugar than the recommended amount for an 18 year old. The average 10 year old consumes the equivalent to 13 sugar cubes a day, 8 more than is recommended PA Health news in pictures Child health experts advise switching off screens an hour before bed While there is not enough evidence of harm to recommend UK-wide limits on screen use, the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health have advised that children should avoid screens for an hour before bed time to avoid disrupting their sleep Getty Health news in pictures Daily aspirin is unnecessary for older people in good health, study finds A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine has found that many elderly people are taking daily aspirin to little or no avail Getty Health news in pictures Vaping could lead to cancer, US study finds A study by the University of Minnesota's Masonic Cancer Centre has found that the carcinogenic chemicals formaldehyde, acrolein, and methylglyoxal are present in the saliva of E-cigarette users Reuters Health news in pictures More children are obese and diabetic There has been a 41% increase in children with type 2 diabetes since 2014, the National Paediatric Diabetes Audit has found. Obesity is a leading cause Reuters Health news in pictures Most child antidepressants are ineffective and can lead to suicidal thoughts The majority of antidepressants are ineffective and may be unsafe, for children and teenager with major depression, experts have warned. In what is the most comprehensive comparison of 14 commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs to date, researchers found that only one brand was more effective at relieving symptoms of depression than a placebo. Another popular drug, venlafaxine, was shown increase the risk users engaging in suicidal thoughts and attempts at suicide Getty Health news in pictures Gay, lesbian and bisexual adults at higher risk of heart disease, study claims Researchers at the Baptist Health South Florida Clinic in Miami focused on seven areas of controllable heart health and found these minority groups were particularly likely to be smokers and to have poorly controlled blood sugar iStock Health news in pictures Breakfast cereals targeted at children contain 'steadily high' sugar levels since 1992 despite producer claims A major pressure group has issued a fresh warning about perilously high amounts of sugar in breakfast cereals, specifically those designed for children, and has said that levels have barely been cut at all in the last two and a half decades Getty Health news in pictures Potholes are making us fat, NHS watchdog warns New guidance by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), the body which determines what treatment the NHS should fund, said lax road repairs and car-dominated streets were contributing to the obesity epidemic by preventing members of the public from keeping active PA Health news in pictures New menopause drugs offer women relief from 'debilitating' hot flushes A new class of treatments for women going through the menopause is able to reduce numbers of debilitating hot flushes by as much as three quarters in a matter of days, a trial has found. The drug used in the trial belongs to a group known as NKB antagonists (blockers), which were developed as a treatment for schizophrenia but have been sitting on a shelf unused, according to Professor Waljit Dhillo, a professor of endocrinology and metabolism REX Health news in pictures Doctors should prescribe more antidepressants for people with mental health problems, study finds Research from Oxford University found that more than one million extra people suffering from mental health problems would benefit from being prescribed drugs and criticised ideological reasons doctors use to avoid doing so. Getty Health news in pictures Student dies of flu after NHS advice to stay at home and avoid A&E The family of a teenager who died from flu has urged people not to delay going to A&E if they are worried about their symptoms. Melissa Whiteley, an 18-year-old engineering student from Hanford in Stoke-on-Trent, fell ill at Christmas and died in hospital a month later. Just Giving Health news in pictures Government to review thousands of harmful vaginal mesh implants The Government has pledged to review tens of thousands of cases where women have been given harmful vaginal mesh implants. Getty Health news in pictures Jeremy Hunt announces 'zero suicides ambition' for the NHS The NHS will be asked to go further to prevent the deaths of patients in its care as part of a zero suicide ambition being launched today Getty Health news in pictures Human trials start with cancer treatment that primes immune system to kill off tumours Human trials have begun with a new cancer therapy that can prime the immune system to eradicate tumours. The treatment, that works similarly to a vaccine, is a combination of two existing drugs, of which tiny amounts are injected into the solid bulk of a tumour. Nephron Health news in pictures Babies' health suffers from being born near fracking sites, finds major study Mothers living within a kilometre of a fracking site were 25 per cent more likely to have a child born at low birth weight, which increase their chances of asthma, ADHD and other issues Getty Health news in pictures NHS reviewing thousands of cervical cancer smear tests after women wrongly given all-clear Thousands of cervical cancer screening results are under review after failings at a laboratory meant some women were incorrectly given the all-clear. A number of women have already been told to contact their doctors following the identification of procedural issues in the service provided by Pathology First Laboratory. Rex Health news in pictures Potential key to halting breast cancer's spread discovered by scientists Most breast cancer patients do not die from their initial tumour, but from secondary malignant growths (metastases), where cancer cells are able to enter the blood and survive to invade new sites. Asparagine, a molecule named after asparagus where it was first identified in high quantities, has now been shown to be an essential ingredient for tumour cells to gain these migratory properties. Getty Health news in pictures NHS nursing vacancies at record high with more than 34,000 roles advertised A record number of nursing and midwifery positions are currently being advertised by the NHS, with more than 34,000 positions currently vacant, according to the latest data. Demand for nurses was 19 per cent higher between July and September 2017 than the same period two years ago. REX Health news in pictures Cannabis extract could provide new class of treatment for psychosis CBD has a broadly opposite effect to delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active component in cannabis and the substance that causes paranoia and anxiety. Getty Health news in pictures Over 75,000 sign petition calling for Richard Branson's Virgin Care to hand settlement money back to NHS Mr Bransons company sued the NHS last year after it lost out on an 82m contract to provide childrens health services across Surrey, citing concerns over serious flaws in the way the contract was awarded PA Health news in pictures More than 700 fewer nurses training in England in first year after NHS bursary scrapped The numbers of people accepted to study nursing in England fell 3 per cent in 2017, while the numbers accepted in Wales and Scotland, where the bursaries were kept, increased 8.4 per cent and 8 per cent respectively Getty Health news in pictures Landmark study links Tory austerity to 120,000 deaths The paper found that there were 45,000 more deaths in the first four years of Tory-led efficiencies than would have been expected if funding had stayed at pre-election levels. On this trajectory that could rise to nearly 200,000 excess deaths by the end of 2020, even with the extra funding that has been earmarked for public sector services this year. Reuters Health news in pictures Long commutes carry health risks Hours of commuting may be mind-numbingly dull, but new research shows that it might also be having an adverse effect on both your health and performance at work. Longer commutes also appear to have a significant impact on mental wellbeing, with those commuting longer 33 per cent more likely to suffer from depression Shutterstock Health news in pictures You cannot be fit and fat It is not possible to be overweight and healthy, a major new study has concluded. The study of 3.5 million Britons found that even metabolically healthy obese people are still at a higher risk of heart disease or a stroke than those with a normal weight range Getty Health news in pictures Sleep deprivation When you feel particularly exhausted, it can definitely feel like you are also lacking in brain capacity. Now, a new study has suggested this could be because chronic sleep deprivation can actually cause the brain to eat itself Shutterstock Health news in pictures Exercise classes offering 45 minute naps launch David Lloyd Gyms have launched a new health and fitness class which is essentially a bunch of people taking a nap for 45 minutes. The fitness group was spurred to launch the napercise class after research revealed 86 per cent of parents said they were fatigued. The class is therefore predominantly aimed at parents but you actually do not have to have children to take part Getty Health news in pictures 'Fundamental right to health' to be axed after Brexit, lawyers warn Tobacco and alcohol companies could win more easily in court cases such as the recent battle over plain cigarette packaging if the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights is abandoned, a barrister and public health professor have said Getty Health news in pictures 'Thousands dying' due to fear over non-existent statin side-effects A major new study into the side effects of the cholesterol-lowering medicine suggests common symptoms such as muscle pain and weakness are not caused by the drugs themselves Getty Health news in pictures Babies born to fathers aged under 25 have higher risk of autism New research has found that babies born to fathers under the age of 25 or over 51 are at higher risk of developing autism and other social disorders. The study, conducted by the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at Mount Sinai, found that these children are actually more advanced than their peers as infants, but then fall behind by the time they hit their teenage years Getty Health news in pictures Cycling to work could halve risk of cancer and heart disease Commuters who swap their car or bus pass for a bike could cut their risk of developing heart disease and cancer by almost half, new research suggests  but campaigners have warned there is still an urgent need to improve road conditions for cyclists. Cycling to work is linked to a lower risk of developing cancer by 45 per cent and cardiovascular disease by 46 per cent, according to a study of a quarter of a million people. Walking to work also brought health benefits, the University of Glasgow researchers found, but not to the same degree as cycling. Getty

Dr Richard Vautrey, deputy chair of British Medical Association's (BMA) GP committee, told The Independent that GPs did not need to be involved in this process.

The BMA believes this unfair and bureaucratic system needs reforming. People should not be fobbed off by countless organisations who, instead of believing the individual themselves, tell them to get a letter from their GP, Dr Vautrey said.

However, it is not necessary for GPs to be involved in this process. The BMA believes such systems and processes must be reformed so that patients are trusted with the information they provide about their medical conditions or, if a medical report is deemed to be absolutely essential, that the administrative costs for producing it is paid by the requester, not the member of the public.
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Is October 11 the day London started to die as a global banking centre?

That might be exaggerating a bit. But let me explain. Russian bank VTB has ended the phoney war between the City and whats shaping up to be the worst Government in a century by pulling the plug on London as the location for its European HQ in the wake of Brexit.

At this point the swivel eyed loons who frequently pop up on my Twitter feed will probably start sneering and saying who or "why should we care". VTB does, after all, rather lack the name recognition of a Goldman Sachs or a JP Morgan. But so do a lot of banks that base themselves in London and thats the point.

Recommended Read more Senior bankers warn they they could start moving jobs out of London in

A huge number of those banks have second homes in the City. They come from all over the world, and most of them quietly get on with what they do without troubling even the specialist financial press.

Collectively, however, they employ tens of thousands of people. Most of those people dont earn the sort of mega bucks hauled in by the financial masters of the universe. Only a few people do. Most City workers earn salaries that are decent but not extreme.

Collectively, however, they pay a lot of tax and thus help to pay for things like schools and hospitals and regional development funds that a lot of the Brexiters in the North of England say they want. If others were to follow VTBs lead, if there were to be a steady drip drip of business moving away from London, then the UK as a whole will suffer because it will lose that contribution. And a lot of people will lose their jobs.

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

Will that happen? Well, thats not altogether clear. There are reasons for thinking VTB may be a special case. Its part-owned by the Russian state, and has been subject to sanctions since 2014. These have prompted it to pivot away from the US and Europe towards Asia where it can more easily operate. David Cameron's Government was strongly in favour of those sanctions.

Other banks, their lobbyists and their trade bodies, have issued Brexit warnings, but the big ones seem to be keeping their power dry until they have a better idea of what Brexit will mean in practice. London continues to have formidable advantages over most of its would be continental rivals and they'd probably prefer to stay put if they could.

It would still be foolish to underestimate the impact of that dry powder. It means banks will be refraining from spending money, from hiring people, from expanding their presence. Businesses across the country, and not just those in the financial sector, are similarly sitting on their hands. This is bad news for the economy but it could be worse.

It will be worse for London, and the rest of the UK, if VTBs move heralds the turning on of the taps. If a few more smaller, or similarly less well known outfits, decide that they need to start looking for pastures new it might not be too long before one of the big boys plants decides to follow suit. If that happens, watch out.

Of course, it might not happen. The Government might decide to opt for something other than a hard Brexit after all.

As Londons mayor Sadiq Kahn has said: A Hard Brexit approach could never be defended as being done in the name of principle or taking back control, as the clear motivation would be political expediency in an attempt to turn an extremely complex argument into a simple one. An approach that would not only be deeply irresponsible, but could cause significant economic damage.

There might be someone in Government with something resembling a brain who has the presence of mind to hear what he is saying, who sees the scary economic numbers being bandied about, like the Treasury's 66bn estimate for the cost of a hard Brexit, and realises that if the UK carries on down that road it will reach perdition quite quickly.

Ministers might start to listen to their traditional friends in business before those friends have torn all their hair out. Banks might retain their passport rights to sell services across Europe. Prime minister Theresa May might even sack home secretary Amber Rudd, she of the disgusting forrenurs not welcome speech at the Tory Party conference.

In the meantime, remember this day and keep an eye out for other announcements like that of VTBs, unless and until they become so common they stop making the news. If that happens, would the last person to leave kindly turn out the lights?
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Lloyds Banking Group will axe another 1,230 jobs as part of a cost-cutting program that started in 2014.

Lloyds announced in July it would be cutting 3,000 jobs and closing 200 branches amid the uncertain economic environment caused by Britains vote to leave the EU. The total number of jobs cut since the announcement of an efficiency drive in 2014 will stand at 12,000 by the end of next year.

Trade union Unite described the job losses, expected to hit the lenders retail banking as well as other divisions, as horrific.

Rob MacGregor, national officer of Unite, said: Job losses within this taxpayer-backed institution are wholly unacceptable.

The constant flow of job cuts across Lloyds Banking Group must now be halted and staff be allowed to get on with delivering the high quality and impressive service they are so good at providing. The Lloyds management pursuit of this cuts agenda is counter-productive in their aim of a successful business.

Lloyds said in a statement: This process involves taking difficult decisions, and we are committed to working through these changes in a careful and sensitive way.

Where it is necessary for employees to leave the company, it will look to achieve this by offering voluntary redundancy. Compulsory redundancies will always be a last resort.

The bank has already cut about 4,000 positions from its 75,000-strong workforce in 2016 and has closed around 100 branches so far this year.

Lloyds has slumped 27 per cent this year in London trading, making it the second-worst performance among major British lenders.

Business news: In pictures Show all 13 1 /13 Business news: In pictures Business news: In pictures Flybe collapses Airline Flybe has collapsed. All future flights on the Exeter-based airline have been cancelled  leaving more than 2,300 staff facing an uncertain future, and wrecking the travel plans of hundreds of thousands of passengers. The chief executive, Mark Anderson, said: Europes largest independent regional airline has been unable to overcome significant funding challenges to its business. AFP via Getty Business news: In pictures Future product placement will be 'tailored to individual viewers' Marketing executives say that product placement in films and televison shows on streaming services such as Netflix may be tailored to individuals in future. For instance, if data shows that a viewer is a fan of pepsi, a billboard in the background of a shot would host an advert for pepsi, while for a viewer known to have different tastes it could be for Coca-Cola Paramount Business news: In pictures Corbyn wishes Amazon a happy birthday In a card sent to Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos on the company's 25th birthday, Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn writes: "You owe the British people millions in taxes that pay for the public services that we all rely on. Please pay your fair share" Business news: In pictures No deal, no tariffs The government has announced that it would slash almost all tariffs in the event of a no-deal Brexit. Notable exceptions include cars and meat, which will see tariffs in place to protect British farmers Getty Business news: In pictures Fingerprint payment NatWest is trialling a new bank card that will allow people to touch their hand to the card when paying rather than typing in a PIN number. The card will work by recognising the user's fingerprint NatWest/PA Wire Business news: In pictures Mahabis bust High-end slipper retailer Mahabis has gone into administration. 2 Jan 2019 Mahabis Business news: In pictures Costa Cola Coca-Cola has paid 3.9bn for Costa Coffee. A cafe chain is a new venture for the global soft drinks giant PA Business news: In pictures RIP Payday Loans A funeral procession for payday loans was held in London on September 2. The future of pay day lenders is in doubt after Wonga, Britain's biggest, went into administration on August 30 PA Business news: In pictures Musk irks investors and directors Elon Musk has concluded that Tesla will remain public. Investors and company directors were angry at Musk for tweeting unexpectedly that he was considering taking Tesla private and share prices had taken a tumble in the following weeks Getty Business news: In pictures Jaguar warning Iconic British car maker Jaguar Land Rover warned on July 5, 2018 that a "bad" Brexit deal could jeopardise planned investment of more than $100 billion, upping corporate pressure as the government heads into crucial talks AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures Spotif-IPO Spotify traded publically for the first time on the New York Stock Exchange on Tuesday. However, the company isn't issuing shares, but rather, shares held by Spotify's private investors will be sold AFP/Getty Business news: In pictures French blue passports The deadline to award a contract to make blue British passports after Brexit has been extended by two weeks following a request by bidder De La Rue. The move comes after anger at the announcement British passports would be produced by Franco-Dutch firm Gemalto when De La Rues contract ends in July. The British firm said Gemalto was chosen only because it undercut the competition, but the UK company also admitted that it was not the cheapest choice in the tendering process. Business news: In pictures Beast from the east economic impact The Beast from the East wiped 4m off of Flybes revenues due to flight cancellations, airport closures and delays, according to the budget airlines estimates. Flybe said it cancelled 994 flights in the three months to 31 March, compared to 372 in the same period last year.

The Government last week scrapped plans to sell its 9 per cent stake in Lloyds.

British taxpayers still hold about 3.6bn shares in Lloyds, after bailing the bank out during the financial crisis.

Shares in Lloyds will not be sold as a retail offer to the public but instead gradually sold into the institutional investment market to ensure a full return of the bank to the private sector.

Additional reporting by Reuters
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Mark Ruffalo has called for further damning footage of Donald Trump to be released following the recent leak of his lewd and sexually aggressive comments.

The Spotlight actor and activist shared a petition calling on NBC and MGM to release additional footage of the Republican presidential candidate allegedly saying sexually predatory and extremely racist things while he was presenter of The Apprentice.

NBC is the channel which the show appeared on while MGM is thought to own the rights to the show.

Tell @NBC and MGM: Release the Trump tapes http://petitions.moveon.org/s/8HQl9S @moveon @UltraViolet, Ruffalo tweeted.

Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Show all 13 1 /13 Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? ABC/Facebook Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Twitter Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? ABC/Facebook Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Twitter Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Twitter Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Twitter Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Twitter Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate? Why was Trump creeping behind Clinton at the debate?

The pressure to release further footage follows the recently leaked videos, obtained by The Washington Post, in which Mr Trump can be heard bragging about groping and making unwanted advances on women back in 2005. The billionaire boasted that he was such a star he can grab women by the p***y.

The Republican party has been thrown into disarray since the obscene comments, which he has since apologised for, were leaked. Dozens of senior Republicans have withdrawn their support for Mr Trump and some have even called for him to resign.

But it has now been rumoured things may get even worse for Mr Trump since the leak. Bill Pruitt, a producer on the first two seasons of The Apprentice, the NBC reality show Mr Trump hosted between 2004 and 2015 said there are far worse unseen behind-the-scenes tapes of Mr Trump during his time on the program.

Emmy-award winning Irish-American children's television producer, Chris Nee, claimed she was made to sign a contract with Mark Burnett, the creator of The Apprentice, which included a $5 million penalty if anything was leaked. She also claimed she had been hearing from producers/crew N word is the much worse in tweets which have since been deleted from her account.

Despite mounting pressure for Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios and Mr Burnett to make the footage public, MGM and Burnett said in a joint statement they do not have the ability nor the right to release the material.

Despite reports to the contrary, Mark Burnett does not have the ability nor the right to release footage or other material from The Apprentice, they said in a statement sent to Variety on Monday. Various contractual and legal requirements also restrict MGM's ability to release such material.

The recent claims that Mark Burnett has threatened anyone with litigation if they were to leak such material are completely and unequivocally false. To be clear, as previously reported in the press, which Mark Burnett has confirmed, he has consistently supported Democratic campaigns.

UltraViolet Action, an organisation which works to fight sexism and expand womens rights, posted a petition, which garnered 30,000 signatures in the space of hours, calling on MGM and NBC to release the tapes and stop protecting Donald Trump.

Mr Trump has hinted at the possibility of more tapes being released but not provided any detail about what the tapes might contain. Speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania, he said: If they want to release more tapes saying inappropriate things, we'll continue to talk about Bill and Hillary Clinton doing inappropriate things. There are so many of them.

The Independent contacted a representative of Ruffalo for comment.
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Oliver Stone has issued a blistering attack on President Barack Obamas legacy in the White House, questioning how many Muslim countries have been bombed under his watch during his two terms in office.

The director of the biopic about the fugitive NSA whistleblower Edward Snowden has been a vocal critic of the surveillance which has taken place under the Obama administration. In August, he accused Mr Obama of creating a global security surveillance state way beyond East Germany's Stasi.

This week, Stone, 70, accused Mr Obama of quietly transforming into a better version of Bush as soon as he became President, according to AFP.

Most controversial Nobel Peace Prize nominees Show all 5 1 /5 Most controversial Nobel Peace Prize nominees Most controversial Nobel Peace Prize nominees Edward Snowden 2014: The National Security Agency whistleblower Edward Snowden has been nominated by two Norwegian MPs for the Nobel Peace Prize, meaning the US contractor currently claiming asylum in Russia could be awarded the same prize accepted by President Barak Obama in 2009 Most controversial Nobel Peace Prize nominees Vladimir Putin 2013: The Russian President Vladimir Putin was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize because the former KGB agent actively promotes settlement of all conflicts arising on the planet, according to the advocacy group that nominated him, at least Most controversial Nobel Peace Prize nominees Barack Obama 2009: US President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize for "extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples, shortly before launching military airstrikes in Libya. The irony was not lost on Mr Obama it seemed, who during a press conference joked: "[Energy Secretary Steven] Chu's the right guy to do this, he's got a Nobel Prize in physics - he actually deserved his Nobel Prize" Most controversial Nobel Peace Prize nominees Henry Kissinger 1973: Henry Kissinger was awarded the prize for his work on the Paris Peace Accords jointly with Le Duc Tho, who turned the Prize down. The American humourist Tom Lehrer later quipped that Kissingers award represented the death of satire Most controversial Nobel Peace Prize nominees Josef Stalin 1945: Soviet dictator Josef Stalin was nominated for his efforts to end World War II. Fellow nominee Vladimir Putin recently said there was no difference between him and Oliver Cromwell, when asked whether he would erect a statue of Stalin in Moscow

How many wars is America in informally without consent?," he was quoted as asking a press conference promoting the release of Snowden in Europe and Asia. How many Muslim countries has Obama bombed? How many drone strikes have we used, killing how many people?

The Nobel Peace Prize committees decision to award Mr Obama the prize in 2009 was shrouded in controversy. Mr Obama oversaw the first US air strikes launched in Syria in 2014 in a huge escalation of Americas military campaign against the Isis terror group. Six years after coming to office he had approved military operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Somalia, Yemen and Libya, becoming the Peace President to bomb seven countries in six years.

Mr Obama (AP)

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ) estimates the Obama administration has launched more than 390 drone strikes in five years across Pakistan, Yemen and Somalia  eight times as many approved during the entire Bush Presidency.

Stone also urged US citizens to be less apathetic towards the revelations from Snowdens whistleblowing, warning they had been lulled into a false sense of security about the existence of their human freedoms.
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Kim Kardashian West has filed a defamation lawsuit against a tabloid website for publishing allegations she lied about and faked being the victim of an armed robbery in Paris.

Kardashian West was bound and gagged by two masked men who held a gun to her head after breaking into her luxury accommodation in Paris last week. French police say the suspected thieves are believed to have made off with millions of pounds worth of jewellery.

The 35-year-old has now launched legal action against the gossip website Media Take Out and its founder Fred Mwangaguhunga over several stories they ran hours after the robbery which accused her without any factual support whatsoever, that Kardashian faked the robbery, lied about the violent assault and then filed a fraudulent claim with her insurance company to bilk her carrier out of millions of dollars.

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

The lawsuit, filed in New York, alleges: After being the victim of a horrific and traumatic armed robbery in France, Kim Kardashian returned to the United States only to again be victimised, but this time by an online gossip tabloid that published a series of articles in early October 2016 referring to her a liar and a thief.

The legal documents claim the site published false and misleading headlines and had no credible or reliable sources for the outrageous claims they published. The suit says as the only people who know what happened during the robbery are Kardashian West, a concierge who was also held at gunpoint and the assailants, the website had no legitimate basis for questioning the veracity of Kardashians ordeal, much less accusing Kardashian of criminal conduct.

The suit also claims that the website ignored repeated requests from Kardashian West to publish retractions of their articles and apologise. Several stories about Kardashian West on the website appear to have now been removed.

The 35-year-old has been at home in Los Angeles since the ordeal which she has not yet commented on. She has also uncharacteristically refrained from updating her social media channels or being seen in public.

On Tuesday, her sister Khloe Kardashian was the first family member to provide an update on how Kardashian West is, saying she is not doing that well.

Its incredibly traumatic what happened to her but our family is super close and well get through it together, she told the Ellen Show. And we do appreciate all you guys love and support but it will take time. Its horrible what happened to her.

Media Take Out did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
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Ancient Greeks artists could have travelled to China 1,500 years before Marco Polos historic trip to the east and helped design the famous Terracotta Army, according to new research.

The startling claim is based on two key pieces of evidence: European DNA discovered at sites in Chinas Xinjiang province from the time of the First Emperor in the Third Century BC and the sudden appearance of life-sized statues.

Before this time, depictions of humans in China are thought to have been figurines of up to about 20cm.

But 8,000 extraordinarily life-like terracotta figures were found buried close to the massive tomb of Chinas First Emperor, Qin Shi Huang, who unified the country in 221BC.

The theory  outlined in a documentary, The Greatest Tomb on Earth: Secrets of Ancient China, to be shown on BBC Two on Sunday  is that Shi Huang and Chinese artists may have been influenced by the arrival of Greek statues in central Asia in the century following Alexander the Great, who led an army into India.

But the researchers also speculated that Greek artists could have been present when the soldiers of the Terracotta Army were made.

One of the team, Professor Lukas Nickel, chair of Asian art history at Vienna University, said: I imagine that a Greek sculptor may have been at the site to train the locals.

 Ancient Greek tomb uncovered

Other evidence of connections to Greece came from a number of exquisite bronze figurines of birds excavated from the tomb site. These were made with a lost wax technique known in Ancient Greece and Egypt.

There was a breakthrough in sculpture particularly in ancient Athens at about the time when the city became a democracy in the 5th century BC.

Previously, human figures have been stiff and stylised representations, but the figures carved on the Parthenon temple were so life-like it appeared the artists had turned stone into flesh.

Their work has rarely been bettered  the techniques used were largely forgotten until they were revived in the Renaissance when artists carved statues in the Ancient Greek style, most notably Michelangelos David.

Dr Li Xiuzhen, senior archaeologist at the tombs museum, agreed that it appeared Ancient Greece had influenced events in China more than 7,000km.

We now have evidence that close contact existed between the First Emperors China and the West before the formal opening of the Silk Road, the expert said.

This is far earlier than we formerly thought.

We now think the Terracotta Army, the acrobats and the bronze sculptures found on site have been inspired by ancient Greek sculptures and art.

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And Professor Zhang Weixing, lead archaeologist at the tomb site, said: The archaeological work undertaken here recently is more important than anything in the last 40 years.

By systematically examining the First Emperors main tomb and subsidiary burials we have discovered something more important even than the Terracotta Army.

The mitochondrial DNA samples revealed Europeans had settled down in China and died there during the time of the First Emperor and even before then.

Hamish Mykura, of the National Geographic Channel, which made the documentary with the BBC, said: The scope of these archaeological finds and what they mean for world history are astonishing.

The new revelation that two of the worlds ancient super powers may have been in contact is a vital reminder today of the need for intercultural communication on a global scale.

And BBC presenter Dan Snow said: I hope audiences will find the new evidence as astonishing and thought-provoking as I did.

It is extraordinary to think that history as we know it is changeable.

Afghanistan's ancient jewels to sparkle in London Show all 3 1 /3 Afghanistan's ancient jewels to sparkle in London Afghanistan's ancient jewels to sparkle in London 506417.bin Afghanistan's ancient jewels to sparkle in London 506419.bin Afghanistan's ancient jewels to sparkle in London 506418.bin

The Terracotta Army  more than 8,000 figures buried less than a mile from the tomb  was found in 1974, but new geophysical survey evidence suggests the complex is much bigger than previously thought at 200 times the size of Egypts Valley of the Kings.

And the bones of 10 young women buried with precious jewellery made of gold and pearls have been found at the site.

Disturbingly, it is thought these women were the First Emperors concubines, who were murdered and mutilated as part of his funeral. There are 99 similar graves.

And the skull of a very high-ranking male was found with a crossbow bolt embedded in the back of the skull.

It is thought the bolt was fired at close range, suggesting the man was executed.

Chinese archaeologists believe it could be the remains of Prince Fu Su, the First Emperors eldest son, who was murdered along with his siblings by their younger brother Prince Hu Hai following their fathers death. The grave contains a total of seven different bodies, all of whom had been killed.
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Some of up to 13,000 victims of modern slavery in Britain are being failed by chronic weakness in police responses to their plight, the UKs Anti-Slavery Commissioner has warned.

Kevin Hyland has used his first annual report to issue stinging criticism of a series of police failings which he says could be allowing organised crime groups behind slavery and people trafficking to act with impunity.

The report, presented to Parliament on Wednesday, stated that chronic weaknesses in modern slavery crime reporting , plus a lack of intelligence reporting and evidence-based operational action meant victims both present and future are being failed.

In some police force areas, Mr Hyland added, slavery victims were just being lost in the system.

Mr Hyland also reported that some British companies were still engaging in little more than box ticking when claiming their supply chains were slavery-free, and raised fears that the migration crisis and refugee camps like the Calais Jungle were being exploited by traffickers to enslave the vulnerable.

His criticisms come weeks after Prime Minister Theresa May announced the creation of a new task force involving the police, MI5 and MI6, aimed at ridding the world of what she called the evil of modern slavery.

Professor Bernard Silverman, the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Home Office, has estimated that at any one time there may be between 10,000 and 13,000 potential victims of modern slavery in the UK.

They can be lured to the UK with promises of a better life, only to find themselves so heavily indebted to those who transport them that they effectively have to work for their traffickers for nothing.

Traffickers have been known to photograph women being gang raped in order to force them to work in the sex trade under the threat of having the pictures shown to conservative family and friends back in their home countries.

In what one law enforcement official called blackmail nicely packaged as traditional ritual, Nigerian children have been terrified into submission by juju ceremonies where a witch doctor takes hair or blood from the victim and says they will die or fall horribly ill if they fail to obey their traffickers.

Vulnerable UK residents  particularly the homeless and youngsters in care  can also find themselves being trafficked within Britain, either for forced labour, or, in so-called grooming cases, for sexual abuse.

Law enforcement agencies have found victims of modern slavery providing a vast range of goods and services bought by unsuspecting UK customers. They have been found on the fringes of the UK food production industry, working in pop-up car washes and even delivering pizzas. Children from Vietnam are being forced to work in atrocious conditions in illegal cannabis farms hidden in suburban houses.

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 introduced life sentences for anyone convicted of slavery or trafficking offences in an attempt to change the nature of what many offenders viewed as a high profit, low risk crime.

But in his annual report, Mr Hyland highlighted continuing inadequacies in modern slavery crime recording that could allow organised crime groups to act with impunity.

He said that while the UKs modern slavery National Referral Mechanism (NRM) identified 3,146 potential victims in the financial year 2015-16, English and Welsh police forces recorded only 884 modern slavery crimes.

This, he said, meant that at best 28 per cent of referrals to the NRM in the past financial year had resulted in a modern slavery crime being recorded by police in England and Wales.

Anti-sex trafficking campaign on Tinder Show all 6 1 /6 Anti-sex trafficking campaign on Tinder Anti-sex trafficking campaign on Tinder A fake Tinder profile The initial picture looks like a typical Tinder profile picture Anti-sex trafficking campaign on Tinder A fake Tinder profile Another "normal" Tinder profile picture Anti-sex trafficking campaign on Tinder A fake Tinder profile As users swipe through, suddenly the woman in the picture looks much younger Anti-sex trafficking campaign on Tinder A fake Tinder profile The woman in the profile picture looks unhappy and child-like and become less like typical Tinder profiles Anti-sex trafficking campaign on Tinder A fake Tinder profile As users continue to swipe through they will reach the message of the campaign Anti-sex trafficking campaign on Tinder A fake Tinder profile The fake profile ends with this image

Some of this shortfall will have been because the NRM acts as a filter, allowing authorities to gather further information and determine whether an incident is a genuine case of slavery, or  as sometimes happens  an attempt to game the immigration system and falsely claim asylum.

Sometimes the NRM will record crimes that occurred outside the UK as, for example, victims of trafficking or slavery in Europe escape to the UK.

Mr Hylands comments, however, made clear he did not believe that such explanations can wholly account for the gap in the amount of NRM referrals and the much smaller number of crime reports.

Introducing a detailed critique of how police forces handled NRM referrals, he said: Some UK police forces are taking a proactive approach to combating modern slavery. I am disappointed, however, that many instances of substandard modern slavery crime recording remain.

When NRM referrals are not recorded as crimes, investigations are not launched and victims do not receive the justice and support that they need and deserve.

Mr Hyland found that more than half, (21 out of 39), of the English and Welsh forces who responded were unable to say whether a NRM referral made by their force had resulted in a modern slavery crime record, or expressed significant difficulties in doing so.

Furthermore, he added, Four forces could not find any internal record of the NRM referrals made by their force (nor any crime record). For two such forces this was even after seeking assistance from the National Crime Agencys Modern Slavery Human Trafficking Unit. Consequently, in a small number of forces, victims are apparently being lost.

Mr Hyland also said that the National Crime Agency (NCA)  Britains equivalent of the FBI and the agency responsible for collating NRM data nationwide  had been somewhat passive in ensuring that reports of suspected slavery made by non-police bodies like charities were considered by the relevant local forces.

Opportunities have also been lost to mine NRM data for the benefit of intelligence and investigative opportunities, he added. It is clear that the collection, recording and analysis of modern slavery data is substandard. From the limited data that is gathered on victims circumstances via the current NRM system through to compromised crime recording, a lack of intelligence reporting and evidence-based operational action, victims both present and future are being failed.

It is paramount that precise modern slavery crime recording is a policing priority in 2017.

Acknowledging Mr Hyland's criticisms, a National Crime Agency spokesman told The Independent: "We have noted the comments. Until relatively recently modern slavery was not identified as one of the NCAs highest priority threats. This has changed, and we are currently working with the Home Office and law enforcement partners on a range of proposals to deliver a step change in this increasingly important area.

Mr Hyland, who was appointed by Theresa May in 2014 when she was Home Secretary, also expressed concern that the migration crisis and camps like the Calais Jungle were exposing children and vulnerable adults to possible exploitation.

Having visited the Jungle, he said he had written to Home Secretary Amber Rudd to express concerns about the current situation and to recommend proactive identification and resettlement of unaccompanied minors, where it is in their best interest.

Despite years of scandals about goods sold in the UK being the product of exploited labour abroad, the Anti-Slavery Commissioner also said some British companies were still engaging in mere box ticking when claiming their supply chains were untainted by slavery.

Mr Hyland said: There is still much more to be done to ensure that companies produce statements that both comply with the [Modern Slavery] Acts obligations and point to decisive action being taken, as opposed to merely being a tick box exercise.

Calling on customers to hold companies to account, he added: The role of consumer and investor pressure is crucial.
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A sandwich shop owner has been jailed for a minimum 27 years for murdering 15-year-old Paige Doherty in a frenzied attack.

John Leathem, 32, was sentenced at Glasgow High Court to life after stabbing the customer 60 times during an apparent discussion over a job.

There were shouts of scum and monster as Leathem was led to the cells on Wednesday.

What you did was truly reprehensible, said Judge Lady Rae.

John Leathem claimed Paige Doherty was threatening to report him for a sexual assault Police Scotland (Police Scotland)

It is impossible to comprehend how an apparently happily married man, with a young child, who is running a successful business, is capable of such an horrific level of violence, said Lady Rae.

Paige Doherty dropped into the shop shortly after 8.20am, on March 19, in Clydebank, West Dunbartonshire, for a roll on the way between a sleepover at a friends and her hairdressing job.

Ian Duguid QC said his client claimed he took Paige into the back office to discuss a job application but told her he would have to speak to her mother because of her age.

Leathem claims Paige responded by threatening to report him for sexual assault.

Judge Lady Raw said: You claim... she threatened to reveal you had touched her inappropriately if you didn't give her that job. No evidence has been placed before me to support this.

Even if true, your reaction was in no way mitigating of this appalling, wicked crime.

After being said to have attacked Paige in the back of his Delicious Deli cafe in Fleming Avenue, Leathem is believed to have stored Paiges body in a shed near his home over the weekend.

The married father-of-two was captured on CCTV carrying her body out of the shop in a bin bag and putting it in the boot of his car.

Footage also showed him leaving his shop to buy anti-bacterial wipes, bin bags and bleach.

He is understood to have driven to a wooded area off the A82 and dumped her body on the morning of Monday, March 21, where she was discovered by a member of the public.

 CCTV released in case of murdered teenager Paige Doherty

A post-mortem found she suffered 61 stab wounds, mainly to the head and neck, and 85 cuts thought to have been sustained as she tried to defend herself.

He pleaded guilty to her murder at the High Court last month.

Speaking outside court after Leathem was jailed, Paige's mother Pamela said: "Today we see a monster put behind bars for the unthinkable brutal crime he committed against our daughter Paige."

Press Association
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The former head of MI6 has said Boris Johnsons call for Syria protests outside the Russian Embassy in London could put the Foreign Secretary's own diplomatic staff in Moscow at risk.

Sir John Sawers urged politicians to be careful and mindful that calls for demonstrations in London may spark a retaliation in Russia, and he went on to highlight the attack on the UK's base in Iran by protesters in 2011.

The ex-intelligence chief also said the Wests failure to take military action in Syria had left Russia to freely bomb cities in the country today.

Recommended Read more Boris calls for demonstrations outside Russian embassy over Syria

After Mr Johnson called for protests outside the Russian embassy in the Commons, Sir John said: "We all have to be a little bit careful and mindful of the security of our embassy in Moscow when we think about calling for demonstrations here in London.

"We all recall what happened to our embassy in Tehran three or four years ago.

"I don't think that would happen in Moscow but we need to be careful about the consequences of things that we call for."

Sir John claimed the worsening crisis in Syria was a direct result of Britain's decision "not to engage" in the civil war back in 2013 under David Cameron.

 Western powers and Russia clash at UN over Syria

Speaking to BBC radio, he said: "We vacated the theatre and the Russians have moved in.

"It certainly was a mistake. Chemical weapons were being used against civilians in Damascus by their own regime."

Mr Johnson told MPs in the Commons on Tuesday that Russian President Vladimir Putin was in danger of turning his country into an "international pariah" with his continued support for the regime of President Bashar Assad.

He said: "It is the UK week after week that is taking the lead together with our allies in America and in France, all the like-minded nations, in highlighting what is happening in Syria to a world where, I'm afraid, the wells of outrage are growing exhausted.

 UK Ambassador gives damning speech to UN after Russia's security council veto over Syria

"There is no commensurate horror, it seems to me, amongst some of those anti-war protest groups. I'd certainly like to see demonstrations outside the Russian embassy. Where is the Stop the War Coalition at the moment? Where are they?"

Stop the War vice chairman Chris Nineham said his organisation would not take up the suggestion, adding: There's a very good reason for this, because we can make a difference to what Britain does, we can make a difference to what our allies do to a certain extent and we have done.

"But, if we have a protest outside the Russian embassy, it wouldn't make a blind bit of difference as to what Putin does because we are in Britain and we are in the West.

"And, not only that - a protest outside the Russian embassy would actually contribute to increasing the hysteria and the jingoism that is being whipped up at the moment against Russia."
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David Cameron is to oversee the expansion of the National Citizen Service (NCS) programme he set up during his time as Prime Minister, in his first role after stepping down as an MP.

Mr Cameron said the NCS was "one of [his] proudest achievements" in six years as PM - and it is one of the few that has not been torn up by his successor, Theresa May.

More than 275,000 teenagers have taken part in the programme since it was launched in 2011, and on Wednesday the Government was poised to introduce a National Citizen Service Bill to create a Royal Charter and make the NCS a permanent public institution.

Open to 15 to 17-year-olds, NCS involves a residential programme including outdoors activities like hiking and abseiling, followed by a "Dragon's Den" style pitch where teenagers work together in teams to present a volunteering project to help their local community.

Writing in the Daily Telegraph, Mr Cameron said the programme was "the Big Society in action", and that he would work as chairman of NCS Patrons to make it available to every young person in Britain.

He said the NCS helps young people build "soft skills, the resilience, the self-confidence and the creativity that can help them get on in life". "These are vital life skills  and they shouldnt be the preserve of a privileged few," he added.

Mr Cameron resigned as Prime Minister in the wake of the EU referendum, in which he had unsuccessfully campaigned for Britain to remain in the bloc.

He stayed as a backbench MP for a few months, before stepping down in September.

Some suggested Mr Cameron was unable to stick around while Ms May undid his legacy of liberal conservatism, overturning his opposition to new grammar schools and appointing the long-time critic of international aid spending Priti Patel as Secretary of State for International Development.

And Mr Cameron admitted that was a factor, saying: "Obviously I have my own views about certain issues. People know that. Thats really the point... I dont want to be that distraction."

But on Wednesday, Mr Cameron said he was "delighted that Theresa May is continuing the vital work to support NCS".

"With cross-party support, this will create a Royal Charter to secure the NCS Trust as a permanent national institution that can ultimately offer a place to every 16- and 17-year-old," he said.

"That should be our goal  not necessarily a compulsory programme, but one that is universally available and becomes a normal part of growing up for every teenager."
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David Camerons defeat at the EU referendum has led to him being ranked as the third worst Prime Minister of any to have held the office since the end of the Second World War, according to experts.

The research, which ranks Clement Attlee, the first post-war Prime Minister, in first place suggests history will view Mr Cameron unfavourably. Around 90 per cent of the academics cited the referendum as Mr Camerons greatest failure, with one concluding the defeat was the greatest failure of any Prime Minister since Lord North lost America and was forced to resign from the post in 1782.

When the academics involved in the study, led by the University of Leeds, were asked to rate the 13 post-war Prime Ministers, Mr Cameron fared particularly badly in foreign policy and Britains role in the world with -67 net score. In the overall ratings he ranked above Alec Douglas-Home, the Conservative prime minister between 1963 and 1964 and Anthony Eden, another Conservative leader from 1955 to 1957. Mr Edens premiership ended after his reputation lay in tatters after his controversial handling of the Suez crisis.

Recommended Read more Cameron reveals what his first job will be after life in politics

The survey of 82 academics, specialising in post-1945 British history and politics, was carried out at the University of Leeds in collaboration with Woodnewton Associates, a market research company.

Respondents were asked to rate the performance of each leader during their tenure in Downing Street on a scale of 0-10, with 10 representing the top score of highly successful.

The last time the research was carried out, in 2010, Gordon Brown, who was in office during the financial crash of 2008, was rated as the third worst prime minister in modern history. But Mr Camerons gamble with Britains membership of the EU has moved Mr Brown to the fourth worst prime minister in the rankings.

Professor Kevin Theakston, at the University of Leeds, said: For all his achievements as a successful coalition Prime Minister, David Camerons reputation and place in history seems destined to be defined by Brexit and his calling and losing the referendum.

Academic opinion, as reflected in our survey, is currently pretty damning. But reputations can wax and wane as subsequent events, the passage of time and new evidence change perspectives. Depending on how Brexit works out, future historians and political scientists may come to a different view of Mr Camerons premiership and his place in the league table of Prime Ministers, he added.

The post-war league table of Prime Ministers

1. Clement Attlee, Labour 1945-51

2. Margaret Thatcher, Conservative 1979-90

3. Tony Blair, Labour 1997-2007

4. Harold Macmillan, Conservative 1957-63

5. Harold Wilson, Labour 1964-70 and 74-76

6. John Major, Conservative 1990-97

7. Winston Churchill, Conservative 1951-55

8. James Callaghan, Labour 1976-79

9. Edward Heath, Conservative 1970-74

10. Gordon Brown, Labour 2007-10

11. David Cameron, Conservative 2010-16

12. Alec Douglas-Home, Conservative 1963-64

13. Anthony Eden, Conservative 1955-57
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Jeremy Corbyns aide provoked anger today after claiming a focus on Russian military atrocities in Syria is diverting attention from acts committed by the United States and its allies in the war-torn country. Russian bombing in Aleppo has reportedly killed dozens this week alone, but the leaders spokesman said the US was also responsible for very large scale civilian casualties.

After Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said people should protest outside the Russian embassy in London, the spokesman argued people could also demonstrate outside the American embassy.

The comments drew an angry reaction from Brendan Cox, the husband of the MP Jo Cox who campaigned for more aid for Syria, as he branded them disgraceful.

Speaking after Prime Ministers Questions, Mr Corbyns spokesman said: The focus on Russian atrocities, or Syrian army atrocities, which is absolutely correct, I think sometimes diverts attention from other atrocities that have taken place.

He added: Independent assessments are that there have been very large scale civilian casualties as a result of US-led coalition bombing and there are several cases of large numbers of civilian deaths in single attacks and there hasnt been so much attention on those atrocities or those casualties.

Both the United States and Britain, the British Government, have been reluctant to accept any independent assessment of those.

Last night Mr Johnson sparked an angry response from Russia after suggesting people should protest outside the countrys London embassy due to its actions in Syria.

 Boris Johnson calls for protests outside the Russian Embassy over Syria conflict

But asked whether people should also rally outside the US embassy, Mr Corbyns spokesman said: People are free to protest outside the intervening powers embassies and there are a number of them, not just the United States and Russia. There are multiple foreign interventions in the Syrian civil war.

Ms Cox, who was killed outside her constituency surgery in Birstall before the EU referendum, had chaired the all party parliamentary friends of Syria group.

Her husband Brendan said today following the comments: This isn't just wrong, it's absolutely disgraceful.
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David Davis, the Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, has reportedly accused Treasury officials of attempting to damage Brexit negotiations by leaking worst-case scenario draft cabinet papers.

The document claims the Treasury could lose 66 billion in tax revenues if the UK leaves the European Single Market.

Mr Davis, along with other prominent Leave campaigners, has accused the Treasury of risking the United Kingdoms economic stability at a time when the pound is plummeting.

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

The draft papers present the worst-case scenario of Britain leaving the EU. They claim the UKs national income could fall by 9.5 per cent if it leaves the single market and is forced to rely on World Trade Organisation rules.

This would mean UK households would be on average 4,300 worse off 15 years after Brexit.

The leaked figures are, however, based on the same forecast that former Chancellor George Osborne used during the Remain camps so-called Project Fear referendum campaign.

 How the pound has struggled since Brexit

"[Mr Davis] thinks it is pulling the rug from beneath us," a source told The Daily Telegraph.

"It fits in with a succession of treasury briefings that are damaging negotiations."

The leaked Treasury papers state: The net impact on public sector receipts  assuming no contributions to the EU and current receipts from the EU are replicated in full  would be a loss of between 38 billion and 66 billion per year after 15 years, driven by the smaller size of the economy.

The Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union this week signalled he wants the UK to leave the EU Single Market and pursue a hard Brexit.

There has been speculation the leaked papers reveal a tension between Chancellor of the Exchequer Phillip Hammond, who campaigned for Remain, and the three leading Leave politicians: Mr Davis, International Trade Secretary Liam Fox and Boris Johnson, the Foreign Secretary.

Jacob Rees-Mogg, a Conservative member of the House of Commons Treasury committee, told the BBC's Daily Politics: The ''leaked'' Treasury paper is not a leaked paper - it's a very bad, basically dishonest paper it put together during the Brexit campaign.

It's a completely stupid paper. The Treasury is undermining the Government's own negotiating position - it's really serious.

There should be an inquiry. It's abuse of its position.

Whitehall has allegedly claimed the paper was an early draft and the 66 billion figure has since been thrown out, reports The Daily Mail.

Bernard Jenkin, a Conservative MP who also voted Leave, suggested the Treasury should produce a paper on the costs of staying in the EU internal market.

Commenting on the leaked paper, a spokeswoman for Prime Minister Theresa May said: That was research that was carried out and the figure was published some time ago that figure is on the record.

"What is important is going forward we look to make sure we have the strongest possible negotiating position."
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The world is entering an era that is more dangerous than the Cold War because of an increase in Russian military power, a former MI6 chief has said.

Sir John Sawers has said the West needs to recognise the balance of power has changed in the world because Russia and China have become more powerful than they were in the past.

We are moving into an era that is as dangerous, if not more dangerous, as the cold war because we do not have that focus on a strategic relationship between Moscow and Washington, he told BBC Radio 4's Today programme. Sir John also attacked Boris Johnsons call for protests outside the Russian Embassy in London. He said such protests over Syria could put the Foreign Secretarys own diplomatic staff in Moscow at risk.

In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Show all 19 1 /19 In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrian boys cry following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian defense ministry spokesman Major General 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 In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrians wait to receive treatment at a hospital following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Alepp Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov speaks at a briefing in the Defense Ministry in Moscow, Russia. Antonov said the Russian air strikes in Syria have killed about 35,000 militants, including about 2,700 residents of Russia AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Jameel Mustafa Habboush, receives oxygen from civil defence volunteers, known as the white helmets, as they rescue him from under the rubble of a building following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civil defence members rest amidst rubble in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A girl carrying a baby inspects damage in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members look for survivors at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members carry an injured woman on a stretcher at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Volunteers from Syria Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, help civilians after Russia carried out its first airstrikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria The aftermath of Russian airstrike in Talbiseh, Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Smoke billows from buildings in Talbiseh, in Homs province, western Syria, after airstrikes by Russian warplanes AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Air Forces carry out an air strike in the ISIS controlled Al-Raqqah Governorate. Russia's KAB-500s bombs completely destroy the Liwa al-Haqq command unit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia claimed it hit eight Isis targets, including a "terrorist HQ and co-ordination centre" that was completely destroyed In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A video grab taken from the footage made available on the Russian Defence Ministry's official website, purporting to show an airstrike in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A release from the Russian defence ministry purportedly showing targets in Syria being hit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia launched air strikes in war-torn Syria, its first military engagement outside the former Soviet Union since the occupation of Afghanistan in 1979. Russian warplanes carried out strikes in three Syrian provinces along with regime aircraft as Putin seeks to steal US President Barack Obama's thunder by pushing a rival plan to defeat Isis militants in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria, a thousand kilometres away. The targets include ammunition factories, ammunition and fuel depots, command centres, and training camps A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis

After Mr Johnson called for protests outside the Russian embassy in the Commons, Sir John said: We all have to be a little bit careful and mindful of the security of our embassy in Moscow when we think about calling for demonstrations here in London.

We all recall what happened to our embassy in Tehran three or four years ago.

I dont think that would happen in Moscow but we need to be careful about the consequences of things that we call for.

He also claimed the worsening crisis in Syria was a direct result of Britains decision not to engage in the civil war back in 2013 under David Cameron.

We vacated the theatre and the Russians have moved in, he said. It certainly was a mistake. Chemical weapons were being used against civilians in Damascus by their own regime.

 Boris Johnson calls for protests outside the Russian Embassy over Syria conflict

Id certainly like to see demonstrations outside the Russian embassy, Mr Johnson told the Commons. Where is the Stop the War Coalition at the moment? Where are they?

Stop the War vice chairman Chris Nineham said his organisation would not support a protest outside the Russian embassy.

He said: Theres a very good reason for this, because we can make a difference to what Britain does, we can make a difference to what our allies do to a certain extent and we have done.

But, if we have a protest outside the Russian embassy, it wouldnt make a blind bit of difference as to what Putin does because we are in Britain and we are in the West.

And, not only that  a protest outside the Russian embassy would actually contribute to increasing the hysteria and the jingoism that is being whipped up at the moment against Russia.
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The vice chairman of the Stop the War Coalition has called for people to "oppose the west" in order to stop the ongoing conflict in Syria.

Chris Nineham was asked about Boris Johnson's call for protests against Russia's actions in Syria, when he jeered: "Where is the Stop the War Coalition at the moment? Where are they?"

When asked why Stop the War would not be campaigning against what Russia was doing in Syria, Mr Nineham told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "Well we are. We're protesting with statements and in our information that we put out.

"Weve condemned not just Russia but all foreign interventions into what is an absolutely disastrous and horrible situation for the Syrian people."

 Boris Johnson calls for protests outside the Russian Embassy over Syria conflict

But we were set up as a coalition in response to 9/11 and in response to the Western, British-supported drive to war back in 2001 and that is our focus."

He was then interrupted by Today host Sarah Montague, who said: "But we are in 2016 now and we are in a situation where Aleppo is being destroyed.

You have a Labour MP, Ann Clwyd, saying wheres the rage, we should have two million, three million, four million people outside the Russian embassy'."

She pressed him further, asking whether Stop the War would support demonstrations outside the Russian embassy.

Mr Nineham replied: No we wouldn't. Theres a very good reason for this, because we can make a difference to what Britain does, we can make a difference to what our allies do to a certain extent and we have done.

But, if we have a protest outside the Russian embassy, it wouldnt make a blind bit of difference as to what Putin does because we are in Britain and we are in the west.

And, not only that  a protest outside the Russian embassy would actually contribute to increasing the hysteria and the jingoism that is being whipped up at the moment against Russia.

In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Show all 19 1 /19 In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrian boys cry following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian defense ministry spokesman Major General 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 In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrians wait to receive treatment at a hospital following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Alepp Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov speaks at a briefing in the Defense Ministry in Moscow, Russia. Antonov said the Russian air strikes in Syria have killed about 35,000 militants, including about 2,700 residents of Russia AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Jameel Mustafa Habboush, receives oxygen from civil defence volunteers, known as the white helmets, as they rescue him from under the rubble of a building following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civil defence members rest amidst rubble in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A girl carrying a baby inspects damage in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members look for survivors at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members carry an injured woman on a stretcher at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Volunteers from Syria Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, help civilians after Russia carried out its first airstrikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria The aftermath of Russian airstrike in Talbiseh, Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Smoke billows from buildings in Talbiseh, in Homs province, western Syria, after airstrikes by Russian warplanes AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Air Forces carry out an air strike in the ISIS controlled Al-Raqqah Governorate. Russia's KAB-500s bombs completely destroy the Liwa al-Haqq command unit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia claimed it hit eight Isis targets, including a "terrorist HQ and co-ordination centre" that was completely destroyed In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A video grab taken from the footage made available on the Russian Defence Ministry's official website, purporting to show an airstrike in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A release from the Russian defence ministry purportedly showing targets in Syria being hit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia launched air strikes in war-torn Syria, its first military engagement outside the former Soviet Union since the occupation of Afghanistan in 1979. Russian warplanes carried out strikes in three Syrian provinces along with regime aircraft as Putin seeks to steal US President Barack Obama's thunder by pushing a rival plan to defeat Isis militants in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria, a thousand kilometres away. The targets include ammunition factories, ammunition and fuel depots, command centres, and training camps A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis

He went on to say: "There is a hysteria which is being organised by politicians and by the media against Russia, to see Russia as the only problem in Syria.

Syria is a multi-faceted war which involves Saudi Arabia, it involves the US and Britain who have been bombing the country as well."

Mr Nineham also criticised Andrew Mitchell's calls for a Syrian no-fly zone enforced by Nato. He said: And Andrew Mitchell actually came on this programme yesterday and seriously said that he thought it wouldnt be a problem if RAF fighter pilots attacked Russian planes.

The possibility now presents itself of there being a confrontation for the first time since the Second World War, between Russia and Western powers including Britain."

As Ms Montague brought the interview to a close, Mr Nineham said: And anyone who has a responsibility for peace or the future of the planet quite frankly needs to mobilise against that, and that means opposing the west."

His interview, and Stop the War's statement on Syria, have been widely criticised on social media:

While Russia asserts it is fighting Isis extremists in Syria, the majority of its air strikes have targeted opposition groups threatening the Syrian regime.

The Assad regime has also been accused of killing more civilians than Isis and has been severely criticised for indiscriminately using barrel bombs on civilian-populated areas.
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Theresa May has been forced to give way in a row with MPs over how much influence Parliament has over her Brexit plan.

The Prime Minister was effectively pushed into allowing Tory MPs to vote for a Labour motion calling for greater scrutiny of her Brexit proposals, after it became clear some were planning to do so anyway.

The Labour motion, demanding that MPs scrutinise Ms Mays negotiating position before she starts withdrawal talks with other EU states, is not binding on the government, but has underlined the weakness of the Prime Ministers position in Parliament.

Labour heaped pressure on ministers by publishing a list of 170 questions the government should answer about its Brexit game-plan.

Until now, ministers have said they will allow Parliament to play a role in Brexit, but when asked for greater detail on what they will ask for from the EU in talks, have refused to give a running commentary, claiming it will undermine the UKs negotiating position.

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

But with pressure mounting from critics and business groups for greater certainty on, for example, how much access to the single market Britain wants, Labour seized the political initiative.

The party tabled a motion calling for "a full and transparent debate on the government's plan for leaving the EU; and calls on the Prime Minister to ensure that [the Commons] is able properly to scrutinise that plan for leaving the EU before Article 50 is invoked."

Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty launches official Brexit talks to determine a new relationship between the UK and the EU, which must completed in a two-year period before British membership ends.

 UK: Theresa May lays out post-Brexit plan at party conference

It is unusual for a government to engage with opposition motions, which are normally defeated.

But recent days have seen Tory rebels take to the airwaves to demand a greater scrutiny role for Parliament, including former Attorney General Dominic Grieve, who warned a failure to provide one could bring down Ms Mays government.

Sensing that the Labour motion could today be embarrassingly passed against her will, Ms May decided to act last night, adding an amendment to the motion and giving Tory MPs a way to back it without opposing her.

The Prime Ministers amendment adds that any scrutiny must "not undermine the negotiating position of the government as negotiations are entered into.

A Number 10 source said ministers had always been clear that Parliament has an important role to play, and this motion reflects that.

 Theresa May on immigration in conference speech

Meanwhile a Conservative party spokesman said: "The Prime Minister has been clear that it would not be in the national interest to provide a running commentary as we shape our negotiating strategy, let alone reveal every aspect of it in advance as Labour now appears to be suggesting.

Either way, the incident highlights that with a working majority of just 17 in the Commons, Ms May cannot act without impunity.

Ahead of the debate on the motion today, Labours Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: We are now four months on from the referendum and the government have still not told the British people or Parliament what type of deal they want to negotiate.

"Labour have argued that Parliament must have a say on the basic terms of the Brexit negotiations before Article 50 is triggered, not to frustrate the referendum result, but to ensure that there is rigour and accountability on this vital issue.

"The government's eleventh hour concession on that point is overdue, but greatly welcome. "

Download a free Brexit action plan and investment ideas from Independent partner, Hargreaves Lansdown.
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Theresa May has denied naming and shaming businesses that employ the highest proportion of foreign workers was ever Government policy.

It comes after the Government appeared to U-turn on the controversial plans to force companies to draw up lists of their foreign-born employees  just a week after they were unveiled at the Conservative conference in Birmingham.

The policy, trailed after a speech by Home Secretary Amber Rudd in Birmingham, had originally mandated to be clear about the proportion of their workforce which is international, with suggestions that firms with the highest proportions could be shamed for not investing in the local workforce.

Recommended Read more Business leaders rubbish Tory crackdown on foreign workers

But responding to a question on the subject at Prime Ministers Questions by Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour leader, Ms May said: Can I say to him that the policy that he has just described was never the policy that the Home Secretary announced  no naming and shaming, no published list of foreign workers, no published data.

What we are going to consult on is whether we should bring ourselves in line with countries like the United States of America, which collect data in order to be able to ensure they are getting the right skills training for workers in their economy, she added.

Mr Corbyn, responed: She seems to be slightly unaware of whats going on. First the Home Secretary briefed that companies would be named and shamed. The Education Secretary clarified that data would only be kept by government and yesterday Number 10 said it was for consultation and the Home Secretary clarified the whole matter by saying its one of the tools were going to use. This government has no answers Mr Speaker just gimmicks and scapegoats

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

Shortly after her first address as Home Secretary at the Conservative conference Amber Rudd was forced to defend herself, saying dont call me racist. Ms Rudd claimed she had been very thoughtful in wording the speech, in which she suggested foreigners were taking jobs British people could have  despite the UK currently having record levels of employment.

David Camerons former top aide Steve Hilton said at the weekend he believed the plan was worse than Donald Trumps proposal to ban all Muslims from travelling to the United States. Writing in The Sunday Times he said the minister might as well have announced that foreign workers will be tattooed with numbers on their forearms.

The Prime Minister also used the session to congratulate Mr Corbyn on his recent leadership victory over his rival, Owen Smith  to a rapturous applause from her backbenchers. Can I welcome him back to his place in this House, as him normal self, she added. But the Labour leader quipped back: I am most grateful to the over 300,000 people who voted for me to become leader of my party, which is rather more than voted for her to become leader of her party.
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Xenophobic language used by the Government has left the public totally disgusted and even Ukip" believing the rhetoric has gone too far, the SNP's leader in Westminster has claimed.

Speaking at Prime Ministers Questions Angus Robertson pointed to Home Secretary Amber Rudd's ditched proposal to force businesses to list the foreign workers they employ.

He also highlighted the controversial advertising campaign launched by Ms May when she was Home Secretary, which told illegal immigrants to "go home".

Recommended Read more May forced on to defensive as Corbyn targets Tory Brexit divisions

He said: Can I remind the Prime Minister when she was Home Secretary she put advertising vans on the streets of this country telling foreigners to go home and at her party conference, we heard that her party is wishing to register foreigners working in the UK. The crackdown and the rhetoric against foreigners by this Government has even led to Ukip, Ukip, saying that things have gone too far."

"Can I tell the Prime Minister that across the length and breadth of this land, people are totally disgusted by the xenophobic language on display from her Government?"

Last week Roger Helmer, Ukip's MEP in the East Midlands, had said plans to shame companies who employed foreigners would be branded fascist had they been advocated by his party.I like what Theresa May is doing, she seems to have picked up about 90 per cent of Ukips programme. In some way shes gone far beyond what wed done, he added.

But Ms May responded: Can I say very gently to the right honourable gentleman that I answered two questions on that earlier and I suggest he should have listened to the answer I gave them.

Earlier in the session, responding to a question from Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, the Prime Minister insisted it was never Government policy to force companies with high proportions of foreign-born workers to release lists of their employees. She added: Can I say to him that the policy that he has just described was never the policy that the Home Secretary announced  no naming and shaming, no published list of foreign workers, no published data.

What we are going to consult on is whether we should bring ourselves in line with countries like the United States of America, which collect data in order to be able to ensure they are getting the right skills training for workers in their economy, she added.
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People living in Wales have the worst quality of life in the UK, according to a European study measuring the factors that shape Britons lives.

The Social Progress Index ranked Wales below both England and Northern Ireland when it came to quality of life. Scotland took top spot among the home nations.

The investigation was part of a pan-European project by the European Commission and the Social Progress Imperative, which looked into 37 regions across the UK.

The study looked past GDP and considered factors that directly affect peoples wellbeing, including health, safety, access to education and human rights.

Regions were allocated overall scores on a scale of 1-100, with Wales finishing on 72.04 and Scotland 74.01.

The countries in Europe with the best quality of life were Finland, Denmark, Sweden and the Netherlands, while Bulgaria finishing bottom.

Wales fell behind Scotland in terms of tolerance, which was measured according to treatment of minorities, gay people and those with disabilities.

Education was also worse in the country, according to indicators such as degree attainment, enrolment in school and adult education.

Michael Green, of the Social Progress Imperative, said: Perhaps the most surprising finding is that the Brexit narrative of a divided United Kingdom, split between the privileged London bubble and more deprived regions, is not evident in terms of quality of life.

The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life Show all 17 1 /17 The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 1 West Midlands Pylons are seen situated over a residential housing area in Birmingham Getty The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 2 East Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire A general view across Scunthorpe Getty The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 3 Shropshire and Staffordshire Aerial view of Wellington in Shropshire Rex The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 4 South Yorkshire A general view showing housing in Rotherham, South Yorkshire Getty The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 5 West Yorkshire Homes in Bradford, West Yorkshire Getty The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 6 Herefordshire and Worcestershire Houses located in the county of Worcestershire Getty The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 7 West Wales and the Valleys A general view of houses and homes in Aberystwyth, Wales Rex The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 8 Essex Housing in Basildon, Essex Rex The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 9 Kent A view of housing in Gravesend, Kent Rex The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 10 Greater Manchester A general view of traditional terraced houses in Manchester Getty The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 11 Cumbria Aerial view of Ambleside in the Lake District, Cumbria Rex The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 12 East Wales A view of Barry near Cardiff, in Wales Rex The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 13 Tees Valley and Durham Red brick back to back terraced houses in Dawdon, County Durham Rex The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 14 Inner London Residential tower blocks in an area with a high concentration of social housing in Southwark, London Getty The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 15 Derbyshire and Nottingham Terraced houses in the Lenton area of Nottingham Rex The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 16 Northumberland and Tyneside Apartments in North Shields near Newcastle Rex The 17 regions of the UK with the worst quality of life 17 South Western Scotland Portpatrick Harbour in Portpatrick, Scotland Rex

Wealth in Cornwall and west Wales may be much lower but their social progress is on a par with inner London.

The place in the UK with the worst quality of life however, was not in Wales, but England. The West Midlands finished bottom of all 37 regions measured with a score of 68.99.

Deloitte Global chairman David Cruickshank said: To drive sustainable and equitable growth we need to focus on measurements which go beyond GDP.
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At least nine people are reported to have died after police opened fire on a procession of Shia Muslims marking the Ashura festival in Nigeria.

Graphic images posted to social media appeared to show at least three women among the bodies of those killed in the clashes in the town of Funtua, in the north-western Katsina state.

An eye witness to the clashes told BBC News the army and police had tried to block the procession, which commemorates the martyrdom of Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Mohammed.

He said police then opened fire on the crowd, and while he had seen only eight bodies, many more were feared wounded.

The UK-based UK-based Islamic Human Rights Commission said it had received responds suggesting soldiers had used live ammunition and tear gas as clashes broke out.

In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation Show all 18 1 /18 In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation Iraqi Shiite boys take part in a self-flagellation procession during the reenactment of the Battle of Karbala, as part of a parade in preparation for the peak of the mourning period of Ashura Getty In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation The religious festival of Ashura, which includes a ten-day mourning period, commemorates the seventh century slaying of Prophet Mohammed's grandson Imam Hussein in Karbala in Iraq Getty In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation A Pakistani Shiite Muslim boy is silhouetted against the sky as he flagellates himself with chains and blades in commemoration of Ashura, in Peshawar, Pakistan EPA In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation Police officers watch as boys participate in self flagellation during the Shi'ite Muharram procession in Peshawar, Pakistan Reuters In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation A group of men participate in self flagellation during the Shi'ite Muharram procession in Islamabad, Pakistan Reuters In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation Afghan Shiite Muslims use chains and blades during ritual self-flagellation as part of Ashura commemorations at a mosque in Kabul Getty In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation An Afghan Shiite Muslim bleeds after using chains and blades during ritual self-flagellation as part of Ashura commemorations at a mosque in Kabul Getty In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation Ritual self-flagellation as part of Ashura commemorations at a mosque in Kabul Getty In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation Ashura commemorations at a mosque in Kabul. Ashura mourns the death of Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Prophet Mohammed, who was killed by armies of the Yazid near Karbala in 680 AD Getty In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation Iraqi Shiite Muslim men flagellate themselves in commemorations on the tenth day of the mourning period of Muharram, which marks the day of Ashura Getty In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation A man's back is stitched up by medics after self flagellation during the Shi'ite Muharram procession in Islamabad, Pakistan Reuters In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation Afghan Shiite Muslims watch as others use chains and blades during ritual self-flagellation as part of Ashura commemorations at a mosque in Kabul Getty In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation Iraqi Shiite Muslim men are seen after flagellating themselves on the tenth day of the mourning period of Muharram, which marks the day of Ashura, in the holy city of Najaf Getty In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation Iraqi Shiites take part in commemorations on the tenth day of the mourning period of Muharram, which marks the day of Ashura, in the holy city of Najaf Getty In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation Knives are displayed for sale during commemorations for Ashura in Kerbala, Iraq Reuters In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation Iraqi Shiite boys take part in a self-flagellation procession during the reenactment of the Battle of Karbala, as part of a parade in preparation for the peak of the mourning period of Ashura Getty In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation A Pakistani Shiite Muslim flagellates himself with chains and blades a day ahead of the commemoration of Ashura, in Islamabad, Pakistan EPA In pictures: Muslims around world mark Ashura with self-flagellation Pakistani Shiite Muslims flagellate themselves during the Ashura procession in Peshawar. The Islamic month of Muharram marks the seven-century martyrdom of Prophet Mohammad's grandson Imam Hussein who was killed in battle in Karbala in Iraq in 680 AD Getty

Katsina, like some other northern Nigerian states, had tried to ban public Ashura commemorations.

The IHRC said it had also received reports of police setting fire to the Kaduna Markaz mosque in Kaduna city, the main mosque used by the proscribed Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN).

"Today's violence confirmed fears that the Nigerian authorities would seek to sabotage the annual commemoration of Ashura in the country," it said in a statement.

What is Ashura?

The day falls each year on the 10th of Muharram, the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This year, it corresponds with Tuesday 11 October, though the festival begins for observant Muslims at sunset on Monday, in some countries the day before is also a public holiday, and events can span a period of more than a week.

Ashura is marked by all Muslims, and commemorations can include a voluntary fast.

But the day is a major part of the religious calendar for Shia Muslims, for whom it is a solemn occasion to mourn the death of Hussein in 680 AD at Karbala in modern-day Iraq.

Pakistani Shiite Muslims flagellate themselves during the Ashura procession in Peshawar. The Islamic month of Muharram marks the seven-century martyrdom of Prophet Mohammad's grandson Imam Hussein who was killed in battle in Karbala in Iraq in 680 AD (Getty)

The day has become best-known around the world for public displays of self-flagellation, but observing Muslims also conduct reenactments of the martyrdom of Hussein and take part in parades and displays of fire-spinning.

Inevitably, the self-flagellation has been a cause for some controversy. Some religious leaders say the graphic scenes that result tend to paint Shia Muslims in a backward or negative light.

And there has been an effort in recent years to channel the annual blood-letting into a more constructive and progressive practice. Some leaders have suggested marking the day by donating blood.
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A Kenyan politician has found an innovative way to reach out to school leavers who will be eligible to vote in the countrys general election next year.

Regional governor Cornell Rasanga has placed his portrait on the front cover of some 10,000 mock examination papers distributed in the western county of Siaya.

The decision has been criticised by some Kenyans on social media, particularly after the Siaya education minister Pamela Okello openly described it as a campaign bid for Governor Rasanga in the next general election.

And according to the Daily Nation newspaper, the move has been met with anger from the Kenyan government, which has cancelled the mock exams and sacked the countys entire education board.

Ms Okello had welcomed the portraits in a speech at the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology on Tuesday, saying they would ensure pupils know their governor and have a closer relation with him.

She said the move was just, adding that it was particularly effective because even close relatives to the candidates will get to see the governor in the papers.

We are in the process of boosting the performance of our pupils and also as a campaign bid for Governor Rasanga in the next general election, she said.

The local government had spent KSH1.7 million (13,700) on staging the mock exams, and the decision to cancel them was handed down on Tuesday afternoon by the education minister, Fred Matiangi.

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. 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On social media, Kenyans had hit out at the portrait stunt as narcissistic, juvenile and a bad omen for the exams themselves.

It is understood seven local officials face government reprimands for the stunt, though it is unclear whether Governor Rasanga himself will face punishment.
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WikiLeaks latest batch of emails belonging to Hillary Clintons campaign chairman John Podesta has highlighted more strategies and negative remarks against Bernie Sanders.

The leak makes up almost 2,000 emails and is the fourth batch from Mr Podesta.

An email chain from January 2016 showed Ms Clintons speechwriter, Dan Schwerin, discuss how to best approach Ms Clinton's supposed ties to Wall Street.

Ms Clinton reportedly told Mr Schwerin that she wanted to "go after" Mr Sanders on the topic as she considered his Wall Street plan "naive" and "unworkable", but communications adviser Mandy Grunwald said the better approach was not to "give him a fight".

"Our polling shows this is one of our weakest areas. Further, our Wall Street approach has always been to agree about the problem, show passion about it, and say we have a better approach to holding the rascals accountable," she wrote.

"We don't need to prove he's bad on Wall Street  that's not really credible. We need to prove we're ok. Most of all, we don't want this fight," she added.

After it was decided in February that the Iowa caucus would be decided on a coin toss, Tina Floury, CNN director of political research, emailed campaign manager Robbie Mook: "And now hes fundraising off of it."

Mr Mook replied: "Yet again, they fundraise off lies. Christina is pushing this around."

In an email from 20 March 2014, Mark Siegel, a former executive director of the Democratic National Committee, advised former Clinton aide Tamera Luzzatto on how best to keep the "Bernie people  marginally on board."

How Wikileaks shone light on world's darkest secrets Show all 4 1 /4 How Wikileaks shone light on world's darkest secrets How Wikileaks shone light on world's darkest secrets 348711.bin PA How Wikileaks shone light on world's darkest secrets 348709.bin PA How Wikileaks shone light on world's darkest secrets 348710.bin GETTY IMAGES How Wikileaks shone light on world's darkest secrets 348708.bin AP

If we give Bernie this in the Convention's rules committee, his people will think they've won something from the Party Establishment, Mr Siegel wrote.

And it functionally doesn't make any difference anyway. They win. We don't lose. Everyone is happy."

The Bernie Sanders campaign could not be immediately reached for comment.

The emails also showed the Clinton campaigns apparent influence over certain media outlets.

Christina Reynolds, deputy communications director, was seen to communicate with publications like the New York Times, advising journalist Patrick Healy not to point to states where Donald Trump could do well.

"I think the first point is ok, but dont love pointing to states where we think hell do well, unless thats just a total done deal," she wrote.

One day after the newspaper revealed that emails from Ms Clintons private email server contained top secret information in July 2015, the Associated Press received an email from former Clinton adviser Neera Tanden to be thanked for their help in diffusing an unidentified situation.

"I do think that if Hillary doesnt speak to this today, people will assume shes guilty though," Ms Tanden wrote.

"With normal people, if you are accused of being a criminal, they expect you to deny it pronto."

Ms Clinton was cleared of criminal charges by the Justice Department this year after it was discovered she had misused her personal email server during her tenure as secretary of state.
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A woman accused of killing her children said she did it so they could go to a better place.

Amber Pasztor, a mother-of-two from Indiana, admitted to smothering her children in an interview with television station WANE and claimed she did it so they could go to heaven.

Pastzor said she gave her seven-year-old, Liliana Hernandez, and six-year-old, Rene Pastzor, the choice of life or death and they opted to be killed.

"I gave them a choice. That they could live, traumatised like their mum, or they can go to heaven with God and be better off," she said in the interview.

They were in good hands but I dont think they were safe. My kids are in a better place theyre in heaven now. They dont have no worries no more.

Pasztor, who gave the interview over video chat from Elkhart County Jail, said her children fought back as she smothered them.

She claims she killed her daughter first and her son "wanted to go with her".

Pasztor had kidnapped them from her father's home and decided to kill the children when she first heard a police alert had been issued over their disappearance, she revealed in the interview.

After killing the pair, she drove a stolen car to the Elkhart Police Department where she told an officer what had happened.

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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Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

She also admitted to fatally shooting her 65-year-old neighbour, Frank Macomber. Pasztor said she made the plan days beforehand and had arranged to go camping and have sex with Mr Macomber.

Pasztor said she shot him with his own gun in a wooded area and then stole his car. She claims to have dumped the gun in a river and used the car to kidnap her children, according to the Washington Post.

I aimed the gun one time and shot him, Pasztor reportedly said. I dont even know how I had an aim in me like that, but I did. Im not proud of it.

She has not been charged with Macombers death but faces two charges of murdering her children in Elkhart County.
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President Barack Obama has attacked Donald Trump and his recent comments about sexually assaulting women, saying they would be intolerable even for someone applying for a job at a 7-Eleven convenience store.

At a rally where he was campaigning on behalf of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton, Mr Obama also urged senior Republicans to formally withdraw their endorsement of Mr Trump as the presidential candidate.

Many top Republicans have distanced themselves from Mr Trump over a video in which he boasted of groping women, and the candidate has denounced the partys top leadership, including House Speaker Paul Ryan

People waited for many hours in the sun to hear the president speak (AP)

Mr Trump has accused the leadership of disloyalty, and said Mr Ryan whom he described as a weak and ineffective leader.

Addressing a campaign rally in Greensboro, North Carolina, on Tuesday evening, Mr Obama referred to Mr Trumps remarks saying: Now you find a situation in which the guy says stuff that nobody would find tolerable if they were applying for a job at 7-Eleven.

The president added: You dont have to be a husband or a father to say thats not right. You just have to be a decent human being.

According to the BBC, Mr Obama also questioned how senior Republican politicians could still want Mr Trump to be president.

The fact is that now youve got people saying We strongly disagree, we really disapprove... but were still endorsing him. They still think he should be president, that doesnt make sense to me, he told the crowd.

Several hecklers interrupted Mr Obamas address, but he was unmoved.

This is democracy at work. This is great, he said, as the hecklers were escorted from the venue by security officials. He told some to get their own rally.

Mr Obama said Mr Trump doesnt have the temperament, or the judgment, or the knowledge, or apparently, the desire to obtain the knowledge, or the basic honesty that a president needs to have.

He added: And that was true even before we heard about his attitude toward women.

Meanwhile, a defiant Donald Trump said Republicans were coming at him from all sides

Nearly half of the 331 incumbent Republican senators, House members and governors have condemned the lewd remarks and about ten have called for Mr Trump to drop out of the race, according to Reuters news agency.

On Monday, Mr Ryan said he would not defend Mr Trump over the remarks.

He told fellow House Republicans he would instead focus on congressional elections to ensure Republicans could maintain legislative control.

Mr Trump fired back in a string of tweets, saying the shackles had been removed, allowing him to fight for America the way I want to. He said he neither wanted nor needed Mr Ryan's support.

Mr Trump also took aim at US Senator John McCain of Arizona, the 2008 Republican presidential nominee, who said on Saturday that he could not vote for Trump.

The very foul mouthed Sen John McCain begged for my support during his primary (I gave, he won), then dropped me over locker room remarks, Mr Trump said.
Hundreds of people in Quang Ngai Province were massacred by South Korean troops in 1966.

A foundation from South Korea presented a statue to the Da Nang Museum in the central city on Tuesday to apologize for the atrocities South Korean troops committed here during the Vietnam War.

It is part of the Korean-Vietnamese Peace Foundations efforts to honor the Vietnamese victims killed by Korean mercenaries during the war.

The Vietnam Pieta  the Last Lullaby statue was created by Korean artists Kim Seo Kyung and Kim Eun Sung to comfort the souls of mothers and unnamed new-born babies killed in the massacre in Central Vietnam. The two artists are known for the Statue of a Girl of Peace, which symbolizes the young Korean women forced to work as Japanese military sex slaves during World War II.

The foundation also offered 19 photos from the Sincerely Sorry Vietnam exhibition in South Korea, 11 photos that captured the cruelties inflicted by South Korean troops in Vietnam and six paintings commemorating the victims.

Young members of the foundation created a card containing a message of peace to send with the statue.

The "Vietnam Pieta" statue. Photo by VnExpress/Nguyen Dong

"Vietnam Pieta" depicts a woman holding her baby. With her eyes closed as if asleep, the baby clenches her hands, which are tiny compared to her head.

The Korean-Vietnamese Peace Foundation was founded in South Korea in 2015 with 68 members from all walks of life.

Nearly 2,000 civilians in the central province of Quang Ngai were slaughtered by South Korean troops in 1966 alone, according to a report by Quang Ngai Newspaper in July 2012. In 1990, local people and the government built a memorial to commemorate the victims.

According to an article in the Los Angeles Times in May 2015, the South Korean government has never acknowledged that any civilian massacres took place at the hands of its troops.

South Korea deployed more than 300,000 troops to Vietnam from 1964 to 1973, second only to the U.S. military force.

Related news:

> Artists cast statues to apologize for S. Koreas war atrocities in Vietnam
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More than a quarter of the Republican Partys top ranks  members of the US Congress and state governors  are now declining to support Donald Trump, a new survey has found.

The shocking extent to which Mr Trump is being disowned by members of his own party was revealed in sharp focus by USA Today, which published its exclusive findings on Wednesday.

It is a snapshot of GOP sentiment at a time when Mr Trump is declaring himself glad to be freed of the shackles of the Republican apparatus as part of the fall-out from the leaking last weekend of a video showing him talking abusively about women in 2005.

While Mr Trumps relations with the GOP were uneasy even before he secured the partys nomination, the video furore has seen them descend to new lows. He was hurt in particular when House speaker Paul Ryan said on Monday that he would no longer campaign for him and was instead switching his energies to defending the Republican majorities in Congress.

After issuing occasional calls over recent months for the party to unify and rally behind him, Mr Trump seems now to have given up on the prospect entirely. Speaking to Fox News late on Tuesday, he roundly dismissed serving Republicans. I wouldnt want to be in a foxhole with a lot of these people, he said.

The USA Today survey shows that for many in the party the feeling is now mutual. Of the 31 Republican governors, 54 GOP senators and the 246 Republican members of the House, a full 87 were not endorsing Mr Trumps candidacy as of Tuesday night, it found. That means that 26 per cent of the partys top elected officials are declining to show him support.

There is nothing in the modern political era that comes close to being comparable. Only three Republicans withheld their support for Mitt Romney when he was the nominee four years ago. It casts a spotlight on the trauma the Republican Party is going through with Mr Trump as their nominee and the depth of the damage that is being inflicted on it by his candidacy.

Whether or not Mr Trump finally prevails on 8 November, much of the attention in the political universe once the election is over will be on the Republican Party and how it will attempt to repair itself, assuming that will even be possible. Still by his side for the moment is Reince Priebus, the chairman of the Republican National Committee, who has strongly denied reports that he had ordered a halt in RNC efforts in support of him in key swing states.

The survey also echoes the deep jitters felt by many in the party about the negative consequences his candidacy could have on their down-ballot fortunes. There is clear concern that his long shadow on 8 November could cost the Republicans control of the US Senate and possibly even - though this is still regarded as unlikely - of the House of Representatives.

On Fox, Mr Trump made no secret that it was Mr Ryans decision no longer to appear with him on the campaign trail that had prompted him finally to go all out to repudiate some members of the party, declaring himself, just tired of non-support.

I don't want his support, I don't care about his support, Mr Trump said. I wouldn't want to be in a foxhole with a lot of these people, that I can tell you, including Ryan. By the way, including Ryan, especially Ryan.

While there may be still time for a truce, the USA Today survey notes that among the 87 dissenters, some had separated themselves from Mr Trump months ago, others had decided to bolt in light of his lewd comments on the leaked video while others simply declined to say whether they would or would not vote for their own presidential nominee.

Mr Trump's offensive comments make it very difficult for any candidate to support him, Fred Malek, a longtime Republican strategist and finance chair for the Republican Governors Association told the newspaper. Therefore you have an unheard of number looking to their own election prospects and feeling they are better served by not supporting him.
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Donald Trump has quoted misinformation regarding Hillary Clinton's campaign that was seemingly first propagated by a Kremlin-run news agency.

Mr Trump told his supporters that a leaked email from Sidney Blumenthal, a close aide to both Hillary and Bill Clinton, showed that he thought the Benghazi embassy attack had been "preventable".

In reality, Mr Blumenthal was forwarding on a Newsweek article by journalist Kurt Eichenwald which included the following phrase: "One important point has been universally acknowledged by the nine previous reports about Benghazi: the attack was almost certainly preventable."

He had sent the article to John Podesta, Hillary Clinton's campaign chairman.

Trump quoted the above phrase verbatim clearly stating it belonging to Mr Blumenthal rather than its correct author, Mr Eichenwald.

The misappropriation of the statement to Mr Blumenthal was first made in an article by Sputnik, a right-wing Russian news agency sponsored by Vladimir Putin's regime. The article has since been removed.

Newsweek's Kurt Eichenwald said: "The Russians engage in a sloppy disinformation effort and, before the day is out, the Republican nominee for president is standing on a stage reciting the manufactured story as truth.

"How did this happen? Who in the Trump campaign was feeding him falsehoods straight from the Kremlin?"

Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Show all 12 1 /12 Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Former governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger Schwarzenegger said he will not vote for Trump Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell Mr McConnell condemned the remarks, but has not unendorsed him Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks House Speaker Paul Ryan Mr Ryan disinvited Mr Trump from a Wisconsin campaign event following the remarks Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Former Sec of State Condoleezza Rice Ms Rice called for Trump to withdraw his candidacy Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Nebraska Sen Deb Fischer Ms Fischer called on Trump to step aside and give nomination to Mike Pence Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Texas Sen Ted Cruz Mr Cruz denounced the remarks, but still endorses Trump Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Former Republican candidate Carly Fiorina Ms Fiorina wants Mike Pence to take the nomination Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt Hewitt called for Trump to step down Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Utah Representative Mia Love Ms Love said she cannot vote for Trump after hearing his remarks Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Former New York Gov George Pataki Mr Pataki said Mr Trump should step down Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks New Hampshire Sen Kelly Ayotte Ms Ayotte will write in Mike Pence when she votes Getty Republican leaders backing away from Donald Trump after lewd remarks Arizona Sen John McCain Mr McCain will choose Mike Pence on Election Day Getty

The hacking and release of Democratic National Committee emails has been blamed on Moscow, according to the US director of national intelligence James Clapper.

Mr Clapper, speaking alongside the Secretary for Homeland Security Jeh Johnson, said last week the hacks were "intended to interfere with the US election process" and were approved by "Russia's most senior officials".

The Republican nominee has previously caused controversy by praising Vladimir Putin's leadership.

His campaign manager Paul Manafort was forced to resign in August after negative reports regarding his business and political links with the Moscow-backed deposed Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych.
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If the US elects Donald Trump as president it would be dangerous for the rest of the world, the UNs rights chief has warned in an extraordinary intervention.

Speaking in Geneva, Jordanian Prince Zeid Raad al-Hussein highlighted comments the Republican candidate has made about torture and vulnerable people in particular, describing them as deeply unsettling and disturbing.

Mr Zeid told reporters a Trump presidency would be dangerous from an international point of view.

 Athletes are correcting Trump over what 'locker room talk is'

Russia immediately sprang to Mr Trumps defence, with Moscows ambassador to the UN suggesting it was not Mr Zeids place to criticise would-be heads of state and foreign governments.

UN rights chief and Jordanian prince Zeid Raad al-Hussein refused to tone down his remarks (AFP/Getty)

But Mr Zeid said he refused to tone down his remarks decrying dangers posed by populists and demagogues.

He said: If Donald Trump is elected, on the basis of what he has said already and unless that changes, I think its without any doubt that he would be dangerous from an international point of view.

During his campaign to be elected president on 8 November, Mr Trump has called for a ban on all Muslims entering the US, and in the second TV debate against Hillary Clinton on Sunday described refugees as the Trojan Horse of all time.

The Republican began his campaign on 16 June 2015 with a speech in which he said of Mexicans: Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. And some, I assume, are good people.

 Tony Goldwyn says he fears for a world where Donald Trump is president

And he has spoken positively about alleged war crimes committed by US troops abroad, saying we have to fight fire with fire. On waterboarding detainees, which the US banned in 2006 as being both an illegal and ineffective method of torture, Mr Trump has said: I like it a lot. I dont think its tough enough.

Mr Trump has described any links to Russia or the Russian president Vladimir Putin as conspiracy theories, though Russian state media have made no secret of their support for his candidacy over that of Hillary Clinton.

What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? Show all 8 1 /8 What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On the leaked tape from 2005 where he talks about sexually assaulting women I'm very embarrassed by it, I hate it, but it's locker room talk. It's one of those things. I will knock the hell out of Isis Getty What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On Hillary Clinton I hate to say it but if I win I'm going to instruct my attorney general to get a special prosecutor to look into your situation. There has never been so many lies, so much deception. You ought to be ashamed of yourself. Rex What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On Bill Clinton What he's done to women, there's never been anybody in the history of politics in this nation that's been so abusive to women. AP What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On whether his alleged opposition to Iraq War had been disproven "Its not debunked. Its not debunked." Getty What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On exploiting tax loopholes "I absolutely used it, and so did Warren Buffett, and so did George Soros and so did many people who Hillary is getting money from." Getty What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On claims he's sexist I have great respect for women. Nobody has more respect for women than I do. Reuters What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On what he respects about Hillary Clinton I will say this about Hillary - she doesn't quit, she doesn't give up. I tell it like it is. She's a fighter. Reuters What did Donald Trump say during the second presidential debate? On his controversial immigration policies "Its called extreme vetting. Were going to areas like Syria, where they are coming in by the tens of thousands because of Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton wanting to allow a 550 per cent increase [of refugees] over Obama. People are coming into this country. We have no idea who they are, where they are from and what their feelings are about this country." Getty

US media have nonetheless repeatedly raised the issue of Mr Trumps ties to Russia beneath the surface. Speaking to NBC last month, Mr Trump praised Mr Putins approval ratings in Russia, said he was a far better leader than Barack Obama, and added that if he says great things about me, Im going to say great things about him.
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An Indian political leader has denied claims he wore a burqa to a religious festival at which he groped Muslim women.

Abhishek Yadav, a Hindu official from the nationalist Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) group, was arrested after a woman complained she had been attacked by a male figure in the crowd wearing the full-veil garment.

Mr Yadav was reportedly then beaten by members of the crowd before being handed over to police.

Elderly members at the event, to mark the Islamic festival of Muharram in the town of Mau Aima, reportedly asked the mob to show restraint and tried to protect Mr Yadav from further beatings before the crowd parted.

Officers transported Mr Yadav to a local hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

Attendees claimed he had an accomplice, who escaped the scene before he could be caught.

Mr Yadav was charged with rioting and creating communal disturbances in a religious assembly, and his arrest caused widespread shock in the Indian political community according to Times of India.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Mr Yadavs family have hit back by accusing the locals of forcing him to wear the burqa and beating him due to his association with VHP, a group accused of carrying out violent attacks on Indian Muslims, and denied the accusations of assault.

Mr Yadav has lodged a counter complaint against the seven men he claimed were responsible for beating him at the event, which police are yet to respond to.
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US military forces have reportedly taken part in a series of drills to practice taking out North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un in the event of an attack on the South by Pyongyang.

The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan, which is owned by the US and carries three separate air-to-surface missile systems, joined South Korean forces for six days of exercises in the Sea of Japan.

A defence ministry official confirmed one section of the drills - named Invincible Spirit - involved plans to remove the North Korean leadership in case aggression between the two countries escalates, according to local news agency Yonhap.

The Invincible Spirit exercise is aimed at showing the allied forces strong commitment to counter relentless provocations by the North and improve their maritime interoperability, the South Korean navy said in a statement.

US navy operatives conducted anti-submarine, anti-aircraft and precision-guided striking operations off the coast of the Korean Peninsula, according to Japan Times.

South Korea meanwhile mobilised 40 missile warships with special forces to practice intercepting North Korean attacks and target nuclear weapons sites.

The two countries last conducted joint naval drills in July 2010, after 46 sailors died in the sinking of a South Korean ship by the North.

Last month, South Koreas defence minister Han Min-Koo announced the country was assembling a military plan labelled Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR) to take out Kim Jong-Un if a nuclear strike was imminent.

Inside the daily life in North Korea Show all 19 1 /19 Inside the daily life in North Korea Inside the daily life in North Korea People reading a newspaper at the metro station Inside the daily life in North Korea Thoughts of the leaders on the tram. They have about a dozen of these on every tram, all with different thoughts Inside the daily life in North Korea Young people training for a big upcoming festival Inside the daily life in North Korea People at the Pyongyang's annual marathon Inside the daily life in North Korea Many stars on one of the trolleys in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea An intimidating poster in a primary school in North Korea. Inside the daily life in North Korea Solar panels installed on a street lamp. Inside the daily life in North Korea A poster on the window next to one of the venues we visited in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea Kids playing football next to the Arch of Triumph. After a while tourists were allowed to join, so some of us did Inside the daily life in North Korea Class in an educational center in Pyongyang (where people over 17 years old can attend any classes they choose after school, for free) Inside the daily life in North Korea People waving at me during the Pyongyang marathon Inside the daily life in North Korea People having a great time dancing at a public park Inside the daily life in North Korea A metro driver in a metro station in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea Fireworks to mark the birthday of the Eternal President Kim Il Sung on our last night in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea My wonderful tour guide at a public park Inside the daily life in North Korea One of the parks in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea A person rowing some boats for the day at a river in Pyongyang Inside the daily life in North Korea The National War Museum Inside the daily life in North Korea Public park in Pyongyang

If it becomes clear the enemy intends to use nuclear-tipped missiles, in order to suppress its aims, the concept of the KMPR squad is to retaliate against key areas that include the North Korean leadership,, Mr Han told the National Assembly in Seoul.

North Koreas ability to use nuclear weapons is increasing with each passing month, former US State Department negotiator Robert Gallucci recently warned.

In September, Pyongyang claimed it had advanced its ability to make a nuclear weapon by miniaturising and mounting a warhead on a missile, in the wake of a powerful nuclear test which was criticised by leaders around the world.
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The president of the Philippines is a highly impulsive individual who has difficulty controlling his urges and emotions and suffers from a long-term psychological condition, according to a rediscovered assessment of his mental health.

A psychological report on Rodrigo Duterte was commissioned by Dr Natividad Dayan during the annulment of his marriage to ex-wife Elizabeth Zimmerman in July 1998, when Mr Duterte was mayor of Davao City.

The assessment found Mr Duterte suffered from antisocial narcissistic personality disorder, a pattern of abnormal behaviour characterised by "gross indifference, insensitivity and self-centeredness" and "grandiose sense of self-entitlement and manipulative behaviours".

The politician was described as having a pervasive tendency to demean, humiliate others and violate their rights and feelings, and was unable to reflect on the consequences of his actions.

He was found to readily engage in unhealthy and destructive behaviours and had poor capacity for objective judgement, failing to see things in the light of facts.

Mr Duterte recently made headlines for launching expletive-laden attacks against the EU and US president Barack Obama, as thousands continue to be killed without trial as part of the leaders war on illegal drugs.

Court papers from the trial showed Dr Dayan concluded Mr Duterte was psychologically incapacitated to handle essential marital obligations, due to his inability for loyalty and commitment and lack of capacity for remorse and guilt".

During the court case, lawyers also spoke of Mr Dutertes womanising ways and detailed claims of numerous affairs he was involved in while married to Ms Zimmerman.

The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Show all 9 1 /9 The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On killing drug addicts These sons of whores are destroying our children. I warn you, dont go into that, even if youre a policeman, because I will really kill you. If you know of any addicts, go ahead and kill them yourself as getting their parents to do it would be too painful The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Message to China I will go there on my own with a Jet Ski, bringing along with me a [Phillipino] flag and a pole, and once I disembark, I will plant the flag on the runway and tell the Chinese authorities, Kill me  AP The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Christmas message to law-breakers If you do not want to stop, and just continue committing crimes, then this would be your last Merry Christmas AP The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On sex life I was separated from my wife. Im not impotent. What am I supposed to do? Let this hang forever? When I take Viagra, it stands up AFP/Getty Images The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On the drugs trade None of my children are into illegal drugs. But my order is, even if it is a member of my family, kill him'" AP The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Insulting the Pope We were affected by the traffic. It took us five hours. I asked why, they said it was closed. I asked who is coming. They answered, the pope. I wanted to call him: Pope, son of a wh**e, go home. Do not visit us again AFP/Getty Images The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Joke about rape I saw her face and I thought, 'What a pity... they raped her, they all lined up. I was mad she was raped but she was so beautiful. I thought, the mayor should have been first AFP/Getty The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte Insulting Barack Obama "Mr Obama should be respectful and refrain from throwing questions at me about the killings, or son of a bitch, I will swear at you in that forum" REUTERS The most controversial quotes from Rodrigo Duterte On Abu Sayyaf Islamic militants "If I have to face them, you know I can eat humans. I will really open up your body. Just give me vinegar and salt, and I will eat you. If you annoy me to the fullest... I will eat you alive. Raw" EPA

In her testimony, Ms Zimmerman described her marriage to Duterte as miserable and unhappy and criticised his volatile temper, according to ABS-CBN News.

Filipino actress Agot Isidro recently launched an angry online tirade against Mr Duterte, describing him as a "psychopath" and telling him to "get checked".

More than 3,600 people have been killed in Mr Dutertes first 100 days in office as part of his brutal crackdown on drugs, human rights experts have estimated.

The president recently said his extrajudicial crackdown on drug dealers and criminals will continue because he cannot kill them all.

Amnesty International said Mr Dutertes first 100 days as President have been marked by state-sanctioned violence on a truly shocking scale
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Thailands stock market and currency has tumbled amid the uncertain future of the country due to the ill-health of the countrys monarch.

Hundreds of people dressed in pink and clutching smouldering sticks of incense have gathered to pray for King Bhumibol Adulyadej, in the days after the palace first announced he was in an unstable condition.

On Sunday, the palace said the kings health was not stable and doctors recommended he suspend all royal duties. On Wednesday, a second statement said King Bhumibols condition has overall not yet stabilised.

Hundreds of Thais have wept and chanted prayers alongside portraits of the 88-year-old king outside Bangkoks Siriraj hospital.

King Bhumibol, the worlds longest reigning monarch, is widely revered in Thailand. During his seven decades on the throne, he has intervened when events threatened to plunge Thailand into crisis.

Well-wishers wore pink clothes in honour of their king  a colour that has been associated with him since 2007 when royal astrologers said the hue was good for his health. Following the royal announcement, Thais queued in the hundreds to buy pink shirts.

Stocks have slid daily since Sunday, when the royal palace announced that the 88-year-old King Bhumibols condition was unstable, the first time it has used that phrase regarding the kings health.

On Wednesday, the Stock Exchange of Thailands benchmark fell nearly 7 per cent in afternoon trading before recovering somewhat.

King Bhumibol has suffered from a variety of illnesses related to old age, including kidney and lung problems. Last week, doctors put him on dialysis to purify his blood and replaced a tube that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid.

In pictures: Thai King vigil Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Thai King vigil In pictures: Thai King vigil Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej. According to reports, Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has been placed on a ventilator with his ailing health EPA In pictures: Thai King vigil People pray in front of a portrait of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej and Queen Sirikrit during special prayers at Wat Pathumwanaram temple Getty In pictures: Thai King vigil People pray during special prayers for Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Wat Pathumwanaram temple, in Bangkok, Thailand. The health of Thailand's 88-year-old king has deteriorated and is in an "unstable condition". Getty In pictures: Thai King vigil Thai people pray in front of a portrait of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej in Bangkok, Thailand AP In pictures: Thai King vigil Thai well-wishers cry as they pray and wishing health recovery for the king at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand EPA In pictures: Thai King vigil Thai well-wishers hold portraits of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej as they pray and wish for a healthy recovery for the king at Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand In pictures: Thai King vigil A Thai lady cries as she prays for Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Siriraj Hospital where the king is being treated in Bangkok, Thailand In pictures: Thai King vigil Thai students join the others to pray for Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Siriraj Hospital where the king is being treated AP In pictures: Thai King vigil Thai well-wishers pray with portraits of Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej, wishing for the King's recovery, outside the Siriraj Hospital in Bangkok, Thailand EPA In pictures: Thai King vigil People gather in front of a Bangkok hospital, at which Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej has received treatment, to pray for his recovery Reuters

The king is the heart of our country. So, without a heart, we cannot survive. So we pray for our heart, for the heart of our land, Donnapha Kladbupha, a 42-year-old English tutor told the Associated Press. I want to see him come and say hello to the Thai people again.

He was last seen in public on 11 January, when he spent several hours visiting his palace in the capital, Bangkok.

Three of the kings four children, including Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn, arrived at the hospital on Wednesday afternoon, according to Reuters.

Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha, who is also head of the ruling junta, cancelled an official engagement in the eastern province of Chonburi on Wednesday morning.

The prime minister did not undertake his official duties in Chonburi province today in order to prepare for an audience with His Royal Highness the Crown Prince for a routine presentation on the governments work in progress, the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The government spokesman has urged for the Thai public to rely on official announcements for an update on situations, rather than uncorroborated information in social media circles, the ministry said, without referring to the kings health.

US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel said the US-born king has been a true friend of the United States. Thailand has long been an ally of the United States, for decades united in opposition to the spread of communism in Southeast Asia.

Hes a revered figure in Thailand and hes an admired figure in the United States and we hope his situation will stabilise, Mr Russel said.

Laws protecting the royals from insult make it a crime to defame, insult or threaten the king, queen, heir to the throne or regent.
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A court has heard the desperate final pleas of a woman who died when she fell from a balcony while fleeing from her Tinder date.

Warriena Wright is heard shouting let me go home in a recording on Gable Tostees phone, moment before falling 14 floors.

Tostee, 30, is on trial in Australia accused of murder over her death after the pair met in person for the first time at the Surfers Paradise seaside resort on Queenslands Gold Coast.

Jurors heard how the couple had a night of drinking alcohol and sex before the evening turned sour.

In the recording played to jurors, Ms Wright is heard threatening to destroy (Tostees) jaw and later Tostee brands her a goddamn psycho.

She is later heard to scream: Let me go home.

I would, but youve been a bad girl, he replied.

Youre lucky I havent chucked you off my balcony. I should have never given you so much to drink.

Im gonna walk you out of this apartment just the way you are, youre not going to collect any belongings.

If you try to pull anything, Ill knock you out."

Ms Wright, who was aged 26 at the time, appears to scream no repeatedly and say again just let me go home before falling and screaming.

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

The prosecutor claims Tostee intimidated Ms Wright so much that she felt she had no option but to escape his apartment by climbing down his balcony.

The lawyer claims Tostee choked and restrained her before locking her out of the apartment on his balcony, after she threw ornamental rocks at him and hit him with a telescope.

The trial also heard from neighbours who have described the moment she dangled over the balcony ledge and fell.

After the tragedy, Tostee called his father and said: I didnt cause this, I didnt push her or anything.

Ms Wright, from New Zealand, was on a short holiday at the time in Australia in August 2014.

If convicted of her murder, Tostee could face a life sentence.
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Posters warning that migrants are coming and stating they are being imposed on French people have been put up in a town that is set to receive 40 displaced people from the jungle camp in Calais.

The poster, which features a darkened image of middle-eastern and African men beneath a cathedral alongside the words: The state is imposing them on us: Thats it, they are coming, was put up in 100 parts of the Southern French town of Beziers yesterday (11 October).

The mayor of Beziers, Robert Menard, who was elected with the support of far-right political party Front National, launched the poster campaign in response to government plans for 40 people from the jungle camp in Calais to be received by the town, and the subsequent expansion of Beziers' reception centres.

Mr Menard, who shared the poster on his Facebook page alongside the words: "We are informing the population", last week called for a referendum to ask residents whether they approved of the plans to receive refugees in the town.

He said the decisions were made without alerting the mayor or the city council, describing the decision as a real stab in the back to the people of Beziers.

The mayor's campaign has since been reported to the justice board and to anti-racist movement SOS Racisme, who have condemned his actions, describing the posters as hatred against the other and contempt for the rule of law.

The organisation released a statement saying: Robert Menard, a little man with small ideas and a small career, has succeeded in one day to show two facets of the extreme-right: hatred against the other and contempt for the rule of law. It is up to public authorities and citizens to show that we wont allow the reputation of our country to be tarnished and weakened by people who are the antithesis of the Republic.

In response to the criticism, Mr Menard said he was "putting his town first".

Speaking to The Independent, the mayor said: "I don't care what SOS Racisme says. Beziers is the fourth poorest town in France. I have compassion for Syrian refugees, but I prioritise the people of my town. I put my town first.

"I've put up the posters to inform the residents. To explain to them what we are in the process of doing. Without informing them and asking for their opinion. The local government representatives didn't even tell me about this decision. Are we in a democracy or not? This is why I've organised a referendum.

"Forty migrants are definitely coming before the end of the month. There has been talk of another centre for 30 or 50 more people. But the number isn't important. The problem is we're in a town where immigration is already massive."

Mr Menard went on to pledge that if the refugees did come to the town, he would not grant them authorisation to settle there. He added: "If these migrants do come and try to settle here, they will need authorisation from the mayor, and I won't give it to them."

Some residents of Beziers have responded to the posters with anger. A petition has been set up containing a letter to the local government asking that the posters are removed, and has so far garnered 29,498 signatures. It reads: Since the morning of 11 October, the city is littered with hateful and intolerable posters. The Front National-affiliated mayor has again splashed the citizens with hatred.

Hes put up violent posters. This today has reached the height of racial hate. They are everywhere, even in schools. We demand that these posters are removed and that the municipality is punished.

Others have reacted with shock and disappointment to the poster on Twitter. One user wrote: "My country disgusts me", while another said he was "speechless" and "absolutely ashamed".

Last week, the Beziers mayors office issued a statement claiming the town was being "imposed with things [it] doesn't want".

The mayor of Beziers learned yesterday that another Asylum seeker welcome centre will open very soon. More than one. Right in the centre of town," the statement read.

Recommended Read more This country is no longer safe for immigrants

"While the municipality has worked for two years to renovate the town centre, this announcement sounds like a stab in the back for the towns people. The prefect (leader of the local government) did not alert the mayor.

"Once again, the residents of Beziers are summoned to pay the price of a policy that opens wide he door to our country to the immigration of a huge wave of immigration. Once again, we see ourselves imposed with things we didnt want. But once again, we will resist it.

Benedicte Jeannerod, director of Human Rights Watch in France, described the campaign as "heinous" and "shameful", tweeting: "Heinous, shameful anti-refugee campaign by the far-right Mayor of the city of Beziers, South France. Despicable."

The inter-ministerial delegation to the fight against racism and anti-Semitism in France, known as Dilcra, said the posters constitute a flagrant provocation to hatred.

The organisation wrote in statement: In the period we know, the repeated targeting of individuals or groups because of their origin or creed can not be accepted. It is all the more serious when committed by an elected of the Republic.
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Nearly one in five Flemish Belgians believe following Islam should be banned in Belgium.

In response to a public survey conducted by the Flemish public broadcaster VRT and the daily De Standaard, 64 per cent of Flemings said they supported allowing the police to detain terror suspects without a warrant.

The governing nationalist New Flemish Alliance have proposed the idea, though it has encountered resistance from the liberal and Christian democrat coalition.

However, 26 per cent of Flemings oppose the measure.

 Suspects linked to Paris attackers sentenced in Belgium

Responding to the question "Should following Islam be banned in Belgium?" 17 per cent of Flemings polled agreed.

The idea was most popular among the over 55s, blue collar and low skilled workers.

However, half said they believe the presence of Muslim immigrants enriches society, compared to 27 per cent who said it did not.

In addition, 67 per cent said they did not mind being served in a shop by Muslims wearing headscarfs.

Belgium became the first European country to ban the Islamic burka in public in 2010, followed by France.

A YouGov poll found 57 per cent of the British public were in favour of banning the burqa, compared to just 25 per cent who were against.
Hanoi's pho and a cruise through Ha Long Bay are unmissable, says Business Insider.

U.S. news site Business Insider has published a travel bucket list for Asia with 50 attractions, foods and experiences you have to try, and two of them are in Vietnam.

One is a steamy bowl of pho in Hanoi. The noodle soup is known among most tourists and loved by many, so much so that there have been heated online debates about how it should be served.

Basically, it is a bowl of soft rice noodles in a broth carefully prepared with different herbs and served with beef or chicken, shallots and chili and lemon to taste.

The soup is considered a national dish and can be found all over Vietnam, although it is more a Hanoi specialty and may taste a little bit sweeter and thicker in Saigon.

Around four hours drive to the west of Hanoi is Ha Long Bay, a natural marvel with more than 1,500 islands and inlets popping up from emerald waters that are perfect for a boat cruise.

A view of Ha Long Bay. Photo by AFP

The bay has become famous since UNESCO named it a natural heritage site.

Last year, the U.S. travel guide site Smarter Travel named it among the 27 best ecological spots in the world.

Tourists can book an overnight cruise on the bay to watch sunrise or sunset in a spectacular setting. Just to be fair, safety is a big concern and local authorities have considered banning overnight trips as well as replacing wooden boats with metal ones following a number of fires.

A private seaplane operator also launched a service over the bay in 2014.

Other Asian travel experiences recommended by Business Insider include hiking through the quartzite sandstone columns in Chinas Zhangjiajie National Park, which inspired the sci-fi Avatar, taking a floating market tour in Bangkok, riding a camel in Mongolia, visiting the colorful Meenakshi Temple in India, going shopping in South Korea, enjoying dim sum in Hong Kong and exploring the ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

Related news:

>The real pho experience

>Tyler Akin's faux crimes against pho

>6 interesting facts you may not know about Ha Long Bay

>Cruise ships on Vietnams Ha Long Bay fined for safety violations
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The Russian Embassy has warned its citizens in the UK to beware of pranksters dressing as clowns.

The advice follows a spate of incidents in which people dressed in menacing clown outfits have been filmed scaring members of the public.

In an official statement, the Russian authorities said the clowns are causing fear and bewilderment.

On its website, the Russian Embassy wrote: According to British media and law enforcement agencies in recent [days] in different regions of the country in the dark, there are cases of attacks [by] malicious people in clown suits. The purpose of the antics of the British clowns - to cause fear and bewilderment.

We ask citizens in the UK Russia take note of this information.

On Tuesday, a student at Brunel University was arrested on suspicion of a public order offence after he was seen dressed as a clown and chasing people with a chainsaw on the universitys campus.

There has been a wave of reports of so-called 'killer clown' incidents in London and across the UK over the past week, after the craze took hold in the US in September.

Commander Julian Bennett, lead for the Autumn Nights Campaign for the Met Police, said this week: We are currently accessing a small number of reported 'killer clown' incidents in London, three of which meet the threshold of a criminal offence.

Our primary responsibility is identifying and investigating those incidents where a criminal offence has occurred. However, anti-social behaviour can leave people feeling scared, anxious and intimidated and I would urge those who are causing fear and alarm to carefully consider the impact their actions have on others."
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A group of young men from an underprivileged Paris suburb have launched a social media campaign challenging others to feed homeless refugees and migrants.

The trend has spread across the city and beyond. At least seven other districts in Paris and have taken up the challenge, as have neighbourhoods in Toulouse and Marseilles.

Paris has seen a visible increase in the number of refugees sleeping rough on its streets. Charity workers have said there are now around 1,000 living in makeshift camps around the city.

Despite the promise of an official refugee camp in the city, the numbers of homeless are expected to increase after the demolition of the Calais Jungle next week.

Malik Diallo, a delivery driver from Sarcelles, in the northern suburbs of Paris, decided to take action after he saw a woman and a young child lying in the street.

He and a group of friends cooked 150 plates of hot food. They made Tchep  a West African rice dish  and prepared sandwiches.

Laden with food and drinks, they headed towards the Stalingrad area and handed out their offerings to those sleeping rough.

None of us had done this before: we had no idea how this would happen, Mr Diallo told French weekly, LExpress.

This experience has touched us all, its very moving, he added.

Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis Show all 7 1 /7 Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis The Solidarity With Refugees group said Saturdays protest aimed to show our Government and the world that Britain is ready to welcome more refugees. Rex Features Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis People march through central London as they take part in a protest rally organised by Solidarity with Refugees in a bid to urge the Government to take more action on the migrant crisis Press Association Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis The protest comes days before world leaders meet to discuss crisis at UN General Assembly Press Association Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis Demonstrators made their way from Park Lane to Parliament Square in London on Saturday afternoon Press Association Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis Marchers chanted refugees are welcome here and waved banners reading no-one is illegal and lets help people Press Association Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis The march was supported by charities and groups including the Red Cross, Asylum Aid, Save the Children, Hope Not Hate, Oxfam and the UN Refugee Agency Rex Features Refugees welcome here: Protesters demand UK resettle more migrants in response to refugee crisis In the wake of Alans death, David Cameron pledged to resettle 20,000 Syrian refugees in the UK over the coming five years but there have been additional calls to re-home those who have already reached Europe, as well as asylum seekers coming from other conflict zones such as Iraq and Afghanistan Rex Features

They posted a ten-minute video of the event on Facebook and challenged another neighbourhood, Sablons, to feed the migrants in the same way. The clip attracted more than 70,000 views and was shared hundreds of times.

"This will show what [our] neighbourhoods are really like  and the image is very different from what people usually see, which is all about drugs and violence," Mr Diallo said.

One resident in Sablons, which took up the challenge, told French daily, Le Parisien: "Here, we know the value of solidarity. Our parents were migrants. We all experienced the misery.

Recommended Read more British bureaucracy is forcing children to stay in the Calais Jungle

Paris' makeshift camps, which are home to more than a thousand people, are routinely subject to evictions  "a few hundred" people at a time.

In 2015, nearly 80,000 people applied for asylum in France, with many living in the Calais camp.

France has called on the UK to take responsibility for those living in the Jungle, many of whom have family ties to the UK.

Yet the UK asylum process has proved lengthy. One refugee charity has launched legal proceedings against the Home Office for failing to accept unaccompanied minors.
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Refugees and migrants arriving by sea to Italy are now the main problem faced by the European Union in its efforts to stem mass immigration, the head of the bloc's border agency has said.

Italy has now overtaken Greece as the main point of entry for refugees and migrants trying to reach Europe, figures from the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) show.

More than 144,000 people have reached Italy so far this year, compared to the nearly 154,000 arrivals in the whole of 2015. Arrivals to Greece fell sharply after the EU struck a deal with Turkey to prevent departures from its shores.

In terms of irregular migration right now Italy is the member state number one, Fabrice Leggeri, head of the European Border and Coast Guard, said.

We have to be vigilant in the central Mediterranean area because there may also be security risks there, not just the migratory pressure, Mr Leggeri said.

Some 90 per cent of arrivals in Italy began their voyage on smugglers' boats in Libya, though there has been an increase in refugees and migrants arriving from Egypt in recent weeks, EU officials say.

In pictures: Life on board a refugee rescue ship Show all 10 1 /10 In pictures: Life on board a refugee rescue ship In pictures: Life on board a refugee rescue ship Refugees sleep on the deck of MV Aquarius Alva White/MSF In pictures: Life on board a refugee rescue ship An overcrowded rubber vote before a rescue by the MV Aquarius Alva White/MSF In pictures: Life on board a refugee rescue ship Young boy being rescued from a rubber boat by the MV Aquarius Isabelle Serro/SOS Mediterranee In pictures: Life on board a refugee rescue ship The rescue of a wooden boat with more than 400 peopl on board by the MV Aquarius on 21 August Isabelle Serro/SOS Mediterranee In pictures: Life on board a refugee rescue ship Women rescued on MV Aquarius approaching Italy in the early morning Alva White/MSF In pictures: Life on board a refugee rescue ship Crew on the MV Aquarius search for a missing boat Alva White/MSF In pictures: Life on board a refugee rescue ship Rescue on the 21st August of a wooden boat carrying more than 400 people and a rubber boat with 120 people crammed on board. Ferry Schippers/MSF In pictures: Life on board a refugee rescue ship The night rescue of 124 people after they had been on the water for 20 hours by the MV Aquarius Peter Eickmeyer/SOS Mediterranee In pictures: Life on board a refugee rescue ship The MV Aquarius rescue vessel operated by Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and SOS Mediterranee in the Mediterranean Sea Alva White/MSF In pictures: Life on board a refugee rescue ship Jacob Goldberg, MSF's team leader on board the MV Aquarius rescue ship Alva White/MSF

But nearly all those who reach the Italian coast arrive on EU rescue vessels, having been plucked from the sea or saved from overcrowded, unsafe dinghies, according to officials.

They say a rise in the number of rescues may have been inadvertently caused by the EU stepping up its naval Sophia mission in the Mediterranean to go after arms traffickers and train the Libyan coast guard.

Smugglers started putting even more people on even less reliable boats as now they only have to be able to travel for a shorter period of time before they get to where we are and call for help, a senior EU official said on condition of anonymity.

Since we are obliged to rescue people in such situations, we have been fishing more out and bringing more to Italy.

Another senior EU official said: This is not a 'natural' phenomenon, it's engineered by the smugglers.

 Italian coastguard rescues thousands of refugees off coast of Libya

The EU says the vast majority of migrants who reach the bloc are not eligible for asylum and will be sent back, though deportations often prove difficult in practice.

Mr Leggeri said his agency would get more involved in the EU's efforts to step up returns to poor African countries and engage more in places in Italy where migrants disembark.

The bloc is now talking to Nigeria, Niger, Senegal, Mali and Ethiopia on readmission of economic migrants and asylum seekers whose applications have failed and said it would make some aid conditional on these states keeping emigration to Europe low.

UNHCR data shows Nigerians make up nearly a fifth of the arrivals in Italy, followed by the nationals of Eritrea at 13 per cent and then Sudan, Gambia, Ivory Coast, Guinea, Somalia, Mali, Senegal and Bangladesh.

Despite Italy's woes, total arrivals to the EU this year are expected to be way below the record 1.3 million refugees and migrants registered in 2015.

Reuters
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The Russian government has accused Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson of trying to whip up hysteria after he urged people to protest outside of the countrys embassy having accused Moscow of a role in the bombing of an aid convoy in Syria.

Russian defence ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said Mr Johnsons accusations were a storm in a glass of muddy London water and insisted none of his countrys aircraft were in the area at the time of the attack.

He said the Russophobic hysteria of certain members of the British establishment is no longer impressive, according to RT, a television network funded by the Russian government, while the countrys embassy in London claimed MPs were on the wrong side of history over the Syria conflict on Tuesday.

In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Show all 19 1 /19 In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrian boys cry following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian defense ministry spokesman Major General 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 In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrians wait to receive treatment at a hospital following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Alepp Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov speaks at a briefing in the Defense Ministry in Moscow, Russia. Antonov said the Russian air strikes in Syria have killed about 35,000 militants, including about 2,700 residents of Russia AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Jameel Mustafa Habboush, receives oxygen from civil defence volunteers, known as the white helmets, as they rescue him from under the rubble of a building following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civil defence members rest amidst rubble in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A girl carrying a baby inspects damage in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members look for survivors at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members carry an injured woman on a stretcher at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Volunteers from Syria Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, help civilians after Russia carried out its first airstrikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria The aftermath of Russian airstrike in Talbiseh, Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Smoke billows from buildings in Talbiseh, in Homs province, western Syria, after airstrikes by Russian warplanes AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Air Forces carry out an air strike in the ISIS controlled Al-Raqqah Governorate. Russia's KAB-500s bombs completely destroy the Liwa al-Haqq command unit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia claimed it hit eight Isis targets, including a "terrorist HQ and co-ordination centre" that was completely destroyed In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A video grab taken from the footage made available on the Russian Defence Ministry's official website, purporting to show an airstrike in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A release from the Russian defence ministry purportedly showing targets in Syria being hit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia launched air strikes in war-torn Syria, its first military engagement outside the former Soviet Union since the occupation of Afghanistan in 1979. Russian warplanes carried out strikes in three Syrian provinces along with regime aircraft as Putin seeks to steal US President Barack Obama's thunder by pushing a rival plan to defeat Isis militants in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria, a thousand kilometres away. The targets include ammunition factories, ammunition and fuel depots, command centres, and training camps A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis

Mr Johnson told the Commons on Tuesday that all the evidence pointed to Russian aircraft being involved in the September 19 attack on the aid convoy.

"The incident took place after dark; by Russia's own account, the war planes of Syria's regime cannot strike targets after dark, and - also by Russia's own account - its aircraft were in the vicinity at the time. All the available evidence therefore points to Russian responsibility for the atrocity," he told MPs.

 Theresa May makes joke about Boris Johnson staying 'on message

But the Kremlin-backed Sputnik news agency reported that Mr Konashenkov said: No Russian aircraft were in the area of the humanitarian convoy in Aleppo.

Its a fact. And all the alleged evidence ... will not be worth a penny, if someone is really given access to them.

The Russian embassy said the Commons debate was depressing and added: The speeches of those who participated in the discussion contradict the logic of all previous decisions of the International Syria Support Group as well as UN Security Council resolutions.

A statement by the embassys press secretary added: Syria is going through the hard process of defeating terrorists.

Pity that the British parliamentarians placed themselves on the wrong side of history this time.

Press Association
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Tense relations between Russia and the US have left the world on a dangerous threshold and the threat of the use of nuclear weapons remains strong, according to former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev.

Mr Gorbachev said dialogue should be resumed between countries, after a sustained period of high tension over the Syrian conflict and Russias intentions in the Baltic states.

I think the world has approached a dangerous threshold. I would prefer not to suggest any particular schemes, but I want to say: we need to stop, he told Russian news agency RIA Novosti.

Stopping the dialogue has been the biggest mistake. Now we must return to the main priorities, such as nuclear disarmament, fighting terrorism and prevention of global environmental disasters. Compared to these challenges everything else is a second priority.

Mounting tensions between the US and Russia have led to a global political situation which is more dangerous than the Cold War, German foreign minister Frank-Walker Steinmeir said recently.

On October 3, the US suspended their dialogue with Russia on bringing an end to the war in Syria, a move which seemed to deepen the tensions between the two nations.

The US government then accused Moscow of war crimes following the bombardment of the city of Aleppo, sending diplomatic relations to a new low.

In May, a former senior Nato general warned the alliance risked nuclear war with Russia within a year if actions were not taken to protect the Baltic states from invasion.

Tensions between Russia and the Western world Show all 8 1 /8 Tensions between Russia and the Western world Tensions between Russia and the Western world Russia Vladimir Putin leaves G20 early after criticism from world leaders over Ukraine. David Cameron warned Vladimir Putin, face to face, that Russias whole post-Cold War relationship with the West is at a fork in the road over Ukraine Getty Tensions between Russia and the Western world Russia A mysterious Russian object is being tracked by space agencies, giving new life to fears about the increase of space weapons. The satellite, dubbed Object 2014-28E, has grabbed the interest of official and amateur satellite-watchers because it is taking a confusing path and its purpose has not been identified Getty Images Tensions between Russia and the Western world Russia Russian warplanes are risking the security of civilian passengers as they play a dangerous game designed to test Western air defences, according to Natos secretary general FRA Tensions between Russia and the Western world Russia Russia has warned Ukraine that a resumption of hostilities against pro-Russian separatists in the east would be catastrophic for Ukraine Reuters Tensions between Russia and the Western world Russia A Swedish minesweeper searches for suspected "foreign underwater activity" near Stockholm. A Russian sub in Swedish waters has slipped away into the sea...leaving recriminations in its wake Reuters Tensions between Russia and the Western world Russia Sberbank, Russia's largest lender, is taking the European Union to court in an attempt to loosen Western sanctions imposed over the Ukraine crisis GETTY IMAGES Tensions between Russia and the Western world Russia Russian government agencies have been accused of editing a Wikipedia article to suggest the Ukrainian military was responsible for shooting down the Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, a Twitter account monitoring state IP addresses has claimed AFP Tensions between Russia and the Western world Russia Australias prime minister Tony Abbott has promised he will shirtfront Vladimir Putin over the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17, which killed 38 Australian citizens AP

Mr Gorbachev said the idea of a nuclear-free world is not a utopia, but rather an imperative necessity, in spite of the associated difficulties. The concept could only be achieved, he argued, through demilitarisation of politics and international relations.

In early October, the Russian government launched a nationwide civil defence training exercise involving 40 million civilians, to ensure the country is properly prepared in the event of a nuclear, chemical and biological attack from the West.

Mr Gorbachev ruled the Soviet Union from 1985 until it broke up in 1991. He is credited with ending the Cold War and building the architecture of nuclear arms control in a series of summits with US president Ronald Reagan in Reykjavik.
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Lawyers for the only known survivor of a group of Islamist militants who killed 130 people in Paris last November have said they will no longer defend him.

Salah Abdeslam, who has been held in solitary confinement near Paris since he was captured, does not want to talk and no longer wants legal representation, his lawyers have said.

"We are convinced, and he told us so, that he will not talk and will use his right to remain silent. What can we do. I have said it from the beginning, if my client remains silent, I drop his defence," his lawyer Frank Berton said on BFM Television.

The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures Show all 25 1 /25 The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks Members of the public gather to lay flowers and light candles at La Belle Equipe restaraunt on Rue de Charonne in Paris Getty The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks People lay a memorial to honour victims of the Paris terror attacks at Federation Square in Melbourne, Australia The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks Soccer fans display the colors of the French flag in response to the deadly terrorist attack in Paris, France before the soccer match between the New York Cosmos' and the Ottawa Fury for the North American Soccer League championship at Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, USA The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks Pakistani Civil society activists shout slogans during a protest against Isis militants near the French consulate for the victims of the 13 November Paris attacks in Karachi, Pakistan The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks People gather and view messages written on the ground at Place de la Republique in Paris The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks French flags and a note reading "We will not let you spoil our children's lives" at the site of the attack at the Cafe Belle Equipe on rue de Charonne in the 11th district, in Paris The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks A rose is placed beside a bullet hole at La Belle Equipe restaraunt on Rue de Charonne following the terrorist attack in Paris. As France observes three days of national mourning members of the public continue to pay tribute to the victims of deadly attacks The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks Bono and band members of U2 pay their respects and place flowers on the pavement near the scene of yesterday's Bataclan Theatre terrorist attack in Paris The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks A man kneels as he pays tribute to victims at Place de la Republique near the deadly attack sites in Paris The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks Tributes to the victims at the Place de la Republique square in Paris AFP The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks An electronic billboard on a canal show solidarity with Paris in Milan EPA The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks People lay down flowers and light candles to tribute victims of Friday's attacks in Paris as the Brandenburg gate is illuminated in blue, white and red in the colors of the French flag, in Berlin Reuters The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks A man leaves flowers as a tribute following the deadly attacks in Paris, outside the French consulate in Istanbul Reuters The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks People take pictures of flowers placed in bullet holes in the window of a Japanese restaurant next to the cafe 'La Belle Equipe' AFP The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks People gather at a makeshift memorial next to the Bataclan theatre in Paris on November 14, 2015, The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks A woman carrying flowers cries in front of the Carillon cafe and the Petit Cambodge restaurant in Paris AP The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks People gather in front of flowers that were laid outside the French embassy in Rome AP The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks People react near the cafe 'La Belle Equipe' at the Rue de Charonne AFP The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks A young girl places a candle in front of the Carillon cafe in Paris AP The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks Flowers placed outside the cafe 'La Belle Equipe' at the Rue de Charonne in Paris, the scene for one of the attacks AFP The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks A woman is comforted by others outside the Carillon cafe and the Petit Cambodge restaurant in Paris The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks The Brandenbourg Gate featuring French national colors is pictured in Berlin, on November 14, 2015 a day after deadly attacks in Paris The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks Flowers are laid in front of the French embassy in Rome EPA The world mourns Paris attacks - in pictures The world mourns Paris attacks A candle is lit next to flowers outside the French Embassy in Berlin AFP

Abdeslam has been charged with "participation in terrorist murders" in Paris and for attempted murder in a shoot-out with police in Brussels.

He reportedly told Belgian police he could not bring himself to blow himself up in his allotted mission at the Stade de France.

Mr Berton said the 26-year-old is refusing to talk because of the 24-hour camera monitoring in his high-security jail.

"We have seen him slide away. Being watched all the time, with infrared at night, that drives one crazy, and that is a consequence of a political decision [to put Abdeslam on continuous monitoring]," he added.

Abdeslam's Belgian lawyer Sven Mary said the solitary confinement was causing Abdeslam to clam up.

"The real victims of this are the victims of the Paris attacks. They have a right to know," he said.

 Suspects linked to Paris attackers sentenced in Belgium

The suspected Isis militant was previously dubbed an "asshole" with the "intelligence of an ashtray" by Mr Mary.

He said Abdeslam's radicalisation was likely to have occurred online.

Abdeslam's lawyers previously said he had agreed to turn supergrass in a bid to secure a plea bargain.

He has denied direct involvement in the massacre of 130 people in the French capital on 13 November last year and insisted he only drove others to the locations of the attacks.
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An eight-year-old boy suffering from cancer was bombarded with abusive messages from animal rights activists in Spain after he joined a bullfighting show, with one telling him he should just die.

Adrian Hinojosa joined matadors for a lap of honour at an arena in Valencia after a charity bullfight in aid of a local childrens cancer unit.

His father, Eduardo, said the experience had given him strength in his battle against the disease.

The boy, who suffers from a rare type of bone cancer called Ewing sarcoma and is undergoing chemotherapy treatment, said his lap of honour was a dream come true as he dreamed of becoming at a matador.

Anti-bullfighting campaigners attacked the child for his involvement, with one writing on Facebook: Im not going to be politically correct. Just die, just die already.

A sick child who wants to get better so he that he can kill innocent and healthy herbivores who also want to live. Come on! Adrian, you going to die.

Another wrote on Twitter: How much more needless spending is going on the treatment of Adrian: the child with cancer who wants to be a bullfighter and cut ears.

Others were quick to condemn the activists, and the hashtag #AdrianTeVasaCurar - meaning Adrian you are going to be cured - trended on Twitter in Spain according to The Local.

His mother Eve posted a message saying: We only ask for respect for a child who is going through bad times and for his family too who only want to help realize his dreams.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

The national police service in Spain also voiced their support of the boy, tweeting: Desiring the death of a child is despicable, cowardly and could be a crime. We are with you. You are going to win this battle!

Eduardo Hinojosa, meanwhile, announced the family would be taking legal action over the online comments on behalf of the eight-year-old.

In June, a Spanish pro-bullfighting organisation threatened legal action against animal rights activists who celebrated the death of 29-year-old matador Victor Barrio on social media.

Thousands of protestors recently took to the streets of Spain to demand an end to bullfighting
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A city in Spain has cancelled a public holiday commemorating the day Christopher Columbus first set foot in the Americas, saying it glorifies the genocide associated with Spanish occupation of the continent.

Badalona city council announced it was calling off the festivities for Hispanic Day on October 12, when schools and places of work are typically closed and military parades are held.

In a statement the council said it believed the holiday celebrates the genocide of the occupation of America and has Francoist connotations, and announced the decision to switch the day off to December 9 to make Spains Constitution Day holiday into a long weekend.

"There are people who chose to celebrate their Hispanic heritage on a day that doesnt have the connotations of October 12," mayor Dolors Sabater told Onda Cero Radio.

Critics of the festival have argued it should also be banned across Spain on the grounds that former dictator General Francisco Franco favoured the holiday as a way to "extoll the values of his dictatorship".

Badalona is the third largest city in Catalonia, and the council has long supported the idea of the region breaking away from Spain.

The Hispanic Day holiday celebrating his achievements has been criticised in Catalonia previously, with many activists and senior officials calling for it to be banned according to the Local.

World news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 World news in pictures World news in pictures 30 September 2020 Pope Francis prays with priests at the end of a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 29 September 2020 A girl's silhouette is seen from behind a fabric in a tent along a beach by Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 September 2020 A Chinese woman takes a photo of herself in front of a flower display dedicated to frontline health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Beijing, China. China will celebrate national day marking the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st Getty World news in pictures 27 September 2020 The Glass Mountain Inn burns as the Glass Fire moves through the area in St. Helena, California. The fast moving Glass fire has burned over 1,000 acres and has destroyed homes Getty World news in pictures 26 September 2020 A villager along with a child offers prayers next to a carcass of a wild elephant that officials say was electrocuted in Rani Reserve Forest on the outskirts of Guwahati, India AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 September 2020 The casket of late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is seen in Statuary Hall in the US Capitol to lie in state in Washington, DC AFP via Getty World news in pictures 24 September 2020 An anti-government protester holds up an image of a pro-democracy commemorative plaque at a rally outside Thailand's parliament in Bangkok, as activists gathered to demand a new constitution AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 September 2020 A whale stranded on a beach in Macquarie Harbour on the rugged west coast of Tasmania, as hundreds of pilot whales have died in a mass stranding in southern Australia despite efforts to save them, with rescuers racing to free a few dozen survivors The Mercury/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 22 September 2020 State civil employee candidates wearing face masks and shields take a test in Surabaya AFP via Getty World news in pictures 21 September 2020 A man sweeps at the Taj Mahal monument on the day of its reopening after being closed for more than six months due to the coronavirus pandemic AP World news in pictures 20 September 2020 A deer looks for food in a burnt area, caused by the Bobcat fire, in Pearblossom, California EPA World news in pictures 19 September 2020 Anti-government protesters hold their mobile phones aloft as they take part in a pro-democracy rally in Bangkok. Tens of thousands of pro-democracy protesters massed close to Thailand's royal palace, in a huge rally calling for PM Prayut Chan-O-Cha to step down and demanding reforms to the monarchy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 September 2020 Supporters of Iraqi Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr maintain social distancing as they attend Friday prayers after the coronavirus disease restrictions were eased, in Kufa mosque, near Najaf, Iraq Reuters World news in pictures 17 September 2020 A protester climbs on The Triumph of the Republic at 'the Place de la Nation' as thousands of protesters take part in a demonstration during a national day strike called by labor unions asking for better salary and against jobs cut in Paris, France EPA World news in pictures 16 September 2020 A fire raging near the Lazzaretto of Ancona in Italy. The huge blaze broke out overnight at the port of Ancona. Firefighters have brought the fire under control but they expected to keep working through the day EPA World news in pictures 15 September 2020 Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny posing for a selfie with his family at Berlin's Charite hospital. In an Instagram post he said he could now breathe independently following his suspected poisoning last month Alexei Navalny/Instagram/AFP World news in pictures 14 September 2020 Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba and former Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida celebrate after Suga was elected as new head of the ruling party at the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in Tokyo Reuters World news in pictures 13 September 2020 A man stands behind a burning barricade during the fifth straight day of protests against police brutality in Bogota AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 September 2020 Police officers block and detain protesters during an opposition rally to protest the official presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus. Daily protests calling for the authoritarian president's resignation are now in their second month AP World news in pictures 11 September 2020 Members of 'Omnium Cultural' celebrate the 20th 'Festa per la llibertat' ('Fiesta for the freedom') to mark the Day of Catalonia in Barcelona. Omnion Cultural fights for the independence of Catalonia EPA World news in pictures 10 September 2020 The Moria refugee camp, two days after Greece's biggest migrant camp, was destroyed by fire. Thousands of asylum seekers on the island of Lesbos are now homeless AFP via Getty World news in pictures 9 September 2020 Pope Francis takes off his face mask as he arrives by car to hold a limited public audience at the San Damaso courtyard in The Vatican AFP via Getty World news in pictures 8 September 2020 A home is engulfed in flames during the "Creek Fire" in the Tollhouse area of California AFP via Getty World news in pictures 7 September 2020 A couple take photos along a sea wall of the waves brought by Typhoon Haishen in the eastern port city of Sokcho AFP via Getty World news in pictures 6 September 2020 Novak Djokovic and a tournament official tends to a linesperson who was struck with a ball by Djokovic during his match against Pablo Carreno Busta at the US Open USA Today Sports/Reuters World news in pictures 5 September 2020 Protesters confront police at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, Australia, during an anti-lockdown rally AFP via Getty World news in pictures 4 September 2020 A woman looks on from a rooftop as rescue workers dig through the rubble of a damaged building in Beirut. A search began for possible survivors after a scanner detected a pulse one month after the mega-blast at the adjacent port AFP via Getty World news in pictures 3 September 2020 A full moon next to the Virgen del Panecillo statue in Quito, Ecuador EPA World news in pictures 2 September 2020 A Palestinian woman reacts as Israeli forces demolish her animal shed near Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank Reuters World news in pictures 1 September 2020 Students protest against presidential elections results in Minsk TUT.BY/AFP via Getty World news in pictures 31 August 2020 The pack rides during the 3rd stage of the Tour de France between Nice and Sisteron AFP via Getty World news in pictures 30 August 2020 Law enforcement officers block a street during a rally of opposition supporters protesting against presidential election results in Minsk, Belarus Reuters World news in pictures 29 August 2020 A woman holding a placard reading "Stop Censorship - Yes to the Freedom of Expression" shouts in a megaphone during a protest against the mandatory wearing of face masks in Paris. Masks, which were already compulsory on public transport, in enclosed public spaces, and outdoors in Paris in certain high-congestion areas around tourist sites, were made mandatory outdoors citywide on August 28 to fight the rising coronavirus infections AFP via Getty World news in pictures 28 August 2020 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe bows to the national flag at the start of a press conference at the prime minister official residence in Tokyo. Abe announced he will resign over health problems, in a bombshell development that kicks off a leadership contest in the world's third-largest economy AFP via Getty World news in pictures 27 August 2020 Residents take cover behind a tree trunk from rubber bullets fired by South African Police Service (SAPS) in Eldorado Park, near Johannesburg, during a protest by community members after a 16-year old boy was reported dead AFP via Getty World news in pictures 26 August 2020 People scatter rose petals on a statue of Mother Teresa marking her 110th birth anniversary in Ahmedabad AFP via Getty World news in pictures 25 August 2020 An aerial view shows beach-goers standing on salt formations in the Dead Sea near Ein Bokeq, Israel Reuters World news in pictures 24 August 2020 Health workers use a fingertip pulse oximeter and check the body temperature of a fisherwoman inside the Dharavi slum during a door-to-door Covid-19 coronavirus screening in Mumbai AFP via Getty World news in pictures 23 August 2020 People carry an idol of the Hindu god Ganesh, the deity of prosperity, to immerse it off the coast of the Arabian sea during the Ganesh Chaturthi festival in Mumbai, India Reuters World news in pictures 22 August 2020 Firefighters watch as flames from the LNU Lightning Complex fires approach a home in Napa County, California AP World news in pictures 21 August 2020 Members of the Israeli security forces arrest a Palestinian demonstrator during a rally to protest against Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied West Bank AFP via Getty World news in pictures 20 August 2020 A man pushes his bicycle through a deserted road after prohibitory orders were imposed by district officials for a week to contain the spread of the Covid-19 in Kathmandu AFP via Getty World news in pictures 19 August 2020 A car burns while parked at a residence in Vacaville, California. Dozens of fires are burning out of control throughout Northern California as fire resources are spread thin AFP via Getty World news in pictures 18 August 2020 Students use their mobile phones as flashlights at an anti-government rally at Mahidol University in Nakhon Pathom. Thailand has seen near-daily protests in recent weeks by students demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-O-Cha AFP via Getty World news in pictures 17 August 2020 Members of the Kayapo tribe block the BR163 highway during a protest outside Novo Progresso in Para state, Brazil. Indigenous protesters blocked a major transamazonian highway to protest against the lack of governmental support during the COVID-19 novel coronavirus pandemic and illegal deforestation in and around their territories AFP via Getty World news in pictures 16 August 2020 Lightning forks over the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge as a storm passes over Oakland AP World news in pictures 15 August 2020 Belarus opposition supporters gather near the Pushkinskaya metro station where Alexander Taraikovsky, a 34-year-old protester died on August 10, during their protest rally in central Minsk AFP via Getty World news in pictures 14 August 2020 AlphaTauri's driver Daniil Kvyat takes part in the second practice session at the Circuit de Catalunya in Montmelo near Barcelona ahead of the Spanish F1 Grand Prix AFP via Getty World news in pictures 13 August 2020 Soldiers of the Brazilian Armed Forces during a disinfection of the Christ The Redeemer statue at the Corcovado mountain prior to the opening of the touristic attraction in Rio AFP via Getty World news in pictures 12 August 2020 Young elephant bulls tussle playfully on World Elephant Day at the Amboseli National Park in Kenya AFP via Getty

Last year, the mayor of Barcelona Ada Colau said he believed the country should not be marking a genocide with an 800,000 (700,000) military parade.

This year a motion was launched in the Catalonian capital to cancel this years holiday, alongside a vote on whether to remove and destroy a prominent statue of Columbus on La Rambla, but both ideas were rejected by the city council.

The ship belonging to Columbus landed in the Bahamas on October 12, 1492, before the navigator went on to discover large areas of the Americas.

It is estimated that during the initial Spanish conquest of the Americas up to eight million indigenous people died, marking the first large-scale act of genocide of the modern era according to historians.
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The Syrian terror suspect who was arrested over an alleged bomb plot in Germany has been found dead in his cell.

Jabhar al Bakr was arrested in Leipzig in the south of the country on Monday after police foiled a plot to bomb Berlin airport.

The 22-year-old asylum seeker was caught after being detained by three fellow Syrian refugees who overpowered him and tied him to a sofa before calling the police  ending a two-day manhunt.

German media reported that al Bakr had been on hunger strike and was subject to round-the-clock surveillance.

Al Bakr, who is originally from Damascus province, went on the run after police found 1.5kg of explosives "more dangerous than TNT" in his flat in the city of Chemnitz on Saturday.

Police believed he was planning a similar attack to those carried out in France and Belgium in November 2015 and March 2016.

German Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said: "According to what we know, the preparations in Chemnitz are similar to the preparations for the attacks in Paris and Brussels".

He said al Bakr had links to Isis.

Three others were arrested in connection with the plot, one in Chemnitz city centre and two others at the railway station.

Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Show all 9 1 /9 Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Policemen outside Rouen's cathedral during the funeral of Jacques Hamel, the priest who was killed in a church in Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray in Normandy on 26 July during a hostage-taking claimed by Islamic State group Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Two jihadists, both 19, slit Hamel's throat while he was celebrating mass in an attack that shocked France as well as the Catholic Church Joel Saget/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Muslims place flowers and hold a minute of silence in front of the church if Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray, western France, where French priest Jacques Hamel was killed on 26 July Charly Triballeau/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Two people hold each other by the new makeshift memorial in Nice, in tribute to the victims of the deadly Bastille Day attack at the Promenade des Anglais Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the truck attack that killed 84 people in Nice on France's national holiday. Mohamed Lahouaiej-Bouhlel, 31, smashed a 19-tonne truck into a packed crowd of people in the Riviera city celebrating Bastille Day Valery Hache/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Police work at a site where a Syrian migrant set off an explosive device in Ansbach, southern Germany, on 25 July, killing himself and wounding a dozen others Daniel Roland/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis A Syrian migrant set off an explosion at a bar in southern Germany that killed himself and wounded a dozen others in the third attack to hit Bavaria in a week. The 27-year-old, who had spent a stint in a psychiatric facility, had intended to target a music festival in the city of Ansbach but was turned away because he did not have a ticket Friebe/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis Police officers walk along train tracks in Wuerzburg southern Germany on 19 July, a day after a man attacked train passengers with an axe. German authorities said they had found a hand-painted IS flag among the belongings of the man, an asylum seeker from Afghanistan, who seriously injured four members of a family of tourists from Hong Kong in his rampage Daniel Roland/AFP/Getty Images Terrorism in 2016: Terror attacks in Europe claimed by Isis German police killed a teenage assailant after he attacked passengers on a train in Wuerzburg, southerg Germany with an axe and a knife on 18 July, seriously wounding three people Karl-Josef Hildenbrand/AFP/Getty Images

It comes amid growing anger about Chancellor Angela Merkel's "open door policy" towards refugees.

Last month, far right group Alternative for Germany made significant gains in the Berlin state elections  winning 11.5 per cent of the vote enabling it to enter the state parliament for the first time.

The party campaigns for a closure of the borders with its leader Frauke Petry saying police should be prepared to shoot refugees attempting to enter the country "if necessary".

Over the summer there were a number of attempts by Syrian asylum seekers to attack targets in Germany  including a failed asylum seeker who blew himself up outside a music festival after failing to get inside and an Afghan teenager attacking train passengers with an axe in Wurzburg.
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A doctor struggling to cope with the numbers of injured patients in besieged rebel-held east Aleppo has filed legal proceedings against Russia because of President Vladimir Putins continued support of Syrian air strikes on the area.

London-based lawyers acting on behalf of Dr Moawyah Al-Awad, a cardiologist at one of east Aleppos last functioning hospitals, said his claim at the European Court of Human Rights is based on Russias violation of his and his patients right to life and to live free from inhumane and degrading treatment, as specified under international law.

Aleppo, one of the fiercest battlegrounds in Syrias five-and-a-half year long civil war, has been divided between government and opposition areas since fighting broke out in the city in 2012. President Bashar al-Assads forces managed to cut off rebel supply lines into east Aleppo in July, leaving the neighbourhoods 250,000 residents living under siege conditions since.

East Aleppo has been subject to unprecedented shelling by regime and Russian warplanes since a seven-day ceasefire collapsed last month that has killed at least 330 people, the World Health Organisation says. Monitors and activists on the ground put the figure much higher.

Residents in the besieged part of the city allege that the recent bombing has deliberately targeted civilian infrastructure, including two hospitals, two civil defence service rescue centres and several ambulances which have been left completely unserviceable.

Dr Al-Awad has worked at east Aleppos Al Quds hospital, which - like many of the areas remaining medical facilities - now operates from an undisclosed location to shield it from bombing after the original site was destroyed by an air strike in April 2016.

 Video shows amazing rescue of child as shelling resumes in Aleppo

There are only around 30 doctors in east Aleppo left to care for thousands of people in need of emergency and other medical care. Their job is complicated by the fact that equipment and drug stocks are beginning to dry up.

Horrific images of surgeries being carried out on floors slick with blood in makeshift clinics and reports of amputations carried out because there isnt time to save limbs have shocked the world and led the UK, US and France to accuse Russia of war crimes for its complicity in bombing built-up civilian areas.

Russia used its position as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to veto a resolution to reimplement a ceasefire last week. Both Damascus and Moscow maintain that air strikes are targeted at US-backed and al-Qaeda affiliated rebels in east Aleppo who use civilians as human shields.

Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Show all 11 1 /11 Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Turkey's two million Syrian refugees There are already over 2.5 million Syrian refugees in Turkey, but their current camps can only hold 200,000 people ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Turkish citizens protest a new deal, also criticised by human rights activists, which will see refugees who arrived in Greece after March 20 be sent back to Turkey AP Photo/Emre Tazegu Turkey's two million Syrian refugees An estimated 80% of Syrian refugee children already in Turkey are unable to attend school BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Refugee children beg for water near the Turkey-Syria border. Turkey has been accused of illegally deporting asylum-seekers back to Syria BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees In Turkey, no-one from outside Europe is legally recognised as a refugee, meaning the 2016 deportations may not meet international legal standards for protecting vulnerable people BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees A refugee child cries as she is searched by police at the Syria-Turkey border, where 16 refugees (including three children) have been shot dead in the last four months BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Many refugees are living rough on the streets of cities such as Istanbul or Ankara (pictured) ADEM ALTAN/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Turkish soldiers use water cannon on Syrian refugees BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Syrian refugees shelter from rain in the streets of Istanbul BULENT KILIC/AFP/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees A derelict building housing Syrian refugees in Istanbul Carl Court/Getty Images Turkey's two million Syrian refugees Turkey houses around half of all the refugees who have currently fled Syria Carl Court/Getty Images

Speaking during the House of Commons emergency debate on the situation in Aleppo on Tuesday, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said that the wells of outrage [over Russias actions] are growing exhausted but little in the way of a concrete plan going forward emerged.

Dr Al-Awads action sets a standard beyond rhetoric, his lawyers said in a statement, adding that the case had been sent to relevant countries and UN bodies as well as the European Court of Human Rights.

It is entirely [up to them] to use his initiative an initiative taken by an exhausted doctor working 20 hour shifts in punishing conditions under fear of immediate death.
A still image from the video clip that shows a Vietnamese teenage girl who tried to set her school on fire but ended up getting burned herself as part of the disturbing internet challenge dubbed Vietnamese say, Vietnamese do.

The girl had promised to burn a school down if she could get 1,000 'likes' on Facebook.

A Vietnamese teenage girl has tried to set her school on fire but ended up getting burned herself as part of the disturbing internet challenge dubbed Vietnamese say, Vietnamese do.

The girl suffered minor burns to her legs after trying but failing to set a local secondary school on fire.

The whole incident was recorded on camera, and showed the girl pouring about half a liter of petrol in front of the medical room at the school. Then, being cheered on by friends who were present to witness the incident and helped with the recording, she lit a match to set it alight. The teenager was later reportedly taken to hospital with minor burns.

With the clip going viral, there is a growing concern about online crazes where citizens of the internet find all kinds of ways to challenge each other to do dangerous things. Vietnam currently has around 35 million Facebook users.

In a Facebook post, the girl promised to set the school on fire if she could get 1,000 likes on the social media platform. She got more than 1,000 in no time.

Tran Thi Thu Van, a psychiatrist in Ho Chi Minh City, said that teenagers are willing to take great risks to gain notoriety among their peers.

She explained that when teenagers dare one another to do something, no matter how dangerous it might be, they are highly likely to take the dare simply to boost their egos.

Such incidents, part of troubling trend for online kudos, have been on an alarming rise with clips of people doing all kinds of dangerous things going viral.

Unlike the ALS ice bucket challenge where people get to have some fun without damaging anything, these new internet fads have driven people into life-threatening situations while someone records the entire event then posts on Facebook for likes and shares.

Teenagers are not the only culprits when it comes to dangerous social media crazes.

A 6-second video clip which went viral last month shows a man, believed to be 24 years old, pour gasoline on himself before setting his body on fire on a street in Ho Chi Minh City,

The reason behind the act would disturb many: He promised to do so in exchange for 40,000 likes on Facebook.

In a post that is now viral, the man said he would set himself alight using gasoline before jumping off a bridge when he got enough likes.

Im going to keep my promise... Please share if you want to see the fun, he wrote.

He got 86,000 likes within 23 hours. Hundreds of people turned up at the bridge in the city center to witness the act.

People are increasingly dependent on social media networks, said psychiatrist Van.

She said an addict spends more than five hours per day on their social media accounts, and smartphone users are even worse since they can easily check their pages several times a day.

Social networking is not only limited to obsessive teenagers; a growing number of adults are becoming compulsive social media checkers.

Challenges on social media sites are becoming increasingly dangerous, and the act of setting oneself on fire might yet be the most dangerous viral internet trend.

Related news:

> Vietnamese man feared to have set himself on fire in disturbing Facebook dare

>Vietnam wants Pokemon out of religious, historic sites

>Taxis join the Pokemon hunt in Vietnam
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Isis is readying for the fight to keep control over Iraqs second largest city by booby-trapping bridges, extending its network of tunnels and stepping up surveillance as the Iraqi military prepares for an offensive expected to be just a few weeks away.

Iraqi and US officials said on Wednesday that residents in Mosul also reported that car bombs are being prepared and explosive devices placed in jack-hammered holes in major roads.

Key areas have been blocked off with concrete walls, and a two-metre-deep moat dug that will be filled with burning oil in order to make the liberation of Mosuls estimated 1.5 million residents more difficult, they said. The reports could not be independently verified.

[Isis] are digging in to fight for Mosul. They are more cautious, shaving their beards to blend in with the population and constantly moving their headquarters around, Deputy Prime Minister Hoshiyar Zebari said.

One resident told Reuters that children as young as eight, sometimes armed with pistols and knives, have been deployed across the city to monitor and inform on the population. The children recruit other children for the same task.

It's a really heartbreaking scene to see Mosul's kids becoming future terrorists. I taught my seven-year-old son all about autism to pretend he's mentally ill to avoid being recruited by [Isis], they said in a Whatsapp message.

They are desperate and they could force even children to fight once government troops are at the doors of Mosul.

Aid agencies have expressed worries about the number of civilian casualties that could result from fighting and warned they are not ready to provide assistance for up to 700,000 people who could flee the city in the first few days.

In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Show all 12 1 /12 In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Smoke rises after airstrikes by US-led coalition planes as Iraqi security forces advance against Islamic State extremists in Fallujah, June 15, 2016 AP In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Iraqi security forces advance during heavy fighting against Isis militants in Fallujah, Iraq, on 14 June AP In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Shia militia say that moving resources from Fallujah towards the area near Mosul was a 'betrayal' of the battle for the city GETTY In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Hospital sources said 18 bodies were recovered from the river over the weekend AP In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Up to 60,000 civilians were feared trapped in Fallujah at the start of the Iraqi operation AP In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Shia fighters hold an Isis flag in an operation east of Fallujah  the terror group has lost ground in both Syria and Iraq AFP/Getty In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Shia fighters hold their weapons as they gather near Falluja, Iraq, June 4, 2016. Reuters In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Pro-government forces bid to take back ground from Isis in Fallujah MOADH AL-DULAIMI/AFP/Getty Images In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Smoke billows on the horizon as Iraqi military forces prepare for an offensive to retake the city AP In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah A member of the Iraqi security forces fires artillery during clashes with Isis militants near Fallujah, Iraq, 29 May, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Iraqi government forces fire a rocket near al-Sejar village, north-east of Fallujah, on May 26, 2016, as they take part in a major assault to retake the city from the Islamic State group AFP/Getty In pictures: Iraq battles to drive Isis out of Fallujah Shia fighters and Iraqi security forces advance towards Fallujah Thaier Al-Sudani/Reuters

The US-backed offensive could begin as soon as the end of October, although the complex operation is being hindered by the competing interests of the many factions involved in the fight against Isis about how best to liberate the city.

The Iraqi and Turkish governments are currently involved in an escalating row over the presence of Turkish troops on Iraqi soil. Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Wednesday that the Mosul offensive could cause blood and fire along sectarian lines if not handled correctly, insisting that Turkey would keep troops nearby despite objections from Baghdad, which wants the Iraqi army to be at the forefront of the fighting.

The US has urged the two governments to resolve the spat over worries it could adversely affect the planned operation.

 Millions in need of aid as Iraqi forces advance on Mosul

Mosul fell to Isis during the terror groups blitz across Iraq in summer 2014. Leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi declared the establishment of the groups so-called caliphate from a mosque in Mosul shortly afterwards.

Isis has faced several military defeats in Iraq and Syria in recent months. Losing control of Mosul would in effect spell its defeat in that country.

The battle for the city will help to shape the future of Iraq and the legacy of US President Barack Obama. Even if Isis is driven out of Mosul, many are worried there is a danger of sectarian strife, especially if civilian casualties are high in a mainly Sunni city wary of the Shiite-led Iraqi government and the Shiite militias it depends on.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report
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Renewed air strikes on rebel-held parts of the Syrian city of Aleppo and the neighbouring countryside have killed at least 14 people, activists on the ground say, while rebel shelling of a government-held neighbourhood in the south hit a school, killing five children.

Opposition-held east Aleppo, which is home to around 250,000 residents trapped in the area by regime siege barricades, has been subjected to unprecedented shelling by the Russian-backed Syrian government since a seven-day internationally brokered ceasefire collapsed in September.

Leaflets were dropped on east Aleppo last week which said the bombing would ease to allow civilians to leave, but several residents reported that the siege barricades remained up.

The relative calm ended on Tuesday with intense strikes which the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights says killed 16 people, including three children, and injured 20. Activists on the ground put the figure as high as 40.

In the most deadly development, bunker buster ground-penetrating bombs fell on Bustan al-Qasr neighborhood, killing at least eight people. Rescue workers were still looking for people trapped under rubble as night fell on Tuesday.

Activists sent photos to journalists of two small children wrapped in white sheets, their faces bruised and covered in dust, whom they said died in the incident. Reconnaissance planes were still circling over the city as dawn broke on Wednesday, the Aleppo Media Centre said.

 Drone footage of Aleppo

The strikes came at the same time as the UK parliament met for a three-hour emergency debate on what can be done to reinstate a ceasefire in the Syrian conflict. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said that the wells of outrage are growing exhausted over Russias continued defiance of international law in assisting the Syrian government in strikes, which he said amount to war crimes.

A Downing Street spokesperson later said that the prospect of implementing a no-fly-zone with Russian aircraft operating in the same space would be a potentially very difficult and challenging situation.

The renewed campaign to retake Aleppo has been met with fierce international criticism for the indiscriminate use of particularly deadly munitions such as bunker busters on built-up areas. More than 300 people have died in the recent shelling, and civilian infrastructure such as hospitals and water treatment centres destroyed.

In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Show all 19 1 /19 In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrian boys cry following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian defense ministry spokesman Major General 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 In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrians wait to receive treatment at a hospital following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Alepp Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov speaks at a briefing in the Defense Ministry in Moscow, Russia. Antonov said the Russian air strikes in Syria have killed about 35,000 militants, including about 2,700 residents of Russia AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Jameel Mustafa Habboush, receives oxygen from civil defence volunteers, known as the white helmets, as they rescue him from under the rubble of a building following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civil defence members rest amidst rubble in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A girl carrying a baby inspects damage in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members look for survivors at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members carry an injured woman on a stretcher at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Volunteers from Syria Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, help civilians after Russia carried out its first airstrikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria The aftermath of Russian airstrike in Talbiseh, Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Smoke billows from buildings in Talbiseh, in Homs province, western Syria, after airstrikes by Russian warplanes AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Air Forces carry out an air strike in the ISIS controlled Al-Raqqah Governorate. Russia's KAB-500s bombs completely destroy the Liwa al-Haqq command unit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia claimed it hit eight Isis targets, including a "terrorist HQ and co-ordination centre" that was completely destroyed In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A video grab taken from the footage made available on the Russian Defence Ministry's official website, purporting to show an airstrike in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A release from the Russian defence ministry purportedly showing targets in Syria being hit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia launched air strikes in war-torn Syria, its first military engagement outside the former Soviet Union since the occupation of Afghanistan in 1979. Russian warplanes carried out strikes in three Syrian provinces along with regime aircraft as Putin seeks to steal US President Barack Obama's thunder by pushing a rival plan to defeat Isis militants in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria, a thousand kilometres away. The targets include ammunition factories, ammunition and fuel depots, command centres, and training camps A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis

The assault has been followed up with ground troops, causing clashes in several key access points to rebel areas and in the historic city centre as government forces slowly advance.

President Bashar al-Assad has vowed to retake his entire country from terrorists.

Fighting has also intensified on several other fronts in the five-and-a-half year long war.

In Daraa on the outskirts of the capital Damascus  once a rebel stronghold  rebel rockets hit a primary school, killing five children and an adult, and wounding 18 others, Syrian state media, Sana, reported. Video footage showed children admitted to hospital for their injuries.

Sana also reported rare shelling of government-held neighbourhoods in the centre of Damascus, which wounded an unknown number of people.
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On the evening of Friday 23 September, the operations directors of all the leading UK airlines bar one received an unusual phone call. It was from the Civil Aviation Authority, enquiring if they had any spare planes and crews available for the following Monday morning.

The reason: there were serious concerns about the financial health of Monarch Airlines. With around 12,000 passengers due to fly back every day of that week, the CAA needed to organise an orderly airlift. The authority knows from weary experience that an airline failure can trigger panic and upset among British holidaymakers abroad, and wanted to be able to tell travellers: we will get you home, just turn up as normal at the airport and be prepared to board an unusual plane.

These arrangements needed to be carried out with the utmost secrecy. Rumours about the imminent demise of an airline can, all too often, prove self-fulfilling. Passengers stop booking, and suppliers start demanding cash in advance.

But the CAA reckoned without the planespotters of the world. Aircraft enthusiasts saw Jumbo jets from United Airlines in Chicago arriving in Palma and Tenerife. Soon the online departure screens at those airports, and others in various Mediterranean sunspots, revealed a shadow airline mirroring the Monarch schedule.

The flight crews of the chartered aircraft enjoyed a week in some lovely places. They were kept on for the next deadline: 11.59pm on Friday 30 September, when Monarchs Air Travel Organisers Licence was due to expire. I was camped outside the CAA HQ in London waiting to see if the airlines ATOL would be renewed. With less than four hours remaining, Monarch got a 12-day stay of execution, in which to find new finance to see it through a bleak winter of weak demand and falling fares.

Monarch is shortly expected to file its accounts showing a healthy operating profit. Surely potential funders would be queuing up to invest in a successful airline? Well, in the tangled web of travel accounting, making a margin in a relatively bouyant summer when oil prices are low does not necessarily imply a going concern when the going gets tough.

Bluntly, the CAA needed to be convinced that the airline had a big bag of cash.

Day 11 dawned with the pound plunging further on the foreign exchanges, and an empty chair. The superfluous furniture was on the stage of the Abta Convention, the travel associations annual get-together, held this year in Abu Dhabi. Andrew Swaffield, Chief Executive of Monarch, was due to take part in a debate on Brexits impact on the travel industry.

To no-ones surprise, he was elsewhere, seeking to get investment in place to satisfy the CAA.

To everyones surprise, Mr Swaffield turned up a day late. On Tuesday he had succeeded in organising 165m in new investment from Greybull Capital, which already owns 90 per cent of Monarch. (The remaining tenth is held by the airlines pension fund.) Then he headed for Heathrow to board Etihad flight 18 to the UAE.

At 10am on Wednesday, Abu Dhabi time, the news release went out confirming the cash injection. By 1pm, Mr Swaffield was on stage in a hastily arranged extra session. Even though it cut into lunchtime, the hall was full of travel agents and tour operators keen to hear about the fate of an airline that helped to underpin the remarkable expansion of the British holidaymakers horizons.

The Monarch boss explained that the negotiations for a cash injection were so protracted because of the sheer range of issues facing the airline: the puny pound, the UK governments ban on flights to Sharm el Sheikh, a slump in demand for Turkey because of fears over terrorism, and ferocious competition between short-haul airlines.

Things, he said, will start getting better from 2018, when the airline gets the first of a fleet of new, more efficient planes.

The audience responded enthusiastically; Monarch is one of the rare travel brands for which many in the industry feel genuine warmth. The airlines rivals are quietly seething: while any carriers failure gives the industry a bad image, easyJet, Ryanair and Jet2 expect Monarch to cut fares drastically in order to get people back on board.

Its a lousy time to be an airline, which means it's a good time to be a passenger. Outside half-terms and the Christmas/New Year break, travellers will be almost be able to name their price. Make the most of the fares war; it wont last.
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Parliament has been the central institution of British public life for 750 years. That is why David Davis, Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, and the Governments supporters and opponents, have to think very carefully about what Parliaments role should be in reaching a satisfactory Brexit settlement.

There have been hardly any important events since the 1260s that havent involved Parliament. In 1258, leading barons had sought to bring the king, Henry III, under control. One of their demands was that the king should call a parlemenz at Oxford. The king objected. There was an armed struggle. But the point was won. By the 1270s, Parliament had started to meet twice a year at Westminster.

Since then Parliament has loomed over monarchs and their subjects except for a period during the disastrous reigns of the Stuarts. Charles I did without Parliament for 11 years. When the royal messenger was on his way with an order to adjourn in 1629, members locked the door and held the Speaker down in his chair. To no avail. Parliament did not meet again until 1640. Two years later, the English civil war began, Parliament versus the King. The King lost.

Yet you may well ask what have the events of 400 years ago to do with Parliaments role in the Brexit debate? OK; lets go back just 76 years to an event with which Brexit has sometimes been compared in terms of its importance  the opening stages of the Second World War. On 1 September 1939, German troops had invaded Poland.

Neville Chamberlain was Prime Minister. The House of Commons met on 2 September expecting the Prime Minister to announce an ultimatum telling the Germans that unless they withdrew there would be war. Instead he prevaricated. When Arthur Greenwood, acting Labour leader, rose to speak, the Conservative member, Leo Amery, bawled, Speak for England, Arthur. After the House broke up in confusion, Greenwood went to Chamberlain and told him it would be impossible to hold the House. The next morning the British ultimatum was delivered and the Second World War began.

Then in May 1940 an attempt to confront German power in Norway had proved to be a disaster. British troops had to be evacuated. Public opinion turned against Neville Chamberlain. On 7 May he opened a two-day debate on the Norwegian campaign. There were many territorial officers whose units had suffered in Norway present among the younger Conservative MPs. They were hostile. The First World War naval hero, Roger Keyes, who had become Conservative MP for Portsmouth North in 1933, attended in the full uniform of an Admiral of the Fleet including medals. He too denounced the Government.

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

However the most dramatic moment was Amerys doing again. Turning to Chamberlain, he ended his speech with Cromwells words to the Rump Parliament: Depart, I say, and let us have done with you. In the name of God, go! It was this that generated the anguished discussions that led to Chamberlains resignation and his replacement by Churchill. Never underestimate Parliament.

With this history in mind, and as a lover of Parliament, you might expect me to be critical of the Governments decision not to ask the House of Commons for approval before triggering Article 50. The pro-Leave Conservative backbencher, Stephen Phillips, put the matter very well. In a letter to the Speaker, Phillips said that bypassing Parliament was simply not an acceptable way for the executive to proceed, adding: I and many others did not exercise our vote in the referendum so as to restore the sovereignty of this Parliament only to see what we regarded as the tyranny of the European Union replaced by that of a Government that apparently wishes to ignore the views of the House on the most important issue facing the nation.

In fact I am not so worried as Phillips is. It is important to preserve the sanctity of the Referendum vote. For the moment, I am prepared to take at face value the words of David Davis. In the House of Commons on Monday, referring to the Brexit process, he stated: I want this House to be engaged throughout, and we will observe the constitutional and legal precedents that apply to any new treaty on a new relationship with the European Union. Indeed, my whole approach is about empowering this place. I trust this will be the case.
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Are you in favour of Britain remaining in the single market? Then according to the Daily Mail today you are part of a plot to subvert the will of the British people. Are you a business owner who has voiced concerns about not being able to hire people with the right skills from abroad in future? Then you are unpatriotic.

Are you an MP who feels Parliament should have a vote on Brexit? Then you are guilty of snake-like treachery and should be punished, says Chris Roycroft-Davis in the Daily Express. Are you a Treasury economist whose calculations suggest leaving the EU without a trade deal in place will inflict grave damage on the UK economy? Then you are a fifth columnist, according to the Express front page. Its time to silence you, says that newspapers headline.

But so what? Isnt this just the usual colourful hyperbole from our rambunctious tabloid media? And, is it really a surprise that these papers, having made pulling Britain out of the EU their objective for years, are now lobbying for a hard Brexit?

 Leave voter who wants to 'control our own laws' can't name single EU law

I have read UK tabloid newspapers closely for 15 years and I believe that this is something else.

This is rhetoric and a campaigning style that crosses over from these papers usual fare of character assassination and right-wing political lobbying into truly dark and dangerous territory. The Brexit vote has changed something. What we have heard from these newspapers this morning is the language of political intolerance taken to a chilling new extreme.

This isnt about these newspapers arguing that people who want to stay in the single market are wrong or misguided. Its not a contemptuous rebuttal of economics forecasts that they believe are too pessimistic. This is not normal political debate.

These newspapers and their commentators are implying that those who disagree with them should be silenced, locked up even. That we are traitors.

The Mail and the Express seem to have decided they simply do not recognise the legitimacy of people who have a different political position.

These newspapers preen themselves as champions of free speech and traditional British liberties. Yet they are seeking to delegitimise contrary political views, to silence them through intimidation and the implied threat of violence.

This is the same kind of authoritarian instinct we saw when Donald Trump  like some developing world strongman  threatened to prosecute Hillary Clinton in their televised debate this week if he wins the US Presidential election.

Theres a tendency to treat the tabloid press as a bit of a joke. We laugh at the Mails hypocrisy on sex, The Suns dodgy puns, the Express obsession with stories about Princess Diana and house prices.

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But this isnt funny. This is our civil society being undermined by influential media organisations that either do not understand the rules of the democratic game which keep all of us safe and prosperous or which are content to ignore those rules to achieve their political ends.

These papers urgently need to moderate their rhetoric because they are feeding a pressure cooker atmosphere in parts of the country.

This is about much more than membership of the single market, or immigration policy or even Brexit. This is about the health of our democracy and our physical safety.

Death to traitors, freedom for Britain. These are the words the man accused of murdering the Labour MP Jo Cox in the week before the EU referendum said in court when asked to give his name.

Where did he get those ideas from? Where else do we hear that kind of language? We need to wake up.
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Jeremy Corbyn returned to Prime Ministers Questions more confident than ever today. With a thumping second leadership victory behind him and the successful formation of a strong and capable Shadow Cabinet team, he had much to cheer. But todays performance was about much more than one man. Having left Theresa May in a spin, the Labour party is finally demonstrating that when it works together it can be the credible opposition that this country so desperately needs.

Labours strategy began this morning with a comprehensive list of questions about Brexit intended to hold the Government to account and released by the Shadow Foreign Secretary, Emily Thornberry, and the Shadow Brexit Secretary, Kier Starmer. The list of 170 questions was developed by the respective shadow teams that comprise a number of ministers who had previously resigned before being re-appointed by Jeremy Corbyn in the recent reshuffle. The fact that they are back and the fact that they are working together offers real hope for those who felt let down by Labours recent civil war, whichever side they were on.

And Corbyns competent handling of the Prime Minister early this afternoon demonstrates that he is learning the lessons of the past. Corbyn lead with the questions of our time and nobody was able to mock him for choosing a topic off the political radar, as he has been guilty of doing in the past. In noting his opposition to the shambolic Tory Brexit plan, Corbyn also demonstrated that he is willing to reframe the Governments plans. Rather than let the Prime Minister push the narrative that a Hard Brexit was analogous to being tough, Corbyn exposed their tactics for the shambolic mess they really are.

 Corbyn has impressive PMQs

This, like grammar schools, is an issue which finds the Parliamentary Labour Party virtually united. In defining what Brexit means to the Labour Party, Corbyn was able to cheer his backbenches while also touching on the concerns of many people across the country, whether they voted to leave the European Union or not. Corbyn warned that with the trade deficit widening, growth forecasts being downgraded, and the value of the pound down 16 per cent the Prime Minister was pursuing a negotiation that satisfies the hard-right fringe of the Tory party at the expense of the rest of the country. Many who voted for Brexit did not envision the Hard Brexit May is pursuing.

Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Show all 12 1 /12 Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyn's reshuffle Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyn and the Syria bombing vote Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyn asks questions from the public at PMQs, meanwhile backbenchers plot to oust him Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyn is unavailable to attend the Privy Council Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Conference rejects Corbyns call to debate Trident Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn At Labour conference Corbyn and McDonnell press for a Robin Hood tax Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyns hopes for a new politics look optimistic in the face of a media barrage Dave Brown on Jeremy Corbyn Corbyn enters Labour leadership race

Its a difficult position to take at a time when the right-wing press is painting anyone concerned about the current economic woes as unpatriotic and anti-British. But this topic was never going to be easy. Today the Labour Party offered itself a master class in how to tackle Theresa Mays toxic Government. When infighting is forgotten and the shadow cabinet can pull itself together on one issue, the result is a performance which has led many to feel extremely optimistic about.

Turn your Labour membership card over and youll see that this idea is imprinted within the psyche of our party: By the strength of our common endeavour we achieve more than we achieve alone. If the party is able to concentrate on this strength, rather than focusing on internal battles and speculation, we may just have a chance of being given a fair hearing in the next election.
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At the risk of sounding a little foolish, there is, sadly, much evidence that World War Three has already arrived, though not quite in the way so many futurologists of the past imagined it, as a clash between superpowers, their tanks chasing each other across the North German plain.

Nowadays, our planet is much more kaleidoscopic and asymmetric in its violence than that, and the world is pretty much in flames already, should we care to look. The question is whether all the present (relatively) little wars could actually mutate into, or trigger, a real superpower conflict involving the US, Russia and China, at the least.

We are probably not yet at the most dangerous pass since 1945: the 1962 Cuban missile crisis and the early 1980s felt more frightening in those terms, in truth much more than after 9/11, traumatising as that event was. But we are certainly in risky, unstable, uncertain times.

There are about 195 countries in the world. Only a dozen or so can be said to be properly at peace: Iceland, the worlds most peaceful country according to the Global Peace Index, followed by Denmark, Austria, New Zealand, Portugal, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Canada, Japan, Slovenia and Finland. A tiny proportion of the worlds population reside in these outposts of calm. The list of conflicts, wars, civil wars, insurgencies and permanent states of terror is a much longer one, from the all-too-familiar agonies of Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Ukraine, Boko Haram in west Africa, and Yemen through to less well-covered conflicts such as the drugs wars in Mexico and insurgencies from Burma to Armenia and Azerbaijan to (until recently) Colombia. Britain, one way or another, has been in some sort of conflict every year since 1914, with the sole exception of 1968.

In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Show all 19 1 /19 In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrian boys cry following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian defense ministry spokesman Major General 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 In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Syrians wait to receive treatment at a hospital following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Alepp Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov speaks at a briefing in the Defense Ministry in Moscow, Russia. Antonov said the Russian air strikes in Syria have killed about 35,000 militants, including about 2,700 residents of Russia AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Jameel Mustafa Habboush, receives oxygen from civil defence volunteers, known as the white helmets, as they rescue him from under the rubble of a building following Russian air strikes on the rebel-held Fardous neighbourhood of the northern embattled Syrian city of Aleppo Getty In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civil defence members rest amidst rubble in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A girl carrying a baby inspects damage in a site hit by what activists said were airstrikes carried out by the Russian air force in the town of Douma, eastern Ghouta in Damascus, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members look for survivors at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Civilians and civil defence members carry an injured woman on a stretcher at a site damaged after Russian air strikes on the Syrian rebel-held city of Idlib, Syria Reuters In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Volunteers from Syria Civil Defence, also known as the White Helmets, help civilians after Russia carried out its first airstrikes in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria The aftermath of Russian airstrike in Talbiseh, Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Smoke billows from buildings in Talbiseh, in Homs province, western Syria, after airstrikes by Russian warplanes AP In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russian Air Forces carry out an air strike in the ISIS controlled Al-Raqqah Governorate. Russia's KAB-500s bombs completely destroy the Liwa al-Haqq command unit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia claimed it hit eight Isis targets, including a "terrorist HQ and co-ordination centre" that was completely destroyed In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A video grab taken from the footage made available on the Russian Defence Ministry's official website, purporting to show an airstrike in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria A release from the Russian defence ministry purportedly showing targets in Syria being hit In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Russia launched air strikes in war-torn Syria, its first military engagement outside the former Soviet Union since the occupation of Afghanistan in 1979. Russian warplanes carried out strikes in three Syrian provinces along with regime aircraft as Putin seeks to steal US President Barack Obama's thunder by pushing a rival plan to defeat Isis militants in Syria In pictures: Russian air strikes in Syria Caspian Flotilla of the Russian Navy firing Kalibr cruise missiles against remote Isis targets in Syria, a thousand kilometres away. The targets include ammunition factories, ammunition and fuel depots, command centres, and training camps A TASS/ITAR-TASS Photo/Corbis

So the world is at war, and more so than at any point than in most peoples lifetimes. It is a way of life for most of humanity. Each conflict is different, of course. Slogans such as the war on terror or the war on militant Islamism fail to capture this reality. After all, many of these conflicts  as we see graphically in Syria and Yemen, for example  are between different groups of militant Islamists, with the Sunni-Shia divide more or less visible. Closer to home, in Northern Ireland, some of the bloodiest moments in the Troubles came when armed Republicans fought armed Loyalists, rather than the security forces. The tendency with al-Qaeda and Isis is for semi-autonomous or autonomous groups, or just random disaffected individuals armed with only a light truck or a smuggled gun, to affiliate themselves, often after the event.

The clash of civilisations, the famous phrase coined by Samuel Huntington a quarter century ago, has not materialised in the sense he envisaged  substantial blocs of nation states fighting conventional wars across faultiness. Instead, we have these fragmented, chaotic, unpredictable sets of players that vary in size and potency from the United States of America to a lone maniac with a machete on a train in Germany, or gangs of drunken child soldiers in the Central African Republic. There are proxy wars which defy easy categorisation into a pattern of the West versus the Rest. Where America wants to retain friendlier relations with Iran and Saudi Arabia, whose side is the US on in the proxy war between Tehran and Riyadh in Yemen? When the Hutu and the Tutsi attempt genocide, they do so for ethnic not geopolitical reasons.

 Former Mi6 Chief says we're entering an era more dangerous than Cold War

Even so, the immediate danger now is Cold War 2, much more than a hot Third World War, though one could grow out of the other. The US-Russia relationship is on a pivot between progress and failure, more so than at any time since the fall of the Berlin Wall. Also unsteady are Americas and Russias respective relations with China, which, as has been true since the Sino-Soviet split in 1961 and Richard Nixons historic visit in 1972, can be categorised, in Huntingtons terms, as a swing superpower, and a better armed, active and richer one nowadays.

When America and Russia cannot act together in the face of a common threat on the scale of Isis, then there is certainly little cause for optimism. Putin won his war in the Ukraine with the annexation of Crimea and the de facto capture of eastern Ukraine, on the very borders of Nato and the European Union. Perhaps, had Donald Trump not been so enchanted by Vladimir Putin, we would have heard more about that particular failing by the Obama administration in the presidential campaign.

On that score, cosying up to Russia, President Trump might be better for world peace than the second President Clinton; but at what price? Trump has also made little secret of his essential isolationism, dismissing Nato and, implicitly, offering up the Baltic republics to Putin as a few morsels, as if they were not worth the bones of an American marine. Thus would Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania leave the European Union against their will and join a reborn Russian sphere of influence.

Others  the central Asian republics for example, and Georgia (where Russia has already fought a war of aggression)  might not be far behind. A Cold War would see aggressive, steady Russian expansionism accelerate, in a way we havent seen since the 1970s, or Hitlers opportunistic land grabs. In that way we could be living through something similar to the steps to war every school child learns that the world trod in the 1930s; appeasement feeding the appetite of the beast.

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Or it could arrive more rapidly, this transition from Cold War to hot war  more like the way it did in 1914, almost out of a clear blue sky. There are plenty of corners of the world that replicate some or all of the features of the Balkans in the late summer of 1914: the Baltic republics, Korea, the South China sea, Ukraine and the Middle East are the more obvious ones.

But a hot war would not mean Americans directly in hand-to-hand combat with Russians, either conventionally or through nuclear weaponry. The doctrine of mutually assured destruction still applies. More probable, as in the last Cold War, is that they will try to stay out and allow their proxies to fight the wars for them.

Every conflict during the Cold War was fought by armies or insurgents working on behalf of the Americans, Russians, or, occasionally the Chinese. Sometimes the superpowers committed their own troops  usually the US, as in Korea (under UN auspices) and in Vietnam, though the Russians went in in force to Afghanistan in the 1979 invasion, their own Vietnam. But Russians and Americans rarely, if ever, faced each other. The mujahedeen that resisted the Russians occupiers and their puppet regime in Afghanistan? Armed and advised by the CIA via Pakistan, including one Osama bin Laden. Wars in Korea, Vietnam, Angola (where the Russians sent Cubans and the Americans backed South Africa), and between Israelis and Arabs were or all, more or less, proxy affairs, where locals or the allies of the superpowers lost many more civilian and military lives than did the Americans or Russians.

The Second Cold War will most likely take on that sort of character, as it is already, but in more places, with more deadly weapons, more terrorism, a greater death toll, less respect for national borders and, thus, with more dangers of escalation attached. Lets hope Iceland manages to keep out of the way; few others will.
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There are moments  precious few, you understand  when you can believe in Kurdistan as part of Turkey. You hear the great wedding drum from far away, sinister, not unlike the Protestant Lambeg drum with all its sectarian reverberations, echoing, quite literally, off the walls of the city.

But there is nothing malevolent about the sweating man with the vast drum leading a column of young Kurdish-gypsy women around the big, cheap, tin-roofed hall beside the Diyabarkir city walls. They are laughing and dancing and waiting for the bride and groom, and my friend, a schoolteacher approaching what we used to call middle age  a man with three children and a wife whos also a primary school teacher, who live in a flat in a leafy street outside town  watched with something close to amusement.

There are no Turkish police, no intelligence men, and the family cheerfully invite the foreigners to their celebrations without asking for our nationality  this is, after all, not the Arab world  and they also wave in our Kurdish schoolteacher friend without worrying about his politics or whether he might be (for many are) an informant for the police.

But he is a nervous man and he occasionally wrings his hands and glances at me with a mournful look. He may be out of work in a few days time because of the spitefulness of a government which should protect him.

His story  told with the usual anonymity for this tragic place  must melt a heart of stone and so I shall tell it partly in his own words, to demonstrate what it is like today to be an ordinary, honest, decent Kurd caught up in an ordinary, dishonest, vicious war and ruled by a spiteful government.

In the autumn of last year the PKK Kurdish workers party and the Turkish army were fighting every night in the streets of central Diyabarkir. Shooting, bombs, explosions, they became normal to us and there was very bad destruction and by the winter there had been three months of war in the city centre, my friend begins.

People were dying and we were fearful of both sides. Sometimes the PKK didnt want the children to go to school. I remember one day after they said this, we teachers all went to school to work. We had our duty to the children, whatever the PKK said. But the children didnt come to school. We wanted to teach  but there was no-one to teach.

So all the people, the ordinary people, wanted to do something. We all talked about peace! but we couldnt have peace. Our peace process with the government was dying. Our teachers union became involved. It demanded a ceasefire, a peace, an end to fighting. Im not a politician. Im not even a member of the union, but I supported it when they called for a symbolic strike for peace.

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And here came my friends first problem. Kurdish civilians dont give orders to the PKK  the PKK is an autocratic, un-socialist, unIslamist, almost Khmer-Rouge style outfit which fights with great bravery and almost total lack of compassion for anyone who gets in its way. Many of its newest tactics  fighting from tunnels, staging mass suicide attacks  crept over the border from the Syrian war and before that, I suppose, from Iraq. Certainly, there is evidence that it has killed more Kurds than Turks. So nothing as mundane as a teachers strike was likely to sway the PKK.

No, the teachers had to direct their complaint at the Turkish government which was also, of course, their employer. Ill hand the story once more to my friend. We teachers had to give a voice to peace. But of course, the target of our strike was the government. They were the authorities. It was their job to ensure peace in our city. But the government was very unhappy with our action. Why dont you talk to the terrorists? they asked us. They wanted us to talk to the PKK. Why do you get angry with us and not with the others, who are the cause of the fighting? the government asked us. But how can we talk to terrorists? We cant talk to the PKK. They dont care.

Northern Ireland Catholics, Basque separatists, Iraqi and Syrian civilians under occupation or under the control of regime armies  or Palestinians under Israeli military occupation  have all experienced the same problem. If you tell your own side to stop fighting, you will be accused of being a collaborator. And even if you are successful, the government/regime/occupying power will then conclude that you obviously support terrorism  for why else would your side stop shooting at your request? So my friend and his thousands of teacher colleagues protested at the government.

 Turkey denies reaching ceasefire with Kurdish forces in Syria

We had spent two quite happy years in Diyabarkir and the peace process was working so when we objected to the fighting, we thought this would be a good thing that might help revive the process. I went on strike for a day  it was only symbolic, of course, I was back at work next day. And my wife, she went on strike just for one symbolic hour. We wanted peace, we said we wanted peace. We did not support the PKK. And then suddenly, out of the blue, this summer, months later  when we had almost forgotten our strike  we were told that of the 20,000 teachers, 10,000 would be suspended for taking part in the strike. We were stunned. We had never suspected this could happen. Why did it happen?

Why, indeed. Well what really did happen  as we all now know  is that elements of the army and air force staged an attempted coup against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on 15 July, an assault which was quickly put down by loyal elements of the army and equally loyal AKP party supporters, some of whom died for their opposition to the army mutineers. Down in Diyabarkir  in fact, all across Kurdistan  there was no support for the coup, indeed even a little sympathy (unstated, naturally) for Erdogan, because it had been his AKP party which had engaged in the peace process with the Kurds.

And it is a fact that the most ruthless units of the Turkish army, including paratroop battalions which were based in Kurdistan and fighting the PKK, were deeply involved in the coup attempt. That is why the overall commander of the anti-Kurdish insurgency  the army commander for the area in which my friend lives  has been arrested and is now in prison.

Erdogan imposed an immediate 90-day state of emergency  he has just renewed it  which means that all normal civil and judicial legal process is now subordinate to the government. Readers may be forgiven a growing but cynical smile of prescience as we turn back once more to my friends travails. I thought when I heard they would suspend us that it was for just ten days  you know, a symbolic punishment for a symbolic strike. But no, the principal of my school called me in and told me I must leave my job immediately, that I was totally suspended, that I would not be paid, that this could be for months. The same happened to my wife.

Incredibly, my friends voice does not rise in indignation as he speaks. Thats the Kurds for you. Injustice is second nature to them. For the point  the whole casting-into-darkness of thousands of schoolteachers  was carried out under the state of emergency. Can you imagine? I and my wife and ten thousand others were suspended from our jobs because of something we did a year ago  under a state of emergency declared by Erdogan only in July  after an attempted coup that had nothing to do with us? Now, just today, they announced on the radio, that a percentage of the 10,000 suspended teachers will be dismissed altogether, that we will not be allowed to work again.

In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Show all 17 1 /17 In pictures: Turkey coup attempt In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Erdogan attends the funeral service for victims of the thwarted coup in Istanbul at Fatih mosque on July 17, 2016 in Istanbul, Turkey Burak Kara/Getty Images In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soldiers involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge with their hands raised in Istanbul on 16 July, 2016 Gokhan Tan/Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A civilian beats a soldier after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 REUTERS/Murad Sezer In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Surrendered Turkish soldiers who were involved in the coup are beaten by a civilian Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Soliders involved in the coup attempt surrender on Bosphorus bridge Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan wave flags as they capture a Turkish Army vehicle Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt People pose near a tank after troops involved in the coup surrendered on the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul, Turkey, 16 July, 2016 Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers block Istanbul's Bosphorus Brigde Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt A Turkish military stands guard near the Taksim Square in Istanbul Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Pierre Crom/Twitter In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers secure the area as supporters of Recep Tayyip Erdogan protest in Istanbul's Taksim square AP In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Murad Sezer/Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish soldiers detain police officers during a security shutdown of the Bosphorus Bridge Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish Army armoured personnel carriers in the main streets of Istanbul Getty In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Chaos reigned in Istanbul as tanks drove through the streets EPA/TOLGA BOZOGLU In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan speaks to media in the resort town of Marmaris Reuters In pictures: Turkey coup attempt Supporters of President Erdogan celebrate in Ankara following the suppression of the attempted coup Reuters

My friend still does not know if he will be one of the permanently unemployed but there can be no doubt of the perniciousness of a Turkish government that manipulates a state of emergency against a Kurdish minority community that had nothing to do with the attempted coup. In the real world, thats called sectarian. I never thought we had done anything wrong when we called for peace last year, my friend says. An ordinary teacher has the right to speak out against war. Any human being must be against war. And because of the state of emergency, nobody can even speak out about the injustice being done to us now, as they would once have been able to. Now people can only stay silent.

Which is why my friend must remain anonymous  though he must have the last word. Most of my friends have now lost faith in the Turkish government. The government thinks they can do what they want. Erdogan was so strong, he didnt need to do this. Now everyone in Kurdistan is expecting something to happen  its like before an explosion. It is our hope that nothing will happen until Erdogan passes away  and we hope he passes away very quickly.
Finance Minister Michael Noonan at RTE Radio Studios to answer the public's questions on Budget 2017 on Today with Sean O'Rourke.

The Government has defended salary hikes for TDs amid Budget 2017 reforms which offered most people five euro extra a week.

Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, also suggested pay rises for ministers would be looked at next year but refused to be drawn on the prospect of wage freeze.

"The last thing on my mind at the moment is the welfare and salary of TDs I can assure you," he said.

"I absolutely understand that perception and I'm so keenly aware of the hurt and anxiety that's been caused to so many people after all that we went through."

Mr Donohoe was on RTE Radio's Today with Sean O'Rourke with Finance Minister Michael Noonan to defend the heavily criticised first-time buyers' tax rebate, childcare subsidies, Brexit safeguards and other key initiatives in the budget.

He claimed childcare costs should come down by the level of subsidies being paid direct to registered childminders or creches rather than that money being used to boost wages of staff or improve facilities.

TDs are in line for a pay rise of 2,700 euro next year and again in 2018 while welfare benefits including the dole, pensions and carers' and disability allowance is going up by a fiver, but not before March 1.

Mr Donohoe defended the salary increases for politicians which were agreed as part of pay restoration plans for all public and civil servants.

"Everything is now tied in to how we treat public and civil servants. There's the issue in relation to ministerial salaries that we will revisit because I don't want to be in a situation where people feel in the future that there's any kind of unfairness going on," he said.

Mr Noonan rejected criticism of the budget by the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council which said it was in breach of European rules.

He also defended the first-time buyers' tax rebate - 5% of the price of a newly built home or 20,000 euro up to a 600,000 euro value.

Mr Noonan said it was one of a range of measures to ease the unprecedented housing crisis and was intended to make it worth the while for builders to develop new starter homes.

The minister said it had support from the Central Bank and rejected criticism that it will force up prices for new starter homes.

"You can't say that at present because these houses don't exist, so we don't know where the price will land," Mr Noonan said.

"But as the supply increases in normal economics its downward pressure on prices as there is more choice."

In a statement the Central Bank said the scheme "may influence both demand and supply factors" and that it was within the strict lending rules for mortgages.

"The new tax rebate provides one mechanism by which first-time buyers of new builds can accumulate the deposit required to satisfy the Central Bank's macroprudential mortgage rules," it said.

Mr Noonan also defended planning for Brexit including efforts to deal with the collapse in sterling and the potential for further fluctuations in the value of the currency, including for farmers and exporters.
OLDER people are set for a 5-a-week boost in the State pension and a 5 cut in their prescription costs.

Those with a full contributory pension will enjoy an increase from up to 243 to 248 a week, while those on the means-tested non-contributory pension of up to 232 will get 237.

This is the second time the pension has been increased since 2009, following a 3 increase in the last Budget.

The pension boost is part of a package of across-the-board social welfare hikes that are the centrepiece of the Department of Social Protection's 301m budget for next year.

All weekly social welfare payments will rise by 5 for benefit recipients including pensioners, carers, the blind, widows, the disabled, lone parents, jobseekers and people on Community Employment schemes.

In addition, maternity and paternity benefit will rise by 5 from 230 to 235.

Fianna Fail pushed for the pension increase to begin earlier in the new year at eleventh-hour talks, after Fine Gael sought a start date in June.

Minister for Social Protection Leo Varadkar (right) denied he tried to get one up on Fianna Fail by giving OAPs the hike.

He insisted he wanted it to come into force from January 1, but the Government could not afford the extra 90m it would cost.

He revealed that the Government only decided that the pension increase would begin in March yesterday morning. He said the improved payment for 400,000 pensioners is among across-the-board increases that will signal the end of the recession in many welfare recipients' minds.

"My priority has never been to get one over on anyone else," he said. "It [the pension increase] was in our manifesto as well as Fianna Fail's."

He said the parties came quickly to the conclusion that they could not have another increase for pensioners and "once again" do nothing at all for other groups.

During discussions, he said it was debated that some groups might get 5 and others 4, that some could be paid in January and some in June, or jobseekers left out.

"I would have much preferred if it was from January 1, I definitely would have, but it would have cost another 90m and turned a 300m package into a 400m package."

He said the start date for the increases will be given in the Social Welfare Bill, but insisted all payments will rise in March.

Age Action said the fact that the increase will not start until March is a disappointment.

Head of Advocacy Justin Moran said: "We welcome today's 5 increase as the first step in delivering on that commitment to Ireland's half-a-million pensioners.

"While the pension increase is welcome, delaying it to the start of March is going to disappoint many older people who will lose out during some of the coldest months of the year. A two-month delay means a loss of 40 to someone struggling to keep their home warm or to pay for medicine."

Meanwhile, Labour TD and Spokesperson on Social Protection Willie Penrose said the figures don't add up for pensioners.

He added: "When you add up the figures announced in the Budget it's clear that pensioners have been sold a pup. Fianna Fail called last year's increase an insult. They should let us know whether a smaller increase is also an insult?"
The Budget gave some positive signals to the business community but actually delivered very little practical support for SMEs and entrepreneurs. The Government appears to know what businesses want, touching on many of the live issues, but did not have the means do much about it.

One of the biggest disappointments was the limited improvement to the relief on capital gains tax (CGT) for entrepreneurs. This perk is a key consideration for entrepreneurs and innovators, who take huge risks only for the Exchequer to rake in a windfall of 33pc on most of the upside.

Yesterday's Budget reduced CGT from 20pc to 10pc on the first 1m of gains. The reduced limit matches the UK's lower rate of 10pc where it is applied to the first 10m (11m), so a sizeable disadvantage to entrepreneurs based here remains.

Renatus Capital is a fund dedicated to SME buyouts, targeting companies worth up to 5m. Typically, its takeover targets are owned by founders of a company who no doubt have CGT high on the agenda when they are considering a sale.

Mark Flood of Renatus said yesterday's change was "a baby step in the right direction", and took no comfort from Minister Noonan's commitment to reviewing the 1m lifetime limit in further budgets.

"If you are a guy selling, you might hold off until next year's Budget," said Flood.

While there is support for further improvements to CGT in the business community, it is worth noting that the higher cap is expensive. It cost the UK exchequer 3bn in 2013/2014, significantly more than had been envisaged. This concern was flagged to the Government by the high level Tax Strategy Group ahead of the Budget. So Noonan's caution is understandable.

Other disappointments include self-employed people remaining disadvantaged when compared with PAYE workers, and also the lack of change to the taxation of employee share reward schemes.

Those breathing a sigh of relief yesterday were in the hospitality and retail sectors.

Brexit concerns meant Noonan was slow to remove the special 9pc VAT rate for hotels or increase the minimum wage beyond 10c.

It is a shame that some of the best news for business yesterday was that little had changed. Those hoping for big strides forward for business will have to be content with baby steps for now.
TAX relief for landlords, an increase in tax-free income allowed under the Rent-a-Room scheme and extension of the Living City initiative to rental properties are among the measures aimed at boosting the private rental sector.

But there was criticism of the lack of measures for tenants, including rent certainty.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney said among the measures which were "good for landlords" and aimed at supporting the sector was the extension of the Living City Initiative.

This is where tax relief is used to offset the cost of upgrading properties in run-down areas of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Waterford, Kilkenny and Galway.

Other measures include restoring mortgage interest relief for landlords from 75pc to 100pc over five years. It rises to 80pc from next year and allows landlords claim tax relief on loans drawn down to purchase or improve rental properties.

The Rent-a-Room income ceiling has been increased from 12,000 a year to 14,000.

Above the tax-free threshold, any income earned is treated in the same way as other rental income and as a result, tax is charged at the marginal rate.

It is important to remember that this exemption does not apply to short-term lets, like Airbnb, under Revenue rules.

Meanwhile, a strategy for the rental sector will be delivered by the end of this year.

"The rented sector is a key focus under Rebuilding Ireland and in this Budget we have introduced a number of important supply incentives," said Mr Coveney.

Extending mortgage interest relief would send a "direct signal" to investors, he added.

But Fianna Fail said affordable cost rental should have been introduced, while the housing charity Threshold said the only way to help first-time buyers save a deposit was to cap rents.

"We have seen many supports for landlords introduced in Budget 2017 but any tax relief should be matched with rent certainty for tenants," chairperson Aideen Hayden said.

Speaking on RTE's 'Drivetime', Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said the issue of rent certainty was a "legislative matter, rather than a budgetary matter".

The Residential Landlords Association of Ireland said the budget changes were "totally insufficient" to tackle the shortage of rental accommodation.
No additional money has been set aside in the Department of Justice budget for next year to meet garda pay claims.

With rank and file gardai just weeks away from unprecedented strike action, Tanaiste Frances Fitzgerald stood firm on the pay issue, saying extra cash had not been made available in response to their demands.

However, she announced 71.5m was being set aside for garda overtime in 2017, safeguarding the future of the force's successful Operation Thor anti-burglary clampdown.

She also gave a commitment to increase the garda workforce to 21,000 by 2021.

Quizzed about whether garda pay claims had been factored into the department's 2.54bn budget for 2017, the Justice Minister said it was committed to the gradual restoration of pay under the Haddington Road agreement.

Demands for the immediate restoration of pay from members of the Garda Representative Association and a 16.5pc pay claim from the Association of Garda Sergeants and Inspectors were not factored into the 2.54bn figure, she said.

Ms Fitzgerald said the Budget only included "what has been approved by Government". But she was open to further talks with garda representatives in a bid to "find a way forward".

The future of Operation Thor had previously been in doubt, with Ms Fitzgerald saying in recent months it would have to be reviewed in light of a collapse in burglary rates.

The 71.5m allocated for garda overtime will help fund the continuation of the operation, as well as initiatives targeting gangland and international terrorism.

The figure set aside for overtime is 20m less than will be spent this year.

However, Ms Fitzgerald said this year's spend included a number of "one-off events" and should extra funding be needed for overtime in 2017, the figure would be reviewed.

The Tanaiste said the garda workforce would increase to 21,000 in the next five years.

This means that some 2,200 additional gardai will be recruited in that time.

Civilian numbers will be doubled from 2,000 at present to 4,000, while garda reserve numbers will jump from 800 to 2,000.

It is envisaged that 800 additional gardai will be recruited next year and up to 500 civilians and 300 reservists.

Elsewhere, funding for the courts is to increase by 30m, up to 140m.

Much of the additional cash is to cover the cost of new courthouses and upgrading IT infrastructure.

A further 1m has been set aside for the new Legal Services Regulatory Authority, which came into being earlier this month.

Extra cash is also being given to the Criminal Assets Bureau, Private Security Authority, the National Disability Authority and the Coroner Service to recruit staff. Plans for a new Forensic Science Laboratory are also being accelerated, amid concerns that current facilities are not fit for purpose.

Ms Fitzgerald said 6m was being made available for the building of the new laboratory in Backweston, Co Kildare, with construction to start next year.

Forensic Science Ireland director Sheila Willis welcomed the development, saying: "The current facility is unsuitable for modern science practices and it is vital that a new laboratory starts as soon as possible.

"This will allow us to make full use of the huge potential offered by the new DNA database and futureproof the needs of the service for decades to come."
IT WAS a mixed-bag Budget for Marcus Houlihan, owner of The Long Hall pub on South Great George's Street in Dublin's city centre.

He had hoped to see "a long overdue reduction" in excise duty on alcohol, noting that Ireland has the highest rate of taxation on alcohol in the EU.

However, he also said he was pleased that there were no more increases.

Mr Houlihan believes that successive governments have had a negative impact on the pub trade.

"In the last 10 years over a thousand pubs in Ireland have been forced to close. They're predominantly in small villages and towns across Ireland, but that's a shocking figure. That's employment in every town and village," he told the Irish Independent.

He is also concerned about the impact of Brexit and says that a reduction in UK visitors could be detrimental to tourism and hospitality.

"We've now got the highest tax on alcohol in the EU and it's making us very expensive. With Brexit it's become more expensive for UK visitors to come to Ireland. They're 40pc of our numbers."

However despite this, he says things have "definitely picked up" and that this year has been an exceptional one.

"Because of the centenary and 1916, there's been a lot going on in the city. Tourism figures are back up as well so there's a huge amount more visitors."

He says that the high excise duty on alcohol and the exorbitant pub prices mean that people are now more likely to drink at home, a trend he sees as worrying.

"When you get people going into supermarkets and getting slabs of beer and bottles of spirits and drinking at home on their own, it's not good.

"The pub is just a much better environment to be in."

He says that high excise duty does not decrease alcohol consumption, it just diverts it from one channel to another.
The only heckle during Finance Minister Michael Noonan's Budget speech yesterday came as he announced a 50c increase in the price of cigarettes.

It means the standard box of 20 cigarettes now costs 11. The increases came into effect at midnight last night.

Charities and anti-tobacco organisations welcomed the announcement yesterday.

However, the Government has been warned that further action is needed to support smokers quitting and to prevent the illegal sale of cheaper cigarettes on the black market.

Independent Alliance minister Finian McGrath, a smoker, was one of those whose voice was raised in the Dail yesterday when Mr Noonan announced the increase, but Mr McGrath said he has no issue with the price hike. Mr Noonan said the increase was the only tax to go up yesterday.

The Irish Cancer Society welcomed the increase and said it would act as a disincentive for people to take up or continue smoking.

Donal Buggy, head of services and advocacy at the Irish Cancer Society, said the 50c increase would help the Government reach its target of a tobacco-free Ireland by 2025.

Cigarettes have now increased by 1 in the past 12 months.

"Regular, sharp increases in price send a clear message to smokers that prices will continue to rise, and will act as an incentive to quit," said Mr Buggy.

"It sends a strong signal to the tobacco industry that the Government is serious about reaching its target of a tobacco -free Ireland by 2025.

"The price hike, which will mean the most popular-priced cigarettes will cost over 11 a packet, will encourage people to stop smoking and ultimately save lives."

However, he also warned that further support is needed to discourage smoking.

Research carried out by the society found that nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as gums and patches, makes smokers 50pc to 70pc more likely to quit.

"Price increases, while hugely important in increasing quit rates, need to be accompanied by readily available supports for smokers to quit," Mr Buggy said.

"Making NRT available free of charge to all those enrolled in smoking cessation programmes would help ensure that the two- thirds of smokers who want to quit get the support they need."

Ash Ireland chairman Dr Patrick Doorley said research by the World Health Organisation (WHO) has shown price is a key factor in encouraging smokers to quit.

However, he warned the Government needs to be vigilant, as the increase could lead to a rise in the sale of illicit cigarettes on the black market.

Tobacco companies have previously hit out at the volume of cigarettes that are smuggled into the country and sold at cheaper prices at a cost to the Exchequer.

"Smuggling of tobacco into this country is a major issue for Government. However, we must also be wary of tobacco industry efforts to use smuggling as a reason for not introducing effective measures which can improve the nation's health," said Dr Doorley.

"Smuggling increases consumption and addiction and therefore is of long-term benefit to the tobacco industry. There are many examples of jurisdictions where tobacco price has been increased for health reasons and smuggling simultaneously tackled and reduced - such as Australia, New Zealand and Spain."
New childcare measures have come in for sharp criticism for excluding stay-at-home parents and families who depend on their relatives for childcare.

The universal childcare payment and subsidised childcare had been touted as one of the centre pieces of Budget 2016.

Children's Minister Katherine Zappone has said it will open up doors for working parents who were otherwise unable to afford childcare.

But it will exclude swathes of parents who do not send their children to a formally recognised childcare provider.

It will also leave out many parents of children over the age of three who are struggling to balance work and childcare needs. The sharpest critics of the new scheme spearheaded by Ms Zappone compared it to the debacle of tax individualisation, introduced by Charlie McCreevy in 1999 - saying it discriminated in favour of two-income couples. The universal payment will see all families earning more than 47,500 getting a payment of 0.50 per hour on their childcare costs for children under three.

Families earning below that threshold will be able to avail of subsidies for childcare for children up to 15 years, on a sliding scale depending on their income and the age of the child.

However, Pauline O'Reilly of the Stay-at-Home Parents' Association (SAHP) said the new measures were pricing stay-at-home parents out of the market and robbing them of the choice to raise their children as full-time parents.

"We haven't been invited to sit at the table and that's the real reason we have been forgotten," she told the Irish Independent. "I don't know how she can say it's giving choice - it doesn't give choice at all."

Ms O'Reilly said the group want to see all families - including working families - helped by the Government.

Read more: Childcare, 300m tax cuts, welfare hikes - your guide to Budget 2017

But she would like to see more help given to families who have given up "more than 100pc of their income to raise children" because they also lose their tax credits.

However, Ms Zappone said she wasn't "nervous" about the negative reaction because the Government has supports in place. This included an additional 100 to the 1,000 carers' allowance which also applies to people who are caring for children.

"There are many parents who are staying at home because the costs of childcare are prohibitive," she said. "If the State weren't supporting stay-at-home parents in any way I would be concerned . . . but the investment we are working on is being encouraged by Europe.

"We have received country-specific recommendations for a number of years that our childcare costs are too high. We need to reduce them in order to reduce child poverty and increase female participation in the labour force."

The 47pc of families who rely on relatives to mind their children while working will not be able to avail of the payments. Only registered childminders can avail of the payments and this rules out people who mind their grandchildren.

Asked about the comparison to tax individualisation, Taoiseach Enda Kenny dismissed the idea and said the plan was the first step in improved childcare.

"While I'd like to think we might have been able to do more for stay-at-home mothers, there is a modest allocation there. Over the period I think the minister will draw all of the complex elements of childcare together to a much more streamlined and effective proposition".

Skills Minister John Halligan called the plan "a step forward" but said he "would have preferred if the ceiling was up around 70,000/75,000 which is really only two average incomes coming into a house".

Read more: Explainer: From childcare to the national debt - The 11 biggest changes made in Budget 2017

How you register as a childminder
Minister for Finance, Michael Noonan and Minister for Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform Paschal Donohoe pictured with Sean O'Rourke at RTE Radio studios this morning where the two ministers were questioned on the Budget by listeners. Picture Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin.

Ministers came under fire from the public as they answered callers questions about Budget 2017, and in particular TDs salaries.

Michael Noonan, Minister for Finance and Paschal Donohoe, Minister for Public Expenditure took questions from callers on RTEs Sean ORourke show.

Mary from Galway highlighted that people are angry that TDs are giving themselves pay increases against the backdrop of discussions on the pension increase and the budget in general.

TDs giving themselves a pay-rise is very insensitive, she said.

Read More

Donohoe was quick to respond that the pay restoration was in line with the Lansdowne Road Agreement.

What we have now is the Lansdowne Road Agreement with a partial wage restoration and the payment and salary of a TD is tied in with this. The change of wage for a TD is happening at the same time as it is for anyone else in the civil and public service.

While the Budget provides an extra 5 for social welfare payment across the board, TDs' increase is ten times that at 52 a month.

Read More

It was announced earlier this week that TDs were to get pay boost of 5,000 while OAPs wait for an extra fiver.

As a result, they are due 2,707 next year and the same amount the following year.

Thats an increase of 52 a week - while social welfare recipients and pensioners get 5 a week.

Read More:

Donohoe was quick to say that there was a plan in place for equal pay restoration but he wasnt getting into the finer details right now.

The Ministers also came under fire for their housing plan and in particular the first-time buyers allowance.

A caller asked the Ministers why the plan didnt apply to previously built homes.

If it applied to second hand homes it wouldnt increase supply. It would increase the cost of them and there wont be any houses in supply. We're encouraging new builds, said Minister Noonan.

Mr Noonan said the Housing Minister Simon Coveney had a multitude of plans which will also extend into the rental market.

The Minister for Finance has defended the scheme for first time buyers saying it is not a catch-all proposal and is only criticised by those who have no solutions themselves.

On the childcare scheme changes, he said it would benefit many families, with childminders having the opportunity to participate in it but said they do need to be registered.

He denied stay at home parents were being discriminated against, saying families make very different choices about how they want to look after their children but the government has to begin with the way things are at the moment and for families who need some type of professional childcare, the cost of it has become a massive impediment to going back to work or study.

The public proved that they were the ones with the tough questions as they grilled the Ministers on the carers allowance.

Mr Donohoe said that the delay in increasing the carers allowance until March was due to the huge costs.

Read More:

Payment is not available at the moment because the total cost of funding is not available now. The earliest time we can give it to everyone is March.

Maureen from Dublin put the Ministers under pressure over limits on inheritance tax.

Minister Noonan explained that the Government is only now in a position to restore inheritance tax benefits following on from the crash. Changes to the tax in 2009 was just money grab according to Maureen.

People should know, they don't know until death comes knocking at their door. It's robbing from graves, said Maureen.

The last caller to ask the tough questions asked why there was nothing was being done for the blind.

Read More

People who are blind have costs. We get taxis everywhere, we can't look out for bargain.

Donohoe said he understands the additional costs.

We didn't want an increase for one part of our society, and none for others. There is 5 for everybody, he said.

Meanwhile Minister Noonan was asked on air about the future of the Fine Gael leadership, questioned why the man beside him wasnt putting his name forward.

Theres no vacancy yet and isnt he wise not to apply for a job yet, he pointed out.

Minister Donohoe echoed his words, saying there was no vacancy and that in any case, he has his hands full at the moment.
As a 16-year-old American high-schooler, Helen King, had zero interest in spending "summer vacation" on a farm in the heart of the Irish midlands.

But her emigrant parents, John from Clifden, Co Galway and Anna from Ferbane, Co Offaly, then settled in New York State, dragged their youngest child onto the plane anyway.

Little did she know, it was a trip that would lead to an award-winning professional career in the Irish food industry.

She returned to the family farm for the next two summers and then applied to study economics at Trinity College Dublin.

After landing her first job with Cadbury's, Ms King developed a fascination about how people make food decisions. That natural curiosity eventually led her to Bord Bia where she has been at the helm of consumer marketing for the last 14 years.

As the Director of Consumer Insight and Innovation, Ms King's vision, and consumer-centred approach to business has turned cutting edge insight into actionable plans for many meat and dairy enterprises. She has also helped guide Ireland's global reputation as a premium supplier of food and drinks throughout Europe and the United States.

Ms King has also played an instrumental role in expanding Ireland's "Origin Green" promise to China, Canada and the Middle East.

Although the recession and digital boom have brought many great difficulties to the Irish food industry, she says the uncertainty of Brexit may pose the greatest challenge of all.

"Brexit will be incredibly challenging. Our strategy is two-fold, firstly to defend as much of our companies competing in the market as possible and then also diversification," she said.

Sitting in 'The Thinking House', Bord Bia's new state-of-the-art research centre, she said it's important for all food and drink producers to look at other markets.

"We can't walk away from Britain, we're heavily dependent on the UK 40pc of beef exports goes there but as we go towards other markets hopefully we can take that dependence away. We can maintain what we are doing in Britain but we must grow other opportunities elsewhere," she said.

Although China is not considering a "meat eating country," Ms King is confident that consumer trends and the markets are moving in that direction. "It's about targeting markets and communicating the benefits of Irish beef and ultimately make sure that Irish beef is at a premium positioning vis a vis our competitive countries," she said.

Bord Bia are also looking at other markets for dairy particularly in the Middle East and India.

"The Middle East is really getting quite busy, I spent time in Saudi Arabia, Dubai and we are going back to Iran to look at the consumer market so we know the market is opening, they seem interested, the feedback is that there are opportunities," she said.

This type of consumer exploration will involve Ms King immersing herself in their daily lives.

"We have lived with consumers, slept on floors, spent days with them, gone shopping with them, prepared meals and sat down with their families to understand the culture that they live in, we want to know how dairy actually fits into their food patterns and use that knowledge to make Irish dairy successful in those markets," she said.

Strengthening trade relationships with other EU countries is also vital to ensuring a soft landing on Brexit.

"Food producers will have to treat the UK differently. It may not happen for two or three years but the trading environment will be quite different. Right now, buying British is huge over there. All retailers are pushing the British message. Yes Sainsbury's and Tesco will carry Irish beef but they're not going to be screaming about it so it will be very hard for us to identify ourselves as a premium offering," she said.

However, she said beef markets are growing in Germany, Italy and, to a lesser extent, the Netherlands. "German retailers love Ireland, they're happy to promote us at a premium position that's where we need to look to maintain shelf space and still be priced at a reasonable level," she said.

"From an insight and brand perspective we must be incredibly knowledgeable of what is going on and navigate change. The UK is becoming more British, which means a much more challenging environment for Irish producers," he said.

"Uncertainty is the big elephant in the room. As time goes on we're getting a little more worried. Sterling is hurting us.

"All Irish business must strengthen their position to maintain share and know the category they are competing it to make sure they stand out on shelf better than their competitors, " she said.
The extra dairy-born animals coming into beef systems may have trouble finding a home with factories and markets, farmers were told at the Teagasc National Beef Conference.

Robert Prenderville of Teagasc Grange said 840,000 dairy-born calves could be available from May 1 to go into the beef system. He said, at the moment, dairy-born steers account for 55pc of national steer kill and most are 29-30 months of age at slaughter, with a slaughter weight of 325-370kg.

However, he added that the longer these animals are on a farm, the stocking capacity of the farm is greatly reduced, especially if it is late in the third season at pasture or during the animal's third winter.

"Ideally, animals that are 'stored' through the second winter should be slaughtered in May/June to avail of the stronger beef price at the time and also make pasture available to younger stock on the farm."

However, Paul Nolan of Dawn Meats said that finishing cattle at 230kg was "worrying" and that a "low 300kg for steers is getting into funny territory".

He also said that, as a processor, all Dawn Meats can do is reflect what the consumer will pay. But he warned it was incumbent of him to say that animals at these lighter weights will not make the first or second grade. In a statement to Farming Independent, Mr Nolan said: "Light cattle do not fit the specification for the premium food service and retail markets in the UK and EU, and are ultimately sold into commodity markets.

However, he added that "heavy cattle have become a niche item and, outside of some specialist jobs, are increasingly difficult to sell," he said.

Mr Prenderville told the conference that the optimum male dairy calf-to-beef systems were: 21-month steer system; 24-month 'traditional' steer systems; and, 26-28 month steer systems.

Under these three systems, he said, the optimum carcass weight is 280kg; 320kg and 350kg respectively.

He also said finishing systems for early maturing heifers and late born, early-maturing steers range from 235kg to 320kg. Key to achieving the optimum carcass weights, he said, started from day one with calves. "Purchasing healthy dairy calves for beef production is essential to the profit generation of these systems."

He said getting dairy calves from multiple sources increases the risk of introducing disease.

Calves should be 85kg at weaning, he said, and consuming approximately 1kg of calf ration daily. The target daily weight gain, he advised, of a calf during their first season at grass is 0.8kg with a liveweight target at housing of 230kg.
Innovative technology that can reduce farmers' costs - especially in the dairying sector - will increase profitability in the future.

This is the goal for a record 2,523 exhibitors from 57 countries who will introduce their latest innovations in livestock production at the EuroTier Show in Hanover, Germany, from November 15 to 18.

Held every two years, EuroTier is the world's leading trade show for animal husbandry and livestock management, and attracts around 160,000 visitors from all over the world.

Organiser DLG, Germany's Agriculture Society, will also present 25 of the innovations with either a gold or silver medal at the show.

The event is being held in the Exhibition Centre in Hanover, which has over 280,000 square metres of exhibition space.

The majority of the countries exhibiting, accounting for 58 per cent, come from outside Germany.

With some sectors of the agricultural industry struggling financially the exhibitors say they continue to introduce new technology that can make farm businesses more efficient.

Farmers still require the latest knowledge in areas of breeding, feeding, husbandry, management, logistics and - most especially - in the areas animal health and animal welfare.

The challenge farmers have to meet is to feed ten billion people in the future with food in sufficient amounts and quality produced from an overall decreasing number of hectares worldwide.

A total of 14 Irish companies will exhibit at Eurotier this year hoping to secure more international business.

However, the spirits of European farmers is still somewhat dampened with only some countries showing a willingness to invest for the future.

A survey conducted by the DLG showed dairy farmers in Great Britain were more willing to spend cash to invest in new technology than those in France.

Polish and German farmers were a little bit more cautious with their spending plan for the next few years.

Self propelled robot

A new self-propelled robot called Rover will make its debut at EuroTier to show farmers how it can not only automatically mix a feed and dispense it to the cows but also push up that feed as it passes.

Developed by Rovibec in Quebec, Canada the new robotic feeding system will be distributed in parts of Europe by Schauer Agrotronic in Austria.

This system uses a double cone mixer with a 3.4 cubic metres capacity to automatically fill itself from the feed station, transport the mix to the cattle and dispense it.

In the process of dispensing fresh feed Rover can also push up any remains of the previous feed with its specially designed front. Alternatively it can be used solely to push the feed up between feeding times. Rover runs on power rails between the cattle areas and the feeding station requiring only 7.7 kW to mix and run. One robotic system is recommended to feed between 100 and 300 animals several times per day if required.

The vertical double cone mixing system with the cutting augers can easily handle round bales, long-fibred silage and even hay in small quantities.

Due to its robust construction and self-driven platform with a standard four-wheel drive Rover can go anywhere in any shed with ease.

And if your livestock house is small, Rover only needs a turning circle radius of 1.5m and a feeding width of 2.5m as it can dispense on both sides.

Rover has a price tag in the region of 120,000- 130,000.

Smart sensor system for early detection of mastitis

GEA is introducing smart technology for future farming at EuroTier with the introduction of the world's first detector for mastitis at the udder quarter.

With CMIQ monitoring, GEA is presenting a real-time system for effective early detection of mastitis in each quarter.

The CMIQ sensor records the milk composition of each individual quarter during the overall milking process. It then analyses and compares the existing data on short notice, so that any necessary action required with the cows can start right after milking.

This includes the automatic selection of infected or at-risk animals and treatment and progress checks during lactation periods, through to animal management adjustments.

As a result, the CMIQ sensor technology can lead to verifiably improved herd health with less work. GEA will launch the system in 2017. Since July 2016, GEA's product developers have been adding the control software WIC (Wireless Integrated Control) to the tried-and-tested GEA MixFeeder.

The WIC system directly connects raw feed stores and silos and controls each individual step of the process fully automatically: from the precise weighing and mixing of the feed components in accordance with set feeding plans and specifications, to time-controlled group feeding.

The MixFeeder with WIC ensures that each group of animals receives the individual feed blend it needs, tailored to its performance level. The WIC software can be controlled via PC or touch panel.

Also, for those farmers who are keen on GEA's DairyProQ automated rotary parlour system, the company is offering customers an extended warranty of up to five years.

Voice-controlled calf feeding system in the pipeline

Next year will see the production of a new voice controlled calf feeder coming to the market by Urban, a German based calf feeding specialist.

A voice activation unit will be added to the company's new computer-controlled Calffeeder Urban Alma Pro as standard.

The company say being voice controlled makes it more easy and efficient to handle the feeder as well as input data about each calf on a regular basis.

With this voice controlled option, data can be entered to the new Urban Alma Pro Talk from inside of the calf pen while the farmer or his staff are standing beside and looking at the calf and monitoring its behaviour. Using a remote Bluetooth headset gives the farmer the freedom and ability to work with both hands on the animal which is important for example when the temperature of the calf has to be measured.

Also all the documentations required by the European Commission in terms of regulations such as birth dates can be input with this system.

When it comes to feeding calves, individual adjustments regarding the concentration and amount of milk any particular calf requires can also be decided by the voice control.
As I write this, it is early October and the annual leaf fall has just begun. With the shortening of the days, glorious colour changes in the trees and hedgerows are slowly altering the landscape.

The best is yet to come but in the meantime, on sunny days, a few of the beech trees and small sections of hedges have already taken on a golden hue.

The maples and others however, are still holding back until a touch of frost will hasten their turning from green into shades of red, gold and daffodil yellow before finally drifting to the woodland floor.

With relatively kind weather promised, I decided to treat myself to another short break in Connemara before winter closes in and was fortunate to enjoy a few dry and relatively sunny days.

The sight of sun and shadow flying across the mountainsides is something totally absent in Meath and that, plus the proximity of the frequently stormy sea and the numerous islands is perhaps what makes the West of Ireland so special.

"What about Kerry?" I hear you cry and yes, Kerry is indeed special but there is something unique about the Connemara landscape and the subtle tones of light that seem to be just that bit more vivid there.

This is what has over the years drawn great painters such as Paul Henry to the area and inspired them to create their now famous works of art.

It is the absence of sunlight that I miss most from November on and it is this, more perhaps than anything else, that makes me long for the passing of the winter solstice and the promise of gradually lengthening daylight.

No wonder our ancestors marked the solstice with such fervour, for while there were hungry months ahead, if properly honoured, the gods would ensure that the sun rose again, restoring life and nourishing the crops.

This time I brought with me a copy of Connemara - The Last Pool of Darkness by Tim Robinson. Robinson was born in 1935 and following a career abroad in Istanbul, Vienna and Cambridge as an artist and cartographer, he settled in the Aran Islands and from there began a detailed study of the landscape of the West of Ireland.

It is one of a trilogy of books that he has written during his time spent mapping the countryside and gathering details of the local history.

It was especially appropriate for holiday reading as it dealt with places I was well familiar with, covering the area from Killary harbour to Slyne Head and included much about the Renvyle peninsula where I was based.

The title refers to the writings of the world renowned philosopher, Louis Wittgenstein, who abandoned a career as head of the Philosophy department in Cambridge University to live in an isolated cottage in Rosroe near the mouth of Killary harbour. "I can only think clearly in the dark," he said, "and in Connemara I have found one of the last pools of darkness in Europe."

This was in 1948 and he was referring, of course, to the then almost total absence of artificial light.

Nearby, what is now Renvyle House hotel was formerly the home of Oliver St John Gogarty, who was appointed a senator by the Free State Government in the first Dail - and for his efforts suffered his house being burnt to the ground by the then IRA.

He is perhaps best remembered nowadays for having shared quarters in a Martello tower with James Joyce and figuring in Ulysses as "stately, plump, Buck Mulligan". He was a close friend of both Arthur Griffith and Michael Collins and came to loathe Eamon De Valera whom he referred to as "a half breed, who looked like something uncoiled from the Book of Kells".

Strong stuff, but then he had narrowly escaped assassination and having his beloved home burnt was perhaps the final straw.

The book is full of wonderful anecdotes and almost forgotten facts of our history and I especially liked Robinson's reference to the corn crake which was plentiful in his early days on the Aran Islands and his appreciation of the efforts being made to try to prevent its extinction.

In my own childhood I used to lie awake at night in Mulranny listening to the constant "crake, crake" that echoed across the little fields. Much has changed since then but one can still find many places in Connemara that, at night, are blessed with natural darkness, unpolluted by artificial light.

Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder

One day, while walking on Renvyle beach I was struck by the extraordinary quality of the light.

It was an unusual mix of sun and shower and I stopped and stood in a brief sprinkle of large raindrops while bathed in sunshine and marvelled at the way the rain was illuminated as the drops reflected the sun like glittering diamonds.

In weather like this, rainbows appear and disappear in a manner that makes it easy to believe the folklore associated with them and the myths of the crock of gold. Sun and shadow passed over the hillsides and a man who was walking his dog paused to say hello and asked me what I was looking at. He was a hardy outdoor type who later said he had just moved to live in retirement in the area. I told him I was gazing at the differences in light.

Rather than immediately thinking he was in the presence of a madman and fleeing down the beach, he began to talk on how he too had been struck by the remarkable reflections and glitter of the raindrops. I found this somehow reassuring. Beauty lies in the eye of the beholder.
Farmers have used the last couple of weeks to get through a backlog of autumn planting work and there is still quite a bit going on.

This week I spoke to a Monaghan-based contractor who has been using an impressive new Horsch 6m combined grain and fertiliser drill as he attempts to keep up with farmer demand to get fields planted.

In business for over 100 years and based in Latton, Co Monaghan, Chambers Agri Contracts cover an extensive are comprising counties Cavan, Monaghan, Louth, Meath and north county Dublin. Ivan Chambers (pictured below) says the family-run contracting operation can employ anything from 10-15 staff depending on the time of the year.

Mr Chambers runs the business in conjunction with his father, Richard, and brother, Gary. The Chambers offer a big range of services, from silage work in the summer to hedge cutting in the down season.

In between they carry out a lot of lime spreading on contract for Roadstone and plant about 5,000 acres of crops each year. The majority of crops planted would be oilseed rape and barley.

With such large acreage in the "to do" list there is a requirement for serious machinery, and it doesn't come much bigger than the tractor and drill combination Mr Chambers was using when I spoke to him this week.

Earlier this year the team took delivery of a brand new 6m Horsch Focus 6TD combined grain and fertiliser drill purchased from Kellys of Borris in Carlow for 90,000 plus VAT.

Out front you'd expect a powerful unit for a drill of that size, and they don't come much more powerful than the massive Fendt 939 that the Chambers bought for tillage work last year from Flynns of Mullingar for 223,000 plus VAT. An impressive sight in action, Mr Chambers readily acknowledged the huge capital costs involved but said such outlays are necessary to be able to keep up with farmer demand in peak season.

"At this time of year I spend so much time in the Fendt that it is my office and my bed," he laughed. "People are amazed at the money involved but is as simple as this; when the customer comes calling our reputation is built on having the right gear ready to go for the job. They want you planting immediately, and you can't do that if you have inferior equipment."

So why Horsch, and why opt for a combined grain and fertiliser drill as opposed to a standard drill? Mr Chambers explained; "In the past few seasons a few of our bigger customers asked us if we could offer a combined grain and fert option. There are certain advantages to being able to offer such a service; fewer passes are required as you drop the grain and fert at the same time, meaning less compaction; faster uptake of nutrients by the plant; and the ability to sow in a narrower window of suitable weather as you get two jobs done in one pass."

Being careful to make the right choice for their particular contracting business, the Chambers took their time and had demonstrations of a few different drills including Lemken and Vaderstaad. In the case of the latter Mr Chambers felt the packer wheel wasn't big enough to cope with sticky planting conditions his team run into at this time of year.

He also preferred the plastic fertiliser bin offered on the Horsch (as opposed to the steel bin on the Vaderstaad), as there is less chance of the fertiliser reacting with a plastic bin over time. On the Lemken drill the Chambers felt blowing seed from the front unit to the back might lead to blockage problems in damper conditions. In the end the decision was made to opt for Horsch.

"I would say Lemken and Vaderstaad are very good machines but we felt that our particular needs were better suited to the Horsch," revealed Mr Chambers. "I was really sold on the 20 large packer wheels the Horsch drill has because it leaves a really well compacted bed, something that our customers want.

"The other thing I liked is its versatility; it can be used sowing direct into stubble in a min till format or it can be used in a conventional system, planting after the plough."

How it works

Horsch claims the Focus TD has been designed to be an option for strip and conventional drilling in one machine. Available in 4m, 6m and 8m working widths, the Focus TD features a 5000 litre grain and fertiliser hopper with a 60:40 split.

The tine system has been developed with release forces increased to up to 800kg, so the tines move smoothly in the ground even when loosening very deeply, and the tine spacing has been changed to 30cm. Fertiliser can still be placed shallow, deep or 50/50.

The tine cultivation frame can be quickly and simply released from the chassis at four mounting points.

Once taken from under the machine, it can easily be replaced with the Disc System to create a compact rotary disc harrow, increasing the flexibility of the machine and the sowing window.

In terms of progression, the Focus TD firstly loosens the soil in strips and then removes harvest residues from the seed and root area.

Next up it sets up a fertilizer deposit before the tyre packers prepare for subsequent sowing (which can be done at 15 or 30cm row spacing) with the seed coulters.

Summer work

October has so far been a busy month of contracting work for the Chambers, and it comes after a hectic summer of silage and grain harvesting. For the latter two Claas combines are called into action, one of which is a tracked Lexion 770T. The other combine is a 4WD Lexion 660. On the silage front the Chambers use a Claas Jaguar 870 self propelled harvester. The whole operation requires serious tractor power, 17 in total, including four Fendts, three John Deeres and no less than ten New Holland tractors.
It has been a busy time in the salerooms of late, but results have been mixed.

In Carlow, auctioneer Thomas Byrne recently sold a 77.4ac farm under the hammer when a local farmer paid 860,000 or more than 11,000/ac.

Located at Old Derrig, Killeshin on the Laois/Carlow border, the holding is 3km from Carlow town and includes an old derelict farmhouse with outbuildings.

The holding was in the same family for 120 years and for the last number of years was farmed as a grass farm.

At auction it was offered in four lots or in its entirety. On the day the keenest interest was in the entire and it sold to a local farmer for 860,000.

TRIM AUCTION

Further north in Co Meath Trim auctioneer Thomas Potterton had a mixed day last week when he sold one property under the hammer and withdrew another.

A 31ac grassland holding at Kiltoome, Trim sold at auction for 250,000. Located 1.3km off the Trim to Navan Road the holding is described as excellent fattening ground with some lovely stands of trees and plenty of shelter.

The place has frontage on to the Old Navan Road and Mr Potterton believes that, subject to planning, it has potential as a residential holding. Indeed the underbidder, a local living in Germany and represented by a solicitor, possibly had intentions in that regard.

On the day bidding opened at 200,000 and initially three bidders showed cause. It climbed slowly in tranches of 5,000, 2,000 and 1,000.

At 240,000 two bidders remained, the solicitor taking instruction from Germany and a local farmer.

Mr Potterton consulted with the vendors at 240,000 and at 245,000. When the price reached 250,000 the place was declared on the market and sold to the local farmer.

The same good fortune did not smile on Mr Potterton when a 46ac holding was brought for sale at the same auction.

The auctioneer was sure the parcel of ground at Newhaggard, Trim would sell given the level of pre-auction enquiries.

Described by Thomas Potterton as a "beautiful piece of ground", the land is in three fields and located 1.6km from Trim town and 45km from Dublin.

Currently in stubble having just been harvested, it has decent road frontage on to the Trim-Kinnegad Road. Mr Potterton says the land is ideal for any type of farming.

On the day it failed to attract the required attention but Mr Potterton reports good interest since the property went on the private auction trail.

Kildare withdrawal

Phillip Byrne of Coonans Maynooth will also have to take the scenic route to sell a 34ac parcel of ground at Crinstown Maynooth. The parcel was withdrawn from auction at 340,000.

Located 2km from Maynooth, 4km from Kilcock, the holding is described by as a prime holding of free draining lands. While it backs on to the M4 it has good road frontage to a secondary road.

Suitable for any agricultural or equestrian use according to Mr Byrne it could have potential as a residential farm.

On the day bidding opened at 300,000 and with two bidders in action the price rose in increments of 10,000 and quickly reached 340,000. It held there before it was withdrawn. According to Phillip active negotiations are ongoing.

Galway auction

No stranger to the scenic route, Tuam auctioneer Martin Tyrell withdrew an 84ac farm from auction recently after it was bid to 310,000.

Located at Feeragh, Belclare Co Galway the farm is part of the original Kelville estate. Consisting of decent grazing ground laid out in a series of nice fields it is approached by a private road and was grazed by cattle and sheep over the years.

At auction proceedings opened when Mr Tyrell accepted a bid of 200,000.

Two bidders took to the task but things held at 310,000 and no further bid was forthcoming.

Mr Tyrell withdrew the property but reports steady progress since with two new bidders in the fray.
Without doubt Ireland is home to the finest thoroughbred stallions in the world, with the likes of Galileo, Dubawi and Sea The Stars currently occupying the top three positions in the Leading Sires table in Europe.

In addition, Irish-based sires also hold great prominence in the National Hunt equivalent, among them Presenting, King's Theatre, Oscar and Beneficial.

With the demands on certain sires constantly changing, each autumn Irish breeders eagerly await the arrival of freshman sires on to the roster ahead of the new breeding season.

In recent weeks some exciting prospects have been announced by some of Ireland's top stud farms, while other leading names of the Irish racing scene are destined for further afield for 2017.

One such colt is Air Force Blue, a champion two-year-old last season for Aidan O'Brien. Bred in Kentucky by Stone Farm, the son of War Front is now set to return to Lexington and will stand at Coolmore's Ashford Stud next season.

"With the exception of Frankel who has made such a brilliant start to his stud career, Air Force Blue is Timeform's highest-rated juvenile in nearly 20 years. In fact, he's the highest-rated juvenile ever from the Danzig line," said Ashford Stud manager Dermot Ryan.

Meanwhile, National Hunt sire Scorpion is to leave Coolmore and next season will stand at Shade Oak Stud in Shropshire, while a new recruit for Coolmore is The Gurkha.

A double Group 1 winner this season for Aidan O'Brien, The Gurkha (Galileo) is a full-brother to Queen Nefertiti and the family also includes champion older mare Solemia, champion two-year-old filly Silasol and Group 2 winner, Prospect Park.

Scorpion's oldest crop are seven years old and among his best performers are Punchestown Champion Novice Hurdle winner Don't Touch It, Grade 1-placed hurdler Tell Us More, Listed mares' bumper scorer The Nipper and the useful hurdlers Blue Fashion and Might Bite.

Shade Oak Stud also stands Telescope and Galileo's full-brother, Black Sam Bellamy.

Rathbarry Stud, whose current resident stallions include Presenting, Robin Des Champs and Sholokhov (sire of 2016 Cheltenham Gold Cup winner Don Cossack), has acquired two new stallions for 2017. Ajaya and Kodi Bear, sons of popular sires and half-brothers Invincible Spirit and Kodiac, will join the team at the Co Cork stud for the upcoming season.

Owned and bred by Saleh Al Homaizi and Imad Al Sagar, Ajaya was a high-class juvenile for William Haggas, beating Ribchester to win last year's Group 2 Irish Thoroughbred Marketing Gimcrack Stakes, having previously finished a head second to Gutaifan in the Prix Robert Papin.

Interestingly Gutaifan was one of the busiest first-season sires in Ireland this past season, having covered some 203 mares at Gay O'Callaghan's Yeomanstown Stud. They also stand his sire Dark Angel, which has had a hugely successful season with no fewer than 10 winners in Hong Kong alone.

Gay O'Callaghan's brother, Tony, runs Tally-Ho Stud which has recently purchased a 50pc share in dual Group 2 winner Mehmas and will stand the colt at its Co Westmeath base alongside Kodiac.

Both Dark Angel and Mehmas are by Acclamation who stands at Rathbarry Stud.

Meanwhile, another son of Kodiac, the Group 3 winning sprinter Coulsty, will join Clodovil, Bungle Inthejungle, Es Que Love and Anjaal at Rathasker Stud.

Anjaal was the second most in-demand new sire this year with a book of 194 mares.

Trained by Richard Hannon, Coulsty gained his greatest career victory when winning the Group 3 Prix de Meautry Lucien Barriere at Deauville, while he also finished second in the Group 2 Hungerford Stakes over seven furlongs last year.

Rathasker previously stood Fast Company, sire of Group 1 winner Jet Setting, before the son of Danehill Dancer was relocated to Overbury Stud for the 2016 covering season.

He will now return to Ireland for 2017 to stand at Kildangan Stud. Darley is offering a limited number of lifetime breeding rights for a fee of 10,000, entitling the breeder to send one mare for every year from 2017 onwards.

Sam Bullard, Darley's director of stallions said: "Fast Company is a stallion on the up. He could be a very valuable sire in the future, in the manner of an Iffraaj or Kodiac.

"We are selling lifetime breeding rights - so popular with our club stallions - because we want to give breeders the chance to join in the opportunity of helping to raise him to the next level. The price ensures that breeders will benefit - and we will too."
Another eventful breeding sale season has just finished for us. Both ram and ewe sales - Bluefaced Leicester, Mule and Mountain Blackface - kept us busy. I am still coming to terms with another Mayo defeat in an All-Ireland final, but farming goes on and I'm sure the sheep will keep me busy to take my mind off it.

We were happy with the way our sheep sold this year and we wish all who purchased the very best of luck with them. There was noticeable increase in demand for specialised sheep sales, not just in Mayo but throughout the country. Demand for Mules continues to grows and so does the demand for their sire, the Bluefaced Leicester ram.

The premier sale was held in Ballinrobe with a tremendous clearance of sheep with the sale strong from start to finish. We were delighted with the sale and were happy getting first prizes with both a hogget ram and a ewe lamb.

The Mayo Mountain Blackface sale in Ballinrobe was also a success with a flying trade for ewes, hoggets and ewe lambs. There was a great yard of sheep and they were rewarded when they went through the ring.

The demand for Scotch sheep was evident to see at many special Blackface sales throughout the country this autumn. These sheep were making just as much and more than their bred and crossbred cousins and top ewe hoggets regularly broke the 200 mark.

The merits of the Blackface type ewe are well known and have been proven on different pastures and management systems for centuries. From their well-known ability to thrive in hill and mountain situations to increased output on lowland, the Blackface ewe is truly adaptable.

Their foraging and mothering characteristics are well known and when crossed on a Bluefaced Leicester or other ram breeds, they can produce a quality prolific lamb for breeding replacement ewes for the lowland flocks.

Pre-mating

I managed to purchase some Scotch Blackface type hoggets to help boost numbers and these will join up with the rest of the flock for the busy mating period ahead. The bought-in sheep got the same prep pre-mating as the main flock. This included fluke dosing, mineral and vitamin supplementation and tail clipping. One of my aims for the breeding season is to disturb the ewes as little as possible and by doing all these jobs pre-breeding I hope to achieve this.

The Pedigree Bluefaced Leicester ewes were inseminated last week by ProStar genetics. It was a busy day and I have found that preparation is vital. There is no point trying to use expensive straws and AI unless the sheep are in the correct condition.

The programme of sponging and removal of sponges has to be followed to the letter of the law to help maximise results.

I have used a couple of different rams this time. I used straws from a very successful flock in the Britain that is breeding both top class Bluefaced Leicesters and Mules. I am confident that I can transfer this success in my own flock and improve the Bluefaced Leicesters and my Mule lambs further. Some Lanark Blackface ewes were also inseminated to top class rams to improve the Blackface side of the flock. The crop of lambs for next year is already in the making.

Some wether lambs remain on the farm and are currently getting meal to help boost thrive and body condition. I aim to sell these in batches at French weights over the coming weeks.

Tom Staunton farms in Tourmakeady, Co Mayo
Ireland's 2017 budget goes beyond the limit of prudent policy, the country's fiscal watchdog said Wednesday after the government announced a 1.3bn package of spending increases and tax cuts.

The measures appear to break European Union budgetary rules, but not by a significant enough margin to justify fines, the head of Ireland's Fiscal Advisory Council John McHale said.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan on Tuesday announced the 1.3bn package of tax cuts and spending increases, increasing an earlier estimate that the government would have 1 billion euros to spend in the budget.

That extra 300m plus an extra 300m of resources for 2016, also confirmed on Tuesday, means the government will inject 3bn of new resources into the economy in 2016-17 up from an earlier estimate of 2.4 billion, McHale said.

"We see that as beyond the limit of 2.4 billion which we saw itself as being the limit of prudent policy," McHale told state broadcaster RTE.

The budget indicates the government will reduce its structural deficit -- a measure that strips out business cycle effects and one-off revenue and spending -- by 0.3pc next year rather than the 0.6pc improvement demanded by EU rules, McHale said.

Expand Close John McHale of the Fiscal Advisory Council. Photo: Franck McGrath / Facebook

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He said it also exceeded EU rules on allowable expenditure growth by 200m.

"These breaches are not large enough - at least on current projections - to bring fines from the EU. But they still are breaches of the rules," McHale said.

Noonan on Tuesday described the budget as representing "prudent fiscal policy" and said he expected the country's budget deficit fall to 0.4pc of GDP in 2017 from a deficit of 32pc when he took office in 2010 in the middle of the country's financial crisis.

Deputy Prime Minister Frances Fitzgerald told RTE that the department of finance did not agree with the Fiscal Advisory Council's assessment.
A surge in Arctic tourism is bringing ever bigger cruise ships to the formerly isolated, ice-bound region, prompting calls for a clampdown to prevent Titanic-style accidents and the pollution of fragile eco-systems.

Arctic nations should consider limiting the size of vessels and ban the use of heavy fuel oil in the region, industry players said, after a first luxury cruise ship sailed safely through Canada's Northwest Passage this summer.

The route, which connects the Atlantic and Pacific via the Arctic, was once clogged with icebergs but is now ice-free in summer due to global warming.

With a minimum ticket price of $19,755 (17,779), the 1,700 passengers and crew onboard the Crystal Serenity followed - in reverse - the route first navigated more than a century ago by Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen. They left Anchorage in Alaska on August 15 and docked in New York on September 16. The ship's operator, Crystal Cruises, says on its website it will repeat the voyage in 2017. It declined a request for comment when contacted by Reuters.

Two shipping executives expressed concern that the one-off trip could become a trend, citing worries over safety, risks to the environment and the impact on small communities, in an area where there is no port between Anchorage and Nuuk, in Greenland.

"The Northwest Passage is thousands and thousands of nautical miles with absolutely nothing. There is a need to discuss possible regulation," said Tero Vauraste, the ceo of Arctia, a Finnish shipping firm specialising in icebreakers.

Were a ship to be in trouble in the Northwest Passage, there would be little authorities could do given the lack of infrastructure, he said.

"So we must do everything we can do to prevent this," said Vauraste, who is also vice-chair of the Arctic Economic Council, a regional forum for business cooperation between Arctic nations. Navigation in icy waters is made more difficult by poor satellite imagery. "An ice field might move at a speed of 4-5 knots, but a ship will receive a satellite picture of it that is 10-20 hours old," said Vauraste. "We need better quality imagery."

Another concern is environmental. "Potentially, an accident involving a mega-ship could represent an environmental disaster," said Daniel Skjeldam, ceo of Hurtigruten, a cruise ship operator in the Arctic and the Antarctic, whose biggest ships can accommodate 646 passengers.

Cruise ships usually use heavy oil, a type of fuel that takes longer to break down in the event of a spill.

The Crystal Serenity did not use heavy oil during its trip, its operator has said.

"Heavy oil in cold conditions is sticky and takes much longer time to break down so it has a prolonged effect on the environment," said Marco Lambertini, director-general of World Wildlife Fund International.

"If something happens at the beginning of winter, no clean-up can be done. Oil can get trapped under the ice and travel for a hundred kilometres," he told Reuters.

A UN polar code will come into effect in 2017 which toughens demands on ship safety and pollution. It bans heavy fuel oil in the Antarctic, for instance, but merely encourages ships not to use it in the Arctic.

"What I call for is stronger regulations coordinated between the Arctic nations," said Hurtigruten's Skjeldam. (Reuters)
Irish Harry Potter star Devon Murray has spoken candidly about his battle with depression and having suicidal thoughts during his lowest moments.

From the outside it would appear that the 27-year-old actor had lived a charmed life. By the age of 11 he was starring in one of the biggest movie franchises in the world, a role that would keep him employed until he was 22. And while Devon admits that he did have a "fantastic life", he was struggling with his own demons on the inside.

The Irish actor, who played Seamus Finnegan in Harry Potter, suffered with a decade-long battle with depression, but kept it a secret until recently, fearing that people wouldn't understand.

"I remember feeling very low on my 16th birthday," he told RTE 2fm's Eoghan McDermott.

"I was staying in a fantastic suite in a hotel in London. I'd celebrated my birthday the day before on set. My room was full of gifts and I should have been happy but I wasn't."

Devon said he didn't like being away from his father and school friends back home as work on Harry Potter forced him to stay in the UK for long periods of time. He knew that "something wasn't right" but from his 16th birthday his low moods increased.

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It got especially bad when he was diagnosed with Bell's Palsy during filming for the fifth Harry Potter movie. The condition temporarily paralysed one side of his face for six months but it destroyed his confidence.

"I didn't want to leave the house. I didn't want people to see how I looked. I didn't want them to see how I felt," he said.

His self-confidence had plummeted to an all-time low. He didn't speak to friends and didn't reply to phone calls. People just assumed he was busy with his acting work but the reality was that he was hiding away in fear, ashamed of how bad he felt. He started taking care of horses. He'd initially purchased them to sell them on but he enjoyed taking care of them so much that he found it hard to part with them.

Devon spent his time in the stables from "morning until night", desperate for a distraction from his own feelings.

"I was just a mess, I didn't know whether I was coming or going. I had let down my parents. I couldn't do anything right," he said.

In April, Devon was forced to pay his former agent 260,000 in a high-profile court case, after his agent claimed Devon and his parents broke an agreement to pay them commission charges. The event pushed Devon even further into a feeling of helplessness.

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The actor confessed to struggling with suicidal thoughts but one evening, while he was working away in the barn, he came close to acting out on his thoughts.

"I had a rope and threw it over one of the banisters in the barn and was pretty much getting ready to hang myself."

Thankfully, something in Devon's mind forced him to stop and, through tears, he sent his parents a text asking for help, something that he'd always been scared to do.

"I told them everything that I'd been feeling since I was 16," he said. "I didn't hold anything back."

I had suicidal thoughts this year and that was the kick up the arse that I needed! Open up, talk to people #worldmentalhealthday  Devon Murray (@DevonMMurray) October 10, 2016

The young star admits that opening up was one of the best things he could have done and, to his surprise, he discovered that his mother had also been struggling with depression. His friends were also supportive and the actor regrets that he didn't open up to them before.

"I completely regret not talking about it before. I wish I'd been open when I was 16. I'd have had a much better life."

For now, the actor is encouraging others to speak out and take their feelings seriously.

I'm so happy that from me opening up it helped so many of you find the strength to.We are all loved and cared about by those around us #talk  Devon Murray (@DevonMMurray) October 11, 2016

"For teenagers, it's just brushed off as puberty, for girls [they're told] 'it's 'just your hormones' and for men it's 'get over yourself'", he said as he expressed his desire for attitudes to change.

He took to Twitter on World Mental Health Day (October 10) to help raise awareness of mental health issues and share his experience. The actor says he's felt "so much better" having asked for help and speaking out about his mental health problems.

He also commented that "winter time is always the worst" in a response to a fan who praised him for speaking out.

He's now "in a good place" doing the things he once avoided, attending interviews and work events in an effort to improve his confidence and get him "out of his shell".

If any of the above issues affect you, you can contact the Samaritans on their 24-hour helpline on 116 123 (Republic of Ireland) or 08457 90 90 90 (from the UK)
The Court of Appeal has dismissed an appeal by members of retired solicitor Brian O'Donnell's family, and by a company, against a decision lifting a legal bar on the sale of the former family home, Gorse Hill, Vico Road, Killiney, Co Dublin.

In July last year, the High Court lifted legal notices called "lis pendens" which alert potential purchasers of pending litigation relating to the title of a property.

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They were registered in March 2015 just after the adult O'Donnell children still living there had left following a failed lengthy court battle.

The notices were registered by Vico Ltd, the Isle of Man sole purpose vehicle set up by the O'Donnell family for the purpose of owning the luxury house.

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The lis pendens effectively prevented the sale of the house by a receiver Bank of Ireland appointed to recover 71m owed by Brian O'Donnell and his wife Dr Mary Patricia for unpaid loans advanced to them to buy property.

The High Court granted the bank's application to lift the lis pendens finding they had been registered for the "improper purpose of frustration of the bank and receiver from dealing with the property at Gorse Hill".

On Wednesday (Oct 12), the Court of Appeal dismissed the O'Donnell appeal. It also dismissed an application in which the O'Donnell's asked High Court judge Brian McGovern to disbar himself from hearing the case.

They had claimed, while not alleging any impropriety, that Judge McGovern should recuse himself from the case because his (judge's) wife had been involved in a partnership dispute where there had been borrowings with Bank of Ireland.

At another hearing before a differently composed Court of Appeal, formal orders were made to reflect the court's decision made last July that Mary Pat O'Donnell is entitled to argue she has a right of residence at Gorse Hill arising out of the couple's claim that under the Family Home Protection Act, guaranteeing property entitlements to spouses.

Mr O'Donnell, who was in court for the decision with his son Blake, complained the purpose of the bank's proceedings was to get possession of Gorse Hill to sell or rent it "but they have not done so."

The court said it was not dealing with that issue and was only making a formal order to reflect its July decision.

The court also vacated a costs High Court order against the the O'Donnells in relation to that case and said it would make no order in relation to costs, which means both sides pay their own legal bills.
Former Presidential candidate and Eurovision song contest winner Dana Rosemary Scallan has denied claims by her sister and a niece she defamed them, the High Court heard.

It arises out of a 2011 TV interview when Ms Scallon was asked about allegations of sexual abuse made against Dana's brother John.

Susan Stein and her daughter Susan Gorrell, both living in Iowa, US, have taken separate High Court actions alleging Dana defamed them during the interview broadcast on TV3 in October 2011 during the presidential election campaign.

Dana, they claim, made statements which meant both women maliciously made up claims Ms Gorrell was sexually abused between 1971-81 by her uncle, John Brown. They claim the allegations of abuse are true.

Mr Brown (62), of Bracknell, Berkshire, England, was cleared in July 2014 of charges of indecent assault brought of two girls aged under 13 and 16 at several locations in Northern Ireland and England in the 1970s and 80s.

He denied all the claims against him and also denied claims that Dana, a key witness in his defence, helped him cover up the allegations.

In her defence to the actions by Ms Stein and Ms Gorrell, Dana, of Claregalway, Co Galway, denies defamation.

She pleads the sexual abuse claims against her brother John first surfaced in 2005 during a US court dispute involving members of her family, including Ms Stein and Mr Brown, concerning copyright of her records and ownership of a music company, Heartbeat Records, described as the number one stop for Catholic product.

Accompanied by her husband Damian, Dana was in the High Court Tuesday for the opening before Mr Justice Robert Eagar of her pre-trial application for orders requiring the plaintiffs provide security for her legal costs should they lose their actions.

Oisin Quinn SC, for Dana, said she has a full and thorough defence to both cases but believed the plaintiffs would be unable to meet her costs - which she estimates at 425,000 and the plaintiffs estimate at 169,000 - should they lose.

During an interview broadcast on TV3 on October 14th 2011 when Dana was running for the presidency, she was asked about allegations circulating about John Brown, he said.

The sting of the plaintiffs claim was words used by Dana, who had not named the plaintiffs, meant they were lying about the allegations of Ms Gorrell being abused by Mr Brown and had maliciously made up the claims, counsel said.

In October 2011, Ms Gorrell made a complaint to the UK police and Mr Brown was tried concerning her claims of sexual abuse and acquitted of all charges, counsel said.

The security for costs application was brought on grounds including a claim neither plaintiff has assets here, he said.

In dealing with this application, the court was not required to adjudicate on the merits of the defence, he said.

There was a direct factual conflict between the plaintiffs and Dana on a key issue, he said. Both plaintiffs claimed Ms Gorrell was abused by Mr Brown and Dana was told of that many decades ago and essentially covered it up, which claims Dana denied.

Her defence to these cases included denials the words in her interview meant what was alleged, counsel said. She would also rely on pleas of honest opinion on a matter of public interest and on pleas of truth and justification in relation to some of the claims advanced.

In opposing the security for costs application, both plaintiffs contend their case is in the public interest.

They also say they have after the event insurance cover under which the insurer will pay out 150,000 should they lose their actions but will have to pay the insurer if they win.

Dana's side argue such an arrangement is illegal here and amounts to champerty.

The hearing continues Wednesday.
The bridge in Tallaght, inset, Dale Creighton who died after being attacked on New Year's Day

One of the seven Dubliners on trial charged with murdering 20-year-old Dale Creighton has pleaded guilty to violent disorder on the footbridge, where the deceased was assaulted.

A witness also told the jury that he saw a knife in Mr Creightons hand that morning.

Dale Creighton died on January 2nd 2014, about two days after an incident at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass between Saint Dominics Road and Greenhills Road.

Jason Beresford (23) with an address at Coill Diarmuida, Ard a Laoi, Castledermot, Co Kildare went on trial with six others on Tuesday.

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The woman and six men, who are in their 20s and from Tallaght, all pleaded not guilty to murder when arraigned before the Central Criminal Court last week. Each accused also pleaded not guilty to violent disorder at the footbridge that New Years Day.

However, when the jury arrived to court yesterday morning, Mr Beresfords barrister, Micheal OHiggins SC, asked that his client be re arraigned on the second count against him.

Dressed in a grey suit and shirt and a navy tie, Mr Beresford stood up and pleaded guilty to violent disorder on January 1st, 2014.

Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy told the jury that one of the counts had been disposed of and that the trial would proceed as normal.

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Also charged with both offences are 23-year-old Aisling Burke and 28-year-old David Burke, both with a current address at Beechpark, Collinstown, Co Westmeath; Graham Palmer (26) with a current address at Park Avenue, Portarlington, Co Laois; Ross Callery (23) currently of Gortlum Cottages, Brittas, Co Dublin; James Reid (26) currently of Glen Aoibhinn, Gorey, Co Wexford; and Gerard Stevens (27) currently of Grosvenor Square, Rathmines in Dublin.

The jury also heard from a witness, who said he saw Mr Creighton with a knife on the footbridge that morning.

Carl OLeary said that he was on his way to get a taxi in Tallaght village some time after 3am, when he heard a commotion.

I vaguely remember someone running past me, he recalled.

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I just remember someone saying: Grab him. He robbed our phone, he testified. I recall seeing James Reid and Ross Callery.

He said there were others, but didnt know who they were.

Mr OLeary said he, himself, began running down the Tallaght bypass and towards the footbridge.

I remember seeing Mr Creighton on the bridge. I didnt know him at the time, he said.

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Under cross examination by Brendan Grehan SC, defending Ms Burke, he agreed that he had put two and two together when he saw the person running and heard the shout about the phone.

I ran down after him. I just assumed hed robbed the phone, he explained. I thought I was doing the right thing.

He didnt recall stopping and backing away from the man he was chasing, but identified himself doing so in CCTV footage.

Mr Grehan then read from his statement to gardai.

I seen he had a big kitchen knife, probably in his right hand. I said to myself: F**k, Im not risking getting stabbed for nobodys phone, he had said. I stopped.

He said that somebody in a hoodie ran past him and he returned to his girlfriend.

He said in court that he hadnt seen the knife when he backed away from the man, but had done so because he had run at him.

He confirmed to Ciaran OLoughlin SC, defending James Reid, that he had later seen Dale Creighton with a knife, but said he hadnt seen his client take the knife from him.

His girlfriend, Shannon Downes, also testified yesterday. She said that she had initially seen two males running by her while in the village that morning.

A girl came running after them around the corner, saying theyd robbed her phone, she recalled, explaining that Mr OLeary had run off to get her phone. She had a white, fluffy jacket. She had muck on her forehead and her jacket.

She was cross examined by Mr Grehan, who read from the statement she had made to gardai about what shed heard: Hes after bashing me and robbing my phone.

She agreed that this account was correct.

She then identified the white jacket, which was held up in court. Mr Grehan noted that there was mud on both sides of it and she agreed that this was the condition it was in when she saw the girl.

She looked shaken and shook up, she said of the girl, who stayed with her for a few minutes. She said the girl then left, saying she was going home.

Sophie Percy testified that she was in her boyfriends car with two other men that morning, when they passed two males at the bottom of a bridge. She said her boyfriend stopped and the two men got out.

She said she didnt see what happened, but the court has seen footage of one of the passengers, James OBrien, repeatedly punching a man at the bottom of the bridge. Mr OBrien is not before the court.

Under cross examination by Mr Grehan, she said she heard something about Froggys birds phone being robbed and someone say he tried to stab me.

She said she didnt know who Froggy was.

The trial continues before six men and six women.
A man who allegedly raped his female friend while he was asleep had been diagnosed by a sleep expert as having sexsomnia in the months before the incident and during it, the Central Criminal Court has been told.

He was in automatism due to his sleep disorder. He was unaware of what he had done, Dr John Michael Shneerson, former director of a UK sleep clinic and author of The handbook of sleep medicine, told Hugh Hartnett SC, defending.

He said that it was personal opinion that the accused fits very well with sexsomnia.

He jumps through the hoops and fits the template very well....it doesn't fit in very well with someone who was drunk, awakes and has sex with someone, Dr Shneerson continued.

His actions afterward were remorseful and guilty. He went to his GP and a rape crisis centre, in order to try and find out what had happened. He didn't try to cover it up, which is a typical reaction from someone with sexsomnia, because they've no awareness and no consciousness.

If he had been a sexual predator it would be unusual, with being both sleep deprived and having taken alcohol, to be able to stay awake to rape someone, the doctor said

He said it was also out of character for the accused not to use a condom and he had no memory or recollection of the episode which was also consistent with sexsomnia.

The 29-year-old man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has pleaded not (NOT) guilty to one count of raping the woman at an apartment in Dublin in the early hours of September 28, 2008.

The doctor explained to the jury that sexsomnia occurs in non-REM sleep, when the body, apart from breathing muscles, are paralysed as it is disconnected from the engine which makes actions happen.

He said things could go wrong if the switch shutting off the engine is broken and a person is freed from suppression so they can make movements. If sexual functioning is set free from suppression a person can carry out sexual activities, sometimes simple, sometimes complex.

The doctor told the jury that psychiatrists have regarded sexsomnia as a sleep disorder rather than a psychiatric condition as it involves complex behaviours arising from sleep without conscious awareness. The person has no awareness or no mental control over their actions.

He said the accused recounted an incident in 2008 when he made reasonably intensive sexual approaches towards another girl during his sleep. He was sleeping next to his own girlfriend and this other girl was sleeping the other side of him, beside her boyfriend.

Dr Shneerson told the jury that another incident occurred when the accused had been awake for 22 hours before going to bed with a male friend. He again made sexual approaches to this man during the night.

It is possible for a heterosexual man to have sleep sex with another man, because he is now working as a reflex person without normal sexual preferences, Dr Shneerson said.

He added that in this case the accused had no homosexual history nor was he attracted to the other woman who had been sleeping beside him but as it was a sexsomnia episode he had no sexual preferences.

The doctor said men wouldn't usually have an erection during non-REM sleep.

However he said in the case of someone who has sexsomnia, they don't have normal non REM sleep and they are able to make sexual advances without mental control. He said in sexsomnia erections do occur adding that it was part of the condition.

The trial continues before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury of eight men and four women.
The jury in the trial of seven Dubliners charged with murdering a 20-year-old on a footbridge has been told it will see footage of a "vicious, prolonged and sustained attack".

The prosecutor said that each of the accused was responsible for the attack on Dale Creighton, that they had acted together and that "the intention had to be to cause serious injury, if not death".

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The woman and six men, who are in their 20s and from Tallaght, went on trial before the Central Criminal Court yesterday. They have all pleaded not guilty.

Dale Creighton died on January 2, 2014, about two days after an incident at the footbridge over the Tallaght bypass between Saint Dominic's Road and Greenhills Road.

Charged with his murder are 23-year-old Aisling Burke and 28-year-old David Burke, both with a current address at Beechpark, Collinstown, Co Westmeath.

Also charged with Mr Creighton's murder are Graham Palmer (26) with a current address at Park Avenue, Portarlington, Co Laois; Ross Callery (23) currently of Gortlum Cottages, Brittas, Co Dublin; James Reid (26) currently of Glen Aoibhinn, Gorey, Co Wexford; Jason Beresford (23) with an address at Coill Diarmuida, Ard a' Laoi, Castledermot, Co Kildare; and Gerard Stevens (27) currently of Grosvenor Square, Rathmines in Dublin.

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Each accused also pleaded not guilty to violent disorder at the footbridge that New Year's Day.

Sean Gillane SC opened the case for the prosecution, saying that each of the accused was responsible for the attack on Dale Creighton, that they had acted together.

Mr Gillane said that the incident began around 4am on New Year's Day, when a girl was heard shouting that her phone was "being robbed".

"Someone shouted: 'Grab him' and a young man was pursued by a number of people," said Mr Gillane, explaining that this young man was Mr Creighton.

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He said CCTV cameras had captured part of the incident on the footbridge, where he said all were present.

"You'll be satisfied that Dale Creighton was the subject of a vicious, prolonged, sustained attack and absolutely satisfied that this involved kicks and stamps to the head and body," he said.

"You'll be satisfied that sustained attack, in its entirety, occurred while Mr Creighton was on the ground, not only not defending himself, but defenceless and, at one point, off the ground because he was being held up while the subject of blows and kicks," he continued.

He said that this violence did not end until gardai arrived.

Mr Gillane explained that Mr Creighton was unresponsive and taken to Tallaght Hospital from where he was transferred to Beaumont Hospital. He never recovered and was pronounced dead on January 2.

The jury also heard from three locals, who had alerted gardai. The trial continues before Ms Justice Deirdre Murphy. It is expected to last six weeks.
A sister and niece of former Presidential candidate Dana Rosemary Scallan will be unable to proceed with defamation actions against her if the court requires them to provide security for her legal costs, the High Court has been told.

If the court grants Dana orders requiring Susan Stein and Susan Gorrell provide the 425,000 security sought by Dana, their cases will be at an end, their counsel Jim O'Callaghan SC said: The objective here is to try to kill the proceedings.

Counsel said security for costs should be refused on grounds including Dana has no strong defence to defamation, the cases are in the public interest and his clients had put "after the event" insurance cover in place which would meet Dana's costs and expenditure, estimated by the plaintiffs at 165,000.

In their civil actions for which trial dates have yet to be fixed, Ms Stein and her daughter Ms Gorrell, both living in Iowa, US, allege Dana defamed them in a TV3 interview broadcast on October 14, 2011, during the presidential campaign.

Both women claim Dana made statements which, they claim, meant they maliciously made up claims Ms Gorrell was sexually abused between 1971-81 by her uncle, John Brown, a brother of Dana. They claim the allegations of abuse are true.

The court has heard Mr Brown, of Bracknell, Berkshire, England, was cleared in 2014 of all charges of indecent assault brought against him arising from a complaint made to the UK police in 2011 by Ms Gorrell.

Mr Justice Rober Eager heard further argments on Wednesday on Dana's application for security for costs.

Mr O'Callaghan said the gravity of the defamation was over a reference by Dana to vile and malicious liars. His clients contended she was referring to them.

The core issue in this vile case was whether or not the "awful" allegation Ms Gorrell was sexually abused by John Brown was correct or not and that would have to be decided by a jury in the full action, he said.

In deciding whether to grant security for costs, the court should take into account his clients also sued TV3 over the broadcast and that case had settled on terms including an apology, he said.

The court has heard Dana denies defamation on grounds including she did not name the plaintiffs and what she said in the interview did not mean what the plaintiffs allege.

Her counsel, Oisin Quinn, said those pleas, along with other pleas of truth, justification and honest opinion in relation to parts of the claim amount to a bona fide defence.

It was hard to see how the public interest was served by these cases when Dana was no longer running for public office, counsel said.

Dana's brother John was also not a party to these cases, he was tried and acquitted of all charges and was entitled to the presumption of innocence, he added.

Dana believes an insurance policy obtained by the plaintiffs is part of an attempt to defeat her security for costs application and will not lead to her recovering all her costs should they lose, counsel said

She also pleads the sexual abuse claims against her brother John first surfaced in 2005 during a US court dispute involving members of her family over copyright of her records and ownership of a music company, Heartbeat Records.

In a series of affidavits, Dana disputed the plaintiffs claims to be of limited means while they rejected her claims concerning the extent of their assets, including in relation to Heartbeat Records. Mr Quinn said there was prima facie evidence Heartbeat Records was a substantial business making substantial revenues.

The hearing continues.
Jim Carrey carries the coffin of ex-girlfriend Cathriona White ahead of her funeral in Co Tipperary

The mother of Jim Carrey's ex-girlfriend Cathriona White is suing the actor for the wrongful death of her daughter.

It follows a similar case filed less than a month ago by Ms White's estranged husband, Mark Burton.

Cathriona, from Cappawhite, Co Tipperary, died by suicide in September 2015. The actor, who she was separated from at the time of her death, attended the funeral in her home town.

Cathriona's mother Brigid Sweetman said Carrey should be "ashamed" of his treatment of her daughter, amid claims he illegally provided the Irish make-up artist with prescription drugs involved in her suicide.

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Ms Sweetman also repeats allegations, previously made by Mr Burton, that the actor gave her daughter three sexually transmitted diseases before her death in September 2015.

"Jim Carrey should be ashamed of what he did to my daughter. And he should be ashamed for how he has used his Hollywood attorneys to badmouth Cat's husband Mark with the hope that nobody will hold him responsible for what he did," Ms Sweetman said in a statement.

"As a family, we want the world to know the truth about who Jim Carrey really is.

"A man that will give your daughter three STDs, lie about it, call her terrible names and demean her, use his high-priced lawyers to try and shut her and her family up, and then give her illegal drugs."

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Referring to a note left by Ms White, in which she described being called a "whore" and "an opportunist", Ms Sweetman added: "Every mother and father that has a daughter should read Cat's handwritten letter to Jim and decide for themselves what kind of guy he really is."

In papers filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court, Ms Sweetman is suing Carrey for wrongful death and violation of the Drug Dealer Liability Act.

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She claims 'The Mask' star tested positive for "numerous STDs" on January 28, 2013, and provided a false name - Jose Lopez - for the test.

In response to Ms Sweetman's lawsuit, Carrey's lawyer said: "It is understandable that a mother who has lost a daughter will look for someone to blame.

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"But in directing her grief and rage at Jim Carrey and joining this ridiculous attempt to capitalise on Cathriona's suicide, Ms Sweetman is heading down the same dark path as Cathriona's green-card 'husband' Mark Burton."

Lawyers for the Hollywood star have previously said that the allegations against him are "bogus" and "categorically disputed".

During her time in Los Angeles, Cathriona, a make-up artist who was carving out a successful career in film and TV, had taken classes at Scientology's Hollywood Celebrity Centre.

In 2013 she married fellow scientologist and cameraman Mark Burton. The couple had met while working on an online comedy series.

Cathriona's ex-husband Mr Burton, in his lawsuit against Carrey, has claimed the actor used his "immense wealth and celebrity status" to access prescription drugs that caused Cathriona's death.

It is also alleged that Carrey or his assistants monitored the 30-year-old's movements from her house through surveillance cameras, but they failed to report that Cathriona hadn't left the house in more than a day.

Speaking previously about Mr Burton's lawsuit, Carrey had commented: "I will not tolerate this heartless attempt to exploit me or the woman I loved.

"Cat's troubles were born long before I met her."
The failure to advise patients who are at risk from a superbug outbreak to stay away from the emergency department of a major Dublin hospital has been strongly criticised by a leading doctor.

Dr James Gray, emergency consultant at Tallaght Hospital, said the hospital has been fighting an outbreak of the potentially deadly CRE bug since July.

CRE - which stands for carbapenem resistant enterobacteria - is generally not a risk to healthy people but poses a potential danger to patients whose immune systems are low, who are using catheters and ventilators or are taking antibiotics.

"It is an infection control nightmare," said Dr Gray. In mid-September he emailed management and Health Minister Simon Harris expressing grave concern about the effect the ward closures, due to the outbreak, were having on the emergency department.

Since then "vulnerable, CRE-susceptible patients continue to flood into an overcrowded, understaffed superbug infested hospital using outdated equipment and infrastructure along with poor isolation capability," he added.

"Last Wednesday in the emergency department we had 12 admitted patients boarding needing 'isolation' for various reasons. Most of them were not properly isolated. They were mostly warehoused individually in cubicles with curtains. The A&E or hospital simply hasn't got the infrastructure to provide that level of isolation.

"At-risk patients should have been advised back in August when an outbreak was declared to seek alternative arrangements and avoid Tallaght Hospital while this crisis rampages, to facilitate controlling it.

"To allow open access via A&E is like pouring petrol on to a fire and wondering why the fire still rages on."

A hospital spokeswoman said appropriate precautions have been taken. This has led to a curtailment of elective activity and restricted visiting. Patients should use the emergency department as normal.
ELKO  The Knights of Columbus are making plans for Elkos 29th annual Nevada Day Parade at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 28.

This year Nevada will be celebrating 152 years of statehood and the City of Elko will be celebrating its centennial in 2017. The Knights of Columbus Council 2511 and Assembly 614 announced that the parade theme this year is Elko Centennial: Keeping Traditions Strong for 100 Years and beyond.

Line-up will begin in front of the Crystal Theater at 10 a.m. The parade route goes up Fourth Street and onto Idaho Street, then disperses at 11th Street.

Entries will be taken until 5 p.m. Oct. 25. Call Jim or Sara Conner at 738-7991. There is no charge to enter into the parade.
Gardai were forced to taser a man after he attempted to run them over in a supermarket car park on Wednesday afternoon.

Armed officers had been called to the scene at SuperValu on Newcastle Road in Lucan, West Dublin shortly after 2pm.

It is alleged that the man, who is in his 30s, was involved in an assault and made threats to hurt a woman and children.

Sources have told Independent.ie that when officers arrived at the scene the man got into a vehicle and drove at them.

Quick thinking gardai fired a taser at him and a short time later he was arrested.

A source said: "This man was extremely angry and made a number of threats.

"Gardai used non-lethal force to bring him under control and luckily nobody was injured."

The entire incident was played out in front of afternoon shoppers.

A Garda spokesman confirmed that a man was arrested at Newcastle Rd, Lucan at 2.10pm on Wednesday.

He is currently being questioned in relation to the incident.
Garda Commissioner Noirin OSullivan has denied that she promoted her bridesmaid during an appearance before a Dail committee.

The garda chief also faced some intense questioning from TDs and senators over her knowledge of the latest protected disclosures from whistleblowers.

Ms OSullivan has said it may be time to consider establishing an independent entity where whistleblowing issues can be dealt with.

During questioning Mick Wallace argued that the culture has deteriorated under her reign.

"You have promoted a lot of people who complaints have been made about, you have promoted your husband, your bridesmaid. You have surrounded yourself with your supporters rather than concentrating on quality."

Commissioner O'Sullivan was quick to hit back saying there were "lots of factual inaccuracies in the public domain" before adding that she didn't promote her bridesmaid "because I didn't have one".

She added: I didnt get this job easy, nor would I have expected to get their job easy.

Asked whether any whistleblowers have been under garda surveillance, she said she was absolutely not aware of such a scenario.

I believe there are no intelligence files, she said in response to reports that files had been compiled on whistleblowers.

Asked about claims that she was aware of attempts to damage the character of whistleblowers, she replied: I am not in business as Garda Commissioner or as Noirin OSullivan of interfering in anyone lives or families.

Mr Wallace also queried whether any TDs have had their phones tapped. Ms OSullivan said that in cases of such survelliance the appropriate legislation is always followed.

She also revealed that first she learned of a carpark meeting between former PAC chairman John McGuinness and ex-Commissioner Martin Callinan through the media.

She staunchly defended An Garda Siochana's handing of whistleblowers and protected disclosures, stating, From the outset, I have always made it clear that any employee has not only the right but the entitlement to come forward to raise any issue of concern, or any matters that they wish to bring to our attention.

Ive also said that sometimes when people raise issues they may not always be right, but they must be listened to, and they must have the confidence that all of their issues will be addressed.

"We have introduced a protected disclosures policy. We have put a protected disclosures manager structure in place and the government have been informed of these measures.

In her opening address Ms O'Sullivan said she recognises that there needs to be a process of continuous improvement. "That is why we are taking external advice on our policies and procedures and we very much welcome the Policing Authorities views."

She also praised the work of garda officers particularly in the area of gangland crime.

She said that since March 9: "There was over 1.9m in cash seized, 35 guns and 1000 rounds of ammunition, including AK74 [sic] assault rifles, sub machine guns, sawn-off shotguns and other semi-automatic weapons and silencers"

She said they have seized drugs worth 36m and 167 people have been arrested for drug trafficking and related offences.

Commissioner O'Sullivan praised the international policing cooperation that has seen officers from Spain and Italy joining garda operations here.
Workers in the Irish clowning industry have said that the knock-on-effect of people wearing creepy clown masks in recent weeks, is "destroying people's livelihoods".

The public are being urged not to lose faith in professional clowns following scary incidents throughout Ireland.

"We've had members lose gigs because of it, professional paid gigs, because of the association with hysteria and scariness and violence," said Lucy Medlycott, chairperson of the Irish Street Arts, Circus and Spectacle Network.

"This is really damaging to professional clowns. It's verging on abuse," she told the Herald.

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Videos of creepy clowns terrorising young people in the run-up to Halloween have emerged online from across the world in recent weeks, with pranksters often carrying fake weapons.

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Ms Medlycott hit out at the perpetrators.

"This is not what clowns are about," she said.

"It's playing on people's fears. Usually people think of clowns as something fun, something funny, childish, naive, innocent. But these scary clowns, it's just not good for anyone involved.

"It's not funny. It's not representative of clowns they're building up a hysteria around them."

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Ken Fanning, who works with Tumble Circus, said that he has lost out on work in recent weeks because of the frenzy. One customer told Fanning that she was afraid people would be frightened because of the recent controversy.

"I had a gig booked in the north of Dublin and the woman rang me and told me that they couldn't do it. We were going to bring our marching band down. She said it just couldn't happen, that she was afraid people would be scared of it, because a lot of people have been affected directly by people dressing up as clowns. It's rubbish," Mr Fanning told the Herald.

"It's crap that people are taking the image of the clown, which is loved by children. They're taking this image and turning it into an image of horror to frighten them, taking something that they have joy and pleasure in and making it a horrific image. They're destroying people's livelihoods."

Ms Medlycott said that the creepy craze will affect real clowns' ability to work safely.

"They won't be able to perform comfortably without being afraid, or being targeted. It is going to cause problems if it goes on.

"Professional clowns want to stand against this, this is not who we are all these online fads have lifespans, but right now, it's just not funny."

Last week, students and teachers in Newpark Comprehensive School, Blackrock, were left shocked when three members of a Halloween production company inadvertently entered the school dressed as scary clowns to promote The Nightmare Realm.

The production company later apologised for the mistake.

Meanwhile, a teenager has been landed with a criminal record after taking part in the "killer clown" craze.

Message

The 18-year-old man, from Caerphilly in Wales, was issued with a fixed penalty notice and fined 90 (99) for a public order offence.

Gwent Police said he was intimidating children outside a school while dressed as a clown.

Chief Inspector Paul Staniforth said: "Not only is this man out of pocket, he will now have a criminal record which will impact his future, including any job opportunities.

"I hope this result sends a strong message to anyone thinking about taking part in this craze, that their five minutes of what they may think is fun really isn't worth it."
Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Etain Sweeney-Keogh from Leitrim during her Girl Takeover organised by Plan International Ireland on the UN International Day of the Girl. Photo: Maxwells

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has told his support base in Mayo that he will contest the next general election.

The dramatic announcement by Mr Kenny ahead of the Budget came after it was reported that the Taoiseach's local Fine Gael branch in Castlebar had established a committee to plan for his departure.

However, on Sunday evening Mr Kenny made the surprise announcement that he intended to run again at a Mayo constituency annual general meeting.

Junior Minister Michael Ring, who it is understood will also contest the next election, and Fine Gael Senator Michelle Mulherin were also present.

Until now, Mr Kenny has only said he will not contest the next election as Fine Gael leader, but this is the first indication he has given that he intends to return to the Dail after the next national vote.

It was reported that the Fine Gael Castlebar district organisation set up a committee to decide on a candidate to replace Mr Kenny, with the Taoiseach's daughter Aoibhinn seen as the favourite.

However, a Fine Gael source said the committee was set up to deal with local elections in three years' time, rather than Mr Kenny's departure.

"There was never a discussion about replacing the boss," a local source said.

Mr Kenny is understood to have told the meeting: "Despite media speculation, I won't be going away for a long time."

Another Fine Gael source said the Taoiseach's announcement received a round of applause from the membership present.

There has been widespread speculation within Fine Gael over when Mr Kenny will step down, but he recently revealed he plans to stay in place for at least two more budgets.

Fine Gael rebels are anxious to see Mr Kenny retire as leader as soon as possible and indicated they will put down a motion of no confidence before the parliamentary party after the Budget.

However, Kenny's supporters believe they have enough support within the party to defeat a motion of no confidence.

"He will defeat a motion, but I don't think it would do him any good and these lads will not wait forever for him to step aside," one minister said.

Last week, Waterford TD John Deasy said there are between 10 and 15 Fine Gael parliamentary party members who would back a heave against the Taoiseach.

Mr Deasy said it is likely there will be renewed focus on Mr Kenny's leadership after the Budget.

Before the Dail broke for the summer recess, the Taoiseach's future was raised by a number of backbench TDs, including Kerry's Brendan Griffin, Louth's Fergus O'Dowd and Cork South West's Jim Daly.

At the Fine Gael think-in last month in Kildare, Mr Kenny indicated he intends to remain as party leader for another two years.
Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald has jumped to the defence of Noirin O'Sullivan ahead of the Garda Commissioner's appearance before the Justice Committee.

The top garda will today, for the first time, face questions from TDs over the alleged smear campaign against whistleblowers that has rocked the force.

Central to the controversy is Superintendent David Taylor, who has claimed in a protected disclosure that garda management sought to discredit the character of Sergeant Maurice McCabe.

Supt Taylor, the force's former press officer, has claimed Commissioner O'Sullivan was personally told of efforts to discredit Sgt McCabe.

She has rejected any such assertion.

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Minister Fitzgerald appeared on RTE Morning Ireland today where she was asked why shouldn't MS O'Sullivan step aside when there are such serious allegations against her?

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The Tanaiste responded: "Why should she when there is no evidence of wrongdoing against her?

"I do believe that you need to hear all evidence first in relation to any claims that come in against her. Natural justice demands it. I am a very strong believer, and in my position, that there are fair procedures for everybody. And I believe that by the action we have taken that is fair procedure.

"I am not going to deal with a body of allegations and make judgements in relation to them until the evidence is heard and I have set up a process for that."

Asked if, as of this morning, she had confidence in the Commissioner, Ms Fitzgerald said: "I have made it very clear that I do. There is a huge policing job to be done out there.

"I believe that the gardai are having a lot of successes in relation to very challenging situations. The gangland situation, which I believe is being dealt with, we have excellent policing going on in this country.

She continued: "I believe there are challenges in relation to whistleblowing. We have to make sure people have that confidence, whether it was RTE or a media organisation or anywhere else you have to have confidence that if you are a whistleblower the procedures are in place that you are protected."

Retired Judge Iarfhlaith O'Neill has been tasked by Minister Fitzgerald with investigating claims of a plot to discredit Sgt McCabe.

The Tanaiste said the review will take six weeks and any further recommendations following his review will be put in place.

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In her statement to the Justice Committee, which was circulated to members on Tuesday night, the Commissioner makes no reference to the ongoing controversies that have dogged the force.

Instead, she focuses heavily on the success of Operation Thor and the joint operation with Spanish police to tackle gangland crime.

"In relation to organised crime, An Garda Siochana has made significant progress in disrupting and tackling such gangs over the last number of months," Ms O'Sullivan says.

"We've built on the expertise in our Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau by introducing a Special Crime Task Force to focus on criminals working at lower levels in organised crime gangs.

"You've seen the results. Significant arrests and seizures in the last few weeks that have degraded organised crime gangs by taking guns, drugs and cash from them. Lives have been saved - with 12 assassination attempts foiled."
A mother has told of the shock moment a doctor informed her she was pregnant - just hours before she gave birth to her first child.

Cilla Ward (29) had no idea she was expecting when she woke up in the middle of the night in April 2011 with what she thought was period pain.

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However, as the night progressed the searing pain down her back worsened, prompting her to wake her parents who rushed her to Dublin's Beaumont Hospital.

"I was vomiting and vomiting, I thought I was dying. I went into my mam and dad's room and begged them to take me to hospital. I knew something was really, really wrong.

"I was in such pain that I was seen almost straight away." An ultrasound by doctors at Beaumont revealed the news the then 23-year-old never expected.

"The doctor came to my bedside and brought out an ultrasound. He asked what I heard. 'My heartbeat,' I said. But he told me there were two."

A stunned Cilla was already in labour and was brought to the Rotunda Hospital for the delivery.

"The midwife told me to prepare myself for the worst. They thought my baby was going to be very small because my bump was so small. I was hardly showing at all, I had no idea."

"I was so worried that the baby wasn't going to be okay. I was terrified," said Cilla.

However, she gave birth to a beautiful, healthy daughter who she named Dollyanna after her aunt and mother and who is now in senior infants.
The Meningitis Research Foundation feels passionately that the new vaccine should be made freely available to more people.

I was worrying about the fact my son had never got his BCG vaccination when a doctor friend came out with a surprise revelation: "Oh, I wouldn't worry about that," she said. "It doesn't protect against all the strains and most other countries don't even give it to babies."

My confusion was compounded by the fact that I knew I'd had my own BCG jab at the age of 11, so surely there was no immediate rush to get my, then six-months-old son inoculated? Then another friend said she was desperate to get her infant son immunised, but everywhere had run out of the drug. The evident desirability of the tuberculosis vaccination had me worried again: Is this a must-have immunisation, or something my child can easily, and healthily live without?

Because that's the most important question in every parent's mind, isn't it? What is the healthiest, safest and best option for my son or daughter's well-being? Unfortunately, when it comes to vaccinations, it's not always clear what the right answer is.

One problem is that the choice of vaccinations is always changing. This month sees two new additions to Ireland's childhood immunisation schedule. Babies, born on or after October 1, will now receive vaccines for Meningitis B and rotavirus at two and four months.

For decades, MenB has been the most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK and Ireland, and a leading infectious cause of death for children under five. The new vaccine was introduced in the UK last year and covers about 85pc of the MenB strains, and has so far proved effective in reducing the number of cases.

Trials have also shown it to have a good safety profile. "The only issue is that when we give MenB with the other vaccines, babies are more likely to get a temperature," explains Dr Brenda Corcoran, consultant in public health medicine at the National Immunisation Office. "Because of this, we will be recommending that babies are given paracetamol at and after the first dose at two months and at four months."

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The additions mean the vaccine schedule for children born this month now looks like this. Birth: BCG/ Tuberculosis Vaccine. At two months, the six-in-one vaccine (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough/pertussis, Hib (Haemophilus influenza) Polio, Hepatitis B), PCV (Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine) MenB and rotavirus. Four months; six in one, MenB, rotavirus. At six months, six in one, PCV, MenC vaccine. At one year, the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella), MenB vaccine and only a month later, Hib/MenC and PCV.

Then when a child is in junior infants, it's recommended to get a booster against diphtheria, polio, tetanus and whooping cough, as well as a second dose of MMR vaccine. In secondary school there's a tetanus, low-dose diphtheria and pertussis booster, MenC booster and, for girls, the HPV vaccine to protect against cervical cancer (see panel).

Some diseases need multiple doses to make the vaccine effective (which is why you'll see the same names creep up) and you need to talk to your GP if your child has missed one because dosage can change with age.

But what about children on the old schedule - are they missing out? The Meningitis Research Foundation feels passionately that the new vaccine should be made freely available to more people.

"Introducing the MenB vaccine for babies is a major step forward, but restricting the vaccine to only this narrow highest risk age group can never prevent the majority of cases," says Vinny Smith, chief executive of the Meningitis Research Foundation. "We believe vaccinating teenagers could be key to greater protection, as it may stop them picking up and passing on the bacteria to others."

Parents can, depending on availability, buy the vaccine. On average one dose costs between 130 and 180 and children need between two and four doses to be fully protected (depending on their age).

"The schedule has to start at some point. We don't have enough funding and there was no catch-up programme recommended by the expert group," explains Dr Corcoran. "The hope is that once as many of the newer group are covered, that will help protect the older babies as well because there will be less of the germ around."

The second new vaccination is rotavirus, given orally, to protect against vomiting and diarrhoea bugs that hospitalise around 1,000 babies every year. It's a vaccine that has been introduced in most European countries and proved effective. The WHO has been recommending it since 2009 but, until now, it wasn't deemed cost effective in Ireland.

Since rotavirus is expected to affect every child in Ireland before they hit five, you might feel it's one worth paying the 140 for the required two doses. But, not necessarily says pharmacist at Milltown totalhealth and wonderbaba.ie, Sheena Mitchell. "After 24 weeks, it's not on the licence of the manufacturer as there is no safety data for use in older children," she reveals. "Time is of the essence and ideally it should be done before 16 weeks." The first dose can only be given from six weeks and doses must be four weeks apart.

The other two main discretionary vaccines are chicken pox and flu. If you or your child is in an 'at risk' category - suffering diabetes, liver or renal disease, severe asthma, Down syndrome - the flu jab is recommended. It's seasonal - this year's vaccine is to guard against the three main strains of flu for 2016/17 - so it only lasts the year and is only between 40-90pc effective. But for 20 it has an excellent safety profile and could reduce the risk of having your child off sick for a week.

Chickenpox has been on the vaccine schedule in the USA for over two decades. In Ireland parents have to pay around 55 per dose. Children must be over 12 months, need two doses, one month apart and at least one month after other live vaccines, like MMR. It's safe and has about a 90pc rate of success but it's not clear what its long-term success is.

"With chickenpox, the question of whether to vaccinate or not is difficult because the symptoms can be quite mild or severe," says Sheena, also a pharmacist expert for mummypages.ie. "And we don't know if it gives long-term immunity."

Most people who have had chickenpox develop lifelong immunity, whereas its unsure whether the vaccine will do the same, potentially leaving adults susceptible to the disease (which is more severe as an adult). There's also a possibility that reducing the incidence of childhood chickenpox could increase the level of adult shingles.

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The reason Ireland has some vaccines on its schedule and not others, compared to other Western countries, is because vaccinations are both area and time specific. The BCG is not given in most other Western European countries and was only advised in Ireland in recent years because we had high rates of TB. Now rates are down, it looks likely that routine BCG will no longer be advised. We have MenB and MenC because those illnesses are common here. Even though diseases like polio aren't commonplace in Ireland, we still need the vaccine because they are common elsewhere in the world.

"Even though you don't see the diseases, they may only be a plane ride away, so you have to make sure you get the vaccines and keep our rates up, otherwise we may be vulnerable," explains Dr Corcoran. "This is the issue, parents don't see the diseases because the vaccine rate is so high but if we drop the vaccine rates, the diseases come back."

While some parents might be keen to fork out for additional vaccines, others worry about accessing the existing recommended jabs. One of the largest ever global surveys of attitudes of people on vaccines recently revealed that Europeans are the most sceptical of vaccine safety.

Despite Andrew Wakefield's 1998 report - linking MMR and autism - being widely disproved, a 2014 survey by the National Consumers League found that one third of parents with children under 18 still believe vaccines can cause autism. Currently many countries, including Ireland, are facing controversy around the HPV vaccine.

"I think parents are questioning the timing and the sheer number of vaccines currently on the schedule," says Catherine Weitbrecht from Irish Vaccination Awareness (IVA). "In Ireland a baby will receive 27 doses of 13 diseases by the time they are 13-months-old (excluding BCG at birth). Some parents question a baby's ability to develop sufficient antibodies at such a young age, especially given the combination given at any one time. They also are questioning the ingredients for such small babies."

The uptake for infant vaccines in Ireland is high, standing at 96pc; MMR is 93pc (up from 70pc at the height of the autism scare) but HPV has dropped from 87pc to 70pc.

Catherine reports that parents feel "brushed off" when they voice concerns to their doctor about vaccine ingredients, multiple vaccines and whether a one-size fits all is the best approach to childhood immunisation.

"Healthy scepticism and a need to know exactly what they are injecting into their babies brings parents to IVA," she says. "There appears to be too many, too soon in most people's minds."

There's also confusion about the efficacy of some vaccines. For example, it was recently revealed that the whooping cough vaccine has no long lasting protection.

"But whooping cough as an adult is annoying, in small babies it can result in hospitalisation and even death," says Dr Corcoran. "That's why it's important to get the vaccine at the recommended age."

She worries that parents reading online about vaccines don't get the full story. "No medicine is without risk, so it's important to get scientifically accurate information. Our website, immunisation.ie, is accredited by the World Health Organisation as providing factual, accurate information."

For more information, see www.immunisation.ie or call 01-867 6108

HPV vaccine: is it safe or Not?

Since September 2011, the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine has been offered to girls in their first year of second-level school. The vaccine protects against over 100 viruses including the two types causing seven of all 10 diagnosed cervical cancers.

The two main HPV vaccines are Gardasil (used by the HSE) and Cervarix. But in recent years Gardasil has received negative press with girls  more than 300 in Ireland and many more in other countries  claiming a link between receiving the vaccine and developing severe long-term conditions, including chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.

The vaccine most parents worry about is the HPV vaccine, says Catherine Weitbrecht, from Irish Vaccination Awareness. Parents are mostly questioning the ingredients in Gardasil and the affect they might have on pre-pubescent girls.

Fuelling the belief that Gardasil might be dangerous is the fact that Denmark recently replaced using the drug with Cervarix.

But Dr Corcoran says there was another reason for this. The reason Denmark changed was because they did a tender process and, based on finance, on a cost basis, they chose Cervarix. It was nothing to do with the safety of the vaccine, it was a commercial decision.

She says parents need to look at the science before making a decision on HPV. All scientific evidence shows there is no link between the HPV vaccine and the development of these long-term conditions, she says.

The scientific evidence is that these conditions occur in teenagers and have done so for many, many years. There is no change in the numbers of girls who are getting these conditions in girls who have been vaccinated compared to girls who are not being vaccinated.

Every year 90 women in Ireland die from cervical cancer. You want to do whats best for your child, you want to protect them from terrible diseases and we know that last year 5,000 girls were not protected from HPV who would have been protected in the previous year, says Dr Corcoran.

And we know that unfortunately some of those girls will develop cervical cancer, they may have to have quite invasive treatment, surgery, chemotherapy. They may end up having actual cervical cancer and some of them will unfortunately die. What were trying to do is prevent that. We dont want to scaremonger, we want to give parents the facts.

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 Chrissie Russell
Michelin stands by its claim that we are changing our tyres too soon

Michelin is resolutely standing by its claim - revealed in Motors last week - that people are changing their tyres too soon.

Another of its top experts has insisted that tyres can work perfectly well right down to the 1.6mm legal limit.

This again flies in the face of widely-held convictions, based on extensive research, which show that, in the wet, tyres with 3mm tread depth stopped more quickly than those on 1.6mm.

Now Jamie McWhir, Michelin's technical manager for car and 4x4 in the UK and Ireland, has reiterated their stance to Motors: "It is absolutely possible to make tyres that perform well down to the legal limit."

He said people need to be aware that tyres can wear unevenly and need to be carefully examined for correct pressure as well.

"But changing tyres at 4mm or 3mm causes unnecessary expense for the motorist," he said. "They have to change tyres more often and they get rid of their tyres just as they become most fuel-efficient."

He added: "If a tyre is made properly, using the best materials and technologies, it will give you long-lasting performance.

"Tyre labelling was a good step in the right direction, but it's a snapshot of how a tyre performs when it's new. How does it perform when it's done 5,000 miles? Or 10,000 miles or 15,000 miles? Good tyres will keep performing."

Reaction to Michelin's claims has been officially muted, but unofficially disbelieving in some cases.

The fact of the matter is that safety experts did not dismiss it out of hand because the quality of both tyre and of road surface can make a huge difference to adherence and performance.

But the big fear expressed was that people on low-grade tyres might overlook the fact Michelin are basing their claim on quality products. That could lead to people allowing poor tyres go to the legal 1.6mm limit.

The Road Safety Authority, in a statement to the media following the disclosure by Motors, said: "For safety reasons the Road Safety Authority (RSA) and The Royal Society for the prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) recommend that you should have at least 3mm tread on each tyre."

It added: "There is known disparity in the wet grip afforded from varying tyre manufacturers and their individual types of tyres. This is evidenced by the wet-grip scale on the performance labels affixed to new tyres. The braking distance at 80km/hr increases by 18 metres between tyres with wet grip performance label Class A and Class F.

"It is with due consideration to the variances between the quality and the wet grip performance of tyres in the marketplace and inclement weather conditions often experienced here in Ireland, that the RSA has based its recommendations on."

The RSA also quoted an extract from the Michelin website which could be interpreted as a contradiction of its recent comments: "If the surface of the tread rubber is level with these raised areas, the tyre tread depth is most likely very close to the legal limit of 1.6 mm. Or below it! Michelin strongly recommends you consider changing your tyres before this limit is reached. They may no longer provide sufficient safety and you could be breaking the law."

As part of an official statement at the Paris Motor Show, Michelin said it was "rejecting" calls for tyres to be changed when tread depth reached 4mm or 3mm. It also said it "rejects" the "planned obsolescence" advocated by some tyre-makers.

It added: "Changing tyres at 4mm or 3mm costs motorists more money (especially as fuel efficiency increases as the tyre wears) and it increases the environmental impact of making and using tyres."

In his original interview with Motors, the company's research director Bernard Delmas strenuously disputed claims that 3mm should become the norm.
Shannon Airport has welcomed a new SAS service to Stockholm Arlanda Airport for a limited period next year.

Scandinavian Airlines' (SAS) new direct route will operate twice a week on Tuesdays and Saturdays from August 1 to October 7, 2017.

The service brings to 35 the number of destinations from Shannon, and opens up a connecting hub in Scandiniavia - albeit briefly.

Spread over 14 islands, Stockholm's attractions range from trendy Sodermalm to a stunning Old Town... and of course, its ABBA Museum.

"SAS has no doubt there will be a very keen interest and uptake for this new route and we look forward to developing this route into the future, said Alan Sparling, General Sales Agent for the airline in Ireland.

Passengers can connect at Arlanda to over 22 onward destinations served by SAS, including Copenhagen, Oslo, Gothenburg, Riga and Helsinki.

"The announcement is another first for Shannon and a great boost for the region by one of the worlds major airlines," said Matthew Thomas, CEO of Shannon Group.

Last month, Shannon celebrated its six millionth passenger since becoming an independent airport operation on January 1, 2013.

The new route will also bring a tourism boost from the Nordic region and Swedish visitors keen to explore Ireland's west and Wild Atlantic Way.

"As an island destination, the importance of convenient, direct, non-stop flights cannot be overstated," said Niall Gibbons, CEO of Tourism Ireland.

"They are absolutely critical to achieving growth in inbound tourism."

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ELKO  Great Basin College President Dr. Mark Curtis announced he will retire June 30.

He told faculty, staff and Board of Regents Chair Rick Trachok on Oct. 6 about his plans.

Curtis has worked a 46-year career as a designer, engineer, educator, author and leader.

He began his tenure at GBC on July 1, 2012, after being selected by the GBC Institutional Advisory Committee and the Board of Regents Presidential Search Committee.

Immediately prior to GBC, Curtis served as vice president of Academic and Student Affairs at Alpena Community College in Alpena, Mich.

Curtis was also a tenured full-time professor at Ferris State University, Northern Michigan University and Purdue University.

Not only did his background in academia make Curtis a valuable candidate, but his extended experience in industry also stood out to those who served on the selection committees.

Having received an associates degree in drafting and design along his own academic path, community college sustenance and growth was a major part of Curtiss vision and now accomplishments.

Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Lynn Mahlberg remarked how important Curtiss service has been during a memorable period in the colleges history.

In the last 5 years, graduation numbers have nearly doubled, new bachelors degrees have been added to GBCs offerings, a Veteran Resource Center has been established, and the availability and innovation of GBCs online course and program offerings continue to be commended across the country, said Mahlberg.

Other accomplishments include expanded service to rural Nevada, including the acquisition of 274 acres in Nye County for the Pahrump campus, and most recently, the advancement of discussion towards state college designation.

Curtis has also recently updated his book entitled the Handbook of Dimensional Measurement, now in its 5th Edition, also known as the standard reference work in the field of Metrology.

In retirement, Curtis plans to continue writing, and consulting within academic disciplines of metrology, precision parts manufacturing and leadership.

Great Basin College is a wonderful institution serving the citizens of rural Nevada in a highly effective and efficient manner, Curtis said. It has been my distinct honor to serve as its president.

Trachok and Chancellor John V. White will visit the Elko campus in the coming weeks to further discuss the future of GBC.
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John Downing Opinion New British prime minister Rishi Sunaks succession proves an important milestone in British political inclusivity

There is an old saying in British politics that goes: The right looks for converts while the left seeks out traitors. It comes to mind when one reflects upon the election of Rishi Sunak as the UKs first non-white prime minister in a party traditionally seen as most opposed to mass immigration and the dilution of national identity via multiculturalism.
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What will it take to unite Ireland? Opinions are divided

There are those for whom Northern Ireland is a geographical fragment of the UK holding true to empire on its western flanks, and those for whom partition is a century-old wrong that must be overturned. Somewhere in the middle are the persuadables  people willing to accept either unity or union, so long as the justification is logical. One way or another, the unity conversation is in the air.
Some academic legal commentary seems to point to the conclusion that simply repealing Article 40.3.3 by removing it will effectively lead to abortion on demand.

Even some in favour of the repeal recognise this.

Perhaps the solution is to formulate the terms of a Constitutional Amendment as follows.

Remove Article 40.3.3.

Add a new Article which acknowledges the right to life of the unborn but allows the termination of a pregnancy which is the result of rape or incest.

Allow the termination of a pregnancy where there is a risk of maternal suicide (as per the X case ruling).

Allow termination of a pregnancy where there is medically proven foetal fatal abnormality.

Overall, Article 40 covers Personal Rights. It is very strong on personal liberty; it sets out in detail the procedure to be followed where a person is allegedly being unlawfully held by the State, rather than leaving such procedure to be legislated for by the Oireachtas.

The Eighth Amendment has led to unforeseen consequences and to grave dilemmas in certain situations.

Perhaps the only way forward in light of those who are opposed to abortion on demand - like myself - and those who support it, and the undeniable need to deal with tragic scenarios as outlined, is to enshrine the exact wording in the text of the Constitution.

Otherwise, we will yet again have a polarised campaign resulting in another 'black and white' Amendment which will resolve nothing. Feelings run very high on both sides and indeed amongst those in the middle.

Larry Dunne

Rosslare Harbour, Co Wexford

God bless our Government

On the day after our Budget day, let us give thanks to such a caring and protective Government.

I know they will make the right decisions, and that they have our best interests at heart.

I know it's tough for them to live on the pittance they receive in remuneration, and therefore have no problem in them taking money off me so they can survive. In the economic jungle, survival of the fattest is of paramount importance. Please bring in a sugar tax so I can live more healthily. And that free fresh air should be taxed as well.

Once again many thanks for helping me to lose my belly fat by not eating so much. And all that exercise I get doing push-ups in my front room to stay warm due to the heating being off. It has me all muscled. Anything I can do to keep the recovery going is all yours.

God bless you! You are all living saints.

Anthony Woods

Ennis, Co Clare

We owe more to abuse victims

The sentencing in the Central Criminal Court on Monday of a father following the repeated rape of his son over several years was the conclusion of a case which has variously been described as "horrific", "deplorable", and "tragic".

However, the tragedy lies not just in the unspeakable suffering by the child throughout his childhood, but in the fact that the hurt did not end there. It has been reported that the child was placed in a foster home and was again subjected to sexual abuse, at a time when he was in the State's care.

One of the most important obligations we have to children who disclose abuse is to keep them safe, to end the hurt where we can, and to do our best to help them live their childhood. In this case, we failed to protect the child by placing him in danger. Thankfully, he eventually found solace in foster care, and this enabled him to seek justice. However, the case has ended on the saddest of notes - the young person in question no longer lives in Ireland, as we do not have in place the specialist care he requires.

We owe this young person a great debt for disclosing his abuse, presenting his case and providing a victim impact statement to the court. It is not good enough that in return, we cannot provide this brave young person with care, attention and love, in the country he calls home.

Grainia Long

Chief executive, Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

Shopping and the Border

The recent sharp decline in the value of Sterling has generated stories of shoppers flocking over the Border to take advantage of cheaper prices in the North.

The real story, however, is rather one of retailers 'down south' protecting their already high margins and refusing to lower their prices in recognition of the fact that a lot, if not the majority, of the goods they sell are sourced from the UK and are hence now costing them less. Leaving aside the odd percentage differences in VAT, in theory it shouldn't matter which side of the Border you buy goods from.

What matters is that UK manufacturers are becoming more cost-competitive versus their Irish counterparts, which, if it persists, will be bad news in the longer term for employment prospects in Ireland.

RA Blackburn

Abbey Hill, Naul, Co Dublin

Trump's publicity machine

Regarding Mr Trump, and to quote Abraham Lincoln once more, "What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself."

Paddy Mheime

Conamara, Co na Gaillimhe

Public-sector pay restoration

In your front-page story and editorial on Monday October 10, you implied that the restoration next year of the third FEMPI cut, which applied uniquely to those earning over 65,000 in the public service (including politicians), is less than fair.

This type of commentary reinforces our long-stated position that the link between politicians and public-sector pay must be broken in order for our members to be treated objectively in public-sector pay deliberations.

The AHCPS represents over 3,000 senior civil servants and managers in the civil service and semi-state sector. Our research shows that assistant principal officers pay levels are 20pc behind the private sector equivalent, and for principal officers (the salary scale that matches TDs) that rises to 30pc. Since the recession began, our members have been disproportionately targeted and pay levels are now back at 2002 rates.

These men and women are tasked with running our government departments and their contribution to the recovery cannot be overstated. If we want to attract and retain the best candidates to these important roles, they must be afforded a salary that is equivalent to a role of similar responsibility in the private sector.

The recently established Public Service Pay Commission has been designed for that purpose and we look forward to its findings. In the meantime, our members are due pay restoration as committed to by Government in the Lansdowne Road agreement.

Ciaran Rohan

General secretary, AHCPS
Jim Carrey carries the coffin of ex-girlfriend Cathriona White in her home village of Cappawhite, Co Tipperary, last year. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire

The mother of Jim Carrey's ex-girlfriend Cathriona White is suing the actor for the wrongful death of her daughter.

It follows a similar case filed less than a month ago by Ms White's estranged husband, Mark Burton.

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Cathriona, from Cappawhite, Co Tipperary, died by suicide in September 2015. The actor, who she was separated from at the time of her death, attended the funeral in her home town.

Cathriona's mother Brigid Sweetman said Carrey should be "ashamed" of his treatment of her daughter, amid claims he illegally provided the Irish make-up artist with prescription drugs involved in her suicide.

Ms Sweetman also repeats allegations, previously made by Mr Burton, that the actor gave her daughter three sexually transmitted diseases before her death in September 2015.

"Jim Carrey should be ashamed of what he did to my daughter. And he should be ashamed for how he has used his Hollywood attorneys to badmouth Cat's husband Mark with the hope that nobody will hold him responsible for what he did," Ms Sweetman said in a statement.

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"As a family, we want the world to know the truth about who Jim Carrey really is.

"A man that will give your daughter three STDs, lie about it, call her terrible names and demean her, use his high-priced lawyers to try and shut her and her family up, and then give her illegal drugs."

Referring to a note left by Ms White, in which she described being called a "whore" and "an opportunist", Ms Sweetman added: "Every mother and father that has a daughter should read Cat's handwritten letter to Jim and decide for themselves what kind of guy he really is."

In papers filed with the Los Angeles Superior Court, Ms Sweetman is suing Carrey for wrongful death and violation of the Drug Dealer Liability Act.

She claims 'The Mask' star tested positive for "numerous STDs" on January 28, 2013, and provided a false name - Jose Lopez - for the test.

In response to Ms Sweetman's lawsuit, Carrey's lawyer said: "It is understandable that a mother who has lost a daughter will look for someone to blame.

"But in directing her grief and rage at Jim Carrey and joining this ridiculous attempt to capitalise on Cathriona's suicide, Ms Sweetman is heading down the same dark path as Cathriona's green-card 'husband' Mark Burton."

Lawyers for the Hollywood star have previously said that the allegations against him are "bogus" and "categorically disputed".

During her time in Los Angeles, Cathriona, a make-up artist who was carving out a successful career in film and TV, had taken classes at Scientology's Hollywood Celebrity Centre.

In 2013 she married fellow scientologist and cameraman Mark Burton. The couple had met while working on an online comedy series.

Cathriona's ex-husband Mr Burton, in his lawsuit against Carrey, has claimed the actor used his "immense wealth and celebrity status" to access prescription drugs that caused Cathriona's death.

It is also alleged that Carrey or his assistants monitored the 30-year-old's movements from her house through surveillance cameras, but they failed to report that Cathriona hadn't left the house in more than a day.

Speaking previously about Mr Burton's lawsuit, Carrey had commented: "I will not tolerate this heartless attempt to exploit me or the woman I loved.

"Cat's troubles were born long before I met her."
More than 80pc of missing elderly are reportedly found in the big cities, but only 50pc in the rural regions. Photo credit: Getty Images

About 1,370 Chinese elderly go missing every day, a new report said, amid growing concerns the country's ageing population is being neglected by children who leave their backwater home towns for the booming cities.

Elderly people in China often rely on their children for emotional and financial support, and caring for parents is considered the most sacred of Chinese virtues.

But decades of economic growth have led many of today's younger generations to focus more on their careers than their parents' welfare.

About 500,000 elderly people go missing in China every year - or 1,370 a day - the survey released by the Zhongmin Social Assistance Institute said.

Most of the cases occur in rural communities and small cities, areas where young people often leave to find work in China's fast-developing larger cities, said the report, which was sent to 'The Daily Telegraph' by the authors.

Dementia

More than 80pc of missing elderly are reportedly found in the big cities, but only 50pc in the rural regions.

Many of the missing have mental illnesses, with 72pc suffering from memory impairment and a quarter diagnosed with dementia.

Four decades of the draconian one-child policy has resulted in a dwindling workforce and a rapidly ageing population.

In 2013, Beijing passed a law that aimed to compel adult children to visit their ageing parents. It also listed a series of obligations to provide for the "spiritual needs of the elderly".

Observers criticised the measures as being difficult to enforce, but they were a key indicator of concern in Beijing about who would care for China's growing ranks of elderly.

By 2050, 30pc of Chinese will be 60 or over, the UN estimates, versus 20pc worldwide and 10pc in China in 2000. ( Daily Telegraph London)
The World Health Organisation (WHO) said yesterday that it was sending one million doses of cholera vaccine to Haiti, where cases of the killer disease have climbed in the wake of Hurricane Matthew.

"The top priority for those people affected by the hurricane is to give them access to clean water. That is the only way we can control cholera," Dominique Legros, WHO cholera expert, told a news briefing before travelling to the Caribbean country.

Some 150 suspected cholera cases have been reported in Grande'Anse department and 50 in South department, he said. "It is more than usual, I know it is a sharp increase compared to usual figures."

WHO was considering giving people a single dose of the vaccine rather than the classic double dose, to cover more people, albeit with a shorter protection period, Legros said.

Meanwhile, in Dame Marie, 300 patients with festering wounds lay silently on beds at the main hospital in the seaside village waiting for medicine a week after Hurricane Matthew hit the remote peninsula.

Among the injured was Beauvoir Luckner, a cobbler and farmer who walked 12 kilometers in three days after a tree crushed his leg and killed his mother when it fell on their house.

His leg might have to be amputated, but all doctors can do is clean his wounds because the hospital has run out of everything, including pain killers.

"There's no water, no antibiotics," Dr Herby Jean said. "Everything is depleted ... We hear helicopters flying overhead, but we're not getting anything."

There was also no power and frustration grew on Tuesday as food, medicine and fresh water kept arriving at the main city in Haiti's southwest peninsula but was slow to reach increasingly desperate communities like Dame Marie.

Meanwhile, Luckner lay on a mattress with no sheets and a bandage around his left leg.

"It took a lot of misery to get here and now that I'm here, there's still misery," he said.

At a cramped police station serving as a makeshift clinic in the nearby town of Marfranc, Darline Derosier fastened IV drips to jail cell bars, wiped the brows of cholera patients and tended to wounds.

She was the only health worker helping about 40 patients inside the station bereft of police as she waited for help to arrive.

"People will die soon if we don't get some aid," an overwhelmed Derosier said.

The UN humanitarian agency in Geneva has made an emergency appeal for nearly $120 million (133m) in aid, saying about 750,000 people in southwest Haiti alone will need "life-saving assistance and protection" in the next three months.

UN 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. Some 175,000 people remain in shelters.

Blockades

Electricity was still out, water and food were scarce, and officials said young men in villages along the road between the hard-hit cities of Les Cayes and Jeremie were building blockades of rocks and broken branches to halt relief convoys.

The National Civil Protection headquarters in Port-au-Prince raised the official nationwide death toll to 372, which included at least 198 deaths in Grand-Anse. But local officials have said the toll in Grand-Anse alone tops 500.

The UN also said the hurricane has increased the risk of a "renewed spike" in the number of cholera cases. A cholera outbreak since 2010 has already killed roughly 10,000 people and sickened more than 800,000.
Shorten: This country does not have the right in a plebiscite to pass judgment on the marriages and relationships of some of our fellow Australians. It is not what Australia is about. Photo by Stefan Postles/Getty Images

Same-sex marriage will likely be delayed for at least three years in Australia after the opposition Labor party said it would not support a controversial national vote, dealing another potential blow to prime minister Malcolm Turnbull.

The Australian opposition decided yesterday to block government plans for the public but non-binding vote on legalising gay marriage, arguing it would better if the issue was decided in parliament.

Prime minister Malcolm Turnbull's conservative coalition government needs the centre-left Labor party's support to get enabling legislation through the Senate to hold a national vote on gay marriage on February 11.

But a meeting of Labor lawmakers yesterday unanimously decided against supporting the plebiscite, opposition leader Bill Shorten said.

While Labor supports gay marriage, it argues the plebiscite would trigger a divisive public debate.

Money

Labor argues the parliament should decide the issue without asking the public. The party also claimed that the plebiscite would be a waste of taxpayers' money. "This country does not have the right in a plebiscite to pass judgment on the marriages and relationships of some of our fellow Australians. It is not what Australia is about," Mr Shorten said.

Mr Turnbull, a marriage equality advocate, said despite the Labor comments, the idea of a plebiscite was not dead. "We urge the senators ... to support that bill and give the people their say," Mr Turnbull said.

The Australian Christian Lobby, which opposes marriage equality, said it was disappointed "that ordinary Australians are being shut out from having a say about the biggest social policy change in a generation".

Alex Greenwich, co-chair of the Australian Marriage Equality lobby group, said Labor's rejection of the plebiscite "is a move that indeed reflects the views of the gay and lesbian community who now want the debate about a plebiscite put behind us".
Hundreds have died in Burundi since President Pierre Nkurunziza last year pursued and won a third term that many call unconstitutional

Lawmakers in Burundi have overwhelmingly voted in support of a plan to withdraw from the International Criminal Court.

The decision escalates a dispute with the international community over the human rights situation in the East African country.

No country has ever withdrawn from the ICC, according to the Coalition for the International Criminal Court. The court prosecutes cases of genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Ninety-four out of 110 lawmakers voted in favour of the withdrawal plan, months after the ICC announced it would investigate Burundi's ongoing violence.

Some African countries have threatened a withdrawal from the Rome Statute, the treaty that created the ICC, accusing the court of disproportionately targeting the continent.

Only Africans have been charged in the six cases that are ongoing or about to begin, though preliminary ICC investigations have been opened elsewhere in the world.

Of the 122 countries that are parties to the Rome Statute, 34 are African, the largest continental bloc. The United States is not a party to the treaty.

Burundi's decision is not immediate. Observers say a county wishing to withdraw from the ICC must write to the UN secretary-general stating its intention, and the withdrawal takes effect a year after the day the secretary-general receives the letter.

Hundreds have died in Burundi since President Pierre Nkurunziza last year pursued and won a third term that many call unconstitutional. Since the ruling party announced his candidacy in April 2015, Burundi has seen violent street protests, forced disappearances and assassinations. More than 260,000 have fled.

On Monday, Burundi's government banned three UN human rights investigators from entering the country following the release of a report that cited massive rights violations allegedly perpetrated by security agencies.

The push among some African countries to withdraw from the ICC began after the court indicted Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta on charges of crimes against humanity for 2007 post-election violence in which more than 1,000 died. The ICC prosecutor said threats to witnesses, bribery and lack of cooperation by Kenya's government led to the case's collapse.

Some countries want a separate African court with jurisdiction over rights abuses.

AP
Thais chanted prayers as the country's stock market and currency tumbled and the prime minister cancelled an overseas trip amid concerns about King Bhumibol Adulyadej's health.

His son, the crown prince, returned home from Germany, as Thais in pink shirts - a colour associated with the king - gathered outside Siriraj hospital in Bangkok, which has been his home for much of the last decade.

The royal palace said in a statement that the 88-year-old king's blood pressure had dropped, his liver and kidneys were not working properly and he remained on a ventilator. "His majesty's overall condition is still unstable," it said.

Dozens of Thais holding incense sticks and images of the king chanted prayers outside the hospital for his recovery.

"The king is the heart of our country. So, without a heart, we cannot survive. So we pray for our heart, for the heart of our land," said Donnapha Kladbupha, a 42-year-old English tutor. "I want to see him come and say hello to the Thai people again."

Thai stocks have slid daily since Sunday, when the royal palace announced that Bhumibol's condition was unstable, the first time it has used that phrase regarding the king's health.

On Wednesday, the Stock Exchange of Thailand's benchmark fell nearly 7% in afternoon trading before recovering somewhat for a 4.1% loss for the day. The Thai baht fell 1.1% to end at 35.76 to a dollar.

The highly revered Bhumibol, the world's longest-reigning monarch, has suffered from a variety of ailments related to old age, including kidney and lung problems.

Last week, doctors performed a hemodialysis to purify his blood. They also replaced a tube that drains excess cerebrospinal fluid.

Because Bhumibol has been king since 1946, there is great concern about the eventual succession. Crown Prince Vajiralongkorn has not earned the same respect as his father.

Vajiralongkorn lives mostly in Germany, and flew back to Bangkok. The government's top bureaucrat, secretary-general Wilas Aroonsri, said Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha went to the airport to receive him. Prayuth was supposed to fly to Laos on an official visit but cancelled it in the morning.

Bhumibol, a constitutional monarch with no formal political role, is widely regarded as Thailand's unifying figure. However, as his health has deteriorated, his participation in public affairs has sharply declined in recent years.

Concern about succession has been entwined with Thailand's political turmoil in the past decade, as royalists have sought to ensure that they control the process instead of certain politicians whose fealty to the monarchy they doubt.

In Washington, Daniel Russel, the top US diplomat for East Asia, described Bhumibol - who was born in the US and visited twice in the 1960s - as "a true friend of the United States".

"We wish the best in terms of the health of the Thai king. He's a revered figure in Thailand and he's an admired figure in the United States. We hope his situation will stabilise," Mr Russel told reporters.

AP
Ive been involved in politics for the better part of a lifetime, and have spoken at a lot of public meetings over the years. Theres one question, I think, that Ive heard more than any other: If I want to be an informed citizen, which sources of information should I consult?

For many years, I had a set answer for this. Read one or more of the respected national news sources, Id respond. Im not sure how good that answer was at the time, but I know for certain it would be inadequate now.

The internet and social media have upended our expectations of what it means to be well informed. Platforms and websites that take advantage of online and mobile connectivity are like a firehose, providing enormous quantities of information, opinion, news, statements, videos, images, analysis, charts, graphs  all of it instantly available.

The question is, what impact does this have on the public dialogue, and on representative democracy?

Clearly, these are powerful tools. As the rise of the Tea Party and the alarm over price increases for the EpiPen demonstrate, they can galvanize large, energetic groups of people who oppose a specific target. They make more information quickly available from more sources. They give citizens multiple ways to engage the attention and interest of policy makers  and give policy makers multiple ways to gauge public opinion and seek to understand the interests and needs of constituents.

But if information has become more ubiquitous and powerful, so has misinformation. It spreads rapidly, passed along from user to user with no check. Posts tend to have no room for nuance; arguments can be explosive and arguers aggressive; drama and hysteria fuel polarization; special interests cant help but take advantage of the context-free nature of social media.

The key question is: Does the ubiquity of information really help citizens understand complex issues, weigh competing arguments, and reach discriminating judgments about politics?

The answer, of course, is that its a mixed bag. Certainly, the information world we live in today is putting more stress on individual voters to make discriminating choices and on our representative democracy, which rests on institutions that were designed in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Our political process has proved resilient over centuries, but social media pose a powerful challenge. Theyve brought great gifts and equally great risks, and wed be prudent to be cautious.
Some of up to 13,000 victims of modern slavery are being failed by chronic weakness in police responses to their plight, the UKs Anti-Slavery Commissioner has warned.

Kevin Hyland has used his first annual report to issue stinging criticism of a series of police failings which he says could be allowing organised crime groups behind slavery and people trafficking to act with impunity.

The report, presented to Parliament on Wednesday, stated that chronic weaknesses in modern slavery crime reporting , plus a lack of intelligence reporting and evidence-based operational action meant victims both present and future are being failed.

In some police force areas, Mr Hyland added, slavery victims were just being lost in the system.

Mr Hyland also reported that some British companies were still engaging in little more than box ticking when claiming their supply chains were slavery-free, and raised fears that the migration crisis and refugee camps like the Calais Jungle were being exploited by traffickers to enslave the vulnerable.

His criticisms come weeks after Prime Minister Theresa May announced the creation of a new task force involving the police, MI5 and MI6, aimed at ridding the world of what she called the evil of modern slavery.

Professor Bernard Silverman, the Chief Scientific Advisor to the Home Office, has estimated that at any one time there may be between 10,000 and 13,000 potential victims of modern slavery in the UK.

They can be lured to the UK with promises of a better life, only to find themselves so heavily indebted to those who transport them that they effectively have to work for their traffickers for nothing.

Traffickers have been known to photograph women being gang raped in order to force them to work in the sex trade under the threat of having the pictures shown to conservative family and friends back in their home countries.

In what one law enforcement official called blackmail nicely packaged as traditional ritual, Nigerian children have been terrified into submission by juju ceremonies where a witch doctor takes hair or blood from the victim and says they will die or fall horribly ill if they fail to obey their traffickers.

Vulnerable UK residents  particularly the homeless and youngsters in care  can also find themselves being trafficked within Britain, either for forced labour, or, in so-called grooming cases, for sexual abuse.

Law enforcement agencies have found victims of modern slavery providing a vast range of goods and services bought by unsuspecting UK customers. They have been found on the fringes of the UK food production industry, working in pop-up car washes and even delivering pizzas. Children from Vietnam are being forced to work in atrocious conditions in illegal cannabis farms hidden in suburban houses.

The Modern Slavery Act 2015 introduced life sentences for anyone convicted of slavery or trafficking offences in an attempt to change the nature of what many offenders viewed as a high profit, low risk crime.

But in his annual report, Mr Hyland highlighted continuing inadequacies in modern slavery crime recording that could allow organised crime groups to act with impunity.

He said that while the UKs modern slavery National Referral Mechanism (NRM) identified 3,146 potential victims in the financial year 2015-16, English and Welsh police forces recorded only 884 modern slavery crimes.

This, he said, meant that at best 28 per cent of referrals to the NRM in the past financial year had resulted in a modern slavery crime being recorded by police in England and Wales.
Police officers patrol the Central Station in the eastern city of Chemnitz, Germany (AP)

A 22-year-old Syrian man arrested over a suspected Islamic extremist bomb plot has killed himself in a prison cell in Leipzig, according to Saxony's state justice ministry

Justice ministry spokesman Joerg Herold said that Jaber Albakr killed himself sometime in the evening, but that the incident was still being investigated.

Albakr, who had been granted asylum after coming to Germany last year, was arrested on Monday in the city of Leipzig after three fellow Syrians tied him up and alerted police.

AP

The development adds to pressure on Saxony state authorities, who already had been criticised for allowing Albakr to slip through their fingers as they prepared to raid an apartment where he had been staying in the city of Chemnitz on Saturday.

Albakr, who had been under surveillance by German domestic intelligence since last month, was observed exiting the apartment building and authorities fired a warning shot. He was able to elude police on the scene and flee the city.

Inside the apartment they found highly volatile explosives and a home-made bomb vest.

Earlier on Wednesday, Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere said Albakr had undergone a security check last year, but it did not turn up anything suspicious.

AP
Third time's a charm: Melania Trump kisses her husband Donald Trump, who was married twice before, as she joins him on stage at the Republican National Convention last July

Hugh Hefner famously said "surrounding myself with beautiful women keeps me young" and Donald Trump has clearly made it his life's work to do the same.

But there's a difference between staying young, and acting like an overgrown schoolboy. Trump's comments on women - ranging from the backhanded compliment to the bald insult - could well end up being his downfall in the US presidential race. Just last weekend, a 2005 tape emerged of Trump, then the front-man on reality show 'The Apprentice', bragging that "you can do anything" with women if you are a star.

Alas, the quotes are the latest in a very long line of sexist invective spewed by the presidential hopeful. The Tao Of Trump reads thus: "It really doesn't matter what they write as long as you've got a young and beautiful piece of ass" (1991); "Heidi Klum. Sadly, she's no longer a 10" (2015); "If Hillary Clinton can't satisfy her husband what makes her think she can satisfy America?" (2015).

So far, so maddening. But what of the beautiful women that have flanked him at rallies, photo ops and debates? Having a striking and poised first lady standing by a candidate's side is a trick as old as the hills, but Trump's power posse takes the conceit to entirely new, eye-popping levels. And in recent months, their effusive defending of his wayward actions has turned them into an unlikely secret weapon.

Whether related to him by blood, marriage or money, Trump's women have unfailingly come to his defence.

Melania Trump

The Current Wife

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The Slovenian supermodel-turned-jewellery designer may look like a dictionary-definition trophy wife. Yet she is said, behind closed doors, to have her husband's ear. And she has rendered Trump impervious to accusations of outright racism; he did marry an immigrant, after all. With the world's eye trained on her every move, Melania runs the risk of a mis-step or two (see: giving speeches that seem uncannily similar to Michelle Obama's, or wearing a pussy-bow blouse in a case of rather bad timing). Of Donald's "grab the p***y" comments, Malania released a statement defending her husband: "The words my husband used are unacceptable and offensive to me. This does not represent the man that I know. He has the heart and mind of a leader. I hope people will accept his apology, as I have, and focus on the important issues facing our nation and the world."

Choice quote: "I'm not that kind of wife who would say, 'Learn this' or 'Learn that'. I'm not a nagging wife."

Ivanka Trump

The Eldest Daughter

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With her Upper East Side poise and polish, 35-year-old Ivanka has been a regular on the rally circuit. She has been resolutely vocal about her father as a progressive, egalitarian spirit, saying that her father is "colour blind and gender neutral".

Politicos reckon that Ivanka is front and centre stage in a bid to lure in young female voters.

"She's the Trump secret weapon because she can speak in the first person about how women have prospered in the Trump Organisation, how Donald Trump, unlike Hillary Clinton, has paid women more than men," veteran Republican strategist Roger Stone told 'Business Insider'. "I think she helps soften Donald's rough edges, I think she's a giant asset, and I think that's why she's going to be showcased."

Choice quote: "I think the way he raised me, the way he raised Tiffany, it's a testament to the fact that he believes in inspiring women and empowering women."

Ivana Trump

The First Wife

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Donald Trump's first marriage to Czech model Ivana was the stuff of gossip columnists' dreams. Their divorce, positively mired in drama and acrimony, was finalised in 1992 with a $20m settlement, (sparking Ivana's immortal line, "don't get mad get everything"). There appeared to be little love lost between the pair when in 2015 Ivana was quoted as using the world 'rape' to describe an incident between them in 1989, later noting that she felt 'violated' by the experience. Yet within weeks, Ivana was reportedly incensed at the report. "I have recently read some comments attributed to me from nearly 30 years ago at a time of very high tension during my divorce from Donald," she said in a July 2015 statement. "The story is totally without merit. Donald and I are the best of friends and together have raised three children that we love and are very proud of."

Choice quote: "I have nothing but fondness for Donald and wish him the best of luck on his campaign. Incidentally, I think he would make an incredible president."

Marla Maples

The Other Ex-Wife

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Trump had been married to Ivana for 13 years when she was famously confronted by Marla Ann Maples on an Aspen ski slope. Maples was an American actress that Trump had been having an affair with, and became his second wife. As their six-year marriage wound down, Maples took the high road and refused to call him out, even when he was spotted partying with 28-year-old Melania (she told a newspaper she was trying to think positively). The former couple seem to be on good terms, and Donald (and Melania) joined Marla for their daughter Tiffany's graduation in 2016. Maples has been steering clear of the entire presidential fandango, preferring instead to concentrate on her humanitarian work.

Choice quote: "I was never with him for his money. I wasn't there for the glamorous life or the riches."

Tiffany Trump

The Less-Spotted Daughter

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An Ivy League graduate who once wanted to be a popstar and has interned for 'Vogue' magazine, 22-year-old Tiffany has become an increasingly intriguing presence on the promotional trail. At this weekend's presidential debate, Tiffany decided to sit with her boyfriend Ross Mechanic on the sidelines. She has arguably had a smaller presence in her father's campaign than, say, Ivanka or his son Eric, but in July, the blonde - who has a mighty following on Instagram as one of the New York 'Snap Pack' - spoke proudly of her father at the Republican National Convention.

Choice quote: "(My father's) desire for excellence is contagious. He possesses a unique gift for bringing that trait out in others, starting with those closest to him."

Kellyanne Conway

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No one can say that media-savvy Conway doesn't have her work cut out for her, but her support of Trump through thick and (very, very) thin has been unstinting. Ostensibly hired to advise Trump on how to better appeal to female voters, Conway became the first woman to run a Republican general election presidential campaign. With Trump's campaign in freefall over the weekend, Conway cancelled a number of scheduled TV appearances. She then tweeted a picture of herself and Donald in his motorcade on Sunday afternoon. The plot thickens.

Choice quote: "I'll be with him 'til the bitter end. Unless"
American Senior Communities (ASC), Indianas largest senior health care services provider, recently honored 80 key employees with the coveted Quest for Excellence Award.

The Quest for Excellence Award honors special employees across the state. Honorees, selected from among 10,000 ASC staff, are individuals who have consistently demonstrated a commitment to excellence, dedication to his or her job, a positive attitude, and a whatever it takes passion for customer service.

ASCs Quest for Excellence Award winners promote and maintain the ASC culture of caring for others while demonstrating the highest level of integrity, said American Senior Communities Chief Executive Office Donna Kelsey. These exceptional people embody ASCs commitment by keeping its values of Compassion, Attentiveness, Relationships and Excellence as their highest priorities.

Stonebrooke Rehabilitation Center, located in New Castle, was named Healthcare Community of the Year. Allisonville Meadows Assisted Living in Indianapolis was named Assisted Living Community of the Year.

The awards program was ASCs 16th annual honors event, which was held at the J.W. Marriott in Downtown Indianapolis. Tina McIntosh, founder of the senior daycare center, Joys House, was keynote speaker.

For more information about American Senior Communities, please visit the website at www.ASCSeniorcare.com.
Mni Wichoni Nakicizi Owayawa in North Dakota. Photo from Defenders of the Water School



The state of North Dakota is taking a heavy-handed approach to one of the success stories of the #NoDAPL movement -- a small but thriving school that has educated youth about indigenous culture, language and history.

In an October 7 letter, Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler said the Defenders of the Water School is not operating in accordance with state law. Arguing that she was concerned about the "educational well-being" of youth at the #NoDAPL encampment, she insisted that students be enrolled in institutions elsewhere.

"As you know, both public and nonpublic schools must be state approved," Baesler wrote in the letter , which was addressed to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

Baesler also brought up the state's "compulsory attendance law." The implication was that parents whose children are attending Mni Wichoni Nakicizi Owayawa -- the Lakota name for the school -- could be cited with infractions or even charged with misdemeanors for not sending their kids to an "approved" institution.

"I request that you ensure parents enroll their students in a state approved school," Baesler told Chairman Dave Archambault II of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe.

North Dakota's Superintendent of Public Instruction Kirsten Baesler sent a letter about the Defenders of the Water School to the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe on October 7, 2016.



The Defenders of the Water School is preparing an official statement in response to the state's letter. But organizers believe they are educating youth in accordance with all applicable laws.

"The children of our school are registered homeschoolers, and we believe that each student is fully compliant with his or her state's homeschooling laws," an organizer said on Wednesday.

"But we will continue to work with the State of North Dakota to resolve any possible issues," the organizer added.

Children who receive a "home education" are in fact exempt from the law cited in the letter. But Baesler said the #NoDAPL students should be enrolled in the Mandan Public School District

Although Baesler said the district is willing to send a bus to the #NoDAPL encampment, all of the schools in the Mandan District are quite a distance away. The closest elementary, Fort Lincoln, is about 35 miles north while the only high school is about 38 miles, one-way.

Those distances could be made even longer if authorities in North Dakota continue to restrict the flow of traffic on Highway 1806, which leads to the campsite and the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation . Getting to the high school, for example, would require a 104-mile round trip for students who currently don't have to travel anywhere to learn about indigenous ways of life.

Sacred Stone Camp Standing Rock, North Dakota 2016 I haven't been able to share about my journey to North Dakota, but... Posted by Voices From the Four Winds on Wednesday, October 12, 2016

Voices From the Four Winds on Facebook: Drum Project for Students



"Our older students are currently learning skills in order to film their own documentaries," the school wrote on Facebook on Tuesday, sharing one example of the activities occurring at the camps.

Rafael Rodriguez just showed the students how to make drums. He came all the way from Mexico to share his people's traditions with the school.

"We were able to complete 14 drums, and all the children who participated were able to keep their own drum," Rodriguez wrote on the Facebook page for Voices of the Wind on Wednesday.

In the alternative, the students might be able to attend schools on the reservation that are much closer, Baesler suggested in her letter.

"From the start, Mni Wichoni Nakicizi Owayawa has been a project of love and community," Eagle Shield wrote in the middle of September, after classes had been going strong for a couple of weeks. "Together, we can all work to decolonize education and create the best possible learning experience for our incredible students."

We are nearing the end of our third week at the Mni Wichoni Nakicizi Owayawa (Defenders of the Water school) and it's... Posted by Mni Wichoni Nakicizi Owayawa on Thursday, September 15, 2016

Mni Wichoni Nakicizi Owayawa on Facebook: 'An Amazing Experience'



The school drew media coverage beyond Indianz.Com and The Lakota Country Times so it's not clear why the state waited until now to question its existence. But it comes at a time when authorities are stepping up law enforcement and other efforts near the campsites.

The Oceti Sakowin Camp, the Camp of the Sacred Stone , the Red Warrior Camp and related sites have attracted thousands of people to North Dakota to resist the Dakota Access Pipeline . The controversial project runs through private and federal land immediately north of the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.

Construction was put on hold by a federal appeals court for nearly a month but the order was lifted on Sunday evening . But the Obama administration has not approved an easement for the pipeline to cross Lake Oahe, along the Missouri River.

While work has resumed on private lands in the area, the lack of an easement means a crucial portion of the pipeline remains in limbo. It's not clear when the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will make a decision but it's expected within "weeks" rather than "months," government attorneys have said.

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Even as the Centre and the opposition spar over political capital being made of the surgical strikes on Pakistan, defence minister Manohar Parrikar said that even those doubting the surgical strikes took place can take credit for them, although "the major share of the credit" for the strikes must go to PM Narendra Modi and the Indian Army.

PTI

"Even those doubting the strikes can share the credit. I don't mind sharing the credit, with every countryman because it is done by our armed forces and not by any political party. So all Indians, including, those doubting it also, can share the credit."

Parrikar's comments were a none-too-subtle reference to people like Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal who said the PM should present proof of the strike on seven terrorist camps in Pakistan-Occupied-Kashmir late last month. The minister was also answering opposition critics who said the BJP is "taking advantage of the bloodshed of soldiers."

ALSO READ: Politics Over Surgical Strikes Intensifies As Congress, SP Blame BJP Of Taking Political Advantage

AFP

The Congress party has claimed that while it was in power, three cross-border raids were carried out, but that it chose not to publicize these to avoid the conflict with Pakistan from escalating.

According to reports, PM Modi too has asked his ministers to not do any "chest thumping" about the success of the September 29 surgical strikes, which were in retaliation for the terror attack on September 18 in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir.

ALSO READ: According To His Party's Poster Mulayam Singh Yadav Organised Surgical Strike

AFP

Pakistan has denied the cross-border strikes, accusing New Delhi of misrepresenting cross-border exchange of fire as 'surgical strikes.'

Parrikar also said the surgical strikes have been a balm for people across the country who were outraged by the Uri terror attack.

"I understand (that) people's sentiments are satisfied and population is satisfied," he said.
According to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the creature Jatayu from Ramayana was the first ever person to fight terrorism.

In his Dussera speech in Lucknow on Sunday, the PM talked at length about the divine vulture, Jatayu, who fought against Ravan until death to defend Sita's honour.

livemint

Modi talked about Jatayu as the anti-terrorism crusader

Modi said, "Who fought terrorism first? Was it a fauji or a neta? The Ramayana tells us that the first to fight terrorism was Jatayu, for the sake of a womans honour. We might not be able to embody Ram, but we could try to be like Jatayu."

As Jatayu lay dying, he told Lord Ram how it had all happened. Ram had then proceeded to avenge the bird and save his wife, Sita, from Ravan.

Ram had performed Jatayu's last rites at the place where the bird had fallen - the same spot that now boasts of India's first Jatayu Park.

Hare Krishna Tempel Portal

Jatayu fought against the terror that was Ravan

Modi further added, "Terrorism had no borders and all human should unite against it. Uproot the terrorists and those who support them must also not be forgiven... Today as we burn Ravan, all of humanity must stand united against terrorism. Without ending it, we cannot save humanity."

His comments came in light of the surgical strike that India conducted across the LoC. Without directly referring to the strikes, Modi spoke about the issue of global terrorism without naming Pakistan.

Modi said, "We might not be able to embody Ram, but we could try to be like Jatayu."

Soon after Modi's speech, people searching for Jatayu registered a massive spike in Google searches (see graph).

Google

Reactions were mixed on Twitter as well.

"Jai Jai Shri Ram"

Modi made whole world confused by saying Jatayu

All liberals started googling for it!  Vivek  (@vivek_fca) October 11, 2016

"First to fight terrorism wasn't fauji or neta but Jatayu in Ramayan: Modi." If we can export whatever he smokes, we will be richest nation  Joy (@Joydas) October 11, 2016
In yet another stinging reply to Pakistan, India told the United Nations on Monday that there was a dangerous correlation between Pakistan's unchecked development of nuclear weapons and the close nexus between the state and jihadi groups, and this posed the greatest threat to the world.

Reuters

Responding to a reference to Jammu & Kashmir by Pakistan's envoy to the Conference on Disarmament, Tehmina Janjua, Indian envoy Venkatesh Verma said, "The biggest threat to peace and stability comes from active promotion of terrorism and unbridled expansion of fissile material production and delivery systems for nuclear weapons under the shadow of a deeply disturbing and deeply entrenched nexus between state entities and non-state actors."

BCCL

The Indian response came after Janjua orally added a reference to the "Jammu & Kashmir dispute" to Pakistan's statement in the 'first committee' which concerns itself with disarmament and non-proliferation issues. The remark was not there in her written statement. Verma responded by reminding the UN that "nuclear proliferation linkages which are active today have clear Pakistan fingerprints".

Separately, Indian ambassador to Russia Pankaj Saran publicly rebuked Moscow for its budding military relationship with Pakistan. In trenchant comments to news agency Ria Novosti, Saran said, "We have conveyed our views to the Russian side that military cooperation with Pakistan, which is a state that sponsors and practices terrorism as a matter of state policy, is a wrong approach. It will only create further problems."

While this has been talked about in the government and among experts, this is the first time India has openly chided Russia for its flirtations with Pakistan.

AFP

In the UN, the Pakistani diplomat trod a beaten path by offering a set of "proposals" that have long been rejected by India - "simultaneous application of IAEA safeguards on all nuclear facilities and bilateral arrangement for their reciprocal inspections, simultaneous accession to NPT, regional CTBT" etc. "Just last month, our prime minister underlined Pakistan's resolve to maintain strategic stability in its region... expressed readiness to agree on a bilateral arrangement," Janjua said.

Reuters

Verma, in response, described the Pakistani proposals as "self-serving" and said it was "ironic that a country whose non-proliferation track record is marked by obstructionism seeks to convince the international community on its self-serving proposals".

"It is a matter of record that Pakistan is singularly responsible for blocking the international disarmament agenda and the Conference on Disarmament," he said. Pakistan has blocked all movement on a fissile material cut-off treaty.
Minhaj Ansari, a 22-year-old from Jamtara district in Jharkhand, who was arrested by police last week over allegations of posting 'objectionable messages' over beef on WhatsApp died in custody on Sunday, The Indian Express reported.

BCCL/ Representative Image

While his family alleged that Ansari was tortured in custody, the police have blamed his medical condition - encephalitis for the death.

He along with a couple of others were detained on October 2 for 'circulating message which could have triggered communal tensions'.

While others were released, Ansari was formally arrested a day later.

Android Authority/ Representative Image

Two days later his family was informed that he had sustained injuries in a scuffle with police and was admitted in a hospital.

On Friday he was shifted to Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences in Ranchi, where he died two days later.

RIMS

Police despite claiming that he died of illness, has launched a probe into the matter and officer-in-charge of Narayanpura police station, Sub-Inspector Harish Pathak was suspended.

While an inquiry is on, the medical reports indicate that Ansari was suffering from encephalitis. It appears that the officer-in-charge did not check on this, said Jamtara SP Manoj Kumar Singh.
While Pakistans Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, army chief Raheel Sharif, Hafeez Saeed and others became the faces of Ravana effigies burnt during Dussehra across the country last night, a section of JNU students vent their ire on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others including Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev.

Indiatimes

Yes, the NSUI unit of JNU did it. Our protest symbolises our dissatisfaction with the current government. The idea is to root out the evil from the governance and bring about a system that is pro-student and pro-people, said Masood a NSUI member.

A group of Congress-backed National Students Union of India (NSUI) burnt the effigy depicting PM Modi as Ravan, the symbol of evil. The students also carried a placard with slogans reading: Truth shall prevail over evil.

According to Sunny Dhiman, who contested for President's post in JNUSU elections this year, the protest was mark the collective failure of the government.

"This effigy was burnt to mark the protest against the failure of the government at all fronts. The protest also marks JNU administration's decision to issue notice against Youth Forum for Discussions and Welfare Activities (YFDA) for protesting the atrocities on Muslims and dalits in the name of cow protection. We think, the university did it on perusal of government, and it's particularly targeting YFDA because it's a group mainly constituting Muslims students," said Dhiman.

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Look at what this government has done to our country. The promises that he made are still on paper, he just repeats them in his speeches. This Dussehra we want to end all this rubbish and make him do some real work, said another student on condition of anonymity.

Indiatimes

Along with the face of PM Modi in the centre as the main head of Ravana, the other heads included the faces of BJP President Amit Shah, Nathuram Godse, Yog Guru Ramdev, Sadhvi Pragya, Asaram Bapu and few others. The effigy was burnt near the famous Saraswati Dhaba on JNU campus. People also reportedly shouted slogans against the Modi government.
Nuisances on flights have become so common that they almost dont bother us anymore. But top airlines are complaining and raising concerns over the spike in the number of on-board incidents of unruly behavior. With an increased number of flyers, there is also a significant increase in the number of people who offend fellow passengers, harass crew members and break the codes of decency.

Just a few days ago, the infamous Asaram created a ruckus on board a flight along with his devotees. More recently though, it's a man who stripped on board, passed lewd comments and created a brawl on IndiGo's Bhubaneswar-Delhi flight.

YouTube

The story dates back a month but is surfacing right now because of the serious actions taken against him.

"During the course of the flight, the male passenger in question expressed to the crew that he does not know how to tie the seat belt. The crew assisted him on the same," the airline said in a statement.

He then went to the lavatory, stripped, and asked for assistance from a female flight attendee. Finding him in an objectionable state, the crew member requested him to behave and maintain decorum on the flight.

Upon coming out of the lavatory, his vulgar behaviour aggravated crew members and fellow passengers, and the crew immediately informed the captain of the flight, 6E-256, who alerted security agencies in Delhi.

ibtimes

"Consequently the FIR was lodged at a local police station in Delhi. The matter is being investigated by the concerned authorities. Customer satisfaction is core to our business, however, any untoward conduct, which compromises the security of our crew and passengers is of a serious concern to us, and as a responsible corporate citizen we will take all necessary action to address this violation," the IndiGo statement said.

International Air Transport Association (IATA) released a statement reporting 10,854 cases of unruly passenger incidents on board aircrafts in 2015, around the world. "This equates to one incident for every 1,205 flights, an increase from the 9,316 incidents reported in 2014 (or one incident for every 1,282 flights)," an IATA statement said.

A lot of airlines blame it on alcohol consumption at departure lounges in airports. They complain that a lot of passenger board flights inebriated and then create a scene while on board.

"A significant proportion (11%) of reports indicated physical aggression towards passengers or crew or damage to the aircraft. Alcohol or drug intoxication was identified as a factor in 23% of cases, though in the vast majority of instances these were consumed prior to boarding or from personal supply without knowledge of the crew," IATA added.
One of the suspected Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist, who was hiding in a government building in Jammu and Kashmir's Pampore has been reportedly shot dead during the encounter with Indian security forces. The army, however, has not confirmed this report as yet.

AFP

Meanwhile, efforts are still on for the third day to flush out the remaining terrorists - whose number is not confirmed - from the building.

#SpotVisuals 3rd day of encounter between security forces and terrorists still underway at EDI building in Pampore (J&K) (visuals deferred) pic.twitter.com/uPM964tYor  ANI (@ANI_news) October 12, 2016

Commandos had fired mortars and blasted IEDs as the standoff continued as the guerrillas armed with rockets, grenades and automatic firearms kept changing position.

At least one or two heavily armed men are still believed to be caught up inside.

BCCL

Officials said the encounter was stretched to the third day because the Entrepreneurship Development Institute building offered the terrorists 'bunker-like' safety to them.

According to some reports the terrorists were in Kashmir with an aim to carry out suicide attacks in the valley.

A squad of suicide attackers was trying to target Srinagar for the past few days. The security forces were looking for them. Intelligence inputs suggest the attackers failed to breach the security of Srinagar. They tried to mount an attack on the highway leading to Srinagar also, an official said.

AFP

This is the second time this year the EDI building has been taken over by terrorists. In February terrorists had taken shelter in the main building after attacking a CRPF convoy on the highway at Pampore.
It was past 3pm on a Sunday afternoon in mid-September when forensic scientist Francisco Etxeberria finally emerged from a 50-meter-deep pit in a remote valley in Spains northeastern Navarre region to a round of applause, after some six hours underground.

He had been looking for the bones of Juana Josefa Goni Sagardia, a woman whose body was thrown into the depths of the pit, in Gaztelu-Donamaria, along with six of her children at the onset of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). The killers were never apprehended.

Juana Josefa was the relative of a senior army officer, who vowed to find the culprits

In recent weeks, investigators have have found jawbones, femurs, childrens shoes, and a mother of pearl button inside what locals call the Sima de Legarrea, in the Valley of Malerreka.

Everyone had suspected for decades that the bodies were here, even if nobody had spoken up about it. A book entitled La sima (or, The Pit) by Jose Mari Esparza brought the terrible story to light last year. The government of Navarre is funding the excavation work.

The remains of the children of Juana Josefa Goni Sagardia: Joaquin (16), Antonio (12), Pedro Julian (9), Martina (6), Jose (3) and Asuncion, who was 18-months-old at the time of death, were all down there. Most of the family ended up at the bottom of the pit on August 30, 1936.

Surviving relatives claim they heard four gunshots, but that some members were pushed in alive. Only the father and an older son were saved because they had been conscripted as forced labor at the outbreak of the conflict.

Sima de Legarrea, the pit where the human remains were found. Luis Azanza

The jawbones leave no room for doubt, says Lourdes Herrasti, a bone archeologist who works with Etxeberria at Aranzadi, a scientific research association. The children had been located.

But the mother, who was pregnant at the time, was still missing.

All we found today is this piece of skull, said a downcast Etxeberria as he emerged from the pit, covered in mud and still wearing his safety harness. Relatives of the dead fell into a deep silence. They had been expecting something more.

The forensic expert ventured to say that the round bone in his hands was very likely the missing piece of Joaquins nearly completely restored skull. But it quickly emerged that the piece did not fit. Yes, it was a piece of skull, but not the eldest childs. It had to be the mothers.

Etxeberrias expression changed. This has got to be Juana Josefas, he pronounced. Tears welled up in the eyes of Nati, one of the victims nieces, now 84 herself. Nati hopes that local authorities will place a symbol in memory of the tragedy at the mouth of the pit, under a great big beech tree.

Theyve already told us at town hall in Gaztelu that there will be a niche for them at the cemetery. There are people who have apologized to us in the towns name, she says. That was not necessary. We know that the people today have nothing to do with the actions of the people back then.

Another body In December of last year, a group of cave explorers that included Francisco Etxeberria went down into the pit. But what they found had nothing to do with the Sagardia family. Instead, what turned up was the body of a 24-year-old who went missing in the area in 2008. The case is under court investigation and no details have yet been released.

A great-grandchild of Juana Josefas sister said that other relatives of Civil War victims should also be given a chance to take their loved ones out of their makeshift burials so their wounds can heal and their anxiety end.

But we need help. This [project] was financed by the government of Navarre; the only support we got from the Spanish state was this mailbag, which certainly works great, added Etxeberria with irony in his voice, showing a large sack used to carry tools in and out of the pit.

The DNA tests have not been completed, but experts at Aranzadi harbor no doubts about the identities behind the bones. The search has ended.

Juana Josefa was an extraordinarily beautiful woman, according to the stories that have been passed down from generation to generation. She was 38 when she and her children were murdered. According to surviving relatives, after falling on hard times, the family had been kicked out of the village accused of petty theft, and had taken refuge in a mountain shack not far from the pit.

Juana Josefa was the relative of a high-ranking army officer who supported General Francisco Franco, and who vowed to find the culprits. The investigation remained open for around 10 years, and the officer even threatened to raze the entire village if nobody spoke up. But the code of silence and fears of reprisals prevented anybody from coming forward. The killers were never found.The bodies were never found either, even though a brief search was carried out in the 1940s.

Finally, the victims will be laid to rest and the local cemetery will include the names of a family that spent the last 80 years buried inside a 50-meter-deep pit.

English version by Susana Urra.
The encounter between security forces and terrorists in Pampore has ended after both the terrorists, who were held up in a government building in Kashmir were killed.

AP

Army officials said the gunmen belonged to Pakistan based Lashkar-e-Taiba and some weapons were recovered from them.

Most probably they belong to LeT: GOC Victor Force Major General Ashok Narula on 2 terrorists eliminated in Pampore attack pic.twitter.com/OFbcF74xKu  ANI (@ANI_news) October 12, 2016

The two terrorists had taken shelter in the seven-storied 60-room building on Monday triggering a counter operation by the security agencies.

However, the operation stretched to the third day as the two terrorist changing their positions made it difficult for the army.

Army officials said that they were concerned about the safety of civilians and was in no rush to storm the building, which resulted in the mission being stretched to the third day.

PTI

A top army official also said that it was saddening that the Entrepreneurship Development Institute, which is considered as center of excellence was targeted for the second time this year.
Ever thought about how Durga Puja is managed? Thousands go pandal-hopping to witness the victory of Durga over Mahashasura in the city that hosts the crux of the celebration.

But only a handful make this possible.

The unsung heroes of this festival remain unsung no more. A unique citizen initiative has been launched to highlight the efforts of those who make Durga Puja such a special affair. The initiative, launched by CenturyPly, aims at providing these heroes with what they need, not money.

Here are some of the inspiring stories that come in from all corners of the country.

Harish Kahloke

The Muslim family offering seva every Navratri for 15 years

Amidst the current widespread religious intolerance in the country, heres an example of unity and sensibility. Every Navratri for the last 15 years, a Pune-based Muslim family offers its seva to Goddess Durga, polishes the silver jewellery of idols at various temples, including Laxmimata Mandir at Satara Road and Mahalaxmi Mandir at Saras Baug and across the city for free.

The family of Karim Usman Gilder, 47, who is from the fourth generation of the family, locally known as Usmanbhai Gilder and Sons - has been in this profession for more than 100 years. They have a shop at Ravivar Peth, Moti Chowk, Pune. Navratri brings people of all castes together. And hence, as a seva to the Goddess Durga, they offer their services to Goddess Durga free of cost. The temple trusts pay them only for the material they use for polishing the idols jewellery and other items like crown, wall and chhatri (canopy), etc. They have been associated with the Pune Navratra Mahotsav for the last 15 years. They are setting a very good example for everyone. People of all religions should take up such noble initiatives for one another. They go to those temples/pandals wearing their traditional caps and no one has ever stopped them. What is more surprising is that at all the temples where they work, the temple trustees give them a separate space on the temple premises to read namaz in-between working hours. I take this opportunity to convey my thanks to Karim Usman Gilder & his team for their selfless service to Goddess Durga.

Nominated by Harish Kalokhe

Harish Kalokhe

I would like to nominate Gobindo uncle, who sweeps in a hospital in our locality since 25 years, as #CPHeroes. He is a very hard working person. I know him very well since my childhood. I still remember when I used to go for medical check-ups, Gobindo uncle used to give me chocolates. He is a very kind and decent man. This Pujo, there are no holidays for him. He will be working during the Puja holidays. Many people go for pandal hopping, enjoy with their family and do more fun but unfortunately he cannot. It's very hard to accept it. Many patients and their relatives are passing by the gates but no one "Thanks" him for his daily contribution. But I believe he is the hero in our hospital. I salute you Gobindo uncle.

Nominated by Amit Das

Amit Das

This Durga Puja I would like to nominate Durga Sharma with my whole heart and respect as the #CPHeroes.

Being a house maid, she is poor from pocket but she is immensely rich from her heart & her effortless duties to the society. She is more then 70 but still she is rocking as the only bread earner for her family. As we all know that the bhog of maa durga needs to be cooked by a Brahmin. But last year in our local Durga Puja, when the Brahmin cook suddenly fell sick, it was Durga Sharma who volunteered herself to cook as she is a Brahmin. Everybody was quite not sure at such an old age how can she manage to do such a huge task.

When our Puja authorities asked her whether she will be able to do it or not she just replied with a smile on her face that, " Like Maa Durga even I have ten hands and I will do it whole heartedly". She really kept her word and cooked Maa 'er bhog the way it is cooked.

She really proved that her name is not just Durga but she is Doshobhuja herself...

As she loves her grandson very much so after Bijoya Doshami I touched her feet and greeted her with a big teddy bear for her grandson not only for what she has done during the Pujas but to keep her lovely smile on her face intact by gifting a smile to her grandson.

Nominated by Munmun Das

Munmun Das

Yesterday I felt very happy to meet Arun Kumar Singh at Vastad Shekchand Naik Navaratra Utsav at Pune. Every year he comes from the state of Bihar to celebrate the festival of Goddess Durga. He and his team arrives 15 days in advance to make preparations right from constructing a temporary pandal, installing electrical decorative fittings & making the pandal look like a palace of Goddess Durga. What I like the most about him is that he doesn't call it a work - he treats it as a Bhakti of Maa Durga which makes him to do all that. And for him, although he doesn't know how to speak Marathi language, that doesn't make any problem for him. He makes sure that he stays in Pune till the end of Navaratri festival and even makes sure that after the visarjan he dismantles the pandal and makes the place clean as good as new. He also told me that he keeps a fast during Navaratri and doesn't wear a footwear for nine days. This man is simply amazing.
The encounter between security forces and terrorists in Pampore has ended after both the terrorists, who were held up in a government building in Kashmir were killed. Army officials said the gunmen belonged to Pakistan based Lashkar-e-Taiba and some weapons were recovered from them.

The two terrorists had taken shelter in the seven-storied 60-room building on Monday triggering a counter operation by the security agencies. Read more

1. Monika Ghurde Was Made To Watch Porn Clips Before She Was Raped And Murdered, Say Police

Former security guard Rajkumar Singh showed perfumer Monika Ghurde three porn clips before raping and murdering her in cold blood, he confessed during an interrogation by Goa police said.

Revealing the chilling details, Goa DIG Vimal Gupta confirmed that the accused had raped Ghurde. The police said he had also planned the murder and it was not accidental as suspected earlier. Read more

2. Jharkhand Youth Arrested For WhatsApp Message On Beef Dies In Police Custody

Minhaj Ansari, a 22-year-old from Jamtara district in Jharkhand, who was arrested by police last week over allegations of posting 'objectionable messages' over beef on WhatsApp died in custody on Sunday.

While his family alleged that Ansari was tortured in custody, the police have blamed his medical condition - encephalitis for the death. Read more

3. Now Baloch Activists Seeks India's Support To Form 'Azad Balochistan Government' In Exile

Riding high on the open support extended by India to Balochistan, activists there have now mooted the idea of a government in exile. President World Baloch Women's Forum and prominent Baloch nationalist leader, Naela Quadri Baloch, who is currently in India said she hoped that New Delhi would extend its support for a Baloch government in exile.

Her comments echoes remark by Mir Suleman Dawood, another Baloch leader about a proposal for a government in exile. Read more

4. India Steps Up Attack On Pakistan At UN, Terms It 'The Greatest Threat To World Peace'

In yet another stinging reply to Pakistan, India told the United Nations on Monday that there was a dangerous correlation between Pakistan's unchecked development of nuclear weapons and the close nexus between the state and jihadi groups, and this posed the greatest threat to the world.

Responding to a reference to Jammu & Kashmir by Pakistan's envoy to the Conference on Disarmament, Tehmina Janjua, Indian envoy Venkatesh Verma said, "The biggest threat to peace and stability comes from active promotion of terrorism and unbridled expansion of fissile material production and delivery systems for nuclear weapons under the shadow of a deeply disturbing and deeply entrenched nexus between state entities and non-state actors." Read more

5. JNU Refuses To Back Down From Controversy, Student Activists Burn Modi, Ramdev's Effigy As Ravan

While Pakistans Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, army chief Raheel Sharif, Hafeez Saeed and others became the faces of Ravana effigies burnt during Dussehra across the country last night, a section of JNU students vent their ire on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and others including Yoga Guru Baba Ramdev.

A group of Congress-backed National Students Union of India (NSUI) burnt the effigy depicting PM Modi as Ravan, the symbol of evil. The students also carried a placard with slogans reading: Truth shall prevail over evil. Read more
Much of what Indians know about Columbia is restricted to what we have learnt from Netflix's original series, Narcos about the powerful and notorious Pablo Escobar and the Medellin Cartel. We learnt that Colombia is the largest producer and exporter of cocaine.

What we might not know is that Colombia has been engaged in a civil war for the last 52 years. Kids, their parents and grandparents have grown up in a country where gun and violence is as normal as the rice and meat on their plates.

The war has claimed over 250,000 lives and displaced 6.4 million people in a country of 45 million.

AFP

On October 3, 2016, people of Colombia rejected a milestone peace deal between the government and the FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of ColombiaPeople's Army; Spanish: Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de ColombiaEjercito del Pueblo) rebels. 50.2 per cent of the voters said no to the deal.

What is FARC and why is the government seeks a peace deal with them?

The FARC is a rural guerrilla organisation founded in 1964. Initially the group consisted of farmers and land owners who came together to fight inequality existent in the country at the time. But violence in the South American country has been prevalent since before they were even founded  conflict began in 1948, when Jorge Eliecer Gaitan, presidential candidate for the Liberal Party was assassinated.

In the period that came to be known as La Violencia (The Violence), around 200,000-300,000 people were killed.

Reuters

FARCs main opponent have been Colombian security forces but in recent years, the latter has really clamped down on FARC and killed top leaders in the past 10 years or so.

Hence, began the negotiations for peace between the government and the rebel forces. After four years of negotiations and talks, finally an agreement of peace was laid but President Juan Manuel Santos said it wont be signed without the agreement of Colombias people.

A referendum was held and the result shocked all  Colombians rejected the peace deal.

AFP

Those who voted "no" said enforcement of the peace deal means that the FARC will be let off for their murders too easily.

AFP

This does not mean that the peaceful ceasefire will end and the conflict will begin again. Leaders of both parties - President Santos and FARC leader Timochenko said they will work together to attain peace.

AFP
Riding high on the open support extended by India to Balochistan, activists there have now mooted the idea of a government in exile.

President World Baloch Women's Forum and prominent Baloch nationalist leader, Naela Quadri Baloch, who is currently in India said she hoped that New Delhi would extend its support for a Baloch government in exile.

ANI

"We want to form an Azad Balochistan government in exile and we want India, Afghanistan and other SAARC nations to support the Baloch Government in Exile," she told ANI news agency.

Her comments echoes remark by Mir Suleman Dawood, another Baloch leader about a proposal for a government in exile.

Dawood, the patriarch of the erstwhile Kalat royal family which ruled Balochistan till it was annexed by Pakistan in 1948 had told ANI that the formation of the government in exile is possible.

"We will talk to the Baloch people. Balochistan is a nation and there are many tribals included, too. There are no differences among the Baloch people. It is a big nation and we will consult with all stakeholders, and if god wishes with talks, some day we are working on the formation an exiled government. We are thinking it. It is possible and there is no doubt about it."

Dawood also refuted Islamabad's claim that it was a part of Pakistan and said that the kingdom of Kalat was independent during the British rule over the subcontinent and till nine months of the formation of Pakistan.

Baloch's plan for a government in exile could be a highly likely scenario and even could be based out of India, which gives them an advantage in reaching out to the world and simultaneously coordinate with the campaigns in the Balochistan.

Reuters

It is also worthwhile to mention that Dharamshala is the seat of the Tibetan government in exile since 1959, a move India went ahead with, despite strong protest from China.

The move also comes at a time when many Baloch campaigners including Baloch Republican Party chief Brahumdagh Bugti have sought asylum in India, which is yet to get receive the final okay from New Delhi.
Resistance fighter Simone Segouin in Paris in 1944.

The story that France constructed for itself after World War II goes like this: the country was liberated by the Resistance with some help from the Allies, and save for a handful of wretches, to use the words of General Charles de Gaulle, the rest of Frances citizens behaved like true patriots.

But nothing could be further from the truth. In his new book, Fighters in the Shadows: A New History of the French Resistance, British history professor Robert Gildea deconstructs this rhetoric, drawing up a detailed portrait of the occupation years with a critical eye.

The Civil War had really toughened us up

Vicente Lopez Tovar, Resistance fighter

Rather than calling it the French Resistance, this expert on the subject likes to talk about resistance in France because of the enormous amount of foreigners who joined the fight against Nazism  including thousands of Spanish Republican fighters.

France was defeated and occupied by Germany. When it was freed and unified again, a single history was created maintaining that the entire country attained freedom together under the leadership of De Gaulle; this story was propagated through medals, ceremonies and titles, explains Gildea, a professor of Modern History at Oxford Universitys Worcester College.

His book, which is coming out in a Spanish translation this week, takes a look at some of the forgotten heroes of that time: not just the Spaniards fleeing Franco, but also Jews from Poland and Romania, Communists and women, whose role as resisters has been consistently undervalued.

The simplistic tale about the French national liberation only represents one part of the story, not all of it, notes Gildea.

British historian Robert Gildea.

Fighters in the Shadows, which is scheduled for release in France in the spring of 2017, has already received critical acclaim in The Economist and The New York Review of Books, where it was reviewed by the great Vichy historian Robert O. Paxton.

Gildea, who has already published other works about the same period of history, admits that the ideal image of French society portrayed for years had already been questioned before by movies such as Louis Malles Lacombe Lucien, whose script was penned by Nobel winner Patrick Modiano.

But coming in at 650 pages, Gildeas new work is the most comprehensive written to date with a critical approach to the 1940-1944 period in France. And the enormous success of a television series called Au nom du peuple francais (or, In the name of the French people), which is already into its sixth season, evidences that the Resistance continues to be a delicate subject that does not become any less fascinating with the passing of time.

Fighters in the Shadows analyzes the great historical movements, but also comes down to street level, providing character studies of regular people who played their own part, big or small, in resisting the invaders.

Scum of the Earth

We need to analyze what happened in France against the background of the fight against Nazism in Europe, but also in the context of the Holocaust and the Cold War, says Gildea in a telephone conversation. Many people in the Resistance had fought in the International Brigades.

They were what the writer and journalist Arthur Koestler, who shared prison space with them, called Scum of the Earth in a book about his own experiences. They were people who had no place to go.

An armored vehicle commanded by Sergeant Manuel Morillas (left) in Paris on August 26, 1944.

Many Spanish Republicans who had fought against Franco found themselves trapped in France at the outset of WWII. Their goal was to liquidate the Nazis first, then Franco. In fact, they led a failed attempt at invading Spain in 1944.

These Republicans were not just the members of La Nueve, the legendary brigade that was the first to enter Paris in August 1944, yet whose role was silenced for years. It was not until 2008 that street plaques were unveiled showing the path they took.

Gildeas book also sheds light on combatants such as Vicente Lopez Tovar, who was born in Madrid in 1909, spent his youth in Buenos Aires, fought in the Spanish Civil War at the battles of Madrid and the Ebro River, and fled to France, where he helped organize the Maquis guerrillas. The Civil War had really toughened us up, Lopez Tovar told Gildea.

Spaniards on parade

The liberation of Toulouse, on August 19, 1944, was coordinated by forces led by Jean-Pierre Vernant, but Spanish Republicans played a major role in it. Southern regions such as Perigord and cities like Foix were entirely liberated by the Spaniards, a fact that De Gaulle never fully appreciated. Gildea says that the general rushed down to Toulouse because he did not wish to lose any control over the territory being freed of the Nazis.

The Spanish Republicans took part in the victory parade, wearing the German soldiers helmets, which they had repainted blue. When De Gaulle saw this, he reportedly exclaimed: What are all those Spaniards doing parading with the Free French Forces? To Gildea, this anecdote reflects the profound change that was taking place in the rhetoric about the Resistance.

English version by Susana Urra.
Not less than 14 people have been killed in a Shiite mosque in Kabul, Afghanistan by gunmen on Tuesday.

The gunmen were reported to have walked into the mosque and opened fire  killing more than a dozen people and wounding many others inside, including police officers.

Multiple perpetrators were involved in the attack, and all had been killed by police.

Kabul Police Chief Abdul Rahman Rahimi said, a number of attackers have targeted people in Karte Sakhi shrine.

Police have evacuated dozens of people from the shrine. A number of civilians and police have been injured.

The gunmen were said to be three in Afghan security forces uniforms. They stormed the shrine and started shooting as hundreds gathered there.

The attack happened as the Muslims celebrated the beginning of Ashura on Tuesday  the second holiest month after Ramadan. Ashura begins on the tenth day of the first month of the Islamic calendar.

Sunnis and Shiites celebrate Ashura differently. For Sunnis, it marks Moses being saved from the Egyptians by Allah. For Shiites, its a more sombre occasion that marks the day Imam Hussein, a grandson of the Muslim prophet Muhammad, was murdered in whats now Iraq.

SEE ALSO: Iran Bans Goal Celebration During World Cup Qualifier
There will be no sacred cows in the ongoing war against corruption, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) vowed yesterday.

He made the vow at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa in Abuja yesterday while speaking in an audience with a group of radio journalists and producers.

The vice president stressed that even close friends of President Muhammadu Buhari would not be spared in the war against corruption.

Prof. Osinbajo described corruption as the major drain on the countrys resources, noting that fighting graft was a priority of the present administration.

No one will be spared in the fight against corruption because, even the close friends of the president know that they will not be spared. He (President Buhari) will not cover for them. Fighting corruption is a priority, Osinbajo declared.

The vice president also spoke about the current economic recession in the country, blaming it on oil price fall and pipeline vandalism.

He said: We were producing up to 2.2 million barrels a day, but all of a sudden, the vandalism of our terminals caused us to lose up to a million barrels a day.

So, when you lose up to 60 percent of your revenue or even more, there must be a shock because youre really earning very little. We will ensure that the very little we are earning is as well managed as possible.

Osinbajo also said that the government felt the pains currently being experienced by the citizens and was committed to assuaging them.

According to him, We fully understand and appreciate the situation of things in the country, and were committed to ensuring that the pain is assuaged.

The president stated that clearly in his October 1st broadcast to the nation. All his life, he (Buhari) has been a salary earner, he has never been a businessman. So, he understands why someone who earns a salary and even those who do not are severely challenged at this time of economic recession such as were experiencing.

He also reiterated the governments commitment to developing the economy with a view to enabling citizens to find opportunities within the nation.

I want to assure Nigerians that the government of President Buhari is a very focused and determined government, the vice president added.

He listed the Made-in-Nigeria project, moving away from import dependence, boosting agriculture and encouraging manufacturing as some of the measures the government was taking to move the country forward.
Foremost constitutional expert and Professor of Law, Itse Sagay (SAN), has described as mind boggling, the amount of raw cash discovered by the Department of State Services during a recent search of some judges residences across the country.

Prof. Sagay noted that the judiciary, which used to be held in high esteem in the past, had lost its dignity due to unbridled corruption by some of its members.

Contributing to the debate surrounding the arrest and subsequent bail of seven judges, the legal expert said corrupt judges should not be treated differently from ordinary Nigerians suspected of committing a crime.

According to Sagay, with what is going on in the judiciary, the Federal Government had the option of either twiddling its fingers and doing little or taking drastic steps.

This is just as he lampooned the ineffective National Judicial Council (NJC), saying it has become unable to handle monumental graft in the judiciary.

The Presidential Advisory Committee against Corruption (PACAC) chairman, in a statement yesterday, said the good old days where the judiciary was held in the highest esteem were gone.

He said that dreamlike era had degenerated into the world of mammon, where cash dictates justice.

The searches of the premises of judges by the DSS is a sad development in our legal history brought about by inevitable circumstances.

Although no judges had ever been subjected to search of premises and arrest, from the colonial period until recently, this was not because there was any law protecting Judges immunity against arrest and criminal prosecution. Rather, it was based on a convention arising from the need to respect the dignity and sanctity of the Judiciary.

In other words, the practice of respect for members of the Judiciary was a convention, not a binding rule of law. Members of the judiciary do not enjoy immunity against searches, and arrests under any law. Therefore the sustenance of sanctity of the person, office and residence of a judge depended on the continued maintenance by the judge of decorum, dignity, honesty and integrity.

The explosive and expanding epidemic of judicial corruption, which has taken an alarming character since the 2007 elections, has totally overturned the culture of respect for the judiciary and brought the revered institution into disrepute and ignominy.

The epic and corrosive nature of the problem has made the system expressly laid down for dealing with judicial indiscipline, that is, the NJC system, totally ineffective. The level of moral depravity and the enormous number of culprits engaged in aggressive or rampaging corruption was just too much for the orthodox system of discipline to deal with.

The amount of raw cash recovered in the process of the DSS searches is mind boggling. We, therefore, have a situation in which a deadly disease was threatening the very existence of democracy and the Rule of Law.

Sagay said ultimately, the very foundation of Nigerias democracy was in danger of collapsing.

He referred to elections contested in the manner of a bloody conflict in which the victor was like a military conqueror and was then endorsed by the judiciary.

To him, in such a situation, democracy is abandoned in favour of a jungle culture where life would be nasty, brutish and short.

Sagay said the endorsement of electoral victories by violence, fraud and rigging was an abandonment of civilisation and a descent into anarchy and disorder, leading to a dysfunctional society.

He said: The question must be: do we take drastic and unprecedented steps to sanitise the judiciary and save the institution from those who are prepared to drag it and our democracy down for filthy lucre? Or do we twiddle our fingers in despair and let the shameful erosion and retrogression of a once famous and revered institution to go on?

This is a country that once had one of the greatest judiciaries in the world. It now seems unbelievable that our judicial benches were once graced by legendary figures, like J.I.C. Taylor, Louis Mbanefo, Joseph Adefarasin, Adetokunbo Ademola, Akinola Aguda, Anthony Aniagolu, Kayode Eso, Mohammed Bello, Chukwuweike Idigbe, Andrews Otutu Obaseki, Augustine Nnamani, Adolphos Karibi-Whyte and Chukwudifu Oputa. Between 1980 and 1990, we had an outstanding group of Jurists in the Supreme Court who created the golden age of the judiciary.

What has happened between that dreamlike era and now is a rapid descent into the world of mammon, where cash dictates justice. With that degeneration of our judicial standards, our judicial gods have descended from mount Olympus and joined the ranks of ordinary men and thus are suffering the fate of ordinary men.

He said justices of the golden age decided cases such as Governor of Lagos State vs Ojukwu, Bello vs Attorney-General of Oyo State., Garba vs Attorney-General of the Federation, Obeya Memorial Hospital vs Attorney-General of the Federation, Wilson vs Attorney General of Bendel State, all of which he said were decisions against military governments.

Because of the superior moral authority of the Justices who presided over those cases, their fearsome reputation as men of steely integrity and honour, those judgments were obeyed without question. Even the military were afraid of these men of uncompromising integrity.

It was unthinkable that the DSS or its equivalent in the days could invite them for questioning, not to talk of searching and arrest. Their strong moral armour protected them against executive adventures and gave them real power over the other arms of government.

Surely, we could be like that again if we rebuild our judiciary and hold them up to the highest standards of morality, transparency and integrity, Sagay added.
A police officer at today's military parade in Madrid. Jaime Villanueva (EL PAIS)

As Spain holds its annual military parade to celebrate the October 12 National Holiday, the countrys defense chiefs will be concerned about the prospect of further cuts to the armed forces budgets, as well as the impact of a 10-month political impasse that has left the country without a government.

A year ago, looking for ways to further cut spending, the Spanish government decided to ground the first of the armed forces four Boeing 707 spy planes, dubbed the Queen of the Spectrum. On September 27 of this year, the last was retired. Returning them to the air is a priority, but is unlikely to happen any time soon.

The Spanish navy retired its Principe de Asturias aircraft carrier in 2013

Such aircraft have played a key role in recent wars: before any aerial bombardment, an electronic attack is unleashed to disrupt the enemys communications and radar, dismantling its command and control network and blinding its air defense system, allowing combat planes and bombers to do their job with near impunity.

Spain decided to provide itself capable of engaging in electronic warfare in 1991, when the Socialist Party administration of then-Prime Minister Felipe Gonzalez gave the green light to the top secret Santiago Program. The jewel in the crown of the system, which includes naval and land bases, was the Boeing 707, bought second hand for the equivalent of 500,000 and then refitted in Israel over the next three years with cutting-edge electronic technology. Over the next decade, it was Spains ear on the world, collecting intelligence and updating electromagnetic maps where Spanish forces might eventually be deployed. But, unable to update its ageing systems, a year ago, the government retired it.

In the meantime, Spain has had to make do with pods attached to its fleet of F-18 fighters, but as the experts have warned, these planes lack the reach and self-sufficiency of the B-707.

Spains Defense Ministry says that recovering its ability to wage electronic warfare is a priority, and plans to remodel a Falcon 900 transport plane with smaller, more efficient monitoring equipment than that used on the outdated B-707. Once the government gives the green light, it would take a year to refit a Falcon 900 and make it operative. In the meantime, the armed forces will have to make do and mend.

Spains Defense Ministry says that its ability to wage electronic warfare is a priority

Further cuts to the military budget now mean that Spain is no longer able to refuel its F-18s in the air, having also lost its T-17 tanker planes. This jeopardizes the countrys ability to take part in the US-led Red Flag maneuvers in the Nevada desert, because the F-18 needs refueling in mid-Atlantic. The air force was planning to lease three Airbus A-330 Multi Role Tanker Transports more than a year ago, but the political impasse of the last 10 months that has left Spain without a government has put that on hold.

The Spanish navy retired its Principe de Asturias aircraft carrier in 2013 after the government said it could not afford to maintain or modernize it. Instead, it now uses the Juan Carlos I multi-purpose amphibious assault ship, which has a ski-jump ramp, but nothing like the storage capacity of a full aircraft carrier. In 2020, the navy is set to retired its fleet of vertical take-off Harriers. The alternative is the F-35, but Spain did not take part in the initial phases of the project, and now cannot afford to buy them on the open market.

Meanwhile, problems with developing the S-80 submarine mean that the navy has had to continue operating its three S-70s. Spains state-owned Navantia shipbuilder says that after a redesign, the S-80 is now back on track. But it is not clear how many units will be built, or what each will cost, or whether their air-independent propulsion technology systems will be ready in time. The navys fleet of helicopters has lost its anti-submarine capacity and there is no longer a naval version of the NH-90, the Spanish-made helicopter designed to serve the army, air force, and navy.

English version by Nick Lyne.
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday gave his support to the recent sting operation by operatives of the Directorate of State Services (DSS) targeting suspected corrupt judges across the country, saying public officials must he held accountable for their actions.

The president said the courts remained public resource, hence, the need for judges to be held accountable.

Buhari made this known at the opening ceremony of the 46th conference of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in Abuja yesterday.

The president, who was represented by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, also complained about the slow pace of deciding judicial matters in Nigeria.

If you look at the environment, sometimes, the administration of justice, processing cases is so slow. A lot of people in the local and international business community complain that we cant resolve a case within a reasonable time, it goes on and on, and the problem with that is that it slows business and discourages investments because you can hold up major decisions because the court has not made a pronouncement, he said.

President Buhari also charged ICAN members, who most often are charged with public finances, to raise their accountability level a lot more to ensure increased performance.

Part of the reasons why things are not working well in Nigeria as they ought to be is the inability to hold officials accountable for their tasks. Holding a public official to account for their responsibility going forward is going to be a key way to increase performance, he noted.
The Committee of Vice-Chancellors (CVC) has directed universities to upload the names of all eligible graduates for mobilization in the 2016 Batch B of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

A statement by the committee on Tuesday in Abuja said that its stance was sequel to its meeting with the Director-General of NYSC, Brig.-Gen. Sule Kazaure.

The statement was co-signed by Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, CVCs President and Prof. Michael Faborode, the committees Secretary-General.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that NYSC had in a memo to universities recently, directed them to cut their mobilisation for the scheme by 60 per cent due to financial constraints.

The CVC said that the stakeholders agreed with NYSC that paucity of funds was responsible for the slash in the percentage of mobilisation.

It said that its meeting resolved that all authentic graduates of universities be uploaded by universities for NYSC to mobilise as appropriate.

All universities are expected to comply immediately and ensure that graduates of part-time programmes and over-aged graduates are not included in their list.

The CVC and the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) plead with the government and the National Assembly to provide resources needed for full mobilisation to stave off impending problem of partial mobilisation.

We appeal to all graduates and prospective corps members to show understanding and exercise restraint while awaiting further directives from NYSC.

The statement said that the CVC meeting with NYSC authorities was preceded by one with the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission on the issue. (NAN)
A Federal High Court sitting in Lagos on Wednesday sentenced one Abiodun Oyatolu, 20, to eighteen months in prison for trafficking heroin that weighs 9.9 gm.

The prosecutor, Mr Jeremiah Aernan, in his statement presented the court an evidence of a written statement of the accused, a request for scientific aid form, a drug analysis certificate, as well as remnant of the analysed substance which were admitted as exhibits.

He said the accused committed the offence on Jan. 20 at Ipodo, area of Lagos where he was arrested with 9.9 grammes of heroin, a narcotic similar to cocaine and other psychotropic substances.

Mr Aernan added that the heroin was confirmed after being analyzed in the laboratory by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA.

According to him, the offence contravened Sections 11 (c) of the NDLEA Act, Laws of the Federation, 2004.

In his defence, the accused pleaded guilty to the offence levelled against him.

He begged the court to temper justice with mercy, saying it is the work of the devil, I promise to turn a new leaf.

However, the presiding judge, Justice Abdulazeez Anka, in his judgment sentenced the accused to 18 months behind bars. He added that the sentence should begin from the date of judgment and ordered the exhibits to be destroyed if there was no subsisting appeal.
One of the seven judges arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) will have explanations to give over how he came about a fleet of about 15 cars including a Rolls Royce, it was learnt yesterday.

The judge, who is said to have a high taste, allegedly hired a notable construction firm to build his palatial home while his furniture was imported from Brazil, Argentina and Spain.

Another judge told the DSS that he did not know how N18million was paid into his account and he did not get alert to enable him complain to his bankers.

One of the judges also defended the source of the money found in his account, saying it was his accumulated medical allowances.

Yet another judge was discovered by detectives to have submitted three assets declaration forms to the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB)  each bearing different dates of birth.

The asset forms of the seven judges, who were arrested last weekend in a controversial sting operation, were being analysed by the DSS yesterday.

Those arrested are: Justices Sylvester Ngwuta and Inyang Okoro  the suspended Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, Justice Mohammed Ladan Tsamiya, who was picked up in Sokoto; Justice Adeniyi Ademola (Federal High Court); the Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice I. A. Umezulike; Justice Kabiru Auta of Kano State High Court; and Justice Muazu Pindiga (Gombe State High Court).

Of the seven Justices, Tsamiya, Umezulike and Auta have been recommended for sanctions by the National Judicial Council (NJC).

It was learnt last night that detectives have uncovered more corrupt practices traced to some of the judges undergoing probe.

A source close to the investigation, who pleaded not to be named, said: Operatives have discovered that one of the judges owns a mansion which was contracted to a construction firm at a huge cost. In fact, the judge imported furniture from Brazil, Argentina and Spain.

At a stage, he conducted his poor colleagues round the mansion in an open display of affluence. The judge has about 15 cars, including a Rolls Royce. This Rolls Royce was imported.

During interrogation, another judge told DSS team that he did not know how and when N18million was lodged in his account because he was not getting alert from his bank. But we have evidence of withdrawals from the account.

Responding to a question, the source added: We have retrieved the assets declaration forms of these judges. It was shocking that one of them has three asset declaration forms with different dates of birth.

He said instead, the government had asked the NJC to suspend them, pending the conclusion of their trial.

Those who may not be allowed back to the bench are Justice Ngwuta, Justice Okoro, Justice Ademola and Justice Pindiga.

The source said the judges could be retired.

He said however that the judges will still go through the process of trial to enable Nigerians know that they were actually caught in the act.

The position of the government is that none of these judges will be allowed back to the bench in the interest of the nations Judiciary. They cannot be arraigned in the dock and at the same time be adjudicating or attending to cases.

It is left to the NJC to allow the affected judges to keep off the bench until their fate is determined. But certainly, they will face trial and the outcome will determine whether or not they will be retired or dismissed.

We are expecting the NJC to do the needful by suspending the judges.
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo on Tuesday said the governments free National Home Grown School Feeding programme would start in some states of the federation this month.

According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, the Vice-President said this in an interview with some journalists.

The Federal Government had failed to commence the programme at the beginning of the current academic session in September as promised.

The programme, which was formally inaugurated on June 9, 2016 by Osinbajo, is part of the Social Investment Plans of the present administration for which N500bn has been budgeted for in the 2016 Appropriation Act.

The Federal Government, through the national manager of the programme, Mrs. Abimbola Adesanmi, had in July said it would commence the scheme in September when schools resumed, with 5.5 million pupils across the country.

But Osinbajo reportedly told the journalists that it was the expectation of government that the programme would kick off in several states before the end of the month.

He said while the Federal Government would fund the scheme for pupils in Primary One to Primary Three, it was expected that state governments would be responsible for pupils in primary four and above.

Osinbajo said, Definitely before the end of this month, we expect that several states would have come on stream with their Home Grown School Feeding Programme.

The programme will energise agriculture in the different states because it is what you plant that you feed the children with.

We will be hiring caterers and cooks in each state because it will be Federal Government-funded from primaries 1 to 3 and the state governments hopefully would be able to cater for the other classes.

The Vice-President said the programme was a section of the Social Investment programmes that would impact directly on the lives of Nigerian children and families.

He also disclosed that before the end of the month, government would also engage 200,000 out of the 500,000 graduates it promised to employ.

We expect that before the end of the month, we will engage 200,000 out of the 500,000 unemployed graduates the Buhari administration plans to hire in the N-Power jobs programme.

The direct government job is meant to keep these young people occupied, pay them some amount of money and also give them a device, which will also help them to learn several skills that they can develop as time goes on.

We expect that before the end of this month, we should have engaged 200,000 of them and we are hoping that before the end of the year we should have engaged more, he said.

Osinbajo also said the micro-credit scheme for which the present administration would give loans to more than one million Nigerian artisans, traders, market women and others ranging from N60,000 to N100,000 would also start this month.

For women across the country, we are giving loans, micro-credit loans to about 1.5 million women. We are focusing on market women and artisans.

We are working through the Bank of Industry. They are going to be giving out these loans and we have already identified the banks and everybody who is involved in this.

We should be flagging-off hopefully before the end of this month, he said

Source: Punch


It seems the last has not been heard of Toke Makinwas controversial Vlog that urged ladies before 30 to have one night stands among several other things.

READ: Toke Makinwa Blasted By Nigerians Over Recent Comments

Joining the growing list of Nigerians angered by her advice is the controversial media personality, Kemi Olunloyo.

ALSO READ: Freeze writes Toke Makinwa an open letter over her controversial Vlog

She wrote:

After watching Tokes popular vlog, I agree that her videos are not for everyone. Definitely not for parents who have daughters. I said in 2007 that I am not a role model but a mentor. Only your motherly figure should be your role model. Role models fall from grace.

Toke Makinwa, the beautiful successful OAP and Youtube star sadly failed in her marriage because another woman Anita Solomon had a one night stand with her estranged husband Maje Ayida who went back for more. Anita simultaneously dated Ayida for 8 years alongside Toke for 12 years. What Toke may not realize is that GIRLS are going to become women & mothers some day. I said may. Toke Makinwa pls dont encourage them to have one night stands.

Unwanted pregnancies have occured time and time again. Some women have contracted the lifelong pain of HIV and some dealing with single motherhood and poverty. I have never been married and left an abusive relationship with my two children to become a single mom. I have no daughters but Im a feminist to the core. Many women were raped after one night stands and were too ashamed to tell the police.

Dont ever kiss strangers. There is no etiquette in that. Its selling yourself cheap. While officer Sanguietti of the Toronto Police told us in the room not to dress like sluts to avoid being raped, a global movement began #slutwalk. We dont have to wait for Oprah to march in the walk to get the message across.

Toke we dont have to wait for you to send a bad message across. Your sponsors, advertisers, humanitarian and activist groups are watching. As fierce, assertive and outspoken as I am, I urge you to retract the video message.

I always call Rihanna my daughter. You are my Nigerian daughter! #KemiOlunloyo

Best wishes darling!!

We love u Toke!

You are our STAR!!
Members of the Lagos State House of Assembly yesterday declared that nobody can whittle down the political power and influence of a former Governor of the State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The lawmakers made this point yesterday at plenary when Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Tunde Braimoh, drummed up support for Tinubu in the wake of the recent rift between him and the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun.

Recent developments in the polity had led to speculations that there is a conspiracy to clip the ex-Lagos governors wings ahead of the 2019 polls. The silence on the part of the Presidency also fueled suspicion in some quarters that those behind the plot to cut down Tinubu to size, might be acting a script by forces in the corridors of power.

Lending credence to this school of thought, Braimoh and his colleagues yesterday questioned the Presidencys silence over the development, especially given the years of sacrifice and financial commitments Tinubu gave to the emergence of APC.

The House of Assembly noted that an insult to the personality of Tinubu was synonymous to insulting the entire Yoruba race, especially given the leadership role he (Tinubu) has played in the unification of the Yoruba nation.

The situation does not speak well for the internal democracy of our party and efforts must be made by stakeholders to arrive at a quick resolution.

To achieve this, we call on the partys leadership to call the executives to order with a view to ensuring that adequate respect and honour is given to party leaders, including Asiwaju Tinubu, Braimoh said.

The Deputy Majority Leader, Muyiwa Jimoh, noted that the ongoing fight is not just against Tinubu, but against vision and posterity.

He added that Asiwaju Tinubu is too big a personality for anybody to toy with.

Speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, argued that rather than be seen as apathetic to the development, President Muhammadu Buhari should play the role of a father and unite everybody.

The signal coming from the presidency is not good enough. Appointments have been made without Tinubus knowledge and major decisions have been made without adequate consideration given for his view and opinion. We believe this is not good enough and it is a sign of disrespect for a personality like Tinubu, whose contributions to the consummation of APC in Nigeria can never be brushed aside, Obasa said.
The outlawed Shiite Muslims in Kaduna state have come under attack again.

The home of Mukhtar Sahabi, a leader of the Shiite Islamic sect, along Zango Road was torched by angry youth in Tudun Wada, Kaduna, on Wednesday morning.

Shiites residing in the house were also attacked by the mob believed to be residents of the area.

SEE ALSO:SHIITE PROCESSION HOLDS IN KADUNA DESPITE BAN

Premium Times quoted a witness saying, I was wondering what was going on this morning when I saw the youth in hundreds setting the house on fire.

Before the security operatives could come all of them had gone.

Sahabi is the reported leader of the Shiites in Kaduna.

The area has been cordoned by security operatives.

We are standing at a distance to see what next is going to happen. But there is peace around the area, the witness added.

This comes a day after soldiers surrounded a Shiite mosque in Kaduna as they gathered to celebrate the Muslim holiday of Ashura  which is symbolic to Shiites worldwide.

Shiites have been banned by the Kaduna state government, which claims they are an unlawful society.

The leader of the prominent Shiite Muslim group Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky, still remains in custody even without being served a court order.
The Senate President of Nigeria, Bukola Saraki, has said that most laws in Nigeria are outdated.

The 53-year-old mentioned this on Tuesday at the ongoing National Economic Summit in Abuja.

Saraki, while he was fielding questions on the actions the senate is taking about a comprehensive report on bills critical to SME development in Nigeria, said: We have identified 11 bills that can enable businesses in Nigeria, one of such is Petroleum Information Bill (PIB).

Our fear was that there was no reference to those in the community. That was why it was stepped down, but we are looking at passing that soonest, he added.

The 22nd edition of the National Economic Summit kicked off on Monday with President Muhammadu Buhari in attendance.

Economic issues like promoting locally-made products have been discussed.
The Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) also referred to as the Shiite were recently banned in Kaduna state.

The Kaduna state government has stated that the sect was banned after it was deemed an unregistered society. There is considerable controversy around the sect after several members of its members were killed in December 2015 following a clash with members of the Nigerian Army.

The leader of the sect, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky has been detained without charge by the Nigerian army since then.

On Tuesday, members of the sect carried out a religious ritual honoring the grandson of the prophet who was murdered in the seventh century.

Soldiers were dispatched to the mosque in Zango road and surrounded members of the sect.

On Wednesday morning, members of the Sect went ahead with a planned procession in commemoration of the day of Ashura which was the day Imam Hussein the grandson of prophet Muhammed was murdered in Iraq in the seventh century, despite their ban.

They were seen in their numbers along Taiwo road in Kaduna.
Spanish undercover police officers. EFE

Spanish police working in collaboration with Moroccos security forces have arrested four Moroccans, two in Spain and two in the North African country, who were allegedly members of radical cells working in conjunction with each other under the coordination of the so-called Islamic State, or ISIS.

The Spanish Interior Ministry says the operation has neutralized a potential threat to the national security of Spain and Morocco, adding that the four men had sworn loyalty to the Islamic State and were in constant and direct contact" with the radical jihadist militant group.

This is the second such operation in as many days against jihadist terrorism in Spain

An Interior Ministry press note released on Wednesday morning described the four men as highly radicalized and committed to ISIS.

Among their main activities were recruitment and radicalization of jihadists, which they carried out under direct instructions from ISIS, which also supplied them with logistical support and propaganda for the katiba group, a hardline Sunni militia that includes hundreds of foreign fighters, among them Europeans, operating in Iraq and Syria, said the Interior Ministry.

The Moroccan cell was tasked with maintaining orthodoxy and indoctrinated members in order to protect the structure from any external contingency, said the Spanish Interior Ministry, adding: At the same time, the cell operating from Spain focused on recruitment and indoctrination of new members, who would be sent to the conflict in Iraq and Syria.

The arrested men were ready to head to the conflict zone to become martyrs or to carry out terrorist attacks wherever they were based, said the press release.

The operation is still ongoing, the ministry added.

The four men were described as highly radicalized

This is the second such operation in as many days against Jihadist terrorism in Spain: on Tuesday, two men were detained in the north of the country suspected of recruiting and indoctrinating new members for the jihadist group and who had encouraged new members to carry out terrorist acts in the name of ISIS.

The raids carried out on Tuesday and Wednesday in Spain and Morocco come after terrorist attacks in Europe that have demonstrated the danger posed to national security by undercover jihadist cells. Spanish security forces have arrested 150 Islamic radicals since the countrys terrorism threat level was raised to four in 2015. Of those arrests, 120 have taken place within Spain, while 30 took place in other countries with the cooperation of Spanish security personnel.

Tuesdays raids also come a month after Spanish counter-terrorism authorities issued an alert about the increase in mentions of our country in recent propaganda material produced by ISIS, including text documents, videos and graphs.

English version by Nick Lyne.
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Credit: Rob Young via Flickr (CC BY 2.0)Jane Fonda followed in her legendary actor father's footsteps and has made a big name in Hollywood herself. She's won Oscars for Klute and Coming Home, and more recently was on The Newsroom and Grace and Frankie. It's unclear how much she's currently worth, but one estimate puts the actress's net worth at $120 million.

Apart from her prominence in Hollywood, Fonda also has a long record of activism, of course. She supported the civil rights movement and spoke out in opposition to Vietnam; she was controversially photographed on an anti-aircraft gun in Hanoi. In a very different phase of her life, she made substantial money as a video fitness guru.

Fonda has also engaged in philanthropy, establishing the Fonda Family Foundation and the Jane Fonda Foundation in the late 1990s and mid 2000s, respectively. Women's reproductive health and rights have figured prominently in her nonprofit work.

In the mid-1990s, Fonda founded the Georgia Campaign for Adolescent Power & Potential (GCAPP). She was married to billionaire media mogul Ted Turner at the time and had strong ties to the state, which then had the highest rate of adolescent pregnancy in the nation. In 1994, Fonda attended the U.N. Conference on Population and Development as the Goodwill Ambassador to the U.N.'s Population Fund, and upon return, set about to make a change in the Peachtree State.

As she has powerfully described:

I traveled to different parts of the state to talk to our own frontline workers and to learn about adolescent life here. At that time, more than 29,000 teens were becoming pregnant annually in Georgia. I remember looking into the eyes of a 14-year-old girl in a hospital in Albany, Georgia, who was in labor with her 2nd child. I was told she lived in a shack that lacked running water and electricity. I knew intuitively that unless one could change the conditions of her life there would probably be more children to come. Even assuming there was a family planning clinic accessible to her and affordable, what would motivate this child to use these services? What future could she see for herself that would be compromised by having children so soon?

GCAPP's mission is to "improve the overall health and well-being of young people in Georgia to ensure a more powerful future for us all." GCAPP's programs are Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Physical Activity & Nutrition, and Healthy Relationships. Fonda steadily supports GCAPP via her Fonda Family Foundation and Jane Fonda Foundation. Other grantees include New Mexico State University, the Grammar School, City Charter Elementary School, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, and Young Storytellers Foundation, a nonprofit in Los Angeles that teaches youth screenwriting.

Emory University is also an important site of her philanthropy, and home to the Jane Fonda Center, whose mission is to "advance scientific knowledge about adolescence with an emphasis on adolescent reproductive health." Fonda has given Emory millions.

Fonda also supports environmental and human services organizations, as well as other outfits via her foundation. Fonda may also have more direct avenues of charity work, and some important gifts may be missing from this rundown. For a complete overview of this funder, read our profile of Jane Fonda linked below.

Related: Jane Fonda
African migrants in Penas Blancas, Costa Rica, close to the border with Nicaragua. REUTERS

More information Nicaragua cierra el paso a los africanos que suenan con EE UU

African migrants trapped on the border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, as they try to make their way up through Central America, are resorting to increasingly desperate measures to reach their goal of reaching the United States.

On Sunday, some 25 men and women were abandoned by people-traffickers after their boat ran aground just off the remote Masapa beach on Nicaraguas Pacific coast.

The migrants told local people who came to their rescue that they had boarded a motor boat in Costa Rica, to the south, that was supposed to take them north to Honduras but that they had run into problems.

People will continue to help, whether openly or in secret

Martha Cranshaw of NicasMigrante

More than 4,000 people have been stuck in makeshift camps along Costa Ricas border with Nicaragua for several months after the Nicaraguan authorities refused them entry. Most of the would-be migrants are from Congo, Senegal and Togo, as well as others from Haiti and Cuba.

Local fishermen alerted residents in the nearby village of El Tamarindo, who brought water, food and blankets for the stranded migrants.

They then took the migrants, some of them suffering from exhaustion and sunstroke, to El Tamarindos evangelist church. Within hours, however, Nicaraguan riot police arrived at the village with the intention of rounding up the Africans and taking them back to Costa Rica. They were initially confronted by local people who refused to allow them into the church. The police responded with baton charges, tear gas and by firing rubber bullets. Eventually, police stormed into the church, beating several of the migrants and then forcing them onto buses.

One police officer threatened me and said I had no right to help the blacks, said Ana Julia Jimenez, a resident of El Tamarindo.

We are all Sandinistas [the ruling party led by Daniel Ortega], but after this, nobody here will vote for them, added Marco Parrales, another local resident.

Nicaragua goes to the polls in November to elect a new president, a process that has been called a farce by opposition parties.

More than 4,000 people are stuck in camps along Costa Ricas border with Nicaragua

The Ortega government has taken a tough line with people trying to cross through the country on their way to the United States. In November 2015, it sent more than 1,000 Cubans back to Costa Rica.

Where is the love and peace that Ortega is always talking about? Let these people through! said Tirsa Davila, a resident of El Tamarindo.

In another incident, despite efforts by the Nicaraguan authorities to silence the news, it was reported that 10 people drowned trying to cross a river along Nicaraguas border with Costa Rica in August.

The following month, the government arrested Nilamar Aleman, a teacher who had helped a 27-year-old woman from the Congo after she turned up in her village of San Juan del Sur, a tourist resort on the Pacific coast. Aleman was charged with people trafficking and arrested.

But the angry public response forced the government to back down, and Aleman has since been released from jail and held under house arrest.

Criminalizing people is a way of trying to silence the feelings that local people have shown toward these citizens of the world, says Gonzalo Carrion of the Nicaragua Human Rights Center.

People will continue to help, whether openly or in secret, adds Martha Cranshaw of NicasMigrante, an NGO set up to help migrants making their way through Central America.

English version by Nick Lyne.
Update 10/12/16  Safeguard has received a $418,528 sales-tax exemption and a 15-year property-tax reduction from the Nassau County IDA for a new self-storage conversion in Valley Stream, N.Y. The $10 million project will convert a former car dealership. This is the third tax break Safeguard has received from the IDA and eighth awarded to self-storage operators, according to the source.

The move was criticized in an editorial published by Newsday, which said, Every tax break like this must be made up by the other property owners who havent been granted them. The article noted the self-storage facility will provide two full-time jobs paying an average annual salary of $45,000.

The reasoning behind the allotted abatement was that the self-storage development will clean up a vacant area, Kearney told the source.

6/26/14  Safeguard Self Storage received tax breaks this week from the Nassau County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) in its quest to build a $9.4 million facility in Massapequa, N.Y. The IDA helps businesses relocate, expand and finance new investments nationwide.

Safeguard plans to convert the former Sunrise Health & Racquet club at 6000 Sunrise Highway to self-storage. The property is across from the Westfield Sunrise mall and adjacent to the Long Island Rail Road tracks. It will be Safeguards fifth property in Nassau County, and will create two jobs with an average salary of $33,917 per year, according to the source.

The IDA granted the storage operator a $333,141 sales-tax exemption and a property-tax break that freezes the tax rate for five years, followed by a 1.66 percent increase in each of the next five years and a 2 percent increase in the final five years, the source reported. This is the first time Safeguard has received IDA tax breaks, according to company attorney Chris J. Coschignano.

Safeguard is the fourth self-storage business the IDA has assisted, executive director Joseph J. Kearney told the source. He also noted theres still demand for the service in Nassau County.

Headquartered in Atlanta, Safeguard Self Storage was founded in 1989 and currently operates more than 60 facilities in Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. The company is owned and operated by Morgan Stanleys Prime Property Fund.

The IDA consists of a team of professionals whose mission is to promote the economic welfare and prosperity of Nassau County, according to its website. The organization works with partners to provide additional services from loans to tax credits to workforce training.
Marcus & Millichap, a commercial property-investment firm serving the self-storage industry, has released its semi-annual national self-storage report for the second half of 2016. The report is produced by the firms National Self-Storage Group and released through its Research Services arm.

The four-page report covers key factors driving self-storage use including job growth, industry capitalization (cap) rates compared to the 10-year Treasury average, demographic trends, occupancy and property sales. It also includes five regional breakdowns for the Midwest, Northeast, Southwest, South Atlantic and West.

The self-storage market is well-positioned for the second half of the year as a resilient national economy, healthy population growth and rising disposable income support improving property fundamentals, company analysts wrote.

The report cautions that an influx of storage development in some secondary markets could signal problems in the future. The primary headwind facing the self-storage sector remains the threat of over construction. After years of being undersupplied following the recession, development activity has taken off, the report states. Most of the building is localized to major metros that have the capacity to handle the influx; however, specific submarkets in these areas may face challenges moving forward.

The report also indicates that real estate investment trusts (REITs) continue to pursue property deals despite softening prices and flattening cap rates. REITs as well as other large equity groups are maintaining their strategy of aggressive acquisition. In order to achieve benchmark rates of return, many public REITs are investigating secondary markets, class-B portfolios and certificate-of-occupancy deals as the inventory of institutional-grade listings dwindles, analysts wrote. Moving forward, the limiting factor impacting future transaction volume will be a lack of available listings.

The Self-Storage Research national report is published twice each year and may be downloaded for free by users who register with the companys website.

Marcus & Millichap produces more than 2,000 research products each year, officials said. The Research Services department offers a range of publications, from national economic perspectives to property-type-specific analyses at the market level. The company website enables users to search for reports by multi-family and commercial property type, as well as by location and keyword.

Founded in 1971, Marcus & Millichap is a commercial property-investment firm with more than 1,500 investment professionals in offices throughout Canada and the United States. The firm closed more than 8,700 transactions in 2015 with a value of approximately $37.8 billion.
Storageauctions.com, a new online platform for self-storage auction buyers and sellers, has officially opened for business. The site allows registered users to browse and bid on live auctions from a desktop computer or mobile device. To date, the company has conducted 200 auctions in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee and Texas, according to a company press release. Events are also scheduled for Hawaii, Illinois, Missouri, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.

Storageauctions.com currently has 500 registered bidders nationwide. More than 100 self-storage facilities will be added as sellers in the next 30 days, and 200 more partnerships are underway, the release stated.

Auctions can take place on the website at any time. Storage operators are charged a 10 percent fee based on the final sale. Bidders also pay a 10 percent deposit, which is later deducted from the total amount payable to the seller, according to the website. The seller is charged $20 per unit if the auction is canceled, though Storageauctions.com offers membership plans to reduce this fee if an operator anticipates multiple cancellations.

The membership plan also includes other perks, such as a facility listing in the companys directory and auction advertising on its social media channels. Post notifications about offline auctions are also hosted on the website. In addition, the company offers a rewards program.

"As an owner and talking to other owners and bidders, I feel confident that Storageauctions.com can benefit both buyers and sellers," said platform owner Lonnie Bickford. "This isn't like eBay. This is built for the storage owner and designed 100 percent to fill a unique market niche."

For more than 15 years, the Storageauctions.com team has developed, managed and owned storage facilities as well as managed onsite auctions, the website states.
The Lock Up Self Storage, which operates 34 facilities in eight states, has made several account-management updates to its mobile app available on Android and Apple devices. Existing tenants can now pay bills through the app as well as set up autopay, update account information and view payment history, according to a press release. A new feature also enables customers to add photos and notations about stored belongings.

Our goal is always to simplify and help our tenants better stay organized, said Andrea Carnes, vice president of operations. We want to ensure that our tenants can quickly and easily manage their accounts from anywhere.

The photo/notation feature allows tenants to log boxes and individual items as well as keep a visual catalog of stored goods. Notes can be written directly from within the application. Its so easy for a tenant to forget exactly where a particular item is located and to waste precious time opening different boxes looking for it, said partner Robert Soudan Jr. Adding photo and text logging to our mobile applications will streamline and significantly reduce the search time our tenants spend in their units.

The app is compatible with Android devices as well as Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch products. Its available for free on Google Play and iTunes.

The Lock Up Self Storage is the operating brand of family-owned Lock Up Development Group, an affiliate of BRB Development LLC, which has offered self-storage services since 1976. The company currently operates 34 self-storage facilities in Connecticut, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey and New York. It owns and manages more than 2.98 million square feet of storage space.
@PtboSpeedway  @ptbocolours Peterborough, ON (October 8, 2016)- Temperatures may have been a few degrees cooler, but the action on the track was just as hotor maybe hotter as the 24th Annual Autumn Colours Classic presented by Lucas Oil Products rolled on at Canadas Toughest 1/3-Mile Paved Oval. Drivers were looking to gain a better starting position for the calendar of feature events on the schedule for Sunday, October 9.

A field of 13 starters rolled from the staging area for the 25 lap OSCAAR Midget feature and from the drop of the green flag, it was the Jessica James show. The young lady from Trenton, Ontario has had a love/hate relationship with Peterborough Speedway. In past events, her strong runs have come to an end with a crash or mechanical issue, but the Autumn Colours Classic was her race. Taking the lead on the 3rd lap, her #2 machine worked through lapped traffic with machine-like precision for the win over Brown, one of the Chase eligible drivers. Owen Elliott, Shawn Stanley and James Stanley completed the top 5.

With Ted Greenwood and Larry Westwood on the front row, the Pro Midget pack rolled to the line for their 25 lap A main. Greenwood is the upstart divisions inaugural champion and led early. As the #1 machine closed on lapped traffic near the halfway point, Adrian Kemps closed on his back bumper and held-on for the win. Greenwood and Cassidy March completed the top 5.

OSCAAR Super Late Model qualifying heats went to Kelly Balson, Gary Passer, Rob Clarke and Tyler Hawn with Wally Wilson, Brian MacDonald and Jessica James with a pair scoring OSCAAR Midget wins. Pro Midget victories belonged to Adrian Kemps, Cassidy March and Rob Summers with a pair. Matt Haufe, Cole Ledson and defending series champion Nicholas Ledson had the INEX Ontario Legends preliminary round wins.

Billy Schwartzenburg and Andrew Gresel took the second round of Pro Late Model qualifying. Anthony DiBello, Ken Grubb, Matt Bentley and Hudson Nagy claimed the Paul Davis Systems Thunder Car heats, with Rob Warnes, John Baker Jr. and Gary McLean rolled into victory lane with OSCAAR Modified checkered flags. Earl Ireland Auto Sales Late Model wins went to Matt Bentley, Gord Shepherd and Dwayne Baker. Brandon Hannah, Andy Kamrath and Miles Tyson  who subbed for Fred Jordon  took the Jiffy Lube Mini Stock heats, while Paul Boundy, Griffin Powell and Jake Kelly grabbed the Battlefield Equipment Rental 4Fun checkered flags.

In B main, last chance qualifiers, Jade Franklin, Stefan Semeraro, Alvin McNicol and Charlie Gallant advanced to the Paul Davis Systems Thunder Car feature. Miles Tyson, Dan Demers, Peter Wakeling and Josh Inglis made the transition to the Jiffy Lube Mini Stock headliner, while Connor Parkes, Keith Parkes, Tara Lintner and Shawn Simpson cracked the Battlefield Equipment Rental 4Fun starting grid.

Bullring bullet points: Enjoying a great day of racing at the Autumn Colours Classic paid-off for Ronald Henrie of Gatineau, Quebec who walked away with almost $1100 in the 50/50 drawAt an event like Autumn Colours, similar car numbers are commonplace. The Thunder Car last chance qualifier had 7 starters and 3 of them carried the #31As competitive a sport as racing can be, its also good to have friends. Chris Mitchell and friends were quick to lend a hand to OSCAAR racer Derrick Tiemersma and invited his team back to their shop when the #7 Super Late Model experienced mechanical issues during the Friday night show. The team was back in action for the Saturday night program.

Sunday, October 9th the agenda is reserved for feature events, with the finals for the Battlefield Equipment Rental 4Fun, Jiffy Lube Mini Stock, Paul Davis Systems Thunder Car, Earl Ireland Auto Sales Late Model, INEX Ontario Legend, Pro Late Model and OSCAAR Modified and Super Late Model A mains set to roll. Pit gates open at 10:00, with spectator grandstands unlocked at 11:30 and the days first green flag at 12:30.

Full schedule details for the annual Super Bowl of Stock Car Racing  along with up to the minute news and results  are always available at www.peterboroughspeedway.com and selecting Autumn Colours from the drop-down choices. You can also like the track on Facebook or follow it on Twitter. Fans can download the free Peterborough Speedway app for their Smartphone.

Prepared by: Jim Clarke, Clarke Motorsports Communications/First Draft Media

clarkemotorsports@hotmail.com, www.facebook.com/clarkemotorsports

613.968.6410
The New York money manager wants a suit filed by a former employee over funds offered by the firms retirement plan to be dismissed.

Some large employers are facing lawsuits over the funds they offer to employees in their retirement programs, and a handful of employers have chosen to settle the claims. Neuberger Berman is not one of them.

Neuberger, a privately held, $246 billion money manager serving institutional and retail investors, is fighting back against a suit filed by a former employee who contends that one fund in the New York firms 401(k) plan for employees violated self-dealing provisions in pension law. The fund in question, the Value Equity Fund, was managed as a separate account by Neuberger on behalf of employees in its retirement plan. Attorneys for the plaintiff, Arthur Bekker, claim Neuberger breached its duty as a fiduciary  which requires plan sponsors to act in the best interest of participants under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, the federal pension law enacted in 1974  by offering employees a fund that was managed in-house when an externally managed index fund tracking the Standard & Poors 500 index would have generated better returns than VEF, with lower fees.

The case is the latest in a string of suits against money management firms for putting their own funds into employee 401(k)s. It also could serve as a watershed for employers facing similar actions from employees dissatisfied with the performance and costs of funds in their retirement plans. The lawsuits come at a time when investors, angered by the higher costs of actively managed funds, are fleeing to low-cost index funds in record numbers.

Bekker had invested in VEF when it was available in a plan that preceded Neubergers current 401(k). The fund was closed to new investments in 2003, when Lehman Brothers bought Neuberger, and investors holdings were transferred to Lehmans retirement plan.

In a brief filed on October 3, lawyers for Neuberger argued that Bekkers case should be dismissed on the grounds that, among other things, there is no basis for alleging that the firm breached its fiduciary duty based on fees or performance.

Bekker has not even established that VEFs fees were excessive, or its performance poor, because he improperly compares VEF to a passive index fund with a completely different objective and investment style, states the brief. The lawyers claim that Bekkers investment in VEF actually outperformed the S&P 500 index.

Neuberger says too that Bekker had several other investment options to choose from, including actively managed products and target-date funds from managers not affiliated with Neuberger, as well as index funds. Neuberger also allows its employees to use a brokerage account to select among thousands of other funds.

The firms lawyers further argue that it is not a breach of fiduciary duty for plan sponsors that manage investment funds to offer these funds to their own employees via their retirement plans, saying that Congress ruled that these so-called proprietary fund investments can be included in such plans.

Neuberger is attempting to dismiss the case at the same time that two universities are confronting similar lawsuits. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Duke University are fighting suits that contend their retirement plans charged excessive fees and violated their duty as fiduciaries.

Many asset managers and consultants are surprised that Neuberger, MIT and Duke are challenging the cases. Faced with similar lawsuits, for instance, Lockheed Martin Corp. and Boeing Co. chose to settle. To protect themselves against such claims, many employers are increasingly opting to offer low-cost index funds that strive to match market returns and are reducing the number of actively managed fund options, reasoning that indexing is a safe choice that cant be criticized and wont invite lawsuits.

Neuberger has declined to comment beyond its October 3 brief and a statement issued when news of the original suit broke in August. The complaint compares fees on our active fund with a passive index option that is also included in our plan, the firm said at that time. We offer participants many options  active and passive, in-house and competitor  each at an appropriate fee level. The implied argument in the complaint that active and passive fees should be identical is nonsensical. Bailey and Glasser, the law firm representing Bekker in the Neuberger case, did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.

In any case, employers will be watching the case closely to see if a well-designed plan can incorporate actively managed funds  or whether the only truly lawyer-proof plan is one centered around index funds.
In what could be a further sign of consolidation in the life insurance and wealth management industries, South African insurance giant Old Mutual is being tipped to sell its UK operations, Old Mutual Wealth for a possible 3 billion to 4 billion.According to a Financial Times report, an approach has been made for Old Mutual Wealth which sells both wealth and asset management products across Italy and the UK with 119 billion in assets and profits of 307 million last year. A potential break-up of Old Mutual has been on the cards for several months, with Bruce Hemphill, the companys chief executive, having outlined plans to create a series of more specialist businesses that could potentially hold greater appeal to a different blend of shareholders.As part of the break-up it is expected that a 66% stake in US-based OMAM will be sold; with Old Mutual Wealth, of the UK, to be floated in London or sold. That would leave the company with its South African insurance business, as well as Old Mutual Emerging Markets and a 54% stake in Nedbank. The split is predicted to be completed by 2018.An investor day was held yesterday in London to outline the merits of each business with the costs of a break-up also outlined. They would include the winding down of the companys head office in London at a cost of 50 million to 65 million.The potential move would come hot on the heels of the decision from Deutsche Bank to sell Abbey Life to Phoenix Group  with both AXA and Aegon having sold UK businesses earlier in the year.Related stories:
A foreign intelligence service has been blamed for a cyber attack levelled at the Bureau of Meteorology, according to reports.Whilst the foreign power was not named, The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) said in a new report that they had "identified the presence of particular Remote Access Tool malware popular with state-sponsored cyber adversaries, amongst other malware associated with cybercrime," Reuters reported.In this instance, the ACSC attributed the primary compromise to a foreign intelligence service, however, security controls in place were insufficient to protect the network from more common threats associated with cybercrime, the report states.At the time of the attack, in December 2015, media reports blamed the Chinese government  charges the Chinese foreign ministry dismissed, Reuters reported.The attack was just one in an 18 month period of monitoring from the ACSC, which saw 1,095 cyber security incidents on Australian government systems that were deemed serious enough to warrant operational responses, the report continued.In a telephone interview with Reuters, the prime minister's cyber security adviser, Alastair MacGibbon, did not name the country behind the attack but said "we've been very open in saying that it was a foreign government, and a foreign intelligence service, at that".At the time of the attack, media rumours swirled that China was responsible as state-sponsored hacking has continued to hit the headlines overseas throughout the United States presidential election.The report notes that the government remains a target, not only from state-sponsored attacks but also from hacktivists and cyber criminals.Australian government networks are regularly targeted by the full breadth of cyber adversaries, the report states.While foreign states represent the greatest level of threat, cybercriminals pose a threat to government-held information and provision of services through both targeted and inadvertent compromises of government networks with ransomware.
Officials worried that a blockade might be reimposed on Ukrainian grain
charging consumers bank or credit cards without their permission;

issuing invoices in relation to unsolicited insurance policies that did not specify the consumer was not obliged to pay;

making false statements to consumers including telling them their bank or credit card details were required for them to receive a quote; and

making false or misleading statements on its website regarding consumers ability to obtain a quote online.

After pleading guilty to more than a dozen major misconduct charges and getting fined $100,000 in New Zealand, and then having similar accusations levelled against it in Australia , Youis parent company is now in the spotlight back home in South Africa.In late August, it was revealed that the Australian Investment and Securities Commission (ASIC) was looking into allegations of Youi staff falsifying insurance documents to make sales and billing customers for policies they never signed up for, mirroring events in New Zealand. Australian brokers called for ASIC to crack down on the direct market as such conduct was damaging to the entire industry.The insurers transgressions in New Zealand have since caused a stir in South African media with headlines such as Shock fine for top SA insurer in NZ.Willem Roos, CEO of Youis parent company OUTsurance Holdings announced that the company was dealing with the matter before revealing that a few unrelated incidents of misconduct had also been picked up in its South African operations.Roos told the Weekend Argus: We have identified isolated instances of unacceptable sales practices in South Africa.OUTsurance has also engaged our regulator, the Financial Services Board, on the matter to ensure they are fully informed.Roos added that there was no regulatory investigation into OUTsurance nor was there a systematic problem of a similar nature within OUTsurance relating to Youi, the Weekend Argus report said.The South African Insurance Association declined to comment on the matter because Youi was not one of its members.In August, New Zealands Commerce Commission filed charges against Youi New Zealand, alleging it of employing misleading sales techniques.These tactics were employed in an attempt to sell policies to consumers who were only seeking a quote.The misrepresentations were said to have been committed between July 2014 and February 2016.The South African-owned insurer pleaded guilty to 15 charges including:Earlier this month, Youi was fined the maximum penalty of $100,000 by the Insurance Council of New Zealand (ICNZ).The Council also warned Youi that any future misconduct could result in its membership being terminated.
Eduardo Videgaray and Jose Ramon San Cristobal on set at Imagen Television Twitter

More information Las expectativas rotas de la tercera cadena mexicana de television

With a week to go before it begins broadcasting, Imagen Television is the first free-to-air channel designed to break the duopoly that has dominated Mexican television for 20 years. But it will be bringing nothing new to the screen, according to media analysts. The third nationwide TV channel to hit Mexicos airwaves will, it seems, fail to meet the expectations of many viewers. Its programming competes in formats and time-slots with other stations, and, observers say, the project harbors an ulterior motive: to control another sector of public opinion.

The two major networks have fought over the market for the last 20 years, creating a duopoly that is difficult to interrupt

The new player has decided to square up to Televisa and TV Azteca at one of the worst moments for the industry. Advertisement earnings are not what they were decades ago, and increasingly more diverse audiences are splitting their time between different video-on-demand platforms, such as Netflix. The two major networks have fought over the market for the last 20 years, creating a duopoly that is difficult to interrupt. Ratings in broadcast television are on the decline, and therefore, to be successful, [Imagen] will have to offer attractive content, says Francisco Abundis, associate director of polling firm Parametria.

The question that we are all asking ourselves is: Why invest in a business that has grown very little? Some suspect that there is political interest behind it, says Leonardo Peralta, a journalist who specializes in telecommunications. In Mexico, television is still a fundamental part of forming the political opinion of citizens. Thats why ratings are the least of it, explains Mariana Torres, content editor of the media analysis page at Media Telecom. Torres says it is not betting on innovative content, groundbreaking series or journalists who stand out because of their criticism or investigations. She adds: It runs the risk of looking a lot like the competition and not favoring plurality.

The channel will be focusing on fictional content and news, the two most-watched formats on TV. And the people they chose to lead these programs are stars from other channels who will bring their own audiences. Ciro Gomez Leyva will compete against Denisse Maerkers new program at Televisa and Javier Alatorre at TV Azteca for a share of the nightly news slots, which are the most watched.

Imagen Television was born after Grupo Imagen won a bid for the free-to-air TV concession in 2015. The media group includes Excelsior newspaper and TV station, which broadcasts in the capitals metropolitan area, and Radio Imagen. Its owner, Olegario Vazquez Aldir, is one of the most powerful businessmen in Mexico and the son of Galician magnate Olegario Vazquez Rana. Vazquez Rana built his empire on the Angeles hospitals, the Camino Real hotel chain, Multiva financial group and Prodemex construction company. Grupo Imagen said it will invest 10 billion pesos in the new project.

Imagen runs the risk of looking a lot like the competition and not favoring plurality Mariana Torres, media analysis editor at Media Telecom

In response to the need to update the content on Mexican television, Televisa and TV Azteca have offered more provocative programming including American-style late night shows and narconovelas, the sort of content that was not seen on the public airwaves until now. Televisa also created Blim, its own video-on-demand platform.

The most interesting activity at Imagen is its alliance with the production company Argos, whose owner is veteran war journalist Epigmenio Ibarra. Argos produces more critical and socially conscious programming and steers clear of cliches like classic telenovelas. When the production company worked for TV Azteca, it was very promising in the beginning but then it got stuck like Televisa. There are many expectations and few probabilities that it will be a different kind of television, Torres says.

This newspaper was unable to reach Imagen Television for comment.

English version by Dyane Jean Francois.
Hurricanes could start flooding New York Citys coastline as often as every 20 years due to the effects of climate change on sea-level rise and hurricane activity, scientists said on Monday.

Water could surge some 9 feet (2.8 meters) in hurricanes occurring anywhere from three to 17 times more often than today, they said.

Thats approximately  worst case scenario  once every 20 years, said Benjamin Horton, part of a team of U.S. scientists who published their findings in a study.

The projections act as a reminder of the human cost of climate change, said Horton, in particular after Hurricane Matthew ravaged the southeastern United States over the weekend.

The inundations from hurricanes will affect where we live, it will affect how we work, it will cause problems with the ecosystem, said Horton, a professor of sea level research at New Jersey-based Rutgers University.

Its very bleak.

The study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences aimed to measure how frequently floods like those produced by Hurricane Sandy in the U.S. states of New York and New Jersey could occur until 2100.

Sandy devastated the northeastern U.S. coast in 2012, including coastal areas of New York City, killing more than 120 people and causing some $70 billion of property damage.

Under a scenario in which the climate remained as it is today, Sandy-like hurricanes would occur about once every 400 years, Horton said.

Shielding humans from more frequent flooding would require an enormous undertaking to protect coastal areas and New York, a city of 8.5 million people, he said.

Something like that periodically hitting the coastline, it would result in incredible engineering projects, up and down the U.S. seaboard, to protect society, Horton told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in a phone interview.

The projections highlight the importance of slashing greenhouse gas emissions that cause climate change, he said.

The study is based on a combination of historical data and computer model projections.

It was the first to make projections by accounting for how climate change could contribute to rising seas and hurricane activity, said Ning Lin, the studys lead author and an assistant professor at Princeton University in New Jersey.

A new global agreement to tackle climate change will take effect on Nov. 4 after the accord, known as the Paris Agreement, crossed an important threshold for support last week.

(Reporting by Sebastien Malo, Editing by Ros Russell)

Source: The Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of Thomson Reuters, that covers humanitarian news, womens rights, trafficking, property rights and climate change. Visit http://news.trust.org)

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters USA New York Hurricane Climate Change New Jersey
TheGuarantors, a New York based insurance tech startup founded in 2014, is seeking to make renting an apartment in New York easier for landlords, brokers and renters through its newly launched tech-enabled lease guarantee platform.

The platform, which serves as the startups first product offering, connects renters who cannot secure a lease on their own with an insurance-backed co-signer through The Hanover Insurance Group, a Worcester, Mass., based holding company for several property and casualty insurance companies.

Founder and CEO Julien Bonneville said the idea for the platform first came to him through personal experience.

When I arrived in the U.S. in 2010, as a foreigner and a student, I struggled to be able to rent an apartment here in New York, he told Insurance Journal. A few years later in 2014, I decided to launch this new insurance product to help all of these segments of the population  foreigners, students, retirees, entrepreneurs  to be accepted into the buildings they wanted. The concept is to cover rent in case of nonpayment or lease break, so the landlord would feel confident and happy to sign a lease with the renter. We are providing access to renters and security for landlords.

Our overall vision is to become a one-stop shop for insurance needs that landlords have in their relationship with renters.

Potential tenants that dont meet landlord requirements without a lease guarantee can submit a free application online and upload supporting documents through the website, allowing applicants to secure approval within 12 hours of submission.

Once lease details are confirmed with the landlord, renters sign a Lease Rental Bond, and landlords secure apartment availability for the renter. Lease Rental Bonds are backed by The Hanover Insurance Group, licensed in New York State and A-rated (Excellent) by A.M. Best.

The cost of the service for U.S. residents is between five and seven percent of the annual rent. For non-U.S. residents, the cost is between seven and 10 percent. Fees are dependent on credit score information when available and personal financial condition.

After its launch in 2014, TheGuarantors spent the first year to year-and-a-half finding a carrier and negotiating a contract, as well as raising funds for the platform, Bonneville said, explaining that it is essentially a surety bond with the beneficiary being the landlord and the payer being the renter.

In terms of the risk nature, its pretty exotic for the insurance industry, he said. Its not like an unanticipated event, such as a house burning down, that you have to protect yourself against. Its a real decision for a renter to stop paying rent. Due to the nature of the risk, it was a struggle to find a carrier, because its more like a bank or credit card risk than a contingent risk.

Eventually, TheGuarantors partnered with The Hanover Insurance Group, who was drawn to the unique nature of the platform, Hanovers Director of Transactional Surety Scott Reinke said in a press release announcing the product launch.

Hanovers Surety Division has always been very interested in growing in innovative spaces, Reinke said. When TheGuarantors asked us to be their carrier, we saw their team had the right vision and expertise to understand the changing needs of the insurance market.

As the insurance industry becomes increasingly reliant on technology, TheGuarantors aims for its lease guarantee platform to be as tech-oriented as possible.

All interactions are completed online, and everything is well automated and highly efficient, Bonneville said. All of the stakeholders, including brokers, landlords and renters, have their own platform with dashboards so they can track exactly whats going on. We try to be as transparent as possible with all of these stakeholders.

Landlords can log into the dashboard and monitor all renter activity, their exposure, when policies are expiring and the stages of each application being processed. This efficiency is key in helping leasing agents fill vacancies and landlords improve operations, he said.

We want to be as quick as possible, he stated. It takes us 10 to 15 minutes to process an application, and most of the time, were able to underwrite clients in between two and six hours. Everything is done online, so we dont have to slow the leasing process down at all.

The platform categorizes renters into seven different risk classes and requires a salary that is roughly 27 times the amount in monthly rent, rather than typical salary requirements of 40 times the monthly rent to secure an apartment in New York City, he explained. The platform developed an algorithm to take into account liquid assets of renters as well.

We were initially only covering 12 month leases, but based on market feedback and current trends in leasing in New York, Hanover has allowed us to write policies that could cover up to 18 month leases, Bonneville said. We can also cover up to two months of holdovers in case the lease ends and the defaulted renter stays in the unit.

Another changing need TheGuarantors has observed within the insurance market is new construction buildings in what Bonneville classifies as vertical cities, such as New York. Because of regulation and tax abatement, owners of these buildings typically cant ask for more than one months rent for a security deposit from renters, making it difficult to legally protect themselves against default, he said. Bonneville added that this is where the platform receives most of its demand in the initial stage of leasing.

[That] is why were really relevant in that area of the market, he said. Right now, our demand is mainly coming from these high rises and luxury units, so our program is very well adapted for vertical cities where landlords are pretty concentrated and own portfolios of hundreds of thousands of units. We are also working to penetrate the long tail of the market with smaller landlords and figuring out how to enroll them in the program in a cost effective way, but right now, we see our current product fitting with about eight to ten vertical cities in the U.S.

The program is open to any building in New York and is also filing in New Jersey. In the future, TheGuarantors hopes to expand the program to vertical cities such as Boston and Chicago, Bonneville said, as well as launch additional products nationwide.

Our overall vision is to become a one-stop shop for insurance needs that landlords have in their relationship with renters, which is why were starting to work on some other new products that would match this type of insurance need, Bonneville said. This is a good, solid first product, but in the future, were also thinking of designing products that might be much more suited for a nationwide mass market.

Topics USA InsurTech Tech New York Market
Despite recent slowdowns, emerging economies are expected to outperform advanced markets over the next five years, according to a report published by JLT Re.

The emerging economies examined in the JLT Re study are also expected to gain an increasing share of the global non-life insurance market as insurance penetration and insurance density levels rise.

Indeed, emerging markets are, in aggregate, projected to account for close to 45 percent of the world economy in the next five years, said the JLT Viewpoint report titled Emerging Markets: Moving Ahead.

This translates into significant opportunities for risk transfer as prospects for re/insurers in emerging market are closely tied to the future development of their respective economies, the report added.

In its study, JLT Re focused on seven key markets in emerging Asia, Latin America and sub-Saharan Africa: China, India, Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, Kenya and South Africa.

While it is true that some emerging markets have suffered downturns since 2014, projected economic forecasts over the next five years remain encouraging and overall, emerging market economies are expected to expand by more than 4 percent in 2016, which would represent the first acceleration in growth since 2010, said David Flandro, global head of Analytics, JLT Re.

Of course, not every emerging economy will flourish, but emerging markets, in aggregate, will be growing at between two and three times the pace of developed markets in this time, he said, noting that this new world order presents a huge business opportunity for the industry.

Our research has compared recent and forecasted GDP growth rates for these seven emerging markets with projections for advanced economies. India, Kenya and China are the standout future performers, with GDP expected to grow at three to four times the rate of developed countries over the next five years, Flandro said.

Our analysis shows that emerging markets are, on average, likely to outperform key advanced countries (including the United States, Japan, Germany and France) in the next five years, said Stuart Beatty, CEO, JLT Re Asia Pacific.

This expected strong performance represents an important shift in momentum, driven by a faster insurance penetration rate compared to mature markets and a renewed recognition that, despite on-going challenges, emerging markets are crucial in driving long-term insurance sector growth as carriers seek new and profitable revenue streams, Beatty added.

Flandro cautioned, however that expert, local knowledge is necessary for successful competition in emerging markets.

[C]arriers looking to expand into emerging territories in search of new and profitable revenue streams must carefully plan entry strategies designed for the unique characteristics of each market, the report said, noting that risk selection, portfolio management and access to reinsurance capital are crucial.

Insights into competition levels, risk exposures and future growth potential can provide early-mover advantages, the report went on to say.

Source: JLT Re

Topics Trends Pricing Trends
Ironshore International has introduced a packaged policy to provide combined professional indemnity and general liability insurance for specialist engineers.

Bermuda-headquartered Ironshore said it will underwrite coverage for professional liability, general liability, product liability and employers liability under one policy form for engineering firms of any size domiciled outside of the U.S.

Ironshore has developed this product in response to increased demand for a comprehensive cover for challenging industries, such as oil and gas, mining, power, chemical and utilities. Policy limits are available for up to 5 million ($6 million) for professional liability and general liability/product liability and up to 10 million ($11.9 million) for employers liability.

Engineers typically buy stand-alone professional indemnity and general liability insurance policies from separate insurance carriers, which may lead to disputes among carriers over the proper allocation of claim indemnity payments arising under one or more policies.

To avoid these potential conflicts and resulting gaps in coverage, Ironshores new combined policy brings together the expertise of professional indemnity and specialty casualty lines underwriters, based in its U.K offices in London, the company said in a statement.

Ironshore recognizes the overlapping complexities of specialist sector engineers forced to seek comprehensive protection from separate insurance companies, commented Danny Clack, director, Professional Lines Division. The combined product will serve to streamline the process and provide transparency of coverage with one carrier to assure an integrated, seamless approach to claims handling.

Source: Ironshore International

Topics USA
London Mayor Sadiq Khan told business leaders that hell fight any attempt to take the U.K. out of the European Unions single market, a move he says could make Britain poorer.

If we were to leave the single market without an agreement in place for privileged access for British business, the consequences could be disastrous, Khan told the Confederation of British Industrys annual London Lunch on Tuesday.

Khans intervention comes after the Times newspaper reported that the Treasury was sticking to its pre-referendum view that leaving the EU will hurt Britains economy. It cited an internal report saying that complete departure from the single market would shrink output by as much as 9.5 percent after 15 years, the same numbers it forecast before the June vote in an analysis dismissed by Brexit supporters at the time as propaganda.

Londons mayor, a member of the opposition Labour Party, said that the clear motivation for the government to abandon tariff-free access to the single market would be political expediency, in an attempt to turn an extremely complex argument into a simple one. Such an approach, he said, would not only be deeply irresponsible, but could cause significant economic damage.

Work Permits

He also called for London to be given its own work-permits system, separate from the nationally administered one, to allow the city to continue to attract talent. This is unlikely to be taken up by Prime Minister Theresa Mays government, which has put its focus on immigration restrictions. Home Secretary Amber Rudd last week set out ways to make it harder for people to come to Britain.

In a speech to the same event, CBI Director General Carolyn Fairbairn urged the government not to clamp down too hard on immigration.

Many top financial services firms  in insurance, for example  come to London because they know they can access the best and brightest from around the world, Fairbairn said. Speak to companies in lower-skilled sectors, and many would love to hire more local applicants, but  right now  they just cant get them. Without lower-skilled workers from the EU, Britain would face serious labor shortages, putting key sectors in difficulty.

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics Europe London
Insurance broker and risk advisor Marsh has hired Rich Drab as CEO of Dovetail Insurance, which provides insurance technology services tailored to the U.S. small commercial market.

Drab is based in Chicago and will report to Kevin Tobin, president of Marshs Insurance Services Group.

Drab brings to Dovetail more than 25 years of leadership, consulting, and technology experience, primarily focused on the insurance industry.

He joins from IBM, where he most recently served as a partner in its Global Business Services practice. Prior to joining IBM in 2012, Drab held several leadership roles at Rosetta, Sapient and Accenture.

Marsh is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marsh & McLennan.

Source: Marsh
Zurich North America has appointed David Putz as head of Direct Markets and Programs effective January 1, 2017. Putz is currently head of Direct Markets for Zurich and with the retirement of current head of Programs, Roger Brunner, his role will be expanded to include Zurich Programs business as well.

Putz is responsible for the operational management of Zurichs offerings to the automotive industry and  as of January 1  also will be responsible for the operational management of Zurichs offerings through its program administrator operating model. Each business unit will remain separate and distinct businesses.

Putz will work with the retiring Brunner between now and the end of the year. He will continue to be located in Overland Park, Kansas.

Putz will report to Kathleen Savio, head of Alternative Markets, which is the new name for Zurichs Programs and Direct Markets business unit that also includes Group Captives and the RCIS crop business.
Insurance mergers and acquisitions rarely raise red flags with U.S. national security watchdogs.

Chinas Fosun International Ltd. took that history to heart last year when it paid $1.84 billion for the remaining 80 percent stake of U.S. property and casualty insurer Ironshore Inc. that it did not already own.

But in December 2015, one month after Fosun completed the acquisition, it was approached by officials at the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS), a government panel that scrutinizes deals over national security concerns, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified because these details are not public.

CFIUS was concerned about how Fosun would operate Ironshores Wright & Co., a provider of professional liability coverage to U.S. government employees such as law enforcement personnel and national security officials, including the Central Intelligence Agency, according to these sources.

Fosun, Ironshore and CFIUS all declined to comment on the process.

CFIUS operates a voluntary filing system for companies engaged in a deal. Such an instance of the panel approaching companies after they complete a deal is rare.

But the recent U.S. scrutiny of Fosun  which did not seek CFIUS approval for the Ironshore deal  is just one example of a new impetus by CFIUS to target what it refers to as non-notified transactions  or deals that did not seek CFIUS approval in advance.

In the last twelve months CFIUS has stepped up its pursuit of these non-filers over concerns that some deals were falling through the cracks, according to sources with direct knowledge of the panels inner workings. This previously unreported push by CFIUS has the potential to delay some deals and raises the risk of them being thwarted altogether.

While Wright accounted for a tiny fraction of Ironshores business, the inquiry has forced Fosun to delay its initial public offering of Ironshore, which has been registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission since June, until CFIUS clears the original acquisition. Fosun will now likely miss a window for IPOs due to the expected market volatility around the Nov. 8 U.S. presidential election, according to the sources.

Chinese companies have been treated with suspicion by CFIUS because of the ties many of them have to the countrys communist regime, reflecting the complicated diplomatic and commercial ties between China and the United States.

This has not stopped Premier Li Keqiangs going out policy, which encourages Chinese companies to buy foreign trophy assets. The push  aided by CFIUSs history of rarely shooting down deals altogether  contributed to Chinese M&A activity in the United States reaching a record high of $32 billion so far this year.

To be sure, CFIUS has approached companies in the past as well, and does not limit its review to only Chinese deals. In 2010, CFIUS contacted Russian internet company CMail.ru and AOL Inc. over the latters $188 million divestment of messaging service ICQ to Cmail.ru, which had already been completed. The CFIUS review in that instance did not require the deal to be unraveled.

On rare occasions, the panel has also vetoed deals, such as the $3.3 billion sale of Koninklijke Philips NVs lighting business to a consortium of Chinese investors, which it blocked last January.

But Ironshore and similar cases this year show that the U.S. watchdog is flexing its muscles in a more subtle, albeit disruptive, fashion.

Companies may assume that there is no chance that CFIUS would have an interest in their transaction, but that runs the risk of possible miscalculation, said Eric Dinallo, a partner at law firm Debevoise & Plimpton LLP.

Rising Scrutiny

CFIUS, an agency made up of eight U.S. government departments and chaired by the Treasury Secretary, does not publicize the reasons for its decisions. The majority of transactions involve private companies with no SEC filings.

Recent regulatory filings and statements by publicly listed companies, however, offer glimpses of CFIUS catching some companies off guard. U.S. electronics distributor Ingram Micro Inc. said in July it would seek CFIUS approval for its acquisition by Chinese shipping company Tianjin Tianhai Investment, despite saying in February it did not need to, following consultation with CFIUS.

As a result, in August Ingram Micro pushed back the deadline for the deal with Tianjin to close by three months to Nov. 13. CFIUS is interested in learning more about the companys supply of technology to the U.S. government, according to the sources. Ingram Micro and Tianjin Tianhai declined to comment.

CFIUS has added staff and resources in the last two years to identify non-notified transactions, the sources said, though the number of additional people recruited or the extra funding it was given could not be learned.

Among the CFIUS staffers playing a role in identifying non-filers, alongside CFIUS Staff Chairman Stephen Hanson and Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary for Investment Security Aimen Mir, is Brian Reissaus, a former member of the Defense Security Service, an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, according to the sources. Reissaus will often be the CFIUS staffer reaching out to companies, the sources said.

A Treasury spokesman declined to comment on behalf of CFIUS and the staffers. Chinese government officials declined to comment on CFIUSs new focus.

Caught Off-Guard

CFIUSs crackdown on these non-notified transactions shows how the agencys focus has expanded beyond traditional sectors of national security concern, such as aerospace and semiconductors, to less obvious areas ranging from commercial IT and agriculture to biomedical science and electronics.

Companies whose deals are reviewed by CFIUS without having made voluntary filings risk delays in completing them and uncertainty over their investment plans, lawyers say.

In the case of Fosun, to ensure CFIUS approval Ironshore agreed to sell Wright last month to former American International Group Inc. CEO Hank Greenbergs Starr Companies, according to the sources.

In light of this divestment and other conversations it had with CFIUS, the company has reset the CFIUS review process by making another filing with the panel, and an outcome is expected in the coming weeks, one of the sources added.

In the interim, Fosun has been exploring selling Ironshore outright as an alternative to an IPO, according to the sources.

Hell or High Water

Some companies resist filing for a CFIUS review voluntarily because they fear that addressing this issue during their tough merger negotiations will add an extra layer of complexity to the talks, and some times risk complicating them to the point that a deal is not reached.

This is because, once the possibility of a CFIUS review is foreseen in a merger contract, companies have to haggle over who assumes the financial risk under various scenarios.

Sellers try to push for hell-or-high-water provisions in contracts requiring the buyers to do whatever it takes in terms of divestitures and other measures to obtain CFIUS approval. Buyers resist this and seek to negotiate in advance what CFIUS remedies would be acceptable to them.

A case in point is Zhongwang USA LLC, which is backed by Chinese aluminum magnate Liu Zhongtian, and its $2.33 billion deal last month to acquire U.S. aluminum company Aleris Corp. Zhongwang USA agreed to undertake best efforts to obtain CFIUS clearance as soon as practicable, while also limiting any CFIUS-related divestitures it would be willing to accept to 5 percent of Aleris 2015 U.S. net sales, a regulatory filing shows.

The heightened scrutiny is also jacking up CFIUS-related breakup fees that buyers have to agree to in order to get a deal done, with sellers often asking these to be deposited in escrow accounts for more security. In the case of Zhongwang, it placed its $100 million breakup fee in an escrow account when it signed its deal with Aleris.

Taken together, CFIUS lawyers and other consultants are advising their clients to proactively file with the agency to get out in front of the scrutiny.

Go to CFIUS before you close a transaction, said Dinallo. Our experience has been that, if there is no issue, CFIUS has been quick to respond.

(Additional reporting by Diane Bartz in Washington D.C., Mike Stone in New York and Sue-Lin Wong in Beijing; Editing by Carmel Crimmins and Edward Tobin)

Related:

Topics USA China
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau survived a constitutional challenge and will remain in business, though a federal appeals court took away power from its director and tossed out a $109 million penalty against a mortgage company.

The long-awaited decision was a blow to the agency, which was created in the wake of the financial crisis to regulate mortgages, credit cards and other products directed at consumers. Ever since, its been the subject of almost constant criticism from Republicans and the industry, most recently when it scored its highest-profile victory to date, penalizing Wells Fargo & Co. for opening accounts without clients knowledge.

The appellate court found the CFPB to be unconstitutionally structured because the autonomy vested in Director Richard Cordray  who could only be fired by the president and for cause  was a gross departure from settled historical practice.

But the three-judge panel rejected calls to dismantle the agency, instead voiding the for-cause provision and making the director removable by the president at any time and for any reason.

This agency was on its own, Ted Olson, former U.S. solicitor general and the lawyer for the mortgage company, PHH Corp., said in a phone interview. Now it will have to respond to the guidance, leadership, oversight of whoever is the president.

In a further blow to the bureaus authority, the court also found that the CFPB violated the mortgage companys due process rights by reversing a long-standing interpretation of real estate law without notice and then retroactively applying its new standard to impose violations.

Considering Options

Moira Vahey, a CFPB spokeswoman, said the agency was considering its options for further review of the ruling, while remaining focused on its mission.

The bureau respectfully disagrees with the Courts decision, Vahey said in an e-mailed statement. The Bureau believes that Congresss decision to make the director removable only for cause is consistent with Supreme Court precedent.

The CFPBs options include seeking reconsideration by the full complement of judges on the Washington-based court and petitioning for U.S. Supreme Court review.

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren, the Massachusetts Democrat who fought for formation of the bureau before being elected to Congress, predicted the ruling would be appealed and eventually overturned. Even if it stands, she said the ruling constitutes a small, technical tweak and doesnt question any other past, present or future actions of the CFPB.

Continued Republican efforts to transform the agencys structure or funding should be seen for what they are: attempts fostered by big banks to cripple an agency that has already forced them to return over $11 billion to customers who have been cheated, she said, in an e-mailed statement.

Texas congressman Jeb Hensarling, the Republican chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, had a more favorable view, calling the ruling a good day for democracy, economic freedom, due process and the Constitution.

The second highest court in the land has vindicated what House Republicans have said all along, that the CFPBs structure is unconstitutional, he said, in an e-mailed statement.

Democratic Praise

The court action comes only a month after the CFPB drew praise from Democrats, including presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, for its role among other regulators in fining Well Fargo $185 million to resolve allegations that bank employees opened deposit and credit-card accounts without customer approval to satisfy sales goals and earn financial rewards. The bank agreed to pay $100 million of that to the CFPB.

Republicans countered that the bureau had failed to act soon enough.

In addition to reducing Cordrays powers, the appellate court threw out a CFPB decision imposing a $109 million penalty on PHH Corp., a New Jersey mortgage-servicing company.

The agency had punished the company for referring customers to insurers who then purchased reinsurance from a PHH subsidiary. CFPB determined those payments were part of an illegal kickback scheme. PHH said the law creating the CFPB gave an unaccountable director too much authority.

PHH was accused of violating provisions of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, or RESPA, a consumer-protection statute first passed in 1974, by referring borrowers to mortgage insurers that did business with Atrium Insurance Corp., PHHs own reinsurance business.

Bedrock Due Process

RESPAs purpose, according to the government, was to eliminate kickback and referral fees that increased costs for consumers. PHH said the premiums paid to Atrium, were for a legitimate purpose. The bureau reversed long-standing industry expectations when it declared the company in violation, its lawyers told the court.

The CFPB also overrode an earlier determination that only conduct committed within the last three years could be subject to punishment, stretching the look-back time to 2008, according to the mortgage company. The bureau then used its own formula to determine the penalty against the mortgage company, boosting the original $6.4 million fine to more than $109 million.

U.S. Circuit Judge Brett Kavanaugh, who wrote the appeals courts primary opinion, said the CFPB erred in retroactively applying the law, violating the bedrock due process principle that the people should have fair notice of what conduct is prohibited.

Kavanaugh referred to the CFPBs directorship as the single most powerful official in the entire U.S. government other than the president. He derided the bureaus position that it could pursue an enforcement action for an indefinite time after an alleged violation as an absurdity.

The case is PHH Corp. v. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, 15-1177, U.S. Court of Appeals, District of Columbia Circuit (Washington).

Copyright 2022 Bloomberg.

Topics USA
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is proposing 18 changes to the agencys recordkeeping, general industry, maritime and construction standards. The agency estimates that proposed revisions could save employers an estimated $3.2 million per year.

Among them are changes that would recognize electronic posting of 911 emergency services contact information; promote uniformity in rules for traffic signs, flaggers and barricades at construction sites; remove the requirement for collection of Social Security numbers; clarify employers duties in the excavation standard and exempt single family dwellings from the load limit notification requirement. In other areas they attempt to establish more consistency between OSHA rules and general industry practices or government rules in related areas.

The changes we propose will modernize OSHA standards, help employers better understand their responsibilities, increase compliance and reduce compliance costs, said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels.

The proposed are based on responses to a public request for information issued in 2012 as well as recommendations from the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health, OSHA staff, and the Office of Management and Budget.

This is the fourth rule proposed under OSHAs Standards Improvement Project, which began in 1995 in response to a Presidential memorandum to improve government regulations. Other improvements to standards were issued in 1998, 2005, and 2011.

Individuals may submit comments electronically via the Federal eRulemaking Portal at www.regulations.gov. Comments also may be submitted by facsimile or mail. Comments must be submitted by Dec. 5, 2016.

The 18 proposed revisions include:

Reporting job-related hearing loss

OSHA recordkeeping regulations require employers to record and report occupational injuries and illnesses. The proposed revision codifies current enforcement policy and clarifies that a determination whether an employees hearing loss is work-related must be made using specific, clear criteria, which are also set out in OSHA regulations.

Control of Hazardous Energy (Lockout/Tagout)

The proposed revision clarifies employers duties under the lockout/tagout standard. The existing general industry standard requires protections against the unexpected energization of machinery during servicing. The proposed revision to remove the term unexpected reflects OSHAs original intent and eliminates confusion regarding applicability of the standard.

Chest X-Ray (CXR) Requirements

The proposed revision removes the requirement for periodic CXR in the standards for inorganic arsenic, coke oven emissions, and acrylonitrile to make OSHAs requirement consistent with current medical practices and reduce employer burden and paperwork.

X-Ray Storage

The proposed revision permits storage of x-rays in digital formats. OSHA adopted the existing requirement for storage of x-ray film before the existence of digital x-ray and storage technology.

Lung-function testing

The proposed revisions update the lung-function testing (spirometry) requirements for the cotton dust standard to make them consistent with current medical practices and technology.

Feral Cats

Existing requirements in the sanitation standard for Shipyard Employment specify that employers must maintain workplaces in a manner that prevents vermin infestation. OSHA recognizes that feral cats pose a minor, if any, threat, and tend to avoid human contact, and OSHA proposes to remove the term feral cats from the definition of vermin in the standard.

911 Emergency Services at Worksites

Existing construction regulations require employers to conspicuously post telephone numbers for ambulances, etc. at worksites located in areas where 911 emergency dispatch services are not available. The proposed revision updates this requirement to reflect the predominance of the use of cellular telephones at construction sites and the widespread adoption of 911 emergency dispatch services. The proposed revision requires the posting of location information at worksites in areas that do not have Enhanced 911 (which automatically supplies the callers location information to the dispatcher).

Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs)

The proposed revisions to the construction PELs requirements are corrections and clarifications to make this standard consistent with other OSHA PELs standards.

Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals

To avoid unnecessary duplication, OSHA proposes to replace the entire thirty-one pages of regulatory text for the Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals (PSM) Standard for construction with a cross reference to the identical general industry standard.

Personal Protective Equipment

Ensuring that personal protective equipment (PPE) properly fits each employee is essential to employees protection. The proposed revision to require employers to select PPE that properly fits each employee clarifies the construction PPE requirements and makes them consistent with general industry requirements.

Lanyard/lifeline Break Strength

The proposed revision standardizes break-strength requirements for lanyards and lifelines throughout the construction and general industry standards.

Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

The proposed revisions update and clarify the provisions related to traffic signs and devices, flaggers, and barricades to align with current DOT requirements. This removes the burden on construction employers, who have sought this change, to follow multiple sets of regulations for OSHA, DOT, and state and local governments.

Load Limit Postings

The proposed revision exempts single family dwellings from a requirement to post maximum safe-load limits for floors in buildings under construction, reducing a burden for residential builders. The existing OSHA standard requires posting in residential dwellings where safe-load limits are rarely, if ever, an issue, thus eliminating a paperwork burden for construction employers.

Excavation Hazards

The proposed revision clarifies employers duties in the excavation standard. The proposed revision clarifies that a hazard is presumed to exist when loose rock or soil and excavated material or equipment is beside a trench.

MSHA Underground Construction  Diesel Engines

Existing regulatory language requires that mobile diesel-powered equipment used underground comply with outdated Mine Safety Health Administrations (MSHA) provisions. The proposed revision updates the regulatory language to cross-reference to the revised MSHA provisions.

Underground Construction

The proposed revision replaces outdated decompression tables used to protect employees working in pressurized underground construction sites. The proposal allows employers to use the modern French decompression tables.

Rollover Protective Structures

The proposed revision replaces the outdated construction standard with references to the appropriate consensus standards.

Regulation of coke oven emissions in construction

The proposed revision removes the regulation of coke oven emissions provisions from the construction standards. Any work during operation of coke ovens is general industry work, and the standard does not fit construction work.

Collection of Social Security Numbers

The proposed revision comprehensively removes from general industry, construction, and maritime standards all requirements to include an employees social security number on exposure monitoring, medical surveillance, and other records in order to protect employee privacy and prevent identity fraud.

Source: OSHA

Topics Legislation Workers' Compensation Commercial Lines Business Insurance Construction
Guardias civiles, camino del desmantelamiento de un zulo. Guardia Civil

The French police on Wednesday discovered the last major weapons store belonging to Basque terrorist organization ETA. The cache was located in a forest next to Compiegne, in the Oise department, north of Paris. Arms, documents and other materials were located hidden in four large buried containers. Small arms such as revolvers and rifles were among the haul.

There is a lot of material there, and it was preferable to act now French police sources

According to police sources, the operation was carried out after a number of communications were intercepted. There is a lot of material there, and it was preferable to act now, say the same sources.

The few ETA members that remain on the run  around a dozen, according to police sources  were bringing together all of their weapons in one location in order to be able to hand them over in the presence of international intermediaries, sources say. There are, reportedly, still arms caches left to discover. In some cases, not even active ETA members are aware of their locations.

The cache discovered on Wednesday had been put together over a period of weeks, but no one has been close to the store in recent days.

The terrorist group, which waged a bloody campaign over 43 years that cost 850 lives, was fighting for independence for the northern Basque Country region from Spain. However, weakened by operations by Spanish and French forces, it opted to announce the end of its armed struggle nearly five years ago. It has not, however, dissolved nor handed over its weapons.

Recently, the terrorist group and several French politicians who are linked to radical left so-called abertzale politicians in the Basque Country, have sent letters to the French government stating their willingness to bring about a final end to ETA. High-ranking French politicians, some of whom are close to President Francois Hollande, have stated that they are in favor of exploring dialogue with the current leaders of the group. But other members of the government have rejected such a reconciliation, which in theory could conclude with the handing over of weapons. Among the latter are Prime Minister Manuel Valls and Interior Ministry chief Bernard Cazenueve, according to sources who have close knowledge of the preliminary contacts.

In coordination with the Spanish authorities, the French police were aware of these steps being taken, but decided to act and seize the weapons cache in Compiegne, in which there was also material that could have been used to carry out attacks.

English version by Simon Hunter.
The Kentucky Department of Environmental Protection says the state has finished cleaning up large amounts of arsenic in Ohio County.

The Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer reports that the agency spent the summer removing arsenic-contaminated soil and replacing it with dirt and loose stones.

The cleanup began after the toxic substance escaped from two metal tanks on a roadway a few months ago.

KDEP spokesman John A. Mura says the state spent $850,000 from its hazardous waste management fund for its portion of the cleanup.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has also been working on arsenic cleanup in the area. That incident stemmed from barrels of arsenic stored inside a barn that burned decades ago. The EPA will continue its cleanup efforts.

Copyright 2022 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Pollution Kentucky
Shale oil explorers and producers are among the most volatile companies in the energy sector. When these companies are wrapped in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), investors can choose between strategies involving indirect participation, hedged portfolios and direct exposure with high levels of volatility. Three ETFs particularly stand out for using these strategies, should the shale industry rebound, as of March 10, 2016.

The SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF

Should a recovery in the U.S. shale oil industry occur, the companies that compose the holdings of the SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF (NYSE ARCA: XES) should benefit as well. Unlike conventional drilling with rigs that can pump relatively consistent levels of oil for 20 years or more, a typical shale oil well loses about 70% of production in the first year. By the third year, production is reduced to a trickle. The need to replace lost production puts shale oil companies in a constant state of drilling new wells, but with oil's price in the mid-$30s and the break-even price on shale oil being around $50 per barrel, oil producers have slowed the development of new wells.

However, an increase in oil prices to the point where shale oil can be extracted and produced at a profit would likely start a new round of rig construction as companies play catch-up to replace lost production and rebuild their balance sheets. The SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF could also benefit from lower shale oil production costs due to improvements in technology. On average, production costs for shale oil dropped from $100 in 2006 to $50 per barrel by the end of 2015 as advances in fracking technology resulted in lower up-front costs and more output per well. The continuation of this trend would lower the break-even point for production costs, resulting in profitable drilling at oil prices lower than $50 per barrel.

The Invesco S&P SmallCap Energy ETF

The ETF that provides the closest thing to a pure play on shale oil companies is the Invesco S&P SmallCap Energy ETF (NASDAQ: PSCE), which focuses on exploration, production, services and equipment companies in the Standard & Poors Small-Cap 600 Index. The fund's largest holding at a 13.8% allocation is PDC Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: PDCE), which has shale oil operations in the Wattenberg Field in Colorado and the Utica Field in Ohio. The second-largest position in the fund is Carrizo Oil & Gas Inc. (NASDAQ: CRZO) at a 10.01% allocation, which focuses primarily on shale oil operations in Texas, Ohio, Colorado and Pennsylvania.

The portfolios exposure to small-cap energy companies in general, as well as shale oil explorers and producers specifically, results in a high-volatility ETF that is not for the faint of heart. For example, the fund's beta is 1.7, meaning it is 70% more volatile than the general market. However, this fund is worthy of consideration for risk-tolerant investors seeking a bet on a U.S. shale industry rebound.

The Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF

As a market-weighted fund, the Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF (NYSE ARCA: FRAK) concentrates 58.48% of its top 10 holdings in large-cap companies that get a small percentage of revenues from shale oil, and distribute the balance of its holdings over smaller exploration and production companies. For example, the funds largest holding is Occidental Petroleum Corp. (NYSE: OXY), which operates in three distinct segments: oil and gas, chemicals, and midstream and marketing. The company announced in October 2015 that it was reducing its exposure to shale oil by selling its operations in the Bakken field, located in North Dakota. These operations represented Occidental's largest stake in shale oil.

As a result of its concentrated holdings of large-cap integrated oil positions mixed with small-caps in the oil and gas sector, the ETF offers hedged exposure to shale oil companies, with relatively lower volatility than a portfolio composed entirely of small-cap explorers and producers. For example, its return over 2015 was -34.01%, versus the Invesco S&P SmallCap Energy ETFs loss of 48.3% during the same period. The performance relationship of these funds is similar on the upside, as the one-month return for the Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF was 17.48%, while the Invesco S&P SmallCap Energy ETF gained 24.41% over the same period.

The Bottom Line

These ETFs provide investors with three strategies to bet on a rebound for the U.S. shale industry. As an indirect play, the SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Equipment & Services ETF will benefit as producers expand their drilling operations. The Market Vectors Unconventional Oil & Gas ETF offers hedged exposure with relatively less volatility. For risk-tolerant investors, the direct and high volatility exposure provided by the Invesco S&P SmallCap Energy ETF will likely deliver the biggest price swings out of these three ETFs, both on the upside and the downside.
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REE Stock News - Defense Metals (TSX-V: DEFN.V) (OTCQB: DFMTF) Drills 113 metres of 2.50% Total Rare Earth Oxide at Wicheeda

Vancouver, British Columbia - October 26, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mining / Metals / Green Energy Stock News - Defense Metals Corp. (TSX-V: DEFN / OTCQB: DFMTF/ FSE:35D) is pleased to announce high-grade Rare Earth Element ("REE") assay results from one additional core hole, totalling 383 metres (m), collared within the northern area of Defense Metals' 100% owned Wicheeda REE Deposit.

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Breaking EV Stock News: Pre-orders for Mullen (NASDAQ: MULN) FIVE Electric-SUV Crossover Exceed Expectations as the FIVE 'Strikingly Different' Tour Begins

BREA, Calif. - October 28, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Mullen Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ: MULN), an emerging electric vehicle ("EV") manufacturer, announces today that the Mullen FIVE "Strikingly Different" EV Crossover Tour which began yesterday, in Pasadena, California, is off to a great start with first day reservations exceeding expectations and overwhelmingly positive customer feedback.

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Health and Wellness Stock News - Endexx (OTCBB: EDXC) Secures Third Order for Non-Nicotine Vape Product HYLA Worth Approximately $1.5M in Revenue for First two Fiscal Quarters of 2023

CAVE CREEK, Ariz. - October 27, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Endexx Corporation (OTCBB:EDXC), a provider of innovative, plant-derived, and sustainable health and skincare products, today announces it has secured three key significant orders for its newly acquired, non-nicotine plant-based vape product, HYLA.

Top AI Stock News - Investor Idea

Breaking AI Stock News: FatBrain (OTCQB: LZGI) Acquires Confidential Computing Platform ZeroTrust to Protect Data Privacy and Accelerate Innovation for Millions of Growth Businesses

NEW YORK, NY - October 19, 2022 (Investorideas.com Newswire) FatBrain AI (LZG International, Inc.) (OTCQB: LZGI), the leader in powerful and easy-to-use artificial intelligence (AI) solutions for star enterprises of tomorrow, has acquired the confidential computing and privacy intellectual property (IP) plus software assets of Zero2A PTE LTD ("ZeroTrust Platform"), a software company based in Singapore.

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Yuri Bakhshyan speaks about Parliament and slaps he received (video)

In autumn 1998, there were talks that Armenia's National Assembly had already discredited itself. Republican Yuri Bakhshyan thought that people perceived Parliament as a body capable of solving social problems but no one asked how much salary lawmakers and government officials received to work for people. I am one of the lawmakers who think that high-ranking officials should receive decent wages. It is a well-known fact that most of our MPs have businesses and do not feel the lack of money. Yuri Bakhshyan said lawmakers still had the right to be engaged in business. New parliamentary elections were to be held in the country in 1999. It was obvious that the Republicans and Yerkrapahs would not yield their positions. What might happen if their votes skyrocketed? I do not think that there will be such figures in the next elections, because the interest is great in these elections. Having a majority in the National Assembly is a question of power, Mr. Bakhshyan said. He did not blame voters who took bribes, fuel or electricity charge receipts. Many people may agree to it because of the social tension that exists in our society. In autumn 1998, it was clear that the future parliament will not feel a shortage of criminal authorities, who needed immunity. Perhaps, it will be painful to deprive an MP of his immunity, he said. One of the most intellectual figures in the Armenian parliament predicted the main problem of future Armenia: people are using insults instead of criticism, more negative feelings are observed in people, which cannot be left without consequences. Accumulating negative emotions and negative charges in us we convey them to the people surrounding us who later return those emotions to us, Mr. Bakhshyan said. In May 1999, Yuri Bakhshyan was re-elected as lawmaker and was appointed Vice-Speaker of the Armenian National Assembly. Five months later, five gunmen stormed into the parliament, killing Armenian Prime Minister Vazgen Sargsyan and several other parliamentarians, including Yuri Bakhshyan.
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A teenager held at gunpoint in Armagh has said she thought she was going to die during the ordeal.

Four teenagers broke into Chloe Hawthorne's home in the village of Markethill, Armagh and demanded she hand over her car keys. The vehicle was later found in Dublin and two teenagers arrested.

The PSNI is liaising with the Gardai in relation to the incident.

Speaking to Q Radio News this afternoon, the 17-year-old describes what went through her mind during the ordeal yesterday.

She said: "When I saw the gun, I thought they were going to shoot me; I thought I was going to die thereI felt like it was a nightmare I wasn't going to wake up from."

Earlier:

A teenage girl has been held at gunpoint in Armagh.

It is understood four men pointed a suspected handgun at her and demanded she hand over her car keys yesterday afternoon in the Markethill area.

The vehicle was found in Dublin later that day.

Gardai say two teenagers were arrested yesterday afternoon in Stillorgan and a car believed to have been stolen in Armagh was seized.

The PSNI say that are liaising with Gardai in relation to the incident.
There is a warning this morning about the higher-than-expected spending increases in Budget 2017.

The head of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council is warning that the Government is set to miss a key borrowing target for this year.

John McHale was speaking to the Irish Times, ahead of the council's official budget report which is due to be released in the coming weeks.

Mr McHale said that announced Government spending was "beyond what was prudent and was set to breach key EU rules".

Chief Economist with Davy, Conall MacCoille, says he understands the concerns considering the state of the public finances.

He said: "We're only just in line this year and we are increasing spending so we are relying now on these Corporate Tax revenues.

"And at the same time looking forward, we have got Brexit coming over the hills, so it feels like the last opportunity for a big giveaway, things could get more difficult from here.

"I certainly think the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council are saying we need to put a reign on spending going into these more uncertain times."

The Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe also says there will be no problem filling the new Public Sector jobs being created under the Budget.

Yesterday's spending measures include positions for 1,000 new nurses, 2,400 new teachers, and 800 new Gardai.

However, the news comes as nursing unions continue a campaign to secure better working conditions for new recruits.

Minister Donohoe says there should not be any problem in getting new workers to fill the roles.

He said: "I'm absolutely confident that we will be able to hire and fill the different posts that we have advertised for.

"In relation to An Garda Siochana, I understand that in recent recruiting rounds we have had no difficulty filling the posts that they have needed to fill."
The finance minister has confirmed he pulled out of a live TV debate tonight because his Fianna Fail counterpart was "very upset".

Michael Noonan has confirmed he pulled out of a one-on-one appearance on RTE because he was being asked to debate against Sinn Fein's Pearse Doherty.
A man in the US state of Maine, charged with posting cyanide to a suicidal man in England, has been found guilty by a federal jury.

Sidney Kilmartin, from Windham, was found guilty today of mailing injurious articles resulting in death and witness tampering.
Dallakyan's patience lasted long - Aram Sargsyan (video)

Republican lawmaker Ruzanna Muradyan says local elections in Armenia were a few steps ahead. Talking to journalists on Wednesday, the lawmaker said several parties signed an agreement to join in the elections, but something changed on the election day and now they blame the failure on the authorities. It has become a tradition that the loser always tries to put the blame on someone else, while the authorities try to justify themselves for the votes that opposition supporters casted for their candidate, she said. Chairman of the Democratic Party of Armenia Aram Sargsyan says one need not rejoice in the fact that there was a betrayal in the elections. There was an offer to hold open voting but it was rejected because it was evident that the opposition was going to win. It is wrong to resort to all methods to retain power, he said. Betrayal is not a political category. In different periods, the Republican Party formed a coalition government with different parties but they quitted the coalition. Now the representative of a definite political force took a different decision considering the political expediency. Perhaps, the attitude towards the person has changed, said Ruzanna Muradyan. She added that they need to change the mechanism. People should unite around the idea, rather than persons, she said. Speaking about Victor Dallakyans decision to join the opposition ranks, the Republican lawmaker said she saw nothing extraordinary in it. Each political figure is free to decide his actions. Victor Dallakyan is an experienced politician, he fully understands his place and actions, she added. Aram Sargsyan said he knows Dallakyan very well. I was surprised that he could stay with pro-government forces for such a long time. I do not know what has happened but I must say that he endured it all for four years. His patience lasted long.
Barack Obama has vowed to help send people to Mars within the next two decades, saying he will work with private firms to achieve the goal.

The US President also says he is getting scientists, engineers and students together this week "to dream up ways to build on our progress and find the next frontiers".
The big issue on what supports he would offer to exporters reliant on the UK market, who are facing upwards of 18% erosion in their profit margin due to the fall in the value of sterling since the Brexit, was effectively dodged.

Fianna Fail finance spokesperson Michael McGrath  speaking after the budget  summed it up succinctly with his comment the package was pathetic. And many exporters will agree with his comment that without strong government support they will simply not survive.

His call for a national hedging strategy is innovative and essentially what indigenous exporters need, according to the Irish Exporters Association in their pre-budget submission. But also the paltry added fund allocation to both Enterprise Ireland and Bord Bia did nothing to reassure those on the rough end of currency losses they would receive any major assistance to move into other markets.

Perhaps some solace will be taken from the fact the minimum wage and tax bands were not affected this time around, a major concern of all the business groups. For employees in exporting companies large and small, the minister brought in an unexpected, but welcome, change to the foreign earnings deduction  which gives relief for significant amounts of work done in foreign countries. This has been changed to reduce the minimum number of days required to be spent abroad from 40 per year to 30.

However, multinationals will see this as a very positive budget with reaffirmation of the Governments commitment to play fair but play to win, with the cornerstones of Irelands tax policy  a transparent regime built around the 12.5% rate, and valuable reliefs that encourage innovation  remaining intact.

The trend in corporate tax is now becoming clear: In the future, more profits will be taxed where key decisions are taken and where key people are located. The tax strategy of MNCs will need to be more transparent, and bedding down the new system will lead to more cross-border tax disputes, including the recent Apple case. Hence, the ministers decision to extend added funding to bolster the staffing in Revenue is a sensible move to support this.

But perhaps the most significant move for hard-pressed chief executives trying to pull in the best international talent to Ireland will be his announcement of the extension of the special assignee relief programme (SARP) to 2020. Amendments to SARP, since its introduction in 2009, have made the regime more accessible to individuals coming to Ireland. But other regimes in Europe, such as the Netherlands, offer more attractive benefits and last longer, which can make a big difference to key employees being asked to move here.

The final details will be in the Finance Bill and hopefully include an increase to the five-year claim period, a reduction in the income threshold from 75,000 and an extension of the relief to cover PRSI and USC.
The Government estimates it has 11.3bn to play with between 2017 and 2021  what it calls fiscal space for tax cuts and spending hikes  1.3bn of which is to be spent next year. However, the EU says a lot of that money may be eaten up by the maintenance of basic public services and by pressure from unions to restore public pay packets after the crisis.

It has also warned that tax revenues may not be as buoyant as last year, when the corporate tax take surged on the back of a glut of multinationals moving their patents and operations to Ireland.

These calls for expansionary measures by various political forces and stakeholders would most likely have a negative impact on public finances, as it cannot be assumed that revenue out-performance will continue and discretionary changes to expenditure ceilings remain a feature of the Irish budget process, the commission said in its most recent post-bailout report on the economy.

The half-percent cuts to the three lowest rates of universal social charge, along with income tax credits for the self-employed, fishermen and carers, are likely to raise eyebrows at the commission.

It has said a USC cut contrasts with the commitment to maintain a broad tax base  code for taking more people into the tax net. It has also called out the Governments inability to control expenditure in health and said changes to the structure of Irish Water could be costly. All of this will leave little extra money for transport, housing, schools and hospitals, the EU has said.

That is because EU rules hold that countries must cut their underlying budget deficits by at least 0.5% of GDP a year and keep spending in line with economic growth. Last year, the EU called out the Government for its 1.5bn in supplementary spending, which it said risked breaching the blocs budget rules.

The rules allow large spending hikes only if they are offset by tax increases but Minister for Finance Michael Noonans sole tax rise this year is the increase in tobacco. So even the massive GDP surge last year or a potential tax windfall from Apple in the future will not hand the Government a blank cheque.

The Irish Business Employers Confederation had urged the Government to lobby the EU, like Italy has done, for more flexibility to spend on major infrastructure projects.

Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes told the Irish Examiner: There needs to be special conditionality for countries that have come out of a financial assistance programme to build up investment again.

Some of the commissions pronouncements about the Irish economy are really completely lacking in understanding of what has happened in Ireland.
Ireland has an enviable track record in foreign investment, upon which IDA Ireland is committed to building. Competition for foreign investment has never been stronger and countries are adjusting their proposition for investors on a daily basis. There are several welcome developments in the budget.

Firstly, a lot has been said about Irelands corporate tax rate and the regime in recent months. Finance Minister Michael Noonan clearly outlined that Ireland will not be changing the 12.5% tax rate, nor have there been calls for it to be changed. The stability of the 12.5% rate is a key factor for our investors. It is important that Irelands commitment to the rate was restated in a budgetary context.
His declaration on better controls of controversial special purpose vehicles (SPVs) formed part of what was generally seen as being a pro-business budget, with the 9% Vat rate for the hospitality sector maintained; the start-your-own business scheme for entrepreneurs extended; entrepreneur relief revised and a share-based incentive scheme for SMEs introduced.

The crackdown on SPVs will see the Government tighten Section 110 of the 1997 Taxes Consolidation Act, which has allowed overseas investors (including vulture funds) to aquire and house distressed property loans and other risky assets worth billions of euro in Ireland without having to pay tax on profits made on them.

When this section was introduced, the intention was that it would benefit the financial services industry, and it has done so, Mr Noonan said in his Budget 2017 address yesterday.

However, he added: It is now being used in relation to property in a way that was never intended. I have published draft amendments to Section 110 to address these unintended uses. I am aware that further amendments are necessary to address other issues arising in relation to funds and property. I will publish these in the Finance Bill after appropriate consultation has taken place.

The Government expects to yield 50m in the first year of Section 110 restrictions. Central Bank data, published last week, showed there were 822 tax-efficient SPVs resident in Ireland sitting on combined assets worth 324bn, as of the end of last year.

Mr Noonan also said the Finance Bill will, as of next May, contain measures to restrict the opportunity for offshore defaulters to use the voluntary disclosure regime.

I will introduce a new strict liability criminal offence to facilitate the prosecution of serious cases of offshore tax evasion, Mr Noonan told the Dail, adding that 5m has been allocated to Revenue to recruit 50 extra staff.

Last month, Revenue said that it yielded a combined 1.37m under its offshore assets and funds investigation remit in the second quarter of the year.

The proposed SME share-based incentive scheme will not be introduced until Budget 2018 and will require the approval of the European Commission beforehand. Overall, measures aimed at SMEs and the self-employed were only given cautious welcomes. The SFA said there is nothing to Brexit-proof SMEs, while Isme said the self-employed continue to be treated unfairly and still more needs to be done for entrepreneurs.

The start-your-own business scheme has been extended for two more years and entrepreneur relief has been improved with capital gains tax on the disposal of assets worth up to 1m halving to 10%. Mr Noonan said he would review the 1m limit in future budgets.

By announcing his intention to keep this threshold under review Minister Noonan has recognised one of its shortcomings, said CPA Ireland director David Fitzgerald. The equivalent threshold in the UK is 10m. For the measure to have a widespread impact for SMEs it must be increased.

Deloittes head of tax Lorraine Griffin said the change is not enough to move the dial in terms of driving entrepreneurship.

The measures to close the disparity between the employed and self-employed are also to be welcomed, but there is more focus required in the coming years, she said.

Mr Noonan said the start-your-own business scheme extension will be of real benefit to long-term jobless.
It was only in recent yeras the Government announced it was phasing out a loophole in Irish company law that enabled firms to set up here without being tax resident, a practice known as the double Irish.

The rule enabled Apple, over decades, to funnel profits on its EU sales through two Irish companies, paying as low a tax rate as 0.005% in one year, according to the European Commission.

The 12.5% corporate tax rate in Ireland is not being questioned by the Commission, EU competition chief Margrethe Vestager told the European Parliament earlier this week.

But you would expect that companies who pay their taxes in Ireland would pay the Irish corporate tax, which is 12.5%.

She said the EU had accepted the reality of tax competition by the front door but that it was important not to label anyone as a tax haven.

Im sure we will find Ireland as part of the global tax alliance, she said, referring to countries working together in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) to combat multinational profit shifting and tax avoidance.

However, there is still a lot of work to do to convince our European counterparts that we are serious about collecting the taxes that are due to us.

Ireland has until the end of December to collect back taxes from Apple, which the Commission estimates at 13bn.

The huge sums are destined to be put into trust until a court appeal is concluded.

While the Government has already implemented an OECD rule on sharing multinational tax information with other jurisdictions  a practice known as country-by-country reporting  it is against EU moves to make this information public.

Budget 2017 does introduce a new liability offence for failure to return details of offshore accounts or other assets.

But there are wide-ranging rules coming down the line from Brussels that will test Irelands corporate tax resolve even further.

Next month, the EU will set out to fundamentally change the way taxes of multinationals are calculated and where they are paid within the EU.

The proposal, known as the common consolidated corporate tax base, represents a creeping singular approach to tax coordination policy, according to Fine Gael MEP Brian Hayes.

EU officials believe the time is ripe to resurrect the proposal, which was put on ice in 2011 after failing to find favour among EU finance ministers.

Tax rules require the unanimous approval of all EU member countries.

Irelands tax revenues could be hard hit by the proposal, especially given the mass movement of corporate patents and operations to Ireland in 2015.

That caused GDP growth to skyrocket to over 26% and helped push corporate tax receipts by significant amounts.

And in its post-bailout report on Irelands economy last month, the European Commission warned about the risk to Irelands public finances arising from changes to international tax standards and practices.
In terms of resolving the housing crisis, the Construction Industry Federationss Irish Home Builders Association welcomes the introduction of this tax-rebate scheme aimed at helping first-time buyers to save deposits for starter homes.

The Central Banks loan- to-income rules will continue to ensure that first-time buyers can only access affordable mortgages and dampen significant increases in prices.

The CIF welcomes extending the home renovation incentive scheme. In addition, the ministers commitment to reintroduce interest relief for landlords to 80% this year and up to 100% over the next five years is to be welcomed.

The significant amount of capital expenditure on social housing announced by Public Expenditure Minister Donohoe is also welcomed and it can lead to a significant increase in units available. Another key initiative of ministers Coveney and Donohoe in this regard is the local infrastructure fund that will see 50m made available to make ready land capable of supporting significant housebuilding activity and will make a major contribution.

However, we are predicting that the low level of infrastructure investment across our economy will be the next crisis Ireland faces. Nearly a decade of low-level investment in infrastructure now risks economic growth and is confining regions outside the greater Dublin area to permanent lower growth levels.

National infrastructure, like the M20 connecting Cork to Limerick, could bring economic recovery to key regions and struggling rural communities. The M20 project is estimated to cost 800m and the Governments original analysis showed the economic benefits would outweigh costs 2:1.

Unfortunately, Ireland has one of the lowest levels of infrastructure investment in the EU. We are allowing ourselves to be curtailed by EU fiscal rules that are wholly unsuitable for a country emerging from a recession with a growing population and economy. The Government must continue to press our case with the EU to facilitate this investment. The CIF also welcomes measures in the budget that focus on supporting the self-employed.

Tom Parlon is director general at CIF
Between the acme of the boom in 2007 and the nadir of the bust in 2011, tax receipts from the self-employed were halved. That cold statistic masked the hardship of people going out of business, often in the building trade and small service providers such as restaurants and guesthouses.

The economic recovery heralded a recovery for the self-employed sector but the tax treatment remained harsh. Budget 2016 started the process of fairer tax treatment; Budget 2017 is continuing it. Compared to other taxpayers, the self-employed face three disadvantages.

The first disadvantage is that they pay more tax than employees. Employees get a PAYE tax credit, worth up to 1,650 per year, just for being an employee. Self-employed people dont. The effect of the earned income tax credit is to level the playing field. Budget 2017 has increased the earned income tax credit to 950 from 550. Thats not the same as the PAYE tax credit, but its moving in the right direction.

The second disadvantage the self-employed face is that they pay more USC than employees. While the majority of income earners benefit from the USC cuts announced by the minister, some benefit less than others. Thats particularly the case for successful self-employed people earning over 100,000 per annum. Those 35,000 or so people pay an eye-watering rate of 11% USC on the top part of their income. You may or may not feel sorry for people in that fortunate position, but irrespective of that, surely people should be taxed on how much they earn, not how they earn it?

The third disadvantage is that self-employed people dont get the same benefits from the social welfare system as employees. The 4% PRSI which all taxpayers pay buys employees a range of benefits which are not available to the self-employed. While the self-employed are entitled to a contributory pension and maternity benefit, they cannot avail of cover for several other schemes and benefits. Budget 2017 starts to change this.

PRSI receipts from employees, the self-employed and employers go in to a Social Insurance fund, out of which the various social welfare benefits are paid. Contributions by employers, typically at 10.75% of wages, dominate the total amounts paid in and this explains why employees traditionally are better off in terms of benefit entitlement.

Budget 2017 is allowing for the first time improved access to the benefits from this fund for the cohort of the self-employed. It may not appear much at first sight but this is a radical innovation in the workplace. Not increasing self-employed PRSI while enhancing the benefits may be the most important tax element of Budget 2017.

Brian Keegan is director of taxation at Chartered Accountants Ireland.
Seamus Coffey, the UCC economist, has been appointed to write a key report on the corporation tax aimed at keeping Irelands tax regime out of the international headlines.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan announced that the Government had commissioned the new report as a key part of the 2017 budget, saying that the headline 12.5% rate wasnt under threat.

Mr Coffey, who is also a member of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council, will report on how Ireland can meet new international standards and to ensure the countrys tax regime does not provide preferential treatment to any taxpayer, said Mr Noonan. Ireland has been embroiled in a number of unwelcome controversies surrounding its tax regime in recent years.

This culminated in a ruling by EU Competition Commissioner Margrethe Vestager that Ireland must collect 13bn in back taxes from Apple after the Commission ruled the phone giant benefited from favourable tax rulings. The Government has vehemently denied providing any favours to Apple and has appealed the ruling.

The Irish Examiner understands the report, which is to be delivered by late spring next year, is likely to investigate ways Ireland can insulate its so-called Knowledge Development Box from future potholes. The Knowledge Development Box is a key part of the tax regime to help encourage multinationals to shift their intellectual property rights into the country.

Mr Noonan said that the Government will ensure our corporate tax regime remains fair but competitive in the future.

Mr Noonan announced a range of tax changes designed to help some business groups worst affected by the huge drop in the value of sterling after the UK decided to quit the EU in its June referendum. He said that the best outcome for Ireland would be if the UK remains part of the common market and that there be no setbacks for the common economy on this island.

The budget extends a tax incentive for some foreign workers who come to work in the State, called the Special Assignee Relief Programme, to the end of 2020. Separately, he said small businesses would benefit from changes in the Foreign Earnings Deduction to the end of 2020.

He said farmers had been among those worst affected by Brexit.

The so-called Farmers Flat-Rate Addition scheme which compensates unregistered farmers for Vat will be rise to 5.4%, at a cost to the exchequer of 9m. He said the Government through the Strategic Banking Corporation of Ireland would offer loans below 3% to help farmers reduce borrowing costs.
Disappointed that no income tax relief has been allowed to early-stage companies granting share options to its employees, Dare Technology finance director Martin Carr said he welcomed news that this is forthcoming in budget 2018.

We look forward to receiving further details on this. This type of relief would be hugely beneficial in helping a startup company such as ours to attract skilled staff while also keeping costs down, said Mr Carr.

He said the increase in the earned income credit for the self-employed to 950 was a positive step since it will benefit the owners of startup companies by allowing them to keep more money in the business.

They are however still at a disadvantage compared to PAYE earners who get a credit of 1,650, he added.

As director of a company currently engaged in fundraising, Mr Carr said he was disappointed that the budget did not bring any reform of the employment incentive scheme.

We would have liked to there to have been an expansion of the scheme that would make it more attractive for investors, he said.

Mr Carr said he was pleased that the capital gains relief for entrepreneurs has now been reduced to 10% which will bring it more in line with the UK.

Set up in 2015, Dare Technology has developed the worlds first commercial scale portable wind turbine for ships. Called the HI-GEN, it is designed for use while vessels are at anchor or in port, attaching to the boom in order to provide free, clean electricity.

Dare Technology founder Darren Hayes said global opportunities for technology can reduce running costs in the marine industry and also reduce emissions. Our aim is make this an essential piece of equipment on all commercial vessels, he said.

Having filed a patent application on the HI-GEN last year, the company successfully tested a prototype of a 5kw turbine on the Irish naval ship LE Aisling.

Now the focus in on fundraising, to commercialise the turbine and to have it manufactured by a company in Cork.

Supported by Enterprise Ireland which has identified Dare Technology as a high-potential start-up, the company aims to employ a staff of five by 2017.
Immorality need not be a requirement in politics - Gagik Melikyan (video)

Secretary of the Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) faction, Gagik Melikyan, was not surprised to hear that Deputy Head of the Presidential Staff Victor Dallakyan had decided to join the opposition. This is not the first time he [Dallakyan] has made such a decision. He said he was going to form an opposition force. I think one need not and should not try to gain political dividends by defaming others. I think this is not the last time in his case. He has twice become a member of the HHK. I do not accept that format where one criticizes Serzh Sargsyan so vehemently making senseless statements. This is not acceptable by people. I think immorality need not be a requirement in politics," he said. Gagik Melikyan does not share the opinion that Dallakyan was directed by Baghramyan 26 to pulverize opposition votes before the 2017 parliamentary elections. There were other versions as well. There is an opinion that he going to fight against Edmon Marukyan, Chairman of the Bright Armenian Party. I am inclined to think that Dallakyan simply wants to become a lawmaker. However, the style he has chosen to achieve his goal is wrong and unacceptable. The HHK lawmaker also disagreed with the opinion that Viktor Dallakyan quitted the party because of a conflict. He only wanted to have his place in politics, and become an MP. One more thing: if anything happened to me after this press conference, do not blame Victor Dallakyan, Mr. Melikyan said in reply to Dallakyass statement made on Tuesday.
In particular, the claim by the Government that this budget is somehow Brexit-proofing our economy is ludicrous. It fails entirely to recognise the fact the UK is already significantly more tax-competitive than Ireland with regards to starting and running a small business, and we need immediate changes just to get back on a level playing field.

Making our tax system competitive with the UK in areas such as capital gains tax (CGT) and employee share options must be done today, not in a years time. The Department of Jobs, Enterprise, and Innovation has, at least, received a 10% increase in its budget allocation, and we need to ensure a portion of this funding goes to our hard-hit exporters, who are facing a currency crisis greater than anything we have ever seen.
It was an enlightened move by the previous government that has led to the creation of thousands of jobs. It also keeps us in line with other European countries.

The uncertainty that arises each year about its retention is a negative influence for those considering developing new hotels.

Claims hotel rates are too high in Dublin do not stand up to any objective scrutiny. Smith Travel Research (STR) is the most recognised research company in the world for the hospitality industry, in terms of tracking average room rates in cities. It gets its data from a large number of hotels in each city who submit room revenue and occupancy statistics on a daily basis. For the first seven months of this year, STR had the average room rate in Dublin as being 11th highest out of a basket of 31 large cities in Europe.

Room rates may appear very high on busy nights when events are taking place, but this is normal in all major cities. The average room rate is the best measurement of how expensive or otherwise a city is, as it takes account of prices charged for all rooms in a hotel over the 365 days of the year. Using STR statistics, Dublin could not be considered expensive when compared to other European cities.

As regards the towns and cities outside of Dublin, there is excellent value with most locations still at room rates below 2008 levels.

The reduced Vat rate has helped revenues and profits get to levels where it now makes sense to build new hotels. There has been no net increase in the number of rooms in Dublin since 2008 because room rates were not at levels that could justify the investment cost of a new hotel.

Dalata will have between 900 and 1,000 new rooms open by the middle of 2018 on the island of Ireland. This will create over 400 jobs and represents an investment of over 110m in the economy. It is just one example of the benefits of the reduced Vat rate being invested back into the economy. From the perspective of the hospitality industry, this is a positive budget.

Dermot Crowley is deputy CEO of Dalata Hotel Group
Mind Candy, a company that was once the showpiece start-up of the London tech scene and the creator of the childrens brand Moshi Monsters, will struggle to remain in business if it cannot expand revenue and renegotiate the repayment of a loan from one of its investors, the company and its auditors said Tuesday.

The company saw its revenue cut almost in half to 7.2m (7.96m) in 2015, according to its annual accounts filed with UK business registry Companies House Tuesday.

Revenue had peaked at just under 47m in 2012.

The company pared its operating losses, in part by cutting a third of its staff, to 10.4m for the year. This was down from 14m in 2014.

However, it also saw its cash position erode from 9m to just under 4m over the same period.

Mind Candy, founded in 2004 by entrepreneur Michael Acton Smith, created the well-known Moshi Monsters brand but had trouble managing the transition from desktop to mobile gaming.

Its no surprise that Mind Candy has had a few challenging years, said Mind Candys chief executive officer, Ian Chambers.

Over the past year, with the continued support of our investors and creditors, we have been focusing development on Petlandia and Moshi Monsters. We will be revealing more on both worlds in due course.

Mobile gaming revenue which includes Mind Candys World of Warriors product, which it launched in 2014, and new game Petlandia  grew 50% to 3m.

Given its burn rate, the company said it must expand its revenue in order to stay in business or receive a further capital injection.

It also said that it must renegotiate the repayment schedule for a 6.5m loan it received in 2014 from TriplePoint Capital, a Silicon Valley venture firm that had invested in the business.

Repayments on that loan were to begin this summer, but Mind Candy negotiated an extension until January 2017.

Now it says if it cannot secure a further extension it may also be unable to stay in business.

In its filing on Friday, the company said it has good relationship with TriplePoint and that there is scope to further negotiate a new repayments schedule.
UPRISE is a start-up festival happening next month in Dublins RDS. By its organisers own admission, UPRISE is not a conference: We aim to misbehave.

What is UPRISE all about?

UPRISE is a tech festival and we started last year, so its actually quite young. Weve had four of them since then.

It focuses on start-ups and connecting them in a very real way to recruitment, finance and also to partnerships for business.

It started from the idea that so many companies are still searching for these three golden cruxes of business and find it very hard to gather these connections from large-scale events.

Those events dont focus solely on start-ups.

A lot of those seem to focus on speakers and enterprise, larger-scale companies, and not on the vibrant start-up that could benefit from it more than anyone else.

What we want to do is talk to them, those start-ups that need it. That is where we started and it has developed into more, creating a unique sense of identity.

There is a reason why we didnt call it a summit, its not a conference either.

Youve had three festivals in Amsterdam, why bring it to Dublin?

Weve done three in Amsterdam and weve done pretty well there. Weve had about 15,000 people at the three events.

Weve had a 38% success rate of people hiring at the festival, which is a really strong metric.

It also approaches it in the right kind of way. As in, everybody is approachable, everyone wants to converse in the right kind of way, chat with you and build relationships.

Its also designed so that you get something out of it and not just be there just for visibility. Being there for the sake of being there.

Its been in Amsterdam three times and that was enough. We looked at our network and sought a place where we had the right network to bring this to another country.

Dublin was where we believed the right ecosystem was developing and we had the network to move into.

We got offers to do the festival in Dubai and Nashville, but we didnt have the right network to move there.

It would have taken about six months to get that right and ready for an event in those places.

People like travelling to Dublin and Ireland. They like the approachability of the people and the place.

I know I may sound like a travel brochure, but there is a warmth that encourages people to come to events like this in Ireland.

Can we expect to see an UPRISE USA, an UPRISE Europe, or will this be a travelling show?

I want it to go where it should go. I had a meeting with a PR company recently about us setting out that we needed to have a plan, a vision about what we want UPRISE to be in two or three years time.

Thats rubbish and I dont want to do that.

Start-up ecosystems, as a whole, refresh themselves every six months. Were not deploying the same thing every time.

This festival wont be the same festival that happened in Amsterdam.

The core of what happens is dependent on the marketplace where we are. Dublins marketplace is different to that of Amsterdams and so it needs to be approached and laid out differently.

We create the festival around the marketplace. Its an iterative approach, were taking away some things that didnt work in Amsterdam and adding new ones for our Dublin festival.

So if it does get big enough to move around the world, how will you keep that essence of the start-up at its core?

Well, thats what Im here for. Were already in a niche because we focus on start-ups and were not talking to everybody deliberately because we want to be practical.

We want to develop a sense of need and were answering a problem. Were not just having a visibility event.

You can look at bigger conferences and Im looking at the Web Summit specifically. The size that it has grown to now.

I think that there is some soul-searching going on as to how its actually relatable and implementable.

Even if you look at something like The Next Web, which is a great show, but Ive wondered for the past few years who its actually talking to.

They are looking like they are trying to find where their fit is.

However, if you focus it in and you know what your product is and youre able to move with the ecosystems when they move, I think that you can do it.

Will UPRISE furnish people with the realities of being a start-up?

Start-ups are essentially quite lazy. They want talent to come to them and they dont want to spend any time or money on it.

They are quite lazy at presenting themselves, there are start-ups that come to these events that are quite happy to have a stand and point at a video on screen to show people their product.

Those companies deserve to die. They are not companies that compel you to think they have a bigger vision.

As much as 90% of start-ups are going to die and they should die. Its the 10% you should focus on, the 10% that steps up and takes the opportunity.

We want to build a platform for them to shine. They deserve to be shown and thats what we want to build.

Is that something that has changed, that companies now are compelled to pitch to potential employees, not just investors?

Yes, of course. Companies like booking.com are realising that the normal recruitment patterns dont work anymore.

You have to be clever about it because you have to tap into the persons talents, passion and interests.

It is no longer in the nature of people to apply for jobs, you have to find the right people with the right mindset to apply for the jobs.

You have to pitch your company to the applicants as much as they have to do the same for them to you.

We do this within the festival with Pitch Your Job and Culture. Culture is now just as important as the job itself.

So well see start-ups pitching to potential employees about their company, the culture and why the job is the right fit for them. Its the same with investing, its the team that gets invested in, the products come from the team.

Start-ups have an investment deck and should also have a recruitment deck as well.

So well have that recruitment edge to the festival. You need to have a recruitment deck for the talent thats going to come to you.

If you make yourself attractive, half your work is done.

UPRISE Start-up Festival is on at the RDS, Dublin, on October 20. For more information, go to www.uprisefestival.co
Speaking at yesterdays Cork Chamber of Commerce October Business Breakfast, Niall Gibbons argued that the region must look at introducing more routes from international destinations in order to attract greater numbers of tourists.

Stating that he is really excited about the prospect of Norwegian Air coming in, Mr Gibbons added that Tourism Ireland is delighted to support the airline in its bid to introduce flights from Cork to Boston in 2017.

Currently, only 17.5% of tourists to Ireland make Cork a destination, though Mr Gibbons argues that, with the county featuring in both the Wild Atlantic Way and Irelands Ancient East marketing campaigns, this number will rise in the years ahead.

Cork is at the intersection of the Wild Atlantic Way and Irelands Ancient East and provides an amazing opportunity for the region to position itself on the international stage, he said.

Irish tourism, on the whole, is on an upward trajectory, bolstered by good publicity from big- and small-screen franchises such as Star Wars in Kerry and Game of Thrones in Antrim, and its accessibility from other European countries.

It is also seen as a safe destination following turmoil in North Africa since 2011, and terrorist attacks in France and Belgium in the last 12 months.

Ireland welcomed 4.5m visitors from the UK in 2015, while one in 10 North American tourists to Europe included the island on their itinerary.

Total US visitor numbers are up 15% so far this year.

While it is anticipated that tourism from the UK will fall by about 3% next year, visitors from mainland Europe and long haul locations such as Australia, China, and India are on the rise.

Indeed, the past six years has seen major growth, with visits from mainland Europe rising by 76%.

The number of visitors from Asia and Australia is up 79% and the number of North American tourists has increased by 89%.

Mr Gibbons said that to continue to foster growth, additional air routes to Ireland will be critical.

What we are finding is that Ireland ranks in the top five or six markets that people intend to visit in the next few years but there is no point being in fifth or six, you really have to be up at one or two in order to convert, he said.

That is where the advertising comes into it and a critical component is air access. Over the summer season, there are 50,000 seats every week from North America.

We believe there are lots more opportunities and our emerging market growth now is coming from the southern states like Texas, Georgia and Florida.

We would like to see more gateways opening there in the years to come.
Last week, Roselyn ONeill, aged 43, told the court that on July 14, 2013, she had been given clearance to drive across a runway when she saw the plane taking off only metres from her.

Ms ONeill, of Beaverstown Orchard, Donabate, Co Dublin, said air traffic control, which is managed by the Irish Aviation Authority, had given her permission to cross the airfield.

She had told her barrister, Paul Andrew Gallagher, that the air traffic controller had only told her to hold her position after she had already slammed on the ambulance brakes, shouting through her radio that she was stopping her vehicle.

The court had heard that if she had continued driving, she would have just passed the back of the 35m long plane.

It had been travelling at more than 200km/h and the avoidance of an accident could have been only a matter of seconds.

Ms ONeill had told Circuit Court President Mr Justice Raymond Groarke that she had felt the plane had been only metres away from her and if she had not stopped the ambulance she would have hit the aircraft.

She had later developed psychological injuries, which included suffering flashbacks of the incident.

She said she felt guilty for what could have happened to passengers on the aircraft and to air traffic controllers.

The court heard she was still taking antidepressant medication prescribed by her doctor.

The Irish Aviation Authority had entered a full defence to Ms ONeills claim, denying liability.

It claimed that although there had been an error on the part of air traffic control, the plane had been 86m away from Ms ONeill when she had stopped her ambulance. It also claimed her injuries were caused by her own imagining what might have happened had she hit the plane.

Yesterday Mr Gallagher, who appeared with Anderson & Gallagher solicitors for Ms ONeill, said that following talks between the parties, her claim had settled.

Judge Groarke struck out the case and made no order regarding legal costs.

The judge had last week dismissed Ms ONeills employer, Dublin Airport Authority, represented by barrister Shane English, as a defendant in the case.
In 2014, Joseph Sheehan, co-founder of the clinic, initiated a case against Breccia, whose co-directors are businessmen Larry Goodman and Declan Sheeran, and others, including George Duffy and Blackrock Hospital Ltd (BHL), the parent company of Blackrock Clinic. BHL has said it does not want to be in the case.

Mr Justice Robert Haughton yesterday directly addressed what he described as the two main protagonists  Dr Sheehan and Breccia, represented by Mr Sheeran  who had both accepted an invitation from the judge to attend before him so he might address them.
Tadhg ODalaigh, aged 72, of Woodview, Mount Merrion Avenue, Blackrock, Dublin, was served with the book, Inspector Mary King confirmed yesterday.

Inspector Mary King then applied to have the case sent forward from Cork District Court to the county sessions of Cork Circuit Criminal Court starting on October 25.

Judge Con OLeary acceded to that application.

The accused was represented in court by solicitor Barry Fitzgerald.

It is alleged that the incident occurred at Colaiste An Chroi Naofa, Carraig Na Bhfear, Co Cork.

It will now be a matter for a date to be set for trial by judge and jury at Cork Circuit Criminal Court.
Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe confirmed to the Irish Examiner last night that no allowance for the permanent axing of water charges is included in his numbers, adding that such a decision would affect the budget arithmetic.

It is significant, as Fianna Fail, on whose acquiesence the minority government relies, has called for the scrapping of water charges and for the provision of water services to come from general taxation.

As things stand, the chances of water charges being reintroduced by the Dail are minimal, meaning the major shortfall in funding is likely.

This shortfall would have to be met through additional taxation and Labour leader Brendan Howlin, Mr Donohoes predecessor, warned that a mini-budget could be required to address the gap.

Speaking to this newspaper, he said: It beggars belief that it has not been accounted for.

A major shortfall of up to 300m is looming and it would require a mini-budget to fix it.

Meanwhile, Minister for Children Katherine Zappone was forced to defend her 35m affordable childcare scheme amid criticism that it discriminates against stay-at-home parents.

A targeted subsidy will be means tested and paid in respect of children aged between six months and 15 years. The highest amounts  about 8,000 a year  will be available to parents on the lowest incomes whose child is in 40 hours of childcare per week.

It will be paid directly to the childcare provider, which must be registered with Tusla, the Child and Family Agency.

The cut-off point for eligibility will be a net household income of 47,500, said Ms Zappone.

Under the scheme, the parents marital status will have no effect on how net household income is calculated.

Labour senator Ged Nash said he was surprised that Ms Zappones childcare plan ignores poverty wages in the sector.

Labours plan includes living wage for all childcare workers, he said.

Green Party leader Eamon Ryan said that more should have been done to help stay-at-home mothers.

Speaking last night, Taoiseach Enda Kenny said that while he would have liked to have done more for stay-at-home mothers, there is a small allowance in the package for them.

The Irish Examiner has learnt that a major row erupted between Fine Gael and Fianna Fail yesterday morning over the timing of when the 5 increase to the old-age pension, amid accusations of bad faith.

Fianna Fails public expenditure spokesman, Dara Calleary, was said to have been furious when an additional 20m was found which enabled the Government to move the introduction of the 5 increase from June to March.

Meanwhile, Transport Minister Shane Ross was also forced to defend the fact that he secured no additional funding for his department.

Asked whether he should have pushed harder to secure funds for new transport projects, Mr Ross said: We took an enormous amount of time and trouble negotiating with the ministers over this as a department. We put a great deal of energy in.

We are delighted that we are well above the average. We are delighted with the amount we got.

Overall, the 1.3bn budget expansion was made up of 1bn of spending increases and 300m in tax cuts.

In addition to the pension, the majority of social welfare recipients will receive a 5 increase per week from March next year.

There was criticism of Social Protection Minister Leo Varadkar that unemployed people aged under 25 will receive just an additional 2.70 in their weekly payments.

Asked about why young jobseekers got less of an increase, Mr Varadkar was concerned about sending out the wrong message to the young people, who should be encouraged to go out to work. The minimum wage has been increased by 10c to 9.25 while the Christmas bonus for social welfare recipients was reinstated at a rate of 85%, equating to 159.80 for most of those on welfare and 196 for pensioners.

Each of the three lowest USC bands will be cut by 0.5%. This will see the 1% rate drop to 0.5%, the 3% rate to 2.5% and the 5.5% rate fall to 5%.

Mr Noonan says that the first-time buyers initiative will not drive up the cost of houses.

Meanwhile, Mr Kenny said he hopes he will oversee next years budget as Taoiseach. He told RTE News that the Government have got a very packed agenda up ahead and his focus would be on seeing through the Finance Bill and the Social Protection bill, as well as ensuring Ireland is protected against Brexit.

Key points
This represents an increase of 10% in capital allocation  the largest rise for the department in more than a decade.

As a result of yesterdays Budget, the department now has a current allocation of 303m and a capital allocation of 555m  which will be used for such things as job creation and investment in innovative technologies.

Today is a good day. Weve put through a very prudent and a very good budget I believe, a fair budget and a just budget. We have secured a 10% increase in the capital funding for this department, said Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation Mary Mitchell OConnor.

This is the first time in 10 years, its the best outcome that weve had.

Im delighted to say that its an increase in capital of 52m, this brings the Exchequer enterprise and innovation estimates to well more than half a billion euro through capital grants and property-related funding for next year, added the minister.

She emphasised the importance of continued job creation yesterday.

You all know weve hit the two million mark in employment, just to say the enterprise agencies, Enterprise Ireland and IDA support 411,000 people in their client companies in Ireland, said Minister Mitchell OConnor.

The department aims to create between 40,000 and 45,000 new jobs in Ireland in 2017.

Overall, the 52m increase will be used for further job creation, innovation and to support Irish companies respond to the challenges and opportunities that Brexit will present.

Brexit was a key consideration in the departments capital plan.

Fifty new posts will be created in the department and its associated agencies to help Ireland and Irish companies respond to Britains exit from the EU.

At a micro level, local enterprise offices will see their capital funding grow by 22% to 22.5m. This increase is aimed at assisting start-ups and job creation at a local level.

For entrepreneurs, there will now be a lower 10% rate for the capital entrepreneur relief. The self-employed will receive an earned income credit of 950, which is an increase of 400.

For innovation, Science Foundation Ireland will receive 162.5m in 2017  a 3.5% rise on 2016.
HHK lawmaker: Who says that our candidate received four votes from the opposition camp?

Secretary of the Republican Party of Armenia (HHK) faction today spoke about the latest elections in Vanadzor and Gyumri cities. Gagik Melikyan dismisses reports about tensions on the election day. The elections were in line with the amended Constitution. We held fair and transparent elections which were fully in line with international norms. The majority of residents in Vanadzor city voted for the HHK candidate, and opposition candidate Christ Marukyan received most votes from the opposite wing, Gagik Melikyan said. Speaking about the agreement reached by three opposition force the HHK representative said alliances that do not have ideological basis cannot survive for a long time. Many say there was a rat race by some oppositionists but I think that we witnessed something that was to happen: people voted for the candidate whose program they found more ambitious. I do not think that the HHK candidate received only four votes from the opposition camp. Who says that he has not received more? I cannot say whether four or six oppositionists voted for our candidate. Do not confuse reality with imagination and gossip, they are absolutely different categories. No one knows who voted for whom.
An additional 5m was allocated for the Arts Council  an 8% increase in its annual budget.

The Irish Film Board received an extra 2m and both Culture Ireland and the Heritage Council received 1m each.

Budget 2017 also allocated 2m to allow for the opening of the newly-restored historic wings at the National Gallery of Ireland and the opening of Killarney House.

There is also to be funding of 5m for implementation of the Culture 2025/Ireland 2016 Legacy Programme.

Announcing the increases, Arts and Heritage Minister Heather Humphreys said she was determined to build on the positive legacy of the Ireland 2016 Centenary Programme.

As committed to in the Programme for a Partnership Government, the Arts Council and the Irish Film Board are both receiving funding increases for 2017, Ms Humphreys said.

The additional funding of 5m for the Arts Council will allow the council to continue to enhance support to artists and arts organisations on both a small and large scale, from locally-based groups to the Abbey Theatre.

The increased allocation for the Irish Film Board will provide further vital support to the Irish film industry and allow them to build on the unprecedented level of success enjoyed in 2016.

All of the measures to support art, culture and film re-affirm the commitment of this Government to progressively increase funding for the arts as the economy improves and also reflect the importance attached to promoting our artistic and cultural strengths, and supporting jobs in our creative industries,the Arts and Heritage Minister said.
Dundalk is 23km from Newry in Co Down and could be hardest hit by Brexit and the plummeting value of sterling. The flow of shoppers north has increased since the Leave vote on June 23, as the value of the euro rises.

Paddy Malone, a chartered accountant in Dundalk in Co Louth, said traders had pressed in vain for regeneration measures and rate relief.

We all remember 2009 when sterling was against us, we saw massive two-hour queues into Newry, we are heading in that direction if sterling continues to weaken, he said.

The value of sterling has fallen since the Brexit vote and Mr Malone warned if the euro changed hands for 90p Dundalk traders would really suffer. He welcomed the decision to keep the hospitality and tourism VAT rate at 9% but said gains could be wiped out by currency fluctuations.

Mr Malone, who represents Dundalk Chamber of Commerce, said traders had been pressing for participation in the Living City Initiative which focuses on regenerating commercial areas. Kilkenny has benefited from a similar measure.

Mr Malone said: We are three times the population of Kilkenny and much more in need of urban regeneration.

We also asked for a rates subsidy from the Government but there is nothing there.

The retail sector in Dundalk is going to be severely handicapped and there should have been some measures taken.

He noted those travelling north had to pay to exchange currency. You then spend money in the cafeteria after spending three hours in a queue and you lose the time wasted in a queue.

When you add it up it may not be worth killing yourself for the 30 or 40 quid that you save  you will probably blow it in the cafe.

He said the retail sector in Dundalk was the areas single biggest employer: By shopping outside Dundalk you are not helping employment.
Housing Minister Simon Coveney confirmed the increase in funding will go towards a range of measures including emergency accommodation, rapid builds, and the Housing Assistance Payment (HAP) scheme.

The Department of Health will also see an extra 6m allocated for its homeless services which focus on mental health and addiction issues.

The CEO of the Peter McVerry Trust, Pat Doyle, welcomed the allocation as recognition by the Government of the scale of the problem.

The new funding is recognition by Government that we need to increase the availability of suitable emergency beds for those in need and to ensure that we respond to the rising numbers in homelessness. The additional 105m allocated towards the HAP scheme is welcome and we hope that it can provide the 15,000 tenancies it aims to deliver. However, the impact of this funding and the HAP scheme in general is being eroded because of unrestricted increases in the cost of renting and the lack of security of tenure for tenants, he said.

The Focus Ireland director of advocacy, Mike Allen, said the 28m for emergency accommodation was very welcome but said the measures to tackle the immediate crisis are far too modest.

In particular, the 5% increased relief for landlords seems unlikely to change the mind of the increasing number of landlords selling  which is one of the main reasons many people are becoming homeless. This relief already exists for landlords with social housing tenants.

It is worrying more was not done on this issue as it would have a positive impact on the numbers becoming homeless if greater action had been taken to prevent more landlords from leaving the sector, he said.

The CEO of Depaul, Kerry Anthony, said that while many of the measures were welcome, the Government needed to focus on long-term housing solutions.

In the meantime, we must provide intensive in-reach support to the people who access emergency accommodation, so that they do not become trapped in a cycle of homelessness and dependency that can have devastating life-long consequences, she said.
The partys finance spokesperson, Michael McGrath, and public expenditure spokes-person Dara Calleary outlined the position in the Dail while also stressing they are responsible for a number of achievements in the document.

Responding to the budget details yesterday afternoon, Mr McGrath said Fianna Fail has made a significant achievement in certain areas through negotiations with Fine Gael we didnt get everything we want.

The Cork South Central TD welcomed the 5 pension increase, which will only be introduced in March, USC cuts for the worse off, the return of the National Treatment Purchase Fund in health, and tax breaks for the self-employed, the latter of which he said amounts to real progress in tackling the unjust social protection system.

However, despite the fact Fianna Fail will not block the budget plans and was key to its formation, Mr McGrath also moved to distance his party from a series of Fine Gael-imposed measures.

Mr McGrath branded the Governments Brexit-defence packages for farmers, workers, businesses, and the tourist industry as pathetic, absolutely pathetic and said the 20,000 home buyers support will cause more damage to the sector as it will force further price hikes.

Criticising the controversial policy, he asked: This scheme also raises fundamental issues of fairness. If you are a returning emigrant and you havent paid taxes in Ireland in recent years, are you denied the right to benefit from the scheme?

If you want to remain in your local community and there happens to be no new housing supply there, are you denied the right to benefit from the scheme because youre forced to buy a second- hand home?

Mr McGrath raised further concerns over the fact Fianna Fail was only informed of the fiscal space increase from 1bn days before the budget, saying it makes a mockery of the new politics system.

While acknowledging his party influenced the document, he said pointedly we didnt write this budget.
But there has been a 20m drop in Garda overtime, used to fund special gangland, burglary, and terrorism operations.

This is despite an overall increase of 28m in current expenditure funding to the Garda Siochana, some 19m of which goes on salaries, driven by increasing staff numbers.

Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said there were no pay rises in Budget 2017  apart from the Lansdowne Road Agreement, to avert impending Garda strike action.

Headline figures for Justice in Budget 2017 show:

800 gardai are being recruited in 2017 as well as 500 civilian Garda employees;

71.5m is being provided for Garda overtime to facilitate the continuation of large-scale operations targeting gangland crime, burglary, and terrorism;

30m extra is being provided to the courts, including 28m to build seven new courthouses (under public private partnership) and install new IT systems and recruit staff;

6m in capital funding is being allocated to enable the commencement of construction of a new forensic science laboratory.

The Tanaiste said there is an overall rise of 85m in the total departments budget to 2.54bn.

She said the annual recruitment of about 800 garda trainees would bring the force to 15,000 by the start of 2021  factoring in the estimated 300 retirements a year.

Within the same time-frame, she plans to increase civilian staffing levels from 2,000 to 4,000 and Garda reservists from 800 to 2,000.

The Tanaiste said that due to increased capital allocation, the construction of the forensic science laboratory will commence in 2017 and be completed in 2019, instead of starting in 2019 as under the capital investment plan, published in September 2016.

The Irish Examiner published correspondence from the Forensic Science Ireland director, Dr Sheila Willis, to the Department of Justice in which she criticised the time frame given the poor state of the current laboratory.

Yesterday, Dr Willis welcomed the announcement: This is very good news for the management and staff of FSI. The current facility is unsuitable for modern science practices and it is vital that a new laboratory starts as soon as possible.

Ms Fitzgerald acknowledged that the 71.5m allocation to Garda overtime compared to around 91.5m for this year.

She said there were security costs associated with once-off visits this year, including that of Prince Charles.

The Tanaiste pointed out that 600 probationary gardai are coming on stream this year and that the overtime bill would be kept under review.

She said last years allocation started at 41m, before being increased with the Kinahan-Hutch feud.

Other funding increases include: Data Protection Commissioner (+2.8m), the Probation Service (+2m) and the Legal Aid Board (+4m).
Health Minister Simon Harris told a press briefing last night the legislation in relation to medical cards was being prepared as we speak, and that he hoped to get it moving before Christmas.

He said Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohue had committed to implementing the prescription charge reductions from March 1. The reductions will lower the current monthly prescription charge cap from 25 to 20 and the fee-per-item from 2.50 to 2 for 330,000 medical holders aged over 70.

The briefing  at which a record five ministers spoke including Mr Harris, Disability Minister Finian McGrath, Mental Health Minister Helen McEntee, Health Promotion Minister Marcella Corcoran Kennedy, and Drugs Minister Catherine Byrne  was told the health budget for 2017 is the single biggest investment in health ever, even though the budget in 2008 was closer to 16bn.

A department official said on a like-for-like basis when you take out children (now in a separate department) and the DCA (with Social Protection) the figure did amount to the biggest health budget ever, representing an increase of 977m on the 2016 budget (500m of this was allocated earlier in the year) for current expenditure and 40m for capital expenditure.

Mr Harris also announced that the waiting list initiative, the National Treatment Purchase Fund (NTFP), would receive 20m in 2017 to target longest waiters, rising to 50m in 2018. Last week, NTPF figures showed almost 540,000 on waiting lists. Asked if investment in the NTPF was an admission that public hospitals were not capable of doing the normal routine work, Mr Harris said Im afraid not.

However, it was not his intention that the NTPF would outsource all operations to private hospitals  he said he intends to instruct the NTPF to also seek capacity for additional procedures in public hospitals.

Dr Tom Ryan, president of the Irish Hospital Consultants Association, said the increased NTPF funding was at best a stop-gap measure, and that the budget failed to address the root causes of the problems which were inadequate acute and ICU bed capacity and insufficient operating capacity. He said these constraints were leading to longer waiting lists and cancellation of essential surgery with increased frequency.

Asked if the Government intended to fulfill its promise to extend free GP care to under 12s, Mr Harris said it could happen next year, but that it depended on progress made on a new GP contract for which some money had been set aside. Asked how much money, Mr Harris said he was not in a position to unveil the figure in advance of negotiations.

He said the new contract would not be a static document that remained unchanged for 40 years, but would be a living, breathing contract, added to as needs arise. He said he hoped to start talks with GP representative bodies this year.

Mr Harris also announced plans to recruit 1,000 nurses and midwives including converting agency staff to permanent posts and jobs for graduate nurses some of whom he is meeting with on Thursday after which he intends to announce a plan to retain and attract nurses to work here.

However, the Irish Nurses and Midwives Organisation said converting existing agency staff would not increase overall numbers.

Asked if any money had been set aside for 700m due to hospital consultants under the 2008 consultants contract, Mr Harris said no money had been set aside, because the Government intended to defend the claim in the courts following advice from the Attorney General.
Both decisions by Minister Michael Noonan were welcomed by the Society of the Irish Motor Industry.

Describing it as a satisfactory budget, Simi president Alan Greene said: For the motor industry, the good news is that electric vehicle VRT and SEAI grant supports have been extended for five years while those for hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles have been extended for two.

Overall we would have to see it as a satisfactory budget that has focused on stability and carefully supporting the continuing process of recovery in the new Brexit-dominated economic situation.

In announcing the extension of electric vehicle relief, Mr Noonan said it would give the motor industry and consumers a chance to invest in cleaner technology.

It means buyers will continue to get a total of 10,000 off the price of the vehicle as they also qualify for a 5,000 Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) grant.

Buyers of hybrid vehicles will continue to get VRT relief of up to 2,500 for two years, on top of a 5,000 SEAI grant  a total of 7,500  over the same two-year period.

However, the budget drew a scathing response from the AA.

The Coalition Governments first budget has done nothing for motorists and contained no measures to address the crisis in motor insurance prices, it said.

There was no attempt to ease the burden of fuel taxes, no change to motoring taxes, and no positive measures on road safety.

Meanwhile, the Government plans to spend 319m on roads and public transport next year as part of an overall 4.5bn investment.

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said the money would cover the completion of Dublins Luas cross-city expansion as well as building and improving roads such as the Gorey to Enniscorthy route and the New Ross bypass.

However, once again, there was no announcement of any budgetary measure to upgrade the Cork to Limerick route.
The 36.5m extra being invested by the Department of Education in higher education in 2017 marks the first rise to the sector in several years and a further 70m will be added in 2018 and 2019. In a year, he hopes to have agreement with employer groups on some form of extra contribution to the running of the system by autumn 2018, subject to consultations to be undertaken by himself and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe over the next seven months.

Additional funding from the State, from businesses, and from students were among various options set out by the recent report group chaired by Peter Cassells. The options in the report are to be considered by the all-party Oireachtas Education Committee in the next few months after which the minister hopes to get political consensus on a long-term model.
Just over 3,500 homes are scheduled to be built by local authorities and voluntary housing bodies and about 1,000 more will be provided through bringing vacant homes back into use, leasing properties and providing new units under the National Regeneration Programme.

The biggest inroads will be made through a major expansion of the Housing Assistance Payment scheme which will be extended to 15,000 extra households at an additional cost of 105m  a 220% increase on the 2016 funding.

The rental allowance scheme is also being increased to assist an extra 1,000 households.

Housing Minister Simon Coveney said the 2016 target of providing 17,000 social housing solutions, through a mix of building, acquisition and other measures, would be exceeded by the end of the year.

A measure to boost the availability of affordable rental homes is the immediate increase in mortgage interest relief to 100% for landlords who rent to welfare recipients on a three-year letting agreement. Other landlords will have the increase applied incrementally over five years.

The minister also announced a 40% increase in funding to tackle homelessness, bringing the total allocated for 2017 to 98m. But he said the aim remained to have hotels in use only as emergency accommodation in limited circumstances by the middle of next year.

The Irish Council for Social Housing broadly welcomed the measures, saying the overall allocation of 1.2bn for housing  50% up on 2016  was a substantial commitment to addressing the crisis.

However, Donal McManus, the councils chief executive, said it was vital the department moved quickly to release state lands to voluntary housing associations.

Otherwise the plan for 47,000 social housing units will not be delivered by 2021, he said.

Measures to assist specific groups include capital funding of 9m for Traveller accommodation, a 64% increase on 2016, both to provide new dwellings and repairs, and for fire safety works in existing halting sites.
Director Kevin McPartlan said the tax on sugar-sweetened drinks, to be introduced in April 2018, will be a stealth tax dressed up as a public health issue.

But the Irish Heart Foundations head of advocacy, Chris Macey, said postponing the tax was a bitter disappointment. He said it was a key commitment in the national obesity strategy.

We have seen clear intention from the department of health [in tackling obesity] but it is not being felt across Government, Mr Macey said.

Health organisations said a planned sugar-tax will be a small but significant step in tackling Irelands impending obesity.

The Irish Medical Organisations policy officer, Cian ODowd, said a 20% tax could potentially generate 200m while reducing obesity between 1.5% to 3%.

He said obesity remained a hugely pressing issue for Ireland which needed to be addressed as a priority by Government.

We have to tackle problem areas, and sugar-sweetened drinks are one, he said.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan confirmed that the Government proposed to introduce the tax in 2018. He said the levy will be in line with a similar new tax in Britain, as both soft-drink industries are heavily integrated.

Mr Noonan also announced a public consultation process will commence and run until January 3.

Meanwhile, the Irish Heart Foundations Mr Macey said funds generated from this tax were signalled, in the lead-in to the budget, to fund potential cuts to the USC.

He said it was crucial revenue collected from a sugar tax was ringfenced for combatting obesity.

Its not about generating revenue, its about protecting childrens health, he added.

However, the Irish Beverage Council said 60 would most likely be added to an average consumers food bills annually as a result of the proposed tax.

Mr McPartlan also warned 60m could be lost annually by the soft drinks industry as the levy will encourage shoppers to seek cheaper alternatives.
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They include 550 new jobs to allow for teachers taking part in training linked to junior cycle reforms. A further 150 primary and second-level teachers will be needed as a reformed middle-management structure is introduced next autumn.

They are among 2,400 extra teachers promised by the end of 2017 in Education Minister Richard Brutons budget of 9.5bn, a 458m or 5.1% increase on what was allocated to the Department of Education a year ago.

But ASTIs 18,000 members have not signed up to adopting the junior cycle reforms and are outside the Lansdowne Road Agreement under which Mr Brutons officials recently agreed a new school leadership system with the Irish National Teachers Organisation (INTO) and Teachers Union of Ireland (TUI) to begin restoring some of the hundreds of posts of responsibility lost in schools.

We are making provision on the assumption that the ASTI would be fully participating, both in the rollout of junior cycle and in those posts, I think that has to be our working assumption. All of those [posts] are conditional on people co-operating, obviously, Mr Bruton said.

The minister urged the ASTI to get involved in discussions and enjoy the benefits gained by the other unions on early career pay and job security, and more flexible use of extra working hours.

An ASTI spokesperson said budgeting and the allocation of resources are matters for the minister.

The ASTI is committed to resolving all outstanding issues. We await the outcome of our ballots later this week, she said.

The union criticised the absence of a full restoration of equal pay for recently-qualified teachers, one of the demands on which its members have been asked to mandate industrial action up to strike. A second ballot asks them to withdraw from supervision and substitution duties, work they say is no longer obliged to be done since a previous pay agreement lapsed this summer.

Despite the extra posts for a reformed middle management system, the INTO and TUI also pointed to the continuing pay inequality for those first appointed after 2011. Although members of both unions are to see some bridging of that gap, they continue to pressure officials for full pay parity.

The ministers announcement of ringfenced provision of guidance counselling for second-level schools next September reverses his previous position that principals be allowed the freedom on how to cover this service.

But TUI president Joanne Irwin said even the addition of 100 new posts, to facilitate the change, would leave schools with less guidance provision than before the cut introduced in 2012.

INTO general secretary Sheila Nunan said the Governments failure to reduce class sizes in its first budget meant a Programme for Government commitment was being left behind, and the lack of increase in rates of day-to-day funding for schools meant they would continue to rely on fundraising and asking parents for voluntary contributions.

Mr Bruton said it was the first of at least three budgets to be introduced and he intended honouring all Programme for Government commitments, but he had to look at priorities that could be met with money available for 2017.
Mr McGeever is alleged to have failed to provide a truthful and accurate statement of means in response to efforts by businessman James Byrne to recover a judgement of 1.18m obtained against Mr McGeever.

The alleged failure has resulted in committal proceedings being brought against Mr McGeever. The application, which has been opposed, has been before the courts on several previous occasions. It had been adjourned to allow Mr McGeever take certain steps including providing information and documentation on a property called Nirvana located in Craughwell, Co Galway.

The case returned before Mr Justice Paul Gilligan yesterday, who was informed by Gary McCarthy counsel for Mr Byrne, that his client remains unhappy with Mr McGeevers attempts to progress matters, in particular providing full details about Nirvana.

Mr McGeever had claimed Nirvana is owned by a Belize-registered company called Universal Assets Ltd and is held in trust for his two daughters. Mr Justice Gilligan, noting that Mr Byrnes judgement has not been satisfied, said that the court would not stand idly by while court orders were not being complied with.

The judge adjourned the matter for another two weeks.

This was to allow Mr McGeever to take steps including transfer shares in Universal Assets to Mr Byrne. If those steps were taken, the judge said, the application to have Mr McGeever jailed for contempt would not proceed.

Seamas O Tuathail, for Mr McGeever, said his client was prepared to give an undertaking that the property would not be sold in the meantime.

Mr Byrne had previously obtained judgement against Mr McGeever and his company over a failed deal to purchase several apartments in Dubai sold by Mr McGeevers KMM Intel Properties.

Mr Byrne claims that his efforts to recover the monies have been seriously impaired by Mr McGeevers failure to provide a full and frank statement of affairs.

Last April, Mr McGeever pleaded guilty before Galway Circuit Court and received a two-year suspended sentence, for wasting garda time.

He had claimed he was kidnapped by creditors who held him for eight months before he turned up on a roadside and was picked up by a passing motorist.
An initial proposal for Skibbereen to twin with a town in the USA has been changed after the councils corporate affairs department thought it would be more beneficial to expand the twinning proposal to cover larger areas.

Skibbereen had proposed to enter into a formal twinning arrangement with Scituate, a seaside town midway between Boston and Plymouth County in Massachusetts.

But senior council officials deemed the twinning area to be too small to be of major economic benefit to Cork and said it should be expanded to almost county-size status, bringing in other neighbouring smaller towns and villages in the US region under the same umbrella.

Officials said they were happy, though, that both areas were similar, with economies which relied on marine tourism, fishing, and agriculture, especially as that Massachusetts area was known for a high percentage of Irish descendants.

Cllr Christopher OSullivan said his hometown of Clonakilty has benefitted massively from twinning links which had brought in many visitors and felt the more regional twinning now being proposed could only be good for West Cork as a whole.

However, Cllr Pat Murphy, who is based in Bantry, had a word of warning about the new corporate policy.

Its a lot easier for towns to twin with each other.

It gets a bit harder when you are dealing with a whole district or with a region, he said.

Cllr Paul Hayes said there were a lot of positives for twinning, but wondered how this would be progressed on a municipal level.

A senior council official said that the corporate affairs department would set in train the formalities of the broader twinnings in this case and future cases and would now make contact directly with the Scituate region to set that in motion.
Susan Stein and her daughter, Susan Gorrell, both living in Iowa, US, have taken separate High Court actions alleging that Ms Scallon defamed them during an interview broadcast on TV3 in October 2011 during the presidential election campaign.

Ms Scallon, they claim, made statements which meant both women maliciously made up claims. Ms Gorrell claims she was sexually abused between 1971 and 1981 by her uncle, John Brown. They claim the allegations of abuse are true.

Mr Brown, 62, of Bracknell, Berkshire, was cleared in July 2014 of charges of indecent assault brought by two girls aged under 13 and 16 at several locations in the North and England in the 1970s and 80s.

He denied all the claims against him and also denied claims that Ms Scallon, a key witness in his defence, helped him cover up the allegations.

In her defence to the actions by Ms Stein and Ms Gorrell, Ms Scallon, of Claregalway, Co Galway, denies defamation.

She pleads the sexual abuse claims against her brother John first surfaced in 2005 during a US court dispute involving members of her family, including Ms Stein and Mr Brown, concerning copyright of her records and ownership of a music company, Heartbeat Records, described as the number one stop for Catholic product.

Accompanied by her husband Damian, Ms Scallon was in the High Court yesterday for the opening before Mr Justice Robert Eagar of her pre-trial application for orders requiring the plaintiffs provide security for her costs should they lose.

Oisin Quinn SC, for Ms Scallon, said that she has a full and thorough defence to both cases but that believed the plaintiffs would be unable to meet her costs  which she estimates at 425,000 and the plaintiffs estimate at 169,000  should they lose.

He said during an interview broadcast on TV3 on October 14, 2011, when Ms Scallon was running for the presidency, she was asked about allegations circulating about Mr Brown.

The sting of the plaintiffs claim was words used by Ms Scallon, who had not named the plaintiffs, meant they were lying about the allegations of Ms Gorrell being abused by Mr Brown and had maliciously made up the claims, counsel said.

In October 2011, Ms Gorrell made a complaint to the UK police and Mr Brown was tried concerning her claims of sexual abuse and acquitted of all charges, counsel said.

The security for costs application was brought on grounds including a claim neither plaintiff has assets here, he said.

In opposing the security application, both plaintiffs contend their case is in the public interest. They also say they have after the event insurance cover under which the insurer will pay out 150,000 should they lose.

The hearing continues today.
The driver, Garda Des Prendergast, testified at Cork District Court yesterday that he had to stop the patrol car a number of times en route to Mayfield Garda Station on the night because of the aggression Patrick OBrien showed to his colleague, Garda David OSullivan, in the back of the car.

Gardai went to Popes Quay, Cork, at 2.30am on April 8 to investigate a report of a serious assault. OBrien was there and was offered the assistance of an ambulance, but he refused it.
The 28-year-old witness told his trial jury of instances when the accused man would grind against her in bed while he was asleep. She said her worst fear had been realised when the accused man told her about the alleged incident with his female friend.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has pleaded not guilty at the Central Criminal Court to one count of raping the woman at an apartment in Dublin on September 28, 2008.

The woman told Hugh Hartnett, defending, that in the summer 2008, early in their relationship, when they had only kissed, she and the accused man had shared a bed in a friends house.

She said she woke up to find the accused grinding up against her back. She was shocked and annoyed as she presumed he was making a pass. She told him to get off her and tried to push him off before jumping out of bed and turning on the light. She said the accused continued to grind in the bed and she asked what he was doing.

He did not stop, she told the court, I realised he was asleep. She said she jostled him and he rolled over onto his back.

I felt embarrassed for him, I thought it was a freak incident. She got back into bed and went to sleep.

She said as the relationship continued she became increasingly aware of his erratic sleeping habits including sleep-walking, night terrors and sexual advances.

The woman said in terms of sexual matters, the accused man would mostly grind up against her.

She said she would sometimes try talking to him and sometimes push him off.

She told Mr Hartnett she was satisfied he was asleep. She said sometimes he would have no memory of it and other times would ask her if he had done something the night before.

The woman also described an incident towards the end of their relationship where they had been asleep in bed and the accused punched her in the side of the face  sending her flying out of the bed. She said it caused a disturbance and the accused man woke up. She said he felt very bad about this and other instances.

Obviously I dont want him to feel bad because I know he didnt mean it, she told the jury.

She told Mr Hartnett that the grinding would happen with or without alcohol.

The woman told Patrick McGrath, prosecuting, during cross-examination, that she had never woken up with her clothes off to find the accused man having sex with her.

She said the accused man told her about the incident this case related to in February 2009 when they were coming up to six months in a relationship. She said it felt like her worst fear had been realised and the two of them cried.

The woman said they had spent a lot of time together in bed during which these sexual advances had been made. She said she had asked him to go to a doctor after seeing documentaries on sexsomnia.

The trial continues before Mr Justice Patrick McCarthy and a jury.
Richard Eso, aged 47, had pleaded guilty to causing serious harm, contrary to Section 4 of the Non-Fatal Offences Against the Person Act, to Jonathan Aherne on April 11, 2015 at Cahernane House Hotel, Muckross Rd, Killarney.

Eso also pleaded guilty to the production of a weapon, namely a bottle, on the occasion, his sentencing hearing was told at the Circuit Criminal Court in Tralee on Tuesday. Nigerian citizen Mr Eso, of Geraldine Road, London, and his wife Rachel, originally from Co Wexford, live in Britain. They were guests at a wedding in Killarney and Mr Eso first met Mr Aherne, the best man, the previous day for drinks in Cork.

The reception went on into the early hours of the morning and the guests retired to the residents bar when the accuseds wife started to kiss the best man, Mr Aherne, said Tom Rice, prosecutor, calling the evidence.

Mr Eso became extremely angry and upset when he saw this and there followed violent scenes in the hotel, Garda Michael Milner of Killarney gardai agreed with Mr Rice.

Initially, the violence was directed towards his wife, Rachel, who was with him in court yesterday. However, he then obtained a wine bottle, which had been used in the wedding celebrations, broke the bottle, and pursued Mr Aherne into the kitchen area of the hotel, where he inflicted significant injuries to the face and forehead of Mr Aherne, the court heard.

A night porter witnessed the incident and was able to give clear details to gardai.

Mr Aherne was totally blameless,  Garda Milner agreed with Mr Rice.

He was treated at Kerry General Hospital and subsequently at Cork University Hospital. He suffered deep lacerations to his forehead extending to his front scalp, and injuries to his cheek.

Notwithstanding plastic surgery and other treatment, he will be left with permanent scarring, the court was told. Judge John Hannon viewed his scars yesterday. Mr Rice said what had happened was disfigurement and said it came within the definition of serious harm and the DPP had assessed the headline sentence to be between four and seven and a half years, before mitigating factors.

Mr Esos wife was also injured but not seriously.

Garda Milner also told the court that Mr Aherne, from Cork originally, and who was in court with his solicitor Mr Eoin Brosnan of Killarney, was happy to move on with his life when an offer of compensation was paid over.

He did not want the offender to go to jail. The garda agreed with Anthony Sammon, SC for Mr Eso, that he had been extremely contrite. Garda Milner said he was one of the most co-operative of accused he had ever encountered, returning from the UK twice to meet gardai.

Mr Sammon, said his client was deeply devoted to his wife. When she approached Mr Aherne, and kissed him, Mr Eso lost it and the green-eyed monster kicked in, the senior counsel told Judge Hannon.

He did what he did in an inebriated and jealous state, Mr Sammon said. He had no previous convictions in Britain or Ireland, is a Nigerian citizen, and has lived in Britain for 10 years.

Judge Hannon adjourned sentence, saying the matter was serious and it had some unusual features. A date is to be fixed next week.
There were 20 inspection reports issued yesterday by the Health Information and Quality Authority. One in relation to a designated centre for people with disabilities operated by St John of God Community Services in Dublin 8 found a number of shortcomings, including some complaints not being adequately dealt with. In a different centre in Louth, also run by the St John of God Community Services, there was significant concern regarding the providers systems to oversee the safety and quality of the service.

According to the inspection report on this Louth-based centre: The provider did not have adequate systems in place to support, develop and performance manage all staff who worked in the centre on an ongoing basis. For example, the provider did not have adequate systems in place to provide on-going support, supervision and performance management to the person in charge. It was also observed that the person in charge had brought issues of concern regarding staff training to senior management of the centre. However, his concerns had not been addressed and gaps were identified in training on this inspection.
According to the OECD, Ireland languishes among the bottom of an international league of countries for enforcing its anti-bribery convention.

In 2003, the Government pledged to tackle bribery by Irish people and companies overseas to win contracts, licences and dodge taxes, as part of the OECD anti-bribery convention.

Out of 41 countries that signed the accord, only the US, Britain, Germany and Switzerland are actively prosecuting companies.

Another six are found to be moderately enforcing the law; while nine are deemed acting in a limited manner.

Ireland is among the bottom-ranking countries alongside Russia, Mexico, and Colombia for failing to prosecute even a single case of foreign bribery.

Ireland still needs to make substantial progress on key recommendations issued three times since March 2007 by the OECD Working Group on Bribery with regard to improving its domestic criminal law as it applies to bribery by Irish individuals and companies in their international business transactions, said the OECD yesterday.

In December 2013, the Working Group urged Ireland to make several changes to its domestic criminal law without delay to rectify three major weaknesses in how foreign bribery is addressed. Ireland is subject to enhanced reporting to the Working Group on account of its failure to address these weaknesses. First, Ireland has failed to act on recommendations to consolidate and harmonise its two foreign bribery offences. Those offences, one in the Prevention of Corruption Act 2001 (as amended) and the other in its Criminal Justice (Theft and Fraud) Offences Act 2001, potentially contravene each other and carry substantially different maximum prison sentences  10 years and 5 years respectively.

Secondly, Ireland has failed to act on recommendations to review its law on corporate criminal liability, with a view to modernising and codifying it, so that it can be effectively applied to cases where senior managers of companies use subordinate employees to bribe. Ireland continues to rely on the common law identification principle, which the Working Group considers inadequate for the purpose of addressing many of the most frequent bribery methodologies.

Thirdly, Ireland has not acted on the Working Groups recommendation to ensure that its money laundering offence in the Criminal Justice (Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing) Act 2010 applies to Irish companies and individuals that launder the proceeds of bribing foreign public officials.

Earlier this month Tanaiste and Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald, assured the OECD Working Group that legislation was advancing to strengthen Irelands anti-corruption laws.

The OECD said it welcomed this but noted: The Working Groups recommendations are pressing, particularly considering that, since Ireland ratified the Convention in 2003, it has not prosecuted even one case of foreign bribery.
However, yesterday, he denied this and said: It is in my culture not to swear at anyone.

James McCarthy of 5 Barnavarra Crescent, Mayfield, Cork, was convicted on another charge of engaging in threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour arising out of the latest incident.

Sgt Stephen OSullivan said he was in uniform on May 10 when he approached McCarthy at Lagan Grove, Mayfield, at 4.40am. He told us to fuck off and leave him alone. Initially, he hid from gardai but I dont know why he did. Later, he had to be pepper-sprayed because of his level of resistance, the sergeant said.

Solicitor Diarmuid Kelleher said: He will say he had drink taken but he feels he was arrested and pepper-sprayed peremptorily. He may have been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

McCarthy said he was drunk but claimed the guards moved in without giving him a chance to leave. They pepper-sprayed me and dragged me into the Garda car, he said.

Insp Finbarr OSullivan asked the accused if he was saying the gardai had no conversation with him, gave him no warning, and they were just making up the evidence against him. McCarthy said he was saying this.

The guards were trying to get your details of your name and address and you were abusive to them? the inspector said. The accused replied: That never happened.

You had alcohol taken and you cannot remember half of the things that happened. Did you comply fully with the guard? the inspector asked. The accused said: I didnt get a chance to open my mouth.

Judge John King said drink may have affected McCarthys memory.

McCarthy had 53 previous convictions. Judge King said 80 hours of community service could be served instead of six weeks in jail.
A cloud-based website specially designed for funeral directors has been created by two Limerick businessmen.

The site, called Obit, deals with all the paperwork involved in organising funerals, cutting down on time.

Dick Lynch and John Mark Griffin are confident their package will become a global product.

Mr Lynch, who previously held senior management positions in manufacturing and aviation, said: Obit is a cloud-based package specifically designed for funeral directors.

We have been working on it for over a year and there has been very significant interest among funeral directors from all over the country.

Limerick funeral directors, Griffins, has taken it on and we pitched recently to a regional meeting of the Irish Association of Funeral Directors which was held in Athlone.

The response was very good and we are taking a stand at their annual meeting which takes place in Sligo in November. This is a product we intend to market worldwide.

Mr Lynch runs software company Lytesoft with his son Mark.

The Obit site allows undertakers organise funerals remotely.

He said: Mark is based in Madrid and has 20 years experience in developing software platforms. He did much of the work on Obit.

John Mark Griffin, whose family are long-established funeral undertakers in Limerick, joined with Mr Lynch to develop Obit.

Mr Griffin said: We wanted to find ways of reducing the time that goes into administration when organising a funeral.

Obit is an internal administration package for funeral directors and its the first cloud-based website package for the profession. My father and our colleagues here in Griffins helped in the development of the website. We now have it in place and I would say there is a market for it not just in this country, but worldwide.

Mr Griffin said the work of a funeral director is 24/7 as bereaved families may need to make contact at any time.

With Obit you can be on call no matter where you are, and you have access to the system to commence making arrangements for a family, he said.

We have Obit operating for the past three months and the start-up testing is completed. I have a background in design and I was able to use this when we were working on Obit.
However, the festivals director Zeb Moore said he stands over his assertion that it only got 200 from the council as 900 of the 1,100 had come from Failte Ireland and was merely paid out to the event by the council.

The councils actual contribution is 200, Mr Moore said

Mr Moore described the 200 allocation as an insult, adding that a child would get more on its First Holy Communion Day.

The council denies it snubbed the event through lack of support.

Mr Moore said the council had come up with 200 for this years festival which commences on October 31.

The council said in fact it had given the festival 1,100 and is highlighting it in its Halloween promotion of events taking place in the city.

However Mr Moore said 900 had actually come from Failte Ireland and this was distributed by the council.

The festival, now in its fourth year, has the support of the Harris family along with international film figures such as Russell Crowe, Stephen Rea, Fionnula Flanagan and Grammy Award songwriter, Jimmy Webb.

The council said the organisers of the festival had failed to submit a budget for consideration and failed to turn up at an arranged meeting on September 30.

A spokesman for the council said: Limerick City and County Council is again calling on the organisers of the Richard Harris International Film Festival to arrange for the submission of their budget for consideration.

Mr Moore said all their accounts were on its website and at short notice they had been asked to come up with a budget for a meeting on September 30.

There was no formal request by the council to meet with us on a budget. We could not come up with a budget for a meeting at such short notice as all our figures are projected figures. It would be impossible to come up with this budget request at short notice.

We want to be up front and work with the council. We have drawn up a plan for cultural activities in the period up to 2020 which will embrace film, theatre and other cultural activities which we feel could draw 10,000 visitors to Limerick.

The festival, which starts on October 27, will see the screening of 55 Irish and international short and feature films along with major events such an interview with Fionnula Flanagan and a concert by Jimmy Webb.
Mr Barnier assumed his role at the start of the month and is currently on a tour of European capitals, ahead of beginning negotiations on behalf of the EU with Britain on Brexit.

Formal negotiations process begins next year. Speaking after the meeting the Taoiseach said: "I was delighted to meet with Michel Barnier in Dublin today - he is well-known to us here in Ireland, has a strong appreciation of our close historical, political and economic ties with the UK, and also knows of our strong commitment to EU membership.
They were among several suggestions made at a national seminar in Cork yesterday to break down the barriers Irish Travellers face while progressing to higher education.

Hilary Harmon, Pavee Points education co-ordinator, said there are just over 36,000 Travellers living in Ireland today  with almost 74% living in a house and 42% under the age of 15. However, just 13% of Traveller children complete second-level education, compared to 92% in the settled community.

Of those who drop out of second level, Ms Harmon said 55% have left by the age of 15, and the number of Traveller children who progress to third level represents just 1% of their community.

She said among the barriers to progression are the fact that around 70% of Traveller children live in families where the mother has no formal education, or has primary level education only, almost half have difficulty reading instructions for medications, there is a distrust of the routes society provides for progression to third level, and Traveller history and culture is virtually ignored, not valued or supported in the school curriculum. These combine to create a situation where Traveller children are eight times more likely to be unemployed, she said.

The recently launched National Plan for Equity of Access to Higher Education 2015-19 aims to more than double the number of Traveller students attending part-time or full-time third-level courses  from 35 today to 80 by 2019.

Ms Harmon said a number of measures could be introduced in the short-term to help reach those targets, including:

Traveller-specific scholarships and the ringfencing of places on specific third-level courses for members of the Traveller community;

The provision of clear, accessible information on the range of available finance, creche, and library supports which are available;

Clarification of and promoting the awareness of routes into third level;

More proactive measures to be taken by universities to engage with local Traveller groups and culture;

Peer-to-peer mentoring and support.

However, in the long-term, Ms Harmon called for sustained, consistent, and regular engagement with Traveller children attending primary schools to support them through second level, more targeted work with career guidance teachers, and increasing Traveller community interaction with third level institutions.

Anne Looney, of the Higher Education Authority, said building on the partnerships between schools, further and higher education institutions, and Traveller representative groups would be vital to reach the targets.

College is very open and accepting. I never felt I had to hide my identity

Three proud young Travellers have spoken about how third level education has changed their lives.

TJ Hogan, Chrisdina ONeill and Leanne McDonagh all told the seminar in Cork yesterday that key supports at crucial times ensured they finished second level, sat their Leaving Cert and then secured places on third level courses.

TJ, 21, from Fairhill, Cork, a National Traveller Pride award-winner for his educational achievements, is now in the final year of his three-year Community Development BA degree in Cork Institute of Technology (CIT), and is hoping to introduce a 12-week horse welfare course in primary schools.

Chrisdina is a second-year arts student in UCC who wants to become a teacher to tackle the system from within.

Leanne who completed an art degree in CIT, was among 30 of some 300 applicants to secure a place on a HDip programme, and she is now using her art as part of a second-level schools programme to support Traveller children in school.

Chrisdina and Leanne praised teachers at second level who encouraged and supported them, and the UCC Plus+ and Deirdre Creedon of CITs Access Office for their continuing support.

But TJ said because his dyslexia wasnt picked up until his first year in CIT, his primary and second level education was very difficult.

Education was a horrible place for me. I was marginalised, I was constantly being put down the back of the classroom. I felt I wasnt good enough, he said.

Thanks to his parents, Tim and Josephine, and youth worker Noel Kelleher, he stuck it out and passed his Leaving Cert  just.

He said handing his father his Leaving Cert results was one of the worst experiences of his life. But he secured a place in the College of Commerce which ultimately led to his place in CIT.

He added: College is very open and accepting. You can be who you are. I never felt I had to hide my identity.

All my classmates and lecturers know who I am.

I love student life. And I love college life. If I had my way I wouldnt leave. Its so relaxed  theres the engagement with lecturers, the extra help and supports after lectures.

He is now working with Traveller students in Terence MacSwiney College, where 10%-15% of the student body is drawn from the Traveller community.

The lads are so brainy, their talents are incredible. They could all go into an engineering course in the morning, but they just dont have the confidence, he said.

Once finished college, TJ hopes to get involved in developing and shaping social policy, and in youth counselling.

Inspired by those who encouraged her, Chrisdina said: Every child has potential, and as a teacher, I want to bring that out and show that no matter who you are, where you come from, every child has potential.
The woman, aged 25, of Cork Simon Community, pleaded guilty, yesterday, to a charge of assaulting the nurse at Cork University Hospital, on April 24.

Garda Breandan Hannafin said: She was present at the A&E unit and she became aggressive and violent. She kicked and punched the member of staff. She continued to be aggressive afterwards.
Whether it is on foot of the recent spate of scary clown sightings is unconfirmed.

The Department of Defence will receive an extra 16m which will strengthen the countrys military. This is good news as Irelands terror threat level was recently upgraded to unlikely and so citizens will be sleep easier knowing this.

The Government have also pledged to put 15m into high speed broadband for rural areas. At this rate human beings will be living on the moon before rural areas have gotten to seen what a meme is.

They have also committed to upgrading the computers given out to the people of Ennis when it was awarded as an Information Age town.

A tax on sugary drinks has caused the public to respond no thanks, we are sweet enough.

The rent a room scheme income ceiling is up by 2,000 but sources could not clarify if they could get the amount for a similar rent a shed scheme.

A childcare allocation has been announced for cases where children are spending 40 or more hours a week in a creche. A spokesperson for babies is advising her peers to save the money for the therapy sessions they will need later in life.

The Gorvernment has received praise for allocating money to the sheep industry which in coalition with the new broadband development is presumably an attempt to corner the emerging market of ovine erotica. Wales has made great strides in this area in recent years but Irish farmers are committed to excellence in this field and are right being rewarded for their efforts.
Yesterdays budget was framed just months after the general election returned a minority-led administration.

A year ago, just a few months away from the election, Finance Minister Michael Noonan infamously rolled two budgets into a single big fiscal package. Just days before presenting his official budget in the Dail, the finance minister unveiled a spending package that rivalled anything seen during the boom years.

After years of austerity, there was suddenly plenty of cash to fill deep holes in health and transport, and the unexpected cash hoard was to be spent during the last few weeks of 2015. Mr Noonan had maxed up the budget package, effectively doubling his spend-and-tax-cutting measures to 3bn.

There is no debate that the money was badly needed. The harsh years of austerity had left deep scars across the country. Even now, there are many questions left unanswered by the troika and European institutions about the scientific basis of austerity that was imposed across Europe.

Nonetheless, last years spending splurge was nothing more than a pre-election stroke which startled independent observers.

Something similar unfolded this year too. It is easy to lose count of the times that Mr Noonan insisted that the 2017 fiscal measures could and would total, at most, 1bn. Little surprise then that the package over the last few weeks had grown to 1.3bn, based on justifications that remain vague. The story of the 1.3bn budget does not end there.

In a pre-budget report released last month, before new spending measures were unveiled, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) said the economy was already growing strongly.

IFAC said that for Mr Noonan to sanction any more than the 1bn he had indicated for budget spending increases and tax cuts would be unnecessary and unacceptable. IFAC said the budget package was, at that time, worth as much as 2.4bn when various new spending lines announced earlier this year had been taken into account.

The additional spending may be needed but it is the funding of the expenditure that should concern us.

For over a year, the mystery of the States corporate tax receipts has taken centre stage.

In 2015, corporate taxes brought in 6.87bn  almost 2.3bn more than was anticipated. That is a staggering bounty.

With various branches of Government unwilling to reveal the full picture, it had been long suspected through last year that multinationals and their international tax arrangements was the source of the Governments corporate profits haul.

Corporate tax revenues have continued to deliver in a big way this year too.

As recently as last month, while income tax receipts continued to bring in less than anticipated, corporate tax revenues won big for the exchequer. Coincidentally, the same day that it unveiled the September exchequer returns, the Department of Finance cut its growth forecasts for the economy this year to 4.2% and to 3.5% for 2017.

On the face of it, there was little room for any large largesse in spending increases and tax cuts in Mr Noonans budget plans. Septembers figures showed a puzzling underperformance in income tax, even with more people in work.

Including receipts from the Universal Social Charge, income tax revenues, at 12.95bn, fell short of target by 114m for the first nine months of the year. Vat receipts were slightly above target in September, but have so far fallen short of target by 278m this year.

But again, corporation tax receipts took in 136m more than was anticipated in the single month and were running 644m ahead of target for the first nine months.

Mr Noonan appears to be funding the additional measures in his 2017 budget disproportionately on a single tax source  corporate tax revenues. Huge revisions announced this summer to last years Irish GDP levels that led to the international claims of leprechaun economics threw new light on the corporate tax mystery. The CSOs revised figures revealed an enormous increase of 300bn in the capital stock in the national accounts which implied that whole balance sheets of large companies had been transferred to Ireland last year.

The figures did not identify whether it was predominantly one, two, or three large companies, nor did they identify the multinationals behind such extraordinary revisions.

The transfer of the intellectual property did, however, indirectly lead to the exchequer having a much-enlarged pool of potential pre-tax corporate profits from which to collect corporate taxes.

The Irish Examiner reported last month that the 2015 GDP revisions were predominantly driven by the changes by Apple to its international tax arrangements, as it relocated huge amounts of intellectual property rights in Ireland for the first time.

It is well known that a handful of multinationals account for the bulk of corporate tax receipts. The amounts that multinationals, including Apple, pay in corporate taxes to the State remains under wraps.

The public deserves more information, as the contributions made by a handful of large corporations to funding the State is now on a significant scale. Yesterday, Mr Noonan announced the appointment of UCC economist Seamus Coffey to write a report on our tax regime.

The aim of the report appears to be to anticipate any potholes in the Irish corporate tax regime, the Knowledge Development Box in particular, which is the lure for many multinationals to deepen or locate resources here. The report will not touch on the 12.5% corporate tax rate, which Mr Noonan said is secure.

The controversies must be avoided if Ireland is to avoid any repeat of the Apple ruling when the EU Competition Commissioner insisted the State recoup 13bn in taxes it said had failed to be collected from the phone giant. The Government and Apple have denied striking any such sweetheart deal and plan to appeal.

Nonetheless, the Government needs to provide more details about its corporate tax revenues.

Additional budget spending in the 2016 and 2017 budgets has been facilitated by the unexpected bounty of corporate tax receipts from multinationals. That is why the latest budget should be known as the Apple budget.
If youd put forward this possibility even 12 months ago it would have appeared almost as fanciful. However, it has happened, and with the minimum amount of fuss.

It may have been borne out of necessity, and a self-serving desire on the parts of all involved not to have a general election, but the important point is that it happened. Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, and the Independents managed to put together a spending plan that will see us through the next year.

For the cynics who would dismiss new politics this is an excellent example of what can be done when it needs to be done. Yes, there was a heavy dollop of pragmatism from all involved here.

There was also a serious level of dilution necessary in satisfying all sides so much that any strong policy taste was lost. The amounts involved were fairly trifling. But it would be wrong to dismiss the achievement and the politicians involved deserve credit.

Of course, we have had shapes being thrown over recent weeks. Fianna Fail set themselves up as the champions of the elderly and Fine Gael played them at their own game by insisting that you cannot benefit one vulnerable group while you ignore others.

Minister Paschal Donohoe announced an extra 5 per week on the state pension, demanded by Fianna Fail, but added in his speech that in framing a fair budget it was not right to stop there.

No. FG was also concerned for carers, the unemployed, those living with disabilities, who may not have the loudest voices but whose needs are no less real. All weekly social welfare payments would be increased by the same amount.

In a funny way the manoeuvring of the two parties almost cancelled each other out in terms of gaining political supremacy. The shared ownership was reflected, conversely, in the lack of traditional applause usually given by the TDs whose party or parties have just presented the budget and give their man a clap after he has sat down.

But that is not all that was different. To anyone familiar with the usual budget day palaver it seemed downright odd to watch Fianna Fails Michael McGrath, as opposition finance spokesman, stand up and fail to launch a full frontal assault on what hes just heard in the budget speeches. Indeed within minutes he was echoing Paschal Donohoes words uttered as the minister was bringing his own speech to a conclusion. Those of us in the middle ground of politics, the minister told the assembled deputies, have a duty to show that co-operation and consensus can work. To show that our tone can be moderate but still convincing. To show that things wont just fall apart and the centre can hold  and stay firm.

Michael McGrath repeated those thoughts on the middle ground, and how vital it is the centre holds as the two biggest parties in Irish politics  neck and neck at 26% in the recent IPSOS MRBI poll for The Irish Times  unite against Sinn Fein, PBP, and the others on the Left.

It was clear Michael McGrath saw little point in pretending that this was anything but a new and odd situation. Fianna Fail did not write this budget, or get everything it wanted, but it had influenced it as best they could from the outside. He pointed out that way in which this budget had come about was the upshot of how people had voted in the general election.

That point is only partly true  the partnership government was one option, the other was a Fine Gael/Fianna Fail coalition. Looking at the pair of them yesterday it was very tempting to ponder on what might have been, and how much more stable things could have been for the country with such a union.

Yesterday had an anti-climactic quality. For years we were subjected to the rabbit-out-of-the-hat approach from the minister for finance of the day. Theyd hear the details in the German parliament before we would. It would work in the Governments favour during the good times, and had the opposite effect during the austerity years.

But it also served to continue the infantilising approach our politics has traditionally had towards the Irish voters, not to mention the lobbying frenzy that traditionally ensued as various interest group tried to influence government decisions behind closed doors.

Without doubt the relative ease with which this years budgetary process has been dispensed with also has to do with the how late the Dail returned after the summer recess, but also crucially the long hours and days spent by Fine Gael, Fianna Fail, and the Independents as they hammered out the agreement on this new way of operating a partnership government.

The Committee on Budgetary Oversight was only established in July and did some good work, but clearly can have a far greater role next year. The addition of the Independent Budget Oversight Office would only strengthen the process in future.

The third parent involved in this budget was the Independents. Transport Minister Shane Ross claimed it was their influence that benefitted senior citizens, as well as ensuring that preparations for Brexit are upped.

But it was Minister for Children Katherine Zappone who achieved way and above the best result, not just among her own Independent colleagues, but the entire Cabinet. Throughout yesterday afternoon and evening she was being heaped with plaudits from colleagues on all political sides.

She tweeted: Today we will set a course to turn one of the most expensive childcare systems in the world into the best.

Today we will set a course to turn one of the most expensive childcare systems in the world into the best #Budget17 #Budget2017  Katherine Zappone (@k_zappone) October 11, 2016

That sounds ambitious and a tad naive for a new TD appointed straight into Cabinet, and without the support of a political party behind her. However, the last few months have shown a woman who has clearly adapted quickly to her surroundings and knows a thing or two about political strategy.

In his own speech to the Dail Finance Minister Michael Noonan, delivering his sixth budget, told of how the economy is in good shape. But he also spoke of the need to put in place economic shock absorbers to enable us to deploy resources to reduce or eliminate the impact of future economic shocks.

Chief among those, of course, is Brexit  over 1.2bn of goods and services are exchanged between us and the UK on a weekly basis, supporting 400,000 jobs. It was an undoubted achievement to deliver Budget 2017.

However, the unknown quality of future Brexit fallout, potentially catastrophic, could make subsequent budgets far far tougher.
DURING the Celtic Tiger, budgets were all milk and honey. In recent years, they were bread and water. Yesterdays was our first watery milk budget.

It was neither here nor there, offering little in the way of vision or preparation for a future that is growing more uncertain as a result of Brexit. Something for some of those who need childcare, a few bob for pensioners, a wodge for rural Ireland, spread like manure to soften the cough of the hardy bucks in the Independent Alliance.

Fine Gael, the dominant party of government, even got to issue a nod towards its flavour of the year  abolishing the USC. Well, a nod might be extending it. One half of a percent was cut from the main three rates of what some party bigwigs have called the hated tax. For the average earner, that amounts to around 50 a year, which is hardly enough to banish the hatred from some Blueshirt hearts.

Those who labour under the minimum wage will have been partying long and hard into last night to celebrate a whopping increase of ten cent an hour.

Then, there was the silly stuff. One measure introduced was a help-to-buy scheme for first-time house buyers, with an upper limit on the property of 600,000. What first-time buyer in need of assistance is ever going to buy a house for six hundred grand?

That was the kind of tone that endured. There was no giveaway, but neither was there a takeaway.

Worse of all, though, there was no theme to the budget, nothing to suggest that the Government is intent on a long-term plan to genuinely reshape the national finances and minimise the prospect of back-to-a-future of boom-and-bust. There was no vision.

All parties made noises about Brexit, but the great unknown, represented by the UKs exit from the EU, did not receive the requisite attention. For instance, a case could be made that there should have been no budgetary giveaway this year, in order to batten down the hatches for what might unfold.

Instead, it would appear that Brexit has been placed on the long-finger, out there where all problems can be delayed until after the next election.

Finance Minister Michael Noonan kicked off at 1.04pm, letting all and sundry know that this was his sixth budget. He outlined how different was the landscape when he delivered his first, as the country played footsie with bankruptcy. He has overseen a recovery, but the long view may not commend him to the extent to which he believes hes entitled.

We must get away from boom-and-bust cycles that have caused so much grief in the past, he said. One solution was to set a new target for debt/GDP ratios, which, conveniently, he suggested might be reached by the mid-2020s, on somebody elses watch.

His colleague, Pascal Donohue, may well still be occupying the same benches at that time, but, yesterday, he wasnt offering any clear vision, either.

In reference to Brexit, he spooned out the line: Maybe we will see opportunity where others see risk. Lets just stick a finger in the wind and hope for the best.

Once the two lads finished, the floor opened up to Michael McGrath, from Fianna Fail, a party that both opposed and supported the budget.

McGrath noted that, for Fianna Fail, the term a fairer Ireland was not just a catchphrase, unlike those on the Government benches from whom he wanted to differentiate himself.

He praised the elements of the budget that he inferred had been inserted on his partys insistence, and he took a few gentle digs at those elements he disagreed with, but would ultimately vote for anyway.

McGrath also admonished the sneaky Government for inserting an extra 300m into the giveaway, which, presumably, allowed the Government to hoard credit for that themselves. In the round, McGrath made a good fist of the high-wire act. This was always going to be the most awkward day for Fianna Fails confidence-and-supply agreement, but McGraths straight-faced delivery managed to cut down the quotient of embarrassment, albeit from a very high level.

Dara Calleary welcomed extra money for the mental health blueprint, Vision for Change, which he said was in contrast to the smash and grab of the previous year, when money ringfenced for mental health was diverted. You never would have thought that Fianna Fail had been in government for the first five years of Vision for Change, when precious little was done to advance the blueprint and money was diverted to beat the band.

But this is new politics, where old rivalries have to be reassessed, and the business of politicking gets more intricate.

The first real opposition to this old-style budget box-ticking came from Sinn Feins Pearse Doherty.

We are told this is an era of new politics, that things are different now, he said.

Then, why is the Government repeating the same mistakes in this budget as Fianna Fail governments did in the past?

Why are they shrinking the tax base, introducing property tax incentives that will only push up house prices?

His words were accurate and may well turn out to be prescient, but lacked any force, because there is precious little to suggest that if, and when, he is on the government benches he will be doing anything really different.

So it went, with this watery milk budget.

Instead of the giveaway or takeaway budgets, we have now been reduced to the old Roman governing formula of bread and circuses. A few crusts are thrown here and there to the citizenry, all wrapped up in a spectacle that could pass for a three-ring circus.
News By-Elections to be Held on April 1, 18 Seats Up for Grabs

Ballot paper displayed during the by-elections of 2012. / The Irrawaddy

Burmas Union Election Commission announced on Tuesday that by-elections for 18 vacant seats in the Union and regional parliaments would be held on April 1 next year.

Included will be the six constituencies in Kyethi and Mong Hsu townships of central Shan Stateone each for the Lower House of the Union Parliament and two each for the state parliamentthat were cancelled during the Nov. 2015 general election due to fighting between the Burma Army and the Shan State Army-North.

The other seats in the by-elections are being contested because the elected lawmakers have been appointed as ministers in the government, requiring them to vacate their seats, and because of two untimely deaths.

Seats for other townships that were cancelled outright for the 2015 general election will not be contested in the by-elections. These include Panghsang, Mongma, Narphan and Panwai townships, which are under the control of the United Wa State Army in northern Shan State, and Mongla Township, which is under the control of the National Democratic Alliance Army in eastern Shan State.

In total, nine seats will be up for grabs in the Lower House, three in the Upper House, and six in state and divisional parliaments.

In the Lower House, the seats are for the following townships: Monywa in Sagaing Division, Chaungzon in Mon State, Ann in Arakan state, and Hlaing Tharyar, Dagon Myothit, East Dagon and Kawhmu in Rangoon Division, as well as Kyethi and Mong Hsu in Shan State.

In the Upper House, the seats are Chin State-3, located in Thantlang Township, Pegu Division-4, which includes Kyauktaga and Nyaunglebin townships, and Rangoon Division-6, which includes Kamayut, Kyimyindaing, Seikkan, Latha, Hlaing, Lanmadaw and Ahlone townships.

Across regional parliaments, the seats are Hpruso Township-1 in Karenni State, and Kengtung Township-2 in Shan State, as well the four in Kyethi and Mong Hsu townships.

This represents a significant reduction in the number of seats being contested relative to Burmas last set of by-elections, in April 2012, where 45 seats were ultimately contestedwith the National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi winning 43, marking their landmark entry into Parliament.

This reduction is due in large part to the National League for Democracy-led governmentwhich assumed power in April this yearslashing the number of ministries, resulting in a smaller cabinet, as well as the decision to appoint more ministers from outside of Parliament.

The Shan Nationalities League for Democracy (SNLD), which performed well across Shan State in the 2015 electionbeating the NLD in the state but coming behind the former ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP)said it would contest all seven seats up for grabs in Kyethi, Mong Hsu and Kengtung townships.

Sai Leik, a spokesperson for the SNLD, told The Irrawaddy on Monday that candidates would be decided on after our central committee meeting in the coming weeks.

In the 2015 election, the NLD won 886 out of 1150 elected seats across the Union and regional parliaments. The USDP came second with 117 seats, followed by the Arakan National Party with 45 and the SNLD with 40.
News Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Responds to Arakan State Attacks

Burmas State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi at the joint press conference in Naypyidaw on Wednesday. / Htet Naing Zaw / The Irrawaddy

NAYPYIDAW  Burmas State Counselor and Foreign Affairs Minister Daw Aung San Suu Kyi said on Wednesday that she would not accuse any individual or organization before obtaining evidence regarding the culprits of the recent violent attack in Arakan State.

While responding to questions posed by journalists during a joint press conference of the State Counselor and her counterpart Bert Koenders, the Foreign Affairs Minister of the Netherlands who is currently in Naypyidaw on an official visit, she pledged to handle the case fairly and manage the situation according to rule of law.

We are not going to accuse anybody until we know clearly [who is behind the attack] and have solid evidence.

According to information from the government, the Sunday attack on border guard headquarters and outposts in Maungdaw and Rathedaung Townships in Arakan State resulted in the death of nine police officers and eight alleged attackers.

A manhunt by security forces in Maungdaw Township reportedly involved the death of four soldiers and seven suspects.

At Wednesdays press conference, the State Counselor did not identify an organization responsible for the attacks.

One Dutch journalist asked Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to respond to criticism that she is not moving fast enough and not outspoken enough regarding human rights violations in Burma.

We take it very seriouslyaccusations regarding human rights violationsand our country will investigate very carefully, she responded.

She said Burma was coping with a system that has been in place for more than half a century and that it could not be changed overnight.

The State Counselor also stressed the importance of public involvement in protecting human rights but that the greater part of the responsibility falls on the government.

The protection of human rights is not something that the government alone can handle. The public also has to be involved, she said.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi has been criticized by local and international human rights advocates for her perceived silence regarding human rights violations by the Burma Army in ethnic areas where there are ongoing armed conflicts.

Koenders is in Burma on an official visit from Oct. 11 to 13 to discuss bilateral cooperation between the two countries and will open the new Dutch embassy in Rangoon on Wednesday evening.

He will also travel to Arakan State to meet with those affected by communal conflicts in 2012. The Netherlands opened a trade office in Burma in 2013.
News Death Toll Rises in Arakan State Manhunt

People walk between stalls at a market in Maungdaw town in northern Arakan State on November 11, 2014. / Reuters

RANGOON  Arakan State government secretary U Tin Maung Swe has rejected a statement by exiled Rohingya organizations that Burma Army troops targeted civilians in their search for suspects in an attack on police outposts.

In the early hours of Sunday morning, a group of 250 armed men attacked border patrol police headquarters and two outpostsin Maungdaw and Rathedaung townshipskilling nine policemen and looting firearms. In clashes which followed, five Burma Army soldiers were killedfour at the scene of fighting, and one later, in a hospital.

According to state media reports, fifteen men are believed to have been killed in various Maungdaw Township villages since the attack, and four have been detained by the Tatmadaw.

On Monday, 14 Rohingya organizations in exile issued a statement condemning state violence against villagers during the manhunt. The majority of Muslims in Maungdaw self-identify as Rohingya, but are labeled Bengali by the government.

Government officials rejected the Rohingya organizations assertion that rights violations had taken place, maintaining that the casualties were those of suspected militants.

I would like to say that is counter-propaganda, U Tin Maung Swe told The Irrawaddy, in reference to the statement. We are carrying out [operations] in line with existing laws.

It is as of yet unknown if the attackers had an affiliation with a larger group.

We are analyzing the facts to identify if those people belong to an organization, U Tin Maung Swe added.

Local journalist Aung Ko Ko, who is currently in Maungdaw Township, spoke with The Irrawaddy over the phone, confirming that no significant ambush occurred on Wednesday. Maungdaw merchant U Aung Myint Thein reported no fighting in the town.

Both Aung Ko Ko and U Aung Myint Thein said that villages throughout the township were continuing to be inspected by government troops in a search for the assailants.

The downtown situation has returned to normal now, said U Aung Myint Thein.

He added that many Arakanese residents have been seen leaving the area since the Sunday attack, with the local jetty visibly full of people.

Border trade gates with Bangladesh have been closed indefinitely and navy ships are monitoring the coastline. All of Maungdaws 400 schools were ordered to close on Monday.

The Irrawaddy phoned Maungdaw District authorities for comment on the current situation on Wednesday but officials said they were pre-occupied with Information Minister Pe Myints visit to the region.
Burma Govts Foreign Investment Policy to be Released this Month

Workers work at the Vietnam Hoang Anh Gia Lai construction site in Rangoon on Sept. 20, 2013. / Soe Zeya Tun / REUTERS

RANGOON  Foreign investment policy will be announced this month after President Htin Kyaw passes a revamped Myanmar Investment Law, according to secretary of the Myanmar Investment Commission (MIC) U Aung Naing Oo.

Burmas business community has been growing impatient waiting for details of foreign investment policy after criticizing the governments 12-part overall economic policy released in July as lacking in detail.

Pledged foreign direct investment from April to September this year is less than half of what was spent in the same period of 2015 as investors await clear policy from the government before committing money.

Foreign investment policy will be ready to be released in the coming days, U Aung Naing Oo said at a press conference on Monday, adding that the Sept. 28 release date was postponed due to State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyis ill health after her trip to the UK and the US.

The Directorate of Investment and Companies Administration (DICA) under the Ministry of National Planning and Finance has taken responsibility for creating the policy, deputy director general of DICA U Than Aung Kyaw told the Irrawaddy.

Foreign investment policy will be announced following the passing of the Investment Law, he said, adding that he expected the release this month. The Myanmar Investment Law has already been passed by both houses of Parliament but needs to be signed by President U Htin Kyaw.

According to the existing law, all foreign investment calls for the approval of the MIC. The new law, however, will only require the MIC to examine investment proposals at the request of the government. The bill also details separate incentives for different sectors to encourage development.

The MIC will examine proposals that require a substantial amount of capital, that have potential social and environmental impact, that concern land or property belonging to the government, or that are of national importance, according to the Ministry of National Planning and Finance.

Dr. Maung Maung Lay, vice chairman of Union of Myanmar Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry, told The Irrawaddy that the rules and regulations of the Myanmar Investment Law will reveal the types of investment encouraged by the new government.

I expect government will not be prioritizing businesses which are based on natural resources or can harm the environment, he added.

U Ye Min Oo, member of the National League for Democracys economic committee, told The Irrawaddy that it is time for the government to say which sector will be prioritized for investment so that business people can make plans.

Normally, the government announces detailed economic policy two months after they take office. It is now a little bit late, he said.

During the new governments first six months (April to September) foreign direct investment significantly declined compared to last year as foreign investors waited for policy announcements, according to U Aung Naing Oo.

According to DICA figures, pledged foreign direct investment from April to September this year was US$1.4 billion while the same period of 2015 was $3 billion. U Aung Naing Oo said he expects foreign direct investment numbers to reach last years total ($6 billion) after the new Investment Law has been passed.
News Local Muslim Community Condemns Maungdaw Attacks

People walk along the fence separating Burma and Bangladesh in Maungdaw Township, northern Arakan State. / Reuters

Local Muslim organizations have slammed recent attacks on police outposts on the Bangladeshi border in Arakan States Maungdaw Township, calling them destructive to the peace and stability of the country.

The border line is the security of the country. A terrorist attack on such a place is totally unacceptable since a commission has been formed to [] hold a discussion in line with the law, U Kyaw Nyein, chairman of Myanmar Muslim Lawyers Association, told The Irrawaddy, referring to the Arakan State Advisory Commission formed by State Counselor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in August. The commissions role is to explore root causes of tension between Buddhists and Muslims in Arakan State; it is headed by former UN general secretary Kofi Annan.

On Sunday, around 250 assailantsmost of whom are currently on the runlaunched separate attacks on Kyikanpyin border guard police headquarters and the Kotankauk and Ngakhuya outposts between 1:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m.

Nine police officers were killed in the ambush; on pursuing the attackers, police killed eight men and apprehended two, who were taken to the state capital of Sittwe for questioning.

The government so far has not named an organization responsible for the attack.

Meanwhile, eight local Muslim civil society organizations (CSOs) released a joint statement on Wednesday denouncing the attack and expressing their concern that further violence could follow the event.

Ma Darli Myint, leader of a CSO called Social Alliance, said: We are not talking about religion, but we condemn any act destructive to the peace and stability of the country. I would like to urge the leaders to settle the problem peacefully in line with the law.

On Monday morning, local Muslims were killed in Maungdaw Township after shots were fired by members of the Burma Army in Myothugyi village. State media reported four casualties, and civil society groups reported seven.

State media and government sources reported that four soldiers were killed in clashes Maungdaw Township on Tuesday by forces suspected to have been involved in Sundays ambush. Fighting continued until Wednesday afternoon.

Al-Haj U Aye Lwin, a Muslim member of Arakan State Advisory Commission, said that the commission still cannot make public remarks about the attacks, but he personally cant accept acts deemed as destructive to the sovereignty of the country.

I dont accept violence. A harsh punishment must be given [to the attackers]. In so doing, there needs to be extra caution taken to make sure those who are not involved in the violence are not affected, said U Aye Lwin.

He said the commission is monitoring the events and is set to meet soon, at which time, they will release a statement.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko
News NLD to Investigate Controversial Shan State Purge

Taunggyi District NLD chairman U Tin Maung Toe. / Tin Maung Toe / Facebook

RANGOON  The National League for Democracy (NLD) Central Executive Committee (CEC) will launch an internal investigation into the controversial expulsion and demotions of senior Shan State NLD leaders, party spokesperson U Win Htein told The Irrawaddy.

U Win Htein, who is also a CEC member, expelled NLD Taunggyi District chairman U Tin Maung Toe and demoted Shan State NLD chairwoman Daw Khin Moe Moe and two others during his visit to Shan State in September.

The expelled and demoted members filed an appeal and the CEC decided to launch an internal investigation.

U Win Htein dismissed Taunggyi District NLD chairman U Tin Maung Toe by verbal order for posting the phrase CEC can be bought, but not history on social media. He demoted Daw Khin Moe Moe and two others for failure to work for the partys electoral campaign ahead of the November election.

U Win Htein told The Irrawaddy that Daw Khin Moe Moe voted for the Shan Nationalities League for Democracy [SNLD] and did nothing to help the party achieve electoral victory.

These things will be found out when the investigation is carried out, he said.

Shan State NLD chairperson Daw Khin Moe Moe has welcomed the internal investigation, but stressed the need for impartiality.

If an investigation is to be made, it must be made by two sides, Daw Khin Moe Moe told The Irrawaddy. U Win Htein must also be questioned. I received a Viber message from the party [CEC] saying the investigation would be made within one month after the appeal is submitted.

The investigation committee will include auxiliary CEC member U Kyaw Ho, Mandalay Division NLD chairman U Tin Htut Oo, and NLD CEC member Daw Lei Lei.

It is also alleged that Daw Khin Moe Moe allowed Security Branch personnel to enter party meetings, cooperated with other organizations, and failed to conduct campaign activities.

I didnt let any Special Branch members into party meetings. And I have explained about my NGO which cooperates with other organizations. And I can explain it again. I even went to Langkho to campaign, Daw Khin Moe Moe replied when questioned about the accusations.

There are different views among senior NLD leaders about the Shan State purge according to NLD sources.

Translated from Burmese by Thet Ko Ko
News Police File Charges Against Kachin Protest Leader

Protest on Oct. 6 in Myitkyina to halt Burma Army offensives in Kachin State. / Nang Lwin Hnin Pwint / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  Police in the Kachin State capital of Myitkyina have filed charges against a local man who organized a protest calling for an end to Burma Army offensives in the region, according to local sources.

Lungjung Tu Raw was charged with violating Burmas peaceful assembly law after thousands of ethnic Kachin marched against the war in their state on Oct. 6. Lungjung Tu Raw had received permission from the authorities to protest, but police say that by not having all of their slogans pre-approved, protesters allegedly violated the law.

The slogans which were singled out as violating the regulations were: We condemn the Tatmadaw for raping and murdering our Kachin and We ask for a federal system and self-determination.

Lungjung Tu Raw is a consultant for the community-based Kachin Baptist Convention, which organized the protest.

Hkawng Nang from the Kachin Womens Union, who was also involved in protest, said, If they come to take him, we have decided already that we all will go along with him.

The original Peaceful Assembly Law, passed in 2012, amended in 2014 and re-introduced as the Peaceful Assembly and Peaceful Processions Law in 2016, has been used to send dissidents to prison for violations. Hkawng Nang added that she did not know how the authorities would manage to justify the arrest Lungjung Tu Raw under the current statute.

The Burma Army continued its offensive against the Kachin Indpendence Army (KIA) just one day after the protest took place, using four air force fighter jets to attack a KIA outpost.

Fighting has been ongoing for two months. The KIA issued a statement placing blame on the Burmese army if the civil war spreads throughout Kachin State. The KIA also made a public announcement that they would fight defensively if government forces continue attacking them.

The Burma Army sent two jet fighters to attack KIA bases near their Laiza headquarters on both Monday and Tuesday. They have also been launching heavy artillery in airstrikes against a KIA base called the Gidon outpost since last week.

The Burmese Army has threatened to seize Laiza, a four-hour drive from Mai Ja Yang, another KIA stronghold on the Kachin-China border, and an educational hub for ethnic Kachin. There are more than 2,000 students in total from three high schools, four post-ten schools and several primary schools in the town.

The current attacks and rumors of Burma Army troop reinforcement have frightened Mai Ja Yang students and residents: many have started to dig protective bunkers.

As they [Burma Army] have been attacking Laiza with jet fighters, we have gotten worried and have started to dig bunkers just in case, to protect our students. Our school is in the heart of the town, said Zau Hseng, deputy headmaster of Institution of Art and Science, a Mai Ja Yang post-ten school hosting eighty students.

We cant trust that they wont attack Mai Ja Yang. We worry for our students safety. So, we just prepare, he added.
Features Can Rangoons Traffic Woes be Solved?

Rangoon gridlock, seen on Tuesday. / Myo Min Soe / The Irrawaddy

RANGOON  Dr. Maung Aung has the ambition to ease a shared source of suffering for Rangoon residents since 2011traffic congestionby the end of the year, implementing a series of changes from a computerized traffic control system to a drastically streamlined bus network.

Dr. Maung Aung is the secretary of the Yangon Region Transport Authority (YRTA), formed by the new government installed in April to modernize the transport sector in Burmas rapidly growing commercial capital of 5.2 million people, which has boomed since the launch of political and economic reforms in 2011.

The YRTA is headed by Rangoon Divisions Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein, and includes other government ministers alongside technical experts.

Dr. Maung Aung, who is also a senior economist, is not new to Rangoons transport scene. He chairs the Yangon Bus Public Company, which in February this year launched Burmas first Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system in partnership with the government, now operating on a limited number of lines in central Rangoon.

Against an existing bus network notorious for poor maintenance standards and a weak adherence to traffic rules, the publicly lauded BRT system offers sleek new buses equipped with air conditioning that are less prone to crowding and generally cost passengers only slightly more than other bus lines.

The YRTA secretary said that, through an improved bus network and a new computerized traffic control system, he expected they could ease current traffic congestion by 40 percent.

Too Many Cars on the Road

For the new government, traffic sits alongside a roster of other Rangoon problems: power blackouts, inadequate drainage, a shortage of affordable housing and a related growth in squatter settlements.

Rangoon Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein vowed soon after assuming office in April to alleviate the traffic situation for millions of frustrated commuters.

The former government made similar pledges, butbesides the introduction of the BRT system in Februarylargely focused its efforts on the construction of seven flyover bridges at the cost of 130 billion kyats (more than US$100 million).

The flyovers were criticized for being ineffectivesimply displacing congestion from major junctions to other stretches of roadand for offering poor value for money. The new Rangoon Division parliament in April cancelled the previous administrations plans to build two new flyovers in Rangoon.

After the government lifted car import restrictions in Oct. 2011, the number of vehicles plying Rangoons previously sleepy streets rocketed year-on-yearfrom 214,000 in Aug. 2011 to more than 500,000 by Oct. 2015, according to figures from the Rangoon Division governmentprompting concerns that Rangoon may follow the way of Bangkok, Jakarta and Manila, cities notorious for their unwieldy traffic.

Before 2011, traffic standstills were rare, only taking place in the cases of accidents or malfunctioning traffic lights. The city center could be reached from the rural fringes in less than an hour at any time of day.

But those days are gone.

U Yan Aung Min, a member of the Rangoon Division parliament representing Shwepyithar Township in the northwest of Rangoon, said he leaves his house every morning at 6 a.m., taking about two hours to reach parliamenta journey that took 45 minutes back in 2010.

Bad Parking and Overlapping Buses

Beyond burgeoning car ownership, the failure to enforce traffic rules and an inefficient bus network are other factors behind the gridlock.

An estimated 2.6 million people rely on buses for their daily travel to and from work in Rangoon, making up 70 percent of all the citys commuters.

Meanwhile, trains on the citys antiquated Circle Line ferry around 100,000 daily, according to 2014 data. Despite upgrades in recent years, including air-conditioned carriages, it offers travel to only a limited number of destinations, burdening bus lines with most commuter journeys.

Ko Myat Min Thu, a member of the Rangoon Division parliament representing Hlaing Tharyar Township on the citys northwestern outskirts, claimed he spends five hours a day on buses.

Daw Sandar Min, another lawmaker in the Rangoon parliament, blamed worsening traffic jams on a lack of proper parking places and ill-disciplined parking practices, with cars parked two or three abreast on some roads, clogging the passage of vehicles. She also cited some 60,000 taxis now plying the streets, another phenomenon of recent years.

There is also the heavy fragmentation of Rangoons bus network, in which vehicles are operated by hundreds of small private companies, competing to cram passengers onto old Japanese Hino Motors buses, among other outdated models, with no air conditioning and uncomfortable seating.

According to the Yangon Division Motor Vehicles Supervisory Committee, popularly known by the Burmese-language acronym Ma Hta Tha, over 7,800 buses are registered in Rangoon, of which between 4,500 and 4,800 run on any given day.

Buses owned by individuals and small companies are rented out to teams of drivers and conductors, whose income purely depends on the number of passengers. This induces them to race dangerously with other buses to compete for passengers, overload vehicles, and make unscheduled stopsincluding stops of several minutes till a desired number of passengers alight.

U Hla Aung, chairman of Ma Hta Tha, said half of around 200 complaints received per month on average relate to conductors overcharging passengers. Other complaints included dangerous driving and buses arbitrarily changing their routes.

According to Rangoon Divisions No.2 Traffic Unit, 953 road accidents over the first four months of 2016 killed 233 people and injured 1,293. Of the accidents, 484 were attributed to reckless driving.

Since last year, traffic police have been accepting reports of traffic violations via the Viber smartphone app, but inadequate staffing and the absence of a comprehensive monitoring system have prevented action being taken in most cases.

Traffic Light and Bus Reform

YRTA secretary Dr. Maung Aung said that construction of a computerized traffic light system for the city, with a centralized command center, would be completed next month, three months behind schedule.

Once up and running, he said that swift action could be taken against those breaking traffic rules, thanks to a comprehensive surveillance system. Traffic light signals could also be modulated based on the relative number of vehicles passing through different parts of the city.

Besides traffic lights, the YRTA is upgrading and streamlining the bus network, alongside upgrades to the Circle train line. It is also considering the introduction of new water taxis on Rangoons rivers.

If we have better public transport services [] private vehicle owners will use it and traffic congestion will improve, Dr. Maung Aung said.

Under the YRTAs plans, the bus lines currently owned by individuals and small companies will be merged into a handful of public companies, which can be more easily regulated and coordinated.

Buses under the new system will ensure the safety and comfort of commuters, Dr. Maung Aung said.

Similar to the current BRT system, new buses will use a standardized pre-purchase ticketing system, conductors will be abolished, drivers will be paid set monthly salaries, and older vehicles will be banned from key routes. Buses operating in the outer neighborhoods will not be allowed to travel to the city center; shuttle buses will connect them with the central bus network.

Dr. Maung Aung said the YRTA would work to alleviate any negative short-term impact on drivers, and would provide them with training in the coming months.

He also suggested that the government would meet 50 percent of the funds required to establish the new bus companies. So far, applications to form 21 such companies have been received.

Dr. Maung Aung said attempts to improve the transport system under the previous government largely failed due to weak collaboration between ministries. He said that the YRTA enjoys stronger support from than current government than the previous government gave to its own initiatives. The YRTA has the additional advantage of only having to work with one ministry.

We have strong political will now. With the new elected civilian government, we will try to satisfy the publics longing for better public transport, he said.
STATEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY OF THE REPUBLIC OF ARTSAKH

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Armenia-Azerbaijan: EU sets up monitoring capacity along the international borders

PACE co-rapporteurs on Armenia concerned by reports of alleged war crimes or inhuman treatment perpetrated by Azerbaijans armed forces

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Global Finance Names Ameriabank the Safest Bank in Armenia

Mikayel and Karen Vardanyans provided 136 million AMD support for the overhaul of the Myasnikyan statue, which was in unsafe state of disrepair

Believe me, as a representative of a country which uses the Schengen system very often, it is quite important. Vardanyan

I really look forward to having answers from the Azerbaijani side for these alleged gross human rights violations: Secretary General

I call on Armenian and Azerbaijani parliamentarians to use this Assembly as an agora of opportunities President Tiny Kox

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There is no place for the death penalty in a State that respects human rights: PACE General Rapporteur

EU and CoE call on two Member States that have not yet acceded to this Protocol  Armenia and Azerbaijan  to do so without delay

An urgent debate requested on "The military hostilities between Armenia and Azerbaijan".

UCOM AND PES-PES CONTINUE COOPERATION WITHIN THE FRAMEWORK OF EDUCATIONAL PROJECT

The statement of the meeting between Prime Minister Pashinyan, President Aliyev, President Macron and President Michel of October 6, 2022

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The statement of the Defender on the video of the execution of Armenian PoWs by the Azerbaijani armed forces

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STATEMENT BY SECRETARY ANTONY J. BLINKEN

This criminal act is another proof that the Armenophobia policy. Tatoyan

Nikol Pashinyan, Nancy Pelosi discuss a number of issues related to the Armenian-American agenda and regional developments

Delegation by Nancy Pelosi Accompanied by Alen Simonyan Visits Tsitsernakaberd Memorial Complex

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi Arrives in Yerevan

Armenian Revytech, global technology leader SAP and financial services software specialist SAP Fioneer sign a cooperation agreement

With 120 million drams donated by Mikael Vardanyan, the defenders of the homeland will be treated in a new building

OSCE Chairman-in-Office and OSCE Secretary General call for immediate cessation of hostilities along Armenia-Azerbaijan border

Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Artsakh

USA Embassy Message for U.S. Citizens
Wednesday, October 12th, 2016 (11:05 am) - Score 1,134

Alternative business ISP Metronet UK, which has built its own hybrid fibre optic and wireless broadband networks in several urban areas around the United Kingdom, has today acquired rival provider M247 for 47.5 million.

At present Metronet UK, which is backed by mid-market private equity firm Livingbridge who invested in the ISP during June 2014 as part of a 45m secondary buyout, employs 150 people across two sites in Manchester and works with over 2,500 businesses (e.g. Intu, Sofology and ao.com). Overall they delivered a respectable turnover of 21.5 million in the financial year to 2016.

However the ISP intends to keep growing and thus theyve gobbled M247 as part of a new targeted buy and build strategy, which will enable them to offer a combined portfolio of connectivity and content services including wireless network services, datacentres and managed hosting solutions across the UK and Europe. The combined business will have three datacentres, over 200 staff and EBITDA in excess of 12m million.

Lee Perkins, CEO of Metronet UK, said: M247 is an excellent fit for us as it provides the scale and reach to build upon our existing momentum and the expertise and infrastructure to provide richer solutions to our combined customers. In addition to further acquisitions of similarly high quality businesses to M247, we are making significant investments in our systems and people to facilitate a smooth integration for our customers and to support further organic growth.

Matthew Caffrey, Partner at Livingbridge, said: This is a fantastic step forward for Metronet (UK) as it continues to expand its footprint across the UK and eventually into Europe. This acquisition is the start of a journey to build an international, multi-offering internet service provider and hosting business and we are delighted that M247 will be part of that process. Metronet (UK) has an exciting time ahead as it actively looks for similar acquisition opportunities and we look forward to seeing the business build on its success to date.

David Buckle, Managing Director at M247, said: We have known the Metronet (UK) team for some time and feel they are a perfect fit for our business. They are the ideal home for M247 and we are extremely excited about what the future holds for our combined businesses.

The move represents good news for the business, although no doubt M247s existing customers will be keeping a close eye on the development. Its not uncommon for such acquisitions to result in disruption for existing customers, with the potential for prices, service features, support and contract terms to change.
5 Questions CIOs and CFOs Need to Ask to Prepare for IoT

Ive just finished a string of briefings on IoT technology, and from the companies doing the briefing, youd think the big problems were processing power, graphics and security. Granted, they got one out of three right because security is clearly a massive problem with this new class of solutions.

I use the word solution very loosely because the other two big problems that we arent talking enough about are connectivity and interoperability. Most of this stuff doesnt interoperate, and connectivity ranges all over the map. This means that while we talk about the Internet of Things, what most folks actually have is a thing that connects to the internet, which isnt even remotely interchangeable with interoperability.

Lets revisit the requirements for the concept of the Internet of Things, which has become for a lot of people The Internet of Thing, which is kind of where we started out.

A Solution Isnt a Part

The concept of the Internet of Things was massive numbers of devices and sensors all intelligently operating in concert to make the world a better place. Somehow that became individual efforts to connect one thing or another to the internet. Theres been little cross-vendor interoperability and, in fact, not much interoperability within vendor ecosystems either. The bigger the vendor, the more complete the solution, but there were clear lines where vendors feared to tread.

Core technologies like full power management, management of equipment (like elevators and HVAC systems), and critical integration with security systems or computer management systems just didnt seem to happen outside of where these things already operated.

Cisco arguably came the closest with its Toronto Innovation Center, which showcases where all of the systems interoperate. But that remains the exception and not the rule, largely because the folks that build the critical systems simply dont want to cooperate broadly. They all have IoT strategies but they all seem to come down to the legacy idea that their stuff only works well with their stuff, probably for fear a competitor will come in and force them out.

The market, however, really has bought into this idea of the IoT and it is starting to demand it from vendors. We have examples of vendors who, in the past, have disrupted markets, effectively wiping out the dominant companies that failed to get what their customers wanted.

RCA, AT&T, IBM, Microsoft

These companies executed a strategy of lock-out when they were in their prime but their customers, or the government, got tired of their lack of responsiveness and excessive control. Of the three once invulnerable companies, only IBM remains. This is largely because it eventually adjusted, but it lost the massive and incredibly powerful dominance it once had. AT&T eventually reformed from the Baby Bells it was broken up into, but it only has a fraction of the power and control it once had.

Microsoft was a different case in point because when it pivoted from fighting interoperability to embracing it, it began to reverse its decline. It largely eliminated the calls to break it up or shut it down. Now, particularly with Azure, Microsoft is everyones buddy. It appears that Google is more likely to be fined or broken up, which is ironic given that Googles seeming purpose was to displace Microsoft as a better alternative. Instead, Google just became a different villain.

Microsoft showcases one way to succeed, excel at interoperability and gain power though cooperation, not enforced dominance and lock in.

Intel

Intel Centrino is the perfect example of interoperability. Back when Wi-Fi was a bad joke, Intel got fed up and courageously worked to drive its technology into all laptops. Suddenly, we went from a situation where PCs couldnt connect reliably to one where we often take Wi-Fi for granted and everything from PCs to cars now connects nearly seamlessly. But we wouldnt be there if one huge vendor hadnt gotten fed up and driven its own solution through the segment. Laptops and routers carrying the Centrino brand simply worked, and that is exactly where we need to go with the IoT.

Wrapping Up: Revisiting the Elements

The three key elements of the IoT are connectivity, security and full interoperability. Only when we have all three can we build diverse solutions that can be fully managed (including updates and patches) and provide the data we need in a form we can turn into information in real time. For the most part, we are far from being there and, I believe, this speaks largely to why sales is a tiny fraction of projections. People cant build solutions and, until they do, we have a market much like the Wi-Fi market was before Centrino  a hot mess. Folks just dont buy into markets like that.

So the next time you see an IoT presentation, ask the vendor to show you one IoT location where stuff actually works together, ask how well it interoperates with others, what it has been able to determine from the data captured, and drill into how it was all secured. Youll likely find the vendor is nowhere close to where you need it to be, and that youd be better off going someplace else for a solution or waiting until the solution you need actually shows up.

Rob Enderle is President and Principal Analyst of the Enderle Group, a forward-looking emerging technology advisory firm. With over 30 years experience in emerging technologies, he has provided regional and global companies with guidance in how to better target customer needs; create new business opportunities; anticipate technology changes; select vendors and products; and present their products in the best possible light. Rob covers the technology industry broadly. Before founding the Enderle Group, Rob was the Senior Research Fellow for Forrester Research and the Giga Information Group, and held senior positions at IBM and ROLM. Follow Rob on Twitter @enderle, on Facebook and on Google+.

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The South Korean brand Samsung is having a decrease in sales with their flagship Galaxy Note 7 phone. This led lots of smartphone users to look for an alternative gadget. Two of the popular substitutes are Apple iPhone 7 and Goggle Pixel.

The Release Of Samsung Galaxy 7

Just last August, Samsung Mobile Company announced the great features of its Galaxy Note 7. They even released an official video introduction to showcase its unique qualities. Here is the video from their YouTube account: Samsung Mobile.

What Is The Problem With The Galaxy 7?

The problems of Galaxy Note 7 put a big hollow in the Samsung's sales, wiping billions of dollars off its market value. The most common problem with the said smartphone is its batteries. Owners reported burning batteries while the gadget is charging. Since this is very dangerous, authorities warned people to avoid using Galaxy Note 7 while in areas that are susceptible to fire such as plane, gas stations, in the car, etc.

Before the report on burning phone batteries, Samsung had defied a slowing smartphone market with better than expected Galaxy sales and successful capitalization on the break demands of iPhones. As the Christmas season starts, it will be very hard for Samsung Company to make their sales on high again, especially now that they temporarily suspended production of their most expensive phone. The substitute phones are now more in demand, these alternatives are Apple iPhone 7 and Google Pixel.

The Alternative Phones

Last September 2016, Apple announced it's new smartphone: the Apple iPhone 7. The long wait for Apple fans is over since they have now the chance to grab it with an upgraded operating system, battery life, and camera advancements.

Google announced its very first smartphone: the Google Pixel. It has aluminum and glass body in color black, silver, and blue. Its Android is 7.0 Nougat and has a Qualcomm Snapdragon as a processor.
There are people actively working on projects that will turn humanity into a space-faring race. Elon Musk and a group from Netherlands called Mars One are among those that are toying with the possibility. However, a venture as ambitious as colonizing the Red Planet comes with a host of obstacles. And a recent discovery has just been added to the pile.

Complications From Harmful Cosmic Rays To Astronauts

Professor Charles Limoli, a professor of the University of California, Irvine, and expert in the field of radiation oncology, found that exposure to highly energetic charged particles had serious long-term effects on rodents. These hazardous particles are similar to cosmic rays that will swarm astronauts should they travel to Mars. These particcles result in dementia and cognitive impairment.

So why doesn't this affect astronauts living in the International Space Station? The professor explained that those men and women have not been subjected to the level of radiation that Mars travelers will face as the ISS is still orbiting inside the protection of the Earth's magnetosphere.

Limoli added that other significant damage in the nervous system will occur including memory deficits, anxiety, depression, impaired decision-making, and decreased physical performance on various levels. These negative effects will not only persist during space travel but will continue long after the journey has been completed, according to Science Daily.

Fear Extinction

Another serious threat that looms over would-be Martian explorers is that space radiation interferes with "fear extinction." To put simply, this is an individual's ability to overcome fear after being exposed to a life-threatening situation. An example would be a person learning to enjoy swimming again after nearly drowning.

"Deficits in fear extinction could make you prone to anxiety, which could become problematic over the course of a three-year trip to and from Mars," Limoli said. The professor noted that dementia-like symptoms will not manifest itself outright, but will take months before it takes hold.

The recent study is echoing Limoli's six-week findings last year, which also involved post-irradiation. The research has been included in the May issue of Science Advances.

Possible Solutions To The Harmful Particles That Threatens Astronauts

As with all obstacles facing researchers, Limoli's team is working on solutions that will mitigate the negative effects of cosmic rays to astronauts. One proposition is designing a spacecraft with increased shielding to repel the charged particles, reported the Independent.

However, Limoli said that even with added protection these particles will pass through the shielding nonetheless. "There is really no escaping them," the professor admitted.

Another solution focuses on preventive treatments. Limoli and his colleagues are hard at work in developing pharmacological strategies involving compounds that will collect free radicals and offer protection to neurotransmission.
The use of social media seems to be a good marketing campaign. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) is no exception. The multinational corporation has launched a six-week long social media campaign for its new Chrysler Pacifica model. FCA wants people to know that minivans still thrive.

FCA's Marketing Strategy

FCA's marketing campaign for its Chrysler Pacifica includes a chance to actually win new Pacificas. The company has also hired children actors. The said campaign started on Monday. Apparently, kids have been lured using a video of these children actors.

According to Reuters, they took over the California Fiat Chrysler dealership. They were to sell Pacificas to unsuspicious buyers.

FCA Executive Tim Kuniskis has explained the said marketing strategy. The social media campaign is a lot cheaper than that of television advertising. He also defended the company's decision to focus on the kids.

Kuniskis said that kids have been instrumental in keeping their minivan market alive. This is despite the fact that FCA's share has fallen in the US. He added that minivans have been overshadowed by SUVs and trucks in the past decade.

He also told Reuters that children can convince their parents to use minivans. Apparently, such vehicle purchase is considered the second-largest family expense. The Chrysler Pacifica is among the 440,000 minivans sold by the FCA in the US market.

Google And Self-Driving Chrysler Pacifica

Google has partnered with FCA in developing self-driving minivans. According to Engadget, a half-dozen Chrysler Pacifica vans were spotted in Google's facility. Self-driving sensors are expected to be installed in about 100 minivans.

The tech company has previously revealed the decision to use Pacificas. Google said that the design makes it easier to install self-driving systems. A computer with self-driving software and sensors should all fit in the said minivan model. It also doesn't hurt that it's rechargeable.
After Microsoft delivered an impressive feat on Surface Pro 4 last year, it is high time for the company to unveil the latest successor that will rule the laptop game. Equipped with a robust processor, a perfectly sized display and notable features, speculations about Surface Pro 5 have created a rumpus among the social media savvy.

What are Surface Pro 5's features and when is its release? Will Redstone replace the long running operating system Windows? Here is a round-up of rumors so far.

Surface Pro 5 Specifications

Just like the Surface Pro 4, Microsoft Surface Pro 5 specs are expected to carry the same features like its predecessor, such as having a support for touchscreen stylus with elegant magnetic attachment. The new device may also sport an upgraded Surface Pen with rechargeable battery.

Under the hood, Surface Pro 5 will likely run on an Intel Kaby Lake processor, although several rumors say that the 2-in-1 PC tablet will run the Redstone OS instead of Windows 10.

Furthermore, Microsoft Surface Pro 5 is believed to have the USB-C replacing the connectors such as USB 3.0 port, microSD card slot, Mini display port for video and an audio jack. An enhanced keyboard accessory is also expected to land in the new PC tablet, University Herald reported.

Microsoft Windows No More

Reports about Microsoft's Redstone OS and Surface Pro 5 launching in 2017 led to rumors suggesting that the Windows maker will discontinue the Windows OS branding and replace it with the newest Redstone OS, PC World reported.

Surface Pro 5 Release Date

This coming Oct. 26, Microsoft will be having an Event in New York City to discuss about its recent Windows updates. Although both the Surface phone and Surface Pro 5 might not come out yet, Rumors say that they are slated to be released in the spring of 2017, CNET reported.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced via twitter that a new product described as "unexpected by most" will be launched on October 17. He also confirmed the Tesla/SolarCity joint products unveiling event for Oct. 28.

Tesla's New Unexpected Product

It is unknown what this mystery product could be, but a report from Techcrunch speculated that the new product might be a new vehicle or a sophomore version of its battery electric vehicle (BEV) Roadster. To recall, Elon Musk called it a complete disaster in its initial launch. It could also be an update to the recently launched Autopilot 8.0. Although it was just launched on Sept. 21, Musk previously hinted that their development on the autopilot technology would surprise anyone.

Another likely candidate is the second part of the Tesla Model 3 reveal, according to MSN. Musk himself promised that the reveal is going to be "super next level," but it is unknown if he was referring to the upcoming event.

The Tesla/SolarCity Joint Project Unveiling

With the same tweet, Musk also confirmed the date of the Tesla/SolarCity joint project unveiling. He previously revealed that the project is about the new "solar roof with integrated Powerwall 2.0 battery and Tesla charger." The product is a combination of SolarCity's top-of-the-line solar panels and batteries built by Tesla from its Gigafactory.

No Need To Raise Additional Equity

It was also reported that alongside the announcement of the "unexpected" product launch, Elon Musk also said that no additional equity or corporate launch is needed to raise fund for either Tesla or SolarCity's joint venture. These events are likely designed as the investor's reassurance that the merger as proposed by Elon Musk is equally for the best interests for both.

The Wild Guess

With the "unexpected" tagline that Elon Musk had set for the identity of the new product set to be launched, this could be anything. Given the Tesla CEO's intense imagination and wildly unconventional personality, surprise is nothing but a word in the dictionary.
OnePlus recently released OnePlus 3 out in the market but there are rumors brewing about a bigger sibling called the OnePlus 3 Plus coming soon.

OnePlus 3 Plus Rumored Specs

After disregarding the rumors about OnePlus 3 Mini, analyst Pan Jiutang mentioned that OnePlus 3 Plus, a better version of its predecessor is on its way, according to Phone Arena.

Though Jiutang did not announced the Android phone, Tech Times reported that OnePlus 3 Plus will be powered with the updated Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 SoC and a 3,900 mAh battery, a 30 percent increase from the current flagship's capacity. As for RAM, it is expected that it will sport the same, if not better, memory configuration as its smaller sibling, which is at 6GB RAM.

The screen of the OnePlus 3 is an AMOLED display with a measurement of 5.5-inches and with a resolution of 1920x1080 pixels. Given the screen size and quality of its predecessor, OnePlus 3 Plus is expected to have a screen size of 6 inches with a display of 1440x2560 pixels.

The availability of the OnePlus 3 Plus is still unknown as it remains a rumor for now.

OnePlus Phones Can Compete With Global Phone Companies

The performance of OnePlus 3 is as fast as LG G5 and HTC 10, according to a report on International Business Times. The consumers are positive that the next model of OnePlus will be better than its predecessor. With the increasing fans of the Chinese company, the number of critics is also increasing. Thus, it might promp OnePlus to consistently release "flagship killers" with low pricing.

Next year, OnePlus is expected to build a OnePlus 4. Pei said that it will have a 5.5 to 6 inches screen because the battery will not fit in a 5-inch device. More news about the OnePlus 3 Plus should emerge soon, if rumors prove to be true.
With the recent news of Samsung halting the production and sale of the now infamous Note 7, the Korean company is expected to lose $17 billion in market value and may forever tarnish the Note line and even the whole smartphone division as well. This is way above the predicted $1 Billion loss that Samsung has projected during its first announcement of recall.

The problem was undeniably way bigger

When the Note 7 fiasco started, it was limited to overheating batteries and in some cases, explosions. Conservatively, Samsung announced its recall of units affected and had determined the specific battery provider, Samsung SDI, as the main culprit.

However, in recent news of replacement units still having the same problem, the company lost its footing and was forced to stop the production and sales altogether that resulted in a massive loss of $17 Billion, Bloomberg reported. The Korean giant's shares fell to a record eight percent, its largest since 2008.

Even Samsung and Apple suppliers are affected

The impact was felt even on Samsung suppliers and its rivals. Bloomberg reported that Radiant Opto-Electronic Corp., a Taiwan based supplier of Samsung, lost seven percent in shares, a mere two points lower than what Hannstouch Solutions Inc., also a Samsung supplier, lost with nine percent decrease in shares. Meanwhile, known Apple Inc. component suppliers Japan Display Inc. and Hon Hai Precision Industry and Co. all rose to four and one percent respectively.

The end of Note 7

In a report from BGR, Edward Snyder, a managing director from Charter Equity Research said that the recent fiasco will probably kill the Note 7 brand name. "By the time they fix the problem they have to go through recertification and requalification, and by the time that happens, they're going up against the (Galaxy) S8 launch," he said.

While the Note 7 is the one in question, all of the products under the Samsung brand will be affected. Questions of how a giant company failed to check its units before launch shows an internal control problem and would somehow creep its way into the other products as well. With a loss of $17 billion, Samsung's next move to clean its image is pivotal to the company's future which for now is heading towards where Nokia had gone before.
Disney is at big stake on live action revamp of its animated classics, and Aladdin is currently getting the treatment.

That's really no surprise ensuing the success of the likes of The Jungle Book and the high anticipation surrounding 2017's Beauty and the Beast, primarily acted by Emma Watson. Indeed, Disney seems to be operating its way through its leaping quest to adapt entirely the movie to live action. A wish granted!

What is amazing though is who's carrying Aladdin back to the cinema. Per Deadline, Snatch and Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels director Guy Ritchie will be displaying manifestation of a whole new world.

The news comes as Disney fans eagerly await the March 2017 release of the live-action Beauty and the Beast, starring Emma Watson, Dan Stevens and Emma Thompson. Other re-imagined classics in the works include The Lion King and The Little Mermaid, plus Hamilton mastermind Lin-Manuel Miranda will shortly start filming Mary Poppins Returns, the sequel to the 1964 movie.

Directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw, a hit stage variation is currently performing at Broadway's New Amsterdam Theatre, starring Adam Jacobs as Aladdin, Courtney Reed as Jasmine, James Monroe Iglehart as the Genie and Jonathan Freeman as Jafar.

Adapted from the 1992 Disney film, which aced by Robin Williams as the Genie, Aladdin is the tale of a street urchin who uses the help of a magic Genie to win the heart of Princess Jasmine. The Main stream musical features a book by Chad Beguelin, music by Oscar winner and Tony winner Alan Menken and lyrics by Tim Rice and the late Howard Ashman.

There's no release of the skylight yet, but Disney's slate will be full for the predictable coming. Following Beauty and the Beast, the House of Mouse has live action adaptations of Mulan and even The Lion King planned.
After an expanded period of doubt about Daniel Craig's destiny with the James Bond franchise - fired him by saying "I'd rather slash my wrists" than play the figurative role for the fifth time - it now seems the seventh Bond has rather reformed his tune.

Despite remarks that he made to the conflicting while promoting 2015'sSpectre, it seems Daniel Craig may not have up-ranked in his license to kill once and for all.

The 48-year-old James Bond actor - who popularly said he'd rather slash his wrists than continue his run as 007 - made a figure during the New Yorker Festival this weekend to talk about the projects he is presently working on, but ended up fielding a query about his future with the secret agent franchise.

"They say that s-t sticks, and that definitely stuck," he joked, referencing his previous remarks, according to Vulture. "It was the day after filming [stopped on Spectre]. I'd been away from home for a year. Boo-hoo. It's a good gig. I enjoy it."

Craig - whose Bond resume also includes Casino Royale, Quantum of Solace and Skyfall - went on to clue that he has kept the door open to a comeback. "As far as I'm concerned, I've got the best job in the world. I'll keep doing it as long as I still get a kick out of it," he said. "If I were to stop doing it, I would miss it terribly."

Tom Hiddleston has seemingly been in talks to play the role, with Jamie Bell also consulted. Craig, however, says there have been "no chats" about the next admission in the franchise.

With the lead role not even validated, details about the 25th Bond film are clearly scarce, although The Night Manager's Susanne Bier has been tipped to become the series' first female director.
South Korean tech giant Samsung has finally abandoned its exploding Note 7s, coming to the conclusion that the faulty phones were not worth saving.

Samsung Drops Galaxy Note 7

According to the online publication Stuff, after reports of problems with replacement devices, Samsung finally came to a difficult decision. The company confirmed on Tuesday, Oct. 11, that it had permanently terminated the production of the Galaxy Note 7. It has been a tough decision for the South Korean company, however it has been the only option left.

This will hurt the tech giant much more than the initial recall, but sacrificing the Galaxy Note 7 remains the only way to protect the broader brand. The once acclaimed as the best smartphone ever made, put the Samsung Electronics brand in big trouble. The Galaxy Note 7 fiasco is nothing short of devastating for Samsung.

The South Korean company was midway through replacing 2.5 million Galaxy Note 7 devices. Sales in South Korea were even resumed. But what initially looked like just a smooth recall has turned into a fiasco when reports emerged of replacements bursting in flames too.

Galaxy Note 7 Debacle's Consequences

According to market analysts, the Note 7 could cost Samsung a total of 3.6 trillion won (US$2.75 billion) in lost operating profit over this quarter and next year, from a sales perspective alone. The estimated loss includes disposals, lost sales and other costs. And all this comes in addition to 1 trillion won of replacement charges incurred last quarter.

Before the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco, the South Korean company was forecast to make a significant operating profit in October to December. But the profit loss might not be the biggest issue Samsung is facing at the moment. Tech experts believe that the company will have big difficulties fixing its damaged brand image and I agree with this.

The reputational damage might challenge Samsung for years ahead and it might hurt much more than the lost operating profit. The Galaxy Note 7 was supposed to be the company's flagship phone. Even if it wasn't the most popular smartphone coming from the South Korean company, the recall raises some trust issues.

Initially it was thought that faulty batteries were to blame for the fire hazard, but I wonder whether that this the whole picture, after all. And I am not alone. Tech experts and consumers alike come to question Samsung's engineering and quality assurance process.

The Galaxy Note 7 fiasco has also shown up some deficiencies in communication. The South Korean tech giant has yet to explain the crisis management and the new problems after the replacement. And one thing is certain, the longer the Galaxy Note 7 debacle drags out, the more damaging it will be for the company.

On Tuesday, Oct. 11, shares of Samsung lost 8 percent. This is the biggest single-day shares slid of the South Korean high tech company since 2008. The drop in shares value cuts US$19 billion from Samsung's market value.

Any Chance To Rebuild Customer Trust?

According to CNET, the Galaxy Note 7 fiasco is so devastating for Samsung's reputation that the South Korean tech giant will have a hard time to win back the customers' trust. The crisis faced by Samsung is unprecedented, different even from the Tylenole debacle in 2010 or the massive Volkswagen recall this year. Samsung was in enough trouble after the initial recall, but a second recall of the replacement units is unprecedented.

This situation raises questions not only about the company's ability to design and release a safe product, but also about its management and capacity of judgment in a crisis situation. The negative residual effects in terms of brand damage and consumer perception could last for years. And what is more troublesome, the negative consumer perception may extend to Samsung Electronics' wide line of products, from televisions to refrigerators to washing machines.

However, there is hope not all is lost. I think that Samsung could take some logical steps to control the damaging after effects. The company can still repair its reputation and win its customer base back.

One measure the company can take is to get proactive in convincing the roughly 1 million customers who bought a Note 7 to trade in their phones. Fortunately, in all instances Galaxy Note 7 caught fire no one got seriously injured. The last thing Samsung needs is something more tragic than a singed airplane carpet and a few ruined phones.

The South Korean company could also make some good on this disaster. In order to keep its customers happy, Samsung has to go beyond simple offering a replacement for its Galaxy Note 7 phones. Many customers did buy more than just the phone, many likely also bought charging docks, phone cases and other accessories.

And, as difficult such a decision could be, Samsung has to make a more drastic move and go beyond just dropping Galaxy Note 7 production. The company should kill the Note brand all together. The brand is compromised beyond repair and starting fresh may be the only way to ensure the Note 7 fiasco is a faded memory.
Industry stakeholders have gathered in a Capitol Hill forum on Tuesday. At least one person have openly criticized California's proposed changes in self-driving test guidelines. Director of Technology and Innovation Policy at Toyota Motor North America Hilary Cain has even called it preposterous.

The New NHTSA Guidelines Will Become Mandatory

According to Reuters, California's proposal means that automakers are required to submit the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) a 15-point safety checklist.

This means that the supposed NHTSA voluntary driving guidelines will now become mandatory. If automakers can't do that, they will not be able to test vehicles in the state of California.

Cain's preposterous comment just described the effect of such proposal to an automated system in general. She added that it will cease the current testing of such vehicles. Furthermore, future tests could be delayed.

California's Proposed Change To Their Guidelines

According to Tech Crunch, the proposed change includes permission of test vehicles without human drivers and steering wheels. However, the cars should have two-way communication. It also needs to have an approval from NHTSA. This is exactly what Cain has pointed out.

Self-driving test vehicles were previously required to be tested by a third-party.

Reuters also reports that there will be a public hearing on Oct. 18 about the said proposal.

Other Self-Driving Car Makers

Cain is not the only one who raised an issue in the forum. Apparently, former NHTSA Administrator David Strickland questioned NHSTA's ability to review all of the data required on self-driving vehicles. Strickland now represents Google's Alphabet Inc., Ford Motor Co. and Uber Technologies.

But Cain was even blunt to say that the NHTSA guidelines may be too vague. She is asking for a more specific guidance.

Tech Crunch was able to receive an official statement from Toyota about the matter. They said that they look forward to working with NHTSA.

Toyota mentioned that automakers and the NHTSA should come up with guidelines that are best for the consumers. Their safety will be considered first before anything else.
For years, health advocates have urged the public to abandon their sedentary lifestyle and adopt a more active daily routine. Recently, a new research has found that exercising, particularly running, has a new benefit. According to the study, running can help prevent diseases like Multiple Sclerosis.

"It came around serendipitously," admitted Dr. David Picketts, a senior scientist at the Ottawa Hospital studying brain development and intellectual impairment. The study said that running helps release VGF, a molecule that heals the protective coating of the brain and insulate nerve fibers.

Researchers Find That Sedentary Mice Die Early

The main purpose of this coating, called myelin, is to propagate the speed at which neural signals travel. This research opens a new doorway on the treatment of patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's Disease, and other neurodegenerative illnesses, reported i News.

Involved in the study were genetically-modified mice, which have a small cerebellum, the region of the brain responsible for balance and movement. Researchers observed that the rodents had trouble walking and only lived up to 25-40 days if they were sedentary.

However, when the mice were given an opportunity to run freely on the wheel their lifespan increased to over 12 months - the typical lifespan for rodents. They also showed healthier weight and gained a better sense of balance compared to those living a sedentary life.

Only when they were actively running on the wheel did they acquire this benefit. If the wheel was removed, the symptoms came back and the mice succumbed to death before living out the rest of their lifespan.

Researchers Gains Grant From VGF Study

When looked closely what was going on inside their brain, researchers found that the active mice gained a significant amount of insulation around their cerebellum. VGF was deemed as the main cause behind the benefit, reported Metro News.

This find mirrors past studies regarding exercise and how it improves motor and cognitive functions in patients who are suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. Young as the study is, the researchers are thrilled with its results.

"We are excited by this discovery and now plant to uncover the molecular pathway that is responsible for the observed benefits of the VGF," expressed Picketts. He went on to add that VGF is clearly a significant factor in kick-starting the healing process in damaged regions of the brain.

While the research only involved mice, the result is promising enough that Picketts and his team received a grant from the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada and the Canadian Partnership for Stroke Recovery. The next step for the researchers is to find out whether VGF can be induced in humans via drugs or by itself to see the extent of the benefit mentioned.
A 12-year old boy from Spain accidentally racked up 100,000, or about $112,000, from Google for advertising his brass band in an effort to make a great impact online. Google, however, was quick to waive the huge amount billed after realizing that it was just a costly mistake.

Jose Javier, a trumpet in a band called Los Salerosos, signed up for AdWords instead of AdSense. Google Adwords is an online advertising service that enables advertisers to display their brands as a part of a page. On the other hand, AdSense allows people to make money from advertisements on their page.

Jose was under the impression that he would earn his band money if people clicked on the link to his homemade website, but the service works the other way around. The musician kid exchanges the use of the two Google platforms, AdWords and AdSense.

While signing up for an account, Jose provided his banking details especially his credit card information. Note that it was charge every time someone clicked the link of his site, according to the BBC.

What Is The Action Of Google

"It was all a mistake and that he did it without thinking", a Google spokeswoman said on Wednesday.

"A 12-year-old boy doesn't want to start spending 100,000."

That amount would take a lot of allowance money to pay off, but thankfully for Javier, Google was forgiving and cancelled the bill.

Inma Quesada, Jose's mother was interviewed by a local Spanish newspaper called El Pais and explained that her son just "wanted to buy instruments" for his band Los Salerosos. Jose's parents only realized what was going on when the bank called them to let them know about the charges.

Google AdWords Tutorials

If you are new to AdWords, it will be a very good idea if you will see Google's account on YouTube. There, you can learn the step by step process of everything. Here is the video tutorial how you are billed when you are using Google AdWords.
Experts in seismology are looking into the series of earthquakes that rattled the Salton Sea late September, prompting speculations that a major earthquake will soon hit Southern California. Scientists monitoring seismic activity in the area found that tremors occurring underground are deeper than what was previously expected, according to a recent study.

Scientists Baffled At A Fault Line's Seismic Activity

Small and deep seismic activities are quite difficult to measure, especially in urban areas due to the distance of earthquake monitors and the racket caused by traffic industrial areas. As such, researchers temporarily set-up quake detectors along the Newport-Inglewood fault (NIF), which snaked through an 80-kilometer stretch from Culvert City to Newport Beach.

By zoning out the noise, scientists were baffled at the depth and frequency occurring in the NIF when they compared the seismic activity to other faults in the area. They found that the tremors occured in the crust where they thought it to be too hot to start quakes, reported CBS News.

In that level of depth, the rocks aren't solid but are viscous instead. In NIF's case, however, the rumblings are occurring that far below.

"They are concentrated in what appears to be the deep continuation of the Newport-Inglewood fault down into the upper mantle," Jean-Paul Ampuero, a professor of seismology at Caltech, said. Studying these unusually deep shakings may shed light at which earthquakes can occur, as well as to better understand the fault's structure, according to the researchers.

Increasing Frequency Of Underground Tremors

Aside from the depth, the frequency also got scientists scratching their heads. Experts thought that earthquakes follow a scaling law that helps them predict the ratio between the number of small and large quakes that will transpire on a certain fault line.

"That ratio is generally constant. Along many faults we see the same ratio, though the actual numbers may vary," Asaf Inbal, the study's lead author and geophysics graduate student at the California Institute of Technology, said. "However, on the NIF we find that for the deeper sections of the fault, the number of the small earthquakes is much larger than the number of large earthquakes."

Changes in temperature, pressure or the mineralogy of the rocks at those depths were suggestions of the researchers on why the NIF is showing a different ratio. However, they did admit that further research is needed to identify what's really causing it.

Major Earthquake Event Expected To Occur In Oregon

But it isn't just Californians that need to brace themselves. Oregon is also at risk of experiencing an overdue massive earthquake event, according to KTVZ.

"The Cascadia subduction zone is the earthquake that's been getting a lot of media lately. It's a 9.0, just like they've had in Japan about five years ago. It would be major shaking along the western portion of the state," said Allison Pyrch, a geotechnical engineer.

Scientists at the Oregon State University agreed and said that there's a 37 percent chance of an 8.0 to 9.0 magnitude earthquake hitting within the next 50 years. Though the threat is extreme, the level of awareness isn't where it needs to be, Pyrch asserted.
Humanity has come a long way since its first big leap to the moon. Now, it has set its eyes on a farther frontier: Mars. One of the most powerful world leaders has recently reinvigorated his call upon the U.S. to help send humans to the red planet, with Barack Obama vowing that within 15 years, this goal will be realized with the help of over 1,000 firms.

Companies Granted Contracts To Develop Space Habitats

The US president has revealed his space explorations plan in an opinion piece to CNN, including manned missions to Mars with the ultimate goal of staying on the Red Planet "for an extended time." Obama said that the U.S. government will be working closely with private companies in creating habitats to sustain life on Mars.

There are six companies that have been recently awarded contracts to build these habitats. One such dwelling, an inflatable room, is currently being used inside the International Space Station.

SpaceX and Boeing are among those that have been granted contracts, and its is expected that within two years, they will ferry private company astronauts into the ISS. The six companies that were given contracts are to begin developing systems for the Next Space Technology for Exploration Partnership program, reported The Guardian.

Furthermore, NASA will also start the process of allowing companies to add modules to the ISS this Fall in order to develop possible uses for a docking port. This move will be an initial preparation for the capabilities of taking over the space station when it finally retires on 2024, according to the Daily Mail.

Obama Wishes To Inspire Future Generations

The U.S. President is planning to discuss all these initiatives in Pittsburgh this coming Thursday where he will meet with scientists, engineers, and academics at an innovation summit. He hopes that this call-out will inspire future generations in taking up fields where they can contribute to humanity being a multi-planetary species and "keep America on the cutting edge."

While Obama did not elaborate on how much money this ambitious endeavor will cost, he did say it would take years of patience, testing and education to realize it. He went on to add that this venture will not only benefit related advances in energy, medicine, agriculture and artificial intelligence. The president also said that the mission will provide a "better understanding of our environment and ourselves."
Samsung may defy traditions and release a new premium phone later this year. According to recent headlines, the company might be releasing a new phablet this year in the form of the rumored Samsung Galaxy C9. Since this phone isn't expected by fans, many would agree that this release is Samsung's token of compensation for the damage brought about by the Note 7.

Samsung Galaxy C9 As A Note 7 Damage Control

The rumored C9 might as well be 'planned' and not an instrument of damage control. However, it's timing strongly suggests that this is Samsung's way of cleaning up the Note 7 mess that might have stained its name for good. If the rumored C9 was made to be a midrange phone, then it could be saved from being associated with the Note 7 fiasco. However, it's undeniable that the rumored specs of the C9 lead to a premium Android phone, Phone Arena reported.

The said gadget is expected to be a 6-inch phablet with a 1080 x 1920 pixel resolution and it could run Android 6.0 from the box. It's expected to be powered by Snapdragon 652, boast of 6 GB worth of RAM and carry 64 GB of internal storage. For the cameras, the Galaxy C9 is also expected to boast of a 16 MP rear camera and a 16 MP front snapper, GSM Arena reported. A 4000 mAh battery could be the Galaxy C9's cherry on top.

Samsung Galaxy Note 8 Is Still Bound For 2017 Release

One of the possible reasons why Samsung chose a non-flagship device to follow Note 7 is to make it a bit more affordable. This explains the lower display and CPU specs of the alleged Galaxy C9. Furthermore, this could also mean that Samsung is taking its sweet time in developing the Galaxy Note 8 to make sure that it won't encounter Note 7's misfortune. Rushing the release of the Note 8 just to compensate Note 7's failure may not be a good idea.
There have been reports that there will be changes in the daytime soap "Young and the Restless," as actor Steve Burton will reportedly leave the show when his contract ends this coming December.

Steve Burton To Leave "Young And The Restless" After Contract Expires In December

It has been announced by actor Steve Burton himself via his Twitter account saying that he will no longer be renewing his contract with "Young and the Restless" when it ends this December. He did not explain further his reason for leaving, but he indicated that his decision was already final after careful thinking. Nevertheless, he thanks CBS and his "Young and the Restless" family for the three years that he has been with the show.

Burton started playing the role of Dylan McAvoy in the "Young and the Restless" in 2013 after he left his role of 22 years in the show "General Hospital." Thus, there have been speculations that he will be back in the latter show and return to his role as Jason Morgan. Burton's exit from the show has been the latest exit done on the show, following actor Justin Hartley.

Burton's Decision Follows Exit Of Justin Hartley After Taking A Role In NBC Series "This Is Us"

It can be recalled that Hartley left the "Young and the Restless" after he got a lead role in the new NBC drama series, "This is Us." After the latter was picked up for a full season following its series premiere, Hartley was sure to not be coming back to "Young and the Restless." However, his character's absence in the show was left hanging, one that could still be replaced by another actor to take the role.

His character as Adam Newman was not addressed in detail when he left the daytime soap opera and may have been presumed dead. However, there have been speculations that the character will be taken over by actor Michael Muhney. Either that or a different actor will be hired to the role, but Muhney has reportedly been eyed by the producers.

There hasn't been any news yet with regards to Steve Burton's last scene on the series, but reports claim it may come sometime early next year.
Samsung has been under a very watchful eye in the last few weeks due to reports that various units of its Galaxy Note 7 line have been exploding. When these reports first came out, the company opted for a recall that cost it millions. However, there have been numerous claims that even the replacement units are unsafe and still go up in flames. The Korean tech giant has since deviced to just withdraw the line of devices from the market permanently.

When news of the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 first came out, the tech world was thrilled and excited. Even before it was officially unveiled, it was already being hailed as 2016's best smartphone - a difficult task, as the year has seen the best releases from various companies. And when the handheld eventually was released, it met, if not exceeded, all expectations.

That is, until reports started making headlines that the Note 7 was exploding. What was first thought to be an isolated incident was suddenly happening over and over. What's more, there was a possible explanation: The lithium ion batteries were too packed with power to hold out with its size.

Then Samsung decided to recall all its released units and fix the issue. It reportedly cost the company millions, but the possible payoff was still a larger sum. There was a lot of pressure, however, as the company not only had to repair the device, but also had to work quickly in order to minimize any backlash on its name.

The reall was finished some days ago as new units were handed out. But soon after, explosion reports were again gracing headlines for these replacement units. Various telecommunication carriers announced they would not carry the device anymore and Samsung has followed with a statement that said production of the device will cease altogether.

"We recently readjusted the production volume for thorough investigation and quality control, but putting consumer safety as top priority, we have reached a final decision to halt production of Galaxy Note 7s," BBC quotes the company saying. "For the benefit of consumers' safety, we stopped sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note 7 and have consequently decided to stop production."

This press release caps off around two months of bad press for Samsung, which resulted in a beating from investors and safety regulators. Arguably more important, the company has lost the faith of its consumers. Furthermore, this gives Apple a relatively clear run until the end of the year.

The move was unprecedented and almost unheard of, but it was a necessary one to make. "They made a really intelligent, hard choice that saved their brand and prevented what could have been a complete melting down of all the goodwill they had built over the last five years," Eric Schiffer, chairman of Reputation Management Consultants told The New York Times.

Because Samsung never released an official statement as to why the Galaxy Note 7 units were exploding, it could be said that the company has not completely figured out what is wrong with it. As such, continuing to force the handheld in the market might only be more detrimental to the brand.

For now, Samsung can still ride on the success and beauty of the Galaxy S7 and Galaxy S7 Edge, which has not been completely overshadowed by the bad press of the Note 7. As such, there is still time to dust off and climb again.
Facebook investor Sean Parker has a tool that can help voters figure out which candidate to cast their vote for in the upcoming presidential election.

With less than a month to go before Election Day, there are still those who have yet to decide on which of the two presidential candidates is the better choice. But, surely enough, social media has a solution to this predicament.

Brigade, the nonpartisan online network founded by Parker and former Causes President and CEO Matt Mahan, has recently received a major update that features an election tool. This tool uses a conventional digital ballot guide and social media to help people be wiser voters.

According to Yahoo! Tech, Brigade's election tool can serve up personalized recommendations for over 13,000 federal and state polls and ballot propositions. These are mainly based on a Brigade user's social connections with friends, family members, colleagues, and political influencers in their district. Brigade does this by syncing up users' Facebook, email, and phone contacts so that the app can determine which of the users' contacts are also on Brigade.

With the tool, Brigade users can see who people with similar political leanings will be voting for. The tool also asks users if they can pledge to vote in the election and will send them reminders to "get out the vote."

"There's too much at stake in this election to stay home, and yet nearly half of eligible voters will do just that on Nov. 8," Mahan told Yahoo!. "Even worse, half of those who turn out will fail to vote in the critical state and local races that affect their lives even more directly than who sits in the Oval Office. We've built a dead-simple social ballot guide for voters to help each other pledge to vote and ultimately turn out for candidates and ballot props that align with their values."

Brigade launched in 2015 and has since drawn users to take 7 million positions on a wide variety of topics, including religion, civil rights, and environmental issues. According to the San Francisco Chronicle, Parker, Salesforce.com founder Marc Benioff, and tech investor Ron Conway funded a huge chunk of the $9.5 million early funding in Brigade.
It is not only Bryan Craig who is leaving General Hospital. New spoilers hint on Steve Burton returning as stone cold Jason Morgan following rumors that Billy Millers contract at ABC would expire in October and there is no confirmation he signed an extension.

Craigs character (Morgan Corinthos) would be confirmed dead this week in "General Hospital" after an explosion. When the week started, Morgan was only missing in action, but toward the end of the week, he is confirmed dead. Ahead of Craig quitting the show, the actor tweeted about Morgans death. While he has said goodbye this early, Morgan would still be seen until November.

Billy Miller's Unconfirmed Contract Extension

In September, Miller was rumored to have signed a one-year extension, but it was unconfirmed. As it is, CDL noted that Miller does not get sufficient screen time as Jason since he is seen only doing short episodes.

When Burton left General Hospital, Jason was killed off. Miller was recast in his role, but "GH" fans always considered Burton the original and only Jason. On the other hand, other followers accepted Miller when he replaced Burton because they were Millers fans since his days as Billy Abbott on The Young and The Restless.

If Miller would leave "General Hospital," it would be timely because Burton would end his stint in The Young and The Restless in December, making him available to resume the character of Jason.

Impact of Morgans Death On The Family

For the Oct. 12 episode of General Hospital, spoilers hint that the death of Sabrina (Teresa Castillo) was not enough for Michael (Chad Duell) because Morgans death could send him over the edge. Discovering his brothers death could be the last straw for Michael.

But Michaels grief over losing his brother may pale in comparison to grief of losing a child felt by Carly (Laura Wright) who is still in a state of denial. Bobbie (Jacklyn Zeman) attempts to comfort Carly who believes Morgan did not die and that she only had a nightmare.

In turn, Kiki (Hayley Erin) loses the chance to tell Morgan she wants to be with Dillon (Robert Palmer Watkins). Kikis life would never be the same when she realizes the role her mother played in the tragedy, according to Soap Shows.

In other events in Port Charles, Monica (Leslie Charleson) and Tracy (Jane Ellliott) come together to attempt and save the hospital. Laura (Genie Francis) is willing to give Kevin (Jon Lindstrom) a second chance at love, making it the only light at the end of the dark Port Charles tunnel.

General Hospital airs weekdays at 2 p.m. ET on ABC.
In a pre-emptive move, Toyota is recalling 340,000 Prius cars around the world because of alarming reports of faulty parking brakes. 212,000 units will be recalled in Japan, 94,000 units in America, and 17,000 units in Europe, Australia and other affected regions.

The Problem with the Brakes

In a statement last Tuesday, the company said that there is "a possibility that the parking brake could become inoperative. If this occurs and the driver exits the vehicle with the transmission in a gear other than 'Park' while the ignition is on, the vehicle could roll away, increasing the risk of a crash". The Japanese car maker has received reports of crashes, injuries, and deaths. However, none is officially tied to this issue, Toyota is investigating the reports but Toyota spokesman Victor Vanov refused to provide further details.

Toyota's Solution

Toyota said that according to their findings, the parking brake cable can be disengaged and will cause the brakes to stop working properly. So if the car is left in any gear other than park, it could start rolling away and can potentially crash. To remedy the problem, the company began recalling units and also launched a campaign on Prius that will add clips on the top of the brake cable dust boots to prevent the cable from becoming inoperative. The operation only affects the parking brake and normal vehicle braking functions are not affected.

If you own one of the affected Prius hybrids, you should get a letter from Toyota in November. You can check if your Prius is affected by going to Toyota's official website and entering your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Toyota owners will be contacted by a Toyota representative for corrective action by their local dealer free of charge, or you can also contact Toyota customer care center at 0800 139 111.
Microsoft has told business customers that when they run into problems with Windows 7's new patch maintenance regime they should file a ticket with the company's support desk.

But a pair of patch experts doubt that that -- or Microsoft's other remediation suggestions -- will prevent the new cumulative updates from disrupting business.

"Microsoft's response is to open a support case to alert [the company] to the issue," said Susan Bradley in an email reply to questions. "I challenge Microsoft to open a support case and pretend to not be an enterprise customer with Premier Support, and call [the toll-free number] and open a case. It takes the patience of Job to work with the outsourced vendors that Microsoft has hired."

Bradley, an IT professional, is best known for her column on patching in the Windows Secrets newsletter. She is also the moderator of the PatchMangement.org mailing list, where business IT administrators discuss update tradecraft.

Microsoft's advice was included in a post to a company blog last week, when it elaborated on the massive change to the servicing model for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. The new plan was announced in mid-August.

Rather than offer individual updates -- which have patched one or more discrete vulnerabilities -- starting today Microsoft will issue cumulative updates for Windows 7 and 8.1. The cumulative model, which debuted last year with Windows 10, provides the contents of all previous releases along with the new fixes. More importantly to enterprises, however, is that cumulative also means that the updates cannot be broken into their parts.

For decades, Windows users have been able to apply an individual patch and reject others, or accept most fixes but block one or more that had proved flawed or even dangerous. That practice has been invalidated by the conjoined nature of the new updates.

The loss has been among the most debated -- and criticized -- aspects of Windows 10, and IT professionals have voiced the same unease about today's change to Windows 7 and 8.1.

Microsoft responded to the concerns with some advice last week. "If any issues are encountered, we recommend stopping or pausing deployment of the update and contacting Microsoft Support as soon as possible," wrote Michael Niehaus, a director of product marketing, in a blog post. Further steps, Niehaus continued, include, "rolling back the update on affected machines while the issue is being investigated" and "working with the publisher (ISV) for an affected application."

Neither of those steps is revolutionary: The former has been the go-to response to a buggy update since personal computers were invented.

But with cumulative updates, either solution will be dicey said Chris Goettl, program product manager for patch management vendor Shavlik. Rolling back a Windows 7 update will pose a devil's dilemma: Apply the update and break something, perhaps a business-critical application, or roll it back, leaving who-knows-how-many-other vulnerabilities unpatched.

Nor will it always be possible to "work with the publisher" of an affected application. "Look back at January, when a Windows 10 cumulative update broke the Citrix [WorkstationOS Virtual Delivery Agent]," Goettl said. "Citrix was big enough and was able to react fast enough" to the incompatibility between the Windows 10 update and its software to generate a software update. "But that's not going to be the case for everyone."

Goettl ticked off the kind of ISVs that don't have the resources to jump on a problem caused by an OS update, including small publishers, niche publishers such as those that write software for medical devices, and finally, those long out of business. Alternately, a publisher may have already dealt with the underlying problem that led to update-application incompatibility, but packaged it in a newer version that comes with a price tag.

The new patching model, Goettl predicted, "Will have a lot more impact on [software] vendors supplying companies. There are a lot who cannot react very fast."

Nor was Bradley counting on Microsoft itself to always rapidly react to quality-control problems with the new updates.

"The investigation process [with Microsoft support] is not fun, not efficient and often takes several days for the support team to understand the issue and repro[duce] the problem," she said. "Then it will take several more days for the known issue to be documented in the KB [knowledge database] and often longer still for a note to be posted to the KB."

And for many customers, Microsoft's advice was expensive, Bradley noted. It costs $499 to open a case if a customer is not on a support plan. Although that fee should be automatically refunded if the problem is in a security update, Bradley said that in several instances she has had to formally request the refund before receiving it.

"Not all issues are found by enterprises with TAMs [technical account managers employed by Microsoft] and support reps on speed dial that have key contacts to make the support process a breeze," Bradley said. "Some of the issues are found in the community where people do not relish paying (even temporarily) Microsoft a fee of $499 to tell them they have a bug in their code."
Samsung formally stopped production, sales and exchanges of its Note7 smartphones early Tuesday, after several weeks of reports that the devices -- and even their replacements -- overheated, smoked and caught fire.

The death of the Note7 will be costly, according to many analysts.

Patrick Moorhead of Moor Insights & Strategy has pegged the overall cost to Samsung at $5 billion to $7.5 billion, not including the hard-to-estimate impact on the Samsung brand. Some analysts, including Credit Suisse, said the lost sales on up to 19 million Note7 phones is about $17 billion.

The life of the Note7 was short. Sales first began in the U.S. on Aug. 19. Samsung recalled 2.5 million Note7s globally on Sept. 2, with a formal U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission recall on Sept. 15.

Then, on Oct. 5, an apparently recalled Note7 began billowing smoke aboard a parked Southwest Airlines jet. The plane was evacuated; no one was injured. When more reports came in of recalled Note7s in recent days, several U.S. carriers decided to halt sales and exchanges.

Samsung finally pulled the plug early Tuesday with a succinct statement: "For the benefit of consumers' safety, we stopped sales and exchanges of the Galaxy Note7 and have consequently decided to stop production."

Never in the history of smartphones -- and possibly any other technology device -- has a model been recalled as well as production stopped on its replacement device.

Without that decision to stop in production, it was entirely possible the U.S. CPSC would have issued a recall for the replacement devices, said Moorhead.

Even though what has happened to the Note7 is unprecedented and potentially severe to Samsung's bottom line, there are a several analysts who believe that Samsung and the Samsung brand can survive the Note7's collapse. It all depends on how Samsung proceeds from here.

"Consumers are very forgiving," Moorhead added. "Every major auto manufacturer has had car defects that killed people, but you've never seen a car company go out of business over a recall. It's not the recall that kills you, but how you deal with it."

Analysts advised Samsung to take several steps in coming days.

Be transparent about the cause

Moorhead speculated that a faulty charging system was damaging the lithium ion batteries in the Note7s, leading to overheating and smoke and fires, both in the original and replacement units. Samsung hasn't explained, but must do so, several analysts said.

"Samsung needs to be very transparent about the issue and communicate what it was and how they [tried] to rectify it," said Carolina Milanesi, an analyst at Creative Strategies.

"When cars have a recall, we don't all stop driving. However, Samsung needs to make sure they talk about the issue, so there's no doubt that the same problem might occur to other phones. This is absolutely key for them in order to the limit the damage," Milenesi said.

"This thing isn't done yet and if Samsung is completely transparent and if it doesn't happen again, then there's minimal long-term loss to the brand," Moorhead added. "If they don't do that, then the sky's the limit" about the loss to the brand.

Jack Narcotta, an analyst at Technology Business Research, speculated that Samsung itself doesn't know specifically what has gone wrong with replacement Note7s. "Until Samsung more clearly identifies the cause or causes, or literally has a smoking gun of a battery, it's going to be mum on telling the public exactly what's going on."

Moorhead said it is unlikely that the actual batteries were bad since two manufacturers' batteries have apparently overheated. One was Samsung SDI, which made the batteries for the U.S. original version and the other was Amperex Technology of China, which made the batteries for the original Note7s sold in China. When the Note7 replacement units were announced, the Amperex battery was used for the U.S., and yet some replacement units still smoked and caught fire.

Consider carefully the future of the Note line

Moorhead said he believes Samsung will actually come out with a Note8 in January or March. It will have the signature digital stylus that allows users to draw and take handwritten notes on the big 5.7-in. display.

Of course, it must be safe, and how Samsung communicates it will be safe is going to be tough. But no other phone maker will be able to create a relevant replacement of the Note device that quickly, Moorhead said.

Milanesi disagreed and said Samsung needs to come up with another name, since calling the next one a Note8 would just be a bad reminder of a smartphone that can catch fire in your pants.

Jack Gold, an analyst at J. Gold Associates, said Samsung shouldn't eliminate the Note form factor.

"It's a unique form factor with very limited competition," Gold added. "There's no reason a newly designed Note won't do well for them in the future. Apple doesn't have an equivalent device."

Moorhead conceded that the Note8 must have an obvious physical difference from the Note7, maybe a color change. "The Note brand is not destroyed if they handle it right," he added.

Even if Samsung rebrands the Note with another name, its larger screen and stylus will give it away, added Kevin Burden, an analyst at 451 Research.

Absorb any losses and move on

While the Note stylus is important to many users, it has still been a niche product. The last Note5 (there was no Note6) generated only 5% of all of Samsung's sales, Moorhead said. The Galaxy line of phones, including the Galaxy S7 and S7 Edge are from two to three times more popular, according to various accounts.

"The Note line has been very small for Samsung," he said. He and other analysts said it would be hard to see problems from the Note line affecting other lines.

"Samsung has many smartphone models globally and none have experienced the same problem," Burden said.

As to whether Apple or Huawei would benefit from the Note7 disaster, analysts were uniformly convinced there will be little boost to competitors.

Part of the reason is that Samsung already controls the largest share of the smartphone market globally, at 22% in the second quarter, according to IDC. Apple had 12% and Huawei had 9%.

"No way will Samsung lose its ranking over this problem," Moorhead said. "They are just so large."

Huawei also makes Android phones, but hasn't invested heavily in a U.S. presence, which will limit it more than the Note7 disaster could help it, he added.

"Other brands will benefit over the short run, no doubt, but no other brand is likely to try and capitalize by calling attention to its superior battery technology or quality control efforts," Burden added.

"Battery technology constrains every consumer technology company in a similar way . . . since no new elements are showing up in the periodic table," Burden explained. "This means that every manufacturer of lithium-ion batteries has already put in years towards squeezing more capacity and life out of the same chemistry in its batteries -- and they are only as good as their manufacturing process."
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GREENSBORO  At A&T, a few hundred students lined metal barricades along North Benbow Road across the street from the Alumni-Foundation Event Center.

Thats where ESPN would tape its special featuring the president  to be aired at 10 tonight  and A&T students were hoping to catch a glimpse of the president and his motorcade.

Students chatted with some of the Greensboro police officers who ringed the foundation building. On Twitter, students put the word out that the dorms near the site of Obamas appearance were blocked off.

The crowd was only two deep at its thickest point. Tuesday was the final day of fall break, and most students hadnt yet returned to campus. Several students said they had come back to campus a little early in hopes of seeing Obama.

Its very exciting, said Anthony McEachin, an A&T sophomore from Raleigh. Hes coming to the number one HBCU.

ESPNs The Undefeated, a website devoted to sports, race, culture and historically black colleges and universities, has picked A&T specifically because of its size  its the largest HBCU in the country  and prestige.

A&T students were certainly proud that the president was visiting campus. After the news came out last week, students said they heard from friends at other colleges.

People from Central (were saying), Why is he coming to A&T? said Nya Ransom, a sophomore from Raleigh.

A few feet behind Ransom was her father, a 1994 A&T graduate who had driven up from Raleigh for Obamas 6 p.m. rally at the White Oak Amphitheatre. But Bishop Ransom said he had to witness the president on the A&T campus.

This is a little bit different, Bishop Ransom said. To say that a sitting president had actually walked on the same grounds that I walked, I had to be able to see that.

Shortly after 3 p.m., the presidential motorcade crested a hill near the Student Health Center, and students pointed their mobile phones toward the line of vans and SUVs.

This is history! one yelled.

We love you, Obama, screamed another.

The caravan turned the corner and disappeared behind the foundation building.

Robert Wilkes, who graduated from A&T in May, pleaded with a police officer to bring the president outside to shake some hands. The officer shook her head and smiled.

Obamas visit to campus was the first by a sitting president in the universitys 125-year history. The closest A&T had come until Tuesday was a pair of first ladies  Michelle Obama, the universitys commencement speaker in 2012; and Eleanor Roosevelt, who visited a month before the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1945.

I think its amazing  that the first black president is at an HBCU, said Caleb White, a mechanical engineering major from Jacksonville. I never thought one day the president would come to campus. Stuff like that doesnt happen.
10/12/2016





The JSU Department of Political Science and Public Administration will host a special guest lecture on Thursday, October 20 at 4:30 p.m. on the 11th floor of the Houston Cole Library. All JSU faculty, staff and students are invited along with JSU alumni, local media and friends and family of individuals associated with the JSU community.



The subject area of the special event is, "Religious Liberties in Changing Times." The special speaker is Professor John Witte, Jr., the director of Emory University's Center for the Study of Law and Religion. Dr. Witte is a globally distinguished expert in the area of law and religion. Professor Witte's lecture is entitled, "Separation of Church and State in America: Facts, Fictions and Future Challenges."

John Witte, Jr., JD (Harvard), is Robert W. Woodruff Professor of Law, McDonald Distinguished Professor, and Director of the Center for the Study of Law and Religion at Emory University. A specialist in legal history, marriage law, and religious liberty, he has published 230 articles, 15 journal symposia, and 28 books.

His writings have appeared in 15 languages, and he has delivered more than 350 public lectures throughout North America, Europe, Japan, Israel, Hong Kong, South Korea, Australia, and South Africa. With major funding from the Pew, Ford, Lilly, Luce, and McDonald foundations, he has directed 12 major international projects on democracy, human rights and religious liberty, and on marriage, family and children. These projects have collectively yielded more than 160 new volumes and 250 public forums around the world. He edits Emory University Studies in Law and Religion (Eerdmans) and Cambridge Law and Christianity Series (Cambridge University Press). He has been selected twelve times by the Emory law students as the Most Outstanding Professor and has won dozens of other awards and prizes for his teaching and research.

Witte is married to Eliza Ellison, a theologian and mediator. They have two daughters and three grandchildren.



The special event is made possible by support from the Acton Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This is the second major event this calendar year hosted by the political science department with funding support from Acton. A spring semester event on March 29 featured three cabinet secretaries from Governor Bentley's administration.



For more information about the event, please contact the event planner and coordinator, Professor Tim Barnett at tbarnett@jsu.edu or ext. 5653. Barnett teaches a broad set of American government offerings including the relevant course, "Religion, Politics and Policy."
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By David Patrikarakos | ( RFE/RL ) |  

The town of Dabiq, in northern Syria, around 25 miles from Aleppo, with its population of just under 3,500, is an unimpressive site for a battle that is supposed to herald the Apocalypse.

Yet, according to the Hadith (a collection of reports about the sayings and doings of the Prophet Muhammad), that is exactly what will happen: According to Abu Hurayrah, a companion of Muhammad, the prophet said, "the Last Hour would not come until the Romans land at al-Amaq or in Dabiq. An army consisting of the best of the people of the earth at that time will come from Medina [to defeat them]."

Dabiq is central to the highly sophisticated propaganda operation of the extremist . . . [so-called] Islamic State [group] (IS). The groups official magazine even carries its name. At Dabiq, IS claims, the ultimate battle between Christians and Muslims will be fought. That last claim is less than half-right. A coalition of U.S. Special Forces and air support (nominally Christian), supporting Turkish forces, and Syrian rebels (both Muslim) is now advancing on the town. "If matters proceed as planned, within 48 hours we will be in Dabiq," Ahmed Osman, commander of the Sultan Murad Free Syrian Army (FSA) group, told Reuters on October 4.

Unlike the nearby city of Aleppo, the town is not militarily significant for IS, being merely one among many that must be cleared on the way to Al-Bab and (ultimately) the city where IS is headquartered, Raqqa. But if IS were to lose Dabiq, it would still be a blow. As Kyle Orton, a Research Fellow at the Henry Jackson Society, points out, IS uses the Hadith on Dabiq to "call on Muslims to come and buttress the ranks of Islam in this fight. In combination with the formation of an actual statelet, this propaganda has worked: the apocalypticism and the caliphate have given IS an appeal its jihadi rivals dont have and this is reflected in the number of foreign volunteers who have flocked to their banner as compared with, say, Al-Qaeda."

IS originally conquered Dabiq on August 13, 2014, and it has held it ever since. The Turkish intervention into the conflict, crossing the border and then on 24 August, along with its proxy rebel forces, throwing IS out of Jarabulus  a crucial point for passing militants  was the beginning of the advance on Dabiq. In recent days, Turkish bombers have struck several IS targets in the areas around the town.

Syrian Unity

Turkeys entry into the war has complicated almost everything. Mistrust of the United States is rife across forces opposed to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad due to their belief that it has done little to prevent his massacre of the Syrian people since the conflict began in 2011. As Orton further points out, the situation  and mistrust  is deepened as Washington has chosen fighters associated with the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) as its primary proxy on the ground. Based across Syria and Iraq, Turkey views the PKK as a separatist force, working to establish a Kurdish enclave in northern Syria and parts of Turkey (which the PKK denies) and therefore a potential threat to its territorial integrity. The PKKs supposed separatist agenda is, however, divisive across all parties. "If there is one uniting factor for Syrians  regime and rebel," says Orton, "it is Syrian unity."

Fighting around the town, led by U.S.-led air strikes, which has already claimed 15 rebels and 13 IS fighters, is intensifying and a showdown is imminent. IS, for its part, has protected the town with land mines and other explosives as well as calling on its strongest fighters in other areas to travel to Dabiq for its defense.

Fiercest Ever Battle

In truth, the towns fall is inevitable. Mostafa Sejari, from the FSA-linked Al-Mutasim Brigade, told the British newspaper the Daily Express: "We expect that the battle of Dabiq will be the fiercest ever. Daesh"  a derogatory term for IS  "has brought hundreds of fighters into the area, including their special forces, to confront us. [It] has built its myth in Dabiq, exploiting the ignorance and lack of knowledge among people and taking advantage of history and religion to achieve its evil project. By controlling Dabiq, we break the myth of Daesh and open a road to reach Marea."

The question is: At what cost? IS, while operating in some senses as a traditional army (with its own quasi-state), also operates as an insurgent force. If the odds are stacked against it, which in Dabiq they are, the group is likely to put up a show of force (given the towns importance to its brand, it has no other choice), but it is unlikely to waste significant manpower in what is a fight it knows it cannot win. If the battle for Dabiq follows previous battles IS has fought in urban centers, it is likely to retreat in the face of a superior enemy but  as with the insurgents in Iraq  leave the city filled with improvised explosive devices (IEDs), booby-trapped buildings  along with the odd sniper and suicide bomber thrown in for good measure. It may lose; but it wont go quietly.

Nonetheless, the war in Syria is not going well for IS. Further incursions into its territory are inevitable, but as Orton concludes: "They have already prepared the ground ideologically for this loss. The end of the state and the return to the deserts is part of the cycleand conditions for a revival are favorable. The Coalitions chosen method of dismantling the caliphate  particularly its collaboration with Irans proxy militias and the PKK as replacement forces  means IS has much to work with going forward. The stress on hardship in IS propaganda also means that they can just say this is one more test for the believers, and the grand contest will come next time."

Not for nothing has IS repeatedly been called the most sophisticated terror group ever. Almost as important as its mastery of insurgent tactics on the ground is its mastery of social media. IS might lose this battle, but it will continue to rally more fighters to its cause; more will be radicalized online; more will flock to the black flag. And the violence will continue unabated  possibly for many more years to come.

The views expressed in this commentary do not necessarily reflect the views of RFE/RL or Informed Comment

Copyright (c) 2015. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave NW, Ste 400, Washington DC 20036.

Via RFE/RL



Related video added by Juan Cole:

CCTV News: ISIL has lost quarter of territory in Syria and Iraq
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Peter Hopkins, Gurchathen Sanghera, and Kate Botterill | (The Conversation) |  

Immigration and national identity currently are at the forefront of the public conscience. In France, the burkini ban and in the UK proposals for migration controls following the Brexit vote are dividing communities. The growing tensions mean that many ethnic and religious minority communities are increasingly experiencing racism in their everyday lives.

In 2015, Islamophobia reportedly increased by 200% in the UK while anti-Muslim attacks in the US grew by 78%. The term Islamophobia is defined as unfounded hostility towards Islam. This includes unfair discrimination against Muslim individuals and communities and the exclusion of Muslims from political and social affairs.

But the term Islamophobia is somewhat confusing: it supports the idea that there is only one Islam and implies a fear of it. Some have argued for new, more accurate terms such as anti-Muslimism. Like the word itself, the phenomenon of Islamophobia is equally complex, and cannot be put neatly into a box. Here are some of the ways it affects everyday life.

1) It isnt only experienced by Muslims

It is not only Muslims who are targeted by Islamophobic racism. A diverse range of people from different ethnic and religious minorities also encounter it on a daily basis, mostly as a result of people assuming that they are Muslims. Sikhs, Hindus, other south Asians, those with African heritages and even some central and eastern European migrants are all lumped into one category. This can make other religious and ethnic minorities insecure in public spaces, and in their everyday encounters with others.

2) It is shaped by geopolitics

Experiences of Islamophobia are strongly interconnected with geopolitical events such as 9/11, the 2005 London bombings, the 2013 Woolwich incident and the ongoing conflict in Syria. Research shows that experiences of racism and Islamophobia increase shortly after such events before declining gradually.

In addition, our own research has found that the reporting of such events in the mainstream media contributes to the negative stereotyping of Muslims. We interviewed young people, aged 12 to 26, who claimed that references to Muslims as extremists and as a threat to British ways of life in the media skew the publics perception of Muslim communities  despite frequent campaigns to challenge such negative associations.

3) It ignores the diversity of Muslim communities

Islamophobia makes it appear as if the Muslim community lacks any internal diversity. Muslims can be of any ethnicity and have varying attitudes with regards to how and when they practise their religion. Muslims also have different attitudes to, and ideas about, issues such as feminism, gender and sexuality. To lump them all into one category is to overlook the diversity of Muslim communities.

4) Its different for men and women

Women and men do not experience Islamophobia in the same way. Women are more likely to experience anti-Muslim sentiment, particularly if they are wearing a headscarf, hijab or burka. In fact, 61% of Islamophobic incidents reported to Tell MAMA in 2015 were against women, and 75% of these victims were visibly Muslim. For Muslim men, markers of Muslimness  such as having a beard, brown skin or wearing Asian clothes  increase the likelihood of them experiencing Islamophobia. Although men were less likely to experience Islamophobia than women, when they did, it was similar in nature, including verbal abuse, physical assault and threatening behaviour.

5) It can make Muslims wary of public places

Despite heavy coverage of Islamophobic attacks on public transport, our research has found that this racism is not restricted to specific places. It occurs in schools, colleges, neighbourhoods, public spaces and at airports.

Significantly, it also shapes Muslims mental maps of public spaces, and where they feel it is safe or unsafe for them to visit. Muslims are inclined to moderate their movements in public spaces and this at times feeds into debates about self-segregation and the accusation that Muslims are living parallel lives.

6) Attacks vary in intensity and nature

Physically aggressive forms of Islamophobia include outright extreme violence, as well as things like headscarfs being pulled off by fellow passengers on public transport. There is also name-calling, taunting, or individuals being made the subject of jokes and banter in public. Online Islamophobia is prevalent on social media sites, too, although such contexts also provide a space to challenge such behaviour.

The responses to these different forms of Islamophobia by those who experience it are also variable. Our research found that young people demonstrate resilience to so-called banter and name-calling. But for others, Islamophobia may mean subtle forms of avoidance and exclusion, such as being stared at, not having someone sit next to you on the bus or experiencing a general sense of social distance.

7) Islamophobia is reproduced institutionally

Government institutions can reinforce and reproduce Islamophobia through counter-terrorism initiatives, such as the UKs Prevent strategy for schools. There are a number of concerns about the ways that educational institutions monitor and survey students who look Muslim as a result of these policies, and how this leads to Muslim students feeling increasingly monitored when on campus.

Anti-Islamic sentiment is also experienced in the workplace  100% of participants in a small focus group recently said that they had directly experienced, witnessed, or have family members who had experienced discrimination in the workplace. Some Muslims may be reluctant to challenge such forms of discrimination as a result of what they see as aggressive secularism and feel silenced as a result.

8) Young people build new strategies

Young people have had to develop a range of strategies in order to negotiate and resist Islamophobia. Some have talked about adopting self-securitising techniques to mitigate against the harm of feeling targeted, avoiding certain spaces or conversations. Others, like Australian researcher Rhonda Itaoui have been more resistant and challenged Islamophobia through proactively speaking out against it  but not all have the confidence to do this.

Peter Hopkins, Professor of Social Geography, Newcastle University; Gurchathen Sanghera, Lecturer, University of St Andrews, and Kate Botterill, Lecturer in Human Geography, Edinburgh Napier University

This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.
The US Department of Justice (DOJ) [official website] announced on Tuesday that it will file charges for misdemeanor contempt-of-court against Arizona Sheriff Joseph Arpaio. Arpaio is being charged for violating a court order [AP report] that required him to end his immigration patrols. A judge found that his immigration patrols were illegal because they racially profiled Hispanics. Arpaio claims [Slate report] that he unintentionally violated the orders and that he is being charged as a political move during the election season. The DOJ states [The Hill report] that it will continue investigating additional allegations against Arpaio and several of his aides.

In May Arpaio was found in contempt [JURIST report] for disobeying orders to stop his immigration patrols. Last July the DOJ and county officials in Phoenix agreed to settle [JURIST report] parts of a discrimination lawsuit filed against the Maricopa County Sheriffs Office in 2012. The DOJ filed charges against the Sheriffs Office for discriminatory practices in traffic stops, work and home raids, and in county jails, as well as claims of retaliation. The US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled in April of last year that Arpaio engaged in practices of racial profiling when conducting traffic stops, and in June a judge for the US District Court for the District of Arizona issued [JURIST reports] a pre-trial order accepting the other courts finding of racial profiling. In October 2014 a federal judge ordered [JURIST report] Arpaio to undergo the same training as his deputies to assist in the prevention of racial profiling and unlawful detention in the Sheriffs Office as part of the ongoing case against Arpaio for racial profiling. In 2013 a federal judge ruled [JURIST report] that Arpaio and his department engaged in unconstitutional racial profiling during the execution of immigration patrols.
The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) [official website] ruled [judgment; press release] Tuesday that the 2007 detention of political activist and chess champion Garry Kasparov [personal website] by Russian authorities was illegal. Kasparov was detained in Moscow for five hours while trying to board a flight. Kasparov was traveling to Samara to attend an opposition rally at the EU-Russia summit. The court held that Kasparov was deprived of his liberty after his passport had been confiscated and an armed guard had been posted at the door of his holding room. Further, the court ruled that because Kasparov was traveling to a political demonstration, his right to freedom of assembly had been effectively infringed as his arrest prevented his attendance in Samara. Russian authorities maintained that Kasparov was being investigated for forgery of his airline ticket.

Kasparov has faced numerous criminal charges from the Russian government for his involvement in political opposition over the years. In 2013 the ECHR ordered [JURIST report] Russia to compensate Kasparov, for his unjustified 2007 arrest. In December 2008 Kasparov was arrested [JURIST report] at an organizational meeting to form Solidarnost, a group with the stated intent of dismantling the regime of current Russian President Vladimir Putin. He was also arrested in November 2007 at an anti-Putin demonstration two weeks before parliamentary elections and has accused Putin of forming a puppet judiciary [JURIST reports] to persecute opposition leaders. Formerly the undisputed world chess grandmaster, Kasparov retired from professional chess in 2005 to focus on political activism. He is the founder and chairman of the United Civil Front, a political movement working to preserve electoral democracy in Russia.
A study [HRW report] released Wednesday by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and Human Rights Watch (HRW) [advocacy websites] found that arrests for possessing marijuana exceeded arrests for violent crimes. Law enforcement agencies made roughly 13.6 percent more arrests [HRW press release] for possession of marijuana, reportedly for personal use, than arrests for violent crimes. The report noted [NYT report] that those charged with possession tend to have a more difficult time finding work. The report found that while there is a steep decline in crime rates and arrests in most areas, arrests for drug possessions has increased by 13 percent. The report also notes that there seems to be a disparate impact on minorities who tend to be more likely to be arrested for drug possession.

In the US, the legal use and sale of marijuana for both medical and recreational purposes remains a controversial issue, with a number of states contemplating various legalization initiatives. In August the Drug Enforcement Agency maintained [JURIST report] marijuanas dangerous drug status. In April Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf signed a bill [JURIST report] legalizing medical marijuana. In March the US Supreme Court declined to hear [JURIST report] a case brought by Nebraska and Oklahoma against Colorado, challenging its marijuana laws. In November 2014 voters in Alaska, Oregon and Washington, DC voted [JURIST report] to legalize recreational marijuana.
[JURIST] The US Supreme Court [official website] on Tuesday heard argument [day call, PDF] in the cases of Samsung Electronics Co. v. Apple, Pena-Rodriguez v. Colorado and Manrique v. United States [SCOTUSblog backgrounders]. In Samsung Electronics, Samsung Corporation challenged [transcript, PDF] a $400 million verdict [opinion, PDF] in Apples favor that held Samsungs copying of the graphical user interface and front screen of the iPhone infringed design patents held by Apple. The challenge involves interpretation of a portion of the US Code that provides that any person who applies a patented design to any article of manufacture is liable  to the extent of his total profit. The question is whether total profit considers only the income from the infringement, the screen and interface, or all of Samsungs phone sales.

In Pena-Rodriguez v. Colorado, the court is considering a challenge [transcript, PDF] to a Colorado rule of evidence [Rule 606(b)], known as the no impeachment rule, that prevents jurors from testifying after a verdict as to what happened during deliberations. Pena-Rodriguez, a Colorado man of Mexican descent, was found guilty of assaulting two teenage women at a racetrack. After finding Pena-Rodriguez guilty, two jurors came forward and alleged that another juror, a former police officer, had made racially biased statements asserting the defendants guilt because hes Mexican, and Mexican men take whatever they want. The question presented is whether the no impeachment rule violates the Sixth Amendments guarantee of trial by an impartial jury. The Colorado Supreme Court previously affirmed [opinion, PDF] that the jurors bias falls within the no impeachment rule.

The Supreme Court also heard argument in the case of Manrique v. United States, in which a defendant appealed an initial verdict [transcript, PDF] but not a post-hearing award of restitution. The longstanding practice of incorporating restitution into an initial sentencing order, but amending the order with a later-defined amount, was previously upheld [opinion] by the Supreme Court. Now, the Supreme Court is asked to determine whether an appeal of an initial sentencing order is sufficient as an appeal of a restitution order as well. The US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit ruled [opinion, PDF] that the failure to appeal deprived the appeals court of jurisdiction to hear the issue.
[JURIST] The US Supreme Court [official website] on Tuesday overturned [opinion, PDF] the death sentence of an Oklahoma man convicted of killing his girlfriend and her two children. During sentencing, the prosecution had asked three members of the victims family to recommend a sentence to the jury, to which the defendant objected. The judge permitted the family members to do so, and all three recommended the death sentence. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals [official website] found [opinion, PDF] that there was no error in this procedure. In a per curiam opinion, the Supreme Court vacated the sentence and remanded the case to determine whether the family members recommendation affected the jurys decision to impose the death penalty.

Capital punishment [JURIST op-ed] remains a controversial issue in the US and worldwide. In May the Supreme Court upheld a stay [JURIST report] of execution for Alabama inmate Vernon Madison. A few days before that a Miami judge ruled [JURIST report] that Floridas revamped death penalty law is unconstitutional because it does not require a unanimous agreement among jurors to approve executions. In April Virginias General Assembly voted [JURIST report] to keep secret the identities of suppliers of lethal injection drugs. In February the US Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit rejected [JURIST report] a Georgia death row inmates legal challenge to the death penalty. In January Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood stated that he plans to ask lawmakers to approve the firing squad [JURIST report], electrocution or nitrogen gas as alternate methods of execution if lethal injection drugs become unavailable.
[JURIST] Maina Kiai [official website], UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, warned [press release] Tuesday that the Egyptian government seems to be systematically attacking civil society in an effort to silence its voice. Specifically targeting non-governmental organizations and human rights defenders, the Egyptian government has continued to crackdown on rights that has persisted since 2011. Kiai called on the government of Egypt to halt the ongoing harassment of human rights defenders and organizations and urge the government to ensure the compliance of the NGO draft law with international law standards, following a transparent consultation process with the civil society organizations.

Egypt has been internationally scrutinized in recent months over allegations of human rights infringements and free speech violations. Last month an Egyptian court froze assets [JURIST report] of five notable human rights activists and three NGOs for allegedly accepting foreign funds without governmental authorization. In July Amnesty International criticized [JURIST report] the Egyptian government for abducting and torturing hundreds of citizens during a crackdown on political activists and protesters. And in May the UN urged [JURIST report] the Egyptian government end its oppressive response towards human rights advocates in the country. The experts reported that Egypt has cracked down on protesters, journalists, lawyers and human rights defenders in recent years by conducting mass arrests, using aggressive force and invading peoples privacy.
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Boris Postnikov responds to Paul Mason colonialist analysis of the situation in the Balkans, and Croatia in particular, which recently appeared in the Guardian.

Paul Masons recent visit to Croatia calls to mind a similar visit made by Paul Krugman, a Nobel laureate and internationally recognized intellectual leader, four years ago as part of his grand Eastern European tour. Krugman was sponsored by a major tobacco corporation and, for a lavish fee, he gave a routine lecture in the tourist town of Rovinj. The local media concentrated on Krugmans visit for days, fascinated by the brief visit of the biggest Keynesian star of the economic mainstream.

It is a shame that none of the local commentators and reporters remembered to drop by Krugmans popular blog, The Conscience of a Liberal, updated daily in the New York Times. In this blog they may have found the value that this visit to Croatia actually held for their beloved guest. In two days Krugman published seven posts. Four of these posts dealt thoroughly with the last United States election campaign and two analysed current movements of the British economy. Croatia was only mentioned in the last post just before Krugmans departure, which consisted of a single sentence and an accompanying link: Hey, its night where I am, which is sort of the point of this video  its pack up the suitcase, la la la time. Krugman included a link to a YouTube clip of the song, Glamorous Life, from Stephen Sondheims musical A Little Night Music .

The self-irony in Krugmans choice of this song, about a once popular actress who, at the end of her career, has to perform in remote provincial towns, cashing in on her old glory, might have seemed cute if you hadnt stumbled upon it while surfing the internet in Croatia. Implicit in this choice was cynicism towards the small, peripheral country that was in those days  with the journalists naive enthusiasm and the sponsors generous fee  setting the media stage for the new provincial performance of the famed intellectuals glamorous life.

In his text Mason served a spectacular course of nonsense, mistaken assumptions, uninformed speculation and partial information.

Three weeks ago Croatia welcomed the journalist, Paul Mason, another renowned star of the intellectual left. After only a couple of days at FALIS  Festival of the Alternative and the Left, in the seaside town Sibenik, Mason, whose book PostCapitalism was recently translated into Croatian, attempted to explain to the world the dynamics of Croatias freshly held parliamentary election from the pages of the influential Guardian.

If nothing else, at least he devoted more attention to Croatia than Krugman had done, offering analysis instead of wisecracks and songs. After reading his text, however, it is difficult to decide which approach is better. Under the headline, Croatias election is a warning about the return of nationalism to the Balkans, Mason served a spectacular course of nonsense, mistaken assumptions, uninformed speculation and partial information, introducing readers to Croatia seen from an ignorant, colonial perspective, making up for its lack of understanding of the local context by perpetuating an abundance of shabby Balkanist stereotypes.

Mason opens his commentary with a striking moment from the FALIS festival when the audience was addressed by the last of the citys partisans, a former member of the national resistance movement that organized the opposition to Fascist and Nazi occupiers and domestic collaborators in WWII. The old man recalled that, after the victory in 1945, people had been willing to build factories, roads, and buildings voluntarily, and without payment. However, he declared, today such collective projects would be completely unimaginable. The words of this man, at the beginning of the article, may be the last unproblematic lines of Masons text. Rather than listing the many mistakes that follow, it is enough to simply review Masons misguided interpretation of the election in order to illustrate his ignorance about the environment he chose to write about.

It also becomes clear in Masons article that the headline is almost a year out of date and completely misses the mark.

In the parliamentary elections which took place in September 2016, the Croatian Democratic Union (HDZ) unexpectedly, although closely, defeated the favoured Social Democratic Party. Mason has declared that the most likely outcome of the parliamentary election is the great coalition of two of Croatias most powerful political parties, the nationalists and the social democrats.

However, almost three weeks after the election, although the negotiations to form a new government are still ongoing and various coalitions have been discussed, Masons great coalition appeared only once, and very briefly. After the announcement of the first election results, and the SDPs unexpected election defeat, Zoran Milanovic, president of the SDP, suggested such a coalition indirectly in a last-ditch attempt to save his position in the party. Nobody took it seriously. Suffice it to say that Milanovic did not mention it the following day, when he resigned instead.

A superficial glance at the balance of power on the Croatian political scene allows insight into why such a coalition would not be possible. In the past year, the conservative HDZ ran the least successful coalition government in the countrys short history; a coalition which promoted radical nationalism, historical rehabilitation of the countrys WWII quisling movement, hysterical anti-communism and hate speech against minorities.

That coalition fell apart due to its own incompetence and the corruption scandals of HDZs President Tomislav Karamarko. After Karamarkos recent resignation the HDZ installed the sleek Brussels MEP Andrej Plenkovic at the head of the party. The partys radical faction tactically retreated and its aggressive rhetoric was softened. These manoeuvres won back the HDZs lost popularity in just a couple of months, while the SDPs attempt to respond with a tactical move to the right and harder, almost nationalist, postures ended in disaster.

It is clear that the unexpected election winner would have no interest in allying itself to the obvious loser, especially while they might choose to form a coalition with several smaller parties of different profiles, allowing them to assemble a parliamentary majority. However, it also becomes clear in Masons article that the headline is almost a year out of date and completely misses the mark. The return of nationalism was actually a feature of the previous Croatian election. We have witnessed precisely the opposite during the latest election. Despite the undeniable influence of radical right-wing currents in Croatian society, this election has proved that a government based on such values does not have the capacity to govern the country. Instead, a Europeanized version of the right seems to be the winning card and voters have shown that they reject the attempts of liberals to move towards nationalism.

Despite the undeniable influence of radical right-wing currents in Croatian society, this election has proved that a government based on such values does not have the capacity to govern the country.

Why should Mason need to read the parliamentary election as a symptom of the return of nationalism to the Balkans, even though all these facts suggest otherwise? Masons interpretation links the events in Croatia with the recent rise in nationalist tendencies in neighbouring Bosnia and Herzegovina in order to reach the triumphant conclusion: If Europe wants to make the Balkans work, it needs to understand the limits of its current approach. It has lowered accession standards for countries in east and south-east Europe, in order to bring them into its enlargement project. () [I]n the short term, what is vital is for western European democracies to engage with the Balkans and promote democratic culture and institutions. It was, ultimately, US diplomacy that imposed the peace of 1995. Today it is squarely the EUs task to maintain it. The problem, according to Mason, is that Europe has been too lenient towards the Balkans, and should instead discipline the democratically-ignorant post-socialist children in the manner of a strict tutor.

This belief is quite widespread among liberal intellectual circles in Croatia too. These circles also draw another conclusion from Masons article: before the accession to the EU in 2013, Croatia was better, more regulated and more civilized than it is now, and that, after the end of pre-accession control of Brussels, Croatia let its chauvinist genies out of the bottle. The problem with these (auto)colonialist interpretations, based as they are on the dichotomy between a developed and civilized Europe and an inherently backward Balkans, is that they overlook the extent to which an underdeveloped Balkans is systemically dependent on, and complemented by, a developed Europe.

Clinging to this myth of a developed, civilized, advanced Europe cannot offer Croatia (or the Balkans) the coveted solution for its problems for the simple reason that it created, and continues to reproduce, many of these problems.

The radical right, nationalism, and xenophobia are thriving right now across developed Europe, from the Scandinavian model of capitalism with the human face, across France and Germany, all the way to Masons Britain. Croatian nationalism, since its establishment in the late eighties and early nineties, has legitimized itself, primarily, through Croatias alleged, centuries-old attachment to Western European civilization, thus clearly distinguishing itself from easternmost ex-Yugoslav republics. This pro-European line, legitimising radical right-wing positions, has continued, with certain variations, throughout the final, recently-completed mandate of local historical revisionists. While tacitly reaffirming the local pro-fascist, and pro-Nazi, movement, in response to criticism from the left, these revisionists invoked the European Parliament resolution on European conscience and totalitarianism, which condemns both Nazism and Communism, and accused their critics of being communist totalitarians in disguise.

Parallel to the governments sharp ideological turn to the right, it has obediently followed Brusselss economic guidelines, preparing the sale of state property and new attacks on workers rights. In part this is the reason why, to Masons surprise, HDZ didnt get a slap on the wrist from European institutions, despite flirting with a pro-fascist legacy. Masons tear-jerking description of Croatia as a country with 40 percent youth unemployment and 90 percent public debt has less to do with the Balkans than it does with the broader structure of economic conditions on the European periphery.

It is impossible to understand this peripheral economic structure without accounting for processes such as the privatization of the local banking sector; the banking sector is sold to German, French and Austrian owners, who then introduce consumer loans in order to help locals buy German and French cars, and, by borrowing money, contribute to the development of the centre. Masons remarks about the Croatian coasts dependence on tourism (i.e. the well-off European guests), and his lamentations of the workforce leaving the country to go and work in the West, may be similarly interpreted. We could go on listing such examples, but the conclusion is plain. Clinging to this myth of a developed, civilized, advanced Europe cannot offer Croatia (or the Balkans) the coveted solution for its problems for the simple reason that it created, and continues to reproduce, many of these problems.

Local socialism was an autonomous emancipatory movement with no historical precedent in the Balkans, an epochal project rooted in faith in the peoples knowledge and ability, without a need for the interference of an external guide.

When the story of Europes salvific role is auto-colonialistically proclaimed by Croatian intellectual, liberal elite, the public figures who generally receive symbolic and material profit from Europe, it is, for the most part, ridiculous. However, it is irritating to hear the same discourse from the mouth of a European, an activist-tourist who needs only a few days on the Adriatic coast to form clear-cut opinions. In this regard, Krugmans disinterested link to an entertaining song may be the more decent approach.

But there is another, significant, difference between Krugman and Mason. Krugman came to Croatia four years ago, at the expense of a powerful and wealthy corporation. Mason attended a marginal leftist gathering, invited by people who are trying  albeit in the politically impotent form of a festival  to preserve some kind of leftist political tradition, a tradition which has been abandoned and forgotten by the political scene since the breakup of Yugoslavia.

The socialist tradition can, of course, be blamed for many things, but one aspect of its legacy remains extremely important today. The old partisan of Masons text was a member of the national resistance movement that defeated Nazism and refused Western European capitalism, after which Yugoslavia also rejected Soviet Stalinism, choosing to establish the world association of non-aligned countries and an openly anti-imperialist, anti-colonialist state policy.

Local socialism was, therefore, in its basic form, an autonomous emancipatory movement with no historical precedent in the Balkans, an epochal project rooted in faith in the peoples knowledge and ability, without a need for the interference of an external guide. For this reason, attending an event that preserves and restores the tradition of that movement should not culminate in this kind of intellectual escapade. It is a question of basic political hygiene, but also  to end with a taste of typical Balkan sentimentality and pathos  simply a question of respect for the old partisans.

Boris Postnikov is a publicist, essayist and literary critic. He lives in Zagreb.

Translated by Lana Pukanic.

The article was originally published on PoliticalCritique.org.
KEARNEY  A Missouri man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted robbery after he allegedly demanded money from another man in a Kearney hotel parking lot.

At about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, a Colorado man told the Kearney Police Department he was stopped by the Missouri man in the parking lot. The Missouri man allegedly told the Colorado man to give him money or he would steal the Coloradans car.

Police contacted the Missouri man in the parking lot and arrested him on suspicion of felony attempted robbery. The suspect was expected to appear before a Buffalo County Court judge later today.

An earlier version of the story is below.

A Missouri man is in jail on suspicion of attempted robbery at a Kearney hotel after confronting a Colorado man in the parking lot.

At about 10:30 p.m. Wednesday, a Kearney Police Department report says, the Missouri man told the Colorado man to give him money or he was going to steal the Coloradan's car.

Stay with kearneyhub.com for more details as they become available.
OMAHA -- Dr. Chhanda Bewtra spoke with the spunkiness of a newly retired woman, the smarts of a lifelong teacher, the certainty of a physician.

Asked to evaluate Anthony Garcia  a former resident she was in charge of at Creighton University Medical Center  Bewtra wasted no words.

Rude. Adversarial. Disruptive. Belligerent. Arrogant. Lazy. Combative. Passive-aggressive. Mocking. Mean-spirited.

He once suggested that Bewtra had concocted her breast-cancer diagnosis.

He said it was a hoax  that I was just making it up as an excuse not to work, she testified Tuesday. He was absolutely the worst resident in my 40 years of teaching.

A prosecutor asked Bewtra to point out Garcia in court. She strained.

The short woman  with dark hair virtually devoid of gray  stood up in her green dress. She craned her neck past a monitor and nodded her head toward the defendant, who was sitting at the end of his four-person defense table.

I recognize him, she said. He lost a lot of weight and he wears glasses, but I recognize him.

Tuesday  Day 6 of the Anthony Garcia trial  wasnt a good look for Garcia.

In week one, prosecutors documented the gruesome knife slayings of Thomas Hunter, 11, and Shirlee Sherman, 57, in March 2008; the shooting and stabbing of Dr. Roger Brumback, 65, and the stabbing of Mary Brumback, 65, in May 2013. Prosecutors also accuse Garcia of trying to break into Bewtras house.

As the trial spilled into week two Tuesday, prosecutors turned jurors attention to motive: the festering grudge that they say Garcia harbored over his 2001 firing from Creightons pathology department.

To that end, Kleine brought back the man who opened the states case  Dr. William Bill Hunter, Bewtras colleague and the former head of the residency program at Creighton. Hunter already had testified to his gruesome discovery of Thomas and Sherman after arriving home from the pathology department on March 13, 2008.

Hunter testified Tuesday to his knowledge of Garcia as a first-year resident in 2000 and 2001. Hunter testified that he took over as director of the pathology residency program in January 2001. At that point, he said, the program had about 8 to 10 residents.

One who stood out: Garcia. And not because he was excelling.

As director, Hunter had to evaluate Garcia and the other residents every six months. That means Hunter had to rely on the teaching doctors who were in charge of the residents. Immediately, the reviews were not good.

One warning sign: Hunter said only three of the six doctors had submitted reviews of Garcia. When Hunter pressed the other three on why they hadnt, they told Hunter they were concerned about Garcia and didnt want to put anything in writing.

Bewtra, on the other hand, wasnt bashful.

Then in charge of surgical pathology, Bewtra gave Garcia several unacceptable ratings. His worst: Attitude.

Very passive/aggressive, she wrote. Dr. Garcia showed marked lack of initiative and interest. He took no responsibility for his cases. His knowledge ... is very poor. When specifically asked to read up on certain topics and report back, he never did.

In a Feb. 15, 2001, email to Hunter, Bewtra wrote that Garcia was extremely unpleasant in his behavior during a conference on tumors.

Without any reason or provocation, he began mouthing off, calling me names and in spite of repeated efforts of the chief resident ... continued in his belligerent tirade, she wrote. He should be put on probation. If this continues, his contract should be terminated.

That same day, Garcia sent a letter to Hunter about Bewtra.

Bewtra hound(s) you by saying you should know this and why dont you know,  he wrote. Her purpose is to put you down and have you submit to her power. She uses her position to verbally abuse the residents she works with.

Garcia then doubled down a day later.

In an email to his chief resident, Garcia wrote: I would like you to inform Bewtra that she has insolent behavior and she has on many occasions humiliated, degraded and has insulted me. If she illegally defames my name again or abuses me again, I will sue her.

The chief resident forwarded the email to Bewtra. Fed up, Bewtra forwarded Garcias email to Hunter, with a handwritten note.

Bill ... how many more documentations do you need? she wrote. I think we have enough good cause for immediate termination. ... He should have been on probation long ago.

Bewtra testified that she was anything but abusive. She was a tough teacher who expected residents to know their stuff. However, she said, I was very fair.

And Garcia was failing, she said.

He was arrogant when I asked him questions, Bewtra said. And then he would actually blame me for not knowing the answers. He would say I was deliberately humiliating him. So much so that I once asked him to tell me what you know and I will just ask that.

Hunter said the problem was Garcia, not Bewtra.

She is probably one of our best educators, Hunter said of the now-retired doctor. She is tough. But she is fair and very level-headed.

Hunter said Bewtra wasnt the only concerned professor. At one point, Hunter said, he witnessed Garcias insolent behavior. During an autopsy, Garcia had missed obvious signs of a blood clot as a cause of death. Another teacher said Garcia should know the answer  and not at all maliciously suggested that a second-year medical student would.

Garcia went ballistic.

Dr. Garcia got very belligerent, Hunter said. It was very disturbing.

I can tolerate some intellectual weakness. But attitude? Attitude is a concern.

So, Hunter said, he decided to meet with Garcia. He said he asked Garcia if he was happy with the program and the teachers.

He said yes, he was, Hunter said. I said, Well, show some enthusiasm then. Try to work with them.

A month later, on March 15, 2001, Garcia wrote a two-paragraph email to Bewtra.

Have spoken with Dr. Hunter and he said that you feel that I owe you an apology, Garcia wrote. I am sorry if any of my words have insulted you. I have spoken to Dr. Hunter and I expressed my goals to not run from problems here to another residency program. ... I have told Dr. Hunter that I will change to become the resident the faculty wants.

He didnt. Within three months of that email, he and another resident sabotaged another resident in the middle of a critical exam. Garcia was fired.

Bewtra testified that she had no contact with Garcia after that. In fact, she said she didnt initially give his name when police asked whether she knew of any disgruntled former residents after the Brumbacks were killed.

Prosecutor Brenda Beadle asked whether Garcia had ever been to Bewtras home.

As far as I know, she said, hes never been there.

Beadle: Well, you do know (he has) now, dont you?

Bewtra: I do know now.

Hardly, the defense said.

Garcias attorneys sharply disputed prosecutors contention that Garcia tried to break into Bewtras home the same day that the Brumbacks were killed. After the Bewtras reported the attempted burglary, Omaha police crime-scene investigators took swabs of skin cells left on the back door.

The results? In DNA terms, Garcia could not be excluded as the contributor, a forensic analyst testified Tuesday.

Garcias attorney, Jeremy Jorgenson, noted that the odds attached to that DNA test were hardly jaw-dropping: a 1 in 12 chance that the source of the DNA was someone other than Garcia.

Under Jorgensons questioning, forensic DNA analyst Mellissa Helligso testified that a pretty solid result typically involves odds in the millions or billions.

However, Douglas County Attorney Don Kleine pointed to another form of DNA testing that Helligso performed.

Each strand of DNA has 16 locations that scientists such as Helligso evaluate. Further, each location has two numbers assigned it: one for the mother, one for the father.

In her further testing, Helligso singled out the male markers from the swab of the door handle and compared them to Garcias male markers.

Twelve of the 16 markers were a match, she said. In short, prosecutors argue, that means either Garcia or a male member of his family left the DNA on that door handle.

Garcias attorneys didnt concede that. In fact, they made only one concession Tuesday.

Robert Motta Jr. acknowledged that Garcia and Bewtra werent fond of each other.

However, he also noted that Bewtra told police that she never felt threatened by Garcia during his time at Creighton.

He also pointed to a handful of other residents who had performance or behavioral problems.

None rose to Garcias level, Bewtra said.

Back in 2001, Bewtra did have one good thing to say about Garcia.

On her first evaluation of him  Dec. 4. 2000  the veteran Creighton teacher gave Garcia high praise in one part of his rotation: technical proficiency.

In cursive, she wrote that his skills were good in one area in particular:

Cutting.
WASHINGTON  U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer is back on the Trump train.

In fact, the Nebraska Republican says she never left  despite her call last weekend for Donald Trump to step aside and allow running mate Mike Pence to take his place at the top of the partys presidential ticket.

"Like most Nebraskans, I am fully committed to defeating Hillary Clinton," Fischer said Tuesday during an interview on KLIN. "I support the Republican ticket and I plan to vote for Mr. Trump and Mr. Pence on Nov. 8."

Fischers call for Trump to step aside came after the release of a 2005 video in which Trump crudely bragged that his celebrity status allowed him to kiss women and grab their genitals at will.

On the radio Tuesday, Fischer reiterated her denunciation of those comments, but noted that she never said she wasnt going to vote for the man.

"I was disgusted by his comments," Fischer said. "As a woman and as a Republican, it was very upsetting to hear him make those remarks. But I know that he believes in the policies that I do with regards to regulation and tax reform and thats what we need. And what we need to do is to defeat Hillary Clinton on Nov. 8 so that we can work with an administration thats going to be supportive of the policies that I certainly support and that most Nebraskans do."

She said she would not continue to call for Trump to step aside.

"He decided he was not stepping aside," she said. "I respect his decision."

Fischers fellow Nebraska Republican in the Senate, Ben Sasse, has been a vocal, prominent GOP critic of Trump. He has long said that he never could support Trump for president even as the partys nominee.

"A presidential candidate who boasts about what hell do during his reign and refuses to condemn the KKK cannot lead a conservative movement in America," Sasse wrote earlier this year.

Sasse also was among those calling over the weekend for Trump to step aside, but he went a step further  saying that he plans to cast his presidential vote for Pence.

"Sasse is likely to write in Pence because he wants to see Republican principles beat Hillary Clinton," Sasse spokesman James Wegmann told The World-Herald.

Fischer was asked about that Pence write-in strategy during Tuesdays radio interview  and she rejected it.

"We do have a choice here, and its a choice between Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton," she said. "If you want your vote to count, you will vote for one or the other."

She said Trump would make better appointments to the Supreme Court and do a better job of protecting the rights of gun owners.

"Its important for all of us, when it comes down to it, to make that tough choice," Fischer said. "To me, its not a tough choice because I know where the Republican ticket is on these issues."
We have been appalled to see two recent mailings and receive a telephone call that depict Bob Lammers of Kearney as a liberal, irresponsible District 37 candidate for the Legislature. They are not only basically false, but they smear a very conscientious individual who has served Kearney well.

Lammers record as a member of the Kearney City Council has been commendable. He is a man of integrity having worked with kids and adults in various capacities. He has an agricultural heritage that provides him motivation to promote all phases of agriculture. His goal is to stimulate economic and job growth using policies that do not encourage tax increases. He has always been a dedicated family man.

The ads that are so reprehensible have likely come through the backing of the governors family. Many citizens of this community have received them. As many of you know, the governor hand-picked candidates in five Nebraska districts to support his agenda. His basis for this effort was that the Legislature had overridden vetoes and thus he sought new members who, he believed, were congenial with his agenda.

As we all know, Nebraska has been applauded as a model that allows a non-political affiliation for legislative candidates. That orientation has allowed legislators the freedom to decide according to their understanding of their constituents views.

Action in the Legislature is free of the well-known political battles that parties engage in throughout the country. Obviously, disagreements will occur in the Legislature, between members as well as in their negotiations with the governor. However, ones political affiliation does not have to be identified  legislators can be truly honest in their decisions.

Voters would do well to consider the candidates according to their merits rather than the consequence of a pernicious ad.

Marvin and Lucille Stone, Kearney
FILE - In this April 9, 2012, file photo, Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej is pushed on a wheelchair as he leaves Siriraj hospital to preside over the royal cremation of his cousin Princess Bejaratana Rajasuda Sirisobhabannavadi in Bangkok. Thailand's stock market and currency tumbled and the prime minister canceled an overseas trip Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, amid concerns about long-ailing king's health. His son, the crown prince, returned home from Germany. (AP Photo/Wason Wanichakorn, File)
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FILE - In this July 29, 2015, file photo, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton speaks during a hearing in Austin, Texas. Paxton is closer to standing trial on criminal fraud charges after the stateAos highest appeals court refused to consider dismissing his felony indictments. The decision Wednesday, Oct. 12, 2016, exhausts the RepublicanAos efforts to end the case before trial. Paxton is accused of misleading wealthy investors he personally recruited for a high-tech startup in 2011, four years before becoming TexasAo top prosecutor. He has pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)
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I recently learned of yet another medical student suicide. Ari Frosch, a second-year student at Penn, died by suicide by walking onto the northbound tracks as a Boston-bound Amtrak train passed through Mansfield station. Amtrak trains do not stop at Mansfield station. Police have surveillance tape of the victim trespassing and walking right onto the tracks. Theres no mystery surrounding this medical students very public suicide.

Yet his medical school reports that Ari died suddenly last week at home with family in Newton, Massachusetts. Except that he was not in Newton. He was in Mansfield. He was not with his family. He was not even at home. He was at a railroad station  where he died.

Why hide the truth in a lie? So nobody will know that each year more than one million Americans lose their doctors to suicide. So nobody will know that physician suicide is a public health crisis. So nobody will know how many medical students we lose to suicide each year.

Censorship just ensures that these suicides will continue. Next week our doctors will still be jumping from hospital rooftops, overdosing in call rooms, found hanging in hospital chapels. And these suicides will still be covered up by some of our hospitals, clinics, and medical schools  often with these handy little euphemisms.

Euphemisms to cover up medical student and doctor suicides

Doctor passed away unexpectedly in his sleep.

unexpectedly in his sleep. Doctor found dead in hospital. Declared non-suspicious.

His light went out too soon.

Medical student passed into eternity.

Doctor died by accidental overdose.

Medical student died suddenly at home.

She passed away peacefully.

He went to be with the Lord.

Euphemisms are vague, indirect expressions substituted for facts to avoid something unpleasant or embarrassing. Thats not science. Its deception. Word matter.

Heres a simple idea. Lets just tell the truth.

Pamela Wible was once a suicidal physician and now helps her colleagues find their way out of despair and hopelessness in medicine. Contact Dr. Wible here. Please reach out for help if you are suffering. You are loved.

She pioneered the community-designed ideal medical clinic and blogs at Ideal Medical Care, and is the author of Physician Suicide Letters  Answered and Pet Goats and Pap Smears. Watch her TEDx talk, How to Get Naked with Your Doctor. She hosts the physician retreat, Live Your Dream, to help her colleagues heal from grief and reclaim their lives and careers.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
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I was working a 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. locums shift a few months ago and was preparing to leave. There were about 15 patients in rooms and 15 waiting to come back. I asked the lone night physician: Hey, do you want me to stay a while? Her answer, defeated, was this: No, dont worry. Its always like this.

I packed my bag and headed to the hotel, still feeling guilty but also exhausted. And wondering why my colleagues are treated so poorly in emergency departments all over the land. I see it time and time again. Overwhelming numbers of patients with increasingly complex medical and social problems, versus inadequate physician coverage at all hours of the day, and especially the night. Weve all done it. Already fatigued, we have five chest pains yet to see, as well as a trauma on the way into the department. Two more patients have fever but dont speak English, and were waiting to make the translation line work. And theres a large facial laceration yet to be repaired. And thats just the first nine patients. Its not even three hours into the shift. (And the EMR backup is in process.)

For the full article, please visit Emergency Medicine News.

Edwin Leap is an emergency physician who blogs at edwinleap.com and is the author of the Practice Test and Life in Emergistan. This article originally appeared in Emergency Medicine News.

Image credit: Shutterstock.com
Come next year, hundreds of students will be walking the halls of a brand new school.

The United Independent School District broke ground on a new elementary school in Laredo's north side on Wednesday.

San Isidro Elementary is a $20 million school that will include about 40 classrooms, a computer lab and a science lab.

The school is expected to hold about 700 students in its first year.

The District focused creating a school in this area to handle the recent population growth.

"And one of the areas of higher priority for United is San Isidro, for the northeast sector of our District," says UISD Assistant Superintendent for Facilities Enrique Rangel. "So, this new elementary school, which will be called properly San Isidro Elementary School, will address the explosive growth that we've experienced in this area of the city."

Construction began four months ago, and is expected to be complete by August 2017.
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Kilkenny Vehicle Centre on the Callan Road has been awarded the Citroen and DS Automobiles Dealer of the Year Award 2016.

From a network of 20 authorised dealerships nationwide, the Kilkenny garage came out on top.

KVC director John ONeill was officially presented with the award by Chris Graham, Managing Director, Citroen and DS Ireland at the 2016 dealer conference in the Mullingar Park Hotel.

This long established dealership offers customers a large selection of new and used cars and commercial vehicles as well as finance packages to suit every budget.

At Kilkenny Vehicle Centre all the team are trained to the highest standards to ensure their customers receive the best possible experience when they visit the showroom.

Speaking about the award, Chris Graham, Managing Director, Citroen & DS Ireland, congratulated John and Cathal O'Neill and all the team at Kilkenny Vehicle Centre on winning this years Dealer of the Year Award.

The dealership has excelled in both their sales and aftersales departments, and I look forward to continuing to work with them in the months ahead as we prepare to launch four new vehicles to the Irish market, he added.

John ONeill, said he was delighted to accept the accolade of Dealer of the Year 2016 by Citroen and DS Ireland.

All the team at Kilkenny Vehicle Centre have worked extremely hard throughout the year to provide exceptional service to our customers, he said.

We look forward to growing our business further throughtout the remainder of 2016 and into 2017 as we continue to work with the team at Citroen and DS Ireland on these two exciting brands.
Three-dimensional microscaffolds for the cultivation of individual cells (actin colored green), which were functionalized specifically with two different proteins (red, magenta) by photochemical processes. (Photo: Benjamin Richter/KIT)

Three-dimensional printing is increasingly applied worldwide, like in toy and automotive industries. In micro- and nanoranges, use of the process for the artificial production of biological tissue (tissue engineering) might result in new findings, as it is the case for specifically designed 3D petri dishes. Three scientists of Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) developed a method to produce flexible, three-dimensional microscaffolds for cultivating cells under suitable conditions and to conduct corresponding research. For this, they are now granted the Erwin Schrodinger Prize by the Helmholtz Association of German Research Centers.

The strength of KITs research is not only reflected by the competencies and achievements of individual scientists, but also by their motivation to jointly and interdisciplinarily manage challenging research problems, says the President of KIT, Professor Holger Hanselka. The Erwin Schrodinger Prize for the professors Bastmeyer, Wegener, and Barner-Kowollik honors successful interdisciplinary cooperation for the joint development of highly innovative ideas and new research areas.

Every organism consists of cells, whose behavior and development depend on the mechanical and chemical properties of their three-dimensional environment among others, Professor Martin Bastmeyer of KITs Zoological Institute and Institute of Functional Interfaces says. To adequately study cells, it is therefore important to represent as realistically as possible the processes taking place in this environment. According to Bastmeyer, however, the existing experimental models frequently only cover cell cultivation in two-dimensional petri dishes, whereas the cell environment is not modeled adequately. In the setup and development of cells and their interaction with each other as well as their environment, these models often differ considerably from three-dimensional ones. The lack of adequate models significantly limits current tissue engineering potentials, Bastmeyer emphasizes.

Professor Martin Bastmeyer. (Photo: Markus Breig/KIT)

In order to produce three-dimensional microscaffolds for cell cultivation, the biologist contacted his colleague Martin Wegener, who works as a professor at the Institute of Applied Physics and heads a research unit at the Institute of Nanotechnology. Wegener has specialized in laser-based lithography: By means of this technique, we write the scaffolds into a special photoresist with a laser. This resist only hardens at those points that were exposed to the laser focus, the physicist explains. Upon the completion of writing, the researchers develop the structures by washing out the underexposed areas. The hardened parts remain and form the scaffold. The structures produced in this way are smaller than a hairs thickness, i.e. about 50 micrometers, Wegener says.

Professor Martin Wegener. (Photo: Andrea Fabry)

For these microscaffolds to be used as petri dishes for cell cultivation, they have to be provided with a biochemically active surface. In close cooperation with the groups of Wegener and Bastmeyer, Professor Christopher Barner-Kowollik of the Institute for Chemical Technology and Polymer Chemistry developed photoresists for producing functional scaffold structures. These resists are bio-orthogonal, which means that they enable cell adhesion without affecting the biological processes of the cell, Barner-Kowollik explains. Through specific photochemical processes, biomarkers are applied to certain points on the scaffold surfaces, to which the cells react. In this way, various signal molecules can be fixed flexibly to the scaffold in order to study the behavior of the cells cultivated there with high precision and spatial resolution.

Professor Christopher Barner-Kowollik. (Photo: Sandra Goettisheim/KIT)

Barner-Kowollik uses the photoresists to produce scaffold structures with reactive surfaces to which complex biological markers can be attached subsequently. Bastmeyer then cultivates the cells directly on the scaffolds produced by Wegener.

The team successfully used these three-dimensional scaffolds for the cultivation and investigation of myocardial, connective tissue, and stem cells. Cell behavior in this artificial environment is very close to that in the natural environment, but differs considerably from that on two-dimensional surfaces. The easy production of flexibly and specifically designed petri dishes opens up a wide range of opportunities for culturing biological tissue that might be used in medicine to replace or regenerate diseased tissue of patients.

The Stifterverband for Promoting Science and Education and the Helmholtz Association grant the Erwin Schrodinger Prize to the three researchers for their interdisciplinary cooperation in the area of 3D Laser Printing of Functionalized Microstructures. Since 1999, this prize has been awarded for work at the interface of various disciplines in medicine, natural sciences, and engineering and outstanding scientific or technical achievements. The prize is worth EUR 50,000. Click this link for a video on this research project www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPtHUbRkdco (in German only).

In addition, the Helmholtz Associations PhD Award in the research field Matter goes to a scientist of KIT: Wolfgang Gregor Hollik is granted the prize and thus EUR 5,000 for his PhD thesis Neutrinos Meet Supersymmetry: Quantum Aspects of Neutrino Physics in Supersymmetric Theories written at the Institute of Theoretical Particle Physics. The Helmholtz Association annually grants PhD Awards to young scientists in the research fields of Energy, Earth and Environment, Health, Key Technologies, Matter, and Aeronautics, Space and Transport.

For more information, click:

www.helmholtz.de/karriere_talente/foerderprogramme/doktorandenfoerderung/doktorandenpreis (in German only).

Being The Research University in the Helmholtz Association, KIT creates and imparts knowledge for the society and the environment. It is the objective to make significant contributions to the global challenges in the fields of energy, mobility, and information. For this, about 9,800 employees cooperate in a broad range of disciplines in natural sciences, engineering sciences, economics, and the humanities and social sciences. KIT prepares its 22,300 students for responsible tasks in society, industry, and science by offering research-based study programs. Innovation efforts at KIT build a bridge between important scientific findings and their application for the benefit of society, economic prosperity, and the preservation of our natural basis of life. KIT is one of the German universities of excellence.
Angkor Gold is the first North American-listed company with mineral assets in Cambodia and will be among the first to realize the value of this new and untapped region.

Angkor Wat, Source: lonelyplanet

The Kingdom of Cambodia, which is bordered by Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam, is a country with rich history and culture, most notably known for its Angkor Wat temples, the largest religious monument in the world. While mining is probably the last thing that comes to mind when thinking of this country, Cambodia does indeed have a developed mining industry, with its primary products being crushed stone, limestone, sand, and gravel.

Precious metals are not well represented. Most of the mines are small-scale, artisanal operations. The first soon-to-be-operating gold mine, Phum Syarung, is a product of collaboration between Mesco Gold Cambodia and Angkor Gold. In fact, on September 12, 2016, Phum Syarung received its commercial mining permit the first of its kind in Cambodia .

Investors will take notice of this development. Historically, Cambodia has been an afterthought in the minds of even the gutsiest of investors. That was the truth, but things will change now.

The current government is providing much needed stability to the countrys political system, and has been integral in the development and maintenance of investment ties to the outside world. The country has slowly been integrating foreign expertise into many sectors, and this openness for cooperation with foreign investors has led to a strong inflow in capital, something we predict will grow exponentially. The granting of the Phum Syarung mining license was a step in the right direction.

The government of Cambodia continues to work towards improving its national platform, yet most mining companies still prefer to explore elsewhere. While the recent recession has been tough on the global resource sector, the emerging-market jurisdictions offer incredible exploration potential that has been lately ignored in favour of the more established ones, like Nevada or Canadas provinces.

We agree that a measure of conservatism is healthy when it comes to global mining investment, however, the markets are now warming up to greenfield projects located in contrarian locations.

One reason for that is there are simply very few discoveries to be made in the established mining regions. Unless companies are looking for projects that were not feasible in the past or employ innovative methods of exploration, the odds are stacked against them.

Investors looking for opportunities exclusively in well-known jurisdictions ignore hidden value elsewhere. Companies that work in areas that investors are comfortable with trade at high multiples because of a safety premium. On the other hand, markets like Cambodia are still discounted due to investor inertia, and offer extremely profitable opportunities.

In short, this is the logic that makes us look favorably at Angkor Gold. As news about the countrys improving investment climate for mining spreads, new money will pour in. Furthermore, Angkor Gold has had an incredible head start in cherry-picking some of the best assets in Cambodia.

The Company  A Prospect Generator On The Cusp Of Cash Flow

Angkor follows a prospect-generator business model; the company strikes joint venture agreements with companies willing to commit capital to explore its portfolio of properties. In exchange, Angkor retains an ownership interest and/or a share of future mining revenue (net smelter return, or NSR).

Angkor has been working in Cambodia since 2009, and had their IPO in 2011. As of September 2016, Angkor has five flagship projects and five earlier-stage targets:

The latest developments at the Mesco Golds Phum Syarung mine has put it in the spotlight. Angkor entered into a sale agreement with India-based, Mesco Gold, on a small portion of its Oyadao South concession, which is home to the soon-to-be-operating Phum Syarung gold mine. Under the terms of the agreement, initially established in January of 2013, Mesco purchased the mineral rights on 12 square kilometres of the license. Angkor will receive a 2.0% NSR (Net Smelter Return) while the price of gold is less than $1,000 and will increase 0.25% for every $50 that the gold price exceeds $1,000 to a maximum of 7.5%. Angkor maintains no carried interest in the property or operations.

According to Angkors CEO, Mike Weeks, the mine was approved in record time; it only took just over five years to get from exploration to licensing. For comparison, the same amount of work in other more established jurisdictions may take up to 15-20 years . But make no mistake about it, the Ministry of Environment and some-20 workers pulled no punches. Mesco was required to submit a 750-page Environmental and Social Impact Assessment study that considered all the potential impacts of the proposed mine; a further 60-page addendum addressing tailings and rehabilitation; and covered the development plan for affected communities, environmental innovations, mine closure, and social impacts throughout the mine life.

Phum Syarung is anticipated to begin production in 2017, and describes its ramped-up volumes to reach 150,000 tonnes of ore per year. According to Mesco, the current life of mine is nine years, with each tonne of ore averaging 3.5 grams of gold. That, according to research and analysis, is on the overly conservative side. Lastly, Phum Syarung is just the beginning, with Oyadao North containing potential extensions of the mineralization and the area south of the mine yet to be defined for additional ore across the remainder of the 12 square kilometres. Mesco indicates its plan to expand the quantity and supply of ore from several targets that will add years to the mine life.

One of three adits at the PS mine

We need to note that the mine does not have a NI 43-101-compliant resource North American investors are used to seeing in production-ready properties. The Cambodian government greenlighted it with a UNFC (United Nations Framework Classification) and with further notes on a JORC report standard. The quality and quantity of gold ore was established based on drilling, testing, metallurgy, and assays conducted by the gold-focused subsidiary of the $4 billion India-based, Mesco Group.

Underground mining is of a nature that the resource generally increases once the miners are underground, allowing them to chase the veins as they swell and narrow through the bedrock. Of note and greater importance is the precedent established with this first commercial license. This provides the entire country with a model of a royalty paid to the government, which can be replicated by other companies in the sector. Mescos ability to self-finance the entire project and their flexibility to increase volume add further advantage.

Besides net smelter return arrangements from producing properties, Angkors business model involves a series of exploration partnerships designed to mitigate the risk of exploration and develop its multiple properties at the same time.

One of the most recent exploration deals it reached was the agreement with the state-owned, Japan Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) to explore Angkors 100% owned Oyadao South license. Oyadao South is a multimetallic, copper-gold-molybdenum property and within it, the company is focused on the Halo prospect, a hydrothermal-porphyry system.

The entire 247 square kilometer license has already been subject to intensive geophysical work, including an aeromagnetic and airborne radiometric survey. Reconnaissance has already delineated several specific targets. Historically, small-scale and artisanal mining has been witnessed across this and most of Angkors licenses.

JOGMEC has committed to spending US$3 million over the next three years on exploration to earn a 51% interest, with Angkor conducting all of the work. As mentioned earlier, the Halo prospect within Oyadao South is considered one of Angkors top prospects, discovered by geological field mapping, geochemical and aeromagnetic surveys, and samples yielding over 0.7% copper and 0.15% of molybdenum in rocks and 0.1% copper in soil. Oyadao South is now home to three porphyry systems with JOGMEC as the ideal partner, as Angkor would rather concentrate on gold-bearing epithermal deposits. IP is scheduled for November, and drilling in Q1 2017.

Angkors last option agreement is with Blue River Resources on Angkors Banlung tenement in Ratanakiri Province. Blue River can earn up to a 50% interest after the completion of a total investment of US$3.5 million in exploration over a 4 year period. Once satisfied, Blue River may then exercise their option on an additional 20% interest with the completion of a bankable feasibility study on the property.

Banlung is home to multi-element prospects in Okalla and Okalla West. The entire license has already been subject to an extensive geophysical campaign, with reconnaissance field truth mapping and a multi-element stream sediment geochemical survey. In May 2016, Angkor and Blue River doubled Banlungs gold surface anomaly from two square kilometres to over 4.3 square kilometres. The JV subsequently has begun shallow drilling, and samples will be reported when received.

The last asset we want to mention is another prize target in the Andong Meas license. Angkor acquired this license in 2012 and has identified five gold prospects within its bounds with grab samples containing gold values ranging from 0.5 g/t Au to +20 g/t Au.

Both small and medium-scale mining have historically occurred within the bounds of the license area and naturally the companys exploration will be close to these existing infrastructures. Having artisanal miners working within the boundaries of an exploration-stage property presents an enormous advantage as most of the exploration reconnaissance has been done. Many of the mines we see today are located in prolific artisanal mining sites.

In the 2016-2017 season, the company plans to conduct various types of exploration activities, from early-stage mapping and gravity exploration to drilling.

Angkors exploration efforts are focused on adding value through de-risking its projects. The company says that one of the key goals it keeps in mind when looking for and working at properties are value-generating deals. As a prospect generator, Angkor can only do that by securing partnerships with major companies with the bankroll to fund significant exploration programs. The fact that Angkor has been able to establish partnerships with $7.5 billion JOGMEC and $4 billion Mesco is an enormous reassurance that more blockbuster deals are in the pipe.

Share Capital  Supportive Shareholders And Cash In The Jeans

The companys investors are to a large extent a closely-knit group. More than two-thirds of the shares outstanding are in the hands of insiders and investors close to them.

Angkor has about 96 million shares outstanding. Its quite a lot for a company most of whose projects are at the earlier stages of exploration but given that Angkor holds multiple licenses, each with multiple prospects, and has been actively exploring for more than seven years, were not concerned about it.

Dilution is also low, the company has about 3 million options and approximately 1.5 million warrants out. We need to note that this is quite rare for a junior to have so few options and warrants outstanding. Normally a company that has been active for more than five years would have significantly more, which is testament to the companys conservative stance toward its capital structure.

Most of the outstanding warrants came from the financing it conducted in July 2016. Angkor raised ?$1.25 million by selling its units at C$0.40 per unit plus one  warrant at C$0.50 good for 12 months.

In August 2016, the company announced another financing. It now plans to attract C$1.5 million by selling units priced at C$0.43. When the financing goes through, the company will add 3.5 million shares and another 3.5 million of warrants exercisable at C$0.50. For this financing, Angkor has engaged the services of Gravitas Securities, who come with an enormous strategic network and a tremendous track record with mining companies.

The People Social Development And Mining

The companys CEO is Mike Weeks. He has over 25 years of engineering and project management experience and over 15 of those years, participated in natural resource concession negotiations with foreign governments  a skill vital when it comes to operating in an emerging market.

Mike Weeks  building relationships from the ground up

Working with local governments and communities is a critical factor in Angkor progressing. All resource investors need to recognize the geo-political risks involved when it comes to third-world countries. We have seen mining projects shut down due to opposition from local residents and politicians. Negotiations experience is just as important for a company like Angkor as technical expertise. The VP of Social Development, Delayne Weeks, puts it best:

Setting examples of how to make ethical change to improve the lives of people is an important part of educating everyone and building healthy communities and strong countries. We believe this should be done in every industry, not just the mineral sector.

Another key member of the companys team is John-Paul Dau, its VP of Operations. He lives and works in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and specializes in project management, financing, and development. Lastly, junior mining companies need to bring their story to the market in the most efficient way so having an experienced VP of Corporate Development is important. Stephen Burega is in charge of Corporate Development at Angkor; he brings to the company over 10 years of relevant experience.

Overall, the companys management team has the experience to manage its natural resource projects as well as its relationships with the local government and communities. This is seen with the calibre of Angkors portfolio of assets, and with the progress over the past few years on several platforms that established precedents for the entire sector in Cambodia.

Conclusion  Why We Are Buyers

It takes time to build expertise in a jurisdiction that causes hesitation for the most traditional investors. However, when it comes to making discoveries and working on greenfield projects, time is on the side of the company that has worked the longest to understand the geology, the culture, the government, and then build relationships and realistic expectations for all parties.

With Angkor, investors get a unique chance to enjoy an opportunity to diversify their resource-focused portfolio into a country that has just signaled it is ready to become a major mining jurisdiction. With the issuance of its first commercial mining permit, Cambodia has opened its doors for more investment capital to explore the countrys untapped natural endowment.

Angkor plans to spend the next several months actively exploring its multiple licenses, in anticipation of the first NSR payments to come from its first production milestone. When the money starts coming in, investors will realize that Angkor has a sustainable, long-term business model that is capable of financing future exploration work without going to the market to raise funds. This self-sustainability will be a major catalyst, and investors will be right to take a closer look at this company before its upside potential is realized, as we think it will.

By Palisade Radio
HANOI, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official market and indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi at 0055 GMT.

Oct 12 Oct 11 USD/VND mid-point 21,997 21,987

USD/VND interbank 22,300/22,310 22,295/22,305 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.45/35.72 35.50/35.77

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)
(Kitco News) - The bears are back in the woods as more bank analysts downgrade their gold forecasts following last weeks more than 5% drop, its biggest percentage decline in almost three years.



The latest bank to join the chorus of bear calls is ABN AMRO, with analysts at the bank saying that the 2016 bull market is over as gold has dropped below its 200-day moving average, which comes in at $1,260 an ounce. December Comex gold futures last traded at $1,254.30 an ounce, relatively flat on the day.



In a report published Wednesday, Georgette Boele, coordinator of FX and precious metals strategy at the bank, said that they expect gold prices to end 2016 at $1,200 an ounce, down from the previous forecast of $1,325. The Dutch bank expects prices to end next year at $1,150 an ounce, down from the previous forecast of $1,450.



Boele said that she is watching golds speculative interest to determine where prices are going in the near term. She warned that golds net length is still at elevated levels, despite last weeks liquidation, which caused the price drop.The latest data from the Commodity Futures Trading Commission shows gold's net length at 200,116 contracts, down about 26%percenage points from its all time high seen in early July.

The drop in gold prices since 27 September 2016 was the result of a relatively small position liquidation. If the positions in the futures market would be liquidated to the long-term average of around 100,000 contracts, prices will likely be back at the level we started this year, she said in the report. We think that it is unlikely that investors will add to their positions in short-term, which means that they will sell on rallies.

By Neils Christensen of Kitco News; nchristensen@kitco.com

Follow @Neils_C
LILLEHAMMER, Norway, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Norway's crown currency has strengthened more rapidly than the central bank had anticipated in its most recent forecasts, Governor Oeystein Olsen told Reuters on the sidelines of a conference on Wednesday.

In recent years the crown has weakened significantly along with a fall in oil prices, but has strengthened since late September.

"We had anticipated a stronger crown ... it has strengthened more rapidly than we predicted but we could still turn out to be right though, in the time to come," Olsen said.

(Reporting by Camilla Knudsen, writing by Terje Solsvik, editing by Gwladys Fouche)
HANOI, Oct 12 (Reuters) - Here's a snapshot of Vietnamese dong exchange rates in the official and unofficial markets, indicative SJC gold prices in Hanoi and interbank offered rates at 0418 GMT.

Oct 12 Oct 11

USD/VND mid-point 21,997 21,987 USD/VND interbank 22,303/22,304 22,300/22,310 USD/VND unofficial 22,360/22,375 22,350/22,370 SJC gold (mln dong/tael) 35.47/35.73 35.45/35.72

Interbank offered rates Overnight 0.3-0.9 0.4-0.9

1 week 0.4-1.0 0.4-1.3

1 month 1.4-2.2 1.5-2.4

3 months 3.2-4.2 3.2-4.2

NOTES: As of Jan. 4, 2016 the State Bank of Vietnam has begun setting the mid-point rate on daily basis, allowing dollar/dong transactions to move in a band of +/- 3 percent around the mid point. The dong's exchange rate against other currencies is not restricted by a band. Interbank offered rates are the latest indicative bid/ask prices, quoted from market sources.

One tael is equivalent to 37.5 grams or 1.21 troy ounces. SJC gold prices are quoted by state-owned Saigon Jewelry Co.

For more interbank rate fixings released at 0400 GMT, click on .

For Vietnam market overview click on: Vietnam's bonds market auctions: Bonds auction results: (Compiled by Hanoi Newsroom)
At a University of Washington lab, scientists filter Puget Sound water to catch floating DNA.

Contributed photo / Ryan Kelly

SHARE A water sample from a Puget Sound stream is run through a filter that catches DNA. Contributed photo / Wild Fish Conservancy Scientists Ryan Kelly and Jimmy O'Donnell take a water sample from Puget Sound for DNA analysis. Contributed photo / Greg Williams

By Tristan Baurick of the Kitsap Sun

A tool commonly used to solve crimes now is helping scientists find elusive creatures in Puget Sound.

A growing number of researchers are capturing genetic material from flecks of skin and other shed cells to reveal the presence of salmon, shellfish and other organisms in the sound's most vulnerable ecosystems.

"It's remarkable what we can learn now from a glass of seawater," University of Washington ecologist Ryan Kelly said. "It looks clear, but it's really a soup  a soup of cells and DNA. We can see several hundred families of animals in it."

Needing little more than a jar and a simple filter, the work of gathering environmental DNA  or "eDNA"  is quick, easy and relatively cheap. It might make some of the old wildlife census-taking methods  diving, netting and digging  obsolete.

Kelly recently led a team of scientists in the first use of eDNA to study the impact of cities on the marine environment.

Testing waters near Bremerton, Tacoma, Shoreline and other cities, the study revealed that urban shorelines support a denser array of animals than suburban and rural areas. Much of the diversity came from shellfish  clams, mussels, oysters and other mud dwellers.

Shellfish might like to live near people or it could be that people and shellfish simply prefer the same environmental conditions, Kelly said. Clams and oysters thrive in river and stream estuaries tucked in bays and inlets. That pretty much describes an ideal spot for a city  boasting both a fresh water source and a safe harbor for boats.

More UW studies using eDNA are either planned or underway. Free-floating DNA is being used to investigate biological diversity in commercial oyster beds, salmon distribution in the Skagit River and the effect of low dissolved oxygen in Hood Canal.

"With eDNA, we're treating the water like a crime scene investigation," said Andrew DeVogelaere, director of the California's Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, where Kelly and other researchers first proved eDNA's accuracy to a wide audience of marine scientists. "Where police look for skin, hair or saliva, we're looking for the same traces of DNA to find animals in their habitat."

The procedure is simple: Scientists gather a water sample and funnel it through a filter that catches any floating cells from body tissue, blood, saliva, feces and urine. At a lab, DNA is extracted and matched to the unique genetic signatures of more than 1,600 species.

The technique tested well against the traditional method of scuba dive surveys. An eDNA assessment of fish in a vast tank at the Monterey Bay Aquarium was found to be just as accurate as a tally conducted by divers.

"The DNA (test) described every fish in the tank, but it also described pig," DeVogelaere said. "Apparently, there was some swine in the fish food, and it picked that up, too."

Government and private sector scientists are clamoring to put eDNA to use studying salmon in the Elwha River, endangered candlefish in the Columbia River and invasive mussels in Oregon.

Wild Fish Conservancy pioneered eDNA's use in the Puget Sound region two years ago. The Duvall nonprofit's eDNA research is helping to map the distribution of bull trout and other threatened fish species.

"The technology's been around for a while  upward of 20 years," said Jamie Glasgow, the conservancy's research director. "It's only now starting to be widespread. I'm not sure why it took so long, because it's been an eye-opener for a lot of people."

Finding bull trout isn't easy, Glasgow said. They have shy temperaments, camouflage bodies and they're increasingly rare.

In the past, scientists might have walked or snorkeled an entire stream, counting any trout they saw.

But that approach is intrusive, requiring complicated permits and possibly harming fish habitat. It's also time consuming, likely taking several hours or days.

"We could spend a lot of time crawling up a stream channel or we can spend 10 minutes getting a water sample," Glasgow said.

The conservancy's eDNA-backed research is bucking the assumption that the larger species of salmon and trout turn their noses at small streams.

"We didn't expect to, but we found them in the small ones," Glasgow said. "Our hope is that this provides an argument for protective measures and can help guide restoration efforts."

DeVogelaere said eDNA has "huge potential," but it won't answer every question. It's biggest limitation is that it cannot accurately describe abundance.

"It can tell us a type of fish is there, but it can't say if there's 3,000 or just three," he said.

The UW's revelation about shellfish diversity in urban waters doesn't necessarily mean humans are boosting clam populations. Overflowing sewers and failed septics can feed algae that, in turn, feed shellfish, but Kelly noted that urban waters had low levels of cow, chicken and pig DNA  all of which are indicators of human waste.

"Human waste is not the answer, but humans might be contributors in other ways," he said.

Nutrient-rich runoff from fertilizers and other human sources might be a factor in urban shellfish diversity, Kelly said.

Adherents of eDNA foresee an explosion of its use in the coming years.

"Two years ago, when I described it to other (scientists), they looked at me with their heads cocked, like, 'Are you kidding or not?'" Glasgow said. "They'd say, 'Clearly this is science fiction.' Now the idea's settling in, and they're thinking about how they can apply it to what they're doing."
David Cumin, Juliet Moses and Paul Moon write:

The sovereign integrity of states is one of those building blocks on which the modern world operates. It is a guiding tenet of international law, and one of the founding principles of the United Nations. In the case of Israels protection of the waters on the southern end of its country, these principles are confirmed by the Oslo Accords and more recently by the UN Security Council. So when a New Zealand politician openly and unashamedly decides to violate international law and another countrys sovereignty for the sake of a media stunt, that act will inevitably reflect poorly on that politician, the party they represent, and sadly, even on our Parliament. What made matters worse in this case was that the politician concerned  Green MP Marama Davidson  participated in a breach of Israels sovereignty for no apparent purpose. When the protest ended more mundanely than expected, she was forced to resort to melodramatic language to dramatise events. Ms Davidson described the Israeli Navys female crew taking her and the other activists to safety as a kidnap, and herself as a hostage. Both terms are wildly inaccurate, and seem designed more to achieve provocation than reconciliation.

As I understand it the activists were treated wonderfully. They were even asked as they were departing if they had any complaints over their treatment, if the food was good enough etc  almost like a Trip advisor review. And Marama even had Israeli taxpayers pay for her flight home.

Women do suffer in Gaza, at the hands of the governing power Hamas, an Islamist organisation. But Hamas honour killings, persecution of gays, genocidal charter, and state-sanctioned misogyny do not rate a mention by these activists on the womens peace boat.

Of course not.

Nor does Egypts stricter blockade of Gaza.

What many dont realise is that while there is a total blockade by sea, there is regular passage by land. Thousands of trucks every week go into and out of Gaza. The only thing is they pass through a security checkpoint where it can be verified they are not smuggling guns etc.

The peace activists include a woman who created a video game that encourages kids to shoot as many Israelis as they can and another who accused Israel of orchestrating the recent terrorist attacks in Munich and Nice. Are these aligned with Green party or Kiwi values?

Now Kiwi values.

There was no aid on board.

This is something not publicised much. The boat had no aid or supplies on board at all. It was just an expensive PR stunt that backfired.

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The family of a Post Falls man who was left permanently disabled after being hit with a stun gun by police in 2012 will receive more than $1 million as part of a settlement.

The Coeur d'Alene Press reports (

) that Kootenai County and Post Falls and Correctional Healthcare Management, which provided medical services to jail inmates in 2012, will both pay the settlement to 66-year-old Marvin Ball.

Ball was involved in an altercation with Post Falls police in 2012 that resulted in him being hit with a stun gun. Ball later had a stroke while being held at the Kootenai County jail, and his attorneys argue there was a lack of response to Ball's deteriorating health that led to irreversible medical issues.
Louisiana's 4th Judicial District of Ouachita and Morehouse Parishes is becoming the 12th to take part in the "re-entry" program for select inmates, training them to re-enter society after their sentence.

"The idea of the re-entry program is to create people who are part of the community and who pay taxes," says District Attorney Jerry Jones.

Eligible inmates charged with nonviolent crimes must plead guilty to a ten year sentence - at least two of those years spent the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola or the Louisiana Correctional Institute for Women. The rest of their sentence will be spent on probation.

The inmate will be given a mentor, most likely a life-sentenced inmate from the prison, intended to help them gain morals and responsibility.

They will also receive schooling, counseling, drug treatment if necessary, and even learn a trade, such as welding or mechanics.

Jones insists learning a trade is vital to help inmates become productive members of society.

The program is not open to everyone, however. To be eligible, the person must have committed a non-violent and non-sexual crime. Then, an assessment of their past record and home life must be done to confirm they are eligible.

"It's a very small percentage of people who go back to prison once they successfully complete this program," Jones says.

Judge Scott Leehy will be in charge of these "re-entry" inmates when the program is up and running, intended for early 2017.

Those in charge say housing less inmates will not only save the state money, but save a few lives as well.

The re-entry program was started by Judge William Knight of St. Tammany Parish, and is now becoming a statewide model.
By Choi Sung-jin



Korean drug makers, getting over the brief lull after Hanmi Pharmaceutical's canceled contract on its new lung cancer treatment, are stepping up efforts to enter global markets with new products.



Last year was a turning point for the domestic drug industry. Encouraged by Hanmi's successful signing of technology export contracts worth 8 trillion won ($7.13 billion), expectations grew that other pharmaceutical firms would follow its example.



But the recent rescission of the technology export contract Hanmi had signed with global pharmaceutical firm Boehringer Ingelheim for its new cancer drug, Olita Tab, has reduced foreigners' trust in Korea's new drugs and dampened the zeal for research and development among domestic drug makers.



It is against this backdrop market watchers are paying attention to some Korean pharmaceutical firms that are about to knock on the door of global markets with new drugs that are in their final stages of development.



According to industry sources Tuesday, several Korean drug makers, including Green Cross, ViroMed, GtreeBNT, SK Biopharmaceutical and Sillajen, have under way the third and final phase of clinical tests for their new drugs, under the auspices of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.



Among such examples are "Greenjin F," a treatment for A-type hemophilia, and "Hunterase," for Hunter syndrome, developed by Green Cross.



Green Cross has been conducting the third-phase clinical test for Greenjin F over the past four years, with U.S. FDA approval. "It will likely take a little more time because of limitations to the subjects of clinical tests in the case of rare diseases," a company official said.



Hunterase won the FDA's recognition as an "orphan drug" in 2013. An orphan drug is essential for treating incurable diseases but whose supply is small because of limited demand. Once designated as an orphan drug, its makers can put it to market without phase III tests, and has an exclusive marketing right for seven years.



Green Cross released Hunterase in the domestic market in 2012. Up until then, Elaprase from British company Shire was the only treatment. Hunterase's share of the home market exceeded 50 percent last year. Green Cross recorded sales of 20 billion won by exporting Hunterase to seven countries, including Mexico, Venezuela and Iran.



"We are carrying out phase II clinical tests for Hunterase after winning approval from the U.S. FDA in April," the company official said. "We cannot say for sure about the timing of the drug's debut in the U.S. and other markets but hope it will do so soon because an orphan drug can skip the phase III test."



SK Biopharm has two new drugs -- treatments for narcolepsy (SKL-N05) and epilepsy (YKP3089) -- under phase III tests by the U.S. FDA.



The company exported its technology for narcolepsy treatment to Jazz Pharmaceuticals, the largest U.S. drug company in the sleep disorder sector, in 2011. The U.S. firm plans to complete phase III tests by next year and release the drug to the U.S. market in 2018.



YKP3089, independently developed by SK Biopharm, also completed phase II tests and entered phase III trials for long-term safety early this year.



"The U.S. FDA recognized the efficacy of YKP3089 in March, so we can put it to market without undergoing phase III tests for the first time as a new drug treating epilepsy," a company executive said. "We will apply for new drug approval and hope to begin its marketing late next year, which will produce sales of more than 1 trillion won."



Sillajen, which is about to list its shares on the stock market, entered the phase III test of its liver cancer treatment, Pexa-vec, in April last year. It is an immune anticancer drug made to attack cancer cells artificially, and when cancer cells grow, its immune memory cells (antibodies) re-attack the grown cancer cells.



Two bio-venture firms, ViroMed and GtreeBNT, are also about to jump into global markets with new drugs treating diabetic neuropathy and dry-eye syndrome, respectively.



In developing new drugs, pharmaceutical firms undergo four phases of tests -- preclinical, phase I, phase II and phase III. The preclinical phase searches the new materials and conduct tests on animals; phase I tests the drug's safety with normal people; phase II tests efficacy and side effects with 100-200 patients; and phase III assesses efficacy and safety with more than 1,000 patients. The last phase costs the most and takes the longest because of its scale. After that, a new drug is put to market through the NDA/BLA (new drug application/biologic license application) process.



The success rate of the third and last stage is 58.1 percent, on average, far higher than the average success rate of 9.6 percent for the entire process, from preclinical phase to final approval. This is because the tests of ill effects are completed in phase II, the first stage of assessing a drug's efficacy, which has the lowest success rate.



"The U.S. FDA is the strictest and most difficult agency in the world in approving a new drug," an industry executive said. "To put a new drug to a market, companies need to win the approval of its government. Winning the U.S. agency's approval makes it far easier to get go-aheads in other countries."




By Choi Sung-jin



Several months after the South Korean government unilaterally closed the Gaeseong Industrial Complex, the long, tedious tug-of-war between officials and businesspeople over compensation is not over.



On Wednesday, the Unification Ministry said it has handed out 468 billion won ($417.1 million), or 90 percent of the total 520 billion won, in support funds earmarked for companies that operated factories in the now-shuttered joint industrial park to help cover their losses.



The ministry's announcement came a day after about 150 people who ran businesses in the now-defunct inter-Korean factory park held a protest rally calling for "substantive" compensation from the government.



Seoul shut down the industrial complex in the North Korean border city on Feb. 10, in response to the North's nuclear test in January and long-range rocket launch the following month. Business owners said the closure was estimated to have caused 1.5 trillion won in losses, stressing the government's financial support is far from sufficient.



"Eight months have passed since the government shut down the Gaeseong complex, infringing on the property rights of numerous people, but it has neither made proper compensation nor solved the North Korean nuclear crisis," said Chung Ki-seop, head of the emergency response committee.



A committee member said the government has committed to a support fund of more than 1 trillion won, but it is composed of 550 billion won in soft-term loans and an additional interest-free lending of 480 billion won. "What we want are not loans but real' compensation for losses, but officials are just saying they can't do so for lack of relevant laws," he said.



The unification ministry has maintained a negative position on the businesses' demands, saying it would set a bad precedent in pushing future inter-Korean projects if the government gives 100-percent compensation, as the businesses want.



At Tuesday's protest rally, compensation for people who ran restaurants and supplied food to them emerged as another serious problem.



"When the ministry convened the representatives of businesses for discussion after announcing the shutdown of the complex, it invited none representing restaurant businesses," a restaurant owner said. "Moreover, none of us were included among the 248 businesspeople who visited Gaeseong for withdrawing assets. The ministry gave us no opportunities to collect business documents in the complex, and now says it cannot compensate for losses, citing our lack of documentation."



In response, a ministry official said: "We allowed the visits by business owners with large assets and planned to do so for restaurant operators later, but the North Korean officials abruptly notified us of their decision to freeze out South Korean assets and kick out its personnel."



As to the restaurant owners' demands for compensation, the ministry official said that it is the government's consistent position not to compensate for "expected benefits that have yet to materialize."



A dozen opposition lawmakers who attended the rally promised to increase the support fund and enact a special law to help businesses get proper compensation.








By Park Hyong-ki



Korea's overall unemployment rate reached an 11-year high of 3.6 percent in September mostly due to the slowdown in the manufacturing industry, according to Statistics Korea on Wednesday.



With a number of shipping and shipbuilding companies reducing their workforce and selling off assets as part of restructuring, making them reluctant to recruit new payrolls, the country's youth joblessness also hit a monthly record high of 9.4 percent last month.



The overall unemployment rose 0.4 percent from the same period a year ago, while the joblessness of the young aged 15-29 increased from 7.9 percent in September 2015.



The youth unemployment last month came out to be higher than 8.9 percent in September 1999 when Asia's fourth largest economy was facing a financial crisis.



When taking into account those seeking to change jobs, studying for their corporate entrance exams and preparing for interviews, the youth unemployment would stand at 9.9 percent. The total number of unemployed reached 986,000 last month, up 120,000 from a year ago.



"The slowdown in the manufacturing industry particularly shipbuilding has continued to take a toll on jobs," said Sim Won-bo, head of Statistics Korea's employment statistics, noting that the number of manufacturing jobs created last month were below about 300,000 on average from January to September this year.



The manufacturing sector only hired 267,000 more people last month on-year, the lowest increase since May when it created only 261,000 jobs amid slow exports.

The Finance Ministry said that it will proactively counter the joblessness with its fiscal stimulus.



"The economy is exposed to downside risk with jobs expected to be further affected by the ongoing restructuring and labor-management dispute in the manufacturing industry, as well as the enactment of the anti-graft law," the ministry said in a statement.



"We will rapidly execute the supplementary budget and additional fiscal stimulus in order to boost private consumption, investment and exports."

The country's overall employment rate stood at 66.4 percent in September, increasing for 40 straight months, as a growing number of Koreans aged over 15 are seeking to either further hold onto their jobs or trying to enter the workforce.




By Jhoo Dong-chan



Hyundai Motor has decided to offer Korean customers the same repair guarantee for its problematic Sonata engine that it has given U.S. buyers.



The move follows strong consumer complaints after the nation's largest automaker agreed to cover the entire repair costs of the defective engines in the U.S.



Hyundai Motor said Wednesday it will extend the free power train repair service for Korean customers who bought Hyundai cars with the Theta II GDi engine (with a 2.0 or 2.4-liter displacement)  from five years with 100,000 kilometers, to 10 years with 190,000 kilometers.



Some 224,000 cars, including the Sonata YF, the Grandeur HG and Hyundai Motor's sister brand Kia Motors' K5 TF, K7 VG and Sportage SL SUV, are affected in Korea.



The decision followed Hyundai Motor's Monday announcement that it has agreed with U.S. customers in a lawsuit to promise full repair costs for Sonata sedans produced in the automaker's Alabama plant between 2011 and 2014 that are equipped with the defective Theta II engine.



A total of 885,000 cars were reportedly affected in the U.S., and the world's fifth-largest automaker agreed to provide free power train repairs and even compensate owners who have already made repairs and those who sold their cars at a loss because of the engine defect.



In contrast to the measures for U.S. customers, Hyundai Motor had first said that vehicles produced and sold in Korea are not included in the recall because the Alabama plant's cleanliness issue caused the defective engines.



As controversy flared over fairness between U.S. and Korean customers, Hyundai Motor shifted its position by offering the same engine guarantee in Korea.



"The Alabama plant's problem caused the defective engine, so those engines produced in Korea have nothing to do with the issue," an official said.



"However, the reason we have decided to extend the guarantee plan period in Korea is to show our confidence in Theta II engine produced in Korea. Domestic cars absolutely have no problems in their engines."




By Nam Hyun-woo



Anbang Insurance Group Chairman Wu Xiaohui visited Korea Wednesday for a meeting with Financial Supervisory Service (FSS) Governor Zhin Woong-seob, at a time when the Chinese insurer waits for approval to invest here.



A source familiar with the issue said that the media-shy Wu had a clandestine, closed-door meeting with Zhin at the FSS office in Seoul along with his top lieutenant Yao Dafeng, CEO of Anbang Insurance.



Yao doubles as head of the board of directors at Korea's Tongyang Life, which was acquired by Anbang in early 2015. Anbang also signed a deal to buy Allianz Life Korea this year and plans to purchase shares of Woori Bank via Tongyang. Both contracts are subject to approval by the regulators.



"Wu met Zhin early Wednesday to discuss Anbang's investments in Korea," said the source who asked not to be named. "As far as I know, Zhin promised to provide a level playing field for foreign companies just as the FSS does for local firms."



This is at least Wu's fourth visit to Korea. But it is not certain whether he had previously met with domestic regulators because his schedule remains a closely guarded secret even for group insiders.



Another source said that Wu was on an overseas business trip and on the way back to China, he dropped in on Korea.



When contacted, however, the FSS refused to confirm the meeting.



Founded in 2004, Anbang has carried out a buying binge of foreign financial entities as the world's second-largest economy shows signs of cooling down. It shopped for assets around the globe including in the United States, Europe and Asia.



Anbang, one of China's largest insurance groups, is currently preparing for an initial public offering (IPO) of its life insurance operations in Hong Kong.



Over the past decade, Wu has transformed Anbang from a local also-ran to a global investment outfit. Wu, who is known to be married to a granddaughter of former Chinese leader Deng Xiaoping, however, has remained under the veil of secrecy.




Yoo Seung-ho

By Park Jin-hai



Actor Yoo Seung-ho, the star of "Remember: War of the Son," will return to the small screen as a crown prince, the drama's production company People Story announced Wednesday.

"Ruler-Master of the Mask," scheduled to air on MBC early next year, will be a period romance drama, where Yoo will take the role of 18th-century Joseon prince Lee Seon who fights for justice against the powerful and wealthy officials in an attempt to take back power and control of his country.

The new 20-episode fantasy epic series is expected to give the 23-year-old actor a fresh and stronger image. "I've been attracted to the drama's tightly built plot and the role of Lee Seon. Through the drama, I plan to give a different image," Yoo said in a statement.

The production will begin shooting in December.
Representative Korean Buddhist monks, including Ja Seoung, executive chief of the Jogye Order, will visit Paris to promote Korean Buddhism in Europe.

Some 50 monks from the country's largest Buddhist sect will leave Korea on Oct. 24 to take part in a five-day event to be held under the theme of "1,700-year Korean Buddhist tradition and life of practitioners" in Paris.

It is the monk's second visit to Paris after one in 2011. The visiting monks will meet France's former Culture Minister Jack Lang on Oct. 25 and hold a temple food reception with 200 invited guests on the following day.

Books titled "Korean Buddhism," written by Ja Seoung, will be donated to the Paris Diderot University, and a special lecture and cultural events to spread the religion will take place between Oct. 27 and 28.

"If the 2011 visit had been to introduce Korean Buddhism, this year's event will focus more on the life and enlightenment of its tradition-following practitioners, in other words, the true ways toward happiness," said a Jogye Order official.
By Jun Ji-hye



The former commanders of the United States Forces Korea (USFK) have expressed their support for possible pre-emptive strikes against North Korea if a nuclear attack is deemed imminent.



Burwell Bell, who commanded U.S. armed forces stationed in South Korea from 2006 to 2008, said that pre-emptive strikes are necessary if information that the North is making the final touches on a nuclear attack is detected, according to Voice of America (VOA), Wednesday.



"Their sovereign right to defend themselves against a catastrophic surprise attack demands that they reserve the right and have the capability (of pre-emptive strikes)," Bell told the VOA.



The former commander noted that it is improper to wait until an actual attack takes place even if an imminent attack has been detected.



"This is not just about an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) and nuclear weapons. This is about any kind of weapon capable of mass destruction that can be delivered by surprise if that has a high probability of success," he said.



The argument about the need for pre-emptive strikes has been brought up especially after Pyongyang conducted its fifth and most powerful nuclear test, Sept. 9, claiming to have detonated a miniaturized nuclear warhead that can be mounted on a ballistic missile.



The ICBM, believed to have a range of more than 10,000 kilometers, is in theory capable of striking targets on the U.S. mainland.



Walter Sharp, who was USFK commander from 2008 to 2011, has made a comment similar to that of Bell, the VOA added. He said that pre-emptive strikes should be guaranteed if there is clear evidence that the United States and its allies have become targets of attack by an enemy including North Korea.



Comments from former USFK commanders are in line with previous remarks from Mike Mullen, former chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff.



Mullen said during a forum hosted by the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations, Sept. 16, that it is important to develop "the capability to defend ourselves," noting that a preemptive strike is just one out of many potential options, and this depends on the actions of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.



He said allies could theoretically take out launch capabilities on the launch pads of the North or take them out once they are launched.



James Thurman, who served as USFK commander from 2011 to 2013, said he supported Mullen's argument, adding that all possible options should be considered, according to VOA.




Gyeonggi Nambu Police Agency said Tuesday it caught 10 foreigners suspected of illegally transferring about 50 billion won from Korea to Nepal. The picture shows the evidence including cash confiscated from the suspects. / Yonhap



By Lee Jin-a

Ten foreigners have been caught for allegedly operating a "Hundi" business, illegally transferring some 50 billion won ($44.4 million) over five years from Korea to Nepal.

Gyeonggi Nambu Provincial Police Agency said Tuesday a Chinese international student and a Nepalese migrant worker were arrested for allegedly violating Korea's Foreign Exchange Transaction Act. Another eight foreigners were booked without arrest on the same charge.

The Chinese student, 30, and the Nepalese migrant worker, 36, allegedly received requests from about 3,500 Nepalese workers to send money to the workers' families in Nepal. The offences allegedly occurred between August 2011 and August 2016. Police said the two used the money to buy Korean beauty products and illegally exported them to China through Chinese middlemen.

The middlemen sent the money they earned from selling the products to a gang in Nepal, and the gang distributed the money to the workers' families.

In the process, about 50 billion won was transferred from Korea to Nepal without being reported, police said.

Another eight foreigners were booked without arrest for allegedly receiving the same requests from Nepalese migrant workers in Korea and passing the requests to the Chinese student.

A "Hundi" is a financial transaction in which money is illegally transferred between individuals in two countries, not through a legal banking system. Police said they will investigate the case further because terrorist groups often use the method.
By Jun Ji-hye

An Chong-bum

A senior presidential secretary is facing growing suspicions that he coerced conglomerates into providing donations to the Mir and K-Sports foundations, allegedly linked to President Park Geun-hye.

Opposition parties claim An Chong-bum, senior presidential secretary for policy coordination, should attend a National Assembly audit session to clarify the suspicions, but the ruling Saenuri Party and Cheong Wa Dae regard this as dirty politicking based on groundless media reports.

There are, however, some indications that the secretary might have played a key role  and abused his power  in raising funds for the two foundations. And the Federation of Korean Industries (FKI), the lobby for conglomerates, was allegedly used for the fundraising.

Opposition lawmakers said An, a former chief secretary for economic affairs, should appear before a session of the National Assembly Steering Committee scheduled for Oct. 21, urging members of the ruling Saenuri Party to agree with calling him to the session.

The opposition side has been claiming that Park's aides at Cheong Wa Dae and her "hidden underlings" might have coerced conglomerates such as Samsung Electronics into providing nearly 80 billion won ($71.8 million) to the two newly created foundations, raising the suspicion that they are linked to Park's post-retirement activities.

"We believe that An will appear before the session of the Steering Committee as there is a suspicion that he has been connected to the establishment of the two foundations," said Rep. Park Wan-joo, vice floor leader of the main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea (MPK), Tuesday. "An's appearance should not be the subject of negotiation between parties."

Rep. Park Jie-won, interim chief of the runner-up opposition People's Party, criticized the ruling party for refusing to select An as a witness for the session, saying that the governing party is disturbing the lawmakers' role of unearthing the truth behind state affairs.

He said there is no need for the Saenuri Party to be unable to bring An into the session if the government is blameless.

Regarding the controversy surrounding the two foundations, the FKI has said that it led the fundraising campaign and that conglomerates participated "voluntarily."

But the opposition camp argued that it did not make any sense for the conglomerates to voluntarily pay a massive amount of funds at the same time to foundations they were not even familiar with. It is alleged that An exerted influence in such fundraising. An has denied the allegation.

At Wednesday's session of the Assembly's Strategy and Finance Committee, FKI Vice Chairman Lee Seung-cheol was grilled over the controversy.

Rep. Song Young-gil of the MPK asked Lee about whether he has met or contacted An after the allegation was made public.

Lee said, "I don't remember. I have not spoken to him on the phone either."

Rep. Park Joo-hyun of the People's Party called into question how the two foundations have been established, saying, "Only Cheong Wa Dae has power to mobilize the FKI, a court and the Ministry of Strategy and Finance at the same time."

In response to a series of quick-fire questions from opposition lawmakers, Lee repeatedly said it is hard for him to mention the issue as "the prosecution investigation is ongoing."

On Sept. 29, a civic group filed a complaint with the prosecution against An and Choi Seo-won, who is better known by her birth name Soon-sil, a daughter of a deceased mentor to President Park and ex-wife of Park's former close aide Jeong Yun-hoe. Choi has allegedly controlled the two foundations.

For their part, the ruling party claimed that the opposition parties were launching a groundless political offensive.

"The purpose of the parliamentary audit is to inspect the government's policies and prepare better countermeasures," said Rep. Kim Do-eup, vice floor leader of the governing party. "The two opposition parties are raising suspicions regarding the two foundations in sessions of almost all the standing committees, but there is no substance in any of these allegations."
By Lee Kyung-min



Obstetricians and gynecologists are protesting a government plan to slap heavier sanctions on doctors who perform abortions, which while illegal are common here.



They vowed to stop performing abortions next month if the government doesn't withdraw the plan.



Late last month, the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced a plan to revise related regulations, which included suspending the licenses of doctors for up to one year.



In Korea, abortion is illegal. Women who have abortions are subject to a prison term of up to one year or a fine of up to 2 million won ($1,800). Doctors can face up to two years in prison, but such doctors, if indicted, usually get a 1 million won to 2 million won fine. Abortion is allowed only in limited cases including rape, incest or if the mother has a genetic illness.



However, abortion is still the only way for many women to terminate unwanted pregnancies, and it is a widely known secret that the illegal practice is available from many licensed doctors.



Kim Dong-seok, head of the Korean Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, said punishing doctors for performing abortions is not a fundamental solution to the problem that requires social consensus following in-depth discussions.



"The government is refusing to deal with reality by making this an issue of a crime committed by doctors and women," he said.



Kim also cited possible consequences including teen pregnancy and unprepared adults being forced to bear children. "Also, according to the current law, rape victims cannot have abortions if they cannot prove they were raped due to a lack of evidence," he said. "If the government just classifies abortion as an immoral medical practice without proper backup measures, it could lead to abortions by unlicensed individuals in unhygienic places, or in other countries, resulting in higher health risks for women."



Kim said his group will organize a petition to protest the government measure. If the government does not change its plan by Nov. 2, the association members will stop offering the procedure, he said.



The ministry, however, is maintaining its position on the tougher regulations, saying there is a social consensus to strengthen punishment for illegal medical practices. "We'll collect opinions from the public and related experts before finalizing the regulations," a ministry official said.



According to the ministry's data in 2010, about 170,000 abortions were carried out in the country. Medical circles believe that almost 200,000 women undergo the procedure every year.



Separate ministry data in 2015 showed that almost 70 percent of women having abortions did so for reasons unrelated to their health.



Some 43 percent cited unwanted pregnancies, followed by economic burden (14.2 percent), social stigma (7.9 percent) and not being ready to be a parent (3.7 percent). Only 16.3 percent cited the woman's health and 10.5 percent the baby's health.




InterContinental Hotel in Frankfurt, Germany, where five Koreans beat a woman to death during an "exorcism ritual" on Dec. 5, 2015 / Yonhap



By Hong Dam-young

Five Koreans charged with murder over the death of a woman relative during an "exorcism ritual" at a Frankfurt hotel last year have gone on trial in Germany. The trial, which started Monday, is scheduled to last until mid-January.

On Dec. 5 last year, German police found the woman, 41, dead and tied to a bed in a room of the InterContinental Hotel. She had been beaten on the chest and abdomen, according to CBS News on Tuesday.

The report quoted a German prosecutor who had investigated the case as saying: "The victim seemed to have been in pain for at least two hours, while a towel and a clothes hanger were stuffed into her mouth to stop her from screaming.

"They came to Germany from Korea six weeks previously and had rented a house in Sulzbach, 15 kilometers from the hotel, but didn't stay there much."

An autopsy showed the victim died of asphyxiation from massive chest compression and violence to her neck.

The suspects claimed they carried out a ritual to expel a "demon" that had possessed the woman, the court heard. They had even summoned a priest from a Korean Protestant community to make sure the exorcism worked. When it became apparent the victim had died, the priest called police.

The accused include the victim's son, 15, and a woman in her 40s and her two children. They are believed to be from a Christian community influenced by shamanism.

During the investigation, police found another woman, 41, in the garage of the house the five had rented. She was taken to hospital for treatment for hypothermia and dehydration.
By Jung Min-ho



Controversy has been growing over how much power a doctor could and should have following the death of the farmer hit by police water cannons last November during a labor demonstration in Seoul. A majority of doctors have opinions differing from that of the doctor who treated the man and filled out his death certificate.



A healthy man was hospitalized in a coma after being blasted by a police water cannon, and he died 10 months later in the hospital he was brought to.



Almost all the doctors say the man, farmer Baek Nam-ki, obviously died from the water cannon, except a very few who insist the activist died of cardiopulmonary arrest, or the cessation of heart activity.



But the opinion of the majority did not matter because the farmer's doctor, Paek Sun-ha, disagreed. In his death certificate, the doctor wrote that the cause of death was cardiopulmonary arrest.



The revelation of the conclusion immediately provoked controversy, which forced Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) to form a special committee to investigate the matter. Lee Yoon-seong, head of the committee, concluded that Baek died from an external factor (water cannon), but did not revise what was written on the death certificate, saying that his doctor's discretion should nonetheless be respected.



The Korean Medical Association, which created guidelines for the nation's death certificates, as well as many doctors, including the heads of the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service and the National Health Insurance Service, said Paek's conclusion is wrong. But they could not change a single word on the document.



SNUH could revise Baek's death certificate because "respecting his discretion" is nothing but a custom, with no legal basis.



According to the related law, a doctor who directly treated the patient should write the death certificate. But there are no clauses stipulating that the doctor should escape responsibility for error, or that he or she can refuse calls for revision.



Jung Hyung-joon, policy director of the Physicians for Humanitarian Action, said giving such powerful discretion to doctors is bad for society. His pointed out that for an expert to have discretion, he or she should be able to back it up with evidence.



Many medical officials, including those from SNUH, say cardiopulmonary arrest cannot be the cause of death, saying it is just the final symptom for every patient on the point of death.



Medical law stipulates that the health minister can suspend a doctor's medical license for up to one year for making false statements on medical documents. Under criminal law, the doctor could face a prison sentence of up to three years. But it does not state who determines the falsity and how.



Rep. Jung Choun-sook of the Minjoo Party of Korea believes that Paek is responsible for the charge, given that the cause of Baek's death was written as "caused by an external factor" on many of his medical documents, except for on the death certificate.



Ahn Cheol-soo, a doctor-turned-lawmaker of the People's Party, also believes it is obvious that the patient died from the water cannon. "Any expert can be wrong. This is why sharing opinions with other experts in the same field is important," he said.



Many people suspect that Paek's conclusion is politically motivated and Suh Chang-suk, who served as a doctor to President Park Geun-hye before becoming the president of SNUH in May, is backing him up.




10 workers in Russia also seek asylum

By Kang Seung-woo

A senior official from North Korea's spy agency fled to South Korea last year, a source said Wednesday  a sign suggesting growing discontent with leader Kim Jong-un among the country's elite.

"An unidentified official from the Ministry of State Security defected to the South," said a source familiar with North Korean affairs. That ministry is in charge of collecting intelligence and cracking down on the people, he added.

"As far as I know, the official told the relevant South Korean authorities about growing public discontent with the North Korean leader."

It is rare for a senior official of the powerful Ministry of State Security to escape to South Korea.

The report of this defection follows a recent spate of high-profile North Koreans seeking asylum in the South, including Thae Yong-ho, a former deputy ambassador in London, and a high-ranking embassy official in Beijing. In July, a diplomat at the North Korean embassy in Russia also arrived in South Korea.

In the wake of the mass defections among the privileged, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un expressed his displeasure to a spy agency official, the source said.

According to a media report, the angry North Korean dictator removed Vice Foreign Minister Kung Sok-ung and banished him to a collective farm, holding him responsible for the notable defections.












Math teacher Cho Ah-hyung, center, poses with Ugandan students at a secondary school in Kampala,

Uganda, July 20, 2015. She taught the students math for one year under a state program to send Korean teachers to developing countries. She now works for the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation in Seoul. / Courtesy of Cho Ah-hyung



Korean educators participate in overseas teaching program



By Chung Hyun-chae



Korean teachers are striving to reduce the education gap in developing countries by offering better education while respecting local cultures.



"Unlike the past, when developing countries imitate developed countries' education systems, I think developing countries should be committed to improving their education while protecting their own values," Cho Ah-hyung, 27, an official at the Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation, told The Korea Times.



She taught math in Ethiopia and Uganda from August 2013 to July 2015 under the Ministry of Education's program to send Korean teachers to developing countries.



"At that time, Ugandan students desired to learn through Korean-style education which they believed was technical and practical. I taught them how to solve math problems quickly and precisely," Cho said. "I realized that rote learning, which has been criticized for its lack of creativity and critical thinking, can be an effective way for learning in some developing countries."



Thanks in part to her efforts, one of Cho's secondary school students won first place in the national mathematics contest in 2014.



Cho was selected again by the education ministry as one of the teachers who will be sent to South Africa next January.



The Ministry of Education plans to dispatch 340 teachers this year to 16 countries, including Vietnam, Peru, Paraguay, South Africa and Botswana to share Korea's education knowhow with developing countries.



Seven retired teachers were also selected to work as consultants at institutes abroad for more than one year.



Launched by the education ministry and the National Institute for International Education in 2013, the program, called the World Friends Korean Teachers (WFKT), dispatches teachers to developing countries.



Since the World Education Forum, organized by UNESCO, was held May 19 to 22 in 2015 in Songdo, Incheon, to set new education goals, the international community has called for Korea to send more teachers to share its education system experience.



In response to the call, the ministry increased the number of dispatched teachers from 20 in 2015 to 340 this year and doubled the number of countries to which they are sent.



"We expect the teachers to work as hard as they can, I also hope that their service will not only enrich their own professional experiences, but also contribute to the education of the people in developing countries," Deputy Prime Minister and Education Minister Lee Joon-sik said in August.



An Tae-soo, 28, a teacher who taught science at Taewha Christian International School in Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, was selected again as a participant in the teacher dispatch program.



He taught science to about 160 schoolchildren aged between 15 and 19 in Swaziland in 2015.



"I asked the principal to create an after-school program under which students could learn science four times a week. He accepted my request and I managed to spend more time with students," An said. "After spending one year with me, students as well as their teachers told me that they want to come to Korea to work."



In recognition of his efforts, he had a chance to lecture on effective teaching methods at workshops and symposiums in Swaziland.



He said he plans to run a debate class in Brazil next year where he is to teach secondary school students.



"I hope I will actively communicate with students and make them like science," An said.



Two other Korean teachers sent to Malaysia contributed to setting up a Korean language program at schools there.



They are Kim Myung-suk from Pyongtaek Jisan Elementary School and Korean language teacher Kim Han-na.



Newly selected teachers are also preparing for classes in foreign countries with the hopes that they can improve the education quality there.



One of them is Kim On-yu, 28, who obtained a teacher's license in physics and math, and will teach science to secondary school students in South Africa.



"I plan to create a science club and a camp to make science more accessible to students," Kim said. "Of course I should learn the school curriculum and students' levels first and then carry out my plan."



She took part in the World Friends Korea global volunteer program organized by the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) from May 2014 to May 2016.



"I struggled to figure out ways to better teach students in developing countries when I taught science and math to middle school students in Tanzania," Kim said. "I hope I will contribute to improving the education environment in developing countries where people worry about the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter."
Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump won't take any options off the table in dealing with North Korea, including a strike on the communist nation, top foreign policy advisers to the two sides said Tuesday.

"The secretary and her team have made clear that North Korea is an urgent matter that requires focused American attention working closely with allies and partners," former Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, a key adviser to Clinton, said during a discussion in Washington in response to a question about pre-emptive military action against the North.

"As Secretary Sherman, Vice President-elect Kaine, others have indicated, we're not going to take any options off the table at this time," Campbell said, referring to former Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and vice presidential candidate Tim Kaine.

Sherman, a top foreign policy brain for Clinton, said during an international conference in Seoul earlier Tuesday that every possible tool, including military action, should be used to denuclearize the North.

Kaine also said during a vice presidential debate last week the U.S. should take action against imminent threats.

Campbell spoke at a discussion organized by the Korea Economic Institute. Also attending the event was Peter Hoekstra, a former congressman who is in Trump's campaign.

Hoekstra also said Trump won't take any options off the table.

"I think Mr. Trump has been very, very clear about when it comes to our national security, whether it's throughout the Middle East or whether it's in Korea, or whether it's the continuing evolving threat from Russia, that he'll do two things: He won't take options off the table and he won't release a lot of clear signals to people about at least short- and medium-term objectives as to what we may be doing," he said.

"Obviously, you have got to establish parameters in terms of where your foreign policy is operating from and what's acceptable and what's not. But I think the statement that at least as we enter into the next set of negotiations with our friends in the region as to where we're going to go, all the options at least initially are going to be on the table," he said.

As to how to deal with the North, Campbell said the immediate focus should be "almost exclusively on tightening the sanctions" on the North, rather than trying to reopen negotiations with Pyongyang. The U.S. should also try to have a "different kind of conversation with China" to elicit its cooperation in pressuring the North, he said.

"The almost exclusive economic and commercial partner of North Korea is China. China has played a remarkable role in some kinds of interactions. We have to go directly to China and make clear that we want to work with you on these steps in terms of financial sanctions and the like, but if you have inhibitions about working with us, we're going to be prepared to take these steps alone," Campbell said.












A group of South Korean private aid providers said Wednesday it has provided North Korea with $187,000 through the Red Cross to help it fight the latest floods in the country's northeast area.

The Korea NGO Council for Cooperation with North Korea (KNCCK) said it has sent the first batch of $100,000 to North Korea with the plan to send the remainder by next Tuesday in accordance with its agreement with the Red Cross.

"The money will be used to help displaced North Koreans in North Hamgyong Province as relief aid," the KNCCK said in a statement.

Heavy rains hit North Korea's northeast area at the end of August, leaving more than 130 North Koreans dead and about 400 missing, according to the Red Cross.

But the government voiced opposition to the aid providers' move, citing North Korea's provocative acts.

"It is not appropriate for some civic groups to extend aid to North Korea, given that Pyongyang conducted nuclear and missile tests even after the floods hit the country," an official at Seoul's unification ministry said.

North Korea said last week that the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and the U.N. International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) had decided to supply emergency aid to North Korea over flood damage.

South Korea earlier said that it will not provide aid to North Korea over the flooding amid heightened tensions following Pyongyang's nuclear test in early September.

Seoul condemned North Korea for pouring money into its nuclear program while neglecting the suffering of its people in the flood-hit areas. (Yonhap)
By Yi Whan-woo

Some North Korean defectors living in South Korea and other countries are considering setting up a government-in-exile in the United States with the goal of overthrowing the Kim Jong-un regime, sources here said Wednesday.

The group, mainly part of the political elite in North Korea and who are now leaders of anti-Pyongyang organizations, wants to establish the interim government by early next year.

However, the Ministry of Unification downplayed this as an unrealistic idea," saying "Our Constitution only recognizes a single government on the Korean Peninsula under the Republic of Korea and therefore we can't accept such a form of government."

The defectors have requested the Constitutional Court to judge whether it is against the Constitution to establish a government-in-exile against North Korea.

"We're awaiting interpretations from legal authorities," said An Chan-il, a defector-turned researcher who heads the World Institute for North Korea Studies in Seoul. "We could have begun the government-in-exile before 2017 but decided to take our time in line with a legal judgment."

An said the defectors decided to found the interim government amid a growing number of middle- and upper-class people fleeing North Korea and other signs of increased instability in the Kim regime.












By Kim Ji-soo

As the campaigning for U.S. presidential election enter its last phase, it's irrefutably becoming clear that Americans may well be choosing among two candidates that they do not necessarily like. Or maybe for some voters, the choice is now easier after the messy second television debate held by the U.S. Republican Party's nominee Donald Trump and the Democratic Party's nominee Hillary Clinton.

Watching the American election process, it is hard to shake off the feeling that a similar political trend may appear as Korea goes to the polls next year to elect its president. While President Park Geun-hye will serve through February 2018, Korean voters will select the next president in December 2017.

An unusually long list of names for possible presidential hopefuls is frequently touted in the Korean political sphere. They range from soon-to-exit U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to Moon Jae-in, former chairman of the main opposition party Minjoo Party of Korea and Ahn Cheol-soo, former co-chair of the minor opposition People's Party. In a poll conducted by the leading conservative newspaper, the Chosun Ilbo last week, Ban led in popularity with 27.4 percent followed by Moon with 16.5 percent and Ahn with 8.2 percent. Then there are what looks like second a and third tier of presidential hopefuls including politicians such as Rep. Kim Moo-sung, former chairman of the ruling Saenuri Party, Seoul City Mayor Park Won-soon and some young and upcoming politicians exemplified by Ahn Hee-jeong, governor of South Chungcheong Province.

Not much distinguishes these candidates; even the large number of possible contenders raises little hope for diversity.

For the moment, even among the three leading candidates of Ban, Moon and Ahn, the popularity of Ban is more symbolic and more of a gesture as there is widespread dislike of the performance of both the ruling and the opposition parties. Ban also has a stellar resume, having led the United Nations raising Korea's diplomatic profile. In addition, Ban seemingly has the "compassion" advantage as central Chungcheong Province  his birthplace  has yet to produce a nationally-elected president. To date, all Korean presidents have hailed from either the southeastern Yeongnam region or the southwestern Honam area. Ahn Hee-jeong, former presidential secretary within the Roh Moo-hyun administration, also hails from the Chungcheong area but his run may be considered too premature.

It may be too early in the Korean presidential race for any of those possible contenders to put forth what they will stand for as president. But looking at these names, one can only hope that at least one will come up with a more integrated and harmonious political roadmap. My estimation is that unlike the U.S. election where a certain reactionary sentiment among voters enabled nominees such as Trump to thrive, Korean voters may well look to the future in next year's election. They will be looking for a candidate that can address the sharpening economic slowdown and social division, and the growing threat of North Korea becoming a nuclear power among other things. The realities facing South Korea have grown too stark and bleak for voters to look back to the "good old days," or bicker over ideological orientation. The election of President Park may have been the last of such voter sentiment.

Should the possible presidential candidates however not heed the desires of Korean voters, the likely scenario is that they will come up with grand-standing visions and pledges that hang in the air. And in response, the voters will be left to choose the best among an array of poor candidates. The question that begs to be asked here is can we afford this?
By Tong Kim

It is an undisputed assessment that North Korea has an offensive capability to strike all parts of South Korea and Japan with short and midrange missiles. It keeps advancing its nuclear and missile technology faster than expected, posing a threat directly to the United States. What should be done about it?

First, let's not rely on the same strategy  sanctions and deterrents  that has not worked for the past decade. The theory behind this strategy was if pressed hard enough "to the pain in the heart of the North Korean leadership," they would come to the table.

The sanctions failed to bring the North to negotiations or to slow down its nuclear and missile programs. Yet, the sanctions have slowed down Pyongyang's economic development. The sanctions are designed to block revenue from overseas and the import of dual use materials that could support the illegal weapons programs.

The U.N. Security Council Resolution 2270 excludes trade from punishment if it is related to the livelihood of the North Korean people. China utilizes this clause fully to keep a lifeline to the North Korean economy. Currently, the U.S. and its allies are trying to remove these loopholes by writing a new UN Security Council resolution.

There are plenty of predictions that Hillary Clinton, if elected, will toughen the sanctions to press harder on North Korea. But, it would be only doing the same thing that does not work.

China is not cooperative. Beijing is more concerned about instability on the Korean peninsula that may develop from a collapse of the regime in Pyongyang. China will not welcome a likely flood of refugees, and it fears a unified Korea allied to the United States. China needs North Korea as a buffer.

Donald Trump's China card will not work. He said, "China should solve the problem for us. China is totally powerful as it relates to North Korea." Trump is wrong: China does not want to solve the problem in the way preferred by the U.S. and South Korea, and China does not have that much influence on Pyongyang.

Second, let's stop wishing for a North Korean collapse. Collapse scenarios have been around for the past two decades. A regime collapse may not lead to unification with South Korea, and unification by collapse would not be the only way to end the nuclear problem.

President Park seems more determined to seek a regime change in Pyongyang by way of collapse. Recently, she encouraged North Koreans to defect to the South "to live a new life in freedom." The Wall Street Journal praised her "ground-breaking speech," concluding, "The real key to ending Kim Jong-un's rule is liberating the North's people. Let North Koreans vote with their feet for an end to tyranny."

The leader of a second major opposition party in Seoul characterized President Park's call for massive defections from the North as "a declaration of war" against Pyongyang. His comment served as another moment of political division.

President Park said internal division is more threatening than the North Korean nuclear program. Ironically, she created more internal division by welcoming massive defections. Most of the 30,000 defectors who came to the South are struggling to make a living in a free society.

Kim Jong-un tightens security to stop his people from fleeing to the South. An increased number of defectors by threefold or tenfold would be unlikely to lead to an immediate collapse of the North. It would only create a bigger burden for the South to take care of.

Third, let's exclude the option of a preemptive strike, being touted because of the inefficacy of the current policy. This option, so pervasive, was a question during the vice presidential debate between Tim Kaine and Mike Pence last Monday. Kaine said a Clinton administration would authorize it if necessary; his Republican opponent said a Trump administration would deal with the problem from "a position of strength."

The reason for excluding the notion of a preemptive strike or a preventive strike is simple and obvious. There is no way to wage such a strike without inflicting unbearable damage to lives and properties in the South  an instant loss of hundreds of thousands of lives and a major destruction to the nation's capital.

No one can rule out the retaliatory capability of the North that would survive the first strike to wage a desperate counterattack. It would easily lead to an all-out war, which Kim Jong-un would not go for until he judges the end of his rule is near. We don't even have all the targets to strike. Most of the North Korean nuclear materials and missiles are hidden underground.

During the Cuban missile crisis, John F. Kennedy rejected his generals' recommendation to strike the Soviet missiles on Cuba, after he learned such a preemptive strike would take out 95 percent of the missiles, and the surviving missiles could strike back at the United States.

Fourth, let's keep exploring a diplomatic solution. As the U.S. presidential election is approaching, several experts are making recommendations for the next administration on how to deal with North Korea. Most of them think dialogue and engagement  no matter how loath to the regime in Pyongyang  should be the path to take.

A bold decision is required to reduce tension, contain the nuclear arsenal in the North, and contribute to peace and stability. Shows of force by either side  the U.S.-ROK by strengthening the deterrent and North Korea by conducting more missile tests  would not contribute to a peaceful resolution. Start working on a freeze, then nonproliferation, move to moderation of joint exercises, and negotiate a peace agreement. This is the path to an eventual denuclearization. What's your take?

Tong Kim is a Washington correspondent and columnist for The Korea Times. He is also a fellow at the Institute of Korean-American Studies. He can be contacted at tong.kim8@yahoo.com.
The Paris Agreement on global warming cleared an important hurdle last week when several European countries added their ratifications, meaning that nations accounting for more than 55 percent of the world's 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 Trump would make good on his campaign promise to blow it all up.



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 Barack Obama committed the U.S. to cut carbon emissions by 26 percent to 28 percent by 2025, but the agreement is nonbinding and Trump could renege. In fact, given Trump's 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.



We're 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 administration's Clean Power Plan, which requires states to adopt plans to cut emissions from power-generating plants. It's 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 don't 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.



This editorial appeared on the Los Angeles Times and was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.




By Rabah Arezki

WASHINGTON  Oil prices have plummeted by about 65% from their peak in June 2014 (see chart below), and there is now intense debate about why. One thing we know for sure is that the oil market has undergone structural changes, thus making this latest episode different from previous dramatic price fluctuations.

The collapse in prices has been driven in part by supply-side factors . These include the United States' rapid increase in shale-energy production in recent years, and the US government's decision to end a 40-year crude-oil export ban. Moreover, oil output from war-torn countries such as Libya and Iraq has exceeded expectations, and Iran has returned to world oil markets following its nuclear agreement with the world's major powers. And Saudi Arabia, the largest member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), has increased production to defend its market share.

With this glut in oil, many commentators are now asking if OPEC still matters . High demand for oil since 2000 gave OPEC, and Saudi Arabia in particular, significant influence over prices, but it also spurred investments in higher-cost production methods in other locales, such as oil sands mining in Canada and ultra-deepwater oil extraction in Brazil.

Because of the delay between investment and production for conventional oil production, these projects in non-OPEC countries peaked around the same time the oil market began to slow down, and when expectations about future demand for oil started to falter.

This dynamic prompted OPEC to change its response to price fluctuations. In the past, OPEC, and Saudi Arabia in particular, would stabilize the oil market by cutting production when prices fell too low and increasing output when prices rose too high, relative to OPEC's price target. This time around, however, at a November 2014 OPEC meeting, Saudi Arabia blocked a motion by other members to reduce production in response to falling prices.

The Saudis have instead boosted output, resulting in immense pressure on higher-cost non-OPEC producers. Saudi Arabia seems to be taking a lesson from a 1986 price-fluctuation event, when massive, unprecedented production cuts in response to increased production by non-OPEC countries failed to stabilize oil prices.

Another factor keeping prices down is that non-OPEC producers have significantly reduced their costs. But this is likely a one-time event. In theory, as the chart below shows, the cost of producing oil is usually assumed to be constant and determined by immutable factors such as the type of oil and the geographical conditions where it is extracted.

In practice, however, the cost structure depends on a host of other factors, including technological improvements, human expertise, and so forth. So, in the case of shale-oil production, the industry appears to have enjoyed significant improvements to operational efficiency through old-fashioned trial and error, or "learning by doing." Companies have quickly mastered the best methods as shale-oil production has matured in its investment cycle. But the cost of producing shale will now rise again, because such significant efficiency gains are not sustainable and the cost of capital is high.

That said, one defining feature of the "new oil market" brought about by the advent of shale oil is shorter, more limited oil-price cycles. Indeed, shale-oil production requires a lower level of sunk costs than conventional oil, and the lag between first investment and production is much shorter.

It is tempting to look at long-term oil futures  which increased gradually between 2000 and 2014, before falling abruptly after the November 2014 OPEC meeting  to predict where prices will go from here. However, futures have several limitations.

For starters, futures didn't help predict the current market breakdown, most likely because long-term futures markets are, by default, slow to adjust to new information.

Moreover, futures contracts give only limited medium-term guidance because they either don't extend out far enough, or the markets are not deep enough.

As in other commodity markets, oil futures are subject to an imbalance between long- and short-term positions. For example, there is a higher demand among oil producers for short-term hedging than there is among manufacturers for long-term positions. Producers are typically willing to accept relatively lower prices to hedge their risk because they can't pass cost increases on to their customers. Manufacturers, on the other hand, have more flexibility in this regard, because, even for energy-intensive manufacturing, oil is still only one small part of a company's larger cost structure.

Some of the oil-price factors listed above are temporary, but others are structural and permanent. The debate about the causes and effects of the price slump since 2014 will continue, which both reflects and underscores a fundamental point: the conventional wisdom about the global oil market no longer applies.

Rabah Arezki is chief of the commodities unit in the IMF Research Department. Copyright belongs to Project Syndicate.
The unemployment rate reached 3.6 percent in September, up 0.4 percentage points from the same month a year earlier. It is the highest rate for the month of September in 11 years.



The unemployment rate for young people, aged between 15 and 29, hit 9.4 percent last month, up 1.5 percentage points from a year ago. It was also the highest rate for September since the statistics office began compiling relevant data in 1999.



It's not difficult to reason why jobless rates have been riding high. The strong wind of restructuring is hitting the manufacturing sector, which has played a key role in employment for decades. Jobless woes in Busan and the southeastern region where there are a number of shipbuilders, in particular, appear at a nadir, affected by Typhoon Chaba additionally.



Exports declined 5.9 percent in September after bouncing back in August, which came barely following 19 consecutive months of negative growth. Furthermore, domestic consumption has become chilly after feeble signs of recovery amid worsening employment conditions.



There is no question that the vicious circle of employment aggravation, stagnating household income and consumption shrinkage has already been hitting the country. Korea Inc. would be inevitably adrift as manufacturing loses its vitality gradually.



But the cold snap of mass layoffs may be just the beginning. Chances are high that the number of jobless people will continue to rise, partly affected by the anti-graft law that went into effect last month amid speculation that it would dampen domestic demand.



Few companies are also reported to have plans to expand employment. The government's measures to combat unemployment are unsurprisingly a rehash of previous policies, and their effectiveness is in doubt.



After all, it's about time to get back to basics.



The government should put top priority on addressing our chronic polarization structure between large and smaller companies and between regular and non-regular workers through extensive innovation. But it's important to push for restructuring as swiftly as possible so that the duration of mass layoffs can be shortened. Strengthening the social safety net to help those victimized in this process is essential.




President and CEO Shim Hak-sub of JH Waterway poses in his factory and office in Anseong, Gyeonggi Province, in this file photo. / Courtesy of JH Waterway



By Kim Ji-soo



At 17, one rarely knows or has an inkling of what he or she might want to do in life. Shim Hak-sub, president and CEO of JH Waterway, agrees  people usually need a shocking event to be able to think that far ahead. For him, it was a family tragedy, the death of his mother, and the declining family fortune that prompted him to think deeply about what he has to do with his life. After several months of deep thinking, he decided he would be a businessman who would also benefit society. He also created a life plan that included starting his business and getting married at 30.

So far, his life more or less has gone according to plan, and more than three decades later, Shim, 49, finds himself deeply immersed in the business of ensuring households have quality water. More specifically, he is using a physical ionizer, the Scale Buster, to rehabilitate water pipelines. Despite its adequate quality of water, South Koreans rarely drink from the tap, and Shim wants to change that.

"For six months, I thought deeply about what I lacked in order to do business, and it was endurance and a broad perspective," he said. He entered Korea's compulsory military service to learn endurance, and then he went to Dusseldorf, Germany, enrolling in the University of Dusseldorf in the early 1990s. He didn't graduate, but that didn't deter him from starting a business.







"In Germany, numerous expos are held, from which one can learn about various businesses," he said, and soon enough, the industry concerning pipe corrosion prevention grabbed his attention. He said he was impressed by how Germany made strenuous efforts to tap into its acquifers to provide clean drinking water to its citizens. The Scale Buster apparatus was born in 1995, when British and German scientists incorporated Shim's business idea into the physical water treatment technology they invented. The resulting apparatus was granted a patent in 63 countries, and Shim founded I.S. EUKO in 1996, the core product of which was the Scale Buster. The Scale Buster, also known as JH RustScale Ionizer, inhibits the development of scaling in plumbing systems and removes scaling already in the systems.

The Scale Buster differentiates itself from existing pipe protection methods such as water softeners and osmotic pressure conditioning with its nonchemical, environmentally friendly process. Essentially, the Scale Buster is an ionizer in which a specially patented zinc anodes set in fluoric-plastic (Teflon) are stored in brass tube. The brass and the zinc create 1.1volt static electricity that in turn transforms zinc into zinc ions that turn into magnetite to stop corrosion and extend life span of piping.

After doing business in Germany, Shim returned to Korea to start JH Waterway. He said he had a hard time convincing bureaucrats, the existing water treatment industry and academia that he could prove how the physical ion processor can save central and local governments, apartment complexes and factories from budget worries.

"As a young man doing business without some existing network or relying on school networks, it was indeed difficult," he said.

JH Waterway has steadily increased its (business). Since its founding in 2000, it has supplied its products to 130 local governments, to factories and commercial buildings and to 20,000 public buildings, including the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae. Scale Buster's advantage is that it can be applied to existing pipelines and entails only about 1 percent of the cost of replacing the pipes.

The CEO said the company floundered slightly after 2010 as it attempted to expand overseas and had to relocate its headquarters to Anseong, Gyeonggi Province from Yangjae-dong, southern Seoul. The company has since recovered and sees 10 billion won in annual sales.

He has set a high goal of achieving 100 billion won in annual sales by 2025, and in the more immediate future, he hopes to go public within the next five years.

As JH Waterway marks its 20th anniversary this year, the CEO has written a book detailing his vision as the CEO and the company's vision. Shim said he painstakingly wrote some parts of the book, such as the section about the code of conduct for JH Waterway employees.

He said he learned the value of people in doing business.

"One of the most painful lessons that I learned as a CEO was in personnel management. As a company grows, a CEO has to start delegating," Shim said, refusing to go into detail about this painful lesson. But after that, he said he has established a certain set of criteria in recruiting personnel. "I think the CEO should interview a prospective employee one-on-one, to determine if a candidate has sincerity and an adequate amount of ability," Shim said. "Then the company's role comes in, where it should provide the system, be able to clearly express the CEO's and the company's vision, and incorporate it into corporate culture .... The hardest part is getting your employees to have the mindset that this company is mine,'" he said.

He also works closely with Lee Deok-soo, professor emeritus of chemistry at Kyungwon University and head of JH Waterway ResearchCenter . The two have co-invented the Greenbi water purifier to be used in households or offices. The two have also scaled various sites of Korea for mineral springs water sources, and their work is expected to be published within this year.
Sgt. Ahn Joon-hyung, front row right, delivers 10 million won which he and his colleagues received in prize money from a contest, to Lee Heung-woo, an administrative officer of the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan, Seoul, Oct. 7. The money will be used for the memorial's scholarship project designed to support descendents of Korean War veterans. / Courtesy of the Army



By Jun Ji-hye

Seven soldiers belonging to the Army 2nd Operations Command have donated 10 million won ($9,000) they won to descendents of Korean War veterans, according to the Army.

The soldiers received the money after winning the 2016 World Soldiers & Youth Security Vision Presentation Contest, hosted by the Ministry of National Defense in July.

The soldiers are Sergeants Kim Se-hyun (R), Ahn Joon-hyung, Choi Da-han and Kim Joon-yeon, Corporals Hong Sung-jin and Ha Jae-hyung and Private First Class Oh Sung-ho.

At the contest, they presented a musical in which they suggested proper roles for young people in contributing to promoting national security and building peace on the Korean Peninsula.

The ministry first hosted the annual contest last year to raise awareness about security and peace in soldiers and youngsters around the world. Besides musicals, the contest calls for participants to present their messages through various means including plays and dance performances.

A total of 507 teams from 12 countries participated in this year's contest. The preliminary contest took place for two months starting May. Among them, 22 teams from 10 countries including Germany, China, the United States and Australia advanced to the finals held on July 19 at Lotte Cinema in Jamsil, southeastern Seoul.

The seven soldiers said they wanted to do something good with their prize money and decided to donate it to the descendents of those who fought for the 1950-53 Korean War.

They visited the War Memorial of Korea in Yongsan, central Seoul, Oct. 7, to donate the money to a scholarship project run by the memorial.

"While preparing for the contest, we thought a lot about the importance of national security," said Sgt. Choi. "We hope that our small donation can help repay war veterans' sacrifice and service."
By Yoon Sung-won



The U.S. Supreme Court hinted Tuesday (local time) that it may reduce the amount that Samsung Electronics has to pay to Apple for infringing smartphone design patents.



During the first hearing on the patent lawsuit between the smartphone industry rivals at the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, judges questioned whether the compensation had been properly set, according to news reports.



Chief Justice John Roberts said, "The design reflects the exterior case of the phone, so the award should not reflect profits based on the entire price of the phone."



The court also said in its legal brief that if a company with a design patent wins all the profits from a rival, it can be "a grossly excessive and essentially arbitrary award."



The court will make a final judgment early next year.



Samsung Electronics and Apple have been engaged in the design patents suit since 2011. Apple has argued that Samsung Electronics infringed on a total of three patented designs _ a black rectangular shape with rounded edges, the bezel on the front screen and a grid of application icons.



Samsung Electronics lost both the trial in San Jose and the appeal in Washington and faced paying $399 million in compensation to Apple as judges said the owner of a design patent is entitled to all of the profits from the sale of a product that copies it. Samsung Electronics appealed to the Supreme Court as a last resort to reduce the massive compensation.



During Tuesday's hearing, Samsung Electronics' lawyer Kathleen Sullivan said that Apple should not be entitled to all the profits generated from the sale of Samsung Electronics smartphones just because it had patents on its appearance, adding thet customers buy smartphones for the hundreds of technologies they contain not just because of its exterior.



"A single design patent on the portion of the appearance of a phone should not entitle the design patent holder to all the profit on the entire phone," she said.



Pointing out a smartphone's design is not like that of a carpet, Sullivan said Apple's design patents, which are about a rectangular screen with rounded edges and an array of application icons, are only a small part of Samsung Electronics' smartphone.



Apple's lawyers including Seth Waxman argued that the justices should stick with the previous verdict and Samsung Electronics should turn over its profits, saying that the Korean company's own documents have shown it tried to build a handset like the iPhone.



However, the judges also expressed embarrassment on how to figure out the proper amount of compensation involving a design patent suit. Unlike most patent disputes regarding a product's functions, design patents are about the looks and shape of it. It has been more than a century since the last time the U.S. Supreme Court dealt with a design patent in 1887.



"If I were the juror, I wouldn't know what to do," said Justice Anthony Kennedy.




People walk by the new Samsung store in lower Manhattan in New York City, Tuesday. Less than two months after its launch, Samsung Electronics has announced that it is discontinuing its flagship Galaxy Note 7 smartphone after repeated reports of fires starting in the phones. / AFP-Yonhap



Finding out what went wrong is key to resolving current deadlock



By Lee Min-hyung

Samsung Electronics said Wednesday that it has revised down its preliminary operating profit for the third quarter to 5.2 trillion won ($4.63 billion) from 7.8 trillion won to reflect losses from the recall and production termination of its Galaxy Note 7 smartphone due to safety concerns.

Samsung estimates the losses from the Note 7 fiasco at 2.6 trillion won. It also adjusted its preliminary sales from 49 trillion won to 47 trillion won.

The revised operating profit marks a 29.63 percent fall from a year earlier and a 36.12 percent drop from the previous quarter.

"We've reflected all losses from the halt of Note 7 production in our third-quarter results," a company official said.

The adjustment of earnings figures comes after it announced a quarterly earnings guidance last Friday.

Samsung Electronics announced late Tuesday that it would halt sales, production and replacements of the ill-fated Note 7 devices over growing safety concerns.



What went wrong?

Samsung is facing growing calls to put top priority on finding out the exact cause for the unconfirmed battery fires in the Note 7. Experts say this is the best scenario for the company to recover its tarnished brand image and regain customer trust for new models to come.

Earlier last month, the company said the fires stemmed from batteries. But as replacement Note 7s, equipped with what Samsung called "safe" batteries, were also reported catching fire, many media outlets raised the possibility that a battery fault may not be the key reason behind the manufacturing defect.

The company is conducting a joint investigation with a group of regulatory organizations in Korea, China and the United States. In particular, the company is working with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to investigate a recent incident in which a Note 7 handset caught fire on a U.S. plane.

"The CPSC is expected to unveil its findings over the Note 7 fires no later than this week, which will provide momentum to put an end to rumors swirling around the causes of the fires," said a mobile industry source, asking not to be named.

Samsung Electronics, for its part, is fully cooperating with the investigation by the CPSC to ensure customer safety.

In a recent statement, the company said: "We are working with the CPSC to investigate the recently reported cases involving the Galaxy Note 7," adding that the company will spare no efforts in cooperating fully with the U.S. agency, carriers and retail partners to take necessary steps to resolve the situation.

The Korea Agency for Technology and Standards (KATS), a state-run agency to supervise product safety, also stressed that finding the cause of the fires was key to resolving the matter. KATS said it will swiftly finalize the process by holding discussions with industry experts experienced in accident investigations.



Compensation measures

Buyers of the Note 7s will be given refunds or different models as of Thursday in Korea, with Samsung Electronics and mobile carriers offering a series of compensation options for customers.

Original or replacement Note 7 users can return their devices to the nation's three mobile carriers until the end of the year. They can choose to either get a refund or exchange the device for another model SK Telecom, KT and LG Uplus said Wednesday.

They said customers who exchange the handset for other Samsung models  including the Galaxy S7, S7 Edge and Note 5  will be able to receive a mobile gift certificate worth 30,000 won ($26.74). Note 7 users can also cancel their contracts without any cost or penalty, according to the carriers.

They are in internal talks over finalizing more detailed compensation measures for users who changed their mobile network carrier to another upon purchasing the Note 7. All three carriers are expected to announce their confirmed compensation plans no later than Thursday.

SK Telecom, the nation's leading mobile carrier, said Note 7 users will be able to get a full refund without any penalty for breach of contract. The company also plans to notify customers of detailed compensation measures.

KT and LG Uplus also issued a statement saying they will notify each customer of any updates over the refund and exchange process.

The decision came after Samsung Electronics confirmed Tuesday that it would permanently stop producing and selling the Note 7s globally, citing safety concerns over its battery fires.

"We apologize for inconveniencing customers and partners who supported the Note 7," the company said in an earlier statement, adding that the company recommends Note 7 users visit retail stores after making sure that they have enough different models in stock.

The decision to scrap production comes 54 days after the device debuted with much fanfare in New York in mid-August. The 5.7-inch Android handset had gained a favorable market response with some state-of-the-art functionalities  such as an iris scanner and improved security backed by its latest version of the Knox mobile security system.

But it soon began to lose its luster over reports that the device overheated due to unconfirmed manufacturing defects.

Amid the snowballing controversy, Samsung Electronics last month decided to recall 2.5 million Note 7s already sold in 10 countries.

But with replacement Note 7s mired in a similar scandal, the company terminated sales and production for good, Tuesday.
Photo for illustration

In addition, enterprises of the country will also import the same amount from Thailand; 50,000 tonnes from China, India and Pakistan; 15,000 tonnes from Australia; 4,000 tonnes from El Salvador and 50,000 tonnes from other markets.

The time for delivery is set before February 28th, 2017.

VFA President Huynh The Nang said that, in spite of the small amount of rice, this was a chance for domestic traders to speed up the current low rice consumption.

Earlier, in August, Vietnam won a contract to provide 150,000 tonnes of 25% broken rice to the Philippines with very good price of USD424.85 per tonne./.
Representatives from Vietnam and Sudan sign a MoU in industrial cooperation. (Photo: VGP)

The information was confirmed by Yagoub Mohamed Eltayed Ibrahim, Sudan Secretary of State for Agriculture and Forestry, during the second meeting of the Inter-Governmental Commission of Vietnam and Sudan held in Hanoi on October 11th.

Over the past two years since the first meeting of the commission, the two sides have built up and signed some important legal documents, including the Governmental memorandum of understanding on agricultural cooperation, an agreement on maritime transport, and an agreement on visa exemption for diplomatic passport and official passport holders, creating a foundation for expanding cooperation in the future.

During the second session, the two sides signed a memorandum of understanding on industrial cooperation, including the food processing industry; mechanical engineering; footwear production and textile production; and electronic device and equipment production.

The two sides also discussed signing some other agreements on finance, culture, education and agriculture cooperation.

Vietnamese Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Vu Van Tam urged authorized agencies of the two countries to realize signed agreements.

The two sides agreed to encourage enterprises to join the markets and fairs of the others; exchange delegations to exploit information and study investment opportunities at fairs and talks; and increase the sharing of administration and tax information of each country.

The Vietnam - Sudan Inter-Governmental Commission, established in 2013 to promote cooperation in economics, trade, investment, science and other areas, convenes every two years./.
THE CENTRAL ORGAN OF THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF VIETNAM The Voice of the party, State and Vietnamese people on the internet

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Since the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association bought the government land on which the controversial cross sits above the National Veterans Memorial in July 2015, the two-decades-long legal battle over its constitutionality ended last month when the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals determined the case is now moot.

Since 1989, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and others have argued that the cross should be removed from government-owned property because it represents one religion over others. Counter-arguing that the cross is a neutral symbol for memorials, the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association maintained that veterans from several religious backgrounds are represented in the now 4,400 plaques on the surround-wall beneath the cross.

Mt. Soledad Memorial Association president Lou Scanlon said that though the wheels of justice turn slowly, the Association was very excited and pleased that these years of litigation are at an end.

In July 2015, the Department of Defense sold the half-acre parcel atop Mt. Soledad in La Jolla to the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association for $1.4 million following the passage of the National Defense Authorization Act of 2015, signed into law by Congress and President Obama in December 2014, calling for the sale of the property by the federal government to the Association.

When the sale was complete, the property became private, nullifying the argument that a religious icon was located on public property. An unopposed motion filed on Aug. 25 by the U.S. government and the Memorial Association states, The United States and the plaintiffs have negotiated a settlement agreement resolving all remaining issues, including attorneys fees, arising from this litigation.

However, Scanlon points out the purchase depleted our fund. Now, the Association is now moving forward with replenishing the fund and establishing seed money for future maintenance and growth.

We have plans to install an electronic kiosk, so visitors can more easily locate plaques of their loved ones and we can enhance the visitor experience, he said. We are also partnering with the Midway Museum to explore our educational outreach so the youth understand that freedom isnt free, it was paid for with the sacrifice of the people on the wall.

The Association quietly began a capital campaign with a $2.1 million goal (which they hope to exceed) and has already reached $1.5 million, largely due to hefty donations from philanthropists Doug Manchester, Jack McGrory, Dick Woltman, Tom Sudberry, Peter Farrell and others. Former California Gov. Pete Wilson is serving as honorary chair of the fund drive.

McGrory, who was City Manager in the 1990s, gave $100,000 to the Association. I was involved in this issue from the City side and watched as the Association fought the battle after that. The Memorial has become an icon in San Diego and the most important thing to remember is that it is a veterans memorial. More than 4,000 veterans are commemorated up there and I intend to get a plaque for dad up there, as well, he said. Its great that now the Memorial is something that can exist in perpetuity and grow from here. We can improve the parkland to make it a nice spot for people to visit.

Added Manchester, the largest donor at $500,000, I donated because Ive been involved with the Memorial for 30 years and Im so pleased that the dreams of those who have been involved for so long will see the cross be preserved to honor the men and women of the military, because if it wasnt for them, we wouldnt have the incredible life we enjoy today. When I was asked to get involved, I wanted to do whatever I could. Hopefully, my gift will be followed by others.

Want to know more? Visit soledadmemorial.com or call (858) 459-2314.
Uber car thief leads police pursuit to La Jolla

A woman suspected of stealing an Uber drivers Mercedes Benz led San Diego officers on a car and foot chase into La Jolla Oct. 6, 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, Officer Tony Martinez said.

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.

Skimming scam hits home

A La Jolla resident reports that she may have had her credit card skimmed at a La Jolla gas station last month, and the thieves used her card to spend more than $1,000 at Best Buy. San Diego County Sheriffs Department issued a warning recently that someone has been installing scanning devices known as skimmers inside credit card readers at gas stations. These are used to steal your credit or debit card information, including pin numbers, to make fraudulent purchases.

The resident said she regularly uses her card at the same gas station, and after using the card at the station twice, her credit card statement came in with more than $1,000 in fraudulent purchases on it.

When I saw my statement, I went to Best Buy and the clerks remembered the transaction because of the amount and the unusual items that were purchased, such as an older-model iPhone and a brand new Apple Watch, she said. They said it was two men, and gave me a copy of the receipt so I could file a police report.

She added that she was frustrated that the retailer did not ask for identification when the scammers made such a large purchase.

They didnt take my card far away from San Diego, so my credit card company probably wasnt alerted to anything unusual, she said. I was also pretty angry that this happened at a local gas station and that people werent monitoring the pumps to make sure they werent being tampered with. I didnt even noticed that the pump had been altered, thats what scary about it.

Learning from the experience, she advised others to regularly check their credit card statements online. If you dont check your statement often, people could use your card for a while without being caught. It could happen to anybody.

Police Blotter

Sept. 18

Petty theft, 5300 block La Jolla Boulevard, 12:30 a.m.

Sept. 20

Petty theft, 1300 block Caminito Arriata, 10 p.m.

Sept. 22

Motor vehicle theft , Cave Street at Prospect Street, 2 p.m.

, Cave Street at Prospect Street, 2 p.m. Vehicle break-in, 6900 block Neptune Place, 10:05 p.m.

Oct. 2

Vehicle break-in, 8300 Camino Del Oro, 9 a.m.

Oct. 4

Vehicle break-in , 900 block La Jolla Rancho Road, 12 p.m.

, 900 block La Jolla Rancho Road, 12 p.m. Vandalism ($400) or more, 6300 block La Jolla Boulevard, 1:30 p.m.

Oct. 5

Misdemeanor vandalism, 7900 block Girard Avenue, 7:10 p.m.

Oct. 6

Assault with a deadly weapon other than firearm, 900 block Turquoise Street, 4 a.m.

other than firearm, 900 block Turquoise Street, 4 a.m. Vehicle break-in, 7600 block Fay Avenue, 9 p.m.

Oct. 7

Vehicle break-in, 100 block Prospect Street, 10 p.m.

Oct. 9
According to online reports, as many as three armed robberies or attempted robberies took place in La Jolla in the last several days, as recently as Tuesday night.

This morning (Wednesday, Oct. 12), two men (one of them reportedly carrying a gun) broke into a house on the 7900 block of Avenida Alamar while a couple were inside. The suspects in the 8 a.m. home invasion are described as two Hispanic men, between the ages of 17-22. The suspects reportedly saw the couple and ran out.

An armed robbery was also reported around 9 p.m. Tuesday Oct. 11 on the 1300 block of Virginia Way as the homeowner pulled into his garage, said San Diego Police Department Sgt. Michael Tansey

The victim said as he was approaching his residence, three robbers emerged, two of them armed with handguns. The victim gave the robbers his watch, cell phone and a briefcase before they fled on foot. All three were seen wearing black ski masks and dark clothing, Tansey said.

Police are also investigating whether a collection of robberies that took place earlier that night in Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach and La Jolla are connected.

Were not saying that they are a series, but that the suspect descriptions are similar, Tansey said.

In the first instance, the San Diego Union-Tribune reports, a woman was getting out of her parked vehicle outside of her home on Monaco Street when a man walked up about 8:35 p.m. Tuesday.

The suspect asked if the woman had seen his lost dog. As the two talked, a man wearing a ski mask walked up and pointed a handgun at the woman, police said. The gunman asked the woman to hand over property, then pulled off her necklace and took off her ring.

Soon after the first robbery, a second that also included a lost dog ploy occurred in the 1500 block of Ebers Street in nearby Ocean Beach. Soon after, suspects of a similar description robbed someone in La Jolla, the details of which were not released.

Anyone with information is urged to call San Diego Police Non Emergency line at (619) 531-2000 or Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-8477.

La Jolla Light will provide more information as soon as details are available.
The price of LITRO gas cylinders would be further reduced in the first week of November in accordance with the

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The SLFP does not condone the continuation of the Emergency Regulations (The Public Security Ordinance) more than a day necessary

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PRESS RELEASE

House of Commons Debates a Nuclear War To Protect Civilians

Oct. 11, 2016 (EIRNS)At the initiative of Tory Member of Parliament Andrew Mitchell, the British House of Commons today staged an "Emergency Parliamentary Debate," allegedly on Syria, as a forum for promoting war with Russia.

An article published by Mitchell in the Daily Mirror today, "Vladimir Putins Russia Acting like Nazi regime with Syria hospital air strike," set the histrionic tone of the "debate." Mitchell is being "advised" by former British military officials and by former CIA director ret. Gen. David Petreaus, who have developed a proposal to track Russian jets from U.K. warships off the coast of Syria, and for a complete no-fly zone for Syrian helicopters over civilian areas, the London Guardian reported today. "No one wants to see a firefight with Russia, no one wants to shoot down a Russian plane," Mitchell told BBC Radio 4. "

But what we do say is that the international community has an avowed responsibility to protect and ... if that means confronting Russian air power defensively ... then we should do that."

The debate was quite a show. The 43 parliamentarians from various parties who spoke were speaking to each other; the rest of the seats were empty. The scene was dominated by wild diatribes against Russia, and calls for the House of Commons to make up for its "mistake" of 2013, when it voted against military strikes on Syria, by imposing a no-fly zone (NFZ) now.

One called for putting aside the fight against ISIS until "the children of Aleppo are saved." A notorious Blair-ite assured that many colleagues on these benches would support a motion for a NFZ. Others endorsed the proposal of a leader of the All-Party Friends of Syria group that Syrian and Russian military facilities be bombed every time they were alleged to have struck a civilian target. Another stood up, repeatedly, to insist that other speakers identify Russia as a threat, not just to Syria, but to the "international order upon which our security is based."

At the conclusion, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson rose to respond. He expressed his pleasure that the debate today expressed a different resolution than in 2013. He spoke of "rebel-held areas" of Aleppo being viciously attacked by Russia, Syria, and the Hezbollah, and said that the May government does think there are advantages to bringing Russia before the International Criminal Court for war crimes. All available evidence points to Russian responsibility for the September attack on the humanitarian convoy in Aleppo, he assertedand there is "no doubt" that it had been bombed from the air. We in the U.K. trust the UN Board of Inquiry into that attack will reach the same conclusion, and his government stands ready to help them do just that, he promised.

Johnson agreed that Russia poses a general threat to "our international order," and heartedly endorsed one of the parliamentarians call for demonstrations to be held outside of the Russian Embassy in London and others around the world. But he cautioned, that a NFZ requires shooting down planes and helicopters, and that must be worked through with the U.K. allies before it could be adoptedthus alluding to the target of the entire show: these insane British interests cannot bring about the global, thermonuclear war they are thirsting for without lining up the United States behind their insanity.
PRESS RELEASE

Russia: U.S. Global Missile Defense Scheme Is Preparation for War

Oct. 11, 2016 (EIRNS)The Russians who spoke at the 7th Xiangshan Forum in Beijing today, reiterated their criticism of U.S. global missile defense plans, which, they say, are aimed not only at Russia, but at China, too. Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov told the conference that while Russia does not accept North Koreas nuclear ambitions, it is equally concerned about the U.S. deployment of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) anti-ballistic missile system to South Korea.

"[W]e are concerned about attempts of some countries to use the uneasy situation on the Korean Peninsula to boost their military presence in North-East Asia, to deploy new and clearly excessive types of weapons in the sub-region,"

Antonov said. Washingtons decision to deploy THAAD in South Korea

"may lead to escalation of regional tensions, creation of additional hurdles for settlement of the whole range of problems on the Korean Peninsula,"

he noted.

"Deployment of U.S. missile defense systems in South Korea clearly goes beyond the tasks of deterring the North Korean threat. We do not have any doubts that U.S., with support of their allies, will continue to build up the potential of the Asia Pacific segment of their global missile system, which will inevitably lead to disruption of established strategic balances both in the Asia Pacific and beyond." "The U.S. decision to create a global echeloned missile shield system is not linked with a response to missile threats from Iran and North Korea. It is conditioned primarily by the desire to achieve military supremacy over Russia and China,"

First Deputy Head of the Main Operations Department at the Russian General Staff Viktor Poznikhir told the conference. In actual fact, the U.S. missile shield is aimed at

"reducing the potential of the Russian strategic nuclear forces and, with regard to the Chinese missile and nuclear potential, getting a possibility to zero it out,"

the general said. As a result,

"Russia is forced to take adequate response measures in order to prevent the U.S. and its allies from influencing the existing balance of forces in the sphere of strategic weapons. As far as we understand, our Chinese partners are acting in the same way,"

Poznikhir said.

Poznikhir charged that the U.S. ballistic missile defense installation in Europe is a violation of the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty, because the Mk41 launchers installed in Romania, and to be installed in Poland, are capable of firing Tomahawk missiles. He brushed aside US protests that the launchers dont have the hardware or the software for Tomahawks, saying that the missing components could easily be re-installed.

"Russias military experts say that the U.S. hopes to get a chance due to possessing [the emissile defense system] to deliver a surprise missile-nuclear strike in any region of the world, including Russia and China, with no punishment,"

said Poznikhir. He explained that the means created as part of the Prompt Global Strike concept will allow carrying out disarming strikes on the nuclear forces.
PRESS RELEASE

U.S. Journalist Pillories Anti-Russia, Pro-Terrorist Setup in Presidential Debate as Threat to Planet

Oct. 11, 2016 (EIRNS)ABC Newss Martha Raddatzs question to Hillary Clinton about a no-fly zone over Syria in Sunday nights debate, exemplifies how mainstream U.S. news media has become "a threat to the future of the planet," an actual U.S. journalist, Robert Parry, wrote in Consortium News today.

Raddatz asked:

"Just days ago, the State Department called for a war crimes investigation of the Syrian regime of Bashar al-Assad and its ally, Russia, for their bombardment of Aleppo.... If you were president, what would you do about Syria and the humanitarian crisis in Aleppo? Isnt it a lot like the Holocaust when the U.S. waited too long before we helped?"

Parry raised the question: What if Raddatz had asked Hillary the following, more honest question:

"The situation in Aleppo presents a heart-rending and nettlesome concern. Al Qaeda fighters and their rebel allies, including some who have been armed by the United States, are holed up in some neighborhoods of eastern Aleppo. Theyve been firing rockets into the center and western sections of Aleppo and they have shot civilians seeking to leave east Aleppo through humanitarian corridors. "These terrorists and their moderate rebel allies seem to be using the tens of thousands of civilians still in east Aleppo as human shields in order to create sympathy from Western audiences when the Syrian government seeks to root the terrorists and other insurgents from these neighborhoods with airstrikes that have killed both armed fighters and civilians. In such a circumstance, what should the U.S. role be, and was it a terrible mistake to supply these fighters with sophisticated rockets and other weapons, given that these weapons have helped Al Qaeda in seizing and holding territory?"

If Hillary had called for a no-fly zone in answer to that question, Parry went on, the obvious follow-up questions would be:
Blue Lagoon Cruise Review- Fiji's Finest Cruise

Fiji is one of those magical places that everyone should visit at least once. It has always been on my bucket list and it was time to make it happen. A great way to experience authentic Fiji with its many beautiful unspoiled remote islands and underwater reefs is a stay on the Blue Lagoon Cruises. Their ship the Fiji Princess is the cream of boutique small ship cruising. Offering a 3 night cruise starting with the Mamanuca Islands continuing into the Yasawa Islands. A smaller ship comes to pick up and depart passengers as the Fiji Princess continues onward with a 4 night cruise from the Yasawa Islands with all new stops back into the Mamanuca Islands. You can also stay for the entire 7 nights which is what I did. It was the perfect amount of days for a water lover like myself.

Here you will experience all that Fiji is world famous for. From guided visits to remote traditional Fijian villages and interact with the locals. Daily visits to stunning beaches with some of the best snorkeling in the world. Walk the white sand beaches and swim in crystal clear lagoons where the movies Cast Away starring Tom Hanks and Brooke Shields Blue Lagoon were filmed.

Unlike large cruise ships around the globe that can't pull right up to small remote islands as the Princess did, even tying off to a coconut tree. The ship cruises only 4 hours a day allowing more time on shore daily for spectacular island activities. Unlike many tropical cruises in the Caribbean where open water can get rough the Fiji islands are relatively close together and the water was calm. Our cruise never had more than 50 passengers, which made it easy to make new friends and not one person got seasick. I loved that nightly for dinner and to sleep we were anchored just yards from an island in calm lagoon waters allowing for very little rocking. The engine was off so no vibration while you were trying to fall asleep. In the morning 4 soft bells would come over your cabin speaker followed by a gentile voice, Bula (welcome) inviting you to breakfast, listing that mornings activities then followed by Vinaka (thank you).

The crew is incredibly friendly and quickly within a day knew all our names. On deck you will meet many people from Australia and New Zealand since flights are only 3 to 4 hours. We also had couples from France, Italy and Switzerland. Honeymooners in their 20's to many couples in their 40's, 50's and 60's. One night we sat at the Captain's table for a sit down dinner the other nights were all buffet. The food throughout was very good. Lots of local fish, chicken, lamb and Tasmanian beef.

On day 1 after boarding the ship at 3 PM we were quickly underway and by 5 PM we visited secluded Modriki island where the movie Cast Away was shot. Small motor boats shuttled us into the beach. It was a windy and cloudy but that's the tropics for you. We all got a hoot out of seeing this tiny island. Some collected beautiful shells others took a quick swim and lots of photos. Back on board as dusk came my attention turned to cocktails and canapes on the top deck, the sun deck.

Here I started to make friends and we watched the sunset. Followed by the Captain's welcome dinner in the dining saloon which is on the first level, outdoors but covered overhead by the decks above. The Captain made a short charming speech and introduced the crew and by dinners end we all got to know each other. After dinner on the middle deck, the lounge deck, with its comfortable cushioned chairs and the ships bar, the crew gathered around two guitars and a ukulele and sang Fijian songs.

Day 2 started with that gentile four bells and an invitation to breakfast. Eggs cooked to order, bacon, lots of fresh local fruit, papaya, pineapple and watermelon. There were fresh baked breads, croissants of course cereal, juice, tea and coffee. Weather permitting here they offer an outer reef snorkel where five foot reef sharks are often found. Many of us were excited to experience this but sadly the water was to rough and we moved onto another spot. The cruise itinerary is flexible to accommodate the best activities that the weather allows. We cruised to Naviti and Sosa Bay. After lunch we went ashore with a guided visit to our first local village. We were welcomed with a traditional Kava ceremony. The ship presented them with a present of a root which would later be used to make the Kava drink.

Here in the village we learned that they were hit very hard in February 2015 by Hurricane Winston, a class 5 cyclone. Many of the buildings were badly damaged. We toured the main school building which has been fixed but other buildings still need work. Much of the money raised comes from the cruise passengers buying hand made souvenirs and also dropping ten or twenty dollars each in the donation box which really goes a long way to helping. Some passengers even brought from their home countries toys and essential goods to give to the villages. Later that day many of us snorkeled for the first time. Others went on a fishing trip or a scuba dive. The sky was cloudy but the water was clear and the underwater reef was alive with colorful fish.

That night after sunset cocktails we had a Bollywood dinner. Indian clothes were put out for you to choose from followed by a Thali Buffet of exquisite Indian dishes and curry's. Another night dinner was Asian stir-fry night. Fiji is made up of different religions, Hindu, Muslim and Christian. The villages we visited were all Christian. The next day was Sunday and we were invited to attend the Sunday village church service. Many did, others chose to relax on the beach and swim.

For beach visits the crew sets up chairs, mats, umbrellas, fresh fruit and drinks. They also provide snorkel gear and beach towels. Often they had stand-up paddleboards, kayaks as well.

We didn't really get the full sunny weather till day 4 and it stayed with us for the rest of the trip. But even in overcast weather the water was warm and clear to see all the underwater life. But when the sun is out the lagoon is a vibrant bright blue and island life takes on that magical look dreams are made of. Everyday I was snorkeling or diving off a different island and its numerous reefs. After a nice morning or afternoon on a crystal white sand beach a nice hot shower feels so good. If you want to escape the tropical heat for an hour melt into your extremely comfortable bed in your air conditioned cabin to read a book or take a nap. Each cabin had a refrigerator stocked with water, soda, beer and wine. The ship has many free DVD movies that you can watch relaxing in your cabin. For a small charge they will even do your laundry. Spa treatments and manicures are offered as well

Surprisingly we cruised at a speed that allowed the crew to put out fishing troll lines and they caught several large tuna and mackerel. Several nights we were encouraged to join the crew in drinking Kava, a drink used in traditional ceremonies. Kava has a numbing affect on your lips. tradition says you must clap your hands before a crew member passes you the small wood bowl. Drink it like a shot of whiskey in one gulp, then clap again as the crew cheers you on.

On day 5 we visited the famed Blue Lagoon, which is a stretch of water circled by islands creating a lagoon of Fiji's most stunning coral reefs. On the island of Nanuya Lailai, Blue lagoon Cruises has their very own white sand beach. Here I enjoyed the best snorkeling of the entire magical trip. Just feet from the sand were thousands of colorful reef fish.

The crew brought out fish food for us to entice the fish to swarm us. Bring a go pro camera and you will get amazing video and photos of the underwater world. I often go to Hawaii but in Fiji I saw many vibrant colorful fish I don't find in Hawaii. And the sheer numbers of fish on the reef here dwarfed snorkeling Maui and the Hawaiian islands.

For those who don't like to snorkel there was a glass bottom boat ride to view the reef below. Small boats also took us to other snorkeling spots throughout the day. Late in the afternoon I played beach volleyball with the Captain and crew. That night on the island the crew cooked a traditional Lovo dinner. Similar to a Hawaiian Luau, the food is cooked underground in a specially prepared pit.

You start with hot stones covered by banana tree roots which act as a grill, then tin foil wrapped plates of lamb, chicken and fish are placed and covered by huge coconut tree palm leaves. The pit is then covered by blankets after sand is shoveled on top. We gathered around to watch them being set in the ground and again 3 hours later when they unearthed our dinner, which we consumed under the stars here on the island. After dinner the local villagers put on a Meke with singing, dancing and story telling. We also had a chance to buy some of their hand made jewelry and souvenirs before retiring back onto the ship.

We spent a total of two day here at the same private beach. You could just relax in the surf and sand. Or join a guided tour with great views along the way to the local island residences to enjoy basket weaving and witness Fijian wood carving. I spent my second morning here exploring more of the underwater on a guided reef safari snorkel tour. After lunch on shore we boarded the ship to head to the island of Sawa-i-Lau. Here we had a guided swimming tour through their world famous limestone caverns. Snorkels, fins and floating noodles are provided.

You take stairs down into the majestic cavern where you don your fins and hop into the large outdoor cavern with its 60 foot walls. The second smaller cavern is in complete darkness but the crew enters first and lights it up with flashlights before guiding you to swim through an underwater passage into this fun eerie cave. It was a blast and one of the great adventures this week long cruise has to offer. That evening we visited the village of Tamusua. The village woman cooked a traditional Fijian meal, crab dish, eggplant and lamb. We sat on mats inside a village building afterwards we joined them in a traditional dance the village taught us.

In total we visited 3 villages. One had their high school students in the afternoon come out of the classroom to sing and dance for us. The teacher and students wanted to know about our lives and see photos on our phones from our countries and cities. It was a wonderful exchange and learning experience for all. After dinner there is always an activity. One night it was bingo, another night it was disco dancing, or an outdoor movie with popcorn. We watched film Blue Lagoon and recognized the beaches, and Limestone Cavern we had just visited.

Our final full day was also spectacular as we were bound for Drwaqa Island where giant manta rays come to feed between May and October. There are no guarantees when dealing with ocean life but on most days during these months some rays are spotted and you can snorkel with them. Rays are very peaceful, they don't bite and they have no stinger like a sting ray does. When our boat anchored off Drawaqa Island a marine biologist came on board to talk about the rays and all the sea life work that the Vinaka Fiji Volunteer team is doing. This is also a superb scuba diving spot. Myself and a few others headed out for a scuba dive. Afterwards we headed out in a small motor boat to where the team had spotted a 15 foot giant manta ray swimming quite quickly through the open channel. We donned our snorkel gear and entered the water a few feet in front of the ray who was swimming 15 feet below the surface. The giant ray was breathtaking to see in its size and grace as it flapped its wings and glided through the water. I snapped off a few pictures as I tried to keep up for a minute or two.

Later back on the Fiji Princess I learned that most passengers enjoyed an hour relaxing and swimming on a wonderful beach till 3 rays were spotted swimming together. Small boats then took the group of 20 that wanted to snorkel with the rays. These ranged in size from 5-10 feet. One ray did a nice underwater back flip showing off their white belly. Those who didn't want to enjoy the water took in a visit to the local village where Vinaka Fiji Volunteers are at work. There was also a walk to the island cliff top for a stunning view. At the barbecue dinner served on the upper deck under the star filled sky we all excitedly shared stories of our manta ray encounter. Absolutely a memory we will cherish forever. The last night is the only night we were under cruise as we headed home. After breakfast at 10 AM the ship pulled into port back in Denarau Marina where we started. The week long cruise was all fantastic fun, an island lovers dream trip and truly the best way to experience a large variety of islands and water adventures. Everyone of the passengers I got to know really enjoyed the trip and plans to recommend it to friends and family. In a year or two I would love to go back and do it all again. One passenger shared that she had done the Blue Lagoon Cruise 40 years ago when they featured a different ship. It was such a great memory she just had to come back and do it again. Photos courtesy of Blue Lagoon Cruises and Mitchell Sacharoff.
I dont know whos going to win the Nobel Prize in literature. But the British betting site Ladbrokes has been taking bets, and American Don DeLillo is making a last-minute surge in the standings, rising from 66/1 odds earlier this week to 4/1 odds, putting him in fourth place.

Do the bettors know anything? Sometimes, it seems like they do. In 2104, oddsmakers placed French novelist Patrick Modiano in fourth place, and he won the prize. Last year, a Belarusian who pens oral histories made a surprisingly strong showing in Ladbrokes betting  nonfiction is rarely recognized by the Nobel committee  but Svetlana Alexievich went on to win.

Then again, for the last couple of years, Bob Dylan has been on the betting list for the Nobel Prize in literature. The idea holds little truck with readers  Alex Shepherd writes about the possible winner, not Bob Dylan, thats for sure at the New Republic  but the musician is fun to bet on all the same. Currently, Dylan, who is between weekend performances at the Desert Trip festival in Indio, is tied in eighth place with celebrated Spanish novelist Javier Marias, with odds of 16/1.

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With all this back and forth, whos in first place? That would be Ngugi wa Thiongo, the Kenyan playwright, novelist, journalist and memoirist who currently teaches at UC Irvine. Thiongo is best known in America for his novel Wizard of the Crow, which he wrote in his native Gikuyu and translated into English. In Kenya, Thiongo was once imprisoned for his writing and, after living in exile, was attacked by gunmen upon his return. Although hes 78, he continues to publish; his next book, the memoir Birth of a Dream Weaver, hits shelves Oct. 25.

Will Thiongo having taken refuge in America work against him? Its possible. In 2008, then-Permanent Secretary to the Swedish Academy Horace Engdahl declared American literary culture too isolated, too insular, saying, They dont translate enough and dont really participate in the big dialogue of literature. The statement caused an uproar, but the fact remains that no American has been awarded the Nobel Prize in literature since 1993, when it went to Toni Morrison.

Engdahls point was that its a big wide world of letters. Current favorites in Ladbrokes include Japans Haruki Murakami and Syrias Adonis, tied for second place with 6/1 odds. Murakami is best known for his surrealist fiction and is Japans top-selling novelist; Adonis writes poetry, particularly long form, and has lived in exile for decades, mostly in Beirut and Paris.

Perennial favorites on the list are South Korean poet Ko Un, Albanian novelist Ismail Kadare, Czech expatriate Milan Kundera, Hungarian writer Peter Nadas, Argentine author Cesar Aira, Israeli writer Amos Oz, Indian novelist Salman Rushdie and Irish novelist John Banville.

Norwegian writer Jon Fosse, who is little known in the U.S., is also among the top contenders. Newcomers to the list include Portuguese novelist Antonio Lobo Antunes, Estonian poet Doris Kareva, German scholar Navid Kermani and Chinese satirist Yan Lianke. An intriguing possibility is Hungarian novelist Laszlo Krasznahorkai, whose work is notoriously challenging but who recently won the Man Booker International prize  racking up other awards can be seen as a path to the Nobel.

Two candidates on the list would present an interesting challenge for the Nobel committee, which expects the winner to attend the presentation ceremony and give a robust acceptance speech. One is Elena Ferrante (odds currently 50/1), the bestselling novelist who writes under a pseudonym but was said to be unmasked this fall by an Italian journalist. With her identity (possibly) revealed, would she show up? Similarly, American novelist Thomas Pynchon (odds also 50/1) has worked in seclusion for decades, and sent a jokey substitute to the National Book Awards when Gravitys Rainbow was in contention. Would he appear in public for the Nobel?

American favorites who would, presumably, be happy to jump on a plane to Sweden for the Nobel Prize include Philip Roth (odds 12/1), Joyce Carol Oates (odds 20/1) and Marilynne Robinson (odds 50/1).

And science fiction fans have two major figures appearing on the list: Ursula K. LeGuin (odds 50/1) and Margaret Atwood (odds 66/1).

Who will win? Who can say? But theres still time to get your bets in; the prize will be announced Thursday at 4 a.m. Pacific Time.

carolyn.kellogg@latimes.com
Tesla and SolarCity shareholders will meet separately on Nov. 17 to decide whether the companies should merge.

SolarCity shareholders will vote in the morning, and Tesla shareholders in the afternoon, according to a new securities filing made public Wednesday.

The merger, announced in June and worth about $2.23 billion at current stock values, would combine the electric car company with the nations biggest solar roof installer.

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Tesla on Wednesday called the deal the first ever opportunity to generate, store and consume energy entirely sustainably, through a suite of integrated products that add aesthetics and function while reducing cost.

Elon Musk, chief executive at Tesla, chairman at SolarCity and a major investor at both, has painted a vision of attractive solar rooftops feeding energy into home-storage batteries, powering homes and electric cars.

To supporters, thats a bold and visionary plan. Critics call the deal a misguided effort to rescue two companies that depend on investors and the government for operating cash.

At least seven lawsuits against the deal have been filed, but Tesla said the vote is on, litigation or not.

The companies have planned big events between now and the vote: SolarCity will introduce a solar roof on Oct. 28  not just rooftop panels, but the roof itself. Meantime, Musk has promised an unexpected product unveiling on Oct. 17.

Of more interest to investors, perhaps, the companies said they would offer additional financial information on the merger on Nov. 1.

Both companies have set aggressive plans, and both face huge challenges. SolarCity, like the entire solar industry, is struggling to find dependable ways to finance solar installation. Tesla is in the midst of a major expansion of its Fremont assembly plant, to build the mid-market Model 3, while simultaneously constructing a huge, $5-billion battery plant in the Nevada desert outside Reno.

russ.mitchell@latimes.com

Twitter: @russ1mitchell
Theres nothing inherently wrong with judges expressing themselves passionately or colorfully, and nothing inherently partisan when they do so, on one side or another. The Supreme Court in the 1930s was famous for the impassioned byplay among its members, as when conservative Justice James McReynolds groused in dissent from a pro-New Deal opinion, Shame and humiliation are upon us now.

But theres still something odd about the ruling issued Tuesday by Judge Brett Kavanaugh of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, possibly the most important court in the land next to the Supreme Court. Kavanaugh was writing for a near-unanimous three-judge panel. (One judge dissented in part, as we shall see.)

This is a case about executive power and individual liberty.  U.S. Court of Appeals Judge Brett Kavanaugh

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The judges found the structure of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a product of the Dodd-Frank reforms, to be unconstitutional. Kavanaugh was cogent on his reasoning. But his tone was grossly overheated, and openly ideological. So much so that one must think about what was really going on here. The answer is that the ruling looks like another conservative attack on a consumer-friendly agency that Republicans absolutely hate.

This is a case, Kavanaugh began, about executive power and individual liberty. In fact, he added, its about a grave threat to individual liberty. That phrase, individual liberty, appears at least 35 more times in Kavanaughs 98-page majority opinion, by my count. So the abuse that the panel stamps out must be pretty durn frightful, right?

Well, you be the judge. Essentially, the court declared unconstitutional the arrangement by which CFPB director Richard Cordray serves a fixed five-year term. Typically, Kavanaugh observed, the heads of executive branch agencies either serve at the presidents pleasure or as part of a multi-member commission  think the Securities and Exchange Commission. The idea is that agency chiefs powers are either limited by the presidents authority or checked by their fellow commissioners.

No independent agency exercising substantial executive authority has ever been headed by a single person, Kavanaugh thundered. Until now. (Italics are in the original ruling.)

Thats the menace that Kavanaugh found so extreme. One would almost buy into his position, were not the judges remedy and the circumstances of the case so mundane. Rather than declare the whole CFPB unconstitutional, the court merely directed that henceforth, the director must serve at the presidents pleasure. The judges disposed of the issue that brought the case to them, a CFPB fine against PHH Corp., a suspect mortgage lender, relatively easily; they vacated the penalty, ruled, that the agency misapplied the law and told it to try again. Indeed, the one murmur of dissent came from Judge Karen L. Henderson, who said that PHHs position was so obviously right under the law that the majority didnt need to touch on the constitutional issues at all and should have kept its collective mouth shut about them.

In other words, despite Kavanaughs horror at the unlimited power exercised by CFPB director Cordray (who was confirmed by the Senate in 2013), obviously the agencys actions are subject to judicial review, which the court duly exercised.

So what really is going on here?

Kavanaugh, a George W. Bush appointee, has a sizable background as an ideological warrior. He first made his spurs as an assistant to independent prosecutor Ken Starr in the President Clinton scandals, and as a principal author of the notorious Starr Report. As a judge in 2011, he voted to throw out the Affordable Care Act (but was in the minority), and even asserted that a president has the right to deem a law unconstitutional and refuse to enforce it, even if its been upheld by the courts.

Its hard to avoid the impression that Kavanaughs language is connected to conservatives long-term distaste for the CFPB. As Kevin Drum observes, their real problem with the CFPB is that they dont want to regulate the financial industry at all. Hes right. Its not unusual at all for conservatives to couch their opposition to regulation, financial or otherwise, in the language of individual liberty, as Kavanaugh did here. Sure enough, Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas), chair of the House Financial Services Committee and a sedulous critic of the CFPB, marked the day of the ruling as a good day for democracy, economic freedom, due process and the Constitution.

This isnt new, but its transparent: Going back to the 1930s again, New Dealer Harold Ickes decried a Supreme Court ruling overturning a state minimum wage law as an infringement on the right of contract by growling, the sacred right of liberty of contract againthe right of an immature child or a helpless woman to drive a bargain with a great corporation.

To be fair, Republicans have objected to Cordrays concentrated authority from the start. But their attacks on the CFPB are typically much broader. As recently as the hearings on Wells Fargos misdeeds, congressional Republicans tried to blame the CFPB for failing to uncover the scandal itself, as though its Cordrays fault, not that of Wells Fargos departing chairman and CEO, John Stumpf.

The CFPB, as it turns out, survived this brush with judicially-administered death. But the remedy fashioned by Kavanaugh and his colleague could be a ticking time bomb; any new president could disembowel the CFPB or even turn it into the most consumer-unfriendly agency in Washington simply by appointing the wrong person as its director. If we had to say goodbye to Richard Cordray and welcome, say, CFPB Director John Stumpf, what would the harvest be?

Keep up to date with Michael Hiltzik. Follow @hiltzikm on Twitter, see his Facebook page, or email michael.hiltzik@latimes.com.

Return to Michael Hiltziks blog.
Apple Inc. plans to open its second research and development center in China, a move that could help bolster the tech giants presence in a lucrative market.

The Cupertino, Calif., company said Wednesday it would open a facility next year in the manufacturing hub of Shenzhen.

In a statement, Apple said the center would allow the companys engineering team to work even more closely and collaboratively with its manufacturing partners.

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The Shenzhen center, along with the Beijing center, is also aimed at strengthening relationships with local partners and universities as we work to support talent development across the country, Apple said.

Last month, Beijing was revealed to be the site of the first research and development center Apple will open in China. Apple plans to eventually invest $45 million in the Beijing facility, which will have 500 employees, according to the state-run China Daily newspaper.

At the time, analysts said the Beijing center could help Apple better understand the vital Chinese market, as well as maintain goodwill with the Chinese government.

Apples iTunes and iBooks platforms have been suspended in China since April. Yet, Apple products, especially the iPhone, remain popular with Chinese consumers.

Apple has made other inroads in China. In May, the company invested $1 billion in Chinese ride-hailing firm Didi Chuxing.

On Tuesday, tech website the Information reported that Apple got a seat on Didi Chuxings board just a few weeks after the investment.

Apple did not respond immediately to a request for comment.

samantha.masunaga@latimes.com

For more business news, follow me @smasunaga

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John Stumpf resigned Wednesday as chairman and chief executive of Wells Fargo & Co., bowing to mounting criticism from lawmakers and others who said he should lose his job over revelations that bank employees created as many as 2 million accounts without customer authorization.

The wrongdoing by the San Francisco bank was exposed by a Los Angeles Times investigation and led to an $185-million settlement with regulators last month, sparking the biggest banking scandal since the financial crisis and renewing calls for a breakup of the nations biggest banks.

Stumpf, 63, had been chief executive since 2007 and chairman of Wells Fargos board since 2010.

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Timothy J. Sloan, 56, a longtime Wells Fargo executive who was named president of the company last year, immediately replaced Stumpf as chief executive, the bank said.

Stumpf is not set to receive any severance, according to public filings. However, he still will retain more than $100 million in vested stock, plus accumulated pension and 401(k) benefits exceeding $24 million, according to the filings.

I am grateful for the opportunity to have led Wells Fargo, Stumpf said in a statement. While I have been deeply committed and focused on managing the company through this period, I have decided it is best for the company that I step aside. I know no better individual to lead this company forward than Tim Sloan.

This week, the bank signaled that Sloan was in line to succeed Stumpf, announcing several management changes, including naming a new head of its wholesale banking unit, which Sloan had previously led.

Sloan will not inherit the companys chairmanship. That role will go to former General Mills executive Stephen Sanger, now the companys lead independent director. Critics of the bank had called not only for Stumpfs resignation but for the bank to separate the CEO and chairman roles.

In after-hours trading, investors reacted positively to the news, sending shares up 1.65% to $46.07. Shares had been off nearly 9% since the day before the $185-million settlement was disclosed last month.

In an interview with The Times on Wednesday, Sloan said it is a privilege to take over as CEO, though he acknowledged that he is taking over at a difficult time.

Our reputation has been impacted by some of the mistakes we made in our retail banking business, said Sloan, who has been with the bank for 29 years. Well regain our customers trust and continue to grow.

He said hes not sure how long that will take. I wish it could be a week from now, he said, adding that it will more likely be a process that takes at least months if not years.

In an earlier interview on CBNC, Sloan said the last five weeks have tainted the banks reputation. But regulators say bad practices at the bank went on for years.

 Wells Fargo CEO John Stumpf testified before congress after the bank was caught opening two million fake accounts.

Sloan told The Times he was not trying to minimize the scope of the scandal.

I dont mean to downplay that at all, he said. I dont mean to minimize the impact. But the changes weve made, I think, are working.

Sloan also said that Stumpf was not pushed out. The Wall Street Journal and New York Times reported that he submitted his resignation in a brief and unexpected letter to the board Wednesday, just two days before a quarterly earnings call Stumpf was expected to lead.

This was a decision made by John Stumpf, Sloan said. He wasnt fired, he wasnt asked to leave. He decided it was in the best interest of the company to retire.

Sloan, who lives in San Marino but also owns a residence in San Francisco, said he plans to continue to split his time between the two.

Though the banks critics had called for Stumpf to resign weeks ago, Wednesdays announcement did little to satisfy them. In fact, some immediately raised questions about Sloans possible connection to the scandal.

Mr. Stumpfs retirement does nothing to answer the many questions that remain, said Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio), who harshly criticized Stumpf last month at a meeting the Senate Banking Committee held on the Wells Fargo scandal.

We are still waiting for answers as to how Wells Fargo plans to right its wrongs against customers and the low-paid employees who werent given the benefit of a retirement package when they were fired for refusing to cheat, he said.

Rep. Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles), called it more than appropriate that Stumpf retire given his direct responsibility for failing to stop fraudulent activity at the bank. But she questioned whether Sloan was the right person to replace him.

I remain concerned that incoming CEO Tim Sloan is also culpable in the recent scandal, serving in a central role in the chain of command that ought to have stopped this misconduct from happening. Indeed, as recently as June of this year, Mr. Sloan was telling the news media that Wells Fargos aggressive cross-selling strategies were fundamentally sound and didnt need to change, she said in a statement.

Paulina Gonzalez, executive director of banking advocacy group California Reinvestment Coalition, said she wants to ensure there are criminal investigations for anybody involved in the scandal and also questioned Sloans appointment given his tenure at the bank.

Carrie Tolstedt, the community banking executive who ran the division where much of the unauthorized accounts activity took place, reported to Sloan after he was named president last year.

We have a lot of questions for Mr. Sloan, Gonzalez said. He was there for the entirety of the accounts scandal.

Stumpf had said he intended to stay at his post, telling members of the House Financial Services Committee investigating the matter on Sept. 29 that he was accountable for leading Wells Fargo as the company restores the trust of customers, team members and investors.

However, the ballooning scandal sparked a bevy of civil lawsuits, investigations by the Justice Department and calls for an industrywide probe into whether other banks might be pushing workers to open unauthorized accounts.

In retrospect, the beginning of the end for Stumpf came Sept. 8, the day the $185-million settlement with federal regulators and the Los Angeles city attorneys office, which had been investigating the banks sales practices, was announced.

L.A. City Atty. Mike Feuer filed a lawsuit against the bank last year after starting an investigation prompted by the 2013 Times article. His legal action drew the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency into the probe.

Their investigation and an internal Wells Fargo review found that, since 2011, the bank had fired 5,300 workers for creating as many as 1.5 million checking and savings accounts, and more than 500,000 credit card accounts, without customers permission.

Regulators said workers created those accounts as they tried to meet unrealistic sales goals that required workers to open a daily quota of new accounts.

Workers used personal information from existing customers to open new accounts, sometimes creating fake PINs, forging signatures and transferring customers money into unauthorized accounts to make them appear legitimate.

The direct effect on consumers so far appears to be relatively small. The bank last month said it has already refunded about $25 on average to 100,000 customers to compensate for unauthorized fees and has set aside a total of $5 million for payouts. But some customers have complained unauthorized credit cards might have lowered their credit scores and raised their borrowing costs.

More broadly, the revelations have damaged consumer trust in the financial system, prompting some Republican lawmakers to tell Stumpf during the House hearing last month that he had strengthened the case for stricter financial regulation.

The damage you have done to the market, to your industry, far exceeds the damage to your own business, Rep. Mick Mulvaney (R-S.C.) told Stumpf during the blistering Sept. 29 hearing of the Financial Services Committee. Yall were rotten.

Stumpf, during his appearance before the Senate Banking Committee, faced an unending stream of critical questions, many of which he did not or could not answer to lawmakers liking.

Lawmakers particularly lambasted Stumpf for blaming dishonest workers rather than aggressive sales quotas for the creation of unauthorized accounts. The bank said most of the 5,300 workers who lost their jobs were low-level branch employees, though some managers also were let go.

He apologized and said he was accountable for the banks problems, but lawmakers in both houses repeatedly said that true accountability would require his firing or resignation.

The bank gradually made some concessions, pledging to end its sales-quota system and, later, clawing back some stock awards and other compensation owed to Stumpf and Tolstedt.

Stumpf lost about $41 million in unvested stock awards and eligibility for an annual bonus, which has totaled $4 million for several years, though that still left him with his large vested stock, pension and 401(k) benefits.

Tolstedt, 56, will give up $19 million in stock awards and could lose more than $30 million in stock options pending the results of an internal investigation. However, more than $40 million in vested stock awards and options are hers to keep.

Tolstedt, who had announced her retirement this summer effective at the end of the year, stepped down Sept. 27 as the scandal intensified.

The board also said it had started its own internal investigation that could lead to other executives losing pay or otherwise being punished.

Stumpf had appeared a perfect match for an institution much more focused on plain-vanilla banking and less on investment banking and trading than peers such as Bank of America, Citibank and JPMorgan Chase.

He did not come from a Wall Street background or have an Ivy League pedigree. He grew up on a dairy farm outside tiny Pierz, Minn., and earned degrees from St. Cloud State University and the University of Minnesota.

Stumpf started his banking career in 1982 at Norwest Corp., a Minneapolis bank that in 1998 merged with Wells Fargo. He oversaw a handful of regional operations for Wells Fargo before being promoted to a top post in 2002 as head of the community banking division.

Times staff writer Jim Puzzanghera contributed to this report.

james.koren@latimes.com

Twitter: @jrkoren

UPDATES:

3:40 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) and Paulina Gonzalez, executive director of banking advocacy group California Reinvestment Coalition.

3:10 p.m.: This article was updated with the after-hours stock price.

2:50 p.m.: This article was updated with quotes from retiring CEO John Stumpf and new CEO Timothy Sloan, as well as information about Stumpfs severance and retirement package.

2:25 p.m.: This article was updated with extensive background on the Wells Fargo scandal.

This article was originally published at 2:15 p.m.
YouTubes acquisition Tuesday of a Santa Monica start-up that connects advertisers with online video creators gives the streaming video service a new tool to fend off rivals Snapchat and Facebook.

FameBit is a portal where digital video producers with more than 5,000 followers on social media can solicit product placement or promotion deals from sponsors. Companies such as Adidas, Canon and Office Depot have bought in, viewing inclusion inside YouTube videos from personalities with names including StunnerBabe15 and Spreadinsunshine15 as a way to gain exposure among young consumers.

YouTube has informally helped direct companies to video makers whose style may fit well with their advertising plans. But with FameBit in the fold, the Google property will now be able to point its deep roster of advertisers to a self-service option and gain revenue from the deals.

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If the direct tie leads to more advertisers using FameBit, as YouTube is betting, it also could mean a significant revenue increase for many more video makers, who often rely on sponsorship for the bulk of their income. Such a boost could go a long away in persuading companies and individuals to post their videos to YouTube instead of Facebook and other apps with exploding viewership but more uncertain moneymaking opportunities.

Video industry experts regard FameBit as the largest of several influencer marketing companies, many of them also located in Los Angeles. The fate of others is unclear, but YouTube said it hopes FameBits competitors thrive as well.

YouTube grew enamored with FameBits technology. And with such a deep reliance on YouTube, FameBit saw it best to partner when Google came calling with an acquisition offer, said Mike Jones, chief executive of Science Inc., which funded and incubated the start-up.

The 18-person operation, nearly 3 years old and still based out of Sciences offices, will operate independently for the foreseeable future. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

FameBit co-founders David Kierzkowski and Agnes Kozera said theyve enabled more than 25,000 branded videos. The company takes a 10% cut from bids approved by video makers and charges a separate 10% fee to advertisers.

Science also incubated and invested in HelloSociety, a marketing service aimed at Pinterest users that was sold to the New York Times Co. in March.

paresh.dave@latimes.com / PGP

Twitter: @peard33
Jon Imparato is in the West Hollywood courtyard of the Los Angeles LGBT Center talking about the eureka moment he had for staging Jane Wagners one-woman show for Lily Tomlin, The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe, as a full-blown play for 12 actors.

And so [my friend] Rose says to me, You think you can do that? Imparato recalls.

From across the table, a familiar voice cuts in with a more blunt take on the question: You think you can kick that Tomlin woman out of the way?

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Theres a beat  shes kidding, right?  before the group, which includes playwright Wagner, director Ken Sawyer and, yes, Tomlin, erupts with laughter.

Tomlins blue eyes crinkle up and sparkle as she sees the effect of her words on the group.

The cast poses for a portrait shortly before an audience attended run-through of The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe at the Los Angeles LGBT Centers Davidson/Valentini Theatre. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times )

Still, its true that the idea of The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe without Tomlin makes about as much sense at first as Swimming to Cambodia without Spalding Gray would.

Wagner wrote The Search for Tomlin, her writing and life partner since 1971 (and her wife since 2014), and Tomlin developed all of its characters and performed it solo on Broadway from 1985 to 1986, in the 1991 film and in numerous stage revivals, including one that came to the Ahmanson in 2003.

A handful of other performers have taken on The Search, but the responses have been remarkably of a piece: Nice job, but youre not Lily Tomlin.

Imparato, though, had a vision for a fully staged Search and the courage to pitch it to Wagner and Tomlin. It helped that his department of the LGBT Center bears their names  the Lily Tomlin/Jane Wagner Cultural Arts Center  and that he has known them for more than 20 years. They, in turn, dote on him, listening fondly and at times tearfully to his anecdotes.

Jon is such a force for this place, says Wagner of Imparato, the LGBT Centers director of arts and education. Im so impressed with what hes done. He wont cop to it.

Oh, I think he would cop to it, Tomlin says, those eyes twinkling again.

Director Ken Sawyer prior to a run-through of The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe at the Los Angeles LGBT Center. (Barbara Davidson / Los Angeles Times )

Im a very lucky, blessed man, Imparato allows. There was no cultural arts department when I came here 20 years ago. There was a black box movie theater with no chairs.

The centers West Hollywood branch, the Village at Ed Gould Plaza, now boasts two theaters and a flourishing arts program.

But even with their long relationship, Imparato had no idea if Wagner and Tomlin would agree to let him revisit Search. When he emailed them with the idea, they sent a noncommittal reply: Sounds interesting. Lets talk.

So along with Sawyer, who directed the successful immersive play Hit the Wall, produced by Imparato, as well as many other well-received LGBT Center productions, he took the couple to brunch.

Got us drunk, recalls Tomlin.

It worked.

We just think theyre great guys, Wagner says of Imparato and Sawyer. Ken is so talented, and Jon is so inspired and brilliant, and Lilys so busy doing everything else.

Most recently, Tomlin has been starring in the Netflix series Grace and Frankie with Jane Fonda. She also performs live all over the country at a daunting pace. She didnt have much time to devote to a new Search, but she was happy to let one happen.

And now were deep into it, and we cant stop it, Wagner says of the production, which is set to open Oct. 15.

Wagner is soft-spoken, with a Southern accent and an aura of encouraging kindness. But she also has a knack for dry asides, causing Tomlin to break up with such heartfelt amusement its hard to resist joining in.

As Tomlin explains a few days later by phone, she was thrilled for Wagner to have the pleasure of working on Search again.

Shes very gifted, but she doesnt step out much, she says. Im asked to do a million things, because the longer youre in the business, the more friends you have, and the harder it is to say no. Jane would never push her stuff. She was really laid-back. I was hoping this would inspire her to write a sequel to Search. Of course, if it did I would never know it until she would suddenly produce a big stack of papers.

It was Wagners writing that first brought the couple together. Tomlin was a household name, having created a series of wildly popular characters on TVs Laugh-In: Ernestine, the condescending telephone operator; Edith Ann, the precocious little girl in the giant rocking chair; and Madame Lupe, the worlds oldest beauty expert, among many others.

But despite her success, Tomlin says, I wanted my characters to be so much more. I was looking for another layer. I like stuff thats really funny  wonderfully funny. Kindly funny.

While developing an album of Edith Ann material, she happened to see an after-school special called J.T. that Wagner had written. I just thought it was so thoughtful and inspired and moving, almost like poetry. It was heightened but realistic. She can make the most incredible observations. She got in touch with Wagner and asked her to help write Edith Ann.

Recalls Wagner wryly, I think when I entered the picture, you stopped winning Grammys, and you stopped making money.

But Tomlin has a different perception: The Edith Ann album was where I made my first real leap, in terms of character, in terms of richness and detail. Once I met Jane I stopped trying to invent things for myself.

Search, the couples most successful collaboration, is a series of quirky characters channeled by a philosophical bag lady, Trudy, who is trying to explain the human race to benign but baffled aliens. Gradually, the strangers monologues reveal their cosmic connection to one another and all of humanity.

We used to get such great laughs and then people would turn on a dime and be genuinely moved, Tomlin recalls. Id come out the stage door and thered be a yuppie couple, tall and blond and fabulous, and a bunch of punked-out kids, and like three middle-aged women in housedresses, and theyd be hugging each other. And theyd hug me.

Theres a genius actress, who shape-shifts into 12 different people, and its magic. But we dont have Lily Tomlin.  Jon Imparato

Imparato is aware that he, Sawyer and the cast have a lot to live up to. Theres a genius actress who shape-shifts into 12 different people, and its magic. But we dont have Lily Tomlin. So we have to find a way to make this work without Lily Tomlin.

Their efforts include a greater emphasis on interactions among the characters rather than monologues, along with a set and costumes (Tomlin originally performed on a bare stage in a black shirt and pants). Sawyer says he has to make an effort to put the original out of his head and approach it like any other play, because otherwise I would just freeze.

The actors are very good, says Wagner, who has been on hand to approve minor revisions to the script. But its still very strange hearing 12 people speak, when everything before had come out of Lily.

Tomlin, who has sat in on rehearsals twice, admits that she found it a little jarring too. Id hear the cadence of how they were saying something, and Id suddenly flash back on how I would say it, or whatever emphasis I might have.

How did the actors feel about having her there?

I hope they didnt feel intimidated, she replies ruefully. Im afraid they did. They may well have.

Yes, they did, asserts Imparato. How could you not? Theres two icons sitting in the theater; youre doing the words she wrote and the words she performed. These people grew up watching Lily.

So did Imparato, who not only frequently slips in old Laugh-In bits but also saw Search on Broadway 17 times, including on closing night, when Andy Warhol was in the audience and Tomlin injured her foot and literally asked, Is there a doctor in the house?

And there was! Tomlin recalls. Ill never forget who it was: Evelyn Waughs grandson. He bandaged her up backstage and sent her back out to finish the performance.

I wasnt there that night, and they called me at the hotel, says Wagner.

And you came over, and the audience started chanting, Author, author! says Tomlin.

I know. I led the chant, says Imparato. I think that was me.

------------

The Search for Signs of Intelligent Life in the Universe: Revisited

Where: Valentini Theatre, Los Angeles LGBT Center, 1125 N. McCadden Place, Hollywood

When: In previews at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Opens 8 p.m. Saturday, then 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 7 p.m. Sundays, through Nov. 20.

Tickets: $30

Information: (323) 860-7300, www.lalgbtcenter.org/theatre

SIGN UP for the free Essential Arts & Culture newsletter 

Follow The Times arts team @culturemonster.
Minnie Driver, star of ABCs Speechless, became the latest celebrity to open up about a painful piece of personal history on Tuesday, as she shared the story of her sexual assault as a teenager.

A guest on the SiriusXM radio program Stand Up with Pete Dominick, Driver recounted an incident when she was 17 where a man grabbed her by the elbow and informed her that she would be dancing with him.

I said, No, and I pulled my arm away from him, and he grabbed me by the back of my hair. I tried to kick him, and then he punched me, Driver said.

The conversation about assault began with Driver and host Dominick discussing the leaked, behind-the-scenes Access Hollywood footage that featured Donald Trump implying that he could do as he pleased to women because he was a star.

Would you admit to having ever been assaulted or groped, Dominick asked Driver.

One hundred percent, and every girl that I know, was her response, at which point she told her story.

(Warning: The video includes language that mirrors that of the Access Hollywood footage, which may be NSFW. Drivers story begins around 2:35.)

Driver is the second actress to go public with her past sexual assault in the aftermath of the Access Hollywood leak.

Amber Tamblyn (Joan of Arcadia, Two and a Half Men) posted Sunday on her Instagram feed (which includes explicit language) the details of a past incident between herself and her ex-boyfriend while out at a club with friends.

Tamblyn recounted being manhandled by her ex and carried from the club against her will with one of his hands in her hair and one between her legs.

To this day, I remember that moment. I remember the shame. I am afraid my mom will read this post. Im even more afraid that my father could ever know this story. That it would break his heart, Tamblyn wrote to conclude her post. I couldnt take that. But you understand, dont you? I needed to tell a story. Enjoy the debates tonight.

With regard to Drivers assault, the Good Will Hunting actress stated that though she informed police of the incident at the time, they seemed to feel that it was Driver who was at fault, not her assailant.

This guy was just having a good time, and if youd gone along with it, it wouldve been fine, she recalled them saying. If youd just danced with him, you wouldnt be in this position that youre in now.

The tape with Trumps comments seems to have sparked a renewed conversation about the pervasive nature of sexual assault.

Author Kelly Oxford tweeted the story of her first sexual assault on the afternoon of Oct. 4 and invited other women to share their stories, only to receive thousands of replies. According to Oxford, the stories continue to pour in.

https://twitter.com/kellyoxford/status/786268010398961664

The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network reports that on average, 284,000 Americans over the age of 12 are sexually assaulted each year. Thats one incident every 109 seconds.

libby.hill@latimes.com

Twitter: @midwestspitfire

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Get ready for a lot more of this, a spotlighted Bill Hader said from the stage as he scanned a dark San Gabriel Mission Playhouse during filming for the IFC series Documentary Now! Waiting around, he added as the crew reset for another take.

Outside the theater, a young crowd cheerfully waited under the sun for a chance to be extras in an episode of the series  cooked up by Rhys Thomas and Saturday Night Live alums Hader, Fred Armisen and Seth Meyers  that lovingly, painstakingly and incisively pays homage and pulls comedy from some of the most acclaimed documentary films ever made. (The current second season will take on everything from Jiro Dreams of Sushi to Robert Evans showbiz memoir, The Kid Stays in the Picture.)

On this roasty summer afternoon, the shows creators were tackling Stop Making Sense, the landmark 1984 Talking Heads concert film directed by Jonathan Demme for an episode called Final Transmission, set to air Wednesday night.

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The crowd, decked out in 80s gear as instructed, has been assembled, and its almost time to play.

The series set a high bar for rock-doc satire with the story of an Eagles-esque 70s band called Blue Jean Committee in its first season, and the music of this episodes fictional band, Test Pattern  mostly written by Armisen  is as important as the visuals. And on this day of filming, that aspect was struggling to come together.

Some people came all the way from San Diego to see us not know these songs, Hader cracked at the side of the stage between takes. Later, wearing the vaguely dazed expression of someone midway through cramming for a final exam, he explained, This one got put together incredibly fast. We just learned the songs like 48 hours ago. And we have two more songs to go through with Maya. (That would be fellow SNL pal Maya Rudolph, who guest stars on the episode and plays keyboards in the band.)

So, Maya is in the dressing room learning the songs  she just flew in, he said with a shake of his head. Its Saturday Night Live all over again.

At center stage, wearing a chalk-colored and big-but-not-that-big suit is Armisen, who plays the David Byrne-esque frontman of Test Pattern.

Really overdo your entrance, Armisen noted between takes to a few backing vocalists who came onstage atop moving black risers. Take up way too much real estate. This is your moment.

His character is expanding the bands palette with an assortment of guest musicians, whose presence begins to overshadow the original group, which in the case of Test Pattern also includes Jon Wurster of Superchunk on drums.

The amazing thing about Stop Making Sense is whats told about the band without interviews, comic and Documentary Now! co-writer John Mulaney said backstage as rehearsals continued. In the original film, intra-band tension and dynamics between the musicians can be divined by viewers only through the performance and its staging. Where [the band] might be fraying, who leaves the stage on certain songs. So that type of storytelling, of a musician in a shot being pushed out of the way, tells a lot, Mulaney said.

Its that kind of obsessive eye for detail that elevates Documentary Now! beyond the skit-length parodies of Saturday Night Live. In the first season, Errol Morris The Thin Blue Line was turned on its head with Armisen as a man jailed for a crime he didnt commit, but the show plays its comedic twists straight by replicating the details of Morris film, which were placed at such a premium that directors Thomas and Alex Buono borrowed the lenses used by Morris director of photography.

See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour 

Theyre amazing at capturing a feel, Mulaney said. So as soon as we knew it was that type of joke, they really knew how to orchestrate it.

Hader said the details of the upcoming two-part season finale, which was inspired by The Kid Stays in the Picture, were close to exhausting. We want it to look authentic as possible, so there would be times when Id be like Cant you just Photoshop me into the shot? And [the directors] would be like No, were going to re-create the Oscars from the 50s for a couple of photos,  he said with a laugh.

That said, authenticity and duplication are not the same thing. We didnt want to do beat for beat everything, Armisen said of Final Transmission, which eschews more obvious touchstones like Byrnes colossal suit. The vessel is Stop Making Sense, but we get to throw in all these other fun ideas and references, added Hader.

Back at the Playhouse, the crowd arrived with the rapt enthusiasm required for Test Patterns crowning concert. Despite the rushed rehearsals, the performances coalesce around Armisens song-length homages, such as the appropriately twitchy Flashing Lights, and moments that include a Balinese gamelan orchestra and a raw-throated, cabaret-style solo spoof of Tom Waits by Armisen.

Between takes, Armisen, Rudolph and Hader thank the crowd with an SNL-tilted Q&A. Rudolphs impression of Oprah makes a cameo (I love bread! she enthuses), along with a return of Haders beloved Stefon and a venture into L.A. traffic free-association straight from The Californians. On a fans request, Armisen breaks off to pose for a Polaroid selfie at the side of the stage.

Clearly energized, a giggling Hader revealed that for all the rehearsals, Armisens Waits impression still surprised him.

I thought I was going to throw up, Hader said with a cackle. I did not know that was happening.

Documentary Now!

Where: IFC

When: 10 p.m. Wednesday

Rating: TV-14 (may be unsuitable for children under the age of 14)

chris.barton@latimes.com

Follow me over here @chrisbarton.
Atlanta-based menswear designer/retailer Sid Mashburn opened the Dutch doors of his first West Coast outpost at the Brentwood Country Mart on Oct. 4, and its a bigger deal for SoCal men (and the women who might be shopping for them) than the 750-square-foot space might initially indicate.

One reason is that the shop, sandwiched between the Christian Louboutin boutique and the Diesel bookstore, will eventually be joined by a separate 500-square-foot, appointment-only, made-to-measure and tailoring space nearby in the same complex. Another reason is that the affable Mashburn hasnt just replicated the merchandise mix thats put him on the menswear map in a handful of cities across the country since opening his first shop in Atlanta in 2007 (his wares are available online at sidmashburn.com), hes also made sure to staff the place with folks who provide the kind of customer service thats worth the visit. (Spend five minutes in the store and youll know exactly what we mean.)

The boutique is tiny but flooded with natural light thanks to skylights and large windows facing 26th Street, and the masculine (but not clubby) decor includes seagrass carpeting, dark gray shelving, tartan curtains, vintage Turkish kilims and a mood board by the door that cant help but put a smile on your face thanks to the random juxtaposition of items including photos (think Elmo from Sesame Street), signs (No Negativity Allowed, for example), newspaper and magazine articles (one, depicting a skier taking a tumble, is titled: How to Fall Safely) and a red-and-white pack of Kings candy cigarettes straight out of a mid-1960s childhood.

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The store is stocked with Sid Mashburn-branded tailored clothing (suits start at $995, with most of the off-the-peg options falling in the $1,250 range), dress shirts (a plaid button-down we picked up had a $145 price tag), and English-made leather footwear (even though weve never particularly been a fan of the monk strap shoe, a pair of $595 Sid Mashburn double monks in autumn brown calfskin had us rethink our long-held aversion). The shelves and cases are also filled with an assortment of light outerwear pieces, neckwear and accessories, the most memorable of which are conversation-starting leather belts with sterling silver arrowhead buckles, brass oyster shell buckles and even brass buckles crafted from fully functional hoof picks (equestrians, take note).

Its not all Mashburn merchandise, though, because the store also stocks a tightly curated collection of brands that paddle in the same lane; Tretorn shoes, for example, Timex watches, Victorinox pocket knives and sturdy Filson satchels. Of particular note are a selection of white Levis 501s that team Mashburn has garment-dyed to approximate their favorite (but long discontinued) muted shades including stone gray, olive green and khaki.

The Santa Monica boutique joins Sid Mashburn stores in Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and Washington, and its currently the only one of these locations that doesnt have a complementary Ann Mashburn womens shop (named after Sids wife and fellow designer), a deficit the partners in lifestyle hope to rectify in the not-too-distant future.

Sid Mashburn, 225 26th St., Santa Monica.

Tiffany & Co. set to celebrate its Rodeo Drive renovation

Tiffany & Co. is putting the finishing touches on an 18-month renovation of its boutique at the corner of Rodeo Drive and Wilshire Boulevard that gives the interior of the three-story space a decidedly Gilded Age vibe thanks to white marble, lightened walnut wood and mirrored panels. The first floor with a door that opens onto Rodeo Drive just north of Wilshire Boulevard is home to the fashion collections (including the Elsa Peretti and Paloma Picasso ranges), a dedicated watch salon (the first of its kind in a Tiffany store west of Chicago) and a small room showcasing Patek Philippe luxury timepieces thats similar to the one the Swiss watch brand opened on the mezzanine level of Tiffanys Fifth Avenue flagship in 2008.

Just up a flight of the elegant white marble staircase is the second-floor area (which, as before, is also accessible from the Two Rodeo Drive cobblestone walkway) that holds the companys statement jewelry collection (also known as over-the-top bling) in one room and bridal offerings (engagement rings, wedding rings and the like) in an adjoining room. A soon-to-be-completed third-floor space (formerly home to the customer service department) is set to become a VIP salon/event space.

A star-studded private party on Oct. 13, hosted by Tiffany senior vice president Jennifer de Winter in partnership with the Art of Elysium, will mark the official grand opening of the boutique.

Tiffany & Co., 210 N. Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills.

For more musings on all things fashion and style, follow me @ARTschorn.
Who says the news is all bad?

Last week, after months of hearings and public protest, the San Luis Obispo County Planning Commission voted to deny oil giant Phillips 66 a permit to build a rail terminal at its Santa Maria Refinery. The project would have allowed Phillips to bring three milelong crude oil trains across California each week from as far away as Canada and Texas.

This was a considerable victory, and not just for the many retirees of nearby Nipomo Mesa, who would have been subjected to noise, nighttime lights and air pollution.

It was also a win for millions of Californians who live, work or study near Union Pacific railroad tracks, whose health and safety could be imperiled by oil trains, which have a faultless safety record. Except when they derail and explode. Which happens with increasing frequency.

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I was alerted to this controversy a year ago, when a group of those aforementioned retirees, who had organized themselves as the Mesa Refinery Watch Group, invited me up to talk about the project.

These folks are smart, affluent, passionate, and, as I noted then, had plenty of time on their hands. They put that time to good use. They researched oil trains and engaged in a robust outreach effort, not just to media, but to communities up and down the state. They asked boards of supervisors, city councils, educators and others to oppose the project.

Dozens of letters poured in to the commission, including from every coastal board of supervisors from San Francisco to Los Angeles, representing millions of Californians. After an oil train derailed and exploded in Mosier, Ore., last summer, they brought the mayor of that tiny town to San Luis Obispo to talk about the calamity.

When the five-member Planning Commission took its final vote last week, the atmosphere in the room was tense.

Two commissioners were known to be in favor, two against. The fate of the terminal hung on Jim Irving, a real estate agent who had seemed to signal support for Phillips last spring. Commissioner Eric Meyer had offered a simple motion to deny the permit; Irving voted against it, which meant the hearings would continue. Irving received a torrent of abuse, but in the next months, commissioners imposed a tough set of conditions on the project.

Before casting his vote, Meyer gave a heartfelt speech about the clash between fossil fuels and the environment, and about the responsibility he felt, not just to his constituents, but to all Californians in the path of crude oil trains: How can you say that the profit of one multinational corporation, and the supposed creation of 12 jobs outweigh the possibility of just one death, one burn victim, one person who loses their spouse or child?

Irving went last. He acknowledged the tension in the room  I know people out there are going to have a heart attack  so after a moment of suspense, he got to the point. He could not approve the project.

Phillips, he told me, had not made a cogent case that it needed the oil, and he was worried about train safety. He was mindful that the tracks in Mosier had been inspected one week before the derailment, and irritated that Phillips and Union Pacific refused to share details about the integrity of railroad bridges and tracks.

Meyer told me later many people did not understand how clever Irving had been.

He suffered four or five months of people saying to him, What kind of an idiot are you for voting in favor of the project? said Meyer, recalling last Mays nonbinding straw vote. He is not an idiot. He is brilliant. This move was sophisticated on his part, and has allowed us as a Planning Commission to simultaneously deny the project and craft conditions that will follow the project should the board of supervisors overturn our denial on an appeal.

As for the Nipomo Mesa residents, they were elated.

For three years, weve all bumped into people who say, Are you kidding? Youre going to fight Phillips 66? Theyre a $4.2-billion company, said Martin Akel, a Mesa Refinery Watch Group stalwart. They have such deep pockets and you dont have any pockets. We said, Well beat them with people power. And thats what we did.

Weve all bumped into people who say, Youre going to fight Phillips 66? We said, Well beat them with people power. And thats what we did.  Martin Akel, co-founder of the Mesa Refinery Watch Group

::

A field of debris settles between homes on San Como Lane in Camarillo Springs after rock- and mudslides in December 2014. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times )

Last month, I brought you the tale of the crumbling mountain in Camarillo Springs.

Residents were in a tangle with Camarillo officials over who should take responsibility for maintaining barriers and drains installed by the city on Conejo Mountain last year after a devastating 2013 wildfire led to catastrophic rock- and mudslides in 2014.

City officials had set aside money to clean out the debris basins, which are partially full from last seasons storms, but refused to spend the money until the homeowners associations and the private parties who own the mountain come up with a plan to maintain the system.

Residents, who were getting nervous about the approaching rainy season, say they cant afford to do that. Anyway, they say, last year they collaborated with the mountains owners and came up with what they felt was a good plan to keep the mountain at bay. It would have cost them about $40,000 a year. But the Camarillo City Council rejected it, and instead put up its own system of drain channels and debris barriers, which will be much more expensive to maintain.

On Sept. 28, two weeks after I wrote about the clash, the Camarillo City Council voted unanimously to spend $200,000 to empty the debris basins.

We got our immediate problem taken care of for this year, said Pete Faxon, president of the Camarillo Springs Homeowners Assn., but they have let us know they are not going to do it again. Im not sure what will happen if we have severe storms. But its not our mountain, and those are not our rocks.

::

Three weeks ago, I wrote about Bruin Shelter, believed to be the first homeless shelter for college students, run by college students.

The Rev. Eric Shafer, pastor of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Santa Monica, puts the finishing touches on Bruin Shelter, the first homeless shelter for college students run by college students. (Brian van der Brug/Los Angeles Times )

Nine students from Santa Monica College and UCLA were scheduled to move into a former choir loft at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Santa Monica on Oct. 2. Unfortunately, the shelter got snarled in red tape after Santa Monica officials said it violated health and safety codes. The staircase to the loft was too narrow, and there was concern about a lack of showers.

Happily, a compromise has been reached, Mt. Olive Pastor Eric Shafer said Monday. The beds have been moved to a couple of ground-floor rooms, and the shelter is due to open soon. The shower issue is still unresolved, but the city is committed to helping get the shelter open, said Danielle Noble, Santa Monicas deputy city manager.

The city is working with us, Shafer said. They are being very cooperative.

If you want to show Bruin Shelter some love, Mt. Olive is hosting a jazz and classical concert Friday at 8 p.m. Donations will be taken at the door.

robin.abcarian@latimes.com

Twitter: @AbcarianLAT
With just minutes remaining before the beginning of the Jewish holiday Yom Kippur at sunset, a federal judge on Tuesday lifted a temporary restraining order that had banned the slaughter of chickens as part of an ancient atonement rite but allowed the lawsuit that triggered the order to go forward.

United Poultry Concerns, a Maryland organization dedicated to the compassionate and respectful treatment of chickens, turkeys, ducks and other domestic fowl, had filed suit against Chabad of Irvine and Rabbi Alter Tenenbaum on Sept. 28.

On Friday, U.S. District Judge Andre Birotte Jr. issued the order, which temporarily prevented Chabad of Irvine from slaughtering chickens as part of the Kapparot ritual.

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This 1,100-year-old practice is protected by the 1st Amendment.  Hiram Sasser,A an attorney with First Liberty Institute

The judge had ordered a hearing for Thursday to determine whether a preliminary injunction should be issued, but attorneys for Chabad of Irvine persuaded him to attempt to make the decision by Tuesday afternoon, in time for the start of Yom Kippur observations. Known as the Day of Atonement, it is a time when traditional Jews seek repentance for their sins and forgiveness of the sins of others.

After presiding over a 1 1/2-hour telephone conference call with attorneys and deliberating privately for 45 minutes, Birotte decided to go forward later with a hearing over whether a preliminary injunction should be ordered.

This 1,100-year-old practice is protected by the 1st Amendment, said Hiram Sasser, an attorney with First Liberty Institute, which specializes in defending religious practices. So, the temporary restraining order should never have been issued by the judge.

Bryan Pease, an attorney representing the nonprofit, vegan-oriented animal-rights group, argued that the restraining order had confirmed that these practices violate state laws that prohibit killing animals and throwing them away for the purposes of what the defendants claim is the transfer of peoples sins to the slaughtered birds.

After the order was lifted, Pease said: We will make it clear to the court that were not asking for a particular way for people to worship. Instead, we will ask for enforcement of existing animal cruelty laws.

We believe the rabbis true motivation is tremendous profit.  Bryan Pease, an attorney representing United Poultry Concerns

We believe the rabbis true motivation, he said, is tremendous profit.

In its lawsuit, the organization contends that each fall rabbis order about 300 chickens crammed in tiny crates and charge people a fee of $27 to kill and dispose of each chicken.

The cost of each chicken is $2, according to the lawsuit, and thus the profit to defendants is approximately $25 per chicken killed and disposed of.

Multiple court decisions over the years have supported the right to practice such rituals, Sasser said before the judges latest ruling.

Whenever there are exceptions for secular purposes involving the killing of animals such as for food, or hunting or research, for example, then religious practices, almost every time, automatically have the highest level of constitutional protection, he said.

Pease had a different view. The defendant, he said, is asking the court to create a religious exception for conduct that is otherwise illegal in California.

Sasser said he communicated the judges ruling to the synagogue just minutes before the commencement of Yom Kippur observations Tuesday night.

Although preparations were being made to conduct the ritual during the hearing, Sasser said, there was very little time left.

Louis.Sahagun@latimes.com

@LouisSahagun
Three Los Angeles charter schools could be shut down, largely because of their practice of bringing in teachers from Turkey, The Times has learned.

The schools are part of a group of 10 campuses operated by locally based Magnolia Public Schools, which has relied heavily on using temporary work visas to import Turkish teachers.

The three charters now under review have five-year operating agreements that are expiring, and the L.A. Unified School District must either approve or deny their renewal applications. The official word, with no accompanying explanation, reached their campuses by email Tuesday afternoon: School district staff will recommend denial.

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The Board of Education is expected to vote next Tuesday on the recommendations for Magnolia Science Academy 1 in Reseda, Magnolia Science Academy 2 in Van Nuys and Magnolia Science Academy 3 in Carson.

Magnolias schools have attracted increased attention in the wake of a failed coup in Turkey in July. The government of Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Turkish cleric Muhammed Fethullah Gulen of masterminding the revolt. Erdogan claims American charter schools with Turkish ties supported  and even helped fund  Gulens alleged activities.

L.A. Unified has not yet released its rationale for recommending that the schools renewal requests be denied. But sources inside and outside the district make it clear that one major issue is Magnolias foreign workers, most of whom came in to teach.

The school group applied to bring in 138 teachers from abroad, almost all from Turkey, and 97 eventually worked for Magnolia. Thirty-seven still do. As required by law, Magnolia covered the visa-related costs, which it estimated at about $3,000 per employee, and chose to pay for the visas of spouses and children.

L.A. Unified estimated the total cost of that effort at about $929,000, according to Magnolia Chief Executive Caprice Young, the former L.A. school board president who took over Magnolia in 2015.

Young said she ended the practice, though she has brought in a Chinese citizen to teach Chinese.

L.A. school board president Steve Zimmer, however, says Magnolias past actions remain a problem. Magnolia never indicated it intended to import teachers en masse, Zimmer said, when before the Board of Education for approval.

The role of an authorizer includes making sure that a charter follows the instructional and business practices outlined in its petition, said Zimmer, who declined to discuss the districts internal report.

The significance of any alleged ties to Gulen is a matter of intense debate. The cleric, who lives in self-imposed exile in Pennsylvania, has denied involvement in the coup. And Turkish-associated charter groups, including Magnolia, have denied financial or management ties with each other or with him.

Magnolias Turkish employees agreed to be interviewed only on condition of anonymity, out of fear that family members back home could be targeted in a wide-ranging crackdown on dissidents and suspected Gulen followers. Magnolia governing board member Umit Yapanel recently stepped forward as an admirer of Gulen, he said, to emphasize the peaceful intentions of like-minded people.

In discussing whether the schools should be renewed, L.A. Unified officials will bring up the spending of public education funds on the visas, the employment of foreign nationals over American workers and the failure to disclose the hiring strategy, said district sources who were not authorized to speak on the record. The work visas, known by the designation H-1B, are supposed to be used only when no qualified American job seekers can be found.

The written report mostly will focus on more traditional issues for a charter-school review, accusing Magnolia of poor financial management and inconsistent or incorrect internal policies, sources said. The visa issue is embedded in the allegation that Magnolia failed to turn over all requested documentation, which Young disputes.

Young said she doesnt believe Magnolias hiring or spending violated any laws. If it did, she said, the cure is not to close the charter but to fine the schools or fine the individuals who made those decisions and even to prosecute them.

Students, she said, shouldnt be harmed, by shutting down campuses that have prepared hundreds of underserved students to attend and succeed in college.

One immigrant teacher, who requested that his name not be used to protect his family in Turkey, said he heard about an opening at Magnolia through a Turkish social network. At the time, he was in the U.S. on a student visa, learning English.

Charters are independently operated and exempt from some rules that apply to traditional campuses. Until recently, Magnolias board and management were dominated by Turkish immigrants. Other charter groups across the country were structured similarly  and, like Magnolia, brought in Turkish teachers. Some also hired Turkish contractors to provide various services, including construction and curriculum development.

The teacher who spoke about how he came to Magnolia said he has worked there for about a decade and helped developed a prize-winning robotics program. Hes now married with two children and plans to build a future in this country.

Work visas can be extended for six years only, so Magnolia sponsored him for a green card, which allows him to work here indefinitely.

If you go to the trouble of sponsoring a teacher who turns out to be a great teacher, Young said, why wouldnt you follow through and help them stay?

howard.blume@latimes.com

Twitter: @howardblume

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The Rev. Al Sharpton on Wednesday called on the Justice Department to investigate the fatal shooting of an unarmed black man last month by an El Cajon police officer, a shooting he called egregious at best.

Flanked by members of Alfred Olangos family at a news conference in South Los Angeles, Sharpton was one of a group of civil rights advocates who assembled for a community meeting to discuss the Sept. 27 shooting and other criminal justice issues.

Police have said Olango, 38, was behaving erratically and took a shooting stance immediately before he was killed by an officer. They later said Olango was holding an electronic cigarette at the time he was shot.

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The incident has roiled the San Diego suburb, sparking days of demonstrations and protests, some of which turned violent and resulted in arrests.

On Wednesday, Sharpton emphasized that independent investigators must look into the shooting to avoid a conflict of interest.

Here we are ... with people that left Uganda looking for freedom, looking for justice, looking for fairness and ... they had to bury their son, Sharpton said. They had to deal with those that are sworn to protect us, harming us.

All theyve asked for ... is justice, he said. Why is their son and brother dead?

Civil rights leaders and Olangos relatives have questioned the El Cajon departments handling of the investigation. Some have criticized police for failing to make videos of the shooting public and choosing instead to release a single still image that appeared to implicate Olango.

The Rev. Shane Harris, head of the San Diego chapter of the National Action Network, said Wednesday that Olangos sister initially had called 911 three times. Police were subsequently dispatched on a 5150 call  requests for an involuntary psychiatric hold.

Once police arrived on the scene, authorities said, Olango ignored multiple orders and concealed his hand in his pants pockets before rapidly drawing out an object and placing both hands together on it in a shooting stance.

Officer Richard Gonsalves opened fire, while Officer Josh McDaniel shot Olango with a Taser, authorities said.

The image released by police showed Olango pointing at an officers face as if he had a gun. After several nights of unrest in the city, El Cajon authorities released video recordings of the shooting. One was surveillance video from a nearby business, and the other had been taken by a witness using a cell phone.

Sharpton said Wednesday that he had seen video of the shooting, and while he said it appeared unlawful, he refused to prejudge evidence.

My question, though, after watching the video, is when do police shoot to kill and when do they shoot to wound? he said.

Harris had been among those calling for the release of the videos. On Wednesday, he said Olangos death had woke the whole world.

The press conference preceded a discussion of criminal justice issues at the National Action Networks Los Angeles headquarters. Several dozen community members, clergy members and civic leaders took part; the event was closed to the media.

Najee Ali, political director for the groups L.A. chapter, said the hour-long meeting was emotionally charged and that participants spent much of the time pledging their support to Olangos family.

Olangos father, Richard Olango, said Wednesday that his sons death should be a turning point in justice.

Police are meant to protect and are not meant to kill, the father said. Military people are trained to kill. So do we have military people in our police department in America, or paramilitary police?

matthew.stevens@latimes.com

Twitter: @ByMattStevens

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El Cajon police log 12 shootings in 10 years, one complaint last year

Officer involved in fatal El Cajon police shooting was embroiled in sexual harassment lawsuit

UPDATES:

4:55 p.m.: This article was updated to clarify that police released two videos; it also includes additional reaction and new information about Wednesdays community meeting.

This article was originally published at 2:10 p.m.
Anaheim and its former city attorney have reached a $1.45-million settlement to end a lawsuit over whether the longtime employee was ousted from her job in 2013 because she is Latina, officials said Tuesday.

Cristina L. Talleys suit claimed that after a 16-year career working for Anaheims government  the last four as its top lawyer  she was forced to resign in January 2013 by a select group of council members.

Talley alleged her firing violated her due-process rights as a government employee. She also alleged harassment: some of the five-member council questioned her loyalty and offered vague critiques of her work, according to court papers. Some on the council implied she could not be objective while handling matters involving the Latino community, she alleged in legal papers.

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Around the time of her ouster, Anaheim faced a lawsuit from the American Civil Liberties Union that said the citys at-large system of electing the council resulted in poor representation of Latinos, who number 53% of the population. None of the citys five council members were Latino.

Talley, who was 56 at the time of her termination, was replaced by a 40-year-old white man who was given a higher starting salary than Talleys final salary, according to court papers.

City officials had long countered that Talleys lawsuit lacked merit, noting that she did not mention discriminatory treatment before her termination or in her formal resignation letter, despite her familiarity with the citys procedures for reporting allegations of mistreatment.

A city-commissioned inquiry by a Los Angeles law firm determined Talleys allegations of discrimination and breach of contract were unfounded, according to court papers.

In announcing the settlement, the city said Talley would receive $750,000 and her law firm, the remaining $700,000.

As confident as we are in our position, the reality of our legal system is that it is more cost effective to settle than to seek our day in court, Anaheim spokesman Mike Lyster said. The city had already racked up about $800,000 in legal fees since the suit was filed in Orange County Superior Court, Lyster said. The suit was later removed to federal court.

The law firm representing Talley, Borton Petrini LLP, did not confirm how it would divide the settlement but said its client was very pleased.

However, the firm said, No amount of money can fully compensate Ms. Talley for the damage caused by her meritless termination.

Talley joined the city of Anaheim in 1996 after a stint as Pasadenas acting city attorney, and she was elevated to the city attorney post in 2009.

By 2012, the city stated in court papers, the majority of the city council was unhappy with Talleys work. In court papers, the city said the council believed Talley favored Mayor Tom Tait and kept poor communication with other members of the council.

Late that year, a judge also voided a multimillion-dollar tax subsidy approved by the council for hotel development, ruling it was a violation of the Brown Act, the states open-meeting law.

The council called for a performance review in August 2012 in which three members said Talley needs improvement, while two opined that her work far exceeds expectations, according to court papers.

Six months later, on Jan. 29, 2013, Talley faced a second performance review in which a majority of the council voted behind closed doors to ask for her to resign within 48 hours.

Depositions in Talleys lawsuit cast a light on some of the confidential deliberations about her firing. Excerpts of some depositions were included in court papers.

One council member, Jordan Brandman, testified that Tait warned colleagues on the council: Youre all making a big mistake. Are you aware that she is also the citys first  not only the citys first female city attorney, but the citys first Latino city attorney?

Brandman said Tait added: This is vindictive.

Talley alleged the so-called performance evaluations were scheduled on short notice, with nebulous critiques that lacked specifics.

For the second review that resulted in her termination, Talley said she was deprived of notice to rebut allegations or respond to proposed discipline.

Talley claims she spoke of mistreatment with co-workers, but the city has said she should have reported allegations of discrimination to human resources. The citys defense lawyers note that she did not mention discrimination or harassment in her resignation or exit interview, according to court papers.

She filed a complaint with state regulators nearly a year after her resignation. Once the city learned of Talleys allegations in March 2014, officials hired an employment lawyer to conduct an internal inquiry, according to court papers.

The review resulted in a lengthy report that concluded that the claims were without merit, according to a statement issued Tuesday by the city.

Since Talley filed her original suit, the courts have whittled down her claims, and a federal judge recently tossed out her gender discrimination and retaliation counts. A trial had been scheduled for Oct. 25.

Talley joined the private law firm Best, Best & Krieger LLP and in recent years has worked as the interim city attorney in Merced and Riverside.

matt.hamilton@latimes.com

Twitter: @MattHjourno.
Are the celestial bodies aligned in favor of Hillary Clinton or Donald Trump?

The answer may emerge during a meeting this week of astrologists from around the globe, who are vowing to study charts and planetary positions to predict who will be the next U.S. president.

About 500 members of the International Society for Astrological Research will gather in Costa Mesa from Thursday to Sunday for a symposium tackling a wide variety of topics, including the financial markets, relationships and roller-coaster politics.

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International and American experts promised to penetrate the haze of punditry and ever-changing polls to divine whether Trump or Clinton will emerge triumphant Nov. 8.

Participants from Serbia, Croatia, India, Turkey and other international locales will be represented and take the first turn at predictions.

Astrologer Madam Maria Murillo Beltran uses tarot cards to talk about presidential candidate Donald Trumps future.

Then the folks in the states will take a turn and everyone will have looked at enough charts to be brave enough to speak their minds, said Shelley Ackerman, a professional astrologist and columnist from Manhattan who runs KarmicRelief.com. Ive always said astrology is celestial geometry  its myth and math. We look at planetary correspondence and historical patterns. We can make predictions using pattern recognition, but theres always a wild card.

Others agreed that making the right call can be tricky.

There are many, many moving parts that affect the outcome. Its like a wave that collapses into a particle, said Glenn Perry, founder and director of the Academy of AstroPsychology, adding that the answer exists in a state of potentiality.

TRAIL GUIDE: All the latest news on the 2016 presidential campaign >> 

Perry and Ackerman joined Raymond Merriman, the societys president, and a group of top astrologists Tuesday afternoon to preview what to watch in the days leading to the election.

What makes their work extra challenging is theres no reliable time of birth reported for Clinton  or for Mike Pence, Trumps running mate, according to Ackerman, whose claim to fame is getting Bill Clintons birth time from his mother.

On different occasions, Hillary Clinton has said she was born both at 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. on Oct. 26, 1947, in Chicago, confounding observers. Court records show its 2:18 a.m.  but even that hasnt been confirmed, according to the group.

Beyond the presidential election, Ackerman and Gloria Star, an astrologist from Connecticut, warned of a threat to U.S. national security Oct. 18 to 30, when Mars and Pluto come together, and while Venus and Saturn are also aligned.

Something explosive with a capital E could happen, said astrologist Kat Powell of Scottsdale, Ariz. She described Mars as a planet that indicates extreme activity, while Pluto is often linked to debt and taxation. You could see acts of war and it may be a shock on a larger scale, going beyond the election.

Critics may question the scientific basis of astrology, which most academics consider pseudoscience. But to Sam Reynolds, a practitioner from Brooklyn, it helps us make sense of our lives because we look at patterns and meaning based on what we observe in the sky. The great thing is everyone can have access to the sky. Thats the enduring power of our art.

Antonia Langsdorf, based in Cologne, Germany, said: I would say that astrology is much more accurate than polls.

Langsdorf said that celebrity endorsements in this presidential season didnt prove to be a big deal because theres so much anger in this country now.

As an example of heightening friction, she and Powell pointed to some influential Republicans who are considering write-in campaigns for Mike Pence, Trumps running mate, and Ben Carson, the former Republican presidential candidate.

There are so many twists, but for those who think we say things for the sake of saying things, they dont know the vast amount of research we do. We really pay attention to data, Powell added.

Aleksandar Imsiragic, the councils education director and founder of the Johannes Kepler Astrological Institute in Belgrade, Serbia, said he predicted as early as August 2015 that Trump would win the Republican nomination.

He fits very well in the mythology of the U.S. He has Orion in his constellation and thats a giant, Imsiragic said.

No prediction is needed to know that whoever emerges victorious will have a hard, hard time governing, Star said. Leaders represent iconic qualities in our lives.

anh.do@latimes.com

Twitter: @newsterrier

To read the article in Spanish, click here

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The frantic call to the Coast Guard came in at about 8 p.m. Tuesday.

A Ventura woman was calling about her husband. Two married friends had sailed down the coast from Bodega Bay, and he had joined them for a boat ride to Santa Cruz Island.

They were supposed to return around sunset and hadnt shown up. Could someone help find them?

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After a full night of searching involving a U.S. Coast Guard helicopter, 12 people aboard the Coast Guard cutter Black Tip and the Ventura Harbor Patrol, the missing boaters were found safe on the island early Wednesday. It turns out they were fine, but their cellphone service was nonexistent.

It happens all the time, said Danny Phee, a civilian search-and-rescue specialist for the Coast Guard. One of the most common things we get is overdue calls, and we have to take them seriously because if someone doesnt show up, it gets everyone concerned.

Authorities located the car of the callers husband at a Ventura marina Tuesday night and confirmed that the three had not returned. The Coast Guard has not identified those involved in the incident.

They were aboard a 35-foot sailing vessel called Tenacious and had planned to visit the back side of the island, Phee said.

Rescuers found the boat at Albert Anchorage at 5:10 a.m. Wednesday.

The boaters had no cellphone service, and they were not answering radio calls, Phee said. The woman who called the Coast Guard thought they were returning Tuesday night, but they had planned on returning Thursday, he said.

It was a miscommunication, Phee said. Theres no communication in that area.

Phee said the vast majority of searches for overdue boaters happen that way, and that most come show up on their own.

Its what were here for, he said. If youre lost, well find you.

Authorities called the worried wife early Wednesday morning.

The reporting source, Phee said, was very relieved.

hailey.branson@latimes.com

Twitter: @haileybranson

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Good morning. It is Wednesday, Oct. 12. Target expects to hire more than 14,000 people for temporary jobs this holiday season. Heres what else is happening in the Golden State:

TOP STORIES

Guidelines on shootings

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The Los Angeles Police Commission voted Tuesday to direct the LAPD to release information about police shootings more quickly and to expand training designed to reduce the number of shootings. The commission and the department are ultimately accountable to the public, and therefore, it is important that we are constantly self-critical so that we are always improving, said Commissioner Sandra Figueroa-Villa. Los Angeles Times

Dodger blue

Steve Lopez watched Tuesdays do-or-die game between the Dodgers and Washington Nationals at the Greyhound Bar & Grill in Highland Park. Were those wrinkles on the face of a 9-year-old boy sitting with his mother, both of them wearing Dodger blue? Maybe so. The poor kids team gets close every year and then folds, he writes. Meanwhile, the San Francisco Giants were eliminated by the Chicago Cubs. Los Angeles Times

If you cant beat em

In Santa Ana, some merchants are surfing the wave of gentrification by catering to new customers. At Genesis Bridal Boutique, the ruffled quinceanera dresses have been pushed to the back in favor of streamlined wedding and bridesmaid dresses. The newer clients  the Americans and younger-generation Hispanics are more selective, said store owner Lilia Cerpas. Los Angeles Times

L.A. AT LARGE

Renovations green-lit: Paramount Pictures 25-year plan to renovate and expand its Hollywood studio was given the OK on Tuesday by the Los Angeles City Council. The plan is expected to add 1.4 million square feet of space to the lot on Melrose Avenue. Paramount has found a way to grow and evolve into the future with minimum impact to the surrounding neighborhood, said Councilman Mitch OFarrell. Los Angeles Times

Wrong place, wrong time: Remember that hiker who was mauled by a bear? Game wardens believe he may have inadvertently interrupted a mating session. Los Angeles Times

In pictures: Incredible Los Angeles Depression-era photos by Dorothea Lange. LAist

POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT

Sick pup: Sad news out of Sacramento  the states First Dog, Sutter Brown, is critically ill. Masses that are suspected to be cancerous were found in the Pembroke Welsh corgis intestines, lymph nodes and liver. Sutter (and his sister, Colusa) are big stars on Twitter, often coming to the governors aid to bring attention to the state budget and get-out-the-vote efforts. Politico

Caught on tape: Watch out! Attorney Gloria Allred is now fighting to get those Donald Trump outtakes from The Apprentice made public. Los Angeles Times

Youre fired? And Billy Bush appears to be exiting NBC News over the Access Hollywood tape. Los Angeles Times

New face: The city of Santa Ana represents the new face of California. There is now  unlike before  a comfort level with knowing theres a lot of Latinos living here and Latino leadership here, said Vicente Sarmiento, the citys mayor pro tem. New York Times

Problems at the bank: Assemblyman Matt Dababneh (D-Encino) chewed out Wells Fargo on Tuesday during a hearing in Calabasas. The chairman of the Assembly Banking Committee noted hes a Wells Fargo customer and had worked with the bank on financial literacy events. It is disappointing to find out some of the students and seniors we may have helped get services and information may now have gotten fraudulent accounts that did more harm than good, he said. Los Angeles Times

Campaign finance: Carson Mayor Albert Robles was referred to the Fair Political Practices Commission for failing to file his campaign finance reports for his reelection to the Water Replenishment District. Its not the first time hes run into such problems. Whittier Daily News

CRIME AND COURTS

Whats the point? A local pastor who headed the Sacramento Community Police Commission resigned his post, saying the panel is irrelevant. For this moment that requires oversight, requires transparency and requires accountability, this commission, the community is asking of it something it doesnt have, said Les Simmons. He was referring to the July police shooting of a mentally ill man. Sacramento Bee

Time off: The Anaheim chief of police and a deputy chief are being investigated for days they took off from work, city officials said. Few details were available, but an outside law firm was brought in to do an independent review of police payroll. Orange County Register

Young hero: A 5-year-old boy in Irvine is being called a hero for rescuing a 2-year-old girl who fell into a hot tub. The child was underwater for less than a minute when she was pulled out. Its great to see a 5-year-old react to a situation, realizing that someone is in trouble and immediately coming to their aid, said Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Larry Kurtz. Orange County Register

DROUGHT AND CLIMATE

Fire dangers: Wildfires are becoming something of a California export. As climate change continues to bring warmer, drier conditions to most of the country, many experts agree that wildfires will be both larger and more frequent. Reveal

Filling the lake: Lake Mission Viejo is getting a makeover courtesy of treated wastewater. Work on the 124-acre manmade lake is expected to start in November. Orange County Register

BUSINESS

Ups and downs: The epic story of a Silicon Valley flameout. They wanted to dominate tech in Asia. Now, they struggle to open a Korean restaurant in Palo Alto. BuzzFeed

CALIFORNIA CULTURE

On shaky ground: San Franciscos infamous Millennium Tower might be sinking, but a penthouse there is still going for $9 million. SFGate

Speaking out: Writer Kelly Oxford asked women to tweet her their stories of sexual assault and harassment. The response was overwhelming: more than 13,000 tweets from men and women. NPR

Internet famous: With his red sweater and mustache, audience member Ken Bone was a clear winner at Sundays presidential debate. His brush with fame landed him on the Jimmy Kimmel Live show. Hollywood Reporter

For breakfast: The cruffin has arrived in Highland Park. The croissant-muffin hybrid looks mighty tasty. Los Angeles Times

Spooky discovery: A new room is said to have been discovered at the Winchester Mystery House in San Jose. Time Out

CALIFORNIA ALMANAC

San Diego will have clouds and a high of 72. In Los Angeles, there will be low clouds and a high of 72 degrees. Riverside will have a high of 79. San Francisco will have low clouds and a high of 64. Sacramento will be 77 and mostly sunny.

AND FINALLY

Todays California Memory comes from Jessica Mackenzie:

My California memory is building a miniature scale model of a California Mission (I think it was Mission La Purisima) with my dad in our driveway when I was in 4th grade. Cardboard framing, plaster of Paris walls, lasagna noodle roof and sugar cube courtyard with a real brass bell in the belltower  I thought it was just the most beautiful thing. Over the years, Ive discovered the Mission project is a pretty much universal experience for public school 4th graders (and their parents) throughout the state  I love that such an unorthodox tool to pass along California history has endured. I cant wait to do the same with my daughter.

If you have a memory or story about the Golden State, share it with us. Send us an email to let us know what you love or fondly remember about our state. (Please keep your story to 100 words.)

Please let us know what we can do to make this newsletter more useful to you. Send comments, complaints and ideas to Alice Walton or Shelby Grad.
The Orange County district attorneys office has filed suit against two biological supply companies, accusing them of selling fetal-derived cells and tissues to drug companies and academic institutions at unlawfully high markups around the world.

The suit, filed Wednesday, names Orange County-based DV Biologics and DaVinci Biosciences, a sister company, as defendants. The suit demands that the companies stop the sale of fetal tissue and cells and that they reimburse researchers who say they overpaid for the products.

An attorney representing both firms said they had done nothing wrong and called the matter a lawsuit over accounting issues.

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The suit alleges that the companies obtained aborted fetuses from Planned Parenthood and sold tissues and stem cells from the fetal parts, earning hundreds of thousands in revenue from their sale from 2009 to 2015.

State and federal law permits the donation of fetal tissue for research but forbids its sale for fees beyond certain strict limits, such as fees for processing and handling costs.

In some cases, the companies charged as much as $700 a vial for tissue that cost them just $20 to process, according to prosecutors.

The business was lucrative, Orange County Dist. Atty. Tony Rackauckas told reporters Wednesday morning. He said the tissue was sold to buyers in North America, Asia, Europe and Australia.

Rackauckas said his office looked into the possibility of a criminal case but said the law did not provide criminal penalties for the given allegations.

He said there was no evidence that the companies exchanged money with Planned Parenthood, or that Planned Parenthood did anything unlawful. A representative from Planned Parenthood said the organization was not involved in the case and would not comment.

UC Irvine law professor Michele Goodwin said that almost all companies that process human tissue have big mark-ups, including some that make this look like this is nothing, she said.

Why not go after the big fish here? said Goodwin, who heads UC Irvines Center for Biotechnology and Global Health Policy and is a board member of Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino counties.

Unless other tissue companies also face charges, Goodwin said, the district attorney is unfairly targeting fetal tissue donations, which are essential for researching Alzheimers and dementia.

The suit alleges that the companies set their prices as high as possible in an effort to maximize their profits. Sales and marketing staff sometimes used discounts and coupons to meet sales goals, the suit claims.

Rackauckas said the companies set sale prices arbitrarily, with 50% discounts for bulk purchases and a 25%-off summer sale.

According to prosecutors, DaVinci Biosciences incorporated in 2007, and DV Biologics in 2009. The suit said both companies operated in Costa Mesa but now operate from an office on Old Canal Road in Yorba Linda.

The suit said DaVinci Biosciences is owned by Andres Isaias, Luis Isaias and Estefano Isaias, while DV Biologics is owned by Andres and Luis Isaias.

Michael Tein, a lawyer representing both companies, said his clients complied with regulations and never turned a profit.

Their scientists worked day and night to discover cell-based medical treatments and improve the quality of life for patients suffering from cancer, Alzheimers and other deadly diseases, Tein said in an email.

He said the shipments of biological materials were made only to other scientists working at fully accredited universities and laboratories.

This is a civil lawsuit over accounting issues, Tein said. We look forward to explaining the full story to the court.

christopher.goffard@latimes.com

Twitter: @LATChrisGoffard

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UPDATES:

Oct. 13, 9:45 a.m.: This article was updated to identify Goodwin as a board member of Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino counties.

6:15 p.m.: This article was updated with comments from law professor Michele Goodwin about the lawsuit.

1:15 p.m.: This article was updated with a no-comment response from Planned Parenthood.

12:50 p.m.: This article was updated to include comments from lawyer Michael Tein.

This article was originally published at 12:20 p.m. on Oct. 12.
A well-known acupuncturist killed this summer was stabbed 41 times in her Palo Alto home by her sister-in-law, officials allege in court records released this week.

Jenny Shi, 65, was found lying on her back in a rear bedroom on July 7 in a pool of blood, records show. She had more than three dozen stab wounds on her chest, neck, face, back and some smaller cuts on her hands.

On Wednesday, Shis sister-in-law, Jingyan Jin, is set to be arraigned on one count of murder in connection with her stabbing death, according to a criminal complaint.

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Authorities arrested Jin, 41, last week at her Palo Alto home.

At the crime scene, investigators found Jins DNA on a window and privacy screen, which had been removed and found lying in a bathtub in Shis home, according to a statement of facts filed in Santa Clara County Superior Court.

Police think Jin slipped through the window to enter Shis home in the 300 block of Creekside Drive and killed her. Shis business associate and bookkeeper went looking for her at her home after she failed to show up for an appointment. The pair and two others entered Shis home and found her dead inside her locked bedroom.

Jin had made a series of threat against her husband and had gotten in argument with her sister-in-law in the last year, Det. Eric Bulatao wrote in the statement of facts.

She had drugged her husbands cup of tea with Benadryl and threatened him with a stun gun and knife, the detective said.

Then in September, Jin was arrested in China after she got in to a fight with Shis business employee.

She was found with plastic gloves and a knife after trying to break in to the employees apartment, according to Bulatao.

Shi earned a degree from the Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine. She was co-president of Keiretsu Forum Bureau In Beijing, an investment group, according to her profile on the companys website. She owned seven acupuncture clinics in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Her brother, James Shi, owns and operates a hospital in Beijing.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
A 40-year-old man was charged Wednesday in the death of his 70-year-old mother, who police say was pushed out of a second-story window in Van Nuys and then stomped on.

Fernando Vargas faces one count of murder in the attack, which occurred Tuesday at 2:52 a.m. at an apartment complex in the 7400 block of Hazeltine Avenue, according to the Los Angeles County district attorneys office.

If Vargas is convicted, he faces 25 years to life in state prison, the district attorneys office said.

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According to the Los Angeles Police Department, Vargas was arguing with his mother before he threw her out the window.

He then jumped out of the open window himself and attacked her, LAPD Officer Irma Mota said.

Vargas kicked and stomped his mother as she lay on the ground, police said.

Police arrived to find Carlota Vargas lying on the ground outside the apartment complex.

She was taken to an area hospital, where she later died.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.

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An 11-month-old baby boy died Tuesday after he was left unattended in a car with the windows rolled up for at least an hour in a Fresno neighborhood, police said.

Police received a call about 1:33 p.m. about a child who was left inside a Ford Taurus outside an apartment complex in the 900 block of West Griffith Way, Fresno Police Lt. Joe Gomez said.

When officers arrived, they found the child not breathing and unresponsive.

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Officers performed CPR on the baby until paramedics arrived and took him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead, Gomez said.

The childs grandmother had been taking care of him, but it is unclear why she left him alone in the car, Gomez said.

The grandmother was understandably very emotionally distraught and hysterical and it was difficult obtaining a statement from her, he said.

Not only were the cars window rolled up, but the doors were also closed.

At noon Tuesday, temperatures reached 70 degrees at Fresno Yosemite International Airport and jumped to 79 degrees by 1:30 p.m., according to the National Weather Service in Hanford.

Police dont know who found the child in the car.

The childs grandmother was also taken to a hospital because of her mental state, Gomez said.

Detectives from the departments child abuse unit are investigating and had not made any arrests as of Tuesday afternoon.

veronica.rocha@latimes.com

For breaking news in California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA on Twitter.
Dr. J. Thomas Ungerleider, a UCLA psychiatrist who was among the first researchers to prove the medical benefits of marijuana, has died. He was 85.

Ungerleider died in his home in Encino on Sept. 19 of complications from Alzheimers disease, said his son, John Ungerleider.

In the 1970s and 1980s, Ungerleider ran clinical trials that demonstrated marijuanas therapeutic effects for patients with glaucoma and chemotherapy. He also served on President Nixons National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse, which recommended decriminalizing pot, and became an early champion of treating drug addiction as a public health problem instead of a criminal one.

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He was a real pioneer, said Dr. David Smith, his close friend and colleague who founded the Haight-Ashbury Free Clinic in San Francisco.

Ungerleider was born in 1931 in Cleveland to Constance Levison and Harold Ungerleider. He graduated from the University of Michigan and attended medical school and residency at Case Western Reserve University. He then became a U.S. Army captain who served as a base psychiatrist at Fort Ord, Calif.

A few years after Ungerleider started as an assistant professor at UCLA in 1962, people began showing up in the psychiatric ward with hallucinations and anxiety, saying theyd taken a drug no one knew much about: LSD.

Ungerleider was asked to investigate.

He began surveying people who dropped acid at love-ins and at Timothy Learys ranch in Orange County. He became one of the first researchers to document the adverse effects of LSD, during a time when people like Leary were advocating for its beneficial effects, Smith said.

John Ungerleider said that when he was a teenager one of his fathers colleagues told him, Your dad coined the term bad trip for LSD.

In the early 1970s, Nixon appointed Ungerleider to the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse, often referred to as the Shafer Commission. The 13-member group traveled around the world for a year studying the effects of pot.

Surprising many, the commission concluded that marijuana wasnt a particularly dangerous drug and that people shouldnt be subject to criminal charges for possessing it, essentially making it legal for use in homes.

The idea that drug use is a public health problem, not a criminal one, was controversial at the time, Smith said, but it has become a blueprint for how we understand addiction today.

Nixon ignored the commissions recommendations and pushed forward with the war on drugs.

John Ungerledier said his father had been a Republican, but because he so strongly opposed the government meddling in peoples private choices  in this case, regarding drug usage  he began sometimes voting for Democratic candidates.

He really had a sense of that being wrong, even if he wasnt somebody who liked to partake, he said.

Ungerleider went on to investigate the medical benefits of marijuana and learned that THC helped ease the negative side effects of chemotherapy and radiation, and could also help reduce the eye pressure that leads to glaucoma.

He wrote in a 1999 paper that marijuana had a limited but definite role in medicine, and whether its appropriate for patients should be physicians decisions, instead of a legal standard.

We never seem able to grasp the fact that no drug is inherently good or evil, he wrote.

Ungerleider also ran treatment programs throughout the L.A. area for people with substance abuse problems and helped care for homeless with mental health issues.

Therese Andrysiak Van Hoof, who worked with Ungerleider as a nurse for decades, said he did a lot of hands-on work because he wanted to improve the lives of real people.

He wasnt a scholars scholar, she said. He met you where you were.

While speaking on a panel in Woodland Hills in 1967, Ungerleider urged parents to empathize with their kids who wanted to try drugs. He didnt think they were safe  he didnt support legalizing marijuana for recreational use, his son said  but he didnt think they should be so taboo.

Kids get frightened when we dont tell them what to explore and help them do it. Im against our ostrich policy, hiding our heads in the sand, refusing to discuss drugs with them, and even forbidding them to discuss the subject. Thats terrible, Ungerleider said, according to a Los Angeles Times article.

A girl in the audience then asked for his advice for someone who plans to take drugs.

God help you, he replied.

In addition to his son, Ungerleider is survived by his wife, Dorothy, his daughter, Shoshana Margoliot, six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

soumya.karlamangla@latimes.com

Twitter: @skarlamangla
New sex assault allegations against Trump: He was like an octopus

(Jessica Kourkounis / Getty Images)

As Donald Trump reels from the fallout of his sexually aggressive comments caught on tape, two women alleged that the GOP presidential nominee accosted them in a new report published Wednesday.

Jessica Leeds, 74, told the New York Times that Trump grabbed her breasts and tried to slip his hand up her skirt in the first-class cabin of a plane more than three decades ago.

He was like an octopus, Leeds told the paper. His hands were everywhere.

Rachel Crooks told the New York Times that Trump kissed her on the mouth when she introduced herself to him in front of an elevator when she worked in Trump Tower in 2005 as a 22-year-old secretary.

The Trump campaign denied the allegations, and accused the newspaper of trying to sink his candidacy.

This entire article is fiction, and for the New York Times to launch a completely false, coordinated character assassination against Mr. Trump on a topic like this is dangerous, said Trump spokesman Jason Miller in a statement. To reach back decades in an attempt to smear Mr. Trump trivializes sexual assault, and it sets a new low for where the media is willing to go in its efforts to determine this election.

The New York Times article said the newspapers reporters verified the stories with friends and relatives of the women who told the paper they had heard the allegations previously.

The thrice-married Trump has a long history of making controversial remarks about women, their appearance, their weight and his attraction to them.

But the issue came into heightened focus with the emergence of a 2005 Access Hollywood video Friday that shows Trump claiming he could kiss women and grab their genitals without their consent because he is a celebrity. He used vulgar language to describe womens anatomy and recalled his efforts to sleep with a married woman.

The political fallout was immediate. Dozens of Republican elected officials and others who stood by Trump when he made controversial comments about womens appearances, Mexican immigrants, Muslims, the disabled and prisoners of war said they could no longer support him.

House Speaker Paul Ryan of Wisconsin, the nations highest-ranking Republican, did not revoke his endorsement but said on Monday that he would no longer defend his partys standard-bearer and would spend the rest of the election focused on down-ballot races.

Trump apologized for his remarks, but also dismissed them as locker room talk. The new allegations squarely place the candidates actions, not words, under scrutiny.

The Access Hollywood video, reported by the Washington Post, also led to a scurry among the news media for additional recordings of the GOP nominee, particularly the unaired footage from his years of hosting The Apprentice on NBC.

Several reports have emerged since Friday, notably a CNN report on Sunday about newly unearthed Trump appearances on Howard Sterns radio show.

The GOP nominee told the shock jock he had taken part in threesomes and described going backstage at his beauty pageants to look at the contestants when they were naked.

The Palm Beach Post published a report Wednesday from a 36-year-old woman who said Trump grabbed her posterior when she was assisting a photographer friend hired by the businessman to document a Ray Charles concert at his Mar-a-Lago estate 13 years ago.

On Wednesday, CBS News also reported about footage from an Entertainment Tonight Christmas special in 1992, where Trump asks a 10-year-old girl if she is riding the escalator at Trump Tower. After the girl replies, Yeah, Trump, then 46, says to the camera, I am going to be dating her in 10 years. Can you believe it?

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Donald Trumps first rally without shackles keeps focus on Hillary Clinton, not GOP

Donald Trump in Panama City, Fla. (Mandel Ngan / AFP-Getty Images)

After declaring his shackles had been cast off and spending most of Tuesday swiping at fellow Republicans, Donald Trump stuck to a relatively conventional script Tuesday evening: bashing Hillary Clinton.

Trumps speech, delivered off a teleprompter, kept its focus largely on the hacked emails of Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta, which are being released in batches by WikiLeaks.

Trump ticked off a litany of what he described as revelations from the emails, ranging from excerpts of speeches Clinton delivered to Wall Street interests indicating support for globalized trade to campaign staffers micro-managing the candidates message and actions.

These WikiLeaks emails confirm what those of us have known all along, that Hillary Clinton is the vessel of a corrupt global establishment, Trump told the crowd of thousands gathered at an outdoor amphitheater in Panama City, Fla..

The Clinton campaign has pushed back against the news dribbling from the hack, arguing the leak was orchestrated by Trump allies to distract from the GOP nominees crude remarks about groping women.

Trump alleged there were myriad damaging revelations in these emails, from unspecified insults of Catholics to evidence of collusion between Democrat Clinton and the news media, pointing to a question in a CNN town hall that Clinton allies passed along in advance.

You see so much from these WikiLeaks. You see so much, Trump said.

Trump otherwise stuck largely to his stump speech, advocating for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, renegotiated trade deals and rolling back Obamacare.

There was no mention of House Speaker Paul D. Ryan, Arizona Sen. John McCain or other GOP elected officials with whom Trump has publicly feuded since the release of his controversial comments.

The omission was notable, coming hours after Trump in an appearance on Fox News accused Ryan and McCain of being disloyal.

I wouldnt want to be in a foxhole with a lot of these people, that I can tell you  especially Ryan, Trump said while on Bill OReillys show.
Less than four weeks remain before one of the most consequential elections in recent American history.

No, not the presidential election. Donald Trump has already lost that one several times over  through his serial attacks on women and minorities, the appearance of a videotape in which he describes himself as a sexual abuser, and his overall failure to turn himself into a credible president-in-waiting.

Still at stake on election day, though, is what kind of presidency Clinton will be allowed to have  and that depends mostly on who is elected to the Senate and House of Representatives.

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If Democrats win a majority in both chambers, Clinton will be able to pass significant parts of her platform, much as Obama did in 2009 and 2010.

But if Republicans keep their majorities, shell have to negotiate with an angry opposition in which the loudest voices are likely to revive the obstructionism they have perfected over the last six years.

President Clinton will almost certainly be negotiating with a Republican House.

And in the likeliest case  a Congress between those extremes with a closely divided Senate and a slim GOP majority in the House  the consequences are unpredictable.

Democratic and Republican strategists broadly agree on the range of possible electoral outcomes.

The Senate is balanced on a knife edge. Republicans hold 54 of the Senates 100 seats; if Democrats net four additional seats, theyll have 50, and can rely on Vice President Tim Kaine to break the tie.

The closest races are in Pennsylvania and New Hampshire, where Republican incumbents are struggling to hold off scrappy Democratic challengers. But Republican senators could also lose their seats in North Carolina and Missouri.

We need to win three of those four seats to get to 51, GOP pollster David Winston told me.

He said he was worried by a recent poll  taken immediately after the Trump videotape surfaced  that suggested only 74% of Republican voters were still supporting the nominee.

If he comes in with 74% of the Republican vote, the party is completely blown out of this election, Winston said. He needs 90%.

The House is more complicated  and much harder for Democrats to take. Republicans currently hold 246 of 435 seats; Democrats need a net gain of at least 30 to win a majority.

Its possible to imagine, but its unlikely, Democratic pollster Mark Mellman said. He estimated that Clinton would need to win the presidency by a margin of 10% or more for the House to change hands. Thats not likely to happen; the last candidate to win by more than 10% was Ronald Reagan in 1984. (In the most recent polling released by NBC News and the Wall Street Journal, Clinton was leading by 7%.)

Why is it so difficult to flip the House? Redistricting, which guarantees that most incumbents can rely on loyal partisans to keep them in office. In the 2012 election, Republicans lost the popular vote for all House candidates by more than 1.4 million, but still won a majority of seats.

So President Clinton will almost certainly be negotiating with a Republican House  one, moreover, whose majority will be splintered into angry factions, pro-Trump and anti-Trump.

If her electoral majority is huge, shell be able to claim some measure of a popular mandate  even though some Republicans will argue that she won only because they nominated a bad candidate (or, for die-hard Trumpists, because the election was rigged).

That would give her an opportunity to seek cooperation from pragmatic Republicans  yes, there still are some.

If theres a backlash against the awful nature of the campaign, there could be real public pressure to let her get a few things done, Norman J. Ornstein, a scholar of Congress at the American Enterprise Institute, told me. She could pass an infrastructure program; thats got support in both parties. She could pass some technical fixes for Obamacare.

But thats about all  and thats a rosy scenario, he added.

In a darker scenario, Republicans will decide that they want to replay what they did in 2010 and 2014  delegitimize the president and block whatever they can, Ornstein said.

Clinton can help nudge the new Congress toward the first scenario if she continues to proclaim her desire to be a president for members of both parties, a theme shes taken up over the last few weeks of the campaign. Even more important, she could name a Republican or two to her Cabinet and quickly launch bipartisan conversations to search for common ground.

That wont transform a GOP that will still be dominated by her fiercest critics  but it will improve her chances of accomplishing the changes she wants.

First, though, she has to win as many votes as she can. The presidential margin will matter as well as voters choices for members of the Senate and House.

No matter what Trump does over the next four weeks, no matter what new revelations about the candidates emerge, and no matter what the polls say, every vote will still count.

doyle.mcmanus@latimes.com

Twitter: @doylemcmanus

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Be nice, even if youre a politician

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During this election year, we have become so starved for civility that by the end of the second presidential debate Monday night, when a voter practically begged the candidates to come up with something positive to say about each other, America fairly groaned in relief. Donald Trump has said all manner of horrible, degrading things about all manner of people, and this week we have been subject to the worst of itwell, to date, anyway.

But the thing I cant stop thinking about is Trumps habit of calling others not nice: Hillary Clinton, most recently for using his hateful words against him in her campaign ads; Jeb Bush, who has endured constant mockery from Trump, for not taking his call after withdrawing from the race; even the UFC fighter Ronda Rousey, simply for not endorsing him. Laughable though this may seem coming from a grown man whose principal strategies include playground name-calling, bullying and threats of revenge  all in the name of winning  Trumps not nice refrain has made me ferociously adamant about the fact that I take niceness seriously.

The most important thing is to be nice.

Difference and difficulty are inevitable in this world; what matters is how you handle yourself when you meet them.

I drill this into my 6-year-old sons brain. Even at times when we seem to be making little headway, I want him to mount a resistance campaign against his less-generous nature. I want him to say please and thank you, and let someone else have the last slice of birthday cake. These little exchanges, as the anthropologist David Graeber writes, are token[s] of a much larger philosophy, a set of assumptions of what humans are and what they owe one another. If we dispose of these tokens altogether, we are dispensing with our common humanity. Politeness isnt just empty architecture; its a way of ferrying our meanings and intentions back and forth without doing damage to one another.

Difference and difficulty are inevitable in this world; what matters is how you handle yourself when you meet them. Over the last few months, my family traveled together on a sabbatical. No matter what country we were in, the memorable things had to do with the kindness of strangers (and when you are going around the world in 80 days with two small children, you desperately need that kindness).

There was the young Dominican woman who shooed us into the pool on a blisteringly hot day, despite the fact that wed run out of cash and her credit card machine was broken. The Italian shopkeeper who handed my sons lollipops in exchange for a sweet buon giorno. The Norwegian family who invited us to lunch at their home, ignoring the deafening screams of our toddler (they even offered to baby-sit). After two weeks in Japan, where people went out of their way to help us at every hostel, hiking trail and 7-Eleven, my main takeaway was this: I wanted to be nicer.

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Niceness includes little generosities and helping hands, yes, but it goes beyond that to a larger sense of accommodation for others. When someone yells instead of speaking with courtesy, how do we feel? Broken, stressed, physically ill. Anger fires up the immune system, and not in a good way. When someone gives us the gift of listening and respect, in spite of a difference of opinion, we are comforted and left with a desire to treat others the same way.

In the thick of this election news cycle, we hold our candidates to a different standard. Politics skew toward polarity, valuing the fight. We want our candidates to be tough to get the win. In the context of a contest or a competition, niceness is often seen as a weakness  the mark of a loser.

But niceness is actually the harder thing  the tougher thing. It requires more thought, more heavy lifting, to communicate criticism without the barbs, to argue a point with restraint, to keep a dispute from escalating to an attack. I spent much of the two presidential debates sweating profusely in a state of fight-or-flight. My younger son, almost 4, after watching the second exchange for a while, observed that he didnt like Trump much because hes not very nice to ladies.

Knowing that this atmosphere of vitriol touches my children makes me even more defiant. I believe there is no domain in which the not-nice outlook makes sense. Trump repeatedly claims to be a winner in the world of business, but the true winners in that field seem to value decency more than he does.

Google, perhaps the winningest of all companies, spent several years trying to figure out what made its most productive teams so successful. Who tended to be the best workers, and how did they get that way? It turned out that success had less to do with specific individuals and more with how they treated each other. And the secret to how they treated each other was: that they went out of their way to be nice.

We all want to come out ahead. But we all want to be treated with respect, too  basic civility is part of the social compact of a community, of a country. And when this race is over, if the winner is someone who has no qualms about obliterating that compact, what will we have lost?

Bonnie Tsui is a writer based in Berkeley, Calif., and the author of American Chinatown.

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One reason Californians will be voting, again, about the death penalty, next month, is because of a man named Caryl Chessman. He was called the Red Light Bandit, and he was executed in 1960 for several crimes, but none of them was murder. The case was a harrowing one for California's governor, Pat Brown, and for his family, including his son, the future governor, a young Jerry Brown.

Ever since Chessman died, Californians have gone to war at the ballot box over the death penalty. This time, the choice is to speed it up, or abolish it altogether. The Brown family and Chessmans case are the subject of Joseph Rodotas new play Chessman, which opens this week at Sacramentos B Street Theatre.

Find the full archive of "Patt Morrison Asks" podcasts here or search for "Patt Morrison Asks" on iTunes.

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To the editor: Irene Oritseweyinmi Joe expressed gratitude to President Reagan for his amnesty program. She wrote that her parents decided to remain in the U.S. after her fathers student visa expired, and that those who arrived in the U.S. with temporary visas are not people who used criminal connections or secretive behavior to sneak over borders. (Like many immigrants, I owe a debt to the Republican Party  of the 1980s, Opinion, Oct. 10)

I fail to see how overstaying a visa makes one more worthy of citizenship than making a dangerous journey to cross our border. By overstaying his visa, Joes father disregarded our laws.

When granting amnesty to the undocumented, Reagan provided a clear message to the countless would-be immigrants playing by the rules. Immigrants with expired visas contribute to our economy, but so do legal immigrants, and they do so by respecting our laws.

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Josef Colman, Santa Monica

..

To the editor: Joe acknowledged that Reagans amnesty program allowed families like hers to come out from the shadows. As were nearing the end of this contentious election cycle, its refreshing to see someone discuss a hot-button issue while putting partisanship aside.

Today, California has the largest number of immigrants, documented and undocumented. Weve led from the front and set an example of how bipartisan efforts have enabled us to care for our residents, regardless of their legal status. (Reagan, a Californian, is a good example.) As the daughter of immigrants, I am proud to live in a state that recognizes them as hardworking people and not a group to be feared or vilified.

I urge Californias congressional delegation to commit to bipartisan efforts for comprehensive immigration reform in 2017 and provide a long-term solution for those caught in our broken system.

Joelly Mejia, Los Angeles

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook
When voters go down the list of the 17 statewide propositions on their ballots this November, they could be confused when they reach two measures placed there by a trade group seeking to overturn the states landmark 2014 ban on plastic bags.

The most straightforward is Proposition 67, a referendum asking voters to either vote yes to preserve the law or no to reject the statute, which bans disposable plastic bags and lets grocers charge customers 10 cents for paper bags or more durable reusable plastic bags.

But even if voters keep that law in place, they could also alter the law by approving Proposition 65, an initiative that would send the proceeds from that 10-cent fee to a state fund for environmental projects.

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Both propositions qualified for the ballot thanks to signature gathering efforts paid for by the plastic industrys trade group, the American Progressive Bag Alliance.

The group has put up a fierce fight as similar plastic bag bans have been passed in cities and counties across California. They took the fight to the ballot box after Gov. Jerry Brown signed a statewide ban that was approved by the state Legislature in 2014.

Environmentalists who back the ban argue that the bags contribute to a litter problem and clog the states waterways while endangering animals.

But the plastic industrys group says the bags do little harm, and the ban will cost the state around 2,000 manufacturing jobs. Lee Califf, executive director of the alliance, has criticized the bill, calling it a backroom deal between the California Grocers Assn. and their union friends to scam consumers out of billions of dollars in bag fees.

Four out-of-state plastic bag manufacturers have provided 97% of the contributions to the American Plastic Bag Alliance, which is the only committee working to defeat Proposition 67 and pass Proposition 65, according to MapLight, a nonpartisan organization that tracks money in politics.

The companies, including South Carolina-based Hilex Poly and Texas-based Formosa Plastics, have poured more than $5 million into the political committee.

Voters also have to consider how the two measures affect one another: If both pass, the revenue from bag sales would go to grocers if Proposition 67 is approved with more votes. If Proposition 65 passes with more votes, the funds would go to the environmental fund.

Updates on California politics 

An analysis by the independent Legislative Analysts Office also raised the possibility that if Proposition 65, the initiative redirecting the funds, gets more votes than the referendum, a court could prevent a ban from going into effect at all.

Kim Alexander, president of the nonpartisan California Voter Foundation, said that although the ballot often has multiple measures dealing with the same issues, this case is peculiar.

What is unusual is for the same group to be proposing more than one measure on the ballot and having those measures operate somewhat in conflict, she said.

Mark Murray, executive director of the environmental group Californians Against Waste, accused the plastics trade group of trying to confuse voters.

Given the other high-profile issues on the ballot such as legalizing marijuana and repealing the death penalty, the average voter, even if he or she approves of a plastic bag ban, might not know which one to vote for, Murray said.

It is worth noting, he said, that the initiative, Proposition 65, comes before the referendum, Proposition 67. That could affect voters too, he said.

They may remember, There is the thing I am supposed to vote yes on, but I voted yes on this first one, I think I should vote no on the second one, he said.

Jon Berrier, a spokesman for the alliance, said the initiative is not meant to confuse voters but instead to offer them the chance to make sure that the fees collected have some public purpose and provide direct environmental benefits.

The Legislative Analysts Office analysis said that fee revenue could reach several tens of millions of dollars annually, but that depends on the level of future bag sales and the prices of carryout bags.

Opponents of Proposition 65, including the San Diego branch of the Surfrider Foundation, have criticized the measure as a ploy to divide environmentalists and smaller grocers who could use the fees to cover the cost of durable bags.

The law would not affect local bag bans, which are on the books in 150 cities and counties in the state, according to the Legislative Analysts Office. Those local laws cover about 40% of Californias population, mostly in more liberal coastal counties in the Los Angeles area and the Bay Area, according to the analysis.

javier.panzar@latimes.com

Twitter: @jpanzar

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Some of the craft-beer breweries from around the state and across the country will convene in downtown Burbank on Saturday for the citys second annual Burbank Beer Festival.

More than 85 varieties of beer will be on tap from local breweries, such as Golden Road Brewing, Angel City Brewery, Stone Brewing Co. and House Beer, said Mary Hamzoian, economic development manager for Burbank. She oversees the Downtown Burbank Partnership, which is putting on the event with the California Beer Festival.

The beer-centric event was started as a way to promote downtown Burbank and attract residents and tourists to that stretch of San Fernando Boulevard, from Magnolia Boulevard to Angeleno Avenue.

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Festivalgoers sample the Pacific Coast Hopliner IPA at the Burbank Beer Festival, in this file photo taken on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2015. (Raul Roa / Burbank Leader)

The beer festival will be set up in two tasting sessions, the first from noon to 3 p.m. and the other from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets for either session is $45 per person.

We hope that after the sessions are done that we drive you into the restaurants to eat and enjoy the rest of your day, Hamzoian said.

In 2013, organizers originally called the event OktoBURfest and in the first year sold about 300 tickets. The event quickly grew in popularity, with about 600 tickets purchased in 2014.

The Downtown Burbank Partnership teamed up with the California Beer Festival in 2015 and changed the name of the event to the Burbank Beer Festival. As the popularity of craft beers has risen over the years, so did attendance at the citys event.

Last year, the festival brought in 2,860 attendees, with more than half of them coming from outside Southern California. Hamzoian said that she was not surprised about the number of attendees, adding that she expects about the same number of people on Saturday.

Its an event that brings in a different demographic, a different crowd of people, she said. The intent of our events is to bring in people that may have not otherwise shopped or dined in our downtown, and I think we definitely accomplished that.

Hamzoian said that the craft beer festival was the right fit for the downtown area, where many of the restaurants already serve craft beer.

It just makes sense for this kind of event to pop up here in our downtown, she said.

--

Anthony Clark Carpio, anthonyclark.carpio@latimes.com

Twitter: @acocarpio

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Hal Landon Jr. is just Hal to most people who know him  or Scrooge.

Landon has played the bitter old miser, who finds himself on a journey of self-redemption, for 35 seasons at South Coast Repertory.

As the central character in A Christmas Carol, Landon has seen generations grow up with the theater production in Costa Mesa.

When he takes the stage this Friday to mark his 36th season of playing the cold-hearted curmudgeon who despises Christmas, Landon will no doubt find an audience of folks who have been watching him for years in a role that he has cherished for half his life.

So many people tell me they come year after year and that Christmas doesnt start until they see A Christmas Carol, Landon said last week as he sat on the theaters terrace. A promotional poster featuring him in costume was hanging nearby. Its such a great part.

Landon said he has no plans to slow down, since he wants all of his current and future grandchildren to see him on stage playing the iconic role.

But the challenge for him is to be spontaneous and stay in the moment with each show without anticipating what is coming next.

Landon said one way he keeps his performance fresh is by approaching his characters demeanor from different angles. Hell read a different Dickens novel and compare Scrooge to other villainous characters to find inspiration.

Scrooge comes off a pretty nice guy compared to them, said Landon, who has also enjoyed a movie career, having had parts in The Artist, Bill & Teds Excellent Adventure and Bill & Teds Bogus Journey. His father, actor Hal Landon Sr., also appeared in Bill & Teds Bogus Journey.

His television credits include roles in Mad Men, My Name is Earl and CSI: NY.

At 74 and with neatly combed gray hair, Landon said it takes less time for him to get made up now. When he was 38 years old and first playing the misanthropic penny-pincher, he would spend almost two hours in the makeup chair.

He said he doesnt have to use any age-enhancing items anymore, except for the addition of a little more hair. But almost in defiance of his age, he still performs his signature somersault-into-the-hat trick before audiences. Hes missed the hat only once, during his first year as Scrooge.

To stay in shape for the stunt  which has the actor doing a somersault over a bed in such a way that his head picks up the hat as he continues over and lands on his feet  Landon said he works out at 24 Hour Fitness, including lifting weights three to four times a week.

Marc Masterson, South Coast Repertory artistic director, said Landons role at South Coast Repertory is vital beyond his record-breaking run in A Christmas Carol. The actor, a founding artist at the theater, has contributed to the legacy of South Coast Repertory and the American theater, Masterson said.

The plays director, John-David Keller, was previously quoted as saying Landon has the ability to make the role look like a new performance every year.

The thing I love about Hal more than anything else is he never stops working at it, Keller said. He invests himself in the show every time he does it.

Landons acting career started more than four decades ago with a play he was doing in San Francisco. A cast member had said she was a designer at a newly founded independent professional theater in Orange County called South Coast Repertory.

Landon was interested in the new arts institution, so he visited and saw the production at the time, Lets Get A Divorce.

He liked the vibe of the theater so much that he auditioned for roles. He has appeared in South Coast Repertorys The Fantasticks, Hamlet, The Drawer Boy, which earned him a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Award nomination, and others.

When it came to the role of Ebenezer Scrooge, many actors auditioned, but Landon said he got it based on his looks.

I think it was because I was the thinnest and the baldest, he said with a grin.

Published more than 150 years ago, Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol, remains as one of the most revered Christmas stories. Its Scrooge is so miserly that has name has become synonymous with stinginess and a lack of Christmas spirit.

The covetous and tight-fisted man reborn on Christmas Day as a generous and friendly Englishman was Dickens means of condemning greed and showing how people can open their hearts, Landon said. The story also highlights the harsh plight of the lower and working classes and establishes the idea of Christmas charity toward those less unfortunate.

Hal is unique in the theater, said Masterson. I love this production because people come every year anticipating the show, seeing if hes going to do it. Hes customized it, and its become a touchstone for the holidays at South Coast Repertory.

Landon, who lives in Lake Forest, said one his favorite years was the time one of his two daughters played in the show.

He said his wife sees him perform every year, and the older of his two granddaughters has watched him delight audiences.

Like Dickens, his hope is to spread a message of compassion and remind theatergoers of the shows second-chance mantra.

Id be content if theres that uplifting of spirit and we can infuse a joy in their hearts, Landon said. Thats a really great feeling.

*

IF YOU GO

What: A Christmas Carol

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2:30 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and noon and 4 p.m. Sundays until Dec. 27

Where: South Coast Repertory, 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa

Cost: Tickets start at $47

Information: (714) 708-5555 or visit scr.org
The city of Laguna Beach has identified five additional locations that could house medical marijuana dispensaries if voters pass a ballot measure in next months election.

The five sites are in South Laguna along South Coast Highway between Eagle Rock Way and Fourth Avenue, according to a news release.

Laguna mailed a letter to residents Sept. 28 about Measure KK, a resident-sponsored initiative that would repeal the citys ban on dispensaries.

The letter featured a map with possible dispensary locations throughout the city: Laguna Canyon, downtown, along South Coast Highway and Glenneyre Street between Legion and Diamond streets, and the Aliso Creek Shopping Center across from the Montage resort.

The map omitted other parts of Laguna Beach, such as the southern portion of the city south of the Montage, and Irvine Cove, because it was believed at that time these areas could not serve as possible locations for medical marijuana dispensaries, the release stated.

The city received questions from South Laguna residents about zones where dispensaries could be allowed under the initiative, prompting the city to review zoning maps, City Manager John Pietig told the Daily Pilot on Tuesday.

There are several variables to consider when checking possible sites against the language in KK, and some parcels were missed in South Laguna, Pietig wrote in an email.

According to the initiative, dispensaries must be in either commercial or industrial zones and would not be allowed on property abutting or across the street from a residential lot, within 1,000 feet of a public or private K-12 school or another medical marijuana dispensary.

Initiative backers say providing a local source of medical cannabis would benefit residents because they would not have to drive outside city limits to obtain the drug.

Opponents say dispensaries would threaten the safety of children and neighborhoods and draw more traffic to Laguna as the only south Orange County city to harbor such businesses.

In August, the City Council adopted a resolution opposing the measure.

bryce.alderton@latimes.com

Twitter: @AldertonBryce
St. Vitus Cathedral in Prague is about as breathtaking a sacred space as one can imagine.

And it occupies a special place in my heart.

Prague, in the Czech Republic, and St. Petersburg, Russia, are  in my opinion  two of the most beautiful cities of Europe. And its Pragues cathedral that touches me most profoundly. Many former houses of worship in St. Petersburg are now museums. Not so, Pragues cathedral.

I have a personal connection with St. Vitus. It was there, in the nave of the cathedral in 2011, that I knelt in prayer. Mine was a petition for healing.

The cathedral has quite a history. Emperor Charles IV laid its foundation stone in 1344 but the cathedral wasnt consecrated until 1929  almost 600 years later. Its huge south window, which overwhelms the senses as one enters the nave, cannot be ignored. It depicts the Last Judgment.

Carved on a wooden door near that window is a relief of Sicilian martyr and Bohemian patron saint, St. Vitus, being tortured in a cauldron of boiling oil.

More about that in a moment.

St. Vitus Cathedral features gothic architecture and is the seat of the archbishop. It contains the tombs of Czech kings.

My wife, Hedy, and I visited Prague six years after I was diagnosed with Parkinsons disease. It was a serendipitous occurrence, not a pilgrimage.

Parkinsons is a progressive neurological disorder with no known cure. It causes nerve cells to die or become impaired, and patients exhibit such symptoms as tremors or shaking, slowness of movement, rigidity or stiffness, loss of facial mobility, and balance difficulties. Other signs include a shuffling gait, cognitive problems and muffled speech.

Twenty years ago, at the age of 74, my dad was diagnosed with Parkinsons. He lived another 10 years and died at 84. But it was tough sledding for him. My best pal from high school and college died last year after battling Parkinsons for six years.

I remember, long before my diagnosis, my mom telling me about St. Vitus. When she was a girl, in the early 1930s, her grandmother  my great grandmother  was afflicted with Parkinsons.

Grandma was in her late 50s. She would have the disease for the remainder of her years but it would not take her life. I was taken to her as an infant but she declined to hold me because of her shakes.

Like many Parkinsons patients, she died of something else. Grandma succumbed to cancer; Dad to pneumonia.

And both did the St. Vitus dance.

Thats a term used commonly years ago to describe Parkinsons shakes and tremors, Mom told me. Everyone in our family said Grandma did the St. Vitus dance.

Now I do it.

Technically, the St. Vitus dance describes Sydenhams chorea, a childhood movement disorder characterized by rapid, irregular, aimless and involuntary movements of the muscles of the limbs, face and trunk. The dance has also come to represent Parkinsons, dyskinesia, Tourettes syndrome, epilepsy and other nervous system disorders.

In A.D. 303, Roman emperor Diocletian subjected St. Vitus, because of his Christian faith, to a variety of tortures including being placed in a cauldron filled with molten lead. As the story goes, he writhed and twitched spasmodically but did not die.

The involuntary twitching became known as the St. Vitus dance.

That day five years ago when I knelt in St. Vitus Cathedral, I asked God for healing  knowing full well that unlike numerous other maladies, no one is healed of Parkinsons.

But, I believe its advance can be slowed.

I prayed something like: Lord, I know everything is possible with you. You created the cosmos out of nothing. I am dust in the wind. But you love me, and this morning at St. Vitus Cathedral  like the lady of the Scriptures with the issue of blood  I seek your healing in whatever fashion that might take. I accept your touch with the deepest gratitude.

Ive had an incurable illness for 11 years, but it wont last forever.

Of that Im absolutely certain!

JIM CARNETT lives in Costa Mesa. His column runs Tuesdays.
For years, Ethiopias government has repressed dissent, jailed opposition leaders and at times shut down social media, producing the kind of political stability that has helped reassure foreign investors.

But the climate that nurtured one of Africas fastest-growing economies is suddenly under threat, as months of violent antigovernment protests have turned in recent days into attacks on Dutch, Turkish, Saudi and Nigerian businesses.

A state of emergency has been declared because the situation posed a threat against the people of the country, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn declared over the weekend.

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More than two dozen foreign-owned businesses, including Dutch horticulture firms, a Turkish textile company and a mine owned by Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote, were damaged in the latest protests, which previously had targeted mainly government facilities and infrastructure.

Authorities have been accused by international human rights groups of a heavy-handed response to the protests that began in November, and Sundays announcement of a state of emergency suggested the conflicts were likely to continue.

Security forces have killed at least 500 people and detained tens of thousands of others since protests erupted late last year, according to Human Rights Watch, as the government confronts its worst public unrest in its 25 years in power.

Felix Horne, researcher on Ethiopia for the human rights group, warned that a state of emergency risks more clampdowns on protesters by security forces. He argues the Wests quiet diplomacy has failed to pressure the government to curb abuses.

Despite a dire human rights record going back 25 years, the Ethiopian government has come in for only muted criticism from Western leaders in the past, possibly because the government has been able to guarantee a measure of economic stability.

President Obamas visit to Ethiopia during his final African tour last year prompted criticisms from activists and human rights groups.

The European Union this week described the latest clashes as worrying and called on all sides to refrain from violence. But the criticism has been low-key.

Foreign diplomats and development organizations working in Ethiopia understand that you limit public criticism in exchange for access, Horne wrote Tuesday in the EU Observer.

The country of 99 million people gets hefty U.S. and EU aid, and is seen by Western officials as a stalwart in resisting terrorism in the region, particularly in neighboring Somalia, where Ethiopia has been a strong force fighting the Al Qaeda linked militant group, the Shabab.

Ethiopia is one of Americas closest partners in East Africa, but there are hints of a firmer approach from Western diplomats, amid fear the protests could destabilize the country and, in turn, the volatile Horn of Africa.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel, visiting Ethiopia on Tuesday, called on the government to allow protests and opposition voices and to ensure the police response to demonstrations was proportionate.

At a joint news conference with the German leader, Desalegn said the government would pursue a multiparty democracy but added that Ethiopia is also against any violent extremist armed struggling groups.

The government has blamed foreign enemies and dissidents for fueling the unrest.

U.S. Secretary of State John F. Kerry warned in August that Ethiopias biggest threat came from within.

Security forces have continued to use excessive force to prevent Ethiopians from congregating peacefully, killing and injuring many people and arresting thousands, he said in a stronger-than-usual reproof of the Addis Ababa government.

Ethiopia pulled its troops out of the Somali town of El Ali, according to reports from Somalia on Tuesday, leaving the militant Shabab group poised to retake the town  a development that underscored Ethiopias pivotal role until now in securing its neighbor. Some analysts suggest the move may have been designed to send a pointed message to the West.

The citizen protests began in the sprawling region of Oromia in central and southern Ethiopia late last year, when residents expressed anger over a government plan to seize land for city development. The plan was later ditched. New protests over land in the Amhara and Oromia regions erupted this year, and they have broadened to include more general grievances against the government.

Members of the Oromo and Amhara ethnic groups, which together make up 60% of Ethiopias population, accuse the Ethiopian Peoples Revolutionary Democratic Front government of suppressing their political and economic rights. They oppose foreign farming and manufacturing projects, which they see as encroaching on their land.

Theres also long-simmering resentment that the Tigray ethnic group, about 6% of Ethiopians, wields significant power in the government.

At least 55 people were killed during a stampede in Bishoftu at an Oromo religious festival on Oct. 2, fleeing when troops fired tear gas and rubber bullets. Horne said hundreds of people may have died.

Sharon Gray, a researcher at UC Davis, was killed last week when protesters hurled rocks at her car on the outskirts of Addis Ababa.

Hailemariam said the state of emergency was necessary to put an end to the damage that is being carried out against infrastructure projects, health centers, administration and justice buildings.

An opposition leader, Gebru Asrat, told Addis Standard newspaper that the protests will continue as long as citizens are not guaranteed basic human rights, freedom and democracy.

If there is no democratization in Ethiopia, the problems will keep on escalating, Asrat said. And they will put the country in a very dangerous situation.

robyn.dixon@latimes.com

Follow @RobynDixon_LAT on Twitter
A young terrorism suspect captured by three fellow Syrian refugees in Germany was found dead of an apparent hanging in his prison cell, the mans court-appointed lawyer was quoted as saying Wednesday evening.

German officials said they believe the Syrian refugee, who they said had ties to Islamic State, had been planning to carry out a major terrorist attack on one of Berlins two airports this week.



For the record: Syrian suspect: Two articles in Section A on Oct. 11 and Oct. 13 about the arrest and subsequent death of a Syrian refugee in Germany who was suspected of plotting terrorism misidentified the explosive believed to have been found in his apartment. It is known as TATP (triacetone triperoxide), not TAPT.

Jaber Albakr, 22, who had been the subject of an intense two-day nationwide manhunt after powerful explosives were found in his apartment in Chemnitz on Saturday, was found dead and hanging in his cell in a prison in Leipzig city.

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His lawyer, Alexander Huebner, criticized prison officials for what he said was negligence in failing to adequately protect the man, who clearly was a suicide risk. Albakr had managed to evade 700 police officers in Chemnitz on Saturday and was on the run for two days before being captured Monday.

Im incredibly shocked and stunned that this was able to happen, Huebner told Focus magazines online edition, referring to Albakrs apparent suicide. He noted that Albakr had been on a hunger strike since his arrest and should have been more closely monitored by prison officials.

He had already destroyed lamps in his cell and tried to fiddle with the plug socket, Huebner added.

In an unusual twist, Albakr was captured by police after another Syrian lured him to an apartment, tied him up with the help of other refugees and turned him over to police.

He had been on the run since Saturday, when he fled his apartment in Chemnitz, near the Czech border, just as police stormed it. Authorities said they found a cache of explosives and other bomb-making material, including what on initial inspection is believed to be TAPT  the explosive used in Islamic State attacks in Paris last year and Brussels this year.

German authorities received the tip about Albakr, who arrived in Germany in late 2015, from foreign intelligence agencies that picked up Internet chatter between him and others discussing how to make bombs.

More than 1 million refugees have arrived in Germany over the last two years, many fleeing the war in Syria or violence in Iraq and Afghanistan.

German Chancellor Angela Merkels open-door policy on refugees was initially cheered by most Germans, but support has dwindled over the last 10 months after several terrorism incidents, including a pair of bungled Islamic State-inspired attacks by two lone wolves in which the suspects were the only people killed. There have also been reports of assaults on women by refugees from northern Africa.

Hans-Georg Maassen, the head of Germanys domestic intelligence agency, said this week in a German TV interview that authorities had obtained very concrete indications that Albakr had been planning an attack on a transportation hub  possibly a train station but most likely one of Berlins two international airports, Tegel or Schoenefeld.

Maassen told the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper Wednesday that his agency believes the attack could have been imminent. Were under the impression that the suspect could have carried out his attack this week, he said.

Although the three Syrians who captured Albakr have been hailed in Germany as national heroes and have been nominated for a federal Order of Merit for their deed, the German news agency DPA reported Wednesday that Albakr had accused his countrymen of being accomplices during interrogation sessions.

Kirschbaum is a special correspondent.

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Food, water and building supplies began to reach remote corners of Haiti on Wednesday as tens of thousands of people slowly rebuilt their lives after a devastating Category 4 hurricane hit the poor Caribbean nation last week.

In the southern seaside community of Les Cayes, a U.N. truck delivered water to the Sous Roche neighborhood while residents including 49-year-old fisherman Justin Cambry stood in line. The delivery marked the first time the neighborhood had received any help since Hurricane Matthew hit on Oct. 4.

Life is completely destroyed here, Cambry said. It will take 20 years to get it all back.

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Haitians helped each other regain some semblance of their pre-hurricane lives as they awaited the arrival of more aid.

A community group that formed in the southern coastal village of Les Anglais cleared tree limbs from streets and placed them into piles while others gathered scraps of wood to start rebuilding homes.

Crisis is not the word to describe it. You need a stronger word.  Elancie Moise, Department of Agriculture director in southern Haiti

Meanwhile, more than a dozen people gathered inside a neighbors general store in the western coastal town of Anse-dHainault that was serving as a makeshift shelter. The store had a small generator that provided a little light and power to charge phones.

Were looking out for each other, said Walna Gevere, who traveled to her hometown from the capital of Port-au-Prince to be with her family.

Those who survived the storm have faced great challenges, including going days without food. The prices of bottled water, bleach and other vital items have jumped by as much as 25% amid worsening shortages.

Elancie Moise, director of the Department of Agriculture in southern Haiti, said between 80% and 100% of crops have been lost across the southern peninsula.

Crisis is not the word to describe it, he said. You need a stronger word. It is much worse. There is no food for people to eat.

In addition, there have been reports of assaults on women gathered in shelters, said Yolette Etienne, director of the Britain-based group ActionAid in Haiti.

She traveled to the department of Grand-Anse in Haitis southwest peninsula to assess the damage when she was told about the assaults.

Fortunately, the women organized themselves to capture the men and call the police, she said, adding that shelters are taking more preventive measures.

The United Nations has called for $120 million in aid, noting that about 750,000 people in southwest Haiti alone will need life-saving assistance and protection in the next three months. Overall, at least 1.4 million people need assistance, the U.N. said.

Meanwhile, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson says the storms impact has put on hold a new policy of deporting Haitians in the United States without permission, but the government intends to resume it in the future. He said U.S. officials will have to be sympathetic to the plight of the people of Haiti as a result. But after conditions change, we intend to resume the policy.

The National Civil Protection headquarters in Port-au-Prince raised the official nationwide death toll to 473, which included at least 244 deaths in Grand-Anse. But local officials have said the toll in Grand-Anse alone tops 500.

Concern also was growing about an increase in cases of cholera, which has already killed roughly 10,000 people and sickened more than 800,000 since 2010.

The World Health Organization pledged to send 1 million doses of cholera vaccine to Haiti, where water and sanitation infrastructure has been severely damaged. Sandra Honore, the U.N. envoy for Haiti, said the health consequences of Hurricane Matthew cannot be overestimated.

Cholera cases were rising in towns such as Anse-dHainault, where 2-year-old Dabens Desrosiers was being rehydrated intravenously.

Daddy, take me home, he repeatedly murmured to his father, 31-year-old Gerson Desrosiers.

After three days of treatment, the boy was about to be discharged, but there was no home to return to. The familys wooden shack was flattened by Hurricane Matthew.

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A U.S. military official says that for the second time this week, two missiles were fired at a Navy ship in the Red Sea. Officials believe they were launched by the same Yemen-based Houthi rebels.

The official says the missiles were fired Wednesday at the U.S. guided-missile destroyer Mason. The ship used countermeasures, but neither missile got near the ship and there were no injuries.

The official says the missiles were fired from the Yemen coast, which is near the location used Sunday when two missiles were fired at the Mason and the amphibious transport dock Ponce. The official was not authorized to discuss the incident publicly, so spoke on condition of anonymity.

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American officials have said the U.S. is weighing what military response it should take against the rebels.
Airstrikes rocked Syria on Tuesday, killing more than a dozen people in rebel-held areas of the besieged northern city of Aleppo, and the shelling of a government-held area in a southern city killed at least six more people, activists and state media said.

Intense airstrikes were reported in Aleppo, which has seen fierce fighting in recent months as the government forces of President Bashar Assad, backed by Russian allies, try to recapture the opposition-held east, home to about 250,000 people.

In the southern city of Dara, where the war began after antigovernment protests more than five years ago, rebels fired rockets at government-held areas, according to the official Syrian Arab News Agency, or SANA. One hit an elementary school, killing half a dozen people  among them five children  and wounding 18 students, the news agency reported.

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Shelling by opposition groups was also reported in the capital, Damascus, including close to the Umayyad mosque, considered one of the oldest and holiest in the world, according to SANA.

Fighting has intensified in recent weeks after the collapse of a cease-fire brokered by the U.S. and Russia.

The British-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors the conflict, said at least eight people were killed in east Aleppos Bustan al Qasr and Fardous neighborhoods Tuesday, but residents said the toll was higher.

Amar Salmo, 32, who leads the areas civil defense volunteers, said more than 40 people were killed and more than 70 injured.

The last week was so calm, so quiet. Today was so explosive  more than 20 of these attacks were bunker-buster [bombs] and these make a lot of damage, he said, referring to powerful explosives capable of penetrating underground shelters.

Salmo and 120 volunteers worked to rescue victims from the rubble, many of them families. In Bustan al Qasr, they found four apartment buildings razed and a woman standing beside the ruins, just back from the market.

She returned home and asked, where is my building? Where are my children? Salmo said. We were searching for dead bodies. The neighbors told her, This is your building and your family is under the rubble. We dug out about 15 persons.

East Aleppo has faced intense aerial attacks since last month, when a Sept. 12 cease-fire collapsed after a week. Syrian government forces have also mounted a ground offensive into rebel-held areas of the city.

Everything is getting worse, said Ismail Abdullah, 29, another civil defense volunteer reached by phone in Aleppo.

He said he knew of 16 people killed in the airstrikes Tuesday, seven of them children.

We are waiting for the next hour, for the night, to see if the situation will get worse, he said.

The volunteers, known as White Helmets, fear they will be targeted and have moved their office, he said. They also worry about running out of fuel for ambulances. They have enough to last a week, but maybe not a month, Abdullah said, especially if the attacks increase.

Maybe in coming days we will run out of everything, he said.

Hospitals in east Aleppo have been receiving an average of 86 injured people a day but are down to 11 ambulances, according to government figures cited by the nonprofit Doctors Without Borders. Five ambulances were bombed during the last month, two of which were destroyed, the group said.

The whole world is witnessing the suffering of east Aleppo, a population trapped in a bloody battle without any chance to escape, said Pablo Marco, Doctors Without Borders operations manager for the Middle East. Syria and Russia must stop the indiscriminate bombing of the city. All warring parties must facilitate and allow the evacuation of the severely wounded and sick.

Krista Armstrong, a spokeswoman for the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva, said it has been difficult to deliver aid when cities across Syria have seen unprecedented levels of violence recently.

The needs are rising but we need to see a cessation of violence in order to get to these areas, Armstrong said, noting the organization hasnt been able to reach east Aleppo since April.

During an emergency session on Syria by the British Parliament, Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson called for protests outside the Russian Embassy.

Johnson said he would consider a proposal to establish no-fly zones in Syria but warned of the potential consequences.

We cannot commit to a no-fly zone unless we are prepared to ... shoot down planes or helicopters that violate that zone. We need to think very carefully about the consequences, he said.

Instead, he urged diplomacy, to persuade the Russians that it is profoundly in the interests of Russia to take the initiative, to win the acclaim of the international community, do the right thing in Syria  stop the bombing and bring peace to Aleppo and have a genuine cease-fire.

U.S. State Department spokesman John Kirby also called for an end to the airstrikes at a Tuesday briefing.

What needs to happen is a cessation of hostilities, Kirby said.

He said U.S. officials believe the cease-fire could be revived if Russian counterparts signal a willingness to participate.

Salmo, the Aleppo civil defense leader, urged the international community to act soon, noting that with shortages in the city, every day is worse than the day before, even without the bombardment.

The people want peace, the right to sleep, eat, have medicine. We have hope, someday, this madness will be stopped, he said. But we dont know when, and we are fed up with the statements of condemnation. We need some action, some political will to end this.

molly.hennessy-fiske@latimes.com

@mollyhf
In theory, Turkey and Iraq face a common enemy in Islamic State, but on Tuesday the Turkish president unleashed his ire on a putative ally, telling the Iraqi prime minister he needs to know his limits.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan railed at Iraqi Prime Minister Haider Abadi, declaring, You are not my equal and you are not at my level and your shouting in Iraq is not important to us at all.

Erdogans remarks, which reflect the fragile ties linking those who view Islamic State as a threat, were made during a meeting of the Eurasian Islamic Council in Istanbul, according to Turkeys state-run news agency Anadolu.

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Abadis spokesman, Saad Hadithi, speaking to Sumariyah News, branded Erdogans statements irresponsible.

After the rhetoric of Turkish officials has reached this level  we are convinced that discussions with the Turkish side are no longer useful, Hadithi said.

The verbal fracas is the latest chapter in an escalating war of words between Baghdad and Ankara over the presence of Turkish troops in northern Iraq, further adding tensions to an awkward alliance of armies, security forces and militias aiming to retake Islamic States de facto capital, the northern Iraqi city of Mosul.

The tensions reflect the different goals of the forces in the area.

Abadi, fearing a backroom deal between Ankara and Iraqi Kurds that would result in Kurdish dominance over Mosul, has rejected any role for Turkish troops in the upcoming campaign.

The Iraqi government, with Iran behind it, wants to reassert its rule via the Mosul battle. That flies against the plans of the Kurds. In the two years since Islamic States resurgence, they have ousted the jihadists from large swaths of territory they wish to add to an independent Kurdish state.

Turkey, meanwhile, has long fought with Kurds who hope to establish a Kurdish state in Turkish territory.

The key point of contention between Ankara and Baghdad is Bashiqa, a town north of Mosul, where the Turkish army is giving training and weapons to a Sunni militia as part of an agreement worked out with the semiautonomous Kurdish regional government in northern Iraq.

Erdogan said Iraq asked Turkey to establish a base in Bashiqa. We entered Bashiqa on this basis. But now they say, Withdraw from here, he said.

The army of the Turkish Republic has not lost so much prestige so as to take its orders from you. We will continue to do what is necessary, as we have done in the past, he said.

Although it is not part of the U.S.-led coalition against Islamic State, Turkey is one of the Kurdish regional governments top trading partners. The two have also cooperated to ensure that Kurdish separatists, Ankaras bete noire, do not use northern Iraq as a staging area to mount operations in Turkey.

In December, Ankara ramped up its footprint in the area, deploying hundreds of troops and tanks without seeking Baghdads permission.

Since then, Iraqi leaders have vigorously protested the Turkish troops presence, describing them in parliament as occupation forces and calling on the U.N. Security Council to stop what Iraqi Foreign Ministry officials said were Turkish violations of sovereignty and interference in their internal affairs.

Later on Tuesday, a statement on Abadis official social media accounts mocked Erdogans comment about my equal, sarcastically retorting, We are definitely not equal to you. We will liberate our lands with the determination of men and not through Skype. It was a reference to Erdogan using a video calling service to rally supporters during a coup against him in July.

Erdogans words also spurred a more threatening response from the Popular Mobilization Units (also known as the Hashd al Shaabi), a predominantly Shiite paramilitary force that has played an instrumental role in clawing back territory from the jihadists.

We the men of Iraq and its Hashd and security forces will have a seismic response which will appear in the battlefield, said a statement by the Popular Mobilization Units office Tuesday. Then we will know who should know his limits and whose [face] will be smashed.

U.S. officials, eager to avoid a disruption of the complicated campaign for Mosul, have tried to stop the Turkish and Iraqi leaders from squabbling.

We call on both governments to focus on their common enemy: ISIL, said Pentagon spokesman Matthew Allen in an interview on CNN. Islamic State is also known as ISIS, ISIL or Daesh.

It is imperative for all parties over the coming days and weeks to closely coordinate next steps to ensure unity of effort in our counter-ISIL fight.

State Department spokesman John Kirby, meanwhile, said on Tuesday that all international forces in Iraq should be there with the approval of and coordination with the government of Iraq under the umbrella of the coalition.

Plans are already being formed on how to administer Mosul and the surrounding area when, and if, Islamic State is driven from the city.

But this is another source of tension, though plans call for a committee composed of the provinces governor, the provincial council and representatives from the Kurdish regional government, the government of Iraq and the U.S. and United Nations.

Despite the lack of agreement over these plans, U.S. officials have insisted the campaign for Mosul must go ahead.

It would be impossible to resolve all of these very difficult issues while Daesh is sitting in Mosul, said Brett McGurk, President Obamas envoy to the coalition fighting the Islamic State.

The problem here is that if you try to resolve all of those issues, Daesh will remain in Mosul for the foreseeable future and perhaps forever, he said.

Bulos is a special correspondent.

Special correspondent Umar Farooq in Istanbul, Turkey, contributed to this report.

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All material is subject to strictly enforced copyright terms & conditions and cannot be repurposed or reproduced.  19882022 Latin American Financial Publications Inc.
In an effort to eradicate the spread of massive outbreaks of dengue, zika and chikungunya in joint operations with UNICEF, the pan-American Health Organization, Argentina launched 'weeks of action against Mosquitos on Thursday in Buenos Aires.

" Malaria remains an acute public health problem in many regions. There were 214 million new cases of malaria reported in 2015, and 438,000 people have died so far." reported by UNICEF.

At an event in the Argentina capital, Buenos Aires, the local Unicef representative, Florence Bauer, the head of Pan American Health Organization in the country, and Health Minister Jorge Lemus represented the campaign ,which includes different activities to raise consciousness among the people.

The most important thing is to make awareness among the peoples so that they can take preventive measures at home. This is including emptying containers of standing water where the mosquito which carries the diseases, propagates. The minister Jorge Lemus said that " the problem arises during the southern Hemisphere's winter" when the insect begins its reproductive cycle, and at that time of the year are vital in preventing outbreaks in next summer. Last year this region had one of the worst dengue epidemics in memory.

To make this plan successful representatives of the country's northern provinces had already visited to plan a joint strategy,in the northern Missions region, where last season 50 percent of all dengue cases were registered.

The local PAHO chief after taking part in a game with children organized by the institutions focusing on prevention said" Working on obstruction with the children is key, so we're supporting that kind of activity the most effective and important for being able to prevent mosquito's reproduction"

The Unicef representative and the head of PAHO both agreed on the importance of prevention at home and on working with children to make them aware of the danger of leaving containers of resting water around.

This kind of activity is part of a social campaign against the mosquito's breeding that is also being executed by other institutions in Costa Rica Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Colombia, Panama, Cuba, EI Salvador and Honduras.
A battle royale over patents between the world smartphone giants comes to U.S Supreme court Tuesday, but the issue isn't how the phones work . It's how they look. The US Supreme court will hear its first case involving design patents for more than century on Tuesday, as Samsung Electronics and Apple take their fight over the copying of iPhone to America's highest judges.

The U.S Supreme court on Tuesday will hear the oral arguments on financial damages the South Korean smartphone behemoth owes Apple for alleged violation of design patents. It could eventually decide damages and, more important, define the value of design work, which is increasingly valuable in the technological industry as products like smartphones become commodities . The court is typically issued decisions three to four months after hearing the arguments

The legal clash between the world's top giant smartphone makers began in 2011 when Apple sued Samsung in California for patent infringement. A jury in San Jose initially awarded Apple more than $1billion in damages for the copying of the iPhone's rounded corners and a grid of colourful app icons.

The high-profile case pits some of the world's top designers against a coalition of Silicon Valley companies in what both sides argued it is a high-stake battle over the value of innovation and creativity.

Alphabet and Facebook are among the top companies that in have lined up on Samsung's side, while designers and architects including Lord Norman , Foster, and Sir Paul Smith have lent their support to Apple, reported by Financial Times

After hearing from court Samsung's lawyer Kathleen Sullivan said, "The company was fighting for a fair interpretation of a law that will promote creativity and competition in the marketplace."

"We are hopeful that Supreme Court will give a sensible and fair reading of the design patent statute" said by Kathleen Sullivan, Samsung's lawyer.

Apple's Chief Litigation Officer ,Noreen Krall said," Samsung copying poses chilling risks to the future of design innovation"

Predicting an outcome may be a coin flip because the court is currently locked in a 4-4 split along ideological lines, said Law professor Rebecca Tushnet,
By Charles M. Skinner in 1896

The wealth of the Astors hardly exceeds the treasure that is supposed to be secreted here and there about the country, and thousands of dollars have been expended in dredging rivers and shallow seas, and in blasting caves and cellars. Certain promoters of these schemes have enjoyed salaries as officers in the stock companies organized for their furtherance, and they have seen the only tangible results from such enterprises.

One summer evening, in the middle of the 17th century, a ship dropped anchor at the mouth of Saugus River, Massachusetts, and four of the crew rowed to the woods that skirt its banks and made a landing. The vessel had disappeared on the following morning, but in the forge at the settlement was found a paper stating that if a certain number of shackles and handcuffs were made and secretly deposited at a specified place in the forest, a sum of money equal to their value would be found in their stead on the next day. The order was filled and the silver was found, as promised, but, though a watch was set, nothing further was seen of men or ship for several months.

The four men did return, however, and lived by themselves amid the woods of Saugus, the gossips reporting that a beautiful woman had been seen in their company  the mistress of the pirate chief, for, of course, the mysterious quartette had followed the trade of robbery on the high seas. Three of these men were captured, taken to England, and hanged, but the fourth  a man named Thomas Veale  escaped to a cavern in the wood, where, it was reputed, great treasures were concealed, and there he lived until the earthquake of 1658, when a rock fell from the roof of the cave, closing the entrance and burying the guilty man in a tomb where, it is presumed, he perished of thirst and hunger. Dungeon Rock, of Lynn, is the name that the place has borne ever since.

In 1852 Hiram Marble announced that he had been visited by spirits, who not only told him that the pirates spoils were still in their olden hiding-place, but pointed out the spot where the work of excavation should begin. Aided by his son he tunneled the solid granite for a distance of 135 feet, the passage being seven feet high and seven wide. Whenever he was wearied the mediums that he consulted would tell him to make cuttings to the right or left, and for every fresh discouragement they found fresh work. For 30 years this task was carried on, both father and son dying without gaining any practical result, other than the discovery of an ancient scabbard in a rift. The heiress of the house of Marble alone reaped benefit from their labors, for resuming, on a petty scale the levies of the first dwellers in the rock  she boldly placarded the entrance to the workings Ye who enter here leave 25 cents behind.

In several cases the chasms that have been caused by wear of water or convulsions of nature (their opposite sides being matched) were believed to have been hiding-places, but, in the old days in New England, it was believed that all such fractures were caused by the earthquake at the time of the crucifixion  a testimony of the power of God to shake sinners.

In Massachusetts, the Heart of Greylock is the name given to the crater-like recess, a thousand feet deep, in the tallest of the Berkshire peaks, but it was formerly best known as Money Hole, and the stream that courses through it as Money Brook, for a gang of counterfeiters worked in that recess, and there some spurious coinage may still be concealed. The stream is also known as Spectre Brook, for late wandering hunters and scouting soldiers, seeing the forgers moving to and fro about their furnaces, took them for ghosts.

Province Island, in Lake Memphremagog, Vermont, is believed to contain some of the profits of an extensive smuggling enterprise that was carried on near the lake for several years.

A little company of Spanish adventurers passed along the base of the Green Mountains early in the 18th, expecting to return after having some dealings with the trading stations on the St. Lawrence River; so they deposited a part of their gold on Ludlow Mountain, Vermont, and another pot of it on Camels Hump. They agreed that none should return without his companions, but they were detained in the north and separated, some of them going home to Spain. Late in life, the sole survivor of the company went to Camels Hump and tried to recall where the treasure had been hidden, but his search was in vain.

While flying from the people whose declaration of independence had already been written in the blood of the kings troops at Concord, the royal governor  Wentworth  was embarrassed by a wife and a treasure-chest. He had left his mansion, at Smiths Pond, New Hampshire, and was making toward Portsmouth, where he was to enjoy the protection of the British fleet, but the country was up in arms, time was important, and as his wearied horses could not go on without a lightening of the burden, he was forced to leave behind either Lady Wentworth or his other riches. As the lady properly objected to any risk of her own safety, the chest was buried at an unknown spot in the forest, and for a century and more the whereabouts of the Wentworth plate and money-bags have been a matter of search and conjecture.

When the Hessian troops marched from Saratoga, New York to Boston, Massachusetts, to take ship after Burgoynes surrender, they were in wretched condition-war-worn, ragged, and ill-fed,  and having much with them in the form of plate and jewels that had been spared by their conquerors, together with some of the money sent from England for their hire, they were in constant fear of attack from the farmers, who, though they had been beaten, continued to regard them with an unfavorable eye. On reaching Dalton, Massachusetts, the Hessians agreed among themselves to put their valuables into a howitzer, which they buried in the woods, intending that some of their number should come back at the close of the war and recover it. An Indian had silently followed them for a long distance, to gather up any unconsidered trifles that might be left in their bivouacs, and he marked the route by blazes on the trees; but if he saw the burial of this novel treasury it meant nothing to him, and the knowledge of the hiding-place was lost. For years the populace kept watch of all strangers that came to town and shadowed them if they went to the woods, but without result. In about the year 1800 the supposed hiding-place was examined closely and excavations were made, but, as before, nothing rewarded the search.

A tree of unknown age  the Old Elm  stood on Boston Common until the late 19th century. This veteran, torn and broken by many a gale and lightning-stroke, was once a gallows and Goody Glover had swung from it in witch-times. On tempestuous nights, when the boughs creaked together, it was said that dark shapes might be seen writhing on the branches and capering about the sward below in hellish glee. On a gusty autumn evening in 1776 a muffled form presented itself, unannounced, at the chamber of Mike Wild, and, after that notorious miser had enough recovered from the fear created by the presence to understand what it said to him, he realized that it was telling him of something that in life it had buried at the foot of the Old Elm. After much hesitancy, Mike set forth with his ghostly guide, for he would have risked his soul for money, but on arriving at his destination he was startled to find himself alone. Nothing daunted, he set down his lantern and began to dig. Though he turned up many a rood of soil and sounded with his spade for bags and chests of gold, he found nothing. Strange noises overhead  for the wind was high and the twigs seemed to snicker eerily as they crossed each other-sent thrills along his back from time to time, and he was about to return, half in anger, half in fear, when his spirit visitor emerged from behind the tree and stood before him. The mien was threatening, the nose had reddened and extended, the hair was rumpled, and the brow was scowling. The frown of the gold monster grew more awful, the stare of his eye in the starlight more unbearable, and he was crouching and creeping as if for a spring. Mike could endure no more. He fainted and awakened in the morning in his own chamber, where, to a neighbor who made an early call, he told  with embellishments  the story of the encounter; but before he had come to the end of the narrative the visitor burst into a roar of laughter and confessed that he had personated the supernatural visitant, having wagered a dozen bottles of wine with the landlord of the Boars Head that he could get the better of Mike Wild. For all this, the old tree bore, for many years, an evil reputation.

A Spanish galleon, the Saints Joseph and Helena, making from Havana to Cadiz in 1753 was carried from her course by adverse winds and tossed against a reef, near New London, Connecticut, receiving injuries that compelled her to run into that port for repairs. To reach her broken ribs more easily her freight was put on shore in charge of the collector of the port, but when it was desired to ship the cargo again, behold! the quarter part of it had disappeared, none could say how. New London got a bad name from this robbery, and the governor, though besought by the assembly to make good the shortage, failed to do so, and lost his place at the next election. It was reputed that some of the treasure was buried on the shore by the robbers. In 1827 a woman who was understood to have the power of seership published a vision to a couple of young blades, who had paid for it, to the effect that hidden under one of the grass-grown wharves was a box of dollars. By the aid of a crystal pebble, she received this really valuable information, but the pebble was not clear enough to reveal the exact place of the box. She could see, however, that the dollars were packed edgewise. When New London was sound asleep the young men stole out and by lantern-light began their work. They had dug to water-level when they reached an iron chest, and they stooped to lift it-but, to their amazement, the iron was too hot to handle! Now they heard deep growls, and a giant dog peered at them from the pit-mouth; red eyes flashed at them from the darkness; a wild-goose, with eyes of blazing green, hovered and screamed above them. Though the witch had promised them safety, nothing appeared to ward off the fantastic shapes that began to crowd about them. Too terrified to work longer they sprang out and made away, and when-taking courage from the sunshine  they renewed the search, next day, the iron chest had vanished.

On Crown Point, Lake Champlain, Vermont is the ruin of a fort erected by Lord Amherst above the site of a French work that had been thrown up in 1731 to guard a now-vanished capital of 1500 people. It was declared that when the French evacuated the region they buried money and bullion in a well, in the northwest corner of the bastion, 90 feet deep, in the full expectancy of regaining it, and in the mid-1800s, this belief had grown to such proportions that 50 men undertook to clear the well, pushing their investigations into various parts of the enclosure and over surrounding fields. They found quantities of lead and iron, but no gold.
The Saucon Valley School Board ignored parents' pleas Tuesday night to hold off on extending the superintendent's contract over concerns that their voices are not being heard.

Monica McHale-Small will lead Saucon Valley for another three years. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

The board unanimously granted Superintendent Monica McHale-Small, whose contract ends in June, a three-year contract extension amid effusive praise from the board and district teachers.

Hired in August 2014, McHale-Small will be paid $155,714 in 2017-18.

Board Vice President Susan Baxter admitted she's often been hard on district superintendents but called McHale-Small "an absolute gem."

"I cannot believe who we have here," she said.

But some parents aren't so happy. For months, a group has complained about poor district communication and a disconnect between officials and parents.

That culminated over the weekend when a change.org petition began circulating that had garnered 304 signatures by Tuesday night. The petition created by Tim Lannon calls for the board to delay extending McHale-Small's contract until a community survey is done.

"Prior to making significant monetary and policy decisions, the board should poll all stakeholders to insure that the direction it's taking is in accordance with the views of the community,"the petition states.

Director Bryan Eichfeld said there's a vocal few clamoring to be heard but they're not representing the broad community.

"She has not come up short in my estimation at all," Eichfeld said of the superintendent. "She's a change agent. Sometimes change agents ruffle some feathers."

Parents attending the meeting said they did not understand the hurry to extend a contract that doesn't expire until June 30, 2017.

"What is the rush?" Lower Saucon Township resident Virginia Oskin said. "Why could you not wait and get some parent input?"

Hellertown resident Eric Luftig, who supports the survey, said parents have been calling on the board to seek community input for months. Parents want the open communication the superintendent promised when she was hired, he said.

"This wasn't hire her or don't hire her," Luftig said after the meeting. "Rather, can we pause and let everyone's voice be heard by an independent third party."

Teachers also attended the meeting to voice their support for McHale-Small, who they described as a highly respected educator who is attentive to the needs of students and teachers. They credited her with helping to break the teacher contract stalemate.

High school teacher Lisa Allen said she is only hearing sweeping generalizations used to question the ethics of the superintendent.

"I'm not seeing this in the district and to me that's very serious. To me that can become slanderous or libelous," Allen said.

After the vote, McHale-Small said she is not one for the limelight but agreed to stay on thanks to the district's fantastic educational leaders.

She admitted she's spent a lot of time in reaction mode due to some parents' unhappiness. But she agreed communication can always improve, noting there will be plenty of chances during the new comprehensive plan development.

Recently, some parents were upset about how the district handled the abrupt departure of high school Principal Eric Kahler, who was put on paid leave over the summer and then resigned in September. His departure was not acknowledged publicly until the board voted to accept his resignation.

And some parents are upset that the number of students scoring proficient on the 2016 middle school PSSA dropped. Elementary and high school scores went up.

School Director Ralph Puerta said the petition is a referendum on the superintendent's performance, disguised as a survey. The board hears what the public is saying: they want a top performing district academically, which McHale-Small was hired to deliver, Puerta said.

Since McHale-Small has joined the district, she has implemented full-day kindergarten, a new elementary reading program and created a gifted task force, among other initiatives.

She took the helm as districts across Pennsylvania prepared for the state's new rigorous Pennsylvania Common Core standards and aligned standardized testing. It's meant new curriculum, changing practices and a sharp dip last year in statewide student performance on the PSSAs due to more rigorous tests.

These change have been especially tumultuous in Saucon Valley.

School board member Ed Inghrim agreed that the district has slipped academically when you look at its performance on state standardized tests. But he suggested that perhaps has to do with the fact that the district's free and reduced lunch rate has grown from 6 percent in 2008 to 22 percent today.

Research has shown that a student's socioeconomic status is one of the greatest predictors of how they will fare on standardized testing. Typically, it is the urban schools, with the highest percentage of students living in poverty and transient student populations, that post the lowest scores.

Saucon has struggled adapting to this demographic change and meeting those student needs, which McHale-Small said is a priority.

Ingrhim said it is ridiculous to link McHale-Small's tenure with the district's academic slippage.

"She hasn't even been here that long," he said.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.

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East Stroudsburg University has won a $4 million grant to provide community college transfer students a clear path to earning degrees in the STEM fields.

East Stroudsburg University was awarded a $4 million National Science Foundation grant to provide transfer students a clear path to degrees in the STEM-fields. From left, university President Marcia G. Welsh, Joanne Z. Bruno, provost and vice president for academic affairs, T. Michelle Jones-Wilson, associate professor of chemistry and director of biological chemistry programs, Olivia Carducci, associate professor of mathematics and Bonnie A. Green professor of psychology. (Courtesy photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

The National Science Foundation award is the largest single grant in the university's history.

Known as Clear Path, the five-year grant will provide scholarships for 120 community college students who transfer to East Stroudsburg into STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields such as biochemistry, physics, computer science and mathematics.

The scholarships will start next fall.

Students from Northampton, Lehigh Carbon and Luzerne community colleges will be eligible for scholarships to help them finish their associate's degrees and then receive up to $10,000 a year at East Stroudsburg. Clear Path is open to students at other community colleges but community college tuition assistance isn't available.

Recipients will receive a variety of supports during their college careers that researchers will track. The results will hopefully be used to set policies at community colleges and four-year colleges across the nation that help students earn bachelor's degrees in STEM fields.

"Hopefully, at the end of this we can say this is what you need to do and this isn't what you want to do," said T. Michelle Jones-Wilson, one of the professors behind the grant proposal.

The goal is to boost community college retention rates in STEM fields, which are quite low now, to meet the growing industry demand for qualified grads, said Joanne Bruno, provost and vice president for academic affairs at ESU.

Transfer students comprise about 30 percent of East Stroudburg's new class, which shows more and more students are turning to community colleges for their affordability, Bruno said. They deserve success once they get to a four-year school, she said.

More than 1,500 Northampton Community College students currently major in STEM fields and the college is thrilled to partner with the university, said Tracey Jonson, director of grants.

Three East Stroudsburg professors -- Olivia Carducci, Bonnie Green and Jones-Wilson -- were inspired to apply for the grant after having to tell way too many students in science and math majors that it would take them years to graduate despite having 60-plus credits.

"We said this has to be a real problem because we see this too much," said Jones-Wilson, an associate professor of chemistry and director biological chemistry programs. "Let's find out how much of a problem this is."

Years of extensive research ensued. The team found that transfer students who managed to graduate with STEM degrees usually were quite behind on their prerequisites when they got to East Stroudsburg.

"They honestly didn't have a chance of finishing in two years," Jones-Wilson said. "They didn't even have 50 percent of the courses they needed to proceed."

Students were using community college to knock out their general education requirements but they missed one important fact.

"The sciences all build on top of each other," Green, a professor of psychology, said. "You can't take Calculus II until you take Calculus I. You have to have the requisite knowledge in order to move forward."

Community college advisers were telling the students the right advice but it seemed they were choosing to listen to friends and family instead. It was taking longer to graduate and requiring more debt, the team found. And it was widespread.

"There is some glitch in there in students following that advice," Jones-Wilson said.

The Clear Path team will work with the three partner community colleges to identify students eligible for scholarships, which will be both need-and-merit based. Recipients must maintain at least a 2.8 grade point average.

"The grant will provide those who qualify with a clear path to East Stroudsburg," Johnson, of NCC, said. "Not only will they receive scholarships when they get to East Stroudsburg, they'll also receive scholarships for their second year at Northampton (and be paired with advisers)."

Clear Path scholarships paired with NCC's National Science Foundation scholarship means qualifying students could earn two STEM-field degrees debt free, Johnson said.

Once chosen, students will be linked with advisers at the community college and university immediately in hopes of keeping them on track to graduate in four years. They will also, receive tutoring, emotional, social and financial support.

All of these interventions will be tracked and evaluated to see their efficacy.

The university is ecstatic that its proposal was granted the first time it was submitted. It generally takes between three and nine revised submissions.

"When you're applying for an NSF grant, your chances of being funded the first time out is somewhere around 7 percent and that's if you're coming from a big-name university," Jones-Wilson said.

The scholarships are available to students majoring in: chemistry, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemical biotechnology, environmental science, marine science, physics, computer science, computer security and mathematics.

Sara K. Satullo may be reached at ssatullo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @sarasatullo and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Three men looking to represent much of the Lehigh Valley in Congress clashed Tuesday night over term limits and bringing home federal dollars through earmarks.

During a debate broadcast live from WLVT-PBS39 studios in Bethlehem, the candidates for Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District had some of their more impassioned exchanges over topics from how a nuclear war with China might shake out to how important the job of a congressman is.

Taking part in the forum were incumbent U.S. Rep. Charlie Dent, a Republican; Democrat Rick Daugherty; and Paul Rizzo, a Libertarian.

Two of the candidates aired who they're backing for president, while Dent reiterated his stance revealed in spring that he's not backing party-mate Donald Trump.

"I'm like many millions of Americans right now who are very dissatisfied with the choices we have for president of the United States," Dent said. "In a nation of more than 300 million people, we certainly can do better than this."

Dent, a 56-year-old married father of three from Allentown, said he's considering a number of names to write in on Election Day, Nov. 8.

Daugherty, who is 55 and an unmarried father of three from Lowhill Township in Lehigh County, said he's voting for fellow Democrat Hillary Clinton.

"The reason I'm running for Congress is because I'm very concerned about our trade policies that I think have been a disaster," he said, "and I look forward to working with Secretary Clinton to reverse the trade policies that we have in place now ... ."

Rizzo, a 42-year-old married father of two from Hanover Township, Northampton County, said he's backing the Libertarian slate of Gary Johnson for president and running mate Bill Weld, who are past governors of New Mexico and Massachusetts, respectively.

Rizzo called them the "best choice for America right now."

Tuesday's debate featured a question about climate change, a topic that some voters believe saw short shrift during Sunday night's debate between Trump and Clinton. Christopher Borick, professor of political science and director of the Institute of Public Opinion at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, asked about policies the candidates support to reduce greenhouse gases.

Dent called for the marketplace to develop cost-effective renewable resources.

"But in the meantime we are going to have to accept the reality that we are going to have to drill for gas in this country, which has a lower carbon footprint, half that of coal and oil," he said, stating his support for hydraulic fracturing, the controversial practice of injecting chemical-laden water and sand deep underground to free natural gas.

Daugherty called, in part, for a focus on renewables such as solar and wind.

"I believe we should take a second look at nuclear energy and we have to keep in mind that whenever we close a factory here, whether it's a steel plant or a cement plant or any type of a manufacturing plant and it ends up in China, the level of pollution there is 10 times worse than we would ever do," he said.

Rizzo, similarly, pointed to the refusal of some Asian countries to sign on to binding targets for emissions in the Kyoto Protocol.

"I do believe we need to be good stewards and actually take care of the environment but it has to be fair across the board," he said.

On term limits, Daugherty attacked Dent's decades of holding office, beginning with his time in the state House and Senate prior to his 2004 election to the U.S. House of Representatives. Dent said he supports term limits at both the state and federal levels, but wouldn't impose them "unilaterally."

"I absolutely 100 percent support term limits," Rizzo agreed. "I believe there are too many people who have been in politics way too long and they don't represent us properly. One of the reasons I'm running is I would probably only be in office for one term and wouldn't run again."

Dent seized on commentary Daugherty has made calling the job of a congressman foolish, asking him to defend himself.

"I think what's foolish about what congressmen do is they spend over half their time from the moment they get into Congress on the phone begging for cash," Daugherty began.

"I don't," Dent interjected.

"Begging for cash, begging for cash," the Democrat continued, adding later: "To me because you're not doing the people's business because what you're doing is just focusing on getting re-elected."

Daugherty repeatedly brought up Dent's campaign spending in excess of $1 million in 2014 in a race that was uncontested at the state and federal levels.

Dent challenged Daugherty on claims it would be his lowest priority to return tax dollars to the district through earmarks. The incumbent pointed to an appropriations bill he worked on that recently passed and included money for a security perimeter fence at Fort Indiantown Gap within the sprawling 15th District, the Route 412 widening in Bethlehem and the American Parkway bridge in Allentown.

Daugherty tried to reiterate his mission to work on trade policies, as Dent interrupted him.

"He's asking more questions again, I'm trying to give an answer. Can I give an answer? I think he's asked about 50 questions," Daugherty said. "So my answer is I'm going to look to bring projects back here, Charlie, but it's not going to be priority because I'm not looking to make this a career.

"I'm not looking to have ribbon-cuttings and get my name in the paper so I can be in Congress for 10 or 15 years."

Rizzo followed up by saying money budgeted for certain expenses should be spent that way, claiming that 25 percent of highway funding goes to projects unrelated to roads: "I think we need to basically make sure we're good stewards with the money, have it come back to the congressional district and make sure it's spent appropriately."

The debate took a decidedly grim turn when Daugherty pressed Dent on a 2015 report to Congress about China that asserted the United States can't defend against Chinese cyberattacks. The report said China believes it can withstand a nuclear strike and retaliate and "China soon will be able to knock out every satellite in every orbit."

Moderator Laura McHugh threw the question first to Rizzo, who said United States debt held by China is a bigger problem "than any nuclear strike."

"First I read lots of reports and I've not seen any one that any nation could withstand a major nuclear assault from this country," Dent answered. "There are no winners in a nuclear war including the Chinese and that's one thing we all want to avert. ...

"I guarantee you that our nuclear arsenal would do damage anywhere if, heaven forbid, it were ever released. It's a very serious matter and there are no winners and I can assure you that many millions of people would be killed."

The 15th District covers Lehigh County; parts of Berks, Dauphin and Lebanon counties; and the following area of Northampton County: Bethlehem and the townships of Allen, Bushkill, East Allen, Hanover, Lehigh, Lower Nazareth, Lower Saucon, Moore, Plainfield (Belfast, Kesslersville and Plainfield Church districts), Upper Nazareth (Western) and Williams.

PBS39 says those who missed the hourlong debate will be able to view it on the station's YouTube account.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Crayola Experience wants you to leave the kids at home -- for one night this month, at least.

The Easton crayon mecca is launching Crayola After Dark, its first adults-only program, with an after-hours "Paint 'n' Sip" this month.

Once-sidelined parents -- plus anyone who wants to get creative while drinking -- can dive into the Crayola Experience's attractions and advanced crafts.

The Day of the Dead-themed evening will be held Thursday, Oct. 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A Crayola Experience artist will lead attendees step-by-step through painting sugar-skull planter inspired by Mexican folk art, but painters are welcome to add their own flourishes to their masterworks.

While you craft your planter, Mesa Modern Mexican will provide food, and Tolino Vineyards is bringing wine. Buzas' Greenhouse & Farm will give everyone a succulent to break in their planters right away.

Adult coloring pages, also focusing on Mexican folk art, will be on hand for those who want to give the recent craze a try. Crayola points out that adult coloring book sales rocketed from 1 million in 2014 to 12 million in 2015, according to Nielsen Bookscan estimates.

The $19.99 ticket covers entry, food and wine. Only 40 spots are available, and attendees must be 21 or older.

Lest the kids feel left out now that their parents have a chance to play, Crayola Experience is also in the middle of its monthlong Screamin' Green Hauntoween celebrations, with spooky crafts, monster cut-out photo ops, indoor trick-or-treating and a Halloween scavenger hunt. The festivities last through Oct. 31.

For tickets to Crayola After Dark and more information, check out CrayolaExperience.com.

Andrew Doerfler may be reached at adoerfler@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @adoerfler or on Facebook.
A former municipal police officer in Carbon County will serve prison time for an on-duty 2014 crash that left a 69-year-old woman dead and severely injured her husband.

Steven Homanko, of Beaver Meadows, Pennsylvania, attends his preliminary hearing June 30, 2015, in Lansford, Pennsylvania, on homicide by vehicle and other charges in a May 2014 crash that killed a woman and injured her husband and occurred while Homanko was on duty as a municipal police officer. (Jarrad Hedes/Times News file photo | For lehighvalleylive.com)

Steven Homanko, 27, of Beaver Meadows, Pennsylvania, was sentenced Wednesday in Carbon County Court to three to 23 months in the county prison after pleading guilty Sept. 20 to homicide by vehicle, according to the Pennsylvania Attorney General's Office.

Upon his release, he must begin serving two years' probation on a count of reckless endangerment, said Jeffrey Johnson, spokesman for Attorney General Bruce Beemer.

Homanko also pleaded guilty to failure to keep right and careless driving, according to court records.

He has been free on $100,000 unsecured bail since his arraignment May 5, 2015. He will begin serving his sentence Saturday, The Times New reports.

Homanko was working as police officer in Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania, the day of the crash May 12, 2014, when he began pursuing another driver for an illegal pass.

Homanko reached speeds of 113 mph before, he told investigators, he spun out on a curve and the back of his cruiser struck the front of a vehicle driven by Michael Sauers, then 64, and his wife, 69-year-old Carola Sauers.

The Sauerses were flown to St. Luke's University Hospital in Fountain Hill, where Carola Sauers was pronounced dead. Michael Sauers was hospitalized for severe injuries, and Homanko was treated and released at Lehigh Valley Hospital, Salisbury Township.

The couple were from Hazleton, Pennsylvania. Carola Sauers, born in Germany, was a physical therapy assistant, according to The Times News; Michael Sauers taught second grade in the Pleasant Valley School District in Monroe County.

Homanko was placed on leave two weeks after the crash and fired in March.

His attorney, Paul Levy, did not respond to calls for comment this week.

Bucks County Senior Judge John J. Rufe heard the case, according to The Times News, after all three Carbon County Common Pleas Court judges recused themselves from the case. The attorney general's office prosecuted the case after Carbon County District Attorney Jean Engler also recused her office.

Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
antares.jpg

The Orbital Sciences Corporation Antares rocket, with the Cygnus spacecraft on board, is seen on a launch pad at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.

(NASA file photo/Joel Kowsky)

The Lehigh Valley may be able to get a glimpse of a resupply mission to the International Space Station.

A rocket is scheduled to take off at 8:03 p.m. Sunday from Wallops Island in Virginia, and its ascent should be visible to the entire East Coast -- weather permitting.

The mission was originally planned to launch Friday night, but was delayed due to a forecasted Atlantic hurricane, according to an update Wednesday from Orbital ATK.

The company has contracted with NASA for a series of supply missions to the space station. The Cygnus spacecraft launching Sunday will be carrying more than 5,000 pounds of supplies and experiments, the mission's website says.

A tweet from the Wallops Island launch range says that the rocket will be visible to observers looking south in most of Pennsylvania and all of New Jersey about three minutes after launch.

Live on the East Coast and want to view the Orbital ATK Antares rocket launch? Look at the map for the time to view. pic.twitter.com/po8ft4BnwU  NASA Wallops (@NASA_Wallops) September 26, 2016

Steve Novak may be reached at snovak@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @type2supernovak and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Portlaoise is motoring ahead with the final link for its Southern Circular Route, but the N80 will reach the same bottleneck in Mountmellick for years to come.

However a decade old plan to build a relief road for the N80 around Mountmellick is one of our higher priorities Laois County Council insisted last week.

Cllr Paddy Bracken is from the town, and asked about its progress at the September council meeting, after it was heard tha the new 5m road around Portlaoise will start before summer 2017.

The Director of Services for roads is Kieran Kehoe.

We made a submission to Transport Infrastructure Ireland earlier in the year for our major schemes. The Mountmellick bypass is one of our higher priorities, but we have no further information at the moment, he said.

A planning application for the road was refused in 2008 after residents objected to its location, leaving the town a bottleneck for heavy traffic.

Work on the final section of the Southern Circular Route around Portlaoise is set to start within months.

Detailed design works and surveys are progressing. Liaison with affect and adjacent property and landowners is continuing. Subject to DTTaS funding, the scheme could commence during the first half of 2017, with a fair wind, the council CEO John Mulholland said.

The piece of road will link the Timahoe and Abbeyleix roads across ESB land, opening it for development.

The 4.75m pricetag, including land acquisition and undergrounding ESB equipment, will be paid by the Dept of Transport.

The council wants to reroute the N80 along the SCR once complete.

However the TII has stated that it has no plan to divert the N80 from its current route through Portlaoise at this time. The ultimate decision on road classifications lies with the Minister for Transport.
A strip of land beside the motorway in Portlaoise has been sold by Laois County Council to a major local car dealer, but the council has emphasised that it cannot be developed on.

The 8.8 acre site, near the Ballydavis junction, was sold for just over 9,000 an acre.

The land is classed by the council as having extreme vulnerablity to groundwater contamination.

It isa also outside of the town's development boundary.

Councillors approved the sale of the 3.575 hectares (8.8 acres site in Ballydavis for 80,000 to Rathbrennan Limited,  care of Downeys Autostop, Dublin Road, Portlaoise.

Downey's runs several car dealerships and a forecourt garage on the Dublin Road.

Before they had approved it, Director of Services Kieran Kehoe was first asked by Portlaoise Cllr Willie Aird to explain the deal, during the September meeting of Laois County Council.

Mr Kehoe said that the land was acquired by the council during construction of the Portlaoise bypass.

Any surplus lands go before you for disposal. Last year these lands were identified as no longer required so they went up for public auction. This was the figure that waas put forward at auction, Mr Kehoe explained,

The land is at the Ballydavis junction. It is unzoned, so only for agricultural use. It is outside the development boundary, he said.

 It is in the aquifer zone for Portlaoise. It is county development plan policy to protect groundwater quality. This is classed as having extreme vulnerability, the highest protection status, the director added.

Fianna Fail Cllr Paschal McEvoy proposed the sale, and Portlaoise Labour Cllr Noel Tuohy seconded it.

The land in question runs alongside a stretch of the motorway, then across to the Portlaoise link road, where there is an access road into it.

It is in the townland of Ballydavis and Rathbrennan.

It was originally acquired from James Tyrrell, Portrane House in Portlaoise and Margaret O'Sullivan, c/o an address in Templeogue, Dublin.
American style diner dining is coming to Portlaoise in the new year with a Durrow woman at the helm.

Eddie Rockets, the 1950s American sytled chain, has begun the recruitment process for a new resturant for a 500,000 investment in Portlaoise at the Laois Shopping Centre.

All going to plan the resturant will open in January 2016 in a unit which faces onto James Fintan Lalor Avenue. The unit was formerly occupied by a financial services firm.

Catherine Wilson (nee Gilligan), a Durrow native, is heading up the expansion of her franchise which already includes resturants in Kilkenny and Carlow.

She said she was excited to be expanding the business into her home county creating 25 jobs in the process.

Staff interviews have already been scheduled for Monday, October 24 from 10am-6pm at The Portlaoise Heritage.

Staff sought inlcude: manager, chefs, supervisors, porters and waitrons.

The first Eddie Rocket Restaurant pened in Dublin in 1989 and at one point were present in 42 locations in Ireland, England, Wales, Spain and recently Northern Ireland.

The Portlaoise branch will open in the new year.

CVs can be sent to info@eddierockets.ie

See more in next week's Leinster Express
Linda Allen's world was turned upside down when her vivacious, good-natured, 15-year-old son, Darragh, took his own life on December 9th 2012.

See you in two minutes Ma were the last words Darragh spoke to Linda on the day before he took his own life.

See you in Two Minutes Ma is the name of a book subsequently written by Linda based on the journal she kept, following the devastating loss of her son.

Linda will speak about her book, and the experience that caused her to write it, in Portlaoise Library on Thursday 13th October at 6pm as part of Laois Connects.

The book title poignantly echoes the final words Darragh said to his beloved mum. Darragh left behind a mother, father, a 3-year old brother and 19-year old sister.

The book takes us from the shock and disbelief, through anger and despair, to a tentative recovery as Linda begins to make sense of what happens.

The book begins with a description of the immediate impact of finding Darragh, the deluge of emotions that flood his friends and family as they receive the news, as well as the immediate complications of organising a non-Christian funeral in a small Irish town in county Kildare.

With the support of local people, a beautiful ceremony is held in the community hall, the same hall which Darragh had helped decorate for a Santa fair the day he died.

Linda describes the difficulty of facing the inquest into Darraghs death and other bureaucratic obstacles that must be overcome in dealing with such a traumatic event.

The challenges of celebrating his next birthday, the anniversary of his death, Christmas and other traditional family events are described in frank and honest detail.

As Linda begins to regain some composure, her story brings us to a consideration of the afterlife as she encounters a series of surreal co-incidences that beg the question: Are those who have left us nearer than we think? With an honest and raw voice, the book takes us from devastation to renewal and recovery as Linda re-builds a life forever altered.

Linda said writing the book was extremely difficult, but she hopes by detailing her journey and experiences, she can provide hope and support to others who may be going through a similar ordeal.

I would hope this story may bring solace and understanding to those left behind when loved ones move on, no matter how they leave, said the Kildare mother of her book.
HSE nursing homes in Co Leitrim are being paid 35% more than their private and voluntary counterparts, new figures published by the HSE reveal. Last Wednesday, after a five year delay, the HSE published the updated costs for nursing home care within its operated nursing homes. These revealed the three HSE nursing homes operating in Co Leitrim have an average fee payable by the State of 1,098 per week, per resident. The HSE nursing home with the highest cost of care was St Patricks Community Hospital at 1,499. The two private and voluntary nursing homes have an average fee payable of 815 per week, according to the most recently published cost of care figures released for such nursing homes, released 15th September.

Nationally, private and voluntary nursing homes are forced by the State to provide care for half the amount that the HSE pays for its own homes, the figures reveal. Nursing Homes Ireland stated it has taken five years to prise this data out of the HSE. NHI said it is no surprise it has taken the State so long to publish as it has been operating a system that discriminates against the private and voluntary sector.

The publication of the costings has laid bare the true cost of nursing home care and the implications of the failure to address this glaring inequity must be addressed by Government, NHI has warned. Failure to do so threatens the sustainability of the private and voluntary nursing home sector and the vital services provided.

NHI has called on the State to immediately engage with the private and voluntary nursing home sector to provide for the true costs incurred of meeting the high dependency care needs of residents in private and voluntary nursing homes. NHI demands an equitable system be established for the financing of nursing home care under the Fair Deal, whether HSE, private or voluntary.

It has also called upon the Public Accounts Committee to investigate the level of spending by the State within its own operated nursing homes. There is no requirement for the HSE to negotiate payments for each of its nursing homes. Yet private and voluntary nursing homes are being coerced into accepting fees that do not reflect the true costs of providing nursing home care.

The long-withheld HSE data, which is accompanied by a litany of HSE-justified vindications for the higher costs, shows it pays its own nursing homes on average 53 per cent more than is paid to private and voluntary operators under the Fair Deal scheme and that State costs have jumped by an average 13 per cent since 2011. Incredulously the HSE pays one of its own nursing homes 4,082 a week.

The State is discriminating in a scandalous way against private and voluntary providers, said Tadhg Daly, NHI CEO. The State is operating a two-tier funding system and has fought for five years not to disclose these figures. It is unacceptable that private and voluntary providers are forced to provide care for fees way below those paid to the HSE counterparts. It is a case of one law for HSE operated nursing homes and a completely different one for the private and voluntary providers who are squeezed into accepting fees that are not reflective of the true cost of providing care. 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. The cost pressures are unrelenting and not being recognised in Fair Deal fees in the private and voluntary sector while the HSE just raids the budget, pays itself and increases its own fees by an average of 13% with no negotiation or accountability applied.

There is no justifying such enormous anomalies. HSE fees are devoid of accountability and transparency. There is no negotiation or requirement to justify the fees they pay themselves. Private and voluntary nursing homes are under intense, unjustifiable pressure because of the State pinning them against the wall when it comes to the negotiation of fees. No independent appeals mechanism is available if a private and voluntary nursing home deems a fee unacceptable. The State continues to abuse its dominant position within the sector, adopting a take it or leave it approach during the fee negotiation process under the Fair Deal.

So while the HSE increases its own fees by on average 13 per cent on already inflated figures, it forces the private and voluntary sector to accept unsustainable fees. The published public figures highlight a rotten inequality in respect of fees payable for care provision within Irelands nursing home sector. The State is operating an upstairs/downstairs system of payments. Private and voluntary nursing homes are the majority providers of nursing home care but are expected to do it at half the fees provided to State nursing homes. The sustainability of private and voluntary nursing homes is threatened by fees that are not recognising true costs incurred. Equality in fees payable must become an immediate priority within the Fair Deal. The buck has been passed in this regard by successive Ministers over a number of years and it now must be prioritised. The long-awaited publication of the figures must hasten the review of the Fair Deal pricing mechanism and bring into effect a fair pricing model that provides fees to private and voluntary providers that are reflective of the true costs of providing the high dependency care that nursing homes are delivering in our communities. Arising from publication of the costs, we are calling for immediate increases in private and voluntary nursing home fees under the Fair Deal and engagement with the Department of Health and HSE surrounding this critical issue. 

http://www.leitrimobserver.ie/news/home/218385/hse-report-shows-disparity-in-operational-costs-for-nursing-homes-in-leitrim.html
Independent Leitrim Cllr Des Guckian has slammed the government of being guilty of double standards and of being 'miserly' in its treatment of people.

He told www.leitrimobserver.ie "The Budget, finally unveiled yesterday, was a long drawn-out drama, verging on farce. Ministers and other spokespersons got easy interviews from the media and all the cracks were papered over. The pensioners are to get a whopping five euro per week extra. What a giveaway!

"The real budget was sanctioned, by the government, some weeks before, with the bringing into being of the final phase of the current national agreement. Under this, all TDs will receive a minimum of 2,500 euro extra per annum on their basic pay. All of them will now receive over 100,000 euro per year. The Taoiseachs salary will go up by almost 7,000 euro per year to reach 285.582 euro. Senators will be given a corresponding increase. The basic pay of Co Councillors will keep pace with that of Senators.

"The income of senior civil servants and others is tied to that of the Ministers. To top it all off, the political pensions will rise accordingly. One lone Independent TD, Michael Fitzmaurice, complained that these increases are immoral.

All I can state is Well done, Michael. Now where are the rest? Im an Independent Co Councillor in Co Leitrim. In my opinion, the government is guilty of double standards. The government, so miserly in its treatment of pensioners, social welfare recipients, the disabled etc, must withdraw all these increases being given to politicians and thus lead the restraint by their own example."
The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has welcomed the retention of the 9% tourism VAT rate announced by Minister Noonan as part of Budget 2017.

Joe Dolan, The Bush Hotel and President of the IHF, said the rate has been instrumental in the recovery of the tourism industry, which has created some 50,000 new jobs since the measure was introduced in 2011.

This measure has been the single most important fiscal initiative for Irish tourism in the last decade and we are pleased the Government has retained the rate. It demonstrates that it has been highly effective in job creation and also acknowledges that we have a pro-tourism Government who see the value the industry brings to every part of our country located on the periphery of Europe. The decision is a vote of confidence in the tourism industry at a time of uncertainty due to Brexit, he said.

Mr Dolan added: Tourism is one of Irelands largest employers. It currently supports some 220,000 jobs and is on-track to create a further 40,000 new jobs by 2021. Direct actions by the government including the 9% VAT rate [and the zero rate travel tax] have helped level the playing field for tourism businesses to compete for visitors with other European destinations and are vital in underpinning and sustaining that growth.

Tourism makes an important contribution to the economy of every town and village in Ireland. While the industry has returned to growth, with Brexit on the horizon, a weaker sterling and an uncertain global outlook, there is no room for complacency.

Mr Dolan acknowledged the important support provided by Government, Ministers Michael Noonan and Paschal Donohoe and by Tourism Ministers Shane Ross and Patrick ODonovan as well as those public representatives across the country who strive to ensure that tourism remains at the centre of Government economic policy and its important role in growing the Irish economy is recognised.
Tim Farron has described the hard brexit the Government seems set to hurtle towards as an act of economic vandalism.

He has responded to reports over the last two days that leaving the single market and customs union would cost a massive 66 billion a year. From the Independent:

The leaked government document says: The Treasury estimates that UK GDP would be between 5.4 per cent and 9.5 per cent of GDP lower after 15 years if we left the EU with no successor arrangement, with a central estimate of 7.5 per cent. It adds: The net impact on public sector receipts  assuming no contributions to the EU and current receipts from the EU are replicated in full  would be a loss of between 38 billion and 66 billion per year after 15 years, driven by the smaller size of the economy. Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron said the leaked documents showed quitting the single market would wreck the economy. This is yet more proof that hard Brexit would be an act of sheer economic vandalism, he said. The Liberal Democrats will stand up for Britains membership of the single market. We cannot stand by while this reckless, divisive and uncaring Conservative Government wrecks the UK economy.

Today, the Guardian reports that one of the Governments Brexit advisers previously warned that leaving the customs union could cost up to 25 billion a year.

In response to this report, Tim Farron said:

Yesterday we were told hard Brexit will cost more than 60 billion, and now we learn that leaving the EU customs union will cost 25 billion. The rocketing bill of leaving Europe reveals the huge economic risk we face with a hard Brexit. The Government must tell us its plan for Britains future. The reckless handling of Brexit by the Conservative Government has already seen the pound plummet, and that is well before all of the extra costs associated with a hard Brexit impact our countrys economy.

Its important that the British people know the dangers of the course the government wants to drag us down  and are given a say on whether that reflects their vision of leaving the EU. You have to wonder why the Brexiteeers were so keen on a referendum but arent confident enough in their case to put the reality to the British people for final approval.
Liberal Youth are campaigning to save the Erasmus exchange programme in future Brexit negotiations. This week they are running a competition to send a group of campaigners to the European Parliament 7th-8th November. Former Erasmus exchange students and exchange programme hopefuls are invited to share their stories as part of a video montage. MEP Catherine Bearder will invite a group to present a Save Erasmus petition in Brussels. The deadline for entries is midnight 18th October. Find out more here.

Over 10,000 people have backed a petition to safeguard the UKs involvement in the Erasmus programme. Party members overwhelmingly passed a motion to call for the guaranteed continuation of the Erasmus programme and Liberal Democrat Education Spokesperson John Pugh wrote to Brexit minister David Davis demanding he make this clear commitment.

Erasmus unlocks so many opportunities for students across Europe. It enriches their cultural knowledge and understanding of people from all walks of life, providing life-changing experiences to thousands. As proud internationalists, the Liberal Democrats cannot allow the Tories to put this in jeopardy said Liberal Youth Chair, Charlie Kingsbury.

Join our campaign to Save Erasmus, sign the petition today.

* Vicky Nevin is the Lib Dem Youth and Student Development Officer
Liz Leffman has an impressive record of campaigning for better NHS services in the Witney area. When I was there two weeks ago, people were saying things like Ah, shes the one who saved the hospital in Chipping Norton on the doorsteps.

In this campaign video, she talks about the changes she wants to see and how she will be a local champion for the NHS if she is elected MP next Thursday.

The Guardian has a good profile of the by-election with coverage of Nick Cleggs visit yesterday.

Few in the party still carry a torch for the coalition years, but the enduring popularity of Cameron in this corner of Oxfordshire is something that the Lib Dems feel they might be able to capitalise on. The party is throwing vast resources into next Thursdays byelection, shipping down legions of activists  600 over the weekend and another 1,000 over the next week, according to party officials. Liz Leffman, the Lib Dem candidate collecting signatures by the Cotswolds Kids clothing shop, sees Brexit as being on the ballot paper for this fight. Leffmans day job is in imports from clothing factories in eastern Europe, a business which would be directly affected by Brexit. Her Conservative rival, Robert Courts, a local councillor and barrister, is a Brexiter. This is such a pivotal election, I think the Conservatives believe they dont have to do very much, Leffman said. But people feel let down by him, they werent expecting him to go. This is a very educated population here, and they are very worried. The Tory party conference saw a lot of rhetoric that people here have not been comfortable with. I think thats changing the way people will vote. The constituency chalked up a strong remain vote in the EU referendum, and the business classes, professionals and academics who live in the town are broadly liberal.

They found Nick pointing out the difference between David Camerons Conservatives and his successors.

Among a cluster of voters on the towns main thoroughfare, opposite the awnings of the Blue Boar pub, Clegg was full of praise for his former coalition partner, and derision for Theresa May. She is only where shes at because he led the party to an election victory last year  but there isnt a single word of recognition or debt she owes them, he said. She tramples over his domestic policy but is also lurching towards a hard Brexit. Cameron would be horrified at the prospect of a hard Brexit, Clegg has said, touring the former prime ministers home seat of Witney where the Sheffield Hallam MPs party hopes to capitalise on concerns in the Cotswolds over a hard Brexit. You could absolutely see why people in a place like this would vote for David Camerons Conservatives, Clegg said. I suspect he would be mortified by what is happening, and by a Tory party leader behaving very gracelessly towards him.

* Caron Lindsay is Editor of Liberal Democrat Voice and blogs at Caron's Musings
A DATABASE, designed by a group of law students at University of Limerick, will be an important resource for the State, the Inspector of Prisons Judge has said.

A report by the researchers recommended that the Irish Prison Service or Inspector of Prisons develop the database to record information regarding deaths in prison custody.

The students conducted an extensive review on deaths in custody and designed a deaths-in-custody database based on international best practice.

The report is created out of the absence of reliable, comprehensive information on deaths in custody within this jurisdiction, said Professor Shane Kilcommins, UL School of Law.

Ten law students participated in the research supported by Professor Kilcommins and senior lecturer in health law at UL Dr Eimear Spain.

In 2014, Judge Reilly, who is also Adjunct Professor of Law at UL, identified the potential benefits of a comprehensive database.

The absence of reliable, comprehensive information on deaths in custody within this jurisdiction has long struck me as lamentable. This project emerged from a conversation between Professor Kilcommins and me in 2014 in which we discussed my desire to rectify the information deficit in this regard, Judge Reilly said. The database will allow the Inspector to test mortality rates against the prison populations in other countries.

It will also allow the identification of risk factors and a comparison of risk factors with international norms and allow the Inspector to point to remedial action where appropriate.

The report will be presented to the Tanaiste and Minster for Justice, Frances Fitzgerald TD.
RUGBY legend Peter Clohessy has been unveiled as an ambassador for a suicide prevention group in the city.

The former Munster prop is lending his support to Corbett Suicide Prevention Limerick (CSPL), which provides patrols along the banks of the River Shannon to prevent people from taking their own lives.

He becomes the second rugby star to back the charity, with Keith Earls being named as an ambassador two years ago. Mr Clohessy said he first learned of CSPLs work when running his now-closed bar at Howleys Quay.

I was proud to be asked. Its an absolutely fabulous cause. We all know suicide has affected a lot of people around the country. The work these guys do is unbelievable, he said.

The former Ireland international also urged people who are experiencing mental health problems to speak out, saying: Nobody knows what you are thinking if you keep your feelings to youeself. If you talk to people, you can perhaps take a different path in life.

His main goal will be to raise as much money as possible for CSPL.

The work these guys do is unbelievable. People walking the rivers may feel down, and if they meet someone to talk to, things can turn out for the better, he explained.

Louraine Tomlinson, CSPL, said having someone like the Claw as an ambassador may persuade more people to speak out on their mental health problems.
ARDSCOIL Mhuire, Corbally, is the first school in Limerick to receive a Kindness Flag from Pay it Forward Limerick.

The flag was presented to the school yesterday and this presentation marked the launch of the Kindness Flag initiative, which Metropolitan Mayor of Limerick Cllr Michael Hourigan and TD Jan OSullivan attended.

Explaining the concept behind the flag, Dr Yoga Nathan of Pay It Forward said: In promoting kindness we hope to change attitudes, build self-esteem and mental health resilience creating a sense of community cohesiveness.

With this Kindness Flag initiative we are helping students appreciate the value of kindness and the profound positive impact acts of kindness can have on a the receiver and the giver. We hope that the year-long campaign required to attain the Flag will instil this ethos in them for life.

Members of the army assisted students from Ardscoil Mhuire with the flag raising ceremony and were joined by a number of principals and teachers from the locality along with members of the Pay It Forward Committee.

The Kindness Flag aims to recognise a culture of kindness demonstrated consistently by an educational institution and its students and also to help students build self esteem and mental health resilience.

It is run by Pay It Forward Limerick  a community-based, voluntary, non-profit organisation that is working to promote Limerick as a city of kindness through policy, education and community initiatives.

Speaking at the launch, Ardscoil Mhuire principal Brid Herbert said: Over the last few years weve been proud supporters in the Pay It Forward movement. Our involvement has had a very positive impact on our culture so we were willing participants of the pilot scheme. The many activities our students have undertaken to attain the flag have helped them to look at themselves and draw out what is innately there.

We are delighted their efforts have been recognised through the awarding of this flag. And I would highly recommend other schools in the region to start the process of applying for their Kindness Flag.

Currently, Scoil Ide, St Munchins and Limerick Institute of Technology are in the process of applying for their Kindness Flag. Schools seeking further information about the flag can email piflimerick@gmail.com.
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Artist's reconstruction of an early beardog (from about 38 million years ago) from Texas, based on fossils of <em>Angelarctocyon australis</em> and <em>Gustafsonia cognita</em>.

A group of Chihuahua-size "beardogs" have new names a mere 37 million years after they went extinct.

Beardogs, or amphicynids, were carnivores that ranged in size from just a few pounds to well over 1,000 lbs. (450 kilograms). Texas was home to some of the earliest members of this group, including two species of tiny beardog that have been reclassified with new scientific names.

"We've known about these curious little critters for 30 years, but couldn't tell exactly what kind of carnivores they were," study researcher Susumu Tomiya, a postdoctoral scholar at the Field Museum in Chicago, said in a statement. Tomiya and his colleagues reported their findings today (Oct. 11) in the journal Royal Society Open Science. [6 Extinct Animals That Could Be Brought Back to Life]

Tomiya had just started working at the Field Museum when he noticed that a couple of small carnivore jaws in the mammal collection seemed wrongly categorized. Both were small beardogs that lived about 37 million or 38 million years ago in what is now Texas.

"The genus the specimen had been assigned to didn't seem to fit some of the features on the teeth," Tomiya said.

The two jaw specimens were called Miacis australis and Miacis cognitus, and both had flat surfaces along the upper teeth that would have been used for crushing, rather than just ripping or tearing. These features made Tomiya think that the animals weren't pure carnivores, but also ate things like berries and insects. The teeth also looked similar to those seen in later, larger beardogs, Tomiya thought.

The newly reclassified beardog Angelarctocyon australis (Field Museum specimen no PM 423) had a much smaller jawbone (left) than that of the larger Amphicyon riggsi (right, Field Museum specimen no. P 12029), which lived around 22 million years later. (Image credit: copyright Susumu Tomiya, The Field Museum)

He and his colleagues used high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning to digitally reconstruct the jaws and skull fragments of the two animals. The high-definition digital reconstructions allowed them to compare internal anatomical features, like the cavity where the inner ear would have been,with the anatomy of other beardogs.

As a result, the researchers renamed the two beardogs. Miacis cognitus became Gustafsonia cognita, and Miacis australis became Angelacrtocyon australis.

The name change matters because it helps clarify the early evolutionary history of beardogs. These animals are part of the same group as dogs, wolves, bears, foxes, sea lions and weasels.

"They're equally related to all of the dog relatives alive today," Tomiya said. "They're not the direct ancestors of modern wolves and bears, but more like their cousins."

The two Texas beardogs were among the earliest species of beardog to evolve, Tomiya said, and their rediscovery suggests that the southern part of North America may have been more important to beardog evolution than previously believed. The two species lived during a climate transition from subtropical to cooler and dryer, Tomiya said, and the fossils hint at the kind of animals that thrived in that time of change. The beardogs' change from small to large is also a common pattern in vertebrate evolution, Tomiya said.

"Studying how the diversity of beardogs waxed and waned over time could tell us about larger patterns of carnivore evolution," he said.

Original article on Live Science.
A scientist in Finland has proposed a new theory about the source of the mysterious sounds associated with the northern lights, or aurora borealis.

For more than 15 years, a lone scientist in southern Finland has spent countless winter nights among the snowy fields and frozen lakes around his village, in pursuit of one of the most ephemeral mysteries of the heavens: the faint, almost phantasmagorical sounds heard during intense displays of the aurora borealis, or northern lights.

The epic study by acoustician Unto K. Laine includes the first audio recordings of the muffled crackling or popping sometimes heard overhead during spectacular aurora displays.

Over the years, the sounds of the northern lights have been explained as illusions, imagination, inebriation or even voices from the spiritual world. [In Photos: Recording Mysterious Sounds from the Northern Lights]

But Laine has shown the sounds are real, and he thinks he has found what causes them: sparks of electricity discharging beneath the aurora in an inversion layer of the atmosphere that can form in clear and calm weather conditions.

Physicist Unto K. Laine setting up his aurora recording equipment on a frozen lake in southern Finland. (Image credit: Janne Kommonen)

Laine told Live Science that he became interested in the phenomenon of so-called auroral acoustics about 25 years ago, when he and his friends heard sounds from an aurora after a nighttime music gathering in Finnish Lapland, in the far north of the country.

"This experience never left me. We had to concentrate  we did not move or talk at all," he said. "A few of us did not hear it, because at that time, the aurora wasn't very strong, and it was a very low-intensity sound. I could never forget this experience; it was so strange."

In 2000, Laine started to keep a careful watch on space weather forecasts for reports of intense solar flares that could supercharge auroras over the following nights. Auroras are caused by charged particles from solar flares interacting with the Earth's magnetic field and raining into the upper atmosphere, where they excite the nitrogen and oxygen atoms of the air to create the dramatic and colorful light shows.

"During all these years, I have checked the space weather two to three times a day, so not to miss any aurora events  and always, when the weather conditions are good, I go," he said.

Sounds out of space

Laine's solitary hunt for the elusive sound of the northern lights demanded great patience. There have been few intense auroras over Finland in the past 16 years, thanks in part to the "solar minimum," a period of decreased activity in the sun's natural 11-year solar cycle. Between 2004 and 2007, the sun experienced a lull in activity, according to NASA, which meant fewer solar flares and fewer auroras. In 2011, as solar activity ramped up, Laine started using a VLF loop antenna to measure magnetic fields and a microphone array to triangulate the locations of crackles and pops in the ever-changing sounds from the aurora. [Aurora Photos: See Breathtaking Views of the Northern Lights]

"The sounds are diverse and can vary quite a lot, and it is very possible that there are many different mechanisms creating the sounds," he said. "I have been concentrating more on the clapping, popping and crackling, because they are good for estimating the direction of the sound."

In September 2011, during an intense aurora overhead, Laine's microphone array was able to triangulate the locations of several distinct "clap" sounds from the celestial display. To his surprise, the results showed the sounds were originating just 230 feet (70 meters) above the ground  much lower than the auroras themselves, which occur at altitudes of up to 300 kilometers (185 miles).

Laines unexpected discovery partly explained one of the mysteries of the acoustics of auroras: How can faint sounds from auroras so high in the atmosphere be heard at the surface of the Earth?

In a research paper published in 2012, which included the first recordings of auroral sounds ever made, Laine also ruled out a theory that the sounds could be made by trees, because his microphones had been set in open fields and beside frozen lakes.

The acoustics of auroras

Now, Laine thinks he may have discovered a mechanism in the atmosphere that explains at least some of the sounds caused by auroras.

During an intense display of the northern lights over southern Finland on March 17 and 18, 2013, when the temperature in the village of Fiskars was minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 degrees Celsius), Laine recorded hundreds of auroral sound events. [Northern Lights: 8 Dazzling Facts About Auroras]

He also measured magnetic pulses that occurred immediately before each sound event, which corresponded in strength to the volume of the sounds.

Then, Laine matched his measurements to data from the Finnish Meteorological Institute for the same night, and found they had measured a thermal inversion layer in the atmosphere  a blanket of relatively warm air that traps cold air next to the ground in calm conditions  at the same altitude where the noises originated.

In research presented June 22 at the Baltic-Nordic Acoustic Meeting in Stockholm, Laine proposed that the sounds are caused by the buildup of electrical charges in the inversion layer, while opposite charges build up in the trapped cold air.

When an aurora occurs over the charged inversion layer, geomagnetic disturbances cause the accumulated electricity to discharge with sparks that create measurable magnetic pulses and sounds, Laine said.

This could explain why sounds caused by auroras in the upper atmosphere can be heard at the Earth's surface, he said, and why the volume of the sounds appeared to vary with the intensity of the auroras.

With the solar activity cycle now entering its downward swing, Laine may have fewer opportunities over the next few years to continue his hunt for the song of the northern lights. But, he hopes his research will inspire more observations of aurora sounds and will spark discussions about the mysterious physical mechanisms that create them.

Looking back, Laine said, the weather conditions on the night 25 years ago, when he first heard the sounds of the northern lights, were perfect for auroral acoustical inspiration.

"It was very cold weather, about minus 35 degrees C [minus 31 degrees F], with clear skies, no clouds and no wind. So it was absolutely the best conditions to hear the sounds," he said.

Original article on Live Science.
A resident walking on the east end of Folly Island spotted the ordnances on the beach on Sunday (Oct. 9).

A pile of Civil War-era cannonballs was uncovered by Hurricane Matthew after it lashed South Carolina with strong waves and high winds over the weekend. But rather than preserve the artifacts, authorities have destroyed most of the historic weapons for safety reasons, according to the Folly Beach Police Department.

A day after the hurricane blasted the state's coastline, on Sunday (Oct. 9), a resident walking along the east end of Folly Island  a coastal region about 10 miles (16 kilometers) south of Charleston that's known for its history of pirates and Civil War battles  spotted a pile of 16 corroded ordnances resting on the sand, said Folly Beach Chief Andrew Gilreath, director of public safety. The resident contacted the authorities, who came to assess the situation, he said.

The hurricane's waves and winds likely eroded parts of the beach to uncover the bowling-ball-size weapons, Gilreath said. One of the cannonballs even had a visible fuse hole in the shape of a cylindrical notch, where a timed fuse would have been placed, he added. [Hurricane Matthew Photos: See How the Monster Storm Evolved]

A pile of the discovered cannonballs. One has a cylindrical borehole where the timed fuse would have been placed. (Image credit: Officer Ben O'Brien Folly Beach Police Department)

"Initially, the city wished to display them," Gilreath told Live Science in an email. "However, they were inspected and a large number of them were [found to be] explosive cannonballs, and thus contained old and very unstable gunpowder."

It's a common misconception that cannonballs are merely large steel balls, he said. "While that is the case sometimes, there are also explosive and incendiary types, which are very unsafe," Gilreath said.

After this realization, authorities decided to destroy the cannonballs. According to a tweet from the Charleston County Sherriff's Office (CCSO), local officials worked with the U.S. Air Force Explosive Team to destroy the ordnances.

See more

They didn't destroy all of the cannonballs, according to a CCSO tweet: "UPDATE: Folly Beach ordnance detonation successfully completed. Small amount will be transported to Navy Base #chsnews."

See more

LowCountry CW, a Charleston news network, warned that "Residents in Charleston, James Island, and on Folly Beach may hear what will sound like an explosion, here's why: #chsnews."

See more

One of Folly's historical Civil War moments was portrayed in the popular 1989 movie "Glory," which tells the story of a military unit comprised of all-black volunteers fighting for the Union. The battle portrayed in the movie was fought on and around Folly at Fort Wagner, "which is more than likely what this artillery was used to fire upon," Gilreath said of the pile of cannonballs.

Original article on Live Science.
Children born to women who took antidepressants during pregnancy may have an increased risk of language and speech disorders, according to a new study from Finland.

In the study, children born to mothers who had depression and bought antidepressants at least twice during pregnancy were 37 percent more likely to develop speech or language disorders over the course of the 14-year study, compared with children born to women who had depression but did not buy any antidepressants during pregnancy, the researchers found.

These children were also 63 percent more likely to develop such problems than children born to mothers who did not have depression and did not buy antidepressants during pregnancy, the researchers found. (In some studies on antidepressant use, researchers look at data on people's purchasing of antidepressants because although they can't tell for sure whether a person actually took the medication, this is good approximation.) [7 Ways Pregnant Women Affect Babies]

The results may be one factor to consider when pregnant women with depression decide, together with their doctors, whether they should take antidepressants during pregnancy, said lead study co-author Dr. Alan Brown, a professor of psychiatry at Columbia University Medical Center. "But I don't think it should be the sole factor," because there are other things to consider, too, he said.

Another factor, for example, is the severity of the woman's depression, Brown said. If a woman with depression has been feeling suicidal or has lost touch with reality, then the health risks linked to going off antidepressants might outweigh the potential benefits of discontinuing the medication, he said.

In the study, the researchers looked at more than 56,000 children born in Finland between 1996 and 2010, and followed up with them for up to 14 years. The researchers looked at how many of the children developed speech or language disorders or other developmental disorders during the study period. The researchers also looked at data on the health of the children's mothers, as well as demographic information.

Moreover, to take a look at the mothers' antidepressant use before and during pregnancy, the scientists analyzed information from Finland's drug reimbursement register, a database that contains information on all reimbursed prescription drug purchases in the country.

Of all the children in the study, nearly 15,600 (about 28 percent) were born to women who had depression and bought antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) while they were pregnant. SSRIs are commonly prescribed antidepressants that are believed to alter the levels of the chemical serotonin.

In addition, about 9,500 children (about 17 percent) in the study were born to women who had depression but did not purchase SSRIs during pregnancy. The remaining children, about 31,200 kids (about 55 percent), were born to mothers who did not have depression during pregnancy.

It turned out that, out of all the kids, those born to mothers who took SSRIs during pregnancy had the highest risk of developing speech or language disorders over the course of the study.

Among those children who did develop such disorders, the average age when they were diagnosed was about 4 years, according to the study, published today (Oct. 12) in the journal JAMA Psychiatry.

The study does not prove that using antidepressants during pregnancy directly causes these speech or language disorders but rather shows that there is a link between the two. [11 Big Fat Pregnancy Myths]

The explanation for this link is not yet clear, but one potential reason could be that antidepressants may affect a baby's brain development during pregnancy, including parts of the brain that are involved in language and speech, Brown said. But it is possible that maternal depression itself also contributes to the increased risk of speech and language disorders in the child, he said.

A previous study, published in 2015 in the journal JAMA Pediatrics, showed that children born to women who took SSRIs during pregnancy may face an increased risk of autism. Serotonin affects a person's mood, but it is also an important chemical in the brain cell development in a fetus, Anick Berard, an author of that study and a professor of pharmacy at the University of Montreal, told Live Science at the time.

However, in pregnant women with depression who don't receive treatment for their depression, there is an increased risk of miscarriage and birth complications, a review study published in 2005 found.

Originally published on Live Science.
After the red dust settles from President Barack Obama's reiteration of his ambitious goal to have humans reach Mars in the next two to three decades, the next question becomes: What will it take to get there?

"We have set a clear goal vital to the next chapter of America's story in space: sending humans to Mars by the 2030s and returning them safely to Earth, with the ultimate ambition to one day remain there for an extended time," Obama wrote in an op-ed on CNN.com yesterday (Oct. 11).

NASA has laid out detailed plans for the journey to Mars. It's feasible to get there by the 2030s  if that deadline is stretched out to the last year of the decade, said John Logsdon, a professor emeritus of political science and international affairs at the Space Policy Institute at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. [5 Mars Myths and Misconceptions]

Other experts say Obama's stated timeline is not bold enough.

"We are far closer today to sending humans to Mars than we were to sending men to the moon in 1961, and we were there eight years later," said Robert Zubrin, president of nonprofit organization The Mars Society and the author of "The Case for Mars: The Plan to Settle the Red Planet," (Free Press, 2011). The next president should announce an ambitious goal to get to Mars by the end of the second term, or by 2024, Zubrin said. Otherwise, the momentum for the mission could be lost, and space exploration could be delayed further, he added. [SpaceX to Mars: Awe-Inspiring Video Shows Vision for Red Planet Exploration]

Either way, before astronauts start packing their spacesuits and intergalactic playlists, scientists have to sort out a few problems.

Step 1: Build American technology to get astronauts to space

Currently, the United States relies on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft to get astronauts to the International Space Station. That is set to change, as private spaceflight companies have taken on the challenge of building a system to launch humans and cargo spaceward: Elon Musk's SpaceX is working on the Dragon robotic launch vehicles, while Boeing is building its CST-100, Logsdon said. Musk has also said that SpaceX's robotic launch vehicle could head off to Mars as soon as 2018. (A launch vehicle is a rocket-powered vehicle designed to send spacecraft or satellites into space.)

Step 2: Build bigger spacecraft

A Mars voyage requires a spacecraft that can carry multiple people, along with all the supplies for a three-year round-trip, including potential cargo items, said Bret Drake, an engineering specialist with Los Angeles-based Aerospace Corp., a nonprofit organization that researches launch vehicles, satellite systems, ground control systems and space technology for the federal government.

"To sustain a crew all the way to Mars means being able to launch rather heavy payloads, because you have to have the fuel and supplies for the round-trip," added Logsdon. "And there's no 7-Eleven on Mars where you can stock up to come home," he told Live Science.

One alternative is to create a giant spacecraft; another is to develop multiple smaller modules that can be launched separately into orbit and then assembled in space, Logsdon said. (Some of these modules could hold people while others could hold supplies, for instance).

Either way, the basic technology is there, Zubrin said. "It has to be larger than any we've built before," he said. Even so, "there isn't new science here."

Currently, Lockheed Martin is developing a four-person spacecraft called the Orion, which will sit atop the heavy-lift launch system, called the Space Launch System (SLS), that NASA is developing to take people into deep space. Orion already completed one successful test flight on Dec. 5, 2014, and is set to take a trip around the moon in 2018.

Step 3: Build bigger rockets

Launching a bigger spacecraft into deep space requires bigger rockets on any launch vehicles used. NASA plans to conduct a second test of what will be the world's largest rocket, which will be part of the SLS, sometime in 2021, according to NASA. SpaceX is also developing the Falcon Heavy rocket, which is designed to launch heavier payloads, including people, into space.

Step 4: Stick the landing

After people enter Mars' orbit, they need to land on the Red Planet. With past missions, friction, thermal effects and parachutes could provide the deceleration needed to land. But a parachute won't have enough stopping power for such heavy crafts.

However, scientists are making progress on that front.

For instance, SpaceX has shown that high-speed crafts can decelerate using supersonic retropropulsion, which involves firing engines while landing, Drake said. "We now have a feasible technical solution for how to get large vehicles to the surface of Mars," Drake said.

Step 5: Figure out long-term habitation on a space station

Astronauts have logged many weeks and months on the International Space Station (ISS), demonstrating the feasibility of long-term habitation systems, such as those that provide safe water, process waste, and filter air in space. Similar systems could be used for a stay on Mars, experts say.

The difference, however, is that the ISS is in low Earth orbit, just a few hours' trip to the home planet. If anything breaks, Earth can still come to the rescue. That won't be possible on Mars, which is at least a six- to nine-month journey, even when the planets are at their closest point to each other.

"One key advancement for the life-support system is increasing the reliability of the systems," Drake said. "For Mars missions, there are no quick-abort modes back to Earth, nor ground-up resupply if systems fail. So the life-support systems need to be reliable, and maintainable by the crew, for long periods of time  many years," Drake said.

Step 5: Avoid deadly cosmic radiation

Astronauts going on a Mars mission will need protection from two forms of radiation: solar proton events (or solar flares) and galactic cosmic radiation.

The first "can be mitigated by proper vehicle design, along with a dedicated storm shelter, such as a water wall made from the life-support system water supply," Drake said. (This would involve literally lining the walls with the water used for drinking and showering.)

Shielding people from galactic cosmic radiation is trickier. In free space, cosmic radiation levels are extremely high. However, the Mars Science Laboratory, which landed on the Martian surface aboard the rover Curiosity, has measured cosmic radiation levels and showed that radiation exposure at the surface of the red planet is similar to levels seen aboard the ISS, Drake said. Because the ISS is located in low Earth orbit, it is below the two doughnut-shaped radiation belts called Earth's Van Allen belts, which block from Earth many of the charged particles spewed from the sun, as well as from cosmic rays, Logsdon said.

One strategy may be to make the trip through free space very quickly, minimizing the exposure to the area with the highest radiation, Drake said.

"It's safer to be on the surface of Mars than free space," Drake said.

Step 7: Get to the moon

Before making the three-year round-trip to Mars, many of these long-term space systems will be tested in cislunar orbit, according to NASA's timeline of the journey to Mars. Sometime between 2018 and 2030, NASA plans to send crewed missions on spacewalks in the region of space near the moon. Some of these missions could last a year, in preparation for the epic voyage to Mars.

The plans also include a trip to redirect and sample material from an asteroid.

This will provide an opportunity to test out all of the elements of the Mars mission, while not being too far from Earth in case something goes wrong, Logsdon said.

Step 8: Build housing on Mars

Once people have taken the effort to get to Mars, they won't just turn around. The outbound voyage would take six to nine months, but explorers can't return until Mars and Earth are in good alignment relative to the sun, which could take 14 months, Logsdon said. (The return trip will be much shorter if the Earth and Mars are on the same side of the sun, rather than on opposite sides.)

In a way, Mars pioneers would be similar to "the explorers of the 16th century that went on ships across the ocean and were gone from their home country for a long time," Logsdon said.

Given that, it makes sense to make some kind of permanent structure, Logsdon said.

"You need, on the Martian surface, some sort of habitat," Logdson said. "You're not going to live inside a spacesuit all the time. Though it seems far-fetched, the movie "The Martian" showed a relatively realistic depiction of a potential Mars living setup, he added.

Original article on Live Science.
A woman in Italy recently died as a result of being bit by a spider related to the notorious brown recluse spider, according to a recent report of her case.

The death, which occured in November 2015, is the first fatal case reported in Europe of a bite from a spider of the genus Loxosceles, said Dr. Mario Pezzi, an intensive-care doctor at the Pugliese-Ciaccio General Hospital in Italy who treated the woman and was the lead author of the case report.

A Mediterranean recluse spider (Loxosceles rufescens) bit the 65-year-old woman on the middle finger of her right hand while she was cleaning her cellar one evening, according to the report, published in August in the journal Case Reports in Emergency Medicine.

Although she was aware of the bite, she initially didn't give it much thought, Pezzi told Live Science. By the next morning, however, a painful lesion had formed on her finger, and she had a fever of 100.8 degrees Fahrenheit (38.2 degrees Celsius), according to the report. [Spider-Man: 5 Weird Effects of Real Spider Bites]

The patient went to her local emergency room but was eventually transferred to the intensive-care unit because she was getting sicker: She was breathing quickly, her blood pressure was very low and her heart rate was high, according to the report.

The doctors contacted Italy's National Poison Control Center, which confirmed that the woman was suffering from a spider bite, according to the report. In addition, a local health service confirmed that there had been a Loxosceles infestation in the houses neighboring the woman's home, they wrote.

There is no anti-venom available in Europe to treat a Loxosceles bite, Pezzi told Live Science. The anti-venom is likely only available in Brazil, where the spiders are more common, he added. Therefore, the only way to treat someone who has been bit by a Loxosceles spider is through supportive care, he said.

But the woman died about 12 hours after being admitted to the hospital, according to the report.

Brown recluse bites

Anti-venom for a Loxosceles bite isn't available in the United States, either, said Dr. Jon Dumitru, an emergency-medicine doctor at Baptist Health in Jacksonville, Florida, who was not involved with the case but has treated people bit by recluse spiders.

Dumitru noted that the spider described in the case report is not found in the United States but that the symptoms appear very similar to those of a brown recluse spider (Loxosceles reclusa) bite. Both spider species are members of the same genus.

Loxosceles venom contains an enzyme called phospholipase D, which has many effects throughout the body, Dumitru told Live Science. In less severe cases, the venom can kill tissue, causing a necrotic lesion at the site of the bite, he said. Less often, it can cause a toxic reaction throughout the person's whole body, he said.

Such a reaction can happen after Loxosceles venom gets into the blood, because the enzyme in the venom is toxic to red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen in the blood, he said. When red blood cells are destroyed, the organs in the body don't get enough oxygen, he said. [3 Scariest Spiders: Which 8-Legged Beasts to Watch Out For!]

In addition, the venom can impair the blood's ability to clot, meaning that a person is more likely to bleed, Dumitru said.

As described in the report, the only way to treat a person who has been bit by a Loxosceles spider who can't be given anti-venom is through supportive care, Dumitru said. In other words, doctors try to treat the symptoms and keep the patient alive until the body can rid itself of the venom. Patients may be treated with blood transfusions or medications to keep their blood pressure up, for example, Dumitru said.

It's unclear why some people have more severe reactions to spider bites than others, Dumitru said. It may be that the amount of venom delivered by the bite plays a role, he said.

In addition, it seems that very young and very old people are more vulnerable to the severe effects of bites, Dumitru said. People with other health problems may also be at higher risk for a severe reaction, he said; for example, the Italian woman had an autoimmune condition called myasthenia gravis, which can cause muscle weakness throughout the body.

Editor's Note: This article was updated on Oct. 13, 2016 to include information about when the case took place.

Originally published on Live Science.
Greenfield container facility at Umm Qasr is the countrys first entirely foreign-financed new port infrastructure

Iraqs integration into mainstream container shipping flows has taken a major step forward with the opening of a new terminal near Basra.

International Container Terminal Services Inc has now opened the first US$130m phase of its new greenfield terminal development at Umm Qasr.

ICTSIs Basra Gateway Terminal is the first entirely foreign financed development of new port infrastructure in Iraq. When fully developed, the new terminal area will comprise 600 metres of quay and 50 hectares of yard.

Enrique Razon, ICTSI chairman and president, claimed the first phase development represented a milestone in the development of Iraqs shipping infrastructure.

ICTSIs commitment to Iraq is evidenced in major investments in the upgrade of existing berths 19, 20 and the construction of the new terminal incorporating Berth 27, he added.

Modern and reliable infrastructure, equipped with state-of-the-art quayside and landside handling systems is critical for sustainable economic growth. We are confident the new terminal area will boost efficiency and speed the movement of import and export cargo supporting the rapid growth in Iraqs economy.

Image: Shutterstock.com
As the new school year gets into full swing, the Library of Congress will bring teachers and education experts from across the nation together in its second annual online conference for educators. This free two-day event, Discover and Explore with Library of Congress Primary Sources, will be held October 25-26, from 4-8 p.m. EDT and will be open to K-12 educators from across all teaching disciplines. Last years event brought together more than 1,500 participants for the sessions.

Over the course of two days, there will be 15 one-hour sessions facilitated by Library specialists, instructional experts from the Librarys Teaching with Primary Sources Consortium and other recognized K-12 leaders. Session topics will range from assessments and literacy to historical newspapers and kindergarten historians, and all sessions will focus on the effective use of Library of Congress primary-source documents.

According to Lee Ann Potter, director of educational outreach at the Library, "Primary sources can capture student attention, and by analyzing them, students can engage with complex content, build their critical-thinking skills and create new knowledge. The Librarys online conference for educators will allow teachers to learn how to access Library of Congress resources and to discover new strategies for integrating primary sources into their instruction.

Highlights of the conference:

The keynote speaker will be the award-winning author Tonya Bolden, who will discuss her process of research for writing childrens books about historical figures.

Library experts will include specialists from the Chronicling America historical newspaper archives, the historian of the Library of Congress, professionals from the educational outreach division, and more.

Other presenters will include Joel Breakstone from Stanford University, Dan Rothstein of the Right Question Institute, and Kelly Schrum of the Center of History and New Media.

After the live online conference, the Library will make recordings of all sessions available to the public on its website for teachers, loc.gov/teachers/. Teachers will be able to earn up to 15 hours of CEU/PDU by participating or viewing online conference sessions, and certificates will be available for completing each session.

The Library of Congress is the worlds largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United Statesand extensive materials from around the worldboth on site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov, register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov and use its specialized educational resources at loc.gov/teachers/.
The Library of Congress and U.S. Poet Laureate Juan Felipe Herrera today announced the launch of Herreras second-term projectsan online narrative poem for second and third graders; a collaboration with high-school English teachers at Chicago Public Schools to create strategies for teaching poetry; and a writing lab in Fresno, California.

Herrera was appointed in 2015 as the 21st Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry and reappointed in 2016 to serve a second term. During his laureateship, Herrera has chosen to conduct projects that champion poetry and creative writing for young children, older students and adults.

From 2016 to 2017, he is inviting second and third grade students and their school librarians from across the nation to contribute to The Technicolor Adventures of Catalina Neon, an illustrated narrative poem that will be featured on the Library of Congress read.gov website. The project launches with an introductory chapter and prompt written by Herrera and illustrated by artist Juana Medina. School librarians will work with students to submit responses. The narrative poem will contain six chapters, all guided by input from librarians and students. Herrera and Medina will post the final chapter in June 2017.

The Technicolor Adventures of Catalina Neon is co-presented by the Librarys Educational Outreach Division and the Publishing Office. To view the project, visit www.read.gov/catalinaneon.

Continuing his work with students, Herrera and the Library of Congress will collaborate throughout the school year with the Poetry Foundation in Chicago and the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) on a program titled Wordstreet Champions and Brave Builders of the Dream. Herrera will work with approximately 40 high school English teachers from CPS to develop new exercises and strategies for teaching poetry to freshmen. At the programs conclusion, CPS (the countrys third most populous school district) will measure impact on participating teachers and their students.

Herreras third initiative during his second term involves the creation of a West Coast office, the Laureate LabVisual Wordist Studio. It will be a performance/classroom space in the library of California State University in Fresno, where Herrera once taught and now lives. Herrera will use the newly inaugurated space to develop small scale, dynamic programs and classes for his local community, mixing poetry with visual arts, song and movement. Teachers, writers, artists and community members are welcome to join the Poet Laureate in his continuous experiment with language.

During his first term, Herreras project was an online initiative La Casa de Colores on the Library of Congress website, loc.gov/poetry/casadecolores. Each month, Americans contributed to an epic poem La Familia. The project also included a monthly video feature by Herrera, El Jardin, which highlighted the resources at the Library of Congress.

The author of 30 books of poetry, novels for young adults and collections for children, Herreras most recent works are Portraits of Hispanic American Heroes (2014), a picture book showcasing inspiring Hispanic- and Latino-Americans, and Notes on the Assemblage (2015), a volume of poems.

Herrera was born in Fowler, California, in 1948. As the son of migrant farm workers, Herrera moved around often, living in tents and trailers along the road in southern California, and attended school in a variety of small towns from San Francisco to San Diego. In 1972 he graduated from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a bachelors degree in social anthropology. He then attended Stanford University, where he received a masters degree in social anthropology, and in 1990 received a Masters of Fine Arts degree at the University of Iowa Writers Workshop.

Herrera has written over a dozen poetry collections, including Half the World in Light: New and Selected Poems (2008), which received the National Book Critics Circle Award and the International Latino Book Award.

For his poetry Herrera has received two Latino Hall of Fame Poetry Awards, a PEN USA National Poetry Award, the PEN Oakland / Josephine Miles Award, a PEN / Beyond Margins Award, and fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Bread Loaf Writers Conference, and the Stanford University Chicano Fellows. He is a recent recipient of an honorary doctorate from Skidmore College.

Herrera has served as the chair of the Chicano and Latin American Studies Department at California State University, Fresno and held the Tomas Rivera Endowed Chair in the Creative Writing Department at the University of California, Riverside, where he taught until retiring in 2015. He served as the Poet Laureate of California from 2012-2015.

The Library of Congress Poetry and Literature Center is the home of the Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry, a position that has existed since 1936, when Archer M. Huntington endowed the Chair of Poetry at the Library. Since then, many of the nations most eminent poets have served as Consultant in Poetry to the Library of Congress and, after the passage of Public Law 99-194 (Dec. 20, 1985), as Poet Laureate Consultant in Poetry. The Poet Laureate suggests authors to read in the Librarys literary series and plans other special events during the literary season. For more information, visit loc.gov/poetry/.

The Educational Outreach Division at the Library of Congress is dedicated to providing educators with engaging methods and high-quality materials to effectively teach with primary sources. For more information, visit loc.gov/teachers/.

The Library of Congress Publishing Office publishes a wide range of materials based on the Librarys collections. It currently has more than 100 titles in print. For more information, visit loc.gov/publish/.

The Library of Congress is the worlds largest library, offering access to the creative record of the United Statesand extensive materials from around the worldboth on site and online. It is the main research arm of the U.S. Congress and the home of the U.S. Copyright Office. Explore collections, reference services and other programs and plan a visit at loc.gov, access the official site for U.S. federal legislative information at congress.gov, and register creative works of authorship at copyright.gov.
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Public Comment Invited on Proposed Remedy to Address Contamination at Brownfield Site on Duffy Ave., Hicksville

Nature & Weather, Local News, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: October 12 2016

The public is invited to comment on a proposed remedy to address contamination related to the 230 Duffy Avenue Site #C130141 (Hicksville, Nassau County).

NYSDEC is accepting public comments about the proposal through November 28, 2016.

Update - December 2, 2016 - The Public Comment Period has been extended through December 20, 2016.

The original press release is below.

Hicksville, NY - October 11, 2016 - The following link opens a fact sheet that invites the public to comment on a proposed remedy to address contamination related to the 230 Duffy Avenue Site #C130141 (Hicksville, Nassau County) within New York's Brownfield Cleanup Program:

For fact sheet, click here

NYSDEC is accepting public comments about the proposal through November 28, 2016. Please see fact sheet for details.



The fact sheet is in PDF format. You can save, open, and read the fact sheet by using Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can go to the following web page on the NYSDEC web site to download the program for free: here.
School & Education, Local News, Press Releases, Seasonal & Current Events

By Allison Gayne Published: October 12 2016

Hauppauge's Teachers Federal Credit Union has partnered with Nassau County Museum of Art as a sponsor for "An Evening for Educators" Series.

(L to R): TFCU President and CEO Robert G. Allen, Nassau County Museum of Art Grant Writer Nancy Fox, Nassau County Museum of Art Director of Development Monica Reischmann, Nassau County Museum of Art Director of Education Laura Lynch, and Nassau County Museum of Art Director Karl E. Willers.

Hauppauge, NY - October 11, 2016 - Teachers Federal Credit Union, one of the countrys largest credit unions, has partnered with Nassau County Museum of Art as the sponsor of Evening for Educators, a series comprised of three innovative art and education programs for K-12 teachers.

The first event will be held on October 19 from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m., with subsequent events in November and April. Each program will focus on professional development and the critical role art plays in the classroom and in education. Hundreds of educators and administrators from 50 school districts from across Nassau and Suffolk counties are invited for the sessions that will feature guest speakers, innovative and immersive programs and workshops, and professionally guided educational tours of current museum exhibitions.

On October 19, the session will include a tour of the Feast for the Eyes exhibition and the opportunity for attendees to meet artist Ben Schonzeit. All will receive a Family Pass for a return visit to the museum.

Located in Roslyn, Nassau County Museum of Art rests on 145 pristine acres that originally belonged to poet, lawyer, conservationist, political activist, patron of the arts and preservationist William Cullen Bryant. The historic significance, the atmosphere of the museum and its proactive art education programs for teachers, children and adults make it the ideal setting for the three educator professional development events.

We greatly appreciate the generous support of Teachers Federal Credit Union in partnering with Nassau County Museum of Art to present the An Evening for Educators series. Over the coming school year, we look forward to sharing networking, learning and professional development opportunities with teachers and administrators on Long Island. This partnership with Teachers Federal Credit Union makes such valuable educational initiatives possible, said Karl E. Willers, Ph.D., Director, Nassau County Museum of Art.

Our partnership with Nassau County Museum of Art will give our credit union an opportunity to provide educators and administrators a new program and approach to enlighten them on the many benefits of art in education. The museum offers a unique environment which is at the center of culture and art on Long Island. The grounds and the museum exhibits are exhilarating and thought provoking. The lessons educators learn at the museum as part of this program will be brought back to the classroom and will impact the lives of children for many years to come, said Robert G. Allen, President and CEO.

TFCU, with more than 265,000 members and over $5 billion in assets, is committed to supporting members of the community and not-for-profit organizations. For more information about the An Evening for Educators series, please call the museum at (516) 484-9337 or go to www.nassaumuseum.org

Teachers Federal Credit Union (TFCU), one of the countrys largest credit unions, is a full-service, not-for-profit financial institution. TFCU was founded on Long Island in 1952 and now has over $5 billion in total assets, serves more than 265,000 members and has 25 full-service branches throughout Long Island including: Amityville, Bay Shore, Brookhaven National Laboratory, Central Islip, Commack, East Northport, Farmingville, Hauppauge, Holbrook, Huntington, Manorville, Merrick, Nesconset, North Babylon, North Massapequa, Oakdale, Patchogue, Port Jefferson Station, Riverhead, Rocky Point, Selden, Shirley, Smithtown, South Setauket, and Wading River. Members also have access to services at more than 5,000 shared service centers located across the country. TFCU offers financial services to all people and businesses located in Nassau and Suffolk counties. More information is available about TFCU by visiting www.teachersfcu.org or by calling (631) 698-7000.
UPDATE: Police Searching for Boater, Two Other Men Rescued from Overturned Boat in Fire Island Inlet

Local News, Press Releases

By Long Island News & PR Published: October 12 2016

Suffolk County Police are searching for a missing man after a boat overturned in the Fire Island Inlet this evening. Two other men have been rescued.

Robert Vazquez, 50, of West Babylon, has been identified as the missing boater and whose body was found on October 17.

Update - October 19, 2016 - Roberto Vazquez, 50, of West Babylon, has been identified as the man whose body was found approximately 1 mile offshore of Fire Island Inlet on October 17. Vazquez went missing after a boat he was on overturned in the inlet on October 11.

The original press release is below.

Fire Island, NY - October 11, 2016 - Suffolk County Police are searching for a missing man after a boat overturned in the Fire Island Inlet this evening. Two other men have been rescued.

Suffolk County Police Marine Bureau officers responded to a call for a capsized vessel at the Fire Island Inlet near Buoy 3 at approximately 5:55 p.m. The officers assisted U.S. Coast Guard units and the New York Police Department Special Operations Division who responded with an aviation unit and deployed divers.

The search is continuing for 50-year old Babylon man who was on the 21-foot fishing boat that overturned. A 36-year old Wyandanch man and a 30-year old Amityville man, who were also on the boat, were rescued from the water and transported to Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center in West Islip for evaluation.
National Nuclear Generating Company Energoatom seeks to raise $250 million from Bank of America Merrill Lynch (BofA-ML) for building a centralized spent nuclear fuel storage facility before October 2017, Energoatom President Yuriy Nedashkovsky has told reporters.

"The work has been started. At the end of the summer I signed the contract with Bank of America Merrill Lynch We are waiting for receiving the funds, finishing this work within one year as planned," he said.

He said that Energoatom Vice President for Economy and Finances Aidyn Aisin is staying in the United States where he is organizing the preparations for a technical, economic and environment audit.

Nedashkovsky said that Energoatom finances the works to build the spent nuclear fuel storage facility using funds foreseen in the electricity transmission tariff set by the National Commission for Energy, Housing and Utilities Services Regulation (NCER). Works carried out by Holtec and Atomprojectengineering are financed.

He said that at present the examination of the project and the preliminary facility safety report are being finished.

He said in early October 2016 Ukraine's Cabinet of Ministers changed the intended end-use of land parcels located in the Chornobyl zone to build the facility.

"Here [land and construction works] there is a delay that we estimate will last some nine or ten months. We will actively work on cutting the gap and supply first containers to the facility site in 2018," he said.
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Columnists Press Releases
Due to the absence of a clear position of top managers of the Ukroboronprom State Concern and the Ukrainian president Ukraine is losing a chance to implement a unique project on operation of An-124 Ruslan aircraft with Germany and a prospect of their production at Kyiv and German production facilities, MP Serhiy Taruta who heads the interparliamentary group for liaisons with Germany.

The press service quoted Taruta saying at the Second Ukrainian-German Business Forum on Tuesday that this concerns a failure to implement a program of large-scale cooperation between Antonov with Germany's Bundeswehr and NATO in transportation of oversized cargo and the possible start of joint production of Ruslan aircraft at production facilities in Kyiv and Leipzig.

Earlier two commercial companies have been created to provide transportation services: one was created by Antonov and the second one  jointly with Russia Volga-Dnepr (they have a fleet of An-124 aircraft since Soviet times). After starting the anti-terrorist operation in Afghanistan, a special transport hub to transport NATO cargos using Antonov aircraft was created. Ukraine and Russia founded Salis GmbH in Germany. The company coordinated these transportation services. Around 80% of transportation was ordered directly by Bundeswehr and the rest of the orders were from other Alliance member countries.

The contract will expire in 2017. Due to Russia's aggression against Ukraine Ukrainian official authorities decided to annul the contract. They announced this only in 2016. Maybe Ukraine hoped to receive all orders for Ukraine, but Germany informally warmed Ukrainian authorities that Ukraine's hopes to receive all orders are groundless.

There is a real chance to develop strategic cooperation between Germany and Ukraine in aircraft building.

Taruta said that the possibility of joint production of Ruslan aircraft in Ukraine and Germany was discussed. Germany was ready to undertake the major part of organization and financial expenses to launch this large-scale project and presented a model for this cooperation.

"Despite our discussions at the highest level in Ukraine, we have failed to convince Ukroboronprom and the president in the necessity of accepting Germany's offer. Finally recently France signed a contract to buy the cargo transportation services with the United States. Bundeswehr several days ago signed a contract to buy over 50 Lockheed Martin -130 transport aircraft from the United States. Thanks to the unclear policy of Ukroboronprom's top managers and the Ukrainian president we had a huge damage. This was a real chance to give a fresh start to Antonov and reach the real level of strategic partnership with Germany," he said.
Slovakia's Grand Power S.R.O. and Ukroboronprom State Concern will start cooperating in small arms production.

The agreement of cooperation was signed by the Slovakian company and Ukroboronservice, part of Ukroboronprom, on Tuesday in Kyiv at the 13th Arms and Security Exhibition.

The concern said that under the agreement the sides will jointly work on new designs, exchange experience and solutions.

Currently Ukroboronprom is expanding technological and industrial cooperation with NATO countries. In 2015 the concern announced its plans to completely switch to NATO standards in defense production by late 2018.
Photograph of Ali Jan, the Islamic State Khorasan province fighter who attacked a Shia mosque in Kabul.

The Islamic States Khorasan province claimed credit for yesterdays attack on a Shia shrine in the Afghan capital of Kabul that killed at least 18 people.

The claim was made through the Amaq News Agency, an official propaganda arm of the Islamic State. According to Amaq, the above commando, identified as Ali Jan, detonated his suicide vest after running out of ammunition and hand grenades.

Additionally, Amaq said the first attack was followed up with another shortly afterward, and claimed that 30 security personnel were killed.

Yesterdays assault on the Karte Shakhi mosque was designed to maximize casualties. It took place as Shia worshipers were observing the holiday of Ashura.

The Islamic State has a history of attacking Shia minorities in Afghanistan. In July, the group killed more than 60 people and wounded at least 200 in a coordinated suicide attack as Hazaras were protesting in Kabul.

Khorasan province is carrying out the orders of Abu Muhammad al Adnani, the spokesman and senior leader of the Islamic State who was recently killed by the US. Adnani routinely called on his followers to ruthlessly target Shia, as they are not to be considered as true Muslims. From a speech by Adnani in February 2012 (translated by the SITE Intelligence Group):

Stop the black extension that is coming towards you. Cut off the head of the [Shiite] snake, the tail of which is amongst you. Know that the coming stage is a stage of real confrontation and war against the despicable [Shiites], whether you like it or not, and that the war of the Sunnis with the [Shiites] is not a sectarian war, like people are braying about. A sect is part of something, and the [Shiites] dont have anything to do with Islam; they have their own religion and we have our own. The war of the Sunnis with the [Shiites] is a religious war, a holy war of faith, a war of faith and unbelief, a war of idolatry and monotheism. There is no way out of it and there is no swerving from it. The [Shiites] know this well.

Additionally, yesterdays attack highlights the difference in tactics in Kabul between the Islamic State and the rival Taliban. The Islamic State has hit soft targets in the capital while the Taliban has targeted Afghan security forces and foreign forces and workers, which are better protected.

While the Islamic State has experienced difficulty establishing a significant presence in Afghanistan  and has lost ground in areas such as Helmand, Zabul, and Farah  it still has a foothold in the eastern province of Nangarhar, where it fights both the Taliban and Afghan forces. The Islamic State likely is using this position of strength in Nangarhar to launch attacks into the capital. Additionally, the group may be leveraging legacy networks from the greatly weakened Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, a portion of which defected to the Islamic State.

Bill Roggio is a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and the Editor of FDD's Long War Journal.

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Ukroboronprom State Concern initiates the creation of the UKRARPA defense innovation development platform.

The initiative to create the platform meeting modern trends of global defense industry was announced by Ukroboronprom Head Roman Romanov at the 13th Arms and Security 2016 in Kyiv on Tuesday.

"The form of UKRAPRA has been selected. It would unite designers, start-ups, investment funds and military servicemen. The platform would help to concentrate progressive scientific ideas, investment and a mechanism for exchanging and protecting technologies," he said.

At present Ukroboronprom is holding talks to start cooperation with U.S. Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).

According to Ukraine, the establishment of mutually beneficial cooperation of Ukrainian defense and industrial complex with DARPA is an important factor for having access to advanced defense technologies for Ukraine with the purpose of increasing efficiency of resisting to Russia's aggression.

In August 2016 Anthony Tether who headed DARPA in 2001-2009 became an advisor of Ukroboronprom. Tether will consult the concern on development of the Ukrainian defense and industrial complex and promotion of the Ukrainian defense products on foreign markets.
Some of the Most Amazing Cruise Destinations Around the World

A trip to the tropics may be the first destination that comes to mind for many. At the same time, cruise lines are continuously expanding itineraries to reach more exotic corners of the world and hidden gems for travelers. According to Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) 2016 State of the Cruise Industry report, there are nearly 1,000 cruise ports and destinations around the world and that number continues to grow each year.Unbelievable Cruise Destinations  River CruisesRiver cruises are a wonderful way for cruise passengers to discover authentic cruise travel destinations along the world's most famous rivers.1. The Never-Ending Nile: History-loving travelers looking to sail 5,000 years of history along the world's long river, the Nile can see the sights on Avalon Waterways' Highlights of Egypt cruise from Cairo to Cairo. Guests on this river cruise can sail through and explore 5,000 years of history, This cruise sails down the infamous Nile while offering cruisers the chance to visit the Luxor Temple, the Temple of Isis and the Great Pyramids of Giza.2. The Beauty of Bucharest: Cruisers can tour Romania's capital city and soak in the history of the largest Parliament building in the world, the Palace of the Parliament aboard Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection's Ultimate European Journey cruise. The cruise offers travelers the chance to sail from the North Sea to the Black Sea visiting bustling capital cities and quaint villages along the way.3. The Joy of Christmas: Travelers looking to revel in the holiday spirit can visit Germany's most famous Christmas market in Nuremberg. CroisiEurope's Christmas Markets Cruise offers passengers the chance to celebrate the holidays along the Rhine River while visiting an array of Christmas markets in the European capital of Strasbourg, the Christmas City of Nuremberg, and Rudesheim which features the Christmas market of nations.4. Let Them Eat Cake: Travelers sail along the famous Seine River and take in the storied history of Versailles, Montmarte, and more on Tauck's Rendezvous on the Seinecruise. Guests can indulge in all the luxury and beauty France has to offer while voyaging along one of the world's most famous rivers.5. A Historic American Trip: American history buffs or travelers just looking to see historic sites can sail aboard American Cruise Lines' Lewis and Clark Cruises. This paddlewheeler cruise follows Lewis and Clark's trail along the Columbia and Snake Rivers in Washington and Oregon with excursions that include volcanic craters and Portland's waterfront.6. The Culture of Cambodia: Travelers searching for an unforgettable, exotic getaway need not look any further than AmaWaterways' Vietnam, Cambodia & the Riches of the Mekong cruise. After exploring the sights, cruisers can dive into the rich Cambodian culture with regionally-inspired cuisine and spa treatments.Unbelievable Cruise Destinations  Ocean CruisesOcean cruising opens up the vast distance of the world to travelers and gives them access to the globe.7. A Japanese Journey: Cruisers can experience the aesthetic beauty and wonder of Japan's most famous landmarks along Princess Cruises' Highlights of Japan cruise. Passengers aboard the cruise have the opportunity to marvel at the 410 year old Nijo Castle in Kyoto, board the famous bullet train to Tokyo, and take a scenic drive along Mount Fiji.8. Sailing The South Pole: World travelers hoping to hit every continent can journey to the Great White Desert aboard a cruise ship for an experience unlike any other. Ponant's luxury yacht cruises offer passengers stunning views of Antarctica's natural icy beauty as well as excursions to see penguin colonies and outings in Zodiac dinghies.9. Exotic Africa: Travelers can bask in the urban beauty that Cape Town has to offer, from surfing along beautiful beaches to the famous Victoria & Alfred Waterfront. Oceania Cruises' Marvels of Time cruise takes guests on the water from Dubai to Cape Town with scenic stops in Mumbai and the Maldives.10. Perusing the Panama Canal: For a unique and historic view of the world, cruisers can sail along some of the world's most famous waterways. Seabourn's Panama Canal Odyssey cruise journeys along the Crossroads of the Americas with stops in Cabo San Lucas and Portobelo, Panama.11. Beautiful Bora Bora: Looking to book a once-in-a-lifetime sun-filled journey? Paul Gauguin Cruises takes cruisers to the oceanic beauty and white sand beaches of Bora Bora to Paul Gauguin's exclusive inlet Motu Mahana for the ultimate in luxurious rest and relaxation.12. Every Corner of the Globe: Cruisers can circle the globe and see all corners of the globe aboard a ship. Crystal Cruises' Grand Continental Odysseys cruise takes passengers around the world, literally. From Los Angeles to Monte Carlo, cruisers can take in the wonders of the world with a multitude of stops around the globe and excursions that include exploring tropical rainforests in Hawaii, shopping for native handcrafts in Samoa, exploring the beauty of St. Helena, and indulge in the artistic and architectural wonders of Barcelona.For more information about cruise travel or how you could enter to win a cruise of choice from October 1- October 31, 2016, please visit
Ukrainian pharmaceutical company Farmak plans to register its products in Malaysia by late 2018, Farmak Business Development Director Oleh Siarkevych has told Interfax-Ukraine.

He said that first the company intends to bring its strategic products to new markets, in particular, insulin and Amizonum created by the company.

In addition, the company plans to offer its ophthalmological portfolio to the Malaysian market, as well as contrast medium.

As reported, as part of the official visit of Poroshenko to Malaysia the Ukrainian-Malaysian Busines Forum was held early August. Ukrainian pharmaceutical manufacturers took part.
Head of public joint-stock company Ukrtransgaz Ihor Prokopiv has said negotiations on gas imports between Ukraine and Russia could resume after the completion of arbitration in Stockholm over the gas supply contract.

"As soon as the hearings end and there is no threat, we can meet," he told reporters in Kyiv on Wednesday.

He said that by the end of 2016 Ukraine would not need to import gas from Russia. He said that the country could require Russian gas imports in the first quarter of 2017.

Prokopiv said this is one of the issues to be discussed by European Commission Vice President for Energy Union Maros Sefcovic with Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak. The two officials are scheduled to meet on October 15 when trilateral talks on the conditions of gas supplies to Ukraine from Russia are resumed.
French National Assembly deputy Thierry Mariani said he sees no prospects of the EU sanctions being lifted from Russia in the near future.

"As to the sanctions, it seems to me that they were imposed for a long time. I don't expect the situation in this matter to improve in the coming year," he told Interfax on Wednesday.

In 2014, the European Union imposed sanctions on Russia over the events in eastern Ukraine and the reunion of Crimea and Russia. The sanctions were later broadened and prolonged several times.

On July 1, 2016, the Council of the European Union officially prolonged the anti-Russia sanctions until January 31, 2017.
There aren't any fun options for dealing with a failing bank. Bail it out with taxpayer funds, and taxpayers are A) marginally poorer (perhaps temporarily), and B) very upset. Bail it in with bondholder funds, and bondholders are A) notably poorer, B) also very upset, and C) maybe freaked over their exposure to other banks, potentially sparking a wider selloff. After 2008, governments sought to strike a balance between keeping up political appearances and mitigating economic disruption. In 2014, the European Commission tried to remedy the uncertainty and protect taxpayers, crafting bank resolution rules requiring bondholders to take a hit before banks could tap government funds. Debate will continue over whether or not this was the right choice. But a key is that they have a rule-and sticking to it would provide a big improvement over 2008's haphazard approach. The question, however, is: Will they? The years-long story of one bad Austrian bank, which largely concluded Monday, sets a loose precedent and template.

In 2008, regulators didn't follow any standard playbook, instead getting "creative" and dealing with each bank encountering issues uniquely. Bear Stearns, a troubled investment bank facing a liquidity crunch, finds a buyer (JPMorgan Chase) with the Fed's help in March. Yet Lehman Brothers, a troubled-yet-solvent investment bank facing a liquidity crunch, fails after the Fed prevents a sale. Fellow investment banks Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley are allowed to re-register as bank holding companies over a weekend-permitting them to tap the Fed for liquidity aid. Three approaches just for investment banks! Wachovia and WaMu are allowed to fail before buyers swoop in. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac were nationalized. AIG (troubled insurance company, etc.) is partly nationalized. Sometimes bondholders were hit, sometimes just stockholders. See a pattern? Neither do we, and neither did markets at the time, which panicked (in part) due to regulator-induced uncertainty. That's haphazard.

Now, to the tale at hand: When the 1990s began, Hypo Alpe Adria (HAA) was just a small regional bank making boring loans to vanilla borrowers in Carinthia, an Austrian province. But in 1992, a shady partnership with a local politician brought HAA official Carinthian backing for all its loans. Lower borrowing costs allowed HAA to expand its reach throughout Southeast Europe, while the Carinthian guarantee allowed it to make extremely risky (and often fraudulent) loans. By 2006 the jig was up, and HAA was put up for sale.

German bank BayernLB bit, buying a controlling stake in 2007, despite its own analysts labeling the bank a "squeezed-out lemon." (Later lawsuits alleged its top executives misled the board about the potential risks.) This was a prescient metaphor: HAA bled cash through 2009, at which point BayernLB refused to provide any more capital, and HAA, Carinthia and perhaps even Austria's entire deposit insurance system was feared insolvent. In stepped the authorities: In December 2009, Austria nationalized HAA for pennies on the euro. But after desperately trying for five years to squeeze more juice from the lemon by hunting down and selling nonperforming assets, they gave up. In October 2014, Austrian regulators split HAA into two banks-one with salvageable assets,[i] and the other with everything else (18 billion worth): a "bad bank" called Heta Asset Resolution.

A bad bank is designed to hold and gradually liquidate nonperforming assets. This simultaneously shields the original lender from losing money, and allows the new company to focus on working out terms with creditors.[ii] Austria "bailed in" BayernLB by voiding 800 million euros of loans, plus another 890 million euros in junior debt held by a range of lenders. This was the first usage of the EU's bank resolution rules, and it ruffled some feathers. BayernLB sued. Austria sued back. Moody's downgraded debt at 11 Austrian banks. And it still wasn't over: After burning through even more taxpayer money (to the tune of 5.5 billion since 2009), Austria was staring at another 7.6 billion funding hole.

Austria then sought to end the story. In March 2015, Heta declared a 15-month moratorium on further debt payments while they worked out a final deal with creditors-an even deeper haircut for bondholders. "Uncharted territory," said one analyst. "An unprecedented and severe blow to the capital markets," said another. But Austria stuck to its guns. After months of negotiations, Austria announced Monday that 98.7% of Heta's creditors voted to accept a haircut on the remaining 11 billion debt pile.[iii] No one got quite what they wanted, but at least the expensive legal battles underway are now moot, Carinthia seems free of its debilitating guarantees and the Austrian financial system gains back some of its lost credibility. Other banks with exposure had already written down the debt by more than what they'll get-not only didn't the European financial system implode, but a few banks will book a gain of sorts. Above all, though, Austria applied the bail-in rule more or less as it is designed.

The application of bail-in rules has been a contentious point in the eurozone since at least late last year, when Portugal and Italy saw vast political blowback when they forced bail-ins of junior bondholders in two long-troubled institutions. That stirred some uncertainty at the year's outset as to what eurozone regulators would do in the future. Would the rule bring the intended predictability or would regulators cave to political pressure, reintroducing haphazard behavior?

While we still can't say for certain how regulators will behave whenever the next crisis arrives, HAA's story suggests there is willingness to stick to bail-in rules. Crucially, setting a clear, predictable bail-in precedent also changes the choices outlined in the introduction. The bail-in option still hits bondholders, but is less likely to spark a wider sell-off because creditors start out more aware of their investments' riskiness and don't have to suddenly adapt to a negative surprise. In 2008, regulators appeared to be making it up as they went along, introducing new and dialing up existing risks and uncertainties. Rules like the EU's that set forth a clear roadmap for bank resolution should help avoid such wild responses in the future.
The community of Bent Mountain, long a hotbed of resistance to survey crews seeking a route for the Mountain Valley Pipeline, witnessed this week an escalation of tension among property owners, surveyors and Roanoke County police.

Roberta Bondurant, a Bent Mountain resident who has helped organize pipeline opposition there, expressed fears Wednesday that the situation could lead to tragedy.

At the heart of the conflict is a controversial state law that allows natural gas companies to survey private property without an owners permission. Thats true as long as the company follows the laws guidelines for providing proper notice of when surveying will occur  with debate swirling around what constitutes proper notice.

In Roanoke County, until this week, Mountain Valley Pipeline had agreed that its crews would not survey properties when a landowner who had formally denied access to their property was at the scene and had either barred their initial access or asked them to leave if theyd already started surveying.

And this has been the policy guiding county police officers called to the scene by property owners or their neighbors. If the property owner was present, the police would ask the surveyors to leave.

Mountain Valley said early on that it would then seek a court order to allow surveyors to enter a property without the owners interference.

The company wants to bury a 42-inch-diameter natural gas transmission pipeline that will travel through several regional counties if approved by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission.

On Monday, a large group of pipeline surveyors entered the Bent Mountain property of Kathy and James Chandler even though Kathy Chandler was at the scene and voiced her opposition. Police did not ask the surveyors to leave.

In August, Mountain Valley had filed a motion in Roanoke County Circuit Court seeking an injunction that would prohibit the Chandlers from interfering with surveying. Hearing dates were set and then continued, with the latest hearing scheduled for Oct. 27.

Subsequently, however, Mountain Valley notified the Chandlers, and county officials, that crews planned to enter the familys property on Oct. 10, 11 and 12 to complete surveys. The company also notified the county that its crews would not voluntarily leave the property this time if asked to exit.

Police Chief Howard Hall said Wednesday that the department has no legal authority to require the surveyors to leave or to bar their entry if Mountain Valley has followed the laws guidelines for notifying landowners.

Bondurant was on the scene Monday when surveyors  she counted more than 32  entered the Chandlers property. She and others have long argued that the survey notification letters sent to property owners do not follow the statute because they typically identify a range of dates when surveying might occur.

The law, 56-49.01, has been challenged in both state and federal court and has withstood those challenges to date. Related decisions are scheduled to be heard on appeal.

For months now, many Roanoke County landowners have reached out to police when crews have arrived, without the property owners permission, to survey their property.

Bondurant said sometimes inexperienced police officers cannot be expected to digest and understand a statute that confounds most professional legal thinkers.

She added, The exercise and operation of this statute is a tinderbox waiting to be lit.

Bondurant expressed frustration Wednesday that the surveyors were allowed to enter the Chandlers property with the hearing date for Mountain Valleys motion for an injunction against the family set for Oct. 27.

I have and others have, since the fall of 2014, repeatedly expressed to Roanoke County police, the county attorney and the commonwealths attorney the problems with this statute, Bondurant said. This week once again, it has been interpreted not by judges but rather by public officials and police  to the detriment of landowners.

On Tuesday, the day after crews surveyed the Chandlers property, Mountain Valleys attorney, Wade Massie, asked the court to dismiss the motion seeking an injunction against the family. Judge David Carson granted Massies request.

The Chandlers attorney, Chuck Lollar, said his clients are relieved the case has been dismissed but said they feel violated by the process that allowed their property to be surveyed without consent or the courts review.

Kathy Chandler told the countys board of supervisors Tuesday that the pipeline route, as currently envisioned, would slice the familys property in half.

Separately, Theresa Red Terry heard Monday from neighborhood watchdogs that pipeline surveyors were on her familys property off Poor Mountain Road and hurried home to do what she could to expel them.

County police arrived but hours passed before surveyors agreed to leave, Terry said.

I was not a happy camper, she said Wednesday. And I am not a quiet unhappy camper. I asked one of the surveyors, Why would you want to steal my property? Would you give me your address so I can rummage around in your yard? 

Natalie Cox, a spokeswoman for Mountain Valley Pipeline, said Wednesday that the joint venture feels compelled to move forward with surveying after a prolonged effort to gain permission for access.

It is always our preference to perform surveys with each landowners permission, and while most landowners have given us authorization, others have continued to deny property access, Cox said.

For a very small subset of parcels and locations along the proposed route where MVP continues to face objection, MVP is moving forward with surveying activities as permitted by the Virginia statute, she said.

As of Sept. 2, only 47 percent of centerline surveying work in Roanoke County was complete, compared with about 98 percent complete in Montgomery County and about 97 percent complete in Franklin County, according to Mountain Valley.

Hall said the law creates challenges for police officers who respond to property owners requests for assistance, noting he cannot instruct officers to ignore the law. And officers cannot be expected to decide at the scene whether property owners have received proper notification of surveying from Mountain Valley.

This law puts us in a very, very bad position, Hall said.

Richard Caywood, assistant county administrator, has been the countys point person on the pipeline. He said the county is working now with Mountain Valley to try to clarify the companys intentions around surveying properties when landowners are present and deny access.

He said the county wants to do all it can to ensure public safety, noting that the project has created tension in the county and will likely continue to do so if the pipeline moves forward.

Terry, for one, said she is prepared to chain herself to a tree in a stand of old growth oaks on her familys 250 acres on Bent Mountain to protect them from pipeline builders.
A subcontractor employee killed last week while on the job at the WestRock Co. plant in Covington died from blunt force trauma to the neck and chest, an autopsy has determined.

The death of Kent Duane Johnson was ruled accidental, according to the state medical examiners office in Roanoke, which conducted the autopsy after the Oct. 6 incident at the paper mill.

WestRock officials have declined to release Johnsons name or details of the accident, which happened at 3:15 a.m.

According to an obituary that ran in the Brainerd Dispatch in Brainerd, Minnesota, Johnson, 57, of nearby Cushing, died Oct. 6 from injuries sustained in a work-related accident.

A mechanical engineer, Johnson was self-employed and traveled across the country to do service engineering work at paper and pulp mills, often when the plants were closed for the night, said his close friend, Roger Hogstad of Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

Johnson enjoyed an intellectual challenge, Hogstad said, and was very meticulous and very precise in his work.

When he was home with his wife, Bobbie, Johnson always had a project going in his shop, where dogs and cats were often underfoot. Johnsons love for animals made it hard for him to resist strays that crossed his path, Hogstad said.

In response to questions Tuesday about the accident, WestRock spokeswoman Rebecca Johnson forwarded a news release from Valmet, a contractor hired to do a rebuild project at the mill.

In a serious workplace accident  an employee of Valmets subcontractor was severely injured and died, the news release stated.

We have informed the personnel working with the project on site and are providing them the needed support, Jeff Braunwart, health, safety and environment manager for Valmet, was quoted as saying in the release. Investigation of the accident has been started together with the customer and the authorities.

The news release did not name the employee who died or provide details of what happened; Braunwart declined to elaborate.

Jennifer Rose, program director for Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Compliance Program, confirmed last week that the agency is investigating the death.

WestRock, created in the merger last year of Richmond-based MeadWestvaco Corp. and Georgia-based Rock-Tenn Co., is a major employer in Alleghany County. The company makes paper and packaging such as cardboard boxes and folding cartons.

It was unclear how long Johnson had been working at the Covington plant.

But if the road trip to the Alleghany Highlands was like the others Johnson took, his friend said, he was likely enjoying the chance to see new places and meet new people.

Kent was not a person who would be happy doing a 9-to-5 desk job, Hogstad said. He was the type of person who was very full of life, and he liked to live life to the fullest.
Chief of Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office (PGO) Yuriy Lutsenko said at a meeting with the heads of diplomatic missions from EU member states, the United States and Japan on Tuesday that the PGO does not intend to limit the independence of newly-formed anti-corruption agencies.

"The PGO head assured the guests that his agency holds a purely constructive position and does not intend to impinge on the independence of newly-formed anti-corruption agencies. Lutsenko called for cooperation between the law-enforcement agencies in efforts to combat corruption," the PGO's press service said in a statement on Wednesday.

The issue was the subject of discussion of forming an effective system for battling corruption in Ukraine and the role of the PGO in it.

"How to effectively counter corruption is the priority of the PGO and its effectiveness has increased substantially," Lutsenko said.

The PGO head told diplomats about progress and notorious criminal cases being investigated by his office, as well as indictments sent to court involving acts of alleged corruption committed by officials in the incumbent government.

Lutsenko briefing the guests on the results of productive cooperation between the law-enforcement agencies to uncover crimes committed by the so-called "amber mafia," illegal logging and timber sales, banking shenanigans and shady land deals.

Participants in the meeting also discussed reforming the PGO in the context of recent legislative initiatives, including changes to the Constitution of Ukraine in the part of justice. Lutsenko informed the guests on the competitive selection of "non-systemic" personnel for vacant positions in local prosecutors' offices, as well as competitions to create new offices within the PGO, such as the PGO inspection bureau, which will be tasked with rooting out corruption within the PGO.

"A crucial aspect of the battle against corruption is attacking it frontally with the participation of all law-enforcement agencies. Corruption in Ukraine, unfortunately, remains too widespread and, therefore, there can be no monopoly on investigating [corruption] crimes," he said.

"The heads of the diplomatic missions pledged their further support for the PGO at the end of the meeting," the PGO press service said.
MARTINSVILLE  As the new superintendent of the citys public schools, Zeb Talley will receive a roughly 23 percent pay raise as part of his contract, which runs for nearly three years.

Under the contract, approved by the Martinsville School Board in a unanimous vote on Monday, Talley will get an annual salary of $120,000. That is up from his previous salary of approximately $92,000 as a principal and the interim superintendent.

His new salary will become effective on Nov. 1, the three-page contract shows.

In comparison, his predecessor, Pam Heath, who spent 15 years with Martinsvilles schools, initially received an annual salary of $123,012 when she was named superintendent in 2010. When she retired in July, she was earning $134,937 per year, her contract showed.

Heaths predecessor, Scott Kizner, was earning $167,344 a year when he resigned to become superintendent of the Harrisonburg schools. He still holds that position.

In setting Talleys salary, school board Chairwoman Joan Montgomery said Tuesday, He asked for a higher amount. We offered him a lower amount. A lawyer negotiated the amount that he will be paid.

But we wanted to offer him an appropriate amount based on our number of schools and his experience, or lack thereof, as a school division superintendent, Montgomery said.

A 40-year veteran of the city schools, Talley became interim superintendent when Heath retired. At that time, he was principal of Patrick Henry Elementary School. He previously was co-principal of Martinsville Middle School.

Talleys contract states that the school board can provide him performance bonuses in such amounts and at such times as it deems appropriate. He will receive all employment benefits that other school division employees get, including vacation, sick leave and personal leave. The boards chairperson must approve any such leave.

Both Heath and Kizner received $6,000 annual car allowances.

Talleys contract does not contain such an allowance. Instead, it states that the school division will provide him a late model vehicle and a credit card for gasoline for use while he is superintendent. Montgomery said he will use a car owned by the school division while handling the schools business.

He also will be provided a cell phone and service, as well as a laptop computer, to use in carrying out his duties as superintendent, the contract shows.

In addition, the division will buy Talley a $5,000 annuity of his choice, pay for his membership in the Virginia Association of School Superintendents and pay costs for his attendance at professional development seminars, conferences and workshops held by the organization, according to the contract.

Montgomery said that Heaths contract contained more perks, but Talley did not ask for more.

Talley also is the pastor of a church in Danville.

The board acknowledges and accepts  Talleys concurrent service as a Minister of the Christian Gospel and that upon occasion, Talleys pastoral duties may conflict and take precedence over his service as Superintendent, the contract states. Talley shall make every effort to inform the Board Chairman when such occasions arise.

The contract runs through June 30, 2019. It shows that Talley is to receive evaluations annually in June as well as whenever else the board believes it is appropriate.

Either the board or Talley can end the contract with 60 days written notice to the other party. If he ever is fired, the board must make that decision in a majority vote, the contract states.

If the board ends the contract, Talley is to receive half of the total amount of his remaining salary and benefits as severance unless he is terminated due to committing a crime or other type of wrongdoing, the contact shows. It mentions that any severance can be paid in a lump sum.

Asked whether he is satisfied with the terms, Talley said Tuesday that the contract is just a necessary evil as part of his employment as superintendent.

Im very thankful that the board would trust me  to try and turn around our schools, he said, referring to his oversight of ongoing efforts to make the schools fully accredited under the state Standards of Learning.

A lot of people dont get the opportunity to be superintendent, even when they have worked for a school division for as long as he has worked for the Martinsville schools, he mentioned.

Ultimately, Im just very appreciative to be able to work with these young people (enrolled in the schools) and their families, Talley added.

Mickey Powell reports for the Martinsville Bulletin. He can be reached at mickey.powell@martinsvillebulletin.com.
In Defence of Marxism is committed to safeguarding your privacy. At all times we aim to respect any personal data you share with us, or that we receive from other organisations, and keep it safe. This Privacy Policy (Policy) sets out our data collection and processing practices and your options regarding the ways in which your personal information is used.

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The degree of the 'Normandy Four' meeting's preparedness is such that the summit date cannot be announced for now, Kremlin press secretary Dmitry Peskov said.

"As you know, we have always been accurate when we speak about such plans. Let me emphasize this: preparations are underway and we will make a final statement when we are ready. This degree of readiness has yet to be attained," Peskov said on Wednesday, answering a media question about the possibility to hold a 'Normandy Four' meeting in Berlin on October 19.
John Stumpf

John Stumpf testifies before the Senate Banking Committee on Sept. 20. Wells Fargo's embattled CEO is out effective immediately, with President and Chief Operating Officer Tim Sloan taking over as the head of the one of the nation's largest banks, the company announced Wednesday.

(Susan Walsh Associated Press File)

By KEN SWEET, Associated Press

NEW YORK -- Wells Fargo's embattled CEO John Stumpf is stepping down as the nation's second-largest bank is roiled by a scandal over its sales practices.

The San Francisco bank said Wednesday that Stumpf is retiring effective immediately and also relinquishing his title as chairman. It had earlier announced that Stumpf, the bank's CEO since 2007, will forfeit $41 million in stock awards.

Wells Fargo's chief operating officer, Tim Sloan, will succeed Stumpf as CEO. Stephen Sanger, the bank's lead director, will serve as the board's non-executive chairman.

Stumpf faced congressional hearings and consumer wrath last month after Wells Fargo was found to have opened millions of unauthorized bank accounts.

Wells Fargo & Co. had been well-known in the banking industry for its ability to sell customers multiple products, such as a new account, a mortgage, a retirement account, or even online banking. The company has agreed to pay $185 million to settle allegations that its workers opened millions of accounts without customers' permission to reach aggressive sales targets.

Stumpf, a 34-year veteran of the bank, had previously gained acclaim for navigating Wells Fargo through the financial crisis and keeping it free of scandal. But he came under withering pressure over the alleged misconduct, believed to have gone on at the bank for years. Some 5,300 lower-level employees were fired.
Speedsters, get ready to start your engines and put the pedal to the metal as the Autobahn Indoor Speedway will be holding its grand opening in Hadley this week.

The European-style go-karting company will open its new 34,000-square-foot, climate controlled indoor facility at the Hampshire Mall on Thursday at 11 a.m.

This will be Autobahn's first location in Western Massachusetts. According to the company's Managing Partner David Larson, Autobahn is looking forward to drawing in locals for an indoor electric kart racing experience.

The company will be celebrating the grand opening of its new facility by donating 50 percent of its earnings that day to Special Olympics Massachusetts.

"Together with the Special Olympics Massachusetts, we can shed more light on this incredible organization and their dedication for those with intellectual disabilities," says Sean Maher, director of marketing for the Autobahn Indoor Speedway, in a press release.

Director of Development at Special Olympics Massachusetts Rachel Dill added, "We are thrilled that Autobahn Indoor Speedway in Hadley chose Special Olympics Massachusetts as its charity of choice as they celebrate their grand opening. In Massachusetts alone we serve close to 12,000 athletes throughout the state and have a large Hampshire county program!"

Hadley's indoor karting center will be one of 11 Autobahn facilities by the end of the year. The organization built its following around its Italian-made, electric go-karts which reach 50 mph, and its Grand Prix-style tracks.

"These are not the slow, rattling ' go carts' you may be used to as a kid", says Larson in a press release. "Our karts are the highest performance available, state of the art and built for safety. One of the first things people notice is the torque of our electric motors - that acceleration is amazing! The handling is also top of the line with hydraulic disc brakes, a rear differential and competition style racing tires."

The company provides instruction to first time racers and leagues for experienced drivers, while also offering Junior Karts with slower speeds for younger patrons.

The facility will offer a variety of packages for events and groups year round, as well as "Arrive & Drive" races for patrons with no reservations.
ENFIELD, Conn. -- Carr Hardware & Supply Co. will host grand opening events this weekend Oct. 15 and Oct. 16 for its new Carr Hardware at Brightwood Center location at 481 Enfield St., Enfield, Connecticut.

Saturday, its a Bucket Sale. Purchase a bucket for $4.99 and receive 25 percent off almost anything you can fit in it. All proceeds from the bucket sales will go to benefit the Enfield Food Shelf pantry program. A ribbon cutting is set for 11 a.m. with the Northern Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce, according to a news release.

Both Saturday and Sunday, register to win a Weber Spirit E-210 Black LP gas grill and on Sunday only there will be coupon available to save 50 percent on any one item of f $39.99 or less.

Carr, based in Pittsfield, is a family owned company founded in 1928.

In April, Carr bought the former Brightwood Hardware, also a family business. Carr took over Brightwood's True Value affiliation as well.

Jacob Fieldstein, who opened Brightwood Hardware in 1921 in the Brightwood section of Springfield. Then, 52-years ago, Maurice "Moe" Fieldstein took over from his Dad and opened the second store in the Big Y plaza at at 794 Williams St. in Longmeadow. Moe Fieldstein retired in 2013.

The store needed to move from the Big Y Plaza to make space for an expected expansion of the supermarket.

Carr has True Value hardware stores in five locations besides Enfield. Four are in Berkshire County: Pittsfield, North Adams, Lee and Great Barringtom. Carr also has a location in Avon, Connecticut.

The Enfield location opened Sept. 1. it is just south of the Connecticut-Massachusetts state line.
The political subgroup of the Trilateral Contact Group has failed to reach a compromise on modalities of the prospective elections in individual districts in Donetsk and Luhansk regions, First Deputy Speaker of Ukraine's parliament and Ukrainian representative to the humanitarian subgroup at the Minsk negotiations Iryna Gerashchenko said.

"The political group in Minsk has so far failed to reach a compromise on the modalities. The so-called 'primaries' held in the individual districts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions did not comply with the Ukrainian laws, so any elections would be out of the question in the near future," Gerashchenko wrote on Facebook on Wednesday.

She also said that the remarks made by French President Francois Hollande at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in regard to the way the events in eastern Ukraine should develop, which sparked indignation on social networks, did not send any new messages.

"This is the stance of France and Germany, which personifies the EU stance: security - elections (consistent with Ukrainian laws and international standards [...])  control of the border," Gerashchenko said.

She added that Ukraine advocated a slightly different position: security should come first (including the removal of foreign armaments and hardware from Ukrainian territory), then humanitarian affairs (the release of everyone from illegal custody without any blackmail and with an amnesty, which must take effect only alongside the political provisions), restoration of Kyiv's control over the border with Russia with OSCE SMM presence, and only after that political affairs (elections held in accordance with Ukrainian laws and with international monitoring).

"This is our stance. There must be European observers in the elections. European Parliament deputies and employees of the European Parliament and national parliaments are currently barred from visiting Donbas for security reasons, so any elections are out of the question," Gerashchenko said.
Poroshenko to pay his first official visit to Norway

Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko will go on an official visit to Norway on October 18, the presidential press service has said.

During his first visit in the history of the bilateral relations, he is to meet with Prime Minister Erna Solberg and the leadership of that country's parliament.

He is also scheduled to meet with King Harald V of Norway.

"A Ukrainian-Norwegian business forum will be held with the participation of the President of Ukraine and Prime Minister of Norway," the press service said.

Several bilateral documents aimed at deepening cooperation between Ukraine and Norway will be signed.
First Deputy Speaker of Ukraine's parliament and member of Ukraine's delegation to PACE Iryna Gerashchenko claims Ukraine's delegation to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe is preparing to challenge the credentials of PACE President Pedro Agramunt, online portal Evropeiska Pravda reported on Tuesday.

Gerashchenko says Agramunt recently made public statements that fully coincide with the Russian position, including the cancellation of political sanctions introduced by the Assembly against the Russian delegation.

"We are concerned that a politician delegated by the European People's Party to this post deviates from the EPP's views and PACE principles. We must take this into account and have started consultations with colleagues in the [EPP's political] group. We have touched on this issue not only with the EPP's political group at PACE, but also with the leaders of the European People's Party, who are disturbed by Agramunt's position," Gerashchenko said.

The Ukrainian delegation has not started the procedure to call back the PACE president yet, but is making preparations.

"Now we are looking into the regulations together to officially raise the issue at the Assembly. Agramunt doesn't care about his reputation. He is concerned about his post. We'll target this weak spot of his," she said.

Evropeiska Pravda writes that it will be possible to launch the procedure for the change of the PACE president only in January, when a new session will open and PACE heads' credentials will be endorsed.

PACE elects a new president for two years, Agramunt's tenure began in 2016.

Should the Ukrainian delegation secure considerable support from parliamentarians from other countries, his tenure might be terminated in 2017.
For the fifth year in a row, Wyoming ranked No. 1 in the Tax Foundations State Business Tax Climate Index.

The independent tax policy research study measures the best business climates in America.

The best overall ranking for the Cowboy State is largely due to Wyomings lack of corporate or individual income tax, as well as the states low sales tax.

Brendan Meyer 307-266-0544, [email protected]

Full Story: http://trib.com/news/state-and-regional/wyoming-ranks-first-in-country-for-business-climate/article_73128fab-5458-5db9-845a-63786c684d04.html
In Montana, where such research is scarce, a 1995 study  limited to a dozen teachers  found that pairing experienced teachers who volunteered as mentors with their rookie counterparts resulted in more than 90 percent of teachers staying in the profession after two years, compared with 73 percent of teachers without mentors.

To meet that need for teacher support, the Office of Public Instruction recently unveiled an online training tool http://learninghub.mrooms.net/ for teachers. More than 3,000 users have registered, and by the states count about 1,400 educators from 298 schools have completed courses. Most of the educators are from small schools.

Demming, who grew up in Helena, sees more mentorship and training as a key to keeping teachers in rural schools.

"I dont think its money," he said.

By MATT HOFFMAN [email protected]

Full Story: http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/education/mentorship-programs-though-scattered-provide-support-for-teachers-in-rural/article_0e127c6f-0b67-55e7-8f92-c7c5d532a931.html
Are you interested by the steel industry? Are you looking for a stimulating job where you will be able to achieve your professional goals within a growing company and North American leader?

ADF offers some of the industrys best pay, complemented by a range of benefits and by ADFs commitment to the health and safety of its personnel. We strive to ensure to that ADF Group Inc. continues to be an employer of choice.

Opportunities at ADF: http://www.adfgroup.com/jobs-2/jobs-great-falls-montana/fabrication

***

ADF plant in Great Falls, Montana lands contract to make steel for Salt Lake airport http://www.matr.net/article-73695.html
Monitors from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Special Monitoring Mission (OSCE SMM) to Ukraine report the lack of security guarantees in an area near the village of Petrivske in Donbas, where the opposing sides' forces and hardware had earlier been disengaged.

"Today again only limited access for OSCE SMM to Petrivske/Bohdanivka disengagement area - UAF [Ukrainian armed forces], 'DPR' [the self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic] have failed to guarantee SMM's security (possible mines)," the SMM said on Facebook on Wednesday.

"SMM is ready/able to monitor, but needs access," it said.

"UAF JCCC [Joint Ceasefire Control and Coordination Center] representative is present on the ground in Bohdanivka however cannot guarantee security for the SMM. RF AF [the Russian Federation's armed forces] JCCC rep is not present in Petrivske. JCCC should assist in ensuring safe & unhindered access for SMM, co-ordinate demining," the report says.

The members of the Trilateral Contact Group for settling the crisis in eastern Ukraine on September 21 signed an agreement on the separation of the forces in some populated areas along the line of contact in Donbas. The document envisions the establishment of three pilot security zones in the village of Petrivske on the line of contact with the DPR and in the villages of Zolote and Stanytsia Luhanska on the line of contact with the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic (LPR).

The parties originally agreed to start the disengagement of the forces and hardware in these pilot zones on October 1, but in reality forces were separated only in Zolote at the time. Following several attempts, forces were later separated also in Petrivske, while the separation of forces in Stanytsia Luhanska has been repeatedly disrupted.
The Ukrainian side during a meeting of the Trilateral Contact Group on Donbas conflict settlement in the form of the video conference said the self-proclaimed Luhansk People's Republic is disrupting the disengagement of forces near Stanytsia Luhanska and called on the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to observe disengagement areas round the clock.

"The Ukrainian side has raised the issue of disruption of the framework decision on the disengagement of forces and hardware by the separate areas of Luhansk region (the so-called Luhansk People's Republic), in particular near Stanytsia Luhanska, as well as their non-compliance with the ceasefire regime and its obligations under the Minsk agreements by the separate areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions," the press secretary of the Ukrainian representative in the group, second president of Ukraine Leonid Kuchma Darka Olifer wrote after the video conference ended on Tuesday evening.

In addition, Kyiv insists that observers of the OSCE SMM should arrange for round-the-clock monitoring of the situation in the areas of disengagement of forces and hardware.

"We insist on constant monitoring in the areas of withdrawal of forces and means of the OSCE SMM observers," Olifer wrote.

Ukraine's representatives also demanded during the video conference the release of Ukrainian hostages held in Russia and territories outside Kyiv control.

"We have addressed the Russian side with a demand to release Ukrainian journalist Roman Suschenko," Kuchma's press secretary said.
By moving Iskander missile complex to Kaliningrad region, Russia is raising tension in the Baltic Sea region, Lithuanian Ambassador to Ukraine Marius Janukonis has said.

"Of course such actions by Russia cause concern and this means a certain tension is building up in the region," the ambassador said in an interview with Interfax-Ukraine commenting on the transfer of the Iskander missile complex to Russia's Kaliningrad region.

He also said Lithuania has taken steps with NATO's assistance to increase its defense capability.

"We believe in NATO and feel safe," Janukonis said.
The American Pickers team returns to North Carolina and they are looking for some hidden treasures.

Do you know anyone in McDowell who might be interested?

Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz, and their team are excited to return to North Carolina

They plan to film episodes of the hit series American Pickers throughout the region this fall.

The show is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique  picking  on History.

The hit show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for Americas most valuable antiques. They are always excited to find sizeable, unique collections and learn the interesting stories behind them.

As they hit the back roads from coast to coast, Mike and Frank are on a mission to recycle and rescue forgotten relics. Along the way, the Pickers want to meet characters with remarkable and exceptional items. The pair hopes to give historically significant objects a new lease on life, while learning a thing or two about Americas past along the way.

Mike and Frank have seen a lot of rusty gold over the years and are always looking to discover something theyve never seen before. They are ready to find extraordinary items and hear fascinating tales about them. American Pickers is looking for leads and would love to explore your hidden treasure.

If you or someone you know has a large, private collection or accumulation of antiques that the Pickers can spend the better part of the day looking through, send in your name, phone number, location and description of the collection with photos to:

americanpickers@cineflix.com or call 855-old-rust.
The McDowell County Commissioners held another public hearing Monday about the expansion of an existing local company.

Last month, county officials held a hearing about a wood-working company that is already doing business here in McDowell. At the September hearing, County Manager Ashley Wooten said this firm plans to expand and create 14 more jobs. This firm is seeking grant money from N.C. Department of Commerce and state officials would have to make the official announcement.

At the September meeting, the commissioners held the public hearing, which drew no comments, and then approved the incentive, which was $42,000 over a three-year period.

Just a few days after that meeting, Wooten said he heard back from the company and was informed that this firm now plans to create 20 new jobs. This change meant the county must hold a second public hearing. The incentive being offered to the company will now be $60,000.

It is competitive, he said. Were not able to name the company.

As required by law, the commissioners held their second public hearing about this project. It was done at the regular October meeting held at Historic Carson House.

Suzanne Johnson of Nebo was the only member of the public who spoke saying 20 is better than 14.

After closing the hearing, the commissioners voted unanimously to approve this economic development incentive.

In other business, the McDowell County Commissioners:

 Heard a report from Wooten about local EMS personnel who are now assisting with rescue and emergency response in the eastern North Carolina counties that were flooded because of Hurricane Matthew.

 Heard an update about the two water projects (Nebo and Universal) are that are now underway. Both projects should be completed after the first of the year. Wooten said county staff would like to proceed with an evaluation of where to build the next lines and find available funding. County officials said they would like to extend a line on Stacy Hill Road to U.S. 70 as well as run lines north of Nebo Elementary School. Wooten said he would keep the commissioners informed about the public hearing regarding the reclassification of Lake James as part of the overall county water project. This hearing should be held sometime after the first of the year.

 Appointed Vicki Burton, Scot Robinson and Tara Williams-Cox to the Library Board of Trustees. Laura McCurry was appointed to the Nursing Home/Adult Care Committee.

 Heard a report about the courthouse project, which is complete. The lower courtroom has been finished and is back in regular use. The furnishings (benches and tables) are on order and will be installed in the next several months. The holding cells in the lower area have been complete for a while and will be used when court is back in session. The jail project is essentially complete with a few mechanical items remaining to be done. There will be more improvements in the future, including a third courtroom and installing new windows.

 Talked about using the old landfill on N.C. 226 South as a place for solar panels. Over the years, the county has heard from various companies interested in using it for solar panels. Wooten said two companies have proposed putting solar panels on the site. Ive tried to stay neutral because it is two companies, he added. Commissioners agreed to move forward with using the old landfill for solar panels.

 Set a public hearing for a no-wake buoy request on Lake James. Some residents of the Waterglyn subdivision have asked for one to be placed in that part of the lake. The commissioners agreed to hold the hearing at the November meeting.

 Remembered the late Michael Gibson, who was the director of McDowell County Department of Social Services for many years. He died on Oct. 3 at the age of 76 after battling Parkinsons disease.
Anna Creek Station owned by S. Kidman &Co.[Photo: military.china.com]

Australian mining magnate and the country's second richest person, Gina Rinehart is set to join Chinese firm Shanghai CRED in acquiring Australia's largest pastoral landholding, S. Kidman &Co.

Following the government's rejection of two previous Chinese bids for the cattle empire, a statement released on the Rinehart's company's website on Sunday said the Chinese firm would take a 33 percent stake while Rinehart's company Hancock Prospecting would control 67 percent of the landholding.

The bid, worth a reported $280 million, will result in the foundation of a joint venture company called Australian Outback Beef, in which the Kidman landholding will be placed. The deal is still subject to review by Australia's Foreign Investment Review Board.

Following review, federal Treasurer Scott Morrison must also approve the bid; he has previously blocked foreign bids for the landholding but is reportedly more likely to approve a bid with a majority Australian ownership.

Meanwhile Rinehart, worth $6.5 billion, is also close with Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and this relationship is expected to boost the prospects of the deal's approval.

A statement released by Hancock Prospecting last night said Rinehart and Shanghai CRED would be proud to uphold the strong values S. Kidman &Co have shown for generations.

"Kidman is an iconic cattle business established more than half a century ago by Sir Sidney Kidman," the statement said.

"It is an operation founded on hard work and perseverance by an outstanding Australian and is an important part of Australia's pioneering and entrepreneurial history."

Earlier this year, Shanghai CRED along with Shanghai Pengxin submitted a bid which was rejected on national interest grounds.

Before the sale is finalized it requires the state governments to change the pastoral lease holdings. It also requires approval from China's National Development and Reform Commission, Ministry of Finance and Commerce, and State Administration of Foreign Exchange.

S. Kidman &Co. is a landholding which covers 101,000 square kilometers across four states: South Australia, Western Australian, Queensland and the Northern Territory.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited the Macao Museum during his visit to the Special Administrative Region on October 11, 2016.

Known as a history book of integration between the Chinese and Western cultures, the Macao Museum recorded the development of Macaos international trades. In the museum, the European tea set is juxtaposed with Chinese tea, and the collar from traditional Chinese cheongsam decorates a Western wedding gown.

Premier Li hailed this mixture between the Chinese and Western cultures. Macao has to promote the integration between cultures, and realize development in openness, Li said.

Our Premier was also warmly greeted by Macao residents outside of the Macao Museum.

The crowds had been waiting for the Premier during his inspection of the Museum. When Li stepped out of the building, he was surrounded by the residents and tourists who were all eager to take pictures with the Premier.

Li accepted all their friendly requests, and ensured that they used their own cellphones to take pictures. Dont mix up your cellphone with others, the Premier reminded them after taking pictures.
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by Sara Guaglione , October 11, 2016

After an extensive search for its next editor-in-chief, The Atlantic has appointed Jeffrey Goldberg, the magazine's national correspondent since 2007.

He replaces James Bennet, who left The Atlantic this May to become the editorial-page editor of The New York Times.

The appointment is effective immediately. He is The Atlantics 14th editor since it was founded in 1857.

Goldberg will oversee editorial in print, digital and video, as well as guide the editorial teams at CityLab and the companys events division, Atlantic LIVE.

He will work closely with The Atlantics magazine editor Scott Stossel, editor of TheAtlantic.com J.J. Gould and Atlantic Studios general manager and executive producer Kasia Cieplak-mayr von Baldegg on video.

Goldberg told The New York Times he plans to focus on growing quickly on all platforms while maintaining Atlantic-level standards and quality. He has written 11 cover stories for The Atlantic. His in-depth article based on interviews with Barack Obama, The Obama Doctrine, spread across 21 pages in the magazines April issue and was widely acclaimed.

He was also one of the authors for the magazine's announcement endorsing Hillary Clinton for president, only the third presidential endorsement in the magazines history.

Goldberg was a former Mideast correspondent, and former Washington Correspondent of The New Yorker, as well as a writer for The New York Times Magazine and New York, where he covered organized crime.

Goldberg is taking on The Atlantics editorial operations as the publisher aggressively grows in the digital space. The Atlantics online audience rose to 19 million unique online visitors in the U.S., a roughly 50% increase from August 2015, according to comScore. Per the NYT, the company said it expected its total revenue to increase 20% this year.
by Larissa Faw , October 11, 2016

Ad shop Red Tettemer OConnell + Partners (RTO+P) and craft spirit brand Peach Street Distillers are rolling out the first in a series of limited-edition seasonal batches of TuB Gin called Hoppy Plum.

For the agency, the project is part labor of love and part immersive learning about a business and brand they market.

The TuB spirits brand launched in 2008 with a partnership between RTO+P and Peach Street.

Since TuBs inception, RTO+P has led all the visual identity, branding, packaging and marketing duties for the brand.

For a time, RTO+P CEO Steve Red worked at the distillery to get an inside look at the operation.

The Hoppy Plum flavored gin is the first of a series of special-edition flavors that will be released to select markets over the holiday season.

"We want to open up new mouths and minds to TuB Gin by releasing special, seasonal batches that will add a twist to entertaining and the enthusiasts tastes," says Red.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang visited the home of local resident Mai Zhengang in Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on October 11, 2016, to get first-hand knowledge of how life is like for local residents of the SAR.

Seeing that the three generations live happily under one roof, Premier Li wished the seniors longevity and the young people success in their careers. Knowing that the six-year-old son of Mai Zhengang is about to celebrate his birthday, Premier Li signed the back of their family photo as a gift.
by Tanya Gazdik , October 12, 2016

VisitBritain and Expedia are launching a multimillion-dollar, three-year partnership to market Britain to Americans.

The campaign aims to generate over $165 million of additional visitor spend to the UK economy. The U.S. is considered Britains most valuable inbound visitor market. Visits from the U.S. grew 10% to 3.3 million in 2015.

The multi-phase campaign introduces Americans to 365 Days of #OMGB British travel moments on a bespoke content platform (www.expedia.com/omgb). A TV campaign will be launched in the U.S. in January.

The content platform allows for other partners, including airline partners, destination management organizations and travel suppliers to provide detailed local information about places that are not so well known by international visitors.

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The campaign will also leverage influencers and social media to encourage visitors to share their own moments using #OMGB, which trended on Twitter earlier this month as part of teaser activity.

Developing products that make it easier for overseas visitors to navigate Britain and experience more of what the nations and regions have to offer is central to the partnership, which has already seen the integration of bookable rail products fast-tracked onto the Expedia platform.

This partnership with VisitBritain, which builds on our successful collaboration together over the last five years, will influence travelers across the purchase journey by highlighting the many hidden gems across all parts of the country throughout the year with easy ways to book a trip to Britain, says Noah Tratt, Expedia media solutions global senior vice president, in a release.

The campaign is part of the UK Governments global GREAT Britain campaign, which showcases the very best of what Britain has to offer as a place to visit, study and do business.
by Philip Rosenstein , Staff Writer, October 11, 2016

The foundations of the ad-tech landscape quickly shift as supporting technologies make their own leaps. Some businesses lose their edge, and others rise out of the ether, based largely on where consumers are moving online, which devices they spend their time on -- and, of course, financing interest.

The ad-tech space is still very fragmented, Jerry Hug, CEO of mobile ad-tech firm SITO, told Real-Time Daily. Despite a recent $10 million funding round announced by SITO, Hug affirms that it will continue to be difficult for ad-tech companies to access the public market.

There have been some recent bright spots, however, that might be signs of what is to come. The Trade Desk recently went public (on Sept. 21), seeming to solidify the staying power of programmatic and real-time bidding technologies.

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We are now entering the era of Ad Tech 2.0, explains Hug. Companies are benefiting from the mistakes and challenges that older companies had to work through.

A few trends frame this new iteration. First of all, investors are now much smarter in the ad-tech space, said Hug. The space is increasingly focused on mobile, as consumers amplify their usage of smartphones and tablets. Companies that are mobile-first or optimize for mobile have a leg up when soliciting funding.

Other realities put downward pressures on ad-tech companies, including advances in ad blocking, the rise of ad fraud and the constant churn of new ad-tech start-ups.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, October 11, 2016

Google has acquired FameBit, a technology platform that helps creators and brands find and work with each other through sponsorships and paid promotions.

While the terms of the deal were not disclosed, Google said that FameBit will remain a stand-alone company.

The logic behind the deal appears to be simple. As brands continue to build out channels on YouTube, they look for creators that make perfect partners who can help them build branded content that consumers can recognize through the talent, product placements, promotions and sponsorships.

Creators will always have the choice in how they work with brands, and there are many great companies who provide this service today, Ariel Bardin, YouTube VP of product management, wrote in a post. This acquisition doesnt change that. Our hope is that FameBits democratized marketplace will allow creators of all sizes to directly connect with brands, as well as provide a great technology solution for companies like MCNs and agencies to find matches for their creators and brand partners.

Bardin also explained how YouTube launched its Partner Program nine years ago with the goal of helping creators earn advertising revenue by connecting with audiences. In the last year alone, the top 100 advertisers increased the amount spent on YouTube video ads by 50%.

"From Hauls to Lookbooks, to Game Plays and Skits, weve watched brands and creators collaborate on more than 25,000 branded videos, generating over 2 billion minutes of watch time," wrote FameBit co-founders David Kierzkowski and Agnes Kozera on the company blog. "Every day we see more brands grow, transform and build closer connections with customers, while helping creators turn passion and influence into successful careers."

With help from its new parent company, the founders expect to tap into Google's relationship with brands and YouTubes partnership with creators to connect even more brands to creators, engage more audiences, and make brand marketing more creative and authentic than ever.
by Wendy Davis , Staff Writer @wendyndavis, October 11, 2016

Earlier this year, lawmakers in Louisville, Kentucky unanimously passed an ordinance aimed at making it easier for Google to bring its Gigabit fiber network to the city.

The measure, "One Touch Make Ready," enables potential broadband providers like Google to install new equipment on utility poles owned by other companies. Soon after the bill passed, AT&T Kentucky, which owns many of the poles in Louisville, sued in federal court to prevent the law from going into effect.

AT&T argues that the law conflicts with other regulations regarding utility poles. The company also has warned that the measure could result in service disruptions.

AT&T obviously also has reason to be concerned about the prospect of new competition from Google Fiber, if the Louisville measure stands.

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Google is now seeking to weigh in on the battle. Late last week, the company filed papers asking U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Russell in Louisville to rule against AT&T.

"In many communities, the only practicable way to build a new fiber-optic network requires stringing Google Fibers new cable along existing utility pole lines," Google argues in a proposed friend-of-the-court brief submitted.

The company adds that its fiber network offers Web connections at speeds "considerably faster" than what's offered by incumbent Internet service providers. "Where Google Fiber introduces service, existing providers invariably increase the quality or lower the cost of their own services to meet the new competition," Google says.

Google also asks Russell to reject AT&T's argument that the Louisville ordinance is unlawful. "The Ordinance is a valid exercise of Louisville Metros unquestioned authority to manage construction activities in public rights-of-way, establishing a streamlined make-ready process that will enhance public safety while reducing disturbance and congestion," Google says.

AT&T isn't the only one trying to get the Louisville law nixed. Last week, Charter also filed a lawsuit over the law.

Meanwhile, battles like the one in Louisville could spread to other parts of the country, as officials in various cities try to encourage new broadband networks. Just last month, lawmakers in Nashville, Tennessee passed their own "One Touch Make Ready" bill. Several days after the bill was passed, AT&T filed a lawsuit against officials in Nashville. The company is asking a federal judge to declare the measure invalid. Nashville hasn't yet responded to AT&T's legal challenge.
by Philip Rosenstein , Staff Writer, October 12, 2016

With just 26 days left before November 8, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump appears to have severed ties with the Republican party.

It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me, and I can now fight for America the way I want to, Trump tweeted Tuesday morning. He added a couple of jabs at Rep. Paul Ryan and Sen. John McCain just for good measure.

Questions about leadership support for the nominee have existed since Trump won the nomination. A number of top GOP lawmakers, including Sens. Ted Cruz and Lindsay Graham, took more than a while to tacitly endorse their nominee or tame their criticism.

Recently, aside from never-Trumpers, such as Mitt Romney and Jeb Bush, mainstream Republican leaders seemed intent on defeating Hillary Clinton with whomever they had.

Then came the Access Hollywood tape and the second presidential debate.

Trump now appears to be a renegade nominee, ostracized from the core of the Republican Party. But thats the way he likes it, saying: Now I can fight for America the way I want to.

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On Monday, the Republican with the brightest future in American politics, House Speaker Paul Ryan, announced to his caucus that he would no longer campaign for Trump or appear beside him.

The list of Republican lawmakers who have un-endorsed Trump in recent days is dizzying. It includes, among others: Rep. Jason Chaffetz (UT), Rep. Martha Roby (AL), Sen. Mike Crapo (ID), Sen. Kelly Ayotte (N.H.), Sen. Mark Kirk (IL), Sen. Mike Lee (UT).

Several, like Ayotte, are in tight races and hope to distance themselves from the radioactive Trump.

The private Republican National Committee, however, led by Reince Priebus, has stuck around, reiterating support for Trump. The disconnect between the head of the Republican Party in the U.S. House of Representatives and the head of the RNC is stark. Whatever the outcome of the election, major questions loom about how they will reconcile.

There are now effectively two wings of the GOP at odds with each other. One side is desperately trying to retain control of Congress. The other is trying to elect the most disliked and unconscionable candidate in a lifetime.

The election is over November 8. But the battle for the soul of the Republican Party has just begun.
by Sara Guaglione , October 12, 2016

Former Time Inc. executive Reginald Reg K. Brack Jr. died on Oct. 4 at his home in Greenwich, Conn. He was 79.

Brack spent four decades at Time Inc. He was the first person to run the company who had not gone to an Ivy League college.

He was also the first Time Inc. CEO who had not begun his career in journalism or finance, according to a New York Times report.

Brack started his career at Time Inc. as an ad salesman at Time in 1962. By 1990, he had risen to the chief executive position. He was an instrumental figure in leading Time Inc.s transformation to a multimedia company.

Bracks family told the NYT that the cause of death was complications of progressive supranuclear palsy, a brain disorder.
by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, October 12, 2016

Affiliate marketing company Impact Radius has locked its sights on artificial intelligence and machine-learning techniques, with aspirations of integrating the technology into attribution modeling and ad fraud detection to monitor campaigns across devices.



Overtime programmatic technology combined with unified measurement and optimization will increasingly automate processes, according to Per Pettersen, CEO and co-founder at Impact Radius. "At this point you're really competing on the merit of margin and lifetime value," he said.

When asked how artificial intelligence will change affiliate marketing and search, Pettersen said computers will analyze the data and make specific recommendations. "In theory, as systems get more sophisticated, the technology will make buying decisions," he said, without the marketing having to cap the bid.

Marketers are drowning in data and starving for actionable insights, Pettersen said. So the company's technology automates processes. It not only aggregates the data, but presents it in dashboards so marketers can spend less time crunching numbers and more time optimizing campaigns.

About 275 employees support brands like Lenovo, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ticketmaster, tracking the consumer journey from clicks to conversions across devices. In 2015, the company acquired eBay Enterprise's Clearsaleing attribution business, and most recently in June 2016 it acquired Forensiq, creating what Pettersen believes to be the "world's first" marketing system of record with built-in fraud detection.

The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) estimates that ad fraud costs the U.S. marketing and media industry $8.2 billion each year.

Impact Radius also recently made three new hires in Europe. Safiyya Riyadh comes from Affiliate Window to head Impact Radius' onboarding and technical services group in EMEA. James Bennie comes from Affilinet to join as customer success director, and Clinton Liem joins Impact Radius from Thomson Reuters in the newly created position of sales development associate manager.

Riyadh and Bennie are working on a project with an unnamed global airline that will change and optimize the way airlines work with aggregators, according to Pettersen.

Company engineers are building what the company calls "the new digital currency of attribution" by exposing and removing fraudulent traffic across devices. The goal is to create a pure, real-time data hub for media buyers, analysts and the C-suite, so all remain on the same page.

It will combine the advertising and consumer journey data and remove fraudulent data and signals from the recommendations and algorithms running on top of the system.

Pettersen co-founded Commission Junction, as well as Savings.com, which Cox Communications acquired in 2012.
by Sara Guaglione , October 12, 2016

Bauer Xcel Media has refocused its business strategy on data-informed content, leveraging chatbots to grow and engage its audience, noted SVP of operations Allison Mezzafonte during MediaPost's Publishing Insider Summit, taking place in Austin, Texas.

My goal was figuring out how we take our goal  revenue and growth  and how to apply it across all of our departments. If you say to an editor, we have our revenue goal of x percent, that means absolutely nothing, Mezzafonte said. The challenge is to translate it into something actionable.

For starters, Bauer Xcel Media is a numbers-driven publisher, Mezzafonte said. Everything is driven by data.

Bauer Xcel Media publishes magazines on celebrities, teens and women, like InTouch Weekly and Life&Style.

Mezzafonte said Bauer Xcel has one to three editors for each brand, who churn out between 10 and 15 pieces of content a day. Every article is backed by data, and the focus is on writing content that will perform.

The companys editorial department is very knowledgeable of its revenue goals. While some publishers may prefer to separate the editorial and business sides of the company, Mezzafonte believes being in the know helps inform their content. She notes the division has been profitable from day one.

Although Bauer Xcel Media has a direct sales team from its print operation, selling programmatically has allowed the company to move quickly and efficiently for the buyers, she added. Its primary source of revenue is programmatic versus direct sales, which she calls a cumbersome operation.

But its the teen demographic, Mezzafonte said, that the company can experiment with new technology. For example, Bauer Xcel Media chose its teen brand J-14 to experiment with chatbots, a technology familiar to anyone who has gone online and chatted with customer service to ask a question.

Bauer Xcel Media partnered with Kik, a popular messaging app among 13- to-19-year-olds, a similar demographic that reads J-14.

Teens could interact with J-14 on chatbots on Kik, accompanied with gifs, snippets of stories, prompts and celebrity trivia quizzes. When users ask the chatbot for more information after the prompt, links take them to the J-14 site. So while the bots were not monetized, linking back to the site draws in visitors.

According to the company, 60% of people who came across the bot engaged with it by completing at least one trivia quiz.

Teens are obsessed with this type of content, Mezzafonte said. The next step, she added, is to figure out how to apply the success of the Kik chatbot to other verticals and other demographics.
by Erik Sass , Staff Writer @eriksass1, October 12, 2016

An amateur drone operator, social media, and a bit of serendipity may well have saved a mans life amid the ongoing disaster in North Carolina, where the tail end of Hurricane Matthew has resulted in devastating flooding. A complicated chain reaction, spanning the country through social media, produced the remarkable rescue within a day.

According to local North Carolina station WTVD, Army veteran and drone filmmaker Quavas Hart used his drone to take footage of a flooded neighborhood in Hope Mills, NC, not knowing that there was still someone in one of the houses  Chris Williams, who was trapped on the second floor of his home along with his elderly dog Lana. Hart then posted a picture of Williams house, over halfway submerged, on Twitter.

Meanwhile Williams brother Craig, who lives in Texas, knew that the floodwaters were approaching Chris house, but didnt know that he was already trapped. While waiting for more news, Craig decided to search Twitter for any content about the situation in Hope Mills, where he came across the photo posted by Hart. Hoping to cheer his brother up, he sent him the picture with a wry comment to the effect that at least that wasnt his house.

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Chris immediately responded with the sobering words, Dude, that is my house, and the gears began to turn. After failing to reach local emergency services in Hope Mills, Craig reached out to Hart, who sent his drone back to the house and now saw Chris leaning out of a second-story window. With a photo of Chris signaling to the drone in hand, Hart was about to take his own boat to rescue Williams when a FEMA crew arrived and followed Harts drone to the house.

Hart was also able to record the subsequent rescue operation, which saved Williams and his dog. Williams brother later tweeted Hart: you saved my brother and his dog, next time I'm over there I owe you a beer or two :).
A phase III randomized controlled trial of custirsen in combination with cabazitaxel/prednisone in patients with previously-treated metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer has shown no significant survival gains compared to cabazitaxel/prednisone alone, according to data presented at the ESMO 2016 Congress in Copenhagen1.

"Despite the negative outcome of the trial, the evaluation of custirsen in prostate cancer was conducted on the basis of solid preclinical and clinical evidence supporting anti-tumour activity," said principal investigator Professor Karim Fizazi, head of the Department of Cancer Medicine at the Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.

Custirsen blocks production of the protein clusterin, which is known to be involved in carcinogenesis and tumour growth, as well as contributing to treatment resistance.

A previous phase II trial of custirsen combined with chemotherapy in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer suggested inhibition of clusterin may lead to improved clinical outcome, and an earlier phase III trial of custirsen in combination with docetaxel suggested patients with more aggressive cancers may benefit from the combination.

In the AFFINITY trial, 635 patients with metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer - who had previously been treated with docetaxel - were randomized to 21-day cycles of custirsen plus cabazitaxel/prednisone or cabazitaxel/prednisone plus placebo, until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or ten cycles.

Researchers saw no significant difference in overall survival between the custirsen and placebo arms of the study, with a median overall survival of 14.2 months in the custirsen arm and 13.4 months in the placebo arm (p = 0.529).

The same was observed in the 62% of patients who met the criteria for poor prognosis, where median overall survival was 11.1 months among those taking custirsen and 10.9 months in those in the placebo group.

Similar numbers of patients in each arm discontinued due to progressive disease - 28.9% in the custirsen arm and 25% in the placebo arm - while 21.9% of patients treated with custirsen and 18.9% of patients in the placebo arm discontinued due to adverse events.

The most frequently reported serious adverse events were neutropenia, anemia, fatigue, asthenia, bone pain, and febrile neutropenia.

"I am obviously disappointed with the results but am proud to have been involved in this program, and we will take the learnings of this trial to advance our knowledge of the disease in the hope to further advance care," Fizazi said.

"Custirsen remains a viable candidate currently being evaluated for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, as failure in one tumour type does not predict the outcome of trials in other indications," said Fizazi.

Commenting on the study, Dr Cora Sternberg, Chief of the Department of Medical Oncology at San Camillo Forlanini Hospital in Rome, Italy, said "A number of approaches have been investigated to overcome resistance in prostate cancer, including the use of novel taxanes and tubulin inhibitors, and the inhibition of cell survival pathways."

"Given the results observed using a taxane as either first-line or second-line chemotherapy in castration resistant prostate cancer, the hypothesis was that combination with custirsen may decrease taxane resistance and enhance the survival benefit of taxane therapy," Sternberg said.

"There was a strong rationale for adding custirsen to chemotherapy to overcome resistance but unfortunately the final results were negative. We likely need even more robust biological molecular stratification before launching phase III trials," concluded Sternberg.
Chinese Premier Li Keqiang inspected the under-construction Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge on October 11, 2016, on a visit to the Macao Special Administrative Region.

Setting the record for worlds longest cross-sea bridge, the 55-km over-water project links Zhuhai in Guangdong Province with Hong Kong and Macao. It is estimated to be completd by the end of 2017.

Premier Li hosted the groundbreaking ceremony of the bridge in 2009 in Zhuhai. This is the first time he has visited Macao, making a special trip to the construction site to see its progression.

Hong Kong and Macao are expected to connect more closely with Mainland China after the bridge begins operations.
Scientists at the University of Birmingham have described a previously-unknown molecular mechanism that could lead to the genetic mutations seen in certain types of aggressive cancer cells, involving a cell's own transcription machinery.

Genetic mutations are fundamental to the spread of cancer cells that form malignant tumours in the body. They are often caused by 'replication stress' within the cell, whereby DNA becomes damaged while it is duplicated. However, the underlying cause of this process has long been a mystery.

In a new study published in Nature Communications, researchers reveal how replication stress (and subsequent genetic mutations) can be caused by an increase in activity of a cell's own transcription machinery.

The research shows that in cells with an activated version of the cancer-promoting gene (or 'oncogene') H-RasV12, the rate of transcription and protein production is dramatically increased. The resulting RNA can form unusual structures called 'R-loops' within the DNA of the cell, which in turn cause DNA damage and replication stress.

Although it was previously suspected that H-RasV12 caused increases in transcription, this study provides the first solid evidence of the mechanism, as well as the first description of the role of this oncogene in R-loop formation.

'This research is the first to show conclusively that an oncogene-induced boost in gene expression is enough to interfere with DNA replication,' says lead researcher Dr Eva Petermann, from the University of Birmingham's Institute of Cancer and Genomic Studies.

'Our findings help to create a new unified view of the roles of transcription and replication in the process of cancer cell mutations. This is a big step in basic cancer biology, and potentially opens up a whole new area of research into transcription proteins and replication stress.'

A better understanding of replication stress may help improve the efficacy and application of a number of new cancer drugs currently undergoing clinical trials, including AstraZeneca's ATR and Wee1 inhibitors.
For the past decade, Richard Spritz's lab at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus has been searching for potential causes of vitiligo, an autoimmune disease that gives rise to patches of white skin and hair.

In a study published in the journal Nature Genetics, Richard Spritz, MD, Professor and Director of the Human Medical Genetics and Genomics Program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine, and a team of international researchers announce they have identified 23 locations on the human genome that are newly linked to susceptibility for vitiligo.

By identifying these genes, the investigators can provide a framework for the genetic architecture and biological mechanisms of vitiligo, highlight relationships with other autoimmune diseases and melanoma and offer potential targets for treatment.

"This study doubles the number of known genes involved in risk for vitiligo," said Spritz.

Spritz and his fellow researchers conducted genome-wide association studies on 4,680 people with vitiligo and 39,586 control cases and found the genes that provide a framework for the genetic architecture and biological mechanisms of vitiligo and highlight relationships with other autoimmune diseases and melanoma.

Spritz's lab is trying to identify causal mutations in these genes by using DNA sequencing and genetic studies involving a large number of vitiligo patients from various different ethnic groups. This study focused on subjects of European ancestry.

"One of the purposes of the genome project was to give us the tools to do more complicated disease analysis," said Spritz. "What's emerging in general for complex diseases is that it is changes in gene regulation rather than gene structure that are causes."

A better understanding of the causes of vitiligo could also lead to breakthroughs in other conditions. Vitiligo is epidemiologically associated with several other autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune thyroid disease, pernicious anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, adult-onset type 1 diabetes, Addison's disease, and lupus. The researchers found associations between genes indicated in some of those conditions and vitiligo, and while it remains uncertain whether they reflect shared or different causes, it offers promising areas for future research.
UCI study raises questions about long-term brain health after extended spaceflights.

Will astronauts traveling to Mars remember much of it? That's the question concerning University of California, Irvine scientists probing a phenomenon called "space brain."

UCI's Charles Limoli and colleagues found that exposure to highly energetic charged particles - much like those found in the galactic cosmic rays that will bombard astronauts during extended spaceflights - causes significant long-term brain damage in test rodents, resulting in cognitive impairments and dementia.

Their study appears in Nature's Scientific Reports. It follows one last year showing somewhat shorter-term brain effects of galactic cosmic rays. The current findings, Limoli said, raise much greater alarm.

"This is not positive news for astronauts deployed on a two-to-three-year round trip to Mars," said the professor of radiation oncology in UCI's School of Medicine. "The space environment poses unique hazards to astronauts. Exposure to these particles can lead to a range of potential central nervous system complications that can occur during and persist long after actual space travel - such as various performance decrements, memory deficits, anxiety, depression and impaired decision-making. Many of these adverse consequences to cognition may continue and progress throughout life."

For the study, rodents were subjected to charged particle irradiation (fully ionized oxygen and titanium) at the NASA Space Radiation Laboratory at New York's Brookhaven National Laboratory and then sent to Limoli's UCI lab.

Six months after exposure, the researchers still found significant levels of brain inflammation and damage to neurons. Imaging revealed that the brain's neural network was impaired through the reduction of dendrites and spines on these neurons, which disrupts the transmission of signals among brain cells. These deficiencies were parallel to poor performance on behavioral tasks designed to test learning and memory.

In addition, the Limoli team discovered that the radiation affected "fear extinction," an active process in which the brain suppresses prior unpleasant and stressful associations, as when someone who nearly drowned learns to enjoy water again.

"Deficits in fear extinction could make you prone to anxiety," Limoli said, "which could become problematic over the course of a three-year trip to and from Mars."

Most notably, he said, these six-month results mirror the six-week post-irradiation findings of a 2015 study he conducted that appeared in the May issue of Science Advances.

Similar types of more severe cognitive dysfunction are common in brain cancer patients who have received high-dose, photon-based radiation treatments. In other research, Limoli examines the impact of chemotherapy and cranial irradiation on cognition.

While dementia-like deficits in astronauts would take months to manifest, he said, the time required for a mission to Mars is sufficient for such impairments to develop. People working for extended periods on the International Space Station, however, do not face the same level of bombardment with galactic cosmic rays because they are still within the Earth's protective magnetosphere.

Limoli's work is part of NASA's Human Research Program. Investigating how space radiation affects astronauts and learning ways to mitigate those effects are critical to further human exploration of space, and NASA needs to consider these risks as it plans for missions to Mars and beyond.

Partial solutions are being explored, Limoli noted. Spacecraft could be designed to include areas of increased shielding, such as those used for rest and sleep. However, these highly energetic charged particles will traverse the ship nonetheless, he added, "and there is really no escaping them."

Preventive treatments offer some hope. Limoli's group is working on pharmacological strategies involving compounds that scavenge free radicals and protect neurotransmission.

Vipan Kumar Parihar, Barrett Allen, Chongshan Caressi, Katherine Tran, Esther Chu, Stephanie Kwok, Nicole Chmielewski, Janet Baulch, Erich Giedzinski and Munjal Acharya of UCI and Richard Britten of Eastern Virginia Medical School contributed to the study, which NASA supported through grants NNX13AK70G, NNX14AE73G, NNX13AD59G, NNX10AD59G, UARC NAS2-03144 and NNX15AI22G.
Spreading tumor cells are able to adapt their metabolism to the specific organs they are invading. This conclusion forms the gist of a VIB-KU Leuven paper published in the renowned scientific journal Cell Reports. The researchers examined lung cancer metastases that originated from breast tumors, discovering that the two tumors have different ways of converting nutrients into biomass building blocks. Thanks to these findings, scientists may be able to develop new therapies that target the metabolism of cancer cells, thereby halting a tumor's growth.

When the Belgian research group of professor Sarah-Maria Fendt (VIB-KU Leuven) started this project, their choice to examine breast cancer that had spread to the lungs was no coincidence. Although fewer and fewer people die from breast cancer - thanks to both increased screening and improved treatment - a breast tumor's spread to other organs causes a whopping 90% of all deaths caused by breast cancer. In addition, only 22% of all patients with spreading or 'metastatic' breast cancer survive.

Environment overrides genetics

According to today's models, genetic aberrations define how cancer cells convert nutrients (carbohydrates, fats and proteins) from their environment into biomass building blocks in order to grow. As a result, the treatment of breast cancer metastases (the cancer's new occurrences in other organs) is currently based on the genetic background of the primary breast tumors. However, these treatments often fail. The study by prof. Fendt might just have uncovered a key element in this issue.

Prof. Sarah-Maria Fendt (VIB-KU Leuven): "There are two major metabolic pathways used by cells to generate biomass building blocks for tumor growth. We discovered that in vivo cancer cells in secondary lung tumors are more prone of using one of these two systems compared to the primary breast cancers. This is a response to subtle changes in the lung microenvironment that override the influence of cancer-specific genes."

Tailored new medicines

Some cancer therapies directly target tumor cell metabolism, but this study implies that cancer metastases should be treated with different drugs than the primary cancers.

Prof. Sarah-Maria Fendt (VIB-KU Leuven): "In time, our findings may be put to use in patients with advanced breast cancer. But first, we will follow the basic lanes and investigate which other metabolic pathways are impacted by the tumor microenvironment. We will also examine the role of the microenvironment at the point when the cancer starts spreading. In this way, we are gradually throwing more light on all the parameters of tumor growth - a crucial information needed for developing more precise and effective anti-cancer therapies."


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Chinese President Xi Jinpings forthcoming state visits to Cambodia and Bangladesh, and attendance at the 8th BRICS Summit in Goa, India from October 13 to 17 will promote neighborhood friendships, facilitate Belt and Road construction and promote BRICS cooperation, the Peoples Daily wrote in an article published on Tuesday.

The editorial - under the byline of Zhong Sheng, a pseudonym often used for editorials that interpret Chinas policies  praised the friendship between China and Cambodia, saying that the two countries are good neighbors with sincere and brotherly relations.

Cambodia has always upheld justice and rendered valuable support to China on issues concerning the latters core interests, the article added.

Xis visit to Cambodia, the first by a major Chinese leader since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China in 2012, will significantly consolidate the traditional friendship between the two and deepen bilateral strategic cooperation, it said.

Speaking of Xis visit to Bangladesh, the first one paid by a Chinese president in 30 years, the Peoples Daily defined it as a milestone.

Since the establishment of diplomatic ties 41 years ago, both countries, as good neighbors, friends and partners, have yielded constant progress in bilateral relations through continued mutual respect, mutual understanding and mutual support, said the commentary.

During his visits, Xi will bring forth new visions for cooperation and exchange views with Cambodian and Bangladeshi leaders on advancing the Belt and Road initiative, opening a new chapter on Belt and Road construction.

The Belt and Road initiative originated in Asia, depends on Asia and will benefit Asia, the paper said, pointing out that the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, part of the Belt and Road initiative, was first proposed by President Xi during his Southeast Asian tour three years ago.

As important regional countries and Chinas friendly neighbors, Cambodia and Bangladesh have shown an active willingness to participate in the Belt and Road initiative, the article pointed out.

After 10 years of rapid development, the BRICS cooperation mechanism has formed a comprehensive, wide-ranging and multi-layered framework, setting an example for cooperation among emerging markets and developing countries, the article said, commenting on the five-nation bloc.

Despite occasional doubts over the fading effectiveness of BRICS, the series of measures that have been taken to revive the economy has led to the world looking at BRICS countries in a different light, it said.

The article also pointed out that IMF Director Christine Lagarde recently voiced her confidence in the development of BRICS members against the background of the current fragile and unbalanced world economic recovery.

The article ended by stating that it is expected that a new consensus and new outcomes regarding the Belt and Road construction will be brought about by Xis visits. It also called on BRICS countries to work together for a brighter future.
Ranveer Singh doesnt do simple. When it comes to dressing-up, the man is all about upping the fashion game. Think high-octane streetwear, pajamas on red carpet, skirts, fedoras with everything, print-on-print-on-print, and everything your normal (read: vanilla) Bollywood actor would shy away from. So, naturally for the highly-anticipated 'Befikre' premiere, we were expecting fairy dust and sparkles (kidding!).

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But the new face of Jack and Jones went absolutely off-the-grid on us when he showed up in a clean mean three-piece suit. Nitasha Gaurav (Ranveer stylist) collaborated with designers Rohit Gandhi Rahul Khanna, to create a beautiful piece of custom tailoringthat was just perfect for a premier in Paris. The midnight blue jacket, waistcoat and pants, that fit Ranveer like a glove, were styled with brown Christian Louboutin brogues, a printed tie, a micro checked shirt and his signature dark sunglasses. A full face of beard and energy on fleek completed his look.

Related post: Befikre movie review
With Irrfan Khans latest Hollywood flick Inferno all set to release in theaters this Friday, the actor is busy globetrotting across the world, all the while looking undeniably stylish. Normally, one might relate cinematic excellence to this critically acclaimed actor but fashion? We were not sure, right up until now. Lately, hes been giving us some major style goals and we just cant get enough of this dashing gentleman. He is getting his hands on all the coveted international and some really cool Indian brands (so all you Varun Dhawans and Ranveer Singhs step aside, big daddy Khan is in the house).

Be it carrying a geek-chic look in that Ermenegildo Zegna turtleneck, striped Sahil Aneja pants and tasseled loafers by the Shoe Factory or looking exceptionally dapper in an Ermenegildo Zegna jacket or sporting a tailored Dior suit, Irrfan Khan is a man that can pull off these varied and debonair looks with ease.

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Or looking handsome in a draped Tarun Tahiliani vest.

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With Irrfans latest style conquests, we are sure we have a unique fashion icon in the making.
Space has been every childs fantasy and mankind has been obsessed with what lies beyond our little world, for centuries. Weve been obsessed with the sun, the stars and everything else that comprises the dark matter above us and it seems like Obama is no different than all of us.

Our innate sense of curiosity and wonder put a man on the moon and paved the way for innovation and exploration, and pushed boundaries in technological advancements that we can fathom today. The space race contributed towards the immeasurable advancements and it seems like the next for mankind is to step foot on the red planet, Mars.

 Reuters

Last year, NASA discovered flowing water on the red planet, thanks to a fancy new telescope that lets NASA map planets and stars more than 3 billion miles away  in high-resolution.

Obama has set a clear goal for the United States; he wants to send a human to Mars by 2030 and also wants to return them safely to Earth. His ambition to achieve this one day will go down as a historic moment as the United States has not been as committed to a space project since the moon landing back in the 60s.

He urged private innovators and the federal government to co-operate so that they can send astronauts to Mars. Private companies have already started sending astronauts to the International Space Station and Obama believes it is the only way the American government can achieve this ultimate goal.

Obama, in his speech today, explained that private companies and NASA have already started to build new habitats that would facilitate life on Mars and can also sustain and transport astronauts for long space missions.

 Reuters

Heres hoping Obama actually achieves this goal by 2030 and you might catch me sipping on a Pina Colada in the Hale crater.
On the afternoon of Oct. 11, a retired teacher was waiting to have a cataract operation at a hospital in Kompong Cham, Cambodia. The operation was to be done by Chinese medical experts from the Hainan-Cambodian Bright Program. The patient told a reporter, My biggest wish is to be able to see my children after the operation.

Medical experts from the program started performing free cataract operations from the afternoon of Oct. 11. So far, 38 patients have received the surgery.

The Hainan-Cambodian Bright Program was established when Luo Baoming, Secretary of the Hainan Provincial Party Committee, met with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in July. A total of 153 Cambodian patients received cataract treatment during the first round of the program in September. The second round offered potential treatment to 332 patients between Oct. 10 and 11, with 130 ultimately meeting the requirements for the operation.
Wu Gencun, the owner of Ada Scallion Pancake in Shanghai, recently reached a cooperative agreement with an online food ordering company. This development occurs after, two weeks ago, Wu was forced to suspend his business because of licensing issues.

The online food ordering company contacted the Market Supervision and Management Bureau of Shanghai's Huangpu district to express their willing to support Wus business. The company will help to select a suitable location, not far from the previous one, to provide better operating conditions for Ada Scallion Pancake.

Wu expressed his thanks for support from the government and media outlets, promising that his pancakes will remain unchanged in price, flavor and quality.

Operating since 1982, Ada Scallion Pancake became famous after the BBC filmed a segment about Wu's popular pancakes for a documentary called "Taste of Shanghai."
People of the Miao ethnic group dress up and dance to celebrate the Yang'asha Festival in Jianhe County, Guizhou province on Oct. 11. The traditional festival will last from Oct. 10 to 12. It commemorates the folktale of a beautiful lady belonging to the Miao ethnic group who fought for her love. (Photo/People's Daily Online)
There was no firewood; they were obliged to eat their green wheat and vegetables raw. There werent even any trees for shelter, and the lightly-equipped Red Army carried no tents.

It is impossible to deny recognition of their Long March  the Chang Cheng as they call it  as one of the great exploits of military history.

Excerpts from a book by American journalist Edgar Snow describing the Long March, the epic journey of Communist soldiers in a military retreat from 1934 to 1936, were recited at the 17th Edgar Snow Symposium in Beijing on Oct. 11. The event also marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Red Armys Long March, and the 80th anniversary of Snows historic interview with Chairman Mao Zedong, based on which Snow produced the first account of the early history of Communism in China, Red Star over China.

Attendees of the event include Scott Wagner, Mayor Pro Tem of Kansas, where Snow was born; representatives from the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation of Missouri University; and additional representatives from the University of Kansas, the China Society for Peoples Friendship Studies and the Center for Edgar Snow Studies of Peking University.

During the Long March, the Red Army traversed more than 12,500 kilometers over the course of 380 days to evade the Kuomintang (KMT, or Chinese Nationalist Party) army. Departing from eastern Chinas Jiangxi province, the soldiers route wound through some of the most difficult terrain in China  first to the west, and then north to Shaanxi. By the end of the Long March, only about one-tenth of the original force that had left Jiangxi survived. Just 8,000 soldiers marched into the final camp.

In 1937, Edgar Snow, who was reporting on China for American newspapers and magazines, published Red Star over China. It was in this book that he introduced the Long March to Western readers for the first time.

The statistical recapitulation of the Long March is impressive. Altogether the Reds crossed 18 mountain ranges, five of which were perennially snow-capped, and they crossed 24 rivers. They passed through 12 different provinces, occupied 62 cities, and broke through enveloping armies of ten different provincial warlords, Snow wrote in his book, hailing the event a military miracle and a spirited march of victory.

Snows reports about the Long March by the Red Army, the forerunner of the People's Liberation Army (PLA), showed the world the bravery and endurance of the army, and the greatness of the party personnel that survived [the Long March], said Ding Xiaoping, a member of the China Society for Peoples Friendship Studies and an editor at PLA publishing house.

The international influence [of Snows book] was to introduce North American and Western European audiences to the Chinese Communist Party and its leaders, explained John James Kennedy from the University of Kansas.
Edgar Parks Snow (1905 1972), file photo.

As someone who works in media, I have always been aware of American journalist and author Edgar Parks Snow (1905 1972).

He is the first Westerner to meet Mao Zedong and other Chinese Communist leaders in 1936. Out of that experience, he produced arguably the most important Western reporting on the birth of the Communist movement in China. He is also the first reporter to voice China's intention to break ice with the United States in the 1970s.

I am familiar with his historical significance, to journalism and modern Chinese history. But when I attended a memorial for him in Beijing yesterday, I was still surprised. Around 20 high-level officials, scholars and entrepreneurial students from Kansas City, where Edgar Snow was born, participated in the memorial. Academicians from the Center for Edgar Snow Studies of Peking University, as well as international exchange officials and senior diplomats, were also there, for the Chinese portion.

I asked myself: Why has Snow's influence been so far-reaching, aggregating people from all walks of life, from China and abroad? Why are we still discussing him 44 years after he left this world?

To answer that question, we have to go back to the very beginning  the year 1928, when Edgar Snow started his 13 years of living and reporting in China.

Snow briefly studied journalism at the University of Missouri, before landing his first job as a newspaper reporter for the Kansas City Star in 1927. In 1928, his wanderings took him to China, which became his base for the next 13 years while he reported on China for major American newspapers and magazines.

In June 1936, Snow slipped through the Kuomintang's blockade, reaching the base of the Chinese communists in Bao'an, Shaanxi province, in northern China. At that time, there were no reliable reports reaching the West of what was going on in Communist-controlled areas. The Kuomingtang tightly controlled the media, which described the communists as bandits and outlaws. No foreign reporters had visited Communist-controlled areas, or done interviews with Communist leadership.

However, Snow wanted to know what kind of army could have resisted the ruling party, that is undeniably superior in military strength, for more than a decade. He spent several months in the Bao'an base, where he enjoyed the greatest freedom that any reporter at any time ever would. Mao talked with him days and nights, and top leaders including Zhou Enlai and Peng Dehuai, as well as soldiers, scholars, farmers and pastors all spoke openly to him.

Snow came away with dozens of diaries and interviews, based on which he later produced his book-length report on the Chinese communists, Red Star Over China, which even now is a valued primary source on the early history of the Communist movement in China.

In his book, Snow explained Maos philosophy in politics, economics, military matters and diplomacy. For the first time, the enigmatic life of the Communist leader was presented to the world.

Edgar Snow and Mao Zedong in Bao'an town, Yan'an, in 1936.

The book put a human face on the men and women who were responsible for the Communist revolution. Snow depicted the way civilians, officers and soldiers utilized wasteland, plowed farmland, wove clothes and obtained ample food and clothing. He was amazed by the enthusiasm the Red Army displayed for the revolution, and by the support of ordinary citizens for these revolutionaries.

The book also tells the history of the famous Long March (1934-1936), when the Red Army traversed more than 12,500 kilometers over the course of 380 days in a military retreat. The route passed through some of the most difficult terrain in all of China. Snow hailed the bravery and endurance of the Red Army, calling the Long March a spirited march of victory.

However one may feel about the Reds and what they represent politically (and here there is plenty of room for argument!), Snow began, it is impossible to deny recognition of their Long March  as one of the great exploits of military history.

This is a typical way that Snow would begin an argument. He acknowledged the political differences between China and the West, but kept his observations open-minded and rational.

It was his immersive reporting and his ability to set aside ideological differences that allowed him to create the works that later had such a huge impact, said Sun Hua, deputy director and secretary general of the China Center for Edgar Snow Studies at Peking University.

This is true. Snows work strongly impacted the way Americans viewed Chinese communists. President Franklin D. Roosevelt read Star over China and met with Snow three times between 1942 and 1945 to learn about the CPC and China's war against Japanese aggression.

Sun deeply believes in the third-person effect in news reporting. He feels that a story about China presented by a Western reporter often gives a more reliable and appealing impression to Western readers.

One Western reporter is more influential than 10 Chinese reporters. They know better how to tell the story. Just like Hollywood made the most successful movies about China  like Mulan and Kungfu Panda, he explained.

In 2011, a key Communist journal, Literature of the Chinese Communist Party, called Red Star over China a role model for the Partys publicity in the outside world. Chinese media put out a call for 100 new Edgar Snows to ensure that Chinas real voice was heard.

Snow saw Chinas evolution in a comprehensive and tolerant way. Thats because of his sophisticated understanding of Chinese culture. And thats why his writings were prophetic. China needs more such reporters to showcase its peaceful development, Sun said.

Among the 100 key projects listed in 13th Five-Year Plan, the last one is to cultivate a team that tells China stories well. The team obviously should include more foreign friends who understand China, he added.

I agree with him. China has already attained the status of a world power. But its image in the Western world remains shaky. It is a standard characteristic of the U.S. media landscape that developing and Communist countries tend to appear in a somewhat negative and sensationalized light. And China is a victim of that. If these problems grow, China will no longer be able to move forward.

Even 75 years after Snow left China to report in Russia during World War II, he still serves as a mediator and bridge between China and the U.S. For the past 25 years, Snows birthplace, Kansas City, has been a sister city to Yanan, a key city in the early history of Communism in China. It also more recently became a sister city of Xian, capital of Shaanxi province.

Scott Wagner, Mayor Pro Tem of Kansas City, said he has seen highly promising opportunities when it comes to working with China.

Kansas City excels in engineering, agriculture, education and health. These are the areas most likely to create business links with China. 

Wagner said that he, together with a senior official and other representatives from Kansas City, are about to visit Tianjin as well as several of the most industrial and creative cities in southern China for the purpose of exploring potential cooperation.

Since the 1980s, the China Society for Peoples Friendship Studies has been holding a biannual Edgar Snow Symposium with the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation of Missouri University, where Snow received his journalism education. China and the U.S. take turns hosting the event.

We know the people, we build the networks; its possible and easier to spread out, said Nancy Hill, president of the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation.

Zhen Jianguo, vice president of the China Society for Peoples Friendship Studies, told me that Snow is a banner in vast international exchange. Many cross-cultural events have been held in his honor, including memorials, seminars and more.

It occurred to me that, no matter the era, people around the world always need some sort of a link. In Snows time, he linked Red China to the outside world, and his experience in China helped him to gain status as one of the most notable reporters in history. Today, China still needs an outlet to win understanding, and the world needs China, the largest consumer market in the world, to prosper.

This is one more reason why China needs more people like Edgar Snow  international figures that address the common bonds between China and the West, and passionately build links to achieve that goal, just like Snow did.

On Oct. 1, 1970, the 21st anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, Mao Zedong invited Edgar Snow to watch the military parade and celebrations from the top of the rostrum at Tiananmen Square.

Scott Wagner, left, Mayor Pro Tem of Kansas, Edgar Snow's hometown, addresses the 17th Edgar Snow Symposium in Beijing on Oct. 11, 2016. [Photo/people.cn]

The 17th Edgar Snow Symposium was held in Beijing on Oct. 11. Representatives from the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation of Missouri University, the China Society for Peoples Friendship Studies and the Center for Edgar Snow Studies of Peking University attended the event. [Photo/people.cn]

Zhen Jianguo, vice president of the China Society for Peoples Friendship Studies, addresses the 17th Edgar Snow Symposium in Beijing on Oct. 11, 2016. [Photo/people.cn]

This photo shows the Edgar Snow Reading Room at the Miller Nichols Library, the University of Missouri-Kansas City. [Photo/people.cn]
(Photo:Cnr.cn)

A Chinese woman stood trial at a court in Anhui province on Oct. 11 for illegal possession of articles advocating terrorism and extremism. The trial came after her failed attempt to join overseas jihadists.

The 22-year-old woman, Xiao Juan (a pseudonym), first became interested in extremism when she added a stranger named Abdullah on social network QQ. Abdullah claimed to be living in Turkey , and he introduced the movement to Xiao over QQ beginning in November 2014.

Xiao, who was studying at a vocational school, later invited her classmate to join the chat with Abdullah. Abdullah then began to send videos, audio clips and e-books to the two students, pushing them to join overseas jihadists, reported Anhui Business Daily.

However, the plan hit an obstacle when the pair failed to get visas. After they continued receiving documents advocating extremism between November and December 2015, local police summoned the girls for questioning at the end of December. Xiao's mobile phone was found to contain two disturbing recordings, as well as three e-books that promoted extremism.

The young woman pleaded guilty, explaining that she did not know Abdullah was trying to brainwash her. Prosecutors stated that Xiao should be held criminally accountable for illegal possession of articles advocating terrorism and extremism. The court did not deliver a final judgment on Oct. 11.
The Shanghai Public Security Bureau has permanently banned 1 million active webcasting accounts since it launched its illegal webcast crackdown in July.

The crackdown aims to tackle three types of problematic webcasting platforms: those whose illegal activities have been reported by users or exposed by the media, those suspected of offering pornographic broadcasts and those that have not implemented proper security measures.

To strengthen management of the industry, police now require that all web hosts upload a clear image of themselves holding their ID cards. The identities of netizens who want to become registered users of a webcasting platform have to be verified through mobile phones. The bureaus also shut down over 1,000 webcasting rooms, and issued warning to 14 illegal webcasting sites.

Some webcasting platforms have developed a new porn-identifying model to further strengthen security. The model can process 300 screenshots per second. It requires only 2.2 seconds to read, transmit and judge the content of an image.
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, announced on Oct. 11 that the company will set up a research and development center in Shenzhen, Guangdong province. Cook also disclosed that Apple will set up more retail shops in Shenzhen.

Cook said that Apple currently has around 100,000 employees in Shenzhen working on developing phone apps. The company hopes to seize this opportunities to expand investment in developing Apple products in China. The center will begin operation in 2017, with the aim of enhancing cooperation through local partnerships and colleges to support emerging Chinese talent.

Cook shared a photo of his visit to Apple Store at Holiday Plaza in Shenzhen

Recalling his first visit to China, Cook said Shenzhen was his first destination when he came to find a place for large-scale phone production. With recent product releases, and the new iPhone especially, sales of Apple products have soared, resulting in the request for more workers.

Apples research and development center in Shenzhen is expected to attract a great deal of talent and provide many jobs. Ma Xingrui, secretary of the municipal party committee in Shenzhen, said that the local government fully supports Apple, and will provide relevant services for the center.

Not long ago, Apple set up its first research and development center in China at Zhongguancun Science Park in Beijing.
Last week, 33 juniors and seniors from Caseville Public School attended the Stratford Shakespeare Festivals performance of Macbeth. Students accompanied high school English teacher Kathleen Tighe to Canada for the experience, which was funded in part through the Caseville Arts Council. (Submitted Photo)
American Homes 4 Rent is a real estate investment trust (REIT) focused on the US rental industry. The company is a leader in the single-family home rental industry and "American Homes 4 Rent" is fast becoming a nationally recognized brand. The company is known for high-quality rental homes, providing good value and tenant satisfaction while generating profits for investors. The primary investment objective is to provide attractive risk-adjusted returns through dividends and capital appreciation.

The company plans to achieve its objective through the disciplined acquisition of new properties, by expanding its own construction and neighborhood building efforts, growing its geographically diverse portfolio, efficient property management, building a strong brand, and maintaining a sound capital structure.

The company was founded in 2011 by David Singelyn and his partner. Mr. Singelyn has served as a Trustee and CEO since 2012. The company began by acquiring homes in underserved areas and remodeling them to modern standards. The firm has since expanded its operations to construction and now builds planned communities tailored to different lifestyles as well. The company went public in 2013 and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

American Homes 4 Rent is an internally managed Maryland real estate investment trust focused on acquiring, developing, renovating, leasing, and operating attractive, single-family homes as rental properties. The company operates through a network of offices and the website AH4R.com. The company owns more than 55,000 properties across 22 states featuring move-in-ready and pet-friendly homes for individuals and families of all sizes.

All previously used properties have been renovated to a high Certified Property standard that brings them to a like-new condition. Interested parties can view listings by area on the website and even use the site to fill out applications and sign leases. Properties are located in communities that fit a variety of lifestyle needs including fences, marble countertops, and even attached 2 and 3-car garages. The communities are located in hand-picked neighborhoods with features including access to commerce, schools, and amenities like lawn care, pools, trails, and fitness centers.

Tenants are afforded many benefits by renting through American Homes 4 Rent. The first and most obvious is the freedom and flexibility of a mortgage-free lifestyle. On top of that, tenants can pay rent or schedule maintenance on their homes through the website, and dedicated service representatives are available 24/7.
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KG, Aon Bolivia S.A. Corredores de Seguros, Aon Botswana (Pty) Ltd., Aon Brazil Holdings LLC, Aon Broking Services SA, Aon Broking Technology Limited, Aon CANZ Holdings B.V., Aon CANZ Holdings N.S. ULC, Aon Canada Holdings N.S. ULC, Aon Canada Inc., Aon Canada Intermediaries GP, Aon Captive Services Antilles N.V., Aon Captive Services Aruba N.V., Aon Cash Management B.V., Aon Central and Eastern Europe a.s., Aon Centre for Innovation and Analytics Ltd, Aon Charitable Foundation Pty Ltd, Aon Chile Holdings LLC, Aon Commercial Insurance Agencies Hong Kong Limited, Aon Commercial Services Ireland Limited, Aon Commercial Services and Operations Ireland Limited, Aon Consolidation Group Pty Ltd, Aon Consulting & Insurance Services, Aon Consulting (Chile) Limitada, Aon Consulting (Thailand) Limited, Aon Consulting Bolivia S.R.L., Aon Consulting Ecuador S.A., Aon Consulting Financial Services Limited, Aon Consulting Inc., Aon Consulting Kazakhstan LLP, Aon Consulting Limited, Aon Consulting Private Limited, Aon Consulting Romania SRL, Aon Corporate Services (Isle of Man) Limited, Aon Corporate Services Limited, Aon Corporation, Aon Corporation Australia Limited, Aon Corporation EMEA B.V., Aon Credit International Insurance Broker GmbH, Aon Cyprus Insurance Broker Company Limited, Aon DC Trustee Limited, Aon Danismanlik Hizmetleri AS, Aon Delta Bermuda Ltd., Aon Delta UK Limited, Aon Denmark A/S, Aon Deutschland Beteiligungs GmbH, Aon Direct Group Inc., Aon Edge Insurance Agency Inc., Aon Energy Caribbean Limited, Aon Enterprise Insurance Agencies Hong Kong Limited, Aon Finance Bermuda 1 Ltd., Aon Finance Bermuda 2 Ltd., Aon Finance Canada 1 Corp., Aon Finance Canada 2 Corp., Aon Finance International N.S. ULC, Aon Finance Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Aon Finance N.S. 1 ULC, Aon Finance N.S. 5 ULC, Aon Finance N.S. 8 ULC, Aon Finance US 1 LLC, Aon Finance US 2 LLC, Aon Financial & Insurance Solutions Inc., Aon Finland Oy, Aon France, Aon Global Holdings 1 Limited, Aon Global Holdings 2 Limited, Aon Global Holdings 3 Limited [In strike-off], Aon Global Holdings Limited, Aon Global Operations plc, Aon Global Risk Consulting B.V., Aon Global Risk Consulting Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Aon Global Risk Research Limited, Aon Grana Peru Corredores de Seguros SA, Aon Greece S.A., Aon Groep Nederland B.V., Aon Group (Bermuda) Ltd., Aon Group (Thailand) Limited, Aon Group Holdings International 1 B.V., Aon Group Holdings International 2 B.V., Aon Group Inc., Aon Group International N.V., Aon Group Pty Ltd, Aon Group Venezuela Corretaje de Reaseguros C.A., Aon Hewitt (Bermuda) Ltd., Aon Hewitt (Ireland) Limited, Aon Hewitt (PNG) Ltd., Aon Hewitt (Thailand) Ltd., Aon Hewitt Consulting (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Aon Hewitt Consulting Korea Inc., Aon Hewitt Financial Advice Limited, Aon Hewitt GmbH, Aon Hewitt Health Market Insurance Solutions Inc., Aon Hewitt Hong Kong Limited, Aon Hewitt Inc., Aon Hewitt Investment Consulting Inc., Aon Hewitt Investment Management Inc., Aon Hewitt Japan Ltd., Aon Hewitt Limited, Aon Hewitt Ltd., Aon Hewitt Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Aon Hewitt Management Company Limited, Aon Hewitt Middle East Limited, Aon Hewitt Risk & Consulting S.r.l., Aon Hewitt Risk & Financial Management B.V., Aon Hewitt Trust Solutions GmbH, Aon Hewitt US Holdings Limited, Aon Holding Deutschland GmbH, Aon Holdings (Isle of Man) Limited, Aon Holdings Antillen N.V., Aon Holdings Australia Pty Limited, Aon Holdings Austria GmbH, Aon Holdings B.V., Aon Holdings Botswana (Pty) Ltd, Aon Holdings Corretores de Seguros Ltda., Aon Holdings France SNC, Aon Holdings Hong Kong Limited, Aon Holdings International B.V., Aon Holdings Israel Ltd., Aon Holdings Japan Ltd, Aon Holdings Limited, Aon Holdings Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Aon Holdings Mid Europe B.V., Aon Holdings New Zealand, Aon Hong Kong Limited, Aon Hungary Insurance Brokers Risk and Human Consulting LLC, Aon Insurance Agencies (HK) Limited, Aon Insurance Agencies (Macau) Limited, Aon Insurance Brokers (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Aon Insurance Brokers (Pvt) Ltd., Aon Insurance Management Agencies (HK) Limited, Aon Insurance Managers (Antilles) N.V., Aon Insurance Managers (Barbados) Ltd., Aon Insurance Managers (Bermuda) Ltd, Aon Insurance Managers (Cayman) Ltd., Aon Insurance Managers (Dublin) Ltd., Aon Insurance Managers (Guernsey) Ltd., Aon Insurance Managers (Holdings) Ltd., Aon Insurance Managers (Isle of Man) Ltd., Aon Insurance Managers (Liechtenstein) AG, Aon Insurance Managers (Luxembourg) S.A., Aon Insurance Managers (Malta) PCC Limited, Aon Insurance Managers (Puerto Rico) Inc., Aon Insurance Managers (Shannon) Limited, Aon Insurance Managers (USA) Inc., Aon Insurance Managers (USVI) Inc., Aon Insurance Managers Gibraltar Ltd., Aon Insurance Micronesia (Guam) Inc, Aon Insurance Underwriting Agencies Hong Kong Limited, Aon Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers Philippines Inc., Aon International Cooperatief U.A., Aon International Energy Inc., Aon International Holdings Inc., Aon Investment Holdings Ireland Limited, Aon Israel Insurance Brokerage Ltd., Aon Italia S.r.l., Aon Japan Ltd, Aon Jauch & Hubener Gesellschaft m.b.H., Aon Korea Inc., Aon Latam Holdings N.V., Aon Lead QI B.V., Aon Life Agency of Texas Inc., Aon Life Agente de Seguros S.A. de C.V., Aon Life Insurance Company, Aon MacDonagh Boland Group Ltd, Aon Majan LLC, Aon Management Consulting Taiwan Ltd., Aon Mauritius Holdings, Aon Meeus Assurantien B.V., Aon Mexico Business Support SA de CV, Aon Mexico Holdings LLC, Aon Mexico Holdings S. de R.L. de C.V., Aon Middle East Co LLC, Aon Nederland C.V., Aon Netherlands Operations B.V., Aon Neudorf Finance S.a.r.l., Aon New Zealand, Aon New Zealand Group ULC, Aon Norway AS, Aon Overseas Holdings Limited, Aon PHI Acquisition Corporation of California, Aon PMI International Limited, Aon Parizeau Inc., Aon Pension Trustees Limited, Aon Pensions Insurance Brokers GmbH, Aon Polska Services Sp. z o.o., Aon Polska Sp. z o.o., Aon Portugal - Consultores Unipessoal Lda., Aon Portugal - Corretores de Seguros S.A., Aon Premium Finance LLC, Aon Private Risk Management Insurance Agency Inc., Aon Private Risk Management of California Insurance Agency Inc., Aon Product Design & Development Australia Pty Limited, Aon Product Design and Development New Zealand Limited, Aon Product Risk Services Hong Kong Limited, Aon Property Risk Consulting Inc., Aon Qatar LLC, Aon Re (Thailand) Limited, Aon Re Bertoldi - Corretagem de Resseguros S.A., Aon Re Bolivia S.A. Corredores de Reaseguros, Aon Re Canada Holdings SARL, Aon Real Estate B.V., Aon Realty Services Inc., Aon Reed Stenhouse Inc., Aon Retirement Plan Advisors LLC, Aon Retirement Solutions Limited, Aon Risiko & Unternehmensberatungs GmbH, Aon Risk & Asset Management Pty Ltd, Aon Risk Consultants Inc., Aon Risk Insurance Services West Inc., Aon Risk Management (Pty) Ltd, Aon Risk Services (Chile) Corredores de Seguros Limitada, Aon Risk Services (Holdings) of Latin America Inc., Aon Risk Services (Holdings) of the Americas Inc., Aon Risk Services (NI) Limited, Aon Risk Services (PNG) Ltd., Aon Risk Services (Thailand) Limited, Aon Risk Services Argentina S.A., Aon Risk Services Australia Limited, Aon Risk Services Canada Inc., Aon Risk Services Central Inc., Aon Risk Services Colombia SA Corredores de Seguros, Aon Risk Services Companies Inc., Aon Risk Services EMEA B.V., Aon Risk Services Ecuador S.A. Agencia Asesora Productora de Seguros, Aon Risk Services Holdings (Chile ) Ltda., Aon Risk Services Inc. of Florida, Aon Risk Services Inc. of Hawaii, Aon Risk Services Inc. of Maryland, Aon Risk Services Inc. of Washington D.C., Aon Risk Services Northeast Inc., Aon Risk Services South Inc., Aon Risk Services Southwest Inc., Aon Risk Services Venezuela Corretaje de Seguros C.A., Aon Risk Solutions (Cayman) Ltd., Aon Risk Solutions Agente de Seguros y de Fianzas SA de CV, Aon Risk Solutions of Puerto Rico Inc., Aon Riskminder A/S, Aon Romania Broker de Asigurare - Reasigurare SRL, Aon Rus Insurance Brokers LLC, Aon Rus LLC, Aon S.p.A. Insurance & Reinsurance Brokers, Aon Saver Limited, Aon Securities (Hong Kong) Limited, Aon Securities Investment Management Inc., Aon Securities LLC, Aon Securities Limited, Aon Service Corporation, Aon Services (Guernsey) Ltd, Aon Services (Malta) Ltd, Aon Services Group Inc., Aon Services Hong Kong Limited, Aon Services Pty Ltd., Aon Sigorta ve Reasurans Brokerligi ve A.S., Aon Soluciones S.A., Aon Soluciones S.A.C., Aon Southern Europe UK Limited, Aon Sp. z o.o., Aon Special Risk Resources Inc., Aon Superannuation (PNG) Limited, Aon Superannuation Pty Limited, Aon TC Holdings Inc., Aon Taiwan Ltd., Aon Treasury Ireland Limited, Aon Trust Company LLC, Aon Trust Corporation Limited, Aon Trust Services B.V., Aon UK Group Limited, Aon UK Holdings Intermediaries Limited, Aon UK Limited, Aon UK Trustees Limited, Aon US & International Holdings Limited, Aon US Holdings 2 Inc., Aon US Holdings Inc., Aon Ukraine LLC, Aon Underwriting Agencies (HK) Limited, Aon Underwriting Managers (Bermuda) Ltd., Aon Underwriting Managers Inc., Aon Versicherungsberatungs GmbH, Aon Versicherungsmakler Deutschland GmbH, Aon Vietnam Limited, Aon Ward Financial Corporation, Aon-COFCO Insurance Brokers Co. Ltd., Aon/Albert G. Ruben Insurance Services Inc., Asevasa Argentina S.A., Asevasa Caricam S.A., Asevasa Chile Peritaciones e Ingenieria de Riesgos S.A., Asevasa Mexico S.A. de C.V., Asevasa Panama S.A., Asian Reinsurance Underwriters Limited, Asscom Insurance Brokers S.r.l., Association of Rural and Small Town Americans, Associacao Instituto Aon, Assurance Licensing Services Inc., B E P International Corp., B.V. Assurantiekantoor Langeveldt-Schroder, BMS Insurance Agency L.L.C., Bacon & Woodrow Partnerships (Ireland) Limited, Bacon & Woodrow Partnerships Limited, Bain Hogg Group Limited (in liquidation), Baltolink UADBB, Bankassure Insurance Services Limited, Bayfair Insurance Centre Limited, Beaubien Finance Ireland Limited, Beaubien Finance Limited, Beaubien UK Finance Limited, Becketts (Trustees) Limited, Becketts Limited, Beech Hill Pension Trustees Ltd, Bekouw Mendes C.V., Benefit Marketing Solutions L.L.C., Benfield Advisory Inc., Benfield Corredores de Reaseguro Ltda., Benfield Finance (London) LLC, Benfield Group, Benfield Investment Holdings Limited, Benfield Juniperus Holdings Limited, Benfield do Brasil Participacoes Ltda. (dormant), Benton Finance Ireland Limited, Benton Finance Limited, Blanch Americas Inc., Bowes & Company Inc. of New York, CEREP III Secondary Manager LLC, CFSSG Real Estate Partners I LLC, CFSSG Real Estate Partners II LLC, CIF-H GP LLC, Cammack Health LLC, Cananwill Corporation, Cananwill Inc., Cardea Health Solutions Limited, Casablanca Intermediation Company Sarl, Celinvest Amsterdam B.V., Chapka Assurances SAS, Citadel Insurance Managers Inc., CoCubes, CoSec 2000 Limited, Coalition for Benefits Equality and Choice, Cocubes Technologies Private Limited, Coles Hewitt Partnership, Contingency Insurance Brokers Limited, Contractsure Limited, CoverWallet, Coverall S.r.l. Insurance and Reinsurance Underwriting Agency, Credit Insurance Brokers (Reynolds) Limited, Crion N.V., Custom Benefit Programs Inc., Cut-e, Cut-e (UK) Limited, Cut-e Assessment (Hong Kong) Limited, Cut-e Assessment Solutions Europe Limited, Cut-e Australia Pty Limited, Cut-e Consult DMCC, Cut-e Danmark A/S, Cut-e Finland Oy, Cut-e GmbH, Cut-e Ireland Limited, Cut-e Nordic AS, Cut-e Norge AS, Cytelligence, Delany Bacon & Woodrow Partnership, Dempsey Partners, Denney O'Hara (Life & Pensions) Limited, Doveland Services Limited, E. W. Blanch Holdings Limited, E. W. Blanch Investments Limited, E.W. Blanch Capital Risk Solutions Inc., E.W. Blanch International Inc., EW Blanch Limited, Elysium Digital IP Products LLC, Elysium Digital L.L.C., Ennis Knupp Secondary Market Services LLC, Essar Insurance Services Limited, Exploitatiemaatschappij Beukenlaan 68-72 B.V., Farmaseg - Solucoes Assistencia e Servicos Empresariais Ltda., Farmsure Limited [In strike-off], Finaccord Limited, Financial & Professional Risk Solutions Inc., Futurity Group Inc., GTCR/AAM Blocker Corp., Ge.f.it. S.r.l., Gefass S.r.l., Glenrand M I B (Mocambique) Corretores de Seguros Limitada, Global Safe Insurance Brokers S.r.l., Globe Events Management, Gotham Digital Science LLC, Gotham Digital Science Ltd., Grant Liddell Financial Advisor Services Pty Ltd, Grant Park Capital LLC, Groupe-Conseil Aon Inc., Grupo Innovac Sociedad de Correduria de Seguros SA, HIA Insurance Services Pty Ltd., Hall Rhodes Holdings Limited, Hall Rhodes Limited, Hamburger Gesellschaft zur Forderung des Versicherungswesens mbH, Harbourview West Lake Co-Invest (GP) LP, Health Index Advisors LLC, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance, Henderson Corporate Insurance Brokers Limited, Henderson Insurance Brokers Limited, Henderson Insurance Partnership Limited [In strike-off], Henderson Risk Management Limited, Hewitt Amalco 3 ULC, Hewitt Amalco 4 ULC, Hewitt Amalco 5 ULC, Hewitt Associates (a partnership), Hewitt Associates Administradora e Corretora de Seguros Ltda., Hewitt Associates Corp., Hewitt Associates Outsourcing Limited, Hewitt Associates Pty Ltd, Hewitt Associates S.C., Hewitt Associates SAS, Hewitt Associates Servicos de Recursos Humanos Ltda., Hewitt Beneficios Agente de Seguros y de Fianzas S.A. de C.V., Hewitt Holdings Canada Company, Hewitt Insurance Brokerage LLC, Hewitt Insurance Inc., Hewitt International Holdings LLC, Hewitt Management Ltd., Hewitt Risk Management Services Limited, Hewitt Western Management Amalco Inc., Hogg Group Limited, Hogg Robinson North America Inc., Huntington T. Block Insurance Agency Inc., I. Beck Insurance Agency (1994) Ltd., IAO Actuarial Consulting Services Canada Inc., INPOINT INC., IRM/GRC Holding Inc., Impact Forecasting L.L.C., Inspiring Benefits, Inspiring Benefits Portugal Unipessoal Lda, Insuractive Limited [In strike-off], Insurance Broker Aon Kazakhstan LLP, International Risk Management (Americas) Inc., International Risk Management Group Ltd, International Space Brokers Europe Limited, International Space Brokers France, International Space Brokers Inc., International Space Brokers Limited, Inversiones Benfield Chile Ltda., J H Minet Puerto Rico Inc., J. Allan Brown Consultants Inc., JDPT Manager LLC, Jenner Fenton Slade Limited, John Reynolds & Company (Credit Insurance) Limited, John Reynolds & Company (Insurances) Limited, John Reynolds & Company (Life & Pensions) Limited, Johnson Rooney Welch Inc., K & K Insurance Brokers Inc. Canada, K & K Insurance Group Inc., K & K Insurance Group of Florida Inc., K2 Technologies Inc., KVT GP LLC, Kloud S.a.r.l., Krumlin Hall Limited, Lake Erie Real Estate General Partner Limited, Lake Tahoe GP LLC, Lake Tahoe II GP LLC, Lake Tahoe III GP LLC, Lake Tahoe IV GP LLC, Lenzi Paolo Broker di Assicurazioni S.r.l., Lincolnshire Insurance Company PCC Limited, Linx Underwriting Solutions Inc., Lombard Trustee Company Limited, M.A. Shakeel Management Ltd. Amalco, MacDonagh Boland Crotty MacRedmond Ltd, Marinaro Dundas S.A., Marinaro Dundas SA, Mark Kelly Insurance and Financial Services PTY LTD, McLagan (Aon) Limited, McLagan Partners Asia Inc., McLagan Partners Inc., Membership Leasing Trust, Minet Consultancy Services Ltd, Minet Group, Minet Holdings Inc., Minet Inc., Minet Re North America Inc., Modern Survey Inc., Muirfield Underwriters Ltd., NBS Nominees Limited, National Insurance Office Ltd., Nauman Insurance Brokers Limited, Nexus Insurance Brokers Limited, One Underwriting Agency GmbH, One Underwriting B.V., One Underwriting Health B.V., One Underwriting Pty Ltd, Optica Agency A/S, Optimum Risk Solutions Limited, Ovatio Courtage SAS, P.G. Bradley & Co Limited, PGOF Manager 1 LLC, PRORUCK Ruckversicherungs Aktiengesellschaft, PT Aon Benfield Indonesia, PT Aon Hewitt Indonesia, PT Aon Indonesia, PWZ AG, Paragon Strategic Solutions Inc., PathWise Solutions LLC, Penn Square Manager 1 LLC, Penn Square Manager II LLC, Portus Consulting, Portus Consulting, Portus Consulting (Leamington) Limited, Portus Online LLP, Praesidium S.p.A. - Soluzioni Assicurative per il Management, Premier Auto Finance Inc., Private Client Trustees Ltd., Private Equity Partnership Structures I LLC, Probabilitas N.V./SA, Protective Marketing Enterprises Inc., Randolph Finance Unlimited Company, Rasini Vigano Limited, Redwoods Dental Underwriters Inc., Richard Kiddle (Insurance Brokers) Limited, Risk Laboratories LLC, Riskikonsultatsioonide OU, Ronnie Elementary Insurance Agency Ltd, SA Special Situations General Partner LLC, SG IFFOXX Assekuranzmaklergesellschaft mbH, SLE Worldwide Limited, SN Re S.A., Salud Riesgos y Recursos Humanos Consultores Ltda. (former Aon Corporte Advisors Ltda.), SchneiderGolling IFFOXX Assekuranzmakler AG, SchneiderGolling Industrie Assekuranzmaklergesellschaft mbH, Scritch Inc., Shanghai Kayi Information Technology Co. Ltd, Sheppard Netherlands B.V., Specialty Benefits Inc., Sports Insure Limited [In strike-off], Strategic Manager-III LLC, Stroz Friedberg (Asia) Limited, Stroz Friedberg Inc., Stroz Friedberg LLC, Stroz Friedberg Limited, Stroz Friedberg Risk Management Limited, Superannuation Management Nominees Limited, Suresport Limited [In strike-off], Swire Blanch MSTC II SA, Swire Blanch MSTC SA, TTG BRPTP GP LLC, TTG Cayuga Bavaria Intermediate 2 S.a.r.l, TTG Core Plus Investments LLC, TTG German Investments I LLC, TTG Investments II LLC, TTG Irish Investments I LLC, TTG Manager LLC, Tecsefin S.A. en liquidacion, The Aon Ireland Mastertrustee Limited, The Aon MasterTrustee Limited, The John Reynolds Company Limited, The Key West Saxon Group LLC, The Townsend Group Inc, The Townsend Group LLC, Townsend Alpha Manager I LLC, Townsend Alpha Manager II LLC, Townsend Alpha Manager III LLC, Townsend Group Asia Limited, Townsend Group Europe Ltd., Townsend HWL GP Ltd., Townsend Holdings LLC, Townsend Lake Constance GP Limited, Townsend REF GP LLC, Townsend Re Global GP Limited, Townsend SO Manager I LLC, Tyche, UAB One Underwriting, UADBB Aon Baltic, UK Credit Insurance Specialists Limited, UNIT Versicherungsmakler GmbH, US Underwriting Solutions S.r.l., USLP Underwriting Solutions LP, Underwriters Marine Services Inc., Unidelta AG, Unirobe Meeus Groep, UnitedPensions Deutschland AG, Univers Workplace Solutions, VERO Management AG, Ventiv Technology, WT Government Services LLC, WT Technologies LLC, Wannet Speciale Verzekeringen B.V., Wannet Sports Insurance GmbH, Ward Financial Group Inc., Welfare S.r.l, West Lake General Partner LLC, West Lake II GP LLC, Wexford Underwriting Managers Inc., White Rock Insurance (Americas) Ltd., White Rock Insurance (Europe) PCC Limited, White Rock Insurance (Gibraltar) PCC Ltd., White Rock Insurance (Guernsey) ICC Limited, White Rock Insurance (Netherlands) PCC Limited, White Rock Insurance (SAC) Ltd., White Rock Insurance Company PCC Ltd., White Rock Insurance PCC (Isle of Man) Limited, White Rock Services (Bermuda) Ltd., White Rock USA Ltd., Willis Towers Watson, Worldwide Integrated Services Company, Wrapid Specialty Inc., Zalba-Caldu Correduria de Seguros SA, and cut-e USA Inc..

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Apollo Global Management, Inc. is a private equity firm specializing in investments in credit, private equity and real estate markets. The firm's private equity investments include traditional buyouts, recapitalization, distressed buyouts and debt investments in real estate, corporate partner buyouts, distressed asset, corporate carve-outs, middle market, growth capital, turnaround, bridge, corporate restructuring, special situation, acquisition, and industry consolidation transactions. The firm provides its services to endowment and sovereign wealth funds, as well as other institutional and individual investors. It manages client focused portfolios. The firm launches and manages hedge funds for its clients. It also manages real estate funds and private equity funds for its clients. The firm invests in the fixed income and alternative investment markets across the globe. Its fixed income investments include income-oriented senior loans, bonds, collateralized loan obligations, structured credit, opportunistic credit, non-performing loans, distressed debt, mezzanine debt, and value oriented fixed income securities. The firm seeks to invest in chemicals, commodities, consumer and retail, oil and gas, metals, mining, agriculture, commodities, distribution and transportation, financial and business services, manufacturing and industrial, media distribution, cable, entertainment and leisure, telecom, technology, natural resources, energy, packaging and materials, and satellite and wireless industries. It seeks to invest in companies based in across Africa, North America with a focus on United States, and Europe. The firm also makes investments outside North America, primarily in Western Europe and Asia. It employs a combination of contrarian, value, and distressed strategies to make its investments. The firm seeks to make investments in the range of $10 million and $1500 million. The firm seeks to invest in companies with Enterprise value between $750 million to $2500 million. The firm conducts an in-house research to create its investment portfolio. It seeks to acquire minority and majority positions in its portfolio companies. Apollo Global Management, Inc. was founded in 1990 and is headquartered in New York, New York with additional offices in North America, Asia , India and Europe.
(Model of the new city Photo:CNN)

A Chinese land developer recently confirmed its multi-billion-dollar investment deal in Egypts new capital city after the $20-billion investment deal caught worldwide attention.

The signing of the memorandum marks a new beginning. We will fully promote our project in Egypt based on the foundation laid out in the deal, China Fortune Land Development (CFLD) expressed in a statement, reported the Global Times.

Egypts plan for the new capital was announced in March 2015, aiming to provide a solution for overpopulation and pollution in Cairo. The $20-billion deal was confirmed after a meeting between CFLD executives and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, CNN reported.

The $20 billion of investment capital includes some other foreign investment as well, an anonymous insider close to CFLD explained to the Global Times.

The company pledged to provide an international industrial platform for Chinese companies to further invest in Egypt.

Located to the east of Cairo, the new city will cover an area of 700 square kilometers, and will be the new seat of the government.

"[The] new city will create more places to live, work and visit," according to the project website. The city is expected to contain housing for 5 million people, more than 1,000 mosques, small villages and industrial zones. It will also have a 5,000-seat conference center and the worlds largest park, according to CNN.
Credit Suisse Group AG, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial services in Switzerland, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. The company offers wealth management solutions, including investment advice and discretionary asset management services; risk management solutions, such as managed investment products; and wealth planning, succession planning, and trust services. It also provides financing and lending solutions, including consumer credit and real estate mortgage lending, real asset lending relating to ship, and aviation financing for UHNWI; standard and structured hedging, and lombard lending solutions, as well as collateral trading services; and investment banking solutions, such as global securities sales, trading and execution, capital raising, and advisory services. In addition, the company offers banking solutions, such as payments, accounts, debit and credit cards, and product bundles; asset management products; equity and debt underwriting, and advisory services; cash equities, equity derivatives, and convertibles, as well as prime services; and fixed income products, such as credit, securitized, macro, emerging markets, financing, structured credit, and other products. Further, it provides HOLT, a framework for assessing the performance of approximately 20,000 companies; and equity and fixed income research services. The company serves private and institutional clients; ultra-high-net-worth individuals, high-net-worth individuals, and affluent and retail clients; corporate clients, small and medium-sized enterprises, external asset managers, financial institutions, and commodity traders; and pension funds, hedge funds, governments, foundations and endowments, corporations, entrepreneurs, private individuals, financial sponsors, and sovereign clients. As of December 31, 2021, it operated through a network of 311 offices and branches. The company was founded in 1856 and is based in Zurich, Switzerland.
Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. operates as the bank holding company for Frost Bank that offers commercial and consumer banking services in Texas. It operates in two segments, Banking and Frost Wealth Advisors. The company offers commercial banking services to corporations and other business clients, including financing for industrial and commercial properties, interim construction related to industrial and commercial properties, equipment, inventories and accounts receivables, and acquisitions; commercial leasing; and treasury management services. It also provides consumer banking services, such as checking accounts, savings programs, automated-teller machines (ATMs), overdraft facilities, installment and real estate loans, home equity loans and lines of credit, drive-in and night deposit services, safe deposit facilities, and brokerage services. In addition, the company offers international banking services comprising deposits, loans, letters of credit, foreign collections, funds, and foreign exchange services. Further, it acts as a correspondent for approximately 171 financial institutions; offers trust, investment, agency, and custodial services for individual and corporate clients; provides capital market services that include sales and trading, new issue underwriting, money market trading, advisory, and securities safekeeping and clearance; and supports international business activities. Additionally, the company offers insurance and securities brokerage services; and holds securities for investment purposes, as well as investment management services to Frost-managed mutual funds, institutions, and individuals. It operates approximately 157 financial centers and 1,650 ATMs. The company serves energy, manufacturing, services, construction, retail, telecommunications, healthcare, military, and transportation industries. Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. was founded in 1868 and is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas.
[File Photo]

A new property tax law draft is expected to be submitted to the National People's Congress (NPC) for deliberation in 2017, Beijing-based Legal Daily reported.

According to Hao Ruyu, an NPC Standing Committee member, the drafting process had already begun in July. The Standing Committee of the NPC, China's top legislature, included the law in a legislation plan released in August 2015.

The absence of a property registration system in China is an obstacle in introducing property tax, said Shi Zhengwen, deputy director of the Chinese Association for Fiscal and Tax Law, in an interview with Legal Daily. Shi is also a professor of fiscal and tax law at China University of Political Science and Law.

Shi's opinion was echoed by Feng Qiaobin, a professor of public finance at the Chinese Academy of Governance. Feng said that China needs to have unified property registration in all cities and counties, and that a unified property registration system should be introduced nationwide.

Following the lead of dozens of cities in China, the Shanghai municipal government has implemented a unified real estate registration system across the city. The city's government also ceased issuing property ownership certificates starting Oct. 8, Global Times reported.

Although citizens around China hope property tax can help to curb speculation and the rise of housing prices, Liu Jianwen, a professor at Peking University Law School, said that the tax will mainly help to optimize local tax systems and local fiscal revenue. It will also adjust income distribution, according to Liu.

China aims to achieve unified property registration in all cities and counties by the end of this year, Xinhua News Agency reported. A total of 21 cities around China have released newly tightened measures for home purchases since Sept. 30, all aimed at cooling down the market.

Feng said it will be difficult to introduce the property tax in 2017; however, he predicts that it will be introduced by 2020.
OPKO Health, Inc., a healthcare company, engages in the diagnostics and pharmaceuticals businesses in the United States, Ireland, Chile, Spain, Israel, Mexico, and internationally. The company's Diagnostics segment operates BioReference Laboratories that offers laboratory testing services for the detection, diagnosis, evaluation, monitoring, and treatment of diseases, including esoteric testing, molecular diagnostics, anatomical pathology, genetics, women's health, and correctional healthcare to physician offices, clinics, hospitals, employers and governmental units; and a novel diagnostic instrument system to provide blood test results in the point-of-care setting, as well as 4Kscore prostate cancer testing services. Its Pharmaceutical segment offers Rayaldee to treat secondary hyperparathyroidism in adults with stage 3 or 4 chronic kidney disease, and vitamin D insufficiency; OPK88004, an orally administered selective androgen receptor modulator; OPK88003, a once-weekly administered peptide for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and associated obesity that is in Phase IIb trials; and hGH-CTP, a once-weekly human growth hormone injection that completed Phase III clinical trial in partnership with Pfizer, Inc. This segment develops and commercializes longer-acting proprietary versions of already approved therapeutic proteins. The company also offers specialty APIs; develops, manufactures, markets, and sells pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, veterinary, and ophthalmic products; commercializes food supplements and over the counter products; manufactures and sells products primarily in the generics market; and imports, markets, distributes, and sells pharmaceutical products in a range of indications, including cardiovascular products, vaccines, antibiotics, gastro-intestinal products, hormones, and others. In addition, it operates pharmaceutical platforms in Ireland, Chile, Spain, and Mexico. The company was founded in 1991 and is headquartered in Miami, Florida.
AstraZeneca PLC, a biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and commercialization of prescription medicines. Its marketed products include Calquence, Enhertu, Faslodex, Imfinzi, Iressa, Koselugo, Lumoxiti, Lynparza, Orpathys, Tagrisso, and Zoladex for oncology; Brilinta/Brilique, Bydureon/Byetta, BCise, Byetta, Crestor, Evrenzo, Farxiga/Forxiga, Komboglyze/Kombiglyze XR, Lokelma, Onglyza, Qtern, and Xigduo/Xigduo XR for cardiovascular, renal, and metabolism diseases; Bevespi Aerosphere, Breztri Aerosphere, Daliresp/Daxas, Duaklir Genuair, Fasenra, Pulmicort, Saphnelo, Symbicort, and Tudorza/Eklira/Bretaris for respiratory and immunology; and Andexxa/Ondexxya, Kanuma, Soliris, Strensiq, and Ultomiris for rare diseases. The company's marketed products also comprise Synagis for respiratory syncytial virus; Fluenz Tetra/FluMist Quadrivalent for Influenza; Seroquel IR/Seroquel XR for schizophrenia bipolar disease; Nexium, and Losec/Prilosec for gastroenterology; and Vaxzevria and Evusheld for covid-19. The company serves primary care and specialty care physicians through distributors and local representative offices in the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Americas, Asia, Africa, and Australasia. It has a collaboration agreement with Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to research, develop, and commercialize small molecule medicines for obesity; Neurimmune AG to develop and commercialize NI006; Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop eplontersen, a liver-targeted antisense therapy in Phase III development for the treatment of transthyretin amyloidosis; Proteros Biostructures GmbH to jointly discover novel small molecules for the treatment of hematological cancers; Sierra Oncology, Inc. to develop and commercialize AZD5153. The company was formerly known as Zeneca Group PLC and changed its name to AstraZeneca PLC in April 1999. AstraZeneca PLC was incorporated in 1992 and is headquartered in Cambridge, the United Kingdom.
NASDAQ is an acronym for the National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations. The NASDAQ stock exchange is owned by Nasdaq, Inc. and serves as an international electronic marketplace where investors can buy and sell securities. It is the second largest stock exchange in the world.

The NASDAQ exchange lists stocks from virtually every sector of the economy. Although they are heavily weighted in technology, you will also see them as a leader in fields such as healthcare and biotech, energy and industrials and financial services.

And the NASDAQ is also an index which is referred to as the NASDAQ Composite. When you hear that the NASDAQ was up or down, they are referring to the index.

This index measures over 3,000 stocks listed on the NASDAQ exchange and includes the worlds leading tech stocks including the FAANG stocks. The index is a mathematical average of the stocks that are listed. The NASDAQ index cant be traded. However, investors can purchase an index fund that is similar to a mutual fund or an ETF and is made up of the stocks in the index.

The purpose of this article is to provide a brief history of the NASDAQ, explain how its different from the NYSE and the Dow Jones Index, and why the NASDAQ is important to investors.

What Were the Origins of the NASDAQ?

The NASDAQ started trading on February 8, 1971. It was created as an alternative to the NYSE so as to give new, emerging companies a way into the stock market. Since the NYSE is made up of primarily blue-chip companies with a large market capitalization, many financially sound companies with modest assets had to look for alternate means to raise capital.

At first, the NASDAQ only provided quotations and matched buyers and sellers with dealers. As it started trading, it became a source for speculative, over-the-counter (OTC) stocks to raise capital. However, when it became the first U.S. stock market to conduct online trading, it soon became the go-to exchange for technology stocks that saw it as a more modern way to list their stocks. In a way, it reflected the innovation that those companies represented.

What Are the Listing Requirements for the NASDAQ?

For starters, the NASDAQ is a company. So every company that wishes to be listed on the NASDAQ has to pay an initial listing fee. This fee can be between $50,000 and $75,000. In addition, there is an annual fee to remain as a member. This fee can be as lows as $42,000 or as high as $155,000 depending on the companys size.

But being part of an exchange is not just a matter of paying dues. To be listed, a company must meet a set of requirements. These include but are not limited to:

Quantitative financial requirements (earnings, market cap, and assets)

Corporate governance standards that give clear guidance about issues like shareholder rights and annual meetings

Once a stock is listed, they must continue to meet regulatory requirements by making financial information about the company and the stock available to the public. And, the companies listed on the NASDAQ must meet SEC requirements, including the filing of financial reports. All of this is done to provide transparency to investors. For this reason, as the NASDAQ has grown up it is no longer the domain of speculative over-the-counter stocks.

How is the NASDAQ Different from the NYSE?

Initially, the primary difference between the NYSE and NASDAQ was in the way trades were conducted. The NYSE is an auction market. As the word auction implies, trades occur between buyers who offer a bid price for a stock and sellers who have an ask price. The highest bidding price is matched with the lowest asking price. The NASDAQ, by contrast, started as a dealers market where these dealers served as middlemen between buyers and sellers.

With the advent of trading technology, the difference in methodology between the two exchanges is more subtle. The NASDAQ now automatically matches buyers and sellers similar to an auction system. And the NYSE relies heavily on computers to facilitate their trades. One of the differences remains the presence of human brokers who still man the trading floor of the NYSE.

Another subtle difference comes with how the exchanges ensure liquidity and security. On the NYSE, each security has a Designated Market Maker (DMM) who serves as an auctioneer of sorts. Unlike the NYSE, each security on the NASDAQ has multiple Market Makers to help ensure liquidity. Apple, for example, has 54 registered Market Makers.

Yet another difference can be found in the size and profile of the companies listed with each exchange. As of June 2022, the NYSE includes approximately 2,400 companies with a market capitalization of over $28.2 trillion. The NASDAQ has over 3,300 listings with a total market capitalization of $11 trillion dollars. Why is this significant? The NYSE has been around since 1792 making it the oldest stock exchange and for almost 200 years the only game in town. As a result, it is home to many of what are seen as the blue-chip companies. The NASDAQ, by comparison, generally consists of stocks that are more volatile and growth oriented. In recent years, it is for housing the FAANG stocks (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google/Alphabet).

How is the NASDAQ Different from the Dow?

Both the Dow and the NASDAQ are predictive indicators of the market direction. In the case of the Dow, the stocks can be listed on the NYSE or the NASDAQ exchanges.

The Dow Jones (also known as The Dow) is an index of what are considered the 30 biggest companies in terms of scale and firm returns. When stock reports are given you usually hear reference to The Dow was up X number of points or The Dow was down X number of points. This is referring to the average of these 30 stocks. It is considered to be a broad view of the market in general. You may also hear the phrase advancers versus decliners. This refers to how many stocks in the Dow 30 made gains for the day (advancers) and how many had losses (decliners).

The companies in the Dow 30 make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA). Some investors may buy an index fund which contains only the securities that make up the Dow 30.

The NASDAQ is also an index, but it is also an exchange that is made up of over 3,400 individual securities. Many of these securities are in the technology sector. Some of these securities may be part of the Dow 30, but the index as a whole is separate from the Dow. Like the Dow, many investors choose to invest in index funds that are tailored to stocks in the NASDAQ. The USAA NASDAQ 100 Index Fund (USNQX) is one such fund. This fund includes the 100 biggest stocks (non-financial) that are listed on the NASDAQ exchange.

What Does the NASDAQ Say About Investor Sentiment?

The NASDAQ offers growth investors a cue to how much risk the market is willing to absorb at a given moment. For example, when you hear that the Dow is up (which usually means the NYSE is up), it typically signals a time of where investors may be less inclined to take risks. But when the NASDAQ is up and the Dow is down or trailing, it usually signifies that investors are more confident about the overall economy and are willing to assume more risk.

And as we stated earlier, the NASDAQ still plays a critical role in how many young companies go public. There were 34 initial public offerings (IPOs) posted on the NYSE in 2016. This was just three percent of the total volume of IPOs worldwide. By contrast, in that same year, the NASDAQ held 77 IPOs which was seven percent of global IPOs, more than double that of the NYSE.

Some Final Thoughts on the NASDAQ Stock Exchange

The arrival of the NASDAQ stock exchange in the 1970s created a choice for investors that meant more than just choosing Coke or Pepsi. By offering a lower cost of entry and welcoming start-ups with a focus on innovation, the NASDAQ gave these companies a stock exchange that looked like them.

Today, the NASDAQ is the largest electronic stock market with over 3,000 companies listed. And ironically, the five largest companies in terms of market cap are listed on the NASDAQ. However, although this stock exchange has grown up a bit, it still retains its rebellious cache. With its focus on technology stocks, many of the worlds most nimble and innovative companies look to get listed on the NASDAQ as a way to raise capital. It is almost synonymous with technology and serves as a predictor of the broader markets appetite for risk.
First American Financial Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides financial services. It operates through Title Insurance and Services, and Specialty Insurance segments. The Title Insurance and Services segment issues title insurance policies on residential and commercial property, as well as offers related products and services. This segment also provides closing and/or escrow services; products, services, and solutions to mitigate risk or otherwise facilitate real estate transactions; and appraisals and other valuation-related products and services, lien release and document custodial services, warehouse lending services, default-related products and services, mortgage subservicing, and related products and services, as well as banking, trust, and wealth management services. In addition, it accommodates tax-deferred exchanges of real estate; and maintains, manages, and provides access to title plant data and records. This segment offers its products through a network of direct operations and agents in 49 states and in the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, and internationally. The Specialty Insurance segment provides property and casualty insurance comprising coverage to residential homeowners and renters for liability losses and typical hazards, such as fire, theft, vandalism, and other types of property damage. It also offers residential service contracts that cover residential systems, such as heating and air conditioning systems, and appliances against failures that occur as the result of normal usage during the coverage period. First American Financial Corporation was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in Santa Ana, California.
(Xinhua) 19:22, October 12, 2016

BEIJING, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will pay a state visit to China from Oct. 18 to 21, at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, said Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang on Wednesday.

During the trip, Xi and Duterte will discuss improving bilateral ties, deepening cooperation and international and regional issues of common concern.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang will also meet Duterte, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a daily press briefing.

China hopes the visit will help the two nations strengthen political trust, deepen cooperation, continue friendship, properly handle disputes, and promote bilateral relations back to the track of sound and stable development, Geng said.

He added that the two sides were keeping close communication regarding specific arrangement and the results and deals that could be achieved.

Geng said a good China-Philippines relationship was a common desire of the two nations.

China attaches high importance to relations with the Philippines and is willing to work with the country to promote the sound and stable development of bilateral ties, he said.
(Xinhua) 19:30, October 12, 2016

NANCHANG, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has called for strengthened and innovative social governance, stressing the need to improve systems to prevent and forecast risk.

Xi, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, made the remarks in a prepared statement about the country's social management that was released Wednesday. The statement was delivered by Meng Jianzhu, head of the Commission for Political and Legal Affairs of the CPC Central Committee, at a national conference on public security governance held on October 10 and 11.

"More efforts should be made to build a safe China at a higher level and further enhance people's sense of security," Xi said.

According to Xi, people working in political and legal affairs and comprehensive social governance have focused on dealing with outstanding problems and innovating social governance methods in recent years, achieving greater results.

Stressing integrated and open governance efforts among various departments, Xi urged a focus on the rule of law and technological innovation and "a heightened capacity to forecast and prevent all kinds of risks."

The president urged Party committees and governments at all levels to pay great attention to the work of social governance and highlight the responsibility of leading officials to ensure safety and development at the local level.
The U.S. Air Force has played a key role in coordinating the recent arrival of more than two dozen aircraft from countries around the world delivering supplies to hurricane-stricken Haiti.

In the last five days alone, the service has ushered in 27 aircraft from not only the U.S., but also Germany, France, China and countries in Latin America, according to service members interviewed by Military.com on Tuesday.

More activity is expected, especially in cities such as Jeremie, relatively isolated by deep forests to the south but slammed up against the Atlantic Ocean to the north.

U.S. Southern Command last week established Joint Task Force-Matthew to oversee U.S. military relief efforts in Haiti after Category 4 Hurricane Matthew ravaged the island, displacing more than 300,000 inhabitants and killing nearly 1,000, according to reports.

More than 115 airmen from the 621st Contingency Response Wing out of Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, repurposed Port-au-Prince International Airport in just 12 hours to function as the checkpoint for all airlift operations, as part of their Joint Task Force-Port Opening mission.

While not in charge of potable water or medical relief, the airmen have been the air traffic controllers, maintenance delegators, relief aid offloaders -- "anything you need for an airfield, we do," said Staff Sgt. Robert Waggoner, a spokesman for the wing.

"We've been working with people from so many different nations, with many language barriers, [but still] finding a way to get this mission done," Waggoner said during a telephone interview with Military.com from Haiti.

The Air Force has been transferring supplies to the Marine Corps and Army, sending UH-60 Black Hawks and CH-47 Chinooks to marooned parts of the island, said Col. Leslie Maher, the commander of the JTF-Port Opening mission.

"The only way in through Jeremie and that part of Haiti was through a bridge, now washed away because of the hurricane, so the only way in [now] is through helicopter," Waggoner said. The limited airstrip in Jeremie, about 180 miles away from Port au Prince, cannot accommodate large cargo aircraft.

As of Monday, three of five U.S. cargo planes had delivered 480 metric tons of relief supplies, including 20,000 hygiene kits, 18,000 sets of kitchen utensils for cooking, 40,000 blankets and 500 rolls of plastic sheeting or tarps, plus hundreds of pounds of rice.

Maher said as "we progress on getting the supplies out, we'll see" if the JTF-PO will relocate or create another airfield.

In addition to a growing cholera scare on the island, another obstacle has been connecting with desperate communities who sometimes refuse to cooperate or even grow hostile toward the convoy attendants carrying aid.

"We're the first unit that goes in, and the last one that goes out," Maher said, adding that the order has been given to stick to a 14-day mission, concluding around Oct. 19.

"We've brought the forklifts, the Halvorsen [25K Loaders], the all-terrain Humvees, and the security and communications," she said, "so all of the back-end infrastructure that's needed to make an operation like this possible."

Maher said it might seem like a small footprint, but it's enough to begin getting Haiti's "economy and micro-economies back on their feet again."

"It's the guys that drive the forklift that often get overlooked, but they're the ones helping to offload  any aircraft that's dropping into a very, very tight airport. Yes, it's the helicopters that get it out there, but the logistical side makes it successful, too," she said.

-- The Associated Press contributed to this report.

-- Oriana Pawlyk can be reached at oriana.pawlyk@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@Oriana0214.
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.
Andy Slivka was just 19 when he was deployed to Afghanistan, leaving behind a close-knit family to serve with his fellow Marines in Afghanistan's Helmand Province six years ago.

Then he met Zia, a 39-year-old Afghan man whose role would become far greater than an English interpreter for Slivka and his platoon.

"He acted as a father when my own father wasn't there," Slivka said, "And he risked everything he had in order to do it."

From dangerous patrols in hostile and IED-riddled territory to dinner time in the mess tent, Zia was always with his American brothers in arms, said Slivka. Late night chats about love, life and loss were easy with the bilingual Afghan, he said.

"If I ever had an issue, I could just sit there and talk to him," said Slivka, now a 25-year-old college senior in Berea, Ohio.

Slivka is fighting to bring Zia and his family to the U.S. for a better life -- a plight familiar to many former service men and women who are trying to move their Iraqi or Afghan interpreters from the war zone to America.

Slivka created a GoFundMe page last week to raise funds for Zia, his wife and six children in their quest to obtain a Special Immigrant Visa (SIV), which would allow them entry into the U.S.

The fundraising website also includes a video featuring other Marines from the Third Battalion, Ninth Marine Regiment speaking about Zia, who applied for a visa three years ago and whose family has since been forced into hiding after threats from the Taliban.

"Without Zia's dedicated work and devotion, we wouldn't have been able to succeed in our mission over there," Marine Corps veteran Ramiro Lopez says in the video.

"These individuals are now facing the risk of life, liberty," said James Miller. "Their families are in danger all because they did the right thing and they served alongside us as allies and now we're abandoning them.

"From Day One in boot camp, it was ingrained in you, you never leave a man behind -- and that's why we need to bring people like Zia to the U.S.," said Scott Pitcher.

Slivka and his fellow Marines are calling on Congress to reauthorize and expand its visa program for Afghans like Zia. If Congress fails to allocate any new visas, the program will expire at the end of the year, leaving interpreters like Zia to be killed by "the very enemies they helped us fight," Slivka said.

The Afghan Allies Protection Act of 2009 applies to Afghans who have been employed by or on behalf of the U.S. government in Afghanistan. Translators or interpreters may apply under this program if they meet the eligibility requirements.

Since the beginning of 2014, the U.S. government has issued visas to 9,000 Afghan allies, and an additional 18,000 visas to their immediate family members under the program -- more than 27,000 visas in three years, according to the State Department.

Congress authorized a total of 7,000 visas for Afghan principal applicants in the National Defense Authorization Acts for 2015 and 2016. But as of Sept. 25, 2016, only 1,825 visas remain.

Unless Congress authorizes additional visa numbers, Special Immigrant Visa issuances under this program will stop once the remaining visa numbers have been used.

A State Department official told FoxNews.com Tuesday that, "We are committed to supporting those who  at great personal risk  have helped us."

Matt Zeller, an Afghan War veteran and Purple Heart recipient from Rochester, N.Y., pressured the U.S. Embassy in Kabul to grant a visa for his former interpreter as part of the Afghan Allies Protection Act.

The visa request for Janis Shinwari was granted in September 2013, and Zeller later founded No One Left Behind, a group that advocates for the continuation and expansion of the current visa program for Afghan and Iraqi interpreters. The organization also offers financial and other support to interpreters and their families once they have arrived in the U.S.

"Currently, the visa backlog stands at 10,000+ and counting," Zeller told FoxNews.com. "When you include family members, that could be as many as 35,000 people.

"These are our fellow veterans," Zeller said. "They fought with us. They bled with us. In many cases, they've died for us and killed the enemy to save the lives of our men and women in uniform."

Zia's work went above and beyond the role of a translator, Slivka said. Zia faced backlash from other Afghans -- especially Taliban sympathizers -- while he put his life on the line to help U.S. troops.

Zia, who lives in Kabul City, cannot move to other provinces due to safety reasons. The Taliban, he said, is using biometric systems to carry out attacks on former interpreters employed by the U.S. military.

Slivka recalled a recent conversation with Zia in which the man told him a Taliban commander had called him on his cellphone and threatened him. The Taliban official told Zia that, as a fellow Muslim, he should help them "kick out" Americans from Afghanistan. When Zia refused, the commander said, "You will face our judgment one day."

"You name it and he did it -- from going out with platoons on patrols or manning the aide station where we could be on post," Slivka said of Zia, who worked as a military interpreter for four years. "He was our 24-hour go-to guy if we needed anything, and he was indispensable.

"There was no other interpreter Ive ever worked with in the U.S. Marine Corp like Zia," said Slivka, who is planning to become a mental health counselor for the Department of Veterans Affairs. "He understood the humanistic side of things. He empathized with us. He showed tremendous care and compassion."
Weeks after the Navy announced it was getting rid of its 241-year-old ratings system in an effort to make jobs more flexible and titles gender-neutral, the Secretary of the Navy hinted that one of the most beloved job titles might be renamed in the process.

Speaking at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday in what will likely be one of his final public addresses, Navy Secretary Ray Mabus promoted the ratings overhaul as a way to allow sailors to seek employment outside their narrow job chimney and to make titles more gender-neutral as more service jobs open to women.

The change means enlisted sailors refer to each other by rank -- chief petty officer or seaman, for example -- instead of by rating, as they previously did.

Twice, Mabus referred to Navy hospital corpsmen as medics, using an Army word for its enlisted medical specialists.

"Ratings names change all the time," Mabus said. "Corpsmen, our medics, that rating came in after World War II. Corpsmen were first called Loblolly Boys, which, I'm not sure where that came from. I thought it was important to be gender-neutral."

The Navy considers the rating of corpsman to be 118 years old, dating from the establishment of the Navy Hospital Corps in 1898 with approval from then-president William McKinley.

"From that date to the present, either generically or by rating title, medical Sailors have been called 'hospital corpsmen,' " according to a history compiled by the independent website Corpsman.com.

But through World War II, combat corpsmen were known as pharmacists mates, a title that persisted until a 1947 reorganization of the Navy's hospital corps that resulted in the current title.

Mabus also announced that the Navy plans to train enlisted specialists, including those formerly known as corpsmen and aviation crews, to civilian certification standards.

"We'll train all our aircraft folks to [Federal Aviation Administration] standards. We'll train corpsmen, now our medics, to [Emergency Medical Technician] standards," Mabus said. "When you leave [the] Navy, when you leave [the] Marine Corps, a lot of times even though you've got the skill level, you don't have the certification. You can't get a job working at United Airlines right across the street. You need to start over. You can't get a job with an EMT crew. So those are the reasons we changed that."

Army medics are already trained to EMT standards, another indicator that the Navy may be taking a page from that service.

A spokesman for Navy Personnel Command, Lt. Cmdr. Nate Christensen, would not confirm to Military.com that the Navy was doing away with the 118-year-old title of corpsman in favor of the gender-neutral "medic."

He emphasized that the Navy is executing the first step of what will be a multi-year process to transition from the ratings system. Officials have previously said they are still determining whether to keep aspects of Navy tradition tied to the ratings system, such as the ratings badges on uniforms that indicate sailors' job specialties.

"The only thing that has changed right now is how we address each other," Christensen said.

He also cited comments that Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson made to Military.com in early October indicating that traditional honorifics, such as "Doc" for corpsman, will remain in use.

"The idea is that the official communication would be your rank, so you'd be seaman or petty officer or master chief, etcetera," Richardson said Oct. 3. "But I'll tell you what: On the battlefield, all those corpsmen are called 'Doc,' right. And so how that all transpires, we'll see. I'm not here to squelch any of that type of thing."

-- Hope Hodge Seck can be reached at hope.seck@military.com. Follow her on Twitter at@HopeSeck.
The U.S. has confidence in maintaining strong defense ties with the Philippines despite threats to end joint military exercises by Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte and his cozying up to China, a top U.S. diplomat for the region said Wednesday.

"We're working through this. We've been through a lot worse" in the history of U.S.-Philippines relations, said Daniel Russel, assistant secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.

"I think the operative adjective is 'colorful,' " Russel said in describing Duterte's recent outbursts in which he has charged that the Philippines has been shortchanged as the U.S. seeks to rebalance forces to the Pacific to counter the rise of China.

At an Asian summit last month, Duterte, the former populist mayor of Davao City, said the U.S. "can go to hell" and used a slur against President Barack Obama that loosely translated as "son of a whore."

Obama brushed off the insult, calling Duterte a "colorful guy."

Russel said he is working closely with Adm. Harry Harris, commander of U.S. Pacific Command, and Adm. Scott Swift, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, to ensure that military relations and coordination with the Philippines continue.

At a breakfast with defense reporters, Russel said, "There's a lot of noise, a lot of stray voltage, in the media" over Duterte's remarks, but the U.S. is moving in a "deliberate and thoughtful way" to keep relations on an even keel.

If the government of the Philippines formally proposes changes to the military-to-military relationship, "we'll deal with it," he said.

"The roots run really deep" in U.S. relations with the Philippines, Russel said, but the Washington-Manila relationship has been complex. The Philippines was a U.S. territory from 1898 until after World War II, when Philippines independence was recognized. Since then, ties between the armed forces of the two nations have often been closer that those between the U.S. and Philippines governments.

In 2014, the U.S. and the Philippines signed a 10-year accord allowing the U.S. to establish military bases in the Philippines, more than 20 years after the huge U.S. bases at Subic Bay and Clark Air Force Base were ordered closed during a surge of nationalism in the Philippines.

Last week, Duterte threatened to scrap the defense agreement with the U.S. and forge a strategic alliance with China. However, Duterte on Tuesday appeared to change course. He said the agreement would stay in effect, but added that it benefited only the U.S.

Duterte's remarks Tuesday came on the same day that U.S. Marines and their counterparts from the Philippines ended a military exercise a day early. Duterte has warned that the joint exercise could be the last involving the two nations.

-- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com.
(Xinhua) 19:42, October 12, 2016

PHNOM PENH, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Cambodia's National Assembly President Samdech Heng Samrin said Wednesday that the forthcoming state visit of Chinese President Xi Jinpingto Cambodia will elevate Cambodia-China ties to the highest-ever level in history.

The Cambodian top legislator made the remarks during a meeting with newly-appointed Chinese Ambassador to Cambodia Xiong Bo, according to Keo Piseth, a spokesman for Samrin.

"Samdech (honorific title for Heng Samrin) said that he was confident that President Xi's visit would lift Cambodia-China relations and cooperation to the highest-ever level," Piseth told reporters.

According to the spokesman, Samrin said Cambodia and its people are very proud to welcome the upcoming state visit of President Xi to Cambodia.

Xi will pay his first state visit to Cambodia starting on Thursday, both countries announced Monday.
PHNOM PENH, Oct. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinpingpublished a signed article in the leading Cambodian newspaper Rasmei Kampuchea under the title "China and Cambodia: Good Neighbors and Trusted Friends" here on Wednesday, ahead of his state visit to the Southeast Asian country.

The English translated version of the article is as follows.

China and Cambodia: Good Neighbors and Trusted Friends

By H.E. Xi Jinping, President of the People's Republic of China

At the invitation of King Norodom Sihamoni, I will pay a state visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia. This will be my first visit to Cambodia as the President of China, a visit I look forward to with great anticipation.

Cambodia, an important link on the ancient Maritime Silk Road, is renowned for its rich history and the unique Khmer culture. Angkor Wat, with its magnificent architecture and stunning bas-reliefs, stands as a true tribute to the talent of the Cambodian people and shines in the annals of human civilization. Entering the 21st century, Cambodia has made much progress in its development and delivered a better life to its people. It is heading towards a promising future.

China and Cambodia are geographically and culturally close to each other, and our friendly exchanges trace back more than a millennium. Through the ancient Maritime Silk Road, Chinese porcelain and lacquer wares were brought to Cambodia, and Cambodian spices and yellow wax stones were sent to China. The bas-reliefs of the Bayon Temple vividly depict the scenes of Chinese merchants trading with the locals in Cambodia. During China's Southern and Northern Dynasties in the fifth and sixth centuries AD, Sanghapala, Mandrasena and Subhuti, three eminent Cambodian monks, came to China to disseminate Buddhism. In China's Yuan Dynasty, Zhou Daguan, a Chinese envoy, visited Cambodia. He later wrote The Customs of Cambodia, providing a vivid account of the local customs in Angkor and the friendly interactions between Chinese and Cambodians. Zheng He, the famous navigator from China's Ming Dynasty, made many stopovers in Cambodia on his voyages. He described Cambodia as a land with a warm climate and fertile fields where the locals boiled seawater to make salt and had colorful customs. The Sam Po Kong Temple in the suburb of Kampong Cham that honors Zheng He still has many visitors today, a testament to the time-honored friendship between Chinese and Cambodians.8

A Cambodian proverb likens trust to the growth of a tree. The traditional China-Cambodia friendship, tested by the times and a changing international landscape, has grown strong like a luxuriant tree thanks to efforts made by past leaders of both countries. In 1958, China and Cambodia established diplomatic ties, opening a new chapter in their bilateral relations. Over the past 58 years, successive leaders of both countries have maintained close interactions and developed a close bond of friendship. King Father Norodom Sihanoukonce fondly said that the China-Cambodia friendship is like a flower that never withers and will always blossom under the bright sky.

Entering the new era, the China-Cambodia friendship has continued to flourish, beaming with new vitality. Our two countries enjoy deep political trust and win-win economic cooperation. We have carried out fruitful cooperation in various areas, and maintained close consultation and coordination on international and regional affairs, setting an example of how two countries should treat each other as equals and cooperate with absolute sincerity.

In 2010, China and Cambodia established a comprehensive strategic partnership, ushering their ties into a new era. We share a similar development philosophy, and we agree to find ways for China's "Belt and Road" initiative and Cambodia's "Rectangular Strategy" to work together. Two-way trade and investment have maintained strong growth in recent years. China has been Cambodia's biggest trading partner and source of investment for three years. The year 2015 saw our two-way trade topping 4.4 billion U.S. dollars.

China and Cambodia are devoted friends. On issues concerning each other's core interests and major concerns, our two countries have stood together and supported each other. China firmly supports and has assisted Cambodia in its fight for independence and liberation, as well as maintaining peace and stability. In the 1990s, a Chinese engineering corps of over 800 men took part in peacekeeping missions in Cambodia. In just 18 months, they built and repaired the Phnom Penh International Airport and two other airports, four national-level highways over 640 km in length and over 40 bridges. With blood and sweat, the Chinese peacekeepers helped nurture the China-Cambodia friendship.

We will never forget that Cambodia was among the first group of countries to establish diplomatic ties with New China when it faced a foreign blockade in its early days. Cambodia was firm in supporting China's efforts to restore its lawful seat in the United Nations. When China acted to safeguard its territorial sovereignty and maritime interests and was devoted to resolving related disputes through peaceful negotiation, Cambodia did not hesitate to speak out to uphold justice. When China's Sichuan, Qinghai and Gansu provinces were hit by natural disasters, the Cambodian royal family, government leaders and public shared our grief and extended a helping hand to us. We have a Chinese saying -- "Hardship reveals true friendship." Similarly, a Cambodian saying goes "Only in tough time can one tell a true friend from a false one." Our two peoples value our ties and treat each other as true friends; the China-Cambodia friendship has developed deep roots in the hearts of both peoples.

China and Cambodia are neighbors who share a bond of brotherhood. The two countries have supported each other in improving the livelihoods of their respective people. China built Cambodia's first four-lane national highway as an assistance project and was contracted to build Cambodia's first cement plant, first coal-fired power station and its largest hydropower station. The booming Sihanoukville Special Economic Zone stands as testimony to how fruitful China-Cambodia cooperation can be. By June 2016, 100 companies were operating in the zone with a total investment of 280 million U.S. dollars, creating over 13,000 jobs. By strengthening economic complementarity and unlocking potential, our two countries have expanded and upgraded cooperation in infrastructure, agriculture, water conservancy, energy, resources, information and telecommunications; such cooperation projects are expected to deliver early returns.

China and Cambodia enjoy flourishing people-to-people and cultural exchanges, which have added strong momentum to the growth of their relations. Chinese cultural relics experts have spent years in Cambodia to protect and restore the Chau Say Tevoda Temple and the Ta Keo Temple in Angkor. Chinese doctors have performed free cataract operations for over 1,000 patients across Cambodia. Chinese agro-technicians have passed on agro-technologies to Cambodian villagers during the day and taught them Chinese in the evening, moves that have been warmly received by the locals. The Confucius Institute launched in Cambodia in 2009 now offers classes to over 10,000 students in 14 different locations. By 2015, more than 1,000 Cambodian students were studying in China on scholarship programs sponsored by the Chinese government.

Both China and Cambodia are at crucial stages in their respective development and face the similar tasks of deepening reform, opening further and upgrading their economic structures. Both countries are committed to economic integration and cooperation in our region. Having reached a new stage in its relations with Cambodia, China will work with Cambodia to strengthen their bilateral comprehensive strategic partnership in a wide range of areas so as to deliver greater benefits to the two peoples.

-- We will also deepen political trust. China will maintain high-level visits and enhance communication with Cambodia. I hope that the two countries will step up exchanges between their governments, political parties and legislatures as well as at the sub-national level. China will continue to support Cambodia in pursuing a development path that suits its own national conditions and firmly support Cambodia in safeguarding sovereignty, maintaining domestic stability and accelerating economic development.

-- We will take solid steps to promote win-win cooperation. China will continue to examine how our respective development strategies can complement one another and launch priority projects within the "Belt and Road" initiative to better involve Cambodia. We will, in light of local conditions, deepen cooperation in areas such as agriculture, water conservancy, infrastructure, information and telecommunications. China will take measures to increase imports from Cambodia and scale up two-way trade.

-- We will strengthen coordination with Cambodia on the international stage. China supports Cambodia as an important member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and will deepen collaboration with Cambodia in East Asia, the Lancang-Mekong River, the United Nations and other regional and multilateral arenas. The purpose of such collaboration is to uphold the common interests of our two countries and other developing countries and build an Asian community with a shared future. East Asia cooperation has entered a critical stage. We should continue to focus on the general goal of development and promote sound and steady progress in East Asia.

-- We will endeavor to enhance people-to-people friendship. China will work with Cambodia to unleash the full potential of the Confucius Institute and the China Culture Center and enhance cooperation in education, culture, tourism and health. With these efforts, we can deepen mutual understanding and friendship between our two peoples, especially among young people, and ensure that the China-Cambodia friendship will be passed on from generation to generation.

I am convinced that with our concerted efforts, the traditional friendship between China and Cambodia will bear more fruits, allowing us to forever be good neighbors and genuine trusted friends.
China's Defense Minister Chang Wanquan made an address at the 7th Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, Oct.11 2016. [Photo: mod.gov.cn]

At the on-going 7th Xiangshan Forum, an international platform for defense officials and experts to discuss security issues, China has sent clear message of promoting multilateralism to help ease regional tensions in the Asia-Pacific.

China's Defense Minister Chang Wanquan made it very clear in his speech at the opening ceremony of the Xiangshan Forum that China urges all countries to promote multilateralism instead of unilateralism.

"It's an urgent task for all of us to abandon the out dated cold war mentality. Instead we should establish a new type of security concept that focuses on common interests, a comprehensive outlook, cooperation and sustainability. We should all adhere to the purpose and principle of the UN Charter, to the principle of multilateralism, and to solve disputes through dialogue and consultation."

Xiangshan Forum now serves as an important channel for security discussions not only for Asia Pacific countries, but also for other parts of the world. This year's forum has opened amid increasing tensions in the Asia Pacific region, with US set to deploy an anti-missile System in South Korea and an international arbitration ruling on the South China Sea released from the Hague.

Zhao Xiaozhuo, organizer of the Xiangshan Forum, also director of Center on China-America Defense Relations at China's Academy of Military Science, explains the situation.

"From last November, the US sent destroyers to the areas near China's islands or within the 12 nautical miles of the islands occupied by China. Also in the first half of this year, it permanently deployed an aircraft carrier fleet there. Another change is in the Korea peninsula. The DPRK conducted recent nuclear tests. Also the ROK is determined to deploy the THAAD system. For the significance of the changes and how it will affect the general security situation, we have to wait and assess".

Zhao stresses that, against such a background, as the organizer he feels it is important to include the voices of all countries at this forum, and not to let it be dominated by one or two countries.

Moving forward, China's defense officials say that they are dedicated to create a fair and sharing security landscape around the world.

Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan.

"We are willing to enhance dialogue with all sides and to increase mutual trust on security issues. China calls on everybody to embark on a new road of 'consultation instead of confrontation, and partnership instead of alliance'".

Official delegations to the forum come from more than 60 countries and international organizations. Participants include government officials at or above deputy defense minister level, including New Zealand Defense Minister Gerry Brownlee, Russian Deputy Defense Minister Anatoly Antonov, Singapore Senior Minister of State for Defence Ong Ye Kung, and so on.

In a schedule of three days, they discuss emergent security issues confronting the world such as maritime cooperation, combating terrorism, and fighting against anti-globalization sentiments.
The minimum standards required to obtain a real estate agent licence need to ensure professionalism, but also take into account the current level of education of many in the field, officials in Mandalay said last week during a workshop to discuss the proposed new real estate agents law.





Following a meeting in Nay Pyi Taw early last month between real estate industry bodies and the Commission for the Assessment of Legal Affairs and Special Issues, the government has agreed there should be a law to help bolster public confidence in the sector and ensure greater professionalism. The commission held a workshop in Mandalay on October 8 with industry representatives to begin discussion of the new law and plans to hold a similar meeting in the Yangon on October 22.

Speaking at the Mandalay event, U Wanna Soe, secretary of the Mandalay Real Estate Development Association, said the law needs to detail minimum standards for ensuring agents are licensed and well prepared to work in the sector.

There are currently no educational standards regarding getting a real estate licence, he said. We need standards, with minimum skills required, because some people are underprepared and not ready to enter the industry.

U Tin Maung Oo, a member of Commission for the Assessment of Legal Affairs and Special Issues said the issue of licensing is likely to be the one that gets the most attention while discussing the new law with industry insiders. But he cautioned that the requirements set in law would need to be carefully thought out, as training to meet international standards, for example, would exclude a lot of the industry as many real estate firms could not afford to offer that level of schooling.

The training provided internationally for a licence can include up to a degree level of education, he said.

It will be practically impossible in Myanmar. It is necessary to implement a system which is a good fit with the country.

U Tin Maung Oo, said the draft law needed to be fair to both agents and customers. It would take time to draft as the industry has a range of different agencies of varying sizes, he said.





Translation by San Layy
Paddy prices in the capital are falling on weak demand and the drop risks damaging the market, farmers and traders said.





The market price for 100 baskets of stored manaw thukha paddy in Nay Pyi Taw was almost K850,000 in September, but has since fallen to around K600,000, U Nay Soe, a rice seller in Pyinmana township, told The Myanmar Times.

Rice merchants in Myanmars capital facing lower prices for stored paddy are in turn lowering the price at which they are buying newly harvested paddy from farmers. The price for 100 baskets of monsoon paddy harvested this month is only K400,000, say farmers  much less than last year.

Nay Pyi Taw farmers hoping to sell fresh paddy are worried because when the price of 100 baskets falls much below K500,000 they risk losses.

An acre of paddy costs at least K200,000 to K250,000 for seeds, harrowing, harvesting and wages, said local farmer U San Win, adding that an acre produces perhaps 60 or 70 baskets.

This puts the cost of producing 100 baskets of paddy across a fairly wide range of K280,000 to K410,000. In order to be confident of making any kind of profit, the market price needs to be at least K500,000, said U San Win.

But demand from China, the main destination for most of Myanmars milled rice exports, has crumbled recently. Senior figures in the Myanmar rice industry say the drop is down to Chinas attempt to clamp down on illegal cross-border trade.





Local rice miller Ko Nay Soe said that because China is not importing rice the market is almost entirely local. Millers buy paddy from farmers, and sell the finished rice to traders that export to China. But with Chinese demand weak millers are buying much less paddy than usual, said Ko Nay Soe.

The latest monsoon crop has only just started being sold, and the supply of new paddy will be plentiful in November and December. With demand weak the market is already in bad shape. If Chinese demand continues to slump then paddy prices will be in even worse shape in December, said Ko Nay Soe.

Some [farmers] are [already] harvesting paddy but there are no brokers to buy it, farmer Ko Myo Win from Aye Chan Thar village group in Lewe township said. Merchants selling paddy stored from earlier in the year are not faring much better. October typically sees high prices for stored paddy, as supplies from the previous harvest start to dwindle. But with the price for 100 baskets of stored manaw thukha paddy at around K600,000, merchants are making almost no profit on the price they originally paid, said Ko Myo Lin Aung, who stores paddy in Pyinmana township.

Consumers are benefitting however, with the price of a bag of milled manaw thukha rice on the local market falling from K28,000 in September to K20,000 this month. U Ba Gyi, a farmer in Kyoonoo village in Pyinmana township, notes that the prices of other crops is also down relative to earlier in the year. Industry insiders say that Chinese border authorities have tightened controls over the import of a range of agricultural products including maize, sugar and beans.

The price of beans and corn is also falling, said U Ba Gyi. Farmers are disappointed.

Corn prices in Nay Pyi Taw are less than half what they were at this point last year. The price of a basket of black sesame beans has fallen from a high of K60,000 this year to between K35,000 and K45,000 depending on the quality.

Mung beans are down from a year high of K30,000 a basket to between K20,000 and K25,000.

Translation by Khine Thazin Han
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

Trend:

Armenias armed forces have 22 times violated the ceasefire on the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops over the past 24 hours, said Azerbaijans Defense Ministry Oct. 12.

The Azerbaijani army positions located in Qaymaqli and Balajafarli villages of the Gazakh district underwent fire from the Armenian army positions located in Barekamavan village of Armenias Noyemberyan district and the nameless heights of Ijevan district.

The Azerbaijani army positions also underwent fire from the Armenian positions located near Chilaburt village of the Azerbaijans Tartar district, Qaraqashli village of the Aghdam district, Horadiz and Qarakhanbayli villages of the Fuzuli district, Mehdili village of the Jabrayil district, as well as from the positions located on nameless heights of the Goygol, Goranboy and Fuzuli districts.

The conflict between the two South Caucasus countries began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding districts. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations.

Armenia has not yet implemented four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from the Nagorno-Karabakh and the surrounding districts.
The Committee for Quality Control for High-rise Building Projects (CQHP) has finished its inspection of Sule Square commercial complex and sent a formal approval to Yangon City Development Committee yesterday.





YCDC is fining Sule Square developer Shangri-La K2 billion (US$1.6 million) for building extra floors without permission. In addition to payment of the fine, YCDC also needs a recommendation from the CQHP in order to provide Sule Square with a building completion certificate allowing the complex to open.

Weve sent YCDCs Department of Engineering (Building) a recommendation letter for Sule Square, CQHP chair U Khin Maung Tint told The Myanmar Times. Weve inspected the building and have no problem with the design.

YCDC has also sent a formal letter to the developer allowing payment of the fine, although as of yesterday afternoon it had not received payment, a YCDC official said.

The developer had received approval from YCDC under the previous government for the Sule Square commercial complex. But Shangri-La then submitted a revised design that was only approved by the CQHP. The developer continued with the projects new design, resulting in a finished Sule Square office tower with two additional floors that neither the old or new YCDC administration ever formally approved.

The K2 billion fine is based on a metric of K15,000 per square foot of unapproved space constructed, deputy head of YCDCs Department of Engineering (Building) U Nay Win previously told The Myanmar Times.

U Khin Maung Tint said he was unclear why YCDC had not given the revised design the greenlight when it was submitted, given that the CQHP approved the changes.





We inspected this new design two years ago, he told The Myanmar Times. I was instructed to inspect it again even though we already gave our recommendation [in the past].

U Khin Maung Tint found the design largely unchanged from the previous inspection. The committee found some slight changes to the design of the buildings car exit, but this was also approved, he added.
About 500 residents of Bawlakhe township, Kayah State, yesterday protested plans to build a dam on Pwunchaung Stream, as water and soil examination continues.





Transparency and environmental impact are the major concerns for the protestors, who already sent letters to the president and state counsellor with their signatures attached in August.

U Win Oo, a protest organiser, said the project is so secretive that they have only recently learned of its existence.

We were told that the projects preliminary tasks started in 2014, he said. At that time, we did not hear anything. This is very bad. How can such a hydropower project be started without letting the public know first?

According to local civil society groups, the proposed 139-megawatt dam project, known as Upper Hawkham, is backed by three companies, including one in Myanmar and one in Singapore. The state minister for electricity was unreachable for confirmation yesterday.

The site is located about 5 miles (8 kilometres) north of Bawlakhe town, said U Win Oo.

It is surrounded by farmlands, mostly cultivated with sesame, he said. The total area, I think, would be more than 7000 acres.

Daw Mi Mi Maw, another protest organiser, said the government must be honest with locals about the project.





The companies investing in the project have never done any public consultation, she said. This is ugly.

Locals were unaware of the project until large machinery and vehicles showed up in March, she said. She could not tell whether or not the project had actually started.

Last week, the Kayah State minister for electricity met with residents in Bawlakhe township and spoke about the project publicly for the first time.

The minister calmed the residents, stressing that electricity is essential to the development of the region, Daw Mi Mi Maw said.

We replied that the government should find alternatives to hydropower, like wind or solar energy, she said.

Daw Mi Mi Maw said the public believes that the electricity would be sold to neighbouring countries, rather than used domestically.

The memorandum of understanding for the project, according to Daw Mi Mi Maw, was signed between the government and the companies last October.

While meeting with the legislative head of Kayah State, U Hla Htwe, on October 9, the Bawlakhe township residents presented their dissatisfaction with the project. The state parliaments chief pledged that he would try to push the issue with the will of the residents in mind.

Kayah States Chief Minister Alfonshio was unreachable for comments yesterday.

The head of the National League for Democracys Kayah State branch, Daw Khin Si Thu, said the project should not be continued if local people do not like it.

In my personal view, this project is not transparent, she said. They have never clearly told people about the impacts the dam will have on residents and on the environment. Hydropower projects should be handled by those who are real experts on this subject.

She said her partys policy was clear: If the people do not agree with the proposed project, then it should not go on.

At the end of August, about 1500 local residents signed a petition that was sent to President U Htin Kyaw and State Counsellor Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, asking the leaders to abolish the plan to build a dam on the stream. The leaders have not responded yet.
A Contingent of Union cabinet officials were joined by Myanmars chief of police and the Rakhine State chief minister for a meeting yesterday with Rakhine elders and local political parties in Sittwe as the northern part of their state continues to reel from a deadly assault on border security posts this week.





The ministers for information, immigration, security and border affairs, and the State Counsellors Office were dispatched to the Rakhine State capital to discuss the recent violence, which saw three security posts attacked by unknown assailants, killing nine police officers.

Rakhine community leaders urged the government to take strong action against the armed attackers  who raided outposts in Maungdaw and Rathedaung townships  by cooperating with the Tatmadaw and police force.

U Than Shwe, an elder from a Rakhine community organisation, said the deadly effectiveness of the raids was the result of lax security in the region, which borders Bangladesh. With many of the assailants still at large  and having seized a sizeable cache of weapons and ammunition  he said communities in Rakhine State were anxious, fearing that additional attacks could be in the offing.

The case is not a normal case. Ordinary peoples concerns relate to the assorted stolen arms. It is very dangerous. The government should take severe action, said U Than Shwe.

U San Shwe, chair of the Sittwe chapter of the Union Solidarity and Development Party, similarly urged a swift investigation and response to the raids.

But with troop reinforcements being helicoptered in to an increasingly militarised region, Fortify Rights, a Bangkok-based human rights advocacy group, has urged restraint.





Swift action should involve respect for human rights and protection for civilians, Matthew Smith, the groups founder, told The Myanmar Times yesterday. Too often weve seen the police and army commit violent abuses against Rohingya in the context of security operations in northern Rakhine.

Unlike most of Rakhine State, a majority of Maungdaw townships population are self-identifying Rohingya Muslims. Tensions between that largely stateless community and Rakhine Buddhists have persisted more than four years after inter-religious violence tore through Rakhine State in 2012, displacing more than 100,000 people.

Noting the sensitive nature of the latest conflict in the state, Minister for Information U Pe Myint said at an October 9 press conference in Nay Pyi Taw that the event had been called in an attempt to disseminate accurate information about the situation and quash any rumours, which have in the past triggered strife between Buddhists and Muslims.

U Pe Myint yesterday implored Rakhine residents of both Buddhist and Muslim faiths to remain calm, assuring the public that the civilian government was working in cooperation with security forces in order to avoid any unnecessary conflict between the two communities.

This is a good opportunity for us in a bad situation  that we can consider a review of state development and security in future. We need peoples support to manage the state, said U Nyi Pu, the Rakhine State chief minister.

U Min Aung, head of the Rakhine State Information Department, told The Myanmar Times yesterday that the state government was not receiving information about the situation on the ground in Maungdaw, but added that the state minister for security and border affairs was there helping to oversee security forces response to the attack.

With the Tatmadaw deploying additional troops to the region via helicopter, he said stability was returning.

U Hla Myint, an administrative officer for Maungdaw township, said the situation there yesterday was beginning to normalise, pointing to the reopening of tea shops that had closed in the violences aftermath as an indicator.

It is just police left at [Maungdaw] town for security and all military troops are away tracking [the militants] now. We did not hear any fighting today, he said.

Still, an extended curfew announced following the attack remains in place  from 7pm to 6am  and more than 400 schools were closed for a second day yesterday.

According to state media, the October 9 attacks began at about 1am on a Kyikan Pyin village guard post. A second strike targeted the Kotankauk outpost in neighbouring Rathedaung township, and the last assailants withdrew from the Ngakhuya outpost at about 5:45am.

Eight attackers were killed as security forces repelled them, and state media yesterday said four more violent armed attackers were killed on October 10 as police and soldiers combed Myothagyi village in Maungdaw township. A township police officer, however, told The Myanmar Times yesterday that seven suspected militants had been killed in the manhunt that has followed the coordinated October 9 assault.

State media said two militants were also captured alive during the raids and Agence France-Presse published photographs yesterday purportedly showing one of those men being interrogated by police. The news wire said the photos were taken on October 9 in Sittwe.

U Zaw Htay, deputy director general of the Presidents Office, said the government would soon declare who perpetrated the attack, once it has definitively determined those involved.

Officials have said drug trafficking might be a possible motivation for the assault, noting that authorities seized more than 6 million yaba pills in Maungdaw last month.

U Kyaw Min, chair of the Democracy and Human Rights Party, which predominantly courts Muslim constituencies, told The Myanmar Times that the party condemned this weeks attacks.

We want peace. We denounce every attack and want to say to Muslim people, Dont be involved in any

attacks, he said.

Additional reporting by Andrew D Kaspar
The countrys first research centre for freshwater fish breeding is slated to open in 2017, according to the Department of Fisheries.





The Thayet Gone Centre, as it will be named, is being built in Patheingyi township in Mandalay Region with aid from the South Korean government.

A research centre of this technological calibre does not exist in Myanmar, said U Aung Naing Oo, deputy director of the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Livestock, Fisheries and Rural Development.

This is the first one. It will include technologically advanced research materials and fish birthing houses.

In 2014, the Korea International Cooperation Agency, an organisation within the South Korean government, agreed to contribute US$4.4 million for the construction of the centre. In 2015, South Korean experts chose Mandalay Region because it has both good land and water resources. In August, construction began on the project. Currently, the site land is being made level.

The freshwater fish business is developing in both upper and lower Myanmar, U Aung Naing Oo said. They chose Mandalay because it is convenient for freshwater and access to electricity. When the centre is complete, we can produce high-quality fish.

Universities will participate in the research, and learned techniques will be shared with fish farmers, he said.

Translation by Khine Thazin Han
Early this month, a group of Muslim families from Mandalay Regions Meiktila township tried unsuccessfully to return home for the first time since 2013, when widespread communal violence left more than 40 dead and 12,000 displaced.





Heavy rains had flooded their temporary housing. Water was up to their knees. Living conditions were unbearable. So on October 1, they gathered their belongings and returned to their old neighbourhood, only to face a less-than-neighbourly reception.

A few days earlier, on September 29, the displaced residents met at the township administration office to discuss their desire to return but officials said they could offer no guarantees, according to U Min Thu from Wun Zin ward, who attended the meeting.

And when they arrived at their old homes, they were barred from returning by the wards remaining residents, who told them they needed official permission for the homecoming.

We cannot live here any longer because there are many difficulties at this temporary living place, Mingalar Zay Yone ward resident Daw San San Tint said on October 7. When it rained heavily, water entered the houses so it caused an inconvenience for living, cooking and sleeping at night. We have to live together in a small room with other families.

Administrative officials have not provided security for the displaced, she said.

No one can guarantee our safety, she said. Aside from the security issues, there are no problems and the situation is peaceful. The monks are also looking after us.





The violence in 2013 was sparked by a March 19 argument between a Buddhist and a Muslim at a gold shop owned by the latter. Accounts of that incident and of the escalation in violence between Buddhists and Muslims vary, but widespread rioting and the burning of hundreds of homes left thousands  mostly Muslims  displaced by March 23, when a military deployment had largely stabilised the situation.

According to Chan Aye Thar Yar wards administration office, about 250 displaced households have since been living in temporary houses in the ward.

We have allowed about 150 displaced families from Kan Taw Min, Wun Zin, Yan Myo Aung, and Mingalar Zay Yone wards to live temporarily in terraced houses, Chan Aye Thar Yar ward administrator U San Tun told The Myanmar Times on October 7. They want to move back to their original ward because the temporary houses have been flooding with knee-high water.

The Myanmar Times attempted to reach Meiktila township administrator U Thet Naing over the course of two days to ask about the displaced residents situation, but he did not respond.

Our wards are now places of peace and tranquillity, U Min Thu told The Myanmar Times on October 8. But authorities have not managed to resettle us in our original homes and have not made a firm decision about it.

We did not set fire to our own houses. We left our houses for a reason. It is the regional governments duty to help us to settle back in our original homes. We are not squatters so why do they not allow us to return?

According to Immigration Office figures, there are 272,239 Buddhists, 13,321 Muslims, 1074 Christians and 795 Hindus in Meiktila township.

 Translation by Zar Zar Soe
The dart hits a fleeing street dog in the thigh, the bright orange tip sagging against his brown and white fur as he slows to a halt, his limbs succumbing to the sedatives.





The mutt is one of more than 100,000 strays that roam the streets of Yangon, sleeping in doorways, nosing through rubbish and barking their challenges to each other late into the night.

He is actually one of the lucky ones  the sedated animal is among several hundred that will be vaccinated and neutered during a three-month city campaign in Lanmadaw township.

Loved by some and loathed by others, local authorities have for years tried to contain the swelling packs of dogs by feeding them poisoned meat.

But animal rights activists have lobbied the government to change tack, arguing that the killings do little to contain the population or stop the spread of rabies.

As the drugs kick in, a worker muzzles the limp dog and ties his paws together with twine.

He is carried to a makeshift operating table outside, where he is swiftly dealt with by a vet and placed next to several other sleeping dogs.





Later, the animals will be released back onto the streets with red collars.

I love the dogs, said local resident Daw Moe Lwe Lwe, who has been feeding them rice and curry for 18 years and helps with the sterilisation program.

They are very cuddly. I am nuts for them.

Myanmar has the second-highest rate of rabies in all of Southeast Asia, according to the World Health Organization, although vaccination programs have helped stem the number of cases.

Some say authorities dislike neutering because of the belief held by Buddhists, the religious majority in Myanmar, that karmic retribution will leave you infertile in your next life.

Leaving poisoned meat, on the other hand, is seen as free of spiritual consequences because the dogs opt to eat the food on their own.

Others say sterilisation is an expensive option for a country where one in four lives below the poverty line.

But images of dog corpses strewn across the citys pavements spread on social media have shocked the public.

In response, Yangon officials signed an agreement with US animal NGO Humane Society International in March to begin a city-wide vaccination and sterilisation scheme.

The joint program has yet to get started, but the charity said it hopes to emulate the success of similar campaigns in countries like Nepal, India and Bangladesh.

Other animal lovers like Terryl Just, an American who founded the Yangon Animal Shelter which cares for some 500 rescued dogs, argue the animals could become a tourist draw for the city.

Weve adopted some out to the States  LA, Seattle, Washington, California  to people who have visited Yangon, she said. Tourism is huge and booming and I think interest in the dogs is growing as you have more expats coming in, and more awareness.
The warden of Myingyan Prison in Mandalay Region has been suspended following a melee that occurred yesterday morning between inmates and penitentiary guards.





The violent clash was sparked when inmates objected to one of their own being ordered into solitary confinement following an argument with the head of the cell block.

According to U Min Soe Tun, a spokesperson for the Prisons Department, the rioting occurred in part due to the weakness of leaders in the prisons administration, hence the decision to suspend the prisons warden.

A new warden has already been assigned to the prison and an investigation into the incident is under way, he added.

The unrest began at 7am yesterday morning and continued for around three hours.

By 10am, the situation was stable. The prisoner who started the incident is behind bars for murder. He was sent to us after he committed another murder while incarcerated at Thayawady Prison, U Min Soe Tun told The Myanmar Times.

U Tun Kyi, secretary of the Political Prisoner Affairs Committee at the Association of Former Political Prisoners, said the main causes of rioting in prisons are oppression, corruption, financial disputes and human rights abuses.

He called for reforms to Myanmars prison system.





A persons situation in prison depends on money. If an inmate can pay money, their situation is different. If they cant, they are punished or treated unfairly, often in breach of their human rights, U Tun Kyi said.

Riots occur because of oppression by prison officers, he added.

Further describing the situation in a typical prison, U Tun Kyi said inmates had to contribute money to the prison to pay for building repairs, the construction of offices or the purchase of a TV for a common area.

Those who could not afford to contribute, he said, were forced to stay in cramped and uncomfortable cells, with up to 70 inmates staying in a room designed for 50.

More state funds should be spent on prisons instead of collecting money from prisoners. Changes to the food, showering and clothing of prisoners should be made, he said. I know the real circumstances faced by inmates as I was detained in Myingyan Prison myself.

Translation by Thiri Min Htun
The Highway Police Force is warning bus drivers without a nga licence, meant for those operating large vehicles, to stay off the Yangon-Nay Pyi Taw-Mandalay highway.





A plan is in the works to ban drivers without the appropriate licences, Police Major Yan Naung Oo told The Myanmar Times yesterday.

Bus and bus line owners should ensure their drivers have nga driving licences, he said. As a preventive measure to protect passengers, we will not allow buses that are not driven by nga licence holders to use the highway.

Mobile teams have carried out checks on passenger buses and they found that some buses are driven by kha, ga and gagyi licence holders, in violation of traffic regulations.

Drivers licences issued by the Ministry of Transportation and Communications Road Transport Administration Department classify types of vehicles and assign corresponding types of driving licences.

Nay Pyi Taw Traffic Rules Enforcement Supervisory Committee chair U Win Swe told The Myanmar Times that only nga licence holders are permitted to drive passenger buses.

Police Colonel Soe Myint Oo from the Highway Police Force said at a press conference on October 7 that some bus lines have no choice but to use other types of licence holders due to a shortage of skilled drivers.

If they continue using unskilled drivers  we will not give them permission to use the highway and they will have to use the old road, he said.





A passenger bus can typically carry about 50 people, so trained drivers are essential for the safety of passengers. But U Win Swe said it is hard to find skilled and experienced drivers.

After an accident in March 2014 that left 11 people dead, the Road Transport Administration Department retested 124 nga licence holders and only 27 passed, he said.

Police Major Yan Naung Win said passenger buses travelling more than 200 miles (325 kilometres) require an assistant driver. The trip from Yangon to Nay Pyi Taw is just around 200 miles, so a second driver is not needed, but trips to places like Meiktila and Mandalay do require a co-pilot.

Pol Maj Yan Naung Win said that after the National Road Safety Council issues instructions, he expects action will be taken.

Translation by Zar Zar Soe
Two hundred Yangonites will be able to see more clearly thanks to the Brightness Journey program sponsored by the Yunan Friendship Foundation and the Visakha Foundation, which is providing free cataract surgery to people in need.





From October 10 to 12, 100 patients will receive the free surgery at Yangon Eye Hospital, with another 100 to receive the treatment from October 13 to 15 at Shwe Pyi Hein Darna Hospital.

We will pay for the medicine and use of the medical facilities for the benefit of patients and the hospital, said Cheng Yun Chuan, a representative of the Brightness Journey program.

We also plan to provide free cataract surgeries, through the program, for people in Sagaing Region in December, he added.

The Yunan Friendship Foundation, a Chinese organisation, began the Brightness Journey program in Myanmar in 2013. Since then over 900 free cataract surgeries have been provided to patients in Mandalay, Taunggyi and Myitkyina townships.

The Visakha Foundation signed a memorandum of understanding with the Yunan Friendship Foundation on October 10 pledging their support and cooperation with the Brightness Journey program.

The program provides funding for patients medical costs, as well as transportation costs for them and their family.





According to U Tin Win, medical superintendent at Yangon Eye Hospital, six out of 1000 people in Myanmar suffer from cataracts.

Cataracts tend to occur in old people and are a prevalent disease, he said.

The average cost of cataract surgery is around K30,000. Our hospital sometimes provides free operations but we are unable to pay for the patients transportation, U Tin Win said.

The average cataract operation only takes 15 to 20 minutes to perform, but requires patients to take up to one month of rest before they can resume normal activities.
Donald Trumps threat in last weekends presidential debate to appoint a special prosecutor to go after Hillary Clintons use of a private email server is legally empty  but its genuinely dangerous nevertheless. Federal regulations give the appointment power to the attorney general, not the president, precisely to protect us against a president who uses the special prosecutor as a political tool.





What separates functioning democracies from weak or failed ones is that political parties alternate in power without jailing the opponents they beat in elections. That sometimes means giving a pass to potentially criminal conduct, but thats a worthwhile sacrifice for making republican government work.

The law itself has a telling history. After US President Richard Nixon fired special prosecutor Archibald Cox in the Saturday night massacre, a Democratic Congress passed the Ethics in Government Act of 1978, which created an independent counsel who was appointed by a special judicial panel, not the president. The law was upheld by the US Supreme Court in 1988 over the dissent of Justice Antonin Scalia  the only justice who said the executive was the only branch of government with the capacity of initiating a criminal investigation.

But the law expired in 1999. And it was never renewed, in large part because of the perception that Kenneth Starr had gone too far as an independent prosecutor in going after President Bill Clinton.

After the independent counsel law lapsed, the Department of Justice adopted a formal regulation governing the appointment of special counsels that is still in effect. The regulation says that the attorney general  not the president  has the legal authority to appoint a special prosecutor.

Several conditions apply. First, the attorney general must determine that a criminal investigation is warranted  a presidential directive isnt enough. Second, an ordinary investigation must present a conflict of interest such that it would be in the public interest to appoint a special counsel.

The point of these restrictions is simple: to prevent a president from using the special prosecutors office as a tool to go after political opponents.





That matters for a functioning democracy. As political scientists have long observed, democracy depends most basically on political alternation: When parties change places after an election, the winners allow the losers to stay in business, operate as an opposition and run for office again.

That alternation means winners dont put their opponents in jail. If they do  or if the opponents fear that they will be jailed  then the incentive to accept defeat evaporates. Losers in that dire position instead will turn to wide-scale popular resistance or military coups. That is only rational if the losers think they wont be free to run for office again.

Alternation is thus what distinguishes stable democracies from weak or failing ones. Prosecuting opponents is the hallmark of democracy-ending dictatorship. Egypt offers a recent and clear example: Abdel-Fattah El-Sissi has relentlessly prosecuted the elected leaders he displaced in his 2013 coup. No one has any illusion that the Muslim Brotherhood will be back in future elections. And no one doubts that democracy in Egypt is over.

It may seem extreme to say that Mr Trumps promise to prosecute Ms Clinton threatens alternation in the US. After all, American democracy is pretty stable. But other presidents have bent over backward to avoid such prosecutions  even to the point of condoning illegal behaviour.

Gerald Fords pardon of Mr Nixon is a prime example, even though the two were from the same party. Mr Ford judged that the republic would not be well-served by prosecution of a former president. George W Bush did not seek to prosecute Bill Clinton for perjury, although legally he might have been able to do so.

And Barack Obama didnt seek to prosecute Bush administration officials for acts that likely counted as torture.

In each instance, there were other political reasons to avoid prosecution. But the dominant rationale was surely that each president wanted to avoid the spectre of using executive office to go after opponents or former presidents.

This shows that even in the US, the value of democratic alternation weighs very heavily  more heavily than criminal justice. Mr Trumps threat to jail Ms Clinton shows he doesnt value that tradition of alternation. Even if hes not elected, thats a dangerous view.

Bloomberg
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

By Seba Aghayeva  Trend:

Without elimination of the occupation, which is the fundamental basis of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the use of the Council of Europe's (CoE) monitoring mechanism cant give any desired result, Hikmat Hajiyev, spokesman of Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry, told Trend Oct. 12.

During the fall session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, CoE Secretary General Thorbjorn Jagland spoke about the need of monitoring missions visits to conflict zones.

Firstly, the occupation and aggression fact, which is an obstacle to solving the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, must be removed and the Armenian troops must be withdrawn from the occupied Azerbaijani territories, said Hajiyev.

He also reminded that according to the 221st PACE recommendation, Armenia within the framework of its Council of Europe membership, undertook responsibility in connection with the conflicts solution.

The Council of Europe should demand from Armenia to execute these obligations and respect the norms and principles of international law in order to contribute to the conflicts settlement, he added.

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.
TV personality and producer, Toyosi Phillips is celebrating a brand new phase in her life, and she has got some new photos that are a reflection of this fresh start.

Her journey has been quite an exhilarating one. Acknowledging her passion for the Arts, Toyosi took a leap of faith and moved from Lagos to New York to attend New York Film Academy in 2013 - leaving behind a lucrative career as an Internal Auditor in one of Nigerias leading commercial banks.

That bold move was definitely worth it, as she landed a gig with Sahara TV, hosting and producing her very own show, The Gist with Toyosi Phillips, which became one of the platforms most popular shows. She also obtained a diploma in Broadcast Journalism from the New York Film Academy. While at NYFA, Phillips covered several events including the citys reaction to the United Nations Annual General Meeting, the Chabads Children of Chernobyl Annual Gala and the New York City Bring Back Our Girls Protest.

After 3 years spent in the US honing her skills both on camera and behind the camera, she moved back to Nigeria a couple of weeks ago to continue to explore new opportunities.

She is currently Production Manager for popular web series Gidi Up and is also working on some exciting new projects that she will tell you about soon.

Toyosi is also a philanthropist; setting up the Taiwo Olawale Phillips Memorial Sickle Cell Endowment Fund in memory of her father who passed away 18 years ago from complications related to sickle cell anemia. The T.O.P. Memorial Sickle Cell Endowment Fund was set up to provide basic medical care for people living with the sickle cell disease and also to promote sickle cell education and encourage everyone- illiterate and literate alike- to get tested, know their genotype and bring an end to this highly preventable disease.

See her lovely photos below:



Photographer: Emmanuel OyelekeMakeup Artist: Oluchi OnuigboHair: VaavavoomStyling: The Style InfidelTo find out more about Toyosi, follow her on Instagram/Twitter (@toyosiphillips). Check out her website where she blogs about different life issues- www.toyosiphillips.com
12.10.2016 LISTEN

Ace actor, Kofi Adjorlolo in an interview with Metro TV has disclosed that he would have been a great musician if not for acting.

According to him, he would have even rap more than Ghanas fastest rapper, Sarkodie.

When asked what he would have become if not for acting, he said, Oo I would have been a musician because those days, I used to even Dj and all that, so I would have been a rapper, I can even rap more than Sarkodie.

When asked about his favourite musician in Ghana, he said, Sarkodie, I mean the guy is just something else, great artiste with great personality. Lots of people dont know that he is bad, badder and baddest', he knows what I mean, lol.

Kofi Adjorlolo has starred in movies such as The Will, Ultimate story, The storm, After the sunset and more. Kofi is set to marry this 3rd wife this December so anticipate.
Award winning model, Hamamat Montia is in the Northern Region to visit some family and friends and she is loving her visit to the region.

The model shared a video of herself busily stirring Tuozafi which is the native delicacy of people from the Northern part of Ghana.

The energy with which she stirs the food shows that even though she does not stay around, she has not forgotten the basics of preparing her TZ.
Tunis (AFP) - A Tunisian court Wednesday handed jail and death sentences to 76 people for killing eight soldiers in a jihadist hideout near the Algerian border in 2013, the prosecution said.

Only seven accused, all Tunisian, appeared in court during the trial that started in late 2014 over the killings in the mountainous area of Chaambi, prosecution spokesman Sofiene Sliti said.

Four received seven years in jail, one was handed a 13-year term and another was condemned to death, while the seventh was cleared of all charges.

The remaining 69 accused, all on the run and mostly Algerian, were given sentences ranging from 40 years to the death penalty, Sliti said, but did not give a total number of death sentences.

They were found guilty of charges including "terrorist crimes", he said.

Tunisia has faced a rise in jihadist attacks since the 2011 uprising that led to the overthrow of longtime dictator Zine El Abidine Ben Ali.

The army has been tracking jihadists in the Chaambi area since 2012.

Jihadist attacks in Tunisia have cost dozens of lives among security forces as well as civilians, and 59 foreign tourists were also killed in 2015.

Tunisia has executed more than 100 people since independence from France in 1956, but has had a moratorium on the death penalty since 1991.
Washington, ACCRA, Oct 11 - (dpa/GNA) - Donald Trump escalates his attack on Paul Ryan after he said he would longer defend the Republican party's nominee for president.

"Our very weak and ineffective leader, Paul Ryan, had a bad conference call where his members went wild at his disloyalty," Trump tweets.

Ryan, the speaker of the House of Representatives, told Republican lawmakers on a conference call Monday that he would no longer campaign for Trump in the wake of the release of a decade-old video in which Trump boasts about sexually assaulting women.

Trump tweeted earlier that "it is hard to do well when Paul Ryan and others give zero support!"

GNA
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

Trend:

Azay Guliyev, Azerbaijani MP, vice-president of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) will be on a visit to Podgorica, the capital of Montenegro, on October 12-18, the Azerbaijani parliament told Trend.

Guliyev will pay a visit as the head of the OSCE PAs mission which was sent to observe the parliamentary election in Montenegro, the message said.

According to the message, during the visit, Guliyev will hold meetings with Montenegros officials and MPs, representatives of political parties, participating in the election, as well as representatives of NGOs and media.

Guliyev will review the situation on the eve of election, the message said.

The Azerbaijani MP will observe the voting process at the polling stations, voter turnout and the vote counting procedure October 16, the message said.

According to the message, the next day, Guliyev will make a conclusion of the OSCE PAs observation mission public following the election.
By George-Ramsey Benamba, GNA

Accra, Oct. 11, GNA - President John Dramani Mahama on Monday stated that his administration has a lot of respect and special recognition for persons with disability throughout the country.

"The NDC is using the novelty manifesto to underline its commitment to its social democratic credentials and has always led the way in the course of the disability believing that disability is not inability," President Mahama said.

The programme was attended by Ministers of state and supporters of the National Democratic Congress (NDC).

In Ghana, persons with disability make up of three per cent of the national population and four per cent of them are visually impaired.

President Mahama said the fact that the NDC government was the first to appoint a visually-impaired person as Minister of State gave credence to its respect and recognition of the disabled.

He described Dr Henry Seidu Danaa, who is the Minister of Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs and contesting as Parliamentary candidate of the Party in the Wa East Constituency as a very capable and hard-working Minister who had helped Cabinet to become sign language compliant.

President Mahama who expressed confidence that Dr Danaa would win the seat, said:" I am sending a signal to Parliament to be ready to receive him. Parliament will have to be compliant The Hansard and other papers would have to be in braille."

On the NDC 2016 manifesto, President Mahama said it spelt out various measures to push the interests of people with disabilities and the NDC, in the next term, would encourage the learning of sign language at the various levels of education to improve its communication system.

President Mahama also stated that the NDC would improve targeting of social protection interventions.

He said more than 10,000 disabled persons had been registered freely to the National Health Insurance Scheme, while about 4,000 of them had also been drafted into the National Youth Employment Programme (NYEP).

"I have asked the NYEP to employ a further 6,000 to make it 10, 000," he said.

Nana Oye Lithur, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, said 52,082 persons with disabilities are benefitting from the Livelihood Empowerment Against Poverty programme.

She said the government would continue to pay attention to the unique needs of people with disabilities.

Dr Danaa said the launch of the braille version of the NDC manifesto was a great event in the country.

"The launch marks another milestone because it indicates clearly the way forward in the implementation of the actualisation of the social democracy principles of the NDC," he said.

GNA
11.10.2016 LISTEN

By Theophania Dzadza, Jamila Abubakar, GNA

Accra, Oct. 11, GNA - Kadri Abdul Rauf, the Director of Communications of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), says the party is not surprised for going through the presidential nomination process very smoothly.

In an interview with Ghana News Agency, Mr Abdul Rauf said the Party worked hard and knew it would succeed.

'The kind of effort and seriousness that we put in the process, we have actually been working day and night to cross check our documents and ensuring we pay eagle eyes to all the documents we need to submit,'' he added.

Mr Abdul Rauf said the party was greatly excited on hearing the positive outcome to participate in the 2016 election.

He said the Party would run a humble campaign and to ensure that members visit every community, constituency in the country to sell their campaign message to the people.

He said the Party would put every level of seriousness that would be able to prosecute the election successful.

'Once the manifesto is launched we will move into action, we will bring our battalions together and ensure that, we get them motivated and give them the necessary logistics so that we can fight for the party as much as our strength can carry us.'

According to him, the Party's Manifesto is built around four thematic areas: Good governance, Economic policy, Social policy and International relations.

He said the manifesto's policies are informed by the ideology of Dr Kwame Nkrumah and would not be different from the Party's previous manifestoes.

GNA
The Deputy General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Koku Anyidoho has described the New Patriotic Partys (NPP) manifesto as a Kalyppo Manifesto.

He added that the NPPs Manifesto has nothing to be discussed.

This press conference is to just position the Volta Region as the World Bank of the NDC," Mr Anyidoho said at a press conference held by the NDC in Ho Tuesday.

The Volta Regional Chairman of the NDC, Gyapong Cudjoe, who also addressed the press said the NDC will rally behind the President John Mahama to win the upcoming elections.

He noted that the NDC has to be given the mandate to govern the country since according to him the NPPs Manifesto is an empty one.

He, however, admitted that the NDC government has not fully developed the Region but was quick to add that when given a second chance the NDC will further develop the region.

We cannot say that the entire Volta Region has been fully developed under the Better Ghana Agenda of the NDC since the days of Professor Attah Mills.

"We are more than confident that the good work that has been done should not be truncated with the change of the current leadership of the country, he stated.

Mr Cudjoe also accused the NPP government of mismanaging resources in the Volta Region under the Kufuor administration.

He also questioned why the NPP plans to establish a middle belt development authority for Northern Volta and coastal development for the coastal part.

He said the NPP is sidelining some parts of the Region and noted that the NDC has the whole region at heart.

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com | Ivy Setordjie | Joy News
Health Minister, Alex Segbefia, has said medical doctors in the country have no justifications to complain about being unemployed, especially when they have turned down postings to areas they consider deprived.

He said this in response to concerns raised by doctors over governments inability to engage new doctors who have completed their housemanship training.

Speaking at the 58th Annual General Conference of the Ghana Medical Association at Ho in the Volta Region, the Minister said medical doctors are among the few workers that are prioritized in terms of recruitment.

He observed that the challenge, however, has been that the new doctors refuse posting to certain parts of the country, explaining that most of the doctors prefer postings to urban areas to the rural areas, a situation he described as unfortunate.

He noted that though it was apprehensible that issues of accommodation in these rural areas may of obvious concern, efforts have been made by the Ministry, which has directed institutions to make the needed accommodation available to doctors who will be posted to these areas.

He has therefore encouraged young doctors to be ready to take up postings to places where their services are most needed.

Speaking on the theme Cardiovascular Diseases: emerging trends, Mr Segbefia called for an intensified sensitisation and education especially at the community level in order to reduce risk factors associated with the disease.

The special guest of honour, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Professor John Owusu Gyapong, made a presentation on the disease, which includes high blood pressure and cholesterol, diabetes among others.

He urged the public to adopt healthy lifestyles and avoid excessive smoking and intake of alcohol.

The Volta Regional Minister, Hellen Adjoa Ntosu, also charged the doctors to be dedicated to their work since the health and well-being of the citizens are entrusted in their hands.

She emphasised that the battle against cardiovascular diseases will only be won by concerted efforts.

Story by Ghana| Myjoyonline.com | Ivy Setordjie | Joy News
Thousands of residents in Nima poured out onto the streets, on Tuesday, October 11, 2016, to welcome the 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to the Ayawaso East constituency, as he resumed his tour of the Greater Accra Region.

Ordinarily a journey of some 5 minutes, from Maamobi to Nima, it took the NPP delegation some 3 hours to make this same journey, as human and vehicular traffic, described as unprecedented in the political history of Nima, ensured that the NPP flagbearer was given a tumultuous, rousing welcome.

Amidst chants of Nana oo Nana, Mahama, Time Aso, to wit Mahama, your time is up, and change is coming, market women abandoned their wares, business owners came out of their shops, whilst commercial drivers parked their vehicles, all eager to catch a glimpse of the NPP flagbearer

As the chants echoed loudly across Nima, thousands of onlookers rushed towards the principal streets, to hail the arrival of the NPP presidential candidate and his team.

Photo: Section of the crowd at Nima in Ayawaso East

Ignore tribal politics

In an interaction with Muslim clerics at the Alesuna Mosque, Nana Akufo-Addo noted that when the time is due for elections, there are some who, for political gain, will infiltrate Zongo communities and seek to foist division, on religious lines, amongst the people.

They will say Akufo-Addo hates Muslims, does not like people resident in Zongo communities, so as to put fear in you. There is not an iota of truth in any of this. Of all the presidential candidates contesting this years elections, Im the only one who has selected a Muslim to be my running mate, Nana Akufo-Addo said.

The NPP flagbearer explained that his choice of Dr. Bawumia, since 2008, was because with Christianity and Islam being the two dominant religions in Ghana, unity amongst these two religions will help spur on the countrys development. The Muslim I chose is not just a Muslim, but a very brilliant Muslim, who can help develop the nation with his in-depth knowledge.

Nana Akufo-Addo further added that the talk of the NPP coming into office to drive away residents living Zongos are pure lies. During President Kufuors 8 years in office, nothing of this sort ever happened. For a time, I was Attorney General and nothing like that happened. Why would such a thing then happen when I become President?

He urged the Muslim Clerics, together with the youth of Nima, to ignore such baseless propaganda, and rather demand from the various political parties and their candidates their respective policies and programmes for Zongo communities.

Akufo-Addo outlines policies for Zongos

Nana Akufo-Addo noted that for the 8 years that the Mahama government has been in office, there has not been a single policy instituted and implemented for the welfare of Zongo communities.

Right from independence till date, there has never been the mention of Zongo in any part of budget statements laid before parliament. Never! The first budget of an Akufo-Addo government, God-willing, will see the Zongo Development Fund as a line item in the budget.

We will assemble Zongo community leaders across the country to help us determine what this fund should be used to do, so we can improve the livelihoods of Zongo residents, and, also, bring development to Zongo communities, he said.

Nana Akufo-Addo recounted how, during the tenure of President Kufuor, allowances for Islamic scholars and tutors were paid. These allowances, sadly, under the Mahama government have been canceled.

When I win this years election, I am going to restore the Islamic tutors allowance, he said, eliciting a roar of approval from the clerics gathered.

With some 56 days to the holding of the December elections, the NPP flagbearer urged the gathering not to pay heed to the skeptics who always say policies espoused by him are not feasible.

They said the NHIS was not doable. But President Kufuor proved the skeptics wrong and implemented the NHIS. The same way President Kufuor was able to institute the NHIS, I am going to use the same route to implement the Zongo Development Fund, and also restore allowances to Islamic tutors, he assured.

Nana Akufo-Addo, in concluding, appealed for the unalloyed support of the clerics and residents of Nima Zongo for him in this years elections, and also for the NPPs parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso East, Peter Mireku; and Amidu Mohammed Zakari, the NPPs parliamentary candidate for Ayawaso North.

The NPP flagbearer was accompanied by the acting NPP General Secretary, John Boadu; NPP National Womens Organiser, Otiko Afisa Djaba; Greater Accra Regional NPP Chairman, Ishmael Ashitey, and his regional executives; and the NPP Campaign Sector Committee Chairperson, Alan Kyerematen, amongst others.

Story by Ghana I Myjoyonline.com
Members of the governing National Democratic Congress in the Volta Region, say the contents of the recently launched manifesto of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), reaffirms their conviction that, the NDC is the only party that can bring real development to the region.

At a press conference in Ho on Tuesday, the partys Regional Chairman, Gyapong Kudjo, observed that the New Patriotic Party's manifesto was empty and discriminatory in terms of allocation of projects.

We have never been in doubt that President John Dramani Mahama and the NDC must be given another mandate to continue to build a Better Ghana; but our conviction was emboldened the more after the NPP launched its empty kalyppo manifesto at the Trade Fair Center in Accra.

The Regional Chairman said the NPP was selective in allotting their proposed development projects to the people of the Volta Region, thus making provision for northern and southern Volta and leaving out the middle belt of the region.

In their manifesto, they promised to establish a middle belt development authority for northern Volta, and coastal development for the coastal part of the Volta Region. The question is what about the central part of the Volta region? he queried.

Gyapong Kudjo described the NPPs manifesto as empty.

Comrades and friends, when Kalyppo begins to outshine the launch of a manifesto; then it tells you that there is something deeply wrong with that kind of manifesto he stated.

He however added that, the NDC government has provided more development to the Volta Region in areas of education, health, roads, coastal development among others.

If the NPP is talking about the construction of the Keta Harbour , we want to put it on record that the NDC government has already shown greater commitments in that direction.

He said the Volta Region would continue to throw its unflinching support behind President John Dramani Mahama to retain the NDC for the successful execution of all projects promised by the party to the people.



By: Norbert Akpabli/citifmonline.com/Ghana
The Central Regional Head of the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Eric Owusu, has advised the public to be on the lookout for expired products on the market as Christmas draws closer.

He said with two months away from the biggest festive season, traders and shop owners would be in a haste to sell off their old stock, which may include expired products.

He said it was therefore important that the public becomes vigilant, especially with very cheap products and those without labels or without inscriptions in English Language and report to the FDA.

Mr. Owusu was speaking in an interview with the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on Friday, after a team from his office disposed of a stockpile of unwholesome products valued at thousands of cedis at the Nkanfoa land field site in Cape Coast.

The products, included drugs, cosmetics, herbal medicine and assorted foods products that had either expired, were counterfeited or unregistered.

The FDA confiscated them during a post market surveillance.

Mr. Owusu said the Authority was committed to its main objective of safeguarding public health and safety and would not spare peddlers of unregistered or expired products when they are found.

He said some traders intentionally defaced the expiry dates of the products but through its surveillance they were able to arrest some of them, explaining that while some of the culprits were serving jail terms, others were still on trial.

He said the Authority would continue to educate traders and the public on safety measures and urged those who had expired products to contact them for safe disposal.

Mr Owusu called for cooperation from the various stakeholders, including the media to ensure the health and safety of consumers.


The New Patriotic Party (NPP) is confident it can fulfill its promises to significantly cut taxes despite huge debts by the John Mahama-led administration if it wins power in December.

NPP Obuasi West Member of Parliament and a member of the Parliaments Finance Committee, Kwaku Kwarteng, says although an NPP administration will need a vital inflow of finances to run the country, it will not burden Ghanaian businesses with taxes as the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) is doing.

The NPP strategy, he said, would be reducing public expenditure and corruption.

He spoke on current affairs programme, PM Express, that aired on the Joy News channel on Multi TV, Tuesday.

The opposition party said in its 2016 manifesto that if given the nod to govern the country, it will shift focus from excessive taxation which the current administration has adopted to production by reducing the corporate tax rate from 25% to 20%.

The NPP also said it will remove import duties on raw materials and machinery for production within the context of the ECOWAS Common External Tariff (CET) Protocol abolishing the Special Import Levy; abolish the 17.5% VAT on imported medicines not produced in the country; abolish the 17.5% VAT on Financial Services; abolish the 5% VAT on Real Estate sales; abolish the 17.5% VAT on domestic airline tickets; reduce VAT for micro and small enterprises from the current 17.5% to the 3% Flat Rate VAT; introduce tax credits and other incentives for businesses that hire young graduates from tertiary institutions, and review withholding taxes imposed on various sectors (including the mining sector) that have constrained the liquidity of businesses in Ghana.

These tax policies, according to Mr. Kwarteng, are empowerments to provide an enabling environment to businesses to facilitate the generation more economic activities.

This will deal with unemployment and also help raise revenue, he said.

He said the NPP has looked at the current numbers closely and is convinced it can better manage the economy.

Corruption in government shrinking revenue

He cites the misapplication of the countrys procurement laws as an avenue government officials under the current administration are using to rob the country of much-needed funds to run the country.

He alleged that the current administration has on countless times abused the sole sourcing provisions in the procurement law in order to cover up for the bloated expenditure of projects.

They have turned sole sourcing into the norm and all these big projects have been done through international sole sourcing, he said.

According to him, instead of advertising for competitors to come and bid for projects, government officials engage with only one vendor, negotiate a shady deal and get kick backs.

Government debts unprecedented

The Bank of Ghanas summary of Economic and Financial Data says Ghanas total public debt hit almost GH110 billion in July this year.

The report shows that about GHC5 billion has been added to the public debt since May this year.

The GH110 billion public debt, representing a debt-to-GDP ratio of almost 66 percent. Some GH61 billion of the debt came from external borrowings whiles GH49.2 billion came from domestic borrowings.

Analysts say servicing the countrys ballooning debt could impede infrastructural development and strain economic development. Currently, interest payments on the countrys debt are said to have exceeded infrastructure expenditure.

However, speaking on PM Express, Mr. Kwarteng said the NPP government will be committed to putting the country back on track notwithstanding these stark economic realities when it gets the chance to run the country.

Ghana is not a poor country. It is mismanagement that has brought us here, he said.

Click on the video link below to watch the entire programme.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | George Nyavor | [email protected]
12.10.2016 LISTEN

At the close of nominations on Friday, September 30, 2016, seventeen aspirants filed their nominations forms in readiness to contest the December 7 presidential election (fifteen representing political parties and two independent aspirants). This article analyses the crave to be president of Ghana.

I sometimes find it difficult to understand some politicians across the globe but particularly, those from the developing world. In the developed democracies, hardly do presidential or prime ministerial elections generate that high number of aspirants. Of course, where there are primaries there is always higher numbers contesting but by the end of the primary contests, many would have fallen on the wayside and disappeared as was in the case of the 2016 US Republican Partys primaries.

Sadly, this is not the case in the developing world, especially in Africa including Ghana. More often than not, the total number of aspirants/candidates are in double digits. Even in cases where the opposition parties join hands together to fight against a dictator for the right to participate in multi-party elections, once the opportunity is secured, they split into numerous groups instead of fielding one candidate to defeat the common opponent. In doing so, they give room to the dictator to win the election either by fair or foul means.

What has been happening in Ghana since the reintroduction of multiparty elections under the Fourth Republican Constitution is no different. However, what is strange and disturbing under the current circumstance is, why are fifteen individuals willing to waste money on a contest that they have no chance of meeting the minimum requirement to retain their deposits?

According to the Electoral Commission the deposit or filing fee for presidential aspirants is Ghc 50,000 per aspirant. A candidate must receive at least, 25% of the valid votes cast at the elections in order for his or her deposit to be returned. This, in effect, is a mathematical impossibility bearing in mind that seventeen aspired to contest. That is only possible if there were a maximum of four candidates and all perform equally. That again, is a statistical anomaly.

With the political landscape in Ghana and from past experience, it is abundantly clear that only two candidates (the King or President Mahama representing NDC and the uncrowned Emperor or Nana Akufo-Addo, representing the NPP) are capable of passing the 25 percent margin and securing their deposits. So what makes the other fifteen matured and sane men and women to deliberately decide to go into a contest that they know would lose them Ghc 50,000 in midst of poverty of their constituents?

Would it not have been more beneficial for the fifteen politicians to have used their deposits to improve educational facilities in rural Ghana such as renovating a dilapidated school building in a village in their home region? Why do they do it knowing very well that they would lose their deposits? Is it just to have the title, presidential or former presidential candidate? If that is the case, then why do some of the aspirants contest time and time again? Are they irrational? Let me examine a few of them and their motives. Others are not worth considering.

Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings knows very well that she would be humiliated at the polls but her reasons for contesting is vindictive first and foremost. She will never forgive the NDC for disgracing her at the 2012 primaries. Her candidacy has two main objectives. The first, is short-term and that is, to deny President Mahama a second term and that is why she concentrating her efforts in the Volta Region to reduce President Mahamas votes from the region. That way, the main opposition partys candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo will capture the presidency. The second is more strategic and that is, for the Rawlingsses to take back their party NDC when it goes into opposition. Part of the plan is making their daughter (Zanetor) a future (2020) NDC presidential candidate, especially should she get elected as an MP on December 7.

Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom is another interesting political animal. He has contested at least twice and on both occasions he did not come near even a quarter of the 25 percent. So what makes him think that he will reach that mark this time round? Perhaps, for him he takes joy in being a presidential candidate or hopes against hope that he could be the King Maker in the event of a second round between President Mahama and Nana Akufo-Addo.

Hassan Ayariga is a political enigma for me. I just do not get why he contests and it is not worth spending time to analyse his motives, if any. With all due respect, Madam Akua Donkor is a political anathema for me, so the less I say the better. The rest, equally do not merit any critical examination of their motives. With the exception of NDC and NPP the other political parties do not even qualify to be registered parties under Article 55(7)(b) of the 1992 Constitution.

Being a leader is about service and sacrifice to country in order improve the quality of life of the people one serves and not about titles. For most of the seventeen aspirants, its not about leadership, neither service nor sacrifice but rather access to power and resources of the nation. These are what motivate and drive them, nothing more, nothing less. Otherwise, what would make rational human beings to just decide to throw away Ghc 50,000?

The office of the president of a sovereign state such as the Republic of Ghana is a very serious one. However, the calibre of most of the aspirants were such that for some of us its like irresponsible adults joining their friends in a stolen car for a joy ride. To me this devalues the presidency and its a joke.

Others may say that this is democracy and therefore anyone and everyone that meet the minimum requirement should be free to contest. If so, why does the same not happen in the advanced democracies? Remember, this was not the primaries but the real contest. Do Ghanaians understand democracy better than the advanced democracies or do Ghanaians not take the presidency serious? Of course, with the ascend of Donald Trump in the US, other could say anything goes.

I beg to differ and that what is happening in Ghana is not democracy but rather democrazy. It is convoluted democracy coupled with disorder and sometimes fraud perpetrated on the people in the name misguided right to representation. With this form of democracy, is it strange that the Ghana is far behind in development, there is indiscipline and corruption everywhere?

National development is a serious enterprise that must not be left in the hands of jokers such as the fifteen Arabian Knights. Presidential elections are not popularity contest that every tom dick and harry wakes up with a bad dream and decides to participate. Ghana and Ghanaians should be serious. Lets have a real contest between the King and the uncrowned Emperor that will give voters real choice.

Kofi Ata, Cambridge, UK
The Running mate to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Flagbearer, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia wasted little time in responding to President John Mahama's challenge to reveal the cost of the redenomination of the cedi in 2007, by urging the President and National Democratic Congress (NDC) Flagbearer to read and get his facts right.

Describing President Mahamas challenge as fueled by propaganda and a demonstration of incompetence via Facebook, Dr. Bawumia said the President could have simply have asked his running mate, who was Bank of Ghana Governor between 2009 and 2012.

His Facebook post also came with a link to a Daily Graphic report from 2007 that indicated that the redenomination exercise cost GHc 66.2 million.

Yesterday [Tuesday], President Mahama challenged Dr. Bawumia to reveal the cost of the cedi redenomination exercise in 2007.

Speaking at a rally in the Ablekuma North constituency, President Mahama held that since Dr. Bawumia was the Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana at the time of the cedi redenomination in 2007, he should be able to tell Ghanaians how much it cost government to undertake the exercise.

The President Mahama proceeded to accuse the NPP running mate of incompetence and corruption but in his Facebook post, Dr. Bawumia also retorted that such comments embarrass the Presidency.

Such petty propaganda should be beneath someone of the stature of a President. It is clear he is very poorly briefed, but when a President decides to join the bandwagon of propaganda , he only ends up embarrassing himself, Dr. Bawumia said.

Find below the full Facebook post.

Mr. President, care to read?

Todays request for disclosure on the 2007 redenomination is another demonstration of incompetence. Apart from the fact that the then Governor disclosed the cost as far back as 2007, if the President really wanted to find out the cost of the redenomination, he could simply have asked his VEEP who was Bank of Ghana Governor, especially when the President was Head of the Economic Management Team between 2009 and 2012.

Such petty propaganda should be beneath someone of the stature of a President. It is clear he is very poorly briefed, but when a President decides to join the bandwagon of propaganda , he only ends up embarrassing himself.

Moving on, can the President (with the same zeal) and his Economic Management Team respond to the 170 statements contained in my last lecture?



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

Trend:

President of Kazakhstan Nursultan Nazarbayev wont be able to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia October 12-14 due to a cold-related disease, Nazarbayevs Press Secretary Aidos Ukibay wrote on the Kazakh president official websites Facebook page.

Some adjustments in the working schedule of the Kazakh president have been made and his participation in international events is not planned until the end of this week, Ukibay said.

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Karim Massimov will take part in the session within the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) meeting in Yerevan, he added.

Kazakh presidents press secretary noted that Nazarbayev currently undergoes planned treatment due to a cold-related disease, and the overall state of his health causes no worries.

Nazarbayev was going to pay an official visit to Azerbaijan today, on Oct. 12. He planned to come to Armenia on an official visit and also take part in the regular session of the Collective Security Council of the CSTO at the level of heads of state Oct. 14.

Ukibay added that the further activity of the Kazakh president will be carried out according to his usual working schedule.
When defeat is staring you in the face, the only alternative left is for you to provoke confrontation. By doing that, the obvious loser simply just wants to turn the apple cart upside down so that a winner is not declared. This is exactly what the NDC intends to do in the run-up to the 7th December elections. They don't want to debate issues but love to attack personalities with the hope that such personalities will respond so that the politics of distraction will take the center stage.

Koku Anyidoho is leading a pack of NDC attack dogs to execute this agenda. They insult, vilify and go down the gutter all in an attempt to woo the NPP to go down to the gutter with them so that Ghanaians will not be able to chose between the wheat and the chaff. In the Akan language, such a person is called 'Otofour. An Otofour possesses the spirit of the devil and when he is about to die he will make sure he or she puts his hands on the shoulders of persons close to him and go down the grave with them. Otofour always refuses to die alone.

Take Asiedu Nketia, for example. This man who was born to a palm wine tapper has become what he is today because of the Rawlingses. I remember when Madam Nana Konadu Agyemang Rawlings challenged the late President Mills in the run-up to the 2012 election, Asiedu Nketia decided to take the fine lady to the cleaners. It was then that one of the supporters of Nana Konadu revealed that Kimathi, the son of Rawlings used to give his discarded coats to Asiedu Nketia to wear since he was always seen in tattered clothes. She even said the Rawlingses used to give him bags of rice and sugar anytime he visited Seikwa, his village.

Until Asiedu Nketia opened his mouth to tell Ghanaians that the NDC made Dr. Bawumia, as far as his education is concerned, some of us did not know the exploits of the astute economist as far as his education is concerned. Dr. Bawumia came out with the schools he attended and the dates he completed and topped it up with when he landed a PHD at a time the NDC was not formed. He challenged Asiedu Nketia to come again but the Seikwa village champion chickened out. The man has no shame in his lexicon when it comes to lying through the teeth. When Bawumia was drinking from the fire hose of education overseas, Asiedu Nketia was the Manager of Badu Rural Bank where life was very difficult for the palm wine tapper's son.

With less than two months to the general election, the NDC should better wise up and stop the personality attack because Ghanaians can read between the lines. Instead of giving answers to Dr. Bawumia's 170 points of fact, they have resorted to personal attack. I am happy Dr. Bawumia is not like Asiedu Nketia and the man has simply refused to go down the gutter as Asiedu Nketia wants him to do. They say if you are in the bathroom and a mad man comes to snatch your clothes, you don't go out naked to chase the mad man in an attempt to collect your cloth. This is exactly what Dr. Bawumia did to Asiedu Nketia (Or is it Salifu Keita as being rumored in town? The rumor mill says the man has his roots in the Ivory Coast)

MANIFESTO LAUNCH AND THE CALYPO JAMBOREE

You remember when moron called Mugabe or Salifu Maase started his madness at the Montie Radio, I had cause to write in this column that the guy and his hired half-wit panel members were destroying the electoral chances of Mr. Mahama, who they say they are working for? This ex. convict called Salifu boy came out from the Nsawam prison and started his tomfoolery again but nobody tried to stop him. The sages say if an elderly person sits unconcerned and allow children to eat python meat, when it comes to counting persons who ate the python meat, his name would be included. The management of Muntie radio should be ashamed of themselves for allowing this crook to hoodwink them. The guy did not make it in the UK and has seized the opportunity to get his share of the booty while the sun shines.

The guy will surely run away when the kitchen becomes too hot. About week to the launching of the NPP Manifesto, Mugabe and his panel members took Nana Akufo Addo to the cleaners for drinking Calypo, a locally produced drink. When the picture of Nana Addo drinking Calypo went viral, people started to question the motive of Mugabe and his cohorts. As usual, Nana Addo did not comment on the issue because he did not want to suffer fools so gladly. If they thought they did that to provoke confrontation, it backfired so badly. Suddenly Ghanaians' appetite for Kalypo was aroused. When I was browsing the facebook, the day after this Salifu guy tried to tease Nana for drinking Kalypo, I saw several pictures of different types of people from the truck pusher to the lecturer posting pictures of themselves drinking Kalypo. I busted into an uncontrollable laughter when I saw a certain octogenarian lady happily drinking Kalypo.

The day of the Manifesto Launch came and I decided to grace the occasion with my angelic eyes to watch and lo and behold, the whole foreground of the Ghana International Trade Fair Center turned out to be a Kalypo Jamboree. I saw lawyers, traders, medical doctors, petty traders, farmers, drivers, ministers of the Kufour administration and a cross section of society drinking Kalypo. I met a group of enthusiastic young men and women dancing and singing to a newly composed song which went like this; Nana drinks Kalypo, but Mahama drinks akpeteshie. When I heard the jama song I asked myself: You see how Salifu Maase is using his 'konkoma' to spoil the highlife of Mahama?

The NDC and Mr. Mahama, for that matter, should not take the motto of the NPP for granted. It was not for nothing that they chose: The battle is the Lord's You see, if you think you know how to fight instead of leaving the fight for the Lord to fight for you, you will lose the fight. From the days of Joshua, David to Gideon, the fight has always been the Lord's. Nana Addo and the NPP know very well that come 7th December, the Lord will raise His mighty hand and Ghana will be rescued from the grip of the looters of the national coffers and Ghana will be free again. Hear David speaking to Goliath before slaying him: Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear and with a shield ; but I come to thee in the name of the Lord of host, the God of the armies of Israel whom thou has defiled.

The truth is that the war chest of the NDC as December 7 gets closer is overflowing with monies stolen from Ghanaian people. The bloated contract sums, the Woyome Judgment Debt, the SADA loot, the GYEEDA loot, among others, are there for them to use. That is why you see huge billboards of John Mahama in all the nooks and crannies of the country. In fact, that is why you see the flashy campaign pick-ups running up and down the streets of Ghana. To top it up, the first lady, Lordina Mahama has built her own warehouse at the Flagstaff House where all manner of goodies are stored, awaiting distribution to villagers for votes. But still the battle is the Lord's, Insha Allah!!

The NDC fears defeat in the upcoming general election because of the way they raped Ghana with serrated manhoods. They have so much skeletons in their cupboards and do know very well that the day of reckoning is beckoning. The wise ones among them, once in a while travel down memory lane to see what happened to Sippah Yankey, Ibrahim Adam, Tsatsu Tsikata, Kwame Pepra, Victor Selomey etc and they do know very well that if the party loses power, some of them will find themselves in similar situations. That was why Madam Dzifa Ativor warned the people of the Volta Region that if they failed to vote massively for the NDC and gave way for the NPP to come to power, she and Fiifi Kwetey would go to jail. What has she got to fear?

Before the NDC came to power in 2008, Mr. Rawlings had warned the NPP that when the NDC came to power, many NPP Ministers will go to jail and advised the Kufour administration to expand the Nsawam Prison. Eight years down the line, not a single NPP former minister has gone to jail even though many of them were hauled to courts of competent jurisdiction. That is the difference between the NDC and NPP when it comes to corruption. On several occasions, Nana Akufo Addo has told Ghanaians that he has never been corrupt; he is not corrupt and will never be corrupt. On the other hand, Mr. Mahama has never been heard making similar assertions and when he was interviewed by the BBC and the journalist asked him whether he has ever taken bribe, the best answer that he could give was As a person or president. This answer speaks a lot because barely a month after that interview, the Ford Expedition 'wahala' came knocking on our doors. And the albatross is still hanging on the neck of Mahama. Indeed, the battle is still the Lord's.

Eric Bawah
Dr Mahamadu Bawumia, Vice Presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), has revealed that government borrowings within the last seven and half years stands at about $40 billion, but the total value of investment and infrastructure is just about $7 billion.

Dr Bawumia disclosed this over the weekend at the Trade Fair site in Accra where the NPP launched its manifesto.

Under this John Mahama-led NDC government, every development initiative or infrastructure project is seen as an opportunity to loot public funds.

The monies lost through corruption from create, loot and share schemes like SADA, TEEDA, Woyome, Waterville and other judgment debts, Smartys bus branding, Embraer, Karpower, Ameri power, and the routine over-pricing of contracts through sole sourcing, are huge, he stated, adding that Ghana approached the IMF for bailout due to economic mismanagement and corruption.

Supporting his claims with a statement by the Managing Director of the IMF, he said: Most of Ghana's borrowing under the John Mahama administration has been spent on corruption, on consumption, rather on investment. After eight years of mismanagement, the banking system has been pushed to dangerously fragile level. Eight banks are currently on the verge of collapse.

'Killer' taxes

According to Dr Bawumia, there had been massive increases in the capital gains tax, in withholding taxes, VAT on electricity, financial services, real estates, special import levy, adding that taxes had been introduced on ambulances and bicycles.

He said while the NHIS and the pre-maternal health system had virtually collapsed, youth unemployment was high and rising.

Teacher training allowances have been cancelled and so are nursing allowances. Nursing and health assistants are not being posted after completion. Drivers and transport operators have seen a dramatic rise in the cost of insurance, spare parts, licence fees, DVLA charges and fuel.

Pensioners under threat

Currently, the financial viability of SSNIT is in question. The World Bank, in its 2016 report on governance of SSNIT, says that the actuarial valuation shows that the fund becomes cash flow negative in 2019 and all assets will be used up by 2031. At this point, the benefits will have to match inflows and will lead to very significant cuts in the benefits for current pensioners.

This is the World Bank telling us that SSNIT is collapsing and that will result in a cut in pensions.

Couple of comparisons

Under eight years of NPP government 2001 to 2008, taxes and total loans amounted to just GH20 billion. In contrast, taxes, all revenue and loans under the period of the 8 years of the NDC amounts GH248 billion. Notwithstanding all these, economy is in decline. Since 2011, real GDP growth has declined drastically from 14 percent with the onset of oil production, to 3.9 percent in 2015.

Declining growth

President Mahama's tenure of office has been characterized by declining economic growth. In fact, between 2012 and 2016 that is during his tenure the economy, in dollar terms, shrank by 5 percent.

Under the NDC, in the last 8 years, we have seen a growth in real GDP per capita by 17 percent from $1266 to $1481. This is with oil revenue. Under President John Mahama, capita income has declined by 12 percent.

Under NPP, GDP per capita recorded an increase of 187 percent in 8 years from $440 to $1266 without oil. This tells us that fundamentally, Ghana's problem is not about resources. Our problem is the efficient and honest management of our resources.

Total debt

He said in just seven and a half years, government's debt has increased from GH9.5 billion to GH110 billion.

Ninety percent of Ghana's total debt has been accumulated in the last seven and half years under NDC government. And 67 percent of the total debt has been accumulated in just three and half years under President John Mahama.

Ghana has now been classified as a country at a high risk of debt distress.

By Samuel Boadi

[email protected]
The National Organiser of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in Germany, Mr Kwaku Anane-Gyinde has assured Ghanaians that a vote for Nana Addo-Dankwa Akufo-Addo and the NPP in the December elections will bring an end to the gross incompetence and the unprecedented level of corruption that has plagued the country under President John Mahama.

Speaking at a fund-raising event organised by the Frankfurt Chapter of the Party over the week end, Mr Anane-Gyinde explained that the NPP under the leadership of Nana Akufo-Addo is the only party in Ghana with the right policies and programmes to salvage the country from its current economic crisis

According to him, the One District, One Factory policy, the strategy for job creation and the industrialisation programme announced by the NPP are concrete and realistic policies that can change the fortunes of Ghana adding  only little and lazy minds that refuse to think would question the feasibility of these laudable policies.

The national organiser noted that the up-coming election is not about the NPP or Akuffo-Addo but about the future direction of the country and prosperity of the ordinary Ghanaian whose standard of living has, sadly, been worsened by the incompetence, greed and open thievery of the Mahama-led government.

Mr Anane-Gyinde accused the NDC government of having learn nothing after seven years in office because they are repeating the same reckless practices and profligate spending that brought the country to the door steps of the IMF and said it appears these people have learn nothing and have forgotten nothing

He reminded Ghanaians that a vote for President Mahama will amount to an endorsement of corruption and incompetence as well as the extension of suffering, high utility tariffs, falling educational standards, a collapsing health service and increased youth unemployment.

For his part, the national chairman of NPP-Germany, Rev. Alex Acheampong noted that the current economic hardships and social crisis in Ghana makes it incumbent upon all Ghanaians to work towards a regime change in December.

He assured NPP supporters and sympathisers that the monies raised will be used for its intended purpose to ensure victory for Nana Akufo-Addo and the NPP come December 7.
The Mensah Mental Health Rehabilitation Project (MEMHREP) took a giant step in not only raising awareness on mental health issues in this year's World Mental Health Day, but also participated and supported mental patients in Ghana with donations and musical concerts.

In the United Kingdom for instance, MEMHREP, in collaboration with some Religious Groups, organised a Musical Concert in Leeds to commemorate the Day. Top African artistes such as Dina Larbi, Ruth Razzi, Robbie Londo and Mary Osei Sekyere thrilled the participants on Saturday with emotional songs. Also, mental health specialists from Touchstone led by Stephanie Lewis were available to provide information on mental health issues. Mr Patrick Mensah, a Disability expert, educated the participants on the rights of disabilities and the need to offer them the necessary support.

Similarly at Fumesua, near Ejisu in Ashanti Region, the participants defied the early downpour of rains to attend the musical event on Sunday at the Saviour Baptist Church. The purpose of the musical show was to raise funds to feed and clothe the mentally-challenged persons (Nyame Adehye3) on our streets in African countries.

MEMHREP, in its determination to provide care and support for people suffering from mental illnesses joined millions in the World to celebrate the 2016 World Mental Health Day on Monday, 10th October in grand style. This registered NGO organised a get-together for 40 mental health patients at Willingways Rehabilitation Centre at Kwamo near Ejisu. This was followed by a special donation to lessen their burden. The donation included a cash of GHC200, two mini sacks of used clothings, 15kg of rice, bars of key soap, a number of washing powder, packets of toilet rolls, ten bags of sachet water worth 1000s of Ghana cedis.

It must be pointed out that, the streets of most African countries 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, especially in Ghana.

It is also common to observe that the plight of mentally-challenged persons 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 has been lending a helping hand.

For the past five years MEMHREP 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. For those in abroad, donations could be made through this account: Bank - Santander UK. A/C name: MEMHREP. A/C No - 21027409. Sort code: 09-01-28 or Bank Identifier Code(BIC): ABBYGB2LXXX

INternational Bank Account Number(IBAN):GB71ABBY09012821027409

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.

MEMHREP Communications Team

www.memhrep.com

[email protected]
The flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Danquah Akufo Addo has officially welcomed Awal Mohammed, who until recently was a leading member of the NDCs communications team and the deputy national communications officer of the Zongo Caucus, to the NPP. Awal made the shocking decision to defect from the NDC to the NPP at a press conference at the partys campaign office at Kokomlemle on October 5, 2016.

Nana Akufo Addo welcomed Awal Mohammed to the NPP fraternity at his Nima home today when Awal paid a courtesy call on him. Awal was accompanied by the Ashanti Regional secretary, Mr Sam Pyne and Nana Boakye (Nana B). Nana Addo stated that Awals defection is a refreshing news and that he is happy that Awal has joined the New Patriotic Party. Awal, on his part, said he will work very hard especially in the Zongos to secure victory for Nana Akufo Addo and the NPP.

It will be recalled that speaking at the launch of the NPPs 2016 manifesto, Nana Addo praised the decision of Awal Mohammed, labeling him as patriotic as he reasoned beyond partisan interest to champion the national interest due to the hardships imposed on unemployed Ghanaians.

Nana Akufo Addo stated that Maybe, the President should talk to young Awal Mohammed, who was until this past week, the deputy Director of Communications of the NDC Zongo Caucus. He does not sound to me like an unpatriotic young Ghanaian. If the President looked a little closer, he would see the army of desperate young unemployed who are in despair, he said.

Awals defection has already triggered a lot of defection of disappointed members of the ruling NDC to the NPP.
Emmanuel Bombande, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, has disclosed that ECOWAS Brown Cards issued by Ghanaian insurance companies are not accepted in some francophone countries when produced as evidence of motor vehicle third party insurance cover.

The situation, he said, has forced a large number of haulage vehicle drivers and owners to buy insurance from other countries instead of Ghana to avoid harassment and inconvenience.

Mr Bombande, who made the disclosure at the ongoing 33rd Ordinary Session of the Council of Bureaux of ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme in Accra, said some motorists are harassed for possessing ECOWAS Brown Cards issued in Ghana.

He said the actions of the authorities in some of the francophone countries were against the tenets of the protocol and gives cause for worry.

Mr Bombande therefore called on the Council of Bureaux of the ECOWAS Brown Card to address the issue which is affecting Ghanaian motorists badly.

Chairman of the Council of Bureaux, Leopold Keita, explained that in line with the provisions of Protocol A/P1/5/82, the ECOWAS Brown Card Scheme ensures prompt and fair compensation to victims for losses they incur from international road traffic accidents.

Therefore, on the one hand it serves as a means of facilitating free movement of persons, goods and services between member states, and on the other hand, as the responsive par excellence insurance cover against liabilities arising from international accidents within our West African sub-region, he said.

Representatives from member countries such as Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea Conakry, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo are in Ghana for the Ordinary Session which is slated from 11th  13th October.

By Cephas Larbi

[email protected]
President John Dramani Mahama has challenged the vice presidential candidate of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia to reveal the cost of the cedi redenomination exercise in 2007.

The president, who was speaking at a rally yesterday in the Ablekuma North constituency in Accra, said since Dr. Bawumia was a Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) at the time the cedi redenomination exercise was carried out, he should tell Ghanaians how much it cost government to undertake the exercise.

Do we remember the cedi redenomination under President Kufuor. During that time, someone (Bawumia) was the Deputy Bank of Ghana and up till now, even me as a President do not know the cost of the redenomination exercise.

But it appears that the president is posing the question to a wrong person since Dr Bawumia was not totally in charge of the exercise.

Moreover, the current vice president, Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, took over as Governor of the Bank of Ghana (BoG) from Dr Paul Acquah, who supervised the redenomination exercise.

Mr Amissah-Arthur also replaced the then GH50 notes with the current notes without telling anybody how much it cost government.

He also introduced new GH2 notes and also failed to disclose the total cost.

The president might have been jolted by the successful launch of the NPP's manifesto and the opposition's claims that he is incompetent.

President Mahama indicated that the main opposition party has no right to label him since it has failed to give full account of a simple redenomination exercise.

Up to date, no Ghanaian knows the cost of the redenomination exercise and the same people come and say someone is incompetent. When you redenominated the cedi how much did it cost us? Simple things like these you cannot tell us and you have the nerve to come and talk about corruption. Look in the mirror and look at yourselves.

Take the log out of your eye before you point at the mole in somebody's eye. Only God doesn't make mistakes. I am human, I am not God. I am not saying I have done so much but I have done what I can and if others say they have not noticed what I have done, God who is in heaven is my witness and he sees the good works NDC has done.

The erstwhile Kufuor administration carried out a cedi redenomination exercise in 2007.

Government, at the time, said the purpose of the exercise was to address inflation and other economic challenges.
Patrick Nomo has been appointed the Acting Chief Director of the Ministry of Finance.

Prior to this appointment, Mr. Nomo was the Director of Budget at the Ministry.

He takes over from Major (Rtd) Mahama Samuel Tara, who has been appointed as technical advisor to the Minister of Finance.

Sampson Asare Fianko, Deputy Controller and Accountant General in-charge of Finance and Administration, has been appointed as the Acting Director of Budget at the Ministry.

Mr. Nomo has over 30 years' experience in financial management and institutional capacity development.

He was the first Director-General of the Internal Audit Agency of Ghana from 2005-2010.

He has worked at the Controller and Accountant General's Department, the Ministry of Health and the Meteorological Services Agency.

From 2010 to 2011, he was engaged by the World Bank to provide consultancy services for the Government of South Sudan, leading to the establishment of Internal Audit system with relevant laws, policies and procedures for that country.

Mr. Asare Fianko also has over 18 years' experience in financial management both in the private and public sector.

He has served in various capacities at the Controller and Account Generals' Department, Ministry of Roads and Transport, Communications, Office of Parliament, among others.

A business desk report


Managing Director (MD) of Ghana Oil Company Limited (GOIL), Patrick Kwame Akorli, has been adjudged the 2015 Marketing Man of the Year at the 27th Chartered Institute of Marketing Ghana (CIMG) performance awards.

Kwame Akorli won the coveted award for his leadership role which has consolidated the position of GOIL in the petroleum industry.

The awards ceremony, which was held last Saturday at the Banquet Hall of the State House, also saw the Managing Director of Unilever Ghana Limited, Elizabeth Arkutu winning the 2015 CIMG Marketing Woman of the Year award.

The Marketing Student of the Year Award went to Yeboah Victor Edzoryie.

The award was on the theme, 'Democracy and National Cohesion; Marketing a new political paradigm.'

Individuals were honoured for the role they played in marketing their institutions for the year 2014.

The National Marketing Performance Awards, a high-profile event, acknowledges individuals and organizations for their excellence and innovations in marketing.

Speaking after the awards, the MD of GOIL, commended the governing council of CIMG for the recognition, promising to live up to expectation.

He also expressed appreciation to staff of GOIL for their hard work and support which has earned the company such recognition.

Kojo Mattah, President of CIMG, in his remarks, said CIMG intends to encourage excellence and also promote the concept of 'Ghana First' through the awards.

He called for tolerance and peaceful co-existence, as the nation goes to the polls, stating that it is a fact that none of us here can successfully carry out our profession or business in an atmosphere of chaos except if one was a gun-runner.

Omanhen of Essikado Traditional Area, Nana Kobina Nketsia V, also urged Ghanaians to sustain peace and work together to ensure the socio-economic development of the country.

By Cephas Larbi

[email protected]
A new group with a focus on enhancing the financial performance of businesses has been launched in Accra.

The group, 'Regulus CFO Forum', comprises Chief Financial Officers (CFOs), Financial Controllers (FCs) and Financial Directors (FDs) of companies in the various sectors.

Deputy Minister of Finance, Mona Quartey, who officially launched the group, encouraged participants and members of the forum to continue to stay focused on their activities for the benefit of their various businesses and Ghana.

President and Founder of group, Hitesh Makhija, said, Finance officers are important leaders in making sure that businesses run successfully, and the thought of creating this forum first occurred to me when I realized the absence of a common platform wherein CFOs can discuss challenges, opportunities and strategies.

According to him, Regulus CFO Forum was aimed at managing an interactive financial executive networking group that will empower its members in Ghana and beyond.

Mr. Makhija, who is also the current Cluster Finance Controller- Ghana &MBTN (WAF3) at Olam Ghana, explained that the theme for the maiden session: 'The CFO's Role in Today's Digital Economy,' was preferred due to the fact that the gap between the digital economy and the financial space was narrowing, hence the need for finance officers to embrace the digital age to maximize their performance and results.

The forum, mainly sponsored by Access Bank Ghana, had two (2) sessions with interactive discussions on the topics: 'Managing Financial Risks in Today's Digital Economy' and 'Measuring and Monitoring Key Value Drivers in Today's Digital Economy.'

Participants included CFOs and FDs from PZ Cussons Ghana, Allterrain Services, SBC Beverages (Pepsi Bottlers), Stallion Group, Beiersdorf Ghana Limited, Mohinani Group, Japan Motors and Vodafone.

The rest are Access Bank, Interplast Limited, Expro International Group, Focos Orthopedic Hospital, Right Holdings Limited, Predictive Excellence and Invest Corporation.

A business desk report
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

Trend:

The violation of the rights of refugees and migrants from the global flashpoints is observed in Europe today, Fuad Alasgarov, head of department on work with law enforcement bodies at the Azerbaijani presidential administration, said.

Alasgarov made remarks at the 19th meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of Migration Agencies in Baku October 12.

The most vivid example of migration crisis today is the mass migration of refugees from Syria to Europe. They hope to find asylum in Europe, and instead face harsh and even cruel policy of European countries, Alasgarov said. Xenophobic and Islamophobic sentiments are growing and some politicians use these sentiments to come to power."

Alasgarov said that Azerbaijan became the first country in the CIS which faced large flows of migrants and refugees as a result of ethnic cleansing in the 1980s and the occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia.

More than a million of Azerbaijani people, that is, virtually every eighth person, were forced out of their lands, Alasgarov said.

However, Azerbaijan coped with these difficulties and could provide refugees with normal living conditions, he added. "Despite enormous difficulties, Azerbaijan could ensure all the basic needs of refugees and internally displaced people in the subsequent years and integrate them into society.

Alasgarov said that however, the consequences of occupation have a negative effect as the occupied Azerbaijani territories are used for organizing illegal migration and other dangerous kinds of transnational crime.

Azerbaijan has also been recently affected by the migration problems, he said, adding that more and more migrants with fake documents are trying to enter the country.
Every girl dreams of being loved,shown affection, respected and accepted.She dreams that she will one day not cry or be punished for being a girl.She dreams to be loved for who she is, feel safe, protected and secured where ever she is and with who ever she finds herself with. She also dreams for a day to come where she will be applauded rather than condemned for dreaming bigger or having higher aspirations or ambitions which are far above that of the kitchen.

However, the bitter pill is that, in many parts of our world especially in Ghana, the birth of the girl child is not a news welcomed. From the inner world of her mother (womb) to the outside world of her birth(environment) she is not forgiven for being a female or coming out as a girl. Many a times,this makes me wonder if girls have control over nature to change or decide their sex. Most often some people think that these actions and inactions towards them are just but for the moment.Oh how I wish that was the situation! The reverse is the case.In every stage of a girl's life, she will be treated badly either in both direct and indirect ways simply to punish her for coming into their lives as a female and not as a male.

The woes of the girl child are like the sands of the earth,the stars of the sky and like the children of Abraham.They are numerous and they exist or come in diverse dimensions, sexual and verbal harassment,discrimination, neglection,oppression and humiliation.

Admittedly, there have been some progress over the years.We have seen a reduction in the occurances of some of these areas. However these changes are somewhat considered insignificant as many girls continue to suffer. There is still an unfair treatment towards girls which seems to confirm the opinion by some schools of thoughts who believe that society is still fixated about who girls are, who they should be and what role they are to play in the society. Hence, they do not hesitate at any point in time to make the lives of girls terrible,sorrowful,unbearable and shameful.

It is not surprising that such things are happening to girls. Many of us live in patriarchal societies where men are often regarded as supreme and superior,are respected,acknowledged and more desired as compared to their male counterparts.Again both the rich, poor or not economically sound,educated and uneducation people particularly boys and men in society happened to maltreat women in their lives in one way or another.To a very large extent,this makes the domestic and international efforts to empower girls difficult.

Nevertheless, with the existance of these odds,girls still survive and continue to pursue bigger dreams.New dreams of what they really want.These are so new or different from the dreams they were schooled to have(marriage).They dream of a world where men in particular will learn to accept them for who they are, appreciate, help and encourage them not to be afraid to dream far beyond the kitchen and marriage. They dream of a world that offers them equal opportunities, equal access to quality education, equal access to healthcare, equal spaces to partake in the decision making process.A world that offers girls the right to decide who to be with,when they want to get married and where they want to go and a new world where they feel protected to walk around freely without looking over their shoulder with every tick of the clock.

In short, the new dream that every girl wants is a world where they do not have to surrender hopelessly to the woeful or sad fate offered by society but that she will receive equal treatment of love,equal access to education,freedom to dream bigger,partake in decison making processes especially that which affects her life and have her dignity respected and honored.

The new dream of every girl is achievable.We can do it together.By supporting girls to achieve their dreams,we will have a better world because we will be having the contributions of the females who happen to be more than one half of the population.

We need a positive change in society's attitude towards girls.

I share in "The New Dream-What Every Girl Wants".I hope that the world will indeed change their behavior and attitude towards girls.I am prepared to contribute all my efforts to the empowerment of the girl child so that they can have the power to own their future.What about you?Would you watch while she gets harassed and humiliated? Would you watch on while she gets denied to make her own choices or decide for herself? What will you do to help the girl child get what she really wants? You have a role to play.

Remember that we are in this together and together we will have a better world.

#happyInternationalDayofTheGirl

#TheNewDream_WhatEveryGirlReallyWants

#IsupporttheEmpowermentofEveryGirl

Eva Abugabe

Gender Advocate and Activist
12.10.2016 LISTEN

All leaders who have moral principles, and are serious, forward thinking and committed, rather invest meaningfully in their people, including the disabled, and do away with meaningless slogans and systematic propagation of propagandistic materials.

We hear President Mahama has chosen to make his 2016 Manifesto booklet accessible to visually impaired people by producing braille version.

The idea is laudable. However, the all-important question one may ask is: why hasnt the government produced accessible versions of important national documents like the Constitution of Ghana all this while?

The fact of the matter is that President Mahama and his government have not helped and supported disabled people meaningfully over the years, so it is somewhat ironic for them to make their Manifesto accessible to disabled people in the wake of the 2016 electioneering campaign.

For the purposes of this article, I will define disability as: Any physical, mental and sensory condition that restricts a persons movements, senses or Activities.

Actually, the term disability is formally used to refer to deformations that are severe enough to interfere with, or restrict normal day-to-day living activities.

According to the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, persons with disabilities include those who have substantial long-term physical, mental, intellectual or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

Therefore, it is important to note that disabilities can be permanent, temporary, or episodic. Disabilities can affect people from birth, or could be acquired later in life through injury or illness.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) for instance, estimates that approximately 750 million people, or 10% of the worlds population, have a disability. In Ghana, the disabled welfare groups estimate that 10% of Ghanaians have some form of physical or sensory impairment.

Clearly, then, it is indefensible for society to ignore disabled people, notwithstanding the fact that one does not become disabled volitionally or chooses to have no eyesight for instance.

In Ghana, if one becomes disabled during his/her later life, the usual belief among society is either the individual might have been cursed for committing a sin or the refusal of the family to observe taboos.

In the past, and even in many communities in Ghana today, if a child is born with a deformity, it is deemed to be as a result of evil spirits, a failure of the family to keep taboos, or some type of witchcraft. In some instances infanticide is performed or the child is ostracised in perpetuity.

The child may also be abandoned at an orphanage or sent to beg on the streets (the usual abode for Ghana's disabled population).

To put it bluntly, disabled people are seen by the vast majority of Ghanaians, including Mahama and his NDC government, as useless and unproductive, hence enduring harsh treatments in society.

Even though Article 29 (4) of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana stipulates: "Disabled persons shall be protected against all exploitations; all regulations and all discriminations; abusive or degrading nature, the framework has been ineffective.

Besides, the Parliament of Ghana pragmatically enacted the Disability Discrimination Act in 2006, albeit its full implementation is yet to be seen.

Despite the ostensible desperate attempts by policy makers to include disabled people in the nation building, disabled people have remained marginalised to date, and not being somehow accepted as integral and productive members of society.

Unfortunately, when disabled people are shown, the focus is mainly on their impairments. In actual fact, society obtusely views disabled people as potential problem or to put it euphemistically, outcasts.

The all-important question then is: is it because disabled people are seen by society as unproductive or shiftless lots?

The fact of the matter is that disabled person has substantial long-term adverse effect on his/her ability to carry out day-to-day normal living activities, thus requires help and support in order to make any meaningful contribution in society.

Nevertheless, a Ghanaian disabled does not receive any meaningful help and support within society that will ensure his/her full participation in the nation building.

Ironically, however, the estimated 10% of Ghana population (disabled population) face total alienation. No country can afford to turn its back on 10% of its population (UNESCO/UNICEF, 1997).

Disappointingly, however, disabled people in Ghana have been facing exclusions from the nation building for far too long. Notwithstanding the fact that Ghanas Constitution states: The recognition that the most secure democracy is the one that assures the basic necessities of life for its people as a fundamental duty.

The Constitution however states: Steps will be taken to ensure the protection and promotion of all other basic human rights and freedoms, including the rights of the disabled, the aged, children and other vulnerable groups in development processes.

Nevertheless, the successive governments have failed woefully to provide meaningful help and support to disabled people in Ghana.

In compendium, there are no meaningful welfare programmes for disabled people in Ghana.

The fact of the matter is that the government lacks empathetic qualities. In other words, the government does not see the need to support those in such an unfortunate situation.

I think it is about time Ghana government emulated the altruistic and pragmatic attitudes of people like former president of Mexico, Vincente Fox.

It would be recalled that during general debate of the fifty-sixth session of the General Assembly (UN 2001), President Vincente Fox called upon the international community to combat poverty and social exclusion.

He stated: Societies should involve all citizens as stakeholders and that a just world must be inclusive of all groups.

For that reason Mexico proposed establishment of a "Special Committee" to study the elaboration of an international convention on promoting the rights of persons with disabilities. Their findings resulted in the United Nations Convention for the rights of persons with disabilities.

Verily, disability does not mean inability, for if disabled are given the opportunity, most disabled people can contribute meaningfully to society.

Someone may not have a full-functioned brain; a leg to walk; an eye to see; a hand to lift objects, nonetheless, might still have something to contribute to society.

In that regard, does it make sense to exclude them from the nation building?

The answer to the preceding question is no, in my opinion, because most disabled people have subtle mind or individual consciousness, and can equally contribute to the nation building with meaningful help and support.

However, disabled people are not able to contribute meaningfully at the moment because they lack the required help and support from the government and their respective families.

It is against this background that I detest President Mahama and his NDC governments shameful ploy to canvass for votes from the disabled people, given that disabled people have been side-lined in the nation building all these years.

I suggest there should be a nationwide education to highlight the issues of disability.

The education should: place emphasis on empathy-the attributions of ones own feelings to a situation. In other words, if for argument sake, individuals found themselves in the shoes of a disabled person how would individuals handle all the discriminations?

K. Badu, UK.
12.10.2016 LISTEN

The mendacity that now pollutes the politics of this nation provokes a degree of understandable cynicism that makes trust an almost saintly virtue. Lower standards and a diminished regard for truthfulness in those pretending to serve our need for truth make it difficult for us to develop the kind of judgment necessary for trust to be lucid. It undermines zeal and the hope in our nature of political virtue and what it can mean for politics to be a vocation. "Truthfulness has never been counted among the political virtues, and lies have always been regarded as justifiable tools in political dealings. Elsewhere in one of my articles I stated that, lies are often much more plausible, more appealing to reason, than reality, since the liar has the great advantage of knowing beforehand what the audience wishes or expects to hear. And more often than not, when you repeat lies often, it comes the truth in political arena. This is exactly what Dr Mahamudu Bawumia is good at and will continue to do until he can do no more.

This is the guy who tried causing mayhem by asking Muslims to vote NPP because he would be sworn on the Koran and his boss on the Bible. His provocative and sectarianism received wide condemnation from all political divide. If his claim as a true Muslim is something to go by, he wouldnt have shelved his wifes infidelity under the carpet just because it would taint his political ambition as a running mate. Muslim society is based on purity of feeling, love, sincerity, and fulfillment of promises to every member of society.

True Muslims are endowed with piety, truthfulness, and faithfulness. Cheating and deception are alien characters in contrast to the noble character of a true Muslim. Yet Dr Bawumia could tell the world and his wife that he had document evidence that the ruling party had registered more than 70,000 Togolese and Burkinabes to vote for them, when indeed he was lying and has till date not shut his beak about it. When Moodys rating of Ghana is B3 Stable, he would confuse Ghanaians that, Moodys meant Negative. The highest Moodys rating for Ghana since 2003 is B+ when even, the countrys debt has been forgiven under J. A. Kufuor. But Kufuor left the country with massive debt and corruption was high, and drug traffic was at its highest epoch. It seems to me Dr Bawumia is economically with the truth but will pollute the good people of Ghana.

Is he coerced to say anything to please Nana Addo or applying political propaganda? An old warmonger one said The function of propaganda does not lie in the scientific training of the individual, but in calling the masses' attention to certain facts, processes, necessities, whose significance is thus for the first time placed within their field of vision. The whole art consists in doing this so skillfully that everyone will be convinced that the fact is real, the process necessary, the necessity correct It is no wonder that he can deny receiving direct and indirect support from a regime his father benefitted massively from. The ideological underpinnings of his attitudes and behaviours labels him as a sectarian, who aggressively seeking to trample other peoples achievements just to have his way, any means necessary I call. His act of vilification of President John Dramani Mahama is barbaric and absurd and I believe posterity is watching us.

Like his boss, who lies about his lawyer qualification, Dr Bawumia doesnt convince me about his true meaning of studying in UK, and indeed he has skeleton in his closet about the real truth of his A-Level results. There is also a proof that the crucial part of Dr Mahamudu Bawumias education was after his GCE A-Level. Until Ghana fully embraced the JHS and SHS educational system, the traditional system of education in Ghana was that, the successful GCE O-Level students would proceed to Sixth-form to pursue GCE A-Level. And without a doubt, successful GCE A-Level graduates will enter University of Ghana, UST (now KNUST) or University of Cape Coast. Under strange circumstances would successful GCE A-Level graduates refuse to enter university.

Even then, schools like IPS (now UPS) offered places for two passes in GCE A-Level when they ceased offering places for GCE O-Level graduates. Dr Mahamudu Bawumia finished his GCE A-Level in 1982 and that same year he travelled to UK to pursue a private college offering banking course. Couldnt he had entered university in Ghana if he had a good results in GCE A-Level, or entered university in UK? A private college in UK wouldnt offer scholarship and Dr Mahamudu Bawumia had no other means apart from his father means. Therefore his travelling to UK to pursue a college diploma is mischievous and smack corruption.

NDC General Secretary, Mr. Asiedu Nketiah, should be vindicated for his comments about Dr Mahamudu Bawumia receiving favour during his educational pursuit. Asiedu Nketiahs assertion was not directly marching Dr Mahamudu Bawumais crucial timing in his education, but he enjoyed favours majority of us didnt have. Even if Dr Mahamudu Bawumia didnt per se enjoyed Ghana Scholarship, his late father, Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia, was privileged under J. J. Rawlings watch to facilitate his sons education and that is more than a scholarship. This is a guy whose father switched carpet from NPP (Northern Peoples Party) to join CPP for various ministerial positions. His father joined Dr Limanns PNP and when PNP came to power he had a lucrative job of Chairman of Ghana Cocoa Board. A position he held till the early years of PNDC regime. Also because of his Islamic faith, he was a diplomat, especial to Saudi Arabia and it was during Dr Mamuda Bawumias crucial education pursuit that his father was made Ambassador and indeed in (P)NDC regime. A critical scrutiny at Dr Mamudu Bawumias education was indeed during J.J. Rawlings when J.J. Rawlings favoured his father and even became Chairman of Council of State Elders. Below is how Dr Mahamudu Bawumia received his support directly or indirectly from (P)NDC

Educational Breakdown Fathers Role in Ghanaian Politics 1969-1975 Sakasaka Primary School (Tamale) Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia held various position until Dr Nkrumah was overthrew. He stayed in Ghana till 1970 when he moved to London to pursue law degree. He came back to practice for 8 years 1975-1982 Tamale Secondary School, Ghana (GCE O and A-Levels)

In 1978, Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia returned to politics and help to form PNP. When Dr Limann won, he was appointed Chairman of Cocoa Marketing Board 1982-1984 Associate of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (A.C.I.B) U.K Emile Woolf College of Accountancy, London, England

After J.J. Rawlings (PNDC) coup detat in 1981 Alhahi Mumuni Bawumia participated in several diplomatic missions to Saudi Arabia 1984-1986 B.Sc. Economics (First Class Hons.) University of Buckingham, UK Throughout this period Alhaji Mumuni Bawumia participated in several diplomatic missions to Saudi Arabia before returning to Tamale to take up farming in 1986 1987-1988 M.Sc. Development Economics University of Oxford , UK (Lincoln College) Farming 1991-1995 Ph.D. in Economics Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, British Columbia., Canada Then from 1989 to 1992, was fully appointed Ghana Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, And also Chairman of Council of State Elders

This brings to the table if he is that clever as he claims to be now. Nevertheless, I am not try to denigrate someone with a doctorate degree, but I believe what one has done another person can also do, if both are given the same opportunity and resources. Therefore he should stop his bragging as if he has the final word.

Lewis Kwame Addo

Amsterdam
The Lions Club of Turin in Italy has donated 1,200 spectacles to the Ho Regional Hospital.

This follows a recent visit to Turin by Agbogbomefia of the Asogli State, Togbe Afede XIV, to the important commercial and cultural northern Italy city.

Togbe Afede met Ghana's Honorary Counsel in Turin, Salvatore De Fazio.

The spectacles were delivered at this recent Yam Festival durbar at the Jubilee Park in Ho.

Ms Lisa D'Andrea, a representative of the of the Honorary Counsel who took delivery of items, said that the gesture is the beginning of more good tidings from the Lions Club and other charities in Turin to the Asogli State.

She was optimistic that the spectacles will be put to good use in improving the health of citizens of the Asogli State.

FROM Fred Duodu, Ho
12.10.2016 LISTEN

Dummkopf! is the word that comes to mind when seeing Frau Merkel, Germanys Chancellor sharing the stage with the Ethiopian Prime Minister while that same PMs death squad's were opening fire on unarmed demonstrators in Oromia, killing 23 and wounding over 100.

As foreigners flee Ethiopia en masse after furious Ethiopians burn their factories and businesses to the ground Frau Merkel speaks truly stupid words promising even more foreign investment in Ethiopia. Didn't the Ethiopian PM just announce the imposition of martial law giving the Agazi death squads free play to commit murder and mayhem against any and all Ethiopians with the temerity to peacefully protest against the corruption and brutality of the current regime?

Dummkopf! may not be enough when it comes to describing such stupidity, to visit a country in the middle of a mass insurgency against the compradore regime whose leaders have stolen hundred$ of million$ of funds meant for Ethiopians suffering from the worst drought and famine in 60 years? Arschloch (assh**le) is probably a better word for Frau Merkel promised to pump hundreds of millions of euros into the bank accounts of one of the most corrupt and brutal dictatorships on the planet, all the while the regime supporters are moving their families and money to foreign countries and western bank accounts.

100% democratic is how senior US leaders described the Ethiopian regime with 100% of the Ethiopian parliament made up of regime hacks, yet Frau Merkel continues to pretend that the present regime has any sort of credibility or future in power.

With almost the entire country up in arms against the regime, and unarmed demonstrators are being gunned down in their hundreds across Oromia, Africas largest nation, Frau Merkel has proved once again just how dummkopf European leaders can be.

Thomas C. Mountain is an independent journalist in Eritrea, living and reporting from here since 2006. His speeches, interviews and articles can be seen on Facebook at thomascmountain or he can best be reached at thomascmountain at g mail dot com
Silver Star Auto Limited has concluded its maiden Mercedes-Benz Service campaign dubbed: My Safety My Service to the Kumasi Metropolis.

Owners of Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles in the Ashanti Region capital had the opportunity to interact and enjoy free diagnostic checks on the vehicles carried out by a German expert from Daimler AG, Stuttgart in Germany.

Customers also enjoyed a 20% discount on parts and labour.

The week-long service campaign attracted a large patronage and also provided the Silver Star Auto customers in Kumasi and its environs an opportunity to have a foretaste of the total sales and after sales service at the companys new Kumasi branch located on the Prempeh the Second Street in Adum.

Briefing the press, the Chief Executive Officer of the company, Nouhad Kalmoni, described the maiden edition of My Safety My Service campaign and the new Silver Star branch in Kumasi as a turning point of SSAL presence in the Northern sector of this country.

He stressed that organizations and residents would not need to go to Accra to purchase nor service their Mercedes- Benz and Suzuki since the new Kumasi Branch has adequate capacity.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com
SAFCEC and the Government of South Africa announced today that seven listed construction companies reached agreement with Government on a program of initiatives that will accelerate transformation in the industry. A seventh company will advise shortly whether it will join the agreement.

The agreement was reached with companies with a combined annual construction revenue of approximately R45 billion, comprising of WBHO, Aveng, Murray & Roberts, Group Five, Basil Read, Raubex and Stefanutti Stocks.

Six of the seven companies have signed the agreement today and the seventh company will advise within the next week.

The agreement has three elements:

1. Financial contribution for development projects

The seven companies will collectively contribute R1,5 billion over 12 years to a fund, which will be established for socio-economic development. The objective of the fund will be the development, enhancement and transformation of the industry, as well as the promotion of social infrastructure for all South Africans. The fund will be co-managed by industry representatives and Government, with the administration of the Fund carried out by an entity designated by the National Treasury. For the avoidance of doubt, this voluntary contribution is in addition to the R1, 4 billion penalty imposed by the competition authorities on companies in the sector in 2013.

Initiatives to be supported by the fund will include financial support for young trainee artisans and engineers from disadvantaged backgrounds, support for the teaching of maths and science education at public schools, funding for social infrastructure and the development and promotion of construction companies owned and managed by black people. It also includes funding the appointment of professionals to provide the Government with engineering, project management and other services to strengthen its capacity to deliver the public infrastructure so desperately needed through, amongst others, the secondment to state departments, municipalities and entities, of skilled personnel from organisations operating in South Africa.

This financial contribution is in addition to existing annual socio-economic development investment spend by these companies.

2. Transformational commitments in the sector

In addition to existing enterprise development programmes, each of the companies will undertake further transformation initiatives, with two models. Firstly, that the companies become fully transformed (with at least 40% of equity in the hands of black South Africans  the equity model); or secondly, that they commit to initiatives that will result in each of the construction companies mentoring up to three emerging black-owned enterprises so that they develop the necessary skills, systems, status and quantity of work to be able to sustain a cumulative combined annual revenue equal to at least 25% of each of the mentor companies annual revenue by 2023 (the partner model). The referenced revenue is from civil and building works delivered in South Africa and should all companies elect to utilise the partner model, it would result in partner black-owned companies with a combined turnover in excess of R9 billion an annum within seven years

3. Integrity Commitment by CEOs

This involves the seven companies, as leading companies in the industry and Government, committing to business practices that are based on integrity, transparency and fair competition. As part of the agreement, each company has signed a declaration to promote ethical and legal operations, free of collusion or corruption and to confirm that they will expose, confront and eradicate any sign of wrong-doing in the industry.

The agreement provides a framework for settlement of claims by the industry regulator, the CIDB as well as civil claims by public entities against companies arising from the investigations by the competition commission for a period up to 2010, which were brought before the Competition Tribunal in 2013.

Welcoming the agreement today, the chairperson of the Management Committee of the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission (PICC) Minister Gugile Nkwinti hailed it as a new beginning in the relationship.

The success of governments infrastructure programme requires strong internal capacity in the sector and competitive prices. Through the transformation commitments in the Agreement, we can rebuild the relationship with the companies concerned and work in partnership in future, Minister Nkwinti said.

SAFCEC CEO, Webster Mfebe said As an industry we are committed to strengthen our partnership with Government for the benefit of all, and especially to encourage and support economic growth through the development of the economic assets of our country. This arrangement also demonstrates the commitment to a transformed, transparent and ethical industry, which has a major role to play in delivering much needed infrastructure to the economy of South Africa. We believe this partnership will reinforce the framework for a more sustainable and competitive industry and is set to advance the social and economic welfare of all South Africans.

The parties will address a number of legal, regulatory and administrative requirements that have to be met to ensure the agreement is capable of implementation. It is expected that the Fund will be launched in the next financial year and will become operational shortly thereafter.

The arrangement agreed will focus on transforming the industry through:

1. Increasing investment in the sector to promote development, education and upliftment opportunities for all, especially for those who were previously disadvantaged;

2. Creating employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, especially for young South Africans;

3. Promoting and supporting black-owned construction companies and small business development and assisting them to be competitive and sustainable;

4. Identifying opportunities for South African companies in infrastructure projects elsewhere on the African continent; and

5. Building deeper partnerships with regulators and other key stakeholders such as Government and organised labour.

In conclusion, the Government and the companies confirm their partnership in promoting the industrys sustainability, transformation, efficiency, adaptability, development and competitiveness. The two parties to the arrangement also wish to express their commitment to create a sector that will result in improved employment for all, the delivery of competitive prices and quality goods and services and the empowerment of black participants in the industry.
11th October, 2016, Tema, Ghana: Meridian Port Services (MPS) has announced the start of its unprecedented corporate social initiative for the enhancement of Tema Roundabout, in collaboration with the Ministry of Roads and Highways (MRH). This project will create a new road network near the future port, to alleviate traffic congestion and improve traffic flow. This announcement was made at a sod-cutting event at the Tema roundabout to mark the commencement of the CSR initiative. Also present at the event were MRH and GPHA officials as well as other stakeholders with a vested interest in good transportation networks within the country.

The Tema Motorway roundabout currently suffers from serious traffic bottlenecks, which impede the movement of private and commercial vehicles within Tema and affect inter-city commuters who use the roundabout when commuting to and from the Greater Accra Region, as well as the Eastern and Volta Region. This congestion also hinders the flow of cargo in and out of the port.

To decongest this bottleneck and ease daily travel for commuters, MPS will create four slip roads to reduce the number of vehicles approaching the roundabout, and create an additional third lane to widen the roundabout itself. Most importantly, the project will also improve the entrance and exit from the northern side (Akosombo), by widening it from the current single lane to a double lane.

This upgrade will significantly ease traffic for all commuters going in and out of the city, thereby reducing travel time and improving productivity. The initiative will also contribute to the convenience of the Trans West African Highway for travel to and from neighbouring countries.

Ghana is now the hub for shipping activities in the sub-region. Certainly this project will facilitate the free flow of goods and services for the benefit of all. We congratulate MPS for this bold initiative, said Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, Minister of Roads and Highways.

This is part of the vision that President John Dramani Mahama has for the development of all roads in Ghana, said Mr Richard Anamoo, Director General of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. He added, We are pleased to work with our partners in MPS on this project. The port development plan will greatly benefit the economy and this initiative is a good example of Corporate Social Responsibility, as it will help substantially to ease congestion in the Tema communities.

MPS has appointed Associated Consultants Ltd. as the project managers and Sinohydro Ghana Ltd. as the contractor for the Tema roundabout project. These appointments were based on a proven track record of technical ability and both companies preparedness to start work immediately. The project is expected to be completed in nine months.

MPS, a company jointly owned by APM Terminals and Bollore Transport & Logistics, in partnership with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, is poised to start a major expansion of the Tema Port, designed to leverage Ghanas strategic location in the heart of West Africa, to make it a major trading hub and attract more investment.

The CEO of MPS, Mohamed Samara stressed, This associated CSR project is probably the largest social investment of its kind undertaken by a private company and I am proud that this initiative has been so strongly endorsed by the MPS Board of Directors.

Commenting on the local content for the Tema Port expansion project itself, Chairman of the MPS Board, Dr. Alhaji Asuma Banda said, Ninety-five percent of the materials for all works will be locally procured. With the exception of sophisticated container gantry cranes, a significant quantity of plant equipment will also be sourced locally.

Notably, over 1,000 skilled Ghanaian managers, engineers and craftsmen will be employed for the marine construction at the port. It is estimated that a total of 5,000 jobs, in civil works and building construction, will be created for local contractors and subcontractors, during this project.

This port investment will also bring a series of upgrades within the area of technical and IT services, which will also impact positively on the Ghanaian talent pool.

This transfer of knowledge and experience to Ghanaians will secure the future for the generations to come and it is a clear display of what a truly successful partnership with strategic investors can achieve for a determined company and people.
Some banks in Ghana have lauded the decision by the central bank to increase the minimum capital requirement of banks.

According to them this will provide a platform for banks to perform bigger transactions and intervene in the productive sectors of the economy.

In an interview with Citi Business News, the Managing Director of Capital Bank, Rev. FitzGerald Odonkor said the bank is ready to comply with all decisions taken by the Central Bank.

We think that the motive for this increase is a laudable one so that we can have stronger banks that can do bigger transactions and be able to intervene more in the productive sectors of the economy. he said.

We also think that the Central Bank will continue to consult the various stakeholders in the implementation of any new increase in the capital requirement and we as a bank are poised to be able to satisfy whatever new requirement there are because we believe that especially for the indigenous banks would probably be given some dispensations to be able to do it. he stated.

Central Bank to increase Minimum Capital Requirement.

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) earlier stated of a possible increase of the minimum capital that every commercial bank must have in order to operate in Ghana.

This they said was one of the several measures they are considering to limit number of banks in operations and improve upon their financial position in order to finance bigger projects in the country.

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) then went ahead to set up a committee to review and recommend appropriate levels for increasing the minimum capital requirement of commercial banks possibly before the end of the year.

Currently, commercial banks operate with a regulatory minimum capital requirement of 120 million cedis.

It is unclear how much the commercial banks will be expected to revise their capital to but some industry watchers have suggested that the banks may be reviewing their capital to at least 200 million cedis.



By: Jessica Ayorkor Aryee/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana
12.10.2016 LISTEN

The International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness (IAPB) has set every 13th October of the year as World Sight Day.

Komfo Anokye teaching Hospital, Kumasi in collaboration with Orbis Africa, a non governmental organisation in South Africa is organising a free eye screening for the general public as a way of creating awareness to the general public on the need to have a regular eye check up.

This Thursday, 13th October, 2016 at the forecourt of tel he ultra modern Eye Centre at KOMFO Anokye Hospital between 9am-3pm, we are inviting everybody whether you are a child, adult to come for free eye screening.

Would you believe me if I told you 80% of visual impairment is avoidable - i.e. readily treatable and/or preventable!

Did you know that reading in the dark with candles or flashlight will "spoil" your eyes?

These and many more tops will be shared with the general public whiles they are screened for any possible eye conditions.

It's free.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

By Elmira Tariverdiyeva  Trend:

The visit of Kazakh President Nursultan Nazarbayev to the South Caucasus region has been postponed because of his cold-related disease.

The press-service of the Kazakh president issued a message about his illness to warn that Nazarbayevs visits planned a week ahead have been canceled (although it is considered a state secret according to the law of the country).

The case is that the visit to Azerbaijan, which was simply delayed, can be carried out later, there will be no diplomatic problems on this issue between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, the good neighbors and partners.

However, the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) summit in Yerevan is quite another thing, no one will postpone it and it means that Nursultan Nazarbayev has avoided participation in the event in Armenia, as the fate willed.

By the way, this is not the first time prominent political figures catch cold before visiting Armenia. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has recently had the same symptoms of this illness.

At that time, the UN secretary general postponed his visit to the South Caucasus, which had to take place April 23-27, literally the day before it started. Ban Ki-moon planned to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia within the framework of his trip.

Trend obtained information from diplomatic sources that the UN secretary general originally planned to arrive in Armenia on April 25 and to Azerbaijan on April 26. However, it was vital for Yerevan that Ban Ki-moon arrive in Yerevan namely on April 24, the day of the so-called Armenian genocide.

However, the UN Secretary General refused to take part in an Armenian show called "genocide" and tried to schedule Yerevan visit for Apr. 25 in order not to forcibly visit on Apr. 24 the memorial, to which the Armenian leadership leads all people arrived in Armenia.

Regarding the situation with the cancellation of the Kazakh presidents visit it is important to recall that the relations between Yerevan and Astana worsened, when after the April escalation on the contact line of the Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, Nazarbayev insisted on the cancellation of the EEU (the Eurasian Economic Union) summit in Yerevan. It was then an indicative fact that how Kazakhstan, chairing the EEU, initiated the cancellation of the Yerevan session, which was to be held just on the days of the Armenian genocide.

Kazakhstan then said that due to the war, the EEU meeting of prime ministers in Armenia is undesirable, and it would be better to hold the meeting in Moscow, where it wont be seen as support for one of the parties. Astana then made it clear for Yerevan that the Kazakh prime minister wont visit Armenia while hostilities continue with Azerbaijan, with which Kazakhstan has friendly relations.

In general, the deterioration of the situation in the zone of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in April 2016 revealed the dissatisfaction with Yerevan of almost all its "partners" on integration projects, namely at the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the EEU. Nobody wanted then to support the country, which occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijani territories.

Everybody knows that Russia, Kazakhstan and Belarus have friendly, partnership relations with Azerbaijan, which is right in the Armenian-Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.

The reaction of Astana and Minsk is not surprising. They made statements to support the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan immediately after the aggression of Armenia in early April 2016.

On the night of April 2, 2016, all the frontier positions of Azerbaijan were subjected to heavy fire from the Armenian side, which used large-caliber weapons, mortars and grenade launchers.

Yerevan always knew that neither Belarus nor Kazakhstan have been pleased with Armenia's joining the Eurasian Economic Union. President Nazarbayev and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko reiterated that Armenia was admitted to the organization as part of the UN recognized borders.

Thus, the latest developments in connection with the cancellation of President Nazarbayev's visit once again revealed the serious problems, which were caused by the continuation of the occupation of Azerbaijani territories by Armenia and the unwillingness of other countries to turn a blind eye to its crimes.

Of course, Yerevan will unlikely to dare to leave the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Eurasian Economic Union today, as it had no way to go.

However, taking into account the recent diplomatic messages, it is time for Yerevan to think what to do not to remain a political pariah in the modern world.

Elmira Tariverdiyeva is the head of Trend Agencys Russian news service
12.10.2016 LISTEN

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the most powerful person in my family? asked Heidi Juergensen while holding her breath to be excited about a positive answer for her. Her dark brown eyes, long blond hair, pale skin, upright statue, slim face, elegant fingers, skinny body shape once was making her a much attractive young woman to walk on national catwalks while becoming a fuer designer herself. Tell me, mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the most beautiful, powerful, creative, innovative and rich to be person in my entire family?

The voice from the mirror answered her by saying: You are beautiful, my daughter, but there is someone in your family that is better than you.

Heidi Juergensen, in her small Apartment in Hamburg Altona, got furious; blood after blood storms hit her head to burst. Shadows of evil covered her face. Her eyes dropped, the eye brows curled themselves, and her lips got tied to form a barrier behind which she was starting to gather her emotions and ideas to be spilt out against her fate spoken. Definitely, she was not willing to be defeated. Her anger whispered into her ears, the fight had just began and as long as she had strength to fight, she was set out to do so. She was determined to be the head of the family no matter what and if it should take to destroy any innocent family member, she did not care. In all those years past, was it not her accomplished right to shine among the others as the star of the family and make others suffer under her? Did anyone in her family have the right to be the Leader and make her look bad, worse than the others? Certainly, this was not supposed to happen, was Heidi Juergensen more than clear in her heart, and her mind followed her emotions. She was not able to see far into the future access her limited abilities, accept it by supporting others which can help her in the course and on the path to victory over other families; something that would surely brake the family circle of shame and disgrace, of promise and failure, of non-achievements once and for all. She was an Unbeliever; except believing only in herself, and not others, wanting to enjoy good easy living with a minimum of effort, like all in her family, except one.

The voice from the mirror responded to her angry face darkened by the boiling blood in her vanes: It is your brother, Gunter, which is the Best in the land.

What? shouted Heidi Juergensen in unbelief stamping with her feet, shacking her body to get the spoken words of her soul, fighting them all around her, to her left, to her right, in the air and on the ground. Never will I allow him to be the Head of the family, rather will I kill him!

You can try, said the mirror from the wall in peaceful and confident tone stretching out to her, but you will never succeed as he has the power of GOD and his Prophets at his side.

We will see, as I know my brother; he is a small boy, a dreamer, someone that is so stupid to believe in the good of people; someone that will never see that I am the one that has all the years past destroyed his life and ensured, whatever he does to move ahead in life, will never work.

The devil fears the word of GOD, you might not know, was the warning from the mirror. The time will come that you will be destroyed by your own hands.

This will never happen, turned Heidi Juergensen around and around a long knife in her right hand, a cabbage in her left. Look, what I will do! Holding the cabbage up into the middle of the mirror, lifting up the knife she used to cut chicken into pieces with, she shouted with the screaming voice of a Witch: I will cut his head off to silence him and bring all the shame of our family unto him. I will, she added in bitterness, destroy his life and the one of his descendants, no one will ever live a life in happiness. I will always have control over him and he will rot and die in Africa.

The mirror looked at her by saying: You know now what I have to say to you.

Yes, oh, yes, I knowyou are a liar and I will proof to you that you lied to me! She turned around, seeing the cabbage sliced on the floor in very small pieces, stamped on them again and again in her usual ritual to make the juice come out from the leaves covering the wooden paneled floor in light green. She lifted up her head, stood still for a moment, looked around the flat located in a dark area of Hamburg with Drug Dealers, Migrants, Students, Unemployed and Baggers around the train station, saw the driving license for her motor-bike on the small brownish painted table next to the entrance door knowing there was no money in the house to take lessons for a license to drive a car.

Heidi Juergensen stepped forward in the small hall of the two bed-room Apartment she had rented with her second husband, a man like her with basic school education, often unemployed, lazy with no interest to advance in life but a great capacity to put shame for his own failure in life on other people. He was sitting in the grey, old arm chair in front of the medium sized flat screen with cigarettes and beer bottles close by. She looked down on herself seeing the holes in her blue jeans she used in the house, looked straight up to her husband Hans-Jurgen checking his small belly showing and decided to declare: I will proof to everyone, that I am, and nobody else, the head of my family.

The mirrors face faded away by saying silently: Never tell me, I did not give you the right information.

Turning around wanting to get aggressive once again, Heidi Juergensen saw into the silver mirror starring at herself. She closed her eyes and heard the street noise from Max-Brauer-Allee through the double glass window supposed to keep heat in winter inside and give during the nights protection from the sound of the busy street down below her flat.

She opened her eyes, starred at herself once again, ignored the demand from her husband in the background calling for his dinner she had prepared in the kitchen ready to be cooked and served. Heidi Juergensen felt his presence behind her back, him standing in the door frame of the living-room in one hand holding his cigarette, the other to protest about her ignorance against him put in his hip. Her focus was on her fate, here destiny to final victory.

Closing her eyes again, she did not hear the angry words of Hans-Jurgen that went into the kitchen to check the fridge for something to grap and enjoy. He took two small and cold pizza slices, two days old, from the fridge, warmed it in the microwave, placed them on a dinner plate and occupied his arm chair before the flat screen again showing his famous Mexican Soap Opera. He enjoyed the movie while thinking of the weekend his wife and him, along with friends from the neighbourhood, wanted to go down to Wittenbergener Beach in Rissen and spend in a tent drinking, smoking, laughing and dancing from morning to evening to forget the world around them but enjoy easy living.

Heidi Juergensen ignored everything around her; turned around, opened the door to her bed-room, went to the small side table at her bed, took out a set of cards, laid them on the mattress upside down, spoken secret mystical words over them, only she and her demons were able to understand, turned the cards around, one by one, to see the figures and colours of each and every one of them.

When she was young, she had asked other witches to teach her tricks and mysteries of cards laying so that she could see the future and influence it into her desired direction. The day came, she herself was a well-trained witch, came to know Emma Jaoko, a self-proclaimed devil from a small village called Miwani in Nyanza Province, close to Kisumu at the Lake Victoria in Kenya and made her a companion by her side. She became the young sister-in-law of her ex-husband, Heidi Juergensens only brother, someone that was one year younger than herself. For the past few years the two Ladies from different walks of life coming, had discovered common interest to destroy the brother and ex-husband from different angels, putting all their failures in life, shame and disgrace they had caused to themselves and others, unto the innocent man that was still so much a believer in the good in humans and a follower of GOD.

Heidi Juergensen turned the cards around, one by one, closely and anxiously waiting for the cards to show their real faces.

She saw a card, portraying death. She came to remember the moment years back when had called her brother over the phone, while he was in one of his most difficult times, to have asked him to kill himself by proclaiming him to be a burden to the entire family. Heidi Juergensen ignored the complaints of her mother, sick in a home of old people, she had made over her intervals of coming to see her only once or twice a year, in times whenever it had pleased her so or to have felt bored at home, instead of appearing before her wheelchair when needed and necessary to give her comfort and offer a helping hand. More than on one occasions was she confronted by her weak mother, suffering from Alzheimer and Dementia, how caring her brother was to her. She hated him for the disgrace her mother had put on her head. Deep in her heart she knew her brother had no bond with her, having developed over the years characters and interest far apart from each other like black is from white. Except childhood, they had nothing more in common to share; so there was no need to meet in family circles anymore.

She cursed her brother while turning around the second card showing a Giant, the symbol for times past. As if it would have been today, she saw herself sitting in her old living-room explaining to her brother she needed his help. In nineteen eighty, everyone in Germany wanted to open a Boutique or Sun Studio; it was her dream to open a Chain of Boutiques. As she had to confess, she didnt understand anything about business for which reason she asked Gunter for assistance. His focus and interest was to become a Professor of Political Sciences, making lots of money was far away from him knowing no one on his death bed could ever take large chunks of money into his grave and into eternity.

Over a period of six months Gunter developed a business plan not knowing how it had come to him to present her something like it with all details needed for a successful business. Still, he had never thought of joining her path to pile notes of money over each other and shine in the light of many to be admired by them for her achievements. Lecturing and writing books had been his only interest.

When my brother can make such a wonderful business plan out of nowhere with no one ever having taught him how to it him being on his way to a great academic career, Heidi Juergensen had thought in those days by herself, what would he be capable off to achieve in business once his instinct to chase money will show up and mature. Certainly, his creativity would one day make a super-rich and super famous out of him. It is now my time to destroy him; to plant the seed of the devil in him, to curse him for life, that he may never see good in all his life, to curse his family, to make sure he will never marry, to make sure when married, he will marry the devil to mess his life up very well. As long as he is naive not to see behind my smiling face, my beautiful facade, the evil intentions I have against him, I will have power over him always.

She laughed hysterically for neighbours to hear through the thin walls. Jumping up and down and around, Heidi Juergensen rejoiced about the victory so close in her hands. Closing her hands she was certain to have captured his life between her fingers ready to squeeze and torcher Gunter for life.

You must be very careful when returning back to Germany, Prophet Kingsley from Tantra Hill warned Gunter holding his hands in his own looking into his soul to give him his power, as your sister, together with your ex-wife, have the intention to kill you! They have even asked a killer in Ghana to finish you here. He hold his breath, looked at Alberta Mensah that was guiding him to the House of GOD at this Monday night and continued: Both of them have killed your mother. The main guilty and responsible person for all of this is your sister Heidi, she has found in Emma Jaoko a helping companion to assist her in her evil works. You must, did he look intensively for endless seconds into the blue eyes of Gunter that in his right eye had a small brown spot to make him special, be very carefulvery careful. Your sister is a witch and seriously dangerous. Once you step on German soil, that is what they know and fear, they are finished and the victory is yours. You will expose before the court all the lies they had put out against you to destroy your life and finish you. They have said, you have stolen money from your mother while in fact the money was always with your ex-wife, but she refused to confess itand all the other lies your sister put out in the open are endless. When you are back, they die!

Gunter felt the power of the Prophet in his fingertips, moving up into his arms, climbing into his shoulders to strengthen them, getting into his heart to make it strong, and in a flush poured itself out all over his body. His soul was enlightened and he spoke: Jealousy, insecurity and laziness have turned my sister Heidi into a witch that does not want to look into the mirror, and by the look, being expose as a woman that could have achieved in her life much more than me as she always wanted to be a rich person, while I never had an interest in lots of money. It is only now that I have to come to understand, money is not bad; it is a means to make dreams come true to better the lives of others and a platform to pronounce wisdom that makes people listen and follow.

You are truly blessed by GOD and he will see you through. The devil fears the word of GOD and as you are connected always to your Spiritual Father Prophet Emmanuel Badu Kobi standing for you, your breakthrough is near. What GOD proclaims through his Men of GOD will certainly always come to pass, did Prophet Kingsley end his encounter with Gunter to start the Twi service in the Auditorium behind his office.

Heidi Juergensen took the files she had unlawfully taken from the former Apartment of her brother before he had set off for Ghana, and calculated again: Looking at the figures, it is clear, two years more and the savings of my mother would have been exhausted. I would have been asked to contribute to her Home expenditure, money I did not have. So it was justified that I declared a curse on my brother; made my mother believe he had stolen money from her bank account to separate both from each other that were close, intentionally causing her death as she physically and emotionally was very weak. My plan had succeeded and my bother has to carry the blame for it ever since. She could not hold herself on the sofa, before which Hans-Jurgen was passing with another bottle of beer in his hands and a package of salted chips and salted peanuts, sitting down in his chair, feet up and the small bench he had gotten from raid in the Apartment of his brother-in-law, someone he had seen only for five seconds in all his life, so she got up.

And when I declared later that he was seen by a reliable source in Levantehaus in Hamburg accompanied by Africans the weekend my mother had died, that he entered Ghana with sixty days instead of ninety days visa, was paid by the Home of my mother to have saved her one thousand Eurosoh, my Devil, ohall gracious Demons; how happy you have truly made me to have told the whole wide world all these lies about him and everyone believed only me, even his so beloved Aunty Eva in England I got on my side poisoning all their soulsmy greatest achievement in life. She laughed and laughed, filled her heart with hate and hate endlessly. Heidi Juergensen kissed the file like a trophy sweated for in many hours of days and nights.

She left her husband behind smelling the beer in the room like a cloud of dampness and stupidity, felt strength in her heart and clarity in her mind, stood before the mirror, touched it tenderly, took her time to observe herself in it, stood upright, put her long hair with grey colour coating it in, a sign of old age, into her neck together for her ears to hear better and asked: Mirror, mirror, tell me now, who is the best in my family, who is the head of all of us? There was no doubt in her heart about the answer.

My Queen, the mirror answered confidently, you are beautiful than ever, the signs of age only give your beauty the final touch. You certainly have spent a life-time to work on your destiny, to make yourself look goo; so good in the eyes of others so that no one around you will undermine your position in life and your family. You have in all the years past learnt a lot from your teachers of witchcrafta remarkable achievement. He paused and observed her reflection in him.

I always knew! did she smile all over her face for the mirror to see that she had some teeth replacements received. I am the one and only rightful head of our family. My stupid brother Gunter is a nobody; he is dead already!

The mirror looked at her and replied: Gunter is not deadand he can never be defeated as GOD can never be defeated. When GOD has decided for victory, no devil can change it. When the time is set, and it is near, he will return to Germany and judge you in court for the whole world to expose your evil works, your true character and intentions.

Heidi Juergensen turned round and round herself, biting her fingernails over and over again, pulled out hair from her head, shouted so loud that made her husband come out and said:  Oh no, this will never happenthis is never truethis can never be.

GODs decision is, the mirror said. GODs decision is, did he repeat unmistaken able. Once GOD has spoken, his word is!

She threw herself to the ground, shouted and shouted, struggled with arms and legs like a beetle laying on his back helplessly; water coming out of her mouth, eyes pale, skin bloodless.

Once GOD has spoken, his word is!

Author: Dipl.-Pol. Karl-Heinz Gunter Heerde, Sakumono Estate, Block D10, Aprt. 9, Tema West, Ghana, [email protected] , 09.10.2016
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma welcomes the start of the Guinea Bissau dialogue in Conakry, under the ECOWAS Mediator H.E. Alpha Conde, President of the Republic of Guinea.

The Chairperson commends President Alpha Conde for leading regional efforts to bring to an end the current impasse among the Guinea Bissau stakeholders.

The Chairperson reiterates the AUs conviction that only a genuine and inclusive dialogue, based on the respect of the countrys Constitution, will enable the GuineaBissau stakeholders to find a consensual solution to the impasse, and create conducive conditions for peace, stability and development in the country.
President Jacob Zuma has noted the announcement by the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) regarding the summons issued to the Minister of Finance, Mr Pravin Gordhan.

The President has urged the NPA and other institutions concerned to conduct the matter with the necessary dignity and respect.

Our society is anchored on the rule of law as well as fair and just judicial processes. In this regard, Minister Gordhan is innocent until and unless proven otherwise by a court of law. This is a fundamental pillar of our constitutional democracy and the rule of law, said the President.

The President has reaffirmed his support for the Minister and added that the decision by the NPA came at the most sensitive time for the country when Minister Gordhan was successfully leading initiatives towards economic revival, bringing together business, government and labour in efforts to reignite growth so that jobs can be saved and created.
Bujumbura (Burundi) (AFP) - Burundian lawmakers on Wednesday overwhelmingly voted to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC), taking the nation a step closer to being the first ever to quit the tribunal.

The move is the latest snub of the international community by the central African nation, which has been mired in 18 months of violent political crisis since President Pierre Nkurunziza ran for a third term in office.

Earlier this week Burundi declared three UN rights experts persona non grata and cut ties with the UN's main human rights body, after a damning September report detailing atrocities and warning of "genocide".

ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda in April had launched a preliminary investigation into reports of "killing, imprisonment, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence, as well as cases of enforced disappearances."

The initial probe is aimed at determining whether there is enough evidence to proceed to a full-blown investigation by ICC prosecutors which could result in drawing up charges against those believed to be responsible for the violence.

Members of Burundi's National Assembly vote on October 12, 2016

"The ICC is a tool being used to try and change power" in Burundi, charged Aloys Ntakirutimana, a lawmaker with the ruling CNDD-FDD, during a three hour debate in the National Assembly on Wednesday.

While a few lawmakers argued against the draft law, it was eventually passed in the lower house with 94 votes in favour, two against and 14 abstentions. Later on Wednesday the Senate passed the law unanimously, with all 39 senators supporting it.

It is expected to be approved by President Pierre Nkurunziza later this week.

Should Burundi withdraw from the ICC it "will most definitely be the first country to do so," said Niall Matthews, communications head of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court, a non-governmental organisation.

"The voices of victims are being lost," added Stephen Lamoy, the group's head of policy at the UN.

'Genocide looms large'

Burundi was plunged into crisis in April 2015 when Nkurunziza decided to run for a third term in office, which he went on to win.

Burundi's President Pierre Nkurunziza

A vicious government crackdown on protests and widespread violence followed, which some rights organisations estimate has left more than 1,000 people dead.

The report by the UN rights experts recounts spine-chilling cases of torture and horrific sexual violence, mass arrests and disappearances.

"Given the country's history, the danger of the crime of genocide also looms large," the report warned.

Burundi has a long history of violence between its Hutu and Tutsi communities, which led to a 12-year civil war that ended in 2006.

The report prompted the UN Human Rights Council to send a Commission of Inquiry to Burundi, a move taken only in rare situations of significant concern.

"It is perfectly clear that this is a plot to do harm to Burundi," Gaston Sindimwo, Burundi's vice president, said last week, referring to the investigations.

Burundi's move to leave the Netherlands-based court comes amid rising resentment in Africa against the ICC, whose leaders accuse it of unfairly targeting Africans for prosecution.

Kenya -- whose president and deputy president were the subjects of failed ICC prosecutions -- is pushing for all African nations to snub the court.

People demonstrate against the European Union, the International Criminal Court and the Resolution against Burundi in Bujumbura on October 8, 2016

"A few African leaders have been threatening to 'withdraw' from the ICC treaty for seven years; none have so far. Human rights and democracy advocates in Burundi will oppose their government withdrawing," said William Pace of the Coalition for the International Criminal Court.

"Seeking immunity for the worst crimes in international law is the worst failure of political leadership."

Set up in 2002 as the last resort to try war criminals and perpetrators of genocide never tried at home, the ICC has opened full investigations into nine nations, all of them African except for Georgia.

The African countries which have come under investigation are Kenya, Ivory Coast, Libya, Sudan, Democratic Republic of Congo, Central African Republic, Uganda and Mali.

According to the Rome Statute which established the court, any country which wants to leave has to inform the UN secretary general in writing.

The country's departure becomes effective one year after the receipt of a written formal notice of withdrawal but does not affect ongoing investigations.
Outspoken Ablekuma West MP Ursula Owusu-Ekuful says Ghanaians should remember Fifi Kwetey as the politician who had to eat back his words after making wild claims against the NPP.

She said Ghanaians should treat Fifi Kwetey's political commentary with 'the contempt that it deserves' because he is a 'serial liar'.

The Transport minister Fifi Kwetey organised his election year ritual where the governing NDC addressed a press conference dubbed 'Setting the records straight'.

Fifi Kwetey once again kept hammering, the NPP has a dye-in-wool propensity to tell lies. He rehashed several claims to stress the point that the NPP loves hypocrisy.

Although the party cast itself as a party that respects the rule of law, its forebears the United Party were deeply involved in the overthrow of Ghana's first president Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in 1969.

It is no secret that the NPP tradition is the most discredited tradition in the history of Ghana, he said. They have shown one remarkable trait down the years, consistent hypocrisy and double standards.

Speaking on Joy FM's Super Morning Show Wednesday, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful said when it comes to propaganda and lies, Fifi Kwetey should "stop tagging people with the dress that fits you so well".

She said she almost believed that the Transport minister had reformed from his old ways.

The NPP MP recalled that in March 2009 at the Appointments Committee of Parliament where Fifi Kwetey had been nominated as Deputy minister, he "was begging the whole vetting committee to forgive him because of the lies".

The Minority locked horns with the former NDC Propaganda secretary challenging him on a litany of claims and pulbications he supervised as editor of a pro-NDC newspaper, the Ghanaian Lens.

At his vetting in March 2009, Fifi Kwetey refused to swear an oath because according to him, he does not tell lies.

Watch 2009 vetting video



The then Deputy Minister- designate for Finance and Economic Planning, however, could not substantiate claims that NPP government had sold the gold reserves of the country.

During Parliament's debate to approve his nomination, the NDC-Garu-Tempane Dominic Azumah urged the House to approve Mr Kwetey's nomination because he has learnt his lessons.

After heated debate to decide his fate, Fifi Kwetey sailed through by 11 votes.

Ursula-Owusu said with the background of Fifi Kwetey in mind, she was surprised that the former Propaganda Secretary had not "moved away from the blatant blind politicking they used to do".

The NPP MP observed that Fifi Kwetey's compatriot, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa appeared to have reformed from the politics of invectives and false accusations.

Fifi kwetey must learn from Okudzeto, she said and cautioned the deputy Education minister, "I sincerely hope he is not going to revert to types like his friend Fifi Kwetey".

Ursula-Owusu said after appearing civil in government, Fifi Kwetey has descended into propaganda because elections are 55 days away.

"He shouldn't lose his mind because elections is imminent", she said.

Story by Ghana|myjoyonline.com
The Electoral Commission of Ghana disqualifies 13 out of 17 presidential hopefuls, mostly based on errors from endorsers, and everyone is quiet because NDC and NPP are safe (as usual). Wow! What if the usual hadn't happened?

I mean the four-faces thing looks good  just like the ideal Western-style 'democracey' ballot paper (which we don't need anyway), but hey, we're setting dangerous precedents which is recipe for chaos.

Earlier, (via Facebook) I asked three questions:

1. Would you have disqualified NDC if they had committed the same error committed by PNC?

2. Would you have disqualifed NPP for the same error PPP committed?

3. Could the EC have disqualifed all the parties if they had all committed the same errors PNC and PPP committed?

You and I know Charlotte Osei cannot give "yes" and "no" answers to any of the questions above. Clearly, and sincerely, she wouldn't dare to give same treatment to all political parties and individuals. But it's 'normal' because NDC and NPP were not affected. But the nation would have been in flames if any of the two parties had been among the 13.

The EC boss is on the wrong path, and she's still being pampered and urged on because this thing sounds fair for both NDC and NPP at least for now. Their selfish ambitions haven't been halted in any way and they care less.

It's funny how we are trying very hard to get the classic American-style ballot paper  minus all the Deez Nuts, but EC's elimination method is absurd, unfair, and... nuts!

I mean here are individuals and political parties that have worked with you in the past and continue to participate in your current programmes. You exist because of them. You have that job because of them. These are faces you know very well. They have participated in previous national elections and their operations are not alien to you. In fact, some even have parliamentary representation. How the hell can't you cooperate with them in rectifying a few errors of signatories which obviously are not deliberate efforts by these parties? Why can't you politely engage them for clarification and rectification before the disqualification? In fact, disqualification should be the last step for extreme cases of stubbornness and noncooperation on the part of the candidates (which is obviously not the case here).

In the past few months, these same political parties have engaged your services in conducting their own internal polls to elect their executives and candidates in the round up to the national election. Why can't you sit with them and resolve this?

EC must stop acting like a bully  knocking 'the smalls'. This this is a recipe for chaos.

*I have received a copy of the (18-page) official statement issued by Charlotte Osei, Chairperson of the Electoral Commission on the receipt of nominations for 2016 presidential elections and grounds for the disqualification of some candidates and (oh my God) this is ridiculous, and I think the EC is being unnecessarily petty. The reasons stated for disqualifying Nduom, Rawlings, et al. are just too ridiculous.

I don't even want go into the signatures! Can't these have been solved within hours through cooperation? Something is definitely wrong at the EC. Look: on page 5, they are disqualifying Hassan Ayariga because 'information about his hometown is not clear' when the same Electoral Commission okayed this man to be presidential candidate in the 2012 election ( just 4 years ago). What kind of people work at the Electoral Commission? Something is wrong.

The author, Lord Kweku Sekyi, is a freelance writer

Email: [email protected]

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The military officer in one of the widely circulated Kalyppo selfies on social media is under investigation by the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for possible breach of regulations, Army PRO has said.

Colonel Aggrey Quarshie told Myjoyonline.com Wednesday that Private Osei Owusu of the Ghana Military Police is responding to questions regarding his act which is deemed as an affront to the Armed Forces Regulations Act of 1962.

He explained that pictures taken using military accoutrement are technically the property of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), saying officers who want to use them for personal purposes must apply for clearance.

Your picture does not belong to you and you are not supposed to do anything with it, he said.

A picture of Private Owusu dressed in his military police outfit clutching the Kalyppo drink circulated social media, barely three days after a picture of the flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo sipping the fruit juice went viral on the same platform.

[L] NPP flagbearer, Akufo-Addo



Some NPP supporters and functionaries

Attacks by political opponents on the NPP leaders picture led to one of the biggest challenge in terms of response on social media. Nana Akufo-Addo was accused of sipping a drink made for children.

This triggered a sharp response from supporters and functionaries of the NPP who serenaded social media with their pictures while taking the drink in what has become the #Kalyselfie challenge. They solidarised with their leader.

When the picture of Private Owusu sipping the drink made its way to social media, some social commentators were worried that he would be isolated for victimization considering the nature of Ghanaian politics.

Others argued to the contrary that he would not be punished for doing what does not amount to a breach of GAF rules and regulations.

But Colonel Quarshie told Myjoyonline.coms Austin Brakopowers that a picture considered harmless by the public might end up stripping the GAF of its integrity and professionalism, key attributes the Army needs to survive.

He said one of the reasons the military personnel is being investigated was because the timing of his picture coincided with a political event and people might consider that as a declaration of his allegiance to a political party.

The GAF said per Army regulations, military personnel is not permitted to take sides on issues relating to politics, and those who do that need to be sanctioned.

Election duty is coming and what if you are leading a party and team members realised you belong to party A and they belong to party B what do you think would happen? he asked, adding anything that brings the name of the GAF into disrepute has to be stamped out.

Story by Ghana | Myjoyonline.com | Austin Brakopowers | Email: [email protected]
12.10.2016 LISTEN

The Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana (CMAG), has demanded that government should respond to Nigeria's non-tariff barrier which makes it impossible for any Ghanaian company to export to Nigeria.

Speaking on the Citi Breakfast Show, the Chairman of the Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana (CMAG), Dr. George Dawson-Amoah, said we are calling for retaliation. If your country [Nigeria] is not prepared to receive products from Ghana, why should we?

Dr. Dawson-Ahmoah accused Nigeria of unfair trade practices especially pertaining to the operations of Dangote Cement in Ghana.

He explained that under the ECOWAS trade liberalisation scheme which comes with attendants on fair trade, Dangote Cement could export cement to Ghana with no harm and foul, but when a country subsidizes imports into another country, it is unfair trade.

According to him, apart from ECOWAS, the Nigerian government is giving a 30 percent subsidy to encourage importation into Ghana and elsewhere, and that, according to the WTO [World Trade Organisation] agreement is unfair trade. So it means it is a double competitive edge over the local industry and that is where we are hitting.

Dr. Dawson-Amoah stressed that the Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana was not attacking Dangote based on ECOWAS, but the unfair trade of the export subsidy.

He also noted the fact that Nigerian prices of cement are higher than prices in Ghana which qualifies for the definition of dumping, which also has punitive action to be taken by the government, hence his call for the retaliation from government.

Dangotes response

But the Media Relations Manager of Dangote Cement Ghana, Etornam Komla Buami, insisted that his company's entry onto the Ghanaian market had brought healthy competition.

We are always happy that competition is good for the Ghanaian market, our coming onto the market has brought lots of competition which is healthy for the economy and the end user is benefiting.

He also insisted that Dangote Cement was not under-pricing the cement it sold in Ghana.

I can telly you on authority that we are not under-pricing; you need to understand that every other cement manufacturing company imports clinker and other additives so it is not only Dangote that is importing some bit of items for their manufacturing as well.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
Retract your 'timid' word against Stephen Ntim; we've gone beyond politics of noise-making  Kwabena Frimpong to Obiri Boahen
NDC ancestors shall never allow Asiedu Nketia to become our chairman, Torfiakwa  Koku Anyidoho
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

By Anakhanum Idayatova  Trend:

There is no doubt that Hillary Clinton would be dramatically more effective than Donald Trump in building stronger relations between the US and Azerbaijan, Matthew Bryza, former US assistant secretary for South Caucasus and former US ambassador to Azerbaijan, told Trend Oct. 12.

He said that Clinton would be advancing the strategic interests the US and its NATO allies share with the countries of the South Caucasus.

Bryza, who worked under Hillary Clinton when she served as US Secretary of State in 2009-2013, added that Clinton understands the full range of strategic factors governing the South Caucasus.

Hillary Clinton also possesses the intellectual skills and curiosity to formulate and pursue a strategy that secures US interests in this vitally important region, Bryza noted.

None of the above mentioned is true in the case of Donald Trump, who lacks knowledge, curiosity, and experience with regard to the complexities of the South Caucasus, Bryza said.

Trump even admitted during the second debate Oct. 9 that he knows nothing about Russia, Bryza added.

He expressed fear that Trumps presidency would lead to an escalation of tensions in the South Caucasus, and in many other regions, as Moscow takes advantage of a self-focused, non-strategic, inexperienced US president who behaves like a high school buffoon.

Bryza went on to add that Trumps victory may negatively affect Russia-US relations.

The 58th quadrennial US presidential election will take place November 8, 2016.

Businessman and reality television personality Donald Trump became the Republican Party's presidential nominee on July 19, 2016, after defeating US Senator from Texas Ted Cruz, Governor of Ohio John Kasich, US Senator from Florida Marco Rubio and other candidates in the Republican primary election.

Former Secretary of State and US Senator from New York Hillary Clinton became the Democratic Party's presidential nominee on July 26, 2016, after defeating US Senator from Vermont Bernie Sanders. Clinton is the first female presidential candidate nominated by a major political party.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @Anahanum
Statue of Miss Monica Amekoafia

12.10.2016 LISTEN

The Ashantis go by the accolade Kotoko (the porcupine). They gained this accolade due to their military power and effective strategy in fighting wars since 1701. Their assertive claim that if a thousand Ashantis are annihilated in war, a thousand more will come to replace those decapitated (wokum apem a, apem beba), likened the Ashantis to the porcupine which releases its sharp long quills or spines and gets replacement almost immediately. Interestingly the Nzimas also call themselves Kotoko but the reason behind it may probably not be the same as that for the Ashantis.

This article will discuss why Voltarians are called Number 9.

At independence, Ghana was divided into seven administrative regions: Ashanti, Central, Eastern, Northern, Upper, Volta and Western. Brong Ahafo was the first region created after independence. It was carved out of the Ashanti Region in 1958. Anyone who went to school in the 60s and 70s will remember that Ghana had only eight regions. Yet Volta Region, which had existed since independence, was called Number 9. PNDCL 26 created Greater-Accra as a region on its own on 23rd July 1982. Greater-Accra, became the ninth region of Ghana. Yet the Volta Region retained its nickname of Number 9.

The youngest regions in Ghana are the Upper-West and Upper East which were created when the then Upper Region, was divided into two by the PNDC government in 1983. Of course, the Volta Region continued to be called Number 9.

When Brong-Ahafo Region was created in 1958, it left the Ashanti Region completely landlocked within Ghana. The region has no borders with the outside world. Some observers say it was a deliberate ploy by Kwame Nkrumah to make it impossible for the Ashanti State, the heartland of the matemeho movement and congenital opponents of the CPP, from ever seceding from Ghana. When Greater-Accra region was created, it left the Eastern Region also landlocked within Ghana as it lost its sea border. It is, thus, only the Ashanti and Eastern Regions that share no borders with the outside world.

But how and why did the Volta Region get the nickname by which some people still call it? The well-known fact must again be stated that the nickname Number 9 is almost always used in a derogatory sense even if it is often said more as a joke than as a serious insult. The people of the region do not call themselves that and it is obvious they do not quite take much delight in being called so

The derogatory connotation of the Volta nickname may come from its carrying a certain sense of lateness. This sense is reinforced by the fact that the region is made largely (but not completely) of the erstwhile Trans-Volta Togoland (TVT) which, until December 1956, was really not an integral part of the Gold Coast. Of the four entities that constituted modern Ghana, the TVT was the last to be formally joined to the Gold Coast (that became Ghana) even though the territory had long been administered by the British from their Accra seat as part of their Gold Coast possession.

It wouldnt matter if the lateness denoted just that  lateness. But Number 9 carries a sense of backwardness even though the region doesnt come last on a range of important metrics. It is not the last region to be created, it is not the smallest region, it does not have the smallest population, and it does not have the lowest literacy rate. It does not come last in an alphabetic ordering of the regions of the county. Yet the nickname persists.

A second reason one can hear for the Number 9 is that, until new codes were introduced in 2010, Volta Regions code was 09. If you lived outside the region, you dialled 09 to get to the region. But this reason does not seem true. In the 60s, not many people had access to telephones and it is unlikely the region could be identified by its telephone code. Moreover, it is a bit difficult to assign a derogatory connotation to a region because of its telephone code number.

How did the Number 9 come about? The reason is actually simple and one which, at a time, the people of the region would have been proud of. The first ever Miss Ghana competition was held on 4th March 1957, two days before our independence. It may have been conducted as part of our independence anniversary activities. The candidate representing the TVT (Volta Region?), which had by then become an integral part of the new nation, had the identification number 9. Miss Monica Amekoafia, then 22 years old from Alavanyo in the Volta Region, and representing her region carrying lap number 9, went on to win the entire competition and was crowned as the first ever Miss Ghana. Ghana did not have television then (it wouldnt come until 1964) and only those present at the function or listening to the radio (if it was broadcast live), would have seen or heard the announcers calling the Volta Region candidate by her lap number. The following day, the newspapers may have carried pictures of the candidates and their regions and their lap numbers.

People may have talked about the contest for days even as they still do today for Ghanas Most Beautiful. Volta Region became identified with Number 9. If Ghanaians welcomed the TVT as part of Ghana, there might have been a lot of goodwill around. It was a time we all identified ourselves as Ghanaians. The tribalism we see today was virtually non-existent then. Those who then called Volta Region Number 9 wouldnt have done so for any diabolical reasons. That would come later on

Today, there are still a few misconceptions about the Volta Region. The most serious is the one which identifies the region with the erstwhile TVT. Todays Volta Region is not identical with the former German colony of Togoland that the British took over in 1916. The CPP government made sure of that. Take a good look at the regional map of Ghana. The coastal areas of the Volta Region consisting of Anloga, Keta, Aflao, Denu and going up to Peki, Tsibu, Awudome, etc. were never part of the German colony of Togoland but are, today, parts of the Volta Region. These areas had been part of the Gold Coast since about the 1850s. Further north, parts of the present day Northern and Upper East regions were part of the erstwhile TVT but are not, today, part of Volta Region. The CPP government simply took the erstwhile TVT and divided it into several regions and added parts of the erstwhile Gold Coast to some of these regions. Just like in the case of the Ashanti and Brong Ahafo regions, there may have been some strategic reasons behind this move. Today, the erstwhile TVT can be found in three different regions. How can they succeed in seceding?

If you look at the map of the erstwhile TVT, you will notice that its southern border is a straight line just below Ho. This is one more evidence of the saying that in the scramble for Africa, the colonial powers used ruler and pencil to carve out Africa among themselves. The borders of the erstwhile TVT cut the Ewes in two by heart. That was why areas like Peki, Tsibu and even Kpeve, whose Ewe likens that of the northern Ewes found themselves in the Gold Coast whereas nearby Ho found itself in German Togoland.

German Togoland included the whole of Togo and the erstwhile TVT. The Germans colonized it for some 25 years until the First World War when the British and the French pushed them out of the area as part of their war effort. They then divided the area between themselves. The British administered their part from the Gold Coast.

After the Second World War, the UN mandated the area as a trust territory for the British to look over. They called it Trans Volta Togoland and added it to the Gold Coast, though as a separate entity. When Gold Coast independence was imminent, the British informed the UN they would not be able to continue administering the territory after Gold Coast became free. It was then that the controversial plebiscite was held and the people of the TVT voted to become part of the Gold Coast and formally did so in December 1956 in time for independence in March 1957. The French, however, continued to administer the French Togoland until they were forced to grant it independence in 1960.

Number 9 has been repeated by Ghanaians till today to refer to Voltarians in a derisive and derogatory manner. Those who say it, see Voltarians as backward and the 9th and last region of Ghana. It is often said that when a lie is repeated continuously it gains an element of truth. People have either refused or are unwilling to accept or learn the history of Number 9. The Bible states that for lack of knowledge my people perish.

Today, there is a poorly maintained statue of Miss Monica Amekoafia (now deceased) in front of the Post Office in Hohoe in the Volta Region. It commemorates her victory in the beauty pageant of 1957. I wonder how many of Hohoes citizens who pass by this statue every day know that it is the young ladys victory in the year of our independence that is the cause of their region being called Number 9.

Stephen Atta Owusu

Author: Dark Faces at Crossroads

Email: [email protected]
John Kerry, Secretary of State:

On behalf of President Obama and the American people, I offer my warmest congratulations to the people of Equatorial Guinea as you celebrate your nations Independence Day, October 12. The United States values its friendship with you and looks forward to continuing our work together in pursuit of shared goals, including greater prosperity, improved governance, access to quality health care, respect for human rights, and support for the rule of law.

I wish you the very best as you gather with family and friends on this special day and extend my hopes for a safe, happy, and successful year to come.
Former Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Professor Mike Oquaye, has warned of serious consequences if any of the candidates disqualified by the Electoral Commission (EC) succeed to secure an injunction on the December 7 elections.

He has urged the Court to expedite any litigation that may arise as a result of the disqualification.

After 6th of January, the President at this time will become functus officio, he will be out of office, the Vice President will be no more, the Parliament itself is resolved.

The only person who is will be the Chief Justice and of course the Armed Forces and then the Civil Service of Ghana. So I only trust that the Judges, if there is any litigation, will move expeditiously which they are capable of doing so I have no problem, he said.

The EC has come under severe criticism following the disqualification of some 12 presidential aspirants to contest the upcoming election.

The Commission rejected the nominations of Dr. Papa Kwesi Nduom of the Progressive Peoples Party (PPP), Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings of National Democratic Party and 11 other presidential candidates in the December elections.

Other disqualified political parties include Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), United Progressive Party (UPP), Reformed Patriotic Democrats (RPD), Progressive People's Party (PPP), and the Great Consolidated People's Party (GCPP). The rest include United Front Party (UFP), All People's Congress (APC), National Democratic Party (NDP), and the Independent People's Party (IPP).

The four presidential candidates who successfully went through the process are the flagbearers of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, National Democratic Congress, President John Mahama, Convention People's Party (CPP), Ivor Kobina Greenstreet and an independent candidate, Jacob Yeboah.

Chairperson of the Commission, Charlotte Osei, explained that the disqualified aspirants did not meet the criteria for filing as presidential candidates.

While some have hailed the bold decision by the EC, many however say the errors cited by the EC for disqualification are mainly administrative, suggesting the rejected political parties and the presidential aspirants deserved a chance to ameliorate the errors.

The PPP and NDP have since threatened to fight the matter in court, a situation could stall the electoral process that is about two months away.

Speaking to Joy News, Professor Oquaye, who is former NPP MP for Dome-Kwabenya, said he finds the EC's reason for disqualifying the 12 political parties baffling.

He said the long drawn-out legal battle on the on voters' register that culminated in a Supreme Court order to the Commission to rid the electoral roll of persons who registered to vote with National Health Insurance cards proves that the EC is not above making administrative errors.

He said a quick resolution of the matter if it gets to court would be in the interest of the country.

-Myjoyonline
12.10.2016 LISTEN

By Emmanuel Akli

The decision by the Electoral Commission (EC) to disqualify 12 presidential aspirants has ruffled feathers, with all indications pointing to the fact that the December 7, a date set for both Presidential and Parliamentary elections could be changed for the second time.

The New Patriotic Party (NPP) minority in parliament, a couple of months ago, kicked against the Constitutional Instrument (CI) submitted to parliament by the EC that sought to change the presidential and parliamentary elections date, from the usual December 7 timeline to November 7, arguing that the EC was not ready to conduct the polls on the new date.

Though the Minority parliamentarians were castigated over this, they seem vindicated following threats by the disqualified presidential candidates to drag the EC to court to reverse the decision to disqualify them.

From Nana Konadu through Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom to United Front Party's (UFP) Nana Agyenim Boateng, they are all threatening legal actions.

Per the CI 94, which is regulating the conduct of the election, the election must be held on December 7 with the new president taking over office in January 7 next year.

Therefore, if the court actions are duly carried out, the EC may be restrained from conducting the election on December 7 and should the battle go beyond January 7 next year, the constitutional arrangement would be disrupted.

This means the litigating presidential aspirants would have sparked constitutional crisis and this is what Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom does not want to happen to the country.

In an interaction with the media, the business mogul argued that the mistakes detected on his forms were not fraudulent but a clerical one that could be rectified.

According to him, as a law abiding citizen, he does not want to disrupt the electoral process because the issue could easily be resolved, but if the EC still insists on disqualifying him, he would be left with no other option than to proceed to court.

I am calling on the EC, specifically the Chairperson, who happens to be the Returning Officer, Mrs. Charlotte Osei to meet with for 5 minutes to rectify all the problems.

The issue is not a matter of forgeries but rather simple administrative errors, which could be done away with within the 5 minutes discussion.

Dr Edward Mahama, who had already contested three presidential elections on the ticket of the People National Convention (PNC) has not reacted to the disqualification but his General Secretary; Atik Mohammed told Citi FM that the party would also go to court to reverse the decision of the EC.

I think it is unfortunate. At every step, the Electoral Commission is taking a decision that is very harmful, dangerous and unhelpful, he said.

The EC's PRO, Eric Dzakpasu has, however, told Joy News that the Commission pointed out palpable errors in the forms of the candidates and gave ample opportunities for the disqualified candidates to correct their error-riddled forms, but a good number of the candidates returned the forms, still pregnant with the same errors.

Meanwhile, Issah Alhassan reports from Kumasi that Ghanaians should expect a long standing legal battle, possibly beyond the December 7 scheduled date for the Presidential and Parliamentary elections, following the decision by some disqualified parties and their presidential candidates to seek legal redress in court.

The Presidential Candidate of the United Front Party (UFP) Nana Agyenim Boateng, popularly known as Gyataba, has unambiguously stated his intention to seek an injunction in court, restraining the Electoral Commission from going ahead with the arrangements for the December 7 presidential polls until his disqualification is reversed.

Nana Agyenim Boateng is already in talks with his lawyers to formally file a suit at a High Court in Kumasi against the EC for illegally dismissing his application to participate in the December 7 polls.

The UFP Presidential Candidate was among 11 other candidates who were disqualified by the EC on grounds of impropriety, including inappropriate filling of nomination forms as well as lack of credible subscribers.

The EC, in its decision to disqualify the 12 candidates, contended that their presidential nomination forms were incorrectly filed, whilst others had subscribers who were either not eligible voters or had engaged in multiple endorsements.

In the case of the UFP Presidential Candidate, the EC stated that three of his subscribers , out of 600, were found to have endorsed candidates, hence the

decision by the electoral body to disqualify him from contesting in the polls.

However, Nana Agyenim Boateng, has strongly challenged the decision of the EC, describing it as not only unfair but also illegal per the ECs own rules and regulations.

Speaking to The Chronicle in an interview, Nana Agyenim Boateng, stated without mincing words that this years election is not likely to be held on the stipulated date, as he is ready to engage in a long standing legal battle against the EC.

WRONG CLAIMS

According to the UFP Presidential Candidate, claims by the EC that some of his subscribers had engaged in multiple endorsements were not only false but also outrageous.

He argues that the said three persons never engaged in any form of multiple endorsements, stressing these persons are party executives and parliamentary candidates whose allegiances are with the UFP and no party else.

I have spoken with the people and they have categorically denied the claims by the EC; they have even sworn separate affidavits in support of their innocence and I am going to attach these affidavits to the court documents, He noted.

EC IS BEING DISCRIMINATIVE

According to the UFP presidential candidate, the EC has discriminated against his party, stressing that the UFP is one of the few political entities that worked hard to meet all the requirements stipulated by the Commission ahead of the 2016 elections.

He indicated that the UFP was amongst few political parties that had offices in two-thirds of the 275 constituencies across the country, stressing that even a political party like CPP, whose nominations were accepted, could not meet the criteria set up by the EC.

If this is not discrimination, then I dont know what it is. The EC in their own rules and regulations, compelled all political parties to offices in two-thirds of the constituencies, we in the UFP managed to have 200 offices but the CPP had only 70 and yet the EC gave them go ahead to present their nominations.
By Isaac Arkoh, GNA

Fomena (Ash), Oct 12, GNA - The Adansi Rural Bank Limited has donated a number of items costing over GH10,000.00 in support of this year's 'Farmers' Day' celebration in the Adansi North District.

These included 40 knapsack spraying machines, tricycle, 50 boxes of cutlasses and 50 pairs of wellington boots.

They would be distributed to hardworking farmers in the predominantly farming area at a ceremony to recognize them on November 04.

Alhaji Ahmed Kwame Boakye, the Board Chairman, handing over the items to the district assembly in Fomena, said it was part of the bank's corporate social responsibility.

He announced that similar donation would be made to four other districts - Obuasi, Bosomtwe, Adansi South and Atwima-Kwanwoma.

He spoke of its determination of give strong backing to efforts at growing the nation's agriculture by way of credit, technical assistance and the supply of needed logistics.

Mr. Stephen Awuku Nenegbe, the Adansi-North District Chief Executive (DCE), who received the items and applauded the bank for the gesture.

He invited other corporate institutions and individuals to 'come on board' to reward and honor the Ghanaian farmer for their priceless contribution to the economy.

GNA
By Samira Larbie/ Agnes Ansah, GNA

Accra, Oct. 12, GNA - The Veterans Administration, Ghana (VAG) has launched this year's Poppy Appeal initiative with a call on Ghanaians to patronise the product to generate funds in order to make life more meaningful for the veterans.

The event, organised annually, was coined after the World War II to support families of soldiers who lost their lives in the cause of the fight.

It also for a body of persons who have served the Gold Coast Regiment of the Royal West African Frontier Force of the Ghana Armed Forces and have been honourably released.

This year marks the 71th Anniversary of the end of the 2nd World War and the formation of the United Nations.

Commodore Steve Obimpeh (Rtd), the Chairman, Veterans Administration, Ghana Speaking at the launch said, the Administration is a statutory organisation under the Ministry of Defence.

However, the Government's budgetary allocations is not enough to cater for the aged veterans with multi-faceted and geriatric health problems, which are not covered under the National Health Insurance Scheme, hence the need for support.

He said one of the objectives of VAG is to ensure the welfare of military veterans, their maintenance as well as the comfort of those who required special attention, particularly the disabled, the sick, the aged, the infirmed the needy and the destitute.

'To achieve these, the VAG is launching this appeal to the public and corporate institutions to donate to the poppy fund,' he said.

He said the economic crisis affecting the world, especially the weakest countries, had had a negative impact on the quality of life of veterans, their pensions, medical and other social support systems.

He said the Administration would on October 13, organise a Military Band Concert at the Retired Commissioned Officers Club House as a prelude to the Remembrance Day Celebration, which falls on November 11, every year.

The Chairman said donations in cash or kind should be made to VAG whose offices are located in all the 10 Regional capitals or to the Head Office at the Ako Adjei Interchange, Ridge Accra.

He appealed to individuals and corporate bodies to contribute in supporting the course of the veterans to live a better life.

Commodore Obimpeh said though they the poppy is used to generate funds each year the public and the youth especially are not aware of its essence leading to low patronage.

He urged the Ghana education service and the National Commission on Civic Education to educate the public about the significance of the poppy.

GNA
12.10.2016 LISTEN

Nsawam (E/R), Oct. 12, GNA - The people of Peabo in the Eastern Region who were hit by dynamite explosion disaster in December last year, have called for government's assistance to alleviate them from their sufferings.

The incident led to the loss of lives the destruction of properties running into millions of Ghana cedis.

Mr Frank Annor Dompreh, the Member of Parliament for Nsawam-Adoagyiri made the appeal on behalf of the victims at a news conference at Nsawam.

He said: 'It is sad to know that close to one year after this particular incident, we have not heard nor had any meaningful intervention from the Government. People who were displaced are still homeless.

'The most demoralising aspect of this whole matter is that the report of the Peabo explosion is still with the Government and refusing to make it public had left the poor victims to their fate.'

Mr Dompreh said as the representative of the people: 'I have never taken rest on this critical and highly sensitive matter by undertaking inspections and assessment and making personal donations including building materials and settlement of medical bills to the victims.'

He said government's silence on the matter is long over-due, highly unacceptable and clearly out of place.

He expressed gratitude to the victims for their patience and urged them to keep faith while strings are pulled for everything permissible to be done by law for them to live comfortably like others.

GNA
By Isaac N. Tetteh/ Priscilla S. Djentuh

Accra, Oct. 12, GNA - The Progressive Peoples Party (PPP) says it has not received any official communication from the Electoral Commission (EC) for the disqualification of its Presidential Nominee Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom.

The Chairman of the PPP, Nii Allotey Brew- Hammond, told the press at the Party's headquarters in Accra that the body got the information of the disqualification through the media.

'The Progressive People's Party has learnt from the media the position of the EC at a press conference; that is not able to accept forms of our presidential nominee Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom to contest in the 2016 presidential elections,' he said.

'Following receipt of the news from the media, the National Committee (NC) at a previously arranged meeting sent National Executives to find out the facts on the matter,' he added.

However, he said, the EC's offices were closed by the time the officers got there at 4pm.

He said as soon as the details of the disqualification are made available to the NC, the Party would state its official position.

'We wish to assure the ranks and file PPP, sympathisers and supporters to remain calm while leadership get to the bottom of the matter.

'We wish to make it clear that the alleged inability of the EC to accept the forms does not affect our parliamentary candidates. As of now we have not received any official communication from the EC,' he said.

The EC disqualified the PPP Presidential nominee, saying the number of subscription on his nomination form did not meet the number required by regulation 7(2) of the CI 94, given the fact that one subscriber by name Richard Aseda with voter ID number (78120089571) endorsed the forms in two different districts in the Central and Volta regions.

Besides, the said Richard Aseda used multiple signatures on the form.

GNA
By Iddi Yire, GNA

Accra, Oct. 12, GNA - The premises of the Electoral Commission's (EC) remained calm on Tuesday after the historic disqualification of 13 presidential aspirants from contesting the December 7 polls,

Just after the EC Chairperson, Mrs Charlotte Osei delivered the landmark verdict on Monday, October 10, the EC's premises was surrounded by heavy security forces to ward off any reprisal from supporters of aggrieved aspirants.

However, a visit to the EC's headquarters in Accra by the Ghana News Agency (GNA) confirmed that all was peaceful and calm, with staff going about their normal duties.

Chief Superintendent Kwesi Ofori, the Adabraka District Police Commander, speaking to the GNA at the EC's headquarters, said the security forces were on top of their job.

He said, so far there had been no disturbances at the premises of the EC.

Mr Eric K. Dzakpasu, the EC Head of Communications told the GNA that officials of the Commission were on a mission to the Northern Region.

Some aggrieved disqualified presidential aspirants such as Madam Akua Donkor of the Ghana Freedom Party (GFP), Dr Nana Agyenim Boateng of the United Front Party and Mr Akwasi Addai Odike of the United People's Party (UPP) were at the Commission to meet with officials on the matter.

It would be recalled that the EC Chairperson in her verdict on the case of Mr Odike, explained that since there was intra-party wrangling over his candidature with a case pending before court, it was difficult for the Commission to accept his candidature.

However, she gave him up to Friday, October 14, to resolve the problem and get back to the Commission for consideration.

Mr Odike speaking expressed surprise at the development, declaring that he was not aware of any injunction on the filing of his nomination papers until he heard it from the news on Monday.

Mr Odike said, he was at the EC to meet Commissioners on the matter stating that he did not even know which of his party members filed the injunction.

GNA
Today I want to spend some time to talk to you about romantic aspirations.

I work in a telecoms company and one of the big bets of the industry some 10-20 years ago was fast and reliable mobile data that will enable live streaming of high definition videos. Some senior technicians at the time described the ability to stream live videos on mobile devices in Ghana as a Romantic Aspiration. A feat that could be attained only through imagination. Fast forward to today, our event this afternoon can go live across the world and reach millions of people including our own people in Berekuso. There has been a transformation in mobile data, and this transformation has significantly improved lives.

8 years ago I was part of the freshman class who sat and listened to Dr. Patrick Awuah tell us about his plan of students writing exams without proctors. I sat in the crowd and said many things to myself but could not conclude on any. While I sat to prepare for today, I finally concluded that, at the time, Patrick had a Romantic Aspiration.

This was probably because my experiences as a young man who went through Ghanas Senior High School system thought otherwise. However, the conviction with which Dr. Awuah spoke and the peculiar system run here at Ashesi strengthened my belief and my pursuit of integrity.

Integrity today is not a romantic aspiration. Perhaps, it was 10 years ago. Integrity is the one tool that will set you apart in the real world. Integrity is indispensable. Upholding high ethical standards has become a key consideration across business, academia and most spaces in our world today.

A few days ago, a popular journalist and one of Ghanas leading evening show hosts was interviewed on radio. He was asked a question which led to him saying that, during his undergrad days, he was away from campus and an IA was conducted. Long story short, one of his very good friends wrote this IA for him. The backlash that followed this revelation was incredible.

Some years ago who will care? Your good friend wrote an IA for you and so what? But not today.

I have come to the conclusion that people underestimate the power of integrity. A mans integrity is not something to be taken lightly. Your integrity gets to your future before you do. The friends you will make inside these walls and those outside of here, will tell friends and business associates about your honesty and your strong will to do what is right. Similarly, these same set of friends will tell others about your dishonesty and your inability to behave ethically. Indeed, you are the immediate beneficiary of your honesty. It is exceptionally important for you to know that the quality of the choices you make, especially with your association, defines your reputation.

Today, you have made a decision to be associated with integrity. It is one of the reasons why I am excited for you. I know that the Ashesi community will be an enabler to strengthen your resolve to do what is right at all times, especially in the most difficult circumstance. The real test of your integrity lies beyond the walls of Ashesi. It is important for you to build a strong resolve to keep this promise, because outside of these walls, your belief in maintaining honest values will not be enough. It needs to become a part of you. Other than that, it will inevitably be corrupted by your surroundings.

During my time in Ashesi, I was the Judicial & Electoral Committee Chairperson. My key takeaway was this: building strong relationships while maintaining a great sense of integrity are non-negotiable when we seek success. To be successful in the corporate world, like Warren Buffet explains, you need three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. If you dont have the first one, the other two will kill you. In the real world, you will be measured by WHAT you achieved and HOW you achieved it.

So class of 2019, I am excited about this new journey you have embarked on. You have taken a bold step.

A bold step towards responsibility.

A bold step towards virtue.

A bold step towards personal accountability.

A bold step towards nobility.

I wish you the very best in this journey. I know that 8 years from today, you will look back and reflect on this decision; and also conclude that, Ashesis honour code is not a romantic aspiration.

About Bernard Ghartey:

Bernard is an alumnus of Ashesi and a Senior Strategy Analyst with Vodafone Ghana. Prior to Vodafone, Bernard worked as an Associate with the Investment Banking Group of IC Securities Limited for 3.5years.

He has experience in identifying the building blocks relevant to capture a more than proportionate share of the incremental value in the Telecoms market. Bernard has also been involved in sourcing, origination and execution of ECM, M&A and Advisory mandates across a number of industries.

Bernard holds a B.Sc. in Management Information Systems, Cum Laude, from Ashesi University, where he was a recipient of the Presidents Scholarship, Leadership and Citizenship award. During his time in Ashesi, he was Chairperson of the Judicial and Electoral Committee and a member of the Ashesi Judicial Council. Bernard is an ACCA candidate and an Investment Advisor, certified by the Ghana Stock Exchange.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

By Orkhan Guluzade  Trend:

Turkey is grateful to Azerbaijans president and people for their support during the military coup attempt, Turkish Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu said Oct. 12 at the meeting of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

Cavusoglu said that during the rallies in the name of democracy against the military coup attempt in Turkey, Azerbaijan supported the country by holding similar rallies.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed.

Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people, excluding the coup plotters, and over 2,000 people were wounded.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade
12.10.2016 LISTEN





Thousands of residents in Nima poured out onto the streets on Tuesday, October 11, 2016, to welcome the 2016 presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, to the Ayawaso East Constituency, as he resumed his tour of the Greater Accra Region.

Ordinarily a journey of some 5 minutes from Maamobi to Nima, it took the NPP delegation some three hours to make this same journey, as human and vehicular traffic, described as unprecedented in the political history of Nima, ensured that the NPP flagbearer was given a tumultuous and rousing welcome.

Amidst chants of Nana oooh Nana, Mahama, Time Aso, to wit Mahama, your time is up, and Change is Coming, market women abandoned their wares, business owners came out of their shops, whilst commercial drivers parked their vehicles, all eager to catch a glimpse of the NPP flagbearer.

As the chants echoed loudly across Nima, thousands of onlookers rushed towards the principal streets to hail the arrival of the NPP presidential candidate and his team.

Ignore tribal politics

In an interaction with Muslim clerics at the Alesuna Mosque, Nana Akufo-Addo noted that when the time is due for elections, there are some who, for political gain, will infiltrate Zongo communities and seek to foist division on religious lines amongst the people.

They will say Akufo-Addo hates Muslims; does not like people resident in Zongo communities, so as to put fear in you. There is not an iota of truth in any of this. Of all the presidential candidates contesting this year's elections, I'm the only one who has selected a Muslim to be my running mate, Nana Akufo-Addo said.

The NPP flagbearer explained that his choice of Dr. Bawumia, since 2008, was because, with Christianity and Islam being the two dominant religions in Ghana, unity amongst these two religions will help spur on the country's development. The Muslim I chose is not just a Muslim, but a very brilliant Muslim, who can help develop the nation with his in-depth knowledge.

Nana Akufo-Addo further added: The talk of the NPP coming into office to drive away residents living Zongos are pure lies. During President Kufuor's eight years in office, nothing of this sort ever happened. For a time, I was Attorney General, and nothing like that happened. Why would such a thing then happen when I become President?

He urged the Muslim clerics, together with the youth of Nima, to ignore such baseless propaganda, and rather demand from the various political parties and their candidates their respective policies and programmes for Zongo communities.

Akufo-Addo outlines policies for Zongos

Nana Akufo-Addo noted that for the eight years that the Mahama government has been in office, there has not been a single policy instituted and implemented for the welfare of Zongo communities.

Right from independence till date, there has never been the mention of Zongo in any part of budget statements laid before Parliament. Never! The first budget of an Akufo-Addo government, God-willing, will see the Zongo Development Fund as a line item in the budget.

We will assemble Zongo community leaders across the country to help us determine what this fund should be used to do, so we can improve the livelihoods of Zongo residents, and, also, bring development to Zongo communities, he said.

Nana Akufo-Addo recounted how, during the tenure of President Kufuor, allowances for Islamic scholars and tutors were paid. These allowances, sadly, under the Mahama government have been cancelled.

When I win this year's election, I am going to restore the Islamic tutors' allowance, he said, eliciting a roar of approval from the clerics gathered.

With some 56 days to the holding of the December elections, the NPP flagbearer urged the gathering not to pay heed to the skeptics who always sa

y policies espoused by him are not feasible.
12.10.2016 LISTEN



By Richard Kofi Attenkah

Following the disqualification of 12 presidential candidates who filed their nominations to contest the December 7 general elections by the Electoral Commission (EC), a number of the political parties affected by the decision, have threatened to drag the Commission to court.

The first party to declare its intentions to go to court is the Nana Konadu Agyeman Rawlings-led National Democratic Party (NDP), which has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the EC, to rescind its decision to disqualify its flagbearer and her running mate or face the full rigors of the law.

Please, note that if these demands are not met forthwith and in any event within twenty-four (24) hours of this letter, we have our clients' further instructions to institute legal proceedings against you to compel you to meet the aforesaid demands without further notice or recourse to you, the NDP fired.

In a four-page letter addressed to the Chairperson of the EC and signed by Ace Anan Ankomah of Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah, solicitors of the party, the NDP said it is convinced that the election body did not obey the laws regarding the registration process and, therefore, has acted illegally and unreasonably.

According to the letter, the EC has no power to disqualify the party's flagbearer because: Although section 27 of the Representation of the People Act, 1992 (PNDCL 284) provides that before a person who registers twice may be disqualified from voting, there must have been a conviction for the offence, and then a term of imprisonment imposed before a disqualification can take effect, the letter explained.

The PNDC law 284, section 27 states; A person who having applied to have that person's name included in a divisional register, without withdrawing the application, applies to have the name included in another divisional register commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years or both the fine and imprisonment, and is disqualified for a period of five years from the date of the expiration of the term of imprisonment, from being registered as a voter or voting at an election.

From the ongoing, the letter continued, one cannot be disqualified without it being preceded or run concurrently with a trial, conviction and imprisonment for an offence.

Continuing further, section 43 of the PNDC law 284 (1) states; The Commission shall keep a record of persons who by the operation of section 27, 28, 29 and 41 are disqualified from being registered as voters, voting at an election or becoming members of Parliament.

Section 43 of the PNDC law 284 (2) states; Where a person whose name is included in the register of a constituency is by the operation of section 27, 28, 29 and 41, disqualified from being registered as a voter, the Commission shall delete that person's name from the register.

It pointed out that per the above laws, before a person is either entered unto the record under section 43 (1) or deleted from the register under section 43 (2), the EC should have evidence of the conviction and sentence required under section 27.

The NDP explained that as a party, it is not aware that the said Salifu Abdulai has been tried and convicted of the offence and sentenced to a term of imprisonment as indicated by the EC and has, therefore, called on the election body to provide the party with details of his conviction as enshrined in the sections 27 and 43 of the PNDC law 284.

The party specified that assuming that Salifu Abdulai, after registering in 2012, again did same in 2014, in a circumstance that breached the law, his status as a pre-existing voter from 2012, would have meant that his name could not be on the Exclusion List as the EC was alleging.

This deletion, we reasonably expect, would be done with the supporting relevant entries, showing at the very least, the particulars of the conviction and sentence, the date of release from prison, and then the commencement and conclusion dates of the 5-year disqualification period.

Indeed, we would argue that such a person is entitled to notice, as of right, of all the relevant entries in your register, the party observed.

It would be recalled that the EC on Monday announced that it could not accept the nomination of Mrs. Konadu Agyeman Rawlings because the number of subscribers to her forms did not meet the requirement of Regulation 7(2) (b) of CI 94.

The EC further noted that one of her subscriber (Salifu Abdulai) was not a validly registered voter and illegally registered twice and as a result he was on its Exclusive List of multiple voters.
The Public Accounts Committee of Parliament (PAC), has chided the Ministry of Finance over its handling of funds from Ghanas international development partners.

According to the report of the committee, about 53% of donor inflows between 2010 and 2012, were not acknowledged per the framework memorandum signed between the government of Ghana and is development partners.

Speaking on the Floor of the House, Chairman of the committee, Kwaku Agyeman Manu, called for an attitudinal shift else the country risked losing further support from her international development partners.

He explained that, since donor funds are tied to the achievements of targets agreed upon with DPs [Donor Partners], there is the need for government to ensure that efforts are geared towards meeting these targets.

But due to lack of regular reconciliation among the Ministry of Finance, the Bank of Ghana and the Controller and Accountant General's Department, there were instances of over statement and understatement of revenue, and non-capturing of some transcripts in the public accounts for the year 2012, Mr. Agyeman Manu stated as some of the shortcomings.

He also noted that, the inability of MDAs to meet some targets agreed upon with DPs within the period under review, affected expected inflows from the donor partners.

Mr. Agyeman Manu therefore said the Public Accounts Committee (PAC), recommended that MDAs put in place a mechanism for reporting variances between pledges and actual disbursements by DPs.

He also urged the Ministry of Finance to ensure that funds are released to MDAs to avoid delayed disbursements from DPs.



By: Delali Adogla-Bessa/citifmonline.com/Ghana
The U.S. Agency for International Development's (USAID) U.S. Global Development Lab has announced $6.2 million in new grants to 12 organizations from around the world. The awards are funded through the Development Innovation Ventures (DIV) program, an open innovation fund that sources, tests, and scales breakthrough ideas that address global development challenges.

The 12 organizations will implement their innovations in over 10 different countries across a variety of sectors including health, education, and energy. The majority of the organizations are new to USAID.

"DIV seeks fresh, new ideas that can deliver more impact for less money and can lead to sustainable development solutions," said Ann Mei Chang, USAID's Chief Innovation Officer and Executive Director of the U.S. Global Development Lab. "We are excited to work with these awardees to solve problems facing millions of people around the world."

DIV's three-stage-funding model, inspired by venture capital funds, invests comparatively small amounts to test new stage one and stage two innovations. For innovations that demonstrate promise of impact at scale, DIV provides additional funding and hands-on support.

The following organizations have received stage one or stage two support to pilot and test their ideas in a developing country.

Stage one grants support the piloting of a solution in a developing country to gain an early, real-world assessment of the solution. New portfolio organizations and their countries of implementation include:

Evaptainers (Morocco) : Field tests and produces a portable, "zero-energy" evaporative cooling system for low-income farmers in off-grid areas.

: Field tests and produces a portable, "zero-energy" evaporative cooling system for low-income farmers in off-grid areas. Koe Koe Tech (Burma) : Tests and disseminates the maymay mHealth app, which connects women, men, couples, parents, and expecting parents to doctors and informational content to help reduce maternal and child mortality.

: Tests and disseminates the maymay mHealth app, which connects women, men, couples, parents, and expecting parents to doctors and informational content to help reduce maternal and child mortality. myAgro (Senegal) : Offers a mobile layaway platform to enable smallholder farmers to save for seed and fertilizer purchases during the planting season when they have the greatest need for cash.

: Offers a mobile layaway platform to enable smallholder farmers to save for seed and fertilizer purchases during the planting season when they have the greatest need for cash. CARE (Peru) : Uses a nanotechnology device and solar radiation to improve the quality of drinking water in lower Amazonian rural populations.

: Uses a nanotechnology device and solar radiation to improve the quality of drinking water in lower Amazonian rural populations. IFMR (India): Tests the impact of scholarships on the academic success of low-income children attending high-quality pre-primary schools in rural India.

Stage two grants support testing for social impact, improved outcomes, and market viability, as well as building pathways to scale and sustainability. Portfolio organizations and their countries of implementation include:

1001 Fontaines (Cambodia) : Supports expansion of water kiosks that use ultraviolet disinfection, solar energy, and available water sources to provide access to safe, affordable drinking water in rural areas.

: Supports expansion of water kiosks that use ultraviolet disinfection, solar energy, and available water sources to provide access to safe, affordable drinking water in rural areas. Better Cotton Initiative (Global) : Supports over one million farmers to grow sustainable "Better Cotton," while also improving environmental metrics, reducing water consumption, conserving natural habitats, and building farmer capacity.

: Supports over one million farmers to grow sustainable "Better Cotton," while also improving environmental metrics, reducing water consumption, conserving natural habitats, and building farmer capacity. Development Media International (Burkina Faso) : Tests whether a mass media family planning campaign increases contraceptive use among men and women of reproductive age living in rural areas.

: Tests whether a mass media family planning campaign increases contraceptive use among men and women of reproductive age living in rural areas. D-Rev (India, Kenya) : Targets severe jaundice in newborns by testing marketing and distribution strategies to make affordable phototherapy available in communities with the highest need.

: Targets severe jaundice in newborns by testing marketing and distribution strategies to make affordable phototherapy available in communities with the highest need. Muso (Mali) : Supports the expansion of evidence-based community health care delivery in urban areas.

: Supports the expansion of evidence-based community health care delivery in urban areas. PowerMundo (Peru) : Provides solar energy to rural, low-income communities through digital pay-as-you-go energy systems, a new approach to off-grid energy in Peru.

: Provides solar energy to rural, low-income communities through digital pay-as-you-go energy systems, a new approach to off-grid energy in Peru. Vision for a Nation (Rwanda): Supports a nationwide, government-led campaign to train nurses in the primary healthcare system to screen for visual impairment and to provide glasses to the visually impaired.

Visit www.usaid.gov/div to learn more about DIV grants and to apply.
Over these past months and weeks, the public and we in the New Labour Party-NLP have had the opportunity to observe and evaluate the perspectives and agendas of the various candidates in the forthcoming elections.

We the members of the New Labour Party-NLP with assurance endorse the candidature of H. E. John Dramani Mahama in the upcoming election of President of the Republic of Ghana.

John Mahama, as president of the Republic of Ghana has shown leadership competence in offering solutions to nearly all problems in almost all sectors of the nation.

He has committed himself to making transformation a doing word instead of its traditional part of speech as a noun.

He has outstandingly excelled in the areas of servant leadership and good governance moral principles, values and demeanor.

As a servant leader, in his few years of working for the good people of Ghana, we have found John Mahama to be totally trustworthy and incorruptible even as he delivers on his promise of providing Ghanaians with;

Speedy and quality healthcare.

Access, affordable, and quality education.

Affordable housing

Access to quality drinkable water

Expansion of sustainable electricity/ power

A strong economy for growth and job creation

considerable investment and policy intervention for agric sector

Expansion of the transports, roads, communication sectors etc.

John Dramani Mahamas well-known commitment to accountability in government has promoted an impression of openness ingeniousness in the area of government finances.

John Dramani Mahamas honest, pragmatic, and hopeful insight into our nation's problems and needs, and his willingness to examine the issues and listen closely to Ghanaian's questions, problems and concerns, sets him far apart from the other candidates' expected techniques and talk. It is for this reason that we are writing today to express our unflinching and voluntary support for his campaign.

We also wish to inform him of our commitment and our intention to spread his word of CHANGING LIVES; TRANSFORMING GHANA to other electorates. We are also committed to espousing both the value of your policies and abilities and overwhelmingly vote for JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA in the upcoming elections.

Fellow Ghanaians and eligible voters if you want to see honest people in government, join us in supporting John Dramani Mahama for President 2016.

We are hoping for an overwhelming and resounding victory of John Dramani Mahama.

JM AYIKOO!!!!! JM MO NE Y OO!! JM TOASO!!!!!!

LONG LIVE GHANA!! LONG LIVE NEW LABOUR PARTY!!! LONG LIVE THE PRESIDENCY OF JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA!!!

..

LISTOWELL NANA KUSI-POKU

(GENERAL SECRETARY)
12.10.2016 LISTEN

In view of global issues relating to science, technology and innovation, and their effects on humans and the environment, there has been the need for progressive actions to be taken by the stakeholders involved, especially in Africa.

A critical issue that has gained global attention is climate change. This has affected the environment, agriculture, seasons, and to a large extent livelihoods, globally.

It is in this vein that the Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has organized a 3-day workshop from October 10 to October 12, 2016 at the headquarters of ECOWAS Commission in Abuja, on issues of Science, Technology and Innovation for journalists, scientists, and researchers bringing them together to exchange new and emerging science communication methods and approaches, to identify challenges to science communication and also identify more effective science reporting for further planning.

Specifically, the workshop aims at helping reporters and writers produce accurate and informative stories about developments in science, technology, medicine and the environment.

There were series of presentations by scientists and researchers including the Head of Division of Science, Technology and Innovation of ECOWAS, Dr. Roland Kouakou; Prof Danjuma Gambo of the University of Maiduguri; Dr. Kiary Mohammed of the African Union Commission (AUC) Science program, and Prof Willie O. Siyanbola of the Center for Energy Research and Development (CERD), Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).

In a presentation on the Mass Media, Science and Africas Socio-economic Development, Prof Danjuma Gambo, disclosed that Science and Technology are the least covered by the media in Africa due to a number of factors.

These factors include the assumption that there is little audience because science and technology are regarded difficult to understand. And also the lack of critical mass of journalists with specialised science, technology and innovation expertise.

He mentioned other factors such as lack of communication flow between scientists and journalists which often leave the later poorly informed leading to scientific illiteracy.

Full and partial commercialisation of news agencies, where scientific coverages are expected to be paid for, is also a factor causing the least coverage of Science and technology, he said.

In breaking the above listed communications challenges, Prof. Danjuma Gambo said journalists must be proactive in their reportages; and also report from angles that are appealing and indicate development as these would draw the attention of the public.

He advised that journalists should stick to the important issues and avoid the controversial ones which usually results in the main issues being overlooked and ignored.

"Also very important in his regard is that the journalist must first be a professionally trained journalist with expertise or profound interest in science, technology and innovation," Prof Danjuma stated.

Prof. Willie. O Siyanbola, in a presentation on issues of financing scientific research and innovation in Africa, indicated that the active number of personnel in and the funding of research and development in Africa has not been encouraging enough.

For instance, in a report by African Innovation Outlook (AIO) in 2011, the availability of research and development (R&D) personnel in Ghana were 2,115 R&D with 636 researchers; reflecting a 30.1% of the R&D personnel. Meanwhile, Nigeria had 32,802 R&D personnel with 17,624; reflecting a 53.7% of research and development personnel.

As progressive options, Prof Siyanbola said African countries have to adopt and deploy a system of innovation approach as well as to design a workable framework and policy for Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) engagements.

African counties need to also facilitate strategic partnerships, and to embark on infrastructure building and or expansion in terms of ICT, Energy, Transport, and others, Prof. Siyanbola stated.

The Commissioner, Education, Science and Culture of ECOWAS, Prof Hamidou Buly, in a closing remark commended the participants of the workshop for making time throughout the 3 days.

He reiterated ECOWAS commitment to share relevant opportunities with journalists to help in their reports on science, technology and innovation

Feel free to come back with requests and activities which need backing from ECOWAS. We are here to help you, Prof Buly stated.

He disclosed that ECOWAS would from next year introduce a television and radio service to help drive the development of the West African sub-region.
Government has laid before parliament a Legislative Instrument (LI) aimed at regulating activities of tobacco use in Ghana. The Instrument will among others allow for the full implementation of section six of the Public Health Act (Act 851) which deals with tobacco use in the country.

The draft LI has been with the Ministry of Health since July 2015, however, several attempts in the past by stakeholders to urge action on it have proved futile.

Earlier, the Minister of Health Mr. Alex Segbefia had justified the delay in forwarding the document to Parliament by attributing it to the fact that the Legal department of the Ministry was working on several health related documents for the consideration of Parliament and the LI on tobacco control was key among them.

He said the strategy was to send all such documents at a go instead of sending them in bits and that was the main cause for the delay.

Following the passage of the Public Health Bill into law in 2012, smoking in public places was declared unlawful. Also, the sale of tobacco to minors was declared illegal as well as a ban on open publicity and sponsorship of public events.

Media Alliance in Tobacco Control (MATCO), Vision for Alternative Development (VALD) and other stakeholders have been agitating for a strong Tobacco Control legislation for Ghana in the interest of the people. The organizing secretary of MATCO, Mr. Clement Akoloh told www.spynewsagency.com it is refreshing news for all of us. We have been on the tail of the government over this issue for long and we are happy that it is about to end. We must protect future generations in Ghana from the harmful effects of tobacco.

Ghanas Public Health Act (Act 851) was passed by Parliament and assented to by President John Dramani Mahama in 2012.

Chapter six of the Act provides for the control of tobacco use in the country. Among others the law bans smoking in public places, the sale of cigarette to children and tobacco advertising. It is in accordance with the World Health Organizations Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC).
The National Democratic Congress says it is confident of annexing the two parliamentary seats for Obuasi because its candidates for the December polls are credible.

Ashanti Regional Minister, John Alexander Ackon, and Municipal Chief Executive, Richard Ofori Boadi, first have to deal with concerns about revival of the Obuasi Mine.

The two seats are currently held by the New Patriotic Party.

The NDC launched its campaign for the two constituencies, with Vice President, Paa Kwesi Amissah-Arthur, in attendance.

He urged Ghanaians to vote to retain the party in power.

Candidate for Obuasi West, John Alexander Ackon, believes he and his MCE colleague present a strong challenge to capture the seats from the opponents.

For us, at this level; we have very good strengths individually and I think that we stand tall in trying to annex the seats. Development, personality, delivery, caliber of person will going to get you and get the seats", he explained.

Mr. Ofori-Boadi who is eyeing the Obuasi East seat endorses Mr. Ackons assessment.

He promises what he says will be a surprise package for his opponents, promising to to use his share of the Common Fund to nurture entrepreneurs.

"As Chief Executive, I have seen how my MPS use their Common Fund and I intend to create out of the MP's share of the Common Fund a hundred and 60 entrepreneurs in 4-years.

For Mr. Ofori Boadi, he has the urge over his opponents.

And you know that out of all the people who are contesting with me, none of them can be expressive as my good self; none of them have good verbiage as my good self and none of them can articulate the position of Obuasi than my good self. Obuasi is looking for quality"

The two however have big hurdles to clear as concerns of voters about reviving the Obuasi Mine which laid off over 6,000 workers.

Messrs Ackon and Ofori-Boadi admit it is an issue for the election campaign.
Dear Presidential Aspirants,

I would like to convey my sympathy to you by way of expressing my disappointment at your unfortunate disqualification from contesting election 2016 in case you could become the President of Ghana.

I am doing so in the belief that any sensible person with real human feeling and heart will sympathize with, and console, a compatriot, who is in some sort of trouble came about unexpectedly inadvertently. Such act of consolation is even advised by God to human beings. It is in the bible in Romans 12:15  Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.

At the moment, I know that most, if not all of you, are sorrowfully brooding over your unexpectedly unfortunate fate of disqualification from pursuing your lifes dreams. However, the bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 that there is a time for everything.. and in Thessalonians 5:18 it says, In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you

I know that each of you was aspiring to become the President of Ghana to help liberate Ghanaians from their ongoing economic hardships, miseries, sufferance of lawlessness, practice of selective justice and all other known and unknown injustices prevalent in Ghana under the watch of President Mahama and his NDC government.

If your primary objective was to boot President Mahama out of office because of how he is mismanaging the affairs of the country to the detriment of about 99% of the population, then rest assured that all hope is not lost if and only if, you will do as I am about to advise you.

Would you mind rallying behind Nana Akufo Addo with all your might, mind, soul and heart to wrestle power from President Mahama to set the Ghanaian captives free from his roguish administration? This is the only credible alternative you are left with if all your threats to see the Chair of the Electoral Commission, Charlotte Osei, and her outfit in court fail.

Throwing your weight behind Nana Akufo Addo, and advising your teeming supporters to do same, is the only useful service to Ghanaians you are left with to render in rescuing them from the deplorable rule by President Mahama and his NDC government. What else can you do to save Ghanaians from their current and ongoing financial hardships and joblessness?

While permitting you time, space and privacy to weep your eyes out following the bolt out of the blue fate that has happened to you, I shall at the same time entreat you to cogitate about my suggestion as indicated above.

One thing I know for sure is it was not all of you who were seriously going into Election 2016 to wrestle power from President Mahama. This conviction of mine is based on, or deduced from, a video recorded message from Madam Akua Donkors own mouth when she once granted an interview to Adom TV presenter Kwaku Adoma Onwawani a few months ago. She said, even though she was contesting for the presidency in 2016, she knows President Mahama will win so she is going to help her son, President Mahama, to win it so that he in turn hands over the presidency to her in 2020.

How could we take such a person seriously? She does not even care that she has been disqualified after all; she has a dubious agenda towards the election in the first place.

All said and done, I shall see you campaign side by side with Nana Akufo Addo in your dreams and aspirations to extricate Ghana and Ghanaians from the harshly destructive economic tentacles of President Mahama.

Shall God grant you discerning wisdom coupled with impartiality when analysing my proposals. Shall He wipe off your tears. Amen.

Yours Sincerely,

Rockson Adofo
12.10.2016 LISTEN

Viral Hepatitis has been one of the bugs the World Health Organisation(W.H.O.) is trying their best possible to eradicate . Currently, WHO unveils about 400 million people are living with viral hepatitis, and the disease claims an estimated 1.45 million lives each year, making it one of the worlds leading cause of death with Hepatitis B and C causing approximately 80% of all liver cancer deaths.

Several steps taken among the recent National Hepatitis Policy which was hosted in Glasgow by the Scottish government and co hosted by WHO are a few initiatives taken to help countries enhance action to prevent viral hepatitis infection and ensure that people who are infected are diagnosed and offered treatment.

A few months past, the Ghana Armed Forces inaugurated a Hepatitis Project at 37 Military Hospital to create awareness as well as providing medical attention for military personnel.

The Hepatitis Alliance of Ghana is also calling on health professionals to partake in the impending Scientific Hepatitis Workshop they are embarking on.

The theme christened : "Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission of Hepatitis B Infection: The Role of Health professionals" is set to enlighten participants on the psychosocial experience of people living with Hepatitis B infection in Accra Metropolis, the evidence-based

management of Hepatitis B and the role of health professionals in preventing Mother-to-Child transmission of Hepatitis B .

The Guest Speaker to grace the workshop is Dr Florence Naab,(University of Ghana) and the above named presentations will be delivered by Mr. Charles Ampong Adjei(MPhil,MPH,BSN,DIP.(RN),FFGCNM ), Mr Stephen O. Corquaye (Specialist Clinical Pharmacist- Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital) and Dr. Adwoa Adjei Nkansah(Physician Specialist- Korle Bu Teaching Hospital) respectively.

Venue of event is the Greater Accra Regional Health Directorate .

Date: 9th November, 2016

Time: 9.30 AM - 12.30PM

Interested individuals can book a slot before 6th November by calling No on flyer for the necessary details.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

By Anakhanum Hidayatova  Trend:

Hillary Clinton will be an active player in foreign policy and Caspian issues if elected the US president, says Matthias Dornfeld, the chairman of the European Institute for Caucasus and Caspian Studies in Berlin.

Clinton is more experienced in the field of foreign policy, since she has been the first lady and the secretary of state from 2009 to 2013, Dornfeld told Trend on Oct. 12.

He, however, believes that Clintons main focus will be on Russia.

Dornfeld also says it is difficult to assess what foreign policy initiatives will be started by Donald Trump.

He is not into this topic, as far as I know. If it comes to the post-Soviet space, he will basically focus on Russia as well, he said.

The 58th US presidential election is scheduled for Nov. 8. Democratic Partys presidential nominee is the former secretary of state and former first lady Hillary Clinton.

The Republican Partys candidate and Clintons opponent is the businessman and politician Donald Trump.
Progressive Peoples Party candidate for the Komenda Edina Aguafo Abrem (KEEA) John has launched his bid for parliament in Agona Abrem.

In his speech John Sterling called on the masses who defied the heavy downpour to grace the rally to reject the NDC and the NPP in the December 7 elections and vote for Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom and himself.

You have a sitting MP (here) not so; you have also had MPs in the past can you point to anything they have done for you in the past 8 years? I am urging you that this year lets resolve not waste our votes on those two so lets vote against Nana Ato Arthur as MP and President Mahama as president and give our votes to John Sterling and Dr Nduom.

I AM THE PRESIDENT OF KEEA

Speaking at the rally Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom who is contesting for president on the ticket of the PPP asked the people to look closely at what he and his company have done for the people of KEEA and Ghana in general and vote accordingly.

He thus, said as far he is concerned he is the president of KEEA noting that what he has done as an individual surpasses the achievements of the NDC government.

Look in 2012 you gave your votes to Nana Ato Arthur and he failed, so take your votes and give it to John Sterling. Again you gave your votes to John Dramani Mahama he didnt perform so take your votes and give it to Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom.

If there are other presidents anywhere in Ghana I know but as far as for KEEA is concerned I am the president of KEEA.

I WAS NDC, BUT I WILL NOW VOTE FOR NDUOM AND PPP

At the rally Iddrisu Abdullai who confesses to be an ardent member of the NDC openly declared to the crowd gathered that he has switched allegiance to the Progressive Peoples Party due president Mahama bad governance.

He declared his unflinching support for the PPP and Dr Nduom in this years election.

I was a strong member of the NDC in the KEEA constituency and you all know me. But due to the bad governance of president Mahama and the wonderful works of Dr Nduom I am telling

(all) here to join me vote for Dr Papa Kwesi Nduom

Other party bigwigs who graced the occasion were Mrs Yvonne Nduom, Devine Nkrumah the partys National Youth Coordinator as well as other regional officers.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) today announced $3.3 million for five more winners of the Combating Zika and Future Threats Grand Challenge, bringing the total investment to $30 million. From unmanned aerial vehicles delivering critical medical supplies in remote areas to the use of big data and machine learning to prevent future disease outbreaks, innovators across the globe are responding with solutions to better address and manage outbreaks of Zika and other infectious diseases.

"The Grand Challenge to Combat Zika and Future Threats is attracting the world's brightest minds to solve this global challenge," said Wendy Taylor, Director, Center for Accelerating Innovation and Impact at USAID. "By working together with leading innovators and our partners in government, business, and civil society, we will quickly scale up new innovations to help communities everywhere including the world's most vulnerable to combat Zika and prevent future outbreaks."

The innovations developed for Zika may also have broad application to counter other threats. Among the newest innovations, awardees introduced groundbreaking concepts to utilize Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), and collaborations across the public and private sectors to improve disease surveillance.

USAID launched the Grand Challenge in April 2016 to provide up to $30 million to develop smart and scalable ideas to address the current Zika outbreak and improve the ability to prevent, detect, and respond to future infectious disease outbreaks. In just two months, innovators from around the world submitted nearly 900 ideas that cut across mosquito control, personal and household protection, diagnostics, and community engagement. After hearing pitches from top innovators, U.S. Government experts and international partners selected the most promising ideas through a rapid, rigorous review process. These five awardees follow the August 2016 announcement of 21 awardees who focused on mitigating the spread and impact of this year's Zika outbreak in South and Central America.

Winner Highlights include:

"Unmanned Aerial Vehicles" vs. Driving: Replacing hours of driving on treacherous roads with flights by fully autonomous flying vehicles, the Vayu team will deliver critical medical supplies to remote villages and ferry back lab samples to medical facilities. Vayu will work closely with local health workers to reach the most isolated areas made inaccessible by poor roads.

Foiling Zika Mosquitoes with Sterile "Love Mates": WeRobotics - a co-creator of Flying Labs, in collaboration with the Food and Agricultural Organization / International Atomic Energy Agency (FAO/IAEA) will develop new techniques for vector control by using UAVs for aerial release of sterile mosquitoes. Mosquitoes that mate with them produce no offspring.

Keeping it Cool: Dimagi and the Arnhold Institute for Global Health will forecast disease hot spots by identifying communities where little to no data exists, known as cold spots. Using predictive algorithm technology, the team will build a platform to identify cold spots and protect the most vulnerable communities from becoming disease hot spots.

Other game changing solutions include using telecom data, collected from mobile phones, to enhance Zika surveillance; and mapping the risk of international disease spread using data visualization.

For a full list of awardees please visit: www.usaid.gov/grandchallenges/zika/nominees . For more information on the Combating Zika and Future Threats Grand Challenge, visit www.usaid.gov/grandchallenges/zika .
The Presidential Candidate of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has reiterated his commitment to reduce the cost of doing business by reducing taxes in a move to grow industries.

Nana Addo, who met members of the Association of Ghana Industries, (AGI) on Wednesday to spell out his vision for industrialization, said his administration will create an enabling environment for business to thrive, unlike the current administration which is suffocating businesses.

He presented the association with a copy of the party's manifesto, based on which it seeks to transform the economy.

NPP to set up Industrial Development Fund  Alan

In the party's manifesto for the 2016 elections, it announced the setting up of an Industrial Development Fund, to support critical private sector industrial initiatives, as one of the means to tackling the rising unemployment levels.

Former Trade and Industry Minister, Alan Kwadwo Kyeremanten, who made this known at the party's manifesto launch at the Accra International Trade Fair Centre in Accra, said, the NPP will pursue aggressive industrialization based on value addition; provide tax and related incentives for manufacturing businesses; investing in skills training and apprenticeship, as well as providing resources for small businesses and start-ups to emerge and flourish.

We'II reduce port charges and others

Mr. Kwadwo Kyeremanten also promised that an NPP government will reduce charges at the country's ports, and other taxes, as part of moves to lessen the burden on businesses.

To tackle the high cost of doing business, the NPP will reduce the tax burden on businesses by either completely abolishing same taxes or reducing them. By far, one of the biggest challenges industries have faced for more than five years, is inadequate supply of power. In fact, 'dumsor' has led to thousands of Ghanaians losing their jobs not to mention the number of families that have been affected by these considerable job losses. The NPP will implement a broad range of reforms in the energy sector to arrest the problem.

Ghanaian businesses face significant challenges in exporting or importing goods at the ports. To address these challenges, the NPP will significantly reduce fees and charges at the Ports. We will also introduce reforms in Port clearing systems and benchmark our ports against some of the best in the world such as Dubai and Singapore, and make our ports some of the most efficient in Africa to support import and export.

Establishment of industrial zones

Mr. Kyeremanten announced the creation of industrial zones across the country.

Industrial activity in Ghana has also been constrained by poor industrial development planning including limited access to land for the development of industrial zones. To address this challenge, the NPP will facilitate access to dedicated land spaces in every region for the establishment of multi-purpose industrial parks. We will also develop vibrant commercial zones in border towns in Ghana, and work jointly with our neighbouring countries on developing industrial activities, which will create jobs and promote efforts towards stronger economic integration in the ECOWAS region.

'A new golden age for small businesses'

According to Mr. Kyeremanten, in order To promote entrepreneurship, the NPP will usher in a new golden age for small businesses by launching a comprehensive national plan for entrepreneurship and innovation that will invest in supporting existing small businesses and high growth potential as well as start-ups particularly those initiated by young persons.

Apprenticeship and skills development centres

The former Trade and Industry Minister also mentioned that an NPP government will set up an apprenticeship and skills development centres to train skilled labour force for specific industrial sectors.

Skills shortage for industrial development is one of the critical areas that the NPP will urgently address. In this regard, we will establish an apprenticeship and skills development centres to train skilled labour force for specific industrial sectors. Secondly, we will develop in collaboration with Trade Unions a database for trained apprentices and artisans, and establish a national apprentice recruitment agency. In partnership with the private sector, we will transform the existing apprenticeship training module from a supply driven approach, to a market driven model based on the German apprenticeship model.



By: Ebenezer Afanyi Dadzie/ citifmonline.com/Ghana

Follow @AfanyiDadzie

// ]]>
From InusaMusah, Tema

Local manufacturers of cement say they will be forced to sack over 3,000 workers should the government fail to immediately halt the reckless importation of cement from Nigeria, China and Korea.

With specific mentioning of DANGOTE cement from Nigeria, SOL cement from China and Fujian, Korea, as the three foreign competitors, the downsizing, the manufacturers hinted, could be effective between this year and first quarter of 2017, if the unfair trade practice by the two continued.

Dr George Dawson Amoah, chairman for the Local Cement Manufacturers said: Demand for cement in Ghana is in a surplus capacity of about three million tonnes because we have an adequate installed production capacities of eight million tonnes annually, as against consumption of about five million tonnes.

Consequently, he said the deliberate signing and issuance of permit to the three foreign cement producers by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, to import 500,000 tonnes of bagged cement into the country was working against their investment.

The Ministry of Trade and Industry, in collaboration with Cabinet, Parliament and support of the Local Cement Manufacturers, passed a Legislative Instrument (LI) 2240 to regulate exports and imports of Portland cement.

The sixteen-paged LI put in place a cement monitoring committee, and Dr Amoah told a section of the press that the signing and subsequent issuance of permit to DANGOTE, SOL and Fujian by Dr EkowSpio-Garbrah, Minister for Trade and Industry, to engage in the unfair trade practice was a smack of illegality, disrespectfulness and injury to the local cement industry.

Apart from the Minister's disregard to the inherent procedural arrangement of regulations clearly spelt out in the LI 2240, we, the local cement manufacturers, maintain that this menace poses a setback and a challenge to the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Association of Ghana Industries' promotion of made in Ghana products.

Furthermore, it will greatly affect the sustenance of thousands of jobs the local cement industry creates, Dr. Amoah explained.

In addition to hinting of the over 3,000 jobs to be cut should the unfair trade practice continue, Dr George Dawson Amoah said the imported cement by SOL, Fujian and DANGOTE was of low quality.

Albeit he was not specific on the grade that could make the imported cement a quality product for the construction industry in Ghana, he explained that the products were bagged before arrival into the country, thus, the Ghana Standards Authority could not test the cement.

Besides, the cement from China and Korea spent more than the 28 days testing period on sea before discharging at the harbour of Ghana and we challenge the Ghana Standards Authority to prove us wrong by making evident their testing results for the imported cement by DANGOTE, SOL and Fujian.

He said: While DANGOTE is taking thousands of US dollars from our country to shore up the huge dollar deficit in Nigeria after 30 per cent tax waver from the Nigerian government to DANGOTE, we the local cement manufacturers are suffering from high taxes, high import charges on raw materials and expensive tariffs.

We are not afraid of competition but when it becomes difficult for us to protect our investment, our only option is to fold up or lay off workers and it is the state that will bear the consequence, he noted.

The Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana currently comprise of GHACEM Limited, Tema and Takoradi, Diamond Cement Ghana Limited, Aflao, Savanna Diamond Cement Limited, Buipe and Western Diamond Cement Limited, Takoradi.

Dr George Dawson Amoah said that another cement manufacturing company was coming up in the Tema Free Zones Enclave by the end of 2016, with a total capacity of one million tonnes per annum.

Considering the adequate installed capacity that the new factory would add to the existing capacity, Dr Amoah said there was, therefore, no need to encourage cement importation into the country, 'especially when the imported product has insignificant value addition as compared to local cement industries' chain of added values such as industrial competence, employment, direct investment, local sub-contracting and the use of local raw materials.








United Nations (United States) (AFP) - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Wednesday urged Burundi to reverse its decision to break ties with the UN rights office following a report warning of a risk of genocide.

The United Nations also reminded Bujumbura that it must still cooperate with ongoing investigations of the International Criminal Court (ICC) despite its decision to pull out of the treaty setting up the world court.

"We are very disappointed to learn of the government's decision to cease cooperation with the office of the high commissioner for human rights," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters.

The office with its 51 staffers will remain open in Burundi "pending further discussion," said Dujarric.

"The secretary-general calls on the government of Burundi to continue its cooperation with the high commissioner" for human rights, he added.

Burundi on Tuesday suspended cooperation with the rights office, accusing it of helping to draft a "dishonest" report that blamed the government for a surge in violence in the country.

The government a day earlier barred three UN rights experts who wrote the report from entering the territory.

The report documenting cases of torture and killings paved the way for the creation of a formal Commission of Inquiry to gather evidence of atrocities.

Burundi's parliament on Wednesday voted to withdraw from the Rome treaty setting up the ICC.

The United Nations said it had yet to be formally notified by Burundi of its withdrawal, but added that if Bujumbura goes through with the decision it would be "regrettable."

Dujarric said that under the Rome statutes, the decision to pull out of the treaty will become effective one year after Bujumbura has formally notified the United Nations of its decision.

"State-parties that decide to withdraw are still obliged to cooperate with any criminal investigations or proceedings that were commenced before the effective date of withdrawal," said the spokesman.

The ICC opened its investigation of possible war crimes in Burundi in April.

The UN Security Council is due to hold a closed-door meeting on Burundi on Thursday.

The political crisis began in April 2015 when President Pierre Nkurunziza announced plans to run for a controversial third term in power, which he went on to win.

Violence since then has killed more than 500 people and driven 300,000 people across the border to seek refuge in neighboring countries, according to the United Nations.
Abidjan (AFP) - A draft constitution in Ivory Coast, which changes contentious rules on presidential eligibility and establishes a senate, will be put to a referendum on October 30, the government announced Wednesday.

Official campaigns for and against the new basic law -- which President Alassane Ouattara has said will put an end to years of instability and conflict in the world's top cocoa producer -- will run from October 22 to 29.

Wednesday's announcement comes a day after parliament overwhelmingly approved the draft.

Current rules, which require both parents of presidential candidates to have been born in Ivory Coast, are widely seen as a trigger of the violent unrest that broke out five years ago.

In the past, Ouattara was barred from running for the top job because it was claimed he did not meet this criterion.

As well as calling for the creation of a second legislative chamber, the draft constitution also sets up the post of vice president, to be elected at the same time as the president and two-thirds of senate members.

The draft says the president will appoint a third of the senate, a provision the opposition is particularly unhappy with.

Ouattara told lawmakers last week that under the proposed constitution, the election calendar "will be known in advance by everyone, with fixed dates, so that there can no delays that could disturb our country's stability."

Under the draft, presidential terms are set at five years, renewable only once. Ouattara was elected to a second term in October 2015.

The Ivorian Popular Front, the party of former president Laurent Gbagbo, is fiercely opposed to the proposed new basic law, criticising the lack of consultation involved and warning it would worsen, not improve, security.

Gbagbo is now on trial at the International Criminal Court for war crimes in connection with the deadly unrest that followed his refusal to concede his election to Ouattara in 2010.

Some 3,000 people were killed over five months following that poll.
By Amadu Kamil Sanah, GNA

Accra, Oct. 12, GNA - A Youth Wing of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), iStand4JM on Tuesday donated 15 motorbikes valued at GHa 45,000 to the Party's campaign machinery.

Ms Videba Dakpare, Coordinator of the Group said, the motorbikes are meant to support the Party's campaign in reaching out to the people in the hinterlands.

She said the group has taken it upon themselves to solicit support either in cash or kind to beef up the Party's campaign.

Ms Dakpare said the group is aimed at mobilising support for the party, rather than taking support to work to maintain the NDC in power in the December 7 coming elections.

She said the motorbikes were funded by Mr Joseph Boateng, a businessman.

Mr Emmanuel Zumakpeh, the Administrator at the NDC Headquarters said the Party needs the support of its supporters not only on social media but also cash, and kind gestures like the motorbikes donation.

He said the motorbikes would be used to move campaigners to the hinterlands and that would translate into winning more votes for the NDC.

Mr Sidi Abubakar Musah, National Youth Organiser of the Party encouraged other youth organisations of the Party to emulate the example of iStand4JM.

He said this would go a long way to help the campaign of the Party in achieving the 57 per cent targeted for President John Dramani Mahama.

GNA
Accra, Oct. 12, GNA - The Capital Bank has launched its latest branch at Labone in Accra as part of efforts to establish the bank as the prime Retail and Household Bank in the country.

The inauguration of the Labone Branch forms part of commitments to enlarge its branch network, which currently stands at 19 to 22 by the end of the year.

The Bank expects to realise this goal with the opening of ultra-modern branches in areas such as East Legon, Achimota and Harper Road in Kumasi.

Speaking at the launch, Managing Director of the Bank, Reverend Fitzgerald Odonkor, said the Bank has set out to invigorate its brand with a 'renewed vision to become the local bank of excellence for African markets and the strategic goal of becoming a tier one bank by the end of 2020.'

He said for a local firm to accomplish such glorious feats in three years after achieving its universal license is an 'indication that indigenous firms can grow to compete with the best in the world with the right leadership, enabling environment and support from relevant stakeholders'.

That notwithstanding, however, he said the bank would not relent in its efforts as the achievements so far are only 'basic steps in our quest to grow into a world class bank with footprints in Africa and other parts of the world.'

He said in pursuit of management's goal to remain the preferred bank in Ghana, it has strengthened the executive leadership and also enhanced its human resource capital to make the bank more adept at responding to changing customer needs and the dynamics of the banking industry.

Besides, the bank had installed the latest core banking applications to increase operational efficiency and streamlined processes to make them highly responsive to unique customer needs.

He said the bank's notable strength is its ability to innovate by developing simple and relevant solutions to meet the banking needs of its clients.

This has culminated in the launch of Speedpay- an innovation that allows customers to make deposits with their mobile phones and Speedpay money vouchers.

According to the Managing Director banking is about developing customised solutions with speed and precision to satisfy the unique needs of individuals and strategic market segments.

'We have restructured our business units and enhanced our human capital to give critical attention to market sectors and also enhance our ability to churn out more customised solutions speedily.'

Head of Retail Banking, Mrs Eunice Brocke, said the Labone branch presents a world class ambience with a strong African identity that celebrates African heroes.

She said the branch is one of four equipped with Priority Banking centres, providing customised and premium solutions to meet client demands.

The other branches with the Priority Banking centres include Spintex, Osu and the new Harper Road branches.

The launch follows the bank's recent pronouncement as the Best Growing Bank, Best Bank in Savings and Deposits and Best Household and Retail Bank at the recent Ghana Banking Awards.

GNA
VATICAN CITY, ACCRA, Oct. 12 - (UPI/GNA) - Pope Francis called for an immediate cease-fire in Syria, renewing an appeal for peace during his weekly general audience Wednesday.

"I want to emphasize and reiterate my closeness to all victims of the inhuman conflict in Syria. With a sense of urgency, I renew my appeal, pleading, with all my strength. [May] those responsible ensure arrangements are made for an immediate cease-fire, which is imposed and respected at least for the time necessary to allow the evacuation of civilians, especially children, who are still trapped under the bloody bombing," he said.

His remarks regarding Syria came at the conclusion of an address concentrating on physical and spiritual examples of mercy and how those works can change the world.

"The works of mercy awaken in us the need and the ability to make a living and active faith with charity. I am convinced that these simple everyday actions can make a real cultural revolution, as it was in the past," the pope said.

His comments on Syria came as Russian-supported government airstrikes resumed in Aleppo, Syria, following a short halt in bombings to allow civilians to escape rebel-held sections of the city.

GNA
12.10.2016 LISTEN

BABRAHAM, England, ACCRA, Oct. 12, (UPI/GNA) - Vitamins A and C can be used to rewrite the epigenetic "memory" in cells, new research led by the Babraham Institute suggests.

The study was conducted in collaboration with the University of Stuttgart and the University of Otago. Researchers examined the effects of epigenetic modification in cells when a methyl tag is added to the C letters in DNA sequences. Their findings were published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

A cell's identity is determined by its DNA sequence. In regenerative medicine, scientists are exploring ways to repurpose cells to support brain, heart or lung functions. Cells are able to do this in the early embryo, but adult cells need to "forget" their previous identity first. The research team found vitamin A enhances epigenetic memory erasure in embryonic stem cells, which removes methyl tags called TET. Vitamin C, by contrast, was found to boost the activity of TET enzymes.

"Both vitamins A and C act individually to promote demethylation, enhancing the erasure of epigenetic memory required for cell reprogramming," Dr. Ferdinand von Meyenn explained in a press release.

Scientists have hailed the study as a boon for regenerative medicine. Research on the effect of vitamin A on TET enzymes may explain why some patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia are resistant to treatment, and can open the door to a better approach.

"This research provides an important understanding in order to progress the development of cell treatments for regenerative medicine," Babraham Institue epigenetics program head Wolf Reik said. "It also enhances our understanding of how intrinsic and extrinsic signals shape the epigenome; knowledge that could provide valuable insight into human disease, such as acute promyelocytic leukaemia and other cancers."

GNA
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

Trend:

Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree Oct. 12 on the preparation of relevant draft legal acts in connection with the entry into force of the Referendum Act On Amendments to the Constitution of Azerbaijan, adopted as a result of the Sept. 26 referendum.

Within six months, the countrys Cabinet of Ministers should:

- prepare the relevant draft legal acts arising from the changes made in connection with the sections 1-29 of the Referendum Act "On Amendments to the Constitution of Azerbaijan, adopted as a result of the Sept. 26 referendum, and present them to the Azerbaijani president;

- ensure adjustment of the normative legal acts of the Cabinet of Ministers to the Referendum Act and inform the Azerbaijani president;

- control adjustment of the normative legal acts of central executive bodies to the Referendum Act and inform the Azerbaijani president on their implementation.

The countrys Ministry of Justice was instructed to ensure the adjustment of normative legal acts and normative acts of central executive bodies to the Referendum Act "On Amendments to the Constitution of Azerbaijan and to inform the Cabinet of Ministers.
Accra, Oct. 12, GNA - Meridian Port Services (MPS) has announced the start of its unprecedented corporate social initiative (CSR) for the enhancement of Tema Roundabout, in collaboration with the Ministry of Roads and Highways (MRH).

The project would create a new road network near the future port, to alleviate traffic congestion and improve traffic flow.

The announcement was made at a sod-cutting event in Tema to mark the commencement of the CSR initiative.

The Tema Motorway roundabout currently suffers from serious traffic bottlenecks, which impede the movement of private and commercial vehicles and affect inter-city commuters who use the facility when commuting to and from the Greater Accra Region, as well as the Eastern and Volta Regions.

The congestion also hinders the flow of cargo in and out of the port.

To ease daily travel for commuters, MPS would create four slip roads to reduce the number of vehicles approaching the roundabout, and create an additional third lane to widen the roundabout.

Most importantly, the project would also improve the entrance and exit from the northern side (Akosombo), by widening it from the current single lane to a double lane.

This upgrade would significantly ease traffic for all commuters going in and out of the city, thereby reducing travel time and improving productivity.

The initiative would also contribute to the convenience of the Trans West African Highway for travel to and from neighbouring countries.

'Ghana is now the hub for shipping activities in the sub-region. Certainly this project will facilitate the free flow of goods and services for the benefit of all. We congratulate MPS for this bold initiative,' said Alhaji Inusah Fuseini, Minister of Roads and Highways.

'This is part of the vision that President John Dramani Mahama has for the development of all roads in Ghana,' said Mr Richard Anamoo, Director General of Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.

He added: 'We are pleased to work with our partners in MPS on this project. The port development plan will greatly benefit the economy and this initiative is a good example of Corporate Social Responsibility, as it will help substantially to ease congestion in the Tema communities.'

MPS has appointed Associated Consultants Ltd. as the project managers and Sinohydro Ghana Ltd as the contractor for the Tema roundabout project.

The appointments were based on a proven track record of technical ability and both companies' preparedness to start work immediately. The project is expected to be completed in nine months.

MPS, a company jointly owned by APM Terminals and BollorA Transport & Logistics, in partnership with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority, is poised to start a major expansion of the Tema Port, designed to leverage Ghana's strategic location in the heart of West Africa, to make it a major trading hub and attract more investment.

The CEO of MPS, Mohamed Samara said:' This associated CSR project is probably the largest social investment of its kind undertaken by a private company and I am proud that this initiative has been so strongly endorsed by the MPS Board of Directors.'

Commenting on the local content for the Tema Port expansion project itself, Chairman of the MPS Board, Dr Alhaji Asuma Banda said 95 per cent of the materials for all works would be locally procured, with the exception of sophisticated container gantry cranes, a significant quantity of plant equipment would also be sourced internally.

Notably, more than 1,000 skilled Ghanaian managers, engineers and craftsmen would be employed for the marine construction at the port.

It is estimated that a total of 5,000 jobs, in civil works and building construction, would be created for local contractors and subcontractors, during the project.

The port investment would also bring a series of upgrades within the area of technical and IT services, which would also impact positively on the Ghanaian talent pool.

The transfer of knowledge and experience to Ghanaians would secure the future for the generations to come and it is a clear display of what a truly successful partnership with strategic investors can achieve for a determined company and people.

Present at the event were MRH and Ghana Ports and Harbour Authority officials as well as other stakeholders with a vested interest in good transportation networks within the country.

GNA
12.10.2016 LISTEN

By Joyce Danso, GNA

Accra Oct. 12, GNA - The man who is accused of sprinkling some liquid on President John Dramani Mahama at the Agbogbloshie Yam Market during a tour has made his second appearance before an Accra Circuit Court.

Akwasi Emmanuel dressed in a blue and black flowered apparel with black trousers, charged with offensive conduct, had his plea reserved.

When the case was called, the court indicated that it was expecting an additional report on Emmanuel from the Psychiatric Hospital.

The case investigator informed the court that he has been given two weeks to pick up the report.

The case was, therefore, adjourned to October 26 and he was remanded into lawful custody.

Emmanuel is alleged to have committed the offence when the President visited the Market on September 15.

GNA
By Morkporkpor Anku, GNA

Accra, Oct. 12, GNA - Fifteen employees of MondelAz International, from 11 countries around the world are participating in the 'Joy Ambassadors Programme' to learn and serve in cocoa-farming communities in Ghana.

During the two-week skills exchange programme, the employees would hear directly from farmers the challenges and opportunities in securing a sustainable cocoa supply, while sharing their diverse business skills.

Mrs Yaa Peprah Amekudzi, the Country Lead, MondelAz International's Cocoa Life Programme speaking at an orientation session in Accra, for the volunteers said the Ambassadors would visit three communities in the Sekyere-East District of the Ashanti Region, where they operate.

She said the volunteers would work alongside cocoa farmers, sharing business skills and understanding the challenges the farmers face.

'And through their service, they will help accelerate the impact Cocoa Life is making,' she said.

She said the programme in its third year would give Cocoa Life communities a boost by tapping the talents of some of the most passionate and brightest employees of the company.

She said the programme was part of their call for well-being, which focuses on fueling growth and making a positive impact for future generations.

She said the Ambassadors would help train cooperative and community leaders on developing their business management skills to assist enhance cooperatives' participation, collaboration and engagement.

The Country Lead said the programme is being funded by MondelAz International with Volunteer Service Overseas (VSO) as implementing partner.

She said the company through its operation in the country has distributed 500 spraying equipment to households with 500 yet to be distributed soon.

Mrs Amekudzi said they have also provided households with improved food security and nutrition through the cultivation of food crops.

'We have also established a 100 plus women-led enterprise groups in the communities we operate,' she added.

She said plans are advance to roll-out a mobile clinic in the communities in the coming year to provide health care delivery to the people.

She said MondelAz International is committed to ensuring a sustainable cocoa supply chain by implementing programmes on the ground, notably Cocoa Life.

The 2016 Joy Ambassadors offer a wide range of skills, from research and development, marketing, manufacturing to finance and law.

Mr Sanjay Awasthi, the Country Director, VSO commended Management of MondelAz International for putting the together that would impact on these communities.

He said VSO brand has been organising activities in the areas of governance and active citizenship, tackling education needs inclusively and secured livelihoods.

The Ambassadors were oriented on the Ghanaian culture, values, and belief systems, health, safety and security in the communities, they would engage with.

The 2016 Class of MondelAz International's Joy Ambassadors are: Flavio Ackel, Marketing Innovation Manager  Brazil, Carina Mara de Aguiar, Revenue and Planning Manager  Brazil, Jerry Anderson, Information Systems Global Solution Owner and Consumer Insights United Kingdom.

The rest are Nuria Antoja, Marketing Manager, Chocolate  Spain, Shomit Azad, Senior Counsel  Australia, Alice Bertholin Rice, Employee Relations Lead  United States and Valerie Breitholle, Section Manager, Research and Development  United States.

Others are Jean-Baptiste Darnault, Procurement Lead, Biscuits  France, Tara Hieminga, Senior Manager Shopper Marketing and Merchandising  Canada, Ramesh Chander Kataria, Plant Lead, Integrated Supply Chain, Chocolate  India, Ashley Mbanga, Finance Analyst, Sales  South Africa, Bryony McComb, Innovation Manager, Global Chocolate  South Africa, Funlola Pearce, Finance Director and Commercial Controller  Nigeria, Kaori Shimode, Associate Director, Sales  Japan and Nick Wright, Talent and Organizational Effectiveness Manager  United Kingdom. GNA
12.10.2016 LISTEN

Accra, Oct.12, GNA - Osei-Kusi Foundation (OKF), a non-governmental organisation in Accra is inviting applications from tertiary students in Ghana to participate in its 2017 Community Service Award (CSA).

The award, which was launched last month, is aimed at providing financial support to students to help them undertake developmental projects in their communities.

A statement signed by Mrs Kakra Benefo Asante, the Vice President of the Organisation and copied to the Ghana News Agency said, participants in the 2017 CSA would be required to form a team of three to five students with a name.

"They are also required to identify a disadvantaged community in Ghana and present a proposal with an action plan on developing young people in that community through results-oriented researches", the statement indicated.

It said the participants would undertake voluntary services such as teaching in deprived schools, cleaning hospitals, or engaging in any other voluntary work in a community of their choice all of which would contribute to their chances of meeting the criteria for selection to the next stage of the competition.

Seven teams, selected amongst the applicants would be shortlisted for business training exercises to equip them for their community projects.

Dr Kofi Osei-Kusi, the Executive President of OKF indicated that, one amongst the seven teams would finally be selected by a panel of judges, after a face-to-face presentation on their project proposals.

"The team which would emerge winner in the competition would take home GH10,000.00 grant out of which GH7,000.00 would be allocated to the implementation of their community project," he said.

"The participants would share the remaining GH3,000.00", Dr Osei-Kusi added.

The award is financed by OKF and Selfless4Africa, a non-profit organisation based in the United States.

Interested persons of the 2017 CSA should download application forms from www.oseikusifoundation.org. GNA
By Albert Futukpor, GNA

Tamale, Oct 12, GNA - The African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA) has trained media practitioners in the Northern Region on Electoral Laws and Ethical Guidelines on Elections Reporting, aimed at ensuring responsible media coverage of the December Polls.

The training, held in Tamale, with funding from STAR-Ghana, was also to prepare the media practitioners to be on top of issues.

Ms Edna Kuma, the Executive Director of AWLA, who made presentations at the training, urged media practitioners to remain impartial in their reportage by separating facts from comments.

Ms Kuma also advised them to encourage citizens to participate in the electoral process.

Mr Caesar Abagali, the Northern Regional Chairman of the Ghana Journalists' Association, called on the media to ensure accurate and equal reportage of the activities of all political parties to promote the country's democracy.

GNA
By Morkporkpor Anku, GNA

Accra, Oct. 12, GNA - Guinness Ghana Breweries Limited (GGBL) has launched its Water Blueprint, a document detailing the company's strategy towards water resource management.

The project is part of the company's focus on building thriving communities through various means.

Mr Gabriel Opoku-Asare, Corporate Relations Director of GGBL, speaking at the launch said it is the company's strategic plan to improve water efficiencies and support efforts to achieve what set out in the National Corporate Social Responsibility Policy (CSR) in relation to water resource management is set out in the Water Blueprint.

He said as indicated in the recently launched National CSR Policy, the focus of any sustainability programme should encompass poverty eradication, employment, sustainable agriculture, health, gender equality, sustainable use and management of natural resources among others.

He said as part of the project, the company would focus on four thematic areas: Advocacy, Sustainable Sourcing of Raw Materials, Ensuring Efficient Production and Building thriving Communities.

He said the project is to ensure the advocacy for water management, safe water practices in all communities, they source its raw materials.

He said per the programme, the company would also reduce the use of water in its production process at the factory.

Mr Opoku-Asare said this was another phase of the sustainability story and urged stakeholders to join them make it happen as they have done before with the Water of Life programme.

Madam Cecilia Coonan, the Global Communications Manager for Diageo Plc, the parent company of GGBL, said water is an essential ingredient of all its brands, 90 per cent of beer and 60 per cent of spirits was water.

She said water is also important for growing its raw materials; in the production process and in the manufacture of its packaging; and its efficient management was of the utmost importance for their local communities.

'Our sustainability and responsibility targets for 2020 focus on the areas that are most material to our business and our main priorities are: building strong communities; environmental performance, particularly water and carbon and promoting the responsible enjoyment of alcohol,' she added.

She said these targets fulfill 12 of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals including partnerships.

The Global Water Blueprint provided more detail on their strategy to support the delivery of the water-related 2020 Sustainability and Responsibility targets.

Mr Donnan Tay, the Director of Water, Minister of Water Resources, Works and Housing said Ghana is endowed with many water resources but they are at risk of depletion and degradation due to natural and human factors.

He said these includes the wanton depletion of the country's forest cover, illegal mining, inappropriate solid and liquid waste disposal and other destructive practices which are inimical to a healthy environment required for our well-being.

The Director of Water said any strategic approach, therefore, to manage the water resources, is commendable and welcomed.

Mr Seth Appiah-Kubi, National Director Arocha Ghana Limited commended GGBL for supporting and committing private sector initiative as well as investing in watersheds intervention.

He said the brand to continue to thrive our streams, river and taps must remain to flow,' he said.

He said the Water blueprint clearly has the potential to be industry's model of social and environmentally conscious and responsive business intervention.

GNA
12.10.2016 LISTEN

From George-Ramsey Benamba, GNA Special Correspondent in Lagos

Lagos, Oct. 12, GNA - Ghanaian Fertiliser importers stand the chance of importing the commodity at cheaper rates from Nigeria in the next few years, when the Dangote Fertiliser plant under construction in Lekki in Lagos State is completed.

Lower rates in importing would subsequently have rippling effects in the stepping up of production in both cash and food crops in Ghana and beyond.

Mr Anurag Jaiswal, General Manager of Dangote Fertiliser, announced this when Ghanaian Journalists visited the plant to acquaint themselves of the production potentials and impact on the African market.

He said Nigeria and her neighbours who would be major beneficiaries of the project would reduce imports of urea by about one million tonnes when the two-line fertiliser complex, consisting of ammonia and urea plants is completed.

The plant, believed to be the world's largest fertiliser plant with a total capacity of three million tonnes per annum of urea fertiliser would produce urea that would serve farmers in Nigeria and the entire sub-region to boost their crop yields through easy access to fertiliser.

In Ghana most farmers spend a chunk of their capital in buying inputs including fertilisers to produce food crops such as maize, rice, sorghum, millet and cowpea and cash crops such as cocoa, cotton and coffee in most parts of the country.

It has a captive power plant comprising three steam turbine generators of 40 megawatts capacity each, with three auxiliary boilers for 40 steam generation of 200 tonnes capacity each.

While high cost of these inputs have over the years had negative repercussions on food production, importers have also taken advantage of their high demand to make profits through selling of the commodity.

He said the completion of the Dangote plant would therefore provide both importers and farmers alternatives to carry out their business and farming activities smoothly.

Mr Jaiswal said Dangote Group is investing about $ 2 billion on the project that would guarantee substantial saving of foreign exchange against imports of urea and sustain its availability in the sub-region.

The General Manager indicated that the completion of the project would also create numerous job opportunities for Nigeria and her neighbours as many would be directly and indirectly engaged in businesses in the fertiliser value chain.

The situation, he added would also make West Africans food sufficient and net exporters as they would step up production and reduce transmigration of people from rural to urban centres for non-existent jobs.

The Ghanaian Journalists have also visited privately-owned operational cement factory and refinery plant under construction both belonging to the Dangote Group of Companies in Africa.

GNA
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Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

Trend:

OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) plans to maintain and develop mutually beneficial cooperation with Azerbaijans Central Election Commission (CEC), said ODIHR Director Michael Link during a meeting with CEC Chairman Mazahir Panahov.

Expressing gratitude for the warm welcome, Link said such meetings contribute to deepening of bilateral relations, CEC Department of Public Relations and Media told Trend Oct. 12.

Panahov said the CEC is always open to cooperation with international organizations and these relations are important for improvement of electoral practice in Azerbaijan.

According to him, Azerbaijans current conditions and democratic environment create great opportunities for holding free, fair and transparent elections.

During the meeting, Link also invited Panahov to an event dedicated to the election issues, which is to be held in Vienna in November.

Cooperation between the two institutions was discussed during the meeting and parties exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

Trend:

A meeting with 17 students who were admitted to the Baku Higher Oil School (BHOS) this year with high grades and granted with Presidential scholarship was held at BHOS.

Opening the meeting, Rector of BHOS Elmar Gasimov congratulated the students. He said that that it is a remarkable achievement and a great honor to be among those listed in the Order of the President of the Azerbaijan Republic Ilham Aliyev on Granting the Presidential Scholarship to Students Admitted to Higher Educational Institutions in academic year 2015/2016, as of September 14, 2015.

Gasimov wished all those granted with the presidential scholarship continued success in their future activities. He emphasized that BHOS management take all necessary steps to provide constant support to all students to help them attain new achievement in their study, work and life.

Gasimov noted that those representatives of the Azerbaijani youth who chose to study at BHOS could be justifiably proud of their choice. He also said that their entrance to BHOS is an important event for the Higher Oil School, too. The rector wished the students to be persistent in pursuing new knowledge and skills and try hard to achieve success in their studies.

It shall be noted that there were in total 25 students who were admitted to the higher schools in the First Group specialty with marks between 685 and 700 points and awarded with the Presidential Scholarship and 17 of them chose BHOS.

Only two people admitted to higher educational facilities in the First Group specialty managed to gain 700 points and both of them selected to study at BHOS.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

By Anvar Mammadov  Trend:

The CIS migration authorities plan to sign an agreement to create a unified database of lost and invalid IDs of the CIS countries citizens, First Deputy Interior Minister of Russia Alexander Gorovoy told reporters in Baku Oct. 12.

He said it is necessary to systematize the citizens residing procedures in the CIS countries.

We must establish civilized relations between our countries, accepting certain migrants. We, as heads of law enforcement agencies, need to perfectly understand that all decisions based on intergovernmental and interstate agreements, should be implemented in an atmosphere of respect for another states law, traditions and culture, said Gorovoy.

He said there are currently no problems in regards to migrants from Azerbaijan, and noted the high level of cooperation between migration services of Azerbaijan and Russia.

At the moment, we do not have problems in the relations with Azerbaijan in general, including the agencies responsible for migration issues and the Azerbaijani citizens coming to Russia for work or leisure. Throughout the 25-year history of CIS, cultural and friendly relations have been established between Russia and Azerbaijan. As for today, we are satisfied with the level of interaction of our countries populations, said Gorovoy.

The 19th meeting of the Heads of Migration Authorities of CIS is being held in Baku.
At Moody, National Hispanic Heritage Month was celebrated in February under the new Air Force initiative that condenses heritage and awareness months into two days throughout the year called Diversity Days.

As the actual month comes to a close, its time to reflect on how it started and what the month is all about.

Hispanic Heritage Week started in 1968 during the presidency of Lyndon Johnson but was expanded to a month, by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, to cover Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. HHW was renamed to HHM and was created to celebrate the histories, cultures and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans.

Each year Americans observe the National Hispanic Heritage Month by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America, said U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Lionel Garcia, 23d Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter. The day of 15 September is significant because it is the anniversary of independence of five Latin American countries.

In order to really understand what the month celebrates, it helps to know what the difference between Hispanic and Latino, or Latinx which is the gender neutral alternative.

Often, Hispanic and Latinx are used interchangeably, even though Hispanic refers to language, while Latinx refers to geographic location. Being Hispanic means you have a family history in a Spanish-speaking country, while Latinx refers to having origins in North and South of America geographically south of the United States. Latin countries also tend to predominantly speak Portuguese instead of Spanish.

These cultures often intertwine so someone could be both Latinx and Hispanic and HHM includes important dates for both cultures.

"The day of 15 Sept. is significant because it is the anniversary of the independence of five Latin American countries," said Garcia.

These countries include Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and 18, respectively, and Columbus Day or Dia de la Raza, is predominately observed October 12, which falls within the 30 day period.

Dia de la Raza or the Day of the Race is not the celebration of Columbus but of the pathway he opened which allowed others to create the multi-cultural, multi-ethnic society of today which has fostered the brilliant contributions in the U.S. celebrated during HHM.

Notably, the Hispanic population continues to grow within the U.S. with more than 157,000 Hispanics serving in the armed forces and approximately 134 serving here, at Moody.

According to the 2010 Census 50.5 million people or 16 percent of the population are Hispanic or Latino origin, said retired Chief Master Sgt. Guillermo Castillo Jr. We are the No.1 growing population in America and will continue to positively impact the military, economics, politics, education and society for generations to come.

With the talks of immigration laws changing a lot of the milestones and accomplishments of Americans of Latinx and Hispanic descent are being forgotten. It is important to remember that these are people who have made positive contributions to our society.

Customs and cultures may be different but it is important for us to understand those cultures and to appreciate those differences. Thats what makes America diverse.

It is this diversity that has developed and defined America as a melting pot and a great world power, said Castillo. It is this diversity that I have come to appreciate and celebrate.

United we stand, divided we fall and together we can make a difference. Together we are Americas past, present and future with many backgrounds, many stories and one American spirit.
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Amid an election season that has catapulted Morgan Hills residential growth as the top issue among many voters and candidates, the latest financial disclosures show that the campaigns of the incumbentsand one challengerare funded partially by developers. Meanwhile, most of those attempting to unseat the incumbents havent accepted any money from such sources.

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Developers contributions to local election campaigns are not new in Morgan Hill. City Councilman Larry Carr, who is running for his fifth four-year term on the council in the Nov. 8 election, doesnt see the source of campaign funds as an issue. He doesnt think its fair to exclude a group or industrysuch as developersfrom contributing to a political campaign in their effort to participate in the process.

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Builders are also neighbors in Morgan Hill, Carr said. Their kids go to our schools. I dont know why I would want to deny them the opportunity to be involved in our democratic process.

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Carr accepted a $2,000 campaign contribution from Dustin Bogue of BMCH Builders. He said Bogue is a longtime friend, and his company doesnt have any projects in Morgan Hill, where residential growth is governed by a voter-approved control and competition system.

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That system, known as the Residential Development Control System, is also on the Nov. 8 ballot for renewal as Measure S.

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Among the council candidates, Carr, Mario Banuelos and incumbent Marilyn Librers support Measure S. Slow-growth advocates Rene Spring and Armando Benavides are against it. In the mayors race, incumbent Steve Tate and Joseph Carrillo support the RDCS measure, while Kirk Bertolet is against it.

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Within the development community, Carr has also accepted contributions from Morgan Hill real estate broker John Telfer, and developer Rocke Garcia, according to his latest campaign financial disclosure forms, which candidates filed at the city clerks office Sept. 24.

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These developers and others have contributed to local candidates campaigns for multiple election cycles in recent years.

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Rene Spring, a challenger for one of two council seats on the ballot, said he plans to remain true to his pledge to refuse campaign funds or assistance from developers. He has been running for more than a year on a platform of responsible growth, and slowing the citys growth from recent levels.

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I am not taking money from builders, developers and major land owners here in town. I just dont want to be dependent on them, said Spring, a city planning commissioner and a director of program management at a tech company. Spring has raised more than $33,000 so far for his campaignmost of it from his own pocket; thats by far the biggest war chest among all candidates for council and mayor.

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The top two vote recipients in the five-candidate race will win the two available seats to serve four-year terms.

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In the mayors race, incumbent Steve Tates contributors who are also developers include Dan McCranie ($1,000 contribution), owner of Ladera Grill restaurant and the downtown property at Monterey Road and Second Street; Weston Miles Architects ($150); and Telfer ($200).

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McCranie is currently working plans for a new commercial/restaurant development at the Second Street through the citys planning commission.

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Bertolet, a staunch slow-growth advocate, has almost entirely self-funded his own campaign, contributing $5,100 out of the total $5,475 funds raised. He is not seeking contributions in order to avoid the appearance of a conflict of interest.

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I dont want anybody coming to me saying, I donated to your campaign, so I want a favor, if I make it to mayor, said Bertolet, who wants to slow the residential growth of Morgan Hill. I want to run a completely clean campaign.

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Carrillo is not required to file FPPC forms because he has not formed a campaign committee and does not anticipate raising or spending more than $2,000, according to City Clerk Irma Torrez.

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Carrillo told an audience at the Sept. 29 candidate forum, hosted by the Morgan Hill chapter of the American Association of University Women, that he has made his own yard signs and printed his own fliers.

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Since theres no lobbyists or special interests (in my campaign), I think Im the closest candidate to the public, Carrillo said.

Breaking down the numbers

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In the latest campaign financial disclosures filed in accordance with California Fair Political Practices Commission guidelines, Tate lists a total of $10,255 raised so far in his current campaign. He has spent about $3,905.

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The FPPC forms require candidatesor their campaign committee staffto list itemized contributions and campaign expenditures in excess of $99, according to authorities.

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Tates list of about 40 contributors consists of mostly Morgan Hill residents and family members, and most contributions are in the $100 to $300 range.

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Expenditures from the Tate for Mayor 2016 committee include $200 contributions to the campaigns of council candidates Banuelos and Carr, both of whom Tate has endorsed in that race.

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Tate is running for his sixth consecutive term. The winner of the three-way race will serve a two-year term as mayor.

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In the council race, in which five candidates are running for two seats, Spring has raised $33,936 since he started campaigning more than a year ago. Most of the funds are from the candidate and his immediate family. He has been campaigning longer than the other candidates, who didnt announce their intent to run until the ballot qualifying period this summer.

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Most of Springs contributions come from the candidate himself and his husband Mark Hoffman. Spring, a city planning commissioner and director of program management at a technology firm, has funded his campaign to the tune of $18,900, of which $8,000 is in the form of a loan.

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In the City of Morgan Hill, there is no limit to how much a supporter may contribute to a local campaign, according to Torrez.

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Spring said the sizable personal investment by him and Hoffman shows how serious he is about becoming a city councilman.

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I want to be independent of the big money donors that usually finance other campaigns, Spring said. Were willing to do that because its important to us.

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The top two vote recipients in the five-candidate council race will win the two available seats.

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The California League of Conservation Voters contributed $500, and Honor PAC gave $400 to the Spring campaign. Honor PAC is a national political action committee that supports candidates and ballot measures that advance progressive policies and serve the unique needs and interests of Latina/o LGBT communities, according to the groups website.

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Springs campaign has spent a total of $38,285, largely on advertising through social media, digital mobile purchases and other web services.

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He has spent more than $6,400 on billboards and mobile ads from Outfront Media and $7,620 on theater advertising through Screenvision, according to his latest FPPC filing.

Personal or impersonal?

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Librers has raised a total of $7,374 in campaign contributionsincluding some from developersas of the last FPPC filing of Sept. 24. She listed total expenditures of about $3,136.

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Her major contributors include Orville Power ($500), a managing partner for Mana Investments, which is in the process of developing a 170-unit apartment complex on San Pedro Avenue; Boyd Smith ($983.79), a real estate investor with WSJ Properties; and Bob Brenthal ($1,000), owner of South Valley Internet.

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Librers, the Executive Director of the nonprofit Pauchon Research Foundation, said her fundraising strategy consists of organized, paid events, and asking her friends and acquaintances for contributions.

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I have a diverse base of people who have donated from throughout the community. I havent targeted any (single) area, Librers said. Im just running a nice, small, hometown campaign.

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She is running for her third term on the council.

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Carr, who is running for his fifth four-year term on the council, has raised about $5,844 in campaign funds as of the Sept. 24 FPPC filing. Some major donors include Mike Johnson ($500), owner of Johnson Lumber/ACE Hardware; Dustin Bogue; Rosy and Rich Bergin ($500), owners of Rosys at the Beach restaurant in downtown Morgan Hill; and Jennifer and James Cuneen ($500) of Principal California Strategies.

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Carr noted as far as his campaign strategy goes, he wont be running advertisements on the movie screen or on social media pages that are very impersonal.

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I think people want a personal touch. They want to look you in the eye when you give them an answer, Carr said.

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Banuelos campaign so far has raised about $3,254, and spent about $2,610, according to his latest FPPC filing. Most of his listed contributors have given in the $100 to $250 range. They include developer Rocke Garcia, Adam Escoto, Jill Kirk, Dana Ditmore, Bernie Mulligan and Morgan Hill Unified School District Trustee Ron Woolf.

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Banuelos, a retired City of San Jose employee and a member of Morgan Hill General Plan Advisory Committee which convened for about the last three years, has also given $900 of his own money to this campaign.

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My special interests are the residents of Morgan Hill, Banuelos said at the Sept. 29 forum.

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Benavides, another slow-growth candidate, is not required to submit FPPC filings because he does not plan to raise or spend more than $2,000, according to Torrez. However, he said he has spent about $400 on yard signs as of Oct. 11. His campaign strategy includes extensive use of social media and email lists, he said.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

By Azad Hasanli  Trend:

Yuksel Insaat AS, a Turkish construction company, has closed its office in Azerbaijan, said a report by the Azerbaijani official press Oct. 12.

The company was established in Ankara in 1963. In the beginning, Yuksel Insaat specialized in projects on ports, quays and docks, constructing one-third of Turkeys ports.

In the later years, it played an important and effective role in development of Turkey's infrastructure by being involved in numerous transportation, energy, treatment and industrial facilities.

Yuksel Insaat AS participated in a number of large projects in Azerbaijan, including the construction of Shahdag tourism center.

In 2014, the company signed a contract as part of the construction of the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline, a part of the Southern Gas Corridor, designed to deliver Azerbaijani gas to Europe.

The Sicim-Yuksel-Akkord joint venture was established as part of the contract worth $540 million. The joint venture is engaged in construction of the pipeline with a length of 450 kilometers.

Besides Azerbaijan, the company operates in Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Georgia, Romania, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Qatar, Libya, Jordan and many other countries.
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Officers uncovered hundreds of pounds of illegal narcotics, more than $135,000 in cash and several firearms after conducting raids at three Morgan Hill properties in recent weeks, according to authorities.

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Three suspects were arrested on various charges by the conclusion of the investigation, which began this summer, police said.

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The first arrests came on Aug. 26, when officers from the Santa Clara County Specialized Enforcement Team (SCCSET) served a search warrant at a home on the 300 block of Berkshire Way in Morgan Hill, authorities said. Morgan Hill Police assisted in the search, which stemmed from an investigation into the sale of marijuana and a byproduct known as butane hash oil.

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During the search, officers found packaging for butane hash oil, business records showing large deposits from the sale of BHO to dispensaries and loaded syringes with hash oil, police said. Officer also located more than $70,000 worth of cash.

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Based on this evidence, the residents assets and bank accounts were frozen, police said. The two suspectsGary Salvadore, 54, and Edie Salvadore, 58were arrested without incident.

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From Berkshire Way, MHPD and SCCSET officers went to a warehouse rented by the two Salvadore suspects on the 16000 block of Joleen Way to execute another search warrant, police said. In the warehouse, police located a large-scale clandestine laboratory used to make butane hash oil, according to authorities. Officers also found more than 100 pounds of butane hash oil stored in large containers.

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Butane hash oil is a marijuana product that uses butane extraction to isolate and concentrate THC and other intoxicants from the plant. The process is considered highly dangerous and has been known to result in accidental home and commercial building explosions in recent years, according to numerous online news reports.

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During the search at the warehouse, police found information indicating a third property in Morgan Hilllocated on the 15000 of Foothill Avenuewas connected to the narcotics operation, police reported.

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Upon arrival at the property to serve a search warrant Sept. 2, officers detained three subjects without incident.

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The search uncovered more butane hash oilsome ready for saledozens of pounds of marijuana, firearms and ammunition, according to police.

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Blake Lebeck, 53, was arrested at this property, police said.

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By the time the investigation was complete, officers said they recovered more than 200 pounds of butane hash oil product, more than $135,000 cash and several firearms. The three suspects were booked at Santa Clara County Jail on various charges.

Suspect responsible for 2012 Obama incident

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Lebeck was the subject of regional news reports in 2012, when an effigy of President Barack Obama he erected outside his home went viral. The display, which Lebeck built on the fence outside his home on Foothill Avenue, depicted a coconut head with crudely drawn facial features with a cigarette attached to the effigys mouth. A noose hung from the display, which also featured a watermelon and a clear piece of glass representing a teleprompter with the scribbled message, Go back to Kenya you idiot.

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Many passersby considered the display racist when they saw it in 2012, but Lebeck told the Times the opposite is true and he was merely trying to get a response.

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My friends all support meliberalism is the cause of racism, Lebeck told the Times in 2012 during an interview in his front yard.

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Anyone with information about the SCCSET case can call MHPD Det. Fernando Del Moral at (669) 253-4964, or the anonymous tip line at (408) 947-7867.
One school board candidate has raised about $19,000 more than his only challenger in the Nov. 8 election, with most of the funds coming from an organization based more than 2,400 miles away. Another school board hopeful owes nearly $8,000 in unpaid bills to a Gilroy-based campaign consulting firm in a race in which she is running unopposed.

Welcome to the world of local education politics as these scenarios are being played out in all three of the trustee area elections up on Morgan Hill Unified School Districts headline-churning board of education.

In Trustee Area 5, incumbent Tom Arnett (who was elected by voters in June to finish out the remaining months of former trustee Amy Porter-Jensens seat) tipped the campaign finance scales at a hefty $20,355, according to his Fair Political Practices Commission filings with the Santa Clara County Registrar of Voters.

In Trustee Area 7, where incumbent Bob Benevento did not seek re-election, lone candidate Teresa Murillo is a shoo-in. But Murillo has accumulated $7,629.97 in unpaid bills to a company called In Support, according to her campaign finances.

Murillo said as a first-time candidate for any office she thought she needed a campaign manager and hired In Support and is thankful for their initial services. However, she no longer needed them once there were no other candidates and she is currently negotiating down the cost.

It took me by surprise I thought somebody else would be running against me, Murillo said.

Trustee Area 6 incumbent Rick Badillo, who used the same services (he has a $3,780.95 tab with the company), described In Support as a campaign support group. However, In Support is not listed with the City of Gilroys Chamber of Commerce and could not be found on various Google searches conducted by the Times.The company is listed as based in Gilroy, according to Badillo and Murillos campaign finance disclosures.

In Support is helping my campaign, said Badillo, a construction project manager and military veteran seeking a second four-year term. In my last campaign, I didnt need any help. But since moving to the trustee area election, I needed all the support I could get.

Outside money tipping scales in TA5 race?

While Arnett has attracted nearly two dozen individual donors from a cluster of family, friends and colleagues, the Senior Education Research Fellow at the Clayton Christensen Institute received $17,000 in contributions from an organization known as Leadership for Educational Equity. He took in a similar amount to help fuel his June victory over opponent Pamela Torrisiwho questioned the source of those contributions prior to voters hitting the polls.

Arnett is by far the biggest breadwinner among the six November school board candidates, and has accepted more than $38,000 in campaign contributions over his two election cycles in the 2016 calendar year.

Arnetts opponent in Area 5, challenger Angelica Diaz, reported one contribution of $684.32 coming from Torrisis Campaign Committee, left over from the previous election. Diaz and Arnett are both Live Oak High School graduates.

I dont see it entirely as a disadvantage, said Diaz when asked about the huge discrepancy in campaign finances between herself and Arnett. For me, as long as I gather enough money to hold meet-and-greets and have materials to go door-to-door, then getting out to the voters thats what is most important.

Diaz, however, was skeptical of why Arnett needed so much money in a small-town trustee area election where candidates need to reach about 5,900 potential voters in their district rather than throughout MHUSD like in the previous at-large election.

Diaz was not as critical as Arnetts former adversary (Torrisi) was prior to the June election, but still was leery of Arnetts five-figure support from Leadership for Educational Equity.

I think it becomes an issue when we dont know what the underlying interests are (from the funding source), said Diaz, who garnered the TA5 endorsement from the Morgan Hill Federation of Teachers.

Like he did in May, Arnett explained that LEEs purpose is to support Teach For America alumni, such as himself, to help them make a difference in their local communities. He was comfortable accepting LEEs donations because they are a nonpartisan organization and they dont have a policy or political agenda.

LEE is an organization Im lucky to be be a part of because of my education background, said Arnett. He joined the Teach For America program in 2009 and has since completed his two-year commitment.

Ive worked in education across the country (with Teach For America), I was a teacher in Kansas City, and now I am in education policy and research across the country, Arnett added. So I have a fairly strong network within education.

Arnett said the funds raised have been used for sending out fliers and mailers to people in the community so they know his face and name when they go vote. He also placed huge value on getting out and knocking on resident doors.

I feel fortunate to have (LEEs support)but I really think the biggest impact is going out and meeting the voters face to face, Arnett said.

When asked about his campaign funding at the Sept. 29 candidates forum, Arnett stressed the many smaller donations he received from family, friends and colleagues rather than the big haul from LEE. He has received local support (between $50 to $250) from individuals such as Darryl Fry, a manager with U.S. Home Ownership; Erick Tuttle, a mechanical engineer with Google; Mark Evans, a technology licensing manager with Apple; and Michelle Helvey, Head of School at Oakwood.

Trustee Areas 6, 7 have outside funding

When it came to Arnetts major donor, Trustee Area 6 candidate Mary Patterson had similar sentiments as Diaz. Patterson insisted she would have to share the same values of the donating group before even considering accepting their money.

In terms of campaign donations, I dont have a huge concern about the amounts. What I do have a concern about is who is giving it, said Patterson, the Director of Strategic Partnerships at The Health Trust.

Patterson has raised $3,114 for her campaign with eight individual donors, including a pair of $500 contributions from her mother Joan Patterson of Modesto and friend Ed Swanson, an attorney in Mill Valley. Locally, she received $100 apiece from Julie Zintsmaster, former executive secretary and one-time board member with MHUSD; Roger Knopf and Larry McElvain.

Another TA6 challenger, internal education auditor Albert Beltran, has accepted a few hundred dollars in donations from family and friends, but is financing the majority of his own campaign. He said his focus remains on reaching out to voters as much as possible rather than raising more funds.

For me, its not so much about money. Its what does your public profile say about you?, said Beltran, who believes voters need to educate themselves. As much as its our responsibility as trustees and candidates to go out and meet folks, I would hope other folks do outreach and look us up and find out who we are.

Arnett is not alone with attracting huge sums from out-of-the-area organizations. Murillo ($1,000 donation) and Badillo ($1,500) both received funds from Sacramento-based Grow Elect, an organization that supports Latino Republican candidates running for office. Unlike In Support, Grow Elect is visible online at growelect.com, which states: We believe political competition within the Latino community leads to more effective and honest government and more accountability for elected officials.

Badillo, who raised a total of $4,280.95, according to his FPPC filings with the county, said Grow Elect representatives reached out to him and asked if he would consider their endorsement.

They recognized my accomplishments as a MHUSD trustee for the last four years and felt someone like myself should be re-elected to continue the great work for our school district, Badillo said.

Today is the opening of the early voting period for the Nov. 8 election. Approximately 585,000 ballots have been mailed out to voters throughout the county, according to the registrars office.
Students at Mountain Crest Elementary School got a thrill when multiple four-legged animals that are normally seen inside zoo walls recently visited.

Several classes gathered inside the gym and students were craning their necks to see what type animals they would be able to meet.

Justin Edgens and Kaylee Schwartz with Animal Ambassadors, a USDA-certified animal science education company, brought several different exotic animals for children to see and learn about, including a baby kangaroo, hedgehog, arctic fox, ball python and a bearded dragon.

Animal Ambassadors are animals that have either been rescued or surrendered, which means the people that had them before us can no longer take care of them, so now we have them so they can live a long and healthy life, Schwartz said.

The mission of the organization is to bring awareness to students about exotic animals from around the globe, according to its website, www.animalsc.com.

Traveling to schools and other public and private venues throughout South Carolina and surrounding states, the organization makes it possible to educate with hands-on animal presentations. The organization hopes to inspire students to help with the preservation and conservation of animals, the website says.

The first animal students got to see was an arctic fox named Elsa.

She is able to adapt to her surroundings by the weather, Schwartz said to students. So right now it is becoming winter time, so she has a nice, big, white, fluffy coat.

The thick coat keeps her warm during the winter and she also has fur on her paws, Schwartz said.

She can withstand (temperatures) up to negative 95 degrees, Schwartz said. In the summertime she will shed her white coat and she will turn a darker gray.

A lot of the kids in the gym seemed wowed by the fox.

Edgens walked around the gym with each animal so students could see them up close.

The next animal was a python, which had a notch in its tail, which stunted its growth, Schwartz said.

She explained to students how the python had camouflage skin to help it blend in with its surroundings so its prey could not see it.

He eats a lot of small mammals like little rats or rabbits, Schwartz said. What he will do, he will wait out and use his camouflage to hide and he is going to go hunting. He is going to wait for a little rabbit to come by and he is going to jump and he is going to grab it with his two fangs  then he is going to pull it in and squeeze around it.

One student got up close and personal with the python, wearing it around his shoulders with the help of Edgens.

Ziggy the hedgehog came out to play next.

She was rescued because she was being illegally owned because not every state can own them as pets, Schwartz said.

She pointed out the quills on Ziggys back and how they are used for protection.

They will roll into a little ball and stick their head in and squeeze really, really tight, Schwartz said. Then the quills will go all different ways.

She says not many predators try to eat hedgehogs, except for the eagle owl.

Ziggy is nocturnal, which means she sleeps during the day and is awake at night, Schwartz told the students.

Hedgehogs are also insectivores and they will search up to 5 miles every night for food to eat, Schwartz told them.

The last animal brought out was a 5-month-old kangaroo named Gumbo.

When he was born he was the size of a jelly bean, Schwartz said.

This type of kangaroo is the largest of its species and will grow to be around 6 feet tall and weigh approximately 150 pounds, she said.

Schwartz asked the students what makes the kangaroos so cool and they responded with They jump.

They put their feet together, they lean back on their tails and they spring off on their toes, she said.

Kangaroos, when trying to escape from a predator, can jump up to 6 feet high and 35 miles per hour.

After the end of the presentation by Animal Ambassadors, students had the opportunity to hold and take photos with Gumbo and the other animals .

For more information about Animal Ambassadors, visit www.animalsc.com

Staff Writer Jonelle Bobak can be reached at jbobak@morganton.com or 828-432-8907.
As a part of ongoing peaceful protests against the construction of new oil pipelines in the United States, protesters across four states halted the flow of crude from Canada by closing station valves, Sputnik reported.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has sued the US federal government to prevent construction of the 1,160-mile Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), claiming that tribal administration was not consulted, even though the pipeline runs through tribal lands.

Thousands have rallied against the pipeline construction, and on Tuesday, protest group Climate Direct Action orchestrated a bold demonstration: cutting through fences surrounding remote flow stations in Washington, Montana, Minnesota, and North Dakota, activists shut down the southward flow of oil through multiple pipelines.

"We are acting in response to this catastrophe we are facing," said Afrin Sopariwala, a spokeswoman for the group. At least four individuals were arrested in relation to the stunt, which shut down pipelines belonging to Enbridge Inc., Spectra Energy, TransCanada, and Kinder Morgan. Combined, these lines can carry up to 2.8 million barrels of oil per day.

The companies stated that the shutdowns would have no effect on their flow of oil.

Officials have warned that such acts of protests could be dangerous and harmful to the environment.

"Tampering with energy infrastructure is a dangerous activity and it could cause harm to citizens and surrounding communities, which is unacceptable," said Canadian Energy Minister Jim Carr.

Others noted that unscheduled shutdowns can create pressure increases that can cause oil leaks, especially in older, uninspected oil infrastructure.

"Closing valves on major pipelines can have unexpected consequences endangering people and the environment," said Carl Weimer, executive director at the industry watchdog Pipeline Safety Trust, adding, We do not support this type of action.

On Monday, 27 protesters were arrested at the DAPL construction site, including popular actress Shailene Woodley.

Speaking to Radio Sputniks Loud & Clear earlier this month, Dennis Banks, co-founder of the American Indian Movement, said he was "shocked that the Obama Administration has looked the other way" as peaceful protests against the DAPL continue.

"If the tribe doesnt want it, then their position has to be honored. And if any tribe feels that there are sacred sites or burial sites at risk, then they will move to protect those siteswe have the ultimate authority," he said.

"I can understand when the government is being run by corporations, corporations will always win. In their eyes they have already won, but in our historical stance, we will win this one."
When it comes to saving for retirement, people view workplace pensions as the safest option, according to the latest Wealth & Assets survey from the Office of National Statistics. However, property is seen as more lucrative, and the asset most likely to produce the best returns in the long run, according to this research.

The survey showed that 41% of consumers thought an workplace pension scheme was the safest way to save for retirement. This was significantly higher than the next most popular answer  property  cited by just 28% surveyed as the safest option for retirement savings.

But a larger proportion of those surveyed  45% - though that investing in property would make them the most money. This compared to just 25% who thought workplace pensions would deliver the best long term return.

Both property and workplace pensions were rated far more highly than other savings options: such as ISAs, savings accounts, personal pensions and Premium Bonds. Less than 10% of those surveyed said these vehicles were the best route to maximise returns.

The ONS said the results reflected growing confidence in property prices since July 2010, and a decrease in the returns paid on many other savings and investments  particularly those held in cash accounts.

Investor Confidence Improving Despite Falling Saving Rates

The results are broadly in line with research carried out by the ONS in 2014. However, the number of people rating workplace pensions as the safest option has increased significantly (from 35% to 41%).This is likely to be due to the introduction of the Governments auto-enrolment regime.

The number of people who think property will be the most profitable option has also increased  although by a smaller margin (three percentage points).

The report also showed that people were more confident about their retirement prospects. More than half of those yet to retire (51%) said they were either very confident or fairly confident that their income in retirement will provide the standard of living they expected. This is a 10 percentage point increase on the 41% of those who were this confident previously.

Yet despite this increased confidence, the ONS survey found the share of people not contributing to a pension because of "low income, not working or still in education" had risen from 45% in July 2014, to half of people now.

Further data by the ONS on the saving ratio also conveyed a more negative picture of the UKs savings habits, with people saving less in the second quarter of this year, than they did in the first three months. This is despite the fact that disposable incomes continued to rise.

Are Savers 'Too Reliant' On Property?

Advisers warned that this survey showed UK investors were relying too heavily on property to fund their retirement  which could leave them exposed if house prices stagnate or head south. In addition, property can be a far less tax-efficient investment - and is difficult to turn into a reliable income stream in retirement.

Kate Smith, head of pensions at Aegon said that while the issue of returns was complex, property should not be considered as a sole source of retirement income. She said it was vital that consumers didnt overlook the additional benefits of pensions: such as tax relief and employer contributions on workplace schemes.



She added: "The positive news is that savings confidence is on the up and we believe the pension freedoms have acted as a great savings incentive."

Government Campaign Boost Confidence in Pension

Catherine Pinkney, founder of Paycircle  an employee benefits provider, said: Despite robust changes to the pensions landscape over the past couple of years - and a number of high-profile pension scheme black holes continuing to hit the press - employer pensions are still considered the safest ways to save for retirement. She said this may be down to the rollout of the Governments auto-enrolment programme  which for the first time offers many employees access to a workplace pension scheme.

But she added: In spite of a concerted - and often colourful - campaign by the regulator to raise awareness of the workplace pensions overhaul, around a third of UK staff responded that they still know little, if anything, about auto-enrolment.

This ONS research surveys 70,000 households to ensure it captures a representative sample of UK consumers.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

Trend:

Work on the laying of the Turkish Stream pipeline will be launched in 2017, TASS quoted Russian Energy Minister Alexander Novak as saying.

Novak made the remarks Oct. 12 on the results of the Russian-Turkish intergovernmental commissions meeting.

"The intergovernmental agreement, which specifies the terms of the projects implementation by commercial companies, was signed on Oct. 10, said the minister adding that the works will be completed in late 2019.

Currently, big preliminary work is underway, he said, Russia has received all the required permissions to start current works on the Turkish Stream gas pipeline project.

Novak also added that the amount of the discount on Russian gas prices for Turkish consumers will be determined during the negotiations.
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To further protect the integrity of our editorial content, we keep a strict separation between our sales teams and authors to remove any pressure or influence on our analyses and research.

Read our editorial policy to learn more about our process.
In the face of new mortgage rules that have materially impacted the channel, one industry executive is urging brokers to keep calm and carry on. Albert Collu , president of Verico , is sending a positive message to industry players in a letter sent to MortgageBrokerNews.ca.You can read that letter below.--Industry friends,By now were well aware that we are collectively experiencing some major changes to the mortgage market place but we need to take some comfort in knowing that many of the industry major stakeholders have taken to major mediums to educate all those affected by the impacts of these policy changes and have also been in Ottawa voicing salient points on the matters at hand to educate policy makers.I do not discount for a moment the materiality of these changes because they are dynamic changes that will call for the need to sharpen and adapt but I do not share the sense of gloom amid many participants for we have demonstrated ourselves to be pliable, adaptable, and resilient over the years.Let's take a look at what's transpired since 2007 and it might give you solid reason to keep your confidence high and your chins up:1. Weve seen the worst credit crisis as a result of the subprime meltdown and literally had lenders shut down over night2. LTV and Amortization policies changed immensely3. CMHC premiums increased4. Down Payment rules have been modified and increased5. Anti-money Laundering Act combined with Know Your Client legislation dramatically changed the manner in which lenders underwrote mortgage deals6. Weve seen major lenders reel out of the broker channel. I.e. First Line and INGSo with all this, what do you think has happened? Let me tell you1. Brokers increased their market share by double digit growth2. Weve experienced record origination years in the past few yearsWe are industry participants with many questions and uncertainties. It only stands to reason that Canadian borrowers are feeling even more uncertain about what this means to them so lets stay positive and demonstrate a collective leadership approach when the market place is calling for such a need. This is a wonderful opportunity to rally as an industry and to catapult our true value proposition as mortgage professionals.We are resilient, my friends. Chin up.
Dissent in CFPB Case Foreshadows Lengthy Legal Battle

A federal appeals court has set aside a massive fine against mortgage lender PHH Corporation and declared that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), which levied the fine, is unconstitutionally structured. However, the ruling, which came down on Tuesday, is unlikely to affect operations of the agency. PHH had asked in its lawsuit that the agency be dismantled.

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia, ruled that the structure of the agency violates the Constitution's separation of powers because too much power is vested in the hands of its director (currently Richard Cordray). This deficiency could be corrected, the court said, by giving the president power to oversee the agency and remove its director. The CFPB can continue functioning, but must restructure how it runs within the executive branch. "The CFPB therefore will continue to operate and to perform its many duties, but will do so as an executive agency akin to other executive agencies headed by a single person, such as the Department of Justice and the Department of the Treasury."

Judge Brett Kavanaugh, who wrote the decision regarding the courts 2-1 ruling said, "The director of the CFPB possesses more unilateral authority - that is, authority to take action on one's own, subject to no check - than any single commissioner or board member in any other independent agency in the U.S. government. The CFPB's concentration of enormous executive power in a single, unaccountable, unchecked director not only departs from settled historical practice, but also poses a far greater risk of arbitrary decision-making and abuse of power, and a far greater threat to individual liberty, than does a multi-member independent agency."

The court decision also invalidated the $109 million penalty CFPB levied against PHH. The New Jersey mortgage servicing company was originally fined $6.4 million by the Department of Housing and Urban Development for referring customers to insurers who then bought reinsurance from one of PHH's subsidiaries but subsequently RESPA enforcement, the justification for the fine was transferred to CFPB. In June Cordray greatly increased the penalty prompting PHH's lawsuit.

However, the partial dissent, writing by Judge Karen Henderson, implies that Kavanaugh's constitutional ruling was gratuitous and beyond the reach of the suit. According to Allison Frankle, writing for Reuters, Judge Henderson agreed with the invalidation of the monetary penalty but said that should have been the beginning and the end of the appellate court's consideration of PHH's case.

"We recognize 'a well-established principle governing the prudent exercise of this court's jurisdiction that normally the court will not decide a constitutional question if there is some other ground upon which to dispose of the case,'" Henderson wrote. "I believe prudential considerations counsel against our reaching out to invalidate the for cause removal provision." In all likelihood, this dissenting opinion will be at the heart of a lengthy legal battle to determine the ultimate structure of the bureau.

Kavanagh wrote that they had no choice, as PHH had asked for dismantling the agency, but to address the constitutional issue. "In our view, failing to decide the constitutional issue here would be impermissible judicial abdication, not judicial restraint." He also said the court was showing judicial restraint by not insisting the CFPB be converted into a multi-commissioner independent agency, which would require the CFPB to shut down temporarily while the court created new offices and lawmakers filled them.

The Mortgage Bankers Association, speaking through its President and CEO David H. Stevens, said it was "gratified that the court has issued an extremely thoughtful opinion." Stevens said the ruling addresses all of the key issues raised in PHH's lawsuit "including the proper interpretation of the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA), the need for due process including reasonable statutes of limitations and the very constitutionality of the CFPB itself."



"All that said," Stevens continues, "we recognize that the CFPB does important work to protect consumers and that this case is far from settled and expect the Government to continue to litigate it. We will continue to fight on behalf of our members, particularly on the RESPA and due process issues, as they go to the heart of a core argument that MBA has been making for several years now - that lenders need clear, consistent and reasonable interpretations of the rules in order to be able to best serve their borrowers and contribute to a smoothly functioning real estate market."

PHH said in an email it was also "gratified" by the decision. "We are hopeful that the Court's opinion will provide greater certainty to the entire mortgage industry regarding the industry's reliance on long-standing regulation as to how to conduct business."

Not surprisingly the CFPB had the opposite reaction and said it was reviewing its options and that its work will continue. "Congress has charged the bureau with ensuring that the markets for consumer financial products and services are fair, transparent, and competitive and with protecting consumers in these markets from unlawful practices," the bureau emailed. "Today's decision will not dampen our efforts or affect our focus on the mission of the agency."

CFPB was established by the Dodd Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and while its director is appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate it is funded through the Federal Reserve in an attempt to allow it to operating free from politics. This funding mechanism has been a bone of contention, especially for congressional Republicans and they have proposed legislation to give Congress authority over the bureau's budget.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

Algeria, as a member of OPEC, will support any of its decision related to limiting or freezing the oil production, said Algerian Energy Minister Noureddine Boutarfa during his speech at the 23rd World Energy Congress in Istanbul Oct. 12.

This is not an issue for us. This decision will not benefit Algeria only, it is also vital for consumers and global economy, said Boutarfa.

According to him, energy ministers of oil producing countries will hold a consultation meeting Oct. 12 on OPEC decisions made at the informal meeting in Algeria.

The 23rd World Energy Congress is held in Istanbul, Turkey on the initiative of Turkeys Prime Minister Binali Yildirim and Energy and National Resources Minister Berat Albayrak and under the auspices of Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
A federal appeals court ruled yesterday that the structure of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was unconstitutional. So what does that mean for the businesses regulated by the CFPB? According to Sen. Elizabeth Warren, not much.The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia ruled yesterday that the CFPBs director wasnt sufficiently answerable to the president. That, the court ruled, was a violation of the Constitutions separation of powers. But Warren (D-Mass.), the architect of the agency, criticized the decision, which she said bizarrely relies on a mischaracterization of my original proposal for a new consumer agency. Warren said the decision will likely be appealed and overturned.But even if it stands, the ruling makes a small, technical tweak to Dodd-Frank and does not question the legality of any other past, present or future actions of the CFPB, Warren said.Thats not far from the truth. While Republicans have long demanded that the agencys single director be replaced with a bipartisan panel, the ruling didnt order any sweeping changes to the CFPBs structure. While the courts decision did say an agency headed by a single director could pose a threat to individual liberty, it didnt specifically order that the director be replaced by a committee. Instead, the court merely ruled that the president needed the power to remove the director at will.Currently, the president can only remove the director of the CFPB for cause.In her statement on the ruling, Warren insisted that the agency was highly accountable to both Congress and the President  which isnt entirely accurate. Congress doesnt even control the agencies funding, which comes directly from the Federal Reserve.But Warren defended the agency, saying that continued Republican efforts to transform the agencys structure or funding should be seen for what they are: attempts fostered by big banks to cripple an agency that has already forced them to return over $11 billion to customers who have been cheated.
My career has been very rewarding with many opportunities over the past 27 years. My career journey in nursing began as a nursing assistant, and then I went on to become a licensed vocational nurse. I received an associate degree in nursing, baccalaureate degree in nursing, masters degree in business administration, and then finally a doctorate degree in nursing practice.

The roles I have had in nursing include critical care, emergency and interventional cardiology, long-term care leadership and hospital administration. Ive had many opportunities to give back to the professional practice of nursing serving in organizations and boards of local nonprofit organizations.

There are approximately 3.6 million nurses in the United States. There is a projected unmet demand for nurses equaling almost 1 million nurses by the year 2025. Most of this demand comes from pending retirements and the exploding new roles for nurses. Roles for nurses include bedside nursing in hospitals, post-acute care facilities (i.e, rehabilitation, long-term care, home health, etc.), school nurses, faculty at academic institutions, advanced practice nursing (e.g., certified registered nurse anesthetist, nurse practitioner), medical provider offices and nurse leadership. There are so many different opportunities in hospitals alone that include emergency, critical care, perioperative, med/surg and labor and delivery. Nursing is one of the most trusted, stable, and in-demand professions in which a person can make a real difference. Everyone will need a nurse at some point in their life.

In the Permian Basin, we have a Health Careers Consortium with leaders from each academic institution (e.g., Midland College, Odessa College, University of Texas of the Permian Basin, Texas Tech) and health care leaders from each hospital to promote health careers. We educate our community about the many opportunities in health care, not just nursing. At Midland Memorial Hospital we have a Youth Health Service Corps open to any high school student in Midland interested in a health care career. Many activities are planned to expose the students to as many health care careers as we can in the short time we have them. For nursing students, we have a strong nurse intern and nurse residency program to assist with transition to practice.

We strive to provide a nursing workforce reflective of the people we care for, including ethnic and racial minority groups. Of the 3.6 million nurses in the United States, approximately 10 percent of them are males. Every day, nurses make a positive difference in our patients lives by providing high-quality care and services. Our nurses provide this care with an increasingly in a multicultural and global society.

If you are interested in an exciting, rewarding, and stable career as a nurse, I would encourage you to visit our local colleges and universities to discuss your options. If you are unsure and would like to visit about health care career options, you may always email me at bob.dent@midland-memorial.com. Id be more than happy to discuss the many opportunities that exist.

You may learn more about careers at Midland Memorial Hospital by visiting our careers webpage, www.midland-memorial.com/careers, or send an email to Lupe Reyes at, lupe.reyes@midland-memorial.com. Like our Midland Memorial Hospital Facebook Page and watch for Hot Jobs sent out each Tuesday. And, follow us on Twitter @MidlandMemorial and @MidlandHealthHR for other posting on jobs.

Its an exciting time to be a nurse and to be in health care.

Bob Dent is senior vice president and chief nursing officer at Midland Memorial Hospital
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When she thinks about Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Cynthia Acosta touches a ribbon on her chest. Her pink ribbon is intertwined with teal and lime green, symbols of Acostas fight against metastatic, or stage four, breast cancer.

We support pink, but in a sense were different, Acosta said. Were not survivors  were going to be in treatment for the rest of our lives. When one treatment stops working, we try another.

Acosta, 57, was diagnosed in March 2015. Though she had annual mammograms since age 40, she fell into a small percentage of patients who are diagnosed initially with breast cancer that has traveled to other parts of the body.

I was in shock, Acosta said. For a [moment], I felt like I was going to be tumbling down hill. In all likelihood, I should be in a bed somewhere. Im thankful God gives me faith to keep carrying on.

A positive attitude has enabled Acosta to continue being active. Since her diagnosis, she has served as a volunteer at Gifts of Hope and St. Stephens Catholic Church.

Donna Luna-Hernandez, a friend, said Acosta has a giving spirit despite struggling with her disease.

She always feels theres someone less fortunate, Luna-Hernandez said. Being a single mom  I was one for years  I know about wanting to take care of everybody besides yourself.

But volunteering isnt easy for Acosta. Cancer started in her left breast and spread to her bones, including her skull, chest, ribs, spine, femur and pelvis.

Im in severe pain every day, but I dont show it, Acosta said. Im beating statistics right now because the treatment is working. It hasnt progressed. I have a lot of fatigue, pain. I dont want to get out of bed. Ive tried the alternatives like massages and essential oils.

She now undergoes a combination of three treatments at Texas Oncology  Midland Allison Cancer Center.

People say I look so good, Acosta said. They dont understand, and they look at me like Im a different stage when people lose hair. I look good but inside, Im riddled with this beast.

Since she was diagnosed, Acosta has sought ways to advocate for people with stage four cancer. She has reached out to local breast cancer groups to encourage them to recognize metastatic patients, instead of focusing only on awareness and survivorship.

Midland has been different than other places, Acosta said. Theyve embraced it, and Ive accepted that they incorporate metavivors. In other places, organizations dont do that.

Acosta also finds information about treatment to share with oncologists and the local support group Helping Hands Metastatic Cancer.

She does a lot of research to find resources available to metastatic cancer patients, said Fatima Castillo, one of the Helping Hands leaders. She tells everybody in the group about them. As leaders of the group, we can tell people not in the group as well.

Castillo, who is also executive director of Gifts of Hope, said Acosta has maintained a positive outlook despite her metastatic cancer diagnosis.

Shes focused on enjoying her life, Castillo said. A lot of people when they hear that, they think its a death sentence  gloom and doom. They stay in more. They dont want to enjoy life.

Acosta hasnt stopped traveling and still buys clothes and items for her apartment. She hopes she will be able to return to Walt Disney World with her family.

She has always been a person who likes to live life to the fullest, said her daughter, Nicole Primera. She always likes to travel. Shes continuing to experience things with her grandchildren. Those memories will live forever.

Since Acostas diagnosis, her family spends time together once a week to play cards or watch movies. She fears how her loved ones will respond if her condition gets worse.

Statistically, people live three years from the diagnosis, Acosta said. Its been one and a half years, and Im OK. I worry about how the end will come, how other people will react.

Acosta said she will continue advocating for people with metastatic breast cancer and encourages other patients to research the disease.

My purpose is to be able to help others, not to be in a bed without any [hope], Acosta said. I want to be the person God wants me to be. I dont think he intended for me to lay in a bed.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

By Elena Kosolapova  Trend:

Kazakhstan has launched oil production at Kashagan field, with oil being produced at only four wells of the field, Sputnik Kazakhstan quoted Kazakh Energy Minister Kanat Bozumbayev as saying.

As of Wednesday morning, daily oil production at Kashagan stood at 90,000 barrels, Bozumbayev told reporters on the sidelines of a plenary session of the Majilis (parliaments lower chamber) on Oct. 12.

The onshore facility Bolashak, which processes the Kashagan oil, is also operating normally, according to the minister.

Yesterday, the first batch of the processed commercial oil was delivered from Bolashak to the tanks of KazTransOil, the minister said, adding, The project operator and its shareholders will announce the first export contract soon.

Kashagan is a large oil and gas field in Kazakhstan, located in the north of the Caspian Sea. Its total oil reserves amount to 38 billion barrels. Some 10 billion out of them are recoverable reserves.

Kashagans natural gas reserve exceeds one trillion cubic meters.

Production at the Kashagan field started in September 2013, but in October, it was suspended after a gas leak on one of the main pipelines.

An analysis was conducted for several months, which revealed numerous micro-cracks on the pipeline. They emerged as a result of the impact of the associated gas of high sulfur content on the metal.

The projects operator, North Caspian Operating Company BV (NCOC), confirmed the need for a complete replacement of the 200 kilometer long gas and oil pipelines at the field.

The project participants are KMG Kashagan BV (16.88 percent), AGIP Caspian Sea BV (nearly 16.81 percent), CNPC Kazakhstan BV (8.33 percent), Exxon Mobil Kazakhstan Inc. (nearly 16.81 percent), INPEX North Caspian Sea Ltd., Shell Kazakhstan Development BV (nearly 16.81 percent), and Total E&P Kazakhstan (nearly 16.81 percent).

Follow the author on Twitter: @E_Kosolapova
A candidate forum is planned for Oct. 20 for those running for Midland ISD school board.

The League of Women Voters and Negro Business and Professional Women will hold the forum at 7 p.m. at Midland College.

If this community is serious about education reform, those holding the forum would need to reserve Chap Center. If the tax ratification election is any indication, a mid-size meeting room will provide more than enough space.

Our community got another shot of bad news this week as the school board approved asking the Texas Education Agency for 72 class-size waivers. School district leaders said it is likely our elementary schools will need only 52 when new teachers begin and portables are delivered. Still, those 52 do not represent the kind of education that members of our community should expect of its school district.

The TEA calls for a maximum ratio of 22 students for every teacher in kindergarten through fourth grade. There will be 52 cases at 13 elementary schools in which the ratio will be higher -- as much as 25 to 1 in some second-, third- and fourth-grade classrooms. Our community is failing our youngest students when they need their teachers attention the most.

We hope that those who attend this forum come with questions in hand. Ask those candidates how they expect to reverse this trend. Odessa did it, going from 168 waiver requests in 2014 to 30 this year.

We hope concerned residents also ask candidates how they anticipate connecting with their constituents in a way that the current board isnt doing. Let us be clear: Those running for school board, your participation shouldnt be seen as a part-time venture. That is how our community got into the predicament we find ourselves in. While it is convenient to blame Austin or the small percentage that stepped forward to block a needed infusion of funds to accelerate reform, this community is disconnected from its leadership, which had no business operating on cruise control for the better part of a decade.

The result was performance issues, a roller coaster of waiver requests and the inability of a district to get its employees, its students parents and others concerned about education to cast ballots when the district needed it the most.

We likely will address the upcoming candidate forum in more detail at a later date. But it is never too early to start preparing. The results of the last week made that abundantly clear.

MISD waivers

2016: 72 plus (will likely need 52)

2015: 41

2014: 18

2013: 19

2012: 109

2011: 75

Waiver requests by campus

Fasken: 19 (will likely need two)

Bowie: 14

Greathouse: seven

Scharbauer: six

Fannin 4, Parker 4 (will likely need one)

Bush, Henderson, Jones, Washington, Yarbrough: three each

Santa Rita: two

Emerson: one

Source: MISD

Waiver requests by grades

Kindergarten: 10 (will likely need six)

First grade: 19 (will likely need 14)

Second grade: 11

Third grade: 21 (will likely need 17)

Fourth grade: 11 (will likely need seven)

Note: Parker is filing for four (one in first grade and three in second). It wasnt indicated which waivers might not be needed.

Source: MISD
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

By Maksim Tsurkov  Trend:

OPEC expects that its decisions will lead to a speedier decrease in oil reserves in storages and restoration of the balance between supply and demand in the market, said OPEC Secretary General Mohammad Barkindo.

Barkindo made the remarks Oct. 12 addressing the 23rd World Energy Congress, which kicked off Oct. 9 in Istanbul.

He noted that the agreement, reached earlier in Algeria, must be adopted not only within the OPEC, but also during the consultations with non-OPEC producers.

The decision was adopted unanimously within the OPEC, said the secretary general, adding the World Energy Congress in Istanbul is a good opportunity to hold consultations with other oil producing countries.

He also said the unprecedented fall in oil prices, which began in 2014, is related to the high fillup of storages.

Large production volumes, as a result of high prices, created unsustainable situation in the market, he noted.

OPECs high level committee for the implementation of the Algiers decision will have a meeting in late October in Vienna and will present a report on the work done at a conference on Nov. 30, added Barkindo.

The 23rd World Energy Congress will last until Oct.13.



Running since 1924, the triennial World Energy Congress is the World Energy Councils global flagship event that enables dialogue among ministers, CEOs and industry experts on critical developments in the energy sector.



As the worlds premier energy gathering, the Congress offers a unique opportunity for participants to better understand energy issues and solutions from a global perspective.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @MaksimTsurkov
The Victor Martinez Story | His Trials, Tribulations & Triumphs

Written by Peter McGough & Photography by Per Bernal

12 October 2016

The Victor Martinez Story

His Trials, Tribulations & Triumphs

Victor Martinez won his pro card in 2000 and is one of the longest established competitors on the scene. Hes enjoyed a great competitive career but offstage he has endured more drama than the complete series of The Sopranos. Within this two-parter we re-visit his past heartaches; discover how he emerged stronger and more resilient after each episode; and why no one would ever, ever, nickname him Lucky.

Prologue

Dateline, Friday April 27, 2012: Jacob K. Javits Federal Building, New York City.

As he stood in the immigration court Victor Martinez knew that his torrid life had reached its most crucial make-or-break crossroads. In his 38 years on this earth he had faced many previous major traumas. For the most part he had overcome each challenge, albeit that each hurdle had bequeathed him emotional baggage that would accompany him all his days. So here he was at 9.25am this April morning, having been incarcerated for the past seven months, standing before a judge who would decide whether he was to be set free or deported to the land of his birth, the Dominican Republic. If he was deported his career as a pro bodybuilder would virtually be over, as he would never be able to compete on US soil again. But more than that he would lose contact with the four children he had fathered in the States. The judge was berating him for the 2000 felony that had brought him to this place. The defendants mind was full of dark thoughts but as he absorbed the judges admonishment, intermingled with thoughts of his children and fatherhood, it slowly dawned on Victor that he had been here before, that something almost magical, kind of otherworldly and spiritual was happening .

TRIAL ONE: EARLY DAYS, EARLY TRAUMAS

Victor Martinez was born on July 29, 1973 in San Francisco de Macoris in the Dominican Republic. His birthplace is a town of 175,000 souls described as an isolated paradise due to its valley location rendering it free from the hurricanes and extremely hot weather that affects the rest of the island. Until he was six, Victor lived in the suburb of Campo, which is basically a farming community.

He recalls those days, The main noise you heard was roosters crowing. I spent a lot of time with my grandpa who would cut sugar cane and I would go round with him when he delivered milk from a horse-drawn cart. I went to a small school and my sister had to bribe me with a banana to attend. The big thing was going to the Jaya River to swim and fish.

A few years earlier his father had relocated to New York to prepare for the rest of the family (which eventually comprised a wife, seven daughters and two sons) to follow him. In the summer of 1979, the family joined him in Washington Heights, which is in northern Manhattan.

Our subject explains the transition: One day Im running around a farm in bare feet and then next thing you know Im wearing clunky shoes and walking around the streets of a big city looking up in awe at the skyscrapers. Me and four of my sisters shared one bedroom. A few years later we upgraded big time to have two bedrooms between us  that was grandiose.

Victor speaks warmly of his mother, She was a typical mother, very kind, very comforting and nurturing. In quieter moments he will tell you that one of his most heartbreaking experiences was, Losing my mother and not being able to say goodbye. She was in Dominican Republic. She had cancer but never told me how bad it was. It was August 2006, a month before the Olympia, and I never got to say I love you before she died.

His relationship with his father was different. When they moved to New York Victor was six and his dad was in his fifties. He didnt communicate much with me: I never had a deep conversation with him. He worked in the kitchen at Woolworths and I know he was frustrated about making ends meet. The main communication we had was through his fists. If I came home an hour late, he would beat me; earn a bad grade he would beat me. I was like a human punching bag.

As a teenager Victor vowed that if he ever had kids he would never be like his Dad. I wanted to be their mentor. I didnt want my kids to learn stuff from their friends or through TV the way I did. Learning through trial and error on the streets is not a good way to get educated. I didnt have a Dad who said, Look son, dont do it that way, heres how you should do it. He just waited for me to screw up and then face the repercussions of him beating me.

Tired of the beatings Victor left home at 17 to fend for himself. However, when Victors father became terminally ill in 2008, it was the human punch bag who looked after him in his final months. Of his fathers last days he says, We never brought up our previous relationship. Theres an old saying, Put the baby to sleep.

TRIAL TWO: THATS WHEN THE TROUBLE STARTED

The year 2000 was a tumultuous one for Victor, in which he rode a roller coaster of highs and lows. He had set his heart on becoming a firefighter for the FDNY (Fire Department of New York). Im an adrenaline junkie. I loved the thought of running into a burning building and coming out with a man, woman or child in my arms. It must be a great feeling to save the life of another human being.

By late March of that year he had completed all the physical and written tests and was awaiting notification of whether he had been accepted by the FDNY. The holder of a green card, he was also going through the process of petitioning for US citizenship. At that point he had no thought that he was good enough to become a pro bodybuilder, although he was preparing to contest the Junior USAs in Hackensack, New Jersey on April 29. He duly won the heavyweight and overall titles. Shortly afterward he received notification that out of the tens of thousands of applicants he was not one of the 900 chosen by the FDNY that year. From the peak of his USA victory followed the trough of rejection. (Reflecting on those 900 accepted its a sobering thought to wonder how many rushed to the World Trade Center a year later on 9/11.) To lift his spirits his trainer Victor Munoz suggested he enter that year NPC Nationals being held on his New York doorstep in November.

On the evening of June 13, 2000, there was a knock on his door. It was a knock that would alter his life forever and nearly ruin his career. It was knock that would continue its rat-a-tat-tat reverberations for nearly 12 years. Opening the door Victor was greeted by the sight of a squad of New Yorks finest flashing a warrant to search his apartment. The reason for their visit was that a few weeks previously Victor had sold some steroids to a younger bodybuilder, who then got into trouble and was found with the steroids on his person when arrested. He in turn told the police Victor had sold them to him. Searching Victors apartment the cops found steroids and some party drugs and he was charged with possession and distribution of banned substances. Victor wasnt a dealer he was just helping out the younger guy, but that favor was the touch paper that ignited his 12-year nightmare.

Due to the charge he had to abandon his application for US citizenship. The case dragged on for three years. Victor would not plead guilty because he wasnt a dealer and a conviction to the distribution charge would have meant extradition. Because his lawyer voiced concerns that the search warrant had not been properly administered, the DA, in December 2003 offered the deal that if Victor pled guilty to a lesser charge he would just do three months in jail. He agreed and was locked up for 90 days through to February 2004. But the conviction was a felony and a non-US citizen with a felony rap would at some point be put before an immigration court to be considered for deportation. It can take years before the immigration authorities decide to haul someone into court. Why the delay is unclear, but like a badly constructed parking lot it seems wrong on so many levels. Whatever, for Victor that crucial court date would not take place until April 27, 2012.

TRIAL THREE: AS ONE DOOR CLOSES ANOTHER SLAMS IN YOUR FACE

Following that June 2000 knock on the door Victor still went ahead with his Nationals plans and lo and behold he won the heavyweight and overall titles and earned a pro card. Next thing you know hes jetting west to LA to discuss an endorsement deal with Joe Weider. He recalls the meeting; I went into his office with those big googly eyes we all have when we get ready to meet Joe for the first time.

The new National champ was on top of the world as he looked ahead to joining the Weider stable. But for whatever reason it never transpired, and the world of the hopeful signee came crashing down with long-term effects. I had the Master Blaster look at me and nothing happened. I always had a doubt about being pro material and not being signed made me think, Am I truly just not good enough? It affected me, pulled me down and my first two years as a pro were not that good.

Indeed, highly touted coming out of the Nationals, his placings in his first three pro contests were as follows: 2001, 8th Night of Champions; 2002, 9th Ironman, 13th Arnold Classic. Then at the 2003 Night of Champions the real Victor Martinez showed up and stormed to victory. The astute Steve Blechman swiftly signed him to a contract and it was the best thing that ever happened in Victors career. In doing so he gained a lifelong friend. Hes been with Steve ever since and MDs main honcho has stood by and supported him through all his ensuing troubles. Steve also brokered the lucrative deal Between Victor and Gerard Dentes MHP (Maximum Human Performance) supplement company that has been in place since 2005. In retrospect not signing with Weider actually worked out best in the long run for Victor.

TRIAL FOUR: THE ONE THAT GOT AWAY

Victors biggest competitive disappointment was finishing runner-up to Jay Cutler at the 2007 Olympia. It was a result that was roundly criticized, with the majority thinking the Dominican Republic had produced its first Mr. Olympia. To say he was merely miffed is like saying Beluga caviar is just fish eggs. Even today he will tell you, I had it. I knew I had it. I think Jay knew I had it. People backstage were telling me I had it. I could almost feel the Sandow in my hands and then I looked and Jay was holding it. I was sick to my stomach.

Defusing his temper, because thats the kind of guy he is, he turned the loss into a gain by using it as a positive energy source to fire him up to come back the next year with all guns (both 22s) blazing. He would feed off the groundswell of opinion that saw him as Peoples Champion, and return to take what had been denied him in 2007.

On January 16, 2008, six weeks prior to him defending his Arnold Classic title, Victor saw a cop about to slap a ticket on his car. He ran toward him, slipped and ruptured the left patellar tendon in his knee. Hed felt a slight twinge in that joint the day before while doing lunges but brushed it aside. It was a serious and career threatening injury and right then and there the 2008 Sandow slipped from his grasp.

He had extensive surgeries. His doctors told him it would be 18 months before he could think of competing again. But the stricken pro targeted the 2009 Arnold, 12 months hence, for his return. During his prep every gym movement invoked pain (in fact it was to be over two years before he trained pain-free) and onstage flexing his left thigh was very near agonizing. He finished a valiant runner-up to Kai Greene. But the greater defeat was the knowledge that he wasnt as good as he could have been if he hadnt sustained the knee injury. I had such big hopes for 2008. I would take the Arnold and then beat Jay at the Olympia. The momentum was with me and it definitely was a big opportunity missed due to the injury. Damn! Why didnt I just let the cop give me a ticket?

In Part 2, to be posted next Tuesday, July 28, we cover the brutal murder of Victors sister, how he was arrested and incarcerated for seven months by the Immigration authorities and how his case was finally resolved.



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Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oct. 12

By Demir Azizov Trend:

Eduards Stiprais, the newly appointed head of the EU delegation in Uzbekistan, delivered copies of credentials to Abdulaziz Kamilov, the countrys foreign minister, the Uzbek foreign ministry said in a message.

According to the message, during the meeting, Kamilov and Stiprais discussed the prospects of further development of bilateral relations in political, trade-economic, investment, cultural-humanitarian and other spheres.

Kamilov and Stiprais stressed that strengthening of the Uzbekistan-EU relations is in the interests of both sides, the message said.

According to the message, the sides also exchanged views on certain international and regional issues.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini approved Stiprais head of the EU delegation in Uzbekistan in late August 2016.

Prior to his appointment to Uzbekistan, Stiprais served as deputy secretary of state -. political director of the Foreign Ministry of Latvia.

Uzbekistan and the EU signed an agreement on 'Partnership and Cooperation ' in 1996. Diplomatic representation of the EU in Uzbekistan opened in 2012.

The amount of the EUs financial assistance to Uzbekistan in 2014-2020 was approved in the amount of 168 million euros. These funds will be directed at improving irrigation infrastructure, introduction of renewable energy sources in agribusiness, promoting the program to create new jobs in the regions.
We have independently selected these offers and products because we love them and we think you might like them at these prices. E! has affiliate relationships, so we may earn a commission if you buy something through our links. Items are
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oct. 12

By Demir Azizov Trend:

Head of the Election Department of the OSCE's Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (OSCE/ODIHR) Alexander Shlyk has arrived in Uzbekistan, the press service of the countrys Central Election Commission (CEC) reported Oct. 12.

Specialists of the Needs Assessment Mission (NAM) headed by Alexander Shlyk (Belarus) and OSCE/ODIHR Election Advisor Ulvi Akhundlu (Azerbaijan) will study the pre-election situation in Uzbekistan, according to the CEC.

They will also meet with the leadership of the Uzbek Foreign Affairs Ministry, the Central Election Commission, the Supreme Court, Ministry of Justice, the upper house of the Uzbek parliament as well as other institutions October 11-14, 2016, the countrys CEC reported.

Following the meetings, the NAM will elaborate its conclusion, which will reflect such criteria as availability of minimum conditions for an effective, reliable and professional observation of election, political pluralism, transparency and the Uzbek societys confidence in the electoral process, as well as the implementation of the ODIHR recommendations offered as a result of monitoring the previous election, said the message.

Uzbekistan will hold an early presidential election Dec. 4. The election will be held in accordance with the countrys constitution due to the death of President Islam Karimov.
Save everyone else is suffering litany; ...
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oct. 12

By Demir Azizov Trend:

The 7th plenary session of the upper house of Uzbekistan's parliament, the Senate, has started its work in Tashkent, Trends correspondent reported from the session.

During the session, the senators will consider the law On amnesty in connection with the 24th anniversary of adoption of Uzbek constitution submitted to the upper house of the parliament by the countrys acting President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The agenda also includes discussion of a number of laws, including the law On social services for elderly, disabled and other socially vulnerable categories of the population, On amendments to the law On trade unions, their rights and guarantees of their activity.

The senators will also consider the law on ratification of the convention of the International labor Organization (ILO) on freedom of associations and protection of the right to unite in trade unions.

Uzbekistans bicameral parliament  the Supreme Assembly  was created in 2005. Its legislative chamber permanently has 150 MPs.

The upper house - Senate has 100 MPs elected in equal numbers, i.e. six MPs from the Karakalpakstan Republic, provinces and the city of Tashkent. Sixteen more members of the Senate are appointed by Uzbek president from among the most distinguished citizens.

The Senate meetings are held in case of necessity, but at least three times a year.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oct. 12

By Demir Azizov  Trend:

Experts of the needs assessment mission of the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights had a meeting in Uzbekistans Central Election Commission, the Uzbek Republican Press Center for Election Coverage told Trend Oct. 12.

The meeting was held in connection with the upcoming presidential election in Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan will hold an early presidential election on Dec. 4. The election will be held in accordance with the countrys constitution due to the death of President Islam Karimov.

It was previously reported that the mission led by head of the OSCE/ODIHR Election Department, Alexander Shlyk arrived in Tashkent.

Chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) Mirza-Ulugbek Abdusalomov informed the experts in details about the work carried out by central and district election commissions for preparing and holding the presidential election.

Abdusalomov said the information related to the election campaign was posted on the website of the CEC.

The needs assessment mission (NAM) experts said in turn that the Uzbek CEC consistently improves law enforcement practice in order to guarantee the citizens' electoral rights.

The OSCE/ODIHR praised the recent changes made to the electoral legislation of Uzbekistan, in particular the reduction of the number of signatures to be collected by political parties in support of a presidential candidate from 5 to 1 percent.

The NAM experts praised the CEC online training seminars for officials of district election commissions, highlighting the novelty of the format, as well as the importance of quality training for election commissions members and voters themselves for the upcoming election.
Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Oct. 12



By Demir Azizov- Trend:

The upper house of the Uzbek parliament, the Senate, adopted a resolution on amnesty in connection with the 24th anniversary of the constitution of Uzbekistan at a plenary session Oct. 12, Trends correspondent reported from the session.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Legislation, Judicial and Legal Affairs of Uzbekistan Tolibjon Madumarov submitted the draft resolution on amnesty and the order of application of the amnesty act to senators.

It was reported that the issue of amnesty was submitted to the upper house of the Uzbek parliament by acting President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

The amnesty will apply to the individuals who committed the crimes posing no threat for the society, by negligence, as well as first-time offenders. In particular, the sentenced women, the individuals who committed the crimes being under 18 years old, men who have reached the age of 60, as well as foreign citizens are planned to be released.

The upper house of the parliament determined the individuals, not to be affected by the regulations of the amnesty act. According to the Senate decision, those sentenced to life imprisonment, those who committed premeditated murders and heinous crimes and those who took part in the activities of banned organizations will not be pardoned.

The Amnesty Act should be implemented within three months from the date of its adoption by the Senate.

The Senate was entitled to make decisions concerning amnesty in 2005 upon the president's decision in Uzbekistan. Earlier, this right exclusively belonged to the president of the republic.

For the first time the Senate of Uzbekistan adopted a resolution on amnesty in 2005 in connection with the 13thanniversary of the adoption of the Constitution.
Seeking to reassure voters after a shaky week, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump made two stops in the critical "I-4 Corridor" region of Central Florida on Wednesday.

After a midday campaign stop in Ocala, Trump spoke to a large crowd of supporters at Lakeland Linder Regional Airport around 4 p.m.

Donald Trump visited Ocala, Lakeland on Wednesday

Approximately 17K combined supporters attended the events



Florida Decides: How Floridians fit into the election

In Ocala, thunderous cheers from the nearly 10,000 in attendance greeted the candidate. Almost immediately, he went on the attack against his Democratic opponent, Hillary Clinton.

"We are going to cut taxes big league. 'Crooked Hillary' is going to raise taxes," Trump told the crowd at Rowan Agricultural Complex in Ocala, where the line to get in started forming before 6 a.m.



Trump's brash style is what brought out twin sisters Nora Keuhn and Cora Frontin, who call themselves the "Trump Twins." They said his style is the reason they believe he'll fight for them and the country if he makes it to the White House.

Their loyalty didn't waver after the release last week of audio of a lewd conversation about women between Trump and Access Hollywood host Billy Bush.

"I think the women are asking for it. After all, he was a TV celebrity, and the women that followed him are just asking for what they get," Frontin said.

Added her sister: "I'm supporting him all the way."

Not all Trump supporters in Ocala on Wednesday agreed.

"It's not acceptable. But you know, it's like they say, all the guys that say they never heard that kind of talk -- they've never been in the locker room," Wayne Reinig said.

"In 27 days, we're going to win Florida and we're going to win back the White House," Trump said to cheers.

I-4 Corridor visits by candidates

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On to Lakeland

By 3 o'clock Wednesday, thousands had turned out for the Lakeland rally. Supporters had to stand because it was held at a tarmac at the airport.

"This election is a simple choice," he told the Lakeland. "It's a choice about putting our faith in a corrupt establishment or putting our faith in you the american people."

During the hour-long rally, trump targeted Clinton. Focusing partly on the email scandal that has rocked her campaign  he reiterated his promise for a special prosecutor to look into Clintons actions. He called Clinton a political insider.

He said hes the only one that could fix this mess.

Meanwhile, around 20 protestors remained outside, sharing why they thought Hillary Clinton was the better candidate.

They had signs calling Donald Trump a con man and a pervert. One even brought a boom box, which played Donald Trumps lewd comments about women over and over for the crowd to hear.

"He's a con-man. He's obviously a pervert. And it's insane that we would even be considering him for president of this great country, said Mary Scanlon, a Hillary Clinton supporter.

Many protesting outside said they couldnt resist the opportunity to share why Donald Trump should not be in the White House.

"I voted for Reagan, Bush twice, Dole, McCain and there is no way in hell I'd vote for Donald Trump," said South Miami Vice Mayor Bob Welsh.

Trump's Central Florida visits this week are part of a three-city swing through the state.
A 1.3-mile chunk of State Road A1A in Flagler Beach collapsed into the Atlantic Ocean last week as Hurricane Matthew  a category 3 storm as it skirted past the small beach town along Florida's east coast  roared north with fierce winds and driving rain.

About 1.3 miles of SR A1A in Flagler Beach damaged during Matthew

State transportation officials said repairs could cost about $35 million

Repairs could take 6-12 months depending on scope of work

Read the latest Hurricane Matthew news and information

RELATED: Flagler County estimates $72 million in damages

Large pieces of asphalt crumbled from the scenic highway and eventually were washed away from the shoreline by the Atlantic's waves. The beach remains closed to the public.

The recovery process across the county is already underway, but it will take some time to get A1A back open to vehicle traffic.

The stretch of damaged highway extends from South 9th Street to South 22nd Street in Flagler Beach.

Current cost estimates, which are subject to change as the scope of the project is developed, are $35 million, according to Steve Olson, a spokesman with the Florida Department of Transportation. The costs are design- and construction-related.

The money could come from both state and federal funds.

Repairs are estimated to take six to 12 months, Olson said, adding that time estimates are subject to change.

"Construction calls for rebuilding the roadway and constructing a protective wall on the east side, utilizing sheet piling similar to what is in place on a section along the existing roadway  which was the only section that withstood the storm," Olson said in an email Tuesday night.

Transportation officials will work with other agencies, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, during the permitting, design and construction process, Olson said.

Detours in the area currently use local roads, but the state is examining further options for traffic control.

Olson said the Department of Transportation, as well as local government officials, will assess the number of businesses affected by the A1A road closure.

John Lulgjuraj, owner of Oceanside Beach Bar and Grill, said his business sustained about $45,000 in damage during Hurricane Matthew. Lulgjuraj also estimates about $60,000 in lost sales from being closed during the storm.

Oceanside is between South 18th Street and South 19th Street, so the closure is impacting the restaurant.

"It's a scary situation, especially with a newborn 5-day-old (child)," Lulgjuraj said Tuesday. "We get new customers literally every day just cruising the coast, and we are not sure what to expect."

Oceanside reopened Tuesday morning, and Lulgjuraj said he's staying positive.

"Flagler Beach always comes together and supports each other," he said. "Our regulars are like family, and they will keep us supported  and we will support them  during these times."
Flagler County officials estimate more than $70 million in damages last week as Hurricane Matthew roared up Florida's east coast.

Flagler Co. estimates more than $70 mil. in Matthew damages

Beverly Beach Camptown RV Resort suffered a lot of damage

Resort owner said he will likely need to spend $500K on seawall repairs

"The water and the waves came right over the seawall and under my cabin," said Sid Patel, who runs the Beverly Beach Camptown RV Resort in the northern part of Flagler County.

The rebuilding phase is in full-swing for Patel's park, which has offered tourists and snowbirds an oceanfront second home for more than 30 years. Beverly Beach is less than 10 minutes north of the Flagler Beach Pier along State Road A1A. In total, Beverly Beach had about $4 million in damages.

"It's terrible," Patel said. "I've seen in 35 years a lot of storms, a lot of hurricanes. But this is the worst."

Hurricane Matthew left a lot of damage to clean up.

"The roof was completely gone," Patel said. "Peeled off with the wind."

The office roof saved into the building, signage hit the ground, trees blew over and the parking lot is filled with sand.

Patel estimates it will cost him about $500,000 to fix the seawall.

The estimated $72 million to fix damage in Flagler County caused by Hurricane Matthew doesn't include repairs to state roads, public parks and public buildings, including the damage to State Road A1A south of the Flagler Beach Pier.

"The seawall is my main concern," he said. "There's a lot of damage. ... Of course, there will be a lot of loss of business."

Patel said he's in awe of how his team is doing what it can to get the resort back in shape. Employees are working the phones to handle cancellations of reservations and helping people find other places to stay.

"We pay the price being on the ocean," he said. "Mother Nature  nobody can control."



The Beverly Beach Camptown RV Resort's seawall suffered major damage during Hurricane Matthew. (Brittany Jones, staff)



Resort employees continue to clean up Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, after damage from Hurricane Matthew. (Brittany Jones, staff)
STEPHENVILLE  The return of screwworms would deal a severe blow to the ranching and hunting industries, said a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service veterinary entomologist at Stephenville.

The observation by Dr. Sonja Swiger came as the result of the flesh-eating pest being confirmed in Florida.

Swiger said Dr. Thomas Hairgrove, AgriLife Extension veterinary specialist at College Station, gave a presentation to producers Oct. 7 at Stephenville during which he said the cost to control the pest today in cattle alone could easily exceed $500 million annually.

Dr. Hairgrove also mentioned a price tag of $1 billion would be needed annually to eradicate screwworms from their former range, should it become re-established, she said. Some in attendance at Dr. Hairgroves presentation had no idea of the gravity of the issue. Thats understandable as the last reported case in the U.S. was decades ago.

The current infestation in deer is isolated to one of the Florida Keys, Swiger said.

Officials have blockaded the road to stop animal movement there now, but it is not known if any had moved to other areas of Florida before the discovery, Swiger said. They are using pesticides and releasing sterile male screwworm flies, which is the technique that finally eradicated the pest from the U.S.

Swiger said the primary or New World screwworm as its called is a serious pest of all mammals, including livestock, wildlife, birds and humans, though its presence is rare but possible in birds and humans.

The primary screwworm, the worm being the larval stage of a fly a bit larger than a housefly, is different from all other blow flies in the U.S., she said. The difference is that it infests and feeds on living tissue in live animals. In contrast, blow flies feed on carrion and rotting meat.

Swiger said the female screwworm fly is attracted to wounds or mucous tissue on animals where she lays several hundred eggs. The larvae soon hatch and live inside the wound. As the wound festers, more females are attracted and lay their eggs.

I have heard stories from back when Texas was infested with them, as they were officially listed as eradicated from the U.S. in 1966, 13 years before I was born, Swiger said. But back when they were around it was reported that infestation rates of calves were often 100 percent. Infestations, if left untreated, usually led to the death of the animal.

If not stopped this pest would be catastrophic to the livestock and wildlife industries. Calves got the worst of it after birth before their navels had time to dry and heal. Dehorned animals were another prime host. Even ear tagging, vaccinating and slight shearing nicks on sheep were enough to bring on a fly strike. It does not have to be a large wound to attract female flies.

Think about it, if screwworms returned, it could be the end of part-time ranching. Except for the dead of winter, stockmen would have to constantly watch their stock for wormies. And white-tailed deer, which give birth in warm weather, and bucks in velvet with blood-engorged antlers, I expect would be easy targets as well.

After decades of trying to manage around screwworms in various ways, it was clear eradication was the only option to end the heavy losses, Swiger said.

The flies Achillies heel is the females habit of only mating one time, Swiger said. Once researchers discovered this fact, they could proceed with eradication strategies. The eradication program consisted of irradiating captive male flies, rendered them sterile. The sterile flies were dropped from airplanes into areas where screwworms were present. When large numbers of sterile males were released into infested areas, native females would mate with the sterile males and then lay infertile eggs. This worked, not overnight, but it did work.

Today, Swiger said the pest has been eradicated all the way down to the Panama Canal, and a sterile fly-producing facility is still in production in Panama.

It is unknown at this time where this new Florida outbreak originated, Swiger said. If there is a silver lining to this dark cloud, its that the outbreak is on one of the Key islands, very far south and fairly isolated from the mainland. And luckily, the Keys did not get a direct hit from Hurricane Matthew, so we should not see a spreading issue there.

Swiger said the last screwworm captured in the U.S. before this recent incursion was in 1982, before todays younger ranchers and outdoorsmen were born.

This flesh-eating pest has the capability to cause extensive damage in the southern and southwestern U.S., she said. So, it is critical that people know about it and be on the lookout for it so we can stop screwworm re-infestation early if it shows up here again.

For more information, go to: http://livestockvetento.tamu.edu/insectspests/screwworm-fly/.
COLLEGE STATION - The Texas state climatologist said an expected La Nina winter weather pattern would probably not emerge and there likely will be warmer and drier conditions on average into 2017.

Dr. John Nielsen-Gammon, state climatologist, College Station, said the Climate Prediction Center is now calling for temperatures in the tropical Pacific to be about half a degree below normal through the first few months of 2017.

Forecasts earlier in the year called for the emergence of a La Nina pattern going into fall, he said. But tropical Pacific temperatures did not cool off enough to meet the official criteria for a La Nina event. That means that the tropical Pacific is classified as neutral, neither excessively warm, such as with El Nino, or excessively cool, such as with La Nina.

Persistent El Nino conditions were responsible for above-average rainfall in Texas over the past year, Nielsen-Gammon said. La Nina events typically favor warm and dry winters in Texas. But the Pacific is close enough to La Nina temperatures that this winter will still lean toward the warm and dry side.

The forecast doesnt mean there wont be severe temperature gauge swings in both directions, Nielsen-Gammon said.

These conditions usually lead to a few days getting really cold, he said. But there could also be temperatures in the 70s and 80s in the middle of winter for College Station. Its only likely to be warm and dry on average, not every single day.

Nielsen-Gammon said the influence of tropical Pacific waters on weather patterns in Texas is stronger in the southern portion of the state. He said strong, dry cold fronts could make portions of the state more vulnerable to wildfires, especially in areas where grass growth fueled by rain dries out.

Dry, warm and windy is not a good recipe, he said.

AgriLife Extension district reporters compiled the following summaries:

SOUTH PLAINS: August was one of the wettest months in many years. The weather pattern was very conducive for alternaria leaf spot in cotton and foliar disease in peanuts. Conditions were showing the potential for regrowth in cotton. A cold front pushed temperatures into the 50s, which could inhibit some cotton fields from finishing out. Late-planted corn and grain sorghum were doing very well. Some corn was harvested prior to the wet weather, and harvest should resume as conditions dry out. There could be lodging issues in some areas. Sugarcane aphids were found in some grain sorghum throughout the district. Maturing sorghum and wet, cooler weather may slow the pests progress. Pasture and rangeland conditions were fair but should improve. Cattle were in good condition. Planted wheat looked good. Dryer and warmer conditions allowed Floyd County producers to harvest corn fields. Bolls started to open on the majority of the cotton there. Lubbock County experienced warm weather that helped dry fields from wet conditions. Some non-irrigated cotton fields were expected to be defoliated soon in preparation for harvest. Weather in Scurry County was warm with no rainfall. Between 4,000-5,000 acres of cotton was hailed on with varying degrees of severity.

PANHANDLE: Temperatures were near average. Some moisture was received. Soil moisture levels were mostly adequate. Deaf Smith producers were back in fields. With combines starting to cut corn, silage cutters were running as fast as they could. Winter wheat was planted. Some earlier plantings were coming up to a stand. It was too early to tell yield estimates for corn. Grain sorghum was coming along, however many fields were still being treated for sugarcane aphids. Dryland and irrigated wheat production was going into the ground with great urgency due to the rainfall events that kept many producers out of fields. Cotton was slowing down as temperatures cooled. Manure and fertilizer applications were made to prepare for small-grain plantings. Warmer weather in Hansford County helped corn and cotton dry out. Silage was cut. Leaves were dropping on soybeans. Lipscomb County reported fall armyworms were doing damage to wheat and triticale. Rangeland and pastures were mostly fair to good. Cattle were in good condition.
Dr. Laura Brandenburg has been named dean of the School of Languages and Literature at Wayland Baptist University, filling the position vacated by Dr. Cindy McClenagan, who has transitioned into her new role as vice president of academic affairs.

As dean, Brandenburg will now report directly to McClenagan who oversaw the decision to promote her to the new position.

I am confident that Dr. Brandenburgs administrative skills, even temperament, and purposeful vision will move the school forward in a positive manner, McClenagan said.

Brandenburg has taught for Waylands School of Languages and Literature for six years, first as an online adjunct instructor and then as a full-time assistant professor of English. She teaches both face-to-face and online courses, primarily in composition and rhetoric, technical communication and professional writing. Brandenburg earned her bachelors degree in English from Angelo State University in 2007. She then earned a Master of Arts in English from Texas Tech University in 2009, specializing in Linguistics. Also at Texas Tech, Brandenburg completed her Ph.D. in Technical Communication in 2012, specializing in Composition and Rhetoric.

Brandenburg looks forward to serving faculty and students alike in her new role as dean.

I love administration as much as I love teaching, Brandenburg said. My greatest interest is in students; we do administration so that we can serve our students.

The School of Languages and Literature offers undergraduate majors in English and Spanish, with English specializations available in American Literature, British Literature, and Professional Writing. Minors are offered in English, Spanish, Chinese, German, Latin, and Professional Writing. A Master of Arts in English is available online, as is a Master of Arts in Humanities, taught in conjunction with the School of Behavioral and Social Science and the School of Religion.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:

Iranian Minister of Economic Affairs and Finance Ali Tayebnia has urged the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank (WB) to expand their ties with Iran regarding the financial and banking issues.

Tayebnia said Iran in the post sanctions era expects the IMF and WB to upgrade their ties with the Islamic Republic, IRNA news agency reported Oct. 12.

He made the remarks following his recent visit to Washington DC where he attended the World Bank Groups annual meeting.

During the visit, which was launched Oct. 6, Tayebnia held talks with his counterparts from several countries.

The International Monetary Fund hosted the 2016 annual meetings of the IMF and the World Bank Group on Oct. 7-9 in Washington DC.

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.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, 211 W. Seventh, will have its Annual Turkey Dinner and Tamales Sale from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3. Cost is $8 a plate or $10 for a dozen tamales. To place an order for delivery of five plates or more please call 293-3161. Everybody in the community is invited.

Plainview High Student Council will host a meal to honor our veterans on Tuesday, Nov. 14 in the PHS cafeteria beginning at 5:30 p.m. There will be a short presentation and a guest speaker to honor our veterans. We invite our veterans to bring their loved ones to our dinner, and we hope to see all of our veterans. The PHS Student Council would like to thank you for your service and honor you on this special night. Please contact the PHS Student Council at 806-293-6005 by Nov. 3 to RSVP for you and your family.

Soroptimist International of Plainview is seeking applicants for two monetary grants for women who lack funds to further their education. Nov. 15 is the deadline to apply. To qualify the woman must be the primary source of income for her family. She must be enrolled, or plan to enroll, in a school of her choice that will give her skills to improve employment prospects. Yahui Zhang, Ph.D., the local Soroptimist chairperson, says applications are online for the "Live Your Dreams Award." The Craig-Mitchell Award goes to the first runner-up for the Live Your Dreams Award. The second award honors Billie Craig and Marge Mitchell who were charter members of the local Soropotimists. To apply, go to the official website at https://www.soroptimist.org/awards/eligibility.html . The application and reference forms must be mailed to zhangy@wbu.edu by Nov. 15 deadline. Questions may be directed to the same email.

The 86th Annual St. Alice Turkey Dinner will be held 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, with take-out and drive-thru available, at the St. Alice Catholic Church Cafeteria, 1114 Houston, in Plainview. Cost is $9. Advance tickets are available at Massos and both locations of Centennial Bank in Plainview.

Plainview High School seniors and their parents are encouraged to attend GenTX CAN (College Assistance Night) from 5:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, at Plainview High School. Information and assistance will be provided on completing college applications, scholarships, FAFSA financial aid applications, the PEP program, NCAA/NAIA clearinghouse, and retaking the PSI.

Pastors Steve Rogers and Steve Martinez of Trinity Life Church, Interstate 27 and Southwest Third, invite all to attend a Day of Unity and Blessings on Sunday, Nov. 5  services at 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m. (Spanish) and 11:15 a.m. No matter how long its been since you have attended TLC or if youve never attended, you are welcome to join them on this special day. Their goal is 100 percent attendance to show Unity and Blessing among Gods people. Go to www.tlcplainview.org of https://www.facebook.com/trinitylifechurchplainview/ for more details.

A love fund for Leopaldo Martinez and family has been set up at Centennial Bank. He was injured in a serious farming accident on Oct. 17 north of Barwise in Floyd County. Donations can be made at any Centennial Banking Center in Lubbock or Plainview or mailed to Centennial Bank, P.O. Box 970, Plainview, TX 79072. A GoFundMe account is styled: Love Fund Leopaldo Martinez Sr.

Bands Rattlesnake Milk and Sugarwitch will perform in a free concert from 7-10 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 11, at the Fair Theatre. The show is sponsored by the Contemporary Art Museum Plainview (CAMP) in celebration of its grand opening on Nov. 10. Recognized artist showcased in the museums first show Big Art in Small Town will be in attendance.

The Silver Star Board of the Hi-Plains will host a senior seminar on fraud awareness, financial exploitation and home security from 9-11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 26, at the Single Point Building at Eighth and Austin. Wendi Edwards with Adult Protective Services and Shane Harrell with the City of Plainview will be presenting various ways seniors can protect themselves. Everyone is welcome and light snacks will be served.

The Plainview Civic Music Association proudly presents Plainview's newest adult community chorus, the Plainview Chorale, in concert, 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 29, at the First Presbyterian Church, 2101 Utica. "The Great American Songbook" will be an all-American program of some of the best music from American composers, songwriters, and choral arrangers. The Plainview Chorale is an auditioned ensemble directed by retired Plainview High School choir director Walter Wright. Many members of the Chorale are alumni of Wright's PHS choirs. The Plainview Chorale is one of four which, like the Plainview Symphony, carry on the Plainview Civic Music Associations four-decade mission of "showcasing our local talent." Tickets are $10 each, $5 for students, and available at the door. Season tickets are, and will be, available; individual adult season tickets are $40, and family season tickets are $100 for all six concerts. For more information, contact Gary Belshaw at 685-2879 or by email, executivedirector@pvsymphony.org.

The Central Plains Center Fall Festival is 6-8:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, at Tommy Lewis Industries, 208 S. Columbia. Entrance is free and there will be a live deejay, costume contest, concession stand and door prizes, $7 arm band for games and haunted house or tickets will be available. All are invited to bring the family out for a night of treats and fun.

Plainview High School Student Council will host a Hall of Treats from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 31, in the main hall of the high school. Several PHS student organizations will be passing out candy to all children in attendance.

Plainview Elks Lodge #1175 is honoring our veterans with an appreciation banquet at 5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. Dress for this event is what you would wear to church or nice casual. The banquet will be held at the Pete and Nelda Laney Student Activities Center on the Wayland Baptist University campus. The members of the Plainview Elks Lodge #1175 would like to request your presence at the banquet. There will be assistance to and from the vehicles for those that need it.

Ash High School will host a hamburger fundraiser starting at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, prior to the PHS football game against Canyon Randall. Plate includes a grilled hamburger with trimmings, chips, a dessert and water for $6. Tickets are being sold in advance by the Ash Student Council. Tickets will also be sold as available at the game. For advance purchase of meal tickets, call Ash at 806-293-6010.

Parents of current eighth grade students are encouraged to attend a brief informational meeting hosted by Plainview High School from 6-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 6 in the PHS auditorium. All Texas students are required to declare an endorsement and a four-year plan upon entering high school. Current eighth grade students will be participating in College/Career Readiness courses to develop their four-year plan and declare an endorsement according to the following schedule: Coronado (Nov. 6-10 and Jan. 22-26) and Estacado (Nov. 13-20 and Jan. 29-Feb. 2). Parents are requested to attend the informational session so that they understand the planning process for students preparing to enter high school.

Wayland is offering a free one-hour class the second Monday of each month, Focus on Your Health, which is open to the public. It covers different topics each month. The first class is 6-7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 13, in the basement of Van Howling Education Complex with Carolyn Dillard, RN, on Diabetes. Other dates and topics include: Dec. 11, Healthy Recipes for the Holidays; Jan. 8, Mirror, Mirror on the Wall  Goal Setting; Feb. 12, Blood Pressure  Whats Normal Anyway?; March 12, Lowering your Cholesterol (without medication?); April 9, Increase Activity  one small step at a time; and May 14, Keeping those Electrolytes in check all summer long.

Help Coronado Middle School PTA raise funds for our parent-teacher group by donating your gently worn, used and new shoes. They are searching for clean, matching pairs of shoes. The shoe boxes are not needed. Collected shoes are used to support micro-enterprise (small family-owned businesses) in developing countries. Drop off locations include: Coronado students you know; Coronado Middle School, 2501 Joliet; and Juice Monkey/Xclusive Tan, 2206 W. Fifth St. They will be collecting shoes through Dec. 7. Call Gretchen Massingill at 292-2380 or Evelyn Carroll at 292-5018 for information.

The Citizen Advisory Committee will hold a public forum on the Nov. 7 ballot propositions at 7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, at the Broadway Brew. It will be a live Facebook event  look for the Plainview Texas Local Events page on Facebook.

Registration for spring semester at South Plains College Plainview Center, 1920 W. 24th St., starts Nov. 13. Programs include academic transfer, automotive, cosmetology, industrial manufacturing/emerging tech (wind energy/alternative energy), vocational nursing, and welding. Registration is ongoing for upcoming workforce short courses, including Certified Nurse Aide (CNA), Phlebotomy, Electrical & Home Wiring, and Introduction to Welding. To schedule a financial aid appointment and for more information, call 296-9611, ext. 4302 or 4304.

American Legion Auxiliary Unit 260 in Plainview will be sending boxes to the troops stationed out of the United States in time for Christmas. Those who know of someone who would like to receive a box should call 296-9485 with the complete name and address before Nov. 15.

The American Legion Auxiliary United 260 cordially invites all first responders in Hale County to an appreciation luncheon from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, at the Plainview Elks Lodge on the I-27 East Service Road immediately north of Reagor-Dykes Ford-Lincoln. Enter through the south door. The come-and-go luncheon will feature Mexican stack with dessert and cold drinks.

Requests for an Application to Vote By Mail are being accepted at the County Clerks Office from qualified individuals for the Nov. 7 Constitutional Amendment and City of Plainview Special Election. Call the office at 291-5261 or 291-5229. Applications must be received by Oct. 27 by fax, email or mail. To qualify, voters must: 1. Be 65 or older; 2. Disabled; 3. Confined in mail; or 4. Expect to be absent from the county on Election Day with your ballot being mailed to an address outside the county. This application is good only for the Nov. 7 election.

Early voting in the Nov. 7 Constitutional Amendment and City of Plainview Special Election starts Oct. 23 through Oct. 27, and Oct. 30 through Nov. 3. Early voting locations are: Hale County Courthouse Basement, Hale Center City Hall, Petersburg City Hall and Abernathy City Hall. The City of Plainview Special Election will be included on the ballot for those precincts that are inside the city limits.

The next meeting of the Literary Lunch Bunch is at noon Tuesday, Nov. 7, in Van Howeling, Room 104 on the Wayland campus. Books to be discussed include Song of a Lark by Willa Cather, The Last Good Night by Howard Bloom, Sisters: The Saga of the Mitford Family by Mary S. Lovell, Beneath the Scarlet Sky by Mark Sullivan and Reading with Patrick by Michelle Kuo.

Free Night GED and ESL classes are being held at Ash High School, 908 Ash St., from 5-8 p.m. Monday and Tuesday.

The South Plains AA Group meets at 803 S. Columbia in Plainview. A Big Book Study (open meeting) is held from 6-7 p.m. Monday. Closed meetings are held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, 6 p.m. Thursday and 10 a.m. Sunday.

The next Mental Health First Aid Course will be Oct. 27. The course is free due to a grant awarded to Central Plains Center by Providence St. Josephs Health System for their employees and the general public. Each course is valued at $170 for each participant. MHFA teaches participants how to recognize the signs of a mental disorder and how to respond appropriately. The mental disorders focused on are -- depression, suicide, non-suicidal self-injury, anxiety, bi-polar, schizophrenia and substance use disorder. Other courses scheduled are Nov. 10 and Dec. 15. Contact Ron Trusler at 806-291-0388 or ront@clplains.org to register.

Friends of Music, C.K. Bryan Instrument Loaner Program for middle school band students is accepting donations of instruments as well as funds for repairs of instruments. Contact Wayland School of Music at 806-291-1076 for information.

Office hours for the Hale County Veterans Service Office, staffed by Karla Glowicki, is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. The office is at 111 W. Sixth, in the northwest corner of the Courthouse Annex. Call 806-291-5301 or email kglowicki@halecounty.org.

Fitness for Life, a program of Paragon Healthcare, offers a fitness class for senior adults at Covenant Hospital every Wednesday from 10-10:45 a.m. in the Max Gabriel Room. The class is free of charge and is open to all ability levels, including those with walkers and wheelchairs.

Free ESL classes are held Monday through Thursday at The Hale County Literacy Council. Contact 806-293-6186 for more information.

Catholic Charities of Lubbock and the Youth and Family program provide youth skills-building counseling through the S.T.A.R. program. S.T.A.R. (Services to At Risk Youth) offers short-term services to youth ages 0-17 and their families who are dealing with conflict at home, school attendance issues, delinquency, or have a youth who runs away from home. S.T.A.R. services are not for families with an open CPS investigation or youth who have been adjudicated delinquent by a juvenile court. All services are without charge. Call 806-296-7044 and ask a youth case manager for more information.

Plainview Habitat for Humanity is a Christian, nonprofit housing organization that seeks to put Gods love into action by building homes, communities and hope. It is currently accepting applications. Visit www.plainviewhabitat.org for application criteria and information. To contact its team, email plainview_habitat@yahoo.com or write Plainview Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 1125, Plainview, TX 79073

Covenant Health Plainview hosts the cancer survivors prayer support group We Fight to Live from 7-8 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month in Room B. The sessions will consist of a monthly topic and presenter, and a structured segment, allowing time for group sharing. The support group is open to those with a cancer diagnosis and anyone affected by their diagnosis. The group is led by Andrea Ingram, a cancer survivor, as well as Sherry Wall, hospital mission services. There is no charge for the group. For more information contact Andrea Ingram at 806-293-7614 or Sherry Wall at 806-291-3364.

The Military Veteran Peer Network peer group now meets on the first and third Monday from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Elks Lodge #1175, 908 N. I-27, Plainview.

The Apostolic Lighthouse Church, 1504 Houston in Plainview, invites the public to pray at the church from 6-7 p.m. each Friday. You need not be a member of the church to come and pray. For those who are homebound or sick, the church ministry will come and pray for you at your home. Call Pastor Armando Cardenas at 806-729-4057 for information.

Hale County farmers and landowners that need areas sprayed by the Noxious Weed Control District should either visit the boards website at halecountynoxiousweeds.com or contact Lewis Senter, board supervisor, at 806-292-4750

Alvin Petty will pick up garage sale-types of items, with proceeds going to the Ideal Village Chapel Scholarship Fund. Call 806-685-2604.

Free GED classes are available for adults from 8:15 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Thursday at 1407 W. Fifth in the South Plains Community Action building. Everyone is welcome. Call the Plainview Adult Learning Center, 296-5459, for more information

Hosting a foreign exchange student with American Cultural Exchange Service could be a fun way to learn about other countries and cultures. Students speak English and have health insurance and personal spending money, and host families must provide a separate bed and in-house meals. Those interested should contact ACES local coordinator Kevin Foster in Amarillo at 806-352-4214, email ktexa2@clearwire.net or visit www.exploretheworld.org.

November Readers Page will be published Nov. 1. Readers are invited to submit original poetry, essays, features and photos to: Readers Page, 820 Broadway, Plainview, TX 79072; bring them to the Herald at 820 Broadway; or email to dmcdonough@hearstnp.com. All submissions should include a name, town and daytime phone number.

To submit This and That items:

dmcdonough@hearstnp.com

806.296.1353
BERLIN  Nearly 100 parents and students attended Tuesday nights Board of Education meeting to protest the recent graduation changes.



These kids deserve a graduation, with all the construction theyve had to go through all through their high school career, they deserve a graduation at Central, said Debra Johnson, a parent of a 2018 senior.



The change was initiated at the beginning of the month when Principal Francis Kennedy suggested at a Student Achievement meeting that Berlin High Schools graduation be moved from Welte Hall at CCSU, to the high school gym. The Board of Education then voted to approve the recommendation.



The time of graduation was also changed to 6 p.m., later than in recent years. The ceremony is planned to be held on the last day of school rather than a Sunday.



Senior students felt that they should have been informed of the potential action before a vote.



I think it was wrong that the decision to have the graduation in the gym, a pretty big decision, was made without asking the opinion of anyone in our class, said Evan Hilbie, BHS senior class vice-president.



Board member Julia Motte expressed the intent of the boards decision.



We truly thought this is how you wanted to show off the new facility, she said. Obviously we were clearly wrong.



Steve Miano, an all-night graduation party fundraising chairperson, spoke about the time constraints of the traditional after graduation event.



With this change it could challenge us in getting to the event, he said. Wed like to ask the board to respectfully revisit the decision.



Miano was one of a few parents and students who met with Superintendent Dave Erwin last week. Though Miano agreed the discussion was useful, he and other parents still felt the changes were not necessary.



Superintendent of Schools David Erwin had said earlier that the board had been thinking about holding the ceremony at the school for a number of years.



He said the move will also save the school system about $2,000.



Board Chair Tim Oakes said all public comments would be taken into consideration.



The board plans to revisit the discussion prior to the next meeting on Monday, Oct. 24.






WALLINGFORD  As a machine laid railroad ties along a stretch of track Tuesday, state and Amtrak officials said construction of the New Haven-Hartford-Springfield rail line remains on schedule.



Getting to this point has not been easy, said Rodrigo Bitar, Amtraks chief engineer. Its no secret that this project has experienced its fair share of challenges, but Im extremely pleased to announce today that we are on the right track now.



Bitar joined Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, state Transportation Commissioner James Redeker and Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano to watch as a track construction machine placed concrete ties weighing more than 800 pounds each along a stretch of track that runs parallel to Route 5.



The 250-ton machine is able to place up to 500 ties an hour, covering 1,000 feet of track line, and will install roughly nine miles of new line over the next few weeks. It can place ties faster than traditional methods while allowing normal train service to continue.



The machine is scheduled to return to Connecticut next year to place ties along 10 miles from Meriden to Newington. As part of the project, a second set of tracks is being placed along the newly named CTrail Hartford Line, which will allow for additional commuter service the line opens in January 2018.



Malloy said he is routinely told about how the rail line was part of the glory days of Connecticut, and the new Hartford line is a crucial part of his 30-year, $100 billion transportation plan.



If we want to continue to build on that then we have to have a first-in-class transportation system, and this track is a very important part of that program, he said.



The State Bond Commission authorized the release of $60 million last month for design and environmental work and rights-of-way for double-tracking from Windsor to the Massachusetts border, as well as the installation of stations in North Haven, Windsor and Enfield.



Malloy said he anticipates rail service will be a key factor in luring millennials to move to or stay in Connecticut. Studies show a higher percentage of people in their 20s and 30s prefer not to own a car than previous generations, he said.



The governor said he expects that will help make the line successful fairly quickly, and added its really quite remarkable how many towns have adoptedtransit-oriented plans.



Fasano said Malloys got this one right, and expects many residents in the region will embrace the train as a way to avoid congestion heading to Hartford or locations farther north.



Being on (Interstate 91) and going through Exit 21 and through 24 is really rough, so I would look forward to trying it out and seeing what happens, Fasano said.



The line remains on schedule for service beginning Jan. 1, 2018, and Redeker said his agency is reviewing proposals from possible operators.



Once completed, commuters can also use the train to connect to Metro-North in New Haven and other Amtrak lines from Springfield.



msavino@record-journal.com 203-317-2266 Twitter: @reporter_savino






Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12



By Khalid Kazimov  Trend:



A senior commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has said that there are so many volunteers willing to fight in Syria.



Brigadier General Rasul Sanai-Rad, the IRGC deputy for political affairs, says his organization cannot sendoff all volunteer troops to Syria due to their high number, Mizan on-line website reported.



There are limited vacancies for Iranian advisors in Syria, that is why the IRGC is incapable of dispatching all volunteers, he added.



The remarks came following a report accusing the IRGC of torturing one of its members to death as he refused to join the forces in Syria.



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.
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The owners of the building that houses venerable Union Square fabric retailer Britex said Tuesday that they hope to retain the store as a tenant and that their plan to convert the structures upper floors to office space is a backup in case lease negotiations dont work out.

Britex is not going out of business, and we are not asking them to leave prematurely, said Mark Stefan, a principal of City Center Realty Partners, which owns the property with Acadia Realty Trust. We are negotiating with Britex to remain in the building.

The statement comes less than a week after the property owners filed a change-of-use application with the San Francisco Planning Department, saying that Britex would be leaving the four-story building at 146 Geary St. Britex has occupied the space for 64 years. The application seeks to change the use of the top three floors from retail to office and also seeks permission to change the lettering of the widely photographed Britex blade sign so that it would meet the needs of the new tenant.

But Stefan said that change-of-use applications can take years to process and that the paperwork was submitted to allow down-the-road flexibility.

Our preference is to have Britex remain in the building, he said. Last week, Acadia Realty Trust had said there were no firm plans for the building.

Neither the property owners nor store owner Sharman Spector would say how much time is left on the lease. Spectors husband, attorney Gary Angel, said negotiations have been progressing well.

From my perspective (the property owners) are good people and good businessmen and have been nothing but open and above board, he said. They are looking at all their options, which is what good business people do.

The property owners bought the building for $38 million from a limited liability corporation controlled by the Spector family. While Sharman Spector was part of the family LLC that owned the building, she and Angel had hoped to not sell the building, which they had renovated recently.

We have always wanted to stay here, but families have different needs over the generations, said Angel. Sharman is and always has been dedicated to Britex Fabrics and keeping the business going.

Spector and Angel stressed that they are hoping to remain in their longtime home, but that if they have to leave they will reopen somewhere in the Union Square neighborhood.

Britex is going to be here in Union Square for a long time, Angel said.

News that Britex might be forced to relocate generated a huge response from customers urging the store and the property owner to preserve the signature business, one of the few independent, local businesses in Union Square, according to Spector.

On Monday, during Britexs annual Columbus Day sale, hundreds of customers jammed into the narrow store, forming lines that snaked up the staircase. So many customers were asking about the news that the store might be forced out that Angel and Spector hired a friend to stand by the front door and repeatedly say, We are not closing.

J.K. Dineen is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jdineen@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @sfjkdineen
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Richard Simmons, who owned and operated Specs Twelve Adler Museum Cafe, one of the most celebrated bars in San Franciscos North Beach, died Wednesday morning. Mr. Simmons, who suffered from Parkinsons disease, was 88.

Mr. Simmons, who was always called Specs, was one of the last of the old-school San Francisco bar owners, much admired by his customers and the North Beach community.

He was one of the great, great saloon keepers of our time, said Janet Clyde, an owner of Vesuvios, another famous bar just across Columbus Avenue from Specs.

Mr. Simmons bought a rundown bar in 1968 and turned it into something special.

Its not just a bar, its a cultural institution and community space. Specs is one of the most important people in my life and in a lot of other peoples lives here, Jessica Loos, a poet, once said about the bar and the man who ran it. She was quoted in a long section on Specs in the 2015 book High Spirits, a history of noted San Francisco bars written by Chronicle staff writer J.K. Dineen.

In recent years the bar became so well known it was listed in tourist guidebooks. Mr. Simmons and his bartending staff were famous for welcoming anyone, particularly merchant seamen, people from the neighborhood, writers and poets.

There was a poets night every Wednesday, and good talk most every night.

My father believed that a bar was a place where people could come and tell each other stories about their own lives. It was all about the human connection, said Elly Simmons, his daughter.

You can be anyone you want to be at Specs, said Sean Jackson, one its old-time bartenders. It is an authentic saloon where strangers become friends, politics are debated, anarchy is imagined, sorrows are drowned, triumphs are celebrated, Chronicle writer Catherine Bigelow wrote in 2010 after one of Mr. Simmons legendary August birthday parties.

Mr. Simmons was nicknamed Specs because he always wore thick glasses. He bought Specs the bar with proceeds, it was said, from a song he introduced to the Kingston Trio during their North Beach days.

Richard Edward Simmons was born in Bostons Roxbury neighborhood in 1928 to a Jewish working-class family. His father and uncles were sheet metal workers and sometimes bookies. Richard, who always had an eye for adventure, worked for a while in the family business, went to Europe, was interested in leftist politics, sailed in the merchant marine and ended up in San Francisco, where he became a bartender.

He met his late wife, Sonia, when he was a bartender at Vesuvios.

He seemed to have lived a charmed life. Not long after he bought the bar, Mr. Simmons and several of his bartender friends were aboard a sailboat that sank off the Golden Gate in the middle of the night. They were saved when another sailboat  piloted by the owner of a Sausalito saloon  spotted a light held above the chilly waters. It was a story Mr. Simmons loved to tell. It was a totally true story, too, Elly Simmons said.

Specs was filled with curiosities  old flags, old posters, antique maps, life rings from long-ago ships, and most celebrated of all, the mummified penis of a walrus.

Mr. Simmons presided over it all with a growl, a voice so deep it sounded like a load of gravel falling off a truck. Underneath, he had a heart of gold.

His customers loved him, his staff loved him, everybody loved him, said Clyde.

He was an original, said Supervisor Aaron Peskin, a regular customer.

Mr. Simmons is survived by his daughter, Elly; a stepson, James Farmer; a granddaughter; a niece; and a nephew. And by the North Beach community, said Elly Simmons, Dont forget them.

A memorial service is pending.

Carl Nolte is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: cnolte@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @carlnotesf
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The University of Texas at Arlington and Apache Corp. will partner on a water study around Balmorhea, an environmentally sensitive West Texas oasis where the Houston company announced a massive oil and gas discovery last month.

The study is significant as it is the first time a corporation is inviting scientists to study the entire drilling process as well as the chemicals used to extract oil and gas from the ground. University researchers will have the chance to do baseline tests of groundwater and surface water before the drilling starts.

Scientists will also be able to conduct the first independent research on the muds used during drilling as well as the chemistry of hydraulic fracturing, the process of pumping millions of gallons of water and chemicals at high pressure to crack the rock before sand is added to prop open those fissures, allowing oil and gas to flow up the well.

Its very new and an unprecedented relationship, said Kevin Schug, a UT Arlington chemistry professor and the director of the Collaborative Laboratories for Environmental Analysis and Remediation, known as the CLEAR lab. Its the absolute best way we can have testing alongside the oil and gas process to ensure environmental integrity.

Apache in September announced the discovery of Alpine High in southwestern Reeves County, a part of a the massive Permian Basin where theres been little oil and gas activity. If its successful, it could be the biggest U.S. unconventional oil and gas find in a decade.

The companys acreage is centered around the desert oasis of Balmorhea State Park, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Water flows into the park from San Solomon Springs, the largest in a series of interconnected springs in the area, and home to endangered desert fishes, the Pecos gambusia and the Comanche Springs pupfish.

Many residents are concerned about that the oil field activity could damage the artesian spring system. Nearby Comanche Springs in Fort Stockton was pumped dry in the 1960s for agricultural use.

Schug said researchers will test a mix of private water wells, municipal water wells and surface water to look at water quality, timing other sampling with drilling, fracking and production. If there is a problem, researchers can work alongside Apache for remediation.

I hope we prove were providing quality information, Schug said. I think it will set an important precedent for the industry and alleviate fears of the unknown.

UT Arlington plans to write peer-reviewed papers from the water study, though it would have to keep some of the information thats considered a trade secret private  namely the exact chemistry of frac fluid, which the industry has refused to publicly disclose. The initial plan is for the study to take about a year, though Schug said the hope is that the partnership would expand beyond that.

UT Arlingtons CLEAR lab has been looking for an industry partner for such research, but Apache approached it about the water study, which it will help fund.

Apache said it has created exclusion zones and wont drill under Balmorhea State Park, although it owns the mineral rights there. It has also promised not to drill inside or under the city limits of Balmorhea. The companys additionally doing background soil sampling and its own baseline groundwater and surface water testing.

We are in the early stages of this project and want to take proactive steps to protect the sensitive ecology and water resources in the area, said Cal Cooper, director of special projects and emerging technology for Apache, in a news release.

Apache is active in other parts of the Permian Basin, the states largest oil field, where it has tapped brackish aquifers and uses recycled produced water  the water that comes up a well alongside oil and gas  to meet its water needs for fracking. Apache has said it may start a similar program in its Alpine High development.

The Alpine High is in southwestern Reeves County. It holds an estimated 3 billion barrels of oil and 75 trillion cubic feet of rich gas, the company said, in just two of five geologic zones that are stacked on top of each other like a layer cake. Apache leased 182,000 acres in Reeves County in the second half of 2015, roughly 20 percent of the county.

Apache estimates it has 2,000 to 3,000 future drilling locations in Alpine Highs Woodford and Barnett rock formations. The company is working to the west of other companies in Reeves County and in formations where few companies have struck oil. The Barnett Shale is better known in North Texas for the prolific and eponymous gas field around Fort Worth.

The Permian Basin, which has produced 29 billion barrels of oil and is estimated to have more in recoverable reserves, has been pumping oil since the first commercial well in 1921. Last week it had 203 working drilling rigs, 41 percent of those active in the U.S. The Alpine High is in an area where companies have found little oil in the past, though. If the field proves a success, it would expand the footprint of the Permian.

State parks officials initially said the drilling was not a concern, but later told the Houston Chronicle they have not conducted any research to assess the impact of oil drilling on the park or springs. The parks department just recently gathered other scientific studies on the regions aquifers.

Its not just the artesian spring that present a challenge for Apache.

The region around Alpine High also is considered environmentally sensitive because its not far from the University of Texas McDonald Observatory in the Davis Mountains in neighboring Jeff Davis County, where astronomers have worried about the encroaching nighttime lights and sky glow of the 24-hour oil field.

Reeves County is part of a 28,000-square-mile, dark-sky reserve that requires companies to regulate outdoor lighting to protect the McDonald Observatory, whose Hobby-Eberly Telescope atop Mount Fowlkes is the largest in North America. The reserve was created by the Legislature in 2011, though enforcement and awareness have been spotty.

Apache has been complying with dark skies rules and has met with the observatory. A parallel concern for astronomers is round-the-clock gas flaring, which is common early in the development of a field before things such as pipelines and gas plants are built.

For UT Arlington, the partnership with Apache represents a chance to expand its oil field research.

A recent study from researchers at UT Arlington, Inform Environmental, Tarleton State, Ohio State and the University of North Texas found that water wells in the Eagle Ford Shale oil field in South Texas showed signs of contamination from industrial or agricultural work.

The study, published in the journal Science of the Total Environment, found instances of bubbly water that indicated dissolved gas was present. It also found abnormal chloride/bromide ratios  an indication of contamination  and volatile organic compounds, known as VOCs.

Shale oil production is the biggest industry in South Texas, but it isnt the only one, the study noted. Theres also poultry, cattle and grass production.

Researchers couldnt definitely link the contamination with oil and gas activity because they did not have access to the oil wells or the chemicals that were used in the process of drilling wells and bringing them into production.

jhiller@express-news.net

Twitter: @Jennifer_Hiller
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct.12

Trend:

Armenian President Serzh Sargsyan signed a decree dismissing Viktor Dallakyan as the deputy head of presidential administration Oct.12, RIA Novosti reported citing the website of the Armenian president.

Dallakyan also represented Armenias president in the national assembly (parliament).

Dallakyan said that he resigned from the post of deputy chair of the presidential staff and the post of presidents permanent parliament representative, as he leaves Armenias Republican Party and returns to active politics.

Dallakyan announced his intention to actively participate in the countrys parliamentary elections of 2017 as well.

Armenian media previously reported that Dallakyan forms a party called "Shrjadardz" which can be headed by former Defence Minister Seyran Ohanyan.
If anything has soared as much as college tuition (and loans) in the last 30 years, it's the anxiety among some high school students (and their parents) about getting into college. Achieving a GPA north of 4.0 and landing sky-high test scores can make high school an endless grind for some kids. Many dream it will lead to an elite college featured high in the US News rankings, if it doesn't give them a nervous breakdown first.

But guess what? Many excellent colleges for undergrads actually take the majority of applicants. In fact, 75 percent of US undergrads go to schools that accept over 50 percent of those who apply. And only 4 percent go to schools that take 25 percent or less.
An actor from San Antonio has landed the memorable Christian Slater bad-boy role in a television reboot of teenage cult classic "Heathers."

James Scully, 24, who was born in the Alamo City and grew up here, but presently lives in New York, will play J.D., while Grace Victoria Cox ("Under the Dome" and the upcoming "Twin Peaks") is set to star as Veronica, the role Winona Ryder played in the 1988 feature film.
American Honey opens in a dumpster, where a dreadlocked teenager named Star digs up a prize  a raw chicken still in its bloody shrink wrap. The scene is a blunt reminder that the American dream remains elusive, and even impossible, for many in this country.

This is a road movie, and Star (taking a cue from Huck Finn?) runs away to become part of a caravan of bedraggled and wounded young people. All due credit goes to the film for its compassionate portrayal of these lost souls, who are both victims and victimizers.

British director Andrea Arnold has made several movies (including Fish Tank) notable for pulling no punches, and American Honey is in the same vein. I got the feeling she has been looking at the films of Harmony Korine (Gummo, Spring Breakers), known for rubbing the viewers face in the ugliness of highly dysfunctional families and troubled, often drug-addled, teens.

The gist of American Honey is Stars experience as part of a floating team of con artists, young people who travel in a van from town to town (the film takes them from Oklahoma to North Dakota, the America of K Marts and strip malls) hustling magazine subscriptions door to door. These crews are a real-life phenomenon, and they are indeed scam artists, but the outfits they work for keep them in what amounts to indentured servitude.

Star (portrayed by an exceptionally vital newcomer, Sasha Lane) is brought into the group by an experienced recruiter, played by Shia LaBeouf as a wild man replete with facial piercings and a long braid. The rest of the crew (acted by nonprofessionals) is a remarkable assortment of runaways, troublemakers and disturbed young people, connoisseurs of hip-hop who stoke themselves for the long van rides with booze, pot, hard-edged banter and occasional fisticuffs.

They are kept in line by a tough cookie named Krystal (Riley Keough), only a bit older than her charges. She collects their takings at the end of the day and, when necessary, deals out harsh discipline  including abandonment. The shifting relationships between Star, Krystal and the LaBeouf character provide a bit of structure to this loose tale.

More Information American Honey ** Quick take: The road to nowhere See More Collapse

Much of American Honey is devoted to showing us the encounters between the hustlers and their targets at various economic levels (though more lower than higher). The exchanges follow a pattern: Cash is elicited through phony sob stories that vary according to what will appeal to the chump (my dads away in Iraq; Im trying to earn points toward a scholarship). Perhaps those who buy these tall tales deserve to be fleeced.

Arnolds strength is in immersing us in the lives of these orphans  they are a parents nightmare, but they have a kind of disheveled dignity thats impossible to deny, and their bravado is a cover for desperate needs.

Whats less successful is some heavy-handed America bashing, such as when Star hooks up with three white-hatted cowboy types (one played by Will Patton) driving a big old convertible. The scene gives her a chance to prove shes a gutsy sort, which is fine, but, like other sequences in the film, it relies on particularly tiresome stereotypes.

The movies running time of two hours and 43 minutes is excessive, and it feels even longer because of how much Arnold insists on this exhausted notion of the general crumminess of flyover America. The film engages when it focuses on the scammer subculture off duty, at ease in all its lowdown glory. At other times, American Honey extends an invitation to smugness that serves it poorly.

Running time: 163 minutes

MPAA rating: R (strong sexual content, graphic nudity, profanity, drug/alcohol abuse  all involving teens)
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Jewish people worldwide are celebrating Yom Kippur today, the religion's High Holy Day designated for the atonement of sins.

In observance, those of the Jewish faith refrain from eating, drinking and working throughout the 25-hour fast for self-reflection.

RELATED: Celebrities you might not have known are Catholic

The 5777th year of the Jewish calendar began last week with Rosh Hoshanah. The next holiday is Sukkot, which happens 5 days after Yom Kippur.

Click through the gallery above for a list of celebrities you may have not known were Jewish.

mmendoza@mysa.com

Twitter: @MaddySkye
BRIDGEPORT  The city has eliminated most of the $20 million budget deficit, if not the entire thing.

But the fiscal challenges are again mounting, less than four months months into the budget year, from police overtime to the possibility that union givebacks will not materialize.

City Finance Director Kenneth Flattos message to members of the City Councils Budget Committee Tuesday was a generally positive one. But he and Nestor Nkwo, the budget chief, also sounded some warnings.

We believe the citys financial position and budget is in good shape and rock-solid, Flatto said.

That was a far cry from the claims Mayor Joe Ganims administration had made since voters returned the citys ex-chief executive to office late last year.

For months, Ganim and his advisers said ex-Mayor Bill Finch, whom Ganim ousted in the 2015 Democratic Party primary, left Bridgeport $20 million in the hole.

Though that amount was disputed by Finchs budget chief, Ganim and his aides for months used the deficit as a rationale for laying off dozens and making other budget cuts.

In a brief interview after Tuesdays meeting, Flatto declined to say that the deficit was no more. He said an announcement would be forthcoming from the mayors office.

But Flatto Nkwo made it clear to the council members that the administrations attention had turned to shoring up the budget that took effect on July 1.

Nkwo said the city has promised the credit rating agencies, whose reviews determine what municipalities pay in interest, that the $13.7 million rainy-day fund the administration tried not to dip into for the deficit would increase by $2.5 million by next summer.

Police overtime remains a problem, and the city is already projecting it could end up $2 million to $3 million over budget, though new classes of police recruits may help.

You can only pound on the (police) chief to knock it down and reduce it, Nkwo said. I believe hes trying.

This summer was a particularly violent one in the city, including a shooting spree at a backyard party that injured 13.

When crimes are up, the chiefs goal is to arrest individuals that committed the crime, Nkwo said. It takes detective hours, man hours, and those hours are money.

Flatto also suggested the city might not obtain the $4 million worth of union concessions Ganim and the City Council were counting on to balance the budget.

Two city unions  the 700-member National Association of Government Employees and the 130-person supervisors union  gave back what amounted to around $700,000 over the summer.

Some members thought they had been unfairly targeted and wondered when Ganim would push other labor groups  like the police union, which endorsed his comeback last year  for concessions.

Flatto said negotiations with unions continue, but offered no specifics. And he admitted there is a risk factor that the city will not obtain $1 million to $2 million of the concessions.

Then there is the weather. Flatto said the city has a lean snow budget  which would be great if the winter is as mild as the last one. But if not, that could mean a $2 million hit.
ALBANY  Albany County District Attorney David Soares received treatment for a heart issue Wednesday after suffering from an unexpected illness last weekend.

Soares, 46, is now in stable condition, according a news release issued by his office.

The third-term prosecutor, who is running unopposed for a fourth term, is "expected to make a full recovery and be back on the job once released by the hospital medical staff," the news release said.

In Soares' absence, the district attorney's office will be led by Chief Assistant District Attorney David Rossi.

"As a result of the extraordinary medical care Mr. Soares received, he was diagnosed, treated for a heart condition, and is now stabilized," the office stated.

"To that end, a period of privacy is respectfully requested on behalf of DA Soares and his family," the statement said.

The nature of the heart procedure was not disclosed

Soares, a native of Cape Verde, off the west coast of Africa, grew up in Rhode Island and is a graduate of Albany Law School. He was first elected in 2004 in a Democratic primary upset of incumbent District Attorney Paul Clyne.

He was re-elected in 2008 and 2012.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

By Orkhan Quluzade  Trend:

Turkey has dismissed 223 servicemen as part of the fight against the movement of Fethullah Gulen, who is accused of being involved in the July 15 coup attempt, the Turkish newspaper Haber 7 reported Oct. 12.

The report says that 158 servicemen out of those 223 sacked are officers.

So far about 4,000 servicemen have been dismissed as part of the fight against the Gulen movement.

On July 15 evening, Turkish authorities said a military coup attempt took place in the country. Meanwhile, a group of servicemen announced about transition of power to them.

However, the rebelling servicemen started to surrender July 16 and Turkish authorities said the coup attempt failed.

Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had said the death toll as a result of the military coup attempt stood at 246 people, excluding the coup plotters, and over 2,000 people were wounded.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade
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Halfmoon

An engineer has outlined plans to build the region's first Chick-fil-A in a proposal retail project on Route 146.

At a Halfmoon Planning Board meeting on Tuesday night, Jason Dell, principal engineer of Lansing Engineering, described the project that encompasses five buildings with a total of 60,250 square feet. In addition to the Chick-fil-A, the site, developed by Scott Earl, will also include a Fresh Market grocery, office building, another restaurant and a retail store at the corner of Old Route 146 and Route 146.

"This is the type of development we would like to see here," said Daphne Jordan, Halfmoon Town Board member and Chair of the Business and Economic Development Committee. "There is a benefit to all of us."

The proposal is going back to the zoning board for a variance on a setback.

In 2012, Chick-fil-A became the subject of national boycotts when its Chief Operating Officer Dan Cathy spoke out against same-sex marriage.
Albany

From the conviction of former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver to the recent federal charges against former top Cuomo administration official Joe Percoco, the issue of state officials' outside jobs  and the potential for graft created  has sparked calls for reform.

But there is already law on the books that would shine substantial sunlight on such arrangements. Yet it doesn't appear to be enforced very well.

The law, passed in 2011 as part of Gov. Andrew Cuomo's first ethics reform bill, requires lobbyists or their clients who pay a state employee more than $1,000 in a year to submit a form detailing the exact amount every six months. It also requires a description of the nature of the state employee's outside work.

Since the law was passed, only 24 lobbying clients and 11 lobbyists have submitted paperwork detailing the hiring of state officials, according to the website of the Joint Commission on Public Ethics, the state's lobbying watchdog agency.

The law was passed in the wake of the 2009 trial of ex-Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno, in which federal prosecutors charged the Brunswick Republican with using his position to enrich himself through a business he operated on the side. He was convicted on two federal charges, which were later overturned because of a U.S. Supreme Court decision. In a second trial, he was acquitted.

The "reportable business relationship" forms are supposed to be submitted by lobbyists or their clients to JCOPE, which then posts them online.

The forms should allow regulators and the public to compare what's disclosed by state employees with what's reported by the entities hiring them.

"It would allow enforcement to sort of cross-walk the two," said Blair Horner, executive director of the New York Public Interest Research Group.

One entity that for several years has had a lobbyist before the state, but hasn't submitted a form, is New York University.

Linda Lacewell, a former top attorney in the Cuomo administration, earned between $5,000 and $20,000 annually between 2013 and 2015 teaching as an adjunct professor at NYU's law school while on the state payroll, disclosure forms provided by JCOPE after an open records request show. There is no indication that Lacewell's teaching position posed any actual conflict of interest.

NYU, which lobbies the state through the firm Wilson Elser, does not appear to have reported Lacewell's work. NYU did not respond to requests for comment.

The penalty for a lobbyist or client failing to file a report is up to $25,000, or the amount that was not reported.

JCOPE spokesman Walter McClure said that to the best of his knowledge, no one has ever been fined by JCOPE for failing to file this kind of report.

"I can't comment on any matters that could be under investigation," said McClure. "As has been said before, this agency continues to look at its processes and how to make them better on an ongoing basis."

The agency recently drew criticism for failing to flag potential conflicts of interest in Percoco's financial disclosure form, including substantial payments he reported from the Syracuse-area firm COR Development while on leave from the government.

Percoco is not the only former top state official with outside business tied to COR.

Howard Glaser, Cuomo's ex-state director of operations, earned between $5,000 and $20,000 working in 2012 as an adjunct professor at the Executive Master of Public Administration program at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, reportedly teaching one semester. In 2013, he earned between $20,000 and $50,000, reportedly for teaching two semesters.

At the same time, the Trustees of Columbia were extensively lobbying state government. In fact, the school's lobbying disclosure form said Columbia had lobbied Glaser personally in both the March-April and May-June lobbying filing periods of 2014.

That was at the tail end of his state service, and reportedly while he was still teaching at Columbia.

Columbia has never filed any reportable business relationship form for any client, according to JCOPE's website, although at least three other state employees have earned at least $5,000 in recent years as adjuncts at the same Executive MPA program in which Glaser taught.

Glaser's hiring gained attention because the Columbia executive MPA program has ties to COR Development, its president Steven Aiello, and lobbyist Todd Howe.

Aiello, Howe and another COR executive were among the nine people named last months in a criminal complaint assembled by the office of Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. A COR consultant, William Eimicke, is the founding director of Columbia's Picker Center for Executive Education, which runs the executive MPA program that employed Glaser.

Aiello is charged with bribing state officials  including Percoco  in exchange for government favors. Glaser was tangentially referred to several times in the federal complaint, but he has not been accused of any wrongdoing.

If Columbia had filed the reportable business relationship forms, they would have detailed Glaser's specific pay as an adjunct. Glaser told Gannett News Service he was being paid a normal rate for his work at Columbia.

In a statement, a Columbia spokesman said the school "appears to be one of a number of covered universities yet to file under a revised New York State law requiring that payments of more than $1,000 to certain state employees who perform services (usually adjunct professors) be reported as business relationships. This oversight was recently brought to our attention, and we will fully comply with this requirement as we do with other city, state, and federal reporting and disclosure requirements."

Meanwhile, an influential state lawmaker's business relationship also slipped under JCOPE's radar.

In July 2013, Crain's New York Business questioned payments made by a Brooklyn hospital, Maimonides Medical Center, to an advertising firm owned by Brooklyn Assemblyman Dov Hikind, and whether they posed a conflict of interest. (The payments, which Hikind had failed to himself disclose for years, went for advertising on Hikind's radio show; the hospital also lobbies Hikind for state funding.) An investigation by Cuomo's Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption ensued.

In January 2014, Maimonides retroactively filed forms disclosing its business relationship with Hikind for 2011, 2012 and 2013 showing annual payments to the lawmaker ranging between $65,000 and $70,000.

Cuomo disbanded the Moreland Commission in March 2014, and a federal investigation into Hikind's business relationship with Maimonides has not resulted in any charges. A Maimonides spokesman said the hospital stopped paying the Assemblyman's advertising firm in March 2014, and stopped filing the forms a few months later.

For their part, lobbyists are required to take an online ethics training every three years.

If provided with accurate information, JCOPE does seem to have the tools necessary to flag the business relationships that are not being reported.

High-ranking state officials are supposed to submit a form to JCOPE seeking approval for outside employment over $5,000.

"People file and no one looks," said David Grandeau, a former lobbying official, "Or people don't file, and no one bothers to look."

cbragg@timesunion.com  518-454-5303  @chrisbragg1
Newark, N.J.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie grew very angry as word of the George Washington Bridge lane-closing scandal came out shortly after his re-election, a former aide to the governor testified on Tuesday.

Deborah Gramiccioni said the Republican gathered his top aides in December 2013 and expressed disappointment "in a thunderous tone." He gave them an hour to produce information about the closures to his chief counsel or chief of staff.

Gramiccioni said she first got wind of the matter when she met with Bill Baroni, whom she was replacing as deputy executive director at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. She said Baroni told her he had heard from Christie's deputy chief of staff Bridget Kelly that emails existed about it.

Baroni and Kelly are accused of plotting to close bridge lanes as part of a political retaliation.

Following Gramiccioni on the stand was Paul Nunziato, the Port Authority police union's top cop. He testified he was "quite upset" when Baroni told a legislative committee in November 2013 that his department had requested a traffic study be done at the bridge, because he knew what Baroni was saying at the time was a lie.

"I never raised the issue (of a traffic study)", said Nunziato, president of the authority's Patrolmen's Benevolent Association. Nunziato said he and his second in command, Michael DeFlippis, were summoned to Baroni's office in the weeks before he was to appear before the legislative committee investigating the closures. Baroni seemed "jittery" at the meeting, Nunziato said, adding that Baroni told them he wanted to tell lawmakers the massive gridlock in Fort Lee was tied to a safety study they themselves had sought on behalf of members.

Baroni told Nunziato and DeFlippis that he wanted to argue that police officers assigned to traffic duty around the Fort Lee local access lanes to the bridge were concerned about their safety.
SCHENECTADY  At 29, Jerry Faine had big plans.

The legally disabled man had completed an online automotive course with honors. He was teaching himself Chinese and French from language books he borrowed from the Schenectady County library. He was studying for the fall 2015 semester at Hudson Valley Community College.

But Faine's life came to a tragic end on Aug. 14, 2015 when he was struck at State and Swan streets by a speeding motorist and dragged some 400 feet to Waldorf Place. The driver  Adimu Goodwin, 42, of Schenectady  was fleeing the scene after he seriously injuring another pedestrian, 61-year-old Donald Shaffer, at State Street near Moyston Street.

On Wednesday, Faine's mother emotionally recalled her son's memory on the day a judge sentenced his killer to 10 to 15 years in prison.

"Mr. Goodwin left my son like a piece of trash that flew off of his car on the corner of State and Waldorf," Faine's mother, Lisa Mazza, told acting state Supreme Court Justice Frank Milano.

On the Monday after the incident, Faine was expecting to shop for a new car with his stepfather, the mother said, and plans were set for a belated birthday celebration with Faine's favorite steak dinner.

"Jerry was ready to soar," she told the court. "Mr. Goodwin robbed Jerry of the opportunity to see the realities of his years of effort. Mr. Goodwin disregarded Jerry's life."

Goodwin, a former Schenectady Belmont Pop Warner football coach who has a past felony drug conviction, was found guilty at a nonjury trial before Milano of second-degree manslaughter, first-degree assault and leaving the scene charges.

Assistant District Attorney Stephanie Hughes, the lead prosecutor, said Goodwin knew he struck Shaffer on the night of the crime and chose to flee the scene, make a U-turn and speed away.

"He was not running from an angry mob. He was running from his own actions," Hughes said, joined by Assistant District Attorney Michael DeMatteo. "Mr. Goodwin left Jerry Faine to die on State Street that night."

Hughes said Shaffer, who lives in a nursing home, still suffers headaches and chronic pain from being struck.

Goodwin fled and stayed in a motel in Colonie at times over three days before turning himself in.

Goodwin's attorney, said contrary to claims from prosecutors and the victim's mother, her client feels extreme remorse.

Fighting tears, Goodwin apologized to the victims. He said he would trade places with Faine if he could. As a parent himself, he said he could not imagine what the family of Faine must be going through.

"Words can explain how sorry I am," Goodwin said.

The judge said the case was one of the hardest he has ever presided over, sad and tragic.

But he added, "I do think it would be wrong to call it an accident."
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Colonie

If you were in an emergency and texted rather than called 911, there's no guarantee that your local police or fire department would get the message.

That's because few of the dispatch centers in New York are set up to receive text messages.

That, as well as the need for upgrades being mandated by the federal government, has first responders around New York renewing their call for more state funding dedicated to 911 dispatch centers.

"Our (911) centers can't keep up with the technology,'' Stephen Acquario, executive director of the state Association of Counties, said Tuesday at the Albany Marriott during a gathering of local 911 directors, first responders and other public safety officials.

"We're not getting enough money from the state,'' added Albany County Executive Dan McCoy who was joined by his Rensselaer County counterpart, Kathy Jimino, Albany County Sheriff Craig Apple and others in law enforcement.

One place to start, they said, could be by taxing the growing number of prepaid cellphone plans, which unlike most monthly plans for cell service or land lines, don't include the $1.20 state public safety surcharge as well as the 30-cent local charge that is in place in most counties.

Users of prepaid phones pay as they go for cellphone minutes and other data, rather than subscribing to a monthly plan for a set fee.

It's a rapidly growing part of the telecommunications industry as more and more consumers look to cut costs.

And as prepaid plans increase in popularity, fewer people are using traditional land lines in favor of cell-only options. The Association of Counties, using FCC data, estimates that a third of cellphones are prepaid.

"The number of land lines is diminishing,'' Jimino said.

Legislation to tax the prepaid services has been suggested but hasn't progressed through the Legislature.

The battle over traditional surcharges, similar to a tax, has been buzzing for several years.

The $1.20-per-month state tax was initially called a 911 surcharge.

But a good deal of the money has gone to the state General Fund under a vague heading of public safety rather than dedicated 911 operations. Because of that, counties threatened to sue.

The Legislature's response six years ago was to rename the tax a public safety surcharge.

The state surcharge generates about $200 million, but of that $75 million goes directly to local 911 services, mostly through competitive grants.

In addition to funding the 911 grants, surcharge receipts fund a variety of public safety efforts across the state, according to a state Budget Division spokesman.

Now, 911 experts say the situation is becoming critical, especially in light of looming federal requirements that localities eventually adopt what is known as Next Gen call center technology.

That would allow uses such as text messages, video and photos to be sent to 911 centers, as well as improved and more accurate GPS data to pinpoint the source of an emergency call.

In New York, these upgrades are estimated to cost almost $2.2 billion over the next decade.

rkarlin@timesunion.com  518-454-5758  @RickKarlinTU
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NEW MILFORD  After sitting vacant for 30 years, the old Century Brass mill could become a natural-gas-fueled power plant if the Town Council and voters approve a $2.8 million deal for the site.

Officials from Panda Power Funds, a company based in Dallas, announced the plan at Tuesdays council meeting. According to its website, Panda Power Funds is a private-equity firm that develops, owns, operates and manages investments in clean energy.

The sale and partnership with Panda must still be approved by residents in a town vote, a date for which is expected to be set at the next council meeting.

This is probably the biggest thing to come to New Milford since Kimberly-Clark, said Mayor David Gronbach.

The public is invited to attend the Economic Development Commission meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday in Town Hall to view a presentation and ask questions.

Under the proposal, a 550-megawatt plant powered by natural gas will be built on about eight to 10 acres of the 70-acre parcel.

It is expected to provide 300 to 500 jobs during 30 months of construction and 25 to 30 full-time jobs operating the plant once it goes online.

Starting salaries are expected to be around $75,000.

The plant would generate power by creating steam to power a turbine, and is expected to generate enough power to serve 500,000 homes simultaneously.

Bill Pentak, vice president of investor relations and public affairs for Panda Power Funds, said the company is committed to hire as many skilled local workers as possible.

We want the community to see the economic benefit of it, he said.

The plant manager will be required to live in town.

We expect them to be accessible to the community, Pentak said.

Economic Development Director Kevin Bielmeier said the sale is $400,000 above the propertys appraised value. He added the project would add millions of dollars to the towns tax revenue and attract other industries to New Milford.

It brings far more than the purchase price, he said.

The brass mill, which sits on the corner of Aspetuck Ridge Road and Housatonic Avenue, was built in 1959 and closed in 1986. The town acquired it in 1999 and has since been removing PCBs from the property. The town received approval from the Environmental Protection Agency last week to demolish the building, which is expected to be completed in several weeks.

I think over the next four, five, six weeks, youre going to see a completely different site at Century Brass, said Mike Zarba, director of Public Works.

Panda officials expect the plant to come online in 2021.

Pentak said the company is committed to the environment and the plant would operate with the state-of-the-art emissions controls.

Were proposing one of the cleanest natural-gas plants in the United States, he said.

The plant will be primarily air-cooled, which would require 50,000 to 100,000 gallons of water daily, compared to the millions needed to cool it with water. The water will come from Aquarion, not from local waters, according to the presentation.

Brandon Upchurch, senior director of development for Panda Power Funds, said the Century Brass site is an ideal location for a power plant because a natural-gas line already serves the site .

Town officials and the companys representatives said they are excited about the partnership.

We look forward to the opportunity to be in New Milford, Upchurch said.

kkoerting@newstimes.com; 203-731-3345
New York

A woman who accused former governor Eliot Spitzer of assaulting her has been arrested for trying to extort money from him, police said. Svetlana Zakharova, 26, was arrested Monday in New York City.

The Russian woman had fled the country after accusing Spitzer in February of assaulting her in a room at The Plaza Hotel, an allegation his attorney said was false and created by someone with "emotional difficulties."

Spitzer, a Democrat, resigned as governor in 2008 amid revelations that he had sex with prostitutes. He was named as a prostitution ring patron during a federal investigation, but was not charged.

Zakharova was charged with extortion and was to appear in Manhattan Criminal Court.

Spitzer and Zakharova met at the hotel in February while she was traveling from California to Russia, Spitzer attorney Adam Kaufmann said at the time.

"They had a brief and amicable conversation, and then Mr. Spitzer left," Kaufmann said. But she called a few hours later and asked that he return to the room, where she had become "highly emotional and was threatening self-harm," he said.

No charges were ever filed against Spitzer in the case.
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GREENWICH  There was only a hint of wind, but it was enough to sail.

Under a warm morning sun, Stanwich School senior Alex Gardner, his fingers deft from nearly 10 years on the water, slid a large white sail onto the mast and mounted it onto his 12-foot Laser sailboat. He circled the vessel, fixing lines, attaching the rudder and making adjustments until every rope was in its place.

For a final touch, he secured his waterproof speaker to the mast, so he could listen to music. It would be a long journey.

On Wednesday, Gardner, 17, sailed solo across Long Island Sound to raise money for Tuesdays Children, which supports young people who had a parent killed in the Sept. 11, 2001 terroist attacks.

My main goal in this process was to combine something that I love to do, which is sailing, with something Im passionate about, which is Tuesdays Children, and the work they do, explained Gardner.

Gardners father, Christopher, was managing director of Aon corporation and was in one of the Twin Towers when they fell. Gardner was just 3 years old when his father was killed. He has no memories of him.

Ive been told that I look very much (like him), like spitting image, said Gardner. Ive been told I have the same personality as him. He was very smart and very hardworking.

He was also a passionate sailor, like his son, who loved testing the winds on the familys 39-foot boat, Evening Star.

Growing up without him was difficult, Gardner said. Seeing other kids with their fathers at baseball practice and games would send a twinge through his heart.

Now, Gardner tries to honor his father by looking forward.

He would have wanted us to live life to the fullest, to do the things we want to do, see things we want to see, not be stuck in the moment of the horribleness of it all, Gardner said. We do remember and we do get sad and we cry, but we know that he would have wanted us to keep going and to not just stay in sadness but to go out there and take the world.

This is really for charity, its for him, its for all the kids who are in situations like mine, he added.

Throughout childhood, Gardner was involved in Tuesdays Children. The organization assigned him a mentor, a middle-aged Manhattan man, to do things with him that a father might. Often, they went fishing and walked around New York.

Through this sail across the Sound, Gardner raised $5,325 for Tuesdays Children in 20 days. The money will most likely be used to fund college application workshops for the now-teens who lost a parent.

Most of the children affected by (Sept. 11) are now my age and thats what they need, the college help seminars, said Gardner.

Much of Gardners fundraising came from Stanwich School students, staff and parents. Gardner made the sail his Stanwich moral leadership project to fulfill his senior community service requirement and gave a speech to the school about the project.

Stanwich School provided the gas for the support boat following Gardner on the trip and also sent another boat containing several faculty members and Head of School Charlie Sachs to encourage Gardner on his journey.

Stanwich School was so supportive, said Susan Gardner, Alexs mother who trailed her son in the support boat throughout his sail. Its just been a great opportunity for him. Its just brought the whole community together."

The sail across the sound was smooth and uneventful.

After departing Stamford Yacht Club mid-morning, favorable easterly winds allowed Gardner to sail south on a reach, the fastest point of sail.

Although October typically has stronger and more consistent winds than the summer breezes, Gardner had worried before he set off that lack of wind combined with fewer daylight hours might prevent him from completing the journey before night fell.

Instead, Gardner cruised across the open water. He rounded a buoy in Lloyd Harbor, N.Y. just after noon and landed back in Stamford at 1:56 p.m.

Gardner said he was proud to complete the journey.

I think I really did something good, he said.

He hopes his sail might inspire others and that next year, another sail could take place with supporters of Tuesdays Children racing across the Sound and back.

For people my age, its excellent to make a connection between something you love doing and something you really care about to help what you care about, and that for me is sailing and Tuesdays Children, he said. Hopefully, I can inspire people to do stuff like this.

emunson@hearstmediact.com; @emiliemunson
Albany

Look for SUNY Polytechnic Institute to play less of a role in large high-tech development projects across upstate in the wake of the scandal that has forced the resignation of its founding president and CEO Alain Kaloyeros.

While the school will retain its academic mission, "the pure economic development component is under the auspices of Empire State Development Corporation," said Jim Malatras, state operations director for Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

On Sept. 23  just a day after the unveiling of state and federal criminal complaints against nine individuals including Kaloyeros  the governor announced he was handing off management of SUNY Poly's development portfolio to ESDC, a state agency.

The change takes place amid the replacement of the school's leadership and the imminent overhaul of the governing boards of the two nonprofits that have functioned as SUNY's Poly's development arms: Fuller Road Management Corp. and Fort Schuyler Management Corp.

In an interview Tuesday, Malatras insisted that while that handover from SUNY Poly to ESDC presented some challenges, the change was "more of a management exercise than anything."

In effect, SUNY Poly's day-to-day contract management role has simply been handed off to ESDC. (An additional layer of oversight is provided by the state Public Authorities Control Board, a panel that includes Cuomo's budget director and representatives from the four legislative conferences.)

Malatras said ESDC and SUNY are still reviewing the full slate of SUNY Poly projects and its contracts  both to get a handle on distribution of duties, and to ensure that there are no additional irregularities such as those detailed in the state and federal criminal complaints. The charges alleged bid-rigging by Kaloyeros and executives at two development companies that secured SUNY Poly contracts. Former Cuomo aide Joe Percoco was also charged; SUNY Poly lobbyist Todd Howe has already pleaded guilty to felony charges.

"We're working hand-in-glove with the SUNY Research Foundation and SUNY Central on all of this, but we're looking at everything," Malatras said. That review, he added, included the SUNY Poly clean energy project that had been slated for Rensselaer's waterfront.

He expected minimal legal obstacles to the changes.

"There may be cases where it will take a renegotiation of a contract or an alteration of a contract," Malatras said, adding that ESDC chief Howard Zemsky and his staff were currently engaged in that work.

Malatras said the Fort Schuyler and Fuller Road entities would see their roles change  and see drastic personnel changes on their boards. "That is forthcoming," he said. The two nonprofits had previously explored the concept of merging  something that remains on the table.

The administration has already demanded that both entities accept new procurement protocols laid out by Guidepost Solutions, an investigative firm hired by the executive branch last spring after the scope of the federal investigation into the upstate development deals became clear.

The carrot in that demand is the state dollars that are needed to sustain the nonprofits' projects: "In order to get those potential state resources, you have to abide by the protocol," said Malatras.

While SUNY is overseen by its board of trustees, 15 of its 18 members are appointed by the governor, with the approval of the state Senate.

SUNY Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor Alexander N. Cartwright is currently serving in an officer-in-charge capacity for the SUNY Poly campus, though a more long-term interim leader for the school is likely to be named soon. SUNY will then conduct a formal search for a permanent president.

"It's a school, too  they have 3,000 students, so they want to make sure it's on firm academic as well as financial standing," Malatras said of SUNY Central.

He emphasized that the school will continue to play a large role in bringing its research to the marketplace  a process known as "tech transfer."

"Those synergies are going to be a main SUNY Poly activity," Malatras said. " ... Those partnerships aren't going to be lost at SUNY Poly, because that's one of the key ingredients that makes that activity in the school work. It is just on (the questions of) who negotiates the deal with the company  who negotiates with GE, who negotiates with the subcontractors, who does the contracts  that will be an Empire State Development function."

cseiler@timesunion.com  518-454-5619  @CaseySeiler
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COLLEGE STATION  A Texas Barbecue Town Hall meeting organized to brief those involved in the commercial barbecue business is scheduled for Dec. 12 at Texas A&M University in College Station.

This is the third year for the Town Hall meeting, said Dr. Jeff Savell, one of the leaders of the Texas barbecue program, as well as a Regents professor and E.M. Manny Rosenthal chairholder in the department of animal science at Texas A&M.
Baku, Azerbaijan, Oct. 12

By Orkhan Quluzade  Trend:

Turkey has sent its armed forces to the areas bordering Iraq, Turkish newspaper Hurriyet reported Oct. 12.

Reportedly, additional forces will help prevent the crossing of members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) terrorist group from Iraq into Turkey.

Head of the Turkish General Staff, Army General Hulusi Akar also arrived in the province of Sirnak, bordering Iraq, to control the situation and military units.

The conflict between Turkey and the PKK, which demands the creation of an independent Kurdish state, has continued for more than 30 years and has claimed more than 40,000 lives.

The UN and the European Union list the PKK as a terrorist organization.

---

Follow the author on Twitter: @o_quluzade
The Midland Area Community Foundation has awarded The Arc of Midland $10,000 to purchase technology to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Smart Home technology that is coming on the market provides many safety features that will enable individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live in their own homes more safely than ever before.
NORWALK  The city has turned to outside legal counsel to help navigate through the Connecticut Department of Transportations upcoming replacement of the Walk Bridge.

After executive-session discussion at City Hall on Tuesday evening, the Norwalk Common Council gave the citys law department the green light to hire the law firm of Halloran & Sage LLP.

Its to assist with some legal issues that might come up that are beyond the experience of those in the law department, for example; environmental law issues and any issue related to procedure or legal rights within a federally funded transportation project, Norwalk Corporation Counsel Mario F. Coppola said afterward. The law department will do most of the heavy lifting involving any legal issues, but to the extent that we have to pick up the phone and review an environmental law issue, were going to need specialized counsel.

Coppola said the law firm, which has offices in Westport and New Haven, will provide the city legal counsel at a significantly discounted municipal rate of $175 to $250 an hour.

The hiring comes as the DOT prepares to replace the Walk Bridge, which carries Amtrak and Metro-North Railroad trains over the Norwalk River. The DOT hopes to start work in mid-2018.

Of immediate concern to local officials is review of an

Environmental Assessment/Environmental Impact Evaluation of the project, which was published by the DOT on Sept. 6. The DOT extended the review period from late October to late November to give residents, stakeholders, elected officials and the Norwalk Harbor Management Commission more time to review the report.

Its a voluminous document and we want to make sure that we have a chance to review it, and the turnaround time from the state is very short, said Mayor Harry W. Rilling. We have reached out to the state and asked for an extension, which was granted, so Halloran & Sage will work (with) our engineering staff ... to look at that document and look at perhaps where it may be inaccurate or not in the best interests of the city.

Rilling said Halloran & Sage has a staff attorney who has expertise in such law. He anticipates the review will entail 30 to 40 hours of work by the law firm.

After the review is complete, Rilling said, the city must

determine its specific needs regarding the Walk Bridge project and how to protect not only city property but also the rights of the members of our community.

Wherever we find that the project is going in a direction thats not favorable to the city, we need to stand our ground and do our best to come up with a better alternative, Rilling said.
HARBOR BEACH  Casey Armitage will continue to wait to find out if she will be able to reholster her gun while performing her daily duties as a city employee.

Armitage is a Harbor Beach Community Schools crossing guard, employed by the city, who has been working to have a modified portion of the citys employee handbook, regarding the firearms policy, changed.

The revised policy prohibits city employees, other than police, to carry a gun  open or concealed  while on the job.

The disarmed crossing guard laid her facts and research on the table Monday night at Harbor Beachs Administrative Committee meeting. The committee consists of Mayor Gary Booms and council members Al Kleinknecht and Robert J. Swartz.

During citizens comment, Armitage reviewed her battle to remove the policy as she read from a prepared seven-page letter. The letter covered statements shes made at previous council meetings as well as other information shes found.

Lastly, I ask our council to put the lives and safety of its employees above their personal ideology and nonexistent insurance concerns and remove all restrictions not already provided for by state and federal law to permit the citys employees to exercise their rights to protect themselves with the most effective tool  a firearm, she stated.

Dave Dellinger, Greg ONeill and G.R. Dinius drove 140 miles from Livingston County to attend the meeting  with their pistols holstered to their hips  to support Armitage. The three men are members of Michigan Open Carry Inc.

Id like to remind the board that feelings have no place in policy, Dellinger said. Facts should dictate the way the decisions are made.

Dellinger urged the council to take the necessary steps required to change the policy.

The United States Supreme Court has ruled multiple times that police have no duty to protect the general public. That would include city employees, Dellinger said. Therefore, its the responsibility of each individual to provide for their own protection. Something your employees, like Casey, cant do.

The committee then moved into the discussion phase of the meeting.

Booms said he has received numerous letters from community members supporting and opposing the policy change.

We are within our legal rights to have that policy, Booms explained.

We are still doing research and gathering information, Booms noted, adding he appreciated Armitage submitting all of her information in writing.

He told Armitage that the council passed the resolution to be on the conservative side of things and had they not, the council would have needed to take her word that she would not holster her gun while on the job. The mayor also questioned how many other employees Armitage has heard from who want the policy revised.

From the employees Ive spoken with, they have told me they would prefer to have the option to carry, and if they had the ability to carry, they may, she responded.

In the midst of discussion, ONeill interjected with his thoughts.

A lot of emotion gets brought up when we talk about firearms and lawful carry and children, ONeill said. Casey is trying to provide a level of protection for those children when maybe the police cant be there at that time.

Theres a lot of what-ifs and we could go both ways on the what-ifs, ONeill added.  I would urge you to reconsider the policy and take her thoughts into consideration.

The administrative committee and Armitage went back and forth discussing the policy and many what-if situations before a motion was made to table issue.

Armitage will appear at the next administrative meeting at 6 p.m. Oct. 24, where the committee will decide whether to keep the policy in place or reconsider it. If its reconsidered, the policy will be placed on the city councils next agenda for a vote.

For personal freedom, Id drive 10,000 miles, Dinius, of Michigan Open Carry, told the Tribune after the meeting. I admire this young lady for what shes doing.  Shes an American.
US Secretary of State John Kerry will meet his Russian counterpart in Switzerland on Saturday to discuss Syria, officials said on Wednesday, as a devastating bombing campaign of the city of Aleppo intensified, Reuters reported.

The Syrian government launched an assault to capture rebel-held areas of Aleppo last month with Russian air support and Iranian-backed militias, a week into a ceasefire agreed by Washington and Moscow.

Kerry broke off talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov last week over the offensive, which has included air strikes on hospitals that Washington and Paris said amounted to war crimes for which Syria and Russia were responsible.
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An nearly 14-foot alligator is the newest record-breaking edition to Gator Country as of Wednesday morning.

Owner, Gary Saurage and a group of his employees set out to capture the alligator that measures 13 feet 8 inches after they got the call from Texas Parks and Wildlife that the animal was habitual.

"He could easily knock over a small boat," Johnny Korpela, an employee at Gator Country, said.

Korpela was one of five people that went to Dayton, Texas to bring the alligator back to park.

When capturing alligators, the park uses pick up trucks for transportation - this time the group had to use an 18-foot trailer.

The new gator succeeds "Big Al," the former record-holding gator at the park measuring 13 feet 4 inches.

Right now the gator is located in a pond with smaller gators, while Big Al has his own pond.

Korpela said the park will be working within the next few months to build an additional pond for their newest edition.

Employee David Kirchmeier said the park will be taking name suggestions for the new 800-pound gator.

The winner will get lifetime free admission to the park, Kirchmeier said.

He said suggestion will be taken through any Gator Country social media accounts.
An effort that originated to honor military families with a postage stamp has taken a major legislative step forward.

U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., has officially introduced legislation to re-issue the Gold Star stamp to recognize the sacrifices of families who have lost a child or loved done in military service.

The new issue would be an update of the old stamp first issued in 1948 that honored Gold Star mothers who lost sons in World War II. The new effort originated from a suggestion made to Blumenthal by Greenwich resident Joe Kaliko.

Many people dont take the time to stop and think about the losses for the families during war, Kaliko said. There needs to be more of an effort to remember and respect the families of the fallen, and thats what were trying to do here.

Kaliko and Blumenthal, who is also a town resident, have worked together closely on a number of projects, particularly through Kalikos non-profit organization The Needs Clearing House.

Blumenthal officially introduced the measure to the Senate last week as part of a bipartisan effort with Republican Sen. Joni Ernst from Iowa.

Gold Star families are national heroes, Blumemthal said in a statement. Their extraordinary contribution is beyond measure, not merely for their loss, but the comfort they selflessly provide others, and their model of service and sacrifice. Their strength, courage, resolve and resilience are remarkable beyond words. Reissuing the Gold Star stamp is a small token of our gratitude that will serve as a constant reminder of their sacrifice.

Ernst noted her home state of Iowa was home to the Sullivan family, who lost five sons in World War II after a deadly torpedo attack sank the cruiser they were on. Their mother, Alleta Sullivan, was the first recipient of the Gold Star stamp in 1948.

Ernst, an Iraq War veteran, said she and Blumenthal, a former Marine, were carrying on the tradition so everyone could have the opportunity to demonstrate our profound appreciation and respect for the families of fallen service members.

There is no greater grief than losing a child, spouse or family member, and no greater sacrifice a family can make than losing their family member in service to our country, Ernst said in a statement. Gold Star families carry both of these incredible burdens every day.

The bill has been referred to the Senates Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

While Congress has the power to enact stamps, Blumenthal also contacted Postmaster General Megan Brennan. Brennan said a Gold Star stamp had been considered by the Citizens Stamp Advisory Committee, in 2004 but the measure did not go forward.

Brennans office said it has shared the suggestion with the committee.

The original stamp, when issued, was not intended to be a permanent stamp. The new stamp would be a forever stamp.

Kaliko said he hoped that the stamp would bring in revenue for the government, which could then be directed to veterans services. Needs Clearing House, which connects people in need with available services, has worked to help veterans in the past.

There are needs not being met, Kaliko said, noting that a similar stamp for breast cancer awareness has brought in millions to fight the disease.

The effort by Blumenthal and Ernst has the support of the American Gold Star Mothers organization. Its national president, Candy Martin, said it would help educate the general public that freedom is not free.

Locally, Marine veteran Chris Hughes, commander of Greenwichs American Legion Post 29, called it a powerful way to recognize the families that are left behind, especially for the service and sacrifices of people serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, which he said had been largely overlooked.

Kaliko said he was first inspired to bring the idea to Blumenthal after watching the Democratic National Convention in July and saw the speech by Khizir Khan, whose son was killed while serving in the United States Army in Iraq.

Kaliko said he wanted to do something for families like the Khans who lost a child in service to their country regardless of politics.

The fear I had was that it would be associated with the Khan speech as a political gesture and this is anything but political," Kaliko said. This is not about Clinton or Trump or the presidential race. This is about honoring gold star families, and both Sen. Blumenthal and I felt it was very important to get bipartisan support. This is outside the realm of politics. Were focusing on the families.

kborsuk@scni.com
By almost a three-to-one margin, Hale Center ISD voters on Tuesday overwhelmingly approved a Tax Ratification Proposal to increase the districts tax rate by 12.5 percent.

The district asked voters to approve the increase to meet its Maintenance and Operations Budget, with that rate rising from $1.04 to $1.17 per $100 valuation. Including debt service, HCISDs newly approved tax rate is $1.46 per $100, compared to the previous combined rate of $1.37 per $100.

With 147 ballots cast in Tuesdays election, the measure was approved by a vote of 109-38  thats a margin of 74 percent to 26 percent.

In early voting, the measure was approved 80-28, a margin of 74 percent to 26 percent as well.

Plainview ISD voters approved a similar measure last week by a vote of 692-400. Thats a margin of 63 percent to 37 percent, resulting in an increase from $1.04 to $1.17 per $100 valuation.

I want to thank our voters for their support of Hale Center Schools, said Hale Center ISD Superintendent Steven Pyburn. Its apparent by the vote that our citizens are interested in providing continued support for the Hale Center school system. We all are proud of the super support the district receives from everyone in the community, and their vision to help us continue to move forward.

When asked how the district was able to receive such strong backing for a tax increase, Pyburn said that communication and transparency were important.

We sent flyers to every registered voters explaining why it was so necessary to bring in additional revenues, as well as held a number of public meetings, he explained. We met with the booster club, our staff, Pioneer Club, senior citizens and more, and took the time to explain the situation to them. We were able to reach out, and most voters already knew the huge benefit our school district is to the community.

Pyburn said through the districts efforts at financial transparency, taxpayers were able to see that the school system is using their tax dollars wisely, and that transparency helped build support for the tax ratification measure as well as for the district in general.

He said the additional revenues will go into the general fund to help with a number of pressing deferred maintenance issues. We have an aging vehicle fleet, and the roof leaks on both our elementary and middle school campuses. Those problems are not covered by insurance claims, so they will be out-of-pocket expenses. There are various issues throughout the district involved in keeping up our facilities and maintaining them. Hopefully after we address those, in the future we can talk about getting our teacher salary schedule adjusted so it is competitive with surrounding school districts.

He noted that the districts per-pupil funding from the state has been locked at the same rate since 2006. During that 10-year period, the districts expenses have increased significantly. Everything has gone up, utilities, diesel fuel and so much more, but at the same time income has not. If this measure had not been approved, the school board was facing some very difficult decisions. It was important to them and all of us to provide the same level of education that Hale Center ISD has historically provided to the students of our community.
A man accused of arranging payments between a cartel leader and a Beaumont prison guard pleaded not guilty Tuesday in federal court to one count of aiding and abetting a bribe.

Ledarris Limbrick is one of four defendants accused in a scheme to provide Gulf Cartel boss Juan Saenz-Tamez a cellphone and help with his escape in exchange for money while Saenz-Tamez was housed at a downtown Beaumont corrections facility.

Limbrick, a construction worker and relative of one of the other defendants, was accused of arranging wire transfers with Saenz-Tamez's wife in Mexico, according to court documents.

Donald Turk, a 44-year-old former prison officer at the LaSalle-run corrections facility, has pleaded guilty for his role in the scheme and is awaiting sentencing.

Donald Kelly, a former shift supervisor at LaSalle, is charged with two counts of bribery of a public official and one count of providing an inmate with a prohibited object.

Darwin Barlow, described in court documents as "a relative" of Kelly's and a family member of Limbrick's by marriage, is charged with aiding and abetting the bribe and with making a false statement to a federal agent.

More for you Beaumont prison guards accused of taking cartel bribes

In January 2015 - eight days before Juan Saenz-Tamez told a federal judge he generated $100 million smuggling cocaine and marijuana from Mexico - the cartel leader was found trying to flush a cellphone down the toilet of his prison cell, court documents show.

Saenz-Tamez told investigators Kelly was to be paid $5,000 a day for the cellphone and $2.5 million for helping organize the escape.

Saenz-Tamez, 25, pleaded guilty to drug distribution and money laundering in Jan. 13, 2015. He cooperated with the bribery investigation. He was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.

Kelly, 43, and Barlow, 40, are scheduled for arraignment on Oct. 25. Limbrick, 28, is scheduled to appear in federal court again on Dec. 12.

BScott@BeaumontEnterprise.com
WESTPORT  Despite mold being found in several classrooms, officials have said students will remain in Coleytown Middle School.

Five Coleytown Middle School classrooms have been remediated for mold, according to Director of School Business Operations Elio Longo and 13 other classrooms, currently in use, have been flagged as possibly having mold.

The project could cost the town $250,000, said Longo, but those are early projections.

We have remediated a cluster of classrooms, but it really comes down to a design flaw in the unit ventilator in the wall and some, perhaps, possibly substandard insulation that allowed moisture over time, condensation to collect in that wall and when you have moisture in a wall, its not a good thing, Superintendent of Schools Colleen Palmer said Monday.

Brooks Environmental Consulting, the company that completed the mold remediation project, said in its report mold was discovered in September after a teachers complaint regarding visible mold on the interior surface of the drywall in classroom 133. Classrooms 125, 128, 130, 131 and 133 are the five classrooms where mold was discovered, abated and cleared for occupancy.

Fungal spores are found everywhere with many of them having no adverse effects. However, contained in the report on classrooms 130, 128 and 125, were traces of graver fungi. Stachybotrys  in all three  and Paecilomyces in room 125. Paecilomyces can cause various infections in humans and Stachybotrys, which can produce mycotoxins, can be harmful if the toxins are inhaled, ingested and exposed to skin.

Out of 30 total classrooms equipped with the same, possibly faulty, cooling system, 14 have been tested for mold. The remaining 16 classrooms have yet to be fully inspected. Thirteen of those are in use, with the remaining three being tested for mold. Longo said the administration doesnt plan to test the remaining classrooms in question until at least Thanksgiving break, allowing middle schoolers and teachers to continue school activities in untested confines. He noted that 27 of the 30 classrooms are in use and have been cleared for use by the environmental consultant, Mike Zubarev, of Brooks Environmental Consulting. The abatement project is not an emergency at this point. There is no evidence of potentially toxic mold species presence at the common areas and classrooms, Zubarev said.

Coleytown was built in 1965 and it is unclear when the cooling system was installed or last worked on.

The classrooms that remain to be tested, if there is hidden mold, at this time, they are suited for occupancy, according to Brooks Environment, Longo said.

Longo said at Thanksgiving break they plan on opening the walls to test the mold and if abatement is required, they will do so. Longo said the work may extend into holiday break.

It has health implications if it is exposed. It is encapsulated and in the walls, Longo said of the mold.

Asked about how long Westport students and employees have been exposed to the mold at Coleytown, Longo said he couldnt nail down a precise timeline for that, but Palmer said she believes the mold became an issue after the start of the school year.

Every summer we have a comprehensive protocol where we clean all of the classrooms, countertops, the floors.  There would have been a reporting of any mold if it were cited over the summer. Based on our summer protocols for cleaning the buildings top to bottom, it would be unlikely that this mold was present before the start of the school year, Palmer said.

Palmer told the school board on Monday the mold problem was under control and that the administration has the gift of time in addressing the remainder of the mold.

The only mold that remains is called hidden mold that is behind the walls and because of that there is no health hazard to anyone in the building at this time. The environmental consultant has said we really have the gift of time, through the end- of-the-year vacation periods, to remediate the rest of the classrooms that have the unit ventilators and there is an area of the ceiling that needs to be remediated, Palmer said.

Palmers predecessor, Elliott Landon, had his share of encounters with mold remediation, notably in 2006, when mold was found in a pod at Kings Highway Elementary School following years of teachers questioning the quality of the air and multiple instances of student illnesses.

In 2014, according to the Connecticut Post, the mold remediation effort at Kings Highway ultimately cost the town $4.5 million, $1.6 million over the initial budget. The costs were exceedingly high because, through the mold inspection process, lead was also found in the school.

@chrismmarquette; cmarquette@bcnnew.com
NORWALK  Stuck in traffic with the Stroffolino Bridge open while a sailboat glides underneath. Its is a scenario many Norwalkers are familiar with.

Now, those stuck heading from East Norwalk into SoNo have something new to look at as they pass the time. Two hot pink shipping containers owned by Norwalk 2.0 have found a home at Constitution Park, and soon will be filled with rotating public art installations.

Jack Lightfield, co-founder of Norwalk 2.0, said the project has been in the works since 2013 when the organization hosted the Freese Park Artists Village, and shes excited to see the containers come to life after a long path to Constitution Park.

Our philosophy has always been that we wanted to put art in more visible places to kind of break out of the box of having to go to a formal location with formal hours and being in a gallery or museum setting where theres a formality to it that youre not experiencing art every day, Lightfield said. By being in a public setting were getting out into the spaces that people use every day and that gives the opportunity to have better community interaction.

Lightfield started Norwalk 2.0 with Maribeth Becker almost six years ago as a hybrid economic development agency focused on public arts and creative placemaking by using arts, culture and creativity to engage the community and enhance public spaces.

With that in mind, Lightfield said housing art in shipping containers is a perfect metaphor.

Shipping containers are trendy, first of all, but the consumer nature of our economy basically has promoted this idea that people are always buying stuff online thats made in China that gets shipped over in shipping containers and weve lost our local retail and business support, Lightfield said. So were using the containers as metaphors to bring attention to these areas of our local economy. Its an artistic statement in and of itself.

Norwalk 2.0 hosted an artists village at Freese Park in 2013, using rented shipping containers to provide public art in a variety of mediums and allow the community to not only view the art, but participate in it alongside the artists. Lightfield said it was so well received that Norwalk 2.0 applied for a grant to purchase two of their own containers, allowing more creative freedom to modify the containers than renting did.

Originally, Lightfield said, they hoped to permanently house the containers in a lot near Wall Street in central Norwalk, but development in the area stymied that plan. Through planning and negotiation the project lost one more location before settling on a lot on Water Street in South Norwalk. But with pending construction on the Walk Bridge potentially taking the lot to store equipment for the project, Norwalk 2.0 was once again without a home for their shipping containers.

While the plan was not to move them once installed, Lightfield said that after four locations it seems moving the containers roughly every year might be beneficial for stirring up interest and bringing attention to economic development in Norwalk.

When I start thinking back about how long weve been working on this without actually opening anything, moving the containers makes an interesting statement of the growth that Norwalk is experiencing right now, Lightfield said. As we think to the future, weve now incorporated the idea that we will always be moving the containers. We hadnt originally thought we would be mobile.

Now that the containers are in a semi-permanent location, Lightfield said they are working on developing a schedule of what will be in the containers. Once completed she said it will be available via the Norwalk 2.0 website and social media. Artists interesting in getting involved with the project can sign up via the Call for Artists section of the website. Lightfield said the containers are open for anything from performance art and spoken word to physical or more traditional works.

KKrasselt@scni.com; 203-354-1021; @kaitlynkrasselt
Marine experts explore the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole, also called the "Dragon Hole," on July 24, 2016 in Xisha Islands, Sansha City, Hainan Province. (Photo : Getty Images)

Authorities in Sansha city in the country's southernmost Hainan Province, has banned tourism and fishing to protect the environment around the area known as "Dragon Hole", which China said is the world's deepest blue hole, China Daily reported.



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According to a notice issued by the management committee of the Yongle Islands in Sansha, activities by individuals and group within one nautical mile around Longdong or the "Dragon Hole" are forbidden.



Activities such as scientific expeditions and environmental protection programs must first get government approval, the notice said.



The blue hole is a major coral reef more than 300 meters deep and believed to be the deepest of its kind in the world. Blue holes, or underwater sinkholes, are darker blue in color and gets darker as the water inside gets deeper.



According to the report, the notice, which was posted on the Sansha government's website on Saturday, Oct. 8, aims to protect the blue hole and the neighboring coral reef system.



Track Ocean, a private research organization has investigated the sinkhole several times between August last year and in June this year. It measured the sinkhole's diameter which is about 130 meters while the depth measures 36 meters.



The sinkhole, which is 100 meters deeper than Dean's Blue Hole in the Bahamas, has important scientific value, Yang Zuosheng, a professor at Ocean University of China in Qingdao, Shandong Province, said.



Yang said that crucial information can be found in the coral reef's 300-meter-deep formation, where researchers can study how changes in global climate and sea level affect the local waters.



A report by Hainan Daily said that research program on the sinkhole was the first project supported by Sansha's special fund for maritime ecological protection.



The Sansha government established a committee in July 2013 to manage the Yongle Islands, which are part of the Xisha Islands, including the surrounding waters.



Guo Yong, deputy director of the committee, said the notice issued on July 28, shows that Sansha values maritime environment. He said the committee has spent more than 20 million yuan ($3 million) to restore the diversity of marine life in the area. They have also released various species of young fist sea cucumbers around the reef.


Authorities are investigating a Tuesday night robbery that left the suspect in the hospital with multiple gunshot wounds to his torso, according to the Beaumont Police Department.

The victim of the robbery was walking to his car in the parking lot of a Beaumont apartment complex, located at 2180 McFaddin Avenue, when a man approached him with a handgun and attempted to rob him, officials said.
President Tsai Ing-wen calls for dialogue with China. (Photo : Getty Images)

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen delivered her first National Day speech since taking office. She called for peace and sovereignty while engaging in a dialogue with the mainland.



"The two sides of the Strait should sit down and talk as soon as possible," Tsai said in her address, referring to the Taiwan Strait.



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She added, "On cross-strait relations, I once again reiterate the immovable position of the new government, and that is to establish a consistent, predictable and sustainable cross-strait relationship, and to maintain both Taiwan's democracy and the status quo of peace across the Taiwan Strait."



She also asserted that her stand on China-Taiwan relations has not changed. She assured the people that her nationalist position is still intact.



She said, "Maintaining the status quo is the pledge I made to voters. Not a single sentence from my inaugural address on May 20 has ever changed."



"The new government will conduct cross-strait affairs in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of China, the Act Governing Relations between the People of the Taiwan Area and the Mainland Area, and other relevant legislation. And we will spare no effort in maintaining mechanisms for dialogue and communication across the Taiwan Strait," she asserted.



The president stressed that her government will not bow down to pressure at the same time, she will also use democratic means to resolve issues with China. She stressed that her approach will be different from the previous administration.



"Our pledges will not change, and our goodwill will not change. But we will not bow to pressure, and we will of course not revert to the old path of confrontation," she said.



Upon concluding the topic on China, she called to the government to start the discussion on their relations.



She said, "I call upon the authorities of mainland China to face up to the reality that the Republic of China exists, and that the people of Taiwan have an unshakable faith in the democratic system."


Saginaw Valley State University will host decorated poet Marcus Wicker at 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 at 5 p.m. in SVSUs Founders Hall. The event is free and open to the public.

Wickers poems have appeared in The Nation, Poetry, American Poetry Review, Oxford American and Boston Review. His second book, Silencer, is forthcoming from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt in 2017.
This article originally published October 12, 2016.

Freelancing is no longer a necessity, but increasingly a preferred choice, according to a new survey. And this growing segment of the working population -- 35 percent of todays U.S. workforce that earned an estimated $1 trillion this past year -- just may make up a new voting bloc.

Sixty-three percent of surveyed workers said that they freelance by choice, according to Freelancing in America: 2016, a report by Upwork and the Freelancers Union. Freedom and flexibility are what motivates most Americans to freelance. Between 2015 and 2016, two million people made the jump to freelancing, and there are 55 million freelancers in the U.S. today. So where does the independent workforce stand politically?

Related: The Rise of the 6-Figure Freelancer

In the survey of more than 2,000 freelancers, 85 percent said they are likely to vote in the upcoming general election. If you extrapolate this sample to the total population, that means approximately 47 million freelancers will vote in the general election. These voters sway blue, with 45 percent of those surveyed saying they will likely vote for Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton, 33 percent for Republican nominee Donald Trump and 9 percent for Libertarian candidate Gary Johnson. Thirteen percent remain undecided.

How can these candidates gain the votes of freelancers? Simple: If they would support the interests of independent workers, 68 percent of freelancers would be more likely to vote for them. Forget about issues of international affairs or immigration -- these voters want support for their work. Around one-third of freelancers admitted theyd be more likely to vote for candidates who say they support them having a strong voice in deciding issues about their work or having access to health and retirement benefits regardless of their employment status.

Related: The Freelancing Economy Has Seen Epic Growth

Seventy percent of surveyed freelancers say the country needs to further discuss how to empower the independent workforce -- which has increased by 7 percent since 2015. Freelancers want to know America is supporting them," said Upwork CEO Stephane Kasriel in a press release. "We should be addressing their interests or America will fall behind countries that are better equipping their evolving workforce.

Related:

This Is the Candidate Freelancers Are Siding With in the 2016 Election

Freelancer's Guide to Getting Paid Online

How the Gig Economy Is Changing Work for Women



Copyright 2016 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved
LINCOLN TOWNSHIP  The Lincoln Township clerk publicly criticized a resident for filing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, saying it cost the township thousands of dollars.

Clerk Irvin Kanaski also called upon township residents at Monday nights meeting to chide Arlene Schipinski for seeking the information surrounding a $1,100 private donation to the townships legal fund.

The township in August introduced an ordinance to establish its own planning commission, and an ordinance putting a moratorium on wind development. At that same meeting, the township established a $10,000 legal fund, to which unknown donors have contributed.

Schipinski has said that she is concerned that special interest groups made the donations. A FOIA request is a means by which anyone in Michigan can obtain public information.

Kanaski said Schipinskis requests cost the township $2,300 to $2,500 in legal fees, not counting the time he and Treasurer Patricia Weber put into handling the request.

This cost is more than double that of the $1,100 that was anonymous, the legal expense donation made to the township, he said.

The residents of Lincoln Township have worked and paid taxes for 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 years. Now a resident of seven years causes all of this destruction to our township and is wasting so much of our money, Kanaski said to the audience of about 30 people.

How can one resident cause so much division in our township?

I ask you, Lincoln Township residents, to call Mrs. Schipinski and ask her to please stop wasting our money with her frivolous freedom of information requests.

The Huron Daily Tribune filed a FOIA with the township last week seeking copies of all information related to donations made to the township legal fund, as mentioned in the treasurers report at the Sept. 12 Lincoln Township Board meeting. That includes records of any contribution to the fund and the name(s) of the donor(s).

As a person in the audience told him he was out of line, Kanaski continued.

Now to address the Huron Daily Tribune: a freedom of information request was sent to Pat Weber on Wednesday, Oct. 5, from the Tribune.

The Tribune wants to know where the $1,100 anonymous donation came from.

It would sure be nice if the reporters did their homework on what they print on the front page to see if it is factual or not. The statement that Lincoln Township is not allowing a vote of the people to see if they want township zoning is totally untrue.

He did not elaborate on the article to which he was referring. And Kanaski did not return phone calls seeking information on when the article was published.

The Tribune could find no record of such information in any articles published since news broke that the township would not disclose who made the donations.

The Tribune published articles on Lincoln Township on Sept. 15 and Oct. 6.

If the township reporters would do their homework, they would check with the county clerk and find out that I asked how soon we could have a special election. I was hoping we could do this in December or possibly January. (Huron County Clerk Lori Neal Wonsowicz) said she checked with the bureau of elections and we cannot have a special election, Kanaski said.

Neal-Wonsowicz was consulted by the Tribune regarding the referendum. She said legitimate petitions had been submitted to allow the referendum, as was published in the Oct. 7 Tribune.

I know the facts that I have stated in this letter will not make the front page of the paper because you like to print misinterpreted information, Kanaski concluded.

After his statement, several audience members applauded. One woman booed.

Schipinski, who was sitting in the front row, did not react.

The board also adopted FOIA procedures Monday night at the end of the meeting.

The guidelines establish how to submit written requests to the township and how to calculate fees for FOIA requests, which are requests for public township information.

The board appointed township Treasurer Patricia Weber be the townships FOIA officer.

The charges for FOIA requests adopted Monday night included fees for labor by employees, contracted labor costs, cost for duplication and publication, costs for providing documents on the website, and the cost of mailing, according to the guidelines.

Schipinski also asked for who had attended the August meeting, and for a canceled check for legal services.

Information that the board gave to Schipinski stemming from her request included financial data, copies of salaries and contracts, and copies of letters for and against wind energy.

Schipinski has said she plans to appeal the decision not to provide information about the donations, who attended the meeting and the canceled check.

The township told her in a letter that the information she was seeking does not exist on public record, or the township doesnt have the records she is seeking.
(L) Firefighters face a mountain of rubble as they search for bodies when residential buildings collapsed on Oct. 10, 2016, in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province. (R) They found a breathing 6-year-old girl. (Photo : Getty Images)

Three separate unfortunate events greeted a brand new week: an industrial plant caught fire in the eastern part of Jiangsu Province, residential buildings collapsed in the southeastern coast of Zhejiang Province and a blast rocked a factory on the western side of Shandong Province.



On Sunday, at about 1:50 p.m., a fire hit the Jinlingshihua Nanjing Refinery in Qixia District in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, when one of its equipment exploded after it burst into flames, reported Xinhua.



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Though the blaze was not captured by a photo posted by Peoples Daily on its official Twitter account, the picture showed billows of black smoke rising above the refinery.



Local media reported no casualties.



Jinlingshihua Nanjing Refinery is a subsidiary of Beijing-based China Petrochemical Corporation (Sinopec Group). The state-owned company, established in 1998, introduces itself on its website as a super-large petroleum and petrochemical enterprise group.



Four multi-storey apartment buildings collapsed on Monday at about 4 or 4:30 a.m. in Lucheng District in Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, reported different news outlets.



The incident has so far claimed 22 lives. Rescuers pulled 28 people from the rubble where only six survived, including a young girl rescued on Monday night, according to Xinhua.



Some 800 people joined the rescue operations. The search stopped at about 1 a.m., Tuesday.



The cause of the collapse remains unknown.



A local resident, talking to Beijing News, said that those buildings were scheduled for demolition two-three years ago, reported China Daily. He added that the buildings offered cheap rent to migrant workers.



According to news.163.com, Wenzhou Daily reported that authorities checked the condition of the structures in Lucheng District in 2014. They identified 993 buildings to be dangerous and therefore unsuitable for residence; in addition, 448 others needed repairs.



A workroom in Qilu Pharmaceuticals manufacturing site in Licheng District in Jinan, Shandong Province, experienced a blast on Monday after a pressure vessel containing ethanol exploded, reported Xinhua.



The explosion released a small amount of non-toxic gas, and the blast was so strong that some people residing near the site felt it. According to them, a burning smell permeated the air.



No casualties were reported. Authorities are still investigating the incident.



Qilu Pharmaceutical, according to its website, ranked second in the 2016 China Medicine R&D Product Line Best Industrial Enterprises List and made it to ninth place at the Top 100 Enterprises in the PRC Pharmaceutical Industry of 2015.



The China National Pharmaceutical Industry Information Center spearheads the creation of the said lists.






Several community members called for a public apology from Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack Tuesday because they believe the elected official was too hard on a county employee during a recent public workshop.

During the Oct. 5 public meeting regarding the Montgomery County Animal Shelter, Noack told the shelter's recently hired volunteer coordinator that she was being too negative.

While the individuals voiced concern during public comment of Tuesday's meeting, Commissioners Court members are prohibited from responding to issues during public comment. However, following the Commissioners Court meeting, Noack said he did not plan to apologize and had no further comment.

During last week's workshop, commissioners, county employees and shelter volunteers met to share ideas about moving the shelter forward after almost two years of turmoil.

Amy Anderson, the new volunteer coordinator at the shelter, addressed the court during the workshop about what is needed to create a more structured volunteer program as suggested in Noack's plan presented that evening.

Anderson said she has been contacted by about 500 people interested in volunteering at the shelter.

"I need a volunteer budget because everything you put in here is going to take time and education," said Anderson, noting there is no space at the shelter to do orientation or for volunteers to gather.

However, Noack took exception to the comments.

"It's important to hear your concerns, but we need to be focused on not just individual efforts " Noack said. "Of everybody here tonight, you are the only one, and you are an employee, that came up with a real negative and hostile tone."

Following jeers from the crowd, Anderson said she was not being negative and simply asked for help with the volunteer program.

"I'm trying to explain what we need " Anderson said.

Precinct 4 Commissioner Jim Clark, who has been working to stabilize the shelter, told Anderson that he and MCAS Director Dr. Todd Hayden are working on finding the space for the program.

"We are looking at some options," Clark said.

According to Noack's plan presented during the workshop, "rescues, fosters, volunteers are the heart of animal rescue." The plan suggests establishing a training program and orientation for volunteers, defining duties such as greeter and dog walker, and background checks.

Tina Quinn, with Smart Rescue, addressed Noack Tuesday and noted his plan "lacked any type of funding source."

" an employee tried to tell you and you instead stood up and berated her in a room full of people " Quinn said. "Grow up and man up and listen to the people that are actually at the shelter, not just the ones who aren't.

"MCAS has good employees who are trying to work under extremely difficult circumstance; and you need to take time to listen and meet with them, not berate them publicly when they try to tell you what is wrong."

Hayden and Anderson declined comment following the meeting at the request of the county's Human Resources Department.
WESTON  Police in Weston have charged a homeowner there with animal cruelty after a tip led them to discover hundreds of snakes, birds, and turtles in his Newtown Turnpike home.

Police said that Daniel Kopulos, of Weston Turnpike, turned himself in on a warrant Tuesday and was charged with animal cruelty.

Weston police received a complaint on Sept. 15 of a foul odor emanating from Kopuloss home. Police and Weston Animal Control conducted a joint investigation and discovered numerous birds, snakes, and tortoises in the residence as well as an adjacent building on the property.

Police said many of the animals were living in unsanitary conditions, lacked food, water and quality air. Some of the animals had died due to the conditions there, police said.

Two hundred and twenty four animals, in varying degrees of health, were taken from the property and relocated to organizations that specialize in the care of specific species.

Police said Kopulos was identified as the property owner, and was engaged in the pet business. He is the owner of Fauna NYC, a New York pet store.

The investigation was assisted by private and public entities including: Connecticut DEEP Law Enforcement Division, Westport police, Connecticut Department of Agriculture, Weston/Westport Health Department, Weston Fire Department, Weston Building Department, Fairfield County Hazardous Material Response Team, and South Wilton Veterinary Hospital.

A warrant for Kopuloss arrest was returned at Norwalk Superior Court on Oct. 7. He was notified of the warrant and he turned himself in to Weston police on Oct. 11.

He was released on a promise to appear and was given a court date of Oct. 24.

Police said that Kopulos has been cooperative with their investigation.

llake@hearstmediact.com
Malaysia's Postal Service (Photo : Getty Images)

Pos Malaysia Bhd, Malaysia's biggest postal company, is planning to talk with Alibaba Group Holding Ltd this month as the 200-year old company wants a more direct role in providing logistics services, especially in the growing online retailing sector.



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Mohd Shukrie Mohd Salleh, Pos Malaysia chief executive officer, was quoted by Bloomberg as saying that the company will talk with Alibaba about plans on how to ship goods sold on its platform without using middlemen.



Mohd said that in the first quarter of this year, parcel deliveries for online shopping rose about 40 percent and the earnings for the year are expected to exceed the previous year's earnings.



"My focus is still e-commerce, and it is driving the logistics business. When e-commerce is booming, somebody needs to deliver these items," Mohd Shukrie said in an interview on Sept. 27. "Marketplace owners want to deal with logistic players directly. I'm going to China to meet up with Alibaba and other market players in October," he added.



The Universal Postal Union has estimated the demand in global retail e-commerce market to reach about $1.2 trillion, which drove many postal companies in Asia to remodel themselves and expand overseas.



Among 14 global couriers, Pos Malaysia, which started delivering mail by bicycle in the 1800s, is this year's top performer with a market value of about $500 million, and a total return of 49 percent, surpassing United Parcel Service Inc. and FedEx Corp.



The company's stocks climbed 88 percent from February low when earnings from its courier business and potential rise in tariffs drove the shares.



Mohd Shukrie said that the company's proposal to raise postal rates is still being examined by government. Pos Malaysia is valued 25 times its projected 12-month earnings, higher than UPS, the world's most valuable courier company, with 18.



Alibaba said in a statement e-mailed to Bloomberg that Cainiao Smart Logistics Network Ltd., its delivery affiliate, "works collaboratively with logistics participants to enhance customer experience and operation efficiency."



Although freight forwarders, or so-called consolidators such as Japan's Sankyu Inc. handle Pos Malaysia's parcel deliveries for Alibaba, Mohd Shukrie said they want to deal directly with marketplace owners.



"The future is about cutting the middleman, and the existence of consolidators will be under threat," Mohd Shukrie said. "Right now, we deal more with consolidators for parcels from China to the world, but understandably marketplace owners want to deal with logistic players directly."



Consolidators, which collect cross-border mail to specific destinations, often deal for special rates with the public postal operators to distribute the bulk mail.



Mohd Shukrie said that Pos Malaysia has completed the purchase of KL Airport Services Sdn. from parent DRB-Hicom Bhd in September, a move that is expected to raise its revenue to 2 billion ringgit ($482 million) in the year ending March 2018 and to enable them to offer more logistics services overseas.



Mohd Shukrie added that KL Airport now has two aircraft which can pick up cargoes from the region including Hong Kong and expand the fleet by one plane annually in the next five years.


Chinese celebrate the National Day on Oct. 1. (Photo : Getty Images)

While the National Day holiday created an exciting atmosphere among Chinese residents and tourists, it came with certain shortcomings from the peoples' side.



The Great Wall already observes a huge number of visitors on a daily basis. This number sees a significant increase during the weekends. When it comes to the National Day holiday, the numbers increase phenomenally. The Wall becomes flooded with people.



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Naturally, this has a cost. Later in the day, countless picnickers had littered the entire place, with bags of chips and plastics floating along the banks of the Yellow River. Two young tourists had also carved their names on the Great Wall.



Such episodes have been vividly captured in photographs in hopes to effect a wave of soul-searching across China, emphasizing on the concerns of tourist habits in a nation that is splendidly rich, but at times falls short on behavioral norms.



To counter publicized episodes of ill-mannerisms exhibited in China and Chinese tourists traveling abroad, the government made efforts to frame a "tourism blacklist" to deride ill-mannered travelers last year. However, these efforts didn't seem fruitful given the events that had taken place this year.



The list categorizes public offenses that the public ought to refrain from. This includes harming public property/environment, deriding local customs and cultural relics, and illicit drug consumption.



Those who fail to conform might end up in this list, whether they're legally convicted or have committed some moral offense. Their names are given out to the Public Security Bureau, airlines, travel agencies and other work units.



This measure puts the list names under constant watch. They may even get barred from accessing tour groups and flights to scenic spots. However, there is no financial penalty involved.



The blacklist has had a slow start. This depicts how difficult it is for even an authoritarian nation to shape behavioral norms and police public behavior. The list is not accessible to the public, but it is said that it only has a total of 24 names in it.



If such governmental measures fail to bear fruit, the government might execute a better and more pragmatic policy that would even involve financial penalties, only to ensure that tourism isn't invited at the cost of environmental degradation.






It was a safe bet that Kel Seliger was going to face a school finance question during his appearance Wednesday at the Midland County Republicans Women event.

So it was no surprise that the first two questions addressed the so-called Robin Hood finance system that requires Midland ISD to send more than $50 million to be distributed to poor school districts around the state.

The Amarillo Republican and chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee told the those in attendance that public education will make up 40 percent of the next bienniums budget. And while school finance is and has been a thorn in the side of many around the Permian Basin, fixing the problem starts with making up the $3.5 billion the current system raises for districts across the state every biennium.

For the past three years, Midland ISD wrote recapture checks totaling more than $96 million. This year, the district expects to send a check of more than $50 million.

It hasnt always been that way. Since 2000, MISD received more than $600 million in state aid from the Foundation School Program, according to the TEA. That includes $576 million in state aid the district received before writing its first recapture check to Austin four years ago.

Houston ISD is another district learning about life as a Chapter 41 (or property rich) district after spending so many years receiving state aid. One question was about reports that Houston ISD wont pay its reported $400 million recapture payment. Seliger said he couldnt envision the Texas Education Agency going along with such a scenario.

Just because (a school district) has been on both sides doesnt mean their concerns arent valid, Seliger said.

Whether someone can come up with a fix remains to be seen. School finance is complicated, and he said there arent many ideas that people can agree on that raise the $3.5 billion needed.

Seliger told the Republican Women there wont be a lot of flexibility with this years budget. He said revenues will be down, including oil and gas revenues by around 30 percent. He said he expects 6,000 to 7,000 bills to be introduced during the session and that he will introduce a bill that does away with the top 10 rule, which guarantees admission to state-funded universities if a student finishes in the top 10 percent of his or her high school class.
Center of attraction: This photo taken on Sept. 25, 2016, shows a huge flower basket decoration resting on Tiananmen Square, aiming to charm tourists celebrating the National Day on Oct. 1. (Photo : Getty Images)

Some things just get better with time.



This years week-long holiday celebration of the 67th Chinese National Day from Oct. 1-7 produced more tourists and registered higher profits, according to China Daily.



Some 593 million tourist flocked natural and man-made scenic and historic spots across the country during the entire Golden Week, creating 482.2 billion yuan in revenue in the process.



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On Oct. 1 alone, the holiday generated 86 billion yuan in profits.



Technological advancement evidently made its presence felt all throughout the holiday, and that was not only in terms of selfies taken.



Back in 1999 when the holiday was first introduced, the various tourist activities brought 14.1 billion yuan in total earnings, with people usually paying in cold cash. Fast forward to 2016 and roughly 40 million tourists preferred cashless transactions via Alipay, Alibaba Groups payment app, reported CCTV News.



A joint report by Beijing-based research institution China Tourism Academy and online travel service provider Ctrip revealed that for this years celebration, 64 percent of the people used their smartphones to buy airline tickets, book flights and reserve hotel rooms, among other online dealings, according to China Daily.



CTA and Ctrip likewise conducted a survey to identify the most visited cities during the National Day, and these were the favored destinations (in alphabetical order): Beijing, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tianjin, Wuhan and Xian.



Majority of the Chinese chose to visit Japan, South Korea and Thailand--in no particular order--when they vacationed abroad during the National Day, according to Ctrip.



Tourist attractions--from a theme park made popular by a mouse to a see-through bridge not for the faint of heart--dealt with the overflowing number of people seemingly determined to enjoy what the holiday had to offer.



Many visitors at Shanghai Disneyland purportedly waited for up two hours falling in line, according to Quartz. Some of those excited to be among the first ones to experience crossing the Flying Dragon Bridge in Zhejiang Province endured three hours waiting for their turn.



The glass bridged opened to public on Oct. 1.



Despite the new attractions in the country, throngs of tourists never missed Beijings Tiananmen Square and Forbidden City.



Queenie Li, the public relations manager of Beijing Utour International Travel Service, said to CCTV News that she never expected the overwhelming influx of tourists--more than 100 million--during the first three days of the holiday celebration.



Li added that it brought a lot of pressure.



For business establishments particularly those in the food service, lodging, recreation and travel and tourism industries, perhaps they welcome such pressure with open arms.






A lunchtime "bump" between two Burbank High School students on Tuesday led to a major brawl and the arrest of nine teens, according to the district.

San Antonio Independent School District spokeswoman Leslie Price told mySA.com the fight seen in viral Facebook videos was sparked by two male students who "bumped" each other.
House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi and U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio, held a private talk with education and local business leaders at the University of Texas at San Antonio on Wednesday.

While the discussion focused on the need for public-private partnerships and San Antonio's prominence in the cyber security realm, both Pelosi and Castro talked about the upcoming election during a brief news conference after the meeting.

Pelosi called San Antonio a "city on the rise" and noted it is the most significant cyber security location in the nation after the Washington, D.C. area, mostly because of its strong military presence and Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, where an intelligence unit is based. She added that San Antonio could be a "model for the country."

The visit is part of Pelosi's nationwide campaign to find ways to update the country's "innovation agenda," a 22-point plan that included items such as better broadband internet access, energy independence and a commitment to research and development. Pelosi said 21 out of the 22 recommendations have been enacted into law.

When asked about the Republican nominee Donald Trump's recent leaked comments about women, and the subsequent outrage from congressional Republicans, Pelosi said Trump had been saying negative things for a long time, yet Republicans didn't criticize him before.

Pelosi said she was "very proud" of candidate former U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego, D-Alpine, and said she looked forward to welcoming him back to Congress. She said he knows how to "work across the aisle" and criticized Rep. Will Hurd, R-Helotes, for being one of the "freshly appalled" Republicans with Trump's latest remarks.

Gallego and Hurd are locked into one of the most competitive races in the country. National pundits have rated the race a toss up.

frahman@express-news.net
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A Kerrville boy burned by flaming gasoline Oct. 2 has emerged from a drug-induced coma at University Hospital, while police made a second arrest in the case Wednesday.

Hes in and out of consciousness, Bobby Hatchett said of his son, Kayden Culp, 10, who was burned over 20 percent of his body.

Initial accounts relayed by Tristyn Hatchett, Kaydens mother, suggested the injuries may have been intentionally inflicted by one or more of three neighborhood boys.

RELATED: Student film sheds new light on Alamo Heights suicide

But police, who arrested a second juvenile suspect Wednesday evening on arson charges, said their investigation indicates the burning of Culp occurred accidentally as the boys built a fire inside a rundown shed in a vacant lot on Wallace Street.

The suspects, being held in the Kerr County Juvenile Detention Center, were not identified.

At a briefing last week on the initial suspects arrest, Kerrville Police Chief David Knight said the boys wanted to make the fire theyd built larger, so one of the boys got gasoline.

RELATED: Manhunt ends for Kerrville wife-killer who escaped mental hospital

The initial suspect, charged with first degree arson, allegedly poured the gas onto the fire from a container believed to be a small cooler.

When the flames ignited the stream of gas, then the gas still in the container, the boy dropped the container, splashing Kayden in the process, Knight said.

Before the second arrest was made, the family of the initial suspect denied he poured the gas on the fire and said that if one boy is to be charged in the incident, then all four boys involved in making the fire should be charged.

RELATED: Kerrville authorities mum on councilman's death after suspected murder-suicide

The second suspect, charged with second-degree arson, is accused of assisting in building the fire, according to a statement issued by the city Wednesday evening. The statement said the investigation is ongoing.

Hatchett said doctors took Kayden off a respirator Tuesday and he had awoken but is still medicated and only semiconscious.

He was scared when he awoke, Hatchett said. He asked if he was dying.

Hatchett said he had yet to hear Kaydens version of events but said, As soon as hes able to talk coherently, everybodys going to hear from him.

zeke@express-news.net
One man is dead after he was shot Tuesday evening by a passerby at a Southeast Side apartment complex.

The 29-year-old victim was arguing with his girlfriend over a vehicle just before 8:40 p.m. in the Rosemont at Highland Park apartment complex, 1303 Rigsby Ave., according to a San Antonio Police Department sergeant.
SAN ANTONIO  A man died Wednesday morning following a shooting incident Tuesday night on the West Side near downtown, according to police and the medical examiner's office.

Emergency personnel responded to a shots fired call at about 11:35 p.m. Tuesday near the intersection of Sabinas and Lombrano Streets, where investigators found 37-year-old Angelo Polendo with severe head trauma.
Japan Coast Guard ships. (Photo : Japan Coast Guard)

The Japan Coast Guard is getting tougher against the rising number of Chinese boats fishing illegally near the disputed Senkaku Islands, some of which are invading Japanese territory in packs of boats lashed together.



Tokyo will deploy nine more large patrol vessels from November to 2018 and will increase to 200 from 50 by March 2019 the number of coastguard personnel on Senkaku maritime patrols.



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The coast guard said the new ships were built to withstand impact from collisions with Chinese fishing boats, which have been known to ram pursuing coast guard vessels. These new coast guard vessels also have improved monitoring technologies.



Three of these boats will eventually be deployed from the Miyako Islands in Okinawa starting November. These vessels have rear windows on their bridge for better navigation and are capable of an omnidirectional 360 degree probe of its surroundings. Japan will also build a 6,000 metric ton patrol boat that can fly a helicopter.



Only last April, the coast guard deployed 10 newly built 1,500 metric ton patrol ships and two helicopter-equipped patrol ships to patrol the Senkakus.



The 10 new ships are equipped with 20 mm cannons and water cannons. They span 96 meters in length and capable of high-speed cruising.



Besides these 12 ships, the 11th Regional Coast Guard has six 1,000 metric ton large patrol ships. It also operates one helicopter-equipped patrol ships for operations apart from those related to the Senkakus.



Piers and lodging facilities have been prepared at Ishigaki port in Okinawa that will serve as a base for these patrol ships. The fixed number of personnel for the 11th Regional Coast Guard has been increased to 1,722, of whom 606 are assigned exclusively to the Senkaku patrols.



The Japan Coast Guard explained the number of Chinese boats violating maritime law has increased. In 2015, it counted 99 boats in Japan-claimed waters. In 2016, that number rose to 135 boats that were occupying 70 percent of total fishing areas.



Chinese boats fishing illegally in Japanese waters in 2014 came to 208 vessels in areas claimed by Japan.


As if GOP nominee Donald Trump didn't have enough issues with women, an old interview concerning boxer Mike Tyson's rape conviction has surfaced.

In the 1992 interview with NBC, Trump argued on national television that Tyson had been railroaded, noting that the victim had gone to Tysons hotel room on her own.

"You have a young woman that was in his hotel room late in the evening at her own will," Trump told NBC News in 1992, in a clip dug up by Buzzfeed. "You have a young woman seen dancing for the beauty contestdancing with a big smile on her face, looked happy as can be."

READ MORE: Donald Trump says 'shackles' are coming off campaign

Trump's comments about Tyson, whose matches produced millions of dollars for the New York businessman's casinos, surfaced just days after a video of Trump vividly describing sexual assault and how he could "get away with" almost anything with a woman to a host for the show "Access Hollywood" came to light.

It wasn't Trump's first foray into criminal justice and hot topics, or look back to the late 80s and 90s. In 1989, Trump took out a full-page ad in the major New York daily newspapers calling for the death penalty for five black and Latino teens convicted of attacking and raping a jogger in Central Park.

READ MORE: Twitter reacts to Donald Trump encouraging voting on Nov. 28

All five went to prison, but were later exonerated. DNA from the scene matched another man already in prison. Trump brought that controversy back to life by referencing them during a speech about crime in a campaign stop in October.

And, in what sounds like a "Greatest Hits for the Far Right circa 1998," Trump has promised to continue discussing former President Bill Clinton's sexual history - both actual affairs and alleged incidents.

READ MORE: The many conspiracy theories that Donald Trump has spoken about

Much like the "Access Hollywood" tape, the Central Park Five blow up and talk of Bill Clinton hasn't helped Trump's electoral chances.

And, the revival of the comments on Tyson's conviction likely won't be of any assistance, either.
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Pubic hair is the latest weapon in political discourse.

In a Facebook post dated Oct. 8, Florida mom Emily Robinson said she cut off a portion of her pubic hair and sent it to Donald Trump, the Republican nominee for president.

Robinson's "emergency contribution" to the Trump campaign appears to be in response to the Washington Post's audio revelation that Trump once bragged about groping women, saying he could "grab them by the p----."

RELATED: Texas motorcycle cops photographed wearing Donald Trump hats

Robinson filled out the donation form, and instead of sending money attached a letter, which read:

Dear Mr. Trump, Im not able to mail you my actual p----, so Ive included the next best thing. Cheers, Emily.

Under the text, Robinson taped some of her alleged pubic hair to the page. She captioned the photo: Yes I did. #protest.

The Trump campaign did not immediately respond for comment on whether they have received a sampling of pubic hair in the mail.

RELATED: San Antonio Donald Trump supporters say Republican candidate will 'bring change'

The Facebook post has since amassed thousands of likes and hundreds of shares. Women in the comments said they would join what is being heralded as a "pube protest" and send in their own pubic hair to the Republican nominee.

Another woman said she was upset she had just gotten a bikini wax because she could have saved all her "hair for Trump."

RELATED: Dozens rally against Donald Trump in downtown San Antonio Tuesday

Robinson, a former reporter for the San Antonio Express-News, did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but according to her Facebook page, she attended Texas State University in San Marcos and Robert G. Cole Junior-Senior High School in San Antonio.

"My pubes aren't gross,"Robinson told Scary Mommy. "They are just trimmed off, clean little hairs. A man who thinks it's okay to talk about how he grabs pussies (in front of several other people on a bus) is way more gross than few taped down short 'n curlies."

After sending the letter, Robinson told Scary Mommy she, "drank a beer, chuckled, and felt better."

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
When confronted for allegedly spraying his two dogs with a pressure washer at a Oklahoma car wash, a man told police he was from California and didn't know any better, according to local media.

Patrick Schultz, 51, was arrested Oct. 3 in Comanche, Oklahoma on one count of animal cruelty, KFOR reported.
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Two members of the Mexican Air Force died in a helicopter crash Monday, officials said.

Two pilots and a colonel serving as an observer were on board the craft, which was making an exploratory flight when it crashed about five miles east of the city of Victoria, Tamaulipas in Mexico, according to a news release from the Mexican Secretary of National Defense.

RELATED: Mexican authorities find 'homemade bazooka' used to launch drugs across border

One pilot and the colonel died at the scene in Victoria, on the eastern side of the country, and the other pilot was taken to a hospital with injuries, the release said.

RELATED: Smugglers crash BMW into canal on Texas-Mexico border while fleeing agents

The helicopter took off at 2:21 p.m. and was in the air for about two hours before officials lost contact, the release said. According to El Blog del Narco, the helicopter was a MD-530F.

kbradshaw@express-news.net

Twitter: @kbrad5
Wider World Wide Web: As China works on improving its Internet technology and invites foreign Internet companies to invest in the country, perhaps the locals can soon access more international sites? (Photo : Getty Images)

As China gears itself towards becoming an Internet power, President Xi Jinping, addressing the members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee during a study session on Oct. 9, called for further development of the countrys Internet and information technology and stressed the necessity for extra reinforcement of its network security, reported Xinhua.



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The government believes that it can use a better Internet technology to help the leaders of the country practice good governance, provide effective and efficient public service and promote science-based decision-making.



As the country brims with pride for having the largest e-commerce market in the world, it also acknowledges that its Internet and information technology still lacks innovation.



China needs to make more advanced progress in, for example, operating systems and mobile communication as well as in other areas of study, such as quantum information science (quantum communication and quantum computing).



President Xi said that there is still a huge gap, as quoted by Xinhua, between the Internet technology and network security of the great Internet powers of the world and that of China, reported Reuters.



The country, the president said, must accelerate . . . the building of secure and controllable information technology systems.



During his speech at the opening ceremony of the Second World Internet Conference on Dec. 2015 in Wuzhen, Zhejiang Province, President Xi encouraged countries to make a collective effort in preventing the abuse of information technology, according to Xinhua.



The president underscored the significance of the existence of freedom and order in cyberspace, which, he likewise emphasized, should be governed by law.



In addition, he expressed disapproval over cyber terrorism and cyber surveillance.



On April 19, while attending a symposium on cybersecurity and informatization, President Xi reminded the world that China shall continue opening its doors to foreign investors particularly Internet companies provided they will adhere to relevant Chinese laws.



With the largest online population in the world--700 million people--Chinas average broadband speed is surprisingly 9.46 megabits per second, according to China Daily.



In Asia, South Korea (26.7 Mbps) and Japan (14.7 Mbps) enjoy the fastest Internet connection speed.






When William Marshall Bill Wurzbach Sr. married in 1950, he and his wife laid a foundation of stability and love for their future children.

They were just kind of inseparable, his son Billy Wurzbach said.

Praying together at bedtime every night, the couple let nothing interrupt their ritual.

If one of them was in the hospital, theyd call and say the Lords Prayer together, granddaughter Amber Schraeder said.

When his wife died in July, Wurzbach was bereft.

Dad just never recovered  once mom passed away, Billy Wurzbach said.

Wurzbach died Oct. 8 at 89, less than three months after his wife died.

A native of San Antonio, Wurzbach graduated from San Antonio Vocational and Technical High School before joining the Navy in early 1945, at 17.

He turned 18 while in boot camp and was on a destroyer escort in the Pacific when Japan surrendered, Billy Wurzbach said.

Returning home, Wurzbach met his future wife at a dance at Hermann Sons Hall downtown.

They had eyes for each other from the start.

More Information William Marshall "Bill" Wurzbach Sr. Born: May 19, 1927, San Antonio Died: Oct. 8, 2016, San Antonio Preceded by: Wife Lura McNeill Wurzbach; parents Helen and Delmar Wurzbach Sr. Survived by: Daughters Margie Maroney and son-in-law Mike, Peggy Jordan and son-in-law Tim; son Billy Wurzbach and daughter-in-law Andrea; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother. Services: Celebration of life at 11 a.m. Saturday at Concordia Lutheran Church, 16801 Huebner Road, followed by a reception. See More Collapse

She thought he looked like (movie star) Van Johnson,Schraeder said. My grandmother always told me, I manipulated the circle so I would end up dancing with him whenever the music stopped.

Wurzbach later told his son that he had picked his future wife at the dance.

Either way, Wurzbach had to follow her off the dance floor to find out who she was.

She was so excited she got to dance with him, she ran off without telling him her name, Schraeder said.

Catching her on a flight of stairs, Wurzbach asked, Where have you been my whole life?

The couple married six months later.

Becoming an electricians apprentice, Wurzbach was a member of Electrical Union Local #60 for almost 70 years, working on projects such as the HemisFair Tower and the University of Texas Health Science Center.

Settling on the near North Side, Wurzbach and his wife raised their three children with the same values in which they adhered.

They really instilled in us a love of family, and a strong work ethic, daughter Margie Maroney said.

mheidbrink@express-news.net
History doesnt repeat itself, but it does rhyme.  Mark Twain

Back in March of this year, Donald J. Trump told The New York Times that the Republic of Korea (South Korea) was not contributing enough to the cost of maintaining U.S. military forces in South Korea and suggested that he might withdraw U.S. forces if he is elected President. By the end of May, the Communist North Korean state media outlet praised Mr. Trump and noted that his position gave hope for a reunification of Korea (presumably under Communist rule).

Such an outcome would be tragic. As a U.S. Air Force officer, I was stationed at Kunsan Air Base in South Korea from 1983 to 1984. It was a tense period which included the Soviet Union shooting down a South Korean jetliner with a U.S. Congressman on board.

While South Korea had not yet become the competitive democracy it is today, it was well on its way to having the vibrant economy it enjoys today in contrast to the economic basket case and authoritarian nightmare that is North Korea.

Mr. Trump ought to pause and consider that words matter and his could well reignite the Korean War of 1950-1953, a war not ended by a peace treaty, but only by a shaky armistice. He could well use a history lesson.

As World War II was nearing its end, the U.S. and the Soviet Union agreed to divide Korea, then occupied by Imperial Japanese forces at the 38th parallel for purposes of accepting the Japanese surrender. As World War II slipped into the Cold War, the Soviet Union set up a Communist dictatorship in Korea north of the 38th parallel, and the U.S. helped to create the Republic of Korea south of the parallel.

U.S. occupational troops were removed in 1949 and the North Korean dictator, Kim Il Sung (grandfather of the current North Korean dictator), wanted to reunify Korea under his rule. Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin was hesitant about backing such an invasion, concerned about the U.S. coming to the aid of South Korea.

On Jan. 12, 1950, U.S. Secretary of State Dean Acheson spoke at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. He outlined the defensive perimeter of the United States in the Pacific as running from the Aleutian Islands of Alaska through Japan and through and including the Philippines. Missing from the perimeter was South Korea. He further stated that there was no guarantee of other areas of the Pacific from military attack and said that if an attack should occur, the initial reliance must be on the people attacked to resist it and then upon the international community through the United Nations.

Historians may dispute any cause and effect from the speech, but certain historical facts are clear: By April, 1950, the Soviets gave the green light to Kim to invade South Korea, and in June, 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea.

By luck, the Soviet Union was boycotting the UN over the issue of whether the new Peoples Republic of China should be seated in lieu of the Republic of China on Taiwan, so the UN was able to authorize the use of force to combat the invasion, and, through this mechanism the U.S. was now again at war.

After three years of bloody fighting, the current armistice was signed and the fighting ended  for now.

Would a Trump Presidency withdraw U.S. forces from a free and democratic South Korea and embolden North Korea to invade once again, only this time a North Korea with nuclear weapons? I dont want to find out.

With crisis after crisis arising in Syria, Ukraine, and the Far East, and challenges from Russia, China, and North Korea, I would rather see our foreign policy in the hands of a President with the experience of service in the U.S. Senate and as Secretary of State.

On the crucial issue of war and peace on the Korean peninsula, and on issues of war and peace anywhere else in the world, I will gladly put my trust in Hillary Clinton.

Robert L. Marconi, a Brookfield resident, is an attorney and a retired U.S. Air Force Lieutenant Colonel in the Judge Advocate Generals Corps.
ELON, N.C.  When I first heard that some Elon University students were protesting my invitation to speak on campus and saying my thoughts were dangerous, I was, of course, thrilled and immediately amended my bio.

No one has ever considered me dangerous that I know of, other than a couple of dozen ungrateful birds I mysteriously collected while recuperating from a concussion. Despite having rescued and tended them for the past three years, they invariably scream, flap and flock to yon-est corner of their respective extravagant bird mansions anytime I approach.

Ill try to resist the metaphorical implications and parallels and simply report that about 300 students here signed a petition exhorting the administration to disinvite me. They claimed most seriously that yours truly is a rape apologist. This charge was based on their obvious misreading of my 2008 book, Save the Males, as well as snippets from a couple of random columns culled from a body of around 2,000 stretching across 29 years.

What had I said that was so controversial? In my book, I had questioned assumptions, which is my job, after all, on the always-sensitive issue of campus rape, which was received less than warmly. I learned that one especially doesnt dare challenge the presumption of rape when male and female sexually convene while the female is drunk.

I dared, but not much. I merely wondered: What if the guy is also drunk?

Remember, this was more than 10 years ago. Ive written hundreds of columns since then. And much has changed during half a generation. Even so, Im confident of my research in the writing of the book and will never apologize for an opinion. Its a thought, an idea, a conclusion based on evidence and experience. Opinions may change, including my own, but I always reach them in good faith.

Thus, I concluded and wrote in this very same book  and repeated last week at Elon  that I wasnt making excuses for the male, who, by virtue of physical characteristics, including superior strength, bears the greater responsibility in such encounters.

At one point during the question-and-answer period following my speech, which was mostly about politics and the presidential campaign, I also suggested that girls stop getting so drunk. Gasp. This isnt blaming the victim, as certain feminists would insist, but is highlighting the obvious. In the real world, wed call this a risk assessment indicating a statistically significant correlation between intoxication and unwanted behavior and/or attention.

Or, simply, science.

Today, my erstwhile rhetorical question  what about the guy?  which was really a plea for fairness and due process, is outdated and moot. North Carolina, among other states, has made it law: If a woman is drunk, then sexual intercourse with a male human is, ipso facto, rape.

It was odd to have to delve into these issues in the midst of a historic and potentially catastrophic election, which has been the focus of my work the past two years. Indeed, university President Leo Lambert urged me to focus on politics, which I did after briefly addressing the protest and speaking a few minutes about the crucial need to allow even unpopular speech on campuses in the service of tolerance and education.

Alas, I wasnt able to distract my finely feathered foes, who flocked to the microphone armed with mini-congressional floor statements, statistics and quotes from my book. I felt like a witness on Law & Order whose words get twisted and taken out of context. I tried to be sensitive, which lasted about 30 seconds or so, before lapsing into my more comfortable truth mode.

When a female student demanded my position on a variety of gender options  trans, duo, not sure, etc.  I trilled: I love all human beings and the more happy people, the better.

A grateful audience applauded rapturously.

My questioner obviously hadnt read my column condemning North Carolinas recent transgender-bathroom law. Or the next one about bumping into North Carolina Gov. Pat McCrory in makeup at NBC, which was a gas. Nor did she or her comrades appreciate my sense of humor or the tone of my presentation, which one journalism professor described in a tweet as a hybrid of Mark Twain, @JonStewartHBO, @DonRickles, & @celiarivenbark.

I only wish I could have made the girls laugh, too.

kathleenparker@washpost.com
Re: Trump campaign rocked by tape of crude remarks, front page, Saturday:

A simple question: Why is Donald Trumps 10-year-old locker-room banter front-page news and Hillary Clintons Wall Street words leaked on page A6?

Don Hilkemeier

Yep, thats bias

I was surprised to see the article about Donald Trumps crude remarks on the front page (Trump campaign rocked by tape of crude remarks, Saturday), while the article about Hillary Clinton was buried inside on Page A6 (Clintons Wall Street words leaked).

But wait! Why should I have been surprised? Silly me.

James Henry

Kudos on the issues

Re: Hillary Clinton logical choice for president, editorial, Oct. 2:

I want to congratulate you and your staff for the courageous handling of the issues affecting American politics and society. I am really impressed with how your columnists have covered local issues, despite drawing unwarranted criticism from people who label anything with which they disagree liberal.

Your editorial endorsing Hillary Clinton as president was criticized by the usual crowd, although it makes all the sense, for she has been a most capable and caring person throughout her life, and I am sure she will make a great president.

If you ask me about the national columnists whose material you regularly print, I would say that I see only narrow partisanship and little good in what Rich Lowry and Ruben Navarrette write.

Again, thank you for all you do for San Antonio and South Texas.

Tarcisio Beal, Live Oak

Which Hillary?

In 2003, while in the S enate , Hillary Clinton said that she is adamantly against illegal immigration. She also voted for more border fencing.

In 2014, she stated that children illegally here from Central America should be deported. Now she wants amnesty for every illegal in America.

Which Hillary will we get if she gets elected? I wont take the chance.

Gerald Lopez

Sets low standard

How America responds to the certain immorality and possible predatory behavior of a presidential candidate will serve as a standard for our children.

A poor man might get prosecuted for groping a woman, but a celebrity has license to grab them by the (expletive).

Yes, our children are our future.

Ruben Zamora

Nausea-inducing

As a registered voter for more than 50 years, I find that this will be the first election in which I cannot bring myself to cast a ballot for either major party presidential candidate, even if I brought along a barf bag!

In case I do survive the next four years, I will write in Mike Pence and pray for our country to return to the spiritual principles on which it was founded.

Linda Duffield

Counting on Pence ...

If Donald Trump is really interested in seeing America great again, he will do the only honorable thing left to him and get out of the race.

Mike Pence may be able to do it.

Jim Netterfield, Fischer

... but his priorities?

Mike Pence has proudly boasted, most recently at the vice presidential debate, that he is a Christian first, a conservative second and a Republican third.

That leaves one to wonder, just how far down his list is being an American.

Mel Kanninen

Kaine a buffoon

Check out the dictionarys definition of a buffoon and youll see Tim Kaines picture.

Larry Peabody

Tax atonement

Lyin Donald Trump went on TV last week, telling us how concerned he was about Hurricane Matthew hitting Florida. It is going to take a lot of money to recover from the aftermath.

Since Trump seems to have gone years and years without paying any taxes, and since he wants votes, I suggest he give a few million dollars to Florida. He should do this out of a sense of morality.

The money transfer should be transparent since he is so untrustworthy. I recommend he do it in front of CNN cameras.

We the taxpayers would certainly appreciate his effort to atone for his apparent failure to pay taxes all those years. And it would help him make America great again.

Folks, is this asking too much?

Guadalupe Flores

Generic editorial

Re: Tragic tale of underutilized state toll road, Editorial, Friday:

The Express-News would be wise to hang on to this editorial for future use.

Just replace state toll road with trolley/streetcar/light rail (as appropriate), change a few words in the storyline, change the names to protect the guilty, and the job is done.

Al Koppen, Fair Oaks Ranch

Valuable road

Re: Tragic tale of underutilized state toll road, Editorial, Friday:

This editorial blasted the bypass in many ways and stated, The only benefits we can see from Texas 130 is that it was a source of lucrative construction and design contracts, and it was an asset for private Australian investment funds.

Perhaps the author of this editorial has yet to drive it. If he/she did, he or she would understand the major benefit of this highway and, I hope, the real reason it was built in the first place.

If youve ever had to battle the traffic jam going through Austin, perhaps youd recognize that. The purpose of Texas 130 was to save people time, and it does a good job.

Jim Youngson
STAMFORD-City police are in pursuit of a vehicle that struck another on South State Street and fled onto Interstate-95.

An officer saw the accident and is following a black Accura with New York plates through Greenwich. Police had to break off their pursuit at the New York line and handed the call off to Westchester County police.
Reed Hastings, Netflix CEO, speaks during the tech fest sponsored by The New Yorker in New York on Oct. 2. (Photo : Getty Images)

Netflix now belongs to some tech giants whose efforts got stalled while trying to penetrate into the Chinese market, despite its proud announcement in January that it would bring its services to 130 countries around the world.



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"Today you are witnessing the birth of a new global Internet TV network," Reed Hastings, the company CEO, said at the time.



At a tech conference sponsored by The New Yorker on Friday, Oct. 7, in New York City, Hastings told editor David Remnick that the company still has to work with the Chinese government, adding that he does not expect a relationship to develop based on the attitudes of Chinese regulators towards iTunes and Disney's movie offerings, according to an article by Vanity Fair.



"It doesn't look good," Hastings said. "We're figuring our way out (in China), but we're really focused on the rest of the world. There is so much opportunity for us in India, Poland, Turkey and Latin America and Vietnam."



According to its recent earnings report, the $44-billion streaming company's growth slowed slightly, adding only about 1.68 million new subscribers in the last quarter, in contrast with its expectation of 2.5 million to add, from 1.52 million new subscribers abroad and 160,000 in the U.S.



But Netflix was not the first and only company that failed to make it in China. Google also made an attempt but failed to push into the country, which is hostile to foreign competitors. Chinese officials have banned Facebook in the country, despite overtures by Mark Zuckerberg to the government.



Recently, Apple made a $1-billion investment in Didi Chuxing, Uber's rival, which was seen as a move by the U.S. company to gain favor with local regulators and help it expand in the country. The tech company also had a tough battle in China when Carl Icahn, its billionaire investor, withdraw his Apple shares after expressing concern for Apple's relationship with Chinese regulators.



But still, China has the huge potential market that remains untapped, which represents a big percentage of the world's broadband households.



"We still have a lot of work to do," Hastings said at the Consumer Electronic Show in January. "Because of the number of countries, it seems like we are ahead of plan. But we still have China-we still have a quarter of the world to go."


STAMFORD-Police are reporting that a skimming device was found by a customer attached to the ATM of a Glenbrook bank.

Police say a customer at the Wells Fargo Bank next to the Glenbrook Post Office, called in at about 8:10 p.m. Tuesday to report that something was wrong with the ATM.

Capt. Richard Conklin said as the machine was spitting out the mans card, a piece of the skimming device somehow became attached to the card. When the man saw the object he became suspicious and called police.

Investigators from the property crimes detail went to the bank and found the skimming device, which collects information from the cards inserted in the machine in order to withdraw money from the accounts used.

At this point in the investigation, police do not yet know how long the device was on the machine or how many cards could have been compromised. Conklin said that police are working with the bank to examine the ATM kiosk video that should tell them when the device was placed on the ATM and by whom.

Conklin said that some devices must be collected to get the card information while others can transmit the information electronically.

In March 2013 Stamford police officer Willie Guilford cracked another skimming investigation after he tried to withdraw money from an ATM machine further up Hope Street in Springdale. While making the withdrawal, he noticed that the card slot of the machine was loose.

He too became suspicious and noticed a man watching the lobby of the bank from a parked car. The man tried to drive away, but Guilford was able to stop him.

The man, Ionut Vlad, 28, was found in possession of evidence showing that he set up the device at the bank.

He and his band of conspirators were able to steal $150,470 from Bank of America customers in lower Fairfield County, authorities at the time said.

JNICKERSON@SCNI.COM;
Tom Reel /San Antonio Express-news

Castle Hills Church is negotiating a contract to sell its 20-acre campus in the North Side enclave of Castle Hills to a school.

Don Long, the churchs executive pastor, said he expects negotiations to be complete within about four weeks. He declined to offer more details about the potential buyer during negotiations. The property was appraised for $5.7 million by the Bexar Appraisal District last year.
SANILAC COUNTY  The first-ever Thumb Fiber Festival will be coming to Port Sanilac.

"This event celebrates our local fiber farmers, weavers, spinners, knitters, crochet and fiber artists and includes vendors primarily from the Thumb area of Michigan," states information submitted to the Tribune.

The Thumb Fiber Festival will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 4-5 at the Sanilac County Historic Village & Museum in Port Sanilac.

Admission is free.

"Come take in the artisans plying their skills," states submitted information. "(There will be) demonstrations throughout the event. Sign up for a knitting class. Try your hand at spinning. Do a little Christmas shopping."

Live music will be provided by the group 'Ourselves' on that Saturday.

For more information, check out the Thumb Fiber Festival Facebook page, or email thumbfiberfest@yahoo.com.
UNIONVILLE  A rich tradition of Moravian Music will be celebrated at the Unionville Moravian Church on Saturday and Sunday.

The Moravian Church's North American Music Foundation is celebrating 60 years of work and ministry. On May 1, 1956, the Moravian Music Foundation was chartered as a nonprofit corporation in North Carolina.

To celebrate this anniversary in Unionville, the Rev. Dr. Nola Reed Knouse, director of the Moravian Music Foundation, will be will be leading several workshops: Church Band, Choir, and Moravian Worship, as well as preaching on Sunday morning.

Knouse has been director of the Moravian Music Foundation since 1994. She holds the bachelor's of arts in music and mathematics from Wake Forest University, the M.A. and Ph.D. in music theory from the Eastman School of Music, with minor fields in musicology and mathematics, and the Certificate in Theological Studies from Moravian Theological Seminary.

She is active as a flutist, composer, and arranger, and is one of the band leaders at Home Moravian Church and Associate Band Leader of the Salem Congregation Bands. She has led workshops on writing hymns and liturgies and worship planning, in addition to many programs for musicians. She served as music editor for the 1995 Moravian Book of Worship, and Moravian Chorales and Music, Volume 2, for band. She is author and editor of The Music of the Moravian Church in America, published by Eastman Studies in Musicology of the University of Rochester Press, and editor of David Moritz Michael, Complete Wind Chamber Music (A-R Editions, Music of the United States of America, Volume 16, 2006).

She has taught at Oregon State University, the Eastman School of Music, Wake Forest University, the Community Music School of the North Carolina School of the Arts, and Salem College. She is a native of Winston-Salem, NC, a lifelong member of Home Moravian Church.

Events begin on Saturday at 10 a.m. when Knouse will lead a workshop with the Church band. They will work on several Moravian pieces which will be performed on Sunday during worship. Then at 1 p.m, she will work with the Choir on several anthem pieces, which again will be performed on Sunday.

On Sunday, the 9:15 a.m. worship will include Moravian Music, a special Moravian Liturgy, and a message entitled, "Why Then Shall We Sing," based on Luke 18:1-8 and 2 Timothy 3:14-4:5, given by Knouse.

Paul F. Knouse, Rev. Dr. Knouse's spouse and accomplished musician, will be playing organ that day as well.

Following worship and a time of fellowship, Knouse will then give a talk on Moravian Worship, including the rich musical traditions of the church.

Following the discussion, a potluck meal will be held in the church's fellowship hall.

The public is welcomed to attend any or all of the events.

Anyone, who plays an instrument or enjoys singing, are welcome to participate in the Saturday workshops and Sunday worship.

The Unionville Moravian Church is located at 2711 Cass St., Unionville. For more information, call the church at 989-674-8686.
WILTON  Almost every seat was filled in the main sanctuary and the upper balcony of Wilton Congregational Church on Saturday afternoon.

People even stood in the back and out in the main lobby near the front doors. And a live broadcast was provided for those sitting in a separate room and for others across the world who couldnt make the trip to 70 Ridgefield Road.

As the towns first meeting hall, no other place seemed more fitting to remember the life and legacy of Elizabeth Lisa Morrison Bogan, who died at 60 on Sept. 16.

During the 26 years she lived in Wilton, Bogan devoted much of her time serving on multiple boards and committees to carry out her lifelong passion and commitment to kids. She served as a founding member of the Wilton Education Foundation, a longtime administrator of Wiltons Little League, and an active member of the Wilton YMCA Board of Directors, among other roles.

After a hymn and several scriptural readings, six people tried to capture all her contributions and achievements as a wife, mother, friend, colleague and fellow Wiltonian.

The first to speak was Scott Bogan, her husband of 28 years.

Lisa was the red thread that ran through our family, our friends, our connection to the community and across the country, Scott Bogan said. Lisa made me a better person. She helped improve the lives of many others. Im forever grateful to Lisa and love her dearly.

As a founding member of the Wilton Education Foundation, Lisa Bogan helped create initiatives and grant proposals that still impact students today, in some shape or form such as Read Aloud Day, Career Day, Community Conversations and other programs. She spent 15 years working with Wilton Public Schools to further enrich the curriculum, working alongside staff members like Kevin Meehan, science teacher at Cider Mill School and program director at Ambler Farm.

If you have raised your children in Wilton, you have been impacted by Lisas efforts. She didnt advocate for herself or just for her family. She advocated for us, Meehan said. I wouldnt challenge any of you to do what Lisa did because it was absolutely extraordinary and the bar is too high for us to do that. But there are little things we can do in our community.

Bogan also spent 15 years with the YMCA board, as a member for 12 years and three years as president. If there were a Mt. Rushmore of YMCA volunteers, executive director Bob McDowell said, Lisa Bogans smiling face would be up there with the likes of Tom Donahue, Nicki Brown and others.

Lisa served our community through our YMCA by effectively giving thousands of hours, I mean thousands of hours, offering her talent, touch and treasures, McDowell said. Lisa was a catalyst for sustaining change in many ways for our community and her servanthood helped to put the magic in many great programs and services that have become a part of the fabric of the community.

And in impacting the Wilton community, state Rep. Gail Lavielle, R-Wilton, said Bogans efforts also impacted the entire state. During her turn to speak, she presented a Connecticut General Assembly memorial citation in honor of her efforts.

It doesnt begin to measure what Lisa means to us all but it certainly attests to the importance of her contributions, Lavielle said. Because of Lisa, Wilton is better and because of Lisa, Connecticut is better.

Bogans endeavors also touched the Bucknell University in Lewisburg, Penn., where she attended college. She was part of the alumni association for five years with the associations former president, Melissa Plaisance, who witnessed her dedication to students and alumni  even during the very last months she was battling breast cancer.

When her illness began, her disappointment in missing meetings was very clear. She was fighting to get better but she somehow stayed engaged. And the tone of her emails was always positive and very supportive  and she never complained, Plaisance said. So, Lisa, we will miss your positive spirit and your warm smile. But your enthusiasm for life, for your family, for your friends, and for Bucknell will be with us and in our hearts forever.

The last to speak was Doug Bogan, Lisa and Scotts only son.

He started off by acknowledging the unique and personal bond each person shared with his mother. He then expressed his deep appreciation for his mother in the form of a thank you letter  for showing him the beauty of music, for driving more than 35,000 miles over the span of 12 years for his piano lessons, for introducing him to Bucknell University, and most importantly, for being his best friend.

I love you so much, mom, and Im really looking forward to seeing how our friendship will grow in years to come, he said. However it unfolds, I know it will be simply wonderful.

SKim@hearstmediact.com; 203 354-1044; @stephaniehnkim.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte will visit China with 250 businessmen. (Photo : Getty Images)

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte expressed his intention to go to China. There will be businessmen who will go with him.



Duterte's mission to China is his first in Southeast Asia. He expressed his intention to discuss issues on the South China Sea and the territorial claims surrounding it.



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"China has repeatedly invited me. I have accepted the offer," Duterte said in a speech at the presidential palace.



The dates of the trip are not specified but the president plans to schedule the mission before his trip to Japan on Oct. 25 to 27.



There was an overwhelming response from the Philippine business sector who would want to seek dialogue with Chinese leaders. There are already 250 delegates who are confirmed to accompany the president.



Trade Undersecretary Nora Terrado said, "I understand there are 100 more wanting to go."



Duterte has been criticized because of his attacks on the U.S., and called American President Barack Obama a "son of a whore."



Meanwhile, he praised Chinese President Xi Jinping for being a "great president" because he has not criticized Duterte's war on drugs.



"Eventually I might, in my term, break up with America. I would rather go to Russia or to China. Even if we do not agree with their ideology, they have respect for the people. Respect is important," Duterte said.



On the issue of the South China Sea territorial dispute, Duterte will be opening discussion on the matter during his visit. The president said that the Philippines is not ready to go to war against China.



Beijing welcomed the effort of the president. According to Chinese ambassador to Manila Zhao Jianhua, "The clouds are fading away. The sun is rising over the horizon and will shine beautifully on the new chapter of bilateral relations."


Researchers modified a hand-crank flashlight by installing a small supercapacitor (in the center) in a conventional button battery case. The light continued to glow long after the cranking stopped, th (Photo : MIT)

Researchers at MIT and elsewhere have developed a supercapacitor that uses no conductive carbon at all, a breakthrough that might potentially produce more power than existing versions of this technology.



In the process, they've developed the first example of a class of electrically conductive material called "metal-organic frameworks" (MOF), opening up the possibility for more durable and higher-performance supercapacitors because of this material's relatively high surface area.



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Called Ni3(hexaiminotriphenylene)2, the new material allowed researchers to create the first electric double-layer supercapacitor without conductive carbon.



The team's findings were reported in the journal Nature Materials, in a paper by Mircea Dinca, an MIT associate professor of chemistry; Yang Shao-Horn, the W.M. Keck Professor of Energy and four others.



"We've found an entirely new class of materials for supercapacitors," said Dinca.



For years, Dinca and his team have been exploring MOFs, which are extremely porous, sponge-like structures. These materials have an extraordinarily large surface area for their size, much greater than the carbon materials do.



That is an essential characteristic for supercapacitors, whose performance depends on their surface area. But MOFs have a major drawback for such applications.



They are not very electrically conductive, which is also an essential property for a material used in a capacitor.



"One of our long-term goals was to make these materials electrically conductive," noted Dinca, even though doing so "was thought to be extremely difficult, if not impossible."



But the material did exhibit another needed characteristic for such electrodes, which is that it conducts ions (atoms or molecules that carry a net electric charge) very well.



"All double-layer supercapacitors today are made from carbon. They use carbon nanotubes, graphene, activated carbon, all shapes and forms, but nothing else besides carbon. So this is the first noncarbon, electrical double-layer supercapacitor."



One advantage of the material used in these experiments, technically known as Ni3(hexaiminotriphenylene)2, is that it can be made under much less harsh conditions than those needed for the carbon-based materials.



This traditional process requires very high temperatures above 800 degrees Celsius and strong reagent chemicals for pretreatment.



With their ability to store relatively large amounts of power, supercapacitors can play an important role in making renewable energy sources practical for widespread deployment. They could provide grid-scale storage that could help match usage times with generation times, for example, or be used in electric vehicles and other applications.



The new devices produced by the MIT team already match or exceed the performance of existing carbon-based versions in key parameters even without any optimization of their characteristics.



The parameters include their ability to withstand large numbers of charge/discharge cycles. Tests showed they lost less than 10 percent of their performance after 10,000 cycles, which is comparable to existing commercial supercapacitors.



"Our lab's discovery of highly electrically conductive MOFs opened up a whole new category of applications," according to Dinca.



Besides the new supercapacitor uses, the conductive MOFs could be useful for making electrochromic windows, which can be darkened with the flip of a switch, and chemoresistive sensors, which can be useful for detecting trace amounts of chemicals for medical or security applications.



This discovery is "very significant, from both a scientific and applications point of view," said Alexandru Vlad, a professor of chemistry at the Catholic University of Louvain in Belgium, who was not involved in this research.



He noted that "here is the breakthrough provided by Dinca et al. They could design a MOF with high surface area and high electrical conductivity, and thus completely challenge the supercapacitor value chain! There is essentially no more need of carbons for this highly demanded technology."



The research team included former MIT postdoc Dennis Sheberla (now a postdoc at Harvard University); MIT graduate student John Bachman; Joseph Elias PhD '16, and Cheng-Jun Sun of Argonne National Laboratory.



The work was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy through the Center for Excitonics; the Sloan Foundation; the Research Corporation for Science Advancement; 3M and the National Science Foundation.


As the ecommerce company expands its grocery presence, Amazon is reportedly delving into the convenience store channel. NACS weighs in.

SAN FRANCISCO  The Wall Street Journal reports that Amazon may be looking to open convenience stores and drive-thru grocery pick-up sites; however, grocery experts say the moves may be more of a targeted marketing ploy.

For its planned convenience stores, Amazon is drawing influence from discounters like Aldi and Lidl, as well as dollar stores, which are expanding in the U.S. with spartan stores, private-label inventory and few employees, reports the Journal. If the plan comes to fruition, it be well over a year or more before these stores open.

USA Today reports that Amazon is not the first large retailer to step into the c-store space, citing Walmarts now defunct Walmart To Go foray and Tescos Fresh & Easy concept in the United States.

Analyst Jim Prevor told USA Today that he sees the rumored Amazon convenience stores as more of a market research effort than a plan for a major roll-out. Theres no particular advantage to Amazon to open physical stores. I suspect the lofty multiples they get on Wall Street would not be supported if they suddenly announced they were going to spend millions on brick-and-mortar stores, he said.

From the c-store lens, Amazon doesnt sell grab-and-go coffee, fountain drinks, tobacco products or prepared foods. In fact, about 83% of all merchandise and foodservice items sold in a convenience store are consumed within one hour or less. And while logistics is an arena Amazon is known for, fresh prepared foods probably dont appear on many online wish lists.

Its not to say that theyre not inventing their own category, Jeff Lenard, NACS vice president of strategic industry initiatives, told USA Today. He also noted that any Amazon convenience store would likely be a very different animal from what most Americans think of c-stores today.
One of the torrent sites that Steam blocked is The Pirate Bay, a well-known torrent site that was founded way back in 2003. (Photo : YouTube/Torrents)

The Pirate Bay (TPB) is among the list of websites submitted by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) to the United States government as contributing to "notorious markets." According to the list, while TPB receives more than 47 million unique visitors per month, the torrent site is not back to its former No. 1 standing in popularity following the shutdown of KickassTorrents and Torrentz.eu.



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Other websites listed include the renowned torrent websites such as Extra Torrent, RARBG, and other direct download sites like Rapidgator and Uploaded. The MPAA listing does not reveal which torrent site it believes in currently more popular.



MPAA sent the letter in response to the annual request by the Office of the United States Trade Representative. Many websites were called out for contributing to what MPAA says is copyright infringement. However, the released report is said not to be complete and comprehensive, and therefore, does include at least one error.



Torrent and file sharing websites included in the report were listed based on their high quality recently released content and because in one way or another, they coordinate the actual upload and download of particular content, according to MPAA official website. Extratorrent.cc, 1337x.to, Rutracker.org, and RARBG.to are other four torrent websites reported. However, TPB's location was the only one listed as "unknown."



The listing also included different direct download and cyberlocker websites, from which the torrent community may access content directly. This category includes Rapidgator and Uploaded, both of which are mostly used to store content that is linked from other sites. More websites under this category were Nowvideo.sx, Allmyvideos.net, Movshare Group, Openload.co, and VK.com.



Another category listed included those websites termed by MPAA as infringing content at Rapidgator and Uploaded, although they do not actual host it themselves. These websites as listed on the MPAA document include many foreign focused linking sites like Filmesonlinegratis.net, 123movies.to, Movie4k.to, Kinogo.club, Pelis24.com, Newmovie-hd.com, Projectfreetv.at, Primewire.ag, Repelis.tv, Putlocker.is, and Watchseries.ac.



MPAA as well cited different domain name registrars and hosting providers as contributing to the damage, it claimed results from the file-sharing sphere in general, according to Torrent Freak. It is important to note that MPAA report only offers a list of unproven allegations towards the parties mentioned. Watch the sneak peek below for details on TPB.






T-rays will 'speed up' computer memory by a factor of 1,000 (Nanowerk News) Together with their colleagues from Germany and the Netherlands, scientists at the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (MIPT) have found a way to significantly improve computer performance. In their paper published in Nature Photonics ("Nonlinear spin control by terahertz-driven anisotropy fields"), they propose the use of the so-called T-waves, or terahertz radiation as a means of resetting computer memory cells. This process is several thousand times faster than the magnetic-field-induced switching.

We have demonstrated an entirely new way of controlling magnetization, which relies on short electromagnetic pulses at terahertz frequencies. This is an important step towards terahertz electronics. As far as we know, our study is the first to make use of this mechanism to trigger the oscillations of magnetic subsystems, says Anatoly Zvezdin of Prokhorov General Physics Institute and MIPT, a coauthor of the paper and a USSR State Prize-winning scientist heading MIPTs Laboratory of physics of magnetic heterostructures and spintronics for energy-saving information technologies.

The figure shows thulium orthoferrite (TmFeO 2 ) spin and lattice structure on the left and the T-ray-induced transitions between the energy levels of thulium ions (Tm 3+ ), which trigger coherent spin dynamics (memory switching), on the right. (click on image to enlarge)

The rapidly increasing amounts of digital data that have to be manipulated, along with the growing complexity of the computation tasks at hand, compel hardware designers to achieve ever higher computational speeds. Many experts believe that classical computation is currently approaching a limit, beyond which no further increase in data processing speed would be practicable. This motivates scientists all over the world to investigate possibilities of entirely different computer technologies. One of the weak spots in modern computers retarding their evolution is memory: it takes time to complete every set/reset operation for a magnetic memory cell, and reducing the duration of this cycle is a very challenging task.

A group of scientists that includes Sebastian Baierl of the University of Regensburg, Anatoly Zvezdin, and Alexey Kimel of Radboud University Nijmegen (the Netherlands) and Moscow Technological University (MIREA) proposed that electromagnetic pulses at terahertz frequencies (with wavelengths of about 0.1 millimeter, i.e., between those of microwaves and infrared light) could be used in memory switching instead of external magnetic fields. A more familiar device that makes use of the terahertz radiation is the airport body scanner. T-rays can expose weapons or explosives concealed under a persons clothing, without causing any harm to live tissues.

To find out, whether T-rays could be used for convenient memory states switching (storing magnetic bits of information), the researchers performed an experiment with thulium orthoferrite (TmFeO 2 ). As a weak ferromagnet, it generates a magnetic field by virtue of the ordered alignment of the magnetic moments, or spins of atoms in the microcrystals (magnetic domains). In order to induce a reorientation of spins, an external magnetic field is necessary.

However, the experiment has shown that it is also possible to control magnetization directly by using terahertz radiation, which excites electronic transitions in thulium ions and alters the magnetic properties of both iron and thulium ions. Furthermore, the effect of T-rays proved to be almost ten times greater than that of the external magnetic field. In other words, the researchers have devised a fast and highly efficient remagnetization techniquea solid foundation for developing ultrafast memory.

The scientists expect their T-ray switching to work with other materials as well. Thulium orthoferrite, which was used in the experiment, happens to be convenient for the purposes of demonstration, but the proposed magnetization control scheme itself is applicable to many other magnetic materials.
A multifunctional biophotonic platform enabled by moire metasurfaces

(Nanowerk Spotlight) Biophotonics has recently captured strong interests from both academic and industry due to the high potential of applying photonic technologies to biomedical applications, including cell manipulation and biological analysis.

In particular, plasmonic metasurfaces, benefiting from their extraordinary capabilities in confining and manipulating electromagnetic waves, have been successfully utilized in photothermal therapy and detecting biomolecules with unprecedented low concentration.

Although a variety of designs have been reported for different applications, it remains challenging to achieve one metasurface that can be applied as an integrated biophotonic platform for multiple applications.

This limitation is mainly due to the different operation wavelength regimes  visible, near-infrared, and mid-infrared, etc.  required for different applications. Nowadays, multifunctional biophotonic platforms that are simultaneously capable of several biomedical functions, such as spectroscopy analysis, in-situ therapy, and micro-manipulations are highly desired.

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin, led by professors Yuebing Zheng, Gennady Shvets, Deji Akinwande and Seth Bank, demonstrate for the first time a multifunctional biophotonic platform enabled by the multiband resonance peaks of the plasmonic moire metasurfaces.

The results of this work have been published in the October 7, 2016 online edition of Nanoscale ("Dual-Band moire Metasurface Patches for Multifunctional Biomedical Applications").

"In our work, a sandwich-like metal-insulator-metal (MIM) structure is created, where a gold moire metasurface is placed on top of a gold thin film with a MgF 2 layer as a spacer between them," Zilong Wu, a researcher at University of Texas at Austin, and the paper's first author, tells Nanowerk. "Benefiting from the multiband nature of moire metasurface and the near-field enhancement from the MIM configuration, a dual-band metasurface patch with strong plasmonic resonances at both near-infrared (1300 nm in wavelength) and mid-infrared (5 m in wavelength) regimes was achieved."

Wu explains that the metasurface fabricated by moire nanosphere lithography, a cost-effective fabrication method to obtain moire patterns, consists of plasmonic nanostructures that support plasmon resonances at different wavelengths due to the gradient in size and shape (read a previous Nanowerk Spotlight on nanosphere lithography as a novel technique to fabricate tunable plasmonic metasurfaces).

Figure 1. (a) Schematic of gold moire metasurface patch (AMMP). (b) Scanning electron micrograph of a gold moire metasurface of the AMMP. The scale bar is 2 m. (c) Reflection spectrum of an AMMP in NIR regime. (d) Reflection spectrum of an AMMP in MIR regime. ( Royal Society of Chemistry)

The broadband absorption in near-infrared (NIR) regime enables the high versatility in choosing working lasers with wavelengths from 1.2 to 1.6 m for the photothermal treatment.

In addition, the gold moire metasurface patch is also promising for mid-infrared (MIR) sensing due to the strong plasmonic resonance at 5 m.

The researchers have made use of the dual-band properties of this plasmonic platform for several biomedical applications, including infrared sensing, optical capture and immobilization of bacteria, photothermal denaturation and spectroscopic analysis of proteins.

Maruthi Yogeesh, a graduate student in UT Austin, and a co-author of this paper, notes that the strong absorption in NIR regime is highly promising for plasmon-assisted laser heating.

"We immersed the metasurface patch in a solution containing bacteria and then shined a NIR laser on the substrate," he explains. "The plasmon-assisted heating effect quickly increases the localized temperature at the laser spot and generates a micro-bubble that can capture the suspending bacteria to the substrate."

Figure 2. (a) Schematic of the experimental setup for capture and immobilization of bacteria on the AMMP using plasmon-induced microbubbles. The inset shows the cross-sectional view of the transport and trapping of the bacteria at a microbubble generated by a laser beam at the interface of the AMMP and solution. (b) Optical images of AMMP substrate immersed in E.coli solution. (c) Optical image of AMMP irradiated by a NIR laser beam. (d) Optical image of a microbubble generated at the laser spot on the AMMP surface. (e) Optical image of E.coli cells immobilized on the AMMP after the disappearance of the bubble. (f-h) Time-evolved optical images show the microbubble-based patterning of 3 X 3 array of E.coli clusters (indicated by dashed squares) on the AMMP substrate. The patterning is from top to bottom and from left to right. The scale bars are 10 m. ( Royal Society of Chemistry) (click on image to enlarge)

The optical capturing of bacterial cells can be an effective approach for water sterilization. Compared with other sterilization methods based on photothermal effects, which require pre-deposition of bacteria on plasmonic substrates or plasmonic nanoparticles suspended in water, this microbubble-based method is simpler and 'greener'.

The photothermal effect at NIR regime can be further combined with the strong plasmonic resonance at MIR regime to denaturalize proteins and subsequently perform in situ spectroscopy analysis.

"Denaturation of protein through plasmonic heating effect has proven effective for cell inactivation applications," concludes Prof. Zheng. "Conventional characterization methods such as FTIR and fluorescence spectroscopies for the denaturation process require a large amount of samples or fluorescent labeling chemistry of proteins. Our gold moire metasurface patch that provides photothermal treatment with in situ molecular characterization is promising as an integrated and cost-effective biomedical platform for both scientific research and clinical applications."

Provided by The University of Texas at Austin
John Stumpf, the embattled chairman and chief executive of Wells Fargo, is stepping down, amid mounting anger from investors and policymakers over the creation of fraudulent customer accounts.

Stumpf, 63, will leave his post after nearly a decade as CEO, a spokesperson said Wednesday. The change was described as a retirement by the company and is effective immediately. He will be succeeded by Tim Sloan, 56, who currently serves as president and chief operating officer.

The departure marks the rare case of a major U.S. bank CEO resigning amid accusations of company misconduct. It also caps a remarkable change in fortune for a bank that, following the crisis, was regarded as a marquee brand.

Calls for Stumpfs resignation had escalated in recent weeks after the San Francisco company said on Sept. 8 it would pay nearly $190 million to settle charges that employees created roughly 2 million fake accounts to meet sales goals and collect bonuses.

More than 5,300 employees across the country were fired between 2011 and 2014 for creating the unlawful accounts.

Shortly after the settlement was disclosed, Wells Fargo said it would eliminate incentive packages that reward branch employees for cross-selling and hitting sales targets.

Still, Wells has struggled to contain the fallout from the cross-selling scandal  and, in the meantime, the companys once-sterling reputation has taken a significant hit.

Adding to the furor was a disastrous appearance by Stumpf in front of the Senate Banking Committee on Sept. 20. During his testimony, Stumpf fumbled basic questions such as when exactly the company uncovered the pervasive fraud.

Stumpf also provided confusing answers about whether senior executives have been held responsible for the scandal  and if they will be subject to clawbacks in pay. Carrie Tolstedt, the former executive in charge of retail banking, retired in July and is eligible for a $125 million compensation package.

Stumpf was named CEO of Wells Fargo in June 2007, succeeding longtime executive Richard Kovacevich. Stumpf added the title of chairman nearly three years later, in January 2010.

In his first few months on the job, Stumpf oversaw one of one of the biggest deals in banking history, when Wells Fargo agreed in late 2008 bought the $510 billion-asset Wachovia, which was on the brink of collapse.

Stumpf spent more than three decades at Wells Fargo and its predecessor companies. He joined Minneapolis-based Norwest Corp. in 1982 and quickly worked his way up the ranks. When Wells Fargo merged with Norwest in 1998, Stumpf took over as head of banking operations in the Southwest.

In 2002, Stumpf was named executive vice president and head of community banking. He was promoted to the roles of president and chief operating officer three years later.

In the lead-up to the announcement Wednesday, Sloan was widely viewed as the heir apparent. Still, some analysts had called on Wells to consider external candidates, arguing that an outsider was necessary to change company culture.

Sloan has been with Wells Fargo for 29 years. He was named president and chief operating officer in November 2015.
United Guaranty Corp. has initiated a disaster policy after Hurricane Matthew tore across the Southeast this past week.

The Greensboro, N.C.-based mortgage insurer said it will work with lenders and servicers to provide flexibility to borrowers in declared disaster areas. The company said its forbearance measures will follow the guidelines set out by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.

"Servicers will not need prior approval from United Guaranty for workout terms on individual cases under these guidelines," said Michael Hitt, United Guaranty senior vice president of insurance operations. "We hope this action provides some support and relief to the many families in the disaster areas."

In August, United Guaranty's parent company, American International Group, reached a deal to sell the mortgage insurer to Arch Capital Group.
Patients at risk

The healthcare system needs an overhaul



(NaturalNews) In a new report , the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) has branded England's National Health Service (NHS) as underfunded, understaffed and overstretched.The report found huge rota gap issues in hospitals across the United Kingdom. As a result, exhausted and stressed-out doctors are putting patients at risk. As reported by the, many doctors are discouraged from taking naps on their night shifts, even though studies have shown that they would perform far more safely after some sleep. Some doctors say that they are often too busy to even get a glass of water to stay hydrated.The study warns that the NHS workforce is struggling to cope under the current arrangements. Doctors "'increasingly feel like collateral damage' in the battle between rising demand and squeezed budgets." The situation is untenable; there are no longer sufficient doctors to staff hospitals safely, putting patients at risk.According to the RCP's findings, a quarter of doctors in training are working shifts that leave them feeling short of sleep on a daily or weekly basis. The study also found that 74 percent of physicians in training go through at least one shift per month without proper hydration, while about 37 percent do not drink enough water during seven shifts per month.Furthermore, the study reported that 28 percent of doctors work four shifts per month without consuming a meal, while 56 percent work at least one shift without having a decent meal . The report added that, on average, these doctors work an extra five weeks per year on top of their already busy work schedule.The study is part of a bigger report on how the NHS is suffering due to an overstretched workforce, a recruitment crisis and insufficient funding.The authors of the report call for an immediate overhaul of NHS efficiency targets, urging the government to set realistic goals, invest in the "long-term sustainability" of the health service, and protect funding for transformation.Even with planned efficiency savings  which, according to some sources, are not achievable  it is expected that the NHS will face a black hole in its finances of around 2.5 billion (about $3.24 billion). Therefore, the report concluded that the NHS is in dire need of a new long-term plan to address the UK's healthcare needs.RCP president, Professor Jane Dacre, said that as a doctor she fully realizes that this report must be a terrible diagnosis for the NHS. They will have to work together towards finding the best solution over the coming weeks, months and years to reform the system.Furthermore, the authors concluded that there is an immense shortage in the medical workforce, and that the number of doctors in training needs to rise faster. Despite the rising numbers of patients, there are fewer medical students compared to 2010. Therefore, they recommend an increase in the overall number of training places."We need joined up action across government if we are to address the workforce challenges facing the NHS. The DH, Treasury, Home Office Department for Exiting the European Union and the Department for Work and Pensions need to work together with the healthcare professions and NHS organisations to find immediate and long-term solutions," the authors of the report stated.As noted by the, Dr. Johnny Marshall, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, welcomed the report , but said that care and treatment must be moved closer to people's homes. However, he added tothat he looks forward to collaborating with the RCP to further develop the workforce.
(NaturalNews) Corruption and greed have been longstanding issues within the healthcare industry. Kickbacks and rewards for doctors, along with industry monopolies, have contributed significantly to this problem. Many people avoid going to the doctor until it's nearly too late because they are afraid they will go bankrupt just for visiting the hospital or going to their doctor's office. Many people are not even sure they can trust their doctors to do what is actually best for them anymore.Many of these financial forces, which are causing an uptick in care costs for everyone, are kept out of the public eye, and doctors may sometimes not even be aware of them. Dr. Cory Michael writes that many doctors in the hospital system lack a critical understanding of the mechanisms by which medical costs are generated, or how those costs get paid for. He states, "Hospitals intentionally keep doctors in the dark about these things." Doctors within the hospital system may order a battery of tests, but often do not know how much it costs unless they have also been on the receiving end of major illness. In this instance, it is not so much the doctor who is corrupt, but rather the hospital they work for. And, as Dr. Michael pointed out, putting a patient into bankruptcy is hardly in the patient's best interests.Beyond that though, insurers, hospital networks and regulatory groups have managed to introduce a system of reward and punishment that can also heavily influence your physician's decisions. These kinds of contracts "pay for performance" and encourage doctors to meet strict goals for treatment and testing. These targets are generic, population-based goals  there is no room for individual needs in a quota-based healthcare system. Many people are treated needlessly with medications that don't even work, and they still have to pay for it.A perfect example of these ridiculous quotas is the fact that doctors are rewarded for keeping their patients' cholesterol levels down. And of course, one of the top ways to keep cholesterol levels down for doctors is by prescribing statins. Statins come with their own health risks though, such as an increased risk of diabetes, muscle pain and much more. A 2015 study found that the benefits of statins have also been grossly exaggerated through the manipulation of statistics. Dr. David M. Diamond, a professor of psychology, molecular pharmacology and physiology at the University of South Florida, and Dr. Uffe Ravnskov, an independent health researcher and expert in cholesterol and cardiovascular disease, who authored the paper, concluded, "Statin advocates have used statistical deception to create the illusion that statins are 'wonder drugs,' when the reality is that their modest benefits are more than offset by their adverse effects."Furthermore, a study published in 2016 revealed that cholesterol may not actually be bad for you. A group of international experts conducted an analysis of roughly 70,000 people and found that there was no link between "bad" cholesterol and premature death in individuals over the age of 60. Amazingly enough, they found that 92 percent of people with high cholesterol actually lived longer, prompting the group to suggest that treating high cholesterol with statins is actually a waste of time (and presumably, money).So, who are doctors really serving when they continue to prescribe questionable treatment modalities without batting an eyelash? And who do you think really creates these so-called "metrics" of treatment and testing? It surely isn't your doctor  they're just doing what they're told to do, so they can make more money off you.The fact is that doctors who hit their "targets" are paid more money by the insurance companies, and they receive higher rankings on the insurers' websites. Those who do not meet these arbitrary-at-best quotas are not paid as much money, and they receive poorer ratings on the insurers' websites. Insurance companies aren't just dictating how many patients a doctor needs to treat for a given condition, either.reports that WellPoint, a large private-payer healthcare network, has created designated treatment pathways for cancer patients. Doctors who follow these designated pathways are rewarded with $350 extra per month, per patient treated with their protocol. Insurance companies cannot, and should not, decide what the best mode of treatment is for a patient  especially a patient with a life-threatening disease.There are many faces of corruption within the medical industry: doctors, hospitals and insurance companies. All of these forces collude together to create the most profit for themselves, while jeopardizing patient care, increasing costs and contributing to a growing distrust of the entire system. How can anyone be sure that the treatment their doctor is prescribing to them is actually for their benefit, and not just so their doctor can meet their monthly quota?
"I've kept my glaucoma at bay smoking this wonderful, healthful, vital plant"

Why are medical marijuana users still being persecuted?

(NaturalNews) An 81-year-old grandmother is the latest victim of an outdated "war on drugs" mentality that continues to prevent innocent citizens from benefiting from the wonders of one of nature's most versatile and effective medicinal gifts - the marijuana plant.A recent raid involving state police, Massachusetts National Guard ground troops and a helicopter resulted in the confiscation and removal of a single marijuana plant cultivated by retired homemaker Margaret "Peg" Holcomb of Amherst, MA. who uses cannabis to treat herEvery year, Holcomb grows one marijuana plant in her backyard, but this year her lone six-foot plant became the target of a "marijuana eradication operation" conducted jointly by the state police and National Guard in western Massachusetts.The grandmother won't admit to any wrongdoing and is highly vocal in defending her right to grow the medicinal herb:Holcomb wasn't at home when the raid occurred, but her son Tim, who was working in his mother's barn during the September 21 incident, recalled hearing a helicopter "buzzing really low."He said he saw a military-style helicopter circling his mother's property, and then within minutes several cars pulled up filled with law enforcement agents.Although the troopers had no search warrant, they convinced Tim that he had no choice other than to comply.From thePeg Holcomb agrees: "This kind of thing can't happen," she said. "It smacks of police state and fascism."But it does happen - all the time...Peg Holcomb was lucky enough to not be charged with a criminal offense, but every year otherwise ordinary law-abiding citizens are jailed for charges connected to the cultivation, sale or possession of marijuana used for medicinal purposes.Although federal policies regarding the prosecution of medical marijuana "offenders" are beginning to be relaxed, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency and the Justice Department continue to harass and imprison those who run afoul of the current laws.The amount of money wasted on this enforcement is enormous - one can't help but wonder how much the raid on Peg Holcomb's property cost the taxpayers of Massachusetts - and that's just one small example of what is happening around the entire country on a daily basis.Aside from the financial aspect, the cost to our freedom is even more dear - the continuation of the senseless war on medical marijuana users, after hundreds of studies have proven its efficacy in treating a wide range of conditions, is completely indefensible.The criminalization of people who are seeking relief from glaucoma,, opioid addiction and a long list of other serious health issues is criminal in itself. No one who can benefit from the natural healing properties of cannabis should be prevented from using it, much less put in jail for doing so.But Big Pharma and Big Law Enforcement stand to lose billions of dollars if medical marijuana is made legal and easily available for those throughout the country who need it - and that's the real reason why thecontinues to this day.Greed and control are the motivation - it has absolutely nothing to do with protecting the populace from a plant we already know is harmless and extremely beneficial.
The marketers of Supple, a glucosamine and chondroitin liquid supplement that produced nearly $US151 million in nationwide sales over a five-year period, have reached a settlement with the FTC over allegations of false advertising.

The agreement was announced last week in response to the governments contentions that the defendantsincluding a medical doctorfalsely advertised the supplement provided total relief from chronic and severe joint pain caused by arthritis and fibromyalgia, and the product was scientifically proven to eliminate joint pain.

Earlier this month, FTC filed a complaint against Wisconsin-based Supple, LLC, founder and CEO Peter Apatow and his ex-wife Monita Poudyal, M.D. The defendants marketed the supplement through infomercials; social media and other Internet marketing; radio ads; brochures; and in-person pitches at community events, according to an FTC news release.

If you just drink a can of Supple every day ... it'll help you get rid of all your pain, all your immobility, all of your suffering," the FTCs complaint quoted Apatow as saying in an infomercial. You could stop taking dangerous pain drugs, you could avoid surgery...."

Under a stipulated court order, Supple, LLC and its principals must have scientific evidence to support claims regarding disease treatment, health benefits and pain relief, according to the news release. The defendants are barred from misrepresenting the results of any scientific study, and the court order prohibits them from portraying Supples endorsers as independent and objective when the endorsers have a close financial or personal interest in the companys product sales, FTC said.

Defendants represented in an infomercial and on a website that Poudyal is an independent, impartial medical expert," FTC asserted in its complaint. However, she and Apatow were married at the time of the making of the infomercial and when her endorsement of the product appeared on the website, the complaint noted.

Minus returns for its products, the defendants generated $150.6 million in U.S. gross sales from January 2011 through December 2015, FTC said. Supple liquid is sold for roughly $79.95 (24-day supply) to $139.95 (48-day supply), while the powder product is sold for roughly $69.95 (24-day supply) to $269.95 (144-day supply), according to the complaint.

While the settlement with the defendants includes a $150 million judgment, most of the judgment has been suspended based on the financial condition of the company and Apatow, FTC said. However, the total amount will come due if its determined that the defendants misrepresented their financial condition, the agency noted.

Supple, LLC, which also conducted business as Supple Beverages, LLC, is a Connecticut LLC with its principal place of business in Neenah, Wisconsin, while Apatow and Poudyal are based in Colorado, the complaint said.

The company did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the settlement.
Einstein and Twentieth-Century Politics: 'A Salutary Moral Influence' Richard Crockatt Oxford University Press: 2016. 9780198785491 | ISBN: 978-0-1987-8549-1

Einstein speaking on science and civilization in 1933. Credit: Keystone/Getty Albert Einstein's dreams have been analysed, his love life scrutinized, his letters parsed. His brain has been dissected and driven 5,000 kilometres across the United States. In a way, he has survived it all.

In Einstein and Twentieth-Century Politics, it is the physicist's politics and principles that are once again debated. Einstein is the global thinker, a scientist with important social insights and a charismatic personality besides. Richard Crockatt shows that the causes that he championed embody the world's conflicts of the time: pacifism; zionism and Israel; the atomic bomb and the arms race; and world government. Writes Crockatt (a British scholar of US foreign policy and mid-twentieth-century international relations): In looking at his life and ideas one sees over his shoulder into the world he lived in, not merely into his mind.

Einstein's first public foray into politics was in 1914. He was bold from the start: aged 35 and teaching at the University of Berlin, he was one of only four signatories to a manifesto against the First World War. It was to counter another signed by 93 of his peers, defending Germany's 'just' war. He didn't state so openly, but Einstein hoped that Imperial Germany would lose the war and rise from the ashes as a democratic socialist government.

Before the war, he was little-known outside physics. Celebrity enveloped him in 1919, when experimentalist Arthur Eddington confirmed the general theory of relativity. After this, Einstein  who was Jewish  was no longer a mere mortal, a fact that roused an increasingly anti-Semitic Germany. Anti-relativists with an anti-Jewish agenda attacked him. In this and only this instance, he lashed out in a newspaper article, which brought more attacks. He learned that detractors could agitate him, that he needed to protect his privacy and that entering the political fray disrupted his science. From then on, he made pronouncements on political and moral issues that aimed to keep him above ordinary politics. These dimensions are all nimbly woven into Einstein and Twentieth-Century Politics.

After the First World War, the League of Nations was founded to advance peace. Einstein had an ambivalent relationship with it, as did many of his liberal contemporaries. They feared that the military strength of nations would thwart their pacifist goal. The devastation of the war had made many a pacifist purist. But in 1933, having left Germany for the United States in the face of the Nazi assault, Einstein refined his views. A grudging pragmatism took hold: what good would come from supporting peace if freedom were lost? Allied military strength became a benefit. Such was his evolution on many issues, garnering criticism in private from his leftist intellectual friends and in public from his foes, especially those in the US government. He was characterized variously as reckless, hypocritical, naive and pro-Soviet.

One decision  promoting the building of the atomic bomb  he regretted until he died. He wrote three letters to US President Franklin Roosevelt: the first two advocated for the bomb; the last indirectly warned against using it. After the Second World War, he explained his rationale  and that he never worked on the bomb  but he could not break the public's perception that he was responsible for it. In the end, all he could do was to press more urgently for a supranational government that controlled military power, especially the bomb.

Crockatt skilfully uses letters and articles from the liberal wing of international opinion, non-scientists all, to limn the subtleties of the issues. Philosophers Bertrand Russell and Albert Schweitzer; writers George Bernard Shaw, Thomas Mann and H. G. Wells; and Mahatma Gandhi  with a cameo by Sigmund Freud all draw out the nuances in Einstein's positions and expose the complexities created by a rapidly changing world. They agreed, more or less, on the objective: a world government that limits the power of the nation-state and nullifies war. Details, such as the role of the state, create the debate.

Crockatt's deft pen and thoughtful approach form an engaging and revealing image of Einstein the non-scientist. He marshals a wealth of material into a convincing narrative. However, to tease out Einstein's distinctive intellectual and emotional qualities, Crockatt may have overreached. In essence, he alleges that Einstein examined every angle of a scientific idea but rarely, if ever, questioned his political principles because they were self-evident.

I doubt it was that black and white. Crockatt himself describes numerous incidents in which Einstein altered his political positions fundamentally. Crockatt suggests that the shifts were tactical, but they must have required deep reflection and questioning. These were profoundly consequential decisions. Nor was Einstein entirely the dispassionate, empirical scientist of his own characterization or that Crockatt assumes. Einstein's argument for rejecting quantum mechanics, that God does not play dice, was more about intuition than well-founded scientific principle.
Roger Yonchien Tsien pioneered the use of light and colour to 'peek and poke' at living cells to see how they work. His most famous achievement, recognized by a share of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2008, transformed biology: he developed a rainbow of probes, based on the jellyfish green fluorescent protein (GFP), to illuminate cell structure and function.

Roger died suddenly in a park near his home in Oregon on 24 August. He was born in New York in 1952 with science in his blood. His father's cousin was Tsien Hsue-shen (Qian Xuesen), architect of China's missile and space programme. Roger would combine his father's engineering talent with the medical interests of his mother, a nurse. Credit: Holger Motzkau/Wikipedia/Wikimedia Commons

Roger had an early passion for chemistry. Despite his Chinese name (which means 'always healthy'), childhood asthma often kept him indoors, reading and drawing. He fought going to kindergarten until his teacher allowed him to bring in a favourite book: he picked All about the Wonders of Chemistry. From the age of eight, he performed increasingly complex and sometimes hazardous chemistry experiments at home. At 16, he went to Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts (avoiding the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where his father, uncles and brothers studied), and sampled many subjects. Ironically he found the chemistry courses so distasteful that he abandoned them for neurobiology.

Roger then spent nine years at the Physiological Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, UK. First he was a PhD student with the eminent muscle physiologist Richard Adrian; then he did a postdoc with one of us (T.J.R.). He emerged as an ingenious, largely self-taught synthetic chemist.

Much of Roger's early work was directed at imaging neural activity, by trying to develop tracers of sodium- or calcium-ion movements that support brain signalling. By 1980, he had invented quin2, a synthetic fluorescent dye that selectively binds to calcium, and had devised a clever way to sneak this dye and other probes into intact cells. This first practical probe for calcium found wide early use in studies of intracellular calcium signalling.

Amazingly, Roger struggled to find a faculty position because his work straddled disciplines. In 1982, he joined the physiology department at the University of California, Berkeley, where colleagues encouraged him to create more tools. First came superior calcium dyes, in particular fura2, which is strongly excited by different wavelengths of ultraviolet light before and after binding calcium. Capitalizing on this feature of fura2 (and indicators with similar optical properties), Roger and his group made it much easier to monitor calcium under challenging conditions, for example, across the width of a cell. His group also created valuable fluorescent sensors for pH and for sodium.

In 1989, facing resource constraints, Roger transferred to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Here he remained for the rest of his career. He wanted to make sensors that could be genetically encoded, allowing researchers to target specific cell types without having to inject a tracer. In the 1990s, he saw the potential of GFP. The protein had been isolated from jellyfish in the 1960s by Osamu Shimomura (who shared the 2008 Nobel) and cloned by Douglas Prasher in 1992. Martin Chalfie, who also shared in the Nobel, first used GFP to image living cells in 1994.

Roger's lab pioneered the development of GFP variants. Through a combination of rational design and random mutagenesis, they created dozens of bright fluorescent proteins of various colours based on GFP. Roger later produced longer-wavelength sensors based on red fluorescent proteins. He took great pleasure in naming probes after fruits such as the tomato, cherry and plum.

GFP variants are now ubiquitous in biological research. They can be used to bind with and track cancer cells, aid gene therapy, image mitosis, paint neurons in rainbow colours and spy on signalling in subcellular organelles such as mitochondria. They have even been used to make art.

Roger's group at UCSD developed many other optical probes, including fast-response sensors to measure electrical signals across cell membranes, and dyes for tracking proteins with a combination of light and electron microscopy. In recent years, he had two main projects: the design of fluorescent tracers to illuminate tumours during cancer surgery; and the storage of long-term memory by the pattern of holes in the perineuronal net that surrounds neurons in the brain.

Roger's trajectory helped to make it respectable, indeed fashionable, to spend a career inventing reagents and methods. He is named in more than 160 US patents, often as lead inventor. Although naturally keen to participate in the first application of his new tools, he was also generous in providing materials to other scientists.

Roger co-founded three biotech companies that capitalized on his inventions. He semi-seriously quipped to his wife Wendy that, apart from the potential human benefit, the main point of these companies was to provide suitable jobs for his postdocs.

Roger was a fine pianist and briefly considered a musical career. A gifted amateur photographer  a hobby in keeping with his passion for colour and imaging  he enjoyed holidays in the wild outdoors, often taking arduous treks, camera in hand.
Scientists are uncovering the hidden switches in our genome that dial gene expression up and down, but much work lies ahead to peel back the many layers of regulation.

Fifteen years ago, scientists celebrated the first draft of the sequenced human genome. At the time, they predicted that humans had between 25,000 and 40,000 genes that code for proteins. That estimate has continued to fall. Humans actually seem to have as few as 19,000 such genes1  a mere 12% of the genome. The key to our complexity lies in how these genes are regulated by the remaining 99% of our DNA, known as the genome's 'dark matter'.

From efforts such as the massive Encyclopedia of DNA Elements (ENCODE) project2, launched in 2003 by the US National Human Genome Research Institute, it's clear that copious regulatory elements are at play, tuning gene expression in ways that scientists are only starting to unravel. By uncovering regulatory instructions in the genome beyond protein-coding genes, scientists are hoping to yield new ways to understand and treat disease. It's not overstating to say that ENCODE is as significant for our understanding of the human genome as the original DNA sequencing of the human genome, says cell biologist Bing Ren of the University of California, San Diego, Institute for Genomic Medicine in La Jolla, who is a member of the ENCODE team.

Ren is also part of a subsequent consortium called the Roadmap Epigenomics Project3. These two initiatives  both funded by the US National Institutes of Health (NIH)  aim to map and predict the existence of elements in the genome, including in the vast stretches of non-coding portions, that drive when and where genes are expressed. Scientists have generated a list of such elements by using biochemical assays to probe DNA sequences, RNA transcripts, regulatory proteins bound to DNA and RNA and epigenetic signatures  the chemical tags on DNA and the proteins packaging it  that also affect gene expression. The human genome is not packed with 'junk' as previously thought, but with regulatory regions that modulate gene activity. Credit: Mehau Kulyk/SPL

So far, the data suggest that there are hundreds of thousands of functional regions in the human genome whose task is to control gene expression: it turns out that much more space in the human genome is devoted to regulating genes than to the genes themselves. Scientists are now trying to validate each predicted element experimentally to ascertain its function  a mammoth task, but one for which they now have a powerful new tool.

Since the gene-editing technique CRISPRCas9 entered the scientific arena, the speed at which researchers can test functional elements in the non-coding regions has ramped up. But it is still a daunting endeavour: more than 3 million regulatory DNA regions, thought to contain some 15 million binding sites for regulatory proteins called transcription factors, control gene expression in the human cell types studied thus far. About 150,000 may be active in any given cell type.

These could be crucial to understanding disease, because most single-nucleotide changes associated with common diseases fall in regions outside protein-coding genes, and they often overlap with DNA sites highlighted by ENCODE as having regulatory function. Certain regulatory elements that normally drive gene expression are thought to underpin the mechanism of cancer, for example. Disrupting a gene's regulatory elements, the data suggest, could thus have as drastic an impact on cell function as disrupting the gene itself. Using CRISPRCas9, scientists now have an opportunity to test that premise by introducing targeted mutations into non-coding sequences and observing the consequences.

Decoding a complex world

How much of DNA's dark matter has a function in gene control is still up for debate. In 2012, ENCODE scientists proposed on the basis of biochemical-assay predictions that 80% of the non-coding genome has a function2. But this figure soon proved to be an overestimate as researchers narrowed the definition of 'function' and devised experimental methods, such as reporter assays, to test these functions. The number still isn't fully known, in part because the mapping isn't complete, says Michael Snyder, a geneticist at Stanford University in California and a member of ENCODE. Most people would say between 10% and 20% of the [non-coding] genome is likely to have a function where, if you disrupt it, you will affect something.

But regulatory elements have a bewildering array of functions and forms, which makes tackling them a formidable challenge. Even the best-known types, such as spots in the genome known as promoters, which lie next to a gene where transcription begins, and enhancers  regions that when bound by specific transcription factors alter the likelihood of a gene being read  are hard to study. In addition to the sheer number of these sites, estimated at 15 million, enhancers may be positioned thousands of base pairs away from the gene that they control. This makes it tough to predict where their target genes are located and what they do.

It's a huge challenge to distinguish between functional and non-functional elements.

Thus far, ENCODE and Roadmap have offered up important clues, but the real proof that these predicted regulatory elements actually do something comes from a functional test. For genes, this mostly entails deleting them one at a time and observing the consequences in a cell assay or animal model. This is less easy to do for the non-coding genome because many of the elements are redundant, and so deleting just one might not alter gene expression or produce an obvious change. It's a huge challenge that we have at the moment to really distinguish between functional and non-functional elements detected by ENCODE, says geneticist Ran Elkon of Tel Aviv University in Israel.

CRISPRCas9 is particularly accelerating scientists' exploration of enhancers. The technology enables scientists to alter large numbers of regulatory elements in a high-throughput way, using libraries of RNA guide fragments that target and disrupt different regions in the genome, to observe the outcome. Not only is the method relatively fast, but researchers can also run the assays directly in human cells.

Experiments of this type have already turned up some unexpected findings. While a postdoc working with cancer biologist Reuven Agami at the Netherlands Cancer Institute in Amsterdam, Elkon was involved in performing the first screen of regulatory elements using the advanced editing system4. The CRISPRCas9 approach enabled them to test individually those enhancers predicted by ENCODE to bind a transcription factor called p53. Interest in p53 is high because the protein is a known tumour suppressor that is mutated in more than 50% of human tumours. The researchers were able to pinpoint two enhancers from more than a thousand genomic sites that affect p53's tumour-suppressing function, located near the p53-encoding gene. A predicted third enhancer has yet to be located because it is far from any gene, let alone one related to p53.

In a separate screen, the group targeted binding sites for oestrogen receptor-  which is implicated in breast cancer  and identified three enhancer sequences that influence tumour growth; these elements could thus have a role in the development of resistance to breast-cancer therapy.

At the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Cambridge, Massachusetts, bioengineer Feng Zhang and his group also used CRISPRCas9 to identify genes essential to the survival of cancer cells. Using a melanoma model, they first screened around 18,000 genes in human cells to pinpoint ones that might underlie resistance to the melanoma drug vemurafenib. Then, in a follow-up study published last month5, they described a new screen that identified regulatory regions on either side of several resistance genes. Their findings fit well with ENCODE data that predict regulatory regions at these locations  and they also reveal new functional elements, says molecular biologist Neville Sanjana, who conducted the research as a former postdoc in Zhang's group and now works at the New York Genome Center at New York University.

Other CRISPRCas9 screening data have challenged ENCODE predictions. Richard Sherwood of Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, and his collaborators created an approach called a multiplexed editing regulatory assay6 to screen for non-coding regions that might influence gene expression in well-known mouse embryonic stem-cell lines. Using this technique, they obtained quantitative information about the extent to which these regulatory regions might contribute to gene expression. Some of their results are discordant with regions flagged by ENCODE as potential enhancers because, when mutated, these areas did not affect gene expression.

Moreover, the researchers also discovered mysterious sections that they dubbed 'unmarked regulatory elements', or UREs, that do not fit into any category of functional elements. The team is currently exploring how widespread these UREs might be in the genome. This new type of assay, along with other gene-editing-based screens, will play an increasingly important part in the validation of ENCODE candidates, says Sherwood.

Technique tweaks

Investigators working on the ENCODE and Roadmap projects have relied mostly on a biochemical technique called DNase-seq, which sequences and maps all exposed regions of the genome. In these sections, the DNA is relaxed instead of tightly coiled around histones, and thus is more likely to facilitate transcription-factor binding that drives gene activation. By mapping these areas, investigators can pinpoint candidate enhancers, promoters, silencers, insulators and other regulatory elements in the non-coding genome (see 'Spot the regulators').

Another method, ATAC-seq, detects and sequences sites in the chromatin that are accessible to the transposase enzymes used for the assay. Both DNase-seq and ATAC-seq produce a genome-wide view of regions of open chromatin. According to the researchers, because such epigenomic profiles can map the extent to which genes are activated in certain cell types, they could be useful for clinical decision-making, and ATAC-seq is fast enough for this purpose7. Many, however, consider a technique known as chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-seq to be the most reliable for this purpose because it is the only one that can identify all potential binding sites for a given transcription factor. Adapted from E. Khurana et al. Nature Rev. Genet. 17, 93108 (2016).

Even so, biochemical assays can only hint at function. CRISPRCas9 cell screens, by contrast, are more concrete because scientists can introduce a mutation or deletion at a particular site in the genome and observe how it influences gene expression. The disadvantage is that these tests cover smaller portions of the genome. If the full genome of 3 billion base pairs were represented, for example, by three copies of Leo Tolstoy's classic novel War and Peace (1869), such screens would barely cover a single page, Sanjana says  although he is optimistic that future gene-editing approaches will scale this up.

In the short term, I think CRISPR will serve mainly as a tool to validate functions predicted by those biochemical signatures, says Ren. Once enough of these kinds of screens have been done, their data could be fed into a machine-learning tool to improve its predictive power, Sherwood says.

New computational tools are already providing scientists with smart ways to interpret biochemical mapping data. Algorithms can predict transcription-factor binding sites, which researchers can then probe for function. But even with algorithms, predicting which enhancers are active in a given context is harder in human genomes than in yeast or worm genomes, says computational biologist Michael Beer of Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Beer and his collaborators have developed a computational model8 to predict which tissue-specific networks of gene-regulatory elements are operating in a given cell type and to what extent they are perturbed in complex diseases. They trained their open-source algorithm, called deltaSVM, on human lymphoblastoid cell lines using gene data from ENCODE in 2012, followed by mouse ENCODE data in 2014.

Scientists have initially focused on cancer to probe the links between functional elements and disease because cancer is a simpler condition to study at the cell level than, say, a neuropscyhiatric disorder  cancer cell lines reveal simple-to-measure outcomes, such as cell multiplication, death or senescence. But the data that have streamed in from the Epigenome Roadmap consortium are shifting scientists' thinking about how cancers arise. A study published last year by geneticist John Stamatoyannopoulos of the University of Washington in Seattle and his collaborators showed9 that mutations in a given cancer cell type cluster in inaccessible chromatin regions rather than in the exposed ones  possibly because the open regions can be accessed by DNA-repair enzymes.

The scientists also found that mutation density in a tumour is defined by the epigenomic profile specific to each type of cell. Consequently, the DNA sequence can be informative about tumour origin, which ushers in the possibility of using epigenomic data to trace cancer provenance in patients for whom it remains unknown. It could also open up new approaches to cancer treatment. Cancer is essentially a regulatory or epigenetic program that is superimposed on a cell, and the result of that program is the development of genetic and genomic instability, says Stamatoyannopoulos. As we've analysed lots of cancer genomes, all of these patterns now are starting to come out that were previously not imagined to exist.

It's possible that there are still elements in the genome that existing assays have missed. After all, regulatory signals still crop up unexpectedly, such as the UREs in Sherwood's screen. And a team of scientists led by Harvard Medical School immunologist Daniel Tenen discovered10 a potential new class of regulators that seem to control whether a gene is turned on or off by blocking the enzyme DNA methyltransferase 1, which adds methyl groups to silence genes. These elements are dubbed 'extracoding RNAs', and because they can influence silencing in a gene-specific way, have therapeutic potential. Earlier this year, neuroscientist Jeremy Day of the University of Alabama at Birmingham and his colleagues showed in rat neurons that an extracoding RNA influences the transcription of a gene important for memory formation11.

The ENCODE team will continue to map the non-coding space in the genome and expects to cover most of the regulatory DNA by 2020, Stamatoyannopoulos says. A spatial understanding of how DNA is packaged into a cell, and of the 3D folding that positions genes in close contact with their regulatory elements, will be key to predicting an element's target genes. The NIH Common Fund has begun the '4D Nucleome' project, for instance, which aims to predict the target genes for every regulatory element. That knowledge will help to fill in the picture of how a given regulatory element influences health and disease.
Is doomsday coming? Conspiracy theorists claim that the end of the world is near as reported warning against potential asteroid impact surfaced.

It is said that there are nearly 1,000 asteroids traveling near Earth at 60,000 miles per hour. Some of these space rocks may head towards the Earth, according to a report. NASA already identified some near-Earth asteroids, but conspiracy theorists claim that more are waiting to be discovered in the next few years.

NASA recently launched to space its OSIRIS-REx, the first mission to conduct a comprehensive surface mapping of asteroid Bennu. The mission is also tasked to collect samples from the asteroid using the spacecraft's robotic arm. The collected samples will be brought back to Earth.

According to NASA, the mission will provide information about asteroids, one of the oldest space rocks, which may help man's understanding of how the universe and the planet formed. Aside from that, understanding the composition of an asteroid might also help experts to improve their ability to predict future impact from space rocks.

"Astronauts will return to Earth with far more samples than have ever been available for study, which could open new scientific discoveries about the formation of our solar system and beginning of life on Earth," a NASA official said in a statement.

However, conspiracy theorists see NASA's effort to study an asteroid as a preparation for the end of the world prophecy. Some people say that NASA launched this mission to lessen the potential effect of an asteroid impact in the near future. The goal is to conduct a re-orbit to change the path of "perilous" asteroids away from the Earth.

Conspiracy theorists based their claims on a biblical passage that mentions the end of the world. "A huge mountain, all ablaze, was thrown into the sea. A third of the sea turns into blood, a third of the living creatures in the sea died, and a third of the ship's were destroyed," according to the Book of Revelation.

To further support this claim, a Chinese astronomer said that an asteroid called 2009ES will hit the planet soon. The killer asteroid, which is about 10-mile wide, is said to be as powerful as three billion nuclear bombs, according to the Morning Ledger.

But as for NASA scientists, most of their missions are geared towards the benefit of mankind including OSIRIS-REx that will help prevent the future devastating effect of asteroid and space rocks impacts.
Shailene Woodley is speaking out after being arrested in North Dakota.

In an Instagram post Tuesday afternoon, the actress continued her fight against the construction of the of an oil pipeline.

"One day, baby, we'll sing our poetry. The words dripping from our tongues wet with ripened patience," she wrote on social media. "And the lyrics, the sweet fruits born from the seeds our aging hands are now sowing. #alwaysinallways #heartforward #uptous #NoDAPL #protectcleanwater #iamonyourside."

The message comes after the actress' rep confirmed to E! News Monday evening that she had been released from Morton County Jail in North Dakota.

Earlier in the day, the "Fault In Our Stars" star was peacefully protesting the Dakota Access Pipeline when she was arrested for trespassing.

Shailene Woodley's Magazine Covers

Followers of the actress were able to watch it all unfold on Facebook Live when Shailene recorded everything that was transpiring.

"I don't know if you guys just heard me, but I was walking back to my RV, which is right there so that we can go back to camp peacefully and they grabbed me by my jacket and said that I was not allowed to continue," she told her viewers. "And they had giant guns and batons and zip ties and they're not letting me go."

When Shailene tried to ask the cop a question, police responded, "We can't talk right here, but you're going to be placed under arrest for criminal trespassing."

The Morton County Sheriff later confirmed to E! News that Shailene was in fact arrested for criminal trespassing. Twenty six other people were also arrested.

"She appreciates the outpouring of support, not only for her, but more importantly, for the continued fight against the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline," Shailene's rep shared with E! News after the actress was released from jail.
Recreational beach fires will not be allowed at San Francisco's Ocean Beach from Nov. 1 until the end of February, according to the National Park Service.

The Golden Gate National Recreation Area's first "No-Burn" season coincides with the Bay Area Air Quality Management District's winter Spare the Air season.

During the months of November through February, particulate matter pollution from wood burning and other sources can reach unhealthy levels in the Bay Area, park officials said.

The No-Burn season is part of the park service's Ocean Beach Fire Program, which went into effect April 1 and also included the addition of four new fire pits to the beach for use during the burning season.
Google opened a brand new coding lab in Oakland's Fruitvale neighborhood last week as part of an effort to bring computer science education to a diverse group of disadvantaged students.

The Code Next initiative aims to get black and Latino students involved in coding and computer science, hacking and tinkering.

The 1,500-square-foot hacker space is a home for Google's outreach efforts aimed at young people and partners with local schools and organizations like Black Girls Code.

The goal is to "create 'aha!' moments that connect computer science to students' everyday lives," said Nilka Thomas, Google's director of Diversity and Inclusion.

The curriculum which was first tested at another temporary location in downtown Oakland starting in January. The students met twice a week and now the program is "ready for prime time," Thomas said.

Google consulted with MIT Media Lab, The Unity Council and Kurani design to build the space. The company plans to open a similar facility in Harlem, New York in 2017.

Thomas said Google selected Oakland and Harlem based on density of the target student population and partner organizations committed to computer science education. Middle schools and partners can nominate students to participate in Code Next.

"Long term, our goal is to open-source the curriculum to educators everywhere," she said.

Google hired Gallup to study computer science education last year. The report and other research informed the company's recommendations to improve access to computer science education and make it accessible to all students. The report found that black students and students from low-income families reported less access to computer science classes and clubs at school.

"Without this access, students are unable to discover an interest in computer science or be inspired by the possibilities that come along with it," Thomas said.

According to Claire Shorall, computer science manager for the Oakland Unified School District, 2,853 OSUD students are taking computer science classes this year, up from 685 in the 2015-16 school year.

"Instead of simply broadening the pipeline, the Oakland Unified School District has dug an entirely new trench, thus laying the groundwork to teach all students computer science  an agency-creating course necessary for access, sustainability, and choice in the 21st century," she wrote in a post on Medium last month.

The district is also working with Salesforce and Code.org to expand offerings in middle schools and across the district. Google opens coding lab to teach about computer science in Oakland's Fruitvale neighborhood.
The Pentagon vowed to track down and deliver payback to whoever's responsible for firing two missiles at a Navy destroyer off the coast of Yemen Sunday, according to NBC News.

"We are going to find out who did it and take action accordingly," said Capt. Jeff Davis, a Defense Department spokesman. "Anybody who puts U.S. Navy ships at risk does so at their own peril."

Davis did not say who is suspected or how they planned to retaliate for the attack, which missed the USS Mason Sunday evening near the strait of Bab el-Mandeb, which separates the country from Africa.

The attack came as thousands of Yemenis marched outside United Nations headquarters in the capital to protest a Saudi-led coalition strike on Saturday that killed at least 140 people.
It has been years since veteran officer and whistleblower Shannon Spalding filed suit against the city over the Chicago Police Departments alleged code of silence.

But even after the case was settled earlier this year for $2 million, Spalding said shes still facing backlash.

Spalding, a police officer who investigated police corruption with the FBI for six years , said she faced retaliation after attempting to expose corruption in the Ida B. Wells housing project on Chicagos South Side. She and another officer say they were first outed, then punished for attempting to expose dirty narcotics officers.

The investigation was compromised before its completion, with only two officers charged, Ronald Watts and Khalet Mohammed.

The two officers said word of their involvement in the probe was leaked by a commander, and they were soon branded as internal affairs rats. One commander was quoted as saying, God help them if they ever need help on the streetits not going to come.

The city settled the suit for $2 million, but Spalding said she has yet to be able to move on.

She has been a police officer for 20 years, but now each time she passes the Chicago Police Department, she cant help but react.

I would shake, I would physically get sick, she said. Just going by the police department makes me nervous because the last time I was in there, I was falsely arrested.

She says her fellow officers would even spit at her feet as she walked by.

Doctors ultimately diagnosed Spalding with post-traumatic stress disorder.

I didnt realize the longstanding effect it would have, and how traumatic it would be, she said.

She filed for in line of duty disability from the Chicago Police Pension Board but that request was denied. In its ruling, the board said in part Spaldings PTSD was not the result of her police work but was attributed to her subsequent interaction with her fellow co-workers.

It goes on to say Spalding didnt prove her PTSD was the result of a specific identifiable act of duty unique to police work.

Spalding disputes the rules and has filed an appeal, but shes not surprised by the decision.

I expected it, she said. I expected it would be just a continuation of the retaliation.

Spalding said she still has not received the money from her settlement, which is awaiting a vote by the City Council.

Its difficult, she said. You rely on family, you use all of your savings. I lost my home.

A trustee from the Chicago Police Pension Fund said Tuesday for any officer to consider board trustees would ever consider retaliation to anyone seeking a benefit claim is outrageous and shameful on an officers character.

Beyond her struggles, however, Spalding worries about the message her case sends to others in the department.

The code of silence is very much alive and well in the Chicago Police Department and if you dare break that code of silence, you will be the next Shannon Spalding.
As the Chicago Cubs take on the San Francisco Giants for their first playoff series, Cubs fans arent the only ones getting into the spirit.

City establishments are also taking their Cubbie pride to new levels.

Heres a look at some of the many deals, bets and special Cubs treats taking over the Windy City.

BET: Revolution Brewing vs. Anchor Brewing

Chicagos Revolution Brewing Company and San Franciscos Anchor Brewing have made a wager on the Cubs-Giant series. Loser pours winners beer in their taproom, while wearing the winning teams jersey.

TREAT: Fly the W Haircuts

The Chicago Cubs shared a video Monday featuring a haircut that will allow fans to #FlytheW in style. The haircut was done at Floyds Barbershop.

TREAT: Giordanos

Giordanos Pizza is offering a Fly the W pizza for $25.50 at select Chicago locations. Its also offering a Chicago Cubs keepsake pizza box at all Illinois locations.

DEAL: The Dark Horse Tap & Grille

The Dark Horse Tap & Grille is offering up an eat the curse special for $11 during playoff games. The special features a grilled goat brat topped with caramelized onions on a pretzel bun and comes with a side of fries.

TREAT: Goddess and Grocer

The Goddess and Grocer is offering a special Cubs-themed cake and two special sandwiches in honor of the Cubs. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Anthony Rizzo Foundation.

BET: Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel vs. San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee

Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel has wagered a bet with San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee. At stake is a bottle of single barrel bourbon from KOVAL Distillery, a growler of Bad Intentions beer from Vice District Brewing, a bottle of Somrus Indian Cream liqueur, ribs from Robinsons No. 1 Ribs, baked goods from Misericordia Hearts & Flour Bakery, a cheesecake from Elis Cheesecake, a caramel cake from Angelicas Bakery, 108 ounces of Prime Steaks from Harry Carays Italian Steakhouse, an assortment of soulful side dishes from MacArthurs Restaurant and a container of Iris Botanicals Rejuvenating Hair Butter. Emanuel also plans to make a contribution to a charity of Lees choice, should the wager somehow not end in Chicagos favor.

TREAT: Cold Storage

Cold Storage in Chicagos West Loop is offering up Cubs sundaes throughout the playoffs. The sundaes include the Bryzzo, the Try Not to Suck and the Grandpa Rossy. In addition, $1 of every Cubbie Sundae will be donated to Chicago Cubs charities, the restaurant said.

TREAT: Born to Fly the W onesies

Recently emerged from a different kind of 'Friendly Confines,' newborns at Advocate Health Care hospitals across Illinois, including at Illinois Masonic Medical Center just blocks from Wrigley Field, cheered on the Cubs with special onesies as the team kicks off its playoff run

DEAL: The Vibe at the Claddagh

This North Side dive bar is offering $1 16 oz. tallboys, $12 buckets and free food during all Cubs playoff games.

DEAL: Links Taproom

Links Taproom is offering Old Style Tall Boys with a shot of Malort for $7 on Cubs game days.
A West Allis man accused of shooting an Illinois woman dead during an interstate attack has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect to killing his neighbor the morning of the drive-by.

Zach Hays faces a count of reckless homicide and a count of recklessly endangering safety in Milwaukee County in connection with the May 1 shooting death of Gabriel Sanchez. Online court records show Hays entered a plea of not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect during an arraignment Tuesday.

According to investigators, Hays was driving on Interstate 90/94 in Sauk County after he killed Sanchez when he opened fire on an Illinois family, killing Tracy Czaczkowski. He has pleaded not guilty by reason of mental disease or defect in that case as well.
Sen. Mark Kirk released a campaign ad Monday that calls Rep. Tammy Duckworths work at the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs shameful. This comes only a few weeks after Duckworth released an ad calling Kirks military embellishments disgraceful.

The Kirk ad, which was paid for by the National Republican Senatorial Committee, features a pair of VA whistleblowers, Dr. Lisa Nee and Germaine Clarno, condemning Duckworths work at Illinois' Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital.

Veterans dying, but Duckworth said nothing could be done, the ads narrator says. Tammy put political ambition before our veterans. Thats shameful.

According to the whistleblowers allegations, Duckworth was largely unresponsive to evidence related to veteran mistreatment and inadequate investigations conducted by the VAs inspector general.

During a radio appearance in March, Clarno claimed that, although she approached Duckworth many times, the congresswoman did little to respond to her claims.

At the time, the Duckworth camp dispelled those claims.

"Since receiving troubling reports from Ms. Clarno regarding Hines VA, [Duckworth] has doggedly pursued them by helping launch a VA Office of Inspector General investigation and a separate review by the U.S. Office of Special Counsel, the independent federal agency tasked with protecting federal whistleblowers, among several other actions," Duckworth spokesman Ben Garmisa said.

According to a 2014 report, the VA office of the Inspector General conducted an inspection to assess allegations that dealt with cardiovascular care at the Hines VA. The inspection was at the request of Duckworth and Sen. Dick Durbin.

This isnt the first time Kirk has used whistleblowers in a campaign ad. Last month, the senators campaign released an ad, Priorities, that featured Denise Goins and Christine Butler, the plaintiffs in Duckworths workplace retaliation suit stemming from her time as director of the IDVA.

Duckworth has also sent shots at Kirk. Last month, the congresswomans campaign released an ad, disgraceful, that hammered the Republican on past embellishments to his military record. The 30-second spot features a combat veteran, former U.S. Army Capt. Emily Miller, who did two deployments to Afghanistan and earned the Combat Action Badge.

Its a badge that you dont really want to get and its certainly not something to lie about, Miller says in the ad.

The ads narrator goes on to claim that Kirk "lied 10 times about his military service, something that was deemed mostly true by Politifact in September.

Republican Mark Kirk has lied repeatedly about his military record, Duckworth spokesman Matt McGrath said in a statement at the time. He lied about being shot at. He lied about serving in combat in Afghanistan and in Kosovo. He lied about serving in both Iraq wars. He lied about an award he never earned and claimed a position he never had.

"Now in desperate political straits, hes banking his reelection campaign on lying about Tammy Duckworths record and commitment to fellow veterans, he added.

The only claim disputed in the Politifact report was that Kirk lied about being shot at in Afghanistan. The original source for that claim, Huffington Post, contains an update noting Kirk described two separate incidents. Kirks campaign has said that he made no misstatement when talking about his service in Afghanistan.

Nevertheless, Duckworth's ad faults Kirk for attacking the congresswoman, a combat veteran who went on to work in both the state and national VA after losing both legs piloting a Black Hawk helicopter over Iraq in 2004.

For Mark Kirk to attack another veteran, especially somebody like Tammy whos done so much for veterans, its really disgraceful, Miller says in the ad.
A north suburban businessman has offered a cash infusion to the original reward offered in the search for answers after a boy's body was found burned in a trash can in an alley on Chicago's West Side.

Thanks be to God, a guy whos not even from our community, in Oakbrook, put up the $5,000 cause he put himself in this familys position, Rev. Ira Acree, a community activist, said at news conference Tuesday.

The cash addition brings the reward offered for information in Griffin's death, started by the Leaders Network, up to $7,500. The businessman wishes to remain anonymous.

The body of Demetrius Griffin Jr., 15, was found around 1:25 a.m. Sept. 17 after police responded to a refuse fire in the 5500 block of West Cortez in the citys South Austin neighborhood, according to police and the Cook County Medical Examiners office.

All of us have a sense of dignity, a level of insult, and outrage, and in this case, we will not go back to business of usual until the killer of Demetrius Griffin Jr. is off the streets, said Rev. Marshall Hatch, the familys pastor.

Griffin Jr. was a beloved teen who enjoyed swimming and playing with dogs, his family said.

"He was a 15-year-old kid, loved the neighborhood, loved everyone," said his mother Polynesia Sykes. "Everyone loved Demetrius. That's why I don't understand why someone would do like this, to hurt him."

Sykes said she knew something was wrong when her son missed his curfew.

"He wasn't gang affiliated, he wasn't into the streets like that," she said. "Demetrius' problem was that he loved everyone and he trusted everyone."

Griffin Jr. had graduated from Bruson Elementary earlier this year, where he was part of the Boys and Girls Club. Just weeks ago, he began his freshman year at Steinmetz High School.

Sykes hopes someone who saw something may be able to help catch her son's killer or killers.

"Some monster out there murdered my son, they murdered my son," Sykes said, adding, "If anybody seen anything please help us. He was just a baby, he didn't deserve this."
After Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump sloughed off criticism about vulgar comments he made about women in 2005 as locker room talk," The Daily Show unearthed video of the billionaire firing The Celebrity Apprentice contestant in 2010 for engaging in locker room talk.

The clip shows Trump canning Illinois native and professional wrestler Maria Kanellis-Bennett from his NBC business game show. Kanellis-Bennett can be seen accusing celebrity chef Curtis Stone of using her dressing room and leaving a stench in the room.

Trump goes on to ask Kanellis-Bennett if she regrets making the comments before calling them gross," disgusting and below the belt."

This is my boardroom, Trump said. Its not a locker room. Maria youre fired.

The Washington Post released tape Friday of Trump bragging about kissing, groping and trying to have sex with women during a 2005 interview with former Access Hollywood host Billy Bush that was caught on a hot microphone.

During Sundays debate, Trump again brushed off the comments as locker room talk. The Trump campaign previously released an apology video Saturday in the wake of intensifying backlash from Republican leaders.

Im not proud of it, Trump said during the debate. I apologized to my family. I apologized to the American people. Certainly Im not proud of it, but this is locker room talk.

After being pressed on the matter by moderator Anderson Cooper, Trump denied kissing or groping women without consent.

On Saturday, Kanellis-Bennett took to Twitter to slam the Republican for his offensive comments.

How can you make light of these comments, she tweeted. Its been a horrible 24hrs for the women who have been affected by abusive comments and actions."

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The woman who accused former Gov. Eliot Spitzer of assaulting her in a room at The Plaza Hotel in February has been arrested in New York City after flying back from her native Russia for allegedly trying to extort money from the former politician, police say.

The woman had flown to Russia in February after claiming she was attacked by Spitzer in a hotel room, an allegation his attorney at the time said was false, created by someone with "emotional difficulties."

Upon landing in New York Monday, the woman, Svetlana Zakharova Travis, was arrested on a grand larceny by extortion charge for allegedly attempting to shake down Spitzer to the tune of $400,000 over two years, prosecutors alleged. She was also charged with second-degree forgery in a separate case in which she allegedly signed papers on a lease that billed $18,000 to a New Jersey man.

The Bronx district attorney is expected to handle the matter in Manhattan Criminal Court. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance has recused himself from the case because of past personal and professional connections to Spitzer.

A lawyer for the woman could not be reached.

Travis buried her face in her hands Tuesday as a judge ordered her to be held on $1 million bond on the extortion and forgery charges. Prosecutors alleged she's also being investigated for prostitution and money laundering.

Spitzer attorney Adam Kaufmann said in February that the woman, whom Spitzer has known "for a period of time," had phoned him from California where she had been living to say she was returning to her native Russia via New York. The two agreed to meet at The Plaza Hotel mid-afternoon Saturday, Feb. 13.

"And they had a brief and amicable conversation, and then Mr. Spitzer left," Kaufmann said in a statement. But she called a few hours later and asked that he return to the room, where she had become "highly emotional and was threatening self-harm," he said.

The woman called 911 from the hotel room rented by Spitzer that evening, saying she had cut herself and was distraught and having a breakdown, two law enforcement officials said at the time. She called back and tried to cancel the emergency call but police were already en route, they said.

Kaufmann confirmed she'd placed the calls. "She was distraught and Mr. Spitzer sought to keep her calm," he said.

Police responded, and the 25-year-old woman said she was fine, but they noticed the cut on her arm and a broken glass and took her to a hospital. At the hospital, she told doctors she had a relationship with the 56-year-old Spitzer, and he choked her and shoved her after an argument, the officials said. She said the two had been together at a bar at the hotel earlier Saturday evening, the officials said.

In reference to the assault claim, Spitzer's spokeswoman Lisa Linden said at the time: "There is no truth to the allegation."

The woman did not want to cooperate with law enforcement, and left on a flight to Russia the following evening, one official and Kaufmann said.

"Unsolicited, she has indicated that any allegations of assault were false," Kaufmann said, adding it was unfortunate that the woman's "emotional difficulties" had been made public. "Mr. Spitzer acted appropriately at all times during this incident. He has been and intends to remain fully cooperative in the event there is any further inquiry by relevant authorities."

No charges were ever filed against Spitzer in the case.

The woman made a similar claim of another man in 2013, and that case was dropped when her lawyer at the time said he had ethical concerns with her allegations, NBC 4 New York reported in February.

The woman had claimed the man choked her, according to the woman's lawyer in the case, Arkady Bukh. He told NBC 4 New York he dropped her as a client because he had ethical issues with her allegations, and the case never proceeded after that. The defense attorney for the man who was sued said "she clearly made false allegations against my client, and no criminal charges were ever brought."

Spitzer, a Democrat, resigned two years into his term in 2008 amid revelations that he had sex with prostitutes.

He was identified as a patron of a high-priced prostitution ring during a federal investigation, but he was never charged. His attempt at a political comeback failed when he lost his bid to become New York City's comptroller in 2013.

Ida Siegal contributed to this report.
Hillary Clinton showed a little sympathy Wednesday for Donald Trump supporters who disrupted her campaign event in Colorado.

"You have to feel a little sorry for them, they've had a really bad couple of weeks," Clinton said as security escorted one man out of Pueblo rally.

Clinton called out Republicans still backing Trump despite his caught-on-tape boasts about groping women. The strategy is the latest sign the campaign is moving past a narrow focus on winning the White House, and now is aiming to win big  by delivering the Senate to Democrats, making deep cuts into Republicans' majority in the House and, possibly, winning states long considered Republican territory.

The Democratic presidential candidate and her surrogates, including President Barack Obama, in recent days have begun to pressure Republican candidates on the stump, particularly as Trump has declared he feels unshackled to launch the sort of hard-edged, personal campaign his most ardent supporters have long wanted.

Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta says Trump's strategy appears to be trying to "disgust" voters so they don't show up to vote.

Clinton is also scheduled to headline a rally at 7:30 p.m. PT at the Smith Center for the Performing Arts in Las Vegas, Nevada. She'll appear with Senate candidate and former Nevada Attorney General Catherine Cortez Masto.

The rally comes as Cortez Masto trails slightly in recent polls in the race to replace retiring Sen. Harry Reid. The contest could decide which party holds the majority in the U.S. Senate.

Clinton's campaign raised the curtain on her visit by releasing new ads in Spanish featuring prominent Nevada DREAMer Astrid Silva, who talks about the risks to her if Donald Trump is elected and makes good on his immigration campaign promises.
The governors administration recently sent a pair of letters with differing conclusions on the states possible budget shortfall.

In the first letter sent internally to state agency heads, the governors Office of Policy and Management Secretary (OPM) provided details on a then-projected $133 million shortfall. OPM Secretary Benjamin Barnes told agencies they would need to provide budget blueprints with options for cutting and spending.

In the second letter, sent Sept. 20, the one statutorily obligated to be sent to the states comptroller Kevin Lembo, Barnes said the budget was in balance.

When reached by phone Tuesday, Lembo said he was "troubled" by the dueling estimates.

Even though Lembo acknowledged there was no official wrongdoing, he chalked up the letter to agency heads as a "sort of management letter", the comptroller- who is in charge of monitoring the states revenues and expenditures- said he would have to ask Barnes questions about how his office reached the $133 million conclusion for state agencies and a balanced budget sheet for his consumption.

"Its problematic for them to represent a different revenue and budgeted amount than what is actually occurring," Lembo said.

The governors administration is legally obligated to update the comptrollers office on the 20th of each month as to the states budget conditions. Lembo said the letter sent to department heads, in his view, didnt raise any red flags when it comes to accuracy.

Lembo said, "That number in that document has no legal or process standing in how we calculate the deficit or the surplus."

Governor Dan Malloy said the letter sent to agency heads was a way of telling them to brace for possible cuts, though he didnt acknowledge that there is a projected $1.5 billion shortfall coming from non-partisan budget analysts. He said there is a distinction between the two letters that may have gotten lost.

"One is you know, tell us how you'e going to budget off of this number, the other is where are we today?" Malloy asked.

He continued and said it would be irresponsible not to be in communication with his agencies regarding possible budget cuts which the state has seen for the past two fiscal years.

"We have been very conservative with our commissioners about what they can spend so when we tell commissioners you can spend X, Y, or Z, tells us how you're going to get to a five percent reduction, tell us how you're going to get to a ten percent reduction, tell us what you would expand if you could expand, Malloy said.

Lembo says he may send questions to Barnes by the end of the week.
When responding to a fire, seconds could be the difference between life and death.

Our opinion is with the technology we have today, West Haven Fire Marshal Keith Flood said, why are we still killing people in house fires when theres no need to?

At West Haven High School, firefighters demonstrated the difference a sprinkler system makes in minimizing a fires destruction.

Thanks to a $1,500 grant from the Home Fire Sprinkler Coaltion, 10th through 12th grade students in a construction class built two wooden structures for the simulation.

We learned that the sprinklers are definitely a big help when it comes to the houses being on fire, student James Simmons said.

In the first fire, without a sprinkler in place, within a minute and a half, we went to fully involved, Flood said.

Next came the controlled burn of the structure with a working sprinkler.

And within 32 seconds the sprinkler goes off, Flood said, and you saw the damage for yourself, theres minimal damage in that room.

West Haven State Representative Stephen Dargan said he will continue fighting in Hartford to require builders to install sprinkler systems in new family homes.

For the amount of money that people put into a new home, he said, the percentage of a sprinkler system is so small when you look at the safety of some loved one.

Until state lawmakers act, Flood is urging people buying new homes to ask builders to install fire sprinklers.
Wells Fargo's embattled CEO John Stumpf is stepping down as the nation's second-largest bank is roiled by a scandal over its sales practices.

The San Francisco bank said Wednesday that Stumpf is retiring effective immediately and also relinquishing his title as chairman. He won't be receiving severance pay and the bank announced earlier that he will forfeit $41 million in stock awards.

Wells Fargo's chief operating officer, Tim Sloan, will succeed Stumpf as CEO and join the company's board. Sloan has been with Wells Fargo for 29 years. Stephen Sanger, the bank's lead director, will serve as the board's non-executive chairman.

Stumpf's end at Wells Fargo comes a little over a month after the bank was fined by California and federal regulators $185 million over its sales practices.

The regulators alleged employees trying to meet aggressive sales targets opened bank and credit card accounts, moved money between those accounts and even created fake email addresses to sign customers up for online banking  all without customer authorization. Debit cards were issued and activated, as well as PINs created, without customers' knowledge.

"I wish I could snap my fingers and make everything all right again, but it's going to take time," said Sloan said in an interview. "We are going to make it right by our customers and we are going to work to win that trust back."

Stumpf, a 34-year veteran of the bank who took over as CEO in 2007, had previously gained acclaim for navigating Wells Fargo through the financial crisis and keeping it free of scandal. But he came under withering pressure over the alleged misconduct, believed to have gone on at the bank for years. Some 5,300 lower-level employees were fired.

"While I have been deeply committed and focused on managing the company through this period, I have decided it is best for the company that I step aside," he said in a prepared statement Wednesday.

Among Stumpf's critics, Democratic Sen. Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts told him at a Senate Banking Committee hearing last month that he should resign and "give back the money you took while the scam was going on."

News of Stumpf's departure, however, did little to quell some lawmakers' anger over the affair or their demands for information from the company on how harmed customers and employees will be made whole.

Senate Banking Committee Chairman Richard Shelby, R-Ala., and the panel's senior Democrat, Sherrod Brown of Ohio, said Wednesday that Stumpf's retirement doesn't answer important questions.

"We are still waiting for answers as to how Wells Fargo plans to right its wrongs against customers and the low-paid employees who weren't given the benefit of a retirement package when they were fired for refusing to cheat," Brown said in a statement.

Stumpf earned $19.3 million last year. But he and Carrie Tolstedt, the executive who ran the retail banking division, will forfeit millions.

Tolstedt announced in July that she would retire from the bank this year and had been expected to leave with as much as $125 million in salary, stock options and other compensation. She was stripped of $19 million of her stock awards, and her departure was made immediate.

The revelations have sparked investigations by federal agencies. The bank's independent directors have also launched their own investigation.

Wells Fargo is scheduled to report its quarterly results Friday morning. In after-hours trading, its stock rose 76 cents, or nearly 1.7 percent, to $46.08.
A Dallas man who stomped and jumped on the pregnant belly of a teenage rape victim until she had a miscarriage was sentenced by a Dallas County jury Tuesday to 10 years in prison.

Lonnell McDonald, 28, was found guilty Friday of aggravated assault in the 2013 attack. He still faces a pending conspiracy to commit capital murder charge.

CLICK HERE to read more from our media partners at The Dallas Morning News.
The Frisco ISD Board of Trustees voted Monday night to delay the opening of four new schools that are currently under construction.

Memorial High School, Lawler Middle School, Talley Elementary and Liscano Elementary were scheduled to open in 2017, but will now open in 2018.

The move is meant to bridge a looming budget deficit that was triggered by two factors: cuts in state funding to the district and residents voting down a property tax increase.

"We're doing everything we can to protect the classroom, to protect our staff. We're trying to minimize the impact of that but obviously there's going to be some impacts," board president Anne McCausland said.

In August, 58 percent of voters rejected a property tax rate increase, which would have generated $30.6 million to cover the end of a fund called Additional State Aid for Tax Reduction.

Superintendent Dr. Jeremy Lyon told NBC 5 that delaying the opening of the new schools is one of the biggest cost-saving measures.

"When you don't open that school, then you have overcrowding at other facilities and you have increased class sizes at other facilities," said Lyon. "You have to weigh that with the savings. At the end of the day, the tough part is, we have to balance the budget."

Lyon added enrollment projections are down for next year. He anticipates between 2,400 to 2.500 new students for the 2017-2018 school year.

"We have a history of accommodating that level of overcrowding in the past. Is it desirable? No. But does it save enormous amounts of money without directly impacting student programs and opportunities? Yes," said Lyon.

The Board of Trustees reviewed updated enrollment projects and costs associated with opening new schools, and discussed implications of delaying the school openings and how that impacts rezoning.

According to Frisco ISD, it costs $16-$18 million to open, staff two elementary schools, a middle school and a high school. If the openings are delayed, rezoning may involve a combination of capping enrollments and possible adjustments to existing zones to balance enrollment to assist in delaying the need for future new schools, the district said.

Before the board voted, some residents said it was all moving too fast.

"This is a big impact  both on money and on our students," said Joe Widner, with the group Frisco United. "So it would be nice for people to ask questions and really dig into it to understand what's happening before a vote's taken."

Other budget recommendations, to be voted on later, include a one-year salary freeze for all district employees to save an additional $7.5 million.

"As a mom, I'm thinking overcrowding. I'm thinking our school district was built on the foundation of the small school model," said Cindy Badon.

Badon has two kids enrolled in Frisco schools. She supported a 13-cent property tax rate increase meant to replace state funding cuts for day-to-day operations.

Badon's son is a freshman at Wakeland High School, one of three high schools Memorial would have relieved.

"What happens when you put too many students in one school? How does it affect their education? How does it affect student to teacher ratios? If we're giving teachers too much of a work load, that's going to affect the quality of our district and the quality of the teachers we attract to our district," said Badon. "We voted to build schools and then we voted against the funding of those schools."

Frisco ISD is the fastest-growing district in the state, Lyon said, and has opened three to four new schools every year for the past two decades.

The district, which redraws school boundaries every year, will now work to rezone once again to deal with the delay of the four schools.

NBC 5's Kevin Cokely and Homa Bash contributed to this report.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear an appeal from the family of a Mexican teenager who was killed when a U.S. Border Patrol agent fired across the border from Texas into Mexico.

The justices on Tuesday stepped into a case about the rights of people who are harmed by American authorities on foreign soil to have their day in U.S. courts.

The federal appeals court in New Orleans ruled that the parents of 15-year-old Sergio Adrian Hernandez Guereca could not sue the agent who killed him in 2010.

The Obama administration, while calling the death tragic, urged the justices to stay out of the case.
San Antonio's police chief promises disciplinary action for more than a dozen officers seen in a Donald Trump campaign video wearing "Make America Great Again" caps while in uniform, violating city policy.

The San Antonio Express-News reports a video on Trump's Twitter account shows at least 14 members of his motorcycle escort wearing the caps after returning Trump to San Antonio International Airport from a Tuesday fundraiser.

Thank you Texas! If you haven't registered to VOTE- today is your last day. Go to: https://t.co/HfihPEA3Sp & get out on 11/8/16 to #MAGA! pic.twitter.com/KlRx4GoO64  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2016

In the 25-second video, Trump is heard saying to the officers wearing his signature red caps, "Thank you, fellas."

Several officers thanked Trump in return and gave him a thumbs-up sign.

In a statement posted to the city Twitter account, Chief William McManus said the officers "displayed poor judgment" and "will be disciplined appropriately." He mentioned no specifics.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus released the following statement Tuesday night.

"The officers wearing the campaign hats while in uniform violated SAPD policy and will be disciplined appropriately. SAPD officers are charged with protecting the entire community. The officers displayed poor judgment. I expect them to know better than to give the appearance of endorsing a candidate while on duty and in uniform, regardless of the political campaign or the candidate."

San Antonio Police Officers Association President Mike Helle said such political activity while on duty violates city policy.

San Antonio Mayor Ivy Taylor expressed her thoughts about the incident via Twitter.
She's the oldest living National Park Ranger working full time in the United States. She worked as file clerk for an all African-American union that made boilers and steel plates during WWII. And she survived a brutal home invasion attack at her Richmond, Calif. home this summer.

For all this and more, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (D-Walnut Creek) will present Betty Reid Soskin with a Congressional Record statement at the Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historic Park in Richmond on Friday. The Congressional Record is the official record of the United States Congress and has been published daily since 1873. Soskin was officially read into the record on July 5.

"If anyone knows Betty, she's a special person and a special soul," DeSaulnier said. "Lincoln once said, 'In the end it's not the years in your life that count; it's the life in your years.' In Betty's case it's both. She is a phenomenal spirit."

[NATL] Bay Area Woman is World's Oldest Park Ranger

Soskin grinned as she took the framed plaque and took the opportunity not to boast or gloat over the latest award in her life. Rather, she took the podium and started talking about the history of WWII, segregation and her current efforts to bring more artifacts into the museum where she works.

The award is one of a long list of honors Soskin has received in almost 100 years on this planet, ranging from California Woman of the year in 1995 to receiving a presidential coin from President Obama last Christmas when she was invited to light the National Christmas tree. That coin was stolen from her home in June by a thief who attacked Soskin, punching her several times in the face. The coin was later replaced during a surprise ceremony in July by the Secretary of Interior.

The most recent honor came last month, when Soskin celebrated her 95th birthday on Sept. 22. She was celebrated in Washington, D.C., during the opening of the new Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C. Children sang her happy birthday, she got to meet plenty of celebrities, and she was asked to lead tours at the new museum, just like she does five days a week at the museum in Richmond.

Even Soskin noted the whirlwind of events, many of which will be formally memorialized in a documentary being made about her.

"How will I ever catch up with myself?" she blogged after returning from D.C.
A federal court judge issued a temporary restraining order banning a Southern California synagogue from carrying out a Yom Kippur-Rosh Hashanah ceremony involving the slaughter of a chicken.

U.S. District Judge Andre Birrote Jr. granted the order Friday after Virginia-based Universal Poultry Concerns sued to stop Chabad Irvine of Orange County from carrying out the Kapparot ceremony with a live chicken.

The Orange County Register reported that Birrote scheduled a hearing on the matter for Thursday.

A call Saturday to Chabad Irvine was answered by a recording.

The 2,000-year-old ceremony, which means atonement in Hebrew, is practiced in some traditional Orthodox Jewish communities between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, which ends on Wednesday this year.

It involves swinging a chicken over a person's head before slaughtering the bird kosher style.

Universal Poultry Concerns argues in its lawsuit that Chabad Irvine is violating California law prohibiting intentional and malicious killing of an animal not used for food.

Chickens used in the ceremony were once given to the poor but are now generally disposed of because of health concerns.

One of Universal Poultry Concerns' attorneys, Bryan Pease of San Diego, told the Register his group is considering going after other Jewish groups that also use live chickens during Kapparot.

"This is a first step in the ultimate goal to show that it is illegal in the state of California and most other states to intentionally kill an animal as punishment for your sins," he said.

Religious leaders maintain the chickens are slaughtered humanely and that efforts to ban the practice violate religious freedom.
Egypt agreed on Tuesday with Cyprus and Greece to work on stopping the flow of irregular migrants during a tripartite summit held in Cairo between the leaders of the three countries.

Egypts President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi said in a press conference that the three leaders agreed on making the migration crisis a priority and that the solution should not be limited to security measures and deportation.

El-Sisi added that Egypt was interested in boosting cooperation between Cyprus and Greece to work towards mutual interests, adding that the summit saw discussion of several visions on how to enhance strategic relations.

This is the fourth tripartite summit recently held between the three countries, with the first held in Cairo in November 2014, the second in Nicosia in April 2015 and the third in Athens in December 2015.

The discussions also involved talks on energy, preserving the ecosystem in the Mediterranean, and activating maritime transport between the three countries.

Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades said that the discussions with El-Sisi and Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras were successful, stressing that the cooperation between the three countries was not "directed against any other state," in what is believed to be a comment directed at Turkey.

During a 2014 Cairo visit, the Cypriot president slammed Ankara for its handling of negotiations with Cyprus over disputed territory in the country under Turkish control.

Though El-Sisi had not commented on the Turkey-Cyprus dispute at the time, on Tuesday he put Egyptian support behind Cyprus to reach a fair solution that would ensure the unity of the country while preserving the rights of all Cypriot citizens in accordance with legitimate international accords.

Relations between Turkey and Egypt have been strained since the 2013 ouster of Egypts Islamist president Mohamed Morsi, a close ally of Erdogan's AKP government.

Anastasiades added that the three countries face mutual challenges that call for more cooperation, especially in combating terrorism and the flow of migrants.

Greeces Tsipras described the cooperation between Cairo and Nicosia as one that was strategic to his country, adding that they also discussed joint projects related to the natural gas fields in the Mediterranean.

He said that Europes security depends on neighboring countries, especially Egypt, adding that the Palestinian issue and the establishment of a Palestinian state were also discussed during the summit.

Following their meeting, the three leaders sent a symbolic message of peace by planting three olive trees as a show of support for peace and stability in the Middle East region.

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A man was taken into custody early Wednesday morning after stabbing a driver in one of two attempted carjackings in Watts.

The first carjacking occurred around 11:45 p.m. Tuesday near Manchester and Stanford avenues, according to the Los Angeles Police Department Habor Division.

The man got into the passenger's seat of a car and threatened the driver with a weapon, police said. The driver intentionally crashed the car into a pole, and the man ran off.

Before 12:30 a.m., the carjacker attempted to get inside a vehicle at a gas station near Manchester Avenue at San Pedro, police said. He stabbed the driver and ran away.

An officer patrolling the area saw the incident and took the man into custody.

No further details were immediately available.
What to Know Officer Jose "Gil" Gilbert Vega, 63, was a 35-year veteran of the force who was preparing to retire soon.

Officer Lesley Zerenby had been with the department about 18 months. She and her husband, a deputy, have a 4-month-old baby girl.

John Felix, 26, allegedly opened fire with an assault rifle after the officers responded to a domestic disturbance call.

Murder and attempted murder charges were filed Wednesday morning against a man who was armed with an assault rifle when he allegedly opened fire on Palm Springs police officers as they responded to a domestic disturbance call.

Prosecutors announced the charges Wednesday against John Felix, 26. He was arrested following a standoff after the shooting deaths Saturday of longtime officer Jose "Gil" Gilbert Vega, 63, and a rookie member of the force, 27-year-old Lesley Zerebny. Other felony charges also were filed, including three attempted murder charges stemming from allegations that the suspect tried to gun down other officers.

One of those three officers suffered a gunshot wound and was released from the hospital earlier this week.

Felix also faces charges of unlawfully possessing an assault weapon, being a felon in possession of an assault weapon, unlawfully possessing ammunition and possessing stolen property -- the weapon used in the shooting.

Felix used an assault rifle with armor piercing rounds to kill the two officers who were responding to a domestic disturbance call at the California home of the suspect's family, authorities said Tuesday. The officers were wearing ballistic vests as required when they are in uniform and on duty.

"This individual wanted to kill police officers," said Riverside County District Attorney Michael Hestrin. "He armed himself with a weapon to kill police officers. He put on a vest, so that he would be protected so that he could kill police officers. That's the motive, he wanted to gun down police officers because they wore the uniform.

Felix was prohibited from legally possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction, the Sheriff's Department said in a statement. Felix served 18 months of a four-year sentence for assault with a gun in connection with a 2009 gang shooting. He was paroled in 2011, according to state records.

"There's an element in our society that's bent on killing police officers because they represent law and order," Hestrin said. "I think it's time that everybody in law enforcement and the public spoke up against that. It's time we acknowledge that our police officers are the only thing, only people keeping us safe on the streets. The kind of sacrifice and commitment they give day in and day out, we ought to be thanking those people patrolling our streets to keep us safe."

Police officers arriving at the Palm Springs home on Saturday were told by a relative that Felix had a weapon, later determined to be the assault rifle. Officers spoke with Felix through a metal screen door before he opened fire without warning, the statement said.

Authorities declined to release a 911 recording alerting police about a problem or say who made the call.

The standoff lasted about 12 hours before Feliz was taken into custody outside the home.

The charges could land Felix on death row, but the district attorney said no decision has been reached on what penalty prosecutors plan to seek.

"We go about gathering evidence that's used in that determination, and that includes everything. We want to know everything there is to know about this individual -- his background, where he grew up, everything," said Hestrin. "And so, it's an exhaustive investigation. So we're not ready to make that decision, however, I will be making that decision within three weeks."

In an interview with NBC4 earlier this week, Zerebny's parents said they would like to seek prosecutors pursue the death penalty.

Arraignment is scheduled for Thursday.

Vega was a 35-year veteran of the force who was preparing to retire soon. Zerebny had been with the department about 18 months and her husband is a sheriff's deputy. The couple has a 4-month old daughter.

Zerebny's father also was a law enforcement veteran who served for 30 years with the California Highway Patrol. He pinned his daughter's badge on her uniform at a ceremony when she joined the Palm Springs Police Department.

A public memorial is scheduled for Oct. 18 in the desert resort town of 45,000 people about 100 miles east of Los Angeles.

Palm Springs had not lost an officer in the line of duty since 1962, when Officer Lyle Wayne Larrabee died during a vehicle pursuit. Officer Gale Gene Eldridge was fatally shot Jan. 18, 1961, while investigating an armed robbery.
Five years after a gunman opened fire in a Seal Beach salon, killing eight people, legal proceedings stemming from the largest mass killing in Orange County history remain in limbo.

The legal case is mired in allegations from suspect Scott Dekraai's attorney, who has claimed a widespread conspiracy of violating the rights of Dekraai and multiple other defendants. The accusations prompted a rare evidentiary hearing that led to Orange County Superior Court Judge Thomas Goethals removing the District Attorney's Office from prosecuting Dekraai.

The Attorney General's Office will argue on Monday before a panel of three California Fourth District Court of Appeal justices that the Orange County District Attorney's Office should be restored as prosecutor in the penalty phase of the trial of Dekraai, who has pleaded guilty.

For the victims' families, the proceedings add another layer of pain.

"It just adds to the pain and suffering to every single family member," said Paul Wilson, whose wife was killed in the rampage.

The so-called "snitch scandal" revolves around the use of jailhouse informants in the case against Dekraai and multiple other defendants. Dekraai's attorney, Scott Sanders, has argued that his client's constitutional rights were violated in the way informants were used to obtain damning evidence against his client.

Prosecutors deny the allegations, but Goethals ruled that the District Attorney has shown too much loyalty to the Sheriff's Department, which he faulted for presenting dishonest testimony during the evidentiary hearing, so prosecutors cannot be trusted to give Dekraai a fair trial.

Wilson said he is philosophical about what Sanders is doing.

"I'm not happy he's doing that... but the guy's doing his job," Wilson said. "I would hope the district attorney would do his job. (Sanders) is getting results and they're not."

Wilson recalled how a saddened Rackauckas promised justice for him in the days following his wife's murder.

"With a tear in his eye, he promised me he would get justice," Wilson said. "He said he had my back and he would do everything possible that he would get justice and look at the track record."

Wilson, who gathered with his family for a memorial get-together before his business trip, said his thoughts often turn to happy memories of his time with his wife, who he met when he was 21. She was 47 when she was killed in the Oct. 12, 2011, ambush.

"I think of the life I had with her," Wilson said. "We did incredible things. It's an experience we had that not many people would be able to say they had. So I'm grateful for that. I know I got a lottery ticket in that experience."

He added, "I struggle with that roller coaster of emotions every day."

Wilson noted their granddaughter, who was 2 when her grandmother was murdered, doesn't understand where she's gone.

"She was 2 at the time," he said. "Now she's 7 and I can't get her to understand why she can't see Christy."

The grief "is just as bad as it was the first October," Wilson said. "There will never be closure."

Wilson is not opposed to the death penalty on principle, but with the long delays and a hold on capital punishment in California it doesn't make sense for prosecutors to pursue it in Dekraai's case, he said.

Rackauckas' chief of staff, Susan Kang Schroeder, said she appreciates Wilson's criticism. She said prosecutors believe the only punishment suitable for Dekraai would be death.

"In this case, some of the victims still want us to proceed and not only that we believe it's our responsibility to the people of Orange County to proceed on the death penalty," Schroeder said. "There's no other penalty that even comes close in this case."

Dekraai argued with his ex-wife, 48-year-old Michelle Marie Fournier, over the phone the morning he launched his deadly attack. He'd been involved in a child support dispute with her at the time. He drove to the Salon Meritage, 500 Pacific Coast Highway, about 1:20 p.m., walked up to his ex-wife and shot her multiple times.

After he gunned down Fournier, he turned his gun on Christy Wilson because she had testified against him in a child support hearing. He was armed with three handguns, extra magazines and ammunition and was wearing a bullet- proof vest.

The shop's owner, 62-year-old Randy Lee Fannin ran up to try to stop him with a pair of scissors, so Dekraai opened fire and killed him as well.

"Dekraai then stated he started shooting random people inside the salon because he looked at them as collateral damage," authorities wrote in a legal document.

"Dekraai exited and walked to his vehicle. When he got to his vehicle, he looked in the car next to him (a green Range Rover) and saw a person sitting in the vehicle next to him. Dekraai thought the guy seated in the vehicle next to him was an off-duty or undercover police officer and thought he was reaching to his floorboard for a weapon."

Dekraai then gunned down 64-year-old David Caouette in his Range Rover. The other victims were Victoria Ann Buzzo, 54, Lucia Berniece Kondas, 65, Laura Lee Elody, 46, and Michele Dashbach Fast, 47.
The two ex-cons arrested in the killings of three law enforcement officers last week had both been imprisoned within the past decade for violent crimes involving use of guns, and had continued to commit violations while on parole, court records show.

It raises the question: Why were they no longer locked up?

Instead, one has now been charged with the murder of Steve Owen, 53, veteran sergeant for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's department.

The other, arrested early Sunday, is expected to be charged with the murders of two Palm Springs Police officers: Jose "Gil" Vega, 63, and Lesley Zerebny, 27.

Zerebny had given birth to her daughter just four months ago. Vega, a father of eight, was only months from retirement, and working overtime on a scheduled day off. Owen had served almost his entire law enforcement career in the Antelope Valley and was known for his youth outreach efforts.

Owen was shot to death Wednesday while attempting to locate the suspect at a burglary call. Now charged with his murder is Trenton Lovell, 27, on parole from a 2008 armed robbery of an off-duty USC public safety officer, at whom Lovell pointed a gun.

Lovell's conviction carried a six year sentence, after credits for 292 days of jail time. Lovell began serving the prison term on October 2, 2009, according to the records of the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR). Under the Penal Code section 2933, Lovell was entitled to credit for 15 percent of his sentence. Lovell was paroled just under five years later on June 23, 2014.

While on parole last year, Lovell was convicted of misdemeanor driving under the influence causing injury. For that, he was placed on county probation simultaneous with his remaining under the supervision of state parole.

After Owen's death, Sheriff Jim McDonnell spoke of the need to address a system that permits repeated offenders to cycle in and out of custody.

Officers Vega and Zerebny were shot to death Saturday while responding to a domestic violence call. Arrested after a lengthy standoff was John Felix, who had served a prison sentence and was no longer on parole, but still prohibited from possessing guns. He shot the officers through a metal screen door with a "high-powered rifle," according to the Riverside Sheriff's Department.

Felix was convicted in 2010 in a case originally filed as an attempted murder, but plea bargained down to assault with a deadly weapon. He was sentenced to four years, but spent less than half of that time in prison. Felix began serving his priosn term on March 2, 2010, and was paroled just over 19 months later on October 10, 2011.

Nearly a full year  334 days  came off Felix's term at time of sentencing, as credit for time already served in jail, reducing the prison component to around three years.

But that was not the only credit Felix could claim.

Under the same penal code section which cut 15 percent from Lovell's armed robbery term, a sentence for the assault crime Felix admitted can be reduced by 50 perent, bringing the three years down to the 17 months he served.

Eleven months after his parole, Felix "absconded," which typically involves failing to stay in contact with his parole agent. A week later, Felix was reported to be "back on parole," according to CDCR records, and he was discharged on May 22, 2015.

While on parole in 2012, Felix had been arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia and was placed on county probation, which expired August 26, barely a month before the slayings of officers Vega and Zerebny.
German Chancellor Angela Merkel is visiting Ethiopia, where her meeting on Tuesday with Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn is expected to focus on the country's newly declared state of emergency and other issues including migration.

This East African country, one of Africa's best-performing economies, declared its first state of emergency in a quarter-century on Sunday, after months of protests demanding wider freedoms.

Merkel's African tour, with stops earlier this week in Mali and Niger, is meant to highlight the global migration crisis and discuss security issues. Ethiopia is one of the world's largest hosts of refugees, with hundreds of thousands arriving from nearby Somalia, South Sudan and elsewhere.

German government spokeswoman Ulrike Demmer has said Merkel will also "of course clearly address human rights" in Ethiopia.

The deaths of more than 50 people last week in a stampede after police tried to disperse protesters led to a week of more demonstrations. One American was killed in a rock attack.

At least 400 people have been killed in anti-government protests over the past year, human rights groups and opposition activists have said. The protesters have been demanding more freedoms from a government that has been accused of being increasingly authoritarian.

On Monday, Ethiopia's president announced during a Parliament session that the country's election law would be amended to accommodate more political parties and opposing views.

But the country's internet service continues to be largely blacked out after last week's unrest, which included the targeting and burning of both foreign and local businesses over suspected ties to the government.

The United States and others have called on the government to use restraint against protesters, and the U.N. human rights office has asked for access to allow independent observers into the troubled Oromia region.
The mysterious and very generous person or group leaving a trail of thousands of dollars in gratuity across the country has once again hit Chicago, but this time the apparent Giants fans did something extra special for a Cubs fan.

According to the Instagram account TipforJesus, a server at the Captain Morgan Club at Wrigley Field was blessed Saturday with a $5,000 tip on a $2,280 bill.

Thanks for everything Kathleen! #CubsGuyLurking#SeeYouThursdayForGame5#WrigleyField #OleGiants #tipsforjesus#godbless their caption read.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BLbWzECA

On the receipt, the gracious patron wrote Go Giants! and Game 5 Boom!

TipsforJesus has left more than hundreds of thousands of dollars in gratuity to servers from Los Angeles Hungry Cat to Chicagos Paris Club and the Boundary Tavern & Grille.

One server at the Paris Club on Hubbard Street received a $5,000 tip and another Chicago server was given a $3,000 tip at Wicker Parks Boundary Tavern & Grille, according to photos of receipts posted on TipsforJesus' Instagram account.
When we think of bank robberies, we think of a chaotic and violent scene.

That was not the case Wednesday at the Bank of America located on Hialeah Drive.

Surveillance cameras captured a man, wearing a cap with the word "New York" embroidered on the front, nonchalantly demanding cash.

The man walked into the bank with only a pair of shades and the cap concealing his identity.

The FBI said the robber asked a teller for cash and then walked out.

Authorities did not say if he was armed.

There were customers in the bank at the time of the heist.

Federal agents said they will not release the amount of money stolen.

Anyone with information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
Music mogul Emilio Estefan was honored Tuesday with the Ohtli award by the government of Mexico.

It's the highest award given to a foreign civilian who's been an exemplary leader in the Latino community.

With the Presidential election weeks away, Estefan had a message for the Latino community.

"I'm not telling you who to vote for but the President of the United States needs to respect everyone including Latinos," said Estefan.

The Ohtli Award is granted once a year. The word Ohtil means "path" in the Aztec language of Nahuatl.
Deputies say a student at a central Florida high school has been arrested for bringing an unloaded BB gun onto the campus.

Lake County Sheriff's Lt. John Herrell told local news outlets that a South Lake High School resource officer was told the 15-year-old boy displayed the weapon under his desk during a class.

Herrell says the officer made contact with the student and found the gun in his backpack. He says the gun wasn't loaded and the student didn't have any BBs with him.

Authorities say the student is part of the Reserve Officer Training Corps program at the school west of Orlando.

He is charged with possessing a gun on school property, which is a felony.
An early morning accident on the Palmetto Expressway led to the arrest of one man and the recovery of a car reportedly stolen in an armed carjacking  and later used in a robbery.

Police arrested one man from that stolen vehicle after it blew a tire and crashed on the northbound side after SW 8th Street early Wednesday morning. Another man fled the scene on foot and police continue to search for him.

According to NBC 6 sources, the car had been taken from a location in the city of Miami and was later used in a robbery in South Miami. Miami-Dade Police spotted the car in Kendall overnight and followed it until the accident took place.

Officers also found two guns when they searched the vehicle. The car was towed away from the scene, but an investigation continues.
The president of Cairo University, Gaber Nassar, has decided to abolish the religion field on all university certificates and documents it issues related to students, staff, and professors, the academic told a local television programme on Tuesday.

The decision, which came into force on Tuesday, will be applied in all faculties and institutions at both undergraduate and postgraduate level.

We noticed several complaints about the possibility of discrimination between students due to the mention of religion. Lately I was surprised to see that a department head in one of the faculties was distributing an application that included the religion and the denomination, Nassar told satellite channel Al-Nahar Al-Youm by phone.

He added that when a student is asked to write his religion, he may feel that he will be discriminated against because of it.

At Cairo University, we dont take random decisions, we take decisions to amend illegal or unconstitutional situations, Nassar said, adding that the university had no law or bylaw that stipulated that the religion field should be included, saying that at present some faculties issue certificates which include the candidate's religion and others do not.

Nassar added that those who dont abide by the new decision would have disciplinary action taken against them.

In June, the then-Support Egypt bloc spokesperson Alaa Abdel-Moniem presented a draft bill to parliament titled Citizenship that included an article related to the elimination of the religion field from Egyptian national identity cards, an issue that has long sparked public debate.

The draft bill is yet to be presented for discussions and a vote inside the House of Representatives.

According to Article 53 in Egypts 2014 constitution, citizens are equal before the law, possess equal rights and public duties, and may not be discriminated against on the basis of religion, belief, sex, origin, race, colour, language, disability, social class, political or geographical affiliation, or for any other reason.

The article sets discrimination and incitement to hate as crimes punishable by law.

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People across the world and in South Florida are showing their generosity to Matthew-battered Haiti.

The storm obliterated entire villages in the southwestern and northwestern regions of the island nation.

Dozens of South Florida organizations quickly responded and teamed up to collect much-needed items for victims.

Loads of the relief aid were delivered to Haiti Tuesday.

Food for the Poor released pictures showing its trucks on the ground bringing the essentials to decrepit villages. The relief group and many other organizations continue to collect donations.

But, trust in major charities is dwindling among Haitians.

On social media, many Haitians are urging people to not donate to the American Red Cross for hurricane relief.

You wanna help Haiti? Do NOT send anything to RED CROSS. 2010 was a snatch-and-grab.  jackyalcine  TwitchCon 2019 (@jackyalcine) October 6, 2016

PSA: DO NOT DONATE TO THE @RedCross FOR THE NATURAL DISASTER IN HAITI. THEY WILL DO ABSOLUTELY NOTHING BENEFICIAL TO HAITI, WITH THAT MONEY!  Cinnabon Iver (@JustInNotOut) October 7, 2016

The call comes after a 2015 report by ProPublica detailed how the charity "repeatedly failed on the ground" after the 2010 earthquake.

The report also revealed the charity built only six permanent homes after promising to build hundreds.

In its defense, the Red Cross told ProPublica "it faced challenges in post-quake Haiti and said it repaired 4,000 homes."

In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, Haitians are instead encouraging donors to give money to Haitian organizations.

The Haitian American Blog, which "aims to highlight positive community leaders and uplifting stories about Haitian-Americans," has provided its list of charitable groups known to deliver aid directly to those in need.

Included in that list are South Florida organizations such as Man Dodo Humanitarian Foundation and Sant La Haitian Neighborhood Center.

Many of the groups on that list are not rated on CharityNavigator.org, a top charity-rating site, because they may not meet revenue and location criteria established by the website.

If you want to donate toward the relief effort in Haiti, it is encouraged that you research the charity and its direct impact on the people it promises to serve.
Two toddlers who nearly drowned after they were found in a backyard pool of a North Miami home remained hospitalized Wednesday.

Officers said a 1-year-old and a 2-year-old were found unresponsive by a family member Tuesday night.

"A boy and a girl were pulled from the family pool by family members, the children were unresponsive at the time. Family tried their best to do CPR and called 911," said North Miami Police Commander Rafael Estrugo.

The incident happened at 1150 Northeast 129th Street.

The children were rushed to Ryder Trauma Center. Fire Rescue was able to regain a pulse on both children as they arrived at the hospital. They had been in critical condition but were upgraded to stable Wednesday and now both are expected to be okay.

Police said it appears to have been an accident.
Police are looking for the robber they said held open the door for a 61-year-old man using a walker, then snatched the chain off his victim's neck as soon as he passed by.

Police said the robber targeted 61-year-old Anthony McBride as he walked into his apartment building on St. Nicholas Avenue, then tossed him down and stole his chain.

McBride, who has used the walker since surviving cancer and suffering a stroke, told NBC 4 New York that at first he thought the robber lived in his building and was trying to help out. Then he was surprised when he found himself on the floor.

"I was kind of scared because it happened so fast I said, 'Wow,'" he said. "When he pushed me down I fell on the floor and I couldn't get back up."

McBride said that he was thankful that the ordeal didn't end more violently, adding "I'm glad to be here." But he said that he's not going to wear valuables outside his home again.

"I'm never going to go outside again with the chain on my neck," he said.

Anyone with information on the robbery should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS. A $2,500 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case.
What to Know The new NYPD neighborhood policing strategy is going into effect at 31 precincts across the city

NYPD Commissioner Jimmy O'Neill is touting a throwback beat policing program in which cops get to know residents on a first-name basis

Residents will also get their local neighborhood officer's phone number as part of the program

New Yorkers in 31 of the city's police precincts could soon get their local officer's phone number, part of a new NYPD program focused on neighborhood policing.

The precincts in the program are getting a neighborhood coordinating officer on every shift -- overnights, 8 to 4 p.m., and 4 p.m. to midnight. At all times, someone at the dozens of NYPD squads in the program will be as familiar with the neighborhood as the people who live there. And residents who are worried about crime will have a new way to reach police: emailing or texting their neighborhood officer.

"We want them to do that. We're not gonna give everybody the number at once, but they're already doing it," said new NYPD Commissioner Jimmy O'Neill.

The 700 new officers sworn into the NYPD Tuesday are among the first to enter an NYPD embracing the throwback beat-policing strategy.

"I believe it's going to be the model for American policing," Mayor Bill de Blasio said Tuesday.

Peter Katsiaris, a restaurant owner on 31st Street in Astoria, one of the precincts testing out the program, said neighborhood officers spent an hour in his shop Tuesday just getting to know the staff. Then they handed out their phone numbers.

"It was great. I was surprised," he said. "We can reach them now, which is good because we feel like we are always at risk of crime."

Others worry cops might rely too much on smartphone and not enough on walking the beat.

"They need to get out of the patrol car," said Tasha Turner of Far Rockaway.

O'Neill is betting on neighborhood policing to restore trust in parts of the city that are still wary about the NYPD since stop-and-frisk reached its peak several years ago. That was central in his message to the new recruits.

"It's important that members of the public, particularly victims of crime, always trust us," he said. "And trust is a huge issue. Feeling comfortable talking to us."

O'Neill, who has been with the NYPD for his entire career, said in August the program draws on some of the same lessons he learned in 1983 when he was a rookie transit officer patrolling a subway system ravaged by crime. Good cops, he said, learn "how to talk to every type of person imaginable."

Some civil liberties activists and others have cautioned that the new emphasis on neighborhood policing is little more than repackaging a limited concept.

"Having more officers in the neighborhood and having people know each others' names has nothing to do with whether people are going to be held accountable for brutality," said Joo-Hyun Kang, the director of Communities United for Police Reform, a group that advocates for changing police practices.

And in a tough world, friendliness only goes so far.

Officers can be trained to bring "softer skills" to resolving problems, but "they're not social workers, they're not camp counselors - they're law enforcement," Eugene O'Donnell, a professor of police studies at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, said in August.

"You can be nice to people, but you can't be nice to everybody," he said.

By all accounts, O'Neill was diving in headfirst, giving out his personal cellphone number to advocates who work with at-risk New Yorkers in rough city neighborhoods.
The timing of the Saudi ambassador's trip to the Kingdom raises speculations about possible tensions between the two countries over Syria UN Security council resolution vote

Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Egypt Ahmed Kattan left Cairo on a three-day trip to the Kingdom on Wednesday, Ahram Arabic website reported.

The ambassador's departure comes amid signs of tension between Egypt and Saudi Arabia over Cairo's votes on two rival UN Security Council resolutions on Syria earlier this week.

Prior to Kattan's departure on Wednesday, local authorities removed the concrete security blocks surrounding the Saudi embassy in Giza.

Giza governorate announced that there was no political reason behind the decision and that the move was coordinated with the embassy and the Egyptian ministry of foreign affairs.

The decision to remove the barriers and the Saudi ambassador's unscheduled trip to Riyadh prompted speculation about a possible crisis between Egypt and Saudi over UN security council resolutions on Syria earlier this week.

On Saturday Egypt's UN Ambassador Amr Aboulatta voted for a French-drafted Saudi-backed resolution on Syria and also for a rival Russian proposal.

The French proposal called for an end to all fighting in Aleppo, while the Russian proposal called for a cease-fire.

Both proposals failed to pass in the Security Council.

Saudi officials in the UN have openly expressed dismay that Egypt voted for the Russian proposal, which was strongly opposed by Riyadh.

Since then, a war of words has broken out between Saudi and Egyptian writers and media figures on TV and in the press.

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A tractor-trailer carrying chickens crashed into another tractor-trailer on a Delaware highway overnight, spilling the chickens onto the road.

Police said the crash occurred on southbound Route 1 at exit 119 in Smyrna about 3:45 a.m. Wednesday. No people were injured in the crash, but one of the trucks overturned, spilling the chickens onto the highway.

Southbound Route 1 was shut down in the area of the crash for several hours. It reopened later Wednesday morning.
Urban Outfitters Inc. totally reimagined retail concept is making its King of Prussia debut on Thursday when the Philadelphia-based lifestyle brand reopens the mall's Free People location  which will be the largest of its kind and the first to feature a full beauty-and-wellness section.

Based at The Navy Yard in South Philly, URBN discussed its plans to create a "one-of-a-kind shopping experience" in King of Prussia in April, several months after acquiring the Vetri Family of Restaurants. Bringing the restaurant group into the fold gives Urban Outfitters a chance to create a destination for those interested in several of its retail brands, similar to the "lifestyle center" coming to the Philadelphia suburbs.

At 8,244 square feet, the Free People store, which sits beside a Pizzeria Vetri that is also opening this week, is the largest store for that brand to date; most Free People locations opening now average closer to 2,000 square feet. The KoP spot will include the clothing and accessories Free People is known for, as well as the first in-store wellness and beauty shop that features makeup, skincare, haircare and other products, Urban Outfitters said. Free People's active wear collection, FP movement, and its Intimately FP line will also be available.

The Free People store was "designed to feel like [the shopper's] personal studio workshop by featuring a mix of rugged elements and feminine details throughout."

To read the full story, click here.

For more business news, visit Philadelphia Business Journal.
Two dogs rescued from Thailands dog meat market have come to a local shelter to find forever homes.

Cinderella and Leanne, two of 750 dogs rescued by the Soi Dog Foundation in Buriram, Thailand, were brought to the Helen Woodward Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe.

The dogs, both female Thai cross breeds, are currently undergoing treatment at the Woodward Center. The Center says they are in need of special long-term foster homes to help with socialization and to provide a safe place to stay while they recover and get continued treatment.

Leanne is waiting for knee surgery now, Center veterinarian Dr. Oba said. Its too soon to tell how much recovery time she will need, but both dogs are in good hands with us and we will make sure they get everything they need to live happy, healthy lives.

The Soi Dog Foundation, created in 2003, is dedicated to serving homeless, neglected and abused dogs of Asia, but expanded its focus to include dogs victimized by the Trade of Shame in 2011. Now the foundation works together with the governments of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam to enforce and strengthen legislation related to the trade.

In Thailand, the foundation employs undercover agents to find smugglers, butchers and tanneries within the country.

Most of the 750 dogs rescued from the trade are currently being sheltered in Thailand, but with no government budget dedicated to the care of rescued animals, many are suffering in livestock shelters.

Last year, supporters of Soi Dogs Foundation built a complex of shelters on government-owned land in Buriram to temporarily house the animals, but the Woodward Center says more help is needed.

The center is currently working with the Soi Foundation and the Home 4 the Holidays campaigns network of 4,000 animal welfare organizations in hopes of receiving assistance in providing the dogs with medical care, foster care and eventual permanent placement.

For more information on Cinderella and Leanne, visit the Helen Woodward Centers website.
A 91-year-old woman became emotional when San Diego Sheriff's officials (SDSO) helped her recover her stolen purse, crying and hugging the deputies on scene.

The incident happened at approximately 4:14 p.m. Monday when deputies responded to a robbery call where the suspect allegedly forcibly snatched a purse from an elderly victim. The robbery happened on the 9600 block of Mission Gorge Road in Santee.

The victim gave deputies a precise description of the suspect, his car and where she saw him escape, deputies said.

Deputies from the Santee and Lakeside substations, as well as the K-9 Unit and the Sheriff's helicopter, ASTREA, were able to find the suspect in his car on the 8500 block of N. Magnolia Avenue in Santee.

James Farquar, 29, was arrested for robbery, elder abuse and possession of narcotics, Sheriff's officials said. He was booked into the San Diego Central Jail.

Deputies also recovered the stolen purse and cash.

When they went to return it to her, the victim became so emotional she cried as she hugged all the deputies on scene.

No other information was immediately available.
The family of a 21-year-old driver struck and killed by a suspected drunk driver driving his kids home from school cried as the accused entered a not guilty plea to charges against him Tuesday.

Paul Schenk is facing several charges related to the crash, including Gross Vehicular Manslaughter while Intoxicated, 2 counts of Felony Child Endangerment, DUI Causing great bodily injury as well as Driving with a Measurable amount of Alcohol and injury to a child under 5 years old.

In court, Schenk's attorney Paul Pfingst argued that his client is a veteran with a 21-year service career pulling wounded warriors from combat. Because of his past, he suffered mentally, Pfingst told the judge.

Six days before the crash, Schenk went to VA Hospital in San Diego asking for help, but was turned away, according to Pfingst.

"We always make an effort to meet the Veteran's needs based on the urgency of their health issue," a statement from the VA San Diego read. "In addition to regular mental health appointments, we offer our Psychiatric Emergency Clinic which is a walk-in clinic for Veterans in distress or if feel they need urgent care. That clinic that is open Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Veterans can also get urgent mental health care through our Emergency Department which is open 24/7."

As Pfingst entered a not guilty plea on behalf of his client, the victim's family was both visibly outraged and saddened in court. Family members spoke out in court, calling the defendant names, while others were barely able to control their crying.

"The family is devastated," Deputy District Attorney Cally Bright said after the arraignment. "There were 16 family members that were present here today. Her parents. Both of her brothers. Her sister. Obviously, for someone who is just 21-years-old to lose their life, it is always a sad circumstance and the family is doing the best as they can."

At the Tuesday arraignment, Bright outlined what happened the day of the crash.

On Sept. 12, Schenk picked up his 5-year-old and 4-year-old from school, Bright said in court. He put his 5-year-old in the front seat and 4-year-old in the back seat without seat belts.

At the time of the crash, he drove with his kids in the back seat with a blood-alcohol level approximately more than four times the legal limit, at 0.33, according to Bright -- the equivalent of 17 drinks.

Bright said Schenk crossed the shoulder near Vista Ramona Road and E Old Julian Highway and over-corrected, smashing into the victim's car head-on at approximately 4:30 p.m.

The impact of the crash instantly killed Racheal Guarneros  Callahan, 21.

Family members say she had just finished work at the Riviera Oaks Resort and was on the phone with someone when the collision occurred.

Her cousin Valissa Espinosa said the allegation that the other driver was driving under the influence is really going to weigh on all of us knowing she was stripped away innocently."

The 4-year-old was ejected from the backseat and had to be airlifted to Rady Children's Hospital, where he received stitches for his injuries; the 5-year-old was taken to Palomar Hospital.

Pfingst asked the judge for no bail until his client undergoes surgeries for his injuries from the crash, while Bright asked for $2 million bail.

The judge set bail at $2 million.

If convicted, Schenk could face 18 years in prison. He will next appear in court on Nov. 9.
The man accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend in front of the victim's 5-year-old son has been taken into custody, San Diego Police confirmed Wednesday afternoon.

Roderick Lamar Harris, 32, was taken into custody at approximately 12:20 p.m. near the 200 block of Woodlawn Avenue in Chula Vista.

Harris is accused of shooting and killing his girlfriend, Vanessa Marie Bobo, 29, at their Lake Murray apartment Wednesday morning. Bobo was found with multiple gunshot wounds to her upper body inside the home, on Lake Arrowhead Drive, police said.

The suspect was arrested Wednesday afternoon in Chula Vista at a relatives house. NBC 7s Wendy Fry has more on how authorities identified and located the man in such short time.

Witnesses told police they heard a fight, gunshots and then saw a man fleeing the home.

SDPD officers arrived to the scene and found Bobos son and a crying baby inside the home.

After talking with the child, officers identified Bobo's boyfriend, Harris, as the suspect in the shooting.

SDPD

Authorities began searching for Harris shortly after. Officers released a photo of Harris and said they considered him armed and dangerous.

When officers took Harris into custody, they noticed several minor wounds on his body. He was taken to the hospital as a precaution and will be booked into jail on one count of murder, police say.

Investigators have not yet recovered the gun used in the killing.

In the meantime, the 5-year-old is with his biological father, and the infant is with family members. Police said the children were frightened, but not injured, in the shooting.

Harris is the biological father of the one-year-old infant, police said.

Harris has one prior domestic violence arrest, but no convictions. That prior incident did not involve the victim and was from a prior relationship.

Homicide investigator Lt. Manny Del Toro said the involvement of the children in the crime makes the investigation difficult for police.

Its definitely very emotional, said Lt. Manny Del Toro. You dont want to expose any type of violence to a person of any age but particularly when its a child, it definitely strikes a chord with us.

The location of the shooting is a community 15 miles east of downtown San Diego, west of State Route 125 and south of Navajo Road. Authorities will be at the scene for several hours, processing evidence.

Check back for updates on this breaking news story.
Hurricane Matthew's destruction in Haiti has put on hold a new policy of deporting Haitians who are in the United States without permission but the government intends to return to it in the future, U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson said Tuesday.

Speaking in Mexico City where he held talks with Cabinet officials on border, migration and security issues, Johnson noted that some flights to Haiti have been suspended in the wake of the storm, which has killed hundreds of people.

"We will have to deal with that situation, address it, be sympathetic to the plight of the people of Haiti as a result of the hurricane," he said. "But after that situation, after that condition has been addressed, we intend to resume the policy change that I brought about several weeks ago."

The United States stopped deporting Haitians after the Caribbean country was hit by a devastating earthquake in 2010, freeing them on humanitarian parole instead. But on Sept. 21, Homeland Security began putting Haitians in detention facilities as a prelude to sending them home.

The idea behind the new practice was that "Haitian migrants who come to our country illegally would be treated like immigrants from just about every other country who entered our country illegally," Johnson said.

Thousands of Haitians have been arriving at Tijuana, Mexico, in recent weeks hoping to cross into the United States, creating a migratory logjam at the border. They have also overwhelmed Mexican migrant shelters while they wait, with many of them sleeping outside on sheets of cardboard.

Mexican Interior Secretary Miguel Angel Osorio Chong said the Haitian migrants were a subject of talks with Johnson and it was Mexico's responsibility to try to improve their conditions while they are in the country.

He also expressed hope that the United States, which has been processing only about 75 Haitian migrants per day at the San Ysidro crossing in San Diego, may be able to speed that up.

"Very possibly (their numbers) may rise following the hurricane's passage," Osorio Chong said.

The U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees and the International Organization for Migration had representatives visit Tijuana this week to take stock of the situation.

With the U.S. presidential election in its closing weeks and Mexicans scheduled to pick a successor to President Enrique Pena Nieto in 2018, officials in Tuesday's meetings in the capital had their sights set on future cooperation.

"We have agreed to institute a high-level work group to follow through beyond our governments, beyond the administrations of which we are currently part," Osorio Chong said.

Associated Press writer Elliot Spagat contributed to this report.
Many organizations are collecting supplies and financial donations for victims of Hurricane Matthew, especially in Haiti, where more than 1,000 people died in or after the storm. Many others were left homeless, and cholera is now breaking out on the island.

Here are some organizations you can support to help victims:

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.

Partners in Heath operates clinics in some of Haiti's poorest regions. They operate a research hospital as well as community health programs. Donate here.

Project Medishare, which operated in Haiti well before the storm -- and before the 2010 earthquake that devastated the island -- works to help rebuild the island's medical system. Donate here.

Prodev is a Haitian-led, non-profit and non-political foundation officially recognized by the government of Haiti. They operate schools and community centers. Donate here.

The Organization for the Rehabilitation of the Environment is working to improve environmental, agricultural and economic conditions in rural Haiti, including helping people affected by Matthew. Donate here.
What to Know The suspects began hitting Mason Atkins and his friends, who sprayed the suspects with pepper spray to try to get them away, police said.

The case was stalled until a detective realized, "If I had been pepper-sprayed, I would want to wash my eyes."

Two 18-year-old men and two 17-year-old girls from Waldorf, Maryland, have been charged with murder in the death of an 18-year-old after they left a party and argued last month in Charles County, Maryland, police say.

Mason Cameron Atkins died after he and another person were shot on Sept. 25 in La Plata, Maryland. On Tuesday, four suspects were arrested in connection with his death.

Kevin Averell Jones, 18; Shanya Imari Milstead, 17; Talivah Laraiah Salahuddin, 17; and Tyreq Kaylin Tilghman, 18, each were charged with first-degree murder, first-degree assault and attempted murder, the Charles County Sheriff's Office said Wednesday.

Courtesy of family

UPDATE: Suspect in Murder of Mason Atkins Was Seen With Gun, Witnesses Tell Police

The 18-year-old's death has "destroyed" the Atkins family, Mason Atkins' father, Mac Atkins, said Wednesday outside the family's home in Deale, on the Chesapeake Bay.

"It's horrible. I don't know what the hell these kids were thinking. They're sick and they need to be put away," he said, his face drawn.

Before Atkins was killed, he and several friends went uninvited to an outdoor party on Mona Farm Place in La Plata, police said the preliminary investigation showed. They were asked to leave, and drove about a half-mile away, toward Crain Highway (Route 301).

Then, Atkins and his friends stopped their car on the side of the dirt road and the four suspects drove past them, police said. That group also had been asked to leave the party. They began to argue, police said.

The suspects began hitting Atkins and his friends, who sprayed the suspects with pepper spray to try to get them away, police said.

One of the suspects then pulled out a handgun and fired several shots into the car, hitting Atkins and one friend, police said.

Police did not say which of the young people is believed to have fired.

The suspects fled, and the victims drove at least 5 miles away, to Popes Creek Road in Newburg, Maryland, police said. The victims then called 911, police said.

Atkins' friend survived, but Atkins was pronounced dead.

"Guy came over and started attacking my son. My son sprayed him with mace and the coward shot him," Mac Atkins said he was told. "While he was in the car. He never got out of the car. They were beating him up in the car."

Atkins was a cadet at the Deale Volunteer Fire Department, his father said. He was learning to be an auto body mechanic and made friends easily.

"Good kid. Best friend to every kid he's ever met. Probably been 12 kids came by here saying Mason was their best friend. I don't know how he can be best friends with so many people, but he managed," Mac Atkins said.

Atkins attended Southern High School and liked to hunt, fish and ride dirt bikes, according to his obituary.

The investigation was stalled until a detective had an important revelation: "If I had been pepper-sprayed, I would want to wash my eyes."

Police checked surveillance footage at a gas station about 3 miles from the crime scene.

The footage from one camera showed "a young woman walking into the gas station and purchasing two bottles of water," police spokeswoman Diane Richardson said.

The footage from a second camera showed "two males getting out of a black car and rinsing their face off with water," she said.

"It was an excellent lead that helped bring the case together," Richardson said.

Officers found a gun, which will be examined.

All four suspects were charged as adults and are being held without bond at the Charles County Detention Center. No information on their lawyers was available immediately.

Anyone with information on the case is asked to call police at 301-609-6513. Tips may be made anonymously by calling 1-866-411-TIPS, sending a text message with CHARLES to CRIMES or by visiting www.tipsubmit.com. A reward of as much as $1,000 is offered.

UPDATE: Suspect in Murder of Mason Atkins Was Seen With Gun, Witnesses Tell Police

[NATL] Top News Photos: Pope Visits Japan, and More
Opposition MPs and high-profile lawyers Alaa Abdel-Moneim and Bahaaeddin Abu Shoka announced Wednesday that they have each decided to stand for the post of head of parliament's legislative and constitutional affairs committee.

MPs are expected to elect the senior members of 25 committees Sunday or Monday.

Parliament's secretariat-general announced Wednesday that "MPs who wish to become members of certain committees should register their names Thursday (tomorrow)." Each MP could join two committees only.

Sunday's plenary session is expected to be adjourned early to allow MPs elect senior members of the 25 committees, with one head, two deputies, and one secretary-general for each committee. The results will be declared the same day.

The leading members of many committees are expected to change amid heated competition among political parties on winning the lion's share of senior posts.

Parliament's influential legislative and constitutional affairs committee is expected to see a heated fight. The committee's failure to reach a decision over MP Ahmed Mortada Mansour's membership of the House of Representatives left committee members divided.

One group, led by lawyer Alaa Abdel-Moneim, criticised the committee's chairman, Bahaaeddin Abu Shoqa, for his failure to implement a Cassation Court ruling invalidating Mansour's parliamentary membership.

Abdel-Moneim told reporters that a good number of MPs asked him to compete for the post of incumbent Abu Shoqa.

"The committee's performance in the first legislative season  which came to an end last September  was poor and indecisive and I intend to bring it back on a sound track," said Abdel-Moneim.

Abdel-Moneim said the Cassation Court ruling invalidating Mansour's parliamentary membership must be implemented. "The committee should show respect for the law and the constitution by implementing this verdict," said Abdel-Moneim.

Abdel-Moneim is a leftist MP and parliamentary spokesman of the pro-government bloc "Support Egypt." He told reporters Wednesday that he has requested to be the bloc's official candidate for the post of the head of the legislative and constitutional affairs committee.

"I hope that my request will be endorsed by the bloc because I am one of its founders and because they know that a lot of MPs support my candidacy," said Abdel-Moneim. He argued that "most of members have become dissatisfied with the performance of the current chairman, Abu Shoqa."

Abdel-Moneim faces strong opposition from rival lawyer and independent MP Mortada Mansour. Abdel-Moneim's insistence that the parliamentary membership of Mansour's son, Ahmed, must be dropped brought him under fire.

Mortada Mansour, who is also chairman of Zamalek Sporting Club, accused Abdel-Moneim of offering bribes to MPs to vote in favour of dropping his son's parliamentary membership.

Abu Shoqa told reporters that he doesn't fear Abdel-Moneim's competition. Abo Shoqa has indicated that MPs affiliated with his party, Al-Wafd, and others support him.

Abu Shoqa strongly denied that "the committee's performance in the first session was poor." "We did a lot and I was able to contain differences among MPs over several serious issues," said Abu Shoqa, adding that "the head of this controversial committee should be as much a wise and neutral man as possible."

Veteran MP and high-profile lawyer Kamal Ahmed may also stand. "I think the head of this committee should be an independent and forceful figure who can settle internal disputes in a firm way," Kamal told Ahram Online.

Ahmed was temporarily banned by the ethics committee from attending some sessions in the first legislative season when he hurled his shoe at former MP and television presenter Tawfik Okasha after the latter dined with the Israeli ambassador in Cairo.

Parliament's legislative and constitutional affairs committee is expected to discuss a number of politically sensitive laws and issues in the new winter season.

Laws aimed at regulating the press, local council elections, and the formation of a national elections commission are just few of many that are expected to be taken up by the committee. The committee will also discuss the controversial agreement that places two Red Sea islands  Tiran and Sanafir  in Saudi territorial waters. Whether the agreement is constitutional will be decided by the committee.

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Additional patients accused a former D.C. dentist of sexually assaulting them while they were under anesthesia.

Bilal Ahmed, 44, of Potomac, Maryland, was arrested at JFK International Airport and pleaded not guilty to first-degree sexual assault of a male patient in January, News4 previously reported. The patient claimed that when a face mask used to administer nitrous oxide came off during a dental procedure, he found Ahmed forcing him to perform oral sex, according to court documents.

During the investigation, two additional men accused Ahmed of sexually assaulting them while they were under anesthesia, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for D.C.

Ahmed is also accused of sexually assaulting a former employee and improperly touching another former employee, according to the U.S. attorney's office.

A grand jury indicted Ahmed on 14 felony counts of sexual abuse, four misdemeanor counts of sexual abuse and three misdemeanor counts of assault.

Ahmed, who was barred from practicing dentistry as a condition of his pretrial release, owned the Universal Smiles DC dental practice in Georgetown, according to court documents.

The former office manager of Universal Smiles DC, Mahsa Azimirad, 26, was also indicted on a charge accusing her of lying to a grand jury during the investigation, according to the U.S. attorneys office.

Barry Coburn, one of Ahmed's lawyers, told the Associated Press he had not yet studied the indictments or reviewed them with his client.
What to Know NAACP says Prince Georges County residents have no confidence in Kevin Maxwells ability to run the school system and protect students.

It brought up allegations of abuse on school buses and abuse allegations that led to the loss of a federal Head Start grant.

A spokesperson for County Executive Rushern Baker said he supports Maxwell and has no plan to remove him from office.

The Prince George's County chapter of the NAACP wants County Executive Rushern Baker to remove public schools Superintendent and CEO Kevin Maxwell immediately, following a number of incidents within the school system.

At a news conference Wednesday morning, local NAACP President Bob Ross said the residents of the county lost confidence in Maxwells ability to run the school system.

Right now, the citizens have no confidence in Maxwell being the superintendent of the schools, and thats why were asking that Rushern Baker remove Maxwell as superintendent of schools, Ross said. And also we further ask that the Maryland Department of Education do an oversight of the school system, put it back on the right track.

Maxwell has failed to protect students and failed to properly vet and oversee staff and teachers entrusted to protect children, the NAACP said.

Children must come first, Ross said. It cant be about your employees or your image.

The NAACP brought up allegations of abuse on school buses and abuse allegations that led to the loss of a federal Head Start grant.

Just Tuesday, News4 reported on the arrest of a high school teacher for allegedly touching a student inappropriately and sending him inappropriate text messages.

Last school year, a teacher's aide at an elementary school was accused of sexual abuse of children and recording sex acts between children. He was first charged in February, and in June a grand jury indicted him on 270 counts of sex abuse of a minor, sex offenses and child pornography charges covering 23 victims.

We reviewed the report that was done by the federal agency, and that date is Feb. 29, 2016, said June White Dillard, of the Prince Georges County NAACP. The schools CEO has had a tremendous amount of time to deal with these issues and has not done anything effectively until August, September, and that kind of delay is just unconscionable.

Some members of the board of education joined in the call for Maxwell to be removed.

The only way we can ensure our students are safe is if we call for County Executive Rushern Baker to ask Dr. Maxwell to step down and resign, student board member Juwan Blocke said.

News4 was unable to get a comment from Maxwell Wednesday, but in the past he has refused to resign.

Baker once again supported Maxwell.

I think Dr. Maxwell is the right person for the school system and I continue to believe that, he said.

The Prince Georges County NAACPs education chair shared the sentiment but was out of the county when the board took a vote. In a letter to her fellow executive board members, she said Maxwell is on the right path, and, I urge you to reconsider calling for the removal of CEO Kevin Maxwell.
A fire engulfed playground equipment near Upshur Park in northwest D.C. on Tuesday.

The fire broke out at Sharpe Playground at Bancroft Elementary School at 4300 13th St. about 6:30 p.m. near the Petworth neighborhood, according to D.C. Fire and EMS.

This is an incendiary fire; it was intentionally set, D.C. Fire Deputy Chief Mark J. Wynn said. Without a doubt, we do know that.

Bancroft Elementary School sent a letter to parents saying the playground will be closed until further notice, but over the previous two weeks while the playground was being renovated, they used an alternative play space and will use that again until the playground is repaired.

Twitter video showed the large flames being contained by firefighters and melted debris falling from the playground equipment. D.C. fire investigators are searching for the cause of the fire.

Fire department officials estimated the damage to be about $25,000.

Our real concern is that this is a place for families and children to congregate, so we want to bring this case to closure as soon as possible, Wynn said.

It was the third suspicious fire at an elementary school playground in the area this month.

Playgrounds near two elementary schools in Fairfax County, Virginia, were also recently set ablaze.

The playground at Lees Corner Elementary School on Hollinger Avenue was set on fire on Oct. 2, and the playground at Greenbriar West Elementary School on Poplar Tree Road was set on fire Monday.

Arson is suspected in the two Virginia playground fires.

"We have reached out to Fairfax," Wynn said. "We have no reason to believe they are interconnected at this time."

Investigators hope surveillance video from the Bancrofts security cameras will help identify the culprit.

An earlier version of this article identified the D.C. school as Sharpe Health School.
Where is comedian George Carlin when we need him?

Well, of course, he died back in 2008.

His famous Seven Words You Can Never Say on Television routine in 1972 was seen at the time as scandalous.

Well, were still not printing those words here, or any of the words Donald Trump was heard using in that vulgarity-strewn video from 2005 that surfaced last week. Go online if you want to read or hear them.

But, in a new level of coarseness for the media, all the Trump-related vulgarities were printed in full by The New York Times and CNN on their websites. Cable political shows and other outlets aired them unedited in some cases.

New York Times politics editor Carolyn Ryan explained the decision-making: Its a rare thing for us to use this language in our stories, even in quotes, and we discussed it at length. Mr. Trump is the nominee for president of one of our two major parties and the specific language he used was newsworthy and a major part of the story.

The Times editor said to leave out or simply describe [those words] seemed awkward and less than forthright to us, especially given that we would be running a video that showed our readers exactly when was said.

Politico also ran the words in total. Even the Wall Street Journal allowed the use of p in a direct quote, but drew a line at the f-word. Across all the media, it was a frenzy of words obliterated or disguised. Truly, its a new level in politics. We feel for the parents whose children are trying to do classroom reports on this presidential race.

 Bowser vs. Trump. No one doubts Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser is 100 percent for Hillary Clinton for president.

So we knew there would be a response after Sunday nights debate in St. Louis when Trump was asked about African-Americans. Trump doubled down on his view that essentially all African-Americans have been failed by Democrats. He referenced crime and unrest in many communities, leaving out the unrest over police shootings.

You look at Charlotte. You look at Baltimore. You look at the evidence thats taking place in the inner cities  Chicago. You look at Washington, D.C. We have an increase in murder within our cities  the biggest in 45 years. We have a divided nation because of people like [Clinton].

Bowser on Monday morning tweeted out a list of facts about our city over the past two years:

Violent crime down 2 percent.

Property crime down 9 percent.

Overall crime down 8 percent.

Bowser added a few tourism facts (a subtle reference to Trumps new hotel here):

Highest hotel occupancy rate in a decade.

A record 19.3 million domestic visitors, up 4 percent.

A record $7 billion spent by tourists, up 5.3 percent.

 The Notebooks take. We were sitting at home when Trump made the look at Washington, D.C. remark. We tweeted that yes, we wish people would look at local Washington and see the dramatic changes here over the last 15 years, let alone Bowsers last two.

Were proud to note our tweet was picked up and liked 219 times and had 77 retweets.

The Districts every misstep or problem is conflated with former Mayor Marion Barry, who died two years ago next month. The city surely has its problems and crooked officials, but this city is far from the depths of years past.

 Virginia GOP turmoil. The national Republican infighting over Trump shows no signs of subsiding. And it just got a little angrier in Virginia. Never mind those Democrats who are working for Hillary Clinton; this is Republicans versus Republicans.

The national Donald Trump campaign on Monday fired Virginia state co-chair Corey Stewart. You could say Stewart is more pugnacious than Trump himself. He proved it on Monday by holding a protest rally in front of the Capitol Hill offices of the national Republican Party. Stewart is angry that too many Republicans, like Northern Virginia 10th District Republican Rep. Barbara Comstock, are running away from Trump.

Comstocks campaign told NBC4 that she is focused on serving her constituents and is focused on defeating her Democratic challenger.

This close to the election, the Trump campaign doesnt need any more infighting over Trumps campaign. So it fired Stewart, who also chairs the Prince William County Board of Supervisors.

Stewart was unrepentant, telling NBC4s Jackie Bensen in a telephone call: I found out about it through news reports and, frankly, its not a big surprise. I stood up to the RNC today. I stood up to the Republican establishment. They threatened to fire me, and they made good on that threat.

The Republican Party of Virginia backed the move. Every day, hundreds of Republicans across Virginia are working hard to elect Donald Trump, state party chair John Whitbeck in a statement. We cant afford any distractions.

Virginia this time around is no longer seen as a battleground state. Clinton consistently leads in state polling. Stewart says he believes there are 250,000 voters who still are undecided. But his official role in the campaign is decided. Hes out.

Stewart is running for governor in the 2017 race next year. More moderate-conservative state Republicans are trying to diminish the hard-right influence of Stewart and others. Whether Trump wins or loses on Nov. 8, the bitterness of the infighting will continue into next year. Whos happy? All those Virginia Democrats are happy.

Tom Sherwood, a Southwest resident, is a political reporter for News 4.
Suru Ripai always smiles at the kids in Georgetown University's main dining hall, even though he has a reason to be at least a little sad.

He hasn't been home to his family in South Sudan in more than 45 years.

"I'll walk in, maybe not having the best day, and he'll just say something to brighten my day," said Precious King, a freshman at Georgetown.

"No matter what time of the day you find him, he always has a smile," said Elizabeth Nalunga, a sophomore.

The two are among a group of people who wanted Ripai to know that his smiles and kind words had helped them.

With the campus group Unsung Heroes, they raised more than $5,000 for Ripai to return to Sudan and see his family.

"To see how the south looks like after such a long time ... a long time," Ripai marveled, after the students surprised him with the gift Wednesday. "Can you imagine?"

Senior Febin Bellamy started Unsung Heroes. The students who run it have recognized Georgetown food service workers and facility managers. They've recognized an employee who helped shovel sidewalks after last winter's historic snowstorm.

They've recognized Anthony "Tracey" Smith, a crossing guard on a busy Washington, D.C. street. The job has special meaning important to Smith, whose father was killed in a crosswalk.

"Every unsung hero has a story," Bellamy said. "We just have to take the time to listen and show a level of acknowledgment."

The Heroes are posted on the group's website, where people can read their stories and donate to thank them. Students are also encouraged to say thanks in person when they see the Heroes on campus.

Wednesday's recognition seemed to stun Ripai, who came to the U.S. in 1995 after traveling from Sudan to Liberia. He started at Georgetown in 1996, working as a bus boy at the Leavey Center on campus.

He was granted asylum as part of a resettlement program and has six children here in the United States. But the Georgetown students, who now have helped him revisit his homeland, are like his family, too.

"They're very important to me," Ripai said. "Very important to me."
A New Hampshire wedding got a dose of unexpected drama when the groom's mother went missing for several hours.

State police were told Sunday afternoon Philameana Guerino hadn't been seen for hours. The 72-year-old Massachusetts woman was in Landaff, New Hampshire, to attend the wedding and had gone for a walk in the woods.

Several troopers responded with conservation officers from New Hampshire Fish and Game and a K-9 unit. The state police also used a Reverse 911 call through the Grafton County sheriff's office to notify residents in a 5-mile area.

Guerino was found an hour and a half later. She had gotten lost on her walk.

State police say on their Facebook page the wedding was delayed several hours but the bride and groom "definitely have a story for the future."
The "shackles" gone, Donald Trump stepped up his fierce attacks on his own party leaders Tuesday, promising to teach Republicans who oppose him a lesson and fight for the presidency "the way I want to."

"I'm just tired of non-support" from leaders of the party he represents on the presidential ticket, Trump said Tuesday evening on Fox News Channel's "The O'Reilly Factor." He saved special ire for House Speaker Paul Ryan, who told Republicans Monday he'll no longer campaign for Trump with four weeks to go before Election Day.

"I don't want his support, I don't care about his support," Trump said.

With his campaign floundering and little time to steady it, the businessman reverted to the combative, divisive strategy that propelled him to victory in the GOP primary: Attack every critic  including fellow Republicans. Those close to Trump suggested it was "open season" on every detractor, regardless of party.

"It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to," Trump said in a tweet that brought new concern  near panic in some cases  to a party trying to stave off an all-out civil war before Nov. 8.

In another series of tweets, the Republican nominee called House Speaker Paul Ryan "weak and ineffective," Sen. John McCain "very foul-mouthed" and "disloyal" Republicans "far more difficult than Crooked Hillary."

"They come at you from all sides," Trump declared. "They don't know how to win  I will teach them!"

Rage against fellow Republicans from the face of the 2016 GOP exposed a party slipping from mere feuding into verbal warfare with advance voting already underway in roughly half the states. Polls suggest Trump is headed toward a loss of historic proportions if he doesn't turn things around.

His scorched-earth approach, days after his sexual predatory language caught on tape triggered a mass Republican defection, threatened to alienate even more supporters.

"Fighting for the sake of fighting is not really very helpful," said former Trump adviser Barry Bennett.

Trump has acknowledged the possibility of defeat in recent days, but on Tuesday he tried to shift the blame for his struggles on Republican defections and an election system that may be "rigged" against him. On Monday, he warned of potential voter fraud in heavily African-American Philadelphia, a claim for which there is no evidence but one that could challenge Americans' faith in a fair democratic process.

At the same time, Trump's campaign is considering whether to feature Bill Clinton accusers at his upcoming rallies. Trump shocked the political world before Sunday's debate by appearing with several women who had accused the former president of sexual impropriety decades earlier.

The aggressive shift is in line with the philosophy of recently hired campaign chaiman Steve Bannon, whose conservative website has long fueled attacks on Republican leaders and perpetuated popular conservative conspiracy theories.

The approach has done little to endear Trump to anxious party leaders. At least 40 Republican senators and congressmen have revoked their support for the embattled Republican nominee  with nearly 30 of them urging him to quit the race altogether.

Republican Speaker Ryan, in a Monday conference call with congressional Republicans, said he would no longer campaign with Trump. He said he would focus instead on ensuring Clinton doesn't get a "blank check" with a Democratic-controlled Congress, all but conceding that Trump would lose the presidential contest.

Trump's running mate Mike Pence said in an interview with NBC Tuesday that he was "disappointed" by the defections and "respectfully" disagreed with Ryan.

Yet Trump's aggressive shift is popular among his most loyal supporters who continue to flock to his rallies by the thousands.

Megan Johnston, 54, shrugged off his sexually aggressive comments in the 2005 video and pointed at Democrat Hillary Clinton's shortcomings.

"He said what he said and he apologized. She should be in jail," Johnston said during a rally near Pittsburgh.

At a rally in Newton, Iowa, Pence received multiple standing ovations and was thanked at one point for sticking with Trump  a sign of just how badly Trump has faltered.

"You ... just got my respect for not jumping and bailing out on Donald Trump," the questioner said.

Another woman told Pence she was concerned about widespread voter fraud and warned that, if Clinton wins, "I am ready for a revolution."

"Don't say that," Pence responded.

As the GOP battled itself, Clinton focused on climate change in swing state Florida alongside former Vice President Al Gore.

Gore, whose 2006 documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" focused on global warming, said Clinton would "make solving the climate crisis a top national priority."

While Trump devoted much of his fire to fellow Republicans on Tuesday, he did not ignore his Democratic opponent.

His campaign released a new ad that focuses on Clinton's recent bout with pneumonia. The ad features images of masked gunmen and nuclear weapons as a sick Clinton stumbles toward a vehicle.

"Hillary Clinton doesn't have the fortitude, strength or stamina to lead in our world," the narrator declares.

Meanwhile, Trump's campaign and the Republican National Committee declared that hacked emails released by WikiLeaks on Tuesday showed collusion between the Clinton campaign and the Department of Justice during a civil investigation into the former secretary of state's email server.

The evidence does indicate there was communication between the two about a court hearing date. But such dates are not inside information. They would have been publicly posted in advance on the court's docket.

The emails show that in May 2015, Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon alerted other staffers that the Justice Department was proposing to publish Clinton's work-related emails by January in response to requests by news organizations. Fallon, a former Justice Department spokesman, wrote that unspecified "DOJ folks" told him there was a court hearing planned soon in the case.

The name and email address of the person who shared the information with Fallon had been deleted.
Massachusetts is dealing with one of the worst droughts in its history, with widespread water restrictions and shortages. But the artificial turf industry is taking advantage of this rough patch, and more cities are considering fake grass as an alternative.

"I was kind of concerned it would look kind of fake," said Kellie Condon, who initially had doubts.

Condon and her husband, William, installed artificial turf in their back yard a few months ago, and now they're believers.

"The downside, I couldn't really tell you," William said.

New England Turf Store President Scott Kosterich, and others in the artificial turf industry, are seeing green.

"Probably a 200 percent increase in our sales," said Kosterich.

His company primarily installs turf on playing fields. Now, he's also selling more to homeowners considering this as an option.

"They don't have to put in irrigation, they don't have to put in chemicals," Kosterich said.

Boston, Worcester, Norwell, and Scituate have already either put in artificial turf in public places or are considering it.

However, this stuff isn't for everyone, like Al Sbordone.

"It's not going to be real," he said. "It will be real plastic."

There's also concern artificial that since turf doesn't give off oxygen for the atmosphere and on hot days, the surface can get toasty. It can also be pricey, depending on the quality and size. The Condons paid $10,000 for their backyard at around $3 a square foot. And without all their neighbors on board, they've left their front lawn all natural -- just in case.

"I don't think an artificial lawn would jive with them just yet," William said.

An industry group is launching a major campaign, lobbying cities and towns in Massachusetts to give rebates for home owners who install the artificial turf, just like some communities in California, also dealing with a drought.
Police have arrested a Massachusetts man they say is connected to a slew of robberies in New Bedford.

Authorities first arrested Scott Almeida, 46, for an alleged armed robbery that took place on October 3 at the Jalice Cafe on Acushnet Avenue.

Following the arrest, investigators discovered Almeida was linked to five other area robberies, including three at the same 7-11 on Acushnet Avenue.

A search warrant was then executed at Almeida's home where investigators found scratch tickets with serial numbers that matched tickets taken during one of the robberies.

Police said he is also allegedly connected to the armed robbery of Our Lady of Angels Band Club on Acushnet Avenue.

Almeida is currently being held on bail pending his arraignment.
Springfield, Massachusetts, police are investigating the death of a man found shot inside a car.

Police say the body of 28-year-old Yonaides Pichardo was found inside a BMW sedan an Sycamore Street in the city's Bay neighborhood at about 3 p.m. Tuesday. He was suffering from a single gunshot wound.

It wasn't immediately clear if the victim lived in the neighborhood.

No arrests have been announced and the investigation is ongoing.
Islamic State (IS) militants in northern Syria are putting up "stiff resistance" to attacks by Turkish-backed rebel fighters, Turkey's military said on Wednesday, almost two months after it launched an incursion to drive them away from its border.

Supported by Turkish tanks and air strikes, the rebels have been pushing towards the IS stronghold of Dabiq. Clashes and air strikes over the past 24 hours have killed 47 Islamist militants, the military said in a statement.

"Due to stiff resistance of the Daesh (IS) terror group, progress could not be achieved in an attack launched to take four settlements," it said, naming the areas east of the town of Azaz as Kafrah, Suran, Ihtimalat and Duvaybik.

The operation to drive the Islamist militants away from the Turkish border, dubbed "Euphrates Shield", was in its 50th day on Wednesday. The Turkish-backed rebels have seized control of about 1,100 square km (425 square miles) of territory from IS since the operation began, the military said.

In a daily round-up, it said 19 IS fighters had been "neutralized" in clashes, while eight Turkish-backed rebels were also killed. Twenty-two rebels were wounded but Turkish forces did not suffer any casualties.

Turkish warplanes destroyed five buildings used by IS fighters, while U.S.-led coalition jets "neutralized" 28 of the Islamist militants and destroyed three buildings, it said.

The operation has also targeted a Kurdish militia whose presence along its border Turkey sees as a threat.

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A New Hampshire police detective is facing drunk driving charges after state police say he crashed his vehicle in Hampton on Monday night.

Trooopers responded to the crash on Interstate 95 at the Exit 2 off ramp at about 10:30 p.m.

The driver was identified as Christopher Gilroy, 37, of Exeter, a detective with the Hampton Police Department.

Gilroy is being charged with driving while intoxicated.

New Hampshire State Police are handling the investigation while the Hampton Police Department is handling the personnel manner.
The mother of a 3-year-old Maine girl who disappeared for a day, prompting an Amber Alert, has been charged in connection with the case.

Karen Lea has been charged with endangering the welfare of her daughter Lenore Wilson, according to WCSH.

Wilson was reported missing after police responded to her home in Augusta last Tuesday as her mother suffered from a drug-related medical emergency.

Authorities said at the time that Wilson was likely with a family friend, identified as Fatima "China" Gissentaner," who contacted police and said she would return the child, but didn't, which prompted an Amber Alert later that afternoon.

Wilson was later turned over to police by an unidentified man.

Police tell WCSH that more charges could be filed pending a completed investigation.
Vermont State Police served an arrest warrant on the man suspected of driving the wrong way on Interstate 89 Saturday night, killing five high school students.

Police announced early Tuesday evening that they served the warrant on Steven Bourgoin, 36, of Williston.

Bourgoin remains hospitalized in an intensive care unit of the University of Vermont Medical Center, but State Police said he is now in the custody of the corrections department.

Bourgoin is suspected of driving northbound on Interstate 89 in Williston late Saturday night and crashing into a southbound car full of teenagers from central Vermont.

The five teens died in the fiery wreck, first responders said this weekend.

Bourgoin has yet to face formal criminal charges, so has not yet responded to the accusations.

Four of the students who died attended Harwood Union High School in Duxbury, Vermont. That school reopened Tuesday following the long holiday weekend and a vigil Monday night.

Outside the school, a message on a sign reads Harwood Strong.

Inside, memorials are growing to 16-year-olds Mary Harris, Cyrus Zschau, Liam Hale, and Eli Brookens.

Amy Rex, the schools co-principal, told necn affiliate NBC 5 that food, cards, and flowers have come in from around the state and beyond. She added that students, teachers, and staff greatly appreciate the messages of support.

Theyre all very quiet, Rex said of how students and adults alike behave while examining the memorials. They come through and just really read and reflect. Theyre just taking them all in. Its really beautiful.

The fifth student who died, 15-year-old Janie Cozzi, was a student at Kimball Union Academy in Meriden, New Hampshire.

Cozzi grew up in the Harwood district, and remained close friends with many in the community, so she is also represented in the memorials at Harwood Union High School.

Saturdays crash remains under investigation by Vermont State Police.
An SUV crashed into a radio station in Woonsocket, Rhode Island.

It happened overnight Wednesday at the WNRI radio station on Diamond Hill Road.

Authorities tell WJAR that a man, identified as 29-year-old Thomas Hill of Woonsocket, was taken to Rhode Island Hospital after being removed from the vehicle, where he was treated and released into police custody.

Hill was charged with driving under the influence and possession of narcotics after police say they found a small amount of pills inside the vehicle.

A building inspector visited the scene to check the building's condition after the crash, which is still under investigation.

Hill is expected to be arraigned at Providence District Court later.

It's unclear if he has an attorney.
Between reaction to a now-infamous video, House Speaker Paul Ryan's all-but-projecting a win for Hillary Clinton and defections from high profile Republicans, you might wonder how Donald Trump's campaign is surviving in a battleground state like New Hampshire.

"This didnt affect trump whatsoever," said New Hampshire Trump campaign adviser Al Baldasaro. "The campaign and the GOP is 100 percent behind Donald Trump."

Baldasaro says the New Hampshire campaign is going strong, with volunteer door-knockers and phone-callers out in full force. He says the only one negatively affected by Sen. Kelly Ayotte pulling her support is Ayotte herself.

"I might vote for her, I might not," Baldasaro said.

The adviser also said Ryan is "worried about his establishment people."

"They weren't supporting Trump anyway," he said. "In the voting booth, they'll probably vote for Trump over Hillary."

Trump surrogate Fran Wendelboe, a former New Hampshire state representative, took it a step further.

"I think if anything, it could be helpful for him, because those people are just fed up with the establishment and fed up with Washington," she said.

Wendelboe thinks backlash from the Trump video has been offset by a generation of voters who didn't know about Bill Clinton's past.

"Didn't even know the name 'Monica Lewinsky,'" she said. "Didn't know Bill Clinton was impeached. I think that probably has been a silver lining."

Maine Gov. Paul LePage, meanwhile, reiterated his support for Trump and called President Obama a "dictator."

Also on Wednesday, LePage clarified his comment from yesterday that Trump needed to show "authoritarian power," saying he misspoke and meant to say "authoritative."

Democrats are pointing to polls that show Trump on the decline and the lack of support he is getting from most high-profile Republicans.

But many Trump supporters aren't acting too concerned about all that. They say Trump will exceed expectations and pull off a win, just like he did in the primary.
Martin Kentish follows up his 2013 article titled Investigating the science behind Creationism, with the following thoughts:

Back in 2013, I wrote a short article considering a biblical view of creation based on a literal reading of Genesis. The 64 pages and the nature of the feedback comments suggested that it was an emotive issue to many. This article is I hope, a considered response to the comments.



On the evolution/creation debate it's good to start at the beginning: what you believe (by faith) as your starting point will give you the framework through which you will interpret any 'evidence'.



Atheists (I will call them naturalists from now on) believe (by faith) that despite all the evidence, life just started when the right conditions came together, and over long periods of time that first life evolved into you and me. So by accepting these two assumptions, all 'evidence' is then interpreted through this lens. Only natural processes are allowed in this belief, no intelligence or supernatural agent (especially God) is allowed. Of course, if you believe your starting point is true, then so you will believe your interpretation of the evidence is also true.



On the other side of the debate is the Genesis account which is a historical narrative of everything's beginnings. By accepting this account (by faith), it then provides a different framework to interpret all evidence.



In the middle there are theistic evolutionists which essentially accept that God started it off and used evolution to bring about what see today.



So when we examine biology, geology, the cosmos, life, culture, religion, art, politics, economics and science we interpret what we see through a particular lens. This is our worldview. This is really where the clash lies. It is not, as some would like to promote, a clash of science versus religion, but a clash of worldviews.



The most important question to ask is which of these worldviews is objectively true?



Most people are unaware they have a worldview, in the same way you may forget you are wearing glasses and are seeing the world through the lens of your chosen spectacles.



Naturalists have a worldview. Christians have a worldview. Muslims have a worldview. In fact, every 'ism' (such as naturalism, capitalism, materialism, communism, feminism etc) is based on some worldview. All make truth claims. Christianity makes truth claims that contradict truth claims made by naturalists. For example, God created (theism) or he didn't (naturalism) is essentially the basis of the creation/evolution truth claims.



People can be entirely consistent with their worldview, yet the worldview be false. People can be inconsistent with their worldview, yet the worldview itself be true. Is an angry, anxious, name-calling and judgemental Christian acting consistently with theirs? Is an altruistic naturalist acting consistently with their belief? Is a Muslim executing someone by beheading acting consistently with theirs?



So does the particular worldview match up to the reality we can observe in the present, test and analyse today? Can we consistently live with the chosen worldview?



It is worth noting that some of the worst atrocities in the world were committed by those who were acting consistently with their worldview. Hitler for example, acted in a way that was consistent with his Darwinian worldview (Origin of the Species was one of his most influential books).



Understanding truth claims is a philosophical endeavour. Richard Dawkins is a good scientist for example, but a very poor philosopher.



Sadly, most people are indoctrinated with the evolutionary worldview from childhood. Also, (particularly evangelical) Christians, can be dissuaded from engaging their intellect for fear of it being seen as 'puffing oneself up'. Many Christians have accommodated the evolutionary worldview, then reinterpreted Genesis to fit within in it (e.g. the six days of creation aren't days at all, but long periods of time to fit within the millions-of-years naturalistic worldview).



My journey from atheism, via theistic evolution to biblical creation has forced me to try to understand the worldview through which I am interpreting whatever evidence I am being presented with as truth. It has also forced me to study philosophy far more than I ever set out to do. In doing so, it has allowed me to look at the same 'fact' from different perspectives and ask which is at the very least, more reasonable? More importantly, to ask the question which is true? It has allowed me to question (and falsify) the assumptions behind many scientific 'facts', like the dating methods used to prove things are millions of years old.



Darwinism is an example of naturalism. Its founding assumptions like spontaneous creation of life is assumed to be true, yet contradicted by what we can observe and test today. Mutations (DNA copying errors), whether they break, add or duplicate genes do not add anything new required by evolution. They in fact, usually make things worse in terms of illness, infertility or death. Even though there may be a functional advantage (e.g. bacterial resistance), nothing new has been added on to the genome of that organism. Whilst adaptation explains the variety within a particular kind of animal, like dogs, cats or birds, what we observe today and in the fossil record that they all remain true to their kind. When Dawkins is asked for an example of when mutation and selection has created new information, he flounders.



False worldviews have a habit of dehumanising people and followers are often led down an empty, dark path. We see this starkly in society. If there is no God as naturalists believe, and secular culture promotes, anything goes. Who then becomes the arbiter of what is right and wrong? For naturalists, there is no objective truth or morality. Yet whatever faith, or no faith, a person has, somehow we all do have an inbuilt sense of right and wrong which is what we would expect if were created in the image of God.



Dogs, cats and humans share similar characteristics. They all have eyes, a brain, ears, femurs, backbones etc. To a naturalist, this is evidence of common descent. To a Biblical creationist, this is evidence of a common designer. So it is easy to be convinced of the truth of your worldview because of how you have interpreted whatever evidence is in front of you. Essentially, the worldview comes first and people often stick rigidly to the worldview. Many have an a priori commitment to their worldview and wont shift from it.



So believing evolution (beyond adaptation which no one argues with) despite the evidence against it, usually indicates there is an a priori commitment to a particular worldview. Most people take a particular worldview and dig their heels in, defending it ferociously and at times ungraciously. This behaviour is common; it is far easier to label someone a 'fundamentalist' with regards to biblical creation than it is to understand that worldview. I often wonder why people can get so angry at things they dont believe in, which then leads to a whole smorgasbord of emotional reactions and avoid the rational debate altogether.



Discovering truth is a journey. You can travel to or away from the truth, or simply stay where you are. The more you embrace something which is false, the more you shed which is true. The more you embrace of the truth, the more you shed what is false. So, which is objectively true, good-to-you evolution or the Genesis account?



This particular journey of understanding the creation/evolution debate has helped realise the importance of worldviews in any area of life. In fact, worldview analysis is an essential tool for any Christian wishing to step outside of the Sunday morning service comfiness and influence the outside world. Failure to do so will simply allow Christianity to be shoved into a private cupboard labelled 'Values' (opened on Sundays) and restrict Christians from being the powerful redemptive force in the world we are called to be.



An additional benefit of understanding worldviews is also to help understand the likely success of any particular policy or strategy we see in daily life. If for example, people are merely more advanced pot plants, nothing more, then simple manipulating some environment factor should yield some euphoric state. Yet it doesn't. Time and time again we see the failure of these policies and strategies. We see this in housing, policing, even Norwich's traffic planning!



If 'safety is a priority', something we see and hear so often, then the product of this principal is curiously enough something which leads to a dehumanised environment where people are ill equipped to deal with risk and avoid taking any personal responsibility for their decisions whether these are practical or moral.



For those interested in this topic, read Nancy Pearcey's 'Total Truth' or any of Charles Colson's books. For those interested in the philosophy of science, read Alan Francis Chalmers book on the topic 'So what is this thing called science' or Alvin Platinga's 'Where the Conflict Really Lies'. All are enlightening, all are quite a challenge, but I would recommend anywhere to get their teeth into them before getting too hot under the collar and embark on the schoolyard tactics that so often prevent any mature debate on this issue.



Whilst many Christians abandon their faith in response to the 'overwhelming evidence' for evolution, I can safely say this pursuit has only strengthened mine.



To read Martin's original article, click here.





Martin Kentish is a Norwich-based marketing analyst and entrepreneur. He is the Founder of Free Range People, a company that has successfully developed feedback systems for organisations such as McDonalds, Tesco, John Lewis and the Royal Navy. He is a member of St Thomas Church, Norwich.
Foreign spies made off with an unknown quantity of documents after infecting Australias meteorology bureau with a RAT, but the fact that security controls at the bureau were insufficient even for common cybercrime threats only helped the state-sponsored cyber adversaries.

After Australias Bureau of Meteorology systems was hacked, unnamed government officials immediately blamed China and China immediately denied the groundless accusations. When the hack hit the news in December 2015, the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) would not confirm if its systems had been compromised. In April, Australians Prime Minister did confirm there had been a significant cyber intrusion at the Bureau.

Now theres more information available via a threat report (pdf) released by the Australian Cyber Security Center (ACSC).

Back in 2015, investigators at the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) detected suspicious activity from two computers on the Bureau of Meteorologys network. The ASD identified the presence of particular Remote Access Tool (RAT) malware popular with state-sponsored cyber adversaries, amongst other malware associated with cybercrime. The RAT had also been used to compromise other Australian government networks.

The 2016 Threat Report revealed that the ASD found a password dumping utility used by the adversary and identified the malicious use of at least one legitimate domain administrator account. The ASD identified at least six further hosts on the Bureaus network that the adversary attempted to access, including domain controllers and file servers.

Between the password dumping utilities and complete access to domain controllers, investigators believe all passwords on the Bureaus network were already compromised by the time an investigation was launched. Evidence suggested that attackers used network scanning and time stamp modification tools to analyze network architecture and to help hide the attack tools on hosts.

The ASD found evidence of the attackers searching for and copying an unknown quantity of documents from the Bureaus network. It may seem odd for foreign spies to be so interested in a weather bureau, but China was blamed for the 2014 hack of NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration). Australias BOM reportedly has one of the most powerful supercomputers, and it provides data to other government agencies.

Regarding the BOM hack, the report stated:

In this instance, the ACSC attributed the primary compromise to a foreign intelligence service; however, security controls in place were insufficient to protect the network from more common threats associated with cybercrime. CryptoLocker ransomware found on the network represented the most significant threat to the Bureaus data retention and continuity of operations.

Regarding ransomware, a workstation was infected after a government staffer clicked on an Australia Post-themed email. The PC was then re-imaged. However, it wasnt until three months later, when files for a legal proceeding were needed, that it was discovered that thousands of files on a server had also been encrypted. With that much time passing, the backups also had been affected by the ransomware and were encrypted. By then, it was too late to pay the ransom.

Trends and increase of other cyber threats

Sophisticated adversaries are fast to add new exploits, such as those that were leaked after the Hacking Team was hacked. The ACSC said to expect terrorists and hacktivists to continue targeted disclosures and the dumping of PII (personally identifiable information) in order to embarrass, intimidate or threaten individuals and organizations.

The ACSC said it has seen an increase in credential harvesting campaigns, DDoS extortion, malvertising and watering hole attacks, as well as an uptick in systems being exploited via PowerShell and Microsoft Office macros. Additionally, the security experts have seen attackers use in-memory malwaremalicious programs stored in memory and never written to diskto better avoid detection, beat forensics and bypass security controls.

The 2016 Threat Report goes into more details about threats and mitigations, as well as how to prepare for and respond to cybersecurity incidents.
Turkish authorities on Wednesday issued arrest warrants for 215 police officers, including 147 police chiefs, broadcaster NTV reported, in an operation linked to July's attempted coup.

Thirty from the group have been arrested so far, NTV said.

Turkey has seen two mass arrests in the police force since Oct. 7, that the government says aims to root out supporters of U.S-based cleric Fethullah Gulen, who Ankara blames for masterminding the abortive coup.

Gulen denies accusations he was behind the coup, during which more than 240 people were killed.

Some 32,000 people have been jailed, and 100,000 military officers, police, teachers, judges, prosecutors and others have been sacked.

On Wednesday, the Defence Ministry said the armed forces had dismissed 201 more personnel from its air force and 32 more from the navy.

Authorities said that all 215 officers listed were suspected of using ByLock, NTV said, a smartphone messaging app used by Gulen's followers since 2014. Most of the warrants were for officers in Ankara, though others were in 13 provinces, it said.

The state intelligence agency traced thousands of people they say are part of Gulen's movement and linked to last month's failed military coup by cracking ByLock's security features.

Parliament on Tuesday voted to prolong a state of emergency for three months in a vote that was more of a formality, as the ruling AK Party commands a large majority and the opposition Nationalist Movement Party had pledged its support of the move.

The main opposition People's Republican Party and third-biggest Peoples' Democratic Party opposed the extension, citing worries that innocent people were being targeted.

Deputy Prime Minister Numan Kurtulmus said Turkey's entire population had been harmed by supporters of Gulen, which the government refers to as the Gulenist Terror Organisation (FETO).

"There are no victims in FETO - only the 79 million people FETO victimized," he said on Wednesday.

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"That area is dedicated to business and I feel it should stay like that" says town councillor

THE towns industrial and commercial areas should not be used for housing.

The views were aired as Newbury town councillors considered proposals to convert more than 60,000 sq ft of office space in the town into apartments.

Overbridge Development Ltd is hoping to be able to convert the offices at Overbridge Business Park into more than 100 new flats through permitted development rights.

Under the proposals, the five buildings will be turned into a mixture of one- and two-bed apartments with up to 25 dwellings in each building, along with communal cycle storage facilities.

The application describes the site as being situated in an area of mixed industrial land use with business parks and industrial estates located to the south, east and west.

Permitted development rights would allow the developer to convert the offices into flats without requiring planning permission should West Berkshire planners decide that no prior approval is needed.

However, Newbury town councillors unanimously opposed the plans at a meeting on Monday night.

Elizabeth OKeeffe (Lib Dem, Victoria) said: I object to this for a number of reasons.

It is losing commercial properties, there are an awful lot of flats being squeezed in that space, its an industrial area and it will bring more traffic to the area.

And those arent old buildings either.

Jeff Beck (Con, Clay Hill) said: I totally agree.

Its an industrial area and I think its totally unsuitable for housing and we need to maintain businesses so people can earn a crust in Newbury.

All that area is dedicated to business and I feel it should stay like that.

Adrian Edwards (Con, Falkland) said: The application is seeking to establish if prior approval is required and the answer to that is yes.

The plans had originally been submitted to West Berkshire Council in July, but were withdrawn last month as the developer was unable to provide sufficient information surrounding noise impact and potential ground and water contamination.

However, last week the plans were resubmitted by the London-based developer.

Neighbouring business owners had objected to the original proposals owing to fears the conversion would have a negative impact on trade and have argued the right to claim compensation for any loss in earnings.

It is not the first time that the issue has been debated.

Last year, a number of business leaders wrote to West Berkshire Council expressing concern that a lack of commercial business space could see Newbury become a dormitory town.

In the letter, Richard Deal, director of Newbury-based commercial property agents Deal Varney, said: We believe Newbury is at a crossroads.

It has always been a great place to live but, if we continue to ignore business and its needs, we will become the dormitory town that is so often mentioned.
THE Michaelmas Fair will return to Newbury tonight.

Rides and stalls will roll up in Northcroft Park for the fair, organised by the Showmans Guild of Great Britain.

It will open at 6pm tonight and run until Saturday.

Wednesday will be half-price night and a firework display is planned for 9pm on Friday.

The fair dates back to the 17th century, when shepherds and maids turned up to seek work in the town, but is now a funfair.
By Reuters

HONG KONG/SINGAPORE: Deutsche Bank's Asia Pacific wealth management head Ravi Raju is leaving to join UBS, a source with direct knowledge of the move told Reuters on Tuesday, the latest senior departure from the bank in the region.

The German bank later confirmed Raju's exit in a statement, adding its head of wealth management in North Asia Lok Yim would succeed him with immediate effect. It said Raju was leaving to pursue external opportunities, but gave no further details.

It was not immediately clear what Raju's role would be at Swiss bank UBS, where he is expected to start in a few months, the source, who declined to be named, added.

Raju, who joined Deutsche in 2007, played a key role in building its wealth management business in Asia, overseeing more than 700 employees in 15 locations. The region has emerged as a battleground for wealth managers as Western markets slow.

His departure, the second by a high-profile Deutsche banker in Asia in the last few months, comes as Germany's biggest lender is battling to contain the damage from a U.S. demand for a $14 billion settlement over the sale of toxic mortgage bonds before the financial crisis. Concerns over Deutsche Bank have also shaken global markets.

In June, Gunit Chadha, who joined Deutsche Bank as India CEO in 2003 and became a co-head for Asia Pacific in 2012, quit as regional head and was replaced a month later by the head of its global transaction banking, Werner Steinmueller.

A UBS spokeswoman in Asia, and Hong Kong-based Raju declined to comment when contacted by Reuters.

GROWTH OPPORTUNITY

Raju told Reuters in June that Deutsche Bank's Asian wealth management division planned to start a high net worth business in Hong Kong and Singapore in 12 to 18 months, to capitalise on the opportunity opened up by retreating rivals and to target wealthy customers in Greater China.

In its statement on the management changes, Deutsche said its global head of key client partners in wealth management, Anurag Mahesh, is also leaving and that it would announce his replacement in due course.

"We have a strong bench of senior managers and these changes will enable new talent to take over and lead the next phase in our growth story," the statement said, referring to the departure of two of its senior bankers.

"Our strategy for Deutsche Bank WM in the Asia Pacific region remains unchanged. Asia Pacific continues to be one of the cornerstones of our global investment plans and will only strengthen in importance over time."

Raju's hiring by UBS, the biggest wealth manager by assets in the region, comes at a time when the Swiss bank has seen sharp growth in net new money inflows in its Asia Pacific wealth management unit, outpacing Switzerland and Europe.

UBS saw growth of 10.2 percent in the June quarter, according to a presentation on its website.

Deutsche Bank has also been building up its presence in the region and Deutsche Wealth Management was ranked eighth in Asia in a 2015 survey published by Asian Private Banker, managing $66 billion in assets, a figure the bank has not confirmed.

HONG KONG/SINGAPORE: Deutsche Bank's Asia Pacific wealth management head Ravi Raju is leaving to join UBS, a source with direct knowledge of the move told Reuters on Tuesday, the latest senior departure from the bank in the region. The German bank later confirmed Raju's exit in a statement, adding its head of wealth management in North Asia Lok Yim would succeed him with immediate effect. It said Raju was leaving to pursue external opportunities, but gave no further details. It was not immediately clear what Raju's role would be at Swiss bank UBS, where he is expected to start in a few months, the source, who declined to be named, added. Raju, who joined Deutsche in 2007, played a key role in building its wealth management business in Asia, overseeing more than 700 employees in 15 locations. The region has emerged as a battleground for wealth managers as Western markets slow. His departure, the second by a high-profile Deutsche banker in Asia in the last few months, comes as Germany's biggest lender is battling to contain the damage from a U.S. demand for a $14 billion settlement over the sale of toxic mortgage bonds before the financial crisis. Concerns over Deutsche Bank have also shaken global markets. In June, Gunit Chadha, who joined Deutsche Bank as India CEO in 2003 and became a co-head for Asia Pacific in 2012, quit as regional head and was replaced a month later by the head of its global transaction banking, Werner Steinmueller. A UBS spokeswoman in Asia, and Hong Kong-based Raju declined to comment when contacted by Reuters. GROWTH OPPORTUNITY Raju told Reuters in June that Deutsche Bank's Asian wealth management division planned to start a high net worth business in Hong Kong and Singapore in 12 to 18 months, to capitalise on the opportunity opened up by retreating rivals and to target wealthy customers in Greater China. In its statement on the management changes, Deutsche said its global head of key client partners in wealth management, Anurag Mahesh, is also leaving and that it would announce his replacement in due course. "We have a strong bench of senior managers and these changes will enable new talent to take over and lead the next phase in our growth story," the statement said, referring to the departure of two of its senior bankers. "Our strategy for Deutsche Bank WM in the Asia Pacific region remains unchanged. Asia Pacific continues to be one of the cornerstones of our global investment plans and will only strengthen in importance over time." Raju's hiring by UBS, the biggest wealth manager by assets in the region, comes at a time when the Swiss bank has seen sharp growth in net new money inflows in its Asia Pacific wealth management unit, outpacing Switzerland and Europe. UBS saw growth of 10.2 percent in the June quarter, according to a presentation on its website. Deutsche Bank has also been building up its presence in the region and Deutsche Wealth Management was ranked eighth in Asia in a 2015 survey published by Asian Private Banker, managing $66 billion in assets, a figure the bank has not confirmed.
Around 1,000 Ethiopian migrants escaped a detention centre in south Yemen on Wednesday with the help of their guards, a security official said.

The detainees broke out of the centre, where some 1,400 Ethiopians were being held prior to deportation after entering the country illegally, in the province of Shabwa before dawn, he said.

The getaway in the provincial capital of Ataq was "well organised", he added.

"The escapees boarded vehicles that were waiting for them to take them to the neighbouring provinces of Marib and Bayda" in small groups.

Loyalists control most of Marib except for the oil-rich Sarwah area where they are fighting the rebels, while insurgents control Bayda.

Late last month, Yemeni authorities deported at least 220 African illegal immigrants, mainly Ethiopians, from the southern port city of Aden, security officials said.

Hundreds of Ethiopians have arrived in the south of Yemen in the past months despite the conflict between loyalist forces and Shiite rebels that has gripped the country for more than 18 months.

A Saudi-led coalition intervened in Yemen in support of President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi's government in March last year after the Iran-backed Huthis overran much of the country including the capital Sanaa.

Loyalist officials accuse the Huthis of recruiting to their ranks migrants who have entered the country illegally, but no independent source has confirmed this.

The rebels and their allies still control most of the Red Sea coast, as well as the capital and much of the central and northern highlands.

More than 6,800 people have been killed since the Saudi-led intervention began, almost two-thirds of them civilians, the United Nations says.

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ENS Economic Bureau By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Manufacturing and e-commerce sector growth is driving demand for more warehousing space in seven major Indian cities, according to a report, and the warehousing sector is set to grow 8 per cent annually to touch 839 million sq ft in the next 4 years.



Investments to develop warehousing in the National Capital Region,Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad, could see 1024 per cent returns per annum, according to the report by property consultant Knight Frank India titled India Warehousing Market.



The auto and auto ancillary and chemicals and pharmaceutical sectors are the largest demand drivers of warehousing space. Architecture firm C P Kukreja, Principal, Dikshu C Kukreja said, The warehouse and Logistics business is a sunrise industry ready to take off in India. With huge demand in the agricultural sector, cold storage and consumer goods, the establishment of warehouses and logistics is taking shape across India in a major way.



Knight Frank said the biggest challenge that Indias warehousing market currently faces is the acquisition of a feasible land parcel. Land cost generally constitutes the largest component of a warehousing project.

With investment returns of 22-24 per cent per annum, Pune offers the best investment opportunity in India. The total warehousing space requirement in these markets is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8 per cent from 621 million sq ft in 2016 to 839 million sq ft by 2020, the report said.



Over the next four-years, an incremental 218 million sq ft warehousing space would be required and about 54 million sq ft will be required annually in these seven markets. At present, 17 million sq ft of space is transacted annually in these seven markets.



Requirements from the e-tail segment will also drive growth, more than doubling from 14 million sq ft in 2016 to 29 million sq ft by 2020, resulting in an annual growth rate of 19 per cent.

In brick-and mortar retail, demand for space is expected to grow by 6 per cent annually to touch 154 million sq ft in 2020 from 120 million sq ft currently.

NEW DELHI: Manufacturing and e-commerce sector growth is driving demand for more warehousing space in seven major Indian cities, according to a report, and the warehousing sector is set to grow 8 per cent annually to touch 839 million sq ft in the next 4 years. Investments to develop warehousing in the National Capital Region,Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Pune and Ahmedabad, could see 1024 per cent returns per annum, according to the report by property consultant Knight Frank India titled India Warehousing Market. The auto and auto ancillary and chemicals and pharmaceutical sectors are the largest demand drivers of warehousing space. Architecture firm C P Kukreja, Principal, Dikshu C Kukreja said, The warehouse and Logistics business is a sunrise industry ready to take off in India. With huge demand in the agricultural sector, cold storage and consumer goods, the establishment of warehouses and logistics is taking shape across India in a major way. Knight Frank said the biggest challenge that Indias warehousing market currently faces is the acquisition of a feasible land parcel. Land cost generally constitutes the largest component of a warehousing project. With investment returns of 22-24 per cent per annum, Pune offers the best investment opportunity in India. The total warehousing space requirement in these markets is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8 per cent from 621 million sq ft in 2016 to 839 million sq ft by 2020, the report said. Over the next four-years, an incremental 218 million sq ft warehousing space would be required and about 54 million sq ft will be required annually in these seven markets. At present, 17 million sq ft of space is transacted annually in these seven markets. Requirements from the e-tail segment will also drive growth, more than doubling from 14 million sq ft in 2016 to 29 million sq ft by 2020, resulting in an annual growth rate of 19 per cent. In brick-and mortar retail, demand for space is expected to grow by 6 per cent annually to touch 154 million sq ft in 2020 from 120 million sq ft currently.
ENS Economic Bureau By

Express News Service

NEW DELHI: The Indian auto industry is looking at achieving a three million sales milestone in the passenger vehicle segment this financial year, according to the industry. The growth is primarily being led by the introduction of new models and compact SUVs serving pent up demand from customers with better disposable incomes.

This growth in purchases is expected to be seen across both urban and rural geographies.According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) the first six months of the financial year have seen the passenger vehicle (PV) segment grow by 12.34 per cent to stand at 14,94,039 units.



During the entire financial year 2015-16, 27,89,678 passenger vehicles were sold in the domestic market.

The way it has been so far in the current fiscal, I expect the passenger vehicles segment to touch the 3 million mark. If sales grow as they have grown in the April-September period then we can see this happen, SIAM Deputy Director General Sugato Sen stated on Tuesday.



The optimism is echoed across industry specialists. Abdul Majeed, Partner and auto expert  Price Waterhouse Cooper pointed out that many favourable factors are pushing PV sales in that direction.



The positive factors essentially include better cash flows in the hands of both urban and rural customers, he said, adding, In addition pent up demand and new launches push customers to buy new vehicles, cab aggregators will also generate demand since they are expanding to more number of cities. Industry pegs India to overtake Germany this year as the worlds fourth largest automotive market, following China, US and Japan. In 2015, China was the leader with 21 million units followed by the US at 7.5 million, Japan stood third with 4 million units, and Germany fourth with about 3 million vehicles.(With inputs from Agencies)

NEW DELHI: The Indian auto industry is looking at achieving a three million sales milestone in the passenger vehicle segment this financial year, according to the industry. The growth is primarily being led by the introduction of new models and compact SUVs serving pent up demand from customers with better disposable incomes. This growth in purchases is expected to be seen across both urban and rural geographies.According to the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers (SIAM) the first six months of the financial year have seen the passenger vehicle (PV) segment grow by 12.34 per cent to stand at 14,94,039 units. During the entire financial year 2015-16, 27,89,678 passenger vehicles were sold in the domestic market. The way it has been so far in the current fiscal, I expect the passenger vehicles segment to touch the 3 million mark. If sales grow as they have grown in the April-September period then we can see this happen, SIAM Deputy Director General Sugato Sen stated on Tuesday. The optimism is echoed across industry specialists. Abdul Majeed, Partner and auto expert  Price Waterhouse Cooper pointed out that many favourable factors are pushing PV sales in that direction. The positive factors essentially include better cash flows in the hands of both urban and rural customers, he said, adding, In addition pent up demand and new launches push customers to buy new vehicles, cab aggregators will also generate demand since they are expanding to more number of cities. Industry pegs India to overtake Germany this year as the worlds fourth largest automotive market, following China, US and Japan. In 2015, China was the leader with 21 million units followed by the US at 7.5 million, Japan stood third with 4 million units, and Germany fourth with about 3 million vehicles.(With inputs from Agencies)
Regina Gurung By

Express News Service

BENGALURU: She is 29 and single. Her colleagues often tease her and ask, When will you get married? You are getting old, She smiles and replies I am married. To a fruit.

At 11, Swastika was married to the indigenous hard-shelled Bel fruit, which is said to have non-rotting properties that makes it sustain for decades. The fruit at the time of the wedding is ripe and green. I dont think he is green anymore. Of course he was handsome and I guess he still is, says Swastika laughing.

My husband is somewhere back at home probably in the puja room, as mom says, I havent seen him for years, she added.



Swastika Pradhan hails from Darjeeling in North Bengal. As an architect, now based in Bengaluru, she did not quite realise how her culture surprised many in the city.

Swastika remembers herself draped in Nepali traditional attire - dhaka choli. I vaguely remember my wedding. I was acquainted with pujas since a young age so I thought that was just another puja, now when I see the pictures, I find it so funny. I was not at all serious on my wedding day,she recounts.

The prominent colors of the brides attire are red, white, black and maroon. With a matching set of bright red bangles and red veil, her husband, the fruit, put vermillion sindoor on her. An extra person, is required for the sindoor ceremony of course.

A white cloth is vertically stretched over the head of the bride to make a long isle. The tip of the Bel fruit is dipped in Sindoor and a sindoor line is drawn on the maang, parting of the hair to symbolise her marriage. The marriage is usually done in a pair of two at an odd age like five,seven,nine,11 and 13 before the girl hits puberty. Swastika was paired with her older sister. The Bel fruit, a symbol of Lord Kumar, considered an eternal bachelor, is the bridegroom.

Swastika belongs to a Hindu Newar community  the historical inhabitants of Kathmandu, Nepal, a large number of whom reside in India.

The ritual is the same as that of a Hindu marriage involving sindur potay. It is usually a two-day ceremony that begins with a purification ritual and ends with Kanyadan. The ritual is conducted by a priest called deobhaju among Hindu Newars and gubhaju among the Buddhist Newars.

The Buddhist Newar and Hindu Newar communities follow a traditional ceremony called Ihi or Bel Bibaha, where a pre-adolescent girl child is married to the Bel fruit (wood apple), which symbolises Lord Vishnu and Kumar.

The tradition has been in practice for over hundred years now. There are many versions to why this ritual is conducted but the primary one is to combat sati. Back when the sati was practised and women threw themselves into their husbands funeral pyre, this tradition was born. Being married to the God saved the widows.

Though it is still largely practised in India and Nepal, there have been a lot of changes over time.

Initially, a Newari-girl would be married three times. The first being the Bel marriage, the second being Bahra Tayegu, that is, being married to a sun god. Bahra Tayegu is a twelve-day marriage ceremony where a Newari girl between the age of seven-13 is kept in a gufa (cave), away from the light and male contact for 11 days. This is done to ensure her purity.

Other versions include remaining fertile, staying protected from evil spirits and from tyrannical rulers who would bespouse young girls.

On the twelfth day, she is married to the Sun god which is followed by a grand celebration. The third-marriage is with the real bridegroom when she comes of age. Many Newaris do not follow all the three marriages now. The gufa marriage is usually omitted. Swastika, who was married to a fruit at the age of 11, did not marry the Sun God.

A common tale suggests that a raid by Bengal warlord, Shamsuddhin Ilyas in the 14th century lead the community to believe that marrying girl child before puberty would save them from dishonour.

BENGALURU: She is 29 and single. Her colleagues often tease her and ask, When will you get married? You are getting old, She smiles and replies I am married. To a fruit. At 11, Swastika was married to the indigenous hard-shelled Bel fruit, which is said to have non-rotting properties that makes it sustain for decades. The fruit at the time of the wedding is ripe and green. I dont think he is green anymore. Of course he was handsome and I guess he still is, says Swastika laughing. My husband is somewhere back at home probably in the puja room, as mom says, I havent seen him for years, she added. Swastika Pradhan hails from Darjeeling in North Bengal. As an architect, now based in Bengaluru, she did not quite realise how her culture surprised many in the city. Swastika remembers herself draped in Nepali traditional attire - dhaka choli. I vaguely remember my wedding. I was acquainted with pujas since a young age so I thought that was just another puja, now when I see the pictures, I find it so funny. I was not at all serious on my wedding day,she recounts. The prominent colors of the brides attire are red, white, black and maroon. With a matching set of bright red bangles and red veil, her husband, the fruit, put vermillion sindoor on her. An extra person, is required for the sindoor ceremony of course. A white cloth is vertically stretched over the head of the bride to make a long isle. The tip of the Bel fruit is dipped in Sindoor and a sindoor line is drawn on the maang, parting of the hair to symbolise her marriage. The marriage is usually done in a pair of two at an odd age like five,seven,nine,11 and 13 before the girl hits puberty. Swastika was paired with her older sister. The Bel fruit, a symbol of Lord Kumar, considered an eternal bachelor, is the bridegroom. Swastika belongs to a Hindu Newar community  the historical inhabitants of Kathmandu, Nepal, a large number of whom reside in India. The ritual is the same as that of a Hindu marriage involving sindur potay. It is usually a two-day ceremony that begins with a purification ritual and ends with Kanyadan. The ritual is conducted by a priest called deobhaju among Hindu Newars and gubhaju among the Buddhist Newars. The Buddhist Newar and Hindu Newar communities follow a traditional ceremony called Ihi or Bel Bibaha, where a pre-adolescent girl child is married to the Bel fruit (wood apple), which symbolises Lord Vishnu and Kumar. The tradition has been in practice for over hundred years now. There are many versions to why this ritual is conducted but the primary one is to combat sati. Back when the sati was practised and women threw themselves into their husbands funeral pyre, this tradition was born. Being married to the God saved the widows. Though it is still largely practised in India and Nepal, there have been a lot of changes over time. Initially, a Newari-girl would be married three times. The first being the Bel marriage, the second being Bahra Tayegu, that is, being married to a sun god. Bahra Tayegu is a twelve-day marriage ceremony where a Newari girl between the age of seven-13 is kept in a gufa (cave), away from the light and male contact for 11 days. This is done to ensure her purity. Other versions include remaining fertile, staying protected from evil spirits and from tyrannical rulers who would bespouse young girls. On the twelfth day, she is married to the Sun god which is followed by a grand celebration. The third-marriage is with the real bridegroom when she comes of age. Many Newaris do not follow all the three marriages now. The gufa marriage is usually omitted. Swastika, who was married to a fruit at the age of 11, did not marry the Sun God. A common tale suggests that a raid by Bengal warlord, Shamsuddhin Ilyas in the 14th century lead the community to believe that marrying girl child before puberty would save them from dishonour.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Former Union Minister and DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi's elder son, MK Alagiri lodged a complaint with the City Police Commissioner here on Tuesday insisting that quotes debunking the DMK, attributed to him in a news article were false.

Madras High Court had recently postponed civic polls in Tamil Nadu. Following this, a popular social media news site posted a news item quoting Alagiri as having said, "Deferring the local body election has only postponed the defeat of DMK at the hustings." This news went viral and a leading news channel picked it up.

Rejecting this, Alagiri said he was neither approached by any reporter, nor he had made any comment about the postponement of elections.

In his complaint, Alagiri had described the report as mischievous, derogatory and pre-motivated with an ulterior motive to defame him in front of his family, party personnel and staunch followers. "My allegiance to my father (M Karunanidhi) is unquestionable," he added.

He has requested the City Police to take appropriate legal action against the miscreants.

It was to be noted that Alagiri hit out at his father for allowing his brother M K Stalin to lead the party in the assembly elections.

CHENNAI: Former Union Minister and DMK patriarch M Karunanidhi's elder son, MK Alagiri lodged a complaint with the City Police Commissioner here on Tuesday insisting that quotes debunking the DMK, attributed to him in a news article were false. Madras High Court had recently postponed civic polls in Tamil Nadu. Following this, a popular social media news site posted a news item quoting Alagiri as having said, "Deferring the local body election has only postponed the defeat of DMK at the hustings." This news went viral and a leading news channel picked it up. Rejecting this, Alagiri said he was neither approached by any reporter, nor he had made any comment about the postponement of elections. In his complaint, Alagiri had described the report as mischievous, derogatory and pre-motivated with an ulterior motive to defame him in front of his family, party personnel and staunch followers. "My allegiance to my father (M Karunanidhi) is unquestionable," he added. He has requested the City Police to take appropriate legal action against the miscreants. It was to be noted that Alagiri hit out at his father for allowing his brother M K Stalin to lead the party in the assembly elections.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: A 73-year-old woman was allegedly murdered by her son-in-law by slitting her throat in the early hours on Tuesday. Aleyamma,73, Pralayakkad near Kuruppampady, Perumbavoor, is the deceased. According to the police, the accused Paulose, 51, murdered Aleyamma following a property dispute.



The incident occurred around 6 am on Tuesday at Aleyammas house at Pralayakkad. Paulose reached the house in the morning and entered into a verbal duel with his wife Lissy over the ownership of her mothers property. Though Paulose had been staying at Aleyammas house after the marriage with Lissy, he had recently shifted to a rented house following the dispute.



Lissy is the lone daughter of Aleyamma. Paulose wanted Aleyammas property to be registered in his name claiming that he stayed at wifes house after marriage. However, Aleyamma was not ready for this as Paulose, an alcoholic, used to have frequent fights with Lissy. Paulose had a verbal spat over the property on Tuesday morning as well when Aleyamma intervened. Irked by this, the man initially stabbed the old woman with a knife and later slit her throat, said police.



Though neighbours rushed Aleyamma to a nearby hospital, her life could not be saved.

The police later took Paulose into custody and recorded his arrest. He was later produced before a local court.

KOCHI: A 73-year-old woman was allegedly murdered by her son-in-law by slitting her throat in the early hours on Tuesday. Aleyamma,73, Pralayakkad near Kuruppampady, Perumbavoor, is the deceased. According to the police, the accused Paulose, 51, murdered Aleyamma following a property dispute. The incident occurred around 6 am on Tuesday at Aleyammas house at Pralayakkad. Paulose reached the house in the morning and entered into a verbal duel with his wife Lissy over the ownership of her mothers property. Though Paulose had been staying at Aleyammas house after the marriage with Lissy, he had recently shifted to a rented house following the dispute. Lissy is the lone daughter of Aleyamma. Paulose wanted Aleyammas property to be registered in his name claiming that he stayed at wifes house after marriage. However, Aleyamma was not ready for this as Paulose, an alcoholic, used to have frequent fights with Lissy. Paulose had a verbal spat over the property on Tuesday morning as well when Aleyamma intervened. Irked by this, the man initially stabbed the old woman with a knife and later slit her throat, said police. Though neighbours rushed Aleyamma to a nearby hospital, her life could not be saved. The police later took Paulose into custody and recorded his arrest. He was later produced before a local court.
By Express News Service

KOCHI: A 56-year-old woman, who was an accused in the Mattanchery hooch tragedy, which killed 14 people, was arrested for selling ganja. Police said, Mareena alias Jeena, Kalamkulathu Veetil, Fort Kochi, who is now residing at Kangarappady, was nabbed following an inquiry conducted to find the source of ganja recovered from Manu, a native of Pachalam. Manu was picked up during a check conducted by the police under Ernakulam North Railway overbridge the other day.

Mareena

The police had initiated checking based on inputs suggesting that smuggling of ganja through vehicles was rampant in the city during morning. The sleuths seized 150 gm of ganja from his possession and during questioning he confessed to the police that Mareena was the supplier. Police sleuths recovered 3.60 kg of ganja from the residence of the accused after conducting a search. Earlier, Mareena was arrested by the Hill Palace police and recovered 12 kg of ganja from her possession. Besides, she was named accused in various cases for supplying the narcotics at Thoppumpady and Mattanchery police stations. We have received clues regarding those supplying ganja to the arrested and they also would be nabbed after initiating an inquiry, said Ernakulam Central Assistant Commissioner K Lalji.

KOCHI: A 56-year-old woman, who was an accused in the Mattanchery hooch tragedy, which killed 14 people, was arrested for selling ganja. Police said, Mareena alias Jeena, Kalamkulathu Veetil, Fort Kochi, who is now residing at Kangarappady, was nabbed following an inquiry conducted to find the source of ganja recovered from Manu, a native of Pachalam. Manu was picked up during a check conducted by the police under Ernakulam North Railway overbridge the other day. MareenaThe police had initiated checking based on inputs suggesting that smuggling of ganja through vehicles was rampant in the city during morning. The sleuths seized 150 gm of ganja from his possession and during questioning he confessed to the police that Mareena was the supplier. Police sleuths recovered 3.60 kg of ganja from the residence of the accused after conducting a search. Earlier, Mareena was arrested by the Hill Palace police and recovered 12 kg of ganja from her possession. Besides, she was named accused in various cases for supplying the narcotics at Thoppumpady and Mattanchery police stations. We have received clues regarding those supplying ganja to the arrested and they also would be nabbed after initiating an inquiry, said Ernakulam Central Assistant Commissioner K Lalji.
By PTI

LOS ANGELES: Costume company Costumeish's Kim Kardashian-inspired Parisian heist robbery victim costume kit for Halloween has received backlash with many calling it "tasteless and insensitive".



The USD 69.99 costume is accompanied by "a white short robe, long black wig, 'USD 4 million dollar' ring, large sunglasses, fake gag and 2' of rope, reported Ace Showbiz.

While the company didn't directly name Kim on its website, the description for the controversial costume read, "This Halloween it's all about the #Hallomeme and who better than America's goddess of all things glamorous 'Parisian Heist Robbery Victim Costume?'



"She has devoted her life to promoting American decadence, youth and hedonism but all that flashy living caught up with her one night in Paris when armed men bound her, stole her jewellery and her peace of mind. This Halloween have some fun with pop culture and dress just like the Queen of social media."



Costumeish received backlash from Twitter users.



One user wrote, "The Kim Kardashian Halloween costume is beyond disrespectful #disgusting."



Another one added, "There's a Kim Kardashian robbery victim Halloween costume - who in their right mind would buy something so pathetic and insulting."



Following the backlash, the company has decided to pull the Kim Kardashian-inspired costume from its online store.



Costumeish founder Johnathon Weeks said this is the first time they've removed a costume from their online store.

He will provide refunds for six people who already purchased the costume.

LOS ANGELES: Costume company Costumeish's Kim Kardashian-inspired Parisian heist robbery victim costume kit for Halloween has received backlash with many calling it "tasteless and insensitive". The USD 69.99 costume is accompanied by "a white short robe, long black wig, 'USD 4 million dollar' ring, large sunglasses, fake gag and 2' of rope, reported Ace Showbiz. While the company didn't directly name Kim on its website, the description for the controversial costume read, "This Halloween it's all about the #Hallomeme and who better than America's goddess of all things glamorous 'Parisian Heist Robbery Victim Costume?' "She has devoted her life to promoting American decadence, youth and hedonism but all that flashy living caught up with her one night in Paris when armed men bound her, stole her jewellery and her peace of mind. This Halloween have some fun with pop culture and dress just like the Queen of social media." Costumeish received backlash from Twitter users. One user wrote, "The Kim Kardashian Halloween costume is beyond disrespectful #disgusting." Another one added, "There's a Kim Kardashian robbery victim Halloween costume - who in their right mind would buy something so pathetic and insulting." Following the backlash, the company has decided to pull the Kim Kardashian-inspired costume from its online store. Costumeish founder Johnathon Weeks said this is the first time they've removed a costume from their online store. He will provide refunds for six people who already purchased the costume.
By The Daily Telegraph

It seems a safe bet to suggest most British marriages begin with a drink. Without the pop of a cork, or the unscrewing of a cap, few couples might make it past the first date, let alone to (or through) the sofa-bound child-rearing years.



So, a week into Go Sober for October, some 66,000 brave "Soberheroes", raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, are probably gaining a fresh perspective not just on their own drinking habits, but also those of their other half.

A recent 10-year study of 2,700 couples by University of Michigan researchers found that those who drink together, stay together. As do those who don't drink at all. It seems to be the synchronicity, rather than the Cotes du Rhone, that's key.



Mismatched drinking habits, meanwhile, might suggest a marriage that's on the rocks. When analysts at the University of Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) in New York followed 634 newlyweds through the first nine years of marriage, they found that nearly 50 per cent of those in which one partner drank more heavily than the other were divorced by the end of the study (compared with 30 per cent of those who drank the same amounts).

Certainly, when Zoe Ball and her husband Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) announced last month that they were splitting after 18 years of marriage, most reports noted that, though they had both given up drinking in 2009, Ball had begun having "the odd one" again, while her husband, who had checked into rehab for alcohol abuse, is still teetotal.



Macmillan stresses the Sober October challenge is for "social drinkers" to change their habits for a month, rather than those who are alcohol-dependent. But that line is blurred for quite a few people. So can coming off the drink - especially if our partner doesn't - put more strain on a relationship?

Alcohol is "very much part of the British culture", says Sarah Turner, of the Harrogate Sanctuary, a CBT-based service for women concerned about their drinking. "Very often, relationships are formed around drinking: they have a couple of glasses of wine; inhibitions go." So it stands to reason that the converse could be true.



Lucy Rocca, 40, founder of Soberistas, the online support group for people who want to give up alcohol, warns on her website: "Quitting drinking may result in you radically reassessing the people you want to share your life with."



She and her ex-husband both drank - but only Rocca had an alcohol issue. At the time, she says, neither would have attributed their difficulties to alcohol. But now, six years sober - and joint-author with Sarah Turner of The Sober Revolution - her attitude has changed.



Turner agrees that difficulties can arise when partners drink for different reasons - when one can take it or leave it, while the other drinks "to self-medicate". Sometimes, a partner's remark - "Have you had a drink?" or "I think you've had too much" - prompts a row. "The drinking ramps up." Or "they spend their evening not connecting. One will be on the laptop, the other on the bottle."



Certainly, Louise Ash*, 51, from Exeter, knew her husband Martin, 54, had begun drinking too much because he was depressed about his mother's death, but says it was impossible to discuss it as he refused to admit he had an issue. "He only believed it when he heard it from a doctor," she says.

They both subsequently became teetotal.

Ash says: "I didn't drink much anyway, so it wasn't hard for me to stop, too." However, after five years of joint abstinence, Martin decided he could drink again, in moderation, as he was healthier, psychologically. "He's no longer dependent, true," Ash says. He says he's drinking for different reasons. But I still think his default desire is to escape.



"Because I don't drink, I feel that one should be enough for him. It's crept up, and now, even if he only drinks a couple of nights a week, if it's there, he'll drink it. He'll have three large G&Ts, or drink a whole bottle of red quite fast. There's a point at which I feel I lose him to the alcohol."It makes me tense and resentful. So I cut off. This summer, on holiday, he drank every day and consequently, we weren't intimate at all. I didn't feel close to him, or want to be. He becomes brasher, slightly less kind. It's not his behaviour on the drink, per se. It's to do with trust. It feels like a betrayal."



Raymond Dixon, lead addictions counsellor at the Nightingale Hospital in London, says: "One of the biggest hallmarks of any kind of excessive drinking is denial. There doesn't have to be screaming rows and people vomiting all over the living room. Some people just retreat into themselves and don't communicate. And they feel there isn't a problem."



He also says it's a myth that depression always lies behind excessive drinking: "Addiction is not always born out of unhappiness or trauma. Sometimes it's purely an inability to control alcohol."

Dixon, himself, used to be an alcoholic. Now, he says, "I do not drink at all", while his wife keeps wine in the fridge. "She has a glass in the evening. She's never had a problem with alcohol." He's "absolutely fine" with it, but notes, from experience, "you have to reach that stage".



Antonia Wills*, 45, from Leeds, married to Lucas, 47, has been teetotal for nearly five months, with the help of the Harrogate Sanctuary. "Our habitual at-home drinking grew together," she says. "When you have children you can't go out, so you stay at home and open a bottle of wine. And I don't honestly think my husband thought it was a problem. I don't think he realised how much I was drinking." In fact it was up to two bottles of wine a night, while Lucas drank a couple of beers.

"I became quite depressed. When I told him: 'I need to stop drinking,' it was not only a big thing for me, it was big for us as a couple, for socialising, for holidays."



At first, Lucas was supportive. His mistake, Wills says, was to assume she had recovered "after a couple of weeks".



"It gets on my nerves now, when he's drunk," says Antonia, "but I try to curb that, because it's not very fair." Overall, the changes have improved their relationship: "I'm much happier, more confident," she says. "When I drank, I was paranoid, in chaos. I'm a lot more tranquil, and therefore so is our life at home."



So a difference in drinking habits within a couple can work - but perhaps only if both partners are confident that neither one has a problem.

It seems a safe bet to suggest most British marriages begin with a drink. Without the pop of a cork, or the unscrewing of a cap, few couples might make it past the first date, let alone to (or through) the sofa-bound child-rearing years. So, a week into Go Sober for October, some 66,000 brave "Soberheroes", raising money for Macmillan Cancer Support, are probably gaining a fresh perspective not just on their own drinking habits, but also those of their other half. A recent 10-year study of 2,700 couples by University of Michigan researchers found that those who drink together, stay together. As do those who don't drink at all. It seems to be the synchronicity, rather than the Cotes du Rhone, that's key. Mismatched drinking habits, meanwhile, might suggest a marriage that's on the rocks. When analysts at the University of Buffalo Research Institute on Addictions (RIA) in New York followed 634 newlyweds through the first nine years of marriage, they found that nearly 50 per cent of those in which one partner drank more heavily than the other were divorced by the end of the study (compared with 30 per cent of those who drank the same amounts). Certainly, when Zoe Ball and her husband Norman Cook (aka Fatboy Slim) announced last month that they were splitting after 18 years of marriage, most reports noted that, though they had both given up drinking in 2009, Ball had begun having "the odd one" again, while her husband, who had checked into rehab for alcohol abuse, is still teetotal. Macmillan stresses the Sober October challenge is for "social drinkers" to change their habits for a month, rather than those who are alcohol-dependent. But that line is blurred for quite a few people. So can coming off the drink - especially if our partner doesn't - put more strain on a relationship? Alcohol is "very much part of the British culture", says Sarah Turner, of the Harrogate Sanctuary, a CBT-based service for women concerned about their drinking. "Very often, relationships are formed around drinking: they have a couple of glasses of wine; inhibitions go." So it stands to reason that the converse could be true. Lucy Rocca, 40, founder of Soberistas, the online support group for people who want to give up alcohol, warns on her website: "Quitting drinking may result in you radically reassessing the people you want to share your life with." She and her ex-husband both drank - but only Rocca had an alcohol issue. At the time, she says, neither would have attributed their difficulties to alcohol. But now, six years sober - and joint-author with Sarah Turner of The Sober Revolution - her attitude has changed. Turner agrees that difficulties can arise when partners drink for different reasons - when one can take it or leave it, while the other drinks "to self-medicate". Sometimes, a partner's remark - "Have you had a drink?" or "I think you've had too much" - prompts a row. "The drinking ramps up." Or "they spend their evening not connecting. One will be on the laptop, the other on the bottle." Certainly, Louise Ash*, 51, from Exeter, knew her husband Martin, 54, had begun drinking too much because he was depressed about his mother's death, but says it was impossible to discuss it as he refused to admit he had an issue. "He only believed it when he heard it from a doctor," she says. They both subsequently became teetotal. Ash says: "I didn't drink much anyway, so it wasn't hard for me to stop, too." However, after five years of joint abstinence, Martin decided he could drink again, in moderation, as he was healthier, psychologically. "He's no longer dependent, true," Ash says. He says he's drinking for different reasons. But I still think his default desire is to escape. "Because I don't drink, I feel that one should be enough for him. It's crept up, and now, even if he only drinks a couple of nights a week, if it's there, he'll drink it. He'll have three large G&Ts, or drink a whole bottle of red quite fast. There's a point at which I feel I lose him to the alcohol."It makes me tense and resentful. So I cut off. This summer, on holiday, he drank every day and consequently, we weren't intimate at all. I didn't feel close to him, or want to be. He becomes brasher, slightly less kind. It's not his behaviour on the drink, per se. It's to do with trust. It feels like a betrayal." Raymond Dixon, lead addictions counsellor at the Nightingale Hospital in London, says: "One of the biggest hallmarks of any kind of excessive drinking is denial. There doesn't have to be screaming rows and people vomiting all over the living room. Some people just retreat into themselves and don't communicate. And they feel there isn't a problem." He also says it's a myth that depression always lies behind excessive drinking: "Addiction is not always born out of unhappiness or trauma. Sometimes it's purely an inability to control alcohol." Dixon, himself, used to be an alcoholic. Now, he says, "I do not drink at all", while his wife keeps wine in the fridge. "She has a glass in the evening. She's never had a problem with alcohol." He's "absolutely fine" with it, but notes, from experience, "you have to reach that stage". Antonia Wills*, 45, from Leeds, married to Lucas, 47, has been teetotal for nearly five months, with the help of the Harrogate Sanctuary. "Our habitual at-home drinking grew together," she says. "When you have children you can't go out, so you stay at home and open a bottle of wine. And I don't honestly think my husband thought it was a problem. I don't think he realised how much I was drinking." In fact it was up to two bottles of wine a night, while Lucas drank a couple of beers. "I became quite depressed. When I told him: 'I need to stop drinking,' it was not only a big thing for me, it was big for us as a couple, for socialising, for holidays." At first, Lucas was supportive. His mistake, Wills says, was to assume she had recovered "after a couple of weeks". "It gets on my nerves now, when he's drunk," says Antonia, "but I try to curb that, because it's not very fair." Overall, the changes have improved their relationship: "I'm much happier, more confident," she says. "When I drank, I was paranoid, in chaos. I'm a lot more tranquil, and therefore so is our life at home." So a difference in drinking habits within a couple can work - but perhaps only if both partners are confident that neither one has a problem.
Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Nearly 60 hour long fierce gun battle between security forces and two militants holed in a government building in Pampore ended with elimination of both militants. Army sources claimed that terrorist had come with huge ammunition to engage with security forces for long battle. And emerging trend of militants armed with huge arms and ammunition are posing major challenge before the security agencies in the Kashmir Valley, according to a latest security assessment.

According to an intelligence inputs, nearly 200 heavily armed terrorists are desperately waiting to infiltrate from multiple launch pads across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Sources also claimed that after surgical strike by the Indian army in PoK on terrorist launch pads, terror groups backed by ISI and Pakistan Army are desperate to retaliate to keep the pot boiling.

Chatters intercepted from across the border, by the intelligence agencies, clearly suggest desperate measures by the terrorist groups to infiltrate. In fact, it was also observed that some terrorist are hiding in Pak army posts, camouflaged in Pakistani Rangers uniform, probably to avoid detection by Indian armys snipers deployed at the LoC.

Chatters intercepted by multiple intelligence agencies suggest terrorist across the border are desperate to sneak. Terrorists are receiving instructions from their leaders to carry out strikes in India, especially in Kashmir valley, said a senior official, posted in the northern command.

Moreover, army also fear increase in infiltration bid due to a month long window remains before the winter season. Before snow begins by November end, terrorists will make desperate attempt to utilize this period of 40 days,an officer added.

According to a top official, the infiltration attempts by terrorists have shown a marked increase in comparison to the past 3-4 years. In 2016, there have been nearly two dozen infiltration bids eliminated by the Indian Army along the Line of Control. Of a total of 110 terrorists eliminated in J&K, 31 have been killed while they were attempting to cross the Line of Control.

Sources also maintained that huge recovery of arms ammunition from terrorists indicate their motive. Three days back, from four killed terrorists in Naugam sector, huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered. Similarly, from slain militants of Hundawara, security agencies found three AK-47 rifles, grenade launchers, a large quantity of ammunition, GPS-enabled radio sets, maps and metric sheets -- provisions indicating that the militants were prepared for another assault.

NEW DELHI: Nearly 60 hour long fierce gun battle between security forces and two militants holed in a government building in Pampore ended with elimination of both militants. Army sources claimed that terrorist had come with huge ammunition to engage with security forces for long battle. And emerging trend of militants armed with huge arms and ammunition are posing major challenge before the security agencies in the Kashmir Valley, according to a latest security assessment. According to an intelligence inputs, nearly 200 heavily armed terrorists are desperately waiting to infiltrate from multiple launch pads across the Line of Control in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Sources also claimed that after surgical strike by the Indian army in PoK on terrorist launch pads, terror groups backed by ISI and Pakistan Army are desperate to retaliate to keep the pot boiling. Chatters intercepted from across the border, by the intelligence agencies, clearly suggest desperate measures by the terrorist groups to infiltrate. In fact, it was also observed that some terrorist are hiding in Pak army posts, camouflaged in Pakistani Rangers uniform, probably to avoid detection by Indian armys snipers deployed at the LoC. Chatters intercepted by multiple intelligence agencies suggest terrorist across the border are desperate to sneak. Terrorists are receiving instructions from their leaders to carry out strikes in India, especially in Kashmir valley, said a senior official, posted in the northern command. Moreover, army also fear increase in infiltration bid due to a month long window remains before the winter season. Before snow begins by November end, terrorists will make desperate attempt to utilize this period of 40 days,an officer added. According to a top official, the infiltration attempts by terrorists have shown a marked increase in comparison to the past 3-4 years. In 2016, there have been nearly two dozen infiltration bids eliminated by the Indian Army along the Line of Control. Of a total of 110 terrorists eliminated in J&K, 31 have been killed while they were attempting to cross the Line of Control. Sources also maintained that huge recovery of arms ammunition from terrorists indicate their motive. Three days back, from four killed terrorists in Naugam sector, huge cache of arms and ammunition was recovered. Similarly, from slain militants of Hundawara, security agencies found three AK-47 rifles, grenade launchers, a large quantity of ammunition, GPS-enabled radio sets, maps and metric sheets -- provisions indicating that the militants were prepared for another assault.
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Breaking away from the tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the historic Ramlila celebrations in Lucknow on Tuesday, where he attacked Pakistan, saying those who help and provide shelter to terrorists cannot be spared. However, he made no reference to the surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The move assumes significance as it comes ahead of the State Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh next year.

The issue of terrorism dominated his 20-minute speech. Terror is the worst enemy of humanity, Modi said, and called upon the global community to speak in a unified voice against the menace. Terrorism does not have any boundaries. It is bound to destroy all. A need has arisen to root out those who spread terrorism. Those who help terrorists and provide shelter to them can no longer be spared, he said in an obvious reference to Pakistan, without naming it.

Terrorism is against humanity. The entire world is being destroyed. If you think that we are insulated against terrorism, then you are wrong. It is a virus affecting our societies. All forces across the world have to talk in one voice and end it. It will not be possible to save humanity without eradicating terrorism, the Prime Minister said. The forces of humanism should unite globally to end the menace.

On Tuesday, Modi became the first Prime Minister to attend a Ramlila event outside Delhi. His participation at the Aishbagh celebrations assumes significance in the context of UP Assembly elections. The theme of Dussehra celebrations itself was the destruction of terrorism. There were many references to the surgical strikes by characters enacting Ramlila ahead of the Modis speech. Calling for people to remain vigilant against terrorist attacks, Modi claimed that alert citizens could thwart the plans of terrorists. He also attacked casteism and communalism in his speech.

NEW DELHI: Breaking away from the tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the historic Ramlila celebrations in Lucknow on Tuesday, where he attacked Pakistan, saying those who help and provide shelter to terrorists cannot be spared. However, he made no reference to the surgical strikes in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The move assumes significance as it comes ahead of the State Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh next year. The issue of terrorism dominated his 20-minute speech. Terror is the worst enemy of humanity, Modi said, and called upon the global community to speak in a unified voice against the menace. Terrorism does not have any boundaries. It is bound to destroy all. A need has arisen to root out those who spread terrorism. Those who help terrorists and provide shelter to them can no longer be spared, he said in an obvious reference to Pakistan, without naming it. Terrorism is against humanity. The entire world is being destroyed. If you think that we are insulated against terrorism, then you are wrong. It is a virus affecting our societies. All forces across the world have to talk in one voice and end it. It will not be possible to save humanity without eradicating terrorism, the Prime Minister said. The forces of humanism should unite globally to end the menace. On Tuesday, Modi became the first Prime Minister to attend a Ramlila event outside Delhi. His participation at the Aishbagh celebrations assumes significance in the context of UP Assembly elections. The theme of Dussehra celebrations itself was the destruction of terrorism. There were many references to the surgical strikes by characters enacting Ramlila ahead of the Modis speech. Calling for people to remain vigilant against terrorist attacks, Modi claimed that alert citizens could thwart the plans of terrorists. He also attacked casteism and communalism in his speech.
Israeli occupation forces say they killed a Palestinian after he allegedly threw fire bombs at officers in Jerusalem, in one of several clashes during Yom Kippur, Judaism's holiest day.

Spokeswoman Luba Samri said Wednesday that masked Palestinians attacked officers with fire bombs on Tuesday night in Silwan, a predominantly Arab neighborhood in east Jerusalem where some Israelis live under guard.

She says the officers opened fire because they felt their lives were in danger.

The Palestinian Health Ministry says a 20-year-old man was killed.

Police beefed up security in Jerusalem ahead of the holiday after a shooting rampage by a Palestinian gunman killed two Israelis this week.

Palestinians have killed 36 Israelis and two Americans over the past year. At least 220 Palestinians were killed by Israel in that time.

*This story has been edited by Ahram Online

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By PTI

MUMBAI: The bruising battle of words over the surgical strikes escalated further today with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar trashing claims of such operations under the UPA, provoking a counteroffensive from the Congress which accused him of "blatant politicisation" of the issue. While Congress demanded an apology, Parrikar asserted that a "major" share of credit for the army action last month goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Speaking at two events in Mumbai, Parrikar said all the 127 crore people of India, including "doubting Thomases", and the army share and deserve credit for the operation as it was done by the armed forces and not by any political party. At the same time, he said that "major share" of credit does go to Modi and the government for decision-making and planning. He also made it clear that Congress' claims of such attacks having been carried out when the UPA was in power were wrong as those operations were undertaken by border action teams at local level "without the knowledge" of the government. "I don't mind sharing the credit, including on surgical strike, with every countryman because it is done by our armed forces and not by any political party.

So all Indians, including, those doubting Thomases, can share the credit," he said at a function in Mumbai, adding his statement will settle the nerves of many. Parrikar's remarks drew stinging criticism from the Congress, which called them "misleading" and said by rejecting the claim that such strikes had taken place in the past, the Defence Minister had "undermined" the sacrifices made by the army. "Mr Parrikar, Indian Army deserves all credit but why mislead the people and undermine army's sacrifices by denying earlier surgical strikes? "Operation Ginger in 2011 was a large-scale surgical strike.

Why is Manohar Parrikar quiet on army's valour? Is (it) not blatant politicisation?" Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala asked and demanded an apology from the Minister. "Converting national security into an event management exercise to polish the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is extremely unfortunate," he said. "If army deserves full credit (for the strikes), why are 'avengers of Uri' posters depicting Modiji as Lord Rama being plastered in poll-bound states?" Surjewala said. Surjewala also targeted BJP chief Amit Shah over his remarks that it was for the first time in 68 years that the Indian army had crossed the LoC to mount an assault on the enemy forces. The Congress leader said RSS and BJP chief Amit Shah have publicly stated that surgical strikes will be their key electoral strategy.

"Forked tongue, Mr Parrikar?" he said and attacked Parrikar over the alleged move to reduce disability pensions for soldiers. "The ultimate political hypocrisy; post surgical strike, Modi Sarkar cut disability pensions for 'combat injury' to half. "Is Modi Govt giving credit to Army by denying OROP, Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, by refusing to acknowledge and honor commitments? (sic)" he asked. CPI also hit out at Parrikar for his remarks, asking why the BJP was "making" it an issue of debate and "dragging" the armed forces into it.

"Why the strikes are being made an issue of debate? Indian army is of the entire country. It is not BJP's army or that of some other political party. So, why the BJP is dragging the army into the debate?" CPI national secretary D Raja asked. The Rajya Sabha member accused the BJP of "starting and continuing" the debate on the issue. The Aam Aadmi Party accused the BJP of trying to cash in on the issue ahead of Uttar Pradesh assembly polls.

"There is no better example of stooping down so low to do your politics. By issuing such statement, Parrikar is belittling the achievements of the Indian army, which has had a proud history of valour and sacrifice," AAP's Delhi unit convenor Dilip Pandey said.Parrikar, however, insisted there were no surgical strikes under the UPA dispensation. "I have been the Defence Minister for two years. From whatever I have known, there is no surgical strike from previous years. What they are quoting are actions taken by border action teams.

These are common actions across the globe and by the Indian army," he said. Explaining the concept, the Minister said such operations are carried out without official order or prior sanction of the government. "It is done without the knowledge of anyone. Report is subsequently given," he said underlining the action is taken by the local commander for settling scores. Parrikar made it clear that unlike earlier, this time it was a surgical strike because "decision was taken and conveyed" and the army did the job well. "This was an operation which clearly indicates the intent of the government and the nation," he said. Parrikar said that if the government wanted to take political mileage out of this, he would have announced it rather than the Director General of Military Operations.

MUMBAI: The bruising battle of words over the surgical strikes escalated further today with Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar trashing claims of such operations under the UPA, provoking a counteroffensive from the Congress which accused him of "blatant politicisation" of the issue. While Congress demanded an apology, Parrikar asserted that a "major" share of credit for the army action last month goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Speaking at two events in Mumbai, Parrikar said all the 127 crore people of India, including "doubting Thomases", and the army share and deserve credit for the operation as it was done by the armed forces and not by any political party. At the same time, he said that "major share" of credit does go to Modi and the government for decision-making and planning. He also made it clear that Congress' claims of such attacks having been carried out when the UPA was in power were wrong as those operations were undertaken by border action teams at local level "without the knowledge" of the government. "I don't mind sharing the credit, including on surgical strike, with every countryman because it is done by our armed forces and not by any political party. So all Indians, including, those doubting Thomases, can share the credit," he said at a function in Mumbai, adding his statement will settle the nerves of many. Parrikar's remarks drew stinging criticism from the Congress, which called them "misleading" and said by rejecting the claim that such strikes had taken place in the past, the Defence Minister had "undermined" the sacrifices made by the army. "Mr Parrikar, Indian Army deserves all credit but why mislead the people and undermine army's sacrifices by denying earlier surgical strikes? "Operation Ginger in 2011 was a large-scale surgical strike. Why is Manohar Parrikar quiet on army's valour? Is (it) not blatant politicisation?" Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala asked and demanded an apology from the Minister. "Converting national security into an event management exercise to polish the image of Prime Minister Narendra Modi is extremely unfortunate," he said. "If army deserves full credit (for the strikes), why are 'avengers of Uri' posters depicting Modiji as Lord Rama being plastered in poll-bound states?" Surjewala said. Surjewala also targeted BJP chief Amit Shah over his remarks that it was for the first time in 68 years that the Indian army had crossed the LoC to mount an assault on the enemy forces. The Congress leader said RSS and BJP chief Amit Shah have publicly stated that surgical strikes will be their key electoral strategy. "Forked tongue, Mr Parrikar?" he said and attacked Parrikar over the alleged move to reduce disability pensions for soldiers. "The ultimate political hypocrisy; post surgical strike, Modi Sarkar cut disability pensions for 'combat injury' to half. "Is Modi Govt giving credit to Army by denying OROP, Seventh Pay Commission recommendations, by refusing to acknowledge and honor commitments? (sic)" he asked. CPI also hit out at Parrikar for his remarks, asking why the BJP was "making" it an issue of debate and "dragging" the armed forces into it. "Why the strikes are being made an issue of debate? Indian army is of the entire country. It is not BJP's army or that of some other political party. So, why the BJP is dragging the army into the debate?" CPI national secretary D Raja asked. The Rajya Sabha member accused the BJP of "starting and continuing" the debate on the issue. The Aam Aadmi Party accused the BJP of trying to cash in on the issue ahead of Uttar Pradesh assembly polls. "There is no better example of stooping down so low to do your politics. By issuing such statement, Parrikar is belittling the achievements of the Indian army, which has had a proud history of valour and sacrifice," AAP's Delhi unit convenor Dilip Pandey said.Parrikar, however, insisted there were no surgical strikes under the UPA dispensation. "I have been the Defence Minister for two years. From whatever I have known, there is no surgical strike from previous years. What they are quoting are actions taken by border action teams. These are common actions across the globe and by the Indian army," he said. Explaining the concept, the Minister said such operations are carried out without official order or prior sanction of the government. "It is done without the knowledge of anyone. Report is subsequently given," he said underlining the action is taken by the local commander for settling scores. Parrikar made it clear that unlike earlier, this time it was a surgical strike because "decision was taken and conveyed" and the army did the job well. "This was an operation which clearly indicates the intent of the government and the nation," he said. Parrikar said that if the government wanted to take political mileage out of this, he would have announced it rather than the Director General of Military Operations.
A Surya Prakash By

Last week has seen Indian politics sink to its lowest depths with some individuals like Congress Vice-President, Rahul Gandhi and his party colleague, Sanjay Nirupam making some of the most loathsome statements about the surgical strikes by the Indian Army to destroy terrorist camps across the Line of Control in Kashmir.

The most despicable comment came from Gandhi. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of merchandising the blood of our soldiers and of exploiting their sacrifices- Gandhis Khoon Ki Dalali comment could well turn out to be self goal, just as his mother, Sonia Gandhis vicious attack on Modi in 2007, did. In that fateful speech that virtually clinched the election for Chief Minister Modi, she accused him of being a Maut ka Saudagar(Merchant of Death). Yet another barb that Ms Gandhi flung at Modi in the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha poll had similar disturbing imagery and electoral consequence.

AMIT BANDRE

At a public rally, she accused him of sowing seeds of poison (Zeher ki Kheti) and spoiling the secular environment in the country. Strangely, Rahul Gandhi had hailed the Prime Ministers actions just a few days ago on twitter. He had said: Jab pradhan mantra ji, ek pradhan mantra ke laayak kaam karthe hain, main bhi unka samarthan kartha hoon (When the Prime Minister acts in a manner worthy of a Prime Minister, I too will support him! ). And here is another:

Unhone Dai Saal main pehla action liya hain, jo pradhan mantra ke laayak action ho.. (for the first time in two and a half years he has acted in a manner worthy of a Prime Minister) What arrogance! And just look at the patronising tone! Remarkable indeed for someone who has never held public office other than that of an MP. But, this goes perfectly well with one who is unschooled in the basics of democracy! Gandhi presumes that he is ordained to issue certificates to others (because of his surname), including Modi who entered this office after a dozen years as Chief Minister of a major state in the country.

As regards Nirupam, what can one say? He has publicly declared the daring operation carried out by our soldiers as fake and demanded proof from the Indian Army. Never before have we seen politicians display such suspicion and cynicism about an Army operation and taken the debate to the level that they become celebrities in the enemy camp! The Pakistani media pooh-poohed the Indian Armys strikes into Pakistan-held territory and offered the bytes of Rahul Gandhi, Kejriwal, Nirupam et al as proof that the story of the surgical strikes was just balderdash.

These individuals were the toast of the Pakistani media this week and #PakStandsWithKejriwal was trending ahead of everything else in Pakistan! These politicians do not seem to realise that in their bid to indulge in crass politics, they have hurt the sentiments of every soldier because what they are doubting and questioning in the statement made by Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian Army on September 29 after the successful completion of the surgical operations the previous night. In his statement, the DGMO said that it was a matter of serious concern that there had been continuing and increasing infiltration by terrorists across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. This was reflected, amongst others, in the terrorist attacks on 11 and 18 September 2016 in Punch and Uri respectively. Almost 20 infiltration attempts had also been foiled by the Army at or close to the Line of Control during this year. The operative part of his statement said on receiving specific and credible inputs that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along Line of Control to carryout infiltration and conduct terrorist strikes inside Jammu and Kashmir and in various metros in other states, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes at several of these launch pads to pre-empt infiltration by terrorists.

The operations were focused on ensuring that these terrorists do not succeed in their design to cause destruction and endanger the lives of our citizens. During these counter terrorist operations significant casualties were caused to terrorists and those providing support to them. The DGMO also declared that he had been in touch with the Pakistan Army DGMO and informed him of the armys actions.

He said It is Indias intention to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region. But we cannot allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack citizens of our country at will. In line with Pakistans commitment in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control to be used for attacks against India, we expect the Pakistani army to cooperate with us to erase the menace of terrorism from the region. The response of Gandhi, Nirupam and others is quite in contrast to the unity displayed by politicians of all hues during the previous conflicts with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971 when the Congress Party was in power. In fact, Parliament debates during and after those wars show the united spirit of Indians of all hues.

After the 1971 conflict ended with the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers to the Indian Army, most newspapers carried a front page box when Vajpayee hailed Prime Minister Indira Gandhis leadership and even compared her to Durga. But the Congress Party behaves in a strange manner when he occupies the opposition benches and specially when it is led by a member of the Nehru-Gandhi family. The party is now viewing the Indian Armys statements with suspicion. The Doubting Thomass now want proof from the DGMO of the Indian Army! One has not seen anything as degenerate as this. Is this still the Indian National Congress?

Last week has seen Indian politics sink to its lowest depths with some individuals like Congress Vice-President, Rahul Gandhi and his party colleague, Sanjay Nirupam making some of the most loathsome statements about the surgical strikes by the Indian Army to destroy terrorist camps across the Line of Control in Kashmir. The most despicable comment came from Gandhi. He accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of merchandising the blood of our soldiers and of exploiting their sacrifices- Gandhis Khoon Ki Dalali comment could well turn out to be self goal, just as his mother, Sonia Gandhis vicious attack on Modi in 2007, did. In that fateful speech that virtually clinched the election for Chief Minister Modi, she accused him of being a Maut ka Saudagar(Merchant of Death). Yet another barb that Ms Gandhi flung at Modi in the run-up to the 2014 Lok Sabha poll had similar disturbing imagery and electoral consequence. AMIT BANDREAt a public rally, she accused him of sowing seeds of poison (Zeher ki Kheti) and spoiling the secular environment in the country. Strangely, Rahul Gandhi had hailed the Prime Ministers actions just a few days ago on twitter. He had said: Jab pradhan mantra ji, ek pradhan mantra ke laayak kaam karthe hain, main bhi unka samarthan kartha hoon (When the Prime Minister acts in a manner worthy of a Prime Minister, I too will support him! ). And here is another: Unhone Dai Saal main pehla action liya hain, jo pradhan mantra ke laayak action ho.. (for the first time in two and a half years he has acted in a manner worthy of a Prime Minister) What arrogance! And just look at the patronising tone! Remarkable indeed for someone who has never held public office other than that of an MP. But, this goes perfectly well with one who is unschooled in the basics of democracy! Gandhi presumes that he is ordained to issue certificates to others (because of his surname), including Modi who entered this office after a dozen years as Chief Minister of a major state in the country. As regards Nirupam, what can one say? He has publicly declared the daring operation carried out by our soldiers as fake and demanded proof from the Indian Army. Never before have we seen politicians display such suspicion and cynicism about an Army operation and taken the debate to the level that they become celebrities in the enemy camp! The Pakistani media pooh-poohed the Indian Armys strikes into Pakistan-held territory and offered the bytes of Rahul Gandhi, Kejriwal, Nirupam et al as proof that the story of the surgical strikes was just balderdash. These individuals were the toast of the Pakistani media this week and #PakStandsWithKejriwal was trending ahead of everything else in Pakistan! These politicians do not seem to realise that in their bid to indulge in crass politics, they have hurt the sentiments of every soldier because what they are doubting and questioning in the statement made by Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of the Indian Army on September 29 after the successful completion of the surgical operations the previous night. In his statement, the DGMO said that it was a matter of serious concern that there had been continuing and increasing infiltration by terrorists across the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir. This was reflected, amongst others, in the terrorist attacks on 11 and 18 September 2016 in Punch and Uri respectively. Almost 20 infiltration attempts had also been foiled by the Army at or close to the Line of Control during this year. The operative part of his statement said on receiving specific and credible inputs that some terrorist teams had positioned themselves at launch pads along Line of Control to carryout infiltration and conduct terrorist strikes inside Jammu and Kashmir and in various metros in other states, the Indian Army conducted surgical strikes at several of these launch pads to pre-empt infiltration by terrorists. The operations were focused on ensuring that these terrorists do not succeed in their design to cause destruction and endanger the lives of our citizens. During these counter terrorist operations significant casualties were caused to terrorists and those providing support to them. The DGMO also declared that he had been in touch with the Pakistan Army DGMO and informed him of the armys actions. He said It is Indias intention to maintain peace and tranquillity in the region. But we cannot allow the terrorists to operate across the Line of Control with impunity and attack citizens of our country at will. In line with Pakistans commitment in January 2004 not to allow its soil or territory under its control to be used for attacks against India, we expect the Pakistani army to cooperate with us to erase the menace of terrorism from the region. The response of Gandhi, Nirupam and others is quite in contrast to the unity displayed by politicians of all hues during the previous conflicts with Pakistan in 1965 and 1971 when the Congress Party was in power. In fact, Parliament debates during and after those wars show the united spirit of Indians of all hues. After the 1971 conflict ended with the surrender of 93,000 Pakistani soldiers to the Indian Army, most newspapers carried a front page box when Vajpayee hailed Prime Minister Indira Gandhis leadership and even compared her to Durga. But the Congress Party behaves in a strange manner when he occupies the opposition benches and specially when it is led by a member of the Nehru-Gandhi family. The party is now viewing the Indian Armys statements with suspicion. The Doubting Thomass now want proof from the DGMO of the Indian Army! One has not seen anything as degenerate as this. Is this still the Indian National Congress?
By Express News Service

BELAGAVI: A police raid on a haunted house in the heart of Belagavi city has led to the discovery of a huge stash of ivory, horns, nails and skin of animals, worth crores of rupees.

Acting on specific information, the CCIB police on Tuesday raided the house at Shettigalli in Market police station limits.

Saleem Chamadewale, who is behind the smuggling racket, has been arrested. Police said that Chamadewale spread the story that the house, which is close to his residence, was haunted and discouraged people from going near it.

The police team was also dissuaded by locals from entering the house initially. Following the raid, two pairs of ivory, dozens of skins of tiger, lion, deer and leopard, deer horns, pangolin scales, and nails of tiger and lions were recovered. Mrihal said their exact value is yet to be ascertained but said it could run into several crores.

Police revealed that Chamadewale used to supply the items to China, Gulf countries and Vietnam via Goa. Police said Chamadewales family was also involved in vehicle theft cases. ACP Shankar Marihal said a few members of Chamadewales family have been detained to ascertain the reach of their business. illegal wildlife trade

BELAGAVI: A police raid on a haunted house in the heart of Belagavi city has led to the discovery of a huge stash of ivory, horns, nails and skin of animals, worth crores of rupees. Acting on specific information, the CCIB police on Tuesday raided the house at Shettigalli in Market police station limits. Saleem Chamadewale, who is behind the smuggling racket, has been arrested. Police said that Chamadewale spread the story that the house, which is close to his residence, was haunted and discouraged people from going near it. The police team was also dissuaded by locals from entering the house initially. Following the raid, two pairs of ivory, dozens of skins of tiger, lion, deer and leopard, deer horns, pangolin scales, and nails of tiger and lions were recovered. Mrihal said their exact value is yet to be ascertained but said it could run into several crores. Police revealed that Chamadewale used to supply the items to China, Gulf countries and Vietnam via Goa. Police said Chamadewales family was also involved in vehicle theft cases. ACP Shankar Marihal said a few members of Chamadewales family have been detained to ascertain the reach of their business. illegal wildlife trade
By Express News Service

NEW DELHI: Saying that violence has no place in a democracy, the BJP chief Amit Shah has called upon all leaders across the political spectrum to condemn the killing of the party worker in Kannur district of Kerala.

In the continuing culture of political violence unleashed by the CPI (M) cadres, our activist Ramith was hacked to death this morning in Pinarayi village of Kannur district of Kerala. This village happens to be the native village of the chief minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, said Shah, while strongly condemning the gruesome murder.

The BJP chief also stated that as political parties with varying ideologies, there may be differences in opinion but resorting to violence is an instrument for those who cannot engage in a political debate with rivals. Kannur has been the epicentre of Marxist violence in Kerala. That such a spiral of violence has been unleashed on people in the native village of the states chief minister reflects the true motive of the ruling LDF alliance, added Shah.

He also stressed that the gravity of the situation can be understood from the fact the victims father, Chavassery Uttaman, was also killed in a ghastly political encounter in 2002. Subsequently, his house had been attacked repeatedly and even the mother of Ramith was subjected to a political assault a few months ago, said the BJP chief.

He also claimed that the repeated occurrence of political violence in Kannur district clearly shows that these are sponsored killings by the marxist cadres with the active patronage of the state chief minister.

The BJP chief stated that given the irrefutable reality the party demands that the murder of Ramith must be expeditiously handed over to the CBI by the state government. The BJP salutes all its cadres and Karyakartas who have braved this spiral of violence unleashed by the political goondas and reinforces its commitment to stand with them solidly to fight the marxist menace, said Shah in a statement.

The BJP leader also claimed that it is not lost on anyone that the intensity of the attacks on the party cadres has increased as its on the threshold of big success in Kerala. The huge success of our national council meeting in Kozhikode a few weeks ago has unnerved the marxists and increased their insecurity. Such acts of goondaism will not deter us from our political mission to emerge as the most preferred political alternative in the state of Kerala, added Shah.

NEW DELHI: Saying that violence has no place in a democracy, the BJP chief Amit Shah has called upon all leaders across the political spectrum to condemn the killing of the party worker in Kannur district of Kerala. In the continuing culture of political violence unleashed by the CPI (M) cadres, our activist Ramith was hacked to death this morning in Pinarayi village of Kannur district of Kerala. This village happens to be the native village of the chief minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan, said Shah, while strongly condemning the gruesome murder. The BJP chief also stated that as political parties with varying ideologies, there may be differences in opinion but resorting to violence is an instrument for those who cannot engage in a political debate with rivals. Kannur has been the epicentre of Marxist violence in Kerala. That such a spiral of violence has been unleashed on people in the native village of the states chief minister reflects the true motive of the ruling LDF alliance, added Shah. He also stressed that the gravity of the situation can be understood from the fact the victims father, Chavassery Uttaman, was also killed in a ghastly political encounter in 2002. Subsequently, his house had been attacked repeatedly and even the mother of Ramith was subjected to a political assault a few months ago, said the BJP chief. He also claimed that the repeated occurrence of political violence in Kannur district clearly shows that these are sponsored killings by the marxist cadres with the active patronage of the state chief minister. The BJP chief stated that given the irrefutable reality the party demands that the murder of Ramith must be expeditiously handed over to the CBI by the state government. The BJP salutes all its cadres and Karyakartas who have braved this spiral of violence unleashed by the political goondas and reinforces its commitment to stand with them solidly to fight the marxist menace, said Shah in a statement. The BJP leader also claimed that it is not lost on anyone that the intensity of the attacks on the party cadres has increased as its on the threshold of big success in Kerala. The huge success of our national council meeting in Kozhikode a few weeks ago has unnerved the marxists and increased their insecurity. Such acts of goondaism will not deter us from our political mission to emerge as the most preferred political alternative in the state of Kerala, added Shah.
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: On the advice of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao today allocated the portfolios looked after by her to Finance Minister O Panneerselvam. He will also preside over Cabinet meetings.

"Under Clause (3) of Article 166 of the Constitution of India, Governor has allocated the subjects hitherto dealt with by the Chief Minister to O Panneerselvam. This arrangement has been made as per advice of the Chief Minister and will continue until she resumes her duties. Jayalalithaa will continue to be the Chief Minister", said a communication from the Raj Bhavan.

Opposition leader MK Stalin welcomed the decision of Governor and agreed to the allocation.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to the Apollo hospital on September 22 and she has been advised longer stay in the hospital for treatment.

CHENNAI: On the advice of Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, Governor Ch Vidyasagar Rao today allocated the portfolios looked after by her to Finance Minister O Panneerselvam. He will also preside over Cabinet meetings. "Under Clause (3) of Article 166 of the Constitution of India, Governor has allocated the subjects hitherto dealt with by the Chief Minister to O Panneerselvam. This arrangement has been made as per advice of the Chief Minister and will continue until she resumes her duties. Jayalalithaa will continue to be the Chief Minister", said a communication from the Raj Bhavan. Opposition leader MK Stalin welcomed the decision of Governor and agreed to the allocation. Jayalalithaa was admitted to the Apollo hospital on September 22 and she has been advised longer stay in the hospital for treatment.
PK Balachandran By

Express News Service

COLOMBO: An agitation in Sri Lankas tea plantations involving about 225,000 workers of Indian Origin since September 26, is adding to the woes of the island nations tea industry which is seeing new lows in production, exports and earnings for a variety of internal and external reasons.

Almost a fourth of Sri Lankas one million plantation workforce have been either on a strike or agitation demanding a minimum wage of LKR 1000 per day. But plantation companies are not willing to go beyond LKR 720 per day from the present LKR 620 per day and insist that any wage increase will have to be based on productivity.

The workers demand is based on three factors: rising cost of living; non arrival at a Collective Agreement since 2013, and the non-availability of avenues of advancement for workers.

Estate managements do not give facilities for education, skills development and earning an extra income through supplementary occupations like small-scale cultivation of vegetables. The only facility given is housing, but the nature of estate housing has not changed since the 19 th.century.

The managements, on the other hand, want any agreement to be based on productivity and not on attendance, as it has been for the last 150 years. They point out that Sri Lankan estates productivity is the lowest among tea producing countries. While it is 1700 tons per year per hectare in Sri Lanka, it is 2000 tons per ha in India and Kenya. The companies blame labor for it. But labor blames the managements for low productivity. Companies have not invested in modernization of equipment and land management. Replanting is also inadequate.

The managements point to fall in production and declining exports for their inability to pay higher wages and blame the government, the international situation and labor for the situation.

In 2016, tea production is likely to fall below 300 million kg, the lowest since 2000. In the first eight months of 2016, earnings dropped to US$ 843 million, lowest since 2007. Exports have suffered due to instability in the Middle Eastern and Russian markets and Sri Lankan teas inability to penetrate the European market. The ban on chemicals to destroy weeds, high cost of fertilizers and rising wages are blamed. Labor comes in for particular criticism because it accounts for 70 percent of the total cost of production.

But Labor rejects the companies case, saying that they violate ILO conventions. As per an ILO convention, five days work should be assured, but only three are. Wages should be pegged to Cost of Living, as they were earlier. But this system was abandoned sometimes ago and substituted by the two-year Collective Agreement, points out Ashraf Aziz, Democratic Workers Congress

But employers are reluctant to enter into a Collective Agreement now unless it is based on productivity,Aziz said.

Both the workers and the companies are now relying on the government to break the deadlock.

COLOMBO: An agitation in Sri Lankas tea plantations involving about 225,000 workers of Indian Origin since September 26, is adding to the woes of the island nations tea industry which is seeing new lows in production, exports and earnings for a variety of internal and external reasons. Almost a fourth of Sri Lankas one million plantation workforce have been either on a strike or agitation demanding a minimum wage of LKR 1000 per day. But plantation companies are not willing to go beyond LKR 720 per day from the present LKR 620 per day and insist that any wage increase will have to be based on productivity. The workers demand is based on three factors: rising cost of living; non arrival at a Collective Agreement since 2013, and the non-availability of avenues of advancement for workers. Estate managements do not give facilities for education, skills development and earning an extra income through supplementary occupations like small-scale cultivation of vegetables. The only facility given is housing, but the nature of estate housing has not changed since the 19 th.century. The managements, on the other hand, want any agreement to be based on productivity and not on attendance, as it has been for the last 150 years. They point out that Sri Lankan estates productivity is the lowest among tea producing countries. While it is 1700 tons per year per hectare in Sri Lanka, it is 2000 tons per ha in India and Kenya. The companies blame labor for it. But labor blames the managements for low productivity. Companies have not invested in modernization of equipment and land management. Replanting is also inadequate. The managements point to fall in production and declining exports for their inability to pay higher wages and blame the government, the international situation and labor for the situation. In 2016, tea production is likely to fall below 300 million kg, the lowest since 2000. In the first eight months of 2016, earnings dropped to US$ 843 million, lowest since 2007. Exports have suffered due to instability in the Middle Eastern and Russian markets and Sri Lankan teas inability to penetrate the European market. The ban on chemicals to destroy weeds, high cost of fertilizers and rising wages are blamed. Labor comes in for particular criticism because it accounts for 70 percent of the total cost of production. But Labor rejects the companies case, saying that they violate ILO conventions. As per an ILO convention, five days work should be assured, but only three are. Wages should be pegged to Cost of Living, as they were earlier. But this system was abandoned sometimes ago and substituted by the two-year Collective Agreement, points out Ashraf Aziz, Democratic Workers Congress But employers are reluctant to enter into a Collective Agreement now unless it is based on productivity,Aziz said. Both the workers and the companies are now relying on the government to break the deadlock.
By Associated Press

GENEVA: A group of advocacy organizations has awarded its annual prize for human rights defenders to imprisoned Chinese Muslim minority economics professor Ilham Tohti, shining new attention on a case that has brought strong international condemnation.

The Martin Ennals Award is bestowed by 10 rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. A ceremony honoring the award, which was founded in 1994, was taking place in Geneva on Tuesday with his daughter in attendance.

Tohti, 46, was given a life sentence on charges of separatism in September 2014 after a two-day trial. A member of the Turkic Muslim Uighur ethnic group, he taught at Beijing's Minzu University and was an outspoken critic of Beijing's ethnic policies in the far western region of Xinjiang.

Tohti denied Beijing's relentless accusations of advocating separatism and violence.

His daughter Jewher Ilham said she hadn't seen her father since they parted at the Beijing airport in February 2013, but her relatives had visited him in prison over the summer. While he and the visiting relatives were barred by Chinese officials from discussing his treatment behind bars, Tohti had clearly lost weight, she said.

"My family visited on July 7: They told me that he's gotten skinnier  he lost 40 pounds  and all his hair turned gray," she told reporters ahead of the awards ceremony. "He wasn't allowed to say anything," other than to discuss general topics like "children, studies, and life," she said.

She said she didn't expect the award would worsen an already bad situation because of the life sentence, or anticipate that the government would retaliate against the family. But she said she hoped the award would increase awareness about her father.

Chinese authorities could realize the international attention to Tohti's situation, and "they are scared that their reputation will get ruined," said Ilham, who is a student at Indiana University in the United States. "Either it will have better effects or maybe no change  they just ignore it  but I don't think things can get worse."

It could "make people believe that what the Chinese government has been telling people is a lie," she said, adding that her broader concern was that outside observers might lose attentiveness to Tohti's imprisonment long after Tuesday's prize ceremony.

In a statement announcing the award, the rights groups said Tohti has "sought reconciliation by bringing to light repressive Chinese policies and Uyghur grievances. This is information the Chinese government has sought to keep behind a veil of silence." The statement used an alternative spelling for Uighur.

"He remains a voice of moderation and reconciliation in spite of how he has been treated," it said.

Prevented from publishing, Tohti turned to the internet, running the site Uyghurbiz.net to foster discussion about the economic, social and developmental issues Uighurs face.

Seven of Tohti's students were also sentenced in what was seen as a move to strengthen the government's case against him.

Authorities accused Tohti and his students of forming a criminal gang that sought to split Xinjiang from China.

Tohti's sentence was one of the harshest handed down to a government critic in recent years and came amid a sweeping crackdown on dissent under President Xi Jinping. He was tried and imprisoned in Xinjiang, more than 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) from Beijing, making it difficult and expensive for his family to see him in brief bi-monthly visits.

Tohti's trial and sentencing brought statements of condemnation from numerous Western governments and the European Union, and in January several hundred academics petitioned China's government to release him.

Many pointed out that Tohti was a voice for moderation and understanding at a time of intense friction between Islam, the West and China.

"The real shame of this situation is that by eliminating the moderate voice of Ilham Tohti, the Chinese government is in fact laying the groundwork for the very extremism it says it wants to prevent," said Dick Oosting, chairman of the foundation that presents the award, named after a former secretary general of Amnesty International.

Many Uighurs say Chinese government policies and an influx of migrants belonging to China's majority Han ethnic group have threatened their culture and left them economically marginalized. Such sentiments are seen as driving occasional outbursts of violence, including deadly riots in the regional capital of Urumqi in 2009.

At a regular briefing, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman reiterated the authorities' allegation that Tohti was inciting others to participate in terrorist activities. Geng Shuang said Tohti's case was backed by evidence and "has nothing to do with human rights."

The government was enraged by the awarding of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize to imprisoned pro-democracy activist Liu Xiaobo. China accused Norway, which hosts the award ceremony, of a deliberate insult, and relations between the two have yet to recover.

"The award not only duly recognizes Prof. Ilham Tohti's courageous work promoting minority rights and dialogues between Hans and Uighurs, it also highlights the Chinese government's increasingly harsh punishment against its critics," said Maya Wang, a Hong Kong-based researcher with Human Rights Watch.

"Instead of reacting angrily to the news, the Chinese government should release Ilham Tohti and reverse its repressive policies in Xinjiang," Wang said.

The other finalists for the Martin Ennals award were Razan Zaitouneh, a rights advocate and defender of political prisoners in Syria who was kidnapped in December 2013 along with her husband and two colleagues, and the Zone 9 Bloggers of Ethiopia  an independent journalism collective that document cases of rights abuses there.

Tohti was one of five candidates for the European Union's prestigious Sakharov Prize for human rights awarded later this month, though he didn't make the cut of three finalists announced Tuesday.

GENEVA: A group of advocacy organizations has awarded its annual prize for human rights defenders to imprisoned Chinese Muslim minority economics professor Ilham Tohti, shining new attention on a case that has brought strong international condemnation. The Martin Ennals Award is bestowed by 10 rights groups including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. A ceremony honoring the award, which was founded in 1994, was taking place in Geneva on Tuesday with his daughter in attendance. Tohti, 46, was given a life sentence on charges of separatism in September 2014 after a two-day trial. A member of the Turkic Muslim Uighur ethnic group, he taught at Beijing's Minzu University and was an outspoken critic of Beijing's ethnic policies in the far western region of Xinjiang. Tohti denied Beijing's relentless accusations of advocating separatism and violence. His daughter Jewher Ilham said she hadn't seen her father since they parted at the Beijing airport in February 2013, but her relatives had visited him in prison over the summer. While he and the visiting relatives were barred by Chinese officials from discussing his treatment behind bars, Tohti had clearly lost weight, she said. "My family visited on July 7: They told me that he's gotten skinnier  he lost 40 pounds  and all his hair turned gray," she told reporters ahead of the awards ceremony. "He wasn't allowed to say anything," other than to discuss general topics like "children, studies, and life," she said. She said she didn't expect the award would worsen an already bad situation because of the life sentence, or anticipate that the government would retaliate against the family. But she said she hoped the award would increase awareness about her father. Chinese authorities could realize the international attention to Tohti's situation, and "they are scared that their reputation will get ruined," said Ilham, who is a student at Indiana University in the United States. "Either it will have better effects or maybe no change  they just ignore it  but I don't think things can get worse." It could "make people believe that what the Chinese government has been telling people is a lie," she said, adding that her broader concern was that outside observers might lose attentiveness to Tohti's imprisonment long after Tuesday's prize ceremony. In a statement announcing the award, the rights groups said Tohti has "sought reconciliation by bringing to light repressive Chinese policies and Uyghur grievances. This is information the Chinese government has sought to keep behind a veil of silence." The statement used an alternative spelling for Uighur. "He remains a voice of moderation and reconciliation in spite of how he has been treated," it said. Prevented from publishing, Tohti turned to the internet, running the site Uyghurbiz.net to foster discussion about the economic, social and developmental issues Uighurs face. Seven of Tohti's students were also sentenced in what was seen as a move to strengthen the government's case against him. Authorities accused Tohti and his students of forming a criminal gang that sought to split Xinjiang from China. Tohti's sentence was one of the harshest handed down to a government critic in recent years and came amid a sweeping crackdown on dissent under President Xi Jinping. He was tried and imprisoned in Xinjiang, more than 2,000 kilometers (1,250 miles) from Beijing, making it difficult and expensive for his family to see him in brief bi-monthly visits. Tohti's trial and sentencing brought statements of condemnation from numerous Western governments and the European Union, and in January several hundred academics petitioned China's government to release him. Many pointed out that Tohti was a voice for moderation and understanding at a time of intense friction between Islam, the West and China. "The real shame of this situation is that by eliminating the moderate voice of Ilham Tohti, the Chinese government is in fact laying the groundwork for the very extremism it says it wants to prevent," said Dick Oosting, chairman of the foundation that presents the award, named after a former secretary general of Amnesty International. Many Uighurs say Chinese government policies and an influx of migrants belonging to China's majority Han ethnic group have threatened their culture and left them economically marginalized. Such sentiments are seen as driving occasional outbursts of violence, including deadly riots in the regional capital of Urumqi in 2009. At a regular briefing, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman reiterated the authorities' allegation that Tohti was inciting others to participate in terrorist activities. Geng Shuang said Tohti's case was backed by evidence and "has nothing to do with human rights." The government was enraged by the awarding of the 2010 Nobel Peace Prize to imprisoned pro-democracy activist Liu Xiaobo. China accused Norway, which hosts the award ceremony, of a deliberate insult, and relations between the two have yet to recover. "The award not only duly recognizes Prof. Ilham Tohti's courageous work promoting minority rights and dialogues between Hans and Uighurs, it also highlights the Chinese government's increasingly harsh punishment against its critics," said Maya Wang, a Hong Kong-based researcher with Human Rights Watch. "Instead of reacting angrily to the news, the Chinese government should release Ilham Tohti and reverse its repressive policies in Xinjiang," Wang said. The other finalists for the Martin Ennals award were Razan Zaitouneh, a rights advocate and defender of political prisoners in Syria who was kidnapped in December 2013 along with her husband and two colleagues, and the Zone 9 Bloggers of Ethiopia  an independent journalism collective that document cases of rights abuses there. Tohti was one of five candidates for the European Union's prestigious Sakharov Prize for human rights awarded later this month, though he didn't make the cut of three finalists announced Tuesday.
By The Daily Telegraph

Boris Johnson called for "demonstrations" outside the Russian embassy yesterday and warned the country was in danger of becoming a "pariah" over Moscow's involvement in the Syrian conflict.



But the Foreign Secretary cast doubt on the option of military action, which could require British pilots to shoot down Russian jets.



The comments came as Russia's leader, Vladimir Putin, cancelled a planned visit to Paris and Syrian residents of Aleppo reported a surge in Russian and Syrian bombardment.



Speaking during an emergency debate in the House of Commons, Mr Johnson warned that the "wells of outrage are growing exhausted" as the city of Aleppo faces total destruction.



He said: "There is no commensurate horror, it seems to me, amongst some of those anti-war protest groups.



"I'd certainly like to see demonstrations outside the Russian embassy. Where is the Stop The War Coalition at the moment? If Russia continues in its current path then I believe that great nation is in danger of becoming a pariah nation."



A spokesman for Russia's foreign ministry said her country was "ashamed" for Mr Johnson.

In the latest sign of deteriorating relations between Russia and the West, The Kremlin postponed a planned visit to France next week, where Mr Putin was to inaugurate a new Orthodox cathedral.

Francois Hollande, the French president, had earlier accused Russia of facilitating Syrian war crimes and said he would only meet the Russian president to discuss the Syrian crisis.



In Syria, Russian and government air strikes resumed in Aleppo after several days of relative calm. Sixteen people were killed in three areas of the city, activists inside the besieged Eastern districts of Aleppo said. At least four of the dead were children.



Western governments accuse Mr Putin of destroying a US-Russian brokered ceasefire by bombing a UN aid convoy and unleashing intensive air strikes in support of a government assault on rebel-held eastern Aleppo.



Russia blames the United States for the collapse, citing a coalition air strike on Syrian government troops and Washington's failure to pressure moderate rebels to separate from extremist groups.

The crisis has reignited debate in Western capitals about imposing a no-fly zone or carrying out air strikes against the forces of Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president. Russia has warned it would shoot down any coalition aircraft that attempted to do so.



Mr Johnson said the Government could not commit to a no-fly zone "unless we are prepared to shoot down planes or helicopters that violate that zone".



He told MPs that the Government needed to find a way to a ceasefire and then to a political solution.

Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, also rejected the suggestion of military action.

She said that while she was "not a pacifist", "personally I believe that in a multi-playered, multifaceted civil war such as Syria, the last thing we need is more parties bombing."

Andrew Mitchell, the former international development secretary, accused Russia of "behaving like a rogue elephant" and "abusing its veto powers" on the UN security council.

He accused the country of using the veto to "protect itself from its own war crimes" and "doing to Aleppo precisely what the Nazis did to Guernica" during the Spanish Civil War.

Boris Johnson called for "demonstrations" outside the Russian embassy yesterday and warned the country was in danger of becoming a "pariah" over Moscow's involvement in the Syrian conflict. But the Foreign Secretary cast doubt on the option of military action, which could require British pilots to shoot down Russian jets. The comments came as Russia's leader, Vladimir Putin, cancelled a planned visit to Paris and Syrian residents of Aleppo reported a surge in Russian and Syrian bombardment. Speaking during an emergency debate in the House of Commons, Mr Johnson warned that the "wells of outrage are growing exhausted" as the city of Aleppo faces total destruction. He said: "There is no commensurate horror, it seems to me, amongst some of those anti-war protest groups. "I'd certainly like to see demonstrations outside the Russian embassy. Where is the Stop The War Coalition at the moment? If Russia continues in its current path then I believe that great nation is in danger of becoming a pariah nation." A spokesman for Russia's foreign ministry said her country was "ashamed" for Mr Johnson. In the latest sign of deteriorating relations between Russia and the West, The Kremlin postponed a planned visit to France next week, where Mr Putin was to inaugurate a new Orthodox cathedral. Francois Hollande, the French president, had earlier accused Russia of facilitating Syrian war crimes and said he would only meet the Russian president to discuss the Syrian crisis. In Syria, Russian and government air strikes resumed in Aleppo after several days of relative calm. Sixteen people were killed in three areas of the city, activists inside the besieged Eastern districts of Aleppo said. At least four of the dead were children. Western governments accuse Mr Putin of destroying a US-Russian brokered ceasefire by bombing a UN aid convoy and unleashing intensive air strikes in support of a government assault on rebel-held eastern Aleppo. Russia blames the United States for the collapse, citing a coalition air strike on Syrian government troops and Washington's failure to pressure moderate rebels to separate from extremist groups. The crisis has reignited debate in Western capitals about imposing a no-fly zone or carrying out air strikes against the forces of Bashar al-Assad, the Syrian president. Russia has warned it would shoot down any coalition aircraft that attempted to do so. Mr Johnson said the Government could not commit to a no-fly zone "unless we are prepared to shoot down planes or helicopters that violate that zone". He told MPs that the Government needed to find a way to a ceasefire and then to a political solution. Emily Thornberry, the shadow foreign secretary, also rejected the suggestion of military action. She said that while she was "not a pacifist", "personally I believe that in a multi-playered, multifaceted civil war such as Syria, the last thing we need is more parties bombing." Andrew Mitchell, the former international development secretary, accused Russia of "behaving like a rogue elephant" and "abusing its veto powers" on the UN security council. He accused the country of using the veto to "protect itself from its own war crimes" and "doing to Aleppo precisely what the Nazis did to Guernica" during the Spanish Civil War.
By Associated Press

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia says it has shot down a ballistic missile fired into the kingdom by Shiite rebels and their allies in Yemen.

The state-run Saudi Press Agency reported the missile fire early Wednesday. It said the missile, apparently, targeting the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait, was destroyed Tuesday night without causing any injuries.

The rebels are known to have a stockpile of Soviet-era Scud missiles and locally designed variants.

Shiite rebels in Yemen, known as Houthis and their allies have fired a series of the missiles in Saudi Arabia since a kingdom-led coalition of Arab countries has launched an offensive against them in Yemen in March 2015.

In an attack Saturday, one missile apparently targeted a Saudi air base near the Muslim holy city of Mecca, their furthest strike yet.

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia says it has shot down a ballistic missile fired into the kingdom by Shiite rebels and their allies in Yemen. The state-run Saudi Press Agency reported the missile fire early Wednesday. It said the missile, apparently, targeting the southwestern city of Khamis Mushait, was destroyed Tuesday night without causing any injuries. The rebels are known to have a stockpile of Soviet-era Scud missiles and locally designed variants. Shiite rebels in Yemen, known as Houthis and their allies have fired a series of the missiles in Saudi Arabia since a kingdom-led coalition of Arab countries has launched an offensive against them in Yemen in March 2015. In an attack Saturday, one missile apparently targeted a Saudi air base near the Muslim holy city of Mecca, their furthest strike yet.
PK Balachandran By

Express News Service

COLOMBO: A group of Sri Lankan Tamils have formed Siva Senai (Sivas Amy) to enable Hindus to face threats from other religious groups in the island nation, says the Senais Lead Organizer, Maravanpulavu Sachchithananthan, a former UN official turned Tamil nationalist and publisher.

Speaking to Express on the meeting held in Vavuniya recently in which it was decided to form such an organization, Sachchithananthan clarified that the Sri Lankan Siva Senai has no links with the Siva Sena in India. He also denied that it is meant to be a militant group.

It is based on the ancient Tamil dictum that all thought, word and deed should be based on Anbu (Love), Aram (Morality or Religion) or Arul (Grace). We will adopt the path of dialogue in resolving issues with other religious groups and take to action if necessary, he said.

Asked why he feels an organization like Siva Senai is needed in Sri Lanka, Sachchithananthan said that the Hindus of Sri Lanka (who are all Saivites) face threats and challenges from Christians, Muslims and Buddhists.

Our first objective is to stop conversion. We are for safeguarding Hindu temples from encroachments by other religions. For instance there is a huge church in front of the ancient Thiruketheeswaram temple in violation of an agreement entered into in the 1960s. In Mannar and Mullaitivu we face challenges from the Catholics and in Vavuniya it is from the Buddhists who are colonizing through the imposition of Buddhism. In the Eastern Province the Hindus face threats from Muslims, he said.

Asked if the Siva Senai would not be hurting the Tamil cause by splitting the community on the basis religion, Sachchithananthan said: For 60 years the Hindus of Sri Lanka have sacrificed their interest at the altar of Tamil unity and that cannot go on. The leadership of the Tamil movement has been dominated by Christians. Many in India would ask me if the Tamils of Sri Lanka are Christian! he said.

On the political front, Siva Senai will push for due place for Hindus in the Tamil political parties and end the dominance of Christians.

In Mullaitivu, which is 85 percent Hindu, political parties tend to thrust Christian candidates, he pointed out.

The Sri Lankan Siva Senai would need external support Sachchithanantham said and added that he would expect to get funding from India and the Tamil Diaspora, in that order.

The Siva Senai has appointed Organizers for all the 25 districts of Sri Lanka.

These organizers will discuss our objectives with people in their districts and come back to us for a second meeting in November, Sachchithanantham said.

The other main organizers of the Siva Senai are: S.Yogeswaran, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP from Batticaloa, and the religious leader, Then Kailaaya Adheenam of Trincomalee.

COLOMBO: A group of Sri Lankan Tamils have formed Siva Senai (Sivas Amy) to enable Hindus to face threats from other religious groups in the island nation, says the Senais Lead Organizer, Maravanpulavu Sachchithananthan, a former UN official turned Tamil nationalist and publisher. Speaking to Express on the meeting held in Vavuniya recently in which it was decided to form such an organization, Sachchithananthan clarified that the Sri Lankan Siva Senai has no links with the Siva Sena in India. He also denied that it is meant to be a militant group. It is based on the ancient Tamil dictum that all thought, word and deed should be based on Anbu (Love), Aram (Morality or Religion) or Arul (Grace). We will adopt the path of dialogue in resolving issues with other religious groups and take to action if necessary, he said. Asked why he feels an organization like Siva Senai is needed in Sri Lanka, Sachchithananthan said that the Hindus of Sri Lanka (who are all Saivites) face threats and challenges from Christians, Muslims and Buddhists. Our first objective is to stop conversion. We are for safeguarding Hindu temples from encroachments by other religions. For instance there is a huge church in front of the ancient Thiruketheeswaram temple in violation of an agreement entered into in the 1960s. In Mannar and Mullaitivu we face challenges from the Catholics and in Vavuniya it is from the Buddhists who are colonizing through the imposition of Buddhism. In the Eastern Province the Hindus face threats from Muslims, he said. Asked if the Siva Senai would not be hurting the Tamil cause by splitting the community on the basis religion, Sachchithananthan said: For 60 years the Hindus of Sri Lanka have sacrificed their interest at the altar of Tamil unity and that cannot go on. The leadership of the Tamil movement has been dominated by Christians. Many in India would ask me if the Tamils of Sri Lanka are Christian! he said. On the political front, Siva Senai will push for due place for Hindus in the Tamil political parties and end the dominance of Christians. In Mullaitivu, which is 85 percent Hindu, political parties tend to thrust Christian candidates, he pointed out. The Sri Lankan Siva Senai would need external support Sachchithanantham said and added that he would expect to get funding from India and the Tamil Diaspora, in that order. The Siva Senai has appointed Organizers for all the 25 districts of Sri Lanka. These organizers will discuss our objectives with people in their districts and come back to us for a second meeting in November, Sachchithanantham said. The other main organizers of the Siva Senai are: S.Yogeswaran, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MP from Batticaloa, and the religious leader, Then Kailaaya Adheenam of Trincomalee.
Russian President Vladimir Putin dismissed as "political rhetoric" accusations that war crimes had been committed in Syria's Aleppo, speaking in an interview broadcast on Wednesday.

"It's political rhetoric that does not mean much and does not take into account the realities in Syria," Putin told France's TF1 television

"I am deeply convinced that it is our Western partners, first and foremost of course the United States, who are responsible for the situation," he added.

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At least 10 people were killed and scores injured on Wednesday in violent clashes between Shia Muslims, civilians and security forces across northern Nigeria, according to members of the pro-Iran group Islamic Movement in Nigeria and witnesses.

Despite being banned in one northern state, thousands of Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) members had taken to the streets for the annual Ashura march, a major Shia festival.

Soldiers and police opened fire on an IMN procession in the town of Funtua in northern Katsina state, killing 10 people and injuring scores of others, IMN spokesman Husseini Yero told AFP.

"We now have the dead bodies of 10 of our members killed by soldiers and policemen who opened fire on our procession," Yero said.

Two Funtua residents, who asked to remain anonymous because of security concerns, confirmed seeing 10 bodies and "several" people with injuries.

The violence comes less than a week after northern Kaduna state governor Nasir El-Rufai banned the group as an "unlawful society", saying it was a security threat and calling for security forces to "vigorously" arrest its members.

In the city of Kaduna, a mob looted and torched the home of the IMN leader in the city.

Hundreds of men sacked the home of Mukhtar Sahabi in the Tudun Wada area before setting it on fire.

"We are still trying to confirm the fate of two of our members that were in the house," said IMN member Ishaq Saleh.

"We are afraid they might have been killed."

In northern Nigeria's largest city of Kano, dozens were injured when mobs attacked the IMN procession with stones, police said.

"The IMN procession was attacked by hoodlums who pelted them with stones for blocking the roads, which denied many people access to the market and the main hospital in the city," said Kano police spokesman Magaji Majia.

"We treated 17 people injured by the mob in our clinic and rescued 138 IMN women from the mob."

Clashes between the Nigerian military and IMN supporters led to over 300 deaths in December last year.

Two days of violence began on December 12, when supporters of the pro-Iranian cleric and IMN head, Ibrahim Zakzaky, refused to allow the chief of army staff's convoy to pass through the northern city of Zaria in Kaduna state.

Rights group Amnesty International later accused Nigeria's military of "excessive force".

IMN leader Zakzaky, who lost an eye and was left partly paralysed in the violence, has been held in custody since December, with fears the military crackdown could result in a violent uprising similar to the devastating Boko Haram insurgency.

Experts warned that the heavy-handed Nigerian response to the violence had stoked tension at a time when security forces were already overstretched fighting Boko Haram jihadists in the northeast and Niger delta militants in the south.

"You're seeing an increase in anti-Shia bigotry," Jos-based political analyst Chris Ngwodo said.

"You could easily have a situation of retaliatory violence," he said. "You're looking at a process of radicalisation."

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At least 14 Shias were killed Wednesday in a powerful blast at a mosque in northern Afghanistan, the second deadly attack on the minority in as many days during the major festival of Ashura.

"The explosion happened at the gate of the Shia mosque in the centre of Balkh district (in Balkh province)," said the provincial governor's spokesman Munir Ahmad Farhad, adding that 14 people were killed and 28 injured.

His account was confirmed by the provincial deputy police chief.

The blast came as the Islamic State group claimed responsibility for twin attacks in Kabul Tuesday that also targeted Shias, killing up to 18 people and wounding dozens.

Witnesses said gunmen entered the Karte Sakhi shrine near Kabul University late Tuesday, firing indiscriminately on men, women and children as they tried to flee. The interior ministry said one was wearing a suicide vest.

At the same time, another attacker entered a nearby mosque and took an unspecified number of people hostage as they were commemorating Ashura, the ministry said.

The UN called the attack an "atrocity" and put the toll at 18, though the interior ministry later said it was 16.

White House National Security Council spokesman Ned Price in a statement condemned both "cowardly" attacks, adding that they "were clearly designed to stoke sectarian tension in Afghanistan".

The threat of attacks on Shias was considered particularly serious during Ashura, and many foreign embassies in Kabul had restricted staff movements until the end of the week.

Ashura, marked on Wednesday, commemorates the death of Imam Hussein, grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, who was assassinated in the year 680 and whose tragic end laid the foundation for the faith practised by the Shia community.

For Shias around the world, Ashura is a symbol of the struggle against oppression.

In 2011 about 80 people were killed and more than 100 wounded when a suicide bomber struck a gathering of Shias during Ashura in the heart of Kabul.

Grieving worshippers Wednesday described desperately trying to shelter their children against a hail of gunfire during the Kabul attacks.

One mother who gave her name as Saleha told AFP of a gunman who was "killing everyone".

She was shot in the leg as she tried to protect her child.

"While I was hugging my little son I begged him not to kill my child," she said at a Kabul hospital.

The child survived, but she angrily denounced the Afghan government for failing to protect them.

"The families of the president, CEO Dr. Abdullah and other rich ones live abroad. Here, only poor people are killed every day."

Another witness, Ali Hussain, said attackers "indiscriminately shot everyone they faced. They wouldn't even spare women and children".

On Wednesday the Islamic State group's affiliate in Afghanistan and Pakistan claimed the Kabul attack, which President Ashraf Ghani condemned as a "clear sign of a crime against humanity".

Until recent months the group had been confined to its stronghold in eastern Nangarhar, but in July it claimed twin bombings that tore through minority Shia Hazara protesters in Kabul, killing 84 people in the deadliest attack in the capital since 2001.

Its leader Hafiz Saeed was killed in a US airstrike in Nangarhar that same month, and officials have denied the July attack marked a turning point for IS in Afghanistan, saying the group has been under heavy pressure from US strikes and Afghan forces on the ground.

Sectarian attacks have been relatively rare in Afghanistan, unlike neighbouring Pakistan where violence -- particularly by Sunni hardliners against the Shia minority -- has claimed thousands of lives over the past decade.

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A US destroyer has for the second time in four days been targeted by a missile fired from rebel-held territory in Yemen, a US defense official said Wednesday.

The USS Mason detected an incoming missile at about 6:00 pm local time (1500 GMT) and deployed unspecified countermeasures, the official said.

"It is unclear if the countermeasures caused the missile to hit the water, or if it would have hit the water on its own," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

No one was injured and the ship was not struck.

On Sunday, two missiles fired from rebel-held territory in Yemen fell short of the Mason while she patrolled the Red Sea off the coast of the war-torn country.

Both missiles hit the water before reaching the ship and no one was injured in that incident, officials said.

Wednesday's attack saw a "coastal defense cruise missile" fired from a Huthi-controlled area south of Al-Hudaydah, the unnamed defense official said.

On Monday, the Riyadh-led coalition fighting the Huthis accused the rebels of firing a ballistic missile towards the southwestern Saudi city of Taif, hundreds of kilometers (miles) from the Yemeni border.

The missile was one of two which the Saudi-led coalition intercepted on Sunday, the coalition said, adding that the other was launched toward Marib, east of Yemen's rebel-held capital Sanaa.

The incidents come after the United Arab Emirates said last Wednesday that Yemeni rebels struck a "civilian" vessel in the strategic Bab al-Mandab waterway, wounding crewmen.

That attack, which was carried out on October 1, was claimed by the Shiite rebels.

The UAE is a key member of a Saudi-led coalition that has been fighting the Yemeni rebels since March last year.

Coalition warships have imposed a naval blockade on rebel-held ports along Yemen's Red Sea coast allowing in only UN-approved aid shipments.

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Following relaunch of cultural activities at The Egyptian Society for Folk Traditions, Ahram Online interviewed Nawal El-Mesiri on the essence of folk heritage and its sustainability

On the premises of The Egyptian Society for Folk Traditions, Ahram Online interviewed Nawal El-Mesiri on the essence of folk heritage and its sustainability in the modern world.

"Homemade" was the slogan adopted by the Egyptian Society for Folk Traditions (ESFT) last week to announce the resumption of their cultural activities, which have been put on hold the past 5 years. Tens of people walked in carrying their signature authentic dishes, eager to share the food and thoughts affiliated with them.

"We thought the re-launch of our activities would be a homemade cooking event, because in Egypt food is a main attraction for gathering," explained Nawal el-Messiri, a renowned anthropologist and member of ESFT. "We also invited our friends from Arab countries to join us in this celebration, which includes the opening of our latest meeting room where we intend to host lots of folk cultural activities," she added.

ESFT has played a leading role in preserving, reviving and documenting traditional handicraftssuch as the art of Talli, and documentation of the Beni Helal Syera (Epic of Beni Helal)and collaborated in the creation of the National Folklore Archive. Due to security issues in recent years the NGO put a hold on much of its field work, but they believe it's time to resume.

The new Cultural Agenda of the NGO includes seminars, workshops, films and support initiatives for traditional folk arts. One craft that's witnessed a rise in popularity is Talli embroiderya special focus for el-Messiri.

"Authentic, handmade shawls have become trendy. Talli embroidery techniques have been practiced since ancient Egyptian times, and the technique has endured. But we need to find new uses for Talli that allow it to survive going out of trendby using it in curtains for example," el-Messiri notes.

"Pottery survived because we started using it in modern ways such as serving plates, not only to make the ola (a clay flask used as a natural cooling device before the discovery of electricity)."

With a PhD in Cultural Anthropology from Indiana University, research and life's work at the Social Research Center at AUC, UNICEF and NADIM folk heritage foundation, el-Messiri's experience in training and reviving the Talli craftcentered in Shandawil, Sohagreveals a lot about how folk arts survive technology, open door trade policies and the harsh hand of time.

The trick with folk crafts, she says, is finding sustainability and that sense of belonging that comes with reviving authentic trades and crafts. el-Messiri believes that upper Egypt holds a rich tradition in folk arts that should be supported not only for the sake of the economy, but also to foster a sense identity and heritage, which make people keen to excel in their crafts.

Witnessing this first-hand in Shandawil, el-Messiri says that "Shandawil women nowadays are not only the best in the Talli stitching craft, but also trainers in the art."

Using traditional crafts to boost local economies, however, requires a whole system of support. El-Messiri argues that the middle industry has to step in and help handicrafts, to see the revival really boom. One important but overlooked aspect is what she refers to as the "comprehensive system of all mother crafts."

"In the alleys of Islamic Cairo, you would find the mother trade, which is carpentry for example, then you would find the complementary trades such as kherata (moulding) and oima (handmade decorations). To revive handmade carpentry, you need to revive the whole system so it has an impact on the whole alley," she reveals.

"That's what we did when we focused on Talli, I discovered that women do not work outside their homes. there is a man who would bring the women the cloth so they could apply the Talli and then he would sell it for them; thus were they would be able to support themselves. we never focused on individual work, because all handicrafts support one another, and the whole village would prosper."

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The so-called "painter of Idomeni", a Syrian refugee and graduate of Damascus School of Fine Arts who fled war-torn Palmyra, on Sunday saw two of his paintings auctioned off in Greece.

Hassan Khatib decided to sell some of his artwork to help provide for his family as they wait in Athens for their relocation request to Finland to be approved.

The sale of the two paintings raised 270 euros and more are in the pipeline.

"Many people are asking for more and we are planning on auctioning five more of Mr Khatib's paintings," said Stavros Myronidis of Myro Antiques House in the northern city of Thessaloniki, adding: "We want to help this man."

Khatib turned to his art while camped out at Idomeni on the border of Greece and Macedonia with his wife and four children earlier this year.

The normally sleepy Greek railway post became a sprawling tent city after Macedonia closed its border to thousands of migrants preventing them from continuing their journey north to other European countries.

While there Khatib decided to paint "trying to fight the sombre atmosphere with colours", he told Athens News Agency.

"We left Syria to flee war and carnage and we found ourselves trapped on the border," he added.

A couple from a nearby village took Khatib and his family in and the family has now moved to Athens pending their hoped for relocation.

Myronidis said Khatib visited his store three weeks ago accompanied by some Greek people who had befriended him.

"He doesn't speak English and his little daughter was trying to interpret but we understood his request and decided to sell his art work without any commission.

"We are looking forward to organising an exhibition with more of his artwork in the future," he said.

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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The interactive talk will be delivered by Adam Abd El Ghaffar, who exhibited his poster redesigns at Darb 1718 last June

Egyptian artist and graphic designer Adam Abd El Ghaffar will give a talk on Egyptian movie posters over the past 100 years on Wednesday 19 October at Cairo's Photopia.

He will also present his own project titled Affiche Plaisir, in which he revisits movie posters from Egypt, Tunisia and Lebanon to create a collection of 45 minimalist posters that present his interpretations of iconic films.

In his 2016 interview with Ahram Online, Abd El Ghaffar said that "poster art is known around the world, but in Egypt we use posters only as an advertising tool, not as an art that could express certain ideas or directions."

With this in mind, he hopes to reignite interest in movie posters as an art.

Abd El Ghaffar's project toured the Middle East in 2015 with exhibitions held in Cairo, Tunisia and Beirut.

The artist has a ten year career in advertising and graphic design, having worked at leading advertising agencies such as Equinox Graphics and Leo Burnett.

In 2014 he founded his own studio, Adam Design, which offers branding services and specialises in poster design.

Programme:

Wednesday 19 October, 7pm

Photopia, 15 Somal St, Korba, Heliopolis, Cairo

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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What's next for Water Brothers? Sid Abbruzzi has some ideas

The local surf and skate legend was evicted from his space on Memorial Boulevard earlier this year.
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Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany referred today the file an allegedly indecent party held in the Karanak Temple area to the Administrative Prosecution for investigation

Egyptian Minister of Antiquities Khaled El-Enany referred on Tuesday the fle of a dance party held in the Karnak Temple area of Luxor to prosecutors for investigation, following the release of photos allegedly showing party-goers dressed indecently and consuming illegal substances.

Mohamed Abdel-Aziz, director-general of Upper Egypt Antiquities, said that approval for the event was given in mid-March before El-Enany was appointed minister.

Abdel-Aziz said the party was held in front of Karnak Temple at a distance of 200 metres, not inside the temple itself as reported on some news and social media outlets.

The ministry, Abdel-Aziz told Ahram Online, installed an iron fence to cordon off the area where the event was being held to prevent entry into the temple area.

The party was held on Monday after closing hours at the archaeological site and the temple's gates were closed.

Mostafa Waziri, director-general of Luxor Antiquities, told Ahram Online that the Tourism and Antiquities Police in Luxor were present in the area around Karnak Temple, that all security measures were taken and all attendees' bags searched.

He asserted that no irregularities took place and that photos published on social media showing drunken people dancing in front of Karnak and others smoking illegal drugs were doctored images.

The photos, Waziri said, were from a private gala ceremony held two days earlier at one of Luxor's hotels.

On Tuesday morning, archaeological activists on social media criticised the Ministry of Antiquities and Luxor governorate for approving the event at Karnak Temple, saying the attendees committed irregularities and did not respect the sanctity of the ancient site.



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Dr. David Leather THOUGHT LEADERS SERIES ...insight from the worlds leading experts

Please can you give an overview of the Salford Lung Study and your vision behind the trial? How did the trial challenge the traditional way of doing research?

About eight years ago the WHO put out a call saying that we needed data that better represented real world patients. Our ambition was to create evidence earlier in the life cycle of medicine that better represented the population that would ultimately get the medicine.

For traditional, double-blind, randomized controlled trials, which are efficacy trials and absolutely essential, we have very selective groups of people that probably represent less than 15% of the population that will ultimately get the medicine in practice. Our vision was to create a study where we could get real patients behaving in ordinary ways and get the study done as early as we could in order to give data about effectiveness and safety in that population and to give payers, guideline writers, doctors and patients information that will better inform them about the risks and benefits of a medicine in everyday clinical practice.

We did this when this medicine was pre-licensed. A real world study with a pre-license medicine had never been done before. We then thought if we were going to try to do that, the thing we would need was an electronic health record that could document information from primary and secondary care in real time, so that we could almost create a real-life laboratory, a big brother environment, where patients could consent and be brought into a study, but then lead their lives normally.

The ambition was that all of the monitoring would be done through an electronic health record. We started to look around the world at places that had that capability and when we started this study, Salford was pretty much the only place in the world that could do that because it has had a long standing pre-existing integrated health record that started off with diabetes, but had evolved into almost everything. It has a large paperless hospital, so they had an integrated record.

There was a group called North West EHealth which is expert at pulling information out of that. That's really why we went to Salford.

In terms of the COPD study design, firstly, its a big study, including 2,800 patients. We needed that to get the power to look at a meaningful endpoint, which we're using as exacerbations.

Secondly, the study population is very broad. Essentially, you have to be aged over 40; have a GP diagnosis of COPD; be on a maintenance treatment for COPD; be able to give consent and be expected to be alive in a year. There were very few exclusion criteria.

We were trying to capture as many of the normal patients as we could. Then, after they've been seen and have consented, we assess their lung function in detail, but we keep everybody in the study. That is very different to most studies.

Patients who are in this study are randomized to either the test drug or to usual care and usual care is what the doctors normally do, so that's a mixed comparison group. Then, those patients essentially just exist as normal for a year and then are seen and assessed again. However, the miraculous thing about this study is that the patients get their medicine in absolutely the normal way. Every single community pharmacy in the city and surrounding areas was recruited. Patients get their prescriptions from their doctors in the normal way and they collect them from the local pharmacist in the normal way, which is totally different to a normal trial.

During that year, they're monitored in real time through the electronic health record for everything that happens to them. The electronic system can trigger alerts if there are adverse events or if things of interest to us such as exacerbations occur. We were looking for steroid prescriptions, antibiotic prescriptions or hospital admissions in association with respiratory events as the surrogate for exacerbations.

Once the patient is randomized, they essentially just go ahead as normal; there's no protocol that drives care in either arm. The doctor optimizes treatment as they want. That's basically the design of the study, which is very different to what we'd normally do.

I think at the heart of this is the difference between efficacy and effectiveness research. They are complimentary and both are essential. What we're really good at in the industry is doing double-blind, randomized controlled trials that are very strictly controlled and then asking whether the medicine has the potential to work. What you're doing in an effectiveness trial is looking at a mixed population. It's not pure and there's lots of noise, so the question you're asking is what the medicine can really do in the population that ultimately receives it. You can think of efficacy as defining the potential of the medicine and effectiveness as defining what it really does.

It does pose challenges because traditional medical training is all about internal validity and the scientific robustness of the experiment, whereas effectiveness is all about external validity. The question of whether the medicine will work in a patient a physician sees in their clinic is a different question to whether the medicine works for a defined patient in a trial. You have to think about it differently and it challenges people's conventional thinking. The importance of assessing internal validity of studies has really been drummed into me because that's what I do and, yes, there are challenges there.

Why is it important to take into account the everyday lives of patients and the way they use their medicines?

I think all of us do the following, although I'll speak for myself. When I'm prescribed a medicine, I don't take it exactly as I should. I do normal things that people do such as take a break for a little bit, maybe not finish the course, or see if it works once a day instead of twice a day. Patients normally do that. That's a normal human condition.

What we do in efficacy trials is we really try to control everything, so we drive adherence. We make sure patients are incredibly well monitored; we're constantly seeing and checking them. The real world isn't like that.

We all do normal things. Many people smoke, drink, have social habits and other diseases and medications that would exclude them from normal trials. It is important to get information that will help assess the effectiveness of a medicine in the population that will ultimately receive it, where people are doing things that people normally do because that's what patients are like. I think that's at the heart of it really.

How many patients with COPD have other conditions and why are they often excluded from traditional trials?

COPD affects people who are older. They often have smoking histories and the disease itself is an inflammatory condition, so it's associated with an excess of diseases that are not just caused by the smoking exposure.

There's a very high instance of cardiovascular risk and diabetes. In Salford, about three-quarters of patients had comorbidities. In normal trials, you exclude those individuals because you're trying to very accurately assess the safety and efficacy of a medicine in a tightly as controlled way as possible. You want to reduce the noise that's created by other conditions, so, for good scientific reasons, those people are often excluded, whereas in this trial, obviously, we welcome everyone in, regardless of what other conditions they have.

What impact do you think the Salford Lung Study will have on future trials for COPD?

I think it's a starting point. I don't think this is going to trigger a revolution. I think people have wanted these data sets, but have never had them. Now, we've got a data set, a quality publication and a result. People can now look at those and try to understand what it means for them.

Clearly, this is absolutely new and not a part of current evidence hierarchies. Regulators, payers and guideline writers are all going to have to weigh up what they think this data means and include it. Then, I think perhaps we will see adaptations of this type of design. I think there are many different ways we could do these studies. I think it's going to be an evolution, not a revolution.

How in turn will this affect COPD patients?

I think this is about much more than just the medicine we were testing. Obviously, we know that the drug did have an effect on exacerbation rates in Salford, but, within this data set now, we've got about 240 million rows of data, which are about people's everyday care. We have information about how people behaved, how their doctors treated them and a wealth of information to help us understand how we might better develop treatment approaches in COPD, including how people respond when they've got comorbidities or when they're current smokers.

There are a number of things I think this study will allow us and I think there will be many publications, actually, about these type of things and what really happens to patients when you treat them in a clinic rather than in a study. I think there will be lots of information coming out. I do believe there will be benefits for patients, not just in terms of drug treatments, but in terms of understanding how COPD patients are affected by their disease and how they behave with healthcare professionals.

Do you think an inclusive approach to research would also be beneficial for other conditions?

Yes, I do. I think it's particularly useful for conditions where there are comorbidities or where there are aspects about the disease such as monitoring, which may be different in clinical trials to in the real world.

Just off the top of my head, for example, diabetes might be one because, obviously, diabetics have to monitor their blood sugar and adjust their treatment. In clinical trials, thats done under supervision. We all know, because we've probably got diabetic friends or family members, that diabetics don't really do that and there's some middle ground. I think whats worth looking at is the monitoring of common conditions that exist with comorbidities, where behaviors very strongly interact with the treatment of the condition. It's probably less important for acute, short-lived conditions, although I still think it could be of some value.

What do you think the future holds for COPD research?

I think COPD has really changed in my lifetime. If I just look back over the last 10 years, I can see it's a very fast moving field. At one time, the sense I got when I was a GP was that it was a pretty hopeless and chronic condition that was caused by smoking. There was not a lot of interest and the guidelines weren't terribly helpful.

I think the real future is in defining the phenotypes in COPD and understanding which patients respond to which treatment approaches and what the treatment pathways should be. We've got a variety of treatments.

Obviously, there will be new treatments emerging and, I'm sure, coming through different companies pipelines, but fundamentally, I believe it is about saying COPD isn't one condition. It's a group of different conditions and understanding those in terms of their science, their pathology, and the behaviors that go with them, will define groups that will respond better to some treatments than others. I think that's where the action will really be in the future.

How was the Salford Lung Study made possible?

The Salford Lung Study has been a colossal endeavor and whenever it's possible for me to thank people for that, Id like to. When you think that every single GP in the town, every single community pharmacist, the secondary care hospitals, the academic groups and the electronic health record people were all involved, it is quite incredible. We built that, kept it working, and managed to complete a study, which has taken about eight years so far.

The collaboration is quite exceptional. One thing that I think we never realized was that its about much more than a database. It's actually far more about the collaboration and recruiting patients from primary care. To recruit this number of patients in one city is amazing. We owe a great deal of thanks to our collaborators and the patients who volunteered. That's the key thing. GSK were already a part of this. It's been an incredible thing to be involved in.

Where can readers find more information?

www.gsk.com

About Dr David Leather

FRCGP, FFPM: Medical Vice President GSK Respiratory Franchise London

Dave Leather is a Global Medical Affairs Leader in the Respiratory Franchise at GSK, based at GSK House in London in the UK. He leads the Global Medical Expert team: a team of world renowned Respiratory experts who work for GSK providing internal scientific and clinical expertise to support promoted medicines and those in development. For the last 3 years he led a team responsible for developing phase lll and phase lV trials for respiratory medicines. He also has a leadership role in real world pragmatic trials and is the Franchise leader of the internationally recognised Salford Lung Study.

He joined GSK in 2000 and has held a variety of posts within the company. Originally a primary care physician in Bolton with an interest in respiratory disease, Dave managed asthma and COPD clinics in a primary care setting and held a post as a clinical assistant in Respiratory Medicine at University Hospital Aintree in Liverpool. He was a GP Course Organiser, a member of the Council of the Royal College of GPs (RCGP), and worked as a media doctor for the BBC and commercial radio.
Botanical supplements are used by people around the world to treat a wide range of physical and mental ailments. Some of these botanical supplements have high levels of antioxidants, which may have some positive health effects for certain conditions. However, a new study from the University of Missouri in partnership with scientists in Africa has uncovered evidence that these supplements and their antioxidants may reduce the effectiveness of prescription medications. The researchers examined the effects of a widely used African botanical supplement, called Sutherlandia, and found that it may disrupt the effectiveness of a common anti-tuberculosis drug. This could lead to the development of active tuberculosis and perhaps drug resistant forms of the pathogen in some patients.

For the study, William Folk, a professor of biochemistry in the University of Missouri School of Medicine and College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and his colleagues monitored South African patients who were taking either Sutherlandia or a placebo, along with the world-standard anti-tuberculosis drug, isoniazid. Sutherlandia is a supplement commonly taken in Africa to fight symptoms of infection and some chronic diseases, such as diabetes. The researchers observed that several patients taking the Southerlandia supplement developed active tuberculosis despite taking Isoniazid.

"We believe that the antioxidants in Southerlandia can directly disrupt how Isoniazid functions within the body to prevent tuberculosis," Folk said. "Isoniazid is very reliable in preventing the active form of this potentially deadly microbe, which is present in nearly one-third of all humans, but if individuals concurrently take a botanical supplement, they could undo the good that the scientifically proven drug is accomplishing. More than one-third of the world's population is susceptible to active tuberculosis, so it is unfortunate that Sutherlandia, which traditionally is taken to prevent or treat infections, can actually cause them to develop the disease, and perhaps also cause the microbe to become a drug-resistant 'super bug.'"

Folk says this finding could apply to many different botanical supplements and many different medications, including cancer-fighting drugs. He says it is important for future research to examine potential interactions between drugs and antioxidant-laden supplements.

"With so many people around the world turning to botanical supplements to help with a wide range of health issues, it is vital that we explore how these supplements interact with established medical drugs," Folk said. "Many drugs use pathways that could be disrupted by antioxidants, so we need for physicians to better advise their patients. Many physicians do not know everything that their patients take, so it is important for people to inform their physicians, and for physicians to ask, so they can better advise their patients what is best for their health."
Financial difficulties can significantly impact a cancer patient's quality of life during treatment and may even increase their risk of death, according to the results of a pooled analysis presented at the ESMO 2016 Congress in Copenhagen.

"Financial difficulties may impact the outcome for cancer patients even in countries where the national public health system covers most of the expenses, and therefore, it is our mission to understand what are the determinants of such difficulties and whether some of them may be actionable," said principal investigator Dr. Francesco Perrone, director of the Unita Sperimentazioni Cliniche at the National Cancer Institute of Naples, Italy.

Researchers pooled data from 16 prospective multicenter trials in Italy involving a total of 3670 patients with either lung, breast or ovarian cancer, which included the EORTC quality of life C30 questionnaire. Question 28 of this questionnaire asks patients to rate financial difficulties related to their disease or treatment on a scale from 'not at all' to 'very much'.

The analysis showed that financial burden - defined as any financial difficulty reported at baseline -- was present in 26% of patients at baseline, and was associated with a 35% greater risk of a worse global quality-of-life response (p = 0.009).

Furthermore, financial toxicity, defined as a worsening of the financial score in subsequent questionnaire, was observed in 22.5% of the 2735 who filled out a subsequent questionnaire, and was associated with a 20% increase in the risk of death (p = 0.007).

Perrone said the researchers had expected to find an impact on quality of life from financial hardship, but were surprised to see that worsening financial problems during treatment was associated with a higher risk of death over the course of treatment.

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"The size of this impact is moderate but not negligible; it is similar in size to the effect that pushed some new drugs into the market over the last twenty years," Dr. Perrone said.

While pointing out that it was not possible to completely disentangle financial toxicity from a worsening of a patient's clinical condition and disease progression, Perrone said the results from this analysis reflect those observed in similar analyses conducted in the US. "Based on common sense, we oncologists should pay attention to the social status and economic possibilities of our patients and try to advise them regarding their rights in terms of public support and respect due to their condition," Perrone said.

Commenting on the study, Dr Nathan Cherny from the Shaare Zedek Medical Center in Jerusalem, said the study demonstrates that even when patients do not have to pay -- for example, when they are participating in a clinical trial -- a significant number of them enter treatment with some degree of financial burden.

"These findings underscore that even in the absence of payment or co-payment of medications, being ill with cancer often has severe and progressive financial impact on patients and their families," Dr Cherny said. "In the absence of substantial supports and benefits, this may not only compromise quality of life but also patient outcomes."
The United States spends more on health care than any other country in the world, yet the life expectancy of its citizens is significantly shorter when compared to other high-income countries. Now, researchers at the University of Missouri School of Medicine are suggesting that an innovative systems-thinking approach to population health could improve the country's current health disadvantage.

"Our country's inability to define, monitor and improve on preventable deaths has complicated our progress in managing the health of our communities and population," said Julie Kapp, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Health Management and Informatics at the MU School of Medicine and lead author of the study. "This goes beyond collective impact. A national systems-thinking approach could be a step in the right direction toward improving the health and health care of the U.S. population."

A national systems-thinking approach considers how components within a larger structure operate and interact, and how to optimize the design, implementation and evaluation of that system. This approach can be applied to various health concerns, including obesity, infant mortality and disparities to elder care, so long as the ultimate goal is improving quality and quantity of life. Kapp used the Malcolm Baldridge Framework for Performance Excellence as a model of which to apply systems thinking to population health improvement.

"We consider U.S. population health a supra-system, which means it contains many subsystems at federal, state and local levels," Kapp said. "This approach requires all health and health care organizations to share metrics."

Kapp said this approach could be implemented by creating an evidence-based national reporting dashboard and offering incentives to health care organizations that agree to use a shared measuring system. She also recommended that community-based nonprofit organizations be required to use shared outcomes-focused metrics when applying for federal funds and accreditation.

"To improve the effectiveness of how community-based organizations address health and health-related issues, we must change their funding requirements," Kapp said. "Changing their funding requirements on a broad scale requires change at the federal level. Therefore, a systems approach is required."

Kapp's recommendations are conceptual and are intended to provide a theoretical framework for implementing a systems-thinking approach to U.S. population health. Applying the Baldrige framework in this way would be innovative, Kapp said, but she also acknowledged that implementing a systems approach in the U.S. would probably take many years to accomplish.

"However, given our country's current health outcomes compared to other peer countries, and our failure to make progress on improving the proportion of citizens dying from preventable deaths after 100 years of awareness, we cannot afford to not consider an aligned and integrated systems thinking perspective for improving U.S. population health," Kapp said.
A study conducted at the University of Eastern Finland revealed that a recently described T cell subset may have a central role in the development of type 1 diabetes. These so called follicular T helper cells were found to be increased at the onset of type 1 diabetes, and the phenomenon was linked with the presence of autoantibodies commonly associated with the disease.

Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune disease where the immune system destroys the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Type 1 diabetes typically manifests in childhood and early adolescence. Diabetes-associated autoantibodies are highly predictive of type 1 diabetes risk and they can be typically detected in the blood of patients even years before the onset of the disease.

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T cells are immune cells that have an important role orchestrating the functions of the immune system. Follicular helper T cells are a recently described subset of T cells that have a central role in activating B cells, which in turn are responsible for producing antibodies. Since the emergence of autoantibodies is a common feature of type 1 diabetes development, it is plausible that follicular T helper cells have a role in the disease process. This notion is also supported by evidence recently generated in the murine model of type 1 diabetes.

In a study led by Academy Research Fellow Tuure Kinnunen, samples from the Finnish DIPP follow-up study were used. In the DIPP study, children with an increased genetic risk for developing type 1 diabetes are longitudinally followed for the development of the disease. In the current study, the frequency of blood follicular T helper cells was observed to increase close to the onset of type 1 diabetes. Moreover, the phenomenon was only observed in a subgroup of children that were positive for multiple diabetes-associated autoantibodies. This finding suggests a connection between the activation of follicular helper T cells and the activation of autoantibody-producing B cells in type 1 diabetes.

Taken together, the current results support the idea that follicular helper T cells have a role in the development of type 1 diabetes. Immune therapies that target these cells can therefore be envisioned to have potential in the prevention of type 1 diabetes.
Physicists at The University of Texas at Arlington have shown that using microwaves to activate photosensitive nanoparticles produces tissue-heating effects that ultimately lead to cell death within solid tumors.

"Our new method using microwaves can propagate through all types of tissues and target deeply situated tumors," said Wei Chen, UTA professor of physics and lead author of the study published this month in he Journal of Biomedical Nanotechnology titled "A new modality of cancer treatment-nanoparticle mediated microwave induced photodynamic therapy."

Photodynamic therapy kills cancer cells when a nanoparticle introduced into tumor tissue generates toxic singlet oxygen after being exposed to light. Singlet oxygen is a highly reactive type of oxygen that irreversibly damages cell mitochondria and eventually causes cell death.

"Up to now, photodynamic therapy, which depends on visible, ultraviolet or near infrared light, was considered effective for skin cancers or cancers close to the skin surface," Chen said. "Our new concept combining microwaves with photodynamic therapy opens up new avenues for targeting deeper tumors and has already proven effective in rapidly and safely reducing tumor size."

In prior studies, the researchers had identified a new type of nanoparticle, copper-cysteamine or Cu-Cy, that could be activated by X-rays to produce singlet oxygen and slow the growth of tumors. X-ray radiation, however, poses significant risks to patients and can harm healthy tissue.

In this new lab study, the team demonstrated that the nanoparticle Cu-Cy also can be activated by microwaves, which can be targeted directly at the tumor itself without harming surrounding tissue.

"Our new microwave-induced photodynamic therapy offers numerous advantages, the most significant of which is increased safety," Chen said. "Our nanoparticle Cu-Cy also demonstrates very low toxicity, is easy to make and inexpensive, and also emits intense luminescence, which means it can also be used as an imaging agent."

The researchers demonstrated that both in vitro and in vivo studies on an osteosarcoma cell line showed significant cell destruction using copper cysteamine nanoparticles under microwave activation. The heating effects and the release of copper ions from copper cysteamine upon activation was the main mechanism for the generation of the reactive oxygen needed for cancer cell destruction.

Chen was joined on this research by Lun Ma, a UTA research assistant professor in physics, as well as Mengyu Yao, Lihua Li and Yu Zhang from the Guangdong Key Laboratory of Orthopaedic Technology and Implant Materials in Guangzhou, China, and Junying Zhang from the Physics Department at Beihang University in Beijing, China. The U.S. Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity, the National Science Foundation and Department of Homeland Security's joint Academic Research Initiative program, the National Basic Research Program of China, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the five-year plan of the Chinese Military, all supported this research.

"This new invention is largely based on the new photosensitizer copper cysteamine that we invented and patented, and I would like to thank all our team members, particularly Dr. Lun Ma, for the time and energy spent on this project," Chen said.

Alex Weiss, UTA chair of the Physics Department, emphasized the importance of this research in the context of UTA's increasing focus on health and the human condition within the Strategic Plan 2020: Bold Solutions|Global Impact.

"Dr. Chen's research into nanoparticle activation has led to important discoveries that could potentially transform cancer treatment," Weiss said. "This new paper on the possibilities of microwave activation demonstrates yet again how Dr. Chen's search for new modalities of therapy could play a key role in finding safe, viable and inexpensive treatments for cancer."
A delegation from the Japanese Parliament led by Kazunori Tanaka toured the Grand Egyptian Museum during a visit to celebrate Egypt's 150 years of parliamentary life

A delegation from the Japanese Parliament led by member Kazunori Tanaka visited today the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and the Giza Plateau.

The delegation is on a trip to Egypt to participate in the country's celebration of 150 years of parliamentary life.

Tanaka and the delegation were accompanied by Japanese Ambassador to Egypt Takehiro Kagawa.

Guided by General Supervisor of the GEM Tarek Tawfik, the delegation toured the museum's wooden artefact laboratory, as well as a number of the Tutankhamun collection exhibits transported to the GEM for restoration.

The delegation described the Egyptian restoration technicians as "skillful."

Tawfik also led the delegation on a tour of the GEM's construction work and explained the museum's different construction phases, which began in 2002.

Tanaka and the delegation later toured the Giza plateau, where they visited Khufu's Pyramid and the Sphinx.

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Most people have heard about personalized medicine. But how about personalized medical devices?

Northwestern Engineering's Guillermo Ameer and Cheng Sun have teamed up to use 3-D printing to develop flexible, biodegradable stents that are customized for a specific patient's body.

"Right now, the vast majority of stents are made from a metal and have off-the-shelf availability in various sizes," said Ameer, professor of biomedical engineering in Northwestern University's McCormick School of Engineering and professor of surgery in the Feinberg School of Medicine. "The physician has to guess which stent size is a good fit to keep the blood vessel open. But we're all different and results are highly dependent on physician experience, so that's not an optimal solution."

Supported by the American Heart Association, the research is published online in the journal Advanced Materials Technologies. Robert van Lith, a postdoctoral fellow in Ameer's laboratory, and Evan Baker, a graduate student in Sun's laboratory, are co-first authors of the paper.

When ill-fitting stents move in the artery, they can ultimately fail. In these cases, physicians have to somehow re-open the blocked stent or bypass it with a vascular graft. It's a costly and risky process.

"There are cases where a physician tries to stent a patient, and the fit is not good," Ameer said. "There might be geometric constraints in the patient's vessel, such as a significant curvature that can disturb blood flow, causing traditional stents to fail. This is especially a problem for patients who have conditions that prevent the use of blood thinners, which are commonly given to patients who have stents. By printing a stent that has the exact geometric and biologic requirements of the patient's blood vessel, we expect to minimize the probability of these complications."

To create these customized stents, Ameer worked with Sun to adapt a 3-D printing technique, called projection micro-stereo-lithography, to fabricate stents using a polymer previously developed in Ameer's lab. The technique uses a liquid photo-curable resin or polymer to print objects with light. When a pattern of light is shined on the polymer, it converts it into a solid that is then slowly displaced to cure the next layer of liquid polymer. The printing technology allows the team to fabricate a stent that precisely matches desirable design characteristics.

Sun's 3-D printing technique, known as micro continuous liquid interface production (microCLIP), has several advantages. First, it is extremely high resolution. With the ability to print features as small as 7 microns, it is perfect for printing stents, which have very fine mesh dimensions and can be smaller than 3 millimeters in diameter. Second, it has the ability to print up to 100 stents at a time, producing them faster and potentially cheaper than traditional manufacturing methods. Third, it's fast, printing a 4-centimeter stent in a matter of minutes.

Although current stents are made with metal wire mesh, Ameer used a citric-acid based polymer previously developed in his lab. The resulting stent is flexible, biodegradable, and has inherent antioxidant properties. Drugs can also be loaded onto the polymer and slowly released at the implantation site to improve the healing process in the blood vessel wall. Ameer has previously shown that the polymer can be engineered to inhibit clot formation when applied to vascular grafts. The stent's strong but biodegradable allows it to exercise its mechanical function during the vessel's initial dilation and slowly dissolve as the re-opened blood vessel recovers.

"In theory, it's safer because the patient doesn't have permanent foreign metal devices in the body," Ameer said. "If, for any reason in the future, the surgeon needs to go back in to that location in the vessel, they can. There's not a metal stent in the way."

Current biodegradable stents are made from plastics similar to those used for sutures. They are not as strong as wire mesh and can take longer than metal stents to fully expand when deployed. To compensate for this weakness, the plastic stents are strengthened by increasing the thickness of their struts relative to that of a metal stent. Ameer's 3-D printed stent, however, can be fabricated with the thinner profile of traditional metal wire stents, so it is more compatible with the body.

Ameer and Sun, associate professor of mechanical engineering, imagine a future process whereby the dimensions of a patient's vessel are obtained using standard imaging techniques available at hospitals, and a stent is then printed on site to exactly fit the vessel's dimensions, packaged, and given to the surgeon for implantation. Next, Ameer plans to investigate how long it takes for his biodegradable stent to break down and absorb into the body. His team also aims to investigate innovative stent designs to improve their long-term performance.

"Not only can we customize the stent for a patient's blood vessels," he said, "but we can create all new types of patient-specific medical devices that could make the outcomes of surgical procedures better than what they are today."
The academic partners in the VerICiguaT GlObal Study in Subjects with Heart Failure with Reduced EjectIon FrAction (VICTORIA) are pleased to announce that patient enrollment has begun. The study will explore a novel treatment pathway in patients suffering from chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), by investigating the clinical impact of the drug vericiguat. VICTORIA is a pivotal Phase III clinical study conducted in collaboration with Merck (known as MSD outside the U.S. and Canada) and Bayer.

Heart failure (HF) is a serious debilitating condition that is characterized by the progressive decline in the heart's ability to pump enough blood through the body. The global burden of HF is increasing, and the mortality rate remains high. According to the American Heart Association, HF mortality is worse than some cancers, with approximately one third of patients dying within one year of hospitalization for an acute HF event.

"Despite available treatment options, the prognosis for HFrEF patients remains poor and we need new treatment options," said Paul W. Armstrong, MD, founding director of the Canadian VIGOUR Centre and Distinguished Professor at the University of Alberta, and chair of the study's Executive Committee. "The VICTORIA study is designed to assess whether the addition of vericiguat on top of standard of care HF therapy can help improve heart and vascular function, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization in patients with deteriorating chronic HF with reduced ejection fraction."

"Currently, one in five people worldwide are expected to develop HF in their lifetime. Hence a critical unmet need exists for new treatments in patients with deteriorating HFrEF. Retarding or reversing the progression of disease and improving the current standard of care is a top priority," said Dr. Chris O'Connor, co-primary investigator of VICTORIA and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Inova Heart and Vascular Institute. "The VICTORIA Phase III program will help us determine if vericiguat could have a role in the future of HF treatment in this high-risk population."

The event-driven Phase III VICTORIA study will assess the efficacy and safety of vericiguat, administered at a dose of 10 mg, once daily, as compared to placebo (on background standard of care treatment) in reducing the risk of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization in patients with HFrEF following HF hospitalization or receiving an intravenous diuretic without hospitalization. The primary efficacy outcome is the time to first occurrence of cardiovascular mortality or HF hospitalization, which is the composite endpoint of the trial. VICTORIA has a global reach and will enroll approximately 4,900 patients at more than 500 centres across 40 countries. It is anticipated that the study will take 39 months to complete. VICTORIA is conducted by Merck in partnership with the Canadian VIGOUR Centre (CVC) at the University of Alberta and the Duke Clinical Research Institute (DCRI).

The design and dosing of the phase III VICTORIA study was informed by results from the SOCRATES-REDUCED phase II trial in 456 patients with HFrEF, presented at the 2015 American Heart Association (AHA) meeting in Orlando, Florida, and published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). Dr. Burkert Pieske, co-chair of the phase II investigation and Co-Principal investigator of VICTORIA, Director of the Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology, German Heart Institute and the Department of Internal Medicine and Cardiology at the Charite University Hospital in Berlin, said "We are excited that enrollment in our trial has now begun and we have the opportunity to evaluate vericiguat, the first sGC stimulator to be evaluated in patients with chronic HF. We can now carry forward our early promising results into this definitive phase III trial conducted around the globe."

Source: University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry
Certain symptoms associated with the development of Alzheimer's disease, including agitation and depression, affect Hispanics more frequently and severely than other ethnicities. The findings, published in the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience (JNCN), suggest that Alzheimer's disease manifests itself differently in Hispanic populations.

"Our study shows that the severity and proportion of neuropsychiatric symptoms is significantly higher in a Hispanic group compared to non-Hispanic whites," says lead researcher Ricardo Salazar, M.D., a geriatric psychiatrist at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC El Paso). "This could have a significant impact on the treatment and understanding of how Alzheimer's disease progresses in Hispanics."

Both cognitive and behavioral decline can occur with Alzheimer's disease. Cognitive signs of the disease include memory loss and problems with orientation and physical functioning. Behavioral, or neuropsychiatric symptoms, include depression, elation, anxiety, hallucinations, delusions and apathy. These neuropsychiatric symptoms have been associated with higher rates of institutionalization and more rapid progression of the disease.

Curious to understand how neuropsychiatric symptoms manifest in Hispanics with dementia, Dr. Salazar and his team gathered data on more than 2,100 individuals in the Texas Alzheimer's Research and Care Consortium (TARCC) database. Patients profiled in the database are predominantly non-Hispanic whites and Mexican-Americans who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or are otherwise healthy subjects. The team specifically focused on each individual's Neuropsychiatric Inventory Questionnaire (NPI-Q), an exam used to assess the extent of 12 neuropsychiatric symptoms.

A review of the data showed that during MCI -- the intermediate state between healthy cognition and Alzheimer's disease -- all ethnicities were affected equally by neuropsychiatric symptoms. But once the condition had progressed to full-on Alzheimer's disease, the severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms in Hispanics increased significantly.

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Dr. Salazar believes these divergent symptoms may reflect a different disease process in Hispanics.

"When patients have neuropsychiatric symptoms, that signifies deterioration of different areas of the brain," he explains. "I believe functional imaging studies of the brain may show differences in the locations of amyloid or plaque collection in the brains of Hispanics with Alzheimer's disease."

The JNCN study also showed that depression and anxiety were more frequent in healthy Hispanics age 50 years and older than in healthy, non-Hispanic whites of the same age. This corroborates past studies suggesting that depression may be one of the first signs of Alzheimer's disease.

"Hispanics tend to get Alzheimer's disease at an earlier age than other [ethnic groups], and our study shows that these neuropsychiatric symptoms of depression and anxiety manifest earlier in them, too," Dr. Salazar says. "This suggests that depression and anxiety in older Hispanics could be an early warning for Alzheimer's disease--and that treatment of these symptoms could even delay the disease."

As a geriatric psychiatrist in an overwhelmingly Hispanic region, Dr. Salazar has witnessed this phenomenon firsthand.

"I am a strong believer that if you use antidepressants to treat MCI that appears with symptoms of depression, you can slow the progression of Alzheimer's," he says. "Maybe even avoid full-on progression to the disease."

Dr. Salazar implores physicians to be aware that depression can mask dementia, particularly in the Hispanic population.

Dr. Salazar admits the study has limitations. Ethnicity was self-reported by individuals, and there were also fewer Hispanic participants with Alzheimer's disease than white participants with the disease.

While additional research is clearly needed, Dr. Salazar's study could be a window to how to better treat -- and even prevent -- Alzheimer's disease in this rapidly-growing demographic.

Source: Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso
insights from industry Jeff Kudronowicz Applications Engineering Manager,

Anguil Environmental Systems

Can you give me a brief overview of the challenges and problems from volatile exhaust streams in the pharmaceutical industry?

Capturing and destroying harmful emissions from pharmaceutical processes can be challenging. Its not because the pollutants, referred to as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) or hazardous air pollutants (HAPs) are difficult to destroy using catalytic or thermal technologies.

Its because the process stream concentrations can be so high, which raises safety concerns, both when theyre collected in vents and when they reach the final combustion equipment.

What solutions are the current gold standard to clean these danger emissions?

Catalytic and thermal oxidation are often the best technologies for destroying emissions from pharmaceutical and other manufacturing operations. Both use high-temperature combustion to break down pollutants, leaving only carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), heat, and water vapor.

Pharmaceutical operations, typically require customized emission control systems to handle the high concentrations that emanate from tablet coating, fluid-bed processing, and tray drying.

Often these concentrations reach the explosive range, which means the emissions must be diluted before theyre introduced to an oxidizer to ensure a safe operation that protects employees and property.

Please describe the process thats used to manufacture pharmaceuticals that causes these dangerous emissions of VOCs. What levels of danger are there in terms of explosion limits?

Today, most tablet coatings are aqueous, but many pharmaceutical manufacturing operations still use VOCs and HAPs such as ethanol and isopropyl alcohol (IPA). This includes the manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) that are dissolved in VOCs and then spray-dried to create an amorphous solid or granules.

Most of these processes are batch operations, and that leads to significant and nonlinear concentrations in their exhaust. In fact, the emission concentration often exceeds the lower explosive limit (LEL) by more than 100 percent. In the presence of an ignition source and sufficient oxygen, these process exhaustsif not mitigatedwill lead to an explosion.

Emissions from a tray dryer that include IPA

Weve tracked the emissions and LEL concentration of the exhaust from a fully loaded tray dryer that were measured after heat was applied to drive off the VOCs. Approximately 30 seconds after heat was applied, the IPA concentration peaked at approximately 250 percent of LEL.

If this stream was delivered straight to an oxidizer operating at high temperature, there would be an explosion. About 8 minutes after spiking, the VOC concentration decreased to approximately 25 percent of LEL, which is the acceptable limit of most standard catalytic or thermal oxidizers.

Emissions from a fluid-bed processor that include IPA

Fluid-bed processors can generate the same peaks. We tracked the emissions of a fluid-bed processor where the inlet air temperature is 40C for 20 minutes and then remains at 45C until the end of the production run. Following the initial product transfer into the fluid-bed dryer, the exhaust concentration reached an initial peak concentration of approximately 370 percent of LEL.

Approximately 6 minutes later, a second VOC spike occurred after the process bowl was scraped which resulted in a peak concentration of about 200 percent of LEL. These exhaust concentrations, with an ignition source and sufficient oxygen, would most likely result in an explosion.

In short, the data tells us that you should expect high concentrations in emissions from coating, fluid-bed, and tray drying operations. There are two common ways to manage the peaks, mitigate the risks, and operate safely.

How can these emissions be mitigated in a customized system?

The first is vent control software that recognizes when processes or batches are ready to start. It then reserves space for them in the vent collection system.

The software puts you in communication with operators or links to automatic controls at each stage of production, signalling when its safe to come online and when to wait. If multiple demands to vent arrive at the same time, the software delays new batches and processing until it learns that exhausts from earlier batches are well beyond peak VOC concentration.

This control method uses the dilution capacity of existing process exhaust pointsbeyond their peak concentrationsto verify safe status and allow a new batch. If no processes are online to the oxidizer and a batch start is requested, then the software must verify that enough fresh dilution air is available. This software can also verify that sufficient fresh air is available to process several batches in quick succession, maximizing production.

The second method uses software in the oxidizers control system to identify how many processes are running. It then allows only one new process to come online to the oxidizer and only during a specific period.

This software works in the oxidizers PLC-based controls to communicate with operators or equipment and signal when more processes can come online. It could require, for example, a minimum number of processes to be online to the oxidizer for a certain period.

That would indicate that the VOC concentrations are beyond the peak and a new source can come online. The software can also verify that a minimum amount of fresh air is sent to a new production source to dilute the exhaust before it reaches the oxidizer.

Even with this software installed, additional safety provisions for emission control would likely be incorporated following a plant-wide process hazard analysis (PHA). They would likely include LEL high-limit switches to prevent a dangerous concentration from entering the oxidizer or abatement device.

Ideally, these LEL devices would be self-calibrating to minimize expenses, ensure accuracy and respond very quickly. A PHA would also show where to install LEL controls in relation to the process-exhaust and oxidizer-isolation dampers. Often, flame or detonation arrestors are placed in each process-exhaust line to mitigate damage to the processes if all other safety measures fail.

One the system is sure that the VOCs are at a safe level to be processed, how are they converted into carbon dioxide, water vapor and heat? Please can you give a brief overview of the catalytic oxidation process?

VOC emissions from many pharmaceutical coating and drying processes have historically been controlled with catalytic oxidation. The process is similar to how automotive catalytic converters treat exhaust.

Process emissions pass through a catalyst that allows lower oxidation temperature to destroy the VOCs. Because the process emissionsoften alcohols and/or acetoneare very catalyst-friendly, catalytic oxidation can remove VOCs at high rates.

However, in contrast to automobile exhaust, these industrial emissions are at a low temperature and must be heated to activate the catalyst so it can oxidize the VOCs. Typically, this is done using the oxidizers gas-fired burner, often in conjunction with integral heat recovery to reduce fuel consumption.

Recovering this thermal energytypically at rates of 65 to 70 percentalso reduces the amount of CO 2 emitted into the atmosphere because the system is more energy efficient and depends less on auxiliary fuel-fired burners.

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This catalytic oxidation system that incorporates the catalyst, integral heat exchanger, gas-fired auxiliary heat system, system fan, and a PLC-based control panel and controls emissions from 12 pharmaceutical coating pans and tray dryers, as well as VOCs from an air strippers exhaust.

Although catalytic oxidizers have been used successfully in the pharmaceutical industry for many years, other control technologies have gained appeal because they can treat larger exhaust volumes more efficiently.

Abatement equipment today is also being used to control VOCs from more sources, which increases emission volume and the need to dilute emissions to safe LEL levels. The oxidizer thus grows in size. In order to reduce costs, companies are opting for fewer but larger abatement devices.

Regenerative thermal oxidation is an alternative to catalytic oxidation, please describe this process and how it compares to catalytic oxidation.

The pharmaceutical industry is witnessing a shift from catalytic oxidation to regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTOs), like other industries where abatement equipment volumes have increased over time.

RTOs use high-temperature combustion (with little supplemental fuel) to break down pollutants, converting them into small amounts of CO 2 , heat, and water vapor. Specifically, the process gas and contaminants are progressively heated as they move through insulated chambers filled with ceramic media.

Once oxidized in the combustion chamber, the hot, purified air releases thermal energy as it passes through a second media bed in the outlet flow direction. Valves alternate the airflow direction into the media beds to maximize energy recovery within the oxidizer.

The outlet bed is heated and the gas is cooled so that temperatures at the outlet are only slightly higher than at the process inlet. This greatly reduces the need for auxiliary fuel, which lowers operating costs.

RTOs provide very high VOC destruction efficiency but do so at higher combustion chamber temperatures than catalytic systems without the need for catalyst. Even at higher operating temperatures, auxiliary fuel usage is lower because the energy recovery and thermal efficiency of RTOs is generally 95 percent and can reach values as high as 97 percent. Thus, auxiliary fuel consumption and the resulting CO 2 emissions to atmosphere are lower with an RTO than they are with a catalytic oxidizer.

Larger air volumes also favor the RTO technology because they are generally built of carbon steel. That reduces their cost compared to catalytic oxidizers, which not only incorporate precious metal catalysts, but are also primarily built of stainless steel.

This RTO system, rated to handle 40,000 SCFM, is installed at a pharmaceutical plant, where it controls emissions from four tray dryers, 13 fluid-bed processors, and three coaters. The system incorporates LEL controls to verify a safe operating system. Because its located in a cold-weather area, any dilution air thats added is heated to minimize the chance that water or VOCs will condense within the abatement system.

The other major class of system to convert and process VOCs are wet scrubbers, can you provide an overview and comparison with catalytic oxidizers and regenerative thermal oxidizers?

When processes emit extremely high VOC concentrations and exhaust flows are very large, dilution becomes more difficult, and the abatement system can grow quite large and expensive. In those cases, emissions that are soluble in water, such as alcohols, can be treated using a wet scrubber.

The VOCs, however, will likely to be transferred to a water stream for disposal, which may be an additional burden on the facility. In addition, the vapor pressure of the alcohols can be relatively high, which means that the wet scrubbers often use once-through water.

That raises concerns about the volume of water used and how to dispose of it. Even so, this method has been used on occasion to control high concentrations of VOC (alcohol) emissions. In some instances, wet scrubbers are used in conjunction with oxidation equipment such as RTOs.

This packed-bed wet scrubber controls the emission of alcohol using water, which then flows to the companys wastewater treatment system.

What needs to be considered before choosing and designing an emissions control system?

When designing abatement systems for pharmaceutical processes that involve coaters or dryers, understand the emission types, what the VOC concentrations are, and how they fluctuate during processing. Next, conduct a PHA to identify the design requirements for the abatement system to operate safely and effectively.

Once you have determined the flow and total emission rate from the facility, consider all the technology options for removing the pollutants. Catalytic oxidation remains a viable technology for relatively small exhaust flow rates.

In general, RTOs offer lower capital and operating costs at process exhaust flows of 5,000 SCFM or larger. Wet scrubbers also warrant consideration even though water consumption and subsequent wastewater treatment may make it unattractive in many applications.

Where can readers find more information?

Abatement Options for the Pharmaceutical Industry / http://www.anguil.com/industries-served/pharmaceutical/

RTOs Leave Nothing to HAP-penstance / https://anguil.com/case_studies/rtos-leave-nothing-to-hap-penstance/

ETO Sterilizer Abatement / https://anguil.com/case_studies/eto-sterlizer-abatement/

About Jeff Kudronowicz

Jeff Kudronowicz is applications engineering manager at Anguil Environmental Systems, 8855 North 55th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53223. Tel. +1 414-365-6400 Website: www.anguil.com.

A chemical engineer with more than 30 years experience in the air pollution control industry, Kudronowicz is responsible for equipment selection, pricing, and technical sales support for applications that include oxidizers, emission concentrators, dust collectors, and acid-gas scrubbers.
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.
With the steering wheel turning on its own and radar and camera technology guiding it, a driverless car took to Britain's streets for the first time on Tuesday, as part of trials aimed at getting autonomous vehicles onto the roads by 2020.The electric-powered pod - like a small two-seater car - navigated its way around a pedestrianised area in the southern English town of Milton Keynes at 5 miles (8km) per hour, turning corners and stopping as pedestrians crossed its path.The government is encouraging tech firms and carmakers to develop and test autonomous driving technology in Britain, aiming to build an industry to serve a worldwide market it says will be worth around 900 billion pounds ($1.1 trillion) by 2025.Earlier this year, it launched a consultation on changes to insurance rules and motoring regulations to prepare for driverless cars by the turn of the decade and said vehicles would be tested on motorways from next year.The pod, heavily adapted from a compact Renault car, was developed by Oxford University spin-out Oxbotica, with organisers hoping the trials will show how the vehicle interacts with road-users and introduce it to the public."The important thing is it's the first time that we've put a self-driving vehicle in the UK in a public space," Neil Fulton, a programme director at the government-sponsored Transport Systems Catapult which coordinated the project, told Reuters."If people can see that these vehicles are capable of driving themselves they can gain trust in them," he said.The pod, fitted with software developed by the Oxford Robotics Institute, has a tablet computer on the dashboard which allows the car to switch to the autonomous mode with a touch of the screen.Carmakers Jaguar Land Rover and Ford are both part of driverless car projects in Britain, as major automakers seek to head off the challenge from technology firms such as Alphabet Inc's Google, which is also developing autonomous vehicles.But all parties still need to overcome legal obstacles including determining who would be responsible in the event of an accident, with recent incidents involving driving assistance systems raising safety concerns.Organisers in Milton Keynes ran a number of exercises ahead of the trial including mapping the town and conducting safety planning with the local council.The city, about 45 miles (70 km) north of London, was selected alongside three other locations for autonomous technology projects partly due to its wide pavements and cycle path network.Britain aims to be more flexible in its approach to driverless car testing than some countries, with Germany saying it will require 'black box' data recorders in such vehicles and carmakers having to navigate different rules across U.S. states.But others are moving quickly. Last month, U.S. tech firm Uber launched a self-driving pilot programme on the demanding streets of Pittsburgh British project organisers hope to have 40 driverless pods operating in Milton Keynes next year, and Oxbotica Chief Executive Graeme Smith has longer-term plans."Our ambition is more than just cars, more than just pods. It is really anything with wheels that can be automated," Smith told Reuters. "We are certainly thinking about buses ... and the off-road environment, not just pavements and roads."
A Toyota Motor Corp official has raised concerns about California's plans to require compliance with a planned U.S. autonomous vehicle safety checklist, calling it "preposterous."



Hilary Cain, director of technology and innovation policy at Toyota Motor North America, criticised California's proposal to require automakers to submit the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) 15-point safety checklist before testing vehicles.



"If we don't do what's being asked of us voluntarily by NHTSA, we cannot test an automated system in the state of California. That is preposterous and that means testing that is happening today could be halted and that means testing that is about to be started could be delayed," she said at a Capitol Hill forum.



On September 30, California unveiled revised rules that carmakers will have to certify that they complied with the 15-point NHTSA assessment instead of self-driving cars being required to be tested by a third-party, as in the original proposal.



California would allow for the absence of a human driver and a steering wheel in advanced self-driving cars, provided there is two-way communication with the vehicle and NHTSA approval. California will hold a public hearing on the proposal October 19.



President Barack Obama wrote a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette op-ed last month saying the administration is asking automakers "to sign a 15-point safety checklist showing not just the government, but every interested American, how theyre doing it."



Cain also raised concerns about whether the NHTSA guidelines are too vague. "The problem is there is going to be accountability and there is going to be enforcement," Cain said, saying in some areas NHTSA needs to offer more specific guidance. "We need to go through this with a fine-tooth comb."



Former NHTSA Administrator David Strickland, who now represents self-driving advocates including Alphabet Inc's Google unit, Ford Motor Co and Uber Technologies, raised concerns at the forum about whether NHTSA has the expertise to review all of the data they are seeking on self-driving vehicles. Congress may need to "better resource the agency to deal with this new mission," he said.



NHTSA has said it may need authority to conduct "pre-approval" of self-driving technologies before they are marketed. Cain said "the approach is somewhat flawed" and called for more conversation about how consumers can be assured that self-driving cars are safe.



Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx told Reuters last month he strongly believes "we'll get great compliance from the auto industry" on voluntary self-driving guidelines
"Game of Thrones" actor Liam Cunningham paid a surprise visit on Tuesday to a teenage Syrian refugee now in possession of a German visa and living in Stuttgart, a month after first meeting him in Jordan.



Cunningham, who plays Ser Davos Seaworth in the HBO television channel hit medieval fantasy first met 16-year-old Hussam when he visited Jordan's northern city of Irbid in early September, as part of a project by the charity World Vision to raise awareness about the plight of refugees.



The Irish actor and his British co-stars, Lena Headey and Maisie Williams, have also visited refugee camps in Greece earlier this year.



Hussam told Reuters he was "really happy, really happy" when Cunningham surprised him, adding, "It is like seeing my father."



Hussam fled first to Jordan after his school in Syria was struck by missiles during his final exams. "A plane shot the school with missiles. So, many students (and) my friends are dead and killed," Hussam said.



Hussam is one of more than four million Syrians who have fled the country's war, which began in 2011 after a popular uprising against President Bashar al-Assad and his family's rule. The war has killed more than 300,000 people, half the population has been displaced and much of urban Syria has become a wasteland.



According to World Vision, Hussam's father and brother are already legally settled in Germany. Hussam is now staying in a hotel in Stuttgart with his mother until they find accommodation and the teenager has been teaching himself to speak German.



Cunningham commended Germany for welcoming refugees fleeing war in their home countries.



"This is the result of somebody in the government here and the large heart that the German people have of accepting people in trouble," Cunningham said.
@SushmaSwaraj lost my husband ystrday. My only child, Abhai Kaul, Am citizen, can't get Indian visa before Local Thursday. Is this human?  Sarita Takru (@saritakru) October 11, 2016

This dreadful wait must end. Please give my son Indian visa in US so his father may be cremated. Please support. Need empathy.  Sarita Takru (@saritakru) October 11, 2016

I am sorry to know about the sad demise of your husband. Just wait - I will help you. https://t.co/KSvgSZtq8R  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 11, 2016

@saritakru Pl give me your son's phone number in America, we will contact him.  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 11, 2016

Our Embassy in US is closed for Vijaya Dashmi and Moharram. I have sent a message. We will open the Embassy and give visa to your son. https://t.co/W5may5dy0H  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 11, 2016

All it may take is a tweet, and External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will rush to the help of those in distress.On Tuesday morning, Sarita Takru whose husband died the day before, tweeted to the minister asking for her help to get an Indian visa for her only son Abhai Kaul in the US, so that he could reach in time for the cremation.On noticing Takru's tweet, Swaraj asked for her son's phone number so that she could extend help.And in a prompt response, the minister directed the Indian Embassy in Washington to grant visa to Kaul to attend his father's last rites, despite the mission being closed for two days for Vijaya Dashmi and Moharram.Soon after Swaraj's instructions, the Indian Embassy requested Takru to share her son's details so that visa could be granted swiftly.It was another one of the instances where the minister has won people's hearts for taking time out from her busy schedule to address people's problems.
Few friends would go to the ends of the earth for you in times of need #ParmeshwarGodrej was one of them. RIP. Cherished friendships  Shekhar Kapur (@shekharkapur) October 11, 2016

Mumbai lost a philanthropist, visionary & a great lady..Rest in peace #ParmeshwarGodrej. Your city & people will miss you...  Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) October 11, 2016

Will never forget Parmeshwar Godrej and her work for #AIDS through her #HeroesProject . A charismatic, indefatigable force. #RIP  Rahul Bose (@RahulBose1) October 11, 2016

Deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Parmeshwar Godrej. She was gifted, brilliant&very likeable. A star dimmed https://t.co/wgc9ZVEm04  Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) October 11, 2016

Saddened by the passing of our friend, Parmeshwar Godrej. She was a warm and loving person who we will all miss.  Madhuri Dixit-Nene (@MadhuriDixit) October 11, 2016

Rest in peace #ParmeshwarGodrej Such a dignified and kind lady. Power with grace. Strength to Adi sir and their family.  Siddharth (@Actor_Siddharth) October 11, 2016

A woman with solid strength integrity and grace..I cannot believe you are not with us any more Parmeshwar Godrej..Condolences to the family  PRIYANKA (@priyankachopra) October 11, 2016

Deeply saddened & shocked to hear that Parmeshwar Godrej passed away. She was one of the most vivacious & energetic women I have known #RIP  Sameera Reddy (@reddysameera) October 11, 2016

RIP Parmeshwar Godrej. She was warm, generous, a friend, my guru in my passion for art, humanitarian and a society beacon. Will miss her.  Harsh Goenka (@hvgoenka) October 11, 2016

Deeply saddened to hear about Parmeshwar Godrej #RIP

She was a committed crusader against HIV, a philanthropist with a golden heart!  Vivek Anand Oberoi (@vivek_oberoi) October 11, 2016

Deeply saddened to learn lovely beautiful Parmeshwar Godrej passed away last night at Breach Candy.She was truly https://t.co/EHt9uCpFzu  Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) October 11, 2016

When you wish that some days just didn't happen.. will miss you Parmeshwar. Deepest condolences to the Godrej & Bahl families.  Farhan Akhtar (@FarOutAkhtar) October 11, 2016

Lost a clos Fly friend yestrdy.My childhud yrs wer filld wth hr https://t.co/sxvbEOSO8G Parmeshwar Aunty U shll b missed #ParmeshwarGodrej  Farah Khan (@FarahKhanAli) October 11, 2016

Devastated by death of close friend, Parmeshwar Godrej, last night: she was always there for me in my most difficult times. 1/2  Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 11, 2016

Tributes poured in from across the country as philanthropist, socialite Parmeshwar Godrej passed away on Monday night. Wife of Adi Godrej, the chairman of the Godrej Group, was suffering from a lung disease for the past five years. One of the most prominent faces of the Mumbai social circuit, Godrej was known for a her philanthropic work and the initiatives she took to spread awareness for AIDS.Known for being a sharp businesswoman, Parmeshwar Godrej is also credited for making the brand Godrej a household name by revamping it and making it more relatable to the common man. She launched the Heroes Project in 2004 along with actor Richard Gere and supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative.A face of the otherwise low-key Godrej family, Parmeshwar was known to be close to Hollywood as well as Bollywood actors hosting the whos who at her place- parties that made headlines next day.Celebrities, politicians and sportsmen paid their condolences on Twitter as the news of her death broke.Not many know but Godrej also was known in the early 1970s as a designer, having provided costumes to some of the most prominent heroines of that time. Godrej later moved to interior designing, which she aced in. She is survived by her husband, Adi Godrej and three children Nisa Godrej, Pirojsha Adi Godrej and Tanya Dubash.
Egyptian and Russian paratroopers will conduct a joint military exercise on the Mediterranean coast in Egypt this month, the coutnry's military spokesman announced on Wednesday.

The military exercise, titled Protectors of Friendship 2016, will take place in the area of Al-Alamein, a coastal city a hundred miles west of Alexandria, from 15-26 October.

The drills will include the deployment of troops, equipment and vehicles, and the exchange of experiences between special forces.

Egyptian paratroopers have already arrived in the training area to undergo altitude military parachuting using different types of jets as preparation for the joint training.

According to the statement, the nine-day exercise comes in the framework of Egypt's joint military exercises for 2016-2017, which included 30 trainings with 20 Arab and African countries.

Egypts official announcement about the exercises comes a week after Russias defence ministry said that Russian paratroopers are expected to travel to Egypt in October to take part in joint military exercises to conduct rehearsals for combat against illegal armed groups in a desert setting.

"For the first time in history a Russian paratrooper unit with its own weaponry and equipment is planning to leave for Africa to participate in a joint international exercise," the ministry said in a statement.

In 2015, Russia and Egypt held a joint naval exercise off the coast of Alexandria, which included supply and communication exercises, search operations, and defence and firing exercises.

In September, Egypt's Defence Minister Sedki Sobhi flew to Russia to discuss various aspects of military cooperation between the two countries.

Septembers visit was the latest in a series of visits focused on boosting military cooperation between Egypt and Russia.

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Amaravati: Noting that politics has become a "shelter" for corrupt people, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on Wednesday reiterated his demand for immediately abolishing currency notes of Rs 1000 and Rs 500 denominations

to curb black money in the country.



"Politics has become a shelter for corrupt people and black money earners. Some people who are in politics are misusing the people's mandate. I'm writing a letter to the Prime Minister today asking that Rs 1000 and Rs 500 notes be abolished and total bank transactions be encouraged," he said at a press conference in his new office at Velagapudi.



The Chief Minister said once these currency notes are abolished, it would also put an end to "buying of votes".



"In course of time, we have to go for total bank accounts. We have to bring in that culture. One, you have to regulate and two, you have to bring in that culture. Then it will curb the evils," Chandrababu said.



"A smartphone is enough to deal with everything. Be it shopping, travelling, money transaction or even if you have to spend money abroad, a smartphone is enough," he said.



Referring to the Centre's recent income disclosure scheme, the Chief Minister said an effort was made (to unearth black money).



"Out of the Rs 65,000 crore disclosed across the country, Rs 13,000 crore was declared in Hyderabad and, out of it, Rs 10,000 crore by a single individual. Who is that, we can't know as per law. Is it possible for a businessman to declare such huge money," he said.



"In the future, in 2-3 or 5 years, they will again regularise black money, depending on their need. You just pay 40-45 per cent penalty and the rest becomes white. Isn't that better ? Nobody can question. Now, there will no social stigma

as well," Chandrababu said.



"If compulsory bank transactions were introduced, it would eliminate the need for money. The lust for money will also be gone and then everybody will earn money in a genuine way," he added.



Stating that India was the only country that could achieve double digit (economic) growth in the future, the Chief Minister stressed on the need for totally eradicating black money.



"We are the biggest market in the world. After the Chinese economy diminished, the world is looking towards India. We are very strong in technology, we have the

demographic dividend and also leadership. India is in a position to become a superpower," Chandrababu said.
Nagpur: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday assured the Dalit community that notwithstanding the demand from a section of the society, a legislation on prevention of atrocities against Scheduled Castes and Tribes will not be abolished.



Addressing a huge gathering at 'Deekshabhoomi' here on 60th Dhamma Chakra Pravartan Day, which marks the mass conversion to Buddhism by B R Ambedkar and his followers in 1956, he said there was a strong demand from a section of the Maratha community to repeal the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act as it is allegedly being

misused, but the act will stay.



A true follower of Ambedkar will not indulge in such misuse and hence there was no need for the Maratha community or any other community to fear its misuse, he said.



Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, Bihar Governor Ramnath Kovind and Dalit leader and Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale were also present.



One of the major demands of the politically dominant Maratha community, which is taking out huge silent marches in Maharashtra, is abolition of the Atrocities Act.



Fadnavis also said the plan of the memorial of Ambedkar at Indu Mill land in Mumbai would be soon finalised.



The Chief Minister also said the plan of the memorial of Dr Ambedkar at Indu Mill land in Mumbai would be soon finalised.



The government had had detailed discussions with top Dalit leaders including Prakash Ambedkar, Jogendra Kawade, Sulekha Kumbhare, Anand Ambedkar and others to avoid any controversy and the design of the memorial was nearing completion, he said.



He also lauded the contribution of former Governor of Bihar and Kerala R S Gavai, who headed the memorial committee till his death, and said a memorial for Gavai would be constructed in his hometown Amravati with a budget of Rs 25 crore.



Gadkari in his speech assured all necessary help from the Centre to turn the Deekshabhoomi into a world-class monument.



A proposal from the state government to create a Buddhist circuit connecting important Buddhist sites had been pending, and now the Centre had sanctioned Rs 100 crore for it, he said.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar on Wednesday said the biggest challenge he faced after assuming office was to "deal with scams"."The biggest challenge was to deal with the scams. We formed laws after some scam was unearthed. It finally led to several stringent laws coming into force and halting entire defence procurement procedure," he said.Terming as "not practical" the blacklisting of companies or entire group for the fault of its subsidiary, Parrikar said there are only 17-20 group of companies across the globe that are into defence equipment manufacturing and supply."There should be a practical approach while initiating any action against the faulty component or product supplied by particular company or arm of a major group. We could blacklist that particular part or arm. It is a subjective issue," he said speaking on "Strengthening India's Defence Capabilities", anchored by security analyst Nitin Gokhale, in suburban Bandra here.The Defence Minister said the Union Law Ministry has approved the draft policy for blacklisting the companies. "We will take it further soon." Parrikar pitched for indigenisation of manufacturing of weapons, as Indian government spends lakhs of crore of rupees on its import."Self-reliance in weapons manufacturing is an imaginary thing. If a country achieves around 70 percent indigenisation in weapon manufacturing, then it should be sufficient and (India) achieving it would be a good thing," he said, adding that by 2019, we will achieve that 70 per cent benchmark."There is no constraint of funds for defence procurement till 2027. Our requirement is projected on Union Finance Ministry's graph," he said.Asked about the progress in development of weapons, the defence minister said, "Based on the Howitzer model, a light gun is in its final stage. Its weight would be 30 percent of the existing canons deployed in mountains.Artillery guns of 155x52 calibre are also going to be replaced soon. These two are major achievements in development of weapons," he said.Clarifying on the OROP issue, he said some people are creating a wrong perception. "Of the Rs 8000 crore demand, we have so far approved a package of Rs 7500 crore," he added.Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an industry exhibition on technology and material sciences in Navi Mumbai, Parrikar said "During the past 23 months that I have been in charge, we have signed contracts worth Rs 2.2 trillion. Recently, we signed a letter of intent with a government-run shipyard for about Rs 32,000 crore, taking the total orders to Rs 2.5 trillion.""Over the next six months, I hope to sign another Rs 50,000-60,000 crore worth of contracts, taking the total to Rs 3 trillion," he said."The Make in India initiative has seen defence exports from Rs 500 crore to Rs 3,000 crore, though the ministry figures will show only Rs 2,100 crore. One reason for this is that export of aviation sector items are not included in this as it has been delicensed."When asked about the inflows through the FDI route after foreign direct investment cap was hiked to 49 percent, he said so far it has been about $100 million but will go up as foreign capital flows in.Parrikar also said his Ministry is finalising a new strategic materials policy so that we can promote production as well as storage of defence-related strategic materials."We have set up a study team to draft a new strategic materials policy to promote the sector, which involves production and storage of these materials," he said.
Singh, along with other snipers, are highly trained and target hitting soldiers meant to hit specific enemies daring to breach LoC.

Even movement of a cat is watched now through electronic gadgets. We cannot afford to give a chance to them (enemies), the officer said.

"Even during recent heavily shelling and firing, we kept hawk's eye vigilance on LoC to foil any design of infiltration or any such attack," the officer said.

For army snipers donning the camouflaged battle-gear, "Dushmun Sikaar, Hum Sikaari" is the "duty mantra" as they guard the highly sensitive Line of Control (LoC).Ply boards with "Dushman Sikaar, Hum Sikari" written on them dot the pine tree tops on the foot-tracks of patrolling parties and border woods along LoC.LoC snipers and soldiers, whose morale has gone further up post surgical strikes on terrorist launch pads in PoK, are out to give befitting reply to any ceasefire violation by Pakistan and foil infiltration attempts of terrorists and Border Action Teams (BATs).Pointing towards a placard bearing the motto nailed to a pine tree on foot-patrolling track along three-tier fence, Sniper Ram Singh (name changed) said, "The enemy sitting across the Lakshman Rekha (LoC) is my prey and I am his hunter. We work as per this motto for those daring to cross this Lakshman Rekha."Like snipers, the motto is no different for jawans and officers monitoring the forward post and undertake foot patrolling along LoC amid electronic surveillance put to guard the Indo-Pak border in Noushera sector of Rajouri district, which falls opposite to the Bhimbher district of PoK, where the heavily armed special forces in pre-dawn surgical strike hit at terror launch pads last month.Noushera sector with thick coniferous woods, deep valleys, rock-cut mountains is now a target of the Pakistan Armed troops post surgical strike defeat.The Noushera sector was once biggest infiltration area as there were huge launching pads and terrorist training camps in Bhimbher-Samahni-Nikyal belt across LoC."We are most vigilant along LoC. We cannot even for a moment keep LoC out of the manual and electronic sight. We cannot trust Pakistani troops. They are insulted following surgical strike," said another soldier at the forward post.Showcasing the electronic surveillance of the LoC, the company commander said that "we are keep a hawk-eye on LoC and forward past posts and sensitive gaps on the border".Rocky mountain clips, dense forest lines and deep rock-cut valleys along the borderline are manned round-the-clock manually and electronically."Apart from continuous observation from forward posts, electronic observation rooms, there is manual patrolling and three-tier lit-up fencing to guard against infiltration and cross LoC raids," the officer said.Amid hostile weather conditions, the soldiers guard the border posts and vow to safeguard the territorial boundaries at the cost of their lives.Undeterred by continuous mortar shell blasts and rattle of heavy machine guns at their posts last week, jawans brave bad weather and inhospitable terrain to keep a strict vigil on the LoC in Poonch.The situation in Poonch-Rajouri sector has deteriorated in the past week following the surgical strike. Repeated ceasefire violations, firing on forward posts and sniper-firings have forced jawans, officers and commanding officers to remain on their toes along the 225-km LoC."Defences at LoC are well prepared. Jawans are well motivated and morale is high. Our troops are prepared for 24X7 for any eventuality along the LoC," the officer said.There is a foolproof security mechanism in place and anti-infiltration measures have also been activated to foil infiltration bids by militants or any kind of BAT attack, he said.Since the surgical strikes, there have been over 26 ceasefire violations from Pakistan along the LoC in which four soldiers and five civilians suffered injuries and 11 shops were gutted.
Sundargarh: In a blatant violation of Odisha High Courts ban on the customary animal sacrifice at any holy abode of Hindu deity, especially Devi Pithas (pious spots of the fiery incarnation of Hindu Goddess) across the state, goats were sacrificed on the occasion of Vijayadashami at Lephripada Police Station, 25 km from the district headquarters on Tuesday.



The police station premises have an age-old holy abode of Goddess Samaleswari, the presiding deity of western Odisha.



Every year, boda (male goats) are offered to the Devi by the local devotees as a mark of gratitude for having fulfilled their wishes as well as to propitiate her.



As per the tradition, the ritual of sacrifice starts at 7 am and the police station offers three male goats to the deity followed by other devotees.



The meat of the animals was also allegedly prepared on station premises by the police for feasting.



Blind belief is a part and parcel of peoples faiths which is not free from serious flaws like animal sacrifice even in this modern era. No god or goddess could be appeased by such animal sacrifices, social activist Suru Mishra said.



Its condemnable and illegal as the police and district administration are expected to execute the law and create awareness against animal sacrifice. Stringent action should be taken even against custodians of law breaching the law of the land, Mishra added.



District BJP leader Himanshu Sekhar Sarangi criticised the police for having violated the Animal Protection Act and Odisha High Courts order.



When man has successfully made his mission to the Mars and media is continuously creating awareness against animal sacrifice, such acts are unjustified. The blatant violation of Animal Protection Act can never be entertained. Being educated and also being the protector of law, its not expected from them to be mute spectators, he said.



CNN News 18 tried reaching out to Sundargarh SP and the IG, Western Range, but they refused to comment on the issue.




New Delhi: Conveying its strong opposition to Russia's joint military exercise with Pakistan, India told Moscow that a nation which "sponsors and practices terrorism as state policy" will create further problems.



"We have conveyed our views to the Russian side that military cooperation with Pakistan, which is a State that sponsors and practises terrorism as a matter of State policy is a wrong approach and it will only create further problems," Indian Ambassador to Moscow Pankaj Saran said in an interview to Russian news agency Ria Novosti.



Mr Saran's remarks come ahead of the bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will be arriving in India on October 14 for the BRICS summit in Goa on Saturday.



India has been communicating its unhappiness to Russia over its joint military exercises with Pakistan held for the first time last month. However, these concerns have been played down by the Russians who maintain that they hold similar military drills with other countries of the region as well.



"There are some burning issues before the world today which the BRICS countries will certainly address and this includes the question of terrorism and the threat of terrorism faced by all the countries in the BRICS group," Mr Saran said.



On Indo-Russia ties, the envoy said as far as India's relations with Russia are concerned, the two countries share a special and privileged strategic partnership.





"We see no change in this. On the contrary, this has only strengthened in all areas, including in the field of military-technical cooperation," he added



Mr Saran said India-Russia partnership is an anchor of peace and stability in the region and the world.



"We have a regular system of military exercises with Russia. We have been holding these exercises for the last few years with Russia and we will continue to do so," he said.



He also highlighted India's cooperation with Russia in the fields of civil nuclear sector, trade and investments.


As the debate over Triple Talaq heats up with the Centre telling Supreme Court that the practice violates fundamental rights, a Muslim women body has gone a step ahead and demanded a new Muslim Marriage Act on the lines of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955.Shaista Ambar, head of All India Muslim Women Personal Law Board, threw her weight behind Centres affidavit last week in the apex court that the concept of Triple Talaq violated fundamental rights. She told News18 that what the community needed was a new Muslim Marriage Act that should be based on Quranic principles of marriage while aligned with the law of the land. Ambar said she had written to the then President of India Pratibha Patil as early as 2009 on the need for such a law.The Hindu Marriage Act was passed after due deliberations in the Parliament. A Muslim Marriage Act as defined by Quran, which also has a legislative backing, is something which will benefit the community as a whole. The act can nullify polygamy and prohibit Talaq-e-Biddat (Triple Talaq), she said.Ambar also rubbished criticism from conservative circles that she was a pawn at the hands of BJP and RSS. The people who are accusing us of being linked to RSS and BJP are not realizing that it is them who are trying to hide behind their disability and incompetence, she said.Ambars suggestion for a new Act was rubbished by the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), a co-litigant in the Triple Talaq case that has been arguing that it is part of Sharia law and is as inevitable part of Islam.AIMPLB member Zafaryab Jilani said Ambars demand was illusory in nature. If the act prohibits polygamy, then how can it be based on the Quran? Moreover, there are varied sects of Muslims in Indiahow will the law take into account Shia, Sunnis, Ahle Hadees, Hanafi, Hanbali, etc? he asked.Going into the complexity of the issue, Jilani said the Ahle Hadees sect considered Triple Talaq as one Talaq, whereas the Hanafis considered them as three separate Talaqs. How will you ever achieve any harmony? This will be a clear violation of our personal laws. The Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937 gives Muslims the right to contract marriages and divorces according to the personal laws. What is the need to re-think all of this again? he asked.On the Centres affidavit last week in the apex court that the concept of Triple Talaq violated fundamental rights, Jilani said the SC itself had laid down in the Madhu Kishwars judgment that it has no right to interfere in the personal laws of a community under Article 25 of the Constitution. He said AIMPLB would only attempt to remind the court of its earlier stance.Jilani suggested that the Centre hold a referendum on Triple Talaq. Ninety per cent of all Muslim women supports Shariat. The Union government can hold a vote on the issue of triple talaq, and see for itself, he said.Validity of Triple Talaq, issue of alimony, and the idea of a uniform civil code have been three issues that has been doing politic-legal rounds for decades. While the Triple Talaq issue got a fresh lease of life with the Centres affidavit last week, the civil code also came into limelight when the Law Commission put out a questionnaire seeking public comments on the topic.Ambars demand for a new Marriage Act received support from unexpected corners like the Social Democratic Party of India (SDPI), the political outfit of Popular Front of India (PFI), known for its conservative views. Advocate Sharifuddin Ahmed, UP President of SDPI, told News18 that marriage is essentially a contract and every woman can state her intent in the contract itself. A woman should never give approval for a marriage until these issues are sorted out, he said.Nadeem Siddiqui, chief of UP-based All India Muslim Majlis, felt that Muslim women have approached the wrong forum to settle their disputes. This entire tamasha is happening at the behest of the ruling government who is gearing up for the next year UP elections. If one believes in Islam, then such disputes would have never arisen, he said.His views  in line with AIMPLB and other conservative outfits  were echoed by Mohammad Salim Engineer, Secretary General, Jamaat-E-Islami Hind.The sole issue of Triple Talaq has been hyped by the present government to create an atmosphere for the implementation of the Uniform Civil Code. This entire issue has been created to ignite polarization among the communities. We all know that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is hatching a conspiracy here to bring it all up so that a stage for the Uniform Civil Code could be set up. If the government is so worried then what is being done for the people who were lynched at Dadri, or the women who were beaten up for allegedly carrying beef, or the slain Ehsan Jafri? he asked.Ambar rubbished allegations that she was acting at the behest of the Centre or any political outfit. She said she was being targeted by the conservative elements for demanding authentic Islamic justice which makes them uncomfortable.
New Delhi: Prominent exiled Baloch leader Brahamdagh Bugti on Wednesday asserted that Naela Quadri Baloch -- also a face of the independent Balochistan movement -- does not represent the people of the troubled Pakistani province, a day after she announced her decision to approach India for setting up a government-in-exile.



The rift between the leadership spearheading the movement for Balochistan's freedom came to the fore as Bugti tweeted saying any such move needs national consensus and that Prof Baloch, who is currently visiting India, was "damaging" their cause.



"Government in exile is a national issue and National issues cannot be announced without national consensus. "Naila Qadri is not representing Baloch People, rather than supporting they are damaging Baloch cause by their insane actions(sic)," Bugti said in a series of tweets.



Bugti, who is the President of the Baloch Republican Party, had last month approached the Indian Embassy in Geneva seeking asylum in India.



Prof Baloch, who lives in self-exile in Canada, and her son Mazdak Dilshad Baloch are scheduled to attend a series of meetings and seminars over the next few days in and outside New Delhi.



The Baloch cause for freedom received a major boost after Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought up Pakistani atrocities on people of Balochistan and of PoK in his Independence Day speech.
Last month, India used its influence in Saarc to isolate Pakistan when it announced that it would not attend the regional group's 19th summit, scheduled in Islamabad on November 15 and 16.

Pakistan is exploring the possibility of creating a greater South Asian economic alliance to counter India's controlling hold on the eight-member South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (Saarc), diplomatic observers said.A parliamentary delegation from Pakistan, which is now in New York, pitched this idea during its five-day visit to Washington last week, Dawn online reported on Wednesday."A greater South Asia is already emerging," said Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, in one of his interactions with the media."This greater South Asia includes China, Iran and the neighbouring Central Asian republics."He described the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor as the key economic route linking South Asia with Central Asia.The Gwadar port, he said, would be the nearest warm water port, not only for China but also for the land-locked Central Asian states."We want India to join this arrangement as well," said Hussain, an offer Indians are unlikely to accept as they are comfortable with the advantage that Saarc provides them.India cited Pakistan's involvement in the September 18 terrorist attack at an Army camp in Uri town of Kashmir, in which 19 soldiers died, as the reason for its decision to boycott the summit.India has blamed Pakistan for the attack, a claim which Islamabad has denied. Other Saarc nations -- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan and Sri Lanka -- joined India to boycott the meeting.According to Dawn, the boycott has led to an indefinite postponement of the summit and exposed Pakistan's isolation within the region."Apparently, the showdown forced Pakistan to conclude that in its present shape, Saarc will always be dominated by India. That's why they are now talking about a greater South Asia," said a senior diplomat, confirming reports that Pakistan is actively seeking a new regional arrangement."Pakistan hopes that this new arrangement will give it more room to manoeuvre when India tries to force a decision on it," said another diplomat.Diplomatic observers in Washington said the proposed arrangement also suits China as it is worried about India's rapidly growing influence in the region.They argued that China can play an important role in persuading Central Asian republics and Iran to join the new arrangement.But, according to the observers, Saarc members will have little interest in supporting the idea.There is not much benefit for Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka in joining a land route far from their borders and Dhaka as well as Colombo have their own ports.The member that is likely to get the most benefits from a greater South Asian alliance is Afghanistan, which is technically a land-locked Central Asian nation.But observers believe that Afghanistan is too closely linked to India to join any arrangement that hurts New Delhi's interests.Afghanistan's presence in Saarc, however, justifies Pakistan's argument that Central Asian nations can be included in a greater South Asia.Saarc member states imposed a stipulation for Afghanistan to hold general elections, which were held in late 2005, enabling the country to join the group as its eighth member in April 2007.But, as a South Asian diplomat pointed out, even if a greater South Asia became reality, there's no guarantee that its members would support Pakistan in its disputes with India."Many Central Asian states have strong ties with India and Iran too has problems with Pakistan," the diplomat said.
Change of guard is hardly a smooth process. And O Panneerselvams appointment as the almost-chief minister of Tamil Nadu seems to be no different with BJP MP Subramanian Swamy claiming credit and DMK leader M Karunanidhi wondering just how the ailing Amma, who is out of bounds for everyone, could advise the governor on the succession.Finance Minister Panneerselvam was handed over all the portfolios looked after by J Jayalalithaa on Tuesday night on the advice of the chief minister, according to a release from the Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan. Jayalalithaa was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai on September 22 and the hospital has said she requires a longer stay.Defending the decision, AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswathi also underlined Panneerselvams qualifications to be the stand-in CM. Panneerselvam is a very good and hardworking man and in the past he has been CM for some time, she said.But of course, BJPs Swamy and DMKs Karunanidhi are not buying it all wholesale. Swamy was quick to remind everyone that it was he who wrote to the Union Home Ministry to impose President's Rule in the state till Jayalalithaa recovers. A few hours after Jayalalithaas portfolios were allotted to Panneerselvam, Swamy tweeted: Appointment of Paneer (sic) as chairman of the cabinet was triggered by my demand for Presidents rule. It led to Governor summoning Ministers.AIADMK circles say Panneerselvam has been the obvious choice of the AIADMK. He began his political career in 1980s, joining the AIADMK at the instance of former chief minister and Jayalalithaa's mentor MG Ramachandran. When MGR died in 1987, Panneerselvam first took sides with the late CM's wife Janaki, but switched over to the Jayalalithaa camp when it became evident she would become successor.In 2001, the first-time MLA was made the CM when Jaya was sent to jail in the Tansi land scam case. True to his devotion to Amma, he refused to sit in the Chief Ministers chair and occupied an adjacent seat. Since then, he has been holding important portfolios, including Finance, Public Works, Prohibition and Excise.He returned to the chair in 2014 when Jayalalithaa was convicted in the disproportionate assets case. This time around, he sobbed uncontrollably while taking oath as the CM.For the last few weeks, it is Panneerselvam who has been receiving the political big-wigs, ranging from Amit Shah to Rahul Gandhi, who landed up in Apollo to enquire about the CMs health.While the main opposition DMK has welcomed the Governors decision, the party says this could have been done earlier. DMK supremo Karunanidhi has questioned the Governors claim that it was Jayalalithaa who had asked for reallocating her portfolios to Panneerselvam. In a statement, he said: It is surprising to know that the Chief Minister has advised Tamil Nadu Governor to reallocate the portfolios held by her to O Panneerselvam and has signed in the advisory at a time when there are reports that no one is being allowed to meet her at the hospital.
Libya's major powers, namely those supporting the country's unity government, seem to be reassessing the situation in the North African country after recent geostrategic developments including eastern commander Khalifa Haftar's seizure of some of Libya's major oil ports.

An international meeting on the conflict in the country called and hosted by France earlier this month failed to gather momentum, produce an action plan or come up with recommendations on the crisis. Nevertheless, the gathering is still seen as essential as it serves as an indication of international powers' awareness of major political shifts taking place in the strife-ridden country that would redefine the balance of local powers and impact the security situation.

Among the main benefits of the meeting was having intentional and regional powers involved in the Libyan crisis acknowledge that Haftar's Libyan National Army is a major security player in the crisis and that any future transitional move should be planned accordingly.

The meeting did not serve as an attempt to bring Libya's polarised eastern and western forces closer together, but rather as a move to identify the means to reach future settlements based on political versus security weight. It was also a bid by western powers to develop a new strategy that takes into account the new balance of powers and possible future scenarios in Libya.

It has also made it clear that a 2015 United Nations-brokered agreement to form a national unity government seemingly needs amendment to reach stability in the war-torn country and save it from falling apart.

Paris, in principal, does not have any trump cards to push any of the sides towards settlement, given the divergence between Western powers supporting the Libya's unity government of Prime Minister Fayez Seraj. Nor does it have a coherent action plan or strategy to keep up with developments on the ground.

Paris's position on the crisis in Libya has been that of no intervention unless the Islamic State militant group goes on to seize the country or large swathes of it. France has thus maintained special forces in Libya's mountainous western region of Zintan to intervene when necessary.

France has long believed that the political conflict between Libya's east and west would once again descend into civil war and that the Islamic State group's withdrawal from strategic regions means a new strategy is urgently needed to contain the situation that would have implications for southern Europe.

This said, France, however, has only moved a step forward symbolically not strategically with the recent meeting, as the situation in Libya is seemingly governed by foreign rather than local players.

The likely scenario of a power struggle in Libya will be that the two heavyweight fronts, Hafrat and Sarraj, attempting to weaken one another. There is a power balance between the two sides, with Haftar having military weight and Sarraj having political influence besides regional and US-European funds, making it not an easy task for both sides to seize areas controlled by rivals.

Each side is in fact seeking to establish itself, with Haftar looking for a greater role to seize larger swathes of the country to present himself as a political-military reader. But with the outcome of the Paris meeting, chances are that Haftar will not receive enough support to topple Sarraj.

Haftar will therefore have to choose between either joining Sarraj's government with a deal that would allow him to preserve his military weight until the almost one-year transitional period culminates with polls and the cabinet is approved by a parliament in a later vote, or reaching a deal with foreign players who have thrown their weight behind Sarraj with a plan to fight militant forces worrying the West, without integrating himself into Sarrajs government.

If he chooses the second scenario, he will have to stand on a neutral footing with the unity government and the balance of military and security powers, through a military council with the Sarraj government that does not allow either side to infringe on each other's authorities.

Sarraj, who meanwhile is seeking to bolster his political position, would be required to guarantee he will not trespass on Haftar's military powers by marinating the armament decision with the government, a key move in rebuilding the army.



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Construction of a Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and surgical strikes in Pakistan will be the two central issues on which BJP will contest next years Assembly elections in Uttar Pradesh, party MP and national executive member Subramanian Swamy told CNN-News18, raising the prospect of a deeply polarised period ahead in Indias most electorally significant state This issue (Ram Mandir) has not gone anywhere. If we dont raise it in UP, then where will we raise it? It is on our manifesto and will definitely be our main focus, he said.Swamy is the first member of the BJPs national executive, a body second in importance to the powerful parliamentary board, to speak about the Ram Mandir as a major election issue.His argument runs counter to BJP President Amit Shah utterances on the issue. Shah has long said that the party will fight elections in UP on the plank of Prime Minister Narendra Modis pet theme of good governance and will offer a message of change to the states voters.BJP spokesperson Zafar Islam refused to comment on what Swamy said on the Ram Mandir issue but he cautioned not to read too much into Modis Ramlila speech in Lucknow on Tuesday.Too much is being read into the slogan (Jai Shri Ram) by the PM yesterday. While celebrating Holi, you dont wish people Happy Diwali. Similarly, at Ramlila one would naturally say Jai Shri Ram, he told News18.The BJP won elections in UP in 1991 riding the wave of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement that demanded a Ram temple be built in place of the Babri Masjid. The mosque was demolished by kar sevaks (volunteers) of the movement who built a makeshift temple at the disputed site on December 6, 1992, triggering the dismissal of the UP Assembly.The BJP has raised the Ram temple issue in subsequent campaigns, but it didnt yield tangible electoral dividends.About the cross-LoC surgical strikes carried out by the Indian Army last month, Swamy said the Prime Minister, and Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar deserve full credit for the decision and dismissed opposition allegations that the BJP was politicising the surgical strikes.Yes, the PM did advise against chest-thumping but the defence minister is the authorised person to speak. As far as BJP leaders go, we will speak our mind and take all the credit that the party rightfully deserves, he said.
Indore: BJP General Secretary Kailash Vijaywargiya on Wednesday said that seeking proof of recent cross-LoC surgical strikes on terror launch pads and doubting the Army over it, amounts to sedition.



"After the surgical strikes, a top official of the Army had officials briefed the media about it. In spite of this, if somebody doubts Army, this amounts to sedition," Vijaywargiya told reporters here.



"If somebody was seeking proof of the surgical strikes, this means he is casting aspersions on the Army. Army should not be doubted at any cost rather its morale should be boosted," he added.



India had carried out surgical strikes on seven terror launch pads across the LoC with the Army inflicting "significant casualties" on terrorists preparing to infiltrate from PoK on the intervening night of September 28 and 29, days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned Uri attack would not go unpunished.



On the drive underway calling for boycott of Chinese goods in India, Vijaywargiya said that the move will force the China to relook at its stance of supporting Pakistan internationally.



To a query, he said, the family running the UP government is fighting and trying to puncture the bicycle (the election symbol of Samajwadi Party) of each other.



"Their present and future is clear," he said referring to the ruling party in UP which is going to polls next year. On ally Shiv Sena announcing to field 200 candidates in the UP Assembly polls, which might upset the applecart of BJP, he said that the Sena has been averse to people from UP and Bihar in Mumbai.



"Looking at this who will vote for them," he contended.


Washington: Sino-India relationship, which is under stress, needs to be "recalibrated" as the 1988 arrangement is no longer an 'effective tool' with the changed situation, former national security advisor Shivshankar Menon has said ahead of President Xi Jinping's visit to India.



"India China relationship are under stress. You can see this stress -- Masood Azhar designation as terrorists, the NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group), I mean, I do not need to list all this. So there is stress in this relationship," Menon told PTI.



"These are signs of relationship in stress, where there is not sufficient strategic communication between the two countries," he said ahead of the arrival President Xi to attend the two-day BRICS Summit in Goa over the weekend.



However, the former foreign secretary, said he is not pessimistic over the bilateral relationship.



"I am not pessimistic about the future of India-China relations," he writes in his book 'Choices: Inside the making of India's Foreign Policy' which was released at the Brookings Institute last week. The book is set to hit the stores globally next week.



On the foreign policy side, Menon, who was the national security advisor from 2011 to 2014, said he sees "certainly a great deal of continuity" by the Modi government.



"Many of the things they have done, land boundary agreement with Bangladesh for instance, what they have been doing in relationship with the US, many of these things, Act East from Look East are actually continuation of what had been going on before," he said.



"Continuity is good," he said, adding that this reflects that this is "India's policy and that it would also be carried forward."



"But it has its limits. If the situation changes. The balance of power in the Asia Pacific is changing, China's rise, some relationships need to be recalibrated, with China certainly," said Menon, who was the foreign secretary from 2006-2009.



Menon said the current modus vivendi with China, formalised during former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi's visit in 1988 that has worked for nearly three decades, is no longer an effective tool.



"This was basically, we would discuss whatever difficult issues we have, but we would not let that stop us from developing the relationship where we can co-operate. And that's how it became our largest trading partner. Or from co-operating on the global stage where we have common interest. And we worked together in WTO, climate change negotiations," he noted.



But the basis on which we build that modus vivendi, which is the balance of power that existed and the situation that existed around that time has changed, he said.



"China has changed, India has changed. The situation has changed. So that modus vivendi clearly no longer works. India China relationship are under stress," he said.



"So what do you do know," he asked.



"You need to whether find a new modus vivendi, a new equilibrium in the relationship, which you need to do by sitting across the table and talking with the Chinese. And seeing what are your core interest and what are their core interest, where is the overlap, where is the friction and how are you going to deal with it," said Menon, who during his distinguished diplomatic career served as the Indian Ambassador to China.



Or else, Menon warned "you can just let it drift, which is dangerous."



Because, one never knows which one of these issues can become a dangerous issue and make "trouble for you", he added.



"Then managing the relationship, it starts effecting the rest of the relationship. You have a relationship today with China in which you both cooperate and compete. That is not likely to change fundamentally. But you need to find ways to managing and containing that relationships, so that you can concentrate on the more important thing, which is developing and transforming India," Menon said.



Responding to a question, Menon denied the impression that Pakistan is working as a proxy for China.





"I would not describe any State as others proxies. All States follow their own interest. When it coincides with somebody else s they work together. And I think, this is what we see in the case of China and Pakistan," he noted.



"A proxy means that they are only serving only somebody s else s interest. That s not true. Pakistan serves its own interest. Where it can, it works with another power it can and it charges strategic rent for what it does.



It does so with China, it does so with others in the Middle East, it has done so for the US when the US found Pakistan useful in Afghanistan when the Soviets were in Afghanistan. So I would not call Pakistan a proxy of China.



Pakistan has its own interest in the way it deals with us. And those remain with or without China," he observed.



Menon said on Wednesday China needs Pakistan for several reasons.





"It is not just India, but also because as China steps out, as China tries one belt one road, tries to create a region where Xi has a major say. It needs friend and allies, which today are North Korea and Pakistan," he said.



"There is a whole new set of issues on the trade side, world economy side, what do we do in terms of TTP, RCEP, various attempts to create free trade areas to the east of us, to actually break up the world economy into separate areas, these are big fundamental issues for us," Menon said.



How do we deal with climate change for instance, energy security and climate change together. These are issues that I think, would more than just continuity," Menon said.



"They would need more creative solution, more work in the future. Those are the big challenges for this government, because all of them have major domestic repercussions," Menon said.


The Union HRD Ministry has kicked off the process to find a replacement for Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) Vice Chancellor Lt General Zameer Uddin Shah seven months before the expiry of his term, the manner of its actions raising concerns whether the institutions minority status could be at risk.The ministry has written a letter to the university to initiate the process to find a replacement for Shah and also reminded it about the need to adhere to a clause of the University Grants Commission, which a few, including Shah, fear could undermine some of AMUs distinctiveness.Shah confirmed to News18 receipt of the ministrys letter and said he had sought legal opinion on the UGC Regulations 2010 that stipulates that Vice Chancellor of any central university should have 10 years of teaching experience besides being an academician.We are seeking legal advice on the adoption of UGC Regulations 2010, which we want to be examined first. We want to know if it is going to jeopardise our minority status, which is a very sensitive and important issue for us, he said.Shah clarified AMU had no problems with the regulation, which is a general instruction for all central universities. We are only examining if it will prejudice our stand or not, he said. AMU has a distinct process to select the VC and the university was working on constituting a new selection panel for the next Vice Chancellor, which would be over by November, he said.News18 is in possession of a copy of the letter written by Surat Singh, Deputy Secretary, Union Ministry for Human Resources Development (HRD), to the Registrar of AMU on September 20.Traditionally, candidates for the VC position are shortlisted by the AMU Executive Council, which sends a list of five candidates to the AMU Court. Here, the number of candidates is brought down to three in the order of preference and this list is sent to the President of India, the Visitor of the university, for final selection.Shahs appointment as VC in 2012 had been challenged in the Supreme Court on grounds that it violated the UGC Regulations 2010 since he is a retired Army officer and not an academic. His appointment was challenged in the Allahabad High Court by alumni Syed Abrar Ahmed, but the ruling went in favour of Shah. The court said there was nothing wrong with the procedure, but the petitioner had since challenged the verdict in the Supreme Court where the case is going on.When asked how the adoption of UGC Regulations 2010 will infringe upon the minority status of AMU, Shah didnt elaborate except say that the university has its own methods and rules of appointment.However, there are enough critics of Shah who allege that following UGC regulations and protecting the minority status of AMU are two different issues.Mustafa Zaidi, suspended secretary of AMU Teachers Association, said there was no logic at play here. Minority status is different from adoption of UGC Regulations  one has to do with functioning of the university, while the other is about regulation. There is no logic how maintaining good academic standards can jeopardise a minority status. Does that mean a minority institute should go for a sub-standard head or compromise on minimum qualifications? he asked.Zaidi was suspended from the AMUTA for holding dharnas against the VC and AMU administration.In January 2016, the central government had told the Supreme Court that the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) cannot be categorised as a minority institution because it was established by an Act of Parliament and not set up by the Muslim community. This was a departure from the stand taken by the UPA government that had supported AMUs minority status in court.The NDA government, however, told the top court that over the years, it had "erroneously" treated the AMU as a minority institution established and administered under Article 30(1) of the Constitution.The latest HRD letter to AMU Registrar said that in setting up a panel for the appointment of new VC it should keep in mind the Supreme Court judgment in the Kalyani Mathivanan vs KV Keyaraj and Ors on March 11, 2015, whereby it has been held the UGC Regulations 2010 are mandatory to teacher and other academic staff in all central universities and colleges and institutions deemed to be universities whose maintenance expenditure is met by the UGC.Also, regarding the observance of the UGC 2010 Regulations, the ministry has written to all central universities, to adopt the UGC Regulations 2010 and carry out necessary changes in the statues. Further, this ministry has written to the VC of AMU regarding observance of the provisions of UGC Regulations 2010 while preparing the panel for appointment of new Vice Chancellor.
   .    . Pl do not worry. We will issue the Visa. pic.twitter.com/yubcZXcQKG https://t.co/8jUPo6VUvi  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 7, 2016

- Amid heightened border tensions, External Affairs minister Sushma Swaraj has managed to save a cross-border marriage of Jodhpur based Naresh Tewani with Karachi girl Priya Bachani who are scheduled to the tie nuptial knot on 7th November.After media reports about bride's family facing problem in getting Visa surfaced, Swaraj assured help to the family in procuring the visa for the wedding.She tweeted, "Pl don't worry, we will issue the visa"A day after Sushma tweeted, the Indian High Commission in Islamabad issued Visa to Priya Bachani and 11 of her family members.Priya and Naresh got engaged three years ago but the girl and her family members reportedly applied for Indian Visa around three months ago.Majority of Hindus in Pakistan live in the Sindh province. Some of them have thriving businesses in Pakistan's commercial capital Karachi. Even though there has been a steady exodus of Hindus from Pakistan post 1990s, Karachi still has some Hindu businessmen and professionals.The marriage between their community in India and Hindus in Pakistan is quiet common. The Hindu community leaders argue that if Indian government relaxes visa norms for them, there can be more interaction and matrimonial alliances.Umerkot district bordering Rajasthan has over 50% Hindu population and many of them have married across the border.
With the upcoming edition of FDCI's Amazon India Fashion Week (Spring-Summer 2017), the fashion business is officially back in the capital. Kick-starting on October 12, the event will present a plethora of designs which will conclude leaving behind many fashion trends for the fashionistas to follow.



The 28th edition of the fashion week, helmed by the Fashion Design Council Of India, will see a total of 110 designers showcasing their collections through the runway and stall area at NSIC grounds, Okhla. For those itching to know what all to expect from the gala, heres a quick glimpse.



India Modern Festive



The theme of this times fashion galore is India Modern Festive. With selections curated for festivities, the 5-day-event will open with the re-interpretation of Chanderi and close with a never-seen-before Guru-Shishya presentation. 23 style gurus will explore the possibilities that the handloom legacy offers on the first two days with an aim to revive the rich heritage of Indian weaves. For the opening day, 16 designers have also joined hands with Scindia family of Gwalior, in the upliftment of Chanderi weaver clusters. The festive rendition, however, will be brought to life by JJ Valaya and Alapana-Neerajs show on its closing day. While Valayas designs will represent the festive part, Alpana-Neeraj will redefine Modern with their restrained sculpting.



Italy As Partner Country



The upcoming edition is not just important as itll set trends for the months to follow but also because it marks an important association between India and Italy in the world of style and fashion. A special show titled Fashion Appeals from Shoulders To Heels will provide a platform to Assocalzaturifici (Italian Footwear Manufacturers' Association) and Aimpes (Italian Leather goods Manufacturers' Association) to showcase a collection of leather goods from 41 leading Italian brands. Designers like Alberto Zambelli, Bav Tailor, Davide Grillo and Leitmotiv will also present their designs on October 12.



Participating Designers



Through 31 shows, 63 designers will showcase their collections on the runway. The grand finale will have a first ever Guru-Shishya (Master and Disciple) presentation by the well-known designers JJ Valaya and Alpana-Neeraj, Other participating designers are Samant Chauhan, Rina Dhaka, Shruti Sancheti, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Malini Ramani, Masaba, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, Pankaj and Nidhi.



Menswear Collection



Its not just women that this fashion extravaganza will hold importance for, its also for men as designers Ashish N Soni and Rajesh Pratap Singh will be showcasing their modish menswear collection defining hues of black, white and chrome. Another show focusing on menswear will be presented by Dhruv Vaisah, Pawan Sachdeva and Sahil Aneja.
Mumbai: Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor has lauded the trailer of filmmaker Aditya Chopra's upcoming romantic film Befikre. He says the film seems like an updated adult version of the 1989 film Chandni starring Sridevi.



"Befikre. An outstanding hot trailer! Chandni ka 2016 updated 'adult version'. Exotic locale, natural actors, naughty, witty, funny, romantic," Rishi tweeted on Tuesday.



Starring Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor, Befikre has already created quite a stir among the audience as the duo are seen lip-locking passionately in every poster that has been released. It is a film Chopra has directed after eight years.



Befikre is Chopra's fourth film as a director.




Thiruvananthapuram: The BJP has called a shutdown in Kerala on Thursday to protest against the murder of a party activist in Kannur on Wednesday morning allegedly by CPI-M members.



The announcement was made by state Bharatiya Janata Party President Kummanem Rajashekeran.



He said Remith, a 26-year-old driver, was murdered near the house of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.



He was attacked in front of a petrol pump in Pinarayi village, a police official said.



Remith's father was also murdered earlier by the workers of the Communist Party of India-Marxist, Rajashekeran said.



The murder followed the killing of 52-year-old CPI-M grassroot leader K. Mohanan, who was hacked to death by suspected Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) activists on Monday.



Both murders took place in Vijayan's Dharmadom constituency.



Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala called upon the CPI-M and the BJP to end the politics of murder.



"The situation in Kannur has turned worse and people are living in fear over the way the two parties are taking on each other," Chennithala said. "The police appear to have lost control of the situation."



Since Vijayan assumed office in May, four BJP and three CPI-M workers have been eliminated in Kannur district.
Yangon: Twelve people have died in the north of Myanmar's Rakhine state in clashes between armed men and troops, state media reported on Wednesday, in a sharp escalation of violence in the restive region.



Four soldiers and one attacker were killed on Tuesday when hundreds of men wielding pistols and swords assailed troops in Pyaungpit village, in Maungdaw township.



Troops also found seven dead along with with rudimentary weapons after fighting broke out in the nearby village of Taung Paing Nyar.



"After the incident, troops found seven dead bodies," the state-run Global New Light of Myanmar reported.



"Swords and sticks were found with the bodies."



The military been scouring the region, not far from the border with Bangladesh, after nine police officers were killed on Sunday in coordinated attacks on three border posts.



Most people in the impoverished area are Muslim Rohingya, a stateless minority Buddhist nationalists vilify as illegal immigrants.



The unrest has raised the spectre of a repeat of 2012 when sectarian violence ripped through Rakhine, killing more than 100 people and driving tens of thousands of Rohingya into displacement camps.



Four men suspected of being involved in Sunday's attacks, two of whom were named as Andra Mular Kein and Mawlawi Fordita Laung by state media, were also captured on Tuesday.




Am concerned, possibly convinced, more than 24hrs after the travel ban was imposed that govt is planning to take further, uglier actions.

 cyril almeida (@cyalm) October 11, 2016

Pakistani journalist Cyril Almeida, who had broken the story of a rift between the countrys political and military leadership on Tuesday, says he fears that the government is planning to take further'uglier actions'.He has already been put on the Exit Control List which bars him from travelling outside the country.Hamid Mir, The Editor of Dawn, the paper which published the Cyril Almeida story, has defended the same in an editorial published in the paper which also carried the denials issued by the Prime Minister's office."While any media organisation can commit an error of judgement and Dawn is no exception, the paper believes it handled the story in a professional manner and carried it only after verification from multiple sources. Moreover, in accordance with the principles of fair and balanced journalism, for which Dawn is respected not only in Pakistan but also internationally, it twice carried the denials issued by the Prime Ministers Office," wrote the paper in an editorial.Mir maintained that the story was verified, cross-checked and fact-checked and requested the government that the travel ban on Almeida be lifted at once."This news organisation will continue to defend itself robustly against any allegation of vested interest, false reporting or violation of national security. As gatekeeper of information that was verified, cross-checked and fact-checked, the editor of this paper bears sole responsibility for the story in question. The government should at once remove Mr Almeidas name from the ECL and salvage some of its dignity," said the editorial.Mir also tweeted in support of Almeida."We will not support but will fight for Cyril-Amnesty, APNS, CPNE, PFUJ, HRCP condemn placing Dawn reporter on ECL," tweeted Mir.There has been a growing chorus of support for him internationally.In Washington, State Department spokesman John Kirby said Tuesday the U.S. was aware of reports of restrictions on Almeida's travel."We're concerned about any efforts to limit press freedom or the ability of journalists to conduct their very, very important work," Kirby told reporters.Amnesty International too denounced the move. Amnesty International called on the government to lift all restrictions on Almeida and said reporters in Pakistan should be able to work freely and without fear of retribution."The travel ban on Cyril Almeida is a crude intimidation tactic designed to silence journalists and stop them from doing their jobs," said the rights group's Audrey Gaughran in a statement.Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect Journalists urged Pakistan to "immediately lift the travel ban" on Almeida."Pakistan can be a dangerous place for journalists, but the nation has a proud tradition of a fiercely independent press," said CPJ Asia Programme Coordinator Steven Butler."Unhappiness with a press report should never be used as an excuse to restrict the freedom of a journalist ," he added.Recently, Pakistan also passed the controversial Cyber Crime Act which grants sweeping powers to regulators to block private information they deem illegal.Government officials say internet restrictions under the new law are needed to ensure security against growing threats, such as "terrorism".Pakistan's independent Human Rights Commission said media have the right to cover civil-military relations. It said any objections to the article should be pursued through legal avenues.Almeida, in the Dawn newspaper on October 6, had broken the story of an unprecedented warning delivered by the civilian government to the military in the aftermath of Indias surgical strikes at a meeting held on October 3 in Islamabad between the two leaders.The story also claimed there was a verbal confrontation between PMs brother and Punjab chief minister Shahbaz Sharif and ISI chief Lt Gen Rizwan Akhtar over the Armys support given to non-state actors like Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jaish-e-Mohammed.
The writer highlights a few steps that can address poverty and help in developing Upper Egypt and other marginalised areas

Egypt, like the rest of the world, has the rich and the poor. Undoubtedly, the decline in poverty rates and the numbers of the poor reflects the progress of efforts to develop and ensure a fair distribution of wealth. However, the relationship between development and fairness is not proportional in all cases and this also goes for the relationship between the revolution and development.

In the Mubarak era, the rate of growth of GDP rose to 5% in 2010, although rich peoples wealth grew and the percentage of poor people increased.

After the two uprisings or revolutions of 2011 and 2013, the GDP rate of growth fell to 2% and the percentage of the poor rose again until it reached 26.3% in the year 2013 due to inherited causes. This was accompanied by political instability, foreign investment decline and much less tourism.

It was President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisis fate to face all these problems as well as terrorism in Sinai. The irony lies in that the two revolutions raised the aspirations of Egyptians, while the economic results were not encouraging -- prices rose and unemployment rates increased and it become necessary to go forward in parallel directions.

The most important of these directions is economic and human development and implementing difficult policies  ones that are far away from being populist, especially after reaching a deal with the IMF. This, in turn, will lead to more austerity concerning public expenditure, decreasing subsidies for fuel and electricity and some other commodities and services as well as the devaluation of the Egyptian pound.

Managing these difficult files without causing great harm to the poor or touching the basic services provided to them is the biggest challenge Egypt is facing. According to the Central Agency for Public Mobilisation and Statistics (CAPMAS) estimations, the percentage of poor in Egypt increased from 26.3% in 2013 to 27.8% in 2015.

Poverty was concentrated in Upper Egyptian governorates and reached its highest levels in Assiut and Sohag with a percentage of 66%, followed by Qena with 58%, while it was only 18% in Cairo. These poor segments consume less than 4% only of the total national consumption.

Due to this, the president announced an integrated package for supporting the poor, especially in Upper Egypt and the Delta countryside, where the system of subsidising commodities and distributing bread through ration cards for every citizen was renovated and developed.

The Takaful wa Karama (Mutual Support and Dignity) programme that was launched in March 2015 aims to reach out to one-and-a-half-million families from a total of four million poor families within a three-year period.

The programme is considered to be the Egyptian version of Bolsa Familia, where families with children under school age receive 325 Egyptian pounds, another 60 pounds for having a child in the primary stage, 80 pounds in the preparatory stage and 100 in the secondary stage on condition that the beneficiaries children attend school regularly and receive medical care.

The objective is for every poor family to receive between 37 to 49 dollars monthly as a maximum.

The programme succeeded in its first year in covering 506 thousand families with one-billion, one-hundred-and-seventeen-million Egyptian pounds being spent.

The subsidies, grants and social benefits allocations reached 21.2% of this years total general budget. Thus, it reflects the governments keenness to take into account the social aspects of the poor and the poorest communities.

However, some neo-liberals have criticised the increase in these allocations and have argued that it devours the states capability for investment. This is a false claim because the subsidies policy is an investment in humans that in turn has an economic and human return. It also constitutes a commitment from the state to realise social justice and human development.

Definitely, the poor or illiterate cannot be punished due to their status and because they have more offspring on average than the educated. About a third of Egyptians are illiterate and it is societys responsibility before being the states responsibility.

It is true that it is necessary to resume and activate family planning programmes because population growth in the years following the revolution increased to 2.4% in a way that may exceed the GDP sometimes.

But it is impossible to decrease the subsidies offered to the poor, especially because there are fears that the percentage of poverty in society will increase if the prices of energy and food rise after the expected pound devaluation. If this happens, it would mean that the official rate of exchange will come close to its rate in the parallel market.

Here, may the reader allow me to present a number of notes that could be of benefit to Egypts efforts to address poverty and development in Upper Egypt and other marginalised areas.

First: According to the recent estimations by CAPMAS, poverty percentages relied on results of surveys on income and expenditure, which were conducted throughout 2015 before the pound devaluation in the unofficial market and the price rises.

CAPMAS considers that the minimum income for a decent living is 482 Egyptian pounds (approximately 55 dollars according to the official exchange rate and 38 dollars according to the unofficial rate) per month.

We may note here that the amount is extremely humble, especially considering that most imports are calculated on the unofficial rate. Consequently, the Egyptian poverty line is less than the 1.9 dollars per day which is the poverty line approved by the World Bank.

Moreover, it does not take into account the number of family members and many other elements. The most important of these is the quantity of commodities that could be bought by this amount of money in 2015 has now decreased by more than 30% after the pound devaluation.

Second: The difficult situation for the poor and the harder situation regarding the economy asserts the necessity of rationalising the subsidies policy in a way that really benefits those who actually deserve it. Hence, it is imperative to activate the role of civil society, parties and media in convincing citizens of the importance of the economic reformations and its feasibility for the economys future.

In addition, that policy will not be executed at the expense of social justice since there are governmental and societal programmes and initiatives defending the poorest groups in society and that help them to lead a better life.

There are thousands of NGOs and individuals who offer different forms of financial and in-kind support to the poor in the frame of religious or humanitarian activities. Many of these do not get taken into account by the estimations of CAPMAS.

Third: Despite the significant governmental and societal efforts and initiatives, they will remain restricted to containing the poverty problem and the negative social phenomena it causes such as school dropouts, child labour, early marriages and all kinds of crime.

Thus, we have to review the applied taxation system which does not achieve social justice. For the maximum income tax is 22.5% for those whose income exceeds 200 thousand pounds. This means that those whose income reaches 200 million pounds or more pay to the state the same percentage as the citizen whose income is 200 thousand pounds!

Thus, a system of progressive income tax must be applied. It is applied in most advanced capitalist and developing countries.

We must take into account that decreasing taxes hasnt encouraged foreign investment in the last ten years because there are other factors that attract investment  and the tax price is not among the important ones.

On the other hand, decreasing the taxes that the rich pay, as one of the top industry magnates in Egypt asserted to me, led to wealth monopoly and its concentration in the fields of real estate and land acquisition, in addition to the emergence of provocative consumerist patterns inconsistent with the economys difficult situation.

I point out here the limited contribution of Egypts businessmen and the wealthy to the Support Egypt Fund, which the president was counting on in launching gigantic development projects.

In brief, my message is that the states effort as well as those of civil societys and philanthropists, which aim to protect the poor and improve their living conditions, will neither solve the problem nor enable Egypt to totally eradicate poverty by the year 2030 as it was envisioned in the states Sustainable Development Strategy (SDS).

This will not materialise except through imposing progressive income tax and launching more small developmental projects which are based on educating and training the poor and offering them small loans to start up small and medium projects that, through the governments support, will be marketed and exported.

Finally, the state must increase the incentives concerning redistributing developmental projects where the top priority should be given to Upper Egypt and desert areas.

I conclude the article with a bright spot regarding the states SDS 2030 plan concerning ten Upper Egyptian governorates. About 12 billion dollars have been allocated to these governorates, of which 3.9 billion dollars is meant for those of Qena and Sohag in the period between fiscal years of 2016 and 2020.

The writer is dean of the Faculty of Communication and Mass Media at the British University in Egypt (BUE).

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Washington: With a host of Republicans abandoning Donald Trump after the furore over his lewd remarks about women, the defiant presidential candidate has asserted that he is "tired of non-support" and does not need the backing of party leaders like House Speaker Paul Ryan.



"The fact is, I think we should get support and we don't get the support from guys like Paul Ryan," the 70-year-old real estate tycoon told Fox News.



Trump's remarks came a day after Ryan told his party leaders that he would not be interested in supporting Trump and instead would focus on retaining majority in the Congress.



"I'm just tired of non-support and I don't really want his support. This happens all the time -- if you sneeze, he calls up and announces, 'Isn't that a terrible thing'. So look, I don't want his support, I don't care about his support," Trump said.



Trump also indicated that Ryan would no longer be the Speaker of the House of Representatives if he is elected as the US President.



"They'll be there. I would think that Ryan may be would not be there, maybe he will be in a different position," he said and exuded confidence that he would win the November 8 general election against Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.



"I've had a lot of women come up to me and say, 'Boy, I've heard that and I've heard a lot worse than that over my life.

If that's what it is going to take to lose an election, that will be pretty sad," Trump said.



Earlier, the reality TV star had lashed out against "disloyal" Republicans in a ranting tweetstorm.



Trump called Ryan a "weak and ineffective leader."



"Disloyal Republicans are far more difficult than Crooked Hillary. They come at you from all sides. They don't know how to win -- I will teach them!," he said in a tweet.



"With the exception of cheating Bernie out of the nomination, the Democrats have always proven to be far more loyal to each other than the Republicans!," Trump said.



"It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to," the Republican presidential nominee tweeted.



Trump also lashed out at Senator John McCain, who was among the first few Republican leaders to withdraw support.



Trump also told Fox News that he should not have endorsed McCain, in the veteran senator's August primary.



"He (McCain) was desperate to get my endorsement. I gave him the endorsement...and frankly, he ran against a very good woman, I feel very badly I gave the endorsement," Trump said and described McCain as having "probably the dirtiest mouth in all the Senate".



Meanwhile, Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence said that he is "disappointed" that his party leaders are abandoning Trump.



Trump's candidacy has suffered a blow after a 2005 tape was released in which he was seen making lewd and derogatory comments about women.



"Well, certainly we're disappointed. Donald Trump has sought to support Republican candidates in competitive primaries all year long. We're gonna continue to. I'm gonna support all of our Republican nominees all across the country because this election is just that important," Pence told NBC News.



Pence said, "Ryan is his friend but he, I respectfully disagree" with his focus in this campaign.



"Donald Trump and I couldn't be more grateful for the support that we're receiving from people all across this country, including Republican leaders," he added.


Pakistani journalist Cyril Almeida, who had broken the story of a rift between the countrys political and military leadership on Tuesday, says he fears that the government is planning to take further'uglier actions'.Following the publication of the story, the Pakistan government grounded the Dawn journalist by placing his name under the draconian Exit Control List (ECL) which bars him from travelling outside the country.It is widely speculated that the government clamped down on him after he broke the story of a clandestine civilian-military meeting where Pakistans political leadership reportedly blamed the military and its support to non-state actors like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba for the increasing isolation of the country.This is not the first time that the Pakistan government has come down heavily on those critical of its actions. There have been such crackdowns in the past too.Here is a list of five major crackdowns on the Pakistan journalists by their own government:: Najam Sethi, Editor of The Friday Times, was arrested by ISI following an interview with BBC on government corruption and was detained for over a month.Rasheed Azam, a journalist and political activist from Khuzdar in southern Baluchistan province, was arrested on charges of sedition in August 2002 for publishing a photograph of Pakistani army personnel beating a crowd of Baluchi youth (Source: Human Rights Watch).Amir Mir, a journalist working for Karachi-based Herald magazine, was reportedly publicly threatened by President Musharraf (Source: Human Rights Watch).Khawar Mehdi Rizvi (Pakistani journalist) was arrested after an assignment with two French journalists making a film about the Taliban. He was accused of sedition and conspiracy.President Musharraf brought an ordinance in which authorities could seal the premises of broadcasters or distributors breaking the law and impose possible fines for violations from one million rupees ($16,665) to 10 million rupees ($166,650).
RUSTBURG  Remnants of a 2014 power struggle between Campbell County Republicans is resurfacing in a civil suit over $875.

On Tuesday, Judge Michael Gamble in Campbell County Circuit Court presided over a hearing on pre-trial motions ahead of the trial scheduled for 9:30 a.m. next Tuesday.

In asking Gamble to provide summary judgment for his client, the Campbell County Republican Committee, attorney Rick Boyer claimed defendants John Ferguson and Travis Griffin owe the local GOP unit for spending $875 after they no longer had authority to do so.

Their liability to my client has been established, Boyer said in the hearing. ... At that point, the defendants had no right to retain and expend Campbell County Republican Committee property.

Gamble agreed with Ferguson and Griffins attorney Brandon Osterbind and determined enough facts were at issue to move forward with the case.

I think what we have is a lot of facts that are in dispute, Osterbind said.

After the hearing, Boyer and Osterbind declined to comment.

A major point of contention in the case is whether Griffin, as Campbell County Republican Committee treasurer, had the authority to spend $875 of committee money between November 2014 and April 2015 and whether he and Ferguson must pay it back.

In March 2014, Ferguson was elected chairman of the Campbell County Republican Committee at a mass meeting, replacing incumbent Les Williams.

Williams and his supporters appealed to the Republican Party of Virginia, saying Fergusons faction flooded the meeting with non-Republicans who should not have voted.

Under Fergusons tenure, Griffin was appointed committee treasurer in May 2014.

In August 2014, RPV State Central Committee ordered a redo of the mass meeting that elected Ferguson. Ferguson challenged the RPVs decision in Campbell County Circuit Court, which ruled in November the court shouldnt intervene in party politics, although the official order was not entered until January 2015.

Boyer represented Williams in that suit.

Boyer contends between November 2014 and April 2015, Ferguson and Griffin spent $875 of committee money they had no official authority to spend before returning the unit checkbook because RPV had ordered a redo.

The controversy included the Campbell County committee being considered non-functioning 5th Congressional District Committee meeting December 2014.

Eric Zehr, a Campbell County supervisor, eventually was elected committee chairman in 2015.

The judge also ruled Tuesday on a request from Boyer to require the defendants produce a broad scope of communications between the defendants and several state and district Republican Party officials and staff members.

Osterbind called the request a fishing expedition. He said his clients did not have the information and said even if they did, it wasnt relevant to the case.

Gamble contracted the order significantly to only include communications already in defendants possession that are between them and a narrow group of party officials concerning the return of property to the committee.
Republican vice presidential nominee Mike Pence on Wednesday urged Liberty Universitys young evangelicals to not only stand by presidential nominee Donald Trump but to mobilize and send him to the White House.

After sharing his personal walk toward faith, Pence made the conservative case for Trump to students gathered at the largest evangelical university in the country. He assured students and the public Trump would nominate conservative justices to the U.S. Supreme Court and establish small government and business-friendly policies.

While were going to be voting to elect a president for the next four years on November the 8th, that president will likely set the course and direction of the Supreme Court of the United States for the next 40 years. We better think long and hard about that, Pence said.

On Friday, a 2005 recording of Trump bragging about using his celebrity to prey on women was reported by The Washington Post, sending some national Republicans running.

This week, House Speaker Paul Ryan said he no longer would campaign with or defend Trump.

I would submit to each and every one of you, when you think about this choice and how dramatic it is, nows the time to stay the course, not to flinch in the face of harsh political winds, not to step off on the sidelines but rather to become engaged, Pence said.

While both Liberty University President Jerry Falwell Jr. and House Judiciary Chairman Bob Goodlatte have denounced Trumps words, they continue to support the nominee and stood with the vice presidential candidate Wednesday at the thrice-weekly student assembly.

Falwell, who personally endorsed Trump ahead of the GOP primary, gave a detailed and complimentary introduction to Pence and his work as Indianas governor. He first met Pence at the Longwood University debate against Democratic vice presidential nominee Sen. Tim Kaine.

Before that, I had spoken to him on the phone, and I was so impressed with him, Falwell said, calling Pence unflappable.

While many Liberty students welcomed Pence warmly, others unenthusiastically committed to Trump. But said they trust his promise to support conservative business and social causes as touted Wednesday by Pence. Others said their principles call them to other candidates.

Steven Honaker, a senior, reached the Pence line after the speech, excited to shake the Indiana governors hand. Honaker said he considered Trumps negatives but decided anti-abortion issues and overall change outweighed them. He called Trumps words on the Access Hollywood recording absolutely terrible.

People make mistakes, and its not about what people said in the past  its what people do in the future, Honaker said. I believe that Donald Trump has a better way of really making this country great again ... to really be able to change this country.

The line of students waiting at the Dunkin Donuts on Libertys campus extended out the door Wednesday morning prior to Pences speech. Morning and noon classes had been canceled to balance the increase of Secret Service security protocols and the influx of visitors from outside campus, students said. Students living on campus are required to attend convocation but have limited opt-out opportunities.

Doors opened to students and the public at 7:30 a.m., which prevented the long lines outside as when then-GOP presidential candidate Ben Carson visited in November.

One group of young women said they want Pence to be president, rather than Trump, but will support the presidential nominee, calling Democrat Hillary Clinton the only other choice. They cited arguments against her record as U.S. Secretary of State and her pro-abortion rights policies as their reasoning, a prelude to attacks Pence made later that morning.

Among the group, junior Anya DeVan said Trumps lack of experience would force him to take advice from experts.

I feel like its a good thing because hell almost have to bring in people who know, who specialize in certain things, DeVan said.

The group hadnt heard of conservative independent Evan McMullin, who is on Virginias ballot, and dont believe Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson has a shot.

I feel like it all goes back to who is your vote actually going to help. You dont want to throw it out, Devan said.

Pence called on students to support his candidate, saying Christians are called to participate in their government, and history will ask them what they did when the time came to act.

Im here to challenge you, challenge in what remains of this election to take ownership of your own future, take ownership of this moment and understand that theres no place for believers on the sidelines, in a time like this, Pence said.

A group of Libertarian students sitting together near the front of the bleachers Wednesday agree with Pence on that principle.

For me, its a conscience thing. As a Christian, I cant morally support Clinton or Trump, said student Tim Johnson, who came recently to Libertarian ideals and said he would have considered voting for Pence as president.

Jorge Reyes, who wore a shirt supporting Gary Johnson and his vice presidential candidate, Bill Weld, said principles of small government and a strict interpretation of the Constitution prevent him from supporting Trump or Clinton. Johnson is scheduled to speak at Liberty Monday.

Life for those going against the GOP can be tough for Liberty students, they said.

As a Christian here at Liberty, you are obligated to vote for whoever the Republican candidate is, no matter what your actual view is, or youll be ridiculed on a personal level, not on a policy level at all, Reyes said, adding he has not thought about leaving the school.

Johnson said he thought Pence avoided issues that might be controversial Wednesday.

I feel like he stayed to safe topics, stuff that he knew would get applause here. He didnt talk about any illegal immigration, anything like that. He didnt talk about the wall [with Mexico], he didnt talk about stop-and-frisk. He didnt talk the Muslim ban or whatever it is now, said Johnson.

Toward the end of his speech, Pence plugged Lynchburg Republican Committees headquarters at the Candlers Station shopping center nearby, urging students to volunteer to knock on doors and make phone calls.

The Liberty Trump Coalition members were among those scuttling toward the stage to take selfies with Pence as he walked the rope line after his speech.

I think he appealed to a lot of the conservatives who are #nevertrump. I think he did a very good job, said Zac Dunn, a senior, and group member.

Coalition member Alexis Rucker lauded Pences mention of lowering taxes to grow the economy, his avowed support for Israel and the campaigns overall platform. She and others in her group plan to work on Election Day.

If you truly believe something, then what action are you taking to fight for what you believe? Rucker said while making plans with local GOP activist Wendell Walker. Im excited. Im just more excited.
A 246-unit apartment complex for Old Graves Mill Road got the green light from Lynchburg City Council on Tuesday night after a public hearing that included neighbors concerns about increased traffic to the busy city street.

In a 5-2 vote, City Council approved the rezoning of 12.75 acres adjacent to the Lynchburg Humane Society and amended the future land use map to allow the construction of the complex.

The site, located near the intersection with Graves Mill Road and a short distance from the Lynchburg Expressway, has been rezoned from R-2 low-medium density residential to R-4C high-density residential district conditional. The future land use map of the citys comprehensive plan has been amended from medium-density residential, which recommends up to 12 units per acre, to high-density residential, which recommends up to 30 units per acre.

In August, the Lynchburg Planning Commission recommended approval of the rezoning petition by Maddox & Son Construction but recommended denial of amending the future land use map.

Anne Nygaard, a planner in the citys department of community development, said the planning commissions concerns included the consequences of increased traffic in the area and the effect of increased density on the neighborhood.

Andy Maddox, president and owner of Maddox & Son Construction, said the development is at a good location, noting access to the Lynchburg Expressway. Speaking on behalf of the project, Trent Warner, an engineer with Hurt & Proffitt, said there were three neighborhood meetings held to address concerns of residents.

The developer will provide a left and right turn lane on Old Graves Mill Road to the entrance of the development. According to a meeting document, the turn lanes will use all of the existing right-of-way, thus preventing extension of sidewalks without right-of-way acquisition.

Voluntary proffers submitted by the developer include a vegetative buffer that will separate the complex from the Lynchburg Humane Society and the installation of a fence along a section of the property line.

Three people spoke in favor of the project during the public hearing, including David Moore, of Moores Country Store, which has a new location nearby on Graves Mill Road. He said Maddox & Son has a great reputation, and the development will put more people in proximity to his business.

A petition with signatures of residents opposing the project was included in meeting documents. Seven residents spoke against the rezoning Tuesday and expressed concerns that primarily centered on the increased traffic that is expected and changes to the character of the neighborhood.

With all of the construction, noise and people, resident Barbara McCann said, Everyone should be able to go home to their house and have a peaceful place to live, and it wont be that way anymore.

City Council approved amending the future land use map to high-density residential, with council members Turner Perrow and Sterling Wilder voting in opposition.

A motion to approve the rezoning was approved 5-2, with Perrow and Wilder again voting in opposition.

Councilman Randy Nelson said he is motivated by the high quality of the developers other projects. Old Graves Mill Road needs to be improved, he added, and the project is a way to get the developer to make those improvements without the taxpayers having to pay for it.

Maddox & Son has developed The Gables of Cornerstone in Lynchburg and The Gables of Jefferson Commons in Forest.

Expressing empathy for neighbors concerns, Perrow said he feels better knowing proffers are in place that will protect the neighborhood as much as it can.

In other news:

 City Council approved vacating a portion of Mill Ridge Road in the Mill Ridge Industrial Park. Piedmont Real Estate Holdings LLC petitioned for the right-of-way vacation to allow Piedmont Fleet Services Inc. to expand its facility.

 Council authorized the sale of a city-owned vacant lot at 712 5th St. to William R. Parr for an offer of $16,000. The property is nearly one-fifth of an acre and is assessed at $14,900. Parr seeks to construct a three-story, mixed-use building within three years.
BEDFORD  A Bedford County judge has upheld a jurys recommendation to sentence a Vinton woman to 9 years in prison over the crash that killed her young son in April 2014.

Emily Lynne Aponte, 32, was convicted this year in a jury trial on four charges in connection with the wreck, which also injured the driver of a van that collided with her vehicle head-on.

After sentencing her in Circuit Court on Tuesday, Judge James Updike Jr. also denied granting Aponte bond while her lawyer appeals the convictions.

Aponte wept, and her body shook as she apologized in court for the April 26, 2014, crash that claimed the life of 6-year-old Ethan Aponte.

She was accused of driving under the influence after a blood draw at the hospital hours after the wreck, though she was not suspected at the scene of DUI. A witness later claimed Aponte hid three beer cans in the woods and asked the witness not to call 911, reinforcing the states allegations.

Apontes legal counsel on Tuesday sought a reduced sentence from the jury recommendation, citing the pain of Aponte losing her child and the permanent suffering it will cause.

Judge Updike acknowledged there was no question that pain exacted a form of punishment but said he saw no reason to diverge from the legal recommendation the jury had reached.

The boys grandfather, Harry Aponte, urged the judge not to grant leniency. Its been extremely painful, he said on the stand. The victim has rights in addition to the accused, he said. You dont grow accustomed to something like this. You grow numb.

Aponte was ordered to serve six years for involuntary manslaughter; two years for child abuse; six months for DUI maiming; and one year for the DUI itself. She also was ordered to pay about $15,000 in fines.

Authorities charged Aponte with the four counts, felonies except the DUI, after investigating the two-vehicle wreck on Quarterwood Road between Thaxton and Moneta.

According to evidence at trial, her 2013 Ford Escort crossed the center line at about 3 p.m. and veered toward the shoulder, colliding head-on with a van going in the opposite direction.

Ethan Aponte, who was in the Fords back seat, was airlifted from the crash site and flown to Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital but later died of his injuries.

Danny Dooley, of Thaxton, the vans driver, suffered a fractured heel, and the wreck caused him permanent injury, prosecutors said.

Apontes trial, which took place after she rejected a plea deal, focused in part on how much she drank the day of the crash. Evidence showed when she was tested at 7:15 p.m. that night, she had a blood alcohol content of .116 percent, compared to Virginias legal limit of .08 percent.

But because Aponte was not tested at the crash scene  with police reportedly noticing no signs of intoxication  prosecutors relied on experts using a mathematical process to estimate her blood alcohol content would have been .176 percent, more than double the limit, if she was drinking before the wreck.

The defense said while Aponte acknowledged drinking the night before, she was not drunk at the time of the wreck. Her husband at the time, Nathan Aponte, told authorities she actually had at least two beers in his truck after the crash.

Also complicating the states case was that several state troopers testified they saw no evidence of alcohol at the scene and did not notice an odor of alcohol or lack of coordination about her.

Despite the conclusion of the jury trial and sentencing, the legal fight over Apontes convictions may be far from over.

A main issue from the defense point of view, as preparations are under way for an appeal, will be the blood draw authorities conducted on Aponte at the hospital and whether it was admissible evidence.

While prosecutors sought to prove Apontes BAC showed she must have been intoxicated at the time of the wreck, that calculation depends on the blood draw evidence.

Apontes attorney, Dirk Padgett, argued in court Tuesday a new U.S.Supreme Court decision should lead the court to strike the evidence, which he said was not obtained properly using a search warrant.

Padgett cited the high courts ruling in June, after Apontes trial, in Birchfield v. North Dakota concerning states use of implied consent to combat drunk driving.

The court held because breath tests are considerably less intrusive than blood draws, a warrant is not needed for a breath test incident to a drunk driving arrest, and motorists cannot be required to submit to a blood test or face a criminal charge.

Assistant Commonwealths Attorney John Wheelock argued Aponte had not been charged with refusal of a blood test and cited a well-established exception for exigency  meaning in this case, investigators did not need a search warrant.

Time and urgency were clearly of the essence in obtaining this blood evidence, Wheelock said.

Judge Updike rejected a defense motion at the outset of the sentencing to overturn the jury verdict on grounds the blood draw was inadmissible in light of the Supreme Court ruling. But he said issues stemming from it likely would affect the appeal.

Also the judge decided against letting Aponte out on bond pending appeal, saying the weight of the sentence could create a flight risk and citing public safety concerns with Apontes DUI history. She previously was charged with DUI in 2008 and convicted at a bench trial.
World leaders rushed to pay tribute to Shimon Peres. But no one said a word about his war crimes or the coup de grace of Oslo that only deepened the occupation and the dispossession of the Palestinians

Last Friday, we performed Friday prayers among the ruined houses in Qalandia with the homes' owners and those in solidarity with them.

Eleven buildings were destroyed in one night at the hands of the Israeli occupation army on the pretext of not having building permits. Thus, 36 families, who were living in 36 apartments, lost their homes; their children lost the ceiling over their heads and the shelter protecting them.

Qalandia lost much of its land at the hands of settlements and the occupation's military factories; then it lost more land in the form of the barrier raised in its face, and now its homes are destroyed  whether situated in so-called Area C zones or in Jerusalem  without mercy or respect for human rights.

This is ethnic cleansing in flesh and blood, which Netanyahu tried to cover up through claiming that settlers will face the same fate when their settlements will be evacuated. These settlements were established by the use of force on lands usurped from Palestinians.

The irony lies in the fact that at the same time as we were listening to the suffering of the Palestinian families who lost everything they owned, their life's earnings and savings, and the burden of debt on homes they didnt taste the happiness of living in yet, several Free World leaders were racing to cordially honour Shimon Peres and Israel, that he armed with nuclear weapons. This occurred without uttering a single word about the injustice Israel is causing through the occupation and continuing displacement of the Palestinian people.

If jumping to honour Peres was based on his being a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, why we didnt see any of those attending the ceremonies present at the funeral of the late martyr Yasser Arafat, although he was also a Nobel laureate and for the same reason?

Shimon Peres participated in the catastrophe of the Palestinian peoples deportation 69 years ago and was responsible for arming the Israeli army with all kinds of weapons, including nuclear bombs whose existence they try to conceal through twisted words.

He also participated in the Tripartite Aggression against Egypt and in preparation for the 1967 War and the occupation it resulted in, which is nearing 50 years. He is considered by some Israelis as the father of settlements for he was the sponsor of the first Israeli settlement in the West Bank on the lands of Sebastia. Consequently, settlements were extended through the Green Line, in the Jordan Valley and Jerusalems perimeter. Then the Likud completed spreading these settlements on mountain tops and in all parts of Jerusalem and the West Bank.

Palestinians cant forget that Peres was the person who ordered the UN compound to be bombarded in Qana during the 1996 aggression on Lebanon, killing 100 children, women and civilians taking shelter in it, in what was regarded an unforgivable war crime.

If his name was connected with Oslo as its engineer, this isnt something to be proud of. For through his cunning, he entrapped the Palestinian side in an agreement that put real peace further away, rather than bringing it nearer. It also firmly established the continuance of building settlements, acknowledged by the whole world as the first obstacle to peace, and sustaining the occupation that was transformed into an apartheid and racial discrimination regime in its worst form across humanitys history.

Netanyahu used his cunning to torpedo the chance that the first Intifada established in changing the balance of power in order to end the occupation and settlements, imposing an unjust agreement that divided the occupied lands into areas A, B and C. He maintained Israeli control, caused rifts among Palestinian ranks and replaced the real solution with a transitional partial agreement without stopping the settlements and without accepting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with borders, sovereignty and control over its resources.

When we criticised this agreement 23 years ago, some good-willed and many delusional persons were astonished. Today, it is undeniable that it was an agreement exploited by Israels rulers in order to firmly continue the occupation and raise the number of settlers from 111,000 in 1993 to 700,000 settlers today, as well as continuing the long process of destroying houses and displacing Palestinians, just like whats happening in Qalandia.

The writer is secretary-general of the Palestinian National Initiative.

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PETERSBURG  The Petersburg City Council on Tuesday decided to spend more than a quarter- million dollars  during a financial crisis that threatens the citys existence  to enter into emergency negotiations with the Robert C. Bobb Group.

In a 5-1 vote  with Councilman David Coleman absent and Councilwoman Treska Wilson-Smith dissenting  the citys leaders said the deal with Bobbs financial consulting company is meant to preserve the interests of the city to maintain the proper functioning of the government.

The vote came after two closed-door sessions during a last-minute meeting on the second floor of the citys transit offices.

News that the council might hire the company run by Robert C. Bobb, a former Richmond city manager who in 2009 served as emergency financial manager of Detroit Public Schools, began trickling out after notice of the special meeting was posted late Monday.

The company specializes in addressing urban problems and lists on its website partnerships with Washington, D.C.; New Orleans; Harrisburg, Pa.; Oakland, Calif.; Inglewood, Calif.; Compton, Calif.; Stockton, Calif.; and Richmond, among others.

We felt that this is an emergency situation, because of the situation the city is in, Petersburg Mayor W. Howard Myers said after the meeting.

The administration still is reeling from the effects of a $12 million shortfall in the current fiscal years budget and is working to pay down $18.8 million in bills identified at the close of the previous fiscal year.

Myers declined to detail the proposed cost of the agreement and said it was not clear what it would mean for interim City Manager Dironna Moore Belton.

Asked whether it would cost more than $300,000, he nodded.

I can say that, Myers said. He said he received an email from Bobb last week offering his companys services.

Bobb said in a brief interview that his firm works with some localities for more than a year and some for six months.

Our goal is not to be the permanent solution but to help stabilize them and help recruit permanent leadership, Bobb said, adding that Petersburgs situation appears to him to be less dire than that of other localities his company has served.

Among those waiting for word after news of a possible agreement with the firm was state Sen. Rosalyn R. Dance, D-Petersburg, who voiced concern about the cost and timing of the proposal.

We just committed to spend some money, and I dont know how much money weve committed to spend, Dance said. If we have extra money to spend, it should be going to the schools.

Dance said the late notice and midday scheduling of the meeting limited citizens ability to attend. Petersburgs representative to the House of Delegates, Lashrecse Aird, had to leave about 80 minutes into the first closed session to attend another meeting.

We were able to change our schedules at the last minute to be here, Dance said, but what about the people we represent who could not be here and might have wanted the opportunity?

There was no public comment period; the council first took 90 minutes to discuss personnel measures related to the performance of the interim city manager. Afterward, the members broke for discussion of procurement and pending litigation.

Myers said the city faces several possible lawsuits but declined to elaborate. He said money to fund the Bobb Groups work will come from savings the city has incurred from not filling open positions. Bobb declined to comment on his firms fees, citing ongoing negotiations. He did say he planned to take an active role in assisting the city, although the day-to-day work will be conducted mostly by other staff members of the Washington, D.C.-based business.

Everything we do will be totally transparent, Bobb said.

Asked to clarify, Bobb said his firm will provide the city with copies of all reviews and assessments conducted; city leaders then will decide what to share with the public.
The College Republicans at the University of Virginia have voted to drop their endorsement of Donald J. Trump for president.

The student organization  which has been divided over Trumps candidacy throughout the election season  took a re-vote following last weeks leak of a recording of Trump making vulgar comments about women.

On Tuesday afternoon, the organization announced its members voted, 64-54, to drop their collective endorsement of Trump, which they offered  after much debate  in September.

The organization put out a statement Tuesday saying it had decided to take up another vote after Republican leaders across the country came out against the nominee.

Given the outrage expressed by some of the most esteemed and accomplished members of our party, we considered the very real possibility that the members of our club may have changed their minds about endorsement as well, read the statement, posted on the groups Facebook page.

The organization is not discouraging anyone from voting for Trump, according to the statement, but many members have expressed a desire to distance the club from the candidate since the recording was leaked.

The only message we wish to convey is that as a club, as the primary Republican organization on Grounds, we do not feel Donald Trump accurately represents the way we view and conduct ourselves, read the statement.

Adam Kimelman, who is part of the College Republicans executive board, said there were some important differences between this and past controversies involving Trump that made many members reconsider their endorsement.

Its something he wasnt saying just to get elected, Kimelman said. He was saying this as a person.

In past controversies, Kimelman said, you could [argue] he was a racist, but it wasnt like he said we should bring back segregation. Here he was saying, I can get away with sexual assault because Im Donald Trump.

But there remains a lot of support for Trump within the organizations ranks, and Kimelman said the executive board is respecting their decisions. The group will hold one of its regular meetings next week, and the board will take questions from the audience concerning the vote.

We want to be accountable to all our members, Kimelman said. And we will have transparency.

Trump has another group of supporters on Grounds  UVa Students for Trump. As of Tuesday afternoon, the groups page had been inactive since Sept. 9. A representative for the organization has not yet responded to requests for comment.
How can Christians back Trump?

Following Sunday nights presidential debate, Liberty University president Jerry Falwell Jr. tweeted to express his undying support for Republican nominee Donald Trump, claiming that Trumps emphasis on issues made him more qualified than his opponent. In just hours after Trump defended his damning statements that advocated adultery, sexual assault and groping women without their consent by parading four women into the debate hall that are accusing Secretary Clintons husband of consensual adultery, the president of the largest Christian university in the world took to social media to reiterate his belief that the Trump camp cares about the real issues.

With each passing day, I find Falwells support for Trump less and less genuine. Given Trumps track record on women, immigrants and other minority groups, it is astonishing that the president of a Christian university, which should preach concepts like love your neighbor as yourself, could openly support a man who has called our neighbors to the south rapists, but then I remember this is the same Falwell Jr. who encouraged his students to take up arms so [they] could end those Muslims before they walked in.

Falwells Liberty University is a multimillion-dollar business that operates on tax-exempt status and subsidizes many of its students tuitions through loans, while Falwell uses the platform the university gives him to publicly endorse specific political candidates and to establish a regime that refused to officially recognize the on-campus, student-run Democratic Club because the goals of the Democratic Party are contrary to Libertys evangelical Christian outlook.

In many peoples opinions, this is a crime that resembles tax evasion, but just like Trump, LU and Falwell have continued to deprive the communities that sustain them by hiding behind a mountain of lawyers and accountants.

But back to the matter of this tweet. After seeing Falwells post, I clicked over to his profile page to see a cover-photo where he and nine other people are standing on some mountain (that he hasnt yet put a logo on), one of whom is Mel Gibson, an actor who several years ago drunkenly claimed that the Jews are responsible for all wars in the world during a DUI arrest. This photo got me thinking. Many of my self-described, conservative-Christian friends have told me that no one is perfect and that God forgives people like Gibson or Trump who make mistakes and maybe we should too, but heres the thing: Sure, we can forgive them, but Christian thought-leaders who wield a tremendous amount of influence on peoples concepts of right and wrong should not be actively endorsing someone like Trump to be president.

If Trump were any other human on the face of this Earth who chose to run for president, the Christian Right would be ripping him to shreds. Think about it: If President Obama had fathered five children by three different wives and had publicly admitted to past infidelities, he would be the poster child for the decline of the family unit in African-American communities. Trump (and Falwell to a lesser extent) has gotten away with this because of the advantages and privileges that being white and wealthy afford you in America. (And before you accuse me of playing the race card, I am white.)

It is for these and many other reasons that I believe Falwell should withdraw his endorsement for Trump or step down as president of Liberty University to prove to us all whether or not his belief in the teachings of Jesus Christ is more important than the financial benefit he stands to gain if Trump becomes president.

GRIFFIN SPENCER

Lynchburg

The left is to blame for our ills

Donald Trump was not my first choice or even my second. But up against Hillary Clinton, Trump is the only choice. The phony outrage of the liberal left about Trumps raunchy comments more than a decade ago is absurd.

The traditional values that have been the bedrock of this country have been relentlessly attacked by the left. Womans choice, the cleaned-up buzz phrase for killing babies in the womb, is cheered and celebrated by the left. God created marriage between one man and one woman, and it has been that way since the beginning of time. That is until the liberals gave God the middle finger under the guise of marriage equality. There is the most vile, vulgar and violent trash that comes out of Hollywood and the music industry, also liberal.

The downward spiral of our coarse culture lands squarely on the shoulders of the liberal left. So please, save your contrived indignation about Donald Trumps words. The actions of the left have caused irrevocable moral and cultural decay.

LORETTA ZIMMERMAN

Lynch Station
Three photos hang side by side on a wall inside The Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College, with oversize replicas of 100 dollar bills spilling out beneath them, down the wall and out onto the gallery floor.

Two of the photos show the fountains in front of New Yorks Metropolitan Museum of Art, which were financed by conservative billionaire David H. Koch. The image between them features a banner hanging from the museums front columns, photoshopped to read The Business Behind Art knows the Art of Good Business.

The installation  named The Business Behind Art Knows the Art of the Koch Brothers  is the centerpiece of the new exhibit Dreams that Money Can Buy (Update), featuring the work of iconic conceptual artist Hans Haacke, who has used his work to comment on political and social systems throughout his career.

He created it in response to the $65 million renovation work to the fountains that was funded by Koch.

Last week, the day after he began installing his Maier exhibit, Haacke recalled the first time he saw the plaza under construction and how he was shocked to see the Koch name there.

I was surprised to see the Metropolitan Museum of Art would have its name connected [to them], he said.

In a 2014 interview with The New York Times, Haacke elaborated.

I think its remarkable that the Met hands its prestige as a cultural institution to a businessman who is trying to buy the election, he told them. I have difficulty accepting it. Maybe thats my personal problem, but I think its also a problem for a lot of other people.

Eventually, when the project was completed  with two large basins bearing the Koch name  Haacke was ready to create something in response to it.

It was the David Koch Plaza, he said, and that was enough for me.

Haacke, who was born in Cologne, Germany, in 1936 and has lived in New York since 1965, has never shied away from creating work about powerful institutions and people.

He told me, Im known as the troublemaker, said Sarah Kleinman, an art history doctoral student at Virginia Commonwealth University who wrote her thesis about Haacke, recalling their first meeting during a phone interview last week.

He said, Unfortunately, people are afraid to show my work sometimes. Theyre afraid of the negative ramifications with trustees and potential donors if I do something that makes somebody angry, that jeopardizes their collection.

For him to have that strong moral compass, she added, its important.

The Koch piece, in particular, isnt one that he is asked to show very often, so Haackes interest was piqued when Martha Johnson, director of the Maier, brought it up for this show.

That struck me as quite unusual, he said.

For Johnson, who also wrote her thesis about Haacke in 1993, bringing it to the college was important.

Hans has done so much interesting work about corporate sponsorship and wealth-fueled influence over culture. But, also, the Koch brothers pour money into colleges and universities in a way thats pretty overwhelming, she said, pausing a beat. Randolph isnt one of them [but] that is something thats very relevant to us.

Hans is drawing attention to how much they influence education, she added, and how there might be ideologies attached to that kind of support.

Haacke has been commenting on social and political structures since the 1970s.

He really was the first artist to have  a very topical installation in a major museum, Johnson said.

That was in 1970, when Haackes MoMA Poll was part of the Museum of Modern Arts exhibition Information. In it, he posed a question about then-New York Governor Nelson Rockefeller, a member of MoMAs Board of Trustees who was planning to run for president.

He polled visitors about very specific political events and was asking whether the political events would affect the way they would vote, Johnson said. He really paved the way for the conceptual installation that addressed society.

In 1971, his solo exhibition at the Guggenheim Museum  a milestone in any artists career  was canceled by then-museum director Thomas Messer after he discovered it would include a photographic expose of New York City slumlords, according to the 2014 New York Times article about Haacke, called Contrarian Stays True to His Cred.

MetroMobiltan  the 1985 piece that first interested Johnson in Haackes work while she was in graduate school  offered a commentary about the relationship between Mobil Oil and the Met, which had accepted money from the company while it was doing business in South Africa during apartheid.

Then there are instances in which his work was welcomed with open arms.

In 1993, he was invited to mount an installation at the Venice Biennale, an international art exhibition described by Johnson as the greatest show on earth and Kleinman as the Olympics of fine arts.

More recently, in 2015, his Gift Horse was unveiled in Londons Trafalgar Square in front of the National Gallery. He submitted the proposal for a 13-foot-tall horse skeleton to stand atop the squares fourth plinth and was shocked when it won, he said.

As I always say, I was flabbergasted, Haacke said last week. The environment I normally live in, New York, it would have been out of the question.

The sculptures run in the square recently concluded, and a maquette, or small-scale model, of it is part of the Maier exhibit.

Gift Horse and Randolph Colleges partnership with the National Gallery are what inspired Johnson to reach out to Haackes representation about mounting a show here.

I thought, You know, wouldnt it be great, and why not try? So I contacted his gallery, the Paula Cooper Gallery.  [They said] he would want to know why and he would want to know the context because his work is all about that. So I described to [them] our context and sort of the dynamic of where we live.

I thought there was a nice symmetry there. Personal symmetry, but also the [gallery] and Randolph College having this unique partnership.

After he agreed to do it, Johnson wasnt sure whether or not Haacke would come to Lynchburg to install it himself.

Haacke said he finally decided to make the trip to see more of the world.

Ive never been in Virginia, he said. What also intrigued me was that given the nature of my work, to be exhibiting here at the time of the election.

Site specific can have two parts to it, he said later.  The particular location but also the particular moment. And its that moment.

All of the pieces on display at the Maier have been shown before but Haacke said they can have significance no matter the place.

The meaning is not so specific that it wouldnt be meaningful somewhere else. With all the work, the meaning changes according to the change of time [and of] peoples perceptions.

The exhibit, which is running concurrently with the 105th Annual Exhibition of Contemporary Art, Threatening Beauty (see sidebar for more information), also includes two photographs.

In Star Gazing, a mans face is obscured by a hood made out of the American flag, a reference to the hoods American guards used on Iraqi prisoners at Abu Ghraib. And Ripped shows the flag tearing apart at the seams.

Rounding out the show is Untitled #2, first displayed in Haackes 2005 exhibition State of the Union. It features a beaten-up metal locker laying on its side, with pennies spilling out of it.

The locker is kicked over. It looks like its been kicked in, Kleinman said. The metal has been violently torn to the side, and there are pennies spilling out.

During a gallery talk she conducted with Haacke at the Maier earlier this month, Kleinman said they discussed the piece, which comments on the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

[He told me] these young men go to war, this is how they make their livelihood. One things leads to another, some of them get killed, and all thats left are pennies. He said, so in a way, [it] becomes a coffin or a tomb.  That was really profound.

So was the experience of meeting Haacke, she said.

To go in and meet somebody that all of the superstar art historians have argued about  hes featured in every major art historical textbook that matters on modern and contemporary art.

Despite their meetings and all of the research shes done about Haacke, Kleinman had never seen an exhibition of his work.

It was really special to walk in there and to see how he had staged everything, she said. It was also a wow moment for me because, coming to graduate school, you put everything on the line.  You never expect to be meeting people like Hans Haacke.  That moment, youre overcome. This is a very important person. Hes changing the conversation about art-making in general.
GamesRadar+ is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Heres why you can trust us.
Chinese cities have rolled out new measures over the past week to cool a home-buying frenzy that has seen prices skyrocket, marking a new round of tightening since policies were eased two years ago.

More than a dozen of China's largest cities, including Beijing, Tianjin, Chengdu and Shenzhen, have introduced new restrictions, from raising down payments and mortgage thresholds, to imposing quotas on how many homes individuals can buy. But such measures have produced limited results in the past.

Correcting such a vast market isn't easy and will require strong resolve for true reform. Key elements to putting China's housing market on a healthy track include curbing local governments' reliance on land sales for revenue, and improving Beijing's ability to control the economy at a macro level. Simple price controls that are a government staple are often ineffective, and policy makers must look for other means to address the problem.

The dangers of overly inflated housing prices are huge. Key indicators such as the ratio of mortgage payments to a buyer's income indicate that on a relative basis, China's current housing prices are now more expensive than those during Japan's property-bubble era, and are close to U.S. prices just before the global financial crisis exploded.

China's skyrocketing housing prices have boosted business and living costs in urban areas while widening the gap between homeowners and renters. The flood of investment into the property market also threatens the national economy, since the burst of a real estate bubble would pose huge risks at a time when the real economy remains sluggish.

Somewhat ironically, banks currently see mortgages as safer bets than loans for manufacturing and other industrial sectors. Banks especially prefer mortgages in major cities, where housing prices have been especially high. Without a unified financial regulatory system, supervision that might encourage more prudent lending at the national level has been hard to implement.

The unrelenting rise in home prices has diverged sharply from China's latest demographic changes and economic fundamentals. The price surge is also jeopardizing Beijing's efforts to close the nation's wealth gap by spending heavily to improve the social security network to assist lower income earners.

Instead, high home prices are making the rich wealthier, while doing little or nothing to help the poor. Surging prices have also eroded the wealth of middle class people who don't own homes, and made life more difficult for young people and new arrivals to big cities. The housing market is becoming the main magnet for speculative investors motivated by fear and insecurity about the future.

China's rising home prices are mainly being driven by reliance on land sales to fill local government coffers. About half of the money generated from land sales now goes to local governments, contributing over half of their fiscal revenue. That has posed a dilemma for many local governments, which must decide whether to sell more land at the risk of beefing up housing prices, or slow sales at the expense of their own revenue.

China's land finance model has its roots in the planned-economy era, with ownership by the state in urban areas and collective ownership of rural land. That model has led to inefficient use of land in the current era, and also created room for corruption and social conflicts.

Land sales may have provided a quick fix to boost local government coffers and economic development, but the practice is unsustainable. That reality calls for a careful transition that will allow local governments to switch from reliance on land sales for their revenues to greater dependence on tax collection. And action should be taken now.

Such a transition will create risks, but those can be controlled through prudent policy. Delay of such a transition and tolerance of soaring housing prices will only lead to more risks, and price controls and other measures that focus only on market supply will be minimally effective without fundamental change.

China's property explosion began in the 1990s with reforms to home purchase and ownership policies, and has been fueled since then by the country's rapid urbanization and easing monetary policies. Now, the market is in urgent need of transformation, similar to other parts of China's economy. To achieve a more sustainable and healthier development, the government should quickly enact prudent policy supervision and cut local government reliance on land sales for revenue.

Hu Shuli is the chief editor of Caixin Media.
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
(Beijing)  Apple is planning to expand its presence in China with the launch of a second research and development center in Shenzhen, China's manufacturing and technology hub, as the company faces mounting pressure amid slowing iPhone sales.

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced the plans during a meeting with Shenzhen Party Secretary Ma Xingrui and Mayor Xu Qin on Tuesday night, according to local media reports.

Apple confirmed on Wednesday that the center will open next year in the southern city. The site, where Apple's engineering team will be able to work "closely and collaboratively" with its manufacturing partners, will focus on "strengthening relationships with local partners and universities," the company said in a statement to Caixin.

Apple did not specify how much it will invest in the Shenzhen facility or how many workers it will employ.

The announcement follows a similar plan for a Beijing-based R&D center that will open by the end of this year, the first Apple facility of its kind in China. The company plans to invest 300 million yuan ($45 million) in the Beijing center, which will have 500 employees.

Apple has seen global sales of the company's flagship iPhone slow in the past two quarters. Sales in China, once touted as Apple's next growth opportunity, decreased by a third, according to its most recent quarterly results, after having more than doubled a year earlier. The latest data from research firm Counterpoint Technology Market Research showed that Apple dropped to third place in Chinese smartphone shipments in June, while local brands Oppo and Huawei topped the list.

Contact reporter Chen Na (nachen@caixin.com); editor Kerry Nelson (kerry@caixin.com)
AG: LEAVE MY FAMILY ALONE

Al Rawi held a news briefing outside Parliament after Oropouche MP Dr Roodal Moonilal told the Lower House, during the Budget debate, that he possessed photographs that he would like to show to Al Rawi to see if he (the AG) recognised anyone. Al Rawi later told reporters Moonilal was reprehensible for bringing youngsters into the political fray.

The Attorney General said he had not seen the photos and had not been with his children at all times during the training session.

In his contribution to the Budget debate, Moonilal had said, It was shocking for me to receive photos of young children in this country with high-powered weapons training somewhere. Im told the weapon is the UMP nine millimetre calibre. He said these weapons are commonly used by the TT Defence Force. What is more frightening and I say this with trepidation, is that I am told these children bear a striking resemblance to the children of a senior Cabinet minister. House Leader Camille Robinson- Regis complained that Moonilal was imputing improper motives, with Speaker Bridgid Annisette-George agreeing that is was more than a pointed innuendo.

Moonilal then said, Id say they are children with a striking resemblance to senior government officials. I will now ask the Attorney General - Ill pass it to him - if he recognises the children in this photo. He asked why children are posing for pictures with guns.

Im also informed that these children posed for these pictures around October 2015 in the western part of Trinidad and these weapons belong to the Defence Force, and they were playing with weapons and gallerying, Moonilal said. Moonilal said the pictures were posted onto a Facebook page named, Kick out the PNM. He asked if the Defence Force knew of this episode. It is wrong to tell the children of Laventille, Beetham, Enterprise, Penal, Debe, Barrackpore that they should not take up guns, but then we have our own children taking up guns. If what I am saying is correct it speaks to recklessness, it speaks to a breach of the criminal law, it speaks of an abuse of office, it speaks of an unfitness to hold public office, he hit. And if anyone is deemed to be responsible for these children, they ought to demit public office today. Later Moonilal urged several anti-crime measures, saying, You need to take the guns off the hands of children. Bemoaning photos of children with guns, he emphasised, It is wrong, wrong, wrong. We cannot build a society where we encourage children to take up guns. We cannot build a society where we encourage children to use nine millimetre UMP calibre weapons as if it is a game and a toy. This is where we have reached. We cannot build a society by transmitting those messages. Al Rawi, at his news briefing with Minister in the AGs Office Stuart Young, said he had not heard nor seen Moonilals speech, nor seen the photos. He said the TT security agencies conducted a threat assessment on him and his families and decided to instruct them in international protocols at the Cumuto Army Base, including how aggressors behave and what can be expected. The AG hit out at Moonilal calling him most reprehensible.

Asked if he was concerned about the photos online which may show members of his family with guns, AG Al Rawi said he had not and would reply to issues raised by the United National Congress (UNC).

A person in public life lives with the understanding that everything you do in public life is in the public. He said he does not want to go down the rabbit hole of exposing his familys security arrangements.

Asked if he recalled whether his children would have been exposed to handling guns during the protocols training, he replied, My children were separate from me on much of the day of training.

Minister Young and I were in fact together. We were in a separate position.

I cant speak for the Army or for anything else, but can tell you that threat assessments have to be treated seriously. If the Army tells you they have done a threat assessment against you and your family and you have to come in and be informed about it, and if Special Branch tells you there are protocols, you dont take that lightly.

Both of us have received umpteen death threats. We are engaged in very serious work against known criminals.
Glowing tribute paid to Stephen Derek

She also thanked him for being the mentor in Carnival Arts in the 2016 mentoring programme, a project of the National Registry of Artists and Cultural Workers in her ministry. Gadsby-Dolly said, I want to thank him for being the mentor that he was and allowing young artists to interact with him and learn from him. He gave young people a chance to grow and for that we would be eternally grateful. She also thanked Dereks family present for lending him to TT to the countrys benefit.

She said, No words can really be enough to encapsulate the contribution of such a master. We are thankful that we as T&T got a chance to interact with someone at this level. His legacy and his contribution will always live on. Director of Culture Ingrid Ryan Reuben said the gift that was Derek will keep on giving through his mentees. This programme continues to give to T&T the masters works. Beverly Reid Samuel, Deputy Permanent Secretary in the Culture Ministry, also lauded the contribution of Derek and expressed her desire to see the works of his mentees. She ended saying, Mr Stephen Derek, this one is for you, Thank you and may God continue to bless you. Tokens in honour of Derek and awards for mentors were all made by another mentor in the programme, Glendon Morris, son of the late master copper man Ken Morris.

He said, Im especially very happy that I interacted a lot with Stephen Derek. We shared a lot of our culture. Morris believes once the country keeps youngsters trained the arts wouldnt die.

Mentor Kenwyn Crichlow, who held sessions on Professional Development, saluted the work of Derek. He said after meeting Derek through Arden Knox several years ago, he wanted someone to teach wire-bending for a UWI programme to be conducted in Tobago.

They both went and began what he described as a most fruitful relationship.

Mentor Ravindra Nath Maharaj, more popularly known as Ravi Ji, wore a black armband on the night.

He passed on his knowledge in the area of Festival Development, and mentor Rudylynn de Four Roberts taught her mentees about Heritage Architecture Preservation.

She stated, Stephen Derek was linked to heritage mas. On the night Dereks children accepted his award. His son Stephen Derek Jr said, There are a lot of things I can say about my father but most of all he was passionate when it came to Carnival. He settled for nothing less than perfection.
New buses needed for Tobago

An accident on Monday in which a PTSC bus veered off a road in Lanse Fourmi and plunged down a precipice, claiming the life of a passenger and leaving five others injures has led to a more urgent call for a fleet of new buses for Tobago and especially in Tobago East where the terrain is more treacherous.

Roosevelt Bassy Kerr died in the accident as he was on his way to work.

Secretary of the Division of Infrastructure and Public Utilities (DIPU), Gary Melville sought to clarify the reason why Tobago has not seen any new buses since 2010. He was in Lanse Fourmi on yesterday morning along with Minister of Works and Transport Fitzgerald Hinds who came to Tobago in a direct response to the accident.

Accompanying the minister were Chairman of the PTSC Board Terrence Beepath, General Manager Ronald Forde and the Tobago House of Assembly (THA) representative on the PTSC board Leary Paul. Melville said that under the former Peoples Partnership administration, the PTSC board until September 2015, focused solely on acquiring Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses for the country. No new buses were purchased for Tobago between 2010-2015, he stated.

For the previous five years, no one took the issue of buses for Tobago into question where the PTSC was concerned. Thats the harsh reality. The focus was purely on getting CNG buses for Trinidad...Tobago has no filling station for CNG so the island did not benefit from the new acquisition of CNG buses. Minister Hinds said in the 2016-2017 budget, about $35m was allocated to purchase some new buses and he was informed by the PTSC when the decision was made to purchase those buses, about 20 will be sent to Tobago.

He added that they expect to procure them within the next seven months based on what part of the world the buses will be coming from
66 male suicides since January

The data was gathered by Danielle Francois MSc and Sian Allum MSc of Psych Corner TT in time for yesterdays World Mental Health Day. Yesterday, up until press time, Petrotrin workers were still draining the oil tank at the Trinmar Tank Farm in Pt Ligoure into which Curtis Pierre, a PH taxi driver from Point Fortin jumped and died after threatening to take his own life. Friends of Pierre have reportedly said that he suffered from mental health issues.

Pierre joined approximately 66 other men who took their own lives for the year, including David Francis who hung himself by a rope two months after being laid-off from his job at steel company Centrin.

Francis was among 200 workers laid off by Centrin which retrenched workers in February following another 600 left unemployed by Arcelor Mittals closure.

Psych Corner TT speculated that unemployment may have been one of the contributing factors to the suicide rates for the year based on the current economic situation, Francis death, as well as the age distribution of all cases.

Some 72 percent of all suicides were committed by persons between the ages of 30 and 59, whereas only 12 percent were between the ages 15 and 29, and 15 percent were over 60. The available data didnt allow for direct links to be made between unemployment and suicide, but Psych Corner listed loss of jobs, relational loss, stressful life events as usual causes.

Globally, researchers from the University of Oxford and the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine analysed data from 24 European Union countries, the United States and Canada.

They found that 10,000 extra suicides than usual were committed in the United Kingdom and North America following the 2008 economic crises. Loss of jobs, homes, and being in debt were considered to be the main risk factors.

Suicide is not evenly distributed between the sexes, as 91 percent of those for 2016 in Trinidad and Tobago were committed by men. Globally, the rate is three (men) to one (woman), but it was ten (men) to one (woman) this year so far, said Francois.

Globally, women attempt suicide at a higher rate than men, but men are more successful because they tend to use more lethal, final means like firearms and hanging, said Allum. Women, on the other hand, tend to use drug overdose, leaving enough time for them to be found and saved.

A total of 61 percent of suicides were committed by East Indians clustered mainly in central Trinidad. Allum was unable to draw direct links based on the data, but she said that, it happens a lot of people in rural and agricultural communities. One explanation is that East Indians living in these areas have more access to gramoxone, which is a more lethal method.
Rescue workers comb through the rubble at the site where four buildings collapsed in Wenzhou's Lucheng District on Monday killing 22 migrant workers. Photo: Visual China

(Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province)  The four buildings in a slum area that collapsed Monday  killing 22  in the eastern city of Wenzhou had already been "partially damaged" by government-backed demolition operations aimed at forcing out tenants, several local residents told Caixin.

The six-story buildings, which offered cramped quarters for factory workers at a nearby industrial park, collapsed around 4 a.m. on Monday, state-run China Central Television reported. Six survivors were pulled out of the rubble before the rescue was called off, the official Xinhua news agency said.

Wenzhou, in Zhejiang province, is an industrial hub for light manufacturing, including shoes and clothes, and it attracts thousands of migrant workers from rural villages. The land in Lucheng district on which the buildings stood was already earmarked for a housing project, and the local government has been trying to evacuate tenants for years.

Several workers from the neighborhood told Caixin that men  armed with hammers and other small tools  who had been hired by the local authorities have threatened to tear down the buildings several times. They had left after drilling holes in some walls and shattering windowpanes amid resistance from residents, they said.

"We don't know how the buildings stood for so long without collapsing because their structures were already damaged," said one resident who asked not to be named, fearing persecution by local authorities.

Property owners had neglected maintenance while they were demanding better compensation in return for giving up their land, locals said. Over 100 landowners had been negotiating for three years while demolition crews were trying to force out tenants, they said.

An initial survey of the site by government-appointed investigators blamed the poor quality of buildings constructed in the 1970s and '80s and the impact of recent rainstorms for the fatal disaster, Beijing News reported, citing Lucheng district Director Zhu Chongmin.

One tenant who was injured in the collapse told Caixin that he had complained to his landlord about the dilapidated state of the buildings after they "shook" when several typhoons hit the area last month. The man who identified himself only by his surname, Wang, said there were 40 to 50 residents, mostly factory workers, living in the damaged structures.

"I was sleeping when I was buried in rubble," said Wang, a migrant worker. "I'm lucky to be alive because a piece of the wooden roof fell on me, protecting me from the falling rubble."

Lucheng district police, in a statement on Wednesday, said they had detained four landlords in connection with the incident without stating the charges, as investigators were still trying to determine the cause of the collapse.

Forced demolitions, often at the behest of local governments, have been a source of growing public discontent as they have led to a number of deaths in recent years.

In July, a demolition crew hired by the local government tore down a part of a hospital in Zhengzhou, Henan province, while doctors and patients were still inside, damaging 4 million yuan ($600,000) worth of medical equipment, local news website Dahe reported.

Contact reporter Li Rongde (rongdeli@caixin.com); editor Poornima Weerasekara (poornima@caixin.com)
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(Beijing)  A new loan-relief plan for struggling state-owned enterprises unveiled Monday will allow asset management companies to decide who qualifies for the program, with the government playing only a supporting role, to avoid mistakes made during the previous state-led attempt to defuse a debt bubble in the late 1990s, a top official said.

The State Council, China's cabinet, unveiled plans that will allow state-owned enterprises (SOEs) to offer lenders equity stakes in return for having their debts written off. According to the guidelines, the program will focus on helping companies with sound long-term prospects ride out temporary difficulties so that lenders won't be stuck with unprofitable equities. It has also ruled out enterprises with a bad credit record and "zombie enterprises," which are losing money in sectors hit by overcapacity such as coal and cement, from qualifying for the swaps.

Lian Weiliang, deputy director of the National Development and Reform Commission, the country's top economic planner, also hinted that the government will be more cautious when bailing out ailing SOEs on the verge of bankruptcy. This time, market entities will be responsible for the decision-making as well as shouldering the risks, and the government will not cover the losses, he said. The debt-for-equity swap program is "by no means a free lunch," he added.

The new policies will also try to avoid the pitfalls of the previous large-scale debt clearance program in 1999, when the government set up four large asset management companies (AMCs) and transferred 1.4 trillion yuan ($208.4 billion) worth of sour loans from the country's top four state-owned banks. Experts said those AMCs found it difficult to exit the shares and had no say in the running of the enterprises.

Under the current programs, banks must set up their own asset management subsidiaries or work with third-party AMCs to handle the debt-for-equity swaps.

"A vital difference from the past is that the transfer of debt, the price of equity and the institutions that carry out the swaps will be decided by the market instead of the government," Lian said.

However, the guidelines said the government will offer "appropriate financial support" to encourage companies to join the program, including offering tax cuts to firms that "meet certain criteria" during the restructuring.

At a news conference jointly hosted by officials from various government agencies on Monday, Fan Yifei, vice president of the People's Bank of China, said the central bank will fine-tune its policies to ensure banks had adequate liquidity. Fan, however, did not detail what specific measures will be taken to assist lenders opting to forgive debt.

"This indicates the central bank will adopt a strategy of monetary easing," Ma Kunpeng, a China Merchants Securities analyst, told Caixin. "The debt-for-equity program will need large amounts of investment (including from the private sector), and sustaining liquidity (in the economy) is important."

Despite government assurances, banks that are already burdened by toxic loans will be reluctant to take on equity from poorly performing companies because it will squeeze liquidity and lead to eventual losses, an industry insider told Caixin.

By the end of June, Chinese banks were straddled with 1.4 trillion yuan in bad loans, the highest level since 2004, government data showed.

Contact reporter Wu Gang (gangwu@caixin.com); editor Poornima Weerasekara (poornima@caixin.com)
(Newser)  As World War II waned, Nazis were ordered to destroy evidence of the Final Solution at Auschwitz so that only a portion of the original camp remains today. That makes corroborating testimony of suspected war criminals difficultbut not impossible, thanks to virtual reality. Using original construction plans, period photographs, and a laser scan of the site, Bavaria's State Criminal Office has recreated the 15-mile camp in virtual reality so investigators can go "back in time" and see how it would have looked in the 1940s, reports NBC News. Not only are they able to walk around the camp and see how individuals moved around fences and barracks in both winter and summer, but they can even climb watchtowers to recreate, for example, the viewpoint of a guard.

Even trees, long since felled, have been replaced in the VR model to determine whether they blocked crimes from view. "The model can be used in trials to counter the objection of suspects who claim that they did not witness executions or marches to gas chambers from their vantage point," says a German official in charge of investigating Nazi war crimes. "To my knowledge, there is no more exact model of Auschwitz," adds a digital imaging expert who helped create the VR version, per the Guardian. "It is much, much more precise than Google Earth  When I zoom in, I can see the smallest detail." Already used in the cases of Johann Breyer and Reinhold Hanning, the model could help bring dozens of suspects to court, prosecutors say. (An Auschwitz prisoner's will was just found.)
(Newser)  Looks like Billy Bush is yesterday's man at the Today show. Sources tell the Hollywood Reporter that the network is moving to cut its ties with the co-host, who egged on Donald Trump and laughed at his lewd remarks about then-Access Hollywood co-host Nancy O'Dell in a 2005 conversation. "There is simply no excuse for Billys language and behavior on that tape," Today executive producer Noah Oppenheim told staff in an email Sunday, per the Wall Street Journal. Bush had already been suspended indefinitely from Today, which he joined full-time earlier this year.

Bush, 44, has said he is "embarrassed and ashamed." The Washington Post notes that Bushwhose image has been removed from digital billboards outside the show's headquartershad personality clashes with other Today hosts even before the 2005 tape surfaced. Sources tell Page Six that while covering the Olympics in Rio, Bush bragged to other NBC employees that he had a "tape of Trump being a real dog," which led to Access Hollywood staff members tracking it down. The sources say female staff at NBC have been asked to come forward if they know of any other instances of Bush behaving inappropriately. (Read more Billy Bush stories.)
(Newser)  An 18-year-old Subway employee has been cleared of charges two months after he was accused of drugging a police officer's drink. Tanis Ukena was arrested Aug. 8 in Layton, Utah, after a uniformed police officer who'd consumed part of a Subway drink and sandwich reported feeling intoxicated. Ukena tells KSL he "went into shock" when officers arrested him after he'd helped them search the Subway location "for an hour or two." Authorities at the time claimed an ion scanner test showed the officer's drink was laced with THC and methamphetamine and surveillance footage showed the crime unfold. However, Utah State Crime Lab tests were "unable to confirm that contaminates [sic] were in the officer's drink," police say.

Urine and blood tests showed no drugs in the officer's system and "extensive medical testing" offered no clues to his condition, reports the Standard-Examiner. Ukena's lawyer says police initially used a "cheap" drug test, noting, "The officer's symptoms did not correlate with the drugs, and that should have raised some red flags." He adds surveillance video shows Ukena only holding the officer's drink. Ukenawho's considering legal action, per the Standard-Examinersays he's still "pro-police," but he fears "this is going to affect me for years to come." Since his arrest, he says he's received death threats and finds it "scary to go out in public." An apology would be nice, he adds. In a statement, police noted their "appreciation" for his "patience." (Read more Utah stories.)
(Newser)  Dan Richman must have missed the "do not disturb" sign. Officials believe the 54-year-old hiker interrupted a pair of bears that were trying to mate when he was attacked Monday in the Sierra Madre foothills of California, the Los Angeles Times reports. According to KABC, Richman was going along a trail when he saw a bear on its hind legs 50 to 100 feet away. It was his first time seeing a bear in person. "I was pretty freaked out," he tells KTLA. Richman turned around to leave and saw a second bear much closer. His attempt to scare it off by yelling failed, and it attacked when he tried to run by it. Richman played dead, letting the bear put its jaws around his neck, until it gave up.

Richman ran off, not realizing how injured he was until he reached safety. He had a head injury and multiple cuts to his head, legs, feet, and torso. He says he's "fortunate" to have survived, and a local police chief describes it as a "pretty good bear attack." A spokesperson tells the Times a state game warden believes the bears "may have been a mating pair that was interrupted." The hiker probably just surprised the bears and they reacted the way an animal with teeth and claws does, attack, the spokesperson says. Officials plan to euthanize the bear if it's caught. And Richman says he plans to bring a buddy next time he hits the trail. (This guy survived two bear attacks in the same morning.)
(Newser)  Hillary Clinton campaign chairman John Podesta says the FBI is investigating the hack of his personal email account, and he's placing the blame on Moscow, the Washington Post reports. "This definitely is the first campaign that I've been involved with in which I've had to tangle with Russian intelligence agencies, who seem to be doing everything they can on behalf of our opponent," he says. Further, Podesta claims it's "reasonable" to conclude that "the Trump campaign had advance warning" that WikiLeaks planned to release the hacked emails; he cites an August tweet by longtime Trump associate Roger Stone claiming that "Podesta's time in the barrel" was coming. In other developments:



Trump would be "dangerous from an international point of view" as president, United Nations human rights chief warned Wednesday. Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, a Jordanian prince, said he was not "intent on interfering in any political campaign," but he found some of the Republican's remarks, especially on torture, "deeply unsettling and disturbing," the AP reports. Russia's ambassador to the United Nations has told Zeid that he shouldn't criticize foreign leaders.

CBS Miami reports that Trump, who says he has been "unshackled" by dozens of leading Republicans turning their backs on him, saved most of his anger for Hillary Clinton instead of fellow GOPers at a Panama City Beach rally Tuesday. "The election of Hillary Clinton would lead to the destruction of our country," he said, addressing the latest email leak.

Earlier in the day, Trump targeted "weak and ineffective" House Speaker Paul Ryan. Sources tell the Hill that as chief of Breitbart.com, Trump campaign CEO Steve Bannon ordered his staff to do everything they could to destroy Ryan, whom he sees as part of an elitist conspiracy to bring in a world government.

The New York Times reports that as the split within the GOP deepens, the Democrats are doing their best to take advantage, stepping up efforts to regain control of the Senate and possibly even the House. Insiders say that the Clinton campaign now sees Arizona and Georgia as winnable.

The Guardian reports that President Obama was campaigning for Clinton in North Carolina Tuesday, where he slammed Trump over lewd remarks in a 2005 recording. "The guy says stuff nobody would find tolerable if they were applying for a job at 7-Eleven," Obama said, mocking Republicans who are still standing by himespecially those who think Trump's personality is going to change.

Politico reports that other Republicans, accusing Trump of trying to undermine the democratic process, have asked him to stop claiming that the election is going to be stolen through widespread voter fraud.

Nate Silver at FiveThirtyEight looks at polling numbers and concludes that Donald Trump is being defeated by women, who are voting against him in nearly every state. Silver has maps showing what it would look like if only men votedor if only women voted, which would give Clinton a 458 to 80 landslide electoral college win.

(Read more Donald Trump stories.)
(Newser)  "I do know one prayer I'm not going to pray tonight," Kaye Gilbert tells KVUE. "I'm not going to pray for my son to come home because he is home." The body of Major Troy Gilbert returned to the US last week nearly 10 years after the F-16 pilot was killed in Iraq, the Arizona Republic reports. Gilbert was killed when his plane crashed while protecting coalition forces from an insurgent attack. Before the Air Force could recover his body, it was snatched by Al Qaeda fighters. Kay Gilbert says her son's body was used as a "trophy" by Al Qaeda and appeared in a 2007 propaganda film. Meanwhile, his family buried the scant remains the Air Force did recover at Arlington National Cemetery in 2006.

But Gilbert's family wasn't satisfied. They pressured the Air Force to keep looking, and a few more remains were found in 2012. Then in August, a tribal leader in Iraq told a US military leader he had the remains and flight gear of a US pilot. DNA tests confirmed it was Gilbert. Gilbert's widow, Ginger Ravella, and his five children were there when his body returned to US soil last week, according to the Air Force. Ravella calls it "bittersweet." As our military promised, no one was left behind on the field of battle, she says. Troy is home." Gilbert's body will join the rest of his recovered remains at Arlington. He is remembered for his "amazing display of bravery" in protecting coalition forces from "almost certain disaster." (Read more Iraq war stories.)
(Newser)  Marco Polo's travels to China in the 13th century are the first well documented record of a European reaching the empire. But archaeologists studying a famous trove of terracotta figures dug up in China now suggest that the first contact with the West occurred much earlier than thoughtsome 1,500 years before Polo's arrival, reports the BBC. Their theory is that those terracotta figures were inspired by Greek art, and that a Greek sculptor may have actually helped create them around 300 BC. For one thing, there's nothing in earlier Chinese art like these life-sized statues. I imagine that a Greek sculptor may have been at the site to train the locals," says historian Lukas Nickel of the University of Vienna. But more than that, researchers have turned up European DNA from skeletons at a nearby site in northern China.

The DNA find suggests Westerners were living there under the dynasty of Qin Shi Huang, the "First Emperor" who commissioned the so-called Terracotta Army for his tomb. "We now have evidence that close contact existed between the First Emperors China and the West before the formal opening of the Silk Road," says an archaeologist on the project. "This is far earlier than we formerly thought. An ongoing study of the tomb has also revealed the remains of what could be the emperor's sons, reports National Geographic. Experts say the remainsincluding a skull pierced by a crossbow boltmatch an account of one of the emperor's sons murdering his brothers to seize control after his father's death in 210 BC. (The terracotta warriors may resemble real soldiers.)
(Newser)  The feds are now on the case of a plane that crashed in Connecticut Tuesday afternoon, killing its student pilot, NBC News reports. The only other passenger aboard was the instructor, IDed by a local hospital as Arian Prevalla, who survived, per an anonymous law enforcement official. The FBI is now speaking with him to find out if the plane was intentionally downed, East Hartford police Lt. Joshua Litwin tells CBS News, and they're also checking out the background of student pilot Feras M. Freitekh, who is said to be from Jordan. East Hartford Mayor Marcia Leclerc tells CBS that the instructor told authorities the crash was intentional. The Piper PA-34 Seneca aircraft, which officials say came from a nearby flight school, slammed into a utility pole and burst into flames around 4pm EDT, injuring two people in a minivan on the ground (their injuries are said to be minor).

Police say there were two separate sets of controls for the twin-engine plane, but Litwin says it's not clear who was actually piloting it at the time of the crash. He said at a Wednesday press conference that the probe is "extremely active" and "still in its infancy" and noted that every option is still on the table, including the crash being an accident. CBS reports that it discovered Freitekh is a Jordanian national who first came into the US in 2012 on a temporary M1 student visa to attend flight school, though that changed to an F1 (a longer-term study visa) when he attended a Toledo language school, then back to an M1 at some point. Prevalla is said to be in critical condition, per a hospital spokesman. (Read more plane crash stories.)
(Newser)  An online retailer has pulled a Halloween costume that made light of the recent jewelry heist involving Kim Kardashian West. Time reports that the listing for the "Parisian Heist" costume on Costumeish featured a bound and gagged Kardashian lookalike dressed in a white robe and sporting a giant ring. The listing didn't include Kardashian's name, though Fortune reports that it did refer to "Americas goddess of all things glamorous" and the "Queen of Social Media." The costume was being sold for nearly $70, reports the AP. The company's founder, Jonathon Weeks, told Time that the costume was designed to provoke a strong reaction. He says he didn't want to "make light of a serious situation," and added that the company wasn't mocking her.

The costume prompted outrage from some social media users, and was called "offensive," "disgusting," and "sick," among many other things. The company's Twitter account announced Tuesday the costume had been pulled and apologized if it "offended anyone." You may still see it at Halloween parties, because the company previously said it had no plans to pull it because it had been "selling well." In other Kardashian news, Kanye West resumed touring over the weekend, but Khloe said Tuesday that sister Kim is still "not doing well" after the "incredibly traumatic" experience. Also Tuesday, Kim sued online media outlet MediaTakeOut.com for libel. The lawsuit states Kardashian was victimized a second time when the website published a series of articles referring to her as a liar and a thief and alleged that she faked the robbery, lied about the violent assault, and filed a fraudulent claim with her insurance company to cheat her carrier out of millions of dollars. (Read more Kim Kardashian stories.)
(Newser)  A couple was found passed out in the middle of the drive-thru at a Florida McDonald's Tuesday night, the Miami Herald reports. They ordered food at the drive-thru speaker around 10:30pm but never made it to the window to pick up their order. An employee went to check on them and found the couple asleep, still at the order speaker. Police arrived and woke up the woman in the passenger seat, who was "asleep, mouth open, with drool coming down her face." She woke up the man in the driver's seat. Police say both smelled of alcohol.

According to the New York Daily News, the man allegedly gave police a fake name, then got belligerent and tried to elbow an officer in the head. He was identified as 28-year-old Kevin Yonson. He has three convictions for DUI and one for sexual assault. Yonson was arrested and charged with DUI, failing to register as a sex offender, resisting arrest, driving with a suspended license, battery on a law officer, and giving false information to a police officer. The woman was returned to her hotel. (Read more weird crimes stories.)
(Newser)  Wells Fargo's embattled CEO John Stumpf is stepping down as the nation's second-largest bank is roiled by a scandal over its sales practices, the AP reports. The San Francisco bank said Wednesday that Stumpf is retiring effective immediately and also relinquishing his title as chairman. It had earlier announced that Stumpf, the bank's CEO since 2007, will forfeit $41 million in stock awards. Wells Fargo's chief operating officer, Tim Sloan, will succeed Stumpf as CEO. Stephen Sanger, the bank's lead director, will serve as the board's non-executive chairman. Stumpf faced congressional hearings and consumer wrath last month after Wells Fargo was found to have opened millions of unauthorized bank accounts.

Wells Fargo & Co. had been well-known in the banking industry for its ability to sell customers multiple products, such as a new account, a mortgage, a retirement account, or even online banking. The company has agreed to pay $185 million to settle allegations that its workers opened millions of accounts without customers' permission to reach aggressive sales targets. Stumpf, a 34-year veteran of the bank, had previously gained acclaim for navigating Wells Fargo through the financial crisis and keeping it free of scandal. But he came under withering pressure over the alleged misconduct, believed to have gone on at the bank for years. Some 5,300 lower-level employees were fired. (Read more Wells Fargo stories.)
Apple and Samsung will be appearing in Supreme Court later this week in context of their design patent dispute.This is the first design patent case to reach the Supreme Court in 123 years, with the last case having appeared in 1893.

The dispute has been ongoing since 2011 when Apple filed a case against rival Samsung for having mimicked "the iPhone's round corners and grid of icons" and other patented features. Samsung was asked to originally asked to pay $1.05 billion in damages but ended up paying $548 million in damages. Samsung will be appealing against this judgement, in part, while making its case in the Supreme Court.

This is just one of several patent battles ongoing between the two companies. In recent ruling in another related case, a federal jury reinstated damages amounting to $120 million to Apple for Samsung having infringed upon Apple's patents for features like slide-to-unlock. According to the federal court, there were several pieces of evidence pointing to the fact that Samsung had infringed Apple's patents for its smartphone design.

In the case that will be heard in the Supreme Court, eight justices will be primarily deciding on how much Samsung should be paying as damages - should it pay only that revenue as is attributable to the features copied or the entire amount of profits arising from the phones under dispute.

It is expected that the Supreme Court decision in the case will have an industry-wide impact. Michael Risch, a patent law professor at Villanova University has said that it could influence on how damages arising from patent infringements will be decided henceforth.

According to Samsung, around $399 million of damages to paid has been wrongly awarded to Apple. Apple however contends that Samsung winning the appeal would result in loss of protection for innovation.

"If the court reverses the way it's been done in the past, then we might see fewer design patent cases because they won't be as lucrative," said Professor Risch to The Christian Science Monitor.

Several tech giants like Facebook, Google, Hewlett-Packard, Ebay, Dell have joined Samsung in arguing that the damages awarded to Apple is "deeply flawed," because "it ignores the reality of modern, multicomponent technological products."
Lucknow:

Making terrorism the centrepoint of his over 20-minute speech at Aishbagh Maidan in Lucknow, PM Modi said terror was the worst enemy of humanity and called upon the world community to speak in one voice against the menace to put an end to it.

Here are top 10 points from PM Narendra Modi's Dussehra speech :

1. Breaking from tradition, Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended the historic Ramlila celebrations here where he launched a veiled attack on Pakistan

2. Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Communalism, casteism, nepotism are forms of evil inside us, need to get rid of these Ravanas.

3. Modi stated the world was late in recognising terrorism.Terming it as enemy of humanity, Modi asked people to stand united in the fight against terrorism.

4. PM stressed the need of working collectively against gender bias and help provide all opportunity to them to shine.

5. The girl child has left a mark in every area, from studies to sports. Saluting their accomplishments on International Day of the Girl Child.

6. He also said, "You cant be Ram, but be the Jatayu who put up the first resistance to Ravana (terror). Fits in with his larger message of being alert towards terror. Exhorted society to make Dussehra a daily war to fight evils within."

7. He asked his political opponents not to play politics with terrorism, and not challenge the governments stand in Indo-Pak matters.

8. "In 1992-93, I was talking to someone from US Dept of State on terrorism, they said its your "law & order problem". That changed after 26/11," the prime minister stated.

9. Modi then shifted gears to poverty, illiteracy and said that we get rid of these social evils.

10. We cannot save humanity unless we fight terrorism and terrorists, he concluded.

For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps.
Srinagar:

The encounter in Pampore area in Jammu and Kashmir, which had entered third day on Wednesday, finally came to an end after security forces killed two militants after a long gun-battle. A group of terrorists had entered a government building in Pampore, triggering a standoff between security forces and militants.

Three army soldiers were injured in the exchange of firing. More than 50 rockets, machine guns and explosives were used by the security forces in a bid to kill or flush out the terrorists, who were hiding inside the building for 3 days. The battered building serves the purpose of providing vocational training to young Kashmiris.

ALSO READ: Why are terrorists specifically targeting the EDI building in Pampore?

Here are the live updates:

GOC Victor Force Major General Ashok Narula briefs media on Pampore attack:



# Most probably they belong to LeT



# There was glass over there, so we had to do a bit of percussion effect.With that, glasses break and you are able to see thru it



# Before going into an operation, we do fire from outside so that we are able to take care of it



# Day before yesterday in the morning we started, yesterday we kept working and today we in the morning we started clearing of op



# We have taken our time, this is one building which has 60 rooms.60 rooms had 60 bathrooms also,it takes time to clear each room



# It is sad that its for the second time they had occupied this building, both the times it was targeted



# There were chances of civilians being inside, all those people were taken out



# This operation was a very tricky operation because it is a very huge building, and we didn't want any collateral damage



# Day before y'day, in morn we heard some firing in EDI building, there was presence of terrorists.We cordoned area & started our op



# 2 terrorists eliminated, 2 weapons recovered



# Encounter between security forces and terrorists in Pampore ends; 2 terrorists gunned down



# Search operation continues in EDI building

# Security forces recover bodies of two terrorists

# Army jawans enter into EDI building

#SpotVisuals 3rd day of encounter between security forces and terrorists still underway at EDI building in Pampore (J&K) (visuals deferred) pic.twitter.com/uPM964tYor  ANI (@ANI_news) October 12, 2016

#SpotVisuals 3rd day of encounter between security forces and terrorists still underway at EDI building in Pampore (J&K) (visuals deferred) pic.twitter.com/E1lBMlXWCT  ANI (@ANI_news) October 12, 2016

# Another terrorist killed by security forces in Pampore (J&K) encounter, bringing number of terrorists killed to two: Police Sources

# One terrorist gunned down by security forces in Pampore (J&K) encounter: Police Sources

# Encounter between security forces and terrorists still underway at EDI building in Pampore (J&K)

Watch | One army jawan injured in encounter between terrorists and security forces in Pampore

On Tuesday, security forces pounded the government building in Pampore with mortars and blasted IEDs. Most part of the concrete building has been reduced to a skeleton as many of its walls have been blown up. The area around the EDI premises has been cordoned off to prevent the militants from escaping, the official said.

Two to three militants stormed into the EDI complex in the wee hours on Monday and took positions inside one of the buildings. After getting inside the complex, the militants set on fire few mattresses inside a hostel room to attract the attention of the police and other security forces, which arrived within minutes of the smoke emanating from the building.

ALSO READ | Pampore attack: Act of frustration by Pakistan terms Manohar Parrikar

(With PTI inputs)

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New Delhi:

Ahead of their annual bilateral Summit, India has conveyed its opposition to Russia over its joint exercise with Pakistan, a nation which "sponsors and practises terrorism as a matter of State policy", saying it will create further problems.

"We have conveyed our views to the Russian side that military cooperation with Pakistan which is a State that sponsors and practises terrorism as a matter of State policy is a wrong approach and it will only create further problems," Indian Ambassador to Moscow Pankaj Saran said in an interview to Russian news agency Ria Novosti.

Saran's remarks come ahead of the bilateral meeting in Goa on Saturday between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who will be arriving in India on October 14. Apart from bilateral Summit, Putin will attend the Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa (BRICS) meet on October 16.

India has been communicating its unhappiness to Russia over its joint military exercises with Pakistan. However, these concerns have been played down by the Russins who maintain that they hold similar military drills with other countries of the region as well.

Saran also said, "There are some burning issues before the world today which the BRICS countries will certainly address and this includes the question of terrorism and the threat of terrorism faced by all the countries in the BRICS group. So this will be a major item of discussion during the Summit apart from the regional conflicts and the global situation."

On Indo-Russia ties, the envoy said as far as India's relations with Russia are concerned, the two countries share a special and privileged strategic partnership.

"We see no change in this. On the contrary, this has only strengthened in all areas, including in the field of military-technical cooperation. This partnership is an anchor of peace and stability in the region and the world.

"We have a regular system of military exercises with Russia. We have been holding these exercises for the last few years with Russia and we will continue to do so. The plan for these exercises is drawn up between the relevant agencies of the two sides. This will continue even next year," he said.

Saran also talked about the cooperation in the field of civil nuclear sector, trade and investments. Russia had held first-ever joint military exercise with Pakistan in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa region in September. Saran said as far as nuclear cooperation was concerned, the ties were "historic".

"We have five other units for Kudankulam project. Unit-2 is in the process of achieving criticality and work on Units 3 and 4 is in the process of beginning. As far as Units 5 and 6 are concerned, we are working with the Russian side to finalise a General Framework Agreement and a

Credit Protocol," he said, hoping to conclude the negotiations to mutual benefit for the two countries. On commercial ties, he said the two sides were "actively" working to meet the bilateral trade target of $30 billion by 2025.

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New Delhi:

The town of Pinarayi in Kerala's Kannur district witnessed yet another gruesome incident on Wednesday as a 25-year-old BJP worker was hacked to death, two days after the murder of CPI-M activist in the district.

The deceased has been identified as Prenith, police said. The police added that the incident occurred at around 10.30 AM near a petrol pump at Pinarayi.

Very unfortunate report frm Kannur that a BJP activist was killed by CPM terrorist;we strongly protest this:Kerala BJP spokesperson MS Kumar pic.twitter.com/J2DNWhvh2s a ANI (@ANI_news) October 12, 2016

Pinarayi is the home town of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Waynad Superintendent of Police, K Karthick, who also has charge of Kannur, said he was rushing to the spot to take stock of the situation.

Kannur has witnessed a series of attacks on political workers in the recent past. A CPI(M) activist and toddy shop worker, Mohanan (40) was murdered by a six-member gang at Pathiriyad in the district two days back, with CPI(M) pointing fingers at RSS for the attack.A

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Irina Simeonovas eyes sparkle with the challenge as she sizes up her visitor. The latters black criss-cross wedge espadrilles have pop, but she has teamed them with a formless black sleeveless shell and ill-fitting magenta skirt. Simeonova turns to a rack of her creations for an ensemble that actually will say something about the wearer who has donned it.

Try this, she says, handing over a slim skirt and fitted jacket of embossed green material and cinnamon brown animal print. After a trip to a makeshift dressing room, said visitor emerges feeling way more confident, taller, more together and interesting. Simeonovas design talents aside (the skirts dual pleated accents are sublime), she has just proven what she has been talking about for the past 45 minutes.

Spend even a little bit of time with Simeonova, who owns a fashion academy and has her own ready-to-wear fashion line, and you learn clothing goes beyond function. It is a statement and a feeling, and as a teacher, she sees lessons as something more than how to construct or drape cloth over all those points and curves. Creativity and a fresh approach must be paired with every pleat and tuck, otherwise where is the soul? Just as a piece of visual art can stir emotions, so too can our clothes  that is, if its been made by a designer with something to say.

Fashion is a language, and we actually tell people what we want from them by the way we dress, she says. The way you dress makes you noticed; its a way to invite people into your world.

Ten years ago, Simeonova launched the New England Fashion + Design Association across three rooms above the South Norwalk eastbound train station. A successful decade of all-ages workshops, after-school programs and summer camps has led to expansion to locations in Glastonbury and White Plains, N.Y.

No newbie to fashion, Simeonova has been in the industry for more than 30 years. Earlier, if you consider she was sewing and making her own patterns at the age of 11 in her hometown of Sofia, Bulgaria. By 21, she was the head designer for the Bulgarian fashion house Rila Style. About six years later, in 1991, she came to the United States to work for designer Mary McFadden.

Teaching came later. Shes also an assistant professor at the New School Parsons School for Design.

I fell in love with it, she says.

Shes even gone international, recently returning from an exchange program for fashion students in Beijing, China. The South Norwalk fashion academy guides students in sewing, patternmaking and fashion illustration. On a recent afternoon, Simeonova worked with two new fifth-grade students, encouraging them to draw whatever came to mind. You are in a dream lab now, so you can do anything.

Across the way, Bela Raczkowski, 16, of Trumbull, fans out a half-dozen sketches inspired by insect wings and how insects see. Lines that resemble filaments (inspired by the multiveined wings) form the structure of skirt after flowing skirt. These are colorful, too, and Im not a big color person, Raczkowski says. Irina got me out of my comfort zone. I usually go more minimalistic, but for this one, I really went all out.

Raczkowskis collection is just one of the exercises  biology was the theme  she has completed since she started several years ago. Its been cool to see my growth. When I started, it was just simple things, but it has evolved from that.

The academy works to build strength and talent so problems are resolved faster and students leave with confidence and high self-esteem. The exercises here are actually teaching them to think very abstract, Simeonova says. They dont think about buttons and lapels and seams, they think about shapes. How these shapes influence the viewer.

As I work with the students, they tell me the way that they should be taught. I like to make them independent, and I push them to be independent, she adds. I dont like to smother them. I keep asking them to do it themselves.

Maggie Miller knows the drill. This 17-year-old aspiring designer from Weston built a collection around meiosis, or cell division. Her sketches reveal design elements inspired by cell structure. Shes already thinking of the next challenge, and at the risk of giving away a very enterprising idea, lets just say it is inspired by a historical figure and a pop-culture icon. My whole life, I have loved art, but I found this is the route I wanted to take. You can still have creative expressions in fashion, and I love the tangible quality.  Everyone interacts with fashion every day.

Simeonova will tell you that interaction is an important one. Before you even open your mouth, your clothes are talking for you. She recently has returned to fashion design with her ready-to-wear line. The fall line, the Huntress Collection, is out and a spring series is on the way.

Simeonova is as much a guide as she is a fellow creative traveler, offering insights to her students by her own example of not following the crowd.

The moment you repeat your voice, you are flat. In fashion, you have to keep moving.

chennessy@hearstmedia.com; Twitter: @xtinahennessy
NEW YORK, NY, Oct. 11, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable Patty Hajdu, Minister of Status of Women, today celebrated International Day of the Girl at the United Nations by engaging with young women and girls who are activists for girls' rights and girls' equality on ways to create better and brighter futures for them and their peers around the world.

Minister Hajdu also highlighted Canada's renewed commitment to international engagement on gender equality issues, the empowerment of all women and girls, and the realization of their human rights during an address to the 71st session of the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly.

The Minister underscored a number of actions Canada is taking to make progress on gender equality. This includes the recent launch of a National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls which will respond to the unacceptable levels of violence perpetrated against them. The Minister also described her recent engagement of key stakeholders across Canada as part of the government's plan to develop a Federal Strategy Against Gender-based Violence. In social policy, the federal government is currently developing a Framework for Early Education and Childcare, along with a Poverty Reduction Strategy, both of which will support the needs of many women and their families.

Canada has committed to placing gender equality and rights, and the empowerment of women and girls at the heart of all its international development efforts. These priorities reflect the fact that in many countries, when women and girls are empowered with the knowledge and skills to succeed in life, they have better health and economic outcomes. Girls are also powerful agents of change and need to be included as full participants in decisions that affect their lives, including in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Quick Facts

Earlier this year, Canada was elected as a member of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) for the 2017 to 2021 term. Established in 1946, the UNCSW is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women.

was elected as a member of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (UNCSW) for the 2017 to 2021 term. Established in 1946, the UNCSW is the principal global intergovernmental body exclusively dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has been selected as a 'champion' of UN Women's HeForShe campaign, a solidarity movement that calls upon men and boys to stand up against the persistent inequalities faced by women and girls globally. He also serves as youth ambassador for HeforShe, advocating for gender equality and the full support and involvement of youth around the world.



Quote

"We know how difficult it is to overcome entrenched gender inequality, especially when a culture of patriarchy persists in a society. The pace of change in gender roles and social norms can be far too slow and sometimes painful, because power and privilege are never easily relinquished. All women and girls deserve an equal chance to realize their human rights, reach their full potential, and contribute to and benefit from the progress in their communities and countries. The Government of Canada is committed to working with all of our partners to make this happen."

The Honourable Patty Hajdu

Minister of Status of Women

Ce texte est egalement disponible en francais.

For news releases and information on Status of Women Canada, go to women.gc.ca.

SOURCE Status of Women Canada

For further information: Inquiries: Matt Pascuzzo, Press Secretary, Office of the Minister of Status of Women, 613-291-5561; Nanci-Jean Waugh, Director General, Communications and Public Affairs, Status of Women Canada, 819-420-6810
New Initiative Key to Ensuring All Employees Have Opportunities to Succeed, Thrive in Business Leadership

NEW YORK CITY, Oct. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - Catalyst is collaborating with Ascend Canada to launch a longitudinal initiative on gender, race and ethnicity in the Canadian workplace. Catalyst's Gender, Race and Ethnicity Research Initiative is set to track a large group of survey respondents called the "Research Collective"including women and men of all racial and ethnic backgroundswho will share firsthand insights about challenges and opportunities related to achieving inclusion.

Catalyst's relationship with Ascend Canada reflects the increasing need for organizations to maximize all talent, which is associated with more innovation and productivity within organizations. Through this initiative, Catalyst researchers will harness the power of data to uncover diverse perspectives in the workplace; reset existing thinking around race and ethnicity; and shed light on relevant, actionable strategies to ensure equal opportunity in the Canadian workplace.

"This Research Collective marks a critical milestone toward filling the gap to understand how race, ethnicity and culture create not only unique challenges, but also unique opportunities for women and men at work," said Deborah Gillis, President and CEO, Catalyst. "Partnering with Ascend Canada allows Catalyst to uncover knowledge on what contributes to or stalls fostering more inclusive workplaces."

Canada's visible minority communitiesincluding South Asian, East Asian and Black Canadian men and women throughout the pipelineare encouraged to join the Research Collective. Catalyst has already conducted foundational research in the United States, inviting nearly 2,000 Asian, Black and Latina/o women and men.

Participants in the Research Collective will also receive occasional invitations to be included in Catalyst surveys. Consequently, all participants will become part of a unique online community focusing on workplace inclusion issues across gender, race and ethnicity and gaining access to tips and proven strategies for success in the workplace.

"Ascend Canada is excited to partner with Catalyst in a shared goal to drive true inclusiveness in the Canadian workplace. Together we will provide insights on how an increasingly diverse workforce powers innovation and measureable success," said Kelvin Tran, President and Chairman, Ascend Canada. "We hope to inspire leaders and individuals to achieve their full potential, and in turn, foster a more dynamic Canadian workforce."

Gifts from the General Motors Foundation and PepsiCo Foundation contributed to the launch of Catalyst's Gender, Race and Ethnicity Research Initiative.

"As a global company, we know that a diverse workforce is a strategic advantage to addressing the challenges that exist in our ever-changing markets around the world," said Jackie Parker, Director of Global Philanthropy and Corporate Giving, General Motors. "Supporting initiatives like the Research Collective help shed light on the root causes of workplace inequality in effort to drive greater diversity at GM and across the global corporate marketplace."

"At PepsiCo, people are our greatest asset. We believe in building a workforce that reflects the diverse consumers and communities we serve. Supporting the Research Collective is part of our broader commitment to finding dynamic and innovative solutions that will help increase the impact of diversity in the workplace," said Deborah Rosado Shaw, senior vice president, Chief Global Diversity & Engagement Officer, PepsiCo, Inc.

Learn more about Catalyst's Gender, Race and Ethnicity Research Initiative.

About Catalyst

Founded in 1962, Catalyst is the leading nonprofit organization accelerating progress for women through workplace inclusion. With operations in the United States, Canada, Europe, India, Australia, and Japan, and more than 800 supporting organizations, Catalyst is the trusted resource for research, information, and advice about women at work. Catalyst annually honors exemplary organizational initiatives that promote women's advancement with the Catalyst Award.

About Ascend Canada

Ascend Canada is a non-profit organization with the mission to develop and advance pan-Asian talent through partnership with other Canadian and like-minded organizations. With more than 3,000 members and 19 corporate partners, Ascend Canada's objectives are to develop the full potential of our members by leveraging our networks and providing programs and events that inspire, as well as educate. The annual Ascend Canada Leadership Awards celebrates individuals for their personal dedication, career achievement and contributions to the community. For more information on Ascend Canada, visit ascendleadership.ca.

About General Motors

General Motors Co. (NYSE:GM, TSX: GMM) and its partners produce vehicles in 30 countries, and the company has leadership positions in the world's largest and fastest-growing automotive markets. GM, its subsidiaries and joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Chevrolet, Cadillac, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden, Jiefang, Opel, Vauxhall and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety, security and information services, can be found at http://www.gm.com.

About the Pepsico Foundation

Established in 1962, the PepsiCo Foundation is the philanthropic anchor of PepsiCo, collaborating with non-profit organizations to develop innovative solutions to challenges facing underserved communities around the world. In support of PepsiCo's commitment to Performance with Purpose, the PepsiCo Foundation provides grants to eligible non-profit organizations to advance progress in the fields of Human, Environmental, and Talent Sustainability. For more information, visit: www.pepsico.com/Purpose/Global-Citizenship.

SOURCE Ascend Canada

For further information: Tia T. Gordon, Catalyst, +1 646 640 1375, [email protected]; Patrick Bhang, Ascend Canada, +1 416-271-0972, [email protected]
BRAMPTON, ON, Oct. 11, 2016 /CNW/ - Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L) announced today that it will release its third quarter 2016 results on November 16, 2016 at 6:30 a.m. (ET). The release will be followed by a conference call at 9:00 a.m. (ET), as well as an audio webcast.

To access Loblaw's third quarter conference call, please dial (416) 204-9271 or (800) 505-9568. The playback will be made available approximately two hours after the event at (647) 436-0148 or (888) 203-1112, access code: 9000693. To access via audio webcast please go to the "Investor" section of loblaw.ca. Pre-registration will be available.

About Loblaw Companies Limited

Loblaw Companies Limited is Canada's food and pharmacy leader, the nation's largest retailer, and the majority unitholder of Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust. Loblaw provides Canadians with grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, banking, and wireless mobile products and services. With more than 2,300 corporate, franchised and Associate-owned locations, Loblaw, its franchisees, and Associate-owners employ approximately 192,000 full- and part-time employees, making it one of Canada's largest private sector employers.

Live Life Well

Loblaw's purpose - Live Life Well - puts first the needs and well-being of Canadians who make one billion transactions annually in the Company's stores. Loblaw is positioned to meet and exceed those needs in many ways: convenient locations; more than 1,050 grocery stores that span the value spectrum from discount to specialty; full-service pharmacies at more than 1,250 Shoppers Drug Mart and Pharmaprix locations and more than 500 Loblaw locations; no-fee banking with PC Financial services; affordable Joe Fresh fashion and family apparel; and three of Canada's top consumer brands in Life Brand, no name and President's Choice. Through the PC Plus and Shoppers Optimum loyalty programs, more than one in every three Canadians are rewarded for shopping with the companies. For more information, visit Loblaw's website at www.loblaw.ca and Loblaw's issuer profile at www.sedar.com.

SOURCE Loblaw Companies Limited

For further information: Media Enquiries, contact: Kevin Groh, Loblaw Companies Limited, Vice President Corporate Affairs and Communication, 905-861-2437, [email protected]; Investors Enquiries, contact: Sophia Bisoukis, Loblaw Companies Limited, Vice President Investor Relations, 905-861-2436, [email protected]
$1 from Every Burrito Sold to Support Expansion of Youth Program

TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - Canadian-owned and operated restaurant chain Quesada Burritos & Tacos is encouraging Canadians to visit one of its more than 70 locations nationally on Tuesday, Oct. 18 to help support the expansion of Walk This Way - a Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada program.

Quesada will donate $1 from every burrito sold to continue to expand 'Walk This Way' nationally. The program promotes physical activity and learning by encouraging young people to explore their community on foot. It began when Gavin Lumsden, a volunteer at Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa, was looking for a way to get kids active while teaching them about their communities.

WHAT: "Walk This Way" Day

$1 from every burrito to support the national expansion of Boys and Girls Clubs program



WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 18



WHERE: Quesada locations and across Canada



WHO: Interview opportunities with Boys and Clubs spokespeople available upon request.

Follow the conversation: @BGCCAN @QuesadaBurritos #walkthiswayday.

SOURCE Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada

Image with caption: "Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada members walk with Steve Gill, founder of Quesada Burritos & Tacos. On Oct. 18 the Canadian chain will donate $1 from every burrito sold to support the expansion of BGCCs Walk this Way youth program. (CNW Group/Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161012_C1331_PHOTO_EN_794002.jpg

Image with caption: "Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada (CNW Group/Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161012_C1331_PHOTO_EN_794005.jpg

For further information: Victoria Kirk, V & Co. PR & Marketing Communications, [email protected], 416.558.4507; Jared Morrow, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, [email protected], 905.477.7272 x202
Toronto to welcome 6,000 elite salespeople from NU SKIN Greater China

TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2016 /CNW/ - Toronto has won its bid to host the largest travel delegation ever to come from China to Canada. The Chinese incentive travel group, NU Skin Greater China, will send 6,000 of its elite salespeople to Toronto in 2018, following a signing ceremony held this week in Shanghai between NU Skin officials, Tourism Toronto and the Ontario Minister of International Trade. This travel program is estimated to generate $8.3 million in visitor spending in Ontario.

This coveted win is part of Tourism Toronto's multi-year strategy to attract both leisure and corporate travellers from China, which remains the largest overseas market for tourism. In 2015 alone, 260,000 visitors arrived from China, a figure that has doubled since 2010.

"Top destinations from around the world were bidding in hopes of attracting NU SKIN," said Johanne Belanger, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto. "This win is further evidence that Toronto has achieved a prestige status in China as a destination and has emerged as a leader in the international incentive travel sector."

NU SKIN is one of several recent high-profile results stemming from the strategic efforts of Tourism Toronto in cooperation with the Government of Ontario. Two years ago, Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne and Michael Chan, now Ontario Minister of International Trade, joined Tourism Toronto in China to help secure the previous record-breaking incentive group, Perfect China. Perfect China and several other major Chinese incentive travel groups, including Sun Hope International Corporation and Joymain, will collectively bring more than 11,000 travellers to Toronto and Ontario, as well as visitor spending of nearly $44 million, in addition to NU SKIN Greater China's commitment.

"Toronto is an ideal setting for our annual incentive program because it offers the excitement of a global city with memorable experiences like Niagara Falls," said Angela Lau, Regional Vice President, NU SKIN Greater China. "We were particularly impressed by the strong partnership among everyone involved in the Toronto bid, from the industry to government, which demonstrates a strong commitment to this business."

"China is an important trade partner for Ontario, and our government is proud to collaborate with Tourism Toronto to actively engage the Chinese travel market. Increased tourism between Ontario and China not only deepens our economic relationship in this key international market, it also promotes our province as a premier global travel, trade and investment destination that will create jobs to benefit both jurisdictions economically," said Michael Chan, Minister of International Trade.

More than 315,000 people are employed in tourism and hospitality in the Toronto region, illustrating the significance of this sector to Ontario's economy and to the communities in which these events are held. Overall last year Toronto hosted 725 meetings and conventions, bringing 356,600 delegates to the region and generating $417 million in spend. At the same time, Tourism Toronto and its partners booked 751 new meetings and events for future years that will bring 351,900 delegates and $376 million in direct spending to the region.

"Our government is a proud supporter of Ontario's tourism industry and is thrilled to see continued interest in our cities, people and cultural landscape from groups like NU SKIN Greater China. By strengthening both corporate and leisure tourism, we are building on our plan to grow the economy and create jobs, while bringing people together from around the world," said Eleanor McMahon, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.

Recent commitments made by the Federal government to open new visa offices and to deepen the connection between Canada and China will also contribute to sustained growth in tourism and trade between the two countries.

"These wins and the strong growth in Chinese tourism to Toronto are the culmination of a decade of work to build key relationships and lay the groundwork for success," said Ms. Belanger.

About Tourism Toronto

Tourism Toronto, Toronto's Convention and Visitors Association, is an industry association of more than 1,000 members established to sell and market the greater Toronto region as a remarkable destination for tourists, convention delegates and business travellers around the globe. Tourism Toronto operates in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport and the Greater Toronto Hotel Association. For more information please visit www.seetorontonow.com.

SOURCE Tourism Toronto

Image with caption: "[Left to right: Vincent Huang, Director, NU SKIN Greater China; Honourable Michael Chan, Minister of International Trade; Mark Crawford, Director of Business Development, Tourism Toronto, on a tour of the NU SKIN business facility in Shanghai. The group, as well as Johanne Belanger, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto, were in Shanghai yesterday to officially sign an agreement that will welcome 6,000 travel delegates from China in 2018, making it the largest-ever incentive travel group to visit Canada from the country. (CNW Group/Tourism Toronto)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20161012_C5936_PHOTO_EN_795232.jpg

For further information: Krystal Carter, Media Relations Manager, Tourism Toronto, 647-289-6376, [email protected]; Hedy Wang, Tourism Toronto China Office, (8610) 6589-6534, [email protected]; Katrina Sands, Press Secretary, Office of Hon. Michael Chan, Minister of International Trade, [email protected], (416) 327-2845
Sheikh Isyaka Rabiu, a Muslim cleric has called on Nigerian Muslims to reject the Gender equality bill.

Sheikh Isyaka Rabiu, a Muslim cleric has called on Nigerian Muslims to reject the Gender equality bill.Sheikh Rabiu, who is the leader of the Tijjaniya Brotherhood, has warned Muslim lawmakers that they will be condemned as unbelievers if they back the gender equality bill. Speaking with BBC, the cleric said, "whoever approves of the bill is an unbeliever, not Muslim. I am appealing to all Muslim [senators] to never allow this bill to become law and if they do, we are going to tell all Nigerian Muslims not to accept it."
Some domestic airlines in Nigeria have decried continuous decline in passenger traffic and increasing cost of aviation fuel also know...

Some domestic airlines in Nigeria have decried continuous decline in passenger traffic and increasing cost of aviation fuel also known as Jet A1.Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja, Mr Abdullahi Saroke, Deputy Station Manager, Azman Air, said that many airlines were currently not having good in the business.Saroke said that the price of fuel had increased by 100 per cent while the patronage had decreased by 30 per cent in recent time.He added that the airlines that usually had its seats fully occupied in flight were now struggling to have up to 75 per cent of their seats booked and boarded.According to him, it has not been easy for most airlines to cope with this situation occasioned by the current recession, including scarcity of dollar and high cost of fuel.As at January/ February, we were buying fuel at the rate of N115 and N120 per litre but as it stands today, a litre is sold at N220 in Lagos and N230 in Abuja.In places like far North such as Yola and Maiduguri, it sold at N250 per litre if you are able to get it.This has made it extremely difficult for the airlines to cope but for now, we will continue to manage the situation and fly because you cannot park the aircraft on ground.This is because in airline business it is only when you take off and land that you make money.What we simply do in Azman is to cancel some flights or try to reduce those frequencies, especially for Mondays and Tuesdays out of Abuja because those are low traffic days.So we try to see how we can merge flights to remain afloat to be able to break even, Saroke said.He said that the situation was also part of the reasons for the suspension of flight by Aero Contractor and the temporal shut down of operation by First Nation airline in September.He added that if the situation lingered further, it could lead to loss of jobs in the industry, stressing that no airline would continue to pay salaries if they were not making profit.According to the manager, no airline can continue to manage its entire work force for too long if the situation persists as they may look for a way to cut cost which may affect jobs in the long run.He urged the Federal Government to take urgent steps towards addressing the challenges confronting airlines in the country, especially the domestic ones.Sareko explained that the increase in the cost of ticket by the airlines did not commensurate with cost of operation, saying that the increment was about 30 per cent.He said that the airlines feared a situation where too much increment in the cost of ticket could drive the bulk of passengers back to road transport.The lowest ticket before in any airline was N15, 000 and N16, 000 but now the lowest anyone can get is N22, 000 and N23, 000 if you book ahead.Also, a staff of a charter flight operator in Abuja, Mr Yahaya Atabo, told NAN that air transport in Nigeria was facing a tough challenge owing to the current economic challenges.Atabo said that airlines incurred more cost by the day without flying as result of poor patronage.He explained that many of their clients now preferred to travel by commercial flights to save cost instead of travelling by charter flight.NAN reports that the nations aviation sector has been facing challenges which range from scarcity of foreign currency to fuel scarcity and the cost of the fuel.International airlines had recently decried difficulty in operating profitably in Nigeria due to their inability to repatriate their funds.
The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, has forwarded the names of more judges to the Departm...

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, has forwarded the names of more judges to the Department of State Services for investigation.The PUNCH learnt on Tuesday that the names sent by the AGF to the security agency were those of judges whose cases of allegations of misconduct, contained in petitions earlier sent by civil society groups to the National Judicial Council, were allegedly not investigated.It was learnt that the weekends arrest of some judges in different parts of the country followed complaints received by the office of the AGF and thereafter transmitted to law enforcement agencies, including the DSS.Operatives of the DSS had between Friday and Saturday raided the houses of some judicial officers, including two justices of the Supreme Court, and arrested them on suspicion of corruption in Enugu, Gombe, Sokoto and Kano states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.The DSS had, during the simultaneous operations, arrested Justices Sylvester Ngwuta and John Okoro of the Supreme Court; the suspended Presiding Justice of the Court of Appeal, Ilorin Division, Justice Mohammed Tsamiya; Justice Kabiru Auta of the Kano State High Court and Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court, Abuja.Others arrested were a former Chief Judge of Enugu State, Justice I. A. Umezulike, and Muazu Pindiga of the Federal High Court, Gombe Division.Besides the seven judges, the DSS said it was investigating eight other judges, bringing the total number to 15.With the six names submitted to the DSS, the service is now investigating a total of 21 judges.Large sums of money in local and foreign currencies were reportedly recovered from three of the arrested judges during the operations that lasted between Friday night and the early hours of Saturday.One of our correspondents confirmed from a source in the Federal Ministry of Justice on Tuesday that the names of a fresh set of judges, marked for investigation, were sent to the SSS on Monday.It was learnt that the letter by the minister was personally delivered at the DSS headquarters in Abuja by a senior aide.The new names on the ministers list, it was learnt, included two Chief Judges of High Courts, three judges of different divisions of the Federal High Court, and a Justice of the Court of Appeal.The letter, containing the names, was accompanied by the summary of allegations levelled against the judges in the petitions earlier sent by individuals to the NJC by the Chairman of Civil Society Network Against Corruption as well as Human and Environmental Development Agenda Resource Centre between 2014 and May, 2016.One of the petitions sent to the NJC against one of the Chief Judges, dated February 26, 2016, and signed by the Chairman of CSNAC, Mr. Olanrewaju Suraju, was titled Request for investigation of contravention of the Code of Conduct by Judicial Officers.Another petition by CSNAC against a Federal High Court judge was dated May 12, 2016.Suraju also signed a petition (its date not stated) against a Federal High Court for allegedly granting a perpetual injunction, restraining the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from investigating criminal allegations against a businessman.Another petition, dated January 11, 2016, by CSNAC, also accused a Chief Judge of judicial misconduct, an allegation which its details were not stated.CSNAC, also in another petition, dated April 20, 2016, sent to the NJC against a Justice of the Court of Appeal and others, who served on an election petitions appeal panel this year, accused the panel of receiving N8m from a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.Yet, another petition accused the SAN of paying N500,000 into the account of a Chief Judge.In another petition, CSNAC alleged that N7m was paid to a Chief Judge for a book presentation.It was also alleged in another petition by CSNAC that a Federal High Court judge received N5m bribe from a SAN.The AGFs letter, forwarding the names to the DSS, described as unconscionable the alleged failure of the NJC to investigate the petitions.The letter read in part, It is unconscionable that all these petitions that border on the unremitting and impeachment of the integrity of these judicial officers have not been investigated by the National Judicial Council, the constitutional and statutory body vested with the power by the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) to so do.Undoubtedly, if this type of deliberate inattentiveness; lethargy and benign neglect and dereliction of responsibility by the NJC is allowed to persist in an administration that came to power under the mantle of change, it will surely lead to the death knell of the judicial branch of government, which centrality the maintenance of law, order, rule of law and social harmony cannot be overemphasised.It is unfortunate that despite the preachment of the administration on the need for the judicial officers to be above board, we still have some of them that have stubbornly refused to change from their old ways.When contacted on Tuesday, Suraju confirmed that he forwarded to the AGF office summaries of the petitions, which he earlier sent to the NJC but that he was not aware of the actions so taken on them by the minister.It is a welcome development. I actually forwarded to the AGF office the various allegations which I earlier sent to the NJC against some judges. But the AGF office has yet to contact me, he stated.(Punch)
President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government has been urged to urgently convene a security summit that will include all the security ...

President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government has been urged to urgently convene a security summit that will include all the security agencies, all GSM Service Providers and relevant standing committees of the National Assembly to declare a state of emergency on Kidnappings in Nigeria.In a motion sponsored by Hon. Babatunde Gabriel Kolawole representing Akoko South East/South West Federal Constituency of Ondo State on the floor of the House of Representatives on Wednesday; and seconded by Hon. Diri Douye of Yenagoa/Okpokuma federal constituency of Bayelsa State; the House urged the Federal Government to cooperate with relevant agencies to fashion out an effective response to the kidnapping phenomenon in the country.The House noted that in the last 10 years, the incidence of kidnapping for ransom in the country had escalated to a very disturbing level and had reached a point where no one was safe anymore.In his contribution, the member representing Buruku federal constituency of Benue State, Hon. Orker Jev Orker narrated how his mother was kidnapped few years ago and he contacted the Divisional Police Officer and Area Commander in charge of the zone but they could not help to rescue his mother.Also a week after my mother was released, I got a call from someone who claimed that he was the one who kidnapped my mother. I asked him what does he want and he said he wanted us to be friends. I forwarded his phone number to the security agents but nothing was done about it, Hon. Orker added.While contributing to the debate, the member representing Kachina/Kagarko federal constituency of Kaduna State, Hon. Jagabam Adams Jagabam narrated a funny story where a man was kidnapped recently in Kaduna State and was released on personal recognition.According to him, the kidnappers held him for days and since nobody was ready to pay the ransom of N1.5m, they decided to free him on self recognition but warned him seriously to rally round and bring something for them.The man later sold some of his properties and took the ransom to the kidnappers after some days.The House also took turn to enumerate the victims of kidnapping in Nigeria in recent times, prominent among them was the kidnapping of member of the House of Representatives from Katsina State, Hon. Sani Bello Mashi and his aide who were abducted at Goburawa village in Kaduna State on their way from the farm in August this year.Others include the foster father of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, 72-year old Inengite Nitabai who was kidnapped in Otuoke February 16th 2016; Margaret Emefile, wife of the CBN Governor who was kidnapped on 29th of September 2016 and the 3 female students from Babington Macaulay Junior Seminary School, Ikorodu who were kidnapped February this year.The House was specifically concerned that the trend is affecting tourism and investment potentials of Nigeria which is now seen as the kidnap capital of the world, having risen from 475 reported cases in 2011, 500 in 2012 to presently over 1,500 cases annually.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has declared business man, Goodie Ibru, wanted.

The anti-graft agency said he was wanted in connection with a case of conspiracy, capital market fraud, stealing, diversion of funds, and money laundering.He allegedly diverted billions of naira and assets belonging to Ikeja Hotels Plc, owners of Sheraton Hotel, Lagos; Federal Palace Hotel; Capital Hotel; and Sheraton Hotel, Abuja, the EFCC added.gathered that the anti-graft agency is after Ibru over alleged lingering crisis on shares in Ikeja Hotels Plc.According to a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the EFCC, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, Ibru is also wanted for alleged money laundering.The statement said: The public is hereby notified that Goodie Minabo Ibru is wanted by the EFCC in connection with a case of conspiracy, capital market fraud, stealing, diversion of funds and money laundering.He diverted billions of Naira and assets of Ikeja Hotels Plc, owners of Sheraton Hotel, Lagos; Federal Palace Hotel and Capital Hotel; owners of Sheraton Hotel Abuja to his personal benefit.Anybody having useful information as to his whereabouts should contact the commission through any of its offices located at Abuja, Kano, Gombe, Lagos, Ibadan, Maiduguri and Port Harcourt.A highly-placed source in EFCC said: We have served summons on Ibru but he is yet to respond to our invitation. This is why we have declared him wanted.I think it is a board crisis which has made many shareholders to write a formal petition to the EFCC.Also, the Federal Government through the Bank of Industry has about 13.1 per cent stake in the conglomerate. So, the governments funds are trapped too.There had been a crisis of confidence among shareholders of Ikeja Hotels Plc in the last one year.Armed with a Federal High Court order, some shareholders, led by Mrs Maiden Ibru, the widow of Guardian Publisher, Mr Alex Ibru, held a controversial Extra-Ordinary General Meeting outside the Sheraton hotel premises on January 6, 2015.But Mr. Goodie Ibru, leading other members of Ibru family, obtained an ex parte injunction from the Federal High Court, Abuja to restrain Mrs. Ibru from calling an EGM or representing her late husbands investment vehicle holding shares in Ikeja Hotels Plc.Some shareholders later purportedly sacked Goddie Ibru as the chairman and director of the company over corporate governance infractions.They also picked Mr Olumide Braithwaite and Mr Tunde Sarumi as directors of the company.KPMG Nigeria Ltd was mandated conduct a forensic audit of the management of the company from 1999 to 2014 when Mr. Goodie Ibru was the chairman of Ikeja Hotels Plc but Ibru, who said he would challenge his purported removal in court, said: In the first place, the so-called EGM was not properly convened. We have over 14,000 shareholders, none of whom was issued with the notice required by Sections 220-222 of CAMA (Companies and Allied Matters Act), nor were they afforded the opportunity to appoint proxies to vote in their stead.
Jose Mourinho reportedly rejected the chance to replace Sir Alex Ferguson, as manager of Manchester United in 2013, after the Scot stepped down from the role.Ferguson was eventually replaced by David Moyes, who lasted less than one season before he was sacked .According to the Daily Mail, United executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward met Mourinho who was managing Real Madrid at the time and discussed the possibility.However, the Portuguese explained to Woodward, that he had given his word to Chelsea and Roman Abramovich, that he would return to Stamford Bridge that summer.Mourinho eventually went back to Chelsea and was sacked in December 2015.During that period, Moyes and his successor, Louis van Gaal, spent more than 300million and achieved relative mediocrity.United eventually got their man this year (), after Van Gaal was fired despite winning the FA Cup .The Red Devils are currently 6th in the Premier League with 13 points.Source: Daily Mail
An age long silence was broken yesterday between the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, and the Alaafin of Oyo...

An age long silence was broken yesterday between the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso I, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, when the Olubadan of Ibadanland and members of Olubadan-in-council for the first time in 17 years paid a courtesy visit to Oba Adeyemi in his palace at Oyo town.Oba Adetunji explained that the purpose of his visit was to thank Alaafin for his presence at his coronation on Friday March 4, 2016, at the Mapo Hall Arcade, Ibadan.He also disclosed that the visit was to strengthen the cord of unity that binds the two ancient cities together and to promote unity among the Yoruba traditional rulers. While responding, Oba Adeyemi said he had no problem with the Olubadan, describing their relationship as being cordial.The monarch promised more cordial relationships between the people of Ibadanland and Oyo Kingdom in the future, noting that his relationship with Oba Adeyemi dated back during the days of his coronation in 1971. He prayed for more fruitful years for the Alaafin and himself on the thrones which their ancestors bestowed on them. Oba Adeyemi also used the opportunity to advise those who relish in kidnapping others to refrain from doing so.
Hundreds of members of the Human Rights Defenders and Advocacy Centre (Concerned Nigerians) staged a protest in front of the office of the...

Hundreds of members of the Human Rights Defenders and Advocacy Centre (Concerned Nigerians) staged a protest in front of the office of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) in Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday.The protesters carried different placards demanding the arrest and prosecution of former First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, Probe of APC campaign Fund and another inscription saying no more sacred cows in the anti-corruption crusade.See photos below:
Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman have been accused of marrying off, fourteen year old Habiba Isiyaku to her kidnapper.

Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman have been accused of marrying off, fourteen year old Habiba Isiyaku to her kidnapper.The fourteen year old who according to her father, Mal. Isiyaku Tanko was kidnapped from school, Government Senior Secondary School, Kudun Kankara, Kastina State by one Jamilu Lawal, has been forcefully converted to Islam and married off by the Emir without her parents concept.Mal. Tanko who was made to present his case by the Stefanos Foundation at a press conference in Abuja, stated that Jamilu had not only admitted to abducting his daughter but also revealed that she is presently being kept at the Palace of the Emir of Katsina.He added that the Emir had informed him that his daughter had been converted to Islam and he had received the sum of N50, 000.00 as dowry from Jamilu Ibrahim, he also said the Emir had informed him that he will marry Habiba off to Jamilu in accordance with islamic rites and injunctions.His words, My little girl was abducted on the 16th of August 2016 from her school. After my investigations, I discovered that Jamilu Lawal who lives in the same community was responsible for my daughters disappearance.I requested that a formal complaint about the incident be lodged to the Commissioner of Police in Kastina, Jamilu and his parents were summoned to the police station and he not only admitted to abducting my daughter Habiba but also revealed that she was presently being kept at the Palace of the Emir of Kastina.On arrival at the Palace, the Emir informed me that my daughter has been converted from Christianity to Islam henceforth, there is no longer any relationship between me and my daughter and we can no longer inherit each other.He further informed me that he has received the sum if N50, 000.00 as dowry from Jamilu Ibrahim for my daughter therefore, he will give her out in marriage in accordance with Islamic rites and injunctions.He accused me of defaming him at the Police Station and I was threatened, intimidated and coerced to sign an apology drafted on my behalf in his Palace.As at today, I am aware that the Emir of Kastina has gone ahead to marry out my little girl without my consent, having received a dowry he is not entitled to receive, it fills me with so much pain and grief to realize that my daughter, who will turn 15 this Saturday the 15th may be celebrating her birthday in a forced marriage.I appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians and those in authority to help join hands to see that my daughter is released to me though the violations already done to her person may be irreversible. I further appeal that the Incident be well investigated and diligently prosecuted.Programme Coordinator for Stafanos Foundation, Mark Lipdo, a Non-Governmental Organization assisting the parents with the release of Habiba stated.We have been trying to intervene in the conflicts going on in Nigeria, we believe in the human rights of all citizens and encourage that fundamental rights be upheld at all times to maintain a sane society.Many times we call on the appropriate authorities to act like in the case of Habiba Isiyaku, such incidents can make conflicts continue in Nigeria.Habiba is a girl that just completed her Junior Secondary school and had very good grades, she had so much prospects only to be abducted, when her parents were invited to the Emirs palaceN she was brought out in a hijab and he told them that they no longer have any relationship with the girl anymore because she has been converted to Islam and that he the Emir of Katsina has now become the father of the girl and he can do whatever he wants with her.After a few days that the father was sent back, we followed with the Commissioner of Police to try to get the girl, we took a lawyer with us as Stefanos Foundation to stand with the parents to demand for their rights but the rights where denied, we petitioned the Inspector General (IG) of Police here in Abuja to see if he can secure the girls release but till date, he is yet to respond, we brought the parents to Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for help, to see if they can help secure her release and they said that they will be following the matter up with the IG, but up till today, nothing, we have been in this town for three days now we have not heard anything from CAN and the IG.The girl is a minor and things like this has to stop happening in this country because if it continues, people are going to result to self-help because where a person has been told his right but he it has been deliberately refused it, if the person has any strength, he will result to self-help.
Kim K is beefing up her security following her Paris robbery. Read the TMZ report after the cut

Kim K is beefing up her security following her Paris robbery. Read the TMZ report after the cut

Her new security detail includes former members of the Secret Service, who will be armed to the teeth. There will be at least one team of two hired muscles (minimum) everywhere she goes. Were also told her car will be armored.





Were told after the Paris robbery Kim met with some ex-special force members from the Israeli army, ex-CIA agents as well as former Secret Service members. Kanye met with owners of two top security firms.
A 40-year-old civil servant, Mr. Olufemi Ojikutu, has told an Igando Customary Court in Lagos he wants a necklace before agreeing to divor...

A 40-year-old civil servant, Mr. Olufemi Ojikutu, has told an Igando Customary Court in Lagos he wants a necklace before agreeing to divorce his wife.My wife must return my late mothers gold necklace before she can divorce me, Ojikutu told the court on Wednesday.He said this while responding to a divorce suit filed by his wife, Olaide.The 28-year-old petitioner, who had approached the court to terminate her five-year-old marriage due to her husbands infidelity.Ojikutu said his mother gave him and his siblings a gold necklace each to give to their wives when they marry with a condition that the wife must stay with them for life.When my mother was about to die, she called me and my three brothers, gave us a gold necklace each, telling us to give it to our wives that will be with us for better (and) for worse, till death do us apart.She told us the value of each gold mine was 21 carats valued at N125,000 as of 1995 when she died.She promised not to forgive anyone who violated her order, he said.The respondent said that he had kept the gold for about 20 years before his wife came to borrow it in 2014 and refused to give him back.My wife borrowed my gold necklace but has not returned it; now that she wants to divorce me, she must return the gold necklace, it is not negotiable, Ojikutu said.He claimed that his wife must have sold the jewellery as she used to sell his clothes.Ojikutu urged the court to grant his wifes wish for dissolution of the marriage, saying he too was no longer in love and only wanted the return of his gold necklace.I collected the gold from my husband when I wanted to go for an event but I cant just remember where I kept it, Olaide, a clothes trader, told the court.But Olaide, a mother of two who admitted that she collected the necklace, accused her husband of infidelity.My husband is having an affair; I once stumbled on some pictures on his Whatsapp messages where he and his lover were sending their naked pictures to each other, she said.My husband does not care for me or the children; even during festive periods, he never buys the children clothes or shoes.She said that as a result of her husbands negligence, her mother had to take care of the children.She added that she left her matrimonial home on February 7, 2015 after her husband changed the key of the house and locked her out.She begged the court to terminate the five-year-old marriage, saying that she was no longer in love.The president of the court, Mr. Adegboyega Omilola, said Olaide had to produce the gold necklace before judgement would be passed in the case.Since the respondent insisted on collecting back his gold necklace, the judgment will not be read just for peace to reign until the gold necklace is produced, he said.




According to a social media user, Agonga Joseph, who put out a video warning the controversial character, Bobrisky has been warned to keep his to-left legs away from the city.



The social media user further threatened that Bobrisky will get severe beating should he fail to heed to his advice.



Watch the video below Controversial self styled Nigerian male barbie, Bobrisky born Idris Okuneye was threatened not to dare visit Warri.According to a social media user, Agonga Joseph, who put out a video warning the controversial character, Bobrisky has been warned to keep his to-left legs away from the city.The social media user further threatened that Bobrisky will get severe beating should he fail to heed to his advice.Watch the video below

People can have a laugh about this and think it is funny. The reality is, this is a threat and this guy should be reported to the police and be locked up. The fact that you have the guts to make a video saying you will beat someone is a criminal offence and he should be arrested immediately. I hope @bobrisky222 stay safe and away from these animals in human flesh. A video posted by Bisi Alimi (Official) (@bisialimi) on Oct 11, 2016 at 2:37pm PDT





Bisi Alimi and Bobriskys tiff is definitely over with the former concerned about Bobriskys safety, in response to the viral video of a man threatening to beat up the latter of he dares to venture into Warri, Delta State.The gay activist who is passionate about issues of LGBTQ raised an alarm on social media and has called on authorities to ensure the safety of Nigerias foremost cross dresser and bleaching cream expert by locking up the individual who made the threat.Bobrisky has however come out to defend himself and react to the threat in a series of post online. See his reaction below
Aisha Buhari, who said this in an interview with the Hausa Service of the BBC, expressed worries at the efforts of some people to create d...

Aisha Buhari, who said this in an interview with the Hausa Service of the BBC, expressed worries at the efforts of some people to create division in the All Progressives Congress (APC).Many people have started dividing the leadership of the APC and that is really making us feel not too good, Mrs. Buhari said in an interview with BBC Hausa.A part of the interview was aired Tuesday. The full interview will be aired on Friday.The first lady said those behind the crisis felt aggrieved that they laboured for, and helped the APC to power in 2015, but received no compensation.They are doing that because they felt have laboured for the party and deserved to be compensated, Mrs. Buhari said. People who do not have voters card are those who are given appointments and enjoying the government.Her unusually public remarks about politics came amid an unfolding clash between a former governor Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, and the national chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun.The latest infighting stemmed from a disagreement over how the partys candidate in the upcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State emerged.Mr. Tinubu, in a scathing statement, accused Mr. Odigie-Oyegun of engaging in fraudulent manipulation of the primaries.Mr. Oyegun denied the allegations, and accused Mr. Tinubu of falsehood, and of waging a media war against him.The APC, a coalition of four former political parties, came into existence in 2013. The alliance was aimed at challenging the then Peoples Democratic Party, and possibly wrestling power from it.Mr. Tinubu, who led one of the former parties, Action Congress of Nigeria, was widely credited as the architect of the APC victory in the 2015 elections  the first opposition win at the federal level.The party began to face internal crisis early after the polls, as different leadership factions struggled for available positions in the cabinet and National Assembly.Mr. Tinubus candidates for the positions of Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker, lost out.The Ondo election crisis is the latest manifestation of the lingering feud.Mrs. Buhari said the power tussle resonated in varied ways that majority of her husbands cabinet members were not known to him  meaning they were foisted as part of the power grab.She added: Among all the people he selected, if he is asked among 50 people, he does not know 45. I dont know them despite staying with him for 27 years.For those behind the crisis, which was affecting the administration, she said What I am afraid for them is the rebellion of 15 million people, ostensibly in reference to the number of the people who voted for the president.Asked whether her husband knew those creating problems for his administration, Mr. Buhari said, Whether he knows them or not, those who voted for him know. There is nothing I will tell him. He can see.When asked whether her husband planned to run for a second term in 2019, Mrs. Buhari said she did not know. But said for her personally, I have made up my mind about that.
An Economic and Financial Criminal Commission witness, Mr. Mustapha Gadanya, on Wednesday told an FCT High Court how a former Director of...

An Economic and Financial Criminal Commission witness, Mr. Mustapha Gadanya, on Wednesday told an FCT High Court how a former Director of Police Pensions, Esai Dangabar, moved funds into different accounts while in office.Dangabar, Atiku Kigo, Ahmed Wada, Veronica Onyegbula, Sani Zira, Uzoma Attang and Christian Madubuke, are standing trial for complicity in the over N24bn scam in the police pension officeGadanya, who was part of the team that investigated the matter, in his testimony, told the court how Dangabar deposited some money in accounts in different banks.Led in evidence by Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), the witness said that the bank analysis revealed that Dangarbar fixed some amount in the bank to yield turnoverHe said that about N320m was deposited in Skye Bank between May 2008 and July 2009 for his companies, Marine Logistics and leisure Integrated Limited.Gadanya told the court that the roll over accrued for him amounted to N249.8m and N241m, respectively which was later sent to the Federal Government after it was discovered.He informed the court that between February, 2009 and June 2010, the manger of Syke Bank, Jabi branch, helped the first defendant to launder about N840m.Gadanya said the first defendant was also discovered to be the Managing Director and the sole signatory of Damule Nigeria Limited, the company his son was listed as director.The witness told the court that Dangarbars 16 duplexes at Wuyi District and six flats at Efab, in Abuja, had been forfeited temporarily to the Federal Government.The judge, Justice Husseni Baba-Yusuf, adjourned the trial till Oct. 13 for continuation of hearing.NAN
The Lagos State House of Assembly has faulted the President Muhammadu Buhari-led presidency of showing a sign of disrespect for a nation...

The Lagos State House of Assembly has faulted the President Muhammadu Buhari-led presidency of showing a sign of disrespect for a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, asserting that the former Lagos governors contributions to the emergence of the APC can never be shoved aside.Drumming support for Tinubu in the wake of the recent rift between him and APCs National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, the lawmakers at yesterdays plenary held that nobody can whittle down the political power and influence of Tinubu.Tinubu had asked Oyegun to vacate the office of the National Chairman, saying he was no longer fit to hold the position on the basis of manner he handled the partys Ondo governorship primary election. Oyegun retorted by describing the content of Tinubus widely publicized statement as reckless and baseless.The Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Tunde Braimoh, joined by his colleagues had questioned the presidencys silence over the development, especially given the years of sacrifice and financial commitments Tinubu gave to the emergence of APC.The lawmakers noted that an insult to the personality of Tinubu was synonymous to insulting the entire Yoruba race, especially given the leadership role he (Tinubu) has played in the unification of the Yoruba nation.The situation does not speak well for the internal democracy of our party and efforts must be made by stakeholders to arrive at a quick resolution.To achieve this, we call on the partys leadership to call the executives to order with a view to ensuring that adequate respect and honour is given to party leaders, including Asiwaju Tinubu, Braimoh said.
President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the bomb blast that occurred at Muna garage, Maiduguri on Wednesday, killing scores of persons.

President Muhammadu Buhari has reacted to the bomb blast that occurred at Muna garage, Maiduguri on Wednesday, killing scores of persons.The president said: I'm disheartened by the news of the bomb blast in Maiduguri. My condolences to the families of the victims, the Borno state Govt.Unable to hold territory, the severely degraded terrorist group now occasionally resorts to cowardly attacks on soft targetsI commend our military for their unflagging efforts. This attack has further strengthened our resolve to completely neutralize Boko Haram, the president said on his social media platform.A car-bomb explosion was reported in Maiduguri in northeastern Borno state, Nigeria's emergency agency, NEMA confirmed on Wednesday, an area that has been repeatedly attacked by Islamist militant group Boko Haram during its seven-year-old insurgency.
President Muhammadu Buhari will begin an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany from tomorrow, 13 October.

President Muhammadu Buhari will begin an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany from tomorrow, 13 October.The visit will end on 16 October.In Berlin, President Buhari, will confer with Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel on issues of shared interests between Nigeria and Germany, including further cooperation on security, the humanitarian situation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and rehabilitation of the North-East, as well as trade and economic relations between both countries.Thereafter, the President, who will be accompanied by Governors Kashim Shettima of Borno State and Rochas Okorocha of Imo and representatives of the National Assembly, will meet with Federal President Joachim Gauck.President Buhari in Kaduna on Saturday In furtherance of the administrations objective to attract more foreign investment and create economic opportunities in the country, President Buhari will participate in a Business Forum in Berlin with leading German companies already active in Nigeria and other prospective investors.Before returning to Abuja, the President is expected to meet with representatives of the Nigerian community in Germany.President Buhari is committed to deepening relations with Germany and building on the very cordial relations both countries enjoy in several areas of bilateral cooperation including the fight against terrorism, economic relations, rebuilding of the North east, support for IDPs, vocational training, energy partnership and cultural relations.Shortly after his inauguration on May 29, 2015, President Buhari, on the invitation of Chancellor Merkel, attended the G7 summit in Elmau, Germany  the trip was his first to a non-African country after his assumption of office. From February 8 to 12 this year, President Gauck, accompanied by a delegation of German business community, was on an official visit to Nigeria, where they had fruitful discussions on trade and investments with representatives of government and the private sector in Abuja and Lagos.
President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to ensure that corrupt judges are flushed out of the system.

The call, which was made at a rally Wednesday in at the Federal High Court, Alausa, Lagos, saw placard-carry protesters urging the President to wipe out corruption in the judiciary and other arms of government.Some of the placards read, We support total probe of the judiciary, Probe more judges, Justice is not for sale, Probe the court, Corruption is worse than Boko Haram.The protesters also admonished the president not to deter to take decisive action on the judges saying all the judges so far indicted or arrested for corruption should immediately resign considering the magnitude of the case that the DSS has built against them.The Lagos Coordinator; Human Right and Anti-Corruption Coalition, Desmond Abiona who spoke on-behalf of the masses said Nigerians are sad that the judiciary that should be the last recourse of the common man is a bigger problem than what we had hoped it would solve for us.How many terrorists have we successfully convicted and put away for good? he quried adding that corrupt judges have not allowed it. They rather receive bribes and allow killers roam the land with explosive belts and AK47 than deploy the judiciary as a tool for curbing terrorism. According to the activists, the case of those that have been given lenient punishments or bailed from the DSS net is a slap on the wrist by the National Judicial Council (NJC) urging the president to ensure that they must face the law court.The DSS must widen its investigation to take in all the petitions that the NJC has ever discarded given the fact that the council has demonstrated it tends to shield corrupt judges. The arrested judges should be charged to court within the shortest time possible to that they cannot claim their rights were violated.We want to clearly warn the judges that would be handling the trial of these arrested men that Nigerians would be watching closely and this is no time to play fraternal games. In addition to accepting bribes and being corrupt there is also something called conflict of interest and Nigerians will be watching.The DSS must widen its investigation, adding that Nigerians are not expecting anything less.
About 18 people were killed and 15 wounded when a car bomb, believed to be the handiwork of Boko Haram, hit a convoy in the outskirt ...

The explosion went off this morning at Muna garage, as the convoy, with a military escort was going to Gamboru Ngala. Five persons were inside the taxi hit by the bomber. A witness said he saw 10 corpses at the scene of the explosion, but a source in Maiduguri Specialist Hospital said that no fewer than 18 bodies were deposited in the hospital morgue with more being expected.However, Public Relations Officer of Borno state Police Command, ASP, said five persons died, while five others sustained injuries. Cars in Borno state often travel in convoys organized by the military to minimize the risk of Boko Haram ambushes in rural areas.The army has retaken much of the territory initially lost to the militants but Boko Haram still stages suicide bombing attacks and plants roadside bombs. We evacuated eight dead bodies and about 20 other injured persons, said a rescue worker.A hospital official put the number of wounded at ten. Boko Haram, which has pledged alliance to Islamic State, has killed about 15,000 people and displaced more than 2 million in its attempt to create a state adhering to strict Islamic laws.
WOOD-RIDGE - Police have identified the woman struck and killed by a car while in the middle of Route 17 late Friday.

Police say Debbie Evans of Hasbrouck Heights was walking near the divider across from Wendy's when she was struck.

Debbie Evans, 49, of Hasbrouck Heights, was visiting a White Castle on Route 17 when she left about midnight and began walking in the middle of the roadway along a highway barrier.

She was struck near Wendy's, authorities said.

No charges have been filed.

The cause of death was accidental based on witness interviews and security video that captured the incident, according to Wood-Ridge police.

Wood-Ridge, Hasbrouck Heights and Carlstadt police responded, assisted by the Bergen County Prosecutor's Office and the Sheriff's department.

Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
PHILADELPHIA -- A Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) transit officer is facing simple assault, burglary and theft charges as a result of incidents in Camden County, according to authorities.

Steven Miele, 30, had been placed on administrative duty following an incident involving simple assault on Sept. 5 in Mount Ephraim, but is now on leave following an alleged burglary, theft and domestic assault there on Oct. 10, SEPTA officials said.

SEPTA officials said Mount Ephraim police are handling the investigation and both incidents occurred while Miele was off-duty. Authorities took "immediate and appropriate action" by placing the six-year SEPTA veteran on administrative leave after the new charges were filed Monday.

SEPTA police Chief Thomas Nestel told CBS3 that the incidents are both "disappointing" and "embarrassing" to the organization.

In a press release, Nestel added that the department's board of inquiry will review the incidents and determine the "appropriate discipline."

Greg Adomaitis may be reached at gadomaitis@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregAdomaitis. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
VINELAND -- A South Jersey company that manufacturers Philly cheesesteak products has been sold for $60 million to a Cincinnati-based firm.

A Vineland company that makes meat used in cheesesteaks has been sold for $60 million.

AdvancePierre Foods announced Tuesday it bought Vineland-based Allied Specialty Foods Inc.

The company produces thinly-sliced meat products used in Philly cheesesteaks and fajitas for restaurants. Their products go to food distributors and restaurants.

AdvancePierre distributes ready-to-eat sandwiches, sandwich components and other entrees and snacks to convenience and other stores.

The company employs 4,000 and had 2015 revenues of $1.4 billion, according to a news release announcing the purchase.

In June, Allied began building a new 70,000-foot facility which will house seven raw slicing/breakaway lines and four cook lines. It is expected to open in the first quarter of 2017.

The expansion will also include offices and cold storage. When Allied announced the $14 million expansion in January, it said it planned to add 70 jobs. Its current building is 20,000 square feet.

Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
WATERFORD -- Police are seeking the public's help locating a 79-year-old man who went missing after going on a hike in the woods Monday.

John Anderson Sr. is known to hike in the woods near Burnt Mill and in Voorhees by Tri-Boro, according to a post on the Waterford police department's Facebook page. He is believed to have gone missing around 1 p.m. Monday.

Mr Anderson has been located in Delaware and is safe. Thank you for everyone's help! #yourwtpd Posted by Waterford Township Police Department (NJ) on Tuesday, October 11, 2016

The public is being asked to call police if Anderson or his vehicle is spotted. Anderson owns a silver 2002 Ford Ranger with New Jersey tags UGW-53T.

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 856-783-4900 or 911.
PENNSAUKEN TWP. -- It is well known that victims of domestic violence often have a hard time separating themselves from their abusers. It also isn't easy to intervene as an outsider, said Pennsauken Committeewoman Betsy McBride.

Jamil Baskerville Jr.

"There's silence. People look away," she said Tuesday. "People say, 'I heard a terrible fight and I didn't know what to do.'"

In the wake of the Aug. 20 death of 2-year-old Jamil Baskerville Jr., allegedly beaten to death by his mother's boyfriend, Zacchery Tricoche, domestic violence has been on the minds of many Pennsauken residents, including McBride.

So when she heard the Baskerville's family and neighbors had asked the county to put on a forum about domestic violence, she knew it was the right idea.

Mourning the loss of Jamil, they wanted a public discussion about "how to help neighbors or family or friends if they become aware of a domestic violence situation," McBride said.

The forum, called "Safe Families, Safe Communities," will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Temple Lutheran Church, 5600 Route 130 North. It is being put on by the township, the Camden County Board of Freeholders, and the Camden County Commission on Child Abuse and Missing Children.

Speakers at the event will talk about what to do if one suspects domestic violence or child abuse, as well as the resources that are available to victims to escape their abusers and find shelter.

McBride said representatives from 10 or 12 different agencies will be there and available to speak privately with attendees. In addition to the Commission on Child Abuse and Missing Children, other participants will include the Camden County Covenant for Children, Youth and Families, the Community Planning and Advocacy Council, and police departments from Pennsauken and Merchantville.

Among them will be the two police officers who were the first on scene when Jamil was killed. For hours after police discovered the unresponsive toddler, the two women stayed with Jamil's siblings, comforting and distracting them as the investigation went on around them, McBride said.

Jamil's mother called 911 after witnessing Tricoche, 24, punch her 29-pound son so hard he flew across the room and hit his head on the wall, according to Christine Shah, the prosecutor in the case.

Tricoche went after the toddler in their Mansion Avenue apartment after shoving Jamil's mother because "she didn't get anything the defendant like to eat" at the store, Shah said.

The toddler died at Cooper University Hospital shortly after midnight Aug. 21.

Tricoche is being held on $1 million full cash bail on a first-degree murder charge.

Rebecca Everett may be reached at reverett@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @rebeccajeverett. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
VINELAND -- Police have charged a suspect in connection with the death of a man whose body was found at a local hotel, authorities said.

Larry John Pulcine Jr. has been charged in a Vineland murder. (Vineland Police)

Vineland officers went to the Wingate Inn at 2196 W. Landis Ave. at 5:15 a.m. Tuesday to investigate the report of a possibly unconscious person.

In a room there they found the body of Ivan S. Strayer II, 33, of Altona, Pennsylvania. He had been shot multiple times, authorities said.

Vineland police and the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office jointly investigated the case and identified Larry John Pulcine Jr., 34, of Duncansville, Pennsylvania, as a suspect.

Pulcine's arrest -- on charges of murder and possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose -- was announced by authorities on Wednesday.

His bail was set at $750,000 full cash.

According to Vineland police, Strayer and Pulcine knew each other through their employment with a company that was doing work in the area, but they did not elaborate on what type of work or name the firm.

This marked the third homicide in Cumberland County in a week. Last week a man was found shot to death in a yard. On Friday night a man was shot while sitting in his car.

Det. Michael Fransko of the Vineland Police Department is the leading the investigation, authorities said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Vineland Police Detective Bureau at 856-691-4111 Ext. 4181, Vineland Crime Stoppers at 856-691-0345 or text a tip to 847411 (VPDTIP).

Pulcine is due to be arraigned Friday morning in state Superior Court in Bridgeton.

Bill Gallo Jr. may be reached at bgallo@njadvancemedia.com. Follow Bill Gallo Jr. on Twitter @bgallojr. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
No indication of foul play in death of woman found in Audubon Park lagoon, police say
Before he died, Bacchanal's founder made a wine; now it's ready to drink
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.
The federal government plans to pour $125 million into the fight against a mysterious disease that has ravaged corals in Florida and much of the Caribbean, and now poses a dire threat to the treasured reefs off the Louisiana and Texas coasts.
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.
The outside world is learning about the latest news from North Korea with unprecedented speed these days. Information that used to be impossible to obtain, about such things as living conditions or protests, is becoming available through photos and video clips, while South Korean pop music and TV dramas are spreading quickly throughout North Korea.

The most common conduit is North Korean traders who frequently travel to China. They store the pictures and videos on USB memory sticks and bring them out with them. "In February last year we developed 'stealth' USBs and distributed hundreds of them in the North," said Kim Heung-kwang of defector group North Korea Intellectuals Solidarity.

Kim said when customs officials check the USBs on their computers, they look empty with "0 byte" appearing on the monitors. But after a certain period of time the content is automatically restored. "The stealth USBs appear to contain nothing when they are sent to North Korea and can easily pass through screening," Kim said. "But South Korean dramas, news or other content are restored later."

Although most North Koreans have no Internet access, they get information about the outside world through USBs, CDs or DVDs. Some young North Koreans who used the USBs ask NKIS to send more TV dramas instead of "dull" pro-democracy propaganda.

The regime organized special squads in January last year to crack down on USBs, CDs or DVDs containing what they see as seditious information.

North Koreans in turn photograph events in the North with their digital cameras and smuggle the information out on small USBs. Activists with human rights groups get information about the North either through communicating via mobile phone with sources near the border with China or through contacts who cross the border into China.
U.S. Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump lashed out Tuesday at the party's top elected official and other Republicans for abandoning his campaign, while acknowledging that it is "hard to do well" when they are giving him "zero support."

Trump, in a series of postings on his Twitter account, attacked House Speaker Paul Ryan as a "very weak and ineffective leader" after Ryan told other Republicans on Monday that he would no longer campaign for Trump or defend his offensive comments, which have turned voters against the brash real estate mogul.

The emergence of a 2005 tape in which Trump is heard making crude comments about women has led Ryan and some other Republicans to spurn his candidacy. In response, Trump tweeted Tuesday, "It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me, and I can now fight for America the way I want to." He said Democrats "have always proven to be far more loyal to each other than the Republicans!"

Ryan, while still endorsing Trump, all but conceded that Democrat Hillary Clinton would defeat Trump in the November 8 election. Ryan said he would campaign for Republican colleagues to try to maintain the Republican House majority, rather than see a Democratic takeover that would give Clinton a "blank check" for legislative action.

Some conservative House members supporting Trump protested Ryan's abandonment of the Republican standard-bearer, saying there was no reason to quit on him four weeks from Election Day.

Numerous Republican elected officials, including the party's 2008 presidential candidate, Arizona Senator John McCain, have retracted their support for Trump in recent days or implored him to drop out of the race after the 2005 tape surfaced last week in which Trump bragged that he could grope women with impunity because he was a celebrity. Trump said there was "zero chance" he would quit.


Dr. Karl E. H. Seigfried writes The Norse Mythology Blog. A Norse mythologist and musician in Chicago, he is Theology and Religious History Faculty at Cherry Hill Seminary and Adjunct Professor, Pagan Chaplain, and Pagan Forum Faculty Advisor at Illinois Institute of Technology. He is also a featured columnist for The Wild Hunt and serves as goi (priest) of Thor's Oak Kindred, a diverse organization dedicated to the practice of the Asatru religion in Chicago.

Click here for more about Karl.
President Barack Obama says with the help of private companies, the United States will send humans to Mars by the 2030s.

In an op-ed published on CNN.com, Obama wrote, "We have set a clear goal vital to the next chapter of America's story in space: sending humans to Mars by the 2030s and returning them safely to Earth, with the ultimate ambition to one day remain there for an extended time."

Obama said an effective public-private partnership that is essential to transporting humans to Mars is already under way. U.S. companies, he said, already own more than one-third of the global commercial launch market. And within two years, Obama said, private companies will send astronauts to the International Space Station for the first time.
The government vowed Tuesday to resort to tougher measures in dealing with Chinese trawlers that fish illegally in Korean waters. The move follows the sinking of a coast guard ship by a Chinese trawler in the West Sea last week.

The measures include using machine and Vulcan guns as well as other firearms and ramming Chinese fishing boasts.

"We will employ all means possible in response to Chinese fishing vessels that obstruct the rightful execution of duty," Lee Chun-jae, a chief coast guard, said. "We will track them into open waters and arrest them."
The trendy Hongik University neighborhood in western Seoul ranked No. 1 among places Chinese tourists to Korea searched for on the Internet.

Search and shopping patterns suggest Chinese tourists are becoming more sophisticated as a younger generation don their backpacks when they head to Korea.

PengTai, the Chinese affiliate of Cheil Worldwide, analyzed 800,000 smartphone searches for places of interest by Chinese tourists who visited Korea from Sept. 7 to Oct. 7 and found that Hongik University ranked at the top.

Next was Mt. Nam in central Seoul, followed by the Bukchon Hanok Village of traditional homes and the Myeongdong shopping district downtown.

Busan ranked at the top outside Seoul, accounting for 60 percent of queries. Jeju Island came second with 31.6 percent, and Daegu a distant third with 4.8 percent.

On Jeju, a cafe owned by Big Bang member G-Dragon ranked at the top of searches, followed by Seongsan Sunrise Peak, Woodo Island and Mt. Halla.

"The movie 'Train to Busan' was a hit among Chinese moviegoers causing the city to become a popular tourist destination," a PengTai staffer said. "Chinese tourists clearly preferred to visit places with cultural significance or scenes from popular programs rather than flocking to traditional tourist destinations."


A lot of craft beer lovers start homebrewing, master the art and then open their own craft breweries to sell beers they make themselves.

Steve Martinez took a different path.

Martinez, his business partner, John Pruzin Jr., and junior partners Matt Melton and John Amatulli recently opened Region Ale Taphouse and Eatery, one of Northwest Indiana's largest craft beer taprooms. They want to showcase craft beers others have made in Northwest Indiana and across the state.

The 5,000-square-foot bar and restaurant at 1080 U.S. 41 in Schererville has 50 taps, with a heavy focus on Northern Indiana craft breweries. Region Ale dedicates about 20 taps to craft breweries across Northern Indiana, and has a secondary focus on craft beers from central and southern Indiana. It carries a wide array of styles of craft beers and ciders, including rotating seasonals like Octoberfest and pumpkin beers, and has two taps for sours and two for nitro stouts.

Martinez, a longtime fan of breweries like Three Floyds and craft beer bars like Beer Geeks in Highland, wanted to create a taproom in Northwest Indiana like The Tribes Alehouse in Orland Park and the legendary HopCat that started in Grand Rapids and since has spread nationally.

"It's based on the local growth of microbreweries in Northwest Indiana," he said. "I've been to taprooms in Grand Rapids, Indianapolis and Chicago, and liked what I saw. I wanted to create something like that here, but that's Region-centric first."

Northwest Indiana now has more than 20 craft breweries as younger drinkers have come to favor more complex, sophisticated beers than the light domestic lagers that traditionally dominated the market. While overall beer sales ticked down 0.2 percent in the United States last year, craft beer sales grew by 12.8 percent in another year of double-digit growth, according to the Brewers Association.

Region Ale's 50 taps is nearly tops in the local market, edged out by Doc's BBQ and Craft Bar in Dyer, which has more than 60 taps.

"I thought it would be great to have more of the Northern Indiana brews in one place," Martinez said. "We've talked to all the local craft breweries and have crafted relationships with them. We want to feature their small products that aren't available elsewhere. We'll do special things with them like exclusive beer releases and other events."

Schererville's new craft beer bar, which employs about 50 people, also has 14 taps dedicated to "anywhere beyond the Region," but the focus is so local it even gets most of its wines from Indiana. Chef Josh Melton, who was most recently sous chef of T.J. Maloneys Authentic Irish Pub in Merrillville, also tries to locally source as much of the food as possible, such as from area bison farms.

Melton uses the craft beer as an ingredient in dishes, making a cheese fondue with Wildrose's Big Sexy American Pale Ale and a chilli with Devil's Trumpet Night Goat Coffee Stout.

An eclectic menu features flatbreads, sandwiches, chili, salads, a hummus flight, and entrees like wild mushroom risotto and crab ravioli.

Region Ale seats more than 160, has a private room for parties and is located in the Boulevard Square Shopping Center on a busy stretch of Indianapolis Boulevard. The craft beer is available in flights for drinkers who might want to sample a variety of styles.

Martinez hopes it stands out in a busy commercial corridor dominated by chain restaurants, and has added local flourishes like a 19-foot-tall brick wall with signage listing 70 different Region terms.

For more information, call 219.322.BEER or visit regionaletaphouse.com.
Ssangyong will build its first overseas plant in China. With the new facility, it hopes to grow into a world-class SUV maker by boosting its share in the world's largest car market.

Ssangyong signed a letter of intent with Shaanxi Automobile Group on Tuesday to establish a joint venture.

Founded in 1968, Shaanxi has an annual production capacity of 100,000 cars and ranks 21st among China's top 500 machine manufacturers.

"Cars are excluded from the free trade agreement between Korea and China. As we have no production facility in China, we are subject to a 22.5 percent tariff," said a Ssangyong spokesman. "Once we manufacture cars there, our products will have more price competitiveness."
NEW YORK  Consumer electronics chain hhgregg Inc. has become the latest retailer to take a stand against Thanksgiving shopping and plans to close its doors for the turkey feast.

The Indianapolis-based chain with 220 stores in 19 states says it's important for its associates to be home with their families on Thanksgiving. But the retailer also says it makes good business sense too as it's not getting a huge spike for that day. It noted that its online site will continue to offer lots of deals on Thanksgiving. It will re-open at 7 a.m. on the Friday after the turkey feast.

"It's gotten consistently tougher for our employees," Bob Riesbeck, president and CEO of hhgregg, told The Associated Press. "We felt there was a way to do this without opening on Thanksgiving."

Riesbeck also told The AP that he's been spending a lot of time in the local markets and talking to store managers, and he believes that the chain can do "exceedingly well" during Thanksgiving week without opening on the holiday. He noted that Black Friday sales have spread out earlier and earlier into the week and he says that hhgregg's Thanksgiving business has actually declined over the last two years. Black Friday remains its biggest sales day, he noted.

"It's time to stop the madness," Riesbeck said.

The Friday after Thanksgiving had long served as the official kickoff to the holiday shopping season. But over the past several years, Thanksgiving has become the new tradition as malls and stores try to outdo each other to get their first dibs on shoppers at a time of increasing competition from online retailers. Many major retailers like Macy's, Target and Kohl's have opened increasingly earlier on Thanksgiving.

Last week, Mall of America, based in Bloomington, Minnesota, said it will close for Thanksgiving this year. Office supplies retailer Staples Inc. announced last month that it will close on Thanksgiving for the second year in a row, though it will offer deals on its website.
GRIFFITH  A man robbed a Ridge Road convenience store late Tuesday at gunpoint, police said.

Griffith police were dispatched about 9:30 p.m. to Ridge Foods, 819 E. Ridge Road, for an armed robbery, Cmdr. Keith Martin said.

An employee told police the man pulled out a handgun and demanded money from the register. The man fled east from the store before police arrived and was not found during a search with several K-9s, Martin said.

Police recovered evidence at the scene and sent it for processing, Martin said.

The man was described as about 30 years old, black and about 6 feet tall with a medium build. He was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black and gray pants with horizontal rips in them.

Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Jacob Schoon at (219) 924-7503, ext. 239.

The departments anonymous tip line is (219) 922-3085.
LAPORTE  A Chicago man arrested in 2015 as part of an ongoing aggressive effort to rid the LaPorte area of heroin and other drug dealers is now serving a 16-year prison sentence.

Warren Parker, 21, was sentenced Friday in LaPorte Circuit Court under terms of a plea agreement for dealing in cocaine or a narcotic drug, a level 2 felony. He could have received an up to 30-year sentence.

According to authorities, Parker was linked to drug kingpins who hire people to go into surrounding communities to sell drugs as part of their criminal enterprise.

Parker allegedly gave Taylor Hensell, 20, of LaPorte, gas money to drive him to various locations to sell heroin and cocaine to waiting customers, according to court records.

He was carrying out a drug deal in the 200 block of A Street when he was stopped and found with enough heroin and cocaine to serve well more than 100 customers.

The drugs had a street value of more than $4,000, police said.

According to court records, Hensell already is serving a two-year prison sentence and, upon his release, will be placed on probation for four years for his role in assisting Parker.

Many people hired by drug kingpins are sent to outlying communities like LaPorte to live just long enough to sell their supplies and then they go back to get more drugs to bring in, authorities said.

Residents allowing sellers to take up temporary residency are compensated with drugs to feed their addictions along with money, authorities said.

Such arrangements were happening, authorities said, at a suspected drug house broken up in August at 505 Rockwood St., where a 44-year old tenant died in June from a heroin overdose.

Laden Cameron, 26, of Chicago, along with Ashley Selvidge, 34, and Joe Szynal, 52, both of LaPorte, are still awaiting trial on charges related to their alleged drug-selling activity at and near the residence.

One of the most prominent dealers selling from that location, Kenyatta Robinson, of Chicago, is serving a 30-year prison sentence, authorities said.

LaPorte Metro Operations Coordinator Harlan Williams said enough arrests have occurred the past couple of years to make at least a temporary dent in the local drug supply and send a strong message to dealers.
CROWN POINT  Originally charged with reckless homicide in the February 2015 two-vehicle crash that killed Scott Marksteiner, of Cedar Lake, David J. Lovin-Guerrero pleaded guilty to a reduced charge and was sentenced Friday by Lake Criminal Court Judge Salvador Vasquez.

In the plea agreement, the 21-year-old Gary resident pleaded guilty to the felony level 6 charge of criminal recklessness. Vasquez sentenced Lovin-Guerrero to 26 months in the Indiana Department of Correction, with 12 months to be served in the Lake County Community Corrections program and the remaining 14 months suspended to be served on probation.

The prosecutors office dismissed the other four counts, including the felony level 5 charge of reckless homicide as part of that plea agreement.

Lovin-Guerrero was speeding on Cline Avenue near Lake Shore Drive in Cedar Lake on Feb. 23, 2015, when his 1998 Mercury Grand Marquis went airborne and hit the rear of Marksteiners car, which was stopped at a stop sign, court records state.

The impact caused Marksteiners vehicle to travel down 429 feet and onto the frozen lake, according to the probable cause affidavit. Officers at the time of the crash said the top of Marksteiners 2001 Nissan was torn off by Lovin-Guerreros vehicle.

Marksteiner, 41, had to be extricated from his vehicle and was airlifted to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn, Illinois, where he died the next day after suffering a head injury, acute respiratory failure, acute kidney injury and hypothermia.
PORTAGE  A 19-year-old Portage High School student was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana Tuesday after he allegedly brought marijuana to school.

Brett Zelensky was late for class, and when he went to get a tardy slip, according to a police report, the secretary smelled a strong odor of marijuana and sent Zelensky to the principals office.

According to the report, Zelensky was cooperative and polite and admitted to the school administration and police that he had smoked marijuana before school and had marijuana in his car on school grounds.

Police and administrators found a partially-smoked blunt in Zelenskys car. He was transported to Porter County Jail.
MICHIGAN CITY  A 19-year-old man was killed Wednesday morning when the car he was driving plowed into the side of a building, leaving a gaping hole in the wall.

The driver, Joshua Livergood, of Westville, had a blood alcohol content of 0.257, said LaPorte County Chief Deputy Coroner Mark Huffman.

Livergood was still buckled into the 2007 Chevy Cobalt when pronounced dead at the scene.

According to Michigan City police, the car was traveling north on Franklin Street at a high rate of speed at about 3:30 a.m. when Livergood lost control and veered into the southbound lanes where he sideswiped an oncoming Ford Taurus.

The car was flipping over on its side when its roof struck the side of a brick building once home to the former Gielow TV service business in the 2800 block of Franklin Street near Ames Field.

The car came to rest on its wheels outside the structure, Huffman said.

Huffman estimated the hole in the exterior wall measured about 12 feet across with the bottom of the hole being 5 to 6 feet off the ground.

You could literally jump through it and walk into the building, Huffman said.

Huffman said Livergoods family members didnt know where he might have been going or where he had gone earlier during the night.

Several businesses have occupied the building since Gielow TV shut down many years ago and currently sits empty, Huffman said.
VALPARAISO  A jury deliberated for three and a half hours Wednesday before returning with a guilty verdict for Mary Loveless, the 49-year-old Wheeler-area resident accused of stealing more than $30,000 while heading up a child care program at the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County.

Earlier in the day, Loveless sat in front of the jury and denied stealing the money. But jurors ultimately found her guilty Wednesday on all three counts of felony theft.

While on trial this week, Loveless testified that the club relied on a sloppy and inadequate handwritten accounting system and, once technology was introduced, faulty computers.

Money was always secondary (to the children) at the Boys & Girls Club, Loveless said.

Loveless said she did not believe anybody took any money, calling it missing in the accounting system.

Shortly before she took the witness stand, her husband, James Loveless, testified that he and his wife had financial problems that they tried to address through debt consolidation before each filed for Chapter 13 bankruptcy.

Porter County Deputy Prosecutor Tammy Gregg presented evidence that Mary Loveless was $87,000 in debt when she filed for bankruptcy, including $30,000 owed to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Porter County.

So she owed a lot of money, Gregg said.

Yes, said James Loveless, who disputed the claim from the Boys & Girls Clubs.

Mary Loveless is accused of stealing the money between Jan. 1, 2012, and April 10, 2014, according to court records.

During that period she was serving as unit director for the Kidstop Program, according to court documents. In that position, Loveless was responsible for collecting payments made at the various child care sites and depositing the money.

While only minor discrepancies were discovered among the check payments made by parents, the cash payments did not add up, according to court records.

Loveless, who made out all the deposit forms, never claimed she did not receive all the payments from the daycare sites.

Rogers said investigators found no money stashed away by Loveless and no extravagant purchases.
CEDAR LAKE  Tech upgrades for all four Hanover schools, if implemented at once, would cost the corporation roughly $1 million.

John Flanagan, director of technology, made a technology presentation to the Hannover Community School Corp. board recently. He detailed, among other things, the purchase of Chromebooks and technology infrastructure for the high school and junior high school and both elementary schools.

The largest expenditure would be for Hanover High, at $422,000.

Also during the meeting, the board approved the application for a Common School loan from the state of Indiana.

The loan could be used for technology purposes and would carry a 1 percent interest. Hanover received a Common School loan last year, in the amount of $202,000. It was used to purchase computers for middle school and elementary school.

This year, Hanover would be eligible for a base loan of $215,000.
CROWN POINT  A new restaurant is coming to the downtown square.

The city's Redevelopment Commission on Monday approved a $25,000 facade improvement grant for restoration of the building that was home to a former gift shop, The Front Gate, at 136 S. Main St.

The site near the corner of Main and U.S. 231 will be the new home of Tavern on Main, a restaurant that will serve high-end bar food.

Former Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott Sr., one of the partners in the restaurant, said offerings will include sushi and "other items that aren't your typical bar food." The main floor will have seating for about 100 people while a second floor banquet hall will seat about 125.

"We're really excited about opening," McDermott said. "Crown Point historically does very well with restaurants. We think we'll do very well at this location."

McDermott's group, Main Street Holdings LLC, also owns Tommy B's Clubhouse in the Aberdeen section of Valparaiso. It also previously owned Tommy B's restaurant in downtown Valparaiso.

McDermott said that like Valparaiso, people in Crown Point "really support the downtown area."

The total cost of restoration work for what will become Tavern on Main is $67,000. City Planning Administrator Anthony Schlueter said the project was "very well received" by the city's Historic Preservation Committee.

"They have extensive attention to detail and whenever possible are trying to restore existing materials," he said.

The restaurant is scheduled to open Nov. 15.
An increasing number of North Koreans are defecting from Russia where some 20,000 of them labor in often inhuman conditions, a source said Tuesday.

The source said about a dozen North Korean workers at a single construction site in Russia have recently told South Korean authorities that they want to defect. Altogether some 40 North Koreans including loggers in Siberia have defected and are staying in a shelter in Russia.

Workers typically escape in groups of three or four. They are reportedly motivated by appalling working conditions and relentless pressure from the North Korean regime to cough up more hard currency.

Another source in China said since the severe flooding of the Duman River last month, the regime has been forcing workers overseas to donate US$100 to 150 each to a flood relief fund. "This kind of extortion is causing more North Korean workers overseas to defect," the source added.

Most of the North Koreans in China and Russia know about the recent defection of senior officials overseas.

"The North is sending more officials to China and Russia to keep watch on workers there, but it seems difficult for the regime to prevent expat workers from defecting," a government official here said.


INDIANAPOLIS  The former CEO of a company that operates dozens of Indiana nursing homes and three others face federal charges in a kickback scheme worth millions of dollars, according to an indictment released Wednesday morning.

Grand jurors charged former American Senior Communities CEO James Burkhart, of Carmel, with mail and wire fraud and money laundering. American Senior Communities fired Burkhart last September, three days after federal agents searched his home and the companys Indianapolis headquarters.

Also charged are former company COO Daniel Benson of Fishers; Burkharts brother, Joshua Burkhart, of Fishers; and Burkharts friend, Steven Ganote, of North Salem. James Burkharts attorney, Larry Mackey, had no comment. Court records did not list attorneys for Benson, Joshua Burkhart or Ganote.

American Senior Communities has two Northwest Indiana locations: Lowell Healthcare and Valparaiso Care and Rehabilitation.

Federal prosecutors in Indianapolis said the defendants owned shell companies and used them to falsify and inflate the costs of goods and services. This allowed the defendants to steal discounts and rebates and conceal kickbacks, prosecutors said, letting them divert, receive and launder millions of dollars for their personal benefit.

The defendants used American Senior Communities network of about 70 nursing homes and thousands of patients to their advantage, prosecutors said.

American Senior Communities said in a statement Wednesday that it was grateful to federal officials for the indictment and that the company will continue to cooperate. The company pointed out that patient care wasnt affected and that it has enacted safeguards and hired a new leadership team.

ASC was the victim of a betrayal of trust by two of its former officers, the statement said. ASC has emerged from this process a stronger, more vital organization.

 Times staff writer Giles Bruce contributed to this report.
The citys growing homeless population is creating a problem for city officials who are trying to find more shelter space for people living on the street while getting pushback from residents in neighborhoods across the city. Maspeth, Queens, has been at the center of one such fight  leaving both residents and Mayor de Blasio exasperated. Borough Reporter Ruschell Boone has more.

"The city has not and will not back down," said city Human Resources Administration Commissioner Steven Banks.

Its tough talk from the head of the citys Human Resources Administration after some say the de Blasio administration caved to relentless protests from residents over its plan to convert this Holiday Inn Express into a full-scale homeless shelter.

On Monday, the city announced it had rented a number of rooms in the hotel in Maspeth to house 30 homeless men who are single and working. Commissioner Banks said it was the hotel owner  not the residents  who had the final say.

The owner of the property determined not to make the entire building available to us.

Banks' statement came a day after the city said it was not moving forward with a shelter because of local opposition. Either way, protesters are not backing down. They are busy working the phones to get the word out that protests will continue.

"We have to protect our neighborhoods, our children and our quality of life and they are going to move more and more people into that hotel," said President of the Juniper Park Civic Association Robert Holden.

Protest organizers are also joining forces with other civics groups across the city who have asked for help fighting shelters in their neighborhood.

They will be rallying with Sunset Park residents in Brooklyn on Saturday.

In a statement Mayor de Blasio said:

"We didnt back down on sheltering homeless New Yorkers in Maspeth and we wont in other communities."

The protesters say they are not backing down either.
The NYPD is beefing up security in city parks after two separate sexual assaults Monday night.

Cops say a 13-year-old girl was raped in Claremont Park in the Bronx around 10 p.m.

Investigators say a man assaulted the teen while a woman served as a lookout.

Police are also looking into another incident in Central Park.

They say a woman was walking near East 107th street around 10:30 when she was thrown to the ground by a man who tried to rape her.

He ran out of the park after she pushed him off.

Police believe the man in his 30s, and was last seen wearing a dark jacket and orange t-shirt.

Cops say the two incidents are unrelated.

Investigators are also searching for a group of men who have been robbing cell phones from both joggers and bikers in Central Park.

They're posting extra police presence in parks this week.

"There will be more officers both inside the park and around the perimeter," said NYPD Chief Carlos Gomez. "The precincts that border the park are also giving it extra attention and extra patrols. Youll see more officers in uniform. There will be plainclothes officers patrolling the parking, as well as officers on scooters"

Police say the robberies have contributed to an uptick in park crimes this month, but overall, crime has been down 17 percent in Central Park this year.
Wells Fargo says that it investigates all complaints of impropriety from its ethics hotline or other channels. But it added that until 2013, it handled each complaint about account fraud individually. It was not until three years ago that the company realized it had a broader problem, according to Mary Eshet, a Wells Fargo spokeswoman.

At that point, Wells Fargo began an internal investigation. By then, though, the issue had caught the attention of prosecutors and regulators. In May 2015, the Los Angeles city attorney filed a sweeping lawsuit against Wells Fargo over its creation of unauthorized accounts.

Last month, the bank settled that case and two related actions brought by federal regulators. Ms. Eshet cited the steps the company took in response to the scandal, including its move this month to drop the aggressive sales goals that employees said created pressure to act unethically.

We have made fundamental changes to help ensure team members are not being pressured to sell products, customers are receiving the right solutions for their financial needs, our customer-focused culture is upheld at all times and that customer satisfaction is high, Ms. Eshet said.

But former employees whose cases are detailed in lawsuits against the bank say that many of the managers at the branch level and above who heard their ethics complaints did nothing and are still there. Between 2011 and this year, Wells Fargo terminated the employment of 5,300 workers for creating as many as two million unauthorized bank and credit card accounts; around 10 percent of those worked at the branch manager level or above, according to the bank, but only one  an area president  had a high-level management role.

In 2009, Yesenia Guitron, a banker in the Northern California town of St. Helena, filed reports to her branch manager, to her branch managers boss and to Wells Fargos ethics hotline about a colleague who she said was opening and closing accounts without customer permission.

Those and other fraudulent acts continued despite her complaints, and were openly tolerated by the branchs management, Ms. Guitron told Wells Fargos human resources department. In 2010, Ms. Guitron was called into her bosss office and told she was being fired for insubordination.
On Tuesday afternoon, the pinned tweet on the Samsung Mobile US Twitter account, dated Sept. 15, was still telling consumers they could exchange the old Note 7 for a new version of the phone. On the companys Facebook page, the most recent post was from Oct. 4, when it shared a photo of a YouTube star using its new virtual reality camera. That post was quickly filling up with comments about how production of the Galaxy Note 7 had been stopped.

This is a phone that can literally catch fire and burn your house down with you in it, said Dean Crutchfield, an independent brand consultant in New York. I dont think thats being highlighted enough.

Samsung has repeatedly stumbled in the last month as it sought to address reports that its Galaxy Note 7 phone had been overheating and catching fire because of a manufacturing flaw. The company recalled 2.5 million phones last month and was initially praised, until it was learned that it had acted without required coordination with the Consumer Product Safety Commission in the United States. Samsung also erred by telling Hong Kong consumers around that time that models there would be unaffected, only to reverse course a day later.

The brand, which has been offering refunds or replacement Note 7 devices to consumers in the last few weeks, now faces the unpleasant task of pulling the newer smartphones as well. All of this has grown into an international crisis for Samsung, which is not accustomed to dealing with such public scrutiny. Samsung is South Koreas most important company, accounting for about 17 percent of the countrys gross domestic product. As a result, government regulators there are not as quick to call it to task as regulators in other countries.

In response to questions on its outreach efforts, a spokeswoman for Samsung pointed to the advisory on its website and a statement that it would stop exchanges and sales of the phone.
Students can practice writing compare-and-contrast essays using the topic of immigration, a central issue in this years election. Below are two different possible assignments: comparing walls from history and comparing the candidates immigration plans. Option one is intended for E.L.L. students with less language proficiency, and the other is intended for students who have more advanced English proficiency.

Students using either option could first use this Venn diagram to plan their essay and then, if individual computers are available, could use this ReadWriteThink interactive to plan it further (they should put a check mark next to Similarities-to-Differences at the ReadWriteThink site). Students could also be shown these two compare-contrast essays as models.

Option One: Comparing Mr. Trumps Wall With a Wall From History

Students could revisit what they learned about Mr. Trumps plans for a wall in the Researching What the Candidates Believe activity above. Next, have students go to the Times interactive What History Teaches Us About Walls. Students should review the different walls described there and choose one to compare and contrast with the wall Mr. Trump wants to build. After using the graphic organizers for taking notes and reviewing one or both of the essay models, students can write their essay. In their final paragraph they should say if they think building walls between people and/or countries is a good idea or not. Their final sentence could use this sentence frame:

Based on what I learned comparing these two walls, I think building walls between countries and people (is/is not) a good idea because _____________________________________________.

Option Two: Comparing Mr. Trumps Immigration Plans With Mrs. Clintons Plans

Students can go to the Times article What Would It Take for Donald Trump to Deport 11 Million and Build a Wall and take notes on Mr. Trumps plans for immigrants. They can then go to the Times article A Path to Citizenship, Hillary Clinton Says, Is at Its Heart a Family Issue  and take notes on her plans. Student can use the graphic organizers to organize their notes, and then write an essay using one of the models. Their final paragraph should use this sentence frame:

Based on what I learned comparing the immigration positions of the two candidates, I support the position of (Mr. Trump/Mrs. Clinton) because ____________________________________.

Finally, students might use what they learned to join The Learning Networks Civil Conversation Challenge on the topic of immigration by posting their own positions, or by replying to the thoughts of others.
What is your definition of an outsider? When have you felt like one?

Are there any fictional characters, whether from television, film, literature or elsewhere, whom you consider an especially admirable or interesting outsider? Why?

In Spock: Half-Vulcan. Half-Human. All Outsider Role Model., Robert Ito writes:

Is there a more beloved character in all of science fiction than Spock, the half-human, half-Vulcan first officer from Star Trek? Hes superstrong  he could easily pummel Captain Kirk, his ranking officer, were the spirit to move him  and a whiz at science. Hes cool to the point of wintry, a master at tamping down his base needs (granted, Vulcans get the urge to mate only once every seven years) and human emotions. Hes skilled at martial arts but rarely fights. He can literally look into your mind. Leonard Nimoy originated the role in 1966, and when his son, Adam, began asking people what they most loved about the character while filming his new documentary, For the Love of Spock, all that stuff  his big brain, his ability to peek into yours  was secondary. His most attractive trait? Ninety percent of them were talking about the fact that hes an outsider, he said. Outsider indeed. Spock is that rarest of 23rd-century beings, the only son of a Vulcan dad and a human mom. For years, he was about the closest viewers could get to a multiracial role model on American TV. I had Spock, the actress Jennifer Beals said in 2011. And that was kind of it. (Ms. Beals is of Irish- and African-American descent.) In For the Love of Spock, a NASA engineer, Bobak Ferdowsi, describes being encouraged by the series and the role. As someone who was from two cultures, Iranian father and an American mother, I saw in Spock the same conflict, he said. Which one am I? Am I both? Is there a happy medium between the two? The character has inspired multiracial artists, writers and scholars almost since his inception. The Los Angeles artist Kip Fulbeck, who has created short films, museum shows and photo exhibitions about the multiracial experience, is a lifelong Spock fan. I grew up watching Star Trek,  said Mr. Fulbeck, whose father is white and mother is Chinese. Every time McCoy would say, youre half-human, and Spock would say, Im also half-Vulcan, I was like, Yeah, I get that. 

Students: Read the entire article, then tell us:

 As this article points out, Spocks status as half-Vulcan and half-human has made him a role model for artists and fans for years. Does any aspect of the article remind you of yourself or someone you know  someone who is half-half in some way?

 When have you ever felt like an outsider?

 What outsider characters from fiction, television or film can you think of? Which ones are most interesting or admirable to you? How do they negotiate their outsider status? What can you learn from them?
New York City is undergoing a rare explosion in city government: More people now work for the city  287,002 full-time employees as of July  than at any other point in its modern history, with thousands more scheduled to join them.

The projected growth finds few parallels in other major American metropolises; most, like New York, trimmed their numbers after the financial crash of 2008. Some have rehired, though not at the level that New York has under Mayor Bill de Blasio.

But behind all the job growth is a complicated set of factors that explain the possible benefits and costs to the city, the mayor and his supporters. Unions will see new jobs for their members, but the city will see future pension costs rise.

And even if the city fails to fill all its projected job openings, there is a benefit: An unfilled job can be taken off the budget, enabling the de Blasio administration to claim so-called savings from the absence of thousands of workers who were not hired.
No one  not prosecutors, nor David Wildstein, the Port Authority executive who received the email and ordered the lanes closed and is now the prosecutions star witness  has ever explained why Ms. Kelly would have sent the email that day when the mayor had said months earlier that he would not endorse Mr. Christie.

Ms. Gramiccioni did not recall what was discussed that day.

Ms. Kelly, who has never publicly given her account, is expected to testify this month. Her lawyers have argued that virtually the entire governors office knew about the closings and that she has been made a scapegoat.

Mr. Wildstein, who has pleaded guilty to his role in the lane closings, has already testified that he told the governor about them as they were happening.

Ms. Gramiccioni testified she first heard that Ms. Kelly was looped into emails about the lane closings in December 2013, from Mr. Baroni, Mr. Christies top staff appointee at the Port Authority, and that the governor had asked Ms. Gramiccioni to succeed Mr. Baroni.

Ms. Gramiccioni said she shared the information with Charles McKenna, the governors chief counsel, who told her he had heard something about that.

But under cross-examination, she said Mr. McKenna did not mention that he had heard the same thing nearly two months earlier from Mr. Christies press secretary, Michael Drewniak, and had asked Ms. Kelly about it at the time.

Ms. Gramiccioni said that she then told Mr. Christies chief of staff, Kevin ODowd, about what Mr. Baroni had said about the lane-closing emails involving Ms. Kelly, and that Mr. ODowd said he would talk to Mr. Baroni about it.
The 20-minute address, hosted by the Association for a Better New York, a business group, amounted to a searching reflection on Mayor Bill de Blasios mandate to fashion a form of neighborhood policing that is equal parts crime-fighting and building trust.

Mr. ONeill, who succeeded William J. Bratton last month, said that the police had to go beyond eliminating unnecessary enforcement activity, and heal old wounds in minority neighborhoods with a fundamentally more responsive approach.

While the N.Y.P.D. achieved what many said was unachievable  making New York the safest big city in America, he said, we have to acknowledge that we did so sometimes at the expense of vital support of some of the communities we swore to protect.

He did not address the inequities that Ms. Whites neighbors and relatives believe have hampered the investigation into her death, including the omission of a $10,000 Mayors Reward for tips, and a lack of money for new lights in public areas troubled by high crime.

Mr. ONeill was asked at a later appearance at the Police Academy in Queens whether the department would rethink staffing levels in high-crime precincts where detectives carry caseloads above what is advised. He said the department was constantly evaluating deployment levels, and that the recent addition of 1,300 officers gives us an opportunity to put more people into the Detective Bureau.

His most tangible proposal in the speech was a public-relations campaign that would encourage New Yorkers to participate in the fight against crime. He said the effort  funded by the Association for a Better New York and the nonprofit New York City Police Foundation  would show how the department was changing and would acknowledge the experiences of residents.
An activist group has been delivering USB sticks and memory cards with South Korean films or soap operas to North Koreans by drone since last year.

Jung Kwang-il of No Chain, an organization of North Korean defectors, said Tuesday he explained advantages of using drones to deliver outside information to the North to U.S. Ambassador to the UN Samantha Power when she visited his home on Monday. Power promised him support, he said.

Jung was detained at the infamous Yodok political prison camp from 2000 to 2003 and became an activist when he fled to South Korea in 2004.

"We can deliver memory sticks or cards with outside information to North Korean homes accurately by using drones equipped with mini cameras," Jung said. "Drones are probably the fastest and safest way to deliver outside information to the North."

He came up with the idea when surveillance at the border with China was stepped up. "Since Kim Jong-un came to power, it has become more difficult and expensive to have those materials reach people in the North across the Duman River from China," he said. "It can cost up to W10 million, and I thought that money could be used for drones (US$1=W1,123)."

His drones carry USB sticks and memory cards with South Korean movies or soap operas, videos of defectors living here, images of the U.S. presidential election, and copies of UN resolutions on North Korean human rights.

He is also sending tablet PCs or smartphones so North Koreans can watch the videos. "North Koreans watch them themselves or sell them in the black market," he said. "The main consumers of the information are young people."

"Some ask for latest South Korean or U.S. films or series, and the recent Korean War flick 'Operation Chromite' is now popular there," he added.


A 25-year-old Russian woman who has had various legal entanglements with Eliot Spitzer, the former New York governor, appeared in Criminal Court in Manhattan on Tuesday, accused of committing grand larceny and forgery as part of an extortion scheme involving two men.

The woman, Svetlana Travis Zakharova, occasionally wept as a prosecutor described her as engaging in a systematic and protracted extortion scheme with one man, referred to as Complainant 1, that lasted over two years.

Neither man was identified, but the accusations by the government relating to Complainant 1 appear to mirror others made in a lawsuit filed by Mr. Spitzer, who resigned as governor in 2008 after it emerged that he had patronized a prostitute.

Mr. Spitzers lawyer, Adam S. Kaufmann, said on Tuesday that prosecutors had informed him of the arrest, and added that his client was cooperating with the investigation.
Three boys have been arrested in the sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl at a school building in Brooklyn this month, the police said on Tuesday.

During the Oct. 6 attack, the police said, the boys pulled down the girls pants and touched her. The episode occurred around 4:30 p.m. in a stairwell leading to the basement of the Herkimer Street building and was captured on video by a security camera, the police said. Two of the boys, age 14 and 12, were arrested on Oct. 7. The third, also 12, was arrested on Oct. 10. It was not clear on Tuesday if the three had been arraigned.

The boys and the girl attend different schools within the building, which houses several schools, including Mott Hall IV, a middle school, and Ocean Hill Collegiate Charter School. The citys Education Department declined to say which schools the students attend because of privacy laws.

The episode is likely to inflame a debate over safety in New Yorks schools. In the 2015-16 school year, the number of major crimes in schools reached its lowest level since 1998, when the Police Department began tracking data on such crimes. But charter school advocates, citing state records that reflect a wider array of incidents, have argued that the schools are becoming more dangerous.
A doctor in Queens has been charged with manslaughter after one of his patients bled to death as a result of complications during an abortion he performed, prosecutors said.

The doctor, Robert Rho, was arraigned on Tuesday before Judge Gregory L. Lasak of State Supreme Court in Queens after being indicted on one count of second-degree manslaughter in the death of the patient, Jamie Lee Morales, 30.

Dr. Rho, who lives on Long Island and whose Queens practice is in Flushing, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Ms. Morales was injured during the July 9 procedure when Dr. Rho caused a laceration of the victims cervix, a perforation of the uterine wall, and a disruption and transection of the uterine artery, the office of the Queen district attorney, Richard A. Brown, said in a news release.
As the father of no daughters, Im appalled by Donald Trumps comments about groping women.

As the husband of no wife, Im offended.

What, you ask, do my parental and marital status have to do with recognizing the outrage of what he said? I wonder, too. But they must be germane, because Republicans seem unable to censure Trump without invoking female spouses and especially offspring. In this version of Take Our Daughters to Work Day, the work is displaying concern for women, and the daughters are less protegees than props.

Mitch McConnell, the Senate majority leader, used a written statement of displeasure with Trump to identify himself as the father of three daughters. This was apparently a wellspring of his pique, which didnt rise to the level of actually rescinding his endorsement of Trump. Would a fourth daughter have done the trick? A fifth?

As a husband and father was how Mike Pence, who has a son and two daughters, commenced his own short-lived reprimand of Trump. Jeb Bush tweeted that he was the grandfather of two precious girls. In a debate in Arizona on Monday night, John McCain referred to his daughters.
For most of this campaign, Donald Trumps admiration for Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, and his willingness to act as a Kremlin apologist on issues ranging from Syria to the computer hacking of individuals and political parties have been sources of bafflement and dismay. Mr. Trumps alarming performance at Sunday nights debate deepened these concerns.

Mr. Trump again denied that the Russians were doing anything to manipulate the presidential election despite powerful evidence to the contrary. And he again laid bare his cockamamie and uninformed view of the bloody civil war in Syria and his refusal to acknowledge Russias role in making it worse.

Mr. Trump has no foreign policy experience. He has, however, received two briefings from American intelligence agencies that should have alerted him to the challenges facing the next president but apparently have not. All of which raises unsettling questions about whether the Republican nominee for the most powerful job in the world is Mr. Putins poodle, stubbornly naive, totally clueless or, as some have ominously suggested, protecting undisclosed business interests in Russia.

Though allegations about Russian interference in the election have circulated for some time, the Obama administration on Friday formally accused Russia of stealing and disclosing emails from the Democratic National Committee and other institutions. When Hillary Clinton raised this, Mr. Trump came to Russias defense: Maybe there is no hacking. But they always blame Russia. And the reason they blame Russia because they think theyre trying to tarnish me with Russia. I know nothing about Russia.
A Chicago company has marketed a tool using text, photos and videos gleaned from major social media companies to aid law enforcement surveillance of protesters, civil liberties activists say.

The company, called Geofeedia, used data from Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, as well as nine other social media networks, to let users search for social media content in a specific location, as opposed to searching by words or hashtags that would be less likely to reveal an exact location.

Geofeedia marketed its abilities to law enforcement agencies and has signed up more than 500 such clients, according to an email obtained by the American Civil Liberties Union. In one document posted by the organization, as part of a report released on Tuesday, the company appears to point to how officials in Baltimore, with Geofeedias help, were able to monitor and respond to the violent protests that broke out after Freddie Gray died in police custody in April 2015.

Geofeedia appears to have used programs that Facebook, Twitter and other social media companies offered that allow app makers or advertising companies to create third-party tools, like ways for publishers to see where their stories are being shared on social media.
He helped organize the 1963 March on Washington for civil rights and economic justice. In 1965, he criticized a confidential federal report by Daniel Patrick Moynihan, then an assistant secretary of labor and later a United States senator from New York, which said that instability in black families needed to be addressed if poverty among African-Americans was to be mitigated.

Dr. Payton and other critics argued that focusing on unwed mothers and their children debased blacks and blamed victims. Rather, they said, the governments agenda should be integration, education and jobs.

Two years later, Dr. Payton urged Congress not to upend the will of Harlem voters by excluding their elected representative, the Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., over corruption allegations. Powell, he said, was the one great symbol of power that Negroes have developed so painfully over the years. Congress did exclude Powell, but he was elected again.

Dr. Payton served for five years, until 1972, as president of Benedict College in Columbia, S.C., a Baptist-affiliated black institution. Returning to New York, he became program officer for higher education and research at the Ford Foundation, a position he held for nearly a decade until his appointment at Tuskegee.

When Dr. Payton retired to Florida in 2010, leaving Tuskegee as president emeritus, Gov. Bob Riley of Alabama said he had fostered innovation and academic excellence, playing a key role in Tuskegee University becoming the outstanding institution of higher learning that it is today.

Benjamin Franklin Payton was born on Dec. 27, 1932, in Orangeburg, S.C., the second of nine children of the Rev. Leroy Ralph Payton, an impoverished minister, farmer and teacher, and the former Sarah Mack.

Despite their meager circumstances, the family had a passion for education; all of Dr. Paytons siblings earned college degrees. Dr. Payton received four: a bachelors degree in sociology from South Carolina State University in 1955, a bachelor of divinity in philosophical theology from Harvard, a masters in philosophy from Columbia University and a doctorate in ethics from Yale.
Hurricane Matthews disastrous turn over North Carolina lashed some areas with more than a foot of rain and left behind swelling rivers and streets like rivers throughout much of the region south and east of Raleigh. By Tuesday, emergency crews in trucks, boats and helicopters had rescued more than 2,000 people from houses, porches and rooftops. Here in Fair Bluff, they included James Thomas, 57, who cannot walk because of a spinal cord injury, but was hoisted into a boat by firefighters on Sunday.

The upheaval had a special sting here in a town that has tried, with no shortage of grit and heart, to remake itself in the face of economic shifts that have sucked the life out of so many other small towns. Now, Fair Bluffs future looks even more challenging.

The extent of the damage here and in places like Lumberton, Fayetteville, Goldsboro and Pinetops sank in like a recurring bad dream on Tuesday after a storm that killed 17 people in the state and left commerce and daily life in some areas grinding to a halt.

Certain parts of the state, were going through recovery at this point in time, Gov. Pat McCrory said on Tuesday morning. Certain parts of the state, were still going through ongoing floods. And now, we have other parts of the state that are about to deal with some very serious circumstances, especially along two of our major rivers.
ALBUQUERQUE  After two full days of deliberations, a jury here announced on Tuesday that it had failed to reach a verdict in the murder trial of two former police officers for the 2014 shooting death of a homeless man with paranoid schizophrenia.

Police officers have a very difficult job, the special prosecutor, Randi McGinn, said after the announcement. The discussion we need to have as a community is, do we want a Dirty Harry or do we want a peace officer? This is the discussion we need to have here in Albuquerque.

After polling the six men and six women on the jury, Judge Alisa Hadfield declared a mistrial. It was not immediately clear if prosecutors would seek another trial.

The two former officers, Keith Sandy and Dominique Perez, had each faced a second-degree murder charge in the shooting of the man, James Boyd, who had been illegally camping on a craggy mountainside on the citys east end. Mr. Sandy also faced a lesser charge of aggravated battery.
Donald J. Trumps intensifying battle with his own party is tearing open the nations political map, pulling Republicans across the country into a self-destructive feud that could imperil dozens of lawmakers in Congress and potentially throw conservative-leaning states into Hillary Clintons column.

Democrats are moving swiftly to exploit Mr. Trumps crumbling position in the presidential race, aiming to run up a big margin of victory for Mrs. Clinton and extend their political advantage into the congressional elections next month.

Mrs. Clintons campaign has concluded that at least two traditionally Republican states, Georgia and Arizona, are realistic targets for her campaign to win over. And Republican polling has found that Mr. Trump is at dire risk of losing Georgia, according to people briefed on the polls, who spoke on the condition of anonymity.

Mrs. Clinton now holds such a strong upper hand that Priorities USA, a super PAC backing her campaign, may direct some of its war chest into Senate races, two people said, and may begin broadcasting ads for those contests as soon as next week. Congressional Democrats also hope to persuade Mrs. Clinton to continue pouring money and campaign resources into states like Virginia and Colorado, where they believe her victory is assured, in order to lift other Democratic candidates.
In his first remarks since WikiLeaks began releasing thousands of his hacked emails, John D. Podesta, Hillary Clintons campaign chairman, said Tuesday that Russian intelligence officials intent on swaying the election to Donald J. Trump had been responsible for the illegal breach into his account.

Ive been involved in politics for nearly five decades, Mr. Podesta told reporters aboard the Clinton campaign plane. This definitely is the first campaign that Ive been involved with in which Ive had to tangle with Russian intelligence agencies, he added, who seem to be doing everything that they can on behalf of our opponent.

Without verifying the authenticity of the emails, Mr. Podesta said that he had spoken with the F.B.I. as a victim of hacking. The Obama administration, like Mr. Podesta, believes the Russian government has been trying to help Mr. Trump with its hacking, including the theft of emails of the Democratic National Committee this year.
GREENSBORO, N.C.  President Obama is weighing a proportional response to Russias efforts to interfere with this falls election campaign through hacking, the White House announced Tuesday.

The president has talked before about the significant capabilities that the U.S. government has to both defend our systems in the United States but also carry out offensive operations in other countries, Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary, told reporters traveling with Mr. Obama on Air Force One to Greensboro, where he was holding a town hall-style meeting with students and campaigning for Hillary Clinton.

There are a range of responses that are available to the president, and he will consider a response that is proportional, Mr. Earnest said.

Whatever the president opts to do would probably not be announced in advance and may never be acknowledged or disclosed if it is carried out, Mr. Earnest said.
An unarmed man who was fatally shot last month by a police officer in Tulsa, Okla., had a high level of the drug PCP in his body, a coroner reported on Tuesday, confirming what the police surmised at the time.

Officer Betty Jo Shelby, 42, has been charged with manslaughter in the death of Terence Crutcher on Sept. 16. Video of the shooting showed Mr. Crutcher, 40, walking away from her with his hands raised, and then stopping beside his sport utility vehicle and lowering his hand just before she fired a single shot from several feet away.

The police said that Mr. Crutcher, who was black, had stopped his vehicle in the middle of a road and gotten out, leaving the engine running. He was talking nonsensically and not responding to commands from the officer, who is white. After the shooting, the police said, officers found in the vehicle a vial of phencyclidine, known as PCP, a drug that can induce powerful hallucinations.

Mr. Crutchers was one in a series of highly publicized deaths of black men at the hands of the police, which have prompted searing debates about the roles of race and law enforcement. The shooting sparked protests, which were overshadowed days later by much larger demonstrations in Charlotte, N.C., where another black man, Keith Lamont Scott, was fatally shot by an officer.
MANILA  President Rodrigo Duterte of the Philippines, known for his no-holds-barred campaign against illegal drugs, is turning his sights on a legal one: tobacco.

Paulyn Ubial, the health secretary in Mr. Dutertes cabinet, said Tuesday that she hoped that the president would sign an executive order before the end of October that would ban smoking in public.

Her department is pushing for the ban to start before a law requiring graphic health warnings on tobacco products takes full effect on Nov. 4.

Ms. Ubial said Mr. Duterte wanted a 100 percent smoke-free environment in public places, as in the southern city of Davao, where he was formerly mayor.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  At first, the Americans seemed confused about Suleiman Abdullah Salim. They apparently had been expecting a light-skinned Arab, and instead at a small airport outside Mogadishu that day in March 2003, they had been handed a dark-skinned African.

They said, You changed your face, Mr. Salim, a Tanzanian, recalled the American men telling him when he arrived. They said: You are Yemeni. You changed your face.

That was the beginning of Mr. Salims strange ordeal in United States custody. It has been 13 years since he was tortured in a secret prison in Afghanistan run by the Central Intelligence Agency, a place he calls The Darkness. It has been eight years since he was released  no charges, no explanations  back into the world.

Even after so much time, Mr. Salim, 45, is struggling to move on. Suffering from depression and post-traumatic stress, according to a medical assessment, he is withdrawn and wary. He cannot talk about his experiences with his wife, who he says worries that the Americans will come back to snatch him. He is fearful of drawing too much attention at home in Stone Town in Zanzibar, Tanzania, concerned that his neighbors will think he is an American spy.
Taka (Will Yun Lee) is a New York City police detective who cares for his catatonic mother, which complicates his life and his dreams. In the opening episode, he catches a case involving a mass suicide. The dead were wearing green sneakers. Connections, connections, connections.

Then theres Burton (David Ajala), who handles security for an international investment house that is in the middle of a major deal involving a Belgian diplomat and mineral rights in Mongolia. While sorting out security issues, he is also trying to sort out his recurrent dreams of a mysterious woman he seems to be having a fling with but knows nothing about.

The show is aggressively cryptic, jumping between reality and dreams and not caring whether you can sort out which is which. David Lynch had some television success with that sort of disorientation with Twin Peaks, but this series may not catch the same buzz because its not quirky, just elusive. Lucid dreaming  controlling your own dreams  is a thing these days, and USA is no doubt hoping the series capitalizes on it, especially through the younger viewing demographic.

A New Study Finds Why Some of Us May Dream Better Than Others, the channel announced in a news release this week pegged to the show. The study supposedly found that younger people are by far the best dreamers, reporting more vivid and lucid dreams than the general population. Take that, oldsters  not only can you not master Snapchat, but you also cant even dream decently.

The thing is, younger people also can be short on patience, and patience is what you need to buy into this series. Also, faith that all the abstruse wanderings will eventually get someplace. After the four episodes made available for advance viewing, things were clarifying somewhat and an addictive quality was emerging, but not everyone may get that far.
Still, Kidd is an honorable man, and there is no one else who can or will help this girl. So he agrees to take her, even though she is a hellion at the start. To prepare for the journey, a group of Wichita Falls whores tries to bathe and dress her. (At the end of the bath, the tub is on its side, dripping water onto the red flocked wallpaper in their receiving parlor.) She will not answer to Johanna, the name Kidd gives her. He cant leave her by herself, and he cant take her anywhere. God above knew what she would do if presented with dinner on a plate, Kidd thinks to himself.

Image Paulette Jiles Credit... Jill Gann

As she did with Enemy Women, Ms. Jiles seems to have backed up her book with substantial research. She is very interested in what happened to children like Johanna, who wound up suffering a kind of post-traumatic stress disorder and, according to the author, always wanted to return to the Indians who had kidnapped them, no matter how brief the period of abduction. As one of the books characters says about children separated from their parents and later returned to their families: In their minds they went. When they came back they were unfinished. They are forever falling.

So there is persistent suspense throughout News of the World about what will happen to Johanna when she and Kidd reach their destination. It goes without saying that the young girl and the older man, a veteran of three wars, will develop an ever closer bond. They will learn to trust each other, though not in a hokey way; Ms. Jiles is much too good to let her book sink into sentimentality. But they both know that a happy ending is an impossibility and that the world in which they live will not let them stay together. The most it will allow them is the series of heated attacks and adventures that animate News of the World and allow it to live up to its title for both of them. Neither has had much experience with the kinds of peril the plot throws their way.

News of the World is a narrow but exquisite book about the joys of freedom (experienced even by a raging river threatening to overrun its banks); the discovery of unexpected, proprietary love between two people who have never experienced anything like it; pure adventure in the wilds of an untamed Texas; and the reconciling of vastly different cultures (as when Kidd has to explain to Johanna, who is all set to collect a white mans scalp, that this is considered very impolite and simply isnt done). Thats a lot to pack into a short (213 pages), vigorous volume, but Ms. Jiles is capable of saying a lot in few words.

Its also about a precious, long-gone time when the news was a rare commodity and an expert reader like Captain Kidd could both inform and entertain eager crowds. Scenes in which he notifies towns about what has happened in the wider world are among the books most stirring, since they seem so quaint. When he gets to the Gulf Coast, where newspapers are shipped in and easily attainable, he can foresee the end of his profession.
Wells Fargo said its top executives learned in 2013 that some employees were systematically creating illegal accounts to meet sales goals. But former employees who tried to blow the whistle on the fraudulent activity years earlier tell a different story.

2005 Julie Tishkoff, an employee in the Bay Area, makes internal complaints to Wells Fargo about account fraud she observed.

2008 Yesenia Guitron and Judi Klosek, two Wells Fargo employees in Northern California, first say they observe account fraud occurring.

2009 Ms. Guitron and Ms. Klosek complain to Wells Fargos ethics hotline about false accounts created by colleagues.
Deutsche Bank has received a cautious vote of creditor confidence. The German lender is issuing expensive debt. That shows it can get access to markets, despite a feared $14 billion American regulatory fine. It is less powerful a signal than buying debt back, as Deutsche Bank did in February  but at least it shows that investors do not fear losses that could eat into senior debt.

The German bank is issuing like gangbusters. It sold $3 billion of five-year bonds on Friday, and it has just raised an additional $1.5 billion, after an investor wanted more. The banks motives may be largely practical: It needs to issue about $30 billion of bonds by the end of the year, and by the end of June it was two-thirds of the way through.

Yet even prosaic actions take on extra significance in light of the banks potential $14 billion fine, and reports it may need a bailout, or that clients have been cutting their exposure. A bond issue shows that the bank can get access to markets, reinforcing its 215 billion pile of liquidity.

When the bank bought back debt in February that showed that it thought the market was temporarily mispricing its debt and that it had ample liquidity. It also created capital, by retiring debt below book value.
Donald Trumps position on illegal immigration plays a big role in his support not only in Hazleton but in northeast Pennsylvania, said Lou Barletta, a Republican who represents the region in Congress and has stood by his nominee as other Republicans in Congress have fled. In 2006, as Hazletons mayor, Mr. Barletta championed a first-in-the-nation ordinance penalizing employers and landlords for dealing with illegal immigrants. The courts blocked it from taking effect, but Mr. Barletta said Mr. Trumps popularity reflected the continued demand for stronger government action. Hes going to win here, and win big, Mr. Barletta said.

Mr. Barletta introduced Mr. Trump at a rally in nearby Wilkes-Barre on Monday night, declaring that voters in northeastern Pennsylvania would propel Mr. Trump to the White House.

Mrs. Clinton, by contrast, has celebrated immigrants, both legal and illegal, as important contributors to American society. Her campaign describes her plan to create a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants as one of her most important ideas for increasing economic growth.

Comprehensive immigration reform will grow our economy and keep families together  and its the right thing to do, Mrs. Clinton said in accepting the partys presidential nomination in Philadelphia, about 100 miles southeast of Hazleton.

The Hispanic population grew faster in Luzerne County, which includes Hazleton, than almost any other county between 2000 and 2011, according to the Pew Research Center. While immigration has slowed since the 2008 recession, Hispanics continue to move here from larger cities like New York and Paterson, N.J.

In the 2000 census, just 4.9 percent of Hazletons population identified as Hispanic. A decade later, that figure was 37 percent. By 2014, the most recent data available, 46 percent of the population said it was Hispanic. In all likelihood, Hazleton is now a majority-Hispanic city, just like the nearby cities of Reading and Allentown.

The Hispanic ascendence emerged from seismic economic shifts, said Jamie Longazel, a professor of sociology at the University of Dayton who grew up just outside Hazleton and wrote a book, Undocumented Fears, about the citys struggles with immigration.
When Katlin Smith entered the New Venture Challenge business accelerator, she had developed an idea for making food that was simple, healthy and delicious but did not have a sense for what to do next.

Ms. Smith came to the program, offered by the University of Chicagos Booth School of Business, two and a half years ago. She had started out creating gluten-free muffin mixes in her living room in North Carolina, and by that time had three baking mixes in two to three stores.

The mentors and guidance provided by the accelerator convinced Ms. Smith that she could be the Betty Crocker of clean eating.

I never thought about how big I could get, she said.

She came up with the business concept while working at Deloitte, before starting as a student at Booth, but the accelerator, and the cash prize that came with it, helped her take the next step with her start-up.
Openings and Events

Canal Street Market, a new food hall and multivendor retail space, opens on Nov. 3. It will include Yori Nori, a new restaurant concept from the owners of the Korean taco truck Korilla and the Chelsea Market ramen shop Mokbar; more than 27 artist and brand booths, including Fox Fodder Farm Flowers; and a newsstand curated by Office Magazine. At 265 Canal Street.

The Proenza Schouler designers Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez will be at Bergdorf Goodman on Thursday at 4 p.m. to help shoppers customize the woven Hava chain shoulder bag ($1,850) and cross-body ($1,690) with leather straps that have contrasting edge paint.

That evening, hit up three store parties in SoHo. Cuyana, a San Francisco-based label offering fewer, better things, will host a fall happy hour from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at its recently opened pop-up. There will be fall hero pieces: a soft wool-cashmere coat ($495) and an Italian leather work satchel ($395). At 266 Elizabeth Street.

Image Vintage-inspired frames from Leith Clarks second collaboration with Warby Parker.

Nau, a line of performance clothing made from sustainable materials, like a down jacket with 650-fill recycled down insulation ($485), will host an opening for its holiday pop-up from 6 to 9 p.m. At 262 Mott Street.
Andrzej Wajda, who died this week at age 90, was Polands greatest filmmaker, as well as a union activist, a supporter of dissidents and for a time a senator, but he was something more.

Born in a country that, several times obliterated, cast its poets as interpreters of national identity, Mr. Wajda was a peoples artist in a way unanticipated by the Communist regime that trained and ambivalently supported him.

There is nothing of the successful cosmopolitan filmmaker about Wajda, the Polish film critic Boleslaw Michalek wrote. Adapting the work of Polands most celebrated writers, Mr. Wajda saw himself as the heir to the Polish romantic art of the 19th century  although there was nothing 19th century about his confrontational approach.

The impact of the tumultuous Wajda style can be seen on the films of younger Polish directors, like Andrzej Zulawski and Agnieszka Holland, as well as on the recent Hungarian film Son of Saul. Martin Scorsese has also cited Mr. Wajda as an influence. But no filmmaker, not even John Ford, has ever been more steeped in his own nations history.
Then comes the second glance, and the third.

After the recent bombings in Manhattan and New Jersey, she said of Mr. Schumer in a statement: When will Chuck Schumer wake up  when they start beheading people in Central Park?

Warning of the dangers of allowing anyone who practices or supports Shariah to enter the country, Ms. Long said in another news release: The time to fight back is now. We must stop blaming America and defend America and civilization itself.

And at a time when many Republicans across the country are quarantining themselves from Donald J. Trump, their nominee for president, amid a scandal over sexually predatory comments he made about women, Ms. Long is set to travel to suburban Albany on Wednesday to headline a rally for him. Its name: Women for Trump.

As a group, women for Trump would seem to be an increasingly endangered species. Yet Ms. Long, a mother of two, says she has supported Mr. Trump since before he announced his candidacy, and still does, despite finding his recorded comments from 2005 repulsive. Intelligent women, she said, would see that an 11-year-old tape had little bearing on todays urgent issues.

I do think its just words, she said in a recent interview, adding that she had found Mr. Trumps apologies sincere. I dont believe hes ever raped anyone, which I do believe Bill Clinton has done, and Hillary Clinton has enabled that.
CURT GOERING

Executive Director

Center for Victims of Torture

St. Paul

To the Editor:

It is a sad moment in American history for the United States to have violated international codes of ethical conduct and inflicted such horrific harm on so many. The fact that some psychologists  aided by collusion between the leadership in the American Psychological Association and the Defense Department and the Central Intelligence Agency  played a central role in developing and maintaining the torture apparatus is appalling.

If the psychological association had followed the American Medical Association and the American Psychiatric Association in prohibiting its members from participating in interrogations, the torture program would have come to a screeching halt, given that it was necessary to have health personnel present during these interrogations to provide the cover of their safety and doing no harm.

The abuses meted out by the United States in the war on terror  as painfully described in your excellent article  will ultimately be seen as one of our countrys most egregious ethical lapses.

J. WESLEY BOYD

Needham, Mass.

The writer is an associate professor of psychiatry and a faculty member of the Center for Bioethics at Harvard Medical School.

To the Editor:

Thank you for your strong and heartbreaking article about the ruined lives of men (some entirely innocent) who were tortured by the United States government.
DOHA, Qatar  Earlier this month, a health center in Aleppo, Syria, run by Qatar Red Crescent was struck by bombs dropped from a helicopter. Two patients were killed, eight others were wounded and half the facility was destroyed. Qatar was forced to close the center. Dr. Hashem Darwish, the head of the health program at the Qatar Red Crescents mission in Turkey, called the attack a war crime.

This was the very phrase the secretary general of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, used a few days earlier to describe the escalating violence deployed by the Syrian government and its allies. Those using ever more destructive weapons know exactly what they are doing, said Mr. Ban. They know they are committing war crimes.

Five years after Syrias president, Bashar al-Assad, responded with shocking brutality to the peaceful protests of his people, the tally of war crimes is mounting. About half a million people have died, and millions more have fled their homes and their country to escape the barrel bombs and chlorine gas that Mr. Assad has unleashed on his own citizens. The regimes ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity have only intensified in their viciousness and cruelty as the war has dragged on.

Mr. Assad has not acted alone. He has had support from outside forces that share responsibility for the death and destruction. But he has also had enablers, those who have stood aside and done nothing as the slaughter has continued. Red lines have been drawn, and Mr. Assad has crossed them without consequence. Cease-fires have been declared, and regime forces have violated them with impunity.
The 2014 election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his B.J.P. emboldened every variety of Hindu nationalist group. The primary aim of these groups is an aggressive form of nationalism. But there is a contradiction at the heart of this ideology: As Mr. Paz wrote in 1995, the idea of the nation itself is incompatible with the institution of caste. It was not possible to want everyone to be homogeneous while at the same time believing them to be fundamentally unequal.

The contradiction presented by caste and nationalism was never clearer than in the searing images that emerged from Mr. Modis own home state, Gujarat, in July. They showed Dalit boys being stripped and beaten with iron rods. They were accused of killing a sacred Indian cow. But they claimed they were only skinning a cow that was already dead, work that is typically reserved for people of low caste. The irony could not have been more stark: It was caste on one hand that had forced this occupation upon them, and it was caste that was degrading them further.

Modernity should be the natural enemy of caste. And, in many ways, it is. Urban life, apartment buildings, restaurants  even something as simple as municipal water and housing  have the power to erase the prohibitions under which caste functions. Democracy, too, is an enemy of caste: The low-caste groups form a powerful voting bloc, and so politicians are obliged to be responsive to them. But by upsetting hierarchies, modernity can also exacerbate old tensions. It can make the higher castes, whose numbers are small, insecure about their place in the world and drive them to reinforce it.

The spread of modernity in India has certainly undermined caste, but it has also made the need to assert it more vehement. And the unfolding story in India is not one about the disappearance of caste, but rather of its resilience. Brahmins still have an outsize presence in intellectual life; the armed forces are still dominated by the martial castes; a majority of rich businessmen and industrialists are still of the mercantile castes; the lower castes still do the least desirable jobs.

In the cloistered, English-speaking world where I grew up, caste seemed hardly to exist. As a child in Delhi, I could no more tell a Brahmin name like Mishra or Sharma from any other. And even if I could, I would not have held it in regard. Our only category was class, and it was determined by privilege, education and how well one spoke English. But there are some categories so deep that they hold without needing to be enforced. What I didnt realize was that in one very important respect, caste did exist among us: because the lowest castes were not represented.

For the last two years, I have been speaking with a Brahmin from Bengal, a philosopher and a teacher of ancient logic, a man conversant with both Eastern and Western intellectual traditions. I admire him in many ways  his immense learning, his defense of tradition in the face of Western influence  but when I questioned him about the prohibitions of caste he gave me an answer that turned my stomach.

If a person is suffering from a communicable disease, you would not let him touch your utensils, he said. You have this one idea of contamination, but you refuse to accept that there might be certain spiritual conditions  His voice trailed off. He seemed to know that he had lost me. As if wanting to clear the air, he said: You have to understand that modern European culture is based on the idea that all men are born equal, and later become differentiated. The Indian idea is different. We believe that men are born unequal, but we are all  Brahmin, sage, cobbler, outcaste  heading toward the same destiny.

It was a valiant attempt at a defense, but in the end absurd. It would mean that millions of lower-caste Indians, like Rohith Vemula, had to forfeit the aspirations of this life in exchange for the promise of some ultimate destiny, many lifetimes away, in which all differences would be obliterated.
To the Editor:

Re 2 Years After Mexican Students Vanished (editorial, Oct. 6):

Regarding the tragic disappearance of 43 students in the state of Guerrero, the government has consistently stated its commitment to solve the case, to provide adequate attention to the victims and, crucially, to ensure that all those responsible are brought to justice. So far, 130 people have been arrested in connection with this case and are being prosecuted.

The assistance provided by the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights has been positively assessed by the government. Its recommendations are part of the investigation, and their adequate follow-up is being ensured: Up to now, more than 90 percent of the requests made by the group have been duly complied with.

Furthermore, the country rapporteur and a technical team of the human rights commission will carry out periodic visits to Mexico and will have full access to the case files of the investigation. We trust that the mechanism will positively complement what has become Mexicos most complex and comprehensive criminal investigation.

In short, Mexico has made clear and undeniable progress in upholding human rights, protecting victims and ensuring effective access to justice in accordance with its international and constitutional obligations.
To the Editor:

Trust of Officials Is in Short Supply for Flint Residents (news article, Oct. 9) cites progress in Flint, Mich., and the states rosy spin that the majority of recent water samples are below concerning lead levels. That could give the impression that all Flint residents have safe water to drink. That is not the case.

The government is still advising residents not to drink unfiltered tap water because of lead contamination, leaving them largely on their own to track down safe water, day in, day out.

The people of Flint, who have been repeatedly misled about their water, deserve better. Serious distrust shows that this is about more than failed pipes and flawed decisions; it is about the failure of democracy and the shredding of the social contract.

Rebuilding trust will require the state to start talking straight to its citizens.

That has yet to happen. That is why we are asking a federal court to intervene. We cannot rely on the officials who caused this crisis to fix it.
The scenario was straight from Mr. Putins playbook. Pushing talks into a tight corner while intensifying the use of force was a tactic Russia used repeatedly during the hot phases of the Ukrainian war in 2014. Strobe Talbott in February contrasted the American use of diplomacy backed by force in the Balkans in the 1990s to Russias current use of force backed by diplomacy.

In Syria, Russian officials pay lip service to the humanitarian aspect of the siege, but dismiss it in practice. The rebels of Aleppo are interested only in a kind of cease-fire that allows them to bring in more arms and replenish ammunition, the daily Vedomosti quoted an unnamed source in the Russian Ministry of Defense as saying last weekend, in an effort to explain why a new cease-fire would be hard to reach. On the other hand, the source continued, the government army is not strong enough to take Aleppo quickly. The result: an agreement and an end to the carnage are as distant as ever.

Still, the Kremlin is convinced it is playing a winning game, so long as the United States is reluctant to intervene and Syrians, not Russians, absorb most of the casualties and damage. Even with the painfully slow pace of progress by Syrian government forces, Russia is unlikely to introduce ground forces (a politically dangerous move back home), and just as unlikely to abandon its ally, President Bashar al-Assad.

What Mr. Putin seems to think Syria offers is a magic portal that will help Russia leap to a new level of international recognition. Russia no longer sees itself as a power seeking to escape isolation imposed by the West for occupying Crimea and intervening in Ukraine. Instead, it pursues the claim of a victorious power whose transgressions become irrelevant because winners dont have to justify themselves.

In hindsight, it is clear that the Russian and American administrations have both contributed to the current bilateral freeze. Just calling Russia a declining regional power, or counting on that status to bring it to heel, is not a strategy. At this point, it would be a herculean task for any new president to re-establish trust. Aleksandr Baunov, a Russian writer on foreign policy, has suggested that Mr. Putin had an unacknowledged goal for the impossible conditions of his legislation: He would drive the American-Russian relationship so low that a new American president would have no room to drive it lower. Releasing the tension would be hard too, because that would look like complying with Mr. Putins legislation. And Moscow seems to prefer the current state of unnerving alarm to seeking a new easing of tensions.

In short, the Kremlin has made its decisions: Put the onerous domestic problems aside, play the power game, do not blink, and call everything the West says a bluff. A victory, this thinking goes, will one day recoup all costs.

But what kind of victory would that be? Is there a city or a region that Russia might occupy that would bring Russias own citizens prosperity? Any regime presiding over a backward oil-dependent economy will not be able to modernize it by waging wars and poisoning every relationship it still has. It may not happen soon, but someday in the future, Russia will have to take up the hard work of fixing both its economic base and its position among its peers.
BRATISLAVA, Slovakia  Last month, after I finished a few final items of paperwork, I walked out of the offices of the Human Rights Institute around 11 p.m. and headed home. I was alone and had no sense of any danger. Because of my work, Ive received plenty of threats before, but Ive ignored them. Ive always felt safe in Bratislava.

After Id gone a few feet, I was attacked. I didnt see it coming. A punch landed in my face. And then another. Two men I didnt recognize were standing over me. Youre a dirty Smer whore! one shouted, referring to Slovakias ruling Social Democratic Party, with which I am not affiliated. Before I knew it, I was on the ground, my face covered in blood. Then they disappeared into the night.

Four hours earlier, I had been at a rally against corruption. Opposition parties organized the rally, and fellow activists and I were there to support the message, but also to remind the protesters that some of the parties that put on the event had done nothing to fight corruption while in Parliament. Moreover, we believed, these opposition parties mandate is in Parliament, not the streets.

In the middle of the rally, Igor Matovic took to the stage. Mr. Matovic is the leader of the Ordinary People Party, and the enfant terrible of Slovak politics. As he stood on the stage, he pointed at me and my colleague, Peter Weisenbacher, who is also an L.G.B.T. rights activist, and railed against us: He yelled into the microphone that we were agents of Smer-Social Democracy. He called us despicable provocateurs and accused us of money laundering.
Or you can try humor.

Gail Stern, an educator and a co-founder of Catharsis Productions, which gives sexual violence prevention training on college campuses and in the military, said that one deft approach might be to assume that the speaker is being outrageous on purpose, and to respond with something like this: I love satire. Its so weird that people believe that for real and its so cool you called that out.

She calls that tactic verbal aikido, after the Japanese martial art whose practitioners defend themselves by redirecting an opponents attack.

An essential component of bystander intervention training is to get participants to imagine their own responses to scenarios. The goal is to get people to arm themselves with approaches that feel natural and innate, rather than outfitting them with model scripts. If you have a plan in your head, then you can use it, Dr. Potter said.

Psychologists who study the effects of such confrontation divide offensive behavior into two loose categories. One includes strangers acting out  a mother who slaps a toddler, a boy who punches his girlfriend  and bystanders, when they react, tend to do so viscerally and quickly. The other category includes offensive jokes or references among people who know one another, like friends or co-workers. In those cases, there are more gray areas, as well as personality factors to consider and often a relationship at stake. Objections, if they come, often take a little longer than bystander intervention does.

Deborah Cameron, a professor of language and communication at the University of Oxford, said that sexual banter often takes place among men who are friends, and that the function of it is to promote bonding.

Men may feel that if they challenge conversation they find tasteless, or simply dont join in, theyre spoiling the mood at a minimum and possibly putting their relationship to the group at risk, she said. And sometimes they worry that it will raise doubts about their masculinity or heterosexuality, or that they will become targets of bullying, said Ms. Cameron, author of The Myth of Mars and Venus: Do Men and Women Really Speak Different Languages?
Its essentially like having your voice box deep in your chest right next to the heart, said Julia Clarke, a paleontologist from the University of Texas at Austin, and lead author of the study.

The syrinx is hard to find in ancient bird specimens because it is made of calcified cartilage that does not typically fossilize well. Only a handful that are older than a few million years old have ever been found. It took nearly two decades to uncover the syrinx in this specimen, and Dr. Clarke said she did not set out to discover it.

Vegavis iaai was originally found on Vega Island in Antarctica in 1992 by Argentine researchers. Years later, they gave it to Dr. Clarke to analyze. She and her team classified it in 2005. In 2013 while Dr. Clarke was coincidentally working on a project on the evolution of dinosaur and bird vocalization, she decided to take another look at the specimens vertebrae before returning it. Embedded in the rock, she discovered the syrinx.

I was like Oh my gosh. I couldnt believe it. We had been asking this question What would fossil data look like that could add to our understanding of avian sound making? she said. And then Im rechecking a specimen in my lab that I had for five years, and there it is. That was kind of crazy.
Now the two companies are racing to lead a multibillion market. In a recent interview that spanned several hours, Mr. Sacks explained in exacting detail everything he has done to fix Zenefits, and argued that the company still has the inside track on what could be the next great software bonanza. It sounded convincing  but many of his points are echoed by Mr. Reeves of Gusto.

Gustos and Zenefitss business may sound boring: Both are trying to become the primary human resources dashboard for small businesses, companies that hire a few to a couple of hundred workers. For years, small companies have been neglected by traditional software providers for a simple reason: They dont have a lot of money to spend on software.

The internet has altered that calculus. Zenefits and Gusto, which charge subscriptions for some of their services, are relying on the vast scale and technical efficiencies enabled by the online cloud to make serving tiny companies feasible. Their success could alter the way millions of American businesses manage, pay and provide benefits to tens of millions of workers.

Both are finding takers. Gusto, founded in 2011 as ZenPayroll (people in this business apparently love the Zen mind-set), has attracted 40,000 paying customers. In a funding round last year, investors valued the company at $1 billion. Zenefits started a couple of years later, but it grew faster and was once considered one of the fastest-growing business software companies of all time. In 2015, two years after its founding, investors valued Zenefits at $4 billion, and it had ambitions to hit $100 million in annually recurring sales.

But the wheels were coming off the wagon. Zenefits under Mr. Conrad was consumed by an insatiable mania to grow at any cost. A year ago, BuzzFeed reported that Zenefits had allowed unlicensed brokers to sell health insurance to customers.

The article kicked off an internal investigation that led to the discovery of the cheating software. Mr. Sacks, an experienced start-up entrepreneur who had joined Zenefits as chief operating officer in late 2014, said he learned about the cheat from the companys outside counsel in January; he elevated the issue to the board of directors, which pushed Mr. Conrad to resign. (Mr. Conrad, who is now working on a new human resources start-up, did not respond to requests for comment.)

Faced with investigations by regulators and outrage from investors and customers, another chief executive might have sought to minimize the fallout from Zenefitss problems. But Mr. Sacks pushed an unusual counterstrategy for rehabilitation, one he sums up with a simple mantra: Admit, fix, settle and repeat.
Insurance companies use co-payments when they negotiate with the makers of competing brand-name drugs. When your insurance company negotiates with a drug company to get a good price, its main leverage is the co-payment. Imagine two similar drugs for the same ailment. The insurance company can offer a drug maker lots of business if it steers patients to buy its product. The promise of all that business gives the drugmakers an incentive to offer a good discount.

In that situation, an insurance company might charge a $10 co-payment for a $300 drug and a $50 co-payment for its competitor, which costs $500. A coupon for the pricier drug will make it less expensive for the patient at the drugstore, but wont change what each drug is costing the insurance company. If coupons cause patients to prefer the $500 drug, then the maker of the cheaper drug will have no incentive to keep offering a better price, and both drugs might end up costing $500.

Steve Miller, the chief medical officer at Express Scripts, which negotiates drug benefits for health plans around the country, said coupons have forced his company to sometimes refuse to cover expensive drugs at all, since the coupons are designed to work only when the insurance company picks up part of the tab. Its one of these things where what superficially sounds like a good thing  giving patients discounts  actually in the long haul ends up costing patients more money, he said.

The federal government bans the use of coupons when buying drugs through Medicare health insurance. Massachusetts also bans the practice for drugs with a generic equivalent. Those bans created what economists call a natural experiment and allowed the researchers to measure how much of a difference coupons made. They looked at a database of health claims for everyone employed by a New Hampshire-based company, then compared the drugs bought by customers in New Hampshire, where coupons were allowed, with those in Massachusetts, where they are not.

To make sure the differences didnt reflect some other difference between the states, they also looked at Medicare recipients in both states, and found similar drug-buying habits among people in both places.

Professor Dafny and her colleagues suggest that more states may want to follow the lead of Massachusetts in banning the coupons. Some individual patients would end up paying more for drugs, but average costs would probably go down. She and her co-authors also warned that the practice of offering co-payment discounts might also start spreading to doctors offices and hospitals, and could cause similar distortions in negotiations between health care providers and health insurance companies.
With the House Republican leadership awash in concern and with the partys legislators facing the cratering of their poll numbers, Donald J. Trump centered his attention Tuesday night on the latest WikiLeaks disclosures from a hacking of emails from Hillary Clintons campaign.

Using a teleprompter, Mr. Trump told a rally in Panama City Beach, Fla., that WikiLeaks has given us a window into the secret corridors of government power, and he ticked through a list of topics that the emails covered.

They included excerpts from Mrs. Clintons paid speeches before she had declared her candidacy, such as a line to a Brazilian bank about favoring open borders  a statement that plays into Mr. Trumps line of attack against her immigration position.

It was a reminder of what, in part, made him effective in the Republican primaries against 16 other candidates, lobbing attacks himself instead of leaving it to aides or surrogates.
A 17-word Facebook reminder contributed to substantial increases in online voter registration across the country, according to top election officials.

At least nine secretaries of state have credited the social networks voter registration reminder, displayed for four days in September, with boosting sign-ups, in some cases by considerable amounts. Data from nine other states show that registrations rose drastically on the first day of the campaign compared with the day before.

Facebook clearly moved the needle in a significant way, Alex Padilla, Californias secretary of state, said in an interview on Tuesday.
WASHINGTON  Stung by a fierce backlash from Donald J. Trumps ardent supporters, four Republican members of Congress who had made headlines for demanding that Mr. Trump leave the presidential race retreated quietly this week, conceding that they would still probably vote for the man they had excoriated just days before.

From Senator John Thune of South Dakota, the only member of the Republican leadership in either chamber who had disavowed Mr. Trump, to Representative Scott Garrett of New Jersey, who is in a difficult re-election fight, the lawmakers contorted themselves over Mr. Trump. Some of them would not mention him by name, preferring instead to affirm their support for the generic Republican ticket, still grasping for a middle ground.

They said that if Mr. Trump would not make way for his running mate, Gov. Mike Pence of Indiana, to lead the party after the release of a recording on Friday showing Mr. Trump bragging about groping women, they had little choice but to vote for their embattled nominee. But the collective about-face owed less to his refusal to exit a race in which ballots are already being cast than to the fury his supporters unleashed at the defectors at rallies and on social media.

And Mr. Trump himself escalated his bitter feud with the countrys highest-ranking elected Republican, Speaker Paul D. Ryan, saying at a rally in Florida on Wednesday that Mr. Ryans refusal to actively support his candidacy was part of a sinister deal going on.
Since he took over in 2003, Mr. Fitton has sought mainstream respectability for the organization.

It describes itself as a nonpartisan educational foundation, but Mr. Fitton says it is also a media organization. Were filling multiple roles here in a Washington where the traditional vehicles for government accountability have broken down, he said.

Last year, he nominated Judicial Watch for three Pulitzer Prizes. He was told that because Judicial Watch was an advocacy group, it did not meet the Pulitzer committees eligibility criteria, a ruling he attributed to liberal bias.

If Mr. Fitton is seen as less flamboyant than his predecessor, he has been no less dogged in his pursuit of Mrs. Clinton. In 2009, Judicial Watch sued to prevent her from becoming secretary of state, claiming that an obscure clause in the Constitution prevented former members of Congress who voted to increase the salary of a government position from being appointed to that position.

For that matter, Judicial Watch is still suing the government to obtain a draft of the indictment against Mrs. Clinton that federal prosecutors prepared in 1998, when they were considering bringing charges against her in the Whitewater investigation.

I think to say that they are not partisan would not be accurate, said Representative Elijah E. Cummings of Maryland, the ranking Democrat on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Look at the way that they have dealt with the Clintons. It seems as if theyve been out to do them harm.

According to Mr. Fitton, however, Judicial Watchs persistence has been rewarded. The documents we have uncovered in the last year or so are gobsmacking in terms of what they say about what Mrs. Clinton was up to, the depths of her criminality, he said.

There is little doubt that the group has forced the release of government records that would otherwise have been kept from the public. More contentious is the claim that these documents illuminate Mrs. Clintons behavior, at least in the absence of the organizations spin, which has broadly asserted that the Democratic presidential nominee used her position at the State Department to further the interests of her familys foundation.
In an email later, he added, Our current proposal is based on feedback from community members who are frustrated that the tax relief from the project would give a larger break to those with more expensive properties.

Kathy Scott, 74, a retired bookkeeper and one of the Windham residents who negotiated the package, said residents, not the company, came up with the idea of payments.

She said her group saw them as a way to level the playing field with second-home owners, many of whose homes have high assessments and who would benefit more from the tax cuts. (Although second-home owners pay 60 percent of the towns taxes, they cannot vote here, a sore point for them.)

Opponents were outraged at the payments, perceiving them as an attempt to buy votes, and complained to state officials.

But Michael O. Duane, senior assistant attorney general, said the payments did not violate state law. The proposal doesnt say that the funds go only to those people who signed a sworn statement that they had voted for it, he said.

Still, the payment proposal has left a sour taste. As The Rutland Herald put it in an editorial on Sunday, The naked offer of money to individual citizens may be even more corrosive to the civic life of the town than the potential environmental effects of the wind turbines.
The approach is effective in slow-moving traffic , and it allows drivers to take advantage of the lane that is about to close. In less-dense, free-flowing traffic, there is less need to rely on the late merge, officials said.

A work zone engineer for the Kansas Department of Transportation, Kristi Ericksen, said in an email that officials would customarily expect in work zones to see large differences in the speed of traffic (nearly at a standstill in one lane and highway speeds in the adjacent lane) and road rage (rude gestures, eliminating gaps, lane blocking).

Since the late merge was introduced, the queues for those two types of lanes are about half the length officials expected, and drivers take turns at the merge point, she said.

As for traffic flows, the data suggests that while the speeds are lower and the travel time may not be shorter, traffic continues to move and is predictable, she wrote. In other words, the travel conditions are more reliable, which has its own set of benefits.

But when people apply their off-road sensibilities to their driving, the late merge can be harder to manage, Mr. Vanderbilt, the author, said in an interview last week.

For instance, a person would be considered rude if he or she walked to the head of a line of customers waiting for a bank teller. A driver in a free lane who zipped to the merge point and then tried to cut in could be judged similarly. Some drivers then take it upon themselves to become traffic monitors, enforcing societal norms and straddling the lanes to block those who might try to get ahead, he said.
NAIROBI, Kenya  The lower house of Burundis Parliament voted overwhelmingly on Wednesday to withdraw the country from the International Criminal Court, a move that international justice advocates fear could open the floodgates for other countries to divorce themselves from what was already seen as a deeply troubled institution.

No country that has ratified the courts establishing treaty has ever withdrawn, though several have threatened to do so, and some countries that signed the treaty have never ratified it, including the United States.

Africa has been unhappy with the International Criminal Court, based in The Hague, a seaside city in the Netherlands. The court is supposed to try cases of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity from around the world, but so far it has focused almost entirely on Africas battlefields, prosecuting rebels, warlords and government leaders from the graveyards of Darfur, in Sudan, to the jungles of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

In April, the courts chief prosecutor announced a preliminary investigation into the situation in Burundi, where hundreds of people have died in violent street protests and political killings. The government has been blamed for many of the deaths, as well as rapes and torture.
KABUL, Afghanistan  Outgunned and surrounded by Taliban fighters in a chronic combat zone of southern Afghanistan, the police officers and soldiers thought they had negotiated passage to safety. They had walked into a trap.

In what appears to be one of the worst massacres of Afghan forces in a protracted and forgotten war, at least 100 were killed when the Taliban fighters opened fire on them from all directions as they tried to flee through the agreed-upon retreat route, Afghan officials said Wednesday.

Accounts of the massacre, which happened Tuesday near the southern city of Lashkar Gah in Helmand Province, punctuated a growing crisis in Afghanistans armed forces that goes to the heart of their sustainability: They are sustaining enormous casualties from a revitalized Taliban insurgency and are facing increased problems recruiting. Many vacancies go unfilled.

The Taliban insurgents have opened simultaneous fronts across the country in recent months, overrunning districts and besieging major urban centers. The insurgents managed to easily capture parts of Kunduz for a second time on Oct. 3, and hold them until finally forced to retreat on Wednesday after a week of devastating urban battles that displaced tens of thousands of people.
HONG KONG  The streets of Hong Kong have been the site of numerous protests over the years against the Chinese governments policies toward the semiautonomous territory, whether over national security legislation or election procedures. On Wednesday, the protests moved into Hong Kongs legislature, as newly elected lawmakers gathered to take the oath of office. The acts of defiance directed at Beijing, with some people calling for outright independence for Hong Kong, seemed to augur an especially stormy legislative term.

One new legislator, Sixtus Leung, known as Baggio, took his oath with a banner draped across his shoulders that read Hong Kong is not China. And instead of swearing allegiance to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the Peoples Republic of China, he pledged allegiance to a Hong Kong nation. Mr. Leung, 30, a founder of the political group Youngspiration who advocates independence for the former British colony, then read the official text of the oath, as required by law. Except that he replaced the word China with the derogatory Shina.

His ally from Youngspiration, Yau Wai-ching, 25, slipped what sounded like a profanity into the phrase Peoples Republic of China when she recited her oath.

The two were among several young political activists elected to the Legislative Council last month in the first major election after the pro-democracy protests of 2014 that became known as the Umbrella Movement. As the Chinese government refused to yield to the demand for greater public participation in the election of Hong Kongs leader, the chief executive, the protests gave rise to new political forces demanding greater autonomy, if not independence, from the Chinese mainland.
DELHI  A thrill goes down Lane 12, C Block, Kamalpur every time another working-class family brings home its first air-conditioner. Switched on for a few hours, usually to cool a room where the whole family sleeps, it transforms life in this suffocating concrete labyrinth where the heat reached 117 degrees in May.

You wake up totally fresh, exulted Kaushilya Devi, a housewife, whose husband bought a unit in May. I wouldnt say we are middle class, she said. But we are closer.

But 3,700 miles away, in Kigali, Rwanda, negotiators from more than 170 countries gathered this week to complete an accord that would phase out the use of heat-trapping hydrofluorocarbons, or HFCs, worldwide, and with them the cheapest air-conditioners that are just coming within reach of people like Ms. Devi. Millions of Indians might mark the transition from poverty with the purchase of their first air-conditioner, but as those purchases ease suffering in one of the planets hottest countries, they are contributing profoundly to the heating of the planet.

HFCs function as a sort of supergreenhouse gas, with 1,000 times the heat-trapping potency of carbon dioxide. While they account for just a small percentage of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, scientists say a surge in the use of HFC-fueled air-conditioners would alone contribute to nearly a full degree Fahrenheit of atmospheric warming over the coming century  in an environment where just three degrees of warming could be enough to tip the planet into an irreversible future of rising sea levels, more powerful storms and deluges, extreme drought, food shortages and other devastating impacts.
Violence has continued in a restive area of Myanmar since nine police officers were killed there over the weekend, the government said on Wednesday, as a rights group said it had documented what appeared to be extrajudicial killings of Muslims by the army.

The news that 12 people had been killed in clashes on Tuesday in Rakhine State, reported on Wednesday in government newspapers, suggested a significant escalation of tension in a region known for bitter sectarian conflict, as did the circulation online of videos depicting what appeared to be heavily armed Muslim fighters in Myanmar.

The tension presents a challenge for the government led by Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, which took office in March and has tried to promote peace and ethnic reconciliation in border areas like Rakhine. Despite those pledges, her government has faced accusations of being unsympathetic to the plight of the Rohingya, a persecuted Muslim minority in the Buddhist-majority country.

The latest spread of violence not only has unhelpful implications for the achievement of nationwide peace, but it is also exacerbating the most difficult communal, religious and ethnicity conflict in the country, said Tom Kramer, a researcher at the Transnational Institute, a nonprofit consultancy in the Netherlands that has studied ethnic conflict and reconciliation in Myanmar.
HONG KONG  Australia said on Wednesday that a foreign intelligence service had hacked into the countrys meteorology bureau last year, copying an unknown quantity of documents from its computer system.

A report, issued by the Australian Cyber Security Center, did not accuse any particular country of carrying out the intrusion. The hacking was reported last year by the Australian news media, which suggested that China was behind the breach, though its Foreign Ministry later denied that.

Australian investigators found evidence of malware popular with state-sponsored cyber adversaries, according to the report, which called the security controls at the Bureau of Meteorology insufficient.
GENEVA  A top United Nations official joined the criticism of Donald J. Trump on Wednesday, warning that his election would threaten international stability.

While much of the recent furor against Mr. Trump has focused on a 2005 recording in which he made exceptionally vulgar remarks about women, the United Nations high commissioner for human rights, Zeid Raad al-Hussein, focused attention back on Mr. Trumps comments about deporting undocumented immigrants, barring Muslims from entering the country and employing torture tactics.

If Donald Trump is elected, on the basis of what he has said already, and unless that changes, I think its without any doubt that he would be dangerous from an international point of view, Mr. al-Hussein told reporters in Geneva.

Mr. al-Hussein emphasized that his office tried to stay out of politics, but he added that if an election could lead to an increased use of torture or to the persecution of vulnerable communities in a way that suggests that they may well be deprived of their human rights, then I think it is incumbent to say so.
Sergey Rogulov, a 39-year-old driver from St. Petersburg, said he liked the shabby Stalin-era interiors  it is like time travel back to the U.S.S.R.  but he mostly came for the weather and budget prices, which are lower than in foreign resorts and even those in nearby Sochi or Russian-ruled Crimea.

Ms. Gaivoronskaya , the veteran sanitarium worker, said she missed the old days, when guests tended not to complain much because the state was paying.

She recalled a parade of Communist Party officials, including Boris N. Yeltsin, who visited with his family while still a provincial official, long before he became Russias first president and the destroyer of the Soviet Union.

Then, as the sun-kissed lands of Abkhazia turned into a bloody war zone in the 1990s, the officials all fled and separatist fighters checked in. They commandeered the sanitarium as a barracks and command post during their victorious war with Georgia.

The only other guests at the time were gunmen from the Russian region of Chechnya, like Shamil Basayev, who fought alongside the Abkhaz with Russian support and later went on to become Russias most-wanted terrorist. He married a local woman in the sanitariums restaurant, she said.

Ms. Gaivoronskaya credits the presence of so many armed men with saving the sanitarium from the plunder and mayhem that wrecked so much else along the Black Sea coast. They frightened away all the unarmed guests but, in need of food and a bed in between battles, they protected the premises and respected the staff, she said.

The new paying guests, particularly the younger ones, are more demanding, she said. But their money has allowed her to keep working and the sanitarium to stay open  and to preserve for a new generation a small taste of what life was like before everything fell apart.
PARIS  About 1,000 unaccompanied children live in the filth of the Jungle, as the sprawling migrant camp outside Calais, France, is known. Alone, with no parents, they sleep in the same crowded, muddy tents as adults. Some are as young as 9. Many traveled on their own, often in the wake of family or friends.

Their only diversions are a makeshift school run by volunteers, and regular fights among the adults. Only animals live in the Jungle, a 14-year-old Afghan migrant told the British Red Cross recently.

Now, after months of foot-dragging, and with the French governments planned dismantling of the camp looming on Monday, relief officials say Britain may finally be accelerating steps to admit dozens of children who have the legal right to be reunited with relatives across the English Channel.

Amber Rudd, Britains home secretary, told Parliament this week that the British would transfer from the camp as many minors as possible under European Union rules before the demolition begins.
(SOUNDBITE) (French) LAWYER FOR PARIS ATTACK SUSPECT SALAH ABDESLAM, FRANCK BERTON, SAYING: We have each decided to stop acting for Salah Abdeslams defence. Were not abandoning him, were no longer acting. (SOUNDBITE) (French) LAWYER FOR PARIS ATTACK SUSPECT SALAH ABDESLAM, FRANCK BERTON, SAYING: We know, we are convinced, and he told us himself that he will not speak and that he will respect, or rather he will enact his right to remain silent. In our position, what would you have us do? We had already made clear, I told you from the first day that if my client remains silent, if the client remains silent, we will stop defending him. (SOUNDBITE) (French) LAWYER FOR PARIS ATTACK SUSPECT SALAH ABDESLAM, FRANCK BERTON, SAYING: When a warden is scrutinising your deeds and actions on an infra-red camera 24 hours a day, even at night, you go nuts. And thats the result of a political decision. Its not a decision made by judges, its not the six magistrates in this case who made that decision. (SOUNDBITE) (French) LAWYER FOR PARIS ATTACK SUSPECT SALAH ABDESLAM, SVEN MARY, SAYING: You make Salah Abdeslam fall silent but the real victims in all of this at the end of the day are the victims, the actual victims of the Paris attacks because they have a right to know the truth, and to try to comprehend the incomprehensible.  (SOUNDBITE) (French) LAWYER FOR PARIS ATTACK SUSPECT SALAH ABDESLAM, FRANCK BERTON, SAYING: We were convinced that he had things to say and that he was going to say them. But for reasons which, lets be honest, were political reasons, everything but legal reasons, he was crushed, he was destroyed and he wont say anything any more. But what a waste.
Secretary of State John Kerry will mount a fresh effort on Saturday to pursue a cease-fire for the besieged city of Aleppo by meeting with representatives from the regional powers most directly involved in the Syria conflict, American officials said on Wednesday.

Just last week the Obama administration suspended talks with Russia on Syria after accusing the Russian military of conducting a bombing campaign so brutal that Mr. Kerry has urged that it be the subject of a war crimes investigation.

But Mr. Kerry has doggedly pursued diplomacy on Syria even as he has privately complained that his past negotiating efforts have not been backed up by a credible threat of force to pressure President Bashar al-Assads government to stop its attacks.

The negotiating strategy this time is to draw together diplomats from Iran, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Russia and the United States in Lausanne, Switzerland, in the hope that nations that have the greatest stake in the conflict might at least agree on a truce for Aleppo, which could eventually lead to broader talks on Syrias future.
WASHINGTON  An American warship stationed off the coast of Yemen fired cruise missiles on Thursday at radar installations that the Pentagon said had been used by Yemeni insurgents to target another American warship in two missile attacks in the last four days.

The strikes against the Houthi rebels marked the first time the United States has become involved militarily in the civil war between the Houthis, an indigenous Shiite group with loose connections to Iran, and the Yememi government, which is backed by Saudi Arabia and other Sunni nations. The strikes were approved by President Obama, said Peter Cook, the Pentagon spokesman, who warned of more to come if American ships were fired upon again.

These limited self-defense strikes were conducted to protect our personnel, our ships and our freedom of navigation in this important maritime passageway, the Pentagon said in a statement. The United States will respond to any further threat to our ships and commercial traffic.

Until Thursday, the Obama administration had tried to navigate a treacherous course in Yemen, publicly pushing for a peace deal while quietly providing military support to a Saudi Arabia-led bombing campaign against the rebels since last year. Yet the main goal of the administration has often appeared to be keeping the United States from being dragged too deeply into a conflict that has shown little signs of abating, and instead continues to grow deadlier.
Calls for greater boardroom diversity are nothing new. Yet the business groups recommendation carries special weight. This is no academic exercise; its the view of C-Suite leaders. The recommendation is likely to add significant momentum to the push for board diversity. It may also prompt a retooled director nomination process based on a much broader consideration of requisite backgrounds and experience.

For many nominating committees, this may require something of a midcourse correction. For many years, the nomination focus has been on building the competency-based board  in other words, nominating candidates with specific skills that are heavy on industry background and experience or possess backgrounds in other types of leadership positions that are directly related to the companys business. The governance expectation was that more precise competencies would enhance the exercise of informed oversight and decision-making, in support of the long-term success of the organization. The Business Roundtable, however, adopts a much more expansive view of competency.

This new recommendation is grounded in three basic themes:

First, the relevant data indicates that despite recent improvements, women and minorities remain underrepresented on corporate boards, a trend that is likely to continue given the current rate of appointment. Second, there is a growing recognition that companies benefit generally from an environment that promotes diversity in backgrounds and perspectives. This, even though there is no broad agreement as to whether greater boardroom diversity directly results in improved corporate financial performance. Differing perspectives and maintaining respect for the individual enable Americans, as well as American corporations, to prosper. And last, the associations executives believe that inclusion of talented women and minorities in the boardroom and leadership team is increasingly essential to competing in a diverse global marketplace.

For some prominent companies, this is yesterdays news. For example, General Motors recently became the first major industrial corporation to achieve an even split of men and women on its governing board. This is particularly notable given the traditional nature of the automotive industry as male-dominated. In addition, a recent study by the executive data firm Equilar tracks perceptible progress among boards of companies on the Standard & Poors 500-stock index in reaching gender diversity. Yet, even the most casual observer would admit that broad-based progress has been elusive. Entire forests have been cleared in support of surveys, reports, analyses and position papers criticizing the lack of ethnic and general diversity in boardrooms.

It should also be noted that the Commonsense Corporate Governance Principles, released this summer by a group that included Warren E. Buffett and Jamie Dimon, among other corporate chieftains, weighed in on the subject. It characterized diversity along multiple dimensions as essential to effective governance, and encouraged the nomination process to draw from a rigorously diverse pool. But the diversity references made in those principles were neither discussed, nor externally promoted, to the same extent as were those of the Business Roundtable.
In the past decade or so, Israel has emerged as an exciting hub of contemporary dance with a physical style of extreme precision, palpable tension and sexy aggression. But Yasmeen Godder has embraced the awkward and the grotesque instead, becoming one of the countrys most important, and polarizing, choreographers. While other artists exert control, she celebrates chaos: To watch one of her shows is to watch a world slide into anarchy.

Ms. Godder was immersed in the experimental dance scene in New York for years before returning to her native Israel. Shes back with the three-hour Climax, which stitches together moments and ideas from her 15-year career in performances at Gibney Dance. The intimate, immersive work isnt for shy audiences. At times, her feral dancers slither right up, ensnaring viewers in human chains and making Gibneys studios feel like rooms in an erratic asylum. Ms. Godders world is unsettling, but worth a visit. (October 20-22., gibneydance.org.)
GETTING RELIGION

Faith, Culture, and Politics From the Age of Eisenhower to the Era of Obama

By Kenneth L. Woodward

447 pp. Convergent. $30.

Nearly 40 years ago, I took my first full-time job as a newspaper reporter, covering four towns in central New Jersey for the local daily. Our paper circulated a modest 40,000 copies or so, and yet it exuded ambition. The staff included a pair of investigative muckrakers, a drama critic, health and education reporters, and sportswriters assigned to New Yorks pro teams. The alumni of the humble Courier-News went on to places like The Washington Post, USA Today, The Baltimore Sun, Newsday and, as you can see here, The New York Times.

One vast gap existed in our collective field of vision, however, and we hardly even recognized it. Nobody on the staff reported on religion. That coverage was farmed out to a prim, elderly freelancer, a sure sign of the topics unimportance. Her stories included the Easter or Christmas sermons of major representatives of the areas clergy and the occasional feature about a beloved church organist.

There was nothing unique in The Courier-Newss myopia about religion. It typified the attitude back then in most general-interest newspapers and magazines. Journalisms emphasis on what is provably factual  vote totals, stock prices, batting averages  left most reporters and editors leery of the ineffable, inchoate qualities of religion. To the degree that mainstream American journalism gradually rose to the task in later decades, it did so by erroneously trying to comprehend religion through the prism of politics, with any given theological position slotted into liberal or conservative, Democratic or Republican columns. Faith, though, has no obligation to operate in that partisan way.
I think that Nat Turner, as a hero, what he did in history, is bigger than me. I think its bigger than all of us, Nate Parker told Anderson Cooper on 60 Minutes this month.

Mr. Parker was talking about the film he directed, wrote and starred in, The Birth of a Nation, and he was responding to a question about whether the public should support the recently released drama in light of reports that he was accused of sexual assault when he was an undergraduate at Penn State in 1999. Mr. Parker noted that he was acquitted and countered that even more important than his own controversy was the weight of our cinematic moment: Nat Turner, the leader of the most canonized slave rebellion in American history has finally made it to the big screen.

But the most celebrated representations of the rebellion leader, including a white abolitionists 19th-century essay and Mr. Parkers film today, have all reimagined Turners story as one that hinges on interracial rape. And though the race of both the villain and the victim of the rape have changed over time and have been dependent on the politics and era of the author, there has also been a strange uniformity.

In all these narratives, the rapes of women, black or white, are the prime motivation for Turners rebellion, while the women themselves are doubly marginalized. First, they are silenced by the violations against their bodies and then again when their victimization is cast as secondary to Turners heroism, their voices sidelined to the plot of Turners realization of his own manhood in the horror of slavery.
NASAs planned mission to Mars could result in brain damage to astronauts, including impaired decision-making in stressful situations, according to new UC Irvine research.

The study, published Monday in Natures Scientific Reports, exposed mice to cosmic radiation at NASAs space radiation lab in New York. The rodents were then sent to UCI, where six months after exposure their brain cells remained damaged. They performed poorly on behavioral tasks designed to test learning and memory and experienced higher anxiety.

Researcher Charles Limoli, a professor of radiation oncology at UCIs medical school, said once a spacecraft ventures beyond the Earths protective magnetosphere, astronauts will be exposed to high-energy charged particles.

The space environment is a radioactive one, Limoli said. As long as theyre up there, theyre always going to be exposed.

Limoli said he doesnt expect astronauts to return with full-blown Alzheimers disease but the three-year journey could result in memory problems and depression. Its the duration of the trip and the extended exposure to particles, he said, that poses a concern.

Were finding these space-relevant doses to cause these very persistent behavioral impairments that could pose trouble for mission-critical performance or longer-term cognitive health, he said.

NASA, which funded the UCI research, has said it has a goal of sending humans to Mars in the 2030s.

Mars is the next tangible frontier for human exploration, and its an achievable goal, NASA says on its website. There are challenges to pioneering Mars, but we know they are solvable. We are well on our way to getting there, landing there, and living there.

A NASA spokeswoman on Tuesday called the study an important area of research but said the agency was not ready to comment on the findings.

NASA did not respond to requests for comment this week on the findings.

Limoli said the cosmic radiation risk doesnt mean that humans shouldnt explore space, but that preparations must be done to protect them as much as possible.

We can improve shielding, he said. We can get astronauts a better helmet. We can come up with pharmacological countermeasures to help the astronauts deal and cope with the situation. All is not lost.

The study can be read here: nature.com/articles/srep34774

Contact the writer: cperkes@scng.com 714-796-3686
No matter whether California voters are for or against the other statewide proposition dealing with plastic grocery bags on the November ballot, Proposition 67, they should vote against Proposition 65, which also has to do with the bag question.

Reasonable people can be for or against the current ban on grocers using such bags, the question Prop. 67 deals with.

But Prop. 65, if passed, would require grocery stores that are now required to offer paper bags to shoppers who do not bring in their own bags, reusable or otherwise, at the cost of a dime apiece, to then donate their profits from the sale of the bags to California environmental causes. Prop. 65 would redirect the bag fee revenues to an environmental fund administered by the state Wildlife Conservation Board, which did not ask for these monies in this way.

This is simply a red herring  an issue that in the first place has nothing to do with the question at hand. The propositions proponents note, truthfully enough, Not one penny of the bag ban tax goes to the environment. No one has ever said the fee, which is not in fact a tax, does go to the environment in the first place. It would be no more or less absurd to require grocers to donate such profits to the Red Cross or statewide education.

But the bottom-line issue here is that grocers and their trade organization, the California Grocers Association, tell us that they make no profits at all on the sale of bags, often losing money instead, depending on the quality of the paper bags they sell and the size of the store and its ability to buy in bulk.

We are very disappointed in this approach by the propositions proponents, Tim James of the CGA told us. We are not making a windfall on this.

California voters should reject Prop. 65 on Nov. 8.
Longtime Tustin barber Gordon Bean, co-owner of the Wooden Indian in Old Town, died Sept. 23 at the age of 84.

Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Friday at Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Blvd. A memorial service will be held afterward at 1 p.m. at Saddleback Chapel, 220 E Main St. in Tustin.

Bean started his career as a barber in 1957. When he moved to Tustin in 1964, he bought his own business, Midtown Barbershop on El Camino Real, which he sold a decade later.

He then landed a part-time job at the the Wooden Indian  juggling it with his full-time job as head custodian for Tustin Unified School District, where he worked for 28 years before retiring.

Eventually, Bean became a co-owner of the Wooden Indian with its original owners son, Doug Earls.

Bean was born on his fathers ranch in Temescal Canyon, off the I-15. After high school, he joined the Coast Guard and became a quartermaster, 2nd class. Bean spent four years at Staten Island and two years in Seattle and Oregon.

In 1955, he came back to California because his parents had settled in Costa Mesa. He went to barber school in Long Beach.

You dont get rich but you can meet interesting people, which Ive done, Bean said about barbering in a 2008 Orange County Register interview.
DANA POINT  A pair of boaters were rescued by the sheriffs harbor patrol as their vessel sank seven nautical miles west of San Mateo Point, between Dana Point and Camp Pendleton, late Tuesday night, authorities said.

The U.S. Coast Guard was contacted by boaters aboard the 57-foot Commander sport fisher around 9:10 p.m. and an emergency radio message was immediately broadcast by the agency, said chief petty officer Joel Guzman, a spokesman for the Coast Guard.

We launched a helio, but the Orange County Sheriffs harbor patrol beat them to the scene, Guzman said.

The boaters used flares and GPS coordinates to help rescuers locate them and deputies arrived by 9:34, said Orange County Sheriffs Lt. John Roche.

The vessel was roughly two-thirds submerged when deputies arrived, Roche said. It sank a short time later.

Deputies did not believe drugs or alcohol played a role in the incident, Roche said. Neither boater was injured.

The U.S. Coast Guard out of San Diego was investigating the incident Wednesday morning and discovered the boat had partially re-surfaced.

Its not unusual for boats to resurface after theyve gone down, Guzman said.

Weather patterns, currents and whether the vessel sinks to the bottom or simply submerges are all factors that can influence whether a sunken boat resurfaces, he said.

The cause of the sinking was still under investigation Wednesday morning, Guzman said. Boaters in the area were being warned to stay away.

There was no salvage plan for the vessel as of Wednesday morning.

Well have to give the investigators a little time to figure out the best course of action, Guzman said.

Contact the writer: 714-796-7802 or jsudock@scng.com
SACRAMENTO  California Gov. Jerry Browns dog Sutter has fallen critically ill and is facing a bleak prognosis.

Brown spokesman Evan Westrup said Tuesday that Sutter was rushed to an animal hospital last week and underwent emergency surgery. Veterinarians removed several masses suspected to be cancer from his intestines, lymph nodes and liver.

Westrup says the Browns are awaiting biopsy results but the prognosis is likely to be very poor.

Sutter is a 13-year-old Pembroke Welsh corgi owned by Browns sister, Kathleen Brown, until she moved out of state following Jerry Browns election as governor in 2010.

The dog often accompanies Brown to the Capitol and promotes the governors policies to nearly 10,000 Twitter followers.

Westrup says the first dog is a fighter and were all pulling for him.
GREENVILLE, N.C  .  A state trooper shot and killed an armed man during a search for flood victims in a tense and dispirited North Carolina, and thousands more people were ordered to evacuate as high water from Hurricane Matthew pushed downstream Tuesday, two days after the storm blew out to sea.

Matthews death toll in the U.S. climbed to 34, more than half of them in North Carolina, in addition to the more than 500 feared dead in Haiti.

In Greenville, a city of 90,000, officials warned that the Tar River would overwhelm every bridge in the county by sundown, splitting it in half before the river crests late today. Evacuations were ordered there and in such communities as Goldsboro and Kinston as rivers swelled to some of the highest levels ever recorded.

Tens of thousands of people, some of them as much as 125 miles inland, have been warned to move to higher ground since the hurricane drenched the state with more than a foot of rain over the weekend during a run up the East Coast from Florida.

An angry Gov. Pat McCrory asked people to stop ignoring evacuation orders and driving around barricades on flooded roads: That is unacceptable. You are not only putting your life in danger, you are putting emergency responders lives in jeopardy.

In the hard-hit town of Lumberton, along the bloated Lumber River, sporadic looting was reported, and a North Carolina trooper searching for people trapped by the floodwaters killed a man who confronted officers with a gun Monday night, police said.

Authorities gave few details, but McCrory said the shooting happened in very difficult circumstances, adding: Tension can be high when people are going through very, very emotional circumstances.

The flooding extended to South Carolina, where 150 people had to be rescued Monday from the tiny town of Nichols, downstream from Lumberton. On Tuesday, some residents returned in boats to survey the damage.

Also flooding were the Neuse River, which reached a record crest in Goldsboro on Tuesday, and the Tar River, which threatened Princeville, a town founded in 1865 by freed slaves and destroyed by Hurricane Floyds flooding 17 years ago.

After that, the river flows into Greenville, where Danita Lynch wasnt taking any chances. She helped her 59-year-old mother load nearly all her belongings into a truck and get to higher ground.

We decided to pack her up yesterday. The water is right across the street, Lynch said.

East Carolina University in Greenville canceled classes for the rest of the week for its more than 28,000 students.

Mary Schulken, the universitys executive director of communications, said that as the Tar began spilling over its banks over the weekend, she had to move her 98-year-old mother and her belongings out of her retirement community next to the river.

She was fearful, upset, anxious, and when shes that way, Im that way, Schulken said.
Its hard to miss the arrival of an election season in Irvine as you drive around town and see rows upon rows of campaign signs planted on major streets.

This year, five candidates will be on the Nov. 8 ballot to replace Mayor Steven Choi, who will be running for Assembly in the 68th District.

The candidates are architect Gang Chen, Woodbridge Village Association director Katherine Daigle, Planning Commissioner Mary Ann Gaido, current 68th District Assemblyman Don Wagner and David Chey.

While Irvine enjoys its reputation as one of the safest cities and best places to live, the master planned community is facing its share of growth pains as one of the fastest growing cities in California.

All of the four candidates whom the Register interviewed for this article said traffic congestion is one of, if not the, most pressing issues facing Irvine. (Chey didnt return repeated phone calls and emails requesting an interview.)

The city plans to spend more than $116 million on capital projects such as building a pedestrian bridge and widening roads and intersections to alleviate traffic.

Each candidate proposes measures to tackle traffic congestion.

If elected, Chen said, he would ask local companies to allow their employees to work staggered shifts to ease peak-time traffic. He also wants to work with Irvine Unified School District to reopen some neighborhood schools so more students can walk to school.

Wagner said he has a five-point plan, which includes hiring a traffic czar and working with businesses to limit commercial deliveries to non-peak hours. His experience as an assemblyman allows him to work with the state transportation department to coordinate signals near freeways, Wagner said.

Daigle proposes to add affordable housing in the city so that people can live close to where they work. She suggests offering tax incentives to businesses that allow their employees to work early hours and remotely. She said she wants to work with tech companies in the city to come up with more solutions.

Gaido said excessive home developments have caused traffic congestion and school crowding. She wants to limit the number of new-home building permits and require voter approval before any major new residential project can move forward.

We have reached our resident population that was in the original General Plan, Gaido said. My recommendation is we take a stop and let the people decide how and if we want to grow.

Irvines population, about 257,000, is estimated to reach 328,000 by sometime after 2035, according to the citys latest budget document. The city has approved plans to build thousands of new homes around the Orange County Great Park and the second phase of the Los Olivos Apartments with 1,950 units.

Other candidates say Gaidos approach is too extreme.

Theres no city that succeeded by stopping all the development, Chen said.

Wagner said voters must realize theres a housing shortage in the city. What caused problems in the past few years, he said, is that the Planning Commission has approved Irvine Business Complex developments that conflict with the General Plan.

Daigle said she would appoint a planning commissioner who knows how to build a city, instead of just picking a friend with no real knowledge or experience.

A newly elected council in November will also be tasked with overseeing the development of the Great Park, which critics say has seen little progress in more than a decade. There are proposals to build an outdoor concert venue to replace Irvine Meadows Amphitheater, a water park and a metropolitan central library there.

We as residents have paid for it forever, Daigle said. This should be done, completed.

Daigle and Wagner opposed the idea of building a library, which has been brought forth by Choi, who received his masters and doctorate degrees in library science. Choi wants the city to build a library estimated to cost at least $152 million, according to his Sept. 27 memo to the city manager.

Walking precincts, I dont hear residents say they want the library, Wagner said.

Gaido said she wants to make sure the city runs the Great Park to prevent companies from making a profit from it.

And then theres a much-debated plan to build a 125-acre veterans cemetery at the Great Park  an issue that has recently split this community.

The city has pledged to donate the land for the state-run cemetery, but residents around the proposed site began objecting to the project, many saying the ancient Chinese philosophy of feng shui discourages burial grounds near living areas.

Chen, a vocal opponent of the current site, backed an offer by developer FivePoint Communities to swap the citys 125 acres for property south of the park. But he now says veterans should decide which site they want.

Gaido and Daigle said they prefer the current site, while Wagner said the alternate site is better.

In the campaign fundraising race, Gaido is leading the pack.

She has received $72,409 in monetary contributions, according to campaign finance reports.

Chen has received $29,013 and Wagner $12,198. Daigle and Chey filed statements that they will receive and spend less than $2,000 in 2016.

Political action committees have spent more than $110,800 in mailers and signs to support Wagner, according to filings to the city as of Tuesday. Some of these groups have also spent more than $243,600 in independent expenditures against Gaido.

The Irvine City Council consists of a mayor and four members. The mayor serves a two-year term and the other council members a four-year term.

Contact the writer: tshimura@scng.com
The World Health Organization on Tuesday urged countries to impose a tax on sugary drinks to battle the growing obesity epidemic and presented new data on the beneficial health effects of such a tax.

A tax on sugary drinks raising their price 20 percent would result in a proportionate reduction in consumption of such drinks, the agency said. That would advance the fight against obesity, which has more than doubled since 1980. About half a billion adults were obese in 2014, roughly 11 percent of men and 15 percent of women.

If governments tax products like sugary drinks, they can reduce suffering and save lives, Dr. Douglas Bettcher, director of the WHOs Department for the Prevention of Noncommunicable Diseases, said in a statement. They can also cut health care costs.

Obesity began rising in rich countries several decades ago, but is now taking hold in middle-income countries like China and Mexico. Public health experts, alarmed by the trend, are studying policies that countries can enact to fight it.

One way is to tax sugary drinks, such as sodas, fruit drinks, energy drinks and iced teas. They have been linked to obesity, diabetes and tooth decay. Supporters of the taxes argue that discouraging consumption of such drinks could help reduce the toll of those ailments.

The WHO has recommended before that countries impose such a tax, most recently in a report this year on preventing childhood obesity. But Tuesdays report, released at the organizations headquarters in Geneva, quantifies the effects of such a tax. The agency convened a panel of experts in mid-2015, who produced the numbers after an extensive review of the scientific literature, which included mathematical modeling and studies of actual taxes applied in countries.

The experts also found that subsidies for fresh fruits and vegetables that reduce prices from 10 percent to 30 percent can increase consumption of them.

Sugary drink taxes have been controversial in the United States, where the food industry has fought them. A soda tax in New York City championed by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg was struck down in the courts, but Philadelphia and Berkeley, California, have been successful at carrying out such policies.

A spokesman for the WHO, Paul Garwood, said South Africa and Britain were considering taxes. Perhaps the best-known success story is in Mexico, which passed a sugary drink tax in 2013, prompting a substantial drop in consumption. Hungary has imposed a tax on packaged products with high sugars, salt or caffeine levels.

Dr. Francesco Branca, director of WHOs Department of Nutrition for Health and Development, said in a statement that sugary drinks are a major source of unnecessary calories, and recommended people drink no more than one serving  about eight ounces  a day.

Sugary drinks have been a problem among children and the poor, and an increase in prices has been particularly effective for those groups, the agency said.

An estimated 42 million children under age 5 were overweight or obese in 2015, an increase of about 11 million over the past 15 years, the agency said. About 48 percent lived in Asia and 25 percent in Africa.
MANILA, Philippines  Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said Tuesday he will not abrogate a defense treaty with the United States but questioned its importance and that of joint combat exercises, which he says only benefit America.

Duterte pressed his criticism of the United States and his countrys engagement with the American military in a speech as U.S. Marines and their Philippine counterparts ended combat drills a day early in a separate ceremony. A U.S. general, in contrast, underscored the need for the joint drills to brace for potential crises.

Duterte, who labels himself a socialist, has had an uneasy relationship with the U.S. and a falling out with President Barack Obama, whom he has lambasted for criticizing his deadly anti-drug fight. Despite his constant anti-U.S. pronouncements, Duterte said he would not abrogate the mutual defense treaty with the U.S. but questioned the need for it.

I do not mean to cancel or abrogate the military alliances, Duterte said in a speech before new government officials at the presidential palace. But let me ask you  do you really think we need it?

He did not clearly specify his reason for questioning the treaty alliance but said if a conflict pitting the worlds most powerful nations breaks out, there will be no more American aid to talk of. He added that when Russia annexed Crimea, America wasnt able to do anything.

Duterte has announced he will end the joint combat exercises, which China has opposed. His defense secretary, Delfin Lorenzana, said he has asked Duterte for a reconsideration, and has explained to the president the importance of the approximately 28 annual joint military exercises, including three major ones that involve thousands of troops, in preparing for natural disasters and other contingencies. U.S. military officials want to continue the joint maneuvers, Lorenzana said Friday.

Duterte, however, has remained criticial, saying Tuesday that U.S. troops take back with them the high-tech and powerful weapons after each drill. So whats the point? he asked. Theyre the ones who benefited, theyre the ones who learned but we got nothing.

In Washington, the top U.S. diplomat for East Asia said Tuesday the U.S. will honor its commitments to the Philippines and expects its Southeast Asian ally to do the same.

Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel said the U.S. values the relationship and wants to keep it on an even keel.

Were prepared, as we always have been, to honor our commitments and the obligations that we have to the Philippines and we expect the same in return, Russel said at an event held by the Center for Strategic and International Studies think tank.

Russel said the U.S. has no problem with the Philippines discussing its territorial and maritime disputes with China if it is done on terms acceptable to the Philippines and consistent with international law.

That was an apparent reference to a July ruling by an international tribunal in a case brought by the previous Philippine government that found that Chinas sweeping claims to most the South China Sea on historical grounds were invalid under a U.N. treaty.

The joint drills that ended Tuesday in an austere ceremony were held in an air of uncertainty because of Dutertes warning that they would be the last under his rule.

U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. John Jansen said the drills underscored the depth of the U.S.-Philippine alliance and the commitment to be there when it counts, adding both countries benefited from the exercises.

It makes us all better, Jansen said. It not only makes us better but more capable and effective as an integrated force that provides a capability that we might apply to our treaty obligations in the future, whether it be in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations, assistance in internal security, or in other types of crisis.

A Philippine military spokesman for the exercises, Col. Ariel Caculitan, said the maneuvers ended a day early because of adjustments resulting from stormy weather forecasts, among other reasons, and had no connection with Dutertes criticism of the drills.
LAGUNA BEACH  Jeff Zaccaro felt particularly comfortable Monday  unusual, considering it was his first day on the job as a Laguna Beach firefighter.

When Zaccaro walked into Fire Station 1, he knew where the coffeemaker was. He knew where to look for dishes. He knew what rag to use to clean the fire engine and he knew what mop to use on what floor.

It was his day to cook and he already had a few ideas on recipes for dinner. So, when Fire Capt. Krista Teichman brought in white sea bass shed caught on a fishing trip to Mexico, Zaccaro was quick to think of his menu.

He went to work grilling the fish in butter and garlic. He added a mango pico de gallo salsa, cilantro rice and beans. Then he served up tacos.

Zaccaro said firefighters need to know exactly where fire equipment and medical supplies are in the station, but the little day-to-day things that help run life at the station are also important.

It helps me to do my duties around the station more efficiently, Zaccaro said. Everyone helps maintain the fire station because its a house where we live while were at work

On his first day he and his team  a captain and an engineer  responded to six medical emergencies.

His comfort at the station comes from experience.

Zaccaro, 24, of Lake Forest actually started with the Laguna Beach Fire Department as a reserve firefighter in March 2015. That gave him a a leg up in knowing his way around the citys four stations and the department.

2 NEW LAGUNA BEACH FIREFIGHTERS

Next week, Brandon Hawkins, 21, of San Clemente will join Zaccaro as the two newest members of the Laguna Beach Fire Department. Both are second-generation firefighters.

Both started their first-responder careers as lifeguards. They were selected from more than 300 applicants and 33 finalists to be among 36 firefighters at the departments four stations. They were presented their badges at a ceremony Oct. 7.

Firefighting is an extremely competitive job, said Laguna Beach fire Capt. Scott Jennie, who took the two through the departments 80-hour orientation academy. Jobs are hard to come by. Its a very sought-after profession because youre serving your community.

In the academy, Zaccaro and Hawkins trained nearly 10 hours each day. They trained at night with live fire, they learned rescue techniques, practiced auto extractions, did hose and ladder training and performed cliff rescues.

Jennie, a firefighter/paramedic with the Fire Department for 26 years, said he has seen a lot of changes in his profession since he began in the fire service 30 years ago. Specifically, the types of calls and training have shifted.

Since the Laguna fire of 1993, houses that were rebuilt are constructed with synthetic materials, said Jennie, 51, of Dana Point. The carpet, furniture, all of our belongings are made with synthetic materials. Fires are burning hotter and are reaching flash-over at a much faster rate, which makes our jobs more dangerous. Homes are also built larger  some are as large as commercial structures. The ascending and descending homes are also very challenging. Hazardous materials, medical aids, beach-related incidents have increased significantly in the 26 years Ive been in the department. Brush fires seem to last all year long now.

There are more auto extrication rescues, material calls and cliff rescues. Firefighters also practice terrorism training.

To start, Zaccaro and Hawkins are on shadow shifts at Fire Station 1, a paramedic company, and at Fire Station 2, a wildland response team. They are officially probationary firefighters and will be tested at three-month intervals for the next year.

Jennie said he is most impressed by their levels of maturity and professionalism  something he credits to their earlier jobs as ocean lifeguards.

We take our job seriously and the public trusts us, Jennie said. Its been an extremely bad day when we come. We take that very seriously. Were public servants and we want to have a positive impact on every response. An individual needs professionalism and maturity to handle this profession. Its not for everybody.

A LEGACY OF FIRE SERVICE

Zaccaro and Hawkins understand what theyve signed up for. They have lived it all their lives.

Zaccaro says he was in first grade at Lake Forest Elementary School when he knew he wanted to be a firefighter. His father, Newport Beach fire Capt. Rick Zaccaro, had just shown up at his classroom for show and tell.

I was so proud to be his son and have everyone be so interested in what he did and how he helped people in need, Zaccaro said. I grew up around the fire service and around all my fathers friends who were also in the fire service. I saw the impact a firefighter can make in someones life when they need help. I visited my dads station all the time when I was young. I enjoy being around the fire service and what it stands for.

Two of his brothers are also in the fire service. Mike Zaccaro, 31, is a a firefighter/paramedic for the Newport Beach Fire Department, and Greg Zaccaro, 26, is a firefighter for Los Angeles Fire Department.

Zaccaro is excited to follow in his fathers footsteps.

The roles of firefighters have remained very similar, he said. Firefighters are there to protect and serve the communities they work for, helping in so many other ways than just responding on calls. Being involved in the community and being there for people when they need help has and always will be a part of being a firefighter.

Hawkins will see his first day as a Laguna Beach firefighter on Oct. 26. While hes a bit nervous, he says, hes more excited.

Like Zaccaro, he also comes from a firefighting family  his father is retired Orange County Fire Authority Capt. Skip Hawkins, and his uncle is retired OCFA Battalion Chief Marc Hawkins. Two cousins are also engineers with OCFA.

I saw the way my dad and uncle carried themselves, their integrity and how they treated other people, Hawkins said. I wanted to grow up and become a man like that.

Hawkins didnt decide to go into the fire service until he was working for OC Lifeguards in South Laguna and Dana Point. It was on the beach where he realized the positive impact he could have on the lives of others.

Once I worked in public service and helped people, I realized I wanted to to do that as my career, he said. Its a unique feeling to really positively impact someones life.

Contact the writer: 714-796-2254 or eritchie@ocregister.com Twitter: @lagunaini
ORANGE  People dont fear ghosts or monsters nearly as much as they fear their fellow man, Chapman Universitys third annual Survey of American Fears released Wednesday finds.

Conspiracy theories, Islamophobia and a deep fear of government corruption are among the key findings in this years look at what fills Americans with dread  this is the first time the survey was taken in the heat of a presidential election.

A random sample of 1,511 Americans who speak English and are over the age of 18 answered the survey in May. It took about 20 to 25 minutes to complete.

The team of Chapman sociology and political science professors, with assistance from student researchers, conducts the study to better understand our fears and see what we can learn from them, Professor Christopher Bader, the team leader, said.

Respondents are more fearful of corrupt government officials (60.6 percent) than they are a terrorist attack on the nation (41 percent)  the fear of corruption topped the list for the second year, becoming even more distinct with the election drawing near.

To explore the political climate, the team took two topics from the headlines, focusing several questions on conspiracy theories and Islamophobia.

Almost half of respondents said they would be uncomfortable with a mosque being built in their neighborhood, with roughly one-third believing that Muslims are more likely to be terrorists and that the Muslim immigration should be banned.

A third of the population is basically saying we need institutionalized discrimination based on religion. Thats a scary thing for America, Ed Day, chair of the Department of Sociology, said.

As disturbing as those numbers might be, Hussam Ayloush, executive director of the greater Los Angeles chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations in Anaheim, said they were not surprising.

There is a vicious cycle that exists here, he said. One that begins with peoples lack of knowledge or understanding of Islam, which gets exploited by irresponsible candidates or public officials trying to build their political careers by using fear mongering.

Ayloush said moving beyond these fears needs to be a collective social effort to educate each other and dispel misconceptions wherever they arise.

Paranoia was a key factor when it came to the studys findings on conspiracy theories. Nearly 55 percent of respondents said they believe the government is concealing information about the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. Bader said 9/11 conspiracy is a large umbrella that catches all kinds of theories, but the number was shocking nonetheless, he said.

More than half of the respondents still think secrets are being kept about President John F. Kennedys assassination, about 40 percent thought the government was hiding information about aliens, with a third believing the government had a hand in covering up the origin of the AIDS virus.

Most tellingly for the team: Nearly a third of respondents believed the government is hiding something about the North Dakota crash  a conspiracy Bader and his team fabricated.

Making up the crash tests paranoia  the team wanted to see if people generally see the world as a place where hidden powers work deviously in the shadows. Respondents werent lying or pretending they knew what the crash is, Bader said, they simply feel certain that if theres any question, the government is probably lying about it.

We theorize that this belief in conspiracies has to do with uncertainty, Bader said. People like certainty, we like to know whos behind things and how the world works. Conspiracy theories, if you think about it, are the ultimate form of certainty. They take a complicated thing and turn it into a few evil people in a room pulling the strings.

The professors said fear and paranoia have been further agitated by the political atmosphere in recent years and especially by campaigning. As both sides continuously say the other is corrupt, the public slowly begins to believe that the whole system is rotten.

Though it always comes out near Halloween, the Survey of American Fears has repeatedly indicated the things Americans are most terrified of tend to be man-made or social realities. Though two-thirds of respondents believe in the paranormal  be it Bigfoot, psychic powers, alien visitors  these rank very low compared to grounded problems of having inadequate funds for the future, gun control, worry a loved one will fall ill or die, and economic collapse.

The things we fear the most are those we think can upset our control of our predictable, familiar lives, Bader said.

A ghost might be scary, but nobody talks about how they saw a ghost and lost their job, Bader said. These are stories we love to tell around the campfire. People indicate theyre scared of ghosts, but they dont generally have the potential to upend your entire life.
The renovated galleries being unveiled Friday are the first major overhaul to the Nixon Librarys exhibit space since it opened in 1990.

Thousands are expected to attend the ceremonies, including dignitaries and family members.

The opening ceremony for the librarys 1990 debut drew huge crowds and three former presidents. Check out our slideshow from that day and the original construction.

Did you know, San Clemente was originally the planned site of the library? This timeline traces the librarys history  and that of the president  from concept to the federal archive it is now.

THROUGH THE YEARS

Jan. 9, 1913: Richard Milhous Nixon is born on a nine-acre citrus ranch on Yorba Linda Boulevard.

1946: Nixon launches his political career in the Congress.

1968: Nixon is elected president.

1969: The Richard M. Nixon Foundation is formed.

1970: Whittier officials offer land for a presidential library, officials from Yorba Linda, Cal State Fullerton and Irvine also make bids.

1972: On June 17, police discover five intruders in the headquarters of the Democratic National Committee at the Watergate Hotel in Washington. The burglars were there to adjust bugs installed during a May break-in and photograph Democratic documents.

1974: Nixon resigns on Aug. 9; the Presidential Recordings and Materials Preservation Act of 1974 is signed by President Ford and authorizes the government to take custody of Nixons presidential materials.

1978: Passage of the Presidential Records Act in 1978 requires all outgoing presidents to turn over their papers to the National Archives.

1983: Officials with the Richard M. Nixon Presidential Archives Foundation choose San Clemente for the library site.

1987: In New York, Nixon meets Yorba Linda City Manager Art Simonian to discuss moving the library to the city. The foundation later agrees to build the library in Yorba Linda, next to Nixons birthplace.

1988: Ground breaks for the library, which cost $25 million.

1990: Nixon library opens. Three former presidents attend the ceremony along with dignitaries such as Bob Hope and Henry Kissinger.

1994: Nixon dies from a stroke.

2002: The library wins approval from the Yorba Linda Planning Commission for its plan to nearly double space at the presidential library, adding the replica East Room.

2004: Legislation is approved and allows Nixons papers, films, tapes and gifts to be transferred to the Yorba Linda library. About $500,000 in federal funds is approved for transferring the items.

2007: Library becomes part of the federal governments presidential system.

2009: The federal government finishes a $9 million archival warehouse at the library, making room for photos, gifts to the president and tens of millions of pages of documents.

Present: The Nixon Library unveils a $15 million overhaul to the museum.
The U.S. Navy launched Tomahawk missiles early Thursday from the Red Sea at three coastal radar sites in Yemen, destroying targets associated with rebel missile attacks on U.S. ships this week.

The missiles were launched from the destroyer USS Nitze at about 4 a.m. at three locations north of the Bab el-Mandeb strait, said Pentagon Press Peter Cook. President Barack Obama authorized the strikes upon the recommendations of Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and Marine Gen. Joseph Dunford, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

These limited self-defense strikes were conducted to protect our personnel, our ships, and our freedom of navigation in this important maritime passageway, Cook said. The United States will respond to any further threat to our ships and commercial traffic, as appropriate, and will continue to maintain our freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, the Bab al-Mandeb, and elsewhere around the world.

The strikes were announced late Wednesday in Washington. A defense official said the radar sites were in remote areas held by Houthi rebels where there was little risk of civilian casualties. The equipment was set up near Ras Isa, north of Mukha and near Khoka. All are on Yemens western coastline.

The Tomahawk strikes followed cruise missiles attacks that were launched against Navy ships on Sunday night and Wednesday in Yemen. Another missile launched Oct. 1 caused near-catastrophic damage to the HSV-2 Swift, a catamaran-style high-speed vessel that was operated by the Emiratis and once was a part of the U.S. Navy. Video of the strike published online shows the ship engulfed in a fireball.

The Houthis, who use weapons smuggled from Iran, claimed responsibility for the attack on the Swift, but denied launching missiles at the Navy on Sunday. But Navy Capt. Jeff Davis, a Pentagon spokesman, said Tuesday that the facts certainly point to the Houthis being involved.

In the first attack launched at the U.S. Navy, two cruise missiles were launched Sunday at the USS Mason, a guided-missile destroyer, and the USS Ponce, an amphibious staging base. In that case, the first missile was launched while the ships were at least 12 miles away from Yemens shore in international waters near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a waterway between Yemen and Djibouti that is heavily trafficked by oilers. The ships were even farther away when the second one was launched.

In the second attack Wednesday, at least one missile was fired from rebel-held territory at the Mason, Cook said. That missile was launched at about 6 p.m. from south of the coastal city Al Hudaydah. The Houthis pushed the central government out of power in the capital city of Sanaa in 2014, and has resisted U.S.-backed efforts by Saudi Arabia to restore President Abed Rabbo Mansour Hadi to power.

Adm. John Richardson, the chief of naval operations, said in a statement Wednesday that the Navy will remain on watch in the Red Sea. He credited the crew of the Mason for demonstrating initiative and toughness as they defended themselves from both attacks.

These unjustified attacks are serious, but they will not deter us from our mission, Richardson said. We are trained and ready to defend ourselves and to respond quickly and decisively.

The Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a foreign-policy think tank, said in an analysis published Wednesday that the Mason, the Nitze and the Ponce were ordered to patrol the area north of the strait after the attack on the Swift. The analysis, published by two Navy officers and a think-tank analyst, said that the attack Wednesday removes all doubt that the missiles fired Sunday were intentionally aimed at U.S. ships.

The missiles were launched at the U.S. ships after airstrikes on the funeral of a Houthi rebel leader in Sanaa killed more than 140 people and wounded hundreds more Saturday. U.S. defense officials, speaking on condition of anonymity in order to discuss ongoing operations, said Tuesday that it is all but certain that the Saudis carried out the strike.

The Saudis have waged an air war against the Houthis since March 2015, carrying out hundreds of airstrikes. The United States has backed the effort, but slowly backed away from it in recent months as concerns rise about the number of civilians killed. The death toll is close to 4,000.

A White House spokesman, Ned Price, said Saturday that the Obama administration was deeply disturbed by reports of the strikes on the funeral, and launching an immediate review of U.S. support for the Saudi-led campaign against the Houthis.

The Pentagon has provided logistical support, including aerial refueling, and intelligence that can be used for targeting to the Saudis. In recent months, however, they have dramatically scaled back that effort almost exclusively to refueling, citing concerns for how the Saudis have waged their war in Yemen.
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla.  The Main Street Electrical Parade has bid farewell to Walt Disney World in Florida.

Disney says on its website that the final parade would run Sunday night. It is relocating to Disneyland in 2017.

The parade has dazzled visitors with floats covered in colorful lights featuring Disney characters since it first debuted at the Florida resort in 1977. The parade was on an eight-year hiatus beginning in 1991 at Disney World.

The current version began rolling down Main Street every night in 2010.

The parade previously ran at Disneyland in California from 1972 to 1996.
DANA POINT Donna Kalez looked out her office windows Sunday at the six docks at Dana Wharf and saw a woman trying to pose with a very robust sea lion on Dock 3.

The lady probably got an awesome shot and its probably all over Instagram and Facebook, said Kalez, who operates Dana Wharf Sport Fishing and Whale Watch. Im just glad she wasnt bitten.

At other times, Kalez sees people at the seawall taking pictures of multiple sea lions at the end of the dock. Then she sees those same people climbing over the locked dock gate to get closer. Even kayakers are coming in to get a better look.

Kalez has had to step up monitoring her privately leased docks for months now since OC Parks  the county agency that manages Dana Point Harbor  put up large colored inflatables, with waving arms and shaking hips, to scare away sea lions from the Orange County Harbor Patrol dock in the harbors east basin.

Those sea lions  which she considers a nuisance and a public safety hazard  have moved on to other docks like hers.

OC Parks initially bought six air dancers for $150 each in late June after dozens of sea lions had begun to cluster on the Harbor Patrol dock, turning it into a mini version of San Franciscos Pier 39. Their weight  together more than 1,000 pounds  was making the concrete on the dock crack and break.

County and Dana Point Marina Co. officials also worried about boater safety.

We didnt want boaters coming to their boats at night to fall over sea lions on the docks, said Doug Whitlock, general manager of Dana Point Marine Co., which manages Dana Point Harbors east basin.

Whitlock asked the county for 19 more inflatables after the initial test run showed them to be effective.

Now, three months later, Marisa ONeil, spokeswoman for OC Parks, said the countys effort has helped keep sea lions off the targeted docks. But it will take a lot more air dancers to cover the 1,400 boat slips in the harbors east basin.

With cooler temperatures, Whitlock and ONeil said no more air dancers are being purchased at this time.

Whitlock, who has been in the harbor for 30 years, said the sea lions have become more plentiful in the last two years. He credits that to better water quality in the harbor and an explosion of more food options such as anchovies.

There were so many anchovies in the water this summer that it actually darkened the water, he said.

Other harbors, like Newport Beachs, have experienced their fair share of sea lion nuisances. Newport Beach used water sprinklers, bright-colored netting and cement-filled bucket as barriers. In past years, the city hired a contractor to spray water at sea lions in the evenings to keep them at bay.

Sgt. Steve Marble with the Orange County Sheriffs Department Harbor Patrol, said there were fewer sea lions in Newport Beach this summer.

Maybe the sharks scared them off, he said.

In the past three years, thousands of sea lions have stranded themselves because of an increased inability to find food near the Channel Islands breeding grounds. Marine mammal rescue centers from San Diego to San Francisco last year took in more than 4,400 sea lions. The Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach this year has rescued nearly 300.

Keith Matassa, executive director of the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, has been tracking sea lions in Dana Point Harbor that have been released from his and other centers. He said he thinks the inflatables are a good, nonlethal way to deter them from docks and boats.

To increase the air dancers effectiveness, the county has used them in combination with other obstacles such as five-gallon water buckets. But many of those buckets have been pushed aside by the sea lions.

Orange County Harbor Patrol Sgt. John Hollenbeck said he recently saw a whole group of sea lions sleeping under an inflatable.

I dont know that theyre helping that much, he said.

Still, Kalez has stepped up her game. Her docks dont have electricity to inflate the dancing figures so she put up a kite-like banner to wave in the wind.

But yesterday, we had a 2,000-pound sea lion on the dock and every single person wanted to come and touch it and take pictures. It was pretty scary, she said.

Whitlock agrees with Kalez concerns. He said educating people about the sea lions and reminding them to stay away from the animals is key.

They are wild animals, he said. When they bark at you, they can get very aggressive.

Contact the writer: 714-796-2254 or eritchie@ocregister.com or on Twitter:@lagunaini
Sweeney Todd may be the closest thing we have to a grand opera suited to the Halloween season. With its ghoulish throat slashings and ghastly concept of using human flesh in meat pies, the hit 1979 Stephen Sondheim-Hugh Wheeler musical is ideal for this time of year.

At Curtis Theatre, Southgate Productions staging gives us something more: singing so strong and clear as to bolster the concept that the show about The Demon Barber of Fleet Street is much closer to opera than most other Broadway tuners.

Director Stephen John moves the action from 19th-century London to, the opening prologue tells us, the not-too-distant past. What that period is, though, is open to interpretation. Smoky black-and-white projections of London during the blitz of World War II offer a clue, but Alexandra Johnsons finely tailored, basic black-grounded costumes have a classic look that could derive from just about any decade of the 20th century. Johns all-purpose set design, meanwhile, defies being tied to any specific historical era.

In Rudy Martinez, we get a tightly wound Sweeney along with the unmistakeable bitterness and thirst for revenge of a man cruelly wronged and stripped of everything dear to him. The actors most striking feature is his rich, deep baritone, making his every word, spoken or sung, something to relish and hang onto  so good, you wont miss the absence of a British accent.

John and Martinez paint Sweeney not as gloomy, but proud. While his manner is quiet and his determination to extract revenge upon the oily Judge Turpin (Phil Nieto) is restrained, Sweeney is at times believably ferocious.

Martinez is well matched by Laura Gregory, whose Mrs. Lovett is a slim, not unattractive widow versus the more typical, broadly comical older crone reading of the role. Her marked Cockney accent, which she retains even while singing, helps define the characters more comedic aspects, as does Gregorys graceful comic timing.

Gregorys Mrs. Lovett and Martinezs Sweeney have a ball with the wonderfully inventive, darkly comedic duet A Little Priest, the musical highlight that closes Act One, taking huge delight in devising more ingenious puns.

Solid singing is the hallmark of this staging from its 10 principals to seven-person ensemble. In fact, this Sweeney Todd delivers some of the strongest vocals youre likely to hear at any theater this or any other year.

Physically imposing Nieto shows the pious, corrupt judges self-importance and his desperation to resist his lascivious urges toward his pretty young ward, Johanna (Carolyn Lupin), while fending off her chief suitor, Anthony Hope (Aaron Stevens).

Stevens pleasing tenor vocals support Anthonys innate decency, with Lupin projecting Johannas idealism through lovely, bell-clear singing  and her fear of Turpin through Johannas frantic demeanor.

Ricky Abilez conveys Tobias youthful naivete and solicitude toward Mrs. Lovett. David A. Blair serves up spot-on Italian and Irish accents as blackmailing barber Pirelli. Subservience to the Judge is the primary trait of Ryan Coons rotund Beadle, and like Gregory, Katrina Murphy imbues her character, the ubiquitous Beggar Woman, with distinctive Cockney inflections.

Curtis Theatres superb sound system yields an ideal balance of vocals, allowing us to savor Sondheims part macabre, part poignant lyrics. Music director Jo Monteleone has expertly modified and customized Sondheims dark score from canned recordings, providing ample support for the casts consummate vocal work.

Contact the writer: emarchesewriter@gmail.com
Irvine-based Taco Bell unveiled in Orange County on Wednesday its next generation of stores  each of which embraces one of four distinct designs that scrap the fast-food industrys one-size-fits-all mantra.

The redesigned restaurants in Santa Ana, Newport Beach, Tustin and Brea feature patios with fireplaces, communal dining tables made of reclaimed wood, exhibition kitchens, dome lighting, chalkboard menu specials and midcentury modern lounge chairs.

Restaurants in Tustin and Santa Ana also feature cushioned booth seating, hacienda-style light fixtures and tables with outlets for charging electronic devices.

Its like I fell asleep and woke up in 2020. Its so modern, 23-year-old Austin Henriquez said while eating a Double Decker taco at the Santa Ana eatery.

His friend David Gomez said he tried out one of the sofa benches but opted for a table instead. I didnt want to fall asleep.

Though Henriquez and others called the changes inviting, some were turned off by the warmer tones.

It looks like a hospital, said Vince Simonelli, 34 of Huntington Beach. It feels cold and isolated.

Company spokesman Rob Poetsch said Taco Bell restaurants try to create a unique, distinctive experience for our guests.

Of the 2,000 restaurants the chain plans to open by 2022, 200 will be in urban locations. New restaurants will adopt one of the four designs: California Sol, Modern Explorer, Heritage and Urban Edge. Franchisees can choose one of the looks when their stores are up for a remodel.

Taco Bell declined to provide the cost of each design; however, Poetsch said the capital investment is at parity with existing Taco Bell builds.

Taco Bells Mexican-inspired fast-food offerings are the same at the remodeled stores, which is not the case at the chains other urban concept, Cantina.

Taco Bell said a third Cantina restaurant is slated to open later this fall in Las Vegas. The 24-hour, two-story Las Vegas Strip location, across from the sleek Cosmopolitan hotel, is the chains first restaurant along the congested thoroughfare.

The chain introduced the concept last year in Chicago and San Francisco. Taco Bell Cantinas serve shareable dishes, beer, wine, sangria and liquor-infused slushie drinks dubbed Twisted Freezes. Eight flavors will be available in Las Vegas.

Alcohol choices include rum, tequila and vodka.

In Las Vegas, the restaurant will feature an outdoor patio for alfresco dining.

Brian Niccol, chief executive at Taco Bell, said earlier this year that urban market expansion is a key focus for Taco Bell.

There are no plans to bring a Cantina to Orange County. Taco Bell said Atlanta is being explored as the next urban development, as well as New York; Boston; Ohio; Berkeley; Austin, Texas; and Fayetteville, Ark.

The design changes at Taco Bell come as the chain continues to perform well amid overall stagnation in the restaurant industry.

Foot traffic has flatlined in the industry, according to market research company NPD Group.

In a flat market, its a battle for share, and those that win are operators who focus on their customers needs and deliver on them, NPD restaurant analyst Bonnie Riggs said.

For the third quarter, which ended Sept. 3, Taco Bell same-store sales, a key indicator of a restaurants financial health, increased 3 percent.

Half the U.S. population eats Taco Bell once a month, Yum CEO Greg Creed told CNBC during an interview Wednesday morning. The average customer visits every 11 days.

At an investor conference staged earlier this week, the chain discussed menu items in the works.

The Naked Chicken Chalupa, a taco with a shell made out of spicy fried chicken, will be a major Taco Bell product launch early on in 2017, Nomura analyst Mark Kalinowski said in a briefing note Tuesday.

He said other menu items in the pipeline include crispy chicken chips, a 99-cent queso (cheese) beef burrito, a $1 loaded taco burrito, double-stacked tacos and something called a Quesalupa 2.0.

Contact the writer: nluna@scng.com
John Wayne Airports United Airlines contract violates federal law by omitting protections against age and sex discrimination, county supervisors said Tuesday after a review prompted by a woman being reseated because of her gender.

Supervisors said that if the countys contract isnt fixed within two weeks, United  a major revenue generator for JWA  will be out of compliance, and Supervisor Todd Spitzer said the companys allocation of seats will be put on hold.

The gaps in equal rights law were discovered when county counsel reviewed possible measures against United following Register reports that the airline forced the woman to change seats last month after two men said they couldnt sit near a female.

Supervisors on Tuesday instructed JWAs director to resolve contractual errors in equality and asked county counsel to press ahead on prohibiting gender discrimination by all airlines. If other airline contracts are found out of compliance, they too would be affected.

Chairwoman Lisa Bartlett and Supervisor Andrew Do said a comprehensive review of all county contracts is needed to be sure other agreements comply with federal laws.

We cant treat this as a one-off, Do said. We need to review all our contracts to ensure they comply with federal law.

Supervisors also discovered that United and several other airlines at John Wayne Airport are on month-to-month contracts, rather than annual ones, which is standard.

Although the United contract has omissions, County Counsel Leon Page said the language still provides for contractual termination based on discrimination.

While supervisors emphasized that United will be out of compliance if the contract isnt fixed within two weeks, JWA Director Barry Rondinella said the two-week window is too small for an existing contract to be reworded.

In a heated exchange, Spitzer responded that the correction requires only inserting a few words into a document and that two weeks is sufficient.

United wants more seats allocated next year, Spitzer reminded. We shouldnt put the cart before the horse. We should have signed contracts.

Lets not go back to the 60s when a woman was fired by United when she got married, he said, referring to the case of Terry Van Horn Baker.

The supervisor pressed, saying United Airlines is a commercial enterprise, not a religious institution. Theyre a common carrier and they have to abide by the law.

Spitzer circled back to the airport director, asking if it is clear that Uniteds contract must be fixed by the next board meeting.

Its abundantly clear, Rondinella said.

Outside the boardroom, Rondinella and an entourage of several attorneys declined to elaborate.

During the meeting, Supervisor Shawn Nelson expressed frustration with Uniteds practices. Someone in United decided its OK to discriminate based on gender.

Nelson said, Failure to follow the federal Civil Rights Act is a breach. If an airline is sued for discrimination, he said the county must be in a position in which it isnt party to the violation.

If you cant follow the law, Nelson said, we dont want you at our airport.

Bartlett said that over the weekend she talked to Mary Campos, the Coto de Caza woman who moments before a Sept. 19 flight to Houston was handed a change in her boarding pass when two Buddhist monks from Pakistan said they couldnt be near a woman.

She had an absolute right to be upset, the chairwoman said of Campos, a million-mile flier. Bartlett stressed others were affected as well, including two female flight attendants who were reassigned so a male flight attendant could serve the monks. Bartlett asked what if there had been female pilots?

Bartlett also blasted United for sending Campos a form letter instead of having an executive respond.

This goes beyond passengers, the chairwoman said. The airline needs to take this to heart because its just wrong.

Spitzer said he was encouraged talking to United officials. But he said Tuesday he received a letter from the airline simply stating the company was looking into the incident.

This letter doesnt say anything, he said. Clearly, United is not going to commit to changing its practices.

Contact the writer: dwhiting@scng.com
When it comes to tasty food, nothing beats grandmas cooking! Well, except maybe more grandmas cooking in the same kitchen, which is exactly what goes on at Staten Islands Enoteca Maria, a charming restaurant that employs grandmas from various parts of the world, instead of professional chefs.

Enoteca Maria owner Jody Scaravella says that he came up with the idea of placing grandmothers in a restaurant kitchen about 12 years ago, after suffering a series of tragic losses. His grandmother, his mother and his sister had passed away within a few years of each other, and the idea of having an Italian grandmother in the kitchen just felt comforting to him. He got his first cooks by posting an ad in the paper seeking Italian housewives to cook regional dishes. I was still building the restaurant then, so I asked them to come to my place to cook instead  I live in the neighborhood. And they came with dishes, and their husbands and a few grandchildren they were looking after for the day. The whole thing was like a Fellini movie, Scaravella remembers.

But that was only the beginning. These days, the unique New York restaurant has a rotating staff of grandmothers from around 30 different places around the world, including Palestine, the Czech Republic, Argentina, Nigeria and Algeria. They are known as nonnas  Italian for grandmas  and take turns in cooking traditional recipes from their respective culture, offering patrons the chance to experience new and exciting dishes virtually every night.

Photo: Enoteca Maria/Facebook

The concept has just mushroomed, Scaravella recently told Gothamist. I talk to everybody when somebody gets in, we talk about the concept, I always ask them if you know somebody who wants to cook. His original idea of having Italian grandmothers cooking instead of actual chefs has evolved into a culinary celebration of diversity, and people are absolutely loving it. They come in from all over the world to see the famous nonnas of Enoteca maria and try their centuries old recipes.

I regularly get phone calls from Australia, from England, and from Italy to book reservations. Im always flattered by that, Scaravella said. We get a lot of people who come from Manhattan, the ferry is right down the block. Thats also very flattering, because theres a restaurant every twenty feet in Manhattan. Usually at the end of the day, the people will applaud the nonnas that have cooked for them. They get standing ovations on a regular basis and its really something nice.

The grandmas themselves love cooking in the restaurant. Although some of them actually live on Staten Island, most of them come from Brooklyn and some from as far as The Bronx and New Jersey, for a chance to show their skills in the kitchen.

I love this food, Scaravella told the Village Voice. The old-world dishes with family secret ingredients. People are forgetting, as our world gets more fast-food and disposable. I want to protect that way of cooking.



I love the nonnas, and the nonnas love me, he concludes.
The off-road industry recently gathered in Southern California for Off-Road Expo at the Pomona Fairplex, which offered a weekend full of racer demos, new products, vehicles test drives, project rigs on display and a whole lot more.

Although there were a ton of awesome vehicles inside the walls of Expo, we also came across quite a few awesome vehicles in the parking lot. Its always interesting to see the daily drivers of off-road enthusiasts, so we compiled a collection of 11 cool off-road rigs we saw in the lot at this years show.

MORE: 2016 Off-Road Expo Photo Gallery

This single-cab Ram pre-runner certainly caught our attention. With the amount of axially lighting on this bad boy, wed definitely want this truck to lead the way on a Baja night run!

This murdered-out Wrangler JKU gets the award for best follow through on theme with the D Vader custom plate.

Is this one of D Vader's storm troopers? We love this super-clean Chevy Silverado Z71.

Maybe its just us, but every time we see a Baja Bug we get the itch to pull up Craigslist and start hunting for our new project vehicle.

Apparently some of the off-road contingent are down with the small Jeep SUVs, like this brand new Jeep Renegade Trailhawk we spotted.

This Toyota Tacoma TRD Sport looks like its chased a few off-road races in its time.

Wait a minute an EcoBoost Ford Raptor already? They aren't even out yet. Hmmm, maybe the license plate WAN2B tells the full story. Yeah, we see you on the windshield, Han.

This Nissan Frontier-based prerunner looks like it just got off the trail.

We spied the Ford Bronco of Off-Road.com contributor and friend of the site Art Eugenio from GETSOMEphoto.com. Lookin' good! We just hope the new Bronco will be half as cool as the old one.

Just seeing if youre paying attention.

The Jeep Cherokee is a great, relatively inexpensive, off-road platform, and this was just one of many clean XJs we came across at this years show.

MORE OFF-ROAD STORIES

New Ford Bronco Wish List  13 Things We Hope to See

Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th Anniversary Edition Review
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Journalist Soledad OBrien told an audience of business and civic leaders Tuesday at the annual African American Leadership Conference that you cant reach people if youre not open to talking about difficult issues.

Tuesdays conference, held at the Hilton Omaha, offered networking, career advancement advice from local business executives and civic leaders, more than 20 breakout sessions and time for informal discussions, including some of those difficult issues.

The event, in its fifth year, was presented by the Empowerment Network, celebrating the 10th year of its formation. It drew more than 500 participants.

The Omaha-based nonprofit is a collaboration of more than 500 participating organizations and businesses, including elected and appointed officials, business executives, nonprofit leaders, pastors and ministers, educators, law enforcement and residents.

OBrien was one of five featured speakers at the conference. The others were investment firm owner Pamela Jolly; corporate consultant Randal Pinkett; entrepreneur Devin Robinson; and Simon T. Bailey, former Disney executive, who told participants that love and respect have no color.

The daylong event was presented by the Empowerment Network, African-American Professionals Network, Omaha Diversity Week 365 and Revive! Omaha magazine.

Damita Byrd, manager of diversity and inclusion at ConAgra Foods  one of the events corporate contributing partners  joined with the Empowerment Network and others to bring OBrien to the leadership conference, she said.

The event gave Byrd the opportunity to network and remind people not to be afraid of having bold conversations about controversial topics.

Recently thats involved discussions about the half-dozen cheerleaders at Central High who followed in the footsteps of three Huskers and other athletes and silently knelt during the national anthem to protest racial injustice and police shootings, Byrd said.

Thats a hard conversation to have, Byrd said. Theres a divide in the community.

The least effective approach is to sweep the discussion under the rug or shut it down altogether, she said.

OBrien echoed the sentiment. Willie Barney, president of the Empowerment Network, took the stage and engaged in a conversation that focused on race, diversity, education and on-the-job behavior.

OBrien told participants that growing up biracial in a not very diverse community made me curious about digging into conversations about race and informed her longtime journalism career.

She also offered young professionals advice about on-the-job role models and mentors.

I often tell people you dont need a formal mentoring relationship, she said. Instead, look at the leaders in the room. You need to be scanning them.

Seeking a promotion, greater responsibilities? Take note of what theyre wearing, even what time they arrive at the office, and then follow their example, she said.

OBrien also promoted the importance of education. Education is the only way to move yourself out of poverty, she said. Someone can take everything from you, but they cant take your degree.

Breakout sessions included Swimming With the Sharks: Unwritten Rules for Thriving in Corporate Environments, Keep the Cash Register Ringing: Operating with Excellence and Leadership Styles, Casting Vision and Effective Teamwork.

In a breakout session, Yvonne Method-Walker, retired diversity director at Union Pacific, offered advice to professionals about uncovering an organizations unwritten rules, including dress, on-the-job attitude, work hours, responding to email and meeting behavior.

Method-Walker also advised participants to view feedback, even if its negative, as a gift. And remember to stretch, she said. Take on those extra assignments and special projects, even if it means more work. They are potential opportunities for increasing visibility and skills, she said.

Kodjovi Dogbevi of Boys Town Foster Family Services said he was attending the conference for the first time. Its given me some great information to take back to the job, he said.

Winsley Durand, executive director of Reach, a Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce program, said the conference was a great opportunity for people to get inspired and motivated.

This years sponsors are the Weitz Family Foundation, ConAgra Foods, CHI Health, ABC network affiliate KETV Omaha, Metropolitan Community College, Veridian Credit Union, American National Bank, North End Teleservices and Wells Fargo.
KEARNEY, Neb.  Law enforcement personnel from three agencies were involved in a chase Tuesday morning that reached a speed of 110 mph south of Kearney.

At about 8:15 a.m., a person called the Kearney Police Department to report that a vehicle had a gas pump nozzle in its gas tank neck. When an officer tried to make contact with the driver, the vehicle took off and a pursuit began, Kearney Police Sgt. Derek Luke said.

The Silver Subaru Outback, licensed in Oregon, went south across the Platte River Bridge, and Kearney police ended their pursuit. Kearney County deputies chased the vehicle for a short time on rural roads west of Highway 44. Luke said Kearney police officers deployed road spikes on the north side of the river bridge.

The Nebraska State Patrol got involved in the pursuit, which reached 110 mph at one point. The pursuit was eventually ended, and the vehicle was last seen traveling west on W Road, or the River Road, in Kearney County.

All southbound Highway 44 traffic was briefly stopped at Interstate 80 while the vehicle was being followed. After officers determined the vehicle wasnt coming back into Kearney, the road was reopened, Luke said.

Anyone with information about the whereabouts of the vehicle is asked to contact the Nebraska State Patrol at 308-385-6000, or 308-385-8047.
ORD, Neb.  Shelby Kittle treats her friend, Beatrice, Nebraska, like a queen. A queen bee, that is.

Shelby, 17, of Ord, Nebraska, is the proud owner and caretaker of 11 honeybee hives. She sells the honey at farmers markets during the summer and educates kids about bees in her spare time. Beatrice is Shelbys most prized queen bee. To keep her warm in the winter, Shelby plans to install a clear tube in her bedroom window, which will allow Beatrice to stay in Shelbys room and then fly out when needed.

I never really was one of those lemonade-stand girls, Shelby said of her bug interests.

She is a self-proclaimed nerd.

Im more of a Science Olympiad, Shelby said.

The thought of saving for college came early for Shelby. She started her own business when she was 9 years old to start saving her pennies.

She collected night crawlers and sold them to community members. Then she wanted to get into something bigger, so she started painting lures. Her dad had friends who wanted her to paint them lures after they saw her talent, so her business expanded. Then she moved on painting mailboxes.

Ive loved to draw since I was little, Shelby said.

She said she knows of a few people who have her mailboxes in their living rooms because they thought they were too pretty to keep outside.

As time went on, Shelby got more involved. Shes a member of the local FBLA and FFA chapters. She went to a speaker who talked about beekeeping. As a lifelong bug lover, Shelbys itch began to spread.

I was trying to find an excuse to get my mom to let me have bees, Shelby said.

Once she heard the man speak about his bee business, she said, her interest ignited.

I started doing research because I knew I had no idea what I was doing, Shelby said.

Shelby ended up earning a scholarship from the Nebraska Beekeepers Association. The scholarship started her on her way and sponsored one hive. She started in January 2015 and had three hives last year.

Now she has 11 hives, one of which she uses solely for educational and presentation purposes. Shelby presented to area 4-H camps through collaborations with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension office. Shelby said she hopes to grow by three more hives this year.

Im extremely happy when I can share my interest in bugs, Shelby said.

Shelbys mom, Tammy, said, its enthralling to watch that hive, and the bees working away.

Shelby said the bees are mainly self-sufficient, especially during warm months when they pollinate and fly back to the hive to make honey.

Its mainly just checking to make sure theyre OK, Shelby said. She opens the hive to check in about every two weeks.

During the cold months, she feeds the bees sugar cakes and syrup so they can keep making honey. She sells the honey during the summer farmers markets. This summer was only her second time selling honey, Shelby said. She sells cut comb honey, which is honeycomb that still has the beeswax. This summer, she was able to have enough honey to sell in liquid form, too.

It sold so fast, Shelby said of the cut comb honey. Its sort of a lost market because not many people do it commercially anymore.

Shelby had 60 pounds of cut comb honey and 8 gallons of bottled honey.

Shelby said she would keep selling honey throughout the year if I had some. When she sold honey this summer, she sold half of her stock the first day.

Shelby has only been stung 11 times in nearly two years of beekeeping.

I look at it as an occupational hazard, she said.

Shelby said she doesnt really fear being stung, but its important to know what to do if you are stung. She said she teaches kids to take a hard, edgy object, such as a credit card, to scrape the stinger out.

Tammy has also learned a few things in regards to being stung.

I learned dont pull your glove off to get a taste of honey, Tammy said.

Tammy said its hard to keep up with Shelby with how involved she is. Shelby is a regular busy bee.

But she said seeing her daughter so interested in bees reminds her of when she was a little girl and chased butterflies. Tammy said its great to see Shelby doing what she loves.

Im as proud as I can be of her, Tammy said.
Douglas Countys new 911 director, David Sleeter, will start work Dec. 5 and be paid $120,000 per year, the same as the previous directors salary.

The Douglas County Board voted unanimously Tuesday to hire Sleeter.

His annual pay would increase to $128,000 per year after a six-month probationary period, County Administrator Patrick Bloomingdale told the board.

Sleeter was director of 911 communications for Rock County, Wisconsin, from 1995 until his retirement in 2012. He now lives in Arkansas.

Sleeter had overseen jail, dispatch and 911 operations in Juneau County, Wisconsin, and also worked as an undercover drug officer and deputy sheriff in Tennessee.

Sleeter will replace Jenny Hansen as Douglas Countys 911 director. She resigned in June.

Former Douglas County 911 Director Mark Conrey has been serving in the interim.
LINCOLN  A state legislative committee heard a chorus of pleas on Tuesday to finally do something of substance to address the alcohol-related woes blamed on Whiteclay, Nebraska.

Most advocated the closing of the four beer stores that sell nearly 4 million cans of beer per year. Almost all sales are to residents of the officially dry Pine Ridge Reservation, just across the Nebraska-South Dakota border, where alcoholism, alcohol-related assaults and fetal alcohol syndrome are rampant.

Whiteclay, an unincorporated village of about a dozen people, is the prime contributor, state senators were told, with some testifiers labeling the states inaction as genocide and racist.

Our tribe decided we did not want alcohol on our reservation because weve seen what it does. Yet Nebraska sells alcohol at our doorstep, said Bryan Brewer, a former president of the Oglala Sioux Tribal Council.

He was joined by officials with the Winnebago and Omaha tribes, the Nebraska Democratic Party and the University of Nebraska Medical Center, which also advocated action.

Doing nothing isnt working because every day children and families are being hurt, said Nate Grasz of Nebraska Family Alliance, a group that advocates for traditional values.

Doing something about Whiteclay has been a topic before the Nebraska Legislature for nearly two decades, but little has happened. Now, State Sens. Patty Pansing Brooks of Lincoln and Brett Lindstrom of Omaha are leading a new interim study on the impact of the alcohol sales and whether law enforcement is adequate in Whiteclay.

Pansing Brooks, as well as a committee of Whiteclay-area business owners and residents, have called for the stationing of a state trooper or state-paid deputy sheriff in the town.

Now, the closest law enforcement office is 22 miles away in Rushville, Nebraska. Critics say that contributes to slow response times and poor investigations of crimes in Whiteclay.

Several testifiers during Tuesdays hearing before the Legislatures General Affairs Committee faulted law enforcement for a delayed probe into the recent beating death of Sherry Wounded Foot. She died Aug. 17, 12 days after being found on the streets of Whiteclay. No arrests had been made as of Tuesday.

A grant helped increase visits by the Nebraska State Patrol in Whiteclay to 485 enforcement hours so far this year, Major Kyle Otte of the patrol testified.

However, a member of the Sheridan County Board, Jack Andersen of Lakeside, Nebraska, said that additional law enforcement is needed. Anderson, though, said that closing down Whiteclay would cause more problems by increasing illegal bootlegging and forcing people to travel farther to buy liquor.

Whiteclay is a symptom, its not the problem, Andersen said. Its the reservation, its unemployment and people having nothing else to do except raise havoc.

John Maisch, an Oklahoma attorney whose documentary about Whiteclay street people helped revive interest in the issue, said that Sheridan County spends $630,000 per year on Whiteclay-related jail and law enforcement expenses, costs that are drowning the county.

Fetal alcohol syndrome affects an estimated 1 in 4 children born on the Pine Ridge Reservation, and Nebraska has a moral obligation to shut down Whiteclay beer sales to impact that epidemic of preventable birth defects, said Rebecca Wells, a Lincoln nurse who has worked in Pine Ridge.

I want to tell Nebraska, please stop killing Indians and our children, said Wanbli Red Cloud, a Pine Ridge resident.

Jane Kleeb of Hastings, an activist who will soon become the state chair of the Democratic Party, said that state policies helped rein in the states meth problem but that inaction in addressing Whiteclay amounted to racism.

When ONeill Sen. Tyson Larson asked whether Kleeb was saying that the Legislature was racist if it didnt close down Whiteclay, Kleeb responded that there was an inherent inequality in state policies.

Larson also said earlier in the 3-hour public hearing that the Legislature has not ignored Native Americans, and that he met recently with tribal officials about economic development on Nebraska reservations.

Hobert Rupe of the Nebraska Liquor Control Commission told lawmakers that closing down the liquor stores would be difficult without solid proof that they are violating state laws.

After the hearing, Pansing Brooks said that she plans to continue pursuing additional law enforcement in Whiteclay.

An official with the UNMC, Dr. Fernando Wilson, said that its College of Public Health is working to place masters level students in health and social work in Pine Ridge to address a shortage of such professionals there. He also said that UNMC is discussing the feasibility of creating a surveillance system on the reservation to track the treatment and incidence of alcohol- and drug-related disorders.
By Election Day, many voters in Nebraskas second-largest legislative district will be able to say they have met the two candidates on the ballot.

Karl Elmshaeuser of Ogallala and Steve Erdman of Bayard have been knocking on the roughly 4,000 front doors across sprawling District 47 and taking their campaigns to the people. The district, the states second-largest geographically, includes all or parts of 10 counties and borders on South Dakota, Wyoming and Colorado. It includes much of the Nebraska Panhandle.

Both candidates say voters want to see, hear and size up the people who would represent them in Lincoln.

Elmshaeuser recently talked with members of a camping club from Lodgepole at Lake Ogallala. We meet them wherever they are, he said.

Erdman went to 500 of the 990 houses in Ogallala over three days.

I could have done more, but people want to share their concerns. I get that, he said.

Elmshaeuser and Erdman emerged from last springs four-candidate primary election to replace State Sen. Ken Schilz of Ogallala. Schilz is prevented by term limits from seeking re-election. Both candidates, like Schilz, are Republicans. The Legislature is officially nonpartisan.

The candidates share similar platforms. Greater property tax relief. Reform the states formula for funding education. Cut state spending and streamline government. Slam the door on government overreach.

Elmshaeuser said he would bring an unequaled variety of community and economic development experience to the job.

I care about how legislation affects the people, communities and businesses that I serve everyday, he said.

Elmshaeuser (pronounced Elms-hoy-zer) grew up in Lincoln but spent summers helping his grandparents harvest wheat on their Ogallala-area farm. After spending six years as a Marine Corps explosive ordnance disposal technician and working for several defense contractors, he moved with his wife to the farm in 1994 and raised four sons. He created and operated an aviation company in Ogallala. He now leads an organization assisting 18 counties and 58 communities with state and federal grant programs for public infrastructure and economic development.

Its a great environment and a lot of history, he said of the family farm. The new addition on the house was built in 1912.

Elmshaeuser said voters often are taken aback when, after initially meeting him, he asks, Whats the one thing I can do for you?

Theyre used to being told what theyll get, he said.

Elmshaeuser said the question helps people and organizations focus on the issues and ensures that he is working on what is important.

He said states school-aid formula is directly correlated to local property tax burdens. Fixing the formula would make funding more predictable for schools to educate children. It would not be a quick fix, he said, but would probably require four or six years to resolve.

What I learned in the Marines and everywhere else is to collect information, make informed decisions, and be open to other ideas and possibilities, he said. Im persistent.

Erdman said his background serving on school boards and as a county commissioner provides the best experience for bringing common-sense solutions to the statehouse. He said lawmakers too often apply one-size-fits-all regulations that dont work in western Nebraska.

They think Nebraska ends at North Platte, he said. The first thing I think should be done is stop using the rainy-day fund to balance the budget. Id call for 3 percent or 4 percent cuts in every state agency that spends our tax dollars to get us back in line. Then Id call for an audit of those agencies to see if the services were offering are done in the most efficient and most economical way.

Its possible, he said, that some services could be done better outside of state government. The Morrill County Board, for example, has put the public defender and weed superintendent jobs out to bid and saved hundreds of thousands of taxpayer dollars, he said.

We have a spending problem, Erdman said. If you cut spending, you can lower taxes.

Erdman has proposed a funding formula for education that is based on income taxes, sales taxes and property taxes in equal thirds. He said unfair and unfunded mandates handed down to local governments must stop. He said real estate taxes are strangling the vitality and economic livelihoods from families.

Erdman is a lifelong resident of Morrill County. He started farming on his own in 1972 and has served on a number of school, extension, county government and agriculture boards and committees. He and his wife have three children, including Phil Erdman, who was state senator in District 47 from 2001 to 2009.

Steve Erdman touted his ability to work with others who might have different opinions. He said the district should be represented by someone with an agricultural background because its the districts and states leading industry.

Both candidates support a ballot issue to overturn the Legislatures repeal of the death penalty. They also oppose the 6-cent-per-gallon gas tax to fund roads projects, which passed in 2015 over Gov. Pete Ricketts veto.

*****

Karl Elmshaeuser

Age: 55

Party: Republican

Home: Ogallala

Occupation: executive director of West Central Nebraska Development District

Public offices held: Ogallala City Council, 2012 to present

Education: bachelors degree, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Family: married, four children

Faith: Lutheran

Steve Erdman

Age: 66

Party: Republican

Home: Bayard

Occupation: real estate agent, farmer

Public offices held: Morrill County commissioner, 2005 to present; Bayard Public Schools board of education, 1994-2005; District 73 school board, elected 1981

Education: associate degree, Nebraska Western College

Family: married, three children

Faith: Christian
The day the Nebraska Legislature ended the death penalty in Nebraska was a painful one for Vivian Tuttle.

Tuttles daughter, Evonne, was one of five people killed in a bank robbery in Norfolk on Sept. 26, 2002, and Tuttle said at a death penalty hearing Tuesday in Omaha that only an execution could bring the killers to account.

She disagreed with opponents who said the process is too costly.

You talk about the money, let me tell you, my daughters blood that was spilled on that bank floor was worth more than the any of the money that it took to do any of (that).

The hearing was on Referendum 426, which, if approved by voters Nov. 8, would restore the death penalty in Nebraska. It was moderated by Nebraska Secretary of State John Gale and was one of three to occur in the state.

A number of death penalty opponents also spoke. Matt Maly of Omaha, coordinator for Nebraska Conservatives Concerned about the Death Penalty, criticized capital punishment as bad public policy.

Do you really think that law enforcement is lacking a critical tool in Minnesota, which consistently has one of the lowest murder rates in the entire country and hasnt had the death penalty since 1911? he said.

The referendum seeks to repeal Legislative Bill 268, which did away with capital punishment in Nebraska, replacing it with life in prison without parole for first-degree murder. .

A careful reading of the ballot language will be needed. It will ask voters to choose to retain or repeal the law.

A vote to retain would get rid of Nebraskas death penalty. A vote to repeal would reinstate it.

Tuesdays hearing was at the Barbara Weitz Community Engagement Center at the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus. About 60 attended.

Death penalty opponents attacked capital punishment as immoral and expensive.

When a life is on the line, one mistake is too many, said Marilyn Felion of Omaha.

Many anti-death-penalty speakers invoked the case of the Beatrice Six, in which the threat of execution influenced the plaintiffs to plead guilty or no contest to a brutal slaying that they did not commit.

Those for the death penalty said the stiffest of punishments is needed for the most heinous of crimes. Death, they said, is an effective deterrent, while a life sentence raises the possibility that killers could still get released.

The other hearings are:

 Oct. 13, 6:30 p.m., University of Nebraska at Kearney, Student Union, 1013 W. 27th St.

 Oct. 18, 6:30 p.m., Nebraska State Capitol, Room 1525, Lincoln
The Kerala ISIS module: Different professions, one ideology

Bengaluru

oi-Vicky

Bengaluru, Oct 12: A mechanic, a designer at a newspaper, an employee at a club, an engineer and an accountant. Their fields are different, but they came together due to an ideology and what they planned was to launch a major attack which involved killing politicians and those who preached liberal Islam.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) which is probing a case relating to an alleged ISIS module in South India has learnt that these people were bound by the ISIS ideology which preaches radical Islam.

The NIA had arrested Abu Basheer-a mechanic, Swalih Mohammed-an employee at a club in Chennai, Safwan-a designer at a newspaper, Jasim-an engineer, Ramshad-an accountant and a Qatar based Keralite, Manseed.

During the course of the investigation, the NIA has learnt that these people came together as they were bound by the ISIS ideology. The NIA suspects that the Qatar based Kerala resident, Manseed is the one who brought them together. NIA says that Manseed was in touch with these people who shared a common ideology.

Also read: Did this TN ISIS operative plot his return to strike India?

They were planning to eliminate several people in Kerala who they felt were a threat to Islam. They had on their radar a retired judge and also some politicians who they felt preached liberal Islam.

After Manseed made a visit from Qatar, he met up with the rest of them at Kannur. All of them held a secret meeting which was aimed at deciding on how to go about the operation.

The NIA also suspects that these people were inspired by preachers such as Dr Zakir Naik. The NIA has also found a video clip with these people which contained the speech of Kerala based preacher M M Akbar.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 9:29 [IST]
Tuesday is now No Meeting Day in Haryana and officers to be with people on Friday

Woman from Haryana planned a bomb attack on her ex-boyfriend

Chandigarh

oi-Vicky

Chandigarh, Oct 12: Bombs are not used by terrorists alone. Here is a strange case of a woman who plotted a major strike on her ex-boyfriend. According to the Haryana police, a 35-year-old woman had sought the help of another ex-boyfriend to undertake the operation.

The case registered at Palwal states that Arti and her ex-boyfriend Pradeep had decided to piece together a bomb. When the police got wind of the plan, they immediately arrested and questioned the duo. They revealed that three bombs had been prepared and the same was hidden in a friend's house.

The police conducted a search at the friend's house at Shamshabad colony and found three bombs. All the crude bombs were defused. The friend whose house in which the bombs were hidde, however, was unaware of the plot, the police also say.

The enemity

The police while questioning Arti learnt that she wanted to seek revenge on her ex-boyfriend. She says that he had left his wife and children to live with her. However, after living for six years he decided to get back to his wife and children. This is what triggered off the plan to blow him up, the police also say.

A report in the Indian Express also states that the duo of Arti and Pradeep had also committed another murder on October 3. The deceased, Babu Lal, is said to be instrumental in bringing Arti's ex-boyfriend and his wife together.

Arti felt that it was because of Babu Lal that her relationship had gone kaput. They killed Babu Lal by slitting his throat, the police have also learnt.

The police say that the investigations are on and they are trying to find out where these people procured the material to assemble three bombs. The police learnt that Pradeep has a friend who is a licensed fire cracker manufacturer.

He learnt how to prepare a crude bomb. It is, however, unclear how the material to prepare the bombs were sourced.

OneIndia News
As the countdown clock struck zero, rocket of Aakash BYJUS took off from Bandra Bandstand

5 Sena activists arrested for assault on Kirit Somaiya, BJP workers

India

oi-PTI

Mumbai, Oct 12: Five Shiv Sena activists were today arrested in connection with the assault on BJP MP Kirit Somaiya and other BJP workers at suburban Mulund here, police said.

The assault took place after Sena workers allegedly disrupted a programme organised by Somaiya wherein an effigy of 'corruption mafia in MCGM' was to be burnt to mark the festival of Dussehra last evening, they said.

"We registered an offence against Shiv Sena activists and arrested five people under IPC 324, 323, 504, 506 and relevant sections," said senior police inspector Madhav More of Navghar Police Station.

Those arrested early this morning include Kiran Nande (40), Nilesh Sawant (37), Nilesh Thakkar (42), Sunil Gore (41) and Kishore Bhoir (42), all residents of Mulund East.

Also, three persons including a woman were injured in the clashes which erupted between workers of both the parties, after Sena activists objected to the effigy burning as they are in power in MCGM and tried to stop the programme, police said. However, police intervened and brought the situation under control, Ashok Dudhe, Deputy Commissioner of Police, said.

MCGM is ruled by the Sena-BJP alliance for the last 20 years and civic polls are scheduled early next year. Somaiya, a former Mumbai BJP chief, has aggressively targeted Sena and has repeatedly alleged that civic body was riddled with "mafia-raj and corruption".

The MP who represents the Northeast Mumbai constituency, had said yesterday that he will continue his fight against the "mafia-raj and corruption in MCGM".

PTI
Accession Day: Valley lights up on this day when J&K became part of India

J&K: 3 day Pampore encounter ends, 2 militants killed

India

oi-Vicky

Srinagar, Oct 12: The three day encounter at the EDI complex in Sempora in Pampore, Jammu and Kashmir has come to an end. Major General Ashok Narula while announcing that the operation had ended said that two terrorists had been eliminated.

He also said that two weapons had been recovered. It is suspected that the militants belonged to the Lashkar-e-Tayiba.

Major General Narula further said that on Monday they had heard some firing inside the EDI. We cordoned off the area and the operation began. It was a tricky operation as it was a huge building. Further we did not want any collateral damage, the officer also said.

He also said that there was a chance of civilians being inside. First all those persons were taken out. The operation took some time because the building has 60 rooms and 60 bathrooms. We had to ensure that there was no collateral damage he also added.

In Pics: Another militant killed, Pampore encounter enters 3rd day

This is the second time since February that this building has been attacked. In the last attack, five security personnel had died.

The terrorists had initially planned on carrying out a strike on the Srinagar highway before entering the city and blowing themselves up in a crowded place. That plan was however foiled due to intelligence inputs.

The terrorists however managed to access a portion of the EDI. Officials said that the army took its time in this operation. It wanted the terrorists to exhaust ammunition.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 16:47 [IST]
In a first, two inmates of Institute of Mental Health tie the knot

Jaitley, Shah visit Chennai, wish Jayalalithaa a speedy recovery

News

oi-Vicky

By Vicky

Union Finance Minister, Arun Jaitley and BJP's National President Amit Shah today visited the Apollo hospital in Chennai where Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, J Jayalalithaa has been admitted. Both leaders after visiting the hospital wished her a speedy recovery.

Following the visit, Arun Jaitley said on his twitter account, "Visited Apollo hospital Chennai today. I wish J Jayalalithaa Ji Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu a speedy recovery."

Visited Apollo hospital Chennai today. I wish J Jayalalithaa Ji, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu a speedy recovery.  Arun Jaitley (@arunjaitley) October 12, 2016

Amit Shah too said on his twitter account, "Visited Apollo Hospital in Chennai to enquire about the health of Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa Ji. I wish and pray for her speedy recovery."

Visited Apollo Hospital in Chennai to enquire about the health of Tamil Nadu CM J Jayalalithaa Ji. I wish and pray for her speedy recovery.  Amit Shah (@AmitShah) October 12, 2016

The visit comes a day after the AIADMK launched a twitter campaign titled, "My CM is fine. No More Rumours."

All is well with Puratchi Thalaivi Amma. Click this link, change your profile pic & put a full stop to rumours.https://t.co/mOwR6jaOWx  AIADMK (@AIADMKOfficial) October 10, 2016

The AIADMK has been urging people not to spread rumours about the CM and said that she is recovering. On Tuesday on the advise of the TN governor, O Panneerselvam took charge of the portfolios handled by Jayalalithaa.

Jayalalithaa will however continue to be Chief Minister, the AIADMK said. The AIADMK also said yesterday that the handing over the portfolios also had the approval of Jayalalithaa.

On the other hand the police too have launched a major crack down on those spreading rumours about the TN, CM. Following a spate of complaints, the police have arrested nearly 42 persons who are spreading rumours on social media sites and chat groups. The police have warned of stringent action against those who indulge in rumour mongering.
J&K: Two militants killed in encounter in Kulgam

J&K: Another Kashmiri Pandit shot dead by terrorists in Shopian

News flash: Rajnath Singh congrats Army, Security Forces on successful operation at Pampore

India

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia Staff Writer

Oct 12: Barack Obama declares disaster in South Carolina after Hurricane Matthew. In other news, moderate earthquake of magnitude 5.3 struck Lakshadweep Sea area around 04:01 am on Wednesday morning.

Get all the latest news updates of the day:

11:00 pm: Congrats Army & Security Forces on successful operation at Pampore: Rajnath Singh

10:35 pm: Myanmar troops kill 10 'attackers' in northern Rakhine: military

10:20 pm: Two ISI agents arrested from Kutch district of Gujarat, by the state ATS.

10:05 pm: Ghulam Nabi Khoja, a close of aide of Sajad Lone succumbs to injuries, he was shot by gunmen in Handwara.

10:00 pm: International Syria talks to take place in London on Sunday: US

9:30 pm: Merkel, Hollande urge Putin to push for Syria ceasefire: France (source: AFP)

9:00 pm: River Ganga polluted after idol immerison.

8:40 pm: High level meeting to review border security situation at HM Rajnath Singh's residence, ends.

8:00 pm: Surgical strikes were carried out in very personal manner, where synergy was achieved between all elements of national power: Vinod Bhatia

7:50 pm: Manohar Parrikar, NSA Ajit Doval, DG Raw & other senior officials to attend a high level meeting chaired by HM Rajnath Singh to review border security situation, today.

7:40 pm: Cabinet meeting and Council of Ministers meeting to take place tomorrow.

7:25 pm: College, civil service exams in Kerala postponed because of strike called over killing of BJP activist in Kannur: Reports.

6:56 pm: J Jayalalithaa's portfolios go to O Panneerselvam, as per her advice: Raj Bhavan.

6:35 pm: Agroha Vikas Trust has decided that many belonging to OBC's will be given surname "Vashya" with all vaidik rituals: Subhash Chandra, RS MP.

5:58 pm: Congress lashes out at Parrikar says, Government making national security a PR exercise.

5:56 pm: Nuclear proliferation linkages active today have clear Pak finger-prints-India at UN during debate on all Disarmament &Int'l Security agenda.

5:48 pm: Violence under CPI(M) led Kerala govt is 'political terrorism': GVL Narasimha Rao, BJP.

5:44 pm: There's rise in air pollution in Delhi due to burning of agricultural residues by neighbouring States like West UP, Punjab & Haryana: Satyendra Jain.

5:29 pm: Maintaining such a posh car in city like Agartala will be difficult; have asked for money instead: Dipa Karmakar's father on returning BMW.

5:20 pm: Balasore (Odisha): Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates the National seismic program at Mahanadi basin.

5:00 pm: 3 people killed and more than 30 wounded in explosion near mosque in Balkh district of Afghanistan: Report.

4:46 pm: Murder of Ramith, a BJP karyakarta, in Pinarayi village, Kannaur district, hometown of Kerala CM is disturbing. Amit Shah.

4.33 pm: My reason from coming to Delhi was Defence,otherwise I dont like Delhi neither interested in Centre, was always interested in Goa Govt: Parrikar.

4.16 pm: Four youths drown in river Ganga in Chausa (Buxar). Search operation underway.

3.49 pm: Preparing for it,can't tell the level of preparedness; It's important and we're looking into it:Parrikar on if India is ready for cyber warfare.

3.34 pm: In this local commanders take positive action against opponents who have been troubling them to settle the score: Manohar Parrikar.

3.33 pm: I have been Defence Minister for over 2 years and from whatever I've learnt, there was no surgical strike anytime earlier: Manohar Parrikar.

3.25 pm: Therefore, we should strengthen ourselves to a level, where no one dare challenges us for conventional and non-conventional war: M Parrikar.

3.20 pm: Terrorism is one issue that I consider as a proxy war carried out by non-state actor, almost like a covert operation: Manohar Parrikar.

3.18 pm: What we did on Sep 29 was telling our adversaries very firmly that India will not tolerate this: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.

2.59 pm: ITBP sends special 'K9' squad for providing security at BRICS Summit in Goa.

2.50 pm: India needs to think in terms of strength to avoid war: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar

2.45 pm: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar speaking at the 'Strengthening India's Defence Capabilities' event in Mumbai.

2.36 pm: CRPF 85 Battalion recovered IED weighing 2 kg, planted by Maoists in Bijapur, later defused by Bomb detection and disposal squad in Chhattisgarh.

2.35 pm: The State Counsellor of Republic of Union of Myanmar Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to pay a State Visit to India from October 17-19, 2016.

2.23 pm: BJP President Amit Shah reaches Apollo hospital to meet Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa.

Chennai: BJP President Amit Shah reaches Apollo hospital to meet Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa pic.twitter.com/l9UEWXx3JQ  ANI (@ANI_news) October 12, 2016

2.02 pm: Karunanidhi questions Governor's claim on Jayalalithaa's advice to allocate portfolios to Paneerselvam.

1.53 pm: Muslims observe Muharram in Bhopal (MP).

1.45 pm: This is tragic; We demand investigation into this but they (accused) have political protection, what'll police do?: Capt Amarinder Singh,Congress.

1.30 pm: Kerala state BJP calls for a shutdown in the state tomorrow from 6 am to 6 pm over BJP activist's murder in Kannur.

1.22 pm: Case has been registered; Investigation underway: Kot Dharmu SHO Chanan Singh on Dalit youth murder in Punjab.

1.21 pm: Madhur Bhandarkar's next movie on 1984 Emergency to be called "Indu Sarkar", shooting to begin this November.

1.10 pm: Family says they'd cremate the body only after the missing leg is recovered and the accused are arrested: Local.

1.00 pm: 2-yr-old Dalit youth found dead with his left leg chopped off in Mansa district of Punjab on Monday night; Six people booked for the murder.

12.58 pm: High tension wire falls on people taking part in a Muharram procession; one person dead and 8 injured in Allahabad (UP).

12.57 pm: If Pakistan and Balochistan are left alone, we can free Balochistan from them in a day: Naela Quadri Baloch (Baloch Freedom Movement).

12.45 pm: The group of Generals ruling Pak don't believe in peaceful protests, democracy and human rights: Naela Baloch ( Baloch Freedom Movement ).

12.43 pm: Don't think peaceful protests (by Baloch activists) are held to convince Pak, Pak won't be convinced,it needs Surgical process: Naela Baloch.

12.42 pm: Infiltration bid foiled by security forces in Tangdhar, Kupwara (J&K), operation in progress.

12.41 pm: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar speaking at the MET 2016 (Materials Engineering Technology) conference in Mumbai.

12.35 pm: I will only share the credit, major share goes to PM. This should settle the nerves of many people: Defence Minister on Surgical Strike.

12.25 pm: Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan acts as if he's a 'gunda' leader: Kerala BJP spokesperson MS Kumar.

12.14 pm: Finance Minister O. Panneerselvam has taken the portfolios of TN CM because doctors say she (Jayalalitha) needs more rest: CR Saraswathi.

12.05 pm: J&K: Army clears 4 floors of the seven storied EDI building in Pampore attack.

11.54 am: Ticket Collector dies after falling from Betwa Express near Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh.

11.27 am: ED questions Retired General VK Singh's political attache SP Singh in connection with Rs 30 cr loan default case.

10.58 am: Prayers being held for well being of TN CM Jayalalithaa outside the hospital where she is undergoing treatment in Chennai.

Prayers being held for well being of TN CM Jayalalithaa outside the hospital where she is under treatment in Chennai pic.twitter.com/oebejcHE2R  ANI (@ANI_news) October 12, 2016

10.45 am: Another terrorist has been killed in the ongoing encounter at J&K's Pampore. Two terrorists have so far been killed. Security forces suspect that one more terrorist is holed up.

10.32 am: The visit by Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP's National President, Amit Shah to Chennai has been preponderant. They will land in Chennai at 12.30 PM and visit Appolo hospital where Jayalalithaa is being treated at 3 PM.

10.17 am: Lawyers for main Paris attacks suspect say they will no longer defend him: AFP.

10.00 am: IndiGo confirms offloading a passenger on IndiGo flight en route Bhubaneswar to Delhi on Tuesday due to unruly behaviour with crew on-board.

9.40 am: Dalit man found dead in Punjab with left leg chopped off; 6 upper caste men charged with murder.

9.05 am: One terrorist has been gunned down in an encounter with security forces in Pamore, Jammu and Kashmir.

8.45 am: 12 dead in clashes in Myanmar's restive Rakhine, says state media.

8.12 am: 3rd day of encounter between security forces and terrorists still underway at EDI building in Pampore (J&K).

8.00 am: Afghanistan's Interior Ministry says 14 people killed in militant attack on Shiite shrine in Kabul last night, 26 wounded.

Afghanistan's Interior Ministry says 14 people killed in militant attack on Shiite shrine in Kabul last night, 26 wounded. pic.twitter.com/GPEae2MJOX  ANI (@ANI_news) October 12, 2016

OneIndia News
Jayalalithaa's health: Amit Shah, Arun Jaitley to visit Apollo hospital at 3 pm today

India

oi-Vicky

Bengaluru, Oct 12: The visit by Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley and BJP's National President Amit Shah to Chennai to check on the health of Tamil Nadu chief minister, J Jayalalithaa has been preponed. The two leaders will land in Chennai at 12.30 pm and visit Apollo hospital at 3 pm.

As per the earlier schedule, Shah and Jaitley were supposed to visit the hospital at 5 pm. The visit comes a day after finance minister of Tamil Nadu took over the charge of the portfolios being handled by Jayalalithaa. He will now be able to convene cabinet meetings. The decision was taken following the intervention by the Governor of Tamil Nadu.

Recently BJP leader Venkaiah Naidu had visited Chennai and said that Jayalalithaa was recovering well. Rahul Gandhi too visited Apollo hospital and said that she would be back to work soon. Both leaders, however, also said that they did not see Jayalalithaa, but called on the doctors at the hospital who were attending to her.

Also read: Paneerselvam gets Tamil Nadu CM Jayalalithaa''s portfolio

Jayalalithaa has been admitted to the Apollo hospital in Chennai. A bulletin on Monday said that she continues to undergo treatment and is being constantly monitored by intensivists and other consultants in the expert panel.

Necessary respiratory support, antibiotics, nutrition, supportive therapy and passive physiotherapy are given, the statement also read.

Ever since the Tamil Nadu chief minister has been admitted to the hospital, several leaders have visited her. All those who visited her including Congress leader, Rahul Gandhi have said that she is being given the best of treatment and will be well soon.

Also read: Jayalalithaa in hospital: 2 arrested for spreading rumours online about CM's health

The opposition in Tamil Nadu, on the other hand, have been demanding that an interim chief minister be appointed. The demand comes in the backdrop of reports suggesting that the administration in Tamil Nadu is being run by Jayalalithaa's advisor, Sheela Balakrishnan and the Chief Secretary.

The AIADMK has rejected demands for an interim CM and say that there is no such constitutional provision. They also say that she will be well and back to work very soon.

OneIndia News
Kerala attack: Yeddyurappa blames CPM's 'murderous' politics

India

oi-PTI

Bengaluru, Oct 12: BJP Karnataka unit president and former Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa today strongly condemned the "cold-blooded murder" of an RSS swayamsevak and BJP worker in Kerala's Kannur district, blaming it on the "murderous politics" of the ruling CPI(M) there.

"The murderous politics of CPM is well-known....This murderous politics has seen a steady increase ever since CPM assumed office in Kerala," he said, adding that it spoke volumes about the collapse of the rule of law in the state.

He said the brutal murder of Prenith had taken place near a petrol bunk in Pinarayi, the native village of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, which was "a telling comment" on the state of affairs on the law and order front in Kerala.

Recalling that Prenith's father was also a victim of "CPM's goondaism, murder and mayhem" in 2002, Yeddyurappa alleged that whenever such murderous attacks took place against the BJP and Sangh Pariwar activists, police turned a blind eye.

He asked the Kerala government to take immediate steps to arrest the killers. Yeddyurappa also warned the "politically-irrelevant and ideologically-bankrupt CPM" that Karnataka BJP will not be a silent on-looker and it would be forced to launch a mass struggle to mount pressure on CPM to stop pursuing "this politics of murder and mayhem."

PTI
Gods on the runway: Kerala airport halts flights every year to make way for temple procession

Kerala: BJP worker hacked to death in CM Vijayan's hometown

India

oi-Vicky

Bengaluru, Oct 12: A BJP activist was on Wednesday hacked to death in Pinarayi, Kannur district in Kerala. This is yet another incident which speaks about the violent politics that exists in Kerala today.

The deceased has been identified as Remith. Ironically his father Uthaman, also a BJP activist, was killed due to political violence 8 years back. The incident took place in the home town of Kerala CM, Pinarayi Vijayan.

Remith was attacked near a petrol pump in Pinrayi at around 10 am on Wednesday. He was hit on his head and neck before being stabbed to death, the police say.

BJP's spokesperson, M S Kumar said that it was an unfortunate incident. He was killed by CPM terrorists, he said. He also lashed out at Chief Minister of Kerala, Pinarayi Vijayan and accused him of acting like a "gunda" leader.

BJP's Meenakshi Lekhi said on Twitter that she was shattered. She said she had met Remith and his mother during a visit to Kannur. The police say that investigation is on and all efforts are being made to track and arrest the killers.

Police officials also say that they suspect that the murder was in retaliation to the killing of a CPI(M) worker on October 10. The police also have deployed additional security in the area where several incidents of sporadic violence have been reported.

OneIndia News
Militants may wreak havoc on the highways, warns Intelligence Bureau

India

oi-Vicky

Bengaluru, Oct 12: Monuments and important installations along the highways of the country will be the target of terrorists, the intelligence bureau has warned. Terrorists will try and launch attacks on installations along the highway, the report also warns.

Some of the militants who have infiltrated into Jammu and Kashmir could have also slipped out into other parts of Northern India and may look to strike, the report warns.

Terrorists would look to strike along the highways since these areas have less security. They may try and repeat their J&K style of operation where a majority of the attacks have been along the highway. The EDI complex in J&K too is situated along the highway.

Wreaking havoc on the highways

There have been several intelligence alerts following the surgical strikes of September 29. Terrorists would be looking to strike major targets in a bid to carry out a spectacular attack, the alert had also suggested.

However, with security being upped at all major installations and crowded areas in the country, terrorists would look to carry out attacks on the less secured highways, the alert by the IB also warns.

In this regard, security has been heightened at the Red Fort. The Red Fort which is situated close to the highway is a favoured target for the terrorists. This monument has been attacked in the past as well.

In the year 2000, militants of the Lashkar-e-Taiba had struck and killed two soldiers and one civilian.

Intelligence Bureau officials explain that Red Fort is a favoured target for terrorists because this monument is symbolic. On Independence Day, the Tricolour is hoisted at the Red Fort and the Prime Minister too delivers his nation wide address from here.

OneIndia News
Nothing political in PM's greeting of 'Jai Shri Ram': BJP

India

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Oct 12: BJP today asserted that nothing political should be read in Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeting people on Dussehra with the name of Lord Ram, who is a venerable figure for Indians.

Its comments came after some opposition parties took a dig at Modi over his saying "Jai Shri Ram, Jai Jai Shri Ram" from a Ramlila stage in Lucknow yesterday as the greeting is loaded with political symbolism linked to Ram temple issue, once a main poll plank now relegated to the background by the saffron party.

BJP national secretary Shrikant Sharma said only those who do not believe in Indian culture will find wrong in it. "Lord Ram is a venerable figure for us.

It is natural for the Prime Minister to take his name from the stage of a Ramlila. Those who believe in Indian culture will have no objection to it," he told reporters. He accused parties like SP, BSP and Congress of raising irrelevant issues to divert attention from developmental agenda as they have nothing to say on the matter.

"There is a design in their raising irrelevant issues. It is because they have completely failed on developmental front," he said.

PTI
Pakistan's cyber war more about propaganda than data theft

India

oi-Vicky

There has been an escalation of tensions between India and Pakistan and the same can be witnessed on the cyberspace as well. In fact it was the hackers from Pakistan who launched a major offensive on Indian websites in the aftermath of the September 29 surgical strikes.

Now an analysis of those sites attacked by Pakistan shows that the intention was to show their processes on the cyberspace. Hackers from Pakistan have only defaced 7,000 Indian sites, but have not been able to gain control or steal data, investigators have said.

However, in a counter-offensive, Indian hackers managed to take control of at least 100 websites in Pakistan. OneIndia had reported that after taking control over these sites, the hackers from Pakistan had even offered bitcoins to have these sites released.

Show of might:

The intention by the hackers from Pakistan was to show their might over the cyber space. They pick random government sites which have lower levels of security and deface them. While defacing the websites, they post a message. This is more about propaganda.

Also read: Now Indian hackers unleash surgical strikes on Pakistan cyberspace

The message that the hackers from Pakistan are trying to send across is that they are capable of launching and winning a full fledged cyber war with India. The Pakistan hacking group has at least 3,000 people working full time.

From laying honey traps to defacing websites, it is a busy unit. In fact they have been working overtime after the surgical strikes and are trying to send a message to India.

Among the various activities that the hackers carry out, one includes propaganda. At first they had sent out messages on social media sites calling the surgical strikes as false. They also tried to gain access to the WhatsApp application of army personnel.

However, due to enhanced security and guidelines following the Pathankot attack, this operation was an unsuccessful one.

Investigators say that no data has been compromised. They have just defaced the websites with an intention of sending a message and creating a false sense of fear that a cyber war is underway.

The Indian hackers, on the other hand, responded swiftly and took control over at least 100 websites. The Indian hackers say that the offer of bitcoins to release the websites was rejected. Even if we decide to release these websites in exchange for bitcoins, the same would go to charity, they say.

OneIndia News
Uddhav lauds Modi over strikes, but dares BJP to snap alliance

India

oi-PTI

Mumbai, Oct 11: Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray today lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the recent surgical strikes across the LoC even as he challenged its bickering ally BJP to snap the ruling alliance ahead of the crucial civic polls in Mumbai.

"From BJP, anyone gets up and speaks of contesting polls independently. The Chief Minister should first decide who is the leader. Don't stab us in the back.

Fight from the front. Contest separately if you have the courage," he told Shiv Sena's 50th annual Dussehra rally at Shivaji Park in central Mumbai. "Break the alliance and we will show you our surgical strike," Thackeray said, in an apparent reference to BJP MP Kirit Somaiya's recent remark that BJP was all set to contest the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation polls, due early next year, independently.

"Let anyone confront us in Mumbai civic polls. We will show them that Mumbai belongs to Shiv Sena and Shiv Sena belongs to Mumbai," he said. "Our bond with Mumbaikars is that of blood," he said, adding "We won't come after you (BJP) with a begging bowl."

"For now you (Sena workers) don't think of alliance. We will take a decision on that, whatever that may be," he told the gathering. Stating that Modi fought with Pakistan like a man ("mard"), Thackeray congratulated the Indian Army and the prime minister for the surgical strikes.

"After the strikes, I phoned Modi and told him, "Narendrabhai, this is the Narendrabhai we want as PM," he said. "Modi should now take such an action that not only PoK but entire Pakistan should be known as part of India," he said, adding "Our Army has that much capability."

Condemning those who questioned the veracity of the strikes, Thackeray said, "Those who said the strikes were fake have rotten brains and water of gutters of Lahore and Karachi and not blood flows through their veins." "Did Rahul Gandhi learn of the 'khun ki dalali' from Bofors (scam)," he asked. "How can you show mistrust on Army while criticising Modi," he said.

"Those who show distrust for our brave soldiers may be offspring of Pakistan," he said.

PTI
US was not kept in the loop about the surgical strikes

India

oi-Vicky

Bengaluru, Oct 12: When India's National Security Advisor, Ajit Doval spoke to Susan Rice, his counterpart in the United States of America, on Sept 29 many had speculated that she was informed about the surgical strikes. However, during that conversation, there was no mention made about the strike, sources confirm.

During the conversation Susan Rice expressed concern about cross border terrorism. Doval, however, did not inform her about the surgical strikes that had been carried out by India across the Line of Control (LoC). He only said that there may have been some military exercise.

World has justified India's action

Prior to the surgical strikes being conducted, there were discussions on how the international community's reaction would be. Various factors were weighed in and finally it was decided that there was an urgent need to hit out at terrorists across the Line of Control.

During one such meeting it was said that India cannot continue to talk peace with Pakistan as per the directives of the international community. At every international forum the threat of terrorism is discussed.

Pakistan continues to take advantage that the international community always stepped in to ensure that tensions were not escalated. This time India decided to undertake this quick operation and decided that if there was an adverse reaction from the rest of the world, it would deal with it later.

Also read: Surgical strikes: Ready a long time back, but waited to snuff out as many terrorists, says officer

An official told OneIndia that there was no need to discuss this with the world. "We were sure of a successful operation and we were targeting terrorists and not the Pakistan army. We reserve the right to hit out at anybody posing a threat to our national security. We, however, did not expect any adverse reaction from the rest of the world. We were right and the world did stand with us on this issue," the official also said.

He further adds that there is no need to be subservient to anyone on such issues. "We have tried talking peace and have many times urged Pakistan to curb terrorism. However, they saw this as our weakness and did not expect us to hit," the official also adds.

"There is no doubt that this strike and the reaction of the world to it has given Pakistan plenty to think about," the officer also added.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 12:00 [IST]
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Chinas miracle child: Dying fathers hug saves 3-year-old girls life

International

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

He gave her life twice, literally. This heart-wrenching story of a father-daughter duo from China will leave you teary eyed.

In a building collapse incident, reported from eastern province of Zhejiang in China, where at least 22 people were killed, a dying father saved his three-year-old daughter.

The rescuers found Wu Ningxi, well-protected by the embrace of her father, inside the rubble of a collapsed multi-storey building in Wenzhou.

Unfortunately, the father, a 26-year-old man, was long dead before he could be saved. The body of the mother was also found lying near the father-daughter duo.

"The child was able to survive entirely thanks to the fact that her dad used his own flesh and blood to prop up a life-saving space for his daughter," a rescuer told the China Youth Daily.

The father, a shoe factory worker, died after a heavy cement pillar fell on him.

Wu was the last survivor found inside the debris of the four six-storey residential buildings collapsed on Monday.

According to the rescuers, the girl sustained minor injuries as her father provided her the much-needed protection to survive a massive disaster.

"A total of 22 people died in the tragedy. Only five survivors other than the girl were rescued," said officials of Lucheng district government during a press conference.

The cause of the disaster was still under investigation, the state broadcaster CCTV said.

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 15:33 [IST]
Sikh community is strong link in India's relations with other countries: PM Modi

Who was Banda Singh Bahadur? Remembering the first Sikh ruler on his death anniversary

Indian Sikh man separated from his family during Partition meets his Pakistani Muslim sister in Kartarpur

Sikhs protest outside UN HQ over Indo-Pak tensions

International

oi-PTI

New York, Oct 12 Several members of the Sikh community held a protest outside the UN headquarters here to raise their concerns over the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan and its impact on the lives of the people in Punjab.

The 'Save Punjab Rally', organised yesterday by rights group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) in collaboration with civil rights groups and management committees of the Sikh temples across North America, also demanded a referendum in Punjab.

During the rally, held across the street from the UN headquarters, the demonstrators, including several pro-Khalistan Sikhs, carried placards that read 'Boycott India's Jingoistic War' and 'Support Punjab Referendum.'

SFJ also submitted a communique to officials from Uruguay's Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

Uruguay is one of the 15 members of the Security Council and is due to hold the Presidency of the Council in January.

The communique alleged that the escalating tensions between India and Pakistan is forcing thousands of Sikh farmers in Punjab to evacuate their homes, "turning them into refugees."

SFJ Legal Advisor said war is not a solution, adding that a referendum should be conducted in Punjab.

Panic gripped the residents of villages in many border districts of Punjab after reports of escalation in tensions between India and Pakistan spread, following a surgical strike by the army on terror launch pads in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir on September 28.

Authorities have also began evacuating people residing in the villages falling within 10 kilometre of international border.

Heads of local gurdwaras, temples with the help of Sarpanches have asked the people to evacuate at the earliest in the light of escalating situation.

Punjab shares 553-km border with Pakistan. It has six districts which lie close to international border. There are some 135 villages which lie very close to the IB.

PTI
US Presidential Election: Trump directs his ire against fellow Republicans; Hillary too is hated

International

oi-Oneindia

By Oneindia

These days, Donald Trump is directing his anger against his party colleagues. Reason: as Republicans in huge numbers condemned Trump's horrible and sexist comments against women in a tape from 2005, which got leaked recently.

The Republican presidential nominee even went on saying that "disloyal" Republicans are far more difficult than "crooked" Hillary Clinton.

Why Hillary is hated so much?

If you think it is only Trump who is one of the most hated politicians of the United States, then you need to think twice. Trump's rival and Democratic presidential nominee, Clinton, too is not a very likeable leader. According to a BBC report, attacks on Clinton in particular have sometimes crossed a line, displaying open hatred.

Is Trump sad and lonely?

The New York Times, in its latest editorial, describes Trump's life as sad and lonely. After facing large-scale criticism, even from his party members, it is no surprise that Trump's life has turned miserable.

Any happy tweets from Trump, Clinton?

Let's check if any happy tweets are coming from the much-hated candidates:

Thank you Florida- a MOVEMENT that has never been seen before and will never be seen again. Lets get out & #VoteTrumpPence16 on 11/8! #MAGA pic.twitter.com/e90a2AL7vO  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 12, 2016

Wow, @CNN Town Hall questions were given to Crooked Hillary Clinton in advance of big debates against Bernie Sanders. Hillary & CNN FRAUD!  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2016

DON'T LET HER FOOL US AGAIN. pic.twitter.com/3QSoADFh7S  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 11, 2016

"It might seem like a very small thing, but these small policies matter." -@LaverneCox on Hillary improving passport gender identity policy pic.twitter.com/zk0G3ZyjxJ  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 12, 2016

Obama on Trump video: "You don't have to be a husband or father to say, 'That's not right.' You just have to be a decent human being." October 11, 2016

We have a choice between taking serious steps to combat climate change-and refusing to admit it even exists. https://t.co/aqfTlNWen5  Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) October 11, 2016

OneIndia News

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Story first published: Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 13:47 [IST]
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Instagram is down: No, your account isn't actually suspended

Sushma Swaraj comes to the rescue of a woman in distress

New Delhi

oi-PTI

New Delhi, Oct 12: In prompt response to a request by a woman, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Tuesday directed the Indian Embassy in Washington to give visa to an Indian to attend his father's last rites despite the mission being closed for two days for Vijaya Dashmi and Moharram.

Swaraj's directive to the Embassy came after Sarita Takru, a resident of Karnal, appealed to the External Affairs Minister on Twitter to give visa to her US-based son Abhai Kaul so he can attend his father's cremation.

"Our Embassy in US is closed for Vijaya Dashmi and Moharram. I have sent a message. We will open the Embassy and give visa to your son," Swaraj tweeted.

Our Embassy in US is closed for Vijaya Dashmi and Moharram. I have sent a message. We will open the Embassy and give visa to your son. https://t.co/W5may5dy0H  Sushma Swaraj (@SushmaSwaraj) October 11, 2016

Soon after Swaraj's instruction, the Indian Embassy asked Takru to share Kaul's contact details with it so that visa can be granted expeditiously. Takru said her husband died on Monday and she had expressed anguish after knowing that the embassy will be closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.

"...Can't get Indian visa before Local Thursday. Is this human?"

"This dreadful wait must end. Please give my son Indian visa in US so his father may be cremated. Please support. Need empathy," Takru had tweeted.

This dreadful wait must end. Please give my son Indian visa in US so his father may be cremated. Please support. Need empathy.  Sarita Takru (@saritakru) October 11, 2016

To this, Swaraj responded, saying, "I am sorry to know about the sad demise of your husband. Just wait - I will help you."

The External Affairs Minister is known for her prompt response to Indians in distress abroad. She has come to the rescue of several Indians and other nationals in the past who have approached her.

PTI

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Story first published: Wednesday, October 12, 2016, 10:02 [IST]
Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal threw a lavish party to celebrate two years in office, where a single plate costed Rs 12,000. The cost per plate at Kejriwal's party was expensive even than the buffet of Prime Minister and Presidential ceremony.
Accession Day: Valley lights up on this day when J&K became part of India

J&K: Terrorists holed up inside EDI had planned major attack in Srinagar

Srinagar

oi-Vicky

Srinagar, Oct 12: As the stand-off between security forces and militants continues at the Entreprenuership Development Institute (EDI) near Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir, officials say that these persons were part of a suicide squad. The original plan was to enter into the heart of Srinagar and carry out a suicide attack, Intelligence Bureau officials say.

The terrorists had initially planned on carrying out a strike on the Srinagar highway before entering the city and blowing themselves up in a crowded place. That plan was, however, foiled due to intelligence inputs.

The terrorists then managed to access a portion of the EDI and are currently holed up in there. One militant has, however, been killed.

Also read: 250 active terrorists in Kashmir Valley plan to target forces

Officials also say that the army is taking its time in this operation. It wants the terrorists to exhaust ammunition. There are 60 rooms in the building and the army is clearing them. Officials also say based on the firing that is being heard from inside the building, there may be two terrorists holed up now.

#SpotVisuals 3rd day of encounter between security forces and terrorists still underway at EDI building in Pampore (J&K) (visuals deferred) pic.twitter.com/uPM964tYor  ANI (@ANI_news) October 12, 2016

The EDI had come under attack in February too. During that attack, three security personnel had lost their lives.

The army this time does not want any casualties on its side and hence is dealing patiently with this operation. Officials say that at the time of the attack there were no students inside the hostel building due to the unrest in the Valley.

OneIndia News
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Bailey McCann, Opalesque New York:

London and Tampa, Florida-based, $250 million investment advisory firm, Bayshore Capital Advisors is launching its second private debt multi-manager fund. The Global Alternative Income Fund is an actively managed multi-manager fund that will invest in short to moderate duration loans and other cashflowing assets. The fund is targeting a 9-11 percent return, according to fund documents reviewed by Opalesque.

The fund will launch on the Montlake platform with $20 million in initial capital.

The core strategies of the fund include direct leveraged lending; specialty finance; asset based lending and trade finance. The average loan term for its short duration loan strategy will be 12-24 months.

The fund will be constructed of six managers. Three will focus on asset-based lending globally, another will manage a North American-based speciality finance sleeve and the remaining two strategies will be North America based direct leveraged lending and global trade finance.

The Global Alternative Income Fund is following the strategy laid out in Bayshore's first private debt fund - the Alternative Income Fund I, which is closed to outside capital. That fund has provided an 8.4 percent annualized return since inception and is up 4.7 percent year to date.

According to sources familiar with the launch, Bayshore has assembled the multi-manager strategy in order to focus on short duration assets with higher yields. Bayshore pred......................

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Komfie Manalo, Opalesque Asia:

A new report by Credit Suisse Asset Management showed that commodities increased in September, broadly due to fundamental supply factors.

The report said that industrial metals was the best performing sector last month after it gained 5.21%, led by nickel amid reports that the Philippines may suspend additional mines for failing to meet environmental standards as a result of the government's audit. The Bloomberg Commodity Index Total Return performance was positive for the month, with 18 out of 22 Index constituents posting gains.

Nelson Louie, global head of commodities for Credit Suisse Asset Management, said, "September was generally a strong month for commodities. Adverse weather impacted softs, particularly sugar, as frosts in Brazil and lower-than-average monsoon rain in India led to concerns over cane yields. The potential for future disruptive weather remains uncertain as expectations for a La Nia vary.

"Within energy, OPEC's tentative agreement for modest production cuts boosted market sentiment. The details of the deal are not expected to be released until OPEC's meeting in November, and significant uncertainty remains. However, the provisional deal indicates that the group is once again willing to play a key role in managing global supplies ......................

To view our full article Click here
Hillary endorsed Obama administration misinformation about the Russia hacking scandal in her debate comments Sunday. She even heaped her own fabrication on top.



The result was an open invitation for Trump to make points. But the opportunity flew right over his head.



Here's what she said:



"Our intelligence community just came out and said in the last few days that the Kremlin, meaning Putin and the Russian government, are directing the attacks, the hacking on American accounts to influence our election."





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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.

From Counterpunch

The 2016 US presidential election has officially descended into a snarling, hate-filled slugfest, and is probably the most vicious there has ever been. When you have one candidate, Donald Trump, threatening to put his opponent, Hillary Clinton, in jail if he becomes president, we are talking a race for the White House that is the political equivalent of a zero-sum game.

While Trump is a bigot, megalomaniac and mysogonist -- and this on a good day -- he is also a tough and resilient operator whom you get the sense is actually reveling in the pressure cooker that is the US political arena. On the back of the release of the now infamous 2005 audio tape, during which he brags to "Access Hollywood" host, Billy Bush, about his sexual prowess with women, a media onslaught and the mass desertion of his ship by major figures within the GOP appeared to ensure that his campaign was all but destroyed.

But then out he comes in St Louis, a candidate with his back to the ropes, to immediately mount a ferocious and sustained assault on his opponent, one that succeeded in nullifying the tremendous momentum she had behind her going in. Over the course of the debate, Trump threw and landed major blows, bringing up Bill Clinton's own less than stellar record when it comes to the treatment of women, again reminding voters of the 33,000 deleted emails of his opponent, and calling out Clinton's hawkish support for the war in Iraq and her role as secretary of state in the destruction of Libya.

His analysis of the conflict in Syria and belief in resetting relations with Russia also has the benefit of being sane when compared to his opponent, whose election would immediately bring the world closer to a major conflict than it has been since the Cuban missile crisis. When Trump vowed to direct a special prosecutor to investigate her over the aforementioned missing emails, if elected, followed later by his witheringly effective aside to put her in jail, you could almost hear the collective cheer of millions not only in America but across the world.

There is a method to the seeming madness of Trump's approach. Though his rhetoric comes over as out of control, he is reaching into a deep well of animosity towards Washington, with the Clintons the embodiment of the corruption, special interests, and machine politics that millions of Americans have grown to despise. He is a billionaire who has succeeded in positioning himself as an anti-establishment candidate. This is an achievement of which P T Barnum would be proud.

Unlike the first debate, which Hillary Clinton won hands down, this time around Trump managed to do what no opponent or critic of the Clintons ever has in breaching the veneer of respectability and propriety which they and their supporters have succeeded in maintaining in an insult to the truth of their collective record. While the polls after the second debate recorded a victory for Clinton, there is little doubt she left the venue bruised and wounded.

The average American voter respects strength; whether real or perceived it matters not, they admire and worship personal attributes of toughness that reflect what they consider to be the attributes of the country. In this regard Trump comes over as the political equivalent of a gunslinger, a man for whom the rules of polite society do not apply, who makes his own rules and changes them as it suits. He is the archetypal maverick in this sense, an image that plays well with people grown tired of the slick and on-message political mannequins that populate Washington. He is rude, vulgar, inappropriate, and unpredictable in a combination that brings a sense of frisson to proceedings. That he is also a misogynist, equal opportunities bigot and narcissist matters less to his supporters than the ocean of self confidence he exudes and the willingness to do and say whatever it takes to get ahead. In other words he is America with the mask removed.

When Hillary Clinton talked about establishing a no-fly zone in Syria, a chill should have slid down the spine of all right-thinking people. This would be tantamount to a declaration of war against Syria and Russia. Then there was her utterly ludicrous depiction of the "rebels" in Aleppo as freedom fighters. Freedom fighters? Nusra Front, the dominant faction among the opposition fighting in Aleppo, differs from ISIS in name only. In its methods and objective of establishing a pure sectarian Sunni state, it poses the same menace. As for the so-called moderate rebels, in what language is it moderate to kidnap and behead 12-year old children, as militants belonging to the US-backed Nour al-Din al-Zinki Movement did a few weeks ago, filming themselves doing so in the process?

This is why it has been so revelatory following the mainstream media coverage in the wake of the second debate. With few exceptions it has been on Trump, depicting him as an out of control nut who would be dangerous for the country. In truth it is Hillary Clinton, with her penchant for war and the destruction of Arab countries, who is far more dangerous -- not only for the people of the United States but a world grown weary of US hegemony.
From Counterpunch

The Israeli official narrative regarding its conflict with the Palestinians is deliberately confounded because a muddled up discourse is a convenient one. It allows the narrator to pick and choose half-truths at will, in order to create a falsified version of reality.

For instance, this is part of what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at the United Nations on September 22:

"Ladies and Gentlemen: Israel fights this fateful battle against the forces of militant Islam every day. We keep our borders safe from ISIS, we prevent the smuggling of game-changing weapons to Hezbollah in Lebanon, we thwart Palestinian terror attacks in Judea and Samaria, the West Bank, and we deter missile attacks from Hamas-controlled Gaza."

In just a single paragraph, Netanyahu has chosen to create an alternate reality, despite the fact that: ISIS' main victims, thus far, have been Muslims, never Israelis; Hezbollah, which is embroiled in a sectarian fight in Syria is a Lebanese movement that is also at war with ISIS; the uprising in the West Bank has been largely led by desperate youth who were born under violent Israeli military Occupation and have no trust in their own leadership; Hamas has not lobbed any homemade rockets at Israel since the destructive Israeli war of 2014, which killed 2,251 Palestinians, mostly civilians.

While Netanyahu's statements are not outright lies, the selection of these statements, not keen on dates, devoid of context and lacking in any Israeli accountability or even introspection, makes them simply untrue. Needless to say, utterly confusing as well, especially for those who rarely understand the nature of Israel's conflict with the Palestinians and its other Arab neighbors.

The Israeli Prime Minister's language at international forums is quite typical, if not predictable. Not only typical of him as a statesman, but of generations of Israeli leaders, past and present. Former Israeli Prime Minister and President Shimon Peres, who died late September, mastered this Israeli style, bar none. Although he was the architect of the Middle East's first and only nuclear bomb, he was eulogized by western governments and media, including many in the Left, as a peacemaker, a heroic figure and statesman.

But Peres was the last of the "founders of Israel" generation. That generation's approach to war and diplomacy was unique and cannot be repeated. They were mostly foreign-born; spoke various languages; followed a unified blueprint in politics and had clear, decisive goals.

In contrast, Netanyahu is the first Israeli Prime Minister to be born in the country, after its establishment on the ruins of Palestine in 1948. His diplomacy is as violent as is his conduct on the ground. He seems fearless insofar as his confidence in his benefactors -- namely the United States government, which has recently pledged to Israel another $38 billion dollars in unconditional military aid over the course of 10 years.

With no legal or political accountability whatsoever, and with unwavering US backing of Israeli actions, no matter how destabilizing or destructive, Netanyahu's logic, however lacking, will always prevail.

But considering that Israel is achieving precisely its intended goals -- expanding its illegal settlements, sustaining its Occupation of East Jerusalem and the West Bank, constantly building up its armament and advancing its strategic interests at the expense of its neighbors, and escaping any possibility of legal culpability, why does it always feel as if Israel is besieged and embattled?

Netanyahu's words give the impression that his country's very existence is imperiled. In fact, this is the same language that is constantly emanating from most Israeli circles -- official, media, academic and even ordinary people. This perception has continued even after Israel expanded its borders by occupying the rest of historic Palestine following the disastrous war of 1967; even when Israel claimed massive swathes of Jordanian, Egyptian, Lebanese and Syrian territories.

It seems that the stronger Israel becomes, the larger in size and more destructive in its military capabilities, the weaker and more threatened it perceives itself.

Even with their tactless approach to diplomacy, the new generation of Israeli leaders is still pushing the same mantra: that of a besieged country facing an existential threat.

In 2015, following the signing of the Iran nuclear deal between Iran and the US -- along with other countries -- Israel was denied the central component of its "existential threat" discourse. With an Iranian "nuclear holocaust" averted -- although never convincingly from the Israeli viewpoint -- other imagined threats were pushed to the very top of the Israeli agenda.

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From Smirking Chimp



Donald Trump campaign implodes

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Donald Trump is a cat with 12 or 13 lives.

This past weekend felt like August 1974. Everyone knew Richard Nixon was toast. We didn't know exactly how or exactly when he'd be forced out. But we knew it was coming.

After a video/audio recording of a 2005 "Access Hollywood" open mic of Donald Trump sharing his reality TV update of the medieval droit de seigneur surfaced on Friday before Sunday's big second presidential debate, dozens of Republican lawmakers and senior officials abandoned ship. All that remained, it seemed, was a Trumpian version of the GOP bigwigs who trudged to the White House in '74 to deliver the news that Dirty Donny could no longer count on Republican support in Congress.

Calling for the mass expulsion of 11 million people didn't finish Trump. Demanding that Muslims be banned from entering the United States didn't do it. Encouraging supporters to beat up protesters didn't do it. Making fun of John McCain for being captured didn't do it. Bragging that he likes to grab women "by the p*ssy" -- that, of all things, was his Waterloo.

But it wasn't.

The reason Trump is still in the race, merely wounded and behind (rather than humiliated and out), is important to note. This novice politician understands media better than anyone else.

Normally, we'd expect the election to be a referendum on Hillary Clinton and by extension President Obama. She's the incumbent effectively running for a third term of the same policies. Instead, everyone is talking about Donald Trump -- his fitness or lack thereof, his authenticity or lack thereof, his sanity or lack thereof. The reason is simple: Hillary Clinton delivers a cut-and-paste stump speech at every appearance (except for those to Wall Street, where she likes to share her "private position"). Trump, meanwhile, performs jazz. He extemporizes. No one, including him, knows what he's going to say. So every rally gets covered live. How can she compete?

Throughout the campaign, Trump has neutralized the outrage over each of his scandalous utterances by supplanting it with a new one. The media, always lazy and now shorthanded, can't keep up. And each one makes him the center of the conversation.

Flooding the zone was the risky but brilliant tactic that Donald Trump, who seemed to be mortally wounded on Friday afternoon, deployed a couple hours before the debate. He called a press conference announcing that he had invited four women who have spent years at war with the Clintons over allegations of sexual harassment, rape and making light of her legal defense of a rapist to attend the debate.

I don't blame the women for allowing themselves to be used this way. They've been marginalized and ridiculed, their stories never taken seriously by the news media. Tacky publicity is better than obscurity.

From a political standpoint, however, I thought it would be widely perceived as a cheap and disgusting Hail Mary pass by a desperate candidate hours away from being forced out of the race. Boy, was I wrong.

Thirty minutes into the debate, the megastory of the election season had been reduced to one of numerous issues, washed away by Trump's exercise of a nuclear option. Back to normalish: Hillary Clinton was on the defensive over her emails.

Hillary Clinton was in an impossible position. In politics, the cliche' goes, when you are playing defense, you are losing. So she refused to defend herself or her husband. For viewers, however, the effect was to leave Trump's "I may say bad things about women, but my opponent does bad things to them" argument unchallenged.

If this real estate thing doesn't work out, Donald Trump can market himself as the brain behind the deftest crisis response in political history. I'm still reeling.

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From Smirking Chimp

Recent revelations about Trump's misogyny and acts of violence towards women are now on full display given the recent disclosures regarding his vulgar, crude, sexist exchanges with Howard Stern and Billy Bush. Yet, what is so shocking about the revelations of Trump's misogyny, sexual violence, and rape charges is that they should provoke any type of surprise.

What is even more disturbing is that the sensationalism over these incidents hide from view the war on women that has been in full bloom since the 1980s. The Leave It to Beaver mindset that women should stay in the home as homemakers, do not deserve equal pay for equal work with men, should be defined primarily as degrading sexual objects, or that they should be excluded from revolutionary movements headed by men were part of "the good old days' a term brought back to life by Donald Trump.

Coded in Trump's campaign slogan to make America great again is the ghostly apparition of the return of the "good old days." Such a call is not new to a political party that revels in the discourse of decline and celebrates an era that resurrects the barbaric discourses and values of an older fascism for which gender discrimination, homophobia, and racial purity became normalized.

If memories of fascism are now reduced to third rate Hollywood films, radical memories of collective resistance seem to die even more quickly in a country wedded to the culture of immediacy and the quickest route to making a profit. This may account, in part, for the social and historical amnesia on display in the country's refusal to understand Trump as symptomatic of a number of authoritarian, anti-democratic forces that have been at play for a long time and of which Trump unapologetically endorses. These include attacks on women particularly on reproductive rights, on the LGBT community, on poor minority youth, on neighborhoods inhabited by people of color, on teachers and public servants, on students drowning in debt, on a culture of questioning, on dissent, on critical education, on people of color across the globe, on Muslims, Mexican immigrants. They also include attacks on any other group that does not kneel down in homage to a neo-fascist embrace of white supremacy, religious fundamentalism, ultra-nationalism, militarism, the mass incarceration state, and a savage global neoliberal capitalist fundamentalism.

America is at war with itself and Trump is simply one despicable register of that war on democracy. What is distinctive about Trump is that he is shrill and unapologetic about his neo-fascist beliefs and policies whereas Hillary Clinton and the rest of the neoliberal centrists wrap their war mongering policies and support for the financial elite in the empty discourse of liberalism with a disingenuous nod towards social justice and democratic values. The embrace of his overt sexism and racism by large numbers of his followers does not augur well for the future of American politics. Needless to say, Trump is not the only politician who benefits from the death of historical memory and the current fog of social amnesia -- all of which has produced an accelerated attack on not only women but on African Americans.

What is truly appalling is that, with the exception of the Black Lives Matter movement and Black protest movements, so little is said about the racism that is part of the long legacy of in your face racism that has emerged with the Trump campaign, a racism that the Republican Party has been nurturing since Nixon's southern strategy and Reagan's war on drugs, and later adopted by Bill Clinton's disastrous law and order polices which produced the worst excesses of the current mass incarceration state.

Throughout his primary and presidential campaign, Trump invoked a language of racist violence that could only be understood in the historical context of the state repression unleashed in the fifties, sixties, and seventies in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, Arkansas, and other states where expressions of white supremacy, domestic terrorism, and police violence exploded in full view of the American people and larger world. On numerous occasions Trump told his backers: "to knock the crap out of them [Black Lives Matter protesters], seriously, get them out of here. In the good old days this doesn't happen because they used to treat them very rough and when they protested once they would not do it again so easily. I'd like to punch them in the face, I'll tell you. I love the good old days. You know what they use to do to guys like that in a place like this? They would be carried out on a stretcher, folks."[i]

The backdrop of this discourse reaches back into a time of racist terror and was captured in images of the young Black protesters being beaten by police and white patrons when they tried to integrate lunch counters in cities such as Nashville, Tennessee and Greenville, North Carolina. It was also on full display when black protesters were attacked by police dogs in Detroit, hosed down by high power water cannons in Alabama, and when nine young African American students were taunted and shoved as they attempted to enter the all-white Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas. The latter are "the good old days" that Trump celebrates in his speeches -- when protesters were "ripped out of their seat," "punched in the face," and "would be carried out on a stretcher."[ii]

These "good old days" also gave us lynchings, the murder of Emmett Till, the church bombing in Birmingham, Alabama that killed four young black girls. The "good old days" in this context serve as a legitimation not only for a ruthless return to racist terror and the suppression of dissent, but the celebration of a type of lawlessness endemic to fascism and updated for the new authoritarianism.

What is being suggested here is that this American form of neo-fascism in its various forms is largely about social and racial cleansing and its end point is the construction of prisons, detention centers, enclosures, walls, and all the other varieties of murderous apparatus that accompany the discourse of national greatness and racial purity. Americans have lived through 40 years of the dismantling of the welfare state, the elimination of democratic public spheres such as schools and libraries, and the attack on public goods and social provisions. In their place, we have the rise of the punishing state, with its support for a range of criminogenic institutions extending from banks and hedge funds to state governments and militarized police departments that depend on extortion to meet their budgets.

Where are the institutions that do not support a rabid individualism, a culture of cruelty, and a society based on social combat -- that refuse to militarize social problems, and reject the white supremacist discourses, laws and practices spreading throughout the United States? What happens when a society is shaped by a poisonous neoliberalism that separates economic and individual economic actions from social costs, when privatization becomes the only sanctioned orbit for agency, when values are entirely reduced to exchange values?

Notes.

[i] These quotes have been compiled along with historical context that give them meaning in Ava DuVernay's brilliant film, 13th, which is available on Netflix.

[ii] Ibid., Ava DuVernay, director, 13th.
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Revenue During the Period 2016-2020, at a CAGR of 27.01% of Global Cloud-based Information Governance Industry

http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=741911

http://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=741911

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Information governance is the application of technologies, policies, and processes to maximize the value of information from inception to final disposal.It helps organization manage information risks, reduce information costs, and maximize business benefits. Information governance includes traditional records management, information security and protection, electronic discovery, data storage and archiving, and risk management. The life cycle of information governance includes creation, protection, value creation, preservation, and final placement of the information.Technavios analysts forecast the global cloud-based information governance market to grow at a CAGR of 27.01% during the period 2016-2020.CoveredThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global cloud-based information governance market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from cloud-based information governance software solutions and services.Segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEATechnavio's report, Global Cloud-based Information Governance 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.To Get Sample Copy :Key vendorsEMCHP AutonomyIBMSymantecOther prominent vendorsAccessDataAmazonBIACatalystCicaydaDaegisDeloitteErnst & YoungFTIGimmalGoogleGuidance SoftwareIndex EnginesIron MountainKonica MinoltaKroll OntrakMicrosoftMimecastMitratechProofpointRenewDataRSDTransPerfectValoraViewPointeWilliams MullenZetta DiscoveryZyLABKey driverIncreased need to comply with regulatory requirementsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey challengeIntegration issuesFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey trendMachine learning in information governanceFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMake an Enquiry :ResearchMoz is the one stop online destination to find and buy market research reports & Industry Analysis. We fulfill all your research needs spanning across industry verticals with our huge collection of market research reports. We provide our services to all sizes of organizations and across all industry verticals and markets. Our Research Coordinators have in-depth knowledge of reports as well as publishers and will assist you in making an informed decision by giving you unbiased and deep insights on which reports will satisfy your needs at the best price.ResearchMozMr. Nachiket Ghumare,Tel: +1-518-621-2074USA-Canada Toll Free: 866-997-4948Email: sales@researchmoz.usFollow us on LinkedIn @
Klett-Cotta introduces the publishing solution "Biblio3" as the central control tool for its publishing process

www.IT.arvato.com

Subsidiary of Stuttgart Klett Group agrees to collaborate with Arvato Systems Arvato Systems implements the German version of the publishing software "Biblio3" "Biblio3" ensures ad hoc information with less effort and higher quality(Arvato Systems) Gutersloh  After a thorough examination of the publishing programs available on the market, Klett-Cotta-Verlag decided to implement the publishing solution "Biblio3", offered by Arvato Systems exclusively on the German-speaking market, to manage its processes. The system allows central and integrated information and process management. In addition, it provides the potential to ensure ad hoc information with less effort and higher quality.The implementation project began in August 2016 and will be carried out by a joint project team of employees from Klett-Cotta and Arvato Systems. Particular attention will be paid to the integration and synchronization of the processes and data streams with Klett-Cotta-Verlag's active publishing distribution. The integration of "Biblio3" with Klett-Verlag Group's SAP systems is another key focus. Klett-Cotta uses the Cloud version of "Biblio3", which relieves the publisher of all technical IT tasks.Using a phase model, the introduction of the title management system, ONIX reporting functionality and product marketing, as well as the management of the manufacturing process and the publishing rights area will be put into operation step by step. Furthermore, the modules for royalty calculation and license sales will be made available for Klett-Cotta.Dr. Andreas Falkinger, Head of Sales of Klett-Cotta, and also responsible for IT in this capacity, sees clear advantages in the use of the system: "'Biblio3' combines the management of assets and contents with the management of metadata in one application, and therefore represents an important foundation for our working processes. We promise an increase in the efficiency of our working processes through the integration. All employees will be equipped with the 'Biblio3' system, which will have a positive effect on communication and the availability of information."Carl-Hubertus Mann, Director of Sales and Business Development Publishing at Arvato Systems: "With Klett-Cotta, we gained an innovative and versatile publisher as a customer, which we are very happy about. The versatility of the "Biblio3" publishing solution is clear in its introduction for both Klett-Cotta's book and magazine areas and for the fiction as well as textbook programs."Arvato Systems will present the innovations of the ground-breaking publishing solution "Biblio3" at this year's Frankfurt Book Fair. Visit the Arvato booth at the Frankfurt Book Fair in Hall 4.0 Booth F10.Contact person at Klett-Cotta:Dr. Andreas Falkinger, a.falkinger@klett-cotta.deContact person at Arvato Systems:Carl-Hubertus Mann, carl-hubertus.mann@bertelsmann.deAbout "Biblio3":"Biblio3" is a comprehensive publishing solution for managing business processes, content and metadata. Arvato Systems' publishing-savvy IT specialists guide their publishing customers through the implementation and support them after "Biblio3" goes live.About Klett-Cotta:The publisher Klett-Cotta publishes a book and magazine program with a wide range of topics: from literature and fantasy to general non-fiction, from history, politics and philosophy to psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, psychology and education.About Arvato Systems:As a global next-generation IT systems integrator, Arvato Systems focuses on solutions that support our customers' digital transformation.We use the know-how and extensive technical insight of more than 3,000 employees in over 25 locations worldwide. Together with Arvato, a Bertelsmann Group company, we are able to develop complete value-added chains. The Arvato Systems team develops future-oriented solutions that make our customers more agile and competitive, while also exploring innovative business models. In addition, we integrate suitable digital processes and provide system operation and management services.Arvato Systems offers impressive solutions with a unique combination of international IT engineering excellence, the open mindset of a global player, and the passionate commitment of our employees. We build personal business relationships with a focus on partnership with our clients. This allows us to achieve sustainable success together. IT.arvato.com>> Top Employers Institute: Arvato Systems is one of the Top Employers of 2016!Arvato Systems GmbHAn der Autobahn 200D-33333 GuterslohMarcus MetznerChief Marketing OfficerPhone: +49 5241 80-88242Fax: +49 5241 80-9568E-Mail:press@arvato-systems.deWeb:
InventionHome Completes 245th Invention Marketing/Licensing Agreement

www.inventionhome.com

www.ishowonline.com

June 29, 2016  Pittsburgh, PAInventionHome is excited to announce that their licensing staff has completed their 245th marketing/licensing agreement for the safety device, LockingStraps Latch.Designed by New Jersey inventor Yanira, LockingStraps Latch inhibits access to cabinets, refrigerators, washing machines, dryers and more. It is so easy for parents or caregivers to use in restricting access for small children and toddlers. No tools or hardware are needed.InventionHomes efforts brought exposure to this very practical household product, ultimately leading to this marketing agreement.About InventionHomeInventionHome is an invention and product marketing company focused on helping inventors and entrepreneurs through the invention and patent process with the ultimate goal of licensing or wholesaling their clients inventions. For more information, visitor connect through Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Google+. See more products ator inventionhomeproducts.com.275 Center RdMonroeville PA 15146
Visual Arts and Culture at Hawkfield Gallery Fine Arts Consultants Review

The landscape of the art industry continually changes due to the rapid evolution of technology. Technological innovations have provided artists with new tools to express themselves and their ideas. Though the digital art was of great deal in this modern era, traditional art still remains vital to a society and to a countrys culture.If you are an art lover and a collector visiting Massachusetts, you won't want to miss exploring Hawkfield Consultants Gallery which is located along Bostons South Shore, midway between Cape Cod and Boston. The gallery is open for viewing by appointment and features an eclectic variety of American fine arts and folk arts from 20th and 21st century. Bronze sculptures, mini decorative carved decoys of birds and American impressionism are among the many amazing works displayed in Hawkfield artworks section.You are welcome to visit and browse their online art catalogue which contains clear and realistic images of artworks available for sale. Art consultants of Hawkfield will gladly assist you throughout the whole process whether you are going to sell your artwork or buy one. Each of the artworks displayed on their site has corresponding prices and specifications. Hawkfield Gallery uses a sales comparison approach and considers recent auction results when determining the fair market value of an artwork.The gallery is managed by Sally Caverly  an art lover, researcher and conservationist who spends more than two decades collecting impressive arts. She holds a B.A degree in Marketing and later on marched for a Masters degree in Education. Moreover, Sally serves as a Market Research Division Director of a major publishing house.Visit the About the Gallery page of the Hawkfields site to get an idea to the type of service the gallery provides as well as the artists they seek and represented.The landscape of the art industry continually changes due to the rapid evolution of technology.2047 Ruckman Road Oklahoma City, OK
Infrastructure Developments Signal Revitalisation for Brisbane City

http://www.qldinfrastructure.com.au

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Brisbane is soon to boast the best runway system in the world with the construction of the New Parallel Runway (NPR), the biggest aviation project in Australia, currently underway.The 2nd Annual Queensland Infrastructure Project Conference sets the stage for discussions about the exciting new venture which is expected to deliver an economic benefit of around $5 billion per year by 2035 to the region.In 2016 Brisbane ranked third among domestic airports with passenger movements of 1.54 million. Sydney remained Australias busiest domestic airport with 2.34 million passenger movements, followed by Melbourne with 2.15 million passenger movements.With the construction of the second runway at Brisbane Airport, international flights are expected to rise dramatically, growing from 227 000 in 2014-15 to over 360 000 by 2035. The runway will accommodate the same capacity as Singapore and Hong Kong airports, taking its crown as the best runway system in Australia. The number of annual passengers will rise from 22 million in 2014 to approximately 50 million by 2035.The project has seen 360 hectares of soft marshland reclaimed through the pumping of 11 million cubic metres of sand onto the site which, over the course of four years, will form a solid foundation for the runway.Throughout the process, the project will create 2,700 construction jobs. Additionally, 7,800 jobs are expected to be generated for the Brisbane and Moreton region by 2035 due to additional capacity.While the NPR is considered the biggest aviation project in Australia, the airport has approximately 100 concurrent construction projects underway throughout the next 10 years. These redevelopments will look to meet the forecast increase in demand through redevelopments focusing on major new access roads, terminal and apron pavement expansions, new aircraft taxi lanes, new aircraft parking bays and the establishment of a thriving retail centre and aeronautical training precinct.Despite major airport expansions, the project will also look to reduce noise exposure to the Brisbane community, especially at night.Brisbane Airport is also set to be regarded as a world-best digital airport. Innovative digital solutions will enable improved international travel experiences through developments such as the new Brisbane Airport App and Digital Departure Card initiative which allows flyers to record and save their personal information between visits, streamlining necessary departure procedures.New Parallel Runway Project Director Paul Coughlan from the Brisbane Airport Corporation will present an overview of the project, unveiling the latest updates at the Queensland Infrastructure Project Conference.Alongside the airport redevelopment, the city will also see major improvements to the Brisbane River through the Cross River Rail Project, a high priority infrastructure project which will unlock rail capacity throughout South East Queensland.With more than $10 billion in infrastructure projects invested into Brisbane city over the next few years, the Cross River Rail Project forms a major part of the upcoming transformation of the States transport capacity.The Cross River Rail project will connect the northern and southern rail networks, easing congestion and improving network reliability. A 10.2 kilometre link will expand from Dutton Park to Bowen Hills and a 5.9 kilometre tunnel will reach under the Brisbane River and CBD.According to Deputy Premier and Infrastructure Minister Jackie Trad, the Cross River Rail project will boost the economy by $70 billion after four decades, creating 84 000 jobs over the same period, linking residential growth areas to key employment hubs.Cross River Rail Project Director Gavin Nicholls from the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning will discuss the timeline of the project and outline key features as well as network and economic benefits of this state defining project at the Queensland Infrastructure Project Conference.Other exciting projects on the cards for Brisbane include the Queens Wharf Brisbane Integrated Resort Development, the Northshore Hamilton urban renewal precinct and the Brisbane Metro Subway system.The 2nd annual Queensland Infrastructure Projects Conference will take place on the 25th & 26th of October at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.More at:About ExpotradeExpotrade is a global conference and event organizer with its head office based in Melbourne, Australia. Expotrade has delivered some of the largest, most successful B2B industry conferences and events in the areas of infrastructure, major projects, sustainability, technology & architecture. For almost 10 years, our unique blend of knowledge, experience and flexibility has accomplished an array of consistently top quality events. Today, Expotrade events enjoy such a distinctive edge, they are amongst the best patronised in the calendar.For more information, visitSuite 1, Level 1, 2 Brandon Park DriveWheelers Hill VIC 3150 AustraliaTel: +613-95450360 Fax: +613-95450320
Asia-Pacific Underground Coal Gasification Market Analysis and Forecast, 2014-2020

http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-ap-173

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Global energy demand had seen an exponential growth over the decade due to changing lifestyle. At the time when natural gas prices witnessing fluctuation and coal resources are depleting, the world is witnessing a significant gap between demand and supply of energy. Though as per World Coal Association, global coal reserves are estimated to be 861 tonne and accounts to 42% of total world electricity production; the year on year growth for coal consumption was highest in FY 2013, making it the highest since 1970. The demand for coal consumption is increasing every year thereby leading to depletion of coal reserves at an alarming rate. Moreover, most regions are economically unviable to extract coal from its bed. It is due to this reason that companies are looking for alternative solution that can lead to harnessing the total potential of coal, without disturbing the ecological balance.Underground coal gasification (UCG) is an industrial process by which coal is gasified under intense heat and atmospheric pressure. This enables the production of synthetic gas, constituents of carbon monoxide and hydrogen, which are extracted through a well and utilized in various sectors, ranging from power generation to biodiesel and fertilizer production. Though this concept is not new to the market, little progress has been achieved in this sector, primarily due to low R&D. However, with growing energy consumption and fluctuating oil prices, industries are focusing on UCG to offer clean, efficient and cost-effective energy to various industries.Request Free Report Sample@Asia-Pacific is projected as the largest market for underground coal gasification over the next 5 years due to impressive growth in end-use industries ranging from power to chemicals. China along with India, and Australia are key markets for underground coal gasification projects. China is the largest producer as well as the largest consumer of coal based energy. It consumes almost half of the total coal production to meet its energy demand. China has conducted 17 UCG trials since 1991 to check the economic viability of UCG. Major power generating enterprise SinoCoking Coal is planning to harness coal reserves in Henan Province which was abruptly shut down because of strict environmental compliance set up by Chinese government. UCG is an environmental friendly approach that empowers companies to scale high power generation. With worlds most populated country, China offers a vibrant platform for energy sector companies to set up their base in China and thereby meet the growing demand of energy in China. Recently, China signed a whooping US $ 1.5 billion major pact with UK for commercial development of UCG in interiors of Mongolia.Next prominent market is India. In India, mining contributes 10% of Indias GDP. With vast coal reserves, India is looking towards harnessing coal without disturbing ecological balance. There are also some sites which are economically nonviable to mine. Though Indias untapped 88.6 billion tonnes of non-metallurgical coal is found at a depth of 300 to 1200 metre is economically nonviable; UCG makes it economically sound option. Coal India Limited is trying to push the UCG technology to harness the coal in Kaitha (Jharkhand) and Thesgora (Madhya Pradesh) area. These two promising region is expected to generate high return on investment (ROI) by FY 2025.Request For TOC@Next prominent destination is Australia. In Australia, most companies are undertaking R&D to fully harness the concept of UCG. At present, three major UCG trials is being conducted by Linc Energy, Cougar Energy, and Carbon Energy at Queensland. Australian government is paying a vigil eye on these projects until the technology is commercially proven.SinoCoking Coal, Cougar Energy, Carbon Energy, Linc Energy, and ONGC are key market players that have conducted pilot projects on UCG technology.Future is optimistic for underground coal gasification. With major innovations going around globally, it is expected to meet the needs of people in oil shortage region. Regions including APAC, and Africa will be a future market for underground coal gasification segments.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Market Intelligence Luxury Products for Kids, 2014-2020

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Luxury goods comprises of products such as accessories, footwear, apparel, watches and others which are quite expensive and target those consumers who belongs to premium class. The market for luxury goods consist of three types of end consumers, which includes kids lying between the age of 0-12 years, teenagers belonging to the age group of 13 to 19 years and the rest lies in adult group.Whereaskidsare concerned they are the smallest consumer group. Although being a smaller consumer group, the luxury products market for kids is experiencing tremendous growth in recent years due to changing consumer lifestyle and availability of the product. It is expected that spend on luxury shopping by consumers will grow by 25% in 2015. Luxury products for kids market is associated with higher margin as compared to adults luxury products segment. It has been found that babysluxury product accounted for more than 7.2% market share of luxury market in 2014. Luxury product market highly depends upon thefactors such as attractivemarketing, promotion techniques and proper distribution channel.Luxury products market for kids can be broadly segmented on the basis of product type, distribution channel and geographies. On the basis of product types it can be subsegmented into accessories, apparels and footwear. Among all these sub segments apparel market is expected to account for highest market share followed by footwear sub segment. The growth of apparel segment is fuelled by the frequently changing fashion and continuous need for new clothing for growing children. In 2014, U.S. and European market account for the most dominating market for apparel.Request Free Report Sample@The market for luxury baby product also depends upon the mode of distribution channel used for offering products to the consumers. The mode of Distribution channel is segmented into retail outlets, sell out through internet, companys brand outlet and others. Among all these distribution channel online retailing is expected to be most preferred mode for distribution in the forecasted period. This ishis is due to consumer convenience preferences and availability of the products at lower price. Furthermore, the second most preferred mode is expected to be the companys brand retail outlets as they provide better offerings at less price.Furthermore, the luxury products market for kids inAsia pacific is expected to account for fastest CAGR in the forecasted period as compared to other regions. This is because the growth in luxury expenditure is expected to increase by 40% by 2020.In addition, countries such as Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore and are expected to contribute a significant share to overall Asia Pacific luxury products market for kids. Whereas, spending from China is expected to witness a fastest growth in Asia Pacific.It is predicted to boost the customer base and prominent contributor in the revenue of global luxury products market for kids.Moreover, presently North America and Western Europe dominate the total luxury products market for kids due to high purchasing power of consumers. These regions are expected to witness a slow growth as compared to the growth exhibited by countries in Asia Pacific.The key factors driving the growth of luxury products market for kids includes continuous innovation in products sub segments, rising disposable income, changing consumer lifestyle, awareness of products through internet and social media, improving countries economy, influence of the consumers through their peers, friends or neighbours, and others .Request For TOC@However, there are some restraining factors which are affecting the growth for luxury products market for kids which include the expensive price range for consumers in emerging markets and less product variants availability across the distribution channel. Moreover, internet being a prominent medium for distribution of the luxury goods is expected to witness low adoption among the consumers in emerging markets. Thisis due to less internet penetration in these markets.Initially the market for luxury baby products was dominated by specialty retailers such as Childrens Place The Walt Disney Company, Mothercare plc, The Gymboree Corporation and others. However, with the increase in premium consumers leading to a shift in consumer buying behavior, due to this various companies have entered the market which includes GAPInc, J Crew Group, Inc, DKNY, Gucci Group, Diesel,Dolce &Gabbana, United Colors of Benetton, Jack & Jill clothing Inc,Giorgio Armani S.p.A, BLOCH, Burberry Group plc, Converse, Christian Dior S.A, FENDI and others.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
APAC Solar Micro Inverters Market Forecast By End-use Industry 2014-2020

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The first commercially successful micro inverter was launched by Enphase in 2008, which played a key role in popularising solar micro inverters globally. Currently, the global market comprises numerous domestic as well as international players supplying quality micro inverters.Modularity, safety, and maximum energy harvest will continue to drive the market at a considerable pace through 2020. Till recent years, the demand for micro inverters was highly restricted to North America. However, the market is gradually shifting toward commercial applications, and witnessing expansion in most of the developed as well as developing regions outside the U.S.Adoption of solar micro inverters has gained momentum in the recent past, resulting in a growing market in developing nations, including Asia Pacific. Improved device features and enhanced efficiency are currently pushing the market in APAC, which is projected to continue in the near future as well, creating a lucrative market for micro inverters on a global level.APAC Solar Micro Inverters Market: Key DriversDeclining Prices to Push DemandThe market is currently growing at a considerable pace. Persistent advances in R&D of solar micro inverters and substantial reduction in costs of micro inverters are estimated to boost the market during the forecast period.Size and Modularity to Impact Maximum ApplicationsCompact size and high modularity of solar micro inverters make them ideal for residential applications. These two are the key drivers why micro inverters are currently gaining an impetus at a global level.Request Free Report Sample@Superiority over Conventional Inverters is a Key DriverSolar micro inverters are superior over conventional centralised or string inverters in various ways.Unlike string inverters, micro inverters are tolerant to shade and do not let the power generation performance of individual solar panels drop, even if the area surrounding them is shady. This character is identified as one of the key factors positively influencing the demand for micro inverters when it comes to their efficiency.Contrary to centralised inverters, solar micro inverters are compact in size and do not need separate air cooling, resulting in lesser heat loss. This is another factor fuelling the demand for micro inverters in the market.Moreover, a broken string or centralised inverter faces halted performance merely due to a defect in one panel, whereas a defective panel in a micro inverter does not degrade the performance of the entire system because the system architecture allows individual panel monitoring. The maximum power is generated through MPPT. This has been an important driver in popularising micro inverters over the years.Higher Costs Can Create ChallengesHowever, relatively higher initial costs associated with installation and replacement of micro inverts may continue to create a major roadblock for solar micro inverters from becoming a widely commonplace device across Asia Pacific. Furthermore, installation of micro inverters requires the installation of another extra monitoring device - a communication bus, in addition to the basic common monitoring system. This in turn adds up to the final costs.APAC Solar Micro Inverters Market SegmentationFMIs research offers a six-year forecast, segmenting the APAC market for solar micro inverters based on the type, consumer, and application.Based on the type, the market is segmented into standalone solar micro inverter market and grid tied solar micro inverter market. On the basis of consumers, the solar micro inverter market in Asia Pacific is segmented as urban and rural. The urban segment dominates the market owing to rising awareness about alternate energy usage and growing population density in urban areas.According to the application, the solar micro inverters market in APAC is segmented as residential and commercial. As micro inverters are economically lesser affordable compared to other traditional inverters, their residential applications find a lower market share in economically sensitive regions in Asia Pacific. However, the commercial solar micro inverter market application currently dominates the market.Market to Explore Untapped Growth Opportunities in APACAlthough the U.S. is a leading market for solar micro inverters, adoption of solar micro inverters is expected to gain traction in Asia Pacific, especially in India, Japan, and Australia. Soaring fuel prices, burgeoning demand for power supply, and favourable government policies are currently driving the market in APAC.Regional Analysis: APAC Solar Micro Inverters MarketIndia, owing to the availability of ample renewable energy sources, captures a prominent position in the APAC market for micro inverters. Growing awareness about benefits of micro inverters and widespread adoption of renewable energy sources for agriculture are expected to fuel the demand for solar micro inverters across India. The Union Budget of India for 2014-15 has clearly indicated emphasis on using solar for electricity generation. This is a key factor, anticipated to provide momentum to the market for micro inverters in and post-2016.Request For TOC@Japan, despite representing a key residential market potential, has been facing limited micro inverter shipments. Stringent certification norms are anticipated to govern the Japanese market but domestic suppliers are expected to encounter growing opportunities.Australia is a relatively emerging market for photovoltaics, which makes it an unestablished market for string and centralised inverters. The Australian market, since the past few years, has been reflecting growing demand for micro inverters and FMIs research indicates string growth prospects for micro inverter suppliers. Recently, Enphase announced to commercially launch their AC battery first in Australia, later this year. ARENA Australia, through ample of renewable energy funds, will continue to provide an additional thrust to the market.In addition, there are other expanding market, including Malaysia, Indonesia, and Philippines. Malaysia hosts several off-grid projects, whereas Indonesia is up for a thousand islands project. Philippines is also continually initiating multiple rural electrification projects. Utility companies located in all the three countries are currently prioritising rural electrification.Key Players in APAC Solar Micro Inverters MarketKey participants in the Asia Pacific market for solar micro inverters, include Enphase Energy, Solar Bridge Technologies, SolarEdge, Green Ray Solar, and Enecsys.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comPress@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite:
Worldwide Geogrids Market will hit USD 1,500.0 Million by 2021

Geogrids Market

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The report covers forecast and analysis for the geogrids market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2015 along with a forecast from 2015 to 2021 based revenue (USD Million). The study includes drivers and restraints for the market along with the impact they have on the demand over the forecast period. Additionally, the report includes study of opportunities available in the geogrids market on a global level.In order to give the users of this report a comprehensive view on the geogrids 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 geogrids market has also been included. The study encompasses a market attractiveness analysis, wherein application segments are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate and general attractiveness.Get a copy of free Sample Report @The study provides a decisive view on the geogrids market by segmenting the market based on application and region. Applications such as road industry, rail road stabilization, soil reinforcement, retaining walls and others. All the segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends and the market is estimated from 2015 to 2021. 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.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include NAUE GmbH & Co. KG, Tensar International Corporation, ACE Geosynthetics Enterprise Co., Ltd., Low & Bonar PLC and Strata Systems among others.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @This report segments the geogrids market as follows:Geogrids Market: Applications Segment AnalysisRailroad stabilizationRoad IndustrySoil ReinforcementRetaining WallsOthersGeogrids Market: Regional Segment AnalysisRead Report TOCNorth AmericaUSEuropeGermanyFranceUKAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East and AfricaAbout A to Z ResearchA to Z 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. A to Z Research 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 US3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442, USATel: +1-386-310-3803GMTTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No.1-855-465-465Email: martin@atozresearch.comWebsite:
Worldwide Metabolomics Market which is worth USD 2,500.0 Million in 2021

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The report covers forecast and analysis for the metabolomics market on a global and regional level. According to the report, the global demand for metabolomics was valued at over USD 675.0 million in 2015 and it is expected to reach above USD 2,500.0 million in 2021, growing at a CAGR of above 25.0% between 2016 and 2021.The study includes drivers and restraints for the market along with the impact they have on the demand over the forecast period. Additionally, the report includes study of opportunities available in the metabolomics market on a global level.In order to give the users of this report a comprehensive view on the metabolomics 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 metabolomics market has also been included. The study encompasses a market attractiveness analysis, wherein technology segments are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate and general attractiveness.Get a copy of free Sample Report @Metabolites are substances or compounds found in the cell, they are intermediate products catalyzed by enzymes in the metabolism process. Signaling molecules, hormones, metabolic intermediates and secondary metabolites are some of the types of metabolites. Metabolism is the process to maintain living state of cell. Metabolism can be either anabolism or catabolism. Anabolism is the process in which certain compounds are synthesized that is required for cells to process, while breakdown of molecules for releasing energy is the catabolism. Metabolome is total set of metabolites present in a single organism. Metabolomics is study of chemical reactions related to metabolites and a field of analytical biochemistry. Metabolomics is used to compute and recognize the metabolites present in the cell via analytical technologies together with multi variant and statistical method for data interpretation.Increasing scope of toxicological studies, clinical trials, rise in awareness for health and government and institution funds for research is expected to drive the demand for the metabolomics market. Lack of adoption of metabolomics technology and complexity of the process can hamper the metabolomics market. Increasing research and development expenditure and existing demand from emerging economies and is likely to open new market avenues in the near future.Browse detail report with in-depth TOC @The metabolomics market is segmented on the basis of technology, indication, application and region. Mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, high performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy are some of the major segments based on technology. High performance liquid chromatography was largest technology segment for metabolomics market. Drug discovery, biomarker and nutrigenomics are some of the key application markets for metabolomics. Drug discovery emerged as dominating segment due to its significant role in optimization, prioritization and drug target validation and identification for research. Cardiology and oncology are the indication for metabolomics.The study provides a decisive view on the metabolomics market is segmented on basis of technology, indication, application and region. High performance liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry, capillary electrophoresis, gas chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy are the technologies for metabolomics market. Applications include drug discovery, biomarker and nutrigenomics. Cardiology and oncology are the indication for metabolomics. All the segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends and the market is estimated from 2015 to 2021.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.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include Danaher Corporation, Bruker Corporation, Waters Corporation, Metabolon, Inc., Agilent Technologies, Thermo Fisher Scientific and Shimadzu Corporation among others.Read Report TOCThis report segments for metabolomics market as follows:Metabolomics Market: Technology Segment AnalysisHigh performance liquid chromatographyMass spectrometryCapillary electrophoresisGas chromatographyNuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopyMetabolomics Market: Indication Segment AnalysisCardiologyOncologyMetabolomics Market: Application Segment AnalysisDrug discoveryBiomarkerNutrigenomicsMetabolomics Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaUSEuropeGermanyFranceUKAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaLatin AmericaBrazilMiddle East and AfricaAbout A to Z ResearchA to Z 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. A to Z Research 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 US3422 SW 15 Street,Suit #8138,Deerfield Beach,Florida 33442, USATel: +1-386-310-3803GMTTel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No.1-855-465-465Email: martin@atozresearch.comWebsite:
Global Polysorbate-80 Market: Proliferating Adoption of Bio-based Products to Lift Demand for Polysorbate-80, finds TMR

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The mounting demand for polysorbate-80 from various end-use industries is likely to boost the growth of the market in the long term, states Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a new report. The report is titled, Polysorbate-80 Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 20162024.Download exclusive Sample of this report:The report presents a detailed description of the growth trajectory of the global polysorbate-80 market along with an in-depth assessment of the predominant trends and opportunities for growth in the future. It further evaluates the dynamics positively or negatively affecting the global polysorbate-80 market. The study provides an estimate of the revenue and volume growth of the market.The study further provides a comprehensive overview of the competitive landscape of the global polysorbate-80 market utilizing Porters five forces analysis. Information on the degree of barriers to entry and exit has also been provided in the report. Leading companies operating in the global polysorbate-80 market and their strategies, product description, and share in the market have further been evaluated in the report. According to the report, the rising application of polysrobate-80 as a non-ionic surfactant in bio therapeutic products is expected to open new opportunities for manufacturers to capitalize on.Polysorbate-80 finds application in end-use industries such as pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and personal care and cosmetics. It is used in the manufacturing of products such as bath oils, suntan lotions, cold creams, and baby lotions as polysorbate-80 has the ability to be absorbed by most surfaces and stabilize proteins. The demand for polysorbate-80 is significantly high from the food and beverages industry as it is an important additive used for the manufacturing of ice cream as it helps prevent products from melting easily. The polysorbate-80 market is likely to receive a shot in the arm owing to the rising popularity of bio-based products and the growing use of polysorbate-80 in the manufacturing of these products.The study states that polysorbate-80 is extracted from several natural sources such as turkey-red oil and coconut oil. However, the decreasing availability of these resources is likely to act as a barrier to the growth of the global polysorbate-80 market. Furthermore, some products containing polysorbate-80 were reported to have caused skin irritation and disorders, thus impelling consumers to opt for available synthetic substitutes.Browse Full Report With ToC:Based on source, the global polysorbate-80 market is segmented into synthetic source, plants source, and animal source. The plant source segment is sub-segmented into bay tree, palm, and olive whereas the animals source segment is sub-divided into pig fat, cow fat, and sheep fat. Geographically, the report classifies the global polysorbate-80 market into Asia Pacific excluding Japan, Middle East and Africa, Japan, Western and Eastern Europe, North America, and Latin America. The key players in the global polysorbate-80 market are Mukasa Distributors Ltd., Reachin Chemical Co., Ltd., Shine-Sarod Nigeria Limited, Solenis, Mohini Organics Pvt. Ltd., Huyze Bladelin, and Croda International plc. 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. 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:
Chinese treasures win over Peru

From:chinadaily.com.cn | 2016-10-12 10:46

Chinese ambassador to Peru Jia Guide addresses the opening ceremony. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

Besides being the Year of China-Latin America Cultural Exchange, 2016 marks the 45th anniversary of the establishment of China-Peru diplomatic relations.

To deepen mutual understanding and friendship, an exhibition of Chinese treasures titled "Long Distance Separates No Bosom Friends" opened at Perus National Archaeological, Anthropological and Historical Museum in Lima, on October 7. It will wrap up on December 8.

More than 300 guests attended the opening ceremony and later visited the exhibition, including officials, university presidents, sinologists and archaeologists.

"The exhibition perfectly shows close friends always go the extra mile for each other. It is the fruit of the one-year cooperation between China and Peru. As the biggest cultural event jointly held by the two, the exhibition is the highlight of the 2016 China-Latin America Cultural Exchange Year," Chinese ambassador to Peru Jia Guide said. According to Peru's Minister of Culture, Jorge Nieto, Chinese people have been migrating to Peru since the 19th century. China and Peru have been doing business and sharing cultures since then. Jorge spoke highly of the exhibition and looked forward to President Xi's visit soon.

"We cherry picked 121 exhibits from museums across China. They are from prehistoric times to the Qing Dynasty, including terracotta figures, jade wares, bronze antiques and ceramics," Deputy Director of Art Exhibitions China, Zhou Ming noted. "They speak volumes about our time-honored and profound civilization. We hope Peruvians realize that and sense our sincerity. "

The curator of the host museum said, "Due to our physical distance, Peru rarely has the opportunity to admire Chinese treasures so close." He also reviewed both countries' civilizations and their communication via the Maritime Silk Road.

Chinese President Xi Jinping proposed the 2016 China-Latin America Cultural Exchange Year in July 2014. China and 30 Latin American and Caribbean countries have been organizing performances, forums, book festivals, movie showings and exhibitions throughout the year. As President Xi said, friendship between countries is based on their peoples congeniality, which can only be fostered by communicating.

Peru's Minister of Culture Jorge Nieto gives a speech. [Photo/ Chinaculture.org]

Deputy Director Zhou Ming of the Art Exhibitions China delivers a speech. [Photo/ Chinaculture.org]

Curator of Peru's National Archaeological, Anthropological and Historical Museum speaks to the crowd. [Photo/ Chinaculture.org]

Visitors admire an exhibit. [Photo/ Chinaculture.org]

A terracotta warrior on a bended knee. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

An exquisite enamel wine container. [Photo/ Chinaculture.org]
Global Streak Camera Market 2016 by Regions, Manufacturers, Types and Applications

Streak Camera Market

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Global Streak Camera Industry Report 2016 is a professional and deep research report in this field. For overview analysis, the report introduces Streak Camera basic information including definition, classification, application, industry chain structure, industry overview, policy analysis, and news analysis, etc.Read Complete Report @For technical data and manufacturing plants analysis, the report analyzes Streak Camera leading suppliers on capacity, commercial production date, manufacturing plants distribution, R&D status, technology sources, and raw materials sources.The Streak Camera Report important aspects like development Trends , Capacity Production Overview,Production Market Share Analysis, Demand Overview and Supply Demand.Each market segment is then analyzed considering its contribution in terms of volume produced (in kilo tons) and the revenue it generates (in US$).The past price of 2013-2015 and future price of 2016-2020 are analyzed according to the supply-demand relation, as well as perspectives and forecasts.For industry chain analysis, the report covers Streak Camera upstream raw materials, equipment, downstream client survey, marketing channels, industry development trend and proposals, which more specifically include valuable information on Streak Camera key applications and consumption, key regions and consumption, key global distributors , major raw materials suppliers and contact information, major manufacturing equipment suppliers and contact information, major suppliers and contact Information, key consumers and contact information, and supply chain relationship analysis.This report also presents Streak Camera product specification, manufacturing process, and product cost structure etc. Production is separated by regions, technology and applications. In the end, the report includes Streak Camera new project SWOT analysis, investment feasibility analysis, investment return analysis, and development trend analysis.Request for Sample Report @In conclusion, it is a deep research report on global Streak Camera industry. Here, we express our thanks for the support and assistance from Streak Camera industry chain related technical experts and marketing engineers during research teams survey and interviews.Data source: customs database, industry association, expert interview and network information, etc.MarketResearchStore is a single destination for all the industry, company and country reports. We feature large repository of latest industry reports, leading and niche company profiles, and market statistics released by reputed private publishers and public organizations.Contact UsJoel JohnTel: +1-386-310-3803GMT Tel: +49-322 210 92714USA/Canada Toll Free No. 1-855-465-4651Email: sales@marketresearchstore.com
Autonomous Vehicles Market to register a healthy CAGR for the forecast period, 2016-2026

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Autonomous vehicles also known as robot cars are driverless vehicles, controlled by the computer, which is yet to be commercialized in the market. Autonomous vehicles have sensors installed in it, which detects the objects in its surroundings via radar, GPS, lasers and computer vision and chooses the appropriate path and direction. With the increasing road accidents due to human error while driving provides lucrative opportunities for autonomous vehicles over the forecast period, as the autonomous vehicles are comparatively safe when compared with manually controlled vehicles. The autonomous vehicles will also help in reducing the CO2 emissions to the environment. The commercialization of autonomous vehicles will also contribute to the revenue growth of different industries such as, IT, technology and electronics. The use of autonomous vehicles are not limited to passenger cars, it can be used in industrial fleet, construction, public transportation and for agricultural applications. The merits of an autonomous vehicle over manually operated vehicles are, increased fuel efficiency, safety and low emissions among others. Considering the aforementioned factors, the global autonomous vehicles market will project a healthy growth rate over the forecast period.The global autonomous vehicles market is primarily driven by the numerous advantages of an autonomous vehicle such as increased safety reduced driving stress, efficient parking reducing the costs, fuel efficiency, reduced CO2 emissions to the environment and increasing geriatric population will have a positive impact on the global autonomous vehicles market. Apart from the aforementioned factors, the autonomous vehicles will have a positive impact on the economy as a whole. However, the data security concerns might pose as a restrain to the global autonomous vehicles market as the controlling software can be hacked by unauthorized parties, and input spurious information to the system.Request Free Report Sample@The global autonomous market is segmented based on level of automation, application and region. Based on automation level, the global autonomous vehicles market can be segmented into Driver Assistance, Partial Automation, Conditional Automation, High Automation and Full Automation. Based on applications, the global autonomous vehicles market can be segmented into Passenger Cars, Public Transportation, Industrial fleet, Construction and Agricultural applicationsBased on the geographic regions, global autonomous vehicles market is segmented into seven key market segments namely North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. Among the aforementioned regions, the Western Europe market holds the largest share of global autonomous vehicles market, due to the higher adoption of autonomous vehicles in the region. North American market for autonomous vehicles is trailing behind the Western European market. Over the forecast period, China in the Asia-Pacific market will surpass the European as well as American market for autonomous vehicles. The adoption of autonomous vehicle in the developing economies such as Latin America and MEA will be low as compared to other region. Overall, the global autonomous vehicle market will project a healthy CAGR over the forecasted period considering its tremendous advantages over conventional vehicles and impact on environment.Visit For TOC@Autonomous Vehicles Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players identified in the global autonomous vehicles market are Google, BMW AG, Mercedes-Benz, Tesla Motors, Audi AG among others.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:
Mobile Medical Apps Market: Emerging Technology in Healthcare Sector

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Healthcare industry has exhibited the need for such innovative technologies. Smart phones are playing a vital role in healthcare industry by making medical services easier and even replacing some of the work that would have previously been done on laptops or desktop computers.The worldwide market for mobile medical apps is growing significantly in developed economies like US and Europe as a significant number of healthcare professionals are using mobile phone medical applications in everyday business activities. Compared to other mobile phone apps segments, there is sluggish growth in popularity of medical apps; however, it is expected to grow rapidly in the coming few years due to increasing dependence on medical apps for patient health monitoring.Smart phones and other mobile apps are largely used in various areas of healthcare like health education, health management, data management, health information, and relative workflow processes. Variety of mobile phone apps have been developed to monitor the health of patients and provide the relative data to physicians. The modern age technology is driving the market growth as it saves time and proves much beneficial in providing medical care to patients in remote areas.Inquire for PDF Sample Copy of this Professional and Technical Insights This research report also includes complete analysis of current market trends, industry drivers, factors limiting market growth, industry structure, and market projections for upcoming years. The Report also provides analysis of recent technological developments in this industry, Porters five force model analysis, and complete company profiles of top industry players.This report includes review of micro and macro factors significant for existing market players and new entrants with value chain analysis.Major PlayersSome of the major players dominating this industry are Apple Inc., Blackberry, Android, Nokia, Motorola, Samsung, Panasonic, Huawei, and others.Reasons for Buying this ReportIt provides overview of major market forces driving and restraining market growthIt provides complete analysis of major competitors and their business strategiesThis research report provides pin point analysis of changing competition dynamics and keeps you ahead in the competitionThe report provides technological growth map over time and explains its impact on industryIt helps in making informed business decisions by having complete insights of market and by making in-depth analysis of latest market trendsThe report provides distinctive graphics and exemplified SWOT analysis of major market segmentsThe report helps in clearly understanding the competitive environment and key product segmentsPlace an Order for this Research Study & Avail Discounts About us:Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Submit a press release
According to New Research Study, Oncology Biosimilars Market is Expected to Witness Substantial Growth over the Forecast Period of 2016  2024

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The increasing need for cost-effective treatment methodologies will aid in the stable growth of this market during the forecast period. The high cost of branded biologic oncological drugs will force patients to shift toward biosimilars as they are highly cost-effective. Since biosimilars cost 10%-30% lesser than their parent counterparts, there is the presence of unmet medical needs for such products. This allows domestic manufacturers to market generic versions of the biologic compounds at a lower price, which in turn results in market growth.Read Report Cancer represents a massive burden on healthcare systems worldwide due to the high cost of treatment therapeutics. The patent expiry of several cancer therapeutics has allowed the entry of biosimilars, which are being incorporated into oncology treatment practices. Biosimilars are synthesized with the use of biologic components such as monoclonal antibodies, proteins, hormones, nucleic acids, colony stimulating factors, interleukins, and enzymes. The market offers huge growth opportunities for vendors because of the growing incidence of cancer. The clinical pipeline for cancer biosimilars is vast, featuring candidates in different stages of development. Around 30% of all the biosimilars that are awaiting the US FDAs approval are monoclonal antibodies, including biosimilars of Avastin, MabThera, and Herceptin.Major Players of MarketThe Major players reported in the market include Biocon, Amgen, Celltrion, Hospira, Biogen, Mylan, Pfizer, Dr. Reddys Laboratories, Roche, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), Merck, Sanofi and Sandoz.Inquire for PDF Sample Copy of this Professional Insights Factors like the arrival of new biosimilars to drive market growth during the forecast period. Unlike generic drugs, which have APIs that are identical to original drugs, biosimilars are similar to their originator biologic compounds. Biosimilars developed by different manufacturers differ from the original product as well as from each other. Since they are less expensive than biologics, patients will be able to afford and access biosimilars more easily than biologics. Rise in number of patent expiries, increase in prevalence of cancer, growing aging population, promising drug pipeline, need for cost-effective treatment, favorable government regulations are some of the key drivers promoting the growth of oncology biosimilars market.The oncology biosimilars market can be segmented by end-user, by application, and by geography. In terms of application, the oncology biosimilars market is classified into cancer treatment drugs, and supportive care drugs. In the terms of end-user, the oncology biosimilars market is classified into hospitals and retail pharmacies. Retail pharmacies occupy the largest share of 52% in the oncology biosimilars market. Retail pharmacies provide a large customer base for biosimilar drugs. Individuals with cancer require biosimilar drugs for maintenance therapy, which helps to successfully treat and prevent relapse of the disease. These drugs can also be obtained from retail pharmacies for use in hospital settings.Geographical SegmentationsGeographically, oncology biosimilars market has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. Middle East & Africa was the highest revenue contributing region in the global oncology biosimilars market. Similarly, Asia Pacific expected to witness higher growth in oncology biosimilars market due to increasing cancer prevalence in the countries like India and China. The market will typically witness a higher growth rate in countries such as the Germany, UK, Spain, Italy and France. The biosimilars market in the UK is developed and well-established, and is comparatively easy to enter, making the generic drugs market in the country stronger than in any other EU countries. The growth of this market in the region is attributed to well-defined regulatory guidelines and expiries of biologics that are anticipated to go off-patent during the forecast period.Book this Report and Get Discount Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.US Office Contact90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Live Cell Imaging Market: Rising Alarm of Cancer is one of the Major Aspects behind the Growth of Live Cell Imaging Technology

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Live cell imaging is the use of time lapse microscopy to study the living cells. The scientists use it to get a better understanding of the biological functions with the help of cellular dynamics. The live cell imaging technique is becoming increasingly popular in the healthcare industry.The Live cell imaging market can be categorized by products, by technologies, by end users and by regions. By product types, the live cell imaging market can be segmented into instruments, consumables and softwares. The instruments segment can be further sub-divided into standalone systems, cell analyzers, microscopes and image capturing devices. By technologies, the market can be segmented into fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP), fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), high content screening (HCS), fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), ratiometric imaging, total iternal reflection fluorescence microscopy (TRIF), and multiphoton excitation microscopy (MPE) among others. Furthermore, the market can be segmented by applications into pharmaceutical industry, contract research organization, government and academic organization and diagnostic laboratories.Get Exclusive Sample Copy of this Study The rising concern of cancer is one of the major factors behind the growth of increasing demand of this technology. Furthermore, the government is actively taking initiatives to fund cell based research. Moreover the live cell imaging has a wide area of application and it can used to understand dynamic processes and cellular structures. In addition, it can also be used to study cellular integrity, protein trafficking, enzyme activity, localization of molecules, exocytosis and endocytosis among others. Furthermore, the process can also be applied to monitor the molecules in live animals. Moreover, the pharmaceutical companies are increasingly using live cell imaging in research and development in order to develop new medicines. In addition, the live cell imaging is also used for high content screening.However, the cost of implementing live cell imaging is very high is acting as a restraint for the market. Moreover, the technology requires highly skilled professional in order to study and understand the cell functions. The lack of availability of skilled professional is also expected to restrain the growth of live cell imaging market. However, with increasing investments in training and development programs this factor is expected to have low impact in the long run. In addition, the live cell imaging technique is gradually being applied by pharmaceutical companies to develop personalized medicine. This demand is expected to grow in future.Live Cell Imaging Market: Geographical and Competitive DynamicsBy geography, the market can be divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the world. North America and Europe are the early adapters of technology. Furthermore, government initiatives are being taken in this region for research and development using live cell imaging. U.S. is the largest market for live cell imaging in North America. However, Asia Pacific region is expected to witness robust growth due to presence of developing nations such as India and China.The key players in the live cell imaging market are Sigma-Aldrich Corporation, Nikon Corporation, GE Healthcare, Carl Zeiss AG, Danaher Corporation, Olympus Corporation and Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc., Molecular Devices, LLC, Becton, Dickinson and Company and Perkinelmer, Inc. among others.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Customize this Study by Research Experts Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.Each TMR syndicated research report covers a different sector  such as pharmaceuticals, chemicals, energy, food & beverages, semiconductors, med-devices, consumer goods and technology. These reports provide in-depth analysis and deep segmentation to possible micro levels. With wider scope and stratified research methodology, TMRs syndicated reports strive to provide clients to serve their overall research requirement.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA  Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Cloud Business Email Market Trends and Segments 2015-2025

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With the increasing usage of the social networks, chat, conferencing on the web, instant messaging and various other means of communications that are being used by the businesses, the E-mails are the most formal communication form and have remained the most prevalent form of business environment. Cloud business E-mail is an effective business email service that allows access, storage, sending and receiving of emails without the use of hardware or complex software. The global cloud business email market is growing at a good pace holding the fact that the number of small and medium sized businesses are increasing.Cloud-based business e-mails are getting greater importance and are seeing tremendous growth year after year. Most of the providers of these services provide more than just the mails and collaboration facility that includes Unified Communications, extra storage, Social Networking, File Sync and Share and instant messaging. The email services at first were targeted only to smaller organizations of limited funds, but now cloud email is seeing strong acceptance with businesses of all sizes across globe which is raising the global cloud business e-mail market.The developing industry of cloud computing has largely affected the global cloud business email market. A lot of small business technology needs are being taken care of by the cloud computing which is growing the cloud adoptions now a days.Request Free Report Sample@Cloud Business Email Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe increasing focus of the business on the cost and succeeding diversion to the agile solutions has raised the market of cloud computing at an increasing rate which has led to the global cloud business email market penetration. The most inducing factor for the growing cloud business email market is ease of access, rapidity, and collaboration. Increasing SOHOs (Small Offices/Home Offices) and SMBs (Small and Medium Businesses) may be a driving force for the global cloud business email market. The demographic structure of the global cloud email market has shifted recently that is inducing more and more mid-sized and large organisations that are migrating to this cloud email services which is raising global cloud business email market.Apart from the countless benefits of the cloud based business emails there are some major whys and wherefores that the consumers can restrict them from using it. The major restraint in the global cloud business email market implies to be the data security problems when compared to the commonly used hardware and software systems for managing data. Personal data such as addresses, banking details, photographs and telephone numbers are examples of information that can approve somebodys individuality and is quite often confined in an email. Increasing cyber-attacks, insider threats, government intrusions, and lack of standardization of the cloud computing may pose a threat to this well growing market.Cloud Business Email Market: SegmentationOn the basis of product/service type, the global cloud business email market is segmented as Cloud Business Email Providers and Hosted Microsoft Business Partners.On the basis of application type, the global cloud business email market is segmented as Dedicated Cloud Business Email and Multi-Tenant Cloud Business EmailVisit For TOC@Cloud Business Email Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global cloud business email market is expected to register a favourable growth for the forecast period, 2015?2025. North America (United States) is expected to be the largest regional market with reference to the global cloud business email market. Europe is projected to be the second largest market followed by Asia-Pacific and ROW. Asia-Pacific is projected to endure its control on the global cloud business email market in terms of growth rate. The key countries in the mentioned region are likely to be India and China as an outcome of the increasing pace of progresses in the enterprise sector and also the need for more efficient solutions into the IT services. Japan also contributes to the global cloud business email market remarkably.Cloud Business Email Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market participants in global cloud business email market are Apptix, Google, AppRiver, NaviSite , Intermedia, Microsoft, , Rackspace, SherWeb, GoDaddy, and SilverSkyAbout 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:
Flight Tracking System Market Growth with Worldwide Industry Analysis to 2025

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Recent times, we have come across many incidents, in which, the air craft had gone missing, and it had not been able to track successfully. In 2014, Malaysian airlines flight MH370 disappeared and the tracking of the plane had become a challenge for the government for months. In last few months, the flight tracking system has improved. Across the globe, airlines are investing in the infrastructure advancements for accommodating number of solutions for flight tracking system.Satellite tracking technology has been in use for tracking aircrafts for more than 20 years. Satellite tracking system gave an ultimate solution to the flight tracking system with an apt size, weight and cost. Satellite services or antennae is integrated with the aircraft, this helps tracking of the flight easy and reliable. For example, company FLYHT has a product called as FLYHTStream tracking system, which requires installation of FLYHTs blue box. This systems provides voice and tracking capabilities for tracking the aircraft successfully.Flight Tracking System Market: Drivers and ChallengesGlobally, the demand for various flight safety and tracking system is growing, especially after a few mishaps. The integration of flight tracking system with the aircraft is fuelling the growth for the global flight tracking system market. International civil aviation organization (ICAO) has recommended to integrate the flight tracking system in the aircraft, due to which, in future, airlines are expected to integrate the flight tracking system in their aircrafts.Though, the importance of the flight tracking system is on the rise in developed economies, the system has low awareness among Asia Pacific countries. There are no stringent regulations pertaining to the integration of flight tracking system, which is inhibiting the growth of global flight tracking system market.Request Free Report Sample@Flight Tracking System Market: OverviewThe global flight tracking system market by value is expected to expand at a CAGR of around 7-9% during the forecast period (2015-2025), due to increasing demand for flight safety systems.Flight Tracking System Market: SegmentationThe global flight tracking system market can be segmented by aircraft type and by regionsBased on aircraft type, the global flight tracking system market is segmented as:Passenger FlightCargo AircraftDefence AircraftHelicopterOthersFlight Tracking System Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global flight tracking system market is expectedto register a single-digit CAGR for the forecast period. Depending on geographic regions, global flight tracking system market is segmentedinto seven key regions: North America, South America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan, and Middle East & Africa. In terms of market revenue, North America flight tracking system market is projectedto register a significant CAGR during the forecast period. Growing awareness about flight tracking system, increasing investments by airline companies in aircraft safety, are some of the factors which are fuelling the growth of flight tracking system market in North America. Western Europe and Asia Pacific are also forecast to register a significant growth in the global flight tracking system market.Visit For TOC@Flight Tracking System Market: Key PlayersSome of the key market participants in global flight tracking system market are SkyTrac Systems Ltd, FlightStats, Spidertracks, Blue Sky Network, FLYHT, etc.About Us:Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.Contact 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:
Releases New Report on the Global Soy Protein Ingredient Market

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Soybean is processed primarily into three forms which includes soy protein isolates comprise ~90% protein, soy protein concentrates with ~70% protein, and soy flour with ~50% protein. Soy protein ingredient is considered to be the best substitute for animal protein. Soy protein ingredient comprises amino acids and are also rich in fiber, calcium, iron, potassium, polyunsaturated fats and lecithin, magnesium and vitamin B. Thus it contains high health-related benefits and functional properties. Due to its characteristics it primarily used as emulsifier, gel, tenderizer, binder, stabilizer, and thickener by food and beverages processing industry. Soy protein ingredients are also environmental friendly as they require less amount of water while processing.Soy Protein Ingredient Market SegmentationOn the basis of type soy protein ingredient can be segmented as soy protein isolates, soy protein concentrates and soy flour. Among all these product type soy protein isolates is expected to account for the potential market share followed by soy protein concentrates. Due to high percentage of protein content in soy protein isolates is supporting the demand for the same during the forecast period. Soy flour is also expected to show a substantial growth in the near future. However due to less protein content in the soy flour is expected to restrain its growth in the near future.Request Free Report Sample@Furthermore the soy protein ingredient market is segmented on the basis of application which includes bakery and confectionary, processed meat products, functional foods, dairy replacers, infant foods and others. Among all these segment functional food is expected to be the major contributor in supporting the growth soy protein ingredient followed by processed meat products. Rising awareness among the consumer for health beneficiary products is supporting the demand for soy protein ingredient market during the forecast period. Moreover, infant food is also expected to support the demand of soy protein ingredient market. This is due to the increasing parental concern for providing the nutritious and healthy food to their child.Geographically Europe and North America is expected to account for the major market share in the forecast period. However these region is expected to record moderate growth. In North America, U.S. is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Canada. Moreover Asia pacific is expected to show the double digit CAGR growth during the forecast period followed by Latin America. In Asia pacific region China and India is expected to account for the substantial growth due to increased demand for nutritional food among the consumers. Moreover in Latin America, Brazil is expected to be the major contributor in terms of revenue followed by Mexico.Soy Protein Ingredient Market DriversHigh functional properties of the soy protein ingredient coupled with ecofriendly and natural health benefits is driving the demand of soy protein during the forecast period. Moreover it is cost effective than the animal protein and reflects the same protein content. This is expected to enhance adoption of soy protein across various end-use industries resulting in increasing the shelf life of the processed food, so it is also considered as the most sustainable protein ingredients which is favoring its growth in alternate way.Visit For TOC@Soy Protein Ingredient Restraining FactorsHowever, its anti-nutrients and allergic nature of soy protein ingredients is restraining its growth during the forecast period. Moreover, negative impact of genetically modified (GM) soy coupled with the availability of various alternatives such as milk proteins, pea proteins and other animal proteins are also effecting the growth of soy protein ingredient in the forecast period.Soy Protein Ingredient Market: Key PlayersKey international players operating in the soy protein ingredient market are, Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) Company, Dean Foods Company, Armor Proteins, Gelita Group, Bunge Alimentos SA, Kerry Ingredients Inc., Burcon NutraScience, Cargill Health & Food Technologies, E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, Kellogg Company, Doves Farm Foods, Kraft Foods Group Inc., Manildra Group, MGP Ingredients, Omega Protein Corporation, George Weston Foods and others.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:
Silicon Photonics Market Revenue and Value Chain 2015-2025

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In silicon photonics technology, silicon is used as a platform for the photonic circuits to create optical communication system which is highly integrated. The modern trend of miniaturization of electronic devices with increasing requirement for speed and efficiency as well as keeping the cost economical, has led to the increase in demand for the global silicon photonics market. This has led to the silicon photonics market becoming an interesting avenue globally as it has the advantage of requiring low power consumption, having higher density of interconnects, higher integration and reliability. The global silicon photonics market is anticipated to grow with two digit compound annual growth rate.Silicon Photonics Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe largest market for global silicon photonics market is data communication, as the protocol is providing services which is surpassing optical and copper technologies. The government providing financial support and the growing demand for the transference of data is driving the growth of global silicon photonics market. Demand for global silicon photonics market is also driven by covering distance or data rates which have not been provided by vertical cavity surface-emitting lasers (VCSELs), providing faster data rates while maintaining low cost. Various constraints for the global silicon photonics market are high cost as the companies have to develop the Computer-aided engineering/Computer-aided design (CAE/CAD) on their own and competition with VCSEL which is available at a low cost.Request Free Report Sample@Silicon Photonics Market: SegmentationOn the basis of application, global silicon photonics market can be segmented into:TelecommunicationsDatacomHigh Performance Computer (HPC) and data centersMedicalSensing and instrumentsDefense/aerospace industriesResearch and developmentOthers (consumers-connecting PCs with HDTVs and desktop PC devices, commercial video, etc.)On the basis of products, global silicon photonics market can be segmented into:Silicon optical modulatorsWavelength division multiplexer filtersSilicon photo-detectorsSilicon photonic waveguidesOthers (silicon led, silicon optical interconnects, etc.)Visit For TOC@Silicon Photonics Market: Region-wise OutlookIn terms of region, North America has the highest market for silicon optical modulators and wavelength division multiplexer filters. North America is becoming an attractive destination for the companies to launch the silicon photonics market due to government support and increase in demand for the data transfer but Asia-Pacific has the highest CAGR for global silicon photonics market due to rising population, increase in urbanization and growing demand for data transfer.Silicon Photonics Market: Key PlayersSome of the identified key players in the global silicon photonics market are Infinera, NeoPhotonics, Avago technologies, Luxtera, Mellanox technologies, OneChip Photonics, Cisco, Skorpios technologies, Photline technologies, etc.About Us:Future Market Insights is the premier provider of market intelligence and consulting services, serving clients in over 150 countries. FMI is headquartered in London, the global financial capital, and has delivery centres in the U.S. and India.Contact 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:
Machine Condition Monitoring Market Growth, Trends and Value Chain 2015-2025 by FMI

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Increase in need for reduced maintenance cost along with unexpected failure is anticipated to fuel the growth of global machine condition monitoring market. In order to find any failure in machine such as noise, vibration and temperature measurements, machine condition monitoring is required. Generally, machine condition monitoring techniques is used in rotating equipment, pumps, electric motors, internal combustion engines, presses. It is a major part of predictive maintenance. Machine condition monitoring allows maintenance to be scheduled and avoids its consequences. The demand for machine condition monitoring is rapidly increasing as they are widely used across various industries such as chemicals, aerospace & defence, automotive, metals and mining among many others. Its unique benefits increases the lifespan of the machines. Above of all, unexpected breakdown and focus on plant asset management is pushing the growth in the machine condition monitoring market.Machine Condition Monitoring Market: Drivers & RestraintsAdvancement in technology such as expansion of low-cost advanced machine condition monitoring, direct communication processes and rapid processing functions etc, is opening new doors to the growth of machine condition monitoring market. The drivers identified in the machine condition monitoring are machine reliability by effective prediction of their failures, maximizing part life by proper scheduling of maintenance programs, achieving reduction in frequency, severity of machine downtimes along with ensuring the safety of equipment and staff, among others. Fast growth in Asia-Pacific region along with increasing governmental regulation are the key factors driving the growth in the global machine condition monitoring. However, unpredictable maintenance periods and higher cost of the machine decreases the adoption rate and could act as a major restraint in the global market.Request Free Report Sample@Machine Condition Monitoring Market: SegmentationOn the basis of monitoring technology, the global machine condition monitoring market is segmented as:Vibration analysis and diagnosticsCorrosion MonitoringLubricating Oil AnalysisMotor Current Signature Analysis (MCSA)Ultrasound Emission TestingInfrared ThermographyOn the basis of applications the global machine condition monitoring market is segmented as:AutomotiveChemicalsAerospace & DefenceOthers (Oil & Gas, Power and Mining)Machine Condition Monitoring Market: Region-wise OutlookThe global machine condition monitoring market is expected to register a favourable growth for the forecast period, 2015?2025. The market growth in developed economies for these systems is expected between 7% and 10% whereas in developing regions the growth may even exceed 12% during coming five years. On the basis of region, North America is estimated to be the fastest growing market for Machine condition monitoring. Asia Pacific, and Latin America are expected to be the growth engines of machine condition market in the near future. The remaining regions are expected to grow at a steady rate over the forecast period.Visit For TOC@Machine Condition Monitoring Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players identified in the global Machine Condition Monitoring market are National Instruments, Parker Kittiwake, Rockwell Automation, Bruel & Kjaer Vibro GmbH, Emerson Process Management, Fluke Corp, Honeywell Process Solution, among many others.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:
Chinese calligrapher receives Dubai Islamic Economy Award

From:chinadaily.com.cn | 2016-10-12 14:46

A Chinese Islamic calligrapher received Dubai Islamic Economy Award on Tuesday "in recognition of his valuable contribution toward the development of the global Islamic economy."

Haji Noor Deen Mi Guangjiang, an expert in Chinese style Islamic calligraphy and a native of China's Shandong province, teaches at an Islamic college in Zhengzhou, the capital city of Henan province in China.

The award was conferred by Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Al-Maktoum on the opening day of the 3rd Global Islamic Economy Summit.

The Islamic Economy Award, launched in 2013, recognizes innovative world-class business initiatives and ideas that are Shariah-compliant and contribute to social and economic welfare of the Muslim population while also fostering "prosperity, harmony, and well-being for all".
Meat Packaging Market Forecast By End-use Industry 2015-2025

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Demand for meat packaging is projected to witness single digit growth during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to the increased production of meat in the global market. Packaging is anything which is used to contain, handle, protect, and deliver raw material and processed goods. The main purpose of packaging is to provide products to consumer in perfect condition i.e, in intact form of food without spoilage. In addition, the advantages of packaging includes providing space for sharing information about the product such as nutrition, usage and direction.Meat Packaging Market: Drivers and RestraintsMeat packaging market is flourished worldwide due to various factors such as urbanization especially in developing economies such as India, Russia, Brazil and China, increase in demand of convenience products due to the time constraint. However, some of the factors which are restraining the market growth of meat packaging includes environment issues such as recyclability and sustainability coupled with hygienic packaging and rising concern regarding the health. The major trends of global meat packaging market are demand for smaller packaging size, new packaging material development and increase awareness towards environmental issues. Nano packaging also plays an important role in meat packaging as meat needs an aseptic packaging that lasts for maximum days for extended shelf life.Request Free Report Sample@Meat Packaging Market: SegmentationMeat packaging market is segmented on the basis of type, material, distribution channel and region. On the basis of type meat packaging market is segmented into On the basis of material meat packaging market is segmented as plastic wraps and storage wrap which includes three major categories of plastics: polyethylene (PE), polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC), oven cooking bags which are made from heat-resistant nylon, aluminium foil which primarily is made from iron and silicon, freezer paper which is white paper coated on one side with plastic to help keep air out of frozen foods, parchment paper made from cotton fibre and/or pure chemical wood pulps and wax paper made with a food-safe paraffin wax. Further on the basis of distribution channel it is segmented into hypermarket/supermarket, grocery stores, online retailing, departmental stores and others. Lastly, on the basis of region the market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia-Pacific, Japan and Middle East and Africa.Meat Packaging Market: Regional OverviewNorth America is the largest market for meat packaging followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific. China meat packaging is expected to show a significant growth due to rise in personal disposable income coupled with rise in consumption of beef, pork and other meat. Developed market such as North America, Europe are expected to exhibit faster growth rate by 2025.Visit For TOC@Meat Packaging Market: Key PlayersThe major players in the meat packaging market Amcor Ltd, Crown Holdings, Dupont, Nuconic Packaging Llc, Tetra Pak International S.A., Silgan Holdings, Inc., Reynolds Group and Toyo Seikan Group Holdings, Ltd to name a few. The big multinational companies in this category are investing heavily in the expansion development of product portfolio in meat packaging material in order to maintain a position in the packaging market. The companies are also focusing on merger and acquisition as strategies to enhance their production facilities and expand its global presence. For instance, in 2013, Crown holding acquired Mivisa Envases, SAU, a Spanish two- and three-piece food cans and ends manufacturing company.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:
Global Health Insurance Market: A detailed analysis of trends that shape the industry

Health Insurance

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Summary: BigMarketResearch.com added new research report on Global Health Insurance Market 2016-2020 includes Market Size, Share, Trends, Growth, Supply, Application, Opportunity, Market Development, capacity utilization, supply, Analysis and Forecast by 2021Covered in this report: The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global health insurance market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the total amount of premium generated primarily in emerging markets, such as APAC, EMEA, and the Americas.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography: Americas APAC EMEARequest a sample of this report @About Health InsuranceHealth insurance is a type of insurance where the insurer pays the medical expenses on behalf of the insured. The insurer has to pay a monthly premium to the health insurance company, which can be on a monthly, quarterly, or annual basis. Health insurance covers disability and long term nursing. The healthcare providers cover the costs related to medical treatments, drugs, and other expenses. The coverage depends on the health insurance plan taken by the insurer. Health insurance plans are provided through direct-insurance companies, independent brokers, and employer-sponsored programs. Beside the premiums being paid by the insurer, there are other additional costs that are taken into consideration in health insurance coverage that includes co-insurance, co-payments, deductibles, and stop loss limits.Analysts forecast the global health insurance market to grow at a CAGR of 11.14% during the period 2016-2020.Enquire here for Discount @Global Health Insurance 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 vendors Zurich Insurance United Healthcare Aviva AXA AllianzOther prominent vendors Aetna Foundation AIA Insurance Blue Cross Blue Shield Kaiser foundationGet full Report @Key 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?Market driver Growth in the number of aging population and increase in life expectancy For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge Pressure in cost associated with health insurance For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend Innovations in healthcare products and solutions For a full, detailed list, view our reportAbout Company:Big Market Research is an exclusive online market to get best market research reports for your business needs and strategies. We recommend you to stop browsing as soon as you discover our website.Contact Us:Dhananjay Potle5933 NE Win Sivers Drive,#205, Portland, OR 97220United StatesDirect :+ 1-503-894-6022Toll Free : + 1-800-910-6452Email: help@bigmarketresearch.comWeb:
Global High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) Market: Demand for Cost-effective Sweeteners from End Users to Intensify Market Growth, finds TMR

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Use of high fructose corn syrup as an alternative to sucrose is the primary factor driving the growth of the global high fructose corn syrup market, states Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a new research report. The report is titled, High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2016  2024.View exclusive Global strategic Business report :The report presents an in-depth analysis of the growth trajectory of the global high fructose corn syrup market along with the prevalent trends. It assesses the key elements at play in the market and the dynamics that are likely to drive or hinder the growth of the market in the forecast period. The study also presents the estimated volume and revenue growth of the global high fructose corn syrup market.The report explores the various strategies implemented by key market players along with their shares and description of products, and services. It presents a comprehensive overview of the competitive landscape of the global HFCS market by utilizing Porters five forces analysis. It also provides information on the degree of barriers to entry and exit. According to the report, high fructose corn syrup holds a share of approximately 9% in the global market for sweeteners.The report states that in terms of metabolism and composition, high fructose corn syrup does not vary much from other types of sweeteners of fructose glucose such as fruit juice concentrates, sucrose, and honey. Generally, high fructose corn syrup constitutes fructose levels ranging between 42% and 55%. HFCS exhibits high stability, ensures easy handling and transport, and renders better miscibility as compared to granulated sucrose. As a result of this, its application is significantly high in beverages of acidic nature.It is expected that fructose will take over glucose as a sweetener in the next couple of years as it is cost-effective and sweeter in comparison to glucose. As a result of these attributes, the demand for high fructose corn syrup is expected to intensify over the forthcoming years. However, as the amount of calories present in fructose is no less than that in sugar, its consumption might decrease among the health conscious consumer base. Moreover, the occurrence of obesity due to excessive consumption of fructose is anticipated to inhibit the growth of the market.Browse Full Report With ToC:In terms of application, the global HFCS market is categorized into food and beverages and pharmaceuticals. In terms of geography, the market is segmented into Western and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, North America, Japan, Latin America, Japan, and Asia Pacific excluding Japan. Some of the leading companies operating in the market are Tate & Lyle, INGREDION INCORPORATED, Archer Daniels Midland Company, and Cargill Inc.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 Kaposi Sarcoma Market to Reach US$ 143.2 Mn by 2024

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According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research Kaposi Sarcoma Market: (Treatment Type: Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, and Highly Active Anti-retroviral Therapy (HAART); Distribution Channel: Hospitals, Cancer Research Institutes, Multispecialty Clinics, and Ambulatory Surgical Centers)  Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 20162024, the global Kaposi sarcoma market was valued at US$ 118.5 Mn in 2015 and is estimated to reach US$ 143.2 Mn by 2024 at a CAGR of 2.2% from 2016 to 2024.The prevalence of Kaposi sarcoma (KS) has increased since the emergence of HIV/AIDS, which is driving the market for its treatment. Its prevalence follows geographic and ethnic distribution, and hence its incidence and prevalence is high in African regions. Geographically, the market has been segmented into five regions: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa.Download exclusive Brochure of this report:North America contributed to the major share in the Kaposi sarcoma market in 2015 due to the presence of major market players and increasing cost of drugs. The growth of the market is also driven by the easy availability of drugs and high diagnosis rate of the malignancy. The incidence of KS in the region is comparatively low, and less than 10% of the population is considered to be affected by Kaposi sarcoma. Further, around 95% of AIDS-related KS cases have been diagnosed in homosexual or bisexual men in the U.S. The incidence of organ transplant-related KS was around 0.5% among the recipients. According to Globocan, the incidence of KS in the U.S. was 0.1% of the total cancer incidence in 2012.The commonly used mode of treatment is highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) followed by chemotherapy. The most common chemotherapy drugs employed for the treatment include liposomal anthracyclines. However, North America has been witnessing a shortage in the drug supply needed for the treatment of KS, leading to a widening demand-supply gap which would have a negative impact on the market.Europe was the second largest market for Kaposi sarcoma treatment in 2015, due to the increasing prevalence of HIV/AIDS associated KS and the classic form of KS prevalent in certain regions of Europe. According to Globocan, the incidence of KS was 0.1% of the total cancer incidence in Greece, Ukraine, Switzerland, and Spain; and 0.2% in Italy and Portugal in 2012. The highest incidence of KS was observed in two Mediterranean Italian islands, Sardinia and Sicily. Prevalence of KS is high in Southern Europe, attributed to a combination of classic KS in certain Mediterranean regions and significant growth of HIV/AIDS related KS in certain countries. Stringent drug approval regulations, and high cost of treatment are known to have a negative impact on the growth of the market.View exclusive Global strategic Business report:Middle East and Africa is expected to expand at the highest CAGR during the forecast period, 2016 to 2024. Incidence and prevalence of KS in Eastern Africa is high as compared to Northern Africa, consistent with the geographic variations of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. According to Globocan (2012), incidence of KS in Eastern Africa was around 10.2% of the total cancer incidence in the region, while it was 0.1% in Northern Africa. The prevalence of KS in Eastern Africa was 8.7% of the total cancer prevalence in 2012, much higher than that observed in Northern Africa at 0.1%.The incidence of KS in Africa is also known to be affected by certain genetic, hormonal, and geographic factors. Despite the high incidence of endemic KS and HIV/AIDS associated KS, the lack of awareness among people, late presentation of the disease, high cost of treatment, and unavailability of treatment are few of the factors which would impede the market growth in the Middle East and Africa market. Hence efforts are being made to increase awareness among people, for which governments in Africa and other organizations have been taking initiatives.Asia Pacific and Latin America accounted for negligible share of the global Kaposi sarcoma market, owing to very low incidence and prevalence of AIDS associated KS in these regions. However, China and Brazil are lucrative markets due to the prevalence of other forms of KS. For instance, classic form of KS is endemic in certain regions of China such as Xinjiang.Key players operating in the global Kaposi sarcoma market include Bristol Myers Squibb, Eli Lilly and Co., Hoffman-La Roche, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Johnson & Johnson, Pfizer, Inc., and Schering Plough Corporation (Merck & Co., Inc.).The Global Kaposi Sarcoma market has been segmented as follows:Kaposi Sarcoma Market, By Type of TreatmentChemotherapyLiposomal AnthracyclinesAlkaloidsImmunotherapyHAARTKaposi Sarcoma Market, By Distribution ChannelHospitalsCancer Research InstitutesMultispecialty ClinicsAmbulatory Surgical CentersKaposi Sarcoma Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeU.K.GermanyRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaJapanIndiaAustraliaRest of Asia PacificLatin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaMiddle East and AfricaU.A.E.South African RepublicRest of Middle East and AfricaTransparency 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.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Global Medical Image Sensors Market 2016 Prolific Company Investments, Growth Prospects, Shares, Strength & Weakness

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In the current competitive era, it is imperative to keep a track of the latest policies adopted by key companies operating in any market. This can help vendors, stakeholders, and clients form better decisions about the market. The study on the global Medical Image Sensors market provides key insights into the competitive background of the global Medical Image Sensors market. The research report covers a comprehensive analysis of all key organizations and new entrants operating in the global Medical Image Sensors market. New strategies adopted by key companies are briefly evaluated by the analysts in the report.The research lays its entire focus on the key local and international companies functioning in the global Medical Image Sensors market. Every company is profiled with details such as production capacity, key areas of operation, new product developments, and revenue. Offerings of key companies are examined in the global Medical Image Sensors market report. By using SWOT analysis, the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of key companies are measured in the report. Moreover, analysts also study the status of research and development activities of all companies operating in the market.Download exclusive Sample of this report @Along with the information about the key companies and their developments, the research report also measures the cost, price, revenue, and gross of the companies. Statistics related to key firms provided in the report help vendors and stakeholders understand their dominance. The report provides data about the feasibility of new projects in the global Medical Image Sensors market. The report highlights key factors that can assist the new entrants in increasing their contribution.Details regarding new project investment are also given in the report by the analysts. The report is an ideal blueprint of the global Medical Image Sensors market and provides the current scenario and future prospects of the market.View TOC (table of content), Figures and Tables of the Report @Table of ContentsChapter One Medical Image Sensors Industry Overview1.1 Medical Image Sensors Definition1.1.1 Medical Image Sensors Product Pictures & Product Specifications1.2 Medical Image Sensors Classification & ApplicationChapter Two Medical Image Sensors Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.1 Medical Image Sensors Raw Material & Equipments Supplier and Price Analysis2.2 Medical Image Sensors Labor & Other Cost Analysis2.3 Medical Image Sensors Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.4 Medical Image Sensors Manufacturing Process AnalysisChapter Three Medical Image Sensors Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis3.1 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Medical Image Sensors Capacity and Commercial Production Date3.2 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Medical Image Sensors Manufacturing Plants Distribution3.3 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Medical Image Sensors R&D Status and Technology Sources3.4 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Medical Image Sensors Raw Materials Sources AnalysisChapter Four Medical Image Sensors Production by Regions, Technology and Applications4.1 2010-2016 Medical Image Sensors Production by Regions(such as US, EU, China and Japan etc)4.2 2010-2016 Medical Image Sensors Production by Product Type & Application4.3 2010-2016 Medical Image Sensors Price by key Manufacturers4.4 2010-2016 US & China Medical Image Sensors Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis4.5 2010-2016 Europe and Japan Medical Image Sensors Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis4.6 2010-2016 US and China Medical Image Sensors Supply Import Export Consumption4.7 2010-2016 Europe and Japan Medical Image Sensors Supply Import Export ConsumptionChapter Five Medical Image Sensors Sales and Sales Revenue by Regions5.1 2010-2016 Medical Image Sensors Sales by Regions (such as US, EU, China & Japan etc)5.2 2010-2016 Medical Image Sensors Sales Revenue by Regions (such as US EU China Japan etc)5.3 2010-2016 Medical Image Sensors Sales Price by Regions (such as US EU China Japan etc)5.4 2010-2016 Medical Image Sensors 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.QYResearchreportsContact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States+1-518-621-2074866-997-4948USA-Canada Toll freesales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Medical Position Sensors Market 2016 Growth Drivers, Shares, Challenges, Competitive Landscape and Market Statistics

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Currently, the global Medical Position Sensors market is undergoing a positive shift in terms of consumer demand. This report is an effort to better understand the global Medical Position Sensors market with respect to the changing trends and their impact on key companies. The study provides a comprehensive and competitive analysis of the global Medical Position Sensors market. This report acts as a valuable source of information for all participants from across the globe. The report analysts have studied the many developmental opportunities for all companies operating in the market.The research report helps key participants in the global Medical Position Sensors market better understand the changing trends in the market. By studying the changing trends in the global Medical Position Sensors market, vendors and stakeholders will be able to identify the leading companies.Download exclusive Sample of this report @The study examines the current and the historical performance of the global Medical Position Sensors market. The report makes future projections by considering factors such as the adoption of new technologies, and the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the market. It examines the global Medical Position Sensors market by considering factors such as the industry chain structure, import and export data, sales dynamics, and key areas of development.The report covers every aspect of the global Medical Position Sensors market right from the definition of Medical Position Sensors to the progress of every segment and sub-segment, and other information. Various regions where key companies operate are also mentioned in this report.The global Medical Position Sensors market is studied in the report by assessing the production chain, revenue generated by key companies, and the production capacity. The global Medical Position Sensors market is studied by considering various products that are available in the market, their production volume, pricing and the total revenue generated.Numerous analytical tools are used by the analysts to present a complete study on the global Medical Position Sensors market during the period between 2016 and 2021.View TOC (table of content), Figures and Tables of the Report @Table of ContentsChapter One Medical Position Sensors Industry Overview1.1 Medical Position Sensors Definition1.1.1 Medical Position Sensors Product Pictures & Product Specifications1.2 Medical Position Sensors Classification & ApplicationChapter Two Medical Position Sensors Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.1 Medical Position Sensors Raw Material & Equipments Supplier and Price Analysis2.2 Medical Position Sensors Labor & Other Cost Analysis2.3 Medical Position Sensors Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis2.4 Medical Position Sensors Manufacturing Process AnalysisChapter Three Medical Position Sensors Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis3.1 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Medical Position Sensors Capacity and Commercial Production Date3.2 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Medical Position Sensors Manufacturing Plants Distribution3.3 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Medical Position Sensors R&D Status and Technology Sources3.4 2016 Global Key Manufacturers Medical Position Sensors Raw Materials Sources AnalysisChapter Four Medical Position Sensors Production by Regions, Technology and Applications4.1 2010-2016 Medical Position Sensors Production by Regions(such as US, EU, China and Japan etc)4.2 2010-2016 Medical Position Sensors Production by Product Type & Application4.3 2010-2016 Medical Position Sensors Price by key Manufacturers4.4 2010-2016 US & China Medical Position Sensors Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis4.5 2010-2016 Europe and Japan Medical Position Sensors Capacity Production Price Cost Production Value Analysis4.6 2010-2016 US and China Medical Position Sensors Supply Import Export Consumption4.7 2010-2016 Europe and Japan Medical Position Sensors Supply Import Export ConsumptionChapter Five Medical Position Sensors Sales and Sales Revenue by Regions5.1 2010-2016 Medical Position Sensors Sales by Regions (such as US, EU, China & Japan etc)5.2 2010-2016 Medical Position Sensors Sales Revenue by Regions (such as US EU China Japan etc)5.3 2010-2016 Medical Position Sensors Sales Price by Regions (such as US EU China Japan etc)5.4 2010-2016 Medical Position Sensors 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.QYResearchreportsContact Us1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United States+1-518-621-2074866-997-4948USA-Canada Toll freesales@qyresearchreports.com
Global Sandalwood Oil Market 2016 - TFS Corporation(AU), Santanol Group(AU), RK-Essential Oils Company(IN), Meena Perfumery(IN), Essentially Australia(AU)

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Sandalwood Oil is an essential oil obtained from the steam distillation of Sandalwood tree, mainly from heartwood and root logs. It contains a unique aroma and has good medicinal value. The oil that distilled from eucarya spicata species, amyris and so on is not belonging to the Sandalwood Oil.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Sandalwood Oil in Global market, especially in North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, type and application.Request for sample report atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversTFS Corporation(AU)Santanol Group(AU)RK-Essential Oils Company(IN)Meena Perfumery(IN)Naresh International(IN)Essentially Australia(AU)Katyani Exports(IN)New Mountain Merchants(AU)Dru Era(LK)A.G. Industries(IN)Blue Bell Fragrances(IN)Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis coversNorth 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 AfricaMarket Segment by Type, coversIndian Sandalwood OilAustralian Sandalwood OilOtherMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoAromatherapyPharmaceuticalOthersAccess full report atThere are 13 Chapters to deeply display the global Sandalwood Oil market.Chapter 1, to describe Sandalwood Oil Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Sandalwood Oil, with sales, revenue, and price of Sandalwood Oil, 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, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Sandalwood Oil, for each region, from 2011 to 2016;Chapter 5, 6, 7 and 8, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 9 and 10, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2011 to 2016;Chapter 11, Sandalwood Oil market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2016 to 2021;Chapter 12 and 13, to describe Sandalwood Oil sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, appendix and data source.Fior 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:
Malignant Neoplasm Therapeutics Market Size, Share and Industry Trends 2024

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Malignant neoplasm is believed to be one of the extended conditions of neoplasm. It is a form of cancer that develops an abnormal growth of tissues usually leading to the formation of a tumor. The primary cause of this disease is understood as damaging of DNA under certain circumstances that further escalates to a stage of cancer. The very beginning of malignant neoplasm is the occurrence of abnormal patterns of growth in the tissue known as dysplasia or metaplasia.Get Sample Research Report with TOC:Higher Prevalence of Malignant Neoplasm in Geriatric Population Driving the Market GrowthThe global cancer incidences have increased to a considerable number over the past few decades owing to a rise in the geriatric population, increasing life expectancy and changing lifestyle. In addition, factors such as advanced cancer diagnostics and early initiation of the treatment are fuelling the global malignant neoplasm therapeutics market. Development of targeted therapies are revolutionizing the conventional concepts of cancer treatment and are likely to get higher preference in the coming years. Moreover, a higher success ratio of these latest cancer drugs compared to traditional anti-carcinogenic treatment is expected to further drive the market growth in the near future. These latest drugs are capable of countering more than one type of cancer. For example imatinib, which was first developed for treating a single type of cancer was later found effective on multiple cancer types.Novelty in cancer treatment has significantly influenced the present treatment models. However, a complete cure for the disease is still not ascertained. Further, many of the advanced treatment models are often expensive and only available in developed regions of the world. In some case, delay in integration of the novel drugs into current treatment methods limit the options for the patient. Other factors such as price risk and credibility of the drugs are few of the other concerns for the market.Over the years, the subject of oncology has received paramount attention from biomedical researchers, health care experts and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Owing to a severe need for effective treatment of cancer, heavy investments are being made in further research and development of the particular subject. Many of the pharmaceutical companies such as Novartis International AG and Pfizer Inc. are introducing a range of anti-carcinogenic drugs under their brand names promising to be more efficient. The global malignant neoplasm treatment market has become increasingly competitive in the recent years with more player joining in. Currently, most drug manufacturers offer two primary cancer therapeutic programs, namely cytostatic hormonal treatments and antineoplastics.Malignant Neoplasm Therapeutics Market: Regional SegmentationOn the basis of region, the global malignant neoplasm therapeutics market has been segmented into six key regions namely North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific (APAC), Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America is considered as one of the largest market of malignant neoplasm therapeutics owing to a strong presence of drug manufacturers in the region and availability of advanced healthcare facilities. In terms of value, the U.S accounts for a healthy portion of the global malignant neoplasm therapeutics market attributed to the growing demand for cancer treatment in the country. In addition, Europe is one of the other regions where the market is growing at a considerable rate and is expected to continue a similar in trend in the coming years.Key PlayersFew of the key players identified in the global malignant neoplasm therapeutics market include F. Hoffmann-La Roche AG, Novartis International AG, Sanofi S.A., AstraZeneca plc, Eli Lilly and Company, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Ltd, Pfizer Inc. Bayer AG, Amgen, AbbVie Inc and Celgene Corporation.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Browse Research Report on Global Malignant Neoplasm Therapeutics Market:About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Browse market research blog:
Spinal Non-fusion - South American Analysis and Market Forecasts

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Summary :The promise of spinal non-fusion technologies, while initially large during its infancy, has tapered somewhat with challenges developing in specific non-fusion device segments due to insufficient evidence of clinical efficacy. Currently, total disc replacement (TDR) represents the most frequently performed spinal non-fusion surgery. In particular, the safety and efficacy of cervical total disc replacement (C-TDR) has been established with a growing body of level-1 evidence that is compelling enough to no longer consider this surgery investigational. This evidence is bolstered by experience with multiple devices, at multiple sites, in and out of the investigational setting and with short-, intermediate-, and long-term follow-up. At this point, C-TDR is widely seen as a viable alternative to anterior cervical discectomy and fusion surgeries in select indications. The increasing availability of clinical efficacy data, together with the rising prevalence of degenerative spine diseases and the industrys aggressive efforts on physician training and DTC marketing, is propelling the market forward. In fact, the C-TDR market has already started to cannibalize a small portion of the spinal fusion market.This report examines the spinal non-fusion market in the major South America market: Brazil. The analysis also identifies unmet needs in the market, specifies the major drivers and barriers to device adoption, provides insight into marketed and pipeline products, and provides an understanding of physician perception and outlook with an overall emphasis on current and future industry trends in Brazil.Get Sample Report @HighlightsKey Questions Answered- Future growth in the spinal non-fusion market lies in the C-TDR segment. How will the C-TDR segment drive the market revenue growth in the upcoming years? What are the current utilization patterns of one-level and double-level C-TDR procedures in Brazil?- Most of the spine surgeons GlobalData interviewed indicated that the actual clinical effectiveness of lumbar TDR (L-TDR) is still unclear. Has this impacted the procedure volume growth of L-TDR procedures? How will this market evolve in the next five years in Brazil?- Moving forward, while IPD devices are expected to continue to generate traction in the spine community, the growth in the procedure number of IPD surgeries is likely to slow down. What are the current adoption trends of IPD devices in Brazil?- Market leading companies, such as DePuy Synthes and Medtronic, entered the non-fusion market initially through acquisitions. Since then, a league of small- to medium-sized companies have internally developed and marketed their artificial discs or other non-fusion technologies.Who are the major players in the spinal non-fusion market in Brazil?Reasons to buy- What Do Physicians Think quotes provide a unique insight into how healthcare professionals are reacting to events within the industry, and what their responses could mean for industry strategists. This information is essential for all strategic decision makers in every organization allowing them to act on high quality information.Browse Report Summary with TOC @Table of Contents:1 Table of Contents1.1 List of Tables1.2 List of Figures2 Executive Summary2.1 Market Dynamics2.2 Key Players in the Global Spinal Non-fusion Market2.3 Global Market Future Outlook2.4 What Do Physicians Think?3 Introduction3.1 Catalyst3.2 Related Reports4 Treatment Modalities Overview4.1 Spinal Fusion4.2 Spinal Non-fusion4.2.1 Pedicle Screw-Based Dynamic Stabilization4.2.2 Interspinous Process Decompression4.2.3 Artificial Disc Replacement4.2.4 Facet Arthroplasty4.2.5 Annulus Repair4.2.6 Nuclear Disc Replacement5 Competitive Assessment5.1 Pedicle Screw-Based Dynamic Stabilization5.2 Interspinous Process Decompression5.3 Artificial Disc Replacement5.4 Annulus Repair5.5 Facet Arthroplasty5.6 Nuclear Disc Prostheses6 Pipeline Products6.1 Overview6.2 DIAM Spinal Stabilization System (Medtronic)6.3 Flexus Interspinous Spacer (Globus Medical)6.4 M6-C (Spinal Kinetics)6.5 Triadyme-C Disc System (Dymicron)6.6 Simplify Disc (Simplify Medical)6.7 Synergy Disc (Synergy Disc Replacement)6.8 XL TDR Lumbar Disc (NuVasive)6.9 Freedom Lumbar Disc System (AxioMed)6.10 Triumph (Globus Medical)Enquiry for Discount Visit @Reportbazzar.com is your trusted source for the most inclusive and informative assortment of market research reports designed to empower you with the latest in industry information that translates to time and cost savings for your business. We not only help you give wing to your latent business ideas but also facilitate you in taking the best informed and strategic decisions that guarantee success in your most promising business endeavors.ReportBazzarOffice # 203,Vishal Shopping Complex,DSK Ranwara, Bavdhan,Pune  411021, IndiaIndia: +91 20 66528525US: +1 (212) 389-6363Email Id: sales@reportbazzar.comWebsite:
Nanosensors Market Heats Up With The Innovation Of Nanorobots

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Nanosensors are in especially high demand in the homeland security and military industries, as they are used for the detection of radiations and biotoxins. Nanosensors have also benefited the military by helping in the development of advanced warfield gear such as lighter vehicles and self-repairing tents. The nanosensors market is expected to have a positive outlook owing to the advent of advanced, new generation nanosensors, which detect toxic gases such as anthrax. The large investments in research and development activities are also expected to benefit the global nanosensors market. Moreover, cost effective manufacturing made possible due to the compactness of nanosensors is also having a positive impact on the market.Nanofabricated sensors reduce plant production costs as they can be mounted on wireless packages, thus eliminating cabling and wiring costs. This is also one of the growth factors for the nanosensors market across the globe. On the other hand, the market faces challenges such as difficulty in mass production of nanosensors. However, opportunities such as applications of nanosensors in the internet of things and robotics are expected to boost the market in the future. The introduction of wireless sensor networks (WSN) that can offer novel sensing capabilities will also open new doors of opportunities for the nanosensors market.PDF Sample For Latest Innovation And Upcoming Advancements @The global nanosensors market is segmented on the basis of product, application, and geography. On the basis of application, the market is segmented into automotive and aerospace, biomedical and healthcare, homeland defense and military, and others. Out of these, the biomedical and healthcare segment held the largest market share in the nanosensors market in 2014. The biomedical and healthcare segment is expected to retain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The growth of the segment can be attributed to the use of nanosensors in medical diagnostics to detect cancers or as blood-borne sensors.On the basis of geography, the global nanosensors market is segmented into Latin America, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa. Of these, North America held the largest market share in 2014 and is expected to continue dominating the market in terms of revenue. Europe is the second-largest market for nanosensors in terms of revenue, with France being the largest market for nanosensors in Europe. Technological innovations in microelectronic and signal processing are the growth factors driving the market in the region.Key players profiled in the report include: Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Texas Instruments Inc, OMRON Corporation, Oxonica, Analog Devices Inc, Lockheed Martin Corporation, and Honeywell International, Inc.Transparency Market Research (TMR) has announced the addition of a new market study on the nanosensors market. The report is titled Nanosensors Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015 - 2021. According to the report, the global nanosensors market is expected to be worth US$1,500.9 mn by 2021. It was valued at US$26.9 mn in 2014 and is expected to expand at an astounding CAGR of 80.7% between 2015 and 2021.Browse the full Nanosensors Market by Product Type (Optical, Electrochemical, Electromagnetic), by Application (Automotive & Aerospace, Homeland Defense & Military, Biomedical & Healthcare) - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2015  2021 report atThe Nanosensors market has been segmented as follows:ProductOptical NanosensorsElectrochemical NanosensorsElectromagnetic NanosensorsApplicationAutomotive and AerospaceHomeland Defense and MilitaryBiomedical and HealthcareOthersTransparency 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:
Chinese premier eyes more cooperation with Guinea Bissau

From:English.news.cn | 2016-10-11 09:40

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang (R) meets with Guinea Bissau Prime Minister Baciro Dja, who is in Macao for the opening ceremony of the fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries, in Macao, south China, Oct. 10, 2016. (Xinhua/Li Tao)

MACAO, Oct. 10 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with Guinea Bissau Prime Minister Baciro Dja on Monday, saying China is willing to enhance practical cooperation with the west African country.

China and Guinea Bissau have always respected each other and treated each other on an equal footing, Li told Dja, who is in Macao for the opening ceremony of the fifth Ministerial Conference of the Forum for Economic and Trade Cooperation between China and Portuguese-speaking countries on Tuesday.

"China respects the choice of the people of Guinea Bissau for a development path that suits its own national conditions, and is ready to maintain high-level exchanges, consolidate political mutual trust and increase practical cooperation with the country," Li said.

China hopes Guinea Bissau can promote the practical cooperation between China and Guinea Bissau as well as the west African region, through making the most of its role as a Portuguese-speaking country, the Chinese premier said.

Hailing the two countries as sincere friends, Dja thanked China for its long-term valuable support and aid for the country's national independence and economic and social development, saying China's assistance does not come with political strings attached.

Dja expressed optimism for cooperation with China, saying his country is willing to enhance high-level exchanges and coordinate closely with China in international affairs to boost bilateral relations and the relationship between China and the Economic Community of West African States, Portuguese-speaking countries and Africa.
Minimally Invasive Surgery Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.5% to reach an estimated value of USD 50.60 billion in 2019

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With patient comfort taking precedence in surgical procedures, the demand for minimally invasive surgical procedures is bound to show an increase. This high-impact growth driver will lead the global minimally invasive surgery market to notch a valuation of US$50.60 bn by 2019, says Transparency Market Research in its new study. According to the report, the market had a valuation of US$25.03 bn in 2012 and will register a compounded annual growth rate of 10.5% from 2013 through 2019. These findings are discussed in detail in TMRs report, titled Minimally Invasive Surgery Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast, 2013 - 2019.Read Full Report:The remarkable rise in the number of aged people worldwide is yet another growth enabler in the global minimally invasive surgery market, finds the report. Moreover, the rising prevalence of target diseases  of which cancer is one  requires patients to undergo multiple surgeries during the course of treatment. In most such cases, minimally invasive surgery is the preferred option.Notwithstanding these growth drivers, companies in the global minimally invasive surgery market will have to face headwinds in the form of the high cost of such surgeries as compared to conventional procedures. Furthermore, in countries such as the United States, the sale of medical devices is subjected to excise duty, which adds to the final cost of minimally invasive surgery. According to TMRs analysts, this could stand in the way of the overall growth of the minimally invasive surgery market. Some of these losses can be assuaged if companies explore expansion opportunities in densely populated countries in Asia Pacific and Latin America, where people are spending progressively more on healthcare.For a complete coverage of the global minimally invasive surgery market, the report segments the market on the basis of device type, surgery type, and geography. Thus, basis surgery type, the market for minimally invasive surgery is split into orthopedic, spinal, breast, cardiac, vascular, joint replacement, bariatric, urological, gastrointestinal, and gynecological surgery. As more and more consumers across the world place a greater emphasis on appearance and aesthetics, the demand for minimally invasive surgeries for cosmetic procedures will show the highest CAGR. This trend is mainly supported by the growing spending power of people in many developing economies. The second fastest growing market in terms of surgery type is for orthopedics. Conditions such as arthritis and lower bone density are being treated with minimally invasive surgery. In terms of revenue, however, the cardiac surgery segment was in the leading position in 2012.View exclusive Global strategic Business Report :Similarly, by product type, the market is segmented into endoscopy devices, monitoring and visualization devices, and surgical devices. The surgical devices segment is sub-segmented into medical robotic systems, ablation devices, and electrosurgical devices. Of these, surgical devices constituted the largest market within the minimally invasive surgery market and raked in the highest revenue in the market 2012. In the coming years, this market is expected to register the highest rate of growth because of their continued use in performing minimally invasive surgery, especially among cancer patients. The second-largest share in the minimally invasive surgery devices market was held by endoscopy devices, thanks largely to their use in locating surgical sites and to guide surgeons during surgery.From the standpoint of region, the report studies the minimally invasive surgery markets in North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. Of these, North America contributed the highest revenue. The future evidently lies in Asia Pacific with the region expected to show a CAGR of 13.3% from 2013 to 2019 in the minimally invasive surgery market.The global minimally invasive surgery market has been segmented as below:Minimally Invasive Surgery Market, by Product TypesSurgical DevicesAblation DevicesRadiofrequency AblationMicrowave AblationCryoablationOthersElectrosurgical DevicesMedical Robotic SystemsMonitoring & Visualization DevicesX-Ray DevicesComputed Tomography (CT) ScannersMagnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) EquipmentUltrasound EquipmentOthersEndoscopy DevicesMinimally Invasive Surgery Market, by Type of SurgeryOrthopedic SurgerySpinal SurgeryJoint Replacement SurgeryCosmetic SurgeryBreast SurgeryVascular SurgeryThoracic SurgeryGynecological SurgeryBariatric SurgeryCardiac SurgeryGastrointestinal SurgeryUrological SurgeryMinimally Invasive Surgery 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:
Sulfuric Acid Market: From 2015-2021 Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Trends, Segment & Forecast

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The report covers forecast and analysis for the Sulfuric Acid market on a global and regional level. The study provides historic data of 2015 along with a forecast from 2016 to 2021 based on volume and revenue (USD Million). The study includes drivers and restraints for the market along with the impact they have on the demand over the forecast period. Additionally, the report includes study of opportunities available in the Sulfuric Acid market on a global level.Get a copy of free Sample Report @In order to give the users of this report a comprehensive view on the Sulfuric Acid 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 Sulfuric Acid market has also been included, strategic development along with patents analysis is included in this report. The study encompasses a market attractiveness analysis, where in type segments are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate and general attractiveness.Get in-depth TOC (Table of Contents) with Tables and Figures @Sulfuric Acid finds widespread applications in Fertilizers, Chemical Synthesis, Wastewater Treatment, Metal & Mining, and Other Applications. All the segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends and the market is estimated from 2015 to 2021.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.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include The Mosaic Company, The Chemours Company, Eco Services Operations, LLC, Ltd., Chemtrade Logistics Inc., Khaitan Chemicals & Fertilizers Limited, BASF SE, Vale Fertilizantes S/A, Akzo Nobel N.V., Southern States Chemical, Honeywell International, Inc., and Potash Corp.Browse detail report @This report segments the Sulfuric Acid market as follows:Sulfuric Acid Market: Applications Segment AnalysisFertilizersChemical synthesisWastewater treatmentMetal & miningOthersSulfuric Acid Market: Regional Segment AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.EuropeUKFranceGermanyAsia 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:
Adult Malignant Glioma Therapeutics Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024

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Adult Malignant Glioma Therapeutics Market: OverviewGlioma is a type of tumor that occurs in brain or spine. It is a group of brain tumor that includes oligodendrogliomas and astrocytomas. Gliomas include all types of brain tumors arising from supportive tissue of the brain. Malignant glioma is the most common type of brain tumor observed in adults globally. Collectively they contribute around 40% of the total cases diagnosed with brain tumor. In the last decade, there has been a consistent rise in the number of people diagnosed with malignant glioma. The American Brain Tumor Association has estimated around 69,720 new cases of brain tumor in 2013. Thus, rising number of people diagnosed with malignant glioma supports the growth of the global adult malignant glioma therapeutics market. Headache, physical weakness, memory loss and seizures are some of the common symptoms of malignant glioma. Thus, with symptoms getting worse size of tumor increases that destroys brain cells, creates swelling in the brain and increases the pressure on skull.Download free exclusive Brochure of this report:The global malignant glioma market can be segmented as follows:By Type of CellAstrocytomaOligodendrogliomaEpendymomaUnspecified GliomaBy GradeLow - grade GliomasHigh - grade GliomasBy LocationSupratentorialInfratentorialCancer Research U.K. estimated that around 45% of the total primary brain tumor cases are gliomas. There are majorly four types of gliomas such as astrocytoma, oligodendroglioma, ependymoma and unspecified glioma. Astrocytoms is the most common type of glioma diagnosed globally, more than 30% of the total cases diagnosed with brain tumors are astrocytomas. These types of tumors are not curable as they spread easily through normal brain tissue. Astrocytomas are primarily classified on the basis of grades from one to four as per the speed of their growth in brain cells. American Brain Tumor Association have analyzed that around 7% of all the primary brain tumors represent astrocytomas.Hence, a rising number of people diagnosed with astrocytomas accentuates the uptake of therapeutics for the treatment of the same. Currently, majority of the therapeutics for the treatment of malignant glioma is under clinical trials, key players are engaged in research and development activities.Global strategic Business report :Adult Malignant Glioma Therapeutics Market: Region-wise InsightGeographically, North America and Europe accounted for the largest share in the global adult malignant glioma therapeutics market. This dominance was mainly attributed to key players domiciled in these regions coupled with increasing incidences of brain tumor. Brain tumor is the third most common type of cancer in adults in North America. According to North America Brain Tumor Coalition over 44,500 people in the U.S. were diagnosed with primary tumor in the brain in 2014. Thus, rising incidences of primary brain tumor supports the growth of malignant glioma therapeutics market in North America. In addition, increasing healthcare awareness also supported the growth of malignant glioma therapeutics market in North America and European market.Similarly, Asia Pacific is considered as the most lucrative market for the growth of malignant glioma therapeutics. The growth in Asian market is fueled by the presence of untapped market opportunities due to increasing and expanding healthcare infrastructure in this region. Asia Pacific is considered as an emerging market owing to growing market penetration coupled with increasing number of manufacturers expanding their geographic presence in this region. Thus, all the mentioned factors collectively propel the growth of malignant glioma therapeutics market during the forecast period from 2014 to 2020.Adult Malignant Glioma Therapeutics Market: Key PlayersMajor players and universities engaged in the development of therapeutics for the treatment of malignant glioma include Eli Lilly and Company, Insys Therapeutics, Inc., GlaxoSmithKline plc, Amgen, Inc., Duke University, Shinshu University, Medical Research Council, Osaka University and others.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.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Proteins in Oncology Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2023

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Global Protein in Oncology MarketOncology is the branch of medical science dealing with cancer research and treatment. There are several research facilities and universities identifying unique proteins in oncology for developing diagnostics. Several studies are underway to discover new proteins that play a role in cancer. Currently there are a number of companies and/or their collaborators engaged in developing several protein drugs in cancer. Surgical treatments and radiation therapy, though effective at treating primary tumors, are not found to be successful in detecting metastatic tumor cells and those flowing in the bloodstream, making treatment of these cancer cells very difficult. Cancer is one of the largest causes of death worldwide and finding leads to cure or control the disease is one of the primary goals of governments globally.Download exclusive Brochure of this report:Global Protein in Oncology Market: SegmentationThe global proteins in oncology market has been segmented based on protein type and geography. Protein types include recombinant non-glycosylated proteins, recombinant glycosylated proteins and recombinant peptides. Geographically, North America and Europe lead the global proteins in oncology market thanks to the very stringent regulatory environment for clearing the products. Asia-Pacific countries such as China and India are estimated to be the fastest-growing markets. South Korea and Brazil are also poised to register high growth in the coming years due to boost in biosimilars market. The services that can be provided in the global proteins in oncology market include contract research organizations and contract manufacturing organizations.Global Protein in Oncology Market: Drivers and RestraintsWorldwide increase in the prevalence of cancer and the rising awareness of the therapeutic and commercial opportunities offered by new oncology treatments have provided a major incentive for the pharmaceutical industry to pursue the development of new agents for the treatment of cancer. Proteins or peptide drugs are usually required to be administered only by injection due to their large and labile nature. Peptide drugs are used effectively in monitoring various tumors and related therapies. They selectively are known to bind responsive versus unresponsive tumors. Therefore, this advantage associated with the use of peptides assists their use in assessing tumor response and evaluating its effectiveness in cancer therapy. The main challenge for the newer generation of recombinant drugs seems to be the new route of administration, new formulations and consequently even higher efficiency and safety. Though the parenteral route of administration is the most common, there are advances being made to deliver medicines through the oral route, which is considered to be the most preferred one due to better patient compliance.Global strategic Business report :Recently new research has demonstrated that attaching a cancer killer protein to white blood cells annihilates metastasis. Isolation of a protein named as TRAIL by researchers at Cornell University in the U.S. demonstrated killing of cancer cells on contact. The TRAIL protein is binded with leukocytes (white blood cells) that are present across the bloodstream. The cancer cell is essentially known to kill itself when it comes in contact with TRAIL protein. The mechanism has been surprising and unexpectedly effective as compared to targeting the cancer cells with liposomes.Global Protein in Oncology Market: Competitive Landscape AnalysisThe key players contributing to the global proteins in oncology market include Actavis, Inc., Biocon Ltd., Celltrion, Inc., Dr. Reddys Laboratories Ltd., Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Hospira, Inc., Merck, Mylan, Inc., Roche Holding Ltd., Sandoz, Teva Pharmaceuticals and Wockhardt Ltd. Expansion of product portfolio enables these companies to gain a competitive advantage over other players in the market. Strengthening of market position by extensive investments in research and development is also one of the business strategies undertaken by the key players. A lot of research is still to be carried out in the protein recombinant drugs in oncology market which will come along with years of efforts and high risk.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.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Oxytocic Pharmaceuticals Market Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024

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Dubbed the love hormone, oxytocin is a female reproductive hormone, produced in the hypothalamus and released into bloodstream during childbirth. This hormone induces labor and milk production in a lactating mother. Oxytocic drugs can be used as uterotonic for induced labor and to reduce the chances of hemorrhage post C-section. Besides this, oxytocic drugs are also administered in conditions such as post-mature birth; uterine atony; pre-eclampsia, which means hypertension during pregnancy; stillbirth; postpartum hemorrhage; and as an adjunct therapy for treatment of autism and in cases of incomplete abortion.Apart from being administered to humans, oxytocic drugs are also used as veterinary medications. Oxytocin demonstrates its effect after delivery, during childbirth, and toward the end stage of pregnancy.According to the World Health Organization, every year more than 15 million babies are born prematurely, and this number of preterm births is expected to increase in the coming years. As per the findings of the National Center for Health Statistics, the U.S. alone exhibited a 23.3% labor induction rate in 2012. Considering these statistics, the demand for oxytocic drugs is expected increase significantly in the near future.The report provides a comprehensive overview of the global oxytocic pharmaceuticals market. It presents insights into the factors influencing the markets trajectory. The impact of the prevailing demand and supply trends on the market operations is also examined in the report in detail.Download exclusive Brochure of this report:Global Oxytocic Pharmaceuticals Market: Key Opportunities and ThreatsThe increasing incidence of preterm births and the rising rates of labor induction are the primary factors fuelling demand from the global oxytocic pharmaceuticals market. The rising cases of pregnancy-related complications emerging in developing nations also translate into the increased use of oxytocic drugs. Additionally, the market is also expected to gain from the expansion of the health care and pharmaceutical industries in developing countries. However, awareness regarding the side effects related to oxytocic drugs can hamper their use to an extent, thereby restraining the global oxytocic pharmaceuticals market.Leading brands offer numerous oxytocic products. Pitocin, Octocin, Evatocin, Syntocinon, Pitogin, Duratocin, Cytotec, and Tiacinon are the most popular brands competing for a larger share of the global oxytocic market. However, the synthetic oxytocin derivatives segment is poised to hold the largest share in the market owing to its easy availability. Likewise, hospitals are expected to emerge as the major end-use sector in the market.Global strategic Business report :Global Oxytocic Pharmaceuticals Market: Region-wise OutlookRegionally, North America has been exhibiting the highest demand for oxytocic pharmaceuticals due to the high prevalence of induced labor in the region. Europe is expected to emerge as the second-largest market for oxytocic pharmaceuticals due to the rise in oxytocin administration in response to the increasing number of elective caesareans. The market is also anticipated to gain from the increasing case of C-sections in countries in Asia Pacific, such as India and China.Global Oxytocic Pharmaceuticals Market: Vendor LandscapeTo study the prevailing competitive landscape of the market, the report profiles companies such as APP Pharmaceuticals, LLC, LBS Labs, Baxter Healthcare Corporation, JHP Pharmaceuticals, LLC, and Pfizer Inc. The report studies these companies based on their business strategies, financial overview, and product portfolio. The strengths and weaknesses of these enterprises are analyzed. The report also presents in-depth overview of the threats and opportunities that these companies are expected to face during the forecast period.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.90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:
Europe Stem Cells Market Share, Growth, Trend, Size and Analysis Report 2015

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Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Europe Stem Cells Industry 2015 Market Research Report" to its huge collection of research reports.The Europe Stem Cells Industry 2015 Market Research Report is a professional and in-depth study on the current state of the Stem Cells industry.The report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. The Stem Cells market analysis is provided for the Europe markets including development trends, competitive landscape analysis, and key regions development status.Development 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 Stem Cells industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.With 341 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.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Table of ContentsChapter One Industry Overview1.1 Definition and Specifications of Stem Cells1.2 Classification of Stem Cells1.3 Applications of Stem Cells1.4 Industry Chain Structure of Stem Cells1.5 Industry Overview of Stem Cells1.6 Industry Policy Analysis of Stem Cells1.7 Industry News Analysis of Stem CellsChapter Two Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Stem Cells2.1 Bill of Materials (BOM) of Stem Cells2.2 BOM Price Analysis of Stem Cells2.3 Labor Cost Analysis of Stem Cells2.4 Depreciation Cost Analysis of Stem Cells2.5 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Stem Cells2.6 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Stem CellsMake an Enquiry of this report @Chapter Three Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Europe Key Manufacturers in 20143.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Europe Key Stem Cells Manufacturers in 20143.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Europe Stem Cells Key Manufacturers in 20143.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Europe Stem Cells Key Manufacturers in 2014Chapter Four Production Analysis of Stem Cells by Regions, Technology, and Applications4.1 Europe Production of Stem Cells by Regions (Key Provinces) 2010-20154.2 Europe Production of Stem Cells by Product Types 2010-20154.3 Europe Sales of Stem Cells by Applications 2010-20154.4 Price Analysis of Europe Stem Cells Key Manufacturers in 20154.5 Europe Capacity, Production, Import, Export, Sales, Price, Cost and Revenue of Stem Cells 2010-2015Chapter Five Sales and Revenue Analysis of Stem Cells by Regions5.1 Europe Sales of Stem Cells by Regions 2010-20155.2 Europe Revenue of Stem Cells by Regions 2010-20155.3 Europe Price Analysis of Stem Cells Sales by Regions 2010-20155.4 Europe Price, Cost and Gross of Stem Cells 2010-2015About 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 @
Rapid Technological Advancements to Bode Well for Sales of Mechanical Ventilators Market

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The market is likely to experience steady growth in the forthcoming years owing to rapid technological innovations in the portability and design of the devices. The alarming rise in the incidence of respiratory diseases and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the key factors driving the global market for mechanical ventilators.You can download a sample report:As per a report by Transparency Market Research (TMR), the global mechanical ventilators market was valued at US$1.1 bn in 2015 and is expected to rise to US$1.8 bn by the end of 2024, expanding at a CAGR of 5.5% between 2016 and 2024.High Cost of Mechanical Ventilators to Hamper Growth ProspectsThe increasing demand for long-term ventilation in home-care settings is fuelling the demand for the portable and transport mechanical ventilators, which in turn is propelling the growth of the overall market. On the other hand, due to high cost, the demand for these ventilators is low amongst manufacturers facing budgetary constraints. Moreover, the increasing awareness regarding injuries associated with the prolonged use of ventilators is hampering the large-scale adoption of these ventilators. These factors, collectively, are hampering the growth of the global mechanical ventilators market.North America to Remain Front-runner, Asia Pacific to Expand at Promising PaceGeographically, North America is anticipated to command for the leading share in terms of revenue in the global mechanical ventilators market throughout the forecast period. The region is estimated to account for 39.7% of the overall market by 2024. The rising prevalence of respiratory disorders, high level of healthcare awareness, availability of favorable reimbursement policies, and the increasing demand for improved advanced healthcare solutions are contributing to the growth of this region.However, due to rising awareness regarding the availability of advanced ventilation solutions and growing per capita income, the Asia Pacific market for mechanical ventilators is expected to rise at a significant CAGR of 6.6% from 2016 to 2024. Moreover, the increasing healthcare expenditure and improving healthcare infrastructure in emerging economies such as India, Thailand, and China are fuelling the growth of this region.Browse Research Report on Global Mechanical Ventilators Market:About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. We have an experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, who us e proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather, and analyze information. Our business offerings represent the latest and the most reliable information indispensable for businesses to sustain a competitive edge.ContactTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite:Browse market research blog:
Effective Contractor Management in Maintenance and Technical Projects Seminar

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Effective contractor management is an essential component to the successful execution of maintenance and technical project management. But its no easy task.Selecting and sourcing the right contractors can be challenging and time-consuming; ensuring your contractors meet health and safety standards is critical; accurately measuring contractor performance is both complex and time sensitive. If you also consider additional issues such as risk management, training, partnership models, planning and scheduling and control, it is of little surprise that embedding effective contractor management processes is becoming a core asset management function in multiple asset intensive organisations.Over the 2 days, we will cover: How to select the right contractors for technical service Different types of technical contracts and the one that meets requirements Balancing insourcing and outsourcing Ensuring an incident-free workplace Standardizing and harmonizing the management process Building trustful relations with contractors Overall profitability and mutually beneficial management techniquesThis two day, interactive, seminar has been built to give you the right mix of topics and discussion points to better manage the complete end-to-end process of contractor engagement and management for maintenance and technical project management.Registration is live, with group discounts available.Please contact the T.A. Cook Conference Team at info@tacook.com or call +44 (0)121 200 3810Find out more atFor more than 20 years, T.A. Cook Conferences, the conference division of T.A. Cook Consultants, has been organising very successful conferences and seminars for managers. Practitioners and experts from well-known companies regularly report at our events about innovative approaches to solutions in the fields of organisation, management and the use of state-of-the art technologies.T.A. Cook ConferencesMcLaren Building46 The Priory QueenswayBirminghamB4 7LR
Global Automotive Biosensors Market to grow at a CAGR of 18.62% during the period 2016-2020: Key Vendors such as Nissan, Ford, Volkswagen

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ResearchMoz added Latest Research Report titled " Global Automotive Biosensors Market 2016-2020 " to it's Large Report database.About BiosensorA biosensor consists of a bio-response recognition component. It can be referred to as a bio-component with a transducer that converts a biological response into an electrical signal, which is then amplified, processed, and displayed on the display unit. The combination of the bio-component and the transducer is referred to as the biosensor.Technavios analysts forecast the global automotive biosensors market to grow at a CAGR of 18.62% during the period 2016-2020.Download free Sample PDF report with TOC:Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global automotive biosensors market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the market as derived from its penetration in the overall passenger cars market and with the help of in-house databases on biosensors application in various industry vertical markets.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:EuropeNorth AmericaROWTechnavio's report, Global Automotive Biosensors 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.Read All Machines Market Research Reports @Table of ContentPART 01: Executive summaryHighlightsPART 02: Scope of the reportTop-vendor offeringsPART 03: Market research methodologyResearch methodologyEconomic indicatorsPART 04: IntroductionKey market highlightsValue chain analysisProduct lifecycleRegulatory frameworksPART 05: Market landscapeMarket overviewMarket size and forecastFive forces analysisPART 06: Geographical segmentationAutomotive biosensors market in North AmericaAutomotive gesture recognition market in EuropeAutomotive biosensors market in rest of the worldPART 07: Market driversPART 08: Market challengesPART 09: Market trendsPART 10: Vendor landscapeProminent vendorsAbout ResearchMozResearchMoz is the world's 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. ResearchMoz's service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.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 @
Donald Trump And PTSD: PTSD Is Not A Sign Of Weakness Says June Sitler, Author Of Newly Released Book About PTSD, 'Fugue'

Author J. P. Sitler

http://www.junesitlerauthor.net

PTSD can take many forms. When one hears Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) the image of a Vietnam Vet comes to mind. However, many people from all walks of life may suffer from this disorder. They are the survivors. They can be people who live in the inner city, those who have suffered the loss of a loved one, survivors of childhood trauma in adulthood, or a man or woman after a divorce. Or they can be witnesses, rescuers or survivors of catastrophic events. They can have reactive depression and even a dissociative disorder.One thing PTSD is not - it is not a sign of weakness. J.P. Sitler, author of 'Fugue' believes just the opposite.Donald Trump recently addressed military veterans in Herndon, Va., and suggested those who develop post-traumatic stress disorder are not strong and cannot handle combat. Sitler responded by declaring that this statement illustrates how profoundly some of us can misunderstand PTSD.As an author of a book about PTSD, called 'Fugue', she found that PTSD is in fact a survival skill, that kicks in psychologically to endure horrific events that otherwise would completely overwhelm an individual when ones life is vitally threatened. It is a failure to scream, if you will. A numbing of senses. Doctors, nurses and first responders often at least once in their career, experience an episode of PTSD.Statistics show about 30 percent of the men and women who have spent time in war zones experience PTSD. An additional 20 to 25 percent have had partial PTSD at some point in their lives. More than half of all male Vietnam veterans and almost half of all female Vietnam veterans have experienced 'clinically serious stress reaction symptoms.' Current estimates of PTSD in military personnel who served in Iraq range from 12% to 20%.Anthropologist and neuroscientist Melvin Konner in his collection Understanding Trauma sees PTSD not as a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. He wrote that it could be possible that our common generalized anxiety disorders are an evolutionary legacy, a way to adapt in a wilderness full of fear, fight or flight.In a A Huffington Post column, it was stated that Donald Trumps comments on Veteran suicide are exactly why there is a PTSD stigma. Sitler responded by stating that Trump tried to back-pedal his argument saying his remarks were taken out of context. We need only to look back a bit to his his comments on Sen. John McCains time as a prisoner of war, stating that he is not an American hero. His true colors shine through once again. Sitler goes on to say Trump could be envious of Sen. John McCain and of other veterans because he was deferred from military service due to his flat feet. The weakness actually lies within Trump. She asks do we really want an American President who feels the need to compensate for his weaknesses, playing out on the world stage?In the storyline in 'Fugue', the protagonist Nathan is handsomely rugged, linear and computer savvy. His perfect world however, is falling apart at the seams, his job, his relationships, all because he has lost his sense of time. It is a tale about three childhood friends and all the manifestations of love and its consequences. In a catastrophic drowning accident, Nathan fails to save his beloved friend from childhood. Readers witness Nathan's struggle with his needle sharp emotional pain made palpable through anger, denial and fear. Through deep hypnosis, Nathan begins to find answers.Some of the Fugue characters include a narcissistic mother, a greedy metrosexual pharmaceutical lawyer, a Naval officer suffering from PSTD, a beautiful girl with a secret and a smart logical young man struggling with emotional issues. Many appear to be living lives of perfection but only in degrees of sanity.The book has received rave reviews from readers. One said, "This is really original and a totally brilliant read . . . I can't recommend it highly enough." Another stated, "J. Sitler moves the reader quickly through an intriguing psychological tale of past trauma and its sustaining impact on the present." Another said, "Sitler's FUGUE reminds me that PTSD is not relegated to the military experience. Readers may identify their own fugue experiences not as severe as in Nathan, the main character, but it will be therapeutic. I know it was for me."J. P. Sitler is available for media interviews and can be reached using the information below or by email at junesitler6@gmail.com. 'Fugue' is available at Amazon and other book retailers. More information is available at her website.J. P. Sitler is the author of numerous op-ed articles for The Nashville Eye of The Tennessean, which include Appearances Are Deceiving, AIDS and Grace and PTSD. Fugue is her first novel. She is a northern transplant living with her husband Dr. Vaughan in an empty nest filled with high-drive canines and opinionated cats in a sleepy southern town. She is a survivor of 31 surgeries, lived seven years on the largest, longest existing American commune, was a medical transcriptionist, and is now a teacher and novelist.PO Box 1618Shallotte NC 28459
Greenhouse Irrigation Market Set to See More Growth on Account of Robust Demand in Asia and Europe

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The report Global Greenhouse Irrigation System Market Professional Survey Report 2016 has been added to QYResearchReports. It provides an insightful overview of the global greenhouse irrigation system market.The greenhouse irrigation system market has received a steady fillip over the years on account of the rapid rise in population in the Asia Pacific region, which has led to a spike in demand for food. To match supply with demand, greenhouses  where off-season fruits and vegetables are grown in climate controlled enclosures  have proliferated, necessitating the need for greenhouse irrigation tools. Dearth of labor, along with special irrigation requirements such as accurate amount of water at regular intervals for greenhouse plants, has also driven demand in the market. With automated greenhouse irrigation tools such as sprinklers, drip tubes and tapes, and emitters, huge tracts of vegetation can be taken care of with minimum farmhands.Bolstered by growing demand from Asia Pacific and Europe, the global greenhouse irrigation system market is slated to register strong growth in the upcoming years. The report provides a thorough definition of the greenhouse irrigation system and a description of three popular irrigation methods, namely micro sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation, and boom irrigation. The report also discusses the key growth driver for each of these segments and details the various uses of greenhouse irrigation system in areas like growing vegetables and fruits, flowers and ornamentals, and nursery crops.To Get a Sample Copy of this Report @Further, the report provides a valuable analysis of the cost involved in setting up a typical greenhouse irrigation systems business, including cost of raw materials and manufacturing expenses. The report delves into the manufacturing processes, industry chain structure, and notable suppliers operating in the market. Additionally, it provides information on key manufacturers in the market and their distribution network.Some of the most influential players operating in the global greenhouse irrigation market covered in the report are Netafim Ltd., Rivulis Irrigation, Lindsay Corporation, The Toro Company, EPC Industries Limited, and Jain Irrigation Systems Ltd. The report presents a thorough analysis of company profiles, their share in the global market, revenues, and products offered by them, along with their prices.The report presents a comprehensive market overview analyzing aspects such as global greenhouse irrigation system capacity, growth rate, sales and sales growth over the period between 2011 and 2016. The report also provides a detailed picture of key regional markets: North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India; an insightful peek into the market size; and trade growth and supply chain.Description of various kinds of end users of greenhouse irrigation systems across the globe and their effect on supply and demand is also provided. Details such as market size, notable market trends of past and present years, consumption forecast, demand forecast and growth forecast, arrived at after carefully studying the industry landscape from different aspects are also included in the report.Browse Full Report with TOC @QYresearchreports.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.QYResearchReports1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-618-1030Web:Email: sales@qyresearchreports.com
Tango Telecom wins expansion order from Emtel Mauritius

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Limerick, Ireland, 12th October 2016: Tango Telecom, (), a leading provider of Data Monetisation Solutions for evolving mobile networks, today announced an upgrade and expansion deal with Emtel Mauritius for its Subscriber Interaction Manager. Tango Telecoms solution enables Emtel Mauritius to maximise customer satisfaction and loyalty by significantly improving subscriber engagement and service velocityThe Tango Telecom Subscriber Interaction Manager is a key application of the Tango Telecom Data Retail Engine (Tango DRE) and includes Tango Telecoms Next Generation SMSC, Self-Care Management and Subscriber Engagement via USSD and SMS on one unified platform.Tango Telecoms Subscriber Interaction Manager allows us to implement new services faster and more cost-effectively than before. We selected Tango Telecom because of their unmatched experience in delivering market-leading solutions and their commitment to customer service. This feature-rich solution provides us with the tools and the agility to quickly create and launch new services and offers to meet and exceed the ever-changing needs of our subscribers, says Veekash Aukhojee, IT Manager, Emtel Mauritius.We are very pleased to work with Emtel as our flexible and agile Subscriber Interaction Manager increases the uptake of their new services by increasing their service velocity and powering innovative engagement with their subscribers. Emtel can now efficiently and cost-effectively manage multiple services and delivery channels from single unified platform, explains Mayoor Mahendra, Chief Operating Officer, Tango Telecom.Tango Telecom is the leading global provider of Data Monetisation Solutions for evolving mobile networks. Our high performance solutions are deployed at the core of some of the worlds most demanding networks including the Telenor Group, America Movil and the Axiata Group and currently support over 140 live systems serving 700 million subscribers in 43 countries. The Tango Telecom Data Retail Engine, the Tango DRE, drives service innovation and service velocity to successfully monetise the growing demand for mobile data while optimising the use of network resources. Our solutions are fully virtualised and cloud-available globally, enabling operators to benefit today from the many advantages of network functions virtualisation (NFV).Tango TelecomWalton HouseLonsdale RoadNational Technology ParkLimerickIreland
International Christian Consulate Helping Christian Refugees In Greece

Helping Christian Refugees

Established in Autumn 2015, the International Christian Consulate (ICC) has already made considerable impact among Christian refuges escaping persecution, as well as advocating on their behalf.Since inception, the ICC has established a forward operating base in Athens from which it manages its growing network of safe houses providing refuge, safety and support for vulnerable Christian refugees. A new Christian refugee centre for 150 is also currently under construction while the ICC continues making representations in Europe and the UK Parliament, to solicit recognition for this pan-European issue: that Christian refugees are being widely targeted in Europe for their faith.Using in-depth questionnaires, the ICC has discovered that 88% of all Christian refugees have experienced violence at the hands of extremist Islamists in their home countries, en-route to Europe and significantly, continue to do so in Europes refugee camps.Working closely with partners on the ground including the Orthodox Church, the ICC seeks to provide both short and medium term solutions to assist this vulnerable minority group. Such solutions include safe housing, assistance in seeking relocation to Europe, or job creation schemes in Greece. Due to threats to life from Daesh/IS cells operating in UNHCR camps in Jordan and Syria, Christian refugees do not go to them for help, thus largely remain unregistered. Consequently, they do not receive aid due nor do they get included in UK & European quotas for taking refugees.The ICC is a small but rapidly growing operation supported financially by both established organisations and private donors. It is a Charitable Limited Company with a Board of Directors and Council of Advisors.Its Head of Mission and founder, Ms Yochana Darling, is supported by a multi-skilled team of volunteers and staff.MissionTo establish a consulate in the Middle East, which exists to protect the interests of Christians, particularly those fleeing persecution in various nations in the region, and which acts as a place of safety for them to seek the assistance they need.ICC, Suite G0073, 265-269 Kingston RoadLondon, United KingdomSW19 3NW
Subsea Manifold market is expected to exceed more than USD$3.5 billion by 2020

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A subsea manifolds are huge in structures, greatly in shape, size and metal equipment used to transfer gas, oil, water or chemicals from wellheads into a pipe line. Subsea manifolds consists of branched valves, headers and pipes carrying gas, oil, chemicals and more. Subsea machineries are designed, consider the harsh working situation in deep water areas and can be modified depends on the soil property. It forms an important element of subsea production systems as they allow machinists to adapt to varying operating conditions. In many offshore basins, manufacture companies can mount double header manifolds according to their necessities. Subsea manifolds are designed flexibly based on requirement of companies. So that operators connect future subsea part effectively, when parts of subsea manifolds are not working properly then it minimize the production loss.The subsea manifold market is expected to exceed more than USD$3.5 billion by 2020.The major driving factors of Subsea Manifolds market are as follows:Require to enlarged oil recovery from composite offshore reservoir important for growth of cost efficient subsea manifoldsReducing onto land reserves has lead investigation and production groups to focus on expansion of offshore basinsCapability to adapt to varying operating conditions is a key element of subsea manifold systems.The restraints factors of subsea manifold market are as follows:Indecision in crude oil costs would impact productivity of offshore workerThe subsea manifold market is segmented on the lines of its application and regional. Under application segmentation the subsea manifold market covers production manifolds and injection manifolds. The subsea manifold market is geographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geography market is further segmented to provide market revenue for select countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for subsea manifold and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014 and 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2020.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for subsea manifold4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for various types of coatings with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include ABB Limited, Aker Solutions ASA, Baker Hughes Incorporated, Dril-Quip Inc., FMC Technologies Inc., General Electric, ITT Bornemann GmbH, OneSubsea, Siemens AG, Subsea 7 S.A. and Technip S.A. Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments. The Top Companies Report is intended to provide our buyers with a snapshot of the industrys most influential players.The Subsea Manifold Market has been segmented as below:by Application AnalysisProduction ManifoldsInjection ManifoldsGet Sample Copy here:by Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificRest of the WorldReasons to Buy this Report:1) Obtain the most up to date information available on all active and planned coating industry globally.2) Identify growth segments and opportunities in the industry.3) Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong historic and forecast of coating industry and unit capacity data.4) Assess your competitors refining portfolio and its evolution.Customization:We can offer you custom research reports as per clients special requirements.Market Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Market Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Company Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Website:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
Telecom API Platform market is expected to exceed more than US$ 5200 million by 2022

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API that is application programming interface is a key element in a many business foundation which presents revenue creation services through association with outdoor partners. API acts as middleware software which forms interface among resources and applications in the device. It presents expertise with services and tools for the reason of API design, management and reporting for the best functioning of API programs to increase business revenue. It plays fundamental role for service provider which fit their telecom infrastructure and data in commercial business. Telecom API platforms allows its operator to set up its own API represent its service to all large external developers. Fast expansion in the mobile application market will produced requirement for telecom APIs.The telecom API platform market is expected to exceed more than US$ 5200 million by 2022.The major driving factors of telecom API platform market are as follows:Competition among MNOs which drive the adoption of new revenue streamsGrowing digitization in MNOs push them to accept API platformThe restraints factors of telecom API platform market are as follows:Minimum adoption of telecom API platform between medium and small operatorsThe telecom API platform market is segmented on the lines of its telecom operator and module. Under telecom operator segmentation it covers T1 players, T2 players and T3 players. The telecom API platform market is segmented on the lines of its module like set-up, monetization and pricing model, operator share and vendor share. The telecom API platform market is geographic segmentation covers various regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East and Africa. Each geography market is further segmented to provide market revenue for select countries such as the U.S., Canada, U.K. Germany, China, Japan, India, Brazil, and GCC countries.This report provides:1) An overview of the global market for telecom API platform and related technologies.2) Analyses of global market trends, with data from 2013, estimates for 2014 and 2015, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) through 2020.3) Identifications of new market opportunities and targeted promotional plans for telecom API platform4) Discussion of research and development, and the demand for new products and new applications.5) Comprehensive company profiles of major players in the industry.REPORT SCOPE:The scope of the report includes a detailed study of global and regional markets for various types of API Platforms with the reasons given for variations in the growth of the industry in certain regions.The report covers detailed competitive outlook including the market share and company profiles of the key participants operating in the global market. Key players profiled in the report include S.A., Aepona Ltd., Apigee Corp., Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Oracle Corp., Hewlett-Packard Development Co., LM Ericsson, Tropo, Inc., Axway Software S.A., and ZTE Soft Technology Co., Ltd.. Company profile includes assign such as company summary, financial summary, business strategy and planning, SWOT analysis and current developments.The Top Companies Report is intended to provide our buyers with a snapshot of the industrys most influential players.The Telecom API Platform Market has been segmented as below:By Telecom Operator AnalysisT1 PlayersT2 PlayersT3 PlayersBy Module AnalysisSet-upMonetization and Pricing ModelOperator ShareVendor ShareBy Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaEuropeAsia-PacificRest of the WorldGet sample copy here:Reasons to Buy this Report:1) Obtain the most up to date information available on all telecom API platform market globally.2) Identify growth segments and opportunities in the industry.3) Facilitate decision making on the basis of strong historic and forecast of coating industry and unit capacity data.4) Assess your competitors refining portfolio and its evolution.Customization:We can offer you custom research reports as per clients special requirements.Market Research Engine is a global market research and consulting organization. We provide market intelligence in emerging niche technologies and markets. Our market analysis powered by rigorous methodology and quality metrics provide information and forecasts across emerging markets, emerging technologies and emerging business models. Our deep focus on industry verticals and country reports help our clients to identify opportunities and develop business strategies.Company Name: Market Research EngineContact Person: John BayEmail: john@marketresearchengine.comPhone: +1-855-984-1862, +91-860-565-7204Website:Address: 3422 SW 15 Street, Suite #8942, Deerfield Beach, FL 33442, United States
The case against an Oregon City contractor is moving forward after the state's Bureau of Labor and Industries found "substantial evidence" that the company retaliated against whistleblowers.

In 2014 and 2015, the state received multiple complaints against contractor Evan Williams and his company Tri-Star Flagging, also known as AD Traffic Control Services.

The complaints contend the company retaliated against employees trying to report illegal employment practices by firing them and threatening physical violence.

The state alleges that Tri-Star's retaliatory actions have hindered the state's ability to investigate the complaints and have prevented other workers from filing additional complaints against the company.

The state's complaint did not specify how many people had filed complaints against Williams' companies, but last year, three workers had filed civil rights complaints, alleging that Tri-Star and Williams had retaliated against flaggers on the Sellwood Bridge project by cutting their hours.

The case will now move to prosecution, where Williams and his company will be formally charged.

Bureau spokesman Charlie Burr said that barring a settlement, a contested case hearing - where both sides argue their case before the judge - is next, followed by a final order from the labor bureau.

This final order could award damages to the workers, or include a compliance agreement with ongoing monitoring, Burr said. If the parties reach a settlement, terms could include a lifetime debarment from working on state public works projects.

Tri-Star and AD Traffic Control Systems are among several active and inactive limited liability corporations allegedly controlled or managed by Williams that have provided traffic control services on Oregon public works projects.

Williams and his companies have faced a stream of wage claims and complaints over the years.

In 2013, the state awarded $104,000 in fringe benefit wages for 37 Tri-Star flaggers who said they hadn't been paid in full.

Last year, Williams and his companies were facing potential penalties from four separate investigations.

Earlier this year, the labor bureau placed Williams and any companies associated with him on a list of companies and individuals barred from receiving public works contracts or subcontracts for three years.

The agency also fined Williams nearly $9,500 for failing to fully pay workers on a public project and an additional $16,000 for inaccurate and falsified payroll records.

The case will now move to the agency's Administrative Prosecution Unit, which will draft formal charges and set a date for hearing.

Attempts to reach Williams for comment were not immediately successful.

-- Anna Marum

amarum@oregonian.com

503-294-5911

@annamarum
Portland transportation officials aren't collecting enough data to effectively police the recently deregulated taxi industry, the city's independent auditor found.

In a report to be released Wednesday, which reviewed the Transportation Bureau's oversight of taxi companies as well as Uber and Lyft, auditors found that most of the city's traditional taxi companies have failed to report required data, such as wait times and ride cancellations, that can help measure the level of service they're providing.

Some companies, the audit found, may underreport the number of rides they provide, potentially dodging thousands of dollars in fees to pay for the regulatory program.

"The Transportation Bureau has focused on monitoring safety," said audit services Director Drummond Kahn, "but now it needs to increase its monitoring of service."

Portland last year removed much of its regulation of the taxi industry, including caps on the number of taxis and fixed prices, at the same time it legalized market newcomers Uber and Lyft.

Portland is among many cities trying to navigate a tectonic shift in its taxi industry. Uber and Lyft together seized 60 percent of the city's ride market within months of their arrival, in part taking market share from traditional taxis but mostly increasing the size of the market. Investors have valued the fast-growing, privately held companies at more than $5 billion for Lyft and more than $60 billion for Uber.

There are some safety issues uncovered in the audit.

For one, the city has collected only crash data from the companies in aggregate, without information that would allow the city to identify problem drivers.

And in its inspections of 600 Uber and Lyft driver, auditors found, 30 were found to be ineligible because of suspended driver's licenses or poor driving history. The audit recommended more targeted inspections based on risk rather than market share. (The Oregonian/OregonLive reported on enforcement data earlier this year and found Uber and Lyft drivers were more likely to run afoul of the city's rules.)

That issue has added relevance because the city has allowed companies to conduct background checks on prospective drivers rather than do its own.

"If the city is relying on businesses to do background checks, it's especially important that those happen correctly," Kahn said.

The primary focus of the audit, however, was that most taxi companies have failed to turn over data on ridership, wait times and wheelchair-accessible service. In approving Uber and Lyft and deregulating the taxi industry, the City Council hoped to improve service in the city and cited those measures in particular.

The ride data is a particular concern because riders pay a 50-cent surcharge, which is intended to fund the cost of inspections and other administration. Companies that underreport their ridership may not be paying their share. The fees are expected to raise cover the cost of regulation, which was $1.4 million in the last fiscal year.

In response to the audit, Transportation Bureau Director Leah Treat said the city's challenge in collecting data from taxi companies stemmed from the technology those companies are using. Uber and Lyft, technology-focused companies used to working with the vast quantities of information they collect, have turned over data much more reliably, the audit said.

"Many of the smaller taxicab companies don't have the technological ability to capture this data," Treat wrote, "and we are providing them technical assistance to help them comply."

The audit also reported on the state of the ride-for-hire market, which has changed dramatically since Uber and Lyft started operating in the city permanently in 2015.

Weekly taxi ride numbers have been fairly steady since then, and cabs were giving about 3,000 rides a day in April 2016. However, the number of taxis and drivers has increased since the City Council removed a cap on taxi licenses at the same time it legalized Uber and Lyft.

Uber and Lyft ridership has climbed dramatically in the same period. The number of rides they provide, however, was not disclosed under the terms of their non-disclosure agreement with the city. Both San Francisco-based companies consider such data to be a trade secret.

The Oregonian/OregonLive has sought those numbers under Oregon's public records law, and the Multnomah County district attorney ordered the city to turn the records over. However, a Multnomah County Circuit Court judge temporarily blocked the release at the request of Uber and Lyft, which are seeking a permanent injunction against the release of the information.

-- Elliot Njus

enjus@oregonian.com

503-294-5034

@enjus
The prosecution's key witness in a 2011 Gladstone murder-for-hire plot is a known "rat" who made up a story about how a former Gladstone police sergeant supposedly tried to poison his wife, a Multnomah County inmate said Tuesday.

Aaron Schaffer testified that he was in a cell next to Travis Layman in September when Layman told him that he planned to tell investigators that Sgt. Lynn Edward Benton had used fentanyl in the past to try to kill his wife. Layman told him that he got the idea from another inmate, Schaffer said.

"Mr. Layman, I believe, fabricated every word of his testimony and he's done it several times in the past," said Schaffer, in jail on accusations of unlawful use of a vehicle, criminal trespassing and violating parole.

Schaffer, 35, was called as Benton's trial in Clackamas County entered its fifth week. Benton, 54, faces aggravated murder charges in the May 2011 death of his 54-year-old wife, Debbie Higbee Benton, who was found shot, beaten and strangled at her Gladstone beauty shop.

Layman, 42, told him that he was cooperating with the prosecution and investigators in the murder case to cut his sentence, Schaffer said.

Schaffer told other inmates sometime after that Layman was "a rat," but they already knew, he said. "I was the last person to find out," he said.

Benton now faces only aggravated murder, criminal conspiracy to commit aggravated murder and attempted murder charges after Judge Kathie Steele last week threw out three solicitation to commit aggravated murder charges against Benton.

The dismissed allegations claimed Benton previously called on his friend, Susan Campbell, and her son, Jason Jaynes, to kill his wife.

The defense had argued that the prosecution didn't offer any evidence during the trial that Benton solicited Campbell in November 2010 to kill Higbee Benton or that Benton offered money to Campbell and Jaynes to kill Higbee Benton on her birthday in April 2011.

Campbell, 58, and Jaynes, 36, also face aggravated murder charges in Higbee Benton's death. They're being tried separately from Benton.

Schaffer said he and Layman were neighbors in a segregation unit at the Multnomah County jail for nearly three weeks and spoke everyday through a vent near the sink in each of their cells and were both let out of their cells about an hour and a half a day. Schaffer said he also was briefly housed with Benton at the jail, but they didn't know each other.

Schaffer said Layman told him that he was facing "several hundred months" in prison for an armed home invasion robbery in Portland and had previously served 13 years in prison in Washington for a similar armed robbery.

Layman provided information about Benton during at least three interviews with investigators in exchange for lighter sentences in Multnomah County and Clackamas County. He is scheduled to be sentenced in both cases after Benton's trial. The agreement calls for him to serve at least five years and 10 months in prison for guilty pleas to robbery, burglary and kidnapping and other charges in Multnomah County. He is expected to be sentenced to a lesser sentence in Clackamas County for methamphetamine delivery serve that sentence at the same time.

Jeff Auxier, a Multnomah County deputy district attorney prosecuting Layman's case, testified Tuesday that he plans to ask a judge to sentence Layman more than double the minimum set in the cooperation agreement: at least 16 years and eight months in prison. He said he previously told Layman that he would seek around that amount.

Witness testimony will continue Thursday. The defense plans to rest and prosecutors said they want to recall Layman to the witness stand as well as the other inmate Schaffer claims gave Layman the fentanyl idea.

-- Everton Bailey Jr.

ebailey@oregonian.com

503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey
The only way in or out of Au Centre, a hamlet tucked into Haiti's Southern Beaumont region in the foothills of Macaya Peak, is by foot on five-mile long winding paths through the tropical cloud forest.

Those footpaths were Mathilde Aurelien Wilson's avenue to a life of education and consistent access to food when her father, a coffee farmer, carried her out in a basket in 1967. But with the recent destruction left behind by Hurricane Matthew, those same walking paths have been destroyed, making Au Centre virtually inaccessible to aid.

"The biggest thing right now is food," Aurelien Wilson said. "They have no food security from one day to another, no access to grocery, crops destroyed, no savings. They are really, really hungry. We're gathering donations to send directly there to help, to help keep them alive."

Aurelien Wilson is the owner of Jouk Li Jou, an A-frame Northeast Portland food cart that serves the city's only Haitian food. Some proceeds from the cart help finance Haiti Community Support, the nonprofit that Aurelien Wilson and her husband, Bruce, started in 2004 to bring basic necessities -- running water, electricity, education and infrastructure -- to Au Centre, one of the region's most impoverished areas.

She started sharing her mother's recipes at the Montavilla Farmers Market in December. Many Portlanders got their first taste of the cuisine in bowls of thick kongo pea soup, a creamy, coconut-based soup with a savory broth and bright carrots, squash, celery and kongo peas and oxtail stew with plantains.

A cross marks a grave on a hillside above damaged homes in Les Anglais, Haiti, Monday, Oct. 10, 2016. Nearly a week after the storm smashed into southwestern Haiti, some communities along the southern coast have yet to receive any assistance, leaving residents who have lost their homes and virtually all of their belongings struggling to find shelter and potable water.

Before moving to Portland, the Wilsons ran Mount Victory Camp, a popular eco lodge in Saint Croix. They started their nonprofit after a visit to Au Centre, helping to build a small school capable of housing just under a dozen students. More than 10 years later, they've built an eight-classroom school that doubles as a disaster shelter and community gathering place with enough room for more than 220 students, and opened a health clinic with full-time nurses and weekly doctors visits, bringing medicine, supplies and antibiotics to the town for the first time, Aurelien Wilson said.

Hurricane Matthew has left at least 1,000 people dead and another 1.4 million in need of aid in Haiti, according to news reports. The hurricane also destroyed Aurelien Wilson's family home in Au Centre, flattened virtually every house in the neighborhood and decimated the crops that the villagers depend on to survive. The schoolhouse survived, and is currently being used as a shelter, Aurelien Wilson said.

"It is vital for me while I run this food cart to get awareness out about the nonprofit to get hot food for kids and medicine," Aurelien Wilson said. "We still have to cover a lot of costs on the ground."

11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 1505 N.E. Alberta St.

-- Samantha Bakall

sbakall@oregonian.com

Follow @sambakall
Hayhurst

The children shown in this Hayhurst Elementary classroom back in 2007 are in high school by now. Testing in two Hayhurst classrooms found highly elevated levels of lead in window wells, but specially designed cleaners and sealant have successfully brought all classroom window areas into compliance, lab tests now show.

(Torsten Kjellstrand / The Oregonian / 2007)

It took three tries, but Portland's Hayhurst Elementary now is free of excessive lead dust in the window troughs in all its classrooms, laboratory reports show.

Courtney Wilton, Portland Public Schools' interim operations director, notified Hayhurst families and employees Wednesday that lab results have cleared the school of having lead dust higher than the federal safety threshold of 400 micrograms per square foot.

Two classrooms at Hayhurst were found to have dangerous levels of lead dust inside the troughs that are exposed when windows are raised. Officials checked the rooms because the mother of a student who was poisoned by lead when he was young insisted on it after she saw paint debris in them.

Tests found high lead levels in the window troughs in both those Hayhurst classrooms and, later, in others as well.

Lead is a powerful neurotoxin that can cause brain damage, disgestive problems and other neurological impacts. Portland Public Schools has been shown to have significant problems with lead in drinking water and lead paint dust and debris in schools and on playgrounds, and it is devoting millions to pinpointing and responding to the problems this fall.

In September, the district hired contractors to clean every window trough at Hayhurst using special lead-cleaning wipes, then to paint over the surfaces with a sealant designed to protect against lead paint hazards.

The problem in Classroom 7 proven stubbornly persistent, lab reports show. That classroom's window area failed a lead test on Sept. 28, so it was cleaned again. But it failed another lead test on Oct. 4, records show. So it was cleaned a third time and cleared by an Oct. 8 test, records indicate.

Classes were held in the classrooms even before clearance testing was done, but the windows were kept shut until tests showed no or low levels of lead, Wilton said.

-- Betsy Hammond
1avakian.JPG

Brad Avakian

(Courtesy of Brad Avakian campaign)

Nancy Haque and Amy Herzfeld-Copple

Through the smog of an ugly presidential election season filled with hateful rhetoric, Oregon voters must not lose sight of what's at stake locally, particularly in the race for secretary of state, the office responsible for our free and fair elections.

Regrettably, this race is not getting the scrutiny it should. Voters must choose between long-time equality champion Brad Avakian and former state Rep. Dennis Richardson.

As a state senator, Avakian sponsored the Oregon Equality Act, a comprehensive nondiscrimination law that protects LGBTQ Oregonians in housing, employment and public accommodations. Nine years later, our Equality Act remains a model for the country, as 32 states still do not provide comprehensive protections for LGBTQ individuals.

By contrast, Richardson seems eager to recast his extreme record after a dozen years in the Oregon Legislature. In a campaign commercial, he is surrounded by an LGBTQ family, as if to imply he supports our community. His public record indicates otherwise.

In 2007, Richardson equated this landmark nondiscrimination bill with the tragic mass shooting that occurred at Virginia Tech that same week. In casting his vote against protecting LGBTQ Oregonians from discrimination, Richardson compared being gay, lesbian, bisexual or transgender to smoking, alcoholism and drug addiction. Richardson also voted against a domestic partnership registry and allowing domestically partnered couples to hyphenate their last names.

By contrast, Avakian has a deep commitment to fairness and equality. He came out publicly in support of the freedom to marry for all loving and committed couples in 1998 -- six years before even Massachusetts recognized our relationships.

He took these Oregon values with him when he was elected commissioner of the Bureau of Labor and Industries in 2008. Charged with enforcing Oregon's labor and nondiscrimination laws, he vigorously defends the rights of every Oregonian. He fought for janitorial workers denied their full wages, transgender patrons in a North Portland bar and a Christian in Bend who experienced religious discrimination in the workplace.

Despite a heavy stream of criticism, he remains steadfast in his support of the Equality Act even while religious conservatives across the country wage a campaign to carve out exemptions to discriminate against LGBTQ families.

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Submit your essay of 700 words or less to commentary@oregonlive.com. Please include your email and phone number for verification.

While few Oregonians have tuned into their candidate debates, Richardson's lack of support for LGBTQ protections is still evident. He proudly attacked Avakian for defending a group of transgender patrons who were harassed by a bar owner.

Oregonians recognize that treating people differently based on who they are is discrimination. We are long past the day when a state official with these antiquated views should be elected in Oregon.

This fall, as voters decide who can be trusted to run the important office of secretary of state, the choice is clear. Brad Avakian is the only candidate who will fight for our shared values and the dignity and respect of all Oregonians.

Nancy Haque and Amy Herzfeld-Copple are co-executive directors of Basic Rights Oregon.
By Megan McArdle

Growth-wise, the world seems to be in a little bit of a rut.

Oh, sure, we're OK. We just don't seem to be going much of anywhere. Global production has recovered somewhat since the catastrophe of the financial crisis, but it didn't bounce back entirely. Instead, we're staggering along at a noticeably lower rate of growth, both abroad and at home.

What's going on? One theory is that this is simply the aftermath of a financial crisis. We had a lot of malinvestment, and now we have a lot of fiscal and monetary problems to work out, and as with a bad illness, it's going to take a little time for us to get back to 100 percent. A more worrying theory is that this may be the new normal because of the developed world's aging populations. And that's especially bad because when the population is aging, that's when you need growth the most.

Most developed nations have made enormous promises to their elderly populations -- promises that they could continue to live in the style to which they had become accustomed during their working years. Those promises were easy to fulfill when the ratio of workers to retirees was, say, five to one. As that ratio collapses, it gets harder and harder, because each worker has to devote a larger and larger fraction of their income to supporting another nonworking adult.

A simple numerical example may illustrate how important growth rates are to an aging economy. Let's say we have 99 workers and one retiree, and we want all of them to enjoy the same standard of living. Now say each worker can produce $100 worth of stuff. If each of our workers donates $1 apiece to the retiree, everyone gets $99 dollars.

But now let's say nine more people retire over the next nine years. Now we have 90 workers, generating total output of $9,000 a year. Split 100 ways, everyone gets $90 instead of $99. As more people retire, the math gets worse and worse. Eventually, the workers may well say "You non-workers are on your own."

Of course, this example is a static economy. Make those workers more productive, and things get very different. If the economy is growing by just 2 percent, and people retire at the same rate, we can maintain this system indefinitely with neither workers nor retirees getting poorer.

On the other hand, if growth falls to 1 percent, then over time, incomes start declining. Gross domestic product is going up, but income is falling. That's obviously undesirable -- and it's also politically unstable. Which is why we need productivity growth now more than ever.

Unfortunately, a new paper suggests that now is when we're least likely to get it. Economists have long known that economies were likely to slow down as the population aged, simply because the size of the workforce declined. Economic growth is composed of two components: workforce growth and productivity growth. If those numbers fall, so will the growth rate.

But most commentary on this has focused on the workforce component. Nicole Maestas, Kathleen J. Mullen and David Powell suggest that two-thirds of the reduction in the growth rate actually comes from falling productivity, with the shrinking labor force playing a comparatively minor role.

Why might this be true? If you think about it, it's not that surprising. Growth comes from innovation, and innovation is risky. If you're young, you have longer to recover, and longer to enjoy the fruits of a lucky bet, than you are if you're 55. We should expect aging societies to shift toward a more stable, less innovative, equilibrium.

Unfortunately, thanks to all the promises we've made, that equilibrium doesn't look all that stable. If both workforce growth and productivity growth fall at the same time, most of the world's developed nations are going to find themselves in deep crisis as they try to stretch a shrinking income to fulfill promises to retirees.

One obvious answer is to import a younger workforce, and thereby shift the demographics of the nation back toward a higher-growth equilibrium capable of meeting those demands. But workers are not undifferentiated blobs of human capital that all produce exactly the same amount when plugged into the economy. It's not clear to me that replacing a retiring $100,000-a-year CPA with a young $26,000-a-year roofer is a net benefit to the Social Security system, even if you assume that the roofer boosts economic growth by allowing others to spend more time making money and being productive.

Of course, it's possible that we're on the verge of technological breakthroughs that will allow us to replace massive amounts of human labor, making us so rich that we won't have to worry about the health of our retirement systems. But that's been predicted for centuries and hasn't materialized. In the meantime, when you've made promises as big as the ones we have, it's probably not safe to sit back and hope for the best.

Megan McArdle is a Bloomberg View columnist. For more columns from Bloomberg View, visit http://www.bloomberg.com/view.

(c) 2016, Bloomberg View
Wyden.JPG

Sen. Ron Wyden speaks in a meeting at Roseburg Forest Products in Dillard, in August.

(AP Photo/File)

The most competitive congressional race in Oregon this season owes to two engaged but different candidates in a district pronounced in its urban and rural values. Democratic incumbent Rep. Kurt Schrader was first elected to represent District 5 in 2008 and has sustained energy and focus while racking up a commendable bipartisan record in his positions. But his principal challenger, Colm Willis, a 30-year-old Republican lawyer and family man from Stayton, brings poise and real competition to the race. He is the former political director of Oregon Right to Life and had worked briefly in Washington, D.C., where, he says, he could see a future the country must avoid.

Schrader has competently navigated his constituency, comprising folks in the southern rim of Portland as well as through the Willamette Valley and along the coast. And he has managed to get things done in a Congress known for partisan gridlock: He spearheaded legislation to increase small business lending and successfully fought to make Newport the new home for the Pacific fleet of the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration, a jobs builder. Willis, meanwhile, served as a U.S. Senate aide during the economic collapse of 2008 only to depart the capitol feeling the nation's leaders had failed taxpayers by bailing out investment banks. "I've seen what happens when you have 600 lobbyists in a room," he said in an interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board. "It doesn't work out for workers." So it is unsurprising Willis opposes trade deals that disadvantage workers and the high costs of health insurance under Obamacare. He has the ear of a lot of voters in the district. The same can't be said, meanwhile, of Marvin Sandnes, a challenger from the Pacific Green Party whose main concern is ending America's war effort in Afghanistan.

Schrader is the proven pro who has served Oregon well and should be re-elected. The former farmer and veterinarian reliably rises above partisanship to get the job done - or, at least, to acknowledge failure with grace, as he did when he aimed his salary to charity during a government shutdown. It would be disappointing, meanwhile, if Willis were to dismiss other opportunities to serve Oregon, which needs his smarts and decency.

In the U.S. Senate, Democratic veteran Ron Wyden should be re-elected. His relentless efforts to protect citizens from warrantless federal surveillance distinguished him and Oregon nationally. His fight for struggling Oregon workers in need of economic security - and overhauls in the tax code to help bring it about - is on-time and on-point. Most of all, Wyden's ability to help build consensus, whether in Congress or in the field, as seen in the water-starved but divided Klamath Basin, should continue to generate solutions that help Oregonians. Wyden's experience and accomplishments outweigh those of Republican challenger Mark Callahan and Independent challenger Steve C. Reynolds, each appealing for their principled brands of conservatism; Pacific Green Party challenger Eric Navickas, an organic farmer and former Ashland city counselor; Shanti Lewallen, the Working Families Party candidate who is a lawyer and longshore worker, and Jim Lindsay of the Libertarian Party of Oregon.

Oregonian editorials

reflect the collective opinion of The Oregonian editorial board, which operates independently of the newsroom.

are Laura Gunderson, Helen Jung, Mark Katches, John Maher and Len Reed.

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Longtime Democratic Rep. Earl Blumenauer, of the Portland-to-Mount Hood 3rd congressional district, is by now a fixture in Oregon politics. But his ideas are anything but static and are keyed to current needs: finding the money to overhaul worn-out infrastructure, such as roads and bridges and water pipes; easing federal regulation over marijuana and its purveyors, especially as states such as Oregon legalize recreational pot; reforming campaign finance laws and redistricting practices to ensure transparency and fairness. Voters should say yes to Blumenauer over David Walker, an Independent candidate whose riffs on government's failure are compelling but whose overarching view is that both dominant political parties are corrupt; and David Delk, a single-issue Progressive candidate who chides Blumenauer for refusing to state opposition to the Trans Pacific Partnership trade agreement.

In 2012, Democratic Rep. Suzanne Bonamici was elected to fill the 1st congressional seat left open by a scandalized David Wu. In 2014, she won re-election. It's no accident voters like her: for her steady hand in advocating for workers, consumers, public education and the environment. She got her start in the Oregon Legislature, where she advanced mortgage reforms. In Congress, her work that links art and design to the fields of math and engineering is smart, and from her position on the House Education & Workforce Committee she has made a difference pushing for career and technical education as well as greater access to early childhood education. Voters should re-elect her on Nov. 9 over Republican Brian Heinrich, a lifelong District 1 resident with no lawmaking experience; and Kyle Sheahan, a Libertarian Party of Oregon candidate who opposes the Trans Pacific Partnership.

-The Oregonian/OregonLive Editorial Board

Read the full list of editorial endorsements.
Ken Medenbach, the lone Oregon resident on trial on a federal conspiracy charge stemming from the seizure of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, told jurors Tuesday he's exactly where he wants to be, preaching about his views on land rights in a federal courtroom.

He called the Bundys his "heroes'' for the "bold move'' they made in the 2014 standoff with federal officers near patriarch Cliven Bundy's ranch near Bunkerville, Nevada. Medenbach noted that he's been fighting "the same things they were fighting.''

"The federal government doesn't have authority to own land in the states,'' Medenbach said.

And like Ammon Bundy, Medenbach added, "I've been called by a higher power to do what I'm doing.''

Medenbach, 63, has pleaded not guilty to conspiring to use threats, intimidation or force to prevent federal employees from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife and U.S. Bureau of Land Management employees from doing their work during the occupation of the federal bird sanctuary in eastern Oregon.

He's also pleaded not guilty to theft of government property: a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service pickup truck that he admitted on the stand to driving to pick up groceries at the Safeway in Burns on Jan. 15, before his arrest.

"It didn't matter to me being arrested because I'm where I want to be right now,'' Medenbach said. "I've been waiting 21 years to be where I'm at right now.''

His standby counsel Matthew Schindler led Medenbach through his long history of challenging the government's control of land, starting with his 1988 construction of some cabins and an outhouse on five acres of land he bought for $700 northeast of Crescent, without obtaining any permits from Klamath County.

He continued through the mid-1990s, erecting cabins on what he called "alleged BLM land,'' and ignoring notices from the federal agency to remove them. He said he tried to stake claim through adverse possession to a parcel of U.S. Forest Service land in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in southern Washington in 1996 by putting up a small cabin on the property.

Responding to questions from his defense lawyer, Medenbach pointed out that the federal and county agencies usually took civil action against him for his land protests.

Medenbach said he went to Burns on Dec. 30, planning to participate in the Jan. 2 rally in support of Harney County ranchers Dwight Hammond Jr. and Steven Hammond, who were set to return to federal prison on Jan. 4 to complete a minimum mandatory sentence of five years for setting fire to federal land.

Taking over the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, he said, was an extension of his years of protests against federal government overreach. It didn't matter to him that he was on pretrial release from federal court in Medford, with a condition that he stay off federal lands, he said.

"I knew there'd be like-minded people there, and I knew I'd get along with them,'' he said.

He acknowledged he ordered "Closed Permanently'' signs from a company in Burns, and put them over the front sign and door of the federal Bureau of Land Management district office in Hines. He also ordered "Harney County Resource Center'' signs to replace the refuge signs.

Why? "To let the local community know they're going to be getting their land back pretty soon,'' he said.

He changed the decals on U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service trucks at the refuge, helped drive heavy refuge equipment over to a fence that other occupiers cut down and drove a government pickup truck to the Safeway in Burns to get groceries when state police arrested him.

"Did you believe at any time the refuge was yours?'' Schindler asked.

"No,'' Medenbach said.

"It was all about giving the land back to the people of Harney County,'' he added later.

When Medenbach watched Oregon Congressman Greg Walden's address on the floor of the House about the refuge takeover, Medenbach testified, "I started crying.''

During cross-examination, Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig Gabriel pointed out that Medenbach since 1988 has lost all his motions in court.

Gabriel further noted that the federal judge who handled Medenbach's most recent trial in Eugene in which he was convicted of illegally camping on federal property ruled that a person may not claim title to federal government land by the principle of adverse possession.

"That's just his opinion. He doesn't have the power to interpret the Constitution,'' Medenbach responded from the witness stand.

Gabriel questioned Medenbach further. "You knew federal employees worked'' at the refuge, correct?

"Yes,'' Medenbach answered.

Gabriel showed jurors one of Medenbach's Facebook posts in January, in which he shared a photo of the new signs he had installed at the refuge. The post read, "224 years of federal government oppression. Might makes right, until the Bundy stand, now with 200 militia at the Harney County Resource Center and 2000 more if the FBI moves in, might makes right.''

Medenbach called his post a "poor choice of words,'' and said no harm was intended.

The prosecutor pointed out that Medenbach's past demonstrations occurred on "empty land,'' that unlike the refuge, had no government buildings, no offices, no vehicles and no employees using the property at the time.

Defense Calls Cousin of Harney County Sheriff

Earlier Tuesday, one of Ammon Bundy's defense lawyers called a cousin of Harney County Sheriff Dave Ward in an attempt to impeach the sheriff's earlier testimony.

Rodney Glen Cooper, of Veneta, Oregon, testified that he visited the sheriff twice in January "to find out what is going on out there.'' Ward's grandmother and Cooper's father are siblings, he told The Oregonian/OregonLive after court.

On his first visit with Ward on Jan. 18, he said he inquired about the concept of being a "constitutional sheriff.'' After that visit, Cooper said he visited the refuge, and met Ryan Bundy.

During a second visit with Ward, Cooper said the sheriff shared with him his feelings about Ammon Bundy and Ryan Bundy.

Cooper characterized Ward's position like this: "He said he was about 90 percent with what they were doing, and if they could have been on different circumstances, they could have been good friends.''

"On Jan. 25, did Sheriff Ward tell you he did not feel threatened by the Bundys?'' defense attorney J. Morgan Philpot asked.

"Yes, he did,'' Cooper answered.

Ward had previously testified during the government's case that Ammon Bundy had made repeated ultimatums to him that if he didn't prevent the Hammond ranchers from returning to federal prison, there would be extreme civil unrest in his county.

Cooper said on the stand he had two burning questions for his cousin when he traveled to Burns, but a prosecutor objected, and the judge sustained the objection.

After he left the stand, Cooper told The Oregonian/OregonLive that his questions to Sheriff Ward were these: "If you were 90 percent with the protesters, what was the 10 percent that kept you from supporting their cause?'' and "Did you ever contact (Texas) Gov. Greg Abbott?''

Abbott had supported Cliven Bundy's standoff with federal land management officers in Nevada when he was then Texas attorney general.

In other testimony Tuesday, Coos Bay resident Matthew Deatherage, who had sat in on trial testimony for at least three days, was called by the defense to testify about his time at the refuge. During direct testimony, he said he arrived Jan. 16, was at the boat launch when "target practice'' occurred and participated in Delta squad.

"Honestly, it was the first time I ever felt community,'' Deatherage testified.

On cross-examination, Deatherage maintained he simply served as a "gatekeeper,'' at the refuge but a prosecutor wasn't about to accept that.

"You sat at the front gate with a gun?'' Assistant U.S. Attorney Geoffrey Barrow pointed out.

"You sat at the back gate with a gun, and you were in the tower with a gun?'' Barrow continued.

"Rarely, did I have a gun,'' Deatherage responded.

Barrow then introduced a zinger: Isn't it true, he asked, that Deatherage posted a petition recently on change.org to impeach Judge Brown?

"That's my duty as an American citizen,'' Deatherage said, seated in the witness stand beside the judge.

"Because you alleged she's unfit to be a federal judge?'' Barrow asked.

Schindler and defendant Ryan Bundy objected to the line of questioning, citing relevance.

"It has to do with his bias,'' Barrow explained. The judge overruled the objections.

"I've seen an obvious bias towards the defense...utter disrespect towards them,'' Deatherage testified, noting that the judge prevented defendant Ryan Bundy from handing out pocket Constitutions to jurors.

The judge simply took notes and didn't show any response. The defense could rest as early as Thursday or Friday.

-- Maxine Bernstein

mbernstein@oregonian.com

503-221-8212

@maxoregonian
Airlines-Delays

(AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)

Alaska Airlines removed a passenger from a flight before it left the tarmac in Seattle on Sunday, after he catcalled a flight attendant during a flight safety demonstration.

"Today I had an experience that drove home so powerfully the way it feels to be a woman in the world today," wrote Amber D. Nelson in Facebook post.

"Before take off from SeaTac the flight attendants ran through their safety rules as they always do. Not all of us were paying very close attention," she wrote. "But a man in the row behind me changed all that by calling out 'ooh, sexy!' in response to a female flight attendant demonstrating how to use the life vest."

Nelson wrote that the flight attendant said to the passenger "You need to be respectful," who responded, "C'mon, I'm just playing with you!"

The flight attendant then spoke to the crew and not long after that, "an affable-looking man" got on the plane and removed the passenger.

Ann Zaninovich, a spokesperson for Alaska Airlines told us over the phone Wednesday that the account on Facebook is accurate.

"We can confirm that there was a male removed from flight 520 from Seattle to Burbank," she told us.

"We stand behind the actions taken by our employee," Zaninovich added.

You can read the whole Facebook account here:

Today I had an experience that drove home so powerfully the way it feels to be a woman in the world today. Before take... Posted by Amber D. Nelson on Sunday, October 9, 2016

-- Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052

lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker
SEATTLE -- A Seattle police officer shot and killed a man involved in a knife fight Tuesday as officials were working to clean out a homeless encampment known as The Jungle, authorities said.

Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O'Toole said two longtime police officers participating in the sweep saw two men in an altercation and that one appeared to have a knife.

"In the process, one of the officers discharged the weapon, and one of the suspects was injured," O'Toole said in a news conference Tuesday afternoon.

She said the officers weren't trying to remove the people from the area as part of the sweep and said it was a coincidence that the officers observed the fight. The officers were trying to separate the individuals before firing at the man with the knife, according to police.

The man shot was critically injured and died later Tuesday at Harborview Medical Center, police said.

The other man involved in the fight suffered a wound to the hand that apparently came from the knife, O'Toole said. A Harborview Medical Center spokeswoman said he was there in satisfactory condition.

Authorities, including the Justice Department and a team that probes the use of force by police, are investigating, O'Toole said.

Police have not released further details including the identities of the men wounded or of the police officers involved in the incident. The officer who opened fire will be placed on paid administrative leave during the investigation, police said.

State and local officials have been working on addressing the needs of people living in unsanctioned camps in a greenbelt that runs along the interstate in south Seattle for months. The plan to clear out the area comes after a January shooting at the camp left two people dead and three wounded.

Seattle Mayor Ed Murray said in a statement Tuesday that efforts to clear out The Jungle will be put on hold.

"At the same time, today's operation in the Greenbelt was needed, both because of the long history of public safety issues in the area and because of the long-overdue work the Washington Department of Transportation needs to do on Interstate 5," Murray said. "We expect this work to continue at the conclusion of the investigation."

-- The Associated Press
A Portland surfer bitten by a shark Monday off the Oregon coast was yelling "help" as he headed to shore on his surfboard, a 911 caller reported.

The caller was one of several to phone dispatch after the attack, which left Joseph Tanner, 29, with serious leg injuries. He said Tanner had been pulled from the water off Indian Beach about a minute before and that someone was wrapping a tourniquet.

Tanner told people how to help: He directed them how to put on the makeshift tourniquet -- his surfboard leash -- and how to apply pressure to his wounds, a volunteer responder said. He's a trauma nurse, according to the Daily Astorian.

"To be in that much pain (and) just be in that situation, I couldn't believe the amount of calmness he had," said Shaunna White, a Cannon Beach Fire & Rescue volunteer.

White said Cannon Beach police had put on a second tourniquet by the time she arrived with the second wave of responders. Tanner wasn't bleeding at that point, she said.

She said he had two large lacerations on his upper thigh and that his main injury was on the bottom of his thigh, which was open and lacerated. Tanner's leg wasn't severed, she said.

Tanner described the attack to responders, White said.

She said he told them he was just about to jump back on his surfboard when the shark pulled him down. He punched the shark a few times, it released him and he got back on his board and paddled to shore.

Tanner was flown to Portland's Legacy Emanuel Medical Center for treatment of serious injuries, the Oregon State Police said in a news release Monday. A Legacy Health spokeswoman said Tuesday evening Tanner was in serious condition.

Cannon Beach Fire & Rescue posted Tuesday on Facebook that Tanner will recover.

Tanner was about 30 to 40 yards from the beach when the shark attacked him, a fellow surfer told authorities. Tanner flailed around and got back on his board, yelled that others should get out of the water, then turned toward shore with two other surfers.

Another person who called 911 after the attack can be heard saying "apply pressure" -- presumably regarding treatment of Tanner's wounds -- during his conversation with a dispatcher.

The Oregon Parks and Recreation Department announced Tuesday it would post shark advisory signs at Indian Beach.

Chris Havel, a department spokesman, said in an email there are three signs: two near the beach and one near the parking fee pay station. The signs will remain posted for at least six months, Havel said.

Of 28 previous Oregon shark attacks listed in the Global Shark Attack File database, only one has been fatal. A California couple died in 1975 after a freak wave may have capsized a fishing boat they were operating 200 miles northwest of Astoria, according to Oregonian archives.

Jim Burke, director of animal care at the Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, said most indicators point toward the shark involved in Monday's attack being a great white shark.

He said the great white sharks can be seen in and around the surf line -- or up to a quarter-mile off shore -- a few times a year. Burke said they cruise the coast, feeding primarily on marine mammals such as sea lions and harbor seals, and associate with the areas where those mammals congregate.

-- Jim Ryan

jryan@oregonian.com

503-221-8005; @Jimryan015

Tony Hernandez of The Oregonian/OregonLive staff contributed to this report
By Jeff Manning | The Oregonian/OregonLive

and Amanda Peacher | Oregon Public Broadcasting

MORO, Ore. -- Mile upon mile of golden stubble -- the remains of this summer's wheat harvest -- surround this tiny town in the high plains of north-central Oregon. The soft white wheat grown by nearly 900 area farmers is the region's economic engine.

That engine would soon sputter without Mid-Columbia Producers Co-op. After harvest, the co-op steps in as the key connection between local growers and the global marketplace. Mid-Columbia buys, stores and eventually sells the 12 million to 20 million bushels produced annually by its member growers.

This obscure and largely apolitical company finds itself near the center of the stormy debate over Measure 97, the initiative on this fall's ballot that would dramatically overhaul Oregon's tax structure and bring in a colossal $3 billion a year to state government.

Proponents say proceeds from the new tax would end years of chronic shortfalls and funnel much-needed money to schools, seniors and social services. The new money would come from a corporate sector that is undertaxed relative to individual citizens, they argue.

About this series

The Oregonian/OregonLive and Oregon Public Broadcasting have teamed up to examine Measure 97, a controversial proposal on the November ballot that would raise $3 billion a year by increasing taxes on certain large corporations.

Sunday:

A look at the tortured tax road -- and decades of budget choices -- that have Oregon voters staring at Measure 97's politically toxic fight.

Today:

For some local businesses that sell in high volumes, but have low profit margins, the new tax could be very painful.

Friday:

Consumers across Oregon will chip in for Measure 97, too. But precisely how much remains a mystery.

But Mid-Columbia executives say their company would be crippled by the gross receipts tax created by Measure 97, a 2.5 percent levy on all sales in Oregon over $25 million. Had the tax been in place in 2015, the company would have paid the state $1.8 million, instead of just $100,000. Rather than posting an annual profit of $1.5 million, the co-op would have tumbled into the red.

Mid-Columbia opened its books to The Oregonian/OregonLive and Oregon Public Broadcasting last month -- one of the few businesses willing to do so -- offering one of the most detailed looks yet at how the measure would affect businesses across the state.

While much about the tax remains in dispute, this much is clear: If you happen to be a grocer, car dealer, wholesaler or some other business that sells in high volumes at a low profit margin, the measure could be extremely painful. Businesses say they will pass along higher costs to their customers to the extent they can. Some may have to take more extreme steps to survive.

"If this measure passes, it will bring our company to its knees," said Jill Harrison, Mid-Columbia's chief financial officer. "There is zero chance we can afford these kinds of taxes."

***

The November ballot initiative would be the largest tax hike in Oregon history. It would be levied only against companies organized as C corporations, as opposed to the more common limited liability companies and S corporations. More than 900 companies would pay the new tax.

Economists Robert Whelan and John Tapogna, both of ECONorthwest, used Oregon Department of Revenue numbers to figure the measure's impact had it been in place in 2013. They concluded that the larger C corporations subject to the tax would have paid $2.7 billion, equal to nearly half their $5.5 billion in total profits.

"That would have equaled 49.56 percent of their Oregon taxable income -- a rate that is more than four times the highest state corporate income tax rate in 2016." Whelan and Tapogna wrote. Currently, Oregon's top corporate income tax rate is 7.6 percent.

Proponents say large companies -- those with $100 million or more in annual sales -- will provide 85 percent of the Measure 97 money. Moreover, backers argue Measure 97 would finally right a tax system that has swung wildly

out of balance

. By some measures, Oregon ranks last or nearly last in the country in terms of total tax revenue contributed by business.

Chuck Sheketoff, a vocal critic of what he calls Oregon's tax giveaways, points out that 40 years ago, businesses contributed 18.5 percent of the state's total income tax collections. Individuals paid the rest. By 2015-17, businesses' share was just 6.6 percent, a nearly two-thirds reduction.

Sheketoff's numbers were confirmed by the nonpartisan Oregon Legislative Revenue Office, whose analysis has been cited by both sides of the campaign.

Corporate Oregon's declining contribution is due at least in part to what Portland investment adviser Bill Parish called "the explosion of accounting gimmicks and tax schemes" that corporations use to manipulate their bottom lines and dodge taxes.

"Measure 97 is a beautiful tax because by taxing gross sales above $25 million it ensures taxes will be collected," Parish said.

Rick Miller, chairman of the Avamere Group, a large chain of retirement living and skilled nursing homes based in Wilsonville, argues businesses should pay their "fair share."

Miller has donated $50,000 to the pro-Measure 97 campaign. Both Avamere and Miller's current venture -- Rogue Venture Partners -- are limited liability companies and would not be subject to the new tax, he said.

"No one wants to see business harmed by this thing," Miller said. "But we need more revenue. In my opinion, this represents the most fair and balanced revenue measure that Oregonians are likely to pass."

But the business community's counterattack has been fierce, claiming the proposed tax is too large, poorly designed and unfair. Opponents dub Measure 97 a "stealth sales tax," and claim business will pass along as much of the additional cost it can to their customers. In some cases, they say, that would include businesses farther down the supply chain.

The business community has raised more than $17 million to combat the tax measure, according to state reports as of Oct. 5. The three largest contributors as of Oct. 11 were all giant grocers, Costco, Kroger/Fred Meyer and Albertson's/Safeway. Each contributed $900,000.

Like Mid-Columbia, all are high-volume, low-margin businesses of the sort particularly hard hit by a gross receipts tax.

John McKay, chief operating officer of Costco's northern division, declined to divulge what the company pays in Oregon taxes or what it would pay under Measure 97. But if Costco's 10 Oregon stores meet the company average of $164 million in annual sales, the Costco stores collectively would face a new tax in excess of $40 million a year.

"Our operating profit is right at about 2.5 percent," McKay said. "Our Oregon operations would be operating at a loss. We would have to accept that or pass along the increase to our customers, neither of which we want to do."

Measure 97 and Oregon businesses

Limited liability companies:

170,000

Business corporations (both C and S):

78,498

C corporations with at least $25 million in sales:

951

C corporations with at least $100 million in sales:

274

Measure 97 revenue from C corporations with $100 million in sales:

66 percent

The grocery sector illustrates the tax's selective nature. Costco and Fred Meyer, for example, would pay the new tax as both are C corporations. New Seasons and Winco are structured differently and would not pay.

***

Proponents of Measure 97 concentrate on the big, unpopular national corporations that would pay a hefty share of the tax. Think Wells Fargo and Comcast. Oregon boasts 274 C corporations that generate $100 million or more in annual state revenue. Those mega-companies would shoulder 66 percent of the new tax obligation, according to the Legislative Revenue Office.

The largest companies' share of total corporate taxes would jump from 46 to 79 percent.

But it's not just multinational corporate giants on the hook. The state Office of Economic Analysis estimates that about 18 percent of the new money would come from Oregon companies, some of which claim the new tax could put them out of business.

Jan Yost heads DSU Peterbilt & GMC, a heavy truck dealer with dealerships stretching from Medford to Kelso, Wash. It employs 232 people. Like executives at Mid-Columbia, Yost was willing to divulge his company's key financial numbers to better illustrate Measure 97's impact.



DSU brought in $153.4 million in sales in 2015, $128.4 million of which would be subject to the new tax. DSU paid $262,200 in income taxes last year, leaving an after-tax profit of $243,642.

By Yost's reckoning, had the gross receipts tax been in place, DSU's 2015 taxes would have soared past $3.2 million, wiping out his profits and pushing DSU far into the red for the year.

Yost said he's considered moving the corporate headquarters to Washington. But he concluded it wouldn't do much good because most of his sales would still take place in Oregon.

He's also considered changing his corporate structure to become an S corporation or a limited liability company, which are not subject to the tax. But that takes time and money. Converting from a C corporation to an LLC comes with its own tax hit. Both the IRS and the Oregon Revenue Department consider an LLC conversion a taxable event, both at the corporate and shareholder level.

"In some cases, the tax can be more than half the value of the company," said Christopher Heuer, a tax lawyer with Stoel Rives.

Raising prices to customers in the highly competitive auto sales business also would be difficult, he said.

"This new tax would put us instantly in the red," Yost said. "My dad founded this business in 1945 and we built it up to what it is. This new tax will tear it right down. Those 232 people will be out of work."

Oregon's technology industry is uncharacteristically joining the political fray. Through a quirk of existing law, the Measure 97 tax would apparently work very differently for Oregon-based software companies and other service-sector operations. Most of those companies would be taxed on all of their sales over $25 million, whether they take place in Oregon or not.

"It's not like we're not in favor of tax reform," said Diane Fraiman, of Voyager Capital. "We agree we need more money for schools. But this is not the way to do it. This could really hurt the existing companies that we've worked so hard to grow over the last decade. And for anyone thinking about moving here, they'll go elsewhere."



Gov. Kate Brown and lawmakers have talked about addressing the software problem and other issues with Measure 97 in next year's Legislative session. Critics of the tax, noting Brown's enthusiastic support for the measure, are not reassured any significant tweaks are forthcoming.

***

Meanwhile, in faraway Moro, Mid-Columbia executives mull over their options.

Major contributions to the anti-Measure 97 campaign Business contribution Costco $900,000 Kroger/Fred Meyer $900,000 Albertson's/Safeway $900,000 Lithia Motors $555,000 Cambia $480,000 Comcast $465,000 Chevron $324,000 Standard Insurance $303,450

Ironically, the company wouldn't have a stake in the Measure 97 fight if it was just a grain co-op. Its grain-related revenue is not subject to the tax because it involves only co-op members, said Jeff Kaser, co-op general manager.

But to lessen its exposure to the volatile swings of the wheat business, Mid-Columbia diversified. It opened three retail hardware stores in nearby small towns, it operates a seed plant that sells wheat seed to farmers, and it purchased a chain of gas stations from Goldendale, Wash., south to Chemult.

The gas station business is competitive and low-margin. But it's become Mid-Columbia's second largest business behind grain, generating $54.3 million in sales in the company's 2016 fiscal year. Unlike wheat, the company's gas, seed and retail revenue would be subject to the gross receipts tax.

Instead of the $164,000 it paid in 2016 state income taxes, Mid-Columbia would have paid more than $1.1 million if Measure 97's tax were in place. The tax would have eaten most of Mid-Columbia's $1.5 million in profit.

Had the tax been in place in 2015, Mid-Columbia's $100,000 state income tax would have been replaced by a $1.8 million gross receipts tax bill, an 18-fold increase that would have pushed Mid-Columbia into the red for the year.

Like Yost and his truck dealership, Kaser can't see an easy alternative. Moving across the Columbia River wouldn't appreciably reduce the company's tax bill. With 800 members, it has far too many owners to convert to an S corporation.

Kaser argues that raising prices isn't a viable option. It will simply drive customers to competing gas stations. Cutting expenses, including the company's 65-person payroll is another option, one Kaser hopes to avoid.

One thing Mid-Columbia has done is to join the fight over Measure 97. The company came out against the tax, as did the Sherman County Board of Commissioners.

"We're not political, this is the first time we've gotten involved in something like this," Kaser said. "We are anything but a big evil corporation. We're here for our members. We're all for good schools and strong education. But this is threatening our future."

Miller, the pro-97 executive, counters that businesses will be able to adjust to the new reality.

"I understand their criticism, we are talking about corporations paying a good deal more," he said. "But contrary to a lot of the negative rhetoric, Measure 97 really offers an opportunity to make a generational difference. If we do it the right way, I think we can improve the investment climate."

-- Jeff Manning

503-294-7606, jmanning@oregonian.com
Shaun King, columnist for the New York Daily News and prominent voice in the Black Lives Matter movement, tweeted out to his 382,000 followers Wednesday morning, "PLEASE TAKE NOTICE. Dear @MayorPDX - we will likely boycott your city if you make this contract official."

Attached to his tweet was a story from the Daily Kos about Portland's controversial police union contract. Despite sustained protests, that contract was approved several hours later.

Critics of the contract are unhappy with draft language about police body cameras.

The tweet by King suggests he may add Portland to the list of places to boycott during his planned "Injustice Boycott."

In an article about the planned boycott, King wrote to would-be boycotters, "This is you making a pledge that you will boycott cities, states, businesses, and institutions which are either willfully indifferent to police brutality and racial injustice or are deliberately destructive partners with it."

According to the website, over 111,000 people have already pledged to join the boycott.

In his article, King said the targets of the boycott could include cities, towns, states, brands and institutions. He added that the names of the targets would not be released until the boycott begins on Dec.5, "the anniversary of when Dr. King and others began the 381-day Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955."

"We will spend the next nine weeks carefully crafting each and every target," he wrote in his post, "and we will provide detailed justifications for each and every target when we launch on Dec. 5."

He said that there would be a clear path for all the targets to end the boycott, but he added, "We do expect this boycott to last for months, or even years, not days or weeks."

-- Lizzy Acker

503-221-8052

lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker
Tumult ensued on the steps of Portland City Hall as police pepper-sprayed and arrested protesters in the aftermath of an unruly demonstration Wednesday over a newly approved contract for rank-and-file officers.

The scene devolved into a lengthy standoff, with dozens of protesters swarming Southwest Fifth Avenue and blocking traffic and light-rail trains until an estimated 75 officers in riot gear intervened.

Police had already shoved protesters out of City Hall, dousing some with pepper spray, after they disrupted a City Council hearing. Demonstrators wouldn't begin dispersing until just after 5 p.m., some eight hours after the unparalleled protest began.

The source of contention: City Council's 3-1 vote for a controversial new police contract, and Mayor Charlie Hales' unprecedented maneuvering within City Hall to conduct the vote in meeting room cordoned off from protesters.

Hales, who made the contract a top priority before he leaves office Jan. 1, said fallout was unlikely to be avoided because protesters were determined to make a scene.

"This is a good day," Hales said of the contract's approval. "It will pay dividends, for a bureau that has a good relationship with the city, over time."

The contract raises officers' pay, amid a staffing shortage, and ends a contentious rule that let officers wait 48 hours to speak with internal investigators after using deadly force.

Officials said concerns over rules for body-worn cameras will be publicly vetted next year under the new mayor, Ted Wheeler. But that hasn't satisfied opponents, who also wanted expanded civilian oversight powers.

Protesters also claimed a victory of sorts, arguing the City Council's closed-door vote -- broadcast online, over television screens and remotely in the City Council chambers -- may help them file a complaint over a violation of public meeting laws.

City Hall. pic.twitter.com/rGV9UQ5FpR  PDX City Hall Watch (@cityhallwatch) October 12, 2016

"They wouldn't have gotten this passed if they did it in a democratic way," said Gregory McKelvey, spokesman for protest group Don't Shoot Portland.

Wednesday's protest capped a fiery few weeks at City Hall as tensions mounted over Hales' proposed three-year contract with the Portland Police Association. Longtime City Hall staffers couldn't recount a similar scene aside from the Occupy Portland movement of 2011 that overtook three city parks.

"I regret it ever got to that point," said Commissioner Nick Fish, who supported the police contract. "We have to find a way to have these kinds of charged discussions and debates without having disruptions to our building and to our ability to conduct the people's business."

The demonstration began in earnest Tuesday as protesters set up tents outside City Hall and hung a large banner for the Black Lives Matter movement. And, as they'd done in weeks past, protesters came prepared to disrupt Wednesday's City Council meeting - with one person even writing an email warning that "after we take city hall maybe we will take bridges and freeways too."

City officials took public testimony about the contract last month and weren't required to listen again before voting. So protesters signed up to speak on other matters, hoping to nonetheless criticize the police contract, a tactic they used last week.

But protesters' frequent outbursts and interruptions prompted Hales to adjourn Wednesday's public meeting less than 30 minutes after it began. As activists claimed a small victory inside the City Council's second-floor chambers, Portland politicians restarted the meeting in a third-floor conference room without audience members.

That's because officials had decided to prepare the room, complete with TV cameras, expecting their meeting would be interrupted.

Protesters, blocked from the third floor by police, chanted from below. At times, their taunts nearly drowned out testimony on unrelated items.

Just before 11 a.m., during a presentation on housing, Hales hastily rearranged the agenda to hear the police contract.

Then, over the piercing chants downstairs, Hales, Fish and Commissioner Amanda Fritz for the contract. Commissioner Steve Novick voted no, while Commissioner Dan Saltzman was absent to observe Yom Kippur.

Some activists shook the locked doors of city commissioners' offices, while others set up tents in hallways. One man with a bullhorn chastised police on scene: "This isn't even loud compared to what you do to us!"

Inside the empty council chambers, Dan Handelman of Portland Copwatch criticized officials for voting in private. He said politicians should have the courage to look opponents in the eye.

"People need to vocalize their opposition," he said, adding that in his 24 years monitoring the police bureau he'd "never seen anything where the City Council shut out their entire community."

City attorney Tracy Reeve said the City Council's maneuver complied with state public meeting requirements. But no one could ever remember such a scheme being necessary.

"Never experienced this before," said Brendan Finn, Saltzman's top aide, who has worked inside City Hall for 18 years.

About 12:20 p.m., officials ordered an evacuation. But protesters refused to leave though a second-floor exit. Twenty minutes later, officers forced demonstrators out.

Chaos ensued.

On the exit steps, some protesters wouldn't budge and hurled items at police. Officers responded by pushing demonstrators, including former mayoral candidate Jessie Sponberg.

Several protesters were pepper-sprayed and splayed out as friends poured milk in their eyes. Riot police arrived and cleared the street and sidewalk, advancing and retreating several times, with tensions running high until protesters decided to disperse.

Portland City Council is expected to reconvene in 17 minutes. This is happening outside. pic.twitter.com/xtKCf9exzO  PDX City Hall Watch (@cityhallwatch) October 12, 2016

In all, 10 demonstrators were arrested. Protesters say they're planning another major action Friday.

McKelvey said in a Twitter message that organizer Micah Rhodes and at least one other protester are being monitored at Legacy Good Samaritan Medical Center for injuries suffered Wednesday.

He said Rhodes suffered a head injury and will be at the hospital overnight. Another man has rib injuries, McKelvey said. He said he thinks more protesters went to hospitals, as well.

Someone also "assaulted and injured" an officer at City Hall, a Portland police spokesman said in a news release. The officer wasn't seriously injured.

Novick, who voted against the contract over concerns on how to pay for higher wages, said he wasn't surprised by what played out Wednesday.

How others perceive the events, he said, will depend on their underlying views about police issues.

"It's very unfortunate," he said.

-- Brad Schmidt

503-294-7628

@cityhallwatch

Elliot Njus, Samantha Matsumoto and Jim Ryan of The Oregonian/OregonLive staff contributed to this report
Updated at 6:30 p.m.

Portland Police Chief Mike Marshman issued a defense Tuesday of a proposed police contract a day before a scheduled City Council vote, stressing the need to hire more officers for the understaffed department.

Marshman's statement also talked about changes the police bureau is making in officer recruitment, training and community relations, partly because of greater scrutiny locally and nationwide of police.

But in an interview with The Oregonian/OregonLive, Marshman said a key reason he issued the statement in advance of the council vote was because of "misinformation out there" about whether a proposed body camera policy is included in the contract. It's not, Marshman said, something that is addressed in detail in a frequently-asked-questions document Mayor Charlie Hales office has posted about the proposed agreement.

The FAQ says a proposed body cameras policy was included in a contract package to council members "as reference material on a proposed policy."

Critics have attacked a provision in the proposed policy that would allow officers to view body camera footage before writing up any encounters with civilians except fatal ones. The fact that the body camera policy was developed behind closed doors between the police union and city negotiators, and made public just this week, heightened concerns.

However, an opinion Mark Amberg,chief deputy city attorney, sent to Hales and City Councilors on Tuesday says Oregon Employment Relations Board may require the city to bargain with the police union over a body cameras policy - if the union were to challenge an adopted policy.

The board, if asked for an opinion, may "find that the review of audio/video by officers - whether under a body camera policy or otherwise - impacts mandatory subjects of bargaining and, therefore, is mandatory for bargaining," Amberg wrote in his opinion, noting the entire issue of body cameras is "fairly recent (with) little guidance supplied by other jurisdictions."

The contract as well as the body cameras issue brought activists from the group Don't Shoot Portland to Portland City Hall on Tuesday evening.

After marching down Southwest Fourth Avenue, they pitched tents in front of City Hall, where they planned to stay the night, lead organizer Teressa Raiford said.

Protesters feel they have been shut out of conversations about the contract, Raiford said. Last Wednesday, Portland Mayor Charlie Hales canceled a City Council meeting about the contract after protesters disrupted the meeting. It was rescheduled Thursday afternoon with limited public access.

Protesters and police watchdog groups have said they want the vote on the contract to be delayed until Mayor-elect Ted Wheeler takes office in 2017.

"I just want to change the process of it being fast-tracked," Raiford said. "I want the mayor to give sufficient time to engage with the community and all communities that want to be involved."

Raiford is also worried about the contract's handling of body cameras.

In the interview on Tuesday, Marshman said the main reason for issuing his statement was to emphasize the importance of hiring more officers, soon. "The staffing crisis was kind of getting lost in the weeds," he said in the interview.



Marshman's written statement said the bureau, which can have 948 sworn officers, is facing "a staffing crisis with 65 vacancies, and at least 21 more to come this month ... even more alarming is that 385 members are projected to retire over the next five years."



"This crisis has been further amplified by both a significant and steady increase in population and calls for service, and a complexity in calls that take longer for officers to resolve," Marshman wrote. "Finally, there is a shared expectation by the community and me that officers will spend more time building relationships and preventing crime."



City negotiators and the Portland Police Association reached a tentative contract agreement this summer. The proposed three-year contract would raise starting pay from $49,837 to $60,840 and deliver substantial pay raises to experienced officers.



In exchange for the raises, the association agreed to eliminate a controversial 48-hour waiting period before an officer can be interviewed by internal affairs investigators about use of deadly force. The union also agreed to drop 11 grievances against the city.



The financial incentives are needed to hire and retain qualified officers, Marshman said in the statement issued Tuesday, noting that only one of every 20 candidates is hired and that it takes 18 months before an officer is trained.



"The (contract) would also provide an incentive for officers currently working at other agencies to come to Portland," he said. "Lateral hires do not have to go through the state academy, significantly reducing training time, which benefits both the lateral hire and the community.



"I've been to more retirement parties than I can count. I watch our well-trained, knowledgeable officers, who have a strong connection to this community, walk out the door and immediately go to work for another police agency. We must accept this reality and retain those officers. The (contract) provides an incentive for retiring officers to continue their career in Portland."



Marshman said the bureau is making changes in officer recruitment, training and community relations because "there is an important local and national conversation about police and community relations."



The changes, the chief wrote, include:

Starting equity training for officers, beginning with a history lesson on race relations in Portland and institutional racism that has existed throughout our society. Training will be ongoing and will soon include training on implicit bias.

Building a more diverse work force through recruitment and hiring processes.

Making community engagement a priority, "whether it's a simple conversation or an event. A portion of this work is shared via social media, so the community can see what is occurring in our city."

Continuing partnership with the Department of Justice "to fulfill and exceed the expectations in the Settlement Agreement."

"We continue to seek the balance of how to police in a community where social services have broken down," Marshman wrote, "and traditional enforcement strategies are no longer an effective tool in many cases."

Marshman's appeal comes one day ahead of a City Council vote lacking suspense. The contract is set to pass with support from Mayor Charlie Hales and Commissioners Nick Fish and Amanda Fritz. Commissioner Steve Novick is expected to vote "no," citing uncertainty about how the city will pay for higher salaries. Commissioner Dan Saltzman will be absent for Yom Kippur.

Reporters Samantha Matsumoto and Brad Schmidt contributed.

--Allan Brettman

503-294-5900

@allanbrettman
comcast_truck_portland.jpg

Comcast's "customer service should have been better and our bills clearer and ... customers at times have been unncessarily frustrated or confused."

(Mike Rogoway/The Oregonian)

Comcast will pay a $2.3 million fine to the federal government to settle charges that it sold cable channels and equipment to customers who had never ordered the services.

The practice is known as "negative option billing" or "cramming."

The Federal Communications Commission on Tuesday called it the biggest civil fine ever levied against a cable operator and said that Comcast has agreed to "implement a five-year compliance plan" to tighten billing oversight.

But the fine pales in comparison to the $100 million penalty that FCC imposed on AT&T Inc.'s wireless business in June 2015 over its failure to disclose to consumers sufficient information on its data plans.

The FCC investigation, sparked by Comcast complaints filed with the agency in 2014 and 2015, concluded that the cable giant refunded customers for unauthorized charges but only after pained exertions by those who brought the bogus charges to Comcast's attention.

One Florida woman complained to the FCC that she was charged for an Xfinity Latino triple play bundle with international calling that she had not ordered. A Colorado man complained that Comcast charged him for an extra cable box for more than two years. And a Washington, D.C., resident said Comcast charged him for Showtime for over a year even though he hadn't ordered it and couldn't access it.

Comcast spokeswoman Sena Fitzmaurice said that in the past Comcast's "customer service should have been better and our bills clearer and ... customers at times have been unncessarily frustrated or confused."

Fitzmaurice also noted that after two years of investigation, the FCC found "no intentional wrongdoing but just isolated errors or customer confusion."

Over the last 18 months, Comcast has been overhauling its customer service operations by hiring an additional 5,000 call center representatives and technicians, and taking other actions. The FCC fine signals the reputational challenge that Comcast faces for years of angry customers and shoddy service.

The FCC and Comcast settled the investigation with a consent decree in which the parties disagreed on the legal definition of "negative option billing." The FCC defined the practice broadly while Comcast said the practice should be viewed narrowly. The company's actions were not deliberately deceptive, according to its position in the decree.

Critics cheered the FCC's action.

"It's important for the FCC to hold Comcast accountable for its lack of transparency in its business practices toward customers," said Hannah Sassaman, policy director for the nonprofit activist group Media Mobilizing Project in Philadelphia. "I have personally met hundreds of consumers who caught extra fees on their bills and had to fight for hours to get their hard-earned money back."

Travis LeBlanc, the FCC's chief of the enforcement bureau, said in a statement that "a cable bill should include charges only for services and euipment ordered by the customer, nothing more and nothing less. We expect all cable and phone companies to take responsibility for the accuracy of their bills and to ensure that their customers have authorized any charges."

Comcast customers will not benefit from the $2.3 million fine. The money will go to the federal government.

-- Philly.com
capitol_exterior_michelle_brence.jpg

Tech companies have contributed nearly $900,000 to the fight against Measure 97, which would impose a new 2.5 percent tax on many companies' sales inside the state.

(Michelle Brence/The Oregonian)

Tech companies have contributed nearly $900,000 to the fight against Measure 97, which would impose a new 2.5 percent tax on many companies' sales inside the state.

Half that money comes from Comcast, whose cable subscription revenues would presumably be subject to the tax. But many of the state's other big tech names are contributing, too, reflecting concern that the measure would function differently for them than it would for other companies.

Tech donations to oppose Measure 97

Opponents have

. Supporters have raised $7.5 million.

Tech companies have contributed nearly $900,000 to the campaign against the tax initiative; no big Oregon tech names have donated to the campaign to win passage. Here's a list:

Comcast

: $465,000

Jive Software:

$100,000

Amazon.com

: $75,000

Intel

: $50,000

CenturyLink

: $50,000

Oregon Cable Telecommunications Association

: $50,000

Act-On Software

: $25,000

Navex Global

: $20,000

Consumer Cellular

: $10,000

SureID

: $10,000

Jay Haladay

(former CEO of Viewpoint Construction Software): $5,000

Frontier Communications

: $5,000

New Relic

: $5,000

Smarsh

: $2,500

Cloudability

: $2,500

Voyager Capital

: $500

Measure 97 would produce $3 billion a year, which supporters say could revive Oregon education funding and provide other key social services.

The initiative's authors say they wrote the initiative to hit out-of-state companies doing business in Oregon. But a provision of existing state law, applied to software companies under Measure 97, appears to tax software companies on all their sales - wherever they take place.

That's prompted a rare outcry from Oregon tech companies, which are usually silent on the big issues facing the state.

Contributors to the campaign against Measure 97 include tech giants like Intel and Amazon, as well as much smaller, homegrown tech businesses like Portland startup Cloudability. (No big names in Oregon tech appear among the campaign contributors supporting the initiative.)

Gov. Kate Brown, a supporter, has said that if Measure 97 passes, the Legislature should amend it so software companies and service businesses are treated the same as other Oregon companies under the law.

The measure's backers welcomed Brown's proposal. And Rep. Phil Barnhart, chairman of the House Revenue Committee and another Measure 97 supporter, told The Oregonian/OregonLive he expects lawmakers would approve such an amendment.

It's impossible to know for sure, though, just how lawmakers would respond as they grappled with the measure's broad implications during the next legislative session.

Software stands out under Measure 97 because Oregon corporate taxes generally apply only to sales that take place inside the state. There's an exception, though, for service businesses like software. In that case, the tax is levied based on where the service is produced - even if companies sell their final products in another state or another country.

The effect of the tax hike on Oregon's biggest companies - Intel and Nike - will be tiny. That's because they aren't software companies, and because their sales inside the state are relatively small.

Still, concerns about the initiative go beyond software.

Oregon tech finds its voice in tax fightVeteran Silicon Forest finance executive Ray Link, now on the board of Electro Scientific Industries and other big Oregon tech companies, warns it could make it more problematic to do business in the state.

"An example is a company that makes test equipment in Oregon for the Oregon semiconductor industry," he wrote in an email. "This company will see a 2.5 percent increase in costs whereas a smaller out of state competitor company will not. The Oregon-based company will have to absorb the added cost to remain competitive."

Tigard-based Consumer Cellular reported $620 million in sales last year, providing cell phones and wireless service to more than 2 million customers across the country. It makes many of its sales over the phone to customers of its big retail partner, Target.

Chief executive John Marick said Measure 97 could pose a significant threat to his business, because it's not clear whether the initiative would count those national phone sales as in-state transactions subject to the new tax.

"If it gets determined that those sales are in Oregon, then we're in big trouble," he said.

Additionally, Marick said that he expects Consumer Cellular's suppliers - smartphone makers like Apple - will pass along the tax to the Tigard company on the phones it buys wholesale. His company has contributed $10,000 to the campaign opposing Measure 97.

It's probably true, Marick said, that Oregon business was too slow to propose its own plan for overcoming shortfalls in state revenue. Though that needs to be addressed, he said, Measure 97 isn't the right way to go about it.

"Our hope would be that it doesn't pass but that it creates the momentum where we say: OK, we need to do something (else)," Marick said.

Correction: Jive Software donated $100,000 to the campaign, not $10,000 as this article originally reported.

-- Mike Rogoway

mrogoway@oregonian.com

503-294-7699

@rogoway
Wednesday 12 October 2016 3:58pm

Associate Professor Ross Notman

The University of Otago has selected a top educational leadership researcher, Associate Professor Ross Notman, as the next Dean of its College of Education.

Associate Professor Notman is the Director of Otagos Centre for Educational Leadership and Administration and has led the Centre since its establishment in 2010.

Announcing the deanship appointment, which was made after an international search, University Vice-Chancellor Professor Harlene Hayne says that Associate Professor Notman is an excellent selection for the position.

In selecting a new Dean, we were looking for someone who was an outstanding scholar, who had practical experience with schools, and who shared our vision for a world-class College of Education. Associate Professor Notman meets all of those criteria. I look forward to working with him on a number of exciting initiatives, Professor Hayne says.

His research interests centre on the personal dimensions of educational leadership and their impact on teaching and learning, with a particular focus on values-based leadership. He also teaches in the Colleges undergraduate programmes as well as postgraduate leadership papers at masters and doctoral level.

He is currently the principal New Zealand investigator for two international collaborative leadership projects: a 20-country International Successful School Principalship Project and a 10-country International School Leadership Development Network that is investigating how to prepare educators to be leaders in high-needs schools.

Findings from his 2011 Teaching and Learning Research Initiative project, which examined values teaching in New Zealand intermediate and secondary schools, were selected for inclusion in the second edition of the International Olympic Committees Olympic Values Education Programme.

Associate Professor Notman gained a BA (Hons) and Dip Ed from Otago, and a M EdAdmin (Hons) and PhD from Massey University. Before joining the Dunedin College of Education in 1991, he was Assistant and Deputy Principal of Bayfield High School, Dunedin. In 1999, he joined the Universitys Faculty of Education as the foundation Co-ordinator of Secondary Teacher Education.

He was foundation Head of the Colleges Department of Education Studies and Professional Practice from 2007-2008 after the Dunedin College of Educations merger with the University.

Associate Professor Notman says he is delighted to be heading the College as it consolidates its place as one of the leading colleges of education in New Zealand.

Our College is a recognised leader in research, preparing quality early childhood, primary and secondary teachers, primary bilingual teaching, undergraduate and postgraduate studies in Education, and professional learning support for practising teachers.

In the immediate future, we are looking to enhance our community relationships with schools in particular, and to build our international programmes in teacher education and leadership, he says.

Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities) Professor Tony Ballantyne says he is very pleased that Associate Professor Notman is taking on the role.

Ross Notman is well placed to lead the College in its mission to enhance educational practice through high-quality teaching, scholarship, research, professional leadership and community service, Professor Ballantyne says.

Associate Professor Notman takes up his position in April 2017 after Professor Lisa Smith completes her term as Dean.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank Professor Smith for her able and inclusive leadership of the College since 2012, Professor Ballantyne says.

For more information, contact:

Simon Ancell

Communications Section

University of Otago

Tel 64 3 479 5016

Email simon.ancell@otago.ac.nz
Thursday 13 October 2016 10:28am

A new study published in the international journal PLOS One today reveals how scientists use Twitter to communicate.

The study is the first to survey scientists on their attitudes towards social media and show how they are using digital channels to communicate their research with both the public and one another.

Led by Kimberley Collins, Dr Jenny Rock of New Zealands University of Otago and David Shiffman of the University of Miami, it surveyed 587 scientists from a range of academic disciplines.

The survey found that while scientists are yet to widely adopt social media, the ones that do see many possible advantages to using it in the workplace.

Most scientists saw the benefit in using Twitter - they said it was a good way to access a large and diverse audience. They also appreciate the ease of communicating in snippets, how little time it takes, and how accessible it is, says Kimberley Collins, who undertook the research for her Master of Science Communication thesis at Otago.

The study also found that scientists mostly use Twitter to communicate with colleagues and share peer-reviewed literature within the scholarly community.

Many scientists said they use Twitter to communicate specifically with other scientists. Some used it as a forum to share their research directly with the public and media, but most saw it as a tool to share research within their field and to stay updated with science outreach and communication, says Ms Collins.

Despite the professional benefits associated with social media use, relatively few academic scientists currently use these tools. Misunderstandings of the disadvantages of social media use may contribute to their relatively limited use, which could be corrected by professional development training workshops or clearer departmental social media usage policies, she says.

Ms Collins says the results of this study add to our general understanding of the use of social media by academic scientists and act as a baseline on which to assess future trends in social media use within the science academy.

For further information, please contact:

Kimberley Collins

Mob 021 049 1436

Email kimberleyamcollins@gmail.com

Dr Jenny Rock

Centre for Science Communication

University of Otago

Tel 03 479 5014

Email jennifer.rock@otago.ac.nz
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As if anyone needs an excuse to have a doughnut, the Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe whipped up a batch that took second place on the Cooking Channels Sugar Showdown on Tuesday night.

Baker Kara Zummer and Sue Machelski, business partner of Shoppe owner Carrie Fisher, competed against Nomad Donuts based in San Diego and another business based in Austin, Texas, during the Cooking Channels Harvest Donuts episode.

The show pitted three bakers in a speedy elimination round using cranberries as a mystery ingredient. Two finalists competed for $10,000 in a harvest-themed doughnut showdown.

We didnt win, but we did an amazing job and had a great time, said Zummer, 27, adding it felt amazing to represent Midland on national TV.

The Midland cupcakerys spread included a salted caramel butterscotch pumpkin doughnut, pear ginger pecan cake doughnut and pumpkin salted caramel butterscotch Bismark. Fisher said the duo made a cranberry pistachio orange cake doughnut in the first round, too. It didnt make the show but judges said it was perfectly fried, she said.

The Shoppe is recreating those doughnuts for customers today. Zummer said she had arrived to work at 3 a.m. on three and a half hours of sleep.

We have them this morning and we are almost out right now and we opened at 7, she said at about 8:30 a.m. today.

The shows victor, Nomad Donuts, made a potato Gouda thyme doughnut topped with candied corn and bacon.

Thats pretty crazy and it looked delicious, Zummer said.

Zummer, a Saginaw native, moved to Wisconsin with her husband after graduating from Michigan State University. She returned in the spring and took a job at the Cupcake Shoppe. She said she has eight years of professional baking experience.

This is something I wanted to do for a really long time. It was kind of a dream come true for me to see myself in one of those competitions, she said.

The Shoppe submitted a 15-page application and audition video in May. In late June they found out they were selected to be on the show. In July, Machelski and Zummer took off for filming in Toronto.

On the set, Zummer said there was no backstabbing or negativity, and that everybody was nice and there to have a good time.

We were very honored to participate in the show, it was a huge deal for us, she said. We are definitely hoping to do more of those competitions.

Go to http://bit.ly/2d79Ak6 to read more on how the Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe was chosen to be on the show.
The eight candidates running for the Midland Public Schools Board of Education found much to agree upon during an hour-long public forum at the MPS Administration Building. However, one challenger said he thinks the board needs more independent thinking.

If youre not thinking independently, youre not serving the role, Kurt Yockey, an attorney who grew up in Midland and moved back to town three years ago, said at the League of Women Voters/American Association of University Women forum Tuesday night. He cited the 7-0 votes that happen all the time.

The administration needs to answer to the board and not the reverse, he added.

Yockey, Mary Fredell, Brad Blasy and Michael Knoff are challenging incumbents Jerry Wasserman, Lynn Baker, Yvonne Gorton and Scott McFarland in the Nov. 8 election. Voters will elect four candidates for a term of four years.

It was the second MPS board candidate forum in two days. Five of the candidates took part in a forum Monday night hosted by the Central Michigan Labor Council.

Baker, who is the longest-serving current member on the board at 15 years, said Tuesday that she decided to run for a new term because she is still excited about schools.

We are at an all-time high for our student achievement, she said. Its just an exciting time in education.

Baker and others cited the construction of the new Central Park Elementary School and its focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) as being particularly inspiring.

Blasy, vice president of Blasy Electric, said STEM breaks down a lot of barriers.

We need to get the most well-rounded education we can for students, he said, stating that while STEM partnerships with universities are needed, the district has an equal obligation to partner with trade schools to give non-college bound students good opportunities.

Knoff said the district should consider expanding STEM to STEAM  adding the arts as part of the core emphasis of the curriculum.

You cant have just STEM. You have to have the arts involved, he said.

Fredell, a retired H.H. Dow High School chemistry teacher, said high school teachers are already linking STEM subjects to the arts though projects such as studying the chemistry of glazes.

Wasserman said STEM is not about creating a world of engineers but is geared toward making all students more enthused about and less fearful of math and science.

Asked how MPS can help students deal with stresses and pressures, Gorton and Knoff saw a need for more social workers and counselors, while Yockey said there are ways to deal with student stresses before it ever gets to counseling.

Fredell mentioned a high school mentoring program in which an incoming freshman is paired with an upperclassman so that the younger student will have someone to call on, and she also extolled the virtues of extracurricular clubs and other groups.

Wasserman said student confidence is the key, not only to respond to challenges such as bullying but also to deal with academics.

Early interventions are a big part of that, he added, pointing to the Community School Model at Eastlawn Elementary School that has had a dramatic effect in reducing truancy and helping families to receive needed services.

Wasserman noted that the economically at-risk student population of the area is close to 30 percent and said he is passionate about making sure the district serves those students.

McFarland, who urged voters to support the four incumbents, said MPS needs to remain laser-focused on student achievement across the board. He also said a high priority for him is maintaining our balanced budget. The district attained a balanced budget for the 2015-16 school year and is set to have another in the current school year.

Yockey said school safety has seemed to be a low priority for the district, and Knoff said school safety is something that really needs to be stepped up.

Fredell said she believes board members need to have  connectedness with all the stakeholders  We need to be in the buildings feeling that pulse.

Gorton, first elected five years ago, said the board needs to listen to our teachers.

The Legislature wants to talk to us about education but they dont want to listen to our educators, she said.

Tuesdays forum will be shown on MCTV every day until the election (at various times) on cable channel 190. It also can be seen on www.youtube.com/user/MidlandPublicSchools  the MPS YouTube channel.
To the editor:

Do you remember when Hillary Rodham Clinton 

 took $200,000 of government-owned items from the White House in 2001 as Bills second term ended and claimed it was a mistake? She was later pressured to return the items. Well, I remember!

 managed for her White Water file to mysteriously disappear when needed to investigate potential criminal activity and then the file reappeared mysteriously on her desk two years later when the heat was off. Business partners, the governor and two judges went to jail, 15 close associates in total, but somehow the Clintons got off. Well, I remember!

 and President Obama left our ambassador and valiant soldiers to be terrorized, tortured and murdered by Muslim terrorists in Benghazi due to Hillarys neglect to approve adequate security. This was the Three A.M. Call that Hillary made such an issue over when campaigning against Obama. As it turns out neither answered the phone when the Call came. They thought the truth might hurt Obamas re-election to a second term. Well, I remember!

 told the American public that Benghazi was a random reaction to an insulting American video, but admitted to her own daughter that it was actually caused by Muslim terrorists? Well, I remember!

 told the wives and children of the Benghazi victims the same lie as above. Well, I remember!

 said of Benghazi in a congressional hearing, What difference does it make now? Well, I remember!

 and Obama labeled a clear terrorist attack by a Muslim major on an American military base as a workplace incident because once again they thought the truth might hurt Obamas re-election to a second term. Valiant U.S. soldiers died. Well, I remember!

 and Obama refused to use the words extreme Muslim terrorists even while the Muslims have created dozens of terrorist acts all over the world and are recognized as such by every else? Well, I remember!

 claimed to be broke while collecting hundreds of thousands of dollars for giving speeches and purchasing a $2,000,000 home. Bill received one million dollars for a single speech. Well, I remember!

 verbally supported Planned Parenthood because as the largest abortion provider in our country they give huge donations to Hillary campaigns and to the Democratic Party and then benefited from federal funding. Well, I remember!

 said on Feb. 3, 2016 in New Hampshire that every judicial appointee that she would make must support abortion. Well, I remember!

 set up an illicit private e-mail account in violation of federal law as Secretary of State risking the loss of confidential government information. Well, I remember!

 had aides that admitted under oath that Hillary alone was behind this corrupt e-mail scheme. She also deleted and hid more than 30,000 e-mails without turning them over to the authorities as ordered by the courts. Well, I remember!

 was exposed in 1999 for Filegate, using more than 900 confidential FBI files illegally against Republicans and other opponents. Well, I remember!

 had a fundraiser that was fined $35,000 in 2006 for violating federal law in her 2000 Senate race? Well, I remember!

 and Bill were implicated in the China Gate scandal by the sworn testimony of Johnny Chung, a key figure in the scandal? Well, I remember!

 endlessly pays lip service to womens rights while accepting money from foreign governments that support the opposite? Well, I remember!

. is unable to account for six billion dollars of departmental funds while Secretary of State. Well, I remember!

 was being investigated for using public office to raise cash for herself and the explicitly corrupt Clinton Foundation. Well, I remember!

 received contributions from foreign governments for the corrupt Clinton Foundation while serving as Secretary of State. Well, I remember!

 received contributions from 1,100 foreign donors for the Foundation while serving as Secretary of State and refused to disclose their names to President Obama despite her previous agreement to do so. Well, I remember!

 received contributions from at least 181 donors to the Foundation who later lobbied the State Department for favors while Hillary was serving as the Secretary. Well, I remember!

 allowed only 10 percent of the $1.8 billion raised by the Foundation to be spent on charity. Most went to lavish travel, staff and friends as well as Clinton campaigns. Well, I remember!

 claimed there was a vast right wing conspiracy by conservatives against Bill and her, which was later proved to be utter nonsense. Well, I remember!

 fired the entire seven members of the White House travel staff and gave their lucrative paying jobs to cronies from Arkansas. Well, I remember!

 turned a $1,000 investment in cattle futures into a $99,537 profit in only nine months. This smacks of insider trading with Tyson Foods which is clearly and completely illegal. Tyson Foods later received favorable regulations and a $9,000,000 loan from the state of Arkansas. Well, I remember!

 kept health care proceedings secret in 1993 and would not even identify her consultants names. Well, I remember!

 helped free a child rapist early in her career with a legal technicality and later indicated that she really thinks he was guilty and even laughed about it. The victim was only 12. Well, I remember!

Moreover, who can forget that Hillary called Trump supporters deplorables. I guess we dont measure up to her millionaire/billionaire friends. With both Hillary and Bill the list goes on and on. The Clintons have lived above the law for many decades. Isnt it time they followed the same rules as everyone else? Please do not vote for Hillary Rodham Clinton. She is totally unfit to be president of the United States.

CHUCK POWELL

Midland
ROKAF enhances partnership during RED FLAG-Alaska

Republic of Korea Air Force weapons loading technician Senior Master Sgt. Lee You Dung conducts last minute checks on a laser guided GBU-54 bomb prior to testing it for the first time from an F-15K Slam Eagle fighter Oct. 11, 2016, during RED FLAG-Alaska (RF-A) 17-1 at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska. RF-A is a Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercise for U.S. and partner forces, enabling joint and international units to exchange tactics, techniques, and procedures while improving interoperability in a realistic threat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Shawn Nickel)
NORMAL  An auction of the former Mitsubishi Motors North America plant in Normal and its contents has been postponed for a possible "entirety sale."

Maynards Industries, the industrial asset auction, appraisal and liquidation company that owns the plant, updated its website for the auction with "auction postponed due to pending going concern entirety sale."

No entirety buyer, sale price or postponement date were specified. Taso Sofikitis, president of Maynards Industries USA Division, declined comment.

Sofikitis said previously the company was trying to sell the plant to AM General, the Indiana automaker that originated the Humvee, but couldn't come to terms. The South Bend company "designs, engineers, manufactures, supplies and supports specialized vehicles."

Maynards, a Southfield, Mich., company, first scheduled an auction at the shuttered plant at 100 Mitsubishi Parkway for mid-August. It was later delayed to September, then to October.

Kyle Ham, CEO of the Bloomington-Normal Economic Development Council and chairman of a task force searching for a buyer for the plant, has said officials have not stopped looking for a new manufacturer to use the building. He could not be reached for comment Tuesday evening.

Mitsubishi laid off most of the plant's 1,200 employees in November after announcing last July it would end production in the United States. The remaining 170 workers lost their jobs June 1.

Maynards bought the plant alongside Industrial Assets Machinery of Huntington Beach, Calif., for $2.5 million in May. That price includes the building and land, but how much was paid for the contents was not included.

Mitsubishi and local taxing bodies agreed in January the property was worth $5.9 million for tax purposes, establishing a $17.75 million fair market value.
BLOOMINGTON  At the Regional Alternative School, when students need to do research, they visit the media center. If they need to chat, they head to a counselors office.

When they need a winter coat or pair of shoes, they walk into the community resource room.

Last fall we had a staff meeting and discussed how we could get more families into the school and how we could meet more student needs. We decided to fill a space with items people need, said teacher Kara Quick.

The space for free items  shoes, clothes, hygiene kits, household wares, books and toys  started on a table in the corner of a room. As the donations grew, so did the unorganized space.

It exploded into a whole room, said Quick. Everything was just piled on top of extra school tables and it was hard to keep things organized.

Quick partnered with a few students to apply for a Youth Engaged in Philanthropy (YEP) grant through the Illinois Prairie Community Foundation. The school in downtown Bloomington was awarded $1,500 through the grant to spruce up the community resource room.

We purchased shelving and hangers for the room and items for the rest of the school like shelves for uniforms and laundry detergent, said Quick.

The room is organized by gender and age with clothing hanging neatly on racks along the walls. In the center of the room is a shelf with home goods like decor and kitchen utensils.

Its more welcoming now, said Quick. Every step there have been students involved.

RAS students help sort donated items and keep the room neat. Student Sophia Gomez, 18, said she comes to help in the room between class periods and homework. Last week, she brought her daughter Alezandra, 2, to the room to search for some winter pajamas.

Alezandra inspected a rack of toys and books as her mom found a pair of pink, fleece PJs.

We hit a hard time last year and I couldnt get Christmas gifts, so I came in here to get a few things for my siblings and parents. It has helped me a lot because Im doing this (raising Alezandra) on my own, said Gomez.

I know how it feels to be in difficult times. This room has really helped me and my family and I know it helps others in the community.

Students and their families can use the room at any time to collect needed items. The room also is open for community use.

RAS principal Bryan Kendall said he was moved after Gomez used the room for Christmas gifts, then turned around and donated her own items.

That reciprocal nature of the room really shows how we are expanding our reach to families, said Kendall. Our focus is to be student centered and restorative. The reality is, a lot of people have needs at home and we want to give these kids the best opportunity to succeed.

Each of us at different times have needed help. Its nice to reach out with something tangible and real.

The school has plans to continue giving back to students and families by starting a food pantry through Eastern Illinois Food Bank in Champaign in November.

Well assemble some take-home meals and provide instruction and recipes for nutritious meals, said Kendall.

The school accepts donations for the community room based on need. The room currently needs more winter clothes for children, like gently used coats, hats and mittens. The clothing can be new or gently used.

Small appliances like toaster ovens and microwaves are also needed.
BLOOMINGTON  The City of Bloomington Township supervisor and assessor likely won't see raises over the next four years.

A majority of the Bloomington City Council, acting as the township board of trustees, indicated Monday they don't favor pay increases requested by Assessor Steve Scudder and Supervisor Deb Skillrud, who are elected officials.

The annual salaries now are $96,000 for the assessor and $78,000 for the supervisor. The supervisor also has been receiving a $16,000 annual stipend for serving as director of the John M. Scott Health Center, which came under the township's umbrella in 2001.

Skillrud wants the stipend lumped into the supervisor's salary, bringing it to $94,000, to avoid having potential changes in how the Scott center is run affecting her position's salary.

Skillrud and Scudder also asked the trustees to consider annual raises of 1 percent to 3 percent over four years, but the aldermen instructed Skillrud and Scudder to draw up a proposed ordinance reflecting no pay increases for a vote on Oct. 24.

The aldermen's instruction did not directly address Skillrud's request for changing how she is paid for the Scott center work.

Noting statistics comparing Central Illinois townships of comparable population, Ward 7 Alderman Scott Black said supervisor salaries in Peoria, Normal, Quincy, and Champaign townships have remained flat for several years despite population growth.

Black suggested keeping the salaries flat, and Aldermen Kevin Lower of Ward 1, David Sage of Ward 2, Karen Schmidt of Ward 6, Diana Hauman of Ward 8 and Jim Fruin of Ward 9 agreed. The other aldermen favored raises of various amounts, and Black said he'd also consider a 1 percent increase.

"Historically, the raises are based upon growth per capita," said Lower after the meeting, but he said he voted against raises because he sees the city's growth being stunted by a flat-lined economy.

On Skillrud's request for blending her Scott center stipend into her salary, Ward 4 Alderman Amelia Buragas noted Bloomington and other townships have traditionally paid the assessor and supervisor comparable salaries.

"In the past, the goal was to set the salary for the two positions with the intention of equity," said Skillrud. "It appears that the board decided in 2004 to retain salary equity by including Scott health dollars as a separate stipend."

The Scott center, which is funded by interest income from a trust established by the late Judge John M. Scott, helps provide health care for the uninsured and low-income McLean County residents.

Skillrud's proposal calls for depositing the money she would have been paid for the trust for Scott center duties into the township's coffers.

"Since the implementation of the Affordable Care Act the center has seen a significant decline in the number of persons seeking and qualifying for services," said city attorney Jeff Jurgens.

The center is now in a transition phase and direction is needed from the City Council, as trustee, on how to best meet the objectives of the trust and Judge Scott's wishes, he added.

Among options the council is considering is dissolving the intergovernmental agreement and converting to a grants-only program, which would provide direct funding to agencies who embody the intent of the Scott trust.

Skillrud has recommended changing procedures at the Scott center, including reviewing and expanding eligibility guidelines, and providing both grants and individual services.
SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  The Rev. Clifford Roscoe DePrenger, 89, of Springfield, Mo., went to be with his heavenly Father on Thursday (Oct. 6, 2016) in Springfield, Mo.

The son of Carl Cornelius DePrenger and Bessie Rykoek DePrenger, he was born March 4, 1927, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the second of five children. Cliffords early years were spent with his parents, two brothers and two sisters on a farm north of Grinnell, Iowa, where he attended school.

At age 13, the family home burned down in late autumn. A solid house was purchased in Chester, Iowa, then moved out to the farm and set over a new basement. The house movers invited the family to attend the Assemblies of God Church in Grinnell. Given their parents permission, Leo and Clifford walked down the muddy lane out to the family car parked off the main grid road and drove to the local Assemblies of God Church the next Sunday night. There they surrendered their lives to the lordship of Jesus Christ, were filled with the Holy Spirit, and experienced new direction in life.

At age 18, Clifford took the train to Minneapolis to attend North Central Bible Institute (NCBI), now North Central University. He worked his way through school. While there, Clifford was instrumental in forming The Trumpet Trio with a few friends. Together, they traveled in ministry to local Assemblies of God churches throughout the Central Plains during the summer preceding Cliffords final year at NCBI.

In 1948, Clifford graduated from NCBI and helped to start a new church in Viroqua, Wis. Once it was established, he became the pastor of Correctionville Assembly of God in Correctionville, Iowa. In March 1949, he married Betty Brooks of Mascoutah, who also had graduated from NCBI the previous year. He received his ordination with the Assemblies of God in 1951.

As partners in ministry, Clifford and Betty pastored in Gillespie before investing more than 16 years in building the Assemblies of God work in Clinton. In 1969, they accepted the pastorate of Calvary Assembly of God in Galesburg, and served that congregation for 20 years. In 1989, Clifford and Betty bought a home located on Lake Williamson Christian Centers grounds in Carlinville. For the next 22 years, they served as interim pastors for several congregations in the Illinois district and for one church located in Holland, land of his forefathers. Clifford and Betty helped form The Dream Team with some close friends, all retired couples, who shared ministry together at revival meetings and special services of many Assemblies of God churches in Central Illinois.

In 2010, Cliffords ministry began to focus on needs at home as Alzheimers disease significantly affected Bettys quality of life. She entered her eternal rest on Sept. 26, 2011. Within the year, he retired and moved to Springfield, Mo.

Clifford was preceded in death by his parents; his elder brother, Leo DePrenger (of Phoenix, Ariz.); his younger sisters, Jean DePrenger Landers and Eva DePrenger Gill (of Des Moines, Iowa); his wife of 62 years, Betty Brooks DePrenger (of Carlinville); and their twin daughters, Karen and Sharon (of Clinton) who died shortly after birth.

Clifford is survived by his daughter, Ladonna (Mrs. Mark) Christianson, Springfield, Mo, and their children, Monique and Mark Dale (Wendy) Christianson; Cliffords younger brother, Warren (Jayne) DePrenger, Lakewood, Wash.; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

His service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Clinton Assembly of God Church, Clinton, with the Rev. Gary Grogan, Pastor Doug Lowrey and Pastor Dan Bell officiating. Burial will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Clinton. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. Calvert Funeral Home, Clinton, is in charge of arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be directed to the Clinton Assembly of God Church missions fund to help start an orphanage.

Condolences may be made at www.calvertmemorial.com.
NORMAL  The United States and Europe have learned the wrong lesson in Iraq and need to work together to resolve problems there and in Syria, according to a former Iraqi ambassador to the United Nations.

They learned that intervention in the Middle East is bad, said Feisal Amin Rasoul Istrabadi, who represented Iraq in the United Nations from 2004 to 2007. The real lesson they should have learned is bad intervention in the Middle East is bad.

In this case, bad intervention includes contributing to the factionalization of Iraq  looking at it in terms of Shia, Sunni and Kurd factions rather than encouraging more national unity, said Istrabadi, who was at Illinois State University on Tuesday to deliver an address about Iraq titled, From Dictatorship to Democracy?

Istrabadi was the principal legal drafter of the Iraqi interim constitution of 2004.

However, he said the current Iraq constitution is unworkable, similar to the Articles of Confederation in the early United States. What Iraq needs, according to Istrabadi, is a constitution that looks at uniting rather than atomizing the country and is built on hopes rather than fears.

Iraqi political parties were not democratically run so it is difficult to perceive them as engineering a genuine democracy, he said.

"Democracy is not a piece of paper; it's a culture," said Istrabadi, and that culture is still being developed in Iraq.

Istrabadi, founding director of Indiana University's Center for the Study of the Middle East, said in an interview before his talk, An Iraqi national identity  may be re-emerging, but it has disappeared at the elite level.

It's starting to come together again at a grass-roots level, but it hasn't percolated to the top, he said.

Istrabadi blamed that partially on the United States and Paul Bremer, who led the post-war coalition authority in Iraq and, in his view, did little to bring factions together.

He also holds Iraq's Shia religious political parties responsible because they were in the majority and could afford to be a little more magnanimous than they were.

The rise of the Islamic State terrorist group, also known as ISIS and ISIL, in Iraq and Syria, combined with the actions of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as he seeks to eliminate his opposition, have further destabilized the region.

The Obama administration has largely been ineffective in dealing with ISIL, said Istrabadi. President (Barack) Obama has failed to appreciate the seriousness of ISIL.

The problems in Iraq and Syria are too intertwined to be addressed separately and require a comprehensive international approach, according to Istrabadi.

It's like a balloon. If you squeeze it here, it pops up somewhere else, he said.

What we have in the United States and Europe is a failure of imagination, said Istrabadi  a belief that the only options are doing nothing or committing tens of thousands of troops.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proved a great power, even a relatively middling great power, which Russia has become, can affect an outcome in the Middle East with targeted strategic intervention, said Istrabadi.

He said Putin's goals, in no particular order, are to frustrate the United States and prop up the Assad regime.
Hurricane Matthew and other disasters closer to home are reminders of all we have in America, and how we should and can extend a hand to our neighbors both near and far.

Before Matthew blew through the southeast coast, the storm raked Cuba, the Bahamas, Jamaica and Haiti, killing hundreds, flattening houses and wrecking schools and businesses.

Yet, even as Americans watched the wind swirl on color-coded maps, millions of people grappled with other natural disasters: floods in North Korea and southern Australia, typhoons in South Korea and China, volcano eruptions in Indonesia and Mexico, wildfires in California and Colorado, and a landslide in China.

Closer to home, a Bloomington family lost their house to fire, more than two dozen people lost their place of employment after a fire in Tremont, and several families were left to grieve accident victims.

It is human nature to want to help those in need and to identify more closely with people we know, who live near us, who live like we do. A number of organizations provide help when disaster strikes, but they always need volunteers and money to make a difference.

All are grateful that Hurricane Matthew did not cause more damage than it did, or take more lives than it did. But there always will be another hurricane, another tornado, another fire, another flood. Along with preparing ourselves, we must make sure the organizations that always step up continue to have the resources to do so.

So, consider a donation of money or time to United Way of McLean County and the agencies it serves. No matter how successful an agency is, it always has room for more people to help the people it serves.

If you can help, consider these options:

American Red Cross: online at redcross.org/donate/donation; by mail at P.O. Box 37839, Boone, IA 50037-0839; by phone, 800-RED-CROSS; by TDD, 800-220-4095; Espanol, 800-257-7575; by text, REDCROSS to 90999 for $10 donation.

The Salvation Army: online at give.salvationarmyusa.org; by phone, 800-SAL-ARMY; by mail, Corps Community Center, 611 W. Washington St., Bloomington, IL 61701; or by PayPal.

Midwest Food Bank: midwestfoodbank.org/make-a-difference/donate

Project Hope (Haiti): projecthope.org

Doctors Without Borders: donate.doctorswithoutborders.org/

Not everyone can volunteer to spend a week or a month in a foreign country or even a neighboring county; not everyone can join Peace Corps or AmeriCorps; not everyone belongs to a worship group that sends help for domestic needs.

But individually, you can help by sharing your time, money, food, clothing, prayer. Make a breakfast bag to hand out to a homeless person; offer to make sandwiches for a local shelter.

Everyone, regardless of age or circumstance, has a gift to share.
Children from the Tobey Elementary School in Michigan have come up with a great idea to help one student with cerebral palsy. Together with the school community, they are raising funds that will be used to build a playground for 5-year-old Hannah Cook.

It was fifth graders from Tobey Elementary who observed that Hannah Cook needed a special playground in the school. The kids said that they would always see the girl playing in the sandbox but she cannot enjoy the other facilities in the regular playground, Fox 17 reported.

Since she has cerebral palsy, Hannah Cook needs to wear leg braces and a walker. "She always has the aide of another teacher," student Carcel Tharge told the news outlet.

"So me and my friend Trevor felt kind of bad," he added. The kids thought they should do something for their schoolmate.

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires public facilities to be designed for easy access for people with physical disabilities. Since the specifications and adjustments would be costly, it would be quite impossible to fit the construction into the school's budget, as is the case in many public schools in the United States.

The fifth graders, however, found another way to make this happen. Tobey Elementary principal Mike Barwegen said that the kids asked if they can come up with a fundraiser for an "all-inclusive" playground in the school. They then created a video and a Go Fund Me page for Hannah Cook, which has nearly reached the $20,000 goal, as of press time.

The Mighty reports that Hannah Cook hasn't been in school since September because she had to have leg surgery. But the little girl is expected to return in November, and by then, the students hope to surprise her with the new playground's features.

School mates describe Hannah Cook as "the sweetest, most compassionate 5-year-old girl you will ever meet." Watch the Tobey Elementary school kids' video about Hannah Cook's playground fundraiser below.
After the 1998 animated release of Disney's "Mulan," the movie is finally getting a live action treatment from the studio. There has been some controversy about whitewashing the lead roles but Disney has assured fans it's bent on casting a Chinese female actress for the titular role.

Now, speculations are going around about the studio looking to make Mulan's love interest a white man. Are there any truths to these talks? What does Disney really have to say about their choice for "Mulan" leads?

The rumor regarding casting a white male love interest for "Mulan" stemmed from an open letter written on the Angry Asian Man. The site alleged that a "Mulan" script has been leaked, which details that the character will be falling in love with a much older white male.

@angryasianman I can back you up on what you're saying. I confirm everything you said about that draft.  Joel de la Fuente (@joeldelafuente) October 10, 2016

The "Mulan" script apparently indicates that a European trader will be helping out the Chinese Imperial army, and has decided to stick around because one of its men has fallen in love with Mulan. However, the said "Mulan" script leak is actually just spec script, which industry insiders use for auditions or tests and nothing more. "Mulan is and will always be the lead character in the story, and all primary roles, including the love interest, are Chinese," a source privy to the project at Disney told Vanity Fair.

The spec script that generated controversy about Mulan's white love interest was only ever meant to be a "jumping-off point," source says  Kyle Buchanan (@kylebuchanan) October 10, 2016

"Mulan" details the story of a young woman who doesn't seem to be marriage material in their culture. She takes the place of her father in the Chinese army's battle against the Huns by posing as a man. She meet an officer, Capt. Li Shang, whom she eventually falls in love with.

Disney's live action "Mulan" will be based off this Chinese legendary heroine, whose life story was written as a poem in "The Ballad of Mulan." It is believed to have been published in the sixth century. The animated film is also based on this poem but the live action version is going to add more elements that were not part of the 1998 movie. The upcoming live action take is set to be released in theaters in 2018.
A woman based in Sweden is now a mother to a healthy growing boy named Albin. But in an interesting twist that can be likened to science fiction, Albin's mom, Emelie Eriksson, was actually unable to get pregnant before due to a biological issue. Doctors had to transplant the womb of Emelie's mother in her so that she can bear children.

Eriksson's case is the first womb transplant that has had a successful birth in the history of medicine. Essentially, Albin, who is now 2-years-old, was born from the same womb as his mom and it is a breakthrough that is worth celebrating.

"This is something that you read in history books and now in the future when you read about this, it's about me," Emelie Eriksson told the Associated Press. Her story is giving hopes for other women who might have problems with conceiving a baby with their partner.

BBC reported in 2014 that Emelie Eriksson was born without a uterus and thus never experienced having her period. In turn, when she got married, she and her husband Daniel knew that conception would be impossible.

After consultations, however, they decided Emelie Eriksson would undergo a womb transplant. The procedure was performed by doctors from the University of Gothenburg headed by Dr. Mats Brannstrom and Emelie Eriksson's mother, Marie, became her womb donor.

"I don't need my womb and I don't want any more children," Marie told her daughter, according to the AP report. Once the womb transplant was done, Emelie Eriksson underwent an IVF procedure with doctors using 11 frozen embryos.

Today, Brannstrom is working with other medical experts from Mayo Clinic and Harvard Medical School in the United States in improving on the womb transplant technique. Four patients have supposedly benefitted from this but the women are not yet prepared to get pregnant.

Unfortunately, there has been a growing concern for womb transplant procedures as it can pose life and death risks, expenses, as well as the fact that doctors are playing gods against nature, Life News reports. Where do you stand on womb transplant? Let us know what you think in the comments section below.
A New Mexico mother reportedly admitted to officials that she watcher her daughter being raped as it brought enjoyment to her. She also confessed that she had dinner with the man who killed her daughter right after the crime was committed.

The 10-year-old girl was drugged, raped, killed and then dismembered. Allegedly, the child's mother had different versions of what happened but eventually confessed to witnessing the crime. The mother, Michelle Martens, first went over to a neighbor's house in Albuquerque, New Mexico in the morning of August 24, People reported. She was covered in blood and screaming that someone killed her daughter identified as Victoria.

A neighbor called 911 and said that she was woken up by the screaming and that Martens, together with her boyfriend, Fabian Gonzales, asked for help. The couple also claimed that the cousin of Gonzales, Jessica Kelley, killed Victoria. Nevertheless, when police officials came, they became doubtful of the statements of Martens as she changed her story a couple of times. She was then interrogated and hours after, she told the investigators what really took place.

The first story of Martens was that Kelley went into their bedroom, asked her if she believed in God, then hit her with an iron rod. She added that when she went out to ask for help, she heard Kelley said that Victoria is dead. However, she changed her story again saying that she left her daughter with Kelley at home and when they came back, she found her daughter dead, Yahoo reported. On the third time she was asked, police told Martens that Gonzales had revealed the truth even though he had not and that was when she cooperated with the officials.

Martens told investigators that she watched both Gonzales and Kelley sexually assault her daughter at least three times before she was killed. She added that she believed Gonzales sexually assaulted her daughter for a month before she died while she was at work. Martens said that on the day Victoria was killed, she saw Gonzales and Kelly give meth to the girl because it calms her down so they can rape her.

She then saw Gonzales and Kelley stab her daughter and cut her arms. About 20 minutes after Victoria was raped and killed, Gonzales and Martens had sexual intercourse. They then cleaned the home and made dinner.

Two more men were named by Martens that she reportedly sought to have sex with her daughter. They have not been named yet.

Martens also told investigators that she should have stopped what Gonzales and Kelley did to her child. Martens is charged with kidnapping and child abuse resulting to death, and Gonzales is charged with the same as Martens plus child rape, while Kelley has been charged with the same charges as Gonzales. They have all pleaded not guilty.
The benefits of physical touches go a long way, especially when it comes to babies in the NICU or neonatal intensive care unit. Cuddle therapy helps improve infants' quality of life.

Cuddle therapy has been introduced at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, Canada a year ago, OzarksFirst.com reports. The program, which provides NICU babies extra TLC, also benefits parents and allows them to have a short break. Cuddle therapy helps volunteer cuddlers feel pleasant, too.

There are around 20 volunteer cuddlers in St. Michael's Hospital and numerous individuals are on a waiting list. Volunteers cuddle premature babies as well as those with mothers struggling with mental health or addiction problems. Some infants even have alcohol withdrawal syndrome.

Tony Barozzino, a pediatrician, said that human touch lowers newborns' heart rates, boosts their neonatal mental health, and helps them achieve a healthy weight gain. A seven-week-old baby boy named Zayn was one of the NICU babies in St. Michael's Hospital who received cuddle therapy.

Baby Zayn was born prematurely at 31 weeks and has been in the hospital's NICU for approximately two months. Zayn's original discharge date was October 19 but thanks to cuddle therapy, the infant was discharged from the hospital at an earlier date.

Volunteers for cuddle therapy are carefully vetted by the hospital. They underwent extensive medical checkups and police background checks.

Julia Gluck, 66, is one of the hospital's volunteer cuddlers. Gluck described cuddling babies as a heavenly experience, adding that cuddle therapy is "almost the perfect way of giving back."

"It's the most wonderful thing. How to give back I think is a challenge to a lot of people," Gluck shared, as quoted by OzarksFirst.com. "I walk out of here so calm and so refreshed. It's way easier than paying for therapy, I can tell you that."

Cuddling doesn't just benefit babies; it also has positive effects on adults. According to Shape Magazine, cuddling releases the brain's oxytocin or the feel-good hormone.

Cuddling, holding, hugs and intimate gestures generate a sense of well-being and happiness. Cuddling discharges endorphins, a chemical released after a person's pleasant experience such as after a satisfying workout or after they eat chocolates.

Cuddling lowers a person's stress and blood pressure and even helps foster an emotional bond between a mother and her baby. Dr. Fran Walfish, a family psychotherapist also specializing in child and couple, said that oxytocin is "a neuropeptide that is closely linked to childbirth and breastfeeding," Shape Magazine further reports.

Do you believe in the benefits of cuddle therapy? Why or why not? Please share your feedback below.
The upcoming episodes of "Hawaii Five-O" Season 7 will be filled with horror, thrill and suspense. According to reports, Steve McGarett (Alex O'Loughlin) and Alicia (Claire Forlani) are in grave danger. However, the duo will also identify the controversial chess-piece serial killer.

The last season of "Hawaii Five-O" featured Steve undergoing a transplant surgery to extend his life. Although Steve wants to live, this does not keep fans from being concerned about his fate, especially that he immediately returned to work.

Well, according to "Hawaii Five-O" spoilers, things will get worse for Steve in the upcoming episode. Per Cartermatt, the upcoming "Hawaii Five-O" Season 7 episode is titled "Hu a'e ke ahi lanakila a Kamaile" or "The Fire of Kamile Rises in Triumph" Many think that this represents Steve. Will he rise again? Let's see.

Per the report, the luck will run out for McGarett as he and Alicia get kidnap in the upcoming "Hawaii Five-O" Season 7 episode. Yes, the pair is in grave danger. They will soon find out that their lives are in jeopardy and they have to fight for their safety by land or by water.

According to Christian Today, the Chess-Piece serial killer will kidnap Steve and Alicia in the upcoming "Hawaii Five-O" Season 7 episode. The spoilers feature how the killer targets Alicia, good thing that she doesn't succeed leaving Alicia unharm.

However, Alicia wakes up next to a dead body with an iconic chess piece in his mouth. Alicia is about to retire and no longer wants to get involved but she's already in trouble as what fans will witness in the next episode of "Hawaii Five-O" Season 7.

According to the "Hawaii Five-O" Season 7 spoilers, Alicia and Steve will soon find out that the serial killer is no other than Madison Gray (Elisabeth Rohm). Meanwhile, a number of "Hawaii Five-O" fans think that the serial killer is being arrogant for abducting the kind of Steve, who will likely ruin her plans.

"Hawaii Five-O" Season 7 airs on Oct. 14 at 9 p.m. on CBS. Stay tuned for more "Hawaii Five-O" updates and spoilers.
It is a given fact that child care is literally expensive. However, a collaborative study from Care.com and the public policy institute New America reveals that child care in the United States is officially more costly than in-state college tuition.

Based on the findings from Care.com Care Index, child care costs more than college tuition, where parents need to spend almost 53 percent ($28,353) of the U.S. median household income annually if they hire a fulltime nanny. The recorded cost is three times the average cost of an in-state college tuition.

Aside from college tuition, child care costs are also almost the same amount as people's rent. As per Care.com's findings, the cost of a full child care at child care centers takes 85 percent of the U.S. median cost of rent.

Meanwhile, the study, which provides a state-by-state ranking on child care nationwide based on three major categories - affordability, quality and availability - also highlighted the fact that not a single state in America registered well in all of the categories Care.com used to measure the Care Index score. But Massachusetts had been ranked as the state with the best availability.

Hawaii, on the other hand, had the best child care quality and North Dakota had the best cost. Unfortunately, Alaska had been named as the worst availability while West Virginia had the worst quality and cost.

Due to the findings, CNN Money reported that making child care more affordable has also been highlighted during the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election campaigns. The publication even added that both presidential nominees Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have announced their proposals to solve the issue.

U.S. child care costs, however, are not the only ones that are hitting the roof. According to Daily Mail, child care in the United Kingdom is the most expensive in the world as families spend more than 33 percent (one third) of their income on nannies or childminders and nurseries.

In the U.K., parents have to spend an average of 11,300 annually on child care. In addition, BBC News also revealed that child care costs in the U.K. have struck mortgage applicants.

To all parents out there, what are your thoughts on the increasing child care costs worldwide? Feel free to share your comments below and follow Parent Herald for more news and updates.
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You know, the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore is really not the best part of the Lake Michigan shoreline  thats along Michigans west coast (as they like to market themselves). Instead, the National Lakeshore exists where is does because of the history of its creation, long after much of the shoreline was used for industrial purposes, or for vacation or year-round homes. It was cobbled together from purchases, and much of it isnt even lakeshore, but natural areas slightly inland, and its very disconnected instead of being one or even several contiguous areas. And its comparatively new  established in 1966, whereas the Indiana Dunes State Park was founded in 1925. (See the relevant wikipedia stories, one on the history as well as one with images showing the cobbled-together nature of the National Lakeshore  and, yes, thats a steel mill in the middle, as well as a nuclear power plant.)

But thats not stopping U.S. Rep. Pete Visclosky of Merrillville from proposing designating the lakeshore as a national park.

The reason? Money. As the Tribune reports,

The designation would create the 60th national park in the nation and the first in Indiana, according to a press release from Viscloskys office. The intent is to capture all the tourism benefits and recognition of being a national park. The measure was introduced with the support of the entire Indiana delegation to the House of Representatives. It is pending in the House Committee on Natural Resources. . . . The lakeshore attracts an average of 2 million visitors a year, making it the No. 1 attraction in the state, said Lorelei Weimer, executive director of Indiana Dunes Tourism, adding 60 percent of visitors are from out of state. The lakeshore accounts for $76 million in new revenue to the region each year, as well as 947 jobs and $9.9 million in labor income. We strongly anticipate the number of visitors and the national impact will increase if the new name of Indiana Dunes National Park is adopted, she said. People love to visit our national parks and many travelers include visiting all of the national parks on their bucket list.

Is this the right thing to do? After all, theres virtually no cost  just that of reprinting the various brochures and signs.

But is there really no cost?

A national park designation communicates something  not just that the location is a part of the system of natural areas and heritage sites managed by the federal government, but that it is one of the most majestic, awe-inspiring natural areas in the nation. When you think national park, you expect it to be something grand, at a level much higher than just your run-of-the-mill state park; you expect far more than hiking trails and a visitors center. Its a brand.

And by giving the name national park to more and more sites, you really dilute the brand. How many more additions to the national park list does it take before tourists do not see it as something special, but are skeptical and study TripAdvisor before turning off the highway, in the same way as you would any other tourist attraction?

Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AIndiana_Dunes_National_Lakeshore_(8741872906).jpg; By NOAA Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (3049) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
Have you seen this article about the women accusing Trump of mistreatment? Have a look at this bit about Trumps habit of kissing women without their consent:

Taggart, the 21-year-old Miss Utah, was startled by how forward he was with young contestants like her in 1997, his first year as the owner of Miss USA, a branch of the beauty pageant organization. As she recalls it, he introduced himself in an unusually intimate manner. He kissed me directly on the lips. I thought, Oh my God, gross. He was married to Marla Maples at the time. I think there were a few other girls that he kissed on the mouth. I was like Wow, thats inappropriate. Temple Taggart, 1997 Miss Utah USA Mr. Trump disputes this, saying he is reluctant to kiss strangers on the lips. But Ms. Taggart said it was not an isolated incident. At the gala celebration after the show, she said, Mr. Trump immediately zeroed in on her, telling her how much he liked her style and inviting her to visit him in New York to talk about her future. Soon enough, she said, he delivered another unwelcome kiss on her lips, this time in Trump Tower.

And then theres this bit describing a groping incident:

In the early 1990s, Jill Harth and her boyfriend at the time, George Houraney, worked with Mr. Trump on a beauty pageant in Atlantic City, and later accused Mr. Trump of inappropriate behavior toward Ms. Harth during their business dealings. In a 1996 deposition, Ms. Harth described their initial meeting with Mr. Trump at Trump Tower. Donald Trump stared at me throughout that meeting. He stared at me even while George was giving his presentation.  In the middle of it he says to George, Are you sleeping with her? Meaning me. And George looked a little shocked and he said, Well, yeah. And he goes, Well, for the weekend or what? Jill Harth, former pageant promoter Mr. Houraney said in a recent interview that he was shocked by Mr. Trumps response after he made clear that he and Ms. Harth were monogamous. He said: Well, theres always a first time. I am going after her,  Mr. Houraney recalled, adding: I thought the man was joking. I laughed. He said, I am serious.  By the time the three of them were having dinner at the Oak Room of the Plaza Hotel the next night, Mr. Trumps advances had turned physical, Ms. Harth said in the deposition. Basically he name-dropped throughout that dinner, when he wasnt groping me under the table, she testified. Let me just say, this was a very traumatic thing working for him.

In the wake of a 2005 tape of Trump boasting about sexually assaulting womenkissing them without their consent and groping their genitals, to be specifica lot of people predicted that wed soon see women coming forward with accusations like this. Wait, whats that? This article was published in May? Oh. Indeed it was.

Do you understand what this means? These womens accusations have been out there for five months now, but it took Trump admitting on tape that he does these things for the Republicans now jumping the Trump ship to take them seriously. Let that sink in for a moment. Paul Ryan either disbelieved or ignored Taggart and Harths accusations that Trump sexually assaulted them, but he immediately listened to and believed Trump when he boasted (on a 2005 tape) that he sexually assaults women.

This is horrific. What kind of world do we live in? Women should be listened to and believed. It shouldnt take a womans abuser admitting that he did what he is accused of for people to care. How messed up is it that our society is so ready to believe perpetrators, but not victims? I mean, just watch this sequence:

Woman 1: Donald Trump kissed me without my consent.

Republicans (and most other Americans): Yeah whatevs.

Woman 2: Donald Trump groped and sexually harassed me.

Republicans (and most other Americans): Sit down, Im watching a show!

Donald Trump: Haha, yeah, I kiss women without asking and grope them.

Republicans (and most other Americans): Wait, what?!

Can you see the problem here? Look at who is believed, and who is not!

Yes, women sometimes lie, claiming theyve been raped or sexually assaulted when they havent been, but this is rare. Indeed, women who accuse men who are rich or powerful often face strong negative attention from the public and run the risk of being threatened or otherwise attacked by the men they are accusing. Harth experienced this as recently as earlier this year, when she got a call from Trumps lawyer after doing an interview with a news agencyand Trump immediately called the agency that had run her interview, lashing back at her and attempting to discredit her story.

Even if we grant that women sometimes have the incentive to falsely accuse powerful men of rape or sexual assaultsomething Im skeptical of given the risks these women runpowerful men have just as much (if not more) incentive to deny allegations that are true. And yet, despite this, many believed Trump when he claimed (as he did) that his accusers were lying or had misunderstood his intent. It wasnt until audio surfaced of Trump boasting about doing the exact things he was accused of that anyone took seriously the allegations already lodged against him by multiple women.

As a society, we dont listen to and believe women. We listen to and believe powerful men. As a society, we have some serious soul searching to do.

I have a Patreon! Please support my writing!
Due to a variety of circumstances, I often contemplate suicide. I really do believe that my loved ones would be better off without the sadness and difficulties I bring into their lives  especially my children. They tell me otherwise but how do I get past what I know to be true? They say it would be a selfish choice, but I dont see it that way.

I commend your courage to be so frank and open about your suicidal thoughts. This is a very difficult topic to be honest about. And the question/thoughts you pose are common among those that struggle with suicidal ideation.

I have a friend I have come to know over the last few years who has been very open about what it meant to lose her father to suicide when she was a young girl  how his decision impacted her life and how she wishes things could have been different. I do not share her thoughts in any attempt to shame or guilt the space you currently find yourself in. At the same time, I hope it can offer you a different perspective. Conditions like depression and bipolar disorder are mental health issues that affect your brain  in particular causing what we call cognitive distortions. This is where your cognitions (or thoughts) lie to you and promote perspectives that are unhealthy and untrue.

Please get the help you need at this particular time. The first and easiest step anyone can take who is struggling with these types of thoughts is to call a crisis line  available 24/7 (1-800-273-8255). Seek counseling with a therapist who can help you develop a safety plan. Get rid of any means you might be considering (i.e. guns, medicines, etc.)  even if you just hand them to a friend or family member temporarily. Let your ecclesiastical leaders know what you are facing and be specific with them as to the type of support you need from your community (a good therapist can help you do this  if you give signed permission, your therapist can speak directly with your bishop). See your primary care physician for a referral to a psychiatrist who can assess the level of depression you are experiencing and discuss possible medication options. Please know your life is valuable. I hope these thoughts are helpful and please message me directly if you need further support (natashaparker.org).

Todays guest post is written by Darien Child. Opinions shared on guest posts may not completely reflect the positions of the blogs author.

Darien Child lives with her family in Utah. She is a Realtor and Interior Design professional by trade, and an advocate by heart. Darien became a suicide survivor at 10 years old after her beloved Dad took his life. She is the mother of two beautiful little girls who increase her passion to help raise awareness about critical topics, such as suicide prevention. It is her deepest hope that sharing the pain and also the triumphs of suicide survivors, may help those struggling with suicidal ideation to seek the support they need to thrive.

This message is for anyone that has ever struggled with depression and/or suicidal thoughts. Its also a tribute to my Dad.

This past month marks 27 years without my Dad.

For anyone that has attempted or thought about taking your life if you feel that the world, your family, your loved ones would be better off without you please know that voice is WRONG. You are perfect just the way you are.

If you feel that they would mourn for a few days, possibly a few weeks or just have their heart strings tugged on holidays that voice is WRONG. You will be missed deeply every single day forever.

It doesnt matter what your struggles are or what failures have occurred. If youve struggled from abuse, chemical dependency, losing jobs, difficult relationships, past trauma, depression, questioning your sexual orientation or gender identity even if you feel like you are not succeeding in any aspect of your life. If the world seems gray instead of full of color The truth is, this world would be less bright without you. This world needs you. You are not broken. YOU ARE WORTH FIGHTING FOR SIMPLY BECAUSE YOU BREATHE.

We need you, this world needs you, YOU need you. Reach out for help Not once not twice But UNTIL Until you can find the reason to fight, even if its for those you would leave behind. Keep working until you can find the reason to fight for yourself. YOUAREWORTHIT. Simply because you are YOU!

With all the bumps, bruises, falls, failures that you perceive yourself to have. We need you to STAY.

I wrote this letter to my Dad and I share it not to be too personal, but to show what remains and plays in my mind, even 27 years later. For me, his loss has gotten more difficult throughout the years. All aspects of suicide are something I would not wish on anyone. Many contemplating suicide think their loved ones will be better off and may miss them only momentarily. That is completely and wholeheartedly inaccurate. The longing, questions and pain last a lifetime.

I have an incredible life But even that doesnt dampen the pain of the loss.

I WONDER

Dear Dad,

Its that time of year again. September. The month of National Suicide Prevention. And the month you left.

I wonder if you know how much I love you. How much I always loved you no matter what.

I wonder if you knew that you were my best friend. My protector. My idol. My very own Superhero.

I wonder if you remember the times you would pull me around on my skis like an ox just because you didnt want me up on the ski slopes.

I wonder if you remember taking me to my gymnastics practices, teaching me to do back handsprings, our back flip contests on the trampoline, making snowmen in the winter and mud pies in the summer.

I wonder if you remember throwing me up in the air so high that my tummy would tickle until I finally landed in your safe, strong, warm arms. How I long to feel those arms again.

I wonder if you knew that with you by my side, I felt like I could conquer the world and always be protected. Untouchable, unbreakable, unstoppable.

I wonder if you were heartbroken that I didnt come and visit you when I knew you were missing me. That still haunts me.

I wonder if you knew that after 27 years, I would still be a ball of tears and mush each time the anniversary of your death is upon me.

I wonder if you were watching me yesterday while I slipped on your Snowbird ski patrol jacket for the first time and wore it all day while I sobbed. How I would rub my fingers over your embroidered name. I wonder if you saw the hope in my eyes as I slipped my hands into the pockets hoping I would find any treasures that you had touched. And by treasure, I mean a wrapper, an old piece of gum, a cough drop anything. Anything that I know your strong hands had touched.

I wonder if you then saw your granddaughter and I snuggling on the couch talking about you when I suddenly felt a lump in your jacket. Then me frantically trying to figure out how to access it. Along with the eventual sobs that came when I discovered the treasure in the inside pocket of your jacket. The package of ear plugs that you used while bombing the avalanches. Thank you for keeping them in there. You saved peoples lives for a living, but you couldnt save your own. I wish I could have.

I wonder if you know that I am still searching for a copy of the episode of Thats Incredible where you were featured for saving the man from a heart attack at Snowbird. Just so I can hear your voice and remember what you looked like when you spoke. I dont remember those things anymore and it breaks my heart.

I wonder if you see me with my babies, your grand babies. Did you pick them out for me? Did you keep them in your arms in heaven before they were sent to me? Thank you for picking the two most beautiful souls in the world to send to me. Arent they just magnificent, Dad?

I wonder if you see how incredible my husband is. How he holds me while I cry for you. How I close my eyes and pretend it is you that I am hugging instead, while he consoles me and tickles my back.

I wonder if you know how much I miss you. Not just on your anniversary, not just on holidays, but every day of my life.

I wonder if you are proud of me.

I wonder if you can hear me when I talk to you.

I wonder what you would want to tell me.

I wonder if it is really you trying to send me messages when I see symbols in my life that I connect to you.

I wonder if you miss me as much as I miss you.

I wonder if you had the moments before your death that I hear as a constant among suicide survivors. That as soon as they make the choice to die they immediately regret their decision and want to live. That they experience a flash of all of the reasons they should not die. Did that happen to you? I wish I could have saved you.

I wonder if you knew that the only handwriting that I would have of yours is a couple of suicide letters. I love your handwriting. Its graceful and beautiful.

I wonder if you know how much I wish I could throw you a birthday party each year. How I pretend what it would be like for you to walk through my front door and sit on my back porch with me.

I wonder if you know what I would give for another hug.

I wonder if you know what I would give to hear your voice.

I wonder if you know how much I wish I could have changed your circumstances. How I wish that I could tell you all of the amazing attributes you have and have you believe me. To tell you that all of the ways you thought you failed did not matter to me, ever.

I wonder if you knew that all I ever wanted was the perfectly imperfect you.

I wonder..

Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Natasha Helfer Parker, LCMFT, CST can be reached at natashaparker.org. She authors the Mormon Therapist Blog, hosts the Mormon Mental Health and Mormon Sex Info Podcasts, writes a regular column for Sunstone Magazine and is the current president of the Mormon Mental Health Association. She has 20 years of experience working with primarily an LDS/Mormon clientele.
Let me start this round-up of recent blogging about Christology with a quote from a blog post by Larry Hurtado:

All early expressions of Christology have a subordinationist character, in that they portray Jesus as sent, empowered, vindicated, and glorified by God (the Father). They werent touched by the concerns and issues that arose in the 3rd century especially. But in the inventory of honorific categories to hand to them, early believers were unhesitating and remarkably free in ascribing to Jesus an unparalleled place in their beliefs and practices. The high Christology of the early texts doesnt consist in saying Jesus is God Almighty in some simplistic sense. Whats high about earliest Christology is that Jesus is uniquely and programmatically linked with God, both in beliefs and worship, to such an extent that Jesus is essential for any adequate discourse about God and for any adequate worship of God.

There have been many other discussions of Christology on scholarly and other blogs lately. Larry Hurtado also wrote about how and why Jesus devotion erupted. David Capes highlighted Richard Hays work on echoes of the Jewish Scripture in the Gospels, which he thinks indicate that Jesus was being identified as Yahweh even in the Synoptics! See also the interview with Hays that Ben Wiherington shared.

Justin Bass recently blogged about his debate with Bart Ehrman, and from his treatment not only of Ehrmans statements but also those of Hurtado, you can tell that the discussion has veered into apologetics. He did include this nice meme:

But he also offered this unpersuasive attempt to turn Jesus into Yahweh by slight of hand with semantic domains:

All one has to know is something about the breadth of usage of lord and even god in first century Judaism, and the problems with the above become obvious. There is so much emphasis on Jesus subordinate and appointed status, that one can and should say that Jesus is identified with the one God, but not as the one God, since the one God is the one who bestows the exalted status, and in some instances even the divine name itself, on Jesus.

Bill Mounce discussed the fact that John 20:28 does not use the vocative.

Ben Blackwell highlighted Colossians 2:9 as an example of interest in ontology in New Testament Christology. This was in response to a blog post by Larry Hurtado on chronology, Christology, and ontology. See also Hurtados post about a new book in honor of Richard Bauckham.

Ruth Friederike Kunath offered a fascinating blog post summarizing her recent book on the pre-existence of Jesus in the Gospel of John. One important conclusion she draws is that the pre-existence of Jesus, at the time the Gospel was written, was still very controversial.

J. R. Daniel Kirk offered a webinar on his recent book.

You may also be interested in a paper I circulated before a guest appearance at the University of Michigan, on my answer to the question of how Jesus became God.

Finally, Larry Hurtado will be participating in a discussion with Anthony Buzzard:
Patna: Politicians of all stripes were making a beeline to offer tribute to the architect of the 'Total Revolution' Jaya Prakash Narayan to mark his 114th birth anniversary on Wednesday by placing flowers at his two statues in the state capital and visiting the veteran socialist's historical home in Kadam Kuan.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, along with other Janata Dal  U leaders put wreaths on the statue of Narayan located within the Income Tax Roundabout on Bailey Road.

Sticking to the usual rhetoric reserved for any past leaders, Kumar said that JP's words were as relevant today as they were over four decades ago.

"Loknayak Jaya Prakash Narayan called for a total revolution against social ills that we must not forget today. They are still relevant today as they were when he inspired millions of youths of India to stand up against social discrimination and we must continue to follow on his idols if we want to create a better society," the Chief Minister said.

Incidentally, the call for 'Total Revolution' was not against social ills as suggested by Kumar but against the autocratic style of governance by the then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi who declared nationwide emergency in 1975 seizing all power while arresting all voices of dissent including politicians and activists like Jaya Prakash Narayan and senior journalists who dared to speak against her.

The Chief Minister, who is now an ally of Congress, the party of Mrs. Indira Gandh, also visited Charkha Samiti, the former home of Narayan now turned into a shrine, in Kadam Kuan area.

Kumar also paid tribute to Ram Manohar Lohia, veteran socialist, at his statue in Kankarbagh to mark his 49th death anniversary.

Bihar Assembly Speaker Vijay Kumar Chowdhary, Janata Dal  U leaders Shyam Rajak and Poonam Devi, Chief Secretary Anjani Kumar Singh, Director General of Police P. K. Thakur, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Manu Maharaj, Divisional Commissioner Anand Kishore, District Magistrate Sanjay Agrawal and a host of senior bureaucrats were present on the occasion.
Iranian Child Bride Faces Death Penalty

10/12/16

Source: RFE/RL

Human rights activists say an Iranian former child bride, whose execution was delayed while she was pregnant, could be executed in the coming days. Zeinab Sekaanvand, a 22-year-old Iranian-Kurdish woman, was convicted of killing her husband, whom she says beat her for months.





Zeinab Sekaanvand was convicted of killing her first husband, who she says was abusive.

(file photo)



She was arrested when she was 17 years old and convicted of the murder of her husband, in a trial described as grossly unfair by rights activists.

In a statement on October 11, Amnesty International called the case "extremely disturbing" and said Sekaanvand was due to be executed by hanging as soon as October 13.

Sekaanvand had recently given birth to a stillborn baby in prison.

"Not only was Zeinab Sekaanvand under 18 years of age at the time of the crime, she was also denied access to a lawyer and says she was tortured after her arrest by male police officers through beatings all over her body, said Philip Luther, research and advocacy director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International, on October 11.

"Irans continued use of the death penalty against juvenile offenders displays the authorities' contempt even for commitments they themselves have signed up to," Luther added. "The Iranian authorities must immediately quash Zeinab Sekaanvands conviction and grant her a fair retrial without recourse to the death penalty, and in accordance with principles of juvenile justice."

London-based Amnesty International said Sekaanvand was aged 15 when she married her first husband, Hossein Sarmadi. While in prison, she remarried.

Last year, a similar case attracted condemnation from rights groups when Iranian authorities executed Fatemeh Salbehi, who was convicted of suffocating her husband after drugging him when she was only 17. Salbehi said her husband had abused her.

In the past decade, Iran has executed at least 73 juvenile offenders, according to a report released by Amnesty International in January.

Copyright (c) 2016 RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. www.rferl.org
Millions of Shia Muslims observe Ashura worldwide

10/12/16

Source: Press TV

Millions of Shia Muslims in Iran and other parts of the world are commemorating Ashura, which marks the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein (PBUH), the third Shia Imam. The faithful have converged on the streets and in mosques with heavy hearts to honor Ashura, the 10th day of the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar Muharram, which is the climax of the mourning processions.



Mourning ceremonies in Ardabil, Iran (photo by Islamic Republic News Agency)



During the ceremonies, eulogies are recited and sermons delivered in memory of Imam Hussein and his 72 companions.

Passion plays are also staged in remembrance of the suffering imposed on the venerated figure of Shia Islam and his companions, who refused to pledge allegiance to the Umayyad caliph, Yazid I. Imam Hussein and his group were martyred in the Battle of Karbala, in southern Iraq in 680 AD, while fighting courageously against the 100,000-strong army of the despot.





Mourning ceremonies in Shahcheragh, Iran (photo by Mehr News Agency)



During Muharram, benefactors cook and distribute food offerings among neighbors, family and the needy. Free food is also offered to people who take part in mourning ceremonies.

Large numbers of black-clad Iraqi and Iranian mourners plus people from other countries have also flocked to the Iraqi cities of Najaf and Karbala, which is home to Imam Hussein's holy shrine, to attend mourning rituals.

Mourning processions are also underway in Afghanistan, Pakistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan and Lebanon. Similar ceremonies are scheduled to be held in Europe, America and Africa later in the day.



Mourning ceremonies in Qom, Iran (photo by Mehr News Agency)





On the eve of Ashura, known as Tasu'a, Shia Muslims across the world paid special tribute to Abbas ibn Ali, the half-brother of Imam Hussein, because of his sacrifices in the Battle of Karbala.

Following Imam Hussein's martyrdom, his remaining family members, mainly women and children, were taken captive and transferred to the then Levant. His sister, Zeinab (PBUH), later delivered an eloquent sermon in the court of Yazid, which proved the righteousness of the Shia Imam and the mendacity of the tyrant.





Mourning ceremonies in Mashhad, Iran (photo by Islamic Republic News Agency)



Muharram ceremonies represent the never-ending and unswerving stance of truth against falsehood and the humanity's struggle against tyranny, the cause for which Imam Hussein sacrificed his life.
BOOK: Prozak Diaries: Psychiatry and Generational Memory in Iran

10/12/16

Source: Stanford University Press

Prozak Diaries is an analysis of emerging psychiatric discourses in post-1980s Iran. It examines a cultural shift in how people interpret and express their feeling states, by adopting the language of psychiatry, and shows how experiences that were once articulated in the richly layered poetics of the Persian language became, by the 1990s, part of a clinical discourse on mood and affect. In asking how psychiatric dialect becomes a language of everyday, the book analyzes cultural forms created by this clinical discourse, exploring individual, professional, and generational cultures of medicalization in various sites from clinical encounters and psychiatric training, to intimate interviews, works of art and media, and Persian blogs. Through the lens of psychiatry, the book reveals how historical experiences are negotiated and how generations are formed.



Prozak Diaries: Psychiatry and Generational Memory in Iran

by Orkideh Behrouzan

Publisher: Stanford University Press, October 2016 (328 pages)

Cloth ISBN: 9780804797429

Paper ISBN: 9780804799416

Digital ISBN: 9780804799591

order from amazon





Orkideh Behrouzan traces the historical circumstances that prompted the development of psychiatric discourses in Iran and reveals the ways in which they both reflect and actively shape Iranians' cultural sensibilities. A physician and an anthropologist, she combines clinical and anthropological perspectives in order to investigate the gray areas between memory and everyday life, between individual symptoms and generational remembering. Prozak Diaries offers an exploration of language as experience. In interpreting clinical and generational narratives, Behrouzan writes not only a history of psychiatry in contemporary Iran, but a story of how stories are told.



About the author:

Orkideh Behrouzan (@OBehrouzan) is Assistant Professor of Medical Anthropology at King's College London, and a 2015-16 Fellow of the American Council of Learned Societies. She is the winner of the 2011 Kerr Award from the Middle Eastern Studies Association. (see full biography)


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Lets say youve just bought one of Nvidias slick new Pascal-based GeForce graphics cards such as the GTX 1070, and now youre seeking a G-Sync monitor to go with it.

Looking at whats available, youll probably become envious of PC gamers on the Radeon side of the fence. Compared to G-Sync monitors, displays supporting AMDs FreeSync adaptive sync tech are generally much cheaper, with a wider range of vendors and tech specs to choose from. The website 144HzMonitors lists 20 available G-Sync monitors, versus 85 FreeSync monitors, the latter showing more combinations of screen size, refresh rate, and resolution.

Why the disparity? The conventional wisdom is that Nvidias proprietary G-Sync hardware module raises the monitor price due to licensing fees, but thats not a satisfying explanation. Nvidia is still far and away the market share leader in graphics cards, so youd think that most monitor makers would create G-Sync variants of their FreeSync displays and at least give GeForce users the option of absorbing the module cost.

As I started talking to monitor makers, a more complicated picture emerged. The real reason for G-Syncs limited availability is as much about design and development concerns as it is about the price of the module itself.

G-Sync vs. FreeSync refresher

PCWorld has already published a detailed primer on G-Sync and FreeSync, but the gist is that both technologies allow the graphics card to adjust the monitors refresh rate on the fly, matching it to the PCs current framerate. This prevents the screen tearing effect that occurs when refresh rate and framerate fall out of sync, and (mostly) eliminates stutter, creating a buttery-smooth gameplay experience.

G-Sync accomplishes these variable refresh rates with a proprietary hardware module, which is built into every supported monitor. With FreeSync, no such module is required, because it uses the variable refresh rate tech thats part of the DisplayPort standard (and, more recently, HDMI as well). But again, the lack of extra hardware is not the only reason FreeSync monitors are cheaper and more readily available.

Design costs

Some display makers say Nvidias module requires more room inside the monitor enclosure. While that may not seem like a big deal, creating a custom product design for one type of monitor raises development costs considerably, says Minhee Kim, a leader of LGs PC and monitor marketing and communications. By comparison, Kim says, AMDs approach is more open, in that monitor makers can include the technology in their existing designs.

Set makers could adopt their technology at much cheaper cost with no need to change design, Kim says. This makes it easier to spread models not only for serious gaming monitors but also for mid-range models.

LGs FreeSync monitor selection bears this out: The company offers several 1080p monitors under 30 inches diagonal with an ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio, priced as little as $279. With G-Sync, the only 1080p ultrawide monitor is a 35-inch curved panel from Acer with a much higher refresh rate. The cost? $900.

The cheapest ultrawide 1080p G-Sync monitor will set you back nearly $1000.

Even if monitor makers proceed with the necessary research and development, the resulting product will be more expensive, which inevitably means it will sell in lower volumes. That, in turn, means its harder for monitor makers to recoup those up-front development costs, says Jeffry Pettinga, the sales director for monitor maker Iiyama.

You might think, oh 10,000 sales, thats a nice number. But maybe as a manufacturer you need 100,000 units to pay back the development costs, Pettinga says.

Meanwhile, he says, monitors are constantly improving in other areas such as bezel size. As monitors shrink from wide bezels to slim bezels to edge-to-edge displays, the risk is that a slow-selling G-Sync will become outdated long before the investment pays off.

Lets say you introduced, last year, your product with G-Sync. Six months of development, and you have to change the panel. You havent paid off your development cost, Pettinga says. Theres a lot of things going on on the panel side.

Limited flexibility

Costs aside, some monitor makers feel restricted in how they can differentiate their G-Sync monitors.

Display maker Eizo, for instance, has a feature in its gaming monitors called Smart Insight that adjusts gamma and brightness on the fly, helping to improve visibility in light and dark areas. This feature wouldnt be possible with G-Sync, says Keisuke Akiba, Eizos product & marketing manager, because Nvidias module handles all the color adjustments itself.

The G-Sync module accepts color adjustment in the module, not an outside chip, Akiba says. Our color adjustment needs power and flexibility so weve gone for FreeSync.

G-Sync doesnt allow monitor makers to offer their own color adjustments, like Eizo does.

Monitor makers also have limits on what video inputs they can include. All G-Sync monitors have one DisplayPort input, and in some cases they also include an HDMI input that doesnt support variable refresh rate. You wont find any G-Sync monitors with more than two inputs (or with support for DVI). Also, G-Sync doesnt support variable refresh rate over HDMI. That means every G-Sync monitor must include DisplayPortagain raising the cost to manufacture.

DisplayPort is relatively expensive on a monitor because of the cableits a quite expensive cable if you include a cableand the board design itself. So DisplayPort adds a lot more to the cost than HDMI, Pettinga says.

Nvidias answer: Its about value, not cost

In an interview, Tom Petersen, Nvidias director of technical marketing, doesnt dispute any of these concerns, and acknowledges that the high cost to develop G-Sync monitors puts them into a pricier segment of the market.

But to Nvidia, thats okay, because G-Sync is supposed to be a premium product. The company points to several ways in which G-Sync is superior to FreeSync, including its ability to handle any drop in refresh rateFreeSync only works within a specified rangeand Nvidias complete control over things like monitor color and motion blur, which Petersen argues are superior to what monitor makers are offering outside the module.

For those reasons, Petersen says any price disparity between comparable G-Sync and FreeSync monitors is not due to the module, whose cost he says is relatively minor, but due to monitor makers decision to charge more.

To me, when I look out and see G-Sync monitors priced higher, thats more of an indication of value rather than cost, he says. Because at the end of the day, especially these monitors at the higher segments, the cost of the components dont directly drive the price.

Nvidia says the proprietary module is not a major contributor to the cost of G-Sync monitors, especially since it replaces some other standard components.

Perhaps thats a fair point for higher-priced monitors, but as weve heard from monitor makers, the bigger issue is that the module is inherently harder to include in lower-priced options. With G-Sync, for instance, you cant buy a 60Hz monitor in less than 4K resolution, whereas FreeSync offers plenty of options in 1440p and 1080p.

Nvidias Petersen suggested that addressing these mid-tier markets isnt a priority. I think over time, youll see lower-priced monitors that are lower-featured, that include G-Sync, but its not our goal, Petersen says. Our goal is to provide a premium gaming experience, and the premium gaming experience requires a lot of hands-on work from Nvidia, and thats where were going to continue to focus over time.

Of course, some monitor makers would prefer that Nvidia supported DisplayPorts adaptive sync standard, so users could ,at least enjoy some anti-tearing benefits even if they didnt splurge for a G-Sync monitor. To that, Petersen says never say never, but right now he argues theres no benefit to doing so.

Im worried that by just throwing it out there, we could be delivering the same less-than-awesome experience that FreeSync does today, he says, and thats just not our strategy.

For loyal Nvidia customers, the takeaway is clear: If you want G-Sync, be prepared to jump into the deep end of luxury gaming monitors, because the technology isnt going downmarket anytime soon.
A shortage of avocados being brought in from Mexico is causing prices for the popular, healthy green fruit, which hovered above normal all summer long, to soar to astronomical levels, Southern California suppliers say.

Steve Taft, president of Eco-Farms in Temecula, said Tuesday wholesale prices were running about $70 per case and the packer and shipper was having great difficulty meeting commitments to retailers to deliver the volumes of fruit they desire.

And, on Monday, produce buyer Cruz Sandoval said prices at Ingardia Bros. Produce Inc. in Orange County were hovering at $76 a case, the highest that company has seen in three decades.

A case contains 40 to 48 avocados.

We deal directly with the packing houses in Mexico, Taft said. Basically, its a grower strike that is preventing people from picking, and trying to drive the price up more.

The California avocado harvest is over and the fruit being sold in grocery stores and mashed into zesty guacamole at restaurants is being brought in from other countries.

This time of the year, California is not in the market, said Temecula grower Ben Drake.

And when it comes to imports, Mexico dominates. So the grower strike there is having a huge impact on Inland Southern California.

The end result is that everybody is going short of fruit, Taft said.

IMPORTS PLUMMET

He said Eco-Farms delivers avocados to many customers, including some big-name retailers  among them Costco, Walmart, Albertsons and Trader Joes  and began seeing fruit availability decline two weeks ago. Now supplies from Mexico are trickling across the border.

This is in the third week, Taft said. Were getting 25 percent to 50 percent of what we would normally get.

That, he said, means Eco-Farms is delivering 50 percent to 75 percent less fruit than has been requested.

Shipments from Mexico, according to data maintained by the Hass Avocado Board, have plummeted compared with a year ago.

For the week of Oct. 11, 2015, the U.S. received 44.3 million pounds of avocados from Mexico. And last weeks shipments totaled about half that amount: 22.9 million pounds.

Sandoval said hes heard Mexican growers are holding out for more money because the California season is running dry, and theres no other sources.

Representatives for the Hass Avocado Board and California Avocado Commission declined comment on the shortage. Representatives from Dallas-based Avocados from Mexico could not be reached.

EATERIES ABSORB COST

While shoppers typically see prices passed on in the grocery store, its unclear how restaurants will react to the shortage.

Peter Serantoni, executive chef at Cha Chas Latin Kitchen in Brea, said the restaurant has seen prices increase more than $30 a case lately. But he said hes not going to penalize diners by stripping the garnish from salads or raising prices on sides of guacamole.

At the moment, there is no relief in sight. California avocados likely wont come to the rescue for quite some time, as picking of domestic fruit typically doesnt even start until February  just after footballs Super Bowl.

COMING BACK

Thats the case with Temecula avocado grower Gene Bianchi. He harvests from February until early August.

Drake said 2016, despite a scorching June heat wave, turned out to be an average year for production in California, which produces about 90 percent of the nations avocados.

Riverside County is the states third-largest producer of avocados.

For Bianchi, the past harvest was disappointing for him. He blamed his 20-percent-below-average season on the hard freeze and snow that hit the region a year and a half ago.

I only had half the grove in production, Bianchi said. I lost thousands of avocados that were laying on the ground that I couldnt sell.

He tried giving away as many as he could.

My church came out. I gave them to friends, he said. And he still couldnt get rid of them all.

But Bianchi said he is optimistic about 2017.

My trees now have come back, he said.

Contact the writer: nluna@scng.com; 951-368-9699 or ddowney@scng.com
A 47th Assembly District candidate forum ended with boos Tuesday, drowning out incumbent Cheryl Browns attempted response to a rebuttal by challenger Eloise Reyes.

Under the rules set by the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce, Brown was not allowed to respond to the rebuttal that ended the forum  after Brown and Reyes had both given closing statements.

Already unusual because it features two Democrats fighting for the same seat, thanks to California primary rules that send the top two finishers from the primary into the general election regardless of party, the race has featured some harsh attacks.

Anticipating more of those attacks than materialized, Brown used her closing statement to accuse Reyes of lying about several issues.

My opponent says she loves business, but yet she says on her literature she made a living suing businesses, Brown said. I dont understand how you love business but you sue business.  The lies about me and getting a million dollars from Chevron  people have to understand, I have nothing to do with that.

Because she had been attacked by name, the forum rules gave Reyes the right to rebut Browns closing argument, said moderator Robert Gastel.

Clearly she doesnt understand workers compensation is an application; its not a lawsuit, Reyes said in part.  And make no mistake, Chevron gave a million dollars to get my opponent elected.

Chevron gave $1 million to an independent expenditure committee that backs Brown, campaign finance records show.

Brown was waving a pro-Reyes flyer with the claim she cited as Reyes supporters drowned her out. Gastel said she did not have the right to respond, and Brown apologized.

The 47th Assembly District includes Colton, Fontana, Grand Terrace and Rialto as well as part of San Bernardino.

Contact the writer: rhagen@scng.com or @rmhagen on Twitter
At a young age, Shaun Bunn was exposed to significant hardship as his family fled Cambodia, spending time in a refugee camp in Thailand before settling in Southern California.

A quarter-century later, Bunn  now an Inland educator  is dedicated to providing kids with the skills they need to make a better life for themselves.

Bunn, an algebra teacher at Ethan A. Chase Middle School in Menifee, was named one of the five California Teachers of the Year by the state department of education on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

I cant believe this happened to a little kid who walked through landmines, said Bunn, 36.

In his 11th year as a teacher in the Romoland School District, Bunn has worked at Chase Middle School since it opened in 2013. In May, he was honored as a Riverside County Teacher of the Year.

He will receive his state award in February at a banquet in Sacramento.

He is the type of person that gives tirelessly and never expects anything in return, said Romoland School District Superintendent Julie A. Vitale. He is honest, kind, easy to work with, and friendly. He has the desire to have a meaningful impact in the lives of students.

Principal Chris Hernandez broke the news to Bunn and the school staff at a hastily called meeting early Wednesday afternoon.

When he said Shaun Bunn has been named Teacher of the Year, the whole staff went ballistic, said Bunn. And I just sat there and thought to myself: What? Wow! Really?

Bunn thanked his students for keeping him grounded and challenging him with their efforts to achieve. He said he was looking forward to calling his parents and sharing the news with them.

I am ecstatic and humbled at the same time, said Bunn.

Bunn has not forgotten the struggles his family endured and the sacrifices they made. His colleagues say every year, he visits his homeland and takes youngsters off the street to feed them.

Others honored by the state today were:

 Megan Gross, who works with autistic students at Del Norte High School in 4S Ranch in San Diego;

 Yun Jenny Tzu Anderson, who teaches STEM subjects at the Casita Center for Technology, Science, and Math in Vista;

  Corinne Traynor, a fifth grade multi-subject teacher in Placer County; and

 Isela Lieber, who teaches English, English as a Second Language and ESL science to ninth- and 10th-graders at James Monroe High School in the North Hills section of Los Angeles.

Gross was chosen to represent California in the national Teacher of the Year competition.

I am pleased to honor five dedicated and hardworking teachers who use their creativity and talents every day to make a huge difference in their classrooms, said Tom Torlakson, the states superintendent of public instruction.

These inspiring and innovative teachers enrich the lives of our students while helping them to succeed in 21st century careers and college, he said. These teachers represent the best of their profession and serve as great examples.

After the various counties in California select their teachers of the year, a state selection committee reviews their applications and conducts site visits to evaluate their rapport with students, classroom environment, presentation skills and teaching methods.

City News Service contributed to this report.

RELATED

Family travails motivate teacher to inspire students

Contact the writer: 951-386-9682 or tsheridan@scng.com
Rep. Duncan Hunter, R-Alpine, was one of the first congressman to hop on board the Trump Train. And hes not jumping off anytime soon.

In an interview with The Washington Posts The Fix blog, Hunter, who represents most of Temecula, reaffirmed his support for Trump in the wake of a hot mic video from 2005 in which he bragged in crass terms about kissing women and groping their private parts and getting away with it because hes famous.

Republican elected officials nationwide have denounced Trump, called on him to step down or both. Most Southern California Republican elected leaders and candidates have said theyll continue to support the GOP presidential nominee.

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, Hunter told the Post: Its much more important to have a Republican president than it is to have a Republican House and Senate.

Especially to us partisan Republicans, Hillary Clinton is just about literally the worst person who could be president ever, he is quoted as saying.

So to pull back away from Donald Trump at this point, with 30 days left in the (campaign), I think is ludicrous. Weve got to keep on fighting to the end. Hes our guy, our candidate, and something somebody said 11 years ago off the record, I think, is clearly wrong the media can use that against somebody.

Other excerpts from The Fix post:

 Hunter said House Speaker Paul Ryan, who announced he would no longer defend or campaign with Trump, (never) wanted to support Donald from the very beginning. But that was easily seen. I think most politicians, whether theyre Republican or Democrat, have their fingers in the wind. They do whats best for them and their political careers.

 Regarding Trumps comments, Hunter said: I think its totally unfair, you can take anybodys comments off the record from a decade or more prior and pull them up at your convenience. And I was in the Marine Corps, and Ive been to war three times. If you had recorded the stuff my Marines and I were talking about, after not seeing a woman for seven months  but lets just leave it at that. And so I find this completely unfair.

And it has nothing to do with the election. It has nothing to do with peoples choice between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, and their differences in policy. And it has no impact to me whatsoever.

 I find myself increasingly on an island. But everybody lives on their island in terms of Congress, because were all together in session, but when it comes down to election time, it is kind of every man for themselves. Thats kind of how politics works.

 Im not as optimistic (about Trump winning the election) as I was two weeks ago, but I still think he will win. I think itll be a big surprise to all the media outlets.

Patrick Malloy, Hunters Democratic opponent in the Nov. 8 election, issued a statement slamming Hunter as being part of an axis of degradation with Trump.

Hunters disrespect for women is evident not only in his opposition to womens reproductive rights but also in his wide reputation as a party animal in Washington, D.C., Malloy said.

We should not be surprised that Hunter is excusing Trump on the bus since hes admitting to similar conduct himself. What is surprising is that Hunter will not distance himself from Trump and Trumps verbal promotion of sexual assault. We can do better than this axis of degradation in the Trump-Hunter partnership.
Riverside and San Bernardino counties are rich with Latino history.

To commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs until Oct. 15, we are featuring four Inland residents who for decades have helped give Latinos a voice in their communities.

LUZ MARIA AYALA

From teaching Latino immigrants how to read and become U.S. citizens to organizing with braceros pushing for lost wages, Luz Maria Ayala has spent most of her adult life advocating for immigrant rights.

To Ayala, 73, its personal.

When you suffer, you understand the suffering of others, said Ayala, who with her husband founded the Perris-based TODEC Legal Center, a grass-roots organization serving migrant communities in Riverside, San Bernardino and Imperial counties.

Ayala was born in Michoacan, Mexico. She is the third of 16 children. By the time she was 15, her father and five siblings, including both older siblings, had died. To support her remaining 10 brothers and sisters, Ayala and her mother sold tortillas and did laundry.

Ayala, though, persevered.

She volunteered at her church and won scholarships to study at the University of Sagrado Corazon in Michoacan and at the American College in Mexico City. And at the age of 26, she crossed the border with her husband.

They first lived in Los Angeles and eventually made the trek to the Inland Empire, settling in the area that is now Moreno Valley and eventually in Perris.

In the Inland area, they witnessed a lot of illiteracy in rural communities. Many residents were immigrants living in the U.S. illegally.

She started teaching them how to read and write and introduced them to the English language. She organized Spanish catechism classes at a time when Spanish Mass was not widely celebrated here.

Since 1984, the TODEC Legal Center center has helped thousands of people become U.S. citizens. It also hosts legal and immigration seminars, registers voters and advocates for legislation that aids immigrants.

In a contentious presidential election in which Donald Trump has vowed to deport 11 million immigrants in the U.S. illegally, Ayala said the center is focusing on citizenship and voter registration.

And after decades of doing such work, she said shes encouraged by her husband and the community. Its done with the help of others, she said.

Porque uno solo no mas rasca poquito, Ayala said. One person only scratches the surface.

But if everyone is organized, we can do more, she added.

GRACIANO GOMEZ

Graciano Gomez isnt the type of person to stay quiet when he thinks something is wrong.

An outspoken advocate for Latinos, he has helped the Latino community become more visible in the Inland area.

In his early days, Gomez and a group of Mexican American veterans created American Legion Post 650 after they came back from World War II and faced discriminating in employment and housing laws, despite serving their country. He became the first Latino in 1972 to be elected to the San Bernardino City School Board of Education. He also published a community newspaper that focused on profiling Inland Latinos.

But he wont say it was easy.

Being the first elected Latino school board member in San Bernardino was challenging. It was an unfamiliar system, and he had to work with others who opposed the integration of schools.

I had to learn how to get along with people on the other side, said Gomez, 91. In order for them to be on my side, I had to build a relationship.

He said serving on the school board allowed him to advocate for minority teachers and counselors when he saw that Latino students werent given the same attention as their white counterparts.

It was very important because it represents that component of the community where you have their opinion and you translated that opinion in a public office, he said.

Gomez remained active in the community later in life, after his stint as school board member.

He founded the Inland Empire Hispanic News in 1987, which profiled Latino residents recognized for educational achievements, and featured social and economic issues affecting Latinos.

I knew a lot of people and things that theyve done, and they werent appreciated. They just did what they had to do.  Didnt want any publicity, he said. I felt the public should be aware of it.

Was it hard? Let me tell you. I was not a writer. I was not a publisher. I wasnt a newspaper guy, Gomez said. I didnt know what the hell to do, and I started a newspaper. I was a photographer, too.

The paper eventually shut down around the time of the recession, he said.

Gomez credits his parents and grandmother for his work ethic and his commitment to community. His parents emigrated from Mexico to the U.S., fleeing unrest and seeking economic opportunities. After his father died during the Great Depression in 1937, his mother became the head of the household, working at odd jobs to support the family.

She was a fighter, he said.

ERNIE GARCIA

In a city emerging from bankruptcy, Ernie Garcia is betting on youth and the arts to help rebuild San Bernardino, a city where more than 60 percent of residents have a Latino background.

His latest project is the opening of a renovated historic building at E and 11th streets, known as the Garcia Center for the Arts.

At the center, the neighborhoods children have danced ballet with professional dancers during a Vamos Todos a Bailar event with the State Street Ballet from Santa Barbara. Musicians from area high schools also have played with teaching professionals from the Symphonie Jeunesse Youth Orchestra.

Political cartooning workshops, Spirits & Art painting nights and art residencies also are taking place there.

Garcia, 87, takes pride in the relationship he has built with the citys youth.

Theyve accepted us. They seek advice, comments from us, Garcia said. That means that were seen as being able to relate.

For Garcia, that generational connection is crucial in understanding ones identity.

Through a memoir writing class, he encourages students to write about their lives.

Garcia, who grew up in Colton in the 1930s and 40s, tells stories through humor of the challenges growing up Protestant in a Catholic majority neighborhood, of riding the Southern Pacific Railroad where his father worked as a laborer, and of the Chicano movement in the 60s, when many Latinos were drafted for the Vietnam War.

Theres a lot we can learn from the past, Garcia said.

NATI FUENTES

Nati Fuentes call for community service came in the 60s, at a time when President Lyndon Johnson declared a war on poverty.

Fuentes heard his call to assist families in need, and for decades she has filled a number of community roles in Riverside.

A lifetime resident of the citys Eastside neighborhood, she was the executive director for the nonprofit organization Concilio for the Spanish Speaking of the Inland Empire, now called Concilio Child Development Centers. The group ran child care centers in Riverside and Rancho Cucamonga.

There was not enough child care anywhere for low-income families. We were able to help a lot of families, she said.

In 2009, a new child development center serving children from low-income families, primarily Latino, was named after Fuentes. It sits at Riversides Bordwell Park.

Fuentes also served for decades on the Eastside Advisory Committee and was active with the Latino Network. She was a founding member of the Latino Womens Health Forum.

In a recent interview, Fuentes recalled a passion for solving problems.

She spoke of a need to inform the community about the meaning of bilingual education while working with Riverside schools.

A lot of people wanted to come in the program, but the people that really needed to be there were Hispanics who needed to learn Spanish correctly and then go to English, she said.

Fuentes has received myriad awards, from the Ohtli award from the Mexican government to the YWCA of Riverside County Women of Achievement recognition.

In a 2004 interview, Fuentes said of her community service: Somebodys got to do it.  If we want any improvements, we have to get involved.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9462 or amolina@scng.com Twitter: @alemolina
The Hemet City Council paid tribute to two Palm Springs police officers who were killed in the line of duty at their meeting Tuesday, Oct. 11.

Mayor Bonnie Wright opened the meeting asking for a moment of silence in memory of Lesley Zerebny  who grew up in the community  and Jose Gilbert Gil Vega and also adjourned the meeting in their honor.

Zerebny, 27, graduated from West Valley High School in 2007. Her husband, Riverside County Sheriffs Deputy Zachary Zerebny, graduated from Hemet High.

The officers were killed by gunfire Saturday afternoon while attempting to negotiate with an armed gang member in Palm Springs.

This tragedy hits home for us. Wright said. Both of these officers made the ultimate sacrifice while protecting the innocent citizens of Palm Springs. Officer Zerebny was a life-long resident of our valley and we mourn her as a true hero.

Before the moment of silence, Wright read the following statement:

On Saturday, October 8th shortly after Noon, two Palm Springs Police Officers were shot and killed while protecting the citizens of Palm Springs. These senseless murders have had a profound impact on our community and our police department.

Officer Lesley Zerebny was a 2007 graduate of West Valley High School and was a lifelong Valley resident. Her husband is a Hemet High School graduate and also serves as a law enforcement officer.

Officer Zerebnys father served 30 years in the CA Highway Patrol and spent most of his career in the Hemet/San Jacinto Valley. Officer Zerebny was killed while doing what she did best in life, putting others before herself. That defines a true hero.

As a community, we owe her and her surviving family members a lifelong debt of gratitude.

Please join me in a moment of silence honoring the life and sacrifice of Palm Springs police officer and San Jacinto Valley resident, Lesley Zerebny, and her partner and training officer Jose Gilbert Vega.
Murrieta police officers on Monday arrested two men after they say they found safes packed with drugs and drug paraphernalia inside the vehicle the men were in.

Richard Burton Cooley, Jr., 36, of Menifee and Michael Andrew LaMonica, 23, of Murrieta were both arrested and booked into the Southwest Detention Center in French Valley, according to a Murrieta police news release.

Cooley was arrested on suspicion of possessing a narcotics, possessing narcotics to sell them and for a felony warrant. He remained in custody Wednesday, with no bail set, online jail records show.

LaMonica was arrested on suspicion of possessing narcotics and possessing narcotics to sell them. He was released on $50,000 bail the day after he was arrested, according to the records.

Police say that an officer was doing a patrol in the area of Murrieta Hot Springs Road and Madison Avenue when he saw two men sitting inside the vehicle.

They say the officer went to go talk to the men, who quickly exited the vehicle. A records check revealed Cooley was on post release community supervision and that there was a felony warrant for his arrest, according to officials.

Officers searched the vehicle the men were in, per the terms of Cooleys supervision. Thats when police dog Kazan pointed to two safes, which police say were ultimately found to contain methamphetamine, heroin and paraphernalia.

LaMonica and Cooley were then taken into custody.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9693, agroves@scng.com or @AlexDGroves on Twitter.
A domestic disturbance call that ended the lives of two Palm Springs police officers last weekend was the kind of report that many authorities say they hate and fear the most.

For no matter how much training and experience officers receive, they often have little idea what awaits them when they approach the scene of such a disturbance.

One of the reasons its so dangerous is frequently you dont know what youre getting into, said Jim Bueermann, the former Redlands police chief who heads the Police Foundation, a Washington, D.C.-based think tank that promotes better policing.

Police say Palm Springs Officers Jose Gil Gilbert Vega and Lesley Zerebny had just asked John Felix to come out of his familys home Saturday when he opened fire through the closed front door.

A neighborhood home surveillance system recorded the sound of dozens of gunshots echoing through the ordinarily quiet neighborhood. Its camera did not show the officers.

Vega and Zerebny were killed and a third officer was treated for a gunshot wound and later released from a hospital. A fourth officer was unharmed.

A neighbor, Frances Serrano, told the Associated Press that the suspects panicked father, Santos Felix, told her just before the shooting that his 26-year-old son was armed and acting crazy.

When she suggested he call police, Serrano said he told her, Yeah, he already knows they are coming, and he is going to shoot them.

Efforts to reach Santos Felix for comment have been unsuccessful.

John Felix was apprehended early Sunday after a lengthy standoff. The Riverside County District Attorneys Office will announce what charges will be filed in the case at a Wednesday, Oct. 12, news conference.

Vega and Zerebny, like all California peace officers, were thoroughly trained in handling domestic violence calls, said Riverside County sheriffs Deputy Mike Vasquez, whose agency is investigating the shooting.

Vega, 63, was a 35-year veteran of the force who was preparing to retire soon. Zerenby, 27, had been with the department about 18 months and her husband is a sheriffs deputy. The couple has a 4-month old daughter.

All of the officers at the Felix home were wearing bullet-proof vests, a Palm Springs Police Department requirement, said Sgt. William Hutchinson.

Authorities have so far declined to release a 911 recording alerting police about a problem or say who made the call, and it wasnt immediately clear if the officers knew they were about to confront someone waiting to kill them.

Erroll Southers, a former police officer and FBI special agent who is currently director of the Homegrown Violent Studies Program at the University of Southern California, said its standard procedure for dispatchers to press a 911 caller for as much information as they can get, then relay it to officers.

They want to know what is the situation, he said. Is it an argument? Whats going on in the house? Who is in the house? Most importantly, we always ask if there are any weapons in the house.

Dispatchers may not have had an opportunity to obtain that information during the call on Saturday, he said, and even if they had, there would be little time to react to a heavily armed gunman firing repeatedly through the door as soon as the officers approached.

Theres not much you can do in a situation like that, Southers said. Youre totally defensive.

Lt. Mike Madden, San Bernardino Police Department spokesman, said domestic violence calls will forever be one of the more dangerous calls officer go in on because they need to assert authority in someones domain. The 25-year veteran said an on-your-toes message is reiterated at briefings that complacency can be a killer.

Lt. Christian Dinco, Riverside police spokesman, said the situation can change very quickly.

Its very challenging to go into someones home, someones private place  and make law enforcement decisions that can affect lives.

That private space may be very familiar to the occupants, but to responding officers, there are so many unpredictable factors, its a challenge to manage it, he said of such calls.

Calls involving families and relationships by their nature can be emotionally charged, and have the potential to become violent, said Lt. Tony Conrad, Murrieta Police Department spokesman.

While domestic violence calls have that danger reputation, some law enforcement officials say other factors come into play today.

You have to go in knowing you may not have the full story, Hemet Police Chief David Brown said of domestic violence calls.

The other aspect to responses, according to Madden, of San Bernardino, is that there are portions of the community that are very distrustful of law enforcement, and youre seeing a lot more disobedience to law enforcement.

Palm Springs had not lost an officer in the line of duty since 1962.

Staff writer Gail Wesson and Associated Press reporters Amy Taxin and John Rogers contributed to this report.

Contact the writer: news@pressenterprise.com
Democrat Sabrina Cervantes of Riverside is challenging Republican Eric Linder, of Corona, for the 60th Assembly District seat.

The district covers parts of Riverside, Norco, Eastvale, Corona, Rubidoux, Mira Loma, Pedley, and Glen Avon.

Both candidates have raised more than $1 million, state campaign finance records show.

Cervantes, an aide to Assemblyman Jose Medina, D-Riverside, stands to benefit from a shift in voter registration, which gives Democrats a roughly 41,000-voter edge in the district.

That said, Linder could be helped by an unusual endorsement. Earlier this year, he became the first Republican in more than 20 years to be endorsed by Service Employees International Union, which appreciated his efforts on behalf of workers who sought to unionize at Parkview Community Hospital in Riverside.

Name: Sabrina Cervantes

Age: 28

Resides: Riverside

Party: Democrat

Family: Engaged

Occupation: On unpaid leave as Assemblyman Jose Medinas District Director

Education: B.A. Political Science, UC Riverside, Executive Education Program, JFK School of Government, Harvard University

Interesting Fact: November 2011, the greatest blessing our family could ever ask for: the birth of my goddaughter, Autumn Sky. Autumn enjoys eating the cookie dough before we bake. Nothing brings me greater joy then being Autumns godmother. Nothing compares to the love, bond and smile we share each time she calls for her, Nina Rina.

What is the most important issue facing your district?

Our communities in Riverside County need long term, good paying, and quality jobs. I will fight tooth and nail to ensure we have enough resources for job training and (that) local businesses are fully supported. I will also work with the education system and institutions to ensure we are administering degrees and certifications that match employment opportunities for the region.

What sets you apart from your opponent?

As a lifelong resident of Riverside County, I am humbled to be a part of this race for the 60th State Assembly. What sets me apart from the other candidate is my dedication and willingness to fight for our working class families and to deliver our regions fair share of resources. What sets me apart is my passion and experience. I am prepared to do the peoples business and to fight for Riverside County in Sacramento. I will not take for granted the importance of being your voice, advocate and representative. What sets me apart is you, my community.

Name: Eric Linder

Resides: Corona

Party: Republican

Family: Father of two sons and one daughter

Occupation: Small Business Owner/Assemblyman

Education: Attended Santa Ana College

Interesting Fact: I am excited to be expecting my first grandchild in January.

What is the most important issue facing your district?

From day one, my number one priority has been to ensure that our regions economy is growing and that my constituents are able to find good paying jobs, locally.

Since being elected to the Assembly our region has created 170,000 new jobs. As a small business owner, I have taken pride in putting my private sector experience to work in the legislature and help fight for a pro economic growth agenda.

I will continue to advocate for policies that grow our economy, such as a well-educated workforce and fully-funded transportation infrastructure.

What sets you apart from your opponent?

I have a record of getting things done. Growing up the son of a Hispanic immigrant in Norco, and raising my children in Corona, I have lived in the 60th Assembly District almost my entire life. This is my home and I have a proven track record of fighting for the needs our community. I am the only candidate who has shown that he or she can put the needs of our community first and work in a bipartisan matter to get things done.

Contact the writer: 951-368-9464, amolina@scng.com, or on Twitter @alemolina
Assemblyman Marc Steinorth, R-Rancho Cucamonga, dominated a 40th Assembly District forum Tuesday night.

Abigail Medina, his Democratic opponent didnt participate, so Steinorth took questions with the 47th Assembly District candidates.

Steinorth gave a conservative response to most of the questions posed by Robert Gastel of the San Bernardino Area Chamber of Commerce, and attacked Medina several times for her proposals.

For the most part, though, Steinorth stressed that his small business background gave him the experience for what he called common-sense solutions.

I have been a consensus builder and I have been effective, Steinorth said. I have been endorsed by every single mayor and every single council member in every single city in the 40th Assembly District. That has never happened before, and Im proud of it.

Steinorth owns an advertising company. Medina is a member of the San Bernardino City Unified School Board.

Ben Golombek, Medinas campaign manager, said that when Medina was invited, he told the Chamber of Commerce she could attend only if it were rescheduled.

As we said, its unfortunate, but we have a fundraiser planned, Golombek said Tuesday. Not all of the community organizations that organize forums can have everyone attend, just like Steinorth couldnt attend a debate about 10 days ago.

Golombek referred to the Oct. 1 forum hosted by Inland Congregations United for Change.

Steinorth was first elected in 2014 to the 40th Assembly District, which includes Redlands, Highland, Loma Linda, and parts of Rancho Cucamonga and San Bernardino.

Contact the writer: rhagen@scng.com or @rmhagen on Twitter
The Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Washington Nationals, 6-5 on Tuesday, Oct. 11, forcing a deciding Game 5 of the National League Division Series championship in Washington DC Thursday at 2 pm PDT.
Ed Gilmore, 68, is proud to live in Corona. But after working for years in the food industry, he thinks the community has one major drawback: the lack of a fine dining establishment with impeccable service and an overflowing wine cellar.

Gilmore decided to tackle the problem himself.

Last December, he closed the 6,000-square-foot Cocos he owned and ran at 1300 El Sobrante Road near Magnolia Avenues southbound 91 onramp.

On Oct. 7, he re-opened the place as a trendy surf and turf restaurant and wine bar, christened The Toasted Barrel. Its upscale menu boasts at least 20 appetizers and specializes in seafood, steak ($20  $40 entrees) and traditional Italian dishes. Despite the full bar with craft cocktails and beer, the spotlight is on the wine cellar, stocked with 3,000 bottles.

Its like a Flemings or Ruths Chris with a twist but without the prices, said Gilmore, a Fontana native.

Plus, the 188-capacity dining room, bar, lounge and patio is all in the family. Son Eddie Jr., 45, manages the joint. Eddie Sr. credits Sherry, his wife and childhood sweetheart, for the stunning contemporary decor.

Once the Toasted Barrel gets rolling, Gilmore promises daily wine tastings, live jazz, lunch and brunch. Information: 951- 737-9463, FB: facebook.com/thetoasted barrel/about

Recent openings: Holy Crab, Cajun/Creole restaurant, 1223 University Ave., Suite 140, Riverside, 951-405-8243; Prime Paste, Filipino restaurant, 25685 Redlands Blvd., Loma Linda; 909-478-0108, primepaste.strikingly.com; Elias Pita , 780 Ramona Expressway, Suite B, Perris, 951-335-5474, eliaspita.com; Honeyfish Poke, 7873 Monticello Ave., Rancho Cucamonga, 909-646-9182, honeyfishpoke.com; and Hoots N Boots, 4323 Mills Circle, Suite 102, Ontario, 909-941-0040, hootsnbootsgrill.com

Corona strikes oil: Since Migliore Gourmet Foods debuted in November 2013 in Riversides Canyon Crest Towne Centre, folks have been gushing over its olive oils and snapping up its seasoning salts, rubs, balsamic vinegars, dipping oils, sauces and jams.

Now, owner Debbie Pruneri McKeown is preparing for a second act.

Next month, shell open Migliores at 2785 Cabot St., Suite 152, at the Shops at Dos Lagos. Her daughter, Lisa Campbell, will run the 2,500-square-foot shop in a former Fredericks of Hollywood. Mother and daughter are busy replacing the leopard carpets and ubiquitous mirrors. Information: 951-784-4422, miglioregourmet.com

Raise a glass: Danza del Sols 2015 Pinot Grigio ($28) and Wilson Creeks 2012 Petite Sirah ($64.99) took first place for white and red, respectively, in Temecula Valleys inaugural Peoples Choice Blind Tasting on Sept. 29.

Second-place winners were Briar Rose Winerys 2013 Estate Riesling ($24) and Doffo Winerys 2014 Zinfandel ($69). In third place were Monte de Oro Winery & Vineyards 2015 Nostimo ($23), a blend of estate-grown Muscat Canelli, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc and Viognier, and Avensole Winerys 2012 Second Block ($60.95), a Zinfandel-based blend. For a complete list: winemonth.org

Bottoms Up: Beer-pairing dinner at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 21 at Taps Fish House & Brewery, 2745 Lakeshore Drive at the Shops at Dos Lagos, Corona. $65 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: 951-277-5800. Information: tapsfishhouse.com

Cheers: The third annual Wine Walk at the Canyon Crest Towne Centre will return to Riverside from 4-8 p.m. Nov. 5. Visit more than 20 businesses at the center, 5225 Canyon Crest Drive, to eat, drink and see the work of local artists. Part of the proceeds will benefit Riverside Community Arts Association. Advance tickets: $35 for wine and food, $20 food only; day of event, $40 for wine and food, $25 for food only. Information: 951-784-4422 or 909 227-2455, eventbrite.com and search for CCTC Business Community 3rd Annual Wine Walk.

To pass on tips about restaurants, breweries and food shops that are opening or closing, contact Laurie Lucas at llucas@scng.com or 951-368-9559.

Contact the writer: llucas@scng.com, 951-368-9559
The Cement Manufacturers Association of Ghana (CMAG) has expressed dismay at Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Minister of Trade & Industry, for offering a permit to a Chinese to import 500,000 metric tons of cement into Ghana without the approval of the Cement Monitoring Committee established by government.



According to the association, which currently comprises GHACEM Limited, Tema; GHACEM Limited, Takoradi; Diamond Cement Ghana Limited, Aflao; Savanna Diamond Company Limited, Buipe and Western Diamond Cement Limited, Takoradi, such behaviour by the Minister foment unfair trade practices in the country.



Dr George Dawson-Ahmoah, Chairman of CMAG, at a press conference in Tema yesterday, said from 2014 to date, Ghana has been witnessing the importation of cement mainly from China to compete with local manufacturers.



Job cuts inevitable



He said local manufacturers altogether directly employ 3,000 people and offer 10,000 indirect jobs.



The continuous up swelling of cement imports will compel local manufacturers to scale down operations and the negative economic consequences are so obvious to mention.



The total average financial contribution in terms of indirect and direct taxes, duties etc, paid to the government by local cement manufacturing companies stands at about GH700 million.



It is therefore mind-boggling to see the ascendancy of cement imports from China by SOL and Fujian, and from Korea and Nigeria by Dangote cement, despite persistent petitions that manufacturers have installed capacities to meet local demand.



He said that besides the afore-stated there was another cement factory coming up by the end of 2016 in the Free Zones enclave at Tema with a total capacity of 1 million tones per annum.



Legislative Instrument 2240



Recently, the Ministry of Trade & Industry, in collaboration with Cabinet, Parliament, and the support of the local cement manufacturers, passed the Legislative Instrument (L.I.) 2240 to regulate exports and imports of Portland Cement.



Shockingly, a permit for 500,000 tonnes of bagged cement has been signed and issued by the Minister of Trade & Industry without recourse to procedures enshrined in the LI.



Condemnation



Cement manufacturers condemn this illegal, disrespectful act which is injurious to the local cement industry. Apart from the Ministers disregard to the inherent procedural arrangement of regulations clearly spelt out in the L.I. 2240, we, the local cement manufacturers, maintain that this menace poses a setback and challenge to the Ministry of Trade & Industry and the Association of Ghana Industries promotion of made-in-Ghana products and the sustenance of thousands of jobs.



We, the cement manufacturers, demand that the Minister revokes this permit not because we are preventing competition but the manner that it was issued violates the procedures as enshrined in the L.I.



Appeal



The association therefore appealed to government agencies, including Ghana Revenue Authority (Customs Division); Ghana Ports & Harbours Authority, Ghana Standards Authority, Ghana Shippers Authority, to investigate the importation of bagged cement from 1st August, 2016 before clearance.



How much fee did Fujian Cement Company pay to the Ministry of Trade & Industry?

Source: Daily Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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The Second Lady of the Republic of Ghana as part of her love for the less privileged in society today joined workers of the Accra Psychiatric Hospital to mark their open day.



The purpose of the open day is to open the hospital to the public for them to come, visit and familiarize themselves about the hospital and its operations and also educate them on mental health.



The Second Lady Matilda Amissah Arthur who has been a regular visitor of the facility called for the need to educate the public about the facility and erase the perception that the place is meant for mad people.



This she said would end the stigmatization attached to the Accra Psychiatric Hospital.



The Second Lady was accompanied by the NDCs parliamentary candidate for Korle Klottey Dr. Zanetor Agyeman Rawlings.











Mrs. Matilda AmissahArthur noted that the idea of the open day was a very noble and good initiative, which would educate people on what goes on at the hospital.



She commended the workers and staff of the hospital for making the place clean and neat and promised that as a lover of children, she would use the opportunity to educate school children about mental health.



Staff of the home handed the second lady a portrait of herself painted by one of the patient in the home after her visit to the place.



They said through the effort of the Second Lady, the facility has had a facelift.



As part of the open day to the public, they showcased some art and craft works done in collaboration with some of the patients.

Source: Maxwell Okamafo Addo/ email: [email protected]









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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A recent survey conducted by Jumia House Ghana and Hacking Adulthood has revealed that 91% of Ghanaians are not property owners but are renting or living with their nuclear family. The online survey sampled the views of over 200 respondents with 89 per cent seeking to change their current housing situation. The majority, forming 64 per cent, are looking to own their own apartments and are willing to spend an average amount of 826 GHS per month, describing that amount as affordable.



According to the survey, the lowest amount respondents are willing to spend on a property per month is GHS 50 and the highest is GHS 10,000, proving the term affordability is relative. In the United States, for instance, a property can be defined as affordable when 30 per cent or less of a households income is spent on housing.



Ghanas housing deficit as of July 2013 was estimated by the Ministry of Water Resources Works and Housing to be about 1.7 million houses. To meet this demand, there needs to be the construction of about 100,000 units annually but that is not being met. Only about 40,000 housing units currently are being delivered per annum by the combined resources of the Ghana Real Estate Developers Association (GREDA).



According to the 2010 Housing Census, almost one-third of Ghanaians do not own a dwelling or pay rent of any kind. Another study in Accra in 2010 also found over 3 000 people sleeping outside in an area less than one-fifth of a km2.



A major reason for the housing deficit is the countrys inability to provide enough affordable housing to meet the needs of the middle class even though certain institutions in the past like the Home Finance Company (HFC Bank) and the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) attempted to provide affordable housing for the populace. Defining affordable housing has been one issue several governments, both past and present, have to grapple with and clearly defining affordable housing is one way of solving this issue.



This survey forms one of Jumia Houses core mandates to research and provide adequate information on the housing sector in Ghana. Reacting to the results of the survey, the Managing Director of Jumia House Ghana, Akua Nyame-Mensah said, The survey, though not scientific or extensive provides us with a glimpse of peoples current housing situation. It also gives us an idea of what they may want in terms of housing. We will continue to attempt to provide potential homeowners and renters an opportunity to describe their needs. Understanding demand will enable us to all make better decisions related to what should be built and how to define affordability.





Source: Jumia House Ghana









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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The National Democratic Party (NDP) has through its lawyers given the Electoral Commission, Ghana (EC) 24 hours to rescind her purported disqualification, and instate the names of the partys presidential candidate and running mate on the list of candidates for the 2016 Presidential elections.



Lawyers for the former First Lady say the failure of the EC to meet the demands stated above will result in the instituting of legal proceedings against the electoral management body.



Leader of the Party Nana Konadu Agyemang-Rawlings is among twelve-plus-one candidates disqualified by the Commission on various grounds including irregularities and forgery of nomination forms.



It will be the second time the wife of Ghanas longest serving head of state is being disqualified from standing elections after her forms were rejected in 2012 ahead of that years elections.



The forms of NDPs flagbearer were disqualified by the Commission this time around because one of the subscribers by name Salifu Abdulai, according to Chair Charlotte Osei, had signed as a resident of two districts in the Volta Region and the Central Region.



According to Madam Charlotte Osei, The Commission is unable to accept Mrs. Rawlings nomination because the number of subscribers to her forms did not meet the requirements of Regulation 7 (2) (b) of CI 94. One subscriber on page 89 of her nomination forms is not a validly registered voter, and illegally registered twice and so is on the Exclusion list of multiple voters. Details are Salifu Abdulai District: Nanumba South, Voter ID no: 6617004814 (28.3.2012), Voter ID no: 2126900022 (04.8.2014). (click to read more)



In a letter to the EC - a copy of which is in the possession of PEACEFMONLINE.COM, - issued through renowned legal practitioner, Ace Ankomah of Bentsi-Enchill, Letsa & Ankomah, the former First Lady said she disagrees with the EC's reason for her disqualification.



"Our clients disagree with you and state that you have no power to proceed in this manner. This is because although section 27 of the Representation of the People Act, 1992 (PNDCL 284) provides that a person who registers twice may be disqualified from voting, there must have been a conviction for the offence, and then a term of imprisonment imposed before a disqualification can take effect. The relevant parts of section 27 provide specifically as follows:



Registration offences



"A person who having applied to have that persons name included in a divisional register, without withdrawing the application, applies to have the name included in another divisional registercommits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding five hundred penalty units or to a term of imprisonment not exceeding two years or both the fine and the imprisonment, and is disqualified for a period of five years from the date of the expiration of the term of imprisonment, from being registered as a voter or voting at an election (Emphasis added)," portions of the letter read.





Click here to read copy of the letter sent to the EC by NDP's lawyers.

Source: Rebecca Addo Tetteh/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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NDC Communications Director, Fred Agbenyo says that Nana Addo would have given birth to President John Dramani Mahama if he had decided to procreate earlier in life.



Fred Agbenyo was of a strong view that Nana Addo's age as compared to President John Mahama is substantial evidence to his claims.



According to him, Nana Addo has been parading himself as the David in the ongoing elections who is ready to defeat President John Mahama that he claims is Goliath.



But, speaking on Peace FM's Kokrokoo, Mr. Agbenyo stated emphatically that "there's no way that Nana Addo can be a David for President Mahama to be Goliath".



He noted that President Mahama used only three months to defeat him in the previous elections to become the President of the fourth Republic and so, if Ghanaians are to liken any of them to the biblical icon "King David"; it's none other than the President.



Fred Agbenyo therefore wants Nana Addo to stop calling himself "David" because "the David (John Mahama) of our time, the Joshua of our time; rose up, took the mantle.



He is a Goliath who has been defeated once, twice and he will be defeated the third time. He will have a knockout blowA small young man called John Dramani Mahama used three months to campaign and gave him a knockout.



Looking at their age difference, Im sure he would have given birth to a person like President Mahama if Nana Addo had given birth earlier he added.







Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi /Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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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Flag bearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Nana Akufo-Addo has promised to restore the allowances given Islamic teachers when voted into power after the December 7 election.



Since 1957, Zongos have never been mentioned in Ghanas budget, but my first budget will provide money for the Zongo Development Fund. During the Kufuor administration, Islamic scholars and teachers as well as Christian Roman Catholic teachers were paid allowances. The NDC came to scrap it but I will restore the Islamic teacher allowance, he stated.



Speaking to the chiefs and elders of the Muslim community at Nima on Tuesday October 11 as part of his campaign tour in the Greater Accra Region, Mr Akufo-Addo denied allegations that he was against the Zongo community, adding that he was the only presidential aspirant to have chosen a Muslim as his running mate.



In an election year some people will come and lie about me and the NPP but we live peacefully with Muslims. Some opponents will try and segregate us as Muslims and Christians but do not listen to them. Everything they will tell you are lies because Muslims and Christians live in harmony in this country, he said, adding: Im the only one to have selected a Muslim to be my vice It is only when Christians and Muslims unite that we can have accelerated development in Ghana.



Mr Akufo-Addo denied talk his government would drive Muslims out of the country, describing the assertions as propaganda. It is even against the law for me to do that, it is illegal, he assured.

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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A significant number of youth sympathetic to the governing National Democratic Congress (NDC) in the North Tongu Constituency in the Volta Region have defected to the camp of an Independent Parliamentary aspirant, Mr. Christopher Kofi Eleblu.



The disillusioned supporters claimed the NDC cannot win the North Tongu parliamentary seat in the December 7, 2016 general elections due to the divide-and-rule tactics adopted by the NDC constituency executives.



The youth stated that their intelligence gathered have revealed that the executives were not ready for victory of the NDC in the December 7, 2016 polls but rather working for their parochial interest.



In that regard, the NDC youth called on the people in the area to turn up on Wednesday December 7, 2016 and vote massively for Mr. Eleblu to the wrestle the seat from the incumbent NDC Member of Parliament (MP) Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwah.



The NDC youth made this call to the journalists when they joined a health walk organised by supporters and sympathizers of Mr. Eleblu over the weekend at Juapong Traditional Area.



"We are supporting Mr. Elebu because we find it extremely difficult to understand why Mr. Eleblu who is a popular National Democratic Congress member was disqualified by the leadership of the NDC from contesting the ruling NDC parliamentary primaries for any wrong doing. We share the vision of Mr. Eleblu Business, Business, Business for wealth creation.



"So this year's December election it is going to be a great change in our voting line in the North Tongu which will be historic.We are going to vote skirt and blouse, i.e. we would vote for John Dramani Mahama for President and vote for Mr. Christopher Kofi Eleblu as the Member of Parliament for North Tongu," the NDC youth who wear President John Dramani Mahama 2016 campaign T-Shirts told journalists at Juapong during the health walk.



According to the youth, they have seen that the area was under developed although they had been voting for the NDC MPs, emphasizing on the lack of access to potable water, non-availability of police stations, no proper market centres, poor road networks, lack of toilet facilities and lack of educational infrastructures.



They NDC youth expressed happiness with Mr. Eleblus promise to build the business environment in North Tongu so as to create wealth, saying that they believe Mr. Eleblus vision will reduce the rate of unemployment in the area.



When he mounted the podium to address his teeming supporters at Juapong Methodist School, Mr. Eleblu confirmed that he had filed his nomination forms at the Electoral Commission (EC) office at Adidome to contest the December 7, 2016 polls as an independent parliamentary candidate.



He told the large crowd that he was satisfied with the manner in which the EC officials led by Mr. Samuel Bansah 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.



Mr. Eleblu, who was described by his supporters as the man of bright future of North Tongu 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 through my vision creating business opportunity to the people of the area.



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 life more comfortably than the current suffering that they are confronted with, he emphasized.



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.



"With my development agenda or slogan which is "Business, Business, Business," many of the electorate have embraced me and as a result, I currently having large followers who cut across the political divide because there were people from his former party NDC among others, who were campaigning for him and President John Dramani Mahama and other presidential candidates.





Source: New Crusading Guide









Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority.

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President John Dramani Mahama erred in his claim that no Ghanaian knows the cost of the redenomination of the cedi in 2007, Abdul-Malik Kweku Baako, Editor-in-Chief of the New Crusading Guide, has said.



According to him, the cost involved in the exercise was announced by then Bank of Ghana Governor Paul Acquah at the central banks Monetary Policy Committee meeting in 2007.



His comments follow a challenge Mr Mahama has thrown at the vice-presidential candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, to disclose the cost of rebasing the Ghanaian currency almost a decade ago, when he was Second Deputy Governor of the Bank of Ghana.



Speaking on Tuesday October 11 on a campaign platform, Mr Mahama said: "Do we remember the cedi redenomination under President Kufuor? During that time, someone (Bawumia) was the [Second] Deputy Bank of Ghana Governor and up until now, even I, as a President, do not know the cost of the redenomination exercise.



"Up till today, no Ghanaian knows the cost of the redenomination exercise and the same people come and say someone is incompetent. When you redenominated the cedi, how much did it cost us? Simple things like these you cannot tell us and you have the nerve to come and talk about corruption. Look in the mirror and look at yourselves.



But Mr Baako, in a text message he sent to the host of Asempa FMs Ekosii Sen show, Kwadwo Asare Baffuor Acheampong (KABA), said the president goofed on the redenomination claim because the then Governor of BoG, Paul Acquah, provided the cost at a Monetary Policy Committee meeting in 2007, which was carried by the media.









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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Mr Ishmael Yamson, the Board Chairman of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana, says the banking environment is riskier today than it was some years back because of economic uncertainty and volatility.



The uncertainty, he said, is affecting the profitability of the banks.



Mr Yamson, who was speaking at the banks 120th anniversary public lecture held in Accra, said besides the uncertainty increasing competition in the banking industry and provision of financial services by technology companies also pose major risks to the industry.



The lecture, held on the theme: 120 years of Commercial Banking in Ghana: What next? sought to share thoughts and perspectives on various programmes implemented to develop the nations financial sector and more significantly, the banking industry.



Being the oldest and first commercial bank in Ghana, and having served as the Central Bank until 1953, Standard Chartered Bank has been at the forefront of banking and economic evolution in Ghana, hence the decision for the forum to reflect on the moments.



He said increasing customer sophistication and demand for value added services had necessitated the need for the banks to respond adequately to the speed, capability and infrastructural capacity would allow.



Customers no longer want a physical bank to transact business because they have limited time. How fast has the banks digitised and how fast have they used technology to bring back pleasurable experience? These will be the key success factors in the short to medium term.



Mr Kweku Bedu Addo, Managing Director of Standard Chartered Bank Ghana, said the right policy frameworks that provide a level of certainty to investors would engender growth in the banking industry.



But for now, there appears to be some misalignment between policy intentions and the real sector outcomes and these needed to be addressed.



In effect, there has been at least three periods of austere economic policies over the last four decades, which sometimes makes one asks the question: whether the institutional arrangements are robust enough to keep Ghana on a sustained path of growth, investment and reduced inequality, Mr. Bedu-Addo said.



For the respective sector value chains to be better organised to attract private investment, it requires critical and strategic planning, broad consultation with stakeholders and good execution to solve the problem.



Dr Kwesi Botchwey, Chairman of the National Development Planning Commission, who was the keynote speaker, said the country had not learnt lessons from the austere economic environment some years back.



He said so many years after the country went through a programme with the IMF, we are back on the same path implementing same programmes to stabilise the economy through home-grown policies.

Source: GNA









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The Election 2016 campaign team of President John Mahama has said it remains resolute in its campaign activities despite the president being hooted at, at Kokompe in Accra on Tuesday.



According to the Campaign Coordinator, Kofi Adams, the persons who shouted in disapproval are known undisciplined NPP supporters, which makes their conduct not surprising.



Hundreds of traders and residents stunned President John Dramani Mahama at the spare parts enclave by waving the change sign after the president visited the area as part of his campaign tour of the Greater Accra region ahead of the December general elections.



The large crowd will not stop hooting at the President and screaming change, change, change.



President Mahama looking puzzled and left with no option waved at the teeming crowd from his Toyota Land cruiser vehicle in response to the traders continuous making of the change sign.



But commenting on the issue on Asempa FM Wednesday, Kofi Adams whos also the ruling partys National Organizer condemned the action of the traders and residents saying they lacked maturity in politics.



Look, if that is the way well do our politics then Nana Akufo Addo cannot go to all places in this country to campaign. Because there are NDC supporters everywhere, when we got to Kokompe there were huge NDC supporters following President Mahama but the indiscipline Nana Akufo Addo has preached to his supporters led them to misbehave towards the president.



He added: We were just passing through the area, where the incident happened is a known NPP spot as they had hoisted a bid flag of Akufo Addos, so clearly the people were NPP supporters who wanted to embarrass the President. But just as Mitchel Obama said.. when they go low, we go high, when they do their all-die be-die stuff, well show them that we are matured and we do clean politics.

video below:

Source: kasapafmonline.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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If anyone would have an intimate working knowledge of the litany of horrible shit that women forging a career in politics has to face, itd be Julia Gillard.

The trailblazing former Prime Minister set the political world ablaze with her now-famous fiery Misogyny speech against then-opposition leader Tony Abbotts bullish and ethically shifty verbal tactics displayed in the lower house.

Since leaving Australian Parliament, Gillard has been travelling the world, partnering with a number of globally notable, women-focused initiatives; using her considerable profile to both impart her experience and knowledge, and empower women to pursue high-profile careers like politics.

However, Gillard is not exactly pulling any punches when describing the experience of a woman in the political world.

In fact, at a recent address in London, Gillard issued a blunt assessment of the job, and a stern warning of the abhorrent and disgusting any woman should expect to encounter whilst forging a career in politics.

The address, delivered in memory of UK MP Jo Cox, who was tragically and senseless murdered whilst campaigning in her constituency back in June, detailed the sexist and often violent behaviour exhibited towards politicians like herself and Cox, whose death, Gillard noted, she had been particularly shaken by.

Standing at street stalls and giving out pamphlets at train stations they asked themselves for the first time ever  are we safe?'

Gillard noted that it was the anonymity afforded to people by social media and the internet writ large which is contributing greatly to an ever-worsening culture of abuse towards public figures.

Threats of violence have become more prevalent for women in public life. Once upon a time, to criticise a public figure, you generally had to put your name to that criticism.

But it was Gillards assessment that threats of death or sexual violence being levelled at women in public life are not only common place, but that women entering the sphere should expect to encounter them on an almost-daily basis.

[Threats] can take the form of detailed death threats, or threats of violence against family, friends and staff. And of course, as a woman in public life, the violent threats take on another sickening dimension. Threats of violent abuse, of rape, are far too common. A woman in public view may expect to receive them almost daily.

Gillard stated that, as a woman in politics, there is simply no way to win on the subject of family when it comes to questioning from male counterparts.

If you are a woman politician, it is impossible to win on the question of family. If you do not have children then you are characterised as out of touch with mainstream lives. If you do have children then, heavens, who is looking after them? I had already been chided by a senior conservative senator for being deliberately barren.



Bloody hell.

If ever you needed a quick refresher of the sheer fire Gillard had within her during her run as PM, its probably right now.

It doesnt matter what your personal opinion of her politics is, we absolutely need more women like her in our Parliament.

Source: ABC News.

Photo: Jessica Hromas/Getty.
Uh oh.

The Carindale Apple Store in Queensland has hit their first major privacy breach scandal, after reports emerge of staff taking, stealing and sharing intimate photos of customers and fellow employees.

The Courier Mail has exclusively reported that four male employees had been taking close-up and/or explicit photos of female staff and customers, and had also lifted intimate photos from female customers phones.

All of the photos were then shared with staff members at other Queensland stores, and its thought a store in Sydney is also involved.

Photos would allegedly be shared to a group chat where the people involved would give ratings out of 10 and add objectifying commentary regarding the womans body.

The four staff members involved have now been fired.

However, an anonymous female staff member spoke to the Courier Mail about what the men had been doing:

Theyve been taking pictures of them (customers) in store, taking pics off their phones and taking pictures of female staff members.

One person would take a photo and add it to the chat and others would give the person or their butt or their boobs a rating out of 10 and they would add their own side commentary.

The staff member said that Apple leadership had refused to answer any questions for staff members, including who they were. (Stores work on rotating rosters, so it wouldnt be obvious to staff who was missing.)

Everyone feels uncomfortable and the female staff dont know how to feel because the leadership wont tell staff who is involved. Denying the girls the right to know what has gone on is hiding the guys away from the full brunt of the consequences. They were fired, but what about the people they did it to  what about the customers?

This is probably the biggest scandal to hit Apple in Australia; while illegal theft and photo-sharing stories like this (which are violation of womens privacy and should be viewed as online sex crimes) seem reasonably common in IT circles, its a first for the popular tech giant.

While customers have not been informed of the privacy breach, Apple have released a statement confirming that the men had been fired, and investigation into the Carindale store is currently going ahead.

There is no word on whether Apple have taken the issue to the police or not.

We will update this story as information arises.

Source: Courier Mail.

Photo: Twitter / @darylh.
J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

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J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

From Sabella to Merlino: five Philadelphia mob bosses who impacted Pennsylvania and New Jersey

Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino is no stranger to the news, and neither are the Philadelphia mob bosses who came before him. With his indictment on racketeering charges in August, PennLive has put together the names and histories of several bosses who made their mark on Pennsylvania and New Jersey in the last century, such as Angelo Annaloro Bruno and Nicodemo Scarfo.

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J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

The beginnings of the Philadelphia family

It's hard to say when the Philadelphia mob got started as it didn't fit the U.S. Department of Justice's definition of organized crime before 1900, according to criminologist and historian Celeste A. Morello in her 1999 book "Before Bruno: The History of The Philadelphia Mafia, Book One: 1880-1931." Few of its members were involved in illegal enterprises or used violence to gain profits then.

Even when the mob did get involved in illegal activities, local law enforcement officials were indifferent to crime within ethnic communities, according to Morello. This was evidenced by poor bookkeeping then, such as the misspellings in most of the existent criminal records in Philadelphia, as well as the overall negligent recordings in the criminal indices. Many crimes also went unreported probably because of political pressure or collusion with the crime family, according to Morello.

Thats why its not known if there were any mob bosses before Salvatore Sabella, who led the Philadelphia family from 1919 to 1980. Its with Sabellas beginnings that we start this list.

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Salvatore Sabella, one of the first bosses of the Philadelphia family

Salvatore Sabella was one of the first bosses to lead the Philadelphia family, according to criminologist and historian Celeste A. Morello in her 1999 book "Before Bruno: The History of The Philadelphia Mafia, Book One: 1880-1931." He led the group from about 1919 through 1931, when he retired at the age of 40. Sabella was one of the family's oldest ex-bosses during Angelo Annaloro's reign from 1959 to 1980.

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Sabella becomes boss of the Philadelphia family before he's 30

Sabella was born 1891 in the the town of Castellammare del Golfo in western Sicily, according to Morello. He moved to Brooklyn, New York, in 1912, and Philadelphia shortly afterwards. Its not known whether Sabella became a member of the family in New York or Philadelphia, though Morello said the former was more likely. His relationship with Sicilian-American Mafiosi in New York allowed him to become the boss of the Philadelphia family before he was 30.

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J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

The family's activities under Sabella included loan-sharking and bootlegging

Harry Riccobene, who was initiated into the family in 1927, said that their only illegal activities then were loan-sharking, bootlegging and paid protection. Sabella possibly oversaw some intercounty and interstate robberies and thefts, according to Morello. The family also favored activities with limited personal interaction, such as the hiring of junkmen to steal and sell stockpiled materials or products.

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FILE - In this Oct. 21, 1970 file photo Angelo Bruno, reputed Cosa Nostra boss of Philadelphia and South Jersey, is shown leaving Mercer County jail on the way to a state correction center for an indeterminate stay for refusing to answer questions about organized crime as asked by the state investigation commission. An effort to have his former home designated a city historical landmark was rejected Thursday, March 17, 2016. (AP Photo, File)

J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

Angelo Annaloro, the longest-serving boss of the Philadelphia family

Angelo Annaloro, who later became known as Angelo Bruno, was the boss of the Philadelphia family from 1959 through 1980, according to the Pennsylvania Center for the Book. He earned the nickname "The Docile Don" or "The Gentle Don" for his reputation of reconciling disputes peacefully and professionally. Annaloro is best known for contributing to the construction and operation of casinos in Atlantic City. He is also known to be the longest-serving crime boss of the Philadelphia family.

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Shown is the former home of late Philadelphia mob boss Angelo Bruno on Thursday, March 17, 2016, in Philadelphia. An effort to have the home designated a city historical landmark was rejected Thursday. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Annaloro becomes boss of Philadelphia family in 1959

Annaloro was born May 21, 1910, in Sicily, Italy, and later moved in his early teens to Philadelphia. He became a made member of La Cosa Nostra, which translates to this thing of ours, in his thirties. Annaloros close relationship with New York City crime boss Carlo Gambino led to him replacing Antonio Pollina as the boss of the Philadelphia family in 1959.

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Angelo Bruno, reputed head of the Philadelphia family of Cosa Nostra, smiling and handcuffed, is escorted by a FBI agent as he arrives at the U.S. Commissioners office in the Federal Building in Boston, Ma., Dec. 13, 1963. Bruno, picked up by FBI agents on an indictment returned in Philadelphia Oct. 31, is charged with conspiring to travel across state lines to commit extortion. U.S. Commissioner Francis H. Farrell set bail at $75,000 with surity and continued the hearing until Dec. 20. (AP Photo)

Annaloro raises profile of the Philadelphia family

Annaloro held up the mafias traditional business of loan sharking, extortion and racketeering. When Atlantic City legalized gambling in 1976, he used his connections with Pittsburgh steel companies to help construct casinos there. The building and operation of these casinos led Annaloro to elevate the reputation of the Philadelphia family.

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A dozen men struggle with a heavy casket bearing the body of Angelo Bruno following a Catholic funeral service at a south Philadelphia church, Pa., March 27, 1980. The copper-lined casket weighs 800 pounds. Crime boss Bruno was killed by a shotgun blast last Friday in front of his home. (AP Photo)

Member kills Annaloro in front of South Philadelphia home in 1980

However, younger members of the Philadelphia family were unhappy that Annaloro refused to take part in the trafficking of narcotics. Along with a number of run-ins with the law, it led Annaloros consigliere Anthony Caponigro to put out a hit on him. Annaloros soldier John Stanta would later shoot him in the back of the head March 21, 1980, in front of his South Philadelphia home.

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Reputed crime boss Nicodemo "Little Nicky" Scarfo is led from Philadelphia Common Pleas Court, April 6, 1989, after being sentenced to life in prison along with seven of his associates. The prosecution was seeking the death penalty, but Judge Eugene Clarke announced his decision in the 1985 murder case of gangster Frank D'Alfonso which Scarfo and his associates were found guilty. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Nicodemo Domenico Scarfo, boss of the Philadelphia family

Nicodemo Domenico Scarfo, who is also known as "Little Nicky," succeeded Annaloro and his successor Philip Testa after their murders, according to the Pennsylvania Center for the Book. Close to 30 members and associates were killed during his time as the boss of the Philadelphia family, making it one of the most violent periods in the group's history. It led to many members of the family to become federal informants and witnesses.

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Reputed Mafia soldier Nicodemo "Little Nickie" Scarfo of Atlantic City, right, and his attorney Salvatore Avena leave the State Commission of Investigation hearing held at the State House in Trenton, New Jersey, July 26, 1973. Avena, left, one of two attorneys for Scarfo, withdrew from the case without explanation. (AP Photo/Jack Kanthal)

Scarfo succeeds Philadelphia family boss killed by nail bomb

Scarfo was born March 8, 1929, in Brooklyn, New York. He later moved to Philadelphia and became a member of the Philadelphia family in the 1950s. He was nicknamed Little Nicky because of his height. After underboss Peter Casella was suspected of plotting the murder of Testa  who was killed by a nail bomb  Scarfo forced him into retirement and became the boss.

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Scarfo enforces "street tax" on illegal activities

In addition to his term being the most violent time in the familys history, Scarfo initiated a street tax. It applied to bookmakers, loan sharks, drug dealers and other people engaged in illegal activities in Philadelphia and South Jersey.

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Reputed organized crime boss Nicodemo Scarfo, right, handcuffed along with reputed associates Joseph Ligambi, left, and Francis Iannarella, center, enter Philadelphia City Hall for their sentencing hearing, April 6, 1989. (AP Photo/Amy Sancetta)

Scarfo serves time for 1985 killing

Scarfo was found guilty in 1989 of first degree murder and sentenced to life in prison. It was in connection to the 1985 killing of Frank DAlfonso, a rival mafioso. His sentence was later overturned and his release is scheduled for January 2033, when he will be 104 years old. Scarfo died in January 2017 while serving a 55-year sentence for racketeering and murder at a federal medical center in North Carolina.

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Reputed mob boss John Stanfa leaves the federal court in Camden, N.J., as shown in this March 17, 1994 photo. Stanfa and seven other reputed mobsters are scheduled to go on trial on racketeering charges Monday, Sept. 18, 1995, in Philadelphia. Taped talk of mob turncoats, spurned lovers, botched murders and extortion will dominate the racketeering conspiracy trial. (AP Photo/ Chris Gardner)

John Stanfa, boss of the Philadelphia family

John Stanfa grew up in Sicily and moved to New York City in 1964, according to The New York Times. That's where the 23-year-old man was introduced to the Gambino crime family, who arranged for him to work for Annaloro. Stanfa moved to Philadelphia in the last 1960s.

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Stanfa's leadership results in decline in "quality of people"

Stanfa succeeded Scarfo as the boss of the Philadelphia family with the backing of the Genovese and Gambino families of New York City. However, older members did not approve of Stanfa because they said he was outsider who did not work his way up in the family. Frederick T. Martens, former executive director of the Pennsylvania Crime Commission, said there was a decline in the quality of people he brought into the family as he needed them fast and brought in tough kids who came from nowhere who were willing to kill and break legs.

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Stanfa serves life sentences on racketeering charges

A jury later found Stanfa guilty of racketeering charges in 1995, which included conspiring to kill rival gangsters and leading a group involved in kidnappings, extortions and gambling activities. He was sentenced to five consecutive life sentences, according to The New York Times.

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Reputed mob underboss Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino, right, presents a party for homeless people Tuesday, Nov. 21, 1995, in a South Philadelphia restaurant. Earlier in the day, Mafia boss John Stanfa was convicted of murder, extortion, kidnapping and related racketeering charges. (AP Photo)

Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino, boss of the Philadelphia family

Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino is believed to be the current boss of the Philadelphia family. Where Scarfo and Stanfa tried to avoid the spotlight, Merlino is said to have attracted it with his charity events and his lavish lifestyle, according to The New York Times. Merlino also used to visit clubs along Delaware Avenue and the Jersey Shore with other well-dressed and good-looking mobsters, according to PhillyVoice.

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Reputed mobster Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino leaves Philadelphia police headquarters early Monday, August 28, 1995, after his arraignment for driving under the influence of alcohol and driving with a suspended driver's license. Merlino, 33, was arrested at 3 a.m. Sunday after driving the wrong way on a one-way street in South Philadelphia. The drunken driving charges could jeopardize Merlino's parole in another case, police say. (AP Photo/Alex Lloyd Gross)

After prison, Merlino becomes restaurateur in Florida

Merlino became known as the boss of the Philadelphia family after he was arrested on drug charges in 1999, according to the Associated Press. He has repeatedly beat murder but served nearly 12 years in prison after being convicted in connection with racketeering and illegal gambling charges. After he was released in 2011, Merlino moved to Boca Raton, Florida, and became maitre d' at a restaurant that bears his name and serves recipes inspired by his mother in south Philadelphia, according to Philly.com.

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Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino talks to the media Thursday, Feb. 20, 1997, outside the Criminal Justice Center in Philadelphia, after his father Salvatore Merlino was acquitted of planning the 1985 mob hit on Frank "Frankie Flowers" D'Alfonso. "Thank God for an honest jury," said Joseph "Skinny Joey" Merlino, the son of the defenant and , according to authorities the mob's current underboss in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/ H. Rumph, Jr.)

Merlino arrested and charged in mob sweep

Merlino was arrested and charged along with 45 others Aug. 4, 2016, in connection with illegal activities that include extortion, loansharking, credit card and health care fraud, according to the Associated Press. Prosecutors said that he had worked in earnest to rebuild the Philadelphia family in 2014.

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J.C. Lee | jlee@pennlive.com

More infamous Pennsylvanians

Pennsylvania's most notorious, county by county, include politicians, murderers and a pirate (really).

Take a look at Pennsylvania's most wanted criminals.

(If you'd like some more positive Pennsylvania news, check out the most famous, county by county, or 19 influential Pennsylvania women.)
Some trial judges like to speak casually to their juries, to relax them in a courtroom setting which may be new or intimidating. But after a Los Angeles County judge told a pool of potential jurors that she would think a plumber is "not going to be telling the truth," and a plumber was the key witness in the trial, a California appeals court last week threw out the jury's murder conviction and the judge's 114-year sentence.

The case was not a complicated mystery: Two men were shot repeatedly while sitting in a car, in broad daylight, in the Willowbrook section of Los Angeles in October 2013. One man died and one survived. The survivor identified his childhood friend, Vincent A. Tatum, as the shooter, according to court records. A trial jury in July 2014 convicted Tatum of first-degree murder and first-degree attempted murder. In light of Tatum's seven prior convictions, Superior Court Judge Eleanor J. Hunter sentenced Tatum to 114 years in prison.

But before the verdicts came jury selection. And during that process, according to court documents, Judge Hunter spoke to potential jurors about how to analyze witness testimony. "The law says that you can't prejudge anybody," Hunter told the jury panel. "You can't automatically give somebody more credibility or automatically give them less credibility before they even take the stand. And I always use this example -- and I'm sorry if somebody here is a plumber, but I've had horrible experiences with plumbers. I've just had horrible - during remodels or whatever, just horrible experiences. So if I hear somebody is coming in, and I hear he's a plumber, I'm thinking, 'God, he's not going to be telling the truth.' So obviously I have already prejudged that person, and I wouldn't be able to be fair." The judge clarified that once a witness begins testifying, "you can start to evaluate. But you can't do it beforehand."

This was a stunning development for Tatum's defense attorneys, because their defense hinged on the alibi testimony of Tatum's boss: a plumber. The defense asked for a mistrial. Hunter said no, suggesting to the defense that she could "certainly tell the jury that was by way of example, and that's a personal thing," or give some other admonition. The defense didn't want the judge to bring up plumbers again, in any way, and declined the judge's offer. A second panel of potential jurors did not hear Hunter's opinion of plumbers. Six jurors from the first panel were selected for the trial jury.

At trial, plumbing contractor Major Lee Goulsby testified that his friend Tatum worked for him on a demolition job on the day of the shootings and couldn't have been in Willowbrook to kill Victor Valentine Sr. and wound former friend Devin Lowe, according to the appeals court ruling. Goulsby acknowledged that when police called him because Tatum was wanted for murder, he hung up without offering an alibi for Tatum. Prosecutors argued that Goulsby was the only co-worker called to testify for Tatum because "in this case there's only one person willing to lie, and that was . . . Goulsby."

The defense argued that Lowe was the only witness to identify Tatum and no physical evidence tied him to the slaying, his appeals lawyer said. But the jury convicted Tatum, now 50, and the judge sent him to prison for effectively the rest of his life.

Los Angeles appeals lawyer Danalynn Fritz argued that the judge's comments about plumbers were too prejudicial, and the state appeals court agreed, in a ruling first reported by the Los Angeles Times. "If the jury believed Goulsby, Tatum was not guilty," the 2-1 decision written by Justice Jeffrey W. Johnson noted. "But six members of the jury heard the trial court advise them (begin italics) that the court herself would not believe a plumber who testified (end italics)." Johnson added, "The court's statement that plumbers who came into court were liars validated the prosecutor's argument, irreparably damaging Tatum's chance of receiving a fair trial."

Johnson wrote that Hunter should have granted the mistrial motion before the trial ever started, not merely offered another instruction to the jury. "Under these circumstances," Johnson ruled, "an instruction would have been as ineffectual as the famous words spoken by the Wizard of Oz, 'Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!' (The Wizard of Oz, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Aug. 25, 1939)" (Footnote NOT added.)(Hey, it's L.A.)

Fritz said the appeals court was advising judges "to keep the personal anecdotes to yourself and don't deviate from the standard instructions. I think judges run into trouble when they do that." While Hunter said she had used the plumber analogy previously, "what are the odds of my client's alibi witness being a plumber? That was ironic. And unfortunate for her. It's a horrible example of how not to be biased. It's a simple concept: don't prejudge."

A dissenting opinion in the case argued that Hunter was merely telling the jurors they had to put away such preconceived biases. But Fritz looked at the transcript and the judge "did not ever say 'I would be able to put that aside.' "

Fritz added, "My thinking is she used the plumber on purpose. The odds that it would be the profession of my client's alibi defense? She might have known he was a plumber. And then the jurors say, 'Oh my God, she warned us about plumbers, about this very man.' I don't think jurors are that forgetful," particularly in a two-day trial such as Tatum's.

A spokeswoman for the California attorney general said Tuesday that lawyers were reviewing the opinion and she could not comment on whether they would appeal the ruling. If they do not, Tatum would likely face a retrial in Los Angeles.
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As if their comments and policies weren't enough for voters to distinguish between the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton's campaign has a new tool to show just that.

(Screenshot)

As if their comments and policies weren't enough for voters to distinguish between the Republican and Democratic presidential candidates, Hillary Clinton's campaign has a new tool to show just that.

Clinton's camp released a "Way Back When" tool that allows people to see what each candidate was doing on any given year over the past five decades. The tool -- obviously skewed toward Clinton -- compares and contrasts the candidates.

A click of the tool's shuffle button begins to show the partisan comparisons.

For example, when the tool lands on 1993, the caption reads, "As First Lady of Arkansas, Hillary leads an unprecedented effort to transform Arkansas' struggling public school system."

For Trump, it says, "A judge accuses Trump of harassing a tenant to move out of his rent-stabilized apartment. Trump is also sued after underpaying foreign workers for work on Trump Tower."

The tool demonstrates a novel -- albeit a heavily biased --approach by the Clinton's campaign to show differences between the two candidates.

The tool is available here.

Here's a couple examples of the "Way Back When" tool:

"Way Back When" tool.

"Way Back When" tool.
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Christopher Leedom

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Northern Lebanon Township police quickly apprehended a man accused of robbing the Ebenezer branch of Jonestown Bank this morning.

Christopher Leedom, 33, of Brookfield Drive, Lebanon, was charged with robbery, theft, possessing instruments of crime, simple assault and resisting arrest. He was taken to central booking for arraignment.

Police said Leedom is accused of entering the bank on Route 72 at 9:35 a.m. wearing a bandanna, sunglasses and sweatshirt with the hood pulled up. He presented a note to the teller demanding money and threatening that he had a knife and gun, police said.

He obtained an undisclosed amount of cash, and fled on foot. Bank personnel provided a description to police, and Leedom was arrested a short distance on the bank. The cash, along with a knife, bandanna and sunglasses, were recovered, police said. No injuries resulted.
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Officials gathered Tuesday at the Advanced Wastewater Treatment Facility at 1662 South Cameron Street to cut a ribbon celebrating the completion of a $50 million upgrade.

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HARRISBURG--Capital Region Water unveiled $50 million in improvements to its wastewater treatment plant this week, marking the first major upgrade in 40 years.

The upgrade, which took two years to complete, will help the facility meet regulatory requirements to reduce pollution into the Susquehanna River and Chesapeake Bay.

The project involved adding new treatment units to reduce nitrogen pollution by 90 percent and "suspended solids," or particles in the water by nearly 50 percent, according to a news release.

The facility treats about 22 million gallons of water each day for more than 120,000 residents in Harrisburg, Lower Paxton, Susquehanna, Swatara, Paxtang, Penbrook and Steelton.

"All of us - from our families, to our local economy, even small mouth bass in the Susquehanna River depend on clean water," said Capital Region Water Chief Executive Officer Shannon Williams, according to the news release..

The project updated aging equipment, which will help the company meet the needs of current and future customers, said Andrew Bliss, spokesman for CRW.

The upgrade was financed, in part, by a $21.5 million low-interest loan from the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority.

The company staged a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by CRW board members, Sen. Rob Teplitz and others at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Area residents can see the upgrades first-hand during an open house set for Saturday, Oct. 15, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. More information about the event can be found on the company website. The wastewater plant is located at 1662 South Cameron Street but 1050 Elliot Street, Harrisburg, PA is the best address to use for GPS directions.

The improvements at the Harrisburg plant follow upgrades at other treatment plants in the region designed to reverse damage to the Chesapeake Bay.

Treatment improvements in the last 30 years at the 10 largest wastewater treatment plants in the Bay watershed have cumulatively prevented 240 million pounds of nitrogen and 48 million pounds of phosphorus from entering the Bay, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency.
HARRISBURG--A city appeals board hearing designed to jump start the cleanup of a wall collapse in Harrisburg has been postponed again.

The hearing, originally set for Oct. 20, falls on a Jewish holiday and the owner of The McFarland apartment building at the center of the dispute, who is an Orthodox Jew, said he could not attend.

City officials agreed to postpone the hearing before a Building and Housing Code Appeals Board until mid-December, according to Adam Klein, the attorney for the McFarland apartments. But Mayor Eric Papenfuse learned of the delay Tuesday and insisted that the city-appointed board try to schedule the meeting at the end of October, if possible.

City codes officials were still trying to determine if the apartment owner and board members could schedule a meeting before the one currently scheduled on Dec. 15.

The delay comes on the heels of a series of delays in the case that has resulted in complete inaction at the site of the collapse near the Mulberry Street Bridge for more than five months. The May 5 collapse sent tons of dirt, debris and concrete onto a tire shop below.

A portion of the parking lot for The McFarland apartments, including a car, still sits upon the tire shop. No one has taken action as the various entities associated with the property, or that worked on the property, have tried to distance themselves from liability.

The owner of the tire shop said he had to close his doors last week because of the continued instability of the exposed wall above his business, as documented in engineering reports. Howard Henry, owner of Howard Tire and Auto, said he had to lay off 12 employees.

If someone would act quickly to stabilize the exposed wall and adjacent apartment building, Henry said he could reopen. But time is of the essence, he said. The more time that passes means more lost customers and lower chances of being able to hire back his employees before they find other jobs.

The Dec. 15 hearing before the city board is designed to determine whether the city's condemnation order against The McFarland apartments was properly issued.

The order issued in late June by the city's assistant codes director Art Emerick, mandated that the building's eight apartments be evacuated and that the owner take action to stabilize the building.

The owners of The McFarland, Isaac Dohany and Jacob Friedman, both of New Jersey, appealed the condemnation order.

If the board determines that the order is legitimate, then the city could start citing Dohany and Friedman daily for failing to comply with the condemnation order.

A delay in the hearing means a delay in the city's ability to issue those citations.

Still, Emerick said, citations won't mean much if the property owner doesn't have the resources to start cleanup.

The apartment owners are also fighting the city on another front: in Dauphin County Housing Court.

Emerick had cited The McFarland for housing code violations after the collapse, specifically, failure to correct grading and drainage issues. But the owners appealed that citation to the housing court and then asked for a continuance until December 13.

If the city prevails in Housing Court, the judge could issue fines and penalties. But the Housing Court judge typically focuses on ways to ensure compliance, city officials said, instead of levying penalties.

Money from a property owner that goes to fines is money that can't go to fix code violations, Emerick said.

But the situation may not come down to the results of the hearings, said Klein, the attorney for the property owner.

"Hopefully it will get resolved before that with an insurance settlement," he said.

Klein said his client has not acted to clean up the debris because they are waiting to hear about insurance coverage.

The exposed wall and unstable apartment building pose a potential threat of loss of life, according to an engineering firm hired by the tire shop owner. That's what prompted his evacuation last week.

But the situation doesn't pose an "immediate" threat, Emerick said. If it did, then the city would have to consider other evacuations and street closures to protect the public. The city doesn't have the resources to clean up the debris or demolish the apartment building, he said, so city officials instead would take action to keep the public away.

If a smaller property in the city posed an immediate threat, he said, the city would typically take action to tear down the property and seek reimbursement from the owner through invoices or a lien on the property. But cleanup or demolition at The McFarland site is likely to cost millions, he said.

"This is all new territory for us," Emerick said. "It's no easy fix for anyone."
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Police have arrested and charged Christopher Leedom, 33, with the robbery of a North Lebanon Township bank Wednesday morning.

(North Lebanon Township police)

Police have arrested and charged a Lebanon man with the robbery of a North Lebanon Township bank Wednesday morning.

Christopher Leedom, 33, was arrested a short distance from the Jonestown Bank at 1725 Route 72 north shortly after he robbed it at about 9:35 a.m., police said.

Wearing a bandana, sunglasses and a hooded sweatshirt, Leedom handed a teller a note demanding money as he held a knife and gun, according to police. He fled the bank on foot with an undisclosed amount of cash, police said. No one was injured

Bank employees were able to provide officers with a description and location of Leedom, and all of the money he stole was recovered, police said.

Leedom was charged with robbery, theft by unlawful taking, possessing instruments of crime, simple assault and resisting arrest. He was taken to Lebanon County central booking for arraignment.
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In this Aug. 14, 2014, file photo Chaka Fattah Jr., walks from the U.S. Courthouse in Philadelphia. Fattah Jr., son of a veteran Philadelphia congressman, called the government's case flawed and speculative as he gave his opening statement at his federal bank and tax fraud trial on Friday, Oct. 16, 2015. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke, File)

An associate of the son of former Philadelphia congressman Chaka "Chip" Fattah has been indicted on charges he defrauded Philadelphia School District.

David Shulick, 46, former president of Delaware Valley High School Management Corp. of Bala Cynwyd, is accused of taking funds that should have been used for an alternative school for at-risk youth in southwest Philadelphia, Philly.com reports.

Shulick is accused of submitting false invoices to the school district, with help from Fattah Jr., who was former chief operating officer of Delaware Valley, said the report. Prosecutors say he used the funds on his home improvements in Gladwyne and a New Jersey beach condo. He is also accused of income tax fraud for helping Fattah's son defraud PNC bank out of $18,000 owed on a business loan.

Shulick said the charges were a surprise and placed the blame on Fattah, said Philly.com, but declined further comment. He is expected to turn himself in Thursday on charges of embezzlement, conspiracy, and bank and tax fraud, said the report.

Rep. Fattah was convicted in June on a federal racketeering charge connecting to efforts to repay an illegal $1 million campaign loan. Prosecutors said he routed federal grant money and nonprofit funds through his consultants to pay back the illegal loan. He lost nomination in the April primary.

His son was sentenced to five years in prison after he was found guilty in 2015 on fraud charges connected to business loans.
Penn State Harrisburg and PNC will welcome Richard Florida, a nationally renowned lecturer on urban studies, social and economic theory, to central Pennsylvania on Wednesday for the inaugural event of its PNC Thought Leaders Lecture Series.

That series will feature high-profile speakers from around the world, who will focus on topics that have a significant impact on the region. The stated goal of the series is to spur economic development in Pennsylvania by creating a place where innovative thinking can be converted into economic impact, intellectual property, entrepreneurship, and corporate best practices.

"We are very pleased to join with PNC in welcoming urbanist and scholar Richard Florida as we kick off the PNC Thought Leaders Lectures Series at Penn State Harrisburg," Chancellor Mukund Kulkarni said in a news release. "Dr. Florida is a leading thinker whose expertise bridges public and private sectors and numerous academic disciplines. He is a very fitting first speaker in a series that aims to foster creative thinking in all areas to drive prosperity in Pennsylvania."

He will speak inside the Student Enrichment Center at Penn State Harrisburg, 777 West Harrisburg Pike, from 4:30 to 5:45 p.m.

Florida is the director of the Martin Prosperity Institute at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management, Global Research professor at New York University, and the founder of the Creative Class Group, which works closely with governments and companies worldwide.

He's perhaps the world's leading urbanist, "as close to a household name as it is possible for an urban theorist to be in America," according to The Economist. Esquire has included him on its annual list of "The Best and the Brightest," and Fast Company dubbed him an "intellectual rock star." MIT Technology Review named him one of the world's most influential thinkers. GDI also named him one of the world's global thought leaders of 2013 and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) named him among 100 of the most followed scientists.

According to the release, Florida is the author of several global best-sellers, including the award-winning "The Rise of the Creative Class," and is a senior editor for The Atlantic, where he co-founded and serves as editor-at-large for Atlantic Cities, the world's leading media site devoted to cities and urban affairs. He appears regularly on CNN and other news programs and is a regular contributor to the op-ed pages of major newspapers and magazines. TIME magazine recognized his Twitter feed as one of the 140 most influential in the world.

Said Jim Hoehn, regional president for PNC Bank, "The speaker series will cultivate a culture of innovative thinking where we can challenge and inspire residents, students, business owners and government officials."

The presentation is free and open to the public; however a ticket is required. For tickets, click on this link.
scheffler2.png

John Scheffler

Smoking - and littering - has proven to be bad for convicted burglar John Scheffler's crime habit.

He might even have escaped prosecution had he not felt the urge to smoke a cigarette and then discard the butt at a crime scene in Northampton County.

But he did, police found that butt and were able to match the DNA found on it to Scheffler.

This week, a state Superior Court panel deep-sixed Scheffler's argument that prosecutors shouldn't have been allowed to used that butt-borne DNA against him.

According to the opinion by Judge Lillian Harris Ransom, Scheffler , 35, of Belvidere, N.J., claimed Pennsylvania State Police illegally obtained a sample of his DNA by swabbing his mouth while he was in prison on other charges in Warren County, N.J.

Ransom's court rejected Scheffer's claim that police didn't have legal authority to take that DNA sample. They did, and there's a valid search warrant to prove it, Ransom found.

Scheffler is serving a 2 1/2- to 5-year prison term for his convictions in a string of burglaries committed in Northampton County in 2014. He also was ordered to pay nearly $48,000 in restitution, court records show. His co-conspirator fingered Scheffler for the crimes and witnesses identified him, his car and its license plate as being at the burglary scenes.

Scheffler also pleaded guilty to several burglaries committed in New Jersey between 2011 to 2013.
Boyne City comes up just short of comeback, perfect season ends
PEMEX looking to export Maya Crude to U.S. West Coast



Cargoes would be first in eight years amid Asian competition



RIO DE JANEIRO

Petroleumworld.com 10 12 2016

Mexico is targeting U.S. West Coast refineries to boost sales of its flagship Maya crude amid a global oil glut.

While Mexico has been a regular supplier of Maya oil to U.S. Gulf Coast refineries, it hasn't shipped any to the West Coast since February 2008, according to data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. California refineries such as Valero Energy Corp.'s Benicia, Chevron Corp.'s El Segundo and Phillips 66 used to be big buyers of the grade.

Petroleos Mexicanos, the state-controlled oil producer, took the first step in making Maya exports to the West Coast a reality Tuesday by issuing an official price for November sales. Earlier in the day, Pemex said on its official Twitter account that it was planning to resume shipments to the region.

With stronger margins in the U.S., Pemex's move to restart Maya exports to the West Coast allows the company to capture a higher value for the crude compared to Europe and Asia, Ixchel Castro, a senior analyst for Latin American oils and refining markets at Wood Mackenzie in Mexico City, said in an e-mail. The exports halted at a time when margins in Asia were stronger, she said.

The company's oil trading arm, known as PMI, set the differential to sell Maya into the West Coast at $3.70 a barrel below the price of a basket of crudes and fuel oil prices for the region. The differential, known as the K factor, compares with minus $12.65 a barrel in January 2008, the last one issued, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

The official selling price for different parts of the world is determined using a regional basket of oils as a benchmark. Maya's discount to the Asian basket is $10.80 for November.

Increased Competition

Mexico is facing increasing competition in Asia from rising production in places like Saudi Arabia and Iran, Gurpal Dosanjh, a Bloomberg Intelligence analyst said in an interview Tuesday. With a big refinery maintenance season coming up on the U.S. Gulf Coast, it makes sense for them to try to pursue the West Coast once again.

Pemex is looking for new destinations for its crude as exports rose to 1.26 million barrels of oil daily in August, the highest in 10 months, according to data from the Mexico Energy Information Agency. Shipments increased as low refinery utilization rates freed more supplies for international markets, John Galante, a senior analyst at Boston-based ESAI Energy, said in a telephone interview. Refinery utilization rates at Pemex's six refineries slid to 51 percent in August. That compares with an 88.3 percent U.S. utilization rate Sept. 30.

Pemex has yet to determine when the first cargo will be sent or the amount of crude, according to a spokesman who asked not to be identified in accordance with the company's policy. The move will allow Pemex to expand and diversify its client base, he said. Pemex isn't currently considering expanding Maya exports to Asia, he said.

Though part of the U.S., the West Coast is seen as a market that is very different from the Gulf Coast. It mainly attracts barrels from Alaska, Saudi Arabia , Canada and Ecuador that travel the Pacific Ocean. Maya can compete with Saudi crude given Mexico's proximity to the U.S., but very few shipments are likely to head north, Mara Roberts, a New York-based analyst at BMI Research, said in an e-mail.

The last time Mexican exports were sent to the West Coast, it was a bit erratic and before that, volumes were quite low, she said. I think Maya crude is highly unlikely to squeeze out Canadian or Saudi shipments altogether, but rather carve out a small piece of the West Coast pie for itself.








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The emergence of a pig disease in Canada which resembles foot-and-mouth has prompted the NPA to warn UK importers to take extra precautions before sourcing pigs from the country.

The disease in question is Senecavirus A (SVA), also known as Seneca Valley Virus. Discovered in Brazil in 2014 and in the US in mid-2015, SVA is now being reported for the first time in pigs in Canada, following on from an upsurge of cases in the US last year.

In response to the Canadian development, NPA senior policy adviser, Georgina Crayford, has alerted UK producers to the fact that the Animal & Plant Health Agency considers SVA to be an emerging threat to UK pig health.

I therefore urge anyone importing pigs to take special precautions to ensure you do not bring them in from herds affected at any time with SVA, or herds with any links to others which have been affected, said Ms Crayford (pictured above).

Clinical signs of SVA include:

Blisters/vesicles or ulcers of the snout, mouth, and/or just above the hoof

Lameness

Fevers

Lack of energy and/or appetite

Lesions

Four to 10-day increase in piglet mortality with/without diarrhoea.

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The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner's Office on Tuesday released its report on the death of Terence Crutcher (pictured), who was found to have PCP in his system when he was killed by a Tulsa Police officer. (Photo: Facebook)

The Oklahoma State Medical Examiner's Office on Tuesday released its final public report on the death of Terence Crutcher, who was found to have PCP in his system when he died Sept. 16 after being shot by a Tulsa Police officer.

The report included results of a toxicology analysis that found Crutcher, 40, had 96 nanograms per milliliter of phencyclidine, or PCP, in his bloodstream at the time he died, the Tulsa World reports. A Tulsa Police homicide official told the Tulsa World in September that officers found PCP in Crutcher's vehicle during a search after his death but did not say at that time if there was evidence indicating he used it.

Crutcher died around 8:20 p.m. Sept. 16 after being shot once by Tulsa Police Officer Betty Shelby in the 2300 block of East 36th Street North after she noticed his car was stopped in the middle of the road near Lewis Avenue. Shelby is charged with first-degree manslaughter in his death and had a judge enter a not guilty plea on her behalf Sept. 30.
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Hillary Clinton easily swatted away a couple of Trump protesters who shouted Bill Clinton is a rapist during her rally with Al Gore in Miami, FL.

The Democratic candidate was talking about climate change at a rally in Miami when a Trump supporter attempted to disrupt her rally by screaming Bill Clinton is a rapist.

Clip of the protester:

For 2nd day in a row, a protester has interrupted HRC by yelling: "Bill Clinton is a rapist." Today in Miami, holding WJC image "RAPE" sign: pic.twitter.com/vq1aWilbFs  Monica Alba (@albamonica) October 11, 2016

Here is what happened to him:

Protestor shouting "Bill Clinton is a rapist!" escorted out of Hillary's rally with Al Gore in Miami pic.twitter.com/Ui9d8tTRsr  Amy Chozick (@amychozick) October 11, 2016

Clintons overflow crowd of supporters drowned him out, as the candidate broke into laughter.

When another Trump protester tried to disrupt, the crowd got loud, and Clinton urged them to focus on the issues that matter.

It is important to note that this disruption happened because Alex Jones is offering people $5,000 to get on camera and scream Bill Clinton is a rapist.

This isnt a massive movement of voters. It just Alex Jones fans trying to get paid.

No matter what the reason, Hillary Clinton is masterfully handling this sleazy attempt to distract voters and disrupt her campaign.
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With a single sentence, President Obama explained why every Republican who is still supporting Donald Trump is unfit to serve the public.

Video:

.@POTUS: Don't have to be husband or father to object to Trump remarks, "you just have to be a decent human being." https://t.co/HZLs1sqcKS  Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) October 11, 2016

While campaigning for Hillary Clinton in Greensboro, NC, the President said, You dont have to be a husband or a father to hear what we heard just a few days ago and say, Thats not right. You just have to be a decent human being to say thats not right. And if it makes you mad, if you say, Thats not somebody I want representing the United States of America, you can do something about it, North Carolina.

President Obama perfectly described the problem that is now confronting every single Republican who is still supporting Donald Trump. Democrats can argue that every Republican who stands with Trump is morally unfit for office.

Obama didnt talk about the Trump tape as a political issue. The President made the issue one of character and ethics. Any decent human being who listened to the tape should be disgusted by the fact that the Republican nominee was bragging about his ability to get away with sexual assault.

This isnt about winning an election or politics. It is about being a decent human being, and the type of people the American people want to be representing them in front of their children.

President Obama has been a role model family man throughout his candidacy and presidency. Obama has shown America how a person of decency and good character carries themselves as president.

Anyone who continues to endorse the example that is being set by Trump lacks the basic human decency required to serve the public.
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*The following is an opinion column by R Muse*

It is an oddity in American elections to see one of the two major political parties engaged in what is now a very public civil war. This is particularly true for Republicans who, over the past eight years, have had to rush to defend some clearly extremist comments by their own members and still support them despite they made similar comments to the partys standard bearer, Donald J. Trump.

What is exceptionally gleeful for those tasked with observing, analyzing, and commenting on politics is that this civil war may well serve to purge the once-proud GOP of its extremist elements. Although that is highly unlikely, one can hope that Donald Trumps candidacy had some beneficial effect on American politics.

On Monday when Speaker of the House Paul Ryan informed Republican lawmakers during a morning conference call that he would never again campaign for Mr. Trump, he probably didnt anticipate the rage of many in his caucus at what they consider Party infidelity. Mr. Ryan didnt say he was abandoning the Party; just that he was dedicating himself to defending the partys majority in Congress. It is also noteworthy, and frankly hypocritical, that Ryan is not withdrawing his endorsement of Mr. Trump, just his defense and campaign support; something he had to reiterate 45-minutes later after Republicans went ballistic over what they perceived as party treason.

It isnt clear what Paul Ryan thought was going to happen when he withdrew his support for Trump, especially when the primary reason a perverted malcontent like Trump is the party nominee is Republican extremism. Republicans have spent the past eight years cultivating Trumps current base of support and that pandering to, and embrace of extremists is now paying dividends Republicans dont want or need. Ryan should have expected outrage from his fellow Republicans in Congress after he was heckled and booed by his Republican base when Trump failed to appear at a campaign rally in Ryans congressional district just three days ago.

It is certain that no-one, including House Speaker Paul Ryan, was surprised that Trump lashed out at his announcement that his focus would be on congressional races and not on the party standard bearer. Trump angrily tweeted that,

Paul Ryan should spend more time on balancing the budget, jobs and illegal immigration and not waste his time on fighting Republican nominee.

The pushback from Ryans fellow Republicans in the House was more direct and inflammatory. California congressman and Trump supporter Dana Rohrabacher attacked Ryan and other Republicans abandoning Trump as cowards, according to three GOP lawmakers. Another House Republican, Trent Franks (AZ), used graphic language to describe abortions and said that allowing Mrs. Clinton into the White House would end with fetuses being destroyed limb from limb. Franks, like most religious Republicans not only oppose womens freedom to choose their own reproductive health, they are ardent supporters of Trumps idea of punishing women who have made the decision to terminate a pregnancy.

Paul Ryan put up with outrage from his caucus and they finally had to interject himself back into the discussion after about 45 minutes to assure caucus members that he was not withdrawing his endorsement of Mr. Trump, but rather doing what he felt was in the best interests of the House. Now, what is beyond refute is that although some, and that is a very small some, national Republicans feign being repulsed by Trumps attitude towards women, they all ardently support his purely Republican policies on wars, taxes, domestic policies and abolishing social contracts like Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. It is the only reason most Republicans have hewed closely to Trump or have at least attempted to couch whatever level of repulsion they may have for a bigoted misogynist pig that is a very typically Republican bigot misogynist pig.

The dilemma for all Republicans is that if they completely disavow all fealty to Donald Trump, the maniac whose supporters make up the largest share of the Republican base, they risk alienating those voters and losing their jobs. That is already a problem for Arizona Senator John McCain who withdrew his endorsement of Trump and promptly lost Republican voter support in his campaign to save his Senate seat.

Republicans have spent the past eight years either pandering to extremist conservatives or embracing policy positions they know are contrary to what America is about. And, it all began as an official Republican protest and rejection of the peoples choice of Barack Obama as President. They have propped up bigots to secure the electoral support of the religious right and white supremacists, and became bonafide misogynists to sate the anti-choice and anti-equal rights for women crowd ensconced in the evangelical movement.

Now that their eight-year crusade has delivered what the Republican base wants, a Donald Trump for president, they are making tacit attempts to distance themselves from their own creation. As many Republicans are now witnessing, including Speaker of the House Paul Ryan, that base of support Republicans carefully groomed for a Trump candidacy is rebelling against party defections and as political civil wars go, this one is very public and one seriously hopes is fatal for the extremist wing of the conservative movement.
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By Chris Kahn

NEW YORK (Reuters)  Donald Trump has fallen further behind Hillary Clinton and now trails her by 8 points among likely voters, according to a new Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll, with 1 in 5 Republicans saying his vulgar comments about groping women disqualify him from the presidency.

The national tracking poll was launched after Sunday nights second presidential debate, where Trump was pressed to explain his comments in a 2005 videotape about grabbing womens genitalia. He described the remarks, which first surfaced on Friday, as locker room banter and apologized to Americans.

The poll released on Tuesday showed Clinton, the Democratic nominee, had increased her lead over Trump, the Republican nominee, to 8 percentage points on Monday from 5 points last week.

When asked to pick between the two major-party candidates, 45 percent of likely voters said they supported Clinton while 37 percent supported Trump. Another 18 percent said they would not support either candidate.

Trump was under pressure during Sundays debate to restore confidence in his struggling campaign after dozens of lawmakers repudiated him over the weekend. He hammered Clintons handling of classified information while serving as secretary of state and referred to her as the devil. At one point, he said he would jail Clinton if he were president.

Among those who said they watched at least portions of the debate, 53 percent said Clinton won while 32 percent said Trump won. The results fell along partisan lines, however: 82 percent of Democrats felt Clinton won, while 68 percent of Republicans felt that Trump won.

Among likely voters who watched the debate, 48 percent said they supported Clinton while 38 percent supported Trump.

LOCKER ROOM TALK

In the 2005 Access Hollywood video Trump boasted about making unwanted sexual advances toward women. When youre a star they let you do it, he is heard saying.

Some 61 percent of those polled said that lots of men occasionally engage in similar conversations, and 46 percent, a plurality, said it was unfair to judge someone on conversations that they did not intend for anyone else to hear.

Most of those polled said they believe Trump is a sexist, but they were split on whether his comments disqualify him from being president. Some 42 percent of American adults, including 19 percent of registered Republicans, said Trumps comments disqualified him, while 43 percent said they did not.

Among Republicans, 58 percent said they want Trump to remain atop their partys ticket, and 68 percent said the Republican leadership should stand by him.

The video doesnt appear to have worsened Trumps standing among women, who mostly had a low opinion of him already, according to Reuters/Ipsos polling over the past 12 months.

When asked to pick between the two candidates, about 44 percent of women chose Clinton while 29 percent selected Trump  roughly the same proportion as measured in polls conducted before the weekend.

Trump, however, appears to be shedding support among evangelicals, who are usually a wellspring of support for Republican presidential candidates. Mondays poll showed that Trump had only a 1-point edge over Clinton among people who identified as evangelicals. Thats down from a 12-point advantage for Trump in July.

The Reuters/Ipsos poll is conducted online in English in all 50 states. The poll of 2,386 American adults included 1,839 people who watched the debates, 1,605 people who were considered likely voters due to their registration status, voting history and stated intention to vote in the election. Among the likely voters, the poll counted 798 Democrats and 586 Republicans.

The poll has a credibility interval, a measure of accuracy, of 2 percentage points for the entire group, 3 points for likely voters and the debate watchers, 4 points for Democrats and 5 points for Republicans.

National opinion polls have measured support for the candidates in different ways this year, yet most agree that Clinton is leading and that her advantage has strengthened as the general election approaches.

RealClearPolitics, which tracks most major opinion polls, shows Clinton ahead of Trump by an average of 7 percentage points, and that her lead has grown since the middle of September.

(Reporting by Chris Kahn, editing by Ross Colvin)
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CNNs Anderson Cooper wrecked a favorite Trump lie while leaving campaign manager Kellyanne Conway completely flustered.

Video:

Kellyanne Conway rips Hillary's low poll numbers to Anderson Cooper, who then completely flusters Conway w facts. pic.twitter.com/zh5q7F3eQ0  Jimmy Traina (@JimmyTraina) October 12, 2016

Conway said, Why is this woman at 46%? She,s like the magic 46. Shes at 46% in the new NBC News/Wall Street Journal Poll.

Cooper accurately pointed out, Shes ahead of your candidate.

Conway tried again, Look, but Anderson, shes running as the first female president, who has sitting President and first lady much more popular than shell ever be.

Cooper calmly added the factual statement, Youre candidates below 40%.

Conway paused, looked confused and asked, Is that a question?

Cooper continued, Well, youre saying 46% is bad, but 37% is worse.

Even Conway had to admit the realities of basic math, Right. Yes. One needs not be a pollster to know that.

Kellyanne Conway is a pollster, but yet she went on national television and argued that Hillary Clinton is a failed candidate because she is only beating Donald Trump by nine points.

Conway was arguing that people should vote for Donald Trump because Hillary Clinton isnt winning by more.

Her argument was an insult to the ears of everyone watching, and Anderson Cooper stood up for sane people everywhere when he shot it down.
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Fox News contributor Laura Ingraham, never a voice of reason herself, is to no ones surprise, a Trump supporter. In an op-ed appearing on Fox news Opinion, she argues that The vast majority of Republicans want Donald Trump to be president, while the small group of angry dissenters includes many of the people at the top of the party.

Trump, she says in a chorus with Steve Doocy, is being betrayed by the establishment Republicans. She complains that, The Republican Party is led by people who have more in common with the Clintons than with the GOP base.

This is the Trump line. Trump said the shackles are off and has now gone to war against the Republican establishment, adopting what CNNs Dana Bash calls the Breitbart strategy.

And no surprise, given Breitbarts Steve Bannon running Trumps campaign. It would be a surprise if Bannon adopted a nurturing attitude toward the establishment. Rapprochement is not what Bannon wants. He wants destruction, and the consequences be damned.

Obviously, this goes much deeper than Ingrahams simplistic notion of betrayal. And if Bannon is a crusader, Paul Ryan, with his kinda/storta rejection of Trump, is passive-aggressive: One of Paul Ryans aids told CNNs Lisa Mirando that theyre not surprised by Trumps remarks (who is by this point?) and that hes not going to get into a back and forth with him.

Unfortunately, that is all Ryan has done.

Former press secretary to George W. Bush and current Fox News contributor, Dana Perino, made the simple observation the other day that,

Attempts to keep the GOP under the big tent have failed. The wings of the party need each other to win, but they cant get along.

To say the least.

Ingraham, following longstanding Republican practice, would delegitimize those who disagree with her (e.g. the elites), but what is really happening is that the GOPs demand for intellectual purity has finally bit their own party in the ass.

Trump has declared himself to be the spiritual heir to the Tea Party, and so, of course, supporters of Trump style themselves patriots. However, as Americas Best Christian, Betty Bowers, explains,

To all the people who have #patriot in their Twitter profile: The definition of patriot is any comedian who doesnt want Trump to win.

Ingraham and others like her cannot conceive, or at least admit, that one could oppose Trump on patriotic grounds. Yet as Arnold Schwarzenegger put it when he announced that, although a Republican, he would not vote for Trump:

Like many Americans, Ive been conflicted this election. I want to take a moment to remind my fellow Republicans that it is not only acceptable to choose your country over your party  it is your duty.

Ignoring any perspective but her own, Ingraham complains that,

When this election is over, the vast majority of Republicans are going to remember that their supposed leaders  the same officeholders, millionaires, and pundits who told them that they had to come together and support John McCain and Mitt Romney  refused to do the same for Donald Trump.

Wellobjectionable as some of the things they have said were, arguably, McCain and Romney were sane. And neither of them bragged about sexually assaulting women or buying beauty pageants so they could see them naked backstage. Neither of them threatened to jail their opponent if they won.

It is ridiculous for Ingraham or anyone else to claim Trump is just like McCain and Romney. But from McCain we get to the first woman to harness the destructive powers of the Tea Party: Sarah Palin, whose own sanity-challenged rantings burned McCains campaign to the ground.

It is no surprise the barbarian at the gates, Steve Bannon, had his eye on Sarah Palin in 2012, and it is no coincidence that Sarah Palin came out in support of Trump.

What we are seeing now is a culmination of conflicts that have been brewing for many years; conflicts for which Republicans themselves are responsible.

Steve Bannon wants to destroy the left, he says, but what he has accomplished is to destroy the right instead.
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Trumps excuse that the remarks heard on the now infamous lewd audio were only words was dealt a blow as two women have come forward to accuse the Republican nominee of sexual assault.

The New York Times reported:



More than three decades ago, when she was a traveling businesswoman at a paper company, Ms. Leeds said, she sat beside Mr. Trump in the first-class cabin of a flight to New York. They had never met before.

About 45 minutes after takeoff, she recalled, Mr. Trump lifted the armrest and began to touch her.

According to Ms. Leeds, Mr. Trump grabbed her breasts and tried to put his hand up her skirt.

He was like an octopus, she said. His hands were everywhere.

She fled to the back of the plane. It was an assault, she said.

Ms. Leeds has told the story to at least four people close to her, who also spoke with The New York Times.

A second woman has come forward to accuse Trump of kissing and touching her in an unwanted way.

The story is likely to get worse before election day, as Trumps excuse that it was only words was never believable, especially since he bragged on the audio tape about getting away with sexual assault because he is famous.

The Donald Trump story is no longer about a presidential election. That ship has likely sailed. The allegations of sexual assault against Donald Trump are a test for the Republican Party. Will Republicans be capable of doing whats right, and rejecting their own nominee?

There is no more time for half measures like condemning his words, but still supporting and endorsing him. The evidence is growing by the day that the Republican Party has nominated a sexual predator to serve as the nations next president.

Either elected Republicans fully disown Trump, or voters must reject the Republican Party.
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Masterpieces of Hungarian art are waiting for bidders (x)

Hungarian art is becoming more and more canonized both in art history and in auctions, however it still has affordable prices that could sign great investment for collectors. Therefore this week mutargy.com, the leading search engine for Hungarian art, presents seven masterpieces of Hungarian fine arts which will be biddable in the auctions of the next weeks.

Hungarian art became more recognized in the museums and auction houses of Europe during the last years, thanks to the activities of Hungarian galleries, auction houses and museums. In the previous years there were numerous shows that displayed Hungarian art in international context, such as Treasures from Budapest: European Masterpieces from Leonardo to Schiele at the Royal Academy, London in 2010, or the Chefs-duvre de Budapest at the Musee du Luxemburg, Paris in this year. In the followings mutargy.com is introducing seven masterpieces from the last three centuries of Hungarian painting, from neoclassicism to abstract art, which are unquestionably representing the peaks of Hungarian art. These works still have moderate prices, compared to the hammer prices of international auction houses, but according to their aesthetical values they could belong to the best collections of the world. Karoly Marko the Elder was one of the first Hungarian landscape painter, who spent most of his life in Italy and painted numerous mythological and bucolic landscapes. His oeuvre was exhibited in the Hungarian National Gallery in 2011 in the show From Myth to Image.

Karoly Marko the Elder: Bathing nymph, 1843, oil on canvas, 32 x 27 cm Starting price: 21.300 EUR Laszlo Paal became recognized due to his landscapes too, but he was mainly active in Germany and in France, where he got in touch with the circles of the Barbizon School and was influenced by Impressionism and plain air painting.

Laszlo Paal: Sunset in the forest (Spring evening in Aperwald), 1871, oil on canvas, 78 x 127.5 cm Starting price: 79.000 EUR In 1905 Vilmos Perlott-Csaba attended the Julian Academy in Paris, and he became one of the first pupils of Matisse who strongly influenced his style. One of the key points of his career was when in 1907 he exhibited at the Salon d'Automne together with the fauve artists.

Vilmos Perlrott-Csaba: Paris street scene with color posters, 1920, oil on canvas, 80.5 x 65 cm Starting price: 39.500 EUR Imre Goth moved from Budapest to Berlin after the WWI, where he painted numerous art deco portraits on high class women of the Weimar Republic. In 1937 he moved to London where he spent the rest of his life.

Imre Goth: Art Deco beauty, oil on canvas, 1928, oil on canvas, 107 x 75.5 cm Gyula Batthyany painted the higher classes too in his very specific style that could be characterized as a ripe, mannerist version of Art Nouveau. Batthyany, whose great-grandfather was the prime minister of Hungary in 1848, had aristocrat origins, he was the Earl of Nemetujvar.

Gyula Batthyany: Two Ladies, early 1930s, oil on canvas, 105.5 x 73.5 cm Starting price: 46.000 EUR Simon Hantai, who left Hungary in 1948 was strongly influenced by the French Surrealism, and by Jackson Pollock's action painting. He became well-recognized in France: he represented the country at the Venice Biennale and in 2013 a retrospective of his work was held at the Centre Pompidou.

Simon Hantai: Manteaux de lavierge, 1960, oil on canvas, 45 x 33.5 cm Starting price: 39.500 EUR Ludmil Siskov was an outstanding painter of the Hungarian Pop-art of the 1960s, who preferred using acrylic technique. In this image he painted an auto racing scene that in the collective imagination belonged to the American Dream".

Ludmil Siskov: Grand Prix, 1969, acrylic on canvas, 150 x 220 cm Starting price: 9.900 EUR
Dear Answer Man, how long is the agreement that Mayo Clinic plans to sign with Morrison Healthcare, the food service deal that has union people so upset?

Ten years. I'm told that Mayo plans to sign that agreement "in the coming week." The clinic is now talking about the transition with the unions that represent affected employees -- that's right, there's more than one union involved. SEIU Healthcare Minnesota has gotten all the attention, but according to Mayo spokeswoman Ginger Plumbo, Mayo works with four unions, under six contracts, for food service. About 700 employees in southern Minnesota are affected.

Read carefully, this gets confusing. Here are the four unions and the Mayo sites where they work and have contracts:

SEIU Healthcare Minnesota:Saint Marys Hospital, Rochester Methodist Hospital and Mayo Clinic Health System-Albert Lea.

Teamsters:Fairmont

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American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees:Mankato

United Steelworkers : Austin

I'll bet you didn't know that the United Steelworkers had something to do with the food service business. Neither did I, but it turns out they work in just about every industry imaginable.

"The contract talks between Mayo and the unions regarding the food service issue were triggered by the announcement by Mayo to transition food services to Morrison" from Sodexo, says Plumbo. "Our union contracts require that we negotiate the effects of such changes with the unions representing affected employees. Once transitioned, Morrison will need to negotiate contracts with the unions representing food service workers."

What happens if Mayo and the unions don't reach some agreement on those "effects"? According to an SEIU flier, "if we do not agree, they plan on going forward with Morrison anyway, laying off all food service workers and forcing us all to reapply for our own jobs ... we would have to reapply and go through the entire hiring process, including submitting to a background check and drug testing, and even then there would be no guarantee of a job.

"We want to prevent this scenario from playing out," according to the union flier dated Sept. 29. "It is because of this that the bargaining team has decided to give Mayo a proposal that includes the subcontracting of food service jobs to Morrison."

For the record, the clinic's contract with Sodexo expired in December but was extended "to allow time for completion of a rebid process," Plumbo says. "Per Mayo's policy, this contract must be rebid via a Request for Proposal process."

The expiration of the contract was one of the triggers for putting out the request for proposals, as were clinic concerns that "quality and satisfaction scores indicated a need for change," according to Plumbo, as well as Mayo leadership being "aware of the challenges of managing a mix of outsourced and/or self-operated sites."

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That process resulted in Morrison Healthcare coming out on top, and again, that agreement is to be inked within the week.

I get all kinds of questions about the food service dispute at Mayo. Here's another:

Dear Answer Man, how much are the dues for the union that's raising Cain at Mayo?

Tricky question because of various varied variables, but according to their website on dues , SEIU members "have established a $79 monthly maximum for dues," or $948 annually, or very roughly 3 percent for a worker earning $30,000. One of my research associates is trying to get more precise information but hasn't heard back yet.
A Rochester man was cited for fifth-degree assault and damage to property after authorities say he punched another man who was wearing a Donald Trump mask.

The incident began when two men, both 23, walked around downtown Tuesday night, one wearing a Hillary Clinton mask, the other a Trump mask, said Capt. John Sherwin.

"They were just having a good time, taking photos with people," he said, when 35-year-old Gabriel Majak "came up to Donald Trump and punched him in the face."

Officers who responded to the scene found Majak, a Rochester resident, in the area of Third Street and First Avenue Southwest.

The assault, which occurred shortly after midnight today, broke the victim's glasses, but didn't seriously injure him, Sherwin said.
AUSTIN  A Minnesota law that went into effect Aug. 1 has led to a criminal charge against an Austin man accused of posting nude photos of a former girlfriend.

William Arthur Clennon Jr., 32, made his first appearance Thursday in Mower County District Court, where he faces one count of non-consensual dissemination of private sexual images, a gross misdemeanor. He was released on his own recognizance and is due back in court Oct. 20.

The investigation began Sept. 7, when a woman reported to law enforcement that nude photographs of her were posted on a website called myex.com. The woman said she believed Clennon has posted the pictures, the complaint says.

The website contained a profile for the woman, which included her full name, age and eight photos, three of which showed her genital area, court documents say.

The victim said that day, she'd received a message on the Internet from a man she didn't know, referring to her profile on the website. The woman found the profile and the photos she'd taken with her cell phone, then sent to Clennon's cell phone. She hadn't sent the photos to anyone else, the report says.

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Clennon allegedly admitted to posting the photographs on the website, describing his actions as "stupid and immature." He told the investigator he'd asked for the woman's profile to be removed, and had deleted the photos from his phone.

The charge is punishable by up to a year in jail and a $1,000 fine.
AUSTIN  A Brainerd man has been convicted of felony check forgery after authorities learned he spent nearly $80,000 that didn't belong to him.

Charles Allan Fimon, 31, pleaded guilty to the charge in July in Mower County District Court. In exchange for the plea, one count each of theft and financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult were dismissed. Both are felonies.

Fimon was sentenced Friday to 20 years of probation and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $79,977.34.

The investigation began in February, when a man who'd recently been appointed as power of attorney for the male victim reported his suspicions about the way Fimon had handled the finances. Fimon had been in charge of the victim's financial assistance since June 2015; when the other man replaced Fimon as power of attorney, he did an accounting of the victim's accounts.

In addition to charging more than $23,000 to the victim's credit card, Fimon had allegedly written himself checks on the victim's bank account totaling more than $39,000 and removed $6,500 in cash  and the victim's will  from a bank safe deposit box.

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In the meantime, the vulnerable adult's bills were going unpaid. The victim said he hadn't loaned the money to Fimon, nor did he consent to Fimon spending money on anything except the victim's bills and groceries. The man described Fimon as "a pretty good liar," and hadn't realized Fimon had also bought a truck and paid for it from the man's account.

Fimon told investigators the victim had been giving him the money as his inheritance, and the man "wanted him to enjoy it" while the man was still alive, the complaint says. He claimed he ran errands for the victim, got his groceries, mail and medication, and helped around the farm. Fimon said he needed a vehicle, and the victim told him to "find one," and authorized the check he'd used for payment.

Fimon said the victim told him he could use the credit card to purchase "pretty much anything he wanted," court documents say, but admitted he "may have abused it."

Fimon repeated that the money was his inheritance and the victim wanted him to use it because he was "going to get it anyway." Fimon said he put most of the money in his USAA account and also used some to pay back child support.

He denied having a drug problem, but estimated 25 to 35 percent had been spent on gambling.
At a time when some Republican leaders are abandoning Donald Trump, plenty of local GOP congressional and legislative candidate are choosing to stand by the nominee.

A series of high-profile Republicans have renounced the party's candidate in recent days after a video was released in which Trump made lewd remarks about women and talked about kissing and groping them without their consent. Former Republican Gov. Tim Pawlenty said Trump no longer had his support. Minnesota House Speaker Kurt Daudt went a step further, calling on Trump to leave the ticket. And earlier this week, U.S. House Speaker Paul Ryan said he would no longer defend Trump and would instead focus on congressional races.

Democrats are eager to try and tie congressional and legislative candidates to Trump ahead of the Nov. 8 election. During the weekend, Minnesota DFL Chairman Ken Martin was joined by a group of female legislators who condemned Trump's comment about women and blasted Republicans for supporting his candidacy in the first place.

"All of us who stand here today stand here to make sure Minnesotans never forget that Donald Trump is your candidate, the Republicans' candidate. The Republicans endorsed him. They enabled him and now, unfortunately, they have to live with the decisions they made to let this guy become their nominee," Martin said.

Standing by Trump

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First District GOP candidate Jim Hagedorn remains a staunch supporter of Trump. He said the second presidential debate highlighted Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton's failure to solve any major problems. By comparison, he said Trump put forward proposals that would bring needed change to Washington, D.C.

"I certainly support him. I'm going to vote for him and would encourage other people to vote for him," Hagedorn said.

In the 2nd District, Republican candidate Jason Lewis condemned Trump's comments in the tape but has not renounced the candidate. A Lewis campaign spokesman did not return a phone call seeking comment. But Lewis did tell the Post-Bulletin editorial board this week that "Trump is not my first choice, and I certainly don't support the things he says, but I am not willing to hand the country back to the Clintons."

Lewis' Democratic rival Angie Craig has hammered him for being unwilling to walk away from Trump.

"He's shown voters in this district exactly the type of person he is  standing by a man who boasts about his ability to commit sexual assault. Jason has said plenty of terrible things about women, but I hoped he would be able to draw a line and join Minnesota Republican leaders in breaking with Trump," Craig said.

'I don't know'

While no local Republican lawmakers have announced they are withdrawing support for Trump, some are unsure whether they will support him in November. Rochester GOP Sen. Dave Senjem said Trump's comments on the recently released tape embarrassed the entire Republican party. Senjem said he cannot vote for Clinton in November, but he is not sure whether he will cast his vote for Trump.

"Am I going out and advocating for Don Trump? The answer is no. Will I vote for him in the privacy of the voting ballot? I don't know. It would either be to vote for him or vote for no one, " Senjem said.

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Rochester GOP Sen. Carla Nelson said that Trump was not her choice to be the Republican nominee and she called his recent statements "vulgar," "sickening" and "appalling." And while Nelson made clear she in no way condones Trump's statements, she declined to say whether or not she will vote for him.

"I know this is politically expedient for Democrats to try and drive this type of wedge, but I don't think that's their place, and it certainly isn't my place to tell other people how to vote on other races. I'm focused on this race for the Minnesota Senate," she said.

Bigger concerns with Clinton

Byron Republican Rep. Duane Quam said while he does not like what Trump said about women on the video, he said he has bigger concerns with Clinton's actions, which include being reckless and careless with classified information by using a private server for her email. In some ways, he said Trump reminds him of former British Prime Minister Winston Churchill who also had a gruff personality.

"(Trump) would not be the first world power leader that was lacking in social etiquette. And the first one that comes to mind is Winston Churchill," he said.

Rochester GOP Rep. Nels Pierson called Trump's remarks on the recently released tape "repulsive" and "completely inappropriate." Even so, Pierson said he plans to support the party's nominee. He said he knows Democrats are eager to attack local Republicans for their positions on Trump, but he doesn't think that strategy will work.

"People are concerned about local issues. They are concerned about MNsure. They are concerned about the bonding and tax bill that ended up not moving forward, "Pierson said. "Those are the things people care about in Minnesota."
Goodhue County Health and Human Services and Homeland Health Specialists will hold a series of flu clinics throughout the county beginning Oct. 17 in the cities of Goodhue and Cannon Falls.

The clinics, which have been offered yearly since 2009 at the schools, will visit five communities throughout the county, said Vicki Iocco with Goodhue County HHS.

The clinics are open to anyone ages 6 months and older. Insurance will be accepted from Preferred One, UCare, Medica, PrimeWest, SCHA, MA, Medicare, America's PPO, HealthPartners and BCBS of Minnesota. Low-cost flu shots are available to anyone who is uninsured, she said.

All clinics will be open from 3-6 p.m. The first two will be on Oct. 17 at Cannon Falls Elementary and Goodhue Public School. The next clinic will be Oct. 18 at Cannon Falls Middle/High School followed by Nov. 3 at Kenyon-Wanamingo Middle/High School in Kenyon. On Nov. 7, a clinic will be held at Kenyon-Wanamingo Elementary School in Wanamingo. The final clinic will be on Nov. 10 at Zumbrota-Mazeppa Primary School in Zumbrota.

For more information, call 651-385-6114 or visit the Goodhue County HHS website at www.co.goodhue.mn.us/180/Immunizations.
For the last 10 years, Olmsted County Sheriff Kevin Torgerson has had a vision of a memorial to honor fallen law enforcement officers in Rochester. On Tuesday afternoon, that vision took root at Rochester's Soldiers Field Park.

Torgerson presented details on the idea of a law enforcement memorial to the Rochester Board of Park Commissioners at a Tuesday meeting. There currently is no such memorial in southeast Minnesota, and on the national memorial day for law enforcement on May 15, local law enforcement members and supporters gather at the veterans' memorial at Soldiers Field.

"We really need a place of our own, a place that survivors can go, people from the community can go," Torgerson said.

According to the sheriff, five law enforcement officers in Olmsted County and 28 officers of all levels of law enforcement in southeast Minnesota have been killed in the line of duty.

Torgerson has discussed the idea of a memorial for the last 10 years, he said. He has worked with a local organization, Rochester Olmsted County Law Enforcement Memorial Association, to plan and raise funds for the memorial.

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"We've been on a holding pattern because we need a place," Torgerson said Tuesday.

Working with Rochester Park and Recreation Department staff members, Torgerson and colleagues reviewed the Soldiers Field Park Master Plan and the system-wide Parks Master Plan to find ways to integrate the memorial with the park's intended use.

Most importantly, the group identified a place in Soldiers Field Park, at the northwest corner, that would be appropriate for the memorial.

The park board gave its consensus approval to the site and for staff to continue planning efforts with Torgerson and the memorial association.
RED WING  The Red Wing City Council approved a plan for the realignment of Spring Creek Road at U.S. Highway 61 on Monday.

The road realignment, meant to make the intersection safer, is a project being done in conjunction with the Minnesota Department of Public Transportation. The city has been negotiating with local businesses to find a plan that is acceptable to provide access to those existing businesses.

"We did come up with a compromise with MnDOT for a right off at Carol Lane," said City Engineer Ron Rosenthal.

That right off, he said, provides access to the motel at the intersection and River Valley Sports. MnDOT, however, would not allow an entrance ramp and still allow a traffic signal at Spring Creek Drive, he said.

On the north side of U.S. 61, the alignment of the service drive and several access driveways would require the purchase of another home. In fact, Rosenthal said, the budget would need to increase $1 million to purchase several homes on both the north and south side of the project due to the realignment plan. In fact, the budget for the current plan includes $3.1 million for right-of-way acquisition, nearly half the cost of the project.

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In other business, the city council initially balked at the cost of the Yuletide Village holiday event.

Council Member Dean Hove said he was concerned about a lack of a budget being submitted with the project. Council Member Peggy Rehder, who is helping to spearhead the project, said the cost of the event could reach as high as $30,000, though it was much more likely to cost much less.

"Between the port and the city, there'll be $17,000 in city tax dollars going into this," Hove said, that figure including contingency funds. "I was not expecting this type of funds being expended for this kind of thing." He asked if the event would always be run by the city and staffed with city personnel.

"I'm not in favor of spending $10,000 on this," he said. By comparison, city staffers pointed out that other events cost much less on an annual basis.

"This is a three-day event, not a half hour of fireworks," Rehder said. "This is three days of bringing visitors to downtown Red Wing." Furthermore, she said since the Yuletide Village would be in its first year, some of the costs, such as construction of huts for vendors, would be one-time costs. "It's an apples and oranges comparison."

Council Member Ralph Rauterkus said seeing an incomplete budget just six weeks from the event was not ideal. "It's kind of bothersome," he said.

"Most everybody expected to finance the (private use of public property fee)," Hove said. "We wind up getting these things, and too much comes out of council contingency."

Because city staff said that construction of the huts could not be delayed and be done on time, Councilman Dan Munson made a motion to fund construction of the huts, the PUPP fee waiver and a contingency fee of $2,500. The motion passed with Hove voting against.

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Finally, the council approved the construction plans for a parking lot at 406 West Ave. The plans call for the demolition of an old home in the downtown historic district, which had previously been approved by the council. The 24-space parking lot will mainly serve customers to the Goodhue County Heath and Human Services office.
OWATONNA  In honor of its 30th anniversary, the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation will host an open house at the Owatonna Arts Center from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, according to SMIF Communications Coordinator Kallie Rollenhagen.

SMIF, a donor-supported foundation that has provided more than $100 million in grants, loans and programming across 20 Minnesota counties, focuses on early childhood and economic development, she said.

The open house will feature a short program at 5:15 p.m. Board members and staff, community stakeholders and the public are all invited to the event. Because the investments SMIF makes in the region rely on a strong regional network, the open house is an opportunity to network with those SMIF has helped in the past and will help in the future, she said.
WINONA  The Winona Police Department is asking for help in locating a 19-year-old Winona State University student who is missing.

Chukwudi Benjamin Onyeaghala, a freshman from White Bear Lake, was last seen on Friday,

According to Winona police, Onyeaghala was seen on video walking eastbound on Marks Street near the WSU library at 9:51 p.m. Friday. No vehicles are registered in his name, and attempts to reach him via phone and social media have been unsuccessful.

Onyeaghala is 5-foot-7, weighing 135 pounds with brown eyes and black hair, according to Winona police. Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Winona County Law Enforcement Center at 507-457-6492.
Teen arrested in killings of baby, man

MINNEAPOLIS  Minneapolis police say they've arrested a 17-year-old boy suspected in a double-homicide near a park that left a baby and a 20-year-man dead.

A police statement says the suspect was booked into the Hennepin County juvenile jail early Tuesday on suspicion of murder. Charges are pending. Further details on the arrest were not immediately released.

Seven-month-old Jayden Eric Redden and 20-year-old Gustav Duane Christianson II were fatally shot Sunday afternoon in the back seat of a car parked near Stewart Park in south Minneapolis. Christianson died at the scene. Jayden died at nearby Children's Hospital.

At the time, police said they believed Christianson was the intended target.

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Christianson's sister, Julia Johnson, told the Star Tribune he recently was released from prison and had ties to the Native Mob gang.

Mayer withdraws from Prince tribute concert

ST. PAUL  Pop star John Mayer won't be performing at a tribute concert honoring the late rock icon Prince on Thursday.

Concert promoter Randy Levy said late Tuesday that Mayer had a "change of schedule" and had to withdraw from the concert at the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

Performers still in the lineup include Stevie Wonder, Christina Aguilera, Chaka Khan, Tori Kelly and Prince's ex-wife, Mayte Garcia, among others.

Prince died in April of an accidental painkiller overdose at his Paisley Park recording complex in the Minneapolis suburb of Chanhassen.  Associated Press
If you speak to the Rochester City Council candidates in Ward 2, they'll likely tell you the pending election is about a choice between integrity and civility.

While both make for good campaign slogans and stump speeches, the issues dividing incumbent Michael Wojcik and challenger Scott Hoss are more important. Even though they agree on several points and overall agendas, they frequently support different paths.

Housing and development

Both see a need to spur growth of affordable housing in Rochester. How to get there is frequently a different question.

Wojcik has been an advocate for an inclusionary zoning policy to require a mix of housing from developments receiving city subsidies. He fought to obtain the council votes needed to hire a consultant to draft a policy proposal, which could be up for a vote later this year.

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He said without a push, the market is unlikely to create the type of housing the city's growing workforce will need and can afford.

Hoss, however, said the issue is a bit more complicated. "I'm learning it's a tangled web," said the commercial sales agent and shareholder in Paramark Real Estate Services, which manages a variety of housing options in the city.

He said development costs are high and creating requirements might chase some developers away. Instead, he'd propose continuing to find ways to offer incentives to developers who opt to build affordable housing in the city.

When it comes to development in Rochester, whether homes or commercial property, the pair also differ in whether the city needs a person to direct the process.

Hoss was a member of the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce board when a proposal to create a development director was presented. The complete proposal, which he said would have helped ensure Rochester developers don't view the city as a difficult to work with, l wasn't adopted by the city.

During the council's Aug. 15 meeting, members approved hiring a second assistant city administrator, who will have some duties related to overseeing the development process. Hoss called it a step in the right direction.

Wojcik, who approved the new hire, called the initial staffing proposal "a workaround to a bad process," saying 95 percent of development conflicts stem from problems in the planning and zoning process established for city development. He advocates correcting the process to overcome future problems.

Planning needs

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In fact, both candidates are supporters of the ongoing effort to develop a new comprehensive plan for the city. When asked to name the city council's greatest accomplishment in the past year, both cited work on the plan and noted improving it will likely reduce the contentious nature of development proposals seen in recent years.

The pair also find agreement on transportation needs. They support the city's complete streets policy and see a need for multimodal opportunities to reduce traffic downtown.

Additionally, they see Destination Medical Center progress moving at the right pace.

Hoss, who worked with initial efforts as a community member, noted some stumbling blocks had to be overcome, but the plan is moving forward. "I think it's going at a relatively natural pace," he said.

Wojcik noted private development is setting the pace, but it will build in the next five years as transportation infrastructure is developed. "I think DMC is probably moving at the rate the community can handle," he said.

Differing approaches

The candidates' agreement on several issues is likely why Hoss considers himself the right challenger to Wojcik, whose eight years on the council have been marked by what some see as incivility. "I think we have the opportunity in Ward 2 with me, without losing anything else," he said.

For his part, Wojcik acknowledges he can ruffle feathers and may even take things too far at times. "It's who I am," he said. "Sometimes I say too much and then I say I'm sorry. I can do that."

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While we feel Wojcik too often relishes the opportunity to ruffle feathers, we must acknowledge his activist mentality has been successful in pushing for changes in the city. It's hard to imagine what Rochester would be today without him as the council's Ward 2 representative. He pushed to create the city's ethics board, advocated for safer bike and pedestrian options and helped lead a six-year push toward the comprehensive plan.

We are not convinced that Hoss would be more effective. He noted he would need to recuse himself on certain issues due to his connection with the real estate industry. While he would offer unique insights as council member, his lack of a vote means those insights may not sway ultimate decisions.

As a result, we endorse Michael Wojcik for re-election to Ward 2.



Learn more

The Post Bulletin Editorial Board endorsements are offered to provide one view of candidates for local and regional offices.

We encourage you to do your own research as you get ready to vote.

To find out more about the candidates running in Rochester City Council's Ward 2, attend the League of Women Voters forum at 7 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Rochester Public Library, or visit their websites:

 Michael Wojcik

http://votewojcik.org

 Scott Hoss

http://scotthoss.com

For information on polling places and sample ballots, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State website at www.sos.state.mn.us.

Upcoming endorsements:

Thursday

Rochester City Council, Ward 4

Mark Bilderback vs. Nicholas Moucha

Friday

Rochester City Council, Ward 6

Patrick Day vs. Annalissa Johnson

Saturday

Rochester City Council president

Randy Staver vs. Sean Allen

Monday

Rochester School Board, Seat 1

Richard Hinds vs. Don Barlow

Tuesday

Rochester School Board, Seat 3

Deborah Seelinger vs. Bobbie Gallas

Wednesday

Rochester School Board, Seat 7

Ahmed Ragab vs. Mark Schleusner

Endorsements published:

Oct. 10: Olmsted County Board, District 3

Oct. 11: Olmsted County Board, District 7

Past endorsements are available online at postbulletin.com/opinion
My late teacher of intelligence and strategy Harold Rood liked to say, You run the show or the show runs you. (Book here.) It was a corollary to his axiom that Nothing happens for no good reason. With these counsels in mind, there are some ominous news items from the last few days:

USS Mason Fired 3 Missiles to Defend From Yemen Cruise Missiles Attack The crew of a guided-missile destroyer fired three missiles to defend themselves and another ship after being attacked on Sunday in the Red Sea by two presumed cruise missiles fired by Iran-backed Houthi-forces, USNI News has learned. During the attack against USS Mason (DDG-87), the ships crew fired the missiles to defend the guided-missile destroyer and nearby USS Ponce (AFSB(I)-15) from two suspected cruise missiles fired from the Yemini shore, two defense officials told USNI News.

Now why would someone fire on U.S. ships in the Red Sea? An accident, miscalculation, or a dry run?

And whats this? Russia setting up decoy planes, like we did in England just before D-Day?

A New Weapon in Russias Arsenal, and Its Inflatable In a field outside Moscow, workers armed with little more than green fabric and air compressors are creating an imposing weapon. . . It is a decoy, lifelike in appearance from as close as 300 yards. If you study the major battles of history, you see that trickery wins every time, Aleksei A. Komarov, the military engineer in charge of this sleight of hand, said with a sly smile. Nobody ever wins honestly. Mr. Komarov oversees army sales at Rusbal, or Russian Ball, a hot-air balloon company that also provides the Ministry of Defense with a growing arsenal of inflatable tanks, jets and missile launchers. As Russia under President Vladimir V. Putin has muscled its way back onto the geopolitical stage, the Kremlin has employed a range of stealthy tactics: silencing critics abroad, hitching the Orthodox Church to its conservative counterrevolution, spreading false information to audiences in Europe and even, according to the Obama administration, meddling in American presidential politics by hacking the Democratic Partys computers.

Theres also a report (in Russian only for now) making the rounds that Russias foreign ministry is telling officials based abroad that they should send their kids home immediately. (UPDATE: The Daily Mail has the story here.) Meanwhile, Putin has reportedly cancelled a trip to France next week.

This, from Janes Defense Weekly:

White House sending THAAD to South Korea as soon as feasible The US military is to deploy a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) counter missile battery to the Republic of Korea (RoK) as quick as possible, the White House said on 10 October in response to an official protest. The United States is working with the RoK to deploy this system as soon as feasible in order to more safely defend our RoK ally and US military personnel deployed to the region from the North Korea nuclear and ballistic missile threat, read the statement. A written petition decrying the deployment, created in July, garnered enough signatures (more than 100,000) to warrant a response. The petition called the looming THAAD deployment a controversial move that will likely  escalate tension in the region, by provoking North Korea, China, and Russia into a spiralling arms race in the region that is already heavily militarised.

I wonder why the White House is suddenly in a rush to deploy missile defenses to South Korea? Its not like any bad guys out there might be thinking about taking advantage of a supine American president, or the confusion of a presidential transition, especially if a neo-isolationist candidate should happen by fluke to win? The Russians are not pleased with this step.

As Prof. Rood liked to say, In a world that can promise neither peace nor safety to sovereign nations, it is the burden of statesmanship to look ahead to distant dangers that are today obscured by more immediate concerns, only visible, perhaps, to the informed, thoughtful and far-sighted. Rood liked to boil it down this way:

All those ponderous words and phrases like sufficiency, deterrence, qualitative superiority, essential equivalence, mutual assured destruction and the rest are obscure in meaning and even when explained, leave the ordinary sensible mind with the impression of flim-flam. To be tempted into asking some simple question like, whos going to win if theres a war is to brand oneself pitifully naive at best, or at worst, a throwback to some earlier days when wars were won by the side that was strongest and best prepared to wage war.

I cant speak to the preparedness of our military, but our leadership class doesnt appear to have much of a grasp on things.
If ever we needed a reminder about the importance of backup power supplies, a recent story out of Everett, Washington should do the job. The residents of downtown Everett, along with the Waterfront district, lost power around 8:00 a.m., and it was all thanks to one crow.

The word notes that, at around 8:00 a.m., a crowmost likely misguidedflew into the equipment located at the top of a power pole in the downtown area. Upon contact with the equipment, it suffered a catastrophic failure, as did, in all likelihood, large portions of the crow's anatomy. The power was restored to the region subsequently, with some noting that such occurrences were normally squirrel-related as opposed to caused by crows.

Some area residents and businessesthis was the downtown area, after allwere likely prepared with backup power materials. Uninterruptable power supplies, for example, allow users that little extra bit of power to save work and safely shut down a device rather than having it all cut out mid-stream and cause the loss of however much work was generated since the last save. Some may have gone to larger-scale backup systems like deep cycle batteries, solar or wind power (this being Washington state, wind turbines might have done better than solar), or a fuel-based generator system like gasoline or natural gas.

Regardless of what backup system was used, we know full well that those who didn't use such systems likely lost a certain amount of work, especially as this outage hit at 8:00 a.m., when many businesses are opening for the day. While it's not immediately clear how long the power was outword from the Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD) Twitter (News - Alert) feed says the outage lasted about four hours, though power was restored to roughly 1,700 customers in about two hoursthat's still a certain amount of work businesses either couldn't get done at all or could be done in a limping fashion. Travel agents can't check rates or book rooms, medical offices can't transmit or receive records, and a host of other points come into play.

Backup power systems of some kind are vital to the ongoing health and security of businesses. We all know how fragile the grid system is these days, and we've seen a host of small animals turn the grid into a dead space for at least a few hours. Having those power backup systems can help make the difference between work lost and work continued, and for most businesses, that can mean the continued health of the business as a whole.

Edited by Alicia Young
The office of the Minister of Budget and National Planning on Tuesday explained why the minister, Udoma Udoma, was hesitant in providing the status on the countrys total debt status on demand on Monday.

At the opening session of the policy dialogue on the Nigerian economy at the ongoing Nigerian Economic Summit (NES#22) in Abuja, Mr. Udoma had requested for time to come up with the exact figure of the countrys debt status when CNNs Zain Asher Ejiofor, anchor of the programme, asked him for the information.

Mr. Udomas has since been widely reported as demonstrating incompetence.

But, a statement from the ministers office on Tuesday in Abuja dismissed such insinuations as incorrect.

It has become necessary to correct a misconception carried in the media regarding the Ministers response to the countrys debt status at the ongoing Nigeria Economic Summit in Abuja, the ministers spokesperson, Akpandem James, said.

The Minister, who was one of the panelists on the Policy dialogue on the Nigerian Economy discussion, which focused at the time of the question on the domestic economy, had given a response in line with the thread of discussion in the belief that the reference to debts was in regard to contractor liabilities.

The discussion centred on ease of doing business in Nigeria, the relationship between private sector organizations and government and plans by government to help grow local businesses in line with the theme of the Summit, which is Made-in-Nigeria.

Mr. James said in answering a follow-up question on the issue, which followed the thread of the discussion on recent capital releases for infrastructure project, the Minister naturally assumed that she (the anchor of the programme) was referring to contractors liabilities.

Consequently, the minister requested for time to cross-check with the relevant authorities in the issue before coming with the exact figures, given the multi-sectoral nature of the subject.

The Minister did not think the question related to the overall debt position of the country, which includes external borrowings and other liabilities.

So the issue of the Minister not answering a question on the overall debt stock of the country does not arise, the spokesperson said.

For the information of the public, the total national debt stock (both the Federal Government and the States) stood at N16.3 trillion as at June 30, this year. This is made of foreign liabilities of N3.2 trillion and domestic liabilities of N13.1 trillion, he added.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government is to publish a consolidated and comprehensive plan on all sectoral plans before the end of this year.

The plans already adopted by government would make it easier for the general public to easily access governments overall economic agenda on-demand.

The document would consolidate and harmonize all the sectoral plans in a single document and set out in broad detail an integrated roadmap for the growth and sustainability of the countrys economy, the government said in Tuesday.

A Strategic Implementation Plan (SIP) was issued early this year setting out the strategies the government intended to adopt to stimulate the economy, create job for the teeming youths and extend support to the very poor and vulnerable segments of the society while at the same time laying the foundations for sustainable growth.

The SIP document laid out the four key policy priorities and the six strategic intervention areas the government intended to focus on to achieve these objectives.

The six strategic intervention areas encompass 34 measurable and verifiable priority actions intended to be implemented in the 2016 Budget.

The document highlighted the headline activities to be undertaken by the Federal Government this year in one document with a view to enabling the generality of the people as well as investors and development partners to have access to critical information with ease.

It would equally help frame and inform public discourse and facilitate business planning.

The new comprehensive document, government explained, would be released later in the year as one of the commitments made in the SIP.
President Muhammadu Buharis wife, Aisha, has weighed in on the ongoing crisis rocking the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, saying the row has become a serious worry for the administration.

Many people have started dividing the leadership of the APC and that is really making us feel not too good, Mrs. Buhari said in an interview with BBC Hausa.

A part of the interview was aired Tuesday. The full interview will be aired on Friday.

The first lady said those behind the crisis felt aggrieved that they laboured for, and helped the APC to power in 2015, but received no compensation.

They are doing that because they felt they laboured for the party and deserved to be compensated, Mrs. Buhari said. People who do not have voters card are those who are given appointments and enjoying the government.

Her unusually public remarks about politics came amid an unfolding clash between a former governor Lagos State, Bola Tinubu, and the national chairman of the APC, John Odigie-Oyegun.

The latest infighting stemmed from a disagreement over how the partys candidate in the upcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State emerged.

Mr. Tinubu, in a scathing statement, accused Mr. Odigie-Oyegun of having manipulated the primaries.

Mr. Oyegun denied the allegations, and accused Mr. Tinubu of falsehood, and of waging a media war against him.

The APC, a coalition of four former political parties, came into existence in 2013. The alliance was formed to challenge the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party, and possibly wrestle power from it.

Mr. Tinubu, who led one of the former parties, the Action Congress of Nigeria, was widely credited as the architect of the APC victory in the 2015 elections  the first opposition win at the federal level.

The party began to face internal crisis early after the polls, as different leadership factions struggled for available positions in the cabinet and National Assembly.

Mr. Tinubus candidates for the positions of Senate President and House of Representatives Speaker, lost out.

The Ondo election crisis is the latest manifestation of the lingering feud.

Mrs. Buhari said the power tussle resonated in varied ways, especially because majority of her husbands cabinet members were not known to him  meaning they were foisted as part of the power grab.

She added: Among all the people he selected, if he is asked among 50 people, he does not know 45. I dont know them despite staying with him for 27 years.

For those behind the crisis, which was affecting the administration, she said What I am afraid for them is the rebellion of 15 million people, ostensibly in reference to the number of people who voted for the president.

Asked whether her husband knew those creating problems for his administration, Mrs. Buhari said, Whether he knows them or not, those who voted for him know. There is nothing I will tell him. He can see.

When asked whether her husband planned to run for second term in 2019, Mrs. Buhari said she did not know. But said for her personally, I have made up my mind about that.

She did not say what her stance is on the matter.
Angry youth in Tudun Wada, Kaduna, on Wednesday morning torched the home of Mukhtar Sahabi, a leader of the Shia Islamic sect, along Zango Road.

A resident who was at the scene confirmed the incident to PREMIUM TIMES.

The youth, believed to be residents of the area, attacked some members of the Shiite sect who were living in the house.

I was wondering what was going on this morning when I saw youth in hundreds setting the house on fire, said the witness. Before the security operatives could come all of them had gone.

Sahabi Mukhtar is the leader of the Shia sect in Kaduna and is popularly called the governor.

The area has been cordoned by security operatives.

We are standing at distance to see what next is going to happen. But there is peace around the area, the witness, who preferred to remain anonymous, said.

The attack came a day after a standoff between soldiers and members of the group, outlawed last week by the Kaduna government.

Worshippers had gathered to commemorate historical events associated with the Islamic month of Muharram that are particularly significant in the Shia calendar, UK-based Islamic Human Rights Commission, said earlier Tuesday in a statement.

Later, the gathering was encircled by armed troops.

The standoff ended later in the night after the troops withdrew.

The military activity around the area earlier on Tuesday was reminiscent of the run-up to the massacre last December of hundreds of supporters of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria by the army and the arrest of its leader Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky.

Mr. Zakzaky remains in government custody.

One resident said Zango community members have always complained about the activities of the Shiite group gathering at Mr. Sahabis residence.

For me I will never support violence but Sahabis house here is risky for us. Every evening they gather at his house singing hate songs against the governor and Buhari and even none Shiite people, said the resident.
Irate youth in Tudun Wada community in Kaduna South Local Government Area, attacked and killed four suspected members of the Shia sect, and torched the residence of their groups leader Wednesday, witnesses said.

The mob also demolished the Shiites Islamic school in the area.

The incident occurred a day after a clampdown by Nigerian security forces prevented the Shiites from embarking on their planned annual procession.

Its the police that ordered the youths to attack us and to destroy our buildings, one Shiite leader told PREMIUM TIMES by phone. We shall address a press conference to give account of our encounter later, he said.

This newspaper learned that an attempt by the Shiites to address a press conference at the Nigeria Union of Journalists secretariat, was botched as all of the journalists went underground.

Mallam Bala, a shopowner at Zango road, said the angry youth prevented the Shiite members from entering their communities after being dispersed by police tear gas.

They were not in their traditional black dress, while being dispersed with police tear gas, but were being identified by vigilant youths who engaged them in a fight. Those who resisted were killed; the house of their leader Mukhtar was burnt down and their Markas (school) is currently being demolished by youths, he said.

He said fire service helped put out fire at Mukhtars house.

The situation is under control, a police source has confirmed to our reporter.

Bashir Sani, another resident of the area, said the youth broke into the Shiite leaders house, carted away valuables before setting the house ablaze.

The Shiite members died of injuries sustained while being lynched with sticks and machetes, he said.

There was however, no official confirmation of the number of death.

Police spokesperson, Aliyu Muhammad, did not respond to calls and text messages.

The attack came a day after a standoff between soldiers and members of the group, outlawed last week by the Kaduna government.

Worshippers had gathered to commemorate historical events associated with the Islamic month of Muharram that are particularly significant in the Shia calendar, UK-based Islamic Human Rights Commission, said earlier Tuesday in a statement.

Later, the gathering was encircled by armed troops.

The standoff ended later in the night after the troops withdrew.

The military activity around the area earlier on Tuesday was reminiscent of the run-up to the massacre last December of hundreds of supporters of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria by the army and the arrest of its leader Sheikh Ibrahim Zakzaky.

Mr. Zakzaky remains in government custody.

One resident said Zango community members have always complained about the activities of the Shiite group gathering at Mr. Sahabis residence.

For me I will never support violence but Sahabis house here is risky for us. Every evening they gather at his house singing hate songs against the governor and Buhari and even none Shiite people, said the resident.
Nigerians who in the past questioned the conduct of many judges, but had no way of prompting investigations despite having evidence of wrongdoing, are inundating the State Security Service with petitions after last weekends arrest of seven judges, security sources said Wednesday.

The petitioners accuse the judges of fraud and want the SSS to widen its investigation beyond judges already penciled down for probe and possible prosecution.

Its like everyone who has had cause to go to court for one reason or the other has been a victim, one SSS source told PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday.

The revelation came as the SSS worked to consolidate evidence ahead of the arraignment of the judges arrested in a nationwide anti-corruption sweep between Friday and Saturday, officials said.

Seven judges were taken into custody after the raid conducted simultaneously in six-states, including Abuja.

Supreme Court judges, Inyang Okoro and Sylvester Ngwuta were arrested in Abuja. Federal High Court judges, Adeniyi Ademola and Mohammed Tsamiya were also arrested in Abuja.

Others arrested included, Kabir Auta, Kano; Muazu Pindiga, Gombe; and Innocent Umezulike in Enugu.

The judges were released on Monday after initial plans to arraigned them stalled for reasons not disclosed by the secret police.

But PREMIUM TIMES gathered from sources at the agencys headquarters on Wednesday afternoon that the jurists will start facing trial from next week.

The sources said the SSS had dispatched proofs of its allegations against the judges to the National Judicial Council for action.

We have written the NJC about what has happened and we expect the NJC to take some decisions about the affected judges this week, one source said. Once that is done, hopefully by next week or thereabout, we should arraign them in court.

The NJC is constitutionally charged with the task of investigating and sanctioning erring judges.

The agency hopes that the NJC members, led by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Mahmud Mohammed, will recommend sanctions against the judges based on the evidence of graft tendered against them.

The SSS said it found a large sums of money, denominated in naira and other foreign currencies, from the judges homes during the raid.

If the NJC finds the evidence by the SSS sufficient, the judges could be dismissed, opening the way for security agencies to arrest and prosecute them.

The ongoing investigation is not supposed to go beyond this week, the sources said.

The sources said many Nigerians were supportive of the crackdown by flooding the SSS with damning petitions, with some who had been a victim of abuse of court processes expressing their willingness to testify against the judges.

The sources said the allegations contained fascinating facts that could go a long way in nailing the judges in the court of law.

More facts are trickling in and we cannot ignore them. It is our statutory responsibility to investigate painstakingly every complaint.

Some victims have even indicated their readiness to testify in court, the sources said.

The sources said operatives also uncovered how some of the judges engaged in assets declaration fraud in the course of their investigation.

The kind of things we observe as regards the forms they submitted to the Code of Conduct Bureau is another kettle of fish.

We discovered a judge filled three different forms with different information either in terms of assets declared or even personal information like age.

Imagine one judge filling three different forms with different information just to deceive, the source said.

The clampdown has continued to generate intense debate amongst Nigerians.

While some see the action of the SSS as a welcome development needed to address corruption in the countrys judiciary, others express concerns that the tactics employed by the agency amounts to intimidation and violates the principle of separation of powers.
President Muhammadu Buhari will embark on an official visit to the Federal Republic of Germany from October 13 to 15, 2016, the presidency has announced.

In Berlin, President Buhari, will confer with Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel on issues of shared interests between Nigeria and Germany, including further cooperation on security, the humanitarian situation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and rehabilitation of the North-East, as well as trade and economic relations between both countries, Femi Adesina the Special Adviser to the President on Media & Publicity, said in a statement Thursday

Thereafter, the President, who will be accompanied by Governors Kashim Shettima of Borno State and Rochas Okorocha of Imo respectively and representatives of the National Assembly, will meet with Federal President Joachim Gauck.

In furtherance of the administrations objective to attract more foreign investment and create economic opportunities in the country, President Buhari will participate in a Business Forum in Berlin with leading German companies already active in Nigeria and other prospective investors.

Before returning to Abuja, the President is expected to meet with representatives of the Nigerian community in Germany.

President Buhari is committed to deepening relations with Germany and building on the very cordial relations both countries enjoy in several areas of bilateral cooperation including the fight against terrorism, economic relations, rebuilding of the North east, support for IDPs, vocational training, energy partnership and cultural relations.

Shortly after his inauguration on May 29, 2015, President Buhari, on the invitation of Chancellor Merkel, attended the G7 summit in Elmau, Germany  the trip was his first to a non-African country after his assumption of office.

From February 8 to 12 this year, President Gauck, accompanied by a delegation of German business community, was on an official visit to Nigeria, where they had fruitful discussions on trade and investments with representatives of government and the private sector in Abuja and Lagos.
A former minister and a leader of the #BringBackOurGirls campaign, Oby Ezekwesili, has expressed dismay over a tweet by a presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, which suggested that some media houses acted against Nigerias interest in their reporting of the recent arrest of some judges by the State Security Services (SSS).

To suggest that the government is acting outside the law in a dictatorial manner is to breach the interest of the state, Mr. Shehu tweeted on Sunday.

The tweet was picked from the first press statement issued by the presidency after the countrys secret police raided the homes of some senior judges and arrested seven of them, including two Supreme Court judges. The judges were later released Monday evening.

The presidency, in the statement, had accused the media of portraying the incident as a confrontation between the executive and the judiciary.

Mrs. Ezekwesili quickly took on Mr. Shehu on the social media site.

Delete your Press Release, she wrote. How dare you dictate what opinion citizens should express on any issue in a democracy?

She said dissent voices and debates were the essentials of democracy, and that Mr. Shehu needed to take a class on Democracy 101.

Globally, public backing is a sine qua non for all successful anti-corruption wars. Only governments that consistently acted lawfully earned it.

She said she wasnt against the prosecution of corrupt judges, but that she wanted the SSS to step back from their excesses.

Ive often said judiciary is (the) weakest link in anti-corruption effort. Empower @officialefcc for greater work. DSS keep within your mandate.

Why has a strong anti-corruption government not worked hard with @NGRSenate to confirm Ibrahim Magu of @officialefcc to bolster their work? Why? the former minister said, adding that countries like Hong Kong and Queensland Australia ended a tide of endemic corruption in the 70s through intelligent, rigorous, and due process-compliant prosecutions.
The U.S. Consul General, John Bray, has urged the 2016 batch of Mandela Washington Fellows to use their knowledge to transform Nigeria.

Speaking during a reunion conference for the Fellows in Lagos, Wednesday, Mr. Bray said the U.S. government had always intended the Young African Leaders Initiative to be an avenue for networking and exposure to resources to help the participants become effective leaders in business, government, and civil society.

I am asking you to define this conference as the moment when you take your game to the next level, said Mr. Bray.

To gather everything you have learned in the United States, and from each other, and act with all the force in you to accomplish positive change in Nigeria.

Ask yourself  how much more can you empower thousands of fellow Nigerians to access opportunity and gain the knowledge that you hold? How many more Nigerians can you reach?

The Fellows departed Nigeria for Washington for a six week studies in civic leadership, business and entrepreneurship and public management in various universities in the United States.

Mr. Bray said the 2016 Fellows would enjoy the support of the USAID, IREX, and the State Department to attend events, organize events, create networks, and partner with other organizations.

We will do that in numerous ways as my Public Affairs Section colleagues from Lagos and Abuja will explain. We want your projects this coming year to be the best they can be, he said.

As you give back to your communities, I want you to think ahead in your work, so that you look at horizons beyond Nigeria, in concert with other Mandela Washington Fellows.

The Mandela Fellowship is the flagship programme of Presidents Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and a key component of President Barrack Obamas commitment to invest in the future of Africa.

The programme, initiated by the US Government to recognise the increasing roles that young Africans are playing in strengthening democratic institutions, economic growth, and enhancing peace and security in Africa; started in 2014.

In an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the conference, Darcy Zotter, Public Affairs Officer at the US Consulate, said the YALI programme became imperative because African problems need African solutions.

That those solutions are gonna come from Africans, Ms. Zotter said.

And all the US government is hoping to do is to provide a fertile ground and a fertile network and to provide those people with the skills so that they can turn their ideas into solutions.

Ms. Zotter said the fellowship would continue running despite Mr. Obama, who initiated it, leaving office later this year.

It was one of my worries, whats going to happen to the programme, but I was pleased to learn in Washington that this programme has been so successful and that members of our Congress have been so impressed with it.

There is bi-partisan support for it, it got funded again. We have every reason to expect regardless of who becomes president, this programme will survive based on its merits.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday said it was determined to ensure cases of Nigerian students experiencing any form of maltreatment in Turkey and elsewhere are urgently addressed.

The Ministrys spokesperson, Clement Aduku, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja.

Mr. Aduku was reacting to a report that the Federal Government had not taken appropriate actions to protect the welfare of Nigerian students in Turkey caught up in its post-coup situation.

He said that contrary to the report, the leadership of the ministry had taken series of proactive steps to adequately address the situation.

The Ministry wishes to assure Nigerians that its leadership has ensured that adequate steps were taken here in Nigeria and in Turkey to uphold the well being of Nigerian students in Turkey.

The Ambassador of Turkey in Nigeria was summoned to the Ministry on three separate occasions during which the request for the closure of Turkish Schools was flatly rejected.

The Ministry also rejected the option of returning students to Nigeria to obtain fresh visas to enable them continue in the schools to which they have been transferred, he said.

According to him the Federal Government, in addition to that, demanded immediate release of detained Nigerian students in Turkey.

He stated that this position was strongly conveyed by the Charge dAffaires of Nigeria in Ankara to the competent Turkish authorities, who had been working diligently to this end as well.

At this point virtually all the students have been released with the demand for fresh Visas dropped as to allow the students continue with their studies unhindered, he said.

(NAN)
The four pupils and teachers of the Lagos State Model College, Igbonla in Epe, kidnapped by suspected militants on October 6 have been reunited with their families, the Lagos State government said Wednesday.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Steve Ayorinde, the government said the children had undergone medical check-up after which they were reunited with their families.

The Lagos State Government today welcomed the release of the school pupils, Vice-Principal and Head teacher of Igbonla Model College, Epe, who were kidnapped by suspected Ijaw militants on Thursday October 6, 2016, Mr. Ayorinde said.

The children are doing well; they have been taken through medical checkup and have been safely reunited with their families.

Mr. Ayorinde, while restating the governments determination to protect lives and property, however urged residents to be more vigilant, security conscious and report all suspected persons and objects seen within their neighbourhood to the appropriate security agencies.

The determination of the government to ensure 24-hour security of the State is evident in the huge investment in the equipment and welfare of security agencies, especially the police.

The Commissioner, however, said that Government has taken adequate steps to stem the tide of kidnapping in the State, noting that in line with the directive of the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, plans have been concluded to commence the demolition of illegal structures erected across the state waterfronts and creeks.

Often times, the incidence of kidnapping are perpetrated through the waterways and as such, these illegal structures provide a leeway for these criminal elements to plan and execute their nefarious activities. This step, we believe, will go a long way to address this menace.

The State Government has also begun steps to boost community policing with the recent announcement by the Governor that at least 5000 neighbourhood watchers will soon be recruited to improve surveillance across the state, especially at the rural areas, Mr. Ayorinde said.
The emergency meeting of the National Judicial Council called over the arrest of seven judges by operatives of the State Security Service will continue on Wednesday.

The meeting began on Tuesday, at midday and lasted till evening.

Journalists had gathered intermittently around the NJC office, venue of the meeting in an effort to get details of its outcome.

Security operatives however ensured that the crowd of journalists were not allowed close to the venue.

The NJC had called the meeting to discuss the arrest of the judges by the SSS, after the judges homes were raided between Friday night and Saturday morning.

The raid has drawn disparate comments from Nigerians across the nation and beyond.

While the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, said it was in line with the process of investigation, the National Assembly on Tuesday described it as an abuse of the law setting up the SSS.
Abubakar Adam Ibrahim has been announced winner of the 2016 Nigeria Prize for Literature.

Mr. Ibrahim, a Nigerian journalist and writer, won the prize, worth 100,000, with his novel, Season of Crimson Blossom.

The winner of the prize, which is awarded annually by the Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas (NNLG), was announced Wednesday at a World Press Conference held in Sheraton Hotels in Lagos.

The announcement was made by Prof. Ayo Banjo, Chairman of the Advisory Board for the prize, who praised Mr. Ibrahims work.

Three finalists had earlier been named for this years edition of the prize. They were Elnathan John (author of Born On A Tuesday); Chika Unigwe, (author of Night Dancer), and, Mr. Ibrahim.

A total of 173 authors of prose fiction entered for the competition this year, which had at the head of its judging panel Prof. Dan Izevbaye, the renowned professor of Literature and literary critic.

The other judges include Asabe Usman Kabir, professor of Oral and African Literatures at Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto and Isidore Diala, professor of African Literature in the Department of English, Imo State University, Owerri.

Celebrating literary excellence for the twelfth year running, the Nigeria Prize for Literature has since 2004 rewarded eminent writers such as Gabriel Okara for his volume, The Dreamer, His Vision (co-winner of the 2005 prize, awarded in the genre of poetry); Ezenwa Ohaeto, for Chants of a Minstrel (co-winner in 2005 for poetry); Ahmed Yerima (2006, drama) for Hard Ground; Mabel Segun (co-winner in 2007, awarded for childrens literature) for her collection of short plays Readers Theatre; and Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo (co-winner in 2007, childrens literature) with My Cousin Sammy. Also, Kaine Agary (in 2008, for her novel Yellow Yellow); Esiaba Irobi (2010, for drama), who won the prize posthumously with Cemetery Road; Adeleke Adeyemi (2011, childrens literature) with The Missing Clock and Chika Unigwe (2012, prose), with her novel, On Black Sisters Street, Tade Ipadeola (2013, for poetry) with his collection of poems, The Sahara Testaments and Sam Ukala (2014, drama) with his play, Iredi War.

The Nigeria Prize for Literature rotates yearly amongst four literary genres  prose fiction, poetry, drama and childrens literature. The 2016 Prize is for prose fiction and comes with a cash prize of $100, 000. Next years prize will be for poetry.

The Winning Author

Mr. Ibrahim, journalist and writer is a first-time novelist. He was winner of the BBC African Performance Prize, the Amatu Braide Prize for Prose; and earlier awarded the Gabriel Garcia Marquez Fellow (2013) and Civitella Ranieri Fellow (2015).

He granted PREMIUM TIMES an interview about his work and motivations a few weeks ago.

The Winning Book

A PREMIUM TIMES contributor, Obialije Nweuna, had written about the book: The Whispering Trees, a collection of short stories by the same author, was an unforgettable experience when I bought and devoured it in 2012. I detected a pleasing evolution in the writers art in Crimson Blossoms. It is as if Abubakar Adam Ibrahim has matured greatly since writing those earlier stories, has dug deeper into his artistic well, and come up with something truly career-defining  as Toni Kan enthuses in a blurb on the books back-cover. The prose, from the very first line, wrapped round me like a welcome blanket on a cold, rainy night. It suffused my being with warmth.

The Marquez-like conceit of the smell of cockroaches preceding some important events in the book, as well as the italicising of speech made by the characters in the English language and the entire kidnap section in the second-half of the novel, do not impress me much. However, the beautiful language  like crimson petals falling off the page  filled my mind with scent as I moved from line to line. The novelists handling of a middle-aged woman discovering love after years of widowhood is masterly. Reza, the unlikely beau of this prim and proper Hausa Muslim matriarch (Hajiyya Binta), has a roguish charm one comes to love as one learns more about him. The dusky affair between the two lovers is believable, and I found myself, despite the discouraging portents, hoping for a happily ever after for the foredoomed couple.

But it was the minor characters of the book that blew me away. Faiza with her friends, the twins Kareema and Abida, dreaming of love with movie stars, reading romantic novels and trying on the tools of female seduction  like so many millions of their ilk all over the world. Faiza with her issue of PTSD as well. Gattuso, the ever-faithful right-hand man of the top dog, Reza, having the latters back at all times, even as Reza is unworthy of such loyalty. The Senator, a perfect incarnation of the banality of evil, so different from the godfather characters one runs into in Nollywood films. Hureira, the somewhat Lawrentian daughter of Hajiyya Binta, a damsel fated for a lifetime of love-discontent. Munkaila of Maitama twirling car-keys in his fingers and with his nose upturned during his visits home.

The enlightened Ustaz Nura and his ways. Mallam Haruna and his powerful radio. San Siro with its charms and lively air, reeking of songs, cannabis and sex. Northern Nigeria by Abubakar Adam Ibrahim comes across as potpourri, universe, human kaleidoscope. By the time I got to the end of the book, as in the other two cases, I wanted more like the cliched Oliver Twist.
The carcass of a whale has been found on a beach in Akwa Ibom State, south south of Nigeria, off the Atlantic Ocean.

Villagers in Okpo Ita, Ibeno local government area of the state, said they saw the dead whale in the morning of September 15, according to Edem Eniang, a biodiversity conservationist from the University of Uyo.

Some of the villagers had started cutting off the body parts for meat before Mr. Eniang and his team of researchers, and the local authorities got to the scene, several days after it was found.

Mr. Eniang said the carcass is about 16 metres in length.

I observed that something close to four metres was missing, Mr. Eniang told PREMIUM TIMES, Wednesday. That is a part of what was cut off by the villagers.

A handful of tourists have been attracted to the scene since the news broke out.

Mr. Eniang explained the significance of whales in Nigeria waters.

Theres an international accord known as Convention on Migratory Species in which Nigeria is a signatory. The essence of the convention is that every signatory country must go out of its ways to provide safe passage to all grazing animals passing through their territory, not to allow them get into harm, not to be killed or exploited. So, by being a signatory to that convention, we have to account for whales and other similar species that pass through our territory.

Whales are national heritage. In Nigeria, the living whales are our national heritage. The carcasses are our heritage as well.

Conservation International (CI) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) recognise this region  the Akwa Ibom shoreline, all the way to Gabon, Central Africa and to Ghana as the gulf of Guinea biodiversity hotspot.

Now, it serves as their breeding ground. So, when they travel from the North Pole to South Pole, they hang around this our area to conduct their sexual activities from courtship play, dance, and so on, which is what we normally see in videos when they jump out of water, dive back and play. It is in this area they have their reproductive activities and raise their young ones before they are able to swim back to the North Pole.

Mr. Eniang, who has spent about three days so far in the local community, is persuading the local authorities and the state government to preserve the carcass as a national heritage.

In our own local environment, when something dies the people dont know that it still has value. The carcass lying there is a very serious national monument; the skeleton must be collected, curated, and mounted for recreational, scientific and research use, he said.
Mustapha Gadanya, an Economic and Financial Criminal Commission, EFCC, witness, on Wednesday told an FCT High Court how the then Director of Police Pensions moved funds into different accounts

Mr. Gadanya was among the team that investigated the matter.

Esai Dangabar was the former Director of the Police Pension Fund.

Mr. Dangabar, Atiku Kigo, Ahmed Wada, Veronica Onyegbula, Sani Zira, Uzoma Attang and Christian Madubuke are standing trial for complicity in the over N24 billion scam in the police pension office

Mr. Gadanya, in his testimony, told the court how Mr. Dangabar deposited some money in accounts in different banks.

Led in evidence by Rotimi Jacobs, the witness said that the bank analysis revealed that Mr. Dangabar fixed some amount in the bank to yield turnover

He said that about N320 million was deposited in Skye bank between May 2008 and July 2009 for his companies, Marine Logistics and leisure Integrated Ltd.

Mr. Gadanya told the court that the roll over accrued for him amounted to N249.8 million and N241 million, respectively which was later sent to the Federal Government after it was discovered.

He informed the court that between February, 2009 and June 2010, the manager of Skye Bank, Jabi branch, helped the first defendant to launder about N840 million.

Mr. Gadanya said the first defendant was also discovered to be the Managing Director and the sole signatory of Damule Nigeria Limited, the company his son was listed as director

The witness told the court that Dangarbars 16 duplexes at Wuyi District and six flats at Efab, in Abuja, had been forfeited temporarily to the Federal Government.

The judge, Justice Husseni Baba-Yusuf, adjourned the trial till October 13 for continuation of hearing.

(NAN)
The two lawmakers favoured by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress in last years National Assembly elections, Ahmed Lawan and Femi Gbajabiamila, are to join President Muhammadu Buhari on his visit to Germany.

Mr. Buharis team will leave for Germany on Thursday. Apart from Messrs Lawan and Gbajabiamila, Imo State Governor Rochas Okorocha and his Borno counterpart, Kashim Shettima are also traveling with the President.

A statement by the presidency earlier Wednesday mentioned Messrs Okorocha and Shettima but not Messrs Lawan and Gbajabiamila. It only said representatives of the National Assembly would be on the visit with Mr. Buhari.

But PREMIUM TIMES obtained a correspondence showing Messrs Gbajabiamila and Lawan are the said representatives of the National Assembly.

Mr. Lawan is in the Senate, and Mr. Gbajabiamila in the House of Representatives as the House Leader.

Both were supported to emerge Senate President and Speaker by the APC but, respectively, lost to Bukola Saraki and Yakubu Dogara, who aligned with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party lawmakers.

Should there be any matter requiring attention of my office, please direct it to the deputy leader, Hon. Buba Jibrin, Mr. Gbabiamila wrote in a letter to his colleagues, apprising them of the official visit.

The visit will focus on issues of humanitarian crisis and rehabilitation of the insurgency-ravaged Nigerias North East and bilateral relations between Africas most populous nation and Germany.

In Berlin, President Buhari, will confer with Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel on issues of shared interests between Nigeria and Germany, including further cooperation on security, the humanitarian situation of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and rehabilitation of the North-East, as well as trade and economic relations between both countries, said Femi Adesina, Mr. Buharis spokesperson.

Mr. Buhari will also meet with Federal President Joachim Gauck.

In furtherance of the administrations objective to attract more foreign investment and create economic opportunities in the country, President Buhari will participate in a Business Forum in Berlin with leading German companies already active in Nigeria and other prospective investors.

Before returning to Abuja, the President is expected to meet with representatives of the Nigerian community in Germany, Mr. Adesina added.

It is Mr. Buharis second trip to Germany since he became president last year. The first was shortly after his inauguration on May 29, 2015, on the invitation of Chancellor Merkel, when he attended the G7 summit in Elmau, Germany  his first visit as president to a non-African country.
The Benue Police Command has confirmed that a police post at Awajir in Konshisha Local Government Area of the state was on Wednesday burnt down by irate youth.

The Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, in the state, Moses Yamu, told the News Agency of Nigeria in Makurdi that the station was burnt following altercations between officials of the State Produce Board and a motorist.

Mr. Yamu, an assistant superintendent of police, said the produce team had stopped a motorist for routine checks and an altercation had ensued, resulting in a crisis.

He explained that while the two aggrieved groups were engaged in altercation, a police patrol team sighted them and stopped to restore peace and order.

Mr. Yamu said one of the passengers grabbed a riffle from a policeman and shot a passerby, igniting the crisis in which the station was burnt.

He said no arrest had been made while normalcy had been restored in the area.

But some eye witnesses alleged that the commercial motorcyclist who was shot had refused to pay a bribe to the patrol team.

(NAN)
The governor of Kano state, Abdullahi Ganduje, has floored his predecessor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, in the battle to control the governing All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state.

This is came as a four-member fact-finding committee set up by the national headquarters of the party to look into the crisis that followed the sack of its former executive committee, submitted its report Tuesday.

The former committee was populated by Kwankwaso loyalists. Their replacements are members loyal to Mr. Ganduje.

The APC in Kano has been rocked by crisis following the falling out between the two leaders.

The crisis led to the suspension of the former chairman, Umar Doguwa, and two other officials: Sanusi Kwankwaso, the state organising secretary, and Salisu Abbas, state assistant secretary.

APC headquarters eventually sanctioned the appointment of Abdullahi Abbas as acting chairman and Ahmed Muhammad, the assistant state organising secretary, as the acting organising secretary.

Speaking while submitting the report of the fact-finding committee at the national secretariat of the APC on Tuesday, chairman of the committee, Mohammed Magoro, said due process was followed in the suspension of the officials.

According to our findings, all the procedures required by the partys constitution, the Kano State Executive Committee, followed due process, he said.

He also said based on the constitution of the party, the Kano State Executive Committee has the full powers to appoint the people to occupy the positions.

According to Mr. Magoro, his committee first sat in Kaduna before later moving to Kano where they visited Governor Ganduje.

He said the committee invited seven persons including the suspended officials. He however, said all the suspended officials failed to honour their invitation.

Earlier, the National Vice Chairman- North West- of the APC, Inuwa Abdul-Kadir, said the report was for the consideration of the appropriate party organ to take a decision.

We are publicly receiving the report of the fact-finding committee in exhibition of the cardinal principles of this party in respect of transparency and also promoting the rule of law, he said.

He also said the APC believed in fairness to all and sundry.

Our party constitution requires that when we receive petitions and complaints from either an organ of the party at any level or from any member of the party in respect of leadership dispute, we are not required to even discuss it, we are only required as a body to send a fact finding committee to make findings and report back so that our discussions will not pre-empt or pre-judge anybody involved in the matter.

I will not comment on the report. The report is for the consideration of the appropriate party organ to take a decision, Mr. Abdul-Kadir said.
The Kaduna State government on Tuesday launched free antimalarial medication to every resident requiring treatment in a public hospitals.

The government also appealed for blood donation, and is expanding the distribution of mosquito nets.

Speaking with officials and patients during a visit to the Yusuf Dantsoho Hospital, Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed his sympathy to individuals and families that have been affected by malaria outbreak.

The governor said the state was treating the issue as an emergency, and would extend free treatment beyond children under five, pregnant women and the elderly.

Hospital officials disclosed that a lot of the affected children were also anaemic.

Mr. El-Rufai appealed to the public to support the malaria containment effort by donating blood.

Paul Dogo, the Commissioner of Health and Human Services, described the scale of the challenge.

Up to 1000 cases are reported at various government hospitals daily, but Yusuf Danstoho Hospital has the highest number of cases. For example, between Friday and Sunday, 2500 patients reported to Yusuf Dantsoho Hospital, he said.

Children constitute 1,500 of these malaria patients.

Last week, we distributed drugs in all government hospitals for free treatment of women and children. But the governor has directed us to procure more drugs to treat all patients, including adults in all public hospitals.

We are also collecting blood samples for screening to ascertain if it is only malaria or if there is some other disease we are dealing with. And whatever we find, we will take appropriate measures to handle the situation.

Dr. Dogo explained that other steps are being taken to tackle the epidemic, including expanding the distribution of mosquito nets.

I am appealing to our people to please use the free treated mosquito nets we are distributing to reduce exposure to malaria. We should also clean our environments and clear all gutters where mosquitoes breed, he said.

Residents who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES welcomed the gesture.

El-Rufai struck at the right time. People are dying in Kaduna because of this malaria. So many people cannot afford the treatment. Now people are getting it free. I was in Kawo hospital Yesterday and you can see how people re lying sick and may do not even have money for drugs, Awwal Salisu, Kawo resident said.
Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Wednesday presented a budget proposal of N215.9 billion for the 2017 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.

Mr. El-Rufai said N130.3 billion, representing 60 per cent of the budget, was for capital expenditure, while N85.5 billion representing 40 per cent of the estimate, was for recurrent expenditure.

He said the opening balance for the 2017 budget sood at N15.8 billion, while N15.2 billion would be realised from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and N34.9 billion from statutory allocation.

The governor said N9.4 billion would be generated from Value Added Tax and N6.6 billion from internal loans and credit and N55.9 billion loan from external sources.

Mr. El-Rufai told the lawmakers that the government expected to generate N35.3 billion as internal grants and another N7.1 billion grant from external sources.

The governor explained that the budget would largely focuss on completing Zaria water project, massive rebuilding and equipping of schools, as well as rehabilitation, maintainance and rebuilding of township roads.

He said the government would also commence the first phase of Kaduna Light Rail project to link Rigachikun with Refinery, and provide infrastructure in mining sites and rural areas,

Mr. El-Rufai added that the administration would during the year, create a green economic zone  an Agro-Industrial Park along Abuja road.

On agriculture, the governor said the focus would be on the expansion of post-harvest price support for farmers and the Anchor Borrowers Programme which targets six crops the state has comparative advantage,

The governor added that in 2017, the administration would convert the Doka Hospital located on Kaduna-Abuja Expressway into a Trauma Centre and implement an Emergency Nutrition Intervention Programme to reduce malnutrition and hunger.

We presented the draft estimates for discussion through consultations with the private sector, civil society and, finally to the general public, at a town hall meeting.

The outcome of these consultations convinced us that we had to be even bolder in proposing an expansionary budget in these difficult economic times.

We are convinced that the pursuit of economic recovery is a pressing mandate, he said.

Receiving the budget, the Speaker, Aminu Shagali, said the House would fast track the passage of the document.

Mr. Shagali commended the state government for initiating laudable policies that would move the state forward.

He said the administration demonstrated the capacity to make Kaduna great again, adding that the legislature would support it to promote security, peace and unity in the state.

(NAN)
The Cross River Police Command has confirmed the death of an Inspector, Edet Archibong, who was killed in a gun duel between the police and suspected cultists on Tuesday night in Calabar.

A Deputy Commissioner of Police, Tunde Gbolarumi, made the confirmation on Wednesday during an interactive session with journalists in his office.

Mr. Gbolarumi said the inspector was killed after a group of cultists numbering about 50 engaged some patrol men from the Atakpa Division in a gun battle at Bogobiri in Calabar.

He said two suspected cultists were also killed, eight were arrested while others fled with gunshot injuries.

We recovered one English pistol, two locally made pistols and two empty cartridges from them.

Also, one of our men, Sgt. Awo Obongha, was also shot but he did not die. He is currently receiving treatment and from the medical reports, he is fast recovering.

We arrested eight suspects in connection with the crime. Investigation is ongoing and the suspects would soon be charged to court, Gbolarumi said.

Mr. Gbolarumi said that 14 other suspects in police custody were arrested for various offences which included kidnapping and armed robbery.

He said that the command also rescued a kidnap victim, Oma Ebutaya, on Tuesday at Satellite Town in Calabar.

According to Mr. Gbolarunmi, the victim was abducted by four armed men in her car as she was about entering her house.

On getting the report, our `A Police Division swiftly led a patrol team with the victims relations and our men traced her to No. 45, Idang street, where she was rescued.

She has since been reunited with her family and investigation is ongoing to track the perpetrators, he said.

He solicited the cooperation of residents in the state in the area of information sharing, saying that timely and useful information would help the command to curb crime.

(NAN)
A former Speaker, Imo House of Assembly, Nwoha Amaechi, on Wednesday said the arrest and investigation of judges on alleged corruption was a demonstration of the supremacy of the law.

Mr. Amaechi told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the law was no respecter of any person, especially in matters of national economic interest.

It is saddening to see judges at that cadre to be arrested, but I want to state categorically that nobody is above the law.

If there is credible evidence, if anybody commits crime no matter your class, whether rich or common man, you need to be arrested and tried, he said.

Mr. Amaechi, a lawyer, decried the degenerated state of Nigerias judicial system, and challenged the State Security Service and other security agencies to be objective in their investigations.

He called for total clean-up in the judicial system, saying that corruption ought not to be found in the system.

According to him, if huge amount of illegal money was found in the possession of judges, there was every need to investigate it.

The former speaker expressed confidence in the rule of law, saying that stronger institutions were the roadmap towards a corrupt-free judicial system.

He decried the level of corruption in different sectors of the polity, and said that it must be resisted. (NAN)
The Oyo State Police Command on Monday arraigned a traffic warden, Emmanuel Fagbemi, for driving dangerously and manslaughter before a Magistrates court in Oyo Town.

He was also accused of causing the death of Jamiu Ojetunde after he hijacked a truck at a checkpoint.

Mr. Fagbemi and other officers of the Area Traffic office of the Nigeria Police were on duty around Hollywood along Durbar-Akinmoorin expressway on Saturday when they flagged down a pick-up truck loaded with firewood. On the pile of firewood, were some passengers.

Upon being the stopped, the police officers asked why the driver was endangering lives by allowing people to sit on top of the firewood. He was asked to drop them all off at the check point. He did.

When asked for the vehicle papers, the driver had none. The police asked him to drive to the police station which was not up to 1 kilometer away but he refused, Muideen Olagunju, a lawmaker in the Oyo State House of Assembly, who was briefed on the incident, told PREMIUM TIMES.

One witness, Iyabo Makinde, said the drivers refusal to yield to demand, understood as an attempt to compel him to bribe the officers, infuriated one of the wardens, identified as Mr. Fagbemi.

The driver reportedly explained that he was returning from the farm and had no money.

Police said Mr. Fagbemi commandeered the truck, and attempted to drive it to the police station. He lost control midway, and ran the vehicle into a pole.

The truck flipped and killed one person. Another person who was injured later died the following morning at the hospital, residents said.

The police only held Mr. Fagbemi for the death of one person.

The Magistrate granted Mr. Fagbemi bail with two sureties, one of whom must be a civil servant on Grade Level 9.

Oyo police spokesperson, Adekunle Ajisebutu, confirmed to PREMIUM TIMES that Mr. Fagbemi faced orderly room trial just immediately the accident happened.

He said the Commissioner of Police had received the report of the orderly trial and was reviewing it.

But the outcome of the orderly trial is that Mr. Fagbemi be dismissed, while other officers on duty be demoted by one rank.

A counsel to Mr. Fagbemi said he had already been dismissed, meaning the Commissioner already upheld the recommendation of the orderly room trial.
The Nigerian Slum/Informal Settlement Federation, comprising over 70 informal settlements in Lagos, has demanded the retraction of a seven-day eviction notice issued by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

In a statement Tuesday, the group said it was shocked and dismayed over the governors pronouncement in the middle of a meeting between slum communities and state government.

We are deeply concerned that this announcement seems to be a continuation of the anti-poor policies of Lagos State against which we protested last week, the group said.

How can we engage in dialogue about partnership toward long-term solutions with an eviction threat hanging over our heads?

Last week, dozens of slum and informal settlement dwellers protested the state governments anti-poor policies, calling on the governor to include the poor in the Lagos mega city project.

At the end of the peaceful protest at the state secretariat in Alausa, the government invited representatives of the communities to a meeting the next day, October 5.

During the meeting, the communities presented the concerns of three constituencies of the urban poor in Lagos  persons living in informal settlements; persons working in the informal economy; and persons living with disabilities.

The meeting was adjourned till October 11.

But on October 9, Mr. Ambode issued a seven-day notice of demolition to all illegal waterfront communities across the state.

According to the governor, such shanties are often used as hideouts by kidnappers and militants before using the waterways to move their victims to another location.

You will see that most of the issues that we have with kidnappings are being brought up by those who are illegal settlers by the waterfront, Mr. Ambode said while inspecting the Ilubirin Housing Scheme on Lagos Island.

We will commence demolition of all the shanties around the creeks in Lagos State and around our waterways in the next seven days. I have given directives to that effect to the appropriate agencies.

In their statement, the slum communities said they were suspending dialogue with the government until the eviction notice is retracted.

The statement was signed by community representatives from Ago Egun and Ebute Ilaje in Bariga, Sogunro, Itu Agan, Ofin in Ikorodu, Ajagbe Sari Iganmu, Mosafejo Oworonsoki, Tarkwa Bay, Tomaro, Otodo Gbame, among others.

Should this notice not be retracted by end of the day on 12 October, 2016, we use this medium to inform Your Excellency that we will be embarking on mass protest across the state, the statement said.

Our communities are full of law-abiding, if impoverished, residents of Lagos State. We belong in the city and we have a right to the city as well as right to shelter and to livelihood.

Forced eviction is not only unlawful; it is also ineffective. It will also not solve whatever problems your administration hopes to solve.
The Concerned Oodua Stakeholders, a coalition of self-determination and pro-democracy groups, on Monday raised the alarm on alleged plots by some politicians to derail the November gubernatorial election in Ondo State.

At a press conference in Lagos, the groups national coordinator, Kola Are, said only a free, fair, credible and non-violent election can stop a repeat of incidents that triggered the violence in the state leading to the termination of the Second Republic in 1983.

We are not unaware of the desperation of certain political actors in the bid to showcase their relevance in the Southwest politics.

These gladiators within and outside the state are determined to use Ondo State as the turf for test-running their relevance and as a way of shoring up their popularity for the presidential race in 2019.

These gladiators are already working round the clock and behind the scene and hell bent on fomenting crises in Ondo State unless they achieve their selfish aim.

These actors are perfecting means of legitimizing their nefarious actions through the muzzling of the electoral body, militarization of the process, harassment and intimidation by security operatives, monetization and high-wire media propaganda, he said.

The group said INECs performance in recently held elections in the country had not inspired confidence.

It is no longer news that the integrity of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been unduly strained by that lacklustre and cheeky commitment to the sanctity of the electoral process in recent months, said Mr. Are.

However, the unfolding political realities are pointers to possible re-enactment of the desperation that led to the arm-twisting of INEC with respect to Edo governorship poll and the eventual manipulation of the electoral process.

The group urged the INEC and security agencies not to fail in their role as organiser and monitor of the electoral process in the state.

It called on Nigerians to caution INEC and the security agents against tinkering with the process in Ondo State.

We would not accept a situation where results returned at the polling units would be different and at variance with the final results that would be announced by INEC as outcome of the election, Mr. Are said.

We would mobilise the electorate in Ondo State to protect their votes and to vehemently reject any result that does not represent the collective wishes and aspirations of the people.
The workers of Federal University of Technology, Akure, have vowed to continue their protest until the Vice Chancellor, Adebiyi Daramola, is removed from office.

Members of Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities, Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and National Association of Academic Technologists of the university had accused Mr. Daramola of corruption and vowed to keep the university locked for as long as he remained in office.

While continuing their protest on Wednesday, the unions insisted that the vice chancellor and the bursar should not remain in office while the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission carried out its investigations on allegations of fraud against them.

The workers began the protest on October 6, following the invitation of Mr. Daramola by the anti-graft agency where he answered questions on allegations of misappropriation of funds.

Determined to disrupt all activities in the university, the protesting unions shut the gates into the university on Friday, creating commotion within the university environment.

The deployment of police officers to the institution brought the situation under control.

FUTAs Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Olatunde Arayela, who spoke to reporters on Tuesday, said the unions demand was inappropriate as the vice chancellor remained innocent until proven otherwise.

He also described the allegations as spurious and a product of misinformation.

Mr. Arayela said the workers had a grouse with the management based on the implementation of the government policy on ownership of the universitys staff primary school.

But the Chairman of SSANU, FUTA branch, Dele Durojaiye, speaking on behalf of the workers on Wednesday, said the workers would not relent in their protest until the VC stepped aside.

FUTA management went on air yesterday telling the whole world that we were agitating because of the FUTA primary school staff that was disengaged from the school and that we were requesting for money, he said.

I address you to let the whole of Nigeria know that we are not asking for any money from the University management, we are not protesting because of the primary school teachers that were disengaged. All they said were baseless lies.

Mr. Durojaiye said the unions had petitioned the EFCC on the fraud and corrupt practices going on in the university for which the VC was invited for questioning.

What we are saying is, the moment you are being investigated by the anti-graft agency, you should step aside and we want government to dissolve the council, the coucil is equally corrupt, he said.

We are also telling government that not until Prof. Biyi Daramola is removed, this University will be under lock and key. We dont care if it takes more than three months.

According to him, the unions were by their action joining the anti-corruption fight of the present administration.

Since the Vice Chancellor and the Bursar are currently being investigated by the EFCC, the practice in this university is that an officer under investigation be placed on suspension pending the determination of the allegations, he argued.

On this note, we resolved that both the VC and the Bursar be relived of their positions with immediate effect.

That an audit team be set up by the Federal Government to probe the account of the university from 2012 to date.

That the governing council of the Federal University of Technology, Akure be dissolved with immediate effect.

That a visitation panel be constituted to look into the running of the university in the recent past.
People are generally creatures of habit. They go to the same restaurants, order the same food, ask for the same server and finish with their favorite dessert.

At Girasole Ristorante & Lounge in Atlantic City, people gravitate toward three things  homemade pasta, the best carpaccio in South Jersey and branzino. After you eat all three of those things, you suddenly realize why people follow the eating habits they do. They are amazing.

Trop prepares to host its first Beer and Whiskey Fest Saturday Drinks go in and out of style. While it may be fun to see what type of concoction your local

Those three offerings  available in many styles  have been the staples since Owner Gino Iovino opened Girasole in 1992. And while there are so many other things to enjoy at Girasole  the pizza, the risotto, the ossobuco  its nearly impossible not to order a pasta, a carpaccio and the branzino at Girasole. They are all that good.

People come here and like our specialty pastas. They say our branzino is the best, and they cant find carpaccio like ours anywhere, Iovino says. The funny thing is that its been like that since day one. Those items took off right away.

Thats because Iovino takes no shortcuts.

Lets start with the pasta. There are about a dozen different styles on the menu. Our favorite  and 50 Bites+ choice this year  is the spaghetti carbonara ($18). Unlike many others that use heavy cream, Girasole does not. The creamy white sauce made with egg, imported parmigiana reggiano, butter and extra virgin olive oil is still decadent but not as heavy as others. Instead of prosciutto, which most restaurants use, Girasole uses guanciale, a better grade of the Italian cured meat that wasnt available to be imported to this country until last year. Even the spaghetti, made by La Fabbrica from spring water and wheat semolina, is top-notch and imported from Napoli. You can taste the difference.

Other popular pasta dishes using imported pasta include the rigatoni Amatriciana ($18) with pancetta, onion, pecorino Romano, grape tomatoes and red chili; the tagliatelle alla Bolognese ($19) featuring a veal, pork and beef ragu with bay leaf; and the bowtie pasta ($19) with smoked salmon in a light rose sauce.

Rio Station still stands out even after 30 years The Rio Station is undoubtedly a Cape May County dining fixture. Since opening in 1986, it h

But they also make their own pasta, including light potato gnocchi con burrata ($19) with creamy mozzarella, heirloom tomatoes and basil leaf; tagliolini ($21)  pasta a little thicker than spaghetti  with shrimp, argula and fresh diced tomatoes; and their to-die-for spinach ravioli ($19) filled with ricotta and parmigiana cheese with fresh tomato sauce and basil, which may be the best homemade ravioli in Atlantic City.

But why choose just one? Select the Degustazione ($38), a pasta tasting of three that serves two guests.

Even the pasta e fagioli ($8) is filled with homemade pasta and beans, to go along with the homemade bread, foccacia, desserts and pizza.

Its all about the ingredients, and that goes for the entire menu, Iovino says. What we use here is the best. Honestly, if you go to Italy, you would have a hard time finding a similar experience to what I offer. I just got back from Italy with four other couples from this area and wherever I took them they said, This is great, but I think Girasole is just as good, if not better. If you have a good palate, you can tell that I use the best ingredients. Its night and day from what others use. Its costly, but worth it, from the olive oil to the tomatoes we use to the meats. I take great pride in it.

You might be lucky to find one style of carpaccio ($15 to $17) on other menus. At Girasole, there are nearly a dozen in a devoted menu section. Warm, thin slices of filet mignon can be had four ways, including Girasole style with artichokes, asparagus, shaved parmigano and truffle oil; and their latest with red onions, green chili, sundried tomatoes and capers. You can also have it raw in styles including one thats marinated with fresh herbs and served with shiitake mushrooms, pecorino ginepro cheese and truffle oil. They even have seafood carpaccio, including yellowfin raw tuna with avocado, scallion, pear, lemon and mint; octopus with marinated fresh veggies; Norwegian salmon and Italian sea bass with olive oil and lemon, roasted peppers and spinach; and sea bass with fresh orange, lime, grapefruit, capers and avocado.

The quality of the filet I use is amazing, Iovino says. If I could find better, I would use it. No one uses filet for carpaccio; its too costly. When I was in Milan, everyone said they like mine better because the meat was a little tougher and not as tender. The tuna carpaccio is sashimi grade yellowfin thats $18 to $22 a pound. Its about changing things constantly and taking one carpaccio off and putting another on. People fall in love with something, but you have to keep reinventing and evolving. You cant have the same menu year after year.

Then theres the branzino (market price), a European sea bass thats white, flaky and moist if prepared correctly like Girasole does.

We are getting fish from the Mediterranean. Its farm raised, but the pools they are using has the ocean water from Greece and Italy, Iovino says. That makes a huge difference in flavor. Then we take a special salt mixture with sea salt and other salts, fresh herbs and bake it to perfection before we filet it tableside. Its nice and moist, and you can have a choice of extra virgin olive oil, capers and lemon or, sometimes, people even want a little tomato sauce.

Of course, if those three staples dont lure you in, there are plenty of other options worth exploring.

Start with the homemade burrata accompanied by grape tomatoes and balsamic made in house  thats right, even the balsamic is made in house; or the oven-baked shrimp and cannellini beans ($14) with olive oil, garlic, lemon and toasted homemade bread. For a main course, the Sunday gravy plate ($29) cant be beat, with beef braciola, sausage and meatball in tomato sauce. For a side, the polenta with meat sauce ($7) is a winner.

The Sunday Gravy has really taken off because its a great thing for families, Iovino says. They come in and share and have a great Italian family dinner in a traditional way. And with the imported pasta from Naples, its a pretty special meal.

There are also 11 different types of pizza ($12 to $21) featuring fresh dough made with Caputo soft wheat flour imported from Italy, and styles ranging from creamy burrata to white pizza with prosciutto. The desserts, too, are  you guessed it  made in house.

Girasole offers the complete dining experience starting with the well-trained, friendly staff led by manager Carmine Covino to Iovinos fashion-forward mentality as seen in its decor. The sunflower, which is what girasole means in Italian, is highlighted in the warm dolce vita-style restaurant that whisks you away to the Mediterranean, with a gorgeous lounge featuring Versace furnishings and a stylish dining room reminiscent of Milan. You will also find Italian marble tables, gold and royal blue accent colors, giant urns found during an archaeological dig in Italy and a glass curio displaying ancient Italian artifacts mixed with contemporary Versace pieces.

If you asked Iovino in 1992 if he would still have Girasole in Atlantic City, he would have laughed.

And now in 2017 we are going to celebrate 25 years, Iovino says. When I opened it was very risky. This was a town where restaurants outside of casinos just didnt work unless they were around for 100 years. And in this location, there were two other Italian restaurants that previously failed. But we did it. We have great, loyal and local customers, and when people do find us from New York and North Jersey  especially the Italian who can taste the difference  they keep coming back.

So to celebrate 25 years, Iovino has some big plans.

I dont want to say too much but there will be a renovation and a brand new menu, Iovino says. We are going to celebrate.
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SOMERS POINT  As the first phase of renovations wraps up at the Bayview Court Apartments, the new owners of the $11 million complex on Shore Road hope to bring it back to its former glory.

At one time that was one of the great places to live in the area, said Mayor Jack Glasser. Of course, over the years it went downhill.

Plagued with crime for many years, the apartment complex formerly known as The Gates was purchased by the Streamwood Co. for $11.4 million in 2014. In March, City Council approved a 15-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with the development company.

Greg Sykora, chairman of the Somers Point Economic Development Advisory Commission, said the complex is trying to attract residents who want to be close to amenities and active in the community but may not want to worry about taking care of a property.

That demographic of people spend a lot of money at restaurants. They like to walk places. We have a walking community. That property is right on the bike path, Sykora said. This property is smack-dab in the middle of the city.

Businesses in the area will see a boost from the rehabilitation, he said.

Theres no secret that it was not a safe environment previously. The police were there all the time. The previous landlord really didnt do anything to keep their people safe, Sykora said. Now, having that be an area where you dont mind spending time outside, what that brings, it brings more of a community feel, rather than I should avoid that area.

Streamwood held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Monday to celebrate completing the first phase of renovations at the 202-unit complex.

Were very excited to really show off the work thats been done on the exterior and the interior and show what weve been up to in the past few months, said Scott Leonard, regional manager for Haddonfield, Camden County-based Streamwood.

Leonard said Monday that about 60 percent of the exterior renovations and 25 percent of the interior work is complete. He said the company is working in phases on the five three-story buildings.

We have two buildings completely done with the exterior. Well have the rest of the exterior done by the end of the year, he said.

Leonard said the project was able to move forward because the city saw a need to redevelop the area.

We worked in partnership together to get where we are here, he said. The project will take about two and a half to three years. We have to kind of move around and make sure people can stay in their existing homes.

Built in 1960 and originally called the Atlantis Apartments, the one- and two-bedroom complex has undergone many changes in the past 50 years. It was purchased by WWW Associates Inc. of Fresh Meadows, New York, in 1985. A few years ago, a nonprofit attempted to establish veterans housing there but was unsuccessful.

Streamwood hopes the project is a turning point. Leonard said the renovations are more than skin-deep.

We have gone to the bare studs. We have new water, sewer lines, electrical, he said. New gas, stainless-steel appliances.

He said renovations also include new carpeting and a washer and dryer in every unit. Previously, there was a common laundry room in the basement. The balconies are all being replaced as well.

The footprints of the apartments will remain the same.

Glasser said the project means a lot for Somers Point.

The Streamwood people came in and they did a great job renovating the complex. Its a big, big project. What theyve done so far looks great, he said.
Kate Butler is an actress who portrays historical figures. This Saturday, Butler will be part of a presentation at the Emlen Physick Estate in Cape May called "Lizzie Borden: Tea and Confession."

The Press decided to sit down for a Q&A with Butler as the infamous Borden, who was once accused of killing both her father and stepmother.

How are you feeling on this fall afternoon, Lizzie?

Not one way or another. Im a spirit, you know. Technically, Im dead. It is my lot to roam the earth and tell my story until at least one person believes in my innocence. At times it is a rather lonely and often sorrowful business.

What does October, particularly Halloween, mean to you? Where does it rank in your favorite holidays?

I do not consider Halloween to be a holiday at all. It is a pagan tradition that has no place in Christianity, but is of the devil himself!

Your mother passed away when you were very young, correct?

Yes. My beloved mother, Sarah Morse, died when I was but two years old. My elder sister, Emma, was several years older than I and she became my motherly caretaker. She did very well keeping up the household and taking care of father as well. I was fathers favorite. I made him a present of my little golden ring. It moulders now in the grave amongst his bones

Describe your childhood for us and your hometown of Fall River, Massachusetts?

Id like to forget all about Fall River! What I remember most was the loud and scary clanging from the textile mills that ran day and night! Stinking black smoke and filth constantly bellowed out into the air. One night there was the horrible screaming of a workman who had fallen high from his perch at a nearby mill. Next morning I heard father telling Emma of the incident and how it was the poor mans own fault for over celebration of his Irish heritage. He also said that Fall River would still be the serene waterway it once was had not the Irish defiled it. But father owned that particular mill. Infact, he owned two banks and had stock in nearly every business venture in town. And what of beauty? We lived at 92 Second Street  a slum compared to addresses on The Hill. We were still using chamber pots to dispose of our waste! Degrading indeed!

How did you feel about your father marrying Abby Durfee Gray? How was your relationship with her?

At first, I welcomed Abby into our home. She was attentive and easily engaged in pleasant conversation. I was by then 10 or 11 years old and was soon in the habit of calling her mother. It was Emma who became furious and warned me not to be fooled by that women who was there to one day rob us of our inheritance. Emma was so stern regarding the matter I stopped referring to the woman as Mother and began calling her Mrs. Borden, as Emma had.

Did you ever feel violent towards her?

Not really and truly. I was of a gentler nature than Emma and I had established a good name and reputation guiding the youth within our church congregation. It had been many years since Mrs. Borden had married father, taking over lock and key of the household duties. By 32 years of age, I had grown used to Mrs. Borden presence in the house. At 40, Emma never had. This hurt Mrs. Bordens feeling very much in the beginning, but I suppose she too became immune to Emmas rude treatment of her.

Tell us about the days leading up to the deaths of your parents. What jumps out to you?

Uncle John Morse, Mothers brother, had arrived to counsel father on his Last Will and Testament. We heard rumor that father saw fit to alter the document, not in Emmas nor my favor. I realized then that Emma had been correct in her assessment of Mrs. Borden. Just a short time before, father had given away a house to Abbys sister! It was part of our inheritance! We knew it would only be a matter of time before Uncle Morse would carry the document of our destiny away to be legally bound by law! What would we do? I was not yet married and Emma had no prospects as an old maid. Something had to be done.

Why dont you tell us what you remember from the night your father and stepmother were murdered?

Why dont you mind your own business and read what has been public knowledge for more than a hundred years. Im growing weary of this conversation and must leave this place soon. Lets conjure up a glass of beer and peep through the neighbors windows!

What did you tell police, Lizzie?

Persistent pest! I begged my innocence of course! After all, my plan to head off the theft of our inheritance, (death by poison) did not take hold as I had expected. And surely, I had implicated no one else into the matter!

What do you think about when you think of your stepmother and father?

The sickening smell of rotting mutton that made them sick, but they continued to consume because father was a skinflint and nothing could be wasted. I think of the years Abby treaded those stairs that led for her, to know where She enjoyed not a dime of our inheritance.

After the murder, you were put in jail, but you were acquitted. What was that like?

The cold, dank prison cell was a hell I would wish upon no one! The worst was at night. Not a single stream of light, not one wick of a candle to ease the intensity of the darkness. I couldnt even read my Bible for comfort. I knew Id be acquitted. They had found no instrument of death.

What was the reaction of the people of Fall River when you returned home? Did you feel ostracized?

I returned briefly to 92 Second Street and had to convince an unwilling Emma to join me in the opulent new home I was building. It had every modern convenience and amenity we had been denied, but deserved, as decent young ladies. Emma would not stay long. She did not favor my lifestyle of parties and theatre folk in and out of the place. When she moved into the small little house of a friend some ways off, I never saw her again. We parted this life within days each other. It was just as well. Those who had been my champions during those dark days in prison and at trial turned to figures of hate as they crossed to the other side of the street to avoid me. I was never accepted by those gentle folk on The Hill. They were even worse. The prayed for my soul

If you could go back, would you do anything differently regarding that day in August?

I can go back, and often do. I no longer share the same continuum as beings upon the earth. I can see myself as a child, casting my rod into Swansee Lake with my beloved father by my side. In an instant my minds eye quickly transports me into the warm and shadowy sitting room where father lay as if sleeping, one eye dangling beneath its socket where it had come to rest upon a pale dead cheek.

I could not have known what treachery would befall father and Abby that day. There was nothing I could do to stop the axis spinning nor wheels of the carriage that delivered them to the boneyard. My only sense was of a gentle rain gayly bouncing and beading upon the blackness of the closed and shining casket lid.

Final question, Lizzie: did you kill your father and stepmother?

As you and the universe well know, my good sir, I was acquitted.
What does it say about a show that needs no plot to stand on? And if that show doesnt need a plot, then where do we look for a week-to-week return?

Atlanta has made it clear that it cares much less about the evolution of its characters than it does about the streets they walk on and the world they live in.

In this weeks episode, we are brought into what looks like a public access program on a fictional network called Black American Network.

The show, Montague, is holding a round table discussion centering on transphobia and its centerpiece is our favorite Atlanta rapper, Paper Boi.

Alfred is called into question for a few tweets he posted about denying to want to have sex with Caitlyn Jenner.

The host and his other guest, Center for Trans-American Issues head Dr. Deborah Holt, assume this as identity issues in the black community and a fear of an exclusion of power from the traditional male.

Paper Boi is making the case that he doesnt have to want to have sex with Caitlyn Jenner just because he is told he should, and that his opinion is his own. He even admits that he just recently had found out that transgender people even existed.

As the show cuts away from commercial, I felt the need to change the channel until I realized what I was watching was not a typical commercial but one that lives inside this world in the show. Dont be fooled, viewers. Youre in their world now.

A man pulls a 99-cent Arizona Iced Tea out of a convenient store fridge and heads to the cashier. When the price of the can rings up as $1.49, the cashier is confused.

The price is on the can, though?

In another commercial, mimicking that of Heinken or Grey Goose, a masked black man orders two glasses of Mickeys malt liquor and dances his way through the crowd as he hands the drink to a beautiful girl.

Mickeys: youre drinking it wrong.

The best parts of this show have been stepping back to see the community around Earn, Paper Boi and Darius. With these fake commercials last night, I think we saw the products of the community, quite literally. Whoa.

The satire is obvious when Im watching a commercial for pre-dump Swisher Sweets, but its also blending the real life marketing in the inner city with the surreal veil this show drapes over its market.

The best part of this show is when we get back to our program of Montague, which has done a report on a man named Harrison, who believes he is transracial.

In his mind, this black kid believes he is a 35-year-old white male. His mother mocks him (saying she could tell everyone shes Rhianna but that no one would believe her, obviously.)

Harrison, whose name is revealed by his mother to be Antoine Smalls, says he realized he was actually white when he was walking around a grocery store, not getting the respect he deserved.

This segment of Mantague is hilarious, but there are also parts to it that scream true.

If someone like Caitlyn Jenner felt as uncomfortable as the rich athlete she was, and felt so distraught that she had to make the switch to her inner female, then what does that say about people like Harrison and others in the black community who feel disrespected on a daily basis?

Harrison has decided to take the Caitlyn initiative: he makes sure his attire includes a brown leather belt and he practices his cadence for speaking white in public.

What IPA do you have on draught, he says into a mirror. Harrison is definitely done with the Mickeys malt liquor. He has much bigger plans for Game of Thrones binge-watching.

This episode was written and directed by Donald Glover and he had a lot to tie all together  so much that we only hear the mentioning of Earns character when Paper Boi yells at him for not getting paid to be on Montague.

I think its really overlooked how impressive Glover and his crew have been with regards to this show. This was Glovers first major show. His brother and co-writer, Stephen, had never written for a show before. These guys have come in and produced not only what I consider to be falls best show but also one of the most original pieces of work weve seen in a while.

And its not even close.

When we cut to another Black America Network commercial and find some children who are eating a cereal brand called Coconut Crunch-Os, we see the antagonist cartoon wolf of the cartoon commercial get tackled to the ground and arrested by an aggressive cop, an ovious jab at police brutality in the news.

The show comes to an end with Paper Boi professing his fear of not feeling cared for or appreciated.

Its hard for me to care about this when nobody cares about me as a black, human man.

The seriousness, as often with this show, is fanned down with humor, when we see Harrison appear via satellite. Hes now wearing a blonde wig, slowly easing his way into the transracial procedure. Paper Boi loses it and busts into laughs, calling him Felon Degeneres and asking if hes powering up (a Dragon Ball Z reference! Yeah!)

Harrison ends the Montague program by saying he doesnt believe in gay marriage or transgender, to the obvious confusion and appall of the host and Dr. Holt.

The tall bald man Ive mentioned made a return this week for one of the commercials where he said our chakras are often in different worlds. Thats how we are in real life. This episode showed the different prejudice and opinions we all hold and how they are often so contradictory and hypocritical.

Ill drink the tall mans juice. Ill eat his Nutella sandwich. Im all in on whatever world this show wants to take me to. Bartender! One order of Mickeys in a champagne flute!
The campaign to approve expanding casino gambling in New Jersey is down but not out.

As voter support fades for a state constitutional amendment to allow casinos in North Jersey, an Assembly committee will consider a nonbinding resolution Thursday morning that aims to clarify the Legislatures intention.

One of the main critiques of the ballot question was that it did not specify tax rates for the new casinos, exact locations or how the tax revenue would be distributed.

The new resolution, sponsored by Assemblyman Ralph Caputo, D-Essex, says the Legislatures intent is to tax the new casinos at a substantially higher rate than the casinos in Atlantic City, provide training for unemployed Atlantic City casino workers and use a portion of the revenue to develop Atlantic City, but there are no specifics given within the resolution for any of the programs.

Voters will decide Nov. 8 whether to approve as many as two new casinos. The ballot question states the new casinos must be in separate counties and at least 72 miles from Atlantic City, where four casinos closed in 2014 and another, Trump Taj Mahal Casino Resort, closed Monday.

According to a Stockton University poll conducted in late September, 68 percent of those polled oppose the amendment.

On Wednesday, Politico NJ reported that opponents of the ballot question had spent more than $11 million in their campaign against casino expansion, including $2 million from the wife of Resorts Casino Hotel owner Morris Bailey and a holding company associated with the property.

Resorts involvement in the fight against casino expansion had not previously been reported, according to Politico, but its president and CEO Mark Giannantonio has spoken out against the proposal.

Jeff Gural, operator of the Meadowlands Racetrack, has said he is still committed to building a casino at the site and hopes the measure could come back in 2018 if its defeated this year. Gural looked to partner with Hard Rock International to build a 650,000- square-foot property that featured 200 gambling tables and 5,000 slot machines at the site.

Gural and Paul Fireman, another developer looking to build a casino, spent about $8.5 million through the pro-casino expansion group Our Turn NJ, according to The Associated Press.

While supporters of casino expansion say it would benefit Atlantic City, Assemblyman Chris Brown, R-Atlantic, disagreed.

North Jersey casino promises could go unfilled, study says ATLANTIC CITY  The approval of casinos in North Jersey could have a grave impact on the Sou

Our middle-class families and retirees deserve better than the latest gimmick by Assemblyman (Caputo), which is simply the same old song with a different verse, Brown said Wednesday. It still fails to provide a specific tax rate and fails to answer how cannibalizing Atlantic Citys gaming market  will somehow help Atlantic Countys working families and retirees.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
LITTLE EGG HARBOR TOWNSHIP  New Jersey could limit building in areas that are expected to flood regularly by 2050, if planners have their way.

Thats the recommendation of the nonprofit group hired to help the state avoid future flood damage.

The planners also want to encourage people to move inland, using buyout programs and measures such as prohibiting rebuilding of repeatedly flooded properties.

NJ Future is recommending the state create a Conservation Zone seaward of the 2050 mean higher high water line along the coast, so new marshes can develop there as existing ones are lost to sea-level rise, Planning Manager David Kutner said.

The organization uses a prediction of a sea-level rise by 2050 of about a foot and a half, based on Rutgers University research.

Small areas of residential development in Tuckerton would fall in the Conservation Zone, including parts of neighborhoods near Green Street Park, Kutner said.

The analysis is specific to Tuckerton and Little Egg Harbor Township because planners from New Jersey Future were embedded in those towns and other communities for three years after Hurricane Sandy. But any recommendations accepted by the state Department of Environmental Protection would apply to parts of all coastal communities along the Atlantic Ocean and Delaware Bay.

The reports recommendations will focus on how the DEP should change its Coastal Area Facilities Review Act rules in the face of rising sea levels and sinking coastal ground. It will go to the DEP by the end of the year, Kutner said.

The nonprofit NJ Future held a public meeting in the Little Egg Harbor Community Center in the Mystic Island section Tuesday night, attended by about 30 people, to discuss its findings.

NJ Future also recommended looking at ways to encourage people to move inland, including expanding buyout programs such as Blue Acres and limiting the right to rebuild after payouts have reached 50 percent of a structures value.

Current CAFRA rules allow rebuilding in the same place repetitively forever. It defies logic, Kutner said.

NJ Future worked with officials and community leaders from Little Egg Harbor, Tuckerton and Toms River to develop the recommendations for coastal communities throughout the state.

Kutner said nothing will happen quickly.

Our recommendations are just that  recommendations, he said. Trust me, it will be a long public process. This is a start to the conversation.

Areas that would be inundated only in a 1 percent storm or greater, equivalent to Sandy, would be in an Accommodation Zone, Kutner said.

That would include much of the heavily developed Mystic Island and Osborne Island sections of Little Egg and much of Tuckerton, including Tuckerton Seaport and sections of downtown, he said.

In the Accommodation Zone, the organization suggests reducing existing development, instituting more stringent design rules and lessening impervious surfaces such as pavement.

While elevating structures will buy time, its not a long-term solution, Kutner said.

You cant elevate roads. You cant elevate sewers or water systems, he said. The problem is, as flooding occurs more regularly, elevating homes will protect those homes  but you wont be able to access them the way you access them now, if the predictions come true.

Elderly and disabled people cant negotiate elevated units, he added.

Residents in attendance expressed both a love of living near the water and the realization that floods are more common today and are likely to increase in frequency.

Theres no way you are going to stop that water, said a man who said he lives at the end of East Cala Breeze Way in the townships Mystic Island section. The water roars right across the wetlands.

This should have been dealt with years ago, said builder Paul A. Rueda of PKR Construction in Beach Haven, who grew up in the township. How come nothing was done then?

Kutner said thats why his organization is working on the issues now.

Lets not let more time go by, then look back 10 years from now and say, Why didnt we do it then? Kutner said.
Problems with North Jersey casinos

Certain politicians and special interests would have you believe North Jersey casinos would benefit that area, the state and a few crumbs for Atlantic City. Once again, there appears to be a major political credibility gap.

First, these new casinos would face the same competition, if not more, as Atlantic City and with the passing of time could also face possible closure. Second, these same politicos have never addressed how they would deal with the increase of an existing social problem: crime, such as corruption, drugs, robbery and prostitution. If you do not think that is true, then talk to the people in Atlantic City.

So who would really gain by all of this; is it that hard to figure out?

Ken Schorr

Manahawkin

Pick Trump, not more of same

Can you believe how Hillary Clinton buffaloed the FBI? The FBI that helps safeguard the country. America should not let Hillary buffalo it.

Before casting their ballots, voters should think whether they want a great and safe America, or the same Democrat way of President Obama. Then they should vote to make Donald Trump president.

With Trumps business mind, there can be no doubt that America would become great again.

Bucky Daniels

Absecon

County Democratic chairman says Trump is unqualified

It is abundantly clear that Donald Trump is grossly unqualified to be commander-in-chief. He is clueless about international affairs and questions the NATO alliance, which has been a cornerstone of American foreign policy for almost 70 years. Trump says he knows more about ISIS than the generals do, but I highly doubt he could even name one United States general.

This past summer, a group of 50 highly acclaimed former national security officials, including former Homeland Security secretaries Tom Ridge and Michael Chertoff, wrote that Trump would be a dangerous president and would put at risk our countrys national security and well-being. Truer words have never been spoken. Perhaps one day the Republicans in this region will also have the courage to speak out against their presidential candidate.

Michael Suleiman

Chairman, Atlantic County Democratic Committee

Galloway Township

Reasons Clintons untrustworthy

Regarding the Sept. 20 letter, Trump, but not Clinton, deserves lack of trust: The writer maintains that Clinton has been attacked  innuendo and pseudo-scandals and that critics have come up with nothing substantive.

It is difficult to know where to begin. A brief list:

Cattle futures trading in which novice trader Clinton turned a $1,000 investment into $100,000 in 10 months;

The entire Whitewater scandal;

The White House years, with missing (and subpoenaed) Rose Law Firm records found in Hillarys closet after two years; her complicity in the attacks on the women who accused Bill Clinton of harassment or assault; and the inquiry into the firing of the White House travel staff. The Clinton standard seems to be if you are not indicted, you are innocent;

Supposedly landing in Bosnia while under fire;

And the families of those killed in Benghazi were deliberately lied to by Hillary about the cause of events there.

The writer complains Trump has not released his tax returns, wondering what is he hiding. Hillary erased 15,000 emails and lied repeatedly about the entire email situation. What do you suppose she is hiding?

James M. Shippen

Northfield
VINELAND  City officials ignored their acting construction officials advice and failed to get detailed inspections before issuing an unsafe-structure notice for South Jersey Ice and Cold Storage, according to a lawsuit filed by the company.

The company further alleges in the lawsuit that unnamed city officials refused to listen to former construction official Kevin Kirchners recommendation that a structural engineer inspect the building.

Those officials pressured Kirchner into issuing the notice June 7 against his own recommendation, the lawsuit, filed in Superior Court in Cumberland County, continues.

Michael Benson, the attorney representing the city, couldnt be reached for comment Tuesday.

Officials call troubled Vineland ice house an "accident waiting to happen" BRIDGETON  South Jersey Ice and Cold Storages building appeared to be in such bad structur

The company wants the court to overturn the June 7 unsafe-structure notice, along with a notice of imminent hazard issued Sept. 7 by the citys Fire Prevention Bureau. The company charges that city Fire Marshal Michael Cifaloglio was, like Kirchner, not qualified to render a decision on the buildings condition.

The lawsuit was filed Oct. 3, the day before the Cumberland County Construction Board of Appeals began a hearing on the companys appeal of the unsafe-structure notice. The notice alleged the buildings roof, walls and floors werent stable. Owners had until July 10 to vacate or tear down the building, make repairs or provide an engineering report that shows the building is structurally sound.

Problems were first disclosed when the company told the city about a structural defect it found in part of the building, located in the 500 block of East Pear Street. The company needed to report the problem to the city because the city holds the mortgage on the building through an Urban Enterprise Zone loan.

Repayment of some of that $550,000 loan is also in dispute in Superior Court.

South Jersey Ice appealing demolition order A Cumberland County government board is scheduled to hear arguments Tuesday on a Vineland or

The citys UEZ sued the company, owner Mark F. DiMeo, Hilda M. DiMeo, and Crystal IceBridgeton LLC on Sept. 26. Crystal Ice was a Bridgeton ice house that burned in 2008. Crystal Ice and South Jersey Ice and Cold Storage are part of a company called Hilmark Inc. Hilmarks address is the same as South Jersey Ice and Cold Storage.

According to the UEZ lawsuit, monthly payments of $3,662.75 werent made in April, May, June, August, September and October 2015, and each month of this year. Hilmark filed for bankruptcy in 2014, and the defendants were declared in default of that loan in July 2016, it reads. The UEZ now seeks payment of the outstanding $464,103.96, along with late fees and interest, it continues.

Company attorney Jeffrey DiLazzero couldnt be reached for comment.

The construction board of appeals hearing began Oct. 4 with testimony from city construction officials, including Kirchner. Company officials didnt attend the hearing, which is to be continued next month.

South Jersey Ice and Cold Storage officials apparently felt there was no need to be present. They allege in their lawsuit that the appeals board took so long to hear the appeal that, according to state law, the appeal was automatically denied.

In its lawsuit, the company states the appeal hearing scheduled for July 5 was, with the consent of all parties, adjourned until Aug. 2. All parties agreed to adjourn that hearing until Sept. 6, it states.

However, the city asked the board Aug. 24 to postpone the Sept. 6 hearing, something that drew objection from South Jersey Ice and Cold Storage.

The company contends in the lawsuit that without its consent to a postponement, the board couldnt reach a decision on the appeal within the 10 business days required by state law. That means the appeal was denied, the appeals board loses jurisdiction of the case and the issue will be decided in Superior Court, the lawsuit states.

Board Solicitor Edward Duffy disputed the companys allegations during the Oct. 4 hearing. He told the board that the companys consent to earlier postponements allowed the board to approve additional hearing delays.

The board opted to proceed with the hearing, deciding to create a full hearing record in the event the court sends the case back to the board.

During the hearing, Kirchner told the board he saw rusted metal stairs, rotted floor planks and corroded steel support beams during an inspection of the building.

Derek Leary, Vinelands current construction code official, also testified to seeing main steel support beams being held up by temporary scaffolding and walls left unsupported after being broken through to provide room-to-room access.
WASHINGTON (AP)  The "shackles" gone, Donald Trump stepped up his fierce attacks on his own party leaders Tuesday, promising to teach Republicans who oppose him a lesson and fight for the presidency "the way I want to."

Exactly four weeks before Election Day and with his campaign floundering, the businessman reverted to the combative, divisive strategy that propelled him to victory in the GOP primary: Attack every critic  including fellow Republicans. Those close to Trump suggested it was "open season" on every detractor, regardless of party.

"It is so nice that the shackles have been taken off me and I can now fight for America the way I want to," Trump said in a tweet that brought new concern  near panic in some cases  to a party trying to stave off an all-out civil war before Nov, 8.

In another series of tweets, the Republican nominee called House Speaker Paul Ryan "weak and ineffective," Sen. John McCain "very foul-mouthed" and "disloyal" Republicans "far more difficult than Crooked Hillary."

"They come at you from all sides," Trump declared. "They don't know how to win  I will teach them!"

Rage against fellow Republicans from the face of the 2016 GOP exposed a party slipping from mere feuding into verbal warfare with advance voting already underway in roughly half the states. Polls suggest Trump is headed toward a loss of historic proportions if he doesn't turn things around.

His scorched-earth approach, days after his sexual predatory language caught on tape triggered a mass Republican defection, threatened to alienate even more supporters.

"Fighting for the sake of fighting is not really very helpful," said former Trump adviser Barry Bennett.

Trump has acknowledged the possibility of defeat in recent days, but on Tuesday he tried to shift the blame for his struggles on Republican defections and an election system that may be "rigged" against him. On Monday, he warned of potential voter fraud in heavily African-American Philadelphia, a claim for which there is no evidence but one that could challenge Americans' faith in a fair democratic process.

At the same time, Trump's campaign is considering whether to feature Bill Clinton accusers at his upcoming rallies. Trump shocked the political world before Sunday's debate by appearing with several women who had accused the former president of sexual impropriety decades earlier.

The aggressive shift is in line with the philosophy of recently hired campaign chaiman Steve Bannon, whose conservative website has long fueled attacks on Republican leaders and perpetuated popular conservative conspiracy theories. Bannon is now leading the campaign's messaging.

The approach has done little to endear Trump to anxious party leaders. At least 40 Republican senators and congressmen have revoked their support for the embattled Republican nominee  with nearly 30 of them urging him to quit the race altogether.

Republican Speaker Ryan, in a Monday conference call with congressional Republicans, said he would no longer campaign with Trump. He said he would focus instead on ensuring Clinton doesn't get a "blank check" with a Democratic-controlled Congress, all but conceding that Trump would lose the presidential contest.

Yet Trump's aggressive shift is popular among his most loyal supporters who continue to flock to his rallies by the thousands.

"He's fighting for us," said Megan Johnston, 54, who was among an estimated 2,000 people who packed into a high school gym to see him on Monday near Pittsburgh. She shrugged off his sexually aggressive comments in the 2005 video and pointed at Democrat Hillary Clinton's shortcomings.

"He said what he said and he apologized. She should be in jail," Johnston said.

As the GOP battled itself, Clinton focused on climate change in swing state Florida alongside former Vice President Al Gore.

Gore, whose 2006 documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" focused on global warming, said Clinton would "make solving the climate crisis a top national priority."

While Trump devoted much of his fire to fellow Republicans on Tuesday, he did not ignore his Democratic opponent.

His campaign released a new ad that focuses on Clinton's recent bout with pneumonia. The ad features images of masked gunmen and nuclear weapons as a sick Clinton stumbles toward a vehicle.

"Hillary Clinton doesn't have the fortitude, strength or stamina to lead in our world," the narrator declares.

Meanwhile, Trump's campaign and the Republican National Committee declared that hacked emails released by WikiLeaks on Tuesday showed collusion between the Clinton campaign and the Department of Justice during a civil investigation into the former secretary of state's email server.

The evidence does indicate there was communication between the two about a court hearing date. But such dates are not inside information. They would have been publicly posted in advance on the court's docket.

The emails show that in May 2015, Clinton spokesman Brian Fallon alerted other staffers that the Justice Department was proposing to publish Clinton's work-related emails by January in response to requests by news organizations. Fallon, a former Justice Department spokesman, wrote that unspecified "DOJ folks" told him there was a court hearing planned soon in the case.

The name and email address of the person who shared the information with Fallon had been deleted.

As some Republicans fought to focus Trump's anger on Democrats, another longtime Trump ally openly considered walking away.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie said he was still grappling with Trump's comments from the video, calling them "indefensible." He said he still supported Trump "at this point" but was thinking about that.

___

Lemire reported from Pittsburgh and Colvin from New York. Eric Tucker contributed from Washington.
ATLANTIC CITY  An Atlantic City man faces aggravated assault and weapons charges after he and another man shot at each other last month.

Detectives with the Police Departments Special Investigations Section arrested Adalberto Tobi, 21, on Wednesday on North Virginia Avenue.

Tobi is accused of being involved in a shooting Sept. 17 at South Carolina and Adriatic avenues. Officers who responded that night to an alert from the citys ShotSpotter gunshot-audio detection system found shell casings on the ground. Later that night, they found Naim Jackson, who was allegedly shooting at Tobi, hiding in the back seat of a car.

Atlantic City teen found shot Wednesday morning ATLANTIC CITY  Police found a 17-year-old with a gunshot wound on Caspian Avenue early Wedn

Jackson was previously charged in the shooting. Tobi was charged with aggravated assault, possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose and unlawful possession of a weapon.

Tobi was in the Atlantic County jail on $100,000 bail.

Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to call the Police Departments Violent Crimes Unit at 609-347-5788. Information also can be texted to tip411 (847411). Begin the text with ACPD. All texts are anonymous.
A New Jersey search-and-rescue team including Atlantic and Cumberland county members helped make more than 100 rescues in North Carolina in the aftermath of Hurricane Matthew, officials said Wednesday.

Eighty volunteers including police, fire and emergency medical professionals from New Jersey Task Force One departed Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst on Oct. 6.

The team was headed for Florida and got redirected to North Carolina, where it made several rescues including families, children and pets, said Laura Connolly, public information officer for the emergency management section of the New Jersey State Police.

The team included fire officials from Atlantic and Cumberland counties, including Atlantic City Fire Chief Scott Evans and Vineland firefighter and hazmat technician Dan Walters.

We were going into areas where the water was 5 to 7 feet above street level, Walters said, just seeing tops of street signs.

Walters said team members rescued people from homes and vehicles, including one 98-year-old hospice patient who needed ambulance care after being taken out of the home.

The New Jersey team predominantly made rescues out of Fayetteville and Lumberton, North Carolina, Connolly said, adding that the volunteers worked in 12-hour shifts split into day and night shifts.

Evans said the team took cover during the hurricane in a school that was surrounded by 75 mph winds and power going on and off. After the storm passed, Evans said, the team got on the road only to find there was literally no way out.

It was insane; every road had trees blown down blocking the roadway, wires down blocking the roadway. I dont think Ive ever made that many U-turns in my life, he said.

While traveling, the team also rescued a family of three trapped in a car overcome by water, Connolly said.

A levy breach in Robeson County created a wave effect of flooding in Lumberton, Walters said, and the team had a few rescues in that area where people were climbing out of second-floor windows.

It caught a lot of the residents in the low-lying areas off guard, he said.

Evans said in Fayetteville, the team went to about 40 homes with 3-to-6 feet of water surrounding them.

We didnt get much sleep at all, he said. Ive experienced floods like this before, the magnitude of this was unbelievable to watch.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency designated the task force one of 28 nationally recognized urban search-and-rescue teams in the country this year, Connolly said. This was the first deployment the team has had as a FEMA-recognized team.

The benefit of being a FEMA-recognized team are the federal resources we have available to us, Connolly said.

The 80 members departed for Lakehurst from North Carolina on Tuesday, Connolly said.

While South Jersey didnt see much damage from Hurricane Matthew, the storm brought 100 mph wind, heavy rain and flooding to Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina.

New Jersey Task Force One includes members from all 21 counties and is managed by State Police and the state Office of Emergency Management.

Evans and Walters said the team felt bad for the people they met who withstood the storm, but they were glad to be rescued.

Were used to this kind of first-responder response, because thats what we do, Walters said.
VINELAND  A Pennsylvania man is under arrest for the fatal shooting of another Pennsylvania man at a local hotel, police said.

Ivan S. Strayer II, 33, of Altoona, was shot multiple times and found dead early Tuesday morning in a room at the Wingate by Wyndham Vineland in the 2100 block of West Landis Avenue, police said.

Arrested is Larry John Pulcine Jr., of Duncansville. The charges against Pulcine werent immediately available, but he was lodged in the Cumberland County jail in Bridgeton on $750,000 cash bail, police said.

Police released no details of what prompted the shooting but said Strayer and Pulcine were acquainted with each other through their employment with a company that was doing work in the area. The company and the nature of the work werent immediately available.

23 arrested in Cumberland County drug and gun bust Twenty-three people were arrested, 10 guns were seized and an undetermined amount of illegal

Police said they were dispatched to the hotel at 5:15 a.m. Tuesday in response to a possible unconscious person. Responding officers were directed to a room where they found Strayers body, they said.

Pulcine was identified and ultimately apprehended after a joint investigation by city police and the Cumberland County Prosecutors Office, authorities said.

The killing remains under investigation. Anyone with information about the incident can call the Police Departments Detective Bureau at 856-691-4111, ext. 4181, or Crime Stoppers at 856-691-0345.
Egg Harbor Citys government has been diligently pursuing redevelopment and revitalization for the past 10 years. Our plan focused on six crucial components: new housing, schools, business, recreation, tax stabilization and public safety.

Throughout those years, outside factors such as the downturn in the U.S. and local economies, the housing bubble burst, and the decline of the Atlantic City casino industry prolonged the process and made progress slow to say the least. Nevertheless, Egg Harbor City leaders pressed forward through adversity.

The facts show that there has been quite a lot done to revitalize Egg Harbor City and we have actually accomplished many of our goals and objectives. Consider just the following few examples: completed the Atlantic County Library Branch and Rose Mohr Learning Center on Philadelphia Avenue; completed Philadelphia Ave Streetscape improvements on the 100, 200, 300 and 500 blocks; built a parking lot on Cincinnati Ave to accommodate the library patrons and customers of main street businesses; built a new regional high school; and built a new state of the art water treatment plant.

We also built a new middle school; built a pedestrian boardwalk crossing bridge on Diesterweg Avenue; installed a bike path at Key Rec; built Rittenberg Manor  a 4 story senior housing complex on Philadelphia Avenue for ages 65 and older; planned and developed the new single family housing at Egg Harbor City North at Cedar Creek; built a municipal parking lot at the train station, creating a true transit hub; extended water and sewer lines to almost all areas of Egg Harbor City ; tore down the eyesore building at Philadelphia Avenue and White Horse Pike and built a new park that Leatherhead now rents for outdoor dining; renovated and professionalized the City Lake Park and added more family recreation and a professional campground manager; improved Kerns Field; and replaced numerous sidewalks, roads and curbs.

Additionally, we have welcomed over 22 new businesses to the city. The most prominent are Leatherhead, Dunkin Donuts, Auto Zone and Dollar General, and our established businesses continue to do well and more businesses are coming.

Regarding home sales, there are many good buys for young families here. A quick check on Realtor.com shows that sales of normal (non-fixer-upper) homes ranged from around $88,000 to $187,900 in Egg Harbor City throughout spring and summer. Many houses in short sales are being scooped up and renovated.

As far as taxes go, yes they are high in comparison to other communities because we are a full-service community with only 4,300 residents. None the less, council has done its part to keep the municipal levy within the 2 percent cap without cutting services or jobs. In 2016, our local municipal purpose tax increased 2.5 cents per $100 of assessed value  that is a total budget increase of about $55,000. Council has no control over local and regional school and county tax increases, nor do other communities. It is easy to simply vote no on budgets but it is quite another matter to offer suggestions as to where to cut spending or how to increase revenue! Hats off to the eight of the nine council members who actively participated in the budgeting process and had the courage to make the necessary cuts and hold the line on spending!

In conclusion, government is a difficult arena to accomplish goals and objectives in a timely fashion, let alone in times of economic downturn. Pressing forward through change and adversity and making tough decisions  true qualities of good leaders  is what is needed to be successful. As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, If you cant fly, then run. If you cant run, then walk. If you cant walk, then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.

That is just what the Egg Harbor City Council has done over the past 10 years. Haters are always going to hate and turn a blind eye to positive things for political gain. While not saviors, the majority of EHC leaders are good people who work together, pursue vision, achieve goals and objectives, and, above all, persevere through adversity! Stay strong EHC, dont be fooled by haters. We will achieve our revitalization effort if we stick together, encourage each other, and keep moving forward! I am confident there are good things ahead for us! #harborstrong!

Lisa Jiampetti is mayor of Egg Harbor City.
For decades the silt clogging waterways in South Jersey and hampering boaters has also slowed the regions maritime economy. N.J. boaters alone spend about $2 billion a year. Reduced navigation and capacity at marinas made it more likely theyd be replaced by waterfront housing.

Municipalities and marinas had the money to pay for the dredging needed to keep boat slips and channels functional, but there was nowhere to put the muck and sand being removed. Designated dredge-spoils sites  mainly pockets of uplands scattered around the back bays  were already full, and the state wouldnt approve alternative sites.

In the 1980s, for example, Ocean City wanted to remove 100,000 cubic yards of silt from a couple of city-owned lagoons to end boaters being stranded by low tide. The state, which was depositing spoils from a couple of state-owned lagoons on a nearby island at the time, told the city to go find its own site. Not possible. Nearly three decades later, the city decided to spend $2.7 million to have 50,000 cubic yards of dredge spoils hauled away, leaving 10 times as much dredging needing to be done.

Another shore problem was working its way to the top of governmental concerns during those decades. Studies looking for rising sea levels from global warming found some, but even more sinking of New Jersey coastal land and marshes. Either way shore communities are headed toward more flooding.

Saltwater marshes absorb a lot of flood water  a million gallons of water per acre. Theyre also an ultra-productive ecosystem supporting the fish of the deep and birds of the sky and much wildlife in-between. Alarm bells rang louder when a Nature Conservancy/Rutgers University look at the marshes estimated 15 to 30 percent of them would be lost by 2050.

Starting in 2014, officials involved in protecting shore-nesting birds started to think of another, proverbial kind  the two birds killed by one stone. What if dredged sand and silt, natural material already in the back-bay ecosystem, could be used to repair and restore wetlands habitats?

The state tried it first on an island in the Middle Township marshes, determining the materials were appropriate and then spraying them onto 4 acres. Endangered and threatened birds subsequently used the restored area for nesting.

A couple of other pilot projects followed. Now a 44-acre site behind Avalon is showing that the marsh itself can be maintained. What were holes filled with water are again marshland supporting native vegetation. Plants are pushing up through the repurposed material.

After three years, the N.J. Department of Environmental Protection and conservation organizations should know whether the result fulfills its current promise.

An Army Corps of Engineers official this year said restoring marshes makes more sense than building little mountains out there with dredge materials.

We hope the day comes soon when dredged back-bay material sustains the marshes just as dredged ocean material sustains the beaches  and keeps the shore friendly to boaters as well.

At the least, these admittedly costly interventions might buy the state and nation time to address its formidable challenge of many lives and much property along the shore and in harms way.
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.




Google Messages App Gets A New Look And Some New Features To Rival WhatsApp And iMessage
PORTLAND, Oregon, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

A new report published by Allied Market Research titled, "Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Market by Application and Geography - Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2014 - 2022," projects that the world cerium oxide nanoparticles market is expected to reach $734 million by 2022 from $186 million in 2015, registering a CAGR of 21.7% from 2016 to 2022. It is anticipated that biomedical segment would generate the highest revenue throughout the forecast period. In the year 2015, Asia-Pacific led the global market and is expected to maintain its position throughout the study period.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140911/647229 )



Summary of the Cerium Oxide Nanoparticles Market Report can be accessed on the website at https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/cerium-oxide-nanoparticles-market

According to Eswara Prasad, Team Lead Chemical Research at AMR, "the impact of funding and support from government is expected to positively drive the cerium oxide nanoparticles market towards the development of new materials and in widespread commercialization"

The industry players made significant investments on new commercial avenues for their product segments via strategic partnerships & collaborations. Governmental funding towards extensive research and development activities coupled with an increasing support for application of cerium oxide nanoparticles. There is a rise in demand for cerium oxide nanoparticles from various end-user industries and an increase in application scope owing to its superior properties. Also, the decrease in prices of cerium oxide nanoparticles owing to the improving manufacturing technologies is expected to drive the demand for cerium oxide nanoparticles over the forecast period. However, growing concerns over environmental impact & toxicity of cerium oxide nanoparticles, high processing costs, and stringent environmental regulations could hamper the market growth during the forecast period.

In the year 2015, polishing was the largest end-user industry, with about one-third value share of cerium oxide nanoparticles market, followed by catalyst, biomedical, energy storage and personal care & cosmetic products segment. The extraordinary physio-chemical properties of cerium oxide nanoparticles, such as catalytic, neuroprotective, high ionic conductivity and anti-inflammatory properties have increased its penetration in a wide array of application, as it results in improved performance of the end product.

Key findings of the study:

Biomedical segment is expected to witness highest CAGR of 22.3% during the forecast period.

Polishing and catalyst segment together accounted for more than half of the market share in 2015.

Asia-Pacific is anticipated to lead the market throughout 2022, growing at a CAGR of 22.2%, in value terms.

is anticipated to lead the market throughout 2022, growing at a CAGR of 22.2%, in value terms. In 2015, China and U.S. led the emergent demand in the world cerium oxide nanoparticles market.

In 2015, North America and Asia-Pacific collectively accounted for nearly two-thirds of the worldwide demand for cerium oxide nanoparticles and are expected to maintain their lead position throughout the forecast period. However, Asia-Pacific is projected to be the fastest growing region, with a CAGR of 22.2% in value terms, followed by North America, Europe, and LAMEA.

The report provides comprehensive analysis of the key players that operate in the world cerium oxide nanoparticles market such as Strem Chemicals, Inc., PlasmaChem GmbH, Advanced Nano Products Co. Ltd., Meliorum Technologies, Inc., NYACOL Nano Technologies, Inc., Skyspring Nanomaterials, Inc., Nanophase Technologies Corporation, American Elements, Nanostructured & Amorphous Materials, Inc. and Inframat Advanced Materials. These players occupy a major share in the world cerium oxide nanoparticles market followed by other tier 2 and tier 3 players worldwide.

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:

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)

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SOURCE Allied Market Research
TOKYO, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited (hereafter, Daiichi Sankyo) announced on October 12 details of the application for its "Take a New Challenge for Drug Discovery (TaNeDS) Europe 2017," a collaborative drug discovery initiative for universities and research institutes in Europe.

The TaNeDS programme was launched in Japan in 2011 to help discover new lines of research through open innovation. From 2013, it has expanded outside of Japan, opening up to researchers in Germany, Switzerland and Austria and became known as TaNeDS Global Programme. Since 2014, it has expanded further across Europe to include all EU member states and was renamed "TaNeDS Europe" in 2015. The aim of this programme is increasing collaborative opportunities with researchers in Europe.

About TaNeDS Europe 2017 Collaborative Drug Discovery Programme

1. Eligible Countries:

All EU member states plus Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Israel

2. Candidate Research for Application

New drug-target discovery, drug-target validation, and innovative technological research that could result in novel drug discovery and development.

3. Research Themes

(1) Cancer

New mechanisms and drug-target validation study for small-molecule and biologic treatments (antibody drugs, etc.)

(2) Pain and Sensory Neuron Disorder

New mechanisms and drug treatments for pain and sensory neuronal systems in vision/hearing loss

(3) End-Organ Diseases

New targets and mechanisms of end-organ diseases from heart, kidney, liver and vascular diseases

(4) Other Internal Diseases

New mechanisms and drug treatments for rare diseases, gastrointestinal disorder and anaemia

(5) Cell Therapy

Research on novel somatic stem/progenitor cells, adoptive T-cell therapy and new technology on cell/gene modification

(6) Revolutionary Drug Discovery Technology

Novel technology on oncology, nucleic acid therapeutics, gene therapy and drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics

For more details, please visit TaNeDS Europe webpage at:

http://www.daiichisankyo.com/rd/taneds/index.html

4. Budget and Period of Research

Depending on the project type, up to maximum of 80,000 (Type A) or 150,000 (Type B) euros (plus overhead) per year for collaborative research projects for 2 years

5. Eligibility

Researchers of any nationality employed by universities, research institutes and start-up companies within the EU as well as Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Israel, who can conduct research in those countries

6. Selection criteria

By matching Daiichi Sankyo's research interests as well as demonstrating originality, potentiality and possibility of drug discovery

7. Schedule

Application period: January 10 to February 20, 2017

First shortlist selection period: Late February to late Mid-March, 2017

Second shortlist selection period: April, 2017

On-site visit interview: Mid-May, 2017

Notification of final decision: Early June, 2017

Start of research programme: August 2017 and onward

About Selection Results for TaNeDS Europe 2015/2016 Collaborative Drug Discovery Programme:

The selection for 2015/2016 resulted in four projects, and the three collaborations are currently underway having one under negotiation.

(1) Applications: 191

(2) Selected: 4

The themes of four selected proposals are Cancer Biologics (Switzerland), Sensory Neuron (the Netherlands), Rare Diseases (Ireland), and Anaemia (Sweden).

About Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited

Representative: Joji Nakayama, Representative Director, President and CEO

(Code no.: 4568, First Section, Tokyo Stock Exchange)

http://www.daiichisankyo.com

SOURCE Daiichi Sankyo Company, Limited
HONG KONG, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading trust and corporate services provider Equiom has announced the acquisition of Heritage Trust Group, an independent Asian corporate services provider with offices in Singapore, Hong Kong and the British Virgin Islands (BVI).

Established in 2002 and led by Chief Executive Officer Angelo Venardos, Heritage Trust Group provides trust, foundation, fiduciary, corporate and accounting services.

Equiom's Global Chief Executive Officer, Sheila Dean, commented: "The acquisition of Heritage Trust Group expands Equiom's jurisdictional reach into the new areas of Singapore and BVI while expanding our current team in Hong Kong. Equiom's growth strategy continues to concentrate on achieving scale and substance throughout every jurisdiction we operate in. I'm pleased to welcome Angelo and his team to Equiom -- they echo Equiom's philosophy of building long-standing relationships with clients and very much mirror our client services ethos. For Equiom clients this provides further access to international services and expertise. I thank our equity partners LDC and our legal advisers Gowling WLG for their valued input and support throughout this acquisition project."

Angelo Venardos Chief Executive Officer of Heritage Trust Group added: "This is a positive move for Heritage Trust Group. Our priority has always been to provide the best service in the industry and this has become increasingly difficult in an environment faced with more competition and regulatory requirements. Becoming part of the Equiom Group will ensure our clients continue to receive the service they deserve, in addition to benefitting from the breadth of services and skills available through the wider Equiom Group. Heritage clients can rest assured that they will continue to liaise with the same contacts who will now become employees of Equiom. From their perspective, nothing will change other than access to a much expanded range of global services."

A total of 60 staff, including the senior management team, will join Equiom Group with immediate effect. The Hong Kong team will move into Equiom's established offices and Heritage will rebrand to Equiom in January 2017.

The acquisition of Heritage follows the recent announcement of Equiom's strategic partnership with Links Group in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.

Contact:

Debby Davidson

GROUP BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR - ASIA

Equiom Group

debbydavidson@equiomgroup.com

+852 3188-1143

Photo - http://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20161011/8521606489

Related Links

http://www.equiomgroup.com



SOURCE Equiom
DUBLIN, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Erectile Dysfunction Market 2016-2020" report to their offering.

The analysts forecast the global erectile dysfunction treatment market to witness a slow growth in market size of USD 4.08 billion during the period 2016-2020.

The loss of erection can be attributed to various factors such as high blood pressure, aging, diabetes mellitus, smoking, alcoholism, depression, nerve or spinal cord damage, and low testosterone levels. The condition can be treated with a broad range of drugs and implants available in the market.

The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global erectile dysfunction treatment market for 2016-2020. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the sales of different types of penile implants, ED creams, and drugs, including branded and generic drugs. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.

Key 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?

Key vendors

Bayer

Boston Scientific

Coloplast

Eli Lilly

Pfizer

Other prominent vendors

Apricus Biosciences

Cristalia Produtos Quimicos Farmaceuticos

Dong-A Socio

Endo Pharmaceuticals

Futura Medical

Meda Pharmaceuticals

Promedon

SK Chemical

Teva Pharmaceuticals

Vivus

Zephyr Surgical Implants (ZSI)

Key Topics Covered:

Part 01: Executive summary

Part 02: Scope of the report

Part 03: Market research methodology

Part 04: Introduction

Part 05: Market landscape

Part 06: Market segmentation by product

Part 07: Market segmentation by type of ED drugs

Part 08: Market segmentation by type of ED device

Part 09: Geographical segmentation

Part 10: Market drivers

Part 11: Impact of drivers

Part 12: Market challenges

Part 13: Impact of drivers and challenges

Part 14: Market trends

Part 15: Vendor landscape

Part 16: Key vendor analysis

Part 17: Appendix

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/68q7pn/global_erectile

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

press@researchandmarkets.com

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

Related Links

http://www.researchandmarkets.com



SOURCE Research and Markets
LONDON, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Following the announcement of Haig Club Clubman earlier in the year, the first TV advertisement for the new Single Grain Scotch Whisky from the House of Haig has today been unveiled, marking the official launch of the new brand variant.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161010/426741 )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161010/426742 )

The film entitled "Make your own rules" is a vibrant, bold and edgy take on traditional Scotch whisky etiquette. Featuring brand partner David Beckham, the advert playfully redefines and reimagines the stereotypical expectations of when, where and how people should enjoy whisky. A narrative of conventional rules around drinking whisky is juxtaposed against striking visual montages of lively and stylish moments amongst friends that turn the old fashioned view of whisky on its head. The energy, flair and free-spirited fun of the advert confidently defines Haig Club Clubman as a whisky where the normal rules don't apply.

"Our first advert for Haig Club Clubman aims to disrupt people's pre-conceived notions around whisky," commented Ronan Beirne, Global Marketing Director for Haig Club. "With Haig Club Clubman, we are purposefully and assertively inviting consumers to make their own rules on how to enjoy this versatile Scotch whisky. This progressive approach aligns with our long term ambition to recruit new whisky drinkers by breaking down the barriers for entry, continuing to drive the vibrancy and relevancy of the category."

Directed by Iconoclast's critically acclaimed director Nima Nourizadeh, the film artfully delivers a contemporary, up-tempo and dynamic view showcasing Haig Club Clubman as a modern and stylish whisky for enjoying wherever, whenever. Nima commented "This film embraces a whisky that is reaching out to the next generation of whisky drinkers. It juxtaposes stuffy rules with fresh alternatives to capture the Haig Clubman spirit to socialise and celebrate with whisky your own way."

Within the advert, brand partner David Beckham is pictured playing cards and watching films with friends on a rooftop against the London skyline and in a bar enjoying Haig Club Clubman with cola, the recommended serve. Beckham commented, "The advert for Haig Club Clubman feels really special as it's different to what you would expect from a whisky, especially one with so much heritage behind it. With Haig Club we have always aimed to shake things up, and it was fantastic working with Nima to bring our unique approach to life. With Clubman, we want to highlight that there is no right or wrong way to enjoy whisky, as long as you enjoy it, that's all that matters."

The Haig Club Clubman advert television commercial can be viewed on YouTube at http://www.YouTube.com/HaigClub and will appear on television and in out of home advertising within the same week.

Haig Club invites people to drink responsibly with style and in moderation. Responsible drinking is an integral part of the Haig Club philosophy and as part of his partnership with the brand, David Beckham supports this philosophy and our shared belief in quality over quantity.

Notes to editors

Haig Club Clubman (25 / 70cl) is a modern and stylish Single Grain Scotch whisky that has been matured exclusively in American Oak casks that formerly held bourbon to deliver a light, sweet taste and a smooth, clean finish. Haig Club Clubman is currently available in shops and bars across the UK. Further markets will be the subject of future announcements

ABOUT Haig Club: Haig Club is a Single Grain Scotch Whisky from Diageo produced in partnership with global icon David Beckham and entrepreneur Simon Fuller. Haig Club is as much built on tradition and heritage as it is a scotch whisky designed for our modern world. Able to trace nearly 400 years of distilling heritage, this is a Single Grain Scotch Whisky realized in a radical new way. A new variant of the brand, Haig Club Clubman, joins the original Haig Club on shelf as the first extension to the portfolio that offers different expressions to suit different occasions and tastes. Haig Club welcomes people to living well and drinking in moderation. As part of his partnership, David Beckham supports the Haig Club responsible drinking campaign philosophy and the belief in quality over quantity. Additional information about Haig Club may be found at http://www.HaigClub.com or facebook.com/HaigClub.

About Diageo: Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands including Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, JB, Buchanan's and Windsor whiskies, Smirnoff, Ciroc and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness. Diageo is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO) and our products are sold in more than 180 countries around the world. For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at http://www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo's global responsible drinking resource, http://www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Celebrating life, every day, everywhere.

SOURCE Diageo; Haig Club; Haig Club Clubman
Through years of research, HIT Robot Group made a breakthrough in integrating position sensors to nanomanipulating systems in a scanning electron microscopy (SEM) vacuum environment. This enabled its Nanomanipulation System to achieve better agility and accuracy with the world's highest automation and integration degree. By overcoming this hurdle, the company made commercialization of nanorobotics possible and thereby brought the system to the top of its field.

With this advanced technology, applications of nanomanipulation go far beyond medical care. Take new nanomaterials for example; with HRG's Nanomanipulation System researchers are now able to fetch, move, and even assemble nano materials, thus making testing on new nanomaterials much easier and more accurate.

"We see vast opportunities in nanomanipulation, especially in areas that improve people's wellbeing and truly enhance productivity in society," said Zhu Lei, vice-president of HRG. "Imagine the System as a nano-hand, as agile as the hand of a human being, only it can operate on a nanometer scale that is 50,000 times finer than a single hair."

"By virtue of the expanding Nanomanipulation System family and its competitive edge in R&D, HRG envisions to be a global leader in precision instruments and robotics," he added.

Leveraging the rich research experience backboned by Harbin Institute of Technology and the local government, HRG has long been devoted to developing China's most advanced robots including space robots, a lunar rover and now pioneering in the nanomanipulating system sector.

About HIT Robot Group

HIT Robot Group (HRG), founded in 2014, is one of China's leading robotics giants. With joint investment from the Heilongjiang provincial government, the Harbin municipal government and the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT), the Group's major businesses include manufacturing of a range of robots and robotic equipment for different industries. It is also a solution and service provider for technology companies.

About World Robot Conference

Jointly held by China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, the WRC is a platform where robotics experts and manufacturers from across the world share ideas and demonstrate their most up-to-date findings. Each year, the conference hosts forums and an expo as well as robot competitions, representing the highest standard of both academic and commercial robotics in China.

SOURCE HIT Robot Group
The ads, which appear in the United States, Iceland and Denmark, come on the heels of Icelandic Government passing a capital controls bill that discriminates against foreign investors based on their national origin which is illegal and will lead to Iceland's economic demise.

Regarding the ads, IFL released the following statement:

"By passing this discriminatory capital controls bill, the Icelandic Government is telling the world that it has no regard for the rule of law and that it has chosen the path of isolation; it does not want or need foreign investment of any kind.

"Iceland's capital controls bill harms millions of American retail and institutional investors who have savings in individual retirement plans, public pensions and endowments.

"Even though this bill discriminates against foreign investors, Icelanders should be warned that this latest move by its government will also negatively affect their wellbeing. The Icelandic government's reckless actions threaten the economic security of its own citizens.

"Discriminating against foreign creditors and forcing them to sell their bonds at a steep discount will not only repel potential investors, it will lead to Iceland's economic demise.

"If Iceland wants to avoid another economic meltdown and maintain positive growth, the government should sit down with its creditors and negotiate in good faith to find an equitable solution."

For more information about Iceland Watch and to view the ad, visit www.icelandwatch.org.

Iceland Watch is a project of the Institute for Liberty that aims to examine Iceland as the country stands at a political and economic crossroads.

CONTACT: media@icelandwatch.org, (877) 563-1633

Related Links

http://www.icelandwatch.org



SOURCE Iceland Watch
LONDON, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Report Assessing Medical Imaging Technologies Including High, Medium and Low-Field Equipment, Discussing Companies such as GE Healthcare, Toshiba, Siemens and Philips, with Revenue Predictions for Sales in the US, Japan, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, India, Brazil and Russia



MRI Products - Do You Lack This Revenue Data You Need?

Do you lack data on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems for your research, plans and presentations? Discover in visiongain's new study where that industry heads, avoiding struggles to find commercial information on that medical diagnostics and patient monitoring.

Our investigation forecasts MRI revenues to 2026 at overall world market, submarket and national level, showing what those companies and their industry can achieve. You gain data, analysis and opinion, exploring R&D, business trends and sales predictions. Those technologies benefiting medical diagnosis and treatment choice hold many commercial opportunities from 2016. Explore those possibilities, seeing the potential gains.

With our new report you are less likely to fall behind in knowledge, miss opportunities or lose influence. So please read on to explore the rising MRI industry and discover what its future market could be worth.

Forecasts to 2026 and other information to help you stay ahead in knowledge

Besides revenue forecasting to 2026, our new study shows you recent results, sales growth rates and market shares. You also explore R&D and leading companies. That 131 page report shows 25 charts and 44 tables to benefit your work.

With that knowledge you help yourself stay ahead, benefiting your analyses, decisions, authority and reputation for technological and commercial insight. See what the future holds for those devices helping medical diagnostics and patient monitoring.

Forecasting of that world market and its segments - what is possible from 2016?

Discover in our report overall world revenue to 2026 for MRI instruments. There you also gain individual revenue predictions to 2026 for four magnetic resonance imaging submarkets at world level:

 High-field equipment

 Medium-field systems

 Low-field devices

 Other related products.



To see a report overview please email Sara Peerun on sara.peerun@visiongainglobal.com

Which system types will generate most revenue from 2016 to 2026? With our investigation you assess those outlooks for sales expansion, seeing where companies can gain.

There you also explore opportunities for selling those systems in developed and developing countries. Assess needs and possibilities, seeing what is possible from 2016.

National markets - where will highest revenues and fastest sales increases occur?

High need for improved diagnoses, surgery and other treatments worldwide expand use of MRI equipment. Our analysis shows you individual revenue forecasts to 2026 for 11 leading countries' sales:

 United States

 Japan

 Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy and Spain (EU5)

 Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC).

In our new report you find regions with highest revenues, demand and sales potentials. That way you discover international prospects for companies, appraising MRI needs, advances and demands. See how high sales can go and explore trends driving and restraining them.

Events and forces influencing MRI developers, manufacturers and marketers

Our study explains forces affecting that medical equipment market, including these applications, trends, developments and needs:

 Interventional and functional MRI, cardiac, neurological and breast imaging - expanding clinical applications, also improving efficiency and usability

 Ageing populations raising medical screening demand, along with rising prevalence of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer and diabetes

 Educational efforts from companies to raise awareness and procedure volumes.

You also see how these issues affect that medical imaging industry:

 Regulations and associated policies affecting those machines' sales

 Leading companies' product ranges and refurbished systems

 Transition to ultra-high field MRI machines

 Multimodality imaging - PET/MR.

In our survey you assess economic, political, social and technological questions, exploring outlooks for business. Examine what stimulates and restrains that industry and market, seeing how companies, patients, doctors and healthcare providers can benefit.

Companies and 2020 market value - how high can overall MRI revenues go?

What does the future hold? Our analysis predicts the world market for magnetic resonance imaging will generate $9.27 billion in 2020, with further increases to 2026. Explore how that market can multiply in size from 2016 to 2026.

Our study also explores activities, progress and outlooks of leading organisations, including these companies:

 GE Healthcare

 Toshiba

 Siemens

 Philips.

With that investigation you assess what participants do and how they progress, helping you stay ahead in knowledge to benefit your authority and help you succeed.

5 ways Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Systems: Market Forecasts 2016-2026 benefits your work

In these five main ways, our new study helps your research, analyses, plans, decisions and proposals:

 Revenues to 2026 at world level and for 4 MRI submarkets - see outlooks for that rising, expanding industry, assessing prospects for technology, marketing and sales

 Forecasts to 2026 for 11 national markets - investigate leading developed and developing countries for potential revenues, needs and business development

 Prospects for leading magnetic resonance imaging specialists - assess products, progress, strategies and developmental efforts underpinning success

 Discussions of R&D - explore progress in that medical products industry, finding technological, clinical and commercial progress, opportunities and outlooks

 Analysis of what stimulates and restrains that market - investigate challenges and strengths facing those companies, helping you compete and gain advantages.

That analysis, by our in-house team in the UK, gives knowledge to benefit your planning, decisions and presentations. It shows data you find nowhere else.

Knowledge found only in our work, helping you benefit your influence and succeed

Our report gives independent analysis. There you receive business intelligence found only in our work, finding where progress and money lie in MRI technology. With that knowledge you explore potentials, helping you stay ahead in knowledge to benefit your work and authority.

With our new investigation you are less likely to fall behind in information or miss opportunity. Discover there how you could save time and effort in your work, also benefiting your influence on those vital technologies for improving diagnoses and human healthcare.

Trying our analysis now lets you explore MRI sales opportunities and predictions

Our study is for everyone investigating commercial prospects for medical imaging technologies. There you find revenue forecasting to 2026, also exploring trends, discussions and opportunities. See what the future holds and how you could gain.

So avoid missing out on knowledge to help your work. Please request our new report here now.

To see a report overview please email Sara Peerun on sara.peerun@visiongainglobal.com

To request a report overview of this report please emails Sara Peerun at sara.peerun@visiongainglobal.com or call Tel: +44 (0) 20 7336 6100

Or click on https://www.visiongain.com/Report/1741/Magnetic-Resonance-Imaging-(MRI)-Systems-Market-Forecasts-2016-2026

Organisations Mentioned in the Report

ACIST Medical Systems

Adam Imaging Parts

Agilent Technologies

Altair Imaging

Aspect Imaging

Aurora Imaging Technologies

Beekley Medical

Block Imaging

Bruker

Carolina Medical Parts

ContextVision

Cool Pair Plus

Doty NMR

Esaote

FiatLux

Fonar

Fraunhofer Institute for Biomedical Engineering

GE Healthcare

Hitachi

iCAD Medical

ICON Medical Imaging

In Vivo Corporation

Insight MRI

International Electric Company

International Medical and Equipment Service

LMT Medical Systems

M2M Imaging

Machnet

Magmedix

MagnaServ

MedRad

Millensys

Mirada Medical

Morris Instruments

MR Solutions

MRI Tools

Nano 4 Imaging

Neusoft Medical Systems

Paramed Medical Systems

Philips

Platinum Medical Imaging

Reliant Medical

Revolutions Medical

Shared Medical

Siemens

Time Medical

Teleradiology Solutions

Toshiba

Vivid Imaging

XLR Imaging

Ziosoft

To see a report overview please email Sara Peerun on sara.peerun@visiongainglobal.com

SOURCE Visiongain Ltd
ZURICH, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Squirro, the enterprise analytics and insight solution developer, today announces the appointment of Michael Hubrich as President of Sales for the company. In the newly created role, based in Squirro's Munich office, Michael will take the reigns of Squirro's global sales operations, and be responsible for customer adoption across markets, leading an international sales team from US, UK and Europe.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427460LOGO )

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427461 )



"It's an exciting time to join Squirro," says Michael, "the technology is fast gaining recognition and distinction in the market for the value its cognitive approach brings to unstructured data. What's more, we're starting to see a tipping point for large enterprises using actionable insights to drive their business decisions - Squirro is leading that charge, especially in the financial services sector. My focus is to build a robust sales organisation that can grow in line with the market opportunity."

Prior to joining Squirro, Michael was the Senior Vice President CEC, Middle & Eastern Europe, for SAP Hybris CEC (Customer Engagement & Commerce). Michael spent 12 years at Hybris, and in his last role with them, he was responsible for a team of 80 who generated revenues in excess of100M. Michael's early career was spent in various technical, account management and business development roles with companies such as Verity Germany GmbH, Categoric Software Ltd, Softline AG and at MobiDig (mobile & digital) GmbH.

"We're delighted to have Michael on board," says Dorian Selz, CEO and co-Founder of Squirro. "As a company, we're outgrowing our startup status and preparing to scale. I fully anticipate that Michael's strategic appointment will benefit the whole company. He brings with him a depth of experience that will be instrumental in helping us to mature and refine our direct sales approach, and build out our channel opportunities across global territories."

About Squirro

Squirro is a data insights solution developer. Based in Zurich and with offices in London, New York, Munich and Barcelona, Squirro is deployed by the world's leading banks, law-enforcement agencies and other data-driven organisations. Squirro's cognitive technology extracts more value from complex data environments through increased operational efficiency and additional revenue opportunities. The core suite of Squirro solutions offers risk, service, and customer insights.

Twitter: @squirro

http://www.squirro.com



SOURCE Squirro
ESCH-SUR-ALZETTE, Luxembourg, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The human gut is a complex ecosystem: Countless bacteria colonise it and help us to digest our food. Scientists from the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) of the University of Luxembourg in collaboration with the IBBL (Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg), the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg and the Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch have developed a way to study this ecosystem - the microbiome of the gut - in unprecedented detail: Their new approach allows examination of the genetic potential of the bacteria by decoding their DNA as well as assessing their activity by sequencing RNA, the molecules that are first formed upon transcription of the DNA.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427429 )



(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427430 )



They can also identify the proteins that are subsequently synthesised which in turn then catalyse metabolic reactions. "For the first time, we can now observe what happens simultaneously at the three levels of DNA, RNA and proteins within the microbial communities of the gut," says Prof. Paul Wilmes, head of the LCSB Ecosystems Biology Group, who led the study. "This is important for us to better understand diseases such as diabetes, which the gut microbiome may have an effect on." The researchers have discovered, for example, that the composition of the gut microbiota hardly differs between patients with diabetes and healthy individuals. On the other hand, the genes which are switched on or off by the resident bacteria can be very different. The researchers publish their findings today in the renowned British journal "Nature Microbiology" (DOI: 10.1038/NMICROBIOL.2016.180).

The MUST study (Diabetes multiplex family study) focused on individuals who have already suffered from type 1 diabetes for several years, and who had provided stool samples to the IBBL - an essential partner of the study. "We studied the bacteria in the stool samples from these people," says Dr. Anna Heintz-Buschart, first author of the paper. "We also analysed stool samples from healthy close relatives of the patients with diabetes." The researchers discovered that there is much less of a difference in bacterial species composition between people with and without diabetes than had long been believed. "However," Heintz-Buschart continues, "there are clear differences in what the bacteria do."

In type 1 diabetes, these differences presumably arise when the body's immune system attacks its own insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The resulting damage can radically upset the composition of digestive juices. "The gut bacteria have to adapt to the changes in their environment," Heintz-Buschart explains. "They do this by adjusting their metabolism, or in other words they change the amounts of proteins or vitamins they produce, such as thiamine. What matters here is that a change in the body's thiamine levels can exacerbate the course of the disease." The once beneficial bacteria thus become a health risk and can worsen the sufferer's condition.

Such precise descriptions of disease-related changes in the microbiome and insights into their functional effects in the body were not possible until now, stresses Paul Wilmes: "While we had been able to determine the species composition in the gut ecosystem by conventional DNA analyses, we were in the dark as to what was actually going on there at a given point in time. To use the analogy of human society: we were able to carry out a census of different individuals without knowing what they might do as a profession. Now we know who does what and when." The breakthrough came when they combined different analytical techniques: "We looked at genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic information together for the first time, meaning we simultaneously studied the DNA, RNA and proteins of the microbiome. Thus, we are now able to study which genes are transcribed and what proteins are produced at a given point in time. This simultaneous study at the three levels gives us an entirely new picture of the functional processes occurring in the gut, for example in relation to metabolism."

The medical professionals with whom Wilmes and his team collaborated see great hope in the new research approach. This includes Prof. Dr. Carine de Beaufort, who conducts research and treats patients at the LCSB and at the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg. She was instrumental in finding families in which healthy and sick members were willing to participate in the study. "We expect these studies to help us identify biomarkers," she says. "These are molecules, such as proteins, that are produced or whose body levels change in the early stages of a diabetic condition. Such biomarkers would make diagnosis easier, so that we could already take preventive or therapeutic action at a very early stage."

In order to drive the search for these biomarkers, the study must go on, Paul Wilmes asserts. "We now wish to work together with families who have children with early forms of diabetes," he says. "For young people especially, it is important to detect indicators of the disease as early as possible. After all, the earlier doctors can intervene, the better they can assure a life with as few limitations as possible." Wilmes envisages detailed mechanistic studies that will give us a better understanding of the complex functions of the microbiome: "This way, we can learn how functional differences in, say, the biosynthesis of the vitamin thiamine by the gut microbiome relate to type 1 diabetes. Studies like MUST are crucial for this, as hypothesis generators."

The MUST project was carried out in collaboration between groups at the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, the IBBL, the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg and the Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch. The project has been initiated within the Personalised Medicine Consortium and received financial support from the IBBL and the Luxembourg National Research Fund's ATTRACT, CORE, INTER and AFR funding programmes.

Notes to the editor:

Bibliography:

Anna Heintz-Buschart, Patrick May, Cedric C. Laczny, Laura A. Lebrun, Camille Bellora, Abhimanyu Krishna, Linda Wampach, Jochen G. Schneider, Angela Hogan, Carine de Beaufort and Paul Wilmes: Integrated multi-omics of the human gut microbiome in a case study of familial type 1 diabetes. Nature Microbiology

For further information, please contact: Ass. Prof. Dr. Paul Wilmes, E. paul.wilmes@uni.lu , T. +352-46-66-44-6188

Thomas Klein

Science Editor

Communications Department



UNIVERSITE DU LUXEMBOURG



CAMPUS BELVAL

2, avenue de l'Universite

L-4365 Esch-sur-Alzette

T +352-46-66-44-5148

F +352-46-66-44-3-6114

thomas.klein@uni.lu / http://www.uni.lu

SOURCE University of Luxembourg
This year, MyanmarWater 2016 is proud to receive the continued support from TSS Tokyo Ltd as the gold sponsor of MyanmarWater followed by Manila Water Company Inc., and Authentic Production Co., Ltd as the Silver sponsors and Supreme Water Doctor Group as bronze sponsor. "Manila Water is proud to support MyanmarWater as the economic drivers for Myanmar's water and wastewater industry. It is a win-win situation for us to showcase our products and technology to Myanmar's government, business leaders and communities," says Mr. Michael Rico, Business Development Manager, Manila Water Company Inc.

MyanmarWater 2016 is one of the flagship water event of UBM Asia and it is expected to bring together more than 200 participating companies from 16 countries with 5,500 attendees including the industry experts, decision makers, professionals from water and wastewater management, consultants, contractors and others. The 4th edition of MyanmarWater will continue to provide a platform for all key industry players and thought leaders in the water sector to meet with potential business partners and set up global alliances. "Given our commitment to the economic development of Myanmar and the overall wellbeing of its people, MyanmarWater 2016 is specially designed to address the future challenges of water safety and innovative solutions related to water and sanitation planning, with a clear motive to lead Myanmar toward a sustainable water future", says Mr. M. Gandhi, Managing Director of UBM (ASEAN BUSINESS), UBM Asia.

Co-located with the 2nd edition of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Myanmar, The Myanmar's leading Renewable Energy event is a B2B tradeshow with a uniquely clear focus on the spectrum of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency solutions and innovations. The renewable energy event will showcase the latest ideas, technology and solutions including the hydropower & wind, solar thermal & PV, biomass, biogas, biofuel, geothermal and more.

Admission is free. If you wish to visit MyanmarWater 2016, kindly log-on to www.myanwater.com or to register for Renewable Energy Myanmar 2016, log-on to www.renewableenergymyanmar.com.

Notes to Editor:

UBM is the organiser of MyanmarWater 2016.

About UBM Asia (www.ubmasia.com)

UBM Asia is Asia's leading exhibition organiser with a track record of 30 years and operates from its offices in Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines with over 70 events in the region. UBM Asia organises the leading water event ASIAWATER (Malaysia, 10 - 12 April 2018) together with the water series event in VietWater (Vietnam, 9 - 11 November 2016) Water Philippines (Philippines, 22 - 24 March 2017) and ThaiWater (Thailand, 7 - 10 June 2017). Apart from that, Renewable

Energy Myanmar is part of the UBM successful series of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency event in ASEAN region which include Renewable Energy Vietnam (Saigon, 9 - 11 November, 2016), Renewable Energy Philippines (Manila, 22 - 24 March, 2017), Renewable Energy Asia (Bangkok, 7 - 10 June, 2017), Renewable Energy India (Greater Noida, 20 - 22 September, 2017) and Renewable Energy Myanmar (Yangon, 26 - 28 October, 2017).

Related Links:

Related Links

http://www.myanwater.com



SOURCE UBM Asia (Malaysia)
OOSTERHOUT, Netherlands, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Following a 2015 global corporate commitment to source seafood from MSC and ASC certified fisheries, IKEA Spain has now made MSC certified Pacifical tuna available for all their customers becoming the first IKEA market to offer 100 percent wild tuna, certified as sustainably caught in the pristine ecosystem of the PNA waters and fully traceable from sea to plate. The decision of IKEA Spain illustrates the company's solid global leadership towards tuna sustainability as well as their support to 8 Pacific economies largely dependent on tuna.

"IKEA's commitment towards seafood sustainability delivers an influential message; Regardless of the nature of our business, we are all accountable as market participants to guarantee tuna species are available for generations to come. We congratulate IKEA Spain for its leading and bold step in marine conservation and look forward to continue working closely together to supply other regions with Pacifical MSC certified tuna" - Henk Brus, Managing Director. Pacifical.

While being best known for its furniture business, the IKEA Food business represents over five percent of the IKEA Group total revenue and has been recently valued at over EUR 1.7 billion The MSC certified tuna on IKEA's Spain menu is caught in the world's largest ocean, The Western Central Pacific, by setting nets only on free schools of adult fish, ensuring that bycatch of unwanted species and juvenile tuna is largely eliminated.

In addition to the sustainability factor, the IKEA MSC certified Pacifical tuna is being cooked and cleaned in a local PNA / Pacific-based processing facility, generating work and income to over 1,000 local families, whose livelihoods largely depend on tuna.

"IKEA aims to work closely with our suppliers to achieve people and planet positive impacts over the long term through our strategy in People & Planet Positive. IKEA recognized the opportunity to help transform a significant share of the seafood market by supporting demand for certified fish and working to increase MSC and ASC fisheries, farms and supply chains around the world, now in partnership with Pacifical too" - Kevin Johnson IKEA Food Manager Spain.

Independent MSC trained onboard observers monitor and record all Pacifical MSC Certified Tuna fishing operations according to the strictest MSC chain of custody (COC) standards. The PNA COC provides assurance that the tuna was caught in a sustainable way. Around 50 percent of the world supply of skipjack is caught in the PNA waters, which includes a substantial supply of sustainably caught free-school MSC tuna, making Pacific island nations the single most important source of raw material for the global tuna industry.

"Demand of sustainable seafood is growing among Southern Europe consumers. Moreover, in Spain the value of MSC certified seafood has grown over 110% in value in the last year. The partnership of IKEA and Pacifical to provide certified MSC tuna at IKEA restaurants, is a great opportunity to raise awareness on the sustainable choices in the market and to bring support to the fisheries more committed to sustainable practices" Laura Rodriguez, MSC Program Director in Spain and Portugal.

About IKEA Iberica

The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of functional and well-designed products at affordable prices for the many people. The IKEA Group currently operates 315 stores and 22 delivery points in 28 countries. IKEA was founded in 1943 in Sweden. At the end of last year, the IKEA Group had 135,000 employees and received 783 million visitors in the stores and 2,100 million visitors to the website http://www.IKEA.com.

In Spain, IKEA group currently operates 16 stores in Spain located in Alcorcon, San Sebastian de los Reyes, Ensanche de Vallecas (Madrid), Badalona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat ans Sabadell (Barcelona), Castilleja de la Cuesta (Sevilla), Malaga, Jerez (Cadiz), Barakaldo (Bizkaia), Pola de Siero (Asturias), Murcia, Zaragoza, A Coruna, Arroyo de la Encomienda (Valladolid) and Alfafar (Valencia). It also has the Delivery Point of Navarra and two distribution centers in Valls (Tarragona) that supply products to the company stores in Southwest Europe and constitute the logistics base for the expansion of IKEA in the Iberian Peninsula.

About Pacifical

Pacifical is the global marketing company jointly set up by 8 Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) in 2011 to promote the PNA region and actively trade their MSC certified sustainably caught free school skipjack and yellowfin tuna to consumers around the world. Pacifical MSC certified skipjack and yellowfin tuna from PNA waters is available in 12 different countries around the world and all products carry the Pacifical logo as clear representation of the end market's commitment with the PNA region and recognition to those nations managing the tuna stocks in their waters on a daily basis. [http://www.pacifical.com]

About the PNA

The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) control the world's largest sustainable tuna purse seine fishery. PNA Members, located within the Western Central Pacific Ocean, are Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. In 2011, the PNA skipjack tuna caught without using FADs was certified by the Marine Stewardship Council as sustainable, creating the world's largest sustainable tuna purse seine fishery. PNA yellowfin tuna caught without using FADs was added to the certificate in February 2016. The PNA countries together have 25% of the world tuna stocks in their waters and together manage the largest sustainable tuna purse seine fishery in the world. In 2016 the PNA have been named the winner of the Seafood Champion Award for Vision 2016 at the global Seafood Summit. [http://www.pnatuna.com]

About Marine Stewardship Council

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is recognized as the world's leading certification program for sustainable, wild-caught seafood. In collaboration with fisheries scientists and marine experts, the MSC has developed two global, science-based standards. The MSC Fishery Standard evaluates the sustainability of fisheries and the MSC Chain of Custody Standard ensures that any seafood carrying the blue MSC ecolabel is traceable to a certified fishery.

Media Contacts:



Cynthia Asaf

Marketing and Sales Manager

Ph Direct: +31-162-71 4041

cynthia@pacifical.com



SOURCE Pacifical
STUTTGART, Germany, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- PHNIX, a leading swimming pool heat pump supplier in China, was well received with its Swimming/Spa Pool Heat Pump, Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump and Heat Pump Dehumidifier at interbad 2016 from September 27 to 30.

International Trade Fair interbad 2016

Interbad 2016 mainly focuses on swimming pools, sauna and spas. The 4-day exhibition attracted an international audience of about 500 exhibitors and 15,000 guests from 64 countries. Among them, many were experts in the area of pool heat pump product innovations, latest trends and developments, and can set benchmarks for the field.

PHNIX at interbad 2016

PHNIX showcased a comprehensive pool heat pump series, including:

EVI Spa/Swimming Pool Heat Pump (newly-launched)

(newly-launched) Heat Pump Dehumidifier

Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump

Vertical Swimming Pool Heat Pump

Horizontal Swimming Pool Heat Pump

All of them were so eye-catching and popular that many were purchased on-site by professional buyers. interbad 2016 not only helped PHNIX promote its heat pumps, but it greatly enhanced PHNIX's understanding of the German market, the entire European market, state-of-art heat pump technology and future trends.

PHNIX's Popular Products on Site

PHNIX continuously focuses on the research and development of new swimming pool heat pump technology, including inverter technology and Enhanced Vapor Injection (EVI) technology.

By adopting EVI technology, an EVI Spa/Swimming Pool Heat Pump can operate safely and stably at an ambient temperature as low as -25oC and an outlet water temperature as high as 43 oC. Compared with normal swimming pool heat pumps, PHNIX's EVI Spa/Swimming Pool Heat Pumps have a wider ambient working temperature range and a higher COP for spas, swimming pools for both domestic and commercial uses. On-site at interbad PHNIX attracted great attention, especially from buyers from low-temperature regions like Russia and Northern Europe.

PHNIX's inverter technology ensures that pool heat pumps at a higher COP, that there is a shorter heating time and less energy used when compared with normal heat pumps. PHNIX's Inverter Swimming Pool Heat Pump has a high-end controller with a 5-inch color touch screen. The temperature and power consumption curve on it makes its energy use crystal clear. In addition, with the PHNIX Smart Pool Heater app you can control your heat pump, whenever and wherever you are.

About PHNIX

Founded in 2002 by Andrew Yi Zong, Guangdong PHNIX Eco-Energy Solution Ltd. is an international enterprise that specializes in the R&D and production of heat pump products and energy-saving solutions. Nearly 50% of PHNIX products are exported to Europe, The United States and other overseas markets. Headquartered in Guangzhou, China, PHNIX has been named a China High-quality Brand and Guangzhou High-tech Enterprise. For more information about PHNIX and its products, please visit www.phnix-e.com.

SOURCE Guangdong PHNIX Eco-Energy Solution Ltd.
PUNE, India, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The report "Precast Construction Market by Product (Columns & Beams, Floors & Roofs, Girders, Walls, Staircases, Lintels, and Paving Slabs), Type (Modular and Manufactured), End-use Sector (Residential and Non-Residential), and Region - Global Forecast to 2021", Published by MarketsandMarkets, The Precast Construction Market size is estimated to grow from USD 124.77 Billion in 2015 to USD 177.09 Billion by 2021, at a CAGR of 6.10%.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160303/792302 )

Browse 114 market data tables and 54 figures spread through 184 pages and in-depth TOC on "Precast Construction Market - Global Forecast to 2021"

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/prefabricated-construction-market-125074015.html

Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report.

This market is projected to witness substantial growth in the next few years with the increase in demand for new constructions across the world, owing to the rapid urbanization and industrialization with large-scale investments in industrial and infrastructure sectors. Rise in construction activities in emerging economies and increase in inclination toward sustainable construction methods are increasing the reliance on modern construction techniques, thus creating growth opportunities for the Precast Construction Market.

Make an Inquiry: http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Enquiry_Before_Buying.asp?id=125074015

The eco-friendly appeal of precast construction components and techniques, and its acceptance have helped it to enter the global market. Many innovations in designs & technological advancements have been witnessed by the industry in the last decade.

Non-residential precast constructions to gain maximum traction during the forecast period

The non-residential buildings segment dominated the market in 2015 and is projected to be the fastest-growing end-user sector in the next five years. As a result of the rise in urbanization and industrialization, this market is mostly driven by the upward surge in the demand for new constructions across the world. Increase in public and private investment in the infrastructure sector in the emerging economies of Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Latin America are drivers of this growth.

"The Asia-Pacific region constitutes the largest share in the Precast Construction Market."

Asia-Pacific contributes a major market share in the global Precast Construction Market. Increase in industrialization as well as population in the countries such as China, Indonesia, and India, which are experiencing high demand for residential and non-residential constructions, drives the market in these countries. The rapid urbanization in these countries demands faster and cost-efficient construction of buildings and facilities without compromising on quality. Additionally, increased government investments in infrastructural constructions provide potential for growth of the Precast Construction Market in these countries.

The key players in the Precast Construction Market include Acs actividades de construccion y servicios, S.A (Spain), Komatsu Ltd. (Japan), Bouygues Construction (France), Larsen & Toubro Limited (India), Taisei Corporation (Japan), Balfour Beatty plc (U.K.), Kiewit Corporation (U.S.), Laing O'Rourke (U.K.), Julius Berger Nigeria Plc (Nigeria), and Red Sea Housing Services (Saudi Arabia).

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http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/cladding-system-market-148899031.html

Fiber Cement Market by Material (Portland cement, Sand, Fiber, And Other Materials Including Paints and Additives), Application (Siding, Roofing, Molding & Trim, and Other Applications), End-Use (Residential and Non-Residential) - Forecast to 2021

http://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/fiber-cement-market-186027265.html

About MarketsandMarkets

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VILNIUS, Lithuania, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The Irish low cost carrier Ryanair is expanding its maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) base in Kaunas, Lithuania. The transport industry giant is planning to invest around 250,000 into expanding the facilities of its maintenance unit, Kaunas Aircraft Maintenance Services (KAMS), which is located at Kaunas International Airport.

According to KAMS's accountable manager, Karolis Cepukas, a range of new workshops will be opened at the facility thanks to this new investment. "This year, the expected volume of airframe maintenance and aircraft components in Kaunas is increasing," says Mr Cepukas, "so it was decided to open additional workshops for aircraft components within our existing hangars. We are opening workshops for repairing aircraft airstairs, filling oxygen cylinders, and working on metal and composite parts. In addition, we will be hiring additional aircraft airframe technicians," he explains.

The company expects its turnover to jump 20 % this year, and is planning a 30% increase in the number of aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul specialists it employs. After the expansion, around 140 specialists will be employed at the facility.

KAMS's growth is closely related to the continued expansion of Ryanair's fleet; by 2020 the company will be operating in excess of 500 aircraft. And in this context of continued strong growth, KAMS is optimistic that in the future new hangars for aircraft refinishing and other maintenance activities could be opened at the Kaunas facility.

Lithuania's aviation industry has the potential to continue growing in the future thanks to recent reforms to the study programmes provided by Lithuanian higher education institutions, which were proposed by the industry and supported by Invest Lithuania.

Aviation companies operating in the Kaunas region will provide Aviation Engineering students at Kaunas University of Technology (KTU) with the opportunity to accumulate more practical experience during their studies. In their third year, students will be able to do a full year internship at one of the many aircraft maintenance and repair organisations participating in the scheme.

This will enable graduates to have at least 1 year of experience, thus meeting internationally recognised EASA requirements. Further initiatives by education institutions will mean study programs can be certified as meeting EASA basic training requirements. These steps mean companies will acquire well-trained technicians, and will lower the investment companies need to make, as the theory part of their training would be partially covered by government funding.

SOURCE Invest Lithuania
BELFAST, Ireland and SOUTHAMPTON, England, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Two firms working together to introduce strategic reporting layer to JIRA software project management users worldwide.

ServiceClarity, a provider of SaaS-based strategic reporting tools for cloud development and operations managers, has today announced a partnership with Clearvision, consulting specialists in JIRA.

Software developers across the world are increasingly relying on JIRA as a means of managing multiple, concurrent, cloud-based application development tasks and projects. JIRA is developed and marketed by Atlassian who serve over 50,000 customers globally, including 85 of the Fortune 100.

Clearvision, an Atlassian Enterprise and Platinum Expert, helps client companies implement JIRA alongside offering expert consulting, support, hosting and training services for the rest of the Atlassian tools.

Clearvision is now extending its JIRA-focused offerings to customers that need a more strategic view of software projects. By implementing ServiceClarity, customers are provided with a richer, deeper and more strategic view of multiple software development projects in real time.

According to Colm Hayden, CTO of ServiceClarity, "JIRA is a superb tool for managing cloud based software projects. But when many projects are being managed concurrently it's impossible to tell what's going on at a macro level, or what productivity levels are being achieved by different teams. ServiceClarity provides this strategic view - allowing software managers to drive efficiencies in development, operations and support by measuring the KPIs that matter - cost, quality, time-to-market and customer satisfaction. Our partnership with Clearvision allows heavyweight JIRA users to optimise their development and operational processes, reduce cost and deliver business value - with the support that's required from a global JIRA implementation specialist."

Gerry Tombs, Managing Director of Clearvision, explains the logic of this 'strategic view' of software development:

"The cloud allows development teams to deliver faster than before, using many ready-made resources. However, it is not uncommon for this to result in project bloat, poorly designed processes, and quite a degree of duplication of effort. By having a more strategic view - made possible by ServiceClarity - JIRA users can reap the double benefits of great project management tools as well as better management of development resources. It's this combination of strategic and project management that makes ServiceClarity with JIRA particularly compelling. And we're there to help ensure everything works seamlessly."

For further information about ServiceClarity please visit http://www.serviceclarity.com/. For information about Clearvision's Atlassian JIRA services visit https://www.clearvision-cm.com/atlassian/

For further information about this media release please, in the first instance, contact Jeffrey Peel of Quadriga Consulting.http://quadrigaconsulting.co.uk/index.php/contact-us/

Media Contact: Jeffery Peel, jeff@quadco.co.uk

SOURCE Quadriga Consulting
Growth Opportunities for Healthcare Big DataAn Analysis of Global Case Studies is part of Frost & Sullivan's Connected Health Growth Partnership Service program.

For complimentary access to more information on this research, please visit: http://frost.ly/wh

"Globally, healthcare is moving towards value-based, preventive models of care, albeit at varying degrees across countries," said Transformational Health Research Analyst Natasha Gulati. "In the next five years, a number of countries in Europe and Asia-Pacific will adopt care models that reward clinicians for improving long-term patient outcomes, particularly for chronic diseases, rather than volume of care delivered. This change in key performance indicators will necessitate better data aggregation, analytics, and compliance from clinicians."

In its recent analysis of this evolving market, Frost & Sullivan assesses a large set of healthcare Big Data case studies to identify stakeholders and segments that will present attractive opportunities for Big Data solutions going forward. Case studies include:

IBM's Big Data solutions for the African Government's Ebola Humanitarian Efforts, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services' insurance fraud identification efforts, the Seattle Children's Hospital's care efforts, as well as industry partnerships to develop new solutions for diabetes care with Medtronic and self-care apps on Apple smart devices

SAS's analytics for HealthPartners to reduce costs and improve patient care

Elsevier product partnerships with Germany's public insurance vendor, spectrumK, as well as Indian healthcare provider Medanta and Taiwan's Cathay General Hospital

An increasingly data-empowered clinical workforce and consumer base are demanding on-the-go data analytics to better manage care. While consumer and end-user interest is high, a critical missing element at an enterprise level is a change management strategy which goes beyond training clinicians on Big Data tools.

"The value of health data lies in meaningfully integrating and analyzing structured and unstructured health data so that it helps clinicians develop unprecedented approaches and solutions to real-world problems," noted Gulati. "Change management driven from within by opinion leaders, and in collaboration with IT decision makers, will create a strong drive towards Big Data management and analytics in the next five years."

Ultimately, the goal is to make healthcare more predictive and prescriptive through meaningful information and insights. The primary areas of Big Data and analytics application will be Population Health Management (PHM), Clinical Decision Support (CDS), and real-world data. By 2020, the global healthcare big data and analytics market revenue is expected to reach $7.50 billion with the Americas leading, Europe catching up fast, and Asia a distant third.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, works in collaboration with clients to leverage visionary innovation that addresses the global challenges and related growth opportunities that will make or break today's market participants. For more than 50 years, we have been developing growth strategies for the global 1000, emerging businesses, the public sector and the investment community. Contact us: Start the discussion

Growth Opportunities for Healthcare Big DataAn Analysis of Global Case Studies

9AB9

Contact:

Jana Schoneborn

Corporate Communications  Europe

P: +49 (0)69 77033 43

E: jana.schoeneborn@frost.com

http://ww2.frost.com

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SOURCE Frost & Sullivan
Ubiquity to Open Multilingual Operations Site in Budapest, Hungary

NEW YORK, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ubiquity, an innovative and rapidly-expanding business services organization, today announced a significant expansion of its global delivery network with the opening of a new delivery center in Budapest, Hungary.

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Ubiquity is scheduled to open its Budapest site in February 2017. The new site has capacity for more than 200 new employee positions in support of the European, Middle Eastern and African (EMEA) markets. The company, which has deep expertise in the financial services and payments space, is expected to service clients in all major European languages from the site.

"The professional talent available in Budapest is very impressive," said Matt Nyren, Ubiquity's founder and president. "Budapest's human capital and business capabilities are well known, and we expect to deliver great service for customers in Europe and beyond from our new site."

Ubiquity plans to commence hiring shortly and begin operations after the start of the calendar year. Ubiquity's growth in Europe is being complemented by ongoing expansion in the North America, Latin America and the Asia-Pacific operating regions.

"Ubiquity is just the type of exciting, innovative company that we are looking to attract to Hungary," said Robert Esik, President of the Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency (HIPA). "Our country's highly-skilled and multilingual talent base will enable Ubiquity to offer a robust, pan-European delivery solution to a wide variety of business servicing needs, including markedly high value-added activities."

About Ubiquity Global Services

Ubiquity Global Services (www.ubiquitygs.com) is a multinational services organization offering innovative customer experience management solutions, risk management services and interactive voice response (IVR) solutions. Ubiquity has developed a next-generation technology platform engineered for operational excellence while delivering our clients meaningful and actionable business intelligence. Headquartered in New York City, the companys expanding network includes service delivery locations in the United States, Portugal, El Salvador and the Philippines. Together with its clients, Ubiquity is pioneering a new approach for maximizing the potential of every customer contact.

Contact:





Ubiquity Global Services Dreamtek Contact: Stuart Littler Contact: Garrett Doyle Phone: +1 646-679-4903, 480-226-2023 Email: garrett@dreamtek.tv Email: stuart.littler@ubiquitygs.com



Related Links

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SOURCE Ubiquity Global Services, Inc.
November event set to bring together leaders in the U.S. and Europe to advance LEED and green buildings across the continent

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), conference partner of the 2016 Green Building Expo, announced today that Kay Killmann, president of the German Green Building Association (GGBA) and USGBC's official business and education partner in Europe's largest LEED market, will keynote the event.

Held by Energo Group, the conference is set to take place 2-4 November, 2016 at Belexpocentar Hall, Belgrade, Serbia. It is one of Europe's biggest green building industry gatherings of international companies engaged in the promotion of sustainability in the built environment. Today there are more than 1,500 LEED-certified green buildings across Europe, a number that is predicted to increase by as much as 10 percent in 2017. LEED is the most widely used green building rating program in the world.

"Europe plays an important role for the future of LEED and the green building movement, particularly when it comes to the existing buildings market," said Mahesh Ramanujam, COO, U.S. Green Building Council and president, Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI). "USGBC and GBCI are increasing local capacity around the globe and providing new digital tools to take LEED and building performance goals to a new level, which we look forward to showcasing at this year's Expo."

Killmann leads Europe's LEED technical collaboration, represents Germany on the LEED International Roundtable and works extensively with his regional counterparts to ensure LEED's successful integration into European code and building practices.

"Kay Killmann joins the roster of impressive participants for 2016 Green Building Expo, and his sustainability expertise will undoubtedly resonate with our attendees," said Marija Golubovic, principal and owner of Energo Group. "The event will bring together industry professionals from the architecture, construction, real estate and building sectors to connect and hear leaders deliver insight, technical knowledge and timely remarks on how to grow and accelerate LEED and green buildings across Europe."

Spread across two days, the 2016 Green Building Expo will also provide participants with a variety of events and workshops, specifically:

A presentation on measuring building performance and a LEED v4 workshop with Corey Enck , vice president, LEED Technical Development at USGBC

, vice president, LEED Technical Development at USGBC The economic impact of green buildings with USGBC LEED Fellow Marni Evans

A session about GRESB, an organization that assesses the ESG performance or real estate portfolios and infrastructure assets, with Rumyana Hristova , GBCI's strategic communications director.

, GBCI's strategic communications director. A workshop on the WELL Building Standard.

A green journalism workshop with Joe Crea , USGBC's director of international marketing and communications.

More information on the conference is available now at http://www.greenbuildingexpo.rs/en/Register today and follow the Expo on social media with the hashtag: #EuroGreenBuilding

Media Contact: Marisa Long, 1-202-552-1500, Mlong@usgbc.org

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SOURCE U.S. Green Building Council
ZURICH, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

The Jacobs Foundation announces the recipients of the 2016 Klaus J. Jacobs Awards endowed with 1.2 million Swiss francs. Professor Orazio P. Attanasio, Head of the Department of Economics at University College London (UCL) and Research Director at the Institute for Fiscal Studies, receives 1 million Swiss francs for his use of economic models and field experiments to assess and shape early child development programs and policies in low income countries. 200,000 Swiss francs go to ICS-SP in Kenya for their Skillful Parenting Program in East Africa aimed at improving early childhood development, parenting and agricultural practices in rural areas.

The early years of childhood set the course on key counts for the development of cognitive and social skills and significantly influence success in adulthood. What matters most for early childhood development? How successful are interventions? The Zurich-based Jacobs Foundation continuously pursues answers to these pressing questions by promoting research and showcasing best practice in the field of child and youth development with the Klaus J. Jacobs Awards.

Early childhood development and parenting skills

This year's awards winners complement each other by stressing the importance of parenting skills for early childhood development. Prof. Attanasio could show that developmental improvements can be achieved by parents "investing" in more time with their children (important for socio-economic skills) and in stimulating materials such as toys and books (important for cognitive development).

ICS-SP targets its program towards mothers and fathers starting from local perspectives on parenting and building on community structures for delivery and adaptation.

A detailed media kit for the two award winners is available under: http://jacobsfoundation.org/klaus-j-jacobs-awards/media-kit/

Contact



Alexandra Guntzer, Head of Communication

Seefeldquai 17, 8034 Zurich

alexandra.guentzer@jacobsfoundation.org

T +41(0)44-388-61-06



SOURCE Jacobs Foundation
SAN DIEGO, Calif., Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Affirmed Housing is pleased to announce that it will celebrate the grand opening of Cielo Carmel today, October 11, 2016 at 11:00am. Located at 6050 Camino San Fermin in San Diego, the event will feature speakers:

Scott Peters , U.S. Congressman representing California

, U.S. Congressman representing Sherri Lightner , Council President, City of San Diego

, Council President, Richard Gentry , President & CEO, San Diego Housing Commission

, President & CEO, San Diego Housing Commission Jack Manning , President, Boston Capital

, President, Boston Capital James Silverwood , President, Affirmed Housing

Cielo Carmel is the inclusionary component of R&V Management's Avino Apartments in Pacific Highlands Ranch, a master planned community in Carmel Valley. Cielo Carmel was designed to maximize efficiency, amenities, and affordability, making it one of Carmel Valley's premier family communities.

Cielo Carmel features 197 homes for households earning 50-60% of the Area Median Income. There are 34 one-bedroom, 97 two-bedroom, and 66 three-bedroom homes, offered in 17 two-story, townhome-style buildings. The community also features over 1800 square feet of interior common space, including a community building with a large kitchen, a TV lounge, and a business center. Additional amenities include a pool, laundry facilities, BBQs, a tot lot, a dog run and on-site management. There is ample parking, with most units offering private garages. Cielo Carmel features water-smart landscaping and a photovoltaic solar array to offset common area energy usage. The community was designed by Humphreys & Partners Architects, built by Wermers Multifamily, with civil engineering by Latitude 33 Planning & Engineering, and landscape design by Alhambra Group.

James Silverwood, President of Affirmed Housing, states, "Cielo Carmel promises to be one of our most successful developments. As our first inclusionary community, we are proud to offer high quality, affordable housing in a prominent community with highly ranked schools, within close proximity to numerous amenities. These affordable homes are a welcome new asset to this amenity-rich area."

Headquartered in San Diego, Affirmed Housing is dedicated to improving and sustaining the viability of California through the development of affordable housing. The company aims to enhance communities and our environment by building dynamic, professionally-managed, high-quality, green multifamily housing. Areas of expertise include site selection, engineering, architecture, construction, relocation, and marketing. Affirmed also has extensive knowledge in public finance, low-income housing tax credits, and tax-exempt bond financing. For more information, visit www.affirmedhousing.com.

Contact: Beth Binger

BCI

(619) 987-6658

[email protected]

SOURCE Affirmed Housing

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CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Alliant Energy's Iowa utility has reached a settlement with customer groups related to its proposed New Wind Project. The project, if approved, will be up to 500 megawatts, significantly increasing the amount of economical, environmentally beneficial wind energy that Alliant Energy supplies to customers.

"The goal of this project is to bring additional low-cost, clean energy to our customers and the State of Iowa," said Doug Kopp, president of Alliant Energy's Iowa utility. "This settlement, which is the result of thoughtful discussions among the parties, is a significant step in achieving that goal."

Alliant Energy's Iowa utility is proposing to expand its Whispering Willow Wind Farm in Franklin County and is exploring opportunities to develop wind energy in other areas of the state. The company is pursuing the project now to maximize the value of renewable energy tax credits.

In addition to Alliant Energy, parties to the non-unanimous settlement include the Office of Consumer Advocate, a division of the Iowa Department of Justice; the Iowa Business Energy Coalition, and the Large Energy Group. The project, including the settlement, is subject to approval by the Iowa Utilities Board. A hearing is scheduled for October 26.

The New Wind Project, announced on July 27, calls for placing 250 megawatts of new wind in service in 2019 and the remaining 250 megawatts in service in 2020.

Alliant Energy Corporation's Iowa utility subsidiary (NYSE:LNT), Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL), utilizes the trade name of Alliant Energy. The Iowa utility is based in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and provides electric service to 490,000 customers and natural gas service to 225,000 customers. The employees of Alliant Energy focus on delivering the energy solutions and exceptional service their customers and communities expect  safely, efficiently and responsibly. Alliant Energy Corporation is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol LNT and is a component of the S&P 500. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com.

This press release includes forward-looking statements, including expected in-service dates and terms of the settlement. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those currently anticipated. Actual results could be affected by such factors as: state regulatory actions which delay, prevent or alter the settlement terms; unsuccessful negotiations for the purchase of equipment and real estate to develop wind farms; increased costs of equipment, commodities used in equipment, and real estate; unanticipated construction issues, delays or expenditures; federal regulatory actions which impact Alliant Energy's ability to utilize tax credits; failure of equipment and technology to perform as expected; current or future litigation, regulatory investigations, proceedings or inquiries that could impede the implementation of Alliant Energy's plans; political conditions in Alliant Energy's service territories; changes to Alliant Energy's access to capital markets; and economic conditions in Alliant Energy's service territory. These factors should be considered when evaluating the forward-looking statements and undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. The forward-looking statements included herein are made as of the date hereof and Alliant Energy and Interstate Power and Light Company undertake no obligation to update publicly such statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances.

Settlement terms

Size cap: up to 500 megawatts

Cost cap: $1,830 /kW, including allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) and transmission costs

/kW, including allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC) and transmission costs Return on common equity: 11%

Return on common equity used in calculating the AFUDC rate to be the higher of the outcome of the next rate case or 10%

Depreciable life of 40 years, unless changed as a result of a contested case before the Iowa Utilities Board

Alliant Energy's Iowa customers shall be entitled to the full value of any environmental attributes, beyond those needed for compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements, associated with investment included in IPL's Iowa jurisdictional rate base

customers shall be entitled to the full value of any environmental attributes, beyond those needed for compliance with the applicable regulatory requirements, associated with investment included in IPL's jurisdictional rate base Alliant Energy is permitted to include in Iowa rates the actual cost of the wind project up to the cost cap without need to establish prudence, but required to establish the prudence of any cost in excess of the cost cap

rates the actual cost of the wind project up to the cost cap without need to establish prudence, but required to establish the prudence of any cost in excess of the cost cap Cancellation cost recovery, if applicable, amortized over 10 years

Defer double leverage discussion to future rate case

Withdrawal of renewable energy rider proposal

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SOURCE Alliant Energy Corporation

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AUSTIN, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Austin's H+sp is joining forces with BSA LifeStructures, an architecture and engineering firm with operations in Austin and six other major markets.

Like H+sp, BSA LifeStructures specializes in the design of healthcare facilities and interiors. The firm also provides architecture and engineering services for higher education and research facilities, resulting in a trio of market segments BSA LifeStructures summarizes as healing, learning and discovery.

"These firms' specialties and cultures are a perfect match," said BSA LifeStructures President Melissa Davis. "We're excited to combine H+sp's experience and relationships in this market with the increased capacity and services BSA LifeStructures can offer."

"Joining forces with BSA LifeStructures allows us to offer our clients the resources of a much larger firm with the same small-firm mentality and attention to detail," said H+sp Principal Kelly Halls. "It will allow us to tackle the kind of bigger projects in other markets that clients have been asking us to."

Founded in Austin in 2008 as schneiderHALLS design, H+sp is a 17-person firm led by principals Kelly Halls, Julie Schneider and Craig Puccetti. The H+sp principals will join BSA LifeStructures Regional Director Daniel Carl and MEP Engineering Director Jake Snyder as principals of the Austin office.

"Working with H+sp over the last few months has reinforced our belief that, together, we can provide Austin and surrounding areas with an integrated A&E firm truly focused on creating better healing spaces," said Daniel Carl.

Davis noted that the quality match between H+sp and BSA LifeStructures is reflected in their similar mission statements: H+sp's includes the phrase "inspired healthcare environments;" BSA LifeStructures' speaks of "inspired solutions that improve lives."

The two firms will combine under the BSA LifeStructures name. The resulting firm is registered to provide architecture and engineering services in 49 states. BSA LifeStructures was founded in Indianapolis in 1975 and now has 222 employees in Atlanta, Austin, Denver, Indianapolis, Kansas City, St. Louis and Raleigh, NC. The opening of the Austin office in 2012 was part of a commitment to the central Texas region and surrounding areas.

About BSA LifeStructures

BSA LifeStructures designs facilities that support and enhance healing, learning, living and discovery  facilities that are Lifestructures. BSA LifeStructures collaborates with visionary healthcare, higher education and research clients to deliver inspired solutions that improve lives. www.bsalifestructures.com

Media Contact:

Katherine Sturich

512-531-9818

[email protected]

SOURCE BSA LifeStructures

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NYSE MKT: ASM

TSX-V: ASM

Berlin & FSE: GV6

VANCOUVER, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd. (ASM: TSX-V, ASM: NYSE-MKT; "Avino" or "the Company") is pleased to announce it has filed its new Resource Estimate update on the Avino Property, Durango Mexico on the SEDAR system. Findings from the report were initially disclosed in the Company's news release dated September 25, 2016. The report has an effective date of August 31, 2016 and includes resource estimates from the San Gonzalo and Avino mine systems as well as the tailings resource; all of which are located on Avino's property near Durango in west-central Mexico. The technical report was prepared by QG Australia Pty Ltd., an independent engineering consultant commissioned by Avino.

"This new resource estimate highlights the important progress we've made since the last resource estimate" said Avino President and CEO, David Wolfin. "During the past ten years, our mine site exploration efforts have been successful, consistently identifying new resources."

Mr. Wolfin noted that the Company's investment in resource expansion will continue to grow. "Exploration and development spending at Avino's Mexico operations has averaged $4.6 million annually since 2006," he said. "Going forward, we will continue our efforts to expand and further define resources at the Avino mine while conducting exploration on strategically located targets through the entire Avino property."

The following is a summary of current resources at the San Gonzalo and Avino Mines, as well as the updated oxide tailings resource, grouped into the measured, indicated and inferred categories. The effective date of the resource estimates is August 31, 2016.

The resource estimates were prepared by Michael O'Brien P.Geo., Pr.Sci.Nat., who is a "Qualified Person" within the meaning of National Instrument 43-101 and who is an employee of QG Australia Pty Ltd (an ARANZ Geo Company) and independent of Avino, as defined by Section 1.5 of NI 43-101.

Table 1  Summary of Resources for the Avino Property, Durango, Mexico

Measured & Indicated Mineral Resources Grade Metal Contents Resource Category Deposit Cut-off (AgEQ g/t) Metric Tonnes AgEQ g/t Ag g/t Au g/t Cu% Ag Million Tr Oz Au Thousand Tr Oz Cu T Measured Avino System 55 950,000 143 74 0.33 0.69 2.3 10.0 6,550 Measured San Gonzalo System 125 170,000 357 272 1.50 0.00 1.5 8.2 0 Total Measured All Deposits

1,120,000 176 105 0.51 0.58 3.8 18.2 6,550 Indicated Avino System 55 500,000 129 68 0.36 0.56 1.1 5.7 2,800 Indicated San Gonzalo System 125 320,000 310 237 1.30 0.00 2.4 13.3 0 Indicated Oxide Tailings 50 1,330,000 124 98 0.46 0.00 4.2 19.8 0 Total Indicated All Deposits

2,150,000 152 111 0.56 0.13 7.7 38.8 2,800 Total Measured & Indicated All Deposits

3,270,000 160 109 0.54 0.29 11.5 57.0 9,350





















Inferred Mineral Resources Grade Metal Contents Resource Category Deposit Cut-off (AgEQ g/t) Metric Tonnes AgEQ g/t Ag g/t Au g/t Cu% Ag Million

Tr Oz Au Thousand Tr Oz Cu T Inferred Avino System 55 5,790,000 155 81 0.57 0.58 15.1 105.8 33,550 Inferred San Gonzalo System 125 540,000 403 314 1.58 0.00 5.5 27.5 0 Inferred Oxide Tailings 50 1,810,000 113 88 0.44 0.00 5.1 25.6 0 Total Inferred All Deposits

8,140,000 162 98 0.61 0.41 25.6 158.9 33,550

Mineral resources which are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of mineral resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, or other relevant issues. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred resources as an Indicated or Measured mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to the Indicated or Measured mineral resource category.

Figures in the table may not add to the totals shown due to rounding.

The mineral resource estimate is classified in accordance with the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum's "CIM Definition Standards - For Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves" incorporated by reference into National Instrument 43-101 "Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects".

Mineral Resources are reported at cut-off grades 55, 125 and 50 g/t silver equivalent grade for the Avino, San Gonzalo and oxide tailings respectively as indicated in the table.

Following are highlights for each deposit:

San Gonzalo Mine

A measured and indicated resource of 490,000 tonnes at an average grade of 250 g/t silver and 1.37 g/t gold totaling 5.1 million troy ounces of silver and 21.6 thousand troy ounces of gold using a cut-off grade of 125 g/t silver equivalent.

An inferred resource of 540,000 tonnes at an average grade of 314 g/t silver and 1.58 g/t gold totaling 5.4 million troy ounces of silver and 27.3 thousand troy ounces of gold using a cut-off grade of 125 g/t for silver equivalent.

Measured and indicated tonnage at San Gonzalo has increased by about 67%, while the inferred tonnage has decreased by 50% from the previous estimate. The lower inferred figure takes into account resource depletion from the mine's operations since 2012.

The San Gonzalo Vein System is comparatively high-grade and provides flexibility during times of uncertain metal prices.

The Avino Mine

A measured and indicated resource of 1,450,000 tonnes at an average grade of 72 g/t silver, 0.34 g/t gold and 0.64% copper totaling 3.4 million troy ounces of silver, 18,551 troy ounces of gold and 9,350 tonnes copper using a cut-off grade of 55 g/t silver equivalent.

An inferred resource of 5,790,000 tonnes at an average grade of 81 g/t silver, 0.57 g/t gold and 0.58% copper totaling 15.1 million troy ounces of silver, 106 thousand troy ounces of gold and 33,600 tonnes of copper using a cut-off grade of 55 g/t silver equivalent

The Avino Vein System contains the most tonnage on the Avino property and includes significant copper grades. Development drifting on the Avino Mine totalled 2855 metres in 2015 and 1108 metres in the first half of 2016.

Mr. Wolfin noted that the previous resource estimate included no measured resources, with the estimate prepared using mainly drill hole information providing indicated and inferred categories only. "With the additional underground sampling and more up-to-date geological information, we've been able to better refine the categories to include the measured category," said Mr. Wolfin.

Oxide Tailings

An indicated silver resource of 1,330,000 tonnes at an average grade of 98 g/t silver and 0.46 g/t gold totaling 4.2 million troy ounces of silver and 19.8 thousand troy ounces of gold using a cut-off grade of 50 g/t silver equivalent.

An inferred resource of 1,810,000 tonnes at an average grade of 88 g/t silver and 0.44 g/t gold totaling 5.1 million troy ounces of silver and 25.6 thousand troy ounces of gold using a cut-off grade of 50 g/t for silver equivalent.

"We're also very excited about advancing the evaluation of the oxide tailings," Mr. Wolfin added. "The drilling we've conducted over the past year has increased resources significantly and helped us better define the deposit."

This new estimate includes data from 57 holes drilled during the last two years. Due to closer drill hole spacing, there is sufficient information to justify elevating 1,330,000 tonnes of the previous 2,340,000 tonnes of inferred resources to the indicated category. However, there is still an additional inferred resource of 1,810,000 tonnes in the new estimate.

Further studies are planned to advance the Tailings Resource towards a production decision for an agglomerated heap leach Merrill-Crowe precipitation operation.

The oxide tailings resource is accessible on surface and contains significant gold and silver grades.

Method of Calculation

The estimation methods used were substantially the same for all three deposits, providing a consistent baseline for strategic planning.

Mineral resources were estimated by ordinary kriging, optimized using kriging neighborhood analysis and verification by means of nearest neighbor and inverse distance methods, swathplot comparisons of estimates and visual inspections. Block models were created for the San Gonzalo and Avino Vein Systems and the oxide Tailings deposit and estimates were made into blocks of sizes 10m easting x 5m northing x10m elevation (San Gonzalo and Avino) and 40m easting x 40m northing x 2m elevation (oxide Tailings).

Classification of the mineral resource was based on kriging variance as a measure of uncertainty with adjustment to practical geometries using geological knowledge of the deposit.

Silver equivalent cut-off grades were applied to satisfy the condition of reasonable prospects for eventual economic extraction and were calculated using conversion formulas AgEQ = Ag + 55.9 * Au + 72.99 * Cu for Avino Vein, AgEQ = Ag + 69.37 * Au for oxide tailings and AgEQ = Ag + 56.38 * Au for San Gonzalo vein System.

Cut-off grades were calculated using current costs, silver price of US$19.50/oz, gold price of US$1,250/oz and copper price of US$2.10/lb.

Since 2013, Avino has drilled 57 new holes on the oxide tailings deposit, nearly three thousand channel samples representing 14,470 metres of vein material have been obtained on the Avino and San Gonzalo Veins, and 46 surface drill holes, (totaling 7,960 m) have been drilled on the San Gonzalo and Avino vein systems. This investment has significantly increased the amount of information available for resource estimation.

Fundamental changes since the previous mineral resource estimates are (1) depletion due to mining (over 1 million tonnes milled since the beginning of 2013), significant new sampling information (almost double in the case of the Oxide Tailings) (3) changes to silver equivalent calculation and cut-offs and (4) reclassification of mineral resources in the light of improved understanding of confidence in the deposits at distances from the underground channel samples and drill hole samples. More sampling information does not always lead to direct increases in resource tonnages and metal. In some cases, the new information provides improved understanding (developed by variogram modelling and kriging neighborhood analysis) that may demote some portions of mineral resource from high confidence categories such as measured and indicated to a lower confidence category such as inferred. Currently, for the San Gonzalo and Avino Vein Systems, estimated blocks more than thirty metres from sampling are not considered to be of sufficient confidence to be indicated category resources and have been classified as inferred resources. Consequently, the total indicated resources for the Avino Property are significantly less than those were reported previously. For the Oxide Tailings, estimated blocks more than fifty metres from sampling are not considered to be of sufficient confidence to be indicated category resources.

Qualified Person(s)



Avino's projects are under the supervision of Chris Sampson, P.Eng, BSc, Avino Consultant and Mr. Jasman Yee P.Eng, Avino director, who are both qualified persons within the context of National Instrument 43-101. Both have reviewed and approved the technical data in this news release except for the quotes.

About Avino



Avino is a top-tier, low-cost junior producer. Avino's mission is to create shareholder value through profitable organic growth at the historic Avino property near Durango, Mexico, and the Bralorne property in southwestern British Columbia, Canada. We are committed to managing all business activities in an environmentally responsible and cost-effective manner while contributing to the well-being of the communities in which we operate.

For more information, please visit Avino's website at www.avino.com

On Behalf of the Board

"David Wolfin"

________________________________

David Wolfin

President & CEO

Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd.

Safe Harbor Statement - This news release contains "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (together, the "forward looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities laws and the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including our belief as to the extent and timing of various studies including the PEA, and exploration results, the potential tonnage, grades and content of deposits, and timing, establishment, and extent of resource estimates. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and the dates of technical reports, as applicable. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, as there can be no assurance that the future circumstances, outcomes or results anticipated in or implied by such forward-looking statements will occur or that plans, intentions or expectations upon which the forward-looking statements are based will occur. While we have based these forward-looking statements on our expectations about future events as at the date that such statements were prepared, the statements are not a guarantee that such future events will occur and are subject to risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors which could cause events or outcomes to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Such factors and assumptions include, among others, the effects of general economic conditions, the price of gold, silver and copper, changing foreign exchange rates and actions by government authorities, uncertainties associated with legal proceedings and negotiations and misjudgments in the course of preparing forward-looking information. In addition, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause our actual results, performance or achievements to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Known risk factors include risks associated with project development; the need for additional financing; operational risks associated with mining and mineral processing; fluctuations in metal prices; title matters; uncertainties and risks related to carrying on business in foreign countries; environmental liability claims and insurance; reliance on key personnel; the potential for conflicts of interest among certain of our officers, directors or promoters with certain other projects; the absence of dividends; currency fluctuations; competition; dilution; the volatility of our common share price and volume; tax consequences to U.S. investors; and other risks and uncertainties. Although we have attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results 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, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. We are under no obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements except as required under applicable securities laws.

Cautionary Note to United States Investors - The information contained herein and incorporated by reference herein has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of Canadian securities laws, which differ from the requirements of United States securities laws. In particular, the term "resource" does not equate to the term "reserve". The Securities Exchange Commission's (the "SEC") disclosure standards normally do not permit the inclusion of information concerning "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" or "inferred mineral resources" or other descriptions of the amount of mineralization in mineral deposits that do not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards, unless such information is required to be disclosed by the law of the Company's jurisdiction of incorporation or of a jurisdiction in which its securities are traded. U.S. investors should also understand that "inferred mineral resources" have a great amount of uncertainty as to their existence and great uncertainty as to their economic and legal feasibility. Disclosure of "contained ounces" is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

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.

SOURCE Avino Silver & Gold Mines Ltd.

Related Links

www.avino.com


BIRMINGHAM, Ala., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Eight hundred Birmingham families in need will receive enough food to supplement meals for a week plus daily essentials, thanks to a partnership between PepsiCo and Feed the Children. The event kicks off at 11 a.m. at Birmingham Crossplex, 2337 Bessemer Road, Birmingham, Ala.

This is the first year PepsiCo and Feed the Children have partnered to help feed families in the city of Birmingham, where more than 30 percent of the population lives below the poverty line. This distribution event is part of a larger initiative between the two organizations to help feed communities in cities throughout the United States.

"Together we can be our neighbors' helpers by providing food and essentials to those in need," said J.C. Watts, Jr., Feed the Children president and CEO. "With PepsiCo and City of Birmingham's Division of Youth Services' partnership, we can aid families in our nation's own backyard."

The receiving families have been identified and preselected by the City of Birmingham's Division of Youth Services.

Each qualifying recipient will be given:

One 25-pound box of nonperishable food items

One 15-pound box of personal-care items

One box of AVON products

Books from Disney Publishing Worldwide

One 20-count Frito-Lay snacks

PepsiCo beverages

Life Original Cereal

Standard Quaker Oats

Chewy Granola Bars

Nut Harvest snacks

"We're excited to partner with Feed the Children, the City of Birmingham and Piggly Wiggly in helping our friends and neighbors in the Birmingham community," said Tony Dixon, sales zone director, central gulf sales Birmingham zone, PepsiCo's Frito-Lay division. "Frito-Lay and PepsiCo are committed to giving back to our communities where we live and work, and providing enough food to supplement meals for a week is a small way we can help make a difference."

About Feed the Children

Established in 1979, Feed the Children exists to end child hunger. It is one of the largest U.S.-based charities and serves those in need in the U.S. and in 10 countries around the world. It provides food, education, essentials and disaster relief. Domestically, it operates 5 distribution centers (located in Oklahoma, Indiana, California, Tennessee and Pennsylvania).

In fiscal year 2015, Feed the Children distributed 107 million pounds of food and essentials valued at $302 million to people in the U.S., and internationally, it sponsored nearly 24,500 children, addressing the root causes of poverty through child sponsorship and school sponsorship. It is accredited by GuideStar Exchange, the BBB Wise Giving Alliance and is rated by Charity Navigator.

Visit www.feedthechildren.org for more information.

About PepsiCo

PepsiCo products are enjoyed by consumers one billion times a day in more than 200 countries and territories around the world. PepsiCo generated more than $63 billion in net revenue in 2015, driven by a complementary food and beverage portfolio that includes Frito-Lay, Gatorade, Pepsi-Cola, Quaker and Tropicana. PepsiCo's product portfolio includes a wide range of enjoyable foods and beverages, including 22 brands that generate more than $1 billion each in estimated annual retail sales.

At the heart of PepsiCo is Performance with Purpose  our goal to deliver top-tier financial performance while creating sustainable growth and shareholder value. In practice, Performance with Purpose means providing a wide range of foods and beverages from treats to healthy eats; finding innovative ways to minimize our impact on the environment and reduce our operating costs; providing a safe and inclusive workplace for our employees globally; and respecting, supporting and investing in the local communities where we operate. For more information, visit www.pepsico.com/.

SOURCE Frito-Lay

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NEW YORK, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- BNY Mellon, a global leader in investment management and investment services, has been appointed by Banco Santander S.A. as the successor depositary bank for its American depositary receipt (ADR) program. Each ADR represents one ordinary share and trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol, 'SAN.' Banco Santander's ordinary shares trade on the Madrid Stock Exchange under the symbol, 'SAN.'

In 2015, BNY Mellon announced that it had been chosen by Banco Santander Brasil as depositary bank for its ADR program and by Banco Santander Chile as successor depositary for its ADR program.

Based in Spain, Banco Santander is a leading retail and commercial bank with a major presence in Spain, Germany, Poland, Portugal, the United Kingdom, Brazil, Mexico, Chile, Argentina and the United States. It also has significant shares of the Uruguayan and Puerto Rican markets, consumer finance businesses in other European countries, and operations in China through its wholesale and consumer finance business. Founded in 1856, Santander had EUR 1.52 trillion in managed funds, 12,500 branches, and more than 190,000 employees at the close of June 2016.*

"The U.S. is a key strategic market for Banco Santander in terms of our investor relations efforts," said Jose Garcia Cantera, Banco Santander's chief financial officer. "Banco Santander has a long history of working with U.S. investors and is looking forward to continuing to build its ADR program with the assistance of BNY Mellon."

"We are proud to partner with Banco Santander and extend our relationship with the firm," said Christopher M. Kearns, CEO of BNY Mellon's Depositary Receipts business. "We look forward to working closely with Santander and its investor relations team, providing resources and expertise to help Santander realize its goals for its DR program. Our role as Santander's sole depositary agent reinforces our strong position and commitment to serving the global financial services industry and banks in Europe seeking to expand their access to capital globally."

BNY Mellon acts as depositary for more than 2,600 American and global depositary receipt programs as of June 30, 2016. Acting in partnership with leading companies from over 65 countries, BNY Mellon is committed to helping securities issuers access the world's rapidly evolving financial markets and delivers a comprehensive suite of depositary receipt services. Learn more at www.bnymellon.com/dr.

BNY Mellon is a global investments company dedicated to helping its clients manage and service their financial assets throughout the investment lifecycle. Whether providing financial services for institutions, corporations or individual investors, BNY Mellon delivers informed investment management and investment services in 35 countries and more than 100 markets. As of June 30, 2016, BNY Mellon had $29.5 trillion in assets under custody and/or administration, and $1.7 trillion in assets under management. BNY Mellon can act as a single point of contact for clients looking to create, trade, hold, manage, service, distribute or restructure investments. BNY Mellon is the corporate brand of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE: BK). Learn more at www.bnymellon.com. Follow us on Twitter @BNYMellon or visit our newsroom at www.bnymellon.com/newsroom for the latest company news.

*All company information per santander.com.

This release is for informational purposes only. BNY Mellon provides no advice nor recommendation or endorsement with respect to any company or securities. Nothing herein shall be deemed to constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy securities. Depositary Receipts: Not FDIC, State or Federal Agency Insured; May Lose Value; No Bank, State or Federal Agency Guarantee. BNY Mellon provides no advice nor recommendations or endorsement with respect to any company, security or products based on any index licensed by BNY Mellon, and we make no representation regarding the advisability of investing in the same.

Contact:

Joseph F. Ailinger Jr

+1 617-722-7571

[email protected]

Malcolm Borthwick

+44 20 7163 4109

[email protected]

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SOURCE BNY Mellon

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NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (Bridgestone) today announced that Joseph Saoud has joined the company as president, truck and bus radial (TBR), Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations (BATO). In this role, Saoud will be responsible for leading the sales activities for the U.S. and Canadian commercial truck and bus tire business, which includes Bandag retreads. He will drive the business' long-term growth strategy and ensure continued value for customers, dealers and fleets.

"Joseph is a strong leader who brings incredible business acumen and global perspective to our team," said Kurt Danielson, president, Bridgestone Commercial Group, U.S. and Canada, BATO. "His insight, collaborative mindset and commitment to innovation will help our team continue to develop products and solutions that maximize uptime, improve efficiency and deliver best-in-class performance for our customers."

Saoud brings more than 20 years of leadership experience. Most recently, he served as president, global construction, agriculture and military for Commercial Vehicle Group, Inc. (CVG), a global supplier of a full range of cab and other vehicle related products for the global commercial vehicle market. Prior to his role with CVG, Saoud was president, filtration business unit, Cummins for the last seven years, the global leader in the design, manufacture, distribution and service of diesel and natural gas engines and related technologies.

Saoud earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, and an MBA from Vanderbilt University.

For more company news, visit www.BridgestoneAmericas.com.

About Bridgestone Americas, Inc.:

Nashville, Tennessee-based Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (BSAM) is the U.S. subsidiary of Bridgestone Corporation, the world's largest tire and rubber company. BSAM and its subsidiaries develop, manufacture and market a wide range of Bridgestone, Firestone and associate brand tires to address the needs of a broad range of customers, including consumers, automotive and commercial vehicle original equipment manufacturers, and those in the agricultural, forestry and mining industries. The companies are also engaged in retreading operations throughout the Western Hemisphere and produce air springs, roofing materials, and industrial fibers and textiles. The BSAM family of companies also operates the world's largest chain of automotive tire and service centers. Guided by its One Team, One Planet message, the company is dedicated to achieving a positive environmental impact in all of the communities it calls home.

SOURCE Bridgestone Americas, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.BridgestoneAmericas.com


Schriber arrives with broad experience in environmental services, having carried national profit-and-loss, program management and project responsibilities for work in transportation, water, wastewater, environmental engineering, construction, and demolition projects. He has led teams in successfully providing multiple services to clients in the manufacturing, high-tech and petrochemical industries. Schriber's federal experience includes project work for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Air Force, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Department of Energy.

"Don has worked on many complex and high-profile environmental projects in the U.S., and he brings a valuable perspective to our work to help us meet the increasingly diverse demands that our clients are facing," says Steve Nalefski, vice president of the Environmental Group. "Don knows the pressures. He understands the needs. He's ready to help us deliver innovative solutions to make our clients successful."

While Schriber is based in the firm's Wallingford office, focusing on clients and projects in the Northeast, his work stretches from coast to coast. Prior to joining Burns & McDonnell, he managed several hundred million dollars of regional engineering and construction operations and projects in California, New York, and Georgia.

Such large environmental projects, he says, will further benefit from the client-first culture at Burns & McDonnell, a company that is 100 percent owned by its employees. The approach will be key to helping extend the reach of the firm's ongoing strengths in the power, industrial, and remediation markets  and beyond.

"Employee-ownership is not just a mentality. It's in our company's DNA, and it truly translates into tangible client success," Schriber says. "With every discipline under one roof, I see endless opportunities here. I'm looking forward to bringing additional tools and experience to our new and existing relationships, and to solving challenges that will benefit our clients and our environment."

About Burns & McDonnell

Burns & McDonnell is a company made up of more than 5,300 engineers, architects, construction professionals, scientists, consultants and entrepreneurs with offices across the country and throughout the world. We strive to create amazing success for our clients and amazing careers for our employee-owners. Burns & McDonnell is 100 percent employee-owned and is proud to be No. 16 on Fortune's 2016 list of 100 Best Companies to Work For. For more information, visit burnsmcd.com.

For photos and support materials, CLICK HERE.

Contact: Kristi Widmar, Burns & McDonnell

816-448-7379

[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427285

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160426/360057LOGO

SOURCE Burns & McDonnell

Related Links

http://www.burnsmcd.com


LONDON, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- How will established and emerging agents reshape the CLL treatment landscape?

How do key opinion leaders (KOLs) see the future treatment paradigm for chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) shaping up? Will Gazyva's/Gazyvaro's superior efficacy compared to Rituxan/MabThera influence prescribing decisions? How will familiarity, convenience and tolerability influence Imbruvica's continued uptake? What pipeline therapies do KOLs have their eyes on? Do KOLs predict a significant change in the CLL treatment paradigm in the future? Download sample pages now

overing 6 marketed drugs and 7 late-stage pipeline therapies, this report reveals candid insights about the CLL landscape from 12 KOLs in North America and Europe. You'll learn which treatments KOLs consistently choose (and why!), what influences their prescribing of other treatment options, and which pipeline drugs they're most excited about.

"Everything will change. How we will be treating our patients in one year to 18 months will be completely different. Venclexta is coming. Maybe we will be treating all patients in first-line with the BTK inhibitors, and we will be treating all patients in the relapsed/refractory setting with Venclexta." US KOL



Expert insight into the COPD treatment landscape

Take a tour of the report now:





The table of contents >

The key questions answered >

The key KOL quotes >

See the 13 therapies covered >

Find out who the 12 EU & US KOLs are >

Review an extract from the report - 1 drug profile >



Sample of brands covered:



Venclexta (venetoclax, AbbVie/Roche)

Imbruvica (ibrutinib, AbbVie/Johnson & Johnson)

Acalabrutinib (Acerta Pharmaceuticals/AstraZeneca)

TGR-1202 (TG Therapeutics)

Plus 9 more  download the full list now



Sample of KOLS interviewed



Michael J. Keating. Professor of Medicine and Internist, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, TX.

Daniel Catovsky. Emeritus Professor and Fellow, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.

Emili Montserrat. Professor of Medicine and Director of the Institute of Haematology and Oncology, Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Spain.

Anthony R. Mato. Assistant Professor of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, PA.

Plus 8 more  download the full list now



Top takeaways



Anti-CD20 mAb therapy and chemotherapy dominate at first line  for now. KOLs want to see chemotherapies in first-line replaced by other options. Which agents do they find particularly exciting, and why?

While Imbruvica gets high marks for efficacy, its indeterminate treatment schedule is a drawback. What else are KOLs looking for in future treatments? And how could new clinical studies influence thinking?

KOLs would like to see more investigation into combination therapy regimens. Find out how experts think combinations could challenge established treatment paradigms.

Experts are concerned about the toxicity of CLL treatments. Have FDA safety alerts relegated Zydelig to last-resort status? Will unanswered questions affect the uptake of emerging treatment choices?

KOLs provide their views on the use of rituximab biosimilars as treatments for CLL. Should a rituximab biosimilar be approved as a treatment for CLL via indication extrapolation, will it be used? Will cost be the key driver of uptake? Or will Gazyva's/Gazyvaro's superior efficacy limit adoption of rituximab biosimilars altogether?

Experts concur that the efficacy reported with acalabrutinib to date is impressive. But do they think it could completely replace Imbruvica in CLL? If not, why not?

Venclexta is a 'game-changer' in CLL. In the context of high enthusiasm for Venclexta, how do KOLs perceive other pipeline agents, in particular PI3K delta or dual inhibitors of P13K delta/gamma?

Experts note that Revlimid and CDK inhibitors offer novel mechanisms of action. Are they impressed, and will these options have any potential in CLL?



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Ongoing Benefits



The world of pharma is ever changing and executives must always be up-to-date with new developments that could affect their own products, position and research. That is why FirstWord's guarantee to keep Therapy Trends clients up to date with Update Bulletins offers a real commercial advantage.



Update Bulletins include expert insight and analysis based on FirstWord analyst re-engagement with the KOLs after major events such as product approvals, key data releases and major conferences to deliver the most valuable insights with each update.



Your Therapy Trends Report purchase entitles you to receive three Update Bulletins, which are published approximately every three months for 12 months following the report's publication date.



You will receive a copy of each Update Bulletin once available, which are issued each quarter after the publication date.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/2141494/



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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"With Sevierville being so close to the Smoky Mountain National Park, we wanted to bring our unique coffee-shop-of-beers experience to this popular tourist destination while connecting and building relationships with local craft beer lovers," said Nathan Robinette, president and CEO of The Casual Pint. "The Casual Pint Sevierville will be our first location in the region to offer a variety of bite-size food items. It will help to still those hunger pains while enjoying your favorite brew."

Owner and operator Roger McGee started the process of opening the Sevierville beer market earlier this year. The grand opening is scheduled for December with 705 Winnfield Dunn Parkway as the future site. Beer aficionados of the greater Sevierville area will come to know the Casual Pint mission of sharing the craft beer experience in neighborhoods one pint, one growler and one person at a time.

"I am a raving fan of The Casual Pint," said McGee. "I just love the concept and the diverse clientele. Four years ago I realized I had a gluten allergy and beer was no longer a friend of mine. However, I discovered some incredible gluten-free beers through The Casual Pint and has since been a craft beer fanatic. We intend on having gluten-free craft beer, among many other beers, available at all times for our customers."

Each franchise features more than 400 types of beers. This includes local, domestic and international brews which guests can enjoy on-site, or grab in six packs, mix-a-sixes or single beers to enjoy at home. They can also bring their favorite growler, or buy one at The Casual Pint, for craft beer to go, straight from the ever changing 28-tap wall. The menu of bite-size food items to pair with beer include flat bread pizzas, beer brats, hamburger sliders, nachos and more.

Founded in 2011, The Casual Pint has grown from a Knoxville-based, family-owned market with two locations to a full-blown franchise with nationwide opportunities. The brand is set to have 25 open locations by the end of this year with locations opening in Alabama, Kentucky, Nebraska, North Carolina, and Texas. The franchise has 13 operating locations in Arizona, South Carolina, Tennessee and Ohio with the Sevierville location set to be the 14th beer market to officially open its doors.

To learn more about franchise opportunities with The Casual Pint, visit http://www.casualpintfranchise.com/.

About the Casual Pint

The Casual Pint is a craft beer market based in Knoxville, Tennessee. The first store located at Interstate 40 and Papermill Drive opened in 2011. In 2013, The Casual Pint began franchising with the first six franchise locations opening in 2014. Dedicated to sharing the craft beer experience in neighborhoods one pint, one growler and one person at a time, The Casual Pint offers a wide selection of brews from around the globe. Now the fastest-growing franchise in the craft beer industry, the Casual Pint's business model is available for entrepreneurs nationwide. To learn more, visit http://www.casualpintfranchise.com

MEDIA CONTACT:

Heather Ripley

Ripley PR

[email protected]

865-977-1973

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427452

SOURCE The Casual Pint

Related Links

http://www.casualpintfranchise.com


WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Ceca Foundation, established in 2013 to celebrate caregiver excellence and promote quality patient care, announced today that it completed the launch of its Ceca Caregiver Award Program to 10 Washington DC area healthcare facilities and plans to expand the program to healthcare institutions nationwide.

"We have all witnessed the power of a caregiver's touch. Too often, however, those exceptional acts of caregiving go unrecognized and unrewarded. This can lead to unnecessary caregiver turnover, which drives up costs and undermines patient care," said Matthew P. Lawlor, Chair & CEO of Ceca Foundation. "Our goal is to address the problem culturally using innovative technology to empower caregivers themselves to improve communication, teamwork and focus on the patient".

Ceca partners with hospitals, nursing homes, hospice centers and mental health facilities to recognize their exceptional caregivers. Ceca provides the necessary software tools and operating support, while underwriting most costs, thereby freeing up resources for healthcare partners to focus on their patients.

Providence Health System, part of Ascension Health, a Catholic hospital system which is the largest non-profit health system in the US, adopted Ceca's caregiver recognition program two years ago. President and CEO Darcy Burthay noted, "Our staff values the program and Ceca oversees the entire process. It's a great opportunity to recognize the high quality, mission-driven work of our caregivers".

Staff members use their smartphones, tablets and computers to access Ceca's peer-to-peer recognition platform and nominate co-workers for the Ceca Award. Photos of each nominee are posted on web-enabled TVs placed in each facility, as are photos of the Ceca Award ceremonies, broadening the public recognition well beyond the awards themselves.

"The Ceca Program complements our tradition of recognizing all employees who provide high-quality patient care, by providing colleagues, managers, patients, families and even volunteers a platform to acknowledge exceptional team members" said Philip Down, CEO of Doctors Community Hospital of Lanham, Md. "Ceca's program not only offers financial awards ranging from $250 to $1000, but the public recognition encourages others to continuously exceed expectations," he continued.

Capital Caring, a national leader in hospice and palliative care based in Falls Church, VA, has served more than 100,000 individuals since its founding in 1977 in a variety of settings including state-of-the-art inpatient care centers across the DC region. CEO Malene Davis commented, "While our honorees welcome the cash award, it's the recognition from their peers that really moves them. We've had more than 35 percent of our staff receive nominations. That's incredible reach!"

"Caregivers who feel valued are more engaged and perform at higher levels", says Barbara D'Agostino, Chief Operating Officer of the Army Distaff Foundation and Knollwood, a 501(c)(3) Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) for retired military officers and their families. "Whether or not the nominee earns a cash award, they receive genuine respect and priceless positive public recognition."

Ceca's software tracks nominations and produces reports for evaluation. It coordinates independent panels of judges, who review nominations and select honorees. Ceca provides additional support for award ceremonies, which are held monthly or quarterly depending on the size of the facility.

Steve Nash, President and CEO of Stoddard Baptist Nursing Home and Stoddard Baptist Global Care in Washington DC, emphasized the Ceca Award's broad appeal. "We serve communities in two very economically distinct areas of the city, and have found that caregivers at both locations have benefitted immensely from the ability to recognize and be recognized by their peers, residents and families."

Also participating in Ceca's launch are Mary Marshall, a joint project of Volunteers of America and Arlington County (VA), which serves poor and aging residents who require mental health services; Psychiatric Institute of Washington DC, an affiliate of Universal Health Services (UHS) serving a younger population with acute mental health needs; Manassas Health and Rehabilitation, managed by the for-profit Commonwealth Care of Roanoke (VA); and Forest Hills of Washington DC (formerly Methodist Home), a non-profit which operates two facilities under a single management group.

"Over the past two years, we've honed our methods, developed scalable systems, diversified our experience and identified metrics to gauge and verify our success," concluded Lawlor. "There is also the part that can't be measured  the genuine feelings of joy and appreciation that flow during an award ceremony when a team member is honored. We're now ready to spread the wings with a national roll-out and plan to select up to 10 additional east-coast healthcare institutions over the next six months."

About Ceca Foundation

Ceca Foundation was established in 2013 to celebrate caregiver excellence. Ceca's mission is to promote high patient satisfaction by recognizing and rewarding outstanding caregivers. Based in Washington DC, Ceca Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private operating foundation.

Ceca Foundation launch participants include: Capital Caring, Doctors Community Hospital, Forest Hills of DC, Knollwood, Manassas Health and Rehab, Mary Marshall Assisted Living, Providence Hospital, Psychiatric Institute of Washington, Stoddard Baptist Nursing and SBGC at Washington Center.

For more information visit www.cecafoundation.org. Follow us on Twitter and on Facebook.

Media Contact: Operating Contact: Lori Stewart Nathan Hamme Senior Advisor Managing Director 202-258-8793 202-719-8042 [email protected] [email protected]

SOURCE Ceca Foundation

Related Links

http://www.cecafoundation.org


GILBERTS, Ill., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Ductilcrete Slab Systems, LLC is in the business of revolutionizing the concrete flatwork industry. Since its inception in 2012, the company set out to provide a more sustainable solution to the challenges associated with the traditional concrete floor and paving systems. Among the most notable benefits, the company's patented solution allows for significantly decreased number of floor joints, lower costs of maintenance, and 5-year warranty. The significance of these tangible benefits is multiplied by Ductilcrete's core value of giving back to the larger community. Specifically, the company's leadership developed a standing formula of donating $52.80 for every mile of floor joints saved with Ductilcrete's slab systems.

Most recently, Ductilcrete's commitment to the broader community causes will be celebrated with the company's recipient of choice, Purdue University Krannert School of Management and its Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) program. Ductilcrete has a standing relationship with the program through various mentorship activities including regular participation in judging the students' yearly business plan presentations. The program is focused on assisting veterans in learning the logistics of entrepreneurship. This educational initiative is mostly privately funded and it's provided to veterans at no cost. The rigorous curriculum is specifically designed to provide the students with the necessary tools to offer employment options for life beyond the armed forces.

This October, Ductilcrete is donating $5,000 to further support the crucial mission of Purdue's EBV program. This donation is recognizing the efforts and long-term partnership with licensee Lithko Contracting. In the spirit of partnership and giving, Lithko will provide an additional donation of $2,500. Similar to Ductilcrete, Lithko has a local service model vision embedded in its mission, which directly aligns with Ductilcrete's goal of supporting community development. Moreover, Lithko, who has a national footprint, has operations in close proximity to Purdue University so their financial contribution to EBV directly impacts the local community.

Ductilcrete's track record of giving back serves as an example of multifaceted success addressing the business needs while at the same time growing our community. The company's model continues to be further validated by its strategic business partners propelling those core values together.

Ductilcrete Slab Systems, LLC:

Ductilcrete Slab Systems encompasses a family of concrete flatwork systems that include slabs, pavements and toppings. Although not formally founded until 2012, Ductilcrete's success can be attributed to more than 10 years of research by Greg Scurto and Allen Face. Today in 2016, Ductilcrete's 27 alliance members are responsible for having placed more than 317 projects equating to 89 million square feet. Ductilcrete's accelerated growth has been a result of the significant value that developers, users and owners are experiencing.

Ductilcrete delivers high performing slabs and pavements designed to remain flat and level with virtually no curl.

Its patented system creates concrete floors that feature up to 75% fewer joints and higher load bearing capacity.

With Ductilcrete, developers are experiencing higher lease rates, are able to lease faster and upon exiting are realizing higher cap rates.

Tenants and users are enjoying the look, the quality and flexibility for operational use, as well as the extremely low cost of maintenance.

Lithko Contracting, LLC:

Lithko was formed in the early 1990s by a group of commercial concrete construction professionals who had grown weary of the constant travel their jobs required, and the strain that travel put on their families. Seeing an opportunity to create a different kind of organization, they formed a commercial concrete contracting company focused on working close to home.

To support growth without the excessive travel, they targeted their work to middle-market projects and focused on opening additional locations. They named these semi-autonomous branches BURGS (Business Unit Running Great). Aggressively recruiting from the industry and universities, the company hired professionals with the drive to become leaders, oversaw their training, and offered them unique opportunities for career growth through the BURG structure.

In the early 2000s, the company expanded their leadership team and further developed the business model. Today, Lithko operates more than 15 BURGS within the US, with plans to open many more.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427361LOGO

SOURCE Ductilcrete Slab Systems, LLC

Related Links

http://www.ductilcrete.com


TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Dynamic Communities, the supporting organization behind the Dynamics AX User Group (AXUG), Dynamics CRM User Group (CRMUG), Dynamics GP User Group (GPUG) Dynamics NAV User Group (NAVUG), and the Power BI User Group (PBIUG), announces record attendance at Summit 2016 in Tampa, FL. The User Group Summit kicked off today with over 6,500 Dynamics users, partners, and Microsoft employees in attendance, a 63% growth over Summit 2015. Attendees have gathered at Summit to take part in focused user-produced educational sessions, peer-to-peer networking/knowledge exchange, and for the opportunity to interact directly with Microsoft executives and product teams.

"This year marks an exciting milestone for attendance. With the help of our User Group Boards, planning committees, and speakers, we have been able to deliver unmatched training experiences for the growing base of Microsoft Dynamics users. Our mission is to ensure each attendee who leaves the event is empowered as a better Dynamics user," said Janet Lampert, President and COO Dynamic Communities.

Key highlights of Summit 2016 include:

Tuesday afternoon Keynote from Scott Guthrie , Microsoft Executive Vice President, Microsoft Cloud and Enterprise Group

, Microsoft Executive Vice President, Microsoft Cloud and Enterprise Group Nearly 800 breakout sessions across AXUG Summit, CRMUG Summit, GPUG Summit, NAVUG Summit, and PBIUG Summit

Expo Hall featuring more than 230 companies

Award recognition for All-Stars, Chapters of the Year, and Chapter Leaders of the Year in each user group, distinguishing Members who have provided outstanding service and leadership to the user group community

Preceding Summit 2016, Pre-Conference Academy attracted more than 510 students for two and a half days of hands-on, in-depth learning on Dynamics products.

"As attendance at Summit continues to extend its size and reach, we remain singularly focused on providing high-value, user-centric experiences," said Janet Lampert, President and COO Dynamic Communities."

For more information regarding Summit or to tune in to live on-site broadcasts from October 11-14, visit: www.dynamiccommunities.com

Dynamic Communities is the business management organization that supports technology-centric user groups and associations  providing necessary resources and business operations such as staff, systems and event production. Dynamic Communities is independent from Microsoft, however the two organizations maintain an intentional close working relationship so that our members can provide a collective voice to Microsoft on user concerns, needs, and requests.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161009/426642LOGO

SOURCE Dynamic Communities

Related Links

http://www.dynamiccommunities.com


WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Surrendering to a European Union (EU) seizure of common food names would cost the U.S. dairy industry billions of dollars, slash domestic cheese consumption and increase prices for consumers, according to an analysis released today by Informa Economics IEG. Read a three-page summary of the study.

The European farm policy agenda, which is focused on using geographical indications (GIs) to unfairly grant European food producers a huge commercial advantage, would force farmers and food producers outside of Europe to rebrand familiar foods with unfamiliar names. The resulting confusion in the U.S. domestic marketplace could shutter family farms, eliminate thousands of rural jobs and hurt the overall U.S. economy, the analysis said. The European Union advocates extending GI protections beyond a small number of specialty foods to cover many food names that have little to no geographic identity and have long been commonly used by food producers around the world.

At today's prices, the decline in U.S. cheese consumption due to the loss of common food names could amount to $2.3 billion in lost sales in three years, and $5.2 billion in 10 years. It could push dairy farm balance sheets below the break-even point for six out of 10 future years, costing farmers a cumulative $59 billion in revenue and forcing several thousand family dairy farms out of business, the analysis added.

The 60-page analysis was commissioned by the Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN), an international alliance of companies and organizations dedicated to preserving the right to use common food terms. It was conducted by Informa Economics IEG and unveiled jointly by CCFN and the three major U.S. dairy trade associations: the National Milk Producers Federation, the U.S. Dairy Export Council and the International Dairy Foods Association.

Released along with the analysis were statements from members of Congress and CCFN allies.

"The statements show the common food names issue is incredibly important to both Congress and the executive branch," CCFN Executive Director Jaime Castaneda said. "We appreciate the continuing efforts of the vast majority of members of Congress as well as Ambassador Michael Froman and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to combat the illegitimate appropriation of common food names."

"Europe's continued expansion of geographical indications in ways that protect terms long considered generic upends the entire concept of GIs," said Tom Suber, president of USDEC, which represents the interests of dairy producers and processors in global trade and is the founding organization of CCFN. "Instead of protecting the names of a few specialty foods linked to specific areas, the EU uses GIs to eliminate competition for its producers."

"The damage Europe's GI agenda could do to the U.S. dairy industry is severe," added Jim Mulhern, president and CEO of NMPF, which represents dairy producers and cooperatives. "By 2025, our dairy farmers would lose up to 15 percent of their income and the U.S. dairy herd would shrink by up to 9 percent, or 850,000 cows. Thousands of dairy farmers would be forced out of business."

"Under Europe's GI policies, U.S. manufacturers would face a choice of abandoning markets for cheeses like feta and parmesan or selling them under names like 'crumbly white cheese' or 'hard grated cheese,'" said Connie Tipton, president and CEO of IDFA, which represents dairy processors domestically and internationally. "It's not hard to imagine the problems those name changes would create and this report finally quantifies those impacts."

According to the study, consumers will choose imported cheeses with names they recognize over domestic products with names they don't recognize. As a result, plummeting demand for domestic cheese would put numerous U.S. cheese manufacturersparticularly specialty cheese manufacturersout of business.

This harm would not be limited to just the dairy sector. As the impacts on dairy ripple through industries like transportation and veterinary services, the study said, the U.S. economy could lose up to 175,000 jobs. Also, consumers would face higher prices, fewer choices and confusion in the supermarket as familiar cheese names are replaced by unfamiliar ones.

"To avoid such severe consequences," said Castaneda, "the United States must aggressively oppose the carving up of markets and refuse to bestow monopolies on a few privileged European suppliers. The use of common names by the U.S. dairy industryand indeed all other sectors relying on typical food termsshould be aggressively preserved, both for domestic and international use."

About USDEC

The U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC) is a non-profit, independent membership organization that represents the global trade interests of U.S. dairy producers, proprietary processors and cooperatives, ingredient suppliers and export traders. Its mission is to enhance U.S. global competitiveness and assist the U.S. industry to increase its global dairy ingredient sales and exports of U.S. dairy products. USDEC accomplishes this through programs in market development that build global demand for U.S. dairy products, resolve market access barriers and advance industry trade policy goals. USDEC is supported by staff across the United States and overseas in Mexico, South America, Asia, Middle East and Europe.

About NMPF

The National Milk Producers Federation, based in Arlington, VA, develops and carries out policies that advance the wellbeing of dairy producers and the cooperatives they own. The members of NMPF's cooperatives produce the majority of the U.S. milk supply, making NMPF the voice of dairy producers on Capitol Hill and with government agencies. Visit www.nmpf.org for more information.

About IDFA

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), Washington, D.C., represents the nation's dairy manufacturing and marketing industries and their suppliers, with a membership of 550 companies within a $125-billion a year industry. IDFA is composed of three constituent organizations: the Milk Industry Foundation (MIF), the National Cheese Institute (NCI) and the International Ice Cream Association (IICA). IDFA's nearly 200 dairy processing members run nearly 600 plant operations, and range from large multi-national organizations to single-plant companies. Together they represent more than 85 percent of the milk, cultured products, cheese, ice cream and frozen desserts produced and marketed in the United States. IDFA can be found online at www.idfa.org.

About CCFN

The Consortium for Common Food Names (CCFN) is an independent, international non-profit alliance whose goal is to work with leaders in agriculture, trade and intellectual property rights to foster the adoption of high standards and model geographical indication guidelines throughout the world. Those interested in joining can find information at www.CommonFoodNames.com.

SOURCE International Dairy Foods Association

Related Links

http://www.idfa.org/


SANTA MONICA, Calif., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Edmunds.com, the leading car information and shopping network, today announced that it has earned a spot on the country's Best Small and Medium Workplaces by consulting firm Great Place to Work and Fortune. Edmunds won this accolade based on employees' anonymous responses to an extensive survey about their levels of trust, pride and camaraderie at work. Great Place to Work reviewed the survey results of more than 52,000 employees from hundreds of companies in the ranking process.

Edmunds ranked #26 out of 100 companies on the list of medium workplaces. The honor is just the latest of a series of accolades that recognize the company's unique work culture and office environment. In June, Edmunds was named among the 2016 Best Places to Work in IT by IDG's Computerworld and its CEO Avi Steinlauf was named a Glassdoor Highest Rated CEO. And in August, Los Angeles Business Journal recognized Edmunds as a Best Place to Work in Los Angeles for the seventh consecutive year.

"I have long believed that the most important investment that Edmunds can make is in its people, and it's truly exciting to be recognized for all of our efforts to make this company such a great place to work," said Edmunds.com CEO Avi Steinlauf. "This recognition is a strong testament to all the people who work at Edmunds, especially those on our HR and Workplace Experience teams who go the extra mile to make sure we're facilitating an innovative, rewarding and fun work environment. We've put so much into building our office culture, and we look forward to investing even more in the happiness and well-being of our employees."

Edmunds operates a Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE), which gives employees significant freedom to set their own hours and take the time off they need, as long as they deliver results for the company. Other unique benefits at Edmunds include TripCa$h, which reimburses each employee up to $500 in vacation expenses; and Bonusly, a program that empowers employees to recognize each other's work and accomplishments with small spot bonuses.

The award comes just weeks after Edmunds opened its brand new state-of-the-art "EdQuarters" at the Colorado Center in Santa Monica. The 143,000-square-foot facility sets a new bar for workplace culture and amenities in Los Angeles' emerging "Silicon Beach" tech scene. Highlights of the office space include:

a 6,000-lb. installation of 1966 and 2016 Corvettes (to commemorate the company's 50th anniversary), set wheel-to-wheel and rotating above the reception area

a 32-foot custom stainless steel slide that connects the facility's two floors

a 1948 Cadillac Fleetwood re-purposed as a beer and coffee bar

130 feet of sliding glass panels that transform the offices into an indoor/outdoor workspace

19,000 sq. ft. of custom whiteboard walls to sketch, design and innovate

frozen yogurt machine with toppings bar, in addition to other complimentary food and beverage options

game room featuring classic video games, Foosball, and air hockey

"There's a generosity of spirit that infuses the Best Small and Medium workplacesone that has a measurable return," said Kim Peters, Executive Vice President of Great Place to Work. "Whether it's funding employee 'passion projects' or giving surprise gifts to customers, the best workplaces give it away. And they get it back in the form of inspired people who innovate harder and generate higher revenue."

The Best Small and Medium Workplaces is one of a series of rankings by Great Place to Work and Fortune based upon employee survey feedback from Great Place to Work-CertifiedTM organizations.

Edmunds is now hiring for 25 job openings across the country. Interested candidates can see available positions and submit applications at http://www.edmunds.com/careers/.

About Edmunds, Inc.

Car shopping destination Edmunds.com serves millions of visitors each month. With Edmunds Price Promise, shoppers can buy smarter with instant, upfront prices for cars and trucks currently for sale at 10,000 dealer franchises across the U.S. Shoppers can browse not only dealer inventory, but also vehicle reviews, shopping tips, photos, videos and feature stories on both Edmunds' wired site and on its acclaimed mobile apps. Regarded as one of the best places to work in Southern California, Edmunds.com was also named one of "The World's Top 10 Most Innovative Companies of 2015 in Automotive" by Fast Company. Edmunds welcomes all car-shopping questions on its free Live Help Line at 1-855-782-4711 and [email protected], via text at ED411 and on Twitter and Facebook. The company is based in Santa Monica, Calif. and has a satellite office in downtown Detroit, Mich., but you can find Edmunds from anywhere on YouTube, Pinterest,LinkedIn, Instagram, Google+ and Flipboard.

About The Best Small and Medium Workplaces

Published together with our partner, Fortune, the Best Small & Medium Workplaces rankings are based entirely upon feedback from more than 52,000 employees at Great Place to WorkCertified companies. Employees completed our anonymous Trust Index survey, answering questions about how frequently they experience the behaviors that create a great workplace, including, for example, their assessment of the honesty and quality of communication by managers, degree of support for employees' personal and professional lives and the authenticity of relationships with colleagues.

Results from the survey are highly reliable, having a 95% confidence level and a margin of error of 5% or less. Winning a spot on this list indicates the company has distinguished itself from peers by creating a great place to work for all  not only do the majority of their employees experience the company as a great place to work, but this experience is consistent across the organization, regardless of gender, race/ethnicity, job role, or other personal characteristics. The companies with the highest employee ratings compared with organizations of the same complexity in size and scope were selected for the list. Companies with fewer than 100 employees compete for placement on the 50 Best Small Workplaces list, and companies between 100 and 999 employees compete for placement on the 100 Best Medium Workplaces list.

About Great Place to Work

Great Place to Work is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, including Best Workplaces lists and workplace reviews, Great Place to Work provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures. In the United States, Great Place to Work produces the annual Fortune "100 Best Companies to Work For" and a series of Great Place to Work Best Workplaces lists, including lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity and over a half dozen different industries.

Follow Great Place to Work online at www.greatplacetowork.com and on Twitter at @GPTW_US.

Contact:

Aaron Lewis

Edmunds.com Corporate Communications

Media Hotline: 310-309-4900

[email protected]



Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130612/MM31390LOGO

SOURCE Edmunds.com

Related Links

http://www.edmunds.com


PARIS, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

For employees, the lunch break rhymes with conviviality; a ritual when one eats with the same people at the same time. But what about people who are new, or shy? To make it easier to get to know people in the workplace, Elior Group has entered into a new partnership with the start-up Never Eat Alone whose application helps organize lunches between colleagues.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160411/353501LOGO )



Launched just a year ago, Never Eat Alone has enjoyed considerable success and is now looking to step up growth both in France and abroad. Its application connects office employees and company neighbors at lunch time. The aim is not only to foster meetings and bring people of similar tastes and interests together but also to encourage intra-company collaboration.

Commenting on this new partnership, Philippe Salle, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Elior Group, stated: "Elior Group is reinventing the lunch break which has to be a convivial moment as well as a tasty experience. This is being made possible today thanks to digitalization and the talent of startups like Never Eat Alone."

Founder of Never Eat Alone, Marie Schneegans went on to say: "We look forward to growing our company with Elior Group as a partner. The dynamism and strength of the Elior Group teams immediately made us want to work together. Elior Group has an extraordinary awareness of digitalization; a factor which makes it one of the bridgeheads of FoodTech."

This partnership comes with an equity stake in the start-up and is in line with the Life4 innovation program laid out in the Elior Group 2016-2020 strategic plan. Within the context of this program, the Group seeks out, supports and promotes FoodTech talent. With the backing of mentoring and equity investment, start-ups can try out their innovations in Elior Group client restaurants and gauge their feasibility in the real world. For the Group, accompanying these fledgling enterprises is a way of contributing to the development of an ecosystem which will benefit the whole of the catering sector.

For more information : eliorgroup.com

SOURCE Elior Group
SHANGHAI, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Envision Energy, a leading global smart energy solution provider, today announced it has been awarded the largest wind energy contract in Argentina's first renewable energy auction, RenovAR. Envision secured 4 projects, totaling 185 MW, out of the 708 MW awarded along with other international and local bidders such as Genneia, Central Puerto, Pan American Energy, EREN.

RenovAR received a total of 123 project bids, adding up to 6.3 GW of available capacity, among which 17 were awarded with 12 going to wind, 4 to solar and 1 to biogas. "Envision has been closely watching Argentina over the last few years together with our partners, as we expect it to be one of the most promising emerging global wind markets," said Felix Zhang, Envision's Group Executive Director.

Envision Energy has grown exponentially in the global renewable sector, it is ranked among top 10 largest wind turbine companies in the world. Since its first project in Chile in 2014, Envision currently has more than 1000 MW in its Latam portfolio, with projects spanning Mexico, Chile and now Argentina.

President Macri has made renewable energy one of his main priorities in an effort to diversify Argentina's energy matrix. He has introduced new regulatory policies and energy auctions such as RenovAR to attract foreign direct investment into the country and to facilitate renewable energy development in Argentina. This commitment was reiterated in his recent visit to China, increasing confidence from energy companies, lenders and equity sponsors.

"We are proud to achieve positive results in Argentina's first auction as we demonstrate Envision's full commitment to the Latin American market, beyond Mexico and Chile, by introducing right technologies and solutions to drive down cost of energy," said Rafael Valdez Mingramm, Envision's Director for Latin America & the Caribbean.

Envision plans to install 2.5 MW wind turbine generators along with its proprietary Wind OS energy management software solution with the support of its newly established Center of Excellence based in Hamburg as well as local partners and subcontractors. The 4 projects are expected to reach commercial operation in the first quarter of 2019.

About Envision:

Envision Energy (www.envision-energy.com) is one of the world's largest smart energy management companies and among the eight largest turbine companies in the world with more than 7.5 GW of Envision smart wind turbines in operation. Envision's Energy OS platform is used to manage more than 50 GW of renewable energy assets, including charging stations and energy consumption devices worldwide. Envision has regional offices across Asia, Europe, North and Latin America and has established global R&D and engineering centers in Denmark, Germany and the United States.

Contact: Tina Liu/ [email protected]

SOURCE Envision Energy

Related Links

http://www.envision-energy.com


HOUSTON, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG) will host a conference call to discuss third quarter 2016 results on Friday, November 4, 2016, at 9 a.m. Central time (10 a.m. Eastern time). Please visit the Investors/Overview page on the EOG website to access a live webcast of the conference call. If you are unable to listen to the live webcast, a replay will be available on the Investors/ Presentations and Events page for one year.

If you have any questions, please contact Michelle Smith at 713-651-6472.

EOG Resources, Inc. is one of the largest independent (non-integrated) crude oil and natural gas companies in the United States with proved reserves in the United States, Trinidad, the United Kingdom and China. EOG Resources, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and is traded under the ticker symbol "EOG." To learn more about EOG, visit the website at www.eogresources.com.

For Further Information Contact:

Investors



Cedric W. Burgher



(713) 571-4658



David J. Streit



(713) 571-4902



Kimberly M. Ehmer



(713) 571-4676









Media



K Leonard



(713) 571-3870

SOURCE EOG Resources, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.eogresources.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Report Details



Ethoxylates  our new study reveals trends, R&D progress, and predicted revenues

Where is the Ethoxylates Market heading? If you are involved in this sector you must read this brand new report. Visiongain's report shows you the potential revenues streams to 2026, assessing data, trends, opportunities and business prospects there.



Ethoxylates are non-ionic surfactants and they account for the second-largest downstream sector of ethylene oxide, closely followed by ethylene glycols. The major divers of the Ethoxylates Market are increasing demand of low-rinse detergents, growing demand from end-user industries, and a major shift in consumer lifestyles. The major restraint of this Market is environmental concern regarding the toxicity issue of some of the Ethoxylates . Therefore, the development of environmentally-friendly Ethoxylates is a major opportunity for manufacturers in the Ethoxylates Market. The global Ethoxylates Market is estimated to reach USD 10,634.21 Million in 2016.



Discover How to Stay Ahead

Our 184 page report provides 215 tables, charts, and graphs. Read on to discover the most lucrative areas in the Ethoxylates Industry and the future Market prospects. Our new study lets you assess Forecasted sales at overall world Market, regional and national level. See financial results, trends, opportunities, and revenue predictions. Much opportunity remains in this growing Ethoxylates Market. See how to exploit the opportunities.



Discover sales predictions for Ethoxylates submarkets by chemical type in terms of volume (KT) and value ($m)

Along with revenue prediction for the overall world Market, you find revenue Forecasts to 2026 segmented by type at the regional and national level.

- Alcohol

- Fatty Amine

- Fatty Acid

- Methyl Ester

- Glyceride

- Other



See revenue Forecasts for Ethoxylates subsegments by end user Industry in terms of volume (KT) and value ($m)

How will leading Ethoxylates end use industries perform in 2026? Our study Forecasts sales of 5 end uses.to 2026 and are further segmented by these 5 segments at the regional and national level.

- Pharmaceuticals

- Agrochemicals

- Oilfield

- Household & Personal Care

- Other



Discover how high revenues can go. See what's happening, understanding the trends, challenges and opportunities.



Our analysis also divides the main global Forecast into geographical Markets.



What are the prospects for Ethoxylates in the leading regions and countries in terms of volume (KT) and value ($m)? These are shown further segmented and Forecast by chemical type and end user Industry.

You will discover individual revenue Forecasts for 5 regional Markets from 2016-2026:

- Asia-Pacific

- Europe

- Latin America

- North America

- RoW



You will also discover individual Ethoxylates revenue Forecasts for 13 leading national Markets from 2016-2026: in terms of volume (KT) and value ($m). These are further segmented and Forecast by chemical type and end user Industry.

- Canada

- China

- France

- Germany

- India

- Italy

- Japan

- Mexico

- Russia

- South Korea

- Taiwan

- U.K.

- U.S.



Who are the leading Ethoxylates companies and what is their potential for Market growth?

Overall world revenue for Ethoxylates will reach $10,634m in 2016, our work calculates. We predict strong revenue growth through to 2026. Our work identifies which organisations hold the greatest potential. Discover their capabilities, progress, and commercial prospects, helping you stay ahead.

- Air Products and Chemicals Inc.

- BASF SE

- Clariant AG

- Huntsman International LLC

- India Glycols Limited (IGL)

- Ineos Group Limited

- Sasol Limited

- Shell Chemicals

- Stepan Company

- The Dow Chemical Company



Discover qualitative analyses supporting the market outlook

- Porter's five force analysis

- SWOT analysis of each of the leading 10 companies

- Analysis of the factors driving growth in each region and subsegment.

- Discussion of what stimulates and restrains companies and the market

- Review of R&D pipelines  investigate developmental trends and progress

- Prospects for established firms and those seeking to enter the Market



How the Ethoxylates report helps you

In summary, our 184 page Ethoxylates report provides you with the following knowledge:



Find quantitative and qualitative analyses with independent predictions. Receive information that only our report contains, staying informed with this invaluable business intelligence.



Information found nowhere else

Visiongain's study is for everybody needing commercial analyses for the Ethoxylates Market and leading companies. You find data, trends and predictions.

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p04219198-summary/view-report.html



About Reportlinker

Reportlinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com





__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

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LONDON, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Baby monitor is an electronic baby caring device. A basic audio monitor consists of a transmitter, receiver and a microphone and transmits baby's sounds to the parent/attendant, by means of radio waves. Video monitors consist of video camera and enable transmission of real time video along with sound, to the receiver (equipped with a screen). Apart from video and sound transmission, advanced video monitors offer features such as talk-back, temperature sensing, heart rate monitoring and many others.



Major factors that drive the Europe baby monitor market include rising number of employed parents, high spending on baby care and rising demand for higher-end baby monitors. Moreover, increasing sale of baby monitors through online retailing platforms has fueled the market growth as they offer wide range of products at competitive prices. However, safety concerns of parents with respect to the emission of radiation from these devices and low birth rates, primarily in the Western Europe are factors that restrain the market growth. Increasing demand for high-end differentiated products in Western Europe and increasing awareness towards baby safety in Eastern Europe are expected to offer lucrative business opportunities in near future.



The Europe baby monitor market is segmented on the basis of type, mode of connection, and country. On the basis of type, it is bifurcated into audio and video baby monitors. Video baby monitors are being increasingly used over audio ones on account of features such as real-time video transmission, Wi-Fi & smart phone connectivity and others, offered by them. On the basis of connection, it is divided into wired and wireless baby monitors. Wireless baby monitors are majorly used, owing to higher mobility and safety provided by them. The market is analyzed across key countries, which include France, UK, Germany, Ireland, Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg), and Rest of Europe.



Key players profiled in the report include Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Motorola Mobility LLC., Angelcare Monitors Inc., Tomy Company Ltd., Vtech Holdings Ltd., ShenZhen Foscam Intelligent Technology Company Ltd., Summer Infant Inc., Koninklijke Philips N.V., Luvion Premium Babyproducts, and Withings Inc.



KEY BENEFITS:

- This study provides an in-depth analysis of the Europe baby monitor market in terms of value as well as volume, for in-depth understanding of the market and to elucidate the imminent investment pockets.

- The report provides information regarding key drivers, restraints, and opportunities with a detailed impact analysis.

- Porter's five forces analysis highlights the potency of suppliers & buyers and describes the competitive scenario of the market, which is expected to facilitate efficient business planning.

- Value chain analysis provides key inputs on role of key intermediaries involved, which is likely to help the stakeholders in devising appropriate strategies.

- This report presents a detailed quantitative analysis of the current trends and future estimations through 2016 - 2022, which assists in identifying the prevailing market opportunities.



KEY MARKET SEGMENTS:

BY TYPE

- Audio

- Video

BY MODE OF CONNECTION

- Wired

- Wireless

BY COUNTRY

- France

- UK

- Germany

- Ireland

- Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)

- Rest of Europe

KEY PLAYERS

- Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.

- Motorola Mobility LLC.

- Angelcare Monitors Inc.

- Tomy Company Ltd.

- Vtech Holdings Ltd.

- ShenZhen Foscam Intelligent Technology Company Ltd.

- Summer Infant Inc.

- Koninklijke Philips N.V

- Luvion Premium Babyproducts

- Withings Inc.



Download the full report: https://www.reportbuyer.com/product/4143748/



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Website: www.reportbuyer.com

SOURCE ReportBuyer

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DUBLIN, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "European Market Report for Brachytherapy 2016 - MedCore" report to their offering.

The largest percentage of brachytherapy procedures performed that year were performed in Germany. Procedures performed in France, the United Kingdom and Italy were also relatively large, although they all experienced moderate declines in procedural volumes.

Spain is expected to experience the greatest growth in procedural numbers over the forecast period. The total market for brachytherapy is expected to remain stable over the forecast period as there is a great effort in Europe, particularly in Germany, to conduct scientific research on the effectiveness of brachytherapy in comparison to external beam radiotherapy.

As brachytherapy is the gold-standard method of treating prostate cancer, some urologists may prefer to use this method over more experimental technology due to the accuracy of the treatment.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Research Methodology

2. Disease Overview

2.1 Basic Anatomy

2.2 Urinary Pathology And Disorders

2.2.1 Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (Bph)

2.2.2 Urinary Incontinence

2.2.3 Urinary Tract Infections (Uti)

2.2.4 Kidney Stones

2.2.5 Bladder Prolapse

2.2.6 Overactive Bladder

2.2.7 Prostatitis

2.2.8 Erectile Dysfunction (Ed)

2.2.9 Cancer

2.3 Patient Demographics

2.3.1 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

2.3.2 Urinary Incontinence

2.3.3 Uti

2.3.4 Kidney Stones

2.3.5 Erectile Dysfunction

2.3.6 Overactive Bladder

2.3.7 Prostatitis

2.3.8 Cancer

3. Product Assessment

3.1 Product Portfolios

3.1.1 Brachytherapy

3.2 Clinical Trials

4. Country Profiles

4.1 Introduction

4.1.1.1 Population

4.1.1.2 Median Age

4.1.1.3 GDP Per Capita

4.1.1.4 Price Index

5. Brachytherapy Market

5.1 Introduction

5.2 Market Analysis And Forecast

5.3 Drivers And Limiters

5.4 Competitive Market Share Analysis

Companies Mentioned

Ace Medical Devices

Ackermann

Apexmed International

Applied Medical

AprioMed

Aspide

Astora

B. Braun

Bactiguard

Best Medical

BioDerm

Biolitec

Boston Scientific

Convatec

Convergent Laser Technologies

Cousin Biotech

Covidien

Elekta

Ethicon

GE Healthcare (Oncura)

Helioscopie

Hollister

MTS Medical

Promedon

Quanta Systems

ROCAMED

Richard Wolf

Siemens

Sopro-Comeg

Stahl Endoscopy

Stryker

Teleflex

Theragenics (BXT Accelyon)

Trimedyne

Vygon

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/t4nnvf/european_market

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

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SOURCE Research and Markets

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NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Europe has a special & deep relationship with Armor with the continent being its traditional birthplace & hotbed of technologies which spearheaded the development, fielding & first utilization of armor for combat in World War I which followed rapid further developments & subsequent extensive utilization in the World War II. Armor's role in providing mobility, troop protection and lethal firepower was further underscored & demonstrated effectively across the Iraq & Afghanistan war theatres during the allied war operations, which were the first major military operations of the 21st century and witnessed a significant change in threat landscape underscored by rapid & extensive utilization of IEDs, RPGs & ATGMs while combating asymmetric warfare with battlefield boundaries being nebulous at best and non-existent at the worst. This evolution of threat landscape drove the development of a new class of vehicles, i.e. MRAPs, which have proved to be an effective response to a serious threat from IEDs, RPGs and ATGMs to armor survivability; which collectively have questioned the very raison d'etre of previous generation light & medium armor in a completely altered threat landscape. This pivotal alteration in threat landscape has thus been the key driver of replacement demand for the ageing armored vehicles fleet globally dating back to the cold war era. Additionally, strategic changes in, as well as, evolution of the traditional world order & geo-political dynamics marked by the resurgence of Russia with the impressive build-up & showcasing of military capabilities across Ukraine & Syria, continued political instability & regional conflict in the Middle East and the emergence of China as a key regional economic and military power in the Asia-Pacific region have already become key drivers of defense spending across most parts of the world.



The European scenario is no different with the traditional armor stronghold facing a hectic pace of activities with the looming, credulous Russian threat backed by third generation armor as well as related technological advances and increasing Russian activities in Eastern Europe & the Baltics having already driven a significant increase in defense spending across a number of states based in Northern as well as Central Europe, in addition, to the Baltics with a significant focus & emphasis being placed on land forces and armor given the geographic location and proximity of these states to Russia. A number of large, big ticket defense modernization & replacement programs have already been initiated, announced or are in the pipeline stage across a number of European states aimed at replacement of ageing, cold war legacy armor, led by the U.K., France, Poland & a number of other European states. Long time impending upgrades to traditional heavyweight armor centerpieces like the Challenger 2 & Leclerc MBTs, too, are being rolled out now along with a number of new IFV & APC procurement programs being initiated. The numbers are likely to go up further over near to medium term with the NATO's defense spending mandate compliance likely to become a key point of contention.



The European & Global outlook for armored vehicles over medium term, thus, is bright & promising with the presence of a number of long term demand & growth drivers in the form of ageing existing hardware, strong external threat perception amid evolving geo-political dynamics and availability of next generation technologies, most notably the introduction of third generation MBTs, driving manifold increase in capabilities, mobility, protection and firepower. These strategic factors have collectively driven & are likely to continue to drive significant investments towards land systems with the initiation of a number of new, active as well as planned procurement programs for armored vehicle across most traditional & emerging markets.



Against this backdrop, this unique report analyzes the key strategies, plans and overall strategy focus across key European industry OEMs who are gearing up for demand resurgence after a long hiatus marked by the initiation of a number of new asset recapitalization & modernization programs across a number of European nations as well as other traditional & emerging markets as of late. All key European industry OEMs are pursuing upcoming defense programs across most key traditional & growth markets aggressively looking to drive business growth over near to medium term while leveraging existing product platforms & technologies intelligently besides continuing to pursue R&D activity for the development of next generation technologies. The report also maps out how the industry OEMs are preparing & likely to fit into a changing & evolving market landscape in the years ahead.



Report Excerpts:



-Analysis of BAE Systems' Strategies & Plans aimed at making further inroads into the European & U.S. Armored Vehicles Markets.



-Analysis of GDELS' Growth Plans for the Global Armored Vehicles Market pivoting around Core Platforms & Technologies



-Analysis of Rheinmetall's Growth Plans Focused on Long Term Franchise Programs, International Exports and Development of Next Generation Products & Technologies



-IFVs, APCs & MBTs to lead Demand Growth over Medium Term



-Australia, India & Saudi Arabia to be Key Growth Markets for the Industry OEMs over Medium Term



-Analysis of Mobile HEL Effectors, Evolution of Active Protection Systems (APS), Hypervelocity Projectiles & Other Emerging Technologies as well as Products



Relevance & Usefulness:



-- Strategic Planning, Assessment & Decision-Making Processes



-- Analysis of Near to Medium Term Strategy Focus and Key Strategies & Plans for all industry OEMs



-- Medium Term Market Outlook, Inputs on Market Evolution & Demand Growth Projections



-- Identification of & Insights into Potential Growth Opportunities & Avenues



-- Analysis of Key Armored Vehicle Programs across Markets & Regions



-- Development of Custom, Market-specific Strategies aligned with Potential Growth Opportunities



-- Formulation, Development & Shaping of Business Growth Strategies



-- Conceptualization, Development & Shaping of Product Platform Specific Strategies



-- Adjustment & Alignment of Overall Strategy Focus and Resource Allocation for OEMs & Key Industry Players across Value Chain



For Whom:-



The report is essential & a must have for Government, Military & Senior Industry Personnel and all those with strategic interest & stakes in the European/Global Armored Vehicles Market. The report will be extremely useful for Key Decision-Makers, Program Managers, Global Procurement Managers, Defense Contracting Executives & Departments, Top Management of Industry Players & Other Companies, Industry OEMs, Suppliers, Vendors, MRO Services Providers, Associated Equipment Manufacturers and other Key Players in the Industry Value Chain. The report will also be useful for existing & potential Investors, Industry & Company Analysts, M&A Advisory Firms, Strategy & Management Consulting Firms, PE Firms, Venture Capitalists, Financing & Leasing Companies, Researchers and all those associated with the industry/sector.



Features, Benefits & Reasons to Procure:-



The report is unique and one of the most thorough resources on European OEM strategies and the Global Armored Vehicles market featuring a combination of quantitative and lucid qualitative analysis enriched significantly by visual representation & overall presentation style and thus will be a significant value-add for industry professionals looking for the competitive edge..



--Provides Macro View and Big Picture Quickly

--Blend of Quantitative & Qualitative Analysis

--Significant Time Savings

--Visual Representation

--Meetings & Presentation Ready Format

--Superior & Enriched User Experience with Incorporation of Relevant Images



Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p03961500-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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HSINCHU, Taiwan, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Faraday Technology Corporation (TWSE: 3035), a leading ASIC design service and IP provider, and United Microelectronics Corporation (NYSE: UMC; TWSE: 2303) ("UMC"), a leading global semiconductor foundry, today announced the availability of Faraday's PowerSlash fundamental IP on UMC's 55nm ultra-low-power process (55ULP) technology. The combination of PowerSlash with UMC's process technology, both engineered for very low-power wireless applications, is optimized to serve wireless Internet of Things (IoT) applications that require extended battery life.

"In the realm of IoT applications, low-power consumption and high-performance are often considered as trade-offs," said Remi Yu, Vice President of Marketing and Investment at Faraday Technology. "With the combination of UMC's 55ULP ultra low-power technology and Faraday PowerSlash IP Turbo Mode capability, chip designers now have a choice to have the advantages of both worlds -- longer battery life and better performance tailored for IoT use scenarios. It marks another success story of the partnership by UMC and Faraday."

Fully leveraging UMC's 55ULP advantage, Faraday's PowerSlash IP works under extended power supply voltages that range from 0.81V to 1.32V. It includes multi-Vt libraries, fine-power granularity memory compilers and a comprehensive power management kit. In addition, the newly featured Turbo Mode effectively shifts the performance curve, helping MCU cores to achieve 2x performance or reduce dynamic power by 40% at nominal clock rates.

"IoT chip designers demand streamlined solutions with energy-efficient features," said Yanan Mou, senior director of the IP Development & Design Support division at UMC. "UMC possesses the foundry industry's most robust IoT-specific 55nm technology platform, supported by highly comprehensive IP resources to address the 'always on' ultra-low power requirements of IoT products. With the availability of Faraday's PowerSlash IP on our 55ULP, customers have access to one of the industry's most comprehensive platforms dedicated to the unique needs of IoT products."

The PowerSlash IP, combined with Faraday's existing low-power design methodology, SoC ultra-low power control unit, and FIE3200 FPGA platform, can be utilized for low-power IC designs either during the front-end design phase or in back-end implementation. UMC's 55ULP technology can support both lower operating voltage and sub-pA device leakage, making the process ideal for button-cell battery applications. The synergy created by both Faraday and UMC's ultra-low power technologies sets new benchmarks for ultra-low power IC design platforms.

About Faraday Technology Corporation

Faraday Technology Corporation (TWSE: 3035) is a leading ASIC design service and IP provider. The broad silicon IP portfolio includes I/O, Cell Library, Memory Compiler, ARM-compliant CPUs, DDR2/3/4, low-power DDR1/2/3, MIPI, V-by-One, MPEG4, H.264, USB 2.0/3.1 Gen 1, 10/100/1000 Ethernet, Serial ATA, PCI Express, and programmable SerDes, etc. Headquartered in Taiwan, Faraday has service and support offices around the world, including the U.S., Japan, Europe, and China.

For more information about Faraday, please visit: www.faraday-tech.com

About UMC

UMC (NYSE: UMC, TWSE: 2303) is a leading global semiconductor foundry that provides advanced IC production for applications spanning every major sector of the electronics industry. UMC's robust foundry solutions enable chip designers to leverage the company's sophisticated technology and manufacturing, which include 28nm gate-last High-K/Metal Gate technology, ultra-low power platform processes specifically engineered for Internet of Things (IoT) applications and the highest-rated AEC-Q11 Grade-0 automotive industry manufacturing capabilities. UMC's 10 wafer fabs are located throughout Asia and are able to produce over 500,000 wafers per month. The company employs over 17,000 people worldwide, with offices in Taiwan, mainland China, Europe, Japan, Korea, Singapore, and the United States. UMC can be found on the web at: www.umc.com

SOURCE Faraday Technology

Related Links

http://www.umc.com


(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161012/427743 )

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160908/823123 )



After months of rigorous nominations and judging, over 28 awards were announced across ten separate categories. Judges considered hundreds of nominations submitted by the general public across almost 2,000 Office apps and add-ins available in the Office Store and other marketplaces such as the Azure Marketplace, Windows Store etc. To be eligible, solutions needed to have recently published versions that met high quality ratings and user evaluations.

This year, the Office App Awards team received a record breaking number of contest nominations from customers. The FlowForma BPM tool for Office 365 won because of its superb user evaluations, high quality ratings and user intuitiveness. Microsoft recognised FlowForma for building unique BPM apps that help business managers drive business process productivity, while maximising their Office 365 investments with the Office App award.

The FlowForma BPM app is proven to empower business users to deploy business processes with speed and flexibility, without any coding, no matter what the complexity. Sitting on the SharePoint platform, the FlowForma Cloud BPM tool incorporates forms, workflow, document generation and decision making all in one place.

"We are thrilled to have won an Office App store award. For us, this award is particularly significant, because it is founded on nominations by you, the business user, striving to drive further business productivity. Winning an award for 'Best User Interface for a SharePoint add-in' is a real testament to our Research and Development team, who work tirelessly to enhance the users' experience with the FlowForma BPM tool," said Neil Young, CEO, FlowForma when commenting on the win.

Supporting Resources:

To learn more about FlowForma, the BPM tool for Microsoft Office 365 , watch a short video at http://www.flowforma.com/flowforma-latest-update-5.0-demo-video

To download a trial of the FlowForma BPM tool from the Office App S tore , go to https://store.office.com/en- us/app.aspx?assetid=WA104379429&sourcecorrid=db8578d3-8ed2-4433-a171-9ba0c3bfd877&searchapppos=0&ui=en-US&rs=en-US&ad=US&appredirect=false

Don ' t have O ffice 365, but would like to trial FlowForma ? G o to http://www.flowforma.com/trial

To download a trial of Fl o w Forma BPM from the Azure MarketPlace , go to https://azure.microsoft.com/en-us/marketplace/partners/flowforma/flowformatrial/

To book a product demo, go to http://www.flowforma.com/demo



About FlowForma

FlowForma, the leading provider of Business Process Management (BPM) tools for Microsoft Office 365 has been revolutionizing the traditional BPM space with an innovative approach to developing award winning BPM products that empower users to create and streamline processes smarter and faster, utilizing the familiar SharePoint platform, without any coding.

FlowForma is a Microsoft Partner, with over 60 customers and 75,000 users across Europe, South Africa and North America. The company is headquartered in Dublin with offices in London and Lithuania and is motivated by its values to innovate, evolve and achieve with employees, customers and partners.

For further information, visit http://www.flowforma.com

About Office Store Awards

The Office Store is a growing marketplace with over 1,700 apps and add-ins spanning solutions across Productivity, CRM, Marketing and more. Office App Awards honor the top Office partner solutions in 10+ categories including Best User Interface, Most Business Value and Best Office 365 app.

SOURCE FlowForma
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- AdRoll, the performance marketing platform, today announced the appointment of two strategic advisors  former Tencent GM and AdChina (acquired by Alibaba) COO Peter Cheng and former CEO of Adap.tv and [x+1] and Carat Fusion President Toby Gabriner. Combined, the two have more than 35 years experience in the industry and join current AdRoll advisory board members Tim Westergren (Pandora CEO) and Mak Arima (former Google Japan MD and Yahoo Japan MD, current VP/Chairman AdRoll Japan).

Peter and Toby will help AdRoll navigate its next phase of growth as a global technology brand. The company closed out 2015 with an annual run rate exceeding $275 million. Looking forward, AdRoll will continue to innovate to help customers grow their businesses and will do this on a global scale.

"As AdRoll solidifies itself as an international player, we're extremely lucky to have the opportunity to surround ourselves with experts that complement our knowledge and help us grow into new markets," said Aaron Bell, CEO and co-founder of AdRoll. "Peter and Toby are providing invaluable guidance in both existing and new areas of our core business."

GROWTH IN CHINA

With digital ad spend projected to reach $40.2 billion this year in China  and $83.59 billion by 20201  this market is a pivotal area for investment. Peter is a veteran of both the Chinese and US ad tech and marketing tech landscape. His extensive experience will guide AdRoll senior management to navigate expansion into both import and export ad businesses with China. Specifically, Peter brings knowledge from his roles as GM of Advertising Platform and Products at Tencent's online media group and Head of Business Development and Product Marketing at eBay China. Peter was also the co-founder and COO of AdChina, which Alibaba acquired in 2015. He previously served as the Vice President of Product Management at Adify.

"Marketing will only become more complex with the rise of cross-platform and video. In China alone, digital video ad spend makes up 55 percent of the market2," said Peter Cheng. "AdRoll has built a successful technology brand with fast growth, especially in the U.S. This is an exciting time for the company and for me to be a part of the team. As they look to expand to emerging markets, it's important to evaluate and understand the particulars required for business development and partnerships."

NEW PLATFORM DEVELOPMENTS

AdRoll continues to bring its customers a best-in-class, full-funnel platform. In 2015, AdRoll launched Prospecting, an industry-first solution that is powered by the world's largest opt-in data co-op, the IntentMap. This year, AdRoll expanded further to offer SendRoll, an email retargeting tool, so that businesses can reach their customers across channels. With this multi-product approach, AdRoll continues to explore offering customers products that provide performance, ease of use, transparency and control.

As the former CEO of Adap.tv and [x+1] and former Carat Fusion President, Toby Gabriner will join AdRoll as an on-site, part-time advisor and consultant to its executive team. Toby will provide counsel on the overall product strategy and insight into current business trends that will enable AdRoll to further propel their market-leading position.

"Given my work with Adap.tv and Carat Fusion, I'm excited to help shape the future of AdRoll's product strategy," said Toby Gabriner. "We're currently at a crossroads in the industry, where convergence between marketing and advertising technologies is accelerating. AdRoll is well positioned to take advantage of this opportunity, building the digital products the market needs."

About AdRoll

AdRoll is a leading performance marketing platform with over 25,000 clients worldwide. Its suite of high-performance tools works across devices, helping businesses attract, convert, and grow their customer base. The company is home to the world's largest opt-in advertiser data co-op, the IntentMap with over 1.2 billion digital profiles. AdRoll's goal is to build the most powerful marketing platform through performance, usability, and openness.

AdRoll is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in New York, Tokyo, London, Dublin, and Sydney. Learn more at www.adroll.com.

1 http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Digital-Ad-Spend-Rises-China-Despite-Economic-Slowdown/1013677

2 http://www.emarketer.com/Article/Digital-Ad-Spend-Rises-China-Despite-Economic-Slowdown/1013677

CONTACT: Margaret Pack, 619-609-3919, [email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120711/SF38270LOGO

SOURCE AdRoll

Related Links

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Now enterprises can use the reliability, flexibility and ultra-low response times of flash technology to help transform their business operations at more affordable entry costs

New Fujitsu ETERNUS AF models combine the benefits of high-performance, all-flash storage with a proven set of enterprise-class capabilities found typically in premium storage systems  features like Automated QoS, transparent failover, and data reduction capabilities

Fujitsu is changing the dynamics of primary storage in enterprise computing environments with the introduction of its next-generation all-flash storage systems. The new ETERNUS AF all-flash models are the fastest-ever Fujitsu storage systems, bringing the benefits of all-flash technology to both core applications as well as new applications that are driving business transformation for customers.

The new ETERNUS AF family makes flash storage more attractive than ever, thanks to competitive pricing and lower total cost of ownership for all-flash systems combined with the storage performance capabilities that are needed for mixed workloads including databases, VDI, analytics, and big data.

Alex Lam, Vice President of Enterprise Business Strategy in North America for Fujitsu Technology and Business of America, Inc. comments: "With the ETERNUS AF, we are showing the market how ultra-fast, all-flash storage can be made available to the mass market, not only at extremely affordable price points in relation to traditional HDD storage, but also with a proven suite of enterprise-grade storage services that customers expect from premium storage platforms. As the economics of all-flash storage continue to be more attractive over time due to Moore's Law, we're enabling customers to create faster, more responsive IT environments to support the next wave of digital business and IT services, and doing so on a proven, enterprise-grade storage platform  Fujitsu ETERNUS."

ETERNUS AF storage systems enable customers to transform their data centers with super-fast, easily expandable storage solutions that potentially deliver huge reductions in overheads. IT teams also benefit from significantly simplified operations: Automated Quality of Service features dramatically reduce administration and maintenance requirements, freeing up system engineers from repetitive, mundane tasks.

ETERNUS AF also ensures non-stop business operations, providing enterprises with greater peace of mind. Mirroring of business-critical data eliminates risk of data loss, while in the event of a system failure, the transparent failover feature instantly switches to a secondary system. Fujitsu has also ensured that traditional ETERNUS DX disk storage systems work seamlessly together with ETERNUS AF. As they venture in the world of all-flash systems, organizations can combine the two systems, leveraging the benefits of flash storage while continuing to extract value from existing data center infrastructure.

Customers choosing ETERNUS AF also benefit from cost-savings  firstly thanks to built-in data deduplication and compression technologies which ensure that the Fujitsu ETERNUS AF system automatically optimizes data volume, helping reduce SSD capacity requirements by an average factor of five. This is achieved through inline deduplication that identifies and discards duplicates, then compresses data by removing all redundant information. In addition, all-flash systems take up less space in a data center and consume less energy for power and cooling, in comparison to traditional disk arrays.

Fujitsu will be offering two all-flash model lines. The top-of-the-range ETERNUS AF650 boasts up to 1,843 TB of effective storage capacity (368 TB of raw capacity) in a 6U form factor with up to 256 GB of system memory. For customers looking for a smaller entry, all-flash system, the Fujitsu AF250 offers up to 460 TB of effective storage capacity (92 TB of raw capacity) in a 2U form factor with up to 64 GB of system memory.

Pricing and availability

FUJITSU Storage ETERNUS AF systems are available now for ordering, with product shipments to start in late October. Pricing varies based on size of configuration and regional pricing.

1 Calculations are based on an estimated data deduplication and compression ratio of 5:1.

Online resources

Fujitsu ETERNUS All-Flash Storage Microsite: http://www.fujitsu.com/fts/microsites/all-flash/

Royalty-free photography of the ETERNUS AF systems: http://mediaportal.ts.fujitsu.com/pages/search.php?search=ETERNUS+AF

Read the Fujitsu blog: http://blog.ts.fujitsu.com

Follow Fujitsu on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FujitsuAmerica

Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fujitsu-america

Find Fujitsu on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fujitsu/

Fujitsu pictures and media server: http://mediaportal.ts.fujitsu.com/pages/portal.php

For regular news updates, bookmark the Fujitsu newsroom: http://ts.fujitsu.com/ps2/nr/index.aspx

Press contacts

Fujitsu America, Inc.

Bryan Hollar

408-746-6412

[email protected]

Finn Partners

Andrew Corcione

212-593-5844

[email protected]

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.

About Fujitsu Americas

Fujitsu America, Inc. is the parent and/or management company of a group of Fujitsu-owned companies operating in North, Central and South America dedicated to delivering the full range of Fujitsu products, solutions and services in ICT to our customers in the Western Hemisphere. These companies are collectively referred to as Fujitsu Americas. Fujitsu enables clients to meet their business objectives through integrated offerings and solutions, including consulting, systems integration, managed services, outsourcing and cloud services for infrastructure, platforms and applications; data center and field services; and server, storage, software and mobile/tablet technologies. For more information, please visit: http://solutions.us.fujitsu.com/ and http://twitter.com/fujitsuamerica

Fujitsu, the Fujitsu logo, ETERNUS and "shaping tomorrow with you" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Fujitsu Limited in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners. Information provided in this press release is accurate at time of publication and is subject to change without advance notice.

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140618/119400

SOURCE Fujitsu America, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.fujitsu.com/us


NEW YORK, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --



Report Details

Visiongain's new 290 page report assesses that the global glass packaging market will reach $55.71 billion in 2016.



Are you involved in the glass packaging market or intend to be? If so, then you must read this report

It's vital that you keep your knowledge up to date. You need this report.



Market scope: This brand new report from visiongain is a completely fresh market assessment of the glass packaging sector based upon the latest information. Our new market study contains forecasts, original analysis, company profiles and, most crucially, fresh conclusions. The report provides detailed forecasts and analysis of the glass packaging markets by region and end-use sectors.



The Glass Packaging Market Report 2016-2026 report responds to your need for definitive market data:



- Where are the Glass Packaging market opportunities?

- 252 tables, charts, and graphs reveal market data allowing you to target your strategy more effectively



- When will the Glass Packaging market grow?

- Global, national and glass packaging submarket forecasts and analysis from 2016-2026 illustrate the market progression



- Which Glass Packaging end use submarkets will flourish from 2016-2026?

- Glass Packaging Market Forecast for Food 2016-2026

- Glass Packaging Market Forecast for Beverage 2016-2026

- Glass Packaging Market Forecast for Healthcare 2016-2026

- Glass Packaging Market Forecast for Personal Care 2016-2026

- Glass Packaging Market Forecast for Industrial 2016-2026

- Glass Packaging Market Forecast for Others 2016-2026



- Where are the regional glass packaging market opportunities from 2016-2026?

- Focused regional forecasts and analysis explore the future opportunities

- US forecast 2016-2026

- Japan forecast 2016-2026

- China forecast 2016-2026

- Germany forecast 2016-2026

- France forecast 2016-2026

- UK forecast 2016-2026

- Russia forecast 2016-2026

- Italy forecast 2016-2026

- India forecast 2016-2026

- South Africa forecast 2016-2026

- Brazil forecast 2016-2026

- Turkey forecast 2016-2026

- Australia forecast 2016-2026

- South Korea forecast 2016-2026

- Indonesia forecast 2016-2026

- RoW forecast 2016-2026



- What are the factors influencing glass packaging market dynamics?

- SWOT analysis explores the factors.

- Supply and demand dynamics

- Advances in product quality

- Demographic changes

- GDP growth

- Rising disposable incomes in emerging economies



- Who are the leading glass packaging companies?

- We reveal the market share, revenues and competitive positioning, capabilities, product portfolios, R&D activity, services, focus, strategies, M&A activity, and future outlook for the following 9 companies

- Anodolu Cam

- Ardagh Group

- Bormioli Rocco Spa

- Gerresheimer

- Owens-Illinois

- Saint-Gobain

- VetroPack

- Vidrala

- Vitro Packaging



And profiles of 3 other significant companies



- Who should read this report?

- Anyone within the glass packaging value chain, including

- Glass packaging companies

- Raw materials companies

- Glass producers

- Glass wholesale and distribution companies

- Packaging suppliers

- Venture capitalists

- Investment analysts

- CEO's

- COO's

- CIO's

- Business development managers

- Marketing managers

- Suppliers

- Technologists

- Investors

- Banks

- Government agencies

- Contractors

- Consultants



Get our report today Glass Packaging Market Report 2016-2026: Forecasts, Analysis & Outlook For Leading Companies in Food, Beverage, Healthcare, Personal Care, Industrial And Other End-Use Sectors. Avoid missing out  order our report now.

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p03767868-summary/view-report.html



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Glendale Manufacturing Company at 6112 N. 56th Ave. will satisfy and expand upon the steel fabrication, welding, powder coating and other operations that have been fulfilled at AMFORM (American Fabricators of Raw Materials) since 1994. AMFORM, located just two miles away at 4650 W. Pasadena in Glendale, will close in the coming weeks.

AMERCO, the parent company of U-Haul, acquired the 28-acre site (19 acres paved) on N. 56th Avenue near Bethany Home Road in June 2015 from American Park 'n Swap, Inc.

"There are so many reasons that justify having this facility, but the main reason is for our Team Members," plant president Cedric Moore said. "This plant will greatly improve efficiency and employee satisfaction by creating a better working environment, which in turn will improve customer satisfaction with our products and services."

Glendale Manufacturing Company has twice the interior space and nearly six times the acreage of AMFORM, but the real benefits come from the technology on display. Two Salvagnini L3 Fiber Lasers are the showpieces of a computerized laser-cutting and tiered Salvagnini MV pallet storage system that will provide a higher quality cut while expediting the process from the time raw materials arrive until finished industrial components are shipped.

Six robotic units will handle much of the welding workload while manual welding areas will service the more delicate assignments. Glendale Manufacturing Company will also boast a state-of-the-art automated line powder coating system, which includes a Pangborn in-line sandblast machine, Gema Magic powder booth and an oven curing room. This equipment will increase efficiency, create a safer environment for Team Members and eliminate the need for outsourcing.

The plant will manufacture various truck and trailer components, utility and appliance dollies, awnings, key-drop boxes, carriages and housings, tools, U-Haul display signage, and other components and special projects.

Team Member upgrades at the new plant include: a computer training room; a large lunchroom with all the amenities; a wellness center; spacious men's and women's locker rooms; secure gated parking with 98 covered spaces; and a comfortable 82-degree warehouse with four huge cooling units.

Glendale Manufacturing Company is budgeted to employ 199 Team Members: 118 full-time and 81 moonlighters. Numbers may increase during peak seasons. Visit jobs.uhaul.com for career opportunities and this and other U-Haul facilities.

"We're headed toward a more advanced technological state as a manufacturing company and as an industry leader creating jobs in Arizona," Moore said. "What we want is to show our technological advances in manufacturing to younger generations, attract them to U-Haul and let them grow up with a great company."

U-Haul corporate headquarters have been located in Phoenix since 1967. The U-Haul Technical Center is stationed in Tempe.

About U-Haul

Since 1945, U-Haul has been the No. 1 choice of do-it-yourself movers, with a network of more than 21,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. U-Haul customers' patronage has enabled the U-Haul fleet to grow to more than 139,000 trucks, 108,000 trailers and 38,000 towing devices. U-Haul offers more than 536,000 rooms and more than 47 million square feet of self-storage space at owned and managed facilities throughout North America. U-Haul is the largest installer of permanent trailer hitches in the automotive aftermarket industry and is the largest retailer of propane in the U.S. uhaul.com

Contact

Jeff Lockridge

Sebastien Reyes

E-mail: [email protected]

Phone: 602-760-4941

Website: uhaul.com

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161012/427998

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20090622/LA34860LOGO-b

SOURCE U-Haul
DUBLIN, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Research and Markets has announced the addition of the "Global Molecular Diagnostics Market - Focus on Infectious Diseases (HPV/Chlamydia/Gonorrhea) & Genetic Testing (HLA) - Industry Outlook 2022" report to their offering.

The market has burgeoned in span of 25 years. It is further poised to reach new heights by breaching US$ 11 billion mark by 2022 by growing at a CAGR of 9.2% in the forecasted period 2016-22.

Molecular diagnostics is used for detecting patient's susceptibility to a disease by tests for detecting and characterizing pathogenic mutations in DNA and RNA samples. It is the most dynamic segment of the global in vitro diagnostics market, given the advantages of precise genetic information over traditional tests. Molecular diagnostics in healthcare has been disseminating around the world at a robust growth rate due its unique ability to unlock molecular information of patients.

In terms of market structure, molecular diagnostics industry is classified into three broad categories - clinical infectious disease, genomics and blood donor screening. The clinical infectious disease segment has two sub-segments: virology and bacteriology tests. The genomics segment is further sub-divided into genetic diseases and disorders, cancer testing, HLA testing, and pharmacogenetic testing. Infectious diseases are the largest segment of molecular diagnostics market.

Growth of the industry is fuelled by prevalence of reproductive infectious diseases such as Chlamydia and Gonorrhea, surge in various types of oncology diagnostics, ageing population and government's mandate on regular screening of HPV and CT/NG. However, complex regulatory framework and lack of clarity on reimbursement are the major factors restraining the growth of the molecular diagnostics market. Key trends prevailing in the industry includes rise in number of strategic industry alliances and use of Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) in clinical molecular diagnostics.

The report provides information on the current scenario, detailed market outlook of the molecular analysis market segments such as Infectious diseases with focus on Human Papilloma virus (HPV) in virology segment and Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea in bacteriology segment. It further analyzes genomics testing market with focus on Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) testing. Lastly, Blood Donor Screening market is analysed in the report. Future forecasts on all prominent application areas of the industry till 2022 is also provided in the report. Furthermore, key industry players have been prudently analysed in the competitive landscape section of the report in order to provide key comparative insights.

Major industry players operating in the market include Roche Holding AG, Novartis AG, Hologic Inc, Abbott Diagnostics, Becton Dickinson and Qiagen NV, among others. Roche Holdings, Novartis AG, Hologic Inc and Qiagen NV are profiled herein based on attributes such as business overview, product segments, financial and business strategies.

It also compiles performance comparison of aforementioned companies and other leading companies in the segment based on various parameters in the competitive landscape section. In totality, the report provides detailed market analysis, with relevant forecasted data supported by key market dynamics. This information will be helpful in evaluating opportunities in global molecular diagnostics market.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Executive Summary

2. Research Methodology

3. Introduction

4. Molecular Diagnostic Market

5. Global Molecualr Diagnostics Market Segmentation

6. Global Molecular Diagnostics Market Dynamics

7. Competitive Landscape

8. Company Profiles

- Hologic Inc

- Novartis AG

- Qiagen NV

- Roche Holdings

For more information about this report visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/nl5tnm/global_molecular

Media Contact:

Research and Markets

Laura Wood, Senior Manager

[email protected]

For E.S.T Office Hours Call +1-917-300-0470

For U.S./CAN Toll Free Call +1-800-526-8630

For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900

U.S. Fax: 646-607-1907

Fax (outside U.S.): +353-1-481-1716

SOURCE Research and Markets

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BOSTON, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Hearts On Fire, The World's Most Perfectly Cut Diamond, today announced that it has launched a diamond jewelry collaboration with London-based jeweler Stephen Webster. This is the first ever partnership between these two beloved brands, and the first designer collaboration for Hearts On Fire, whose design team is led by Italian native Ilaria Lanzoni.

The first collection of 'Hearts On Fire by Stephen Webster' is called "White Kites"  taking inspiration from magnificent birds pf prey. The renowned British designer led the design for this high-end, all diamond collection  a first for Webster  which uses only Hearts On Fire diamonds paired with white and rose gold. The result is a breathtaking, powerful collection that has bold Stephen Webster style, yet seamlessly displays the timeless beauty of Hearts On Fire diamonds.

"We are extremely excited to finally share the beautiful results of this design collaboration," said Caryl Capeci, President of Hearts On Fire. "Today's consumer is always looking for something new and exciting  and as a rapidly growing, global brand, we wanted to be able to expand our fashion offerings to meet that demand. We truly felt that there was no one better than a world-class designer like Stephen Webster to create fashionable, yet sophisticated Hearts On Fire designs for women from Shanghai, to London to Los Angeles."

"For the first collaboration between Stephen Webster and Hearts On Fire it was crucial that we used inspiration to create pieces that are instantly recognizable as SW designs while at the same time ensuring the diamonds are the heroes of the collection. We were drawn to the command and grace of the White Kite in action as we felt it to be the perfect inspiration for a collection of jewelry that demonstrates how nature's perfect combination of lightness and strength can also be feminine and glamorous," commented Stephen Webster. MBE, Founder and Creative Director Stephen Webster Ltd.

The White Kites collection includes diamond collars, sparkling cocktail rings, statement cuffs, chandelier earrings and feminine ear cuffs, as well as delicate bracelets and necklaces. This collection will be available at Hearts On Fire and Stephen Webster retail boutiques worldwide, as well as Neiman Marcus, Saks 5th Avenue and selected fine jewelers.

About Hearts On Fire

Hearts On Fire, The World's Most Perfectly Cut Diamond, is a leading global designer of luxury branded diamonds and diamond jewelry, and one of the most widely recognized and bestselling luxury diamond jewelry brands in the world. Founded in 1996, and acquired by Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Group in 2014, Hearts On Fire introduced the first-ever branded diamond and instantly changed the jewelry industry forever. The global brand continues to be recognized for its superior craftsmanship and exclusive cut  the single most important factor in a diamond's value  resulting in diamonds of extraordinary beauty and brilliance. Today, Hearts On Fire offers a robust variety of designer bridal and fashion diamond jewelry collections that integrate the brand's timeless expression with today's top fashion trends, and their products are distinguished by an unparalleled sparkle. Hearts On Fire offers distribution through a rapidly growing global retail partner network of more than 750 locations in 32 countries, including 150 points on sale in Hong Kong and Greater China, 17 HOF brand stores around the world, heartsonfire.com and authorized HOF retailer websites. For more information, please visit www.heartsonfire.com.

About Stephen Webster

British-born Stephen Webster MBE is one of the most prominent jewellery designers of his generation. Founded upon 40 years of impeccable craftsmanship, innovative design and fearless creativity, Stephen Webster's eponymous brand has won industry-wide recognition. Coveted by icons and idols, Stephen Webster is celebrated for creating modern classics with an eternally chic and glamorous aesthetic.

CONTACT: Angie Kielt, 1-617-204-4350

SOURCE Hearts On Fire

Related Links

http://www.heartsonfire.com


CLEVELAND, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On Saturday, Oct. 1, Hudec Dental (www.hudecdental.com) along with 130 participants raced at Edgewater Park to bring awareness and support to The Salvation Army of Greater Cleveland. This race raised close to $11,000 that will be donated to support:

Shelters throughout Cleveland

Food pantries and soup kitchens

Senior citizen programs

After school programs for inner-city youth

Emergency social service assistance

Since July, all 18 Hudec Dental offices (www.hudecdental.com/office-locations) have been actively raising money for this event. The Smile & Dash race had 11 reputable sponsors who also assisted with promotion and fundraising efforts.

"This race and the preparations reminded me that we can be more than fillers of teeth," comments Dr. John Hudec, Owner of Hudec Dental, "whatever amount we contributed to the Salvation Army...it is just a small way of helping those who need a boost in life."

The Salvation Army and Hudec Dental decided to join forces in 2016 because of their similar purpose of "improving the quality of life" in the community. Both organizations strive to make a difference daily.

"As I was watching the smiles on the faces of those running the race, I was reminded of the power of a smile. Have you ever smiled at someone who needed some encouragement? Usually you will see their down-cast face brighten up as the smile is returned. Thank you to Hudec Dental for each and every smile you create," says Major Lurlene-Kay M. Johnson, The Salvation Army, Divisional Secretary for Greater Cleveland Area Services.

Hudec Dental has been serving the City of Cleveland for close to 40 years with the sole purpose of serving others. They recently developed a new philosophy in 2016, Relax. Smile. Serve. Their goal is to develop new partnerships with various charities and volunteer as an organization quarterly. The Smile & Dash race with The Salvation Army was just the beginning of their future involvement with charitable organizations in Cleveland.

Major Johnson adds a final note to all participants, "thank you to Hudec Dental and the community for making our first annual Smile & Dash race a huge success. Lives will be changed because you care enough to run a race for those struggling to stand due to the daily challenges they face."

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160816/398589LOGO

SOURCE Hudec Dental

Related Links

http://www.hudecdental.com


American Humane's renowned 100-year-old animal rescue program , is working with the local Palmetto Animal League to help displaced pets at its non-profit shelter in Okatie, and create a Pet Disaster Recovery Center for the region as part of an unprecedented and comprehensive response to rescue and recovery efforts for pets, including distribution of food and pet supplies, veterinary clinics for injured and ill animals, reunifications of pets with their families, and other critical services as needed by the disaster victims.

Palmetto Animal League (PAL) is a private, non-profit animal shelter in Okatie that rescues cats and dogs and provides them with a home-like environment until a forever family can be found. PAL currently has 155 cats and 25 dogs in their Adoption Center and even more in foster care, many with significant health and medical needs. Okatie is one of the hardest hit areas of South Carolina, near Hilton Head Island, which suffered from what the governor called "unprecedented damage."

"The local PAL shelter reached out to us to help them and their community recover from the disaster, and we will do everything in our power to make a difference for the animal victims and their families," said Randy Collins, national director of animal rescue for American Humane. "But we also want to make sure the larger region has animal disaster relief services now that the storm is over and the cameras are leaving. The hurricane is gone, but the need is not."

"Palmetto Animal League is thankful to be teaming up with the American Humane to help provide much-needed services for Lowcountry pet owners affected by the storm," said Fred Liebert, PAL chairman of the board. "With PAL resources stretched to the limit, American Humane didn't waste any time setting up their mobile disaster pet recovery center to offer lifesaving emergency supplies and support to the public."

As killer Hurricane Matthew neared U.S. shores, American Humane rushed its famed rescue team into action. They strategically moved vital equipment into the areas expected to be hardest hit in Florida and South Carolina, including two of its 50-foot emergency rescue vehicles made possible by the support of philanthropist Lois Pope, the Kirkpatrick Foundation, the Donner Foundation, and Banfield Pet Foundation. One of the emergency vehicles was driven nine hours by senior team member Jeff Eyre and his three-legged German Shepherd Dually to help prepare a shelter for 117 cats and 49 dogs in North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. He, shelter employees and volunteers worked tirelessly over the next 36 hours to prepare for the storm, whose winds were so fierce they actually moved American Humane's giant F-350 truck. As shelter workers remained sheltered in place in their homes and with their families, Jeff and Dually rode out the storm as the only guardians of the 166 animals in the shelter. When the shelter lost electricity, they used their emergency rescue vehicle to power the entire facility, running fans and preventing the animals from overheating.

Additional Tips and Tools to Save Lives

American Humane and its supporters are providing additional tips and tools that can save lives. Read here to find ways to keep your animals safe after the storm is past.

To further help pets and pet owners, American Humane's century-old animal rescue program has a partnership with mobiPET, a new, high-tech, visual "AMBER Alert" for missing pets that helps reunite lost pets with their owners. Any pet owner who has lost a pet in South Carolina's Jasper County or Beaufort County in the 29906, 29909 and 29910 zip code areas, who has a photo of their pet in a smartphone or computer can go to www.mobipet.me and click on the "Rescue" tab to fill in your information including a photo of your missing pet and your five-digit zip code. This program requires a smart phone with a wireless connection or a computer with an internet connection to activate the lost pet photo alert to the designated animal shelter(s). mobiPET President Dave Ropes says, "We are waiving the $50 fee in this disaster area and would hope that pet owners donate to American Humane for helping provide this innovative new pet rescue service." Generally, non-registered owners whose pet becomes lost can access the service for a $50.00 emergency registration fee, but during an American Humane deployment, mobiPet is waiving the fee for those within the disaster area.

"The storm may have passed, but serious dangers and critical needs remain for both people and animals," says Randy Collins. "Our animal rescue teams are on the ground to deliver help, hope and healing to those in greatest need, and thanks to our supporters, we can bring additional lifesaving resources to the animal victims of this storm and their families. Our mission is and has always been to be first to serve in the protection of animals, and we are doing all we can do to make a difference to lost, frightened, and hungry animals who have lost their homes and who need our help."

About American Humane's Animal Rescue Program

American Humane's animal rescue program was created in 1916 at the request of the U.S. Secretary of War to save war horses wounded on the battlefields of World War I Europe. Since then, it has been involved in virtually every major disaster relief effort from Pearl Harbor to 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, the Joplin, Missouri and Moore, Oklahoma tornadoes, the Japanese and Haitian earthquakes, and Superstorm Sandy. Over just the past dozen years our rescue teams have saved, helped and sheltered more than 80,000 animals. For more information or to support these efforts go to www.americanhumane.org.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161012/427862

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101108/DC97343LOGO

SOURCE American Humane

Related Links

http://www.americanhumane.org


LONDON, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Executive Summary

The report titled "India Cyber Security Market Outlook to 2020 - Rising Online Transactions & Government's Inclination Towards Heavy Digitization Of Data To Fuel Growth" provides a comprehensive analysis of the Cyber Security market in India. The report focuses on the Enterprises as well as residential segment. The report covers aspects such as overall cyber security market, antivirus and antimalware market, segmentation of cyber security market by different security types, by solutions, by services, by major verticals, by major cities, by end users, by deployment models, by demand, by supply and by new and renewal orders.



The report also covers role of consultants and system integrators along with Government's role in India cyber security market. The publication extensively covers competitive landscape of major cyber security vendors with their detailed company profile. The decision making process before hiring a cyber security vendor and the tender process has been separately covered along with comprehensive value chain analysis with margins. The publication also covers two separate snapshots on India Antivirus and Antimalware market and India Data Loss Protection market that has extensive segmentations. The future analysis of overall cyber security market and key opportunities in future has also been discussed. Furthermore, the report also provides coverage on most common methods of cyber attacks and procedures to handle them. The report is useful for emerging and existing cyber security vendors, system integrators, cyber security consultancy firms and other stakeholders to align their market centric strategies according to ongoing and expected trends in the future.



India Cyber Security Market

The cyber security market in the country has been immensely driven by a substantial growth in the online and digital data that accompanies increased threats from attackers. In FY'2015, the cyber security market in India clocked revenue worth INR ~ billion which increased by 79.9% from INR ~ billion in FY'2014. The cyber security market has experienced a substantial growth in the last few years. The network security segment has garnered ~% of the market revenues as observed in FY'2015 which is relatively higher than the global proportion in the same year. In FY'2015, spending on Identity and Access Management accounted for a share of ~% in the overall expenditure on various solutions in the country garnering revenues worth INR ~ billion. In the present scenario, Symantec has the strongest hold in the overall cyber security market. Symantec's end point security solutions are the most trusted and favored upon in the Indian market. The company cut out a market share of around ~% in terms of revenues in FY'2015 and is determined to further penetrate the market. The demand for impeccable security products would be immense and the security companies would have the most profitable time in decades in India. The market is expected to grow by ~% and ~% in FY'2016 and FY'2017 respectively.





India Antivirus and Antimalware Market

The retail sales of antivirus and antimalware products to the home-user segment through online and offline organized retail outlets in India generated revenues of INR ~billion in FY'2015. The internet security products were the second most important choice as it garnered ~% share in revenues for the year FY'2015. 1-year download products accounted for ~% in the antivirus and antimalware market in FY'2015. The 3 PC antivirus products contributed a share of ~% in the overall antivirus and antimalware market in FY'2015. On the basis of mode of sales, most of the demand of antivirus products came from the offline mode in lieu of enterprise segment accounting for majority of the sales volume.



The onset of domestic companies such as QuickHeal and K7 into the enterprise segment has boosted the future prospects of the market in India. It has also heightened the competition among MNC and local domestic vendors. It has been estimated that the antivirus and antimalware market in India will expand from INR ~ billion in FY'2016 to INR ~ billion in FY'2020 at a CAGR of ~%.



India Data Loss Protection Market

India DLP market size in the year 2015 was recorded at INR ~ billion. The DLP market in India has been dominated by three major players that cater to nearly ~% of the overall DLP requirement in the small medium and large enterprises. The revenues generated through overall deployment of DLP solutions into all small, medium and large enterprises including the government offices amounted to INR ~ billion in the year FY'2015.

Organizations in India have been found to prefer network DLP because of its uncomplicated deployment. Other advantages of network DLP deployment are its integration with email and its coverage for a wide range of channels. In the year 2015, it was estimated that on-premise DLP deployment garnered the highest share in terms of revenues at ~%. Moreover, with the rapid expansion of data digitization in small and medium businesses, the demand for DLP deployments is expected to surge in the coming years.



Key Topics Covered in the Report:

- The market size of India Cyber Security Market.

- Market Segmentation by software, hardware and services, security types, solutions, services, verticals, major cities, end users, deployment, demand, supply and orders.

- Global Positioning of India Cyber Security Market

- Decision making process of hiring a cyber security vendor

- Value chain analysis of India cyber security market

- Tender Process in India Cyber Security Market

- Competitive Analysis of emerging players in India Cyber Security Market

- Profiles of Major Players In India Cyber security Market

- Trends And Developments In India Cyber Security Market

- Snapshot of Consultants and System Integrators in India Cyber Security Market

- Government Regulations In India Cyber Security Market

- India Cyber Security Market Future Projections And Outlook

- The market size of India Antivirus and Antimalware Market

- Market segmentation of the Antivirus and Antimalware market on the basis of sectoral use, sales, product, number of system and download period

- The market size of India Data Loss Protection Market

- Market segmentation of the Data Loss Protection market on the basis of solution type and deployment

- Analyst Recommendations



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ATLANTA, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the Job Creators Network (JCN) announced that it is hosting a Bring Small Businesses Back event in Roswell, GA on Wednesday, October 19th at Roswell City Hall from 9:00 A.M. - 11:00 A.M. ET. The event features Georgia Representative Tom Price, M.D., Home Depot co-founder and retired Chairman Bernie Marcus, and JCN President and CEO Alfredo Ortiz discussing the threats that small business owners face.

RSVP for the event here.

The event is part of JCN's Bring Small Businesses Back campaign which consists of a nationwide bus tour to hear the challenges that real local small businesses are facing. Alfredo Ortiz, president and CEO of JCN, will present on this campaign as well as JCN's Employer to Employee (E2E) education program.

"Rep. Price stands resolute in his defense of small businesses and is committed to removing the obstacles that lie in their path," said Alfredo Ortiz, president and CEO of the Job Creators Network. "With the support of leaders like him, we can bring small businesses back and get the economy working for everyone."

The event will focus on finding solutions to the problems most commonly cited by small business owners: overregulation, overtaxation, and lack of access to credit. With small businesses in Georgia making up 97 percent of all employers in the state, it is vital for their concerns to be heard.

In a nationwide poll of small businesses commissioned by JCN earlier this year, two-thirds of respondents identified overtaxation as preventing their businesses from thriving. Three-fifths said the same about overregulation. As a result, the survey also found that only one in five small business owners plan to hire additional employees over the next year, and only around one-quarter believe that doing business over the next year will be easier than the previous one.

To address the overtaxation hurdle, Rep. Randy Hultgren's (R-IL) recently announced Bring Small Businesses Back Tax Reform Act (H.R. 5374), which would reduce the tax burden on the nation's small business job creators, which make up half of the nation's jobs and two-thirds of its new jobs.

The proposed legislation would lower the tax rate on pass-through businesses' first $150,000 worth of income to 10 percent. And it would lower the rate on income between $150,000 and $1 million to 20 percent.

Read the full text of the Bring Small Businesses Back Tax Reform Act here. Read the white paper JCN released earlier this year assessing the state of American small businesses here. Find out more information about the campaign at DefendMainStreet.com.

To schedule an interview, contact Jackson Shedelbower at [email protected] or (470) 223-7356.

The Job Creators Network (JCN) is the voice of real job creators that has been missing from the debate on jobs and our economic crisis. JCN members talk about paychecks, not politics, helping the public and policymakers understand how to create jobs. For more information, please visit www.JobCreatorsNetwork.com.



Job Creators Network

Contact: Jackson Shedelbower

(470) 223-7356

SOURCE Job Creators Network (JCN)
RALEIGH, N.C., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- K4Connect, a mission-oriented technology company that creates solutions that serve and empower older adults and individuals living with disabilities, today announced that its President, Derek Holt, will be speaking at The Aging2.0 OPTIMIZE Conference in San Francisco, taking place from October 12-14, 2016. Holt's breakout session, "Smart Senior Living," will be held on Friday, October 14th, from 8:50-9:50am PDT.

Holt will co-present alongside Cindy Phillips, Executive Director of the Masonic Village at Elizabethtown, where K4Connect is piloting its first product focused on the senior living community, K4Community, with 40 residents. Holt and Phillips will present on how smart innovations can be easily integrated into a senior living community, as well as the results they are seeing to date related to both the resident experience and operational efficiencies.

K4Connect will also be showcasing K4Community at Booth #154. K4Community integrates the latest in smart technologies and applications into a single, open, responsive platform, enabling smarter living environments and healthier lives, while also fostering family and community engagement for senior living residents. The platform also benefits operators of senior living communities by allowing them to provide the best in care and hospitality with value-added amenities, while increasing revenues and lowering costs.

"Our mission at K4Connect is to help older adults and those people living with disabilities live a more independent, healthier and connected life," said Holt. "Opportunities such as the Aging2.0 OPTIMIZE Conference create the ideal setting to drive thoughtful discussion around technology and innovation for this specific underserved population. I'm thrilled to be speaking at the conference with thought leaders such as Cindy Phillips and sharing our experience and the results we are seeing."

"We piloted K4Community in our Elizabethtown campus from February  June 2016 and have seen encouraging results," said Phillips. "Most notable was that our residents do embrace technology! With K4Community, we saw a 100 percent adoption rate around home automation and an 88 percent adoption rate for the tablet application. I am excited to share more of our results and the insights gained during our conference presentation," she added.

To learn more about K4Connect, visit www.k4connect.com. To see K4Community firsthand, stop by Booth #154.

About K4Connect

K4Connect creates solutions that serve and empower older adults and individuals living with disabilities, enhancing lives through an open technology delivery and management platform that combines home automation, health and wellness technology, content and communications. The Company's products enable simpler, smarter living environments and healthier lives, while fostering family and community engagement. For more information, please visit www.k4connect.com.

About Masonic Village

The Masonic Village at Elizabethtown is a not-for-profit continuing care retirement community, children's home and community service organization. The campus offers 665 retirement living apartments and 318 cottages, 135 personal care residences and 453 nursing, subacute and dementia care accommodations. The Masonic Villages also include communities in Dallas, Lafayette Hill, Sewickley and Warminster. For more information, visit www.masonicvillages.org.

CONTACT: Media Contact:

Lindsay Hull of Zer0 to 5ive for K4Connect

[email protected]

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SOURCE K4Connect

Related Links

https://www.k4connect.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The light control switches market for lighting is expected to reach USD 6.25 billion (in terms of value) and 2.85 billion units (in terms of volume) by 2022, at a CAGR of 7.9% and 8.8%, respectively, between 2016 and 2022. The penetration of advanced lighting control in outdoor and commercial lighting owing to the increased focus on energy-efficient lighting is the major driver for growth of the market.



"Commercial end users to be the leading segment in terms of value of the light control switches market during the forecast period"



Commercial end users such as offices, retail outlets, hotels, and restaurants are expected to be the major adopters of advanced lighting controls as they have to reduce energy wastage. As commercial end users adopt high-value sensor-based and timer-based switches for lighting control, they are expected to become the leading end users in terms of value during the forecast period.



"Asia-Pacific expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period"



The market in Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at a high rate in the overall market till 2022. The combination of multiple factors make Asia-Pacific the most dynamic region in the light control switches market. Asia-Pacific has some of the fastest-growing emerging economies, namely, India and China; it also has technologically and economically advanced economies such as Japan and South Korea. Furthermore, there are many countries within Asia-Pacific which are witnessing rapid urbanization; hence, the overall growth and demand for infrastructure is higher in APAC compared to Europe and North America. Countries in the Asia-Pacific region have started bringing in regulations to increase the usage of lighting controls, which is majorly driving the growth of the market for light control switches.



In the process of determining and verifying the market size for several segments and subsegments of the light control switches market gathered through the secondary research, extensive primary interviews have been conducted with key people.



The breakup of the profiles of primary participants is shown below:



- By Company Type: Tier 1  20%, Tier 2  45%, and Tier 3  35%

- By Designation: C-Level  35%, Director Level  25%, and Others  40%

- By Region: North America  30%, Europe  20%, APAC  45%, and RoW  5%



The geographic segmentation in the report covers the four major regions of the world, namely, North America, Europe, APAC, and RoW. The report also profiles major players in the light control switches market for lighting. Some of the major players in this market are Osram GmbH (Germany), Legrand (France), Schneider Electric (France), Honeywell International (U.S.), Acuity Brands (U.S.), Philips N.V. (Netherlands), Cooper Industries (U.S.), Hubbell Lighting (U.S.), Leviton (U.S.), and Lutron (U.S.)



Reasons to Buy the Report:



This report caters to the needs of leading companies, industries, component manufacturers, and other related stakeholders in this market. Other parties that could benefit from the report include government bodies, environmental agencies, consulting firms, business development executives, C-level employees, and VPs. Our report would help analyze new opportunities and potential revenue sources and enhance the decision-making process for new business strategies. The quantitative and qualitative information in the report, along with our comprehensive analysis, would help a player to gain a competitive edge in the market.



Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p03932649-summary/view-report.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com





__________________________

Contact Clare: [email protected]

US: (339)-368-6001

Intl: +1 339-368-6001

SOURCE Reportlinker

Related Links

http://www.reportlinker.com


KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Lockton Companies, the world's largest privately held, independent insurance broker, today announced it is collaborating with leading catastrophe modeling firm AIR Worldwide, to introduce a new way to stress-test flood coverage and evaluate exposure to severe thunderstorm risk. Lockton will connect to AIR's software platform Touchstone through the AIR Cloud, a secure, feature-rich environment that enables Lockton to conduct all of its analyses from anywhere, while minimizing capital expenditure.

"AIR's Touchstone risk management platform enables Lockton to conduct flood coverage analyses, in-depth retention scenarios, and enhanced catastrophe risk assessment," said Mike Andler, Lockton's Executive Vice President, US Property Leader. "The move to bring this catastrophe modeling solution in-house reflects a high demand for evaluating risk due to the increasing number of devastating catastrophic events, including inland floods, severe thunderstorms, hail, tornado, and lightning. The AIR models provide another data point to gauge multi-location exposure limit, especially for businesses which do not have coastal wind or earthquake exposure."

This collaboration enhances Lockton's overall suite of property modeling solutions, providing clients with insights about a wide range of perils beyond traditional earthquake and hurricane exposures, and reinforces a commitment to innovation and analytics to support clients' evolving needs.

"We're extremely pleased to collaborate with Lockton Companies to help them better serve their clients with the most state-of-the-art probabilistic loss models," said Rob Newbold, Executive Vice President, AIR Worldwide. "With Touchstone, Lockton is able to offer their clients and prospects a comprehensive risk assessment solution that will help them gain valuable insights into the unique catastrophe risk profiles of the insureds they serve."

About Lockton

More than 6,000 professionals at Lockton provide 50,000 clients around the world with risk management, insurance, employee benefits consulting, and retirement services that improve their businesses. From its founding in 1966 in Kansas City, Missouri, Lockton has attracted entrepreneurial professionals who have driven its growth to become the largest privately held, independent insurance broker in the world and 9th largest overall. For eight consecutive years, Business Insurance magazine has recognized Lockton as a "Best Place to Work in Insurance." To see the latest insights from Lockton's experts, check Lockton Market Update.

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SOURCE Lockton Companies

Related Links

http://www.lockton.com


GREENVILLE, N.C., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Madvapes, a leading retailer in electronic cigarettes and producer of premium e-liquids, has now added another franchise location in the town of Greenville, North Carolina!

Madvapes Greenville is set to open this November and will service customers on the footsteps of East Carolina University and as a full service vape shop will feature all the latest products in the industry including several premium liquids made right here in North Carolina.

Madvapes has doubled its store locations since early 2015 and is outpacing its competitors now with one of the largest retail footprints in the industry.

New store owner and President of Bright Leaf Vendors, Inc. commented: "I have always wanted to establish a business in the Greenville community just as my great-grandfather did so many years ago. I smoked for 28 years, a year ago I purchased my first mod from Madvapes and I haven't touched a cigarette ever since. So when the opportunity arose I jumped at the chance to work with Madvapes, to open my first store with them, they have excellent customer service and training so we are excited about opening Madvapes Greenville soon."

Madvapes Chairman, Mark Kehaya, commented on the continued growth: "We are very pleased with the continued growth of Madvapes locations throughout the United States and Europe and to be working with great partners like Dempsey. Dempsey's family has a long business history in the Greenville market so we couldn't be more proud to welcome them to our Madvapes family."

About Madvapes

Madvapes is a Mooresville, NC based corporation, that distributes electronic cigarettes, e-liquids, mods, parts and accessories in over 80 retail locations around the U.S. and is one of the largest e-commerce vaping distributors. Established in 2009 and a leading authority in Electronic Cigarettes, Madvapes is an advocate for consumer product education, safety and regulatory governance.

For more information, please visit:

Madvapes.com

MadvapesFranchising.com

SOURCE Madvapes Franchising LLC

Related Links

http://Madvapes.com


UBM Asia, organisers of CBME South East Asia, is pleased to present the industry a FREE-to-attend seminar, 'How to Grow Your Baby Business', on Thursday, 20th October at MATRADE Exhibition & Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur . The seminar is organised in partnership with Baby Product Association of Malaysia (BPAM), and will bring together some leading industry professionals to share their valuable insights on various interesting topics which help retailers, distributors and manufacturers to explore their business opportunities in child, baby and maternity industry.

This trade seminar covers several sessions which include consumer behaviour change of new mothers in Malaysia, industry insights and predictions for the coming years, influence of e-commerce on the maternity and baby industry, 'new connected consumer' and its influence towards retail industry in the digital era. Seminar speakers include Manisha Kinalekar, Director of Retailer Vertical at Nielsen Malaysia, James Graham, Insight Director at Kantar Worldpanel, Paromeeta Mathur Banerjee, Director of Client Service Innovation and Product Development Lead at Kantar TNS Malaysia, and Jillian Tan, Account Manager at GFK. More information and free registration is available online at www.cbmesea.com/malaysia

The seminar is organised by UBM Asia, organisers of CBME Southeast Asia -- the region's only business-to-business trade event for the children, baby and maternity industry, in partnership with Baby Product Association of Malaysia (BPAM).

Seminar: "How to Grow Your Baby Business'

Date: 20 October 2016, Thursday

Time: 9.30am - 1.00pm

Venue: MATRADE Exhibition and Convention Centre, Hall A (Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia)

Notes to editor:

About UBM Asia (www.ubmasia.com )

Owned by UBM plc listed on the London Stock Exchange, UBM Asia is the largest trade show organiser in Asia and the largest commercial organiser 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 presence in 24 major cities with 32 offices and 1,300 staff.

With a track record spanning over 30 years, UBM Asia operates in 19 market sectors with 230 events, 28 targeted trade publications, 18 round-the-clock online products for over 2,000,000 quality exhibitors, visitors, conference delegates, advertisers and subscribers from all over the world. We provide a one-stop diversified global service for high-value business matching, quality market news and online trading networks.

UBM Asia has extensive office networks in China, Southeast Asia and India, three of the world's fastest growing B2B events markets. UBM China has 12 offices in the major cities in mainland China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Guzhen and Shenzhen, where we organise 90 events. In ASEAN, UBM Asia operates from its offices in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines with 70 events in this region. UBM India teams in Mumbai, New Delhi, Bengaluru and Chennai organise over 20 events every year across the country.

UBM Asia was awarded 'Asia's Most Reliable Trade Show Organizer Award' in Hong Kong's Most Valuable Companies Awards (HKMVCA) 2016.

About Children Baby Maternity Industry Expo (CBME South East Asia)

www.cbmesea.com

Children Baby Maternity Industry Expo (CBME South East Asia) is the first trade exhibition catered exclusively to host professionals in baby, children and maternity products industry. This is the perfect venue for regional and international manufacturers, suppliers and distributors of maternity and baby care products including Toys, Educational Products, baby Carriages, Car Seats, Furniture, Clothing, Footwear, Accessories, Food and Healthcare Products to meet face-to-face and do business.

Melissa Chang

Assistant Marketing Manager

UBM Exhibition Singapore Pte Ltd

10 Hoe Chiang Road

#20-05 Keppel Towers

Singapore 089315

T: +65 6592 0888 ext.893

F: +65 6438 6090

M:+65 9154 4321

E: [email protected]

W: www.ubmasia.com.sg

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427639

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427649LOGO

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SOURCE UBM Asia
IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Mavenlink, the leading provider of project management and resource planning software for services organizations and a Gartner Cool Vendor*, announced today that it was named Outstanding Private Technology Company of the Year at the Orange County (OC) Tech Alliance's 23rd Annual High-Tech Innovation Awards.

The award-winning Mavenlink platform serves services firms and embedded services organizations. Historically, these organizations have operated in disparate business applications and spreadsheets that result in siloed information environments and constrained operating practices. Mavenlink unifies all critical functions of a services organization, allowing them to plan and deliver work, manage project financials and resources, and collaborate with distributed teams and clients, in a single platform. The result is a comprehensive and dynamic view of the business that offers unrivaled control and a means to significantly uplevel performance.

"We are honored that Mavenlink has been recognized for its strategy and innovation in building the digital infrastructure for a growing, $3 trillion global services market," said Ray Grainger, Mavenlink's CEO and co-founder. "This is an extraordinarily exciting time for our company, and the services industry. There is a huge opportunity for firms to capitalize on increasing global demand as a result of an escalating thirst for hyper-specialized skills and unprecedented adoption of outsourcing. Our growth and momentum is evidence that we are helping services providers take these significant market shifts and opportunities head on. With Mavenlink, firms are able to operate, scale, and thrive like never before."

The award follows several recent distinctions Mavenlink has received in 2016 for its innovative solution, company growth and customer satisfaction:

Software Advice, a Gartner company, named Mavenlink a Leader in the 2016 FrontRunners quadrant for Project Management software, based upon performance and value for its customers.

G2 Crowd, the world's leading business software review platform, named Mavenlink a leader in the Summer 2016 Project Management Software Grid based on its strong customer satisfaction score and large market presence.

Red Herring named Mavenlink a 2016 Red Herring Top 100 North America winner, a prestigious list honoring the year's most outstanding entrepreneurs and promising private technology ventures.

named Mavenlink a 2016 Red Herring Top 100 North America winner, a prestigious list honoring the year's most outstanding entrepreneurs and promising private technology ventures. Mavenlink was named a 2016 BIG Innovation Award Finalist for the launch of Mavenlink Insights, an enterprise-grade business intelligence solution designed to help services firms increase margins, improve utilization, and better forecast revenue and resources.

Mavenlink also recently announced a major expansion plan that includes opening two new U.S. locations, expanding its current San Francisco engineering and product headquarters, rapidly adding jobs at its Irvine headquarters, and a new European headquarters in London. The plan will help Mavenlink accommodate a significant increase in employee headcount, accelerate product innovation, scale business opportunities and better serve its rapidly growing international client base.

"While all of the finalists were deserving, our judges felt Mavenlink stood out in this highly competitive category," said Peter Craig, CEO, OC Tech Alliance. "We congratulate Mavenlink for winning the 2016 award. I'd also like to acknowledge all of the finalists for their nominations. Orange County is the true winner here because of the exceptional technology in this category by Mavenlink and the other finalists."

Mavenlink is hiring in all locations. Visit Mavenlink.com/Careers for more information.

About Orange County Technology Alliance

Orange County Technology Alliance is a 501(c)6 nonprofit trade association committed to fast-forwarding the local innovation economy. It is the successor organization to the Orange County Council of TechAmerica and AeA. It is the only technology association addressing the needs of small-to-midsize technology companies and their leaders based in Orange County, Calif. The alliance serves members through local networking, professional development, state and federal advocacy, savings on business services and industry recognition. To learn more about membership, contact OC Tech Alliance at [email protected] or www.octechalliance.com.

About Mavenlink

Mavenlink delivers enterprise-class Software as a Service (SaaS) that transforms how businesses work with distributed teams, contractors and clients around the globe. Mavenlink's innovative technology suite enables organizations of any size to successfully manage and scale their people, projects, and profits. Consulting firms, creative agencies, IT services organizations, and professional services teams in more than 100 countries are running their businesses more effectively and predictably with Mavenlink. Mavenlink was recently named a 2015 Cool Vendor by Gartner, the world's leading technology research and advisory firm. Learn more at www.mavenlink.com.

* Gartner, Cool Vendors in Program and Portfolio Management, 2015, Robert A. Handler, Matt Light, Donna Fitzgerald, Teresa Jones, 24 April 2015.

SOURCE Mavenlink

Related Links

http://www.mavenlink.com


NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- MedEquities Realty Trust, Inc. (NYSE: MRT) announced details for the release of its results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2016.

The Company plans to issue its earnings release before the market opens on Wednesday, November 9, 2016, and will host a conference call and live audio webcast, both open for the general public to hear, later that same morning at 10:00 a.m. Central Time. The number to call for this interactive teleconference is (412) 542-4116. A replay of the call will be available through November 16, 2016 by dialing (412) 317-0088 and entering the replay access code, 10094481.

The live audio webcast of the Company's quarterly conference call will be available online in the Investor Relations section of the Company's website at ir.medequities.com. The online replay will be available approximately one hour after the end of the call and archived for approximately twelve months.

About MedEquities Realty Trust

MedEquities Realty Trust (NYSE: MRT) is a self-managed and self-administered real estate investment trust that invests in a diversified mix of healthcare properties and healthcare-related real estate debt investments. The Company's management team has extensive industry experience in acquiring, owning, developing, financing, operating, leasing and monetizing many types of healthcare properties and portfolios. MedEquities' strategy is to become an integral capital partner with high-quality and growth-oriented facility-based providers of healthcare services on a nationwide basis, primarily through net-leased real estate investment. For more information, please visit www.medequities.com.

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SOURCE MedEquities Realty Trust, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.medequities.com


TORONTO, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -

Who: Foresters Financial, an international financial services provider committed to doing more for families and communities, is offering assistance to its members in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Virginia affected by Hurricane Matthew.



What: Eligible members experiencing significant personal hardship as a result of the hurricane can receive grants to help with immediate needs.





Members who are directly affected by the hurricane can contact Foresters toll-free at 800 828 1540 between the hours of 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST, Monday to Friday, or e-mail Foresters at [email protected].

About Foresters Financial

Foresters Financial is an international financial services provider with more than three million clients and members in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom, and total funds under management of $34 billion1. With a history of more than 140 years, we provide life insurance, savings, retirement and investment solutions that help families achieve their financial goals, protect their families and improve their communities. For more information, visit foresters.com.

Foresters Financial and Foresters are trade names and trademarks of The Independent Order of Foresters (a fraternal benefit society, 789 Don Mills Road, Toronto, Canada M3C 1T9) and its subsidiaries.

Products offered vary by country. Not all products are available for distribution in all jurisdictions. In the United States, products are offered by The Independent Order of Foresters and its subsidiaries, including Foresters Financial Services, Inc. a registered broker-dealer. Securities, life insurance and annuity products are offered through Foresters Financial Services, Inc. or independent producers. Insurance products are issued by Foresters Life Insurance and Annuity Company, New York, or The Independent Order of Foresters. Investment advisory products and services are offered through Foresters Advisory Services, LLC, a registered investment adviser.

1in Canadian dollars as of December 31, 2015

For more information:

Jennifer Peckett

Foresters Financial

416 429 3000 X 4340 (NA)

[email protected]

SOURCE Foresters

Related Links

www.foresters.com


ATLANTA, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On Tuesday, October 11th Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) and Gwinnett Technical College held a press conference to announce their educational partnership. Christian Treiber, vice president customer services of MBUSA along with Dr. Glen Cannon, president of Gwinnett Technical, presented the new 'Mercedes-Benz Technician Training Program.' This program is created to help elevate technician recruitment and training to meet the growing needs of dealerships across the United States.

"The partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Gwinnett Technical College will serve as a model that we will replicate in other local markets around the country," said Christian Treiber, vice president, customer services for MBUSA. "We want to provide a natural navigation point for the next generation of automotive technicians, and pave the path into the Mercedes-Benz family." Treiber stressed that the automotive technicians of today need more specialized training than ever before: "Long gone are the days of the oil stained mechanic wrenching away in a greasy workshop. Technicians need training and access to specialized diagnostic tools to keep today's cars operating safely and efficiently."

The 'Mercedes-Benz Technician Training Program' is a two-year program that will offer students a hands-on approach to learning that will introduce basic concepts and practices necessary for safe and effective automotive dealer operations. In addition, MBUSA donated an array of training equipment, and six vehicles as well as renovating and equipping a customized Mercedes-Benz training classroom and technology laboratory to Gwinnett Tech's Automotive Technology Program located at the Lawrenceville campus.

About Gwinnett Technical College

Gwinnett Technical College, one of Georgia's largest technical colleges, is committed to delivering relevant knowledge to meet the workforce training needs of its community. The College offers more than 140 associate degree, diploma and certificate programs and hundreds of seminars, workshops and courses providing specialized training. Gwinnett Tech is Gwinnett County's largest provider of corporate training and also serves residents and businesses in north Fulton County. Gwinnett Technical College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award the associate degree. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Gwinnett Technical College. In addition, some college programs hold separate licensure or accreditation status with appropriate agencies. For more information, visit www.GwinnettTech.edu. A unit of the Technical College System of Georgia.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment with 15 model lines ranging from the sporty CLA-Class four-door coupe to the flagship S-Class and the Mercedes-AMG GT S.

MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans and smart products in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com, www.mbsprinterusa.com and www.smartusa.com.

Accredited journalists can visit our media site at www.media.mbusa.com.

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SOURCE Mercedes-Benz USA

Related Links

http://www.mbusa.com


MIAMI, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Spanish artist Juan Garaizabal is ready for his installation of Havana's Balcony (Balcon de la Habana) at the Museum Park in the city of Miami. The steel structure will be presented under the framework of Miami's Art Week. The piece is the first part of an initiative that will be completed with the installation of a sister sculpture in the Malecon of Havana in 2017.

Havana's Balcony (Balcon de La Habana) is a 69 feet high sculpture - approximately the height of a six-story building. It has an imposing structure of stainless steel, partially coated with LED lights, that will be visible from the bay and land throughout the city, changing what is now the skyline of Miami. It will be located in Museum Park, the neurological center of culture and art in Miami, along with the Perez Art Museum and The Patricia and Phillip Frost Museum of Science. The Havana's Balcony (Balcon de la Habana) in Miami will have a replica installation of a sculpture in the Cuban capital, which recreates the Miami's Art Deco lines in 2017. The two sister sculptures will be placed facing each other. Through this work, the artist tries to not only recreate the symbol of a culture, but also the essence that lingers in the minds of many Cubans based in Miami. The structure will be an icon of the city.

"I intend to work where history is being made. Miami and Havana, are both having transcendental changes," explained the artist Juan Garaizabal. "The idea is to materialize the physical connection that already exists and is rooted in Miami. A structure so symbolic such as the balconies of Havana is the perfect representation of nostalgia that this Caribbean city evokes in the majority of the Miami population."

Miami's most prominent personalities such as Jorge Perez, Ella Fontanals-Cisneros, through the CIFO foundation, The Bayfront Park Management Trust Miami, and Mana Contemporary, as well as the artist's foundation, Urban Memories, are involved in the support of the project.

For images: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/3jv2x23tegvl88q/AACWKceTl7SmaWumWVqk6Etma?dl=0

CONTACT:

Maria Lanao

1-786-514-0301

[email protected]

SOURCE Juan Garaizabal
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Michael Baker International, a global leader in engineering, planning and consulting services, continues to strengthen its industry leadership position as Engineering News Record (ENR) lists the company in the top seven percent in the magazine's annual ranking of the Top 500 Design Firms in the United States. According to the 2016 results, Michael Baker's positionbased on 2015 gross revenueplaces the company as the 35th largest design firm in the country.

"Michael Baker's position within the latest ENR rankings demonstrates how our enterprise-wide commitment to leveraging global expertise and experience allows us to take advantage of new growth opportunities," said Kurt Bergman, CEO of Michael Baker International. "Michael Baker is driving growth and innovation across our markets and practice areas. We aim to deliver excellence as We Make a Difference for our client partners by offering a full continuum of innovative and sustainable solutions that solve their most complex infrastructure challenges."

Michael Baker is committed to expanding its presence in key markets to better serve the needs of its growing client base and to accommodate high-growth regional trends. In the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions of the U.S.home to four of the top 10 fastest growing American citiesthe firm has established an expansive business development strategy to better meet the public and private demands of the industry, and to draw on the firm's national expertise by leveraging technology to provide impactful, cost-effective solutions. The company is also positioned for growth in the Gulf Coast, particularly in Texas, as state constitutional amendments to funnel an additional $4-billion per year into state highway improvements go into effect.

Additionally, the company maintains its focus on business growth in a number of target sectors. In the transportation sectorwhere Michael Baker ranked 13th according to ENRthe company has applied its Geographic Information Technology (GIT) innovations, including the use of mobile LiDAR equipment and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for inspection work such, to advance business. Michael Baker is also focused on its rail and mass transit businessranked 25th by ENR where it is poised to address transport and delivery trends that focus on fuel efficiency and a low carbon footprint.

In addition to the Top 500 Design Firms ranking, Michael Baker was also ranked highly on a number of prominent ENR lists:

No. 2 design firm in the Mid-Atlantic RegionMichael Baker's headquarters region supported by top-three rankings in Pennsylvania , Virginia and West Virginia

, and No. 22 in the national ENR Top Construction Management-for-Fee Firms list

Top Construction Management-for-Fee Firms list No. 64 in the ENR Top 200 Environmental Firms list

Top 200 Environmental Firms list No. 69 in the ENR Top 150 Global Design Firms list

About Michael Baker International

Michael Baker International is a leading global provider of engineering and consulting services, which include planning, architectural, environmental, construction, program management, and full life-cycle support services as well as information technology and communications services and solutions. The company provides its comprehensive range of services and solutions in support of U.S. federal, state, and municipal governments, foreign allied governments, and a wide range of commercial clients. Michael Baker International has more than 6,000 employees in more than 90 locations across the U.S. and internationally. To learn more, visit www.mbakerintl.com.

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SOURCE Michael Baker International

Related Links

http://www.mbakerintl.com


The human gut is a complex ecosystem: Countless bacteria colonise it and help us to digest our food. Scientists from the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB) of the University of Luxembourg in collaboration with the IBBL (Integrated BioBank of Luxembourg), the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg and the Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch have developed a way to study this ecosystem - the microbiome of the gut - in unprecedented detail: Their new approach allows examination of the genetic potential of the bacteria by decoding their DNA as well as assessing their activity by sequencing RNA, the molecules that are first formed upon transcription of the DNA.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427429 )



(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427430 )



They can also identify the proteins that are subsequently synthesised which in turn then catalyse metabolic reactions. "For the first time, we can now observe what happens simultaneously at the three levels of DNA, RNA and proteins within the microbial communities of the gut," says Prof. Paul Wilmes, head of the LCSB Ecosystems Biology Group, who led the study. "This is important for us to better understand diseases such as diabetes, which the gut microbiome may have an effect on." The researchers have discovered, for example, that the composition of the gut microbiota hardly differs between patients with diabetes and healthy individuals. On the other hand, the genes which are switched on or off by the resident bacteria can be very different. The researchers publish their findings today in the renowned British journal "Nature Microbiology" (DOI: 10.1038/NMICROBIOL.2016.180).

The MUST study (Diabetes multiplex family study) focused on individuals who have already suffered from type 1 diabetes for several years, and who had provided stool samples to the IBBL - an essential partner of the study. "We studied the bacteria in the stool samples from these people," says Dr. Anna Heintz-Buschart, first author of the paper. "We also analysed stool samples from healthy close relatives of the patients with diabetes." The researchers discovered that there is much less of a difference in bacterial species composition between people with and without diabetes than had long been believed. "However," Heintz-Buschart continues, "there are clear differences in what the bacteria do."

In type 1 diabetes, these differences presumably arise when the body's immune system attacks its own insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. The resulting damage can radically upset the composition of digestive juices. "The gut bacteria have to adapt to the changes in their environment," Heintz-Buschart explains. "They do this by adjusting their metabolism, or in other words they change the amounts of proteins or vitamins they produce, such as thiamine. What matters here is that a change in the body's thiamine levels can exacerbate the course of the disease." The once beneficial bacteria thus become a health risk and can worsen the sufferer's condition.

Such precise descriptions of disease-related changes in the microbiome and insights into their functional effects in the body were not possible until now, stresses Paul Wilmes: "While we had been able to determine the species composition in the gut ecosystem by conventional DNA analyses, we were in the dark as to what was actually going on there at a given point in time. To use the analogy of human society: we were able to carry out a census of different individuals without knowing what they might do as a profession. Now we know who does what and when." The breakthrough came when they combined different analytical techniques: "We looked at genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic information together for the first time, meaning we simultaneously studied the DNA, RNA and proteins of the microbiome. Thus, we are now able to study which genes are transcribed and what proteins are produced at a given point in time. This simultaneous study at the three levels gives us an entirely new picture of the functional processes occurring in the gut, for example in relation to metabolism."

The medical professionals with whom Wilmes and his team collaborated see great hope in the new research approach. This includes Prof. Dr. Carine de Beaufort, who conducts research and treats patients at the LCSB and at the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg. She was instrumental in finding families in which healthy and sick members were willing to participate in the study. "We expect these studies to help us identify biomarkers," she says. "These are molecules, such as proteins, that are produced or whose body levels change in the early stages of a diabetic condition. Such biomarkers would make diagnosis easier, so that we could already take preventive or therapeutic action at a very early stage."

In order to drive the search for these biomarkers, the study must go on, Paul Wilmes asserts. "We now wish to work together with families who have children with early forms of diabetes," he says. "For young people especially, it is important to detect indicators of the disease as early as possible. After all, the earlier doctors can intervene, the better they can assure a life with as few limitations as possible." Wilmes envisages detailed mechanistic studies that will give us a better understanding of the complex functions of the microbiome: "This way, we can learn how functional differences in, say, the biosynthesis of the vitamin thiamine by the gut microbiome relate to type 1 diabetes. Studies like MUST are crucial for this, as hypothesis generators."

The MUST project was carried out in collaboration between groups at the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, the IBBL, the Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg and the Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch. The project has been initiated within the Personalised Medicine Consortium and received financial support from the IBBL and the Luxembourg National Research Fund's ATTRACT, CORE, INTER and AFR funding programmes.

Notes to the editor:

Bibliography:

Anna Heintz-Buschart, Patrick May, Cedric C. Laczny, Laura A. Lebrun, Camille Bellora, Abhimanyu Krishna, Linda Wampach, Jochen G. Schneider, Angela Hogan, Carine de Beaufort and Paul Wilmes: Integrated multi-omics of the human gut microbiome in a case study of familial type 1 diabetes. Nature Microbiology

For further information, please contact: Ass. Prof. Dr. Paul Wilmes, E. [email protected] , T. +352-46-66-44-6188

Thomas Klein

Science Editor

Communications Department



UNIVERSITE DU LUXEMBOURG



CAMPUS BELVAL

2, avenue de l'Universite

L-4365 Esch-sur-Alzette

T +352-46-66-44-5148

F +352-46-66-44-3-6114

[email protected] / http://www.uni.lu

SOURCE University of Luxembourg
CHICAGO, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- In-house counsel and other executives are invited to attend  on a complimentary basis  the Midwest Corporate Counsel Forum on Nov. 16, 2016, said Tom Hagy of HB Litigation Conferences, producer of the event.

A limited number of free seats are available to corporate legal teams and others, so early registration is important. Law firm attorneys reading this release get 20% off registration prices. Use promotion code PRN20. Members of the press are invited to request passes. To register and learn more, go here: http://bit.ly/MWCCF16.

"We are holding events like this around the country, where experts, including inside and outside counsel, will share insights on many of the most urgent risks companies face," Hagy said.

Topics include:

Data security and privacy risks

Effectively handling government investigations

Avoiding violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act

Ethical risks in digital communication between inside and outside counsel

Best practices in conducting internal investigations

Employment risks arising from disruptive changes in law and technology

Directors and officers liability

Insurance coverage maximization

The program is being co-chaired by Katherine Smith Dedrick, president of KSD Global Consulting Inc., part of the Hanover Stone Partners network, and Bruce Malter, vice president of consulting solutions for eTera Consulting.

"We are proud of the outstanding quality of the speakers we have gathered for this unique event," Malter said.

"The program will cover, in-depth, an array of the most urgent issues facing various types of businesses and their legal teams today," Dedrick added.

Speakers come from corporate leaders such as McDonald's, Groupon, World Kitchen, Motorola, Marsh & McLennan, Arthur J. Gallagher, Hanover Stone Partners, InCapital and more, as well as the Securities & Exchange Commission. Attorneys come from Vedder Price; Duane Morris; Kopon Airdo; Krugel Law; Funkhouser; Eimer Stahl; Watt, Tieder; and Shook Hardy & Bacon. Others come from ediscovery leader eTera Consulting; Legal Fee Solutions LLC; and Winnieware LLC, creator of the innovative ReplyToSome email application.

HB Litigation Conferences is an independent, nationwide producer of continuing legal education (CLE) conferences, webinars and information on hot topics in law and business.

For more information visit HB at www.LitigationConferences.com, write to [email protected], or call (484) 324-2755 x212 or x200.

Media Contact

Tom Hagy

(484) 324-2755 x200

www.LitigationConferences.com

SOURCE HB Litigation Conferences

Related Links

http://www.LitigationConferences.com


MALIBU, Calif., Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Monte Nido & Affiliates, a Joint-Commission accredited leading provider of treatment for eating disorders, with 18 locations nationally, will open the Eating Disorder Center of Newport Beach on October 27, 2016.

The new center offers partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient treatment programming for adolescents and adults with anorexia, bulimia, binge eating disorder, and exercise addiction. Monte Nido's treatment approach focuses on the restoration of physiological and nutritional balance, the elimination of destructive behaviors and the development of motivation and treatment engagement. This treatment approach is supported by Monte Nido's decade-long post-graduate outcome study on residential eating disorder clients. Monte Nido Newport Beach will also provide specialized integrated treatment of substance use disorder, focusing on stabilizing symptoms, reducing urges, enhancing motivation and developing alternative coping capacities. In the study, the vast majority of clients demonstrated significant changes in symptoms and behaviors from admission to dischargeand maintained that improvement throughout the course of the study.

"For close to two decades, we've been asked to expand our program to other areas in Southern California," said Keesha Amezcua, MA, LMFT, CEDS, Vice President of Clinical Programs. "Our program is unique for its emphasis on using evidence-based treatment as a cornerstone, with a team of recovered professionals that believe in a client's ability to become fully recovered."

"For years I have admired Monte Nido's philosophy which includes restoring biochemical functioning and nutritional balance, implementing healthy eating and exercise habits in order to help patients change unhealthy behaviors," commented Kelly Souza, PsyD, Clinical Director of Monte Nido Newport Beach. "As with all Monte Nido programs, clients are seen by a comprehensive and experienced multi-disciplinary treatment team that I am honored to lead here at our Newport Beach program."

Treatment at Monte Nido Newport Beach includes:

Partial Hospitalization Program six days per week

Intensive Outpatient Program up to five days per week

High number of individual therapy sessions

Group therapy that solidifies and establishes other components of treatment

Unique level system which helps client's achieve a clear understanding of their eating disorders, the disorders' effect on their lives and treatment necessary for personal recovery.

Individualized treatment approach with programming to address co-occurring disorders such as substance abuse

Family therapy and multi-family groups

Additional information is available at www.montenido.com.

Contacts:

Carrie Norman | Monte Nido & Affiliates

503-545-6994

[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160607/376482LOGO

SOURCE Monte Nido & Affiliates

Related Links

http://www.montenido.com


This year, MyanmarWater 2016 is proud to receive the continued support from TSS Tokyo Ltd as the gold sponsor of MyanmarWater followed by Manila Water Company Inc., and Authentic Production Co., Ltd as the Silver sponsors and Supreme Water Doctor Group as bronze sponsor. "Manila Water is proud to support MyanmarWater as the economic drivers for Myanmar's water and wastewater industry. It is a win-win situation for us to showcase our products and technology to Myanmar's government, business leaders and communities," says Mr. Michael Rico, Business Development Manager, Manila Water Company Inc.

MyanmarWater 2016 is one of the flagship water event of UBM Asia and it is expected to bring together more than 200 participating companies from 16 countries with 5,500 attendees including the industry experts, decision makers, professionals from water and wastewater management, consultants, contractors and others. The 4th edition of MyanmarWater will continue to provide a platform for all key industry players and thought leaders in the water sector to meet with potential business partners and set up global alliances. "Given our commitment to the economic development of Myanmar and the overall wellbeing of its people, MyanmarWater 2016 is specially designed to address the future challenges of water safety and innovative solutions related to water and sanitation planning, with a clear motive to lead Myanmar toward a sustainable water future", says Mr. M. Gandhi, Managing Director of UBM (ASEAN BUSINESS), UBM Asia.

Co-located with the 2nd edition of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Myanmar, The Myanmar's leading Renewable Energy event is a B2B tradeshow with a uniquely clear focus on the spectrum of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency solutions and innovations. The renewable energy event will showcase the latest ideas, technology and solutions including the hydropower & wind, solar thermal & PV, biomass, biogas, biofuel, geothermal and more.

Admission is free. If you wish to visit MyanmarWater 2016, kindly log-on to www.myanwater.com or to register for Renewable Energy Myanmar 2016, log-on to www.renewableenergymyanmar.com.

Notes to Editor:

UBM is the organiser of MyanmarWater 2016.

About UBM Asia (www.ubmasia.com)

UBM Asia is Asia's leading exhibition organiser with a track record of 30 years and operates from its offices in Myanmar, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam and the Philippines with over 70 events in the region. UBM Asia organises the leading water event ASIAWATER (Malaysia, 10 - 12 April 2018) together with the water series event in VietWater (Vietnam, 9 - 11 November 2016) Water Philippines (Philippines, 22 - 24 March 2017) and ThaiWater (Thailand, 7 - 10 June 2017). Apart from that, Renewable

Energy Myanmar is part of the UBM successful series of Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency event in ASEAN region which include Renewable Energy Vietnam (Saigon, 9 - 11 November, 2016), Renewable Energy Philippines (Manila, 22 - 24 March, 2017), Renewable Energy Asia (Bangkok, 7 - 10 June, 2017), Renewable Energy India (Greater Noida, 20 - 22 September, 2017) and Renewable Energy Myanmar (Yangon, 26 - 28 October, 2017).

Related Links:

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SOURCE UBM Asia (Malaysia)

Related Links

http://www.myanwater.com


VANCOUVER, Wash., Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation (NACF) has issued an open call for applications for a new Mentor Fellowship in the Pacific Northwest, Southwest and Upper Midwest regions of the United States. Applications will be accepted online no later than 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016.

The Mentor Fellowship is open to accomplished Native artists of 10 years or more in the Traditional Arts or Contemporary Visual Arts categories. An applicant must be at least a five-year resident and enrolled in an American Indian tribe or Alaska Native corporation located in Alaska, Arizona, Minnesota, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Southern California (Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Ventura counties), Washington and Wisconsin. American Indian and Alaska Native affiliation/descendancy is part of the application process and documents of enrollment are required.

Through a selection process, the Mentor Fellowship is intended to support American Indian and Alaska Native accomplished artists to mentor an emerging American Indian or Alaska Native artist apprentice for one year. The program's goal is to improve creative development, artistic rigor, and intergenerational cultural and traditional knowledge perpetuation by fostering the growth of Native artist mentors and apprentices, and empowering them to play an integral role in their communities. To assist in developing lesson plans, each mentor and apprentice is required to attend up to two training days prior to beginning the mentorship. To demonstrate the experience and success of the mentoring, a completed joint mentor/apprentice art project is required at the end of the fellowship period.

Emerging American Indian or Alaska Native artist apprentices may ask an accomplished American Indian or Alaska Native mentor artist to apply or assist a mentor artist in applying. However, emerging artist apprentices are ineligible to apply on their own.

The Mentor Fellowship award is $30,000  $20,000 to the mentor, $5,000 for the joint art project and $5,000 for the apprentice's participation expenses. Fellowship awards will be announced in spring 2017. The mentoring period is July 1, 2017 through June 30, 2018. Apply online at your.culturegrants.org . For more details direct your questions to Francene Blythe, NACF director of programs, at [email protected] or (360) 334-7271.

The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation's mission is to promote the revitalization, appreciation and perpetuation of American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian arts and cultures through grant making, convening and advocacy. To date, NACF has supported 180 artists and organizations in more than 26 states and Native communities. To learn more about the National Artist Fellows and NACF's worknurturing the passion and power of creative expression, visit: www.nativeartsandcultures.org.

Media Contact: Liz Hill (808) 856-6012 / [email protected]

SOURCE Native Arts and Cultures Foundation
"Organizations want to be data-driven, but bad data is still getting in the way. By gaining a better understanding of their information, businesses can truly unlock the power of their data," said Thomas Schutz, senior vice president and general manager for Experian Data Quality. "We want to help businesses make smarter, data-driven decisions. This tool allows any business to profile its data quickly and easily, without having to commit budget. By understanding trends, proactively managing data and putting quantifiable metrics in place, organizations can more effectively compile a business case for data quality improvements and accelerate towards accurate and trustworthy data."

On average, U.S. organizations believe that 23 percent of their data is inaccurate. The free Experian Data Profiler allows users with no specialist skills to better understand the depth of their data quality issues, assess how those issues are impacting their business and take action to correct those problems.

Combining robust data profiling with high performance and an easy-to-use interface, Experian Data Quality allows businesses to gain insight, produce data quality reports and model correction rules more quickly. The tool brings together data from disparate sources and allows users to build customer rules for efficient data quality reporting.

To obtain the Experian Data Profiler at no charge, please visit https://www.edq.com/products/pandora/free-data-profiler/.

About Experian Data Quality

Experian Data Quality is a global leader in providing data quality software and services to organizations of all sizes. We help our clients to proactively manage the quality of their data through world-class validation, matching, enrichment and profiling capabilities. With flexible software-as-a-service and on-premise deployment models, Experian Data Quality software allows organizations around the world to truly connect with their customers by delivering intelligent interactions, every time.

Established in 1990, with offices throughout the United States, Europe and Asia Pacific, Experian Data Quality has more than 13,500 clients worldwide in retail, finance, education, insurance, government, healthcare and other sectors. For more information, visit https://www.edq.com.

About Experian

We are the leading global information services company, providing data and analytical tools to our clients around the world. We help businesses to manage credit risk, prevent fraud, target marketing offers and automate decision making. We also help people to check their credit report and credit score and protect against identity theft. In 2016, for the third year running, we were named one of the "World's Most Innovative Companies" by Forbes magazine.

We employ approximately 17,000 people in 37 countries and our corporate headquarters are in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Nottingham, UK; California, US; and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Experian plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index. Total revenue for the year ended March 31, 2016, was US$4.6 billion.

To find out more about our company, please visit http://www.experianplc.com or watch our documentary, "Inside Experian."

Experian and the Experian marks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Experian Information Solutions, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

Contact:

Erin Haselkorn

Experian Data Quality Public Relations

1 617 385 6700

[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140915/146097

SOURCE Experian Data Quality

Related Links

https://www.edq.com


GAINESVILLE and BOCA RATON, Fla., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Institute for Commercialization of Public Research (the Institute) announced today results of a new study conducted by The Washington Economics Group, Inc. (WEG), a boutique economic consulting firm led by nationally recognized business economist Dr. J. Antonio (Tony) Villamil. The study measured economic impacts of the Institute between 2011 and 2016, and concluded that the organization's impact throughout the state of Florida increased significantly during the past fiscal year (2015-16), resulting in a total economic impact of $630 million over the six-year period.

Formed by the Florida Legislature in 2007, the Institute works with Florida's universities and private research institutions to create and build new companies and clean jobs in new industries that are driving the global economy. The Institute provides both support services and seed funding to qualified companies, enabling them to bridge the "Valley of Death" and develop and launch products that are improving and saving lives.

Highlights of the new study include:

companies supported the creation of 1,618 new jobs; 4,091 from 2011  2016;

average earnings per direct job created were $77,843 ;

; companies have raised in excess of $100 million , inducing capital into Florida that may otherwise have been invested outside the state;

, inducing capital into that may otherwise have been invested outside the state; GDP impacts increased to $129 million in FY15-16, contributing a total of $335 million over the six-year period.

in FY15-16, contributing a total of over the six-year period. the Institute delivered a 22x annual return on investment (ROI) to the state of Florida .

"Focusing on new company creation and capitalization helps build Florida's innovation economy from the ground up and enhance Florida's ability to compete in an increasing global economy," said Jackson Streeter, MD, Institute Chief Executive Officer. "Institute-funded companies are solving today's toughest healthcare and societal challenges, and the Institute is playing a critical role in developing Florida's innovation economy for generations to come."

About the Institute

Formed by the Florida Legislature in 2007, the Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research is a non-profit organization that works collaboratively with the technology licensing and commercialization offices of Florida's state universities and private research institutions to leverage a $2.3B+ research base and form investable companies that create clean jobs in new industries that are driving the global economy. With funding from the State of Florida through the Department of Economic Opportunity, and through the generosity of mentors, advisors and donors, the Institute provides company building services, and seed funding through the Florida Technology Seed Capital Fund, to promising Florida startups. Fifty-eight companies have been funded to date, and the Institute's overall economic impact through June 30, 2016 was $630 million.

About the Washington Economics Group, Inc.

Founded in 1993 in the City of Coral Gables, The Washington Economics Group is a boutique economic consulting firm specializing in comprehensive economic solutions for businesses. WEG engages a limited number of clients each year in order to ensure the best client experience within premiere areas of specialization, and possesses expertise in the economies of Florida, the U.S., Latin America as well as the global economy and emerging markets.

CONTACT:

Jane Teague

Chief Operating Officer

Institute for Commercialization of Public Research

(561) 368-8889

[email protected]

SOURCE Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research

Related Links

http://www.florida-institute.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- New York REIT, Inc. ("NYRT" or the "Company") (NYSE: NYRT), today announced that Randolph C. Read, Non-Executive Chairman of NYRT, has stepped down from the Board of Healthcare Trust, Inc. in order to focus his full attention on executing the plan of liquidation at NYRT. Mr. Read will thereby only be serving on the NYRT Board in the REIT industry area.

About NYRT

NYRT is a publicly traded real estate investment trust listed on the NYSE that owns income-producing commercial real estate, including office and retail properties, located in New York City. Additional information about NYRT can be found on its website at www.nyrt.com . NYRT may disseminate important information regarding it and its operations, including financial information, through social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Forward-Looking Statements

The statements in this press release that are not historical facts may be forward-looking statements. These forward looking statements involve substantial risks and uncertainties. Actual results or events could differ materially from the plans, intentions and expectations disclosed in the forward-looking statements NYRT makes. Forward-looking statements may include, but are not limited to, statements regarding stockholder liquidity and investment value and returns. The words "anticipates," "believes," "expects," "estimates," "projects," "plans," "intends," "may," "will," "would," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to: the impact of current and future regulation; the impact of credit rating changes; the effects of competition; the ability to attract, develop and retain executives and other qualified employees; changes in general economic or market conditions; the Company's ability to complete asset sales, refinance its credit facility on favorable terms, if at all, and realize the results of its plan of liquidation; the timing of and the amount of proceeds of asset sales; and other factors, many of which are beyond NYRT's control, including other factors included in NYRT's reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), particularly in the "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" sections of NYRT's latest Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015, filed with the SEC on February 26, 2016, the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2016 filed with the SEC on August 9, 2016, and the Preliminary Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A with respect to the plan of liquidation filed with the SEC on September 27, 2016, as such Risk Factors may be updated from time to time in subsequent reports. NYRT does not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

Contacts



Media: Investors:

Jonathan Keehner Michael A. Happel Matthew Furbish Mahmoud Siddig CEO and President Director, Investor Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher New York REIT, Inc. Relations [email protected] [email protected] New York REIT, Inc. [email protected] (212) 415-6500 (212) 415-6500 (212) 355-4449





SOURCE New York REIT, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.nyrt.com


Company invites individual and institutional investors as well as advisors to log-on to VirtualInvestorConferences.com to view presentation



CENTENNIAL, Colo., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- NioCorp Developments Ltd. ("NioCorp" or the "Company") (TSX: NB; OTCQX: NIOBF; FSE: BR3) announces that the October 4, 2016 presentation by Mark A. Smith, Executive Chairman and CEO, is now available for on-demand viewing at the OTCQX Virtual Investor Conference.

To see the presentation, please go here. NioCorp's presentation will be available 24/7 for 90 days. Investors and advisors may download shareholder materials from the "virtual trade booth" for the next three weeks.

In the presentation, Mr. Smith noted that NioCorp "remains on track to complete all remaining pilot plants and testing and critical path engineering analyses for the Feasibility Study by the end of this year," and that "all pilot plants are going very well."

"There will be some work to complete following the completion of the pilots and project engineering which largely involves obtaining cost estimates for various equipment and systems," Mr. Smith noted. "That work may be completed after the turn the year, as the November/December holiday season tends to slow down responses. But 95% of the work behind the Feasibility Study  the really important work  is on target for completion by year end."

He added: "I'm glad that we spent a little extra time on our metallurgical studies, as I believe that work will definitely pay off."

The OTCQX Virtual Investor Conference is made possible by a partnership between OTC Markets Group Inc. and VirtualInvestorConferences.com, a cooperative venture of PR Newswire and BetterInvesting (NAIC). Learn more about the event at VirtualInvestorConferences.com.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Mark Smith"

Mark Smith

Executive Chairman, CEO and Director

Source: NioCorp Developments, Ltd.

@NioCorp $NB $NIOBF #Niobium #Scandium #ElkCreek

About NioCorp

NioCorp is developing a superalloy materials project in Southeast Nebraska that will produce niobium, scandium, and titanium. Niobium is used to produce superalloys as well as High Strength, Low Alloy ("HSLA") steel, which is a lighter, stronger steel used in automotive, structural, and pipeline applications. Scandium can be combined with Aluminum to make super-high-performance alloys with increased strength and improved corrosion resistance. Scandium also is a critical component of advanced solid oxide fuel cells. Titanium is used in various superalloys and has extensive uses in aerospace, defense, transportation, medical, and other applications. It also is a key component of pigments used in paper, paint and plastics.

Cautionary Statements

Neither TSX nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based upon NioCorp's reasonable expectations and business plan at the date hereof, which are subject to change depending on economic, political and competitive circumstances and contingencies. Readers are cautioned that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause a change in such assumptions and the actual outcomes and estimates to be materially different from those estimated or anticipated future results, achievements or position expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements. Risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause NioCorp's plans or prospects to change include changes in demand for and price of commodities (such as fuel and electricity) and currencies; changes or disruptions in the securities markets; legislative, political or economic developments; the need to obtain permits and comply with laws and regulations and other regulatory requirements; the possibility that actual results of work may differ from projections/expectations or may not realize the perceived potential of NioCorp's projects; risks of accidents, equipment breakdowns and labor disputes or other unanticipated difficulties or interruptions; the possibility of cost overruns or unanticipated expenses in development programs; operating or technical difficulties in connection with exploration, mining or development activities; the speculative nature of mineral exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities of grades of reserves and resources; and the risks involved in the exploration, development and mining business. NioCorp disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.



The Company filed a technical report on SEDAR dated October 16, 2015 entitled "Amended NI 43-101 Technical Report - Updated Preliminary Economic Assessment - Elk Creek Niobium Project  Nebraska" (October 15, 2015 PEA"). This preliminary economic assessment is preliminary in nature and it includes a level of engineering precision and assumptions which are currently considered too speculative to have the economic considerations applied to them that would enable Mineral Resources to be categorized as Mineral Reserves. There is no certainty that the preliminary economic assessment will be realized. Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. Niocorp has classified NI 43-101 Inferred Mineral Resources and Indicated Mineral Resources at Elk Creek that are disclosed within the Preliminary Economic Assessment; however, Inferred Mineral Resources are not included in the mine plan for the October 15, 2015 PEA. The pricing of scandium is a significant portion of the Project revenue, and achieving the revenue projected in the October 2015 PEA is subject to market growth in scandium, which is a developing market with a risk of oversupply and/or undersupply disrupting pricing.

SOURCE NioCorp Developments Ltd.
MILFORD, Mass., Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Nitto Denko Avecia Inc. (Avecia), today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the assets of Irvine Pharmaceutical Services (Irvine) and Avrio Biopharmaceuticals (Avrio), both located in Irvine, CA. Irvine is a leading analytical development services provider and Avrio is a premier cGMP parenteral contract manufacturing organization. Avecia will consolidate both businesses into the newly established company, Nitto Avecia Pharma Services.

The acquisitions of Irvine and Avrio, which are expected to be completed in October, will significantly boost Avecia's analytical capabilities and complement its oligonucleotide drug substance services. "We are excited to work with Irvine and Avrio's founder, Dr. Assad Kazeminy, a recognized leader in the industry for more than 30 years," said Detlef Rethage, president of Nitto Denko Avecia. "Together, we will work to realize the synergies between the three businesses by offering seamless outsourcing solutions for the benefit of our customers, including oligonucleotide drug substance, drug product, analytical development and related services."

"With our strong customer base developed and maintained for nearly 30 years in the cGMP contract development and manufacturing arena, we believe that Irvine and Avrio are a perfect fit with Nitto Avecia Pharma Service's innovative business model," said Dr. Assad Kazeminy, CEO and Founder of Irvine Pharmaceutical Services, Inc. and Avrio Biopharmaceuticals, LLC. "This combination provides an exciting expansion of breadth of capabilities and depth of expertise to support the growing needs of the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical and medical device industries."

ABOUT NITTO DENKO AVECIA INC.

Nitto Denko Avecia Inc. is a recognized leader in therapeutic nucleic acid manufacturing and development services with facilities located in Milford, Mass.; Marlboro, Mass.; and Cincinnati offering services for DNA, RNA and other oligonucleotides based therapeutics from milligram scale at pre-clinical stage to 1000kg + post commercial launch. More information: www.Avecia.com. Nitto Denko Avecia is proud member of Nitto Group. More information: www.Nitto.com

ABOUT IRVINE PHARMACEUTICAL SERVICES

Irvine Pharmaceutical Service Inc. is a premier contract development and manufacturing organization providing support to the pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, and medical device industries. Irvine provides full cGMP specialized product development service such as preformulation/formulation, analytical development, parenteral manufacturing, stability storage and complete analytical CMC testing. More information: www.irvinepharma.com

ABOUT AVRIO BIOPHARMACEUTICALS

Irvine's affiliate, Avrio Biopharmaceuticals, is a cGMP contract development and manufacturing organization supporting the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries from Phase I through post-market life cycle management. With a state-of-the-art facility, experienced staff, and robust quality infrastructure, Avrio delivers client-centric solutions in a timely manner. More information: www.avriobiopharma.com

SOURCE Irvine Pharmaceutical Service Inc.

Related Links

http://www.irvinepharma.com


NEW YORK, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Omnicom Group (NYSE: OMC) will publish its third quarter 2016 results on Tuesday, October 18, 2016. The company will host a conference call to review third quarter results on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 8:30 AM (EDT). The dial-in numbers for the conference call are (800) 230-1085 (domestic) and (612) 234-9960 (international). In addition, the conference call will be simulcast and archived at http://investor.omnicomgroup.com/investor-relations/news-events-and-filings.

About Omnicom Group Inc.

Omnicom Group (www.omnicomgroup.com) is a leading global marketing and corporate communications company. Omnicom's branded networks and numerous specialty firms provide advertising, strategic media planning and buying, digital and interactive marketing, direct and promotional marketing, public relations and other specialty communications services to over 5,000 clients in more than 100 countries. Follow us on Twitter for the latest news.

SOURCE Omnicom Group

Related Links

http://www.omnicomgroup.com


WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In an October, 2015 article, "Hell in Syria/Foreign Policy Breakdown in America," author and analyst Anne R. Pierce revealed how U.S. Syria policy facilitated Russian and Iranian incursions, and indirectly contributed to the escalation and radicalization of the conflict. A year later, in an article entitled "Latest US/Russia Deal on Syria a New Low in American Foreign Policy," Pierce delivers a sobering update.

Pierce begins:

"Even those of us who have long spoken out against the Obama administration's moral and strategic negligence in Syria, and the way it handed Russia the lead in that land of suffering, were astounded by recent developments. President Obama and Secretary Kerry not only succumbed to another Russian plan that handed Assad another unearned advantage; this time, they agreed to 'cooperate militarily' with Russia. The fact that Russia routinely assaults mainstream rebels and civilians under the guise of fighting ISIS, and that Russia is clearly implicated in Assad's atrocities, made the idea of joint military missions between Russia and the United States appalling. ... Even though the ceasefire quickly collapsed, the very formation of the deal highlighted America's ensnarement in Russia's pro-Assad schemes. In addition to giving Russia another opportunity to rescue Assad and pressure the Free Syria Army, it affirmed Russia's rising power in the Middle East, exposed American complicity, gullibility and debility, and further alienated the United States from Sunni states and Arab moderates."

Pierce concludes:

"Although we are coming to grips with how far the Obama administration has gone in order to accommodate Iran, we have yet to face how far the administration has gone in order to accommodate Russia. Iran praised the latest Russian-American agreement and Iran, like Russia, is in Syria fighting to save Assad. It is time to connect the dots."

With new talk of a US/Russia "Cold War" and of a firmer Obama administration response to Russian and Syrian atrocities, Pierce's work on American foreign policy provides essential background and perspective. See http://www.annerpierce.com for information on her articles and books.

Anne R. Pierce is the author of A Perilous Path: The Misguided Foreign Policy of Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Kerry (available on Amazon).





SOURCE Anne R. Pierce
OOSTERHOUT, Netherlands, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Following a 2015 global corporate commitment to source seafood from MSC and ASC certified fisheries, IKEA Spain has now made MSC certified Pacifical tuna available for all their customers becoming the first IKEA market to offer 100 percent wild tuna, certified as sustainably caught in the pristine ecosystem of the PNA waters and fully traceable from sea to plate. The decision of IKEA Spain illustrates the company's solid global leadership towards tuna sustainability as well as their support to 8 Pacific economies largely dependent on tuna.

"IKEA's commitment towards seafood sustainability delivers an influential message; Regardless of the nature of our business, we are all accountable as market participants to guarantee tuna species are available for generations to come. We congratulate IKEA Spain for its leading and bold step in marine conservation and look forward to continue working closely together to supply other regions with Pacifical MSC certified tuna" - Henk Brus, Managing Director. Pacifical.

While being best known for its furniture business, the IKEA Food business represents over five percent of the IKEA Group total revenue and has been recently valued at over EUR 1.7 billion The MSC certified tuna on IKEA's Spain menu is caught in the world's largest ocean, The Western Central Pacific, by setting nets only on free schools of adult fish, ensuring that bycatch of unwanted species and juvenile tuna is largely eliminated.

In addition to the sustainability factor, the IKEA MSC certified Pacifical tuna is being cooked and cleaned in a local PNA / Pacific-based processing facility, generating work and income to over 1,000 local families, whose livelihoods largely depend on tuna.

"IKEA aims to work closely with our suppliers to achieve people and planet positive impacts over the long term through our strategy in People & Planet Positive. IKEA recognized the opportunity to help transform a significant share of the seafood market by supporting demand for certified fish and working to increase MSC and ASC fisheries, farms and supply chains around the world, now in partnership with Pacifical too" - Kevin Johnson IKEA Food Manager Spain.

Independent MSC trained onboard observers monitor and record all Pacifical MSC Certified Tuna fishing operations according to the strictest MSC chain of custody (COC) standards. The PNA COC provides assurance that the tuna was caught in a sustainable way. Around 50 percent of the world supply of skipjack is caught in the PNA waters, which includes a substantial supply of sustainably caught free-school MSC tuna, making Pacific island nations the single most important source of raw material for the global tuna industry.

"Demand of sustainable seafood is growing among Southern Europe consumers. Moreover, in Spain the value of MSC certified seafood has grown over 110% in value in the last year. The partnership of IKEA and Pacifical to provide certified MSC tuna at IKEA restaurants, is a great opportunity to raise awareness on the sustainable choices in the market and to bring support to the fisheries more committed to sustainable practices" Laura Rodriguez, MSC Program Director in Spain and Portugal.

About IKEA Iberica

The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many. Our business idea supports this vision by offering a wide range of functional and well-designed products at affordable prices for the many people. The IKEA Group currently operates 315 stores and 22 delivery points in 28 countries. IKEA was founded in 1943 in Sweden. At the end of last year, the IKEA Group had 135,000 employees and received 783 million visitors in the stores and 2,100 million visitors to the website http://www.IKEA.com.

In Spain, IKEA group currently operates 16 stores in Spain located in Alcorcon, San Sebastian de los Reyes, Ensanche de Vallecas (Madrid), Badalona, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat ans Sabadell (Barcelona), Castilleja de la Cuesta (Sevilla), Malaga, Jerez (Cadiz), Barakaldo (Bizkaia), Pola de Siero (Asturias), Murcia, Zaragoza, A Coruna, Arroyo de la Encomienda (Valladolid) and Alfafar (Valencia). It also has the Delivery Point of Navarra and two distribution centers in Valls (Tarragona) that supply products to the company stores in Southwest Europe and constitute the logistics base for the expansion of IKEA in the Iberian Peninsula.

About Pacifical

Pacifical is the global marketing company jointly set up by 8 Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) in 2011 to promote the PNA region and actively trade their MSC certified sustainably caught free school skipjack and yellowfin tuna to consumers around the world. Pacifical MSC certified skipjack and yellowfin tuna from PNA waters is available in 12 different countries around the world and all products carry the Pacifical logo as clear representation of the end market's commitment with the PNA region and recognition to those nations managing the tuna stocks in their waters on a daily basis. [http://www.pacifical.com]

About the PNA

The Parties to the Nauru Agreement (PNA) control the world's largest sustainable tuna purse seine fishery. PNA Members, located within the Western Central Pacific Ocean, are Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu. In 2011, the PNA skipjack tuna caught without using FADs was certified by the Marine Stewardship Council as sustainable, creating the world's largest sustainable tuna purse seine fishery. PNA yellowfin tuna caught without using FADs was added to the certificate in February 2016. The PNA countries together have 25% of the world tuna stocks in their waters and together manage the largest sustainable tuna purse seine fishery in the world. In 2016 the PNA have been named the winner of the Seafood Champion Award for Vision 2016 at the global Seafood Summit. [http://www.pnatuna.com]

About Marine Stewardship Council

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is recognized as the world's leading certification program for sustainable, wild-caught seafood. In collaboration with fisheries scientists and marine experts, the MSC has developed two global, science-based standards. The MSC Fishery Standard evaluates the sustainability of fisheries and the MSC Chain of Custody Standard ensures that any seafood carrying the blue MSC ecolabel is traceable to a certified fishery.

Media Contacts:



Cynthia Asaf

Marketing and Sales Manager

Ph Direct: +31-162-71 4041

[email protected]



SOURCE Pacifical
HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of State Pedro A. Cortes today joins fellow members of the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS) in encouraging schools to participate in the National Student/Parent Mock Election (NSPME) program.

"Parents and teachers have a responsibility to educate young citizens about their voting rights and the importance of participating fully in our democracy," Secretary Cortes said. "This vital aspect of civics education will ensure a more informed electorate in the years ahead."

The National Student/Parent Mock Election is a non-profit, non-partisan program that inspires students and their parents to realize the power of their vote by allowing them to actively participate in mock elections. Founded in 1980, the organization currently has over 20,000 schools that participate and up to 5 million participants during presidential election years.

On October 17, instructions and balloting materials will be available at nationalmockelection.org. Participating schools will also be able to begin practice voting on October 17. Actual voting begins on October 24 and continues through November 3, National Mock Election Day.

Interested educators can find comprehensive program information and teacher guides at nationalmockelection.org. The guides, updated for 2016, offer discussion points on the issues of Democracy, Immigration, the Economy, and Liberty and Justice For All. The curriculum also offers special emphasis on civil discourse.

Sixty national civic, educational, religious, and business organizations serve as cooperating organizations and partners, including the National Association of Broadcasters Education Foundation and the PTA. In addition, the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals are also supporting the mock election project.

To participate, register online at nationalmockelection.org. For more information, contact Gloria Kirshner, president of National Student/Parent Mock Election, by email at [email protected].

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of State

Related Links

http://www.state.pa.us


SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Pioneer Energy Services (NYSE: PES) today announced that it will release its third quarter 2016 financial results before the market opens on Tuesday, November 1. In conjunction with the release, Pioneer has scheduled a conference call that will be broadcast live over the Internet the same day starting at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time (10:00 a.m. Central Time). Investors may participate in the call either by phone or audio webcast.

By Phone: Dial 412-902-0003 approximately 10 minutes before the call and ask for the Pioneer Energy Services call. A telephone replay will be available through November 8 by dialing 201-612-7415 and using the access code 13647880.



By Webcast: Log onto Pioneer's main home page at www.pioneeres.com. The audio webcast can be accessed from the Investor Relations section under "Events & Presentations." A replay will be available shortly after the call.





For more information, please contact Donna Washburn at Dennard-Lascar Associates at [email protected] or 713-529-6600.

About Pioneer

Pioneer provides contract land drilling services to oil and gas operators in Texas, North Dakota, and Appalachian regions and internationally in Colombia through its Drilling Services Segment. Pioneer also provides well, wireline, and coiled tubing services to producers in the U.S. Gulf Coast, offshore Gulf of Mexico, Mid-Continent and Rocky Mountain regions through its Production Services Segment.

Contacts: Daniel Petro, CFA

Director of Corporate Development & IR

Pioneer Energy Services Corp.

(210) 828-7689





Lisa Elliott / [email protected]

Anne Pearson / [email protected]

Dennard-Lascar Associates / (713) 529-6600

SOURCE Pioneer Energy Services

Related Links

http://www.pioneeres.com


ALBANY, New York, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Becton Dickinson and Company Group plc. Baxter International Inc., Terumo Medical Corporation, and Medtronic are the top four players that dominate over half the prefilled syringes market. Transparency Market Research has noted that the global prefilled syringes market is highly dynamic and competitive and while the nature of the market is consolidated in developed regions owing to the presence of large players, it remains fragmented in most of the emerging markets with many small regional players.

The global sales of prefilled syringes amounted to US$3.5 bn in 2015 and is projected to reach US$7.9 bn, expanding at a CAGR of 9.3% over the period of 2016 to 2024. In terms of prefilled syringes consumption, the market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 9.0% during the forecast period.

Request a PDF Brochure of Research Report: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1131

Ambulatory Surgical Centers to Show Promising Growth over Forecast Period

By application, the vaccines segment dominated the global prefilled syringes market, accounting for a collective share of 34.3% in 2015. The segment is also projected to exhibit a strong growth rate from 2016 to 2024. In terms of percentage share contribution, the polymer-based prefilled syringes segment is expected to continue its lead in the global market through 2024. It will also register the highest growth in the coming years. By distribution channel, the hospitals segment is projected to account for the major share by the end of the forecast period. On the other hand, ambulatory surgical centers are likely to register a high growth rate by 2024.

North America dominates the global market, while Asia Pacific is expected to witness strong growth. The U.S. is the largest market for prefilled syringes, accounting for around 35.5% share of the global market

Improving Safety Standards Driving Innovation among Product Manufacturers

The incidence of needle stick injuries has been a cause for concern over the years. According to the World Health Organization, almost two million healthcare professionals suffer from infectious diseases resulting from needle stick injuries each year.

"Various needle safety devices - such as passive needle guarding caps with a polymer shield and a retractable needle system - as well as advanced technologies - such as advanced barrel technology and multi-chamber syringes - are being developed to cope with this problem," the author of the study finds. Therefore, improving safety standards and technological advancements have been primarily driving the global prefilled syringes market.

Browse Research Report with Full TOC: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/prefilled-syringes-market.html

High Costs Associated with Prefilled Syringes Inhibiting widespread Adoption

There are several factors that pose a severe challenge to the growth of the global prefilled syringes market, the primary one being the high costs associated with temperature controlled packaging required for temperature-sensitive drugs. "In order to maintain specified temperatures and conditions throughout the shelf life of a drug, drug manufacturing companies require several complex machineries that need to be maintained regularly," the TMR analyst states. This is a costly affair and as a result, restricts companies from manufacturing prefilled syringes.

Other factors inhibiting the market include product recalls due to breakages and leachables, the potential risk of interaction between prefilled syringes and drugs, and the availability of alternative drug delivery methods.

This review is based on the findings of a TMR report titled "Prefilled Syringes Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2016 - 2024."

Browse Press Release on Prefilled Syringes Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/prefilled-syringes-market.htm

Global Prefilled Syringes Market - By Material

Glass based prefilled syringes

Polymer based prefilled syringes

Global Prefilled Syringes Market - By Application

Monoclonal Antibodies

Vaccines

Others

Global Prefilled Syringes Market - By Distribution Channel

Hospitals

Ambulatory Surgical Centers

Mail order pharmacies

Global Prefilled Syringes Market - By Region

North America

U.S.

Canada

Latin America

Brazil

Mexico

Rest of Latin America

Europe

Germany

U.K

France

Italy

Spain

Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific (APAC)

China

India

Japan

Australia

New Zealand

Rest of Asia Pacific

Middle East and Africa (MEA)

Saudi Arabia

UAE

RSA

Rest of MEA

Browse Other Research Reports:

Smart Syringes Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/smart-syringes-market.html

Disposable Syringes Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/disposable-syringes-market.html

Smart Healthcare Products Market: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/smart-healthcare-products-market.html

About Us:

Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a U.S. based provider of syndicated research, customized research, and consulting services. TMR's global and regional market intelligence coverage includes industries such as pharmaceutical, chemicals and materials, technology and media, food and beverages, and consumer goods, among others. Each TMR research report provides clients with a 360-degree view of the market with statistical forecasts, competitive landscape, detailed segmentation, key trends, and strategic recommendations.

Contact Us:



Transparency Market Research

90 State Street, Suite 700

Albany, NY 12207

Tel: +1-518-618-1030

USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453

Email: [email protected]



Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com

Blog: http://www.tmrblog.com/

SOURCE Transparency Market Research
MONTREAL, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Resolute Forest Products Inc. (NYSE: RFP) (TSX: RFP) President and Chief Executive Officer Richard Garneau today reaffirmed the company's support of free, unencumbered access for softwood lumber exports from Central Canada (Quebec and Ontario) to the United States. Mr. Garneau has been a leading figure in the ongoing softwood lumber dispute between the U.S. and Canada, and draws on over 40 years of experience and leadership in the forest products industry across Canada.

Resolute is Canada's largest forest products company and the largest producer of softwood lumber east of the Rockies. Richard Garneau has consistently challenged the claims by some that the 2006 Softwood Lumber Agreement between the U.S. and Canada produced predictability and stability. "Managed trade increases volatility, creating an unpredictable and unstable trade environment between two of the world's largest trading partners," stated Mr. Garneau.

While Western Canadian softwood lumber producers benefit from China's extraordinary economic development, logistical limitations mean that Asian markets remain out of reach for Central Canadian producers. Additionally, Western Canadian softwood lumber producers' purchase of 39 sawmills in the U.S., with a production capacity of some five billion board feet, afford them an important measure of insulation from future restrictive measures.

"To put this capacity into context, it is over 150 percent of the total existing capacity of Ontario's sawmills. Canadian demand is simply not enough to absorb all the production of Central Canadian sawmills," added Mr. Garneau. "We need to be able to sell freely to the U.S. Indeed, that was the whole point of the Canada  U.S. Free Trade Agreement and NAFTA. Just about every industry enjoys free trade, except for softwood lumber."

"The last softwood lumber trade arrangement between Canada and the United States was incredibly destructive, particularly for Central Canada. The previous Government of Canada not only agreed to limiting access, through quotas and taxes, it also paid over $1 billion "in ransom" to the U.S. softwood lumber producers, financed by Canadian workers. The purpose of a deal must not be simply an alternative to litigation. It must be to assure fair and equitable trade," further stressed Mr. Garneau.

Canadians have won every legal fight with the U.S. over softwood lumber. Canada has played by the rules and proven that its industry is not subsidized, and does not cause injury to any U.S. industry. Softwood lumber producers in Quebec and Ontario need and deserve nothing less than free trade.

Canadians have an important and influential ally in the United States consumer; however, they are reticent to fully engage their powerful movement in support of Canada considering Canada's stated intention to once again agree to a managed trade deal.

"If there is to be a deal, it must recall a principled purpose: that the Canadian softwood lumber industry does compete fairly in North America and pays a fair market price for timber, and that our forestry regimes are market-based. The Government of Canada must not negotiate a deal that does not fully recognize Central Canada's right to free trade," said Mr. Garneau. "However, if we are to go down the litigation route, the Canadian industry will need the full backing of the federal government to avoid being forced into a deal brought about by undue financial pressure by the U.S. government's actions at the border."

About Resolute Forest Products

Resolute Forest Products is a global leader in the forest products industry with a diverse range of products, including market pulp, wood products, tissue, newsprint and specialty papers. The company owns or operates over 40 pulp, paper, tissue and wood products facilities in the United States, Canada and South Korea, as well as power generation assets in Canada and the United States. Marketing its products in close to 80 countries, Resolute has third-party certified 100% of its managed woodlands to internationally recognized sustainable forest management standards. The shares of Resolute Forest Products trade under the stock symbol RFP on both the New York Stock Exchange and the Toronto Stock Exchange.

Resolute has received regional, North American and global recognition for its leadership in corporate social responsibility and sustainable development, as well as for its business practices. Visit resolutefp.com for more information.

SOURCE Resolute Forest Products Inc.

Related Links

www.resolutefp.com


"The revolutionary solution from Enevo lifts the oil and fuel industry's delivery operations to a new level of efficiency and transparency," said Husky Corporation Executive Vice President Brad Baker. "This solution is built around the end-user, designed from the ground up to excel where traditional remote monitoring fails."

www.husky.com/enevo

Consumer-grade Simplicity; Enterprise-level Performance

Husky's Enevo solution starts at the tank, where robust sensors constantly monitor the tank's fill level and environment. Simple installation and a five-year battery life mean the fully integrated sensors can be installed and never worried about again. Information is transmitted at regular intervals or during abnormal events such as sudden fluid level changes.

Enevo combines the ease-of-use familiar in consumer products with the reliability of enterprise-grade solutions. System setup is a breeze and requires almost no training, which offers instant value for the end-user. Dispatchers use any web-browser enabled device to get a helicopter-view of operations; fresh status updates, trends, reports, and alerts make incredible delivery efficiencies a reality.

"This solution enables any distributor to take the lead. Dispatchers can now make informed decisions based on real information rather than conjecture, enabling them to do what they do best  get the right amount of product to the right place at the right time," said Joe Laschke, Husky Corporation Technical Service Representative. "Enevo enables just-in-time logistics for the oil and fuel segment."

Scandinavian Industrial Design, American Service and Support

From Nordic winters to the desert heat, Enevo sensors are extremely durable and designed for harsh environments. Furthermore, from contracts to product packaging, installation to setup, training to support, the entire solution has been designed around the end-user. Even the business model includes options that require no upfront investments.

Enevo is a global clean technology provider with headquarters in Finland and presence in the U.S., UK, Japan, Germany and Australia.

"Among the many values Enevo shares with Husky are safety, quality and customer loyalty. Enevo is proud to enter the U.S. market with a partner of such strong reputation," said Anders Brotherus, Product Manager at Enevo.

Remote Monitoring is Now Reliable and Affordable

Ultrasonic sensor technology means no contact to measured liquid

Easy and quick installation with standard 1.5" and 2" NPT fittings

Military-grade lithium batteries with five-year battery life

Hourly level measurements and trend-based, up-to-the-minute forecasts

Operations dashboard displays data on nearly any web-enabled device

Contact Husky Corporation for pricing information at 800-325-3558 or [email protected]

About Enevo and Husky Corporation

Enevo is a leading global provider of smart logistics optimization solutions for liquid level monitoring, helping companies operate more efficiently. Enevo is a strategic partner of Husky Corporation, a leading provider of fuel dispensing products and services. Founded in 1947 with headquarters and production facilities in the metro St. Louis area at Pacific, Missouri Husky Corporation also offers Husky General Fueling Products (nozzles, swivels, Safe-T-Breaks, hoses and related accessories for fuel delivery systems), BJE Oil and Lube products, Benecor DEF Dispensing and Storage systems and Roman Seliger Liquid Loading Arms.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427651

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427652

SOURCE Husky Corporation
DAYTON, Ohio, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Reynolds and Reynolds Company today announced the release of the Reynolds LAW New York F&I Library, which is a comprehensive catalog of standardized, legally reviewed finance and insurance (F&I) documents for franchised automobile dealers throughout the state of New York.

"Since regulatory scrutiny is an ongoing concern for automotive retailers, the LAW New York F&I Library is a tool to help dealers better meet compliance obligations and manage risk," said Jerry Kirwan, senior vice president and general manager of Reynolds Document Services.

Kirwan noted that the documents in the library are regularly reviewed for legal sufficiency with the latest automotive regulations by Reynolds' industry-leading forms specialists alongside Reynolds' outside legal partners.

Kirwan added, "The documents in the LAW New York F&I Library are designed to help streamline the car-buying process and enhance the consumer experience with the dealership. Using standard documents written in consumer-friendly language can help to create a clearer, more consistent, and more efficient F&I process for the F&I manager and for the consumer."

The printed documents in the LAW New York F&I Library also are available in a digital format, which can help facilitate the conversion to laser-printed transactions and e-contracting. Reynolds Document Services maintains licensing agreements with all major providers of electronic F&I (e-F&I) solutions.

About Reynolds LAW Brand Documents

Reynolds' LAW brand is well established as one of the most trusted brands in the automotive industry. LAW documents are available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., and have been endorsed by a number of state automobile dealers associations and leading automotive finance institutions.

The flagship product of the LAW brand is the Reynolds LAW 553 Universal Retail Installment Sale Contract, the most widely accepted document in auto finance. The Reynolds LAW 553 is regularly reviewed by industry experts to help keep pace with new legislative and regulatory developments.

Reynolds and Reynolds was founded in 1866 as a business forms printer. Since the 1920s, Reynolds has been known as the leader in serving automobile dealerships nationwide with standard and custom automotive documents to help dealers manage their operations more efficiently and serve their customers more effectively.

About Reynolds

Reynolds and Reynolds is a leading provider of automobile dealership software, services, and forms designed to help dealerships deliver better business results and transform the customer experience. The company is headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, with major operations in Houston and College Station, Texas, and Celina, Ohio. (www.reyrey.com)

SOURCE The Reynolds and Reynolds Company

Related Links

http://www.reyrey.com


BRISBANE, Calif., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Aditazz announced its Series B equity round with an investment from RNT Capital, through UC RNT fund, a global investment platform backed by Mr. Ratan N. Tata and the office of the Chief Investment Officer of the Regents, University of California. The fund invests in disruptive, technology-oriented businesses across the world and takes a long-term, founder-centric approach to investing, often relying on its propriety sourcing advantage. Silicon Valley-based Artiman Ventures, the Series A lead investor, joined in the round.

The Aditazz software platform serves the design, engineering, and construction industry, and allows organizations to reduce costs, compress timeframes, and achieve strategic project goals. Initially focused on domestic and international healthcare projects, the company is expanding into new areas and will use the funds to continue to build out the platform and associated software applications for use by architects, engineers, owners, developers and others in the ecosystem.

"We are excited that our success in large-scale projects around the globe has attracted the attention and investment from RNT Capital. We are well positioned to capitalize on the need to use technology to radically improve the productivity of design, engineering, and construction for the built environment in India, China, and the rest of the world," said Deepak Aatresh, co-founder and CEO of Aditazz.

Aditazz has deployed its software platform for a variety of major projects in the U.S. and China. Building upon its success in healthcare, the company will expand into infrastructure opportunities in India including affordable housing, education, and urban planning where the Aditazz platform will bring unprecedented benefits at scale.

"Aditazz has proven that it can use its expertise and software to bring significant value to major construction projects. We're excited for Aditazz to expand its efforts in healthcare and beyond, and in more parts of the world."  Amit Shah and Ajit Singh, Partners, Artiman Ventures.

About Aditazz

Aditazz unleashes productivity and strategic value in planning, design, construction, and operations for the built environment. Our software products and services help our global customers complete large-scale and complex projects in less time, at lower cost, and with more efficient operations. Aditazz's foundation in a truly multidisciplinary approach, bringing together experts from computer chip design, building architecture, systems and structural engineering, materials science, data analytics, applied mathematics and computer science, demonstrates how a different approach can result in better outcomes. For more information, please visit www.aditazz.com.

About Artiman Ventures

Artiman is an early stage sector-agnostic venture fund with offices in Silicon Valley and Bangalore. Led by former entrepreneurs, Artiman invests in entrepreneurs building "white space" companies that have the potential to create or disrupt multi-billion dollar markets. Artiman was founded in 2001 and has over $1 billion under management. For more information, please visit www.artiman.com.

About RNT Capital

RNT Capital is a global investment platform backed by Mr. Ratan N. Tata. The fund invests in disruptive, technology-oriented businesses across the world and takes a long-term, founder-centric approach to investing, often relying on its propriety sourcing advantage. It partners closely with the office of the Chief Investment Officer of the Regents, University of California.

CONTACT: [email protected], +1 650-492-7000

SOURCE Aditazz

Related Links

http://www.aditazz.com


WASHINGTON, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, October 12, Maria Contreras-Sweet, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and a member of President Obama's cabinet, will join Baltimore Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake to present the first SBA Hall of Champions award to Under Armour and Kevin Plank. The event will be held at Under Armour's global headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland.

The Hall of Champions honors successful U.S. companies that commenced with the support and foundation from SBA. Plank started his company as a student at the University of Maryland and received a game-changing SBA loan which kept his dream alive. Under Armour has grown from a small business with $17,000 in sales in the first year to a multibillion dollar global performance brand.

Prior to the award presentation, Plank will join SBA Administrator Contreras-Sweet and Mayor Rawlings-Blake for a conversation on fostering entrepreneurship, the value and importance of the SBA, and Under Armour's pursuit of empowering athletes around the world.

Join the conversation using #SBAChampions on Twitter and Facebook.

WHO: SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet

Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake

Under Armour Founder and CEO Kevin Plank

WHAT: Hall of Champions Award & moderated discussion, hosted by Mark Walsh, SBA Office of Investment and Innovation

WHEN: Wednesday, October 12

11 a.m.

WHERE: Under Armour Global Headquarters

1020 Hull Street, Baltimore, MD 21230

HOW: Media should email [email protected], or call (202) 205-8520 to RSVP.

Release Number: MA16-53



Contact: Carol Wilkerson (202) 205-8520

Internet Address: http://www.sba.gov/news

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SOURCE U.S. Small Business Administration

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LYNDHURST, N.J., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Scarinci Hollenbeck (www.sh-law.com) is pleased to welcome Michael A. Jimenez, who has joined the firm as Counsel. He will be a resident of the Lyndhurst office.

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Michael A. Jimenez, Esq.

Mr. Jimenez concentrates his practice on corporate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, financing, and leasing. His clients include real estate developers and owners, business entities, financial institutions, and public and private business organizations. Throughout his career, he has also provided counsel to numerous restaurant owners in Bergen and Hudson County. In that capacity, he assisted with all the initial preparation to open their businesses and obtain required state and municipal approvals. He has also appeared before numerous Alcoholic Beverage Commission (ABC) boards to facilitate the purchase and transfer of plenary liquor licenses.

"Michael joins a terrific transactional team. His skills and experience will resonate well with both our private and municipal clients, and he brings a lot to the table," said Russell Ascher, the firm's Executive Director.

In the public law arena, Mr. Jimenez has handled numerous Local Public Contracts Law and Open Public Records Act matters. Throughout his career, he has held a variety of public positions throughout Hudson and Bergen counties. As counsel to several school boards, he has assisted municipalities with employee grievances, disciplinary hearings, student discipline, pupil records, bidding, contracts, family and medical leave disputes.

Immediately before joining Scarinci Hollenbeck, Mr. Jimenez was a name partner at Ryglicki, Jimenez & Gillman, P.C., a general practice law firm based in Newark, New Jersey.

About Scarinci Hollenbeck

Scarinci Hollenbeck is a growing 50-lawyer regional law firm with offices in New Jersey, New York City and the District of Columbia. We have upheld a commitment to excellence since our founding in 1988. Our principal areas of practice include Business Law, Real Estate Law, Environmental and Land Use Law, Labor and Employment Law, Litigation, and Intellectual Property Law. Our Commercial Real Estate transactional group is made up of accomplished practitioners with many years of experience. They work closely with our Environmental and Land Use attorneys, who have a proven track record in securing development rights for some of the largest office, retail, industrial, and multi-family development and redevelopment projects in the region.

Contact : Peter Moeller

Tel: 201-896-4100 x 3328

Email

SOURCE Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC

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UTRECHT, Netherlands, October 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Goal is to Make a Child-friendly Treatment for Schistosomiasis Accessible to Children Under Six Years of age in Endemic Countries

UK-based Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI), part of Imperial College London, is reinforcing the international non-profit Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium. The aim of the Consortium is to develop, register and make available a new child-friendly praziquantel formulation for the more than 25 million preschool-age children suffering from schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease endemic in most of Sub-Saharan Africa. This age group currently lacks a suitable treatment.

SCI, with their extensive expertise in working with Ministries of Health across sub-Saharan Africa for the control and potential elimination of schistosomiasis, will support the Consortium in preparing and implementing the Access and Delivery plan of the new pediatric formulation in endemic countries. Dr Elly Kourany Lefoll, Program Lead of the pediatric praziquantel development program and Head of Drug Development Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) at Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany, comments: "We are very pleased that SCI joins our Consortium. Over the last four years, we've made important progresses across the pediatric praziquantel development program, with a phase II clinical trial currently being conducted in Ivory Coast. This means that we are now testing the new formulation in schistosome-infected pre-school age children to identify the optimal dose."

If not treated properly, schistosomiasis results in high morbidity, including anemia, stunted growth and reduced learning ability. In some cases, the disease can even be fatal. "As we are advancing in our development program," Dr Kourany-Lefoll continues, "we have started to develop a plan to make the child- friendly praziquantel formulation accessible to children under six years of age in endemic countries. We are reaching out to access experts, and other key stakeholders, such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and governmental representatives from Sub-Saharan African countries to gain their input and support. SCI will play a crucial role in this endeavor."

For SCI this partnership opens up different opportunities. SCI's goal is to reduce the global disease burden of NTDs, including schistosomiasis, in sub-Saharan Africa by 2030 in accordance with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Professor Fenwick, SCI's founder and director, says, "We have been in contact with the Consortium for many years, and we look forward to this collaboration. We see the pediatric praziquantel formulation as a breakthrough in the battle against schistosomiasis in infected young children, a group lacking suitable treatment until now." He adds, "Apart from creating awareness, changing perceptions and fostering global support for NTD Programmes, at SCI, we also put great emphasis on ensuring universal access to effective treatment for everyone who suffers from NTDs."

The know-how of SCI in deploying preventative and therapeutic tools and strategies to eliminate NTDs complements the existing scientific and regulatory expertise provided by the other six partners of the Consortium. Moreover, SCI has a broad network among policy makers such as the WHO, Ministries of Health, academic institutions, funders and other stakeholders which are key players in the implementation of an effective awareness and sensitization campaign in the coming years.

Schistosomiasis (also known as bilharzia) is one of the most prevalent parasitic diseases in Africa and a very important one in terms of public health burden and economic impact. It is a poverty-related disease that leads to chronic illness. The threat posed by schistosomiasis is substantial, with 78 affected countries, 700 million people at risk and an estimated 258 million people infected. More than 90% of patients live in Africa, where the disease affects a large proportion of children under the age of 14.

About the Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium

The Pediatric Praziquantel Consortium is an international not-for-profit partnership that aims to reduce the global disease burden of schistosomiasis by addressing the medical need of infected preschool-age children. Its mission is to develop, register and provide access to a suitable pediatric praziquantel formulation for treating schistosomiasis in this age group. The pediatric formulation under investigation has been designed to be smaller, exhibit an improved palatability and be orally dispersible compared to the current commercial formulation.

The Consortium was established in July 2012 by Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany (Merck KGaA), Astellas Pharma Inc. (Astellas), Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) and Lygature (formerly TI Pharma). At the beginning of 2014, Farmanguinhos and Simcyp, a Certara company, joined the Consortium as full partners. The Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI), part of Imperial College London, joined in 2016.

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany leads the program and brings expertise and support related to praziquantel, including resources from different areas (drug product manufacturing, pre-clinical, clinical, regulatory) needed for clinical development and to efficiently execute the project. Astellas contributes by providing its innovative pharmaceutical technologies in the area of pediatric drug formulation development as well as clinical development in children. Swiss TPH brings extensive experience in helminths biological and pharmacological research, epidemiology and clinical research in endemic regions. The governance is facilitated by Lygature, a Dutch non-profit organization and independent party with an extensive portfolio of international public-private partnerships in drug research and development, including in the area of neglected diseases. Farmanguinhos, the federal governmental pharmaceutical laboratory of the Fiocruz Foundation in Brazil, brings unique expertise to produce and distribute the new pediatric formulations product in endemic countries. Simcyp, a Certara company, brings expertise in pharmacokinetic modelling for better predicting the appropriate dosage for use in the pediatric clinical trials. SCI, part of Imperial College London, provides the necessary expertise to define and execute the access strategy and plan as well as to initiate and implement NTD control and elimination programs in Sub-Saharan Africa.

For more information, please visit http://www.pediatricpraziquantelconsortium.org

About Astellas

Astellas Pharma Inc., based in Tokyo, Japan, is a company dedicated to improving the health of people around the world through the provision of innovative and reliable pharmaceutical products. We focus on Urology, Oncology, Immunology, Nephrology and Neuroscience as prioritized therapeutic areas while advancing new therapeutic areas and discovery research leveraging new technologies/modalities. We are also creating new value by combining internal capabilities and external expertise in the medical/healthcare business. Astellas is on the forefront of healthcare change to turn innovative science into value for patients.

For more information, please visit our website at http://www.astellas.com/en

About Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany

Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany 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 KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany generated sales of  12.85 billion in 66 countries.

Founded in 1668, Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany is the world's oldest pharmaceutical and chemical company. The founding family remains the majority owner of the publicly listed corporate group. Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany 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.

For more information, please visit http://www.merckgroup.com

About Swiss TPH

The Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute (Swiss TPH) is a leading institution in the field of global health. Its mandate is to contribute to improving the health of populations through excellence in research, health services and education & training. Swiss TPH focusses on key areas of activity in infectious and neglected diseases such as malaria or schistosomiasis, environmental risk factors, health system strengthening and epidemiology. Swiss TPH is associated institute of the University of Basel. Currently over 700 staff members from 62 nations are organized in two research, three service and one educational department.

For more information, please visit http://www.swisstph.ch

About Farmanguinhos

Farmanguinhos is a technical-scientific unit of the Oswaldo Cruz Foundation. Bearing in mind the mission of "Acting with environmental responsibility in promoting public health through the production of medicines, research, technological development and general diffusion of knowledge", this unit is the largest public pharmaceutical company under the Brazil's Ministry of Health and are produced medicines for the treatment of diabetes, hypertension, malaria, AIDS, tuberculosis, among others. Farmanguinhos also has an important role in meeting emergency demands of the Ministry of Health.

For more information, please visit www2.far.fiocruz.br/farmanguinhos/

About Simcyp and Certara

Certara is a leading decision support technology and consulting organization committed to optimizing drug development and improving health outcomes. Certara's solutions, which span drug discovery through patient care, use the most scientifically-advanced modelling and simulation technologies and regulatory strategies to increase the probability of regulatory and commercial success. Its clients include hundreds of global biopharmaceutical companies, leading academic institutions, and key regulatory agencies.

For more information, visit http://www.certara.com

About Schistosomiasis Control Initiative (SCI)

SCI works with governments to deliver effective school-based and community-based distributions of deworming tablets for schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted helminths, protecting children from these debilitating diseases and improving school attendance, all at a cost of US$0.50 of less per child.

For more information, visit http://www.imperial.ac.uk/schistosomiasis-control-initiative

About Lygature

Lygature drives the development of new medical solutions for patients by managing public-private partnerships that bring together academia, industry and society. Every day we pioneer solutions in the areas of medical technology and pharmacotherapy to serve patients worldwide. Lygature is a not-for-profit organization based in the Netherlands. We build upon the legacy of the Center for Translational Molecular Medicine (CTMM) and Top Institute Pharma (TI Pharma).

For more information, visit http://www.lygature.org



Contact:

Leonie Hussaarts

Phone: +31-6-554-63-876

E-mail: [email protected]

SOURCE Lygature
ELLICOTT CITY, Md., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Two months after making the Informational Modules from TransCelerate's Site Qualification and Training (SQT) initiative available on the SCRS website, the success of the program is evident.

"The SQT Informational Modules are designed to provide clinical research education to sites," said Christine Pierre, President of SCRS. "SCRS partnered with TransCelerate to provide the Informational Modules to better serve the sites. So far the modules have been accessed more than 1,000 times by site personnel around the globe. SCRS is happy to offer these Informational Modules complementary to anyone, regardless of whether they are members of SCRS."

Katarina Hugeneck, SQT Initiative Leader for TransCelerate and Manager of Global Study Training at Eli Lilly and Company, explains, "The content within the Informational Programs was developed with the collective knowledge and expertise of TransCelerate Member Company personnel with contributions from sites staff representatives through an SCRS Site Advocacy Group. We believe that these readily available resources will prove to be beneficial to sites as they prepare to conduct clinical research, and represents an important step in improving the relationship between sites and clinical trial sponsors."

These solutions were created in accordance with the ICH Guideline for Good Clinical Practice: Consolidated Guidance (E6) and can be accessed through the SCRS website here.

About SCRS

SCRS is a global trade organization founded in 2012 which represents over 3,000 research sites in 49 countries. SCRS' mission is to unify the voice of the global clinical research site community for greater site sustainability. SCRS has become an active partner in industry-wide initiatives and dialogues focused on improving the clinical research enterprise. Sites and the companies that sponsor or support the work conducted at clinical research sites will benefit from membership and partnership. Visit MySCRS.org.

About TransCelerate BioPharma, Inc.

TransCelerate BioPharma Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of people around the world by simplifying and accelerating the research and development (R&D) of innovative new therapies. The organizations' mission is to collaborate across the global biopharmaceutical R&D community to identify, prioritize, design and facilitate implementation of solutions designed to drive the efficient, effective and high quality delivery of new medicines. Membership in TransCelerate is open to pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies with Research & Development operations. Executive offices are located in Philadelphia, PA. For more information, please visit transceleratebiopharmainc.com.

SOURCE Society for Clinical Research Sites

Related Links

http://myscrs.org


Beginning yesterday, the week-long event is celebrating the unique cuisine that hails from Guangdong, China's most populous province. Named after the region's previous Romanised title, "Cantonese" cuisine consists of a broad range of dishes but is best known for its dim sum; bite-sized portions traditionally served in steamer baskets containing 4-5 pieces of light bites such as dumplings, steamed buns and sesame seed balls.

The event will see some of San Francisco's top techies tasting a broad variety of Cantonese dishes, as well as receiving postcards, traditional Chinese puzzles and taking part in Tangram, an ancient Chinese challenge originating in the Tang Dynasty. Those who successfully complete the challenge will be awarded a mystery grand prize.

Typical Cantonese cuisine boasts a global appeal thanks to the variety of fresh ingredients it incorporates, with chefs focusing on their natural flavours without resorting to excessive use of herbs and spices to produce a mouth-watering taste. The region is famous for its sweet and sour dishes, but traditional foods include so much more; including goose, Chinese sausage and vegetables served in oyster sauce.

Participants will also get the chance to enter the tourism board's "Guangdong Guide" competition, which has already seen 3 lucky winners sent on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to China and is set to send 5 more between now and January. Winners of the latest round have just been announced online and you can learn more about entering round 4 of the competition, which started yesterday, on their LinkedIn page. This round of the contest has a strong focus on Cantonese cuisine, and the winner can expect to be tasting freshly prepared food from some of the top chefs in southern China. Bon appetit!

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SOURCE The Tourism Administration Board of Guangdong Province
"After decades of research and years of hard work at the site, we are thrilled that the Kemper County energy facility, the world's most advanced coal plant, has generated electricity using syngas," said Southern Company Chairman, President and CEO Thomas A. Fanning. "The technology at the heart of the first-of-its-kind facility provides a way forward for energy companies in the U.S. and around the world to cleanly generate electricity using an affordable and abundant resource."

The generation of electricity with syngas requires the integrated operation of the plant's gas cleanup system and associated gasifier, which has been operating since the middle of September. The clean syngas is then sent to one of the plant's combustion turbine electric generators, which have been operating on natural gas since 2014. As part of the plant start-up process, electricity generation will continue to involve testing on syngas, natural gas or a combination of both as progress continues toward commercial operation.

"Today's accomplishment is a testament to the hard work of the Kemper team, and I am so proud of the results they continue to deliver," said Mississippi Power Chairman, President and CEO Anthony L. Wilson. "The generation of electricity using syngas is just the latest example of our company's commitment to deliver on our promise that Kemper will provide Mississippi Power customers with safe, reliable energy for decades to come. Achieving this latest milestone means that we are implementing innovative 21st-century technology right here in Mississippi."

The next major milestones are expected to include the production of electricity by the project's second gasifier, operating both combustion turbines using all syngas, followed by complete integration of the project's systems leading to full commercial operation. Mississippi Power currently expects the remainder of the project to be placed in service by Nov. 30, 2016.

About Southern Company

Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is America's premier energy company, with 44,000 megawatts of generating capacity and 1,500 billion cubic feet of combined natural gas consumption and throughput volume serving 9 million electric and gas utility customers through its subsidiaries. The company provides clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy through electric utilities in four states, natural gas distribution utilities in seven states, a competitive generation company serving wholesale customers across America and a nationally recognized provider of customized energy solutions, as well as fiber optics and wireless communications. Southern Company brands are known for excellent customer service, high reliability and affordable prices that are below the national average. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, Southern Company and its subsidiaries are inventing America's energy future by developing the full portfolio of energy resources, including carbon-free nuclear, 21st century coal, natural gas, renewables and energy efficiency, and creating new products and services for the benefit of customers. Southern Company has been named by the U.S. Department of Defense and G.I. Jobs magazine as a top military employer, recognized among the Top 50 Companies for Diversity by DiversityInc, listed by Black Enterprise magazine as one of the 40 Best Companies for Diversity and designated a Top Employer for Hispanics by Hispanic Network. The company has earned a National Award of Nuclear Science and History from the National Atomic Museum Foundation for its leadership and commitment to nuclear development and is continually ranked among the top utilities in Fortune's annual World's Most Admired Electric and Gas Utility rankings. Visit our website at www.southerncompany.com.

About Mississippi Power

Mississippi Power, a subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), produces safe, reliable and environmentally responsible energy for more than 186,000 customers in 23 southeast Mississippi counties. Mississippi Power earned the 2015 ReliabilityOneTM Award for outstanding midsize utility for excellence in storm restoration and recovery efforts as well as being a leader in reliability, customer service and safety. Visit our websites at mississippipower.com and mississippipowernews.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and YouTube.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain information contained in this press release is forward-looking information based on current expectations and plans that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking information includes, among other things, statements concerning the expected future milestones related to, and projected schedule for completion of, the start-up of the integrated coal gasification combined cycle project in Kemper County, Mississippi (the Kemper IGCC) as well as the expected future performance of the facility. Southern Company and Mississippi Power caution that there are certain factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking information that has been provided. The reader is cautioned not to put undue reliance on this forward-looking information, which is not a guarantee of future performance and is subject to a number of uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Southern Company and Mississippi Power; accordingly, there can be no assurance that such suggested results will be realized. The following factors, in addition to those discussed in Southern Company's and Mississippi Power's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2015, and subsequent securities filings, could cause actual results to differ materially from management expectations as suggested by such forward-looking information: changes in tax and other laws and regulations to which Mississippi Power is subject as well as changes in application of existing laws and regulations; the ability to control costs and avoid cost overruns during the development and construction of facilities, which include the development and construction of generating facilities with designs that have not been finalized or previously constructed, including changes in labor costs and productivity, adverse weather conditions, shortages and inconsistent quality of equipment, materials, and labor, contractor or supplier delay, non-performance under operating or other agreements, operational readiness, including specialized operator training and required site safety programs, unforeseen engineering or design problems, start-up activities (including major equipment failure and system integration), and/or operational performance (including additional costs to satisfy any operational parameters ultimately adopted by the Mississippi Public Service Commission ("PSC")); the ability to construct facilities in accordance with the requirements of permits and licenses, to satisfy any environmental performance standards and the requirements of tax credits and other incentives, and to integrate facilities into the Southern Company system upon completion of construction; advances in technology; actions related to cost recovery for the Kemper IGCC, including the ultimate impact of the 2015 decision of the Mississippi Supreme Court, the Mississippi PSC's December 2015 rate order, and related legal or regulatory proceedings, Mississippi PSC review of the prudence of Kemper IGCC costs and approval of further permanent rate recovery plans, actions relating to proposed securitization, satisfaction of requirements to utilize grants, and the ultimate impact of the termination of the proposed sale of an interest in the Kemper IGCC to South Mississippi Electric Power Association; and the ability of counterparties of Mississippi Power to make payments as and when due and to perform as required. Southern Company and Mississippi Power expressly disclaim any obligation to update any forward-looking information.

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SOURCE Southern Company; Mississippi Power
CORNISH, Maine, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- SpatialTEQ Inc., publisher of North America's leading business mapping software, today announced an update to MapBusinessOnline.com now to include time support for route management. With this release Map Business Online optimized routing capabilities have been expanded to include time window support, as well as traffic information and obstacle consideration in route generation. These enhancements position Map Business Online as the most effective replacement for Microsoft's MapPoint mapping software. MapPoint was canceled in December of 2014.

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Time Window Support

Optimized routing functionality in Map Business Online will now include the ability to set arrival time, departure time and required stay duration for a stop. This new time window functionality will allow dispatch managers, drivers, and traveling sales people to more accurately plan, document and share their driving routes. Route optimization plans with time windows can be imported from pre-formatted third party address datasets including Excel or CSV files. Time estimates will now be included in MBO turn-by-turn direction output. Users will be able to export estimated time durations per stop in addition to total trip time.

Time-based route functionality is user selected by turning on Trip Planning in the MBO Route options window.

Recalculate Routes to Accommodate Route Barriers

Route optimization calculations will now include the ability to define route barriers and generate optimized route detours which will adjust travel estimates accordingly. MBO planners will represent actual barriers to routes, traffic issues or construction, as polygon or rectangle map objects. MBO will recalculate the route based on barrier extent, adjusting the map view and turn-by-turn directions with time estimates.

Calculated route information is now exportable as a data file supporting GPX, ITN, CSV and HTML file formats. Generated route file datasets may also be copied to clipboard for use in third party spreadsheet applications.

Traffic Awareness

Time support for route management will also enable road traffic support for MBO route calculations. Both historic and real-time traffic information is added to optimized route calculations improving route time estimations and providing the opportunity to recalculate routes through areas that are less obstructed by traffic.

About Map Business Online

From the creators of BusinessMAP, www.MapBusinessOnline.com has been providing sales & marketing professionals with affordable and intuitive web-based business mapping software, for Mac and PC users, since 2010. Design, edit, and share maps that reflect your business . Create and manage sales territories that drive accountability into your sales force. Replace discontinued Microsoft MapPoint with MapBusinessOnline. Access optimized multi-stop routes to drive down travel costs. No other map software solves so much for so little.

Contact: Geoffrey Ives Email (800) 425-9035, (207) 939-6866

SOURCE MapBusinessOnline.com

Related Links

http://www.MapBusinessOnline.com


HAVERHILL, Mass., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Steward Health Care refused to agree to contract language proposed by the registered nurses at Steward Holy Family Hospital at Merrimack Valley (HFHMV) that would ensure safe care for ICU patients and safeguard nurses from unwarranted discipline when they follow the law.

The HFHMV nurses, represented by the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA), are negotiating a new contract with Steward and are outraged by the corporation's refusal to agree to contract language obligating Steward to adhere to an important state law that sets safe limits on nurses' ICU patient assignments to ensure the most critically ill patients receive appropriate care. Adding insult to injury, Steward has also refused additional language that would prohibit management from disciplining nurses who follow the law, which nurses are obligated to do under their nursing license.

Beginning in September 2014, there has been a Massachusetts law requiring safe limits for intensive care unit (ICU) patients and nurses in all acute hospitals. Under the law, a staff nurse in the ICU may only be assigned one patient at a time or a second patient only if the nurses on the unit have assessed that it is safe for both patients to be assigned to one RN. Under no circumstances can a nurse be assigned a third patient. The law is key to protecting patients in our state's ICUs as these patients are very ill and in need of constant care and attention. Studies show that when ICU nurses have more than one or two patients, the risk of injury or death for these patients increases significantly.

Under the law governing nursing practice in Massachusetts, the registered nurses' first obligation is to the safety of their patient, and they are also required to follow all applicable state and federal laws.

The nurses at HFHMV have proposed new contract language that would obligate the hospital to adhere to the law, as well as provide nurses who follow the law with protection from discipline for following the same law.

The nurses' most recent proposal which management refused to agree to is this: "No nurse will be disciplined or otherwise adversely impacted for advocating for the enforcement of the state ICU law, M.G.L. Chapter 111, Section 231."

"It's concerning that Steward refuses to acknowledge the ICU law in our contract. This hard fought for law was made to protect the sickest and most vulnerable patients who require intense, specialized nursing care. We demand the law be included in our contract. The fact that Steward does not want it is alarming," said Jane Emery, an RN in the hospital's Emergency Department and co-chair of the MNA local bargaining unit for HFHMV.

The MNA is currently working with the Department of Public Health and the state Attorney General's office to seek aide in enforcement of the ICU staffing law. Where hospitals are refusing to comply with the law, the MNA is attempting to include union contract language like that proposed at the HFHMV negotiations.

This latest contract dispute at HFHMV follows months of contentious negotiations where the nurses were forced to file two unfair labor practice charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against the facility for bargaining in bad faith.

The nurses' previous contract with the hospital expired on March 31, 2016, but was extended. The MNA began its efforts to work with Steward to begin negotiations for a successor agreement, in December 2015, yet Steward refused to provide necessary information requested by the MNA to begin fruitful talks. To date 21 negotiating sessions have been held with the next session scheduled for October 17.

MassNurses.org  Facebook.com/MassNurses  Twitter.com/MassNurses

Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 23,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public.

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SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association

Related Links

http://www.massnurses.org


Terror Behind the Walls begins with a critical decision for visitors: should they explore the prison and watch the action, or should they mark themselves to truly interact with the denizens of the cellblocks? Those who opt in for true interactivity may be grabbed, held back, sent into hidden passageways, and even separated from their group. They will deal with the consequences of their decision through six long attractions.

To celebrate its 2016 season of scares, Terror Behind the Walls unveils a new iteration of its popular attraction Lock Down. As visitors enter the looming facade of Cellblock 12, they're confronted with a startling realization: the rioting inmates and panicked guards of seasons past have been taken over. Who  or what  is responsible for this annihilation? The creatures of Lock Down: The Uprising have risen to TBTW from the depths of the darkest universe. They are agile, ruthless, and hungry for flesh. They have no law, no chain of command, no concept of confinement. The challenge is simple: make it through Lock Down: The Uprising alive.

Also new for 2016 is The Hex Challenge. Terror Behind the Walls invites visitors to take interactivity to the next level. At the beginning of each of the six attractions, visitors enter a secret room. They are dared to step further into the story, to become part of the action, to take on challenges, to join forces with the zombies, and ultimately, to escape the massive haunted prison. The Hex Challenge is available every show night for an additional fee.

A Massive Haunted House in a Real Prison:

The setting for Terror Behind the Walls is perfect for a haunted attraction. Eastern State Penitentiary was once the most famous and expensive prison in the world, but stands today in ruin, a lost world of crumbling cellblocks and empty guard towers. This gothic structure, with soaring 30-foot high fortress walls, is intimidating enough during the day. At night, the cellblocks fall into darkness, and the building becomes truly terrifying.

Terror Behind the Walls features Hollywood-quality sets, animatronics, and custom-designed soundtracks, all taking place within the walls of the prison. It takes an elite team of 14 makeup artists almost three hours to prepare the cast of more than 200 performers each evening. The event consists of six haunted attractions that create a seamless experience for visitors.

No. 1 Haunted House in America:

Terror Behind the Walls is consistently ranked among the nation's top haunted attractions. The Travel Channel calls it "One of America's Scariest Halloween Attractions," The New York Times calls it "perfect for Halloween," and Forbes names it #1 in the nation.

The industry commends the event as well. It was named "One of the top three must-see haunts in America" by Haunted Attraction Magazine. John Eslich, president of the Haunted Attraction Association, says, "Terror Behind the Walls is one of the best. A world-class haunted attraction."

Terror Behind the Walls has grown from a single-night event in 1991 to a 31-night event with shows selling out far in advance. More than half of the visitors who attended in 2015 traveled to Philadelphia for the event, with tickets sold to visitors in all 50 states and 37 foreign countries, making Terror Behind the Walls a national and international destination for thrill-seekers and Halloween lovers.

Is it Really Haunted?

Many people believe that Eastern State Penitentiary is haunted. As early as the 1940s, officers and inmates reported mysterious visions and eerie experiences in the ancient prison.

With the growing interest in paranormal investigations, Eastern State Penitentiary may now be the most carefully studied building in the United States. Approximately 60 paranormal teams visit to explore the site in a typical year. The historic site's website, EasternState.org/ghosts, features extensive television and audio clips that document real paranormal investigations inside the 186-year old prison.

The penitentiary has been featured on the Travel Channel's Most Haunted Live, Ghost Adventures, and Paranormal Challenge; Fox Television's World's Scariest Places; TLC's America's Ghost Hunters; and MTV's FEAR. Footage captured on the second tier of Cellblock 12 by paranormal investigators during filming of SyFy's Ghost Hunters may be the most controversial ghost sighting in history. During the filming of Paranormal Challenge, host Zak Bagans called Eastern State Penitentiary "one of the most haunted places in the world."

General Information:

Terror Behind the Walls is located inside Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site at 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Terror Behind the Walls does not affect operation of the historic site, which remains open for daytime tours seven days a week, year round. All proceeds from Terror Behind the Walls benefit the preservation of Eastern State Penitentiary, a National Historic Landmark.

Terror Behind the Walls runs on select evenings through November 5, 2016. Tickets for Terror Behind the Walls are on sale now at EasternState.org/BuyNow. Buying online is always the cheapest and most convenient way to purchase Terror Behind the Walls tickets. Visitors save time and money, and purchasing in advance is the only way to guarantee entry to the event. For more information about Terror Behind the Walls, the public can visit TerrorBehindTheWalls.com.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427449

SOURCE Eastern State Penitentiary
MILFORD, Conn., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- On Monday, October, 10, 2016, the Law Firm 500 Award team announced the list of 2016 Honorees, ranking MILFORD LAW, LLC. NO. 72 on its 1st Annual Law Firm 500 Honorees List. The published list recognizes law firms that have achieved significant growth in revenues. Each nominee was evaluated by an outside accounting firm, and subjected to an identical review process. The award honorees are a beacon of light for the legal industry demonstrating innovation, operational excellence, and a commitment to client service.

The 1st Annual Law Firm 500 Award Honorees List of America's Fastest Growing Law Firms has been Announced! Milford Law, LLC. Named a 2016 Law Firm 500 Honoree

Partner, Vincent J. Averaimo said, "we are proud to be recognized for our efforts and commitment to client service and innovation in technology. We have made great efforts to afford our clients with all of the advantages of a large law firm while maintaining the culture and personal attention of a small firm."

Released online on Monday, October 10, 2016, the 2016 Law Firm 500 Award Honorees list showcased the top one-hundred fastest growing law firms in America. Each ranking also included the percentage of growth ranging from 29 to a staggering 1500%, no small feat for any business.

The Law Firm 500 Conference, Awards Ceremony and Gala will be held this Thursday October 13th, through Saturday, October 15th at The Ritz Carlton in Key Biscayne, Miami, FL. The evening will begin with a powerful Keynote Presentation by Best-Selling Author of Relentless, Tim S. Grover.

We invite you to congratulate and follow the progress of our law firm, and industry peers for their dedication to success and innovation. The full list of Law Firm 500 Award Honorees can be found at https://lawfirm500.com/award-honorees/.

About MILFORD LAW, LLC.

Beyond being a highly-experienced general practice law firm, great care is taken in providing our clients with the utmost in personal service. We strive to be as accessible as possible, communicating personally rather than through voice mail or menus. For more information about our firm please visit: www.milfordlegal.com or www.directdefault.com

Media Contact:

Vincent J. Averaimo, Esq.

Partner

203-874-6773

250 Broad Street, Milford, CT 06460

www.milfordlegal.com  www.directdefault.com

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427424

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161019/430684

SOURCE Milford Law, LLC.
LONDON, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ --

Synopsis

Timetric's 'The Cards and Payments Industry in Finland: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides detailed analysis of market trends in the Finnish cards and payments industry. It provides values and volumes for a number of key performance indicators in the industry, including direct debits, check payments, payment cards, cash transactions and credit transfers during the review period (20112015).



The report also analyzes various payment card markets operating in the industry, and provides detailed information on the number of cards in circulation, and transaction values and volumes during the review period and over the forecast period (20162020). It also offers information on the country's competitive landscape, including the market shares of issuers and schemes.



The report brings together Timetric's research, modeling, and analysis expertise to allow banks and card issuers to identify segment dynamics and competitive advantages. The report also covers details of regulatory policy and recent changes in the regulatory structure.



Summary

Timetric's 'The Cards and Payments Industry in Finland: Emerging Trends and Opportunities to 2020' report provides top-level market analysis, information and insights into the Finnish cards and payments industry, including:



- Current and forecast values for each market in the Finnish cards and payments industry, including debit and credit cards.



- Detailed insights into payment instruments including direct debit, credit transfers, cash transactions, checks and payment cards. It also, includes an overview of the country's key alternative payment instruments.



- E-commerce market analysis.



- Analysis of various market drivers and regulations governing the Finnish cards and payments industry.



- Detailed analysis of strategies adopted by banks and other institutions to market debit and credit cards.



- Comprehensive analysis of consumer attitudes and buying preferences for cards.



- The competitive landscape in the Finnish cards and payments industry.



Scope

- This report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Finnish cards and payments industry.



- It provides current values for the Finnish cards and payments industry for 2015, and forecast figures to 2020.



- It details the different demographic, economic, infrastructural and business drivers affecting the Finnish cards and payments industry.



- It outlines the current regulatory framework in the industry.



- It details marketing strategies used by various banks and other institutions.



Reasons To Buy

- Make strategic business decisions, using top-level historic and forecast market data, related to the Finnish cards and payments industry and each market within it.



- Understand the key market trends and growth opportunities in the Finnish cards and payments industry.



- Assess the competitive dynamics in the Finnish cards and payments industry.



- Gain insights into marketing strategies used for various card types in Finland.



- Gain insights into key regulations governing the Finnish cards and payments industry.



Key Highlights

- Contactless technology is gaining acceptance among Finnish consumers, and issuers are introducing cards enabled with contactless technology to gain a market share in the cards and payments industry. At the end of 2015, there were three million contactless cards in Finland, and this is expected to more than double by the end of 2020. The latest initiatives in contactless payments include the collective introduction of MasterCard-branded contactless cards by Euroloan Consumer Finance and Compass Card in August 2015, and the MasterCard Bankkontokort debit card with contactless functionality by Alandsbanken in 2014. In addition, the Finnish telecommunications company Elisa and convenience store chain R-Kioski began selling pre-loaded near-field communication (NFC) payment stickers in April 2014, featuring MasterCard's PayPass technology.



- To capitalize on the fast-growing mobile payments (m-payments) market, an increasing number of retailers are allowing customers to make payments by mobile phone. OP-Pohjola Group launched a mobile wallet app, Pivo, in March 2015. The wallet uses Host Card Emulation (HCE) technology to emulate a card on an NFC-enabled device to make contactless payments. This service is available for holders of Visa Debit and Visa Electron cards. Since May 2014, the Finnish hamburger chain Hesburger has allowed customers to make payments and redeem reward points by using the Seqr mobile app, which was developed by the Swedish company Seamless.



- In line with Nordic regional trends, Finland has made significant progress towards becoming a cashless society, as several companies and government offices in Finland have abandoned the use of cash. The National Land Survey of Finland stopped accepting cash in two customer service branches in North Karelia during JanuaryApril 2013; the primary reason for this was to save costs, as cash deposits needed to be sent to the bank once or twice daily. As the trial was successful, the National Land Survey of Finland stopped accepting cash in all branches in Central and Southern Finland, and Pirkanmaa-Satakunta. Similarly, Aurinkomatkat, one of Finland's largest travel agencies, has terminated cash payments in its service offices.

Read the full report: http://www.reportlinker.com/p03596110-summary/view-report.html



About Reportlinker

ReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.



http://www.reportlinker.com





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SOURCE Reportlinker

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"Teachers, parents and students are always looking for new and unique ways to make teaching and learning core skills fun for everyone," said Simon Shen, CEO of XYZprinting and New Kinpo Group. "Our new da Vinci miniMaker is not only affordably priced to fit school and household budgets, but it will help encourage, expand, and shape the cognitive skills and abilities of the next generation of engineers, designers, and creators."

Not an ordinary STEM / STEAM toy, the da Vinci miniMaker enables educators and parents to engage young learners in real-life applications of 3D printing to develop collaboration and problem-solving skills in STEAM and STEM subjects, spurring creativity and interactive learning in the years to come. The newest 3D printer in the lauded da Vinci product line features:

Print Forever: The education-friendly toy that keeps pace with you as you continue to grow and develop your core STEM skills over the years, the da Vinci miniMaker is not limited in content.

The education-friendly toy that keeps pace with you as you continue to grow and develop your core STEM skills over the years, the da Vinci miniMaker is not limited in content. Compact and Robust Design: The da Vinci miniMaker is 30 percent smaller than the da Vinci Jr. 1.0, but retains the same build size of 5.9" x 5.9" x 5.9". Perfect for small spaces in classrooms or at home.

The da Vinci miniMaker is 30 percent smaller than the da Vinci Jr. 1.0, but retains the same build size of 5.9" x 5.9" x 5.9". Perfect for small spaces in classrooms or at home. Eco-friendly and Safe: The da Vinci miniMaker only prints with XYZprinting's biodegradable, non-toxic PLA filament. This filament has gone through various tests to ensure that it is DEHP-free and Heavy Metal-free for user safety.

The da Vinci miniMaker only prints with XYZprinting's biodegradable, non-toxic PLA filament. This filament has gone through various tests to ensure that it is DEHP-free and Heavy Metal-free for user safety. Intuitive Auto-Calibration: This function automatically determines and sets the distance and leveling of the print bed and the extruder module with minimal effort by the user and resulting in the best possible prints in the classroom or at home.

This function automatically determines and sets the distance and leveling of the print bed and the extruder module with minimal effort by the user and resulting in the best possible prints in the classroom or at home. Flexible iOS Support: The da Vinci miniMaker offers Windows 7 and above (for PC) and Mac OSX 10.8 and above (for Mac) support to ensure seamless operation.

Parents, teachers, and students purchasing a new da Vinci miniMaker, or those who have been using any da Vinci products, have access to XYZprinting's "Educational Ecosystem" to aid in curriculum and project development. The ecosystem includes:

XYZmaker , an intuitive 3D modeling application for young users, allowing for 3D printing to be seamlessly incorporated into the classroom

, an intuitive 3D modeling application for young users, allowing for 3D printing to be seamlessly incorporated into the classroom XYZ 3D Gallery , where users have access to more than 4,500 free 3D models across nine categories, including everything from educational items and art designs to toys and games

, where users have access to more than 4,500 free 3D models across nine categories, including everything from educational items and art designs to toys and games XYZprinting STEAM , a free 3D printing curriculum exchange platform for all grades K-12

"With these resources, educators can incorporate 3D printing into their existing curriculum," said Ian Snyder, a 10th  12th grade physical and life science teacher at a Pennsylvania high school, who has been using 3D printers to better engage his students. "Make sure to incorporate creativity into your class. Students have trouble returning to their roots of exploring how things work."

Additionally, XYZprinting is releasing the ultimate 3D printing companion, the XYZprinting 3D Scanner Pro. The 3D Scanner Pro quickly captures full-color, full-body scans of large objects or even your friends and family members. Scanned items can easily be uploaded, viewed, repaired or altered  as needed  with XYZprinting editing software. The new scanner will be available October 21 for $249.

To learn more about XYZprinting's diverse 3D printing solutions visit www.xyzprinting.

About XYZprinting

XYZprinting, a New Kinpo Group company, is the world's leading 3D printing manufacturer. Dedicated to bringing cost-effective 3D printing to educators and classrooms, consumers and artists, small-to-midsized businesses, and households around the world, XYZprinting has broken down the barriers of 3D printer ownership by providing an easy-to-use device that delivers an outstanding user experience, whether connected to a computer or via mobile. Its printers have won several accolades within the 3D printing industry at major technology industry events and by top publications. XYZprinting currently has offices in China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, the United States and Europe. To learn more about XYZprinting products, view useful tutorials, receive online or phone customer service, and access galleries for free, downloadable 3D designs, please visit http://us.xyzprinting.com .

About New Kinpo Group (NKG)

New Kinpo Group, a corporation of several subsidiaries including Cal-Comp, XYZprinting, Kinpo Electronics and AcBel, is a global electronic manufacturing services (EMS) and original design manufacturing (ODM) company that offers its customers lower costs, faster delivery times and world-class product quality. The company's EMS business spans multiple product lines, including storage, printers, network-attached storage (NAS), wireless and broadband, digital home, consumer electronics, wearables, 3D printing, robotics, power management and smart grid, industrial, automotive, security, medical/healthcare and emerging technologies. New Kinpo Group's network of strategically located manufacturing sites have the added benefit of allowing customers to manufacture products closer to their end customers, resulting in dramatically reduced shipping costs, lower tariffs and more cost-effective inventory management. For more information, visit http://en.newkinpogroup.com/

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161011/427510

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160517/369012LOGO

SOURCE XYZprinting
TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., the world's premier fondue restaurant and a leading polished casual dining franchise, announced today it has signed its first "Path to Grow" program (PGP) franchise agreement, granting ownership of the Spokane, Washington Melting Pot to Hollis and Kim Silva, who are currently managers of the restaurant. PGP gave the Silvas the financing needed to purchase the existing restaurant located at 707 West Main Avenue, which has been serving the Spokane community since March 2008.

"This is a tremendous milestone for us, as we officially ignite our Path to Grow financing program with two of The Melting Pot's most dynamic and deserving managers," said Dan Stone, chief business & people development officer at Front Burner. "We're thrilled to grant this opportunity to Hollis and Kim, as Kim has been part of The Melting Pot family for nearly a decade. We take pride in knowing that our PGP financing program allowed them to achieve their dream of franchise ownership. Their enthusiasm and passion for the brand is palpable, and we look forward to watching the Silvas flourish in their new venture."

Kim Silva first joined The Melting Pot team in 2008 as a server and bartender at the restaurant in Spokane. With polished skills and a personality to match, Kim made her way up the ranks and was promoted to general manager in 2013. Hollis joined her on the management team last year. Now as franchisees, they plan to leverage their experience and in-depth knowledge of the brand to propel their restaurant into another decade of success.

"The Melting Pot has been like a second home to us since we first stepped foot in the door almost 10 years ago, and our belief in the brand has only gotten stronger," said Kim. "We're so thankful for The Melting Pot's Path to Grow program, which made it possible for Hollis and I to move forward with this new venture. We are filled with optimism as we begin our journey, and are committed to providing unparalleled service to the residents of Spokane."

The PGP financing program takes the financial burden off operators who are approved to become franchisees of The Melting Pot by enabling them to invest as little as 5 percent liquidity into the purchase of an approved, existing restaurant. The franchisor provides up to 95% of the financing in the form of a loan to the franchise partner to allow them to acquire the location. The loan is typically serviced by the new franchisee over the course of four years. PGP financing is available for the purchase of select existing The Melting Pot franchises. Operators and managers with experience in casual dining or fine dining may qualify and apply for PGP financing  experience with The Melting Pot brand is not required.

To catapult the brand's expansion efforts nationwide, the concept will be hosting a complimentary informational franchise webinar on Thursday, Oct. 13 at 11 a.m. (EDT) to educate qualified candidates. To register for the upcoming webinar, please visit http://www.meltingpotfranchise.com/upcomingEvents.aspx.

The Melting Pot operates more than 125 restaurants across 35 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, and has over 10 locations in development internationally. The concept is known for offering an assortment of flavorful fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrees served with signature dipping sauces. The menu features a variety of a la carte selections, highlighting customizable options that invite guests to enjoy one, two, three or more courses as they select any combination of individually-priced cheese fondues, salads, entrees and chocolate fondues.

To learn more about ownership opportunities with The Melting Pot or to apply for PGP financing, contact Christina Hobbs, director of franchise development for The Melting Pot, at [email protected], or call 800-783-0867 ext. 109.

About The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.

Founded in 1975, The Melting Pot has offered a unique fondue dining experience for more than 40 years. As the premier fondue restaurant franchise, The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc. has more than 125 restaurants in 35 U.S. states, Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates and over 10 international locations in development. A leading polished casual dining franchise, The Melting Pot was recognized as the No. 2 casual dining restaurant in the Nation's Restaurant News 2016 Consumer Picks report. Known for offering a choice of fondue cooking styles and a variety of unique entrees, The Melting Pot's menu also features cheese fondues, salads, fine wines and chocolate fondue desserts. Fondue fans can join The Melting Pot's Club Fondue for exclusive promotions, special events and advance holiday reservation privileges. The Melting Pot is an affiliate of Front Burner, a restaurant management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. For more information, visit www.meltingpot.com. To learn more about franchise opportunities with The Melting Pot, please visit www.meltingpotfranchise.com.

About Front Burner

Front Burner is a franchise management company headquartered in Tampa, Florida. It is affiliated with the corporate owners of and its management services extended to The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc., founded in 1975 with 127 restaurants in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, and 10 locations currently in development internationally. For more information, visit http://www.frontburnerbrands.com.

Contact:

Andie Biederman

Fish Consulting

954-893-9150

[email protected]

SOURCE The Melting Pot Restaurants, Inc.

Related Links

http://www.meltingpot.com


PITTSBURGH, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- The US casino industry is a tricky one to follow due to the constantly changing circumstances surrounding its legality. According to a report furnished by BestUSCasinos.org, 2016 was a year of ups and downs for the industry as a whole.

According to the report, brick and mortar casinos in states like Pennsylvania and Maryland are continuing to thrive after recent regulatory changes made casino play more accessible. To the contrary, the brick and mortar industry in New Jerseyspecifically Atlantic Cityis going downhill in a hurry. According to BestUSCasinos.org, 2016 was not the best year for places like Atlantic City and Las Vegas, but it was great for other states that are beginning to explore the expansion of the brick and mortar casino foothold in the state.

The report, though highlighting the ills of well-established casinos, went on to explain that not everything is all bad. In fact, New Jersey, which only legalized an intrastate online casino back in 2011, is seeing its online casino industry boom. With sites recording month over month revenue gains of 30% and more, the online casinos are, in a sense, saving the failing brick and mortar locations. This success is causing other states and territories to take notice and we imagine that 2017 will feature more massive developments in the legal battle for online casino freedom.

Finally, the report went on to highlight that, while states are becoming more liberal with regards to their acceptance of gambling both online and offline, opponents still exist. Big names like Sheldon Adelson are fighting to ban online operations in order to expand their own brick and mortar projects. Opponents are not gaining much ground, but according to BestUSCasinos.org, there is a bill soon to be introduced that would ban any and all types of online gambling at the Federal level. For states that are on the verge of establishing their own online casino networks, the existence of such opponents may be a deterrent that will effectively throw any progress years backwards. All of this will come to a front in 2017, and it will be interesting to see how it all plays out.

SOURCE BestUSCasinos.org

Related Links

https://www.bestuscasinos.org


This new, revolutionary solution from global travel technology company, Amadeus, delivers online search results in milliseconds with no compromise to accuracy. "Our users expect both speed and accuracy from KAYAK  this is the killer combination," said Giorgos Zacharia, chief technology officer, KAYAK.

For online travel companies, time can mean money. According to Amadeus data, every one second of improvement in search response time for consumers can translate into a potential increase in coveted conversion rates for an online travel company.

"We are excited that our technology will help KAYAK continue to excel as leaders in online travel. Our solution delivers the right mix of instant and transactional search, delivering both a new, 'instant' user experience as well as transactional results with the depth of content required to secure conversion," said Sebastien Gibergues, head of Leisure, Online and Travel Media at Amadeus.

Building on Amadeus' over 20 years of industry expertise in online travel, Amadeus Master Pricer with Instant Search technology uses advanced algorithms, smart cache refresh mechanisms and live availability check to deliver search results instantly without compromising bookability or quality. With access to the most comprehensive airline inventory available, the solution provides bookable recommendations for both round-trip and one-way searches and access to the cheapest fares. Amadeus' new search technology is available to online travel companies worldwide.

Scott Gutz, president and chief executive officer for Amadeus North America added, "As a long-standing customer, KAYAK has been using Amadeus technology for many years. Amadeus was a pioneer in low fare search solutions and we are pleased to now launch an 'instant search' offering, enabling our online travel customers like KAYAK to continue to serve and succeed."

For more information about Amadeus Master Pricer with Instant Search technology check out a related blog post. Visit Amadeus' website to find out more about flight search and other technology solutions for online travel companies.

Notes to the editors:

About Amadeus (www.amadeus.com)

Amadeus is a leading provider of advanced technology solutions for the global travel industry. Customer groups include travel providers (e.g. airlines, hotels, rail and ferry operators, etc.), travel sellers (travel agencies and websites), and travel buyers (corporations and travel management companies).

The Amadeus group employs around 14,000 people worldwide, across central sites in Madrid (corporate headquarters), Nice (development) and Erding (operations), as well as over 70 local Amadeus Commercial Organizations globally and has a presence in more than 190 countries.

The group operates a transaction-based business model. Amadeus is listed on the Spanish Stock Exchange under the symbol "AMS.MC" and is a component of the IBEX 35 index.

To find out more about Amadeus please visit www.amadeus.com, and www.amadeus.com/blog for more on the travel industry.

Follow us on:

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http://blogamadeus.com/feed/

https://plus.google.com/113862376434257859271/posts

Media inquiries:

Debbie Iannaci

Director, Corporate Communications

Amadeus North America

[email protected]

305 499 6448

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160606/375651LOGO

Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=woTsO3ozwo8

SOURCE Amadeus

Related Links

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COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- CrossChx, the company giving people a better way to connect and share information about their health, announced today the addition of accomplished biomedical researcher, world renowned oncologist and entrepreneur, Dr. David Agus, to its board of directors. Effective immediately, Dr. Agus, also a New York Times bestselling author, will serve as a key adviser to the company's executive team and contribute to the long-term goal of using technology to extend life expectancy.

"Dr. Agus is well regarded for his ability to take conventional wisdom and turn it on its head, so naturally we felt he would fit in well at CrossChx," said Sean Lane, CEO and Co-Founder of CrossChx. "His experience and knowledge will help us continue to build better ways for people to connect and share their health information. We share a supercharged focus on making people healthier by strengthening and enriching the relationships between patients, payers, and providers."

Dr. Agus is a professor of medicine and engineering at the University of Southern California (USC) Keck School of Medicine and Viterbi School of Engineering and the CEO and founding director of USC's Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine. He is one of the world's leading physicians specializing in treating patients with advanced forms of cancer, is the co-founder of several personalized medicine companies and has served in leadership roles at the World Economic Forum.

"This company's hard work and determination to completely rethink and retool the way patients connect to their health immediately caught my attention and their growth is remarkable," said Dr. Agus. "The work CrossChx is doing will forever change the way we experience healthcare and interact with our health information. I'm excited to be part of the team."

Well regarded for his innovations in medicine, Dr. Agus has built a reputation for taking a unique approach to looking at the relationship of the human body to health and disease. Over the years he has treated a number of high-profile patients, including Apple Co-Founder Steve Jobs, musician Neil Young and former U.S. Senator Ted Kennedy among many others. He appears on television regularly as a medical contributor for CBS News.

"The End of Illness," Dr. Agus' first book published in 2012, is a New York Times #1 and international bestseller and was the subject of a television series on PBS. His most recent books "A Short Guide to a Long Life" and "The Lucky Years: How to Thrive in the Brave New World of Health" are also New York Times and international bestsellers.

Dr. Agus holds degrees from Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, and currently lives in California with his wife and two children.

About CrossChx

CrossChx is building an identity layer for healthcare that gives patients and providers a better way to connect to health. The company's flagship platform, Connect, offers secure, intuitive and data-rich features including biometric verification and mobile information management to patients, practices, hospitals and care managers. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, CrossChx has signed more than 350 health systems nationwide and created more than 60 million unique patient IDs for healthcare. For more information, visit www.crosschx.com.

Press Contacts:

Josh Chaney

CrossChx

614-741-5471

[email protected]

Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160112/321481LOGO

SOURCE CrossChx

Related Links

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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
New Delhi, Oct 7 : Namaste France, a fest that shows India's cultural prowess, will be associating with French European Indian Fashion Week (FEIFW), an initiative of World News Network.

Namaste France is a two and half months long festival, which is underway in Paris from September 15. It aims to serve as a window to Indian traditional arts, music, dance, theatre, literature, cinema and fashion.

FEIFW will be held from October 21-23. The organisers hope that the fashion event serves as a platform for designers from around the world to express their culture or any other cause through their creations.

Recognising the importance of exchanges in the field of fashion, NamastA France festival will associate with the FEIFW, read a statement.

Satish Reddy, President of Paris-based French European Indian Organization (FEIO), hopes that the association will be fruitful.

"It's a great pleasure organizing a Fashion Week on the Eiffel Tower and I want to thank NamastA France for being there and supporting and helping us to make into a great event," Reddy said.

The fashion gala will be inaugurated by India's Ambassador to France Mohan Kumar.

Indian designers Rocky S and Poonam Bhagat will be showcasing their collections at FEIFW at the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Other Indian designers participating in the event are Nida Mahmood, Kanika Saluja, Asa Kazingmei, Mayyur Girotra, Sahil Aneja, Karishma Jumani, Mandira Virk, and Madhu Jain.

Former beauty queen Liza Varma, who is collaborating with Reddy from FEIFW, said: "French European Indian Fashion Week will offer thought-provoking ideas through conversational pieces of fashion for a global audience by creating timeless designs."
Agartala, Oct 10 : A senior police officer was arrested in Tripura for allegedly molesting a tribal girl who was pandal-hopping during the Durga Puja festival along with her friend, police said here on Monday.

"A tribal girl lodged a complaint of molestation against Deputy Commandant of TSR (Tripura State Rifles) Bishnu Debnath at Chailengta in Dhalai district (in northern Tripura) on Sunday night," police spokesman Uttam Bhowmik told IANS.

"After a preliminary inquiry, police arrested the security officer," he said.

Debnath is the adjutant of the 8th Battalion of the elite force that specialises in counter-insurgency operations.

In a separate incident, five people, including a security personnel were seriously injured here on Sunday night when a speeding car hit Puja revellers.

People burnt the car and apprehended the driver of the vehicle and his friends and thrashed them before handing them over to the police.
Chennai, Oct 10 : Actor Rana Daggubati, who has worked with several producers over the years, is thrilled about collaborating with his father and well known southern producer Suresh Babu for the first time for a yet-untitled project.

"Working with this producer for the first time! And he's called Dad! Wish us luck! More details on the project soon," Rana wrote on his Twitter page on Monday.

He also shared a photograph featuring him with his father.

Under the banner of Suresh Productions, Rana's family has been producing films for over three decades, with projects across multiple Indian languages.

On the career front, Rana has wrapped up shooting his portion for "Baahubali: The Conclusion". His yet-untitled Telugu project with director Teja goes on the floors on Tuesday.
New Delhi, Oct 10 : Minister of State for Health Anupriya Patel on Monday said the government seeks trained and skilled manpower for the promotion of mental health in the country.

The minister said that under the National Mental Health Programme, the central government was investing to bridge the huge gap that lies in the country's mental health programme.

"We will have to train more medical officers, nurses, counsellors and pharmacists in district hospitals, and community and primary health centres," said Patel.

At the same time, "community based interventions through utilisation of field-level functionaries such as Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwife (ANMs) should also be implemented," the minister said.

Patel was speaking at a function here to mark 'World Mental Health Day'.

She emphasised on the role of parents and families in ensuring smooth transition of adolescents into adulthood. She stressed that leading a content normal life could never be overemphasised.

She said all round efforts should be made to develop life skills, and mitigate substance misuse. She particularly mentioned about adolescents who are susceptible to mental stress.

Quoting World Health Organisation statistics, Patel said one in every four persons was affected by a mental illness at least once in their lifetime.

"Six to seven per cent of India's population suffers from some form of mental illness," the minister said.

Mental illnesses were also seen as a major cause of morbidity. Depression, bipolar, anxiety, personality, delusional, and substance use disorders were just a few of the killers.

Faggan Singh Kulaste, also MoS Health, said: "As a community, we must collectively create and spread awareness about mental health disorders and treatment available. This could help the patients lead a normal life with dignity and be productive."
Lucknow, Oct 10 : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Monday supported Rahul Gandhi's remarks accusing Prime Minister Narendra Modi of doing 'dalali' over the blood shed by Indian soldiers, while his Samajwadi Party also attacked the BJP over "politicising" last month's surgical strikes by the army across the Line of Control.

"If he (Gandhi) has said that, he must have said it after due thinking... he must have his reasons," Akhilesh Yadav said in reply to media queries on Gandhi's remark.

"I visited some of the martyrs' houses... it is the poor who are dying. What do they know about surgical strikes," he said, adding that he shares cordial relations with Gandhi.

Addressing a rally last week, Gandhi had accused Modi of taking political mileage from the surgical strikes saying the Prime Minister was seeking to "profiteer" from the blood shed by Indian soldiers.

Observing that Gandhi's "choice of words could have been better", Samajwadi Party (SP) spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia stressed upon the "message" that Gandhi's remarks carried and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of politicising the surgical strikes carried on terrorist launch pads across the Line of Control in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.

"The choice of words could have been better but the point is the message that he (Gandhi) has given through his statement and what Akhilesh Yadav is also referring to," Bhatia told India Today to a query if the UP Chief Minister was defending Gandhi's remark.

"When it comes to surgical strikes, all politcal parties, including the SP, supported the Prime Minister's decision and will do it in the future as well. But what is most unfortunate is the way BJP leaders have politicised the strikes and indulged in chest thumping, especially in poll-bound UP," he said, citing the recent visit of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar to Agra where he lauded the surgical strikes.

"It is because of this chest thumping that the Prime Minister had to warn his party leaders. Hope they will listen to him," added Bhatia.

The BJP, however, termed Akhilesh Yadav's defence of Gandhi as unfortunate.

"The comments reflect the typical partisan biased mindset of Akhilesh Yadav and Samajwadi Party which is motivated by caste, creed, religion and electoral and political motivations.

"Its unfortunate... political parties should refrain from indulging in politics over the armed forces. I think he (Yadav) should desist from defending such comments," said BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi.
Dhaka, Oct 11 : Chinese President Xi Jinping's upcoming visit to Bangladesh is a diplomatic boost that heralds a new era in relations between the two countries, a Bangladeshi minister said.

Information Minister Hasanul Huq Inu in an interview to Xinhua news agency on Tuesday said, "President Xi Jinping's visit to Bangladesh will take the deep cordial relations between Bangladesh and China to a new greater height."

Xi will be visiting Dhaka this week at the invitation of Bangladesh President Abdul Hamid.

"This upcoming visit marks the strong bondage between the two nations as well as paves the way for future growth of our ties," said Inu, who is also President of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JSD), a partner of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's ruling grand alliance.

He said the relations and engagements between Bangladesh and China are enormous.

"Our two nations support each other on the principles of peace, stability, sovereignty and territorial integrity, mutual trust and respect, mutual interest and equitable sharing of mutual benefits," Inu said.

"We also work closely for developing a quadrilateral economic space between Bangladesh, China, India and Myanmar -- popularly known as BCIM-EC (Economic Corridor). Definitely coordinated efforts of Bangladesh and China on local and international development issues of mutual interest will result in great outcomes," Inu added.

The minister said over the last eight years, Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in economic growth, women's advancement and empowerment, education and health, and other areas of human development, including laying out communication, production and trading architectures.

"To keep the development on track, we look forward to Chinese cooperation in project financing and low-cost investment, technology, upgrading management skills, market access, defence, agriculture, industry, communication, water resources management and media modernisation," Inu said.

At this very moment, he said Chinese cooperation in this sector will be extremely significant. "Infrastructure building and ICT adoption are the two most prominent sectors where we seek Chinese cooperation in media."
New York, Oct 12 : Oil prices ended lower after mixed response from Russian oil industry leaders toward an output-cut deal proposed by OPEC (Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries).

The West Texas Intermediate for November delivery on Tuesday lost $0.56 to settle at $50.79 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange, while Brent crude for December delivery decreased $0.73 to close at $52.41 a barrel on the London ICE Futures Exchange, Xinhua news agency reported.

In the previous session, oil prices rallied nearly 3 per cent after Russian President Vladimir Putin said the country "is ready to join in joint measures to limit output and calls on other oil exporters to do the same."

"In the current situation, we think that a freeze or even a cut in oil production is probably the only proper decision to preserve stability in the global energy market," he said.

However, Igor Sechin, Chief Executive Officer of Russia's largest oil producer Rosneft PJSC, said the company has no plans to cut oil production, according to media reports.

Saudi Arabia and other producers are unlikely to cut and higher prices would only bring US shale producers back into the market, Sechin said.

His words weighed on the market on Tuesday.

Oil prices had advanced over 11 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 November 30 in Vienna.
Washington, Oct 12 : Michelle Obama has urged all girls everywhere to be "hungry" for education, not to fear failure and to do what they can to help each other, as she announced new private funding for her programme "Let Girls Learn".

"We have all this technology, all these tools. Use them to educate yourselves and reach out to girls around the world. Don't just Snapchat what you're eating; use that tool to impart knowledge, to share wisdom, to share your story and spread the word," Michelle Obama said on Tuesday during an interactive chat with teenage girls that was held at the Washington Newseum in coordination with Glamour magazine.

The First Lady warned against underestimating the value of education for girls in rich countries like the US, because in many parts of the world girls are "willing to give their life, they are literally dying trying to get the education that many of us take for granted," EFE news reported.

The result in so many places is that life is never as easy for women as it is for men - but the hope for the future lies exactly with the girls she was talking to: "You all are the ones that are going to change that culture, because you're going to raise your girls with a different understanding of why education is important," Obama said.

This was how the wife of President Barack Obama chose to celebrate the International Day of the Girl, and the White House used the occasion to announce that "Let Girls Learn" has collected the equivalent of $5 million from the private sector.

"Let Girls Learn" was launched in early 2015 with the goal of breaking down the barriers that keep female children and teens from getting an education, which go from the cost of studies to the fear of being kidnapped or abused at school.

According to the White House, around 62 million girls worldwide do not attend school, and that makes them more vulnerable to diseases like AIDS, or to being forced into marriage and suffering other forms of violence.

"More than 62 million girls around the world are counting on us to be their voice, and I intend to continue speaking out on their behalf - not just for the rest of my time as first lady but for the rest of my life," Michelle Obama added.
Karachi, Oct 12 : The Karachi Press Club has asked the government to withdraw a travel ban on a Dawn journalist who reported alleged differences between the military and civilian leadership over terrorists.

The News International on Wednesday quoted the Club's President, Fazil Jamili, as saying that the government acted in haste by putting Dawn staff writer Cyril Almieda on the Exit Control List (ECL).

The ECL bars people from leaving Pakistan.

"The Ministry of Interior did not even follow the required legal course in this matter in putting someone's name on the ECL without a court order," Jamili said.

"If the government wants to take legal course against Dawn or the said correspondent, it has every legal right to do so, but, before any judicial order any such move would mean putting undue pressure on the newspaper and harassment of the journalist," the statement said.

"Without any case or proper inquiry, putting the name of a journalist on ECL would be considered as an attempt to suppress the media."

Almeida's report said that the civilian leadership had bluntly told the military-intelligence leadership that Pakistan faced global isolation until action was taken against terrorists.

Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's office has thrice denied the report.

Meanwhile, Amnesty International condemned the Pakistan government for imposing a travel ban on Almeida.

"It is one thing for the authorities to dispute and contradict a media report. But it is quite another to threaten a journalist under the guise of national security," said Amnesty's Audrey Gaughran.

Human rights activists urged the government immediately to lift the travel and other restrictions on Almeida.

The ban "will cause distress to all those, at home and abroad, who believe in the freedom of expression and the rights of journalists", the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said.
Mumbai, Oct 12 : Veteran actor Rishi Kapoor has lauded the trailer of filmmaker Aditya Chopra's upcoming romantic film "Befikre". He says the film seems like an updated adult version of the 1989 film "Chandni" starring Sridevi.

"'Befikre'. An outstanding hot trailer! Chandni ka 2016 updated 'adult version'. Exotic locale, natural actors, naughty, witty, funny, romantic," Rishi tweeted on Tuesday.

Starring Ranveer Singh and Vaani Kapoor, "Befikre" has already created quite a stir among the audience as the duo are seen lip-locking passionately in every poster that has been released. It is a film Chopra has directed after eight years.

"Befikre" is Chopra's fourth film as a director.
New Delhi, Oct 12 : Taiwan-based technology major ASUS on Wednesday announced the availability of Zenfone 3 Laser smartphone in India.

Starting at Rs 18,999, the smartphone will initially be available on Flipkart for a month. Post that, it will also be available on other e-commerce portals and in retail stores and Asus Exclusive Stores across the country.

"With the Zenfone 3 range, we introduced a series of smartphones in India to appeal to a wide range of audience," said Peter Chang, Region Head, South Asia and Country Manager, ASUS India, in a statement.

ZenFone 3 Laser has 5.5-inch full-HD display, Qualcomm Snapdragon octa-core 64-bit processor paired up with 4GB RAM and has 32GB internal storage.

The device comes with 13MP rear camera and a 8MP front camera, large f/2.0-aperture lens and 0.03 seconds laser auto-focus.
London, Oct 12 : Manchester City defender Bacary Sagna will be sidelined for about three weeks due to an injury and will miss the Champions League match against Barcelona on October 19.

The French international suffered an injury during his national team's 1-0 victory over the Netherlands in Amsterdam on Monday,reports Efe.

"Sagna was injured while on international duty with France and has suffered a hamstring pull - he is likely to return in early November," Manchester City announced on its official website.

Sagna is a key player with the English club, as he started four of the seven matches of the Premier League this season.

The French defender will also miss the Premier League games against Everton, Southampton and West Bromwich Albion, as well as the derby against Manchester United in the League Cup on October 26.
New Delhi, Oct 12 : Opposition parties on Wednesday criticised Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar for giving major credit of surgical strikes across the Line of Control to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and accused the BJP of using it as a "tool for electoral gains".

"This is blatant exhibition of the forked tongue of the BJP. They speak in two voices," Congress spokesperson Sanjay Jha told IANS.

"Modi will adopt the posture that there should be no chest thumping, while his Cabinet ministers and foot soldiers will plaster posters hailing him as Lord Rama," Jha said.

The Congress leader also accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of using the surgical strikes as an electoral tool for political gains in the upcoming Uttar Pradesh and Punjab assembly polls.

"Clearly, the BJP is trying to exploit the surgical strikes as an electoral strategy and it has complete disregard for army sentiments or the truth itself," the Congress leader alleged.

Congress leader's remarks came after Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar at an event in Mumbai said that "major credit of the surgical strikes across the Line of Control (LoC) in Pakistan-administered Kashmir (PoK) goes to Prime Minister Narendra Modi".

A political war has erupted after the September 28-29 surgical strikes, which were carried out across the LoC against the backdrop of the terror attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri town of Jammu and Kashmir, in which 19 Indian soldiers were killed.

Jha said: "Operation Ginger (of 2011) is a proof that surgical strikes have happened before, too."

Code-named 'Operation Ginger', the 2011 strikes were said to be the deadliest-ever cross-border operation, in which at least eight Pakistani soldiers were killed and several others fatally injured by Indian commandos.

Echoing the Congress charge, Communist Party of India (CPI) leader D. Raja told IANS: "BJP is politicising surgical strikes for political gains."

"Why should one share the credit of Indian Army? After all it is the Indian Army and not any political party's army (that carried out the strikes)," the CPI leader said.

"Why they are making it a political issue?" Raja asked. "Even the Prime Minister has advised his leaders not to politicise and not to do chest thumping."

Attacking Parrikar, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Manoj Jha said that he is not on the same page with the Prime Minister.

"I think Parrikar is probably not on the same page with the Prime Minister, because Modiji has advised his colleagues and partymen to stop chest thumping," the RJD leader told IANS.

"He (Modi) has advised his colleagues to stop chest thumping, as the frequency of chest thumping has gone berserk. And, this is what we gathered even from Parrikar's statement," he said.
Dhaka, Oct 12 : Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has expressed confidence that the upcoming visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping would usher in "a new era of intensive cooperation" in trade, investment and other sectors between the two nations.

Hasina made the comments on Tuesday ahead of Xi's October 14 visit to the country, Xinhua news agency reported.

"We are very happy and feel honoured that Xi is coming to Bangladesh. I believe that Xi's visit will also be more important for South Asia," she told Xinhua here.

Speaking highly of the Bangladesh-China ties, the Prime Minister pointed out that the relations between the two nations were underpinned by "the Five Principles of Peaceful Co-existence, Spirit of Good Neighbourliness, Mutual Trust, Confidence and Non-Interference in each other's internal affairs".

Hasina reaffirmed that Bangladesh strongly adheres to the One-China policy and supports Beijing on issues related to its core national interests and efforts to safeguard its national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Xi's visit comes at a time in history when Bangladesh is about to break free from the clutches of low-level equilibrium trap and move into a brand-new frontier of investment, industrialization, ecological restoration and prosperity for all, said Hasina.

"China has become our largest trading partner and we consider China as a trusted partner in realizing our dreams too. China is the leading generator of many our mega-projects in terms of finance, capitalisation and technology," she said.

Noting that Bangladesh-China relations are now framed within a comprehensive partnership of cooperation that reaches into almost all possible sectors, Hasina said: "We are planning to elevate the relationship to a newer height with the much-awaited visit of Xi Jinping."

Hasina said cooperation between Bangladesh and China has gained maturity in past decades, but there are huge potentials for future expansion of the two countries' engagement in fields such as development of infrastructure and for that matter, investing in emerging sectors like ICT, ago-processing and electronics.

Hailing China-proposed Belt and Road initiative, the prime minister said her country is now working to connect growth centres of the country with the rest of the region in South Asia and create a single economic contiguity between South Asia and Southeast Asia.

And this "would be host to greater integration with East Asia and connect the three ecosystems to the rest of the world through our seaports in the south", she added.

Hasina expressed her appreciation for China's support to Bangladesh's efforts in attaining sustainable development while welcoming Chinese companies investing in the country's emerging sectors like textiles, leather, petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, shipbuilding and agro-processing, among others.

"We are on the verge of launching the exclusive Economic and Industrial Zone in Chittagong that would be a landmark event in our economic, investment and trade cooperation. We would like to encourage Chinese investors to invest in these economic zones as a developer or as an individual investor," she said.
Beijing, Oct 12 : Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte will pay a state visit to China from October 18 to 21 at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping, Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lu Kang said on Wednesday.

During the trip, Xi and Duterte will discuss improving bilateral ties, deepening cooperation and international and regional issues of common concern, Xinhua news agency reported.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and top legislator Zhang Dejiang will also meet Duterte, Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said.

China hopes the visit will help the two nations strengthen political trust, deepen cooperation, continue friendship, properly handle disputes and promote bilateral relations, Geng said.

Geng said a good China-Philippines relationship was a common desire of the two nations.
Kigali (Rwanda), Oct 12 : China is the single most important factor in determining climate benefits with the phasing out of heat-trapping organic compounds -- hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) -- and replacing them with climate-friendly alternatives, the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) said here on Wednesday.

HFCs are super greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air-conditioning.

An analysis released here by CSE shows that if China alone decides to take 2020-22 as baseline while other developing countries, including India, take 2024-26 as baseline, HFC emissions equivalent to 10 billion tonnes of CO2 emissions can be reduced.

"This is two times the total yearly CO2 emissions by the US," it said.

The baseline year determines the level at which the HFC consumption in countries are capped.

"Our analysis clearly shows that the Indian proposal of having one baseline for China and another for the remaining group of A5 (developing) countries is ambitious from climate benefit perspective," Chandra Bhushan, Deputy Director of the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment, told IANS.

He said the developed countries are trying to push others to the 2020-22 baseline but this shift will have insignificant impact on the climate benefit. "This is not an issue which is important enough to create discord within parties."

At present, the 28th meeting of the Parties to the 1989 Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is underway in the Rwandan capital till October 14 to freeze an agreement as early as possible to eventually eliminate the use of HFCs.

"As we enter the last three days of negotiations in Kigali, we see a sense of accommodation and flexibility within parties. However, this positive environment is being sullied due to quibbling by the A2 (developed) parties about the proposed baseline years for the A5 (developing) parties," he said in a statement.

A general consensus, he said, seems to be emerging within the A5 parties to have a dual baseline.

One group of countries, including China, seems to favour average HFC consumption during 2020-22 as the baseline.

Another group, that includes India, seems to opt for average HFC consumption during 2024-26 as the baseline, he said.

In a landmark decision in November last, the 197 Parties of the Montreal Protocol agreed to the "Dubai Pathway on HFCs" which commits the Parties to "work within the Montreal Protocol to an HFC amendment in 2016 by first resolving challenges by generating solutions in the contact group on the feasibility and ways of managing HFCs".

"Over the past few days, we have witnessed pressure being put by the A2 parties on the A5 parties to accept the 2020-22 baseline. Lure of early finance, exemption to high ambient countries etc are being used to isolate those countries that favour the 2024-26 baseline," Bhushan said.

"This sparring threatens to unravel the progress made so far on the HFC amendment. We appeal to countries to spend the remaining three days to resolve important issues rather than fight over non-issues," he added.

(Vishal Gulati is in Kigali in Rwanda to cover the 28th Meeting of the Parties to the Montreal Protocol. He can be contacted at vishal.g@ians.in)
Chennai, Oct 12 : Opposition leaders in Tamil Nadu on Wednesday questioned how the ailing Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa told the Governor to allocate her portfolios to Finance Minister O. Panneerselvam.

DMK President M. Karunanidhi said it was a wonder that Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao handed over the portfolios handled by Jayalalithaa, 68, to Panneerselvam based on her advice.

In a statement, Karunanidhi said Jayalalithaa was in the hospital for the past 19 days and several leaders were not allowed to meet her when they went to the Apollo Hospital here.

Given this situation, the statement from Raj Bhavan on Tuesday that the reallocation of the portfolios was based on the advice of Jayalalithaa was a wonder, he said.

According to a Raj Bhavan statement of Tuesday, the Governor, under Clause (3) of the Constitution's Article 166, allocated the subjects dealt with by Jayalalithaa to Panneerselvam on her advice.

Jayalalithaa held the portfolios of Public, Indian Administrative Service, Indian Police Service, Indian Forest Service, General Administration, District Revenue Officers and Home.

Panneerselvam will also preside over the cabinet meetings.

"This arrangement has been made as per the advice of Chief Minister and will continue until the Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa resumes her duties. Jayalalithaa will continue to be the Chief Minister," the Raj Bhavan said.

Jayalalithaa was admitted to the hospital on September 22 with fever and dehydration. The doctors later said she needed a longer stay as she was suffering from infection and put her on respiratory support.

As she was being treated for infection and was on respiratory support, no visitor was allowed inside her room or to interact with her.

The visiting VIPs are briefed by the doctors and AIADMK leaders in the hospital.

PMK founder S. Ramadoss said that based on the medical bulletins issued by the hospital, it was evident that barring the doctors no one else was allowed to meet her.

"She is also on respiratory support," he said citing the medical bulletins. He wondered how she communicated her advice on portfolio change given this situation.

On Tuesday, Congress state unit President S. Thirunavukkarasar told IANS that the reallocation of the portfolios "is a welcome development".

He said the situation was similar to the one that existed when AIADMK founder, the late M.G. Ramachandran (MGR), was admitted to the same Apollo Hospital in October 1984.

Senior AIADMK leader C. Ponnaiyan told IANS that the portfolios handled by MGR were then allocated to V.R. Nedunchezian.

According to Ponnaiyan, MGR in 1984 had orally instructed that his portfolios were to be handled by Nedunchezhiyan.

"As per the rules, the Chief Minister can orally tell any one or more cabinet colleagues to handle the portfolios. This is the practice followed across the country," he said.

The AIADMK has ruled out the need for an acting or temporary Chief Minister.

Panneerselvam had earlier served as Chief Minister when Jayalalithaa had to step down in wake of her conviction by a Bengaluru court in a corruption case. She returned to the post after the Karnataka High Court acquitted her.

Officials expect Panneerselvam to visit the Secretariat on Thursday.
Agartala/New Delhi, Oct 12 : Uncertainty of repatriation of over 31,000 tribal refugees, living in Tripura for the past 19 years, to Mizoram continued even after a high-level meeting at the Union Home Ministry in Delhi, officials said on Wednesday.

According to the officials present at the meeting of Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) for repatriation of the refugees, chaired by Union Special Secretary (Internal Security) Mahesh Kumar Singla, Mizoram government officials wanted to start the repatriation from January next year instead of pre-scheduled November as the Union government urged.

The Mizoram officials also remained non-committal to the refugee leaders' desire to visit the proposed sites where the tribals would be rehabilitated after being repatriated.

"The JMG meeting discussed in depth the repatriation of the tribal refugees. Certain matters raised by the refugee leaders and Mizoram government officials would be cleared by the MHA (Ministry of Home Affairs) later on," Tripura's Officer on Special Duty (OSD) Kishore Jha told IANS over phone from New Delhi.

Jha, a senior IPS officer, who represented the Tripura at the meeting, said that the Home Ministry officials asked the Mizoram officials to start the repatriation from next month, and Tripura assured extending all logistical support.

Besides Singla, Joint Secretary, Northeast, Satyendra Garg, Deputy Secretary A. Radha Ranni, Mizoram's Additional Secretary, Home, Lalbiakzama, OSD, Home David H. Lalthangliana, Young Mizo Association (YMA) president Lalbiakzuala and tribal leader Elvis Chorkhy attended the meeting.

The refugees were represented by Mizoram Bru Displaced People's Forum's (MBDPF) president A. Sawibunga and general secretary Bruno Msha.

Msha, who returned to Agartala on Wednesday itself told IANS that the Mizoram officials "expressed their reluctance over our visit to Mamit, Kolasib and Lunglei districts of Mizoram prior to the repatriation".

"If we want to pursue the general refugees to return to their homeland and convince them about their future in Mizoram, our visit to the proposed rehabilitation sites is must," he said.

"Earlier the Mizoram government was keen to take back the refugees from November, now they are saying that the repatriation would start from January. MHA officials, however, firmly asked the Mizoram official to start the repatriation from next month," added MSHA.

He said the Home Ministry agreed to give each refugee family housing assistance of Rs 38,500, Rs 41,500 cash assistance, free rations for two years, blanket and utensils while Mizoram would reimburse their transportation cost.

The ministry also verbally agreed to extend Rs. 1.3 lakh housing scheme under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yajana to each family, said the MBDPF leader, but said he was doubtful about the repatriation in the near future.

Singla and Garg recently visited Tripura and Mizoram and held a series of meetings with the officials of both governments and tribal leaders over the repatriation. The measures came in wake of the Supreme Court's directives about the repatriation, and the roadmap submitted by Mizoram on how it plans to rehabilitate the displaced people.

About 31,300 Reang tribals, who call themselves 'Bru', have been living in seven makeshift camps in North Tripura's Kanchanpur area adjoining Mizoram since October 1997 after they fled their homes in western Mizoram after ethnic violence in wake of the killing of a Mizo forest officer at the Dampa Tiger Reserve.

Despite several initiatives by the Mizoram government to bring them back, the refugees have been reluctant to go back to their villages unless their demands for food and security are met.

Meanwhile Lalbiakzama said in Aizawl that the state government submitted to the Union Home Ministry a detailed plan for taking back the tribal refugees, and had sought Rs 68 crore for the process.

The Tripura government has been asking the Union and Mizoram governments to repatriate the refugees at the earliest as serious socio-economic and law and order problems have cropped up in the state.

(Sujit Chakraborty can be contacted at sujit.c@ians.in)